Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran More bank closures

Regular readers of this column will be aware of exactly how low an opinion I hold of the service that the High Street banks offer to their business and personal customers. OK, we can’t keep harking back to the ‘good old days’ when there were bank branches on every street corner But I think we’re entitled to a little more consideration than we’re currently getting

The banks will tell you that it’s all in the name of efficiency, which is their wording for ‘we need to make a fortune for our shareholders’.

There is no let-up in their approach, with announcements in recent months from all the major banks of literally hundreds more closures this year.

There are, however, just the first signs that the banks are beginning to listen to their critics

Last year Barclays opened its fir st pop-up branch in St Austell in Cornwall The pop-up was open for old-fashioned banking hour s of 9.30am-3.30pm to allow you to deposit and withdraw cash, as well as speak to a member of staff. They say there will be more to follow in 2023 but haven’t published any details.

Are pop-up banks the way forward?

TSB is about to follow suit with a pop-up in a shopping centre in north London. The bank tells us that the cost to set up a pod is only one-sixth of the weekly running costs associated with a conventional ‘High Street’ branch, so is this the way forward for allowing the public and local businesses to carry out basic banking transactions? I know we’re all being obliged to embrace the digital age and to accept the idea of moving towards a cashless society, but that’s not yet for everyone.

We are also seeing a few shared branches appearing on Post Office premises. Staff from different banks set up on separate days to provide the same level of services as we are seeing in the pop-ups. We were promised a wide spread of shared branches across the country but to date only four have sprung up, half of them as part of the original pilot scheme

There’s no evidence of any of these new setups appearing in the county; we can but hope. They are no replacement for full branches, but they are better than nothing, which seems to be the alternative.

The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors. We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit.

10 FEBRUARY – 16 APRIL LAMBING AT COTSWOLD FARM PARK

The much-loved annual lambing event is back and better than ever, with over 300 lambs expected to be born on the farm. You’ll be able to see live births up close and personal, as well as enjoy talks from the Farm Park’s team of experts about all things lambing. Plus, you’ll be able to participate in all the usual play and exciting activities the park has to offer, from meeting and feeding the animals to exploring the beautiful Cotswold countryside. 9.30am-4.30pm. Tickets available at www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

1 MARCH

GARDENING IN A CHANGING CLIMATE: A WORKSHOP

Join us for a discussion about how we can adapt our growing practices, identify adaptable plants, improve soil and manage water in the garden and allotment in the future as the climate changes. With Malcolm Allison, an expert in botany and forestry. FREE. 7-9pm, FRONT Community Hub, Sixways, Charlton Kings. Email Visit charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk/ local-events for tickets.

4 MARCH CHELTENHAM MIND BODY SPIRIT WELLBEING SHOW

By Deer Spirit Events. Over fifty fantastic exhibitors: 1-1 tarot, psychic, shamanic & clairvoyant readings, holistic therapies, self-help, crystals, jewellery, books, arts and crafts, healthy living products. Thirty talks and workshops, inside and out. Refreshments/parking on site. 11-5pm. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE. www.deerspirit.co.uk

8 MARCH

MAGGIE’S FIREWALK

Can you handle the heat? Challenge yourself, face your fears and walk across hot embers while raising money to support people living with cancer, their families and friends. Registration £15, with an £85 fundraising target per person. 6-9pm. Randall & Payne, Shurdington Road, Cheltenham GL51 4GA. To register, visit maggiescheltfirewalk23.eventbrite.co.uk

11 MARCH

CHELTENHAM CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Fauré: Pelléas et Mélisande Suite. Debussy: Petite Suite. Ravel: Pavane pour une Infante défunte. Bizet: Symphony No.1. Tickets £20. Students free. 7.30pm. St Andrew’s Church, Montpellier, Cheltenham GL50 1SP. For more information visit www.cheltenhamchamberorchestra.org.uk

12 MARCH

CIRENCESTER VEGAN MARKET

Expect to see a wide range of vegan stalls including delicious vegan street food, baked goods and sweet treats, ethical clothing brands, cruelty free cosmetics, arts and crafts, charities and outreach, as well as free samples from our info tent. 10am-3pm. Free entry. Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NW. www.veganfairs.co.uk

21 MARCH

LADYFRIENDS [A PERIOD DRAMA]

A high-octane romp through love letters, third dates, and lesbian period dramas – via the (probably) true stories of Annie Kenney and Christabel Pankhurst. Rammed with live music and film, it digs up real-life queer history to ask the age-old question: “are we dating, or are we just really good friends?” 7pm. £15. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk

22 MARCH

SUBVERSE PRESENTS JENNY

MITCHELL & JOSEPHINE LAY

To celebrate World Poetry Day, SubVerse is delighted to present Jenny Mitchell. Born in Britain, Mitchell explores her Jamaican heritage, and the legacies of slavery and colonialism, through unsparing and exquisitely crafted poetry which she performs with a powerful and moving stillness. Support comes from poet Josephine Lay, a director of the Gloucestershire Poetry Society. 8pm. £8-£10. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. www.thesubrooms.co.uk

24 MARCH

YOUNG ELTON – THE TRIBUTE SHOW

A celebration of one of the greatest singer songwriters of all time, with hits such as ‘Bennie And The Jets’, ‘I’m Still Standing’ and many more. £21 (£19). 7.30pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk

25 MARCH

SUE RYDER SPRING FAYRE

A wonderful day of live music and entertainment with a BBQ, pop-up bar, tasty treats, bouncy castle, face painting, family fun activities, raffle, tombola and more! 10am-5pm. Tickets available on the day. Adults £2.50, children under 12 free. More details are on the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice Facebook page.

26 MARCH

NATIONAL STAR’S SUNRISE WALK

Join National Star’s Sunrise Walk on Sunday 26th March 2023 from Ullenwood, Cheltenham. By putting your best foot forward you will transform the lives of young people with disabilities with every step. The beautiful 12km circular route will give plenty of opportunity to soak up the stunning views around the Cotswold Way. Registration from 4.30am with the walk starting at 6am. nationalstar.org/get-involved/sunrise-walk

28 MARCH

FEAST OF FIDDLES

A band of friends that puts on a show of huge dynamic range performed with passion, joy and a liberal dose of fun. Marion Fleetwood joins fiddlers Peter Knight, Brian McNeill, Ian Cutler, Tom

Leary and Garry Blakeley, who add the large range of fiddle playing styles to the rock back-line of guitars, sax, keyboards and accordion – all held together by legendary drummer Dave Mattacks. 7.30pm. Tickets from £23. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.org

30 MARCH

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: LIFE OF PI Puppetry, magic and storytelling combine in a unique, Olivier Awardwinning stage adaptation of the bestselling novel. After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a 16-year-old boy named Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and a Royal Bengal tiger. Time is against them, nature is harsh, who will survive? £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). 7pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk

31 MARCH

SIMON EVANS: WORK OF THE DEVIL Simon’s last show, Genius 2.0, provided a hilarious analysis of the departure of any visible sign of intelligence from modern life. But his new show raises the stakes, with his usual excoriating views of a world on fire, given a perspective shift from personal revelations that turned his world upside down this year. 8pm. £17. Sundial Theatre, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 1XA. www.sundial-theatre.co.uk

1 APRIL

UNDERCOVER HIPPY

Billy Salisbury has been performing at festivals since 2008, working his way up from being a solo singer-songwriter playing on small marquee stages, to now having a full band of incredible musicians and playing main stages at some of the UK’s best independent festivals. The music is best described as politically-driven acoustic roots reggae folk-hop, with feel-good vibes and a sly sense of humour. 8pm. £18£22. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. www.thesubrooms.co.uk

1-2 APRIL MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION

St. Margaret’s Hall, Coniston Road, off Windermere Road, Hatherley, Cheltenham GL51 3NU. Layouts, refreshments, trade support, disabled access, children’s ‘drive yourself’ Thomas. 10am-5pm. Raising funds for Rachel’s Fight For Life as seen on BBC Midlands Today TV. Full details at www.cheltmodrail.org.uk

Cheltenham Horticultural Society Annual Spring Flower Show

There will be a stunning display of Spring bulbs, flowers and pot plants, with plants for sale from local nurseries. Many other stalls. Admission

£2.50, children free. 12.30-3.30pm. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL52 3JE.

9 APRIL

CHELTENHAM VEGAN MARKET

Taking place on The Promenade right in the shopping district, we’ll showcase the best local vegan businesses and their incredible products, from the tastiest vegan street food to homemade bakes and cakes, as well as non-food items like ethical fashion brands, cruelty-free skincare, homeware items and much more. 10am-3pm. Free entry. www.veganfairs.co.uk

12-13 APRIL RAPUNZEL

Join your Easter panto favourites Wally, Dame Dolly and Fairy Tale as they embark on a quest to break an enchantment that keeps Rapunzel locked away in her tower. But the wicked sorceress Gothel has other plans for Rapunzel and her everlengthening hair! Will Rapunzel escape? Find out in this hair-larious Easter pantomime adventure! Various times. Tickets from £16.50. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.org

15 APRIL

CALLING LAWN BOWLERS

If you would like to play more bowls next season then you are welcome to come along to our first 2023 Open Day. Gloucester Spa Bowling Club play midweek and weekend friendlies plus compete in several local Leagues. For more information please ring Steve Morgan on 01452 520534. Beginners of all ages are also very welcome!

19 APRIL GREASE

Cirencester College Performing Arts

Department Presents: GREASE. After a whirlwind summer romance, leatherclad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more? 7.30pm. £7-£10. Sundial Theatre, Cirencester, GL7 1XA. www.sundial-theatre.co.uk

20 APRIL

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: GOOD

David Tennant makes a muchanticipated return to the West End in a blistering reimagining of one of Britain’s most powerful, political plays. As the world faces its Second World War, John Halder, a good, intelligent German professor, finds himself pulled into a movement with unthinkable consequences. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). 7pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk

20 APRIL

TOM MCGUIRE & THE BRASSHOLES

Combining rich arrangements with meticulous songcraft, the band is carving a niche of their own. Their music is full of vitality, classic pop sensibility with high musicianship values and rich production. 7pm. £14. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk

22 APRIL

PENDYRUS MALE VOICE CHOIR CONCERT

The celebrated Pendyrus Male Voice Choir will be performing at Leckhampton High School at 7pm. Hot on the heels of taking part in the Princess of Wales’ carol concert last December, you can hear them live in Cheltenham. Tickets available from https://buytickets.at/rccn

Put on your platform boots and funky suits or just a boa, and have a night of ABBA madness!! This is a fantastic live show that celebrates the music of ABBA through a fully live six-piece band, voiceovers, costume changes, choreographed dance routines, and light show. Lots of audience participation and all the favourite ABBA Hits! 7.30pm. £20. 01452 503050. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. gloucesterguildhall.co.uk

Win tickets for this performance at thelocalanswer.co.uk/competitions.aspx MAY – AUGUST 2023

WORLD-CLASS OPERA IN THE COTSWOLDS

Enjoy world-class opera in the beautiful surroundings of the Cotswolds at Longborough Festival Opera – a 500seat theatre overlooking stunning views. 2023 includes: Wagner’s Götterdämmerung, Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love), Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo, and Purcell’s The Fairy Queen. Bring a picnic for the long interval or book a table in the exclusive on-site restaurant. Book online at LFO.org.uk

21 MAY

WELLCHILD’S MALVERNS END TO END CHALLENGE

Take on this 11-mile trek over the Malvern Hills, through stunning woodland and beautiful moors with England’s best views. Your £30 entry will support seriously ill children nationally. Visit WellChild.org.uk to learn more. Dogs welcome.