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FEBRUARY 2017

200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

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GLOUCESTER ENTER OUR DRAW TO WIN £5,000 FOR YOUR CLUB OR CHARITY!

The The Lo Local c al

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G loucester – 446,000 6,000 ccopies opies Gloucester G loucestershire SSouth outh – 441,000 1,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire G loucestershire N orth – 220,000 0,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire North FForest orest ooff D ean – 222,000 2,000 ccopies opies Dean CCheltenham heltenham – 443,000 3,000 ccopies opies CCotswolds otswolds – 228,000 8,000 ccopies opies

CChris hris R Raymond aymond SSales ales D Director irector

01242 0 1242 5 541079 41079 cchris@thelocalanswer.co.uk hris@thelocalanswer.co.uk

EEditorial ditorial & PProduction roduction LLois ois K Kingscott ingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

For many, February is the month of romance. So if you’re looking to impress the special person in your life on Valentine’s Day, why not have a go at making this month’s luxurious Delicious Dish. Or for those of you who aren’t as confident in the kitchen, a romantic meal at one of our restaurants is sure to go down a treat.

Laura Nicklin takes us to a galaxy far, far away in ‘Gadgets & Gizmos’. Have a read of her sci-fi gizmo reviews inside – perfect for those of you with a keen interest in star-gazing or Star Wars!

Don’t forget, there’s still time to enter our ‘TLA Charity’ competition. We’ve teamed up with ten of our generous a d ve r t i s e r s to d o n a t e a n a m a z i n g £ 5 , 0 0 0 to a Gloucestershire-based charity or not-for-profit organisation. For more information, see the centre pages and get your entry in before it’s too late!

IInside nside tthis his m month onth .... ..

Helen H elen K Kingscott ingscott

Distribution D istribution JJulia ulia B Ball all – 001242 1242 5541075 41075 ddistribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk istribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk

R Robert obert K Kingscott ingscott

Accounts Accounts K Kerry erry FFell ell aaccounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk ccounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Managing Director Director Managing D Dave ave K Kingscott ingscott ddave@thelocalanswer.co.uk ave@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Unit Unit I,I, CChurchill hurchill IIndustrial ndustrial EEstate, state, Churchill Churchill Road, Road, GL53 LLeckhampton, eckhampton, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Gloucestershire G L53 7EG 7EG

T Telephone elephone 0 01242 1242 5 510500 10500 thelocalanswer thelocalanswer

W Welcome elcome ttoo FFebruary ebruary ......

@thelocalanswer @thelocalanswer

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Wild 4 ood FForaging oraging W ild FFood 4 ime CCocktail ocktail TTime Delicious Dish ish 5 D elicious D Win £5,000! harity CCompetition ompetition – W in £ 5,000! 7 TTLA LA CCharity Parenting Guardianship uardianship 9 P arenting & G Wildlife Matters 11 atters 1 1 W ildlife M 13 the Planet Planet 1 3 SSave ave the Gadgets Gizmos 15 izmos 1 5 G adgets & G Word 16 earch 1 6 W ord SSearch Quick 18 rossword 1 8 Q uick CCrossword Motoring 19 1 9 M otoring What’s On 20 n 2 0 W hat’s O 24 ife 2 4 LLeader’s eader’s LLife Holidays 25 ravel 2 5 H olidays & TTravel 26-27 2 6 -27 ravel TTLA LA TTravel Homes Gardens 28 2 8 ardens H omes & G Garden 33 3 3 he G arden IIn n tthe Design 37 3 7 esign IInterior nterior D 43 4 3 SSudoku udoku Money Matters 49 atters 4 9 M oney M 50 IIndex, ndex , CCompetitions, ompetitions, SSolutions olutions 5 0

CCompetition ompetition o on np page age 7 Page 3

W Wild ild F Food ood F Foraging oraging

Cocktail Cocktail T Time ime with w ith L Lois ois K Kingscott ingscott

w with ith S Steven teven Hawley Hawley

Sea Beet

If you were ever to look at my family tree, I would be somewhere near to the top, hanging from a dysfunctional branch like a perfectly ripened fruit just waiting for s o m e o n e t o b i t e i n t o a n d s a vo u r m y r e f i n e d d e c a d e n t qualities. Miles below my lofty position, just beneath the decaying husks of my siblings, down in the dirt near the roots, would be the first of my ancestors. Rugged, pioneering mainstays whose function I can only surmise was to eventually give me an existence. I’m aware this family tree doesn’t follow the usual template, artistic licence.

TThe he rrugged, ugged, p pioneering ioneering m mainstay ainstay o off e early arly ccuisine uisine Beta vulgaris (Beet plant) can be viewed in much the same way.. The sugar beet, for instance, has been carefully cultivated to provide everyone with a little sweetness in their lives, but if you look at its origins you’ll find the Sea Beet. The rugged, pioneering mainstay of early cuisine.

E ve n t h o u g h t h e s u g a r b e e t w o u l d p r o b a b l y b e everyone’s preferred choice when it comes to applied kitchen science, it would be a shame not to remember where it came from. Since we’re already on the beach from last month’s Limpet forage, it would be worthwhile to take a little stroll and see if we can spot any of this ancestral throwback .

U Use se iin n tthe he ssame ame m manner anner a ass SSwiss wiss CChard hard Found growing on pebble beaches, sea defences or general rocky coastline, Sea Beet leaves can be used in the same manner as store bought Swiss Chard.

When tasted, it should serve as a reminder that trying to improve something that is already pretty perfect could produce more problems than it solves. In the case of the sea beet, so called improvements have caused wide spread obesity, diabetes and cancer. I got lucky and avoided t u r n i n g i n t o a n o oz i n g p o l y p o n t h e b r o n c h i a l s a c o f humanity during my refining process. I ended up with only the best qualities – just ask my wife!

If If you’re you’re not not 100% 100% sure sure that that w what hat you’re you’re ppicking icking iiss safe safe for for human consumption, consumption, don’t don’t pick pick it. it. If If you’re you’re prone prone to to food food human allergies, or or pregnant, pregnant, always always seek seek medical medical advice advice before before allergies, consuming anything anything fforaged oraged in in the the w ild. consuming wild.

Page 4

Manhattan Manhattan

A Manhattan is a whiskey-based cocktail, stirred and strained into a cocktail glass and garnished with a maraschino cherry or orange twist.

A popular story of origin for the Manhattan suggests that the drink was invented by Dr. Iain Marshall in the early 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City. It is said he created it for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome (Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston’s mother) to honor presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden. The banquet’s success made the drink very fashionable, prompting many people to request “the Manhattan cocktail” – named after the club it originated. Unfortunately, Lady Randolph was in France at the time and pregnant, so the story is unlikely to be true.

There are references to a similar cocktail recipe called “Manhattan” served in the Manhattan area. One story says it was invented in the 1860s by a bartender named Black at a bar on Broadway near Houston Street. An early record of the cocktail can also be found in William Schmidt’s “The Flowing Bowl”, published in 1891. He writes about a drink containing gum (gomme syrup), bitters, absinthe, whiskey and vermouth.

Ingredients: Ingredients: 25ml Italian sweet vermouth; 45ml bourbon; dash Angostura bitters; orange twist or maraschino cherry to garnish.

M ethod: Method: 1 Add vermouth and bourbon to a cocktail mixer and stir.

2 Pour the mix into a martini glass, add a dash of bitters and garnish with a maraschino cherry or a twist of orange peel.

PLEASE PLEASE D DRINK RINK R RESPONSIBLY ESPONSIBLY W Why hy n not ot h have ave a M Mocktail? ocktail?

For a non-alcoholic alternative, mix 60ml cranberry juice, 60ml orange juice, ½ tsp maraschino cherry juice, few drops lemon juice, 2 dashes orange bitters.

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D Delicious elicious Dish Dish with w ith Helen Helen Kingscott Kingscott

TThe he w ay tto o way yyour our w oman’s woman’s h eart... heart...

A luxuri Serves 2-3 Serves 2 -3 ou chocolate s but light vale Ingredients: Ingredients: nti d impress essert – perfec ne 75g unsalted butter; ing the t for sp 35g caster sugar; in your ecial lady ½ vanilla pod, seeds only; life!

Makes 6 115g plain flour; individ 2 Divide into 6 portions and press each into a 7cm x Fresh strawberries or other desserts ual 3cm mousse ring on a lined baking sheet. . seasonal fruit to garnish; 3 Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Check Extra cream (if required) to serve. the bases halfway through cooking – if they are For For tthe he filling: filling: 70g unsalted butter; rising, press them down with a teaspoon. Leave to 100g dark chocolate (70% or more cool. cocoa solids); 2 large free range eggs, separated; 60ml 4 To make the filling, melt the butter in a small pan, double cream; 20g caster sugar. then add the chocolate, whisking until smooth.

Method: M ethod: Whisk in the egg yolks and set aside.

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (gas mark 4). In a bowl, 5 In a bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form and beat the butter, sugar and vanilla seeds until they set aside. form a creamy mixture. Fold in the flour, then form 6 I n a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites, adding into a ball. the sugar gradually to make a semi-stiff meringue.

Fold the cream into the chocolate filling, followed by the meringue, being careful not to knock the air out.

7 Pour over the bases in the mousse tins and chill until firm to touch.

8 Serve with strawberries (or a seasonal fruit of your choice) and cream.

Please note, this recipe contains raw egg.

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SUPPORT, SUPPORT, M MAINTENANCE, AINTENANCE, REP REPA AIR IR

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O Opening pening h hours: ours: T Tuesday-Thursday u e s d ay - Th u r s d ay 12:00-15:00 1 2 : 0 0 - 1 5 : 0 0 & 17:00-00:00 1 7 : 0 0 - 0 0 : 0 0 • FFriday r i d ay & Saturday S a t u r d ay 1 12:00-00:00 2:00-00:00 • C Closed l o s e d Sunday S u n d ay 99aa SSouthgate o u t h g a t e SStreet, treet, G Gloucester loucester G GL1 L 1 1TG 1 T G (Above (Above Costa Costa Coffee) Coffee) Reservations Reservations 01452 01452 332993 332993 www.theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk w w w. t h e o l d b e l l - t i g e r s eye . c o . u k

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THERE’S STILL TIME TO

WIN £5,000 FOR YOUR LOCAL CLUB OR CHARITY

Your Club or Charity Five Thousand Pounds

February 2017

£5,000

The Local Answer ADVERTISERS

Last month we launched our second ‘TLA Charity’ rity’ ccompetition ompetition iin n p partnership artnership with with ten te n o off o our ur g generous enerous a advertisers dvertisers (below) (below) who who sshare hare tthe he ccommitment o m m i t m e nt w we e h have ave to to ssupport upport tthe he llocal ocal ccommunity. ommunity.

B Between etween them, them, a an n iincredible ncredible £ £5,000 5,000 will wil l b be e d donated onated tto o a G Gloucestershire-based loucestershire-based ccharity harity o orr n ot-for-profit o rganisation – a not-for-profit organisation and nd tthe he llucky ucky w winner inner o off o our ur d draw raw w will ill g get et tto o choose choose which which one! one!

SSo, o, w whether hether you you h have ave a p personal ersonal iinvolvement nvolvement o orr just just like like to to ssupport upport a sspecific lub, pecific local local ccharity, harity, cclub, ssociety, ociety, g group, roup, ttrust rust or or a association ssociation – p provided rovided iitt iis, s, e essentially, ssentially, a non-profit non-profit m making aking e enterprise nterprise – y you ou ccould ould h help elp b boost oost ttheir heir ffunds unds b by y£ £5,000!

5,000!

What better way W hat b etter w ay to to kick kick start start the the year? year?

CClosing losing ddate ate 99th th FFebruary ebruary 22017!

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EEasy asy tto oe enter nter d draw raw .... ..

For your chance to choose which organisation benefits from this prize, send their details along with your name, address (including postcode) and telephone number to ‘TLA Charity’, The Local Answer, Unit I, Churchill Industrial Estate, Churchill Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, GL53 7EG. Alternatively, enter via email by sending the organisation’s name and your details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk stating ‘ T L A C h a r i t y ’ i n t h e s u b j e c t l i n e. C l o s i n g d a t e : Thursday 9th February 2017. In addition to our usual competition rules, by entering you agree to have your name and photograph featured in our March 2017 issue and online should you win.

Only one entry per household accepted. The winner will be chosen at random (via a random number generator), but the more times an organisation’ss name is submitted, the higher the chance it has of being drawn. Good luck!

CCompetition ompetition & P Prize rize ccourtesy ourtesy o off ... ... T The he L Local ocal

interior needs PPAVING AVING SPECIALISTS SPECIALISTS

GGLOUCESTER LOUCESTER CCARPET ARPET OUTLET OUTLET

S PA

G arden Garden R ooms Rooms

ANSWER AN SWER

Bowden Bowden QUEDGELEY Hall Hotel Hall H otel CARPETS

Parenting P arenting & G Guardianship uardianship with w ith R Roberta oberta Smart Smart

Surviving Surviving parenthood parenthood aass a ‘‘spoonie’ spoonie’ Are you raising kids whilst living with a debilitating condition or an invisible i l l n e ss ? I f y o u s t r u g g l e w i t h depression, CFS, Lupus, etc. here are my top tips for surviving parenthood as a ‘spoonie’ (a limited number of spoons to share around).

Learn Learn tto op put ut yyour our n needs eeds ffirst irst Remember that phrase ‘Happy Wife, Happy Life’? Well, happy mummy keeps the kids alive is also true. ‘Put your oxygen mask on first’ and ensure they have a mum who is ready to do h e r b e s t – w h a t ev e r t h a t l o o k s l i k e.

Remember YOU are the expert on you!

FFind ind b balance alance Find balance between your needs and your child’s. In the first few years, if they are fed, clean, and loved, you are winning. If you need help, ask for it – p e o p l e a r e o n l y to o h a p p y t o b e o f service given half a chance. And remember, your appreciation is enough – it doesn’t need ‘paying back .’

foods rather than relying on junk – them. A small selection of toys, books and teach your child to cook ASAP! or objects to play with and a blanket nest for napping is perfect.

D Don’t on’t d dwell well on on the the n negative egative

T h e r e i s s o m e t h i n g g o o d i n e ve r y moment – what I call the ‘Diamonds in the Dust ’. It takes practice, but if you feel down about what you can’t do, try looking at the opposite situation. For example, if you have a warm house to be inside when you can’t cope with going out , all those mornings lying in bed with books will add to your child’s reading skills.

CChange hange yyour our e expectations xpectations a and nd llearn earn tto on navigate avigate yyour our ‘‘new new n normal’ ormal’ We may not be the ‘party house’ and rolling on the floor play fighting, but we cuddle, talk , tell stories, and listen to each other – oh, and we really tell the truth, which is priceless!

LLimit imit yyounger ounger cchildren hildren tto o one one room room

Prepare a safe space with everything you need – a bed or sofa to lay on, If you cannot ‘do mornings’ say so. If water, medication (safely stored) and you cannot cook full meals, instead snacks nearby – where baby can crawl create healthy dishes around simple and explore with nothing to harm

K Know now yyour our llimits imits

The Local Answer

LLearn earn tto oa accept ccept a ccycle ycle o off u unpredictability npredictability You may let people down and you may become unreliable, but if you accept this upfront and stop pretending to be anything else, you can own it and share it – it’s then up t o o t h e r s h o w t h ey c h o o s e t o f e e l about it.

Make Make u use se o off yyour our local local health health sservice ervice D ro p i n s e s s i o n s , G P a p p o i n t m e n t s , CBT courses, talking therapies, community mental health team – whatever is available. I know they are far from perfect, but take advantage of whatever is on offer. Take the m e d s, d o y o u r m e d i t a t i o n , d o t h e exercise and eat well. Those simple things can and will make a world of difference.

The most vital part is – do not feel guilty. You are doing a brilliant job and your kids will love you regardless. So enjoy the good days and celebrate those little wins, because you deserve it.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 9

CCharnwood harnwood H House ouse NURSING HOME

Charnwood House Nursing Home specialises in caring for elderly people, younger people with a physical disability and people with dementia. Warm and friendly atmosphere.

Highest standards of nursing care provided.

Owned and managed by Wotton Rise Nursing Home Ltd ● Residents always treated with dignity and respect ● Registered nurses on duty 24 hours a day providing personal and nursing care ● Freshly prepared home cooked food from a menu of residents’ choice ● Activity programme to include regular external entertainers ● Attractive patio and garden for residents ● Close to shops ● Wheelchair access throughout the home ●

Contact Diana or Marina Martinez for more details

Tel: 01452 523478 01452 451249 email: wottonrisenursinghome@hotmail.co.uk 49 Barnwood Road, Gloucester GL2 0SD

Wildlife W ildlife M Matters atters

w with ith Jenny Jenny S Stevens tevens o off Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Wildlife Wildlife Trust Trust

G Great reat ccrested rested grebes grebes Great crested grebes are present in the UK throughout the year; each season gracing our lakes and reservoirs. They were nearly hunted to extinction in the UK in the 19th century, their elegant feathers desirable for adorning hats, but they ’re thankfully now a regular sight on our waterbodies, and always a pleasure to spot. They are the largest grebe in Europe and are easily identifiable in the breeding season, when they show off an impressive black plume on the head and orangey ruff with black tips around the white-fronted neck and chest.

the other underwater. Appearing suddenly, they ’ll begin dipping and shaking their head, mirroring each Watching them for any period of other’s actions. A game of ‘hide and time, you’ll see them dive below the seek ’ ensues; the birds diving and surface, in search of small fish and chasing each other for a period. aquatic invertebrates to feed on – The The elaborate elaborate ‘‘weed weed often popping up in a different place cerem c e r e m o ony’ n y ’ s strengthens t r e n gthens entirely to where they disappeared. their their pair pair bond bond February, going into spring , is Even more delightful is the ‘weed when they ’re at their most spectacular. Spend some time at ceremony ’ – grebes will approach your local wetland reserve and you each other carrying weeds in their may just be treated to their courtship beaks, in anticipation of building a displays. During the early stages of nest . On reaching each other they courtship and on being reunited after rise up, as though standing on water, a time apart, one bird will approach chests touching and heads shaking

TThey hey a are re a att ttheir heir m most ost sspectacular pectacular iin n FFebruary ebruary

once more. They tread water and hold this upright position for a time.

These elaborate actions are said to strengthen their pair bond.

Late in the spring, around two-four eggs will be laid in a nest made up of vegetation and weeds, carefully constructed on a floating platform.

T h e m a l e a n d fe m a l e s h a re parenting duties – each sit on the e g g s fo r p e r i o d s o f t i m e a n d w i l l cover the eggs with vegetation if they must be left alone, such as in the case of a predator threat . The h a tc h l i n g s w i l l e m e rg e a f te r a b o u t four weeks.

Newly-hatched N ewly-hatched sstripytripyh headed eaded cchicks hicks ttravel ravel on on ttheir heir p parents’ arents’ b backs acks

© Steve Waterhouse

More delights are yet to come for watchers of this fascinating bird, as newly-hatched stripy-headed chicks w i l l b e c a r r i e d a ro u n d o n e i t h e r parents’ back for a time – a way of getting the vulnerable hatchlings away from the nest as quickly as possible. They are then encouraged to swim independently quickly; the adult diving and leaving the chick on the surface of the water; reemerging a short distance away and encouraging the youngster to swim towards them.

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Page 11

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acorn acorn rresidential esidential llettings ettings

N NURSING URSING & R RESIDENTIAL ESIDENTIAL H HOME OME

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We offer service and repairs of all major brands on stairlifts, scooters, wheelchairs, hoists, baths and a variety of other mobility equipment.

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Save S ave t the he P Planet lanet with w ith A Annabel nnabel L Laughton aughton

Kerbside Kerbside R Recycling ecycling Recycling means processing waste materials to turn them into useable products. Reducing our consumption and reusing items are preferable to r e c yc l i n g , because re c yc l i n g processes use energy and produce carbon. However, as most retailers still seem intent on wrapping p ro d u c t s i n a s m a n y l a ye r s o f packaging as possible, recycling is o f te n o u r b e s t o p t i o n . T h i s m o n t h let’s focus on kerbside collections of household waste.

G Gloucestershire loucestershire h has as a ttarget arget o off 6 60% 0% b by y2 2020 020 Nationally, around 45% of household waste is recycled, and Gloucestershire County Council wants our county to hit 60% by 2020 – that target is already being achieved by other European countries, and we can all help make it happen here in Gloucestershire.

T h ro w i n g re c y c l a b l e p ro d u c t s i n to the rubbish bin means they end up in landfill or being burned. Both of these options are expensive and less than ideal. Landfill takes up finite space, generates greenhouse gases, and wastes the energy and resources locked inside materials that will never biodegrade, but will

s i t i n t h e g ro u n d f o r mil lions of years.

Incineration can pollute the air and water supply with heavy metals and carcinogenic compounds.

In Gloucestershire, we c a n re c yc l e a w i d e variety of packaging and household items in o u r k e r b s i d e s a c ks a n d b o xe s .

Kerbside collection is the responsibility of the city, district and borough councils. It varies widely by area, and new items are added all the time, so check your local city,, district or borough council website for a list – you might be surprised what you can recycle at the kerb.

EEmpty mpty ffood ood ccontainers, ontainers, ccrush rush ccans ans a and nd fflatten latten ccard ard You can help speed up collection a n d e n s u re eve r y t h i n g i s r e c yc l e d by e m p t y i n g a n d r i n s i n g f o o d containers, crushing cans, flattening card and separating different types of materials. Councils will provide extra containers for free to help you recycle as much as possible.

S o m e t i m e s i t c a n b e t r i c k y to work out if an item is recyclable or

not , but most items will have one or more symbols to explain if and how it is recyclable or compostable, or to warn you it cannot be safely disposed of with household waste.

Electricals are one example of products that should not be put in the bin when they break . This is because t h ey can contain d a n g e ro u s c h e m i c a l s t h a t , i f p u t into landfill, could eventually end up in our dinner.

They also contain small amounts of very rare metals, which need to be retrieved. Look for the crossedout wheelie bin symbol and recycle these items at household recycling centres, unless you’re in the Forest of Dean, where you can bag up small electricals and leave them on to p o f y o u r b l a c k re f u s e b i n fo r recycling. Visit recyclenow.com for an explanation of all the different symbols.

Many M any iitems tems w will ill b be e recyclable a recyclable att y your our local local household h ousehold rrecycling ecycling ccentre entre M o s t o f u s w i l l f i n d we e n d u p w i t h r e c yc l a b l e p r o d u c t s w h i c h aren’t accepted into the kerbside collection, and many of these items w i l l b e r e c y c l a b l e a t yo u r l o c a l household recycling centre – check recycleforgloucestershire.com for locations, opening times and what you can recycle there. Let’s all try to s t a r t re c y c l i n g e v e r y t h i n g w e c a n , and get to 60% well before 2020.

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Gadgets G adgets & G Gizmos izmos with with Laura Laura N Nicklin icklin

EEscape scape tto oag galaxy alaxy ffar, ar, ffar ar aaway… way…

February always feels like an awkward month; almost like that awkward middle child nearly every family seems to have. It ’s still winter, still grey, officially too late to h ave a n y C h r i s t m a s l i g h t s l e f t hanging up, and usually that time of year when we’re ‘on a break’ from our New Year Resolutions.

Thankfully, it ’s also the shortest month of the year and the perfect opportunity to distract ourselves from the gloomy winter weeks with some new sci-fi gizmos…

2 iin n1G Globe lobe CConstellation onstellation

If you’ve got a keen interest in geography or star-gazing – or just fancy a new hobby – then this product can offer some educational i n s i g h t , a s we l l a s l o o k i n g p re t t y cool. By day, the 2 in 1 Globe Constellation looks like any other ordinary globe, but as the name gives away, it has an alter ego.

Once exposed to darkness, the globe transforms from Earth into space, revealing a display of stars and constellations.

With its light sensor automatically turning on the LED i l l u m i n at i o n i n t h e d a r k , t h i s c l eve r contraption shows us the magic of the galaxy. It a l s o i n c l u d e s a n ov e r r i d e s w i tc h , w h i c h l e t s y o u t u r n o f f the night-time globe to save battery power. At £39.99, the dual globe includes a socket for optional power and requires 4C batteries, which are Vizor Vizor VR VR Glasses Glasses not included. For the astronomy Affordable virtual reality used to lovers, the night globe also includes seem like a fantasy in itself, but the stars’ and constellations’ Latin now you can live vicariously names. through different worlds thanks to Star W Wars ars B BB8 B8 D Droid roid these Vizor VR Glasses. At just Star are This adorable little droid was the £ 1 4 . 9 9, t h es e g l a ss e s compatible with most smartphones, real break-out star of the new Star come with adjustable lenses for Wars franchise and quickly became maximum comfort and even have a fan favourite. Now you can have 360° tracking. The 360° tracking your own BB8 to follow you on makes it even easier to immerse your adventures, as the droid yourself in an alternate reality and is available at £99.99. BB8 is enjoy the realistic experiences of controlled via a smartphone adventure and exploration right using Bluetooth, and even reacts to interactions and voice from your living room.

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commands. There are three different modes available – drive, patrol and holographic messaging.

The drive feature allows BB8 to go wherever you command, while p a t r o l l e t s h i m i n ve s t i g a te o n h i s own. And you can feel even more like you’re in a Star Wars movie by recording a video on your smartphone and letting your droid turn it into a hologram. May the force be with you!

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Motoring Motoring with w ith Luke Luke Edwards Edwa wards

New N ew ccars ars o on n tthe he b block lock W i t h t h e s h o c k i n g n ew s t h a t , according to the road safety charity Tyresafe, nearly half (46.2%) of the t y re s o n t h e ro a d i n B r i s to l ( a c i t y I rather enjoy visiting) are illegal – the h i g h est i n t h e U K – I n e e d e d something positive to look forward to, so started researching new car models for 2017.

O One ne o off tthe he p prettiest rettiest premium SSUV’s UV’s w premium we’ve e’ve ever ever sseen een on on our our rroads oads The SUV market is strong in 2017.

MG are expanding their range with t h e Z S, w h i c h h a s a s h o r te r wheelbase than the GS (a review of which will be coming soon in The Local Answer) and will rival cars like the Nissan Juke. The new MG is likely to have a 1.0 -litre three cylinder turbo petrol engine, which is the sort of power plant that revs out quite nicely.

Also, look out for a new Alfa Romeo in 2017 called the “Stelvio”, which will be one of the prettiest premium SUV’s we have ever seen on our roads.

In the Hot Hatch market , Ford will be releasing their Focus RS500 and H o n d a w i l l b e u p d at i n g t h e i r C i v i c Type R, which is built in Swindon. Mini have a new John Cooper Works Clubman with 4 wheel drive, and Kia look like they will finally bring their GT

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is also talk of a rival to the BMW 5series being produced by Alfa. The Italian brand is really on the up.

2017 will be a year for the small and electric-based car. In the small car The The IItalian talian b brand rand is is really really FmoardrkFeiet sftoar, V2o0lk1s7w, atgheenreGoislf athned Pnoelw o, on on tthe he u up p the brilliant Citroen C3, Seat Ibiza and For saloon cars it does not come also a very different looking Nissan much better than the Alfa Romeo Micra.

Giulia, technically released at the end O Over ver 3 373,000 73,000 o orders rders of last year and already winning many worldwide orldwide jjust ust ffrom rom m motor otor awards. The 2.2-litre is likely to lead w sshow how e exposure xposure sales, while the 503bhp Quadrifoglio will rival the BMW M3. All cars get an Tesla, a big name in the electric car eight-speed auto box and will give world, will be releasing their Model 3, the German brands a run for their which has already had over 373,000 money. It ’s a good strategy as the orders around the world just from BMW 3-series was the most searched motor show exposure. It ’s the same for car on Auto Trader in 2016. There size as a BMW 3-series and is fully electric. It will cost around £30,000 after the Government plug-in grant is t a k e n o f f a n d h a ve a m i n i m u m driving range of 215 miles. It will also be quick , which is starting to become a legend around Tesla’s now. The refreshed Renault Zoe I mentioned last month will also be a good seller this year, and the Smart range from Mercedes will join the electric car market.

2017 also marks the year Renault will return its Alpine car brand, which is so iconic among car lovers, and Ferrari has a big celebration with a worldwide tour. It ’s going to be a fantastic year! sports car to market . However, I am looking forward to the Hyundai i30N, which will complement their World successes Ral ly Championship beautifully.

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What’s W hat’s O On n TThe he LLocal ocal A Answer nswer EEvent vent Listings Listings are are ccompiled ompiled and and presented preesented in in good good faith faith with with the the kind kind support support of of many many contributors. contributors.

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11-28 -28 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY SNOWDROP TIME

Wander through drifts of Snowdrops – plus Aconites, Crocuses and Hellebores – followed by lunch or afternoon tea in the Garden Terrace Cafe. Our Snowdrops should be at their absolute peak of floral gorgeousness during this time, but if you’re planning to make a special visit to see them, please call 01386 701441 to check how any unpredictable weather may have affected their flowering progress. Arboretum entrance fee applies.

Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AD. 2 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY AMADEUS

Music. Power. Jealousy. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a rowdy young prodigy, arrives in

FFor or ffabrics... abr briics...

Vienna, the music capital of the world.

Awestruck by his genius, court composer Antonio Salieri has the power to promote his talent or destroy his name. Seized by obsessive jealousy he begins a war with Mozart, with music, and ultimately, with God. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

11-12 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 11-12 BRING YOUR VALENTINE TO BATSFORD

can produce the biggest splash from their puddle jump. Daily winners announced throughout the week and some lucky ‘super-splashers’ will receive a fantastic prize from Dusty Duck himself! Every contestant will receive a ‘splashtastic’ sticker to acknowledge their puddle jumping skills. 01453 891900. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Glos GL2 7BT. 1155 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY BRAINIAC LIVE!

Bring your loved one to Batsford for breakfast in The Garden Terrace Cafe followed by a romantic stroll through our magical arboretum. Breakfast served 10am-11am. £20 per couple (£12 per couple for Batsford season ticket holders).

Tickets available from the admissions desk or call 01386 701441. Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-inMarsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9AD. 11-19 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 11-19 SOUTH WEST PUDDLE JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP Children of all ages are encouraged to grab their wellies, get outside and join in the puddle jumping championship at Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Children will compete against each other to see who

Strap on your safety goggles boys and girls, Science’s greatest and most volatile live show is returning with a vengeance.

Based on the multi award-winning TV show, Brainiac Live! will take you on a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful from the safety of your seat. Expect exploding dustbins, combusting microwaves and loads of live daredevil stunts. Age 6 years+. 2pm. £14 (£12, family £48). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

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1166 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: SAINT JOAN Bernard Shaw’s classic play follows the life and trial of a young country girl who declares a bloody mission to drive the English from France. As one of the first Protestants and nationalists, she threatens the very fabric of the feudal society and the Catholic Church across Europe. Gemma Arterton as Joan of Arc in an electrifying production. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

1177 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY AN EVENING OF DIRTY DANCING: THE TRIBUTE SHOW

Now in its seventh record-breaking year, this tribute is a five star homage to the greatest movie soundtrack of all time. The original concert celebration of the iconic music from the multi-award winning soundtrack to Dirty Dancing. A high energy, emotional roller-coaster of an evening with breath-taking choreography

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and buckets of nostalgia. Put your dancing shoes on and get ready to have the time of your life! 7.30pm. £21 (£19). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

1188 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY ELIZABETH’S FOOTPRINT CHARITY BALL Raising money for Wallace & Gromit’ss Grand Appeal children’s charity. Join us for a wonderful evening at Cheltenham Town Hall. Drinks reception at 7pm, carriages at 1am. Black Tie. Dancing, auction, raffle and more. £100 a ticket. For details email elizabethsfootprintcharityball@gmail.com.

2244 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT

An exciting Murder Mystery with entertainment, a delicious three course meal and a disco! Only £29.95 per person.

For details visit hallmarkhotels.co.uk or call 0330 028 3408. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Robinswood Lodge, Gloucester GL4 6EA .

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4 MARCH MARCH STORY SPACE: WATCHERS OF THE SKIES

Edna Leigh was born in Kansas in 1916.

Her story takes us on a dramatic journey across the Atlantic, to post-war England where this ordinary woman stumbled upon a mystery in Homer’s Odyssey, decoding the hidden meaning. She kept her findings a secret throughout her life.

Now Edna’s granddaughter shares this fascinating journey, combining her story with poetry, astronomy and a live cello soundscape. Afterwards join performer Carol Graham for an informal workshop: Exploring and Sharing Your Family History.

7.30pm. £12. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

Page 21

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£ £29.95 29.95 per per person persson per per e event vent GLOUCESTER

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MURDER M URDER MYSTERY M Y S T E R Y BOOK NNIGHTS IGHTS TODAY! 24th February 19th May 13th October

H Hallmark allmark H Hotel otel G Gloucester, loucester, R Robinswood obinswood Lodge, Lodge, G Gloucester loucester G GL4 L4 6 6EA EA e ggloucester.events@hallmarkhotels.co.uk loucester.events@hallmarkhotels.co.uk w hhallmarkh allmarkhootels.co.uk tels.co.uk t 00330 330 0028 28 33408 408

Leader’s L eader’s L Life ife w with ith Councillor Councillor Paul Paul JJames ames

B Business usiness SSchool chool w will ill b boost oost G Gloucester’s loucester’s economy e conomy I didn’t go to University, so in a way I feel I missed out on the student experience of studying and living away from home. But universities have certainly been a big part of my working life over the last year or two.

Representing Longlevens, the Oxstalls Campus falls within my patch and I have spent a lot of time dealing with issues arising from their expansion plans – primarily the relocation of their Business School from Cheltenham to Gloucester.

TTaking aking tthe he U University niversity tto oa another nother llevel evel It wasn’t that long ago that Gloucester had no higher education facility. The Oxstalls Campus had been closed and residents had to fight off its proposed development as a Tesco supermarket . Sadly, two of the main c a m p a i g n e r s – D r Ev e l y n C h r i s t m a s a n d J i m Po r t e r – passed away last year.

The Campus opened when I was Sheriff of Gloucester i n 2 0 0 3 , w i t h a fo c u s o n n i c h e s u b j e c t s l i k e S p o r t s Science and Event Management . The Business School will take it to another level. It ’s not without its controversy, particularly over student parking, but plans to relocate the nearby allotments have thankfully been dropped.

Some of the Business School students will live on-site at Oxstalls, but the majority will live in the city centre, helping to regenerate Gloucester and giving the daytime and night-time economy a boost. By the time you read this, the Council’s Planning Committee will be due to consider an application for 295 student beds on land at the Barbican (between the former Prison and L a d y b e l l e g a t e S t r e e t ) . T h e d e ve l o p e r s w i l l h av e to move quickly, as the accommodation needs to be ready fo r w h e n t h e B u s i n e s s S c h o o l i s d u e to o p e n i n September 2018.

P Providing roviding o opportunities pportunities for for young young people people As well as the University of Gloucestershire, both Hartpury College and the University of the West of England have students living in the city.

Gloucester’s MP Richard Graham tells us that no city has ever regenerated itself fully without the involvement of its university. I’m pleased that our higher education partners are playing a big role in Gloucester’s revival as well as providing opportunities for our young people. @cllrpauljames @cllrpauljames

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e:paul.james@gloucester.gov.uk e:paul.james@gloucester..gov.uk

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Holidays H olidays & T Travel ravel w with ith A Al lH Hidden idden

Sweden’s Sweden’s w west est ccoast oast iisland sland pparadise aradise Think Sweden, ABBA , Ingmar Bergman and Volvo. Well, maybe not Volvo so much, now it’s Chinese-owned! But as you head west past Volvo’s factory to the Lilla Varholmen ferry, you’re minutes from the beautiful, superr e l a xe d , n o r t h e r n a rc h i p e l a g o o f Öckerö. Welcome to Gothenburg’s entrancing getaway secret.

Maybe you’ve visited Stockholm and experienced its myriad of islands. Or you love Swedish cinema and recall a sultry, sun-kissed, young Harriet Andersson skinny-dipping through Bergman’s ‘Sommer med Monika’? Öckerö Kommun is Sweden’s lesser known (to us Brits, at least) west coast counterpart to the island idyll portrayed in the 1952 film.

Staying more than a day? Try the Hönö Hotell, Klåva Hotell or Havskatten AB. Or the impressive Nimbus Öckerö hostel, or Grötö’s Västerhav Hotell. But book early, because part of the secret is that Öckerö isn’t heavily commercialised! Great opportunities fo r c a m p i n g o r m o to r h o m i n g a l s o abound.

Your Your hardest hardest ttask ask w will ill be be leaving leaving

Your Your coastal coastal playground playground Whether you have friends or family on Öckerö’s islands, stay in one of a few delightful accommodations, selfcater,, visit for the day, or arrive by yacht , 10 populated islands (Björkö, Fotö, Grötö, Hyppeln, Hälsö, Hönö, K a l v s u n d , K ä l l ö - K n i p p l a , R ö rö a n d Ö c k e r ö ) a n d m y r i a d t i n y s k e r r i e s a re your coastal playground for the duration – with delicious food and stunning sunsets too!

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favourites is the consistently amazing quality and value at Nimbus (Öckerö).

The delicious fresh fish is worth every krone – the mesmerising waterside location is free! If you self-cater, several small shops and an ICA s u p e r m a r k e t p r o v i d e a n y t h i n g f ro m Daim bars (invented by Sweden’s Marabou in the 1950s) to every conceivable shape and size of i n c re d i b l y m o re i s h Swedish Knäckebröd.

Delicious Delicious Swedish Swedish d delicacies elicacies For inner sustenance, delicious Swedish delicacies await . Try traditional Kottbullar (meatballs) and Gravlax , or the ‘Husets Fiskplanka’ at Öckerö’s Strandbaren. One of my

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just Kanellebullar (cinnamon buns) for the ‘anytime’ Swedish institution of Fika (‘to have coffee’), you’ll need to build an appetite. That ’s easy when walking and swimming opportunities abound, sea-kayaking is a joy, or you can explore on a trusty Skeppshult bicycle. Getting around is simple and regular ferries connect the main islands where bridges don’t.

On Öckerö, it’s easy to get away from it all to relax and recharge. The hardest work will probably be pulling yourself away and saying ‘Hej då!’ (‘Bye’ – s o u n d s l i k e ‘ H ey d o u g h ! ’ ) u n t i l yo u r next visit!

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Page 25

T The he L Local ocal

AN ANSWER SWER

Air Air Holidays Holidays & B Breaks reaks • CCoach oach & Rail Rail Breaks Breaks Theatre, Theatre, SSports ports & EEvents vents • Family Family Fun Fun Breaks Breaks Cruising Cruising • Rock, Rock , P Pop op & LLive ive EEntertainment ntertainment

RHS Chelse Chelsea a FFlower lower Sho w Show & RHS Gar Gardens dens a att Wisle Wisley y 2 days from £175pp Departing 26th May 2017 Visit RHS Chelsea – the world’s most famous and bestloved flower show. Marvel at the fabulous show gardens, get advice and inspiration, and see the latest in garden design and equipment . Includes a visit to Wisley Gardens.

TTour our highligh highlights ts Afternoon entrance to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Entry to RHS Gardens at Wisley One night’s bed and continental breakfast accommodation at a good hotel in the Greater London/Heathrow area Coach travel from the local area Escorted by a friendly tour manager For full itinerary or to book visit

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TTour our highligh highlights ts Seven nights’ full board acommodation on board Sound of Music Call at Amsterdam – the delightful Dutch capital Half-day excursion to Keukenhof Gardens Calls at Hoorn, Arnhem, Antwerp, Brussels & Ghent On-board evening entertainment and English commentary Welcome Cocktail Party & Captain’s Farewell Dinner ly, experienced cruise manager Escorted by a friendly, Return flights and transfers For full itinerary or to book visit

*Book by 12 Feb 2017, quote promo code YGPXFF. Offer subject to availability & may be withdrawn any time.

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Page 26

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The Local Answer

FFor or m more ore iinformation nformation o orr tto ob book ook ccall all

QUOTE QUOTE

AA 0330 0 330 1 160 60 7 7938 938 LLAA Poldark’s Po ldark’s C Cornwall ornwa all England’s d’’ss SStunning & England’ tunning South West West 4 days from £265pp Departing 28th April 2017 Discover the rugged beauty of Cornwall on this Poldark-inspir p ed break – a feast of stunning coast and countryside d .

Cruise ruise highligh highlights ts Scenic ‘Poldark’ drive through Perranporth & St Agnes Visits to Padstow, Botallack , Porthcothan & Charlestown Poldark Mine tour Cross Poldark’s Bodmin Moor and visit Jamaica Inn & St Breward Hotel entertainment on one evening Three nights’ half-board hotel accommodation in the Torquay area Coach travel from the local area Escorted by a friendly tour manager For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa19490

Donegal & the Gian t’s Cause Cau way Giant’s Causeway 6 days from £525pp Flying direct from Bristol, Birmingham & East Midlands from April to October 2017 One of nature’s most iconic sites.

CCruise ruise highligh ts highlights Visit the Giant’s Causeway and the Visitor Centre Explore bustling Donegal town Visit the Glenveagh National Park and Glenveagh Castle A scenic coastal drive A tour of the rugged Inishowen Peninsula including a visit to the fascinating Doagh Isle Famine Village Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager Five nights’s three-star half-board hotel accommodation, return flights and transfers For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarket.travel/laa15884

FOR FOR DETAILS DETAILS OF OF THE THE ABOVE ABOVE A AND ND M MANY ANY M MORE ORE FFABULOUS ABULOUS H HOLIDAYS OLIDAYS A AND ND TTRIPS RIPS V VISIT ISIT

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Pro mo t e y ou r b u s i n e ss i n 4 6,000 m a g a zi n e s

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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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Page 32

We are a family business established in 1990 and work on the basis of supplying all necessary materials for jobs. Doing all work and receiving no payment until the customer is fully satisfied with all the finished work undertaken.

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The Local Answer

IIn nT The he Garden Garden with w ith JJulia ulia Smith Smith

Brighten B righten uup pad dull ull d day ay This year, why don’t you grow some early potatoes? You will find early seed potatoes in the garden centres – the variety ‘Accent’ is a good one, but there are plenty of others. Put them individually in egg boxes to ‘chit’ in a cool, bright place. Don’t let them get frosted in an unheated greenhouse – if frost is forecast, cover in fleece and then uncover again in the morning.

really brighten up a dull day. They n e e d t o h a ve b e e n p l a n t e d i n l a t e a u t u m n i n a s u n ny s i t u at i o n , w h i l e keeping their roots cool, as they are very shallow. Mulching around the p l a n t w i l l s o r t t h i s p ro b l e m o u t b u t n o t r i g h t u p to t h e s te m . I f yo u r garden is small, prune immediately after flowering to two or three buds on last summer’s shoots.

Y You ou d don’t on’t e even ven need need a g garden arden tto og grow row p potatoes otatoes

G Globe lobe a artichokes rtichokes llook ook g great reat iin nm mixed ixed fflower lower borders borders

Chitting is just a term for sprouting, and you want sprouts about 1.5cm long ready to plant out in late March.

You don’t have to even have a garden, as there are many different companies selling sturdy bags or bins which have been designed to grow p o t a to e s i n a n d c a n b e k e p t o n a p at i o – a d u st b i n w i t h h o l es i n t h e base would do fine.

I f yo u r g a r d e n i s l o o k i n g a l i t t l e dismal, perhaps it might be an idea to plant a Witch Hazel (Hamamelis), w h i c h i s at i t s b est i n J a n u a r y a n d February. They have scented, spidery yellow, orange or red flowers and

I love the architectural height of globe artichokes, which look brilliant i n t h e m i xe d f l owe r b o rd e r s – especially if underplanted with lowg row i n g f l owe r s i n b l u e s o r r e d s to contrast with the grey foliage. You can grow them from seed now, sowing two seeds to an 8cm pot and germinating at 18°C .

The Local Answer

P Plant lant iin n tthe he m middle iddle o off a ssunny unny b border order Remove the weakest of the two s e e d s a n d g row t h e o t h e r o n t h e window sill inside, or in a heated greenhouse until all risk of frost has

passed. Then plant outside towards the middle of a sunny border. If in a group, space them 45cm apart. They c a n b e r e t a i n e d to g r ow o n t h e following year but will need more space, so thin out to 90cm apart. Cut the flowerheads whilst they are still c l o s e d to g e t t h e te n d e re s t f l e s h .

Sarah Raven recommends soaking them in salty water for an hour or so before boiling to dislodge any hiding earwigs!

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 33

Rob Cockburn

Tree & Hedge Services www.draindoctorglos.co.uk g

All dr d ains an d blo l ckages G All emergency plu l mbing work G Pre-fixe d prices G Saniflo blockages & G installations High pressure jetting/drain repairs/relining G CCTV sur veys/homebuyers’ sur veys G Local Author ity insurance & wate r co mpany appro ve d G

24 h 24 hours o urs a d day ay 7 days days a w week eek 3 365 65 d days ays a y year ear

CALL NICK ON

01452 424 804 FREEPHONE

0800 068 1216

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GARDEN GARDEN CLEARANCES CLEARANCES HEDGE CUTTING CUTTING HEDGE PRUNING•TOPPING•FELLIING PRUNING•TOPPING•FELLING FENCING•TURFING•PATIOS FENCING•TURFING•PATIOS PRESSURE W ASHER C LEANING PRESSURE WASHER CLEANING

For For a FREE FREE no no o obligation bligation quote quote call: call:

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A family run business – we won’t be beaten on price!

007919 7919 8837765 37765

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ooffice@dwgrounddesign.co.uk ffice@dwgrounddesign.co.uk www.dwgrounddesign.co.uk www.dwgrounddesign.co.uk

Tel: 01452 522841 after 6pm Mob: 07799 142194 anytime •Domestic/Commercial • Domestic/Commercial Maintenance M aintenance •Decking •Decking •Patios/Paving • Patios/Paving •Fencing •Fencing •Turfing •Driveways •Turfing • Driveways •Ground Works •Ground W orks •Garden Design •Garden D esign •Planting Arrangements • Planting A rrangements •Over •Over 1 15 5Y Years’ ears’ EExperience •Fully xperience • Fully IInsured nsured •Portfolio aavailable vailable • All W ork Guaranteed Guaranteed •Portfolio •All Work • References A vailable •References Available

FFor or aadvice dvice aand nd ffree ree q quotations uotations ccontact ontact N Nick ick R Rutter utter on on 01452 01452 751274 751274 o orr 07796 07796 146099 146099

RRedwood edw wood Tree Tree CCare are 85 Cheltenham Road East, Churchdown, Gloucester GL3 1JN

BLOCK PA AVING TARMACING G GRAVEL G SLABS G FENCING G G

T Te elephone: 0 1452 7 12 3 68 Telephone: 01452 712 368 www.laland1.com w..ls aland1.com w ww w w

*the *the customer customer is is entitled entitled to to a 14 14 day day cooling cooling off off period period by by law law

Page 34

Specialist Work on All Kinds of Trees • Planting • Topping • Pruning • Deadwooding • Removal (Roots too!) • Fruiit Tree Management • Stump Treatment • Health Assessmen 25% H HEDGES EDGES PRUNED PRUNED AND AND T TRIMMED RIMMED 25% DISCOUNT O ONE-OFF NE-OFF G GARDEN ARDEN T TIDY IDY S SERVICE ERVICE DISCOUNT in in FFebruary ebruary L LICENSED ICENSED W WASTE ASTE CARRIER CARRIER 2017 2017

Call Dave for a FREE QUOTATION FREEPHONE 0800 696 5445 Mobile 07733 124 800

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Page 36

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The Local Answer

Interior Interior Design Design with w ith Lois Lois Kingscott Kingscott

Create Create a ssummerhouse ummerhouse rretreat etreat It may seem an odd time of year to be thinking about summerhouses, but it pays to b e p re p a re d ! A f te r a l l , wouldn’t you rather have your place to escape ready and waiting for you come June, rather than having to b u i l d i t d u r i n g t h e l o ve l y sunny months?

great starting point . From t h e r e yo u c a n a d d b o o k s, p h o to s, m o o d b o a rd s a n d anything else that will help your creativity flourish.

An unlined curtain or blind can help to shield you from the sun, while still letting in e n o u g h l i g h t fo r yo u to work . And if you ’re the type t o wo r k i n t o t h e n i g h t , a desk lamp is a must-have.

SSee ee where where y your our iimagination magination ttakes akes you y ou

Kid’s Kid’s ccorner orner

Whether it ’s for escaping reality and enjoying the peace and quiet with a good book , or for hosting summer p a r t i es w i t h f r i e n d s a n d family, a summerhouse is a great environment in which to relax and be close to nature. You can transform yo u r s u m m e r h o u s e i n to w h a t ev e r you want – a studio for writing or painting, a gamesroom for the kids, or simply a space to take a breather from gardening.

The beauty of summerhouses is you can create any theme you want.

If you’re using it for escapism, try capturing the essence of your favourite place – perhaps a beach look with nautical decor, or why not turn it into a tropical hideout with an array of plants and a small water feature? Be inventive and see where your imagination takes you.

Country Country cchic hic w with ith w wicker icker cchairs hairs and and windowboxes windowboxes Pastel shades in blue or green have a calming effect, and can be painted with intricate flowers and leaves.

Alternatively, let nature take its course outside with climbing plants such as wisteria or Campsis radicans, which displays fantastic red flowers in the summer. Windowboxes with flowers and your favourite herbs will The Local Answer

create a lovely scent around the summerhouse, and a simple table decoration of a few garden flowers can be changed every few days to keep a fresh look .

W i c k e r c h a i r s a n d a fo l d i n g wooden table are ideal furnishings, as they can easily be moved outside on sunny days. Accompany the chairs with light coloured cushions in floral patterns and either dress the table with a white or cream cloth, or leave it bare for a more natural look .

A An na artist’s rtist’s e escape scape For those creative souls out there, yo u r s u m m e r h o u s e m ay b e y o u r personal studio. Writers, artists and musicians often need a natural e n v i ro n m e n t t o b e a b l e t o f u l l y express themselves, and can sometimes find inspiration from nature’s sights and sounds.

As with most masterpieces, you have to start with a blank canvas. A white room with a simple desk and chair placed next to a window is a

Families with young children m ay d e c i d e to b u i l d a summerhouse as some w h e re to k e e p m e m o r i e s t h a t c h i l d re n c a n re t u r n t o when they are older.

Marking children’s heights on a wall as they grow up n o t o n l y l e t s y o u s e e h ow fast they grow, but their cousins and friends can join in too – perhaps with a competition as to who will be the tallest by the time they ’re a teenager!

Pinning up pictures and displaying creations that the kids have made at school is a great way to show them h ow p r o u d yo u a re o f t h e i r w o r k – and it’s funny to look back on when t h e i r a r t i s t i c s k i l l s m a y h av e improved with age.

Keeping children’s books and toys in the summerhouse means they have a little retreat too, and it can also be the perfect place to host a birthday party. With fun and games set up in the garden, and food and drink laid out inside, kids will love s h o w i n g o f f t h e i r s u m m e r h o u s e to their friends.

There’s loads of inspiration online and you can keep it as simple or as complicated as you like. Get cracking now and you’ll have plenty of time t h ro u g h o u t t h e s u m m e r to e n j oy your summerhouse retreat.

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Page 37

it 1, 1, Stanley Stanley Court, Unit Court, T Telford elford W Way, ay, edgeley, Gloucester Gloucester GL2 GL2 2AE 2AE Quedgeley, OPENING HOURS: MONDAY- FRIDAY 9am-5pm SATURDAY 10 am-4pm SUNDAY 11am-3pm

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WE HAVE TH HE E LARGEST SELECTIIO ON OF LAMINATE AND LUXURY VINYL FLOORIIN NG G IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

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Matt Matt G Grimshaw rimshaw Carpentry Carpentry Ltd Ltd Your Y our llocal ocal C Carpenter/ arpenter/ K Kitchen itchen F Fitting itting S Specialist pecialist

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ON KITCHEN FITTING WHEN QUOTING TL A

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Don’t look until you’ve finished!

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Your local family business

Page 43

Female male Plumber umber

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sional qualified plumber Fully insured No job too small

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Black & White Plumbing and Heating

GAS & OIL SERVICES BOILER INSTALLATIONS EMERGENCY REPAIRS SAFETY INSPECTIONS LANDLORD CERTIFICATES

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PLUMBING P LUMBING & H HEATING EATING Our Plumbing & Heating services include: Central Heating Systems – Gas & Oil Combination Boilers ◆ Annual Servicing & Maintenance ◆ Landlords Gas Safety Cert tificates ◆ Wet t Rooms ◆ Underffloor Heating ◆ Reffurbishment & Alterations ◆ Traditional and Contemporary y Bathrooms ◆ ◆

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iinfo@markbensonbs.co.uk nfo@markbensonbs.co.uk www.markbensonbs.co.uk www.markbensonbs.co.uk U Unit nit 5, 5, The The Bramery, Bramer y, Alstone Alstone LLane, ane, CCheltenham heltenham G GL51 L51 88HE HE

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with with Roger Roger D Downes ownes o of fA Andorran ndorr ran

Tough Tough ttimes? imes?

It’s not often that you are asked to spare a thought for the boss’s finances, but that’s what Money Matters is going to invite you to do.

There has been plenty of publicity over recent years about the struggles of employees trying to keep pace with the cost of living, as businesses have found it increasingly difficult to afford pay rises in different economic times. But what about the boss him/herself? How has he or she fared across these uncertain times.

SSelf-employed elf-employed workers workers earned earned 20% 20% lless ess iin n2 2014/15 014/15 tthan n1 1995 han iin 995

W WINDOW INDOW AND AND DOOR DOOR REPAIR REPAIR EEXPERTS XPERTS

Call 01905 700100

Money Money M Matters atters

Not very well is the answer, if you believe the results of recently published research into the earnings of the selfemployed. It appears that self-employed workers earned 20% less in 2014/15 than they did in 1995, and that ’s without factoring in the effects of inflation, which would nearly double that figure.

How has the self-employed community coped? Well, not giving pay rises to their staff for one and cutting their costs, whilst at the same time searching for efficiencies, is the obvious other explanation.

What intrigues me a little more is WHY the self-employed are earning less. Markets have widened – certainly if your product or service can be sold abroad – and interest rates have helped to keep finance costs at record low levels. So surely all the ingredients are there for success?

The research threw up some interesting data, not least of which is that self-employed business people are working a lot less hours than they did 20 years ago. It’s no surprise then that they are earning less; it’s a well known fact that self-employed profits are generated first and foremost from your own hard work .

It appears that the number of self-employed people employing others has also fallen. If that’s going to be your business model, surely it has to be coupled with doing more hours yourself? These two elements just do not make sense put alongside each other.

R Red ed ttape ape a and nd llegislation egislation iiss ttying ying e entrepreneurs’ ntrepreneurs’ h hands ands One thing that was not highlighted by the research, but which I believe has had a major impact on small business profits is the amount of red tape and legislation that ties an entrepreneur ’s hands. Whether it is health and safety, employment legislation, EU bureaucracy or corporate governance, compliance all costs time and money.

Not all small businesses have seen their earnings and profits fall of course. There are many success stories out there, making money for themelves, rewarding their hardworking employees and investing in the future. They are the entrepreneurs whose examples should be followed by anyone looking to succeed as their own boss.

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Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK Cafe Rene Tiger’s Eye

6 6

WHAT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Louise Gardiner Music Lessons Shipton Golf Course EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Hallmark Hotel The Bird & Deer Park

20 20 23 24

PROPERTY & STORAGE Acorn Residential Lettings Park Home Life The Property Centre

12 17 52

RETAIL Assured Mobility Bicko’s Bike Shack Craftngo Ermin Plant Hire MidWest Mobility The Cotswold Craft Centre Vinyl Records

14 22 20 48 12 24 22

HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms 43 & 51 BUILDING SERVICES A1 Roofing & Contractors 29 BE Rudman 28 C&G Paving 28 Cathedral Cladding 49 Cheltenham Roofing 31 Craftsmen Builders 31 Davey’s Building Maintenance 29 Dykes Builders 31 Elite Loft Ladders 40

Ellis Property Solutions G Kelly Plastering Glos Build Home Care Roofing & Building Marshalls Driveways Roofing & Building Solutions CARPENTRY Matt Grimshaw Rhodes Carpentry CLEANING SERVICES Gloucester Wash & Dry Inside Out Cleaning & Restoration Oven and Range Cleaning Oven Busters Space Master The Little Maid Tidy Homes ELECTRICAL SERVICES Cleevely Electrics Ltd GRP Electrical Steve Holland Electrical FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Bella’s Interiors Gloucester Carpet Outlet Interior Needs Just Fabrics Quedgeley Carpets Sapphire Carpets GARDEN SERVICES Chosen Lawnmowers DW Ground Design Heritage Landscapes LA Landscapes Lawn Doc Mark Clifford Landscapes Master Sheds

31 29 30 28 29 29 40 40 42 41 42 42 41 42 42 43 43 43 40 40 35 39 38 36 32 34 34 34 32 32 32

MCB Garden Services Meadow Green Landscapes Phoenix Gardens Redwood Tree Care Rob Cockburn Tree & Hedge Woodlands Tree & Garden HANDYMAN SERVICES David Stevens Maintenance Handylink HEATING & PLUMBING Black & White Plumbing Drain Doctor Glebe Contractors KB Female Plumber Log Boy Mark Benson BS Ltd PBT Installations Sarsen Energy Town & Country KITCHENS Hatherley Worktops & Kitchens PAINTING & DECORATING Michelle Powell Decorator TV & AERIAL 1st Choice Aerials WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows B.M. Services C&L Windows Clearway Doors & Windows Inceil Cloudy 2 Clear

34 32 32 34 34 34 29 31 44 34 36 44 36 44 44 44 44

Coate Water Care Glos County Council Fostering Saintbridge House COMPUTER SERVICES Computer Cookie EDUCATION & TRAINING Dean Close School LEGAL & FINANCE NJH Bookkeeping MOTORING SERVICES Bridgend Garage Car Helpers Julian Rogers PET SERVICES SG Dog Walking Services REMOVAL SERVICES Little White Van Man SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Stevens Recycling

5 21 49 18 5 18 5 49 42

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M E S K O R M Q P L R E F D T A H A N M K M M F

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S P N W Y Q O Y N D C L P E B S E K D G R F I F

B R O D I N N E R T E A N V C U R X M N Y E W X

A L M S F R L B Z C I T R C W T R A E H E P R M

F D L O U K L F Z Q I C I D V V P J W L C I Y P

X Y P G W R O W K N G C Q J H M K K F K I A R Y

T K R N C G E V E N M C U W K Z L S D O H Y G F

D Y T I Z G K V F E E L I N G S P S B V Q F I F

Q N U R X L J S E F X W U K H B D I H B N B V D

Q M O A G L E K A R G Y G Z B D N K S R V M I G

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M V L V Z B L E L P U O C B A A Q Y D M T O K O

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