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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 ... Delicious Dish Mirror Mirror on the Wall Looking Good, Feeling Great Holidays & Travel Parenting & Guardianship Distributors Required Motoring What’s On TLA Charity Giveaway Money Matters Homes & Gardens In the Garden Quick Crossword Wildlife Matters Interior Design TLA Sport Sudoku Gadgets & Gizmos Word Search Index, Competitions, Solutions
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May’s winning cover photo: Dave Stening
Welcome to May We are so excited to announce our new TLA Charity Giveaway, through which we will be giving away an amazing £5,000 to five lucky Gloucestershire-based charities or not-for-profit organisations! Our giveaways have made a huge difference to previous winners so hopefully we’ll have the same result this time around. You can find full details of the giveaway inside. Both Julia Smith and Gill Greenwell share their tips for enjoying your outdoor space in their respective articles, while Laura Nicklin offers her gadget recommendations for all you foodies. Roberta Smart looks at the magic of music and how we should encourage our children to learn from a young age in her Parenting & Guardianship article. Meanwhile, Al Hidden takes us to the City of Love in his Holidays & Travel article, giving us a whistle-stop tour of ever-popular Paris.
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Delicious Dish with Helen Kingscott
Creamy chicken pasta
Simple enough for an easy mid-week dinner, but elegant enough to impress guests at a dinner party – this recipe is a winner all round. Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 finely chopped onion 4 chicken breasts 1 pack fresh pappardelle pasta 150ml chicken stock 300ml double cream 50g halved pitted black olives
Method: 1 Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan and cook the finely chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. 2 Cut the chicken into small pieces, add to the pan and cook on a medium heat for 810 minutes. 3 Add the chicken stock and
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double cream, then cook gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir regularly so the sauce doesn’t split. 4 Add the olives, tomatoes and finally the baby spinach until just wilted. 5 Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet (usually around four minutes for fresh pasta) then drain and stir through the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, and serve.
50g drained and halved semidried tomatoes in olive oil 50g baby spinach
Weekly art classes in Cheltenham for adults living with a mental health condition or who suffer from loneliness and social isolation We offer a supportive, experienced environment where you can learn new or build on existing art skills. Anyone can join and no referral is needed. For details of fees and classes please go to artforallgroup.co.uk or email Shelley at hello@artforallgroup.co.uk
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JOIN YOUR LOCAL FRIENDLY GROUP TODAY – NO NEED TO BOOK! MONDAY Cirencester 9.30am Baptist Church with Ola ~ 07792 658196 6pm & 7.30pm Football Club with Gemma ~ 07940 886715 Cricklade 5.30pm & 7pm Town Hall with Jo ~ 07815 838944 TUESDAY Cricklade 9.30am Town Hall with Jo ~ 07815 838944 Tetbury 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7pm Dolphins Hall with Paul ~ 07970 469908 WEDNESDAY Cirencester 9am, 10.30am, 4.30pm, 6pm & 7.30pm Football Club with Ola ~ 07792 658196 SATURDAY Fairford 9.30am Community Centre with Jo ~ 07815 838944
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Mirror Mirror on the Wall with Val Starr
Wedding bells After so many cancellations and postponements owing to the pandemic, weddings are back in a ‘big’ way. Venues are fully booked, as are caterers, photographers, dress designers – everyone is trying to make up for lost time. Whatever the dress code, from the bride and groom to guests, most of us will want to dress up after so long being dressed down. Planning a wedding can be stressful, so here are a few tips that might help!
The dress and, most importantly, one that you feel confident in.
The bridal trend for 2022 is larger than life sleeves, which have filtered down from the catwalks, and many of these sleeves are detachable. Sweetheart necklines have always been a favourite look, but you will also see many square necklines that are often very flattering. Soft colours are also popular, meaning white isn’t the only option. When you are shopping or going for a fitting for the gown or planned ensemble, always bring the shoes you are planning to wear, as well as underwear, so you can ascertain what you need for the perfect look. Do not leave it until the last minute.
Lots of us are interested in sustainable fashion, and this can extend to our wedding gowns. Many can be incorporated into our wardrobe for future use, often with only small alterations. This means you can enjoy the item for more than just one day. Storage is very important so a professional dry clean after the big day is essential; but do read the cleaning instructions very carefully. You will need a suitable box and acid-free tissue to wrap the dress in. This will preserve it beautifully.
Veil or no veil
Makeup
According to top bridal designer Kate Halfpenny, a veil can make even the simplest of gowns look magical. As she points out, a veil gives you time to catch your breath when you arrive with all eyes on you. Veils come in many forms from really sheer to 3D appliqued, so find the one that you feel suits you
My advice is to experiment well in advance. If you are using a professional makeup artist it is imperative you try out the look you want them to achieve so there are no nasty surprises on the big day. Makeup looks change so much with what is in or out of fashion, but a classic, natural
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look never goes out of style. When it comes to hair, don’t schedule any last-minute big haircuts that won’t allow you time to grow it out. Planning and timing is key for hair and make up trials.
Photography Selfies have made a lot of people more confident with posing, but when you are the star attraction it can be more nerve wracking. Every couple wants the perfect wedding day pictures and your photographer should be able to guide you on how to achieve them. A top photographer told me a good tip is not to look like you are posing at all – try to forget the photographer is even there. If you still feel tense he suggests whispering a private word or joke to your other half which makes you laugh, as only you know what has been whispered. Lo and behold, a natural personal shot will follow. Your wedding only lasts for one day, so the key is to make happy memories that will last a lifetime. Page
Looking Good, Feeling Great with Will Mbanga
Fitness and wellness lifestyle In order to get the maximum “bang for buck” out of your health and fitness activity, there are a number of areas you need to target specifically to see ‘gains’. While I’m not here to tell you that you’re doing something wrong, wasting your time at the gym, or eating the wrong foods, there are some very clear elements that, taken together, will empower you to make the most of your fitness and wellness journey and see the results your efforts deserve. In this two-part series, I am going to focus on the combination of elements that will result in achieving successful fitness and wellness outcomes, so if you’re looking to get ‘in shape’ this year, pay attention! Whether you’re aiming to get bigger muscles, fitter or stronger for performance, or just into ‘good shape’ as a lifestyle choice, essentially what you’re saying on a physiological level is that you want to lose fat and build muscle. Now, while most of us don’t want big bulging muscles, building lean muscle is the surest way to achieving a lean, healthy physique and enabling wellness in an individual. The first pillar to work on in bringing about this goal is your nutrition.
Nutrition High-calorie, high-protein meals and snacks are essential for muscle growth. The best method of ensuring optimal protein intake for muscle growth and repair is to spread it out throughout the day, through both meals and snacks. The Local Answer
When it comes to building muscle, some people go for the quickest and easiest route, which is eating a lot of caloriedense, but not necessarily nutrient-rich, foods. A much healthier way to increase your caloric intake is eating ‘clean’, where the focus is on eating mostly whole, nutrient-dense foods. While we’re all unique in the way our bodies react to food, the following guidelines are helpful in working out our macro-nutrient intake amounts: • Carbohydrates: 45-60% • Protein: 30-35% • Fat: 15-30% (predominantly unsaturated fats such as plant oils, nuts, avocados, etc.) Additionally, high-calorie, highprotein snacks are important within one to two hours before and after a workout to fuel muscle growth and repair. In these busy times, preparing your food in advance can save you both money and time, while also maintaining your control over the ingredients and portion sizes of your meals. Meal prepping is a great way
to ensure you’re eating healthy, nutritious meals and can be a useful way of teaching children how to cook and eat healthy food.
Training While it might sound counterintuitive, regular, appropriate intensity exercise is one of the key habits that will enable you to build lean muscle and ensure your cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems are at an optimal state. There is no magic bullet – getting in shape isn’t difficult, but it does require effort and consistency. Like your diet, variety of exercise or training methods stimulates the muscles differently, reduces injury risk and minimises training plateaus, while keeping you from getting bored. Movement is key, so whether you lift weights, swim, cycle, run, walk, hike, climb, play sport or engage in Yoga, doing something you enjoy is the best way to ensure consistency and longevity in your fitness journey.
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Holidays & Travel with Al Hidden
Under Parisian skies Day dawns over the 15th arrondissement like a Jean-Luc Godard movie scene. In our third-floor Rue Blomet apartment, early-morning traffic whispers amorously across the pleasant Sèvres-Lecourbe neighbourhood. Beyond open shutters, Eiffel’s tower peeps over grey rooftops. A glorious week awaits us… Call it the City of Light, Love or even the Grey City – November’s ‘ville grisâtre’ – ultra-cosmopolitan Paris keeps drawing us Brits. Whether by rail, air or by car via Le Shuttle, this eternally romantic capital is enticingly close.
Exploring by Metro and on foot We loved our stay, with Vaugirard and Sèvres-Lecourbe Metro stations nearby for getting around when not walking. What’s more, every boulangerie, charcuterie and Monoprix needed for Rachel Khooinspired ‘Little Paris Kitchen’ self-catering is on the doorstep. When not cooking, myriad local cafes and bistros provided all the coffee, croissants and The Local Answer
relaxing al fresco suppers we needed – Le Wallace on Place du Général Beuret was a particular favourite on several balmy evenings. The Eiffel Tower, the signature Paris landmark, is visible day and night – always strikingly lit up – from every street corner. Of course, you’ll climb The Arc de Triomphe, get your art fix at The Louvre and roam the Rive Gauche’s Latin Quarter too. Then there’s Notre-Dame, still closed post-fire, but due to reopen for 2024’s summer Olympics.
Wander up to Montmartre Wander up to Montmartre, the artists’ quarter; like so many Paris must-sees, it’s both a tourist cliché and unmissable. At one end of its cultural spectrum is the Moulin Rouge. At the other, Sacré-Cœur, with stunning cross-city views, is always a joy. For an alternative – decidedly petrol-headed – perspective, watch Claude Lelouch’s ‘C'était un rendezvous’ (1976) as the film director dashes cross-town to meet a To advertise call
girlfriend on Sacré-Cœur’s steps while dawn breaks and church bells toll. Romantic Paris captured in a moment. Later, stroll the Seine’s famous banks and bridges and enjoy Promenade des Berges, an archipelago of floating gardens near the Musée d’Orsay. Don’t miss the adjacent Flame of Liberty, now an unofficial Princess Diana memorial above the Place de L’Alma tunnel. Where were you that fateful morning in 1997?
Delights for everyone From irresistible macaron shops and calming parks like Jardin du Luxembourg, to the inside-out brutalism of Centre Pompidou and chic Marais, Paris has delights for everyone. If you’ve visited, you’ll already know. If not, make that Charles Trenet, Édith Piaf, Françoise Hardy, Peter Sarstedt and Supreme NTM playlist to soundtrack your stay. Then catch the next Eurostar and enjoy ‘La Vie Parisienne’ in the footsteps of Hugo, Sartre, Jim Morrison – and Rachel Khoo! Page
Helping Families find the right help We help families find high quality nannies, domestic help and child care professionals Mothers 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
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
RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME
Join our team! We offer warm and homely care for elderly people. If you have a genuine interest in caring for older people get in touch to find out more about care positions at
enquiries@watermoorhouse.org
01285 654864 www.watermoorhouse.org
New Dave and Darcy story coming this su mme r!
10% of profits will be donated to Cotswold RDA
Dave and Darcy’s next adventu re is coming in summer 2022! The option to pre-order will be available soon – sign up to my newsletter via my website to be the first to know when . PLUS . . . new Dave and Darcy products will be coming later this year!
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Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart
Making magic with music “If music be the food of love – play on.” William Shakespeare Nothing fills the heart quite like making music, and these days it can be so easy to learn an instrument and make your own music using online resources. Kids of all ages will benefit from spending time practising their instrument; creating their own songs on the piano or guitar, singing along to their favourite bands and imitating their idols. Any form of performance art is great for building resilience, commitment and skills, as well as being enjoyable as a pastime, but long gone are the days of playing boring scales endlessly or practising classical pieces for grading exams.
Find a teacher to suit you and your style These days you can access amazing tuition online – check out YouTube for an incredible array of music teachers to find one that suits you, your family and your preferred style of music.
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Why should the kids have all the fun? If you hanker to learn yourself, there is no better time to start, so why not make it a family affair? In my house, my partner plays guitar – self taught – with a band, and our son now loves to noodle on the acoustic to relax in the evening. He has even created some rather nice pieces for himself. I, however, am into my second year of studying the piano because I believe in the old adage – you are never too old to learn something new. There is nothing to beat the joy of playing with others, so getting together with other musicians, attending gigs, festivals, family events and parties and bringing the instruments out is such a great way to bond and feel truly connected to each other – and who knows you may have a future Ed Sheeran or Taylor Swift in the family! If your kids love technology they may prefer to To advertise call
explore production and love nothing more than creating music using their laptop, mixing software and recording apps. So much modern music is made in a room at home these days, without anyone even touching an instrument, so there really is no barrier to creating soundscapes that you love, just for yourself if not for the mass market.
Percussion is always a winner for little ones To start the little ones off, percussion is always a winner; why not treat them to a ‘sound box’ filled with drums, shakers, rattles and bells, and give them the gift of music – I can guarantee you will see smiles for miles. For the crafters among you, why not make instruments out of household items such as sticks, nuts and seeds, or rice, and decorate as part of your indoor play activities? Making magic with music is so much fun, and you will never regret opening the door to your child and their musical world. Page
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Immediately in Andoversford, Bourton on the Water, Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh, Quenington and Stow on the Wold Please visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk/ become-a-distributor.aspx Please do not call the office – our staff are only returning to work part-time, so may not always be available to take your call. 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 The Loca l ANS WER (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 COTSWOLDS to perform the duties.
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Motoring with Toby Aiken
The right car at the right time I’m often asked what my dream car would be. I know for a lot of people this is a hard question, and having been lucky enough to drive some truly amazing cars, I always struggle to answer. There are so many strong contenders and I think it would end up as a toss-up between a Tesla Model S and a V8 Ford Mustang. Until a recent Friday night. And then my answer changed. My hockey team were celebrating the end of the winter league (we came eighth) and as the designated driver I was happily dropping some friends off at the end of the night, when my Mini hit a pothole or two and very rapidly developed a catastrophic flat.
‘A minor speed bump’ Usually that would be a minor The Local Answer
speed bump (see what I did there?) at most, but my Mini has a tyre re-inflation and repair system that sadly wasn’t able to deal with the situation. At this point it was past midnight and the prospect of calling a breakdown service who wouldn’t be able to take me anywhere to fit a new tyre didn’t appeal, so my friend kindly offered me her car to get me home and then deal with the tyre in the morning.
A 13-year-old Fiesta was my dream car Right then, in that moment, that 13-year-old Fiesta was my dream car. Yes it had some foibles that she had to take me through. The boot open alarm will go off but don’t worry, it’s a sensor issue. Sometimes you have to lock and unlock a few times for To advertise call
the interior lights to go out and the front screen wash is somehow controlled by the rear screen wash, but right then, right there, it was perfect.
Comfortable, compact with lots of charm The Fiesta has always been a great car. My wife’s first car was a late 70s model and it had so much charm. The 2009 model is still great to drive, it handles well, and is comfortable, compact and yet spacious. So I want to thank my friend, in print, (and I know she gets this magazine) for her kindness! Driving back the next morning, it occurred to me that your dream car is allowed to change as often as you like, and that night, in that moment, my dream car was a 13-yearold, feisty Fiesta. Page
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. 7-8 MAY CIRENCESTER BOWLS CLUB OPEN DAYS
You are welcome to try your hand at bowls. We are offering free taster sessions from 10.30 onwards. The Club is adjacent to the Brewery Car Park in the centre of Cirencester. For more information please visit www.cirencesterbowls.org.uk 10-14 MAY ‘AND THEN THERE WERE NONE’ BY AGATHA CHRISTIE Ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they’re unwilling to reveal and a secret that will seal their fate… A performance by St. John’s Players at St. John’s Hall, Churchdown, GL3 2DB. 7.30pm. £10. Conc £8. Box Office: 01452 713952. Bar. Car park. www.stjohnsplayers.org.uk 12 MAY KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN This popular, multi award-winning husband and wife duo exude timeless class with their exquisite brand of traditional and contemporary music. From early days in folk supergroup
‘Equation’ through to their most recent work, acclaimed as ‘their best yet’, the evening promises a whistle-stop tour through their artistic journey to date. 6.30pm. Tickets £21.50-£23.50. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE. thesubrooms.co.uk 13 MAY STUART SINGERS CHARITY CONCERT IN AID OF BEAT The Stuart Singers welcome you to a charity concert in aid of Cirencester based eating disorder charity, BEAT. The Choir comprises up to 65 voices in four parts and we sing a wide and constantly changing repertoire spanning spirituals, theatre, sacred and secular, classical and modern. 7.30pm. From £12.50. Sundial Theatre, Cirencester, GL7 1XA. www.sundial-theatre.co.uk 14 MAY BARNSLEY VILLAGE FESTIVAL 10.30am-5pm. 15 Open Gardens, stalls, BBQ, tea, coffee and cake, jazz band, Morris dancers, bell ringing, church choir. £10 in advance (Eventbrite.co.uk) or £12 on the day, includes car parking. Children under 14 free of charge. 15 MAY ROUNDHOUSE POETRY SLAM – GLOUCESTER HEAT One of the highlights from across the Roundhouse calendar, the competition offers young poets from across the UK the chance to compete for the coveted Roundhouse Poetry Slam champion title. 7pm. Tickets £5. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. gloucesterguildhall.co.uk
20 MAY JAY RAYNER: MY LAST SUPPER Imagine you are about to die. You have one meal left. What are you going to have? It’s the question award-winning restaurant critic, MasterChef judge and writer Jay Rayner has been asked most often. It happened so often that he decided to investigate the concept of the last supper and why it intrigues us so. 6pm. Tickets £24. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE. thesubrooms.co.uk 21 MAY CHARLTON KINGS CHORAL SOCIETY Vierne; Mass for choir and two organs; Carillon de Westminster; Rutter Psalmfest; Parry I was glad. Soloists Helen Wright (soprano), David Smith (tenor), Fiona Brown and Russell Burton (organs). Conductor: John Wright with the Regency Sinfonia. Saturday 21st May 2022 at 7.30pm. St Philip and St James’s Church, 60 Grafton Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL50 2DL. Tickets £18 (under 25s in full time education £10). 01242 510820. www.ckcsonline.org.uk THE SOUNDS OF SIMON A tribute to the wonderful music of Simon and Garfunkel. Lose yourself to nostalgia with such classics as Mrs Robinson, The Boxer and Bridge Over Troubled Water, as well as all the others that have established Paul Simon as one of the most successful songwriters of all time. 8pm. From £17.50. Sundial Theatre, Cirencester, GL7 1XA. www.sundial-theatre.co.uk
Promote your 2022 events! Promote your 2022 events in the county’s most widely-distributed magazine and reach up to 400,000* potential visitors! Advertise in print and receive a FREE equivalent listing on our website!
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22 MAY AN AUDIENCE WITH MARK ‘BILLY’ BILLINGHAM TV’s most experienced, highest-ranking and most decorated SAS leader and sniper. Billy is a former SAS Sergeant Major Class 1 and Bodyguard to the Stars including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Russell Crowe, Sir Michael Caine and many others. Hosted and produced by Endurance Running World Record Breaker and Bestselling Author Mark Llewhellin. There will also be a Q&A and a chance to meet Billy. 7.30pm. Tickets £24 (£22). 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. bacontheatre.co.uk 4-5 JUNE BECKFORD JUBILEE OPEN VILLAGE Beautiful open gardens, church flower displays, teas and homemade cakes, champagne bar, barbecue (Saturday), hog roast (Sunday) and ice creams. Also plant sales, children’s quiz trail, classic cars, glassware, preserves, tombola, raffle and more! Entry £5 (U16 free). Dogs on leads welcome. Free parking. GL20 7AD. Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th June 1-5pm, followed by family Jubilee celebrations. Platinum Party at the Pub on Saturday 5pm-late hosted by The Beckford Inn.
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The Big Jubilee Hog Roast on Sunday 1-8pm hosted by The Old Post Office. beckfordopenvillage.org.uk 5 JUNE 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 onsite. Sunday 5th June. 11-5pm. Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, Cheltenham GL32 3JE. www.deerspirit.co.uk 1-3 JULY LINTON FESTIVAL
Celebrating 20 years of great music and beer! Proceeds to local charities.
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Headliners include The Counterfeit Stones, Walter Trout and One Night of Queen plus many more amazing international bands/artists. Tickets from £22. Camping available. Full lineup on website www.lintonfestival.org 15 JULY TAKE A CHANCE ON US
Put on your platform boots and funky suits or just a boa, and have a night of ABBA madness!! This is a fantastic live show that celebrates the music of ABBA through a fully live six piece band, voiceovers, costume changes, choreographed dance routines, and light show. Lots of audience participation and all the favourite ABBA Hits! 7.30pm. Tickets £20. 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. bacontheatre.co.uk
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We’re giving away
£5,000!
to five local charities or not-for-profit organisations Lots of people are feeling the pinch at the moment, including our local charities and not-for-profit organisations. With costs rising and donations from the public understandably slowing down, The Local Answer have decided to support the local community with a giveaway. We’ll be donating a grand total of £5,000 to be split between five Gloucestershire-based charities or not-for-profit organisations – and the lucky winners of our draw will get to choose which ones! So, whether you have a personal involvement
or just like to support a specific local charity, club, society, group, trust or association – provided it is, essentially, a non-profit making enterprise – you could help boost their funds by £1,000! Entries for the giveaway are on our website and the more times your charity or club’s name is submitted, the higher their chance of being drawn. So make sure you share this giveaway with friends, family, colleagues and neighbours to give your organisation the best chance of becoming a winner!
August 2022
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Your charity, club or society One thousand pounds 01234
102030
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Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran
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Last month we looked at the hike in energy prices that came in at the start of April. Whilst we were digesting the impact of that, the Chancellor was delivering his ‘spring statement’, alongside another increase in interest rates and the highest rate of inflation for more than a decade. We were all hoping for a helping hand from Rishi, but did we get it? I fear not. The headline giveaway was an increase in the threshold at which we start to pay national insurance. The Chancellor says it will cost him £6 billion and it’s certainly a welcome measure. It will make lives easier in an accountant’s office for sure, but it doesn’t come in until July, by which time we will all have been paying the additional 1.25% levy that Rishi announced in November last year for three months. And that’s due to raise the Chancellor twice the amount every year that he’s giving away in his recent announcement. He had the chance to scrap the 1.25% levy before it kicked in. That would have helped us all – employers, businesses, investors, pensioners alike – but Rishi chose not to, insisting it was being ring-fenced for the NHS. Don’t insult us, Mr Chancellor, we know that’s going straight into your treasure chest.
No help for businesses The spring statement was much more notable for what it didn’t do than what it did. There was no help for businesses, who face spiralling energy costs in the way that households do, rising inflation, staff shortages and no more covid support, save for an extra £1,000 of employers’ NI. The hard-hit retail sector faces an increase in the VAT rate back to 20% at a time when we are hardly flocking back to shops and restaurants. A couple of months ago, the government announced it was removing the triple lock on state pension increases this April because they would have increased by an ‘unfairly high’ 8%. Inflation will go beyond that in the next couple of months, so all those relying on state pension income will be worse off in real terms. There was no help for those paying for childcare and student loan repayments were harder hit as a result of changes in what the Chancellor had in his printed statement but didn’t announce in the Commons. I don’t want your job, Rishi, but I think you’ve probably made the wrong call here.
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In the Garden with Julia Smith
Enjoy time outdoors this spring May is usually a lovely month, especially with the Bank Holidays – although don’t forget the Spring Bank holiday falls in early June this year to coincide with the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations! It seems a perfect time in the garden to enjoy BBQs and al fresco eating of all kinds. It is nice to have a well-cared-for patio area for sitting, which is kept swept and interesting with pots of seasonal flowers. Don’t forget to repair any broken or loose slabs which can be dangerous, especially to the elderly or young children running around.
Ensure your garden looks well-tended Even if your garden is a bit messy and weedy, the patio will lift it. If you have a lawn, keep it well cut and trim the edges – this also makes the garden look well-tended. It is the equivalent of vacuuming the carpet! As the weather should be milder now you will find
aphids starting to appear. They suck the sap from the tender young growth of plants and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can then cause sooty mould! Some also transmit viruses to the plants so they are a problem. You can squash them by hand if there are not too many, or some people use soapy water to squirt on them to knock them off. If you encourage beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings or hoverflies into the garden they will help control the little beasts. Plant varieties of single flowers which these insects like as opposed to double flowers, and perhaps make insect boxes to help them overwinter. You can use biological controls in greenhouses but they are not suitable to use in the garden.
Runner beans add interest to borders One vegetable that I wouldn’t be without is runner beans. The Local Answer
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I tend to sow them in yoghurt pots and plant in their final position when they are about 10cm high. Make a wigwam of canes and keep them wellwatered. The flowers on the beans are actually quite pretty so can be put into a herbaceous border for height interest, as long as you can reach them to pick the beans! If you don’t have the time or patience to sow your own herbs, you can use the crowded plastic pots you buy in the supermarket. Carefully separate them and replant in fresh compost in small pots, two or three plants in each. Keep watered.
Trim your hedges Give box hedges and topiaries their first trim in early May – use sharp shears, or hedgetrimmers on long runs of hedging. Keep a look out for Box blight or the signs of the Box Moth caterpillar, both of which were a real problem last year. Page
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Wildlife Matters with Lois Kingscott
Baby boom From blossom and buds to the dawn chorus, spring is a wonderful time of year for new life and the promise of brighter, warmer days. You’ll likely have noticed baby lambs prancing around in the countryside, but which wildlife babies might we also spot at this time of year?
Mammals Otters are generally solitary creatures, only coming together to breed. While they mate all year round, most pups are born between May and August. They are dependent on their parents for more than a year and usually leave at about 15 months old. The roe deer is the most common native deer in the UK. Another species that tend to live solitary lives, their rutting (mating) season is in the summer, although the female delays implantation of the fertilised egg until the next January so that her babies are not born in the winter. She’ll give birth to two or three whitespotted fawns in May or June.
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Birds
Amphibians
Chiffchaffs are one of the UK’s smallest birds and are mostly green-brown in colour with dark legs and a pale stripe just above their eyes. They live in woodland and parks, but you may also spot them in your garden. They nest low to the ground in dense vegetation and lay five to six eggs in May or June, which hatch after about two weeks and fledge two weeks after that. Cuckoos are a sneaky species, as they trick other birds into raising their chicks. They mate in April and then lay a single egg in another bird’s nest, often after scaring it off so that it vacates the nest. After 11 or 12 days, the cuckoo chick hatches and pushes any other eggs out of the nest so that it gets the sole attention of the host parents. They leave the nest after about three weeks, but continue to be fed by their adoptive parents for another couple of weeks.
The smooth or common newt. is dark green or brown in colour with a vibrant orange, blackspotted underside, and can be found in ponds, bog gardens and marshes. They breed from February to June, with the female laying up to 300 eggs on aquatic plants. Once the larvae hatch, they metamorphose over 10 weeks into juvenile newts.
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Insects The peacock butterfly is one of the most recognisable butterflies, with its colourful eye-spots on its upper wings. They mate in spring and females lay eggs in batches of up to 500 at a time. The caterpillars hatch after a couple of weeks and spin a communal web that they live and feed in. As they grow, they live in the open and pupate alone, emerging as adults in July. Enjoy keeping an eye out for some of these species in your garden or local green space this spring. Page
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Interior Design with Gill Greenwell
It’s all about the garden We always know when spring is here and summer is on its way in my family – my son-inlaw decides to wear shorts every day and my husband brings out the garden furniture. During the pandemic we rediscovered our outside spaces, but after an English winter your garden furniture may need a bit of a refresh. Here are some ideas for creating a new look for your alfresco space.
An outdoor room If you’ve got the space, it’s a good idea to have separate areas for relaxing and entertaining. Create a comfortable outdoor living room; inject a laidback atmosphere with a lounge set or a corner sofa. Ever popular all-weather rattan or bamboo-effect sets are good choices for a classic-rustic feel. Add a coffee table and a statement chair – on-trend Egg chairs are featuring particularly strongly on Instagram (check out B&Q’s Apolima chair).
Patio pieces To make your patio summer party ready, you may be looking to invest in a new
Image: OKA
outdoor table and chairs. I am loving the latest rope effect dining sets – Barker and Stonehouse has a great selection at great prices. Create a contemporary look for your al fresco dining with colourful metal and woven designs. John Lewis’s Salsa range comes in bold Jolly Green or bright Two Tone Yellow, and Jennifer Newman’s splash stool comes in a variety of fun, bright colours.
Balcony chic Zhuzh up your balcony space with a charming French café style bistro set and transport yourself to Paris. There are some lovely options available from Habitat and OKA, perfect for early evening cocktails or breakfast outside on a sunny morning. For a more cost-effective option, check out foldable bistro sets available in a range of ontrend colours and add some cheerful planters.
Sustainable options Image: Habitat
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For that all important retro vibe, look no further than your local To advertise call
charity shop, eBay or online auction houses. Search out unusual pieces with potential for upcycling. The latest vintage look is whimsical and fantastical faux bois, a pre-art deco style originating in 19th century France. If your existing furniture is a bit winter worn, it’s never been easier to upcycle using specialist garden paint. Most top brands have a range of colours to choose from. I particularly love Rustoleum’s soft chalky green Aloe, and it comes in an easy to use spray can.
Seasonal extras There are so many options now for dressing up your yearround entertaining space. A firepit is a must for keeping warm on those longer evenings. Add some comfort and sunny colour with zingy outdoor cushions (La Redoute has a great selection). I’m also a real fan of Weaver Green’s recycled plastic outdoor rugs. Now you can enjoy your outside space in style – just put your feet up, sip an Aperol spritz and dip into your summer read. Page
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Sport with Roger Jackson
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Billy Breen will lead from front New Cirencester captain Billy Breen wants to take the club up a notch this season. And if he succeeds, that would be enough to earn Cirencester promotion into Premier Two Glos/Wilts of the West of England Premier League after a fine season last time out which saw them finish second in the Gloucestershire Division behind Corse and Staunton. “Promotion is definitely the aim this season,” said 29-yearold Breen. “We want to go one better than 2021. “We had a very good season last year. We beat Corse and Staunton and then in the second game against them we had them on the ropes but we were scuppered by the rain, it was very unfortunate. “We’ve got pretty much the same side as last year so we’re confident.” That means that last season’s captain Jamie Jamieson-Black will again be a key player for Cirencester. “He wanted to take a step back from captaincy and just enjoy his cricket,” explained Breen. “He’s one of three brothers in the side and they all bat and all bowl.” Jono and Jock are the other two and Breen will be hoping that all three can make sizeable contributions this season. Breen has been playing 1st XI cricket for the past 14 years and he knows what it takes to lead a team because he has been the club’s midweek captain for the past five years. “I enjoyed it,” he said. “We played on a Wednesday evening in a local league. There’s not so much pressure at that level as there is in Saturday league cricket but it was a good experience.”
Cirencester are chasing promotion this season
So what sort of captain is Breen? “I’d like to think of myself as a tactical captain,” he said. “I’ve played enough cricket to know when to make the right moves.” And while Breen the captain will obviously be very influential, Breen the player will still be very important too. “I bowl medium-paced seam up,” he said. “Traditionally I bowl towards the end of the innings when the pressure is at its greatest.” And what about his batting? “I’m definitely a bowler,” he laughed, before adding, “but everyone likes to think they can bat. I traditionally bat at nine, I can hit the ball straight pretty well. I’ll get ripped by the team for saying this but I consider myself a bit of a hitter.” And while Breen may well be able to chip in with some runs from time to time, that’s obviously not his primary job and, happily, there are others who are primed and ready to take on the responsibility of getting runs on the board for the team. “We’ve got a talented bunch of boys,” said Breen. “Wicket-
keeper/batsman Will Mason is a very talented cricketer. He’s a very explosive batsman who can take the game away from the opposition. “James Boyle is another very talented player and we’re looking forward to having him back once he finishes at Exeter University. He’s a quality allrounder, someone you can depend on in all circumstances.” Breen is also hoping for big things from 17-year-old left-arm spinner Louis Sabbagh-Holt who was voted the league’s most valuable player last season. “He’ll be very good, especially if he improves his fielding,” added Breen, who is also a coach at the club. But while Breen is very keen for his team to improve their final position by one this season, it’s not only the 1st XI that concerns him. The one-time Deer Park School pupil, who was born in Cirencester, is a club man through and through and he said: “The main thing is to move the club forward in all areas.” Full story online.
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Gadgets & Gizmos with Laura Nicklin
Gadgets for gastronomes Did you know that 6th May is ‘International No Diet Day’? This useful fact popped up when I googled ‘events in May’ for some tech inspiration and it might be my new favourite holiday. Yes, technically this can apply to any day, but if there’s a day literally dedicated to it, then it’s certainly worth celebrating. So, here are some useful gizmos to help you get on board and satisfy those food cravings…
Electric Popcorn Maker With Bowl Lakeland: £29.99 What goes best with a movie? A gigantic tub of popcorn, of course! Whether you’re more of a salty connoisseur or prefer your popcorn sweet, this handy gadget from Lakeland will help you enjoy the classic cinema experience from home.
Make delicious fluffy popcorn in just a few minutes with this clever contraption. Simply fill the chamber with popcorn kernels and let it start popping! You don’t even need to use oil, as this popcorn maker only uses circulated hot air to craft your tasty treat, making it a The Local Answer
healthier alternative. Once it’s done, all you do is remove the bowl from the machine and you’re all set for movie night.
Tefal Toast ‘n’ Egg ‘n’ Beans 2 Slice Toaster Argos: £55 If you’re more of a breakfast foodie, this 2-for-1 gizmo is a solid choice. To save you time in the mornings, try out the Toast ‘n’ Egg ‘n’ Beans toaster to prep a perfect breakfast. As the name suggests, this gadget can toast your bread and cook your beans at the same time, meaning less cooking time and more eating time! And it also saves you time on washing up, thanks to its easy-to-clean dish. You could swap out the beans for egg if you fancy adding something different to your morning meal.
for dessert! This gizmo is equipped with programming that helps you make ice cream, milkshakes, sorbet or gelato. All that’s needed is to fill the included tub with ingredients and let them freeze overnight. Then, you let the dessert maker do the rest of the work as it gets churning. Choose from one of seven programs on the touchscreen menu to get started and look forward to your frozen dessert. This machine even comes with a guide for delicious recipes, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth. Bon appétit!
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Puzzle Solutions R Y O P U Y F F V O S R F G L E H H N O P S E L
Y E K N O M R E D I P S O O R U U G C Y B N L Q
T Q T Z J I I S C U R R J U M R A W N C D P B R
O O C A U N E X U S F S T I R B G I H A P A B M
R O A M E U A A Y T E A D A T X D W N N Z G Y B
R D U K Y T X R R C N Q F S Q S A G X U Y A G K
A T D W E R N A M A L E H M K T E A M Y Z P G T
P J W W K H D A U A H Y I D U R I L W B K O P E
R R F W N N X A T R D A Q A E Y P L E Y J F C I
F F S I O M X M R N G I S D Q J N I W A H O N U
R L D S M S R K G N A R L T J D W R F F A X K F
S I I E L U Y P O Q A I S L C D E O F B E C R I
L O V S E R S F H V M G G R O E D G Y B O S K R
P U U E R C A T A R A N T U L A S N K L C D R P
K D W G R C A E I J Z I I D B X X N H Q V H A G
I W U V I P Y N A G O E V Y A F A P I S D Y I T
N S A C U B T D O L N K L Q G U I G G M R F N Y
Q A B U Q F N M Y P Q P Q C V R C U B K V P F L
I Q C U S O P M R P Y Q O E A Y N A N F M C O D
L C O U C D R A P O E L F N O G N O C V T C R I
R W I A O Z T C S S P M H S L O T H S Y F K E V
Q G N E U T C A E O J A H X E K H W A V F G S H
G A R E V Z M W J A G U A R T H H A Z Y R P T O
B O A C O N S T R I C T O R P C B G F V Q J H L
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