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Gloucestershire G loucestershire SSouth outh – 441,000 1,000 ccopies opies Gloucester G loucester – 446,000 6,000 ccopies opies G Gloucestershire loucestershire N North orth – 220,000 0,000 ccopies opies FForest orest ooff D ean – 222,000 2,000 ccopies opies Dean CCotswolds otswolds – 228,000 8,000 ccopies opies CCheltenham heltenham – 443,000 3,000 ccopies opies M anaging D irector Managing Director D Dave ave K Kingscott ingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk
EEditorial ditorial & PProduction roduction LLois ois K Kingscott ingscott eeditorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk ditorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
H Helen elen K Kingscott ingscott H Helen elen R Robinson obinson production@thelocalanswer.co.uk production@thelocalanswer.co.uk
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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. On Wednesday 10th May, Age UK Gloucestershire will be hosting ‘Take Five Over Tea’ – an event involving speakers who will provide advice and answer questions about financial fraud. For more details and to book your free place, see Page 13. 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.
IInside nside tthis his m month onth .... .. Cocktail TTime ime Cocktail Wild FFood ood FForaging oraging Wild Delicious D ish Delicious Dish Education Education Parenting & G uardianship Parenting Guardianship Motoring Motoring Quick Crossword Crossword Quick What’s O n What’s On TTLA LA SSport port H omes & G ardens Homes Gardens SSudoku udoku IIn n tthe he G arden Garden G Gadgets adgets & G Gizmos izmos Interior D esign Interior Design Word SSearch earch Word Money M atters Money Matters ompetitions, SSolutions olutions Index , CCompetitions, Index,
4 4 5 7 9 11 11 12 12 14 14 1 18-19 8-19 2 2 22 2 4 24 2 5 25 27 27 2 9 29 3 0 30 3 3 33 3 4 34 Page 3
C Cocktail ocktail Time Time with with Lois Lois K Kingscott ingscott
M Margarita argarita Like most cocktails, t h e o r i g i n of t h e M a rg a r i t a h a s m a n y c l a i m s, b u t o n e o f t h e m o s t p o p u l a r s to r i e s i s that Carlos ‘Danny’ Herrera i n ve n te d t h e d r i n k a t h i s restaurant Rancho La Gloria in the late 1930s. Legend has it Herrera concocted the drink for one of his c u s to m e r s, M a r j o r i e K i n g – a n aspiring actress who was allergic to all alcohol except tequila. To make the cocktail more palatable, Herrera combined the three traditional e l e m e n t s of a tequila shot – a lick of s a l t a n d a we d g e o f l i m e – a n d m i xe d t h e m i n t o a refreshing drink . Another claimant of the drink is a wealthy Dallas socialite named Margarita Sames, who said she created the cocktail for her friends at her vacation home in 1948. One guest, Tommy Hilton, eventually added the drink to his hotel bar menu. However, according to ‘The Complete Book of Spirits’ by Anthony Dias Blue, the first importer of Jose Cuervo tequila in America advertised with the tagline, “Margarita: it’s more than a girl’s name,” in 1945 – three years before Sames claimed to have created the drink . IIngredients: ngredients: 35ml Tequila; 20ml Cointreau; 35ml fresh lime juice; handful ice cubes, salt , lime wedge to garnish. M Method: ethod: 1 Mix the Tequila, Cointreau and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes. 2 Run a wedge of lime around the rim of a Martini glass and dip in salt. 3 Strain the Tequila mix into the glass and garnish with a wedge of lime.
P PLEASE LEASE D DRINK RINK R RESPONSIBLY ESPONSIBLY Why Why not not have have a M Mocktail? ocktail? For a non-alcoholic alternative, mix 50ml limeade, 25ml orange juice, 10ml lemon juice, 10ml lime juice, pinch of sugar and ice. Page 4
W Wild ild F Food ood F Foraging oraging w with ith S Steven teven H Hawley awley
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 yyou’re ou’re not not 100% 100% sure sure that that w what hat you’re you’re ppicking icking iiss safe safe for for human consumption, consumption, don’t don’t 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 bbefore efore allergies, consuming anything anything fforaged oraged in in the the w ild. consuming wild.
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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 ● ● ●
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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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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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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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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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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
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. 2266 APRIL APRIL – 1 M MAY AY CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL The Jazz Festival’s party atmosphere takes over Cheltenham’s picturesque Montpellier Gardens, as the town fills with music. Check out a workshop, sample some scrumptious street food; try a tipple from the on-site bars, and see some of the best talent in the jazz world, from the well-known to the yet-to-be-discovered! cheltenhamfestivals.com. 01242 850270. 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. 7.45pm. £8 (£7). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. 01242 258002. GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS Always on the look-out for an adventure, one day Goldilocks’ 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 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 and a 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. 2-14 2-14 MAY MAY CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS The Festival returns with an enjoyable two weeks of performances by children and adults from Gloucestershire and all over the UK. Tickets £3 per day – purchase from Cheltenham Town Hall Box Office. For more details visit cheltenhamfestivalofperformingarts.co.uk 4 MAY MAY ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD Against the backdrop of Hamlet, two hapless minor characters take centre stage. As the young double act stumble their way in and out of the action of Shakespeare’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 blackjack tables and enjoy some luscious cocktails with enticing flavours. £20. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074.
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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.foodworkscookeryysschool.co.uk
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5 MAY MAY DRAWN TO PAINT BIRDS Join Jackie Garner to learn how to sketch birds in pencil and watercolour. 10am. £46.50 (includes tea/coffee and a soup and sandwich lunch). WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. 5- 6 MAY 5-6 MAY WINK , ARCA ADIA & MOORS PAVANE Birmingham Royal Ballet’ss sparkling triple bill celebrates the power of storytelling alongside the versatility and virtuosity of the Company’s world-class dancers. For times and prices visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. 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. 7 MAY MAY RA ACE GLOUCESTER DOCKS DRAGON BOAT R
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. 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. 10 10 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. 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. 11 11 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’. 7.30pm. £22. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham, GL52 3JE.
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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1122 MAY MAY SCULPTURE FESTIVAL WALK Starting from the nursery at 11am, this one-hour circular walk will give you a wonderfully varied taste of Cotswold scenery including far-reaching views of the Golden Valley and the beautiful parkland of the Miserden estate. The walk is free but it is advisable to register with the Festival office on 01453 751056. Miserden Nursery, Miserden, Stroud GL6 7JA . 112-14 2-14 MAY MAY CONTEMPORARY FRESH ART SHOW The first major Contemporary Art Fair in the Cotswolds, hosting 45 leading UK galleries showing 5,000 paintings and sculptures. Something for everyone of all tastes and budgets. For more information and to buy tickets visit freshartfair.net 1133 MAY MAY AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE
Hundred Watt Club presents a dazzling evening of vintage inspired burlesque and cabaret. With sublime showgirls and ridiculous comedy, 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, 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.
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01242 542976. Whole Foods Market, Gallagher Retail Park , Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9RR. REALLY WILD WEEKEND
Get up close to new spring life at Slimbridge. Meet lots of young animals and their families and find out more about how new life bursts into spring.Only £5.50 for members. Non-members can buy a special day pass, which includes admission to a Really Wild session. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. COTSWOLDS BRICKS & 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. £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, 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
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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. 16-20 16-20 MAY MAY THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE A swashbuckling farce with brilliant humour and razor-sharp wit, Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance makes for the perfect night out. Chock-full of memorable melodies. For times and prices visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. 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. 18-20 18-20 MAY MAY THE OVERCOAT Akaky has a problem – working as a low paid civil servant in an unknown government department, how can she become part of the in-crowd and, more importantly, how can she stay warm in the depths of the Russian winter? A stylish and immaculately tailored overcoat might be the answer. For times and prices visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. 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 MYSSTERY Experience what it’s like to be a detective in our nail biting murder mystery event. Includes entertainment, 3 course meal and disco. £29.95pp. Hallmark Hotel Robinswood Lodge, Matson Lane, Gloucester GL4 6EA . 0330 028 3408.
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220-21 0 -21 MAY MAY MEET THE MACHINERY WEEKEND
Following the success of last year’s weekend, we’re once again giving the chance to get up close to our biggest pieces of equipment. Learn how they 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 2222 MAY MAY THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA Get a Feel for the ’40s as you hear the music that got us through the war with smiles on our faces and laid the foundations of pop right up to the present day – ‘In the Mood’, ‘American Patrol’, ‘Little Brown Jug’, ‘Tuxedo Junction’ and many more! 7pm. For times and prices visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. 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. 2266 MAY MAY FESTIVAL OF ELECTRIC BICYCLE POLO A fantastic event in aid of Watershed RDA 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. 227-29 7-29 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, Forest of Dean GL14 2UB.
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GLOUCESTER TALL SHIPS Five tall ships will sail into the docks and moor up on the quayside for visitors to see, with entertainment including marauding pirates, fun games for children and grown-ups, a food market, two museums and live music stages featuring local bands and singers. From 10am. The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2ER. 01452 396572. 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 JUNE JUNE 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. TWASI FREE The Wildlife Art Society International’ss annual exhibition of wildlife art. Around 300 paintings, drawings, original prints, photographs and sculptures by professional and part-time members will be on display, the majority for sale. Free access to this exhibition without visiting the museum. 12 noon. Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, Gloucester GL2 9PA . 01452 731422. SPRING TO LIFE AT SLIMBRIDGE A celebration of the spring season and all things new at Slimbridge! 9.30am. Cost included in normal admission. 01453 891900. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge GL2 7BT. 28 28 MAY MAY FAMILY FUN DAY
Activities, shows and entertainment for all ages including the ‘World’s Tallest Bubbleologist’, Professor Collywobbles with his Punch n Judy Shows, and FREE donkey rides for our young visitors! All this included with our general admission and 12-month pass tickets! 10am. 01242 602308. Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe GL54 5JD.
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30 30 MAY MAY – 3 JJUNE UNE ANNIE Abandoned by her parents at birth, ten year old Annie escapes her orphanage to trace their whereabouts and reunite her little family. For times and prices visit everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. 30 30 MAY MAY – 2 JJUNE UNE LIFE UP HIGH If you’ve walked across our Tree Top Walkway you’ll know that not all woodland creatures live on the ground... many make their home in the tree tops, amongst the leaves and branches. Join us to discover some of the animals and plants that live high above us, and make finger prints of the creatures you find. 11am-4pm. Free after admission. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 31 31 MAY MAY KNIGHTS & PRINCESSES Calling all heroic Knights and fairy tale Princesses! Join Griffin Historical at Knight School to learn all the skills to become a mighty Knight of Sudeley Castle. Have a Princess make-over with glamorous Alex and create your own flower garland headband. 10am. Included with admission. 01242 602308. Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe GL54 5JD 3 JUNE JUNE ROBBIE WILLIAMS TRIBUTE NIGHT Join us for a night of Robbie Williams classics and sing all those well known hits… then dance the night away with our party DJ. Includes a 3 course meal and Party DJ! £34.95pp. More details at www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk. Hallmark Hotel, Robinswood Lodge, Matson Lane, Gloucester GL4 6EA . 0330 028 3408. 10 10 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’s activities. 12 noon until 11pm. Tickets £10 (£8 in advance) – available from Favourite Beers (105 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham) or Eventbrite. Old Patesians Club, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL53 9LG. 22-23 22-23 JUNE JUNE FOOD SAFARI SINGLES EVENT At Foodworks Cookery School. Fun, relaxed social evening where you can meet new, like minded friends over a safari supper and a glass of wine. £58pp (limited spaces). Please check website for more details www.foodworkscookeryschool.co.uk 01242 870538
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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
Why Why CCooper ooper iiss a att h home ome a att FForest orest Green Green Mark Cooper may have been born in the heart of Yorkshire, but he considers himself very much a West Country boy. The Wakefield-born 48-year-old, who lives in Tetbury and has been manager of Forest Green Rovers for just under a year, first became aware of this beautiful part of the world back in 1978 when his dad Terry, the fo r m e r Le e d s U n i te d a n d E n g l a n d defender, signed for Bristol City. Terry was to spend much of the next 17 years plying his trade in the West Country, initially as a player before becoming a manager. It is a route that his son Mark has followed, making a name for himself in the lower divisions as a midfielder – including a season with Forest Green at the turn of the century – before taking the plunge
P Painswick ainswick tthinking hinking b big ig For a relatively small village, Painswick has a big cricket club. They run six senior teams – four on Saturdays, one on Sundays and one in m i d we e k – a s we l l a s j u n i o r s i d e s a t under-11, 13 and 15 age groups. Club chairman Ian Hogg has been with Painswick since the age o f 1 3 – s ave fo r two years spent with Frocester in h i s l a te t e e n s – Ian Hogg and is as excited about the current campaign as he was 42 years ago when he first started playing for the club.
Stroud Stroud ttarget arget p promotion romotion Last year wasn’t a vintage season for Stroud Cricket Club but that hasn’t d a m p e n e d t h e e n t h u s i a s m fo r t h e 2017 campaign. Secretary Tom Legg admitted the club “underperformed” in Glos/Wilts Division of the West of England Premier League last time out.
Mark Cooper
into management. Terry’ss last job in football management ended in 1995 when he left Exeter City, but all that knowledge and experience gained from a lifetime involved in football means he is still the man that Mark “We stayed up but we want to do much better,” he said. “Promotion is always the aim. The target is to progress and move the club forward.”
H Hillier’s illier’s m miles iles of of smiles smiles T h e “ yo u t h f u l g a n g ” a t S t ro u d R u g b y Club have helped put a spring in the s te p o f t h e i r l o n g - s e r v i n g p r e s i d e n t Russ Hillier this season. The 77-year-old, who first played for the club in 1956 and has been their president for the past 20 years, admitted he was not sure how the 2 0 1 6 / 1 7 c a m p a i g n wo u l d p a n o u t when they lost their first four Western Counties North games – and seven of their first eight in all competitions. But they have turned things around, h e l p e d by a f i ve - g a m e w i n n i n g r u n before Christmas, to move comfortably into mid-table. “I’ve been very pleasantly surprised with everything,” said Hillier.
Great Great e expectations... xpectations... Gloucestershire County Cricket Club chief executive Will Brown has set the bar high for the 2017 season. “My expectations are that in the T20 we should be looking to get to finals
calls when he needs advice. Even though Terry has spent the last 15 years living in Tenerife, Mark said: “I speak to him a lot about being a manager – he’s always the first person I turn to. “He comes over three or four times a year and always gets involved.” So much so that he can be seen on the sidelines at Forest Green training s e ss i o n s a n d w i l l g o to m a tc h e s when he can. So what does Terry think of Forest Green? “He enjoys and likes the club,” said M a r k . “ H e s e es i t a s a g o o d opportunity. “I think he thinks we need a bit more steel – he is a Yorkshireman! – and a bit more substance over style.” Full story online. day,” he said. “We did particularly well in T20 last season, dominated our group and it was just one bad day at the office against Durham that cost us. We’ve proved that on our day we can beat anyone a n d I d e f i n i te l y expect us to be t h e r e o r t h e re Will Brown abouts this season.”
G Gulwell’s ulwell’s cchallenge hallenge Marc Gulwell had never played cricket when he founded the Gloucestershire Growlers five years ago. The 30 -year-old is one of the main driving forces behind the county’s blind team, but before he lost his sight just before the age of the 20, he’d always p l ay e d f o o t b a l l o r g o n e r u n n i n g . S o why did he choose cricket? “I like a challenge,” he chuckled. “I can remember picking up a bat when I was at Maidenhead School, having a sw i n g a n d m i s s i n g t h e b a l l a n d t h a t was it.” For full versions of all these stories and more, visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Richie Cave of Frocester. Picture: Brian Rossiter
FFrocester rocester w will ill have have to to dig dig deep deep Rather like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with the Ballon d’Or, Frocester and Bath cricket clubs have b e e n f i g h t i n g i t o u t b e t we e n themselves for the West of England League Premier One title over the past decade. Last season it was Bath’s turn after Frocester had won it for the previous two years.
FFrocester rocester face face an an even even g greater reater cchallenge hallenge This season, however, Frocester face an even greater challenge after losing their talismanic all-rounder Paul Muchall to their perennial title rivals. T h a t i s t h e v i ew o f t h e Gloucestershire club’s secretary and long-serving stalwart Eric Woodmason who told The Local Answer: “Muchall was offered a deal that was too good to turn down. “It ’s obviously a big blow for us because he has been the league’s player of the year for the past two seasons.
“ H e b a t s t h re e a n d o p e n s t h e bowling so we’ve got to find someone to replace his runs and wickets. “He’s become a very effective performer over the past three years and Bath are now huge favourites to win the Premier One title.” Muchall, the 30 -year brother of recently retired Durham batsman Gordon, was on Gloucestershire’s books before linking up with Frocester. Woodmason hopes the club have found the man to replace Muchall’s w i c k et s i n t h e s h a p e of S r i L a n k a A left-arm seamer Vimukthi Perera.
P Perera erera a arrives rrives with with his his rreputation eputation e enhanced nhanced The 27-year-old arrives with his reputation enhanced after knocking over England’s two rising batsmen, Keaton Jennings and Haseeb Hameed, for not very many on the recent Lions tour. An old face is also returning to the club after a year away. Richie Cave took a break from cricket and
Woodmason said: “He’s a second change seamer who can bowl you 10 overs. It’s good to have him back .”
““Everybody’s Everybody’s got got to to work work hat b bit it h harder” arder” tthat Right-arm seamer Tom Drake is another player Woodmason is hoping w i l l b e a b l e to m a k e i n ro a d s i n to opposition batting line-ups. “Everybody ’s got to work that bit h a rd e r – b ow l e r s a n d b a t s m e n , ” h e said. “All the batsmen are capable of getting 100 runs more than they did last season.” Woodmason said skipper Nick Trainor may have to move up the o r d e r f ro m t h e n u m b e r f i ve o r s i x positions he occupied last season to compensate for the departure of Muchall. He is also looking to Sam Bracey, Louis Gegg and Uzi Qureshi to increase their run scoring. Muchall’s Frocester innings may be over... but it also provides opportunity for others.
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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.
Homes & Gardens HOME H OME CARE CARE ROOFING R BUILDING OOFING & B UILDING FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS Our range of services include: N New
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Rectory Rectory Fields, Fields, R Rudford, udford, G Gloucestershire loucestershire G GL2 L2 8 8DT DT
Tel: T el: 01452 01452 6 668005/01453 68005/01453 2 297010/01285 97010/01285 2 238089 38 0 89 www.marshallsdriveways.co.uk www.marshallsdriveways.co.uk C Company ompany rregistration: egistration: 0 090645563 90645563
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FFREE REE Q QUOTATIONS UOTATIONS Call or email GGUARANTEED UARANTEED TO BEAT BEAT ANY ANY 01242 801706•01452 341699 TO GGENUINE ENUINE 07544 004927•candgpavinguk@gmail.com QQUOTE UOTE
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Quality uality Cladding Claddin Q & Workmanship Workmanship E Experts xperts iin n tthe he iinstallation nstallation ooff FASCIAS, F ASCIAS, S SOFFITS, OFFITS, GUTTERING G UTTERING & D DOWNPIPES OWNPIP
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R ROOFING OOFING & D DRIVEWAY RIVEWAY SSPECIALIST PECIALIST
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info@glosbuild.co.uk info@glosbuild.co.uk w www.glosbuild.co.uk ww.glosbuild.co.uk Court Court FFarm, arm, TTewkesbury ewkesbury Road, Road, Twigworth, Twigworth, G Glos. los. G GL2 L2 9 9PX PX
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Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
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T Te elephone: 0 1452 7 12 3 68 Telephone: 01452 712 368 www.laland1.com w..ls aland1.com w ww w w
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01453 0 1453 5 548376 48376 or or 07597 07597 780433 780433
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THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR NEW BATHROOM ... Your local family business
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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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11st st Choice Choice
L LITTLE ITTLE W WHITE HITE V VAN AN M MAN AN
AAerial erial & Satellites & Satellites
Digital Aerial Digital Aerial IInstallations nstallations U pgrades Upgrades and Repairs Repairs and
110% 0% o off ff with w ith tthis his a advert dvert Hawkes Mark M ark H awkes
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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 & G installations 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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CALL NICK ON
G loucestershire’s Gloucestershire’s ffriendly, riendly, cost cost e effective ffective rremovals, emovals, c ollections collections and deliveries deliveries s ervice! service! and
Landline: 01432 840777 Mobile: 07467 949603 info@severnandwyescaffolding.co.uk
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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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Specialists Specialists in in bathroom bathroom safety safety
We can help you with any bathroom makeover, large or small, but have particular expertise when designing rooms for customers with mobility issues. The photographs below illustrate a conversion of a ground floor cloakroom. Our clients could foresee that in future they may not easily be able to use their upstairs bathroom, so they decided to have a walk in shower installed downstairs. The finished job produced a practical and stylish looking room, which is easy to use and keep clean.
Save Save 2 0% 20% VAT* V AT*
Before
After
*If you need to make changes to your bathroom due to disability or a medical condition, we are able to supply your bathroom VAT free, saving you 20%. Please ask for details.
• Change your bath for a large shower or walk-in bath • Wet rooms and comfort height WCs • Redesign your layout to make best use of space • Increase storage with built in units • Warm your feet and keep the floor dry with underfloor heating • Add grab rails and fold away shower seat • Tiles, wallboards, mirrors and accessories supplied • Free design service and advice with experienced, polite installers
07496 0 0572 572 281 81 or Contact Rex on 07496 01453 884 4167 0 1453 8 84 167 for a free home visit to discuss your needs
w www.lifestylebathrooms.net ww.lifestylebathrooms.net e
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
R E E E D I I W P P C Z G M D M E A L X Z R V M
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J O W L L E B E U L B S D C K I N G I J N V H G
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V I F F I O A F O O F R K S H P S G G U Z X P G
A L A S G N A Y Z C K C O O C I I O N R J S X W
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M Z R B R I I P P G B D S C H A W T H O R N Q O
FFlowers lowers AZALEA ANEMONE BEGONIA BLUEBELL CORNFLOWER CROCUS DAFFODIL DOGWOOD FRESIA
GERANIUM HAWTHORN HYACINTH IRIS JASMINE LILAC LILY MARIGOLD MAGNOLIA
ORCHID PANSY PETUNIA POPPY ROSE SNOWDROP TULIP
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N.S DECORA N.S DECO OR RA ATI TTIIING N NG G Interior and Interior and
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nd rrugs ugs • Quality, affordable dable c carpets arpets a and arge •R Room oom s size ize remnants remnants & llarge selection off s samples s election o amples • Over 80 off carpets Over 8 0 rrolls olls o carpets & vinyls vinyls iin n stock! stock!
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01453 826811 07812 393922 nsdecora ng11@aol.co.uk n sdecora ng11@aol.co.uk
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Tel: 01453 821582 ● Mobbile: 07970 676360
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QUALITY C QUALITY CARPETS ARPETS ● R REMNANTS EMNANTS ● K KARNDEAN ARNDEAN ● R RUGS UGS ● W WOOD OOD ● ● ● ● RANGE R ANGE OF OF NATURALS NATURALS L LAMINATE AMINATE V VINYL INYL F FLOTEX LOTEX E EDGING DGING S SERVICE ERVICE ●
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W e’ve We’ve m oved! moved! Ryeford Industrial Industrial Estate, Estate, W Wheeler’s heeler’s Y Yard, ard, Ryeford R yeford, S tonehouse, G los G L10 22LB LB Ryeford, Stonehouse, Glos GL10
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Strangling Strangling ssmall mall business business SPECIAL PECIAL OF FFER FER! Gas boiler G as b oiler service service only £39.50+VAT only £ 39.50+VAT
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SPECIALISTS IN BUILDINGS OF AN HISTORICAL NATURE INCLUDING CHURCHES
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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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IIndex ndex o of fA Advertisers dvertisers FFOOD OOD & D DRINK RINK
GlosBuild 23 The Foodworks Cookery School 14 Home Care Roofing & Building 22 Marshalls Driveways 22 W WHAT’S HAT’S O ON N Resindrives.co.uk 2 EVENTS EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS ATTRACTIONS Age UK Gloucestershire 13 Severn & Wye Scaffolding Ltd 26 LEANING SSERVICES ERVICES Samaritans Beer Festival 20 -21 CCLEANING 26 The Bird & Deer Park 15 Hard Pressed For Time FFURNISHING URNISHING & APPLIANCES APPLIANCES P PROPERTY ROPERTY Norton Park 12 DJH Carpet Factory Warehouse 32 26 Park Home Life 10 Gloucester Carpet Outlet Kordy’s Carpet Outlet 32 H HOMES OMES & G GARDENS ARDENS Thornbury Stairlifts 5 BATHROOMS B ATHROOMS GARDEN ARDEN SERVICES SERVICES Lifestyle Bathrooms 28 G 24 Severn Vale Bathrooms 24 & 35 CT Roberts 24 LA Landscapes BUILDING BUILDING SSERVICES ERVICES 24 C&G Paving 22 Lawn Doc ERVICES HANDYMAN SSERVICES Cathedral Cladding Ltd 22 HANDYMAN Dykes Builders 22 Handylink 24
HEATING & PPLUMBING LUMBING SKIP HIRE HIRE & RRECYCLING ECYCLING HEATING SKIP Austin Heating & Air Conditioning 33 Stevens Recycling 34 Drain Doctor 26 you ddon’t on’t ssee ee tthe he ggoods oods oorr Town & Country 33 IIff you services yyou ou pprovide rovide llisted isted services DECORATING PPAINTING AINTING & DECORATING hhere, ere, ttake ake aadvantage dvantage aand nd 32 N.S Decorating TV & AERIALS AERIALS TV 26 1st Choice Aerials WINDOWS DOORS WINDOWS & D OORS TToo aadvertise dvertise 36 Albany Windows telephone: t e l e phone: 31 Cloudy 2 Clear
B BEE THE THE FIRST! FIRST!
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P PROFESSIONAL ROFESSIONAL SSERVICES ERVICES CARE CARE SSERVICES ERVICES Foster Care Associates 6 Glos County Council Fostering 8 M MOTORING OTORING SSERVICES ERVICES Bridgend Garage 10 REMOVAL REMOVAL SSERVICES ERVICES Little White Van Man 26
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CCOMPETITION OMPETITION R RULES ULES 1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless stated.
7 Proof of posting is not regarded as proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party.
B BOOKING OOKING D DEADLINE EADLINE FFOR OR N NEXT EXT IISSUE SSUE – We Wednesday ednesday 1 10th 0th M May ay 2 2017 017
STEVE
ATTENTION A TTENTION! Let us lighten your load!
Domestic and Industrial Skips Ham Villa Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6NB
01242 522647/529397 stevensrecycling584@gmail.com
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