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ANSWER

JANUARY 2018

200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

for local people

GLOUCESTERSHIRE SOUTH CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TLA PHOTOGRAPHY 2018 WINNERS

The The Lo Local c al

AN ANSWER SWER G loucestershire SSouth outh – 441,000 1,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire G loucester – 446,000 6,000 ccopies opies Gloucester G loucestershire N orth – 220,000 0,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire North FForest orest ooff D ean – 222,000 2,000 ccopies opies Dean CCotswolds otswolds – 228,000 8,000 ccopies opies CCheltenham heltenham – 443,000 3,000 ccopies opies

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

W Welcome elcome 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 month month ... ... hotography 2 018 TLA TLA P Photography 2018 Delicious D ish Delicious Dish Holidays & TTravel ravel Holidays Medical Health Health Medical Word SSearch earch Word Quick Crossword Crossword Quick Motoring Motoring What’s O n What’s On TLA Sport Sport TLA Homes & G ardens Homes Gardens In the the Garden Garden In Sudoku Sudoku Wildlife M atters Wildlife Matters Interior D esign Interior Design Gadgets & G izmos Gadgets Gizmos Money M atters Money Matters Index , CCompetitions, ompetitions, SSolutions olutions Index,

4 5 7 9 10 10 11 11 13 13 14 14 18-19 18-19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 25 25 31 31 33 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.

Method: Method: 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

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 ttastes astes 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.

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

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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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WORD WORD SEARCH SEARCH A Z S C C G B R T L H E C N Q L W N W Q F G Q P

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S Skiing kiing ADVANCED ALPINE ALTITUDE BEGINNER BOOTS DOWNHILL FLEECE FREESTYLE HELMET

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POWDER RACE RESORT SLALOM SLOPE SNOW TRAILS

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Sign Sign up up ffor or oour ur monthly monthly EE-newsletter!

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SSend end yyour our nname ame aand nd eemail mail aaddress ddress ttoo llois@thelocalanswer.co.uk ois@thelocalanswer.co.uk aand nd we’ll we’ll aadd dd yyou ou to to oour ur mailing mailing llist! ist!

Don’t Don’t llook ook u until ntil yyou’ve ou’ve finished! finished! SSolutions olutions oonn ‘‘Index Index ooff AAdvertisers’ dvertisers’ ppage. age.

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Quick Crossword 2

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For details please call

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© Lovatts Puzzles

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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

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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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

01242

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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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What’s W hat’s O On n TThe he LLocal ocal A Answer nswer EEvent vent Listings Listings are are ccompiled ompiled and and presented preesented in in good good faith faith with with the the kind kind support support of of many many contributors. contributors.

Wee re W recommend ecommend yyou ou uuse se tthe he ccontact ontact ddetails etails pprovided rovided to to check check event event iinformation nformation uupdates pdates pprior rior ttoo pplanning lanning yyour our vvisit. isit.

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.

8-30 8-30 DECEMBER DECEMBER SPECTACLE OF LIGHT Explore the new illuminated trail around Sudeley Castle’s grounds, marvelling at the majestic trees and romantic ruins all lit under the stars. Enjoy wonderful music as you discover each new secret of this magical environment. A wonderful outdoor event for all ages. For more details visit sudeleycastle.co.uk. 01242 602308.

Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, GL54 5JD. 3-4 JANUARY JANUARY 3-4 DRACULA (OR A PAIN IN THE NECK) Rain or Shine proudly present a new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s famous Gothic fantasy... with a twist! A play you can really sink your teeth into! For times and prices visit everymantheatre.org.uk. The

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

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. JANUARY 6 & 2266 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. All guided walks set off from outside the Welcome Building. Please

wear suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor walking. Dogs on leads are welcome. 11am. Free after admission.

Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 0300 067 4890.

CHELTENHAM BRIDE AND GROOM SHOW Everything you’ll need to know to prepare your special day, all under one roof. Two bridal fashion shows at 12 noon and 2pm and over 70 exhibitors from venues to wedding gowns. 11am. Free admission.

Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 1100 JANUARY JANUARY THE TRANSPORTS 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 YOUNG MARX 1850, and Europe’s most feared terrorist is hiding in Dean Street, Soho. The thirtytwo-year-old revolutionary is a frothing combination of intellectual brilliance and child-like emotional illiteracy. His writing blocked, his marriage dying, his friend Engels in despair at his wasted genius, 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.

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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 in time from the early sun years right through to the late 80s and also includes a special tribute to the time Roy Spent with The Traveling Wilburys and Bono. For details visit everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

1133 JANUARY JANUARY LONDON SWING ORCHESTRA Graham Dalby and The London Swing Orchestra return with an exciting programme – ‘The Great Legends of Jazz and Swing’. A stylish and witty raconteur, Graham leads the audience through the fascinating storyline from Scott Joplin 1900 to Frank Sinatra 1965. For times and prices visit everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

THE BOB DYLAN STORY With some of the most memorable songs ever written, Bob Dylan created the soundtrack for 1960s America, amassing a huge and enduring fanbase that even extended across the Atlantic to bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

7.30pm. £22. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk STROUD WASSAIL REVELS

The third annual Stroud Wassail Revels. It’s a variety show. Expect drama, music, ceilidh dancing, storytelling, comedy and the unexpected! 7pm. For prices visit www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk. 01453 760900. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, 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.

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113-14 3-14 JANUARY JANUARY WILD WINTER – WONDERFUL WILDFOWL WEEKEND

In our third Wild Winter 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 with experts. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900.

14 14 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, and 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 JJANUARY ANUARY 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

To advertise call 01242 510500

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.

18 18 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 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

A ‘rags to riches’ tale, packed with adventure and original twists and turns along the way. A large cast of singers and dancers, lavish costumes, colourful scenery and lots of audience participation! £10 -£15.

For details and tickets call Showcase (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 “Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once… ‘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! £38pp – includes 3 course meal and disco. Bowden Hall Hotel, Bondend Lane, Gloucester GL4 8ED. 0844 815 9077.

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19 19 & 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 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 – taking the show to a whole new level. 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 and cookery live-streaming, as well as fun activities for children. 10am. £3 (under 12s free). 01453 760900.

Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, 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

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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 JANUARY JANUARY 23 DANCE TO THE MUSIC

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 23-27 JANUARY JANUARY 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.

2244 JANUARY JANUARY LIFTING THE BLUES: AYNSLEY LISTER In aid of Lifting The Blues. Aynsley will be showcasing his new album ‘Home’, supported by The Black Feathers, made up

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of Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler. 7.30pm. £20. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

25 JANUARY JANUARY 25 FOLLIES New York , 1971. There’s a party on the stage of the Weismann Theatre. Tomorrow the iconic building will be demolished.

Thirty years after their final performance, the Follies girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

26 JANUARY JANUARY 26 THE STYLISTICS With instantly recognisable hits such as ‘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 JANUARY 26-28 GLOUCESTER CCA AJUN & 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, topped off by authentic Cajun & Creole cuisine. Guildhall Theatre, Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. 01452 503050. Details at venues.gloucester.gov.uk/freetime/guildhall 27 JANUARY JANUARY 27 JAZZ IN THE LADY CHAPEL – BEN HOLDER JAZZ TRIO 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.

2288 JANUARY 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.

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2288 JANUARY JANUARY SINATRA , SEQUINS & SWING: THE CAPITOL YEARS LIVE! Celebrating the iconic songs, films and Hollywood glamour of 1953- 61. The ultimate homage to Sinatra’ss golden zenith at Capitol Records. Featuring over 30 much-loved classics. 3pm. From £6.

Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 2299 JANUARY JANUARY – 3 FFEBRUARY EBRUARY 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. For times and prices visit everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

30 JANUARY JANUARY 30 THE ARTT 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.

3311 JANUARY JANUARY GLOUCESTERSHIRE RAPTOR MONITORING GROUP (GRMG) PRESENTS AN EVENING WITH HELEN MACDONALD

Helen MacDonald is the author of “H is for Hawk”, a blow-by-blow account of how a falconer exerts her will over a Goshawk , as well as giving a remarkably raw and intimate insight into how Helen coped with the death of her father. GRMG invites you to meet Helen and hear her talk about her books and other work.

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7.30pm. £15. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 1 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY ISLANDS IN THE STREAM Celebrating the Queen and King of country, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Leave your 9 to 5 worries at the door and get ready for a night in the company of Country Music Royalty! This thigh-slapping stage show brings together the beloved glamour and personality of Dolly, along with Kenny’s charisma and energy with hit after hit. 7.30pm. £24. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 2 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY PLANNING THE VEGETABLE GARDEN Join Gillie as she takes you through how to plan a successful vegetable garden with harvest throughout the year. Be prepared to leave Hidcote full of ideas and inspiration for your own vegetable garden. Booking essential. Over 16s only. Assistance dogs welcome. Upon arrival, please make your way to the Chapel located in the front courtyard. Lectures will be seated. Teas and coffees provided on arrival. 10.30 -11.30am. £30. Hidcote Manor Garden, Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden GL55 6LR. 01386 438333.

JAZZ & BLUES END OF DRY JANUARY CELEBRATION Celebrate the end of dry January with us.

Special offers of Dry wine, Dry Gin, etc. with Jazz & Blues music. Free event. All welcome – even dogs (kept on leads)!

Make use of our games tables, giant jenga and nintendo 64. The kitchen will be open for food. 6pm. Hillside Brewery, Holly Bush Farm, Ross Road, near Longhope, GL17 0NG. 01452 830222.

KAST OFF KINKS Former members of the legendary band ‘The Kinks’, back together playing great music and re-living the good times whilst keeping the songs alive that made The Kinks a household name. Expect all the hits. A great night out, not to be missed!

7.30pm. £22. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk SAM AND THE WOMP A British band who’s debut single was ‘Bom Bom’. The band’ss trademark sound comes from an innovative mix of ska and Balkan music, blended with modern dance and electronic sounds. 8pm. For prices visit www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk. 01453 760900. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. 3 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY THE TRUE BELIEVERS COMIC FESTIVAL Featuring over 100 tables of comics, creators, artists and more, True Believers is the event for comic lovers of all ages.

10.30am. From £5. Details at

To advertise call 01242 510500

oktruebelievers.com/tickets. Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH. 01242 513014.

THE ELVIS YEARS The Elvis Years is an outstanding musical production which brings to the stage the incredible and compelling story of the King of rock and roll – Elvis Presley.

7.30pm. From £17.50. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.org.

FEBRUARY 4 FEBRUARY DAVID BADDIEL – MY FAMILY: NOT THE SITCOM A show about memory, ageing, infidelity, dysfunctional relatives, moral policing on social media, golf,, and gay cats. Come and be offended on David’s behalf! For times and prices visit everymantheatre.org.uk.

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

77-8 -8 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY MEDEA Medea helped Jason win the Golden Fleece. They married and have two sons.

Now Jason ditches Medea for a younger woman, the daughter of the King, in a bid for power. Isolated and abandoned, Medea attacks Jason where he is most vulnerable – his lineage. She kills their children. For details visit everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

8 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY THE STORY OF THE BEACH BOYS

Along with a superb musical performance by the “Beach Boyz Tribute Band”, lead vocalist Tommy Read will lead you through the history of America’s biggest pop band.

8pm. Prices at subscriptionrooms.org.uk.

01453 760900. Stroud scription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. 8-17 8-17 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY QUARTET The charming tale of four ageing opera singers who reside in a magnificent retirement home in Kent. The rumour circling the halls is that the home is soon to play host to a new resident. Jean arrives and old rivalries resurface, secrets are revealed and chaos unfolds! A celebration of the twilight years and the hilarity of growing old disgracefully! For details visit everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

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JJim im jjust ust lloves oves to to run run and and run run and and run run Jim Adams was unattached until the age of 49.

But before any single ladies who knew him 20, 30 or 40 years ago start kicking themselves over missed o p p o r t u n i t i e s, t h e h a p p i l y m a r r i e d father-of-two grown up boys was ‘unattached’ only in running terms.

The now nearly 62-year-old, who is chairman of Stroud and District Athletics Club, has always been into his running but didn’t join the club fo r w h o m h e d o e s s o m u c h u n t i l the mid-noughties, competing unattached until then.

Born in Gloucester, Jim was brought up in Stroud and went to Marling School.

“I did some cross-country at school and quite enjoyed it,” he said.

He also played rugby but that was not quite such an enjoyable experience.

“I was tall for my age and they always put me in the second row,” he recalled. “I used to keep getting black eyes because I was getting

Jim Adams

kicked by the opposition props. I didn’t like that much!”

After finishing university Jim remained close to his roots, getting a job working in a bank and moving to Cheltenham.

It was at this time that he rediscovered his love of running.

“I was sat behind a desk and working at a computer all day,” he said. “I knew I needed to be doing some form of exercise so that ’ss when I started to go running.”

He was lucky that his brother Steve was like-minded and two parts of

It’s fair to say that Willerton, whose dad Jeff is very well known in Stroud Football League circles, is probably the best tumbler that this country has ever produced.

A ttrue rue ffamily amily cclub lub Stroud Netball Club are a family club and that is epitomised by the fact that t h ey c u r re n t l y h a v e s e v e n m o t h e r s a n d d a u g h te r s e i t h e r p l ay i n g o r heavily involved with the club.

The magnificent seven are: Julie and Tuesday Wilmott, Paula and Samantha Lane, Wendy and Alice Chandler, Leanne and Chloe Ennis, Kerry and Abby Richardson, Di and Claudia Reid, and Phillippa and Emily Greene.

The club have been running since the mid-1970s and these days boast around 120 members.

“We run nine teams,” says coach Wendy Chandler.

TThe he ccountry’s ountry’s ffinest inest Readers of a certain age will remember the romantic comedy ‘There’s Something About Mary ’, which was a huge box office hit back in the late 1990s.

When it was released in July 1998, Kristof Willerton was only four, but

the Adams family could be seen regularly going for runs around Cheltenham.

“We’d run around the streets of Cheltenham,” said Jim. “It was easy because it was flat and well lit. We’d run a circuit right around the town.”

Like his brother, Steve was unattached, although these days he is now a member of Almost Athletes.

H e j o i n e d t h e C h e l te n h a m - b a s e d club after his running mate moved to Stroud a dozen or so years ago.

“I love it at the club,” said Jim, whose wife Tricia is also a member.

“I love being out and about and running in the fresh air. There’ss such a wide variety of running – Rodborough Common, Selsley Common and down by Stroud canal.

I love running at places like Randwick and Standish Woods.

“I’m out three or four times a week . The club train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and I also coach a group of runners.”

Full story online.

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Kristof Willerton

while there was Something About Mary for her gaggle of suitors played

by Matt Dillon and Ben Stiller among others, for Kristof there is certainly Something About Sofia.

That ’s because he has not long re t u r n e d f r o m t h e B u l g a r i a n c a p i t a l where he helped Great Britain win team gold in the World Tumbling Championships.

And that success came four years after he became the first Briton ever to win individual gold in the World Tumbling Championships in, you guessed it, Sofia.

“We’re just a club run by a group of m a t e s . ” T h o s e a r e t h e wo rd s o f t h e man they call ‘Mr Eastcombe’ – better known as Kenny Smith – who was talking to The Local Answer about his beloved Eastcombe Football Club.

Smith is player/manager of the first team, who play in Stroud League Division Two, as well as the club’s secretary. And if that wasn’t enough, he took on the job of results secretary for the Stroud Football League at the start of the season.

Of his newest role, he said: “If the league don’t get people like me coming through and helping, there won’t be any league for people to play in.”

For full versions of all these stories and more, visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk

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A llifetime ifetime devoted d evote t d to t tthe he game g ame of of rrugby ugby Much of the nation has taken Meghan Markle into their hearts since it was announced that she is to marry Prince Harry.

It ’s not surprising really. She has a ready smile, has already achieved t h i n g s i n h e r l i fe – p r i m a r i l y a s a n actress – and would appear to have a ve r y c a r i n g s i d e j u d g i n g by h e r humanitarian work .

She seems to tick most boxes and it ’s certain that any children that follow on from the big wedding day will be welcomed with open arms by a country looking for some welcome good news amid all the Brexit doom and gloom stories.

Those children – Hector or Tuppence m ay b e ? – w i l l b e b o r n w i t h t h e proverbial silver spoon in the mouth of course.

There wasn’t a silver spoon to be s e e n w h e n R u ss e l l H i l l i e r c a m e i n to this world 78 years ago, however. In fact it ’s far more likely that he was b o r n c l u t c h i n g a r u g by b a l l t h a n a n item of cutlery.

That’s because Hillier has devoted a lifetime to the oval ball game as a player, administrator and volunteer.

He was a good player, enjoying a four-year spell with Gloucester as a full-back in between longer periods at Stroud, the club who remain his first love. When he hung up his boots, he didn’t turn his back on the game that had given him so much fun, serving as an administrator at club, county and national level.

And he’s still very much involved today, to the extent that he still serves up soup and bread to Stroud’s players after Tuesday and Thursday night training sessions and watches them play on Saturday afternoons Hillier was born in Burton-on-Trent but by the time he was blowing out the candle on his first birthday cake he had already moved to glorious Gloucestershire – and more particularly Stroud – with his family.

It was at Marling S c h o o l t h at h e f i r st learned about the joys of rugby. “ I s t a r te d o f f a s a scrum-half or fly-half,” h e s a i d , “ a n d I g ot s e l e c te d fo r the Gloucestershire Schools under-15 team.”

Soon England came cal ling and the up wardly mobile Hillier was selected for their under-15 squad as well – although not as a half-back . “ T h ey p u t m e a t f u l l - b a c k w h i c h was a bit unusual,” he admitted.

Not that Hillier was fazed by the change of position nor anything else for that matter.

“We played Wales at the Arms Park i n C a rd i f f i n 1 9 5 4 , ” h e s a i d . “ T h e re was a crowd of 35,000 and it was a great experience even though we lost 9 - 6. I’ve still got the schoolboy cap that I was presented with that day.”

Hillier H illier w was as d doing oing w well ell ccloser loser tto oh home ome Although the place-kicker for both Marling and Gloucestershire, Hillier was not entrusted with the kicking duties that day.

He was three years later, though, when he was chosen for the England Schools senior squad to play Wales at Twickenham and France in Paris. This time he was at outside centre as Wales won 9 -3 and the game with the French ended 6- 6.

Closer to home, Hillier was doing pretty well too.

“I was captain of Marling’s 1st XV,” he said with some pride, “and in my final season we won every game. We u s e d to p l a y s o m e t o u g h g a m e s against Cainscross 2nds, Stroud 2nds and Old Marlingtonians.”

By now Hillier was a familiar face around Stroud Rugby Club.

Russell Hillier

“I played my first game for Stroud in 1955,” he said. “It was for the Nomads. I was in the first team in 1958 and was playing fly-half.”

He went to St Luke’s College in Exeter to further his studies, a place w h e r e h e a l s o g o t t o p l ay a v e r y decent standard of rugby. He continued to play for Stroud as well and it wasn’t long before Gloucester and Gloucestershire came knocking.

“Peter Ford, who was captain of Gloucester, said why don’t I come and play for them, so I did,” he explained. “ A n d i n t h o s e d a y s p l a y i n g fo r Gloucestershireshire was one step below international level.”

H i l l i e r h a s n o t h i n g b u t h a p py memories of his four years at Kingsholm. And when they were over he was just as happy to return to his first club Stroud, where he was elected captain for three years.

And the good times continued for Hillier once he’d untied his boots for the last time as a player, as he moved seamlessly onto the administrative s i d e. W i t h h i s p o s i t i v e c a n - d o personality, Hillier was a breath of fresh air in committee rooms around the county and beyond, and over the years he has been given more titles t h a n ev e n s o m e m e m b e r s o f t h e Royal Family!

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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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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.

2 2.. Plant Plant ssome ome b bee ee ffriendly riendly fflowers lowers

3.

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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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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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

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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.

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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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