Cotswolds

SEPTEMBER 2022 The Local A NSWER GLOUCESTERSHIRE’SBIGGESTLOCALMAGAZINE FIND OUT THE WINNERS OF OUR £5,000 GIVEAWAY – DETAILS INSIDE! COTSWOLDS

Page 3 The Loc a l A NSWER Inside this month ... Cotswolds: 30,000 copies Cheltenham: 43,000 copies Gloucester: 50,000 copies North Gloucestershire: 20,000 copies Stroud District: 40,000 copies www.thelocalanswer.co.uk Unit H, Churchill Industrial Estate, Churchill Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7EG Telephone 01242 info@thelocalanswer.co.uk510500 @thelocalanswer Delicious Dish 5 Quick Crossword 6 Mirror Mirror on the Wall 7 Medical Health 9 Looking Good, Feeling Great 11 Education & Employment 13 Parenting & Guardianship 15 Motoring 19 What’s On 20 TLA Charity Giveaway Winners 22-23 Money Matters 24 TLA Distributors Required 24 Homes & Gardens 28 Wildlife Matters 31 In the Garden 33 Sudoku 35 Interior Design 37 Word Search 38 Holidays & Travel 39 TLA Sport 41 Index, Competitions, Solutions 42 toWelcomeSeptember This month’s edition is packed full of interesting articles, from questioning whether electric vehicles are the future in Toby Aiken’s Motoring feature, to finding out what makes a great CV in our new writer Rosie Plimmer’s Education & Employment article. Our other new writer Kirsty Lilley is raising awareness of migraines in her Medical Health article, while Roberta Smart considers how we talk to our young girls following the Lionesses’ recent win in the Euro finals. We announce the worthy winners of our £5,000 charity giveaway and you can find out more about the wonderful organisations the prize money will be helping. If you would like to advertise your business or event over the autumn or winter, get in touch by emailing info@thelocalanswer.co.uk or call 01242 510500. If you use the services of any of our advertisers, please tell them you found them in The Local Answer! Contacts Lois Barnes lois@thelocalanswer.co.uk Rob Kingscott (01242 accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk541071)ACCOUNTSJamie Kirby distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk MANAGINGDISTRIBUTIONDIRECTORMARKETING & EDITORIAL Dave Kingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: info@thelocalanswer.co.uk LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES: leaflets@thelocalanswer.co.uk Amber Enright amber@thelocalanswer.co.uk SALES

1 red and 1 green chilli (or use 1 tsp chilli powder)

Ingredients:

3 Add the spices and lemon zest and continue to saute for another five minutes.

Remove from the heat and add 30-40g of freshly chopped parsley. Pop the lid on your casserole dish and cook in the oven for around one hour until the vegetables are soft.

500ml boiling water

500g carrots

2 vegetable stock cubes

Serves Spicy8

2 tins chickpeas, drained

8 Serve with rice or bread rolls.

5 Add the stock cubes, water, lemon juice, chickpeas and brown sugar. Mix well then add enough water to cover everything. Bring to the boil.

1 butternut squash (roughly 500g if you prefer buying prechopped frozen vegetables)

2 Place a heatproof casserole dish onto a medium heat. Add oil then saute the garlic, chilli and onions for around eight minutes to soften.

This tasty vegan dish is packed full of flavour. It’s a great recipe to batch cook and pop in the freezer for an easy dinner when you don’t fancy cooking. vegetable tagine

4 tsp ground coriander

3 tbsp vegetable oil

Delicious Dish with Helen Kingscott

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4 tsp ground turmeric

2 lemons, zest and juice

Tip: If you are a fan of apricots and sultanas in your tagine, then add approx. 75g of dried apricots, roughly chopped and 50g sultanas at the same time as the chickpeas and stock.

1 swede (approximately 500g)

Small pack of fresh flat leaf parsley

600g onions

2 tins chopped tomatoes

4-5 cloves fresh garlic

7 Remove from the oven and add a bit more chopped parsley and salt and pepper.

4 Add the tinned tomatoes and vegetables and stir well.

6

25g brown sugar

1Method: Pre-heat your oven to 160°C (150°C fan/gas mark 3) then prepare your vegetables. Finely chop the garlic and fresh chilli, roughly chop the onions, peel and cube the swede, carrots and butternut squash.

Quick Crossword © Lovatts Puzzles Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page. ACROSS 1 True 4 Pituitary or adrenal 7 Stowing space 8 Accurate 9 Me, ... & I 12 Surprised, taken 15 Cadets 17 narcoticProhibited 18 Breakfasts or dinners 21 conditionsClimatic 22 Intended 23 Clung (to) DOWN 1 Most important 2 Captioned 3 Slope 4 Mirth 5 News & current ... 6 Grime 10 Welded 11 Swamp 13 Average 14 Card game 16 Light wind 18 Incapacitate 19 Squash (insect) 20 Festival Promote your business in CalllargestGloucestershire’smagazine! 01242 510500 or email info@thelocalanswer.co.uk MONDAY Cirencester 9.30am, 6pm Bingham Hall Studio with Gemma & 7.30pm ~ 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 Dolphins Hall with Paul ~ 07970 469908 & 7pm WEDNESDAY Cirencester 9am, 10.30am, Football Club with Ola ~ 07792 658196 4.30pm, 6pm & 7.30pm SATURDAY Fairford 9.30am Community Centre with Jo ~ 07815 838944 Page 6 www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk The Local Answer

Many people, including myself, were surprised that all is not what it seems, so it’s useful to be aware of exactly what you are buying. A favourite for many fashion followers is TK Maxx, which features on most high streets and offers an enormous range of items, often at very tempting prices.

TK Maxx

In a recent programme it was discovered that 60% of items in TK Maxx were legitimate ‘close out stock’ – meaning they got a deal on existing unsold stock from another brand – and the remaining 40% is made up of made-to-order contracts.

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Items labelled with a number 2 are ‘close out’ stock, meaning they are unsold stock from a designer that would have been sold at a much higher price elsewhere. Often designers manufacture too much stock and are left with a surplus, which could result in us getting a great Numberbargain.7items are known as ‘packaway’, which means they are original items that were packed for the previous year. Personally it does not bother me if an item is from last season – if I like it and it suits me, I’ll buy it. The takeaway here is that the best bargains to look for are items with codes 2 or 7. Outlet shops Here we find another surprise, especially in the high-end designer boutiques. It is often assumed that goods come from the brand’s main stores, but this is not always the case.

Most people are being very careful how they spend their hard-earned cash at the moment, with prices soaring and the cost of living rising. For those of us who enjoy spending our money on fashion, we often head to outlet stores to pick up a bargain. Even if it means a drive and parking fees, we feel that it is worth the effort to get our favourite highend or designer brand at a big discount. But is it?

for their outlets. The boots have the same upper style but a different sole with a larger tread than the Classics.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall with Val Starr Outlet shopping

Coach is a US high-end store known for their lovely clothing, handbags and accessories.

There is a sign on the counter in their Bicester store stating that the product assortment in all Coach outlet stores is a mix of past seasons’ products from their branded stores, and new season products made specifically for their outlet stores. Not many of us read these types of notes but at least they’ve put it outRalphthere!Lauren is another example of a high-end brand that sells ranges in their outlets that you might not find in their flagship Bond Street store. This information does not in any way mean there are not great deals to be found, but it perhaps might make us more aware as consumers of what exactly we are buying. I for one will still head to the outlets when I can and rejoice when I find a bargain, as I would not want them to go the way of the high street! Happy shopping.

The key to look out for at TK Maxx is numbers on the right hand corner of the price tags –specifically, numbers 1, 2 and 7. These numbers are a sort of ‘secret code’ to the product. Number 1 represents a product that has been produced by a brand specifically for TK Maxx, so it may not be quite the same as they would manufacture for their own brand stores. Calvin Klein and DKNY are a couple of examples. This does not mean the product is in any way inferior, but in my opinion it was not quite what I had thought.

Some items might have ‘OE’ on their label, which translates to Outlet Exclusive. For example, Ugg, a brand well-known for its boots, produce an Essentials range

Migraine awareness The Local Answer To advertise call 01242 510500 Page 9

For further help and information visit www.nhs.uk or www.migrainetrust.org

Migraine awareness week runs from 5th to 11th September 2022 and aims to highlight the debilitating neurological condition, which usually starts in early adulthood and affects one in five women and one in fifteen men in the UK. Migraine is the third most common disease globally with the prevalence rates at one in seven. Unfortunately, research has recently indicated that almost 23% of people who have been experiencing migraine attacks in the UK have waited over two years for treatment.

There is a need for more information and awareness. A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Many people also have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound. They are known as a wholebodyThereevent.are several types of migraine, including migraine with an aura, which refers to specific warning signs that may indicate the onset of migraine including flashing lights in front of the eyes. Migraine without aura, the most common type, is where it starts without specific warning signs.Theexact cause of migraines is unknown, although they are thought to be the result of abnormal brain activity temporarily affecting nerve signals, chemistry and blood vessels.

Medical Health with Kirsty Lilley variety of medications which can help. Over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be effective in reducing symptoms, but be sure to follow the recommended guidelines for usage. If you are on any other medications, check with your local pharmacist for any contraindications. If these are proving ineffective or you are experiencing frequent or severe migraine symptoms (over five attacks a month by the NHS guidelines) it is recommended that you see your GP even if you are currently on medication, as it may be that you will benefit from preventive treatment. Migraines can severely impact on your quality of life and reduce or stop your ability to carry out daily activities.

There can be several different triggers to these events including hormonal changes, certain food or drinks, stress, tiredness or other environmental conditions. It can be helpful to keep a note of anything that is associated with the onset of migraines so you can build up a picture of what may be contributing. Managing stress levels and paying attention to diet will certainly be helpful lifestyle changes.

When to get medical advice

There is also known to be a genetic component which might make it more likely you will experience migraine because of a specific trigger.

Several effective treatments are available to help prevent or treat symptoms so there is no need to suffer in silence. Ensure you are speaking to your GP for help and support.

There is no specific cure for migraines but there are a

When working with corporates on developing a wellbeing culture, I’m always amazed at how many people in those environments haven’t ‘joined the dots’ between how their organisational vision and values (foundations) are best expressed as outcomes when aligned to specific positive actions, behaviours and habits. We all want to be healthy and it seems like every day we’re inundated with new diets, wonder supplements, fitness fads, the latest gym chain on the market. But in our search for the holy grail – optimal health – is there really a single answer as to how we maximise our health and wellness outcomes? Sleep is one of the most important processes the body undergoes For example, we all know that nutrition and hydration are important for health and fitness – but what specific factors matter when it comes to getting this aspect right? We also know that one of the most important processes the body undergoes to maintain optimal immune function, recover and repair itself is Alignedsleep.tothis is the importance of regular age-, goal- and ability-appropriate exercise for both physical and mental health. The importance of mental health has become much more prominent in the mainstream media (rightly so) but continues to be an area in which we struggle to find balance, due to continued societal prejudice. These four key factors –nutrition, hydration, sleep and with Will Mbanga mental health – play a crucial role in your health and fitness journey and should be seen as essential foundations to master for everyone looking to optimise their wellbeing.

Looking Good, Feeling Great

In order to do this, we must first understand what wellbeing means to us as individuals. When considered holistically, it covers not just the absence of physical and mental illness, but also encompasses a sense of purpose and a state of equilibrium in our lives. Setting realistic goals I often talk about the ‘wellness/performance lifestyle’ as the Holy Grail – whether you are a mere mortal trying to stay healthy, or a performanceoriented athlete looking to smash PBs. This entails strong self-awareness, which allows us to set realistic goals and be honest with ourselves about our shortcomings, and seek the appropriate help we might need along the way. Thereafter, it is being committed to repeating a series of positive actions and behaviours (habits) which over time allow you to become the best version of yourself. And when you’re the best version of yourself, your whole circle of influence benefits. Moderation and good habits

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How strong are your foundations?

As we have seen, there are a number of different factors that go into developing and maintaining good health and wellness. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they need to severely restrict their lifestyle in order to see benefits – in reality, though, moderation and good habits will facilitate a strong foundation for living a healthy lifestyle. What positive lifestyle habits will you strive to maintain? What two changes can you make in your life for the next 30 days to improve your health and wellbeing? Start working consistently on those aspects today to strengthen your foundations, and you’ll soon see positive outcomes.

Education & Employment with Rosie Plimmer, Careers Consultant

Hit the nail squarely on the head of what is sought.

The total length of a CV is still usually two pages, but shorter is better and there is no space for waste. The words ‘Curriculum Vitae’ should not appear at the start as it’s wasteful. Your profile should be a 3-5 line paragraph that summarises your suitability for the job role. Only include jobs from the last ten years. List a What makes for a great CV? Answer To advertise call 01242

Everything you write should be directly addressing the job advert. To pass ATS screeners, or bored and irritable recruiters, this extends to using the same language and phraseology as used in the job specification.

When it comes to writing CVs, guidance is changing in light of wider trends in the job market and recruitment processes. The internet has made it easier for applicants to find suitable openings and submit applications, but then harder for recruiters to handle the volumes. Increasingly, they are using so-called Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to help with theAccordingfiltering. to various UK research, recruiters receive an average of 250 applications per post, spending only seven seconds on each CV and rejecting most for reasons outside of the applicant’s competency. For example, 76% of CVs are rejected because of an unprofessional email address!

The Local

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Clarity

Your document must show it is going to be easy to read from the first glance. This means using a clean font like Arial or Calibri and a font size of at least 11pt. Demarcate sections with white-spacing and headers, and retain a border.

maximum of your top five achievements per job and use bullet points.

Directness

Remember that the job of the CV is not to get the job, but to get the chance of an interview. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who is going to get perhaps a hundred CVs and who sees their job as filtering out 80-90 before lunch.

Check you are writing in plain English by using software such as Grammarly.

While listing past jobs and education in reverse chronological order still stands, the ABCD of the modern CV is now ‘Achievements’, ‘Brevity’, ‘Clarity’ and ‘Directness’. Achievements Recruiters will glaze over if you tell them you are ‘knowledgeable’, ‘hard-working’ or ‘highlyskilled’. They want to know what you tangibly achieved at each job. This means listing cost and time savings, customers won, service-levels hit and projects delivered. List times you were personally recognised too. Brevity

Parenting Guardianship with Roberta Smart

The door is open, the time is now, are you ready to raise a lioness?

I am thinking of the message received by so many little girls across the world as they watch these incredible sportswomen achieve their dreams: ‘You can do it! You can win! You are amazing and anything is possible.’Instark contrast to the negativity of most major media coverage of women’s stories, we are seeing a new era of possibilities for our little girls going forward. “Be strong, brave, determined and focused!” No longer is the message, “be afraid, protect yourself, play small, keep everyone else happy, be beautiful in order to be worthy” We are now hearing the message, “be strong, brave, determined and focused!” So how do we bring this message home to our babies, toddlers and school age girls? How can we begin to change the narrative of the centuries

them to deal with all that life handsMostlythem.we can stop sexualising them through clothing choices and comments around being attractive to boys, refusing to condemn them to a life of unworthiness, people pleasing and self denial.

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&

The lionesses have shown us what young women can achieve with the right guidance, support and coaching, and now it is time to bring that home, in our own homes. Are you ready to raise a lioness? It may take a while to learn a new way to talk to our girls, but if we are determined, try our best and accept when we get it wrong we will begin to build a new world for women of the future, which enables them to lead, guide, compete and win, no matter what they choose to do. I for one would be proud to see my daughter stand tall, speak her mind and honour herself in any situation.

As I sit down to write this article, England Women’s Football team have just won the Euro finals against Germany. Go Lionesses!

How are we talking to our girls?

As parents and grandparents we can stop commenting on girls’ looks, what they are wearing or indeed their ‘nice manners’, and instead commend them for speaking up, saying no, and having a voice and an opinion of their own. We can offer them opportunities to be strong and powerful; to climb, run, shout, compete, win and lose. We can teach them to be caring and selfhonouring rather than passive and self-neglecting.We can refuse to ‘worry’ about appearances, with regard to weight, hair colour, facial features, and instead see our girls as adventurers and equip

which asked only that girls be pretty and humble, helpful and supportive, caring and nurturing, and actively belittled them for being anything else? By noticing moments of courage, strength, determination and resilience and honouring them. Commend them for having a voice of their own

Dave and Da rcy Go to the Beach

Dave and Da rcy Have a Bi rthda y Party

Dave and Da rcy a re goi ng to the beach fo r thei r su m mer

It’s Da ve’s birthda y a nd the whol e ga ng ha ve co m e to celebrate with hi m a n d Darc y! Th e re will be lots of fu n ga mes a n d lots of yu m m y cake . Ma ke su re yo u do n’t miss th e part y!

Santa ’s rei ndee r a re all poorl y so the re is no bod y to fly the sleigh a n d d elive r presents . Joi n Da ve a n d Darc y as th e y whi zz arou n d th e worl d a n d hel p to sa ve Ch rist mas!

Dave and Da rcy d ress u p smart to go to the local village pony show They face many challenges throughout the day including big j u mps and tricky d ressage routines! How will they do in the com petitions? Will they win any rosettes?

Dave an d Da rcy Save Ch rist mas

Da ve a nd Darc y Go on Safa ri Da ve a n d Darc y a re off o n safa ri to s ee th e ani mals of Africa . O n thei r tri p th ey make lots of n ew frie n ds , fro m giraffes to lio n s, as well as a bab y el ephant that is i n tro u ble! Will the y be abl e to hel p?

holida ys a n d a week filled with fun . Follow the m on their adventu res as they make friends and memo ries by the sea - but watch out fo r that naughty seagull!

Wi n Safa ri tickets w

Dave and Da rcy Go to the Show

Follow Da ve’s a d ventures @loiski ngscottauthor

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WE MAKE SELLING YOUR USED CAR AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE Coombe Hill (near Tewkesbury), Tewkesbury Road, Gloucestershire GL19 4BD Approved Car Buying Centre 07836 777268 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: FREE Appraisal & valuation at your convenience FREE Collection of vehicle FREE Administration – no additional fees, 100% of the agreed price paid to you FREE Same day payment direct to your bank 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.Webuyandcollect 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. Outstanding nance settled Supporters of FOR THE QUICKEST RESPONSE CALL ME ON 07836 777268 or visit www.approvedcarbuyingcentre.co.uk and fill out our contact or appointment form. We look forward to hearing from you soon! CARS & VANS WANTED ... £500-£10,000 Cheltenham to London for just £2.50! Save £100+ per month on fuel Pay Zero £0 Road Tax Low maintenance costs Low depreciationvehicle No need for stationspetrol Super Cheap Motoring Quiet & motoringrelaxed Fast acceleration Zero tailpipe pollution (CO2, NOx, PM) One pedal driving Fuel up at home Wake up to a ‘full tank’, every morning Excellent Driving Experience contact@cotswoldelectricvehicles.com www.cotswoldelectricvehicles.com 49307498444 Home Charger Install a great EV charger Energy Tariff Connect you to the best energy tariff Electric Vehicle (EV) Source the best used EV for your needs Want to change to an electric vehicle but don’t know where to start? We’ll help you at every stage! Page 18 www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk The Local Answer

Approximately 40% of UK households have off road parking. For the rest, they park on the street, and street charging isn’t ideal, needing a cable across a pavement, or similar option to charge off your home supply. But even allowing for

The future of motoring

Charge anxiety is replacing range anxiety And that is what is now replacing range anxiety: charge anxiety. Wondering if you will find a charger, if it is in full working order and if it is available. If someone has just plugged in, you’re looking at up to half an hour before you can take your turn, then another 20-30 minutes before you can be on your way again.

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that, there’s an additional issue: capacity.Imagine everyone coming home from work and plugging in their cars to their domestic supplies at 6pm. The mains running down the street simply can’t cope with that level of charge demand and it’ll reduce the amount of available power to everyone, so they’ll wake up to go to work the next day and find that their car isn’t as charged as they expected. More investment is needed Investment is coming, but even more is needed. Charging infrastructure is one thing –public charge points, chargers in lamp posts – whatever. But investment is also needed in domestic energy supplies to be able to cope with a massive increase in demand. The future may well be electric, but without serious and rapid investment, it might not be as bright or as fully charged as we would like.

I believe that the future is (clearly) electric. But that doesn’t mean I think petrol and diesel will vanish in the next 10 years.Inreality, pure petrol and diesel cars will no longer be on sale by 2030 – but it’s another five years before all new cars and vans will have to be zero emission. That means there’s another 13 years from now that hybrids will be the predominant option alongside battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

And keep in mind that the average car on the UK roads is at least nine years old – depending on where you get your figures. And that’s average. Hybrids will still be popular well into 2040 By my reckoning, therefore, hybrids will still be popular well into 2040 and will probably still be a significant proportion of the vehicles on the roads by 2050. So petrol and diesel aren’t going anywhere for a while. Although according to the government, they are. The government has something called a Zero Emissions Mandate, which calls for 22% of new car sales to be zero emission – not hybrid, zero emission –by 2024. That’s just two years away! And the same mandate calls for 80% of new vehicles to be zero emission by 2030. That’s a huge step from where we are now, but the market is moving incredibly quickly. A decade ago, EVs had an average range of 74 miles. This year, a consumer looking for an EV has a choice of more than 140 vehicles, and with an average range of more than 260 miles.Range anxiety is therefore fading as more and more chargers appear on major routes.

So how about home chargers?

Motoring with Toby Aiken

BP, for example, now has more than 8,000 Pulse charge points offering up to 150kW charging – that’s super-rapid.

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8 MUCHSEPTEMBERADOABOUT NOTHING Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd) and John Heffernan (Dracula) lead the cast in Shakespeare’s romcom of sun, sea and mistaken identity. The legendary family-run Hotel Messina on the Italian Riviera has been visited by artists, celebrities and royalty. But when the owner’s daughter weds a dashing young soldier, not all guests are in the mood for love. Broadcast live from the National Theatre stage. Tickets £16.50 (concessions £14.50, students £12.50). 7pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk

TOP SALE

OFF THE RAILS FESTIVAL Live music on the outdoor platform. All kinds of impromptu entertainment for grown ups and children alike, as well as buskers and a Beer Tent. Craft stalls inside the Shed itself, and of course the Whistle Stop café will be doing take-away meals, hot and cold drinks and scrumptious pastries all day. Off the Rails is absolutely free. Just come on down to enjoy the fun! Plus, local and regional crafts on sale inside the main hall from 11am to 4pm. For more details, please visit www.shed-arts.co.uk

UNTIL 4 SEPTEMBER THE BIG BATSFORD HEDGEHOG HUNT Find the hedgehogs hidden around the Arboretum and mark their locations on the map provided to win a prize! £2.50 per child (payable on arrival), plus Arboretum admission fee. Booking isn’t necessary (only admission tickets need to be pre-booked, excluding Batsford members). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Daily activity. Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AT. www.batsarb.co.uk

to see and do – and buy. Traditional and always changing – that’s what they say about Moreton Show. Come for the day and prepare to be surprised at how much there is to see. Tickets from £10 in advance or £12.50 on the day. For more information, please visit www.moretonshow.co.uk

GLOUCESTER DAY Please join us for the Gloucester Day celebrations and parade. Gloucester Day commemorates the lifting of the siege of Gloucester in 1643 with a day full of frivolity, parades, music, street stalls, entertainment and a Mock Mayor making ceremony with our very own town crier Alan Myatt. From 11am. For more details, please www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.ukvisit

This event will be held in the arena at Cotswold Riding for the Disabled based at Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham GL50 4SH. Tack, equestrian wear,

By Deer Spirit Events. Over thirty fantastic exhibitors: 1-1 readings, holistic therapies, crystals, arts and crafts, healthy living products. Talks and workshops on spiritual, holistic and self-help subjects. Talk on archangels by best-selling spiritual author Denise Whichello. Parking and refreshments on site. Sunday 4th September. 11-5pm. Glyme Hall, Burford Road, Chipping Norton, 0X7 5DY. www.deerspiritevents.co.uk

crafts and more. 6pm to 8pm. Free entry – come and grab a bargain! 01242 584420. 3 MORETON-IN-MARSHSEPTEMBER SHOW Moreton Show is one of the biggest one-day agricultural shows in the UK. The 165-acre site in the beautiful north Cotswolds is packed with things 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. What’s On 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! Event listing prices (per month) To promote your event, please email info@thelocalanswer.co.uk Prices are per edition area – Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cotswolds, Stroud District or North Gloucestershire. 40-word** listing: £30+VAT 65-word listing: £45+VAT 90-word listing: £55+VAT Include a 3cm deep image with any of these options for an extra £30+VAT *Figure based on 2.2 readers per magazine with a total monthly circulation across Gloucestershire of 183,000 magazines. **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.). Page 20 www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk The Local Answer

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TACKSEPTEMBER&TABLE

VERY SANTANA A West Midlands, UK-based band presenting a live experience spanning the entire musical Santana legacy, including the early era songs from the Abraxas album such as Black Magic Woman, Samba Pati through the late 70s hits such as Europa, to the modern era multi Grammy Awarded songs such as Smooth and MariaMaria. 8pm. £17.50. Sundial Theatre, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 1XA. www.sundial-theatre.co.uk

CHIPPINGSEPTEMBERNORTON MIND BODY SPIRIT SHOW

EVERY FURTHERTHURSDAYYOURFRENCH WITH FUN Thursdays 2.30pm to 4pm beginning 22nd September 2022. Speak, read, listen to French. Improve vocabulary in a relaxed atmosphere. Tutor with French background. Christchurch, Malvern Road, Cheltenham. Contact Annette on 01452 502752 or annetteinthegarden37@gmail.com.email

we

Entry

Please bring a shopping bag. For more details, please visit www.createcheltenham.com Shipton Golf Course Nr Frogmill, Shipton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54 4HT ☎Tel: 01242 890237 www shiptongolf co uk Hot food and snacks available all day PAY & PLAY – NO NEED TO BOOK! Open 7.30am ’til dusk weekdays & 7am ’til dusk weekends Available for corporate days, birthdays and special occasions Follow us on Twitter ‘Shiptongolf ’ shiptongolf@tiscali co uk Bacon roll and hot drink after your round Only £4 with this advertisement! Valid until 30/9/22 ✉ A 9 hole pay & play course in the heart of the Cotswolds E ve r yon e w el come ! Shipton Golf Course 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 Helping Families find the right help Helping Nannies find the right job We help families find high quality nannies, domestic help and child care professionals Mother’s Help • Nannies • Housekeepers, Cleaners • Maternity Nurses • Babysitters 3 One off, short term or long term support 3 Full time, part time, live in or live out 3 A bespoke, personal and attentive service 3 Initial consultation to fully understand your requirements 3 All candidates thoroughly vetted, including relevant DBS and reference checks The Local Answer To advertise call 01242 510500 Page 21

17 ANSEPTEMBERINTRODUCTION TO BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION

10 FESTIVALSEPTEMBEROFSTARS Free festival for everyone! Pavilion Sports Field, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham GL51 6PN. Saturday 10th September, 2pm-10pm. Bands, performing arts for children, iSingPOP, vocal groups, art and sports activities, open mic, dog show and more. Lineup: www.christianartsfestival.org

11 FRAMPTONSEPTEMBERCOUNTRY

24

21 NATIONALSEPTEMBERSTAR SUPPORTER TOUR

FAIR

Visit the award-winning college for young adults with disabilities at Ullenwood and discover more about its work and current plans for expansion as part of its Building a Brighter Future Appeal. Wednesday 21st September, 10am or 2.30pm. Booking essential https://bit.ly/TourStarat 23-25 MALVERNSEPTEMBERAUTUMN SHOW Specialist nurseries from all over the UK will be heading to Malvern Autumn Show, with impressive displays and hands-on advice, offering inspiration for seasoned growers and newbies alike. There is plenty more including great food, cookery demonstrations and shopping arcades, plus a selection of artisan craft for you to browse and buy. 9am-6pm each day. More details at www.malvernautumn.co.uk CREATESEPTEMBERCHELTENHAM

– HOLY APOSTLES MARKETS & WORKSHOPS

market –

skilled crafters, artists, bakers, food producers and

market showcasing

We are open from 1-4pm with a fabulous a of more! This year will also be running workshops alongside the watch this space for more information! and parking is free!

variety

Produce a beautiful botanical painting with artist Debbie Devauden. This botanical painting workshop is aimed at students of all levels. Debbie’s fun and relaxed approach inspires students to produce intricate botanical paintings. £60 per person. 10am to 4pm. Book online: wwt.org.uk/slimbridge

Held in 30 acres of beautiful Frampton Court Estate parkland, this is one of the last truly traditional Country Fairs. Join us in celebrating all that is great about the countryside and the people who work and live in it. With over 400 trade stands, three display rings and a traditional fun fair there is so much to see and do. 9am-6pm. Buy tickets online at framptoncountryfair.co.uk Age 13+ £11.50, age 5-12 £3. Frampton on Severn, Junction 13 off M5, GL2 7EP. 01452 740152. framptoncountryfair.co.uk CIRENCESTER VEGAN FAIR A day jam-packed with all things plantbased and cruelty-free. 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. Vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, pescatarians, omnivores and just the v-curious – all welcome! 10am-3pm. Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NW. More details at www.veganfairs.co.uk

CIRENCESTER OPPORTUNITY GROUP

ANIMALS

Nominated by Jeannie Bowers ALFIG is the largest and most active Facebook group for reuniting pets in Gloucestershire. Since inception we have grown to cover all animals, birds and reptiles, and we work with experts and veterinary staff, as well as 15+ volunteers/admin. Since the Pandemic we have rehomed over 100 cats, and we work with Crickmore Vets and local fosterers to help many cats in need find their forever homes.

please support local charities & £5,000 Your wor thy winners!

Find out more by searching ‘Animals Lost & Found in Gloucestershire’ on Facebook

We had nearly 5,000 nominations in total for the five £1,000 prizes, with more than 360 organisations put forward. There could only be five winners, but it’s heartwarming to know so many local organisations have the support of Gloucestershire residents.

Find out more at www.opportunity-group.co.uk

Thank you to everyone who entered our TLA Charity Giveaway. We were blown away by the volume of entries and the obvious support for Gloucestershire’s charities and not-for-profit organisations.

The Local ANSWER

LOST & FOUND IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE (ALFIG)

Nominated by Bex Greenwood Cirencester Opportunity Group specialises in working holistically with children and parents, providing inclusive early years education and support for families. Next year marks the 50th birthday of the charity, and they feel extremely proud to still be able to continue to make a positive difference to the lives of so many local children and their families.

& not-for-profit GIVEAWAY!organisations

Find out more at

Find out more by searching ‘Gloucester Feed the Hungry’ on Facebook THE HUNGRY

The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home works across Gloucestershire to support over 1,000 animals each year. They find new families for abandoned, neglected and abused animals who need a new home, and provide access to veterinary treatment for low income pet owners through subsidised veterinary clinics, ensuring no animal suffers because of cost.

COTSWOLDS

Nominated by Sally House

SCRUBDITCHwww.scrubditchcarefarm.org.ukCAREFARMNominatedbyAnnaAvino

Find out more at www.cdch.org.uk DOGS & CATS HOME

GLOUCESTER FEED

Nominated by Nicki Hurst Scrubditch Care Farm is a small charity near Cirencester providing therapeutic farm-based activities for adults and young people with learning disabilities and mental health issues, as well as people living with dementia. Attendees help to care for our many animals, grow fruit and vegetables, cook and spend time working in our woodland. Time at the farm can help to increase confidence, build independence and promote good health and wellbeing.

The vision for Gloucester Feed The Hungry is to help put a smile on the faces of people who need it most. To never look down on anyone struggling, but to always be there to lend a helping hand to help them up and have hope for a better tomorrow.

Money Matters

Page 24 www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk The Local Answer

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. COTSWOLDS

with Roger Downes of Andorran

It’s difficult to have a conver sation about financial matter s at the moment without the subjects of inflation and interest rates being high on the agenda. The two are link ed, of course, with interest rates used by government in an attempt to control inflation With inflation rampant at a rate we haven’ t seen for a generation or more, it’s a certainty that we are going to see interest rates pushed up in an attempt to slow inflation. The argument, in a nutshell, is that people spend less when interest rates are higher and spending less will control the increase in inflation. It has a proven track record, so don’t expect there to be a u-turn any time soon To be fair, interest rates reached an unsustain ably low base of 0.1% at the start of the covid pandemic They were always due to rise at some point and there are many ‘experts ’ who think that we should have suffered much more rapid hikes than the gentle monthly increases that have seen the Bank of England base rate reach 1.75%. Base rate will peak between 3 and 5%

It won’t stop there expect base rate to peak at somewhere between 3 and 5% by the end of this year and remain there for what will seem an age after that another twelve months at least and maybe more. These are levels that we haven’ t seen for approaching 20 years, meaning that the newest generation of businessmen and women have never had to run their companies with interest costs at this level Indi viduals with mortgages will no doubt have not considered whether their borrowings were affordable at these rates of interestDoubtless the banks won’t increase what they pay on savings as quickly as they do what they char ge on borrowings But that’s ‘par for the course’ in terms of their behaviour. There are challenging times ahead, but if it helps us to win the battle against inflation, it will have been worthwhile.

SEPTEMBER 2022 The ANSWERLocal GLOUCESTERSHIRE’SBIGGESTLOCALMAGAZINE PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL GLOUCESTERSHIRE BUSINESSES

Interest rates

Immediately in Bourton-on-the-Water, Fairford, Mickleton, Stow-on-the-WoldMoreton-in-Marsh, and Tetbury Please visit become-a-distributor.aspxwww.thelocalanswer.co.uk/ Please do not call the office our staff are very busy, so may not always be available to take your call.

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Let’s make financial advice personal Deegan Financial Planning is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website http://www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. DeeganPlanningFinancial Helen Deegan Principal T 01684 273309 M 07711 557799 E helen.deegan@sjpp.co.uk W www.deeganfinancialplanning.co.uk We 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. Our 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. Secure Tomorrow, Plan Today! Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Let’s start planning for your future get in touch today for a friendly chat. Our advice covers a wide range of services, including: • Financial planning • Retirement & pension planning • Tax investmentefficientplanning • Inheritance tax planning • Protection • Mortgages

We empower business owners and IT managers to transform their business with cloud technology Your local solution to everywhere!t 0333 577 6060 e info@hooble.co.uk w hooble.co.uk UNWRAPPING THE MYSTERY OF CLOUD HOSTING CLOUD DESK Desktop as a service, remote access from anywhere. CLOUD WIFI MANAGEMENT Centrally manage single or multiple sites with corporate and guest access OFFICE 365 Unlock your email and files with Office 365 GOOGLE WORKSPACE Centrally managed location for multi user access Page 26 www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk The Local Answer

Telephone: 01285 886111 Email: enquiries@rtfp.co.uk Website: www.rtfp.co.uk RT Financial Planners Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 522342 RT Financial Planners is an established firm of financial advisers. We have been in operation locally for nearly 20 years with offices in Cirencester and Winchcombe. We offer advice covering a range of solutions including investments, complex retirement, trust and estate planning. Our team of advisers offer truly independent and chartered advice and can tailor bespoke solutions to meet your needs and aspirations. Mention this advert when you get in touch to schedule a no-obligation initial consultation at no cost to you. The Local Answer To advertise call 01242 510500 Page 27

www.marshallsdriveways.co.ukAll major debit and credit cards accepted. Rectory Fields, Rudford, Gloucestershire GL2 8DT Company registration: 11415390 Tel: 01452 668005 / 01453 297010 / 01285 238089 / 01432 800559 / 01594 801075 All our work is Guaranteed for 5 years! Guaranteed to beat any genuine quote Before After Resin Driveways, Patios & Paths Low Maintenance • Choice of Colours • Durable & Long Lasting • Weed Free • Porous for Drainage • Reduces Puddles • Firm, Surfaceattractive • Can be applied over Existing Surface • Cost Effective ALSO Paving & Tarmac Specialists& Sons Ltd Block Paving • Tarmac • Landscaping Fencing • Patios • Driveways Garden Walls RS Cladding Ltd offer home owners quality uPVC fascias, soffits, guttering, downpipes and cladding in a choice of colours (white, rosewood, oak or black). They’re virtually maintenance-free and will never need to be repainted. All our products are guaranteed for 10 years for peace of mind. RS CLADDING LTD ARE PROUD SPONSORS OF GLOUCESTER RUGBY RUBBER FLAT ROOFING ROOFING SPECIALIST Call now for a FREE www.rscladdingandroofing.co.ukQuote FREEPHONE: 0800 747 1283 Whatever the weather, ClassicBond EPDM roofing membranes protect your property email: rs.cladding.roofing@live.co.uk - Eagle Tower, Montpellier Drive, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 1TA RS LTD RS Cladding & Roong Ltd are specialists in all types of Roong, Flat Roong and all Rain Water Systems FASCIAS, SOFFITS, GUTTERING, DOWNPIPES & CLADDING When you need a sustainable, long lasting rooftop, look no further than the single-ply membrane with half a century track record of performance and durability & ALL WORKERSKEY THANK YOU! NEW ROOFS, REPAIRS, CHIMNEYS, SLATES & TILES Your Local, Independent, Professional & Reliable Page 28 www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk The Local Answer

ofinspecialisingallaspectsroofing The Roof ing Company Fully insured experts with over 15 years’ experience visit our website: www.theroofingcompany.uk FOR A FREE QUOTATION AND EXPERT ADVICE CALL 01452 452147 Southgate House, Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1UB Your local, professional, family-run roofing business with over 30 years’ experience! Roof Repairs Replacement& PITCHED Slate/Tile FLAT GRPEPDMFibreglass/Rubber Chimney work Removal,RepairsRebuilds, Fascias, Soffits, Gutters & Downpipes Replacements/Repairs tandmpropertymaintenance@gmail.com • 07859 tandmpropertymaintenance-stroud.co.uk750751 Please get in touch for a friendly, reliable service The Local Answer To advertise call 01242 510500 Page 29

ROOFING & SCAFFOLDING RSPECIALISTS OOFING & SCAFFOLDING SPECIALISTS RRS R Richar ds & Son Ltd FAMILY BUSINESS ◆ New Roofs ◆ New Builds ◆ Slate, Chimney & Tile Repairs ◆ New Valleys ◆ Felt and Battening ◆ Lead Work ◆ Leak Repairs ◆ Fibreglass Roofing ◆ Felt Roofing ◆ Rubber Roofing ◆ Carports ◆ Guttering ◆ Soffits ◆ Fascias (range of colours) In partnership with our sister company, Severn & Wye Scaffolding, we create a safe working environment which enables our professional team to focus on delivering a high quality service This is more cost effective than using external scaffolders and is far more convenient for customers the scaffold is erected and removed in a timely fashion One of the many reasons to choose us: Serving Gloucestershire and beyond www.rrichardsandson.co.uk 01242 300028 / 01432 870957 / 07437 016736 FREE WRITTEN QUOTATIONS NO OBLIGATION ◆ LOCAL REFERENCES SUPPLIED For a friendly, professional service please give us a call: Severn & Wye SCAFFOLDING 30 3YEARS 0 YEARS Page 30 www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk The Local Answer

change with the seasons. They do this over up to six successive generations, so each butterfly only does one step of the journey, and those which return to Africa are several generations behind their ancestors that left in the spring.Radar showed that the butterflies fly an average of 500m above ground in order to travel on the wind at 30mph. We are likely to see more migrants As the climate warms, we are likely to see more migrants, such as the impressive swallowtail butterfly, make a permanent home in the UK. Only this year we heard about the exotic-looking bee-eaters which successfully nested and reared chicks in Norfolk, one of only a handful of nesting attempts ever in the UK. There have been attempts from swallows to overwinter in England in recent years too –perhaps it won’t be long until we see them all year round.

Wildlife Matters with Dorothy Glen

Amazing migrations

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September marks the end of our record-breaking summer. Flowers fade, leaves start to brown, the sun is lower in the sky and golden through the trees. As children are welcomed back to school, our songbirds emerge fresh-feathered from their annual moult and are welcomed back to our gardens.

As well as birds, many of our insects also migrate. Bestknown are perhaps the painted lady and clouded yellow butterflies, which both have occasional mass migrations. For example, the golden ball of clouded yellows which were mistaken for poison gas over the Channel during the Second WorldWhenWar.conditions are right we can see an explosion of painted ladies on our shores, the last being in 2009 when 11 million of the butterflies arrived from Europe. That year there was a large citizen science study, where a combination of observers and radar allowed scientists to understand the extent of the insects’ migration for the first time. Each butterfly only does one step of the journey The species makes a 9,000mile round trip from tropical Africa to the Arctic Circle, following the caterpillar food plants as growing conditions

Some birds, though, are starting a longer journey as they fly south for the winter. Perhaps the best loved of these are swallows and house martins, which are a happy harbinger of the coming spring when they arrive earlier in the year. Cuckoos fly via Italy to the Congo rainforests In September, swallows begin the long flight back to South Africa. House martins travel to the sahara and beyond. Similarly, swifts, which spend their lives in flight, travel as far as Mozambique. Another impressive migration is undertaken by the cuckoo, which flies via Italy and Spain to the Congo rainforests.

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What a lovely month September is with all the conkers ripening and the rosy apples and pears fattening in the trees. The berries start to come into their own on the Rowan trees as the transition from summer to autumn speeds up. If your garden is looking tired, pop to the garden centre and pick up some pots of cosmos, cleome or nicotiana to insert into the borders. Order your sweet pea seeds if you have space to sow under glass to get them to flower early next year. There are huge selections of extra fragrant ones in all different colours – just like a sweetie shop! Clematis are invaluable at this time of year

Try clematis ‘Gazelle’, which is white with small scented flowers, or ‘Chinook’ which has lavender/blue coloured flowers. They need hard pruning in February or March as they flower on the current season’s growth.Pruneout old raspberry canes by cutting them back to ground level. Don’t shred and compost the cuttings, as they can be a source of disease. You can put them in the council’s green waste removal bins, as they compost to a much hotter tempis coming

Autumn

The Local Answer To advertise call 01242 510500 Page 33

In the Garden with Julia Smith

erature than our garden compost bins. Sow lettuce crops for autumn and winter use. They can be sown in open ground but will do better with some protection like a cold frame. They can also be sown into modules and transplanted when big enough to handle. Land cress can withstand the cold Lamb’s lettuce needs sowing after midsummer as it tends to bolt if sown earlier. It has a mild, slightly earthy flavour. Land cress looks a bit like watercress and has a similar peppery taste. It can withstand the cold. Pick off the best leaves and let it regrow up from the bottom. Winter purslane likes poor soils and dry conditions and self-seeds. It is half-hardy so will need frost protection, either a cold frame or fleece. Bring your houseplants back inside – some might need repotting into fresh compost. Examine for any little critters that may be hitching a ride inside!

The herbaceous clematis are invaluable at this time of the year. They are not self-clinging and only grow to about 1m in height, but they look lovely scrambling through the border and can be used to give earlier flowering shrubs a new lease of life for the late summer.

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Keep up to date on social media! @thelocalanswer Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page. Promote your business in 30,000 magazines Call 01242 510500 or email info@thelocalanswer.co.uk FOR ALL YOUR AUDIO VISUAL NEEDS Improve your home WiFi CCTV systems • Wall mounted screens CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE andy@sparkesaudiovisual.co.uk • 07973 129775 The Local Answer To advertise call 01242 510500 Page 35

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Sustainability is one of the biggest interiors trends. Look at what you already have and go for a ‘tweakment’ rather than a full refurb. Think about repainting your existing units, putting on new door fronts or replacing your worktops with quartz or a composite. You’ll be amazed what a difference it will make and how much money you can save.

After a long hot summer in our gardens and outside spaces, come the autumn it’s a good time to relook at our interiors. Once you’ve packed away the pizza oven and had your last barbeque, the kitchen will become the beating heart of your home again. If you’re thinking of a kitchen refresh this autumn, these are some of the key trends for AW 2022.

The Answer To advertise call

01242 510500 Page 37

A good way to update your kitchen is to change the colour of your units. I am a fan of shaker cabinets that can easily be repainted. Green is a continuing trend for kitchens – pair

Introduce colour

Local

For a finishing touch, no modern kitchen is complete without a coffee maker – whether it’s a traditional Italian Moka pot or a top of the range Delonghi bean-to-cup machine. Search out original and unusual handmade pottery (check out Toast’s selection). Add wooden serving boards for nibbles and tapas style suppers (available from Trouva), and you will be guest ready.Now your kitchen really will feel like the heart of your home – a welcoming living space that’s not just for cooking. soft sage or olive green with soft plaster pink walls for a country look. If you want to introduce a bolder colour just paint some of the base units. I have painted mine a beautiful deep green-blue shade for a change of look. For the autumn, natural warmer colours will be trending so for inspiration search out ochre, mustard and rust schemes on Pinterest. Handles and taps Another easy way to upgrade your look is to switch up the handles on your kitchen cabinets. Brass is currently a popular choice and looks great with green. You don’t need to invest in new handles – my daughter spray-painted hers copper for an instant update. Review your power sockets and add some USB ports for your tech. Say goodbye to the kettle and invest in a boiling water tap – so much better than waiting for a kettle to boil for your morning cuppa.

Interior Design with Gill Greenwell

Design and detail It’s the details that make all the difference. Personalise your space by opting for open Image: Wren Kitchens

The new approach

Image: Weaver Green Kitchen confidential shelving or vintage style cupboards with glazed doors and display your favourite kitchen items. Fill the shelves with bright ceramics and coloured glassware, and add favourite artworks on the walls. On-trend washable rugs give an instant homely and lived-in look. My sister has a braided rug in her country kitchen and it looks so cosy. Check out Weaver Green for some lovely designs. Must-have accessorieskitchen

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Taiwan’s future looks ominously uncertain. Given possible change ahead, maybe time will prove that now’s a good time to visit, explore the spectacular landscapes, enjoy delicious island food and meet the welcoming Taiwanese. Don’t wait too long. Sadly – and I pray I’m wrong – others’ ambitions for Taiwan may soon mean it’s too late…

Despite minor earth tremors, we’d slept well, treated royally at the cute-named Crossing the Rainbow Bridge Bed & Breakfast beside the blue-arched road bridge over the Liwu. Now, beating the crowds, an hour into our drive through Taiwan’s central mountains we pull off the two-lane road under the watchful gaze of signature white carved-stone guardian lions.

Visit before it’s too late

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Trailside notices warn of hazards as diverse as falling rocks, wild animals, poisonous snakes and – yes, really – killer bees! On this mild November day, however, we meet none. After a couple of hours exploring the Shakadang, a tsunami of coaches has disgorged hordes of daytrippers.It’stime to continue along Taiwan’s Cross-Island Highway, reputedly one of the world’s most dangerous. The journey tests our concentration to the limit, plus everything learned during two decades of advanced driver training. Eight hours later, shattered after crossing the 3275m Wuling Pass, we eventually reach the Crystal Resort Hotel in lakeside Ita Thao – our base for several days and, tip, infinitely nicer than the big west-shore resorts. It’s dark and, already, Taroko National Park seems a lifetime away. Yet its memory is already etched as enduringly in our minds as the Shakadang’s schist and marble cliffs that awed us earlier.

Leaving the car for a while, we walk the Shakadang River –

Holidays & Travel with Al Hidden aka ‘Mysterious Valley’ –Trail, along a deeply incised tributary of the Liwu. The narrow path twists under lofty cliffs carved from tortured convolutions of eonslong orogeny. Observation platforms, cool romantic grottoes, aquamarine pools and polished river rock make this a must-see Taroko Gorge highlight at any season.

Through Taiwan’s Taroko Gorge

ExploringValleyMysteriousTrail

One of the world’s most challengingroads

It was all down to Charley Boorman and his motorcycle! He turned us on to Taiwan in general and the twisting mountain highway from Hualien County, through Taroko National Park, in particular. After breakfasting on traditional Taiwanese Congee and other goodies, we’d started early and followed the Liwu River away from the Pacific and into the deepening Taroko Gorge – the ‘Jewel of Taiwan’. Soon we’ll say ‘Lí-hó’ to its breathtaking landscapes.

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Fortunately, the club have a thriving minis and juniors setup and Theakston, who along with his three brothers is a director of well-known northern brewery company Theakston, says the club are thriving as a whole.“Wehave a 2nd team playing matches most weeks, they are a good bunch of rugby people, I enjoy watching them play,” he said.“They were quite successful last season, they are very enthusiastic and are quite often over-subscribed.”Offthefield,things are looking good too with Theakston saying that the club are in an “excellent financial state” Full story online.

“I adore watching our teams play.”Those are the words of Cirencester Rugby Club president Nick Theakston who has been counting down the days until the start of the new season.

The four other clubs promoted with Cirencester are Smiths, Gordon League, Brockworth and Old Centralians 2nds and they’ll be locking horns with Cheltenham Saracens, Coney Hill, Old Richians, Old Cryptians, Ross-onWye, Hucclecote and Spartans in the 12-strong division.

“I work with the chairman, treasurer and other members of the committee on matters that need to be resolved but I am involved very much as a nonexecutive.“Myrole mainly involves being a representative of the club, welcoming people, that sort of thing.“Cirencester is very much a club of volunteers, we are entirely dependent on our home-grown players coming through our minis and juniors.”

Cirencester finished sixth in Gloucestershire One North last time out and Theakston readily admits “it wasn’t the most convincing of promotions”.

Theakston is very agreeable to interview. He took time out from a family holiday in north Wales to speak to The Local Answer and it’s easy to see why he has held the position of president at Cirencester Rugby Club for so long. So what does the role entail?

“He’s a very solid rugby player, a very committed character,” he said. “He’s a very responsible person, a nice bloke.”

indication of where we are now, hopefully we’ll be challenging teams in every game we play.

Theakston has been president of the club for the past eight seasons and is looking forward to the ninth campaign as much as the previous eight. “We’re all looking forward to the season, it’s clearly going to be very interesting,” he said.

Plenty of Cirencester cheers

“If you analyse last season we had a pretty weak season up to Christmas, but after Christmas we challenged pretty much every team,” he said. “We weren’t far behind the third-placed team and we gave Smiths, who were the champions, a really good game at their stadium. “I think that’s a pretty good

Indeed it is because Cirencester are playing in a new-look division – Counties 2 Gloucestershire North – following the extensive restructuring of the leagues carried out by the RFU. “We’ve gone up,” said Theakston. “We’ll be playing at Level 8 this season rather than Level 9, we were one of five clubs promoted from Gloucestershire One North.”

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“We’ve got a couple of players rejoining the club – flanker Archie Doyle and back row Matt Berry – so that’s great news, although we’re losing scrumhalf Tommy Woodward. “He’s taken his first teaching job in North London so hopefully he’ll be available in the holidays, he was excellent lastCirencesterseason.” will again be captained by Ollie Gibson, who plays in the second row or back row, and Theakston is a big fan.

“I sit on the committee but I don’t coach and I don’t get involved on the playing side. There are much better qualified people than me.

However, he is optimistic about the new campaign.

Cirencester Rugby Club president Nick Theakston

“I’m loosely involved in most aspects of the club, but I mean loosely,” he said.

“Andy Ramsey gives him a lot of support. Andy is known to absolutely everyone as ‘Rambo’, I don’t think too many people know his real name!”

Theakston is just as impressed with coach Ashley Stephens. “He’s an excellent coach, very hands-on,” he said. “He works for the RFU as a club developer for Gloucestershire, he knows what he’s doing.

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