Cotswolds by The Local Answer

The Local

ANSWER

MAY 2016

200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

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COTSWOLDS WIN A BARBECUE & BUBBLE SPA WORTH £1000! – SEE CENTRE PAGES

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The Local

ANSWER

Cotswolds – 28,000 copies Cheltenham – 43,000 copies Gloucestershire North – 20,000 copies Gloucestershire South – 41,000 copies Gloucester – 46,000 copies Forest of Dean – 22,000 copies Chloe Reynolds Publication Manager – Cotswolds

01242 541072 chloe@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Editorial Lois Kingscott

Welcome to May ... After an amazing response to last month’s Holiday Gift Card competition – congratulations to our winner Debbie Lee – we’ve got another brilliant prize to give away this month courtesy of the Spa-Kling Pool Company! Find out how to enter inside. With the weather getting warmer and festival season just around the corner, Katie Pollard has some great beauty tips on how to perfect your festival look. As the sun makes more of a regular appearance, you may be thinking about getting out and about. Check out Dan Wood’s review of the Music Angel Friendz Portable Speaker – perfect for picnics, trips to the beach or hosting your very own garden party. As always, we have a great selection of daytime and nighttime events in our What’s On section.

editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Helen Kingscott

Inside this month ...

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Distribution Robert Kingscott – 01242 541071 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Production Alison Hambling alison@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Accounts Kerry Fell accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Chris Raymond Sales Director

Dave Kingscott Managing Director

1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS

01242 510500 thelocalanswer

Cocktail Time 4 Delicious Dish 5 Mirror Mirror on the Wall 11 Medical Health 13 What’s On 14 Win a BBQ & Bubble Spa! 18-19 Holidays & Travel 21 Motoring 23 Homes & Gardens 24 Gadgets & Gizmos 25 In the Garden 27 Interior Design 29 Word Search 30 Sudoku 31 Quick Crossword 32 Money Matters 33 Index, Competitions, Solutions 34 Competition on pages 18-19

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Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott

The Old Rectory Re staurant

Cole sbourne , Che lte nham GL53 9N P 01242 870120 Private Dining Room

Ideal venue for parties of all occasions and friends get-togethers No hire cost!

Cotswold Country Dining

Amid scenic countryside & lovely gardens

Enjoy top quality local meats & poultry, fresh fish & seasonal vegetables Scrumptious homemade desserts

Best of British

Enjoy our special lunch menu to celebrate the

Queen’s Birthday

Wed-Sat from 12 noon. 2 course £12.95

Cosmopolitan The Cosmopolitan – or Cosmo – is said to have been created independently by many different bartenders since the 1970s. The general concensus is that John Caine – owner of several bars in San Fransisco – brought the popular pink drink to the west from Ohio in around 1987. Although the cocktail is widely perceived as a contemporary creation, there is a strikingly similar recipe for a Cosmo, which appears in the book ‘Pioneers of Mixing at Elite Bars 1903-1933’. The ‘Cosmopolitan Daisy’ substitutes cranberry juice and vodka for raspberry syrup and gin, as these are the ingredients that would have been readily available at the time. There are also many claims that the Cosmo was adapted from the Kamikaze cocktail, though is often presented very differently. The Cosmopolitan was popularised significantly among young women in the 1990s because of its frequent appearances on the TV program ‘Sex and the City’, where Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Carrie Bradshaw, often ordered the drink when out with her girlfriends. Ingredients: 50ml vodka; 25ml triple sec; 50ml cranberry juice; 25ml fresh lime juice; orange peel and/or mint to serve; ice. Method: 1 Add ice, vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime juice to a cocktail shaker and shake for about 30 seconds. 2 Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a sprig of mint and/or a twist of orange peel.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Traditional Sunday Lunch 3 course multi choice menu £18.50

www.theoldrectoryrestaurant.co.uk

Congratulations to our winner! Debbie Lee of Abbeydale

After her initial reaction of “Are you joking?!”, Debbie was over the moon to have won the £500 holiday gift card! She is planning to put the money towards a weekend away in Portsmouth with her husband and four children.

Why not have a Mocktail?

Why not try your luck in our latest competition?

For a non–alcoholic alternative, use 50ml cranberry juice, 25ml lime juice, 25ml orange juice and 25ml simple syrup (sugar and water, boiled then cooled).

You could win a Beefeater BBQ and PureSpa Bubble Spa together worth over £1000! – see centre pages for details of how to enter.

Page 4

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The Local Answer

Delicious Dish with Helen Kingscott

Stir-fried ginger pork Ingredients (serves 2): 1cm fresh root ginger, peeled and grated; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped; Â˝ red chilli, deseeded and cut into thin strips (alternatively, use the lazy range that comes in jars â&#x20AC;&#x201C; make meals even quicker and with less mess); 2 tbsp sunflower oil; 2 boneless pork steaks, cut into thin strips; 125g (4oz) mangetout; 50g (2oz) unsalted cashew nuts; 2 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp dry white wine, rice wine or dry sherry; 1 tsp caster sugar; 1 tsp sesame oil. Method: 1 If serving with rice, start cooking this (follow packaging instructions) before you begin to stir-fry. 2 Measure and prepare all the ingredients. Set the wok over a high heat until smoking and keep the heat high throughout the cooking process. Add half the

A deliciously simple, one-pot dinner that is ready in minutes!

sunflower oil and swirl around once or twice to heat it through. 3 Add the ginger, garlic and chilli and fry for 10-20 seconds until they start to colour. Quickly add the pork pieces and continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate. 4 Return the wok to the heat and add the remaining sunflower oil. Swirl again to heat through, then add the mangetout. Fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp but tender and beginning to catch the odd patch of brown. Add the cashew nuts and fry for another 30 seconds. 5 Return the pork to the pan. Add the soy sauce, wine and caster sugar, then stir-fry for 1 more minute. Add the sesame oil, season with freshly ground black pepper and mix. Serve with rice.

C OR NER CUPBOARD INN Freshly cooked food - from bar snacks to three course meals - served in the relaxed, warm environment of our beautiful 15th Century Inn 83 Gloucester Street, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5LX. Tel: (01242) 602303

www.cornercupboardwinchcombe.co.uk O P E N Mon-Sat 10am-Midnight & Sun 11am-Midnight. F O O D S E R V E D Mon-Fri 12-3pm & 6-9pm, Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-8pm The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

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R EF EC UR EN BI TL SH Y ED R

Residential, Nursing and Dementia Care Home in the Heart of the Cotswolds Hyperion House Nursing Home has 45 Nursing Beds with en-suites ● Private and Social funding ● Diva Care Ltd has been providing Residential and Nursing care for people since 1985 ● 24 hour care, a comprehensive social activities programme, all meals and hotel and laundry services available ●

Redefining Care

Felines & Friends Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers Caring for Pets since 1996 ● Daily dog walks ● Cat & small pet home visiting service ● Doggie day care ● Small dog boarding ● House sitting ● References available

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The Local Answer

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Norton Park, Tewkesbury Road, Gloucestershire GL2 9LH Page 8

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Mirror Mirror on the Wall... with Katie Pollard

Seeing stars Festival season is fast approaching and before you know it fields will be full of festivalgoers rocking the latest trends, teepee tents and OTT make up. Think nails painted in glitter, eyelids drenched in sequins and bold colour blocking stripes. Even if you’re one to play it safe, you won’t get away from the razzle-dazzle that will be everywhere around you!

Models look like they’ve been caught in a rainbow shower This razzle-dazzle won’t only be in the fields though – the runways have been lit up with confetti clouds with the models looking like they’ve been caught in a rainbow shower! This trend can be taken on by anyone and the festival season is the time to experiment with it. Fill your beauty

bag with multi coloured stars, metallic shades and glittery shadows to create your own campfire style! A single strip of glitter will change the way you style this summer. Pair it with nude skin – a flash of fairy dust on the eyes and this will give the subtle seal of approval to this OTT trend. Match your eyes to your nails, your lips to your brows or your hair parting to your cheeks – there’s so many ways to have fun with this trend!

Don’t linger in the shadows Glitter is on everyone’s festival essentials list. Grab a colourful eye shadow, apply a little Vaseline on your eyelids to help keep it in place and simply sprinkle the glitter on top. Festivals are your chance to get playful with paint, so don’t be afraid to go colour crazy and dare to be different this year! No need to linger in the shadows – glitter doesn’t always have to be bright. If you’re more of an au natural, use a bronze or gold shade and wear the rest of your make-up nude for a chic take on the trend.

the scalp – anything with a waxy texture or thicker base, which is easily applied for the glitter and sequins to stick onto – and voila, you’ve created your own starry eyed style. Whether you’re heading abroad for the festival season or camping on the coast, get the shimmer palettes at the ready for those welliewearing-sun-dancing-days around the stage to the moonlit-starrynights around the campfire!

Share the magic with your hair Don’t be afraid to share some of the magic with your hair – this look doesn’t have to just stay on the face. Part your hair into a centre or side parting and dab a generous amount of product along the line of

The Local Answer

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Page 11

Medical Health with Holly Prince

Foot Health Our feet are a very important part of our body, but they often get neglected. Sore, achy feet can be caused by a number of problems – often due to pressure or friction on the foot. It is important to wear the correct footwear because if your shoes are too tight or too loose, this can cause your feet to swell and blisters to appear. Blisters are fluid-filled sacs caused by friction. If you have a blister, it is best to leave it to dry naturally and not burst it, as this can cause infection. Also, pressure on the foot over a longer period of time can lead to longer-term problems like joint pain. Sweating is normal and healthy, but can start to smell because of hormones – this is why teenagers

are well known for having smelly feet! A good idea is to change your socks regularly or use deodorisers. Ensure that shoes are dried out at the end of the day if they have been worn for hours, as damp shoes lead to an increase in bacteria, which can cause fungal infections.

Let some air get to your feet In the warmer weather, we need to let some air get to our feet. Leather or canvas shoes are better than plastic ones, but wearing sandals or flip-flops all the time is bad for your feet as these shoes do not provide much support to the

foot, and can lead to heel pain. Insoles to cushion the soles of your feet can help with this. Another alternative is to go barefoot, but going barefoot too much can cause corns and callouses, which are areas of thickened skin due to excessive pressure or friction on the foot. Bunions are also caused by friction, and they often form as a lump on the side of the big toe joint. Another disadvantage of not wearing any footwear is picking up foot diseases from public areas such as changing rooms at the swimming pool or gym – athlete’s foot is an example of this. And you may also spread infection if you have a wart known as a verruca as this is caused by the HPV virus, which means it is contagious. Prevent infecting other people by wearing a plaster on the affected area.

Putting your feet up after a long day helps circulation Give your feet some attention by washing them each day with warm soapy water and dry them well – especially between the toes as dampness can lead to a build-up of bacteria. After washing your feet, moisturise them to keep the skin soft. Similarly, remember to apply sun cream to your feet when they are exposed in the sun, as they can burn just like any other part of your body. Feet can get tired, especially if a lot of your time is spent standing up. Exercise your feet by wiggling your toes or circling your ankles to help the circulation. Putting your feet up after a long day also helps the circulation, as does massaging them – and if you can get someone else to massage them, even better!

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Page 13

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 MAY THE LONDON INN LIVE MUSIC HERE EVERY MONTH! 27th May – “THE BRIDGE”. Free Entry. Sunday Roast available in 2 sizes – £6.90 or £8 for a large. All freshly prepared. Wide selection of meats. 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). Cost: £8. To Book: 0752 847 1091 or www.synergispilates.co.uk. 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. Various dates and times. 0844 871 3012. atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome. The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ. 3 MAY WOMAN IN GOLD

Woman in Gold is the remarkable true story of one woman’s journey to reclaim her heritage and seek justice for what happened to her family. Sixty years after she fled Vienna during World War II, an elderly Jewish woman, Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), starts her journey to

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retrieve family possessions seized by the Nazis, among them Klimt’s famous painting The Lady in Gold. 7.45pm. £7 (£6). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 7 MAY PAWS ON PATROL Paws on Patrol in Gloucester Park from 12 noon. Displays from Police Dogs, The Quack Pack, LG Agility and Ali Magic. Free to enter novelty dog show, lots of stalls and fun activities. Free entry. See www.safergloucester.co.uk. 8 MAY TEWKESBURY BOWLING CLUB OPEN DAY From 10.30am until 4pm with lots of support and help. All you need is a flattish pair of shoes. New to lawn green bowling? Membership free for 2016. 01684 294411. Gander Lane, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PG. 12 MAY A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

Following its smash-hit original broadcast; the Young Vic’s ‘magnetic, electrifying, astonishingly bold’ production returns to cinemas due to audience demand. The great Arthur Miller confronts the American dream in this dark and passionate tale. This tragic masterpiece won a trio of 2014 Olivier Awards including Best Revival, Best Actor for Mark Strong and Best Director for Ivo van Hove. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 13 MAY RHYTHM & BLUES NIGHT Enjoy a martini cocktail reception followed by a divine three course dinner, with the

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serenading sounds of our five piece live Rhythm & Blues band, then dance the night away with music provided by the DJ. £38 per person. Bowden Hall, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards GL4 8ED. 01452 632632. 14 MAY VOODOO ROOM

Together, Peter Orr, John Tonks and Andy Tolman form the mighty, retro, rocking machine that is: Voodoo Room. This highenergy, power-trio have worked with music giants, Steve Winwood, Duran Duran and Ben E King to name a few. Their mission: to deliver the all-time great Cream and Hendrix numbers with the true passion and energy worthy of these classic masterpieces. 7.30pm. £17 (£15). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 17 MAY LOVE & MERCY

The amazing true story of Brian Wilson, the legendary leader of the Beach Boys. This innovative, acclaimed biopic flits between the 1960s and the 1980s. In the 1960s the band’s future is thrown into doubt when Wilson (Paul Dano) suffers a debilitating panic attack and, twenty years later, a now middle-aged Wilson (John Cusack) is a broken, confused man who finds love and sanctuary in the company of car saleswoman Melinda Ledbetter (Elizabeth Banks). 7.45pm. £7 (£6). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk.

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19-21 MAY SHREDS A musical written and directed by James Williams. Musical Director David Last. University of Gloucestershire Performing Arts students. 7.30pm. The Playhouse Theatre, Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG. Box Office: 01242 522852. £8 normal (£7 concessions). 20 MAY BACH HITS LECHLADE

A very special concert. Top Boston USA cellist Guy Fishman brings his 1704 cello and two wonderful Bach solo suites; noon at St Lawrence Lechlade; free admission, wine and light refreshments; donations to church restoration.

21 MAY CHARLTON KINGS CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT Duruflé’s ‘Requiem’, Wright’s ‘In Praise of Earth’s Beauty’, Fauré’s ‘Cantique de Jean Racine’; Regency Sinfonia; Caroline Carragher (mezzo), Tom Hunt (bass), Fiona Brown (organ); conductor John Wright. 7.30 pm. £15/£10. Holy Apostles, Cheltenham GL52 6HW. 24-28 MAY PHEDRE The Phoenix Players present Racine’s powerful classic Greek tragedy in Ted Hughes’ acclaimed version. The Kings Theatre, Kingsbarton Street, GL1 1QX. 7.30pm. Tickets £9, £8, £5 from The Phoenix Players (01452 522795) or Gloucester Tourist Information (01452 396572). 25 MAY – 7 JUNE COTSWOLD ART CLUB SPRING EXHIBITION Open 10am-5pm daily. At Lower Slaughter Village Hall GL54 2HY. Affordable art for sale. Admission: FREE. 26-27 MAY THE PENELOPIAD By Margaret Atwell. Directed by Fiona Ross. University of Gloucestershire Drama students. 7.30pm. Blackfriars, Ladybellegate Street, Gloucester GL1 2HS.

RIVER AVON BOAT TRIPS

Phone: 0370 333 118. £7 normal (£5 concessions). 26-28 MAY A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM By William Shakespeare. Directed by Kate Littlewood. University of Gloucestershire Drama students. 7.30pm (bring portable chairs and rugs). Hailes Abbey, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5PB. Box Office: 01242 602398. £7.50. 27 MAY MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT

Join us for an exciting Murder Mystery, delicious three course meal and disco for just £29.95 per person! 01452 525653. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester GL4 6EA.

Shipton Golf Course

Check out www.handsamboatcompany.co.uk RIVER AVON TRIPS...

On our 55-seater passenger boat available 7 days a week from the end of March to mid-October, from 11am till 5pm (weather permitting). PLEASE TELEPHONE FOR CRUISE TIMES Also available for PRIVATE EVENING HIRE!

Self Drive Motorboat Hire

Our motorboats are available to hire by the hour, half day and full day.

PLEASE TELEPHONE FOR BOOKINGS

THE HANDSAM BOAT COMPANY

07860 895416

Explore the River Avon from Abbey Park, Evesham The Local Answer

“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 PGA Approved ● Children’s holiday workshops Establishment

✁

Handsam Too

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

✉

Shipton Golf Course

Nr Frogmill, Shipton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4HT

To advertise call 01242 510500

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28 MAY – 5 JUNE DOWNY DUCKLING DAYS

Go behind-the-scenes of our busy duckery to learn how we rear hundreds of young birds each year and see many of the fluffy ducklings, goslings and cygnets. You’ll even get the opportunity to see inside an egg using a technique called candling and visit the newly hatched ducklings inside the Duckery and in the outdoor enclosures. 9.30am-5.30pm. Included in normal admission. 01453 891900. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 30 MAY VINTAGE & CRAFT FAIR TETBURY Over 20 stalls of vintage and handmade fashion, gifts, homeware plus lots more. Live vintage-inspired entertainment including family friendly burlesque, cabaret acts and solo artists, vintage tea party, bouncy castles plus lots more. 10am-4pm. Entry only £1, children free. Dolphins Hall, New Church Street, GL8 8DS. www.helsbellesboutique.co.uk.

2 & 4 JUNE SINS OF THE FATHER Directed by Karen Benjamin. Devised by University of Gloucestershire Drama students. 7.30pm. Kings Theatre, Kingsbarton Street, Gloucestershire GL1 1QX. Tickets on door. £7 normal (£4 concessions). 7 JUNE BROOKLYN

Brooklyn centres on Eilis, who moves from small town Ireland to Brooklyn, New York in search of a bright future – and love. When family tragedy brings her back to Ireland, she finds herself absorbed into her old community and confronting a heart-breaking choice between two men and two countries. 7.45pm. £7 (£6). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 8 JUNE HAMLET Hamlet has the world at his feet. Young, wealthy and living a hedonistic life

studying abroad. Then word reaches him that his father is dead. Returning home he finds his world is utterly changed, his certainties smashed and his home a foreign land. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 9 JUNE THE AUDIENCE For sixty years, Queen Elizabeth II has met with each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a private weekly meeting, known as The Audience. No one knows what they discuss, not even their spouses. The smash-hit broadcast returns to cinemas in celebration of the monarch’s 90th birthday. These special screenings include an exclusive Q&A with Helen Mirren and director Stephen Daldry. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 11 JUNE SACRED HEART’S SUMMER FETE “A Day at the Movies” noon till 3pm. Children’s fancy dress competition, bouncy castle, live music, games and stalls, large selection of food and drink. Fun for all the family. Sacred Hearts Catholic Church, Moorend Road, Charlton Kings GL53 9AU.

Be a this year and volunteer in your Cotswolds Community!

★

Feel like making a diﬀerence in your area this year? Do you have skills that can help others? Do you like cooking basic meals? Can you drive? Are you good at making friends?

Call us today on 01608 652019 or email info@cotswoldfriends.org

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The Local Answer

Spring has arrived at The Bird and Deer Park! Spring has finally arrived at The Bird Park and everything is brimming with life. The breeding season is in full swing as ducklings hatch and the deer prepare to calve – it’s all go! Since the arrival of the New Visitor Centre, the park has become ever more popular and never more so than for children’s parties. Parents can meet their guests in the centre prior to enjoying their child’s birthday in the famous Gypsy Caravan or the stunning Mad Hatters Marquee. Both locations have been designed with both parents and children in mind, so if your idea of hell is a bouncy castle then look no further! Where else can you be surrounded by nature in all its forms but still have all the trimmings for that special day?

The Bird Park is hoping to receive the Ben Moseley Sculpture this month, which will be situated in the first enclosure in the park on the first pool. We won’t spoil the surprise, but it’s going to be fab! For more information visit www.thebirdpark.com or call 01452 812727.

Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm • 01452 812727 • www.thebirdpark.com The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX

GET READY FO WIN A NEW

BARBECUE & BUBBLE SPA WORTH £1,000! courtesy of The Local

ANSWER

OR SUMMER!

It’s easy to enter What are the six Gloucestershire editions of The Local Answer called? our draw... For your chance to win a BeefEater Discovery Classic 2 Burner Barbecue AND a PureSpa Bubble Spa – together worth over £1,000! – send your answer to the above question, along with your name, address (including postcode) and telephone number to ‘TLA BBQ Bubble’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your answer and details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk stating ‘TLA BBQ Bubble’ in the subject line. Closing date: Tuesday 10th May 2016. In addition to our usual competition rules: 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.

Visit our indoor showroom and take a look at our Endless Pool®, Hot Tubs, Intex PureSpa selection and extensive range of pool and spa accessories

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Unit 2E, Kingsditch Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 9PB www.thespa-klingpoolcompany.co.uk • 01242 520337

Campden Cottages

Do you have a Holiday Cottage To Let in the Cotswolds?

If you are a property owner looking to let your co age â&#x20AC;&#x201C; speak to us We specialise in every aspect of holiday co age le ng around The Cotswolds from marke ng to maintenance. We take pride in ensuring your co age is maintained to the highest standard maximising your bookings and giving you peace of mind. Contact our friendly team on: +44 (0)1386 852 462

campdenco ages@icloud.com www.campdenco ages.co.uk

QUALITY ACCREDITED AGENCY

Holidays & Travel with Al Hidden

Camping and cogs in Cornwall Cornwall, just a few hours down the M5 from Gloucestershire, offers every kind of accommodation. For a change, forsake smart hotels and cosy B&Bs, rediscover camping and make sure to bring your bikes.

A welcoming base for exploring Cornwall offers many camping gems, with sites such as Fowey’s Penhale Caravan and Camping Park or Court Farm Camping and Caravanning near St Austell. Pick wisely, read the reviews, and enjoy a great base for exploring this ‘county built on tin’. Court Farm is a welcoming, spacious, beautifully kept campsite off the A30 at St Stephens (they do lovely holiday lets too). After settling in, it’s time for a two-wheeled excursion. If the sea calls, drive to St Austell and follow the Pentewan Trail through woods and meadows to Mevagissey – the poster child of Cornish fishing villages. It’s mostly gentle riding, with opportunities to sidetrack to Pentewan beach or The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Don’t fear the final climb before coasting down to Mevagissey’s quays and hostelries.

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Fish and chips on the quay? If you’ve worked up an appetite, Mevagissey won’t disappoint. Dine at one of its restaurants (try Salamander on Tregoney Hill) or ocean-fresh fish and chips from harbourside Fisherman’s Chippy – just watch out for greedy seagulls! Whether cycling or driving, the Lost Gardens are consistently among Cornwall’s top attractions. Rain or shine, for exquisite gardens, go-

karting, the Eden Project’s geodesic biome domes, beaches or moorland walks, St Stephens is ideally located for both Cornish coasts.

A coast-to-coast adventure For a coast-to-coast adventure, the 14-mile Mineral Tramway Trail from Devoran (between Truro and Falmouth) to Portreath makes a great day out. Saddle up, peddle under the impressive Carnon Viaduct and explore a rich concentration of mining archaeology as you cross Cornwall to Portreath’s sandy beach, ice cream and delicious pasties. The trail isn’t as difficult as you’d imagine either. You'll find several pubs on the way – try the Plume of Feathers or The Fox and Hounds (where the trail crosses the A30 at Scorrier), Portreath’s Waterfront Inn or The Old Quay Inn at Devoran. You either love camping and cycling or you don’t! If you do, a good central campsite, sturdy mountain bikes or hybrids and a sense of adventure are the perfect mix for a few days’ Cornish exploration.

To advertise call 01242 510500

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Motoring with Luke Edwards

A Swiss Spectacular May is a key point in the car year. The motoring world has visited Detroit, Chicago, New York and the key European Motor Show in Geneva. Geneva is still the show that manufacturers use to dazzle with their visions of present and future.

Revel in the sound from the new titanium exhaust system In the February 2016 edition I reviewed the Jaguar F-Type and at Geneva, Jaguar revealed the SVR. It’s a serious version of the F-Type, developed by their Special Vehicle Operations department with 567bhp and a 5.0-litre supercharged V8. Jaguar's Special Operations MD John Edwards (no relation) said: “The result is a 200mph, all-weather supercar that you can drive every day. We even made a Convertible version so that enthusiasts can revel in the sound from the new titanium exhaust system”. Bugatti showed their successor to the Veyron called the Chiron. It is named after the 1920s and 1930s grand prix racer Louis Chiron, whose results

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included victory in the 1931 French Grand Prix at the wheel of a Bugatti Type 51. The Chiron is bidding to be the fastest production car ever, with 1479bhp, 62mph in less than 2.5sec and a top speed of 261mph. Its engine is a quad-turbocharged 8.0-litre W16. Only 500 will be made, each costing around £1.9 million. The Maserati Levante SUV had a great reception at Geneva. It is a clear competitor to the Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne and forthcoming Jaguar FPace. Maserati’s European manager Giulio Pastore said: “Style is still the first reason to buy a Maserati. The second is the sound quality, and this sounds as good as our saloons with diesel or petrol. Then it’s vehicle dynamics and the pleasure to drive.” The SUV market is an interesting move for the Italian maker and there is a diesel Levante that does 39.2mpg, which will please many in the UK. Maserati expects one in four Levante’s in Europe to be sold in the UK and 95% of those to have diesel engines. MG’s forthcoming first SUV model, the GS, was also a discussion point amongst

Journalists at Geneva. Their cars have been a great success with a keen price and the GS could be a winner for MG.

Peugeot had three reveals at Geneva Peugeot, high from their Dakar rally win, had three reveals at Geneva – the 2008 compact SUV, the Traveller MPV (with up to 9 seats in various configurations) and a concept car, the Traveller i-LAB. The i-LAB hints business and travel with a giant 32” touch tablet, its own WiFi hotspot, charging docks and virtual reality headsets. Malvern based Morgan showed their fun side with EV3 – the manufacturers first ever all-electric production car. Based on their 3 wheeler sports car, the EV3 has a 62bhp electric motor, fed by a lithium battery and promises a zeroemissions range of 150 miles. Other cars of note included the Aston Martin DB11, McLaren 570GT, Ferrari GTC4Lusso (the new name for the FF), Alfa Romeo Giulia, Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl (with Grip Control), new Honda Civic, Porsche 911 R and the Ford Vignale.

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Homes &

Gardens

Rectory Fields, Rudford, Gloucestershire GL2 8DT

Tel: 01452 668005/01453 297010/01285 238089 www.marshallsdriveways.co.uk Company registration: 090645563

All work comes with a 10 Year insurance backed guarantee

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T 01993 627852 E info@best-roofing.co.uk

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With time, your bathroom will begin to show its age. Start afresh with a brand new look, and take advantage of the opportunity to include the latest ideas in bathroom design: ● Redesign your layout to make best use of space available ● Increase storage with built in units ● Change your bath for a large walk in shower ● Warm your feet with under floor heating ● Hide ugly pipework under the floor Choose from well known quality brands. Tiles, wallboards, mirrors & accessories complete the look. We offer a free design & advice service, supply the goods and will arrange installation by an experienced installer if required. 30+ years of experience in bathroom industry, based in the Cotswolds.

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*If you need to make changes to your bathroom due to disability or a medical condition, we are able to supply your bathroom VAT free, saving you 20%. Please ask for details

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Gadgets & Gizmos with Dan Wood

Money well spent Hoover WR71WR01 Whirlwind Choosing the right vacuum cleaner can be difficult with so many options and types, not to mention the price. I recently bought the Hoover WR71WR01 Whirlwind bagless vacuum cleaner, having been looking for a replacement for my Dyson and trying to keep costs down. I found this for £49.99 at Argos online, reduced from £99.99 and with £1 off having spent over £25 (every little counts!). With a 2.5l bin capacity and 2.5m hose, the WR71WR01 is perfect for most households. It works very well and lifts almost anything up from the carpet, and the build quality is good too, as you’d expect

from an established brand like Hoover. It is light-weight at 3.8kg, meaning cleaning the stairs is hassle free and its 5m power cord gives plenty of operating space. The environmental credentials are good too, with an A rating. Bearing in mind the extortionate pricing of many modern vacuum brands, for less than £50 this has impressed me and was money well spent.

Music Angel Friendz Portable Speaker From work to play, the Music Angel Friendz portable speaker is an excellent buy for £25 on average. Using a basic 3.5mm audio jack input/output, the unit connects to pretty much any mobile phone, tablet or other device you’d connect your average headphones to. The integrated 1000mAh Li-ion battery gives up to 100 hours play time – yes, 100! Charge time is 1-3 hours and sound quality is superb, with good bass and crystal clear clarity. Build quality is great too – highly recommended.

placing the box over your head. Watch a movie on your phone and enjoy the experience on the cheap. With card cutout audiences you’ll never know the difference for just a fraction of the price. In flat pack form and roughly £20, why not buy two and ‘go to the movies’ with someone else?

Cardboard Home Cinema Bored? Fed up of crazy cinema popcorn prices? Make use of an idle smartphone and create your own cinematic experience at home. The cardboard home cinema is as simple as it sounds! Just place your mobile in the slot and lie on the floor

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HOME CARE ROOFING & BUILDING

for over 60s

For a FREE QUOTATION please call: FREEPHONE

E SERVICE RE

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• Tree work • Garden Design • Garden Maintenance • Turfing • Lawn Cutting • Hedge Trimming • Pond Work • Patios • Decking • Pergolas • Fencing • Sheds • Driveways Diploma in Horticulture ~ Established 1993

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R R S

R Richards & Son Ltd FAMILY BUSINESS

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In The Garden with Julia Smith

Your garden should be bursting into life May is here already! The garden is bursting into life and any work that you have already done now comes into its own – you are ahead of the game!

Delicious in a salad or steamed until just cooked Runner beans are the mainstay of my vegetable garden in the summer. They are so delicious picked fresh and either sliced and eaten raw in salads, or steamed until just cooked. Sow them as the soil warms up, making a wigwam of bamboo canes for the beans to twine up, or buying one of the ready made obelisks in

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hazel or metal. These obelisks look good even in the winter, as they add structure to the garden. I make a hole before I sow the beans and empty my compost from the kitchen in there for a few days – peelings, tea bags etc. I then sow my bean on the top on a layer of soil the usual depth, and this helps keep the moisture in, which the beans so love. Clematis need constant tying in as they scramble up their supports. Use soft twine and tie in a figure of eight, being careful not to damage the delicate stems. They look superb growing up (but don’t let the mulch touch the through climbing roses and shrubs, stems as it may rot them). extending the season of interest or flowering at the same time as their Deadhead plants to make them stronger next year host but with contrasting colours. Shear over early-spring flowering Pruning is more simple for plants such as Brunnera, Iberis, late flowering clematis Cerastium and Aubrieta to keep Try Sambucas racemosa them tidy. If you don’t want your ‘Sutherland Gold’ with a beautiful Helleborus x hybridus to set seed, blue Clematis ‘Perle d’Azur’ growing now is the time to deadhead them, through it, or a lovely Rosa ‘Gertrude which will make them stronger Jekyll’ with Clematis ‘Etoile Violette’ plants for the following year. argutifolius needs scrambling up it. If you choose late Helleborus flowering clematis, the pruning is different treatment by cutting away more simple as they are Group 3 and the stems carrying the old flowers at just need to be chopped off about ground level. Apply a general 30cm high in early spring – very fertilizer and water and mulch. Do easy! Give the clematis a spring feed remember that Euphorbia produces with a high-potassium rose-type a milky sap, which can cause severe fertilizer, gently forked into the soil irritation so wear gloves when surface, and then water and mulch handling!

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Page 27

THREE PIECE JOINERY

Bespoke Joinery Staircases Windows Timber Mouldings Conservatories Doors & Gates Furniture Listed Buildings/Renovation

BellBali’nsds &InShutteterrs iors Where quality and customer satisfaction count ALL TYPES OF BLINDS MADE TO MEASURE

ROLLER ● VERTICAL ● PLEATED ● SHUTTERS ● VENETIAN ● WOODSLAT ● CANOPIES ● ROMAN ● PINOLEUM ● AWNINGS ● CURTAINS For a no obligation FREE quotation please call ●

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mike@bellasinteriors.co.uk www.bellasinteriors.co.uk Unit 1, Lansdown Ind Est, Cheltenham GL51 8PL

Expert Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Ultra fast drying times ● Environmentally friendly ● Removes stains ● Improves air quality ● Removes mites Fully insured, reliable, knowledgeable, professional and trustworthy ●

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Call now

Contact: Michael Denley

01453 752893/07541 002 891

barden clean.co.uk

HATHERLEY WORKTOPS LTD Your local worktop specialist Covering the Cotswolds

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www.hatherleyworktops.co.uk 18, 19 & 20 Malmesbury Road | Kingsditch Trading Estate | Cheltenham GL51 9PL ■

Page 28

Worktop Refits ■ Door Replacements ■ Kitchen Upgrades ■ Full Kitchens ■ Electrical ■ Plumbing ■ Gas ■ Tiling ■ Stud Walls/Plastering www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

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Interior Design with Caron Burrows

Add spring colours to your home Spring is a time of year loved for many reasons. Longer days, warmer weather and, of course, colour. Bright green leaves appear on trees, yellow daffodils appear on grassy banks, and bluebells turn woodlands into a sea of blue. Here are a few ideas to bring the sunshine into your home.

Inspiration Take a long look at the outside at this time of year. Daffodils, bluebells, white blossom on the trees, daisies, and even the lush green of our parks and fields – the list is endless. Use these colours of nature to inspire the spring decor of your home. For example, pick a single spring flower such as a bold yellow tulip and make it the inspiration for an entire room – wallpaper, curtains or upholstery. Teamed with plenty of white, this will create a sophisticated, fresh colourful display of china, crockery, jugs, cookware and glassware in a spring feel. range of spring shades. Take China & Glass advantage of available fresh flowers Shelves, window sills and tables can – fill vases and jugs for an instant easily be brought to life with a touch of spring.

Furniture A lick of paint is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to make changes to your home. Choose a sunny shade or a pretty pastel to refresh a chair, table or bookshelf. You don’t have to paint the whole piece – just a dip-dye effect on the legs of a chair can refresh and revive, providing a fresh spring look.

Fabrics & Accessories A few metres of pretty floral or pastel fabric are easily turned into a tablecloth, and a few cushions provide an instant splash of spring to your kitchen table and chairs or lounge sofa. An oversized piece of art is a simple way to add a modern floral touch to your home. This could be in the form of a supersized artwork on the wall, or an accessory such as a bright printed cushion. Fluffy white towels teamed with yellow, blue or soft green will add a touch of spring to any bathroom. Team pastel cushions and throws with plain white bedding to achieve a crisp feel to your bedroom.

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CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CARE & CLEANING

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

QUALITY KITCHENS Fresh thinking and built in the UK. Soft close features on all units as standard

andy@cotswold-kitchens.com

QUALITY BATHROOMS If you are looking for a quality bathroom with a real wow factor, supplied and installed to the highest standard, choose from the wide selection of styles

shaun@cotswold-bathrooms.com

Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page. www.cotswoldkitchensandbathrooms.com Sunnybank Stables, London Road, Charlton Kings, Gloucestershire GL54 4HG

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THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR NEW BATHROOM ...

enquiries@cotswoldkitchensandbathrooms.com OPENING TIMES: MONDAY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY TUES-FRI 10-5 SAT 9.30-3 BANK HOLIDAYS 10-4 The Local Answer

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Your local family business

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Quick Crossword 1

ACROSS

1 5 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 18 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29

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2H Oil and Gas Boiler Installations Oil and Gas Boiler Repairs Central Heating installations Gas Work & Maintenance Ground & Air Source Heat Pumps Solar Thermal Panels Underfloor Heating Power Flushing

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70 Mendip Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 5EF

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CARPENTRY

Work undertaken from alterations to commissions ■ 40 years experience ■

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ANSWER 541072

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Money Matters

STEVENS RECYCLING

with Roger Downes of Andorran

Domestic and Industrial Skips

ATTENTION! Let us lighten your load! Stevens Recycling

Ham Villa Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6NB

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AT GREAT stevensrecycling584@gmail.com PRICES 01242 522647/529397

This year’s Budget There was a time when the Chancellor opened his red box to present his March Budget and produced a series of measures that would come in overnight or a few weeks later at the end of the tax year. We all rushed off to fill up with petrol, buy our cigarettes or drown our sorrows in the pub before the prices went up. Not any more. Many of the far-reaching tax changes that came in this month were announced a year ago. That’s much better in many ways as it gives us time to plan for them and get used to the idea. But it’s not so much fun is it? It’s rather like knowing what your Christmas presents are – it takes away the fun of unwrapping.

A few giveaways that will benefit large numbers of the population

info@blackandwhiteplumbing.com

www.blackandwhiteplumbing.com

13 Nine Elms Road, Longlevens, Gloucester GL2 0HB

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So what gems did Mr Osborne have for us? Well, apart from not raising the price of alcohol and fuel, he did manage a few giveaways that will benefit large numbers of the population and others that will be welcomed by those running their own business. The personal allowance (the amount you can be paid before you start paying tax) continues to rise at a rate well above inflation. The rate of capital gains tax you pay when you sell assets that you own has been reduced from 28% to 20%. It won’t benefit everyone but it’s a definite plus for those who are affected. A new lifetime ISA has been introduced, with the government offering a 25% bonus to participants, as well as giving them the usual tax breaks associated with saving via ISA’s. The amount you can put into an ISA has been increased by over 30% to £20,000 a year from next April. For small businesses, one of the most positive moves was the removal from business rates on any property with a rateable value of less than £12,000 and tapered relief for those between that threshold and £15,000. Not everyone will benefit from all his measures, but unlike his 2015 offering, which contained a string of nasty announcements, there was a lot more to like about this year’s Budget.

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Page 33

Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK

The Spa-Kling Pool Company 18-19

Corner Cupboard The Old Rectory

5 4

WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Shipton Golf Course EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Handsam Boat Company The Bird & Deer Park

15 15 17

HEALTH & BEAUTY Cirencester Dental Practice

PROPERTY Campden Cottages Norton Park Park Home Life Richmond Villages

20 8 6 7

RETAIL Assured Mobility

HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS Cotswold Bathroom Solutions Lifestyle Bathrooms Severn Vale Bathrooms BUILDING SERVICES Best Roofing Glos Build Home Care Roofing & Building Marshalls Driveways R. Richards & Son CARPENTRY 2H Carpentry & Joinery Three Piece Joinery CLEANING SERVICES Barden Clean Ecoclean FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Bella’s Interiors

31 24 31 24 2 26 24 26 32 28 28 30 28

HEATING & PLUMBING Black & White Plumbing PBT Installations Seasoned Hardwood Logs GARDENING SERVICES DW Tree Services Handylink Mark Clifford Landscapes KITCHENS Cotswold Kitchen Solutions Hatherley Worktops WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows

33 32 32 26 26 26 31 28

Samaritans MOTOR SERVICES Warners Cars PET SERVICES Felines & Friends SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Stevens Recycling

34 22 6 33

If you don’t see the goods or services you provide listed here – take advantage and

BE THE FIRST!

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust 35 Cotswold Friends 16 Diva Care 6 Glos County Council Fostering 9 Lifelink 6

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COMPETITION WINNERS

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1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their Thank you to all who took part families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first in our April 2016 competition correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will and congratulations to the win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by winner! TLA Getaway – £500 telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s Holiday Gift Card – Debbie Lee decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless stated. 7 of Abbeydale.

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 – Friday 13th May 2016

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