Forest of Dean

The Local

ANSWER

JANUARY 2018

200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

for local people

FOREST OF DEAN CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TLA PHOTOGRAPHY 2018 WINNERS

The The Lo Local c al

AN ANSWER SWER FForest orest ooff D ean – 222,000 2,000 ccopies opies Dean G loucester – 446,000 6,000 ccopies opies Gloucester G loucestershire SSouth outh – 441,000 1,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire Gloucestershire N orth – 220,000 0,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire North Cheltenham – 43,000 43,000 ccopies opies Cheltenham Cotswolds – 228,000 8,000 ccopies opies Cotswolds

Managing Director M anaging D irector D Dave ave K Kingscott ingscott ddave@thelocalanswer.co.uk ave@thelocalanswer.co.uk

EEditorial ditorial & M Marketing arketing LLois ois K Kingscott ingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Helen H elen K Kingscott ingscott G Gemma emma D Drew rew entertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk entertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk

SSport port R Roger oger JJackson ackson sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Production Production Kevin evin V Vaughan-Spruce aughan-Spruce K services@thelocalanswer.co.uk services@thelocalanswer.co.uk

H Helen elen R Robinson obinson pproduction@thelocalanswer.co.uk roduction@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Distribution D istribution JJulia ulia B all Ball 001242 1242 5541075 41075 LLaura aura H Hodgson odgson nneil.laura.tla@outlook.com eil.laura.tla@outlook.com

Accounts Accounts K Kerry erry TThorne horne aaccounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk ccounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Unit Unit I,I, CChurchill hurchill IIndustrial ndustrial EEstate, state, Churchill Churchill Road, Road, GL53 LLeckhampton, eckhampton, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Gloucestershire G L53 7EG 7EG

T Telephone elephone 0 01242 1242 5 510500 10500 thelocalanswer thelocalanswer

January’ss winning cover photo: Lorna Buchanan of South Cerney

Welcome Welcome ttoo JJanuary anuary ... ... ... and welcome to 2018! A brand new year full of possibilities and opportunities. No doubt you may have thought about making a New Year’s resolution or two – why not have a read of this month’s editorials for some inspiration? Whether it ’s getting fitter and healthier, looking after yourself by getting more sleep, trying something new in the garden, sorting out your interiors, or even making a resolution for wildlife, our writers have got you covered!

If you need some assistance with achieving your New Year’s resolution(s), our brilliant advertisers may be able to help – resolution dependent! Check out their services throughout the magazine.

Be sure to take a look at the winning TLA Photography 2018 images inside. Lorna’s is looking fantastic on this month’s cover and we’re really pleased with the winning entries for the rest of the year. There is an exciting twist, though – see inside for details!

IInside nside tthis his m month... onth ...

Photography 2 018 TTLA LA Photography 2018 Delicious Dish Dish Delicious Holidays & TTravel ravel Holidays Gadgets & G izmos Gadgets Gizmos Quick Crossword Crossword Quick Motoring Motoring Medical H ealth Medical Health What’s O n What’s On Wildlife M atters Wildlife Matters Stone’s TThrow hrow A Stone’s Homes & G ardens Homes Gardens In the the Garden Garden In Interior D esign Interior Design Save the the Planet Planet Save Word SSearch earch Word Sudoku Sudoku Money M atters Money Matters TLA Sport Sport TLA Index , Competitions, Competitions, SSolutions olutions Index,

4 5 7 9 10 10 11 11 13 13 14 14 17 17 18-19 18-19 20 20 21 21 23 23 27 27 28 28 31 31 31 31 32-33 32-33 34 34

CCompetition ompetition o on np page age 4

@thelocalanswer @thelocalanswer

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

Page 3

Your Y our 2018 2018 Cover Cover P Photos hotos Congratulations tto o the the winners winners o ur TLA TLA Photography Photography Congratulations off o our 2018 ccompetition! ompetition! We We h ad some some really really w onderful 2018 had wonderful entries across across all all m onths o he yyear ear aand nd it it w as g reat tto o entries months off tthe was great photographers taking taking part part as as see ssome ome b udding yyoung oung photographers see budding nly b eo ne winner winner per per month month here ccould ould o well. SSadly, adly, tthere well. only be one ome ccracking racking p hotos ffor or next next but we we think think we’ve we’ve g ot ssome but got photos ou llook ook fforward orward tto o seeing seeing year’s covers covers and and we we hope hope yyou year’s tthem hem e ach m onth! each month! where D ecember’s ccover over you may may b ew ondering where N ow, you Now, be wondering December’s intry iimages mages ssubmitted, ubmitted, is. While While we we had had some some lovely lovely w is. wintry should h ave a festive festive front front we really really believe believe this this iissue ssue should we have so w e’re re-opening re-opening tthe he ccompetition ompetition for for the the ccover, over, so we’re December 2018 2018 issue! issue!

December You have have until until W ednesday 3 1st JJanuary anuary to to e nter O NE You Wednesday 31st enter ONE CChristmassy hristmassy image image for for tthe he December December ccover over – sso o make make sure yyou ou h ave your your ccameras ameras ready ready over over tthe oliday he h sure have holiday period and and g et snapping! snapping! We We want want tinsel, tinsel, llights, i g h t s, period get decorations, Christmas Christmas ttrees, rees, CChristmas hristmas dinners dinners and and decorations, anything else else festive festive that that would would llook ook g reat o n our our ffront ront anything great on cover! cover!

The ccompetition ompetition is is o pen tto o everyone everyone – e ven if if you you The open even submitted tthree hree images images previously, e will will accept accept one one previously, w submitted we more entry entry per per person. person. All All o ther rules rules and and specifications specifications more other still aapply pply ((see see b elow). Good Good luck! luck! still below).

January January – LLorna orna BBuchanan uchanan

FFebruary ebruary – DDerek erek LLightstone ightstone

March March – DDaphne aphne D Davis avis

AApril pril – AAnnette nnette CCanning anning

M May ay – KKerry erry PPalmer almer

June June – Nicky Nicky Legg Legg

JJuly uly – SStephen tephen CClarke larke

August August – David David Hoare Hoare

SSeptember eptember – SSamantha amantha BBelcher elcher

October October – KKaren aren BBailey ailey

NNovember ovember – LLetitia etitia NNewbegin ewbegin

D December ecember – YYou? ou?

December D ecember 2018 2018 Cover Cover H How ow tto oe enter: nter: Send your image along with your name, address and telephone number stating ‘TLA Photography December’ to photography@thelocalanswer..co.uk. No postal entries.

Any photos sent in the post may not be returned. Closing date: Wednesday 31st January 2018. Entries received after midnight on this date will not be accepted.

IImage mage CCriteria: riteria: • The image subject must be local to Gloucestershire and relevant to the whole county • Must have a specific focal point • Must have a colour contrast in order for us to select a colour theme for the month (the colour used on the front cover and various pages throughout the magazine)

IImage mage SSpecifications: pecifications: • High quality resolution – 300dpi (dots per inch) – and a minimum of 20cm wide when cropped.

• We can only accept file sizes up to a maximum of 10mb and JPEGs are preferred. If you are successful we may ask if you have a larger version to send us, so please keep your original files.

CCompetition ompetition R Rules: ules: For full competition rules please visit our website: http://thelocalanswer.co.uk/competitions.aspx

D Delicious elicious Dish Dish with w ith Helen Helen Kingscott Kingscott

SSpinach pinach ssoup oup aand nd homemade bread bread rrolls olls homemade FFor or tthe he SSoup o up IIngredients: ngredients: 20g butter; 2 medium onions, sliced; 1 clove of garlic, sliced; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1cm cubes; 1.25 litres chicken stock; 300g baby spinach; nutmeg; the juice of ½ a lemon; 4 tbsp single cream.

M Method: ethod: 1 Heat the butter in a large saucepan over a medium-low heat and add the onions. Cook gently for 7-8 minutes or u n t i l s o f t ( b u t n o t b row n ) . A d d t h e g a r l i c a n d p o t a to cubes and cook , stirring, for an extra 2 minutes.

2 Add the stock , increase the heat and bring to the boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Add the spinach leaves, increase the heat again and simmer for a further 10 minutes.

3 Remove from the heat and allow to cool a little. Purée t h e s o u p i n b a tc h e s i n a b l e n d e r o r w i t h a h a n d - h e l d blender until smooth. Season with freshly grated nutmeg.

4 Add lemon juice and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the soup back to the simmer and then stir in the cream

Rectory Rectory Fields, Fields, R Rudford, udford, G Gloucestershire loucestershire G GL2 L2 8 8DT DT

Tel: T el: 01452 01452 6 668005/01453 68005/01453 2 297010/01285 97010/01285 2 238089 38 0 89 www.marshallsdriveways.co.uk www.marshallsdriveways.co.uk C Company ompany rregistration: egistration: 0 090645563 9 0 6 4 55 6 3

The Local Answer

Start Start tthe he year year ooff ff with with a healthy healthy soup soup – it’s with it’s ppacked acked w ith vvitamins itamins aand nd iiron ron aand nd tastes tastes ggreat! reat! You You could could also also have have a ggoo aatt making m aking your your oown wn rolls. rolls. They’re They’re ssoo eeasy asy to to make m ake aand nd a ffun un rrecipe ecipe ffor or tthe he kkids ids ttoo ttry. ry.

What will W hat sshapes hapes w ill tthey hey come come up up with? with?

For For tthe he B Bread read R Rolls olls Ingredients: Ingredients: 500g strong white bread flour; 7g sachet fast action dried yeast; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar; 310ml lukewarm water; 1 tbsp poppy/sesame seeds (optional).

Method: Method: 1 Mix all the dry ingredients together and make a well in the middle.

2 Pour in half the water and stir using a fork , gradually bringing in the flour from around the sides of the bowl.

3 Add the rest of the water and continue stirring to form a dough. Add a little extra water if it is very dry.

4 Flour a work surface and your hands lightly.

5 Turn the dough out and start kneading it by pushing it away and folding it back . If the dough is too sticky add a little extra flour but not too much or it will make the bread dry. Keep kneading for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

6 Put the dough in a large bowl and cover with clingfilm.

Leave to rise, preferably somewhere warm but not hot, until the dough has doubled in size. Depending on the surroundings this could be 30 minutes to 2 hours.

7 Preheat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C/gas 6).

8 Knock the dough back . Knead again for about a minute.

9 When shaping the dough, make any shape you want but ensure all rolls are even sizes so they will be ready at the same time.

0 Put the rolls on a baking tray and leave to rise until the 10 oven has heated up.

11 1 Brush the top of the rolls with a little milk or beaten egg and sprinkle seeds on top if you wish.

12 2 Bake the rolls in the oven. Depending on the size they could take any time from 7-15 minutes. When they are ready they will sound hollow if you tap them underneath.

13 3 Put the rolls on a wire rack to cool.

Extra dry logs around 10% moisture not 25% like most kiln dried!

Call Steve on 07751 821031

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 5

N New ew YYear’s ear ’s Resolutions Resolutions with with a travel travel twist twist H oliday inspiration inspiration from Holiday from Norad Norad Travel’s Travel’s award-winning award-winning expert, expert, Joe Joe Teixeira Teixeira

N ew Ye a r i s n i g h a n d a s y o u i n d u l g e i n retrospection and consider your resolutions for 2018, here are five you might actually stick to!

1 1. Learn . Learn a new new skill skill – Create an experience to remember. Enjoy sailing lessons on the Turquoise Coast or increase your recipe repertoire with a Thai cooking class in Phuket. Learn to S a l s a i n A rg e n t i n a o r try yoga in a Balinese retreat.

2 2.. Update Update your your bucket bucket list list – Is there somewhere you’ve always wanted to go but never got around to? Make 2018 the year you start ticking off your list, whether it ’s a luxury Caribbean escape or vibrant city just waiting to be explored.

3. Celebrate Celebrate in in style style – Have you got a special date 3. coming up this year like an anniversary or a big birthday ? Make the occasion extra special with a sight to take your breath away, like the Northern lights in Finland or get friends and family together in a fairytale castle, luxury villa or on a yacht.

Let N orad TTravel’s ravel’s Let Norad Joe TTeixeira eixeira and and Joe his team team ccraft raft his your perfect perfect your getaway getaway ALL T YPES ALL TYPES O FH OLIDAYS OF HOLIDAYS P op in in or or telephone telephone Pop ffor or aan n appointment appointment

4. Get Get fit 4. fit – forget the gym, take getting fit to the next level.

Walk in Austria’s Alpine peaks or cross-country ski in Iceland. Take a cycle ride through Vietnam or surf Hawaiian-style.

5.. M Meet new friends friends – Small escorted group tours 5 eet new with expert itineraries ensure you experience the very best of the destination in great company.

What ’s more, there’s always excellent solo traveller savings, so nothing is standing in your way of the adventure of a lifetime.

IINDEPENDENT NDEPENDENT AND AND INFLUENTIAL INFLUENTIAL FOR F OR OVER OVER 35 35 YEARS YEARS

Norad Travel is completely independent and fully bonded with ABTA and ATOL. This means we will always recommend holidays based on your specific requirements, aided of course by our in-depth knowledge and experience.

If y o u ’ d l i k e h e l p booking your dream holiday, please pop in or call our team on 01452 260188.

WHER ERE WIL ILL YO YOU G

O IN IN 20 2018 18?

01452 01452 260188 260188

M Mon-Fri on-Fri 9-5.30 9-5.30 & Sat Sat 9-5 9-5

FREE FREE PARKING PARKING

3 Westgate Westgate Retail Retail Park, Park, Westgate House, House, Westgate The The Island, Island, Gloucester Gloucester GL1 GL1 2RU 2RU glos@noradtravelgroup.com glos@noradtravelgroup.com

Holidays H olidays & T Travel ravel w with ith A Al lH Hidden idden

Explore Explore e exquisite xquisite EEvora vora Christmas and New Year are behind us and, hopefully, the credit card bill will soon be paid. So it ’s time to think about 2018’s sunshineseeking to-do list .

Portugal is a favourite destination with predictably good weather that ’s easy to reach from Gloucestershire. Once on the Iberian Peninsula, Pretty UNESCO World Heritage Evora, with its hot weather, millennia of history, myriad monuments and vibrant food scene, makes a great destination. Whether you visit Evora on its own, or go two-centre with Lisbon, Portugal’s second most liveable city is packed with possibilities for an enjoyable weekend or longer. minute’s walk from the city ’s magnificent Roman temple. Evora TThe he jewel jewel iin n has excellent accommodation at all A Alentejo’s lentejo’s ccrown rown price points, but it ’s popular, so We stayed at Pousada Convento early booking is recommended – Evora, a beautifully converted particularly during high season. monastery in the heart of wellDepending on how long you stay, preserved old Evora – and a you may choose to hire a car and explore the surrounding A l e n te j o re g i o n . A l e n te j o i s known as ‘Portugal’s bread basket ’ and is the source of many of Portugal’s best-loved cheeses, wines, meats, fruits and vegetables. We spent a long weekend in Evora, bracketed by time in Lisbon.

O n t h i s b a s i s, a n d eve n without a car, Evora offered plenty of things to do within easy walking distance of our Pousada.

H History istory ffans ans w will ill a adore dore EEvora vora The city exudes history and character. From the Roman temple and old town’s r o m a n t i c l a n e s, t o p o i g n a n t C a p e l a d o s O ss o s ( C h a p e l o f B o n es ) a n d t h e m i g h t y The Local Answer

cathedral with its city and countryside views, sight-seeing opportunities abound. Later, for welld e s e r ve d r e l a x a t i o n , d r i n ks a n d alfresco snacks (try tapas-like petiscos), the cafes of stylish Praca do Giraldo are a favourite central gathering place for Evorans and visitors alike.

An A n iimpressive mpressive café café and and rrestaurant estaurant scene scene When serious hunger pangs call for food, Evora’s impressive café and restaurant scene is great for trying traditional specialities. Try borrego assado no forno (mouth-watering oven-baked lamb) or carne de porco com ameijoas (pork and cockles) – e q u a l l y d e l i c i o u s d e s p i te s o u n d i n g rather odd in Portugal’s arid heart .

From fine dining at Restaurante Fialho, to Mementos on Rua Cinco de Outubro and many more excellent restaurants, the city confidently satisfies all budgets and tastes.

If you crave warm weather, al fresco dining, a history overload and a different perspective on Portugal, Evora is definitely a rewarding choice.

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Page 7

CARAVANNING CARAVANNING or or T TOWING? OWING? For extra SAFETY and SECURITY – see the light...

“Fantastic idea, looks great

and stops anyone walking into the A-Frame! Can still use it when the hitch cover is on. Definitely the new ‘must have’ for caravans.”

“A brilliant concept and

is a must for caravanners if they are looking to protect their hitch and especially if pitched on hard ground.”

“A simple idea but so

HitchBright is a new, innovative piece of equipment specially designed for the caravanning and towing industry.

It’s so easy to use – simply insert the HitchBright ball in the hitch socket and lock it in place.

It acts as a warning beacon and avoids the need for an additional security ball.

It’s made from durable, brightly coloured plastic and conveniently allows a towing hitch cover to be fitted.

Uses solar power to recharge the battery, even in limited direct sun, and turns itself on after dusk.

Each HitchBright purchased is supplied with a cotton bag and rechargeable battery.

ONLY £19.99

useful, why hasn’t this been thought of before! It lights the way, saves my shins and I can’t forget to fit or remove my security ball.” + £4.95 Postage & Packaging

To T oo order rder y your ou r H HitchBright it ... ..

e ccontact@hitchbright.co.uk ontact@hitchbr ight.co.uk

t 007773 7773 1164 64 567 567 w hitchbright.co.uk hitchbr ight.co.uk

20 20 W Willow illow Road, Road, Charlton Char lton Kings, Kings, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Gloucester shire GL53 GL53 8PQ 8PQ

Gadgets G adgets & G Gizmos izmos with with Laura Laura N Nicklin icklin

KKeeping eeping ttrack rack o off 2 2018 018 Happy New Year! Let’s try to ignore the scary realisation that it’s getting closer to 2020 than 2010, and see what ’s in store tech-wise for the start of spring. Whether you’ve decided it ’s time for a ‘New Year, New You’ and want to stick to those resolutions you made (for once), or if you just want to treat yourself, there’s some great gizmos to ponder over. To get you revved up for the new year ahead, have a look at some of the latest gadgets that can help you shape up for 2018.

definitely a recomm e n d e d g a d g et ; i t offers an easy-access to keeping track of y o u r f i t n e ss, we i g h t and sleep, all within a small wristband. Priced at £ 1 0 9 . 9 9, the tracking wristband will help you get the routine you want .

If you want to feel like you’re in a spy movie – and who doesn’t? – then get the Ethan Hunt fe e l w i t h t h e p e r fe c t spy-gadget accessory, T h e i n ve n t i o n o f t h e S u n g l a ss e s Action Fitbit has revolutionised Camera. Its deceptive the way we exercise; it’s appearance of a certainly a millennial n o r m a l p a i r of way to help improve sporty sunglasses is f i t n e ss, e s p e c i a l l y a s i t only to distract looks more like a sleek f ro m t h e h i d d e n accessory than an camera lens built exercising tool. This i n ! W h e n yo u s m a r t w r i st b a n d h a s really want to more to it than it seems; c a p t u re t h e m o m just tap on the small screen e n t a n d e n s u re y o u t o s e e a s u m m a r y o f yo u r can also get great workout , whether you’re ohn LLewis ewis photo quality, the £29.99 leaving the house at the crack JJohn of dawn for a morning jog, hitting sunglasses are for you. the gym for a hardcore workout, or A s we l l a s t a k i n g p h o t o s, i t a l s o simply wanting to keep up-to-date records videos, and the lens is small with how many steps you’ve taken enough that it doesn’t take away in the day. from the ‘cool secret-super-agent ’ The Fitbit also keeps you updated look you might be going for. It ’s with your heart rate, distance and also a great gizmo for sports how many calories you’ve burned, activities, letting you take as well as calls, texts and calendar snapshots of some of your greatest alerts. And with a battery life of up adrenaline rushes, and with its SD to 5 days, it’ll be even easier for you card, these sunglasses can hold up to stay on the go! If you’re in need of to 32GB of memory. If you want to some motivation, the Fitbit is wear these whilst quad biking, just

Fitbit Fitbit CCharge harge 2 H Heart eart R Rate ate and and FFitness itness TTracking racking Wristband Wristband

The Local Answer

Menkind M enkind

Sunglasses Sunglasses Action Action Camera Camera

k n o w yo u g e t u p to a n h o u r o f recording time!

Longridge Longridge Golf Golf A Auto uto Putt P u tt Returner Returner OK , so if you’re not so much of an outdoorsy type, then there’s still this handy little contraption to keep you entertained. The Longridge Golf Auto Putt Returner basically does what it says on the tin – every time a ball is holed, the putt returner spits it back o u t , k e e p i n g t h e g a m e f l ow i n g . A nifty contraption at just £12.99. So, whether you want a to have a quick game in the office, or at home, practice with this battery-operated device to get you in swinging shape.

To advertise call 01242 510500

JJohn ohn LLewis ewis Page 9

Quick Crossword 2

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ACROSS 1 Monotonous 4 Different 7 Sultan’s wife 8 Restraining cord 9 Straighten 12 Inflame 15 One who solicits votes 17 Sliced very thinly 18 Duck’s call 21 Finest 22 Oral sense 23 Of earthquakes

W h y n ot u s e t his s pa ce t o a dve rt is e yo u r bu s i n e ss ?

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DOWN 1 Appeals board 2 Accustomed 3 Coal vein 4 Australian gemstone 5 Announces 6 Wealthy 10 Ledger entry 11 Satirical routines 13 Plague 14 Chafes 16 Stops momentarily 18 Give up 19 Leg joint 20 Flows away

For details please call

23

The Local

© Lovatts Puzzles

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

01242

ANSWER 510500

OPEN OPEN EVERY EVERY D DAY AY F FOR OR SHOWROOM SHOWROOM VIEWINGS VIEWINGS We We c can an s supply upply a

LUXURY RY LO LODGE ODGE for

O OPEN PEN A ALL LL YYEAR EAR R ROUND OUND • 3365 65 D DAYS AYS A YYEAR EAR N NO OR RESTRICTIONS ESTRICTIONS

£29,500

UNBELIEVABLE – BUT TRUE!

Please Please come come and and see our Show Homes today!

Page 10

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Motoring Motoring with w ith Luke Luke Edwards Edwa wards

CCity ity meets meets CCountry ountry I think it takes a lot to beat a small car fo r h a p py m o t o r i n g a n d t e s t d r i v i n g t h e S u z u k i I g n i s, I s o o n f e l l i n l o v e with this distinctively clever Japanese car. The model on test was the 1.2 SHVS SZ5 4W which features a mild hybrid system (SHVS) and also (4W) four-wheel drive “All Grip” technology.

SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology works by using an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) – b a s i c a l l y a s t a r te r m o to r a n d generator in one. The ISG generates electricity through regenerative braking and during coasting (like a Formula 1 car) to charge a compact l i t h i u m - i o n b a t te r y u n d e r t h e on all Suzuki Ignis, and the gear ratios passenger seat. are fully optimised for performance FFuel uel e economy conomy iiss a amazing mazing and fuel economy. You can select the Power from this battery is then used optional AGS system if you prefer an to assist the 4-cylinder 1.2-litre automatic box .

Dashboard wise, the Ignis features Dualjet Euro 6 engine during take-off and to add power during acceleration. easy to use switches, including two T h e I S G u n i t h a s a p o we r o u t p u t o f U S B c h a r g e p o r t s a n d a l s o a 1 2 v 2.3kW and a torque figure of 50Nm. charging port which is well placed to With this mild hybrid system the fuel ensure items being charged don’t economy of the Suzuki Ignis is hinder gear changes. The premium amazing at 60.1mpg combined. The leather steering wheel features all the SHVS also features an advanced controls you need, and there is engine start-stop which cuts the perfect visibility from the driving supply of fuel as soon as the car position. Air-con, DAB radio and Bluetooth are all standard. begins to decelerate.

T h e S u z u k i I g n i s d i a l d i s p l ay i s The powertrain is linked to a fivespeed manual gearbox , as standard beautifully clear with not only

traditional speed and revs, but also time, temperature, fuel, average speed, etc. There is a battery display which lights up to show when the ISG unit is regenerating power.

T h e 4 -w h e e l d r i ve “ A l l G r i p ” technology is something I really liked on this SZ5 car and it’s ideal for winter.

A viscous coupling is used to transfer extra torque to the rear wheels when needed. The Suzuki Ignis features both Hill Descent Control, which switches on when traveling on an incline at under approximately 15mph in first or second gear, and Grip Control, which activates at speeds of less than 18mph, focusing power on the driven wheels that have grip and braking to the ones that are spinning.

Ag great reat p partner artner a att n night ight Ignis is a great partner at night with “guide me lights” which allow you to set your dipped beam headlights to remain on for up to 25 seconds after the car has been locked – giving you e n o u g h t i m e a n d l i g h t to o p e n t h e front door to your home.

The feature rich Suzuki Ignis 1.2 S H V S S Z 5 4 W fe e l s a b a rg a i n a t £ 1 4 , 4 9 9 ( o n t h e ro a d ) a n d a l l n ew Suzuki models are covered by a 3 year/60,000 mile new vehicle warranty and one year ’s AA Suzuki Assistance.

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Page 11

CCharnwood harnwood H House ouse NURSING HOME

Charnwood House Nursing Home specialises in caring for elderly people, younger people with a physical disability and people with dementia. Warm and friendly atmosphere.

Highest standards of nursing care provided.

Owned and managed by Wotton Rise Nursing Home Ltd ● Residents always treated with dignity and respect ● Registered nurses on duty 24 hours a day providing personal and nursing care ● Freshly prepared home cooked food from a menu of residents’ choice ● Activity programme to include regular external entertainers ● Attractive patio and garden for residents ● Close to shops ● Wheelchair access throughout the home ●

Contact Diana or Marina Martinez for more details

Tel: 01452 523478 01452 451249 email: wottonrisenursinghome@hotmail.co.uk 49 Barnwood Road, Gloucester GL2 0SD

M Medical edical H Health ealth w with ith H Holly olly Hannigan Hannigan

H How ow iimportant mportant iiss ssleep? leep?

We spend a third of our lives asleep and that is because it is essential to our physical and mental health. In my practice I put a lot of emphasis on the importance of sleep, and work with p e o p l e s u f fe r i n g w i t h s l e e p d e f i c i e n c i e s, m a n y o f w h i c h d o n o t even realise or know of the damage it could be doing. Some of the key effects of sleep deficiency are: • Increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.

• Increased risk of obesity, as sleep helps maintain a healthy balance of t h e h o r m o n e s t h a t m a k e yo u f e e l hungry (ghrelin) or full (leptin). When you don’t get enough sleep, your l ev e l o f g h r e l i n g o e s u p a n d yo u r level of leptin goes down. This makes you feel hungrier than when you’re well-rested.

• S l e e p a l s o a f f e c t s h ow yo u r b o d y reacts to insulin, the hormone that controls your blood glucose (sugar) l e ve l . S l e e p d e f i c i e n c y re s u l t s i n a higher than normal blood sugar level, which may increase your risk of diabetes.

• Greater risk from infections.

• Studies also show it alters activity in some parts of the brain. If you’re

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sleep deficient, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behaviour, and coping with change.

• L a c k o f s l e e p c a n b e l i n k e d to depression, suicide and risk-taking behavior.

• Children and teens who are sleep deficient may have problems getting a l o n g w i t h o t h e r s . T h ey m a y f e e l angry and impulsive, have mood swings, feel sad or depressed, or lack motivation. They also may have problems paying attention, and they may get lower grades and feel stressed.

• After several nights of losing sleep – even a loss of just 1-2 hours per night – your ability to function suffers, as if you haven’t slept at all for a day or two.

R REM EM ssleep leep iiss ccrucial rucial ffor or o our ur m mental ental w wellbeing ellbeing It’s also worth remembering what an amazing job sleep does when we a re g e t t i n g t h e r i g h t a m o u n t a n d enough of each individual stage.

Recent studies have shown that sleep improves learning by helping you pay a t te n t i o n , m a k e d e c i s i o n s a n d s t a y focussed for longer. Rapid-EyeMovement (REM) sleep is crucial for our mental wellbeing, yet is capped at around 20% of our night’s sleep.

P h y s i c a l l y we k n ow t h a t s l e e p i s involved in the healing and repairing of your heart and blood vessels, whilst also supporting healthy growth a n d d ev e l o p m e n t . D e e p s l e e p triggers the body to release the h o r m o n e t h a t p ro m o te s n o r m a l g row t h i n c h i l d re n a n d te e n s . T h i s h o r m o n e a l s o b o o s t s m u s c l e m a ss and helps repair cells and tissues w h i c h i s v i t a l fo r e ve r y o n e . S o i t i s clear that sleep is very important!

For more information on sleep and h o w i m p o r t a n t i t i s, v i s i t www.hhhypnotherapy.co.uk

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Page 13

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2277 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER – 2 JJANUARY ANUARY GLOUCESTER QUAYS ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS MARKET & WINTER ICE RINK This year’s Enchanted market will feature decorated stalls, a traditional Ferris Wheel, real ale tavern and roast chestnuts carts, with street entertainers, family activities, live choirs and brass bands. St Ann Way, Gloucester GL1 5SH. 01452 338933. www.gloucesterquayschristmas.co.uk 1 DECEMBER DECEMBER – 24 24 JJANUARY ANUARY INTO THE WILD – 23 MAGPIES 23Magpies creates animals with quirky personalities and is a self-professed space fanatic; using mixed media and often merging the two subjects, she explores how fascinating the animals which many of us take for granted truly are. Free entry.

Main Gallery, Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. 01452 503050.

6 JANUARY JANUARY CEILIDH: HEKETY Hekety play music inspired by the English tradition, some ancient, some modern, all expertly crafted and arranged to please dancer’ss feet and listener’s ears alike. 8pm.

Prices at www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk.

01453 760900. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. 6 & 2266 JANUARY JANUARY MUSIC AT STOW JAZZ Brubecks Play Brubeck. Saturday 6 Jan, 7:30pm, £20. BLUES Paul Jones & Dave Kelly, Friday 26 Jan, 7:30pm, £25, St Edward’s Church, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AB. Free parking in Stow square after 6pm. Tickets: www.WeGotTickets.com More info at www.musicatstow.co.uk

7 JANUARY JANUARY SECRETS OF SILK WOOD GUIDED WALK Take in the stunning seasonal sights of the ancient Silk Wood. Our volunteers will guide you around the ancient woodland and reveal some of the hidden gems of the arboretum. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor walking.

Dogs on leads welcome. 11am. Free after admission. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 0300 067 4890.

1100 JANUARY JANUARY THE TR RA ANSPORTS The incredible tale of a family destroyed by poverty and crime, but resurrected by exile to the new colony in Australia. With fresh script and musical arrangement, this famous show re-emerges within a modern context of mass migration. 7.30pm. £22.

Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 1111 JANUARY JANUARY YO OUNG MARX 1850. Europe’s most feared terrorist is hiding in Dean Street, Soho. The 32 year old revolutionary is a frothing combination of intellectual brilliance and child-like emotional illiteracy. His writing blocked, his marriage dying, his only hope is a job on the railway. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

1122 JANUARY JANUARY BARRY STEELE AND FRIENDS A celebration of Roy Orbison’s musical legacy. Barry Steele takes you on this

specially revamped musical journey. For details visit everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

1133 JANUARY JANUARY STROUD WASSAIL REVELS It’s the third annual Stroud Wassail Revels.

It’s a variety show. Expect drama, ceilidh dancing, music, storytelling and comedy.

But also expect the unexpected. 7pm. For prices visit www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk.

01453 760900. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. BRUNCH & BOUNCE A fun and relaxed morning coffee, house style, and open to all – with a bouncy castle and crafts for the children! Join us in the Cathedral Chapter House for good coffee, pastries and the weekend papers.

Spend time with friends and meet new ones. 9.30 -11.30am. Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, GL1 2LX. 01452 528095.

113-14 3-14 JANUARY JANUARY WONDERFUL WILDFOWL WEEKEND

We’re showing appreciation for our wonderful wildfowl, celebrating everything duck and goose. Join our wardens on a Bird Watch Morning wildfowl special and enjoy our wildfowl talks. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900.

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1144 JANUARY JANUARY WHITNEY – QUEEN OF THE NIGHT A stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time. A sensational line-up of musicians and artistes, together with a powerhouse and breath-taking performance in the spirit of Whitney. 7.30pm. £25. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 1155 JANUARY JANUARY TEA DANCE Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy a fun and social afternoon of dancing, live music and, or course, tea and biscuits in the beautiful surroundings of the Main Hall. 2.30pm. £5. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 1166 & 2233 JANUARY JANUARY ROH LIVE – RIGOLETTO Rigoletto, court jester to the libertine Duke of Mantua, is cursed by the father of one of the Duke’s victims for his irreverent laughter. When the Duke seduces Rigoletto’s daughter Gilda, it seems the curse is taking effect… For details visit venues.gloucester.gov.uk/freetime/guildhall The Cinema, Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. 01452 503050.

116-20 6-20 JANUARY JANUARY THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG As the accident prone thesps battle on against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue! For details visit everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

1177 JANUARY JANUARY DRY The Wilsons maybe middle class and middle aged but there is nothing middling about their alcohol intake. Can they keep the ‘toxic’ out of ‘intoxicated’ and keep the family together, or is it a case of sorrows drowned? For times and prices visit everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

1188 JANUARY JANUARY CARDUCCI QUARTET Recognised as one of today’s most successful string quartets. Performing over 90 concerts worldwide each year, the quartet also run an annual festival in Highnam, Gloucester. 7.30pm. From £20.

Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk BEETLES IN FASHION The Wilson holds some stunning examples of dress reflecting Cheltenham’s history as a fashionable spa. We’ll be revealing conservation secrets and the story behind this early 19th dress embroidered with

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iridescent beetlewings. Price includes a glass of wine or soft drink and nibbles.

Booking is essential. Talk: 6- 6.45pm.

Refreshments: 6.45-7.45pm. From £10. The Wilson, Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT. 01242 237431.

18-21 18-21 JANUARY JANUARY ALADDIN Continue the magic of the festive season with a visit to Aladdin – a ‘rags to riches’ tale, packed with adventure and original twists and turns along the way. With a large cast of singers and dancers, lavish costumes, colourful scenery and lots of audience participation, this pantomime is not to be missed! £10 -£15. For details and tickets call Showcase on 01242 224144 or visit promenadeproductions.co.uk 1199 JANUARY JANUARY GEORGE MONTAGUE An exceptional musician with immense energy, and countless contagious original songs. Playing piano and guitar, George is known for entertaining and rousing enthusiastic audiences in uplifting song with his versatile vocals. 8.30pm. £15. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.org. ’ALLO ’ALLO Pop along to this ‘umble cafe for a night to remember as Rene juggles The Gestapo, The Resistance, his secret affairs and his Wife, Edith. A hilarious comedy dinner show not to be missed! £38pp – includes 3 course meal and disco. Bowden Hall Hotel, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, Gloucester GL4 8ED. 0844 815 9077.

1199 & 2266 JANUARY JANUARY OWL EVENINGS

We start with a guided tour by torchlight, followed by a hog roast (vegetarian option available) and mulled wine or hot apple juice with cinnamon. This is followed by a flying demonstration of small owls. Finally, we end the evening with owls free flying in their natural element. Limited places.

Wear warm clothes and bring a torch. 7pm.

Ages 13+ £28, ages 8-12 £20. International Centre for Birds of Prey, Boulsdon House, Newent GL18 1JJ. 01531 820286.

2200 JANUARY JANUARY CIRCUS OF HORRORS The phenomenon returns with its latest

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brand-new incarnation – ‘Voodoo’. The spectacular features an amazing amalgamation of bizarre and fantastic circus acts all woven into a sensational shock/horror story and the darkest of magic. Over 16s only. 7.30pm. From £18.

Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk STROUD VEGAN FAIR Stroud’s first Vegan Fair promises to be a massive plant based celebration! It will showcase everything from tofish and chips, pies, cheese, cakes, sweets and ice cream as well as clothing, body products, arts, crafts and lifestyle brands. Talks, demonstrations, cookery live-streaming and fun activities for children. 10am. £3 (under 12s free). 01453 760900. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk VIVA NEIL DIAMOND Bob Drury’s one-man show includes all of the favourites such as ‘Cracklin’ Rosie’, ‘Love on the Rocks’, ‘Forever in Blue Jeans’ and of course ‘Sweet Caroline’, plus Neil Diamond’s UK hit ‘Pretty Amazing Grace’. 7pm. £16. Guildhall Theatre, Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. 01452 503050.

21 21 JANUARY JANUARY WINTER WEDDING FAYRE Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and canapes as you take a look at what we can offer for the perfect wedding day. A wide range of suppliers including wedding dresses, photographers, stationary, cakes, DJ and much more. Free entry – please contact Alice to book your place. Bowden Hall Hotel, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, Gloucester GL4 8ED. 0844 815 9077.

23 23 JANUARY JANUARY DANCE TO THE MUSIC A new exciting must see dance show like no other! Created by and starring Kristina Rihanoff with a full cast of dancers, plus two amazing singers. Dance to the Music will present to the audience the one and only dance show in theatrical history, which will feature all styles of dancing.

7.30pm. From £25. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 23-27 JANUARY JANUARY 23-27 PRIVATE LIVES Strong performances, razor sharp wit and sparkling comedy. A divorced couple find themselves in adjacent suites while honeymooning with their new spouses, and when Amanda overhears a familiar voice singing ‘Some Day I’ll Find You’ there are spectacular consequences. For details visit everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

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24 JANUARY LIFTING THE BLUES: AYNSLEY LISTER In aid of Lifting The Blues. Aynsley will be showcasing his new album ‘Home’ which has received some incredible reviews. He will be supported by The Black Feathers, made up of Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler. 7.30pm. £20. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

26 JANUARY THE STYLISTICS With instantly recognisable hits such as ‘Betcha’ by Golly Wow, ‘Funky Weekend’, ‘Sing Baby Sing’ plus many more, The Stylistics are one of the most iconic groups in Soul history. 7.30pm. £31.50.

Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 26-28 JANUARY GLOUCESTER CAJUN & ZYDECO FESTIVAL Headlined on Saturday by the soulful vocals of Jeffery Broussard, of the legendary band Zydeco Force. A mixture of live music, dancing and dance workshops, all topped off by authentic Cajun & Creole cuisine, the festival brings the spirit of Louisiana to Gloucester. For more information visit venues.gloucester.gov.uk/freetime/guildhall Guildhall Theatre, Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. 01452 503050.

27 JANUARY JAZZ IN THE LADY CHAPEL – BEN HOLDER JAZZ TRIO Enjoy an evening of live jazz in the intimate atmosphere of our Lady Chapel.

We welcome jazz violinist Ben Holder back with his own amazingly talented trio. He is joined by guitarist Jez Cook and bassist Paul Jefferies. A bar will be available during the interval. 7.30pm. £16.

Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX. 01452 528095.

28 JANUARY CHELTENHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA – WINTER CONCERT A concert of orchestral music influenced by jazz and blues. Shostakovich’s melodic Jazz Suites complete an exhilarating first half. The orchestra are also delighted to be playing Florence Price’s Symphony No.1 in E Minor. 7.30pm. £12. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk CIRCOMEDIA: CUT THE MUSTARD Join the 2018 graduating class of Circomedia, Bristol for an evening of contemporary circus, physical innovation and boundless creativity. Acrobatics, aerial, manipulation and lots of humour. 7.30pm. £5.50. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. rosestheatre.org.

28 JANUARY SINATRA, SEQUINS & SWING: THE CAPITOL YEARS LIVE! Celebrating the iconic songs, films and Hollywood glamour of 1953-61. The ultimate homage to Sinatra’s golden zenith at Capitol Records. 3pm. From £6.

Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 29 JANUARY – 3 FEBRUARY FLASHDANCE The inspiring and unforgettable story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer. When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream. Sparks will fly and you will dance like you’ve never danced before! Starring Joanne Clifton and Ben Adams. For times and prices visit everymantheatre.org.uk.

The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

30 JANUARY THE ART OF PAPER SCULPTURE Learn how to sculpt and manipulate paper to create a beautiful bouquet of hyacinths.

10.30am-1pm. £10. Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, Gloucester GL2 9PA. 01452 733947.

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Wildlife W ildlife M Matters atters with with Caroline Caroline Shelley Shelley

Make Make a rresolution esolution ffor or w wildlife ildlife J a n u a r y – t i m e to p u t t h e C h r i s t m a s decorations away for another 12 m o n t h s a n d l o o k to t h e s t a r t o f a brand new year. This is the time when traditionally we make resolutions, so why not shake things up this year and make one for wildlife? Here are six suggestions of resolutions you could make that would benefit our wildlife, but may just benefit you too.

1.

1. Visit Visit a woodland woodland There is growing research to show the great benefits that being outside and surrounded by nature can bring to our wellbeing. Woodlands are in decline but fortunately, thanks to groups such as The Woodland Trust , there are areas being preserved that we can all enjoy. By going to spend time in t h e s e wo o d l a n d s yo u g i v e y o u r support to these precious habitats.

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3. EEnjoy njoy w wildlife ildlife iin n yyour our llocal ocal p patch atch N e ve r u n d e re s t i m a te what might be living near you. Even in urban areas w i l d l i fe i s a ro u n d i f y o u t a k e t h e t i m e to l o o k .

Perhaps you could enjoy a regular walk in your area a n d k e e p y o u r eye s p e e l e d f o r w h a t yo u c a n spot . As stated earlier, being outside has great b e n ef i t s fo r mental wellbeing, plus the walk is good exercise.

4 4.. B Build uild a b bug ug h house ouse Perhaps not as attractive or obvious as some of the bigger wildlife, but insects are essential as they form a key part of the food chain. Building a bug house is easy to do and fun for c h i l d re n . B u i l d u p a s t r u c t u re w i t h planks of wood or pallets and fill gaps with sticks, leaves, stones, etc.

Basically you are aiming to provide a place where insects can crawl into and take shelter. Even something as s i m p l e a s a f l ow e r p o t o n i t s s i d e s t u f fe d w i t h m a te r i a l p rov i d e s somewhere for an insect to crawl into.

B e e s a n d o t h e r p o l l i n a to r s a r e i n decline so with the arrival of spring and summer, planting a few pollinator friendly flowers is a really beneficial thing to do. Plus you will get to enjoy the colour and scent in your garden – it ’s win-win! To attract bees, try cosmos, cornflower, alliums, geum or 5. IInspire nspire tthe he n next ext hollyhock to name a few, and to 5. generation attract butterflies plant a buddleia. Do generation check labels at garden centres as bee Children are very responsive to the friendly plants are usually labelled. natural environment but in modern s o c i et y t h ey a re s p e n d i n g l e s s a n d l e ss time outside. Grab the warm clothes and w e l l i n g to n s a n d g e t them out there. Try pudd le jumping in wetter weather; head out to hunt for signs of s p r i n g ; d o a s c ave n g e r h u n t o r g et t h e m birdwatching with a pair The Local Answer

of binoculars. If you really want to commit , The Wildlife Trust run ‘30 Days Wild’ in the summer, which encourages families to do something wild everyday in June. They provide lots of great ideas and a chart to fill in, and there is also an app.

6.

6. G Get et iinvolved nvolved Thanks to technology there are now so many ways you can help wildlife by partaking in national surveys. The s u r vey s u s e p u b l i c i n p u t t o a ss e ss h ow s p e c i e s a re d o i n g a c ro ss t h e country, meaning the impact on our n a t i ve s p e c i e s o f t h i n g s s u c h a s c l i m a te c h a n g e c a n b e m o n i to re d .

There are many throughout the year including The Great British Bee Count in June, The Big Butterfly Count in August and the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this month. It runs from the 27th-29th January and you can register at www.rspb.org.uk .

These are just a few ideas of how your New Year resolutions could help to make positive changes for wildlife.

You could just do one or go for all six, b u t n eve r u n d e re s t i m a t e t h e difference you can make. 2018 will n o d o u b t b r i n g m o re c h a l l e n g e s fo r our natural environment so let ’s do what we can to help it.

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AS Stone’s tone’s T Throw hrow with with Gemma Gemma Drew Drew

The The Magic Magic o off tthe he FForest orest We’re all guilty of taking things for granted at times and perhaps thinking the grass is greener on the other side. But when it comes to entertainment, interesting things to do and see, activities that are enjoyable, healthy and uplifting , your home and community has so much to offer.

The Forest of Dean is full of opportunities for you to explore, engage with and experience a wonderful variety of wildlife, history, arts, culture, cuisine, performance and adrenalin fuelled escapes. We’ve highlighted just some of what your local area can deliver.. Why not make your New Year ’s resolution to support local businesses and organisations on your doorstep?

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SShop hop ’’til til y you ou d drop rop • MOOT home and garden in Coleford are p a ss i o n a te a b o u t s h a r i n g u n i q u e h o m e furnishings, garden decor and gifts. The quirky yet affordable accessories on offer are produced from a range of well-known brands as well as local b u s i n e ss e s, s o m e a s c l o s e as 100 metres around the corner.

Wine W ine a and nd D Dine ine • Another top pick on TripAdvisor is the White Horse Inn – a family run pub in Staunton serving locally sourced, seasonal home-cooked food.

Whether you sip a cool drink in the beer garden in summer,, or cosy up in the restaurant after a wintry woodland stroll, one thing’s for sure – great food and drink are always on the menu.

• Aunt Martha’s tea room in Drybrook serves a delicious afternoon tea accompanied by a unique historical experience. It’s a u t h e n t i c a l l y V i c to r i a n , with staff that follow the code and dress of the period.

Get Get iinvolved nvolved In 2016, Sport England published statistics about sport participation in local areas. In the Forest of Dean, just over 23% of adults (16+) took part in three 30 -minute sessions or more of moderate intensity activity per week . With sporting opportunities ranging from athletics and cricket, to rugby, football, swimming and equestrian, there’s plenty for you to get involved in.

For more inspiration and to help you get active this year, check out the local sport stories included in our magazine, as well as plenty more from all over the Forest of Dean on our website – www.thelocalanswer.co.uk You never know, 2018 could be the year you discover a new passion or talent for sport!

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IIn nT The he Garden Garden with w ith JJulia ulia Smith Smith

TTry ry ssomething omething n new ew iin n tthe he g arden tthis his year year garden Happy New Year to you all! Make this year one where you try s o m e t h i n g n ew i n t h e g a r d e n ; growing a vegetable or two, or p l a n t i n g h e r b s l i k e t hy m e o r rosemary for example.

J a n u a r y i s t h e r i g h t t i m e to g i ve wisteria its winter pruning. Cut back the whippy stems that have grown last year to two or three buds. This will create flowering ‘spurs’ to bloom in the summer. Do take care if you have to use ladders – make sure the bottom is secure on a flat surface and don’t lean over to make it unstable. If you have a vast wisteria that has gone beserk after being ignored for many years, it m ay p ay t o c a l l i n a s p e c i a l i s t g a rd e n e r w h o c a n g e t i t b a c k i n to some semblance of order and e n a b l e yo u to c a r r y o n w i t h i t yourself in future years.

putting them on the compost heap to reduce pests and diseases. If you cover the soil with black plastic this will warm the soil up ready for sowing seeds later and keep weeds Warm W arm tthe he ssoil oil u up p rready eady down. ffor or ssowing owing sseeds eeds Choose a mild day and you could Tidy up the vegetable plot by clean algae and moss from your clearing away the finished crops and patio, either using a pressure washer o r a st i f f b r u s h a n d paving cleaner.

R e m e m b e r to r e cycle your Christmas t r e e i f y o u h av e a real one. Garden centres will quite o f te n t a k e t h e m , o r t h e l o c a l re c yc l i n g centre or if you have a g a rd e n re f u s e wheelie bin you can lop off the branches and stuff it in there.

Either way you can be sure that most of the needles will still

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be in the carpet by Christmas 2018!

W h y n o t g row s o m e s h r u b s f o r free? Hardwood cuttings are taken from deciduous shrubs just after leaf fall or just before bud burst in spring, and include plants such as Buddleja, Cornus and Philadelphus. Choose strong, healthy shoots and cut stems a b o u t 2 0 c m l o n g a n d of a p e n c i l thickness. Trim the top with a slanting cut just above a bud (so you know which side is up!) and square cut the base just below a bud.

Ready R eady tto om move ove in in autumn autumn Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds and cut remaining leaves in half. Remove a sliver of bark from the base and dip t h e c u t t i n g i n h o r m o n e ro o t i n g powder to aid rooting. You can push them into open ground or use pots which you can put in a cold frame.

They will be ready to move to a final l o c a t i o n i n a u t u m n o r p o t o n i n to containers.

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Interior Interior Design Design w with ith JJade ade W Wilce ilce

Three N Three New ew YYear’s ear’s rresolutions esolutions ffor or yyour our h ome home The decorations are down, the house i s fe e l i n g b a r e a n d we h av e a l l vowed to those New Year ’s re s o l u t i o n s a b o u t b e i n g m o r e healthy, exercising more and generally getting into better shape.

The New Year’s resolutions shouldn’t just apply to us humans, they should apply to the home too. Here are my to p t h r e e h o m e i m p ro ve m e n t resolutions for the new year and how you can achieve them.

SStreamline treamline y your our sstuff tuff One of the best and least expensive ways to feel better about your home is to clear it of clutter. All those lovely Christmas gifts need new homes and some of the older items could find a home somewhere else. We all acquire a mountain of stuff; cabinets and drawers get jam-packed and it becomes hard to find the things you use and enjoy the most.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to clear anything that you don’t use, wear or love and donate it to charity or sell on one of the numerous buy/ s e l l s i te s . H i d e u s e f u l ( b u t n o t beautiful) items such as DVDs and r e m o t e s, s t o re t h o s e k i c k e d - o f f shoes in simple woven baskets and g r o u p s i m i l a r i te m s t o g e t h e r o n sleek trays for a stylish, clutter free look .

Shrink Shrink y your our b bills ills (and (and y your our ccarbon arbon footprint footprint ttoo) oo) W h e n p e o p l e t h i n k of g o i n g g re e n , t h ey o f te n think it takes a heavy i n ve s t m e n t l i k e s o l a r p a n e l s o r a h y b r i d c a r to make all the difference, but this isn’t the case.

There are so many smart and small ways to reduce o u r e n e rg y b i l l s i n 2 0 1 8 and the best place to start i s by c u t t i n g yo u r e n e r g y usage in your home: • Remember to switch off the lights when you leave a room The Local Answer

• I n s t a l l e n e rg y s av i n g b u l b s a n d low-flow showerheads • Fill your dishwasher or washing machine before you press start • Turn off your electric devices when not in use, instead of standby • Give composting a try – your plants a n d g a r d e n w i l l t h a n k yo u i n t h e spring These little things really can make a huge difference to your bills and your carbon footprint.

Try n Try not ot tto ob buy uy – u unless nless y you ou have h ave a sspecific pecific n need eed o orr place p lace ffor or iitt You can declutter everything but we still have a tendency to bring more s t u f f i n to o u r h o m e s . S t a r t a n ew habit this year of spending more mindfully. Depending on your current s h o p p i n g h a b i t s, t h i s c a n b e challenging to get used to, but it is worth the effort.

E ve r y t i m e yo u f i n d y o u r s e l f i n a store considering a purchase, ask yourself whether you really need the item in particular if it’s a decor item a n d n o t p u re l y f u n c t i o n a l . B r i n g i t home only if you love it and know exactly where you will put it.

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Save S ave t the he P Planet lanet with w ith L Lily ily C Curle urle

Be Be a savvy savvy sshopper hopper iinn tthe he ssales ales With the New Year comes the January sales, which we’re all guilty of surfing to try and find a bargain.

However, not all products are created equal, and they ’re certainly not all environmentally friendly, b o t h i n t h e p ro d u c t i t s e l f a n d t h e way in which it is handled.

A f te r a fe w we e ks o f v i s i t i n g family, over-indulging on food and d r i n k , a n d h a v i n g f u n , yo u r s k i n may not be at its best . It ’s always tempting to buy a new face scrub, lather up, and watch your complexion return to its former beauty. However, next time you buy a face wash, watch out for ones with plastic beads: as many as 94,500 beads can be released into Similarly, maybe there’s a new top the water system every time you that you’ve seen in the sales that wash your face. y o u t h i n k i s g o r g e o u s . B e f o r e yo u Releasing Releasing ttoxic oxic cchemicals hemicals buy it , check the materials: if it is made from polyester, rayon or into into tthe he ffood ood cchain hain These ‘microbeads’ may look nylon, you may want to consider harmless, but they are too small to putting it back . Polyester production be filtered out by regular sewage requires twice the energy than the works and are therefore released same yield of cotton and uses into the ocean, where they are harmful chemicals to do so, which accidentally swallowed by marine have the potential to get into water life. Once swallowed, they can and air untreated. Furthermore, release toxic chemicals into the nearly 70 billion barrels of oil are food chain. Seafood bought in used to produce polyester each supermarkets may well have year, which is another huge drain swallowed these beads, and then on our resources. Nylon uses three the chemicals make it into our times the energy that cotton does system too. and is non-biodegradable, meaning

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it will continue indefinitely.

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Be Be a aware ware o off tthe he iimpact mpact o off online online sshopping hopping You may think that by ordering online – eliminating the necessity to go into the town centre in a car which burns through petrol quickly – you may be doing the environment a favour. In contrast , online s h o p p i n g p u rc h a s e s c a u s e a n increase in travel time, traffic delays and vehicle emissions of everybody o n t h e ro a d , a s t h e y c a u s e m o r e congestion on already busy roads, a n d a l s o e m i t l a rg e a m o u n t s o f particulates into the air.

Hypothetically, if all shopping were to happen online, this would eradicate the demand for actual stores with their central heating and air conditioning , but in fact , the a m o u n t o f t i m e we s p e n d i n p h y s i c a l s t o re s a l s o h a s n o t decreased.

S o w h e n yo u h i t t h e s a l e s t h i s January, remember to put your efforts into finding environmentally friendly products that have less of a n i m p a c t o n o u r w i l d l i fe a n d planet .

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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 Money M Matters atters with with Roger Roger D Downes ownes o of fA Andorran ndorr ran

2 2018 018 P Predictions redictions Money Matters is not in the habit of making too many resolutions for a New Year, but I thought I would share with you a few predictions for the financial outlook in 2018. Maybe you’ll agree; maybe you won’t. You may even want to have a go at the exercise yourself.

We have to start with the UK’s departure from the European Union. The Government appears to have made some progress in persuading EU negotiators to discuss trade arrangements, but it looks like a long haul to me.

There has to be a risk that no deal on trade will be struck u n t i l t h e E U i s h a p p y w i t h ev e r y t h i n g e l s e a n d t h a t therefore we will still be talking about this issue this time next year. “Surely not”, you cry! I wish I had your faith.

The stock market will, of course, be reactive to the EU trade talks, but the longer those take to conclude, the more jittery the market will become. Could it survive a hit of, say, 20% of share values? Clearly it can, but what will the impact be on savings, pensions and businesses if it did fall that far?

M Many any ttrends rends sseem eem ccertain ertain tto o ccontinue ontinue

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Less speculative potentially is the subject of interest rates. We saw our first rise in base rates for a decade in November and it’s not rocket science to work out that they are only going one way in 2018. I think base rate will double to 1% in the next twelve months.

We’ve also had the announcement of more bank closures recently and this is another trend that seems certain to continue in the year ahead. More and more of our financial transactions are being done online and I score no marks for predicting that this too will continue apace, but it clearly will!

These are bits of fun, of course, rather than advice on which you should rely. I haven’t strayed far from the regular topics. Maybe I should predict that we will see the first £250 million football transfer or that I will win the National Lottery. Fat chance of the latter methinks.

Enough of my ramblings. Let me wish all readers a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

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S Sport port with w ith R Roger oger JJackson acks son

WANT W ANT TTO O SSHARE HARE Y YOUR OUR SSPORTING PORTING SSTORY TORY O ON NO OUR UR W WEBSITE? EBSITE? Please Please e email mail ffull ull d details etails tto o ssport@thelocalanswer.co.uk port@thelocalanswer.co.uk

R Rugby ugby iiss m much u ch m more ore tthan han M Megan’s egan’s p pet et llove ove The South Africans always have a springbok with them when they run out onto the pitch, the Australians a wallaby and the British Lions, unsurprisingly, carry a lion.

For Megan Goddard, there’s always a dog close by. And it’ss not just any dog.

“It ’s my pet pug Gwen,” laughed Megan, who plays her club rugby for Gloucester-Hartpury. “She comes to a l l m y g a m e s . My m u m a n d d a d bring her and she comes dressed in a Gloucester-Hartpury shirt!”

Mum and dad are Emma and Richard and they are the 23-yearold’s biggest supporters.

Rugby takes up much of Megan’ss time, of course, and she has to juggle those commitments with a full-time job at Bournside School where she is a PE technician.

It ’s worth all the effort , however, because she’s a very good player as well as being a very good placekicker.

In addition to playing a starring role for Gloucester-Hartpury in the

On On a winning winning roll roll There’s something stirring in the Forest.

Whisper it quietly, but the good times appear to be returning for Berry Hill Rugby Club.

After a couple of difficult seasons the club are riding high in Gloucester One and things are looking good at a club that next year will celebrate their 125th anniversary.

“Yes, we’re doing alright at the m o m e n t , ” s a i d A d e y P ow l e s , w h o coaches alongside Mike Stubbs.

“We had a couple of tough years and have had to rebuild the team.

We’ve got some new young lads and a f ew a d d i t i o n s a n d w h a tev e r l ev e l you’re playing, if you’re winning everybody is happy.”

R Riches iches p pickings ickings “I’ve just bought myself another bike,” said Jim Riches.

Megan Goddard with her pet pug Gwen

Tyrells Premier League, she’s also played for England and was in the first ever women’ss Barbarians team that played against Munster in the autumn.

She’s certainly racked up the achievements since she started playing the game at the age of 11.

“I was always sporty,” she said. “I’d play all sport but the first time I ever picked up a rugby ball was at a county trial. I was told just to join in but once they saw me play they said they couldn’t not select me because I had so much natural talent.”

Nothing too unusual about that , of course, except that the president of the Royal Dean Forest Cycling Club is 82.

And whisper it quietly, but the new acquisition is an electric bicycle.

“Yes, I do feel a bit of a cheat ,” l a u g h e d J i m , w h o h a s b e e n i n l o ve with the sport from the time he first sat on a saddle in the days when this country was caught up in the Second World War. And he still rides out every Sunday morning around parts of the Forest of Dean – he lives in the smal l vil lage A l l a s to n of between Lydney and Yorkley with h i s w i fe o f 6 0 years Patricia – yo u although h a ve to g e t u p Jim Riches and his pretty early to see wife Patricia in Paris him because he for the Tour de France likes to go out

Those county selectors were good judges of course, but what was it that ex- Chosen Hill School pupil Megan liked so much about rugby?

“I just liked running with the ball and kicking it,” she said. “I used to play quite a lot of football but this was a bit different, I enjoyed kicking the ball over the sticks.”

And although she’d hardly played any rugby, she knew where she wanted to be on the pitch.

“I was never a forward, no way,” she laughed. “I started on the wing and then moved inwards to 10 or 12.”

So which position does she prefer?

“Fly-half,” she said. “You get your hands on the ball more and can make more decisions. You can run a game from 10. I think my distribution is the strongest part of the game although I have the kicking option.

“I’m not a crash ball player although I can take it into contact if needs be.”

Full story online. and about when the roads are quieter.

“It’s the second electric bike that I’ve bought,” said Jim.

K King ing o off tthe he N North orth Stuart Gourlay is a Cheltenham North legend. End of.

The one-time scrum-half was t h e k i n g of t h e North back in the d ay w h e n t h e Bishop’s Cleeve club re i g n e d s u p re m e i n t h e Cheltenham and District Rugby Stuart Gourlay with his son Nathaniel Combination.

They collected Senior Cups for fun from the mid-80s through to the early 90s and much of that was down to the now 55-year-old Gourlay, who these days lives in Newent.

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Opening bat Chloe Skelton likes to give the ball a bit of a clatter

CChloe hloe h has as plenty plenty to to shout shout about about Not all 16 -year-olds are confident enough to talk to the media.

But Chloe Skelton was happy to talk t o T h e Lo c a l A n s w e r – h e r f i r s t e ve r i n te r v i ew – a b o u t h e r b u rg e o n i n g cricket career and dealt with the questions as confidently as she does any bowler she has faced over the past few seasons.

It helps, of course, if you’ve got s o m e t h i n g to t a l k a b o u t a n d C h l o e i s clearly one of Gloucestershire’s rising stars. A big-hitting opening bat, Chloe has just been selected by the county to go on a girls’ under-17 tour to Sri Lanka in February.

That’s a big trip by anyone’s standards – the furthest Chloe has ever been is Berlin – but she can’t wait to step on the plane on 6th February.

“I’m looking forward to it so much, it’s so exciting,” she said. “I’ve never played outside this country so it will be a real test. The pitches will be different and the cricket will be different. It will be good fun.”

Chloe talks in the same uncomplicated way that she bats.

“I like to hit the ball as far as I can,” she explained, “I prefer to hit fours and sixes rather than get ones and twos.”

And the Hartpury College student has certainly managed to smack the ball a long way on more than a few

occasions when turning out for Newent men’s 3rd XI, the club just down the road from her Longhope home and for whom she plays when not turning out for Gloucestershire.

“My favourite shot is the pull shot and I’ve cleared the Newent pavilion quite a few times,” she laughed.

What ’s even more remarkable, considering she’s already rubbing s h o u l d e r s w i t h a n d a g a i n st t h e f i n est cricketers of her age in the country, is that she only started playing the game three years ago.

‘‘II jjust ust llove ove cricket’ cricket’ But those three years have certainly changed her life in a big way.

“I just love cricket ,” she said. “It’s a great sport. I like the competitiveness of it. I like the fact that you are always involved whether batting, bowling or f i e l d i n g . T h e re a re s o m a n y d i f fe re n t areas that you can apply yourself.

“You need to be confident as well as committed and you’ve got to concentrate at all times. One slip-up and it can change a game.”

While batting is Chloe’s stronger suit, she also bowls right-arm medium pace.

She enjoys fielding, too, which is not the case with every teenager.

“I don’t want to sound big-headed but I’m a pretty good fielder,” she said.

There was always a chance that C h l o e wo u l d p l a y s p o r t o f s o m e s o r t because dad Steve was a decent rugby player back in the day, playing for Drybrook , Cinderford and Berry Hill in the centre or as a full-back .

He’s long since packed away his shoulder pads and gumshield however and recently started playing cricket at Newent. He’s got a long way to go, of course, to match Chloe who, despite her many achievements already, is only at the start of her cricketing journey..

“I want to go all the way,” she said. “I want to try to pursue a career in cricket.

I like to think I’ve got a chance.”

And if everything goes to plan, where in the world would she most like to go and play?

“Australia,” came the immediate reply. “I’d love to play there, that would be so cool. The hot climate, the famous grounds... that would be lovely.”

A n d i f s h e d i d g e t t o p l ay a t t h o s e famous grounds like the Gabba, Sydney and Melbourne, there would inevitably be many media requests for interviews that she’d have to deal with.

So how did this interview go?

“It was very good, thank you!” she laughed.

G o o d m a n n e r s a s we l l ! C h l o e h a s surely got every chance.

Full story online.

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