Forest of Dean by The Local Answer

The Local

ANSWER

SEPTEMBER 2016

200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

f o r l o ca l p e o p l e

FOREST OF DEAN NEW THIS MONTH: FANTASTIC HOLIDAYS & COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The Local

ANSWER

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

Chris Raymond Sales Director

01242 541079 chris@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Editorial & Production Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Helen Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

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

Accounts Kerry Fell accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Managing Director Dave Kingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk

1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS

01242 510500 thelocalanswer

@thelocalanswer

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

Welcome to September ... Although the kids are heading back to school this month, that doesn’t mean summer is over! September is a great time to get out and about in the countryside, especially as delicious blackberries will be bursting into season. We have two Delicious Dishes for you to try this month so why not work up an appetite and go for a walk to pick your own ingredients fresh on the day? There’s also the fantastic annual Newent Onion Fayre to enjoy, as well as the opportunity to meet and pet the animals at The Bird & Deer Park, and view a great variety of theatre shows. The Local Answer have partnered with Newmarket Travel to bring you an amazing selection of holidays and trips, making booking your breaks simple and stress-free. This month we’ve launched with a bang – there’s festive experiences, concerts, coach and rail breaks, cruises, air holidays and even trips to Disneyland® Paris! Whether you’re looking for a last minute getaway, fancy a trip away at Christmas or are already planning next year’s holiday, we hope you enjoy the great selection we’ve presented. You can check out more holidays online at www.newmarket.travel/laa

Inside this month ... Cocktail Time 4 Wild Food Foraging 4 Delicious Dish 5 Writers Required 5 Wildlife Matters 7 Community Support 9 What’s On 11 Sudoku 14 TLA Travel 15-25 Holidays & Travel 21 Homes & Gardens 27 In the Garden 29 Interior Design 30 Quick Crossword 31 Word Search 32 Index, Competitions, Solutions 34 Page 3

Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott

Wild Food Foraging with Steven Hawley

Hazelnuts Sex on the Beach If you’re thinking of planning a last-minute holiday for September, this popular drink is sure to get you in the mood – and it would be rude not to have a few cheeky cocktails while you plan! The most well-known claim to the invention of Sex on the Beach dates back to the autumn of 1987 in Florida, USA. A new drink – peach schnapps – had just started to be distributed and, with thousands of tourists expected to visit for the spring holiday, the distributor created a contest to popularise the new beverage. The bar that sold the most peach schnapps would receive a bonus of $1000 and the bartender responsible for the highest sales would receive $100. Ted, a young bartender at Confetti’s Bar, mixed peach schnapps with vodka, orange juice and grenadine, and was soon asked what the cocktail was called. He immediately thought of the main reason why people came to Florida for their spring break – the beach and sex! “Sex on the Beach!” he replied. As the drink became more and more popular, thousands of students returned home and requested the cocktail at their local bar. The bartenders didn’t know how to make the drink, as they had never heard of it, so they asked around and this led to the multiple variations of the drink. Ingredients: Ice; 50ml vodka; 25ml peach schnapps; 50ml orange juice; 25ml grenadine. Method: 1 Add ice, vodka and peach schnapps to a highball glass. 2 Top up with orange juice and drizzle grenadine to create a ‘sunset’ appearance.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? For a non-alcoholic alternative, mix 50ml cranberry juice, 50ml grapefruit juice and 25ml peach nectar. Garnish with an orange slice. Page 4

Bertram the Badger is an annual visitor to my back garden, and for good reason. Reaching over my back fence are the branches of the Hazel tree and it’s about this time of year that it starts to shed its fruit. This makes spending autumn afternoons in the garden a risky affair, as they have been known to leave small bruises if dislodged by a particularly strong gust of wind. Bertram, however, can’t get enough of this nutritional nutty nourishment. When the hazelnuts first start to fall, my wife and I make sure that one of the fence panels sits slightly ajar, allowing Bertram access during the night to get his fill. But since there are so many falling every day, it would be remiss of us not to grab a few for ourselves.

Leaves are oval and have toothy edges Hazel trees are usually found growing next to a water source or round the edges of agricultural fields where water run off might collect in drainage ditches. The tree has multiple stems, which grow tall, unusually straight and are often used to make thumb sticks to aid ramblers in their excursions. The leaves are oval and have toothy edges. Grab a couple of handfuls of hazelnuts from the ground, but check them over for small holes – as the Filbert Weevil also considers these little nuts a tasty morsel – and store them in a container in a cool dark place for a couple of months to allow them to mature.

Great for topping trifles or finely ground and sprinkled over a hot chocolate By the end of the year you should have a nice little natural treat to enjoy. Roughly chopped, they’re great for topping trifles, or finely ground they can add a nutty twist if sprinkled over a frothy hot chocolate. If you’re not 100% sure that the plant you’re picking is safe for human consumption, don’t pick it. If you’re prone to food allergies, or pregnant, always seek medical advice before consuming anything foraged in the wild.

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The Local Answer

Delicious Dish with Helen Kingscott

Blackberry Bonanza! September is a great time to go blackberry picking with the family. Take advantage of and explore our wonderful countryside whilst collecting some fresh ingredients to make these delicious recipes!

Blackberry Coulis Ingredients: 250g blackberries; 50g golden caster sugar; 100ml water; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Method: 1 Put the blackberries, sugar and water into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 5 minutes until the

fruit is soft. Stir in the vanilla, remove from the heat and cool a little. 2 Tip the mixture into a blender and puree, then strain through a sieve, rubbing it through with a spoon. 3 Serve warm or chilled. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Blackberry and clotted cream shortcake Ingredients: For the cake: 300g self raising flour; 1tsp baking powder; pinch of salt; 140g butter, chilled and cut into small pieces; 100g golden caster sugar; 75ml buttermilk; 1 egg, beaten. For the filling: 500g blackberries; 3tbsp golden caster sugar; 275g pot clotted cream; icing sugar, to serve.

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ANSWER

Method: 1 Heat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan/gas mark 5). 2 Tip the flour, baking powder and salt into a mixing bowl. Add the butter and rub everything together with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. 3 Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture, then tip in the buttermilk and egg. Gently work the mixture together until it forms a soft, sticky dough. 4 On a lightly floured surface, knead the mixture for a few minutes, then mould it into an 18cm round and put on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and risen and a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the middle. Leave to cool. 5 Lightly mash the blackberries with the sugar. Slice the shortcake in half and spread the bottom layer with clotted cream. Spoon the berries over the cream, then top with the second shortcake layer. Dust with icing sugar and serve in slices.

W rit e rs re qu i red

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

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The Local Answer

Wildlife Matters

with Jenny Stevens of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust

Listen out for the chirruping cricket brown colouration means it’s not the prettiest of the hopping community, but what it lacks in looks, it makes up for in song!

A genetic mutation makes them quite a spectacle

Be you in fields, woodland or gardens, the irregular ‘chirp chirp’ can be heard right through days and into nights, with the culprit very close by.

What it lacks in looks, it makes up for in song However, if we’re being picky, Walt got Jiminy a bit wrong. Crickets have far longer legs and antennae than grasshoppers. But would a gangly Jiminy have been quite so cute? More often than not, it is the dark bush cricket you can hear here, there and everywhere. Common in Southern England and Wales, its dull

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at the Neu Lindsey reserve near Nailsworth.

Its buzz sounds like overhead electricity cables Then there’s the Roesel’s bush cricket – a species that has spread from it’s stronghold in the South-East with our changing climate. Its penetrating buzz sounds like overhead electricity cables. No less impressive than the other bushcrickets, it has a distinctive yellow margin around the saddle (pronotum), behind its eyes. So this September, check out your garden, park, green space or nature reserve and keep an eye (and ear) out for all things that hop and chirp. You may just find something otherworldly.

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On the other end of the spectrum, the orthoptera (that’s something in the grasshopper or cricket family) making the news more regularly is a rather more colourful specimen. Along with two other grasshopper species, the field grasshopper – a usually inconspicuous insect – has a tendency to succumb to a genetic mutation, leaving it bright pink in colour. They are quite a spectacle for the finder, so it’s no wonder they’ve made the headlines. Unfortunately, these bright pink lovelies don’t tend to last long. Being so indiscreet, they are easy prey for predators and are usually gobbled up quick-smart. So be sure to take a photo should you spot one! Something a lot less common, but iconic in the county, is the great green bush cricket. This giant of the insect world can reach lengths of 7cm, making it the largest of our bush crickets. And it spends its time in trees and on grassland. In contrast to the dark bush cricket, their song is loud and long, being likened to the noise of a sewing machine. Search out this camouflaged creature © M Foley

I don’t like crickets. I love them. With sightings of bright and colourful alien-esque creatures popping up in the county, I thought I’d shed some light on these much overlooked insects. Throughout summer and heading into autumn, the calls and noises of crickets and grasshoppers are familiar sounds. Echoing the muchloved character of conscience in Disney’s Pinnochio, you may feel that, at this time of year, there is constantly a cricket chirruping on your shoulder. And you’re not far off.

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C o m m u n it y Su ppo rt

Is your charity or not-forprofit organisation in need of financial support? Do you know businesses that may benefit from advertising in the county’s biggest publication? If your answer to both questions is ‘yes’ then we may have ...

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ANSWER Find out how our new Community Support initiative could help your charity or not-for-profit organisation ... Call me – Chris Raymond – on 01242 541079 or email chris@thelocalanswer.co.uk

What’s On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors. We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit. EVERY WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY TAI CHI Classes starting in September at Upton St. Leonards Village Hall Annex. £5 per class. Wednesdays – 8pm to 9pm. Thursdays – 9.30am to 10.30am. Beginners and returners welcome. Contact Toni on 01452 611174 or email taichitoni65@yahoo.com. EVERY THURSDAY & SATURDAY

COME AND PLAY FOR BROCKWORTH ALBION ALL WELCOME – both girls and boys. Chartered standard club, qualified coaches, both league and friendly matches. Meet new friends and play regular football. Contact Gary via email: gnorris@glos.ac.uk or 01452 551789. We would love to see players from all age groups. Look forward to meeting you at Brockworth. Please call or email if you have any questions. EVERY THURSDAY & SUNDAY ST PETER’S WINCHCOMBE CHURCH CHOIR 45-strong ‘family’ Choir aged 7 upwards, now recruiting. Thursday practices, Sunday services. Fun, healthy, uplifting! Choir pay for junior members. Interested? Contact highly qualified and experienced Director Fiona Brown: 01242 576069 or email music@winchcombeparish.org.uk

9 JULY – 10 SEPTEMBER CELEBRITY DUSTY DUCK TRAIL Discover our new Celebrity Dusty Duck trail landing at Slimbridge this summer to celebrate our 70th anniversary. Dusty and his friends all form part of a specially created new trail, which takes you across the whole of the stunning grounds at Slimbridge. 9.30am to 5.30pm. Price included in admission. 01453 891900. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 1 SEPTEMBER THE DEEP BLUE SEA

When Hester Collyer is found in the aftermath of a failed suicide attempt, the story of her tempestuous affair with a former RAF pilot and the breakdown of her marriage begins to emerge. With it comes a portrait of need, loneliness and long-repressed passion. Behind the fragile veneer of post-war civility burns a brutal sense of loss and longing. 7pm. £16.50 (students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk.

3 SEPTEMBER ASHLEWORTH VILLAGE SHOW Celebrate our 50th Show with us! Fun afternoon for all! Sheepdog display, ferret racing, falconry, tug of war, circus skills, children’s fancy dress, produce marquee, craft stalls, tea tent, Pimm’s stand, bar, barbecue, live music and much more. 25pm. Entry £2 adults, £1 children. At GL19 4JS. For info call 01452 700098 or visit ashleworth.btck.co.uk/AshleworthVillageShow 7 SEPTEMBER CHELTENHAM CRICKET SOCIETY Cheltenham Cricket Society meets 1st Wednesday of each month September to May at the Victory Club. Speakers include John Emburey, Geoff Miller, Steve Kirby and Richard Dawson. New members and guests welcome. Contact Malcolm Brown – mb3456@blueyonder.co.uk. Visit www.cheltcs.councilcricketsocieties.com 9 SEPTEMBER THE TAMING OF THE SHREW To celebrate 25 wonderful years of the Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School opens its doors for a public performance of The Taming of the Shrew. England. 1918. A generation of men obliterated by the futility of war. Shakespeare’s battle of wits set against the devastating backdrop of a country in mourning, as Katherina and Bianca are forced to consider their worth in terms of their marital eligibility. A haunting adaptation of the familiar play. 7.30pm. Entrance by ticket only – free of charge. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk.

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10 SEPTEMBER NEWENT ONION FAYRE

Live music, food festival, dog show, over 150 stalls and the only show in the country dedicated to the onion family! Gloucestershire’s largest free one day event. 10am-5pm. For more details including how to get here, visit www.newentonionfayre.net 11 SEPTEMBER

WEDDING FAYRE Meet our wedding planners and a range of suppliers who will be happy to discuss any aspect of your special day. 11am to 3pm. Cheltenham Park Hotel, Cirencester Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL53 8EA. Visit cheltenhampark-hotel.co.uk or call 01242 229293 for more details. 15-18 SEPTEMBER THE KING AND I Promenade Productions transport you to an exotic land with this much loved musical. The large and dedicated cast of local thespians, accompanied by a full orchestra, invite you to join them at the court of the King of Siam. The score includes such evergreens as ‘I Whistle a Happy Tune’, ‘Shall We Dance?’ and ‘Hello Young Lovers’. 7.30pm (2.30pm matinees – Sat and Sun). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. Tickets £12-£16 from Showcase – 01242 224144. 17 SEPTEMBER FRIENDS UKENITED & CHILDREN’S UKULELE GROUP Good entertainment, refreshments and raffle. In aid of The Smiles Foundation of Romania. 7pm. Adults £4.50 (£5 on door).

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Tickets from Kings Coffee Shop and Mary Jones – 01242 511269. Charlton Kings Baptist Church Hall, Cheltenham. 17 SEPTEMBER – 6 NOVEMBER GIANT LEGO TRAIL Our awesome LEGO® brick models, which include a giant otter and a huge twelvetimes life size dragonfly form a wild adventure trail for kids to inspire them to build a better future for nature! Visitors will be able to enjoy the trail of eleven individually-designed 1.5m LEGO brick animals, some inspired by real species at Slimbridge. Included in normal admission. 01453 891900. WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Glos GL2 7BT. 20 SEPTEMBER – 2 OCTOBER COTSWOLD ART CLUB EXHIBITION Open 10am-5pm daily (Sundays 10am4pm). Brewery Arts, Cirencester. Affordable art for sale. Admission: FREE. 22 SEPTEMBER CONNECT BUSINESS DAY #CCBIZ All local business people are warmly invited to the sixth Connect Business – a free conference and exhibition organised by community group Cheltenham Connect to encourage local networking and sourcing. 10am-3pm. The Pavilion, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham GL51 6PN. Free to attend – book online at www.connectbusiness.org.uk THE THREEPENNY OPERA Mack the Knife is back in town. A darkly comic new take on Brecht and Weill’s raucous musical broadcast live from the stage of the National Theatre. London scrubs up for the coronation. The thieves are on the make, the whores on the pull, the police cutting deals to keep it all out of sight. Mr and Mrs Peachum are looking forward to a bumper day in the beggary business, but their daughter didn’t come home last night and it’s all about to kick off. Contains scenes of a sexual nature, violence and filthy language. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk. 24 SEPTEMBER THE MESSAGE IN THE MUSIC An evening of great music, laughter and entertainment. Josephine Enright comperes an evening of peace, love and hope. With music supplied by the Legendary Brinsley Forde OBE, supported by The King Solomon Band, UK Gospel singer Philippa Hanna, UK Hip Hop Star Jelz Music, Out of The Ashes, Valerie Maxfield and special guest performances. A charity event with all profits going towards local community projects within the county. 5.30-11pm. £25 (£22). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. www.bacontheatre.co.uk.

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28 SEPTEMBER CYMBELINE

Cymbeline is a ruler of a divided Britain. When Innogen, the only living heir, marries her sweetheart in secret, an enraged Cymbeline banishes him. But a powerful figure behind the throne is plotting to seize power and murder them both. Innogen embarks on a dangerous journey that will reunite Cymbeline with a lost heir and reconcile the young lovers. A story of power, sexuality and identity. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 30TH SEPTEMBER MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING Ashlea Financial Planning is taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Support this vital charity in exchange for delicious cakes and fresh coffee. All welcome. 81 Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EG. 100am–12pm. 01242 245149. 7 OCTOBER LIFTING THE BLUES: BEN WATERS AND VERY SPECIAL GUESTS Ben Waters is one of Jools Holland’s top ten favourite pianists of all time and has performed with Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones and Mick Hucknall. After last year’s sell out gig, Ben returns with more very special guests including Eugene Hideaway Bridges (Tina Turner’s cousin!) and Patsy Gamble, with others to be announced soon. 7.30pm. £27. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 9 OCTOBER VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET: SNOW WHITE

A beautiful girl journeys through the magical world of an enchanted mirror, eats a poisoned apple and encounters hiphopping dwarves all to find her Prince Charming. This spellbinding treat will dazzle the whole family. 5pm. £19 (£18, children £14). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

The Local Answer

Saturday 10th September 2016

Onion Show

The only show in the country dedicated to the onion family – get ready for some quality Alliums!

Live Music

Opens 10am-5pm

Queen II, Roving Crows, Foreign Affairs, Jack of All, plus much more!

Sponsored by:

Taste your way around the festival and watch live cookery demonstrations!

Now in our 21st year!

Food Festival

Over 150 Stalls

Stroll through the streets and you’ll find what you’re looking for!

Fairground Rides There’s a ride for everyone!

Dog Show

Now in its 8th year, see if your dog wins the waggiest tail!

Onion Eating Competition

GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S LARGEST FREE ONE DAY EVENT Held by Royal Charter, in celebration of the Noble Onion

respect Please idents s local re the an d u s e ar c official k r a p s

How to get here:

From Gloucester: West on A40, turn onto B4215. From Ross: M50 junction 3, then B4221. From Ledbury/Hereford/Leominster: Follow B4215 South. Satnav GL18 1QA: Follow signs to car parks. Cars: £4 (includes programme). Coaches: £15. Regular bus services from Ross, Ledbury and Gloucester.

www.newentonionfayre.net

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

Come and see, feed and stroke our beautiful fallow deer, our wonderful collections of peacocks, waterfowl, pheasants and the amusing pygmy goats ... all very tame and will feed from your hand!

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Introducing TLA Travel

The Local Answer Magazine works as a great reference tool for services and products, helping to answer those questions that occupy our minds on a daily basis – from “who can fit my kitchen?” to “who provides elderly care in the local area?” It also encourages us to think about how we use our free time and what activities are available for us to enjoy with friends and family. Travel has become very important – not just the once a year family holiday in the summer, but short breaks all year round ranging from theatre trips in London to cruises along the Rhine. But in a world of information overload, how do we ensure we get exactly what we want quickly and reliably? In response to our readers’ requests, The Local Answer have partnered with Newmarket Travel – one of the largest independent tour operators in the UK – to make it easier for you to find the break or holiday you are looking for. Newmarket have a fantastic reputation, with an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 92% on ‘reevoo’, which has given us the confidence to promote their holidays to our readers. We want you to have a stress

92%

of customers would book again with Newmarket Holidays

free booking experience, talking to outstanding holiday specialists who will give you peace of mind in every aspect and during every stage of your break. ‘The Local Answer Travel’ acts as a portal to that service. Simply type www.newmarket.travel/laa into your web browser and select from the huge range of holidays and short breaks on offer. If you choose to book over the phone, don’t forget to mention our reference code ‘LAA’ and always provide the specific travel code when prompted – e.g. laa12345. We have launched with a bang – a major splash across many pages of this month’s magazine. Future issues will feature our top picks that are highly recommended by previous customers and offer great value for money. Holidays advertised will also be tailored to those you favour most through your activity on the website, helping us respond to your requirements. The Local Answer team is always trying to improve the variety of content presented to readers. We hope you find this latest addition – TLA Travel – both interesting and useful.

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2013

2014

2015

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Air Holidays & Breaks • Coach & Rail Breaks Theatre, Sports & Events • Family Fun Breaks Cruising • Rock, Pop & Live Entertainment

Making Christmas magical for you! If you are wanting to make things especially magical this Christmas, why not let The Local Answer Travel help steer you in the right direction. We have selected a wide range of festive experiences that we think are perfect for our readers to enjoy either on their own, with family or with friends. Popular Christmas Fayres and Markets both in the UK and abroad. Enjoy Festive Breaks like Chatsworth House or be a bit more adventurous and visit the Black Forest. The Algarve, Iceland or Austria are great destinations to spend Christmas abroad. Get ahead of yourself this Christmas, seize the opportunity and book your festive break now at:

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Berlin Christmas Markets 4 days from £399pp Flying direct from Birmingham & Bristol on 24, 27, 30 Nov, 3, 6, 9, 12 & 15 Dec 2016 More flights available from other UK airports.

Visit Berlin, the vibrant German capital where some 50 Christmas markets offer traditional festive wares, seasonal delicacies and unusual Christmas goods.

Tour highlights

A guided city tour time to explore Berlin and the Berlin Free Christmas Markets

services of a friendly, experienced Tour The Manager

nights’ three-star bed and continental Three breakfast hotel accommodation, return flights and transfers For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa11812 These holidays are organised and operated by Newmarket Air Holidays Ltd. ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. Subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Standard phone charges.

For more information or to book call

QUOTE

0330 160 7938 LAA Lapland Santa Day Break

Travel

Adults from £479pp, Children (2-15) from £469pp Flying direct from East Midlands on 20 Dec & Birmingham 23 Dec More dates/flights available from other UK airports.

Fly to the snow clad wilderness way above the Arctic Circle, meet the ‘real’ Santa Claus and experience a day full of laughter, fun and precious memories.

‘Search for Santa’ experience Private meeting with Santa A Token gift for every child sleigh ride, Husky dog experience, a Reindeer snowmobile ride, tobogganing, ‘snowballing’

Tour highlights

and snowman-making Two-course Lappish lunch Return flights to Pajala in Lapland For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa18262

£50 Christmas in Iceland Book by end Low deposits

September

5 days from £999pp

Flying direct from Luton, Heathrow & Manchester on 23 Dec 2016 More flights available from other UK airports.

Celebrate the season by enjoying winter-warming magic in the Land of Fire, Ice, and not one, but 13 ‘Santas’. chance to enjoy Reykjavík’s unique Yuletide The celebrations on St Thorlakur’s Day

Tour highlights

Day excursion out of the city in Christmas search of the fabled Aurora Borealis

Christmas Eve special buffet dinner Three-course Christmas Dinner Services of a friendly, experienced Tour Manager nights’ three-star bed and breakfast hotel Four accommodation, return flights and transfers For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa19534

For details of the above and many more fabulous holidays and trips visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa

The Local

ANSWER

Air Holidays & Breaks • Coach & Rail Breaks Theatre, Sports & Events • Family Fun Breaks Cruising • Rock, Pop & Live Entertainment

Rock, pop & live shows Andrea Bocelli London 1 October 2016 2-day, 1 night From £195pp LAA19518

Andre Rieu Nottingham 17 Dec 2016 2-day, 1 night From £195pp LAA18184

A ticket for the show, a bed for the night, comfortable travel arrangements and the assurance that when you choose TLA Travel you’re in the hands of Newmarket – one of the UK’s most reputable tour operators – who over the years have taken tens of thousands of fans, by coach, rail and air, to hundreds and hundreds of concerts, special events and top-class performances from some of the world’s most celebrated artistes.

www.newmarket.travel/laa

Daniel O’Donnell’s Christmas Show 3 days from £419 Flying direct from Birmingham & Bristol on 9 Dec 2016 More flights available from other UK airports.

Enjoy a fantastic festive show and a great party atmosphere in the intimate Dublin Convention Centre, as Daniel and his Band perform classic hit songs and festive favourites. top-price ticket for Daniel’s Christmas Show at the ADublin Convention Centre

Tour highlights

Central Dublin visit to include short guided tour opportunity to spend some time Christmas shopping The and exploring Ireland’s capital city nights’ bed and Irish breakfast in a good-quality Two hotel in the Dublin area

Return flights from your local airport to Dublin airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-venue coach Return transfers

The services of a friendly Tour Manager www.newmarket.travel/laa16854 These holidays are organised and operated by Newmarket Air Holidays Ltd. ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. Subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Standard phone charges.

For more information or to book call

QUOTE

0330 160 7938 LAA

Travel

©Disney

Family Fun Breaks

Join Mickey and his pals and discover all the magic and enchanting wonder of Disneyland® Paris. Travel by air, coach, car or Eurostar direct rail link and choose from multiple departure dates and special breaks throughout the year. Enjoy some never-to-be-forgotten moments with all the family in this land of fun and laughter.

Disney® School’s Out Breaks 3-day Coach Holiday – October 2016 – LAA11574 Adults from £199pp Children (3-11) from £149pp

©Disney

www.newmarket.travel/laa

Disney’s® Magical Fireworks and Bonfire 3-day Coach Holiday – November 2016 – LAA11582 Adults from £169pp Children (3-11) from £119pp 4-day Eurostar Break – November 2016 – LAA11586 Adults from £329pp Children (3-11) from £190pp 3-day Coach Holiday – December 2016 – LAA11600 Adults from £219pp Children (3-11) from £159pp

For details of the above and many more fabulous holidays and trips visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa

©Disney

New Year at Disneyland® Paris

The Local

For more information or to book call

QUOTE

ANSWER 0330 160 7938 LAA

Coach & Rail Breaks

Travel

If it’s an affordable short break away you are looking for this Autumn, then have a browse through the coach and rail breaks selected by The Local Answer Travel for our readers. Our wide range of breaks cover all parts of the UK and Continental Europe, giving you the time to sit back and relax while you are transported to scenic wonders on both sides of the border. These trips are hugely popular for those people wanting short theatre breaks in London or longer excursions over to Paris and beyond. Nature lovers won’t be disappointed with our featured three day trip to the English Lakes, which includes a breath-taking cruise on Lake Windermere. Whether you are looking for shopping, relaxing, entertainment, accommodation or just to be waited on for a change, why not let TLA Travel and Newmarket take the stress out of your planning – visit:

www.newmarket.travel/laa

Autumn Gold in the English Lakes 3 days from £179pp 21 October 2016 & 6 October 2017 From the historic streets of Chester to the awesome beauty of the Lakes clothed in their autumnal splendour, there really is something for everyone on this weekend break.

What the price includes

Coach travel throughout nights’ dinner, bed and English breakfast in aTwo hotel in the Manchester/Liverpool area

Tour of the Peak District Full-day tour of the Lake District Trip on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway Cruise on Lake Windermere Visit to Chester Services of a friendly experienced tour manager

For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa11510

For more holidays and trips visit www.newmarket.travel/laa These holidays are organised and operated by Newmarket Air Holidays Ltd. ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. Subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Standard phone charges.

Holidays & Travel with Al Hidden

Relaxin’ Barbados Did you blink and miss summer? Worry not! If you’re up for some lateyear sun, try Cyprus or Sicily – who knows, you might meet a gorgeous local called Alessandro, Antonio or Anastasia too … Alternatively, for serious sun and relaxin’, there’s Barbados.

Other excursions include Oistins’ famous fish fries or fine dining at The Cliff Restaurant south of Speightstown. If a food and relaxation theme is emerging, it’s because both are unavoidable. Island life is so chilled and the food, at all price levels, is wonderful. Try self-catering too, with

Marvel at North Point’s cliffs In the morning, take a chauffeurdriven tour and be amazed how reasonably priced (and relaxing) a few hours in an air-conditioned Mercedes is. Head north through Friendship, pass sugarcane fields, then marvel at North Point’s cliffs where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean. After following the coast through Walkers Beach and intriguingly-named Cattlewash, lunch at The Bay Tavern, St Martin’s Bay. Snapper is their thing, with the island’s best macaroni pie and local Banks Beer. It’s authentic food served simply – and it’s delicious.

Repeat often Travel independently or bag a deal from specialists such as Blue Bay Travel or your local travel consultant. Then look forward to chillin’ at the Sugar Cane Club and Spa – your stylish ‘adults only’ resort on the west coast near Speightstown. Within hours of landing, you’re relaxing on the balcony of your luxury apartment or enjoying a massage in the spa. Next, sip rum and coconut, or a Mauby, by the pool and contemplate supper in La Salsa restaurant or the authentic Barbadian rum shop.

flying fish, cou cou and salt bread from Jordan’s Supermarket, a Speightstown landmark – and local soca star Rupee on the radio. Or meet locals at The Fisherman’s Pub (‘Get Hooked on Us!’) while enjoying the caress of a Carribbean breeze.

Now repeat as often as possible for the duration of your stay. By the time you fly home you’ll be feeling the most relaxed you have for years. That’s Barbados for you. For a little island in the sun, there sure is lots to eat and do (or not do)! Need a break? Try relaxin’ Barbados!

Luxury, relaxation and seclusion The Sugar Cane Club offers luxury, relaxation and seclusion. It’s also close to local beaches and fascinating historic neighbourhoods. Did we say beaches? The Almond Beach Resorts’ pristine sands are just a short walk – or a shorter minibus ride – away.

Sadly you can’t book an ‘Al Hidden Holiday’ with The Local Answer, but hopefully you’ll be inspired to travel!

The Local

ANSWER

Air Holidays & Breaks • Coach & Rail Breaks Theatre, Sports & Events • Family Fun Breaks Cruising • Rock, Pop & Live Entertainment

Just float away Imagine the comfort of a luxury hotel combined with the adventure of visiting many exciting, new destinations – what more could you ask for in a holiday? With over 20 million people booking a cruise every year, it’s easy to see how this industry has changed dramatically over the last 15 years. If you’ve never been on a cruise, this fantastic, unforgettable experience should be on your bucket list as a ‘must do soon’. Newmarket have cruises to suit every person, from the ‘cruise virgin’ to the ‘seasoned cruiser’ – from short 4 day party cruises to months travelling the world on your own voyage of discovery. This has to be one of the most relaxing and comfortable ways you can spend quality time with your family or friends.

www.newmarket.travel/laa

Christmas Markets Party Cruise 1st person NOW from £259, 2nd person NOW from £129* Prices include savings if booked before 31 October 2016 – offer subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.

Departing from Bristol on 18 Dec 2016 More flights available from other UK airports.

*FIRST PASSENGER SAVES 25%

Discover the Irish capital and head into the historic port-city of Cork on this festive mini-cruise from Bristol. Taste life on board the elegant Marco Polo – the perfect start to your Yuletide celebrations.

& 2nd PASSENGER HALF PRICE Tour highlights

Three nights’ in your choice of cabin Full board including breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and midnight snacks On-board entertainment Calls at Dublin and Cork Friendly, professional crew and cruise staff

For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa19202

Organised and operated by Newmarket Promotions Ltd. ABTA V7812 (registered in England no 1708566). ATOL protected 2325. Subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Travel insurance not included.

For more information or to book call

QUOTE

0330 160 7938 LAA Rhine & Black Forest Cruise

Travel

From £529pp Departing from your chosen pick up point on 26 October 2016 Join Olympia as she sails south from Andernach and through the fabled Rhine Gorge. See Strasbourg, tour the stunning Black Forest and visit Freiburg, Heidelberg, Strasbourg and Baden-Baden.

Tour highlights

Return coach travel from Gloucester Five nights’ full board accommodation Cruise through Rhine Gorge and Middle Rhine Tour of the Black Forest and its capital Freiburg On board English commentary entertainment including a welcome On-board cocktail party and a Captain’s Farewell Dinner

Friendly, professional crew and cruise manager For full itinerary or to book visit www.newmarket.travel/laa16494

Grand Round the World Cruise 121-day Ocean Cruise from £7,999pp* Price includes saving – offer may be withdrawn at any time.

Departing from London Tilbury on 5 Jan 2017

SAVE UP TO 40% pp

Take the trip of a lifetime on Magellan’s maiden world cruise. Leave behind the British winter and embark on a 121-day dream holiday that will take you across oceans to historic cities and idyllic islands. On your way, discover hidden treasures, balmy days and enchanted evenings.

+ FREE CABIN UPGRADE 120 nights’ accommodation in your choice of cabin

when you book by 31st October 2016

Tour highlights

arrangements including full Full-board breakfast, luncheon, dinner, afternoon tea and

On-board entertainment as arranged Calls at ports as detailed in the itinerary professional crew and cruise manager Friendly, For full itinerary or to book visit www.newmarket.travel/laa19158 midnight snacks

For details of the above and many more fabulous holidays and trips visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa

The Local

ANSWER

Air Holidays & Breaks • Coach & Rail Breaks Theatre, Sports & Events • Family Fun Breaks Cruising • Rock, Pop & Live Entertainment

Air travel for sun, sites and wonderful scenery all year round Fly to a vast range of destinations, often from your local airport. From short breaks in exciting cities at home or abroad, to explorations of some of the most fascinating corners of our natural world – they are all just a click away.

www.newmarket.travel/laa

The Italian Lakes 8 days from £829pp Flying direct from Birmingham Oct 2016 – Oct 2017 Dates and flights from many airports availabe throughout 2017.

Discover some of the world’s most alluring and contrasting lakes and mountain scenery on this two-centre touring holiday. The tour begins with a four-night stay on beautiful Lake Maggiore, followed by three nights at Lake Garda. a guided tour of Maggiore and the Enjoy beautiful Borromean Islands

Tour highlights

Spend a day exploring Lake Como sits on Garda’s sun-kissed southern Sirmione shore

Enjoy a full-day tour of glorious Lake Garda escorted by a friendly, experienced tour Fully manager

nights’ carefully chosen dinner, bed and Seven breakfast accommodation, return flights and transfers For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa17142 These holidays are organised and operated by Newmarket Air Holidays Ltd. ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. Subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Standard phone charges.

For more information or to book call

QUOTE

0330 160 7938 LAA

Travel

Late deals – the greatest of bargains! How flexible are you – or should we say, how spontaneous are you? If you are in a position to take advantage of heavily discounted, last minute packages, then have a look at the deals on offer. Just choose one of the promoted destinations on display and then select which star rating you would like for your hotel – Newmarket will do the rest.

www.newmarket.travel/laa

Tuscany 8 days NOW from ONLY £399pp

Last minute price buster! Flying direct from Exeter on 28 September and Bournemouth on 5 October 2016 Don’t miss your chance to enjoy great late savings on normal prices on this very special offer. Enjoy a wonderful break in one of Tuscany’s most celebrated spa resorts, and perhaps join our optional excursion on an ‘Allocated on Arrival’ package where you simply select a ‘star-rating’ category and we choose a hotel for you.

Return flights from Bournemouth or Exeter to

What the price includes

Italy Return airport-to-hotel transfers Seven nights' half-board accommodation in a hotel within your chosen star-rating category The services of a Newmarket Tour Manager For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa18254

For details of the above and many more fabulous holidays and trips visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa

Homes & Gardens

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Page 27

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The Local Answer

In The Garden with Julia Smith

Autumn is coming September is often a lovely month and has the added appeal that the children are back at school! Sow salad crops for autumn and winter use. Things like Corn Salad, Land Cress and Winter Purslane can all be sown into open ground, although they will crop better if covered by a cloche or fleece as the weather gets colder. You can use the plastic containers that mushrooms come in, and keep them near the back door to snip at.

don’t cut into the old bald wood as it will not regenerate (in cases like this it is better to buy a new plant). Younger plants can do with a harder prune to keep them bushy.

Use a biological control against vine weevil grubs

Now is also a good time to use a biological control (nematodes) against vine weevil grubs – you know the little beasts that, as grubs, lie in wait in pots of cyclamen, primulas, begonias and other species and eat the roots away until the poor plant keels over. The adult weevils make unsightly notches on the leaves of plants such as rhododendrons, which Prune young lavender will not kill them, but look horrid. plants to keep them bushy The biological control is good to September is a good time to give use on potted plants, but is not so established lavender plants a clip – effective in the garden – depending on the type of soil. You can buy them from the garden centre or online, and from what I remember you have to send off for the little ‘critters’, as they don’t have a shelf life, and they get posted to you. Follow the instructions on the packet, mix up the microscopic nematode with water and drench the pots. Don’t let the compost dry out.

The Local Answer

Leave a passage for frogs and toads Cover small ponds with netting to keep the falling leaves out as the trees start to turn. I usually leave a passage through for toads, frogs and other creatures so they don’t get all caught up! Don’t forget to buy sweetpea seeds – you can plant them next month and they always do better planted in the autumn, as they get away quicker in the spring. A strange note to leave on, but if you want to avoid being one of the many people who visit the Accident and Emergency Department in the local hospital, do remember to put some sort of top onto bamboo canes. My sister uses empty snail shells, which actually looks rather decorative and perhaps serves as a warning to our slimey friends!

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 29

Interior Design with Caron Burrows

A desk for homework The end of summer means back to school for the school age children in our lives, marking the beginning of busy sports schedules, homework and school projects. Finding a place where the kids can study without being disturbed can be a challenge in itself, but a good desk will help homework become a task to look forward to. Here are a few simple ideas to help your young scholar on their way.

great wallpapers currently available.

Chalk-painted Chalk paint applied to an old table or desk will become a fun, functional and attractive piece of furniture. Used for writing notes and messages, this desk will soon become a favourite for any child or teenager.

Space saving solutions

A piece of wood fitted to the wall with hinges that easily flips down to The use of reclaimed wood and vintage become a desk and clips back against crates combine well to make a one-off the wall when not in use is a great desk. Old bins and wooden crates can space saving idea. A bed and desk find new life as functioning storage.

Reclaimed wood

solution is a popular and sensible choice, as the desk can easily be rolled away back under the bed when not in use. If you have an awkward corner to fill, consider having a desktop custom cut to fit the space. A corner can make a cosy spot for a desk.

Storage bin Sturdy metal or plastic storage bins fit neatly under any desk. This choice would work perfectly in a child’s room. Open bins beneath a desk are easier to access than closed drawers – just right for keeping stationery, paper and files close at hand.

Add colour and pattern Give an old desk or breakfast table a new lease of life with a few coats of glossy colour. If your child has the luxury of an entire room to themselves, consider using a larger table, as this will allow plenty of room to spread out and will keep the walls free for storage and seating. Let your young person go crazy with whatever decoration they fancy. Try a bit of decoupage – add pictures from comics, glossy magazines, newspapers or any of the

Page 30

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The Local Answer

Quick Crossword 1

ACROSS 1 4 7 8 9 12 15 17 18 21 22 23

Yacht race Submerged sandbank Dirtying Neckwear item Iguana or monitor Restate (position) Study the heavens Climbed Stage Not any place Mountain tops Walked in step

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 ?

DOWN 1 Rotates 2 Lacking principles 3 Most populous continent 4 Sinks in middle 5 Narcotic drugs 6 Foliage part 10 Await with horror 11 Lawn tools 13 Offered 14 Tropical disease 16 Textile, woven ... 18 Flesh of fruit 19 Concludes 20 Move through water

For details please telephone Chris on

The Local

Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.

01242

ANSWER 541079

Abbey Group, Units 23/24, Neptune Business Centre, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9FB

www.abbeybusinessequipment.com

The Abbey Business Lounge at Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium sponsored by Gloucestershire’s leading business solutions provider

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M J R J S E U U A F J K N F E R O L N N E E Y E

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R L E T Y G U I T E J W X F K X A B D K J Y B H

H T K T A T W E O J N G Z D O J J Q J E K K O S

E O O E N B B X E T U P Y R J R F T C R O S Y L

Y P R A D R R H G R R D N V E I P O K Y P T U Q

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Why n ot u s e t his s pa ce t o a dve rt i s e y o u r b u s i n e ss ? For details please get in touch ...

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01242

ANSWER 510500

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The Local Answer

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Index of Advertisers RECRUITMENT & TRAINING Klifestyles 14 MOTORING SERVICES 26 Court Farm Garage 6 PET SERVICES 6 31 Millpark Vets

WHAT’S ON

HOMES & GARDENS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Newent Onion Fayre The Bird & Deer Park

BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms 14 & 35 BUILDING SERVICES CB Home Improvements 27 Home Care Roofing & Building 27 Marshalls Driveways 27 R. Richards & Son 27 GARDENING SERVICES Handylink 11 Mincost 28 WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows 36 Cloudy 2 Clear 33

CARE SERVICES Barnwood Trust

13 14

HEALTH & BEAUTY Spa Vapes

PROPERTY Fury Park Home Estate Norton Park Sanctuary Group

10 8 2

RETAIL Vinyl Records

COMPUTER SERVICES Abbey Group

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS R

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M A

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M O U S E K H O Z Q N T E V G X M O H S Y K B P

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COMPETITION WINNERS Thank you to all who took part in our August 2016 competitions and congratulations to the winners! TLA Charity – Tiffany Caucutt of Cheltenham on behalf of New Start Cat Rescue.

M J R J S E U U A F J K N F E R O L N N E E Y E

L I Z A R D S L K R L P W J C L H T O A Q W Y E

R L E T Y G U I T E J W X F K X A B D K J Y B H

H T K T A T W E O J N G Z D O J J Q J E K K O S

E O O E N B B X E T U P Y R J R F T C R O S Y L

Y P R A D R R H G R R D N V E I P O K Y P T U Q

A E R S P T W T W A K O L H H P Q P A R R O T C

A A K U E Z B Y C B Z F T V A I G H U X H S W E

T M A N Y Q H A N B D U E B T A P T E D U Z C K

L M R S O A T P N I O N H P L Y S U O H M P E P

E N N K L D N C I T N A U N O F S J S S D X M T

B V S P G G O D J G V R A M O H Z S P I N V E C

H U A Y V S U S D H L W P F P Y V X E F M B S H

T C D P R E T S M A H O W I U X W M F D L H U I

A M H G K R Y P U H K X L T X G Z C U L K D M N

W M V I E P Y K A O J I B E P V H L F O S M Z C

I T L R D R C W E B B F N R K Q R E W G D J E H

Y S Z Z Y H I O N R E P L R Q L J I U T D C A I

V H Q I I G U G E F E C K E Q C T U M E A Y F L

X Y Q C E V J G A G V F T F R X M A B Q T O W L

T Y K T N Q I A H R R A M G A W Y A T H R Q G A

L E O V G U I N E A P I G Y T Q F Q F L N J N Q

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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.

Newent’s Vaping Shop

BOOKING DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE – Wednesday 14th September 2016

The Shambles Retail Village, 18 Church Street, Newent, Glos. GL18 1PP

Open 10am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday

SpaVapes.

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every E-Cigarette FREE 10ml with Starter Kit purchased E-Liquid with this voucher during September 2016

www.spavapes.co.uk

T: 01242 210555 E: info@spavapes.co.uk www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

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