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The Local

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JANUARY 2016

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GLOUCESTERSHIRE NORTH WE WISH ALL OUR READERS A VERY HAPPY & PROSPEROUS 2016

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Gloucestershire North – 20,000 copies Gloucestershire South – 45,000 copies Gloucester – 42,000 copies Cheltenham – 43,000 copies Cotswolds – 28,000 copies Forest of Dean – 22,000 copies

Oliver Nivison Publication Manager

01242 541077 oliver@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Editorial Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

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Welcome to January ... Happy New Year to you all! Now is the time that people will be attempting their New Year’s Resolutions – if you haven’t thought of one yet, check out our list of ideas inside and pick a goal for the year! For those of you looking to get fit or shift a bit of weight after the festive period, we have plenty of activities inside from golf to the good old gym! The Looking Good Feeling Great feature also focuses on some of the hottest fitness trends for 2016. Alternatively, if you want to finally get your house in order this year, our Homes & Gardens section is full of local trades that can help you out.

Inside this month ... Food & Drink Cocktail Time Delicious Dishes Wildlife Matters Style & Fashion Looking Good Feeling Great Medical Health Mirror Mirror on the Wall Parenting & Guardianship Wild Food Foraging Pet Care Motoring What’s On New Year’s Resolutions Homes & Gardens Interior Design In the Garden Save the Planet Word Search Gadgets & Gizmos Quick Crossword Sudoku Money Matters Index, Competitions, Solutions

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Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott

New range of specialist loose leaf teas! Including: Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon Orange Pekoe, Lapsang Souchong, China white, green and black teas, and Jasmine Yin Hao

103 High Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5JZ | 01684 296444 www.facebook.com/Tewkesbury-Cookshop

REGAL CUISINE ◆ Finger

Buffets ◆ Cold Salad Buffets ◆ Hot Suppers ◆ Puddings ◆ Afternoon Teas ◆ Canapés

Fine food for every occasion!

John Daly or Arnold Palmer A John Daly is an alcoholic cocktail made with lemonade, iced tea and vodka, which is based on the non-alcoholic Arnold Palmer consisting of iced tea and lemonade. Both drinks are named after professional golfers – the John Daly name is a tongue-in-cheek comment referring to Daly’s problems with alcoholism. According to the American golfer, Arnold Palmer regularly enjoyed drinking iced tea with lemonade at home. At the 1960 US Open at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver, Colorado, he ordered this drink at the bar. A woman sitting nearby overheard him and ordered “that Palmer drink”, hence its name. The drink is also referred to as a ‘Half and Half’ in many parts of the US, especially the South. Ingredients (John Daly): 50ml vodka; 100ml lemonade; 100ml iced tea; ice; slice of lemon to garnish. Method: 1 Fill a collins glass with ice. 2 Add vodka, then top up with equal parts iced tea and lemonade. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? To make an Arnold Palmer, simply mix equal parts of iced tea and lemonade, and pour over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a slice of lemon. Page 4

t Caroline 07971 375997 or Steve 07815 317907 e regalcuisine.caterers@gmail.com w regalcuisine.org 129 Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 3EL

17th Century Cotswold stone-built pub overlooking the village green and duck pond in the centre of the picturesque village of Willersey. The Bell is a genuine Cotswold country pub with home produced foods, traditional cask ales, fine wines and comfortable bedrooms.

WILLERSEY, BROADWAY, WORCESTERSHIRE WR12 7PJ TEL: 01386 858405

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Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott

Pepper and chilli bean soup A comforting winter warmer with a bit of a kick! Serves 6 Ingredients: 2 tablespoons sunflower oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, crushed; 2 red peppers, cored, deseeded and diced; 2 red chillies, deseeded and finely sliced; 900ml (1½ pints) vegetable stock; 750ml (1¼ pints) tomato juice or passata; 1 tablespoon tomato purée; 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato paste; 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce; 400g red kidney beans in water, drained; 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, finely chopped; 75ml soured cream; salt and pepper to season.

Method: 1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan then fry the onion and garlic until soft but not coloured. 2 Stir in the peppers and chillies and fry for a few minutes. 3 Stir in the stock and tomato juice/passata, tomato purée and paste, chilli sauce, kidney beans and coriander. 4 Bring to the boil, cover the saucepan and simmer for 30 minutes. 5 Leave to cool slightly then purée in a food processor or blender until smooth. 6 Return the soup to the pan and season until happy with the taste. You could add extra chilli sauce if you prefer a spicier flavour. 7 Bring to the boil then serve with bread rolls. Stir a little soured cream into each bowl.

ENJOY OUR

TWO FOR ONE

CORNER CUPBOARD INN

DEALS IN JANUARY

83 Gloucester Street, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5LX. www.cornercupboardwinchcombe.co.uk

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OPEN: Mon-Sat, 10am-Midnight & Sun 11am-Midnight FOOD SERVED Mon-Fri 12-3pm & 6-9pm, Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-8pm

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Distributors Required For a few hours each month in the following areas:

Alderton & Gretton Each round is made up of The Loc al 200,000 150-400 copies per month. ANSW ER for local people The rate of pay is 6 pence/copy. Depending on property types, our current team of people average between 100-150 copies/hour (equivalent to £6-£9/hour). Magazines are delivered to Distributors’ homes towards the end of each month and we expect deliveries to be GLOUCESTERSHIRE NORTH completed within four days between the hours of 7am and 9pm. You must be 13+ years old, flexible, reliable and sufficiently physically fit to perform the duties.

JANUARY 2016

DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

WE WISH ALL OUR READERS A VERY

HAPPY & PROSPEROUS 2016

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We are the only producers of Tewkesbury Mustard who make our Mustard in Tewkesbury. We are continuing a tradition that dates back before the 16th century. An artisan product that was famous throughout the land, mentioned in Shakespeare's Henry IV and recommended in many old recipe books through-out history.

CUSTOMERS RECEIVE A FREE MUSTARD BALL with every order that is placed online at www.Tewkesburymustard.co.uk (Minimum orders of £3.00)

Hoo House, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 7DA orders@tewkesburymustard.co.uk or call order enquiries 01684 293 389

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Wildlife Matters with John Bromley

Keep your eyes peeled There are five resident owl species in the UK with other species visiting occasionally. Much as owls are nocturnal birds, some can be seen during the daytime – especially at first light and early evening. Apart from the little owl, UK owls are typically about the size of wood pigeons. All owl species are distinctive because of their large round eyes, which maximise available light for night hunting and, as with all birds of prey, their eyesight is exceptional – being able to spot beetles, small mice and voles in the dead of night. The other weapon in owls’ armouries are their incredibly soft feathers, which enable them to fly in near silence. This is another essential when night hunting whilst the rest of the world is asleep and quiet.

Distinctive hooting call Of the five UK species the most common is the tawny owl. Being very much a nocturnal bird, tawny owls are more often heard than seen with their distinctive hooting call. During the daytime tawny owls roost up against tree trunks, especially where there is ivy present to give added protection.

They are often found in towns and cities where there is parkland with mature trees to provide roosting spots, so whenever you are walking through a park it is worth keeping your eyes peeled for them. Perhaps the most popular of the British owls is the barn owl with its distinctive heart shaped face and pure white underbody, which makes them appear ghostlike when caught in car headlights at night. As their name suggests these are farmland birds found hunting along hedgerows, riversides and roadside verges. They often begin hunting early in the evening, so the best time to look out for them is when dusk is falling. The pint-sized little owl is a relative newcomer to this country. It is a native bird of the Continent and much loved in Mediterranean regions where they are often kept as pets. Much as little owls thrive in France, they never crossed the channel in sufficient numbers to establish themselves in this country.

Established as a fierce predator However in the 19th century, country gentlemen began bringing little owls into the UK as pets, but later released them into the wild where they soon established themselves as a fierce predator. They are often spotted during the daytime as a dumpy little bird sitting on fence posts and telegraph wires. Again they prefer the countryside, hunting over The Local Answer

fields with fast wing beats whilst keeping low to the ground in a bobbing flight.

Nocturnal and secretive Finally there are the long-eared and short eared owls, whose ‘ears’ are simply tufts of feathers that look ‘ear-like’. Long-eared owls are nocturnal and secretive, whilst the short-eared owl is often seen hunting during the daytime, but both species are uncommon in this region. Having said that, large numbers of long and short-eared owls come to the UK from the Continent for the winter, frequenting coastal marshes and other wetlands, such as the River Severn winter flood plains. Both species like to roost in winter colonies, so the best time to spot them is morning and evening when numbers of birds leave and return to their roosting sites.

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Care & Mobility

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Style & Fashion

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Motoring

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Property

The Local

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Get i nvo lved!

Private Psychotherapy Practice offering cognitive behaviour therapy to treat clients suffering from emotional disorders BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist

Panic disorder Agoraphobia ■ Generalised anxiety ■ OCD ■ PTSD ■ Social anxiety ■ Specific phobias ■ Health anxiety ■ Depression At our clinic we are proud to offer a psychotherapeutic solution that has been scientifically tested with proven results. ■ ■

FR EE

We are looking for people to write monthly articles for us on a variety of different topics. If you have a passion for, or specialist knowledge of, any of the following topics please email editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk for more information.

Cheltenham CBT Clinic

Fi rs tA pp oi wh nt en m en TL quo t A tin g

W rit e rs re qu i red

Oriel Lodge, Oriel Road, Cheltenham GL50 1XN Call Deborah to book your clinic or skype appointment

01242 517770/07595 322317 www.cbtclinic.uk info@cbtclinic.uk

NEW DAYBREAKER GYM MEMBERSHIP' Valid for one person only from 1st Janary29th February 2016 T&C Apply

New YEAR New BODY New YOU

David Parker and Nick Cafearo are celebrating the start of the NEW YEAR at Winchcombe’s popular Body4you Gym with the NEW DAYBREAKER GYM MEMBERSHIP when you join between the months of January and February 2016. (Other memberships are available).

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Brand NEW equipment

For a FREE consultation about Personal Training call David Parker or Nick Cafearo – and we’ll do the rest! ●

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DAYBREAKER GYM MEMBERSHIP FROM £20 A MONTH PER PERSON MON-FRI 7AM-2PM / SAT 8AM-12PM

www.body4you.com Body4you Ltd 11 Isbourne Business Centre Isbourne Way Winchcombe iGL54 5NS info@body4you.com

01242 604011 Page 8

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Style & Fashion with Sophie Perry

Begin the year by tackling your wardrobe Come January not only are you exhausted, but so is your bank account. Typically a quiet month, try to avoid the temptation of January sales – they only lead to impulse buys that undoubtedly will sit in your cupboard, tag and all, come next Christmas. Instead, start the year by tackling your wardrobe. Begin with a good clear out. Be brutal with your decision making by creating a time spectrum for yourself – if you’ve not worn it in a certain amount of months it’s out! Timeless staples such as leather or shearling jackets and genuine retro or vintage pieces are the exception. Try not to be a hoarder. It’s easy to attach

clothing to memories, so us sentimental lot hold on to things much longer than we should.

Donate, donate, donate Don’t be lazy and throw all your clothes in the bin – bag up your unwanted things and give to charity. There are plenty of local clothing banks and charity stores, many of which will even collect bags from the end of your drive – check websites for further information.

Up cycle your clothes By making easy alterations, not only will this save you money, it is also eco friendly. There are great tips and ideas online with plenty of YouTube

videos to help you along. A prevalent trend of autumn/winter 2015-16 is culottes. Create your own by simply taking a pair of dated loose-fitting trousers, cut to the appropriate length and turn up. Voilà!

Improve your shopping skills Now you’ve had your wardrobe detox it’s time to improve your shopping skills. Quality over quantity is definitely key. It’s easy to get swept away with the fast pace of fashion and the wide amount of suppliers on the high street who can offer us the latest trends at impressive prices. However, not only is this clothing often poorly made in cheap materials, but it also neither ethically or economically sound. Be informed and look into the brands you are buying into – invest in well made clothing that is meant to last, if not improve with wear. If there’s one item of clothing to get right in your 2016 wardrobe it’s a good pair of jeans. Whether you’re into skinny, fitted, flared or straight they need to appear tailor made to you. They can do wonders for your figure so get yourself jean savvy and find out what suits your body shape. Good luck and Happy New Year! The Local Answer

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11 Ta F -1 ste RE 4t r E h W Ja e nu e k ar y

Free Joining Fee and Free members’ pack worth £25*

weight loss, health & fitness by former Rosemary Conley franchisee Julie Panthin

NEW! MONDAYS 1.30pm-2.30pm Cardio workout & weigh-in Gretton Village Hall, Gretton, Nr Winchcombe GL54 5EP

6pm-7pm

Cardio workout & weigh-in

THURSDAYS 7.15pm-8.15pm Cardio workout & weigh-in Abbeydale Sports & Community Centre, Glevum Way, Abbeydale GL4 4BL

NEW!

St Andrew’s Church Centre, Station Rd, Churchdown GL3 2JT

WEDNESDAYS 10am-11am Cardio workout & weigh-in 6.15pm-7.15pm Cardio workout & weigh-in The Tithe Barn, Cheltenham Road, Bishop’s Cleeve GL52 8LU

www.slimfitness.co.uk 07886 486577 *when joining Premier membership (valid until 31/1/16)

julie@slimfitness.co.uk

Looking Good, Feeling Great with Matt Wagstaff

Fitness trends for 2016 As 2016 commences many people are inclined to peel themselves off the sofa, dust off the trainers and start the New Year by losing that extra stone, or vowing to run a marathon or mud run! To avoid these goals getting side tracked how about trying on, trying out and focussing on some of the ‘fitness trends’ for 2016! What’s cool to work on this year? What should we be wearing? And who can help?

Wearable technology & apps

Physical activity has so many benefits for us, especially as we age. Education for exercise professionals about exercise for the elderly is also more prevalent. This means more trainers have the knowledge to improve the fitness of frailer adults, such as improving balance and increasing strength, which has shown to improve length and quality of life!

Yoga, flexibility &

Smart phone apps are mobility rollers fast becoming the Poor posture and tight best way to track and inactive muscles exercise goals and lead to pain and injury. get fitter quicker! This is where Fitness gadgets preventative such as watches activities such as can track heart rate, yoga and Myofascial run or cycle routes release have come and steps as well as to save the day! linking to smart Yoga is shown to phone apps to give improve muscle more data about diet strength and flexibility, and sleep. Brands such helping to improve as Garmin, Fitbit and Apple posture. Myofascial release is a form have developed wearable technology of self-massage discovered to help that can track your health and fitness improve muscle mobility and increase goals very easily! the muscles’ ability to move better, promoting pain free movement. This Fitness for older adults Fitness sessions and classes aimed at can be performed on foam rollers or the older generation are on the rise! even tennis balls (do get advice from a fitness coach before trying).

HIIT & circuit training High intensity interval training (HIIT) has been a fitness trend for a few years now due to its fast results in increasing fitness and fat loss. HIIT involves a short burst of high intensity exercise, followed by a recovery and repeating for a desired range. Circuit training can also be used along these lines, performing different exercises for a duration, and then swapping. Circuit classes run in many gyms and are a great way of getting fit.

Personal training Having a qualified fitness professional help you with your goals has been shown to increase adherence rates to exercise as well as achieving personal goals faster. A personal trainer will tailor a program to accomplish your desired goals, giving you motivation and home nutritional advice to improve health! Most gyms have a variety of personal trainers, often who specialise in certain fitness goals.

Strength & body weight training Increasing strength is no longer just for body builders and power lifters. There has been a surge in the amount of people – young and older – attempting to increase their strength due to the many benefits. Strength training can be incorporated easily using free weights or just your own body. Body weight training is on the rise due to its minimal need for equipment and range of exercises. People have used body weight training for centuries to increase strength and lose weight! The Local Answer

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Page 11

Let’s Talk Courses

Using CBT to Help You Manage

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

Mindfulness

Low Mood Anger

Panic

Getting Active Irritable Bowel Syndrome

L et ’s Ta lk

Stress and Anxiety Sleep Low Self-Esteem Emotional Wellbeing

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Let’s Talk is Gloucestershire’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service – free from your local NHS. We offer free psychological / educational courses across the county. They are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and are intended for people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression as well as other common mental health difficulties. They are not group therapy and you don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. You will have tasks to complete between sessions to help you make changes.

Find dates and book on a course near you by visiting our website

https://courses.talk2gether.nhs.uk or call 0800 073 2200 We request you only book on one course at a time.

I have enjoyed this course, lots of information and discussions.

It’s good spending time with people with similar issues.

I feel I can now manage my illness by changing some things in my life.

Foundation Trust For Gloucestershire

Medical Health with Holly Prince

New year, new beginnings! January is often when we make (and break) New Year’s Resolutions. But instead of making a specific goal that you may not be able to stick to, you could try making your resolution ‘to try something new’. Science has shown that learning new things is good for us – both mentally and physically. Our brains change throughout our lives. When we learn, new connections are made between neurons (the brain cells), and the more we do something, the more automatic it becomes. Repeated stimulation of these brain cells leads to a better and stronger connection between them.

your potential. This is also advantageous if you are planning to get a new job this coming year, and your self-esteem will increase as you develop a new appreciation of yourself and life.

Beat those January blues

Practice makes progress It can be likened to wearing down grass to make a path – the more you walk over it, the clearer the path becomes. Also, as you continue to learn more, the amount of effort and attention required decreases, so it’s less about ‘practice makes perfect’, and more about ‘practice makes progress’. There are many new things you could explore, like taking a short course at a local college or online, travelling more, doing some volunteering. Alternatively you could do puzzles like crosswords or Sudoku, try a different sport, or engage in music or languages. Any of these

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things are good for improving problem-solving, memory, creativity and lateral thinking. Be engaged and take an active approach to the new skill. An active mind promotes an active body, and the reverse is also true. This improves spatial awareness and co-ordination, which can also help to keep mental deterioration, such as Alzheimer’s disease, at bay for longer.

Set goals and targets to reach your potential

If your confidence is a bit low, take little steps towards stepping out of your comfort zone. Be brave and seize opportunities – it’s good for beating those January blues. Studies suggest that learning increases the levels of dopamine in our brains, which is the body’s natural feel-good hormone. Plus, if you do something you enjoy, it increases motivation and the reward of pleasure we feel reinforces the good effects, so we will want to continue what we are doing. In addition, learning a new skill can have a ripple effect in other areas of your life, so you may find you improve in another existing skill. So maybe for the next four weeks, make this your mantra – new year, new beginnings!

You may like trying new things on your own, or you may prefer being with others. Being part of a group or joining a class means you can meet people with similar interests and make social connections as well as neural connections. Trying new things, you may discover something you really enjoy, or a new talent! This is great for personal and professional development, and, as you’ll want to learn more about the subject, you can start setting goals and targets in order to reach

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The Local Answer

Mirror Mirror on the Wall... with Katie Pollard

Move over contouring, it’s time to start tantouring! you know what that means? eliminating the mess – and the stress That means you have plenty of – at the same time to start mastering this time. Rinse, pat new technique! dry, and tah-dah! The unique duo features an You’re a glowing, illuminator and mineral healthy looking God bronzer infused with a hint of or Goddess who is self-tan. You’ll be glad to know tastefully tanned. it’s suitable for both face and So for those of you body (that includes you guys!). who may be skeptical The first of its kind to market about trying out this mineral contour bronzer, this new tanning trend – product ultimately highlights and who can blame you the skin to create a sheer with the memory of luminous glow with a satin streaky ankles, stained pearl finish. Sound good? palms, and an Thought so. unattractive orange tinge Back in 2015 – and I say flashing a warning sign in that like it wasn’t just last your mind— consider the month – there was a recent new era of tan. The new trend for the porcelain tan, it seems, is an ‘uncomplexion, where paler tan’ – a subtle, barely skin was in fact seen as sun-kissed luminosity that desirable. However, for brings your dull, snowy those of us with less ivory skin to life. than olive tones, who don’t Practice makes perfect, so desire the china doll look, now is the time to take on If you’ve only just mastered this tanning duo couldn’t have come those YouTube tutorials and contouring, that’s unfortunate for at a better time! wake up to a new year with a you, because for 2016 you’ll need to Eliminate the mess and gradually growing glow! master a new technique – tantouring! You are basically stress of tanning replacing your trusty bronzer with a Mastering these new catwalk looks subtle hint of fake tan to chisel those can be challenging at the best of cheekbones! And in case you’re times, but with innovative products wondering, I’m not talking about such as this hitting the high street, popping some self-tan onto a mitt it’s never been easier to recreate the and rubbing into your face! Want to Haute Couture of tanning to high get that post-Christmas glow without street tanning! At the end result you the streaky stains to match? Ladies want nothing more than a golden and gents, listen up... glow – a realistic finish, which looks like you may have gone and caught Create a sheer yourself some sun from the French luminous glow Riviera, rather than look like you’ve To sculpt your face from here on emptied half a bottle of Rimmel self out in 2016, tanning pro and popular tan onto your skin! brand James Read has announced his Another notable tanning product is soon-to-be-released Tantour St. Tropez’s ‘Gradual Tan In Shower Sculpting Duo with other tanning Lotion’. This simply does what it says brands no doubt following suit, and and goes on like a body wash, Here we are, hello 2016! Another year means another season of revived beauty trends, taken on by designers and make up artists with a twist. They either haven’t been done before or have come back around on the trend cycle once more.

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Page 15

Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart

Are you planning a pregnancy? Happy New Year – a time of beginnings and what better example of new beginnings than a planned pregnancy? But it’s not always that easy, is it? Many things can get in the way of an easy conception, but ensuring you are in the best of health, not overly stressed and have a strong support system around you, will certainly make the journey smoother. Following the best guidance – eating well, taking folic acid and charting your cycles – is a great starting block for beginning your parenting journey. In this age of modern technology there are even apps for charting your cycle and discovering your most fertile times, Now is the time to plan your next ovulation periods and planning your nine months, to find ways to fit conception. ‘supreme self care’ into your daily Pregnancy is an adventure routine and begin to drop a lot of Once you are pregnant you have one baggage around ‘should’ and ‘must’. heck of an adventure ahead of you. The Nothing is more important than your changes within your body are health, especially if you are struck with monumental and, as the Goddess you a serious complication such as are, you should ensure you are well Hyperemis Gravidarum (a condition cared for, well nourished and well which causes extreme and ongoing rested from day one! Yes I know nausea, often requiring hospitalisation). You may remember Princess Kate women have been giving birth for millennia, but they have not been having this debilitating condition. Well, if birthing in the 24/7 working world of you are unfortunate enough to be modern Britain. Seriously, you are more afflicted, you deserve the Royal than entitled to ‘special treatment’ treatment and nothing will be more before, during and after your pregnancy important than taking care of you and because – contrary to popular opinion – your unborn baby. Luckily we are blessed with excellent medical services it is hard work!

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and you can rely on the NHS to offer you every intervention available until it is time to deliver your little bundle of joy.

Safe delivery is all that matters One big thing to remember is that, even after carefully crafting your birth plan according to your deepest desires, the only thing that matters on the big day is that your baby is delivered into the world healthy and you are not traumatised during the delivery. Trauma is very common, especially in assisted births or emergency procedures, and this is where your preparation can be a big help. If you practice mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing and relaxation throughout your pregnancy, you are more likely to cope with any unexpected drama should it arise. Ultimately you want to remain centred, grounded and in a place of trust throughout your birth, not only to manage your pain but also to get through any shocks or surprises that baby might throw at you. Of course the end result is what it is all about and nothing can beat the feeling of elation at holding your new baby in your arms for the first time. Now the adventure really begins! Read more at robertaleesmart.com.

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Page 17

Wild Food Foraging

DRAGON

with Steven Hawley

Pine Needles Foraging at this time of year often yields as much satisfaction as checking through a fridge you know to be empty. Eventually, after checking the sell by date on the cream cheese for the second time, you begin to lower your expectations on each subsequent pass of the kitchen in an effort to find something you fancy for dinner, until you surrender yourself to some disappointing beans on a toasted finger roll you found in the bottom drawer of your freezer from the last BBQ of summer. It’s not until you really tuck into your miserable meal that you realise it’s been ages since you last had beans on toast, that you had forgotten how much you like them and, now you’ve reminded yourself, will probably have them again tomorrow.

A fantastic winter warmer Unlike a barren fridge, the barren countryside will always offer up a tasty little morsel. Pine needles on their own might not sound very appetising – and you’re right – but pine needle tea is a fantastic winter warmer as it is very high in vitamin C, ideal for fending off seasonal colds or detoxing after your inevitable end of year binge. Simply grab five to six pine needles and place them in your favourite mug, then pour over boiling water and allow to steep for about ten minutes. I sometimes give my pine needles a light bruising to really unlock that fresh tasting goodness. Keep an eye out for globules of hardened sap on the tree trunk while harvesting your needles. With the pine’s antibacterial properties, the sap can act as a great treatment for a sore throat if sucked like a cough drop. It would probably do a good job of clearing out your sinuses too! 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. Page 18

Established in 1904, Dragon Vet Centre in Cheltenham is a centre of excellence for pets – large and small – and offers a full range of services from routine vaccinations, worming and flea prevention to complex internal medicine investigations, orthopaedic and key hole surgery for dogs and cats. As one of the largest veterinary practices in Cheltenham, Dragon can draw on the expertise of a number of vets with a great deal of experience in all fields of veterinary medicine and surgery. Our Cheltenham Vet clinic is staffed 24/7 so in the event of an emergency, registered clients simply need to call and attend our surgery based at the Cheltenham racecourse where there is unlimited free parking.

THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFER

CONSULTATIONS

ONLY £20 PLUS FREE FLEA & WORM TREATMENT FOR ALL NEW CLIENTS The above discount is available throughout January 2016 – limited to one DRAGON voucher per household

DRAGON VET CENTRE Prestbury Park, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham GL50 4SH

01242 580 324 ~ info@dragonvet.co.uk Opening hours: 8.15am-7pm Mon-Fri & 8.15am-1pm Sat 24 hour On Site Emergency Service ~ 01242 522 022

www.dragonvet.co.uk

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Pet Care

with Oliver Wilkinson of Dragon Vet Centre

Dog vaccines – what’s actually in them? It’s likely your dog had two lots of puppy vaccinations and gets an annual booster. If it goes into kennels it might have had another type of vaccine squirted up its nose, and if you like to take your pooch with you to Europe you will also have had a special vaccination for that. But what are all these vaccines actually for? Well, the core vaccinations we give to puppies cover them against five main nasties – Parvovirus, Infectious Hepatitis, Distemper, Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis. The first four are all viruses and of these the most well known is Parvovirus. ‘Parvo’ as it’s often called, appeared in the late 1970s and is thought to be a variant of a very similar virus in cats (which we also vaccinate against). It spread world-wide in just a few years and is a truly dramatic and unpleasant disease. It causes significant damage to the lining of the intestine – common symptoms are vomiting and profuse, often bloody, diarrhoea. It is highly contagious and without treatment has a very high mortality rate. Fortunately the vaccine is very effective and has greatly reduced the number of cases we see. However, the virus is extremely hardy – surviving in the soil for years so it is unlikely we will ever truly eradicate this particular virus. Canine Hepatitis is much less commonly seen, partly because the symptoms can be mild and nonspecific. However, it can also cause

significant liver damage and we do sadly see dogs dying from this disease. What makes it particularly troublesome is that dogs that survive the virus can shed it in their urine for months afterwards and continue to spread the virus long after they appear normal. Distemper is an interesting virus. First recorded in 1905, it was once known as ‘hardpad disease’ as dogs that survived it were left with permanent hardening of the foot pads and nose. It causes many symptoms starting with a fever, then discharge from the eyes and nose. Gut and respiratory signs follow and then ultimately neurological damage that can again leave dogs with long-term damage if they survive. It has largely been wiped out by routine vaccinations and, happily, cases are extremely rare these days. Kennel Cough is a well known, highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. Parainfluenza and Bordetella Bronchiseptica are the two most common causes – the latter is actually a bacteria and that is what the intranasal vaccine protects against. Although rarely fatal, it is another highly contagious infection and we

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regularly see outbreaks of this disease. The vaccine provides reasonable protection against the worst of the symptoms, but a persistant, hacking cough is most common and for some dogs it can persist for several weeks. Leptospirosis is another bacteria and more commonly known as Weils disease. It is shed in urine, and rats, cattle and wildlife are known to be common sources of the disease. The bacteria is often found in contaminated water, so dogs drinking from stagnant water or streams and rivers that have farm waste run off are likely to be sources of the infection. It can cause severe kidney or liver damage, and is also transmissible to humans. We have a new vaccine that gives dogs protection against four common strains of the bacteria. Regular vaccinations are required to maintain a good immunity against this particular bug. Annual vaccinations are needed against leptospirosis and kennel cough to maintain immunity, and every 3 years against distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Always make sure your puppy has had its vaccinations before it starts going outside, and if you are worried about what vaccines are most appropriate for your pet, have a chat to your vet.

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Page 19

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Motoring with Christian Tilbury

Crossover into 2016 Of the many thousands that will purchase a new car in 2016, a good number will be investing their hardearned cash in a ‘Crossover’. Arguably the hottest sector in the car marketplace, the ‘Crossover’ has never been so in demand and manufacturers are falling over themselves to include the purposeful model in their product offering. In fact, look at the ranges of nearly every manufacturer and there’s already a ‘Crossover’ or much talk of adding one.

Mix chunky styling with elevated seating The Crossover recipe is simple – take a model that’s built on a car platform and add in a few features from a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a smattering of those from an estate or hatchback. More often than not, crafting a Crossover sees car makers mix a bit of chunky styling with

increased ride height and elevated seating. It wasn’t always such a formula for success – Rover had already had a stab at creating such a car as early as 2003 with its Rover 25-based Streetwise – but 13 years later and the UK’s going mad for the Crossover. So what’s made what was seen as a bit odd then, an absolute surefire success today? Part of its popularity can be attributed to the rise of the SUV. Car buyers appreciate the feeling of safety that such a big vehicle offers and with a full-fat SUV, there’s often the benefit of goanywhere capability combined with plenty of space. On the downside, an SUV isn’t the easiest to manoeuvre around town, can be heavy on fuel and, if it’s got true off-road prowess, usually has a separate chassis that can result in a somewhat bouncy ride on normal roads.

s ’ e i d Ed

So if you take the bits that people like – high driving position, feeling of safety and muscular looks – and combine them with the economy, driving dynamics, low running costs and size of a compact or medium-sized car, then you’ve got the Crossover’s winning formula. In a nutshell then, the Crossover is the perfect mix for millions of car buyers. So, in a marketplace that’s saturated, what’s the best Crossover to buy? There are Crossovers available to suit all budgets and requirements, but we’d be tempted to try and keep our initial outlay low and running costs even more frugal with the acclaimed Citroën Cactus.

Mind-boggling miniscule emissions Consistently praised by the motoring press, the eye-catching Cactus can be enjoyed for as little as £13,000 and, with some variants able to achieve a mindboggling near 90mpg with miniscule emissions, it’s dirt cheap to own. And there’s no mistaking the Cactus either, with its pumped-up, quirky styling really looking the part. Add in plenty of space and good levels of standard equipment, and it’s easy to see why the Cactus already has a strong following. Choose the Cactus then, or indeed many of its multi-talented counterparts, and there’s a good chance that once you do ‘Crossover’ to a different take on motoring, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll go back to a traditional hatchback or saloon.

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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. VARIOUS DATES STANTON GUILDHOUSE Accommodation can sleep 15 guests. Arts and Crafts Courses in wood turning, painting, pottery, patchwork and quilting, wood and stone carving, stained glass and kiln fired glass, literature, mindfulness, herbs and rag rug making. 01386 584357. www.stantonguildhouse.org.uk. EVERY MONDAY BEGINNERS MAT PILATES CLASS FOR LADIES (STARTS 4 JANUARY) Mondays 10.30am. Venue: Outlaw Gym, Unit A2, Northway Trading Estate, Northway Lane, Tewkesbury GL20 8JH Fees: £8 (pay as you go) or £40 (course of 6). To book: 07528 471091. For more information: www.synergispilates.co.uk. 31 DECEMBER NYE PARTY IN AID OF WOMEN V CANCER Celebrate with live music, buffet and

bubbly at midnight. Fabulous raffle prizes. Tickets £20. 8.30pm–1pm. At St. Margaret’s Hall, Hatherley, GL51 3NU. Tickets from www.billetto.co.uk/pinkpedalersNYE or Sue 07798 746572. FIRE AND ICE BALL Welcome in 2016 with friends or family at either our Fire & Ice Ball or our Family Celebration. Prices start from £19.99 per person. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane GL4 6EA. 01452 525653. gloucester.events3@hallmarkhotels.co.uk 5 JANUARY THE NUTCRACKER This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes we are

Sixth Form Open Evening Monday 18th January 2016 at 6.30pm

We would like to welcome all prospective A Level and BTEC students and parents to our Sixth Form Open Evening. You will have the opportunity to tour the Sixth Form, meet current Sixth Form Students, speak to Teaching Staff and find out about the subjects we offer.

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swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins. From £19. Time TBC. 0844 871 3012. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 6 JANUARY 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

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Page 25

New Year’s Resolution While many people don’t bother making New Year’s Resolutions any more, there are still an optimistic bunch who do. The Local Answer has compiled a list of ideas for you to consider choosing for 2016. Even if you don’t stick to a rigid goal, some of the ideas are great just for living a happier life. If you have a resolution in mind, why not tell us your plans? Tweet us @TheLocalAnswer or post your goals on our Facebook page – The Local Answer. We’d love to hear from you!

Spend more time with family and friends Whether this involves going out for the day, enjoying a meal together at your favourite restaurant or simply catching up at home with a cuppa, it’s important to stay in touch with loved ones.

Get fit Fitness has become so popular with both men and women over the past year, so why not vow to spend the next 12 months getting healthy and in shape? From losing weight to training for a marathon, it doesn’t matter what the goal is as long as you are active.

4 3

Quit smoking Whether you want to give up smoking altogether, or switch to the apparently less harmful alternative of vaping, this resolution is one that reappears each January – this year, try to make a real effort to stick to it.

Give up alcohol After the indulgences of Christmas and New Year, many people take part in ‘Dry January’ – often in aid of their favourite charity. See if you can put a stopper on your drinking habits for a few weeks and you may see a great improvement in your fitness, too!

Ideas for 2016 5 7

Enjoy life more

Get a new job Another year gone, another year wasted? Are you in a job that you don’t enjoy? Get out there and find the jobs of your dreams! If you’re lucky enough to find a career you enjoy that much, it won’t feel like work at all.

Try making your life stress-free and fun. Laugh more, take a yoga class, cuddle a puppy – anything that will help you relax and be happy.

Travel more This can also take a number of different forms. If you haven’t had a holiday for a few years, make it a priority – it’s important to take a break and recharge the batteries. Spend a few weekends traveling up and down the country visiting friends you haven’t seen for a while. If life is escaping you and you still haven’t visited that country you’ve been dreaming of, save some pennies, take some time off work and just do it before you run out of time!

Be kind This could involve regular volunteering at your local charity, donating unwanted toys or clothes now the kids have brand new shiny entertainment and you have a new wardrobe, or even just doing that long overdue favour for a friend. It’s nice to be nice, so give it a go this year.

Learn something new They say knowledge is power, so why not broaden your horizons. An instrument, a language, a sport – any new skill is a great achievement and something to progress with throughout your life. You never know, your new found love for football or the piano could help you realise the career you’ve been looking for.

Be more financially organised Most of us will cringe looking at our bank accounts after the yearend festivities. If you are a big spender and either want to reign it in or save for something important, it’s easy to set up a budget. Most banks have a feature online or on their phone app that will help you to curb your spending and set up savings goals.

Michael Bublé

Tribute Night 9 January 2016 Arrival cocktail, 2 course buffet £25.00 per person

Night 6 February 2016

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GLOUCESTER

7 JANUARY SWAN LAKE

The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges. From £15.40. 2.30pm and 7.30pm. 0844 871 3012. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 9 JANUARY MICHAEL BUBLE TRIBUTE NIGHT

Come along and hear some Michael Buble classics with an arrival cocktail and 2

course buffet for only £25 per person! Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester GL4 6EA. 01452 525653. www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk. 10 JANUARY HIPPODROME GLEE CLUB Aged between 8 - 18? Then come and sing your heart out at The Bristol Hippodrome with our brand new Sunday Morning Glee Club. Learn harmonies and dance routines, improve your singing technique, performance skills and become a confident all round performer in a fun, friendly environment! Each term includes workshops from industry professionals as well as an end of term showcase on the Hippodrome’s stage to family and friends. No audition required. £120. 10am. 0844 871 3012. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 13-30 JANUARY THE BODYGUARD

The Bodyguard, the award-winning musical based on the blockbuster film, is heading on tour in 2015 starring three-time Brit nominee and X-Factor winner, Alexandra Burke as Rachel Marron. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank

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Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love. From £18.50. 7.30pm (2.30pm matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays). 0844 871 3012. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 18 JANUARY CLEEVE SCHOOL SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING

We would like to welcome all prospective A level and BTEC students and parents to our Sixth Form Open Evening. You will have the opportunity to tour the Sixth Form, meet current Sixth Form Students, speak to Teaching Staff and find out about the subjects we offer. 6.30pm. 01242 672546. www.cleeveschool.net. Cleeve School, Two Hedges Road, Bishops Cleeve GL52 8AE. 19 JANUARY ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS OPEN EVENING

The evening will consist of a short presentation followed by various stands to demonstrate our capability and what life is like as a Reservist. If you are between 18 & 45, male or female, and are interested in engineering we want to see you! 7.15pm-9.30pm. Army Reserve Centre, Eastern Avenue, Gloucester GL4 3BD.

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Page 29

20-24 JANUARY JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Just when you thought the Christmas festivities were over, the award-winning society Promenade Productions make certain you start the New Year with a bang! With all the fun-filled ingredients of a feel-good family show, no one will be too young or too old to enjoy the escapades of Jack and his mates. Will Jack reach the top of the beanstalk? What adventures await him at the top? 7pm (2.30pm matinees Saturday and Sunday). £10-£14 (concessions available). Tickets from Showcase – 01242 224144, online at

www.promenadeproductions.co.uk, or the Bacon Theatre – 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 28 JANUARY NT LIVE: LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES Former lovers, the Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont compete in games of seduction and revenge. While these merciless aristocrats toy with others’ hearts and reputations, their own may prove more fragile than they supposed. Josie Rourke’s hotly anticipated revival production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses is broadcast live from London’s Donmar Warehouse by the National Theatre Live. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). 7pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 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 Midnight Tango and Dance ’Til Dawn, Strictly superstars Vincent Simone & 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 matinees Wedesday, Thursday and Saturday). 0844 871 3012. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 3 FEBRUARY 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). 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.

Do something amazing this New Year! Have you ever thought of volunteering for a charity? If yes, why not come down to Cotswold Riding for the Disabled and find out about the wonderful work we do here? We currently provide over 5,000 lessons every year to 180 children and adults with physical and/or learning difficulties. Our amazing team of 120 volunteers ensure we can continue to provide what can be life changing therapy to our riders.

We urgently need volunteers

Our services are in such high demand in Gloucestershire that we want to expand, but to do that we need people like you who will give up a few hours each week to help. We urgently need volunteers from 9am to 12:30pm and 1pm to 3:30pm Monday to Thursday. We are also hoping to open an after school club, but need help to launch this very much ‘in demand’ service from 4pm to 6:30pm.

If you would like to find out more please: • Visit our website at www.cotswoldrda.org.uk • Email info@cotswoldrda.org.uk or • Call 01242 584420 to speak to Claire or Debbie

Page 30

Cotswold

It’s what you can do that counts

Riding for the Disabled Association Jackie Brutton Riding Centre, Prestbury Park Racecourse, Prestbury, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4SH

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Page 32

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Interior Design with Caron Burrows

Small space living What seems small to one person can feel like a mansion to another. But with a little extra thought, clever design layouts, and – most importantly – the right kind of attitude, a small space can easily be transformed into a functional and attractive living space.

Colour Flashes of vivid colour will add a wow factor to a small space. White provides a good background for neon shades, which will stand out fantastically. Be careful to work with a restricted palette to avoid your space looking too busy.

Reflect the room If you were only going to purchase one item, a large mirror should definitely be it. Hanging an oversized design will make a small room feel bigger and brighter. Position it opposite a window for maximum light-boosting power. Alternatively, fixing mirrors to cupboard or wardrobe fronts offers a double The Local Answer

function when space is at a minimum.

Furniture A round dining table with a pedestal base will tuck into smaller spaces with ease. The round edge means there’ll be no more bumping into sharp corners, and the single leg base makes it easier to squeeze one more friend around the table. A stack of stools neatly kept in a corner is a perfect solution when extra seating is required. Poufs are a must for any small home – use them as footstools, extra seats or side tables (topped with a tray). Stacking tables – otherwise known as a ‘nest of tables’ – are a versatile choice for compact rooms. Easily split when more than one table is required, and neatly restacked when not in use. A small neat sofa will provide cosy seating without the bulk of a large design. Place a small table in front of the sofa to double as extra seating when entertaining. Anything made of clear acrylic, such as coffee tables and dining chairs, is an excellent choice for small spaces. The transparent nature of the material means your furniture will ‘disappear’ providing that much needed illusion of space, and will look super stylish.

an absolute must when it comes to a small bedroom or studio apartment. Many beds come with storage included but if yours doesn’t, there is the option of having some tailor-made. Custom made fixtures and fittings will help you capitalise on every inch of space, while well designed storage and furniture will help your small space function well and feel ordered. Join me next month for tips on dealing with small space children’s rooms.

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Page 35

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In The Garden with Julia Smith

Start the year with a garden clear up January is the right time to give wisteria its winter pruning. Cut back the whippy stems that have grown last year to two or three buds. This will create flowering ‘spurs’ to bloom in the summer. Do take care if you have to use ladders – make sure the bottom is secure on a flat surface and don’t lean over to make it unstable. If you have a vast wisteria that has gone beserk after being ignored for many years, it may pay to get in a specialist gardener who can get it back into some semblance of order and enable you to carry on with it yourself in future years.

the following advice may seem ridiculous, but I still feel that we will have some really bad weather in the new year so this is just in case! If there is heavy snowfall, take a broom and knock snow off evergreens or bare tree branches where the weight can break boughs. If paths are icy sprinkle with sharp sand, which you can brush up and use to improve drainage in the garden later on. Salt is not good for the garden so avoid if possible. Mulch fruit trees, bushes and canes with organic matter unless the soil is waterlogged or frozen. This will give them a well-needed any cuts. Prune last year’s stems Be prepared for bad boost for the coming season. back to one or two buds. weather Vines – ornamental and grape – As I write this article the weather need to be pruned now before the Sow a small window box If you have a greenhouse you can has been so unseasonably mild that rising sap makes them bleed from sow broad beans such as ‘Empress’ or ‘Witkiem Manita’ in pots. Lettuces can be sown into plugs in the greenhouse and transplanted outside later on if wanted, or sow ‘cut and come again’ varieties into pots or growbags in the greenhouse. This also goes for those of you lucky enough to have window sills (I don’t have any!) – you can sow a small window box inside and pick off leaves as desired. Lettuces can also be sown outside under a cold frame or cloche. Remember to recycle your Christmas tree if you have a real one. Garden centres will quite often take them, or the local recycling centre and Cheltenham council collects trees 4ft or under left out on the first refuse day after Christmas – I should imagine the other local councils do this too. The Local Answer

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Save the Planet

with Gillian Traverse of Outdoor Learning Solutions

Conservation by observation – monitoring your local wildlife can help save it! You may be able to guess what the giant panda, the golden mantella frog and the western lowland gorilla have in common. But what about the comma butterfly, the house sparrow and the humble hedgehog? Animals on the former list are, perhaps, well known as iconic species on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ‘Red List’ of animal populations facing declining numbers in the wild. The list establishes how wild animal populations are coping with the combined effects of habitat loss, climate change and human activity. However, animal and plant species closer to home may be struggling to survive those changes, too. The second set of animals will be known to many, but may also be in decline or under threat.

Managing impacts with wildlife in mind So, how do we know what’s happening to the wildlife on our doorsteps? Wildlife surveys are one way to gauge how different species are coping with change, and the information provided can guide our response so that impacts are managed with wildlife in mind. However, there simply aren’t enough professional ecologists out there to record in detail the amazing diversity of wildlife around us. In principle, the more

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data we collect, the more reliable the results will be, and trends will become more obvious. That’s where individuals and groups can make a huge difference.

contracted at garden feeding stations, so it’s worth giving bird feeders and tables a regular clean and removing any uneaten food.

Become involved with monitoring surveys

The Big Garden Birdwatch recorded over 8.5m birds In 2015, more than half a million people across Britain took part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch and together they recorded more than 8.5 million birds. Scientists were able to analyse results and establish trends in populations across the UK, helping us to understand more about the decline of the house sparrow and work towards remedial action. Since 1979, the survey has grown to become an annual event involving schools, community groups and individuals – and it’s really easy to take part! Choose a place to sit and watch for bird visitors to your garden (or local park) for just one hour over the weekend of 30th and 31st January 2016. Record the highest number of each type of bird seen at any one time (so you avoid counting the same bird more than once), and send your results to the RSPB via their website or post. Packs are available to help you prepare, too. Simple! Using data gathered in this way, scientists have identified a 53% drop in greenfinch numbers since 1979 – a change probably resulting from trichomonosis. This disease can be

Of course, it’s not just birds that need our help. Across the UK, and locally in Gloucestershire, there are many monitoring surveys with which to become involved. Contact Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust with your hedgehog sightings, the Open Air Laboratory (OPAL) for hedgerow ecology, The Woodland Trust with seasonal observations (phenology), or take part in a local BioBlitz event, butterfly count or amphibian survey. The opportunities are endless and ‘citizen ecologists’ are making a truly valuable contribution to our scientific understanding of the animals and plants around us. Why not resolve to join them in 2016? Gillian is a member of the Gloucestershire Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), a group of organisations aiming to help educate people in the county about the environment. For more information see www.geep.org.uk.

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A commitment to quality Albany Windows is a high quality, local company that provides affordable double glazed windows, doors and conservatories to homes throughout Gloucestershire. Established in 1999 as a family run double glazing company, Albany Windows has grown in strength and size to accommodate a team of fitters, builders and home improvement advisors – all with the aim of continuallly providing a great service for the company’s customers. Director Peter Knox (second from right) has 40 years’ experience in the glazing industry and has passed on his knowledge and expertise to a fantastic team, including his son Nathan (far left), who are eager to help you make your home look wonderful.

Striving for complete satisfaction Albany Windows take on any size or budget job, from supplying Gloucestershire’s leading builders with their glazing, to conservatory repairs and replacing misted sealed units. They strive to leave every customer feeling totally satisfied with their experience and the whole process is undertaken with a commitment to quality. From an initial discussion about your home improvement project, to the final installation of your windows, doors or conservatory, Albany Windows will ensure you’re happy with the price and your choice of product. Peter explains: “We aim to be quick and professional throughout the installation process, whilst providing you

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with quality customer service. Our staff are polite and tidy, and will always clean up post-installation, leaving your home ready to go.”

Visit the showroom for ideas Having also been recognised by Which? Trusted Traders as a reputable and trustworthy provider, you can be sure you will receive high quality service and products. The company offers a large selection of windows, doors and conservatories through a beautiful range of uPVC and aluminium home improvement products – so there’s something for everyone. Why not visit their showroom to get ideas and see the quality for yourself.

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Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!

It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames – has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Paul Spiller feels that it’s all about service: “Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just

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about saving people money, although that obviously helps. “Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.”

Cloudy2Clear service Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, and Paul is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. “The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount

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of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.” So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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Gadgets & Gizmos with Dan Wood

Keep your home safe and secure Response FTV10 Fake TV Simulator One of the best ways to keep your home safe and secure is to make it look lived in. Don’t become a victim this winter – consider the Response FTV10 Fake TV Simulator. About the size of a small bag of sugar and very light, all you need to do is plug it into the mains and turn it on. The item will automatically activate at dusk and, using a clever pattern of bright and low flickering LED light, will create the false impression that your TV is on and you are in! Retail price is roughly £20-25. Place strategically for maximum effect – by curtains or windows, or facing inward as your TV would normally.

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Belkin WeMo Home Automation Switch

product, this won’t look out of place in most home environments and blends Keeping to the theme of home well into the surroundings. security, why not take total control of Nanodots your home while you’re out and install If you enjoy a Belkin WeMo Home Automation science and Switch. Again, simply appreciate plugged into a new gadgets, socket this product Nanodots could is ready to go be just what you almost straight need. I’ve had away. For an mine a few days average price of now and can’t £35-39 and put them down. Made from the available online as world’s strongest magnetic material, a well as most good compound of iron, boron and home stores, this neodymium, these small balls can be plug needs to be manipulated to form all sorts of connected to your home shapes. Available in differing colours WiFi and you will need to and pack sizes, the possibilities are download the free WeMo app, endless. At roughly £15 for 64 these available on both Android and iOS. aren’t particularly cheap, but I think Once set up, you’ll have complete they’re worth it. Nanodots are control of whatever you then available mostly online but can be plug into the WeMo and you’ll found in one or two high street stores. be able to turn it on, off, or even set up a schedule for it, all via your mobile device and from any location. You’ll be able to view energy consumption too and can connect several devices for entire remote home control. Cheaper products from less established producers can be found, but generally, Belkin are a safe bet for quality and purpose. A nicely designed

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Quick Crossword 1

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awnings store

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Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran

Take it easier or work harder? It’s a brand New Year. May it be a healthy, happy and prosperous one for you all! We have all spent Christmas relaxing with our families and over-indulging in festive cheer. Before we go back to the day job, we will have decided what resolutions we are going to make, and probably break, before January is out. For me those considerations start, and possibly finish, with me thinking about my business and what I can do with it in order to improve my lot. There are always two schools of thought – take it easier or work harder. Many of my friends and family, all of whose opinions I respect, suggest that I should concentrate on the former, but it’s never simple to tear yourself away from the job you love – maybe I’m the minority, but I enjoy my work and want to continue to do so for a while yet.

Perhaps we should work smarter

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THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR NEW BATHROOM ... Your local family business

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Perhaps then I need to work smarter, rather than harder, in order to allow me to follow that advice to take it easier. So that’s where my resolutions come in and maybe it’s where you should be thinking about yours too. The answers are not rocket-science; they have been around for years. For example: • Personal time management – avoiding distractions and those time-stealers. • Delegation – using the skills of those around you, who are probably more able than you allow them to be. • Technology – in a modern world it’s unavoidable, but you need to control its influence rather than let it dictate to you. • Playing to your strengths – which is so much more rewarding than counting the cost of time wasted on things you are not good at. • Recharging the batteries – the human ones are no longer lasting then the ones in your camera, alarm clock etc. Think about it and put it into practice. You will enjoy yourself, be more popular with the family and friends, and almost certainly make more money. However you do it, have a fabulous 2016.

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Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK

PROPERTY & STORAGE

Corner Cupboard Inn Regal Cuisine Tewkesbury Cookshop Tewkesbury Mustard The Bell at Willersey The Hatton Collection

5 4 4 6 4 6

WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Sherdons Golf Centre Shipton Golf Course EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Army Reserve Open Evening Cleeve School Hallmark Hotel

52 25 31 25 28

HEALTH & BEAUTY Body4You Cheltenham CBT NHS Let’s Talk Slim Fitness

8 8 12 10

INFORMATION Cotswold RDA

30 & 47

Campden Cottages Park Home Life

29 14

RETAIL Antiques Wanted Vinyl Records

29 25

HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms 49 & 51 BUILDING SERVICES Home Care Roofing & Building 36 Marshalls Driveways 32 R. Richards & Sons 34 CARPENTRY Matt Grimshaw 48 CLEANING SERVICES Ecoclean 42 Oven Busters 46 Pink Fairy Cleaning 46 FURNISHING & APPLIANCES New Blinds 44 New Blinds – Awnings 48 New Blinds – Curtains 46 New Blinds – Shutters 34

44 Space Master Upholstery Techniques 33 GARDEN SERVICES Bartlett Tree Experts 36 Cheltenham Town Landscaping 32 Cotswold Garden & Landscaping 32 DW Tree Services 36 Landscape Creations 36 Mark Clifford Landscapes 36 Oakwood Landscapes 32 HEATING & PLUMBING All Seasons G.M. Ltd 47 KB Female Plumber 46 Hanbury Plumbing 46 Pete T Plumbing 46 Platinum Plumbing 47 TV & AERIAL 1st Choice Aerial 46 WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows 40-41 Clearway Doors & Windows 38 Cloudy 2 Clear 43

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AUCTIONEERS Mallams

CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust Carolyn Cameron Counselling COMPUTER SERVICES Abbey Group FUNERAL SERVICES The Co-operative Funeralcare MOTOR SERVICES Carsmetix Eddie’s Autos Motor Mods QB Cabs RT Bodysure V Hub Warners Westlands Hyundai PET SERVICES BJ Luxury Kennels & Cattery Dragon Vet Centre Echo Dogz SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Stevens Recycling

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COMPETITION WINNERS

D L Q X K I E A G S Q Q P Q P O Q V O J D H C O

N H T K N N D K Y S E C K Q P D K K P Y X J H R

H I O I N V D R T H W R S A M G A K E P X V I T

L E A I T H N B O E Z Z N L E E U R C F I N D V

P J G T E U O J R N G K E K O P L Z A R T T E T

W E P L N O D A H K I K N B B P M N R E I C C W

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P E G S V S O R U N H U P V E J N M T S L K A T

T W K T A S A M Q O W G L J J L E E U T F E V I

A X G M N V K J I M C E A R V D K B S Y M V D J

L I S O C S P A C L O P L R I M K Q P L R Z A E

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I S Q H A O A K F O F D T W W R I F T R O S E R

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COMPETITION RULES

Thank you for all who took part in our December 2015 competition and congratulations to the winner: Promenade Productions – Tickets to see Jack and the Beanstalk – David Morgan of Tewkesbury. Bacon Theatre – Tickets to see Jane Eyre – Mrs Burton of Bishops Cleeve.

1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless stated.

7 Proof of posting is not regarded as proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party.

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