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MAY 2018
200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
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GLOUCESTER NEW THIS MONTH – LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT STORIES INSIDE!
The The Lo Local c al
AN ANSWER SWER 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 Forest Forest ooff D Dean ean – 222,000 2,000 ccopies opies Cheltenham Cheltenham – 43,000 43,000 ccopies opies Cotswolds Cotswolds – 228,000 8,000 ccopies opies
Managing Director M anaging D irector D Dave ave K Kingscott ingscott ddave@thelocalanswer.co.uk ave@thelocalanswer.co.uk
EEditorial ditorial & M Marketing arketing LLois ois K Kingscott ingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Helen H elen K Kingscott ingscott
Sport Sport R Roger oger JJackson ackson
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!
sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Entertainment Entertainment 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
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Accounts Accounts R Robert obert K Kingscott ingscott aaccounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk ccounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Unit Unit H, H, CChurchill hurchill IIndustrial ndustrial EEstate, state, Churchill Churchill RRoad, oad, GL53 LLeckhampton, eckhampton, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Gloucestershire G L53 7EG 7EG
T Telephone elephone 0 01242 1242 5 510500 10500 thelocalanswer thelocalanswer
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IInside nside tthis his m month onth .... .. Delicious Delicious Dish Dish Holidays Holidays & TTravel ravel Parenting Guardianship Parenting & G uardianship Sudoku Sudoku Motoring Motoring Looking Looking G Good, ood, Feeling Feeling G Great reat Medical Medical Health Health Style Style & FFashion ashion Word Word SSearch earch Education Education & Employment Employment What’s What’s O On n Leader’s Leader’s Life Life TLA TLA Entertainment Entertainment Homes Gardens Homes & G ardens Distributers Distributers Required Required In In the the Garden Garden Gadgets Gizmos Gadgets & G izmos Interior Design Interior D esign Wildlife Matters Wildlife M atters Save Save the the Planet Planet Quick Quick Crossword Crossword Money Money Matters Matters TLA TLA Sport Sport Index, Index , Competitions, Competitions, SSolutions olutions
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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.
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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C Can an yyou ou spare spare a ffew ew hhours ours a month month to to support support ppeople eople w with ith llearning earning ddisabilities? isabilities? Full Full training training & expenses expenses ppaid aid For more information call 01452 01452 617346 617346 admin@buildingcirclesglos.org.uk www.buildingcirclesglos.org.uk Page 5
C Cruise ruise 2019 2019 – on on sale sale now! now! N Norad orad T Travel’s ravel’s JJoe oe T Teixeira eixeira rrounds ounds up up the the best best savings savings on on the the world’s world’s waterways waterways
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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. The Local Answer
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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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Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
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Motoring Motoring 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 off rrespect o espect 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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Gloucester loucester G
Wash Dry W ash & Dry YYour our life, life, yyour our cchoices hoi ces Our Our eexperience xperience aand nd eexpertise xpertise
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Are you you already already iinn tthe he pprocess rocess ooff sseparation eparation oorr ddivorce? ivorce? Are Would yyou ou llike ike ttoo kknow now w here yyou ou sstand tand aand nd w hat Would where what options aare re aavailable vailable ttoo yyou ou w ithout sspending pendi ng options without thousands on on solicitors solicitors ffees? ees? thousands
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info@absolute-clarity.co.uk info@absolute-clarity.co.uk www.absolute-clarity.co.uk w ww.absolute-clarity.co.uk 009 TTel: el: 07814 07814 0 09 4408 08
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L Looking ooking Good, Good, Feeling Feeling Great Great with w ith M Matt att W Wagstaff agstaff
TTaking aking b back ack ttime ime L a c k of t i m e i s o n e of t h e m a i n barriers that crops up time and again w h e n t r y i n g to g e t f i t a n d r e m a i n healthy. The government ’s weekly g u i d e l i n e s o f 1 5 0 m i n u te s o f moderate exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise along with strength exercises sounds like a lot! However, when you think that your weeks contains over 10,000 minutes t h o s e g u i d e l i n e s a re a v e r y s m a l l percentage of time. With daily stressors and ‘to do lists’ a t a n a l l t i m e h i g h , f i t t i n g yo u r exercise in can be difficult. But fear not! Gone are the days of having to spend 60 minutes exercising or in the gym to gain your exercise points. Let me talk you through how to gain j u s t a s m u c h f r o m a s h o r te r t i m e frame.
HIIT H IIT Interval training has been covered a lot within the media and in research lately, signifying its importance. High intensity interval training is a form of training which involves short bursts (20 -30 seconds) of high intensity activity, pushing your maximum heart rate up to around 80%, or an
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i n te n s i t y i n w h i c h y o u c a n n ot hold a conversation in! This is fo l l o we d by a p e r i o d o f lower intensity exercise (60 - 90 seconds), and then yo u repeat generally 5-20 times. With this type of training you can work your heart and your muscles hard in a reduced time frame. This can be done within the gym on a machine such as the exercise bike or rower, or just as easily w i t h o u t a ny e q u i p m e n t ; r u n n i n g o n t h e s p ot o r performing star jumps.
get your coffee ‘to go’ when meeting friends, take a hike so you can log those extra steps and find a A s b a b i e s a n d t o d d l e r s we w o u l d use for the extra caffeine! often spend time on the floor, rolling, crawling and squatting down. L Little ittle a and nd o often ften However, once we can stand upright Far too often it is thought that and walk tall we seem to forget exercise must be done in a block about those simple movements, time of 30 -90 minutes consistently, which as it turns out provide really and that outside of this there isn’t effective stimuli for the body to any point because you won’t reap move as one. Spending 10 minutes the benefits. This is far from true. reconnecting all four limbs on the Actually, fitting in shorter exercise floor, stretching and rolling intervals throughout the day could into various movements, will be more effective, consistently provide some great sensory increasing the heart rate and fe e d b a c k t o y o u r n e r v o u s b o o s t i n g m e t a b o l i s m , t h e re fo r e system and over time can burning calories. improve movement. This often makes it easier to fit p hy s i c a l a c t i v i t y i n , n ot b e i n g W Walk alk a and nd ttalk alk When at work or socialising constrained to a time. Try 10 minutes we so often sit down in in the morning of core exercises, a meeting rooms or cafés to 15 minute brisk walk or HIIT session chat and figure things out , before eating lunch, then a good 10 but that shouldn’t be the minutes of back to basics floor work case. Add movement to your in the afternoon or evening to meetings to increase your mobilise. Performing this type of exercise – that extra move- exercise 3-4 times per week will get ment may even stimulate you well on your way to those 150 new brain waves, which minutes, then the weekend provides come from the body shunting 2880 minutes to perhaps get a more blood around! Likewise, longer bout of physical activity in!
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M Medical edical H Health ealth w with ith H Holly olly Hannigan Hannigan
TThe he Bottom Bottom LLine ine I n m y l a s t a r t i c l e I d i s c u ss e d I B S, w h i c h i s s o m et h i n g m o st p e o p l e have heard of, but have you heard of IBD and do you understand what it i s ? I B D s t a n d s fo r I n f l a m m a to r y Bowel Disease, which covers the conditions Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, and affects over 300,000 people in the UK . Now the reason many of you may not have heard of or understand IBD is because it is what is known as an invisible illness and there is a lot of stigma and isolation attached to the disease. I myself have Ulcerative Colitis and I am passionate about raising awareness and helping p e o p l e u n d e r s t a n d t h e sy m p to m s and conditions. Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis are chronic (on-going, lifelong) conditions and symptoms vary from person to person, ranging from mild to severe. People go through periods of remission and flare ups.
• Pain in the abdomen, often crippling • A p p e t i t e a n d we i g h t l o ss , w h i c h can often be rapid and due to the b o d y n ot a b s o r b i n g n u t r i e n t s because of inflammation of the gut • Fatigue – this is one of the symptoms I always experience, even in remission SSymptoms ymptoms • Diarrhoea often mixed with blood, • Anaemia • Mouth Ulcers mucus and pus • Urgency and lack of bowel control • Feeling generally unwell • Inflammation in the joints and eyes • A n x i e t y a n d D e p re s s i o n , o f te n d u e to s t i g m a , embarrassment and isolation of the above symptoms Complications can arise, particularly with Crohn’s, s u c h a s s t r i c t u re s a n d f i s t u l a s, a n d d e p e n d i n g o n w h a t m e d i c a t i o n s y o u a re on there can be several side effects. There are a variety of medications to help reduce t h e s y m p to m s a n d h e l p p e o p l e s t ay i n p e r i o d s o f remission and I myself have
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t r i e d m o st of t h e m w i t h l i t t l e success. Many of the drugs used are anti-inflammatory such as steroids, 5ASA’s, immunosuppressant drugs like azathioprine, methotrexate and ciclosporin, and biological drugs like infliximab and adalimumab. A s w i t h a n y d r u g t h e re w i l l b e varying side effects for individuals, and it often becomes a case of weighing up the pros and cons to the medications and considering the long-term effects. When drugs fail to keep IBD in remission, surgery is often required. Alternative therapies can be h e l p f u l f o r re l i e v i n g s o m e o f t h e symptoms. Hypnotherapy has been recognised as an effective way for relieving pain, fatigue and helping with anxiety and depression. Taaking nutritional supplements can also help and in some cases going on a liquid diet is recommended to allow the gut to heal. IBD increases the risk of bowel cancer and regular checks are recommended. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, then see your GP and discuss your concerns. www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk www.nhs.uk/conditions/inflamma tory-bowel-disease www.hhhypnotherapy.co.uk
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CCharnwood harnwood H House ouse NURSING HOME
Charnwood House Nursing Home specialises in caring for elderly people, younger people with a physical disability and people with dementia. Warm and friendly atmosphere. Highest standards of nursing care provided.
Owned and managed by Wotton Rise Nursing Home Ltd ● Residents always treated with dignity and respect ● Registered nurses on duty 24 hours a day providing personal and nursing care ● Freshly prepared home cooked food from a menu of residents’ choice ● Activity programme to include regular external entertainers ● Attractive patio and garden for residents ● Close to shops ● Wheelchair access throughout the home ●
Contact Diana or Marina Martinez for more details
Tel: 01452 523478 01452 451249 email: wottonrisenursinghome@hotmail.co.uk 49 Barnwood Road, Gloucester GL2 0SD
Style S tyle & F Fashion ashion with with Katie Katie P Pollard ollard
Be Be bold, bold, be be British British God save our gracious Queen, long live our noble Queen… and long live British fashion! The Royal Wedding is u p o n u s a n d m a r ks a n o t h e r momentous occasion in our history, which gives the perfect excuse to celebrate all things British – or at least all of the things we’re typically known for.
Am major ajor p player layer in in the the style style sstakes takes ffor or d decades ecades From a monarch who knows how to match her accessories, and the bright lights of London, to a good cup of tea and a stiff upper lip, iconic British fashion has been a major player in the style stakes for decades and will continue to reign for decades to come. In order to be British, one must be bold! Not a country to shy away from a fashion risqué, British fashion has certainly been s t a n d o u t t h ro u g h t h e eras. Whether that be t h e f l i c k of a f l a p p e r dress, the flair of, we l l , the f l a re s o r p o p st a r
platforms, we have recreated trends with stylishness and originality. Given the country will soon be a b u z z o f p a t r i o t i s m a n d m o re m a r r i a g e m e r c h a n d i s e t h a n ev e n Buckingham Palace could hold, it only seems fit that this month’s fashion focus be on the statement pieces you need to invest in to keep tradition going. T h i n k K a t e M o ss c i r c a 1 9 9 7 a t a London Fashion Week press call in her iconic jumper, or Geri Halliwell the same year performing at the Brit Awards in that union flag dress. The Knightsbridge Blazer in red (right) from Holland Cooper might be more of a payday purchase at £399, but it doesn’t get bolder than that. Its striking and polished tailoring is ev e n l i n e d w i t h t h e u n i o n j a c k f l a g – p at r i ot i s m at i t s finest. As always, attent i o n i s i n t h e d et a i l a n d m u st b e p a i d accordingly. Inject t h a t b o l d b l u e i n to your outfit with the Suffolk Fedora in
navy from Hicks & Brown (left). At £89 its classic feather and minimal fuss is perfectly patriotic in a subtle, stylish way. As it is a Royal we d d i n g a f t e r a l l , nothing says crown jewels like your own sparkler. Find an accessory that is small, but lacks no less shine like the Aqua Topaz Cocktail Ring from up and coming jewellery brand Emily M o r t i m e r ( l ef t ) . At £ 3 5 0 t h es e g e m s t o n e s w i l l m a k e y o u fe e l l i k e you’re having a Royal wedding of your own!
Push P ush tthe he b boundaries oundaries o off iiconic conic B British ritish ffashion ashion If something simpler is more your taste, stack up their Halcyon Blue Topaz Band Ring (below) with m u l t i p l e r i n g s fo r a s u b t l e statement , or wear on its own. Either way, at £75 it ’ll certainly be admired! However you choose t o d re s s u p yo u r p a t r i o t i s m fo r t h e Royal Wedding this month, remember to p u s h t h e b o u n d a r i es of iconic British fashion as we have always done. And most importantly, be bold and be British.
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Bullying B ullying aatt sschool chool According to dosomething.org, over 3 . 2 m i l l i o n s t u d e n t s a re v i c t i m s o f bullying each year. For the many y o u n g p e o p l e w h o s u f f e r f ro m bullying, school can become an unpleasant and scary place. You should feel safe at school though; it’s a place where you can learn and spend time with your friends. If you are being bullied, you don’t have to suffer in silence. It’s really important to remember that there are ways of coping and stopping the bullying altogether.
SSpeak peak u up pa about bout w what’s hat’s h happening appening Bullying can take on many forms, i n c l u d i n g n a m e - c a l l i n g , p hy s i c a l bul lying and cyber bul lying , among many others. It ’s so important to speak up about what ’s happening, o t h e r w i s e n o t h i n g c a n b e d o n e to solve the problem. There will always be someone for you to talk to. You could confide in your parents, friends, an older sibling or your teachers, for example. You are not alone. If you find talking to someone you
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know tough, you could call a helpline such as Child line (0800 1111). Talking to people you trust for advice and support can work wonders. The s a y i n g “ a p ro b l e m s h a re d i s a problem halved” is often very true as once you’ve shared your problem, you are well on your way to making things better. It ’s also important to remember that you don’t deserve to be bullied; bullying is never okay, and no-one has the right to do it. So many young people believe the things a bully tells t h e m a b o u t t h e m s e l ve s a re t r u e. They aren’t . It is essential that you don’t lose your sense of self-worth and happiness. Make sure to spend lots of time with people who make y o u fe e l g o o d a n d fo c u s o n t h e things that make you happy. Remember the things you love about yourself and try and stay positive through this difficult time. Don’t let the bullying take over your life. It’s a good idea to try and stand up for yourself; no-one has the right to m a k e yo u f e e l s m a l l , s o b e i n g assertive is very important. The more you practise being assertive – that means saying how you feel without being rude or aggressive – the more confident you will get . Blocking the
bully on social media, not responding to messages they send and avoiding them in school may also help. Bullies like to get a reaction from the people they are taunting. If you aren’t aggressive towards them and just ignore them, they aren’t getting a reaction, so they may stop what they are doing over time.
TTell-tale ell-tale ssigns igns o off b bullying ullying tto o look look out out for for If you’re a parent and you’re worried that your child may be being bullied, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for. These include physical marks you can’t account for like bruises, a sudden fear of going to s c h o o l , a n d c h a n g e s i n b e h av i o u r such as aggression or withdrawal. See www.bullying.co.uk/advice-forparents/how-to-spot-the-signs-ofbullying/ for more information. If your child is being bullied, it’s so important to listen to what they have to s ay a n d s u p p o r t t h e m , w h i l s t reassuring them that it ’s not their fault. Bullying is a growing problem, es p e c i a l l y w i t h t h e r i s e of s o c i a l media. It needs to be stamped out, a n d w e c a n a l l h e l p to m a k e a difference. If you want to make a change, visit www.bullying.co.uk
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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 FLORA GUIDED WALKS Discover the wild flowers of Westonbirt Arboretum on this guided walk. Explore the vast array of beautiful wildflowers that grow on the Westonbirt Downs and woodland. Free after admission. Some offpath walking. 10:30am. For full details visit www.westonbirtarboretum.com Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS. 0300 067 4890. 1-5 MAY THE FLYING LOVERS OF VITEBSK Partners in life and on canvas, Marc and Bella are immortalised as the picture of romance. But whilst on canvas they flew, in life they walked through some of the most devastating times in history. For details visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. 1 MAY – END OF JUNE SELECT FESTIVAL 2018 – MIXED SCULPTURE EXHIBITION Eight artists will be displaying their work in the herbaceous borders and in The Garden Café. The sculpture has been
designed to complement the nursery’s range of plants and unique setting. All works will be for sale. Free admission. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays. Miserden Nursery, Stroud GL6 7JA. 01285 821638. www.miserdennursery.co.uk 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 JON BODEN & THE REMNANT KINGS In spring 2018 Jon Boden, former leadsinger of Bellowhead, will head out on the second leg of his ‘Afterglow’ album tour, featuring the newly extended Remnant Kings. Including the talents of former Bellowhead band-mates Sam Sweeney and Paul Sartin, plus Leveret’s Rob Harbron and along with Ben Nicholls and Richard Warren (King of The South Seas) the band will be joined by string and brass sections to bring the album to the stage. 7.30pm. £22. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.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 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 that 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’, ‘I’m Your Man’, ‘Faith’, ‘Careless Whisper’ and ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’. 7.30pm. £25.50. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org
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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
OFF 15 15% OF RTY PA PART NGS KIING OK OO BO B
O Open pen 7 days days a week week 10am-5pm 10am-5pm • 01452 01452 812727 812727 • www.thebirdpark.com www.thebirdpark.com The T he Bird Bird and and Deer Deer Park, Park, Prinknash, Prinknash, Cranham, Cranham, Gloucester Gloucester GL4 GL4 8EX 8EX
4-6 MAY ORIGINAL MOUNTAIN MARATHON RUNNING FESTIVAL The OMM Festival is coming to the Forest of Dean. 2000 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. Huge 50m marquee with catering and bar. For full details please visit www.theomm.com/omm-festival 5 MAY TAPLEY HOUSE Donnie and Sid are a couple of lazy twenty-somethings, thrown together by fate under the roof of Tapley House. When a new tenant arrives, a dark secret is revealed and all hell breaks loose. Jealousy, love and a mysterious old lady are thrown together in a mayhem of pre-destination, and Donnie and Sid are the only two idiots that can save the day. 7.30pm. £8-12. Kings Theatre Gloucester, Kingsbarton Street, Gloucester GL1 1QX. 01452 300130. 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.
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Free entry. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk POLISH HERITAGE DAY The second year of the biggest Polish festival in Gloucestershire, organised by Polish Association Gloucestershire, which 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. Learn how to identify birds by their calls and song and then enjoy a full English breakfast in the Kingfisher Kitchen. 7-10am. £22 (including breakfast). WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/slimbridge
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5-7 MAY CHRISTCHURCH ABBEYDALE FLOWER FESTIVAL Stunning floral displays celebrating life and activities at Christchurch Abbeydale, Heron 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 and see if you can be an OlymPigs Champion! 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.
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6 MAY MAY PDSA PETLIFE Music from the Kaiser Chiefs, Jessie J, The Vamps and a few surprise guests. Funfairs, dog agility displays, military bands, food and drink , retail therapy and much more. Take a stroll through the PDSA Pet Village to learn more about pet well-being from our vets, and get 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. OPEN MIC NIGHT Join us in the Bar for our monthly Open Mic session 4- 6pm (sign up from 3.30). The best of Gloucestershire’s up and coming talent. 4pm. Free entry. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org 66-7 -7 MAY 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 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! 10am. Included in admission. Sudeley Castle and Gardens, Winchcombe, GL54 5JD. 01242 604244. www.sudeleycastle.co.uk 88-12 -12 MAY 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 conc. St. John’s Hall, St. John’s Avenue, Churchdown, GL3 2DB. Car park and bar. 88-12 -12 MAY MAY GREAT EXPECTATIONS Following a terrifying encounter with an escaped convict, young Pip is given an unexpected chance to better himself by visiting the reclusive and mysterious Miss Havisham. In the decaying grandeur of her house, Pip falls in love with Estella and helped by an anonymous benefactor, he moves to the bustling city to pursue his dream of winning Estella’ss heart and of becoming part of the educated elite. For details visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.
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8-20 8-20 MAY 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 performing arts website cfpa.org.uk. 9am. £3. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 10 10 MAY 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 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 10-21 10 -21 MAY MAY INSIDE-OUT GLOUCESTER: KINGDOM COME EXHIBITION Inside-Out have been invited back to the Cathedral Cloisters. The exhibition co-incides with Thy Kingdom Come, an International initiative, and the beginning of ‘FestiveALL’ at the Cathedral. As a group of six Christian artists working with paint, stone and textiles, we formed ‘Inside-Out Gloucester’ in 2015 to exhibit our art in the public domain and encourage dialogue about spiritual issues. Come and see our work! Free entry. Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LX. gloucestercathedral.org.uk 11 11 MAY MAY LONDON CCA ALLING 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, Stroud, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk
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12-13 12-13 MAY MAY COTSWOLD BRICKS AND TR RA AINS WEEKEND Another LEGO® event is coming to the GWSR 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 13 MAY 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 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 15 15 MAY MAY VICTORIA AND ABDUL Abdul Karim arrives from India for Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee. The young clerk is surprised to find favour with the queen herself. As Victoria questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance that her household and inner circle try to destroy. As their friendship deepens, the queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes, joyfully reclaiming her humanity. 7.45pm. £8 (£7). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk 115-19 5-19 MAY MAY MY FAIR LADY The story of an Edwardian cockney flower girl’s transformation into the pride of London society. This beautiful production will transport you to the flower markets of London and the glittering heights of an Embassy Ball where everything is ‘Absolutely Bloomin’ Loverly’. For details visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. 16 16 MAY MAY ‘ AN A AM MERICAN IN PARIS’ THE MUSICAL An American GI’s chance encounter with a beautiful young dancer leads Paris to become the backdrop to a sensuous, modern romance of art, friendship and love in the aftermath of war. Featuring the gorgeous music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin, stunning designs, and showstopping choreography. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk
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Peter Kay Tribute Night F Friday riday 2 27th 7th JJuly uly £37.50 per person From £69 bed & breakfast per classic double or twin bedroom Enjoy a divine three-course dinner followed by brilliant hilarity from the most popular comedy tribute act in the UK! – Lee Lard’s Peter Kay.
Dead Ringers! Murder Mystery Friday F riday 2 26th 6th O October ctober 3 course dinner and entertainment £34 per person From £69 bed & breakfast per classic double or twin bedroom A priceless family heirloom from Greystone Manor has gone missing and all of the clues point to the Churchwarden as having something to do with it. The Bell Ringers are ringing off-key and people are starting to wonder why!
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 116-17 6-17 MAY MAY THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE BUSINESS SHOW This show celebrates, discusses and showcases business in Gloucestershire of all size and industry. It provides a platform through which businesses can form new collaborations, gain information, meet other businesses, speak to professional advisors and engage in action for business. Free entry. Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Prestbury, GL50 4SH. 01242 513014. cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk 1177 MAY MAY JURASSIC GEOLOGY: FANTASTIC FOSSILS With fossils from the collections, come on a journey to discover what Gloucestershire would have been like millions of years ago when it was all under the sea. Price includes a glass of wine or soft drink and nibbles. 6pm. £12. The Wilson, Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT. 01242 237431. 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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18 18 MAY MAY MASTERWORKS CONCERT 63 For fifteen years, pianist James Lisney’s Masterworks has proved to be a highlight of Cheltenham’s classical programme. His virtuosity and integrity are internationally recognised as evidenced by his residencies at London’s Southbank Centre, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw and Carnegie Hall in New York. 7.30pm. £15. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE. 0844 576 2210. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk THE UPBEAT BEATLES
Powerhouse vocals, precision harmonies and tight musicianship. The show takes you through the Fab Four’ss long and winding road from the early Cavern days through Beatlemania, America, Sergeant Pepper to Abbey Road. If you love the Beatles you’ll love this show, and if you don’t love the Beatles you’ll love this show! 7.30pm. £19 (£18). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk
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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 JAZZ IN THE LADY CHAPEL: DOM FRANKS AND THE STRAYHORNS The StrayHorn quartet’s sound is accessible, lyrical but rooted in creative improvisation and hard-driving grooves. This concert will focus on material from the band’s newly launched third album Living With Spooks. 7.30pm. £16. Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LX. gloucestercathedral.org.uk 18-20 18-20 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: www.winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com/ festival-2
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18 18 MAY MAY – 17 17 JJUNE UNE 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 times and prices visit barntheatre.org.uk. The Barn Theatre, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester GL7 1BN. 19 19 MAY MAY ANIMALPHABET THE MUSICAL
High-energy actors, colourful puppets, amazing characters and fantastic songs combine to create AnimAlphabet The Musical. Join Colin the Country Cockatoo, Hip-Hop Donkey and Geoff the Geordie Jazz Giraffe on a fantastic family musical adventure. Songs written by Al and Sam of platinum pop band The Hoosiers. 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. SPRING STEAM AND REAL ALE WEEKEND The 10th Spring Ale and Steam weekend. Over the last decade the events have grown ever more popular with an increased range of beer on offer and this year will be no exception! In conjunction with the North Cotswold Branch of CAMRA up to 36 beers will be available from Winchcombe and Toddington stations, with a frequent train service between the two bars. For full details including times and prices please visit www.gwsr.com. 20 20 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 live music, activities and demonstrations. Free entry and parking. 11am-5pm. Taurus Crafts, Lydney Park Estate, Lydney GL15 6BU. www.cvt.org.uk
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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 are among the most acclaimed voices in West African music. 8pm. £17.50 (£19.50 on the door). Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. 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. ROMAN MAY HOLIDAY Enjoy seasonal craft activities. Make a mosaic, badge or paper-craft. Raid the dressing up baskets and fashion yourself as a Roman. Suitable for all ages. Some activities include an additional charge to cover the cost of materials. 10.30am. Free event (admission applies). Chedworth Roman Villa, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ. 01242 890256. MINI BEAST WEEK 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, WR12 7JU. 01386 852410. SPRING TO LIFE Spring is here – the leaves are unfolding, birds out on our reserve are singing, butterflies are starting to be seen and new life is appearing across our wetlands. Join us for a week of fun with lots to learn and plenty to keep you entertained. 9.30am-5.30pm. Included with admission. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, GL2 7BT. 01453 891900. www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/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 1 JUNE JUNE ELECTRIC BICCYYCLE POLO AND GYMKHANA Longdole Polo Club, GL4 8LH. 7pm. £5 per car. Bar, BBQ and lots of fun! All proceeds go to Watershed RDA .
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22-3 -3 JUNE JUNE BRITISH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS We are delighted to be hosting the 2018 British Water Polo Championships finals. Spectators are welcome to come and view some high level sporting action. 11am- 6pm. Full details att www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7PU. 9 JUNE JUNE SACRED HEARTS’ SUMMER FETE ‘Family Fiesta!’ Noon till 3. Merry go round, bouncy castle, live music, games and stalls, large selection of food and drink. Fun for all the family. Sacred Hearts Catholic Church, Moorend Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL53 9AU. 10 JUNE JUNE 10 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’s Vets, Badham’s Chemist and George Lewis Footwear. Purchase programmes, to include a raffle ticket for fabulous prizes, from shops along Church Road, Tesco 26/5 & 2/6 and on the day. Money raised will be donated to Jet Age Museum, Air Cadets and Christmas lights. 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 information: www.prestburyparish.org Volunteers also required – contact Chris on 07741 472252 or email maughanshaw@gmail.com 66-7 -7 JULY JULY MILEFEST – MUSIC FESTIVAL
Milefest 2018 is a 24 band, over two stages, festival. On Friday 6th and Saturday 7th of July in Hartpury (GL19 3BG). We are accessible and affordable for all. All money raised goes to Milestone school – we have raised more than £30,000 over 6 years. www.milefest.co.uk Registered charity number: 1173333.
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Shipton Shipton G Golf olf Course Course ““A A 9 hole hole pay pay & play play course course in in the the Heart Heart of of the the Cotswolds” Cotswolds” No N o need need to to book book – Open Open every every day day from from 7am 7am until until dusk dusk ●
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FFamily amily run run course course offering offering affordable affordable golf golf ffor or all all C Coffee offee sshop hop and and terrace terrace SSmall mall stock stock of of ‘everyday’ ‘everyday’ golfing golfing equipment equipment and and clothing clothing lessons PGA PGA Professionals Professionals available available for for lessons aand nd advice advice
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In my January column, I said that 2018 would be a year of anniversaries for Gloucester, one of which was the 1100th anniversary of the death of Aethelflaed and her burial at St Oswald’s Priory. So who was Aethelflaed (pronounced Eth-el-fled) and why is she important? She was daughter of Alfred the Great and she ruled over the Kingdom of Mercia – which covered from Lincolnshire in the North East to the Wirral in the North West and as far south as the Thames. She was a great military strategist, fighting the Vikings and holding land as far north as Yorkshire. England was, at that time, made up of many kingdoms, each with their own culture and traditions. Mercia was one of the largest and was fiercely independent. Aethelflaed made Gloucester its spiritual, cultural and learning capital. She founded St Oswald’s Priory in Gloucester and was responsible for the street pattern of the city centre, much of which survives today. Her leadership laid the foundations for England as a single country as we know it today.
We W en need eed tto om make ake m more ore o off o our ur m most ost influential influential d daughter aughter So, she really does deserve to be better known than she is. People have in the past written to me asking why, as a city, we don’t make more of our most influential daughter. There is a statue of Aethelflaed in the shadow of Tamworth Castle, from where she ruled Mercia, but only a plaque and an interpretation board here. Hopefully this year will start to put right how, historically, we have underplayed our links. A weekend of events is being put on to mark the occasion, ranging from living history, theatre and musical events at St Oswald’s Priory from 7th-12th June. A schools education pack has been produced to spread learning amongst the younger generation. To learn more about Aethelflaed, visit aethelflaedrises.com. It seems particularly fitting that in 2018, as we mark the 100th anniversary of women getting the vote and the election of the first women Members of Parliament, we also mark this anniversary of another strong female leader. Appropriately, the theme for this year ’s Gloucester History Festival is ‘Women and Leadership’. For more information visit gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk . So when you drive past the remains of St Oswald’s, on the corner of Priory Road and St Oswald’s Road, reflect on the story of this amazing woman and the role she played in the history of our city and in bringing about England the country as we know it today. @ @cllrpauljames cllrpauljames
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e e:: paul.james@gloucester.gov.uk paul.james@gloucester.gov.uk
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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
M Murray urray G Gardiner ardiner llooking ooking fforward orward tto oh hometown ometown g gig ig Gloucester-based musician Murray Gardiner says he’s “counting down the days” until his performance at the Gloucester Guildhall on 12th May. Murray, a self-taught musician, will b e p l a y i n g s o n g s f ro m h i s d e b u t album ‘Barebones’ as well as tracks from his eagerly anticipated second album which he hopes to release later this year. “This is a performance I’m really looking forward to, especially because it ’s in my hometown,” said Murray. “The Guildhall is such a great venue, hopefully there will be a good crowd which will make it even more special. I’ll be joined on stage by a live band, including one of the best guitarists I’ve had the pleasure of working with – t h e S t ro u d b a s e d g u i t a r i s t R o s s Gardiner – no relation!” he added. Murray has achieved plenty in his
FFilm ilm R Review eview
music career so far, his passion for performing is clear to see. He said: “I’ve been lucky enough to have p l ay e d a t s o m e a m a z i n g v e n u e s a l l over the world. Playing in South Africa and Zimbabwe was an experience I’ll never forget . I’ve played in several countries in Europe as well, all of them I’ve loved.” Murray, 37, says his early years were spent listening to The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Chuck Berry. You can pick up on those influences in many of the tracks from his debut album – a mix of rock , country and blues shines t h ro u g h . Pe r f o r m i n g i s o n l y a s m a l l p a r t o f t h e j o b o f a p ro fe ss i o n a l musician though, as Murray also writes and produces his own material. “ I l ov e w r i t i n g . I g e t a l o t o f m y inspiration from listening to artists like Bob Dylan, he’s such a great lyricist,”
Book Book Review Review
Murray Gardiner
h e a d d e d . H av i n g s t u d i e d a l o n g s i d e t h e re n o w n e d g u i t a r i s t G i l b e r t Biberian, Murray was inspired to produce his own debut album, which was released back in 2014. “I released it on my own record label, Silly Dog Records. The album was recorded inside my studio. I was really proud of it , I can’t wait to get back in the studio and record my second album,” said Murray. Murray expects to spend most of the summer in the studio recording tracks for his new album. Full story online.
Gaming G aming R Review eview
AQ Quiet uiet P Place lace
The The Y Year ear o off LLess ess by Cait Flanders
G Gran ran TTurismo urismo SSport port
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.
AAbove bove iiss a sselection election from from local local eentertainment ntertainment sstories tories aavailable vailable online online ... ...
ART • EEVENTS VENTS • EEXPERIENCES XPERIENCES • FFILM ILM • G AMING ART GAMING LLIFESTYLE IFESTYLE • LLITERATURE ITERATURE • M USIC • TTHEATRE HEATRE • TV TV MUSIC
G Gloucester loucester aauthor uthor CChristopher hristopher BByford yford ssigns igns publishing publishing ddeal eal w with ith H HarperCollins arperCollins Christopher Byford says he’s realised a lifelong dream after signing a multiple book deal to get his ‘Gambler ’s Den’ book s e r i es published by HarperCollins. Christopher, a resident of Gloucester, was approached by HarperCollins who were keen to speak to him about his debut fantasy western series. “It came completely out of the blue really,” says Christopher. “The phone rang, I spoke with a representative from HarperCollins who then offered me a book deal. I was speechless. It’s always been my dream to be a published author. It was a very emotional moment.” What makes Christopher ’s story even more remarkable is the health troubles he’s had to endure. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis back in 2006, he faces constant battles against crippling pain. He’s recently undergone major surgery to combat the effects of the chronic condition.
Christopher Byford
Christopher continued: “The surgery has been difficult but if I can do it, so can others. My ambition is to inspire. Too many people prefer to suffer in silence – I did.” After being made redundant from his job in IT in 2015, Christopher devoted all his spare time to completing the b o o ks h e s t a r te d w r i t i n g w h i l e a t secondary school. “ I h a d a v i v i d i m a g i n at i o n w h e n I was young. I always loved reading comics and fiction books. I started writing my Gambler ’s Den series at secondary school. When I was made redundant three years ago I took the time to finish the books off.
“I “I w was as p punching unching the the air air a and nd sshouting houting iin n tthe he house!” house!”
Christopher’s book, ‘Den of Shadows’
“ I s e n t t h e m to a l l t h e p u b l i s h e r s I could. You have to wait weeks to hear back which can be quite dispiriting. You do lose a bit of confidence when you get knocked back but you’ve got to keep the faith. It was just an incredible moment when I was offered the deal with HarperCollins. I was punching the
air and shouting in the house! ” A l l t h e h a rd wo r k , t h e h o u r s a n d h o u r s o f w r i t i n g , h a d b e e n wo r t h i t . The best thing about being a published author is the feedback you receive from people who have read the book . It ’s incredibly rewarding to receive positive messages of support.” The book is set in the wilderness of t h e d e s e r t . I t re v o l ve s a r o u n d t h e owner of a travelling casino – Franco – a m a n k e e n to s t ay w i t h i n t h e boundaries of the law. Something h a p p e n s t h at m a k es h i m q u est i o n whether living by the rule book is the best thing to do. He faces a battle against both the bad guys and the law, and things turn very dark. What follows i s a n e p i c s to r y o f i n t r i g u e a n d adventure. C h r i s to p h e r s a y s h i s a m b i t i o n i s to carry on writing once he completes his c u r re n t s e r i e s . H e s a i d : “ Wr i t i n g w i l l always be my passion. I haven’t thought too much about the future. I’d quite like to get into writing for comics or videogames, but books will always be my first love.”
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info@glosbuild.co.uk info@glosbuild.co.uk w www.glosbuild.co.uk ww.glosbuild.co.uk CCourt ourt FFarm, arm, TTewkesbury ewkesbury Road, Road, Twigworth, Twigworth, G Glos. los. G GL2 L2 9 9PX PX
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David D avid SStevens tevens
DAVEY’S D AVEY’S MAINTENANCE AINTENANCE BUILDING M DESIGN
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F OR A LL YOUR Y O UR P ROPERTY FOR ALL PROPERTY M AINTENANCE, REPAIRS REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, R EFURBISHMENTS REFURBISHMENTS •P Plumbing lumbing & E Electrics lectrics • W Wall all & Floor Floor T Tiling i l i ng • K Kitchen itchen & B Bathroom athroom F Fitting itting • R Roofing oofing Repairs Repairs & M Maintenance aintenance • G General eneral B Building ui l d i n g R Repairs epairs &M Maintenance aintenance • G Guttering uttering & U Upvc pvc C Cladding l a dd i ng And m uch, much much more more e And much,
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E.P.S E .P.S Ellis Property Solutions
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Block Paving • Ta Tarmac • Lan Landscaping ndscaping F encing • P Patios atios • Driveways Driveways • G Garden arden W Walls alls Fencing All our work is G Guaranteed uaranteed ffor or 5 y years! ears! Guaranteed to beat any genuine quote
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Rectory Rectory Fields, Fields, R Rudford, udford, G Gloucestershire loucestershire G GL2 L2 8 8DT DT
TTel: el: 01452 01452 6668005 68005 / 001453 1453 2297010 97010 / 001285 1285 2238089 3 808 9 w www.marshallsdriveways.co.uk ww.marshallsdriveways.co.uk C Company ompany rregistration: egistration: 0 090645563 90645563
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All quality All quality makes makes of door door supplied. supplied. of F ast, ffriendly riendly Fast, repair s ervice. repair service. • Free Estimates • New Doors • Servicing • Repairs • Door Automation • Credit Cards Accepted
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Matt Matt G Grimshaw rimshaw Carpentry Carpentry L Ltd td Your Y our llocal ocal C Carpenter/ arpenter/ K Kitchen itchen F Fitting itting S Specialist pecialist
All aspects of carpentry undertaken G G
Kitchens G Doors G Timber Flo Stairs G Roofiing G Bespoke Joine G Decking G Fencing
01242 0 1242 6604423/07792 04423/07792 088822 088822 mattgrimshawcarpentry@live.co.uk mattgrimshawcarpentry@live.co.uk w www.mattgrimshawcarpentry.co.uk ww.mattgrimshawcarpentry.co.uk
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LAWN WN MAN MAN
RRedwood edw wood Tree Tree CCare are Specialist Work on All Kinds of Trees • Planting • Topping • Pruning • Deadwooding • Removal (Roots too!) • Fruit Tree Management • Stump Treatment • Health Assessmen 25% H HEDGES EDGES PRUNED PRUNED AND AND T TRIMMED RIMMED 25% DISCOUNT ONE-OFF ONE-OFF G GARDEN ARDEN T TIDY IDY S SERVICE ERVICE DISCOUNT iinn M May ay LICENSED LICENSED W WASTE ASTE CARRIER CARRIER 22018 018
Ring R ing J James ames on on
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CHOSEN CHOSEN LAWNMOWER LAWNMOWER SERVICES S ERVICES S SERVICING ERVICING & REPAIR REPAIR off d domestic o omestic llawnmowers awnmowers Mower Mower collection collection and delivery delivery and For a reliable, friendly service please call Graham
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Fully NPTC Qualified and Insured
m: 07787 578845 t: 01452 700388 e: rob.cockburn16@gmail.com
JOE & JAMIE
~ Established 25 years! ~
LANDSCAPE GARDENERS All garden work undertaken and guaranteed! Fencing, Patios, Block Paved Drives & Gravel Surfaces Tree & Hedge Pruning, Trimming, Felling 10% OFF Turf supplied and laid ~ Lawns removed for OAPs Retaining Walls Built/Repaired
No job too small or too large ~ All waste removed For a FREE ‘no obligation’ estimate, call Joe or Jamie on
Winter Winter Tidying Tidying Service: Service: Gardens Gardens & Patios Patios C Cleaned, leaned, L Leaves eav es C Cleared, leared, e etc. tc.
ssales@dwtreeservices.com ales@dwtreeservices.com · www.dwtreeservices.com www.dwtreeservices.com
D Distributors istributors R Required equired For a few hours each month in: Brockworth Each round is made up The T h e Loc Lo c al a l 200,000 200,000 of 150 -400 copies per A NSW AN S W ER E R fforor local loca l people pe o p le month. The rate of pay is 6 pence/copy. Depending on property types, our current team of people average between 100 -150 copies/hour (equivalent to £6-£9/hour). Magazines are delivered to Distributors’ homes G GLOUC LOUCEESTER towards the end of each STER month and we expect deliveries to be completed within four days between the hours of 7am and 9pm. You must be 13+ years old, flexible, reliable and sufficiently physically fit to perform the duties.
M MAY AY 2 2018 018
DELIVERED MONTHLY DELIVERED MONTHLY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
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• Tree Work • Garden Design • Garden Maintenance • Turfing • Lawn Cutting • Hedge Trimming • Pond Work • Patios • Decking • Pergolas • Fencing • Sheds • Driveways Diploma in Horticulture ~ Established 1993
01242 01242 713800 713800 / 07778 07778 340485 340485 Free Quotes ~ Competitive Rates
www.markclifford-landscapes.co.uk w ww.markclifford-landscapes.co.uk The Local Answer
I FENCING I TURFING I GRAVELLING I PATIO CLEANING & REPAIR I TREE PRUNING & THINNING I HEDGE TRIMMING I SHRUB SHAPING
N NEW EW TTHIS HIS M MONTH ONTH – LLOCAL OCAL EENTERTAINME NTERTAINMEN NTT SSTORIES TORIES IINSIDE! NSIDE!
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A All ll Landscaping Landscaping aand nd Horticultural Horticultural w work ork undertaken undertaken
Phoenix P hoenix Gardens Gardens Let L et u uss d doo tthe he g groundwork roundwork ffor or y you ou
◆ Fencing ◆ Tu urfing ◆ Garden Landscaping ◆ Decking ◆ Patios ◆ Plant Advice ◆ Complete Garden Makeovers ◆ Hedge Cutting & Planting
• FFull ull LLandscape andscape D esign Design &C onsultation Consultation •G arden/Commercial Garden/Commercial M aintenance Maintenance • LLawn awn C are & T reatment Care Treatment • FFencing encing • P atios Patios • SShrub/Hedge hrub/Hedge Pruning Pruning P PROFESSIONAL ROFESSIONAL • TRAINED TRAINED • COMMITTED COMMITTED
Call C all Mark Mark on on MOB: MOB: 07979 07979 421 421 501 501 TEL: 0 1452 549 TEL: 01452 549 2 286 86
C Call all Garry Garry on on 0 07398 7398 1 162908 62908 or or 01452 01452 6 612379 12379 www.gslandscapesolutions.co.uk www.gslandscapesolutions.co.uk
www.phoenixgardenersgloucester.co.uk
Make M ake yyour ourr Garden ou Gar ardden worth your Heritage • Domestic/Commercial Maintenance • Decking •P Patios/Paving atios/Pavi • Fencing • Turfing • Driveways Ground Works Works • Garden Design • Planting Arrangements Ground
Tel: 01452 522841 after 6pm Mob: 07799 142194 anytime
Master Master Sheds Sheds Each structure is custom built to your own requirements – perhaps to fit a corner of the garden or a difficult location.
ver 1 5 Years’ Years’ Experience • Fully Insured • Portfolio •O Over 15 available • All All W available Work Guaranteed • References Available
FFor or aadvice dvice aand nd free quotations contact Nick Rutter on 01452 o n0 145 751274 or 07796 146099
Woodlands W oodlands Landscapes Landscapes All types of gardening work undertaken For a FREE FREE PPATIOS ATIOS•FENCING FENCING•TURFING TURFING For n no oo obligation bligation PRUNING PRUNING•TOPPING TOPPING•FELLING FELLING quote quote call: call: HEDGE HEDGE CUTTING CUTTING 001452 1452 GARDEN GARDEN CLEARANCES CLEARANCES 8 99771 899771 A family run business – we won’t be beaten on price! leewoodlands@hotmail.com
or or
007919 7919 8837765 37765
01452 314011 07831 762644
www.mastersheds.co.uk
Unit D, Sudmeadow Road, Hempsted, Gloucester GL2 5JA
Garden Sheds, Summerhouses, Home Offices, Garages, Workshops, Site Huts, Stables, Kennels, Aviaries, Pavilions or any large timber buildings! Page
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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.
To advertise call 01242 510500
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Female male Plumber umber
ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES S ERVICES
Kerry rry Baker Baker
• Home • Rewires Automation • Electrical – smar t repairs h ome • Electrical testing • Ef ficient • LED lighting thermostats
sional q plumber Fully insured No job too small
Mobile:
0 07880 7880 258158 258158 kerry@thefemaleplumber.co.uk
iinfo@sarsenenergy.co.uk nfo@sarsenenergy.co.uk w www.sarsenenergy.co.uk ww.sarsenenergy.co.uk
01242 323923 07912 662516
info@pbtinstallations.co.uk www.pbtinstallations.co.uk
ELITE LOFT FT LADDERS Safe and easy access
LLOFT OFT LADDERS LADDERS SUPPLIED SUPPLIED & INSTALLED INSTALLED LLOFT OFT HATCHES HATCHES EENLARGED NLARGED 01452 526040 07972 777876 mark@eliteloftladders.co.uk www.eliteloftladders.co.uk
FFully ully IInsured nsured Fully Fully Qualified Qualified CRB CRB Checked Checked
w www.draindoctorglos.co.uk ww.drain doctorglos.co.uk
All drains an d blockages G All emergency plumbing work G Pre-fixe d prices G Saniflo blockages & installations G High pressure jetting/drain repairs/relining G CCTV sur veys/homebuyers’ sur veys G Local Author ity insurance & wate r co mpany appro ve d G
24 24 h hours o urs a d day ay 7 d days ays a w week eek 3 65 d ays a y ear 365 days year
S STEVE TEVE HOLLAND HOLLAND The ppower ower to to llight ight up up yyour our home home E ELECTRICAL LECTRICAL L LTD TD The
•D Design esign • IInstallation nstallation •R Repairs epairs • T Testing esting • IInspection nspection • M Maintenance aintenance
NEW N EW FUSE FUSE BOARDS BOARDS FROM FROM
££260 260
t0 01242 1242 2 250058 50058 e ssteve@shelimited.co.uk teve@shelimited.co.uk w shelimited.co.uk shelimited.co.uk
CALL US ON
GRP Ele lectric ical
01452 424804 FREEPHONE
0800 068 1216
LTD
Town Town & C Country ountry
H Heating eating and an d P Plumbing lumbing L Ltd td
Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Work under taken Getting G etting y your our g garden arden ready ready for for tthe he ssummer ummer
Kitchen lights Rewires Showers Fault finding Inspection & testing Landlord certificates Distribution board upgrades Free Estimates ~ No Call out Charge
SPECIAL PECIAL OF FFER FER!
110% 0% OFF OFF E EVERYTHING VERYTHING ffor or work work b booked ooked a and nd carried carried out out b before efore 3 31st 1st M May ay 2018 2018
144 Finlay Road Gloucester GL4 6TF Tel: (Gloucester) 01452 307413 Tel: (Cheltenham) 01242 649642 Mob: 07970 547277 Email: info@grpelectricalltd.co.uk www.grpelectricalltd.co.uk
Page 40
Gas boiler Gas b oiler service service only £39.50+VAT o nly £ 39.50+VAT
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t: 01452 37968 36191088
C100129
306116
enquiries@townandcountryheatingandplumbing.co.uk ww w ww.townandcountryheatingandplumbing.co.uk U nit 7 10 JJupiter upiter C ourt, M eteor B usiness P ark, Unit 710 Court, Meteor Business Park, C heltenham R oad E ast, S taverton G L2 9 QL Cheltenham Road East, Staverton GL2 9QL
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QUALITY Q UALITY KITCHEN K ITCHEN FACELIFTS F ACELIFTS
F For or a b beautiful eautiful new new k kitchen itchen ... ... jjust ust c change hange the the d doors oors
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Installed by local skilled tradesmen G Save £1000s with a makeover G Trusted reputation G
~ Established 1999 ~
Call for a Free Estimate:
01452 0 1452 3 348 48 5 524 24
ww w ww.dreamdoors.co.uk
1 18 8H High igh S Street, treet, Stonehouse, Stonehouse, G Gloucestershire loucestershire GL10 GL10 2NA 2NA
Transforming T ransforming K Kitchens itchens a across cross G Gloucestershire loucestershiree
interior needs
Luxurious curtains and stylish blinds...
01 452 5 22 42 2
ies@interiorneeds.co.uk
Opening pening T Times imes
Monday Closed Monday – C losed – open en bbyy aappointment ppointment only. only. Tues-Sat Tues-Sat 10am-3pm. 10am-3pm.
•C Curtains urtains & Fabrics Fabrics
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ON O NP PRODUCTION RODUCTION O OF F THIS THIS V VOUCHER OUCHER
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Available to see at Interior Needs
E Eastern astern A Avenue, venue, G Gloucester loucester G GL4 L4 3 3BU BU ((Next Next tto oT The he W Weavers eavers S Shop, hop, o opposite pposite S SMYTHS) MYTHS)
w www.interiorneeds.co.uk ww.interiorneeds.co.uk
Gadgets G adgets & G Gizmos izmos with with Laura Laura N Nicklin icklin
SSpring pring Flings Flings After what feels like a hormonallyimbalanced couple of months, in which spring couldn’t decide b e t we e n s u n n y a n d i n v i t i n g o r windy and resentful, it looks like we h av e f i n a l l y g o t s o m e b l u e s k i e s ahead. In the lead up to summer, you can look forward to unpacking the barbeque grill, slapping on some sunscreen and dusting off your flip f l o p s a n d s u n h a t s w i t h n o s h a m e. Hopefully, some of the warmer weather-themed gizmos below might come into use.
Lakeland Lakeland
Snow CCone Snow one SSlushy lushy M Maker aker Gift G ift SSet et
slushy. Aside from s l u s h i e s, yo u c a n a l s o have some fun making more crushed ice for a d u l t re c i p e s l i k e cocktails. This cute, retro-style gadget will b e m o r e a p p r e c i a te d when you want to cool Menkind off at the end of a long day, or kick-start your weekend. Available f ro m L a k e l a n d w i t h a re m creative inventions of modern tech, ovable cone holder, spare cones, a s a ro b o t i c b a l l w h i c h c a n b e straws and recipes. controlled with facial expressions. D ow n l o a d t h e S p h e ro M i n i a p p to IIon on TTailgater ailgater G Go o get started and show off this little When you decide to do some selfguy to friends and family. The tanning in the back garden, you can Sphero Mini is a super cool gadget e n j o y yo u r s e l f e v e n m o r e w i t h w h i c h w i l l b e s u re t o i m p r e s s , a s some outdoor music for just £49.97. you show off the ‘Face Drive’ feature The Ion Tailgater Go is a lightweight by controlling the robot ’s movemodel and easily portable, with a ments by tilting your head, raising Bluetooth speaker, 20 -watt tailgater y o u r e ye b r o w s a n d o p e n i n g y o u r and USB port with which to charge m o u t h . T h e S p h e ro M i n i h a s a 4 5 yo u r s m a r t p h o n e . E n j oy u p t o 5 0 minute-battery life, LED lights and is h o u r s – i f yo u c a n h a n d l e i t – o f compatible with iOS and Android. It p l ay b a c k t i m e a s yo u e n j o y t h e c a n a l s o b e c u s to m i s e d w i t h build-up to summer. Simply connect different interchangeable shells if your device using Bluetooth to you fancy sprucing it up. At £49.99, start streaming. this child-friendly robot will be fun With quality sound and a for everyone. convenient model that isn’t too hefty, the Ion Tailgater Go is a practical speaker for the outdoors. What makes it even more useful is its water resistance feature, meaning that if our unreliable British weather does turn on us again, you don’t have to worry about your speaker getting damaged.
At £27.99, this snazzy Snow Cone S l u s h y M a k e r i s t h e p e r f e c t swe e t treat to cool off with on a sunny morning. Crush the ice by filling up the shaver bowl on top with ice c u b e s , t h e n re p l a c i n g t h e l i d a n d pressing down to grate the ice into SSphero phero M Mini ini the paper cone. With just a dollop of fruit juice or Who knew that the latest gizmos syrup, and plenty of ice, the little could be so cute? This little guy is g i z m o c r u s h e s i t u p i n t o a t a s t y p ro m i s i n g t o b e o n e o f t h e m o s t The Local Answer
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Currys Currys Page 4
FEMALE DECORATOR
HATHERLEY ATHERLEY HW H WORKTOPS W ORKTOPS LLTD TD Your Y our Local Local Worktop Worktop and and Kitchen Kitchen Specialists Specialists C Cheltenham heltenham b based ased Q Quartz uartz & G Granite ranite Factory Factory w with ith Display Display A Area rea I I I I I I I
Quartz Q uartz & Granite Granite Laminate Laminate Solid Solid Wood Wood Composite, Composite, Acrylic Acrylic & Corian Corian® Worktop Worktop rrefits efits Door Door rreplacements eplacements FFull ull kitchens kitchens
JWG TILING PROFESSIONAL, AFFORDABLE
WALL & FLOOR TILING C overing all all Tiling Tiling Services Services Covering
07891 194005 michellepowell81@hotmail.com
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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
The Local Answer
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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REASONS R EASONS TO TO B BUY UY F FROM ROM US: US:
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WHERE W HERE K KNOWLEDGE NOWLEDG DGE AND AND S SERVICE ERVICE M MEET EET P PRICE RICE A AND ND Q QUALITY UALITY
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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. The Local Answer
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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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. The Local Answer
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A solution solution for for all all your your double double glazing glazing problems problems
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BM B MS SERVICES ERVICES W Window, indow, Door Door & Conservatory Conservatory Repairs Repairs
A sspecialist pecialist rrepair epair sservice ervice ffor or w windows, indows, d doors o o rs a and nd conservatories conservatories w with ith o over ver 4 40 0 yyears’ ears’ e experience. xperience. Misted glass Handles andles Misted g lass • Locks Locks • Hinges Hinges • H Seals Conservatory Roof Cleaning leaning Seals • C onservatory R oof C For For ffree ree quotes quotes a and nd a rreliable, eliable, ffriendly riendly sservice: ervice: Am member ember o off C Call: all: 07963 07963 2 217998 17 99 8 E Email: mail: b barrieminett@mail.com arrieminett@mail.com W Web: eb: w www.bm-services-glos.co.uk ww.bm-services-glos.co.uk VERY V ERY C COMPETITIVE OMPETITIVE PRICES PRICES
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Gloucestershire’s Gloucestershire’s ffriendly, riendly, cost cost e effective ffective removals, c ollections collections removals, a nd deliveries deliveries s ervice! service! and
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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.
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Money Money M Matters atters
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
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CCity ity o off G Gloucester loucester B Bowls owls Club Club are are on on a roll! roll! “We’re friends in the clubhouse but enemies on the bowling green.” So says Gloucester City Bowls Club’s Steve Allsopp, who was talking about his club’s relationship with their close neighbours Gloucester Spa. In fact the two clubs are very close neighbours because although they each have their own green, they share an artificial green and share a clubhouse. “We open our green with a match against them and they close their green with a match against us,” said Allsopp. And there’s a bit riding on those matches too because the scores from the two contests are combined with the winners being presented with the Goddard Cup. So who tends to win the Goddard Cup? “We do,” laughed Allsopp. “We win i t t h e m a j o r i t y o f t h e t i m e. T h e banter between the clubs is brilliant.” Allsopp joined the club three years ago after previously playing for Gloucester and Severnside Co-op and
CChampion hampion tteam eam Coney Hill’s rugby players are made of stern stuff. Seven days after the heartbreak of missing out on a Twickenham final – they were beaten 20 -17 after extra time in the semi-final of the RFU Intermediate Cup by Camberley – they clinched the Western Counties North with a 34-28 win over Winscombe. I t i s n o t h i n g m o re t h a n t h ey deserved, of course, after leading the table for pretty much all of the season.
Charity Charity spectacular spectacular Top international referee Wayne Barnes will be back in the county over the next few days for his annual charity spectacular. This year’s big day at Lydney – in aid of Breast Cancer Now – is on Sunday 6 t h M ay a n d o rg a n i s e r s h o p e t h a t i t
Gloucester City were County Fours winners in 2016. Picture: Pete Langley
is very happy at his new home just a long roll of the jack from Gloucester Docks. He is one of the driving forces behind the City of Gloucester Bowls Tournament , which the club run in conjunction with Gloucester Spa and this year runs from 29th July to 4th August. “It attracts players from all over the county and south west,” said Allsopp. “The majority of players are from Gloucester but we are hoping to make the event even bigger. “We get around 150 to 200 people taking part in open singles, men’ss w i l l p r ove j u s t a s successful as last year’s big day. That attracted a crowd of approaching 2,000 and raised more than £15,000. The centre-piece of the day was a game between a Wayne B a r n es I nv i t at i o n a l XV and a Forest Wayne Barnes Invitational XV, a game that was also watched by England head coach Eddie Jones who was only too happy to lend his support to a very worthy cause.
Fighting Fighting b back ack “ W h e n t h e g o i n g g e t s to u g h , t h e tough get going” is a song co-written and originally recorded by English singer Billy Ocean in 1985. And if it’s not already the signature tune for Gloucester Angling Club then
pairs, ladies’ pairs, mixed pairs, men’s triples and mixed triples.” It’s clearly a decent event and the winner of the open singles will leave £250 richer. The money will be presented to him by the Mayor of Gloucester who will have a busy few days because he is also scheduled to bowl the first wood which traditionally gets the tournament started. The City of Gloucester Bowls Tournament is clearly a big part of Gloucester City ’s summer calendar but it is by no means the only event at the 50 -plus member club based in Spa Road. Far from it in fact. “Our ladies play in the county ladies’ league and have just got promoted to Division One under the captaincy of Barbara Whitehead,” said Allsopp. “And we’ve got a mixed team who play in the Glevum League and two men’s teams who play in the County 2-Rink League. For details about the City of Gloucester Bowls Tournament email sloppy.allsopp@hotmail.co.uk Full story online. it may well be in years to come. That ’s because the club that have lived through two world wars – when unsurprisingly club numbers dwindled – h a v e h i t o n m o r e h a rd t i m e s i n t h e past couple of years through no fault of their own. The much publicised pollution of the River Leadon back in July 2016 effectively forced them to move from their ‘home’ and it has certainly been a b a t t l e a t t i m e s to k e e p t h e c l u b afloat. The fact that the club have now turned the corner is largely down to a small, hardworking committee headed up by chairman Trevor Hyde, vicechairman Malcolm Chalmers, secretary and treasurer Richard Mander and committee men John Hill, Steve Martindale and Ken Price. For full versions of all these stories and more visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Tom Tom CCollinson ollinson iiss iin n uupbeat pbeat mood mood Tom Collinson is a man in a hurry. Gloucester City Winget’s relatively new captain is in a hurry to get his club back up to the level he thinks they should be playing. Relegation from the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire Division of the West of England Premier League last season hit the club hard, especially as it was not so long ago that they were playing in Premier One. Collinson took over as skipper twothirds of the way through the 2017 campaign, taking over from Scott Montgomery. And although he won his first three games in charge, he lost the final three which was enough to send the club down into the Gloucestershire Division. Now he’s plotting the fightback although he admits that in many ways this season will be unknown territory for himself and the club. “I don’t really know what to expect,” h e s a i d , “ b u t a n y t h i n g b e l ow t h i r d place would be an absolute disaster.” Not that the club would be satisfied with third, they want promotion and
Gloucester City Winget with the Abbey Business Equipment Cup which they won last year
that means finishing on top of the pile. And that is something that Collinson, a 26-year-old off-spinning all-rounder, believes is very achievable. “We should be higher than where we are,” he said. And he’s certainly got plenty of offfield support this season because the club h a ve a p p o i n te d fo r m e r Gloucestershire and Kent batsman Simon Hinks as their head coach.
“He played for Gloucestershire Over50s with Paul Baker,, one of our club members,” said Collinson. “We got in touch with him and he shares a lot of similar ambitions for the team as myself so it was a no brainer for us.” Collinson is also encouraged by the fact that the club have recruited top order batsman Ankit Patel from Sydney,, Australia. Full story online.
KKingsholm ingsholm look look forward forward ttoo a bbig ig yyear ear Kingsholm Cricket Club celebrate their 95th season in a very strong position. The 1st XI have been promoted to the Gloucestershire Division of the West of England League, the 2 n d X I a re s e e k i n g p r o m o t i o n from Division Six of Gloucestershire County League and the 3rd XI, after winning promotion in their inaugural season, are now i n D i v i s i o n O n e E a st of Cheltenham, Gloucester and Forest League. These are indeed buoyant times for the club, who have appointed Ben de Vos as their senior coach a s t h e y l o o k to e s t a b l i s h themselves at the higher level. Matt Cayless is captain again after last season’s County League title success with club secretary Tim Wheeler describing him as a “thinking captain”. While his leadership skills will obviously be very important , so will his performances with bat and ball.
Kingsholm won the County League last season
Cayless will have pretty much all the p l ay e r s w h o s e r v e d h i m s o w e l l i n 2 0 1 7 a l o n g s i d e h i m i n t h e c u r re n t campaign although there will be one new face. That ’s Rob Birch who has joined from Apperley. Continuity has been one of the keys to Kingsholm’s recent success, with the club making a conscious decision
a couple of years ago to back their youngsters. When they make the short trip to play Gloucester City Winget on t h e o p e n i n g d a y o f t h e n ew c a m p a i g n o n S a t u rd a y 5 t h M a y they will have only Sam Wheeler, stalwart John Veits and Ryan Mcghee in the 1st team squad who were at the club when they were last at this level in 2011. Veteran Ben Cambridge, one of the club’s all-time leading bowlers, is taking a step back this year but can be called on for cover. “We made the decision to give youth a chance,” said Wheeler. “We’re staying with our young players.” It promises to be a very busy season at the club because they will also be competing in the National Village and County Cu p Knockout competitions and will be playing in both Gloucester and Cheltenham midweek leagues. Full story online.
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