The Local
ANSWER
MARCH 2016
200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
f o r l o ca l p e o p l e
GLOUCESTERSHIRE SOUTH DON’T FORGET MOTHER’S DAY – SUNDAY 6th MARCH 2016
ROOFING & DRIVEWAY SPECIALIST NEW ROOFS & REPAIRS
TILES • SLATES • FLAT RUBBER GUTTERING • FASCIAS • SOFFITS • UPVC
GlosBuild proudly supports Cancer Research UK Please visit our page at www.justgiving.com/glosbuild
GENUINE
10% OFF for over 60’s du ring March 2016
TARMAC BLOCK PAVING
REGULATED & INSURANCE APPROVED
GLOSBUILD Professional & Reliable General Builders OVER 40 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE!
FREE QUOTATIONS
01452 223811 ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
info@glosbuild.co.uk www.glosbuild.co.uk Court Farm, Tewkesbury Road, Twigworth, Glos. GL2 9PX
The Local
ANSWER
Gloucestershire South – 41,000 copies Gloucester – 46,000 copies Gloucestershire North – 20,000 copies Forest of Dean – 22,000 copies Cotswolds – 28,000 copies Cheltenham – 43,000 copies
Chloe Reynolds Publication Manager – Gloucestershire South
01242 541072 chloe@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Editorial
Welcome to March ... Spring has sprung and with Easter being early this year, there’s plenty for the whole family to do in March. Slimbridge Wetland Centre have a giant duck hunt for the children to get involved in, and Batsford Arboretum are hosting their own chicken hunt! The What’s On section is full of events and activities for you to enjoy. Kids can also get out and about in the garden and keep a look out for frogs and toads – read about them in our Wildlife Matters feature. Mother’s Day falls on Sunday 6th March so why not treat your mum by cooking her this month’s Delicious Dish – tasty salmon and spinach puff pastry parcels. Many of you will have given up something for lent this year and chocolate is always a popular choice – read about the benefits and drawbacks of this sweet treat in our Medical Health feature.
Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Inside this month ...
Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Distribution Nik Chavda – 01242 500245 office@achda.co.uk
Production Alison Hambling alison@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Accounts Kerry Fell accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk
1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS
01242 510500 thelocalanswer
Food & Drink Cocktail Time Delicious Dishes Medical Health Wildlife Matters What’s On Homes & Gardens Interior Design Save the Planet In the Garden Sudoku Quick Crossword Word Search Money Matters Index, Competitions, Solutions
4 4 5 7 8 12 20 23 25 27 28 29 30 33 34
@thelocalanswer
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
Page 3
Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott
NEW LUNCH MENU COMING SOON
Mojito The Mojito was created on the island of Cuba and is one of the country’s cultural icons. Like the majority of cocktails, there are several stories surrounding its origin. One story links the drink to the famous explorer Sir Francis Drake, who was travelling to the city of Havana in the 1500s when an epidemic of scurvy and dysentery hit his ship. The local South American Indians were known to have remedies for tropical illnesses, so the ingredients were gathered from Cuba and formed into ‘El Draque’ – a cocktail of aguardiente (a crude form of rum), lime, sugar and mint. The lime juice would have helped significantly in fighting off the illnesses, and the mint and sugar helped to hide the harsh taste of the rum. Others say the drink was created thanks to the African slaves who worked in the Cuban sugar cane fields during the 19th century. Sugar cane juice called Guarapo was popular amongst the slaves and is often used to make mojitos. Ernest Hemingway became a big fan of the cocktail following a visit to a local Cuban bar called ‘La Bodeguita del Medio’. The mojito regained popularity in 2002 after it played a prominent role in a scene in the James Bond film ‘Die Another Day’, with James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) using the drink to seduce Jinx (Halle Berry). Ingredients: 1½ limes, cut into slices or wedges; 20 fresh mint leaves; 2½ tsp granulated sugar; 65ml white rum; splash of soda water or lemonade; ice; fresh mint sprig to garnish. Method: 1 Place the limes, mint and sugar into a highball glass and mash with the end of a clean rolling pin to bruise the mint and release the lime juice. 2 Add the ice and pour over the rum. 3 Add soda water or lemonade to taste and stir well. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? For a non–alcoholic alternative, simply omit the rum. Page 4
Tipputs End, Horsley, Nailsworth, Glos
01453 839949 info@tipputsgrill.com
www.tipputsgrill.com
NOW UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
BLACK HORSE INN THE
17th century inn situated in the tiny Cotswold village of Cranham the Black Horse Inn is largely untouched by time. Serving home cooked pub food and great real ales
Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8HP
01452 812217
www.blackhorseinncranham.co.uk
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott
Salmon and spinach puff pastry parcels These tasty little parcels are packed with goodness and flavour
Ingredients (serves 4): 225g fresh spinach; 4 salmon fillets; salt and pepper to taste; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 clove garlic; 1 tbsp pine nuts, toasted; 1 egg; 2 x 320g puff pastry sheets. Method: 1 Wash the spinach. In a frying pan, heat the olive oil and a clove of garlic, lightly crushed. After a few seconds add the spinach. Season with salt and pepper, then cover. 2 Cook the spinach for a maximum of 3 or 4 minutes,
then remove the lid, remove the garlic and add the toasted pine nuts. Stir and remove from heat. 3 At this point, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Sear the fillet on both sides in extra virgin olive oil. 4 Then prepare the pastry – you can make it yourself or purchase it ready made. This recipe uses ready made. 5 Cut the puff pastry sheets in half, place each salmon fillet towards the edge of each sheet and cover with the spinach and pine nuts. 6 Brush all around the pastry edge with egg, then fold the pastry over the salmon, sealing the edges with a round bladed knife. 7 Take a few small cuts in the dough so that the steam can escape during baking. Brush with egg. 8 Bake in 200ºC oven for 25 to 30 minutes. 9 When done, remove from the oven and serve.
Vol unt eer wit h us a nd do som ethi ng a ma zi ng! If you have a few hours to spare each week, why not become an RDA Volunteer? No experience needed – we’ll train you on the job. For anyone with more experience, have you ever thought of teaching? Find out more on our website or give us a call, join us for a coffee and see our wonderful work.
• Call 01242 584420 to speak to Claire or Debbie • Visit www.cotswoldrda.org.uk Cotswold • Email info@cotswoldrda.org.uk Jackie Brutton Riding Centre, Prestbury Park Racecourse, Prestbury, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4SH
The Local Answer
It’s what you can do that counts
Riding for the Disabled Association
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 5
ANTIQUES WANTED
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 Evenings: 01452 770409 ross.milne2012@btinter net.com WATERLANE GL6 7PL
Page 6
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
Pro mo t e y ou r b u s i n e ss i n 4 1,000 m a g a zi n e s
Call Chloe now! 01242 541072
The Local
ANSWER
The Local Answer
Medical Health with Holly Prince
Chocolate: is it good for you? There has been much debate in the health world over whether eating chocolate is beneficial to health or not. Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of one of our most popular treats. Chocolate is well-known for making people feel happy. This elated mood is due to the release of tryptophan, serotonin and endorphins, which are the chemicals that make us feel good. However, the high sugar content of chocolate can cause mood swings due to the sharp rise and fall of the bloodglucose level.
Aiding endurance and altertness Small amounts of caffeine, which is found in chocolate as well as coffee, can aid endurance and alertness, and decrease feelings of fatigue. However, too much caffeine can cause restlessness, and can lead to an increase in headaches or migraines. Cocoa butter, which is a main ingredient in chocolate, and particularly in dark chocolate, is rich in natural antioxidants, which are good for helping to prevent
premature aging and for protecting Chocolate is high in calories and saturated fat, which leads to weight cells from damage. gain and increases the risk of heart High in calories and disease. Even if the chocolate is low saturated fat in fat and calories, it will still contain Dark chocolate also contains small oils that can cause a build-up of fat traces of minerals such as iron, that puts pressure on the heart. More studies need to be conducted potassium and magnesium that lower cholesterol and blood on the effects of cocoa on pressure. However, the amount of cardiovascular health, as, so far, vitamins, minerals and nutrients in many have been inconclusive. Dark chocolate with at least 70% chocolate is so low that it is not all cocoa, is better than milk chocolate that beneficial. as it contains more pure cocoa and less fat and added sugar.
Chocolate is fine in moderation as a treat Overall, it seems that an occasional small amount of chocolate may be of benefit to the body, but be mindful that eating too much in one sitting is not good for you. Like everything in life, balance is best, so chocolate is fine in moderation as a treat. A good idea is to eat it after a meal so that you don’t consume too much, or with fresh fruit and nuts as part of a balanced diet. The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 7
Wildlife Matters with John Bromley
Beneficial pest control for your garden Much as frogs and toads are associated with water, they actually spend most of their lives away from it, preferring cool damp areas such as ditches, long grass and under sheds and compost bins. They are among the earliest of our wild creatures to start their breeding season whereupon they return annually to the same location, preferring still water to rivers. Unfortunately this annual mass migration from late January to March is a dangerous time for them because many become roaddeath victims in their bid to reach their desired water mass.
Garden ponds tend to come and go because different homeowners might not want to keep a water feature. However, because frogs and toads return to the same place each year to breed, they can become confused if their pond has been removed. They will still try to lay their eggs in the same area and can end up spawning in nearby puddles or water containers, which can quickly dry up. In such circumstances the spawn can be carefully put into a bucket and relocated to a safer mass of water. The eggs begin to hatch after four weeks and the water can become quite dark with many thousands of Frogs and toads become tadpoles swimming around. By about confused if their pond has seven weeks they will have grown their back legs, and by week ten the been removed front legs become visible whilst their A female frog will lay up to 2000 tails begin to shrink. At twelve weeks eggs held together in a gelatinous they will have become miniature floating mass called frogspawn, whilst versions of the adults. a toad will lay 1000-4000 eggs in a Be careful when cutting long double stranded ribbon reaching three metres in length, which is lawns during the summer wrapped around stems and leaves of At this stage the tiny frogs and toads water plants. Survival rate of tadpoles leave the water and begin feeding on is low with only 1 in 1000 frogs slugs, worms and insects, which reaching maturity, although toads are makes them very beneficial to the a bit more successful with around 40 garden where they keep pests down. It is worth being careful when cutting per 1000 surviving.
Page 8
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
lawns during the summer, especially where any grass has been allowed to get quite tall along a fence or hedge, creating an ideal moist habitat for them.
Create an accessible area with dense plant cover Being nocturnal feeders they spend their days hiding in such moist areas, so one way to encourage them into your garden is to create an accessible area with dense plant cover. Strawberry beds are popular with frogs and toads because the plants produce dense foliage, creating cool moist conditions at ground level, and you also have the benefit of fresh strawberries to enjoy. Frogs and toads share the same habitat yet they are quite different creatures. Common frogs are yellowgreen in colour and have smooth damp feeling skin, whilst toads have dry ‘warty’ skin. Toads are good at camouflaging themselves by varying their skin colour to match their habitat, so can range from pink to brown to grey. Female toads reach 90mm in size so are much larger than the males, which only reach about 60mm.
The Local Answer
The Chinese Art Market Despite the economic downturn in China, the recent auctions for ‘fresh to the market’ Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Islamic works of art have shown some strong results.
Interests and tastes are constantly changing Mallams are the only regional auctioneers holding dedicated specialist auctions. The director of the Asian department, Robin Fisher, speaks confidently about his forthcoming auction in April and the coming year. “A shortage of genuine works of art from the Far East has helped to keep the prices high. The mainland Chinese collectors and dealers are still buying strongly but their interests and tastes are constantly changing. I have been watching the market overall and the pieces that have a good provenance will still sell exceptionally well”.
brought along to Mallams’ regular Tuesday morning open appraisals. Alternatively, Robin Fisher can call to view the items in situ or digital images can be sent to robin.fisher@mallams.co.uk. The next auction of Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Islamic art will be held in Cheltenham on 27th and 28th April 2016. The closing date is Wednesday 6th April.
Entries consigned for future auctions hold great quality and rarity Mallams sold around a million pounds worth in 2015 and are expecting to improve on these figures in 2016 with the quality and rarity of the entries already consigned for the April and October auctions. For vendors considering selling pieces, items can be
The Local Answer
Two Chinese models of horses, Tang dynasty (618-907) to be included in the next sale
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 11
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. 1-5 MARCH MATTHEW BOURNE’S SLEEPING BEAUTY
New Adventures have revived this new classic in the repertoire to give audiences one more chance to see the final piece in the trio of Tchaikovsky masterpieces. With sumptuous sets and costumes, evocative lighting and masterly storytelling you will be transported in time from the halcyon days of the late Edwardian era through to the modern day. In a world full of magic, fairies, vampires, love and romance, all brought to life by our uniquely talented dancers – will Princess Aurora ever find her true love again? 7.30pm (2.30pm matinees Wednesday and Saturday). 0844 871 3012. For more details visit atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 1-31 MARCH DAFFODIL & EARLY MAGNOLIA MONTH March is the perfect time to see the host of golden daffodils in all their spring glory! Wander through swathes of yellow and enjoy the spring sunshine from beneath the glorious tree canopy. Batsford’s 73 species of Magnolia will also start to bloom, filling the Arboretum with clouds of pink and white. Please call for an
Page 12
update on 01386 701441 or visit www.batsarb.co.uk. Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, near Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9AD. 3 MARCH WELLS VIRTUOSI: A SPRING SERENADE
Brilliant young musicians from one of Europe’s foremost specialist music schools. Wells Cathedral School’s renowned ‘Virtuosi’ bring their world-leading music to Cheltenham in aid of the Mayor of Cheltenham’s Charities – Cotswold Riding for the Disabled and Maggies. Works by Elgar, Finzi, Holst, Suk and Dvorak. 7.30pm. £10. Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham, GL52 3JE. Box Office open Monday-Saturday 10am-5.30pm. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk. 6 MARCH MOTHERING SUNDAY AT BATSFORD Treat Mum to a day out at Batsford on Mother’s Day – mums get free entry to the Arboretum (when accompanied by a paying child!). Why not take the whole family and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the Garden Terrace Café to make her feel even more special? For details visit www.batsarb.co.uk. Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, near Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9AD.
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH AT SLIMBRIDGE Enjoy the beautiful sights of our flamingo flock as you celebrate Mother’s Day with your family in the Water’s Edge Cafe. Book a table for our delicious two-course Mother’s Day Lunch which is £12.99 (or £6.95 a child). To book a table call 01453 891223. WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. GL2 7BT. 7-12 MARCH HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL It’s Baltimore, 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way! Let your hair down and book now! 7.30pm (2.30pm matinees Wednesday and Saturday). 0844 871 3012. atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 10 MARCH AS YOU LIKE IT Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change is broadcast from the National Theatre. With her father the Duke, in exile, Rosalind and her cousin leave their lives in the court and journey into the Forest of Arden. Released from convention, Rosalind experiences the liberating rush of transformation. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk.
The Local Answer
12 MARCH CANTORES CHAMBER CHOIR – IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE Conducted by John Holloway with David Whitehead (organ). A feast of music spanning five centuries, a menu to satisfy the most discerning of palates! 7.30pm. All Hallows, South Cerney. Advance tickets from Cirencester TIC, Lorna Eayrs 01242 603988 or www.cantores.net – £12, £10 concessions, u16s FOC or £15 on the door. CRANE SPECIAL BIRD WATCH MORNING Go in search of the Common cranes on the Slimbridge reserve with one of the wardens. This time of year is fantastic for watching these striking birds and admiring their dancing and displays. Warm clothing and boots or wellies needed. 8-10.30am. £15.95 includes tea/coffee and a bacon roll. Please book in advance by calling 01453 891223 or emailing events.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk. WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. GL2 7BT. 13 MARCH THE HOLLIES No support act is needed as The Hollies perform their classics – ‘The Air That I Breathe’, ‘Carrie Anne’, ‘Jennifer Eccles’, ‘Bus Stop’, ‘Just One Look’, ‘Stop, Stop, Stop’, ‘On A Carousel’, ‘Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)’, ‘He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother’ and many more hits in a brilliant two-hour Hollies celebration. 7.30pm. 0844 871 3012. For more details visit atgtickets.com/venues/bristolhippodrome. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 15-18 MARCH RACE WEEK AT THE BREWERY
As thousands flock to the races in March, The Brewery will be playing host to a cracking Irish party, complete with live music and world class Irish dancing. Grab a burger and a Guiness and enjoy some unmissable live toe-tapping tunes! ‘Life of Riley’ will open with a bang from 5-7pm each night and ‘The Notorious Brothers’
The Local Answer
will rock the crowds from 7.30-9pm! Party starts from 5pm each evening. thebrewerycheltenham.co.uk. 15 & 18 MARCH THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
Figaro, a quick-witted barber, agrees (for a generous sum) to help Count Almaviva woo Rosina, the closely-guarded ward of the greedy Doctor Bartolo, who fancies her and her substantial inheritance for himself. Together, the lovers and their friseur plot an escape that involves bribery, subterfuge and numerous comic disguises along the way. 7.15pm. 0844 871 3012. atgtickets.com/venues/bristolhippodrome. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 16 MARCH GROW YOUR OWN VEG... AND HAVE FUN! Known for her involvement with BBC 2’s Gardeners’ World and BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, Pippa Greenwood hosts an interesting talk on successfully growing great tasting, superfresh vegetables at home. At Batsford Arboretum from 3-5pm. Tickets cost £15 per person. To book call 01386 701441. Batsford Arboretum, near Moreton-inMarsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9AD. 16 & 19 MARCH THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
evil Major who is plotting to kill them all. Susanna’s frustration with her increasingly cynical husband, Figaro, propels her towards a one-night stand with Cherubino, now a rather sleazy nightclub owner who calls himself The Cherub. Meanwhile, the Count and Countess are scandalised by the revelation of each others’ infidelities. They finally return to what remains of the Almaviva residence, and the Count and Countess are reconciled with one another, and with their fate, as revolutionary troops advance. 7.15pm. 0844 871 3012. Visit atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 19 MARCH CANTORES CHAMBER CHOIR – IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE Conducted by John Holloway with David Whitehead (organ). A feast of music spanning five centuries, a menu to satisfy the most discerning of palates! 7.30pm. St John Baptist Church, Cirencester. Advance tickets from Cirencester TIC, Lorna Eayrs 01242 603988 or www.cantores.net – £12, £10 concessions, u16s FOC or £15 on the door. VINTAGE & CRAFT FAIR GLOUCESTER Over 40 stalls of vintage and handmade fashions, homewares and everything in between plus some antiques and collectables. Live vintage-inspired entertainment all day. Vintage beauty, tearoom, classic cars plus lots more. A great day out event for everyone. 10am–4pm. £1 entry, kids free. Blackfriars Priory, Ladybellgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2HN. HANGMEN
In the Almaviva Castle, the wedding day of servants Figaro and Susanna is fraught with complications. Figaro must ward off the advances of the duenna, Marcellina, while Susanna must find a way to avoid her lecherous master. Conspiring with the heartbroken Countess, the young couple plot to outwit the Count, who is made to see the error of his philandering ways, in a day of scandalous revelation. 7pm. 0844 871 3012. For more details visit atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 17 MARCH FIGARO GETS A DIVORCE OVERVIEW The Almaviva household is fleeing the chaos of the Revolution, pursued by the
Following a sell-out run at London’s Royal Court Theatre, Olivier and Academy Award® winner Martin McDonagh returns to the West End with Matthew Dunster’s award-winning production of his deeply funny new play Hangmen, starring David Morrissey, Andy Nyman and Johnny Flynn and broadcast live to cinemas by National Theatre Live. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 13
An irresistibly funny and unforgettable musical! The first ever UK tour of the worldwide smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! premieres at The Bristol Hippodrome from 25th March to 7th May 2016. Join the ultimate feel-good party at the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical! MAMMA MIA! is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise. To date, it has been seen by more than 60 million Whatever age you are, you can’t help much-loved music and a feel-good people in 49 productions in 16 but have the time of your life at story. We’re looking forward to MAMMA MIA! welcoming new audiences, as well different languages. as those who would love to see it A celebration of again, to come and join us for the much-loved music party.” With music and lyrics by Benny A feel-good hit Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Steve Jones, Marketing Manager of MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd The Bristol Hippodrome said: “We are and choreographed by Anthony Van thrilled to be welcoming MAMMA Laast. The production is designed by MIA! back to The Bristol Hippodrome, Mark Thompson, with lighting design having been visited by the by Howard Harrison, sound design by International Tour in 2007. The show Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken, was a feel-good hit with audiences and musical supervision, additional and we’re hugely proud to be the material and arrangements by inaugural venue on MAMMA MIA’s exciting new UK tour.” Martin Koch. Creator and Producer Judy Craymer Tickets start from just £15 with A story of love, friendship said: “It’s fabulous that the first ever concessions for some performances. UK tour of MAMMA MIA! will debut For more details or to buy tickets visit and identity in Bristol. It’s an exciting new journey www.atgtickets.com/bristol or call Set on a Greek island paradise, a for the show with its celebration of 0844 871 3012. story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget. This irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world and now the party continues at The Bristol Hippodrome, so there’s never been a better time to see this unforgettable musical. The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 15
Page 16
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
25 MARCH – 10 APRIL THE GIANT DUCK HUNT
A group of giant ducks will be landing at Slimbridge this Easter holidays, can your family spot them all? Pick up an activity sheet on arrival then set off on a fun hunt which will take you all round the grounds. Spot them all and receive a yummy treat on your return. This Easter holiday there will also be some fun easter arts and crafts so you can make something to take home. While you are on the hunt keep an eye out for ducklings, handfeed some geese and go to hear an otter talk. 9.30am – 5pm. Price included in normal admission. 01453 891223. events.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk. WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. GL2 7BT.
THE BIG BATSFORD CHICKEN HUNT!
You may have heard of an Easter Egg hunt, now find the chickens that laid them! They’re all hiding in the Arboretum – simply mark their locations on the map provided to win a prize! £2.50 per child, plus Arboretum admission fee (children must be accompanied by an adult). No need to book, just turn up and enjoy! www.batsarb.co.uk. Batsford Arboretum, nr Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 9AD. 25 MARCH – 7 MAY MAMMA MIA Join the ultimate feel-good party at Mamma Mia!, the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical! Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome. 0844 871 3012. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ.
4 APRIL BIG HERO 6
Walt Disney Animation Studios present an action-packed comedy-adventure about the special bond that develops between Baymax, a plus-sized inflatable robot, and prodigy Hiro Hamada. From 1pm join Art Playground in the theatre foyer for super hero craft activities before the film starts at 2pm. Tickets £7. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 17 APRIL VALE COUNTRY FAIR & POINT TO POINT HORSE RACES At Andoversford, GL54 4LQ. Adults £10, children free. Free parking. Trade Stands welcome. www.valecountryfair.info. 01989 720335.
VALE COUNTRY FAIR & POINT TO POINT HORSE RACES
SUNDAY 17th APRIL 2016 For spectacular spring walks, breath-taking views, fabulous food and a wonderful selection of gifts and gardening goodies and plants, Batsford is a perfect day out for all the family – dog friendly too!
At Andoversford, GL54 4LQ from 10:30am Adults £10 Children & parking free. Includes: Falconry Display Family Dog Show, Terrier Racing Trade Stands welcome
www.valecountryfair.info 01989 720335
VINYL RECORDS VINYL WANTED
Visit www.batsarb.co.uk for details on our forthcoming events
Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre
Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AD T: 01386 701441 E: arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk
The Local Answer
Local buyer pays cash for your unwanted LP’s, EP’s & 45’s. Most 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s records considered, large or small collections. Prog, Psych, Punk, Heavy Rock, New Wave especially wanted. e-mail lists to: willowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk 01242 702947 or 07785 515987
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 17
Easter at The Bird
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
The Bird Park’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on the 26th and 27th of March has become a must do event for Easter and this year is no exception with face painters at hand and a beautifully themed marquee ready to host a very unusual tea party. For those that would like to make a mask to wear for lunch, visit the craft tent first and we will help you make it – what more can you ask for? The birds and deer are all quite used to seeing Alice and her friends around the park on these event days so be sure to look out for them and take some photos! The ticket price includes all of the above and entry to the park. There will be additional hot food available for adults to purchase. Places are limited so either call us on 01452 812727 or book online.The Mad Hatter’s Marquee can also be hired for children’s birthday parties for up to 25 children.
The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX • W
d & Deer Park What’s on at the Visitor Centre The Bird Park’s new Visitor Centre has been a real hit since it opened in 2015. With the beautiful balconies looking over the reindeer enclosure, where else would you like to enjoy a cappuccino and a tasty treat with family and friends? It’s comfortable with a relaxed atmosphere and there is a lovely gift shop for you to browse at your leisure. On the 27th March there will be artists and sculptures inside the park giving tips and helping children and adults get back into art (this is all included in the admission price).
Gypsy Caravan
The Bird Park also has the charming Gypsy Caravan that can be hired for both children’s and adult birthday parties for a maximum of 12 children and 4 adults.
It is a beautiful place to spend a special family day or gathering with a difference – or perhaps hire it for a really special Mothers Day! Catering can be included in the hire price for all events booked in advance. For more details visit www.thebirdpark.com.
Winter opening: 10am-4pm daily • 01452 812727 • www.thebirdpark.com
Homes & Gardens PAVING SPECIALISTS
• Driveways • Patios • Drainage • Fencing • Landscaping • Turfing • Decking • Repair Work
FREE Quotations, Advice, Samples & Brochures 5 Year Guarantee with all works. Many local references available
www.berudman.com
07843 277723 ~ 01242 255043 Covering Cheltenham & Gloucester
Page 20
N.S DECORATING Interior and
Exterior Painting Free es mates Contact Neil
01453 826811 07812 393922 nsdecora ng11@aol.co.uk
www.nsdecora ng.com
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Tel: 01452 522 422
enquiries@interiorneeds.co.uk
interior needs
Luxurious Curtains and Soft Furnishings
Interior shutters are becoming more and more popular timeless elegance. Good advice is essential, we can guide you through our many different options finding the shutter to suit your practical needs and style.
✄
Spring is in the air, a perfect time to brighten and enhance your home: from a lick of paint to a full home makeover, you can find what you need at Interior Needs.
10% off your order with production of this voucher
◆ Curtains & Fabrics ◆ Tracks & Poles ◆ Interior Shutters ◆ Conservatory Roof Blinds ◆ Blinds/Perfect Fit Blinds ◆ Bay Window Treatments ◆ Lighting ◆ Wallpaper
COME AND VISIT OUR SALE ROOM
BARGAINS GALORE! ★ Fabrics from £1pm ★ Ex-display blinds, curtains, lights, mirrors
UP TO 50% OFF
interior needs
........ /........
Wedding Gift Vouchers Value: £ ............................ Authorised Signature: ............................................................................ ●
Art ● Lighting ● Mirrors ● Curtains ● Blinds ● Cushions ● Rugs
●
Tracks ● Poles
Eastern Avenue, Gloucester GL4 3BU (Next to The Weavers Shop opposite PC World)
www.interiorneeds.co.uk
Cotswold Framing Designs Specialists for 20 years in Affordable Bespoke Picture Framing, Mirrors and Glass
Unit 16/17 Ryeford Industrial Estate, Ryeford, Stonehouse, Glos GL10 2LB ☎ 01453 826262
www.cotswold-mirrors.com
Huge selection of Oak Mirrors all made by us
● ● ●
SAL
IR S ES SER VICI NG & REPA
●
2H
AND JOINERY
Bespoke Installations
Work undertaken from alterations to commissions ■ 40 years experience ■
■
CARPENTRY
Call Martin Hill on 01285 651482 Mob: 07985 708863
New & Re-conditioned Stairlifts & Warranty Removals & Relocations Free Surveys & Quotes – No Obligation Rentals for Straight Stairs
Independent, Professional & Friendly Advice Over 24 years practical experience
Independent Stairlift Specialist
01454 413748 07833 318722 www.thornburystairlifts.co.uk
C arpe t Fac to ry W areh o us e
Un i t 2 , Rel ian ce Wo rks, B rid g end , S to neh o u se, G lo s. GL 1 0 2 AT
Te l: 0 14 5 3 8 21 5 8 2 ● Mo bi le: 0 7 97 0 6 7 63 6 0 E mail : d j hl imi ted @ aol .co m ● www. d jh carp etan df lo o rin g .co .u k
●
● QUALITY CARPETS ● REMNANTS ● KARNDEAN ● RUGS ● WOOD RANGE OF NATURALS ● LAMINATE ● VINYL ● FLOTEX ● EDGING SERVICE
FREE ESTIMATES & PLANNING FREE FURNITURE REMOVAL! ● FREE DOOR CUTTING ● FREE PARKING ● ALL OUR OWN FITTERS ● ●
Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm Saturday 9.30am-4.30pm
Over 100 rugs now available in store Page 22
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Interior Design with Caron Burrows
Turning a rental property into your home There are many options available to help you add your individual stamp to your rental property. Remember to keep the landlord on your side and make sure you are clear about any restraints in place regarding changes you can or cannot make. Agree a budget between you and your partner or housemates – how much you spend will depend on how long you are intending to stay. With these points in place you are ready to enjoy the process of turning your rental property into your home.
Look at the whole property as one space Replace all door handles, light switches, bathroom fittings and handles on kitchen cupboards. This allows you to introduce your own style, but all items can be easily switched back when you leave.
obvious functional use, plus they look great in any setting. Wall hung and free standing signs with phrases such as “Home Sweet Home” will give an instant feeling of safety and comfort.
flexible to take with you to a future home. Bookcases can be a perfect combination of storage and decoration. A huge amount of personality can be added with furniture – try purchasing cheaply Flooring from charity shops or online auction If the flooring is not to your taste or sites and personalise with a can of chosen colour palette, this can be paint. easily addressed with various rugs added to each room. The same colour Soft furnishings and plants choice throughout will help with Whatever your colour preferences you uniformity. will find a huge amount of soft furnishings to suit. Patterned and Furniture Choose furniture that can be moved colourful cushions, curtains, blinds around and reconfigured to fit into and throws are a great way to stamp another home. For example, a simple your personality onto your new sofa and an armchair will retain home. Shower curtains are a quick flexibility. Several small occasional and easy way to transform a tables are also an alternative to one bathroom, while plants and flowers large coffee table and are more are a great way to liven up any space.
Replace lighting Even the most beautifully styled room will not look its best with inadequate lighting, so check the light bulbs are correct for the room size and needs. A statement shade can add a personal touch, and lamps – floor standing and table – provide atmosphere and can be taken with you at the end of your rental agreement.
Walls Wall stickers can be added and removed with no fuss – they are available in a huge range of designs and colours, which allows for some creativity throughout the house. Removable wallpaper is also available in a wide range of designs, catering to any style and can add all the drama, fun and elegance you desire. It doesn’t leave any mess and can be re-used. If your landlord is happy with nails in the walls, add a picture wall and large pieces of wall art. Mirrors are always a winner with The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 23
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
THE LARGEST SELECTION OF LAMINATE & LUXURY VINYL FLOORING IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Telford Way
Naas L ane
B40
08
A38
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
Save the Planet with Caroline Bennett
Eliminate apple miles without a garden An apple from New Zealand can clock up 12,000 miles before it reaches the supermarket. Even British apples can go up and down the M6 a few times en route to the fruit bowl. You might have fantasised about owning your own orchard one day – pruning in the winter, checking the blossom in spring, eating apples straight from the tree. To most of us that sounds like a pipe dream. The average British garden size is shrinking rapidly and there are over two million UK households without a garden at all.
Community run orchards Before you pack your bags and move to a country with more space, consider joining a Community Orchard. There are over 80 community orchards or fruitshare initiatives happening right here in Gloucestershire. Some connect people who have space with those who can actually eat all the fruit. Others are orchards in public spaces,
The Local Answer
which are entirely community run. Some are informal, others have membership schemes and volunteering rates in exchange for shares of the harvest.
Lots of events across the county It’s not just apples. Plums, cherries, pears, quinces and nuts are some of the trees being taken care of by members of the community. There are city orchards and country orchards so there’s something for everyone. To find out more visit www.gloucestershireorchardtrust.org.uk. On this excellent website you can see a list of orchards, events across Gloucestershire and a host of other information. Events run by community orchard groups include wassailing (drinking cider and singing to promote the health of the trees), pruning workshops, juicing days and apple harvest celebrations. Here are some apple facts to get
your juices going: • Gloucestershire has a great history of apple growing with 185 apple varieties native to the county alone. • One large apple tree can produce a quarter of a tonne of fruit. • Apples can be stored for several months in dark, cool consistent conditions. • 10kg of apples will produce five litres of juice. How about them apples? Why not join in with the fruit revolution? Caroline is a member of the Gloucestershire Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), a group of organisations aiming to help educate people in the county about the environment. For more information see www.geep.org.uk.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 25
ALL TYPES OF TREE SERVICES
Tree pruning & thinning ● Shrub shaping ● Hedge trimming ● Fencing ● Turfing ● Drives & Patios (block paving & gravel)
●
E SERVICE RE
S
T
DW
Small long established family run business
Competitive rates Free estimates and advice
01242 802684/07900 155 086 email: sales@dwtrees.com
www.dwtrees.com Hedge & Grass Cutting ROOFING Garden Walls ◆ GUTTERING Fencing ◆ PAINTING A T I O S ◆ REPOINTING P ◆ PLASTERING ◆ RENDERING ◆
DRIVEWAY AND PATIO SERVICES 85 Cheltenham Road East, Churchdown, Gloucester GL3 1JN
BLOCK PAVING TARMACING ● GRAVEL ● SLABS ● FENCING ● ●
Telephone: 01452 712 368 www.laland1.com www.lsland1.com
*the customer is entitled to a 14 day cooling off period by law
Page 26
CT ROBERTS
For a free, no obligation quotation call Chris on
01453 548376 or 07597 780433
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
In The Garden with Julia Smith
The greatest pleasures in being a gardener! Spring is definitely in the air! It is amazing how quickly everything starts to grow now, especially if we have a few sunny, mild days. Now is the time to prune your bush-roses (hybrid teas and floribundas) if you haven’t done so already. Cut off all the spindly twigs and anything dead, damaged or diseased. Cut to an outward facing bud leaving about 2.5cm of last year’s growth on weaker stems and a bit more on stronger stems. Shrub roses don’t need such drastic pruning and with these, if they are looking a bit congested, cut out about one third of the thickest oldest branches
at the base with a pruning saw, thus encouraging new shoots to emerge. Take about 10cm off the top of the remaining stems to finish. friend – after all that is one of the Pot extras up and greatest give to a friend pleasures in being a gardener! Now is also a good time to divide Agapanthus rarely need dividing – Hostas if they are getting too big. Dig probably only every five years or so them up and slice them into when they start flowering, less than sections, making sure each has some before. If this is the case with yours shoots at the top. Replant them, divide them now, cutting through enriching the soil with some congested clumps with a sharp compost and bonemeal and, if you spade and replanting in nice freehave too many bits to plant in your draining soil. They will take a year to garden, pot them up and give to a recover properly so don’t panic if they don’t flower in the first season. The autumn sown sweet peas that you have sown in pots can now be planted into their final flowering position. Make sure the soil has plenty of organic material dug into it, erect a wigwam of canes and they will put on a wonderful show and provide plenty of cut flowers for the house.
Let in light and air into the centre of the plant Evergreen grasses such as Festuca glauca or Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass) are pruned annually in early spring. Smaller grasses are lightly pruned to remove dead leaf tips (a pair of scissors does this very easily), whilst the big pampas grasses need very thick gloves and possibly hedge trimmers to cut them down hard to the base. Rake out dead material from the base to let in light and air into the centre of the plant. The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 27
Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. Rectory Fields, Rudford, Gloucestershire GL2 8DT
Tel: 01452 668005/01453 297010/01285 238089 www.marshallsdriveways.co.uk Company registration: 090645563
RENAULT SPECIALISTS 01453 860153
www.mandmmotorservices.co.uk
Monday-Friday: 8.30am-6.00pm Saturday: 10.00am-5.00pm
Full Renault Diagnosis Servicing all makes & models G Over 20 years experience G All work guaranteed G Free courtesy cars G G
Don’t look until you’ve finished!
Davids Lane, Nympsfield, Gloucestershire GL10 3UG Email: info@mandnmotorservices.co.uk
Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.
THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR NEW BATHROOM ... Your local family business
Page 28
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Quick Crossword 1
2
3
4
5
ACROSS
6
1 7 8 10 12 14 16 17 20 23 24 25
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Arctic (region) Exonerated Leg bone Improve efficiency of Proximity Ewe's young Dock Clearly expressed Trees retaining foliage Rescued More slender Giant monsters
18
19
20
21
W h y n ot u s e t his s pa ce t o a dve rt is e yo u r b u s i n e ss ?
22
23
24
For details please telephone Chloe on
25
The Local
© Lovatts Puzzles
Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.
Save 20% VAT*
Recent bathroom project completed for Mr & Mrs Gill, Chalford
DOWN 1 Benefactor 2 Line of rotation 3 Gifted 4 Weaving machines 5 Evasion 6 Verb modifier 9 Make amends 11 Medical support worker 13 Gender 15 Tribal groups 16 Nauseated 18 Barters 19 Spy, secret ... 21 Optic organs 22 Performed in opera
01242
ANSWER 541072
Lifestyle
Is bath time a struggle?
BATHROOMS
Bathing and showering can be made so much easier with a Lifestyle Bathrooms makeover.
Walk-in Showers and Baths ● Grab Rails ● Comfort Height WCs Single Touch Electronic Showers ● Anti Slip Floor ● Tiles Wall Tiles ● Underfloor Heating ● Super Bright Lighting ● Shower Seats ● Cloakrooms ● Ensuites ● New Bathrooms Created in Bedrooms etc ● ●
*For anyone who qualifies as disabled or has a chronic mobility condition – please call us for more details
Contact us on 07496 057281 or 01453 884167 for a free home visit to discuss your needs
www.lifestylebathrooms.net
The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 29
WORD SEARCH G A D O X Q J E V S C Y P S W U N Z Z P A C I H
A C I F O X Q M P W G F A H E A H A Q T D C H M
B R X C D D H R A E G D P Y L I V T S E I B A B
J U D Z U N I Z U U T Y X Q A Y L Q S W Y K R D
J C L Y S N C H I C K X K I M M G L S N X F Q Q
L E L B G O S E L O P D A T B R D U E G E L S I
F F J W S J A B T P V G R N O P C B J W G S U H
P S D R T B D A S Z X H E W B R Q O F N E M T K
N B T W Y Y Q S K N Z E S Y T D Y A I S B U A I
V R U W I Y P M W B R Z H E J S Q N A R K X B C
P U D D L E S G F G S M I C K S A O E E G Y D V
B U T T E R F L Y I T P A R R E M L V W C S P K
Spring BABIES BLOOM BLOSSOM BULBS BUTTERFLY CLEANING CHICK DAFFODIL FLOWERS
GREEN GROW LAMB LILAC MARCH NEST PUDDLES RAIN RAINBOW
SHOWERS SPRING SUNSHINE TADPOLES TULIP UMBRELLA WELLIES
A Y B O C P S Q O B Z E H C L A L G O O I U R K
T C G J A N U R I L M U S C W A M B E H W U V V
T I Z O L N L E V O E G B F E E N T S S J U Z A
H R Q S I P I K P S L J V A L I H B E B L R R A
E W F S L S D M C S V D A C A O W S S L T T P I
L N Z J M J O H C O P L B R Z J W I S O N V J Z
£10 OFF!
E X I Q O S F H R M K U O T B I M E R O C F L Z
J M J H O B F N Q P N L B U R D J I R M O F I B
A T W M S P A C P K Q X S O U D N M T S R Z X S
ecoclean
P I L U T N D U B M I G M R H W X R A I N Z C N
ltd
U G M T X F U X S C Q J M Q H S N H T P K T N L
T C K L Q T Y S G J M A C M B T Y F R X T B N R
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CARE & CLEANING
USING CODE JL25
07804 610105 01452 898247 www.ecocleancarpet.co.uk hello@ecocleancarpet.co.uk
Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page. Page 30
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
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
To advertise call 01242 510500
of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.” So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
Page 31
ROOFING & CONTRACTORS New Roofs G.R.P. Fibreglass & Felt Flat Roofs ● Certified Installers ● Roof & Chimney Repairs ● Slate Repairs ● Flat Roof Repairs ● Lead Repairs and Sealing ● uPVC Fascias, Soffits & Guttering ● uPVC Repairs ● High Pressure Cleaning ● Painting & Decorating 01452 899903 07503 858963
●
22 Wilson Drive, Cheltenham GL51 0GY
www.draindoctorglos.co.uk
All drains and blockages ● All emergency plumbing work ● Pre-fixed prices ● Saniflo blockages & installations ● High pressure jetting/drain repairs/relining ● CCTV surveys/homebuyers surveys ● Local Authority insurance & water company approved ●
24 hou rs a day 7 days a week 365 days a year
CALL NICK ON
01453 569 415 FREEPHONE
0800 068 1216
Nailsworth Stroud Gloucestershire
07790 883780 . Windows/doors . Tiling . Flooring . Wood work . Whole property restoration . Shop fitting & commercial olivermeadandassociates@gmail.com
www.olivermeadbuilding.co.uk
HOME CARE ROOFING & BUILDING
FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS
FANTASTIC OFFER
20% OFF for over 60’s
Our range of services include: New roofs and repairs ◆ Tiles ◆ Slates ◆ Felt and battening ◆ Lead work ◆ Repointing ◆ Ridge tiles and chimney repairs ◆ Flat roofs EPDM rubber ◆ Moss removal and fungicidal treatments ◆ Roof coatings ◆ Dry verge systems ◆ External painting ◆ uPVC fascias & soffits ◆ Gutter repairs and cleaning ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED
For a FREE QUOTATION please call: FREEPHONE 0800 474 8424 or 01242 809264 (Please dial area code when calling)
Page 32
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Matters 1st Choice Money with Roger Downes Aerial & Satellites
Digital Aerial Installations Upgrades and Repairs
10% off Mark Hawkes Tel:
(with this advert)
01453 222181
Dying without a Will. Now that’s a real tragedy
My name is David Mar#n and I’m the local consultant for one of the UK’s premier professional Home Visit Will Writers. I have 28 years’ experience advising clients on personal financial ma$ers and specialising in Wills. Wri#ng a Will is easier and cheaper than you think and ensures that your wishes are carried out efficiently. If you would like to redra an exis#ng Will, discuss your Will arrangements, Las#ng Powers of A$orney or other associated legal services, at a mutually convenient #me in the comfort and privacy of your own home ... Call David Mar#n your local Steele Rose & Co consultant 01453 836699/07973 405997 dcmar#n@hotmail.co.uk www.steelerose.co.uk
STEVENS RECYCLING Domestic and Industrial Skips
ATTENTION! Let us lighten your load! Stevens Recycling
Ham Villa Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6NB
01242 522647/529397
10% OFF
MINI AND MIDI SKIPS HIRE
wit h a co de o f T L A0 2 0 3 56 co n d iti on s stevensrecycling584@gmail.com apply
The Local Answer
of Andorran
Putting a value on money I've just returned from a week’s break in the sunshine – well deserved some might say. I think so anyway! I booked through an agent, whose service was poor, although they actually made all the bookings safely so it worked in the end. But they made me answer so many questions about what I wanted to spend that it set me thinking about the value of money and more particularly how it is perceived by different people. The only week available to me was half term, so it was already nearly twice as expensive to fly and stay anywhere. I knew that by flying with a so-called low cost carrier I would be charged for everything from a tissue to blow my nose to the bags I wanted to take on the plane. But even that turned into a fascinating conversation at the airport and on the plane. Perfectly happy to pay half term prices (do they have a choice with the new rules of missing school time?), parents were refusing their children a drink because it was too expensive. Hello! You’ve just booked a family holiday, got the kids up at an ungodly hour to get the 6.15am flight and ordered 200 cigarettes from duty free. Yet when the poor child is thirsty, it’s no go.
We may have our priorities all wrong We seem to pay out on the bigger items in our budget without spending more than what seems to be cursory time on decision making, whereas when it comes to spending a few pennies, it’s as if the bank has called in the overdraft. I think we may have our priorities all wrong. I might concede that people take their time over house buying, which is obviously the number one expense. But then again I don’t think that applies universally. But what about the car, which for most is the number two cost? How many did you test drive or have mechanically checked before you bought it? And then you have the cheek to complain when it breaks down within the first few months. And how much do you spend on looking after it once you’ve bought it? The same applies to holidays. They cost a fortune, even in weeks other than half term, but we still don’t do it properly because we think it’s too expensive to make sure that little Johnny or Josephine has the best time and therefore you get value for money. Value isn’t just for you; it’s for all those around you too. Look after the pennies I hear some of you quote. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly would be my robust response. Enjoy your time when you manage to get away this year and make sure you do the holiday justice.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 33
Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK
RETAIL
The Black Horse Tipputs Inn
4 Antiques Wanted 6 4 Cotswold Framing Designs 22 Green Light Hydroponic 16 WHAT’S ON Vinyl Records 17 EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Batsford Arboretum 17 HOMES & GARDENS The Bird & Deer Park 18-19 BATHROOMS The Bristol Hippodrome 14-15 Lifestyle Bathrooms 29 Vale Country Fair 17 Severn Vale Bathrooms 28 & 35 WWT Slimbridge 12 BUILDING SERVICES HEALTH & BEAUTY A1 Roofing & Contractors 32 Confident Dental Implants 6 BE Rudman 20 Gyrotonic in the Fields 6 Glos Build 2 INFORMATION Home Care Roofing 32 Cotswold Riding for the LA Landscapes 26 Disabled 5 Marshalls Driveways 28 Oliver Mead & Associates 32 PROPERTY Park Home Life 32 CARPENTERS Richmond Painswick 9 2H Carpentry and Joinery 22
CLEANING SERVICES Ecoclean
TV & AERIALS 33 30 1st Choice Aerials WINDOWS & DOORS FURNISHING & APPLIANCES 36 DJH Carpet Factory Warehouse 22 Albany Windows 31 Interior Needs 21 Cloudy 2 Clear Inceil 20 Quedgeley Carpets 24 Thornbury Stairlifts 22 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AUCTIONEERS GARDEN SERVICES Mallams 11 Bartlett Tree Experts 26 CARE SERVICES CT Roberts 26 Barnwood Trust 10 DW Tree Services 26 Lifelink 6 Greensleeves Lawn Care 26 Samaritans 34 Handylink 32 MOTORING SERVICES Lawn Doc 28 M+N Motor Services 28 HEATING & PLUMBING SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Drain Doctor 32 Stevens Recycling 33 PAINTING & DECORATING WILL WRITERS N.S Decorating 20 Steele Rose & Co 33
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS P O
L
T
I
B
I
E
A
L
B
S O
L
O
R
E
A M
E
S
S
R A A
S
R O N
A X
A
T
P
O
A
R N
E
Y
X
A M
A
E
R G R
E
D
E
Y
I
N N
C
T
E
V
A S Y
K
L
P
L
I
E S
N
E R
C
I
E
A V
E E
A
T R
S
O G R
S R
N
A M B N
I
A E
I
D V
D L
C
E
E
R U
E
O
S
Q U
V
G A D O X Q J E V S C Y P S W U N Z Z P A C I H
A
A L
D E
N
S
A C I F O X Q M P W G F A H E A H A Q T D C H M
B R X C D D H R A E G D P Y L I V T S E I B A B
J U D Z U N I Z U U T Y X Q A Y L Q S W Y K R D
J C L Y S N C H I C K X K I M M G L S N X F Q Q
L E L B G O S E L O P D A T B R D U E G E L S I
F F J W S J A B T P V G R N O P C B J W G S U H
P S D R T B D A S Z X H E W B R Q O F N E M T K
N B T W Y Y Q S K N Z E S Y T D Y A I S B U A I
V R U W I Y P M W B R Z H E J S Q N A R K X B C
P U D D L E S G F G S M I C K S A O E E G Y D V
B U T T E R F L Y I T P A R R E M L V W C S P K
A Y B O C P S Q O B Z E H C L A L G O O I U R K
T C G J A N U R I L M U S C W A M B E H W U V V
T I Z O L N L E V O E G B F E E N T S S J U Z A
H R Q S I P I K P S L J V A L I H B E B L R R A
E W F S L S D M C S V D A C A O W S S L T T P I
L N Z J M J O H C O P L B R Z J W I S O N V J Z
E X I Q O S F H R M K U O T B I M E R O C F L Z
J M J H O B F N Q P N L B U R D J I R M O F I B
A T W M S P A C P K Q X S O U D N M T S R Z X S
P I L U T N D U B M I G M R H W X R A I N Z C N
U G M T X F U X S C Q J M Q H S N H T P K T N L
T C K L Q T Y S G J M A C M B T Y F R X T B N R
COMPETITION RULES 1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless stated. 7 Proof of posting is
not regarded as proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party.
BOOKING DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE – Monday 14th March 2016
Always there if you need us
E GLOUCESTERSHIR Page 34
08457 909090 jo@samaritans.org
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer