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ANSWER
MARCH 2018
200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
for local people
FOREST OF DEAN DON’T FORGET TO SPOIL YOUR MUM ON SUNDAY 11th MARCH!
Swallow Lakes Prestige aUXUdYeaODk1R
PARK RSs,,rSeasiotPeB,siomrrLensLiPe No.1 ahll,o arG“rGPearGgHrpoPek,rwcotloLtHhLo ka07eNnu Swallow Lakes is a beautiful new development, conveniently located between Gloucester and Ross-on-Wye.
Nearby, there are excellent transport links to major roads and the M5 and M50 ”nhGoHwLtlA motorways, with rail links to London only a few miles away.
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Swallow Lakes is set amongst outstanding Gloucestershire countryside, and is family owned, which means no middlemen – you always speak directly to the park owners.
From
£149,995
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Phone Sean on 01452 223811
OPEN Wed.11am-5pm, Sat. & Sun.9am-5pm Other times: please phone to arrange viewing OPEN EVERY DAY FOR SHOWROOM VIEWINGS We can supply a
FULLY FURNISHED
LUXURY LODGE for
£29,500
UNBELIEVABLE – BUT TRUE!
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Please come and see our Show Lodges today! Phone Julie on 07980 870264 or 01452 223811
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AN ANSWER SWER FForest orest ooff D ean – 222,000 2,000 ccopies opies Dean G loucester – 446,000 6,000 ccopies opies Gloucester G loucestershire SSouth outh – 441,000 1,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire Gloucestershire N orth – 220,000 0,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire North Cheltenham – 43,000 43,000 ccopies opies Cheltenham Cotswolds – 228,000 8,000 ccopies opies Cotswolds
Managing Director M anaging D irector D Dave ave K Kingscott ingscott ddave@thelocalanswer.co.uk ave@thelocalanswer.co.uk
EEditorial ditorial & M Marketing arketing LLois ois K Kingscott ingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Helen H elen K Kingscott ingscott G Gemma emma D Drew rew entertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk entertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk
SSport port R Roger oger JJackson ackson sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Production Production Kevin evin V Vaughan-Spruce aughan-Spruce K
Welcome Welcome ttoo March March ... ... After a long winter, spring is finally beginning and for many of us it can’t come soon enough. We’ve been long overdue some pleasant weather so why not spend some time in your garden? According to Julia Smith, it’s time to prune, so put on your gardening gloves, soak up the sunshine and follow Julia’s ‘In the Garden’ advice to get yours looking in tip-top condition! With the new season also comes the traditional spring clean. Jade Wilce provides plenty of ideas for reviving a tired kitchen in this month’s ‘Interior Design’ article. Remember to show your mum how much you love her this Mother’s Day. There are some great events featured in the What’s On section and you might also fancy giving this month’s Delicious Dish a go; it should provide a welcome treat for most mums! There are also plenty of Easter-themed events going on at the end of the month, so make sure you put them in your diary!
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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 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
March’ss winning cover photo: Daphne Davis of Cirencester
@thelocalanswer @thelocalanswer
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Delicious Delicious D Dish ish 5 Holidays Holidays & TTravel ravel 9 Quick Q uick CCrossword rossword 10 10 EEducation ducation 11 11 Word Word SSearch earch 12 12 What’s What’ss O On n 13 13 TLA TLA SSport port 18-19 1 8-19 Homes H omes & G Gardens ardens 2 20 0 IIn n tthe he Garden Garden 2 23 3 Gadgets G adgets & G Gizmos izmos 2 25 5 IInterior nterior D esign 2 9 Design 29 Sudoku 3 3 Sudoku 33 Money M atters 33 Money Matters 33 IIndex, ndex , CCompetitions, ompetitions, SSolutions olutions 3 4 34 Page 3
today and "Tried " Tried tthe he pancakes pancakes h here ere today and it it was was lovely!!! Great Great customer customer sservice ervice with with lovely!!! a cclean lean and and w welcoming elcoming a atmosphere.” tmosphere.” "Very ffriendly riendly staff, staff, v ery helpful helpful to to me me "Very very as a w heelchair u as wheelchair user." ser." "Great atmosphere atmosp phere and and a lovely lovely family family "Great feel. I 100% 100% rrecommend ecommend tthis his place, place, feel. just what what Gloucester Gloucester needed." needed." just
Our restaurant has been designed with you in mind. With comfy seating and a bright, relaxed atmosphere, we hope you’ll find a place to relax, providing an environment where you can enjoy your time with family and friends. Above all, we hope you feel valued as ou customer throughout your experience with us. We have free wifi, baby changing and accessible friendly facilities and a private room that can be hired for meetings, parties and events.
Quote the code Y Yantos5off antos5off to gain our £ 5 off off £5 when you spend £20 or more between Monday to Thursday
Yanto's Pancake House is one of the newest additions to Gloucester's city centre, highly recommended for the unique products on offer and distinctive atmosphere. This one of a kind restaura rant provides a range of pancakes, crepes and waffles with sweet and savoury toppings. Whether you're looking for somewhere to meet a friend for a coffee, grab some lunch or throw a birthday party, Yanto's has it all.
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6-8 The Oxbode, Gloucester, GL1 1RZ
www.yantos.co.uk w ww.yantos.co.uk
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D Delicious elicious Dish Dish with w ith Helen Helen Kingscott Kingscott
Sausage Sausage aand nd aapple pple ttraybake raybake P Pork ork aand nd aapple pple aare re a m match atch m made ade iin nh heaven, eaven, sso o tthis his ttraybake raybake iiss tthe perfect dish he p erfect d ish ffor or llittle ittle aangels ngels tto o ccook ook ffor or m mum um tthis his M Mother’s other’s Day! Day! IIngredients ngredients (serves (serves 4): 4 ) : 8 p o r k s a u s a g es ; 1 t b s p vegetable oil; 2 apples (we used Pink Ladies); 2 large parsnips; 2 large carrots; 200g shallots; mixed herbs; lazy garlic, drizzle of honey; sage. Method: Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C/gas mark 6). 2 Place the sausages in a large roasting tin with the vegetable oil and roast for 10 minutes. 3 Whilst the sausages start to cook , chop the apples, p a r s n i p s , c a r ro t s a n d s h a l l o t s i n to r o u g h c h u n k s – we’re going for a rustic looking dish, so don’t worry about being too precise! 4 After the 10 minutes, add the vegetables to the tin (leave the apples for later) with the mixed herbs and lazy garlic.
5 Mix everything together and spread it evenly on the tray, then drizzle a small amount of honey over each sausage. Roast for a further 30 minutes. 6 Add the apples to the tray for a final 10 minutes, as well as a sprinkling of sage (either fresh or dried). 7 Whilst your traybake is cooking, you can prepare some of your favourite seasonal vegetables to accompany the main dish. 8 Serve the traybake on a heat-proof mat in the middle of the table, surrounded by bowls of your chosen vegetables and a pot of gravy. Tip: Tip: Little angels will need some assistance from an adult when it comes to chopping the vegetables and transferring hot trays to and from the oven!
THE THE N NURSERY U R S E RY & C CAFE AFE O Open pen T Tues u e s – Sun S u n & Bank Bank H Holidays ol iday s Visit website V i s i t our our w e b s i t e for fo r further fu r t h e r details details www.miserdennursery.co.uk w w w. m i s e rd e n n u r s e r y. c o. u k M Miserden, iserden, G GL6 L6 7 7JA. JA. 0 01285 1285 8 821638 21638 The Local Answer
The nursery will ill b be e open open w with ith a w wide ide The n ursery w selection plants from from March March 1st. 1st. selection of of plants The Café afé iiss open open a all ll year year round. round. The Garden Garden C
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Cotswold Country Dining
SPRING S PRING L LUNCHES UNCHES
2 ccourse ourse m multi ulti cchoice hoice m menu enu o only nly £ £13.95 13.95 (Wed-Sat) (Wed-Sat)
MOTHER’S MOTHER’S D DAY AY L AY LUNCH UNCH
Enjoy a special 3 course menu with a gift for mum!
Open throughout for the Easter Festivities!
Room Dining Room rivate Dining P Private
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F U S I O N R E S TA U R A N T
BUY ONE ONE GET GET ONE ONE FREE BUY FREE ON ALL ALL KAISEKI KAISEKI ON ((SMALL SMALL PLATES) PLATES)
✁
AT T H E O L D B E L L - TWO B BA A R S , L O U N G E & R E S TAU TA U R A N T
LLUNCH UNCH O OR R EVENING EVENING WITH WITH THIS THIS V VOUCHER OUCHER
during **Offer Offer applies applies d uring March March 2018. 201 8. Pre-orders welcome. elcome. P re-orders w This This advert advert tto o be be handed handed in in to to redeem offer. redeem o ffer. Cannot be Cannot b e used used in in conjunction c onjunction with with any other offer. any o ther o ffer.
O Opening pening h hours: ours: M Monday-Thursday o n d a y - Th u r s d a y 1 11am-3pm 1am-3pm & 5 5pm-Midnight p m - M i d n i g h t • FFriday r i d ay & SSaturday a t u r d ay 1 11am-1am 1 a m - 1 a m • Sunday S u n d ay 11am-5pm 11am-5pm
9 9a aS Southgate outhgate Street, Street, G Gloucester loucester G GL1 L1 1 1TG TG (Above (Above Costa Costa Coffee) Coffee)
Reservations: Reservations: 01452 01452 332993 332993 Page 6
www.theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk www.theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk
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Catering – iit’s t’s a Catering tall o rder! tall order! JJan an with with colleagues colleagues M Marie-Louise arie-Louise Wynn Wynn (left) (left) a and nd LLainey ainey G Gilkes. ilkes. Tall Order Catering was set up in 2015 by owner Jan van der Lely – 20 years after he first entered the food industry as a trainee pastry chef at Corse Lawn House Hotel. From the outset Jan knew he had fo u n d h i s n i c h e – b a k i n g h a d provided him with an opportunity to shine in creating delicious food that made people smile. Job satisfaction!
D a f fo d i l i n C h e l te n h a m , a s we l l a s mastering the variety of skills necessary for preparation and management of event catering – in particular weddings. After tasting success wherever he went – helping to develop brands and enhance customer experiences – Jan decided the time was right to take the plunge, and Tall Order Catering was launched. Jan has delivered great culinary satisfaction to many clients in the last two years, while simultaneously d e ve l o p i n g a s u p e r b s e t o f m e n u s and a team to match.
For larger event bookings Tall Order Catering prepare ‘tasters’ from some of their menus in advance, to help clients confirm they ’ve s e l e c te d t h e r i g h t d i s h e s f o r t h e i r g u e s t s . F ro m a b a r b e c u e o r h o g roast to canapés, a tailored buffet or s u m pt u o u s d i n n e r – J a n a n d h i s team have it covered.
‘‘You You n name ame iit, t, w we e ccan an deliver d eliver iit’ t’
Soon Jan was preparing and cooking starters, mains and desserts – learning all aspects of the day to day operations and m a n a g e m e n t o f a p ro fe s s i o n a l kitchen. Over the next couple of decades he a c h i ev e d fo r m a l c a t e r i n g i n d u s t r y qualifications and gained knowledge working with top chefs at a variety o f e s t a b l i s h m e n t s, i n c l u d i n g T h e
When asked about the company’s name, Jan explained: “I treat every job as a ‘tall order ’ to put pressure on myself and the team to deliver the very best . Whether it ’s fine dining for a small group in a client’s home, or catering for hundreds of guests at a wedding, we constantly push ourselves to make certain every customer is totally happy.” Jan also takes great pride in the flexibility of services and variety of dietary requirements he caters for – he says: “You name it , we can deliver it!”
So, whether you’re planning a wedding breakfast , anniversary party, birthday bash, life celebration o r a ny ot h e r t y p e of f u n c t i o n o r event – including corporate gatherings – Jan would love to hear f ro m yo u . M o r e i n fo r m a t i o n , i n c l u d i n g s a m p l e m e n u s, i s a l s o available on the Tall Order Catering website.
w www.tallordercateringltd.co.uk ww.tallordercateringltd.co.uk bbookings@tallordercateringltd.co.uk ookings@tallordercateringltd.co.uk FFor or enquiries enquiries pplease lease ccall: all: H ead C hef Head Chef 0 7841 6 20883 07841 620883 SSales/Administration ales/Administration 0 7725 7 40690 07725 740690
Cruise Cruise from from Bristol Bristol
H Holiday oliday inspiration inspiration from from Norad Norad Travel’s Travel’s award-winning award-winning expert, expert, Joe Joe Teixeira Teixeira
You might have been on a cruise before, but have you cruised from Bristol? With expert leading independent cruise line Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV), you can enjoy a host of benefits from cruising right from your home town. Right now, t h e re ’ s also incredible savings on these highquality cruises to some amazing destinations – including dramatic coastlines of Scotland, the sunny shores of the Canary Islands, and the snowy peaks of Norway. Sailing from Bristol, you’ll board one of CMV’s smaller, classic cruise ships, like the beautiful Magellan. Designed to provide an intimate, leisurely style of cruising, there’s a great emphasis on providing excellent and attentive service throughout your journey. Their special size enables access to unique ports of call which larger ships are unable to reach. From witnessing inspirational landscapes in floral Guernsey to relaxing in tranquillity along the beautiful River Seine, panoramic vistas will glide by you on every journey.
Sought-after S ought-after destinations destinations w with ith e exceptional xceptional v value alue s savings avings
Relax in the knowledge your accommodation, full board cuisine, afternoon teas, daytime activities, evening entertainment and full use of all the on-board leisure facilities are all included in the fare. And with a complimentary coach service from Temple Meads escorting you right to your cruise, you can start your h o l i d a y b e f o re you even arrive. For any extra treats, sterling is the on-board currency on most of the ships – so no need to worry about exchange problems! See the world with a traditional British cruising experience, straight from local, easy to access departure ports in Bristol.
IIndependent ndependent a and nd iinfluential nfluential ffor or over o ver 35 35 years years
Norad Travel is completely independent and fully bonded with ABTA and ATOL for your peace of mind. Call our expert team on 01452 260188 to plan your perfect holiday.
Land of the Northern Lights 15 NIGHT CRUISE FROM BRISTOL
Departs 17th March 2019 from £1,259pp
Embark on an incredible Arctic adventure!
50%
Save Save up up to to
Get Get iin n touch touch
0 01452 1452 260188 260188
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Cruise UK trading as as Cruise Cruise & Maritime Maritime Voyages. Voyages. ABTA ABTA V9945. V9945. Gratuities Gratuities at at £7 £7 Cruise & Maritime Maritime Voyages Voyages are are offered offered for for sale sale in in the the U K by by South South Quay Quay Travel Travel & Leisure Leisure Ltd Ltd trading per per person person per per night night ddebited ebited ttoo yyour our oon n bboard oard account. account. Prices Prices are are per per person person based based on on two two adults adults sharing sharing a twin twin ccabin, abin, ssubject ubject ttoo aavailability. vailability. Offers Offers are are applicable new withdrawn not applicable ttoo n ew bookings bookings aand nd ccan an bbee w ithdrawn at at any any time. time. Viewing Viewing of of the the Northern Northern Lights Lights is is subject subject to to aatmospheric tmospheric cconditions onditions aand nd n ot gguaranteed. uaranteed.
Holidays H olidays & T Travel ravel w with ith A Al lH Hidden idden
IInvestigate nvestigate Ironbridge Ironbridge In the last two issues, we planned s o m e Po r t u g u e s e s u n s h i n e a n d long-haul travel to British Columbia. This month we’re closer to home with a little gem just up the road in Shropshire…
Birthplace B irthplace o off tthe he iindustrial ndustrial rrevolution evolution What comes to mind when you think ‘UNESCO world heritage site’? Maybe Brazil’s Iguazu Falls or Norway’s Geirangerfjord, but surely not the picturesque, wooded Severn Valley near Telford. But it should, because Ironbridge Gorge was rated among the world’s favourite UNESCO sites! When planning a January getaway,, we found cosy, beautifully appointed, ‘Flat on the Square’ overlooking the world’s first w ro u g h t i r o n b r i d g e – a l b e i t currently swathed in scaffolding b e fo re during re f u r b i s h m e n t reopening later this year. Despite this, the still usable bridge was rather romantic as we strolled across to eat , Mediterranean-style,
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at stylish, reasonably priced Darcy’s. modern ‘Silicon Valley’! It ’s just five minutes from the flat Do visit the fascinating Blists Hill and the food, including delicious Victorian Town – complete with Basque cod, was amazing. delicious 1900 -style fish and chips. A 12-month passport ticket gives M Many any g good ood rrestaurants estaurants unlimited access to many local We also loved the quirky La Casita museums ranging from Blists Hill tapas restaurant across the road and Coalport China Museum, to from our flat . There are numerous Coalbrookdale’s Museum of Iron and good, varied local restaurants, contemporary Enginuity. Your including a well-reviewed chip shop ‘passport ’ quickly pays for itself for budget eating and the pricier, before you save more with also well-rated, additional visits. It ’s a bargain, Restaurant Severn across especially with Ironbridge so close the square. to Gloucestershire. So what does one do in Bears B ears o on n tthe he SSquare quare Ironbridge? You could use t h e to w n a s a b a s e f o r In summary, we loved Ironbridge’s exploring Shropshire, but romantic, scenic, s o m et i m es not before discovering its ‘steampunk’ ambience with many local delights. excellent activities, accommodation Walking the River and dining. And if industrial history Severn’s banks is great isn’t ‘you’, bookshops, gift and for orientation, perhaps antique stores abound – don’t miss stopping at the Gorge Bears on the Square directly under Museum. This riverside your flat! m u s e u m i s o n e of For couples or families, there’s a several reflecting the lot to love about Ironbridge Gorge area’s key role in Britain’s and its museums. With luck , Industrial Revolution. It Abraham Darby’s iron bridge will be really was an eighteenth- uncovered in all its restored glory century equivalent to the when you visit!
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01242
ANSWER 510500
Abbey Group, Units 23/24, Neptune Business Centre, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9FB
www.abbeybusinessequipment.com
The Abbey Business Lounge at Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium sponsored by Gloucestershire’s leading business solutions provider
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Education Education w with ith G Gemma emma D Drew rew
Benefits Benefits ooff llearning earning a llanguage anguage It ’s a well-known fact that schools encourage their students to learn a language at either GCSE or A level. It’s not necessarily for everyone, but doing so has its benefits. Learning a language gives you an i n s i g h t i n to a d i f fe re n t c u l t u re a n d provides a broader experience of life. One great memory I have of being at school is going on a trip to Málaga as part of my Spanish AS level. Speaking the language with the Spanish family we were living with and having them a c t u a l l y u n d e r s t a n d w h a t w e we r e saying was a great feeling.
H How ow m many any llanguages anguages d o you you do rrecognise? ecognise?
It It m makes akes ttravelling ravelling so so much much m more ore rrewarding ewarding Being able to speak the language of the locals when on holiday, even if its only a few phrases, makes travelling so much more rewarding. Some of my best memories of holidays abroad h a ve b e e n t r y i n g – a n d s o m e t i m e s failing – to speak with the locals. I’ve never not been met with a positive response. In fact , you’ll often find m o s t p e o p l e w i l l t a k e t h e t i m e to teach you more words and phrases. On a more professional note, a qualification in a language is great to have on your CV. The skills used when learning a language, including listening, reading, speaking, writing and gaining an understanding of the
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grammar rules, are very valuable and display to future employers that you have an array of communication skills. The variety of skills also helps to keep learning interesting. Sticking at learning a language, whether that be working towards a qualification or just a s s o m e t h i n g to d o i n y o u r s p a re time, shows that you have an i m p r e s s i ve l e v e l o f d e d i c a t i o n a n d motivation as you continue to develop your knowledge. A boost in self-confidence and creativity as well as improved memory are just a few more benefits of learning a language. Research has
s h ow n t h a t b e i n g b i l i n g u a l c a n d e l ay t h e r i s k o f Alzheimer ’s and dementia for an average of four and a half years. Problem-solving, logical thinking and experimentation with different words and phrases all lead to a higher level of creativity.
A great great cconversation onversation starter starter Successfully learning a new skill leads to an increase in confidence, especially if you continue to improve it . It can also lead to you meeting new people as you look for a chance to increase your speaking skills. If anything, being able to say you’re bilingual is a great conversation starter and certainly makes you a more interesting person! For students currently choosing their GCSEs, I would definitely recommend taking a language. Even if you barely remember any of it in your adult life, you’ll most likely always have a basic grasp of another language, which is great. Even though I’ve left school now, I’m still learning Spanish. I try to do a little b i t e v e r y d ay a n d m y a i m i s t o become fluent . Taking Spanish at G C S E a n d A S l e v e l h a s p ro v i d e d m e with a great foundation!
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W What’s 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. We We re recommend ecommend yyou ou uuse se tthe he ccontact ontact ddetails etails pprovided rovided to to check check event event information information uupdates pdates pprior rior ttoo pplanning lanning yyour our vvisit. isit. THROUGHOUT THROUGHOUT MARCH MARCH RIC JAMES, PAINTINGS, PRINTS AND SCULPTURE Local Artist Ric brings us a range of his work showcasing his years of experience across differing media. Many of the works capture his interest in New York’s art scene. Coffee Shop available. Wednesday – Saturday. 10am-4pm. www.thechapelarts.com 1 MARCH MARCH JOE BROWN Joe Brown MBE has a history that spans music halls, rock ‘n’ roll, theatre, films, TV, radio and even circus. He commands a stage like no other. His musical skills are legend, his repartee renowned. Indeed, Joe Brown – up close and personal – what could be more entertaining! 7.30pm. £31.50. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 11-31 -31 MARCH MARCH DAFFODIL & EARLY MAGNOLIA MONTH
March is the perfect time to see our host of golden daffodils in all their spring glory! Wander through swathes of yellow and enjoy the spring sunshine from beneath our glorious tree canopy. We’ll soon be seeing pops of pink appear around the Arboretum too as our magnolias start to
blossom. 9am-5pm. Arboretum entrance fee applies. Batsford Arboretum, Moretonin-Marsh, GL56 9QB. 01386 701441. 1 MARCH MARCH – 15 15 A APRIL PRIL LAMBING AT COTSWOLD FARM PARK With the first bleats of new arrivals and the anticipation of many more in the air, lambing is our favourite time of year! We hope you’ll come and share it with us. Farm park opening hours: 10.30am-5pm. Cotswold Farm Park , Kineton, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5UG. 01451 850307 2 MARCH MARCH THE MARLEY EXPERIENCE An eight piece Midlands based Bob Marley tribute band with a difference, with our lead vocalist Lionart and his undeniable vocal resemblance to the late great King of Reggae Bob Marley himself. 8pm. For prices visit www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk. 01453 760900. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. THE ELO EXPERIENCE The world’s foremost tribute to The Electric Light Orchestra. With a sensational string section, a stunning light show and large screen projection to further enhance the experience, this incredible show takes you on a magical musical journey through time. 7.30pm. £25. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 3 MARCH MARCH THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Music fans are invited to the biggest party of the year! Prepare yourself for 40 backto-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves
and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience. 7.30pm. £28.50. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk MOSAIC GARDEN BIRDS – YVETTE GREEN In this workshop you’ll produce a stainedglass mosaic bird on a stalk to brighten up your garden. Skills covered will include basic glass cutting and stained glass mosaic techniques. Suitable for all levels (glass cutting skills are a bonus). £45 members, £55 non-members. 10am-5pm. More details at natureinart.org.uk. 01452 731422. Nature In Art, Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, GL2 9PA . 01452 733947. 4 MARCH MARCH SECRETS OF SILK WOOD GUIDED WALK Take in the stunning seasonal sights of the ancient Silk Wood. Our volunteers will guide you round the ancient woodland, and reveal some of the hidden gems of the arboretum. Walks set off from the Welcome Building. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor walking. Dogs on leads welcome. 11am. Free after admission. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 0300 067 4890. BOLSHOI LIVE: THE FLAMES OF PARIS In the era of the French Revolution, Jeanne and her brother Jérôme leave Marseille for Paris in support of the revolutionary effort that is taking over the capital. While fighting for freedom, they both encounter love along the way… The Bolshoi Ballet displays an exuberance almost too enormous for the Moscow stage. 3pm. £15. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.org
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5-6 5- 6 MARCH MARCH BILL BAILEY – LARKS IN TRA ANSIT With musical virtuosity, surreal tangents and trademark intelligence, Bill Bailey tackles politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness. 8pm. £29.50. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 66-10 -10 MARCH MARCH PRESSURE cottish meteorologist Group Captain James Stagg advises General Eisenhower on when to give the order to send thousands of waiting troops across the Channel in Operation Overlord. The future of Britain, Europe and our relationship with the United States is at stake as well as the lives of millions. For times and prices visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk. The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. 7 MARCH MARCH THE MAGNIFICENT MUSIC HALL With a show packed full of talent, we invite you on a journey down memory lane to the glamourous heyday of the great ‘British Music Hall’ – a truly golden era. 7pm. £16 (£14, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk MACBETH All the drama, intrigue and madness of Macbeth in 80 high-octane minutes; more than 20 characters brilliantly and boldly brought to life by just two actors. 7.30pm. £14.50 -£19.50. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.org. THE BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL 2018 Experience an extraordinary collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival. Follow the expeditions of some of today’s most incredible adventurers, see amazing footage of adrenaline packed action sports and be inspired by thought-provoking pieces shot from the far flung corners of the globe. 7.30pm. £14. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk MOTHER’SS DAY FLOWERS Would you like to handmake your mum a bouquet of flowers in time for Mother’ss Day? If so, Josephine’s Fabulous Flowers will be here to help you do just that. £50pp including afternoon tea. 11am-1pm. Tudor Farmhouse Hotel, High Street, Clearwell, GL16 8JS. 01594 833046. 77-13 -13 M MARCH ARCH FROM TUNDRA A TO TAIGA : LIFE IN ARCTIC RUSSIA The exhibition of Stu McKenzie’s photography aims to offer a rare glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Nenets people of the Russian Arctic and to tell the story of their daily fight, not only with the polar
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conditions but also with encroaching modernity. Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UZ. www.gardensgallery.co.uk 8 MARCH MARCH THE MEDIEVAL FOREST WITH TIM PORTER The romances of Robin Hood give us one version of the Forest, but the reality is even more intriguing. This talk is a tour through the medieval greenwood – its landscapes, inhabitants and savage laws. £6.75 per adult, £5.75 for season ticket holders. Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, GL7 2BX. coriniummuseum.org BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTR RA A OF WALES
Possibly the highlight of our 17-18 series is the visit of one of the great polymaths of the modern international classical scene – pianist, composer, writer and painter, Stephen Hough. 7.30pm. Prices vary. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 9 MARCH MARCH GARDEN DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS We will take a look at some of the fundamental principles of garden design, examples in real gardens and how to apply them in your garden at home. 10.30am. £30. For more details please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote Hidcote Manor Garden, Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden GL55 6LR. 01386 438333. ONLY FOOLS AND BOYCIE An intimate evening with ‘Only Fools and Horses’ actor John Challis. In this one-off show the national treasure will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his dazzling career. Mr Challis will also meet fans after the show to sign autographs and copies of his autobiography and novel. £17. 01452 503050. Guildhall Theatre, Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. ABBA SENSATION A stunning stage show, which combines costume changes, lighting effects and a faithful reproduction of the ABBA sound. 7.45pm. £13. The Kings Theatre, Kings Barton Street, Gloucester GL1 1QX. 01452 300130 THE WESTENDERS: THE WORLD’S GREATEST MUSICALS Enjoy a night in the West End... in Tewkesbury! You’ll hear all of the favourites from iconic musicals including
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‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘The Lion King’, and, of course, the world’s most popular musical ‘Les Miserables’. 7.30pm. £17.50 £25. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. rosestheatre.org 10 10 MARCH MARCH WINDOW INTO THE WILSON WORKSHOP: CONSERVATION A unique insight into some of the behindthe-scenes museum processes. Meet and discuss with our conservator about her role and the methods used on our museum pieces, then try your hand at some scaled -down conservation processes in a mockup. Materials supplied. Booking essential. 10am. £20. The Wilson, Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT. 01242 237431. LUCY PORTER: CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES In these combative times, it’s easy to be irritated, offended or downright enraged by other people. How do we know which causes are worth fighting for? Lucy uses her hilarious experiences to help you decide. £14 (£12). 7.30pm. Over 16s. 01452 503050. Guildhall Theatre, Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. 110-11 0 -11 MARCH MARCH MOTHERING SUNDAY FAMILY EVENT This Mother’s Day we’ll be celebrating family ties with our special family event. Head to the Learning Centre to discover folklore links between trees and family, and have a go at making spring flower crafts for someone special. Free after admission. 11am. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 0300 067 4890. 11 11 MARCH MARCH MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH Treat your mum with a special three course lunch in our Bar and Brasserie along with tea/coffee and a special gift for Mum! £28 per adult. £14 per child under 12 (under 5s eat free). Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel, Bondend Road, Gloucester GL4 8ED. 0844 815 9077. MOTHERING SUNDAY AT BATSFORD We’ll be spoiling Mums rotten with free entry to the arboretum when accompanied by a paying child (includes grown-up ‘children’!). Show Mum how much you love her with a visit to Batsford Arboretum at the height of blowsy spring bulb colour! If you’re planning on making a day of it, why not stay for lunch or afternoon tea in the Garden Terrace Café? Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9QB. 01386 701441. OPEN GARDENS – MOTHER’S DAY AT MILL DENE GARDENS Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in this 2.5 acre country garden with a difference. A mill pond, grotto, herb garden and fruit trees are just a handful of the delights here, along with tea and cake. 11am-4pm. Tickets £5 (available on the gate). Mill Dene Garden, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9HU.
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11 MARCH MOTHERING SUNDAY CONCERT This special concert of music for upper voices includes works from Lassus to Britten. Dame Sarah Connolly joins the girls in a joint performance of Schubert’s Zögernd leise. A complimentary glass of pink fizz will be served at the end of the concert. 4pm. Adults £16, under 12s free. Tickets available from the Cathedral shop (01452 768928). Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX. MOTHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA Take a seat in our Swan Café and enjoy a Caribbean flamingo backdrop and views of the reserve as you celebrate Mother’s Day. This year we’re offering a specially designed afternoon tea, exclusive to Mother’s Day. 2pm/3.30pm. Adults £17.95, children £9.95. Full details at wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/slimbridge WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Gloucester GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. THE OLBG FESTIVAL PREVIEW As the pressure is mounting ahead of The Festival™, The OLBG Festival Preview gives the opportunity to hear the thoughts and opinions of some of the leading industry figures. The panel for 2018 will be hosted by Jeremy Kyle with guests John Francome, Ruby Walsh, Fergal O’Brien and Cornelius Lysaght. 6.30pm. £6 (Annual Members
free). Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Prestbury, GL50 4SH. 01242 513014. 13 MARCH JONATHAN PIE: BACK TO THE STUDIO The frustrated news reporter is back and he’s angrier than ever. Pie attempts to host a night of serious discussions on current affairs whilst simultaneously attempting to smash the system from within. 7.30pm. £24.50. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk THE SLEEPING BEAUTY When the wicked Carabosse casts a deadly spell on Princess Aurora, the Lilac Fairy changes the spell to instead consign the entire palace to a deep sleep. A century later Prince Désiré revives the Princess with a kiss, the palace awakes, and a parade of fairy-tale characters attend a most joyous wedding. 7.30pm. £17.50£25. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. rosestheatre.org 14 MARCH SKERRYVORE They’ve been on a meteoric journey that has taken them from the Isle of Tiree to International tours including performances in Central Park NYC. A unique fusion of folk, trad, rock and Americana. 8pm. £18. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk
15 MARCH DEREK ACORAH Derek is arguably the world’s most renowned Spirit Medium, having demonstrated to hundreds of thousands of people. 7.30pm. £20 (£18.50 conc). 01453 760900. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 16 MARCH KATHERINE RYAN – GLITTER ROOM What does Canada’s first woman to have a worldwide Netflix special have in common with Britain’s first woman to have a worldwide Netflix special? They are both single mothers with too many pets. And they are both Katherine Ryan. 8pm. £21.50. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk FLIGHT OF THE SWANS – THE POWER OF A GOOD STORY A key challenge to save a species is to stimulate and coordinate the activities of the species experts, often spread over many countries. A bigger problem is to engage others – hunters, farmers and authorities – who also have a part to play. Flight of the Swans was WWT’s approach to achieve this. Event organised by the Forest of Dean Group of the GWT. 7.30pm. £2. Free for children (7+ years). Catholic Church Hall, Cinder Hill, Coleford, GL16 8HN.
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16 MARCH MALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: A WHODUNNIT IN WONDERLAND Six months after Alice first tumbled down the rabbit hole, all hell has broken loose in Wonderland. Join us for an interactive sleuthing evening in the Cathedral nave and help to solve the mystery of Malice through the Looking Glass. 7.30pm. Tickets £23 (includes welcome drink and cheese platters) available from the Cathedral shop (01452 768928). Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX. SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING Come and experience the excitement and atmosphere first hand as top names in British wrestling battle it out in an evening of high impact wrestling action, suitable for all the family. 7pm. £10-£13. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.org 16 MARCH – 15 APRIL THE SECRET GARDEN: A MUSICAL After losing both parents to cholera in India, young Mary Lennox is sent to England to live with her hermit uncle, Archibald Craven. Everything changes when Mary decides to revive the beauty of her Aunt Lily’s overgrown secret garden. For times and prices visit barntheatre.org.uk. The Barn Theatre, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester GL7 1BN. 17 MARCH BREWERY TAP – IRISH NIGHT Our monthly Brewery Tap celebrates St Patrick’s Day with an Irish themed night – Irish music and Irish themed food and cocktails! Come and enjoy great beer and food with us. 6-11.30pm. Hillside Brewery, Holly Bush Farm, Ross Road, near Longhope, GL17 0NG, 01452 830222. THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY A charming new musical with all your favourite sing-along songs and a uniquely entertaining mixture of live action, puppetry and animation. 2.30pm. £12 (£11 conc, £42 family). 01453 760900. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk ROVING CROWS ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION Roving Crows play with genuine passion, energy and soul. A vibrant mix of Celticinspired fiddle alongside original and intelligent lyrics backed by pounding, tribal and electronica infused dance grooves. 8pm. £15.50 (£14.50 conc). 01453 760900. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 17 & 24 MARCH CANTORES CHAMBER CHOIR A concert of music on the theme of Light on March 17th in Cirencester Parish Church at 7.30pm, and 24th March in St Peter’s Church Leckhampton, Cheltenham at
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7.30pm. The main work is ‘Lux Aeterna’ by the American composer Morten Lauridsen, with other pieces by Brahms, Byrd, Gretchaninov, Rutter, Tallis and Wood. Tickets £15 (concessions available) via our website: www.cantores.net, Andrew Gummer (01242 573193) and on the door. 18 MARCH CHELTENHAM HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY – SPRING SHOW Hundreds of dazzling spring flowers, including daffodils, tulips, alpines, orchids and cactus. There will be stalls selling crafts and plants. Refreshments available. 12.30pm. £2 (u16s free). Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 20 MARCH – 15 APRIL THE HARRIS DYNASTY EXHIBITION The first ever ‘Harris Dynasty’ exhibition, showcasing 50 years of unique studio glass designs by the late Michael Harris and his two sons, Timothy and Jonathan, both independent glassmakers, worldrenowned for their own unique and individual styles. 10am-5pm. Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, Gloucester GL2 9PA. 01452 731422. 22 MARCH AN ILLUSTRATED TALK BY STEPHEN DUNLEAVY Fat Kangeroos to Jumbo’s Blues, working with David Attenborough to tell stories from the past. Dunleavy’s credits include David Attenborough’s ‘Life in the Undergrowth’, ‘Saving Planet Earth’ and ‘Natural World’. £8 (includes buffet supper). Tickets must be booked in advance. 7pm. Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, Gloucester GL2 9PA. 01452 731422. JOO YEON SIR AND IRINA ANDRIEVSKY A welcoming return by this exciting duo, Korean-born British violinist Joo Yeon Sir and her regular partner Irina Andrievsky. 7.30pm. Prices vary. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 23 MARCH EASTER HANGING DECORATIONS With Easter just around the corner, come along and make a beautiful hanging decoration! Available sessions: 10.30am1pm or 2-4.30pm. £10. Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, Gloucester GL2 9PA. 01452 731422. 24 MARCH BACH – B MINOR MASS The Cheltenham Bach Choir and the Musical and Amicable Society Baroque Orchestra perform JS Bach’s magnificent Mass in B minor in Cheltenham Town Hall at 7.30pm. www.cheltbachchoir.com. Tickets £10-22 from the Town Hall box office, website, or call 0844 5762210.
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BAKE BACK IN TIME Join our historic cook as she makes a variety of dishes from Mrs Beeton’s 1880 Shilling Cookery. Visitors are able to try the dishes themselves. Tea is also served in the basement. Free with normal admission. Drop-in any time from 11-3pm. Holst Birthplace Museum, 4 Clarence Road, Cheltenham GL52 2AY. 01242 524846. WILD WESTONBIRT Aged 14-18 and want to learn about bush craft and survival? Wild Westonbirt is for you! You’ll participate in traditional forest and survival skills, including fire lighting, practical conservation and wildlife watching. Free. To book your place call 0300 067 4854 or email karen.price@forestry.gsi.gov.uk. Warm waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes advised. 10am-4pm. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 0300 067 4890. 25-26 MARCH COMMUNITY WEEKEND To celebrate English National Tourism week the team at the Dean Heritage Centre invite you to discover the history of the Forest of Dean from the Ice Age to the present day. 10am-4pm. Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, GL14 2UB. 27 MARCH – 22 APRIL ICE BOUND EXHIBITION Darren Rees received the Artist in Residency honour from the Friends of The Scott Polar Research Institute, travelling to the Antarctic Peninsula. This display presents some of his sketches and paintings executed in situ, plus some studio pieces completed on his return. 10am-5pm. Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, Gloucester GL2 9PA. 01452 731422. 30 MARCH – 2 APRIL OPENING TO BROADWAY After 58 years public train services will again run to Broadway Station! We are delighted to open a further stretch of our line so you will be able to travel over 14 miles from Broadway all the way to our Cheltenham Racecourse Station. Times and prices vary. For full details please visit www.gwsr.com. 01242 604134. EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA This Easter’s activities are set to delight visitors with the opportunity to experience fantastic dragon puppetry and take part in the colourful Chinese Dragon Parade. Full details: www.berkeley-castle.com. Berkeley Castle, Berkeley GL13 9BQ. 01453 810303. 30 MARCH – 14 APRIL FAMILY EASTER TRAIL A brand-new trail for the Easter holidays featuring specially-created characters by author and illustrator Hannah Shaw. Collect the clues around the Garden and use them to work out where to find your chocolate prize! £1 (plus normal admission). 10.30am5pm. Painswick Rococo Garden, Gloucester Road, Stroud GL6 6TH. 01452 813204.
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M Mercure ercure B Bowden owden H Hall all H Hotel otel • Bondend Bondend Lane Lane • Upton Upton St St Leonards Leonards • Gloucester Gloucester • GL4 GL4 8ED 8ED www.mercuregloucester.co.uk ww.mercuregloucester.co.uk e events@mercuregloucester.co.uk vents@mercuregloucester.co.uk 0 01452 1452 255 255 012 012 w 30 MARCH – 15 APRIL THE BIG BATSFORD BUNNY HUNT! The Easter Bunny’s helpers have escaped and they’re hopping around the Arboretum – find them to win a prize! £2.50 per child (plus Arboretum entrance fee). All children must be accompanied by an adult. No booking required – just turn up and enjoy! Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9QB. 01386 701441. EGGSPERIENCE EASTER Do you know what happened on the first Easter Day? Come to the Cathedral and you can follow a trail around this amazing building and find out the answer for yourself. The new Trail can be collected from a Cathedral Welcomer or downloaded from our website and is FREE to enjoy. Mon-Sat 10.30am-4pm. Sun 12noon-2pm. Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX. 01452 528095. DUSTY’S GIANT EASTER DUCK HUNT Help Dusty find our cheeky GIANT yellow ducks hiding around our stunning grounds this Easter! Bring the family along and have a quacking time exploring the Centre. You’ll need to use all your special detective skills to track down these cheeky ducks and claim your prize! For full details please visit wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ slimbridge WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Gloucester GL2 7BT. 01453 891900.
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31 MARCH EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Join us for a day of Easter-themed, familyfriendly activities and crafts. 11am-2pm. Free entry. Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Crickley Hill, Birdlip, GL4 8JY. 01452 863170. HEDGEROW EASTER BASKETS Come and learn how to make a simple basket out of hedgerow material to hold all your Easter eggs or just to enjoy for the rest of the year. 10am-5pm. £45 members/£55 non-members. Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, Gloucester GL2 9PA. 01452 731422. 1 APRIL EASTER ANTIQUES & VINTAGE FAIR A great day out for avid collectors, casual browsers and families looking for an alternative day out. An opportunity to find alternative gifts, affordable retro home decor and the missing piece to a collection. 10am-4pm. Free entry. Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney GL15 6BU. 01594 844841. 2 APRIL THE EASTER EGGSPRESS This ‘eggsellent’ event will be taking place at Winchcombe Station. You will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny and take part in lots of fun Easter activities and win prizes. For full details please visit www.gwsr.com. 01242 604134.
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4-8 APRIL CHEPSTOW WALKING FESTIVAL Grab your walking boots for 5 days of walking fun! 35 walks varying in length between 2-15 miles led by experienced walk leaders. For full programme and how to book visit www.walksinchepstow.co.uk 13 APRIL AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE & CABARET A dazzling evening of vintage inspired burlesque and cabaret. Sublime showgirls and ridiculous comedy! Over 18s only. This show employs and embraces adult themes and partial nudity. 8pm. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. Tickets £15 plus booking fee. Call the box office on 01452 503050 or visit www.seetickets.com and search ‘Hundred Watt Club’. 15 APRIL KEYBOARD EXTRAVAGANZA – CHELTENHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL SOCIETY Andrew Millington, who held posts at Exeter, Guildford and Gloucester Cathedrals, with David Davies, formerly Exeter and Guildford Cathedrals, switch from Piano to Organ… and vice-versa. Programme to include music by Gustav Holst. 3pm in St. Andrew’s Church, Montpellier. Tickets are £15 including afternoon tea and prosecco. Email treasurer@cmfsoc.org.uk or telephone 07895 407177.
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D Dave ave B Bennett ennett ttargets argets place place in in 200 200 Club Club It’s been tough going for Lydney this season but despite their troubles, club stalwart Dave Bennett is still managing to smile. Bennett is the second row who has been with the club for the best part of two decades, starting off as a youngster in the junior set-up before graduating into senior rugby. Now 31, Bennett said: “Yes, it has been difficult but Lydney are my club. It’ss the club I grew up with and I still really enjoy playing for them.” Brought up in St Briavels, just over seven miles from Lydney, it was almost inevitable that the young Bennett, a pupil at Wyedean School, would follow his older brothers Sam and A aron and be attracted to all things Regentsholme. “I started playing for Lydney when I was about 13,” Bennett said, “and I was playing for Lydney Colts by the time I was 15. At the time we had a very strong fixture list . We’d play a lot of the Welsh clubs and matches could be pretty feisty.”
Dave Bennett
Feisty they may have been but Bennett’s willingness to take on allcomers was noted by those that matter at the top end of the club and he was soon being pushed through into senior rugby. “ I m a d e m y d e b u t fo r t h e f i r s t team when I was 17,” he said. “It was when Lydney were in National Two South when the likes of Paul Kiely and Paul Price were playing.” They were good times for the club, of course, but Bennett ’’ss time with Lydney was interrupted when his
s t u d i e s to o k h i m n o r t h to Loughborough University. B u t a l t h o u g h h e h a d l ef t t h e Forest, he did not stop playing rugby. “I played for Leicester Lions in National Two North,” said Bennett . “That was the same level that Lydney were playing back then but it was semi-professional at Leicester Lions – if you played you got paid.” Leicester Lions are the club once graced by England and British Lions l e g e n d M a r t i n J o h n s o n a n d , u n l i ke Lydney, were one of the bigger hitters in terms of resource of the clubs playing at that level. “I’ve always said that for a lot of the time Lydney, at the level we have been playing , have been o u t m a tc h e d i n te r m s o f f u n d i n g , squad size and access to players,” Bennett said. “But we were always competitive.” And Bennett believes that Lydney have been competitive for much of this season as well. Full story online.
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Clive Wilkes has taken up the whistle again… and there’s not been a VAR in sight! But before anyone gets too carried away, the one-time top Gloucestershire referee, sadly, has not been able to roll back the years and take charge of matches in the Premier League. Instead, if you want to see the now 63-year-old running a game of football as it should be run, you need to g e t yo u r s e l f d ow n t o t h e l e i s u r e centre in Newent. Strictly speaking, it ’s walking fo o t b a l l , a n d n o t football, that Wilkes has been officiating g a m es i n a n d h e said of the increasingly popular sport: “There’s more to it t h a n m e et s t h e Clive Wilkes eye.”
I n s p o r t , t h e re a r e a h a n d f u l o f superstars where reference to them by a single name is all that is required to kick-start a conversation. Think Ali, Cruyff or even Freddie – the one-time England cricketer Freddie Flintoff. In the world of jump racing there’s Jonjo O’Neill… except that you don’t need the ‘O’Neill’ of course. Jonjo is known simply as ‘Jonjo’ and a quick look at his record over the past five d e c a d e s o r s o a s a j o c k ey a n d a trainer tells you everything you need to know about the greatness of the man. Even though the 65-year-old has b e e n a t t h e t o p fo r t h e b e s t p a r t o f half a century, the hunger to produce w i n n e r s f ro m h i s J a c k d aw s C a s t l e home is still driving him forward, particularly at this time of year with the Cheltenham Festival, which gets under starter’s orders on Tuesday 13th March, just around the corner.
It’s now three-and-a-half years since James Simpson-Daniel was forced to retire too soon from rugby because of a serious ankle injury. And while these days he’s no longer running rings ro u n d o p p o n e n t s at Kingsholm – the place that became his second home for 13 years – in some ways not much has changed James Simpson-Daniel in his life. That’s because he’s now working in the world of big business in London a n d a l t h o u g h p hy s i c a l l y h e i s n o longer putting his body on the line for the team, anyone who has worked in finance knows just how competitive an environment it is. For full versions of all these stories and more, visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Time tto Time om make ake a date date w with ith the the Spring Spring half half marathon marathon Hear someone aged 20 or more talking about setting a date and it ’s fair to assume that they may be talking about getting married. However, when Chris Hammersley is talking about setting a date the last thing you’d hear are metaphorical wedding bells. Firstly, and most importantly, it ’s because he’s been married to Lynn for 48 years, and secondly, because he’s talking in his capacity as race director of the Forest of Dean Spring Trails Half Marathon. It means that when he’s discussing dates, the only date he’s interested in i s t h e o n e fo r t h e S p r i n g h a l f marathon, which continues to be such an important part of the Forest of Dean calendar. “I always try to avoid Easter Sunday, M o t h e r i n g S u n d ay a n d w h e n t h e clocks go forward,” chuckled Hammersley. “Avoiding the clocks going forward is the third on the list but we still try to steer clear of it if we can.” Happily, for Hammersley, he has a full set this year as the 2018 Spring half marathon avoids all three, taking place as it does on Sunday 18th March. Hammersley, a member of the Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean, has been the Spring half marathon’s race director since 2003. The 74-year-old moved to the Forest i n 1 9 7 0 w h e n h e g ot a j o b a s a teacher at Berry Hill Secondary School. “I’d always been involved with s p o r t , ” h e s a i d . “ I p l ay e d r u g b y a n d cricket and I’m a season-ticket holder at Gloucester.” But it was his membership of the Rotary Club just as much as his love of sport that encouraged him to get involved with the half marathon, which was previously run by Forest of Dean Athletic Club. “I’d helped out on water stations,” he said. “A Rotary Club’s job is to support the community, and when I was asked to take over as race director there was a real threat to the future of the race. “I thought that would be a shame
The Forest of Dean Spring Trails Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 18th March
and I also thought it would be a way to generate funds for good causes.” Hammersley was right on both counts, of course. The Spring half marathon continues to be hugely popular, attracting up to 3,000 runners each year – “I boast that it’s the largest p a r t i c i p a t o r y s p o r t i n g e ve n t i n Gloucestershire,” he said – and, crucially, since Hammersley took over as race director, the event has raised more than £500,000 which the Rotary Club have distributed to good causes.
‘‘It It g gives ives u uss n national ational sstatus’ tatus’ Around 300 volunteers help to make the event the success it is, and this year’s race promises to be even better t h a n e ve r b e c a u s e i t w i l l b e p a r t o f the UK short course championships. “It gives us national status,” said a clearly delighted Hammersley. “I took Tim Mitchell of the UK Trail Running Association – that’s an associate body of UK Athletics – round the course and h e l i k e d i t ev e n t h o u g h we m e t a boar! “It’s an Open event and believe it or not , a half marathon is their short course distance! A medium course is o ve r 5 0 - s o m e t h i n g m i l e s a n d t h e ultra distance is over 86 miles!” So what makes the Forest half so special? “It’s a good time of year, early in the season,” said Hammersley. “It ’s run
before all the bigger marathons and gives people a chance to see where they are with their training. “It’s pretty cool at this time of year and it’s a good chance for runners to post personal bests. Although it ’s a multi-terrain course, the record time is one hour, 11 minutes which is pretty good going. “The first mile is run on road which gives the quicker runners a chance to get on with it before hitting the trails i n t h e fo re s t . A n d t h e fo re s t i s obviously a big attraction as well. “We’ve changed the course over the years. It used to be in Park End but n ow i t s t a r t s a n d f i n i s h e s a t S p e e c h House where there is on-site parking.” Like the Autumn half marathon – Hammersley assists race director John M a t t h e w s w i t h o rg a n i s i n g t h e September run – it’s run over one lap although the two courses are entirely different. A n d a l t h o u g h S t a f fo rd s h i re - b o r n Hammersley was a very keen sportsman back in the day – he played cricket for Berry Hill after moving to the area – he admits he has never run the half marathon course. “I’ve cycled it a few times,” he laughed, “and I’ve walked it as well as driven round it in a 4x4. I always say every year that I ‘run it’, but of course by run it I don’t mean putting on my spikes!”
FFor or ffull ull aarticles rticles & m more ore sstories: tories: w www.thelocalanswer.co.uk ww.thelocalanswer.co.uk
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IIn nT The he Garden Garden with w ith JJulia ulia Smith Smith
IIt’s t’s ttime ime tto op prune! rune! I t i s m y h o p e t h a t by t h e t i m e you’re reading this, spring will have s p r u n g a n d we m a y h a ve s l i g h t l y better weather than the first two months of the year – finger ’s crossed! March is the time to prune your bush-roses (hybrid teas and floribundas) if you haven’t done so already. Cut off all the spindly twigs and anything dead, damaged or diseased. Cut to an outward facing bud, leaving about 2.5cm of last year’s growth on weaker stems and a bit more on stronger stems.
Encourage Encourage n new ew sshoots hoots to to e emerge merge Shrub roses don’t need such drastic pruning , and with these if they are looking a bit congested, cut out about one third of the thickest , oldest branches at the base with a pruning saw, thus encouraging new shoots to emerge. Take about 10cm off the to p o f t h e re m a i n i n g s te m s to finish, and feed with a handful of rose fertiliser. Winter flowering heathers look b e t te r fo r a n a n n u a l p r u n i n g to keep the plants compact and bushy.
The books recommend using secateurs but if there is a large area of heathers it is easier to use shears. Don’t cut into the old wood but just prune off nearly all of the previous season’s growth. N ow i s a g o o d t i m e to t r i m ornamental grasses. Evergreen grasses like Festuca glauca or Pampas Grass are pruned annually in early spring. The small ones like the Festuca just need their tips trimmed to remove dead bits, whilst the large Pampas can be cut
hard back to the base, and dead material raked out to let light and air into the plant centre. You will need strong gloves for this as the leaves are razor sharp! Deciduous grasses like M i s c a n t h u s a n d St i p a c a n b e cu t down to about 10cm now to get rid of the old brown stems and allow the new green growth to take over. Trim winter-flowering heathers with shears as they stop flowering to keep them compact .
Cacti Cacti a are re p popular opular a and nd demand demand little little a attention ttention C a c t i a s h o u s e p l a n t s a re becoming very popular as they suit a contemporary home and demand little attention, but can need a bit of TLC by the end of the winter. Don’t just leave them to get dusty and forgotten on a windowsill, but p u t t h e m i n s o m e f re s h s o i l ( y o u can get cactus compost from the garden centre) and put in a slightly larger pot. Watch your hands on the spines – you can use some card to make a handle to wrap around the plant . Finally, water very sparingly just around the edge, making sure not to wet the plant .
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Gadgets G adgets & G Gizmos izmos with with Laura Laura N Nicklin icklin
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With the impending release of Steven Spielberg’s latest blockbuster ‘Ready Player One’, many devoted gamers are going to be able to relive the nostalgia of their favourite g a m e s . Fr o m t h e ‘ 8 0 s h e yd ay o f Pacman and Street Fighter, to more modern gaming franchises like Tomb Raider and Sonic The Hedgehog , these games have proven they have lasting impact on our culture. For those looking to experience more of w h a t t h e g a m i n g i n d u s t r y h a s to offer, take a look at some of these g a d g e t s t h a t c a n b r i n g t h e f u n to your living room.
built-in games, you can always use the cartridge slot for any Mega Drive G a m e s y o u m i g h t s t i l l ow n . E n j oy t h e m u l t i p l ay e r a c t i o n a s y o u compete in Boss Battles, or even b a t t l e a g a i n s t yo u r f r i e n d s fo r t h e ultimate gaming championship. At £69.99, the Sega Mega Drive Classic a l l ow s y o u t o e n j o y a m o re o l d school style of gaming.
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This unique video game console has already proved itself to be ground-breaking with its variety o f g a m e p l a y o p t i o n s, w h e t h e r you’re looking to use it as a handheld device or connect it to play on your TV. This console is p e r fe c t fo r those looking to enjoy games with the family and to permanently keep the kids (and grown-ups) occupied. The Nintendo Switch has seen a dramatic change in recent fortune for Japanese v i d e o g a m e d ev e l o p e r s, with games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, S u p e r M a r i o O d y s s ey a n d Overcooked bringing fastpaced lasting fun that ’s s u i t a b l e fo r a l l a g e s . I f you’re looking for the latest in innovative gaming, then this is a must for all old and
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M ake yyour our d ream kkitchen itchen a rreality eality – Make dream vvisit isit Dream Dream D oors’ n ew sshowroom howroom Doors’ new Get ready for Dream Doors to inspire you to transform your kitchen. They’re the largest retail franchised kitchen door replacement company in the UK and their success is only increasing. The company are proud to have opened their newest showroom in Stonehouse to serve Gloucestershire, meaning they now have over 80 outlets across the UK – an impressive figure! S i m o n H e r b e r t , ow n e r o f t h e Gloucestershire franchise, is ready to p ro v i d e a s o l u t i o n f o r t i r e d k i t c h e n s across the county. He’s certainly made a good start and received a warm reception at the official opening with Mayoress of Stonehouse Theresa Watt saying she was “delighted to welcome a new business.” A very motivated individual, Simon had no difficulty expressing his passion for the company he works for – “they’re a m a z i n g , a n d s t i l l g r ow i n g ” . H e s a i d : “Customers across Gloucestershire will receive the personal approach that comes with a family-run showroom, w h i l s t a l s o b e i n g s e c u re i n t h e knowledge that Dream Doors is a trusted national brand.”
It hasn’t all been easy, though. “It was a challenge. We operated from home for six months, so we’re thrilled that we’ve now got this base,” said S i m o n . “ W h e n we f i r s t s t a r te d , t h e room was in a very poor state – damp y. The team have been great and dreary. – we all pulled together and put a lot of work in to making the premises fit for purpose, so we’re really excited about showing it off to the public.”
You’ll Y ou’ll b be e sspoilt poilt ffor or cchoice hoice T h e f i n i s h e d s h o w ro o m i s , i n d e e d , something to be proud of – the pristine, we l l - l i t a n d m o d e r n e n v i ro n m e n t i s ideal for housing the variety of made to measure kitchen designs that cater for different tastes. The displays range from traditional to ultra-modern designs, with plenty of colours and materials to choose from, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. It ’s a good thing Simon rose to the challenge, because Dream Doors’ latest d i s p l ay i n i t i a t i v e i s s u re to p rov i d e a n enhanced c u s to m e r experience. “Creating this new facility helps to endorse the great products and fantastic
service we’ve been providing in Gloucestershire. With no need for appointments, people can now relax as t h e y v i s i t to v i e w a n d fe e l w h a t we have to offer, making it easier for them to decide on their new kitchen,” he said. The team at Dream Doors know how important it is to have a kitchen that re f l e c t s yo u r p e r s o n a l s t y l e a n d a re dedicated to providing a space you’ll be proud of. And if you’re after a client e n d o r s e m e n t , S i m o n s ay s n u m e ro u s c u s to m e r s p rov i d e s at i sf i e d confirmation of the high quality service he and the team deliver – including Roger and Hazel who recently described Dream Doors’ work as “fantastic from start to finish”. If Simon and his team can transform their outlet , they can certainly transform a kitchen. They displayed v i s i o n a n d p u t a h u g e e f fo r t i n to making a great quality showroom, so imagine the same level of expertise and commitment going into your kitchen! You may not have to imagine fo r l o n g t h o u g h – by p a y i n g t h e m a visit now, your dream kitchen could become a reality very soon.
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How How tto o rrevive evive yyour our kkitchen itchen The kitchen seems like the biggest project in any home, but it really doesn’t have to be; with planning and preparation key, you can give your kitchen a facelift without the extraordinary bill.
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K i tc h e n h a n d l e s a r e o n e o f t h e most used things in our home and c a n s t a r t t o l o o k wo r n a n d o l d . Replace the hardware on your k i tc h e n c u p b o a r d s to s o m e t h i n g Update pdate tthe he ssplashback plashback sleek and modern in chrome, or U upgrade to on-trend brass or Remove those tired old tiles behind the sink or cooker and replace with copper. something bright and new. Try U Update pdate tthe he ffloor loor laying the tiles in a contemporary This may seem like a huge project, pattern, like herringbone, for a real but it doesn’t have to be; there are on-trend look and feel, and so many ways to update your remember the grout too. This year flooring now. Go for a complete it ’s all about coloured grout; grey overhaul and update the floor to a looks fantastic against bright whites patterned tile to give your kitchen and lights.
One of the easiest ways to update any room is to give the walls a lick of paint . With many brands now offering durable paint for kitchen walls the world is your oyster. Go light for a fresh look to brighten up the room or go dark for a dramatic contemporary feel in your kitchen space.
R Revamp evamp tthe he u units nits T h e i n s i d e o f m o s t k i tc h e n cupboards are fine, but it ’s the doors that need the facelift . You could completely replace the doors The Local Answer
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space a real dramatic upgrade. Alternatively, replace tiles with wood flooring for a warmer look and feel. If those options sound a little too much, paint over existing wooden floors with floor paint to make the ro o m f e e l l i g h t a n d b r i g h t . T h e r e are so many different colours to c h o o s e n ow f o r f l o o r p a i n t – yo u might find picking a colour a little tricky!
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from CLASSIC to CONTEMPORARY, MODERN to MOBILITY ...
bathrooms made easy! 01452 330852 MON-FRI 8AM-4PM SATURDAY 9AM-1PM
Located behind Bristol Street Ford 18 Capitol Park, Pearce Way, Bristol Road, Gloucester GL2 5YD LARGE FREE CUSTOMER PARKING
www.severnvalebathrooms.co.uk
Bath time a struggle? It needn’t be ... 2 20% 0% O OFF FF
C OMPLETE COMPLETE B ATHROOM BATHROOM IINSTALLATIONS NSTALLATIONS F OR THE THE FOR O VER 660s 0s OVER
For some of us the bathroom no longer holds the charm it once did. Gone are the days of soaking in the bath, and practicality has become foremost in our minds … “We got in the bath, but how on earth are we getting out?” We specialise in taking baths out and replacing them with low level shower cubicles. Our bathrooms are designed with your safety and comfort in mind. Our goal is to design your bathroom so that you can walk
in without even realising it has been altered to meet your mobility needs. We provide unobtrusive mobility solutions from a simple grab rail, high raise comfort WC pan, slipresistant flooring, easy to use taps and much more, and it’s all fitted by our own in-house work force – no sub-contractors!
Your Y our ssafety afety a and nd comfort comfort in in mind mind At Severn Vale Bathrooms we never use tiles, but instead opt for easy clean UPVC panels. There are numerous colours
and designs to choose from. The benefits of panels are that there is no grout to discolour, they reduce condensation and, above all, they are low maintenance. So, if your bathing needs are changing and your bathroom needs a revamp, visit our extensive showroom and see what we can offer, or alternatively call for a frree quotation. Zero rate VAT available subject to status, along with our regular promotion.
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Trust Trust iin nB Business usiness It says it on my cufflinks – ‘Trust me…. I’m an accountant’ and, of course, you can! But there are many big businesses out there that have got themselves into deep water socially, financially or politically, who are desperate to rebuild the trust they once commanded from the great British public. Oxfam is the latest such case. Let’s not dwell on the wellpublicised cause of their latest difficulties, but instead consider that they have to rebuild public trust . There are many charities doing excellent work in numerous different fields and surely they are all set to benefit because no-one will want to support Oxfam if that’s what they’re going to do with our money. Right? In the short term, yes, of course that’s right and so it should be. But it set me wondering just how easy or difficult the rebuilding of trust can be. It was little more than two years ago that Volkswagen was found to have cheated emissions testing by fitting software which meant that completely false readings were generated when cars were tested. Deliberate and sy s te m a t i c m a n i p u l a t i o n o f t h e s y s te m . A f te r a n i n i t i a l downturn in sales, the company was reporting an increase in profits just over six months later. Does anyone think back to the scandal when considering which new car to buy? I doubt if it even comes into people’s thoughts for a split second.
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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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Many of the things that were deemed to be acceptable years ago have been shown to be socially unacceptable in more modern times. Think back to drink driving, which for years was deemed to be part of a night out, but quickly, and thankfully, turned those who did so into social outcasts. The well-publicised goings on in the entertainment industry are another classic example of social change. T h e s a m e h a s b e e n h a p p e n i n g i n t h e f i n a n c i a l wo r l d , firstly with money-laundering and more recently with tax avoidance. You can’t open a bank account now without a degree in form-filling and knowing the inside-leg measurement of the person who gave you the money you are trying to put into the bank for safekeeping. Tax avoidance used to be the domain of the ‘lucky few’ who had sufficient to make it worthwhile, but that’s no longer the case. Successive Chancellors have cracked down on i n d i v i d u a l s w h o h av e ‘ i n v e s te d ’ i n s c h e m e s, p a r t i c u l a r l y those offshore, that avoided them paying UK tax . We all moan when big companies appear not to pay their ‘fair share’ of corporation tax in the UK . They are villified in the press for their actions. But which search engine do we go to in order to look anything up online? The one after which the activity is now known – ‘I’ll g***le it’. And where do we buy our coffee or do our online shopping? Yes, those h o u s e h o l d n a m e s w h o h av e s t r u c t u re d t h e i r b u s i n e ss e s such that they aren’t seen to be making meaningful contributions to the UK Treasury. We’re an interesting bunch, the great British public, when it comes to trust in business.
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Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK
Bowden Hall
Cafe Rene Tall Order Catering The Grill 49 The Old Rectory Tiger’s Eye Yanto’s Pancake House
4 7 6 6 6 4
HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL Norad Travel
PROPERTY Norton Park
17 JR Home Improvements Marshalls Driveways 8 R. Richards & Son Resindrives.co.uk RS Cladding 2
FURNISHING & APPLIANCES
RETAIL Miserden Nursery & Cafe 5
INFORMATION
HOMES & GARDENS
Building Circles in Glos
20 22 22 36 20
WINDOWS & DOORS
Albany Windows CARE SERVICES
Samaritans
EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS
BUILDING SERVICES
AJP Amusements
15 GlosBuild
34
COMPUTERS & SOFTWARE
Dream Doors 26-27 Abbey Group Gloucester Carpet Outlet 32 To advertise Interior Needs 28
15 BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms 30-31 & 33 HEATING & PLUMBING
WHAT’S ON
35
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Hewer Facilities Ltd
21 Log Boy
10
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01242 510500
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COMPETITION WINNERS The TLA Photography 2018 winner for the March 2018 cover is Daphne Davis of Cirencester.
COMPETITION RULES 1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless stated.
7 Proof of posting is not regarded as proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party. 11 One entry per household.
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