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ANS W E R

SEPTEMBER 2018

200,000 DELIVERED MONTHLLY Y IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

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GLOUCESTERSHIRE SOUTH COME AND SEE US A ATT GLOUCESTER DA AY Y & NEWENT ONION FA AY YRE!

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AN ANSWER SWER G loucestershire SSouth outh – 441,000 1,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire G loucester – 446,000 6,000 ccopies opies Gloucester G loucestershire N orth – 220,000 0,000 ccopies opies Gloucestershire North FForest orest ooff D Dean ean – 222,000 2,000 ccopies opies CCotswolds otswolds – 228,000 8,000 ccopies opies CCheltenham heltenham – 443,000 3,000 ccopies opies

M Managing anaging D Director irector D Dave ave K Kingscott ingscott ddave@thelocalanswer.co.uk ave@thelocalanswer.co.uk

EEditorial ditorial & M Marketing arketing LLois ois K Kingscott ingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Helen H elen K Kingscott ingscott

SSport port R Roger oger JJackson ackson sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk

EEntertainment ntertainment P Patrick atrick B Baines aines eentertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk ntertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk

CCustomer ustomer SServices ervices K Kevin evin V Vaughan-Spruce aughan-Spruce services@thelocalanswer.co.uk services@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Claudie Claudie FFrancis rancis pproduction@thelocalanswer.co.uk roduction@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Distribution D istribution JJulia ulia B Ball all – 001242 1242 5541075 41075 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk

LLaura aura H Hodgson odgson nneil.laura.tla@outlook.com eil.laura.tla@outlook.com

AAccounts ccounts R Robert obert K Kingscott ingscott aaccounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk ccounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Unit Unit H, H, CChurchill hurchill IIndustrial ndustrial EEstate, state, Churchill Churchill RRoad, oad, GL53 LLeckhampton, eckhampton, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Gloucestershire G L53 7EG 7EG

T Telephone elephone 0 01242 1242 5 510500 10500 thelocalanswer thelocalanswer

September’s winning cover photo: Samantha Belcher of Cheltenham

W Welcome elcome ttoo SSeptember eptember ......

September is now upon us which of course means the little ones are heading back to school. Check out our ‘Gadgets & Gizmos’ article inside for some great recommendations to help ease that ‘start of term’ feeling for children and adults alike.

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 month month ... ...

Delicious Dish ish 5 Delicious D Motoring Motoring 9 Medical Health 11 ealth 1 1 Medical H What’s On 12 What’s O n 1 2 TLA Photography 15 hotography CCover over Competition Competition 15 TLA P TLA 18-19 TLA EEntertainment ntertainment 18-19 Homes Gardens 20 ardens 20 Homes & G Quick 22 Quick Crossword Crossword 22 In 23 In the the Garden Garden 23 Interior Design 25 Interior D 25 esign Gadgets Gizmos 27 27 Gadgets & G izmos Word 30 Word SSearch 30 earch Sudoku 31 31 Sudoku Money Matters 31 Money M 31 atters TLA 32-33 32-33 TLA Sport Sport Index, 34 Index , CCompetitions, 34 ompetitions, SSolutions olutions

@thelocalanswer @thelocalanswer

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

Page 3

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.

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The Local Answer

Motoring Motoring with w ith Luke Luke Edwards Edwa wards

The The SSaturday aturday CClub lub Unveiled by Sir John Egan 30 years ago at the 1988 British International Motor Show, the world first saw a radical concept car from Jaguar. The J a g u a r X J 2 2 0 b e c a m e t h e p o s te r supercar of the early 1990s – I know as it was on my bedroom wall!

The concept XJ220, powered by a V12-engine, had four-wheel drive and was designed by ‘The Saturday Club’; a group of 12 specialist e n g i n e e r s a n d d es i g n e r s w h o worked in their spare time with the help of about forty of Jaguar ’s suppliers. The shape of the car was designed by Keith Helfet, the South African born Royal College of Art graduate who had become Jaguar ’s Senior Sports Car Designer, and later designed the XK180 and F-Type concepts.

Av very ery p positive ositive rreception eception T h e X J 2 2 0 h a d a v e r y p o s i t i ve reception and it prompted Jaguar Sport to put the car into production; in collaboration with the specialist automotive and race engineering

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company Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR). Approximately 1,500 deposits of £50,000 each were taken, with many from famous celebrities, and d e l i v e r i e s we re p l a n n e d f o r 1 9 9 2 .

The cars were to be produced at a facility in Bloxham, Oxfordshire, which later became the Aston Martin DB7 factory.

However, the XJ220 was never really intended to be a production car – merely a demonstration of the company ’s abilities – and further engineering requirements resulted in to the significant c h a n g es specification of the car. Most notably the replacement of the Jaguar V12 e n g i n e by a t u r b o c h a rg e d T W R V 6 engine and rear wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive. For many people, who had put down a deposit and also for the motoring press, the reduction in engine size by half, the move from naturally aspirated to

turbo charged, and the amendment i n d r i ve c h a n g e d t h e J a g u a r X J 2 2 0 completely.

One O ne o off tthe he m most ost e expensive xpensive ccars ars a att tthat hat ttime ime The change to the specification and a collapse in the price of collectible cars brought about by the early 1990s recession resulted in many buyers choosing not to exercise their purchase options. A total of just 281 cars were produced by the time production ended, each with a retail price of £470,000 in 1992, making it one of the most expensive cars at that time. However, in a turn of fate, w i t h o n l y 2 7 5 c a r s ev e r b e i n g produced, it has made the XJ220 even rarer and more collectable.

The XJ220 recorded a top speed of 212.3mph (341.7km/h) during testing by Jaguar at the Nardo test track in Italy. This made it the fastest p r o d u c t i o n c a r f ro m 1 9 9 2 t o 1 9 9 3 .

According to Jaguar, an XJ220 p ro to t y p e m a n a g e d a N ü r b u rg r i n g lap time of 7:46:36 in 1991, which was faster than any production car lap time before it.

T h e X J 2 2 0 p ro to t y p e w i t h i t s original V12 engine can be seen in the Jaguar Heritage Trust building at t h e B r i t i s h M o to r M u s e u m a t G ay d o n . I v i s i t e d t h e m u s e u m l a s t month and can highly recommend it; t h ey a l s o c u r re n t l y h av e t h e excellent Car S.O.S exhibition taking place with many cars restored on the show on display.

To advertise call 01242 510500

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Specialists Specialists iin nb bathroom athroom ssafety afety • Wet rooms

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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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Page 11

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’ss 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 ASHLEWORTH VILLAGE SHOW Ashleworth Show is on Saturday 1st September, 1.30-5pm. Woodpeckers Sports Ground, GL19 4JS. 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 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 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. Come and join us to experience the countryside in a day. The Moreton-in-Marsh Show, Batsford Road, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0AB. 01608 651 908. www.moretonshow.co.uk 11-16 -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 2 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER KATHERINE PARR DAY Join us for our annual celebration of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife,

famously buried in the church in the grounds of the Castle. Historical re-enactors will bring the past alive with Katherine and her Tudor ladies appearing on the day.

10am. Included with admission. Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, GL54 5JD. 01242 602 308. sudeleycastle.co.uk REGGAE ROAST Sunday Roast Caribbean Style. Enjoy tasty Jerk Chicken, Ital Curry (v) and Goat Curry from our resident Pop up Kitchen – Jamaica Inn Kitchen. For full details please visit www.theprincealbertstroud.co.uk. The Prince Albert, Rodborough Hill, Stroud, GL5 3SS. 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 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. bacontheatre.co.uk

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CCOME OME A AND ND SSEE EE U USS A ATT G GLOUCESTER LOUCESTER D DAY AY & N NEWENT EWENT O ONION NION

FFAYRE! AYRE!

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

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6-7 6-7 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER OPEN AIR CINEMA AT OVER FARM Screened by the Alfresco Film Company, the films are sure to delight audiences.

Bring along your own seating or picnic blanket to watch the movies under the stars, or opt for premium seating of a deckchair or beanbag. 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 SEPTEMBER 7 SEPTEMBER THE MIKADO Set in Japan, The Mikado presents a tangled web of love. Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado, flees in search of his true love, YumYum, to avoid marrying a much older suitor. YumYum, however, is betrothed to Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner, against her will.

Things, as you can see, are complicated! But can everything be righted before someone loses their head? 7pm. £16. The Cotswold Playhouse, Parliament Street, Stroud, GL5 1LW. www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk 7-8 7-8 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER MORETON IN MARSH BEER FESTIVAL Enjoy a large range of beers and ciders to try over this two day festival, topped off with entertainment 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! Free entry.

10am-5pm. 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 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, wonderful caterers and hand-picked suppliers. The venue will be dressed for a ceremony and reception, showcasing an abundance of inspiration for your wedding! 10.30am. 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 v e 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 The Local Answer

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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 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. Full details at www.gwsr.com. The Railway Station, Toddington, GL54 5DT. 11 11 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SHAOLIN WARRIORS Direct from China, the legendary Shaolin Warriors will return to the UK in 2018, punching, kicking and tumbling in a spectacular, dynamic production. Full details at www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA .

1122 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 provided.

Full details: www.tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk Tudor Farmhouse, High Street, Clearwell, Forest of Dean, GL16 8JS. 01594 833046.

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THE BIG BAND WITH FIVE STAR SWING Swing-along with songs from Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald. Featuring Simone from the Ivy Benson Orchestra, and Chris Smith (Jnr) who is composer and arranger for both the BBC Radio Big Band and Herb Miller Big Band, as well as being Tony Bennett’s trombonist! 7.30pm. £18-£25. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org 1133 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER BRINGING ON BACK THE 60s The hottest ticket in town has just arrived!

This fast moving show, starring New Amen Corner, is a must for lovers of 60s music and features a stunning multimedia presentation and special guest appearances from sixties icon Mike d’Abo and multi award winning ‘Little Miss Sixties’ Nancy Ann Lee. 7.30pm. £18-£25.

The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org JIMMY ALDRIDGE & SID GOLDSMITH One of the finest duos to have emerged onto the British folk and acoustic scene in recent years. Their combination of outstanding vocal work and a powerful social conscience has brought them widespread critical acclaim. 8.45pm. Free entry. The Prince Albert, Rodborough Hill, Stroud, GL5 3SS. theprincealbertstroud.co.uk 1144 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER FLAWLESS: CHASE THE DREAM – THE REBOOT Flawless are back performing even bigger and more jaw-dropping routines than ever before! This fantastically high energy, acrobat-fused, feel good, family show follows the journey of 10 Big Dreamers, seeking the opportunity to live their ultimate dance fantasy on board the “Intergalactic Dream Ship”. 7.30pm. £27. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA .

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.

14-16 14-16 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

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Perrygrove Railway, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB. 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 HUCCCLECOTE COMMUNITY CENTRE Saturday 15th September 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 The Nation’s Favourite Oasis Tribute Band.

This is more than a tribute band – this is Oasis from a parallel universe. 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, Stroud, 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 Hillside Brewery are hosting a fantastic Summer Fete full of fun and activities in support of The Running Charity who help children between the ages of 16-25 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. 124pm. Hillside Brewery, Holly Bush Farm, Ross Road, Longhope, GL17 0NG. 01452 830222. www.hillsidebrewery.com CLASSIC CAR R RA ALLY 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.

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17 SEPTEMBER 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’s wide range of interest groups, what each group has to offer, the many successful projects undertaken during the last year and welcomes ideas for new groups. Visit our website: www.cleeve-u3a.org.uk 20 SEPTEMBER RUSSIAN STATE OPERA – CARMEN The Russian State Opera returns with two more spectacular productions of some of the greatest opera classics performed with an orchestra of over 30 musicians. Full details at www.everymantheatre.org.uk.

The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

21 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

21-23 SEPTEMBER WOTTON BLUES FESTIVAL The weekend of 21st to 23rd September 2018 sees the third Wotton Blues Festival taking place, offering 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 22 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

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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meteoric rise to the worlds biggest selling artist. Featuring energetic renditions of ‘Don’t be Cruel’, ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, ‘Love Me Tender’ and many more. A tribute to 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 YOLANDA BROWN 10 years ago, YolanDa Brown was studying a PhD in Management Science when a career in music came calling. 10 years on, the double MOBO award winner is the premier female saxophonist in the UK. Known for her unique fusion of Reggae, Jazz and Soul, this concert features music from her critically acclaimed albums, plus many crowd favourites. 7.30pm. £18-£25. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org 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.

To advertise call 01242 510500

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22 22 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER NANCY KERR & JAMES FAGAN PLUS SUPPORT One of the best-known folk duos on the British circuit. Outstanding musicianship, a lifelong grounding in traditional singing and instrumental playing, acclaimed original compositions but most noticeably a visceral chemistry between these two make Kerr and Fagan a perennial favourite at festivals, venues and clubs across the country. 8pm.

From £13.50. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 222-23 2-23 SEPTEMBER 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’ss town. Throughout the weekend artists and creatives will be both exhibiting their work and demonstrating their talents. In addition 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 2233 SEPTEMBER 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. Vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, pescatarians, omnivores and just the curious – all welcome! Entry is £3 (under 12s free). cotswoldveganevents.com. Corn Hall, Cirencester, GL7 2NW 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 Ritchie and many more! £24.50. 7.30pm. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA .

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2255 SEPTEMBER 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. 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. Visit www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk for more. £14. 7.30pm. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA .

27 27 SEPTEMBER 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 27-29 SEPTEMBER 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.

2288 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER OKTOBERFEST AT GLOUCESTER BREWERY Bigger and better than before, we’ll be bringing you official Oktoberfest lagers, a range of other German beer styles as well as our own brews and UK guests. We will also be offering up some delicious Bavarian style food and putting on some awesome live music for you all to enjoy.

Your £10 ticket covers entry, your festival 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.

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28-29 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 28-29 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!!

229-30 9 -30 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER COTSWOLDS AIRPORT REVIVAL FESTIVAL An incredible vintage and wartime extravaganza with lots of exciting activities and attractions for all the family. Both days will be 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 2299 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER – 7 OCTOBER 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. Something for everyone!

10am-4pm. Contact Gill on 01666 840993.

2 OCTOBER OCTOBER STEELEYE SPAN Steeleye Span (featuring their new sevenpiece line up) return to the road for an extensive UK autumn tour. The show will see them perform new gems alongside classics that have made them one of the most successful British Folk Rock bands ever. 8pm. From £23. Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 6 OCTOBER OCTOBER HUCCCLECOTE 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.

The Local Answer

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In addition to the football specialism, and mainly due to our locality, we always have a presence at the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival and next March we have four Long Run Boxes for the week.

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.

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Countryside Countryside ccelebration elebration aatt Frampton Frampton The Frampton Country Fair takes place this month, with over 10,000 people expected to attend the annual event.

The fair, held on the Frampton Court Estate, was originally started back in 1986 and has been held annually since then, giving visitors a g l i m p s e i n t o t h e k ey r o l e t h e countryside plays in modern life.

E ve n t o r g a n i s e r H ay d n J o n e s i s keeping his fingers crossed the fine summer weather continues, to m a x i m i s e t h e n u m b e r o f v i s i to r s to the fair.

He said: “We’re all hoping that the i n to h ot weather continues September! If it does we’ll be expecting approximately 10,000 visitors. Everyone seems to enjoy the event, the feedback we get is always very positive, so our aim is just to continue to offer visitors the best possible experience of countryside life.

“I’ve been helping out at the fair

Action from the 2017 fair

since 1988. The event was set up to be very much a traditional country fair and we’ve stayed loyal to that ethos.

We’ve evolved over the years but have made a definite decision to stick to our core themes of promoting and celebrating the living and working countryside.

“People use the countryside for all sorts of different reasons, but we want to promote it as somewhere where people live, work and produce

food, as well as enjoying recreational activities. We’re very lucky to hold the fair on a beautiful country park , there’s a lot of room for exhibitions and activities.”

With tractor shows, hound parades, falconry exhibitions plus many other fun events, the fair gives visitors a real insight into countryside life. Haydn continued: “Our countryside ring is always one of the popular attractions. We’ll be running various working demonstrations that show how horses used to work in the countryside, but there’s also butchery demonstrations that s h o w h ow a n a n i m a l c a r c a ss i s separated into different joints and cuts of meat that we see in the supermarket. “ T h e l a k e i s a v e r y p ro m i n e n t feature, there’s fly fishing and course fishing demonstrations that are held there which are always very popular and a great introduction into angling.”

Full story online.

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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

TTheatre heatre FFestival estival back back with with 35 35 shows shows The annual Stroud Theatre Festival gets underway on the 14th September, with 35 s h o w s h e l d i n e i g h t ve n u e s performed by leading local and national theatre companies.

Now in its sixth year, the festival is a celebration of theatre, with performances h e l d o v e r t h re e d a y s i n t h e south Gloucestershire town.

The 2018 festival will continue to f o l l o w i n t h e p a t h o f with d i ve r s e p re v i o u s years, performances from a variety of theatre groups. “ 2 0 1 8 p ro m i s e s to b e a n o t h e r fantastic three days of theatre,” said event organiser John Bassett . “We’re absolutely thrilled to be welcoming such a broad range of performers to the town for what is a real celebration of performing arts. The programme includes new takes on classic works, dramas, comedies, children’s shows, workshops, street theatre, stand up,

Impromptu Shakespeare will feature at this year’s festival

and much more. This year ticket prices will be £6 for each show and the ‘Stroudie Special’ will be back in place to allow you to get six shows for the price of five,” added John.

The 2018 festival will feature workshops at the Museum in the Park , w h i c h J o h n s ay s w i l l b e o n e o f t h e highlights of the festival. He continued: “There are workshops on the Saturday a n d S u n d ay t h a t w i l l b e h e l d a t t h e

museum. On the Saturday we’ll be running a half-day workshop for children to learn s o n g s, w r i t e s t o r i e s a n d immerse themselves in art.

“On Sunday the museum will hold a workshop for adults led by playwright Robert Cohen. If you’ve ever thought of creating a one-person show, Robert will help you build a framework to get started. Over the course of t h e t wo h o u r s , R o b e r t w i l l b e encouraging participants to seek inspiration – in history, in literature, in current events and of course in their own experience – before helping them to identify a structure and a strategy to go away and start creating. It promises to be a great event. Tickets are only £8, which represents great value.

“We’re bringing together as many theatre companies as we can for this year’s event.”

Full story online.

Stroud Stroud b band and e enjoying njoying tthe he g good ood ttimes imes It’s very rare for bands to stay together for too long in this day and age, which makes ‘Chinese Burn’ something of a rarity. The popular Stroud-based band h a ve b e e n p e r f o r m i n g t o g e t h e r fo r over a decade and show no signs of stopping any time soon.

Their longevity can be attributed to t h e i r s t r o n g b a n d o f f o l l ow e r s, b o t h here in Gloucestershire and further afield. “We love what we do, we’re a c l o s e - k n i t g ro u p o f f r i e n d s w h o j u s t l o ve p e r f o r m i n g , ” s a i d g u i t a r i s t Ed Butcher. “ A l l t h e b a n d m e m b e r s a re f ro m Stroud or nearby villages. Growing up in Stroud was great , it ’s not the biggest town but it has always had a lively music scene. I feel lucky to have grown up here. The recent resurgence of the Fringe Festival has really encouraged young musicians to get out and perform which is really positive.”

Chinese Burn at a recent gig

It was a performance at the Stroud Fringe Festival that Ed remembers with particular fondness, as the band g o t t o s h a re t h e s t a g e w i t h a professional musician. Ed explained: “A really magic moment that always sticks in the memory was when we played alongside Ed Tudor-Pole here in Stroud.

“We played as his support band, then he came on the main stage to

perform. As he was nearing the end of his set he asked us to join him on stage for his encore. Without ever rehearsing we joined him and just went for it. It was an amazing experience, there were hundreds of people watching us, it gave us all a real buzz .”

The five-piece band contains Ben Rigsby, Dave Brooks, Andrew Beard, Danny Churchill, plus Ed. They’ve become well-known in Gloucestershire for their sharp delivery of punk and rock music, performing tracks that they ’ve written themselves.

Ed continued: “We write our own songs and we don’t do any cover versions. I’ve nothing against cover bands, in fact I’ve performed in a few over the years but , personally speaking , I get a greater sense of satisfaction seeing people dance and sing along to songs we’ve written rather than just covering an Elvis track .”

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 needs

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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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QUALITY Q UALITY KITCHEN K ITCHEN FACELIFTS F ACELIFTS

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Rocking Rocking b back ack tto o sschool chool A n d , n o t fo r g e t t i n g t h e m o st i m p o r t a n t p a r t of a gaming chair – comfort , because no one wants to go fighting space aliens or s to p p i n g a zombie apocalypse with a bad b a c k ! T h e X Ro c k e r i s s of t and durable, with a re c l i n i n g p l a t f o r m t h a t makes it cooler than your nan’s ro c k i n g chair.

Available for £299.99.

September has long-been the crazed month of last-minute dashes to the shops for backto - s c h o o l s u p p l i e s, a n d t h a t weary thought of returning to the classroom. Still, the level o f s t re ss i n p a re n t s h a s dramatically decreased! Here we have some snazzy gizmos for little and big kids alike, that might just distract you long enough to forget about the old Monday morning routine.

Menkind

R Razor azor TTurbo urbo JJetts etts Do you feel the need? The need for speed? Then grab your helmet and strap on these bad boys to zoom off into the sunset. The Razor Turbo Jetts are just as cool as their name, as t h e s e m o to r i s e d h e e l w h e e l s w i l l give your trainers the ultimate levelup.

These aren’t your regular skates, as they come packed with an 80 -watt motor, ready to get you gliding. The m o to r a t t a c h e s o n t o o n e o f t h e fittings and, using some nifty pressure-sensitive power control system, helps you ride comfortably. It t h e n t a k e s yo u o n a s p i n , w i t h t h e speed getting up to 10 miles an hour as you show off your skills.

Menkind Menkind

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T h e m o to r i s p o w e r e d a rechargeable lithium battery, which gives you up 3 0 m i n u te s to m a s te r y s k a t i n g m ove s . I t e ve n h a quick-release clip that make easier to remove for chargin These motorised wheels w fit any type of trainer (U size 11 youth to adult) and are ideal for children ages 9 and up (so adults be warned!). At £129.99, see i f yo u c a n c a tc h t h e m i n time.

X Rocker Rocker SSentinel entinel If you prefer to keep your activities indoors, then you’re going to prefer something a bit cosier. Now, with the X Ro c k e r S e n t i n e l – w h i c h a l s o sounds like it could be a really bad ro c k b a n d – y o u c a n i m m e r s e yourself in your gaming adventures.

Packed with a 4.1. Audio system and tri motor vibration feedback , this gaming chair is compatible with all modern consoles, and is easily foldable, making it a great addition to your living space.

T h e a m a z i n g a u d i o sy s te m a n d vibration modules really help to provide that extra realism whilst gaming or watching films, and it also has Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile or tablet.

Argos

SSnuggle nuggle Pets Pets G Go o – TTanner anner tthe he Yorkie Yorkie Puppy Puppy A dog isn’t just for Christmas, it’s for life – but that won’t put an end to the kids constantly showing you YouTube videos of puppies and desperately pleading for one. To keep your little ones happy (and quiet), you can go for the slightly cheaper, and less excessive route, of this little robo dog; Tanner the Yorkie Puppy from Snuggle Pets Go. Snuggle by name, and snuggly by nature, this adorable canine comes with his own lead, as he can walk and run along with his owner. Perfect for indoor and outdoor playing, this little guy can be every man’s best friend. Available for £20.

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www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

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Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

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

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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Page 31

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

SSquash quash is is tthriving hriving a att a all ll llevels evels iin n ccounty ounty county players who are doing Gloucestershire has always much to spread the word about been a good breeding ground the sport they love. for squash players.

“Tom Ford, Alex Parker, Dan Think Lucy Soutter and Fiona Heaton, Jonny Harford and Geaves in yesteryear while numerous others are all playing more recently the likes of an active role in the assocNathan Lake and Tom Ford iation,” added Toseland, who have been flying the flag for lives in Frampton-on-Severn the county in some of the and himself is a level 3 coach. bigger tournaments around the “There’s a real big mix of globe. playing abilities at clubs and it’s And it ’s not just at the top a very sociable sport.” level that the sport is thriving The aforementioned County in this part of the world.

Gloucestershire’ss ladies’ team, from left, Carys Jones, League is for the more serious Squash is thriving at all levels and Ellie Jones (captain), Rebecca Quiney, Claire Pulley squash players and the county Mark Toseland, the chairman of and Haley Mendez men’s and ladies’ teams are also the Gloucestershire Squash Association for the past three years, schools’ programme and over the strong. The men’ss team have past two years we’ve reached 2,500 competed in the premier division of couldn’t be happier. the inter-counties league for the past “Yes, it ’s developing very well,” kids.”

The fact that someone like Nathan five years before unfortunately said 31-year-old Toseland, who only started playing the sport himself Lake, who is in the world’s top 50, is getting relegated at the end of the eight years ago. We’ve got a strong happy to take time out from his busy last campaign but the ladies are still County League competition and schedule speaks volumes not only flying high and have continued their we’re actively driving squash for him but the impact that squash fine form to stay in their premiership division. forward by taking it into the schools. can have.

“Nathan Lake has spearheaded the And it ’s not only Lake of the top Full story online.

The The feelgood feelgood factor factor

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There’s an upbeat mood around Dursley Town Football Club.

And while that may come as a surprise to some after two successive relegations – the flagship team are playing in Division One of the Stroud League this season – it’s clear that the feelgood factor has returned to the one-time County League club.

That in large part is due to the return of former player Karl Nash, who has left Brimscombe and Thrupp to become Dursley’s player/manager.

“He’s dropped five divisions to join us,” said club stalwart Don Small.

“He’s a big centre-forward and he’s been scoring 30 goals a season for Brimscombe so he should have some fun with us.”

A n d a s s o o f te n h a p p e n s , g o o d news often comes in twos and that is v e r y m u c h t h e c a s e a t D u r s l ey because Nash’s brother Antony is Dursley’s new chairman.

Charlie Sharples is o n e of t h o s e players who, in the nicest p o ss i b l e way, seems to have been around for a long time.

But he’s only 29 – a n d a yo u n g 2 9 at t h at b e c a u s e he’s only just had Charlie Sharples 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 training over the past few weeks.

“The new pitch should be brilliant for speed guys like me,” said the fourtimes capped England wing who went to Wycliffe College in Stonehouse.

Ah hockey ockey ‘‘legend’ legend’ 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 ev 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 re n t l y vice-president of the GHA .

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

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SStroud troud aare re h hoping oping tto om make ake a fast fast sstart tart tto on new ew W Western estern CCounties ounties N North orth ccampaign ampaign We all remember our birthdays when we were young – the cake, blowing o u t t h e c a n d l es a n d t h e n m a k i n g a wish.

That ’s one of the things that stop when you start to grow up of course and it’s probably fair to say that it’s a good number of years since Russell Hillier, the ever agreeable president of Stroud Rugby Club, made a wish b e fo r e t u c k i n g i n to s o m e b i r t h d a y cake.

Which is a shame because if Hillier could have one wish for the forthcoming season it would be for h i s b e l ov e d r u g b y c l u b to m a k e a good start to the new campaign.

“We’ve started off pretty poorly for the last two seasons.” he said. “Last season it was offset by the fact that we came back with a good run before and after Christmas.

“But it ’s a lot easier if you’ve won more than you’ve lost by Christmas.”

That certainly wasn’t the case in 2017/18 as Stroud lost seven of their first eight Western Counties North fixtures. They then steadied the ship with two wins in their next four

Russell Hillier

Russell Hillier is a big fan of versatile back Dan Gordon. Picture: Shaun Lafferty

Director or rugby Rupert Foote, right, with his son Harry

games but it wasn’t until they beat Winscombe on 9th December that their season really got up and running.

They then won five of their next six games and another four-game winning run in March and April saw them finish comfortably in mid-table with 13 wins from their 26 games.

“Apart from Cheltenham I think we beat every team in the division, including champions Coney Hill,” said Hillier, the one-time Stroud and Gloucester full-back , who is hopeful that the club can take their second half of the season form into 2018/19.

“If we can keep 90 per cent or all of our squad together then I think we’ll have an enjoyable season.”

Rupert Foote, who like Hillier is S t ro u d t h ro u g h a n d t h ro u g h , i s continuing as director of rugby and Hillier said: “He provides continuity.”

Ed King continues as forwards coach

and Lex Brookes remains as backs coach and while that is also very good news Hillier added: “We’re not under any illusions, we know it ’s going to be tough again this season.

This is a very competitive league.

“Coney Hill have been promoted but they’ve been replaced by Matson and they ’re not coming just to make up the numbers.”

So what is the aim for Stroud this season?

“We want to finish as best we can,” said Hillier. “Every coach wants promotion and we’re no different .

We’ve got to aim for the top.

“There’s a great mood at the club and if we can keep the players from last season – up to 40 turned up to the end-of-season dinner which is a good sign – then I think we’ve got something to build on.

“The boys all know one another… we just need to make a decent start.”

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