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MAY 2018

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GLOUCESTERSHIRE SOUTH NEW THIS MONTH – LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT STORIES INSIDE!

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

May’s winning cover photo: Kerry Palmer of Lydney

W Welcome elcome ttoo M May ay ......

This month sees the introduction of another exciting feature – our brand new Entertainment section, headed up by our new Entertainment Editor Patrick Baines. We’ll be bringing you local articles, stories and reviews from across Gloucestershire, covering a broad range of topics including film, theatre, art, culture, literature, music and so much more! Read more inside and on our website – www.thelocalanswer.co.uk We’ve got two bank holidays to look forward to this month, so whether you spend those extra days off attending events around the county, having a go at our latest ‘Delicious Dish’ or challenging yourself to get some much needed housework done, we have plenty of articles to inspire you!

Remember, if your favourite editorial doesn’t appear in your local printed magazine, you can read all of our articles online.

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

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D Delicious elicious Dish Dish Quick Crossword Quick Crossword Motoring Motoring Parenting Guardianship uardianship Parenting & G Wildlife Matters atters W ildlife M Holidays ravel H olidays & TTravel What’s On n W hat’s O Entertainment TTLA LA Entertainment Sudoku Sudoku Homes Gardens ardens Homes & G he Garden Garden IIn n tthe the Planet Planet SSave ave the Design esign IInterior nterior D Word earch W ord SSearch Money Matters atters M oney M Sport TTLA LA Sport Index, Index , CCompetitions, ompetitions, SSolutions olutions

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Page 3

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

EEasy asy m midweek idweek ccreamy reamy p pasta asta b bake ake A simple simple recipe recipe tto om make ake llight ight work work of of your your midweek midweek m meals. eals. P Polish olish tthe he w whole hole llot ot off off as as a family, family, or or take take tthe he lleftovers eftovers to to work work for for lunch lunch the the next next d day! ay!

IIngredients ngredients ((serves serves 4 4): ): 300g dried pasta (I used fusilli); 2 large leeks, sliced very finely; 1 medium/large courgette, grated; 1-3 tbsp of pesto according to your taste; 2 tbsp low fat soft cheese; 2-3 tbsp fresh breadcrumbs or grated cheese if you prefer; 25g butter; 25g plain flour; 250ml milk; 1tsp oil; 3 large skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes.

M ethod: Method: 1 Melt the butter in a saucepan, stir in the flour and cook for a few minutes, stirring all the time. Using a whisk , gradually stir in the milk to make a smooth sauce. Turn the heat down low and continue to cook for about five minutes whilst still stirring.

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2 Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the chicken in batches for about 10 minutes.

3 Add the chicken and juices to the white sauce, stir and cook for another 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.

4 Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.

5 Put the leeks in a pan with a little water, cover and cook until they have gone very soft. Drain then add the courgette, pesto, soft cheese and chicken to the white sauce, stir well then heat until bubbling.

6 S t i r t h e p a s t a i n to t h e m i x t u re a n d t i p i n to a l a rg e oven proof dish. Sprinkle over the breadcrumbs or cheese and pop under the grill until it browns.

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Quick Q uick Crossword Crossword 2

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ACROSS ACROSS DOWN DOWN 1 Integral 1 Airless space 7 Unstable 2 Parent’s sister 8 Shrewd 3 Deliberately ignore 10 Jingling percussion 4 Black ale instrument 5 Policy statement 12 Meat-soaking 6 Me mixture 9 Spun threads 14 Coral shipping hazard 16 Metropolis 11 Prolongs 17 Spellbinding 13 Arid 20 Sailor’s skill 15 Escargot 23 Lolled 16 Las Vegas 24 Perceiving establishment 25 Variety of animal 18 Scolded 19 Knight’s spear 21 Transmitted 22 Set of two

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D Don’t on’t llook ook until until you’ve you’ve finished! finished! SSolutions olutions oonn ‘‘Index Index of of AAdvertisers’ dvertisers’ ppage. age.

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M Motoring otoring with w ith Luke Luke Edwards Edwa wards

Shaken Shaken not not sstirred tirred Bond. It’s an iconic surname. For me personally it means so much more and many people will empathise with my thoughts. It ’s the surname of someone who I have grown up with, a character that I have experienced both through the spectacular writing of Ian Fleming (do read all the books) and through the films I have watched with my family and many special friends over the years.

N Not ot jjust ust a h hunk unk o off m metal etal a and nd rrubber ubber The Bond series introduced me from a very young age to how ethereal a car can be. It can morph from beyond a pure hunk of metal and rubber, into a symbol, a dream, a vision. The Bentley Amherst Villiers in the books, the Aston Martins and the Lotus Esprits became, for me, cars that transcended purely a motoring vehicle. For car people these early experiences brand themselves into their lives and act as motivation to one day be able to own t h e b a d g e o r c a r t h a t t h e i r h e ro e s drive. For me the ownership of an A s to n M a r t i n i s w h a t k e e p s m e motivated to work every day!

I go to the cinema in Cheltenham to watch the Bond films when they are released; it ’s one of those little personal institutions of mine. I love to

see the youngsters with their parents a n d k n ow t h e m a g i c t h a t w i l l b e created for them will be very special in t h e i r l i ve s . M e m o r i e s c a n b e s u c h strong things.

I was in Cirencester one afternoon with a close friend partaking in lunch at a hotel. The restaurant was quiet , just us two and a small party of three friends at the back . However, on that table of three was a certain Sir Roger Moore. I didn’t realise until he walked p a s t o u r t a b l e. I s a i d to m y f r i e n d , “that’s Sir Roger Moore” and the lady from their group, a few seconds behind him, smiled and said to me “yes it is”.

My friend and I carried on with our l u n c h e o n a n d s o o n t h e M o o re p a r t y were leaving. As Sir Roger stood nearby, he looked over to us several times as if he wanted us to say ‘hi’.

I guess he had been tipped off by the lady that I recognised him. I thought to myself, I am going to wave you over next time you look and ask you about all the cars you have driven over the years, but then I stopped myself. He looked frail and my instincts told me that something was maybe not as it seemed.

A ffleeting leeting cconnection onnection of of respect respect He looked over again and then I just gave him a smile and a clear nod of acknowledgement. He warmly smiled to me and nodded back too.

Somehow that fleeting connection of respect felt just enough for that day – no more, no less. A few months later the sad news came through that he had passed on due to cancer and I thought back to that day. Some people would have wanted photos with him, an autograph, etc. and knowing the gentleman he was he would have o b l i g e d o n t h a t a f te r n o o n . B u t s o m et i m es w h at i s u n s a i d a n d a s h a r e d a c k n ow l e d g e m e n t i n t i m e makes for the strongest memories.

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Parenting P arenting & G Guardianship uardianship with w ith R Roberta oberta Smart Smart

IInspiring nspiring w words ords tto o llive ive b byy We live in a world where pressures are extreme and all prevailing, and our children are feeling this more now than ever. With this in mind, this month I wanted to collate some inspiring words to remind you – and y o u r i n c re d i b l e c h i l d r e n – t h a t t h e i r purpose, their reason, the very point in their being alive, is to be wholly a n d u n e q u i vo c a l l y t h e m s e l ve s .

Whether they struggle with maths or if they cannot draw like their best friend, they are certain to have a n ot h e r u n i q u e g i f t h i d d e n w i t h i n them.

Their whole life is an exploration of a l l t h a t i s o n o f fe r s o t h a t t h ey m a y one day discover, within them, their very own Golden Egg, and your job as a g u a r d i a n i s to o f fe r t h e m s u p p o r t whilst they explore.

““The The pperson erson w who ho ffollows ollows tthe he crowd crowd will will usually usually go go no no further further than than the the crowd. crowd. The The person person who who walks w alks aalone lone iiss llikely ikely ttoo ffind in d himself noo oone has h imself iin n pplaces laces n as eever ver ne h Albert EEinstein instein sseen een bbefore.” efore.” Albert

resilience is the greatest gift you can offer. It is often the fear of being left o u t w h i c h p re s s u r e s t h e c h i l d t o conform, not only to the adult world around it but also to peer pressure and unwanted behaviours. An unconditionally loving home can offer a place of solace when the big wide world gets too much.

to m a k e t h e i r ow n wo r l d , s o g o camping; to solve their own problems, so teach them collaboration; and to create their own future, so feed their dreams.

Edward Edward Young Young

““The The tthings hings tthat hat m make ake m mee

““II am am different, different, not not less.” less.”

Temple Temple Grandin Grandin

If your child is wired differently, celebrate their uniqueness. If their ““We We must must n never ever be be afraid afraid to to be be a body works in an unusual way, love ssign ign ooff ccontradiction ontradiction ffor or tthe he the difference and give it a name, and world.” Mother Mother TTeresa eresa world.” if they just cannot see the world the In times gone by we praised way you do, why not try seeing it the conformity and wanted only to raise way they do? obedient little worker bees to build an ““Be Be yourself; yourself; eeveryone veryyone else else is is empire and fuel economic growth; already taken.”

Oscar Wilde l d e a l r e a d y t a k e n . ” O s c a r W i today we are facing problems on a worldwide scale, such as pollution, W h i l e w e a r e a t i t , y o u a re p re t t y deforestation, global warming, and awesome too you know? And it is the end of fossil fuels. Today we are never too late to discover your raising problem solvers and engineers, diamond and learn how to shine. So creatives and healers to take us write your poems and sing your songs, forward into a new world, one it is dance to your own rhythm and share hard for us to imagine yet will be their your passion as only you know how, living reality. a n d n ev e r f o r g e t t h e w o rd s o f t h e wisest bear ever to grace a story book : ““We We are are aalllll bborn orn ooriginals.” riginals.”

different ifferent are make are the the things things that that make Loneliness is so painful to a child, so Our children need the opportunity to d me.” m e.” W Winnie innie TThe he PPooh ooh supporting them in developing grow their own food, so plant seeds; The Local Answer

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

Release Release tthe he w wild ild cchild hild Children nowadays are spending an increasing amount of time indoors and as a result are becoming detached from the wonder of the outside world.

For various reasons it has become harder for children to spend as much time outside as they once did. It is i m p o r t a n t fo r b o t h c h i l d re n a n d fo r wildlife that the two engage as, with w i l d l i fe a n d t h e e n v i ro n m e n t i n a precarious position, we need a future generation that values and enjoys the natural world.

With the approach of summer, there i s n ev e r a b e t te r t i m e t o g e t o u t s i d e with the children and here are some simple ideas of activities that the whole family can enjoy.

1 1.. G Go o for for a w walk al k A walk is something the whole family can do together. It may sound an obvious choice and it may not appeal to the children initially, but by incorporating a little extra into the walk it can become a fun activity. Take a p i c n i c a n d p l e n t y o f s n a c ks – t h e s e always prove motivational! Don’t aim too high, and choose a route to match the age and abilities of the children.

Do some research and look for a ro u te w i t h t h i n g s t h a t c a p t u re t h e i r interests along the way such as a river or a playground. Take some ‘treasure’ (coins or chocolate coins) and hide these along the way for them to find.

Alternatively, try geocaching w h i c h i n v o l ve s f i n d i n g h i d d e n ‘ c a c h e s ’ t h a t a re concealed all over the UK .

Visit www.geocaching.co.uk to find out more.

2 2.. D Do o a sscavenger cavenger h hunt unt This can be done in the garden, your local area or further afield. List ten or so natural items and send the c h i l d re n o f f to f i n d t h e m .

Items such as a daisy, a stick or an empty snail shell – you can make it as hard or as easy as you like. You could also give them larger things to locate, such as an oak tree or a particular bird, and they could take a picture on a phone or camera. As well as having f u n , t h i s a l s o g i ve s t h e m t h e opportunity to learn to identify some of our native wildlife.

3 3.. CComplete omplete a b bug ug h hunt unt This is another free and easy activity..

Go out in the garden or have a stroll around an area and see which minibeasts are lurking. If you have a m a g n i f y i n g g l a ss a n d a b o o k fo r identification that can help, but it is not essential. The main thing is to fire their interest . Remember to treat anything y o u f i n d w i t h c a re a n d re t u r n i t to where it was found.

4.

4. Try Try pond pond dipping dipping Many places offer pond d i p p i n g s e ss i o n s fo r c h i l d re n during the summer. This is such a fun activity and always guara n te e s i n te re s t i n g f i n d s that are bound to capture t h e i r i m a g i n at i o n s. U s ef u l o rg a n i s a t i o n s fo r t h i s activity include the Wildlife Trust , WWT and the National Trust , amongst others.

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5.

5. Take Take on on a challenge challenge In June the Wildlife Trust run ’30 Days Wild’ – a scheme that encourages c h i l d re n to d o s o m e t h i n g w i l d ev e r y day of June. They provide loads of great ideas and you can send off for a pack to h e l p y o u w i t h t h e c h a l l e n g e. V i s i t wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild.

6.

6. Encourage Encourage them them to to care care Following Blue Planet II, we are only too aware of the impact of plastic on our wildlife. If you visit the beach this s u m m e r t a k e p a r t i n a t w o m i n u te beach clean. This is a great way to show the consequences of our actions on the natural environment plus it really shows how everyone has the opportunity to make a positive impact.

It’s also good fun, especially if you add an element of competition as to who can collect the most! The site www.beachclean.net has loads of useful information.

There are just a few ideas that might pique your children’s interest in their natural environment whilst providing some family fun as well. It is so important that children get outside and get the chance to explore all that the natural world has to offer. You have to know and care about something if you are going to look after it. We have so much great wildlife and wild places to visit in the UK , so grab the wellingtons, get outside and enjoy it together!

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Page 11

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

It’s It’s h hard ard tto o ffault ault B Basel asel T h i s m o n t h we s t a y i n G e r m a n speaking Europe, in Basel, where I recently visited the Baselworld Watch Fair again. Aside from re m i n d i n g m e h ow B a s e l wo r l d t o t a l l y d o m i n a t e s B a s e l i n M a rc h , I was again struck by the appeal of this border city.

Part of Basel’s appeal is the cosmopolitan multiculturalism from being at the Dreiländereck (tripoint) where France, Germany and Switzerland meet . Language, food and culture reflect this. Yet Switzerland’s French and Germanspeaking heartlands, Germany ’s Black Forest or the French Vosges, are easy to reach if you fancy a change from city life.

There’s plenty of accommodation, with the proviso that prices and availability suffer when big trade fairs are on, so do your homework .

From Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, to the excellent youth hostel or boutique Hotel Stuecki, there’s a great choice.

The The p pastries astries SSwitzerland witzerland d does oes sso ow well el l Unsurprisingly, like a microcosm of Switzerland itself, Basel offers diverse culinary choice, ranging from cheap and cheerful to stunning – but wallet busting – ultra-Haute cuisine. Confiserie Bachmann or Holzofenbackerei Bio Andreas exemplify great sources of snacks and the pastries Switzerland does so well. Then you’ve a great s e l e c t i o n o f Fre n c h , I t a l i a n , traditional Swiss and Asian dining – and much more, all the way up to the likes of Michelin 3-star Cheval Blanc near the impressive ancient ( 1 2 2 6 ) M i t t l e r e B r ü c k e o ve r t h e Rhine.

To fully appreciate filling Basler Mehlsuppe, classic Fondue or i n s p i re d i n te r n a t i o n a l cu i s i n e demands some serious exploring first. Central Basel is a joy on foot – or using the city’s ubiquitous trams –

as Mrs H. discovered while I was at Baselworld last year.

It’s It’s easy easy tto o explore explore B Basel’s asel’s heart heart o on n ffoot oot From the main railway station, the Rhine is close and walkways (Rheinufer) make it easy to follow the river through the city ’s heart .

Cross by bridge, or the decidedly oriental-looking river-current-powered ferries. There’s delightful architecture in almost every view, ranging from the angular Roche Tower and chesspiece-like Bank of International Settlements building, to the Altstadt buildings, medieval St . Johans-Tor and the Romanesque Basel Munster.

Alternatively, Basel’s Paper Mill Museum is great for passing hours with fascinating history and handson activities. Or visit the world class F i n e A r t s M u s e u m ( Ku n s t m u s e u m ) on St. Alban-Graben – just one of 40 museums in town.

A truly truly engaging engaging destination destination Basel multitasks with faultless Swiss efficiency as a commercial hub, cultural centre and surprisingly engaging l e i s u re d est i n at i o n .

W h e t h e r yo u v i s i t fo r a d a y o r a week , you’ll struggle to fault Basel.

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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 APRIL/MAY ROYAL SOCIETY OF PAINTERPRINTMAKERS (RE) 200th anniversary exhibition of selected member prints, sets of which are held at the British Museum, The Queens collection and the Fitzwilliam Museum. Strictly limited quantity for sale. Simultaneously at Chapel Arts and Bankside Gallery, London. 25th April – 12th May. Coffee Shop available.

Wed-Sat 10am-4pm. www.thechapelarts.com 1 MAY – END OF JUNE SELECT FESTIVAL 2018 – MIXED SCULPTURE EXHIBITION After the success of last year’s sculpture festival, it is again taking place this spring.

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 2 MAY RSC LIVE: MACBETH Returning home from battle, the victorious Macbeth meets three witches on the heath. Driven by their disturbing prophecies, he sets out on the path to murder. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk 3 MAY WAYNE HEMMINGWAY With a career spanning four decades in the design industry, Wayne Hemingway

has a fair few stories to tell. Insightful, thought-provoking, often hilarious and always truthful, Wayne’s rise to success was a rather unusual one, with his big break on a Camden market stall. 8pm. £17.50 (conc £15.50). 01453 760900.

Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk WEDDING FAIR Come and visit the best of the Forest of Dean Wedding Suppliers to help with your wedding arrangements. Dresses, cars, photographers and table decor. No booking needed, just turn up. Free entry.

6-9pm. Forest Hills Golf Club, Mile End Road, Coleford, GL16 7QD. 01594 810620. foresthillsgolfclub.co.uk FROM THE JAM – THE PUBLIC GETS WHAT THE PUBLIC WANTS ‘From The Jam’ is comprised of legendary former ‘The Jam’ bassist Bruce Foxton, vocalist and guitarist Russell Hastings, drummer Mike Randon, and Andy Fairclough on Hammond and piano. Over the past 11 years they have toured relentlessly, gaining a reputation for the kind of incendiary live performances that sealed the reputation of ‘The Jam’ all those years ago. For details please visit venues.gloucester.gov.uk/Freetime/Guildhall Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. 01452 503050.

4 MAY THE RAGDOLLS A musical journey through the sounds of one of the most successful bands of all time, performing classic 50s songs including ‘Still of the Night’ and ‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love’. The second part of the

show is party time, where all the famous hits appear, such as, ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’, ‘Grease’ and many more.

7.30pm. £17.50 (£15.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk FAITH: THE GEORGE MICHAEL LEGACY Wayne Dilks portrays the late superstar George Michael in this outstanding tribute show. A celebration of 35 years of hit records and will take you on a journey from George’s early years with Wham through to his successful solo career, with hits such as ‘Club Tropicana’ and ‘I’m Your Man’. 7.30pm. £25.50. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org 4-6 MAY ORIGINAL MOUNTAIN MARATHON RUNNING FESTIVAL The OMM Festival is coming to the Forest of Dean. 2,000 people from across the country will gather for an epic weekend with friends or family. Trail running, Mountain Biking and Orienteering. FREE camping for friends or family of OMM competitors. For full details please visit www.theomm.com/omm-festival 5 MAY MAKERS FAMILY FAIR An exciting range of family based local makers and small businesses. Discover a selection of clothing, art work, furniture, delicious treats and so much more! A great opportunity to get to know some locally based small businesses! 10.30am.

Free entry. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk

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ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINM ENT STORIES STORIES INSIDE! INSIDE!

To list your event in our What’s On section, email editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk Online event listings coming soon! To keep updated send your name and business name (if applicable) to lois@thelocalanswer.co.uk stating ‘Online Event Listings’.

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5 MAY POLISH HERITAGE DAY The second year of the biggest Polish festival in Gloucestershire. Organised by Polish Association Gloucestershire, the event takes place in Kings Square in Gloucester. This is an important occasion for the local community to celebrate Polish culture and traditions. For more details please visit www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk.

Kings Square, Gloucester, GL1 1RP. 5-6 MAY ROSS BEERFEST Beers, cider, Prosecco, food, live music, camping and free parking. £5 entry. Open from noon. For more information and tickets please visit www.rossbeerfest.org.

Ross Rowing Club, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 5NX. BIRDSONG WORKSHOP Join our Reserve Wardens to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day and get help identifying the birds you can hear around the reserve with our birdsong workshop. 7-10am. £22 (including breakfast). WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge 5-7 MAY CHRISTCHURCH ABBEYDALE FLOWER FESTIVAL Stunning floral displays celebrating life and activities at Christchurch Abbeydale, Heron

Page 16

Way, Gloucester, GL4 5EQ. Light lunches and refreshments available. Saturday 5th: 10.30am-4.30pm. Sunday 6th: 12.30pm4.30pm. Monday 7th: 10.30am-4.30pm.

Free entry.

OLYMPIGS From hobby horse races to hay bale hurdles, from wheelbarrow racing to welly wanging, this family fun sports day is guaranteed to bring out your competitive side and find your inner Mo Farrah. Join in the fun from 1.30pm on the event field!

Cotswold Farm Park, Kineton, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5UG. 01451 850307. cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk 5-12 MAY TITANIC – THE MUSICAL An amateur production brought to you by COS Productions. Come aboard the ship of dreams in this heart-stopping and riveting ride through the final moments of Titanic’s fateful journey. Plunge into an unforgettable performance of glamour, chaos and heroism. For times and prices visit barntheatre.org.uk. The Barn Theatre, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester GL7 1BN. 6 MAY PDSA PETLIFE Music from the Kaiser Chiefs, Jessie J and The Vamps, funfairs, dog agility displays, military bands, delicious food and drink, retail therapy and much more. Learn more

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about pet well-being from our vets, as well as getting a quick MOT for your dog.

For more details visit petlife.org.uk. From £30. Individual attractions will be subject to additional charges. 11am. Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Prestbury, GL50 4SH. 01242 513014.

6-7 MAY KNIGHTS ON HORSEBACK & JOUSTING Knights and their impressive steeds will battle it out in the grounds of the Castle.

Don’t miss their jousting tournaments and saddle stunt displays. Meet the gallant Knights and their wonderful horses – a great photo opportunity! Berkeley Castle, Berkeley, GL13 9BQ. 01453 810303. www.berkeley-castle.com 7 MAY VICTORIAN MAY DAY Celebrate May Day in traditional style with classic games, activities and entertainment. Old favourites Punch and Judy will be here causing mayhem and you can try your hand at the Wheel of Fortune and Balloon Burst games to win some prizes! Be amazed by our Victorian juggler who will be entertaining the crowds and dance along to the tunes from the Organ Grinder. 10am. Included in admission. Sudeley Castle and Gardens, Winchcombe, GL54 5JD. 01242 604244. www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

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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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Open Open 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

8-12 MAY LETTICE AND LOVAGE St. John’s Players present the well-known comedy Lettice and Lovage by Peter Shaffer. Box Office: 01452 713952. Online from www.eventbrite.co.uk. £8. £7 concessions. St. John’s Hall, St. John’s Avenue, Churchdown, GL3 2DB. Car park and bar.

8-20 MAY CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS The Festival returns with an enjoyable two weeks of performances by children and adults from Gloucestershire and all over the UK. Each day is different and includes dance, music, and drama. For full details of each day’s activities, see cfpa.org.uk.

9am. £3. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 10 MAY BATSFORD FOREST SCHOOL FOR TOTS! A chance for pre-schoolers to engage with nature and explore our newly established Forest School site! Children can enjoy bug hunting, creating mud pies in our mud kitchen, craft activities, storytime and more! Sessions led by our Forest School Leader. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wellies and waterproof clothing/ old clothes are essential. Suitable for little

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ones who are walking, up to the age of 4. £3 per child. 10-11am. Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9QB. batsarb.co.uk 11 MAY LONDON CALLING AND SPECIAL GUESTS Celebrating the 40 year anniversary of the release of the Give ‘Em Enough Rope album, London Calling will play the whole of the album along with a best of The Clash set.

With special guest support from Borrowed Time and reggae/punk tunes. 8pm. £13.50 (£16 on the door). Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 12-13 MAY COTSWOLD BRICKS AND TRAINS WEEKEND Another LEGO® event is coming to the GWSR; we will be holding a brick exhibition at Toddington. Be enthralled by the expertise of Southern Lego Train Club’s members, who will be providing the displays. There will also be demonstrations and a chance for our smaller visitors to have a go at building their own brick structures. For times and prices please visit www.gwsr.com. The Railway Station, Toddington GL54 5DT. 13 MAY THE BIG BAD WOLF KIDS CONCERT Little Red Riding Hood will make your children howl with laughter – at the Big Bad Wolf! Gloucestershire Symphony

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Orchestra join forces with young singers and narrator Lydia Kenny. Musical director Glyn Oxley will invite youngsters to try their hand at conducting and to join orchestral players on stage to get a closeup experience of classical instruments.

3pm. £11.50. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 16 MAY ‘AN AMERICAN IN PARIS’ THE MUSICAL An American GI’s chance encounter with a beautiful young dancer makes Paris the backdrop of a sensuous, modern romance of art, friendship and love in the aftermath of war. Gorgeous music, stunning designs, and show-stopping choreography. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. bacontheatre.co.uk 17 MAY MAGIC: A KIND OF QUEEN Magic perform all of Queen’s greatest hits plus some you may not have heard for a while. They perform completely live, with five vocals to back up the powerful lead vocal of the dynamic Taylor Payne, along with two guitars, bass, drums and the brilliant piano and keyboard skills of Dave Chapman. 7.30pm. £18-25. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.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

A Art rt ffestival estival o organiser rganiser e expecting xpecting ‘‘best best show show yet’ yet’ Art lovers in Gloucestershire are in for a treat , as the 2018 Select Festival gets underway.

The festival, which runs from 21st April through to the 28th May, takes place in venues across the glorious Stroud Valleys, with exhibitions, m a s t e r c l a ss e s , wo r k s h o p s , t a l ks a n d artist led events organised.

Festival director Lizzi Walton has been involved since the very first exhibition over a decade ago and says this year’s festival promises to be the best yet.

“We’re incredibly excited for what promises to be another fantastic arts festival,” said Lizzi. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’ve got some o f t h e b e s t a r t i s t s f r o m a l l ov e r t h e country exhibiting their amazing work.

It’s a real treat to welcome so many artists who have achieved so much in their careers.

“Over the years we’ve built up a reputation as one of the leading visual arts festivals, it’s great for the people

FFilm ilm R Review eview

Hannah Waldron hard at work

of Gloucestershire to have a festival of this stature on their doorstep. It ’s a privilege to welcome visitors from all over the country who come to view the inspiring artwork ,” she added.

O n e e ve n t d e f i n i t e l y wo r t h attending is the Select Trail Open Studios and exhibitions curated by Emma Neuberg, which takes place on 5th- 6th and 12th-13th May. Over 60 locally based artists will welcome v i s i t i n g g u e s t a r t i s t s to t h e i r s t u d i o s o ve r t wo w e e k e n d s w h e r e v i s i to r s

Book Book Review Review

can explore the valleys surrounding Stroud and meet the artists.

The ever popular Select Trail looks set to be a must-see event. The trail showcases the work of 100 talented artists working in ceramics, wood, glass, silver, painting , paper, acrylic, found objects, stone, metal, printmaking and textiles.

Lizzi continued: “Trail artists today are so focussed on creating and selling t h ro u g h t h e i r e s t a b l i s h e d n e t wo r k s that they do not generally promote their work to new parties. This makes the trail a very special opportunity to make personal contact with the artists, buy their work direct for your pleasure or sell it on to your own clients through retail, exhibitions and galleries.”

R e n ow n e d t a p e s t r y a r t i s t H a n n a h Waldron will be exhibiting her work at this year ’s Select Festival. “I’ll be exhibiting both my new work and some of my older pieces,” said Hannah.

Full story online.

Gaming G aming R Review eview

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For horror film lovers, ‘A Quiet Place’ looks like being one of the must-see films of 2018.

Directed by John Krasinsky, it features him and his wife Emily Blunt as the main characters. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where blind monsters are intent on wiping humanity off the face of the earth. The monsters hunt based on sound, so the characters exist in a giant game of hide and seek; as long as they keep quiet, they’re safe.

A t a b r i s k 9 5 m i n u te s, t h e f i l m doesn’t waste time g o i n g i n to to o m u c h d et a i l . T h e b e s t h o r ro r f i l m s a re t h e o n e s t h a t keep things simple, and that’s certainly the case here.

Full review online.

A heartwarming tale about crafting a life you really want to lead by turning yo u r b a c k o n m a ss consumerism.

C a i t g o e s i n to great detail exploring ways of saving m o n ey b y c u t t i n g i te m s . out the n o n - e ss e n t i a l Interestingly, when she stops spending her monthly income, she discovers she’s h a p p i e r l i v i n g a m i n i m a l i s t i c l i fe s t y l e.

Her savings give her the chance to spend money on travelling and enjoying life away from fast food restaurants.

A real game-changer for anyone searching for major change in their lifestyle, I’d recommend this book if there’s something you want to do but have always put on the back-burner.

Full review online.

There are lots of original features in GT Sport, but the new game's gorgeous graphics are what you'll notice first .

This is a game that really lends itself to a n e n o r m o u s w i d e s c r e e n television; I’ve played many driving g a m es b u t n o n e a s v i s u a l l y impressive as this one.

GT Sport is a satisfying racer with plenty of depth and atmosphere, stunning visuals and sounds that are so impressive, you forget you are playing a games console. Arcade mode is where the real fun is, the challenges and tasks are a total joy.

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

Berkeley Berkeley CCastle astle ttoo h host ost M Medieval edieval jjoust oust B e r k e l ey C a s t l e w i l l h o s t t w o d a y s o f action-packed jousting in May, as the noble knights from the Cavalry of Heroes compete on the lower lawn of the 11th century castle.

The Cavalry of Heroes are based in Hay-on-Wye and are one of the leading equine entertainment shows in the UK .

Promising great entertainment for all ages, the event will see an incredible d i s p l ay o f h e r o i c a c t i o n d u r i n g t h e j o u s t i n g s h ow o n S u n d ay 6 t h a n d Monday 7th May. The horses, trained by Marc Lovatt , a r e o f t e n s e e n o n t e l ev i s i o n a n d i n historical films. “The horses are the real stars of the show,” says Catherine Lovatt , manager of the Cavalry of Heroes. “They are steady with calm temperaments and are trained in weaponry, cavalry charges, jousting and carriage driving, and are responsive to the rider,,” she added.

The Cavalry of Heroes are very familiar with the castles in Gloucestershire, often performing at S u d e l e y C a s t l e a s we l l a s t h e i r appearances at Berkeley. “Both Berkeley and Sudeley castles are some of our favourite venues to perform at.

We’re very grateful to the Berkeley family who allow us to perform on the majestic lower lawn, it ’s the perfect setting for a joust.

The Cavalry of Heroes ride into battle

“ A l l o u r d i s p l a y s a re t a i l o r e d to i n d i v i d u a l e v e n t s a n d s h o w s, a n d include meet and greet sessions with t h e r i d e r s a n d h o r s e s b e t we e n performances. Our Knights are all professional trick riders and stunt men w h o a b s o l u t e l y l ov e t o a c t a n d p e r f o r m , w e n e ve r l o s e t h a t e n t h u s i a s m t o p u t o n a s h ow f o r t h e audience,” added Catherine.

Catherine studied to be an Architect at Cambridge University, but couldn’t escape the pull of the equine lifestyle a n d n ow m a n a g e s t h e b o o k i n g s a n d logistics for the Cavalry of Heroes. She

Will the infamous Dark Knight triumph?

is also a talented costume designer and maker, creating endlessly imaginative costumes for herself and the cavalry team.

She continued: “I love working with horses, it ’s a total privilege. We train t h e m f r o m a yo u n g a g e . W h e n we perform a joust the riders are wearing full plate armour and carry shields and lances, so it’s very important that the horses are comfortable. We get to perform at so many historic places both at home and abroad, it ’s a total honour.”

Catherine’s husband Marc trains all t h e h o r s e s w h o p e r fo r m w i t h T h e Cavalry of Heroes. He has worked with h o r s e s a c ro s s t h e w o r l d f r o m d r i v i n g carriages at Buckingham Palace, to showjumping in Burma and Spain, and stunt riding for teams across the country for live shows, film and television.

I t w i l l b e a b u sy s u m m e r o f performing for the horses and staff of the Cavalry of Heroes. Catherine continued: “We’ve got a packed diary for the next few months which is great.

We’ll be performing shows here in the UK as well as in Europe. We’re really looking forward to it , the best part of the job is showcasing these magnificent animals off to the public. Jousting is the perfect spectator sport, we can’t wait to p e r f o r m a t B e r k e l e y C a s t l e a g a i n , we never tire of it.”

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1188 MAY MAY THE UPBEAT BEATLES Powerhouse vocals, precision harmonies and tight musicianship. The show takes you through the Fab Four’s long and winding road from the early Cavern days through Beatlemania, America, Sergeant Pepper to Abbey Road. 7.30pm. £19 (£18). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. bacontheatre.co.uk THE BAND OF THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE CONSTABULARY CHARITY CONCERT A special charity concert in aid of National Star. Come along to The Salvation Army in Cheltenham (GL53 7HG) to enjoy fantastic music with special guests Charlton Kings Junior School Choir. Tickets are available for £5 from fundraising@nationalstar.org.

01242 527631. www.nationalstar.org 118-20 8-20 MAY MAY WINCHCOMBE WALKING FESTIVAL The Winchcombe Walking Festival offers walkers of all abilities the opportunity to join a walk in the Cotswolds with knowledgeable guides offering snippets of local information. Walks range from 1.5 to 13 miles. If you like a challenge there is the 21-mile Winchcombe Way Challenge.

The festival is popular, we recommend you book early. For further information visit: winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com/festival-2 1188 MAY MAY – 17 17 JJUNE UN E ONE MINUTE One Minute follows 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. For details visit barntheatre.org.uk. The Barn Theatre, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester GL7 1BN. 1199 MAY MAY ANIMALPHABET THE MUSICAL High-energy actors, colourful puppets, amazing characters and fantastic songs.

Join Colin the Country Cockatoo, Hip-Hop Donkey and Geoff the Geordie Jazz Giraffe on a fantastic family musical adventure.

2.30pm. £10 (£8). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk 119-20 9 -20 MAY MAY SOUTHROP VILLAGE GARDENS Southrop Manor and other village gardens will be OPEN in May! Entrance £5 for one day or £7 for both. Plant stall, Teas in the Village Hall. Proceeds for Hall refurbishment. Open from 1pm until 5pm.

Southrop, Lechlade, GL7 3PD. 2200 MAY MAY MAY MARKET A fun family event featuring the finest food and drink in the Forest of Dean. Lots of stalls with delicious local produce. Plus

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live music, activities and demonstrations.

Free entry and parking. 11am-5pm. Taurus Crafts, Lydney Park Estate, Lydney GL15 6BU. www.cvt.org.uk 22 22 MAY MAY LES AMAZONES D’AFRIQUE The first all-female supergroup of West Africa brings together musicians fighting violence against women. Whether they are undisputed stars or well-kept secrets, the musicians involved in this project are all among the most acclaimed voices in West African music. 8pm. £17.50 (£19.50 on the door). Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 26 26 MAY MAY – 3 JUNE 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, Main A38 Twigworth, Gloucester GL2 9PA . SatNav Postcode: GL2 9PG. MINI BEAST WEEK There are mini beasts all around...inside the manor and out in the garden! Family fun for half-term. Find out more 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, Gloucestershire, WR12 7JU. 01386 852410.

SPRING TO LIFE Spring is here – the leaves are unfolding, birds are singing, butterflies are starting to be seen and new life is appearing across our wetlands. Join us for a 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. wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge 227-30 7-30 MAY MAY KNIGHT’S SCHOOL Grab your swords and head to Berkeley Castle for Knight School with our skilled knights in shining armour. Two separate sessions each day for ages 5-9 years and 10 years to adults. Make sure you stick around for the dramatic and action packed Warrior Show at 3.30pm each day too! £7.50. Berkeley Castle, GL13 9BQ. 01453 810303. www.berkeley-castle.com 28 28 MAY MAY KEEPY UPPY An extraordinary tale of love, devotion and family, set in the world of all things football and undeniable team spirit. Join tutti frutti as they celebrate the joy of the beautiful game and ignite children’s imagination with visual and physical storytelling. Ages 3+. 11am or 2pm. £9 (conc

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£6, family of 4 £25). Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 1 JUNE 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 If you go down to the woods today you’re in for a big surprise... Bring a picnic and join storyteller Michael Loader at Batsford Arboretum for traditional tales and spontaneous stories inspired by the animals and the trees, the woods and the forests, the flora and fauna of the land!

Batsford Arboretum, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9QB. www.batsarb.co.uk 10 10 JUNE JUNE BISHOP’SS CLEEVE STREET FAIR – CELEBRATING R RA AF100 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’ss 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.

1166 JUNE JUNE PRESTBURY VILLAGE FAYRE & STREET PARTY Join us for fun and entertainment which includes music, BBQ, stalls, children’s 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 info: www.prestburyparish.org Volunteers also required – contact Chris on 07741 472252 or email maughanshaw@gmail.com 6-7 JULY JULY 6-7 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.

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QUALITY Q UALITY KITCHEN K ITCHEN FACELIFTS F ACELIFTS

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

A ccarpet arpet o off g green reen A f t e r s u c h a l o n g , we t w i n t e r a n d several appearances from the ‘Beast from the East’, spring has come very late this year. I reckon it is about 3 weeks later than usual, judging by t h e b l o ss o m o n t h e o r n a m e n t a l cherries in the garden near my home. However, now everything is rushing to catch up and as the soil warms, plants shoot up – where once was brown earth is suddenly a carpet of young green leaves.

CChoose hoose ‘‘White White LLady’ ady’ iiff y you ou ffancy ancy w white hite fflowers lowers Sow some runner beans as the soil warms up, making a wigwam of bamboo canes for the beans to twine up. The cultivar ‘White Lady ’ is very pretty if you fancy white flowers for a change. I make a hole before I sow the beans and empty my compost from the kitchen in t h e r e fo r a fe w d a y s : p e e l i n g s , teabags, etc. I then sow my beans

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on the top on a layer of soil at the usual depth, and this helps keep the moisture in which the beans so love.

Lo o k o u t f o r t h e b r i g h t r e d l i l y beetles on your lilies and fritillaries.

You can either just pick and squash or use an insecticide like Provado ultimate bug killer, which i s sy s t e m i c a n d w i l l k i l l the larvae when they s t a r t to m u n c h o n t h e plant . The larvae are disgusting looking as they cover themselves with their sticky black poo, so gloves might be the order of the day!

You should be able to start hardening off tender herbaceous plants, such as geraniums or cosmos, w h i c h y o u m a y h av e b o u g h t i n t h e te m p t i n g i n d o o r d i s p l ay s i n t h e garden centres and n u r s e r i e s . I f yo u s t i c k them straight outside it can really knock them

back , so it is best practice to spend a week or so of taking them outside during the day, and popping them b a c k i n to t h e g r e e n h o u s e o r conservatory at night , gradually leaving them for longer and longer u n t i l t h ey a r e o u t a l l n i g h t .

R e m e m b e r t o k e e p a n ey e o n t h e weather forecast in case of late frosts. You could make a cold frame out of old windows, Perspex offcuts, etc. and place in a warm, sheltered spot . Raise the lid in the day to circulate the air and cover o ve r a t n i g h t i f y o u h a v e n o greenhouse.

Give G ive sshiny-leaved hiny-leaved h houseplants ouseplants a sspring pring cclean lean Give shiny-leaved houseplants a spring clean by sitting them in the shower tray and gently showering with warm water to clean the dust off the leaves. As the weather warms up they can be sited outside, which benefits them after a winter inside. Don’t site them in full sunshine though, as it can scorch the leaves.

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Page 25

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

Together Together iin ne electric lectric d dreams reams Electric cars once seemed like a thing from a science fiction movie, but they ’re more popular than ever before, and are incredibly beneficial in comparison to conventional petrol or diesel cars. However, because of t h e i r n e w s t a t u s, t h e y a re a l s o t h e cars with the most myths surrounding them, which may seem a little offputting when considering a new car.

H How ow d do o tthey hey w work? ork?

B a t te r y e l e c t r i c c a r s u s e e l e c t r i c i t y s to re d i n a b a t te r y to p owe r t h e m throughout journeys. These can then be easily charged when depleted, u s i n g j u s t a r e g u l a r m a i n s p owe r socket, or a dedicated power point at a service station or shopping centre car park . These cars mostly run from between 100 -130 miles on a full charge, which is well within the requirement for day to day use, but there are also those which can go to a r o u n d 2 5 0 m i l e s i f m o re i s necessary.

However, there are also hybrid cars, which work a little differently: the e l e c t r i c m o to r i s u s e d s o l e l y a t l ow speeds (under 15mph), with the petrol engine working while cruising to both power the car and recharge the battery. Both systems work together when accelerating, and the

spinning of the wheels during braking is also used to recharge the battery.

These cars can go much further than f u l l y e l e c t r i c o n e s, a s t h e e l e c t r i c m o to r is consistently being recharged.

Are Are they they e eco-friendly co-friendly Both petrol and electric cars rely on resources being taken out of the ground and made into fuel. However, w h i l e i t t a k e s m o r e e n e r g y to generate electricity than to refine petrol, an electric car uses far less

energy in its actual processes than a petrol one. This means that emissions which could be damaging to us are decreased, as the majority of them are created at power plants, out of town.

Electricity is also not just generated by fossil fuels in the UK , but also by a variety of sustainable sources such as wind and solar power, whereas petrol c a r s m u s t b e e n t i re l y d e p e n d e n t upon one kind of fuel. This means that as we move closer to using all sustainable sources of energy, the electricity the car uses will be cleaner, and have less environmental impact.

A Are re tthey hey e expensive xpensive tto o rrun? un?

When it comes to charging, costs are measured in kilowatts (kW), in the same way as petrol cars are measured in litres. If your car has a 40 litre tank , at £1.15 per litre, this would cost £46 to fill. If the capacity for your electric car has a capacity of 30kW, and the price is around 12p per kWh, this would cost you £3.60.

Electric cars are much more cost effective to charge, with the most expensive convenience charge being around £6.50 for a 30 minute turbo charge at a service station.

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Page 27

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

Bank Bank h holiday oliday w weekend eekend h ome cchallenge hallenge home Spring is finally in the air, flowers are beginning to bloom, it’s time to open those windows and breathe new life into your home and rooms. With two b a n k h o l i d ay s i n M a y t h e re h a s never been a better opportunity to d o a l i t t l e wo r k o n t h e h o u s e to make the most of those extended weekends. There’s no need to worry if you don’t have the time, energy or have too many plans, as the smallest u p d a t e s c a n h a ve t h e b i g g e s t impact.

Whether you have an hour, a day o r t h e w h o l e we e k e n d , h e re a re three challenges you could tackle over the bank holiday weekends to easily update your home.

Only O nly have have o one ne h hour? our?

Make time to do those jobs you’ve been meaning to do; touching up paintwork , clearing out those cu p b o a rd s and re -a r ra n g i n g c l u t t e re d b o o k s h e l v e s . T h e s e a re a l l t h e j o b s we n ev e r g e t ro u n d to d o i n g , b u t c a n o f t e n m a k e

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the biggest impact to a room.

If you want more of a transformation, update s of t f u r n i s h i n g s a n d a r t wo r k to b r i n g a different colour into a ro o m w i t h o u t a f u l l makeover.

A n ot h e r way to instantly update yo u r h o m e i s to t a k e t h i n g s f ro m o t h e r r o o m s a n d b r i n g n ew l i fe t o t h e m a g a i n s t a different coloured wall, o r st y l e d i n a n ot h e r place. There is no cheaper way to update a room than by re-arranging the rooms in your home.

O Only nly h have ave o one ne d day? ay?

One day of decoration can make a huge difference without all the upheaval of a full room makeover.

Feature walls are a great way to make a big change in a room without having to take all the furniture out .

They are fantastically versatile – so whatever your skill set, you’ll have no excuse not to give it a go!

If you’re not confident in creating a masterpiece feature, why not simply paint a wall in a complimentary colour to the room? For those who are a little braver, try wallpapering your feature wall with a wonderful print. And remember, it doesn’t have to be a wall – chimney breasts painted in a different colour can also add a huge impact to a room. For a bigger effect , create a gallery wall on your featured colour (once the paint is dry!) made up of family photos, postcards and even homemade art.

Have tthe Have he w whole hole w weekend eekend tto o sspare? pare?

If you have the whole weekend to dedicate to revamping your home, seize the moment and take on that room you’ve always wanted to make over. To make the most of your time and to ensure completion of the ro o m , b e s u re to m a k e a p l a n i n advance.

Have fun creating a mood board, p l a n n i n g l ay o u t s a n d t r y i n g o u t colour combinations and testers b e f o r e t h e we e k e n d o f t h e w o r k .

B e f o r e t h e we e k e n d a r r i v e s , m a k e sure you agree the paint colour or wallpaper pattern rather than wasting a day getting tester pots.

G e t yo u r to o l s a n d D I Y m a te r i a l s ready to start work and make sure you have decided the room layout .

Once the walls are painted and the ro o m h a s b e e n c h a n g e d a r o u n d , remember to breathe new life into a ro o m b y r e s t y l i n g w i t h n e w accessories and soft furnishings.

M o s t o f a l l , e n j oy yo u r b a n k holiday home makeovers!

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

G GDPR: DPR: aare re yyou ou rready? eady?

The latest in a long line of legislation introduced courtesy of the UK’s fading love affair with the European Union hits the statute books this month. The Data Protection Act has been in force since 1998, the same year that Andorran opened its doors, Google was launched and Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal won the league and cup double. A good year then!

Andorran and Arsene are still going strong and Google is part of our daily lives, but the rulemakers have decided that the Data Protection Act is no longer fit for purpose. It is to be replaced by the General Data Protection Regulation or GDPR for short.

IIntended ntended tto op protect rotect o our ur p personal ersonal d data ata It is intended, of course, to protect our personal data and we all hope that it helps to eliminate some of the m a j o r d a t a l o s s e s s u f fe r e d i n t h e w e l l - d o c u m e n te d cases involving some very public names, most recently, of course, Facebook and Cambridge Analytica.

I fear, however, that it is the proverbial sledgehammer and nut scenario. The effect of compliance on small businesses will be horrendous and well out of proportion with the benefits it will bring.

No small business is immune from the possibility of data loss, but it’s hard to imagine how it could ever be on the same scale as those widely-publicised events.

We will all update our systems to comply, as best we can, with GDPR. Actually it’s been quite an interesting exercise to review our policies and procedures for storage of information, both online and on paper, for, don’t be fooled, GDPR applies equally to hard copy as to electronic data.

A cculture ulture cchange hange ffor or p professional rofessional firms firms The perceived wisdom is to hold data for no longer than you are obliged to, which is a culture change for many professional firms, including mine, who see data retention as part of the ability to deliver client service.

Just a fortnight ago, a client asked for his tax returns going back to 2001, which I was able to provide, because historically we have kept everything. He was delighted to find I could help him; it was a good job he didn’t wait until next month to ask , when I might well have destroyed it if I follow this perceived wisdom.

If you’re running a business don’t ignore GDPR. You will need to adapt some of your business practices and update others, otherwise you risk an enquiry from the Information Commissioner ’s Office and some potentially hefty fines.

You have been warned!

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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

D Dursley ursley B Bowls owls CClub lub a are re cclearly learly on on a roll! roll! the club since 1978, is something John Mackriell says he is a “jack of a legend around Priory of all trades” at Dursley Bowls Club.

Gardens where the club play And while the 83-year-old their home games. certainly does plenty to make “He’s our champion bowler,” said John. “He was county singles sure the club are in good shape, champion in 2013 and won the his specific job titles are publicity two wood singles, four wood officer and membership secs i n g l e s a n d c h a m p i o n of retary. champions all in one day that And the role of publicity officer year.” was something that he was From left, Brian Packer, Keith Hinder, Brian Burleigh and He also teamed up with particularly keen to take on as he Dave Smith representing Gloucestershire in the National Burleigh and Dave Smith to win explained to The Local Answer.

Championships at Royal Leamington Spa last year the county triples last year and “When I retired I went looking for the bowls club,” explained John, chuckled John, “so that I could make combined with Burleigh, Smith and who lives in Dursley, “but the trouble people aware of where you can find new club chairman Brian Packer to this very nice bowls club in Dursley.” win the county fours. was I didn’t know where it was!

And while the club enjoy an “When I found it, that was the first John’s not a bad player either – he time I’d ever seen it, it was almost excellent setting , they are also captained the B team in the South successful on the green too. hidden away.”

Cotswold League last season – and as That was back in 2000, 25 years “We won the South Cotswolds an equally good publicity officer, he after John had moved to the area to League for the first time last is anxious that readers are made take up a job as youth and season,” said John. “Brian Burleigh aware of the club’s annual Open Day, community worker in the town. was our captain and his team which this year takes place on 12th May from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

“That ’s why I was so keen to get included Keith Hinder.” involved on the publicity side,” Hinder, who has been playing at Full story online.

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Minchinhampton Tennis Club have been in existence for close on 50 years and while they ’ve got a proud history, the future is looking very bright too.

Formed in 1971, they have got a thriving senior and junior set-up and c a t e r f o r p l a ye r s o f a l l a b i l i t i e s whether they want to play competitive or social tennis.

On the competitive side, the club field eight teams in various competitions – three men’s and three ladies’ teams in the Gloucestershire Summer League and a further two in the mixed doubles winter league.

One of the ladies’ teams play in the P re m i e r D i v i s i o n w h i l e t h e s e n i o r men’s team are hoping to win p ro m o t i o n f ro m D i v i s i o n O n e t h i s summer.

“We consider ourselves to be p u n c h i n g w e l l a b ov e o u r we i g h t , ” said men’s captain Pat Humphery.

Frocester Cricket Club are hoping for big things from their new overseas a l l - ro u n d e r A n d y S o l o m o n s t h i s season.

The 30 -year-old Sri Lankan has joined Frocester from their West of England League Premier One rivals C l ev e d o n and Frocester stalwart Andy Solomons Eric Woodmason said: “He’s a very effective player at this level.”

And it’s not just in the West Country that he’s been playing a starring role. “ H e p l a y s f i r s t c l a ss c r i c k e t i n S r i Lanka,” added Woodmason, “and scored a ton in a T20 game a few weeks ago.

“He also bowls right-arm seam and has got fantastic variations. He mixes i t u p we l l a n d b o w l s w e l l a t t h e death.”

It’s often said that behind every good man there is a good woman.

Well the men at Painswick Golf Club – and the ladies for that matter – have been very lucky in recent times because the club have got a first-rate secretary in Ann Smith.

The 72-year-old only took up the s p o r t at t h e b a c k e n d of t h e l a st century but has certainly made her presence felt both on and off the course over the past 20 years or so.

She has had almost as many roles a s t h e re a r e c l u b s i n h e r b a g w h e n she goes round a course which enjoys wonderful views over Slad Valley.

“I hadn’t been playing for much m o re t h a n 1 8 m o n t h s w h e n I f i r s t became ladies’ captain,” said Ann. “That was in 2001 and I was captain again 10 years later. And I’ve been on the executive committee since 2005.”

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

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JJames ames CCollins ollins llooking ooking fforward orward to to m many any cchampagne hampagne m moments oments One of the many great things about sport is the magical, unexpected moments that it throws up.

Cricket is certainly no exception and, in fact , the individual pursuit of excellence within the team framework tends to lend itself even more to those champagne moments.

And wicketkeper James Collins, the new chairman of Stroud Cricket Club, can certainly remember his champagne moment out on a cricket field.

“It was when I was keeping wicket to my son Aaron,” he said. “He bowls at quite a good pace and he caught the batsman’s inside edge and I took the catch down the legside. It was an absolute joy.”

W h a t m a d e i t ev e n m o r e memorable was that Collins senior h a d o n l y j u s t re t u r n e d to t h e s p o r t , p l ay i n g h i s f i r s t m a t c h a f te r a l o n g break from the game because he wanted to play with his now 18-yearold.

A welcome welcome a addition ddition att SStroud a troud They were playing for the 3rd XI at the time and Collins senior still is. He joined the club three years ago and has certainly been a welcome addition at Stroud because as well as taking on the role of chairman he is also captain of the 3rd XI. And that ’s not all because the 49 year-old also took on responsibility for the club pavilion and external events.

“Before I knew it, I was involved in everything” he laughed. “Stroud are a fantastic club and I was overjoyed to be asked to be chairman.”

And he’d like nothing more than to see Stroud’s flagship team climb out of the Gloucestershire Division of the West of England League this season.

“We finished second to Dumbleton last season which was pretty good,” said Collins. “We very much hope that is the foundation from which we can get promotion. That is the ambition.”

W i l l G o l d i n g w i l l a g a i n c a pt a i n t h e team. He has been in charge for the past couple of seasons and while his leadership skills will obviously be

important , so wil l his performances with bat and ball.

“He’s a very useful cricketer,” said Collins.

“He’s a quick bowler a n d g o o d b at s m a n .

I was facing him in the nets the other day and I managed to get one d o w n to w h e re f i n e leg would have been.

The next ball he bowled at me I didn’t eve n s e e b e f o r e i t s m a s h e d i n to a l l three stumps!”

He’s obviously a decent cricketer, so what sort of captain is he?

“I think I’d describe him as youthful and energetic,” added Collins.

Golding will again be able to call on t h e s k i l l s of D o m i n i c T h o m p s o n , t h e overseas all-rounder from New Zealand who enjoyed plenty of success in 2017.

“He scored a lot of runs and got a reasonable number of wickets as well,” said Collins. “He bowls off-spin at a good pace but he is more of a batsman. He was good with the youngsters at the club too.”

New recruit Tom Furley, a pace bowler, is another who the club are looking to for big things this season.

But while the flagship team is just that – the flagship team – there is much more to Stroud CC than just the 1st XI. “We run four men’s teams on a Saturday,” said Collins. “It’s a really big season for the 2nds because they got relegated last season. An administrative oversight cost them penalty points and that was enough to send them down. We were very, very disappointed by that.

“The aim is very much promotion for them this season and we expect that to happen.”

T h e h i g h e r t h e l e ve l a t w h i c h t h e 2nd XI play, the more prepared their players are when they get called up to the 1st XI of course, and the 3rds and 4ths, too, have a big role to play

Aaron and James Collins

in the overall success of the club.

“We want our youngsters to continue to progress through to the higher teams,” said Collins.

“This season youngsters such as Ryan Boucher, Innes Pierce and Aaron Collins will all be in the 2nds and i n s t r u m e n t a l i n t r y i n g to g e t t h e m back up.

“And we’ve got plenty of youngsters coming into the senior teams from our youth set-up, we’re good at that.

“Last year we had a number of 14 or 15-year-olds – including Alex Freeman, Jacob Wheatley and Reuben Scott – playing in the 3rds and 4ths.”

TThe he y youth outh sset-up et-up is is very very sstrong trong The youth set-up, including the All Stars programme, is very strong and Collins added: “It’s a joy to go down to the club on a Saturday morning and see the field covered by boys and girls starting out on their cricketing life.”

And Collins is keen to stress that there is plenty of opportunity for girls as well.

“We’ve set up a ladies’ softball team and they played in an indoor league in January,” Collins said. “There are a number of softball festivals in the summer and we’re hosting our own on Sunday 20th May.” It promises to be a busy time at the club and you can be sure that Collins, a consummate clubman, will be there driving everything forward.

FFor or ffull ull aarticles rticles & m more ore sstories: tories: w www.thelocalanswer.co.uk ww.thelocalanswer.co.uk

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