The Local
ANSWER
MAY 2017
200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
for local people
GLOUCESTERSHIRE NORTH NEW THIS MONTH – LOCAL SPORTS STORIES INSIDE & ONLINE
The The Lo Local c al
AN ANSWER SWER
Gloucestershire North G loucestershire N orth – 220,000 0,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire G loucestershire SSouth outh – 441,000 1,000 ccopies opies G loucester – 446,000 6,000 ccopies Gloucester opies CCheltenham heltenham – 443,000 3,000 ccopies opies CCotswolds otswolds – 228,000 8,000 ccopies opies Forest ooff D ean – 222,000 2,000 ccopies opies Forest Dean M Managing Director anaging D irector 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
W Welcome elcome ttoo M May ay ...... 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. In this month’s ‘Motoring’ article, Luke Edwards looks at how manufacturers are coming to realise that owning or experiencing a classic car is the way forward for many people, and that the car you buy can reveal a lot about you. Read more inside. As ever, check out our busy What’s On section for a great selection of events happening throughout May.
H Helen elen K Kingscott ingscott
IInside nside tthis his m month onth .... ..
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
Wild W ild FFood ood FForaging oraging CCocktail ocktail TTime ime D elicious Dish Delicious Dish P et CCare Pet are M irror M Mirror Mirror on Wall irror o n tthe he W all P arenting & G Parenting Guardianship uardianship Q uick CCrossword Quick rossword EEducation ducation TTLA LA TTravel ravel H olidays & TTravel ravel Holidays W hat’s O n What’s On TTLA LA Sport Sport Motoring Motoring Homes & G ardens Homes Gardens SSudoku udoku SSave ave the the Planet Planet IIn n tthe he Garden Garden IInterior nterior D esign Design G adgets & G izmos Gadgets Gizmos Word SSearch earch Word Money M atters Money Matters Index , CCompetitions, ompetitions, SSolutions olutions Index,
4 4 5 6 9 11 11 12 12 13 13 16 16 17 17 18 18 22-23 22-23 25 25 26 26 29 29 31 31 33 33 35 35 37 37 38 38 41 41 42 42
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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.
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
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.
CORNER C ORNER CUPBOARD CUPBOARD IINN NN
FREE BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE
Freshly cooked food - from bar snacks to three course meals - served in the relaxed, warm environment of our beautiful 15th Century Inn
for every table of 4 people ordering main courses
on production of this advert during May 2017. Excludes Super Saver Menu.
83 Gloucester Street, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5LX www.cornercupboardwinchcombe.co.uk OPEN Mon-Sat 10am-Midnight & Sun 11am-Midnight FOOD SERVED Mon-Fri 12-3pm & 6-9pm, Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-8pm The Local Answer
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P Pet et C Care are
w ith O liver Wilkinson Wilkinson with Oliver of Dragon Dragon Vet Vet Centre Centre of
SSpinal pinal ccord ord compression compression iinn ddogs ogs aand nd ccats ats The average dog and cat has seven bones in their neck , 20 in their back and three in the sacrum (bones that pass through and connect to the pelvis). They also have anywhere from 5 to 23 bones in their tails. That’s a total o f s o m ew h e re b e t w e e n 3 5 a n d 5 8 s p i n a l vertebrae/bones. The most important are the first 30 from the back of the skull to the top of the tail. These bones provide a bony cage through which the delicate nervous tissue of the spinal cord travels. With the exception of the three sacral bones, which are fused, the rest of these vertebral bones articulate, moving against each other to allow curvature and movement of the spine. They are cushioned between each other by shock-absorbing, intervertebral discs that absorb compression and stress to the spine.
CCompression ompression o on n tthe he sspinal pinal ccord ord ccan an ccause ause iintense ntense p pain ain o orr p permanent ermanent p paralysis aralysis One of the more common problems is when a disc ‘prolapses’. This is usually when the outer fibrous part of a disc tears or fissures and the soft g e l - l i k e i n te r i o r i s p ro p e l l e d i n t o t h e space where the nerves travel. This is k n ow n a s H a n s e n type-I disc disease. Alternatively, the outer part of the disc (the annulus) itself can bulge into the spinal cord and impinge on the nerves. This is known as Hansen type-II disc disease. Compression on the spinal cord can cause intense pain, temporary nerve damage or, in extreme cases, permanent paralysis. Treatment might be conservative w i t h p o w e r f u l a n t i - i n f l a m m a t o r i e s a n d p a i n r e l i e f to treat the symptoms. This is more likely when there isn’t significant nerve function impairment . If spinal cord damage is significant then surgery to relieve pressure f r o m a r u p t u re d o r b u l g i n g d i s c m a y b e re q u i re d . Diagnosis is usually achieved with radiography, or more accurately with MRI or CT imaging of the individual discs.
Established in 1904, Dragon Vet Centre Cheltenham is a centre of excellence f large and small – and offers a full rang services from routine vaccinations, worming and flea prevention to complex internal medicine investigations, orthopaedic and key hole surgery for dogs and cats. As one of the largest veterinary practices in Cheltenham Dragon can draw on the expertise of a number of vets with great deal of experience in all fields of veterinary medicine and surgery. Our Cheltenham Vet clinic is staffed 24/7 so in the event of an emergency, registered clients simply need to call and attend our surgery based at the Cheltenham racecourse where there is unlimited free parking.
THIS T HIS MONTH’S MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFER S PECIAL O FFER
O LY L Y £ 2 0 ONLY N £20 WORM TTREATMENT REAATTMENT PPLUS LUS FREE FREE FLEA FLEA & WORM NEW CLIENTS FFOR ALL NEW OR ALL CLIENTS The aabove bove ddiscount iscount iiss aavailable vailable The throughout May May 22017 017 throughout imited to to oone ne – llimited vvoucher oucher pper er hhousehold ousehold
DRAGON D RA R AGON V VET ET C CENTRE ENTRE
B Back ack d disease isease ccan an b be ea ass p problematic roblematic iin n p pets ets a ass iitt iiss iin nh humans umans
Prestbury Park , New Barn Lane, Cheltenham GL50 4SH
Whether surgery is indicated or conservative treatment is chosen, back disease can be recurrent and as problematic in pets as it is in humans. Weight management, physiotherapy and rehabilitation are key to long term success.
Opening hours: 8.15am-7pm Mon-Fri & 8.15am-1pm Sat 2244 hour hour O Onn SSite ite EEmergency mergency Service Service ~ 01242 01242 5 522 22 0 022 22
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01242 01242 580 580 324 324 ~ iinfo@dragonvet.co.uk nfo@dragonvet.co.uk
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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
Hair Hair S Salon alon
Hair Hair & Skin Skin Care Care
C Clean, lean, h healthy, ealthy, n natural atural beauty. beauty. Made Made with with extremely extremely h high igh standard standard ingredients. ingredients. All All products products of of OWay OWay Beauty Beauty cconsist onsist ooff a minimum minimum of of 98.8% 98.8% active active ingredients, ingredients, oils, oils, extracts, extracts, essential essential oils, oils, and and emollients emollients derived derived from from n natural, atural, organic, organic, biodynamic biodynamic a and nd ethical ethical origins. origins. OWay O Way B Beauty eauty ooffers ffers tthe he m maximum aximum p possible ossible g guarantee uarantee – tthe he N NATURE ATURE ccertification ertification seal. seal.
01242 255250 0 1242 2 5 5 2 5 0 47 47 Winchcombe Winchcombe Street, Street, Cheltenham Cheltenham GL52 GL52 2NE 2NE
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M Mirror irror M Mirror irror o on n the the W Wall... all ... with with Katie Katie P Pollard ollard
Summer Summer survival survival kkit it May day! It ’s almost summer and C h o o s e yo u r s d e p e n d i n g o n yo u r who’s prepared for it? Spring is skin type. Personally, I use the Detox nearly over, and even though it’s the Mask because it is enriched with season between winter and summer black charcoal, which acts like a – which should be treated as magnet to draw out the stopgap – somehow we’re i m p u r i t i es. We always so surprised when it k n o w we a l l h a v e sneaks up on us! them! Its creamy To ease us in, let ’s get a texture does feel c h e c k l i s t o f t h e t o p t h re e heavy and it has a e ss e n t i a l s we n e e d i n o u r thick consistency, but to i l e t r y b a g s fo r t h o s e a l l you can really feel it important trips to the beach. working deep into the Listen up gents, this applies to pores leaving your skin you too… silky smooth once washed off. Simply SStep tep 1 1:: a p p l y a l a ye r ov e r y o u r F i r s t t h i n g s f i r s t , we n e e d to face and wait ten cleanse those pores of all the minutes before splashing e ve r y d ay t ox i n s o u r s k i n away with warm water. inhales. To do this I SStep tep 2 2:: recommend L’Oreal Skin Expert . L’Oreal Paris has Time to take a shower. introduced its first ever face Embrace a full body masks, and they’re worth the cleanse and treat the rest wait! There’s a variety to of your skin to a head start c h o o s e f ro m – D e t o x a n d of colour with St Tropez Brightening, Exfoliating and Refining, Gradual Tan In Shower. This one-of-aand Purifying and M a t t i f y k i n d t a n i s t h e f i r s t p ro d u c t to u s e treatments. They combine three water to enhance a gradual tan, powerful pure clays to unmask your thanks to a streak-free formula skin. (always a bonus) that activates on wet skin, rather than dry, in just three minutes. No time to tan? Now you do! Its low maintenance applications means it ’s o n l y a q u i c k a d d i t i o n to your daily routine. What’s more, its award winning formula contains almond oil, which not only smells a m a z i n g , b u t m o i st u r i s es a n d l o c k s i n yo u r t a n , hydrating your skin for up to 2 4 h o u r s . T h e b e s t b i t a b o u t t h a t ? N o n e e d to moisturise afterwards. Simply s h o we r a n d g o … O r s h o u l d I say shower and glow! The Local Answer
SStep tep 3 3:: T i m e to g e t t h e s u r f i n s p i re d h a i r e ve r y o n e d e s i re s fo r t h a t u l t i m a t e beach look . Salt spray is the most natural way of creating this, but if like most UK residents you’re running low on actual sea salt, fear n ot . B u m b l e & B u m b l e g i ve s yo u j u s t t h e r i g h t amount of ocean in its modest sized Surf Spray. It gives your hair natural waves of its own with a just-got-out-ofbed look , but without the crunchy texture – so you really can say ‘I woke up like this!’ Spray a mist over your towel dried h a i r a n d wo r k t h ro u g h w i t h y o u r hands. Best advice for drying? Don’t . Hair is always at its m o st beautiful when dried naturally. Now you’re cleansed, tanned and beach-ready for the season ahead. Surf’s up and summer is on. Will you be ready in time?
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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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Quick Crossword ACROSS 1 5 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 18 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29
DOWN
Wily Pen tips Lead-in Brave man On an occasion Lazed Have effect (on) Scalp parasites Oversee Dress ribbons Tropical tree More profound Irritating to the skin Terrace level Cattle prod Run off to marry Old Becomes faster, ... up
1 2 3 4 5 6 12 15 16 17 19 20 22 23
Religious non-belief Local vegetation Extent Sloping typeface Asian food items Tour de France vehicle Wheel tooth Astounding Respected Pilot safety aid, ... seat Beer Long steps Dutch sea walls Golfer’s two under par
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
LUXURY LODGES
O OPEN PE N E EVERY VERY W WEEKEND EEKEND & W WEDNESDAY EDNESDAY IIN NM MAY AY
No need for an appointment – staf f will be on hand to show you our fabulous lodges between 9am-5pm
PAY P AY H HALF ALF N NOW OW & THE THE R REST ES T O OVER VER 2 Y YEARS EARS
Quiet, secluded position with stunning views Excellent location for road networks ● 45 plots for high quality luxur y lodges ● Choices of sizes and inter nal layout ● CCTV for security and peace of mind ● Pet friendly ● Finance Available ● ●
SALE SALE P PRICES RICES S START TART FROM FROM JUST JUST £29,500 £29,500*
Please Please ccall all JJulie ul i e o on n 07980 870264 tto oa arrange rrange a vviewing i ew i ng o off ssome ome o off tthe he lluxury uxury llodges od ges a already lready o on n ssite ite
Licensed all year round • Open 365 days a year
w nortonparkhomes.com
Nor ton Park, Tewkesbur y Road, Gloucestershire GL2 9LH
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Education Education with w ith John John B Beales eales
Preparing P reparing ffor or iinterviews nterviews I n t e r v i ew s c a n b e u n d e r t a k e n b y telephone, video, at an assessment centre alongside other candidates, or face-to-face, either with an individual i n t e r v i ew e r o r w i t h a n i n t e r v i ew panel. Getting an interview means you’ve done something right , but m a k i n g yo u r s e l f s t a n d o u t , fo r t h e right reasons, at an interview takes effort. Begin your preparation by revisiting the job advert, the company website a n d yo u r a p p l i c a t i o n . E s t a b l i s h t h e qualifications, skills and experience they are looking for and expand on w h a t y o u h a ve w r i t t e n i n yo u r a p p l i c a t i o n a b o u t t h e m s o t h a t yo u can speak confidently about why you t h i n k yo u m e e t t h e i r s p e c i f i c a t i o n . Don’t just reiterate verbatim what you’ve written in your application.
IInterviewers nterviewers w want ant tto o ssee ee iiff yyou ou ccan an ccommunicate ommunicate w well el l Also remember, that an interviewer wants to know about you as a person, so be prepared to talk about personal i n te r e s t s, h o b b i e s a n d a c t i v i t i e s , particularly if this is an interview for a first job. Remember, interviewers are interested in your contribution to an a c t i v i t y o r a n a c h i eve m e n t – b e honest if things didn’t have the outcome you hoped for, and be prepared to say what you learned
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a b o u t y o u r s e l f a n d w h a t y o u h a ve done to improve since. Everybody has something to say about themselves and interviewers want to see whether you can communicate well, in an appropriately confident manner, and will fit in.
SShow how yyou ou a are re ttruly ruly iinterested nterested iin n tthe he ccompany ompany Identify key information about the o r g a n i s a t i o n f r o m b u s i n e s s p l a n s, financial reports, previous and current projects, media interviews and social media posts. From this identify high profile personnel, news, evidence of innovation, trends within the relevant industry, competitors within the same sector and any particular strengths of the company. Tailor your search to the n a t u re o f t h e p o s t you are applying for, b u t m a k e s u re y o u c a n s h o w yo u a r e t r u l y i n te re s te d i n the company and h a ve i n v e s t e d yo u r time to learn about them. B ased on the job s p e c i f i c a t i o n , yo u r application and your research on the company, draft and
practise answers to the questions that are likely to be asked. The internet is full of advice on preparing for interviews and planning answers to questions. You also need to ensure that you have at least a couple of q u e s t i o n s to a s k a t t h e e n d o f t h e interview, but ensure that these could not have easily been answered by you doing some basic research; it is perfectly acceptable to have written these questions down, but put them i n a s m a r t n o te b o o k o r o n yo u r phone, as long as you can easily find them.
P Present resent yyourself ourself iin n tthe he b best est p possible ossible llight ight Being nervous is normal, but don’t let it get the better of you. You can overcome your nerves by being confident that you are well prepared, thinking about the types of questions you might be asked and practising them, and presenting yourself in the best possible light. This means being a p p ro p r i a te l y d re ss e d , h av i n g polished shoes, arriving well in time, and re m e m b e r i n g who is i n t e r v i ew i n g y o u . M a k e s u re y o u introduce yourself by your full name to everyone, including the receptionist , and offer to shake hands. First impressions really do count.
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Helping H elping to to ease burden e ase tthe he b urden After the death of a loved one, those left behind not only have the funeral and the emotional turmoil to deal with, but also the realities and practicalities of everyday life. The deceased’s affairs must be dealt with, usually an estate administered and wound up. This is where we can help, as much or as little as you like. We can also provide advice to potentially minimise any inheritance tax bill fo or the family. Just come and talk to us. For legal advice, please contact our bereavement team for an understanding and friendly service.
ttbsolicitors.co.uk bsolicitors.co.uk Tewkesbury T ewkesbury 01684 01684 2 299633 99633
P Pershore ershore 0 01386 1386 5 562000 62000
C Cheltenham heltenham 0 01242 1242 2 235250 35250
Administering Administering a D Deceased’s eceased’s Estate Estate – What What D Does oes it it Involve? Involve? With the large number of ce l e b r i t y d e a t h s o cc u r r i n g i n 2016, many of us have been p ro m p t e d t o c o n s i d e r o u r o w n mor tality. But if the worst happens and a loved one dies, h a ve y o u e v e r c o n s i d e r e d t h e practical steps you would need to take to deal with their affairs?
AW Will ill d directs irects w who ho d does oes w what hat a and nd w who ho g gets ets w what hat Af t e r t h e p r a c t i c a l i t i e s o f re g i s t e r i n g t h e d e a t h a n d a r r a n g i n g t h e f u n e r a l, t h e deceased’s financial affairs need to be dealt with. If the deceased leftt a Will, this directs who does w h a t a n d w h o g e t s w h a t . Th e deceased’s assets and liabilities form their “estate”, which will n e e d t o b e a d m i n i s t e re d b y t h e Executors in the Will. Th e a d m i n i s t r a t i o n w i l l c o n s i s t o f co l l a t i n g d e t a i l s o f t h e a s s e t s
and liabilities, paying liabilities ( i n c l u d i n g i n h e r i t a n ce t a x ) , collecting in the assets and then distributing the correct assets to the right beneficiaries. To do this you may require a “Grant of Representation”, one form of which is a Grant of Probate being t h e d o c u m e n t i s s u e d by t h e Cour t recognising the authority of the Executors to administer the estate.
Flexible Flexible a and nd ttransparent ransparent with with tailored tailored p packages ackages tto o suit suit y your our rrequirements equirements Administering an estate can be time consuming, complicated and emotionally difficult. Matters may be particularly complicated if the deceased died “intestate” (i.e. without having made a Will). If you need any assistance, we can help ease the burden and worr y b y h e l p i n g a n d g u i d i n g yo u
through the legal process. We also appreciate that you might be understandably concerned as to t h e c o s t o f h a n d i n g o ve r t h e administration to a solicitor, and we therefo ore aim to be flexible and transparent in our fees by off ffe ering tailored packages to suit your requirements. Jemma O’Connor is Head of Depar tment in Tewkesbur y with many years’ experience of a d v i s i n g o n a d m i n i s t rat i o n o f estates and can be contacted on 01684 299633.
For more information on all holidays and trips:
la a www.newmarketholidays.co.uk www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/laa
0330 0 330 1 160 60 7 7938 938 LAAA QUOTE
Edinburgh Edinburgh Tattoo Tattoo & York York 3 days from £235pp Departing 4th & 18th August 2017 Billed as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’, the Edinburgh Tattoo is a feast of music, dance, colour and display from around the world. Enjoyed by tens of thousands of passengers over the decades, this is Newmarket’s original Edinburgh Tattoo weekend! TTour our highlights highlights A visit to Edinburgh and a seat for the Tattoo A visit to York Two nights’ bed and English breakfast hotel accommodation in the Teesside area Coach travel from the local area Escorted by a friendly, tour manager For full itinerary or to book visit
www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/llaa11514 aa11514
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
www.newmarketholidays.co.uk/laa11316 These holidays are organised and operated by Newmarket Air Holidays Ltd. ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. Subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Standard phone charges.
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The Local Answer
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 iinformation nformation uupdates pdates pprior rior ttoo pplanning lanning yyour our vvisit. isit. VVARIOUS ARIOUS DAYS DAYS WINCHCOMBE ART CLASSES AND STUDENT EXHIBTION Come and join our weekly Painting Classes for beginners and improvers at The Lion Inn Clubroom in Winchcombe. Classes cover all the essential elements of painting in exciting and inspiring projects. Contact Charisse on 07928 288321. Pop in and view our wonderful student’s Painting Exhibition at The Lion Inn during the Winchcombe Arts Festival from 22nd-29th May. 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. 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. A heart-felt and intelligent tale with a stark look at slum life in Uganda. 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. 7.30. 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, 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. 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’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 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
This is your chance to 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.cotswoldfalconry.co.uk.
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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 – Christ stine 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.foodworkscookerysschool.co.uk
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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 and your face smiling! 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 with a range of speakers who will provide advice and answer questions about financial fraud. Complimentary tea and cake. Representatives from local organisations will be there to provide information and advice. 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 tour for the first time performing
entirely solo, presenting the self-penned 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. For more information and to buy tickets visit freshartfair.net
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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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Family Family run run course course offering offering affordable affordable golf golf for for all all Coffee Coffee shop shop and and terrace terrace golfing equipment equipment and SSmall mall stock stock of of ‘everyday’ ‘everyday’ golfing and clothing clothing PGA PGA Professionals Professionals available available for fo or lessons lessons and and advice advice Children’s Children’s holiday holiday workshops workshops
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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, this show employs and embraces adult themes and partial nudity. 8pm. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. Tickets £15 plus booking fee. Call the box office on 01452 503050 or visit seetickets.com and search ‘Hundred Watt Club’. 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, alongside the big names of the spirit world, 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
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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. 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 14 MAY MAY PUZZLEWOOD SPRING FOREST OF DEAN & WYYE VALLEY SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY W
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. His excellent tuition always results in improvement. £60pp (includes entrance fee). Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB. 07771 664973. 15 15 MAY MAY – 15 15 JJUNE UNE DAVIDIA DELIGHTS Batsford is home to what’s 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. 16 16 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.
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18 18 MAY MAY WHO’S AFRAID 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 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, plus early folk gems Sparrow and Bleecker Street. 7.30pm. £15 (£14). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. 20-21 20 -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 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 25-27 25-27 MAY MAY SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show, as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into an all-singing, all-dancing production with unpredictable and hilarious results. For times and prices visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.
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227-29 7-29 MAY MAY 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. 2277 MAY MAY – 4 JJUNE UN E 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. 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 MAY 28 MAY FAMILY FUN DAY
Our annual Family Fun Day returns with 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 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. 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
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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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
B Boss oss SSteve teve iiss lloving oving his his dream dream job job Steve Cleal is living the dream. The Bishop’ss Cleeve-born and bred man who still lives in the village is m a n a g i n g t h e fo o t b a l l c l u b h e loves – and he’s doing a very good job of it. Cleal has been in charge at Bishop’s Cleeve for almost three years and has steered them into mid-table of the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West. That is no mean feat when you consider the club’s on-the-pitch struggles before he arrived, and even in Cleal’s first season in charge it was often a case of wondering where the next point, let alone win, was coming from. L a st season saw a big improvement as Cleal lifted the club to 12th place and 55 points, and that level of consistency has been
B Bowlers owlers a are re o on n a rroll oll As places to play sport go, there can’t be too many better than Tewkesbury Bowling Club. Situated in Gander Lane, club members could almost be f o rg i v e n fo r l o s i n g focus as they gaze over the Vineyards Tewkesbury Town to the imposing Mayor Councillor Abbey that domin- Karen Brennan ates the beautiful market town. It is a s e t t i n g t h a t w i l l b e e n j oy e d b y h u n d r e d s o f b ow l e r s a g a i n t h i s summer.
Adge Adge iiss North’s North’s prop prop iidol dol Adrian Wakefield was the cornerstone o f t h e C h e l te n h a m N o r t h s c r u m fo r more than 25 years. And, since hanging up his boots eight years ago, the former tighthead prop, known to everyone as Adge, has continued to be one of the cornerstones of the club off the field. Team manager and long-serving club stalwart Malcolm Kedward said: “It ’s unbelievable what he does. He
Steve Cleal
m a i n t a i n e d fo r m u c h o f t h i s campaign. Cleal is one of life’s enthusiastic characters and when he says he’s “loving it” as Cleeve manager, you know he means it. “This club means so much to me,” the 38-year-old said. “I played here for 12 years and I live in the village. does an awful lot of unseen work .” PLUS: Malcolm Kedward is happy to be ‘home’ (see website).
RDA RDA ccall all iiss a an n ‘‘honour’ honour’ Natasha Baker is a busy lady. When she’s not winning Paralympic gold medals she gives up her time to help out with the Cotswold Riding fo r t h e D i s a b l e d Association. The 27-year-old s aid: “It is a huge honour to be able to put something Natasha Baker with back into the RDA , her horse JP who did so much Picture: Jo Hansford Photography for me.” PLUS: Friday first for Hunter Chase Evening meeting (see website).
SSliding liding D Doors oors moment moment
Jimmy Smith
Footballer J i m my Smith’s Sliding Doors moment came when he was just 15. T h e p ro l i f i c f o r m e r C h e l te n h a m Town st r i k e r h a d j u st b e e n released by St Mirren
I’m at the club every day and for someone like me to be involved in the club it’s like Christmas Day every day! It’ss part of my make-up. “I loved playing here and it was always the dream to be manager here. I got the chance a bit earlier than I expected, but to turn the club’s fortunes around as we have done is something special.” Cleal, dad to A aliyah, 16, Haydn, five, and Brianne, two, has agreed to stay with the club for another two seasons, and the planning has already started for the next campaign. “I don’t sign a contract but we just have a gentlemen’s agreement ,” explained Cleal, who wants to keep as many of the existing squad as possible for the 2017/18 season. Full story online. and was heading south for a trial 500 miles away in Torquay when the car his dad was driving in broke down. The decision Jimmy took next was to shape his footballing career. PLUS: Cheltenham Town chairman Paul Baker on the club’s “very difficult” season (see website).
Great G reat 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’ve proved that on our day we can beat anyone and I definitely expect us to b e t h e r e o r thereabouts this season.” Brown is targeting a place in at least the k n o c k o u t st a g es of the 50 -over Royal Will Brown London One-Day Cup competition after their “blinding” 2015 campaign and has big hopes in the four-day game. For full versions of all these stories and more, visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
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This year’s Tewkesbury Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 14th May
SSuzanne uzanne w wants ants tto o rrun un aand nd rrun un In the event , Suzanne completed the Forest of Dean Half in a highly commendable two hours 25 minutes. “It was a good course but it was tough,” said Suzanne. “As I got closer to the finishing line I felt I sped up. Psychologically, I felt good and my legs just seemed to get quicker.”
Much like Forrest Gump in the 1990s, S u z a n n e B e n n e t t s ay s s h e h a s “ a n o ve r w h e l m i n g u rg e t o k e e p o n running”. However, unlike Forrest Gump, played by Tom Hanks in the multi award-winning 1994 comedy-drama, S u z a n n e w i l l n o t b e r u n n i n g f ro m coast to coast across the US for threeand-a-half years. Instead, she will be taking part in the Tewkesbury Half Marathon on Sunday 14th May at 10am, an event that she should complete in under two-and-a-half hours.
Just Just llike ike FForrest orrest Gump, Gump, she she h has as got got a sstory tory tto o ttell ell At the age of 40, it will be only her second half marathon – her first was in the Forest of Dean in March – and just like Forrest Gump, she has got a story to tell. “My husband and I went to Fowey in Cornwall for the new year with friends,” explained Suzanne. "We had a lovely time and did everything in excess – too much food and drink , and too many pasties and cream teas. On the back of Christmas this was not a good combination. When I got home, I didn’t need to get on the scales to know that I’d put on weight!”
“I’ve “I’ve w wound ound u up pm my y llegs egs a and nd just just w want ant tto ok keep eep g going” oing”
Suzanne Bennett
Suzanne, who stands 5ft 4in tall, said of her post-new year shape: “It was the straw that broke the camel’s back . I knew I had to do something so I started searching for half marathons. “I found the Forest of Dean Half Marathon and it was perfect timing. March wasn’t too far away so there was no danger of me losing motivation.” At this stage it should be said that Suzanne, who lives in Cheltenham and works in Churchdown where she i s d i re c to r o f P R , M a r k e t i n g a n d Design company MacbethLankester, had had little or no running experience or, indeed, played much sport.
After the race Suzanne’s legs felt a b i t “ a c h y ” b u t t h re e d ay s l a t e r s h e was “back to normal”. ‘Normal’ for Suzanne means more half marathons because if Tewkesbury g o e s w e l l , s h e i n te n d s r u n n i n g t h e Cheltenham Half Marathon in Autumn. “I’m like a clockwork toy. I’ve wound up my legs and just want to keep going,” said Suzanne. “I’ve got this ov e r w h e l m i n g u r g e to k e e p o n running all the time. I need to keep doing it or I’ll get out of the habit.” Suzanne is running to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. To sponsor her, visit her fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/Suzanne-Bennett5 The closing date for the Tewkesbury Half online entries is 5th May. Full story online. PLUS: Organisers target 1,000 runners (see website). PLUS: Runner ’s affinity with the Tewkesbury Half (see website).
FFor or ffull ull aarticles rticles & m more ore sstories: tories: w www.thelocalanswer.co.uk ww.thelocalanswer.co.uk
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G Gloucestershire’s loucestershire’s VW VW AUDI AUDI Group Group Specialist Specialist SServicing ervicing FFrom rom £ £95.00 95.00 M MOT OT £ £39.95 39.95 C Cambelts ambelts FFrom rom £ £249.00 249.00 A Air ir C Conditioning onditioning rregas egas £ £45.00 45.00 FFree ree Courtesy Courtesy Cars Cars – Collection Collection & Delivery Delivery
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Motoring Motoring with w ith Luke Luke Edwards Edwa wards
TThe he European European EEquation quation I was recently reading an old joke about European heaven and hell. In European heaven, the English are the Policemen, the French are the Cooks, G e r m a n s a r e t h e M e c h a n i c s, I t a l i a n s are the lovers and the Swiss organise everything. In European hell, the Germans are the Police, English are the Cooks, French are the Mechanics, Swiss are the lovers and the Italians organise everything!
Cars Cars had had characteristics characteristics o off the the nations nations tthat hat b built uilt tthem hem It got me thinking back to the days when this was such a true statement – days when I got into my cousin’s Citroen 2CV and would have felt safer going to Helston in a wheelbarrow. Traveling back from Cornwall in my dad’s Jaguar felt like we had stepped into a different age, a sea of wood trim, the patina of real leather – like a s t a te l y h o m e. C a r s h a d t h e characteristics of the nations that built them – a stiff upper lip with a sense of f u n f r o m t h e B r i t i s h , a n d t h e Fr e n c h always had an air of nonchalance to their car building. Modern cars have lost some of that peculiar sense of knowing, that back of the mind thought of “it’s going to be a pig to own, but I’m buying it because I l ove i t ” . T h a t n a t u re m a d e a c a r s p e c i a l . A b o n d y o u c a n o n l y g e t by sitting next to a vehicle on the side of the A419 whilst it enjoys itself puffing steam into the night air.. Yes, they were a needy companion back then, but that is what made us love them.
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O wning o xperiencing a Owning orr e experiencing cclassic lassic ccar ar is is tthe he w way ay fforward orward for for many many p eople people More manufacturers are realising that owning or experiencing a classic is the way forward for many people to relive those days. BMW Group now have a Classic division, which caters for parts and servicing for older vehicles (bmwgroup-classic-heart .com); Land R ov e r h a v e t h e s a m e a n d p a r t s c a n now be sourced for your MK1 Land Rover or Discovery from your local dealership. Jaguar offer a range of historic driving experiences at jaguar.co.uk/classicdriving. Peugeot have also recently built up an historic division, after seeing prices of models such as their 205 GTi rocket in the past year. Considering h ow coveted their vehicles are, the Italians have b e e n p l a y i n g c a tc h u p area. in this has L a m b o rg h i n i launched its PoloStorico h i s to r i c d i v i s i o n , a n d Ferrari North Europe are now teaching their new
apprentices about multiple carburettors, a points ignition system, magnetos and ballast resistors. Talking about Ferrari, expect to see some special cars out on the road this year. 2017 is the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Prancing Horse, and it means many owners will get these special cars out of storage to join the summer celebrations. In his memoirs, Enzo Ferrari divided people w h o b o u g h t h i s c a r s i n t o t h re e c a t e g o r i e s ; s p o r t i n g t y p e s, m e n w h o won’t see their 50th birthday again, and exhibitionists. See if you can tell which are which!
TThe he ccar ar yyou ou b buy uy ccan an rreveal eveal a lot lot a about bout yyou ou Going back to what I was originally saying; the car you buy can reveal a lot about you, and years ago when cars had a lot more character you were making more of a conscious and even sub-conscious statement with the car you owned. The most special motoring experiences I have had are due to a classic, and with manufacturers s t a r t i n g to s u p p o r t t h e o w n e r s a b i t more, don’t dismiss one if you get the chance to purchase.
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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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Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
Windows W indows • Doors Doors • CConservatories onservatories We We supply supply and and fit fit a range range of of high high quality quality aluminium, aluminium, PVCu PVCu and and timber timber products products including: including:
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FFor or aadvice dvice aand nd hhelp, elp, pplease lease ccontact ontact AAndrew ndrew or or Roger: Roger:
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Quality uality Cladding Claddin Q & Workmanship Workmanship E Experts xperts iin n tthe he iinstallation nstallation ooff FASCIAS, F ASCIIA AS, SOFFITS, SOFFITS, GUTTERING GUTTERING & DOWNPIPES DOWNPIP
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CPA G PAVING P A AV VING &
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Save S ave t the he P Planet lanet with w ith A Annabel nnabel L Laughton aughton
Household Household ccleaning leaning pproducts roducts It ’s May, and the light evenings and warmer weather might have inspired you to do some serious cleaning. It’s a m a z i n g h ow m a n y h o u s e h o l d cleaning products we all have lurking in our cupboards – cream cleaner, carpet shampoo, dishwasher tablets, laundry powder, mould remover, window cleaner, polish, stain remover… the list goes on. But what’s in all those sprays, powders and l i q u i d s , w h i c h p ro m i s e a s p a r k l i n g , bacteria free home? Well, quite a lot of scary stuff, which could well be harming us in our homes and also has damaging effects in the environment once the products wash away down our drains. Here are a few examples:
TTriclosan riclosan This is an antimicrobial agent , which is harmful to aquatic life and is used in personal and household cleaning products. Several major manufacturing groups are phasing it out.
sulphate. These chemicals biodegrade m o r e s l ow l y t h a n ve g e t a b l e - b a s e d surfactants and can form new and nasty chemical compounds as they do. There are many brands available w h i c h u s e ve g e t a b l e d e r i ve d surfactants instead.
M Microbeads icrobeads These are toxic beads found in washing powder and abrasive cleaning products, as well as toothpaste and face wash. They’re too small to be filtered out of sewage and eventually end up in the ocean ( a d d i n g to t h e 8 m i l l i o n to n n e s o f plastic entering the ocean annually) and in the stomachs of seabirds, whales, turtles and some, eventually, back on your plate in seafood. The UK government has just consulted the p u b l i c o n a b a n , b u t o n l y f ro m cosmetics – even if implemented, microbeads would still be allowed in cleaning products.
CChlorine hlorine b bleach leach ((also also ccalled alled Petroleum-based Petroleum-based ssurfactants urfactants ssodium odium h hypochlorite) ypochlorite)
These are found in household cleaning Widely used, often in fabric bleaches products like washing-up liquid – a like washing powder, this can become common one is sodium lauryl toxic when it reaches water systems. The Local Answer
S o h ow c a n we a v o i d a l l t h i s ? Finding out what ’s in cleaning products is not always easy, as manufacturers are only required to list the main ingredient families on the b o t t l e – t h o u g h t h ey a re o b l i g e d t o give a website address with a full list. There’s good news, though. D e d i c a te d o rg a n i s a t i o n s h ave d o n e thorough research to sort out the s a f e s t p ro d u c t s – c h e c k o u t E t h i c a l Consumer magazine’s regularly updated score table for household cleaners at ethicalconsumer.org. You can also use many cheap, simple products for cleaning, like white v i n e g a r fo r w i n d ow s , c h r o m e o r s t a i n l e ss s te e l , b a k i n g s o d a a s a deodoriser, or soda crystals on grease. Combine these for an even wider array of uses – search for ethical consumers non-toxic cleaning kit for simple recipes. Finally, why not try minimising the n u m b e r o f p ro d u c t s yo u u s e ? Washing-up liquid – in the form of hot soapy water – can do more than just the dishes. Get a brand with welle s t a b l i s h e d e t h i c a l c re d e n t i a l s l i k e Ecover or Bio-D, and you’re good to go.
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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! The Local Answer
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Carpets D I R E C T
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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
R E E E D I I W P P C Z G M D M E A L X Z R V M
H D W L T R S N K I O K F I O L R D S O E U F N
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X A E P G F G A V Q R U X W S X I A Y E V N D N
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FFlowers lowers AZALEA ANEMONE BEGONIA BLUEBELL CORNFLOWER CROCUS DAFFODIL DOGWOOD FRESIA
GERANIUM HAWTHORN HYACINTH IRIS JASMINE LILAC LILY MARIGOLD MAGNOLIA
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e-mail: e -mail: willowpitch@blueyonder willowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk err.co.uk 01242 702947 or 07785 515987
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D O M E S T I C -INSTALLATION •
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Matt Matt G Grimshaw rimshaw Carpentry Carpentry L Ltd td Your Y our llocal ocal C Carpenter/ arpenter/ K Kitchen itchen F Fitting itting S Specialist pecialist
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01242 01242 604423/07792 604423/07792 0 088822 88822 mattgrimshawcarpentry@live.co.uk mattgrimshawcarpentry@live.co.uk www.mattgrimshawcarpentry.co.uk w ww.mattgrimshawcarpentry.co.uk
10% DISCOUNT ON KITCHEN FITTING WHEN QUOTING TL A
Money M oney M Matters atters 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
www.fix-my-oven.co.uk w ww.fix-my-oven.co.uk
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.
Tel: 01242 227 067
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
YOUR Y OUR ELECTRIC ELECTRIC C COOKER OOKER OR OVEN OVEN N OT W ORKING? OR NOT WORKING? EST E ST 2004 2004 l cal TTel: el: 07955 07955 295360 295360
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D DIRTY IRTY C COOKER OOKER O OR RO OVEN? VEN? www.ovenbusters-cheltenham.co.uk www.ovenbusters-cheltenham.co.uk
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All dr d ains an d blo l ckages G All emergency plu l mbing work G Pre-fixe d prices G Saniflo blockages & installations G High pressure jetting/drain repairs/relining G CCTV sur veys/homebuyers’ sur veys G Local Author ity insurance & wate r co mpany appro ve d G
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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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IIndex ndex o of fA Advertisers dvertisers FFOOD OOD & D DRINK RINK Corner Cupboard Inn 5 The Foodworks Cookery School 18
WHAT’S W HAT’S O ON N CCLUBS LUBS & SSPORTS PORTS Shipton Golf Course EEVENTS VENTS & ATTRACTIONS ATTRACTIONS Age UK Gloucestershire Handsam Boat Company The Bird & Deer Park
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HEALTH HEALTH & B BEAUTY EAUTY Harvey & Martin
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H HOMES OMES & G GARDENS ARDENS BATHROOMS BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms
29 & 43
BUILDING SSERVICES ERVICES BUILDING A1 Roofing & Contractors C&G Paving Cathedral Cladding Cheltenham Roofing Company GlosBuild Grass Scape Home Care Roofing & Building Imperial Building Solutions Marshalls Driveways R. Richards & Sons Resindrives.co.uk RND Renovations Severn & Wye Scaffolding Ltd CARPENTRY CARPENTRY Matt Grimshaw CCLEANING LEANING SSERVICES ERVICES Cotswold Carpet Cleaning Oven Busters FURNISHING APPLIANCES FURNISHING & A PPLIANCES Carpets Direct Rapport Interiors Space Master
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GARDEN GARDEN SERVICES SERVICES Cheltenham Town Landscaping DW Ground Designs H HANDYMAN ANDYMAN SSERVICES ERVICES Handylink PLUMBING HEATING H EATING & PLUMBING Dennis Grove & Son LLP Drain Doctor KB Female Plumber Platinum Plumbing TTVV & A ERIAL AERIAL 1st Choice Aerials W INDOWS & D OORS WINDOWS DOORS Albany Windows Clearway Doors & Windows Cloudy 2 Clear Fineworks
26 32 32 40 41 41 40
LEGAL LEGAL & FINANCE FINANCE Thomson Bancks Solicitors 14-15 M MOTOR OTOR SSERVICES ERVICES Carsmetix 24 V Hub 24 PET PET SSERVICES ERVICES Dragon Vet Centre 6 SKIP HIRE HIRE & RRECYCLING ECYCLING SKIP Stevens Recycling 42
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CARE CARE SSERVICES ERVICES Glos County Council Fostering 10 CCOMPUTER OMPUTER SSERVICES ERVICES 40 Abbey Group
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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.
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