Cotswolds

Welcome to February

Love is in the air this month, so we’ve got a tasty Valentine’s recipe for you to whip up for the special person in your life.

With more people becoming increasingly concerned about their environmental impact, Val Starr shares her insight on the increasingly popular trend of fashion rental. Read more in her Mirror Mirror on the Wall article.

Roberta Smart looks at how we celebrate success within family units in her Parenting & Guardianship feature, while Will Mbanga shares why he thinks self-care and gratitude should play a big part in our efforts to achieve optimal wellness in his Looking Good, Feeling Great article.

Don’t forget about Pancake Day, which falls on Tuesday 21st February. The big question is, lemon and sugar or chocolate spread?! Whichever you choose, enjoy!

Red Velvet Valentine Cake Delicious Dish with Helen Kingscott

Ingredients:

100g softened butter; 175g light brown soft sugar; 175g self-raising flour; 2 large eggs; 150ml Greek-style natural yoghurt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 30g cocoa powder; 1 tube (15g) red food gel.

For the topping: 75g softened butter; 150g fullfat soft cheese; 300g icing sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tube (15g) red food gel; 1 packet of chocolate hearts. You will also need a duo piping bag plus a single bag, or three single piping bags.

Method:

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C/gas mark 4) then grease and line a 2lb loaf tin.

2 Put the softened butter in a bowl with the sugar and beat with a mixer until light and fluffy.

3 Add the eggs one at a time with a spoonful of flour.

4 Using a wooden spoon, stir in the red food gel, yoghurt and vanilla.

5 Sieve the cocoa powder and fold into the mixture with the flour until smooth.

6 Spoon into the loaf tin and bake for 50-55 minutes. Check after about 40-45 minutes that it is not browning too much – if it is, cover it with tinfoil. Use a skewer in the middle to check if it is cooked – it should come out clean.

7 Leave to cool then remove baking paper.

For the topping:

8 Beat the softened butter then beat in the soft cheese, vanilla extract and enough icing sugar to make a stiff paste.

9 Put half of the mixture in a bowl and stir in as much red

Share the love on Valentine’s Day with this tasty bake.

gel as you like to get to your desired colour.

10 Depending on which piping bags you have, spoon the red icing into one bag/side and the white into the other bag/side. Cut the end/s off then place both bags or duo bag into the third bag fitted with a nozzle of your choice.

11 Pipe onto the top of the cake making a two-tone pattern and add chocolate hearts to decorate.

Alternative decorations could be fresh strawberry slices, icing roses or icing red hearts.

Precision Colour Printing Ltd (our printer) are proud to be a Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certificate holder, and The Local Answer is proud to have this publication printed on paper certified to FSC® standards which helps to protect the World’s forests.

As well as the paper, the inks and varnishes used in producing The Local Answer are biodegradable. The process used by recycling companies to extract inks and coatings including UV varnishes from the paper render the paper suitable for pulping and recycling.

Medical Health

with Kirsty Lilley

Reducing the risk of strokes

A stroke is a serious lifethreatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Each year in the UK, 100,000 people experience a stroke. Stroke strikes every five minutes and there are 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK.

A stroke is a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential. The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen. If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the acronym FAST.

• Face: the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.

• Arms: the person with a suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.

• Speech: their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake. They may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.

• Time: it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.

Causes

Like all organs, the brain needs the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function

properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die. This can lead to brain injury, disability and possibly death.

There are two main causes of strokes:

• Ischaemic, where the blood supply is stopped because of a blood clot. This accounts for 85% of all cases.

• Haemorrhagic, where a weakened blood vessel supplying the brain bursts.

There is also a related condition called a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), where the blood supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted. This causes what is known as a mini-stroke, which can last a few minutes or persist up to 24 hours. TIAs should be treated urgently, as they are often a warning sign that you are at risk of having a full stroke. Get medical advice as soon as possible, even if your symptoms get better.

risk of a stroke by making healthy lifestyle choices.

• Regularly drinking too much alcohol raises your risk of a stroke. The UK government advises that to keep health risks low, it’s best to drink no more than 14 units a week for both men and women.

• Smoking doubles your risk of dying from a stroke, but the minute you stop, your risk of a stroke starts to drop right away. Giving up isn’t easy, but it is worth the effort to improve your health.

• Being overweight or obese can raise your risk of a stroke. Extra weight affects your body in many ways, such as raising the risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, which are both linked to stroke.

• Eating a healthy balanced diet can help to lower your risk of things like high blood pressure and diabetes.

• Being physically active can also help to reduce your risk. For further information, please visit www.stroke.org.uk

Reducing your risk You can help to reduce your

Looking Good, Feeling Great with Will Mbanga

A plan for optimal wellness

As we enter the second month of 2023, many of us now have a clearer sense of what is important regarding our mental and physical wellness – whether that is weight loss, improved fitness, emotional wellbeing or healthier nutrition.

Holistic wellness is about so much more than just exercise, wellbeing and nutrition. It is a catalyst for positive physical and mental changes, which affect every aspect of our lives. With all the information and expertise available, competing for our attention, it is crucial that we work smarter, not harder to achieve our health goals.

When you have a clear goal, are consistent in your efforts, use the right support and maintain a positive mindset, the momentum generated will enable you to start seeing and/or feeling positive progress. It’s important to have a realistic plan of where you want to go and what the key outcomes are with respect to your wellness journey. A useful acronym to help you with this is DEFECT.

Discipline: in the actions, behaviours and choices that impact your wellness.

Enjoyment: this will all be so much easier if it is enjoyable!

Focus: what are the key outcomes? Weight management, sport-related fitness, general health, etc. Which key components should you focus on in order to get the results you seek?

Effort: you need to put in the work!

Clarity: be clear on the purpose of your wellness journey.

Time: positive results take time.

One of the greatest dangers to avoid on your wellness journey is overtraining – the temptation to do more to get faster results can be strong, but in reality, ‘less is more’. Rest is just as important, if not more so, as action, so don’t overdo it.

Copying someone else’s diet or exercise plan without making adjustments or allowances for your unique needs and abilities can also be dangerous and could slow your progress. By all means experiment and seek professional advice, but ultimately, getting to know your body and its unique needs will have the biggest impact in the long-term.

If you’re up for giving new things a go, try fasting as a change to your nutrition plan. Reduce your eating window to eight hours a day (e.g. 11am to 7pm), but ensure the meals you eat within that window are nutrient-loaded and meet your metabolic needs – quality vegetables, protein, healthy fats, some complex carbohydrates and fruit.

Self-care isn’t

selfish

When it comes to mental health, taking better care of our emotional needs shouldn’t be seen as being selfish. When you are in a better headspace, your ability to look after and engage with others can significantly improve. Research shows that people who take more time for personal development and selfcare, and who take pride in knowing they’re becoming the best version of themselves, achieve the most positive outcomes. And so can you!

Try practising gratitude

An emotion we should all try and develop this year is gratitude; being grateful for and acknowledging the many good things we have is a lowcost, high-yield investment. While the economy, politics and ‘luck’ might determine what you can do professionally and how the external environment is, no one can stop you from working on your inner self or take away the pleasure you will earn by getting better every day.

Each round is made up of 150-400 copies per month. The rate of pay is 6 pence/copy. Depending on property types, our current team of people average between 100-150 copies/hour (equivalent to £6-£9/hour).

Magazines are delivered to Distributors’ homes towards the end of each month and we expect deliveries to be completed within four days between the hours of 7am and 9pm.

You must be 13+ years old, flexible, reliable and sufficiently physically fit to perform the duties.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

with Val Starr

Fashion rental is booming

The clothes rental market is increasing from what was once a small niche idea into a highly lucrative market, predicted to be worth at least £2.3 billion by 2029.

Ideal for the ever-increasing number of eco-conscious consumers, clothes rental is also a good way for fashionistas to save money. Instead of buying expensive clothing that may only be worn once or twice, consumers can now rent pieces for a fraction of the price.

Many high profile names have started renting their special occasion outfits, including Carrie Johnson who even rented her wedding dress. Holly Willoughby and Laura Whitmore are some other big names who could help to influence this sustainable shift within the fashion industry.

As we head towards warmer weather, many of us will be looking forward to events such as weddings and parties. If your budget doesn’t stretch to multiple new outfits, you may consider renting as a more affordable alternative.

There are lots of companies to choose from. Some require a subscription, so making your decision will depend on whether you plan to rent on a regular basis, or just need a new outfit every now and then. Let’s explore a few options.

John Lewis

John Lewis has partnered with fashion rental specialist HURR. They work with a large number of well-known designers and fashion chains, so you will be spoilt for choice without breaking the bank.

You can browse collections

online, then rent your choice from between four and twenty days. Items arrive with a return bag and pre-paid label, which you send back to HURR for dry cleaning. Potential damage can be covered with an add-on of £5, which covers things like a broken zip or stain removal, up to the value of £50.

John Lewis have also teamed up with thelittleloop – a children’s rent and swap service, which allows parents to hire up to seven items at a time, before swapping for new styles or bigger sizes. This is ideal for growing children, as some kids outgrow styles or sizes very quickly.

As with any agreement, I suggest you look carefully at the Q&A page of whichever website you choose to rent from, so you are aware of all the regulations.

My Wardrobe HQ

With labels from Chanel and Prada to Gucci and Jimmy Choo, My Wardrobe HQ is the place for luxury fashion items. Prices may be higher than other

rental options, but you’ll still be paying a fraction of the price of purchasing these items new.

Cocoon

If you’re looking to enhance your accessories this year, Cocoon is a great option for designer handbags that you normally could only dream of having on your arm! With flexible subscription options, this is the perfect solution for bag lovers on a budget.

Hirestreet

With a great selection of high street names from Hobbs to Zara, and some items available to rent from as little as £2.50 per day, Hirestreet is another great option. I have my eye on a divine Ghost satin midi wrap dress – the RRP is £79.99 but you can rent it for only £16. What’s more, if I rent this dress but decide not to wear it, I can return it for a full credit towards my next rental, as long as the ribbon is still attached to show that I did not wear it.

Why not give this new way of shopping a try in 2023?

Helping Families find the right help

Nannies

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

Helping Nannies find the right job

Nanny jobs in Gloucestershire

We have a wide range of nanny jobs in Gloucestershire available, so if you are a childcare professional in this area then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

For more information please contact Laura: gloucestershire@mums-the-word.co.uk mums-the-word.co.uk • 07775 309183

Parenting & Guardianship

with Roberta Smart

Celebrating success

I was recently asked to contribute a chapter to a collaborative book about successful women and it made me think about how we view success in our families, and how we choose to recognise those successes.

Do you only consider something a success if it represents a ‘win’ with an implied sense of competition – for example, a high test score or being picked for a school team?

Or are you a parent who has so much to deal with that you see simply getting dressed and managing to drink a cup of tea that isn’t stone cold a raging success?

This is the point I think, when considering how we recognise and subsequently celebrate success. It depends so much on our intrinsic value system and, equally, our personal circumstances.

Decide what success looks like

At this point I invite you to consider the personal values of your family unit, and recommend bringing this conversation to the table so that

together you can decide what success looks like and how you would like to recognise it.

Families come in so many forms, of course, and I want to recognise the myriad adoptive parents, stepparents and foster parents, and friends-we-callfamily, who come together to support each other.

If you understand how each person ‘ticks’, you will understand who needs recognition, praise, prizes or publicity in order to thrive. Remember, we are not all the same and what constitutes recognition for one child may leave another feeling unappreciated. With this in mind, we also need to foster resilience within the individual to recognise success on their own terms, without external validation as the goal. My own son struggled in school to connect with peers, but took great satisfaction from setting his own goals and reaching them, in spite of his friends having no interest in those achievements. As a family, we took pains to

ask the kids how they felt after a test or challenge and take our cue from them as to how to acknowledge.

Sometimes there is nothing more cringey than mum gushing over the team win or gold star when the child is embarrassed and hated every minute of the exercise.

And what about you, beloved reader, how do you celebrate your own success? Do you ask for rewards, a treat, some peace and quiet, or go full on with a meal out with all the trimmings?

What are you choosing to recognise?

What successes are you choosing to recognise? As adults it can sometimes be hard to see anything we do as a success, as we are forever rushing from A to B getting everything done!

So why not take a moment to celebrate the day? You are an incredible human, navigating a weird old world and you keep turning up, doing your best; and that, my friend, is no small thing.

4 FEBRUARY

FROM THE GROUND UP FESTIVAL OF SUSTAINABILITY

Following 2022’s success, the theme this year is ‘The LifeCycle of our LifeStyle’. 10am-4.30pm, St Philip & St James Church, Leckhampton. FREE entry, family friendly with exhibitors, talks and ‘Fashion Reframed’ (prebooking via Eventbrite), vegan food, children’s art competition displayed. Key partners: Ecotricity and Cleevely EV Motors. Come, be informed and inspired. Search @ftgu.festival on Facebook.

4 FEBRUARY LIONEL

Following his TV appearances with Lionel Richie himself, Malcolm Pitt delivers a breathtaking performance in this high octane show, celebrating the music of Lionel Richie and the Commodores. This award-winning five star production also features a stellar line-up of world class musicians including musical director Jonny Miller from Talon. 7.30pm. Tickets from £20. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. More details at www.rosestheatre.org

5 FEBRUARY

GARY DELANEY: GARY IN PUNDERLAND

ready to bring you a brand new show with hit after hit of the kind of oneliners only a master could craft. If you’re hunting for snark, Gary’s got it covered! 8pm. £21.50-£23.50. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. For more details, visit www.thesubrooms.co.uk

7 FEBRUARY

KATYA GORRIE TRIO

North American singer and performer Katya Gorrie returns to her musical roots of Jazz and Blues in an intimate setting. Celebrating the sultry music of Julie London, the blues of the great Peggy Lee and the wit of Blossom Dearie. The Trio is complete with beautifully arranged guitar by the accomplished Andy Bowen, and the fantastically talented Will Harris on double bass. Music in Eric’s Bar. 7pm for an 8pm start. Tickets £16.50. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. For more information, please visit www.rosestheatre.org

10 FEBRUARY - 16 APRIL LAMBING AT COTSWOLD FARM PARK

11-26 FEBRUARY

THE BIG HIDEOUT

Join us this half term in our bird hides and discover new adventures in bird watching. Bring all the family and take hiding to a whole new level. Winter is the perfect time to discover incredible wetland wildlife. Borrow our binoculars and telescopes and take a peek at bird life like you’ve never seen it. Experts will be on hand with top tips to help you explore. Full details at wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge 14-15 & 17-18 FEBRUARY

ROCOCO PLAYERS PRESENT GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Neil Bartlett’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ well-loved story, directed by Antoinette Wilson. St. Mary de Crypt, Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. (7.30pm, plus Saturday 2.30pm). £15 (£12 concessions). 01452 305235. www.discoverdecrypt.org.uk

15 FEBRUARY

THE ROYAL OPERA: THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

in

One of the most sought-after joke writers in the country and longstanding Mock the Week special guest, Gary has been through the laughing glass and he’s

The much-loved annual lambing event is back, 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. 9.30am-4.30pm. Keep an eye on the website for tickets. www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

With vocal fireworks, scheming lovers and one very busy barber, Rossini’s comic opera is packed with fun and mischief. When Rosina falls in love with a mysterious young suitor who calls himself Lindoro, she must use all her cunning – and a little help from her local barber – to outwit her calculating guardian Dr Bartolo. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. 7pm. From £12.75. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. More details at www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk

FEBRUARY

THE TAKE THAT EXPERIENCE

Acclaimed vocal performances, stunning replica costumes and iconic dance routines. This incredible show features hit after hit from Take That’s career spanning three decades – from classic 90s hits to their most recent triumphs. £25. 7.30pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk

19 FEBRUARY BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Join Ballet Theatre UK for one of the most enchanting love stories of all time. This production tells the story of a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial French village. When her father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle, Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her capture by the Beast, a grisly and fearsome monster. Little does she know that he is a Prince cursed by a magical Enchantress. 7pm. Tickets £18-£20. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. For more information, please visit www.rosestheatre.org

21 FEBRUARY

COTSWOLD RDA OPEN AFTERNOON

Come to our Open Afternoon and see the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup at Cotswold RDA! Visit our facilities, meet the ponies and enjoy our musical ride, before a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Boodles Gold Cup and have your photo taken with it! Doors open at 12.30pm. Musical ride at 2.30pm. Cotswold Riding for the Disabled, Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, GL50 4SH. www.cotswoldrda.org.uk

22

FEBRUARY

FREE TALK: ENERGY

How can we bring down energy prices? Are renewables the answer? CEO of the Severn Wye Energy Agency, Sandy Hore-Ruthven MBE, discusses these big questions and more in a free talk in Charlton Kings. 7.30pm, Stanton Hall, Charlton Kings. For tickets, email ckfutures@charltonkingsparishcouncil .gov.uk

24 FEBRUARY

THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE

The world’s first and finest tribute to the great Bon Jovi and the only tribute to have performed live on stage with Jon Bon Jovi himself. The band have toured to ecstatic audiences the world over. Whatever your favourite track –Livin’ on a Prayer, Keep the Faith or You Give Love a Bad Name – this is a night you won’t want to miss. 7.30pm. £22. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate

Street, GL1 1NS. For more information, visit www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk

CARA DILLON

Alongside a selection of favourites from her previous releases, Cara will be performing material from her new album ‘Wanderer’ – a collection of beautiful and moving songs recorded in an intimate setting with her husband and musical partner Sam Lakeman. 7.30pm. Tickets £20-£27. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. For more information, please visit www.rosestheatre.org

CIRCUS SPECTACULAR

Join us for the greatest show on earth! Our top-class artistes will bring skill and suspense with their acts, and will also be participating in the production numbers and comedy aspects of the show to make one truly unhinged experience. Circus Spectacular will have everyone laughing and cheering along in this fantastic circus style variety show. From £16. 3pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk

THE SMYTHS

The world’s premier tribute to The Smiths are back! ‘Strangeways, Here We Come’ is the album The Smiths never got to play live, having being released after the band had split. Using the 35th anniversary of the album’s release, The Smyths perform the album in full for the first time ever, anywhere! As well as featuring the tracks on the album, this gig will consist of a second set of hits and bsides from Manchester’s finest. 8pm. £19 (£24 on the door). The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. For more details, visit www.thesubrooms.co.uk

25-26

FEBRUARY

COLESBOURNE SNOWDROP OPEN DAYS SUPPORTING COBALT

Stroll around ten acres of garden with woodland and lakeside paths to see huge banks of snowdrops, hellebores and other winter plants. There are over 300 rare and unusual varieties of snowdrop to discover. Refreshments in aid of Cobalt charity. 1pm-4pm. Adults £10, children free. Dogs on leads welcome. Colesbourne Park, GL53 9NP. For more details, visit www.cobalthealth.co.uk/support-us/ supporter-events

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 GL32 3JE. www.deerspirit.co.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

25 MARCH SUE RYDER SPRING FAYRE

Join us for the rare opportunity to spend a day in our historic hospice grounds with fun, games, and great food and refreshments for all the family. 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. Limited parking will be available subject to weather conditions in the fields next to the hospice. Adults £2.50, children under 12 free. For more information, visit 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 12k 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

22 APRIL

PAINTING SPRING USING NATURAL PAINTS

The focus of this workshop will be using natural, plant-based paints to create paintings of Miserden in the spring. It will be a fun-filled, inspiring day! For all abilities, including beginners. 10am-4pm. £75 per person. All materials provided. Includes tea/coffee and biscuits and free entry into the garden for that day. Lunch not included. For more details, please visit www.miserden.org

Restoring the Cotswold Canals

... important work which started over 50 years ago

The Cotswold Canals Trust was formed in 1972 to restore the 36 miles of the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames & Severn Canal which together ran from Saul to Inglesham.

Two substantial National Lottery grants have unlocked funding of over £50 million to enable restoration of 10 miles through Stroud to Saul. The large local population supports restoration as a means of regenerating what had become a dilapidated ribbon through the town and which has attracted a large volunteer base.

With restoration well advanced on the western sections, the time has come to develop plans and assemble resources to similarly restore the 10 mile eastern section from South Cerney to the Thames at Inglesham.

Not all is lost

Most of the historic route is still visible requiring dredging and repair, but a ¾ mile section in Latton was destroyed when the A419 bypass was built and will need to be re-dug. Elsewhere all of the original highway bridges have been lost and, apart from one at South Cerney rebuilt in 2003, will need replacing – all seven of them.

Partnership is the key to success

Successful restoration of the canal is dependent upon three critical areas all coming together in partnership.

To help make restoration happen we are getting support of Local Authorities, National Agencies, Trusts and local businesses.

To allow restoration to happen we are asking landowners to give access permission and help with land acquisition or leases.

To undertake the restoration we need volunteers – lots of them. There are many volunteering opportunities where you can help by bringing existing skills and expertise, or you can help whilst learning new skills from our many experts.

Have a look at our website to find out more about what we have achieved, and see our A to Z of volunteering opportunities where you can be part of the largest canal restoration society in the UK, working together to leave a lasting legacy of a natural wildlife and leisure corridor across the south Cotswolds and Water Park.

LOOKING FOR A FRESH HOBBY IN 2023?

Join the Cotswold Canal Trust to make new friends, put your skills to good use or learn some new ones.

In addition to the more obvious hands-on physical canal restoration work, we urgently need volunteers to help with a range of supporting activities in our new workshops near Driffield involving mechanical and wood-working tasks. We are also setting up a new visitor centre and second-hand bookshop near South Cerney and require volunteers to run it.

There are many other volunteering opportunities – contact our friendly office team to find out more and come along to a taster session or two.

mail@cotswoldcanals.org www.cotswoldcanals.org

‘Volunteers are the life blood of the Trust and are always welcome.’

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Motoring

with Toby Aiken

The Kia Ceed goes Pro

Most times, when I sit down to write a review, I have no trouble finding a theme. But a couple of years ago, I had a block; I was coming up completely dry. The car was the Kia Ceed, and in fairness there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. The problem was actually me.

When it launched in the UK, the Cee’d (the facelift also lost the apostrophe) was picked by Top Gear as its replacement for a reasonably priced car. The near-top spec model I tested was around the £25k mark, which for a spacious family hatchback isn’t unreasonable.

Granted, it’s not cheap, but an equivalent spec’d Ford Focus for example would set you back at least £2k more, before you’ve added any bells and whistles. And the Ceed had them as standard.

Perfectly comfy and practical

So a big tick for spec and, on balance, I have to say the interior finish was adequate. It was perfectly comfy and practical while still looking pretty good. It’s a good car to drive, feels okay on the road, doesn’t wallow round the corners and has all the features you’d hope for.

The boot is good, it looks better than Kia’s early models did and seats a family of four in comfort. The engine is efficient yet relatively pokey if you want to push it, but...

And that’s the issue, right there. There’s a but… something almost intangible until it suddenly struck me. I didn’t connect with this car, despite

not really finding anything that I didn’t like. It took days to realise what the problem was. It was me.

I like a car with a bit of character; spirit or soul. And that’s what the Ceed was missing. For a non-petrolhead, this is probably a great choice of car. It’s just not for me.

Enter, stage left, the Proceed. Could the addition of three letters and £5k on the asking price really make a difference? Surprisingly, yes.

A pleasure to drive

It’s built on the same platform, but the two cars are a world apart. On a number of occasions, someone remarked to me that the lines had something of the (much more expensive) Porsche Panamera. And they were right! This is not a poor man’s Porsche, by any means, and the performance will come up somewhat short against that, but it was a pleasure to drive.

The seating position was comfortable and supportive,

and the manual gearbox smooth and responsive. I noticed another nod to Porsche too in the headlights – there are a few Porsche models with a distinctive four-bulb-LED signature to the headlights, and the Proceed has the same.

Good space for kids in the back seats

Okay, two minor features do not make this a supercar, but at the same time, they helped to change my mind about the Ceed family altogether. It’s a much nicer car to drive, has a truly cavernous boot and good space for kids or adults in the back seats.

So it’s a Ceed, with more practicality, added feeling and looks that offer the smallest hint to a luxury pedigree.

Would I buy a Ceed now? No, probably not. But I do think I should review one again as I feel I may have been a little harsh last time.

Would I buy a Proceed? In all honesty… yes, yes I would.

Wildlife Matters

with Dorothy Glen

Badgers below

Tucked away underground in cosy chambers snug with clean bedding, badger cubs are being born. It may seem early in the year for this, as these tiny new creatures are entering a wintry world, but they stay in their warm burrows until ready to emerge at 8-10 weeks old into the welcoming spring.

At 12 weeks they are weaned onto the abundance of insects, worms and plant foods that the spring brings and have months to fatten up before the next winter.

They

don’t open their eyes until they are five weeks old

During that initial 8-10 weeks underground, they may be safe from the harsh world above the burrow, but they are helpless to the threats that come from within it. The tiny cubs, one to five in a litter, are around 12cm long when born and have fused eyelids. They don’t open their eyes until they are five weeks old.

They are defenceless, and

although badgers live in social groups, cubs are at risk if they threaten the dominance of high-ranking family members. Cubs born to subordinate sows may be killed by dominant females. Resident males may also kill cubs if unsure of their paternity (around half the cubs born to a colony can be fathered by non-resident boars).

However, once they have survived this vulnerable time, the cubs can go on to reach adulthood and live for 15 years in the wild.

You may know where your local badger sett (den) is located by spotting some of the entrances, but you may not realise the extent of the tunnels below the surface. Passages range from 35-81m long, and setts have up to 50 entrances.

These vast networks are passed down through generations of badgers over decades, and can accommodate several families at a time – as well as the occasional fox or rabbit! Each family has its own

passages and chambers for sleeping and nesting, and they take good care of them.

They clear out old bedding regularly

Badgers are incredibly clean; they clear out old bedding regularly and bring in as many as 30 bundles of grass, moss, bracken and leaves on a dry night. During the winter, when finding new bedding is difficult, they may take their used bedding outside on sunny days and take it back in later after an airing.

Should an unfortunate badger expire in a sleeping chamber, the family will block the chamber off and dig a new one, or even move their dead outside and bury them.

For the cubs that manage to not fall victim to that fate early on, the future holds lots of playful new experiences as they discover life above ground. I’ll write more about that happy thought in next month’s article.

Image: Vincent van Zalinge

Image: Hans Veth

In the Garden

with Julia Smith

A good time for lovely lilies

This is the shortest month of them all, but there is still plenty to keep you busy as you get your garden ready for spring.

Think of planting up pots of lilies. A 25-30cm pot will house three bulbs. Fill it with proper potting compost like John Innes No.2 or No.3, which is loambased (meaning it contains a mixture of sand, silt, and clay) and heavy enough to give the pots some stability, as lilies can grow very tall.

Plant bulbs deeply and cover the top with horticultural grit to stop weed growth. You can use the Asiatic hybrid lilies which are very colourful, or something more unusual. Asiatic lilies are mostly un-scented, but they flower for about a month and are the first to flower in early to mid-summer.

Heavily scented with immense flowers

Oriental lilies are heavily scented and derive from Japanese lilies. They have immense flowers – mostly white, pink or red – and flower for a longer time from mid to late summer. If you plant in pots you can move the lilies around as you

wish – they need a sunny site, and no competition from being crowded by other plants.

To keep on top of our slimy friends, put out traps to prevent damage to early-flowering plants. Slugs don’t like ‘crawling’ over sharp surfaces, so try scattering broken eggshells around the base of plants. Alternatively, use empty grapefruit halves and make little shelters for slugs to take cover. You’ll then need to clear out all the sheltering molluscs and dispose of them (grandchildren seem to like this sort of job!).

February is a good time to divide hostas when the new growth is just starting to come through, but before the leaves emerge. Use a sharp spade and cut into pieces with roots and growing tips on each clump. Repot in fresh compost.

I can’t grow them in my borders, as they get decimated by the slugs and snails, so I use pots. You can stand them in shallow trays of water to stop the attacks, or try Vaseline, copper wire or sharp grit – not failsafe answers, but better than using slug pellets.

Prune winter-flowering jasmine

Now is also the time to prune winter-flowering jasmine to ensure it doesn’t become a mess of twiggy growth. Cut back flowering shoots to within two or three pairs of buds of the main branch, leaving the framework intact. You can prune it quite hard, but if it is very old and unruly it is probably best to replace it and start from a new one that you can train properly.

Interior Design

with Gill Greenwell

Cosy spaces for winter months

February is my husband’s least favourite month; we usually spend it in warmer climes visiting his family in Australia. But I really like the feeling of cosiness and hunkering down when it’s cold and chilly outside. Maybe it’s something to do with my northern roots. Apparently, sitting rooms are over and snug rooms are in –you heard it here first! So here are some of my ideas for making your space winter-cosy, with a nod to Scandi hygge.

A room to curl up in Key ingredients for a cosy snug room are comfortable seating, a roaring fire and a bookcase. Decorate with deep warm colours; rich reds and terracotta tones work well in intimate spaces, and I have seen some great schemes on Instagram using Edward Bulmer’s Invisible Green @edwardbulmerpaint. Add some interesting texture with wall panelling – DIY kits are easy to source on the internet. Check out lick.com for more ideas and guidance.

Gather around the fire

The right ‘conversational style’ seating is important for creating an informal and welcoming space. It may seem counterintuitive, but bigger pieces work better in smaller spaces. A large squishy armchair, a small sofa or corner style seating for snuggling up as a family to watch TV. Pile on the cushions in textured fabrics like velvet, and add lots of soft warm throws. A vintage charity shop find Persian-style rug would give an extra cosy feel.

Surround yourself with books

Overflowing bookshelves are essential for a snug room –books really add personality and character to a space. I love reading and have long dreamed of creating a library room in my home, the walls lined with bookcases made from painted MDF. For a cost-effective option, reclaimed bookcases would give the same feel. Friends of mine have used an IKEA hack, creating built-in storage with the

iconic Billy bookcases. These look really effective.

Create a book nook

If you don’t have room for a snug room, why not carve out a reading nook? Find an underused corner in your home and create a sanctuary by a window, in a hallway or in a bedroom. All you need is a comfortable chair or window seat, a bookcase (or a side table with a pile of books), and a lamp to read by. Add some cushions and you have your perfect solo space in which to wind down.

A touch of Nordic hygge

If you want a natural, more rustic feel, no one does cosy winter snug rooms like the Skandis. Create a scheme with harmonious colours, natural wood, soft rugs and cosy fleeces.

Whatever your style and however big or small your room, you too can create a stylish and cosy space. All you need to do now is relax and settle down with a warming cuppa and a good book.

Image: Sofas & Stuff

Image: Weaver Green

Please email full details to sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk

RFU president feeling positive

Nigel Gillingham is halfway through his year as president of the Rugby Football Union.

He took on the prestigious role at the start of August, a role he says is “a huge honour and a privilege”

His time at the helm has already seen him take in the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, a tournament that saw the hosts overcome England 34-21 in what proved to be a thrilling final at the end of last year.

“It wasn’t the result we wanted but I think historically people will look back on the game as one of huge significance and one of the greatest Test matches ever played, either by men or women,” Gillingham told The Local Answer.

“I think it will be comparable for historic consequence with the men’s final in 1995 between South Africa and New Zealand.

“The drama, the excitement, it really was a great game of rugby.

“What we must do now is build on that World Cup final. The women’s game has grown but now we must grab that opportunity to attract more girls into the game.”

This year, it’s the turn of the men to take centre stage with their World Cup in France, a seven-week extravaganza of rugby that runs from Friday 8th September to Saturday 28th October.

And with this year’s Six Nations Championship almost upon us, the European club competitions in full flow and the domestic league and cup competitions at local, regional and national level all still to be decided, it’s easy to see why rugby remains such a captivating sport for so many.

And yet the sport of rugby, as with a good number of other

Gillingham

sports, is still getting to grips with the Covid fallout and the impact that the various lockdowns have had on the game.

“We are recovering after Covid and the game is not without its challenges,” admitted Gillingham.

“We are in a time of great turbulence, not just in rugby but in the country and indeed the world.

“But the way I look at it, these challenges provide us with great opportunities and in terms of rugby we must try to take them.”

Gillingham, who lives in Stroud, is a member of the Gloucestershire RFU and is supremely qualified to talk about the great game that is rugby, having been involved with the sport for much of his life.

He was a second row or back row for Leicester in the 1970s when they were the top team in the land, and was in the side that won the John Player Cup at Twickenham in 1980.

Rugby at the top level was a very different game in those days – for a start it was an amateur sport – and while Gillingham is most certainly someone who likes to look

forward rather than back, there are certain parts of the game from yesteryear that he doesn’t want to lose.

“Rugby at the top level is much more physical now,” he said. “It’s all about winning the breakdown.

“In the past it was more about creating space and exploiting space, I don’t want us to lose the art of exploiting space.

“It’s so important that we educate children and teenagers, if we do they’ll bring those skills into the adult game.”

Reducing the number of collisions, even by a small amount, should in turn reduce the number of injuries, but while injuries are part and parcel of what is, after all, a physical game, Gillingham is keen to point out that there are huge differences between elite rugby and community rugby.

“I always say that the elite game is like driving an F1 car,” he explained. “You are given specialist training to do a job.

“Community rugby is like driving the family car, that’s a vast difference.”

Rugby’s recently launched ‘Game On’ initiative allows, at the lower levels of the leagues, matches of 10-a-side to be played.

And with other tweaks to the regulations, such as uncontested scrums and shortening the length of the game, the aim is to ensure as many players as possible, and a referee, get a game of rugby.

Gillingham is a big supporter of this type of flexibility.

“We have to recognise what today’s players want and how changes to society have affected what they want,” he said. “We need to look at different formats.”

Full story online.

with Roger Jackson

Nigel

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