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ANS W E R
SEPTEMBER 2018
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FOREST OF DEAN COME AND SEE US A ATT GLOUCESTER DA AY Y & NEWENT ONION FA FAY YRE!
QUALITY KITCHEN FA F ACELIFTS
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~ Established 1999 ~
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AN ANSWER SWER FForest orest ooff D ean – 222,000 2,000 ccopies opies Dean G loucester – 446,000 6,000 ccopies opies Gloucester G loucestershire SSouth outh – 441,000 1,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Gloucestershire N North orth – 220,000 0,000 ccopies opies Cheltenham Cheltenham – 43,000 43,000 ccopies opies Cotswolds Cotswolds – 228,000 8,000 ccopies opies
M Managing anaging D Director irector D Dave ave K Kingscott ingscott ddave@thelocalanswer.co.uk ave@thelocalanswer.co.uk
EEditorial ditorial & M Marketing arketing LLois ois K Kingscott ingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Helen H elen K Kingscott ingscott
SSport port R Roger oger JJackson ackson sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk
EEntertainment ntertainment P Patrick atrick B Baines aines eentertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk ntertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk
CCustomer ustomer SServices ervices K Kevin evin V Vaughan-Spruce aughan-Spruce services@thelocalanswer.co.uk services@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Claudie Claudie FFrancis rancis pproduction@thelocalanswer.co.uk roduction@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Distribution D istribution JJulia ulia B Ball all – 001242 1242 5541075 41075 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk
LLaura aura H Hodgson odgson nneil.laura.tla@outlook.com eil.laura.tla@outlook.com
AAccounts ccounts R Robert obert K Kingscott ingscott aaccounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk ccounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Unit Unit H, H, CChurchill hurchill IIndustrial ndustrial EEstate, state, Churchill Churchill RRoad, oad, GL53 LLeckhampton, eckhampton, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Gloucestershire G L53 7EG 7EG
T Telephone elephone 0 01242 1242 5 510500 10500 thelocalanswer thelocalanswer
September’s winning cover photo: Samantha Belcher of Cheltenham
Welcome Welcome ttoo SSeptember eptember ... ... September is now upon us which of course means the little ones are heading back to school. Check out this month’s ‘Delicious Dish’ for a quick and easy mid-week meal, perfect for those stressful first few weeks of term! Our Photography Cover competition is still running so get snapping and send us your best photos for a chance to make it on to one of our 2019 covers. More information inside. September is a big month for us at The Local Answer as we will be attending both Gloucester Day on Saturday 1st and Newent Onion Fayre on Saturday 8th. We will be running a charity tombola at both events in aid of Building Circles in Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust . Be sure to come along and see us for a chance to win some prizes! As always, our What ’s On section is full of ways to entertain yourselves now that the weather is on the turn.
IInside nside tthis his m month... onth ... Delicious Dish ish 5 Delicious D Wildlife Matters atters 7 Wildlife M Medical Health 9 ealth Medical H Holidays 11 ravel 11 Holidays & TTravel What’s On 12 n 12 What’s O TLA Photography 13 hotography CCover over Competition Competition 13 TLA P Word 17 earch 17 Word SSearch TLA 18-19 TLA Entertainment Entertainment 18-19 Homes Gardens 20 Homes & G ardens 20 Quick 22 Quick Crossword Crossword 22 23 23 he Garden Garden IIn n tthe Design 27 27 esign IInterior nterior D 30 30 the Planet Planet SSave ave the Sudoku 31 31 Sudoku Money Matters 31 atters 31 Money M TLA 32-33 TLA Sport Sport 32-33 Index, 34 Index , CCompetitions, ompetitions, SSolutions olutions 34
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applies d uring *Offer applies *Offer during 01 8. September 2 September 2018. elcome. Pre-orders w Pre-orders welcome. advert tto o be be This advert This handed in in to to handed redeem o ffer. redeem offer. e used used in in Cannot b Cannot be with conjunction with conjunction any o ther o ffer. any other offer.
Opening Opening h hours: ours: M Monday-Thursday o n d a y - Th u r s d a y 1 11am-3pm 1am-3pm & 5 5pm-Midnight p m - M i d n i g h t • Friday Fr i d ay & SSaturday a t u r d ay 1 11am-1am 1 a m - 1 a m • Sunday S u n d ay 11am-5pm 11am-5pm
9 9a a Southgate Southgate Street, Street, Gloucester Gloucester GL1 GL1 1TG 1TG (Above (Above Costa Costa Coffee) Coffee)
Reservations: Reservations: 01452 01452 332993 332993
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w www.theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk ww.theoldbell-tigerseye.co.uk
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D Delicious elicious Dish Dish with w ith Helen Helen Kingscott Kingscott
Q Quick uick aand nd e easy asy m mid-week id-week p pasta asta With With minimal minimal eeffort ffort rrequired equired aand nd ffresh, resh, tasty tasty flavours flavours tthis his hhealthy ealthy ddish ish w will ill soon soon be be a family family favourite! favourite! Ingredients Ingredients ((serves serves 4): 4): 300g dried spaghetti or treat yourself with some fresh pasta; 200g bag of young leaf spinach; 100g smoked bacon medallions or lardons; 200g frozen petit pois, defrosted; 3 sprigs fresh mint , leaves picked and chopped; 1 garlic clove, chopped or use lazy garlic; 40g Parmigiano Reggiano, grated; 5 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp white wine vinegar; 4 eggs.
2 Cook the bacon or lardons in a frying pan until nice and crisp, then chop into small pieces. 3 In a food processor, add the petit pois with the mint , garlic , cheese, reserved pasta water and ve g e t a b l e o i l , a n d w h i z z u n t i l m i xe d b u t n o t smooth. 4 Bring a small pan of water to the boil, add the v i n e g a r t h e n c a re f u l l y a d d e g g s o n e a t a t i m e. Cook for approximately two minutes so they are Method: Method: set but still soft in the middle. 1 Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the pasta 5 Combine the pasta and spinach with the pea and for 10 -12 minutes for the dried or 5 minutes for mint mix . the fresh. Drain but reserve 150ml of the cooking water, then stir the spinach into the warm pasta 6 Divide between four bowls, scatter over the bacon pieces and place a poached egg on top. to wilt.
W WE E NEED NEED
V VOLUNTEERS OLUNTEERS
Can Can you you spare spare a ffew ew hhours ours a month month to to support support ppeople eople with with learning learning disabilities? disabilities? FFull ull training training & expenses expenses ppaid aid For more information call 01452 01452 617346 617346 admin@buildingcirclesglos.org.uk www.buildingcirclesglos.org.uk The Local Answer
Vinyl Records
WANTED LOCAL BUYER PAYS CASH FOR YOUR YOUR U UNWANTED NWANTED R RECORDS ECORDS
Most LPs, EPs & singles from the 1960s/70s/80s/90s considered. Especially large or small collections of Heavy Rock, Psych & Prog Rock, Punk & 90s Britpop.
e-mail: e -mail: w willowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk illowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk 01242 0 1242 7 702947 02947 o orr 0 07785 7785 5 515987 15987 To advertise call 01242 510500
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Wildlife W ildlife M Matters atters w with ith Maxine Maxine R Raggatt aggatt
Dancing Dancing lleaves eaves and and conker conker ttrees rees A s t h e b r i g h t f l o we r s o f s u m m e r begin to fade, the rust-coloured charm of autumn begins. This year the autumn equinox takes place on Sunday 23rd September. This is when the length of night and day is a l m o st e q u a l a s t h e s u n s h i n es directly on the equator. For me, autumn is my favourite time of year. There is a chill in the air where the crisp leaves dance, but there is still enough warmth from the sun to enjoy those everchanging woodland walks.
B Budding udding into into b beauty eauty S o m e t h i n g m o s t o f u s w i l l h a ve fo n d c h i l d h o o d m e m o r i e s o f i s playing many a game of conkers with friends. These mahoganyb r ow n s e e d s f o r m o n t h e h o r s e chestnut tree, a species that isn’t native to the UK but introduced to the country from turkey in the late 16th century. Horse chestnut trees bud in the winter and are covered in a sticky residue. In the spring, as the
air starts to warm, the glue-like residue begins to melt away, and the bud starts to open revealing the flower structure and large leaves. The flowers blossom into drapes of y e l l ow a n d w h i te t h r o u g h o u t t h e tree, the yellow of which turns to pink once pollinated by insects. A robust green skin forms, housing a soft , creamy substance which squirrels love to eat, so spikes grow on the outside to deter them from breaking through and eating what will soon be a shiny new conker. By the arrival of the autumn, if they haven’t already due to infection, the conkers will be ripe and ready to fall to the ground. At this time squirrels will eat the ripe conkers but also bury others that may turn into future horse chestnut trees if buried before they dry out.
conditions. One of which is the leaf miner moth. The moths spread their larvae into the tissue of the leaves turning them brown and dry. Some people think this is due to an early autumn, but it is, in fact , a moth i n fe s t a t i o n . O v e r t i m e t h i s k i l l s t h e leaves which can contribute towards confusing the annual calendar of the tree and its fruiting. The second threat is bleeding canker – an infection that affects the trunk of the tree. You can spot this Under Under tthreat hreat on the bark and branches of the tree These trees can live for up to 300 as a brown, sticky, oozing substance. years; however, they are under As the years pass, this bacterial threat from two rather severe infection will eventually split the bark around the diameter of the tree, a n d i t w i l l s a d l y d i e. I t h a s b e e n reported that the disease is so widespread that at least half the h o r s e c h e s t n u t t re e s i n t h e U K a re infected with bleeding canker.
Don’t Don’t fforget orget tto o lleave eave ssome ome ffor or tthe he ssquirrels! quirrels! T h a t b e i n g s a i d , t h e re a re s t i l l many exceptional horse chestnut trees around to be enjoyed. So why not awaken the nostalgia from w i t h i n a n d h av e a g o o d o l d fashioned game of conkers. Foraging is also great fun, and you can create unique crafts for your home for the approaching harvest season. But don’t forget to leave some for the squirrels! The Local Answer
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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
M Medical edical H Health ealth w with ith H Holly olly Hannigan Hannigan
B Beware eware ooff CCOPD OPD – CChronic hronic ulmonary D O Obstructive bstructive PPulmonary Disease isease C h r o n i c o b s t r u c t i ve p u l m o n a r y disease, or COPD, is a group of lung conditions including bronchitis and e m p h y s e m a . O f te n re fe r r e d t o a s smoker’s disease, COPD is caused by inhaling harmful substances such as cigarette smoke or fumes, pollution and dust. Breathing these substances over a long period of time can cause permanent damage to your lungs. If y o u a r e o ve r 3 5 a n d h a ve b e e n a smoker, you are at most risk of getting COPD. The two main lung conditions are B ro n c h i t i s a n d E m p h y s e m a , w h i c h can occur together. • Bronchitis means the airways are inflamed and narrowed. People with this condition often produce sputum, or phlegm. • Emphysema affects the air sacs at the end of the airways in your lungs. They break down and the lungs become baggy and full of holes which trap air. Symptoms of both of these conditions can include: • Shortness of breath while completing everyday tasks • Wheezing in cold weather • A persistent cough • Producing more phlegm than usual These symptoms may appear all the time, or get worse when you have an infection or breathe in smoke or fumes. If you have severe COPD, you can lose your appetite, lose weight and find that your ankles swell.
breathing into a machine to measure your lung capacity and h ow q u i c k l y y o u c a n e m p t y y o u r lungs. Further tests involve a chest X-RAY and blood test , and c a l c u l a t i n g yo u r B M I ( b o d y m a ss index) to see if you are a healthy we i g h t fo r yo u r h e i g h t , b e c a u s e your body will be able to cope better with COPD if you are. M a n a g i n g y o u r s y m p to m s c a n involve: • Stopping smoking • Keeping active • A healthy diet • Making a plan with healthcare professionals • Medications such as steroid inhalers or bronchodilator • Oxygen • Lung transplants – these are high A sspirometry pirometry ttest, est, b blood lood risk and only available to a small ttests ests a and nd B BMI MI a are re a all ll u used sed number of people who meet the criteria tto oh help elp m make ake a d diagnosis iagnosis Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a To help diagnose COPD, doctors use a spirometry test , which involves programme of exercise and The Local Answer
education designed for people living with COPD. It combines physical exercise sessions with advice and discussions about your lung health. The impact of PR is often bigger than t h e i m p a c t of t a k i n g i n h a l e d medications. By combining the two approaches, you’re likely to get the most benefit .
The The condition condition can’t can’t b be e cured cured o orr rreversed eversed The outlook for people with COPD varies but the condition can’t be cured or reversed. Many people find treatment and lifestyle changes can keep it under control, so it doesn’t severely limit their daily activities. Unfortunately, having worked with many people with COPD, in some cases it continues to get worse despite treatment , eventually having a significant impact on their quality of life and leading to life threatening problems. Make healthy life choices early on to help avoid COPD and enjoy every breath you take.
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Norad Travel is a local travel agency based in Gloucester. We can book holidays anywhere – stay within the UK or travel the world! From city breaks to luxur y holidays, cruises to special interest tours, honeymoons to family holidays, solo travel to coach and UK trips, worldwide tailor-made holidays to flights, we do it all. Plus we’re fully bonded with ABTA and ATOL, so your holiday is always protected.
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We’ll W e’ll always perfect holiday. holiday.. always ffind ind yyou ou tthe he perfect Call prices destinations! C all uuss for for more more p rices & d estinations!
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Suite Westgate House, Suite 3 W estgate eH ouse, Westgate Westgate Retail Retail Park, Park, Westgate St, Gloucester W estg gate S t, G loucester GL1 GL1 2RN 2RN
Holidays H olidays & T Travel ravel w with ith A Al lH Hidden idden
CCaptivating aptivating CConiston oniston Maybe you’re planning a long-haul adventure, but need a few days’ away in England first – or you just fancy time in one of our most treasured landscapes. Either way, the Lake District, just a few hours’ drive f ro m Gloucestershire, rarely disappoints. I hadn’t visited for years, so welcomed the opportunity to go b a c k . W i t h a g ro u p o f f r i e n d s , w e stayed at Browside and Underwood self-catering cottages (standard B&B too). Located within sight of Coniston Water, it ’s an excellent base for exploring the Southern Lakes. Whether you follow Wainright ’s footsteps across the fells, explore the valleys, or chill-out lakeside, you’ll be perfectly placed. And come Amazons Tearoom & Restaurant , sundown, Browside’s hot tub is B&B and holiday cottages at Bank Ground Farm one lunchtime. It’s the sublime. farm that inspired Holly Howe, in IIn nB Bluebird’s luebird’s w wake ake ‘Swallows and Amazons’. Enjoying a Mention Coniston and Donald delicious lunch overlooking the lake, Campbell’s record-breaking attempts with house martins swooping in ‘Bluebird’ probably come to mind. overhead, we marked it for a repeat Maybe also The Old Man of Coniston, visit . Then we continued to nearby or Arthur Ransome’s ‘Swallows and Brantwood House, where the John Amazons’ books from the 1930s, Ruskin memorabilia and gardens several of which are set on a fictional completed a happy afternoon. amalgam of Coniston Water and SSunset unset o over ver W Windermere indermere Windermere. The day before, we’d walked from I m a g i n e m y j o y w h e n we stumbled on the Swallows and Ambleside to Rydal and back , then The Local Answer
down to Waterhead. There, as s h a d ow s l e n g t h e n e d a c r o s s t h e Wateredge Inn’s lawn, we enjoyed t h e s u n s e t ov e r W i n d e r m e re . T h e food looked great too, but we were cooking that night, so we stuck with d r i n ks a n d l e f t d i n i n g f o r a n o t h e r time… Exploring the shores of Coniston Water and Windermere is wonderful, but for a different perspective, book a Windermere cruise from Bowness Pier. And if you fancy venturing further, the fascinating Lakes Distillery near Keswick (booking required) is excellent. Or head south to the lingering Edwardian character of Grange-over-Sands on Morecambe Bay, and try The Hazelmere for a relaxed lunch.
Unbeatable ffor Unbeatable or a an n accessible a ccessible e escape scape The likes of Japan, Patagonia and Canada are unquestionably amazing, but you really can’t beat the Lake District for accessible escape. The contrast and relaxation really is as good as flying around the globe. Just remember to pack ‘Swallows and Amazons’, and Hugh Brogan’s excellent biography of Arthur Ransome, with those Wainright guides.
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What’s W hat’s O On n TThe he LLocal ocal A Answer nswer EEvent vent Listings Listings are are ccompiled ompiled and and presented preesented in in good good faith faith with with the the kind kind support support of of many many contributors. contributors. Wee re W recommend ecommend yyou ou uuse se tthe he ccontact ontact ddetails etails pprovided rovided to to check check event event information information uupdates pdates pprior rior ttoo pplanning lanning yyour our vvisit. isit. THROUGHOUT THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER STRICTLY COME DANCING EXHIBITION Fourteen stunning dresses from Strictly Come Dancing will be on display in a special exhibition. The Castle’s impressive Great Hall will act as the perfect backdrop for this glamorous exhibition. Visitors will also discover fascinating details about each of the dresses on display, all of which are made in the UK with each bead and crystal attached by hand. Berkeley Castle, GL13 9BQ. 01453 810303. www.berkeley-castle.com 1 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER GLOUCESTER DAY
A day to celebrate all that is great about Gloucester with fun for all the family. Starting with the Mock Mayor of Barton’s Parade at 11am, followed by the Mock Mayor Making Ceremony at 11.20am, the Thanksgiving Service at 12 noon and the Gloucester Day Parade at 2pm. For music, entertainment and above all FUN, head on down to Gloucester and join in the celebrations. Find full details of the day at
gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk ASHLEWORTH VILLAGE SHOW Ashleworth Show is on Saturday 1st September, 1.30-5pm. Woodpeckers Sports Ground, GL19 4JJS. Many arena attractions, activities, stalls, exhibition marquee. BBQ, tea tent and bars. Just £2 adult entry, £1 children. Fun for all the family! For info see: ashleworth.btck.co.uk/AshleworthVillageShow MINI MARKET AT CHRISTCHURCH Mini Market at Christchurch on Saturday 1st September 10am-12pm. Toys, books, tombola, table top, homemade cakes, refreshments. Something for everyone – come and enjoy a time together. Further enquiries to Sheila 07882 985530. Christchurch, Abbeydale, Gloucester, GL4 5EQ. MORETON IN MARSH SHOW An exciting and action packed day of all the best in British farming and the countryside. Take a look at hundreds of beautiful farm animals and watch some of the best horses and riders in competition. Lots of family fun from terrier racing and stunt motorbikes to Tractor Ted and circus skills. Scores of trade stands selling fantastic country clothing and fabulous gifts. We also celebrate farm to fork with delicious British food. Experience the countryside in a day. The Moreton-inMarsh Show, Batsford Road, GL56 0AB. 01608 651 908. www.moretonshow.co.uk 1-2 1-2 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER ORCHARD STREET FOOD & CRAFT MARKET The markets have developed a reputation for offering a marvellous mix of food and drink, with an eclectic array of artisan arts and crafts, jewellery, home wear, plants and seasonal goods. Come along, enjoy great food and drink, soak up the atmosphere of
market day and meet our friendly, dedicated and enthusiastic producers. Sat 10am-6pm. Sun 10am-5pm. www.gloucesterquays.co.uk Gloucester Quays, St Ann Way, Gloucester, GL1 5SF. 01452 338933. 1-16 1-16 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER GLOUCESTER HISTORY FESTIVAL Gloucester is well renowned for its rich history, heritage and culture. Each year in September, the city comes together for a two-week long festival which celebrates not only local but international history. This encompasses a wide programme of talks, workshops, performances and tours of historic buildings which are often closed to the general public. For full details including event times and ticket prices, visit www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk 5 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER – 6 OCTOBER OCTOBER CAPTURING LIGHT – ART, MUSIC, POETRY, THEATRE
A mixed show featuring four individual artists, with subject matter ranging from British seascapes and landscapes through to exotic Morocco and a detailed study of Venice. Gloucester History Festival exhibition for the first two weeks. Free entry. Coffee Shop available. Limited parking. Wednesday – Saturday, 10am-4pm. www.thechapelarts.com
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6 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER JULIE Wild and newly single, Julie throws a late night party. In the kitchen, Jean and Kristina clean up as the celebration heaves above them. Julie initiates a power game with Jean – which rapidly descends into a savage fight for survival. This new version of August Strinberg’s play Miss Julie, remains shocking and fiercely relevant in its new setting of contemporary London. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk 66-7 -7 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER OPEN AIR CINEMA AT OVER FARM Screened by the Alfresco Film Company, the films are sure to delight audiences. Bring your own seating or picnic blanket to watch the movies under the stars, or opt for premium seating of a deckchair or beanbag. They will be showing Pulp Fiction on the 6th and Shaun of the Dead on the 7th. Over Farm, Gloucester, GL2 8DB. Full details at www.overfarm.co.uk 77-8 -8 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER MORETON IN MARSH BEER FESTIVAL Enjoy a large range of beers and ciders over this two day festival, topped off with music from local bands. Moreton In Marsh Cricket Club, Batsford Road, Moreton In Marsh, GL56 9QA. northcotswoldcamra.org.uk
8 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER NEWENT ONION FAYRE
Three stages of live music, food village, street entertainers, dancing, fairground rides, exhibitions, lakeside events and over 150 stands with arts, crafts and plants to name but a few. From fresh local food and produce, lunches and snacks, through to beers, wines, ciders and juice, there’s a lot more than just onions! Free entry. 10am5pm. For full details please visit www.newentonionfayre.org DRYBROOK & DISTRICT MALE VOICE CHOIR Drybrook and District Male Voice Choir celebrate their 70th birthday. Joined by the wonderful brass of Cinderford Academy Brass. £8. 7.30pm. Cindeford Baptist Church, 9 Commercial Street, Cinderford, GL14 2RP. 07989 331189 88-9 -9 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER CHELTENHAM PAINT FESTIVAL The latest addition to the Cheltenham festivals calendar which brings high-quality
TLA TLA Photography Photograph CCompetition ompetition Have you entered our Photography Competition yet? We’re looking fo images of food, animals, plants, everyyday objects and more to represent the four seasons of the year,, and the winning photographs will appear on the covers of our 2019 publications! To enter, send your image(s) along with your name, address and telephone number stating ‘TLA Photography 2018’ to photography@thelocalanswer.co.uk . We cannot accept postal entries. Any photos al cal oc Lo he L Th T s e n t i n t h e p o s t m ay n o t b e R E ER W SW NS A AN re t u r n e d . T h e c l o s i n g d a te fo r entries is Wednesday 31st October 2018. Entries received after midnight on this date will not be accepted. You must specify for which month you wish your photo to RE be considered for the front RSHIRE CESTERSHI GLOU GLOUCESTE cover and submit no more than three photos (one photo per month for up to three months). For full competition rules, as well as image criteria and specifications, please visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk/competitions 2 01 7 MBER 2017 SEPTEM SEPTEMBER
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artwork from leading national and international street artists to the town centre. Take a walk through Cheltenham to experience these wonderful works of art. www.cheltenhampaintfestival.co.uk CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF BIKES A wonderful showcase featuring awardwinning customs, modified classics, vintage scooters, choppers and cafe racers! Full details: www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA . 9 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER FR RA AMPTON COUNTRY FAIR Held in 30 acres of beautiful parkland of Frampton Court Estate, this is one of the last truly traditional country fairs. Join us in celebrating all that is great about the countryside and the people who work and live in it. Over 400 trade stands and three display rings. 9am. For full details please visit www.framptoncountryfair.co.uk Frampton Court Park, GL2 7HS. WEDDING INSPIRATION DAY 2018 Pop by for a glass of bubbly and discuss your special day with our dedicated wedding team, our wonderful caterers and hand-picked suppliers. The venue will be dressed for a ceremony and reception, showcasing an abundance of inspiration! 10.30am-1.30pm. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham, GL52 3JE. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
Newent Onion Fayre, described as Gloucestershire’s greatest, largest and most successful one day free festival, returns again this year for the 23rd consecutive year on Saturday 8th September 2018. From a charter granted to Newent by King Henry III in the 13th Century, it has now become a street festival o f fo o d , d r i n k , m u s i c , e ve n t s, exhibitions, fun fair, activities and merriment, which regularly attracts more than 15,000 visitors each year. The Fayre is a very big draw for visitors with in excess of 150 stalls around the town, a large Food Hall, two stages for music bands and a separate ‘Funion Zone’ near the lake especially for children. The Onion Show, staged in the Memorial Hall, is also unique – class exhibits can only be from the Onion Family, and there are children’s classes as well. Exhibitors come from all over the UK to compete for the cash prizes and trophies, making for fierce competition. The Onion Eating Contests for men and women attract many entries each year and take place in the afternoon on the main stage. The Onion Show is affiliated to the National Vegetable Society and therefore always has a reputable NVS judge for the exhibits. For all information on the Fayre, and especially for entering the contests, please visit newentonionfayre.org. Alternatively, for general enquiries contact: onions@newentonionfayre.net
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9 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SPEECH HOUSE VINTAGE SHOW Display of vintage vehicles and machinery, children’s amusements, trade stalls, auto jumble, craft tent, live music and much more! 10am-5pm. Adults £6, concessions £5, children aged 15 and under free. The Speech House Hotel, Speech House, Coleford, GL16 7EL . 01594 822607. fvvmc.co.uk/speech-house-vintage-show.php CLASSIC VEHICLE DAYS Twice each year the GWSR have a Classic Vehicle Day in June and September held at Toddington Railway Station. Public parking is at the usual station car park and classic cars are displayed in the field to the east side of the railway station. For full details please visit www.gwsr.com The Railway Station, Toddington, GL54 5DT. 12 12 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Down on his luck in the suburbs, John Falstaff plans to hustle his way to a comfortable retirement by seducing the wives of two wealthy men. Unknown to him, it’s the women of Windsor who really pull the strings, orchestrating Falstaff’s comeuppance amidst a theatrical smorgasbord of petty rivalries, jealousies and over-inflated egos. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk FRUIT & VEGETABLE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS A different way to get your 5 a day! Join Josephine’s Fabulous Flowers to make a beautiful autumn arrangement with a difference. These types of arrangements are her speciality. All materials will be provided. Full details at www.tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk Tudor Farmhouse, High Street, Clearwell, Royal Forest of Dean, GL16 8JS. 01594 833046. 1144 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER ROCOCO AFTER DARK – DUSK BAT WALK Come and find out about the bats and moths which make the Garden their home as we walk with experts from Butterfly Conservation. Tickets are free thanks to support from the Heritage Lottery-funded Back from the Brink project but are strictly limited. For more information visit www.rococogarden.org.uk. Painswick Rococo Garden, GL6 6TH. 01452 813204. 114-16 4-16 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER VINTAGE WORKING WEEKEND An action-packed weekend with intensive train timetable and lots of engines in use, including a visitor or two! There will be a working display area of steam traction equipment. Normal entrance fee applies, no need to book in advance. 10.30am-5pm. 01594 834991. www.perrygrove.co.uk Perrygrove Railway, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB.
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114-23 4-23 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER CHELTENHAM & GLOUCESTER BEER WEEK Cheltenham & Gloucester Beer Week is back again for another year with more partners and venues than ever. A whole host of brilliant beery events, seven Ale-Trails for you to visit, numerous special offers and all sorts of other beery related shenanigans coming your way over the 10-day period. For full details visit www.cgbw.beer 15 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 15 HUCCLECOTE COMMUNITY CENTRE From 8pm until late we have the talented Micky John Bull performing stand up comedy. Tickets available online www.hucclecote.org.uk or at the Hucclecote Community Centre Office. £6 members, £8.50 non-members. 01452 616289. NOASIS With an obsessive attention to detail, the band recreates the real Oasis experience with amazing energy playing all the classic songs as if they were their own. 8pm. £15.50. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 115-16 5-16 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER DAY OUT WITH THOMAS With so much to see and do it will make your Day Out With Thomas the ideal all day family activity and, once you have bought your ticket for this event, entrance to all attractions is free! Ride not only with Thomas but also behind other steam and diesel engines, including Daisy, on the frequent trains between Cheltenham Racecourse, Winchcombe, Toddington and Broadway. Gates open at 9am. 01242 621405. Full details at www.gwsr.com 1166 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER HILLSIDE SUMMER FETE & DOG SHOW A fantastic Summer Fete full of fun and activities in support of The Running Charity who help children between the ages of 1625 who are at risk from homelessness. There will be a cake/bake competition with prizes, dog show, a variety of stalls and games, a fully stocked bar and our full range of beers, a range of food available, and a raffle. 12-4pm. Hillside Brewery, Holly Bush Farm, Ross Road, Longhope, GL17 0NG. 01452 830222. www.hillsidebrewery.com CLASSIC CAR RALLY Classic car owners and enthusiasts are in for a treat as our Classic Car Rally returns. Gates will open to classic cars owners at 8am and close at 9.30am. £5 per car being displayed. For full details visit sudeleycastle.co.uk. Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, GL54 5JD. 01242 602 308. 17 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 17 BISHOP’S CLEEVE U3A SHOWCASE EVENT Woodmancote Village Hall from 2.153.30pm. This drop-in event for prospective new members and existing members showcases Bishops Cleeve U3A’ss wide range of interest groups, what each group has to
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offer, the many successful projects undertaken during the last year and welcomes ideas for new groups. Visit our website: www.cleeve-u3a.org.uk 2211 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER BEAUTIFUL NOISE Beautiful Noise, performed by Fisher Stevens and his sensational band, is Europe’s leading Neil Diamond show, charting the story of Neil’s fantastic career and telling the story of the man behind the songs – taking the audience on an unforgettable journey through his life and music. 7.30pm. £18-£25. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org 221-23 1-23 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER WOTTON BLUES FESTIVAL A weekend of live blues music across 6 venues in the heart of Wotton-under-Edge. The Festival is a free non-profit event, completely organised and run by a team of dedicated volunteers, along with the generous support of our sponsors and partners – allowing us to bring you a weekend of high-quality music with a great community-based atmosphere. See our website for full details of the line up and timings. www.wottonbluesfest.org Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @wottonbluesfest 2222 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE
A dazzling evening of burlesque and cabaret. With sublime showgirls and ridiculous comedy, it’ll be naughty… and very nice! Ages 18+. This show employs adult themes and partial nudity. 8pm. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. Tickets £15 plus booking fee. Call the box office on 01452 503050 or visit www.seetickets.com and search ‘Hundred Watt Club’. THE ELVIS PRESLEY STORY Travel with the boy from Tupelo through his teenage years in Memphis, tentative footsteps into Sun Records studios, to his meteoric rise to the worlds biggest selling artist. Featuring energetic renditions of ‘That’s All Right Mamma’, ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, ‘Love Me Tender’ and many more. A tribute to the music pioneer and The King delivered in the trade mark Night Owl Show-umentary format. 7.30pm. £17.50 (£15). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk
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Sport, S port, music music and and ccultural ultural e events vents Over the past 15 years we have provided a full brokerage service for clients, arranging hospitality and tickets to whatever sporting, music or cultural event they wish to attend. We deliver a secure service to individuals and companies who want a guarantee from their hospitality supplier. We also handle the entire annual enterttainment budget for a number of business customers and, if you’re interested, would welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements and how we ensure you can focus on your guests. F For or a h high igh q quality, uality, p personal ersonal service service please please give give us us a ccall, all, o orr vvisit isit o our ur w website ebsite ffor or m more ore d details... etails ...
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22 SEPTEMBER WHO’S TONED – LIVE CLASSIC ROCK A local five piece band who will be performing a high energy two hour set of classic rock and party anthems featuring songs by The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Jam and other classic hits from the golden age of rock. 8pm. For prices please visit kingstheatregloucester.co.uk. Kings Theatre Gloucester, Kings Barton Street, Gloucester GL1 1QX. 01452 300130. 22-23 SEPTEMBER MADE IN THE COTSWOLDS 2018 An Arts and Crafts Festival showcasing the wealth of creative talent present across the Cotswolds region. Held in the beautiful surroundings of the Montrose Suite and Gardens of the Cotswold House Hotel and in other venues across this historic Cotswold’s town. Artists and creatives will be exhibiting their work and demonstrating their talents. There will be a host of creative venues celebrating all things made in the region, ranging from wine and locally produced artisan foods to flower arrangements. There is something for all tastes and budgets. www.madeinthecotswolds.org 23 SEPTEMBER FORE & CRAFT LOST MEMORIES OF THE RIVER SEVERN A programme of guided tours through the historic remains of the Purton Hulks. In the company of L. P. Barnett, marine historian. 23rd September at 2pm. Places are limited so booking is essential. Tour donation is £3.50 per person. Please phone 07833 143231. CIRENCESTER VEGAN FAIR Join us for a day-long celebration of all things Vegan. Showcasing a range of traders offering plant-powered food, clothing and accessories, health and beauty products and crafts and lifestyle brands. As well as a mix of talks and family activities to keep you educated and entertained throughout the day. All welcome! Entry £3 (u12s free). cotswoldveganevents.com. Corn Hall, Cirencester, GL7 2NW THE THREE DEGREES 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR An American female vocal group, formed in 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are well known for their soulful voices, beautiful gowns and fabulous stage shows, as well as their songs such as ‘When will I see you again’, ‘Dirty Ol’ Man’ and ‘Take Good Care Of Yourself’. 7.30pm. £25. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk ROY G HEMMINGS’ GREAT AMERICAN SOUL SHOW Roy G Hemmings’ Hits of Motown features some of the best Motown artistes, such as The Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Lionel
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Ritchie and many more! £24.50. 7.30pm. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA. 25 SEPTEMBER THE OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR Calling all ocean lovers! A brand new selection of the world’s most amazing ocean films, from both above and below the surface. A collection of short films celebrating divers, paddlers, surfers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray. Be wowed at the mind blowing marine life, exhilarated by the power of the waves, and inspired by the characters who dedicate their lives to answering the call of the ocean. £14. 7.30pm. Full details at www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA. 27 SEPTEMBER KING LEAR Broadcast live from London’s West End. Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, King Lear sees two ageing fathers – one a King, one his courtier – reject the children who truly love them. Their blindness unleashes a tornado of pitiless ambition and treachery, as family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends. 7pm. £1.60 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk 27-29 SEPTEMBER NOT ABOUT HEROES Stephen MacDonald’s Fringe First winning play about the unique friendship between celebrated World War One poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. They met at Craiglockhart Hospital in 1917 and bonded over a mutual hatred of war and love of poetry. 7.30pm. Prices at barntheatre.org.uk Barn Theatre, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester, GL7 1BN. 01285 648255. 28 SEPTEMBER TALON Talon have risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful theatre touring shows in the UK and the ‘Greatest Hits Tour 2018’ will once again feature all the classic hits from The Eagles’ timeless back catalogue including ‘Hotel California’, ‘Take It Easy’, ‘One Of These Nights’, ‘Life In The Fast Lane’ and many more. 7.30pm. £22-£28.50. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org OKTOBERFEST AT GLOUCESTER BREWERY Bigger and better than before, we will be bringing you official Oktoberfest lagers, a range of other German beer styles, our own brews and UK guests. Alongside the beer we will be offering up delicious Bavarian style food and putting on some awesome live music for you all to enjoy. Your £10 ticket covers entry, your festival
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glass which is yours to keep and your first £5 drink token. For full details please visit www.gloucesterbrewery.co.uk Gloucester Brewery, GL1 2LG. 28-29 SEPTEMBER WORLD’S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING IN AID OF MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT 10am-2pm at Cambray Baptist Church in Cambray Place, Cheltenham Town Centre, GL50 1JS. Café style seating, live music, coffee, cakes and sandwiches. Come and enjoy!! 29-30 SEPTEMBER COTSWOLDS AIRPORT REVIVAL FESTIVAL An incredible vintage and wartime extravaganza packed full of dramatic reenactments and demonstrations; thrilling vintage air fly-ins; exciting rides and experience flights; hundreds of vintage and military vehicles; full size and miniature steam engines; and plenty of entertainment including period live music. Cotswold Airport, Cirencester, GL7 6BA www.cotswoldairportrevival.com 29 SEPTEMBER – 7 OCTOBER EXHIBITION OF ART AND POTTERY AT WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM The Eeles family of potters return to show their wide range of handmade ceramics, making them highly sought after. They are joined by two local artists, Gill Ashley and Jenny Riley, who paint in a variety of media and subject matter. So, something for everyone! 10am-4pm. Contact Gill on 01666 840993. 6 OCTOBER HUCCLECOTE COMMUNITY CENTRE Come along for a fantastic night of Mars Live, our Bruno Mars Tribute Act. 8pm until late. Music also from Ray Charles and Michael Jackson! Get your tickets online – www.hucclecote.org.uk – or call Hucclecote Community Association on 01452 616289. Please quote “The Local Answer” when booking. £6 members/£8.50 non-members. CHARITY GIFT & CRAFT FAIR The very first Charity Gift & Craft Fair will take place at Fairford Community Centre (next to St Mary’s Church) on Saturday 6th October 10-4.30pm. A fabulous selection of stalls will be offering unique gifts and handmade items to suit all ages and purses, free face painting, squash and biscuits for kids, raffle and 7A Pop Up serving delicious treats including their world famous brownies! All proceeds going to two local girls with bone cancer and leukemia. For further info please contact: 07931 092349. 7 OCTOBER FOREST SHOWCASE FOOD FESTIVAL We showcase creative producers from The Forest of Dean and surrounding areas alongside invited traders who have something a ‘little bit different’ to bring to the Festival. Adults £5, children £2. Full details at forestshowcase.org. The Speech House Hotel, Forest of Dean, GL16 7EL.
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Exciting Exciting ttimes imes ffor or FForest orest orchestra orchestra 2018 has been a year to remember for the members of the Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra who have been celebrating their 25th anniversary. The acclaimed orchestra celebrated the landmark with an anniversary concert earlier in the summer which featured a performance from one of the brightest young pianists in the country, Gloucestershire’s own Adam Heron. N ow t h e d u s t h a s s e t t l e d o n t h a t performance, the good news keeps coming for the orchestra who recently appointed a new conductor. “We’re absolutely delighted to confirm the appointment of Stefano Boccacci who wil l be joining us as our permanent conductor,” said Viv Hargreaves, Vice Chairman of the orchestra. “Stefano hails from Bogota in Colombia and will be joining us for the new term which starts this month. He will be studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama for the next two years as well as conducting our orchestra. He’s a supremely
New conductor Stefano Boccacci
talented conductor, he formed an award-winning chamber orchestra back home in Colombia and will bring so much to our orchestra,” she added. The highlight of the orchestra’s 2018 season came in June when they played music by legendary Czech composer Antonin Dvořák and Gloucestershire’s Ralph VaughanWilliams to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Viv Continued: “It was one of the penultimate performances at the Forest Theatre before its
closure, so it was a poignant evening. The concert was a great success, it was a real celebration of youth musicians. “We were so pleased to welcome Adam Heron who was simply outstanding. Freya Ireland, an up-andcoming young composer, wrote a piece of music especially for the evening which was very well received. We made a very firm landmark that evening and we’re going to be riding high into the new term. “The great thing to happen off the back of that performance was the number of offers Adam and Freya have received to perform with other leading orchestras. The Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra is really going places, we’re looking forward to the coming months and years ahead. “We’re always looking to hear from talented musicians who want to join our orchestra.” Full story online.
FFilm ilm R Review eview – PPatrick atrick B Baines aines
Book Book R Review eview – A Aloÿse loÿse ooff D Daylesford aylesfordd Book Book Club Club
M Mission ission IImpossible: mpossible: FFallout allout
Ia am, m, I a am, m, I a am, m, SSeventeen eventeen Brushes Brushes with with Death Death by Maggie O’Farrell
A new ‘Mission: Impossible’ entry brings another opportunity to see what kind of ridiculous stunts Tom Cruise will put himself through for our viewing pleasure. The sixth instalment of the popular franchise comes in the shape of ‘Mission: Impossible: Fallout’. The film brings all the action, stunts and special effects we’ve become used to and it could end up being one of the best action films released this year. Cruise, now 56, is fantastic in his role as Ethan Hunt, a man for whom actions speak louder than words. The story is very simple to follow and focuses more on amazing stunts and perfectly choreographed fighting scenes. The two and a half hours flew by which is always a good sign. There are several incredible action scenes that simply have to be seen on the big screen, including an epic final sequence, which takes place over the Kashmir mountains. It ’s definitely worth the cost of a cinema ticket for that scene alone. Full review online.
This is a far cry from the usual memoir. Maggie O’Farrell, author of ‘The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox’ and ‘The Hand That First Held Mine’, which won the 2010 Costa award, has written of her own seventeen brushes with death. The book is not written in chronological order and each chapter is headed by a part of t h e b o d y – l u n g s, i n t e s t i n e s, cranium, etc. – which relate to the incident being described. Some chapters are finger tingling and others just touch on near escapes. One wonders if she should really stay clear of the sea! She has an encounter with a knife thrower, her plane suddenly loses height, she has a machete held a g a i n s t h e r t h ro a t , a n d t h e o p e n i n g c h a p t e r i n vo l ve s meeting a man on a walk who tries to strangle her with his binocular strap! She escapes and reports it to the police who are disinterested, but the man finds another victim with disastrous consequences. Full review online.
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ART • EEVENTS VENTS • EEXPERIENCES XPERIENCES • FFILM ILM • G AMING ART GAMING LLIFESTYLE IFESTYLE • LLITERATURE ITERATURE • M USIC • TTHEATRE HEATRE • TV TV MUSIC
H Hannah annah Ferguson Ferguson eenjoying njoying tthe he ggood ood ttimes imes Artist Hannah Ferguson is having a major impact on the arts scene in the Forest of Dean. Since acquiring The Secret Gallery in N ew e n t , Hannah has been i n s t r u m e n t a l i n l a u n c h i n g t h e n ow annual Newent Art Competition, which received 67 entries this year. The professional artist , whose studio i s a l s o b a s e d i n t h e N e we n t a r t gallery, says picking a winner for this year’s competition was no easy task . She said: “I was one of the judges w h o h a d to d e c i d e o n t h e w i n n i n g entry. We had 67 entries to pick a winner from, narrowing them down was an extremely difficult task . The day itself was fantastic, the sun was shining and we had poetry readings and arts and craft workshops for children. “ T h e w i n n i n g e n t r y fo r t h e competition came from Mary Deaville who created a wonderful sculpture. Mary won the £250 cash prize as well as a two-page feature article in
Hannah hard at work in her gallery
Creates magazine, a major art publication. The competition is still in its infancy, we’re hoping that next year’s event will prove as popular. It’s great to see the enthusiasm the people of the Forest of Dean have for art.” H a n n a h m ov e d i n t o T h e S e c r e t Gallery when she decided to dedicate her career to art. She continued: “I’ve been painting all my life but started my career as a full-time artist five years ago. I trained at Cumbria College
of A r t a n d D es i g n . I g ot a l ot of inspiration from the beautiful surroundings. The Lake District was on my doorstep which was quite handy for my studies! I studied photography and went straight into working as a photographer, but I didn’t enjoy that too much. “Things took off when I moved back to England four years ago. I was curating exhibitions and that ’s when the opportunity to acquire the gallery in Newent came about.” Hannah works with acrylic paint and she has a rather unique style of applying the paint to the canvas. She explained: “I do have quite an individual style of working, I call it my crazy ball. I fill a ball with paint that’s g o t a s m a l l h o l e i n t h e b o t to m . T h e ball is attached to a piece of string and I work using continuous black lines on the canvas which is on the floor. I fill in the holes using acrylic paint. Full story online.
A night night of of ccelebration elebration ffor or FForest orest choir choir One of the leading Male Voice Choirs in the Forest of Dean will be celebrating a landmark anniversary w h e n t h ey p e r f o r m a t t h e C i n d e r fo rd B a p t i s t C h u rc h t h i s month. Drybrook and District Male Voice Choir will take to the stage of the church on the evening of Saturday 8th September for a concert performance that marks their 70th anniversary. “Every single one of us is looking forward to our 70th anniversary concert, it promises to be a proud night for us all,” said Albert C u r t i s, w h o h a s b e e n s i n g i n g i n t h e choir for eight years. “We’ll be singing a real mix of songs, we’ve got traditional male voice choir songs, songs from films as well as more contemporary songs. We’ll be joined on stage by the young members of the Cinderford Academy Brass Band who will be accompanying
Choir members during a recent performance
us on some of our pieces. It ’s very exciting to be joining forces with another local musical group, they’re a fantastic brass band and we’re looking forward to singing alongside them,” he added. rehearse e ve r y The choir Wednesday evening and are on the look-out for new members. Albert continued: “We meet on every Wednesday in the choir room on
H aw t h o r n s R o a d i n D r y b ro o k . A t present there’s 16 of us in the choir so we’re very keen to welcome new members to join us. We’re a very close-knit group, we’re all friends and enjoy each other ’s company. Every Wednesday we get together and have a good laugh as well as work on our singing. Once we’ve finished rehearsing we always make time for a pint or two.” In his time with the choir Albert has enjoyed many memorable performances. He explains: “It’s so hard to name a favourite one really. Every single time I get to share a stage with my friends and sing is a real privilege. I’m very proud to be a part of the choir, we’ve shared so many great times together. “Performing is a great thrill. The bigger the crowd the better.” Full story online.
For For ffull ull aarticles rticles aand nd m more ore sstories tories vvisit isit w www.thelocalanswer.co.uk ww.thelocalanswer.co.uk
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IIn nT The he Garden Garden with w ith JJulia ulia Smith Smith
Ag good ood ttime ime tto o rreview eview yyour our h herbaceous erbaceous b borders orders September is usually a good month weather-wise, especially as at the time of writing some forecasts were predicting that the heatwave will continue late into the month! The evenings haven’t drawn in too much, a n d t h e d ew i n t h e m o r n i n g g e t s heavier and turns the spiders webs into crystal strands. This is a good time of year to review your herbaceous borders before all the plants die back . Some p l a n t s w i l l n e e d to b e l i f te d a n d divided, and some wil l need re p l a c i n g o r m o v i n g t o a d i f fe re n t is position. If s o m et h i n g disappointing, don’t put up with it year after year – get rid of it and get something else! Most herbaceous plants need dividing up every three to five years, as they start to get too congested and don’t flower as well as they used to. This work can be undertaken in a u t u m n w h e n t h e s o i l i s m o i st a n d the weather is kind.
t h e s i d e s , d i s c a rd i n g t h e old woody centre bits. R e p l a n t i n s o i l to w h i c h fresh compost, bonemeal, e tc . h a s b e e n a d d e d . Leave grasses, silvery f o l i a g e p l a n t s a n d l a te f l ow e r i n g p l a n t s u n t i l spring to sort out. You can also pick up some p e r e n n i a l b a rg a i n s f r o m yo u r l o c a l n u r s e r y o r garden centre, which they’ll want to get rid of in o rd e r t o m a k e r o o m fo r n ew s t o c k . T h e s e a re p e r fe c t to p l a n t i n yo u r b o rd e r n o w s o t h a t t h ey are ready to do their thing next year! A n o t h e r g ro u p o f p l a n t s t o t h i n k a b o u t i n c l u d i n g i n yo u r g a r d e n a r e the herbaceous clematis. These plants are invaluable at this time of the year, and as they are nonclinging, they wind their way through r s, s p r i n k l i n g t h e i r p r e t t y P Perennials erennials a are re p perfect erfect tto o tfhloewbeorsrdaem o n g s t t h e o t h e r b o rd e r p plant lant iin n yyour our b border order plants and lifting the whole display. Chop dug-up clumps of perennials Try ‘Arabella’ with its stunning and keep the young offshoots from purple/blue flowers, which will keep
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flowering from June to September, and actually does very well in a pot if you are short of space.
CColchicums olchicums m make ake a llovely ovely llate ate d display isplay N o w i s a l s o a g o o d t i m e to p l a n t Colchicums (autumn flowering c ro c u s e s ) . T h ey l i k e s h e l t e re d b u t sunny positions under trees – if too exposed they get beaten down by wind and rain. They look like crocus but have six anthers instead of three, which crocus have. You buy them as dry corms and arrange in small groups of seven or more where they will be readily seen in the autumn and will make a lovely late display. A word of warning – all parts of the colchicum plant are poisonous so be sure to wash your hands quickly after handling! To keep your garden wildlife happy a s a u t u m n a n d w i n te r a p p ro a c h , cover small ponds with netting to keep the falling leaves out as the trees start to turn. I usually leave a p a ss a g e t h r o u g h f o r t h e f r o g s a n d toads so they don’t get all caught up!
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Interior Interior Design Design with w ith Lois Lois Kingscott Kingscott
Let Let n nature ature g grow row iin n your your home home As we start to head towards autumn and winter, the idea of gardening in cold and wet conditions may not be particularly appealing. There is, however, a way to overcome this – bring your garden indoors. T h e re a r e m a n y b e n e f i t s o f introducing plants to your home, and it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Whatever your budget, timeframe or experience, you can make your h o m e p l a n t f r i e n d l y w i t h r e l a t i ve ease.
CColour olour A vase of fresh flowers is a simple way to give an instant burst of colour to any room in your house. Whether you coordinate the flowers with your interior colours, or simply opt for your favourite bunch, they’re sure to keep the rooms in your home bright as we head into the darker months of the year. If buying a bunch of flowers every week is out of your budget, why not opt for artificial flowers instead? They require little maintenance and can
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be displayed for however long you wish. Some look so authentic, your guests may have difficulty deciding if they’re real or not! Try rotating your f l ow e r s b e t w e e n r o o m s e ve r y month or so as an easy way to keep yo u r i n te r i o r s f r e s h , w i t h n o additional cost.
Mental M ental H Health ealth We’re all aware of the positive feeling we get after spending time in nature – whether that’s a walk in the countryside or a stroll along the beach. Plants do wonders for our mental health, so it’s only right that we should dot them around the house, especially the rooms in which we spend most of our time. S t u d i e s h a ve s h ow n t h a t a s we l l a s p u r i f y i n g t h e a i r i n o u r h o m e s, houseplants can increase positive feelings and reduce sadness, anxiety and stress. They enhance feelings of c a l m , a n d h av e b e e n fo u n d to improve our focus and productivity – great for people who work from home.
Those of you who don’t have regular access to a garden or green space of your own could significantly b e n e f i t f r o m i n t r o d u c i n g p l a n t s, flowers or even a mini herb garden to your interiors.
Green G reen FFingers ingers If you simply can’t live without a bit of gardening in your life, having h o u s e p l a n t s c a n h e l p to k e e p t h a t connection to the outside world. You can make it as simple or complicated as you like – there are houseplants out there for all abilities, so don’t be scared if you’re not naturally gifted with green fingers. If you’re a gardening novice, start with one plant in one room and go from there. If you’re well-practised in the art of horticulture, you can be a little more adventurous. The Royal Horticultural Society has a great guide for choosing the right plant(s) fo r y o u r h o m e o n t h e i r w e b s i t e (www.rhs.org.uk) – it ’s called ‘Houseplants: choosing the best’. Remember, we’re not trying to recreate Jumanji in our homes – you don’t want plants to take over your property and your life! Even a small a d d i t i o n o f g re e n to yo u r i n t e r i o r s can go a long way. Please note that some plants are toxic to pets (and humans), so a little research before purchasing is advised.
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Save S ave t the he P Planet lanet w with ith L Lily ily C Curle urle
Watch Watch yyour our w water ater uusage sage Hot weather inevitably leads to water shortages in the UK , especially after such hot summers like the one just past. These tips will help to reduce your water consumption at a time where it is really needed, and if you implement them year-round, they could also lead to much lower water bills!
W What hat sshould hould I a avoid void d doing? oing? Hosepipe bans, while an inconvenience for avid gardeners, ensure that hundreds of litres of water are not used when only a few would be necessary. Try instead to use watering cans (especially on areas l i k e f l owe r b e d s ) to l i m i t t h e amount of water that is spread over t h e g a rd e n . B e a s s u r e d t h a t t h e grass, while looking dry and brown, will become green again once it rains, and doesn’t need additional watering. A l s o t r y to avo i d t a k i n g l o n g showers which, although tempting to cool down, use between ten and twenty litres of water a minute. Have a go at timing your average
s h ow e r l e n g t h a n d t h e n shave a minute or two off t h e t i m e. A l s o i n t h e b a t h ro o m , av o i d f l u s h i n g anything other than toilet paper down your toilet, as i t u s u a l l y r e q u i r e s m o re water to get it through the p i p e s , a n d i f yo u h ave a dual-flush toilet , always t r y to u s e t h e l ow e s t setting first.
What What ccan an I adapt adapt tto o save save water? water? Try using a cistern displacement device, which most water companies p rov i d e f re e o f c h a rg e . This displaces around a litre of water in the cistern of your toilet , meaning it f l u s h e s w i t h o n e l i t re o f water less (which mostly isn’t needed anyway). In the kitchen, always try to run the dishwasher on a full load of dishes; wash up any that you need immediately with a little water and washing up soap. If your dishwasher has an ‘eco’ setting, try this
o u t , a s yo u m ay f i n d t h a t i t g i v e s t h e s a m e re s u l t s w h i l e u s i n g l e ss water! B e t te r s t i l l , t r y to g e t i n to t h e habit of washing kitchen items by h a n d , to s av e n e e d i n g to u s e t h e dishwasher at all. Remember to always fill up your sink with water to clean your dishes instead of letting the water run continuously, as this saves both water and soap.
What What a about bout d drinking rinking water? water? In hot weather, this is the most important use of water! If you only want to drink very cold water, try p u t t i n g a f u l l b ot t l e o r j u g i n t h e fridge, as this prevents wasting water while you wait for the tap to run cold. Only put what you need into the kettle, as this avoids the water becoming stagnant and being thrown away, or boiled several times, which wastes energy! Page 30
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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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VAT VAT CChanges hanges oonn tthe he W Way ay Next April will be a key time in the life of VAT, as it reaches its 46th birthday in the UK . It seems to have been around for a lifetime longer than that. First it will have to cope with all the changes that our exit from the EU brings. At the same time HMRC is demanding that most VAT-registered traders comply with their new rules for Making Tax Digital (MTD). As if those two changes weren’t enough, the government is consulting on the benefits of a significant reduction in the VAT registration threshold. Far be it for me to proffer a view on the impact that the UK’s exit from the EU will have on businesses. The government doesn’t have a clue what the terms of our departure will be and there is still a strong chance that we will end up with what the British public actually voted for – leaving Europe. Full stop. MTD is going to make life very interesting for any business that is over the VAT registration threshold and registered for VAT. All such businesses, whether companies or selfemployed traders, will have to keep their VAT records and complete their returns every quarter using digital software. If they don’t have it, but engage an accountant, he/she will have to do the online work for them. It applies from 1st April 2019 to any business that is obliged to be registered; interestingly those who opt to be registered, but whose t u r n o ve r i s c u r re n t l y l e ss t h a n t h e £ 8 5 , 0 0 0 m a n d a to r y registration level, can choose not to comply with MTD and keep their records/submit their returns as they have always done. Slightly bizarre, but that ’s what the Treasury has elected to do.
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Once we’ve got over the initial hiatus, MTD will be good for businesses as it will improve their record-keeping and produce more management information to help proprietors to make informed decisions. It ’s a shame that it takes a piece of government legislation to make some business owners see those benefits. A change to the VAT registration threshold would have a significant impact on small businesses. The government is not threatening to tinker; it is planning a wholesale change. Options being considered include a reduction in the threshold to maybe half (yes half!) of the current level. The argument is based on the fact that our threshold of £85,000 is substantially higher than other countries in the EU/OECD, where the average level is £29,000. If the threshold is reduced, logically it should increase the VAT take for the Treasury. However, there must be a risk that it will fuel the black economy and drive traders who will be competitively disadvantaged by the change to resort to measures that have largely become a thing of the past to manage their recorded turnover below the registration limit. This would be a retrograde step and the government should think long and hard about such an impact. They have taken a strong stance to date in helping the smallest of businesses to minimise red tape and stay within the tax rules. Let’s hope they don’t bow to European pressure one last time!
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S Sport port with w ith R Roger oger JJackson acks son
WANT W ANT TTO O SSHARE HARE Y YOUR OUR SSPORTING PORTING SSTORY TORY O ON NO OUR UR W WEBSITE? EBSITE? Please Please e email mail ffull ull d details etails tto o ssport@thelocalanswer.co.uk port@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Hard Hard w work ork iiss tthe he k key, ey, ssays ays Lee Lee Fortey Fortey Lydney’s new head coach Lee Fortey i s u p fo r t h e c h a l l e n g e. A n d h e knows it will be a challenge as the club look to bounce back after last season’s disappointment. Just six wins in 26 games saw them tumble out of South West Premier and they begin what they hope will be the start of the climb back to their former levels at home to Launceston on Saturday 1st September. Getting out of South West One West won’t be easy of course – the division includes near neighbours Newent and Coney Hill – and Fortey knows it will take a lot of hard work if they are to finish on top of the pile come the end of April. Hard work is one thing Fortey, 43, is certainly not afraid of, however, and it will be a basic requirement of anyone pulling on the famous black and white shirt this season. “I expect people to work hard,” he said. “I want players to earn their place and earn the right to play. “If you work hard you’ve got a much greater chance of being
successful.” Fortey, a prop, certainly enjoyed a successful playing career. He came through the ranks with his hometown club Gloucester before going on to play for Moseley, Newport and Worcester Warriors. Former Gloucester second row John Brain was the main man when Fortey was at Worcester in the midnoughties and Fortey learned much from his time playing for him. “He was a big influence on me,” said Fortey. “He was one of the most
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When one-time Wales international hockey player Lucie Archer spoke to The Local Answer earlier this year the n a m e R oy S m i t h c a m e u p i n conversation. “ A b s o l u te l e g e n d ” s a i d A rc h e r without a moment’s hesitation. The 25-times capped Welsh star was referring to the amount of work Smith h a s d o n e t o d e v e l o p h o c k ey i n Gloucestershire since he moved to the area in 1980. Smith has played and coached hockey all over the county – he still coaches today – and is also a past president of the Gloucestershire H o c k e y A ss o c i a t i o n . H e i s c u r r e n t l y vice-president of the GHA and the evidence of the hard graft he has put in over the years is plain to see. H i s a c h i e ve m e n t s a re m a n y b u t when told of Archer ’s comment he said modestly: “I’m not a legend.”
Charlie Sharples is o n e of t h o s e players who, in the nicest possible way, s e e m s to h a v e been around for a long time. But he’s only 29 – and a young 29 Charlie Sharples at t h at b e c a u s e he’s only just had his birthday – and that means he has plenty more years left at the top level of the game. That’s great news for Gloucester and their fans of course and it’s great news for Sharples himself who is very much hoping for an injury-free season after t h e s t o p - s t a r t n a t u re o f h i s l a s t campaign. And it’s the thought of running out onto Gloucester ’s new ‘HERO’ hybrid surface that is one of the things that has driven Sharples on in pre-season
Lee Fortey
honest blokes you could ever know. If you were dropped he told you why. “Players want to know where they stand and I’m a big believer in that. I won’t take any short cuts and there won’t be any excuses.” Fortey ’s post-playing career has seen him coach at Old Centralians and Cinderford, so he has plenty of experience to fall back on. These days he also works alongside a n ot h e r ex- Gloucester player, Andrew Stanley, at Dean Close School in Cheltenham and he also runs his own children’s rugby camps. He is also a forwards coach for Gibraltar – their international commitments may mean he has to miss a couple of Lydney ’s matches this season – but although he spent all his playing career in the front row, the Regentsholme faithful can expect to see plenty of free-flowing rugby this season. “I like to play an expansive game,” said Fortey, who has a one-year contract with the club. Full story online. training over the past few weeks. “The new pitch should be brilliant for speed guys like me,” said the fourtimes capped England wing.
SSquash quash iiss tthriving hriving Gloucestershire has always been a good breeding ground for squash players. Think Lucy Soutter and Fiona Geaves in yesteryear while more recently the likes of Nathan Lake and Tom Ford have been flying the flag for the county in some of the bigger tournaments around the globe. And it’s not just at the top level that the sport is thriving in this part of the wo r l d . S q u a s h i s t h r i v i n g a t a l l l e ve l s and Mark Toseland, the chairman of the Gloucestershire Squash Association for the past three years, couldn’t be happier. “Yes, it’s developing very well,” said 31-year-old Toseland,. For full versions of all these stories and more, visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
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I f a n yo n e d o u b t s C i n d e r fo rd a r e back in the big time, they should just look at their fixture list for the forthcoming season. A n d m o re p r e c i s e l y t h e y s h o u l d just look at their first two National League One games – at home to Rosslyn Park and then away to Birmingham Moseley. A bumper crowd is expected for Paul Morris the first game at Dockham Road on Saturday 1st September while the Forest of Dean club make the relatively short trip up to England’s second city seven days later. And to people of a certain vintage, the names of Rosslyn Park and Moseley don’t come much bigger in rugby. Cinderford’s director of rugby Paul Morris is of that vintage – he was born in 1962 – and he said: “They are big names. “Rosslyn Park and Moseley were two of the teams who won the national knockout cup when it was the only trophy clubs could win before leagues were introduced. “Anyone who used to watch Grandstand in the 1970s will remember Andy Ripley who played for Rosslyn Park . He was England’s standout player at that time.” Full story online.
“We can’t wait for the new season to start.” So says Drybrook chairman Chris Rawlings, who like everyone else at the go-ahead Forest of Dean club i s s t i l l f e e d i n g o f f t h e fe e l g o o d factor from last season’s trem e n d o u s l a t e s u rg e w h i c h to o k them to the South West One West title. Ben Large. Not for Rawlings any fears or Picture: Gary Taylor concerns about what South West Premier will bring, just a very keen sense of excitement and anticipation. “It ’s so good,” said Rawlings, who was a very good player himself for Drybrook back in the day. “It ’s been fantastic what has happened at this club. “We know it’s going to be hard this season but we think we can compete, the boys have been hard at it in preseason.” Ben Large will captain the side for a fifth successive season – “He was voted in unanimously,” said Rawlings – and will lead his men out for the first time at the higher level at Exeter University on Saturday 1st September. Full story online.
N Now ow H Hartpury artpury aare re A Ambitious mbitious N Newent ewent h hoping oping tto o kkick ick o on n ‘freshen’ ‘freshen’ tthings hings uup p J o h n B a r n es d es c r i b es i t a s “ a n i n c r e d i b l e j o u r n ey ” a n d t h e g o o d n e w s fo r s u p p o r te r s o f H a r t p u r y r u g b y i s t h a t t h e re a r e a b s o l u t e l y no signs of it ending any time soon. Hartpury ’s flagship team are p r e p a r i n g to e m b a r k o n t h e i r second season in the Championship with director of rugby John Barnes hopeful that they can improve on John Barnes last year’s 10th-placed finish in the 12-strong division. That was no mean feat of course and Barnes is experienced enough to know that staying in the division is the first aim this season. But that is not his only aim and he sees no reason why they can’t improve on that and maybe climb into midtable this time around. “Last season was really tough,” he said. “It was a massive step up and we face another tough challenge this season.” However, Barnes believes that Hartpury have what it takes to compete with teams like Richmond, Nottingham and London Scottish and climb into mid-table. “That’s not unrealistic,” he insisted. Full story online.
New season, new start for Newent Rugby Club. Former Gloucester and Harlequins prop Dan Murphy has taken over as head coach and will have a huge role to play if the club are to realise their dream of winning promotion to South West Premier. T h e re h a ve b e e n o t h e r c h a n g e s at the South West One West club Ross Webb with Kerry Phelps taking on the role of director of rugby and Peter Kingston being appointed as the backs coach. Lee Roberts is assistant coach. Phelps was the club’s fitness and conditioning coach last season as well as helping out in a team manager role while five-times capped former England scrum-half Peter Kingston helped out when needed in 2017/18. Kingston will be involved a lot more this season and 1st XV captain Ross Webb said: “He’s a good character to have around the place, he’s got loads of experience.” Back row Webb, who will skipper the side for a fifth successive season, will also take on the role of strength and conditioning coach. “It freshens things up a bit,” said Webb of the changes. Full story online.
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