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The Local

A NS W E R

DECEMBER 2018

THE LARGEST DISTRIBUTION IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

fforr llocal fo oca l ppeople e o p le

GLOUCESTER A VER RY Y MERR RY Y CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS!



The Loc al

ANSWER Gloucester – 46,000 copies Gloucestershire South – 41,000 copies Cotswolds – 30,000 copies Cheltenham – 43,000 copies Gloucestershire North – 20,000 copies

Managing Director Dave Kingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Editorial & Marketing Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Helen Kingscott

Sport Roger Jackson sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Entertainment Tom Hadfield entertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Wellcome to December D ... We have finally reached the last month of 20018 – how the yeear has flown by. 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 recippe, festive stories in our Entertainment section and much h more. If youu’re lucky enough to have time off over the t festive period then check out our What’s On section for loads of eventss to keep the whole family occupied over the holidayys. Alternatively, if you don’t fancy venturing out in the cold, why not snuggle on the sofa with our Christmas 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 y eyes peeled across our social media platforms for thee announcement of our 2019 winners. Finally, we would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to all of o our readers and customers from the whole team at The Local Answer!

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Delicious Dish Mirror Mirror on the Wall Parenting & Guardianship Motoring Medical Health Quick Crossword Holidays & Travel TLA Sport What’s On Leader’s Life TLA Entertainment Homes & Gardens Wildlife Matters In the Garden Interior Design Sudoku Save the Planet Word Search Money Matters Index , Competitions, Solutions

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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

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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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Mirr ro or Mirr ro or on the W Waall ... with V Va al St ta arr

Playful prints andd festive fun Tis the season for animal prints. Not that they ever really went away, y, but this winter season you will find animal prints everywhere, from the catwalks to the high street. Let’s take a look at the different prints on offer, plus a few festive fashion favourites.

Leopard print

If you want to add just a touch t h of animal print to your ward drobe, opt for accessories – think t handbags, sunglasses, sh hoes and even trainers.

Snake print Another popular and extremely flattering style is snake print, which is perhaps slightly more subtle than many of the other options. If you imagine a snake’s skin, it has long lines running g down the body, and this makes for a great illusion of slimness when transferred to a pattern on clothes.. Black, white and grey make for a softer look and are easy to accessorise.

ttracksuits k it look l k like lik authentic Gucci. Lots of these have wide leg pants, o often with a thick stripe running down the leg , making them stylish and, of course, they are very comfortable.

Pleather sskirts When we think of animal prints, Since Meghaan Markle more often than not leopard print is wore her pe encil style what comes to mind. High street leather skirtt, the high shops are full of clothes and street has juumped on accessories displaying prints that thi look. this l k Most M t items it seem to t representt the th enti tire animal i l are made in ‘pleather’ kingdom, including leopard, zebra (artificial leather) and cheetah patterns. They also tend which, fraankly, is to come in numerous different much eassier and colours and shades, which h helps to more pliable to wear, make it an accessible style e for all – and it’s hard to tell the whether you like bright prin nts, or opt difference from m the real for more subtle shades. Nobody thing. Lots of pleather wants to look like Coronatio on Street’s Pleats skirts come in vibrant and Bette Lynch, so sometime es less is We often think pleats unusual shade es, which more. tend to make us look make them look very larger and in the past modern. Primaark has a they occasionally selection of p pencil skirts did but the styles did, in great colours ffor around today can be very Missguided £13, and Dorothy Perkins flattering for most also has a good se election at figures. Some knife reasonable prices. This is a like pleats are nice addition to your very subtle and can be barely seen as the ey are cut wardrobe without breaking the bank. so well. Stripes and horizontal h Sparkle pleats can also look verry stylish, A little glitz and glam makes us all and many pleated clothe es come in feel in the holiday mood aand ready fabrics that don’t crease, so o ironing is for all those parties and get not a problem. Lots off pleated togethers. Whether you ad dd sparkle clothes come in metallic fabrics to your clothes, which would look lovely over the accessories or h lid holidays with ith a seasonall jumper j or make-up, have Zara currently have a non- blouse. a little fun traditional type blazer in a lovely Tracksuits and enjoy leopard print for under £50 0 (above), Now we’re not talking exxercise or the festive which can easily be worn with w smart lounging around – these tracksuits season! trousers, a skirt or even ovver a plain are for hitting the town! High street dress. Jumpsuits, which are e still very Gucci knock-offs are veryy popular m come in popular,r, also come in an asssortment styles, and many of them ASOS rich vibrant shades – th he velour of animal prints and colourrs. 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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Motor riing with Luke Edwa wards

A good old-fash hioned boo ok I recently got back into reading; things had got a bit hectic and I required some time out. I then found the bookworm in myself and started devouring words at a huge rate of knots. Having a good book to read is such a huge winter comfort, like a hot water bottle in bed, and it’s something you can take with you on your daily travels.

63,000 miles on a Triumph Tiger 100 I just finished a re re-read reaad of the paperback version of Ted d Simon’s book ‘Jupiter’s Travels’. In n the late 1970s, Ted rode 63,000 miles m on a Triumph Tiger 100, over the e space of four years, through fifty-four countries, in a journey that took him around the world. He enccountered breakdowns, prison (after being mistaken for a spy), war,r, revolutions, disaster and a Californian commune.

way with words and know ws how to purvey his deeper emotions, anxiety, y, feelings and draw the reader in. I have just ordered the follow f up ‘Dreaming of Jupiter’ where Ted retraced his journey in 2001 at the age of 69. I am also lo ooking at purchasing ‘Lone Rider’ by b Elspeth Beard. ‘A Biker’s Life: Misadven ntures on (and off) Two Wheels’, is the new book by Henry Cole, the Cotswolds C based motorcycle and d travel presenter about his colourrful life as presenter, a biker and will no douubt be a riveting read. He has a fantastic writing style and is a journalist through and through. I recently picked up the paperback p of Michael Palin’s ‘Sahara’, which got me hooked again on Palin’s travel writing; his books featuure some stunning exhibition standaard colour photos by Basil Pao. ‘Blo owing the Bloody Doors Off: And Othe er Lessons in Life’ by Michael Caine, should have some interesting baackground f from th actor the t who h sta t rred d in i a Christmas classic for all motoring fans, ‘The Italian Job’.

Revealing the side of o Kimi that few have ever known

It was Ted’s journey that inspired Charley Boorman and d Ewan McGregor to undertake th heir ‘Long Way Round’ adventure and d it’s truly one of the best travel boo oks I have ever read. Ted Simon has a superb The Local Answer

For fans of Formula One, the t recently published book ‘TThe Unknown Kimi Raikkonen’ by Kari Hotakainen is ve ery revealing. This is an autthorised portrait of Räikköne en, somewhat an enigma, and writer Hotakainen gets to reveal the side of Kimi th hat few beyond his close fam mily and friends have ever know wn. If you are into the legen nds of Formula One, a rece ent favourite read of mine was w the paperback version of ‘James Hunt – The Biograph hy’ by Gerald Donaldson; a fun f

comprehensive work, in which Donaldson spoke to the ke ey people in Hunt’s life, really bringin ng out the character behind the man. I had the pleasure of meeting Freddie Hunt at Goodwood Festival a couple of years ago; he was a true gentlem man too. Whatever you are up to t at this festive time of year, year be it relaxing with a good book, eating far too many mince pies or plan nning the year ahead, have a warm w and comfortable Christmas and a best wishes to you all for 2019.

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Medic ca al He Hea al lt th with Holl ly y Hannigan

Cold or flu? As the winter season takes hold with bitter winds and dropping temperatures, staying snuggled inside seems very tempting. Winter also brings with it a host of germs and viruses that can spread like wildfire, causing chaos, particularly among the young and elderly. y.

They are two completely different viruses Many people suffer the symptoms of a common cold and often use the word ‘flu’ to describe it. Yet they are two completely different viruses and whilst a cold can be uncomfortable, you can usually carry on everyday activities such as work. However,r, the flu makes you so unwell that you are unable to do anything apart from rest. Symptoms of a cold are a runny or blocked nose, headache, sore throat and perhaps a raised temperature and cough. The cold virus is spread through germs in coughs and sneezes that live on surfaces for up to 24 hours. hours To avoid spre spreading eading or indeed catching a cold yo ou should wash your hands with soap s and

warm water often, use tissues to catch coughs and sneezes then throw them in a bin, and try to stay fit and healthy. y. Flu symptoms can come e on very quickly and include a sudden fever, aching body, exhaustion, cough, sore thrroat, headache, difficulty sleep ping, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or tummy pain, and nausea and being sick. Pneumonia is a complication of flu that can impact those in the high risk categories: • People aged 65 and over • Pregnant women • Children and adults with h an young people aged 2-17 years, underlying health condition which protects against fo our strains • Children and adults with a of flu (a live quadrivalentt vaccine). weakened immune syste em • An injection for adults ag ged 18-65 In order to protect the most who have a long-term m health vulnerable from complications, a flu condition (a quadrivalent injected vaccine is now widely avaailable on vaccine). the NHS for the high risk categories c • An injection for people aged 65 and all children aged 2-10.. and over, which is an adjuvanted There are 3 types of flu vaccine trivalent vaccine that has h been available: shown to be more effecttive in this • A nasal spray for children and age group.

The flu vaccine is widely w available The flu vaccine is availab ble at your GP surgery, y, a local pharm macy, y, from midwives, and children arre offered the vaccine in school. As with any vaccine there may be sid de effects such as a mild fever an nd aching muscles for a couple p of days d after having the vaccine and your arm may be sore where youu had the injection. Side effects from m the nasal spray may include a runny or blocked nose, headache, tiredness and loss of appetite. Contact your GP to find out if you are eligible for a flu vaccine e and stay well this winter. The Local Answer

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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

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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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Spor ort t with R Ro oger Jackson

WA W ANT TO SHARE YOUR SPORTING STORY ON OUR WEBSITE? Please email full details to sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk

A majorr player at Bricckhampton Cou urt Peter House retired from full-time work some eight years ag go but he remains i a very busy b man. Over the past three years he has been vice-captain, club captain and now president of Brickhampton Court Golf Club and he plans to carry on in his current role for a good while yet. When The Local Answer called, he was just preparing to meet up with club captain Ray Jones ahead of the club’s ’s President v Captain match. “It’s an annual grudge match,” laughed Peter. “We try desperately to beat each other for bragging rights, although in a very sporting way. y.” Peterr, who is in his 60s, Peter, 60s started playing golf from an early age – his dad Ron was a keen golfer. “My twin brother Paul and I were about seven years old,” he recalled. “My dad played at Lilley Brook and we’d ’d be up there every weekend. We’d ’d caddy for my dad or other members. “We’d ’d also go looking for lost balls and occasionally knock some balls

A true all-rounder Chris Ch i Todd T dd is i a football f tb ll man through th h and through. Gloucester City’s new manager has made a full-time living out of the game for pretty much all of the past 20 years and as you’d expect has Chris Todd. gained plenty of experience during Picture: Neil Phelps that time as a player, co oach and manager. Football has been his passion passion since he was a young boy and it’s fair to say that apart from his family it’s been the great love of his life. But don’t for one minute think that Todd is one of those people who is all football, football, football and nothing else. Far from it, because he’s been part of a choir that has performed at the

Peter House

about. My brother joined d the RAF but I carried on playing, alth hough I was never very successful. successful ” Peter is being a little modest m there – he currently plays off nine. n And that is despite not playing a lot of golf for much of his working w life. “I worked for the Fire and Rescue Service for 31 years,” he h said with some pride. “When I did play golf I played society golf, f, I didn’t take up golf full-time until I retire ed in 2010.” That was when Peter,r, who lives in Royal Albert Hall, sung on o a charity single, played the lead role in a short f l written a book film, b k and d fought f h as an amateur boxer.

A rising star… As mentors go for up-and-coming rugby referees you can do o a lot worse than Chris White, and Craig MaxwellKeys knows he has been lucky enough to learn from one e of the very best. Not that you can really consider Maxwell-Keys an up-and-coming referee these days – he’s well established on the Premie ership circuit, regularly takes charge of European Challenge Cup games and was recently given his first international. The 28-year-old, who lives in Cheltenham, has made a big impact since turning professional four years ago and credits White, who is the RFU’s national referee academy manager,r, for much of his development.

Cheltenham and is married to Vivienne, joined Brickkhampton. So why h did he h join j i the th club l b in i Churchdown? “A few of my colleag gues from the Fire Service were memb bers there,” he explained, “but I also wanted w to play on a course that wasn’t hilly. y. “I knew that if I was w going to continue to play golf fo or a significant length of time that I’d ’d be better off on a flat course. I was also a aware that the club was very frien ndly and has a strong social aspect.” So what sort of golfer is he? “I’m steady, y,” he said d. “I’m getting there but it it’s ’s hard work. workk The aim is to get the handicap down to seven but I’m happy around the eight mark. I’ll be content if I can stay on a single figure handicap for the next few years.” And he’s ’s certainly been happy to throw himself into all things Brickhampton Court Golf Club over the past few years. Full story online.

One of the main men Chris Coley has been a major player on the sporting scene in Gloucestershire for many decadess. Brimful with ideas, energy and personality, y, his marketin ng skills helped shape iconic sporting events e such as the Cheltenham Nationaal Hunt Festival and the Cheltenham Cricket C Festival into the major attractions 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. He also owns a string of Chris Coley racehorses and has had a good number of sports books published over the years. For full versions of all these stories and more, please visitt our website: www.thelocalanswer.cco.uk

Above is a selection from local sporting stories available online ...


Blackwell to take on the world Richard Blackwell has just turned 60 and d he h doesn’t d ’t mind i d who h knows k it it. He’s not one of those people who gets coy about their age as they get older; far from it, he actually embraced reaching the big ‘six-O’. Mind you the chairman of Gloucester Athletic Club, Club who is still very much an active runner, has a special reason for celebrating the start of his seventh decade. “It means I can move up an age group,” he said. “I’m looking to do the masters indoor season this winter. I will be one of the younger ones competing in the 60-plus age group.” And Blackwell, a sprinter,r, is certainly aiming high because he wants to run in the World Indoor Masters Championships in Poland in March. That will be over 60 metres – “If there was anything y g shorter I’d g go for that,” he laugh hed – and he is looking to run it in around 8.35 seconds. “That’s what I did last winter and I’m hoping for the e same this year,” he added. And there’s every e reason to believe that he will acchieve his aim because Blackwell is a seriously s good athlete. Born and bred in Gloucester – he still lives in the cityy – Blackwell, who went to Chosen Hill School, was interested in athletics from m a fairly young age. “Athletics waas always my number one sport,” he said. And it still iss and for most of that time Gloucestter AC has been his number one club, although he did spend 12 yearrs with Severn Athletic Club from 1995 5. “I first joined Gloucester 41 years ago,” said Blackwell, who took over as chairman at the start of the year. And the youung Blackwell made a pretty quick im mpression, running for Gloucester and d also for the Midlands on a couple of occasions. “I competed against internationals,” said Blackwelll. “I competed against Allan Wells th hree weeks after he’d won gold in the 100 metres at the Moscow Olymp pics.” So how did he h get on? “I let him have it,” laughed Blackwell, wh ho also ran against Linford Chrisstie in the AAA Championshipss at Crystal Palace. “I also ran ag gainst the Great Britain 4x400 metres runners – Phil Brown,

Gloucester Athletic Club have a brighht future

Derek Redm mond and Garry Cook. There were a lot of big names around at that time.. “It was pretty much an amateur sport back then. Athletes weren’t travelling the globe all the time, they were representing their clubs. They were great days, I loved it.” Those days were from 1980 to 1985 and it was in 1980 that Blackwell set his personal best for the 100 metres – 10.6 seconds. His best time for the 200 is 22 seconds, set at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. That time of 10.6 for the 100 remains the fastest recorded by any runner at Gloucester AC,, although g the time is not officially recognised. “It was wind assisted,” said Blackwell, “but no one has run any faster,r, windy or not. “I started off as a 100 metres runner but my 200 wasn’t shabby, y, although the 100 was always my first love.” Gloucester Athletic Club offer something for everyone when it comes to athletics, of course, and Blackwell says the club are in “rude health”. “We’ve just had a very successful season and the senior team won promotion in the Midlands Athletics League,” said Blackwell, who still occasionally runs for the club’s 4x100 relay team. “That’s the flagship competition for our club and we’ve won back-to-back promotions. “That’s very healthy. y. We’ve just won Division Three and we’ve got some great athletes.

“We’re very strong in the field events – Tim Williams in the hammer and Gareth Winter in the shot and discus, th hey are massive points winners. “In the juumps Joel Townley is a good talent – he e does long and triple jump. He’s a pup pil at Crypt School and won silver at the t England Schools triple jump. “On the track t Steve Millward does a range of evvents although he is mainly a steeplecchaser and Harry Wells is a young middle distance runner who had a veryy good season.” And th he picture is just as encouragin ng in the ladies. “Thrower Chloe Jones and multieventer Kaate Davies both did really well, as d did sprinters Sophie Rowe, Ellie Whe eeler-Smith and Sophie Temple,” ssaid Blackwell. Those ‘sttar’ performers are part of a 220-member club, which includes a thriving junior section. The club b’s youngest members are aged seven n but they still have athletes at the othe er end of the age spectrum as well. “Chris O’Carroll and Dave Spackman are both in their mid-70s,” added Bl k ll “they both still run around.” Blackwell, Club pre esident Lorraine Shaw is another w who, says Blackwell, still “gets out aand does a bit of running”. Shaw of course won Commonwealth Games gold in the hammer in Mancheste er in 2002 and also competed at two Olympics. Full story o online.

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What’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 GOLDSMITH EXHIBITION AT CHAPEL ARTS Renowned watercolour artist Robert Goldsmith reveals the breadth of his portfolio in a showcase of evocative local scenes and portraits. Also on display is a large collection of handmade artists’ books. Coffee shop available. Wednesday-Saturday, 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’t miss the all new, 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 572573. 1 DECEMBER GAS GREEN YOUTH CENTRE CHRISTMAS FAIR Christmas Fair, Saturday 1st December 12pm till 3pm at Gas Green Youth Centre, Baker Street, Cheltenham. Entrance 20p adults, children free. Craft stalls, tombola,

refreshments, games cakes, and Father Christmas will be there. Contact Elaine 01242 237883 1-2 DECEMBER FESTIVE WINTER WEEKEND Celebrate the start of the festive season for our final open weekend of 2018. Drop in and join us for a glass of mulled wine or spiced berry cordial, enjoy familyfriendly 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. Full details at www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk King’s Square, Gloucester, 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 Power, 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, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 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 3 & 9 DECEMBER THE NUTRCRACKER ROYAL OPERA HOUSE LIVE BALLET 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. Full details at coriniummuseum.org. Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, GL7 2BX.

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3 DECEMBER – 4 JANUARY TETBURY CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL AND MEMORY TREE 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 A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS, POEMS AND TIGER EGGS 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. Ballet Cymru bring to life this story using the company’s unique blend of classical

technique and storytelling. 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 5-10 DECEMBER ARTISAN CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENT AND WORKSHOPS AT CHAPEL ARTS ‘Watch This Space’ is bringing artisan-made jewellery, ceramics, glass and textiles, plus some very special workshops, to Chapel 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 began with a series of inspirational stories, Stiles and

Drewe bring us an imaginatively empowering piece of theatre in Just So. Set to an eclectic, upbeat score; Kipling’s Just So Stories are woven with wit and imagination into a song-filled journey through the jungle. Full details at barntheatre.org.uk. The Barn Theatre, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester GL7 1BN. 6-9 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL You are invited to come and see the beautifully decorated Christmas Trees at Hucclecote Methodist Church. Following the theme ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, decorations have been handmade by the Church Family. Refreshments served. All are welcome. 2-6pm. 6-22 DECEMBER THE SNOW QUEEN Blackfriars Priory will be transformed into a magical winter 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, princesses and princes, magical creatures, robbers and thieves, on their way to the Snow Queen’s icy kingdom. Tickets £12 (£8 concessions). For full details, please visit www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk Blackfriars Priory, Via Sacra, Ladybellegate Street, Gloucester GL1 2HN.

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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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*Photographs and Face Painters are not included in the entry price. Personal photographs are not permitted in the grotto. Tickets are non refundable or exchangeable. The Bird Park is closed on event days to general visitors.

www.thebirdpark.com • Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX

7 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS MAGICAL MYSTERY 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 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. 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, GL1 2LX. 8-9 DECEMBER THE BIG BATSFORD ELF HUNT! Santa and his Elf are returning to their magical grotto at Batsford this Christmas! Come and visit them from 2-4pm. £5 per child – each child visiting Santa will receive a gift. Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9QB. www.batsarb.co.uk

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TEWKESBURY TOWN BAND 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. Discover some of the amazing characters from Alice in Wonderland and 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. 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:

To advertise call 0122 510500

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/£80 for both. To book contact Ione Woodger-Smith on 07790 429920 or at crazy.daisy@btinternet.com. Painswick Rococo Garden, GL6 6TH. rococogarden.org.uk 11 DECEMBER CHELTENHAM CHORAL SOCIETY – TAPESTRY OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC Cheltenham Choral Society return 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

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14 DECEMBER CHRISTTM MAS ON THE SQUARE A festive evening to celebrate the Cheltenham West community with 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 togetherr,, but people from all communities are welcome. 4.30-6pm. Coronation Square, Cheltenham, GL51 7SE. cheltenhamcat.co.uk 14-15 DECEMBER A CHRISTMAS CAROL Join the children of Acting Out! as they present a retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic 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 CHRISTTM MAS 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 – of course – mulled wine! Plus meet Ralph the Elff,, posing for photos on the hour each day between 12 and 4pm. 15 DECEMBER CHRISTTM MAS 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, Hesters Way are welcome). At Cambray Baptist Church, Cambray Place, Cheltenham GL50 1JS (near John Lewis). 15-28 DECEMBER THE HA ATTTER IN WINTERLAND Far away from the mad comfort of Wonderland, this December the Hatter finds himself stranded in Winterland! Hysterical, silly and a little bit frightened, he must discover how he got there in order to find

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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 Cheltenham Playhouse, 47-53 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7HG. 01242 5222852. 16 DECEMBER NAT ATIVITY TY SERVICE 10.30am. An action-packed church service s telling the Christmas story for all thee family. y. At Cambray Baptist Church, Cambrayy Place, Cheltenham GL50 1JS J ((near JJohn Lew wis). CAROLS BY CA CANDLELIGHT 6.30pm. A lovely atmospheric servicce with carols and candlelight – followed by mulled wine and mince pies. At Cambray Baptist Church, Cambray Place, Cheltenham GL50 1JS (near John Lewis). CHELT LTENHAM BACH CHOIR – A CHR RISTMAS CRACKER This year’s concert features two maarvellous guests joining the choir for the perrfect start to your Christmas festivities. TThe hugely popular Flowers Band will rraise the roof with their blend of classical annd popular festive offerings, and the yyoung Beauregard Singers are a sheer delight. The choir willll sing beautiful f l Christm mas music and of course, there will be the opportunity for everyone to join in some of their favourite carols. 6.30pm. £20. Pittville Pump Room, East Approachh Drive, GL52 3JE. www.cheltenhamtownhaall.org.uk 19 DECEMBER HOLLY LY AT AT CHRISTM TMAS Buddy Holly and the Cricketers oncce again herald in the Yuletide festivities wiith Holly at Christmas! Holly’s hits, contempoorary classics and Christmas crackers are all wrapped up in a fast, furious and funny f feast of entertainment. 7.30pm. £18-£25. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tew wkesbury, y, GL20 5NX. 5NX www.rosestheatre.org th t 19-22 DECEMBER SLEEPING BEAUTY TY The Queen has given birth to a beauutiful baby daughter,r, Aurora. To celebrate, the King is holding a fabulous christening party and all the fairies have been invitedd. One fairy is not so happy however,r, as heer invitation doesn’t arrive. Intent of vengeance, the wicked Fairy Malafaz curses the royal baby with a terrifying spell – when Aurora reaches the age of 18 she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die! What will become of the beautiful princess? For full details please visit www gloucesterguildhall co uk Glouccester www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1N NS. 20 DECEMBER STORIES WITH SANTA TA Santa visits the Corinium Museum too tell a short story from the North Pole in a magical setting and present the children with a seasonal gift at the end. A special occasion o for families or playgroups with younng children. For times and prices pleasse visit

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

coriniummuseum.org Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester,r, GL7 2BX. 21 DECEMBER THAT AT’LL BE THE DAY AY – THE CHRISTMAS 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 SNOWM WMAN 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. p From £10. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, 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 Baptist Church, Cambray Place, Cheltenham GL50 1JS (near John Lewis) 26 DECEMBER WINSTON’S ’S WISH BOXING DAY AY CHALLENGE 2018 Registration is open for the popular Winston’s’s Wish Boxing Day Challenge at Cheltenham Racecourse – now in its 10th year! This fun, festive and family-friendly challenge is open to everyone, and whether you wish to walk, run, jog, trot or gallop your way around the two or four mile course, you’ll be guaranteed plenty of fresh air,r, fun and fabulous views! Tickets on the day cost £12 (adults) and £6 (children) or can be bought in advance from the Winston’s Wish website £9 (adults) £5 (children). Start time 10.30am. www.winstonswish.org/boxing-daychallenge 4-6 JANUARY THE COTSWOLDS DECO CORAT ATIVE, ANTIQUES & ART RTS FAIR The UK’s first major art and antiques fair of the New Year. Featuring art andd antiques specialists from across the UK, this popular fair is the place to buy everything including the most tradditional antique pieces to the latest in decorative chic style. Public Admission is £5. Opening Times: Friday – Sunday 11am–5pm. www.cooperevents.com

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Leader r’’s Life with Councillor P Pa aul James

Tales of the city Earlier this year we celebrated the 1,100th anniversary of the death of Aethelflaed and her burial at St Oswald’s Priory, and marked 375 years since the Siege of Gloucester in the Civil War. One of the lesser-known anniversaries this year is that it is 175 years since the publication of Charles Dickens Dickens’ ‘A A Christmas Carol Carol’.. The connection with Gloucester is also not that well-known. Legend has it that James ‘Jemmy’ Wood, owner of the Gloucester Old Bank, was the inspiration for the character Ebeneezer Scrooge. Wood, whose bank stood where McDonalds is now in Westgate Street, was England’s first millionaire and was notoriously tight-fisted. In the end, nobody greatly benefited from his wealth other than the lawyers, because a long-running dispute over his will saw most of it frittered away in legal fees.

Jemmy was too mean to become Mayor

@thelocalanswer STEVEN Domestic stic and and Industria Industrial Skips Skips

That was a great shame because part of it was left to the ‘Corporation of Gloucester’ (the forerunner of the City Council) and we could do with that money now! Jemmy served the city as Sheriff but was too mean to become its Mayor because of the cost it involved at that time. He is buried in St Mary de Crypt in Southgate Street. Another famous Christmas story from Gloucester is Beatrix Potter’s ‘Tailor of Gloucester’, where the Tailor had to make a waistcoat for the Mayor to get married in on Christmas Day. The Tailor’s shop was really in what is now part of The Sword Inn, but Beatrix Potter preferred the building in College Court, where the House of the Tailor of Gloucester shop and museum is today, so sketched that for her book instead.

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In 2005, the popular tourist attraction was closed by the then owners Frederick Warne publishers and a group of local people, led by Ivan Taylor,r, clubbed together to buy the building and reopened the business to keep it for the city. 13 years on it is still going strong and is staffed by volunteers. If you’re stuck for a Christmas present idea, you can usually find one in here! These two stories are a glorious contrast between the meanness of Jemmy Wood and the generosity of the people who gave their money to save an attraction for Gloucester and the volunteers who continue to give their time to keep it running. As we enter the season of goodwill, goodwill I know which is more in keeping with the festive spirit. On behalf of the City Council, I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas. @cllrpauljames

To advertise call 0122 510500

e: paul.james@gloucesterr..gov.uk

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Entert ta ainment with Tom Hadfield – entert ta ainment@thelocalanswer r..co.uk

The Sno owman at Glouucester Cathed dral If you were to ask someone to name a film that perfectly embodies Christmas and the festive season, season you can bet a lot of people would reply with “The Snowman”. The beloved animation, which was first released in 1982, has toured around the country throughout the festive period for the last five years and this year will be visiting Gloucester Cathedral for the first time. The tour is being taken around the UK by Carrot Productions and managing director Rachel Whibley is especially excited about bringing the show to the people of Gloucester. She said: “We can’t wait to bringg The Snowman to Gloucester Cathedral for the first time this Christmas. It’s going to be a very special experience for both the musicians and the audience. “We love taking our performances into Cathedrals, as the majesty and splendour of the buildings adds an extra frisson of excitement and wonder,r, especially at Christmas time.

‘The Snowman’ was first broadcast in 1982

“It really is the film associated with Christmas for so many people, p as it evokes happy memories of Christmas ppast. It’s incredible to think that it’s now nearly 40 years since it was first shown on Christmas Eve. “Parents often want to pass on and share their memories with their children or grandchildren, establishing new traditions of their ownn by seeing it in such an absorbing annd powerful way.” The performance will feeature a live

Film Review – Claudie Francis

orchestra to play the scoore in time with the film, as well as a youung local singer to perform the iconic ‘W W Walking in the Air’ song, made famouss by Aled Jones. Rachel continued: “W We thought it would be nice to offer the opportunity to children local to thee venue we’re performing in, as it is suuch an amazing and enriching experiencce for them. “They spend the day d immersed within the orchestra, so s have a rare opportunity to experiencce what it’s like to be a professional musician.” The orchestra on show w includes some of the country’s top muusicians, drawn from groups such as the BBC Philharmonic and The Hallé. Hallé For many, manyy, Rachel says, they are as much the focus of attention as the film itself. She said: “Our audiences are amazed and overawed to experience the soundtrack played live, with many finding it hard to believe that it could be played so perfectly in time.” Full story online.

Book Review – Aloÿse of Daylesford Book Club

Bohemian Rhapsody

The Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars Mytting

I was not unique in my eagerness to see ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ when it came out in cinemas. It’s been one of the most talked about films 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 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

Mary-Jess Leaverlan nd returns to Gloucester G It’s safe to say that Gloucester born singer Mary-Jess Leaverland has had an unorthodox rise to the top. top After choosing to study Music and Mandarin Chinese at university, she ended up studying in China, where her music career really took off. She explained: “I never wanted to be anything else other than a singer,r, but my grandmother told me I needed more strings to my bow which was great advice, so I decided to study Chinese.” “I was at a TV studio being nosy and saw they were filming a singing competition. I asked a producer in my then q quite limited Mandarin if I could enter and he said s two words to me: “Ok. Sing.” “So I sang ‘Tim me To Say Goodbye’ on the spot in a crrowded dressing room, and when I finished he said I could be on the show!” But it wasn’t all glamour from here. Coupled with her h studies, the singing competition too ok over Mary-Jess’ life.

Mary-Jess Leaverland

She contin nued: “The show didn’t work like the e X Factor over here does, where h you have h a weekk to t rehearse h and prepare for the weekend. I was on live TV every night for three weeks straight. “I was also expected to continue my studies along gside performing on the show, so the ere was no time to learn new songs. It was very tiring and a complete wh hirlwind, but I enjoyed the

experience e. They told me I was performing in front of 70 million watching aat home in the final show!” For mostt people, having 70 million people waatching you sing would be daunting e enough. But even that pales into insign nificance compared to what Mary-Jess says is her proudest performance. “I sang ‘Abide With Me’ at the FA Cup Final in 2012. It was in front of 90,000 people at Wembley, y, and then around 300 million more watching on TV world-w wide. Pretty nerve-racking!” Mary-Jesss has only just finished touring witth the famous popera group G4, and alrready has more shows lined up. She said: “I’m going on tour and on Saturday 8th December will be performing at St George’s Church in Gloucesterr. Normally I’d go to Gloucester Guild dhall, but my Grandad asked if I’d go to the church as he lives just next door,r, and how could I say no?” Full story o online.

H Hucclecote Christmas Tree Fe estival The Twelve Days of Christmas is one of the most re ecognisable and wellknown Christmas carols. But if like mo ost people you struggle to remember th he lyrics after reaching ‘Five Gold Rings’, the Hucclecote Methodist Church may be able to help you out. The classic song is this year’s theme for the churrch’s Christmas Tree Festival, which will be held from 6th9th December. Dawn Pearmaan is a member of the church and has been involved in organising g g the Christmas Tree Festival for the last fourr years. She said: “We e had a discussion and settled on the theme of ‘The Twelve Days of Chrisstmas’. We’ve got a number of diffferent church groups involved, includ ding our Girls and Boys Brigade, Junior Church and Messy Church youth groups. “Each organisation will have a

Last year’s ’s thheme was the Nativity story

different day from the song and will be decorating their tree with whatever gift is given on that day. y.” The event is a friendly, y, community driven project, that promotes creativity and gets people into the spirit of Christmas. However,r, there are some rules when it comes to decorating, as Dawn explains.

She conttinued: “Each Each tree must be at least three feet tall, has to feature lights, and d can only have the same number off objects that is sung in the carol. “So, for example, whoever has the first day can have as many pears as they like, but only one partridge in their tree! “Every de ecoration is handmade, and we’ve got some really clever people who can create some wonderful designs.” The festival will be open from 26pm at the church, and there will be refreshme f h ents available for visitors. Dawn is looking forward to the festival, w which for her is one of the highlights of the year. “It’s a lott of work but really worth it in the end,, as it brings the community together in nto the church which makes for a lovelyy atmosphere.” Full story o online.

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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

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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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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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Town & Co ountry

LTD LT

01242 862480 neil@cleevelyelectrics.co.uk

Central heating Boiler ser vicing & replacement Electrical testing & rewiring Plumbing tasks & repairs

01242 323923 07912 662516

T: 01452 452002 E: Offffice@gloucesterplumb.co

Free Estim mates and Advice All Aspectts of Electrical Work W Competitivve Rates Inspection n and Te Testing P.A.T. Te Testting

HEA AT TING • PLUMBING ELECTRICAL

Heating and Plumbing Ltd

Domestic, Commercial and Industrial W Wo ork under taken

Getting ready for the dark nights with external security lighting Kitchen lights Rewires Showers Fault finding Inspection & testing Landlord certificates Distribution board upgra Free Estimates ~ No Call out Charge

10% OFF EVERYTHING for work booked and carried out before 31st December 2018

144 Finlay Road Gloucester GL4 6TF Te T el: (Gloucester) 01452 307413 Tel: (Cheltenham) 01242 649642 Mob: 07970 547277 Email: info@grpelectricca allttd d.co co.uk www.grpelectricalltd.co.uk

Page 0

BOILER SERVICES

ffrrom £44.50+VA AT T

t: 01452 3796 687 68 36191088

C100129

306116

enquiries@townandcountryheatingand dplumbing.co.uk www.townandcountryheatingandplu umbing.co.uk Unit 710 Jupiter Court, Meteor Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, Staverton GL2 9QL

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Sav av ve e the Pla Pla an net with Lil ly y Curle

A conscious Christmas C As Christmas approaches, so does the time where the most joke gifts appear,r, and the most materials are wasted. Think Christmas crackers, ‘Secret Santa’ and gimmick gifts when you don’t know what to buy for your friends or family. y. If you’re trying to find people gifts that they love and that are also good for the planet, then here are some examples of things that you can do and buy to make this festive period a less wasteful one.

R d Reduce packaging k i waste t Try using gift bags and boxes instead of wrapping paper this year. While paper gets thrown away or,r, at best, recycled, gift bags can be used again by your recipient to give a gift to someone else in the future. Reusing materials gives them a longer life before they need to be thrown away or recycled, thus reducing the need for as much material in the first place. A lot of wrapping paper isn’t recyclable due to having glitter g or a plastic film on it. Another alternative is to invest in reusable wraap, which can be used again and again. Wrag

Wrap is just one company that sells this type of o packaging, and it even keeps the ‘crackling’ sound you get when unwrapping presents.

Avoid gimmick gifts If you’re unsure of a gift someone would like to receive this holiday season, try teaming up with another person to buy a bigger item m for them that won’t get wasted. Perhaps P a necklace is too much to buuy on your own, but in combination with somebody else it ensuress that the recipient gets something they really love instead of two smaller things that are likely to be wasted. Additionally, y, try to avoid joke gifts! While it may be temptin ng to buy somebody a joke pressent, the materials are wasted if itt is never used and put straight in the loft. Maybe take a photo of the e joke gift instead and laugh over w what you could have bought them, then give them a practical, useful present instead.

Wrag Wrap

Buy eco-friendly pre esents As climate change comes back into the h news and d environmen i tal groups rear their heads once again, there is another push to buy recyycled and reusable goods. Almost anyything can now be bought made off recycled products, be it a wetsuit, a yoga mat, pencils or a handbag! It is worth searching a little farther to see if your intended giftt comes in a recyclable option, and th he person that you are buying for iss likely to appreciate the effort that you have put in. You could also buy them m a ggift to help them be a little more ecofriendly: try buying a metal straw, w, bamboo cutlery, a bamboo toothbrush or beeswax wraps. Buying functional presents is never a bad thing, as many people like having items bought for them that they can actually use, rather than a gimmick. It shows that you care about their day-to-day living, not just that you want to buy them a Christmas themed gift that they’ll only use once a year!

The Beeswax Wrap Co.

The Local Answer

To advertise call 0122 510500

Page 1


Fe m a l e Plumber Kerr rry y Bak ke er

rofessional qualified plumber Fully insured No job too small

Mobile:

07880 258158

YOUR ELECTRIC COOKER YO OR OVEN NOT WORKING? ES ES ST T 2004 l cal Te ell: 07955 295360

For morre Fo e iin nffoorrm matiioon plle lea asse viissiitt tth he w we eb bssiitte @

www ww w..fixfiix x-my-ov ve en.c co o.uk

DIRTY COOKER OR OVEN? Tel: 01242 227067 Te

www ww w..ove en nbu us stte errs rs-c s--c s ch c helte ltte enha en ham m.c co o.uk

O VEN & RANGAENCS •LMEICARN IN G OVENS • EXTRACTOR FFA OW WA AV A VES kerry@thefemaleplumber.co.uk

LITTLE WHITE VVA AN MAN

Gloucestershire’s friendly, cost effffective removals, collections and deliveries service!

Discounts for OAPs, students, NHS, emergency services

BIG V VA A NS A AV VA V AILABLE Great reviews on

07903 097465 01452 303850

hello@littlewhitevanman.co.uk

HOBS • AGAS • RA AY YBURNS

Local independent oven cleaning special alist 100% biodegradable and non-caustic products Tidy, y, clean, eff fficient system!

01452 404600 • 07958 383366 www.ovenandrangecleaning.co.uk info@ovenandrangecleaning.co.uk

FU L L H E A ATTING SYSTEMS BOILER REPLACEMENTS POWER FLUSHING COOKERS AND FIRES INSTTAALLED ANNUAL SERRVVICING

LANDLORDS’ SAFETY CHECKS BA ATTHROOMS AND EN-SUITES GENERRA AL PLUMBING AL L W WO ORK GUARANTEED FREE QUOTTA ATTIONS A

Call Adam on 07890 390220 or visit: ww ww w.a-m-nelmesheating.co.uk

ACCREDITED

Luxur y Fitted W Wa ardrobes Modern

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Page 2

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inter terior ior neeeds

Tue-Sat: 10am-3pm Sun: CLOSED

We would ld lilike to wish allll of of our customers a very ry Merr rry Christmas and a Ha Happy New Ye Ne Year ◆ Curtains

Frrseoneal

pe design t n i eriorrvice se

& fa fabric C ome enjoy a and ◆ Tracks & poles of cofffffee cup e mince p and ◆ Interior shutters ie! ◆ Perfe fect fi fit blind blind ◆ Bay window w trea treatments ents ◆ Lighting ◆ Wa Wallpaper ◆ Mirrors

Tel: 01452 522 422 Te

enquiries@interiorneeds.co.uk

Come in and have a bro rowse and join us for a cup up of of tea or cof offee and a mince pie

● Sandersons Sandersons ● Rom Romo m ● Zoffany ● Prestigious ● Caasadeco ● Bill Beaumont ● Ian Mankin M ● Luxaflex ● James Brindley ● Silent Gliss ● Velux ● Blendworth Ha dy ● V la Nova ● Harlequin H

• 20% offff Fabric on M.T.M. orders • 20% offff Blinds • 20% offff Shutters • 20% offff Lighting & Mirrors • 20% offff Tracks & Poles • 10% offff Wallpaper

HRISTMAS

Opening Hours: Saturday 22nd, 10am-3pm then Closed until Wednesday 2nd January 2019 Normal Hours: Monday Showroom closed (open by appointment only)

Tues-Sat 10am-3pm Sunday Closed

Sale starts 1sst December 2018 until 31st January 2019 2

Eastern Avenue, Gloucester GL4 3BU (Next to The Weavers Shop, opposite SMYTHS)

www.interiorneeds.co.uk


Page 

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WOR RD D SEAR RC CH Y E A J V H C N S C T G C Y A S M S U T H C L R

R E P Y X O S I A X M A R E W U M S Y J N O Z V

C X N H A K V L Z T R G W K K A Q T Y V M O U T

L N L M I U H S E R I G G R S L O O X Q R K M T

M B H R I P N I O I J V I U M C M C U B I I T R

H I Y Z L H E T C P G X I T S A U K W S I E L P

P C B O F L C Z J M Z H T T Y T X I J N M A S L

Z N D L V E F A M I L Y E D Y N F N G P O I R Z

T U L E M Z F U F K J R I O A A G G G C R J P L

R O S D J D F K I U U Y E K T S Q D D B S R S N

E L K N I W T D U N E X F G N E J P D A E K R L

A S U S E J L E I D R I E X N G L S P S M H O A

Z N L E K X D Q M K C E N K E A A T E X N L X N

J G G P D B F U H F R B A B Y X M N S Z O P H R

R Y O E J S V O Z T I Z M V B P T E O I K F K D

J Y I R L B X N S D S Y W X K S P B R P M M Y W

M N O Q T C A A S V G N O C K L J F K R N F A H

W E P L D E M X I A I Z N U E H V D J G E L I U

H G Q M L T X M X T Z Q S S N O A P T G P Q L S

C K P C S B A U B L E S N W I L U W T E N Y Y O

T K K I H Y T E U U Y I V L F L Q Q N D V W A P

A V R G Y H K S M K T P N S O Y D R G W P M T C

X H E C W D X M R E C Y O O O Y G U K U K Q H G

C N W K K X R E E D N I E R Y F Z C Y R X N G W

Christmas ANGEL BABY BAUBLES CARROT CHIMNEY CHRISTMAS TREE COAL COOKIE ELVES

FAMILY HOLLY JESUS MANGER MISTLETOE NATIVITY PRESENTS REINDEER RUDOLPH

SANTA CLAUS SLEIGH STOCKING SNOWMAN TINSEL TURKEY TWINKLE

Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page. Page 6

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Page 8

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at tters BM SERVICES Money Ma Window, Door & Conservatory Repairs

A specialist repair service for windows, doors and conservatories with over 40 years’ experience. Misted glass • Locks • Hinges • Handles Seals • Conservatory Roof Cleaning For free quotes and a reliable, friendly serv rvice: A member member of of Call: 07963 217998 Email: barrieminett@mail.com Web: www.bm-services-glos.co.uk VER RY Y COMPETITIVE PRICES

B&H Windows and Repairs

HAAVVE YOU GOT MISTED WINDOW PPAANES?

A solution for all your double glazing problems • Faulty Locks • Broken Hinges • Handles • Burglar Damage • Patio Wheels • Extra Security

We can replace the panes, keeping your frames – Save £££s

For a free no obligation quotation please call:

COMPETITIVE PRICES! 0800 0380083 / 07591 142052 Over 28 years’ experience

enquiries@b hwindowsandrepairs.co.uk www w..glou cesterwindowrepairs.co.uk

RHODES CARPENTRY LTD Over 18 years’ carpentry experience

Kitchens & Bathrooms ●

Supply & fit all makes and models; we can even custom build to customer ’s own specification and available space. Our serrvvice also includes plumbing, electrical, decorating, plastering, tiling etc., if required. No hassle for the customer – we arrange it all.

General Building Works (Internal/External) ●

● ●

All types of works underrttaken. Custom built wardrobes, loft conversions, door hanging, decking, pergolas, patios.

For a compe ve quote please contact: Home: 01452 533102 Mobile: 07870 586701 or Email: lee@lrcarpentry.co

Matt Grimshaw Carpentry Ltd

All aspects of kitchen fitting undertaken G

Doors G Timber Flooring G St G Roofing G Bespoke Joiner ryy G Decking G Fencing

01242 604423/07792 088822 mattgrimshaaw wcarpentry@live.co.uk www ww ww w.mattgrimshaaw w. wcarpentryy..co.uk The Local Answer

10% DISCOUNT ON KITCHEN FITTING WHEN QUOTING TL A

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 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.

To advertise call 0122 510500

Page 


Index of Adver rt tisers FOOD & DRINK Cafe Rene Tiger’s Eye

6 4

WHAT AT’S ON CLUBS & SPORTS Shipton Golf Course 5 EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Burley Fields Lakes Farm Shop 4 Prinknash Bird & Deer Park 23

HOLIDAY AYS & TRAVEL Norad Travel

16

PROPERTY & STORAG AGE Bovis Homes Park Home Life The Property Centre

8 10 52

RETA TAIL Ermin Plant Hire Morgan DeVere Menswear

31 6

HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms 39 & 51 BUILDING SERVICES A1 Roofing & Contractors 34 BE Rudman 28 C&G Paving 28 Care Construction 32 David Stevens 30 Ellis Property Solutions 30 Glos Build 29

Home Care Roofing & Building JHD Roofing & Building JWG Tiling Marshalls Driveways Pave-Drive S. J. Lewis & Sons Ltd CARPENTRY R Matt Grimshaw Rhodes Carpentry CLEANING SERVICES Ovenbusters Oven & Range Cleaning ELECTRICAL SERVICES Cleevely Electrics GRP Electrical PBT Installations FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Bella’s Interiors Dream Doors Gloucester Carpet Outlet Interior Needs Spacemaster GARDEN SERVICES Chosen Lawnmower Services GS Landscape Solutions Heritage Landscapes Lawn Doc Mark Clifford Landscapes Master Sheds MCB Garden Services Phoenix Gardens Redwood Tree Care

28 30 39 30 31 32 49 49 42 42 40 40 40 39 38 36 43 42

Rob Cockburn Tree & Heddge 34 Woodlands Landscapes 34 HANDYMAN SERVICES David Stevens Maintenannce 30 HEATING & PLUMBING A.M Nelmes 42 Drain Doctor 40 Gloucester Plumbing & Heeating 40 KB Female Plumber 42 Sarsen Energy 40 Town & Country 40 KITCHENS Hatherley Worktops Ltd 39 PAINTING & DECORATING Michelle Powell Decorator 39 TV & AERIALS 1st Choice Aerials 25 WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES AJ Windows 45 Albany Windows 2 B&H Windows and Repairrs 49 BM Services 49 C&L Windows 47 & 48 Clearway Doors & Window ws 44 Dimensions Garage Doorss 32 Inceil 48

34 32 34 34 34 32 RVICES 34 PROFESSIONAL SER 32 ANIMAL SERVICES 34 Cats Protection 22

CARE SERVICES Building Circles CareTech Charnwood House Coate Water Care Saintbridge House EDUCAT ATION Glos CC Adult Education MOTORING SERVICES Car Helpers Julian Rogers Autoservices REMOVA VAL SERVICES Little White Van Man SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Stevens Recycling

5 15 12 16 10 14 25 10 42 25

The Loc al

ANSWER

Grreeat ex po s u rree ffoo r y ou r bu si n e ss! To advertise call:

01242 510500

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Y E A J V H C N S C T G C Y A S M S U T H C L R

COMPETITION RULES 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 ppassed. 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

R E P Y X O S I A X M A R E W U M S Y J N O Z V

C X N H A K V L Z T R G W K K A Q T Y V M O U T

L N L M I U H S E R I G G R S L O O X Q R K M T

M B H R I P N I O I J V I U M C M C U B I I T R

H I Y Z L H E T C P G X I T S A U K W S I E L P

P C B O F L C Z J M Z H T T Y T X I J N M A S L

Z N D L V E F A M I L Y E D Y N F N G P O I R Z

T U L E M Z F U F K J R I O A A G G G C R J P L

R O S D J D F K I U U Y E K T S Q D D B S R S N

E L K N I W T D U N E X F G N E J P D A E K R L

A S U S E J L E I D R I E X N G L S P S M H O A

Z N L E K X D Q M K C E N K E A A T E X N L X N

J G G P D B F U H F R B A B Y X M N S Z O P H R

R Y O E J S V O Z T I Z M V B P T E O I K F K D

J Y I R L B X N S D S Y W X K S P B R P M M Y W

M N O Q T C A A S V G N O C K L J F K R N F A H

W E P L D E M X I A I Z N U E H V D J G E L I U

H G Q M L T X M X T Z Q S S N O A P T G P Q L S

C K P C S B A U B L E S N W I L U W T E N Y Y O

T K K I H Y T E U U Y I V L F L Q Q N D V W A P

A V R G Y H K S M K T P N S O Y D R G W P M T C

X H E C W D X M R E C Y O O O Y G U K U K Q H G

C N W K K X R E E D N I E R Y F Z C Y R X N G W

not regarded as prooof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which rem mains at all times the full responsibility of thee prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of Thhe 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. 11 One entry per household.

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