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JULY 2016
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Gloucestershire North – 20,000 copies Gloucestershire South – 41,000 copies Gloucester – 46,000 copies Cheltenham – 43,000 copies Cotswolds – 28,000 copies Forest of Dean – 22,000 copies
Chris Raymond Sales Director
01242 541079 chris@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Editorial & Production Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
This month’s ‘Delicious Dish’ recipe tells you how to bake some wonderfully light and fruity strawberry muffins. Why not make a batch and enjoy the summer sunshine with an alfresco Afternoon Tea? If you’re lucky enough to win our latest competition prize – a cocktail making kit worth £500 – you could turn it into a sizzling summer party and create some mouth-watering drinks for friends and family! Check out Caron Burrows’ ‘Interior Design’ article, which gives tips on creating a comfortable yet tidy space for your beloved pets within the home. If you like getting out and about with nature, have a read about foraging for burdock, or perhaps do a bit of garden visiting, as recommended by Julia Smith. You might even go in search of the large blue butterfly – read up on its fascinating story and learn how it came back from the brink of extinction in our ‘Wildlife Matters’ feature.
Inside this month ...
Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Welcome to July ...
Food & Drink 4 Wild Food Foraging 4 Delicious Dish 5 Cocktail Time 6 Mirror Mirror on the Wall 9 Looking Good Feeling Great 11 Holidays & Travel 13 Pet Care 14 Wildlife Matters 15 What’s On 16 Win a £500 Cocktail Making Kit! 22-23 Motoring 25 Interior Design 29 Sudoku 30 In the Garden 33 Word Search 38 Quick Crossword 40 Money Matters 41 Index, Competitions, Solutions 42
Competitions on pages 21 & 22-23
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Page 3
Wild Food Foraging with Steven Hawley
Burdock I never leave the house with the intent of looking for foods to forage. Often I’m heading out just to walk the dog, but will accidentally stumble over something that I can take home to make a light post-walk snack with, or just to nibble on the move to keep the walk interesting. But there is usually nothing more interesting than learning about new things to stuff in my mouth. When Renée, my dog, came trotting back to me after a particularly frisky run through the countryside, she had Forever expanding my lots of burrs stuck in her coat. I already knowledge of free nosh knew that these little burrs were the Always looking to expand my inspiration behind the invention of Velcro (thanks to a low budget knowledge of free nosh, I took a documentary I once watched) but I couple burrs home and researched wondered if they could also be eaten. them online to discover that they
were the seeds of the Burdock plant – this fact would no doubt have been covered in the documentary, but I had done a good job of forgetting all the little details. As soon as I read the word Burdock I knew it was edible – not only that, but also delicious. Dandelion and Burdock is a drink I always enjoy on a hot summer afternoon, but I haven’t plucked up the courage to try and make it for myself yet as I don’t want to put myself off the drink for good! If – like me – you fancy a cool glass of Dandelion and Burdock this summer, why not forage the ingredients for yourself and let me know how you got on with your recipe on Twitter (@PottyWhite). But remember, there are other critters out there that want a taste too, so never take more than you need!
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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Delicious Dish with Helen Kingscott
Strawberry Muffins Heavenly light and fruity muffins that taste fantastic on their own, or would be great for creating your own home-made afternoon tea
Ingredients: 300g plain flour; 2tsp baking powder; 1tsp bicarbonate of soda; 185g unrefined caster sugar; zest of 1 lemon, grated; 300ml buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1tsp vanilla extract; 150g unsalted butter, 2 Sift the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of melted; 150g fresh strawberries, chopped. soda and a pinch of salt into a mixing bowl. Stir Method: in the sugar and grated zest and make a well in 1 Heat the oven to 190°C (gas mark 4). Grease a the centre. 12-cup muffin tray or use paper cases. 3 Whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla and melted butter. Pour the mixture into the well in the flour and stir until the ingredients are just Why not visit combined. Primrose Vale Farm Shop & PYO 4 Add the fruit and lightly fold to combine. and make your Do not over-mix as the batter is fine a bit lumpy. muffins with their delicious 5 Divide the mixture evenly between the strawberries? muffin cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for five minutes before turning out on to a wire rack. Tip: Try experimenting this summer with different berries or other fruits and create a variety of delicious muffins. Altneratively, if you’d like to save this recipe for the winter months when a lot of fruits are out of season, try using frozen fruit (thawed) or bake plain muffins and top with jam. The Local Answer
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Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott
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White Russian The White Russian was originally a variation on another vodka drink – the Black Russian. This drink is thought to have originated in Brussels in 1949, and it soon became popular due to its ease of creation and smooth flavour. The introduction of cream to change the drink’s colour produced the official White Russian cocktail. Though fresh cream is preferred, milk is an acceptable substitute. The cocktail experienced a brief flurry of popularity in the 70s before fading out for two decades. The White Russian was then immortalised in 1998 by the movie ‘The Big Lebowski’. Initially something of a flop, the film didn’t reach cult status until 2002 when it ignited the White Russian’s popularity once more. There are many variations on the drink, including the Blonde or Blind Russian that substitutes the cream for Irish Cream. Ingredients: Ice; 30ml fresh cream; 30ml kahlua (coffee liqueur); 90ml vodka. Method: 1 Pour cream, kahlua and vodka into a cocktail shaker. 2 Shake well and strain over ice into a low ball glass.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? For a non–alcoholic alternative, mix 30ml fresh cream with 30ml non-sweetened coffee flavoured syrup. Page 6
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Mirror Mirror on the Wall... with Katie Pollard
Crushing on coconut Ladies and gents, coconut oil has finally become popular! Well, it has actually been quickly becoming the rising star in the beauty department for a while now. It’s public knowledge that, not only is it an essential for the kitchen, but it has also become an essential for your make-up bag.
A nourishing, natural elixir Ask any fashion editors, ‘It-girl’ or beauty blogger what’s in her makeup bag, and she’ll more than likely pull out a handful of products that list coconut as a main ingredient. Loaded with antioxidants, it’s a nourishing, natural elixir that is now as trendy as it is good for you, and thank god! This ingredient is showing up in a host of modern products that take its benefits to the next level. There are very few beauty products that can honestly be called cure-alls, but coconut oil comes pretty close! It has brought a new and improved version of modern beauty with the most natural ingredient there is. Clean, organic diets have become a thing of the now and have made their way into our mainstream take on healthy eating, and this has helped to inspire more
and more beauty brands to focus on “clean”, natural beauty products.
It can be applied anywhere on the body For one, not only does it smell gorgeous, but coconut oil in its purest form can be applied anywhere on the body. From the face and lips, hands and feet to your hair and even teeth, this oil is a moistureboosting hydrating product. There are many beauty products that now use coconut oil as a key ingredient. The Body Shop, who are known for their natural and authentic products, have created a soothing and hydrating mist, which can be used all over the body. It’s a light scented body spray that can be applied all over for a gentle burst of tropical coconut. The smell is just amazing and its accessible size means it’s handbag friendly! However, if you fancy taking the initiative and cutting out the middleman, you simply need to
purchase the product itself. It’s easy to buy into any trend nowadays – simply head down the high street to your local Boots counter or Superdrug shop, and voila! But why not seek to buy the actual product itself?
I would recommend a product that I use myself, from a brand called Bula Batiki Coconut Oil. Their jars of raw, cold pressed coconut are gluten, lactose and cholesterol free and are actually grown and produced on the island of Batiki (a neighboring island of the tropical Fiji). Buying into the dream yet? Completely natural, nothing added or taken away – you can’t get more organic than that right? And at just £7.99 a jar, it’s great value for money, so there’s no excuse not to treat your body to its own personal supply of coconut oil!
Incorporate the healing properties of coconut into your beauty regime Given that these days make-up and skin-care products are made from raw organic coconut oil, which not only conceals but also heals your skin, it’s time to jump on board and incorporate the healing properties of coconut into your beauty regime. Trust me, your face body and hair will thank you for it!
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JOB VACANCIES
Full/Part time or Sessional hours available Lifeways is a growing provider of support to people in Gloucestershire who have Learning Disabilities, Acquired Brain Injury, Autism and other complex needs. We cover the areas of Stroud, Dursley, Cheltenham, Minchinhampton, Tewkesbury, Gloucester, Yate and Bristol. We are looking for staff who can support our service users to lead an active lifestyle in their homes and local communities. You will bring to the job a professional and positive attitude towards supporting our service users to develop and maintain their daily living skills, access to leisure opportunities, work and education. In return, we will provide a full care certificate, induction programme, a commitment to achieving QCF qualifications for all staff, supportive team working and regular supervision/support. Call 07500 952696 for an informal discussion and application pack or email your CV to carol.oreilly@lifeways.co.uk Or visit our website www.lifeways.co.uk
Page 10
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Looking Good, Feeling Great with Matt Wagstaff
Eating out healthily Although often very tasty, eating out can disrupt a healthy diet when making the wrong food choices. Unhealthy food can often be masked within restaurant marketing, making food sound healthier than it is, or within processed ingredients. Opting for the healthier option when eating out or at a social gathering can be hard, but is very beneficial, and doesn’t have to taste poor! A treat every now and again is good, but if you regularly eat out or need to focus on a strict healthy diet, follow the tips below!
Check the menu before Most restaurants have their menus online these days, and checking out choosing a side salad or seasonal what they serve before hand makes veggies, which will fill you up more! planning your meal easier. You can Check how the food is also call up about possible alternatives or swaps to make your meal healthier. cooked The way food is cooked can have a big Be picky with the side dish impact on health. For example, Sides can often be the unhealthiest choosing a grilled option over fried part of the meal, such as fried will reduce overall calories. What the potatoes or heavily filled pasta. food is fried in will also alter overall Choose wisely – go for a baked sweet health of the meal – healthier oils such or white potato, which reduces the as coconut oil should be chosen. amount of fat and chemicals, or double up your vegetable portion by Be wary of dressings and
Take your time Taking your time when eating can help reduce the amount of food you consume. It takes roughly 20 minutes for your brain to react to the food you have eaten and assess whether you are full or not. Eat slower and take a sip of your drink between mouthfuls and you’ll probably find you fill up on less food.
sauces
Ask for it ‘your way’
Salads often seem like the best option when you’re trying to eat healthily, and many people underestimate the fat and calories in the sauce they pour onto their tasty grilled food. However, salad dressings and sauces often contain large amounts of sugar, trans fats and preservatives. Having a simple olive oil dressing or a small amount of balsamic vinegar is much better for you, and asking for the dressing or sauce on the side will help reduce the amount you use.
Don’t be afraid to ask for the food to be cooked differently – a lot of restaurants will be happy to oblige to most simple alterations to their cooking styles. Also, remember to ask about menu ingredients – staff should be up to date on what goes into their food and how it is prepared.
Drink plenty of water Enjoying your food alongside a glass of water can help fill you up quicker, which is good if you are looking to reduce calorie consumption. An easy
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way to do this is to drink a glass of water between courses.
Make your own dessert Instead of indulging too much in often over-sugary restaurant desserts, try buying or making your own to have when you get home. It will still be a treat but just slightly better for you. If you do decide to have a dessert, try to go for the healthier options such as sorbet rather than ice cream, or a fruit or yoghurt based pudding.
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Page 11
Holidays & Travel with Al Hidden
A September Swiss sampler September’s great for visiting Switzerland, so start planning your long weekend now! The peak summer season is over, the weather’s usually good and, from Gloucestershire, easyJet’s Bristol– Geneva service is convenient. So catch a Friday flight and enjoy a long weekend on Swiss time. Since Geneva Airport station opened, it’s a short walk from ‘Arrivals’ to your train along Lake Geneva and the Rhone valley. Arriving at Brig a couple of hours after landing, grab a snack and a glass of delicious local Dôle at the Bahnhofbuffet. Then change to the Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn and travel onwards up the valley – birthplace of daylight again in Canton Uri’s famous hotelier, César Ritz. Urserental (lit. bear’s valley) where Realp or fast-growing Andermatt Fall asleep to the offer accommodation. In between tinkling of cowbells there is peaceful Hospental – try The sun’s setting, rich and golden Pension Egg or Gasthaus Pension like perfect Rösti, as you reach Fiesch. zum Turm for delicious pizza and Check into the cosy Fiescherhof, local yak dishes. For (relatively) Derby or another village hotel, dine bright lights, book one of on Fondue or Raclette, then fall Andermatt’s cosy B&Bs (try Bellavista on Oberalpstrasse 67) or five-star asleep to the tinkling of cowbells. Next morning, visit Eggishorn and luxury at the new Chedi Andermatt. the Aletsch Glacier by cable car, or Go up the Gemsstock walk the beautiful Goms valley to for stunning views Oberwald. After a short train ride through the Furka tunnel you reach After Sunday breakfast, why not go
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up the Gemsstock for stunning views and later descend the romantic Schöllenenschlucht where, centuries ago, shrewd locals reputedly tricked the Devil! At Göschenen where the autobahn and old mainline dive into tunnels, you can catch a train or bus down the Reuss valley. On the way you’ll pass Erstfeld, where the new 35-mile (57 Km) Gotthard rail-tunnel makes engineering history as the world’s longest! Lakeside Flüelen, or historic Altdorf with its famous William Tell statue, are both excellent options for your final night. Martha Arnold-Boi’s Zopfgarten B&B is one of Altdorf’s hospitality secrets. Advance booking is essential, but whether you B&B or stay in Martha’s self-catering apartment, it’s wonderful.
Four days, seven cantons and wonderful experiences ensure great memories Then it’s Monday, you’re saying ‘Uf Widerluege’ to Kanton Uri and crossing Switzerland’s Mittelland to Geneva Airport. Four days, seven cantons and many wonderful experiences should ensure great memories – and have you planning to stay longer next time you visit Switzerland!
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Page 13
Pet Care
DRAGON
with Oliver Wilkinson of Charlton Kings Vet Centre
Grass seed season is upon us! As I was walking my two dogs around the racecourse, I noted the rapidly drying grass seeds on the long grass and I knew it wouldn’t be long before the first dog arrived with a swollen foot or sore ear. Every summer hundreds of dogs are bothered by these innocuous looking things, but their fine tips and feathered ends seem to make them perfectly designed to puncture the skin or disappear down ears. Occasionally they can even be snorted up a sniffing nostril or, more rarely, inhaled into an airway.
Long fur catches seeds easily The dogs that are most bothered are certainly the longer haired breeds – the Spaniels being the most commonly afflicted. Their long fur, between their toes or shaggy ears, seems to catch up the seeds with monotonous regularity. The classic scenario is a soft painful swelling between the toes, which is an abscess around a grass seed, or the head held painfully on one side because one or more grass seeds have disappeared down an ear canal. Ultimately both situations result in minor veterinary procedures to either lance the abscess and remove the offending seed or delicately remove them from the lower ear canal before they damage the ear drum.
What can you do? There are some simple things that pet owners can do though to reduce the risk of grass seeds and vet visits. If you have a long haired dog, keeping their fur short in summer – especially their feet or ear areas – can make a big difference. Avoiding fields and areas where the grass seeds are particularly prevalent is not a bad idea, and simply being diligent after walks to check toes and fur for seeds and look out for the signs of a problem. The dog that is suddenly bothering its ear, chewing its foot or repeatedly sneezing is a sign that shouldn’t be ignored. With a bit of luck in a few months they’ll all be gone! Page 14
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.
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Wildlife Matters
with Jenny Stevens of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
The large blue: back from the brink July is the perfect time to look for butterflies and we’re spoilt with so many wonderful species in Gloucestershire. One of the most wonderful, in story as well as appearance, is the large blue butterfly. Despite its name, it is by no means a giant. With a wingspan of up to 44mm, this little insect is a delight to behold. Its vivid blue hue, black outline and row of black spots across the upper wings make it distinguishable from its smaller counterparts. It is a true asset and heart-warming success story for our county.
One of Gloucestershire’s most prized possessions
Dave Simcox
Declared extinct in Britain in 1979, the large blue is now one of Gloucestershire’s most prized possessions. Its reintroduction to just two sites in the country – Daneway Banks in the Golden Valley and Dartmoor in Devon – proved successful thanks to the hard work and dedication of a number of butterfly experts, volunteers and organisations including Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation, with support
from Grundon Waste Management. The butterfly’s extinction was extremely frustrating for conservationists, as it wasn’t a decline that had gone unnoticed. For many years specialists had studied the large blue and failed to reach a conclusion as to why it was suffering. Break through studies revealed that it was the gruesome nature of the insect’s life cycle that was the key to its survival.
It cunningly fools the red ants into ‘adopting it’
David J Slater The Local Answer
Once hatched, the large blue starts life as larvae, feeding on the flower heads of wild thyme and marjoram. After this period the caterpillars drop to the ground, where they are discovered by a very particular type of red ant (Myrmica sabuleti). The caterpillar cunningly fools the ants into ‘adopting it’ and carrying it to their nest. There it feasts on the young grubs for almost a year. After pupating, it emerges from the brood chamber as an adult to find a mate. The discovery of this very complex life cycle meant that scientists could solve the mystery of its decline. It
showed the large blue needs wild thyme, populations of the red ant to be present, and a short turf in order to survive. This information enabled individuals and organisations to ensure these exacting factors were present at reintroduction sites.
Its reintroduction has been a great success Sample stock of the butterflies were selected from Scandinavia and carefully reintroduced at Daneway Banks in 2000. Through careful land management, specialised grazing methods, and meticulous surveying, the reintroduction has been a success, with the large blue flourishing at the site near Sapperton, Gloucestershire. Over 2000 were seen flying in June 2014 and the first adult of 2016 was reported on 5th June. The large blue will continue to fly until mid-July and I would urge anyone with an interest to seek it out, as a really rare and special species – not to mention a huge success story for the county of Gloucestershire and conservation as a whole.
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Page 15
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. THROUGHOUT JULY THE LONDON INN All go at The London Inn! 2nd July – ‘Over The Hill’. 23rd July – ‘Hot Tubes’. Plus, coming soon: Open Mic Nights and Bubble Parties in the garden! The London Inn, 195 London Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6HU. 01242 525606. EVERY WEDNESDAY BEGINNERS MAT PILATES FOR LADIES Ashchurch Village Hall, GL20 8LA. Wednesdays 7.15pm (except every 2nd Wednesday of the month). £8. To Book: 0752 847 1091 or synergispilates.co.uk. 1-2 JULY MILEFEST – MUSIC FESTIVAL 25 acts over 2 stages. Great bands, family fun, food and drink, camping (no dogs) – all raising money for Milestone School for severely disabled young people. Funds raised will help provide fun outdoor learning for the students. 6-11pm Friday and 1-11pm Saturday at Hartpury GL19 3BG. Tickets: Weekend £10 (£3 u14s), Friday £6 (£2 u14s), Saturday £6 (£2 u14s) available from Milestone School, Hartpury Post Office or 07794 587133. milefest.co.uk. F/T: Milefest 1. 2 JULY WALK 4 WILDLIFE 2016 – CRICKLEY HILL Annual walk celebrating the county’s countryside. The 3.5 mile route follows in the footsteps of naturalist Edward Wilson and will take in some spectacular views with a wide range of wildlife. 11am3.30pm. Free to enter, some activities charged. For details call 01458 383333 or visit www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk
5 JULY TRUMBO
In 1947 Dalton Trumbo was Hollywood’s top screenwriter; blacklisted for his political beliefs. Jay Roach’s film recounts how Dalton used words and wit to win two Academy Awards and expose the absurdity and injustice under the blacklist, which entangled everyone from gossip columnist Hedda Hopper to John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Otto Preminger. 7.45pm. £7 (£6). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 8 JULY LAKESIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL SUMMER FAIR Visit our Brazil Olympics and Carnival themed Summer Fair with activities for all: bouncy castle, crafts, BBQ, entertainment, cakes, raffle and much more. 3.30-6pm. Visit: www.lakesidechelt.co.uk/PTA. 9 JULY CARIBBEAN EVENING Hallmark Hotel presents a fun-filled Caribbean Evening in the Parkside Suite. Featuring Hearts Aglow Steel Band plus a traditional Caribbean style buffet. £22 per person – a donation from each ticket will
be given to ‘Increase the Peace’. For tickets call 0330 028 3408 or email gloucester.events@hallmarkhotels.co.uk. Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester GL4 6EA. CANTORES CHAMBER CHOIR – ‘MUSIC OF OUR TIME’ Cirencester Parish Church (director John Holloway). Music from the 20th and 21st centuries. Jongen’s little performed Mass for Choir and Organ (John Wright). Durufle’s Quatre Motets, choir favourites Ola Gjeilo and “New Romantics” Eric Whitacre & Karl Jenkins, Macmillan, Aston. 7.30pm. Advance tickets £10, £15 on the door. Details www.cantores.net or Lorna Eayrs 01242 603988. 9 JULY – 10 SEPTEMBER CELEBRITY DUSTY DUCK TRAIL Discover our new Celebrity Dusty Duck trail landing at Slimbridge this summer to celebrate our 70th anniversary. The sixfoot-tall Dusty and his friends form part of a specially created new trail, which takes you across the whole of the stunning grounds at Slimbridge. 9.30am to 5.30pm. Price included in admission. 01453 891900. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 15-17 JULY POP UP SPA WEEKEND Day, Twilight and Weekend tickets available. Hot tubs, saunas, spa treatments and much more! Fri & Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-5pm. For more details call 01452 830222. Hillside Brewery, Holly Bush Farm, Ross Road, Near Longhope, Gloucester GL17 0NG. hillsidebrewery.com.
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Shipton Golf Course
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The Bird & Deer Park is in full swing now as all the ducklings hatch and, with luck, we may have another young fallow deer to join the others in the park. Toffee and Treacle the miniature donkeys are back, and the Pygmy goats are always amusing. So whilst peacocks display, carp bask along the edge of the lake, Fallow deer roam and Reindeer prance, The Bird Park will be offering lots to see and enjoy. There will be children’s events throughout the summer holidays to include theTeddy Bears’ Picnic and “Tea andTalk” in the Castle Folly, overlooking the fallow deer for groups. The New Visitor Centre is a wonderful destination for shopping, relaxing with a tea or coffee and enjoying views of the park whilst tucking into an ice cream! If you’re looking for a location for children’s parties, Teal the Gypsy Caravan is a must, as is the Mad Hatter’s Marquee. So no matter what your needs are this summer, The Bird Park is here to help! Call 01452 812727 or visit www.thebirdpark.com for more information.
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“A 9 hole pay & play course in the Heart of the Cotswolds” No need to book – Open every day from 7am until dusk ● Family run course offering affordable golf for all ● Coffee shop and terrace ● Small stock of ‘everyday’ golfing equipment and clothing ● PGA Fellow Professional available for lessons and advice ● Children’s holiday workshops
Archibald Golf Academy NEW Stuart Golf development programmes
to suit all ages and abilities FOR 2016! Available for corporate days, birthdays and special occasions
Tel: 01242 890237
www.shiptongolf.co.uk
☎
shiptongolf@tiscali.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter – ‘Shiptongolf’
Shipton Golf Course
✉
Nr Frogmill, Shipton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4HT
The Local Answer
Come and see, feed and stroke our beautiful fallow deer, our wonderful collections of peacocks, waterfowl, pheasants and the amusing pygmy goats ... all very tame and will feed from your hand!
Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm • 01452 812727
www.thebirdpark.com
The Bird and Deer Park Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 17
16 JULY CANTORES CHAMBER CHOIR – ‘MUSIC OF OUR TIME’ Holy Apostles, Cheltenham (director John Holloway). Music from the 20th and 21st centuries. Jongen’s little performed Mass for Choir and Organ (John Wright). Durufle’s Quatre Motets, choir favourites Ola Gjeilo and “New Romantics” Eric Whitacre & Karl Jenkins, Macmillan, Aston. 7.30pm. Advance tickets £10, £15 on the door. Details www.cantores.net or Lorna Eayrs 01242 603988. 20 JULY AS YOU LIKE IT
Rosalind, in love with Orlando and banished from court, takes on the appearance of a boy and travels with her cousin to the Forest of Arden where her father and his friends live in exile. Will Rosalind ever marry her Orlando? Will the Duke change his ways? 7.30pm. £14 (£12). Gates open 1.5 hours before each performance for picnics. Bring low-backed seating. Come prepared for all weathers. Free parking. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Shelburne Road, GL51 6HE. 01242 258002. 21 JULY MURDER ON THE TERRACE
A respectable garden party is thrown into disarray following the discovery of a dead body – Charles, poisoned and clutching Percival the beloved pet parrot. The sardonic Inspector Back arrives to investigate and the twists and turns of a whodunit both puzzle and entertain. 7.30pm. £14 (£12). Gates open 1.5 hours before each performance for picnics. Bring low-backed seating. Come prepared for all
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weathers. Free parking. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Shelburne Road, GL51 6HE. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 22 JULY ROBIN HOOD
“Beware outlaws! They are a plague, a pestilence, and a blight.” Jenny Wren and her Merry Men take on the infamous Sheriff of Nottingham in this new adaptation by Joe Hackett. Action, adventure, astonishingly attractive actors and… appalling green tights. 7.30pm. £14 (£12). Gates open 1.5 hours before each performance for picnics. Bring low-backed seating. Come prepared for all weathers. Free parking. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Shelburne Road, GL51 6HE. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 26 JULY CHARLTON KINGS FLOWER CLUB OPEN EVENING Charlton Kings Flower Club invite you to their open evening when Andrew Lloyd will present ‘Midsummer Madness’. To be held at Sacred Hearts Church Hall, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL53 9AU. 7.30pm, doors open at 6.30pm. Sales, tables, raffle and refreshments. Tickets £9 – available from Elizabeth Hobbs (01242 863077) and Eileen Sacker (01242 527848). MAN UP
Meet Nancy: single, hungover and exhausted by the endless futile set-ups foisted upon her by well-meaning but clueless friends. As she travels across London, freshly-hatched divorcee Jack mistakes her for his blind date. What follows is a chaotic, unconventional,
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hilarious night neither of them will ever forget. 9pm. £7 (£6). Gates open 1.5 hours before each performance for picnics. Bring low-backed seating. Come prepared for all weathers. Free parking. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Shelburne Road, GL51 6HE. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 27 JULY A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Join the lovers Hermia, Helena, Lysander and Demetrius this summer as Rain or Shine follow them into the intoxicating dream world of fairy queen and king, Titania and Oberon. 7.30pm. £14 (£12). Gates open 1.5 hours before each performance for picnics. Please bring lowbacked seating and come prepared for all weathers. Free parking available. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Shelburne Road, GL51 6HE. 01242 258002. 30-31 JULY CIDER & CHEESE FESTIVAL
Enjoy a few pints of cider and a selection of cheeses while relaxing in the sun. Live music, children’s entertainment and free entry all afternoon! 12 noon until 10pm. For more details call Rita on 07983 179283 or email ritaoldpats@hotmail.com. Patesians Sports and Social Club, Everest Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL53 9LG. 31 JULY DOTTY THE DRAGON
When her dad is fast asleep, Dotty the baby fire dragon flies down to the village in search of friendship. But not everyone loves dragons – not even cuddly, fluffy, baby fire dragons. This big-hearted tale is told with magical songs, enchanting music and exquisite puppetry. 5pm. £11 (£9, family £36). Gates open 1.5 hours before each performance for picnics. Bring lowbacked seating. Come prepared for all weathers. Free parking. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Shelburne Road, GL51 6HE. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk.
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It’s amazing – why not join us? We have great ambitions! It’s simple – we want to provide children and adults with mental and/or physical disabilities from around Gloucestershire with more new and exciting opportunities so they can experience the wonderful benefits riding can bring. We know riding has a tremendous impact – just visit our website and read “Miriam’s Story” to understand what an incredible difference we can and do make. “Anyone thinking of volunteering, just do it! It is so much fun!” Pat Redmond, Volunteer
For the first time this August, we are opening our doors to provide a range of activity days to new and existing riders – disability doesn’t stop in the holidays so why should we? However, the simple fact is that we need volunteers – people like you who might have a few hours to spare. We understand people have busy lives, but if you become a volunteer, you can be assured you will be
helping to make a significant difference, not just to a child or adult with mental and/or physical disabilities, but to their families. “What we do isn’t like magic – it IS magic!” Claire Jenkins, Charity Manager
We are looking for volunteers to help during: • Our normal working term-time week • After School Club from 4.30-6.30pm or • Our brand new Holiday Activity Days (full details on our website)
If you think you could make a difference, visit www.cotswoldrda.org.uk/get-involved to find out more!
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It’s what you can do that counts
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01242 584420 • www.cotswoldrda.org.uk • info@cotswoldrda.org.uk
Jackie Brutton Riding Centre, Prestbury Park Racecourse, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4SH
AUTUMN
ART CLASS
WIN TICKETS! courtesy of the bacon theatre
Gulliver’s Travels As part of the Open-Air Theatre Festival we’re offering a pair of tickets to join Lemuel Gulliver on a fantastical and hilarious voyage into the unknown as The Pantaloons perform ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ on 29th July in the Tuckwell Amphitheatre. The Pantaloons present a brand-new, adventurous and delightfully innovative adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s classic satirical story, loved by adults and children alike. Just please don’t step on any Lilliputians in the rush to get tickets! Tickets cost just £14 (concessions £12) and may be booked online at bacontheatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01242 258002. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your details stating ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk. Closing date: Tuesday 12th July 2016. 3 AUGUST ROMEO AND JULIET
Romance. Swordfights. Potions. Tragically slow messengers. The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons give Shakespeare’s tale of illfated love a fresh twist – a delightfully inventive take, featuring live music, audience interaction and that famous bit with the balcony. 7.30pm. £14 (£12). Gates open 1.5 hours before each performance for picnics. Bring low-backed seating. Come prepared for all weathers. Free parking. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Shelburne Road, GL51 6HE. 01242 258002. 4 AUGUST CHELTENHAM SCHOOL OF DRAMA SUMMER SCHOOL SHOW Following four days of intensive drama training in the Bacon Theatre with the Cheltenham School of Drama, young
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performers aged 6–18 years present an enchanting stage production to showcase their talents. 6.30pm. £8 (£6). Gates open 1.5 hours before each performance for picnics. Bring low-backed seating. Come prepared for all weathers. Free parking. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Shelburne Road, GL51 6HE. 01242 258002. 5 AUGUST AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
Race against the clock with Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout as they travel around the world by any means necessary and in just 80 days! Will they do it? Will the misguided Detective Fix arrest them? 7.30pm. £14 (£12). Gates open 1.5 hours before each performance for picnics. Bring low-backed seating. Come prepared for all weathers. Free parking. Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Shelburne Road, GL51 6HE. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk.
To advertise call 01242 510500
20 AUGUST SPONGEBOB UNDER THE SEA DISCO At All saints Academy, Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham. 4-6pm. Contact Carolyn on 07906 963960 to purchase. www.facebook.com/Caz-Funny-Faces-FacePainting-816971255096101. £5 per ticket. 21 AUGUST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CHARITY FUN DAY
Come and join us at the second Gloucestershire Charity Fun Day for our Charity Partners – Riding for the Disabled, The Childrens Opportunity Centre and Longfield Hospice. 11am-7pm. Newlands Park, Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3PE. There’s plenty for everyone so check out our Cheltenham Fun Day Facebook page for regular updates. See you there!
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IT’S PARTY TIME! Ever fancied hosting your own cocktail party but not sure you’ve got all the things necessary? Now’s your chance to win everything you need to deliver the perfect party for friends and family – shakers, glasses, brollies and stirrers, spirits, mixers, fruit and other accessories. We’re even including a couple of recipe books to get the ideas – and drinks – flowing! Whether you want to host the ‘Cocktail Party of the Year’ or simply add another dimension to a celebratory event, The Local Answer will provide one lucky reader with everything they need to become a cocktail maker extraordinaire!
WIN A COCKTAIL MAKING KIT WORTH £500! The Local
courtesy of ANSWER It’s easy to enter our draw ...
For your chance to win this fantastic cocktail making kit worth £500 send your name, address (including postcode) and telephone number to ‘TLA Cocktail’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk stating ‘TLA Cocktail’ in the subject line. Closing date: Tuesday 12th July 2016. In addition to our usual competition rules you must be at least 18 years old and by entering you agree to have your name and photograph featured in our next issue and online should you win. Only one entry per household accepted.
Congratulations to last month’s winner! Ian Leaver of Tewkesbury! Ian was delighted to have won our TLA Cash competition and plans to put the money towards a holiday in September. He said: “It’s fantastic – thank you very much! We’ll probably go somewhere nice and hot – maybe Spain!”
We really enjoyed reading the entries and learning what you, the readers, like best about The Local Answer. It’s great feedback and means we can continue to improve the magazine and bring you content that you love!
Motoring with Luke Edwards
An evolution via motorsport Audis have a special Germanic build quality and their technology has been tried and tested in motorsport since the first Audi Quattro in 1980. I recently had the opportunity to attend a review of the whole Audi range (they currently have 50 models) and decided to try out some of their everyday driver cars. The cars I chose were the A1 Sportback, the S1 and the well-regarded A4 Avant estate.
A practical choice Starting with the A1, it’s very much the entry level Audi – from just £15,150 (on the road) – but the “Vorsprung durch Technik” (lead by technology) DNA seeps through. The interior is a nice place to be, driving position is spot on and the perky 1.0 TFSI engine offers up to 67.3 mpg. The size of the A1 makes it simple to park around town and a practical choice for many situations. From previous experience, the A1 will also retain good second hand values. The only suggestion I would make is to spec a nice steering wheel – the one on the test car was very plastic in feel. The wheel is a key touch point for a driver and a comfortable leather one makes such a difference. If you like the A1 but want more in the horse power department, the Audi S1 is worth trying. Competing against the Ford Fiesta ST3 and MINI JCW All4 Paceman, the S1 holds its
own. The S1 offers Audi’s stunning rally bred quattro system for superb road holding, it is the faster car with 0-62 in 5.8 sec, and has more power at 231 ps. Costing £25,600, the Audi S1 is more expensive than the Fiesta, but offers all weather security, has a high quality interior and is available in three and five door versions.
A permanent feature on the school run The final car I tested was the A4 Avant (Estate) – a car which over the years has become a trademark for Audi. This model is so practical and has become a permanent feature on the school run, at country shows and for business users who need the huge luggage capacity. The Avant is a class leader in this respect, with 505 litres of space with the seats up and 1,510 litres with them down. The quattro
s ’ e i d Ed
system features as standard and the new Avant is 110kg lighter than its predecessor.
Years of reliable motoring The A4 Avant (in 2.0 TDI form) comes in a touch cheaper than its BMW and Mercedes equivalents at £31,500 and is slightly more fuel efficient (70.6mpg). The A4 also looks the part – it has had a few styling changes, but Audi always make subtle additions and their cars age so well. The A4 is like a wellbred German explorer, often covered in mud and dust but, with a wash down, can turn up at a sophisticated evening event and gravitate respect. All three Audi’s are fantastic purchases, they will hold their money well, provide years of reliable motoring and the badge has proven motorsport heritage to ensure it is welcome everywhere.
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Interior Design with Caron Burrows
A place for your beloved pets It isn’t just the people we share our home with we need to consider when decorating – there’s also the cats and dogs (or other animals) in our lives. Like it or not, our pets are definitely part of the family and they bring along their own toys and possessions. Here are a few design tips to help keep your pets happy and your animal loving home looking gorgeous. Take a good long look around your home – where would be the most sensible place for your pet to call their own space? It does not have to be the kitchen or utility room. It could be the hall way, the landing or even the spare room – the choice is yours. Once your pet space has been agreed, start to add your animal’s personal bits and pieces.
special area. The mat does not have to be one sold especially for the pet market – children’s table mats have great designs too. Alternatively, download a photograph of your pet Jazz up the wall and have it turned into a pet mat at A photograph of your pet or an one of the many online photo print animal theme mounted low down at shops. A shallow drawer fitted into pet level will instantly add fun and the kickboard of your kitchen is a segregate the area. great place to store pet bowls and act as a neat eating area. A place for food bowls A fun mat to place food bowls on Pet bed choices will again help segregate the pet’s What is your preferred choice of bed and what is it made from? There are many choices from custom-built to adapting an existing item. Think about the size of the bed in relation to the size of your pet so that you don’t need to take up any room than is necessary.
The built-in bed A space saving and practical idea is a built in bed, which slots seamlessly between drawer and cupboard units, taking up no extra floor space. For a minimalist look,
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a tiny doorway discreetly tucked into the corner of built-in wall unit is a quirky retreat for the house cat.
Customise Customisation is currently bang on trend – re-use an old suitcase, piano stool or wooden crate by lining it with a soft cushion covered with fabric to match your choice of interiors.
Colour To avoid your pet’s space looking out of place, dress with colour to match the existing palette of your home. Cushions covered in the same fabric as your curtains, or a coordinating throw or blanket that can be easily laundered is a sensible choice.
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Page 29
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In The Garden with Julia Smith
Take time to do a bit of garden visiting Can it be July already? With such a late spring, time seems to be galloping on. Take the time this month to do a bit of garden visiting – the national garden schemes are a wonderful day out, particularly when a whole village takes part. It is lovely to saunter around someone else’s garden and get ideas on planting partners – and hopefully a lovely bit of homemade cake! Check www.ngs.org.uk to see where is available in your local area.
Try to keep insects under control Keep checking for pesky red lily beetles and squash them! You may have problems with your Bay trees having yellowed, distorted and curled leaves at the tips – this is caused by Bay suckers, which are sap-feeding insects and prevalent at this time of the year. Prune off affected stems to keep it under control and remove the leaf litter from around the base of the Bay. I wouldn’t spray with anything, as you will be wanting to use the leaves in
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cooking. However, if you don’t plan to use the leaves in the kitchen, use a contact insecticide in early May to kill the females before they have laid their eggs and repeat in June – a handy tip to remember for next year!
Pea shoots are really tasty in a salad If you have grown early potatoes they should be ready to lift now. Keep sowing ‘cut and come again’ varieties of lettuce in small batches in old mushroom boxes, etc. They need to be placed out of the hot sun and kept moist but not soaking. These can be kept by the kitchen door and snipped at for sandwich fillings and salad bowls. Do the same with peas, as pea shoots are really tasty in a salad and they grow easily in containers. Try your hand at taking cuttings from perennial herbs like Lavender, Rosemary and Sage. Take the cuttings early in the day and choose non-flowering sideshoots that are soft at the tip and woody at the base – about 10cm long.
Cuttings should have rooted by late August Pull away from the main stem gently, leaving a little bit of the bark still attached (these are called ‘heel’ cuttings). Take off the lower 5cm of leaves from the stem, dip the end into hormone rooting powder (garden centres have this) and then insert several of these cuttings into a small pot of gritty compost. Firm them in and water well, then cover the whole pot with a plastic bag (ensuring it doesn’t touch any of the leaves), label and place somewhere warm but out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should have rooted by late August.
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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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1st Choice
Female Plumber
Aerial & Satellites
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10% off with this advert Mark Hawkes
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Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran
Slow Payers It can be the bane of a small business’s life. You have provided goods or services under a contract for which you haven’t been paid. Now it is going cost you time and money to obtain what is rightly yours. And if it’s a big business that owes you the money, you risk the loss of their trade going forward. Bigger corporations continue to bully their smaller counterparts by demanding onerous payment terms, such as 60 days or even more, and tight margins. They make matters worse by not even sticking to the terms they have agreed. There is no need for any properlymanaged and adequately-funded business to take more than a month to settle its debts, but large companies do so on a regular basis and think their behaviour is perfectly acceptable. It isn’t, so what can be done about it?
Have a system for chasing money before it becomes an issue
CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANT AND TAX ADVISER SMALL BUSINESS SPECIALIST
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Cole Accounting
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Danielle Cole
danielle@coleaccounting.co.uk 01242 279487 or 07899 772119
Matt Grimshaw Carpentry Ltd Your local Carpenter/ Kitchen Fitting Specialist
All aspects of carpentry undertaken ● ●
Kitchens ● Doors ● Timber Flooring Stairs ● Roofing ● Bespoke Joinery 10% ● Decking ● Fencing
01242 604423/07792 088822 mattgrimshawcarpentry@live.co.uk www.mattgrimshawcarpentry.co.uk The Local Answer
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ON KITCHEN FITTING WHEN QUOTING TLA
Would specific legislation help? You can always turn to the legal system at the moment, but it’s cumbersome and expensive – it’s also not guaranteed to give you the correct outcome. Businesses should regard it as an option of last resort. Instead, you should have in place regular communications with your customers and a system for chasing money before it becomes an issue. The government introduced a Prompt Payment Code several years ago and a number of larger companies signed up to it. But it isn’t mandatory and there is nothing enforceable about it. It’s not really worth the paper it’s written on. Could it be beefed up into legislation that larger businesses are obliged to comply with? Of course it could, but would it really be any better than what we have now?
Over £250 billion is overdue to Small and Medium Enterprises A recent survey by a leading insurance company suggested that over £250bn (yes, billion!) is overdue to Small and Medium Enterprises. I have no way of knowing whether that figure is strictly accurate, but it’s certainly a clear indication of the size of the problem. What is really required is a change of culture and attitude. You wouldn’t walk into a shop and expect to take away your goods without making full payment. So why should you assume that this behaviour is acceptable where you have had goods delivered or services provided to you? We can all start to make a difference by paying for whatever we buy at the time we have contracted to pay for it. It’s just the right thing to do.
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Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK
PROPERTY & STORAGE
Corner Cupboard Inn Primrose Vale Salerno The Gardeners Arms
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WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Cheltenham College Swim School 8 Sherdons Golf Centre 44 Shipton Golf Course 17 20 The Seasons Art Class EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Bacon Theatre 21 Gloucestershire Fun Day 17 Hallmark Hotel 24 The Bird & Deer Park 17
HEALTH & BEAUTY Beauty By Sarla Cleeve Healing Room Harvey & Martin
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INFORMATION Cotswold RDA
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Park Home Life Sanctuary Group
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RETAIL Vinyl Records
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HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms 30 & 43 BUILDING SERVICES C&G Paving 34 Cheltenham Roofing Company 34 Home Care Roofing & Building 28 Marshalls Driveways 32 R. Richards & Sons 32 RS Cladding & Roofing 28 CARPENTRY Matt Grimshaw 41 CLEANING SERVICES Ecoclean 38 Oven Busters 30 Pink Fairy Cleaning 30 FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Rapport Interiors 36
Space Master GARDEN SERVICES Cheltenham Town Landscaping DW Tree Services Grass Scape Handylink Mark Clifford Landscapes Oakwood Landscapes HEATING & PLUMBING Black & White Plumbing Drain Doctor KB Female Plumber Hanbury Plumbing Paul’s Plumbing Platinum Plumbing PAINTING & DECORATING Andy Edwards TV & AERIAL 1st Choice Aerial WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows Clearway Doors & Windows Cloudy 2 Clear
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust Lifelink Samaritans COMPUTER SERVICES Abbey Group EDUCATION, RECRUITMENT & TRAINING Lifeways LEGAL & FINANCE Cole Accounting LOCKSMITHS Ollie’s Lock & Safe MOTOR SERVICES Carsmetix Eddie’s Autos RT Bodysure V Hub Warners Cars PET SERVICES Dragon Vet Centre SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Stevens Recycling
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BOOKING DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE – Wednesday 13th July 2016
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