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Dean FForest orest ooff D ean – 222,000 2,000 ccopies opies Gloucester G loucester – 446,000 6,000 ccopies opies G loucestershire SSouth outh – 441,000 Gloucestershire 1,000 ccopies opies G loucestershire N orth – 220,000 0,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire North CCheltenham heltenham – 443,000 3,000 ccopies opies CCotswolds otswolds – 228,000 8,000 ccopies opies M anaging Director Director Managing 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 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
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
Welcome Welcome ttoo May May ...... 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 articles and many more stories on our website. See centre pages for more. H a v e y o u e ve r t h o u g h t a b o u t f o s t e 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. Summer is just around the corner and what better way to m a k e t h e m o st of t h e s u n s h i n e t h a n t a k i n g p a r t i n a n outdoor fitness event! Matt Wagstaff shares his recommended challenges and how to prepare for them in ‘Looking Good, Feeling Great’. As ever, check out our busy What’s On section for a great selection of events happening throughout May.
IInside nside tthis his month month ... ... Wild ood FForaging oraging Wild FFood Cocktail ime Cocktail TTime Delicious Dish ish Delicious D Parenting Guardianship uardianship Parenting & G Looking Good, Great ood, FFeeling eeling G reat Looking G TLA ravel TLA TTravel Holidays ravel Holidays & TTravel What’s On What’s O n TLA TLA SSport port Money Matters Money M atters Homes Gardens Homes & G ardens In Garden he G arden In tthe Sudoku Sudoku Interior Design esign Interior D Word Word SSearch earch Quick Quick Crossword Crossword Gadgets Gizmos Gadgets & G izmos Index, Index , CCompetitions, ompetitions, SSolutions olutions
4 4 5 9 11 1 1 12 1 2 13 1 3 14 1 4 18-19 18-19 21 21 24 24 25 25 26 26 29 29 30 30 32 32 33 33 34 34
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W Wild ild F Food ood F Foraging oraging w with ith S Steven teven Hawley Hawley
with w ith L Lois ois K Kingscott ingscott
Margarita Margarita
Blackberry Blackberry bramble bramble I h av e a b i t o f a l o ve h a t e re l a t i o n s h i p w i t h t h e blackberry bramble. I hate it when it tears at my skin and clothing. I loathe it when it whips me round the head as I try to remove it from my garden. But I love it when it provides me with fruit at the end of the year for various winter warming concoctions, primarily the alcohol related variety. I’ve spoken before about the blackberry and how it has had a huge impact on my childhood, but at such a young age my palate wasn’t r u i n e d e n o u g h to e n j o y t h e a s t r i n g e n t q u a l i t i e s o f a strong cup of tea. So it hasn’t been until recent years that I’ve come to love the bramble for one other reason – bramble tea.
II’m ’m ssure ure a ccup up o off b bramble ramble ttea ea is is h healthier ealthier tthan han a k kebab ebab As mentioned in earlier articles, I don’t place a lot of trust in medicinal claims when it comes to foraging in the wild. I’m sure a cup of bramble tea is healthier than a kebab and a cigarette, but there have been some pretty big claims in regard to this drink . According to a brief google search, it was traditionally used to treat a number of stomach related conditions, diarrhoea and the like. I’ve also read that due to its astringency, it’s brilliant at curing mouth ulcers – but until I read these claims as fact in a scientific journal, I’m happy in the knowledge that it does a good job at curing a thirst after a long walk . Pick a small bunch of new leaves from a bramble, making sure they ’re out of reach of dog marking territory, and place them in a cup of hot water. Allow to steep for a few minutes and then enjoy your refreshing, healthy beverage. 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
Cocktail Cocktail T Time ime 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. Method: Method: 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.
PLEASE PLEASE D DRINK RINK R RESPONSIBLY ESPONSIBLY W Why hy n not ot h have ave a M Mocktail? ocktail? For a non-alcoholic alternative, mix 50ml limeade, 25ml orange juice, 10ml lemon juice, 10ml lime juice, pinch of sugar and ice.
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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)
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Opening Opening h hours: o u r s : Tuesday-Thursday Tu e s d ay - Th u r s d ay 12:00-15:00 1 2 : 0 0 - 1 5 : 0 0 & 17:00-00:00 1 7 : 0 0 - 0 0 : 0 0 • FFriday r i d ay & Saturday S a t u r d ay 1 12:00-00:00 2:00-00:00 • C Closed l o s e d Sun-Mon Sun-Mon 99aa SSouthgate o u t h g a t e SStreet, treet, G Gloucester loucester G GL1 L 1 1TG 1 T G (Above (Above Costa Costa Coffee) Coffee) Reservations Reservations 001452 1452 332993 332993 www.theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk w w w. t h e o l d b e l l - t i g e r s eye . c o . u k
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Helping people H elping llocal ocal p eople ffight ight ffinancial inancial ffraud raud Age UK Gloucestershire has teamed up with Financial Fraud Action UK’s Take Five campaign to help people in the county protect themselves and loved ones from falling victim to financial fraudsters. As part of the activity, Age UK Gloucestershire will be hosting a free event – Take Five Over Tea – on Wednesday 10th May, involving a range of speakers who will provide advice and answer questions on the issue of financial fraud.
IItt p pays ays tto o sstop top a and nd tthink hink Take Five is led by FFA UK and focuses on financial frauds directly t a rg e t i n g c u s t o m e r s, s u c h a s e m a i l deception and phone and text-based s c a m s , a n d i s d e s i g n e d t o re m i n d people that it pays to stop and think . I t a l s o a i m s to h e l p p e o p l e p ro te c t t h e m s e l v e s f ro m c r i m i n a l s d u p i n g t h e m i n t o m ov i n g t h e i r m o n e y i n t o bank accounts controlled by fraudsters.
Event attendees will hear from three speakers: • Tony Blake, Financial Fraud Action UK , will talk about the Take Five campaign • Helen Mansfield, Gloucestershire Trading Standards, will speak about staying off the “Suckers List”
• Ian Maxted, Cyber Safety Lead, Gloucestershire Police, will provide advice on staying safe online Complimentary tea and cake will be p ro v i d e d a n d r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s f r o m other local organisations will be there to provide information and advice.
Older Older people people ccan an be be particularly particularly vvulnerable ulnerable The afternoon will be hosted by Age UK Gloucestershire ’s Chief Executive Rob Fountain, who says: “We are delighted to have teamed up with the Take Five campaign to host this session. Financial Fraud is a very real p ro b l e m a n d o l d e r p e o p l e c a n b e particularly vulnerable. As part of our vision to make Gloucestershire the best county in which to grow older, we want to help older people to protect themselves by encouraging them to take five and stop financial fraud.” Spaces are limited and open to people over the age of 50.
To book your free place, contact Age UK Gloucestershire on 01452 422660 or email enquiries@ageukgloucestershire.org.uk
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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!
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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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For more information on all holidays and trips:
la a www.newmarketholidays.co.uk www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/laa
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A AIR IR H HOLIDAYS OLIDAYS & B BREAKS REAKS • COACH COACH & RAIL RAIL BREAKS BREAKS • THEATRE, THEATRE, S SPORTS PORTS & EVENTS EVENTS FFAMILY AMILY FFUN UN B BREAKS REAKS • C CRUISING RUISING • R ROCK, OCK , POP POP & LIVE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT laa FOR FULL DETAILS ON ALL HOLIDAYS & TRIPS VISIT w www.newmarketholidays.co.uk ww.newmarketholidays.co.uk/laa
Madeira Madeira D Discovered iscovered 8 days from £689pp Selected departures between April 2017 & April 2018 All the colourful wonders of the fabled ‘Garden Isle’. TTour our highligh highlights ts Enjoy a week of gentle exploration on the verdant ‘Garden Isle’ Get to know Madeira’s colourful capital, Funchal The city’s Botanical Gardens are a joyous sight Discover local flavours on an included espetada evening Explore Western Madeira, with its soaring cliffs and picturesque sea-side settlements Eastern Madeira is dotted with traditional ‘A-frame’ cottages Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager Seven nights’ three-star bed and breakfast hotel accommodation, return flights and transfers For full itinerary or to book visit
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Holidays H olidays & T Travel ravel w with ith A Al lH Hidden idden
Beautiful Beautiful B Bergamo ergamo If, like pop group Right Said Fred, you’re ‘too sexy for Milan’ and its m a i n a i r p o r t s, t r y s t y l i s h , h u g e l y underrated Bergamo instead. It’s just a short Ryanair flight from Bristol, and is a lovely, compact , highly explorable two-level city of a similar size to Cheltenham. The location at the foot of the Alps, near the and loved the location and Giovanna’s northern Italian l a k es overlooking the broad Lombardy warm welcome. And if you must skip Bergamo’s wonderful restaurants plain, is perfect. (don’t miss the sausage-meat-stuffed CClassy lassy h hotels otels a and nd ccosy osy casoncelli ravioli) and pizzerias, you’ll have a private kitchen for selfB B&Bs &Bs Bergamo is easy to get around and catering with the excellent local produce… has plenty of accommodation for A Amazing mazing vviews iews ffrom rom every budget and taste. Fancy the full rromantic omantic CCittà ittà A Alta lta works? Try full-board somewhere like the lower city ’s Hotel Petronilla. Or Accommodation s o r te d , it ’s Hotel Relais San Lorenzo up in the exploration time. The walled Città romantic walled Città Alta (‘old city’). Alta is a must-visit for cafes and Alternatively, how about a cosy restaurants, narrow streets, exquisite B&B, like Giovanna Schiavi’s architecture with distinct Venetian ‘Magnolia’ (Via Generale Armando influences, and marvellous views. Diaz)? It ’s in the lower city ’s heart , The climb is definitely worth the yet near the Funicolare Città Alta. We effort . Alternatively, take the
f u n i c u l a r to P i a z z a M e rc a to d e l l e Scarpe, then visit Duomo di Bergamo, Piazza della Cittadella and the Piazza Vechiat’s fountains. It’ll soon be time for coffee, super-sweet Polenta e Osei and Torta Millefoglie, or an early lunch (try Latteria Caffetteria Di Zia or La Marianna). Then enjoy the views ove r t h e c i t y a n d p l a i n f r o m V i a l e delle Mura, before descending to the lower city between sleepy gardens, vineyards and villas.
A After-dinner fter-dinner g gelato elato iiss ccompulsory! ompulsory! Finally, as shadows lengthen and night falls, join the Bergamache for dinner and post-prandial passeggiata to one of the city’s gelato parlours – it’s compulsory! Tomorrow, if you fancy a change of scene, let Trenitalia take the strain and enjoy a day-trip to Lecco on Lake Como for lunch, lakeside walks among sun washed villas and celebrity spotting – apparently, G e o r g e C l o o n ey o w n s a h o m e nearby!
IIdeal deal ffor or a w weekend eekend o orr a llonger onger sstay tay Bergamo is ideal for weekend breaks or as a base for longer exploration of Lombardy. Either way, having visited once and happily said ‘arrivederci Bergamo’ before heading home, we’re sure you’ll return soon! The Local Answer
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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. 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. 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. GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS Goldilocks is a mischievous little girl with hair as bright as gold. Always on the lookout for an adventure, one day her curiosity leads her to a house full of many surprises. With a family of friendly bears, a beautiful blue bird and bowls of delicious porridge, this ballet is just right! 2pm and 4pm. For prices visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. 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
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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. Each day is different and includes music, dance and drama. 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, 2 hapless minor characters take centre stage. As the young double act stumble their way in and out of the action of Shakespeare’s 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. £20. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. 5 MAY MAY DRAWN TO PAINT BIRDS Join Jackie Garner to learn how to sketch birds in pencil and watercolour. Go out into the grounds to sketch the birds and return to paint your sketching and turn them into magnificent works of art. 10am. £46.50 (includes tea/coffee and a soup and sandwich lunch). WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. 6 MAY MAY OWL EVENING
Get close to these beautiful creatures and learn more about them. 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. 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.cotswold-falconry.co.uk.
EXAM STRESS SETTING IN? FFor or fabrics... fabr briics...
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C Can an yyou ou spare spare a ffew ew hhours ours a month month to to support support ppeople eople w with ith llearning earning ddisabilities? isabilities? FFull ull training training & expenses expenses ppaid aid For more information call 01242 244998 0 1242 2 44998 admin@buildingcirclesglos.org.uk www.buildingcirclesglos.org.uk The Local Answer
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. THE GREATEST HITS OF MOTOWN A 100% live show combining first class music, the slickest choreography and an amazing band to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have. 7.30pm. For times and prices visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. FOLKLAW AT THE FOREST FOLK CLUB Exhilarating songs and music that guarantees to get your feet tapping, your face smiling and your festival-feet jumping! FolkLaw deliver a subtle reflective social commentary within a
patchwork of inspirational songs and melodies. 7.30pm. £6. Forest of Dean Folk Club, Royal Oak , Park Hill, Whitecroft, GL15 4PG. 01594 562356. 1100 MAY MAY TAKE FIVE OVER TEA A free event involving a range of 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 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 selfpenned songs of his album ‘Painted Lady’,
including material from Bellowhead and his ‘A Folk Song A Day’ project in which he recorded 365 folk songs in one year. 7.30pm. £22. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham, GL52 3JE. 12 MAY 12 MAY GOTHERINGTON SINGERS AND FRIENDS 7.30pm. Princess Hall, Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Come and join us for a happy and entertaining evening of music and song at our 50th Anniversary Gala Concert. Supporting the Gloucester and Tewkesbury branch of the RNLI. Tickets £10 – 01242 620775. www.gotheringtonsingers.co.uk SCULPTURE FESTIVAL WALK Starting from the nursery at 11am, this one-hour circular walk will give you a wonderfully varied taste of Cotswold scenery. The walk is free but it is advisable to register with the Festival office on 01453 751056. Miserden Nursery, Miserden, Stroud GL6 7JA . 12-14 12-14 MAY MAY CONTEMPOR RA ARY 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
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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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, it’ll be naughty … and very, very nice! Over 18s only. 8pm. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. Tickets £15 plus booking fee. Call 01452 503050 or visit seetickets.com and search ‘Hundred Watt Club’. BIRD WATCH MORNING Celebrate the great variety of birds breeding at Slimbridge and search for migrants on a guided tour of the reserve with a warden. £15.95 (includes tea/coffee and bacon roll/scrambled egg). Advance bookings only. 01453 891223. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, GL2 7BT. BEER FESTIVAL Promising premium tipples, delicious food and entertainment, Hillside Brewery’s Beer Festival is sure to delight real ale fans from Gloucestershire and beyond. A range of ales, cask and keg from far and wide! 10am. £6. Hillside Brewery, Holly Bush Far, Ross Road, GL17 0NG. 01452 830222. 113-14 3-14 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
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. 14 MAY 14 MAY PUZZLEWOOD SPRING FOREST OF DEAN & WYE VALLEY SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY
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. Sessions last an hour and include a fun interactive talk before getting the chance to see species up close. 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 & TRAINS 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.
Spend the day under the expert guidance of David Broadbent from the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley School of Photography. Learn how to capture the beauty of spring here in Puzzlewood. £60pp (includes entrance fee). Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB. 07771 664973. 15 15 MAY MAY – 15 15 JUNE JUNE 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.
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Murder Mystery F Friday riday 2 23rd 3rd JJune une 2 2017 017 The year is 1937. Mopton Brayside Public School is holding its Grand Dinner at the end of another fine academic year. This year, however, has been slightly different with the sudden and unexpected death of the Deputy Head, Mr James Crabtree, the Maths Master.
3 course dinner and a thrilling Murder Mystery only £34 per
Fawlty Towers Comedy Dinner
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Bed and Breakfast £70 per room.
3 course dinner and entertainment. Discounted bar in the Lakeside Suite from 6-7pm.
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1166 MAY MAY A UNITED KINGDOM In 1947, 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... 7.30pm at The Kings Theatre, Gloucester. Bookings and further details from kingstheatregloucester.co.uk. NB no Saturday. 1188 MAY MAY WHO’S AFRA AID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? In the early hours of the morning, Martha, much to her husband George’s displeasure, has invited the new professor and his wife to their home for some after-party drinks. As the alcohol flows and dawn approaches, the young couple are drawn into George and Martha’s toxic games. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.
18-22 18-22 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 Tweedy the Clown! 0845 459 7469. Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, GL54 5JD. 19 19 MAY MAY MURDER MYSTERY Experience what it’s like to be a detective in our nail biting murder mystery event. Includes murder mystery entertainment, delicious three course meal and disco. £29.95pp. Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane, Gloucester GL4 6EA . 0330 028 3408. 20-21 20 -21 MAY MAY MEET THE MACHINERYY 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 work and the important jobs they do for
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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 details visit www.cotswoldfarmpark.org.uk 26 MAY 26 MAY FESTIVAL OF ELECTRIC BICYCLE POLO A fantastic event in aid of Watershed RDA . 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 more details please email watershedrda23@gmail.com. 27-29 27-29 MAY MAY FIRE AND WOOD FESTIVAL A fantastic celebration of local artisans and heritage crafts with an array of activities, displays, demonstrations and our traditional charcoal burn. Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, GL14 2UB. GLOUCESTER TAALL 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.
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On our 55-seater passenger boat available 7 days a week from the end of March to mid-October, from 11am till 5pm (weather permitting). PLEASE TELEPHONE FOR CRUISE TIMES Also available for PRIVATE EVENING HIRE!
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“II jjust “ ust rrace ace tto o rride” ide” – JJared ared LLinden inden Jared Linden loves cycling. He's good at it too. The 26 -year-old Royal Dean Forest Cycling Club member is a serial winner around Gloucestershire and beyond, but for him it ’s the riding that gets the juices flowing. “Fundamentally, I enjoy cycling ,” he said. “I don’t ride to race, I race to ride. Racing keeps you fit but I do it because I just want to be outside on a bike.” Whatever the motivation, Jared has become a very good cyclist. “He’s a good all-rounder,” said club secretary Martin Green, who is aware the club may be unable to h o l d o n to o n e o f t h e i r h o t te s t properties. “He competes nationally at mountain bike level and regionally in cyclo-cross, and has just won the Western Winter Cyclo-Cross League.
Rising Rising sstar tar aatt CCinderford inderford If Aaron Ryan ever needs any advice o n t h e g a m e of rugby he doesn’t have far to go. That ’s because he’s the son of fo r m e r England, Wasps and N ew c a s t l e back row star Dean, who Aaron Ryan was one of the m o s t fo r m i d a b l e p l a ye r s i n t h e country in the 1990s. Not that Aaron needs too much help because his career is developing very nicely at Cinderford. PLUS: Cinderford need stability (see website).
R Roger oger iiss u unsung nsung h hero ero Roger Wildin has done more for Lydney R u g by C l u b t h a n almost anyone else. So says club stalwart Colin Henderson, who himself has been a faithful servant to the club for many years.
Roger Wildin
Jared Linden
“Potentially we are a feeder club,” added Green, who cites the example of Colin Parry who enjoyed success at the club before moving on. “Cyclists do move up the chain. If he gets spotted then he will be given an opportunity.” “He started as a player,” says Henderson, “and since he stopped playing he’s done pretty much everything off the field.” PLUS: Q&A , My Sporting Life, with Colin Henderson (see website).
H Hartpury artpury iin nb big-time ig-time Confirmed champions of National League One before the end of March, it has been a truly remarkable rugby season for Hartpury College. Hartpury, who only joined the league pyramid s t r u c t u re i n 2 0 0 4 , h a ve sw e p t a l l b e fo r e t h e m t h i s season as they John Barnes have raced to the title. For the club’s Picture: Andrew Beacham new director of rugby John Barnes, it has been the stuff of dreams. Not that there’s any chance of the college settling for what they’ve got, as the planning for next season’s campaign in the Championship has already begun. PLUS: How John Barnes was converted from football to rugby (see website).
Jared, who is an IT programmer, is not sure what the future holds in cycling. “I definitely have a competitive edge – you can’t race without it – but how far I can go is something I’ve asked myself,” he said. “I’m not sure about the travelling that would be needed, so it’ss a commitment thing. I’ve got quite a lot of things going on.” His dad John, who also doubles up as the club’s race secretary, said of his son: “He’ss pretty good. He enjoys competing at regional level in the cyclo cross and has won the summer series as well as the winter series. “He’s a good regional level competitor. At local events like the Wild Boar Chase in May, Jared dominates.” Full story online.
Opportunity Opportunity Knox... Knox... Adrian Knox ’s sporting life has come full circle. Lydney Cricket Club’s new chairman made his name as a dynamic back row forward for the rugby club just up the road, but he has now been converted back to his first love. “Up until I was 15, cricket was always number one for me,” explained Knox, now 50, who was an opening batsman.
Drybrook’s Drybrook’s b big ig y year ear T h e f i n a l w h i s t l e m a y b e a b o u t to blow on Drybrook Rugby Club’s 2016/17 campaign, but the go-ahead Forest of Dean club are already making plans for next season. And a special one it will be too, as the South West One West club prepare to celebrate their 125th anniversary. A celebratory game against a legendary Gloucester XV has already been provisionally arranged, and there will also be a match between Drybrook veterans and a Forest of Dean veterans XV. For full versions of all these stories and more, visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Newent Newent iinn ssafe afe hhands ands w ith Chris Chris with Chris Hanby started playing cricket for N e we n t a g e d 1 0 w h e n h i s d a d , Charles, was a player at the club. N o t h i n g u n u s u a l a b o u t t h a t , yo u might say... except for the fact it was 60 years ago. A n d C h r i s ’ a c h i e ve m e n t s o f f t h e field have matched those on it over t h e d e c a d e s, a s h e fo l l o we d h i s father ’s lead by putting in hours and hours of work to help the club flourish. When Chris, like his dad, a farmer, first started playing, he fielded at long leg and batted at number 11, but he has come a long way since then. “ I n t h o s e d ay s I h a d to c a l l t h e senior players ‘Mr’ but nowadays the y o u n g s te r s c a l l m e a n y t h i n g t h ey like,” he chuckled. Today, remarkably, he is preparing for another season as a wicketkeeper the C h e l te n h a m / p l ay i n g in Gloucester/Forest of Dean League.
‘‘He He n never ever ssought ought any any office office att tthe a he cclub’ lub’ Chris does not seek any plaudits for h i s l o n g ev i t y o r t h e wo r k h e d o e s supporting the club. In fact, quite the opposite, as Tony Marcovecchio, one of the club’s vice-presidents, explains. “He has never sought any office at the club,” he said. “He’s never wanted to be treasurer, chairman or captain. “ B u t w h at h e d o es d o i s a n incredible amount of work behind the scenes. For years he’s been seen out and about at our Three Ashes ground, mowing the grass, cutting down trees and preparing the playing fields and he never takes any credit. “He still plays every weekend and he’ll play twice if he can.” You’d think at the age of 70, the biggest concern for Chris would be whether he could get through another season, especially as he intends wearing the gloves. Not a bit of it – it’s only his beloved club that concerns him. When he spoke to The Local Answer, he’d just spent four hours chain harrowing the cricket field and he said: “I’m worried
Chris Hanby
about what’s going to happen when I pack up. What ’s going to happen to the club? It’s so difficult to get anyone to do things these days.” Loyalty is a big thing for Chris, who p l aye d fo o t b a l l f o r H a r t p u r y f o r 1 7 years. He was a goalkeeper and it’s a record he’s rightly proud of – although he played two years fewer for the club than his dad who was a leftwinger or left-back . Chris, who lives in Hartpury, is also proud of the fact that he has played every season for Newent Cricket Club for the past 60 years.
Newent and Newent and the the Hanbys Hanbys are a re iinextricably nextricably llinked inked “I broke my leg one year when I was playing football for Hartpury,” he re m e m b e r s, “ b u t I m a n a g e d t o squeeze a couple of games in before the end of the summer.” “And I had a hip replacement about 10 years ago in May, but played two g a m e s b e fo re I h a d i t . I d i d a s k t h e surgeon if I’d be able to play cricket again and he said ‘yes’, but I didn’t tell him I played wicketkeeper and threw myself about.” Newent Cricket Club and the Hanby family go together like runs and wickets. They are inextricably linked. Chris’ dad joined in the early 1950s w h e n t h e c r i c k et c l u b i n H a r t p u r y folded, and the fact the club is in such
good health today is in large part down to him. He played for them for 30 years and was still president of the club when he died in 2013.
‘‘My My w wife ife h has as a always lways ssupported upported me’ me’ “The club went down to rock bottom in the 1960s,” said Chris. “My dad did p r e t t y m u c h e ve r y t h i n g to k e e p i t going. He got the team together, prepared the pitch and took people to g a m e s b e c a u s e i n t h o s e d ay s n o t many people had cars. If it hadn’t b e e n fo r h i m t h e c l u b w o u l d h a ve folded.” Chris at least doesn’t have to look a f te r t h e w i c k e t . T h a t t a s k i s t h e responsibility of Chris Germaine, and Chris Hanby is grateful for that. “He’s turned a good wicket into one of the best in the county,” he said. “He’s a real good club person and we get on really well, looking after the wicket and the field between us.” Chris is also grateful to his understanding wife Annie. “She has always supported me and my cricket ,” he said. “She doesn’t understand it, she doesn’t even like it, but she has done teas to help out. “ I f I p l a ye d o n a S a t u r d a y a n d a Sunday she’d wash my kit and iron it on a Saturday night so that it was ready for the Sunday. I wasn’t allowed to play in dirty kit!”
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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 sculpture by professional and part-time members of this active organisation will be on display, the majority for sale. Members will be
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demonstrating throughout the exhibition. 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! Leaves are unfolding, birds are singing, butterflies are starting to come out and new life is appearing across our wetlands. 9.30am. Cost included in normal admission. 01453 891900. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, GL2 7BT. 28 28 MAY MAY FAMILY FUN DAY
A whole day of entertainment, activities and shows including the ‘World’s Tallest Bubbleologist’, Professor Collywobbles with his Punch n Judy Shows, and Dunton Stables will be running FREE donkey rides for our young visitors! Included in general admission and 12-month pass tickets. 10am. 01242 602308. Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe GL54 5JD.
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31 31 MAY MAY KNIGHTS & 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 1100 JUNE JUNE 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’ss 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. 222-23 2-23 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). 01242 870538. See website for details: www.foodworkscookeryschool.co.uk
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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.
No-one N 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 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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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.
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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! The Local Answer
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N New ew RRoofs oofs G G.R.P. .R.P. FFibreglass ibreglass G Certified Certified IInstallers nstallers G Roof Roof CCleaning leaning & CCoating oating G Roof Roof & CChimney himney Repairs Repairs G Slate Slate RRepairs epairs G D Dry ry Verges Verges G Flat Flat RRoof oof RRepairs epairs G uuPVC PV C Guttering Fascias, SSoffits uttering Fascias, offits & G ● uPVC uPVC Repairs Repairs G High High PPressure ressure CCleaning leaning G Painting Painting & D Decorating ecorating 0 01452 1452 8 899903 99903 0 07503 7503 8 858963 58963 22 22 Wilson Wilson Drive, Drive, Cheltenham Cheltenham GL51 GL51 0GY 0GY
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interior needs
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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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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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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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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
To advertise call 01242 510500
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