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ANS W E R
JUNE 2018
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GLOUCESTERSHIRE SOUTH DON’T FORGET FA ATTHER’S DA AY Y – SUNDA AY Y 17th JUNE 2018
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 Dean ean – 222,000 2,000 ccopies opies CCotswolds otswolds – 228,000 8,000 ccopies opies CCheltenham heltenham – 443,000 3,000 ccopies opies
M Managing anaging D Director 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
SSport port R Roger oger JJackson ackson sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk
EEntertainment ntertainment P Patrick atrick B Baines aines eentertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk ntertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk
CCustomer ustomer SServices ervices K Kevin evin V Vaughan-Spruce aughan-Spruce services@thelocalanswer.co.uk services@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Claudie Claudie FFrancis rancis pproduction@thelocalanswer.co.uk roduction@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Distribution D istribution JJulia ulia B Ball all – 001242 1242 5541075 41075 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk
LLaura aura H Hodgson odgson nneil.laura.tla@outlook.com eil.laura.tla@outlook.com
AAccounts ccounts R Robert obert K Kingscott ingscott aaccounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk ccounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Unit Unit H, H, CChurchill hurchill IIndustrial ndustrial EEstate, state, Churchill Churchill RRoad, oad, GL53 LLeckhampton, eckhampton, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Gloucestershire G L53 7EG 7EG
T Telephone elephone 0 01242 1242 5 510500 10500 thelocalanswer thelocalanswer
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June’ss winning cover photo: Nicky Legg of Cirencester
W Welcome elcome ttoo JJune une ...... With the sun making an appearance on more than one occasion recently it seems that summer is well and truly on the way. And what better way to celebrate than some strawberry picking? Primrose Vale are welcoming back ‘pick your own’ season, so why not make a day of it and pick yourself some raspberries for our ‘Delicious Dish’ this month? What a perfect way to thank your Dad this Father’s Day on 17th June. It’s not just the season for fruit – several festivals across the county are getting underway this month so be sure to have a look at our What’s On section so you don’t miss out . And for the inside scoop on all things music, art , film and more head to our Entertainment section – you might even see some local faces performing! Don’t forget you can read all our regular editorial articles plus many more sport and entertainment stories on our website – www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
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D Delicious elicious Dish Dish with w ith Helen Helen Kingscott Kingscott
Refreshing Refreshing raspberry raspberry ttart art TThis his ffresh, resh, ffruity ruity d dessert essert w will ill go go d down own a ttreat reat on on Father’s Father’s D Day! ay! IIngredients: ngredients: For the pastry: 200g plain f l o u r ; 1 7 5 g g ro u n d a l m o n d s ; 1 7 5 g golden caster sugar; 200g cold butter, diced; 1 egg yolk . For the filling: 200ml and sides. Place in the freezer for about 20 minutes. tub crème fraiche; 85g golden caster sugar; ½ tsp vanilla essence; juice and zest of ½ lemon; 700 -800g 3 Heat the oven to 190°C (fan 170°C/gas mark raspberries; ½ sachet gelatine powder. For the 5). Line the case with greaseproof paper and Why W hy n not ot v visit isit glaze: 5 tbsp seedless raspberry jam. baking beans, put onto a baking tray and Primrose Vale Primrose V ale cook for 20 minutes. Method: Method: Farm Farm Shop Shop & PYO PYO 4 Remove the beans and paper and cook 1 For the pastry: To make the pastry, put the and make make your your ttart art for a further 10 minutes. Leave to cool flour, ground almonds, sugar and cold and with their their delicious delicious then trim the edges with a knife. Carefully butter into a food processor and mix until it with remove from the tin. raspberries? raspberries? looks like breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and 5 For the filling: Make up the ½ sachet of continue to mix until it forms a very soft pastry. gelatine with 4 tablespoons of hot water, making 2 Lightly grease a 25cm loose bottomed tart tin and sure it has all dissolved then leave to cool. tip the mixture in, pressing it evenly around the base 6 Whisk together the crème fraiche, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and zest until thick then add the cooled gelatine. Spread over the base of the tart and chill for 20 minutes. 7 For the glaze: Heat up the jam with 2 tbsp water until it has all melted, leave to cool a little then arrange the raspberries on top of the filling. Using a pastry brush, spread the jam all over giving a lovely glossy finish. Tip: Delicious served with some extra crème fraiche or Tip: double cream. Try this recipe with strawberries or orange segments on top.
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Shurdington Shurdington Road, Road, Bentham, Bentham, C Cheltenham, heltenham, G Gloucestershire loucestershire GL51 GL51 4UA 4UA For For more more information information vvisit isit w www.primrosevale.com ww.primrosevale.com
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TThe he ‘Pick ‘Pick YYour our Own’ Own’ season season ggets ets well well under under w way ay iinn June June aand nd Primrose Primrose Vale Vale hhas as aann aabundance bundance ooff delicious delicious bberries, erries, ccurrants urrants and and beans beans ffor or aallll tthe he ffamily amily ttoo eenjoy njoy collecting collecting – a fantastic fantastic w way ay to to entertain entertain the the cchildren hildren and and encourage encourage tthem hem to to eat eat healthily. healthily. You’ll You’ll probably probably end end up up doing doing m most ost ooff tthe he ppicking icking yyourself, ourself, but but tasting tasting ffruit ruit aand nd veg veg fresh fresh from from tthe he ffields ields is is a ddelightful elightful aand nd ppositive ositive eexperience xperience for for everyone. everyone. PPrimrose rimrose VVale ale FFarm arm SShop hop & PYO PYO has has been been developed developed oover ver tthe he years years by by owners owners Charlotte Charlotte and and Paul Paul Keene Keene to to bbecome ecome aw wonderful onderful source source of of llocally ocally ggrown rown or or rreared eared pproduce roduce – kkeeping eeping food fo o d m miles iles ttoo a m minimum inimum aand nd supporting supporting nnearby earby farmers farmers ssimultaneously. imultaneously. There There is is a llarge arge sselection election ooff delicious delicious ffood ood all all yyear ear rround. ound. There’s There’s also also a great great vvariety ariety of of ccrops rops for for yyou ou to to gather. gather. TThe he m most ost popular popular ffruits ruits with with customers customers at at this this ttime ime of of yyear ear are are sstrawberries trawberries aand nd raspberries raspberries prominent prominent ttowards owards tthe he end end of of the the month. month. YYou ou don’t don’t hhave ave ttoo ddamage amage yyour our back back iinn the the pprocess rocess ooff ppicking icking them them – rraspberry aspberry bbushes ushes are are tall tall aand nd tthe he sstrawberries trawberries aare re now now grown grown on on rraised aised platforms, platforms, ssoo there’s there’s no no sslugs, lugs, bugs bugs oorr mud mud either! either! TToo tthe he side side ooff the the sshop hop a recreational recreational aarea rea has has bbeen een created created for for ccustomers ustomers to to uuse se dduring uring oopening pening hours. hours. W Whether hether you you need need a ssit it down down or or your your children children want want to to uuse se the the sandpit, sandpit , rride ide tthe he vintage vintage tractor, tractor, play play on on tthe he sswings wings aand nd sslides lides or or see see tthe he rrabbits, abbits, yyou ou aare re encouraged encouraged ttoo use use the the ffacilities. acilities. In In fact, fact, Charlotte Charlotte and and PPaul aul are are m more ore than than hhappy appy ffor or yyou ou ttoo take take yyour our llittle ittle oones nes to to use use tthe he pplay lay area, area, eeven ven iiff yyou’re ou’re nnot ot ppicking icking oorr vvisiting isiting tthe he sshop hop sspecifically. pecifically. AUG AUG
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produce nd tto o ccheck h e ck FFor or up-to-date up-to-date p roduce iinformation nformation aand what’s please w hat’s rready eady ffor or picking pi c k in g p lease call call or or visit: visit:
01452 01452 863359 863359
So So why why not not let let tthe he kids kids enjoy enjoy tthe he fresh fresh air air and and gget et some some exercise exercise while while you you relax relax with with a cuppa cu p p a and, and, perhaps, perhaps, a slice slice ooff cake cake from from ‘The ‘The Potting Potting Shed’ Shed’ – open open from from 10am-4pm 10am-4pm daily daily tthroughout hroughout tthe he summer summer ppicking icking season! season!
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W Wild ild Boar Boar o off G Gloucestershire loucestershire Here in Gloucestershire, we have the most extensive population of feral wild boar in the UK . However, it has not always been this way. By the arrival of the 17th century, wild boar had been hunted to extinction. The population was given another chance between the 1990s and 2004, as some farm reared boar had escaped, and others had been illegally released near the Wye Valley. The two groups of boar mated, and today the population of the feral wild boar is now thriving at an estimated 1200 in the Forest of Dean alone.
CCharacteristics haracteristics o off W Wild ild B Boar oar Wild boar are feral animals and must always be treated with c a u t i o n a n d re s p e c t . O n s p o t t i n g t h e s e a n i m a l s, t h e f i r s t t h i n g yo u will most likely notice is the colour of their bristle-like hair. Piglets have brown and cream stripes, and at a r o u n d fo u r m o n t h s o l d t h e y w i l l l o s e t h e s t r i p e s, a n d t h e h a i r w i l l g r ow a s h a d e o f r e d . W h e n t h e y reach adulthood, the average boar weighs about 90kg. Some adult boar have very dark , a l m o st b l a c k h a i r a n d u s u a l l y © Kerry Palmer
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originate from eastern Europe. The other type of boar you may see will have a lighter brown coat , which t y p i c a l l y o r i g i n a te s f r o m w e s t e r n Europe. Male boar have tusks averaging a r o u n d 6 c m i n l e n g t h w h i c h t h ey use as tools, or weapons if they feel under threat . Female boar can breed up to two times a year, each time averaging around five piglets.
FFeeding eeding TTime ime
see them foraging for food together. The eyesight of a boar is not very good, so they rely heavily on their s e n s e o f s m e l l . T h ey d o t h i s b y using their snouts, often turning up the soil to find food and leaving apparent tracks to where they have b e e n . T h e i r d i et i s p r i m a r i l y m a d e u p o f p l a n t m a t te r s u c h a s s e e d s, fruits and leaves, but they are also known to eat small mammals, insects and eggs.
Spotting potting W Wild ild B Boar oar A group of boar together is known S a s a ‘ s o u n d e r ’ a n d yo u w i l l o f t e n W i l d b o a r c a n b e s p o t t e d i n sounders throughout the Forest of Dean and other forests in the UK , and can be found either in wooded areas or foraging along the roadside. They are a great sight to see and can be fascinating to watch, but do remember to always keep your distance, especially with young children and dogs. Nature is a beautiful thing, but must always be respected. With the warmer months fast a p p ro a c h i n g , w h a t b e t t e r t i m e to g e t o u t i n t h e fo re s t to e n j oy t h e newly flourishing flowers and view from afar the new baby animals born this spring.
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R Recognising ecognising ‘‘remarkable’ remarkable’ R Ruth uth through this without the incredible support of the team of people with whom I work at Drain Doctor Gloucestershire. I would also like to thank the Dwyer Group, who have also been such a huge support and provided me with the guidance and infrastructure to keep the business in a good healthy state.”
Drain Doctor Gloucestershire franchise manager, Ruth Ryder, was honoured with the President’s award by the Dwyer Group EU at their ceremony in Berlin in recognition of h e r o u t st a n d i n g d e d i c at i o n a n d resolve over the past year. She was praised for the exceptional resilience and determination to keep the business running effectively following some challenges both professionally and personally.
‘‘Fantastic Fantastic rrepresentative’ epresentative’
‘‘All All tthe he m more ore d determined’ etermined’ Ruth was overwhelmed and said: “I am so flattered to receive this award and would never have expected it, particularly when I know the other great franchisees in the network . We have all had a difficult and sad time in recent months, with both my husband and our franchise owner, Nick Cousins, having passed away. This has made me all the more determined to hold both my family and the franchise together,
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and whilst the demands of work have been incredibly challenging at times, they have also been a good distraction from my personal grief. I could not , however, have got
Pierre Jeannes, Vice-President of Operations for Drain Doctor, congratulated Ruth on her award, saying: “Ruth has been remarkable over the past few months to keep the franchise up and running despite all the encounters that she has come up against. No-one else I know could have coped as well as Ruth and we are proud that she is part of our Dwyer Group family. Not only is she a fantastic representation of Drain Doctor ’s values, but she still manages to keep the business operating so steadfastly. A big congratulations!”
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Motoring Motoring with w ith Luke Luke Edwards Edwa wards
TThe he cats cats vvisit isit tthe he ccoast oast Legend has it that when the Jaguar E-Type was launched in 1961, Enzo Ferrari said he considered it to be “the most beautiful motor car in the world”. On a recently beautiful, sunny day a plethora of stunning ETypes descended on Ellenborough Park Hotel in Cheltenham for the l a u n c h of t h e 2 0 1 8 Ro u n d B r i t a i n Coastal Drive. T h i s g ro u p i n c l u d e d “ 9 6 0 0 H P ” which was the original Geneva A u to S a l o n l a u n c h c a r ( t h e o n e Enzo Ferrari may have commented on) and it was also the road test car which set the magic 150mph; a September; the Sands are famous for speed often quoted as a major Malcolm Campbell’s world land speed record on 25th September 1924, which landmark in road car history. took his Sunbeam 350HP car “Blue A3 3,400-mile ,400 -mile Bird” to 146.16mph. circumferential circumferential rroute oute The event will then conclude in The 18-day coastal drive, now in its Tenby, on the north-west of third consecutive annual running, is Carmarthen Bay, on 5th October. The organised by the E-type Club and over Coastal Drive comprises 19 individual the last three years has raised a legs, each of approximately 180 miles substantial amount of much distance – with stage 7 reaching John appreciated funding for the charity O’Groats and stage 17 Land’s End – and Prostate Cancer UK , one of the most is driven sequentially by groups of Ecommon cancers to impact men across types in the style of a relay. Speaking with the event originator the world. This year ’s 3,400 -mile circum- and E-type club founder, Philip Porter,, ferential route around the British he has been pleased with the success mainland will start at the iconic of the event: “When we first created Pendine Sands on the south of the Round Britain Coastal Drive in Carmarthen Bay, Wales, on 17th 2016, with the aims of giving E-type The Local Answer
Club owners all over the country a sociable driving event at the same time as raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK , it was intended to be a one-off.
The The event event has has already already raised raised over over £ £130,000 130,000 B u t t h e e ve n t p ro ve d s o enjoyable and so popular that here we are launching it for a third time. Thanks to the magnificent generosity of Coastal Drive participants and their friends, we have already raised more than £130,000 for Prostate Cancer UK and look forward to increasing that sum this year.” New figures reveal that Prostate Cancer has now overtaken Breast Cancer to become the third most common cause of Cancer death in the UK . Prostate Cancer UK estimates that £120 million is needed for research over the next eight years to halve the number of prostate cancer deaths expected by 2026. The charity’s chief executive, Angela Culhane, said: “We haven’t yet seen the big game-changing advances that Breast Cancer has had in terms of s c re e n i n g a n d p r e c i s i o n m e d i c i n e developments. We need to bust the myth that this is just an old man’s disease that isn’t significant.”
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What’s On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors. We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit. THROUGHOUT MAY/JUNE PENWITH GALLERY, ST IVES. MEMBERS SPRING SHOW The Penwith Gallery is the home of the Penwith Society of Arts based in St Ives, Cornwall. The Spring show is a wonderful showcase of their members’ works. 16th May9th June. Coffee Shop available. Weds-Sat 10am-4pm. www.thechapelarts.com 1 MAY – END OF JUNE SELECT FESTIVAL 2018 – MIXED SCULPTURE EXHIBITION Eight artists will be displaying their work in the herbaceous borders and in The Garden Café. The sculpture has been designed to complement the nursery’s range of plants and unique setting. All works will be for sale. Free admission. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays. Miserden Nursery, Stroud GL6 7JA. 01285 821638. www.miserdennursery.co.uk 18 MAY – 17 JUNE ONE MINUTE Following several connected characters through their struggles with Daisy Schults’s disappearance: the two policemen investigating the disappearance; Daisy’s mother Anne; and Marie Louise, a woman who glimpsed Daisy after she had been separated from her mother. Full details at barntheatre.org.uk. The Barn Theatre, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester GL7 1BN. 26 MAY – 3 JUNE THE WILDLIFE ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION An opportunity to see and purchase beautiful works of art and to meet artists who are dedicated to promoting conservation of all species. 10am-5pm. Entry is FREE, with good parking, set in the
beautiful grounds of Nature in Art Gallery and Museum, Twigworth, Gloucester GL2 9PA. SatNav Postcode: GL2 9PG. ROMAN MAY HOLIDAY Make a mosaic, badge or paper-craft. Raid the dressing up baskets and fashion yourself as a Roman. Suitable for all ages. Some craft activities include an additional charge to cover the cost of materials. 10.30am. Free event (normal admission applies). Chedworth Roman Villa, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256. MINI BEAST WEEK Find out about the mini beasts at Snowshill from items in our natural history collection to bugs and beasties in the garden. Free (normal admission applies). 11am. Snowshill Manor and Garden, Snowshill, near Broadway, WR12 7JU. 01386 852410. SPRING TO LIFE Join us for a whole week of spring fun with lots to learn and plenty to keep you entertained. 9.30am-5.30pm. Included with admission. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge CHANGING COMMUNITIES – CHANGING PERCEPTIONS Photography Exhibition by students from the University of Gloucestershire. Students explored the theme of migration and worked collaboratively with their subjects to produce photographs and accompanying interpretation. The projects illustrate the diversity of migrant’s stories and how they are represented as individuals in society. Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, GL1 2LX. gloucestercathedral.org.uk
31 MAY – 2 JUNE STROUD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL A diverse programme of theatrical events to suit theatre goers of all ages, including headline theatre performances, workshops, live music and opportunities for all to get involved in the theatre of the great William Shakespeare. Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud, GL5 4AF stroudshakespearefestival.weebly.com THROUGHOUT JUNE ARCTIC MOVEMENT, MUSIC, GLASS, PRINT Collaborative exhibition of music, visuals and sculpture between renowned glass artist Sally Fawkes and composer Alex Ho. Also featuring local artist Sallie Taylor. 13th – 30th June. Coffee Shop available. Weds-Sat 10am-4pm. www.thechapelarts.com 1 JUNE ELECTRIC BICYCLE POLO AND GYMKHANA Longdole Polo Club, GL4 8LH. 7pm. £5 per car. Bar, BBQ and lots of fun! All proceeds go to Watershed RDA. WORDS FROM THE WILD WOODS Bring a picnic and join storyteller Michael Loader for traditional tales and stories inspired by the animals and the trees, the woods and the forests, the flora and fauna of the land! Batsford Arboretum, Moretonin-Marsh, GL56 9QB. www.batsarb.co.uk 1-3 JUNE WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL Over 100 acts performing across four stages, plus music, dance and arts workshops, a circus school and a programme of talks, debates and comedy. Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury, GL50 4SH. 01242 513 014. Full details at wychwoodfestival.com
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Spring has arrived at The Bird and Deer Park! everything is brimming with life. The breeding season is in full swing as ducklings hatch and the deer prepare to calve – it’s all go! Since the arrival of the New Visitor Centre, the park has become ever more popular and never more so than for children’s parties. Parents can meet their guests in the centre prior to enjoying their child’s birthday in the famous Gypsy Caravan or the stunning Mad Hatter ’s Marquee. Both locations have been designed with both parents and children in mind, so if you’re looking for a full day out with nature then look no further. Where else can you be surrounded by wildlife in all its forms but still have all the trimmings for that special day? For more information on Birthday Bookings please call 01452 812727 or visit our website at www.thebirdpark .com
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O Open pen 7 days days a week week 10am-5pm 10am-5pm • 01452 01452 812727 812727 • www.thebirdpark.com www.thebirdpark.com The T he Bird Bird and and Deer Deer Park, Park, Prinknash, Prinknash, Cranham, Cranham, Gloucester Gloucester GL4 GL4 8EX 8EX
1-10 JUNE WINDRUSH ARTISTS OPEN STUDIO 3 local artists will be displaying their work at their annual exhibition in The Gallery, Bow Lane, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2OJ. Judy Harden (watercolours), Alexa Buffery (mixed media) and Sandi Garrett (animal portraits) invite you to the Preview on Friday 1st June 2-8pm then daily to Sunday 10th June from 10am-5pm. 01451 810234. judy@jbharden.plus.net 2 JUNE LOVE LETTERS Join us for a performance of AR Gurney’s play ‘Love letters’, with Two’s Company (John Horton and Pauline Beale). 7pm. £8. All proceeds for David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. 01452 731422. Nature in Art, Twigworth, GL2 9PA. natureinart.org.uk COMEDY NIGHT A brilliant comedy line-up and our awardwinning beers on tap. Food also available to purchase on the night! £8pp in advance, £10 on the door. 6pm. Hillside Brewery, Holly Bush Farm, Ross Road, GL17 0NG. 01452 830 222. www.hillsidebrewery.com 2-3 JUNE LECHLADE ANNUAL VINTAGE RALLY & COUNTRY SHOW From classic cars and motor cycles, to miniature steam, tractors and much more! Fun fair and Blue Cross Dog Show. Raffle,
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tombola, stands and refreshments. £4 (conc £2, u16s free). Free parking. Sat 10am5pm. Sun 10am-4pm. Rough Grounds Farm, A361 Burford Road, Lechlade, GL7 3EU. 01993 843221. lechladecollectorsclub.co.uk 3 JUNE LIVE MUSIC IN THE GREAT HALL Medieval and Elizabethan live music in the Great Hall with Pease Pottage. Savour the atmosphere of the Great Hall, transport yourself back in time whilst listening to a variety of medieval and renaissance wind instruments and learn some new dance moves too! Berkeley Castle, GL13 9BQ. 01453 810303. www.berkeley-castle.com 5 JUNE GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN A rare glimpse into the relationship between beloved children’s author A. A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin, whose toys inspired the magical world of Winnie the Pooh. 7.45pm. £8 (£7). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk 5-10 JUNE CHELTENHAM SCIENCE FESTIVAL Over 200 events and 80+ free interactive activities. This year’s Festival will explore how our world is connected and divided – from personal relationships, health and language to the law, global politics and the universe. For full details visit
To advertise call 01242 510500
www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 8-12 JUNE AETHELFLAED 2018 Aethelflaed was the most powerful woman of the Anglo-Saxon era. Now, 1,100 years after her death, we are celebrating her life and the impact she had on our lives today. Our Warrior Queen festival gives you the chance to find out all about her in our three illustrated talks at Blackfriars Priory, take a free guided tour around the city and discover how she influenced the design of the city as we know it today. 28 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2DP. 01452 396 572. www.aethelflaed2018.co.uk 9 JUNE BARBAR NURSERY OPEN DAY Come and join us for some fun activities and games on Saturday 9th June from 12 noon to 4pm. At BarBar Nursery Stratford Park, Stroud (by the Leisure Centre). For more details call 01453 840474 or email barbar-enquiries@outlook.com www.barbarnursery.co.uk CHURCHDOWN ART GROUP EXHIBITION Summer exhibition taking place at Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, GL3 2JH. Doors open at 10am until 5pm. Artists will be demonstrating throughout the day in a variety of mediums. Entry is free and refreshments will be available.
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9 JUNE JUNE SACRED HEARTS’ SUMMER FETE ‘Family Fiesta!’ Noon till 3. Merry go round, bouncy castle, live music, games and stalls, large selection of food and drink. Fun for all the family. Sacred Hearts Catholic Church, Moorend Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL53 9AU. SON YAMBU Son Yambu play authentic Cuban son, the intoxicating fusion of Spanish and African rhythms that gave rise to salsa. They give this irresistible music a contemporary edge, bringing their audiences a truly, sensational, authentic Latin music experience. 8pm. £16.50 (£18.50 on the door). 01453 760900. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 1100 JUNE JUNE BISHOP’S CLEEVE STREET FAIR – CELEBRATING RAF100 From 12 noon-4pm. Parades, stalls, entertainment, funfair, Jet Age Museum display and exciting Spitfire Flypast. Folly Gardens Veterinary Practice is organising a Dog Show – entry forms from Folly’s Vets, Badham’s Chemist and George Lewis Footwear. Purchase programmes, to include a raffle ticket for fabulous prizes, from shops along Church Road, Tesco 26/5 & 2/6 and on the day. Money raised will be donated to Jet Age Museum, Air Cadets and Christmas lights. 1133 JUNE JUNE THE BOXCAR BOYS The Boxcar Boys have been creating unique original music, weaving together their take on folk songs, klezmer, and traditional jazz, since 2010 and have released 3 albums. 8pm. 01453 755600. The Prince Albert, Rodborough Hill, Stroud, GL5 3SS. www.theprincealbertstroud.co.uk 14-17 JUNE JUNE 14-17 FOREST LIVE AT WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM Now in its eighteenth season, Forest Live takes place at 7 fantastic forest locations. The gigs are well known for their eclectic range of international artists, amazing atmosphere and their stunning locations. This year featuring The Script, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, Paloma Faith and George Ezra. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, GL8 8QS. 03000 680400. www.forestry.gov.uk 114-16 4-16 & 220-23 0 -23 JUNE JUNE GUYS AND DOLLS A romantic comedy involving some unlikely New York couples: a high-rolling gambler and a beautiful missionary, a showgirl dreaming of the straight-and-narrow and a crap-game manager who is not an organiser! The show tells of Nathan Detroit’s efforts to find a new place to hold his illegal, but notorious, crap-game. When the police find out about their chosen venue, Nathan quickly has to find
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a new home for the game. For full details visit www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk The Cotswold Playhouse, Parliament Street, Stroud, GL5 1LW. 0333 666 3366. 15 JUNE JUNE 15 LIVE MUSIC – WALKWAY
Live Music with the Top UK Band Walkway supported by the lovely Suzie. Upstairs at Nailsworth Social Club, Brewery Lane, Nailsworth, GL6 0JQ. From 7.30pm. Tickets required for this event – £10 per ticket. Available from the bar or 07772 210742. MOTHING EVENING IN STRATFORD PARK Join Mike McCrea for mothing adventures in the park! We’ll be sugaring the trees and seeing which species are active with the help of a moth lamp on the edge of the woodland. Wear sturdy shoes/boots, bring a torch and meet outside the Museum. Free. All welcome, but children must be supervised by parents or carers. 8.30pm. Museum in the Park , Stratford Park , Stratford Road, Stroud, GL5 4AF. 01453 763394. museuminthepark.org.uk 16 JUNE JUNE 16 PRESTBURY VILLAGE FAYRE & STREET PARTY Join us for fun and entertainment which includes music, BBQ, stalls, children’ss games, talent show and belly dancers. Fayre opens at 12 noon until 6pm. Main events; The Burgage, Prestbury G52 3DL . Also involved: The Plough, Royal Oak , St Mary’s Church and WI Hall. For more information: www.prestburyparish.org Volunteers also required – contact Chris on 07741 472252 or email maughanshaw@gmail.com SIMON GOODALL AND THE BOURNE AGAIN SHADOWS The most authentic Cliff and the Shadows tribute act in the UK. Simon’s ability to catch the characteristics of Cliff’s voice is second to none, while the Bourne Again Shadows sound is hard to distinguish from the original Shadows’ recordings. Featuring classic numbers like ‘Summer Holiday’ and ‘Apache’. 8pm. From £16. 01453 760900. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 116-17 6-17 JUNE JUNE ECKINGTON FLOWER FESTIVAL AND OPEN GARDENS 30+ gardens open – some wheel chair friendly, beautiful themed flower display in church, refreshments, free minibus, brass band, dancing, classic cars. Coaches
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welcome, gardening clubs, groups, elderly.. £6pp, children FREE. www.eckington.info WR10 3AN TWELFTH NIGHT – THE HANDLEBARDS GENTS They tour the country by bike and perform Shakespeare outdoors. Witty, intelligent and fit – one of our highlights of the year. Full details at www.handlebards.com. Painswick Rococo Garden, GL6 6TH. 01452 813204. 17 17 JUNE JUNE FATHER’S DAY JOUST The fabulous Cavalry of Heroes return to put on an amazing display of heroic action with their joust shows! To warm up his majesty and the crowd, we will have a fantastic falconry flight display, as well as the chance to see and learn more about the birds between their performances. Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, GL54 5JD. 01242 602 308. www.sudeleycastle.co.uk 220-23 0 -23 JUNE JUNE BLACKADDER GOES FORTH (PART 2) Join George, Baldrick, Capatain Darling, General Melchett and Edmund Blackadder as they face the perils of the front! For full details visit kingstheatregloucester.co.uk. The Kings theatre, Kingsbarton Street, Gloucester GL1 1QX. 01452 300130. 21 21 JUNE JUNE SUMMER CRAFT SALE & COFFEE MORNING At the Dolphins Hall, Tetbury. 10am-12.30pm. In aid of Parkinsons UK. MACBETH Ruthlessly fighting to survive, the Macbeths are propelled towards the crown by forces of elemental darkness. Shakespeare’s most intense and terrifying tragedy. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk 23 23 JUNE JUNE LAKESIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL SUMMER FAIR 1pm-3.30pm. Visit our Jungle themed Summer Fair with: bouncy castle, Nerf fun, entertainment, raffle, fancy dress and much more. With competitions open to everyone. Visit: www.lakesidechelt.co.uk/PTA for more information. BRITISH SARACENS RUGBY 7s Eight British Saracens Rugby clubs from all over England and Wales will compete for the coveted British Saracens 7s trophy. Free entry for all, BBQ and beer tent. Kick-off 12pm at Cheltenham Saracens RFC, King George V Playing Fields, Brooklyn Road, St Marks, Cheltenham GL51 8DT. THE CORRESPONDENTS Consisting of singer Mr Bruce and producer Chucks. Both growing up in South London, they formed in 2007 and within two years had taken their hi-octane dance music from house parties to festival main stages. 9pm. £14 (£17 on the door). 01453 760900. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk
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223-24 3-24 JUNE JUNE TEWKESBURY FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL More than 60 stalls offering a wealth of local produce including award-winning cheeses, locally reared meat, homemade cakes and pastries, local wine, beer and cider plus much more. Adults £2.50, u14s free. Cookery theatre with live demos from local chefs and experts. Tewkesbury Abbey Grounds, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PG. 01608 652662. visittewkesbury.info/whats-on 2244 JUNE JUNE COLEFORD GRAND PRIX The Coleford Grand Prix (soapbox derby) brings a new high adrenaline perspective to the town! Organised by Coleford Town Council working closely in conjunction with the Brockweir CIC who run the annual Brake for the Border Soapbox Derby in September. 8.30am. Full details at colefordgrandprix.co.uk Coleford Grand Prix, Tourist Information Centre, 4 Lords Hill, Coleford, GL16 8BD. 07801 650977. TRUCKSTOP HONEYMOON Hollering with all their hearts over a fivestring banjo and a doghouse bass, Truckstop Honeymoon live the life they sing about. Their music combines elements of bluegrass, music hall jazz and straight up rock’n’roll. 8pm. 01453 755600. The Prince Albert, Rodborough Hill, Stroud, GL5 3SS. www.theprincealbertstroud.co.uk
27 27 JUNE JUNE ROMEO & JULIET – THE HANDLEBARDS LADIES Visiting us for the first time last year, the Ladies were a very popular addition to our programme – and of course we’re having them back! Fingers crossed for another idyllic evening’s weather like 2017. For full details visit www.handlebards.com. Painswick Rococo Garden, Painswick, GL6 6TH. 01452 813204. 29 29 JUNE JUNE THE MILL ON THE FLOSS In this fluid and visceral re-imagining, Helen Edmundson turns George Eliot’s unforgettable story of first love, sibling rivalry and regret into a wonderfully theatrical examination of the psyche of one of classic literature’s most charismatic heroines. For full details visit www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk The Cotswold Playhouse, Parliament Street, Stroud, GL5 1LW. 0333 666 3366. 5 JULY JULY SUNSET DEER PARK WALK Exclusive access to the park after hours. Perfect for photographers. Enjoy a leisurely guided walk around the park as the ‘golden hour’ sets in. 7.30pm. Adults £10, children £5. Dyrham Park , Dyrham, Gloucestershire, SN14 8HY. 0344 249 1895. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park
66-7 -7 JULY JULY MILEFEST – MUSIC FESTIVAL
Milefest 2018 is a 24 band, over two stages, festival. On Friday 6th and Saturday 7th of July in Hartpury (GL19 3BG). We are accessible and affordable for all. All money raised goes to Milestone school – we have raised more than £30,000 over 6 years. www.milefest.co.uk Registered charity number: 1173333. 220-29 0 -29 JULY JULY THE 48TH GUITING MUSIC FESTIVAL This year’s programme of 10 concerts will again feature outstanding world renowned Classical, Jazz and Blues Musicians. Bring your family and a picnic to the two Sunday outdoor concerts or partake in the food and drink on offer. Do not miss these exciting events. For full details please visit: www.guitingfestival.org
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E Entertainment ntertainment w with ith P Patrick atrick B Baines aines – e entertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk ntertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk
SStroud troud tto oh host ost iinaugural naugural SShakespeare hakespeare Festival Festival l e n d i n g t h e i r t i m e. S t r o u d i s The works of England’s most famous playwright are to be h o m e to s o m a n y w o n d e r f u l b ro u g h t t o t h e M u s e u m i n t h e arts festivals, it would be great Park , as the inaugural Stroud to think our festival could be as Shakespeare Festival gets p o p u l a r a s s o m e o f t h e m o re underway. established ones. We’re proud of The three-day festival, which what we’ve achieved already, we’re just keeping our fingers begins on the last day of May, crossed now that the three days w i l l s e e t h e S t ro u d m u s e u m are busy and we can showcase transformed into a William Shakespeare to a new audience. Shakespeare themed setting, “We’ve organised specific w i t h t h e a i m of b r i n g i n g h i s workshops for young people, works to life for a new audience including a treasure hunt around of literature lovers. Members of the Five Valleys Production team will bring the museum where children can “Within the museum itself Shakespeare to life get their hands on a gift if they t h e re a re g o i n g t o b e f o u r dedicated spaces, presenting a diverse ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Twelfth Night’ solve all the Shakespeare inspired and vibrant programme with lots of – will be performed at the museum by clues. “There’s going to be improvised plays different types of theatrical exper- Five Valleys Productions, an arts school iences designed to suit people of all based at the South Gloucestershire and of Shakespeare’s works, provided by a company that literally creates a play on ages,” said Festival Director Alan Stroud College. Alan continued: “We’re enormously the spot, it’s improvised art at its best. Butler. to s e e m a n y Most of the festival is free of charge, excited to be contributing to south We’re hoping with just a handful of performances Gloucestershire’s impressive arts scene. enthusiastic Shakespeare fans, new re q u i r i n g p ay m e n t . Two of There’s been a lot of planning going and old alike.” Shakespeare’s most famous plays – on, with so many great volunteers Full story online.
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Revolutionary R evolutionary Ride Ride by Lois Pryce
There’s been a lot of hype surrounding the new Avengers film. Since its premiere it has topped the UK box office, with glowing reviews from film critics and cinema goers. Featuring more superheroes than you can fit on a poster – Spider Man, Iron Man, Captain America, Black Panther, the Incredible Hulk and stars from Guardians of the Galaxy – all feature in this CGI epic. Over the course of its nearly threehour running time the film races along and builds towards a monumental battle between good and evil. The villain of the film is Josh Brolin’s Thanos, a kind of giant purple brute who is intent on acquiring the full set of infinity stones, with which he’d have the power to destroy the universe. Full review online.
‘I have seen your motorbike and I think you have travelled to many countries. But I wonder have you been to my country? That is Iran... Please come to my city, Shiraz ’. This tantalising invitation left on her motorbike in London convinces Lois Pryce, t h e a u t h o r o f ‘ R evo l u t i o n a r y Ride’, that she must make this journey. She sets off alone on a 3,000 mile ride from the Turkish border to Shiraz . Her adventures are fascinating and give a real sense of Iran today. Imagine riding a motorbike in the compulsory hijab and a helmet! She meets people from all walks of life and her ride is peppered with incidents, some amusing and others terrifying. Kindness, hospitality and traditions combine with the stories we hear so much of in the UK; corruption, intimidation and the all-seeing eyes of the Revolutionary Guard. Full review online.
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ART • EEVENTS VENTS • EEXPERIENCES XPERIENCES • FFILM ILM • G AMING ART GAMING LLIFESTYLE IFESTYLE • LLITERATURE ITERATURE • M USIC • TTHEATRE HEATRE • TV TV MUSIC
From From delivery delivery driver driver ttoo ssuccessful uccessful Ed ‘Swarez’ ‘Swarez’ aartist: rtist: tthe he sstory tory ooff Ed Just over a decade ago Ed ‘Swarez ’ made a living by delivering parcels. H i s d ay s we re l o n g , a n d h i s j o b satisfaction was almost non-existent. Then one day everything changed. In July 2007 Ed ‘Swarez’ – a n i c k n a m e g i v e n to h i m by a c l o s e friend many years ago – was running a weekly ladies’ self-defence class. He’d spend most Saturday mornings g e t t i n g b r u i s e d a n d b a t te re d a n d thrown to the floor. “Out of nowhere the class decided that the following week we should all stop, get in touch with the gentler side of ourselves and use our lesson time to paint instead. I’d never painted before and hated art lessons at school, so I was a bit dubious as to how I’d get on. I absolutely loved it and knew from that very moment that I wanted to become an artist,” said Ed. After quitting his delivery job, Ed convinced a friend he could help him out by building a website for him. “I hated driving the delivery van, anything was better than that. I began studying Search Engine Optimisation, HTML and PHP programming while being employed by a friend who ran his own business. I survived on four
Ed with one of his works
Ed in his Stroud studio
hours sleep a night, it was all I could s p a re . I k e p t s p e n d i n g a n y s p a re o r s a ve d m o n e y o n m a te r i a l s a n d managed to find a studio to work in. That’s when I started to feel like I was making progress,” said Ed. Then came the big decision. Would Ed stay in his comfortable, well paid job or take the gamble and dedicate every waking hour to pursuing his dream? He continued: “I’d made my mind up, I wanted to be a full-time a r t i s t . I h a d t o d e d i c a t e m y s e l f to i t with everything I had. It was a huge d e c i s i o n , b u t l i f e i s s h o r t , I to o k t h e g a m b l e a n d to l d m y s e l f to d e d i c a te m y s e l f to a c h i ev i n g m y g o a l o f becoming a professional artist.” Fast forward to 2018 and Ed is now working in a specially built studio in Stroud and travelling the country selling his work . He said: “I’ve had no training , I’m completely self-taught . It’s been a tough journey and I’ve had to sacrifice a lot, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Art is my life, I love what I do, and I could never see myself returning to a Monday-Friday job. “Since picking up that paint brush all those years ago I’ve had an absolute
determination to not give in. It’s been a long journey, with plenty of lessons learned and mistakes made.” Ed’s abstract art is a mesmerising blend of colours and shapes. He works on large canvasses, which he says best showcases his talent . He continued: “I’ve always been fascinated by colours. From the very beginning I’ve had the desire to paint large paintings. I can’t explain why, I just felt I needed to go big to make them worthy of the effort that went in to them. “I’m a big believer in offering a friendly, personable service. Modern art is for everyone and I believe access to the artist goes with that. I’m more t h a n h a p p y t o a n sw e r e m a i l s, t a k e telephone calls or open my gallery for a visit. I love to meet the people who buy my work , often I will hand deliver a canvas.” Ed’s determination and passion for h i s wo r k i s ev i d e n t . H i s d e s i re to a c h i eve h i s g o a l s i s w h a t f u e l s h i m . “There’s no point working hard then slacking off. You’ve got to keep going, s u s t a i n i n g t h e w o r k l o a d . I l o ve t h e fact that no two days in this job are ever the same.” Full story online.
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Homes & Gardens
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IIn nT The he Garden Garden with w ith JJulia ulia Smith Smith
Feeling Feeling ffruity! ruity! What will the weather hold for us in June? Let ’s hope for some nice sun through the day and showers at night to cut down on the watering! Rhubarb is my favourite fruit – even a t i n y g a rd e n c a n h o l d a c r ow n o f rhubarb and it needs very little care. Leave it to establish for a year after planting in good soil enriched with composted farmyard manure. Then the next season take just a few stems, and the following year more can be taken. Feed by scattering a
h i g h - n i t ro g e n fe r t i l i s e r s u c h a s s u l p h a te o f a m m o n i a a r o u n d t h e b a s e a n d fo r k l i g h t l y i n . Don’t pull the leaves too late in the summer, as they feed the buds for the next year. Keep watered in dry spells. T h e re h ave b e e n s o m e l a te f ro s t s this year, which can reduce the amount of fruit set on trees. This will reduce the need for ‘fruit thinning’, which is when you remove some of the growing apples, pears, plums, e tc . s o t h a t t h e re m a i n i n g f r u i t c a n grow to a good size without d a m a g i n g t h e t re e ( p l u m s i n p a r t i c u l a r s u f fe r f ro m b ro k e n branches with too many fruits).
A natural natural ‘‘June June d drop’ rop’ In June there is a natural ‘June drop’ when lots of little fruits will fall, but if there are still lots on the tree you can remove them yourself. You need to leave about 10cm between dessert apples and pears, leaving one or two fruits per cluster. Cooking apples will need one fruit every 20cm or so, and plums about every 7cm. Use it as a chance to remove fruit that is already badly shaped, or damaged. The Local Answer
This month the roses come into t h e i r ow n a n d i t i s m y b e l i e f t h a t every garden should have roses in it. My favourite no-nonsense rose for climbing is the ‘Blush Noisette’, as it is really healthy with lovely small, pale pink scented flowers that carry on from May till October, and needs virtually no pruning. I a l s o l ov e R o s a ‘ G e r t r u d e J e k y l l ’ w h i c h i s s m o t h e re d w i t h t h e m o s t deliciously scented pink flowers. The pink colour is a wonderful foil for b r i g h t b l u e. ‘ M o r n i n g g l o r y ’ (ipomoea), which is a climbing annual, looks lovely growing through i t w i t h i t s g l o r i o u s b l u e f l owe r s, o r o n e of t h e b l u e c l e m at i s l i k e ‘Ascotiensis’ with large blue flowers from June to September. Make sure you deadhead your roses by snapping off the dead flowers so they will put more energy into new flowers. Don’t worry about trying to deadhead huge ramblers, as they only flower once on the whole, and life is too short!
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Interior Interior Design Design w with ith JJade ade W Wilce ilce
B Bring ring yyour our iinteriors nteriors o outside utside Gardens, balconies, decks… whatever the outdoor space you have, you want to m a k e t h e m o s t o f i t d u r i n g t h e summer and make it feel an extension o f y o u r h o m e . H e r e a re s o m e q u i c k ideas to make your outdoor room feel f r e s h , a n d m a k e i t fe e l p a r t o f yo u r home without stealing too much time away from your well earned rest and relaxation in the sunshine.
M ake ffire ire a Make ffeature eature
Fire features have also been enjoying a revival lately and there is a huge array available in a range of price points. They add a n i n st a n t g at h e r i n g point when entertaining, m a k i n g t h e n i g h t l a st Bring B ring y your our ffavourite avourite things things longer when cosying up next to the fire whilst the iinto nto tthe he g garden arden Garden furniture is having quite the sun goes down, and are renaissance and whether you have the perfect centre piece super cool rattan or a more traditional for dessert and toasting marshmallows. garden set in your space, be sure M ake a modern to style up your alfresco s t a t e m e n t w i t h a f i re space. Add vases of p i t , o r g o m o re flowers to your table – traditional with a t a k e c u t t i n g s f ro m charming chimyour own flowers to inea. Ensure you make this cheap and h ave p l e n t y o f cheerful – and make seating around sure you have lots of yo u r warm plants around. centre piece and F i n d o l d m i r ro r s lots of blankets on f ro m i n s i d e a n d f i x hand to make them to fences to reflect everything extra cosy. colour and light around your exterior space. Have plenty of Add Add llots ots o off p pillows illows l a n te r n s a n d c a n d l e s d o t te d i n to and a n d t throws h r o w s between to light when the sun goes down and create a magical space for There’s no easier, or economical, way to bring new life to outdoor seating you to enjoy or entertain in.
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than pulling together a new colour p a l e t te i n y o u r g a rd e n . U p d a te yo u r f u r n i t u re w i t h p i l l ow s i n s u m m e r y hues like citrus brights and swimming pool blues, and add throws for when the sun sets so you can continue outside in those balmy evenings. If you want to add something really s p e c i a l , t h e re a re l o t s o f w o n d e r f u l o u td o o r r u g s t h a t c a n b e a d d e d to your seating areas to bring more pattern and colour to your space. Add flowers in a contrasting colour to make everything that little bit more cheerful.
Outdoor O utdoor lighting lighting T h e re a re s o m a n y o u td o o r l i g h t i n g solutions you can pick from. Whether it ’s gorgeous solar bulbs hanging in trees and branches, fabulous festoon lights draped from pergolas, or lots of solar lights dotted in pots and plants, be sure to add more and more. Create a beautiful spot by twisting a string of white lights around trees or shrubs. Not only will this create an enchanting place to sit in the e ve n i n g s, b u t i t w i l l b e c h a r m i n g to look at from inside your home. For something even more special, add an old lantern or chandelier above your pergola, style with faux greenery and a d d c a n d l e s to l i g h t w h e n t h e d ay turns to dusk . Enjoy the sunshine!
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interior needs
Luxurious curtains and stylish blinds...
Freen
01 452 5 22 42 2
ies@interiorneeds.co.uk
Opening pening T Times imes
Monday Closed Monday – C losed – open en bbyy aappointment ppointment only. only. Tues-Sat Tues-Sat 10am-3pm. 10am-3pm.
•C Curtains urtains & Fabrics Fabrics
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Lighting •L ighting • Mirrors Mirrors
Awnings Canopies •A wnings & C anopies
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w www.interiorneeds.co.uk ww.interiorneeds.co.uk
Gadgets G adgets & G Gizmos izmos with with Laura Laura N Nicklin icklin
Robot Robot W Wars! ars! It doesn’t matter how old you are, everyone gets a bit excited at the idea of robots. From Megatron of ‘Transformers’ to the titular ‘Wall-E’, or even Bender from ‘Futurama’, robots are always figures in our pop culture. Whether they’re battling each other Gladiator-style, providing e d u c at i o n a l u s es o r s i m p l y l o o k i n g cute, A .I (Artificial Intelligence) is p r ov i n g n o t o n l y to b e s c i e n t i f i c a l l y progressive, but also cool. O u t s i d e o f T V a n d m ov i e s, t h e recent developments in technology have paved the way for more creative robotic gizmos to educate and entertain us in real life. If you do find your interest peaked, keep reading to find out more about some o f t h e d i f f e re n t t y p e s o f A r t i f i c i a l Intelligence available. Menkind.co.uk Menkind.co.uk
B Battleground attleground SSpider pider D Double ouble P Pack ack A s I s a i d , o n e of t h e m o st entertaining things about robots is to see them fight it out (for sport , not violence, of course), so what better way to enjoy the experience than the Battleground Spider Double Pack? Including two battle-ready robot bugs, the remote-controlled game is great for unleashing your competitive streak and having some actionpacked fun. With great sound effects, four control channels, sensors and blasters, these bugs aren’t messing about; they’re ready for combat and The Local Answer
have up to a 2-meter range to give you more flexibility as you battle it out for robot supremacy. You really will feel like you’ve taken back to the early 2000s for an episode of Robot Wars – just remember to avoid the pit of oblivion!
B Build-A-Bot uild-A-Bot R Robot obot Pets Pets A Assortment ssortment If it ’s cute and cuddly you’re more inclined towards, then perhaps fighting robot-spiders aren’t your cup of tea. Instead, you can try out the Build-A-Bot Robot Pets Assortment f ro m A rg o s, w h i c h i s p e r f e c t f o r younger children. Think Build-A-Bear, but with less stuffing and more tech. The Build-A-Bot is simpler to keep it easy for younger kids, who can create their own animal-themed bots h o w e ve r t h ey l i k e . T h e y c a n e ve n customise their bots to mix their parts up with other bots, creating hi-tech hy b r i d s s u c h a s a D i n o B u n ny o r maybe even a BunnyFox?! With over 20 parts, kids can dive in as they get bot-making and learn more about technology. Just switch them on and watch these cool characters come to life. Priced at just £29.99, these robot pets are an easy and fun way for kids to get creative as they learn.
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interactions and develop the more you engage with him, will soon come to feel like a part of the family the more time you spend interacting with it . M .A .X is controlled via voice commands, buttons and an app known as the M.A .X app, which you can download for free! Once assembled, the robot is 12-inches tall and has a range of different facial expressions that make it seem more human than machine. M.A .X comes with games, having a built-in gaming platform and trivia game, and even h a s a fe w j o k e s u p i t s m e c h a n i c a l sleeve. Available from John Lewis at £134.99.
M Meccano eccano R Robot obot M M.A.X .A .X If you’ve ever seen the Pixar film ‘Wall-E’, you’ll know how easy it is to fall in love with a sweet little robot . For your own real-life Wall-E , there is the Meccano Robot known as M .A .X – an interactive robot that learns, talks and has facial expressions. Made with infrared s e n s o r s, M . A . X c a n g l i d e a ro u n d with ease and avoid bumping into anything. Not simply a toy, M.A .X is a unique robot who can engage and e d u c a t e. T h e r o b o t , w h i c h i s programmed to learn f ro m
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John Lewis Lewis John Page 27
QUALITY Q UALITY KITCHEN K ITCHEN FACELIFTS F ACELIFTS
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Conscious Conscious cconsumerism onsumerism Britain has developed a consumerist c u l t u re o ve r m a n y d e c a d e s, w h e re m o re i s m o s t d e f i n i t e l y m o r e . M o re possessions equals more power, and objects have become a kind of status symbol. Whilst it is very easy to fall into the habit of buying whatever is in fashion, or whatever is on offer, it is not the best for the environment . A higher demand for items leads to more being produced, requiring more ( u s u a l l y n ew ) m a t e r i a l s t o b e processed.
new book when there’s already two copies of the same volume at home, a n o t h e r n ew m u g eve n t h o u g h t h e c u p b o a r d i s f u l l to b u r s t i n g . T h e s e objects, whilst cluttering up the house, have to come from somewhere. If the pyjamas are made of polyester, then they need coal and gasoline to be made. The book requires a tree to be cut down, energy to process the pulp, a n d c h e m i c a l s to m a k e t h e i n k . T h e ceramic mug is made from clay, which must be taken from the earth. All these little things add up, and before W What’s hat’s tthe he p problem? roblem? long the house is full of processed Many possessions are bought for the materials that are not being used. s a k e o f b u y i n g t h e m . A n ew p a i r o f How ow ccan an I a avoid void it? it? p y j a m a s b e c a u s e t h ey H have a pattern on that’s Practising conscious consumerism not currently fashionable, a only leads to less money spent, and a
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lot less clutter around the house, but also less materials needing to be used. Before you buy the pyjamas, consider whether you really need a new pair; if you don’t love them, and you don’t need them, then they ’re not worth buying. If you want to replace what you’ve got already, recycle or donate the old clothes to ensure that they are n o t j u s t g o i n g t o l a n d f i l l w h e n t h ey could be used elsewhere. If you need something, look for recycled items, as this also does not require raw materials. Water bottles, notepads and carrier bags can all be bought recycled. The object is not to not buy anything, but to buy sensibly, and not to just buy for the sake of it. This is the “reduce” part of the frequently repeated “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra, and it comes first for good reason. Reducing what you buy in the first place ensures that there isn’t as much that needs to be recycled or worse, put in landfill. Aside from saving money, this makes s u re t h a t yo u a r e n o t u s i n g u p unnecessary amounts of raw resources, which are being depleted everyday.
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Specialists Specialists in in bathroom bathroom safety safety
With time you may find your bathroom becomes more difficult to use safely. It is possible to change your bath for a shower quite easily, as there are products available designed to fit the space taken up by a bath. Alternatively, you may decide you would like a wet room with a completely flat surface. Here are some photographs of a recent project where the customer replaced their old bath and shower with a tiled wet room, suitable for a wheelchair user with a young family.
Save S ave 20% 2 0% VAT* V AT*
*If you need to make changes to your bathroom due to disability or a medical condition, we are able to supply your bathroom VAT free, saving you 20%. Please ask for details.
• Change your bath for a large shower • Redesign your layout to make best use of space • Increase storage with built in units • Warm your feet and keep the floor dry with underfloor heating • Add grab rails and fold away shower seat • Tiles, wallboards, mirrors and accessories supplied • Experienced polite installers • Free design service and advice • 30+ years of experience in the bathroom industry
07496 0 0572 572 281 81 or Contact Rex on 07496 01453 884 4167 0 1453 8 84 167 for a free home visit to discuss your needs
w www.lifestylebathrooms.net ww.lifestylebathrooms.net e
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B Big ig ffirm irm b bullies ullies Nobody likes a bully. These days they come in all shapes and sizes, not just the big guy in the playground or the teenage gang. There’s cyber and verbal bullying to cope with too, but Money Matters is most concerned with the subject of financial bullying. It’s not a new topic, but it shows no signs of letting up. It’s the big, bad company that doesn’t care whether or not you leave them; they’ll always find someone else to take your place and there’s nothing you can do about it.
D Dictating ictating tterms erms w without ithout cconsidering onsidering tthe he ssupplier’s upplier’s ccircumstances ircumstances Dictating terms that take no consideration of the circumstances of the supplier is one of their worst h a b i t s . A g o o d f r i e n d o f m i n e r u n s h i s ow n s m a l l b u s i n e ss , j u s t h i m , n o t ev e n t h e d o g . H i s c a s h f l o w d e p e n d s e n t i re l y o n h i m b e i n g p a i d fo r t h e w o r k h e does when he does it, not months later. He works for a few big companies, none of which ever pays him on t i m e. T h ey te l l h i m h o w m a n y d a y s c re d i t t h e y a r e going to take then proceed to double it in reality. My friend was recently told by one company that the terms were being extended from 60 to 90 days. He says he would be happy if they honoured 90 days because they haven’t ever done so thus far! This column has often documented the lack of p e r s o n a l c a re a n d a t t e n t i o n a f fo rd e d t o s m a l l businesses by the High Street banks. They would rather bow and scrape to the US tax authorities and their FATCA forms, that are completely unintelligible, than they would call up a small business proprietor to see if he or she needed any help with their business.
B Banks anks d don’t on’t consider consider the the effect effect o on n ssmall mall b businesses usinesses
Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.
THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR NEW BATHROOM ... Your local family business
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Have you seen these FATCA forms? They are allegedly to establish whether you have any ‘American blood’ in you in terms of business ownership. One simple q u e s t i o n o n a n e m a i l wo u l d s a ve h o u r s o f p a i n a n d stress, but do the banks consider the effect on small businesses of simply rolling these forms out ‘left, right and centre’? No, of course they don’t. It was interesting to read this month of the reasons behind the merger talks between Sainsbury’s and Asda. They are concerned that our shopping habits are changing away from the weekly ‘big shop’, partly due to online ordering, but also as a result of a return to more local shopping. Go on the British public – take a stance and let’s see if we can make the point to even more of these Big Firm bullies.
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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
SStinchcombe tinchcombe H Hill il l p perfect erfect ffor or ccaptain aptain R Rod od H Helps elps There aren’t too many club golfers who have caddied on the European Tour, but that is something that Stinchcombe Hill captain Rod Helps can lay claim to. His chance to walk a course a l o n g s i d e s o m e of t h e b i g g e st names in the sport came in 2010 in Sweden. “I caddied for Scott Drummond,” said 52-year-old Helps, who took over as Stinchcombe Hill captain in March. “I met Scott in the early 2000s. I used to do some caddying for local pro Rich Ballard, who is now at Sherdons, and I met Scott through him.” Drummond was good enough to w i n t h e P G A C h a m p i o n s h i p at Wentworth back in 2004 – “He won £449,000 so I wish I’d been on his bag that week ,” chuckled Helps – so Helps didn’t have to think twice when he was invited to Sweden. “I’d just taken redundancy so it was perfect timing,” said Helps.
So how did he get on? “We finished 32nd or 33rd so we won a bit of money,” Helps recalled. “I remember the day we arrived and going out on a practice round and there was Louis Oosthuizen who’d just won the Open. “It was a great experience and I’d have loved to have done a few more tournaments.” That wasn’t possible because Helps had already found another job but
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C a m C r i c k e t C l u b r u n f o u r S a t u rd a y men’s teams, a Sunday side, multiple youth teams for boys and girls and a ladies’ team. That ’s a pretty impressive number of teams and it hasn’t just happened by accident. “Yes, we’ve got a lot of players,” said vice-chairman Dave Cotterell, “but we’ve had to work hard to get to where we are.” Indeed they have. Cotterell can remember running an under-17 side in the mid-70s when the phrase “youth cricket” was about as common as an Aussie fast bowler s ay i n g “ w e l l p l a y e d ” t o a n E n g l a n d batsman in the heat of an Ashes battle. And the club also established their ladies’ team some 25 years ago, long, l o n g b e fo re m a n y o t h e r s h a d e ve n considered it. It’s fair to say that Cam were ahead of the game in many ways.
Former Gloucestershire and Kent b a t s m a n S i m o n H i n k s p l ay e d i n a golden age of county cricket. It was an age when there was no IPL , no Big Bash and no T20 Blast – in fact , the only scheduled 20 overs games in those days were organised by club cricketers looking for an excuse to have a midweek beer or two! But what made the first class era that Hinks p l aye d i n d u r i n g t h e 80s and early 90s s u c h a st a n d o u t period was the high q u a l i t y o f p l ay e r s Simon Hinks that could be found in pretty much every county cricket team across the land.
Rod Helps
Ap passion assion ffor or rugby rugby Paul Morris can be feisty, very feisty. You need a certain edge of course if yo u a re t o s u r v i v e i n c l u b r u g by i n
his week in Sweden certainly made a big impression on him. “It opened my eyes to how difficult it is to play golf at that level,” said Helps. “It ’s everything from the warming up to dealing with all the other commitments such as talking to journalists.” Talking to journalists is something Helps has to do, of course, now that he is captain of a club that was formed way back in 1889 and although he said it’s not something he particularly enjoys, it’s something that he’s pretty good at. He’s also pretty good at golf and these days plays off eight , having taken up the sport some 25 years or so ago. He’ss been playing at Stinchcombe Hill for the past decade. “I love the place, the views are fantastic,” he said of a course that is s et o n t h e s o u t h e r n e d g e of t h e Cotswold Escarpment above the Severn Valley.” Full story online. Gloucestershire for as long as he has – some 40 years – firstly as a player with Old Patesians, then as a coach with the Pats, Cheltenham North, Coney Hill and Cinderford United and now as director of rugby at Cinderford. But while a good number of rugby people over the years can testify that Morris isn’t backwards in coming forwards on occasion, there is definitely another side to the 56-yearold that doesn’t always get seen. Morris, who lives i n D u r s l ey w i t h h i s partner Helen and his stepson Luke, talks warmly about his parents and the influence they have Paul Morris had on him. He is a l s o ve r y g e n e r o u s w h e n t a l k i n g about former team-mates, former clubs and past opponents. For full versions of all these stories and more, visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Chalford Tennis Club have 250 members
Chalford Chalford full full ooff ttennis ennis aaces! ces! It’s more a case of doubles rather than singles at Chalford Tennis Club because the go-ahead set-up have not one chairman but two. And it is a marriage made in heaven b e c a u s e t h e j o i n t c h a i r s a re h u s b a n d and wife Rob and Ali Brady. “We took the job on together and we’ve been doing it for about 18 months,” said Ali. “And it works because Rob’s good at the actual hands-on stuff – he plays for the men’s B team – and I’m better at the admin. “It’s the first time the club have had joint chairs and I’d highly recommend it. “It ’s such a huge job for one person and it’s worked out well.” And it’s certainly been a busy time at the club, which have 250 members, b e c a u s e t h e y h av e j u s t g o t t h e g o ahead to build two new clay courts which will replace two of the existing five hardcourts, all of which are floodlit. It is a big commitment and an expensive project but Ali said: “Yes, it’s very exciting. It shows the club are looking forward and moving in the right direction.” Of that there is little doubt and Rob and Ali Brady, together with their sons Sam and Connor, have been a big part of that success.
“We’ve been involved with the club for over 10 years as a family,” said Ali, a social tennis player, who lives with her family just up the road from the club in Brownshill. “Sam plays in the D team and is a great volunteer at the club.” Connor plays in the C team, is a Level 2 tennis coach, and also does a lot of volunteering work . So much in fact that he was named Gloucestershire LTA Young Volunteer of the Year last year. “It ’s all the voluntary hours I make him do,” laughed his mum.
The The success success o off tthe he cclub lub iiss aan n all-round all-round team team e effort ffort But while the ‘Brady bunch’ clearly do plenty at the club, Ali is very keen to stress that the success of the club is very much an all-round team effort. “We’ve got five men’s teams and two women’s teams in the Gloucestershire Summer League,” said Ali. “The men’s team have just been promoted to the Premier Division. “And we’ve got two teams in the winter league.” There is also a thriving junior section and Ali added: “We’ve got a really good coach in Jack Gower. “He’s been our club coach for just over a year and he’s great with the kids.
“He’s got a lovely manner about him, we’re very lucky to have him.” Two others who have influential roles at the club are the men’s and ladies’ captains – Charlie Crisp – the performance coach – and Helen Williams. A n d H e l e n , j u st l i k e A l i , i s p a r t of a family concern because her husband Nigel is the membership secretary and her son Jacob plays in the men’s C team and is a great asset during the summer holiday camps too. Her daughter Megan, meanwhile, as well as playing in the ladies’ team, is also the club’s social media consultant. And in these days of high tech, that is certainly an important role as she promotes many of the events that are put on by the club. “We do a lot socially but it ’s something we want to develop even more,” said Ali. “We have social skittles e ve n i n g s , s o c i a l i n d o o r t e n n i s n i g h t s and we’re also going to the dogs at Swindon.” For those who aren’t sure, ‘going to the dogs’ means a night out at greyhound racing! And while the dogs will be putting their best feet forward when they are let out of the traps, it’s fair to say that Chalford Tennis Club h av e b e e n p u t t i n g t h e i r b e s t f e e t forward for many years now.
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