Cotswolds by The Local Answer

The Local

ANSWER

MARCH 2017

200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

for local people

COTSWOLDS LOVE MUSIC? OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUDDING MUSICIANS INSIDE!

The Children’s Family Trust

DO YOU have a spare room? ARE YOU over 21? DO YOU consider yourself a warm and caring individual? WOULD YOU LIKE to help, support and care for vulnerable children?

/thecft

@fostering_CFT

Charity number: 208607 • Registered charity since 1945

“You can change a person’s life forever.” D (aged 10) – Birth Child

The The Lo Local c al

AN ANSWER SWER

CCotswolds otswolds – 228,000 8,000 ccopies opies CCheltenham heltenham – 443,000 3,000 ccopies opies G loucestershire N orth – 220,000 0,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire North G loucestershire SSouth outh – 441,000 1,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire G loucester – 446,000 6,000 ccopies opies Gloucester FForest orest ooff D ean – 222,000 2,000 ccopies opies Dean M anaging D irector Managing Director D Dave ave K Kingscott ingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk

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

Helen Helen 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 rrob@thelocalanswer.co.uk ob@thelocalanswer.co.uk

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

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

T Telephone elephone 0 01242 1242 5 510500 10500 thelocalanswer thelocalanswer

Welcome Welcome ttoo M March arch ... ... Are you a budding musician? Gloucestershire Music has something for everyone – from orchestras to jazz bands, beginners to advanced players. Check out the opportunities and events available across the county on the centre pages. Join Al Hidden as he explores the Japanese island of Hokkaido. Read about the mesmerising kaleidoscope of agricultural lowlands, the jaw-dropping views of Mount Oakan, and the rainbow-coloured flower fields in this month’s ‘Holidays & Travel’ feature. If you’d prefer to admire flowers a little closer to home, read Jenny Stevens’ ‘Wildlife Matters’ article about the woodland wildflowers popping up throughout the spring. Did you know that the right natural oils can help keep your skin moisturised, smooth and glowing? Katie Pollard assesses a range of natural oils and the benefits they have for our skin and hair in ‘Mirror Mirror on the Wall’. Thank you to everyone who entered our ‘TLA Charity ’ competition. We had an incredible response and hope you will join us in congratulating the winner. Read more inside!

IInside nside tthis his m month onth .... .. Cocktail TTime ime Cocktail Wild FFood ood FForaging oraging Wild Delicious D ish Delicious Dish TLA CCharity harity W inner TLA Winner Holidays & TTravel ravel Holidays Mirror M irror o n tthe he W all Mirror Mirror on Wall What’s O n What’s On Sudoku Sudoku the Garden Garden In the In Wildlife M atters Wildlife Matters Gadgets & G izmos Gadgets Gizmos Quick CCrossword rossword Quick Save the the Planet Planet Save Word SSearch earch Word Money M atters Money Matters ompetitions, SSolutions olutions Index , CCompetitions, Index,

4 4 5 6 -7 6-7 11 11 13 13 15 15 21 21 23 23 25 25 2 7 27 2 8 28 3 1 31 3 2 32 33 33 34 34

@thelocalanswer @thelocalanswer

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

Page 3

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

W Wild ild F Food ood F Foraging oraging w with ith S Steven teven H Hawley awley

LLaver aver TTom om Collins Collins The Tom Collins recipe was first recorded in the book ‘The Bartender’s Guide’, which was written by Jerry Thomas and published in 1876. There is an amusing story surrounding the cocktail named ‘The Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1874’, which was used as a prank for months, fooling many people. According to the story, Tom Collins was a loud, boisterous m a n w h o f re q u e n t e d t ave r n s a n d b a d - m o u t h e d a l m o s t everyone he met – and even those he hadn’t. However, those who fell victim to his wrath had good friends who would inform them immediately of the profanity directed at them. The victim would then be encouraged to find Collins and confront him. But in searching for Tom Collins at the tavern he was rumoured to be in, he was nowhere to be seen, as Tom Collins didn’t exist! Finally, seeking revenge, the victim would ask the barman for a Tom Collins and receive the sour cocktail instead. While this is highly unlikely to be true, it makes a great tale and one can imagine it would’ve been great fun to trick friends with! Ingredients: Ingredients: 50ml gin; 25ml lemon juice; 10ml sugar syrup; splash soda water; few slices of lemon; maraschino cherry (optional). M ethod: Method: 1 Fill a tall glass with ice. 2 Pour gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup into the glass and mix well. 3 Top up with soda water and garnish with a few slices of lemon and a maraschino cherry.

P PLEASE LEASE D DRINK RINK R RESPONSIBLY ESPONSIBLY Why Why not not have have a M Mocktail? ocktail? For a non-alcoholic alternative, pour 120ml lemon juice, 60ml soda water and 1 tsp sugar syrup over ice and garnish with lemon and a maraschino cherry. Page 4

As the warmer weather creeps lethargically toward us, we can once again begin to turn our attention inland for our foraging needs. But before we start scratching about in hedgerows for our goodies, let ’s take one last look along the coast for some Laver to really warm us up and get us in the mood for spring and summer. Laver is a seaweed found on the west coast, which usually covers rocks and looks like molten black plastic. Or snot – big black snot.

EEasy asy tto om make ake b but ut vvery ery ttime ime cconsuming onsuming A traditional Welsh dish makes good use of Laver and you may or may not already be familiar with Laverbread. It’s easy to make but very time consuming. It’s full of iron, iodine and protein, so it would be a shame not to give it a go at least once just because of the preparation time! Rinse a fair sized handful with clean water a couple of times to remove sand and other nasties. It might take a couple of attempts to get it really clean. Put into a pan of water and boil for about ten hours. Once cooked, put into a mixing bowl and add oatmeal until the mixture goes from a runny green sludge to a not so runny green sludge. Fry up some bacon in a frying pan and then use the bacon fat to fry big dollops of Laverbread.

A trip trip to to Wales Wales m may ay be be in in order order The main issue I noticed is that at no stage did the Laverbread ever resemble anything close to regular bread. As I watched my cheese sandwich ooze off the kitchen counter and onto my foot, I concluded that I had misunderstood its intended use. So I bought some regular bread from a shop and spread my Laver on it like butter and topped it with fried bacon. I think a trip to Wales is in order to see how it ’s supposed to be done. If If yyou’re ou’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 ppick ick 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 bbefore efore allergies, consuming anything anything fforaged oraged in in the the w ild. consuming wild.

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

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

P Pomegranate omegranate g glazed lazed sshoulder houlder o off llamb amb TTreat reat yyour our mum mum on on Mother’s Mother’s D Day ay b byy ccooking ooking h her er a d delicious elicious d dinner. inner. Ingredients: Ingredients: 4 garlic cloves, chopped (use lazy garlic for ease); 2tsp ground cumin; 2tsp ground cinnamon; 1tbsp dried oregano; 1 lemon, quartered and seeds removed; salt a n d p e p p e r ; 1 . 5 k g b o n e - i n l a m b s h o u l d e r j o i n t ; 2 re d onions, cut into wedges; 1 litre carton pomegranate juice; 2tbsp clear honey; seeds from 1 fresh pomegranate; mint to garnish. Method: Method: 1 Put the garlic, cinnamon, cumin, oregano and lemon in a blender with 1tsp salt and 2tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth. Put the lamb in a large roasting tin and tip the marinade over the top. Massage all over the lamb and leave for 24 hours in the fridge. 2 Remove the lamb from the fridge 1 hour before cooking. Heat oven to 160°C (140°C fan/gas mark 3). Sprinkle the onions around the lamb, then pour over the pomegranate juice. Cover the lamb with foil and cook for 4 hours.

Keep Keep up up to to date! date! Like us on Facebook

thelocalanswer thelocalanswer Follow us on Twitter

@ @thelocalanswer thelocalanswer The Local Answer

3 Remove the foil, carefully pour the meat juices from the tin into a large saucepan and add the honey. Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (200°C fan/gas mark 7), cover the lamb back up and continue to cook for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the meat juices and honey on a high heat until reduced, thick and syrup-like. This will take about 25-30 minutes. 4 Pour the marinade glaze over the lamb and onions and return uncovered to the oven for approximately 30 minutes, until the glaze is bubbling and starting to char, and the lamb is tender. Shred the lamb and serve with the sticky onions and a handful of pomegranate seeds. 5 Serve the lamb with mediterranean flavoured couscous and roasted vegetables, such as courgette, red peppers, aubergine and spring onions. Drizzle a little olive oil over the vegetables and add 2 tbsp of harissa. Mix together and roast for 30 -40 minutes.

TThe he ggym ym tthat hat ssees ees rresults! esults!

Activeservices. A ctiveser vices. Membership Membership includes includes Gym Gym ~ FFitness itness C Classes: lasses: HIIT HIIT Circuits, Circuits, Spin, Spin, Pilates Pilates ~ FFree ree W Weights eights Boxing Boxing Ring Ring ~ Nutrition Nutrition & Weight Weight Loss Loss Parking Parking Nearby Nearby Free Free IIndividual ndividual G Gym ym IInduction nduction Personalised Personalised routines routines aand nd ssupport upport w with ith eevery ver y m membership! embership! JJoin oin oonline: nline: ccirencester.active4less.com irencester.active4less.com

W WE E NEED NEED

V VOLUNTEERS OLUNTEERS

643366 6 43366

C Can an yyou ou spare spare a ffew ew hhours ours a month month to to support support ppeople eople w with ith llearning earning ddisabilities? isabilities? Full Full training training & expenses expenses ppaid aid For more information call 01242 01242 244998 244998 admin@buildingcirclesglos.org.uk www.buildingcirclesglos.org.uk

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 5

oorr call: call: 0 01285 1285

interior needs

The The L Local ocal

AN ANSWER SWER PPAVING AVING SPECIALISTS SPECIALISTS

GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER CARPET CARPET OUTLET OUTLET

S PA

Garden Garden Rooms R ooms

Bowden Bowden QUEDGELEY Hall Hotel Hall H otel CARPETS

Congratulations! Darren Scrivens, Arabella Davis, Ben the pony and Kate Beim

Thank Thank you you to to everyone everyone who who entered entered our our ‘TLA ‘TLA Charity’ Charity ’ ccompetition ompetition over over tthe he last last couple couple of of months. months. After After the the success success of of the the first first competition competition in we ew were ere expecting expecting a g great reat rresponse es p o n s e in 2016, 2016, w and disappointed! isappointed! Over Over 300 300 d different ifferent and we we weren’t weren’t d non-profit organisations were nominated nominated for for the the non-profit o rganisations were prize how much prize money, money, which which goes goes tto o sshow how h ow much yyou ou – our our rreaders eaders – support support llocal ocal good g ood ccauses. auses. winner off tthe £5,000 TThe he llucky ucky w inner o he £ 5,000 prize was Watershed Riding p rize w as W atershed R iding ffor or the the Disabled D isabled Group, Group, nominated nominated by by one one of of Darren ttheir heir ssupporters, u p p o r te r s, D arren Scrivens. Scrivens. Kate Beim, K ate B eim, community community fundraiser fundraiser ffor or Watershed overwhelmed RDA , was was o verwhelmed W atershed RDA, upon hearing u pon h earing the the news news and and couldn’t couldn’t us, our generous tthank hank u s, o ur g enerous advertisers advertisers aand nd tthose hose who who nominated nominated the the enough. ccharity harity e nough. based TThe he charity, charity, b ased near near CCirencester, irencester, provides development p rovides ttherapy, herapy, d evelopment aand nd llearning earning opportunities wide o pportunities ffor or cchildren hildren aand nd aadults dults with with a w ide off d disabilities. mission rrange ange o isabilities. Their Their m ission iiss tto o create create aan n environment have while e nvironment where where rriders iders can can h ave ffun un w hile

learning personal learning new new sskills kills and and aachieving chieving p ersonal goals. goals. They provide They currently currently p rovide services services for for 29 29 rriders iders aaged ged 5 yyears old Arabella ears tto o 60+, 60+, iincluding ncluding 6 yyear ear o ld A rabella Davis uss iin D avis who who kkindly indly modelled modelled for for u n tthe he photo photo above on RDA pony, Ben. en. above o nR DA p ony, B The money will The prize prize m oney w ill be be put put ttowards owards building building a fully fully insulated insulated rroom oom for for riders, riders, parents parents aand nd carers use carers tto ou se before before aand nd after after riding riding activities, will Watershed activities, and and w ill enable enable W atershed RDA RDA to to install install a properly properly plumbed plumbed disabled portaloo disabled toilet toilet tto o replace replace tthe he p ortaloo they use. be they ccurrently urrently u se. The The room room will wil l b e equipped equipped with with kkitchen itchen ffacilities, acilities, aass well well aass a separate separate changing changing rroom oom ffor or those who RDA DA aafter fter sschool. chool. those w ho visit visit R To more To ffind ind out out m ore aabout bout Watershed Watershed RDA how RDA and an d h ow you you ccan an support support tthem, hem, visit visit www.watershedrda.co.uk. www.watershedrda.co.uk . Finally, we would Finally, w ew ould llike ike to to thank thank our our 10 extremely generous 1 0e xtremely g enerous aadvertisers dvertisers for for putting prize money we p utting fforward orward tthe he incredible incredible p rize m oney – w e have ccouldn’t ouldn’t h ave done done this this ccompetition ompetition without without you you pledged make aand nd tthe he money money yyou ou p ledged will will no no doubt doubt m ake massive difference Watershed RDA. am assive d ifference tto oW atershed R DA .

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

Hello H el l o H Hokkaido! okkaido! W h e n yo u t h i n k o f J a p a n , d o yo u imagine Tokyo’s frenetic Shibuya Crossing, Kyoto’s temples or Mount Fuji? They ’re amazing, as we discovered on our first trip. However, fly north from Tokyo and t h e i s l a n d o f H o k k a i d o o f fe r s sublime autumn experiences – but book your accommodation now if you’re planning to visit for October’s colours. Hokkaido, home to the indigenous A i n u , o f fe r s a m e s m e r i s i n g kaleidoscope of fertile agricultural l ow l a n d s , to w e r i n g m o u n t a i n s, imposing coast and Sapporo’s city vibrancy. Hire a car and head for the S h i r e to k o UNESCO p r o t e c te d peninsula. Nearing Hotel Chinohate, look for Salmon-hunting bears, then enjoy a delicious, beautifully supper, p r e s e n te d traditional skinny-dip in a steaming Onsen and sleep deeply on a comfy futon.

re m a r k a b l y lightly trafficked highways to Hokkaido’s lake district. There’s a warm welcome at Yado Hanafurai B&B at Kussharo – and wild deer outside your window. Next , cruise switchback Highway 241 with its jaw-dropping views of Mount Oakan, explore sacred Lake Akan and marvel at its mysterious green Marimo algae spheres.

W Wake ake to to w winter’s inter’s ffirst irst ssnow now

The scenery keeps thrilling as you circle the Daisetsuzan range before d r i v i n g t h ro u g h t h e a u t u m n a l H Hokkaido’s okkaido’s llake ake d district istrict browns and yellows of the forested Then drive over the Shiretoko valley to Grand Hotel Daisetsu and a Pass, with views to Russia, along delicious spider crab feast . Maybe

you’ll wake to winter’s first snow – Hokkaido is renowned for amazing powder. Ride the cable car higher, walk in fresh snow and breathe champagne air while admiring Asahi-Dake and its steaming volcanic fumaroles. Heading on, marvel at rainbowcoloured flower fields and savour d e l i c i o u s J a p a n es e cu r r y w i t h t h e locals at Furano’s Yuiga Doxon. Reaching Sapporo, check in at your hotel (we loved the Mercure near Susukino subway station) and start enjoying city life. Head up the JR Tower for spectacular city views, shop ‘til you drop, daytrip to seaside Otaru or stroll Odori Park to the ‘Eifelesque’ Sapporo TV Tower with someone special.

Hakodate’s H akodate’s llights ights Your Hokkaido visit is nearly over, but there’s a last treat if you travel south to Russian-influenced Hakodate and ascend Mt Hakodate to celebrate sunset , and the impressive city lights, with myriad Japanese. Then catch the Hokkaido S h i n k e n s e n t h ro u g h t h e 5 4 k m Seikan tunnel to mainland Honshu and Tokyo. When you say ‘Sayonara’ to Japan, we’re sure you’ll fly home with m e m o r i e s o u t o f a l l p ro p o r t i o n t o the time spent there. We did! The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 11

Our Our R Readers eaders – Y Your our A Audience udience Nick Burton

Reach 85,000+ people in the Cotswold District! ONLY £125 +VAT for this size advertisement including our

FREE FREE ARTWORK ARTWORK S SERVICE! ERVICE!

Carpenter

ONLY £95 +VAT/month

when you book for 12 months!

MONTHLY MONTHLY PAYMENT PAYMENT PLAN! PLAN!

Want to reach more potential customers?

nickb nickburton urton156@ 156@btint btinternet ernet.com .com

Our 6 Gloucestershire editions are seen by over 600,000!

For helpful, friendly advice call 01242 510500 or email info@thelocalanswer.co.uk www.thelocalanswer.co.uk Page 12

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

M Mirror irror M Mirror irror o on n the the W Wall... all ... with with Katie Katie P Pollard ollard

Oilil yyour O our sskin kin It’ll come as no surprise to you that oil isn’t something you’d associate with your beauty regime. Due to its greasy nature, o i l i s i n d e e d t h e b l a c k s h e e p of t h e beauty world. But like anything, just as there are good oils for your diet , there a r e g o o d o i l s fo r yo u r s k i n . T h e r i g h t natural oils can keep your skin moisturised, smooth and glowing – it can even fight breakouts without leaving your skin feeling as you might expect. So let’s start by covering all bases, for all different skin types and assess why the right oils can be beneficial for your skin.

Argan A rgan O Oilil Best Best for: for: Fine Fine lines, lines, ddry ry sskin kin & ddry ry hhair. air. Argan oil is extracted from the fruit of Moroccan argan trees. It has high levels of vitamin E , omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. While it first found fame as a saviour for dry, damaged hair, the oil also works wonders on the face and body for the exact same reason.

A Avocado vocado O Oilil Best Best for: for: Dry, Dry, sensitive sensitive or or irritated irritated skin. skin. Can avocados get any better? Yes they can! Avocado isn’t just good for your diet. Like Argan oil, it is high in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which helps decrease inflammation. Its ability to soften the skin triggers the production of collagen and packs in antioxidants and nutrients that are ideal for treating those with dry and itchy skin conditions, like eczema, or aging skin.

Coconut Coconut Oil Oil B Best est ffor: or: SSensitive ensitive sskin, kin, eeczema czema & ddry ry hhair. air. One we’re all familiar with now is coconut oil. Plenty of research has shown that coconut oil restores dry hair and dry skin just as equally. Coconut oil is good for pretty much every element of your beauty regime, including teeth, nails and d i e t , a s we l l a s y o u r h a i r a n d s k i n . I t s pure contents provide you with the natural source of oil that you need.

FFlaxseed laxseed O Oilil Best Best for: for: Irritated, Irritated, ssensitive ensitive sskin kin & conditions conditions ssuch uch aass eczema eczema & dermatitis. dermatitis. You can mix the seeds in foods, or use its omega-3 as a moisturiser to seal in moisture for a glowing complexion. It h a s a n t i - i n f l a m m a to r y p ro p e r t i e s a n d studies have shown that, if taken daily, it can improve skin conditions such as eczema in just a few months.

LLavender avender O Oilil B Best est ffor: or: A Acne-prone cne-prone oorr iirritated rritated sskin. kin. Lavender collected from the fresh flower tops are especially beneficial for those with acne and general skin irritation. It ’s basically a natural a n t i s e pt i c and d i s i n fe c t a n t . L a ve n d e r o i l i s a l s o a m a z i n g f o r yo u r m o o d , a s i t c a n i n s t a n t l y calm anxiety, which waves goodbye to those stress related spots. A two-in-one oil that ’s treating you on the inside and out!

TTea ea TTree ree O Oilil B Best est ffor: or: A Acne-prone cne-prone sskin. kin. Found in many natural acne remedies, tea tree oil helps kill bacteria in the pores and hair follicles that lead to blemishes. It’s best for getting rid of dead skin cells to p rev e n t c l o g g e d p o re s a n d i s w h y you’ll recognise its name from many face washes and scrubs. However, with this one, although it’s a natural substance, it may cause irritation. Be sure to test it on a small patch of skin before you use it generally. So next time you dismiss oil for its greasy texture or slippery consistency,, it’s worth bearing in mind that most of them come from the most natural of sources a n d p o ss e ss t h e p ro p e r t i e s w e are prepared to pay for in most beauty products!

R Rose ose H Hip ip O Oilil B Best est ffor: or: U Uneven neven ppigment, igment, sscars, cars, ffine ine llines ines & aacnecnepprone rone sskin. kin. Rose hip seed oil is extracted from the seeds of a South American rosebush and is the ultimate complexion treatment. It contains vitamins A and C , which work to increase cell reproduction and i n st a n t l y l i f t d u l l l o o k i n g s k i n , s o ot h i n g blemishes. Prone to sensitive skin? Just add a few drops to your daily moisturiser. The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 13

W What’s 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. We We re recommend ecommend yyou ou uuse se tthe he ccontact ontact ddetails etails pprovided rovided to to check check event event information information uupdates pdates pprior rior ttoo pplanning lanning yyour our vvisit. isit. 11-31 -31 MARCH MARCH DAFFODIL & EARLY MAGNOLIA MONTH The perfect time to see the host of golden daffodils in all their spring glory! Wander through swathes of yellow and enjoy the spring sunshine from beneath the glorious tree canopy. We’ll soon be seeing pops of pink appear, as early flowering magnolias start to blossom. Entrance fee applies. www.batsarb.co.uk. Batsford Arboretum, nr Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AD. MARCH 4 MARCH STORY SPACE: WATCHERS OF THE SKIES Edna Leigh’s 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 her granddaughter shares this fascinating journey. 7.30pm. £12. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 9 MARCH MARCH HEDDA GABLER

Just married. Bored already. Hedda longs

to be free… Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon and the relationship is already in trouble. Trapped but determined, Hedda tries to control those around her, only to see her own world unravel. Tony Award-winning director Ivo van Hove returns to National Theatre Live screens with a modern production of Ibsen’s masterpiece. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 18 18 MARCH MARCH CCA ANTORES CHAMBER CHOIR & STRINGS 7.30pm. Cirencester Parish Church. German Masterpieces. Conductor John Holloway, Organist David Whitehead. Including Bach Cantata No.4, Mendelssohn motets, Schutz motets, Brahms Geistliches Lied, Mozart Ave Verum. Tickets £15 available from Cirencester and Cheltenham TICs, www.cantores.net, Lorna 01242 603988 or on the door. Concessions available. THE BOHEMIANS LIVE QUEEN

LOCA LOCAL CAL BUYER PAYS PAY PA AYS YS CA CASH ASH FOR AS YOUR UNWANTED RECORDS YOUR U NWANTED R ECORDS

Most LPs, EPs & singles from the 1960s/70s/80s/90s considered. Especially large or small collections of Heavy Rock, Psych & Prog Rock, Punk & 90s Britpop.

e-mail: e -mail: w willowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk illowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk 01242 01242 702947 702947 or or 0 07785 7785 5 515987 15987 The Local Answer

Ruby Turner can breathe life and meaning into any song. Over a long and fruitful career, Ruby’s vocal prowess has been employed by Brian Ferry, Mick Jagger, Steve Winwood and Jools Holland. Described as the genuine article and blessed with a voice that has been likened to Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin, Ruby continues to win the hearts and minds of an ever-growing and diverse fan base. 7.30pm. £25. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

S Shipton hipton G Golf olf C Course ourse

The Bohemians are the most dynamic and exciting Queen tribute band currently

Vinyl Records WANTED

touring the world. Standing ovations greet their performances which include full staging, stunning lighting, backdrops, pyrotechnics and a baby grand piano. The Bohemians promise a night to remember as they recreate the glory days of Queen, including the craziness of the 1970s and the magic of the 1980s, live in concert. 7.30pm. £18 (£16). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 2244 MARCH MARCH LIFTING THE BLUES: RUBY TURNER

Shipton Golf Course, Nr Frogmill, Shipton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4HT

HOLE HvO PA P AYay & PLAY PLAY COURSE COURSE IN IN THE THE Open Op““A eAn9e every eLrEyPAY d day H HEART Euntil RT OF F THE T E COTSWOLDS” COTSWOLDS” from from 7 7am am uAnRT tiO l dusk d uH sk

N NO ON NEED EED T TO OB BOOK OOK – O Open pen eevery very day day from from 7am 7am until until dusk dusk

www.shiptongolf.co.uk

Follow Follow us us on on Twitter: Twitter :

‘Shiptongolf’ ‘Shiptongolf ’

To advertise call 01242 510500

shiptongolf@tiscali.co.uk

Tel: 01242 890237

✉

☎

Page 15

2255 MARCH MARCH CANTORES CHAMBER CHOIR & STRINGS 7.30pm. Holy Apostles Church. German Masterpieces. Conductor John Holloway, Organist David Whitehead. Including Bach Cantata No.4, Mendelssohn motets, Schutz motets, Brahms Geistliches Lied, Mozart Ave Verum. Tickets £15 available from Cirencester and Cheltenham TICs, www.cantores.net, Lorna 01242 603988 or on the door. Concessions available. 2266 MARCH MARCH CINDERELLA A mistreated young girl, a glass slipper, two comical ugly step-sisters and a handsome prince add up to one of the best known rags-to-riches stories of all time. Enjoy a perfect mix of classical dancing, delicate storytelling and a touch of pantomime, plus a ballet score of Rossini’s most famous operatic achievements. 5pm. £19 (£18, children £14). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. MOTHERING SUNDAY We’re spoiling mums rotten with free entry to the arboretum when accompanied by a paying child! What better way to show mum how much you love her than with a visit to Batsford at the height of blowsy spring bulb colour? You could also stay for lunch or afternoon tea in the

Garden Terrace Cafe! No need to book – just turn up and enjoy. www.batsarb.co.uk. Batsford Arboretum, nr Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9AD. 2299 MARCH MARCH THE PARTY

The cake is made, the presents have arrived, and the music is playing. Enter some uninvited visitors: a French cyclist and a man dressed as a giant chicken. What ensues is a fast-paced, acrobatic and endlessly entertaining circus show that humorously explores topics such as sharing, social exclusion and not always getting what you want. A fantastically engaging show for all the family (3years+). 10.30am. £11 (£9, family £36). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

O OUR UR R READERS EADERS YOUR Y OUR AUDIENCE AUDIENCE Reach 85,000+ people in the Cotswolds! TR REV EV VO ONLY £75 +VAT T OR O R

fo or this size RO OGE GERS advertisement R including our PAI P AIN NT TER ER & FREE F REE A ARTWORK RTWORK D DE EC CO OR RA AT TO OR S SERVICE ERVICE INTERIOR / EXTERIOR

ONLY £60

+VAT/month when you book for 12 months!

FREE ESTIMATES PAPER HANGING COVING & TILING SPECIAL RAT TES FOR OAPs

012 0 128 85 52 222 222 222 22 077 0 777 77 75 555 556 666 66

For helpful, friendly advice call 01242 510500 or email info@thelocalanswer.co.uk Page 16

30 30 MARCH MARCH EASTER CRAFTS & COFFEE MORNING At Dolphins Hall, Tetbury. 10am-12.30pm. In aid of Parkinsons UK and Arthritis Research UK. 8-9 8-9 APRIL APRIL SHIPTON QUILTERS EXHIBITION Rendcomb College, Rendcomb, Cirencester GL7 7HA . Saturday 8th 10am-5pm, Sunday 9th 10am-4pm. Entry £4, U16s free. Quilt displays, demonstrations, traders, sales table, raffle. Refreshments and parking available. Shiptonquiltgroup@gmail.com 88-23 -23 APRIL APRIL THE BIG BATSFORD CHICKEN HUNT!

You may have heard of an Easter Egg hunt – now find the chickens that laid them hiding at Batsford! Simply mark their locations on the map provided to win a prize! £2.50 per child (plus entrance fee). All children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book , just turn up and enjoy! www.batsarb.co.uk. Batsford Arboretum, nr Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AD.

C Come ome and and see, see, feed feed and and sstroke troke our our beautiful beautiful fallow fallow ddeer, eer, our our wonderful wonderful ccollections ollections of of peacocks, peacocks, w waterfowl, aterfowl, pheasants pheasants and and tthe he aamusing musing pygmy pygmy goats goats ... .. . aallll very very tame tame and and will will feed feed ffrom rom your your hand! hand!

NEW NEW VISITOR VISITOR C CENTRE ENTRE OPEN! OPEN!

Give your your child child a Give magical magical birthday birthday party in our our party in beautiful gypsy beautiful gypsy caravan! caravan!

Open Open 7 days days a week week 10am-5pm 10am-5pm • 0 01452 1452 812727 812727

w www.thebirdpark.com ww.thebirdpark.com

T The he B Bird ird and and Deer Deer Park, Park, Prinknash, Prinknash, C Cranham, ranham, Gloucester Gloucester GL4 GL4 8EX 8EX

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

CARE Construction A family business delivering a professional and friendly service across Gloucestershire

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

• EXTENSIONS • RENOVATIONS • STONEWORK • BARN CONVERSIONS • PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • SPECIALIST RE-POINTING • LANDSCAPING Please email or call: info@careconstruction.online

01452 649 754 • 07794 540 071 • 07834 728 778

www.careconstruction.online

BellBlinds Bella’s a’s IInterio nterrs ioors rs Blinds & Shutttteers Where Where q quality uality a and nd ccustomer ustomer ssatisfaction atisfaction ccount ount ALL A LL TYPES TYPES OF OF B BLINDS LINDS M MADE ADE TO TO MEASURE MEASURE

ROLLER ROLLER ● VERTICAL VERTICA AL ● PLEATED PLEATED ● SHUTTERS SHUTTERS ● VENETIAN VENETIAN ● WOODSLAT WOODSL AT ● CA CANOPIES ANOPIES ● R ROMAN OMAN ● PINOLEUM PINOLEUM ● A AWNINGS WNINGS ● C CURTAINS URTAINS For a no obligation FREE quotation please call ●

01242 238030

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

S SEASON EASONED NED

H OO ARDW O OD HARDW WOOD

L OG S LOG GS 01285 01285 8 821181 21181 M Mob: ob: 07968 07968 0 054472 54472

C Call all N Nigel igel o on n

w www.nigeledwardsfirewood.co.uk ww.nigeledwardsfirewood.co.uk njedward ds172@btinternet.com

Pro m ot e y ou r bu s i n e ss i n 2 8,0 00 m a g a zi n e s Call now!

The Local

01242

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

THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR NEW BATHROOM ...

ANSWER 510500

The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Your local family business

Page 21

Belgrave Property Solut utions

Belgrave Property Maintenance oﬀers a wide range of general services to keep your property or business in excellent condi on. Services include • Carpentry & Joinery • Pain ng & Decora ng • Maintenance & Plumbing • Refurbishment & Restora on • Kitchens & Bathrooms FFor or a ccompe ve ompe ve quote quote please please contact: con

ee:: b belgraveoﬃce@gmail.com elgraveoﬃce@gmail.com tt:: 007526 7526 9986881 86881

All All w work ork ccomes omes w with ith a 1100 Y Year ear iinsurance nsurance bbacked acked gguarantee uarantee

w www.best-roofing.co.uk ww.best-roofing.co.uk

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

R R S

Rectory Rectory Fields, Fields, R Rudford, udford, G Gloucestershire loucestershire G GL2 L2 8 8DT DT

Tel: T el: 01452 01452 6 668005/01453 68005/01453 2 297010/01285 97010/01285 2 238089 38 0 89 www.marshallsdriveways.co.uk www.marshallsdriveways.co.uk C Company ompany rregistration: egistration: 0 090645563 90645563

ichards & Son Son Ltd Ltd RR Richards F AMILY BUSINESS BUSINESS FAMILY

SC A SU FFO PP L D LI IN ED G

R OOFING A ND F ASCIA FA ROOFING AND FASCIA B O A R D S P E C I A L ISTS BOARD SPECIALISTS

Serving Gloucestershire and beyond ◆ New New Roofs Roofs ◆ N New ew B Builds uilds ◆ S Slate, late, C Chimney himney a and nd T Tile ile R Repair epair ◆ New New Valleys Valleys ◆ F Felt elt and and Battening Battening ◆ L Lead ead Work Work ◆ L Leak eak R Repairs epairs ◆F Fibreglass ibreglass Roofing Roofing ◆ F Felt elt R Roofing oofing

5 YYears’ ears’ Guarantee Guarantee 115 Ye

Fascias Soffits and Guttering Carports F ascias & S offits a nd G uttering – C arports Replacement R eplacement Fascias Fascias in in a range range of of colours colours FREE W RITTEN QUOTATIONS NO OBLIGATION OBLIGATION FREE WRITTEN QUOTATIONS - NO LOCAL R EFERENCES S UPPLIED LOCAL REFERENCES SUPPLIED

Insurance B acked Insurance Backed Guarantee Guarantee

01242 1242 300028 300028 / 01432 1432 870957 870957 / 07437 07437 016736 016736 Page 22

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

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

TTry ry yyour our hand hand aatt ssomething omething nnew ew March in Gloucestershire is always exciting with the racing buzz in the air! The daffodils are at their best on t h e ro u n d a b o u t s a n d ve rg e s to welcome the punters, and the weather can be beautiful – we have sat outside a pub in the town at 10 o’clock at night after the races in our shirt-sleeves! On the other hand there has also been snow at race week , so fingers crossed! Try growing some vegetables, ev e n i f y o u h av e n ev e r g r o w n a n y t h i n g b e fo r e . M a k e s u r e y o u have some decent soil to plant in, and dig in some compost or other organic matter. Old bags of half used compost can all be used to s u p p l e m e n t t h e s o i l . R a k e i t ove r and cover with black plastic to warm up and keep weed-free until you are ready to sow.

FFool ool p proof roof v varieties arieties for for b beginners eginners T h i n g s fo r b e g i n n e r s to g r o w would be runner beans, courgettes, cherry tomatoes, and cut and come again lettuces. Don’t plant a whole p a c k e t o f s e e d ( y o u c a n s h a re a

f i e r y re d s a n d ye l l ow s . S p e c i e s grown for their colourful stems include Cornus alba, C . sanguinea and C . sericea (all dogwoods). The willows (salix) include Salix alba and S. irrorata. Cut back to two or three buds from the base of the shrub. T h i s ve r y o l d te c h n i q u e i s c a l l e d ‘coppicing’ or ‘stooling’ and will N No oo one ne n needs eeds 1 10 0 provide lots of fresh new shoots and ccourgette ourgette p plants lants u unless nless colour for the next winter. This can tthey’re hey’re rrunning unning a be done every year, or every two rrestaurant estaurant years depending on how you want The lettuce can be sown in small the shrub to grow. short rows every couple of weeks so you get a succession of plants to pick over. No one needs 10 courgette plants unless they are running a restaurant – two or three are ample, and really one is just fine if space is limited. The runner beans can be made into a wigwam of c a n e s a n d f i ve o r s i x p l a n t s a re enough for this. Sow two beans per pot and nip off the weaker one to ensure good germination. packet amongst a couple of i n te r e s t e d f r i e n d s ) . T h e c h e r r y tomatoes need starting off inside in a warm place towards the end of the month. Varieties like Tumbler can be grown in baskets and pots, and need no special training so are pretty fool proof.

P Providing roviding llots ots o off ffresh resh new new sshoots hoots a and nd ccolour olour ffor or n next ext w winter inter Now is also the time to hard prune the stems of willows and dogwoods t h a t h a ve b e e n wo n d e r f u l a n d bright during the winter with their The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 23

Mark Clifforrd d Landscapes

• Gardeen Design & Maintenance • Lawn Cutting • Hedge Trimming • Turfing • Pond Work • Tree work • Patios • Decking • Pergolas • Fencing • Shedss • Driveways

Diploma in Horticulture ~ Est. 1993 C COMPETITIVE OMPETITIVE R RATES ATES FREE QUOTATIONS

001242 1242 7713800 13800 / 007778 7778 3340485 40485

markclifford-landscapes.co.uk markclifffoord-landscapes.co.uk

iinfo@sarsenenergy.co.uk nfo@sarsenenergy.co.uk w www.sarsenenergy.co.uk ww.sarsenenergy.co.uk

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

andy@cotswold-kitchens.com

S Specialists pecialists iin n • Carpentry • Building • Maintenance A Andy ndy D Durrant urrant 07786 602 992 R Rich ich D Durrant urrant 07854 057 358

www.cotswoldkitchensandbathrooms.co.uk S u n n y b a n k SStables, Sunnybank t a b l e s , LLondon ondon R Road, oad, C h a r l t o n Kings, K i n g s , Gloucestershire Gloucestershire G L 5 4 44HG HG Charlton GL54

Shurdington Landscaping Centre, Whitelands Lane, Little Shurdington, Cheltenham GL51 4TX

E E:: andydurrant7@hotmail.com W W:: www.landscape-creations.co.uk

001242 1 2 4 2 2210090 10090

enquiries@cotswoldkitchensandbathrooms.com enquiries@cotswoldkitchensandbathrooms.com PUBLIC, COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC, C OMMERCIAL A N D TTRADE R A D E SSUPPLIERS UPPLIERS Call/Visit/Email C a l l / V i s i t / E m a i l tthe h e SShowroom h o w r o o m ffor or m more o r e iinformation nformation

• Boiler Boiler sservicing ervicing • Boiler Boiler iinstalla ons nstalla ons • Hea ng Hea ng ssystems ystems • Bathroom Bathroom installa ons installa ons • General plumbing hea ng General p lumbing aand nd h ea ng maintenance maintenance • Gas Gas work work • Leaks bursts Leaks aand nd b ursts • Emergency outs Emergency ccall all o uts

IINTRODUCTORY NTRODUCTORY OFFER OFFER

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

shaun@cotswold-bathrooms.com

Page 24

B BOOK OOK IN IN B BEFORE EFORE THE THE END END OF OF MARCH MARCH FOR FOR A £45 £45 BOILER BOILER SERVICE SERVICE (Bookings (Bookings vvalid alid ffor or o one ne yyear) ear)

592818 592 81 8

EEmail: mail: ashleynorthplumbing@gmail.com ashleynorthplumbing@gmail.com Phone: Phone: 01451 01451 509148 509148 FFind ind us us o on n Facebook Facebook

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

Wildlife W ildlife M Matters atters

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

Woodland Woodland W Wildflowers ildflowers With lightening nights, the everincreasing sounds of birds in the trees and colour creeping across the landscape, it ’s time to dust off the winter blues and embrace the beauty of the oncoming spring. Getting out and about in early spring can be so rewarding, never more-so than when we explore local woodland and take in the delights of light-dappled floors and stretches of plucky colour along paths.

A sshining hining e example xample o off h how ow w we e ccan an a all ll help help tto o ssave ave nature nature

However, strong conservation e f fo r t s b e t we e n o r g a n i s a t i o n s, vo l u n t e e r s a n d r e s i d e n t s o f l o c a l communities means the two species are not lost in Gloucestershire. Wonderful representations of thriving populations of both native species can be seen in the county – a shining example of how we can all help to save nature, whether we’re actively getting our hands dirty or supporting conservation through membership and donations. O n e wo o d l a n d p l a n t t h a t i s abundant in our county is usually smelt before it is seen. For lovers of garlic, walking into a wood scented with their favourite allium is nothing short of heaven. Swathes of plump green clumps and crowns of delicate white flowers can mean only one thing – wild garlic (or ramsons) for dinner. The leaves of the plant add a s u b t l e f l av o u r to d i s h e s a n d c a n b e fo u n d i n m o s t d a m p wo o d l a n d s i n s p r i n g – b u t m a k e s u r e yo u k n o w Wonderful W onderful sspectacles pectacles tthat hat what you’re foraging. If in doubt, don’t we we sshould hould m make ake tthe he e effort ffort pick . A n o t h e r wo o d l a n d d e l i g h t , o f te n tto o find find and and enjoy enjoy There are those certain flowers we overlooked, is lesser celandine. expect to see – wild daffodils a real treat and the beautiful lilac of native b l u e b e l l s f l o o d i n g wo o d l a n d f l o o r s ; b o t h wo n d e r f u l s p e c t a c l e s t h a t we should always make the effort to find and enjoy for the short time they ’re with us each year. Both of these flowers have suffered from habitat loss and are at risk from hy b r i d i s at i o n . T h e S p a n i s h b l u e b e l l encroaches on the native common bluebell and wild daffodils declined in l a rg e n u m b e r s t h ro u g h t h e 1 9 t h century, with the disappearance of m a n y o f o u r wo o d l a n d s a n d meadows – as well as the risk of hybridisation from garden varieties. The Local Answer

F l owe r i n g from late February, t h i s b u t te r c u p - l i k e l ow - g r o w i n g p l a n t c a r p e t s w o o d l a n d f l o o r s, hedgerows and river banks – g re e n a n d b r i g h t ye l l ow i n colour. Look closely and you’ll see the heart shape of the leaves and the glossy sheen of the flowers. It’s not hard to see why William Wordsworth was such a fan.

White White fflowers lowers resemble resemble stars stars o on nag green reen n night ight ssky ky Last but not least , wood anemone is always worth seeking out . Flowering around the same time as w i l d d a f fo d i l s , i t s w h i t e f l o we r s resemble stars on a green night sky. Easily recognisable from its white or purple streaked petals, yellow centre and thin red stem. This is another of our native species that it’s important we take care of. Its seeds are largely infertile, so it spreads via the growth of roots. However, this is so slow that it can take many years to cover even a small distance.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 25

Specialists Specialists in in bathroom bathroom safety safety

We can help you with any bathroom makeover, large or small, but have particular expertise when designing rooms for customers with mobility issues. The photographs below are from a recent project in Dursley, where our clients needed a level access shower. They could no longer safely climb in and out of the old shower, and needed wheelchair access. We designed a new wetroom with a smart, stylish appearance, with a large grab rail for added security. Much easier to use and to keep clean, with no moving parts or dirt traps. Underﬂoor heating helps the ﬂoor to stay dry and adds to the comfort whilst showering.

Save Save 2 0% 20% VAT* V AT*

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

• Full bathroom design and installation available • Change your bath for a walk in shower to ﬁt the same space • Choose from well known brands and quality ranges • Free ‘at home’ design service • Experienced polite installers • 30+ years in the bathroom industry

07496 0 0572 572 281 81 or Contact Rex on 07496 01453 884 4167 0 1453 8 84 167 for a free home visit to discuss your needs

w www.lifestylebathrooms.net ww.lifestylebathrooms.net e

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

Seeking Seeking ideas ideas ffor or sspring? pring? A f te r w h a t f e e l s l i k e a n e te r n a l winter, spring has returned, though it might not necessarily be bringing sunshine and warmth with it . For the stronger-willed people, March 1st marks the beginning of Lent – a chance to give up their indulgences. However, if you are feeling like treating yourself – or someone else – h e re a r e s o m e handy gadget gift ideas to look at.

His intimidating scowl a n d t r u s t y g a rd e n spade should serve to scare off any potential intruders! Both gnomes are weather-resistant and the Nin ja Gnome i n c l u d es a s o l a r p a n e l in his back , which contributes to his g l o w i n g e ye s . T h e s e g u y s wo u l d m a k e fo r fun housewarming g i f t s, a n d b r i n g character to any garden.

A Amazon mazon K Kindle indle V Voyage oyage Spring is also an o p p o r t u n i t y to g e t a h o l i d ay b o o k e d , s o yo u ’ l l n e e d s o m e reading material to pack . Instead of stuffing heavy books into your luggage, slip in the light Amazon Kindle Voyage. Considered one of the best eReaders, the Kindle Voyage’s high

Ninja Ninja Garden Garden G Gnome/ nome/ Game of of G nomes Game Gnomes Garden G nome Garden Gnome One of the advantages of spring is the extra time those with green fingers can spend in their gardens. P ro t e c t yo u r d a f f o d i l s a n d t u l i p s with these miniature warriors who, a t £ 1 9 . 9 9 , w i l l n o t s t a n d fo r a n y trespassers disrupting your gardens. The Ninja Gnome’s glow-in-the-dark eyes will alert him to any nightt i m e a c t i v i t i e s, w h i l e h i s p r o n e reflexes should let him do some serious damage with his samurai sword. Meanwhile, the Game of Gnomes Gnome, complete with his own Iron Throne, will sit as a regal display a m o n g s t y o u r p l a n t s , p r ov i d i n g some royalty to his surroundings. The Local Answer

resolution display and easy PagePress system are just two of the features that will make your reading easier. Available on Amazon for £169.99, its long-lasting battery power, adaptive front light and a choice of ov e r 8 0 0 , 0 0 0 t i t l e s m a k e s t h e Kindle Voyage a must-have. Even if you don’t find yourself going on your hols this month, this kindle will be perfect for curling up on the sofa with on a rainy day. y.

SSony ony D DSCW800 SCW800 D Digital igital CCompact ompact CCamera amera Another option, if you find yourself going on holiday, is the Sony DSCW800 Digital Compact Camera, available on Amazon for £69.00. Equipped with a 5x optical zoom, 26mm wide-angle lens and SteadyShot, this camera shoots high quality photos in HD. Whether you’re taking scenic landscape shots, or simply snapping s o m e p i c s b y t h e h o te l p o o l , t h e c r i s p p h o to q u a l i t y w i l l a d d a p ro fe ss i o n a l f e e l . I t a l s o h a s t h e practical feature of being small enough to slip in your pocket. After all, you’ll need something to take all those holiday snaps to show off to your friends when you get back home.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 27

Quick Crossword ACROSS 1 7 8 10 12 14 16 17 20 23 24 25

Privileged class Former soldiers Edible organs Horseracing track Entitling Moved through water Tasks Scraps Pop instrumentalists Finnish steam bath Highly charged River-mouth land

DOWN 1 Develop 2 Rupture 3 Measure (out) 4 Furnishing scheme 5 Diminishing 6 Admiration 9 Large spoon 11 Partly cooked 13 Gesture of assent 15 Radiates 16 Sharply serrated 18 Musical composition 19 Taunts 21 Curved-bill bird 22 Auction

W h y n ot u s e t his s pa ce t o a dve rt is e yo u r bu s i n e ss ? For details please call

The Local

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

01242

ANSWER 510500

HATHERLEY ATHERLEY WORKTOPS WORKTOPS LLTD TD HW YH our local worktop and kitchen specialists I

Covering the Cotswolds and all surrounding areas

G Granite ranite I Composite Composite I Q Quartzstone uartzstone I W Wood ood I C Corian orian I Laminate Laminate

Cheltenham Cheltenham based based Q Quartz uartz & G Granite ranite F Factory actory w with ith D Display isplay Area Area Tel: T el: 01242 01242 523398 523398 | 0 01452 1452 290458 290458 | 07970 07970 190 190 9 965 65

www.hatherleyworktops.co.uk w ww.hatherleyworktops.co.uk 1 18, 8, 1 19 9&2 20 0 Malmesbury Malmesbury R Road oad | Kingsditch Kingsditch Trading Trading E Estate state | C Cheltenham heltenham G GL51 L51 9 9PL PL I

Page 28

Worktop W orktop Refits Refits

Door Door Replacements Replacements

Kitchen K itchen Upgrades Upgrades

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 29

P PLUMBING 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 ◆

Visit V isit o our ur w website ebsite to to see see our our full full range range of of building b uilding services services SAVE £ SAVE £’s ’s O ON NH HEATING EATING BILLS PROTECT BILLS & PROTECT YOUR BY YOUR BOILER BOILER FROM FROM BREAKDOWNS BREAKDOWNS BY POWERFLUSHING POWERFLUSHING YOUR YOUR EXISTING EXISTING CENTRAL HEATING C ENTRAL H EATING SYSTEM SYSTEM P Please lease ccontact ontact u uss for for p professional rofessional advice advvice a and nd tto oa arrange rrange a free free q quotation uotation

0 01242 1242 572737 572737 iinfo@markbensonbs.co.uk nfo@markbensonbs.co.uk www.markbensonbs.co.uk www.markbensonbs.co.uk Unit Unit 5, 5, The The Bramery, Bramer y, Alstone Alstone LLane, ane, CCheltenham heltenham G GL51 L51 88HE HE

Page 30

-INSTALLATION •

SERVICE-

• • UP TO

OUR OUR BUSINESS BUSINESS IS IS FOCUSED ON ON FOCUSED CUSTOMER SERVICE SERVICE & CUSTOMER EXPERT KNOWLEDGE KNOWLEDGE EXPERT e: mail@platinumplumbingservices.co.uk www.platinumplumbingservices.co.uk Contact us for more details Find us on

01242 676974

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

Facebook

The Local Answer

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

Going Going g green reen iin n the the office office Maybe because we don’t generally pay the office utility bill, sometimes it’s easy to think that when we get to work , our responsibility to consider o u r i m p a c t s to p s . B u t m o s t o f u s spend at least 37 hours a week at work , and we don’t stop consuming energy and resources or producing carbon while we do.

SSpeak peak u up pa and nd cchange hange tthe he o office ffice cculture ulture P re c i s e l y b e c a u s e o f t h i s, o u r w o r k i n g w e e k i s a n o p p o r t u n i t y to m a k e b i g re d u c t i o n s i n o u r i m p a c t . Take gas and electric. Have you ever walked into your office to find the radiators on and the windows open? Me too. But just one person can change the culture by speaking up and making this unacceptable. Another common one is leaving lights, photocopiers or computers s w i tc h e d o n . S e t t i n g y o u r P C t o ‘sleep’ mode reduces the amount of energy it uses by about 95%, so why n o t r o u t i n e l y s w i tc h t o s l e e p w h e n you go to lunch or a meeting, as well as switching off the end of the day? And then, the humble office kettle. The Local Answer

Has there ever been a harderworking appliance? And yet I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve found a well-meaning colleague boiling a full kettle ‘for the next person’, or emptying a full kettle only to refill it with fresh water – both pointless and wasteful. By all means make a brew for the whole team, but just boil what you need!

throwing away unrecyclable coffee cups every day? Could you pop a compost caddy in your work kitchen to collect all the used tea bags and banana skins, or encourage everyone to batch print rather than firing up the printer for just one page?

Report Report ffaulty aulty a appliances ppliances until until they they a are re ffixed ixed

You can also make a difference by m a k i n g s o m e n o i s e w i t h yo u r bosses; maybe you could lobby your employer to provide glass and plastic recycling facilities? Could they create a central register of unused office furniture, to avoid buying new? Employers should be receptive to these kinds of suggestions, as most measures will result in cost savings for the company as well. A good company should have a sustainability plan, which you can use to frame your ideas. Depending on your b u s i n e s s, a s i n g l e e m p l o ye e c a n make enormous differences in a company ’s carbon footprint – just take a look around you, think about where the waste is in your business, and use your imagination.

And if the kettle is faulty and not functioning efficiently, report it . We can sometimes have an attitude of ‘somebody else will deal with it’ at wo r k , b u t we a l l h a ve a responsibility, and can make a big difference. Window jammed open? Tap dripping? Radiator stuck on high? Report it, and keep reporting it until it’s fixed. Then there’s waste. We throw away a lot of stuff at work . As usual, think reduce, reuse, recycle – in that order. Do you really need to print that whole 17 page report, in colour ink? Could you bring in a reusable cup for your morning latte, instead of

M Most ost m measures easures w will ill result result iin n ccost ost ssavings avings

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 31

WORD WORD SEARCH SEARCH G R N W M U V R N D J E E K O S S W A O Y O E X

R U T S K F O E T R T A C H G Q A P P C N B P R

L P I E S K T S B A E K O P D C K A E Z F N L R

O T M D T G I P R W V Q H J L H H X H C Z N T Z

Y T F D A R V E O W I H U A V S P V H Z I S L M

V W L U P N D C N D T Z N A L F Y D M K E A A D

K X U U S I C T C B C R C Y O G T F D N L Q L T

N K H U S L O E F X E T V V V A O Z O Q L R R O

S J A N T W U I R T T H U P E R I H L F I H C L

T N O Z C O Z F A N O R Q T G S H W Q R F M K O

B C M I P N C M T L R W E I K E P S I H J H Q B

Y G P O H D F A Q H P I V H V I T M C S A J L D

D E T O V E D O M S G I C U T R U D J F E Q U N

M Mother’s other’s D Day ay APPRECIATION BEAUTIFUL CARING COMFORT CONSIDERATE DEVOTED FORGIVING GUIDANCE HAPPY

HEART HONEST JOY KISSES LAUGHTER LOVE MATERNAL MEMORIES MOTHER

NURTURE PROTECTIVE RESPECT SPECIAL THOUGHTFUL WISE WONDERFUL

M T N K U R R Z A N N U B G Z O Z L P B P R I Z

G U R Q K F E T V G A G O S P M M Y C X N N X T

F O S O L U F I T U A E B H K E S N L R H Q T L

Z N E U F L X U P H R E R K T M U A L B H D A A

H H H T S S F W T Z M B K O I E C T A J R W I N N X G B B T R B Z H D U M H W O I D G Q I V U G

W G I A R M C C R C Y C B U V Z Y K L U C F H H

T F K J O Y V R Z A P P R E C I A T I O N D M T

U G V M Z L L A G K Z E S F T R L L V W U K B E

P D M S J B L R S V G X S U B B B R A C Z S W R

H A P P Y I M G L J A W T K Q K U H E A R T C Q

Love music? Check out our Check Centre Centr e Pages

Don’t Don’t llook ook u until ntil yyou’ve ou’ve finished! finished! SSolutions olutions oonn ‘‘Index Index ooff AAdvertisers’ dvertisers’ ppage. age. Page 32

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

M Money oney M Matters atters w with it h R Roger oger D Downes ownes o of fA Andorran ndorran

FFancy ancy a fflutter? lutter? This month will see tens of thousands of visitors to our county for the annual Cheltenham racing festival. It does wonders for the local economy, with estimates of it being worth up to £100 million a year to Gloucestershire businesses. There is over £4 million on offer in prize money to the ow n e r s r i c h o r l u c k y e n o u g h to o w n t h e h o r s e s i n a c t i o n ; around £600,000 of that is available in one race alone – the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the blue riband race on the last day. But these numbers pale into insignificance compared to the a m o u n t o f m o n ey t h a t w i l l c h a n g e h a n d s w i t h t h e bookmakers. Apparently, we will gamble over £150 million of our hard-earned cash trying to beat the bookies over the four days of the festival.

Betting Betting iiss a g growth rowth industry industry There are no statistics on how much comes back the other way in terms of punter winnings, but we know that betting is a growth industry, particularly online. The internet bookmakers sponsor most of the major races these days, as well as a number of sporting events. So why do we put so much money the way of the bookies? It ’s taxed income that we are spending for heaven’s sake! Even the cleverest members of my profession haven’t found

a way of making a flutter tax deductible. There will be those who think they know more than the bookies – they don’t, but year in, year out they keep trying. Others will think they have inside information – and some do, but they still need luck in running and to hope that the trainer of another horse in the race hasn’t plotted a better course for his horse. For some it is down to hours of studying the form and the statistics. Years ago I knew a chap who swore that he studied the racing papers solely to have just six bets a year and was highly disappointed if at least five of them didn’t win. Sadly he was often disappointed! The truth is that we all enjoy the excitement and buzz of trying to win ‘something for nothing’ and most of us fail. But whether you do fancy a flutter or simply want to get away from it all or couldn’t care less, remember the positive impact that this festival, like the several arts ones later in the year, is having on the local economy.

Call 0330 0330 160 160 7 7938 938 QUOTE LAA or visit www.newmarketholidays.co.uk www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/llaa aa

Call the Midwif Midwife e 2 days from £125pp Departing 18th June 2017 Visit the filming location of the ‘Call the Midwife’ TV series. At the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, you will be greeted by your very own ‘midwife’ and taken on a guided tour of some of the outdoor filming locations featured in the series. TTour our highligh highlights ts A visit to historic Canterbury A visit with entrance to the Historic Dockyard in Chatham, including a 60 -minute guided ‘Call the Midwife’ walking tour innerr,, bed and English breakfast One night’s dinner accommodation at a three-star hotel in the Kent area Coach travel from the local area Escorted by a friendly tour manager For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/laa18814 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.

The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 33

IIndex ndex o of fA Advertisers dvertisers W WHAT’S HAT’S O ON N

H HOMES OMES & G GARDENS ARDENS

CCLUBS LUBS & SSPORTS PORTS Shipton Golf Course 15 EEVENTS VENTS & A ATTRACTIONS TTRACTIONS Cheltenham College Open Morning 17 Gloucestershire Music 18-19 The Bird & Deer Park 16

BATHROOMS B ATHROOMS Cotswold Bathroom Solutions Lifestyle Bathrooms Severn Vale Bathrooms B UILDING SSERVICES BUILDING ERVICES Belgrave Property Solutions Best Roofing Care Construction Marshalls Driveways Property Creations R. Richards & Son APPLIANCES FFURNISHING URNISHING & A PPLIANCES Bella’ss Interiors Just Fabrics GARDEN G ARDEN SSERVICES ERVICES Mark Clifford Landscapes HEATING H EATING & PPLUMBING LUMBING Ashley North Plumbing

H HEALTH EALTH & B BEAUTY EAUTY Active4Less Arnica Dental Care

5 12

INFORMATION INFORMATION Building Circles in Gloucestershire 5

P PROPERTY ROPERTY Inspired Villages Richmond Villages

35 14

R RETAIL ETAIL Assured Mobility Vinyl Records

8 15

24 26 21 22 22 21 22 24 22 21 29 24 24

Mark Benson BS Ltd Platinum Plumbing Sarsen Energy Seasoned Hardwood Logs KKITCHENS ITCHENS Cotswold Kitchen Solutions Hatherley Worktops & Kitchens DOORS WINDOWS W INDOWS & D OORS Albany Windows Inceil

30 30 24 21 24 28

IIff yyou ou ddon’t on’t ssee ee tthe he ggoods oods oorr sservices ervices yyou ou pprovide rovide llisted isted hhere, ere, ttake ake aadvantage dvantage aand nd

B BEE T THE HE FFIRST! IRST! TToo aadvertise dvertise telephone: telephone:

36 30

P PROFESSIONAL ROFESSIONAL SSERVICES ERVICES CCARE ARE SSERVICES ERVICES Barnwood Trust The Children’s Family Trust The Orders of St John LLEGAL EGAL & FFINANCE INANCE Thomson Bancks Solicitors SKIP SKIP HIRE HIRE & RECYCLING RECYCLING Stevens Recycling

20 2 9

01242 01242 510500 5 10500

Th The e Lo Local c al

AN ANSWER SWER

PUZZLE PUZZLE SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS G R N W M U V R N D J E E K O S S W A O Y O E X

CCOMPETITION OMPETITION WINNERS W INNERS

R U T S K F O E T R T A C H G Q A P P C N B P R

L P I E S K T S B A E K O P D C K A E Z F N L R

O T M D T G I P R W V Q H J L H H X H C Z N T Z

Y T F D A R V E O W I H U A V S P V H Z I S L M

V W L U P N D C N D T Z N A L F Y D M K E A A D

K X U U S I C T C B C R C Y O G T F D N L Q L T

N K H U S L O E F X E T V V V A O Z O Q L R R O

S J A N T W U I R T T H U P E R I H L F I H C L

T N O Z C O Z F A N O R Q T G S H W Q R F M K O

B C M I P N C M T L R W E I K E P S I H J H Q B

Y G P O H D F A Q H P I V H V I T M C S A J L D

D E T O V E D O M S G I C U T R U D J F E Q U N

M T N K U R R Z A N N U B G Z O Z L P B P R I Z

G U R Q K F E T V G A G O S P M M Y C X N N X T

F O S O L U F I T U A E B H K E S N L R H Q T L

Z N E U F L X U P H R E R K T M U A L B H D A A

H H S F T M K I C A R I N G B R Z D M W I G I U

H T S W Z B O E T J W N X B T B H U H O D Q V G

W G I A R M C C R C Y C B U V Z Y K L U C F H H

T F K J O Y V R Z A P P R E C I A T I O N D M T

U G V M Z L L A G K Z E S F T R L L V W U K B E

P D M S J B L R S V G X S U B B B R A C Z S W R

H A P P Y I M G L J A W T K Q K U H E A R T C Q

COMPETITION COMPETITION R RULES ULES

1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and Thank you to all who took part their families or households are not eligible to enter. in our February 2017 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the competition and closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The congratulations to the winner! winner will be notified by telephone after the closing TLA Charity – Darren Scrivens date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants of Tetbury on behalf of must be over 18 years, unless stated. 7 Proof of Watershed RDA .

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.

B BOOKING OOKING D DEADLINE EADLINE FFOR OR N NEXT EXT IISSUE SSUE – Friday Friday 1 10th 0th M March arch 2017 2017

STEVE

ATTENTION A TTENTION! Let us lighten your load!

Domestic and Industrial Skips Ham Villa Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6NB

01242 522647/529397 stevensrecycling584@gmail.com

Page 34

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer