Cotswolds

The Local

ANSWER

MAY 2017

200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

for local people

COTSWOLDS NEW THIS MONTH – LOCAL SPORTS STORIES INSIDE & ONLINE

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

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

H Helen elen K Kingscott ingscott H Helen elen R Robinson obinson production@thelocalanswer.co.uk production@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Distribution D istribution

This month we’re excited to be launching our new Sport feature! We’ll be bringing you news, events and features from clubs and groups in your local area and across the county each month – including a few stories in brief within the printed magazines, with access to full a r t i c l e s a n d m a n y m o re s t o r i e s o n o u r w e b s i t e. S e e centre pages for more.

Summer is just around the corner and what better way to make the most of the sunshine than taking part in an outdoor fitness event! Matt Wagstaff shares his recommended challenges and how to prepare for them in ‘Looking Good, Feeling Great’.

H av e y o u e ve r t h o u g h t a b o u t f o s te r i n g a c h i l d ?

Gloucestershire County Council are holding events throughout the county in May for Foster Care Fortnight, where you can chat to their friendly, experienced team and take the first step towards transforming a child’s life. Find more details inside.

As ever, check out our busy What’s On section for a great selection of events happening throughout May.

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JJulia ulia B Ball all – 001242 1242 5541075 41075 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk

R Robert obert K Kingscott ingscott rrob@thelocalanswer.co.uk ob@thelocalanswer.co.uk

SSport port R Roger oger JJackson ackson ssport@thelocalanswer.co.uk port@thelocalanswer.co.uk

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

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Cocktail ime Cocktail TTime Delicious Dish Delicious D ish Looking Good, Great Looking G ood, FFeeling eeling G reat Parenting Guardianship Parenting & G uardianship Quick Quick CCrossword rossword What’s On What’s O n Distributors Required Distributors R equired Sudoku Sudoku TLA TLA SSport port Homes Gardens ardens Homes & G In Garden In tthe he G arden Interior Design Interior D esign Gadgets Gizmos Gadgets & G izmos Word Word SSearch earch Money Matters Money M atters Index, Index , CCompetitions, ompetitions, SSolutions olutions

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TThe he O Old ld R Rectory e ctory R Ree sstaurant taur ant ta

C Cocktail ocktail Time Time with with Lois Lois Kingscott Kingscott

Margarita Margarita Like most cocktails, t h e o r i g i n of t h e M a rg a r i t a h a s m a n y c l a i m s, b u t o n e o f t h e m o s t p o p u l a r s to r i e s i s that Carlos ‘Danny’ Herrera i n ve n te d t h e d r i n k a t h i s restaurant Rancho La Gloria in the late 1930s.

Legend has it Herrera concocted the drink for one of his c u s to m e r s, M a r j o r i e K i n g – a n aspiring actress who was allergic to all alcohol except tequila. To make the cocktail more palatable, Herrera combined the three traditional e l e m e n t s of a tequila shot – a lick of s a l t a n d a we d g e o f l i m e – a n d m i xe d t h e m i n t o a refreshing drink .

Another claimant of the drink is a wealthy Dallas socialite named Margarita Sames, who said she created the cocktail for her friends at her vacation home in 1948. One guest, Tommy Hilton, eventually added the drink to his hotel bar menu.

However, according to ‘The Complete Book of Spirits’

by Anthony Dias Blue, the first importer of Jose Cuervo tequila in America advertised with the tagline, “Margarita: it’s more than a girl’s name,” in 1945 – three years before Sames claimed to have created the drink .

IIngredients: ngredients: 35ml Tequila; 20ml Cointreau; 35ml fresh lime juice; handful ice cubes, salt , lime wedge to garnish.

M Method: ethod: 1 Mix the Tequila, Cointreau and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes.

2 Run a wedge of lime around the rim of a Martini glass and dip in salt.

3 Strain the Tequila mix into the glass and garnish with a wedge of lime.

P PLEASE LEASE D DRINK RINK R RESPONSIBLY ESPONSIBLY Why Why not not have have a M Mocktail? ocktail?

For a non-alcoholic alternative, mix 50ml limeade, 25ml orange juice, 10ml lemon juice, 10ml lime juice, pinch of sugar and ice.

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CCole ole ssbourne bour ne , CChe he lltete nnham h am GL53 99N N P 001242 1 2 4 2 8870120 70120 GL53

Private Dining Room

Cotswold Country Dining

Spring Lunch

Traditional T raditional S Sunday unday L Lunch unch

Three Three course course multi-choice multi-choice menu menu – £19.50 £19.50

SUPERB DINING - EXCELLENT VALUE

www.theoldrectoryrestaurant.co.uk w ww.theoldrectoryrestaurant.co.uk

‘North Cotswold CAMRA’ Pub of the Year 2017 (Runner Up) g

Casual Dining – excellent food ser ved all day Passionate about well kept ales

Famous Inn located on the Fosse Way (A429)

9 beautiful en-suite bedrooms & two holiday cottages

01285 720721

Fossebridge | Cheltenham | GL54 3JS reservations@innatfossebridge.co.uk

www.fossebridgeinn.co.uk

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

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

SSeasonal easonal A sparagus w ith Asparagus with FFlambéed lambéed Chicken Chicken dish make A ttasty asty d ish tthat hat iiss sso o ssimple imple tto om ake – perfect dinner party p erfect ffor or sstress-free tress-free d inner p arty entertainment e ntertainment tthis his sspring! pring! SServes erves 4 IIngredients ngredients 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp plain flour, seasoned; 2 tbsp olive oil; knob of butter; 5 shallots, finely chopped; 5 tbsp brandy or cognac; 300ml chicken stock; 20 asparagus spears, halved; 60ml crème fraiche; 1 tbsp tarragon, chopped.

Method: Method: 1 Coat the chicken breasts with the seasoned flour.

Heat the oil and butter in a large, wide pan with a lid, then fry the chicken on all sides until browned.

about 15 minutes or until the chicken is tender.

4 Add the asparagus to the sauce, cover and cook for 5 minutes until tender. Finally, add in the crème fraiche and tarragon and stir for a couple of minutes.

5 Serve with new potatoes and seasonal vegetables of your choice.

2 Add the shallots and fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften, but not colour.

3 Pour in the brandy, carefully ignite, then stand back until the flames have died down. Stir in the stock and bring to the boil.

Reduce the heat, cover, then cook for

20% O FF

ANY DAY CO SES BOOKED URSE Day and evening courses for IN IN MAY W IT I TH CODE beginners and the more advanced TLA1 Special feature events include:

10th June – Guest Chef – Christine Wallace, The Great British Bake O Offfff 18th June – Father’s Day Cooking 22nd June – Food Safari for Singles (24-40) 23rd June – Food Safari for Singles (38-55)

01242 870538 ~ www.foodworkscookeryysschool.co.uk

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GET G ET F FIT IT F FOR OR S SUMMER U ONE MONTH FREE

JOIN TODAY TO RECEIVE TREATS WORTH OVER £200 FACILITIES

SERVICES

BENEFITS

Air A ir C Conditioned onditioned Gym Gym IIndoor ndoor Heated Heated Pool Pool Spa S pa Pool Pool Steam S team Room Room & Sauna Sauna Beauty B eauty Room Room

FFree r ee A Aerobics erobics C Classes lasses Programme FFree ree FFitness itness P rogramme FFree ree Lifestyle Lifestyle Analysis Analysis FFree ree Personal Personal Training Training Sessions S essions

FFree ree C Car ar P Parking arking 115% 5% Discount Discount on on FFood ood Drink &D rink 20% onn aallll 2 0% Discount Discount o Beauty Treatments B eauty T reatments Reward LLoyalty oyalty R eward Scheme Scheme

01242 0 1242 2 229 29 297 297

DoubleTree Cheltenham, Cirencester Road, Cheltenham GL53 8EA

lleisure@doubletreecheltenham.com eisure@doubletreecheltenham.com

Terms T erms & Conditions Conditions A Apply. pply. Subject Subject to to a 112 2 month month agreement. agreement. JJoining oining ffee ee a applies. pplies. Direct Direct D Debit ebit o option ption only. only.

P Photos hotos ccourtesy ourtesy o off S Samuel amuel L L Legge egge P Photography hotography ((www.samuellleggephotography.com) www.samuellleggephotography.com)

L Looking ooking Good, Good, Feeling Feeling Great Great with w ith Matt Matt W Wagstaff agstaff

PPlan lan a fitness fitness eevent vent tthis his ssummer ummer H av i n g a g o a l to s t r i ve f o r i s w h a t keeps many of us on track towards a c h i ev i n g a s p e c i f i c a m b i t i o n . T h e s a m e g o e s fo r a f i t n e ss o r s p o r t i n g achievement – whether it’s losing 5kg or rowing 1000m in a fast time, a goal keeps us going. Training for an event is a great way of keeping a fitness focus and an end goal in sight!

T h e s e d ay s t h e re a re s o m a n y fitness events throughout the year,, and luckily a lot of them fall around the spring and summer, given the (usually) better English weather.

Events should be tailored around your abilities and training levels. However, don’t be afraid to push yourself – try not to always choose the easier option. Below are some event types you can challenge yourself to, and how to prepare for them!

Running R unning e events vents These are often the first events people think of entering due to the simplicity of just heading out for a run. However, if you are not a regular runner,, it is always advisable to begin by having a musculoskeletal specialist, sports or physiotherapist assess you to advise any changes in footwear,, or to direct a re g u l a r s t r e tc h i n g / s t r e n g t h e n i n g routine for you to follow. Training

iron man distances. They are a good way to merge different training into a routine, which gives the body different stimuli, encouraging an all round fitness. Obstacle or ‘mud-runs’ are also a combined event, which add various hurdles to a cross-country run.

CCycling ycling e events vents Cycling, whether on road or off, is These also encourage varied training, always a good way of covering and are great fun – especially when distance, often with the added bonus you get a team of friends together. of s p e n d i n g s o m e t i m e i n t h e O Other ther e events vents countryside. Purchasing a bike is the Events don’t have to be based around first port of call, and having a proper the above. Many others exist which b i k e f i t t i n g i s b e n e f i c i a l i n a v o i d i n g h o l d d i f f e r e n t c h a l l e n g e s, s u c h a s any postural injuries. longer off road walks that challenge Similarly to running, training should orienteering along with fitness. be progressive in nature. Following a Aquatic events also hold their own program can help in guiding a gradual tests, such as outdoor swimming, or approach, as well as introducing you group or individual rowing events. to key training concepts such as Challenging yourself to different higher intensity blocks. Cycling also events is a great way of preventing has the added bonus of being a lower boredom of the same exercise, and impact activity – ideal for those with stimulates different energy systems. underlying lower body injuries.

Plus, you’re likely to have a lot of fun! should follow a gradual approach, beginning with shorter runs or walks, a n d p r o g re ss i n g t h r o u g h o u t t h e w e e k s a n d m o n t h s . E ve n t s s h o u l d follow suit – for example, begin with a shorter 5km and progress upwards.

CCross ross e events vents Cross events are generally considered slightly more ‘hardcore’, involving more than one element to consider in your training. Triathlons are one of the most common of these, incorporating sw i m m i n g , c yc l i n g a n d r u n n i n g . T h e s e vary in distance from super s p r i n t s h o r t e r ev e n t s , t o l o n g The Local Answer

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

TTackling ackling ttantrums antrums ttenderly enderly do is to keep calm yourself. After all, i f yo u r c h i l d i s s t r u g g l i n g w i t h m a n a g i n g t h e i r e m o t i o n s, t h e l a s t t h i n g t h e y n e e d i s f o r yo u to l o s e control of yours. No matter how you may feel – embarrassed, hurt, angry, confused or impatient – if you can take a few deep breaths and fake a smile, the storm should pass fairly swiftly. Either remove yourself from t h e s i t u a t i o n o r re m ov e y o u r c h i l d Prepare P repare from the space into a quiet area, Prepare for success by keeping kids without being overly attentive. Use well fed, watered and rested – most clear instructions and keep your child tantrums are triggered by a child’s informed of what is happening, but needs not being met. do not get into dialogue, much less Manage M anage e expectations xpectations an argument or a power struggle.

Ensure the child knows exactly what U Use se p positive ositive p praise raise is happening and what is expected Remember to use positive praise as from them – how long they must be soon as possible so your child feels quiet, wait or sit nicely, before they rewarded for their hard work in a re f r e e to r u n a r o u n d a g a i n . calming down. Try to shift their Understanding can head confusionattention toward the next activity storms off at the pass. and, if possible, get your child in the D Don’t on’t g give ive iin n f re s h a i r a n d o u t o f l i m i t i n g The ever-popular “I want a toy” environments so they can release all tantrum when you are out shopping their pent up emotion. is best avoided by NOT getting into D Do on not ot rridicule idicule the ‘buying habit’ at all. In fact, if you N ev e r c a l l n a m e s o r r i d i c u l e y o u r can p re v e n t ‘unreasonable c h i l d i n f ro n t o f o t h e r p a r e n t s o r expectations’ in the first two years children – even said in a lightyou will set a pattern for life – worth hearted, teasing manner, comments remembering with newborns. such as “she’s such a pain”, or worse, Keep K eep ccalm alm “why can’t you be a good boy like If you are caught out and a storm Tom?” can cause untold damage in erupts, the most important thing to the child’s fragile sense of self.

Let’s face it, as parents we are only too aware of the ever-present possibility of the terrible tantrum – from toddlers, tweenies or even the parents! So, what is the best way to prevent tantrums from happening or cope with them when they do? I consulted with parents and experts alike and got their ‘Top Tips for Taantrum Taming’...

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FFamily amily M Mission ission SStatement tatement Remembering your Family Mission S t a te m e n t a t t i m e s o f c h a o s c a n keep you on the straight and narrow – I know families that repeat “We love each other unconditionally” under their breath when the kids kick off. Alternatively, simply mutter “ I a m d o i n g t h e b est I c a n ” w h e n you feel you are losing the plot.

There is no denying that dealing w i t h l o u d , s t r o n g -w i l l e d s m a l l people is the hardest job of all, but, when it all comes together and that lady in the park takes you aside to mention ‘how great your kids are p l a y i n g to g e t h e r ’ , o r ‘ h ow p o l i t e l y they asked for a turn on the ride,’ you will know you are doing a great job and it was all worth it!

To advertise call 01242 510500

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

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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

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© Lovatts Puzzles

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

01242

ANSWER 510500 w 7 Ne 201 r fo

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

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1 MAY MAY THE WURZELS Set in the unique surroundings of Cotswold Airport, this epic feel-good event will be one not to forget. Sing and dance the night away to endless favourite tunes from two incredible bands, with fun, food and music as well as a Hog Roast and Cider/Real Ale Tent. 5pm. £18.50 (£16.50 concessions). Cotswold Airport, Cirencester, GL7 6BA . 01285 771177. cotswoldairport.com/events 2 MAY MAY QUEEN OF K KA ATWE David Oyelowo stars in the colourful true story of a Phiona Mutesi, born and raised in Katwe (a slum) in rural Uganda. She is instilled with the confidence and determination to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion with the support of her community.

7.45pm. £8 (£7). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

NIGHTINGALE WALK

Join our enthusiastic local experts on a guided walk to discover the delights of the elusive nightingale. Numbers of this enigmatic songster are declining around the UK , yet the Cotswold Water Park

Always Always tthere here if if you you n need eed uss

continues to support a strong number of breeding pairs. 7pm. The walk will last about 2.5 hours, over a distance of about 2 miles. No dogs allowed. Adults £5, Children £2.50. 01793 752413. 7pm.

Cotswold Water Park , Cirencester GL7 6DX. CORINNE WEST Californian songwriter Corinne West is a poet, tunesmith, visionary and an utterly stellar performer. Her music evokes the eternal stories of mystic troubadours, while speaking to the sonic sensibilities of a modern audience. £15. 01684 295074.

The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. 22-14 -14 MAY MAY CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS The Festival returns with an enjoyable two weeks of performances by children and adults from Gloucestershire and all over the UK. Tickets £3 per day – purchase from Cheltenham Town Hall Box Office. For more details visit cheltenhamfestivalofperformingarts.co.uk 4 MAY MAY ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD Against the backdrop of Hamlet, two hapless minor characters take centre stage. As the young double act stumble their way in and out of the action of Shakespeare’ss iconic drama, they become increasingly out of their depth as their version of the story unfolds. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

COCKTAIL AND CASINO NIGHT Dress up in your finest party attire for a Casino Royale themed evening. Have a go at the roulette and blackjack tables and enjoy some luscious cocktails with enticing flavours, including some you may not have heard of before. £20. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074.

6 MAY MAY OWL EVENING

See various owls free flying in the evening or night sky, have the opportunity to hold a number of owls, which presents a great photo opportunity, and walk into the ‘owl wood’ where breeding owls are found. 6.30pm. £45. Cotswold Falconry Centre, Batsford Park , Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AB. 01386 701043. www.cotswoldfalconry.co.uk.

7 MAY MAY GLOUCESTER DOCKS DRAGON BOAT RACE The Dragon Boat Regatta Race returns to Gloucester Docks where several teams will battle it out in decorative 40 -foot long boats. A fun day out for all the family, with several exciting prizes up for grabs.

Gloucester Docks, GL1 2EH. 01452 724144.

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Full Full training training & expenses expenses ppaid aid For more information call 01242 244998 0 1242 2 44998 admin@buildingcirclesglos.org.uk www.buildingcirclesglos.org.uk

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08457 0 8457 9 909090 09090 orr o jo@samaritans.org jo@samaritans.org Page 14

W WE E NEED NEED

VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERS

1100 MAY MAY TAKE FIVE OVER TEA An event involving speakers who will provide advice and answer questions about financial fraud. Complimentary tea and cake. Hosted by Age UK Gloucestershire. 2-4pm. To book your free place, call 01452 422660 or email enquiries@ageukgloucestershire.org.uk.

Oxstalls Tennis Centre, Plock Court, Tewkesbury Road, Gloucester GL2 9DW. 1111 MAY MAY OBSESSION At a road side restaurant, magnetically handsome Gino encounters husband and wife, Giuseppe and Giovanna. Irresistibly attracted, Gino and Giovanna begin a fiery affair and plot to murder her husband.

But, in this chilling tale of passion and destruction, the crime only serves to tear them apart. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

JON BODEN Best known as the lead singer of the progressive folk juggernaut, Bellowhead, Jon is on a solo tour, presenting the self-penned songs of his album ‘Painted Lady’, including material from Bellowhead and his ‘A Folk Song A Day’ project. 7.30pm. £22. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham, GL52 3JE.

112-14 2-14 MAY MAY CONTEMPORARY FRESH ART SHOW The first major Contemporary Art Fair in the Cotswolds, hosting 45 leading UK galleries showing 5,000 paintings and sculptures. Something for everyone of all tastes and budgets. Cheltenham’s new art fair will take place over 3 glorious days in May. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.freshartfair.net 1133 MAY MAY AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE Hundred Watt Club presents a dazzling evening of vintage inspired burlesque and cabaret with sublime showgirls and ridiculous comedy! Over 18s only. 8pm.

Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. Tickets £15 plus booking fee. Call 01452 503050 or visit seetickets.com (search ‘Hundred Watt Club’).

13-14 13-14 MAY MAY GIN FESTIVAL

Known for its range of small-batch craft gins, Whole Foods Market is celebrating all things juniper! Pop into store on either

day to meet the makers, sample their wares and sip a variety of artisan gin and tonics from a pop up Gin bar. Free entry.

01242 542976. Whole Foods Market, Gallagher Retail Park , Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9RR. REALLY WILD WEEKEND

Get up close to new spring life at Slimbridge. Meet lots of young animals and their families and find out more about how new life bursts into spring. Only £5.50 for members. Non-members can buy a special day pass, which includes admission to a Really Wild session. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900.

COTSWOLDS BRICKS & TR RA AINS WEEKEND A LEGO® exhibition is coming to the GWSR at Toddington. Be enthralled by the expertise of Southern Lego Train Club’s members, who are providing the displays.

There will also be a chance for smaller visitors to have a go at building their own brick structures. For full details visit www.gwsr.com or call 01242 621405.

Spring has arrived at The Bird and Deer Park! p g y everything is brimming with life. The breeding season is in full swing as ducklings hatch and the deer prepare to calve – it’s all go!

Since the arrival of the New Visitor Centre, the park has become ever more popular and never more so than for children’s parties. Parents can meet their guests in the centre prior to enjoying their child’s birthday in the famous Gypsy Caravan or the stunning Mad Hatter ’s Marquee. Both locations have been designed with both parents and children in mind, so if your idea of hell is a bouncy castle then look no further! Where else can you be surrounded by nature in all its forms but still have all the trimmings for that special day?

For more information on Birthday Bookings please call 01452 812727 or visit our website at www.thebirdpark .com

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

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1155 MAY MAY – 15 15 JJUNE UNE DAVIDIA DELIGHTS Batsford is home to what’ss widely regarded as one of the biggest, oldest and best Davidia Trees in the country. Marvel at thousands of white handkerchief-like bracts as the tree takes centre stage in the arboretum. 9am. Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9QB. 01386 701441.

1166 MAY MAY A UNITED KINGDOM In 1947, Seretse Khama, the King of Botswana, met Ruth Williams, a London office worker. They defied family, Apartheid and empire – their love triumphed over every obstacle flung in their path and in so doing they transformed their nation and inspired the world. 7.45pm. £8 (£7). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

116-19 6-19 MAY MAY PHOENIX PLAYERS The Phoenix Players present ‘Handbagged’.

Brilliant comedy by Moira Buffini. The Queen and Margaret Thatcher behind palace doors... Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th May at 7.30pm at The Kings Theatre, Gloucester. Bookings and further details from www.kingstheatregloucester.co.uk.

NB no Saturday.

118-22 8-22 MAY MAY GIFFORDS CIRCUS Giffords Circus proudly presents ‘Any Port in a Storm’ – the 2017 Baroque inspired show suitable for all ages. A thrilling candle-lit international gymnastic show with dancing horses, a live band and, of course, the king of mis-rule – Tweedy the Clown! 0845 459 7469. Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, GL54 5JD. 1199 MAY MAY SIMON AND GARFUNKEL THROUGH THE YEARS Dan Haynes and Pete Richards offer the most authentic sounding tribute to Simon and Garfunkel with beautiful renditions of ‘The Sound of Silence’, ‘Mrs Robinson’ and ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, and more.

7.30pm. £15 (£14). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

220-21 0 -21 MAY MAY MEET THE MACHINERY WEEKEND

Following the success of last year’s weekend, we’re once again giving the chance to get up close to our biggest pieces of equipment. Learn how they

Page 16

work and the important jobs they do for us – if you’re lucky, you may even be able to take a selfie in the driver’s seat!

Cotswold Farm Park , Guiting Power, Nr Cheltenham GL54 5UG. 01451 850307 For times and prices visit www.cotswoldfarmpark.org.uk 26 26 MAY MAY FESTIVAL OF ELECTRIC BICYCLE POLO In aid of Watershed RDA , this promises to be an evening packed full of entertainment including Bicycle Polo Matches, an electric bike obstacle course, food and drink , and a special Dressage to Music demonstration by international grand prix dressage rider, Pippa Hutton. 5pm.

Longdole Polo Club, GL4 8LH. For details please email watershedrda23@gmail.com.

227-29 7-29 MAY MAY GLOUCESTER TALL SHIPS Five tall ships will sail into the docks and moor up on the quayside for visitors to see, with entertainment including marauding pirates, fun games for children and grown-ups, a food market, two museums and live music stages featuring local bands and singers. From 10am. The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2ER. 01452 396572.

COTSWOLD FESTIVAL OF STEAM Once again the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is putting on a spectacular Festival of Steam with up to 8 locomotives in steam over the May bank holiday weekend. www.gwsr.com 227-30 7-30 MAY MAY PARKEND 1917 Flower Festival at St Paul’s Church, Parkend (GL15 4HQ) commemorating all those from the parish who fought in World War I. Figures and flowers depict life in Parkend in 1917. 11am-5pm. Refreshments and stalls. For details contact Trish Ducker on 01594 563074.

27 27 MAY MAY – 4 JJUNE UNE LEMUR WEEK

As Lemurs are now one of the most threatened groups of mammals on the planet, we are hosting a week of fun activities and keeper talks to help raise awareness and funds for Lemur Conservation in Madagascar. Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Bradwell Grove, Burford, OX18 4JP. 01993 823006.

THE WILDLIFE ART SOCIETY Around 300 paintings, drawings, original prints, photographs and sculptures by professional and part-time members of this active organisation will be on display,

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the majority for sale. Free access to this exhibition without visiting the museum.

12 noon. Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, Gloucester GL2 9PA . 01452 731422.

SPRING TO LIFE AT SLIMBRIDGE A celebration of the spring season and all things new at Slimbridge! 9.30am. Cost included in normal admission. 01453 891900. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge GL2 7BT. 28 28 MAY MAY FAMILY FUN DAY

A whole day of activities, shows and entertainment for all ages including the ‘World’s Tallest Bubbleologist’, Professor Collywobbles with his entertaining Punch n Judy Shows, and Dunton Stables will be running FREE donkey rides for our young visitors! With all this included with our general admission and 12-month pass tickets, it is not to be missed! 10am.

01242 602308. Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe GL54 5JD. 31 31 MAY MAY KNIGHTS & PRINCESSES Calling all heroic Knights and fairy tale Princesses! Join Griffin Historical at Knight School to learn all the skills to become a mighty Knight of Sudeley Castle. Have a Princess make-over with glamorous Alex and create your own flower garland headband. 10am. Included with admission.

01242 602308. Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe GL54 5JD 10 JUNE JUNE 10 SAMARITANS TWELFTH CHELTENHAM CRAFT BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL Celebrate the 300th Anniversary of Cheltenham becoming a spa town!

Featuring English Civil War battle reenactments from The Sealed Knot. 40 craft keg beers, craft ciders, Pimms bar, food stalls, live music and children’s activities.

12 noon until 11pm. Tickets £10 (£8 in advance) – available from Favourite Beers (105 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham) or Eventbrite. Old Patesians Club, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL53 9LG. 22-23 22-23 JUNE JUNE FOOD SAFARI SINGLES EVENT At Foodworks Cookery School. Fun, relaxed social evening where you can meet new, like minded friends over a safari supper and a glass of wine. £58pp (limited spaces). Please check website for more details www.foodworkscookeryschool.co.uk 01242 870538.

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Magazines are delivered to Distributors’ homes towards the end of each month and we expect deliveries to be CCOTSW OTSWOLDS OLDS completed within four days between the hours of 7am and 9pm.

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S Sport port with w ith R Roger oger JJackson acks son

WANT W ANT TTO O SSHARE HARE Y YOUR OUR SSPORTING PORTING SSTORY TORY O ON NO OUR UR W WEBSITE? EBSITE? Please Please e email mail ffull ull d details etails tto o ssport@thelocalanswer.co.uk port@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Ab bowls owls cclub lub b built uilt ffor or ssuccess uccess Clive Bennett loves Moreton-inMarsh Bowling Club so much, he built their clubhouse.

The retired builder, who is president of the Gloucestershire Bowling Association, built their new home in Redesdale Place when their previous venue in Hospital Road was sold for redevelopment.

He’d already project-managed the building of the new green before embarking on the construction of the clubhouse with his brothers Chris, Ron and Paul.

The work started in February 2011 and was completed seven months later. The green was officially opened in April 2012 by bowls legend David Bryant.

“We had to get the work done on time because we wouldn’t have been able to stay at Hospital Road

SStow tow cchief hief iiss ttrailblazer railblazer Leigh Glazebrook has been playing rugby for Stow-on-the-Wold since he was nine, but 27 years on he has set what he believes to be a club record.

T h e f r o n t r ow forward is in his first season as club chairman and re c k o n s h e m i g h t be the first person in the club’s 138year history to hold the post and s t i l l b e p l ay i n g Leigh Glazebrook first-team rugby.

“The past chairmen that I’ve known h a ve a l l l o n g h u n g u p t h e i r b o o t s , ” said Glazebrook .

PLUS: Stow juniors ensure a bright future (see website).

Charlie Charlie is is leading leading llight ight Charlie Garratt takes charge of Bourton Vale Cricket Club for the first time this season with a glowing reference from chairman Kevin Langley, whose son Rob just happened to be captain last season.

R o b h a s s t o o d d ow n b e c a u s e o f work commitments and Garratt, who

Clive Bennett

for another year,” Bennett said.

“We’d have been homeless so the pressure was on.”

Bennett , who built the clubhouse at cost , joined Moreton “about 10 years ago” and was recently coreturned to the club last season after a number of years away, was more than happy to take up the reins.

“He’s perfect for the job,” said Langley senior. “He’s got the right sort of character and the capabilities to be captain. He’s a leader.”

Abbie following m mum um Abbie following Sarah Evans was one of the founder members of Cirencester Netball Club back in 1996.

N ow her daughter Abbie, 15 and a pupil at Kingshil l School, is reaping the rewards of mum’s h a rd wo r k a s s h e makes her way in the sport.

Mum Sarah with Abbie

Great Great e expectations xpectations Gloucestershire County Cricket Club chief executive Will Brown has set the bar high for the 2017 season.

“My expectations are that in the T20 we should be looking to get to finals day,” he said. “We did particularly well in T20 last season, dominated our

opted onto the committee as vicechairman.

The club were founded in 1909 and have an eight-rink green.

“I’d say the club are growing steadily and we’ve got some very good bowlers,” said Bennett.

One of the “very good players” Bennett was referring to is Rita Gerry, who is part of the Gloucestershire ladies’ Walker Cup team.

At the time of talking to The Local Answer, Bennett was one game away from his 50th county cap.

His wife Linda plays for Gloucestershire ladies and is also a member at Moreton, who are holding an open day on Saturday 13th May, starting at 10.30am, to promote the sport.

Full story online. g ro u p a n d i t was just one b a d d ay a t t h e office against D u r h a m t h at cost us. We’ve p r ov e d t h a t o n our day we can beat anyone Will Brown a n d I d e f i n i te l y expect us to be there or thereabouts this season.”

Brown is targeting a place in at least t h e k n o c k o u t s t a g e s o f t h e 5 0 - ov e r Cu p Royal Lo n d o n O n e - D ay competition after their “blinding” 2015 campaign and also has high hopes in the four-day game.

A lifetime lifetime sspent pent iin n ssport port Mike Edwards is well known in horse racing, rugby and cricketing circles.

The retired sports travel consultant , who lives in Guiting Power, has spent a l i fe t i m e i n s p o r t , b o t h a s a p l ay e r and an administrator.

To see his Q&A on ‘My Sporting Life’, visit our website.

For full versions of all these stories and more, visit our website: www.thelocalanswer.co.uk

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Paul Godding will again be a key player for Cirencester

CCirencester irencester aare re 1 175 75 n not ot o out ut Cirencester Cricket Club are celebrating their 175th anniversary this season, b u t a c l u b t h a t h a ve e n j o ye d a glorious past are also planning for an exciting future.

Some of those plans have already been put in place with the clubhouse, which is nestled in the heart of Cirencester Park , boasting new changing rooms, new toilet facilities, a bigger bar and new kitchen.

There is still more work to be done with new folding doors to the front of the pavilion remaining on the wishlist.

On the field, the club have initiated a five-year plan to improve the state of the wicket.

IInvesting nvesting in in what what benefits benefits tthe he players players m most ost Former player Charlie Pilkington, who is fronting the club’s anniversary celebrations, said: “We felt the time was right to invest in what benefits t h e p l a ye r s m o s t , t h e w i c k e t . T h e i n t e n t i o n b e i n g t o g e t a h a rd e r a n d t r u e r w i c k e t , b e t t e r to b a t o n , b u t something for the bowlers too.”

Chairman Nick Price is the driving force behind the pitch improvement plan, and club stalwart and groundsman Phil Carter, who has been p a r t o f t h e c l u b f o r m o re t h a n 5 0 years and still plays for the 3rd XI even t h o u g h h e i s i n h i s 6 0 s, i s t h e m a n who will be doing the hard graft.

Pilkington, himself, has a busy few months ahead. “We’ve got a 175th anniversary celebration week from 30th June to 9th July,” he said. “The week kicks off with an evening with Henry Blofeld, we’ve got a match against an MCC XI and a veterans’ match between Gloucestershire and Somerset.

G Getting etting a ass m many any p people eople iinvolved nvolved a ass p possible ossible “We want to cram in as much as p o ss i b l e a n d g e t a s m a n y p e o p l e involved as we can.”

Success on the field this season would help their anniversary party go with an even better swing.

After winning the County League D i v i s i o n O n e t i t l e fo r t h e l a s t t w o seasons – they missed out on p ro m o t i o n i n 2 0 1 5 b e c a u s e o f t h e restructuring of the leagues – Cirencester will play in the Gloucestershire Division of the West of England Premier League.

They will be captained once again by spin bowling all-rounder Gareth W i l l i a m s, w h o h a s l e d t h e m fo r t h e past few seasons.

“He has become well established,” said Pilkington. “He’s an astute c a p t a i n , g i ve s p e o p l e o p p o r t u n i t i e s but is also firm when he needs to be.”

Pilkington believes consolidation is the name of the game this season.

“I think the aim will be to hold our own in the division,” he said. “We’ve got no ideas of grandeur… just yet , but are always looking to strengthen and who knows what could happen with a bit of luck .”

Cirencester will be looking to the Jamieson-Black brothers – Jonno and J a m i e – t o h a ve a n i m p a c t a t t h e higher level in 2017. Both are prolific b at s m e n , b u t e q u a l l y c a p a b l e w h e n called upon to bowl.

Tom Fullerlove and Paul Godding are other key players. “Both may not be as quick as they used to be, but both w i l l b e h o p i n g to b e a m o n g t h e wickets again,” said Pilkington.

An An e exciting xciting ttime ime ffor or tthe he ssecond econd X XII Below the first team the club caters for as many people who want to play cricket as possible.

They run two further Saturday sides, a T20 team, a friendly Sunday XI, a women’s team and junior teams for boys and girls aged 7-19.

“It’s an exciting time for the second XI with Bob Lamble’s debut season as 2nd XI captain,” said Pilkington.

“We’re also proud to have seen a former junior player Eve Alder go from playing for our junior teams to representing England Development XI and now part of the Gloucestershire Women set-up.”

FFor or ffull ull aarticles rticles & m more ore sstories: tories: w www.thelocalanswer.co.uk ww.thelocalanswer.co.uk

FFamily-friendly amily-friendly ccivil ivil war war to to benefit benefit SSamaritans amaritans Fr i e n d s o f t h e S a m a r i t a n s w i l l b e raising the bar again this year for their 12th annual Craft Beer & Cider Festival – delivering much more than the name suggests. This year ’s family-friendly event provides great entertainment throughout the day for all ages!

Hosted at the Patesians Sports & S o c i a l C l u b i n Le c k h a m p t o n , Cheltenham (GL53 9LG) on Saturday 10th June 2017, this year’s battle to raise funds for the charity is more ‘real’ than ever with the support of The Sealed Knot . Members of the English Civil War re-enactment group w i l l p re s e n t a l i v i n g h i s to r y s e t u p w i t h p i k e m e n , m u s k e te e r s a n d civilians. They’ll stage drills, displays, weapon demonstrations, sword f i g h t i n g , s i m u l a te d t r i a l s a n d a portrayal of camp life. There will also be a full on (scripted) skirmish on the rugby pitch during the afternoon.

EEducational ducational – k kids ids llearn earn while w hile h having aving ffun un The Sealed Knot are an educational c h a r i t y a n d E u r o p e ' s l a r g e s t re enactment society, with over two t h o u s a n d m e m b e r s i n vo l v e d i n ev e r y t h i n g f r o m m a j o r b a t t l e re e n a c t m e n t s to s c h o o l v i s i t s .

Festival-goers will be able to wander through the encampment and learn about this fascinating era in British history.

Following their experimental i n t r o d u c t i o n a t t h e p re v i o u s t w o

festivals, this year’s focus is on Craft Keg beers. They were incredibly well received and produced the majority o f t h e t o p c a n d i d a te s fo r j u d g e s to select the ‘Beer of the Festival’.

Over Over 4 40 0d different ifferent b beers eers to to cchoose hoose ffrom rom In addition to at least 20 of these superb beers available at any one time, and over 40 different beers over the course of the day, there will be cask beers (aka Real Ale) for the traditionalist drinkers as well as a whole range of traditional Cider and Perry. The popular Pimms bar will be open again and, for the first time, there will be a Craft Bottle and Can bar.

T h e C l u b b a r w i l l o p e n f o r w i n e s, spirits and soft drinks and there will be a great selection of hot and cold food and icecreams available throughout the day.

With some live music and children’s activities – including the adjacent p l a y p a r k – t h e Fr i e n d s o f t h e Samaritans have worked extremely hard to deliver a great day out for the whole family. Why not enjoy this fabulous event with them and help raise cash for charity in the process.

Tickets are just £8 in advance or £10 on the day for those enjoying the beer, cider and perry – including your festival glass – and are available from Favourite Beers, 105 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham GL52 6BB, or online at www.eventbrite.co.uk (booking fee applies). General enjoyment of the day is absolutely free but donations placed in charity buckets would be greatly appreciated.

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

he pperfect erfect SSun un aand nd sshowers howers – tthe rrecipe ecipe ffor or ggarden arden ggrowth rowth Mild weather means that aphids start to appear earlier in the year. They s u c k t h e s a p f ro m t e n d e r yo u n g growth in plants and can excrete a substance called honeydew, which causes sooty mould and plant viruses.

Keep inspecting your plants to nip an infestation in the bud!

Caught early, you can just squash aphids between your fingers (wear gloves if you’re squeamish!).

Alternatively, apply a systemic i n s e c t i c i d e to o r n a m e n t a l p l a n t s, which is absorbed by the plant and poisons the aphids as they feed on it.

D o k e e p i n m i n d t h at t h i s c a n a l s o eliminate beneficial insects. Attracting Other plants that need watching are ladybirds and hoverflies by planting lilies and fritillaries. This is the month single flowers (not the double that bright red lily beetles will arrive. varieties) helps.

You can either pick them off or use Provado on them as well.

Climbing rroses Climbing oses ssupport upport clematis clematis a ass tthey hey g grow row

Bright B right rred ed llily ily b beetles eetles arrive arrive iin nM May ay

Climbers grow like crazy this month with the sun and showers. Keep tying them in, especially the soft stems of the clematis, or they could get damaged in the wind. I use thin circular rings, which are cheap to buy in packs from the garden centre and easy to use without damaging the s t e m s . I te n d t o g r o w m y c l e m a t i s through climbing roses, which help to support them as they grow.

Sow some runner beans as the soil warms up, making a wigwam of bamboo canes for the beans to twine up. The cultivar ‘White Lady ’ is very pretty if you fancy white flowers for a change.

Bleeding Heart) in garden centres and nurseries this month. This is a shadelover with elegant foliage and arching stems of heart-shaped flowers, which i s a m a i n s t ay o f t h e s p r i n g g a rd e n .

The Lamprocapnos spectabilis ‘Alba’ is my favourite with its beautiful white flowers. Plant it in a sheltered position in dappled shade and mulch it annually with weed-free organic matter to keep it happy. The leaves die down in summer so don’t think you have killed it, but mark where it is so you don’t disturb it . This plant goes very well with any sort of ferns.

Become familiar with the larvae of ladybirds so you don’t squash them by mistake – they are relatively large a n d b l a c k w i t h ye l l ow s p o t s . O n e plant that I always spray is Solomon’s Elegant Elegant ffoliage oliage a and nd seal (Polygonatum x hybridum). I use arching a r c h i n g s stems t e m s o of f h hearte artProvado ultimate bug killer in May, shaped shaped fflowers lowers otherwise the Solomon’s seal Keep a look out for the lovely sawflies eat them to ribbons L a m p ro c a p n o s spectabilis (or practically overnight!

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Cheltenham Cheltenham based based Quartz Quartz & Granite Granite FFactory actory with with Display Display Area Area Tel: T el: 0 01242 1242 523398 523398 | 0 01452 1452 290458 290458 | 07970 07970 190 190 9 965 65

www.hatherleyworktops.co.uk w ww.hatherleyworktops.co.uk 18, 18, 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

am-1pm & 2 -5pm M onday-Thursday O Opening pening H Hours: ours: 9 9am-1pm 2-5pm Monday-Thursday 9am-2pm Friday Friday 9am-1pm Saturday Saturday 9am-2pm 9am-1pm

R R S

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

ASCIA BOARD TS S ROOFING & F ROOFING FASCIA BOARD SPECIALISTS SPECIALIST Serving Gloucestershire and beyond ◆ New New R Roofs oofs ◆ New New Builds Builds ◆ 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

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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

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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 illustrate a conversion of a ground floor cloakroom. Our clients could foresee that in future they may not easily be able to use their upstairs bathroom, so they decided to have a walk in shower installed downstairs. The finished job produced a practical and stylish looking room, which is easy to use and keep clean.

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

Before

After

*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.

• Change your bath for a large shower or walk-in bath • Wet rooms and comfort height WCs • Redesign your layout to make best use of space • Increase storage with built in units • Warm your feet and keep the floor dry with underfloor heating • Add grab rails and fold away shower seat • Tiles, wallboards, mirrors and accessories supplied • Free design service and advice with experienced, polite installers

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

PINK P INK L LA LADY A AD DY DY PAINTING P AINTING & DECORATING DECORATING

Precise, p Precise, profesional rofesional & rreliable eliable sservice! ervice! iinfo@sarsenenergy.co.uk nfo@sarsenenergy.co.uk w www.sarsenenergy.co.uk ww.sarsenenergy.co.uk

Please P lease ccall: all:

07748 7748 3 311011 11011 0

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

BellBlinds Bella’s a’s IInterio nterrs ioors rs Blinds & Shutttteers W Where here q quality uality and and customer customer ssatisfaction atisfaction count count ALL A LL T TYPES YPES OF OF B BLINDS LINDS MADE MADE TO TO M MEASURE EASURE •R ROLLER OLLER • VERTICAL VERTICA AL • P PLEATED LEATED • SHUTTERS SHUTTERS •V VENETIAN ENETIAN • W WOODSLAT OODSL AT • C CANOPIES ANOPIES • R ROMAN OMAN •P PINOLEUM INOLEUM • A AWNINGS WNINGS • C CURTAINS URTAINS

www.cotswoldkitchensandbathrooms.co.uk

For a no obligation FREE quotation please call

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

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

01242 238030

001242 1 2 4 2 2210090 10090

enquiries@cotswoldkitchensandbathrooms.com enquiries@cotswoldkitchensandbathrooms.com PUBLIC, C OMMERCIAL A N D TTRADE R A D E SSUPPLIERS UPPLIERS PUBLIC, COMMERCIAL AND 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

W Windows indows • Doors Doors • CConservatories onservatories We We supply supply and and fit fit a range range of of hhigh igh q quality uality a aluminium, luminium, PPVCu VCu a and nd ttimber imber p products roducts iincluding: ncluding:

Sliders S liders & B Bi-fold i-fold D Doors oors Windows W indows & Doors Doors C Conservatories onser vatories &R Roof oof LLanterns anterns

B BEST EST V VALUE ALUE FFOR OR M MONEY! ONEY!

Highly Highly competitive competitive prices prices and and a first first class class installation installation service! ser vice!

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 Page 28

FFor or aadvice dvice aand nd hhelp, elp, pplease lease ccontact ontact AAndrew ndrew oorr RRoger: oger:

01242 01242 571597 571597 • 0 07876 7876 718657 718657 aandrew@fineworks-uk.co.uk ndrew@fineworks-uk.co.uk • rroger@fineworks-uk.co.uk oger@fineworks-uk.co.uk

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Interior Interior Design Design with w ith Maddie Maddie Simpson Simpson

Quirky w Quirky ways ays tto o cclean lean uup p your home home your Do you ever have those days when you look around and realise what a mess your house has become? Ever want a magic wand to miraculously d u s t a n d h o o v e r y o u r h o u s e ? Ev e r want a little house elf to come and clean up the bathroom? Well, me too. Unfortunately, most of the time all we have is ourselves. I have come up with three quirky ways to clean up your home – not quite as inviting as a magic wand, but the next best thing!

1 1.. JJars ars Jars do not just have to be boring old glass jars that contained marmite three years ago with a little brown ring around the bottom of it. Why not try branded jars to hold all your utensils, or even put a few fairy lights in the bottom to give it that extra

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quirk? Jars are also not just restricted to kitchen u s e. T h ey c a n b e u s e d for hair bobbles, clips or any little niggly bits that clutter up your shelves.

W h y n o t u s e t h e m to s t o r e y o u r bathroom essentials?

Another quirky idea is to use branded alcohol bottles to hold all yo u r s p a r e c h a n g e. N o t o n l y d o e s this keep your purse lighter and your house tidier, but it may help you save u p s o m e s p e n d i n g m o n ey fo r yo u r next holiday!

you are using for storage. An example of this is to add a mirror to the front of a boring old storage box .

This would look particularly nice on smaller boxes that you can pop onto the shelf. This way, you can store away bits and bobs whilst smiling proudly at yourself in the mirror for being so quirky at cleaning up your home! Boxes underneath the bed is 2.

2. Secret Secret ccompartments ompartments also a great way of hiding away This is probably less exciting than it clutter. sounds. A good way to keep your 3. Filing Filing home looking tidy, especially if 3. you’re lacking in space, is to find Gosh, that sounds boring – but it ways of hiding the compartments doesn’t have to be. At the bottom of my stairs near the front door there is a h u g e p i l e of p o st , w h i c h desperately needs to be tidied up and organised! You can get some beautiful, often inexpensive, letter racks that keep your post (or other paperwork) looking organised, even if it isn’t. To make this quirky, you can “DIY” it. A brilliant idea is to create a rack that looks like a post-box . This would look really cute in the corner of a hallway or near the front door, and is an easy and effective way to store post . Just don’t forget that it’s there!

Well, there you go. Those were my three top tips to clean up your home in a quirky way! Hopefully that ’ll make the task of tidying up just that little bit more exciting.

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

G Go oB Back ack tto o tthe he FFuture… uture…

O n t h e l o o k o u t fo r s o m e snazzy new gizmos to perk up yo u r m o n t h ? W i t h t h e s u n s h i n i n g a n d t h e h o l i d ay s creeping round the corner, get yo u r s e l f s o r te d w i t h s o m e o f the latest offerings on the tech scene, combining retro with techno.

P Prynt rynt iiPhone Phone CCase ase 6 6/6S /6S iPhones are great for storing all yo u r s e l f i e s , b u t d o y o u e v e r miss the simple joys of printed photos, instead of posting them all on Facebook and Instagram? If calorie counter, stopwatch, distance you want something a bit more travelled, inactivity alert , time, nostalgic, the Prynt iPhone Case pedometer and caller ID. As well as b e i n g p a c k e d f u l l of h a n d y 6/6S can offer you exactly features, the ZeFit also t h a t . T h e l i g h t we i g h t a n d has a nice sleek design p o r t a b l e c a s e l e t s yo u to make it easily print your photos straight wearable. from your phone, and is With this device, priced at just £49.99. you can keep track With long-lasting, inko f yo u r p ro g r e ss, free, high resolution, tear make new goals and fade resistant prints, schedule and y o u c a n h a v e p e r fe c t r e m i n d e r s to k e e p q u a l i t y p i c s to s h o w in control of your f ro m s p r i n g 2 0 1 7 . N o t development. o n l y t h at , b u t t h e P r y n t Connect the ZeFit to iPhone Case eve n your smartphone so records a mini video you can easily eve r y t i m e yo u t a k e a manage your fitness picture, literally making to g et ro u t i n e your photos come to life! yourself ready for the Think of it as your typical beach (or if you just polaroid camera given a want another chance modern upgrade. to pick up on those New Year MyKronoz M yKronoz ZZeFit eFit 3 A Activity ctivity resolutions).

TTracker racker

If you want to make the most of the sun and try and meet your fitness goals, the Activity Tracker from MyKronoz will be the perfect fit. At £39.99, it offers a range of features including a colour touchscreen, The Local Answer

what you’ve been searching for. The answer to Back To The Future’s 2015 h o ve r b o a r d s , t h i s s t y l i s h c r u i s e r comes with 350 watt motors, a 36V b a t te r y a n d t wo s p e e d s e t t i n g s : a beginner’s mode of up to 6km per hour, or – if you’re feeling brave – the highest speed setting of 15km per hour. It ’s also lightweight and portable, comes with integrated LEDs, safety settings, temperature control and a low battery indicator.

To make for a stable ride, the cruiser is even equipped with solid 1 7 c m i n f l a t e d r u b b e r t y re s a n d a driving d i e - c a st aluminium p l a t f o r m . T h e b a t te r y t a k e s j u s t three hours to fully charge for your next ride, and with no fumes produced from the cruiser, it’s also an eco-friendly mode of transport .

At £299, it makes for a high-tech r i d e t h a t s e e s yo u g l i d e w i t h o u t a c a re i n t h e world.

SSlalom lalom CCruiser ruiser B Black lack If you’re wanting a f u t u r i st i c m o d e of transportation, the Slalom Cruiser Black is

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WORD WORD SEARCH SEARCH R F O I C T S S W K S E C J R I G C W K J T F H

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M Z R B R I I P P G B D S C H A W T H O R N Q O

FFlowers lowers AZALEA ANEMONE BEGONIA BLUEBELL CORNFLOWER CROCUS DAFFODIL DOGWOOD FRESIA

GERANIUM HAWTHORN HYACINTH IRIS JASMINE LILAC LILY MARIGOLD MAGNOLIA

ORCHID PANSY PETUNIA POPPY ROSE SNOWDROP TULIP

P A L F H L A M O B M P B Y U B O X B K A A F D

M M O V A E G T H P N H M S T C F S U U P G R W

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Vinyl Records

WANTED

LOCAL BUYER PAYS CASH FOR YOUR YOUR UNWANTED UNWANTED RECORDS RECORDS 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: willowpitch@blueyonder willowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk err.co.uk 01242 702947 or 07785 515987

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.

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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 & Contemporary y Bathrooms ◆ ◆

Visit V isit o our ur w website ebsite tto o ssee ee 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 a advice dvvice a and nd tto o arrange arrange a free free quotation q 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

Boiler •B oiler sservicing ervicing Boiler •B oiler iinstalla ons nstalla ons Hea ng •H ea ng ssystems ystems Bathroom •B athroom iinstalla ons nstalla ons General plumbing hea ng •G eneral p lumbing aand nd h ea ng maintenance m aintenance Gas work •G as w ork bursts • LLeaks eaks aand nd b ursts outs • Emergency Emergency ccall all o uts

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EEmail: mail: ashleynorthplumbing@gmail.com ashleynorthplumbing@gmail.com Phone: 0 Phone: 01451 1451 5 509148 09148 FFind ind u uss o on n FFacebook acebook The Local Answer

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

Strangling Strangling ssmall mall business business T h e G o v e r n m e n t t a l k s o n e s t o r y f o r s m a l l b u s i n e s s e s, telling us how much they are reducing red tape, and then does completely the opposite.

It has created a whole new department called the Office of Tax Simplification to examine ways of doing what it says in the name, but with every Budget come more complications than simplifications.

The inability of successive Governments to finance state pensions, whilst still paying attractive final salary versions to its own employees, has led them to force all businesses of whatever size to automatically enrol their workers into a pension scheme. Don’t get me wrong, I think that employees should be encouraged to save for their retirement years, but the amount of additional work and cost imposed on small businesses is substantial.

M More ore rred ed ttape ape ffor or p proprietors roprietors o off ssmall mall b businesses usinesses If that wasn’t enough, then Chancellor George Osborne decided to levy a 7.5% surcharge on tax on dividends.

OK , he thought those running their own company were gaining too great a benefit from effective tax planning t h r o u g h p ay i n g w h a t h e s aw a s to o m u c h d i v i d e n d compared to salary. But did he think through the effect that this would have on the number of people needing to submit a tax return? Certainly not . Anyone earning more than £5,000 a year in dividends is now obliged to register with HMRC to submit a tax return – and all to collect relatively modest amounts of tax . More red tape for proprietors of small businesses.

N No-one o-one iin ng government overnment has has ever ever llived ived iin n tthe he rreal eal w world orld o off small small business business

BOILER BOILER SERVICES SERVICES FROM FROM £ £55 55

Money M oney M Matters atters

O s b o r n e h a s l e f t n u m b e r 1 1 fo l l o w i n g t h e E U referendum result and Philip Hammond has taken his place. His first act? To scrap the flat rate scheme for VAT. OK , he hasn’t scrapped it, but he has certainly neutralised any benefit to being in it and everyone who I know that is currently using it will have ceased to do so by the end of the year. Why? Because there used to be a financial benefit , as well as simplicity, in completing your VAT return every quarter. Now small businesses up and down the land and certainly all over Gloucestershire will be forced to spend five times the amount of hours producing their returns, simply to put just a few shillings in the Treasury’s coffers. Outrageous.

It all stems from the fact that no-one in government has ever lived in the real world of small business. If anyone from any party suggests they are the champions of small business, tell them you don’t believe them!

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Page 33

IIndex ndex o of fA Advertisers dvertisers FFOOD OOD & D DRINK RINK

RETAIL R ETAIL

The Foodworks Cookery School 5 The Inn at Fossebridge 4 The Old Rectory 4

Assured Mobility Vinyl Records

W WHAT’S HAT’S O ON N

BATHROOMS B ATHROOMS Cotswold Bathroom Solutions Lifestyle Bathrooms Severn Vale Bathrooms B UILDING SSERVICES ERVICES BUILDING Care Construction Cathedral Cladding Ltd GlosBuild Marshalls Driveways Property Creations R. Richards & Son Resindrives.co.uk Severn & Wye Scaffolding Ltd APPLIANCES FFURNISHING URNISHING & APPLIANCES Bella’ss Interiors Chiselworks

CCLUBS LUBS & SSPORTS PORTS Shipton Golf Course 17 EEVENTS VENTS & A ATTRACTIONS TTRACTIONS Samaritans Beer & Cider Festival 20 -21 The Bird & Deer Park 15

H HEALTH EALTH & B BEAUTY EAUTY DoubleTree Cheltenham Leisure 6

INFORMATION INFORMATION Building Circles in Gloucestershire 14

P PROPERTY ROPERTY Inspired Villages Norton Park Richmond Villages

35 13 10

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H HOMES OMES & G GARDENS ARDENS 28 27 17 23 24 22 23 23 26 2 23 28 23

GARDEN G ARDEN SERVICES SERVICES Mark Clifford Landscapes Winley & Kerton Ltd LUMBING H HEATING EATING & PPLUMBING Ashley North Plumbing Mark Benson BS Ltd Sarsen Energy Seasoned Hardwood Logs KKITCHENS ITCHENS Cotswold Kitchen Solutions Hatherley Worktops & Kitchens PPAINTING AINTING & D DECORATING ECORATING Pink Lady

24 24 33 33 28 24 28 26 28

W WINDOWS INDOWS & D DOORS OORS Albany Windows Fineworks Firmfix Doors & Windows

36 28 30

PROFESSIONAL P ROFESSIONAL SSERVICES ERVICES CCARE ARE SSERVICES ERVICES Glos County Council Fostering 8 Samaritans 14 The Orders of St John 11 SKIP SKIP HIRE HIRE & RECYCLING RECYCLING Stevens Recycling 34

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CCOMPETITION OMPETITION 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 – We Wednesday ednesday 1 10th 0th M May ay 2 2017 017

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