The Local
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JANUARY 2016
200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
f o r l o ca l p e o p l e
GLOUCESTER WE WISH ALL OUR READERS A VERY HAPPY & PROSPEROUS 2016
The Local
ANSWER
Gloucester – 42,000 copies Gloucestershire South – 45,000 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
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 swimming to golf and even line dancing! 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.
Editorial
Inside this month ...
Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Distribution Robert Kingscott – 01242 541071 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Administration & Production Beverley Ellin admin@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Alison Hambling alison@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Accounts Kerry Fell accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Food & Drink Cocktail Time Delicious Dishes Wild Food Foraging Wildlife Matters Health & Beauty Looking Good Feeling Great Style & Fashion Mirror Mirror on the Wall Medical Health Motoring What’s On New Year’s Resolutions Leader’s Life Homes & Gardens In the Garden Interior Design Quick Crossword Gadgets & Gizmos Word Search Sudoku Money Matters Index, Competitions, Solutions
4 4 5 9 11 12 13 15 17 19 21 26 30-31 32 34 39 43 45 48 50 53 57 58
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Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott
An extensive selection of Cantonese, Szechuan & Thai dishes
chinese new year set 4 course menu
£20 per adult/£10 per child 8th-10th February
(under 11)
Chinese Style Honey Roasted Pork Thai Style fish on Skewers Crispy Seaweed Crispy Spring Roll Deep Fried Cheese Prawn Balls Crispy Aromatic Duck
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
Sweet and Sour Fish Sizzling Lamb with Ginger and Spring Onions Stir Fried Broccoli in Garlic Sauce Lucky Fortune Rice Lychees with Local Organic Vanilla Ice Cream
Valentines Dinner
4 course set dinner £22 per person A complimentary glass of prosecco Mixed Hors D’oeuves Phoenix Tail King Prawn Crispy Seaweed Seafood Rolls Smoked Shredded Chicken Spare Ribs in Honey Sauce Second Course Crispy Aromatic Duck
Main Course Pan Fried Salmon in White Wine Sauce Chicken in Coconut Sauce Stir Fried Mangetout in Garlic Sauce Lovers Happiness Rice
Dessert Local Organic Honey and Ginger Ice Cream
Unit 1-2 Kingsway Local Centre, Thatcham Avenue, Kingsway, Gloucester GL2 2GT
01452 698770 Find us on
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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.
REGAL CUISINE ◆ Finger
Buffets ◆ Cold Salad Buffets ◆ Hot Suppers ◆ Puddings ◆ Afternoon Teas ◆ Canapés
Fine food for every occasion!
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10% OFF When you order from the sit down menu at the Knobbly Cob cafe. Valid January 2016
www.knobblycob.co.uk
15 Westgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2NW Tel: 01452 380754
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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
~ SPECIAL JANUARY OFFER ~
Monday-Friday 12-3pm
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LUNCHTIMES ON LIGHT MEALS
*Offer applies to lunchtime menu only and valid at times shown above during January 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
Page 6
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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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NOW OPEN
EXPIRES JAN 31 2016 Page 8
EXPIRES JAN 31 2016
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The Old Rectory Re staurant
Cole sbourne , Che lte nham 01242 870120
Dine in style
Enjoy the finest Cotswold meat, game and poultry, fresh seasonal fish and vegetables, and scrumptious homemade desserts
Wild Food Foraging with Steven Hawley
Traditional Sunday Lunch
Delicious 3 course multi-choice menu £19.50 SUPERB DINING - EXCELLENT VALUE
Private Dining Room Ideal venue for parties of all occasions and friends get-togethers – No hire cost!
www.oldrectoryrestaurant.co.uk
W rit e rs re qu i red
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. ●
Care & Mobility
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Style & Fashion
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Motoring
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Property
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ANSWER
Get i nvo lved!
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.
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Page 9
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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Page 11
kim brunwin Health & Beauty
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GET FIT FOR 2016 ON ROAD
OFF ROAD All Aspect of servicing and repairs including road bikes, mountain bikes and suspension servicing
Second hand bike sales Collection and delivery service available Call Nige for expert advice on
07551 923072/01452 534622
VARIOUS MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE FROM AS LITTLE AS £16 PER MONTH Children’s and adult swim lessons All weather pitch hire Fully equipped gym Full fitness class programme Sports hall Outdoor grass pitch hire Children’s swimming parties
or email bickosbikeshack@virginmedia.com
www.bickosbikeshack.co.uk Page 12
Tel: 01452 864796 www.brockworthsports.co.uk
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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 13
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
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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Page 15
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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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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Page 19
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
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mad for the Crossover. So what’s made what was seen as a bit odd then, an absolute sure-fire 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 go-anywhere 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 offroad prowess, usually has a separate chassis that can result in a somewhat bouncy ride on normal roads.
Crossovers for all budgets and requirements 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 mediumsized 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. In a marketplace that’s saturated,
then, 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 mpg and 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 mind-boggling 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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Page 21
SAINTBRIDGE HOUSE
Cheltenham CBT Clinic Private Psychotherapy Practice offering cognitive behaviour therapy to treat clients suffering from emotional disorders
NURSING & RESIDENTIAL HOME
01452 300307
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. ■
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. ● ●
189 Painswick Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL4 4QQ E: info@saintbridge-house.co.uk www.saintbridge-house.co.uk
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FR EE
Offering single en-suite bedrooms for up to 36 residents
Fi rs tA pp oi wh nt en m en TL quo t A tin g
■
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
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We Buy 1800-1970’s single items, collections or complete house contents including: Old leather suit cases, Postcards, Dolls, Trains, Toys, Dinkys, Corgi, Match Box, Sporting items, Copper, Brass, China, Silver, Clocks, Watches, Boxes, Treen, Cutlery, Tapestries, Ephemera, Fountain Pens, Medals, Badges, Small furniture Please ask for a detailed list of items we buy Telephone: 01452 770409 evenings or Email ross.milne2012@btinternet.com WATERLANE GL6 7PL We travel to anywhere in the UK
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Kingsway & Upton St Leonards 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 GLOUCESTER deliveries to be 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.
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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. EVERY SATURDAY COME AND PLAY FOR BROCKWORTH ALBION
ALL WELCOME – both girls and boys. Chartered standard club, qualified coaches, both league and friendly matches. Meet new friends and play regular football. Contact Gary via e-mail-gnorris@glos.ac.uk or 01452 551789. We would love to see players from all age groups. Look forward to meeting you at Brockworth. Please call or email if you have any questions. 31 DECEMBER NEW YEAR’S EVE 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 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 £19.40. 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,
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bread and cheese, annual quiz, bar. Guests welcome. Contact Malcolm Brown – mb3456@blueyonder.co.uk. www.cheltcs.councilcricketsocieties.com 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, to the spellbound purity of the swan queen Odette, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges. From £15. 2.30pm & 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.
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Michael Bublé
Tribute Night 9 January 2016 Arrival cocktail, 2 course buffet £25.00 per person
Night 6 February 2016
Cocktail on arrival Chefs choice buffet and DJ
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GLOUCESTER
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 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.
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. 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. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 31 JANUARY WINE TASTING EVENING Come and visit Gloucester’s best restaurant – as voted by the public on ‘tripadvisor’ – for an evening of wine tasting! 7pm. For more information visit www.africanrestaurant-gloucester.co.uk. C&W African Experience, Park House, Gloucester GL1 1LF. 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.
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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!
1
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.
2
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
9
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.
8
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!
6
10
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.
Leader’s Life with Councillor Paul James
Looking forward to 2016 As we head into 2016, it’s right to look back at the last 12 months as well as looking forward to the year ahead. We billed 2015 as “Our Big Year” – and indeed it was! As well as the Rugby World Cup, for which Gloucester’s contribution received widespread plaudits, we had the Tall Ships Festival, the Scrumpty Trail and a whole range of big events in the city. We had a general election (doesn’t that seem a long time ago!) and Her Majesty The Queen visited Gloucester (Innsworth actually, but we’ll take it!). On a personal note, the biggest occasion of the year was the birth of my first child, my daughter Eirys.
Regeneration work throughout the city How on earth will we match this in 2016? From an events perspective we have the 800th anniversary of the coronation of Henry III at Gloucester Cathedral – the only monarch to be crowned outside London. A re-enactment of that occasion is planned, hopefully with a special visitor present. We also have Gloucester’s turn to host the Three Choirs Festival, which will be part of a summer of music, art and culture. On the regeneration front, I’m hoping for real progress. Work will finally start on our new state of the art bus station. Subject to a positive outcome from the planning committee, we will see work start at Bakers Quay after twenty years of dereliction. Likewise, there is activity on the ground at the Railway Triangle and other difficult sites like the former Kwik-Save premises in Northgate Street/Black Dog way could finally get over the line.
Making progress on unfinished projects 2016 will also be a crucial year for other projects I regard as unfinished business – like the Kings Quarter scheme and the return of Gloucester City Football Club to play within the city boundaries. Both have been a source of frustration for many people and, although neither will be completed over the next 12 months, genuine progress on both is vital. 2015 was a big year for Gloucester. I’m optimistic about 2016. I hope it gives you and your family everything you wish for too.
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A space of your own, just outside your home, designed especially for you. We provide unique, bespoke garden rooms designed and built to individual customers’ requirements. Timber framed, fully insulated rooms clad in your choice of finish and to your exact specification. Using quality, locally sourced materials our rooms are built to the highest standard and exceed current building regulations requirements. We offer a full turnkey service so all you have to do is decide how you will use yours? Home office, gym, studio, playroom, den etc. You are welcome to visit our stunning showroom to see an example of our work, to discuss your requirements and to get a feeling of what a garden room can offer you. Located in Cheltenham only 5 minutes from junction 11 of the M5, please contact us to make an appointment.
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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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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.
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 boost for the coming season. Be prepared for bad weather Vines – ornamental and grape – need As I write this article the weather has to be pruned now before the rising sap been so unseasonably mild that the makes them bleed from any cuts. Prune following advice may seem ridiculous, last year’s stems back to one or two buds.
●
Sow a small window box If you have a greenhouse you can 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.
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www.hatherleyworktops.co.uk 18, 19 & 20 Malmesbury Road Kingsditch Trading Estate | Cheltenham GL51 9PL ■ Worktop Refits ■ Door Replacements ■ Kitchen Upgrades ■ Full Kitchens ■ Electrical ■ Plumbing ■ Gas ■ Tiling ■ Stud Walls/Plastering
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R russ
Painters and Decorators Specialists in wallpapering and wall coverings
All internal and external painting for Domestic and Commercial premises including private houses, period residences, schools and factories ~ Established over 30 years ~
FOR A FREE QUOTATION contact Stephen on
01242 698787 or 07789 172232 sflood@floods-decorators.co.uk
www.floods-decorators.co.uk
69 Stanway Road, Benhall, Cheltenham GL516BU
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
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Unit 1, Stanley Court Telford Way, Quedgeley Gloucester GL2 2AE
MONDAY-FRIDAY 9-5 SATURDAY 10-4 SUNDAY 11-3
e.info@quedgeleycarpets.co.uk
01452 883113
QUEDGELEY CARPETS www.quedgeleycarpets.co.uk
YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT COMPANY THAT YOU CAN TRUST
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Telford Way
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Dr Rudloe
Holiday Inn
Edison Close
3500 sq ft showroom and warehouse with over 50 rolls of carpet and 20 rolls of vinyl in stock at any one time. Massive savings on room size remnants Free measuring service and sample viewing in your own home, just ask Wayne, Rich and Ashley Furniture moving, removal of old flooring, vacuuming, easing of doors – all services available.
EXCELLENT SERVICE AND QUALITY PRODUCTS DISPLAYED IN OUR EXTENSIVE NATURALLY LIT SHOWROOM
interior needs JANUARY SALE Lights Ex Display Curtain Ex Display Displays – up to
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DISPLAY ITEMS REDUCED TO CLEAR – making way for new displays Ample free parking www.interiorneeds.co.uk
Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm Sun: CLOSED See our
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OFFERS END 31st JANUARY 2016 Eastern Avenue, Gloucester GL4 3BU (Next to The Weavers Shop opposite PC World) enquiries@interiorneeds.co.uk
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.
Storage Shelving provides essential storage and display space in any room, large or small. Under bed storage is
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 43
C C O
Making Carpet Affordable
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email: enquiries@thedysondoc.co.uk www.thedysondoc.co.uk
Unit 5, Woodcock Trading Estate 227 Barton Street, Gloucester GL1 4JE 01452 527546/07977 772777
www.gloucestersofasandbeds.co.uk To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 45
Town & Country Heating and Plumbing Ltd
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www.sapphirecarpets.com Page 46
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FREE D AND GROIPORBARS EVERY CO PER TO MPL ORDER ETED The Local Answer
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Page 47
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.
Page 48
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 www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
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Page 49
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The Local Answer
ADVERTISEMENT
Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!
It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames – has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Paul Spiller feels that it’s all about service: “Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just
The Local Answer
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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www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Sudoku LOGS FOR SALE
Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
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W h y n ot u s e t his s pa ce t o a dve rtis e y ou r bu s i n e ss ?
The Local
ANSWER
To advertise call 01242 510500
01242
541076 Page 53
FREE UPGRADE
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APH
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Page 55
1st Choice
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Page 56
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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SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURNS Licenced Bookkeeping Services for Sole Traders including VAT/CIS. Competitive Rates and Free Quotation. Nicola Hamlin
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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 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.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 57
Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK
PROPERTY & STORAGE
Blue Orchid Gloucester Brewery Knobbly Cob Regal Cuisine So Thai The Cider Tree The Old Rectory Tiger’s Eye
4 8 5 5 7 6 9 6
WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Brockworth Sports Centre Fun Liners Rodway Hill Golf Course Shipton Golf Course EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Army Reserve Open Evening Hallmark Hotels The Capital Venue
12 26 32 32 29 27 26
RETAIL Antiques Wanted Bicko’s Bike Shack Green Light Hydroponic Quartz Sonic
23 12 33 23
HEALTH & BEAUTY Cheltenham CBT Deano’s Mobile Barber Kim Brunwin NHS Let’s Talk Slim Fitness The Beauty Spot
22 12 12 18 14 16
Express Removals & Storage Ltd Park Home Life The Property Centre TwoCan Estate Agents
24 24 60 25
HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms BUILDING SERVICES A1 Roofing & Contractors BE Rudman Elite Loft Ladders Ermin Plant and Tool Hire G Kelly Plastering Home Care Roofing & Building Marshalls Driveways Roofing & Building Solutions Tiles R Russ CARPENTRY Matt Grimshaw Rhodes Carpentry CLEANING SERVICES Dyson Doctor Ecoclean Oven Busters The Oven and Range Cleaning ELECTRICAL SERVICES D Palmer Electrical GRP Electrical Steve Holland Electrical FURNISHING & APPLIANCES
59 38 34 56 34 55 38 38 40 40 56 55 45 50 55 53 40 34 55
Chosen Curtains Gloucester Carpet Outlet Gloucester Furniture Interior Needs Just Fabrics Quedgeley Carpets Sapphire Carpets GARDEN SERVICES Chosen Lawnmowers DW Tree Services Glos Gardening Services L.M.S Landscapes Mark Clifford Landscapes Master Sheds Spa Garden Rooms HANDYMAN SERVICES Safe Style Home Improvements HEATING & PLUMBING APH Plumbing Drain Doctor Fire Wood KB Female Plumber Maisemore Apiaries Pete T Plumbing The Combi Man Town & Country KITCHENS Hatherley Worktops PAINTING & DECORATING Floods TV & AERIAL 1st Choice Aerials
46 44 45 42 47 41 46 38 38 38 39 38 38 35 40 55 55 53 56 55 55 56 46 40 40 56
WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows C&L Windows Clearway Doors & Windows Cloudy 2 Clear Emperor Windows Glassfix Glazing
36-37 49 52 51 54 57
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust Saintbridge House Samaritans The Order of St John Care Trust COMPUTER SERVICES Abbey Group Shiraz Badat The Computer Cookie FUNERAL SERVICES The Co-operative Funeralcare LEGAL & FINANCE Eversure Accounts NJH Bookkeeping MOTORING SERVICES Warners of Gloucester PET SERVICES BJ Luxury Kennels & Cattery SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Grimebusters Stevens Recycling Wright Skips
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R G G C L E H E P O Y E Z M D Q W H F A S R V W
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