Cotswolds

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November’s winning cover photo: Anne Johnes

Welcome to November

This month, Rosie Plimmer gives her top tips for cultivating self-confidence in the workplace, and Gill Greenwell shares her favourite highstreet homeware gift ideas in her Interior Design article.

Kirsty Lilley highlights the importance of managing stress, particularly during these turbulent times, while Al Hidden takes a trip to delightful Derbyshire in his latest Holidays & Travel article.

As we head towards the festive season, our What’s On section is filling up with events for everyone, including theatre, art, music and much more.

If you have a festive event coming up in December that you’d like to promote in The Local Answer, we’re offering a limited number of free listings in our What’s On section. See inside for more details.

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Delicious Dish with Helen Kingscott

Warming winter beef cobbler

Ingredients:

3 medium onions

3 sticks celery

½ medium butternut squash

200g mushrooms

750g diced stewing steak

2 beef stock cubes

500ml bottle of ale (I used Guinness)

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tin chopped tomatoes

30g/2tbsp cornflour

Chopped parsley to garnish.

For the topping:

250g/10oz self-raising flour

75g/3oz butter

30g/2tbsp horseradish sauce

1 egg

Milk to bind

Method:

1 Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F/gas mark 5).

2 Heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish on a medium heat.

3 Add the finely chopped onion and celery and sauté

for eight minutes until soft. Add the nutmeg and stir in.

4 Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and add to the onion mix. Sauté until the meat is coloured all over.

5 Add the chopped butternut squash and mushrooms and cook for another five minutes.

6 Crumble in the stock cubes, add the tomatoes and the ale, and enough water to cover the meat. Pop the lid on the casserole and put in the oven for approximately two hours or until the meat is tender.

7 If the mixture needs thickening, dissolve the cornflour in a little water and stir into the casserole.

8 Season with salt and pepper then transfer to a different ovenproof dish if you want to present your cobbler at the table or leave in the original casserole dish.

9 To make the topping, put

the flour and butter into a bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the mixture together until it resembles breadcrumbs.

10 Season with salt and pepper, then make a well in the centre and add the horseradish and egg. Mix all together, adding a little milk if needed to make a soft dough.

11 Tip onto a floured work surface and press down gently to flatten it.

12 Use a small cutter to cut out around 10-12 scones.

13 Arrange the scones on top of the beef, leaving gaps for them to rise. Brush the tops with a little milk to give some colour.

14 Pop back in the oven for around 15-20 minutes until the scones turn light brown.

15 Sprinkle chopped parsley on the top and serve with your favourite vegetables.

A comforting dish for cold, dark nights. Serves 6

MONDAY

Looking Good, Feeling Great with Will Mbanga Is gardening classed as exercise?

It’s amazing how much marketing can affect the truth. I remember when machine training was all the rage because it was ‘safer and more effective’. The problem with this ‘fact’ is that it was a lie, or at least a misconception promoted by manufacturers of fitness equipment and often backed up by industry-funded research.

The Cooper Clinic in the US told us that aerobic exercise was going to revolutionise our lives and ‘boom’ – suddenly everyone and their aunt was a runner! The real beneficiaries of the aerobic training boom were doctors and physical therapists who made millions caring for all those who were injured. You see, knowledge is not power –but applied knowledge is!

Plenty of people buy every diet book, read every wellness blog or buy the latest copies of fitness magazines the minute they hit the shelves… yet they never achieve their fitness goals. While successive fitness fads have made us more aware of various training methods, reco-

very and nutrition protocols, etc., they’ve also given us more injuries and more (often contradictory) information.

Exercise needs to be smart, safe and challenging

While some of these ideas were well-intentioned attempts at wellness promotion, and others flat-out lies packaged to make money, the reality is that exercise needs to be smart and safe. But it also needs to be challenging wherever possible.

Very little in life is ever achieved without hard work. Wellness is no exception. Some professionals will say walking or gardening qualify as exercise. Of course, something is always better than nothing, but if you are physically able, why not aim a little higher?

You should be exercising as hard as you are physically able – this will, of course, differ for each individual. The New England Journal of Medicine (Volume 346:852-854 March 14, 2002) published a study and

editorial titled ‘Survival of the Fittest’. The study said nothing about duration or frequency –it only mentioned performance intensity. The key variable that related to life expectancy was fitness, not total time or number of days per week. Those that were able to exercise the hardest lived the longest.

The most common excuse as to why people struggle to exercise is their perceived lack of time to work out, plan healthy meals, etc. Let’s think about this in terms of our available time. If you dedicate 25 minutes a day, four days a week to a good training routine, that’s just 100 minutes each week.

There are 1,440 minutes in each day. Multiply this by seven days and you have 10,080 minutes each week. 100 minutes of this total available time is approximately 1% of your time in a week. 1% of your week... When you think about it like that, isn't it a bit ridiculous when you hear someone, or yourself, say they “don't have time to exercise”?

Think about that next time you go walking or work in the garden. If that is all you can do, fine. But if you can, why not push yourself with a structured workout? Your future self will thank you!

Medical Health

with Kirsty Lilley

Managing stress

November heralds National Stress Awareness Day. Whilst the current global and national picture continues to look gloomy, it is important that we take steps to manage our stress levels and look after our mental health.

Millions of people in the UK experience stress and this is damaging to our health and wellbeing. For example, at some point in the last year, 74% of us have felt so stressed that we have felt unable to cope (Mental Health Foundation).

Stress is the feeling of being under too much emotional or mental pressure. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This is your body’s reaction to help you deal with pressure or threats – sometimes called a ‘fight or flight’ response. Hormone levels usually return to normal once the pressure or threat has passed.

A small amount of stress can be useful; it can motivate you to act and complete tasks, and make you feel alive and excited. But too much stress can cause negative effects such as a change in your mood or body, and relationship issues. It can also worsen existing mental health difficulties and contribute to their development over the long run.

There are many ways in which you can reduce stress –below are a few examples.

Move more

Exercising reduces the buildup of stress hormones in our body. Even a short walk outside can boost your mood and give you a chance to clear your mind without any distractions.

Eat well

While we shouldn’t deprive ourselves of treats, or become obsessive about our diets, eating a healthy, balanced diet will naturally boost your mood and give you more energy.

Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep helps you keep things in perspective. Try to keep to a routine of getting up in the morning and going to bed at night at the same time each day. Your body should naturally adjust and begin to feel tired at the right time each day. If you’re struggling to sleep well, look for advice on the NHS website.

Stay positive

Easier said than done! It’s natural for us to focus on what we haven’t achieved each day, but it’s important to reflect on what you have achieved, however small. This will help to improve your mindset over time. Set realistic goals for each day, week and month to improve your confidence and help you feel more in control of short- and long-term tasks.

Set boundaries

Saying ‘no’ to friends or family can be terrifying, which is why we usually say ‘yes’, even if it’s likely to increase our stress levels. Saying ‘no’ promotes healthy boundaries with the people around you. It also opens a dialogue which allows you to talk through what your current focus is.

Make time for relaxation

Dedicating a small portion of your day to relaxing not only gives you something to look forward to, but also gives you that all-important opportunity to switch off. Self-care is often sniffed at, but has never been more important. Simple things like a long bath after a tough day help you compartmentalise negative emotions you may be feeling, relax tension you’re carrying in your muscles, and calm your mind.

Above all, don’t struggle on in isolation – reach out for help from a friend or professional. For more information visit www.nhs.uk/every-mindmatters or speak to your GP.

Families find the right help

Nannies find the right

Nanny jobs in Gloucestershire

Education & Employment

with Rosie Plimmer, Careers Consultant

Self-confidence in the workplace

Self-confidence is “a feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgement” and so it follows that we shouldn’t underestimate its critical importance to how well we do at work and how much we enjoy it.

For instance, research shows that for job applicants, higher self-confidence leads to more job offers. Interviewees with higher confidence make more eye contact during interviews, which increases the likelihood of an offer being made. Also, once employed, confident employees share their views more openly, giving them higher visibility as problem solvers to bosses, which makes them seem more valuable.

Leaders are distinguished by their greater self-confidence to interact in social settings, which helps them to more effectively manage and guide. People with higher selfconfidence in negotiations are more likely to initiate pay negotiations.

One US study, which tracked teenagers into adulthood,

suggested that self-esteem affected salary as much as cognitive abilities. Self-confident people are also more likely to show ‘career adaptability’ – the flexibility to change careers and work at what they most enjoy.

However, while we might learn new skills, self-confidence itself is something we rarely work on. Yet, in a study of over 2,000 Britons in 2021, 6 in 10 men and 7 in 10 women aren’t confident about doing their job. How to cultivate selfconfidence

The good news is that we can re-program our thoughts at any point in life, to train ourselves to feel and behave more confidently at work. However, like any new skill, it takes practice.

Based on evidence of what effectively increases confidence, here are five suggestions for improving your confidence in the workplace:

1. Focus on strengths, not weaknesses

Seeking projects or tasks that use your main strengths means you will be doing your best

work, gaining positive feedback and increasing self-esteem.

2. Change your self-talk

Becoming aware of your ‘inner voice’ is the precursor to choosing a more positive, constructive, compassionate response instead of selfcriticism.

3. Do one challenging thing every day

Self-confidence builds when we prove to ourselves that we can overcome assumed limitations.

4. Visualise success

Visualising an imminent challenge is a rehearsal. It primes the brain to act more easily and effectively in the situation.

5. Identify and eliminate negative influences

Gravitate towards positive colleagues and try to spend less time with those who may have a negative disposition.

Self-doubt won’t disappear overnight, but greater selfconfidence underpins a better work life in many ways. Why not try these steps for a week or two and see what happens?

recognise that talking about money and finances can be tricky. It’s a personal topic. So it’s reassuring to know there’s someone on hand who can help you address your needs, understand your goals and realise your dreams.

friendly and approachable service is backed by the strength and security of a FTSE 100 company, St. James’s Place. What’s more, being local means we’re here to help whenever you need us.

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Holidays & Travel with Al Hidden

Delightful Derbyshire

Many years ago, I nearly moved to Derbyshire with work. Fortunately – as it happens, a bullet well dodged – the move didn’t happen. However, while researching possible places to live, I was struck by the stunning landscapes between Ashbourne and the market town of Buxton.

Excellent walks close to town

Several decades later, it was a pleasure to spend a few days in Buxton, an easy drive up the M5, M6 and A53 from Gloucestershire. Not only is the town great for a Peak District ‘city break’, but it’s also perfect for exploring on foot, on two wheels or by car.

There’s loads of choice within a short drive – or without driving if you choose the lovely Ring of Trees walk (10 miles) or explore Combs Moss’s moderately challenging circumnavigation. Whatever you do, always take suitable equipment and follow good hill-walking practice, including bringing suitable maps. All walks mentioned are on OS Explorer OL24.

On a day of less clement weather, the circular Ring of

Trees through Buxton’s ‘urban’ woodlands made a great introduction to this northern spa town and its environs. We started at Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre and headed clockwise via Shay Woods and Corbar Woods before finishing the day with a picnic and breathtaking views from Solomon’s Temple atop Grin Low Hill.

From our centrally located Airbnb apartment, all the town’s renowned highlights were nearby, including its Pavilion Gardens, impressive Devonshire Dome, famous opera house and tempting teashops. Leaving town, excursion potential ranges from highbrow Chatsworth House to

wider exploration of landscapes such as Curbar Edge.

Gridstone crags and adders

Our week’s highlight was undoubtedly the 10 mile (16 km) circular walk on the craggy escarpments of Curbar Edge and White Edge, half an hour east of Buxton. The company was congenial and Mother Nature arranged great weather – plus a basking adder and swooping curlew – to accompany the awe-inspiring 360-degree panoramas.

In autumn, I’m told, rutting stags are a regular sight – and sound – on the walk. Afterwards, on most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, you can enjoy delicious home-baked goodies at Jolly’s Coffee & Cake in Clodhall Lane car park.

For various reasons, I’m glad I didn’t move to Derbyshire. Avoiding relocation back then only made our recent trip even more special. It’s not just Sarah’s amazing sausage rolls, chocolate brownies and vintage Citroën catering van that come highly recommended when you visit Derbyshire!

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What’s 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.

5 NOVEMBER THE NUTCRACKER

Prepare to enter a magical new world – the nutcracker in this ballet may be a handsome prince in disguise. The ballet is the ultimate fairy-tale where goodness and beauty triumph. An unforgettable journey in the run-up to Christmas and an ideal introduction to audiences of any age to the magic that is classical ballet. 7.30pm. Tickets from £22. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. For more information, please visit www.rosestheatre.org

6 NOVEMBER BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

This production tells the story of Belle, 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. £20 (£19, children £15). 2.30pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk

9 NOVEMBER

AN EVENING WITH NOEL FITZPATRICK

An intimate insight into Noel’s extraordinary bionic world and the animals who have inspired him along the way. Noel will share a rollercoaster ride of successes and failures, demonstrating why love really is all that matters – and how our animal friends can teach us very important

life lessons, which can make us better people. 7.30pm. Tickets £37. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA. For more details, please visit www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

12 NOVEMBER

ART EXHIBITION

Churchdown Art Group are holding an Art Exhibition at The Churchdown Community Association, Parton Road, Churchdown, GL3 2JH. Come along and support the local artists. Refreshments will be available. Entrance is free and there is free parking on site. 10am-5pm.

12 NOVEMBER QUEENZ

The trailblazing, life affirming drag extravaganza taking the UK by storm. Featuring mind-blowing live vocals, and not a lip-sync in sight! Join these death-dropping divas as they slay the biggest hits of all time and serve up the sequin-clad pop party we’ve all been gagging for! 7.30pm. Tickets from £22. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. For more information, please visit www.rosestheatre.org

16 NOVEMBER

FLO & JOAN – SWEET RELEASE

Multi-award winning musical comedy duo (and sisters) Flo & Joan are climbing out of their pits, armed with a piano and percussion section to bring you a brand-new show of their critically acclaimed songs and comedy. Their unique, sharp-tongued style has taken them around the world

with multiple sell-out tours. Tickets £22.50. 7.30pm. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1NS.

19 NOVEMBER

CHRISTMAS DUMBLETON CRAFT & PRODUCE MARKET

We can’t wait to be back at one of our favourite venues for a one-off Christmas market. We will be open at 10am at Dumbleton village hall for you to come and browse a selection of stalls from crafters, artists, food and other handpicked local small businesses. Entry to the market is free! For more details, please visit www.createcheltenham.com

21-26 NOVEMBER

CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX APPEAL

Send a shoebox of gifts to a Ukrainian child this Christmas. Operation Christmas Child is sending 2/3rds of UK boxes to Ukrainian refugees. Donate a box and/or help out at the processing centre at St. Andrew’s Churchdown. For more details visit the website: stastb.church

21 NOVEMBER – 31 DECEMBER

THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF MARIAN AND ROBIN HOOD!

A feast of myth, music and medieval slapstick, Marian and Robin! has it all – magic, acrobatics, Normans with dodgy haircuts – as the eponymous duo bury the hatchet and join forces to thwart the hapless Sheriff and overthrow his evil protector. Various dates and times. For more information, visit www.barntheatre.org.uk

FREE promotion for festive events!

Share your festive events in our December 2022 issue. The first five listings* for festive events that we receive for each of our edition areas** will be included free of charge to make sure we have lots of fun and interesting events for our readers to attend this Christmas season! Please send your event details to info@thelocalanswer.co.uk

*Maximum 40 words. The name and date of the event are included in the word limit (you can also include a description, timings, ticket prices, contact details, website address, etc.). **Edition areas: Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cotswolds, Stroud District and North Gloucestershire (Tewkesbury/Winchcombe/Bishops Cleeve). Each listing is only guaranteed to appear in the edition area most relevant to the event location. Inclusion in additional areas is at the discretion of the editor. Events must be of a festive nature. If you miss out on a free listing, don’t worry – listings start from only £30+VAT to be included in 20,000+ magazines.

22 NOVEMBER SHOW OF HANDS

Folk supergroup Show of Hands are finally reuniting with formidable folk singer Miranda Sykes to captivate audiences at a long-awaited autumn tour. The trio will perform brand-new tracks, live renditions of their awardwinning hits and festival favourites for the first time in five long years. 7.30pm. Tickets £34.50. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA. For more details, please visit www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

25 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS TRAIL AT WESTONBIRT

But they’re running slightly behind schedule… will the trail be ready on time? You will witness the wonder, hilarity and general commotion that comes with playful elves creating Westonbirt’s spectacular illuminated trail. Advanced booking essential. To book tickets please visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/ enchanted-christmas

25 NOVEMBER – 24 DECEMBER THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Experience the magic of Christmas onboard a jumbo jet! Visit Cotswold Airport this winter and participate in the world’s first grotto experience onboard the Boeing 747 “Negus”. Let the elves show you how Negus is helping to save Christmas Day in this immersive theatrical production. For more information and to book your tickets, please visit www.theflightbeforechristmas.com

26 NOVEMBER – 2 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL AND CHRISTMAS FAYRE

Open on selected evenings from 4pm to 9.30pm. There’s magic around every corner on Westonbirt’s Enchanted Christmas trail! Father Christmas’ elves have made their way to the arboretum to decorate for Christmas.

At Holy Trinity, Longlevens, GL2 0AJ. The Festival runs from Saturday 26th November through to Friday 2nd December from 10am to 4pm each day. Sunday from noon to 4pm. The Christmas Fayre is in the Church Hall

on Saturday 26th November from 12 noon to 2pm with stalls, raffles, tombolas and refreshments. Queries: 01452 500229.

30 NOVEMBER HUNTING KILLERS

Britain’s Top Crime Investigator Criminologist Mark Williams-Thomas is a multi-award winning TV Investigative Reporter & Former Police Detective. He’ll share his vast experience of investigating some of the most notorious cases and killers – in what promises to be a truly eye-opening and entertaining talk. He will discuss the mind of a murderer, human fascination with killers and the coldblooded cases which haunt him the most from around the world. Tickets £20. 7pm. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1NS.

1 DECEMBER

CHELTENHAM ANIMAL SHELTER FESTIVAL FAYRE

Come along for our popular Festive Fayre where you can meet Santa in his grotto, shop from local traders and enjoy some entertainment, games and tasty food. There will be a pop-up photoshoot for pets and family plus face painting and much more. 4.30-7pm. More details at www.gawa.org.uk

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Join the Patesians Sports & Social Club as a social member for only £12 a year and get access to our fantastic facilities, including a members’ bar and a large car park. We can accommodate events for up to 50 guests (seated) or 100 guests (standing).

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POSSIBLE

I’m Shaun Taylor, the “Approved Car Buyer” here to make selling your used car or van as simple and quick as possible. I come to you, so there’s no need to leave your home or place of work. Everything we do is free of charge:

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FREE Administration – no additional fees, 100% of the agreed price paid to you

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A SWIFT, SIMPLE AND HELPFUL SERVICE

At the Approved Car Buying Centre we pride ourselves on a swift, simple and helpful service and are always at the end of the phone ready to help with any questions you may have or advice you need.

Please think of us when selling your vehicle we would like to be “The Local Answer” for selling your vehicle in Gloucestershire.

We buy and collect vehicles in every corner of the county, including the Cotswolds. If you prefer, you can also book an appointment to drop your car off at our Buying Centre at Coombe Hill.

www.approvedcarbuyingcentre.co.uk and fill out our contact or appointment form.

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Please do not call the office our staff are very busy, so may not always be available to

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.

Motoring with Toby Aiken

Not a happy camper

Way back in 2015, I started my automotive journalist journey with my first car review. I reviewed a BMW 3 Series tourer.

That weekend, we took it camping in the Forest of Dean as it was a practical estate and could fit a lot of camping paraphernalia in it. In fairness, it was slightly smaller on paper than my own car at the time, but it looked a hell of a lot better.

Now, I know this will cause some feathers to be ruffled, but here we go. I don’t like camping.

There, I said it. I like my own bathroom, a toilet that doesn’t require a walk outside in the middle of the night and a mattress that doesn’t deflate overnight. I know many of you will like camping, and that’s fine, you’re just wrong (in my humble opinion!).

Camping in a BMW 3 Series Tourer

But I digress… This summer, as a family, we went camping again in a BMW 3 Series Tourer (my own this time) but –thankfully – not in a tent.

We went to Brittany and stayed in a log cabin (with its own toilet) and had a fantastic time. But the thing is, in 2015, my kids were five and one. Their clothes and accoutrements didn’t take up a lot of room, apart from the buggy. Now, they are 11 and eight and wanted to bring a lot more ‘stuff’ with them.

My car has a spacious boot, but I wasn’t convinced it would be comfortable in the back with the odd bits of

luggage that wouldn’t fit piled around the kids.

Enter Halfords PR team and a nice shiny roof box. And the rails to go with it, as my car didn’t have them. And the fitting service too to make sure it wouldn’t fall off.

The box can handle a good amount of weight

The time of the holiday came around and I had the luxury of packing into the boot and the roof box. Fitting the box was no problem, with four very straightforward hand clamps inside the box. Picking what went in each was also fine as the box can handle a good amount of weight and has a diagram inside to suggest items for an even weight distribution.

As it turns out, I kept relatively light but awkwardly shaped objects for the box, and the cases and bags went in the boot. The box also has a

few ratchet straps to secure everything inside before you close and lock it.

The trip went smoothly on all fronts

I’d always been sceptical of the practicalities of driving with a massive box on the roof – decreased handling ability, wind noise, aerodynamic drag and increased fuel consumption were heavy on my mind, especially given the recent hikes in fuel prices.

But in reality, despite a little noise (drowned out by the kids in the back) I didn’t really notice a difference and the trip went off smoothly on all fronts. We also had space to spare to bring back some wine!

So to anyone considering camping, my advice is to avoid tents at all costs. Instead, get yourself a roof box, put on a good road trip playlist and find a log cabin or cottage with an internal toilet!

In the Garden

with Julia Smith

Plant bulbs ready for spring

The nights are really starting to draw in now and the amount of light available to plants is increasingly restricted. Depending on the weather, you may find that some summer flowering plants like pelargoniums (geraniums) are still in bloom!

Tidy up plant containers that have been used for summer bedding. Empty and clean them, and if they are not to be replanted with winter displays, put them away ready to hit the ground running in the spring. Just doing this makes you feel better!

Lilies will flower better if they have more time to get established

Now is a good time to plant lily bulbs, so if you come across some nice-looking bulbs, get them in the ground now rather than in spring. They will flower better next year as they

have had more time to get established. Add some garden compost to the planting hole (most lilies like to be planted deep – 12-20cm).

November is the month to plant those tulip bulbs, either in the borders or in pots of soilbased compost. If you use pots you can move them into the best position and take them away as they fade. Make sure you label any bulbs planted, as it is too easy to forget and spoil them by cutting through them with a spade when you try to pop something else in –we’ve all done it!

Prune blackcurrant bushes, taking out the oldest branches at the base. You could take some hardwood cuttings from 25cm long shoots of this year’s growth.

Now is also a good time to insulate any outdoor taps and pipes. You can buy tap covers which are

inflatable and are attached by Velcro and easily removed. Also drain off and store hosepipes so they don’t split over winter.

Sow a few extra in case of failures

Traditionally, the first week of November is the time to make winter sowings of peas and broad beans, which will then be ready to be harvested from May, earlier than spring sown crops. You can try ‘Claudia’, ‘Topic’ and ‘The Sutton’ or use the most popular autumn sowing cultivar ‘Aquadulce’. Sow in rows in a deeply dug bed and sow a few extra on the side of the row in case of failures, which are quite likely in a bad winter.

Sow the peas in rows and make sure you put in some pea-sticks or netting to support them as they grow. Most people grow hardy ones like ‘Feltham First’ or ‘Douce Provence’ or the lovely ‘Oregon Sugarpod’.

20% off with this advert during November

Wildlife Matters

with Dorothy Glen

Halloween Ladybeetles

Ladybirds may be the nation’s favourite beetle. Instantly recognisable for their cheerful colours and comforting roundness, they are a gardener’s friend and are magical to children.

The name ‘ladybird’ originated in Medieval Britain as a reference to the Virgin Mary, who was often painted wearing a red cloak. One story I read says that people prayed to the Virgin Mary for help after insects repeatedly destroyed crops. Soon after, huge numbers of ladybirds arrived and decimated the pests. The harvest was saved and the ladybirds were called ‘Beetles Of Our Lady’, which became ‘Lady Beetles’, and then ‘Ladybirds’.

Excellent pest control

Ladybirds of all species (27 in the UK) are still excellent pest control, as they happily feast on aphids, scale insects and other ‘plant-feeders’ which, left unchecked, can cause significant damage to plants and crops. They are so effective

that you can buy packs of ladybirds online to release into your garden. This is much better than using pesticides.

Unfortunately, because of this reputation, large numbers of Asian harlequin ladybirds were introduced to the USA in 1979 for pest control. Harlequins spread rapidly and are now the most common species in the USA. Having reached our southern shores in 2004, they are now one of the UK’s most common ladybirds too. In fact, in Gloucestershire they may already be the most common.

Harlequins eat the larvae of other ladybirds

This is bad news for our native ladybirds, because as well as aphids, the voracious harlequins are also happy to eat the larvae of other ladybirds. The number of two-spot ladybirds has already declined dramatically since the harlequin arrived.

The other reason the harlequins are tarnishing the reputation of the humble

ladybird is because they like to hibernate indoors, often in large numbers. If you have noticed the beetles repeatedly finding their way inside at this time of year, they will be harlequins making a nuisance of themselves, whereas our native species are content to hibernate outdoors.

Their pattern varies

Because they start to invade houses around 31st October, harlequins are known in the USA as ‘Halloween ladybeetles’. In the UK, we don’t yet have a common nickname for the harlequins, but you can easily recognise them as they are larger than our native species and have brown legs. Most commonly they are red with 18 spots, or black with four red spots, but their pattern varies greatly.

So when you see these familiar insects, have a closer look and see what you’ve got.

In a way, the prevalence of the invasive harlequins makes our beloved native ladybirds even more special.

Interior Design with Gill Greenwell

Home gifts from the high street

When I’m travelling, I’m always on the lookout for interesting design and homeware shops for unusual gifts for family and friends. When I was in Spain a couple of months ago, I stumbled across one such store and was pleasantly surprised when I realised it was UK highstreet favourite Zara.

At this time of the year, we are all looking for welldesigned, good value gifts. Where better to start than our own much-loved high-street stores? Here are some of my picks.

Chic glassware

I was drawn to the shelves of colourful glasses while browsing in Zara. Also check out the latest trend for mottled glassware at Monsoon – the jugs and glasses in bright cobalt blue and citrus green will brighten up any winter tablescape or cocktail trolley.

I am lusting after Henry Holland’s gorgeous multicoloured Murano glass tumblers, available from online store

Freemans. They will certainly be on my Christmas list.

Stylish ceramics

For unusual ceramics look no further than Anthropologie; a perfect hunting ground for presents for your bohochic friends. The fun Audrey face vases bring a dash of quirkiness to bookshelves and the patterned House of Hackney cup and saucer set would add an elegant touch to anyone’s afternoon tea.

At Zara, the brightly painted floral earthenware plates are sure to pep up kitchen shelves. For your green-fingered friends, the Pegi painted plant pot from Oliver Bonas would look fabulous filled with an interesting-shaped cactus.

Cool cushions

Cushions make great gifts, especially for anyone starting out in their first home, and the high-street fashion stores have some of the best buys. My niece has just moved into her first flat share in London, and I’ve found her a pink, gold and aqua flower-patterned cushion that will really brighten up her bedroom.

Urban Outfitters have some of the coolest designs around – their folksy tufted cushions come in mini versions too. For a more classic, vintage-boho look French Connection’s tasselled Katrina cushion would

add a spicy pop of colour to a winter sitting room.

Special scents

In the winter I like to have lots of candles around my home, and they make good gifts. The high-street clothes chains have some strong offerings here too. I’m impressed by the new Marks and Spencer classy Apothecary range, and I love their affordable cityscape lightup candles. My daughter is a fan of Anthropologie candles and always has one burning in the winter months. I’ve got my eye on a House of Hackney Glass Tortoise candle for her.

Add to basket

If you’re still stuck for ideas, why not brighten someone’s bathtime with the Urban Outfitters disco bath light? Their logo bath mats are guaranteed to make anyone smile. Now all you need to do is ‘add to basket’ and you will have your Christmas presents sorted in plenty of time for the big day.

Image: Marks and Spencer

Image: Oliver Bonas

Image: Oliver Bonas

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Kielan Woods is a racing ace

Leading jockey Kielan Woods is in the form of his life.

The recently-turned 30-yearold has already left last season’s career best number of winners way behind and he’s looking for many more in the weeks and months ahead.

The big November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse –Friday 11th November to Sunday 13th November – is not too far away, of course, and it’s certainly full steam ahead for Woods.

Last season was a good one for Woods, his first as stable jockey for Cotswolds trainer Ben Pauling, as he clocked up 33 winners.

But this one has been much better, so much so that he is now up among the leading jockeys in the country.

“This season has been unbelievable so far, it’s been a fantastic start,” Woods told The Local Answer. “Ben’s horses have been absolutely flying, it’s been brilliant.”

He’s also ridden a fair number of winners for Fergal O’Brien, another in-form Cotswolds trainer who has been notching winners for fun, while DJ Jeffreys and Alex Hales have also been big supporters.

“I’ve been very lucky, I’ve been given some great horses to ride,” said Woods.

That is undoubtedly true, but it’s equally true to say that as a jockey you’ve got to make the most of those opportunities and Woods has certainly been doing just that.

But while the winners have been flowing over the past few months, the Kielan Woods story is not a tale of overnight success.

Quite the opposite, in fact. Hard work and dedication, allied to his obvious talent,

have got him to where he is today, but along the way he has had a lot of setbacks, most notably injuries, that have at times tested him to the limit.

Born in Athlone, a town in the centre of Ireland, he first jumped on a pony at the age of four or five.

And as with all good horsemen and women it was something he took to very naturally, which was a good job because school most certainly wasn’t for him.

“Horrendous,” he says with a laugh when you ask him about his time at school, adding, “I left when I’d just turned 16, I should have left six years earlier!”

But even at the age of 16 it was obvious that Woods had the ability to carve out a career in racing.

He rode more than 70 winners on the pony racing circuit in his native Ireland before launching his career under rules with a winner in November 2009.

“It was my first race,” he said with some pride. “It was Heroes Square at Thurles Racecourse, I hit the ground running.”

The trainer was Caroline Hutchinson and he went on to

ride a couple of winners for Paul Flynn, also in Ireland, before he was presented with an opportunity that was to change his life.

Woods takes up the story.

“I was on the gallops one morning and Paul [Flynn] said, ‘Do you want to go to England?’.

“It was something I’d never thought about but before I could say anything Paul added, ‘I’ve got you a job with Philip Hobbs, you start on Monday’.”

As it happens Woods, who was in his late teens, went to Charlie Longsdon’s stable instead and, as he had done in Ireland, he hit the ground running because he won two of his first three races.

“I was with Charlie for four years, I rode out my claim with him, he was brilliant,” recalled Woods.

Longsdon is just one of a number of trainers with whom the articulate Woods has built up a good relationship over the years, something that was to stand him in good stead during his years as a freelance jockey before linking up with Pauling. Full story online.

with Roger Jackson

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Kielan Woods has been clocking up the winners this season

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