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Cotswolds: 30,000 copies Cheltenham: 43,000 copies Gloucester: 50,000 copies North Gloucestershire: 20,000 copies Stroud District: 40,000 copies

Inside this month ...

TLA Distributors Required Delicious Dish Looking Good, Feeling Great TLA Leaflet Distribution Parenting & Guardianship Quick Crossword Money Matters Motoring What’s On Mirror Mirror on the Wall Homes & Gardens In the Garden Sudoku Wildlife Matters Interior Design Word Search Holidays & Travel TLA Sport Index, Competitions, Solutions

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August’s winning cover photo: Martyn Llewellyn

Welcome to August In this month’s Looking Good, Feeling Great article Will Mbanga delivers some excellent advice on the importance of good nutrition, while allowing a little indulgence too. The August Delicious Dish would certainly fall into the ‘little indulgence’ category – a mouthwatering Summer Strawberry Tart.

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson explains how Gloucestershire Constabulary is leading the way in using a DNA marker system to combat dog theft – let’s hope it helps catch those responsible!

There’s lots to do and see in our What’s On section this month, including the fabulous Gloucester Goes Retro festival which takes place in the city centre and Docklands areas.

There’s a new ‘Retro on the Water’ element, the popular vintage vehicles, music, dancing and much more – a great day out for all the family!

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Delicious Dish with Helen Kingscott

Summer strawberry tart A scrumptious dessert and the perfect showstopper for a summer garden party!

To make a dairy-free version, substitute with vegan butter and your favourite plant milk.

Ingredients: For the pastry: 125g unsalted butter 200g plain flour 85g icing sugar 1 egg 500g strawberries 100g strawberry jam 1 tbsp apricot jam For the crème patissiere: 480ml milk 75g sugar A pinch of salt 30g cornflour 3 tsp vanilla bean paste 6 large egg yolks 45g softened unsalted butter

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Method: 1 To make the pastry, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth. Mix in the egg, then add the flour.

2 Use a round bladed knife or your fingers to bring it all together to form a dough.

Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for half an hour.

3 Grease a 23cm fluted flan tin then roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a 26cm circle. Line the tin with the pastry, leaving an overhang. Prick the base with a fork and chill again for half an hour.

4 Heat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C/gas mark 6). Line the pastry case with greaseproof paper and add baking beans.

Bake for 15 minutes, remove the paper and beans then The Local Answer

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cook for a further 20 minutes until golden. Leave to cool.

To make the crème patissiere, heat the milk over a medium heat and bring to a simmer (almost a boil).

While the milk is being heated, place the sugar, eggs, cornflour, salt and vanilla bean paste into a bowl.

Whisk until thick and smooth then place the bowl on a towel (to make the next part easier).

As soon as the milk starts to bubble, remove from the heat and slowly pour about half of the hot milk in a thin stream into the egg mix, whisking all the time. Then add the egg mix back into the rest of the hot milk in the saucepan.

Heat the custard over a medium heat while whisking vigorously until it starts to thicken (1-2 minutes). While whisking, let the custard come

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to a boil. Lower the heat and cook for a further 1-2 minutes after you see the first bubbles break the surface.

8 Remove from the heat, add the butter and whisk until it’s completely mixed in. Pour the custard into a bowl and immediately cover the surface with cling film, making sure it touches the whole surface.

This prevents a skin forming.

Allow the custard to cool down to room temperature, then chill in the fridge.

9 To assemble, beat the strawberry jam then spread over the base of the pastry case.

Pipe or spoon the crème patissiere on top of the jam.

Arrange the strawberries in slices or whole to make a nice pattern. Add 1 tbsp water to the apricot jam and heat until warm. Whisk lightly, leave to cool then brush over the top of the strawberries.

Serve well-chilled.

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Looking Good, Feeling Great with Will Mbanga

Sustainable nutrition As we get further away from the restrictions and limitations of the pandemic, many of us have returned to ‘normal’ in most aspects of our lives, including being busy, exercising less and not eating optimally.

Continuing on our focus of sustainable fitness for life, let’s look more closely at how we fuel our bodies from a nutrition perspective.

We all acknowledge the importance of exercise, sleep, recovery and nutrition’s role in losing or maintaining a healthy weight. Those who make the effort to prepare healthy, nutritious meals will also tell you that it takes a lot of time and effort, which can be frustrating, especially in this modern age of instant gratification.

Add to this the frustration when you don’t see results straight away, or only finding boring and bland recipes, both of which cause most people to get disheartened and give up too soon. Just remember, like anything worth having in life, there is no straight line or easy path to success.

That being said, more often than not, nutritional challenges often arise as a result of people focusing on the wrong things when they’re trying to lose or manage their weight, which makes the process even harder than it ought to be.

We know that good nutrition and exercise are key components to dropping or maintaining weight, but a lot of people simply don’t have the time or energy to do both of these things, either properly or consistently.

Of course, you can still lose some weight if you eat The Local Answer

healthily but don’t exercise, or vice versa; however, from a holistic fitness perspective, the outcomes – and your overall wellness – will not be optimal.

I referenced aiming to achieve a calorie deficit in a previous article – essentially, consuming fewer calories than your body requires for maintaining life and sustaining exercise demands, which causes your body to burn fat for additional energy.

Experiment yourself or consult a Registered Dietician You can achieve this either by experimenting at home with differing amounts of food until you find your sweet spot, or consulting a Registered Dietician to get a more scientifically accurate measure.

When you’re trying to lose weight, taking regular breaks – especially from stricter meal plans – can be a good strategy to keep you on track. This is not an excuse to over-indulge and undo all your good work; from

a scheduling perspective, consider making these sorts of changes once a month for anything up to a week if you wish to change the whole ‘diet’ completely or, alternatively, eating ‘cheat meals’ or ‘treat’ foods once or twice a week depending on your goals.

It’s important not to restrict yourself too much. Often, if we tell ourselves we can’t have a particular food, we refrain for a certain period of time but then we crave it too much and could end up over-eating. If you allow yourself a little bit of your favourite foods on a regular basis, provided it fits within your calorie deficit, you’re less likely to fall off the wagon and undo all your hard work.

Just remember, while counting calories can be a useful way of losing or maintaining weight, you need to ensure that you’re still getting the right balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat and protein) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to keep your mind and body healthy, and to fuel your exercise regime effectively.

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Helping Families find the right help We help families find high quality nannies, domestic help and child care professionals Mother’s Help • Nannies • Housekeepers, Cleaners • Maternity Nurses • Babysitters One-off, short-term or long-term support Full-time, part-time, live-in or live-out A bespoke, personal and attentive service Initial consultation to fully understand your requirements All candidates thoroughly vetted, including relevant DBS and reference checks

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Writers required We are looking for contributors to write monthly articles for us on various topics: Education & Employment Gadgets & Gizmos Medical Health Save the Planet (Environment) If you have experience in, or specialist knowledge of, any of these topics, please email lois@thelocalanswer.co.uk for more information.

You may be asked to supply a sample article.

Please only enquire for the topics listed above – we are not looking to introduce any other editorial features at this time.

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Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart

Blended families As a parent, you will no doubt have your own approach to raising your kids. Whether it is meticulously planned, or you fly by the seat of your pants, you will do your best and that is great.

This can become problematic, however, if we blend families and bring new partners into the mix. After a divorce or separation, it is highly likely that you will meet a new partner with their own children and go on to create a blended family, so understanding each other and the ways you choose to parent are vital.

From Permissive to Authoritarian, we can all recognise a sense of difference in how we raise our children, what we prioritise and what we are willing to overlook.

Communication is key Of course, clear communication is key and discussing a traffic light system of expectations is really useful. Take a big piece of paper and red, orange and green pens, then share ideas on what is totally

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acceptable to both of you (green), what is negotiable (orange) and what is a complete ‘nono’ (red).

Being aware that one of you likes to co-sleep with your kids and the other prefers absolute privacy is a great way to learn how to navigate bedtime, for example.

If one of you tends to be a ‘my way or the highway’ personality whilst the other is permissive and easy come, easy go, you could anticipate a lot of pushback from the children and confusion as to what the rules of the new household are.

Remember, there is no right or wrong, good or bad here – simply an awareness of where tension and struggle may occur and an invitation to explore things ahead of time.

I see this often when one parent returns to their childhood home after separation – ostensibly for help and support

from grandparents until they can re-establish themselves independently. If these grandparents raised their child in an authoritarian way, they may struggle massively if that said child has grown up to be a permissive parent, allowing their kids to stay up late, choose their meals, say no, answer back, etc.

Differences in generational parenting

Differences in the way generations choose to parent can put a lot of pressure on an otherwise loving family environment, so please remember, amidst the flux and change of your family, to talk about what matters to you and to always seek to find compromise.

This is never a game of winners and losers but only of constant ebbing and flowing, growing and changing, and who knows, you may end up giving your authoritative father a second chance to be the cuddly grandpa he always yearned to be!

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DOWN 1 Develop 2 Rupture 3 Measure (out) 4 Furnishing scheme 5 Diminishing 6 Admiration 9 Large spoon 11 Partly cooked 13 Gesture of assent 15 Radiates 16 Sharply serrated 18 Musical composition 19 Taunts 21 Curved-bill bird 22 Auction

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Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson’s

ANNUAL REPORT April 2021-March 2022

Forces follow county’s lead on canine crime

Protecting your pooch might sound like a slogan, but there is no doubt of the urgency after the trade in stolen dogs prompted a new crime wave and made headlines around the world.

Gloucestershire Constabulary was the first police force globally to turn to forensic science in an attempt to deter dog theft. Now others are following its lead.

In the last twelve months, Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have signed-up to the scheme known as ‘Doggy DNA’.

Surrey and Dyfed Powys are scheduled to join them soon with forces in Hampshire and elsewhere also in discussion.

‘At the forefront of forensic DNA’ ‘DNA Protected’, to give it its proper name, uses a DNA marker system that has been developed for forensic analysis to help investigate criminal cases involving the theft of dogs.

Storing a dog’s DNA profile on Cellmark’s forensic dog DNA database will make it easily

Picture courtesy of Thousand Word Media

Picture courtesy of Thousand Word Media

accessible to Police forces and could help ensure the dog’s safe return if lost or stolen.

David Hartshorne, Managing Director for Cellmark Forensic Services said: “Cellmark has been at the forefront of forensic DNA profiling for over 30 years. It’s great that our forensic DNA tools, which have been used for many years to investigate crime, will now be used to help combat dog theft.”

Chief Inspector Emma MacDonald said: “As a force we are committed to doing all that we can to prevent dog thefts from happening. All it takes is a simple swab inside the dog’s mouth to get its unique genetic information

Find out more about how to get your dog protected in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Annual Report – scan the QR code (left) or visit:

www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk/annualreport

registered on the DNA database.

“All of our police dogs have been profiled and given new Velcro patches for their harnesses which shows our confidence in the scheme.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said: “Gloucestershire has been at the forefront of moves to recognise the status of all animals. I congratulate the Constabulary on leading the way in the introduction of DNA technology and I’m delighted other forces are following its example”.

Chris Nelson

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire

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Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran

Taxing the rich It’s a popular view across the country – those who earn the most money should pay the most tax. It’s the concept popularly known as ‘taxing the rich’.

So let’s work out who qualifies as rich. Is it based on what you earn or what you own? For this debate to be around income tax, we have to concentrate on earnings. Maybe estate taxes is another subject for another day?

When do you qualify as ‘rich’?

Let’s analyse when the taxman thinks you qualify as rich. There are several milestones within the tax system at which the rate of tax applied to your income increases – pretty much in £50,000 chunks.

We’ll take the average UK full-time salary as being £30,000. It’s about that, perhaps depending on where in the country you live. The first ‘we need to tax them more’ trigger point is £50,000 – not even as much as twice the average. Surely someone earning £50,000 a year isn’t rich? But the taxman doubles your tax rate. And to make matters worse, he thinks you are rich enough to start paying back the child benefit that he handed to you when you qualified as ‘poor’.

Penalised tax rate Now double the threshold to £100,000. Is someone on that salary qualified as rich? The last Labour Chancellor we had certainly thought so. Never mind claiming back child benefit, he took personal allowances off these ‘rich’ people.

That threshold has not changed since it was introduced in 2009, dragging more and more people into this penalised tax rate and defining them as ‘rich’ at the same time.

The third level of £150,000 is the one at which you hit the highest rate of tax, so presumably the government does think people earning over that sum can be classified as rich. The number paying that tax rate 12 years ago was under 250,000; it’s now getting on for 3 times that number. More ‘rich’ people to pay the higher taxes we all think they should do?

Some reanalysis, rather than perpetuating an archaic taxation system, and some joined up thinking would go down a bundle.

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Motoring with Toby Aiken

A Raptorous reception For 40 years, the Ford F150 pickup truck has been the best selling vehicle in the USA. And for 45, it’s been the same nation’s favourite truck.

We know Americans like their trucks, and the Ford Ranger (the UK version) and new Raptor look really good whenever you see them on the UK roads. But to be feasible in the current economic climate, they can’t be a second vehicle so would have to work as a car as well as a truck. Can the Americans’ best-selling vehicle pull that off? I took the Raptor on a weekend away with the family to find out.

Firstly, this is the two-litre Raptor – there’s an all-new 3.0 V6 coming out soon, so I will try and report back on that one in time as well. The two litre is no slouch – with more than 200 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, it can handle a load and the enhanced ground clearance and wider track means it can handle terrain too. But we knew this already, so on to the family trip.

Clearly, the luggage has to go The Local Answer

in the truck bed which, thanks to the load cover, is protected from the elements. But unlike a conventional boot, the space is lateral rather than vertical, so the first concern I had was stopping suitcases and bags from sliding around as I drove.

It handles off-road and looks good I have a couple of ratchet straps for my own roof rack, and with the Raptor’s ample loading bay hooks, I was able to secure cases and objects likely to move around with a single strap, holding everything towards the cab end of the load bay.

The height of the bay is sufficient for most loads and at one point over the weekend it accommodated a folded wheelchair without any issue.

So it handles off-road, looks good, and can accommodate plenty of load in the back. But here’s the surprising thing… it drives nicely as a car too!

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Somerset, so the trip down encompassed motorway, Aroads and twisty country lanes.

The Raptor took them all in its stride, without any unsettling roll in the corners and with a good sense of spatial awareness, despite the massive bonnet and slightly limited rear view.

The Raptor was a hit with pretty much everyone and was even used as a shuttle service for some of the kids who were worn out after a day of activities to get them back to the centre. It took load after load of the kids and they all loved it.

I’m going to finish with a note on Tourette’s. My son was diagnosed last year, and has been amazing at helping his fellow students and anyone who will listen to understand what Tourette’s actually is.

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

UNTIL 4 SEPTEMBER THE BIG BATSFORD HEDGEHOG HUNT Find the hedgehogs hidden around the Arboretum and mark their locations on the map provided to win a prize! The Hedgehog Hunt costs £2.50 per child, plus Arboretum admission fee. Booking for the Hedgehog Hunt isn’t necessary (only admission tickets need to be pre-booked, excluding Batsford members). The £2.50 Hedgehog Hunt fee is payable on arrival. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Daily activity. Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AT. www.batsarb.co.uk 6 AUGUST WAREHOUSE CLIMBING CENTRE OPEN DAY

The Warehouse in Gloucester is holding an Open Day for first timers with exciting activities for ages 5 to 105 years! No experience required. £10 for 2 activities or £25 for unlimited all day pass! For more details visit www.the-warehouse.co.uk

10 AUGUST JANE EYRE Step right up, ladies and gents, to Heartbreak Productions’ Carnival Spectacular – complete with astounding acrobats, jaw-dropping jugglers, and the death-defying escape artist Jane Eyre. Watch her wriggle out of five different tight corners, including everyone’s greatest fear – fire! Tickets £16 (concessions £14). 7.30pm. The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk 12 AUGUST 80s MANIA 28 chart-topping artistes from the eighties are authentically recreated to look and sound as they did back in the day with a full live band, awesome dancers, mind-blowing lasers and light design, huge video projection and over 150 costumes! Kim Wilde, Duran Duran, Adam Ant, Boy George, Wham and Cyndi Lauper are just some of the stars you will witness in this highenergy, fast-paced, party style show!

7.30pm. Tickets £22-£29.50. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Glos, GL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.org 13 AUGUST CIRENCESTER FARMERS’ MARKET From locally brewed beer and pies, to chocolate brownies, game poultry, fruit and veg... you name it, if it’s in season and local, it will be at the Cirencester Farmers’ Market. For more information, please visit www.cotswoldmarkets.com

HEARTLESS CREW & GODFATHERS OF GARAGE Heartless Crew are a legendary UK garage crew from North London credited for paving the way for grime music. Godfathers Of Garage are UK House & Garage connoisseurs Norris Da Boss Windross & MC Creed who come together to create a unique fusion. £26.50. 7pm. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. www.thesubrooms.co.uk 19-20 AUGUST OPERA – DIDO & AENEAS

A classic tale of love and witchcraft, Dido & Aeneas by Henry Purcell is an operatic masterpiece. Perfectly sung and performed by members of Cheltenham Vocal Academy in St Andrew’s Church, Montpellier. This opera is a must-see for opera fans and newcomers alike. Two performances on the 19th (7pm-8pm) and 20th August (6pm-7pm). Tickets £15 (£10 con.) available via website: cheltenhamvocalacademy.co.uk

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20 AUGUST THE PRINCESS & THE PEA When a young Prince is in search of a bride, his mother, The Queen, is on the lookout for a real Princess. But after several months the Prince has not met anyone he likes. One night, a young woman turns up on the steps of the palace, wet through from a huge storm. The Queen takes one look at her and does not believe she is a real Princess, so she sets the young woman a test. In true fairytale style the young woman passes with flying colours and wins the heart of the Prince with her spirit and determination. Tickets £12 (children £10). 2.30pm. The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk 21 AUGUST CHELTENHAM HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S SUMMER FLOWER SHOW Welcome back to the Cheltenham Horticultural Society’s Summer Flower Show at Pittville Pump Rooms. 12.303.30pm. Don’t miss the beautiful floral art display, pot plants, roses and vegetables. Locally grown plants for sale plus books, cakes and local crafts.

27 AUGUST GLOUCESTER GOES RETRO

Travel back in time this summer at this award-winning festival, taking place in the city centre and Docklands areas. There will be hundreds of vintage and classic vehicles, reenactors, music and dancing on two stages! New for this year – ‘Retro on the Water’ with historic boats and organised trips! gloucestergoesretro.com Contact: Cllr Colin Organ 07767350003 colin.organ@gloucester.gov.uk 27-28 AUGUST TEWKESBURY FESTIVAL – PRESENTED BY THE BOATHOUSE Tewkesbury’s favourite festival is back with its long-awaited encore and this year it’s bigger and better! The Artful Dodger (Movin too fast/Re-rewind when the crowd say Bo Selector), N Trance (Stayin’ Alive/Set you free) and

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Oasish (Europe’s number 1 Oasis tribute band) are amongst the names set to grace the Harbour Stage this August Bank Holiday and we can’t wait to see you there. For more information, please visit tewkesburyfestival.co.uk 27-29 AUGUST WILD WONDER AT WESTONBIRT – CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL A new children’s book festival, dedicated to nature, animals, and the outdoors, featuring some of the UK’s most famous children’s book authors, illustrators, wildlife presenters and storytellers. Young bookworms can come and meet their favourite authors and illustrators and take part in a whole host of exciting activities, all surrounding stories set in and around nature. Enjoy workshops, performances and activities with trails, book signings and craft sessions set amongst the trees. 10am5pm. Tickets from £7 (under-18s free).

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, GL8 8QS. www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt 29 AUGUST WINCHCOMBE COUNTRY SHOW Each year, the show opens with a procession through the town, which includes vintage tractors and classic cars. The procession begins on Back Lane at 12.30 and arrives at the showground at 1pm. The show is an annual celebration of local talent, charities, businesses and groups and each year we donate our profits to support local good causes. Tickets on the gate on the day – adults £5, children (under 16) £2, family (up to 2 adults and 3 children) £12. For more information, please visit winchcombeshow.org.uk 3 SEPTEMBER MORETON-IN-MARSH SHOW Moreton Show is one of the biggest one-day agricultural shows in the UK. The 165-acre site in the beautiful north Cotswolds is packed with things to see and do – and buy. Traditional and always changing – that’s what they say about Moreton Show. Come for the day and prepare to be surprised at how much there is to see.

Tickets from £10 in advance or £12.50 on the day. For more information, please visit www.moretonshow.co.uk CHELTENHAM MIND BODY SPIRIT WELLBEING SHOW

By Deer Spirit Events. 50+ fantastic exhibitors: 1-1 readings, holistic therapies, self-help, crystals, jewellery, arts and crafts, healthy living. Thirty

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talks and workshops, inside and out.

Drumming workshop with Searchers drummer Scott Ottaway. Refreshments on-site. Saturday 3rd September.

11-5pm. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL32 3JE. www.deerspirit.co.uk 4 SEPTEMBER CHIPPING NORTON MIND BODY SPIRIT SHOW

By Deer Spirit Events. Over thirty fantastic exhibitors: 1-1 readings, holistic therapies, crystals, arts and crafts, healthy living products. Talks and workshops on spiritual, holistic and self-help subjects. Talk on archangels by best-selling spiritual author Denise Whichello. Parking and refreshments on-site. Sunday 4th September. 11-5pm. Glyme Hall, Burford Road, Chipping Norton, 0X7 5DY. www.deerspiritevents.co.uk 10 SEPTEMBER SHERLOCK’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE Follow Sherlock Holmes and his incomparable sidekick Dr John Watson on this riveting, until now unpublished, case... Damsel in distress, Lucy Matravers engages Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth, Holmes and his partner Watson to resolve a dispute over a family will.

Little do they know that this small case brings Holmes straight into the clutches of his arch-enemy, James Moriarty! 7.30pm. Tickets £12. The Cotswold Playhouse, Parliament Street, Stroud, GL5 1LW. www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk 11 SEPTEMBER FRAMPTON COUNTRY FAIR

Held in 30 acres of beautiful Frampton Court Estate parkland, 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. With over 400 trade stands, three display rings and a traditional fun-fair there is so much to see and do. 9am-6pm. Buy tickets online at framptoncountryfair.co.uk – Age 13+ £11.50, age 5-12 £3. Frampton on Severn, Junction 13 off M5.

Frampton on Severn, Gloucestershire, GL2 7EP. 01452 740152. www@framptoncountryfair.co.uk

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Go on Safari with Dave Dave and Darcy Go on Safari Dave and Darcy are off on safari to see the ani mals of Africa. On their trip they make lots of new friends, from giraffes to lions, as well as a baby elephant that is in trouble!

Will they be able to help?

Pre -o rde r open now! *

Dave and Darcy Go to the Beach Dave and Darcy are going to the beach for their summer holidays and a week filled with fun . Follow them on their adventures as they make friends and memories by the sea - but watch out for that naughty seagull!

Dave and Darcy Go to the Show Dave and Darcy dress up smart to go to the local village pony show.

They face many challenges throughout the day including big jumps and tricky dressage routines! How will they do in the competitions? Will they win any rosettes?

Dave and Darcy Have a Birthday Party It’s Dave’s birthday and the whole gang have come to celeb rate with hi m and Darcy! There will be lots of fun games and lots of yu mmy cake . Make su re you don’t miss the party!

Dave and Darcy Save Ch ristmas Santa’s reindeer are all poorly so there is nobody to fly the sleigh and deliver presents. Join Dave and Darcy as they whizz around the world and help to save Christmas!

Follow Dave’s adventures @loiskingscottauthor

and Darcy this su m me r!

PLUS! The brand new Dave and Darcy Colouring and Activity Book will be coming out this summer as well! You can pre -order this alongside the Safari story via my website.

• More than 30 pages of colouring in • Fun and educational activities • Ideally suited for children ages 2 -7

Pre -order now to receive a discount on the single book , the new bundle of five books and the colouring book! *Any

orders that include the Safari storybook or the Colouring and Activity book will be posted out later in the summer. Once I have an official publication date, I will email all customers to let you know when you can expect to receive your orders. All other orders will continue to be posted as stated on my website. If you have any questions, please email lois@loiskingscottauthor.com

Fun , engaging stories for ages3 -7 10% of profit donated to Cotswold RDA Activities and resources on my website Wholesale and school discounts available Please email lois@loiskingscottauthor.com

Sign up to my newsletter via my website to be the first to know when new stories and new Dave and Darcy products are released!

Shop online at www.loiskingscottauthor.com /shop

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Mirror Mirror on the Wall with Val Starr

Double dip denim The denim-on-denim look has been around since the 60s; the textile has been in fashion one way or another ever since.

Jeans are perhaps our most versatile item of clothing – a wardrobe essential. Since the late 19th century when jeans were rugged workwear they have evolved into major fashion apparel. It’s hard to think of another item that has been popular for so long.

The 60s saw flower power and double denim appearing with the first denim jackets, which also went on to become a closet staple. The 70s brought the Americana look; think Charlie’s Angels and the famous Dukes of Hazzard barely there cut-off shorts!

In the 1980s, designer denim emerged and Calvin Klein jeans were a must-have. By the 90s, jeans had turned big and baggy, but fast forward to 2022 and there’s a denim style for every look; high waist, low waist, cropped, skinny, flared – you name it, you can get it in denim!

Double denim is definitely a popular look, but remember to switch it up with different types of denim so you don’t look like you’ve come from the 70s!

Denim can be found in an amazing array of colours and

textures, which makes it even more comfortable and practical to wear.

Denim Dress If you go for a denim dress, you have killed the look with one item. The high street offers a superb selection. Mint Velvet has a lovely soft chambray frilled hem dress (top right) for £99 if you prefer a paler denim, while Boden has a classic, machine-washable, button through style for £85. Both of these have long sleeves.

Joules has a pretty chambray buttoned down midi dress with short sleeves for a nice relaxed look at £69.95.

A lovely denim dress is versatile and can take you anywhere, dressed up or down.

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Calan Denim Blazer (top left) in the ‘Ralph Lauren Collection’ is certainly special, with patchwork appliqués in various denim shades, hand-embroidered floral motifs, a flattering cut and a single button. At £2,000, it’s definitely high-end designer.

The other two ranges – ‘Lauren’ and ‘Polo’ – have a great selection of denim items, including tie-dye looks, at much more affordable prices so you get great quality with a more palatable price tag.

Colour Why not match a blue denim jean or dress with a white denim jacket, or vice versa?

Marks and Spencer have a wonderful selection of jackets from just £39.50. Don’t be shy – the spring/summer 2022 catwalks are evidence that denim is once again becoming a focal point of fashion, so the more the merrier!

Enjoy experimenting with denim this summer!

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In the Garden with Julia Smith

Have a go at ‘no dig’ gardening It’s August and to be honest, most people’s minds are full of holiday thoughts, whether it’s sitting on a beach in the hot Mediterranean sun, or hammering tent pegs into a tent in a force 10 in North Wales!

Perhaps with the travel situation and flights being cancelled, more of us are thinking of staying at home and doing day trips. This will be good news for vegetable growing gardeners, as usually everything is ready to pick as soon as you head off for your holiday and you have to get a neighbour to pick and water. Let’s be honest, it can be a bit onerous even if you’re allowed to eat the 40 courgettes and two tons of runner beans!

I’ve read some very interesting articles on ‘no dig’ gardening and watched a couple of tutorials on YouTube. Charles Dowding is a great one to watch, as he explains the way to create new beds over the top of grass and perennial weeds by using old cardboard and building up compost on top.

He also often plants into the

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compost immediately. For example, a crop of potatoes will form in a new layer of compost and root in the weedy, undisturbed lower level under the cardboard. The weeds are contained under the cardboard, resulting in less digging and weeding.

Beneficial to the soil and less back-breaking This type of gardening is really beneficial to the soil, as it is better for not being constantly disturbed by digging to get the weeds out. Over a period of two or three months

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the weeds just about disappear.

I’m sure that there are some instances where digging is the only way to sort out some problems – for instance, compaction where a ‘pan’ has formed down in the soil and needs breaking up to allow air and nutrients to move around.

But this ‘no dig’ method seems to make a lot of sense and save a lot of back-breaking work!

August is the time for rejuvenation pruning of stone fruit; established peaches, acid cherries and nectarines fruit on growth made the previous season. They only need a light pruning and the aim is to keep an open shape to the tree and prune to a growth bud. Growth buds are pointed, fruit buds are round.

This is also the start of the apple season. To test if an apple is ready to be picked, lift it in the palm of your hand and give it a slight twist. If ripe, it should come away easily from the spur. If the spur and stalk are broken it is not ready so leave it a little longer and then try again.

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Wildlife Matters with Dorothy Glen

English meadows Exploring a meadow on a summer’s day is a joy. They are one of our most biodiverse habitats, with bees, butterflies, mice, voles, snakes, hares, birds and many more creatures making them their homes.

But before the explosion of life that makes up this thriving ecosystem, a quiet battle first takes place.

Up to 45 species of plants in a square metre Traditionally, meadows grew up in managed fields where grass was left to grow long for the hay harvest. But rather than being just grass, meadows can hold up to 45 species of plants in a square metre.

One of those plants is yellow rattle, named for its seeds, which rattle in their papery pouches when dry. Yellow rattle is a semi-parasitic plant. It photosynthesises to make sugar, but it takes water and nutrients from grasses by tapping into their roots. In doing this, vigorous grasses are suppressed, allowing the yellow rattle to thrive and many other

meadow plants to find space to grow where otherwise the grasses would dominate.

Yellow rattle was once considered an indicator of poor grassland by farmers, and the hay fields have been chemically treated over many years, gradually destroying their biodiversity. In fact, 97% of English meadows have been lost since WWII, with only 3% remaining today.

There is now pressure to protect and maintain our remaining meadows, and restore hay meadows.

Yellow rattle is used in the restoration process, as reintroducing it helps to allow our wildflower species space amongst the grass.

Grasses give meadows their wispy structure If you’ve ever tried to grow a patch of meadow in your garden and struggled, it may be that yellow rattle and a grass mix

would help. Throwing down some wildflower seeds can lead to pretty flowers but a messy, straggly patch. Grasses give meadows their wispy structure and beauty alongside the flowers.

Furthermore, although flowers are important for pollinators, the grasses themselves are larval food plants for many of them. We don’t have butterflies without caterpillars, so the grass can be of great benefit.

Management will allow a habitat to thrive It’s also important to manage the area – cut it back in late summer before the grass takes over, to allow plants to first seed and then have space to regrow the following year. It is a bit of a myth that nature does best when left alone – thoughtful management will maintain a habitat and allow it to thrive.

So mow, prune, cut back (and remove the cuttings), but wait until August for best results.

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Interior Design with Gill Greenwell

A relaxed Mediterranean vibe As I write this, I am looking at a beautiful blue sky and dreaming of the summer holidays. Many of you will be spending August in sunnier climes – why not transport some of that relaxed Mediterranean holiday feel into your own home? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Sunshine colours Bring some freshness and vitality to your décor; think soft whites with splashes of Mediterranean blues, turquoise and sea green, or zing it up with a pop of lemon. I’ve just painted my bathroom a beautiful aqua blue-green, inspired by some undersea pictures I brought back from holiday. It’s a lovely space to unwind and relax in.

For a warmer feel, be inspired by the Tuscan sunshine with a colour palette of saffron, terracotta and burnt umber. Or go bold with Cole and Son’s Bougainvillea wallpaper, available in a range of beautiful bright Spanish-inspired colourways.

more than painted tiles. Add some boho charm with patterned tiles, perfect for a shower room or a new kitchen splashback. Search out handmade Moroccan or Turkish tiles with traditional motifs. Otto Tiles has a great selection – their encaustic tiles come in a wide range of colours and patterns – or for a more rustic handmade feel, look at the Zellige collection.

Patterned tiles

Informal and relaxed

Nothing screams Mediterranean

Sofas with faded linen or cotton covers are perfect for this laid-back look. Switch out your cushions for some with bold block printed patterns in Mediterranean shades of oceanic blue, burnt orange or golden yellow; check out OKA for inspiration.

Bring some character to the kitchen or outside space with rustic painted Provencal style chairs. I have matched a washed-out blue striped cushion with my charity shop find French antique chair and love sitting in it in the summer sipping my morning coffee.

Image: Annie Sloan

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Image: Dunelm

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Keep it natural For that authentic, rustic feel add texture with rugs made of natural materials – La Redoute and Weaver Green have some great designs. Natural cane and rattan furniture have a summery vibe and can be used inside and out. Dunelm’s jute floor cushion would look great on an outside lounging area, and don’t forget the plants – a few judiciously placed palms, olive trees and geraniums will make you feel like you are in a Provencal courtyard.

Holiday inspiration Finally, add some Mediterranean chic to your inside or outside space by accessorising with wicker baskets, bright tablecloths, bold hand-painted crockery, and artisan made coloured glasses and vases. I particularly love Anthropologie’s gorgeous range of brightly coloured tableware and the artisan Spanish glassware at Maison du Monde. But ideally your home should be full of beautiful items brought back from your summer holidays!

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Holidays & Travel with Al Hidden

The sound of (travel) music What’s on your summer travel playlist? A random mix of favourites? Or perhaps music evoking trips made – or planned?

With summer getaways in mind, I’ve been thinking about music with a strong sense of place.

For me, it started with Francis Lai’s ‘Un Homme et Une Femme’, which first captivated me in the 1960s. The song, and the movie of the same name, continues to weave Gallic spells with its romantic imagery of 1960s Paris, Le Mans racing and chic Deauville. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any French road trip.

Argentina in a song Jump forward 50 years and half a world. We’re in a shop on Ushuaia’s Avenue San Martin, I hear what I now know to be ‘Bomba de Tiempo’ by the late Gustavo Cerati. I ask what the song is and seek out the ‘Ahí Vamos’ CD that henceforth reminds me of our trip through Argentina, Chile and Brazil.

By sea from Ushuaia, Antarctica’s another 48 hours further

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south and high on our travel bucket list. When we get there, it’ll be with the icy aural imagery – and signature wind machine – of Vaughan Williams’ ‘Sinfonia Antarctica’ on our phones.

Brrr!

A counterpoint to frenetic J-Pop Heading north through the Americas, songs from singer-songwriter Tom Russell, Canada’s Ian Tyson and Heart’s ‘Dreamboat Annie’ transport me to the Pacific Northwest faster than any jet.

I’ve always time for Cuban rhythm too; Buena Vista Social Club unfailingly evokes Havana’s magic. So does Stacey Kent’s ‘I Wish I Could Go Travelling Again’ – but you probably already know that from February’s article…

Recalling several memorable Japan trips, Kent features again as ‘Bullet Train’ delivers Jazzinfused calm after too much

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‘Kawaii’ J-Pop. And when I ask my wife what prompts memories of working in Australia, it’s not Men at Work or Midnight Oil but The Proclaimers’ ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ that evokes 1980s Sydney. Ah, song power!

Züri West: unmistakably Swiss Back to Europe and my fondness for anything Swiss.

Whether heard at home on Luzern’s Radio Pilatus, or walking the Reusstal towards the Gotthard Pass, Züri West’s ‘Fische Versänke’ or Stubete Gäng’s ‘Göschene-Airolo’ are as distinctly Helvetic as any little red Swiss Army knife.

From France to the Alps via Argentina, Japan and British Columbia, that’s my playlist sorted. And you? What’s getting you through that long holiday drive or airport delay?

Wherever you find yourself this summer, just hit ‘Play’ and let your favourite music take you around the globe.

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Sport with Roger Jackson

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A football season like no other Clive Wilkes is a glass half full man. You don’t get to officiate in more than 770 games in the Football League and Premier League over 19 seasons without having a positive outlook on life.

And while some supporters are unhappy about the disruption this year’s mid-season World Cup will cause, he believes it can be beneficial for Gloucestershire’s leading clubs.

The Premier League and Championship will be suspended to accommodate the World Cup, which runs from Monday 21st November to Sunday 18th December, but Wilkes, who is very well respected in the world of football, said: “I see it as an opportunity for clubs like Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers, and also the top nonleague clubs in the area such as Gloucester City, Cirencester Town, Bishop’s Cleeve and Slimbridge.

“Some of the fans who normally go to watch Premier League or Championship games might see it as a chance to watch some lower league games or even watch some non-league football.

“They might get the bug, the football is still a good standard.”

It certainly is, with Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers set to lock horns in League One for the first time after Forest Green won League Two last time out.

The two teams have met at League Two level – although only a handful of times – and the fact that they are competing in the third tier of English football shows just how far football in the county has come over the past few years.

Wilkes, now 67, said: “I remember refereeing Forest Green when they were in the Northern Senior League, that

Former top referee Clive Wilkes

would be around 1976/77ish.

That’s the second lowest tier before you get into the local leagues, it’s remarkable how far they have come.”

Indeed it is, because they were promoted to the Football League only at the end of the 2016/17 season.

Cheltenham have been established in the Football League for a bit longer, of course, after winning promotion in 1998/99, although they had a season outside the Football League in 2015/16.

“I refereed Cheltenham when they were in the top tier of nonleague football,” said Wilkes.

“In those days it was known as the Gola League, it was in the 1980s when John Murphy was the manager.”

Both Cheltenham and Forest Green have new managers this season following the departures of Michael Duff and Rob Edwards – the 2022/23 campaign got underway on 30th July – but while the faces are different in the dugout, the rivalry on the pitch is just the same.

“Whatever the level, you can’t

beat a local derby,” said Wilkes.

“There’s always added spice even if it’s mainly because of the supporters.

“Both teams were superb last season. If both clubs can finish around mid-table that would be a very good season for both of them.”

And while Wilkes, who lives in Corse, will be keeping a close eye on how the county’s two flagship clubs fare, he will be just as interested to see how Gloucester get on in National League North, Cirencester in Southern League Division One Central and Bishop’s Cleeve and Slimbridge in Southern League Division One South.

Wilkes has close ties with non-league football because he has been president of the North Gloucestershire League since he hung up his whistle back in 2003.

He refereed 51 games in the Premier League, with his first at Everton in 2000 being the most memorable. That was the game when West Ham’s Paolo Di Canio could have scored a late winner but instead caught the ball in the opposition penalty area because home goalkeeper Paul Gerrard was lying injured on the ground.

So would Wilkes like to be refereeing at the top level today?

“I’m not a great fan of VAR,” he said. “I’m in favour of the concept but I don’t like the way it’s managed or been implemented. There is too much onus on Stockley Park rather than the referees on the pitch.

“But football will always be a great game. This season is going to be a bit strange but then the last few seasons have been a bit strange because of Covid, I still love it.”

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