Glos South

The Local

ANSWER

MARCH 2017

200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

for local people

GLOUCESTERSHIRE SOUTH 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?

Contact us to find out more: 0300 111 1945 www.thecft.org.uk

/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

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

W Welcome elcome 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, Batsford Arboretum’s daffodils are in full bloom, and the magnolias will be blossoming soon.

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 .... ..

Helen Kingscott ingscott H elen K

Distribution Distribution N Nik ik CChavda havda – 001242 1242 5500245 00245 o office@achda.co.uk ffice@achda.co.uk

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

@thelocalanswer @thelocalanswer

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

ood FForaging oraging Wild FFood Wild Cocktail TTime ime Cocktail Delicious D ish Delicious Dish TLA CCharity harity W inner TLA Winner Parenting & Guardianship Guardianship Parenting Quick Crossword Crossword Quick H olidays & TTravel ravel Holidays TTLA LA TTravel ravel W hat’s O n What’s On H omes & G ardens Homes Gardens he G arden IIn n tthe Garden Gadgets & G izmos Gadgets Gizmos Sudoku Sudoku 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 9 10 10 11 11 12-13 12-13 1 6 16 2 0 20 2 1 21 2 3 23 2 5 25 2 9 29 3 0 30 3 3 33 34 34 Page 3

W Wild ild F Food ood F Foraging oraging

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

w with ith S Steven teven Hawley Hawley

Laver Laver 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.

Easy Easy 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 ttrip rip tto oW Wales ales 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 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

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.

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, pour 120ml lemon juice, 60ml soda water and 1 tsp sugar syrup over ice and garnish with lemon and a maraschino cherry.

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. ● ● ●

SAL IRS ES SER VICING & REPA

●

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.

New & Re-conditioned Stairlifts & Warranty Removals & Relocations Free Surveys & Quotes – No Obligation Rentals for Straight Stairs

Independent, Professional & Friendly Advice Over 24 years practical experience

IIndependent ndependent Stairlift Stairlift SSpecialist pecialist

01454 01454 413748 413748 0 07833 7833 3 318722 18722 www.thornburystairlifts.co.uk w ww.thornburystairlifts.co.uk The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 5

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 .

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

SStress tress m management anagement ffor or cchildren hildren How are you feeling today? Totally calm, full of enthusiasm and energy, or tense, anxious and hurried, even s t r e ss e d , p e r h a p s ? H o w m u c h i s y o u r b o d y t e l l i n g y o u a b o u t h ow yo u f e e l ? I w o u l d g u e ss t h a t yo u r back and shoulder muscles, tummy and breathing are quite telling – w h i c h e v e r fe e l i n g y o u a re experiencing.

Now take a moment to consider how your children are feeling. Are they complaining of tummy ache, or maybe you’ve noticed them b e i n g c l u m s i e r l a t e l y ? A r e t h ey m o re i r r i t a b l e b e fo re d i n n e r a n d finding it hard to settle at night? All these tell-tale signs are the body’s way of communicating what is really going on inside.

H How ow ccan an w we e tteach each children children clearly how they are feeling and immediately felt so much better tto od deal eal w with ith sstress? tress?

We hear a lot about stress management in the business world, b u t n ot s o m u c h a b o u t m a n a g i n g stress within the family – and after all, your family is your business.

H ow c a n we m a n a g e o u r ow n stress and help our children learn to deal with the inevitable stresses of our modern world?

Mindfulness is a great place to start; practicing and then teaching ways to be in the moment and really learning to listen to the body.

Those back twinges are a clear sign that you are overdoing it – so how a b o u t s i t t i n g f o r f i ve m i n u t e s a n d focussing on your breathing?

For little ones you can find a range of fun games, which encourage breathing and focussing to introduce mindfulness into their daily lives. If you start early, you will f i n d t h a t by t h e t i m e t h ey h i t puberty they will have successfully learned to listen to their body, know The Local Answer

have the tools to manage stress as after some good long stretches and it arises. What a gift for your teens! deep breathing (because the two always go together).

IIntroduce ntroduce a b breathing reathing

practice p ractice tto oe everyday veryday activities activities

Aim A im tto om maintain aintain a h healthy, ealthy, happy h appy b body ody

Why not bring a breathing practice into everyday activities like brushing te e t h , g e t t i n g d r e s s e d a n d preparing for bed? Learning to ‘check in’ and be present for even a few breaths can make a huge difference to the body. My favourite ‘centring’ breath is this: Breathe in for 4, hold for 8 and exhale for 7.

Count in regular, rhythmic beats, taking a good deep belly breath to s t a r t a n d h o l d i n g i n a re l a xe d manner without creating tension in the chest.

Regular stretching is a great way to check in too – I read about a child who would say ‘I feel crabby – I need to stretch,’ as she had learned by t h e a g e o f t h r e e t h a t s h e

Factor in eating well and getting e n o u g h s l e e p a n d yo u c a n h e l p maintain a healthy, happy body, whilst creating a secure routine.

Planning ahead can stave off stress before it arrives.

For little ones, learning to name t h e i r e m ot i o n s w i t h o u t l a b e l l i n g anything as ‘good or bad’ can bring a lot of comfort , and a sense of autonomy. We all know how frustrating it can be to be told how you feel – this is really empowering and such a gift to your child.

G i v e y o u r c h i l d re n t h e p ow e r o f stress management and see them thrive and grow in confidence, then s i t b a c k a n d e n j oy y o u r h a p py family life.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 9

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

© Lovatts Puzzles

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

01242

ANSWER 510500

BRIDGEND GARAGE Free Collection & Delivery Service Put an end to your vehicle woes ...

We deliver excellent service at a fraction of main dealer prices.

We specialise in Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda & ALL OTHER MAKES!

• Experienced staff providing a local friendly service • Fault Diagnosis & Quotes • Free Health Check with all minor services

YOUR LOCAL FAMILY GARAGE ~ Established since 1996

FANTASTIC DEALS

£180 INC. VAT FROM INC. LUBRICATION & INSPECTION ONLY £105 VAT FULL SERVICE & INSPECTION

FROM ONLY

Servicing • Repairs • MoTs • Tyres • Exhausts Call us today for your free health check: 01453 825500 or 07876 121278 Lower Mills Road, Bridgend, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 2BB Open Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.30pm & Saturday 8.30am-12 noon

www.bridgendgaragestonehouse.co.uk Page 10

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

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

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

Rockies Canada – The R ockies to Niagara Niagara Falls Falls 14 days from £2129pp Flying direct from London Gatwick in September & October 2017 From sparkling Vancouver, through the majestic Rockies, and via historic eastern cities to Niagara’s tumult.

TTour our highligh highlights ts Visit Vancouverr, Jasper, Lake L Louise, Ottawa, Toronto, Québec City and Montréal Travel along the dramatic Icefields Parkway to Banff Visit Lake Louise, set against stunning Victoria Glacier Gaze in awe at tumultuous Niagara Falls Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager 12 nights’ room only touring hotel accommodation, return flights and transfers For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/laa17320

Ed Edinburgh inburgh T Tattoo attoo & York York 3 days from £235pp Departing 4th & 18th August 2017 Billed as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’, the Edinburgh Tattoo is a feast of music, dance, colour and display from around the world. Enjoyed by tens of thousands of passengers over the decades, this is Newmarket’s original Edinburgh Tattoo weekend!

Tour highligh ts Tour highlights A visit to Edinburgh and a seat for the Tattoo A visit to York Two nights’ bed and English breakfast hotel accommodation in the Teeside area Coach travel from the local area Escorted by a friendly, tour manager For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/llaa11514 aa11514 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.

Page 12

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

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 Buckingham Palace Palace & Gardens Gardens 2 days from £145pp Departing August-September 2017 Take a guided tour of one of the world’s most enchanting hidden gardens.

Tour our highligh highlights ts Admission to Buckingham Palace, ‘Royal Gifts’ Exhibition and a guided Buckingham Palace Garden Tour ‘Royal London’ sightseeing tour Visit to Royal Windsor One night’s bed and continental breakfast in a three-star hotel in the Heathrow/Slough area Coach travel from the local area Escorted by a friendly tour manager For full itinerary or to book visit

www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/laa16702

Adriatic Adria tic & Greek Greek Cruise

FREE

Drinks Package Dri nks P ackage & On-Board OnBoard Spend* Spend*

8 days from £989pp

Book bbyy 7th April to save! save!

Flying direct from London Gatwick on 21st May 2017 Join Norwegian Star as she heads past the islands of the Lagoon into the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. CCruise ruise highlights highlights Board and disembark from Norwegian Star in Venice Sail south through blue waters to Dubrovnik and Split Call at Kotor, Athens and Olympia A day of relaxation spent at sea on board Norwegian Star Traditional British & International cuisine, guest lecturers, stylish entertainment & on-board leisure facilities Seven nights’s full board accommodation on board Norwegian Star, return flights and transfers For full itinerary or to book visit

*Selected drinks up to £15 for customers 21+ years. $200 on-board spend per Outside Stateroom booked. Book by 7th April 2017. May be withdrawn at any time.

www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/laa19958

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

w www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/laa ww.newmarketholidays.co.uk/laa The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 13

Does your business need more customers in the Stroud area?

The Loc al

Reach over

AN NSW ER ER

APRIL 2017

200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

ffor o r llocal oca l people pe o p le

120,000 potential clients!

GLOUC OUCEESTERS STERSH HIRE IRE SSOUTH OUTH

GLOUCESTERSH ERSHIRE IRE LOOKING LOOKING FORWARD FORWARD TO TO A GLORIOUS GLORIOUS SUMMER! SUMMER!

41,000 magazines delivered every month! to towns and villages within the Stroud District Council boundary

OFFERS AVAILABLE FOR NEW ADVERTISERS For more information call

01242 510500

or email info@thelocalanswer.co.uk

www.thelocalanswer.co.uk

‘‘Grand Grand d designs’ esigns’ at at KKing’s ing’s A Acre cre If you dream of designing your own home, a special event at King's Acre in Twigworth will let you know just how easy it could be.

King’s Acre – the latest phase of homes at Orchard Park , the popular over-50s residential park in Twigworth – has a number of new plots available for made-to-order homes. On Sunday 19th March, the park is holding a special Grand Designs Event when h o m e b u ye r s s e e k i n g s o m e t h i n g a l i t t l e m o r e ‘personalised’ can learn how easy it is to tailor-make a park home for the plot of their choice.

Homes Homes ttailored ailored tto oy your our e exact xact specification specification During the event , the team at King’s Acre will show visitors the park’s range of plots and suggest the most suitable home models for each. Visitors can learn how the homes can be tailored to their exact specifications and how homebuyers have the opportunity to change t h e l a yo u t o f t h e r o o m s , c h o o s e k i tc h e n s t y l e s a n d appliances, flooring finishes, carpets and curtains and even choose the colour and finish of the exterior of their home.

The Local Answer

One example is 11 King’s Acre at the far end of the park . This is a 42x20 plot suitable for a park home of the customer ’s choice, such as the Omar Regency, available to purchase from £198,000.

“If you are looking for something a bit special, talk to us!” said Helen Ford, Sales Manager for Park Home Life.

“What a fantastic way to ensure your home meets your every need. You could end up having a one-off design that will look like no other!”

Find out more about the event at King’s Acre at www.parkhomelife.com or call Helen on 01452 730605.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 15

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.

Wee re W 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

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

Hard Pressed for Time

Just married. Bored already. Hedda longs

L

Rep Fre

Yo

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

rs 1

20%

iscount Dis

tion ooff uctio oduc prod on pr on rt ert tthhiiss aaddvve

ners

7 High Street, Thornbury BS35 2AE 01454 418003 www.hardpressedfo ortime.co.uk Page 16

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

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.

Vinyl Records WANTED 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 0 1242 7 702947 02947 or or 0 07785 7785 5 515987 15987

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

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 120,000+ people in the Stroud District!

TR REV EV VO ONLY £95 +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 £70

+VAT/month when you book for 12 months!

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

014 0 145 53 32 222 222 222 22 077 0 777 77 75 555 556 666 66

For helpful, friendly advice call 01242 510500 or email info@thelocalanswer.co.uk The Local Answer

3300 MARCH MARCH EASTER CRAFTS & COFFEE MORNING At Dolphins Hall, Tetbury. 10am-12.30pm.

In aid of Parkinsons UK and Arthritis Research UK. 88-9 -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

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 17

Homes & Gardens HOME H OME CARE CARE ROOFING ROOFING & B BUILDING UILDING FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS Our range of services include: N New

roofs and repairs work N Felt & battening N Repointing N Ridge tiles & chimney repairs N Flat roofs EPDM rubber N Moss removal and fungicidal treatments N Roof coatings N Dry verge systems N External painting N uPVC fascias & soffits N Gutter repairs and cleaning N Tiles N Slates N Lead

SUPERB SUPERB OFFER OFFER

85 Cheltenham Road East, Churchdown, Gloucester GL3 1JN

BLOCK PAVING TARMACING G GRAVEL G SLABS G FENCING G G

20%OFF 20% OF ffor or over over 660s 0s

ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

REE Q UOTA For a F For FREE QUOTATION please call: FREEPHONE

474 8424 8424 or 1452 348487 0800 474 0800 or 0 01452 348487 (Please dial area code when calling)

Page 20

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 ooff ff pperiod eriod bbyy llaw aw

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 21

DYKES BUILDERS LOCAL • FRIENDLY • PROFESSIONAL

A family business delivering a quality service for your home

johndykes52@hotmail.com www.dykesbuilders.co.uk

07813 774370

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

P

A T I O S

CT CT ROBERTS ROBERTS

For For a free, free, n no o obligation obligation quotation quotation call call Chris Chris on on

01453 0 1453 5 548376 48376 or or 07597 07597 780433 780433

CPA G PAVING P A AV VING &

5 YYEAR EAR

GUARANTEE GUARANTEE W WITH ITH AALL LL WORKS WORKS

FFULLY ULLY INSURED INSURED

D DRIVEWAYS RIVEWAYS PATIOS P ATIOS LANDSCAPING L ANDSCAPING

K

ordy’ dy’s Carpet Carpet Outlet tlet Store Store

• New c carpet arpet store! store!

•Q Quality, y affordable dable c carpets arpets a and nd rrugs ugs •R Room size oom s ize rremnants emnants & llarge arge selection off s samples s election o amples • Over 80 off carpets Over 8 0 rrolls olls o carpets & vinyls vinyls iin n stock! stock!

fo

r 99le ca £r7sing rive ply

d T&Cs ap

Block Paving • Tarmac • Gravel • Drainage • Kerbs • Steps Paths • Turfing • Fencing • Decking • Resin Bound Driveways

FFREE REE Q QUOTATIONS UOTATIONS Call or email GGUARANTEED UARANTEED TO BEAT BEAT ANY ANY 01242 801706•01452 341699 TO GGENUINE ENUINE 07544 004927•candgpavinguk@gmail.com QQUOTE UOTE

www.cg-paving.co.uk ww w ww w w..cg-paav w ving.co.uk Page 22

Opening O pening ttimes imes Mondays: Mondays: C Closed losed • T Tuesdays-Fridays: uesdays-Fridays: 9am-5pm 9am-5pm Saturdays: Saturdays: 9 9am-1pm am-1pm • S Sundays: undays: C Closed losed

0 01453 1453 8 890626 90626 U Unit nit 6 W Wisloe isloe Road Road Business Business Park, Park, Cambridge, Cambridge, Gloucester Gloucester GL2 GL2 7AF 7AF Next N ext tto o ‘Buildit’ ‘Buildit’

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

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 23

Carrppet F Carp Fac act ctor tor orry y War Warreehou house use

Tel: 01453 821582 ● Mobbile: 07970 676360

Email: djhlimited@aol.com ● www w.djhcarpetandflooring.co.uk

●

● Q QUALITY UALITY C CARPETS ARPETS ● R REMNANTS EMNANTS ● K KARNDEAN ARNDEAN ● R RUGS UGS ● W WOOD OOD RANGE R ANGE OF OF NATURALS NATURALS ● L LAMINATE AMINATE ● V VINYL INYL ● F FLOTEX LOTEX ● E EDGING DGING S SERVICE ERVICE

FREE ESTIMATES FREE ESTIMATES & PLANNING PLANNING FREE F REE FURNITURE FURNITURE R REMOVAL! EMOVAL! ● F FREE REE DOOR DOOR CUTTING CUTTING ● F FREE REE PARKING PARKING ● A ALL LL O OUR UR OWN OWN FITTERS FITTERS ● ●

Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm Saturday 9.30am-4.30pm

W e’ve We’ve m oved! moved!

Over Over 6 6000sq 000sq fftt of of Showroom!

Showroom!

R yef ord IIndustrial Ryeford nd u st rial EEstate, s tat e, JJust u st ooff ff tthe h e EEbley b l ey B Bypass, yp ass , G GL10 L 10 22LB LB

Page 24

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

N.S DECORA N.S DECO OR RA ATI TTIIING N NG G

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

Interior and Interior and

xterior Paint Painting Exterior Free es mates Contact Neil

01453 826811 07812 393922 nsdecora ng11@aol.co.uk nsdecora ng11@aol.co.uk

w www.nsdecora ng.com ww.nsdecora ng.com

● ● ●

●

Ser vicing & Repairs Design & Installation OFTEC/Gas Safe Certification Planned Maintenance

SPECIALISTS IN BUILDINGS OF AN HISTORICAL NATURE INCLUDING CHURCHES

Don’t look until you’ve finished!

Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.

Trading for over 43 years

The Local Answer

THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR NEW BATHROOM ...

Your local family business

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 25

from CLASSIC to CONTEMPORARY, MODERN to MOBILITY ...

bathrooms made easy!

01452 330852

MON-FRI 9AM-5PM SATURDAY 9AM-1PM

Located behind Bristol Street Ford 18 Capitol Park, Pearce Way, Bristol Road, Gloucester GL2 5YD

www.severnvalebathrooms.co.uk

Bath time a struggle?

It needn’t be ...

New New display display area open! area now now o pen!

220% 0% off off for for tthe he over over 660s 0s

Wash W ash and and relax relax with with peace peace of of mind mind For some of us the bathroom no longer holds the charm it once did. Gone are the days of soaking in the bath, and practicality has become foremost in our minds … “We got in the bath, but how on earth are we getting out?”

We specialise in taking baths out and replacing them with low level shower cubicles. Our bathrooms are designed with your safe ty and comfort in mind.

Unobtrusive U nobtrusive m mobility obility ssolutions olutions Our goal is to design your bathro om so that you can walk in without even realising it has been altered to meet your mobility needs. We provide unobtrusive mobility solutions from a simple grab rail, high raise comfort WC pan, slip-resistant flooring, easy to use taps and much more, and it’s all fitted by our own in-house work force – no sub-contractors!

At Severn Vale Bathrooms we never use tiles, but insttead opt for easy clean UPVC panels. There are numerous colours and designs to choose from. The benefits of panels are that there is no grout to discolour, they reduce condensation and, above all, they are low maintenance.

So, if your bathing needs are changing and your bathroom needs a revamp, visit our exttensive showroom and see what we can

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

e.info@quedgeleycarpets.co.uk nfo@quedgeleycarpets.co.uk

01452 0 1452 8 883113 83113

ww.quedgeleycarpets.co.uk QUEDGELEY CARPETS www.quedgeleycarpets.co.uk

WHERE KNOWLEDGE AND SERVICE MEET PRICE AND QUALITY

LARGE RUG & LAMINATE SHOWROOM IN STORE

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

Holiday Inn Express WA TE RW EL LS DR IVE

dy stody Custo lice Cu Police Po itees Suite Su

IRE RSH Y STE AR CE BUL OU TA GL ONS C

5 M

The Bumble Bee

Y TELFORD WA

3500 sq fftt showroom and warehouse with over 60 rolls of carpet and 20 rolls of vinyl in stock at any one time. Massive savings on room size remnants.

Free measuring and home selection serrvvice available upon request with no obligation and quotation supplied.

Please call Wayne, Richard, Ashley or Bill to arrange.

We can move your furniture, uplifftt and remove your old flooring, ease your doors and even vacuum before we leave! Please ask for details.

STTANLEY COURT

LOSE EDISON C

A38

GLO UCE STE R

WE AR ARE E HE HERE RE

TEL FO RD WA Y

WE W E DON’T DON’T J JUST UST BEAT BEAT LIKE-FOR-LIKE LIKE-FOR-LIKE QUOTATIONS, QUOTATIONS, W WE EB BETTER ETTER T THEM! HEM!

ALL OUR CARPETS AND FLOORING HAVE BEEN EN SPECIALLY SELECTED TO ENSURE ALL OUR CUSTOMER ERS S GET THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

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 29

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 30

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 31

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

Little White Van Man

See See oour ur ggreat reat reviews reviews on on B IGGER V VAN AN A AVAILABLE VAILABLE BIGGER COURIER WORK UNDERTAKEN THE C A LL T HE CALL “JOLLY “JOLLY BOYS” BOYS” C Cost ost eeffective, ffective, reliable reliable rremovals emovals in in and and around around Gloucestershire G loucestershire

07903 097465 01452 303850

littlewhitevanman.co.uk

11st st Choice Choice

AAerial erial & Satellites & Satellites

Digita Digital al A Aerial erial IInstallations nstallations U pgrades Upgrades a nd R epairs and Repairs

with w ith tthis his advert advert Hawkes Mark M ark H awkes

TTel: el: 01453 01453 222181 222181

www.draindoctorglos.co.uk g

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

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

110% 0% o off ff

All dr d ains an d blo l ckages G All emergency plu l mbing work G Pre-fixe d prices G Saniflo blockages & installations G 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

Money Money M Matters atters

CALL NICK ON

01453 569 415 FREEPHONE

0800 068 1216

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.

B Betting etting 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.

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 EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS ATTRACTIONS EVENTS Gloucestershire Music The Bird & Deer Park

18-19 17

P PROPERTY ROPERTY Park Home Life

15

R RETAIL ETAIL Vinyl Records

16

H HOMES OMES & G GARDENS ARDENS BATHROOMS BATHROOMS Lifestyle Bathrooms 32 Severn Vale Bathrooms 25 & 26-27 BUILDING BUILDING SSERVICES ERVICES C&G Paving 22 Dykes Builders 22 Home Care Roofing & Building 20 Marshalls Driveways 22

CCLEANING LEANING SSERVICES ERVICES Hard Pressed For Time 16 FURNISHING & APPLIANCES APPLIANCES FURNISHING DJH Carpet Factory Warehouse 24 20 Gloucester Carpet Outlet 22 Kordy’s Carpet Outlet Quedgeley Carpets 28 Thornbury Stairlifts 5 G ARDEN SERVICES SERVICES GARDEN CT Roberts 22 LA Landscapes 20 Lawn Doc 20 HANDYMAN SSERVICES ERVICES HANDYMAN Handylink 22 HEATING & PLUMBING PLUMBING HEATING Austin Heating & Air Conditioning 25 Drain Doctor 33 PPAINTING AINTING & D DECORATING ECORATING N.S Decorating 25

TV & AERIALS AERIALS TV 1st Choice Aerials WINDOWS WINDOWS & D DOORS OORS Albany Windows Cloudy 2 Clear Inceil

33 36 31 24

P PROFESSIONAL ROFESSIONAL SSERVICES ERVICES CARE CARE SSERVICES ERVICES Barnwood Trust Foster Care Associates The Children’s Family Trust LLEGAL EGAL & FFINANCE INANCE Cobalt Make a Will Month MOTORING MOTORING SSERVICES ERVICES Bridgend Garage REMOVAL REMOVAL SSERVICES ERVICES Little White Van Man SKIP SKIP HIRE HIRE & RRECYCLING ECYCLING Stevens Recycling

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 advantage advantage and and

B BEE THE THE FIRST! FIRST! TToo aadvertise dvertise telephone: telephone:

35 8 2

10

0 1242 01242 5 10500 510500

33

Th The e Local Loc al

34

AN ANSWER SWER

33

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 W WINNERS INNERS Thank you to all who took part in our February 2017 competition and congratulations to the winner! TLA Charity – Darren Scrivens of Tetbury on behalf of Watershed RDA .

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 their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless stated.

7 Proof of posting is not regarded as proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party.

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