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Wellcome to December D ... We have finally reached the last month of 20 018 – how the ye ear has flown by. y. December can only mean m one thing, it’s Christmas time! We have a jam-packed season nal issue this month to get you into th he holiday spirit, including our Fruity Christmas Pies recip pe, festive stories in our Entertainment section and mucch more. If yo ou’re lucky enough to have time off over the festive e period then check out our What’s On section s for loads of o events to keep the whole family occupied occuupied over the holidays. Alternatively, y, if you don’t fancy venturing out in the cold, why not snuggle on the sofa with our Christm mas themed Word Search and a tasty hot chocolate?! As we w get close to the New Year, we would like to thank all of our cover competition winners from 2018. Keep your eyes peeled across our social media platforms for the announcement of our 2019 winners. Finally, y, we would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to all of our readers and customers from the whole team at a The Local Answer!
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Delicious Dish with Helen Kingscott
Fruity Christmas pies All the flavours of Christmas – almonds, cranberries, orange and pear – in a little pie. Ingredients (serves 8): For the pastry: 350g plain flour; 85g ground almonds; 140g caster sugar; 225g butter,r, cubed; 1 egg, beaten for brushing over the pastry. y. For the filling: 400g cranberries, fresh or frozen; 50g caster sugar; 25g cornflour; 325g orange curd; 450g ripe pears, peeled, cored and chopped. Method: 1 Put the flour,r, almonds and sugar into a food processor,r, add the cubed butter and mix until it looks like breadcrumbs. 2 Add up to five tablespoons of cold water until the mixture forms a dough. Wrap and chill for half an hour. 3 Tip the cranberries into a pan and addd the sugar and cornflour, stirring well. Fold in the orange o curd then cook for a few minutes to thicken. Add A the chopped pears and cook for a few more minutes. If you’ve used frozen cranberries, c you mayy need to add a little more cornflour.
4 Leave the mixturre to cool and heat the oven to 190°C (fan 170°C/gas mark 5). 5 Roll out the paastry and use to line eight 10cm individual tart tin ns. Fill with the cooled mixture. 6 Roll out the rest of the pastry and make four lids. Use whatever shaped cutters you like to stamp out the shapes from the middle. 7 Cover four of youur pies with lids and pop the cut out shapes onto a baaking tray. y. Brush the pies and shapes with your beaten n egg and sprinkle with sugar. 8 Bake the shapess for 10 minutes and the pies for 1820 minutes until nicely golden. golden
78668 78668 78668 786686 9 Sprinkle more sugar over the pastry, then pop the shapes onto youur open pies and serve with custard, cream or ice creaam.
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Holida ay ys & Tra av vel with Al Hidden
Christmas marrket magicc LLet’s t’ continue ti th theme the th off preChristmas shopping and travel that we began last month. Mention Christmas markets and it’s easy to imagine crisp December afternoons on Cheltenham’s Promenade, festive fun in Gloucester Quays or perhaps even a stroll through one of Germany’s ‘Weinachtmarkts’. But as we are so often reminded at this time of year, the geographical reach and variety of these markets extends far beyond Nuremberg and Munich.
A Latin take For a Latin take on pre-Christmas celebrations, jet south to Madrid and explore the oldest of Spain’s Christmas markets, the Mercado de Navidad de Plaza Mayor,r, in what is arguably Madrid’s loveliest square. Don’t miss the delicious seasonal ‘entremeses’ that are traditionally enjoyed in Spain at Christmas time. Alternatively, maybe Lübeck in December just isn’t wintry enough for you. In that case, how about heading further north towards Santa Santa’s a s home? Imagine combining a Finn nish break with warming Glögi, traditional t Joulupöytä baked ham and a heated
sauna at the Christmas market m in Village in midtown. Appareently, it’s a Helsinki’s Senate Square? big favourite amongst New w Yorkers! That’s south, north and a west Christmas in the Big g Apple covered; now for the east. If December trips to New York have December finds you in Japan, a long been popular with us u Brits. If wealth of Christmas joy awaits as the you’re hitting the city this month, country indulges its fascin nation for make sure you add the Christmas western-style seasonal festiivities. Will markets to other seasonal delights it be the magic of Tokyo’s Roppongi such as the Rockafelleer Center Hill andd Hibiya Hills Hibi P k Christmas Park Ch i t Christmas Tree and legendary Macy’s. markets that enchants you? Or will Whatever you do, don’t miss the you join locals as they cudddle up on stunning Bryant Park Christmas building-high auditorium seating s to ‘ooh and aah’ at the seasoonal music and lights of the giant Chrisstmas tree at Kyoto’s main station?
A romantic New Year Then of course, there’s Neew Year, as Christmas celebrations con ntinue into 2019 in all these wonderful, romantic places. Celebrating New Year is a ggreat wayy to forget g the trials and tribulations of Brexit for a few days. It might even be thee perfect opportunity to pop a big question to someone special amid romantic seasonal lights, firewoorks and delicious treats – just as I did on a snowy, Glühwein-fuelled ‘‘SylvesterNacht’ in Lübeck back in 20003! Season’s greetings everybbody! The Local Answer
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Par Pa are enting & Gu ua ard rdia an nship with R Ro obert ta a Sm ma ar rt t
Christmas bo ook flood Every year, yearr, the people of Iceland dive deep into a literary tradition which ranks the country as one of the top in the world for reading. May I introduce ‘Jolabokaflod’ (Christmas Book Flood) – your new favourite holiday tradition! Starting in October, the Icelandic Publishing Houses produce a catalogue of all the new titles coming out and they distribute these to every home – like an Ikea catalogue for books!
Curled up with a book on Christmas Eve Bookstores become go-to venues, as authors do readings and share the wonder of storytelling as the season progresses – the Icelanders love it! They all go crazy, buying books as presents which are gifted on Christmas Eve. They then spend the rest of the evening curled up cosy and warm, drinking hot chocolate, eating chocolate or cake and reading their books. Literally every home in Iceland will be curled up with a book on Christmas Eve – how wonderful is that?! I share this with you to illustrate how differently we can appproach the Christmas season, as so many of us are exhausted with th he overcommercialisation of the hooliday and
worry about the impact it is having on our kids. Books are whole worlds in the palms of our hands, and we all know k how powerful a good reading habit can be for our future prospects. Peerhaps we should bring The Great Book Flood to the UK – now there’s a thought. As well as the best sellers and big names, there is a pleethora of independent authors publishing p incredible books that you probably have never heard of. A bit of searching online will certainly reveal secrets you just can’t wait to t share. I can recommend a few authors I have met in recent years who w offer a range of books that are perfect for the
Christmas holiday flood. Luucy Pearce of womancraftpublishing.coom writes for women and girls, incorporating ancient tradition, culture annd practice to bring a new world to a younger generation. There is also Michelle Gordon of theamethystangel.com who writes about angels, fairies and the magic of life beyond thhe earthly realms. If you are in the leasst mystical you will love this series. For more authors and self published wonders, the world of the internet is f ll off independent full d d author h rs offering ff artistically driven books, colouring books, planners and diaries not available on the high street.
Old dusty copies of classics lie awaiting disco overy Personally I love nothing more than a root around a used book store or even an antique shop where w old dusty copies of classics liee awaiting discovery. For the adults inn your life, first editions of their favourite books are a prized possession annd hidden treasures lie within the pages of poetry compendiums and ccollections. Add in some fine cchocolate, homemade Christmas cake and the most decadent of hot cchocolates topped with marshmallows and cream, and you have a Christmas tradition to remember forr years to come. Merry Christmas and happy reading!
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Wha at t’s On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors. We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit. 14 NOVEMBER – 12 DECEMBER FREE ROBERT RT GOLDSMITH EXHIBITION AT CHAPEL ARTS AT
Renowned watercolour artist Robert Goldsmith reveals the breadth of his portfolio in a showcase of evocative local scenes and portraits. portraits Also on display is a large collection of handmade artists’ books. Coffee shop available. Wednesday-Saturday, y, 10am-4pm. www.thechapelarts.com 15 NOVEMBER – 23 DECEMBER CLAUS’ CHRISTMAS CABIN Bring your family to visit Father Christmas in his beautiful wooden cabin nestled amongst snowy trees. Spend time colouring with Elves and enjoy a range of food and drink in Orchard Square. For full details please visit www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk 30 NOVEMBER – 13 JANUARY ALADDIN Don’tt miss the all new, Don new w, bigger-and-better bigger and better production written and directed by legendary Blue Peter presenter and actor Peter Duncan. Polish your lamp and book a magic carpet ride to the Everyman Theatre for the highlight of the season – Aladdin, the pantomime where wishes do come true! For times and prices visit
www.everymantheatre.org.uk The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 5722573. 1 DECEMBER GAS GREEN YOUTH CENTRE CHRISTTMAS FAIR Christmas Fair,r, Saturday 1st Decembber 12pm till 3pm at Gas Green Youth Centre, Baker Street, Cheltenham. Entrance 20p addults, children free. Craft stalls, refreshmennts, tombola, games cakes, and Father Christmas C will be there. Contact Elaine 01242 237883. CIRENCESTER SPA PARKLES ADVENT FESTIVA VAL & MARKET Cirencester Town Council is proud to host some great festive events for 2018, kicking offff with ith the th Advent Ad t Festival F ti l andd Ma M rket. k t We W are delighted to announce that Nell Gifford from the Cotswolds’ very own Gifforrds Circus will be switching on the lights this year,r, and there will be lots to enjoy during the day from 11am to 7pm including the Advent Market, an Arts and Crafts Market, M street food and drink, Santa (at the Fleece Hotel), fair rides, live stage performaances and fireworks. For full details pleasee visit cirencester.gov.uk/christmas-in-cirencester Cirencester Market Place, GL7 2NZ. 1-2 DECEMBER FESTIVE WINTER WEEKEND Drop in and join us for a glass of mulled m wine or spiced berry cordial, cordial enjoy familyfamily friendly craft activities, have a go at old fashioned parlour games, warm your vocal chords with carols, or follow an enchanted winter trail around the secret garden. Free entry. Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stratford Road, Stroud, GL5 4AF. museuminthepark.org.uk
WINTER WEEKENDER Take a break from Christmas shopping with free entertainment in the heart of the city centre with a live music stage featuring brass bands, choirs and seasonal party music for all ages on the Saturday. It will be followed by big screen Sunday featuring classic Christmas movies. All this, along with festive food and drink , all under cover so you can enjoy free Christmas entertainment, whatever the weather. For full details please visit www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk King’s Square, Gloucesterr,, GL1 1AD. 1-24 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM Father Christmas will be here between 10am and 3pm on selected dates. Special children’s tickets are available for these days, which include Farm Park entrance, a special time slot to see Father Christmas and their own choice of present from the Toy Room. Children, toddlers and young adults with a Father Christmas booking will also be invited into the elves workshop to make a Christmas eve box. Full details at www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Cotswold Farm Park , Guiting Powerr,, near Cheltenham, GL54 5UG. 1 DECEMBER – 5 JANUARY DICK WHITTINGTON Once again produced by The Roses’ team, with Ben Crocker at the helm, this year’s panto sees Dick embark upon the adventure of a lifetime as he seeks his fortune on the streets of London! For full details including times and prices please visit www.rosestheatre.org. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesburyy,, GL20 5NX.
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1 DECEMBER – 6 JANUARY THE BIG BATSFORD ELF HUNT! Santa’s helpers have gone missing and they are all hiding in the Arboretum; find them to win a prize! £2.50 per child, plus Arboretum admission fee (children must be accompanied by an adult). The Elf Hunt is most suitable for children aged 8 and under, however children of all ages are welcome to take part! Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-inMarsh, GL56 9QB. www.batsarb.co.uk 2 DECEMBER CIRENCESTER BAPTIST CHURCH CONCERT Concert with Phoenix Recorder Orchestra, on the full range of recorders, joined by Stroud Choral Youth Choir and The Minpins. Including works by Corelli, Keler and Praetorius. 5pm. £10 on the door, free for 18 years and under. Interval refreshments. Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1YE 3 & 9 DECEMBER THE NUTRCRACKER ROYAL OPERA HOUSE LIVE BALLET The Nutcracker has long been one of the most delightful ways to discover the enchantment of ballet and makes for a delicious seasonal treat for all the family. Tchaikovsky’s much-loved music is matched to a magical adventure on Christmas Eve for Clara and her Nutcracker doll. Their journey to the Land of Sweets brings with it some
of the most familiar of all ballet moments, such as the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Waltz of the Flowers. For times and prices please visit coriniummuseum.org Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, GL7 2BX. 3 DECEMBER – 4 JANUARY TETBURY CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL AND MEMORY TREE For the second year in a row Tetbury Town Council has hosted this fabulous festival – come and see a festive array of beautifully decorated trees supplied and decorated by local organisations, schools and clubs all in the beautiful setting of St Saviour’s Church. You also have the opportunity to leave your memories of loved ones, friends and family on our Christmas Memory Tree. For full details please visit tetbury.gov.uk 4 DECEMBER WINCHCOMBE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL The Christmas trees will be sparkling as Winchcombe’s shopkeepers, pubs, cafeowners, stallholders and local people get into the festive spirit of Christmas. The town is lit up with over 70 real Christmas trees, and street entertainers, Morris dancers, choirs, bands and community groups all add to the merriment. A chance to ‘shop early’ for Christmas and choose from some unusual gifts on display. winchcombe.co.uk THE MARIAN CONSORT Taking its name from the Blessed Virgin
Mary, a focus of religious devotion in the sacred music of all ages, The Marian Consort is a young, dynamic and internationally-renowned early music vocal ensemble, recognised for its freshness of approach and innovative presentation of a broad range of repertoire. 7.30pm. From £20. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS, POEMS AND TIGER EGGS Ballet Cymru presents a timeless interpretation of the Dylan Thomas classic ‘A Child’s Christmas In Wales’ with music by Mason Neely and Wales’ own icon, Cerys Matthews. Step into the imagination of a genius and follow us on a journey through snow, cats and melancholy. 7.30pm. £17 (£12.50 under 18). The Cotswold Playhouse, Parliament Street, Stroud, GL5 1LW. www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk 5 DECEMBER GFWI CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH ONLY MEN ALOUD Gloucestershire Federation of WI are delighted to welcome back Only Men Aloud to perform at their Christmas Concert. The concert will also feature the GFWI Choir and a young Gloucestershire soloist. 7.15pm. £16. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
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5, 6 & 8 DECEMBER IT’’SS A WONDERFUL LIFE In December the Players will take up residence at St Laurence Church for three nights only in a joint production of the Christmas classic. Turning a film into a show is not easy but this goes one step furtherr.. This is a live radio play! It features a group of radio actors putting on a play in the 1940s. The story is the classic that everyone knows. The setting is a radio studio but surrounded with Christmas Trees in the Church and performed during the annual Christmas Tree Festival. 7.30pm. £10. The Cotswold Playhouse, Parliament Street, Stroud, GL5 1LW. cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk 5-10 DECEMBER ARTISAN CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENT AND WORKSHOPS A ATT CHAPEL AR RTTS
‘Watch This Space’ is bringing artisan-made jewelleryy,, ceramics, glass and textiles, plus some very special workshops, to Chapel
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Arts from 5th to 10th December. Coffee Shop available. Event open daily between 10am and 5pm. More details online at www.thechapelarts.com 5 DECEMBER – 13 JANUARY JUST SO Five of Rudyard Kipling’s tales weave together into a wondrous tale of personal courage, individuality and friendship. A twenty-five year project that begann with a series of inspirational stories, Stiless and Drewe bringg us an imaginatively g y empowering piece of theatre in Jusst So. Set to an eclectic, upbeat score; Kipling’s Just So Stories are woven with wit and imagination into a song-filled journney through the jungle. For full details including times and prices, please visit barntheatre.org.uk. The Barn Theatrre, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester GL7 1BN N. 6-9 DECEMBER CHRISTM TMAS TREE FESTIVA VAL You are invited to come and see thee beautifully decorated Christmas Trees at Hucclecote Methodist Church. Follow wing the theme ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, decorations have been handmade by the Ch h Family. Church F il Refreshments Rf h t servedd. All are welcome. 2-6pm. 6-22 DECEMBER THE SNOW QUEEN This Christmas, Blackfriars Priory will be transformed into a magical winter
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wonderland, with an immersive theatre show for all the family. Join brave Gerda on a daring mission to rescue her dearest friend Kay who has been stolen by the Snow Queen. Families will cross frozen lands meeting reindeer,r, princesses and princes, magical creatures, robbers and thieves, on their way to the Snow Queen’s’s icy kingdom. Tickets £12 (£8 concessions). For full details, please visit www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk Blackfriars Priory, y, Via Sacra, Ladybellegate Street, Gloucester GL1 2HN. 7 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS MAGICAL MYS YSTERY RY NIGHT Starting from 6pm, the Christmas parade and light switch on, with special guest Tristan Gemmill, will be followed by late night shopping around the town, market stalls in Church Street, Santa’s Grotto, food, drink, festive music and much more. For full details please visit tetbury.gov.uk THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE The Bon Jovi Experience are the worlds first and finest tribute to the great Bon Jovi and are the worlds ONLY LY tribute to have been requested by and to have performed live on stage t with ith Jon J Bon B Jovi J i himself. hi lf They Th are also the only tribute to have been featured on the official Bon Jovi website. £22 (£20 concessions). 7.30pm. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, Gloucester,r, GL1 1NS. www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk
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Quick Cr Qu ro osswor ord d ACROSS 1 Privileeged class 7 Formeer soldiers 8 Ediblee organs 10 Horseracing track 12 Entitling 14 Moved through water 16 Tasks 17 Scrapss 20 Pop in nstrumentalists 23 Finnish steam bath 24 Highlyy charged 25 River-mouth land
DOWN 1 Develop 2 Rupture 3 Measure (out) 4 Furnishing scheme 5 Diminishing 6 Admiration 9 Large spoon 11 Partly cooked 13 Gesture of assent 15 Radiates 16 Sharply serrated 18 Musical composition 19 Taunts 21 Curved-bill bird 22 Auction
© Lovatts Puzzles
Don’t look until you’’vve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page. 7 DECEMBER TRENCHCOATS FOR GOALPOSTS Following a packed and acclaimed show here in 2016, be transported once more in theatre, spoken word, live music and song to No Man’s Land in a moving and often funny re-creation of the 1914 Christmas Truce. Performed by a host of Gloucestershire’s finest performers in authentic 1914 garb, with tinsel for barbed wire and an ancient football together they turn the Sub Rooms into Flanders Field. 8pm. £11.50. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 8 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON THE HOUR & CHRISTMAS MARKET Take a break from the hustle and bustle of this busy season to come and enjoy Christmas Carols in your glorious Cathedral. The bite-sized bursts of festive praise are sung on the hour by Choirs of the Cathedral, with each service lasting just 30 minutes. Feeling peckish, need a warming drink? You will find mince pies, mulled wine and festive refreshments in both the Chapter House and our fantastic coffee shop, The Monk’s Kitchen. For full details please visit www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk. Gloucester Cathedral, College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LX.
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8-9 DECEMBER THE BIG BATSFORD ELF HUNT! Santa and his Elf are returning to their magical grotto at Batsford Arboretum this Christmas! Come and visit them from 24pm on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December. £5 per child – each child visiting Santa will receive a gift. Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9QB. www.batsarb.co.uk TEWKESBURY TOWN BAND Join Tewkesbury Town Band for their hugely popular annual Christmas concerts. Come in out of the cold and enjoy a great family Christmas concert with a selection of new and classic festive tunes and a few sing-a-long items too. Finish off the year with some festive fun. For full details including times and prices please visit www.rosestheatre.org. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 8-30 DECEMBER SUDELEY CASTLE SPECTACLE OF LIGHT Experience the night-time magic of Sudeley through this beautiful new illuminated trail. Follow the White Rabbit and discover some of the amazing characters from Alice in Wonderland. Marvel at the glorious Field of Poppies, Meteors, Moroccan Lanterns and much much more! For full details including times and prices, please visit sudeleycastle.co.uk Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, GL54 5JD.
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9 DECEMBER THE CHUNKY NEEDLE Chunky Arm Knit Workshop. Sunday 9th December, 1-3pm at Hobbycraft Gloucester. No experience needed. Suitable age 10 upward. Select your own acrylic wool colour. Make a beautiful blanket just in time for the holiday season. Book now: thechunkyneedle.com/workshops/gloucester GLOUCESTERSHIRE MUSIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT Join four of our music groups for a celebration of Christmas music: Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra, Colwell Arts Orchestra, Gloucestershire Youth Strings and Gloucestershire Intermediate String Ensemble. Special guests: Oriel Singers. 7.30pm. £12. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk DECK THE HALLS Two separate sessions in which you can learn how to make a luxury wreath for your door (12.30pm), or a garland for your mantelpiece or stairs (3pm). Each session lasts two hours and includes light refreshments and all materials. £45 per session or £80 for both. Spaces are limited – to book contact Ione WoodgerSmith at crazy.daisy@btinternet.com or on 07790 429920. Painswick Rococo Garden, GL6 6TH. www.rococogarden.org.uk
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11 DECEMBER CHELTENHAM CHORAL SOCIETY – TTA APESTRY OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC Cheltenham Choral Society are returning to the Pump Room to get you into the Christmas spirit with their popular family Christmas Concert. They will be entertaining you with festive music old and new. Audience participation welcome with an array of favourite Carols! Joining them will be guest performers including choirs from two local schools who are sure to charm you! 7.30pm. £10. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 12 DECEMBER BEN HOLDER’S GYPSY JAZZ QUARTET Our very first concert in 2017 kicked off with Ben and his superb quartet to critical acclaim. He gets the chance to bring his new and very own Gypsy Swing Jazz Project to Moreton and it will be, we anticipate, another rip-roaring affair featuring Ben’s unique high energy violin playing, madcap story telling, superb rhythm section musicianship and in anticipation of Christmas, some seasonal melodies with very special arrangements. 7.15pm. £12. Full details at www.moretonjazz.co.uk Redesdale Hall, High Street, Moreton-inMarsh, GL56 0AW.
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POWERHOUSE GOSPEL CHOIR The unique sound of Powerhouse Gospel G Choir is found in the blend of theirr voices producing a sound that is soulful, uplifting u and utterly captivating. Most of theese seasoned singers and musicians haave worked with some of the world’s top t artists and music legends, and havve been singing together in various formations for many years. 8pm. £17-£25. The Rooses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, y, GLL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.orgg 13 DECEMBER EVENTMASTER CHRISTMAS AT AT THE RACES
Join in the festive fun at Warwick Racecourse – can there be a better place for your Christmas get together? Prrices from £10. Opens 10.15, first race 12.15, l t race 3.35. last 3 35 Tickets: Ti k t 03445 793 013. 0013 Warwick Racecourse, Hampton Street, CV34 6HN. warwick.thejockeyclub.co.uk. 14 DECEMBER CHRISTM TMAS ON THE SQUARE Christmas on the Square will be a festive
evening to celebrate the Cheltenham West community. There will be a light switch on, Christmas market, food and drink, and Santa will be making an appearance. The event is organised by the Community Activities Team, who aim to bring the local community together to enjoy the festivities together,r, but people from all communities are welcome to join us. 4.30-6pm. Coronation Square, Cheltenham, GL51 7SE. www.cheltenhamcat.co.uk BODY DIALOGUES: AN EVENING OF CONTEMPORA RARY RY DANCE An exciting evening of contemporary and commercial dance. Working with renowned choreographers, students explore contemporary issues and push their physical boundaries through modern, postmodern, contemporary and commercial dance genres. £8 (£6 concessions). 7pm. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk DOREEN DOREEN If you have seen Doreen Doreen before you’ll know what to expect, but if not then prepare to be blown away by the sheer energy and humour of this unstoppable t bl band. b d Dress D up in i your feather boas and sing along! 9pm. £15.50 in advance, £17.50 on the door. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk
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14-15 DECEMBER A CHRISTTM MAS CAROL Join the children of Acting Out! as they present the retelling of this classic Charles Dickens novel. Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean, bitter old man with no friends. With the help of some ghosts sent to him by his deceased business partner Jacob Marleyy,, Scrooge visits his past, present and future. Because of this Ebenezer learns to love Christmas and the people all around him. 7.30pm. From £5.50. Full details at kingstheatregloucester.co.uk. The Kings Theatre, Kings Barton Street, Gloucesterr,, GL1 1QX. 14-16 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS MARKET A ATT THE BREWER RYY QUARTER
Enjoy a festive market at The Brewery Quarter with an array of arts, crafts, personalised gifts, handmade items and –
Page 16
of course – mulled wine! Plus meet Ralph the Elf,f, posing for photos on the hoour each day between 12 and 4pm. 15 DECEMBER CHRISTM TMAS MARKET 10.30am-12.30pm. Handmade gifts, books, cards and kids’ activities. Free entry and free hot chocolate or warm punch (donations for Family Space, Hesterss Way are welcome). At Cambray Baptist Church, C Cambray Place, Cheltenham GL50 1JS. WHOLE LOTTA TA LED Throughout 2018 Whole Lotta Led w will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the birth of Led Zeppelin with a show that will include songs from all of their studioo albums, ranging from their beautiful acoustic songs to the huge anthems we have come to know and love. £18 in advance, ££22 on the door. 7.30pm. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, Gloucester,r, GL1 1NSS. www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk 15-28 DECEMBER THE HAT ATTER IN WINTERLAND Far away from the mad comfort of Wonderland, this December the Hattter finds himself stranded in Winterland! Hystterical, silly ill andd a little littl bit frightened, f i ht d he h must m t discover how he got there in order to find his way back home for the Christmaas tea party… and all before the Jabberwoocky’s curse freezes him in Winterland foreever. Full details at www.cheltplayhouse.org..uk
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Cheltenham Playhouse, 47-53 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7HG. 01242 522852. 16 DECEMBER NAT ATIVITY TY SERVICE 10.30am. An action-packed church service telling the Christmas story for all the family. At Cambray Baptist Church, Cambray Place, Cheltenham GL50 1JS (near John Lewis). CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT 6.30pm. A lovely atmospheric service with carols and candlelight – followed by mulled wine and mince pies. At Cambray Baptist Church, Cambray Place, Cheltenham GL50 1JS (near John Lewis). 19 DECEMBER HOLLY LY AT AT CHRISTMAS Buddy Holly and the Cricketers once again herald in the Yuletide festivities with Holly at Christmas! Holly’s’ hits, contemporary classics and Christmas crackers are all wrapped up in a fast, furious and funny feast of entertainment. 7.30pm. £18-£25. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, y, GL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.org 20 DECEMBER STORIES WITH SANTA TA Santa visits to tell a short story from the N th Pole North P l in i a magical i l setting tti andd presentt the children with a seasonal gift at the end. A special occasion for families or playgroups with young children. For times and prices please visit coriniummuseum.org Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester,r, GL7 2BX.
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21 DECEMBER THA ATT’LL BE THE DA AYY – THE CHRISTTM MAS SHOW 2018 Topped with lashings of Christmas spirit, get ready to party as That’ll Be The Day returns with its Brand New Christmas Show! The UK’s most popular Rock ‘N’ Roll variety show celebrates the festive season with all your favourite Christmas classics from the 50s, 60s and 70s, plus plenty of hilarious comedy! 7.30pm. From £25.50. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 23 DECEMBER THE SNOWMAN A magical Christmas treat for the whole family. Join the Mozart Symphony Orchestra and celebrity guest narrator for the story of how Paddington came to conduct his first concert… in Cheltenham Town Hall! Following this will be a screening of Raymond Brigg’s film The Snowman which famously features the song ‘Walking in the Air’, which will be sung by 10 year old Alice Mackenzie. 1.30pm. From £10. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA . www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 24 DECEMBER CRIB SERVICE 4.30pm. Capture the excitement of Christmas Eve and bring your children to hear the Christmas story – for the young
and young at heart! At Cambray Bapptist Church, Cambray Place, Cheltenham GL50 1JS (near John Lewis) 26 DECEMBER WINSTON’S WISH BOXING DAY AY CHALLENGE 2018 Registration is open for the popularr Winston’s Wish Boxing Day Challengge at Cheltenham Racecourse – now in its 10th year! This fun, festive and family-friendly challenge is open to everyone, andd whether you wish to walk, walk run, run jogg, trot or gallop your way around the two orr four mile course, you’ll be guaranteed pplenty of fresh air,r, fun and fabulous views! TTickets on the day cost £12 (adults) and £6 (children) or can be bought in advaance from the Winston’s’s Wish website £99 (adults) £5 (children). Start time 100.30am. www.winstonswish.org/boxing-dayychallenge 31 DECEMBER NEW YEAR’S EVE RACING AT AT WA WARW WICK The biggest raceday at Warwick with 7,000 like-minded racegoers warming up for the big night out. Live music, great racing and a fantastic atmosphere is an absolute absoluute certainty. Prices from £10. Opens 10.15, first race 12.15, last race 3.35. Tickets: 03445 793 013. Warwick Racecourse, Hampton Street, Warwick CV34 6HN. warwick.thejockeyclub.co.uk.
4-6 JANUARY THE COTSWOLDS DECO CORAT ATIVE, ANTIQUES & ART RTS FAIR The UK’s’s first major art and antiques fair of the New Year. Featuring art and antiques specialists from across the UK, this popular fair is the place to buy everything including the most traditional antique pieces to the latest in decorative chic style. Public Admission is £5. Opening Times: Friday – Sunday 11am–5pm. www.cooperevents.com 12 JANUARY CLASSIC CHASE DAY AY AT AT WA WARW RWICK
If there is one day to head to Warwick Racecourse then this is the one. With a focus on the most thrilling race we stage all year,r, you can also enjoy free heritage t lk with talks ith some off the th stars t off yesteryear t plus an exhibition of interesting artefacts from Warwick’s racing past. Tickets: 03445 793 013. Warwick Racecourse, Hampton Street, Warwick CV34 6HN. warwick.thejockeyclub.co.uk.
Winte inter Won onderlan derland at The Birrd Par ark —— 10th Anniversary ——
The Bird & Deer ark has been osting Christmas nce 2008, and as been cited by the Huffington Post for its “beautiful lights”,
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Page 1
Entert ta ainment with Tom Hadfield – entert ta ainment@thelocalanswer r..co.uk
Magical Myystery Night The Christmas Light switch h on in Tetbury is an annual event that the whole town looks forward to. Georgina g Osman,, who is p part of the team tasked with organising the evening, exp plains the theme of the night. She said: “This year for the e first time ever Tetbury Town Council is hosting ‘Tetburrys Magical Mystery Night’ Christmas Light Switch on Event. E “Historically this has been n organised by a community group ‘Christmas in Tetbury’ who unfortunately are no longer able to do it, so theyy’ve handed over the baton to us!” The Switch On event is offten more about bringing the community together than anything else, and Georgina says the support from local groups is crucial to the event. She continued: “Many groups come together to light up the town. Tetbury Feoffees who own the Market House adorn it with beautiful lights and collect and decorate two fabulous trees that are donated by the Lowsley-Williams Family who own Chavenage House.” Tetbury Market House Full story online.
Film Review – Claudie Francis
Westonbirt Arboretum illuminated
Ann enchanted Christmas The e Westonbirt Arboretum will be transformed this month, with decorations, illuminations an nd a Christmas villag ge that will enhance the natural beautty of the trees and plants during the night-time. Reb becca Hare, Marketing and Communications Manager said: “The The main feature will be the beautiful beautiful illuminated trail, which takes visitors through the heart our tree collection – along the way there will be stunning spectacles, interactive displays and breath-taking sights. “Th here will also be the Christmas village, in which visitors will be b able to eat, shop, and keep an eye out for a very special Christmas guest who will be visiting form the North Pole and walking around the village to meet everyone!” Full story s online.
Book Review – Aloÿse of Daylesford Book Club
Bohemian Rhapsody p y
The Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars Mytting
I was not unique in my eagerness e to see ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ when it came ouut in cinemas. It’s been one of the most talked about filmss of the year and once you’ve seen it you can understand why. y. The film takes us on a journey from Queen’s birth performing at student gigs, through to huge success, sellout international tours and all a the bumps in between. It seems almost more of a love letter to the band and its charismatic lead singer than it does a dramatic intrusion into their private lives. Brian May, y, the band’s lead guitarist, has said of the film that Freddie “would have loved it” The shining light of this film has to be Rami Malek. The final scenes take place at the world famous Live Aid concertt in i 1985. 1985 Malek M l k performs with the essence that this could be Mercury’s last show and to say that I left the cinema with an extremely tear soaked face speaks for itself. Picture: 20th Century Fox Full review online.
Edvarrd is brought up by his grand dfather on a remote farm in Norway. N y. Following his grand dfather’s death in 1991, Edvarrd decides to delve into the mystery m of the death of his paren nts in France where, as a small boy, y, Edvard went missing for fo our days. Inte ertwined with this is the story of Einar, Edvard’s great uncle e, a skilled cabinet maker who was estranged from his family. y. The chapters The h t sett in i France F are poignant and deeply moving. It is appro opriate that the paperback edition has been released as we remember the end of o hostilities in 1918. To begin b with, the book moves slowly buut take heed – everyy little piece of information fits into the e jigsaw puzzle and you y will find that as the momentum gaathers you will not be able to put this book down. Full review online.
Above is a selection from local entertainment stories available online ...
ART • EVENTS • EXPERIENCES • FILM • LIFESTYLE LITERA ATTURE • MUSIC • REVIEWS • THEA ATTRE • TV
Local choirs join forcces for festive fundraiser The Cirenceste er Male Voice Choir will this month m be hosting their ‘Midwint Midwintter Medley Medley’ to raise money foor the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. The concert will w also feature the Cirencester Community Choir, the Cirencester Singers and the Corinium Community Choir. Tony Golics, Concert Secretary at the Cirencesster Male Voice Choir, gave a brief insight into the group and those involved. He said: “We hold several concerts a year,r, and in terms of new members there’s no auditions, we just encourage people e to come along, sing and we’ll slott you in somewhere depending on your y voice type.” The ‘Midwintter Medley’ will finish off a busy yeaar for the choir, which also included a trip to Cornwall to sing at the Eden Project, and with local choirs in Truro and a Breage. The Cirencestter Male Voice Choir is
Cirenceester Male Voice Choir
used to singing alongside other groups, and Tony believes that these special joint concerts benefit both the pperformers and the audience. He continue ed: “Long concerts can be demanding on o the voice, and having a few choirs get together and perform helps all of us and also makes it more entertaining for the audience. We’ve got a nice blend b of styles with the different choirs and it should make for a great evening.” Vicky Swe eeney, leader of the
Cire encester Community Choir, is excited for the concert and the chance to help a local cause. Sh he added: “We’re a choir thatt’s all about getting together and having fun, having a good time and singing for local charities. “W We were asked by Cire encester Male Voice Choir and it’s going to be great to get toge ether with all the different choirs under one roof.” The Middwinter Medley will take place on SSaturday 15th December at Cirencester Baptist Church, and like Vicky, Tonyy can’t wait for it. He adde dded: “We’re going to have a grand finale with around 130 singers from all the choirs together. “It’ll give e the audience a chance to stand up and join in too. It’s their smiles andd applause at the end of a show that really gives us a reward and sense of purpose.” Full story o online.
Christmas tim me in Cirencesster Christmas in Cirrencester is always y a spectacular occcasion and this year will be no different, with a huge variety of even nts planned for the festive season. The annual Ad dvent Festival, which includes the highly anticipated Christmas lightss switch on, will take place on Saturrday 1st December, with further Christmas markets happening thro oughout the month. Sarah Bartlett is the Market and Events Officer at Cirencester Town Council, and paart of the team tasked with the mamm moth job of organising the h festivities. f She said: “Plaanning started in March of this year and we have been holding regular meeting gs since then. The team is pretty small, there are only six of us, but we have received such great support from the councillors and the local retailers, businesses and performers.
Last year’s y ’s Advent Festival
“It’s been a real joy to be on the t team and d things t thi h have so far f run smoothly! The previous Advent teams over the years have given us a great foundation to work from and have made some fantastic relationships that we will continue to use.” A real highlight of the month will be the selection of different markets around the town, which have been
rated aas among g the top p ten Christmaas markets in the country. y Sarah continued: “We have our Christmas Arts and Crafts Market being held h on the Market Place, and our Advent Market will be situated d along Cricklade Street and Castle Street. S The majority of our Traders are local and within a 30mile rad dius, but some come from as far ass Cornwall! “We’ve e got some great street food and drink caterers attending, fair rides for the children, some brilliant live stage e performances and also some popp-up performances taking place throughout the town. Santa of course will also be attending! “For the community, I think it gives us an oppo ortunity to all come together as a town but also welcome others in and show what a wonderful town and spirit we h have.” Full story o online.
For full articles and more stories visit www w..thelocalanswerr..co.uk
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The Local Answer
In The G Ga ard ar den with Julia Smith
Finish planting before the coldest weath h arrives her i Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Yes, we are finally at the Christmas countdown and hopefully it will be a lovely crisp, bright month with plenty of sun. There is even time to do some planting still before the coldest weather of the season arrives in January and February. y. If it is suitable and not too waterlogged gg or frozen, container grown deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted.
Colour, r, fragrance and food for birds in winter Or, if you want to add interest to your garden in winter, how about adding a winter flowering shrub such as Mahonia, Daphne bholua, Hamamelis (witch hazel) or Sarcococca (Christmas box)? These provide fragrance and colour,r, as well as being an important food source for the birds in winter. winter
Mahonia (left) and Hamamelis
An RHS desk diary always hits the button for organising one e’s life, or how about the wonderful jakoti Japanese hand shears thaat are just the job for tidying yourr topiary? Perhaps a novelty duck watering Plant shallots on the can, which I spotted on n a trawl shortest day of the e year through the internet the other day – It is traditional to plant shallots on every garden needs one! the shortest day of the ye ear. Shallot bulbs are planted so that just GettingPersonal.co.uk the little tip is visible above the soil, with a distance between of 15cm, in rows 20 0cm apart. Keep them moist but don’t overwater them. Be efore they put their roots down you may have to replant them, as the birds will sometimes pull them out (whether they think it is a worm Those of you with grape vines will coming out or what I don’t know!) need to do your annual pruning Gift ideas for the soon. Grapes fruit on one e year old gardener in your life wood, and pruning before Christmas whilst the plant is still fullyy dormant I couldn’t let the December issue will stop too much ‘bleedin ng’ of the go without giving you some gift sap which will weaken the e vine. Try ideas for the gardener in your life! The Local Answer
to grow with a permanen nt vertical framework of branches an nd then at this time each year cut the horizontal branches of the curren nt year’s growth back to two buds. buds
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Wildlife Ma Mat tter rs s with Ma ax xine R Ra agga at tt
The magic of th he reindee er SSo, how h did Rudolph R d l h the th red-nosed d d reindeer get his name exactly? Well, it just so happens that reindeer do have pretty magical noses, as they can warm up the freezing air they inhale before it reaches their lungs. The inside of a reindeer’s nose is a rather large surface area shaped like a spiralled seashell. Towards the surface of their noses, they have a large volume of blood vessels, which keep the mucus inside the nasal structure constantly heated up to instantlyy warm the air beingg inhaled. So, the colder the air, the warmer the blood vessels get, sometimes causing a reddish glow to the nose through a thin blanket of surface fur. The mucous membranes in the nose also emit a small amount of moisture to be inhaled with the air so that it isn’t too dry when it reaches the lungs. When it is exhaled, the mucous membranes recover the humidity, y, so reindeer don’t have to eat snow.
They have a two-layer cooat – one underfur coat which is densely packed and a shaggy topp layer to create great insulation. Thee layers of fur trap air,r, which helps to keep k them buoyant while in wateer during migration, as they will offten cross rivers and lakes. Their feet are quite Their bodies keep them large and are split into tw wo claws, toastie in the cold months m which they use to dig thrrough the Reindeer are built for thee cold, so snow to find food. their amazing bodies keeep them Both male and female reindeer toastie through the cold months. grow antlers on a yearly basis. b The bone has no nerves so they can be used as weapons w to fend off predatorrs without causing themselvves harm. Males tend to devvelop new antlers around February and shed th hem by December once th he mating season has ended and testosterone drops. Females retain th heirs over the winter while pregnant so they can be used to help with digging for food to nurture their unborn babies. The fem males will produce a new w set of antlers around May. Reindeer (also known as The Local Answer
caribou) in North America, can c also be found in North Asia, Siberiia, Alaska, and Canada. Some populations of reindeer can migrate up to 3,000 miles per year.
Reindeer have many m predators As they migrate for grazing on summer greens andd mating, i there h are many predators along the way. These come in the form of polar bears, brown bears, wolves and also golden eagles which prey on the calves. Black flies and mosquitoes are also known to swarm around reindeer in the summer months to suck their blood, which can cause enough distress to interfere with feeding and calving behaviours. A pregnancy lasts about 230 days, and they give birth to a single calf in May/J /June. Reindeer tend to live for around 12-15 years, but this can vary greatly. As Christmas Eve approaches, remember to leave out milk and cookies for Father Christmas, and of course carrots for his magical reindeer! Will you be lucky enough to spot Rudolph’s nose shining brightly in the sky on the eve of Christmas?
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Inter riior Design with Gill Greenwell
Winter warmers Whether Wh th the th latest l t t on-trend t d term t i is Danish Hygge or Japanese Ikigai, we can be sure that cosy and warm interiors will never go out of style. With the seasons changing and winter on its way, it’s a good time to take a new look at your home and refresh your style for the colder months. Small changes can make a big difference, and they don’t have to break the bank – here are some quick and easy ways to embrace the changing seasons with an autumn/winter make-over.
Embrace the new autumnal hues A new rich colour palette is emerging this season, and the key colours to look out for are jewel tones of amber,r, mustard, teal and emerald green. These can look stunning when paired with velvet for a sofa or an occasional chair. You don’t have to spend a lot to change your look – you can just add a new lampshade, a seasonal vase of flowers or a signature accessory. y.
Get cosyy and add texture When creating a cosy retreeat in the colder months, try styling your sofa with cushions made of sumptuous fabrics like wool, luxe velvet, faux fur,r, or you could even use tarrtan for a Scottish feel. It’s always goood to have
plenty of soft, warm throws and Create a welcoming blankets to hand for wheen guests ambiance arrive – a common occurrence in the Don’t forget to relook at youur lighting. holiday period! Layering with different Use soft lights and dimm mers for a textures is the way to go. warm, welcoming atm mosphere. Scented candles come into their own Gather around the firre There’s nothing like a crackliing fire for in the winter months – I can’t get too many of them in my home at a this time making people feel comforrtable and of the year. Not only do they bring a snugg in the winter. If yyou haven’t unique warm glow into the house, house but already installed a woodd burning the seasonal scents create memories stove, now’s the time to do it. Many of year after year. Always invest in a good the new stoves on the markket are gas quality candle with a lovely scent of powered, but it’s amazing how similar sandalwood, cinnamon, or pine. p I buy to a real fire they look andd they are the same winter scentedd candles energy efficient too. every year and the minute my daughters walk in the hoouse they know they’re home.
Add a new trend Last but not least, why not n add a surprise item for that speccial touch? Home interior trends are inncreasingly linking with fashion and thhis season th trend the t d is i for f allll things thi with animal w prints. I have been temppted by a leopard print cushion I saw recently in an interiors store in London.. Now all you need to do is snuggle down with that Netflix boox set you have been promising yourself, light your new scented candle and make yourself a nice cup of steaaming hot chocolate – bliss! The Local Answer
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Gadgets & Gizmos Ga with La au ur ra a Nicklin
Have yourself a very v techy Christmas It’s that time of year again, when you find yourself stocking the fridge with far too much food, trying to find a bargain in the Christmas sales, and generally becoming buried alive underneath mountains of wrapping paper. How did it get to December so quickly?! Whilst it certainly won’t be a stress-free month – not for the adults, anyway – hopefully, y, these festive-themed gizmos will go a little way to making the winter blues slightly more bearable!
for a lie-in! Thankfully, thee Lumie Bodyclock is here to sort you out and ensure that you are fully prepared and ahead of schedule. Both a daylight lamp and alarm clock, the Lumie Bodyclock won’t deafen d you with an intolerable alarm thhat makes you want to hit it with a hammer. It lets you come to naturally, by gradually glowing brighter and brighterr into a 30 30minute sunrise. Instead of groggily waking up in pitch black, youu’ll be able Numark Party Mix DJ to wake up more refresheed, as the Controller Bodyclock helps regulate your y sleep If you find yourself taking on the role cycle. It has even been proven to of host or hostess for this year’s annual improve your mood and productivity, y, so Christmas Party, then you need to you won’t turn into the Grincch! make sure you’ve got all the trimmings for a fun-filled evening. What better way to get a party started than with the Numark Party Mix DJ Controller. A great gadget for the amatuer DJ, the Party Mix Controller comes with a dual setup, p, includingg jjogg wheels,, performance pads and outputs to speakers and headphones. It also includes a built-in synchronised light show, w, making you feel like a real DJ letting loose in the clubs! The Party Mix will project multi-coloured LEDOther features includedd in this powered lights that transport you out of your living room and onto the gadget are a snooze option, alarm beep and dimmer feature. The T Lumie dancefloor. Remember, whoever’s in charge of Bodyclock also works to help you fall music, is in charge of the party. You asleep, as it has a 30 minuute sunset w down. also get a free download of Virtual DJ setting that will help you wind Limited Edition, which will let you Although, after a day of cooking experiment with blending your music! Christmas Dinner,r, eating, drinking, h the h Queen’s ’ speech, h more Available from Menkind.co.uk at watching eating and drinking, followed by £79.99. charades and the inevitable family Lumie Bodyclock arguments, we’re not sure you’ll need It’s Christmas Day, y, the in-laws are on to worry about dozing off. Available their way, y, you’ve still got to prep the from John Lewis at £56.99. food, make sure the turkey is defrosted, set the table, get the kids dressed, and Sous Vide Wand have the Michael Buble CD on loop... You’re the chef and the the kitchen is needless to say, y, you won’t have time your kingdom! No one dare enter The Local Answer
whilst you’re in the zonee; roasting those potatoes, boiling the veg, glazing the turkey – it’s all about precision and skill. So if youu’re feeling the heat, don’t get out of thhe kitchen, but wave the magic g wand – the Sous Vide Wand from Lakeland. This easy to use kitchen gadget g will let you feel like a professional chef. Simply clip the wand onto a deep pan of water, turn the dial to the right temperature and set a timee, and wait for the magic beep that tells you to put your vacuum packed food in. Unlike your regular pots, this onne doesn’t need to be watched; the steel wand warms the water to the optimum temperature and regulates it, so the food won’t be overcooked, and you can get on with your other tasks. The h timer i can be b set up too 59 hours and 59 minutes, and the w wand also comes with some recipes tto try out. Give your home-cooked meals some va va voom with this suave contraption, available from LLakeland at £99.99.
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Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
Money Ma at tters with Roger Downes of Andorr ran ra
Keeping pace with inflation Last month, for the first time in many years, wages rose at a faster rate than the increase in retail prices. It made me wonder jjust how ppeople p have coped p with the adverse disparity in these figures over such a long period of time. It’s been that way since the credit crisis of 2008-09. Interest rates have been a key contributor. They have remained at record low levels throughout that period and, despite two small increases this year,r, are still at a very low level today. With the major monthly outgoing in most households being the mortgage repayment, people have been able to ignore the disparity as it doesn’t apply to their main item of expenditure. But if interest rates are going to keep on rising, will we be able to cope with outgoings if wages don’t keep pace? Unemployment numbers have been at record lows too and the conventional wisdom is that when they drop, pay levels and inflation generally will rise. But that doesn’t appear to t have h b been th case in the i the th last l t few f years. In I fact, f t perversely, last month’s increase in wage rate inflation was accompanied by an increase in unemployment too. Maybe the rules that used to operate for these measures have simply been overtaken by more modern economics. It can’t make planning an economic strategy very easy if you can’t rely on key trends of the past.
All our household spending plans are now based on both partners working
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The most obvious impact on wage rates stagnating is a squeeze on standards of living. We’ve been used to seeing increases in standards year on year,r, decade on decade as the concept of dual income couples has become the norm rather th than th the th exception, ti andd allll off our household h h ld spending plans are all now based on both partners working. Technology has played its part too. As the development of communication devices reaches a rate at which they move from luxury items for those with money to burn, through the must-have item of the early part of the century, to today when they are almost an implant on the human body, y, it is no wonder that monthly spending has a new key item that we have to fund out of income that is stagnating. And, of course, it’s not just a device for you, there’s the kids to buy for too. It doesn’t matter what’s happening to parents’ pay, little Johnny or Jenny can’t be seen without one. There is no solution of course. course Cost Costs ts will inevitably continue to rise. We need to invest in a culture in which wages and living standards can keep pacce or maybe even get ahead. Thanks to all who have read my ram mblings this year. Have a great Christmas and I’ll be back in 2019.
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Spor ort t with R Ro oger Jackson
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Craig Chap pman helping to o spark Stow re evival Craig Chapman had only retired from playing rugby for a few sho ort months when the call came from Stow-onthe-Wold asking him if he’d ’d return to the club. Only this time it wasn’t as a player,r, but as a coach of the Southern Counties North club. “I retired at the end of the 2016/17 season,” explained Chapman, the one-time no 8 who is joint head coach with another former player Tim Peachey. y. “After about four games into last season they asked me and Tim if we’d ’d take it on.” And as you you’d ’d expect of someone who has been with the club for 24 years from the age of nine, Chapman had little hesitation in accepting the challenge. “I’d ’d known Tim for 10 or 12 years,” he added. “We played a lot of rugby together.” Peachey, y, a back row or centre, looks after the backs and Chapman takes care of the forwards and so far
A numbers game Northleach JJuniors Football Club are playing a numbers game. And the numbers game they are playing is not about points or goals, it’s about players. Northleach is a small market town in the heart of the Cotswolds, some 10 miles from Stow-on-the-Wold, and, as such, finding sufficient players to keep the club going is the pressing concern. “That’s the biggest challenge,” said club chairman Jon Farley. “There’s quite a small population in Northleach and the surrounding villages and there are so many other attractions – Stow Rugby Club, horse riding, shooting, cross country. y.”
One of the main men Chris Coley has been a major player on the sporting scene in Gloucestershire for many decades. Brimful with ideas, energy and
Craig Chapman
everything has been going pretty well. “We got through last year,r,” admitted Chapman, “it was w a bit of a struggle. We had a lot of injuries which didn’t help but it was w good to stay in the league.” This season has seen the e club take a step forward with a number of encouraging results. “We had a good pre-season and we’ve started to bu uild,” said Chapman. “We’ve tried to improve the atmosphere and make playing rugby personality, y, his marketing skills helped shape iconic sporting eve ents such as the Cheltenham National Hunt H Festival and the Cheltenham Criccket Festival into the major attraction ns that they are today. y. And it’s not just off the field that he has had a major impact because he was a more than decent sportsman back in the day. y. He also owns a Chris Coley string of racehorses and has had a good numb ber of sports books published over the years.
A rising star… star As mentors go for up-and-coming rugby referees you can do a lot worse than Chris White, and Craig MaxwellKeys knows he has been lucky enough to learn from one of the very best. Not that you can really consider Maxwell-Keys an up-and-coming referee these days – he’s well
more enjoyable and more m sociable. There’s ’s a better buzz about the team.” Back row Dan Salvaage has taken over the captaincy – he was vicecaptain last season – and Chapman and Peachey have been helped by some of the team’s morre experienced players. “Craig Voisey has jo oined the club this season,” said Ch hapman. “He’s moved to the are ea and was player/coach at Stratford who play at a good level. He’s ’s a baack row and is just playing. He just rocks r up on a Thursday and a Saturdaay. y. “Richard Huggett has come out of retirement to play. y. He’s been away for a couple of years, he’s an old stager in the second row. And Rich Kilbey is also back. He’s ’s a prop and those three are the spine of the pack.” But that’s ’s where the real experience pretty much starts and finishes. “We’re a real young side,” continued Chapman, “the majority of our boys are under 25.” Full story online. established on the Premiership circuit, regularly takes charge of European Challenge Cup gam games es and was recently given his first international. The 28-year-old hass made a big impact since turning professional four years ago and credits White, who is the RFU’s national refe eree academy manager, for much off his development. White and MaxwellKeys have worked very well together for a good number of years now – including on White’s referee scholarship scheme at the h University off C Maxwell-Keys Gloucestershire – so Craig much so that Birm mingham-born Maxwell-Keys has recently bought an apartment in Cheltenhaam just a long Danny Cipriani touch h-finder from White’s home. For full versions of all these stories and more, visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
Above is a selection from local sporting stories available online ...
Miles of smiles at North Cotswold Tr Cotswold Tri and and Run Run Club Club Dennis Walmsley has been a successful distance runner for many, y, many years now. Marathons, ultra-marathons… you name it, he’s done it. But one thing he’d never done until last year was a triathlon. Now 56, he freely admits that it was something he felt he had to do after forming North Cotswold Tri and Run Club in 2016 which, as the name suggests, is a club that caters for triathletes as well as runners and duathletes. “I felt it was obligatory, y,” he said. So how did he get on? “The main thing was to see if I enjoyed it, it ” he continued. continued “II did enjoy it although I found the swimming difficult, I’m not a good swimmer.” The competittion in question was a sprint triathlon in Bicester,r, and it can’t have gone too o badly for Walmsley because he has committed to taking part in a middlle distance triathlon at Cotswold Water Park next year. His wife Luccy – who is the real triathlete in th he family – has also entered the event so husband and wife will be going head to head. Dennis Walm msley remains first and foremost a runn nerr, so who is favourite ner, to win at Ashto on Keynes in June? “It will be interesting,” laughed Walmsley. “I’ll be behind her in the swim and probaably in the bike as well. I’ll have to tryy to catch her on the run!” That won’t be e easy because Lucy is a very decent triathlete. She is the current British triathlon champion in the 45-49 age group at both the standard and middle m distance, and has competed in th he Kona Ironman World Championships after having qualified as British Ironm man champion. p And she is just one of a number of very good com mpetitors at the North Cotswold Tri an nd Run Club which has close on 40 me embers. “It’s stable, we’re w always trying to attract new peo ople and expand,” said Walmsley. “We’ve got another 23 members in the e thriving junior section which runs from m March to October.”
North Cotswold Tri and Run Club were formed in 2016
So who are e some of the competitors who have be een turning in impressive performances? “Roger Dayy is British champion in the 70-74 caategory after winning the Bolton Ironm man,” said Walmsley with obvious pride. “He also qualified for the world half Ironman championships in South Africca where he finished sixth in his age category. y.” And there are others at the club who are doing very well as well. “Marie and Phil Brush are duathletes,” Walmsley continued. “They’ve represented Great Britain at the world and European duathlon championships along with Seanin Gilmore who represented Ireland. Marie was a bronze medalist in both in the 40-44 age category. y. “Then there’s Pauline Teague who has competed for Great Britain at three European Championships, standard distance at Lisbon, two sprints at Düsseldorf and Glasgow, w, and also l cycled l d for f Great Britain at the h UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Albi, France. “Our chairman Steve Edwards, whose aim is to run 1,000 marathons, currently holds a number of world records including most completed organised marathons and over 500 marathons under three hours, 20
minutes. He’s 56 and he’s on about 847 at present.” Walmsley, y, who is vice-chairman of the club, is keen to stress that the North Cotswold Tri and Run Club caters for everyone – triathletes, duathletes and runners from beginners to elite. Members meet for weekly interval training sessions at the Runner Bean Gym in Upper Rissington and there are also weekly run sessions in Moretonin-Marsh. h Monthly swimming sessions are held under the watchful eye of swimming g teacher Olivia Charles – known as Izzy – at Bourton Leisure Centre and d a cycle ride is organised every quarrter. Tom Williams has been one of the organisers of the cycling and he has also been instrumental in setting up the junior section of the club, who during the summer trained every Saturday at a Far Peak Climbing Centre in Northleaach. It’s a verry busy club and Walmsley, It y, who was a member of Bourton Roadrunne ers for more than 30 years, is delighte ed with the way things are going. “This yeaar has been phenomenal in terms of the medals won for such a small club,,” he said. Full story o online.
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