The Local
A NS W E R
GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S BIGGEST LOCAL MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019
GLOUCESTER ‘LEST WE FORGET’ – WEAR YOUR POPPY WITH PRIDE!
The The Lo Local c al
AN ANSWER SWER Gloucester: G loucester: 446,000 6,000 ccopies opies Cheltenham: C heltenham: 443,000 3,000 ccopies opies Cotswolds: C otswolds: 330,000 0,000 ccopies opies North Gloucestershire: N orth G loucestershire: 220,000 0,000 ccopies opies Stroud District: S troud D istrict: 441,000 1,000 ccopies opies
November’s winning cover photo: Martin Vincent
W elcome Welcome ttoo N ovember November
M anaging D irector Managing Director Dave Dave K Kingscott ingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Marketing Marketing LLois ois K Kingscott ingscott llois@thelocalanswer.co.uk ois@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Sales Sales C Claudie laudie FFrancis rancis iinfo@thelocalanswer.co.uk nfo@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Sport Sport R Roger oger JJackson ackson ssport@thelocalanswer.co.uk port@thelocalanswer.co.uk
EEntertainment ntertainment TTom om H Hadfield adfield eentertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk ntertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Administration Administration Helen Kingscott H elen K ingscott Distribution Distribution JJohn ohn O Overton verton – 001242 1242 541075 541075 leaflets@thelocalanswer.co.uk leaflets@thelocalanswer.co.uk
LLouis ouis Jordan Jordan
It’s Guy Fawkes night this month and we have plenty of displays for you to choose from in our What’s On section. Not only that but you could be in with a chance of winning five tickets to the fantastic Burley Fields Lakes Bonfire & Firework display! See inside for full details and be sure to get your entries in quick – the competition deadline is Monday 4th November due to the date of the event. There are lots of ediorials for you to enjoy this month. If you have guests staying over the festive season be sure to check out our Interior Design article for tips on how to make your bedrooms extra cosy for them.
Inside Inside this this month month ... ... D elicious D Delicious Dish ish 5 LLooking ooking Good, Good, FFeeling eeling Great Great 7 M edical Health Medical Health 9 P arenting & Parenting Guardianship G uardianship 1111 Quick Crossword rossword 1122 Q uick C EEducation ducation mployment 1155 & EEmployment Holidays ravel 1177 H olidays & TTravel TTLA LA Sport Sport 118-19 8-19 What’s Onn 2200 W hat’s O Sudoku S udoku 2255
2255 LLeader’s eader’s Life Life TTLA LA EEntertainment ntertainment 226-27 6-27 Homes H omes & Gardens Gardens 2288 Garden IIn n the the G arden 3333 Wildlife W ildlife Matters Matters 3355 IInterior nterior Design Design 3377 Save S ave tthe he Planet Planet 4411 Gadgets Gizmos G adgets & G izmos 4433 Word W ord Search Search 4444 Money Matters M oney M atters 4499 Competitions, IIndex, ndex, C ompetitions, Solutions S olutions 5500
C Competition ompetition on on page page 21 21
ddistribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk istribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Accounts Accounts Rob R ob Kingscott Kingscott accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk
U nit H hurchill IIndustrial ndustrial EEstate, state, C hurchill R oad, Unit H,, C Churchill Churchill Road, LLeckhampton, eckhampton, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, G loucestershire G L53 77EG EG Gloucestershire GL53
Telephone Telephone 01242 01242 510500 510500 @ @thelocalanswer thelocalanswer
w www.thelocalanswer.co.uk ww.thelocalanswer.co.uk
If you use the services of our advertisers or attend the events listed, please tell them you found them in The Local Answer! If you can’t find the service you require inside, head online to our Directory. We have details of many more local businesses including: Bookkeeping • First Bookkeeping First Aid Aid Training Training • Glamping Glamping Insurance Insurance • Pet Pet Therapy Therapy • Pilates Pilates Restaurants & T Restaurants Takeaways akeaways • Wedding Wedding Planner Planner Visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
Page 3
TThe he HHome omee of om of RReal eal AAle le aand nd GGreat reat FFood oodd oo TTraditional raditiion onal ona all pub ppuub cclassics lassics D G FRIENDLY NDLY LY aand nd a whole lot more!! FRIEN SUNDAY SUNDAY SPECIAL SPECIAL 2 Courses Courses for for £12 £12 C Choose hoose e either ither
SSoup oup of of tthe he Day Day & R Roast oast o orr Roast Roast & D Dessert essert PPork/Lamb/Beef/Nut ork/Lamb/Beef/Nut
EEvery ver y Sunday Sunday 12-5pm 12-5pm BBooking ooking a advisable dvisable
10% DISCOUNT
ON FOOD OR DERS FOR TABLES BOOKED MON DAY TO WEDNESD AY
STEAK S TEAK S SPECIAL PECIAL 2S Steaks teaks & 2D Drinks rinks o orr B Bottle ottle o off H House ouse W Wine ine
FFOR OR O ONLY NLY £ £25! 25! FFridays ridays & SSaturdays aturdays 55-9pm -9pm Booking Booking a advisable dvisable
BBOOK OOK YO YOUR OUR CCHRISTMAS HR S LUNCH, DINNER OR PARTY NOW! Private function rooms available for festive fun with family, friends or colleagues
TThe he FFountain ountain IInn, nn, 5 53 3W Westgate estgate Street Street Gloucester Gloucester GL1 GL1 2NW 2NW • 01452 01452 522562 522562 tthefountaininngloucester@gmail.com hefountaininngloucester@gmail.com • w www.thefountaininngloucester.com ww.thefountaininngloucester..com O OPENING PENING H HOURS: OURS: SSunday-Saturday unday-Saturday 11am-11pm 11am-11pm • FOOD FOOD SERVED: SERVED: 12-8pm 12-8pm Mon-Thur, Mon-Thur, 12-9pm 12-9pm Fri-Sat, Fri-Sat, 1 12-5pm 2-5pm Sun Sun
Page 4
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Delicious D elicious Dish Dish with with H Helen elen Kingscott Kingscott
JJam am roly-poly roly-poly An old-fashioned old-fashioned w inter w arming An winter warming pudding that that has has recently recently come come pudding b ack iinto nto fashion! fashion! back IIngredients: ngredients: 150g vegetable suet; 225g self-raising flour; 1 tsp baking powder; pinch of salt; 200ml semi-skimmed milk; 175g strawberry jam. M ethod: Method: 1 Sift the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt into a large bowl. 2 Stir in the suet, then gradually add the milk until a soft but not sticky dough is formed. Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. 3 Roll out on a lightly floured surface to make a rectangle about 30 x 20cm. Spread the jam over this but leaving a 2cm border. 4 Brush the border with water then roll up the dough and pinch the ends to seal it. 5 Wrap the roll loosely in baking parchment then again in a bigger piece of foil so you can twist the ends to make it watertight. 6 Put the roly-poly seam side up in a large deep lidded frying pan or as I did, a heat proof casserole dish. 7 Pour boiling water halfway up the pudding and simmer with the lid on for 2 hours, keeping the water topped up. 8 And to serve, it just has to be some lovely hot custard.
11st st Choice Choice
AAerial erial & Satellites & Satellites
Digital Aerial Digital Aerial IInstallations nstallations U pgrades Upgrades a nd R epairs and Repairs
110% 0% o off ff
Reliable R eliable & Enthusiastic Enthusiastic
Examination Examination Invigilators Invigilators R Required equired
Mark M ark Hawkes Hawkes
TTel: el: 01452 01452 311511 311511
Interested? We would love to hear from you – please contact the school foor further infoormation: e sk@strs.org.uk / t 01452 338402
The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
with w ith tthis his a advert dvert
LITTLE WHITE VAN MAN
Gloucestershire’s Gloucestershire’s friendly, friendly, c cost ost e effective ffective rremovals, emovals, c collections ollections and and deliveries deliveries service! service!
Discounts for OAPs, students, NHS, emergency services
B BIG IG VANS VANS A AVAILABLE VAILABLE G Great reat rreviews eviews o on n
07903 097465 01452 303850
hello@littlewhitevanman.co.uk
Page 5
Superb Quality
WEDDING SSUITS UITS M MEN’S EN’S & B BOYS’ OYS’ SUIT SUIT H HIRE IRE M Magee agee D Designer esigner S Suits uits
FAB F AB F EET FEET
S Sally ally C Chaplin haplin MCFHP MCFHP MAFHP MAFHP
G Gift ift VVouchers ouchers aavailable vailable
Foot Health Health P Practitioner ractitioner Foot Ground Floor Clinic: 2a Hillview Road, Hucclecote, Gloucester GL3 3LD in Silver Scissors
£5 OFF £ 5O FF FIRST FIRST APPOINTMENT A PPOINTMENT booked booked during during N November ovember 2019 2019
07840 007511 7840 251552 8 812294 12294
OFFER L HIIRRE 9 A IA I C E P S .9
Friendly and Professional Foot Care in the comfort of your own home… • •
•
IIdeal deal ffor or D Diabetics iabetics •
CCall all VVicky: ickyy: 07722 07722 075932 075932 wwww.vjeavonsfootclinic.co.uk ww.vjeavonsfootclinic.co.uk
£89
• OPEN SUNDAYS BY APPOINTMENT •
The The Grooms Grooms Room Room Menswear Menswear 7711 Northgate Northgate S Street, treet, G Gloucester, loucester, G GL1 L1 22AG AG www.thegroomsroom.net
01452 01452 5 520 20 644 644
enquiries@thegroomsroom.net
Page 6
Holistic H olistic aand nd ccomplementary omplementary ttherapy herapy ffor or cclients lients tthroughout hroughout tthe he llocal ocal aarea, rea, with with a w ide rrange ange o wide off rrelaxing elaxing massages massages & ttreatments reatments
Complementary C omppllementary Th T Therapy herapy • LVL Lashes • Aromatherapy full body • Aromatherapy back massage • Reflexology
B Brookthorpe rookthorpe Court, Court, Brookthorpe, Brookthorpe, Gloucestershire Gloucestershire GL4 GL4 0UJ 0UJ
07833 0 7833 7 715980 15980
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Looking Looking Good, Good, F Feeling eeling Great Great with w ith W Will ill M Mbanga banga
building T The he ideal ideal time time to to start start building yyour our summer summer body body Despite the onset of winter, not only is this the best time to start thinking about getting your ‘summer body’ ready, but actually, your ‘summer body’ is built in winter! So rather than the scramble to drop weight in six weeks and other stressful crash diets, utilising the time now and having a sustainable plan is more beneficial to your health and well-being in the long run. You can start by setting manageable exercise and diet The second issue, for those goals, which enable your body to adjust and adapt in a safe who need to eat, is whether to ingest protein or carbohydrates, and sustainable way. or a mix of the two, before, Set Set ssmall mall n nutritional utritional during or after training. I will goals g oals cover some basic recommenPerformance and health nutri- dations for each stage, which tion seems to be getting more you can trial and determine complicated, so a good place to which gives you the best gastric start is by setting small nutri- comfort, nutritional benefits tion goals based around a and training outcomes. healthy body image and D Decide ecide o on nah healthy ealthy d diet iet wellness concept. rrelative elative tto oy your our needs needs When it comes to diet, alongside a progressive training For the majority of people program, consistency is key to who are exercising for general healthy weight loss and main- health and weight management, tenance. I recommend starting with an As a starting point, let’s take a analysis of what a healthy look at what you should eat balanced diet appropriate to before and after your training your needs looks like, and sessions. First, you need to ensuring that this is being met determine whether you should before addressing the training eat before or after training, or element. A few basic tips: do your workout in a fasted state. The simple answer is, if • Minimise processed foods you find yourself feeling tired • Increase intake of natural whole foods and constantly running out of The next area to address is energy during training sessions, or taking longer to recover than quantities, and making small usual, you clearly need to add- adjustments to your diet to get ress your pre-exercise nutrition. the most benefit in terms of The Local Answer
your weight management goals and caloric intake requirement. If your goal is weight loss, you will need to use (burn) more calories than you consume. In order to create a balanced diet, you will need to consider the following: • The size of your portions – a hand or fist is a useful measure. • Composition of your meals with regards to food groups (protein, carbohydrates and fats) and nutrients (vitamins, minerals, water, fibre, etc.). • Timing – there is a four hour optimal window of opportunity, roughly two hours before and two hours after your training session, to get your meal in for maximum benefit. Remember, everyone has unique physiological requirements – one size does not fit all and it can change throughout your lifetime, so you will need to experiment with the recommendations to find your unique nutritional fit.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page
W WE EA ARE RE RECRUITING! RECRUITING!
SA AINTBRIDGE INTBRIDGE HOUSE OUSE N NURSING URSING & R RESIDENTIAL ESIDENTIAL H HOME OME
01452 01452 300307 300307
Bramble Bramble ho home me c care are
We are a local company looking for
Offering single en-suite bedrooms for up to 36 residents Tasteffully decorated and homely Lovely patio and landscaped lawn area for residents to enjoy in the warmer weather ● Dedicated, caring and hardworking staffff ● Exceptional hygiene standards ● Weekly unisex hairdresser. Chiropodist, dentist, physiotherapist and optician visits arranged ● Activities Co - ordinator with an ongoing programme of events to keep residents occupied and maintain both physical and mental well being. ● ●
loucestershire G L4 4 QQ 1 189 89 P Painswick ainswick Road, Road, G Gloucester, loucester, G Gloucestershire GL4 4QQ iinfo@saintbridge-house.co.uk nfo@saintbridge-house.co.uk w ww.saintbridge-house.co.uk www.saintbridge-house.co.uk
Page 8
Care Care Assistants Assistants to join our FANTASTIC team!
We care for clients in their own homes so a Driving Licence is essential, however we do of fer full training which will give any successful candidates a Care Cer tificate! AND we pay up to £11.50 per hour! If you’re interested, send your CV to recruitment@bramblehomecare.co.uk or call 01684 217040 for more information!
w www.bramblehomecare.co.uk ww.bramblehomecare.co.uk D DON’T ON’T DELAY, DELAY, A APPLY PPLY TODAY! TODAY!
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
M Medical edical H Health ealth with w ith H Holly olly H Hannigan annigan
Lung Lung C Cancer ancer Awareness Awareness Month Month Lung cancer is the UK’s biggest cancer killer. It is the most common cause of death from cancer for both men and women, claiming almost 35,000 lives a year. Early detection of lung cancer makes it more treatable, so encouraging people to recognise symptoms, such as a persistent cough, and see their doctor sooner could save lives. As a child I hated my dad smoking. I was terrified he would get lung cancer and die before he could see me get married or have children of my own.
Your Y our risk risk increases increases the the m more ore y you ou ssmoke moke Around 90% of cases occur in people who smoke or who used to smoke. The risk of developing lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes and how long you have smoked for. After 10 years of stopping smoking your risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. Breathing in other people’s smoke over a long period can also increase your risk of getting lung cancer. Other environmental factors, such t b t
The Local Answer
you’ll be referred to a special clinic at the hospital called the rapid access clinic or urgent cancer clinic. If you live in England, you should see a specialist within two weeks of referral. The specialists may then ask for additional tests such as:
•C CT T sscan can •B Biopsy iopsy This is when a sample of tissue is taken from the tumour
•B Bronchoscopy: ronchoscopy: Lung cancer usually affects people over the age of 60, and while younger people can develop this type of cancer, it is rare. Often you won’t have any symptoms until a tumour becomes quite large. This means it might only be discovered when you have an X-ray or scan for a different reason. As the condition progresses, you may experience some of the following symptoms: • A cough • Feeling out of breath • Chest pain • Feeling tired • loss • t loss • arse voice • d in your mucus or phlegm If your doctor hinks you may ave lung cancer, To advertise call 01242 510500
A thin, flexible telescope called a bronchoscope is passed through your nose or mouth and down your windpipe. If the tumour is visible, your doctor can take a sample.
• Endobronchial Endobronchial ultrasound ultrasound (EBUS): (EBUS): This is similar to a bronchoscopy, but has an ultrasound scanner in the tip. This is passed into the windpipe through the mouth. It allows the doctor to scan and take tissue samples of lymph nodes in your chest.
•P PET-CT ET-CT scan scan In the past 10 years there has been a lot of progress in lung cancer treatments. People are usually given more than one treatment at a time and you might have several courses of treatment. This could include surgery, drugs therapies and radiotherapy. Always see your GP if you are concerned, as early detection can save lives. Page
Specialists Specialists iin n bathroom bathroom safety safety and and design design
We can help you with any bathroom makeover, large or small, but have particular expertise when designing rooms for customers with mobility issues. Wet •W et rrooms ooms Shower •S hower rooms rooms Bathrooms •B athrooms •C loakrooms Cloakrooms •W all boards/Tiles boards/Tiles Wall
With 30+ years of experience in the bathroom industry, and only offering well w known ell k nown brands brands, we can help you o achieve the bathroom you have always wanted. We work with friendly, friendly,, polite polite bathroom bathroom fitters fitters who are able of o produce a h igh standard standard of high nish. We offer the full finish fi bathroom service and can upply everything you w i l l ne e d t o c o m p l e t e he job, including iles, wallboards and accessories.
Before
After
Save 20%
VAT*
*If you need to make changes to your bathroom due to disability or a medical condition, we are able to supply your bathroom VAT free, saving you 20%. Please ask for details.
Contact Rex on 07496 057281 or 01453 884167 for a free home visit to discuss your needs
rex@lifestylebathrooms.net
www.lifestylebathrooms.net
P Parenting arenting & G Guardianship uardianship w with ith R Roberta oberta S Smart mart
Road Road safety safety and and reflectives reflectives It’s November. It’s dark out there and it’s time to think road safety! Now is the time to kit the kids out with reflective strips and glow in the dark accessories, to help keep them safe on their walk to and from school, especially if you live in a rural area and have to navigate dark country lanes every morning and evening.
Ensure E nsure y your our ssafety afety a ass a p pedestrian edestrian o orr ccyclist yclist Making sure that you are seen by traffic can be a big way to ensure your safety as a pedestrian or a cyclist. Even during the daytime, using basic reflective gear can literally be a lifesaver, but what to choose? Pick something removable or lightweight, avoiding a full neon coat or trousers – the kids will only refuse to wear them. Also, consider how you are seen from all angles – front and back, as well as from the sides if you are crossing busy roads.
Encourage Encourage tthe he w whole hole sschool chool tto o iinvest nvest I did a little research and discovered a plethora of great ideas you can use for your family, or talk to your school and encourage the whole school to invest in some lifesaving items for the children. My personal favourites include stick on reflectors for arms, shoulders, wrists and ankles, and the reflective clips that kids love to ‘collect’. In fact, how about offering a collection of super-fun reflective The Local Answer
Picture: ESB
items as ‘rewards’ rather than sweets and encourage your kids to take responsibility for staying safe and visible. Start young and good habits will grow. Also, peer pressure to ‘stay safe and be seen’ will quickly catch on at school if the reflectors are fun, desirable and have to be earned. Suddenly the most glowing students are literally glowing, and taking great pride in taking care of themselves. If you have a pet, try a reflective harness to ensure you always know where they are on those bedtime walks; and why not treat the family to a high-vis reflective sash each for walking, cycling, jogging or simply staying safe out and about. I cannot overstate the importance of making yourself visible, especially as our clothes seem to morph into a black hole of invisibility as soon as winter comes around. To advertise call 01242 510500
Brush Brush up up on on general general road road safety safety As well as ensuring you can be seen, it’s important to brush up on general road safety. Reminding kids of the lessons they learned in their cycling proficiency training and modelling best behaviour by never going out without ensuring you are visible, will all go a long way to keeping your family safe during the winter months. As a quick addendum, do you carry a car kit in the boot, just in case? A very basic car kit includes a reflective triangle and high-vis vest – in case you break down and need to be seen. You’ll also benefit from a travel first aid kit and emergency foil blanket. Add warm clothes and a litre of water and you are good to go, and well prepared for whatever the dark nights may throw at you. Happy travels! Page 11
Quick Quick Crossword Crossword 2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 10
11 11
14 14
12 12
1 5 15
16 16
21 21
13 13
17 17
1 8 18
22 22
19 19
2 0 20
23 23
29 Rattled ACROSS ACROSS 1 Forward DOWN D OWN 5 Clock face 1 Neat 7 Glowing coal 2 Allocate 8 Two-sided contest 3 Tennis 40/40 9 Knowledge test 4 Gains possession 10 Paint layers of 11 Sound of moving 5 Kitchen cabinet leaves 6 Police college 13 Looks upon 12 Illuminated 14 Sailing boats 15 Human body 18 Showers study 21 Loud noise 16 Sanitation 22 Customs 17 Rebuked 24 Snow shelter 19 Pod vegetable 25 Departed 20 Nourish 26 Tibetan monk 22 Family dwellings 27 Sister’s daughter 23 Model-plane 28 Early harp w ood
24 24
25 25
26 26
27 27
28 28
29 29
© Lovatts Puzzles
D Don’t on’t llook ook until until you’ve you’ve ffinished! inished! Solutions Solutions on on ‘‘Index Index ooff A Advertisers’ dvertisers’ page. page.
Page 12
List your business in our brand new Online Directory from only £ per month! £12 www.thelocalanswer.co.uk www .thelocalanswerr.co.uk
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Police Police and and Crime Crime Commissioner Commissioner Martin Martin Surl’s Surl’s
ANNUAL A NNUAL R REPORT EPORT T A April pril 2 2018-March 018-March 2019 2019
OF COURSE EVERY CRIME MATTERS but the police can’t do it all on their own A vibrant news media is the essence of democracy. To plagiarise a famous quotation, we may not always approve of what it says but we defend its right to say it. So while some news organisations suggest that some police forces appear to have given-up investigating some crimes, let me reassure you that is not the case in Gloucestershire. The most recent intelligence shows that the number of burglaries in our county has fallen, but that is no consolation if your home or property has been broken into. Burglary is a heinous crime and must always be a priority for the police, no matter what. That is why I have repeatedly argued that tackling burglary and serious organised criminals around the countryside targe communities must be higher u law enforcement agenda. Having raised the issue wit Government ministers and t Organised Crime Units, it alre forms an important part o refreshed Police and Crime P general strategy for reducing c anti-social behaviour in Glou for the next two years. But the do it all on their own. I want to work with part county to prevent crime. How does occur, I want victims to heart of police process by be what’s happening; what’s likely to happen and, ultimately, to make sure victims feel that they have received a reasonable level of service, proportionate to the harm caused by the offence. To help us make sure that what we see as reasonable matches what victims feel, I want to hear about people’s experiences of being a victim of burglary. It will start with the initial call; the response from Police and Scenes of Crime Officers; how well you were kept updated to the point when your case was concluded. I cannot reopen
estigations but it is vitally important at the Constabulary always seeks to om what’s good, or bad, and to ly improve. ngs with Home Secretaries and other nt representatives, I have consistently l Government cuts and the loss of hundreeds of officers have been to the detriment of neighbourhood policing. I am pleased the Home Office has a new focus. Every crime matters because every crime has a victim, but the so-called ‘Thin Blue Line’ will only stretch so far and needs the support and input of every law-abiding citizen in Gloucestershire.
Martin M arrttin S Surl url Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire
You Y ou can police Martin can read read more more aabout bout tthe he cchallenges hallenges ffacing acing tthe he p olice iin n PPCC CC M artin SSurl’s url’s annual annual report report online: online: https://www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk/reports/ h ttps://www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk/reports/ FFor or a p rinted ccopy, opy, email email the the Office Office of of the the Police Police and and Crime Crime Commissioner Commissioner at at printed PCC@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk or or call call 01452 754348 01452 754348 PCC@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk
E Education ducation & E Employment mployment w with ith H Holly olly P Prince rince
W Wintertime intertime ccommuting ommuting Having recently changed the clocks back, you may be one of those people who grumble and groan about ‘losing an hour’ of light, and there is often debate about whether the UK should change the clocks or not. The idea of daylight saving time (DST, also known as British Summer Time) was first proposed in the late 1700s. However, the UK didn’t start to introduce it until the 1920s when the rapid development of rail travel called for a more consistent way of time-keeping across various locations.
B Both oth a adults dults a and nd cchildren hildren n need eed tto o ttake ake e extra xtra ccare are As the UK continues to use DST, doing the school run or commuting to and from work with an hour’s less daylight can be more hazardous, leading to a higher probability of having an accident. RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) says there is a rise in road accidents every autumn, so both adults and children need to take extra care.
Children staying on after regular school hours for extra-curricular activities or going to friends’ houses after school need to be more vigilant getting home when there is less natural daylight. It’s good if children can journey home with friends, but if they walk, cycle or get the bus home on their own, they need to take precautions to stay safe. The suggestion of a hi-viz vest might not go down too well, but maybe encourage them to carry a torch and stick to well-lit areas. Advise them that they need to be aware of their surroundings and that having earphones in can limit their ability to hear vehicles or strangers approaching. Some young people don’t like their parents ‘keeping tabs’ on them, but ask them to inform you what time to expect them home, assuring them that it’s for their own
safety (as well as your peace of mind!). Ensure mobile phones are charged in case of emergency, but be aware to not have valuables on show. The same advice applies to adults. Waking up bleary-eyed in the mornings or coming home from work when it’s darker can make you feel more tired, so you need to be careful when driving. Ensure you have a red triangle and a blanket in your car in case you breakdown.
Notify Notify people people if if you’re you’re going g oing tto o be be late late If you’re very tired, consider getting a lift home with a friend or staying the night locally so that you don’t put yourself, and others, at risk. If you walk home or get public transport, it can be useful to carry a personal attack alarm. Also, notify people if you know you’re going to be late so that they know to look out for you. Safe travels! The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 15
12,000 MILE/ANNUAL SERVICE with MOT is from inclusive of parts, labour and VAT 6,000/6 MONTHLY SERVICE with MOT is now from
MOT TEST ONLY £35!
www.julianrogersautoservices.co.uk w ww.julianrogersautoser vices.co.uk
01452 526778 or 308006
Page 16
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Holidays H olidays & Travel Travel w with ith A All H Hidden idden
More M ore than than an an E Enigma nigma November is here, another summer has gone and we’re looking forward to Christmas. As we discovered last November, this month’s recommendation makes a great day out or weekend away – without breaking the bank. We’re heading for Bletchley Park, scene of so much gamechanging British wartime intelligence and where, famously, the Allies’ best minds painstakingly unravelled the mysteries of Germany’s Enigma coding machine. When we visited last year, we made a weekend of it. I would recommend this because there is so much to see at Bletchley Park and everything is presented in such fascinating detail that it’s easy to fill a day. The good news is that tickets (save by booking in advance) remain valid for a year, so you can visit again on the same ticket if you wish.
Code-breaking Code-breaking d delights elights for for y young oung and and o old ld We stayed at Milton Keynes’ Holiday Inn Express, but feel free to choose from a good range of budget and luxury
Picture: Shaun Armstrong/Bletchley Park Trust
accommodation in and around the area. Once you’ve got the hang of the (actually very logical) boulevard-and-roundabout road network, it’s never a long drive to Bletchley and the home of GCHQ’s predecessor. From period military cars and dispatch motorcycles, to the Colossus computer and Lorenz cipher machines that occupied Alan Turing and nearly 10,000 colleagues, the museum delights young and old alike. It’s so much more than just the Enigma story and plenty of interactive displays ensure engaging hands-on experiences.
Picture: WhichMuseum
The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
My top tip? Take one of the guided tours while you’re there – they last about an hour and give a great overview before you explore on your own. And do check out Bletchley Park’s website for special events and exhibitions – as I write, a ‘DDay: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion’ special is running until April 2029.
The T he b best est ffoodie oodie secret secret iin n Milton Milton Keynes? Keynes? Snacks and light meals are available at Bletchley Park, but after a busy day’s code-breaking, you’ll want more substantial refreshment. If you love pizza, don’t miss the ‘A Pizza This’ takeaway beside East Willen Lake – maybe one of the bestkept foodie secrets in Milton Keynes. It’s run by a lovely local couple from their converted VW campervan. Their mouthwatering pizzas were amazing, as was the delicious supper at the Cross Keys pub on Newport Road the following evening. So there you have it, my tip for an intelligent November escape just a couple of hours’ drive from Gloucestershire. You should try it sometime! Page 1
S Sport port
with w ith R Roger oger Jackson Jackson
WANT W ANT TO TO SHARE SHARE YOUR YOUR SPORTING SPORTING STORY ON ON OUR OUR WEBSITE? WEBSITE? STORY Please Please eemail mail ffull ull ddetails etails ttoo ssport@thelocalanswer.co.uk port@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Gala Gala Wilton Wilton enjoying enjoying the the feelgood feelgood factor factor Something appears to be stirring at Gala Wilton Football Club. The go-ahead club started the new County League season in cracking form; winning games, scoring goals for fun and scorching to the top of the table. It was all a far cry from the past two or three seasons when the club have been languishing at the wrong end of the table and have faced a battle to stay in the division. Ian Merrick, who took over as manager at the start of the 2016/17 season, is obviously delighted with the turnaround, although he is keen to stress that it has been a real team effort. “Dan Gillespie came in as joint manager at the start of the season and he’s been massive
for the club,” said Merrick, who turns 35 on Guy Fawkes night. “We brought in seven or eight new players and it just seems to have clicked.” Indeed it has and Merrick is certainly happy to be looking up towards the top of the table after
their almost thrill-a-minute start to the campaign. “It’s a three-year plan for Gilly [Dan Gillespie] and me,” continued Merrick. “The aim is to get into the Hellenic League, I think a club of our size should be playing at that level alongside the likes of Tuffley Rovers and Longlevens. “Hopefully we can win promotion, it’s nice to have a bit of momentum.” And that momentum is not just on the pitch, it’s off it too. While the likes of Ryan Dobbins, Martin Smith and James Bowers have been star turns in the club’s blistering opening to the campaign, there are just as many unsung heroes who go about their work off the field who perform vital roles as well. Full story online.
A sspecial pecial m meeting eeting
O One ne o off tthe he ffinest inest
Ah helping elping h hand and
Retired businessman Martyn Thomas will, quite literally, have an extra spring in his step when he heads off to this year’s threeday November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse. That’s because the 63-year-old, a member of the Yes No Wait Sorries syndicate run by Chris Coley, has only recently recovered from a broken ankle. Now happily restored to full fitness, he is counting down the days to one of the major meetings on the jumps racing calendar. More than 70,000 spectators are expected at the three-day spectacular with the action getting under way on Friday 15th November with Countryside Day. The Saturday, which features the BetVictor Gold Cup, is the showpiece day, but horseracing fans will still turn out in force on the Friday and Sunday.
He was the Gloucestershire boy who did well, very well. Keith Knight, born and bred in Shurdington, was the footballer who lived the dream in the late 90s as Cheltenham Town took the non-league footballing world by storm, winning the FA Trophy at Wembley and following up 12 months later by climbing into the Football League for the first time in their history. He also played more than 40 games for Reading, enjoyed a two-year spell playing professionally in Holland Keith Knight. and won England Picture: Tony Hickey Schoolboy caps as well as playing for Gloucester City in a career that saw him play until his early 40s.
Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards warmed the hearts of millions around the globe with his exploits at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. The ski jumper from Cheltenham was on the front page of pretty much every national newspaper in this country and beyond as, against all odds, he w e n t s h o u ld e r t o s h ou l d e r w i t h the big boys from Switzerland, France, Austria and the like in one of the very toughest of sporting events. These days Eddie, now 55 and living in South Woodchester just outside Stroud, is patron of CASS & Friends, the charity dedicated to helping athletes aged 12 to 18 living in and around the Cotswolds reach the top in their particular sport by offering them financial support. For full verssions of all these storiies and more visitt www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
Gala Wilton striker Ryan Dobbins
Above Above is is a sselection election ffrom rom llocal ocal ssport port sstories tories aavailable vailable oonline nline ... ...
O One ne o off G Gloucestershire’s loucestershire’s greats greats Ask any talented up and coming sportsman or woman if they’d like to go professional when they grow up and the answer is almost certain to be a resounding ‘yes’. It’s the dream of many, of course, but the reality is that very, very few make it to the top of their chosen sport. So imagine how good someone must be if they were able to play not one sport professionally, but two? That’s something that Ron Nicholls, one of the greatest sportsmen ever produced by this wonderful county of ours, managed to do in the 50s and 60s when he was paid to play both cricket and football, and he continued to play top-level cricket until the mid-70s. Nicholls was a seriously good cricketer and footballer in an age when the seasons weren’t blurred like they are today – football was played in the winter and cricket was played in the summer. Not that too many were good enough to take advantage of that, of course. The likes of Denis Compton, Arthur Milton, Barrie Meyer, Phil Neale and Chris Balderstone spring immediately to mind along with Nicholls, who played cricket for Gloucestershire for close on 25 years, scoring more
Ron Nicholls playing a typically stylish cover drive
than 23,000 first class runs, and kept goal in more than 180 Football League games for Bristol Rovers, Cardiff City and Bristol City, before ending his career with Cheltenham Town. Born on 4th December 1933 in Sharpness, some 18 miles west of Stroud, Nicholls moved to Cheltenham with his family when he was five or six – the second youngest of seven children. He attended St John’s Primary School before going on to Whaddon Secondary School in Clyde Crescent, and his son Laurie, himself a decent sportsman, said: “He was bright, sharp, but all he wanted to do was play football and cricket.”
Goalkeeper Ron Nicholls in action for Bristol Rovers
And it was soon apparent that he was very good at both. These days any youngster good enough to play both sports to a decent standard has to eventually choose between the two and the chances are that the glitz and the glamour – not to mention the money! – that is associated with football will push them towards the winter game. But back in those post-war years there wasn’t the disparity between the sports that there is today and for Nicholls it was always cricket that was number one. He’d often return late for preseason football training because of his cricket commitments and it’s fair to say that had he concentrated purely on football he would surely have played many more games than he did. But that’s not to say he was wrong to focus on his cricket, far from it, because he enjoyed a stellar cricketing career, scoring 23,607 runs in first class cricket and another 1,740 in List A matches. “I have been told that in the history of first class cricket worldwide, no one who has only played for one first class team has ever scored more runs,” said Laurie with understandable pride, “it’s an incredible statistic.” Full story online.
For For full full articles articles and and m more ore sstories tories vvisit isit w www.thelocalanswer.co.uk ww.thelocalanswer.co.uk
What W hat s O On n T The he L Local ocal A Answer nswer Event Event L Listings istings a are re ccompiled ompiled and and presented presented in in good good faith faith with with the the kind kind support support o off m many any ccontributors. ontributors. W We e recommend recommend you you use use the the contact contact details details provided provided to to check check e event vent iinformation nformation u updates pdates p prior rior tto op planning lanning your your visit. visit. 1122 OCTOBER OCTOBER – 2 N NOVEMBER OVEMBER FRIGHTMARE The biggest Halloween event in the South West is back with new attractions, including a vintage fairground alongside the usual scary experiences. Over Farm Market, Gloucester, GL2 8DB. Full details at www.frightmare.co.uk APRIL 1122 OCTOBER OCTOBER – 1188 A PRIL THE MAGICAL WORLD OF WILLIAM SIMMONDS An exhibition on the life and work of local artist, woodcarver and puppeteer William Simmonds. Featuring a previously unseen painting and many more treasures from his life. 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday. £5/£3. Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, GL1 1HP. www.museumofgloucester.co.uk 16 OCTOBER OCTOBER – 4 N OVEMBER 16 NOVEMBER MUSEUM OF THE MOON The Moon will be taking residence in the Nave of Gloucester Cathedral in the form of Luke Jerram’s lit replica. Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, GL1 2LX. Full details at www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk 1166 OCTOBER OCTOBER – 1166 N NOVEMBER OVEMBER NATURAL PERSPECTIVES ART EXHIBITION AT CHAPEL ARTS We explore the variety of ways in which artists interpret the natural world. Wednesday-Saturday 10am4pm. www.thechapelarts.com DECEMBER 2222 OCTOBER OCTOBER – 2222 D ECEMBER 2019 BRITISH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS See images from this year’s British Wildlife Photography Awards
following its launch in London earlier this year. 10am-5pm every day. Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst, GL2 9PA. www.natureinart.org.uk 1 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER CHURCHDOWN FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA Catherine Wheels, rockets, sparklers and much more, including a funfair and refreshments. Gates open 5pm, main firework display 7.15pm. Adults £4, children £3, family tickets £12 in advance. Adults £5, children £4, family tickets £15 on the night. Churchdown Park Recreation Ground, Parton Road, GL3 2JH. churchdownfireworks.co.uk NOVEMBER 2 NOVEMBER POPPYFEST 2019 A night of disco and entertainment organised by Gloucester City Branch Royal British Legion, with money raised after costs going to the Poppy Appeal. 7.30pm. £15. Walls Club, Hammond Way, Gloucester, GL4 3HG. Full details on Royal British Legion Gloucester City Facebook page. BROCKWORTH AUTUMN FAIR Run by the parish council, there will be a home produce competition for fruit and vegetables, conserves, baked goods and more. 11.30am-5pm with the competition judged at 2pm. Brockworth Community Centre, Court Road, Brockworth, GL3 4ET. Full details at facebook.com/BrockworthFirst 5 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER FA AMILY FIREWORK NIGHT A spectacular fireworks display with entertainment including a sing along with Princess Elsa. 5-8pm. Tickets £4
for adults, £3 children, £15 family in advance, £5 on the gate. Walls Club, Hammond Way, Gloucester, GL4 3HG. www.generationeventsglos.co.uk 2-28 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2-28 STORIES An exhibition of embroided art from Beth Quarmby, who creates illustrations with references to nature, folk stories and pop culture. 9am-5pm. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk NOVEMBER 9 NOVEMBER BONFIRE & FIREWORK DISPLAY – BURLEY LA AKES FIREWORKS NIGHT
Disco roadshow, pig roast, small fun fair with new rides, burgers, chips and licensed bar at Burley Fields Lakes, Leckhampton Lane, Cheltenham. Gates open and bonfire lit at 5.30pm. Kids Show at 7pm and Grand Finale at 8.30pm. Last admission 8.15pm. Adults and children £5 in advance, £7 on the night. Tickets on sale at Burley Fields Lakes Farm Shop, Sardar’s Cafe (Warden Hill) and Bargain Booze (Bath Road). Call Steve on 07831 734683, Pam on 07769 700067 or 01242 861333. Strictly no alcohol, fireworks or sparklers to be brought in.
Festive event coming up? Promote your event in our What’s On section in print and receive a FREE equivalent listing on our website! Email info@thelocalanswer.co.uk Event listings start from only £25+VAT in print or £12 online. Page 20
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
& E R I F N O B ORK W E R I F LAY DISP Saturday 9th November 2019
AT BURLEY FIELDS LAKES, LECKHAMPTON LANE, CHELTENHAM
FANTASTIC SPLIT SHOW PROFESSIONALLY FIRED BY
SANDLINGS FIREWORKS O DISCHOW DS ROA LL SMA AIR F FUN
GERS BUR NSE LICEAR B
D
Gates Open and Bonfire Lit at 5.30pm Kids Show at 7.00pm S P I Grand Finale at 8.30pm CH
PIG ST ROA
TICKETS (Adults & Children) £5.00 in advance £7.00 on the night
DON’T MISS OUT – TICKETS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED Tickets on sale at: Burley Fields Lakes Farm Shop, Sardar’s Cafe (Warden Hill) and Cavalli Wines & Spirits (Bath Road, Cheltenham – formerly Bargain Booze) TICKET LINES: Steve 07831 734683 Alex 07341 835151 or 01242 861333 STRICTLY NO ALCOHOL, FIREWORKS OR SPARKLERS TO BE BROUGHT IN*
WIN FIVE TICKETS!
r o f s e m i T r Earlie Children! Young
*BURLEY FIELDS MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ADMISSION
Last Admission 8.15pm!
The The Local Loc al
ANSWER ANSWER is proud to support Burley Fields Lakes Fireworks Night
9 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER CHARITY CHRISTMAS FA AIR A selection of gifts for sale and refreshments available, all raising funds for charity, including Cobalt. 10am to 12.30pm. Alderton Village Hall, 4 Church Road, Alderton, Tewkesbury, GL20 8NR. CHURCHDOWN ART GROUP EXHIBITION Art exhibition taking place at Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, GL3 2JH. Doors open at 10am until 5pm. Artists will be demonstrating throughout the day in a variety of mediums. Entry is free and refreshments will be available. QUEDGELEY FIREWORK DISPLAY Hot food, drinks, entertainment and a firework display which kicks off at 7pm. Gates open at 5.30pm. Adults £3, Children £2 in advance from the parish office on School Lane. Adults £4, Children £3 on the gate, pre-school children free. Fishers Meadow, Off Schoool Lane, Quedgeley, Gloucester. GL2 4JE. AUTUMN CRAFT FAIR Selling everything from ceramics to chutney. Cobalt charity cards and refreshments also available. 2-5pm Eastcombe Village Hall, Stroud, GL6 7EB.
9 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER – 2222 FFEBRUARY EBRUARY A GLOSTER BOY ABROAD An exhibition of local boy Alfred Henry Hook, by acclaimed local historian L. P. Barnett in celebration of the 140th anniversary of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift. £5, £3 concessions. Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, GL1 1HP. www.museumofgloucester.co.uk 1100 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE SERVICE A short remembrance service will be held at the Jet Age Museum to remember the victims of the First World War. 10.45am. Jet Age Museum, Meteor Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester GL2 9QL. www.jetagemuseum.org 114-24 4-24 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER GLOUCESTER QUAYS VICTORIAN MARKET
In addition to the open-air ice rink there will be a whole host of stalls selling food, drink and bespoke gifts
NEW
D Distributors istributors Required R equired
A CCrime rime ystery sset et iinn Mystery W WII Britain Britain WWII by local author
GUY SHEPPARD
G Gloucester loucester GLOUCESTERSHIRE GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S ’S BIGGEST BIGGEST LOCAL LOCAL MAGAZINE MA AGAZINE N NOVEMBER OVEMBER 22019 019
‘‘LEST LEST W WE EF FORGET’ ORGET’ – W WEAR EAR Y YOUR OUR P POPPY OPPY WITH PRIDE!
For details email John – distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk Page 22
SILENT FOREST THE
For various routes across 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 T The he L Loc oca al l Distributors’ homes towards the ANS A NS WER WER 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 GLOUC G LOUCEESTER STER duties.
alongside a line-up of entertainment. Gloucester Quays, St Ann Way, GL1 5SH. www.gloucesterquays.co.uk 1177 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER GLOUCESTER CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND LANTERN PARADE The theme of this year’s parade is Pinocchio, and will travel through the city centre with Christmas lights turning on as it passes, finishing at the Cathedral with a free carol service. 4.30pm. Free entry. Gloucester City Centre. 21 21 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER MOVING STORIES CAFÉ The launch night of a new monthly storytelling night for adults, starting with a festive theme and an open mic. 7-9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1TP. www.caferene.co.uk THE MONEY Donate money into the pot and become a player, or watch on as a silent witness as the group decides what to spend the cash on. If no decision is made after an hour, the money rolls over to the next show. 7.30pm. £10 to play (limited to 15 players), £7-£12 to watch. Chapter House, Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, GL1 2LX. www.strikealightfestival.org.uk
in e med of happpin s en her lose has se itz ha Sh Blitz ol Bl istol Brist 40 Br 1940 the 19 d, the tead, Instea Ins s about ing. ything eryth ever ev r is having doubt king in n tcher Jo Wheele Cathedral firewa Gloucester. She’s better off drist friend her fresh start in ETREAT bar now that her be e Forest THE MONKS’ Rn an unexplained car crash in th Sarah has died i d o. can do ter sshhe ca of Dean. hinngg bbeettte meetthi and says. herree’’ss ssoom b s u h r e h maayybbe tthe s a , Buut m B s u eath is suspicio g tthe rasshh iiss bbrrookkeenn. Maybe Sarah’s dileennccee ssuurrro in he ccra rouunnddin meeaanns hat m he ssil iiff ttha n ime tthe e en v e ev t’s ttim IIt’s , r e he kkililller wnn tthe e sseeeenn a v ’ y y’v racckk ddoow e h t the s y ys a S Shhee’l’ll ttra s sa o whh meeoonne w ing iinn ssoom ievvin bbeellie wiilldd bbooaarr… om w pphhaannttom Am p back and Kindle
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
2233 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER THE BREWERY QUARTER’S LIGHTS SWITCH-ON PARTY
Get into the festive spirit with The Brewery Quarter’s annual Christmas lights switch-on party! 3-7pm. This year has a Frozen theme, with guaranteed snow and the Winter Princesses and Snowman joining a variety of local acts on stage. The party runs in conjunction with Cheltenham’s other festive activities happening across the town. Choirs, dancers, singers and panto stars will entertain the crowds before Father Christmas turns the lights on at 6.30pm. Across the whole weekend there is also a festive market where you can purchase unique and quirky gifts for loved ones. Visit thebreweryquarter.co.uk
DECEMBER 2233 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER – 2233 D ECEMBER CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM Father Christmas and his elves will be at Cotswold Farm Park to help visiting children create a Christmas Eve Box, and pick a present from the Toy Room. Selected dates. Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham, GL54 5FL. www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk DECEMBER 23 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER – 2244 D ECEMBER 23 SANTA'S FARMYARD GROTTO Meet the animals in the animal experience centre and take a festive tractor ride to visit Santa in his Farmyard Grotto. Weekends from 23rd November to 24th December. Adults and children £8.50, toddlers and concessions £7.50. Cattle Country Adventure Park, Berkeley, GL13 9EW. www.cattlecountry.co.uk 24 24 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FAIR A festive shopping experience in the historical buildings of Cheltenham College. Over 70 stalls, yuletide singers, a festive cafe and a limited number of complimentary shopping bags for early attendees. 10am-3pm. £5 (under 16s free). Tickets bought in advance come with a free glass of fizz. To book call 01242 265694. Cheltenham College, Main Reception,
Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7LD. Supporting Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. Sponsored by Savills. CREATIVE CHRISTMAS Handmade festive crafts, gifts and vintage items for sale. Proceeds of sale to charities including Cobalt. 11am to 1pm. The Barn, Daniel’s Orchard, The Leigh, GL19 4A AG. 27-29 27-29 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN UGLY SISTERS The Churchdown Players will be bringing their version of the classic pantomime to the stage and also raising money for local charity Cobalt. 7.30pm. £7, £6 concessions, call 01242 520388 for tickets. Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, Churchdown, Gloucester GL3 2JH. www.churchdownplayers.co.uk 29 29 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER WTAF A THIS COUNTRY PODCAST LIVE Popular podcast based on the BBC sitcom This Country, WTAF, bring their third live show to Cirencester, with special guests from the show and celebrity superfans. 7pm. £12.50. Sundial Theatre, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 1XA. www.sundialtheatre.co.uk
Vinyl Records
WANTED
LOCAL L OCAL B BUYER UYER P PAYS AYS CASH FOR YOUR C ASH F OR Y OUR UNWANTED U NWANTED RECORDS R ECORDS Most LPs, EPs & singles from the 1960s/70s/80s/90s in good condition considered. Especially wanted are large or small collections of Heavy Rock, Psych & Prog Rock, Punk, 90s Britpop, Jazz and Soul. Cash paid at the time of collection. e-mail: e -mail: vinyl@willowpitch.co.uk vinyl@willowpitch.co.uk 01242 0 1242 7 702947 02947 o orr 0 07785 7785 5 515987 15987 The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 23
29 NOVEMBER – 22 DECEMBER ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS Voted number one last year as Britain’s Favourite Christmas Light Display, see an all new illuminated woodland trail at Westonbirt Arboretum along with their Christmas village. The National Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, GL8 8QS. Full details at forestryengland.uk/westonbirt 30 NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS FAYRE Come and meet Father Christmas at our festive Christmas Fayre where you’ll find stalls, raffles, tombolas and refreshments. Open 2-4pm. Entrance 30p. Holy Trinity Church, Longlevens Gloucester GL2 0AJ. Queries to Janet on 01452 500229. CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP Try your hand at making your very own Christmas Wreath, with festive refreshments all included. 1-3pm. £40. Holiday Inn, Crest Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3RX. www.higloucesterhotel.co.uk 30 NOVEMBER – 24 DECEMBER SANTA SPECIALS Travel from either Toddington station on a 1960s diesel train or from Cheltenham Racecourse on steam
train, and meet Santa and his elves. £16/£17. Full details at www.gwsr.com 30 NOVEMBER – 5 JANUARY THE BIG BATSFORD ELF HUNT Santa’s helpers have gone missing around the arboretum and if you can help find them all, you win a special Christmas prize. Normal admission applies. Batsford Arboretum, Moretonin-Marsh, GL56 9QB. www.batsarb.co.uk 3-10 DECEMBER THE BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE For seven days, all donations to Cobalt through www.thebiggive.org.uk will be DOUBLED making a fantastic £50,000 available to support Cobalt’s Breast Cancer Research Nurses. From 12 noon on the 3rd to 12 noon on the 10th. 6 DECEMBER – 4 JANUARY PINOCCHIO A magical adaptation of the classic tale of Pinocchio, with live music, song and puppetry. £8-£15. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. Full details at gloucesterguildhall.co.uk 7-13 DECEMBER CRIB FESTIVAL Come and see a variety of Nativity Crib scenes in our church. Open daily 10am-4pm. Holy Trinity Church, Longlevens. GL2 0AJ. Queries to Trinity Hub on 01452 307871.
8 DECEMBER VEGAN CHRISTMAS MARKET The third Gloucester Vegan Christmas Market returns with vegan and cruelty free food, drinks and gifts and Santa’s Grotto. 11am-3pm. £2 entry, u16s free. Blackfriars, Gloucester GL1 2HS. Full details: facebook.com/veganeventsglos CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Hosted by James Hopkins Trust, there will be an array of stalls selling gifts for Christmas, games for both adults and children, Santa and some other exciting visitors. 1-5pm. GL2 9QA. Hatherley Manor Hotel and Spa, Down Hatherley Lane, Gloucester, GL2 9QA. www.jameshopkinstrust.org.uk 14 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND MARKET Carols will be sung on the hour by Choirs of the Cathedral, with a festive market offering an array of gift ideas. Carols begin at 11am, market open from 10am to 4pm. Free entry. Gloucester Cathedral, College Green, GL1 2LX. gloucestercathedral.org.uk FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB Featuring some of the best stand up comedians on the local and national circuit, hosted by Gloucester’s own Nik Hill. 7-11pm. £10. Gloucester Brewery, Foxes Kiln Malt House, West Quay, The Docks, GL1 2LG. gloucesterbrewery.co.uk
We W e ccare are a about bout tthe he e environment nvironment
Give a little time and make a big difference
Precision Precision C Colour olour Printing Printing L Ltd td (our (our p printer) rinter) a are re proud proud tto o be be a Forest Forest S Stewardtewardsship hip Council Council (FSC) (FSC) ccertificate ertificate h holder, older, a and nd T The he L Local ocal Answer Answer is is proud proud tto o have have this this p publication ublication printed printed on on p paper aper ccompliant ompliant with with F FSC SC d demands emands tto o ssupport upport e environmentally nvironmentally a appropriate, p p r o p r i a t e, ssocially ocially b beneficial, eneficial, and and e economconomiically cally vviable iable management management o off tthe he w world’s orld’s fforests. orests.
Are you interested in becoming a Fosterer Cats Protection Gloucester & Cirencester Branch are looking for Fosterers. Give hope to local cats and kittens looking for their forever home.
A ffully-recyclable ully-recyclable p product roduct As As well well as as tthe he p paper, aper, tthe he inks inks and and vvarnishes arnishes used used iin n producing producing T The he LLocal ocal A Answer nswer a are re b biodegradable. i o d e g r a d a b l e. T The he p process rocess u used sed b byy rrecycling ecycling companies companies to to extract extract iinks nks and and coatings coatings including including UV UV varnishes varnishes from from the the paper paper render render tthe he p paper aper suitable suitable for for pulping pulping a and nd recycling. recycling. Page 24
For more information please get in touch on 0345 260 3280 For further information please contact: Reg. Charity 203644 (England and Wales) SC037711 (Scotland)
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
T: 0345 2603280 W: cats.org.uk/gloucester : GlosCatsProtection The Local Answer
Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
Leader Leader s L Life ife w with ith C Councillor ouncillor P Paul aul JJames ames
My My favourite favourite sstreet treet Westgate Street has always been my favourite city centre street. Not only is it the gateway to Gloucester Cathedral, but it also contains some wonderful buildings itself – from the Fleece Hotel with its 12th century undercroft, to the 16th century merchants house at number 26 (now the Antiques Centre) and the iconic portico of Shire Hall. It also tells some great stories, from the Tailor of Gloucester, to Colonel Massey’s defence of the city during the Siege of Gloucester, Dick Whittington and the miserly banker Wood, believed to be the inspiration for Dickens’ character of Ebeneezer Scrooge. But it’s also fair to say that it needs some care and attention to be the gem we know it can be. It does suffer from lower footfall than the other gate streets – I’m told because, unlike the other gate streets, it doesn’t lead anywhere.
£1.9 £ 1.9 m million illion funding funding to to make make it it the the g gem em we we know know it it can can be be
Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.
THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR NEW BATHROOM ... Your local family business
The Local Answer
So I was delighted when our bid for High Street Heritage Action Zone status for Westgate Street was successful. What this means is that £1.9 million of government money is available over four years, starting in April next year, to assist property owners with grants, improve the public realm and make a contribution to bringing The Fleece site back into use. The City Council will also be contributing a significant amount on top of this and property owners will be expected to make a contribution too. It comes on top of the news that Dowdeswell Estates, who have delivered some impressive restoration projects elsewhere in the county, are our preferred development partner for The Fleece – a site which has been derelict for almost 20 years. This will be formalised by a report to Cabinet in November and put on a proper legal footing thereafter. The City Council has recently moved into Shire Hall, enabling our former Docks offices to be marketed for a new use, and transferred its customer service reception to 92-96 Westgate Street (known as The Gateway). The Cathedral has also announced plans for a Phase II of Project Pilgrim, building on the great success of the new public square and other improvements delivered as part of Phase I. So Westgate Street’s future looks much brighter now and its place as my favourite city centre street seems assured! @cllrpauljames @cllrpauljames
To advertise call 01242 510500
e e:: paul.james@gloucester.gov.uk paul.james@gloucester.gov.uk
Page 25
Entertainment E ntertainment
IIff you you hhave ave a sstory tory ttoo share, share, pplease lease eemail mail ffull ull ddetails etails tto o TTom. om. with with Tom Tom Hadfield Hadfield ‒ entertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk entertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk
The Filthy T he F ilthy Casuals Casuals on on their their busy busy year year When The Local Answer last spoke to Gloucester band The Filthy Casuals, they had just released their first single and were preparing for a summer spent gigging. Almost nine months on, with a second single and music video under their belts, Scott McAlpine, Sam Harris, Max Gregory and Dan Taylor look back on the summer with pride. “We have had an amazing summer playing a number of The Filthy Casuals (L-R) Dan, Max, Sam and Scott local festivals, and 12 gigs the likes of Radiohead and between the end of July into Oasis, before they made it big. September in eight weeks,” said The band has been performing lead singer Sam. together since 2017, and they “At one point we did five gigs have gained a big following in in eight days which was demanthose two years. ding, but huge fun when you’re After the release of their debut doing what you love.” single ‘No Hurry’ in February, The end of August saw the boys also travel to Bristol to the boys quickly followed up play at The Fleece, a venue that with their second original single in the past has played host to ‘Be Wild Be Free’, which were
FFilm ilm Review Review – Joe Joe K Kennett ennett
both played on BBC Radio Gloucestershire, with the band also being interviewed by presenter Jon Smith. They couldn’t be happier with how each track has been received. Lead guitarist Scott said: “Both tracks have had over 24,000 streams between them on Spotify alone, so we are thrilled with the response we have had. “It’s important to us that when you listen to our songs on the radio they also sound the same live, and that has been the feedback we have had so that’s really pleasing. “We are a live guitar band and that’s something we are collectively passionate about.” To keep up to date with the band visit www.facebook.com/ thefilthycasuals2017 Full story online.
Book Book Review Review – Aloÿse Aloÿse of of Daylesford Daylesford Book Book Club Club
J Joker oker
Bird Bird Cottage Cottage by Eva Meijer
In a dark, dull, lifeless G oth am, A rth ur Fl eck (Joaquin Phoenix, below) is a failing stand-up comedian and clown. He’s on a variety of medication which is taken away because of cuts to social sevices, and faces neglect and violence wherever he goes. This is a man pushed further and further towards the brink of collapse. Director Todd Phillips deserves all the praise he can get for piecing together this masterful movie, full of raw emotion and dark truths, enough to humble any person on the sad realities of life. Of course though, the final words must go out to Phoenix for his gut-wrenching, committed, jaw-dropping performance as Fleck. He has mastered every aspect of becoming this role, from the way he walks right through to the way he laughs, with such pain in every cackle. Full review online.
Bi rd Cottage is a translation of a Dutch novel about an English woman called Gwendolen (Len) Howard. She was born in 1894 and became an accomplished musician. In 1938 she gave it all up and moved to an isolated cottage in Sussex where she studied birds. Meijer tells her story in novel form interspersed with some of Len’s writing. When she makes the move to Sussex she becomes known as “The Bird Woman”. The birds are Len’s life. They fly in and out of the house and she studies their characters and their habits. During WW2 she buys food for her birds rather than for herself. This is an enchanting book and gives one a whole new outlook on the avian world. Full review online.
Above Above is is a selection selection ffrom rom local local entertainment entertainment stories stories available available online online ... ...
A Art rt • E Events vents • E Experiences xperiences • F Film ilm • L Lifestyle ifestyle L Literature iterature • M Music usic • R Reviews eviews • T Theatre heatre • T TV V
Gloucester new G loucester aauthor uthor rreleases eleases n ew thriller thriller Bestselling Gloucester author Rachel Sargeant is preparing for the release of her latest psychological thriller. Following on from the success of her two previous novels ‘The Perfect Neighbours’ and ‘The Good Teacher’, Rachel’s latest novel ‘The Roommates’ is set to make one of publisher HarperCollins’ most popular lists. “I’m thrilled that HarperCollins have moved me onto their main crime fiction list,” said Rachel, who lives in Abbeymead. “The Roommates is set in a university. Four girls arrive for Freshers’ Week and find themselves sharing a flat. All four are holding secrets from their pasts, but when one of them goes missing, the other three have to learn to trust each other and work together to find her.” Rachel grew up in Lincolnshire
Rachel Sargeant
and moved to Gloucestershire ten years ago with her husband and children. She previously worked as a librarian and made the leap into full-time writing after signing with HarperCollins. The crime and thriller genre of literature is certainly a popular one, and Rachel says it’s a
category she has always been drawn to. “The first book for adults that I can remember enjoying was Agatha Christie’s ‘A Murder Is Announced’,” she said. “This set me on the road to reading many more crime novels so when I decided to have a go at writing a book, crime was the obvious genre for me. “I’m attracted to crime stories because of the twists, puzzles and ambiguous characters.” The ebook version of ‘The Roommates’ was published on Thursday 24th October, with the paperback set for release on Thursday 28th November. “Releasing a new book is nerve-wracking!” she added. To find out more about Rachel Sargeant and her writing, visit www.rachelsargeant.co.uk Full story online.
P Players layers bring bring panto panto to to Churchdown Churchdown The Churchdown Players have been entertaining audiences for over 60 years. Formed in 1958, the amateur dramatics group now has around 40 members and hold two productions a year. This month the Players will be bringing classic pantomime to the stage at Churchdown Community Centre. ‘Snow White and the Seven Ugly Sisters’ is a play on the classic fairytale, as the show’s director Carolyn Nicholls explains. She said: “The pantomime, written by Claire Demmer of Off the Wall Plays, is based on the story of Snow White but with a twist – seven sisters. “I decided to have some men and some women playing the
The Players during rehearsal
roles as this adds to the humour of the situation. We are also atypical in that we have a man playing the Prince. “There are lots of well-known songs and of course the obligatory audience participation.” Carolyn, who describes herself as a “born and bred Cheltonian” and used to write for The Local Answer, has been with the
Players since 2012. For this production, Carolyn will be taking to the director’s seat rather than treading the boards. Auditions took place way back in April and rehearsals are well under way – “we only rehearse on Wednesdays and so far all is going well!” said Carolyn. “The main cast numbers 13 and additionally there are two children, Evie and Lily Eaton, a small ensemble and a very supportive crew – especially Karen Wright (Production Coordinator) and Marilyn Webb (Musical Director).” The show will be at the Churchdown Community Centre from Wednesday 27th to Friday 29th November at 7.30pm. Full story online.
For For full full articles articles and and m more ore sstories tories vvisit isit w www.thelocalanswer.co.uk ww.thelocalanswer.co.uk
Homes & Gardens HOME CARE ROOFING & BUILDING
FFREE REE Quotations, Quotations, Advice, Advice, Samples Samples & Brochures Brochures
FOR ALL YOUR PROPERT PROPERTY TY NEEDS • Roofs repairs & full replacement • Tiles & Slates • Felt & battening • Ridge tiles & chimney repairs • Lead work • Flat roofs • EPDM rubber F FREE REE 330% 0r% OFF OduFrinFg • Repointing SCAFFOLDING! SCAFFOLDING! aany ny oorders ders during • Roof coatings N ovember 2019 2019 November T&Cs T&Cs a apply pply • Dry verge systems • uPVC fascias, soffits & gutters • Moss removal/fungicidal treatments • External painting and much more!
berudman@yahoo.co.uk ber udman@yahoo.co.uk
ALL WORK FULLY LY GUARANTEED • FULLY INSURED INSUURED For For a FREE FREE QUOTATION QUOTATION p please lease call: call:
•D Driveways riveways •P Patios atios •R Resin esin B Bonding onding •A Artificial rtificial Grass Grass •F Fencing encing •L Landscaping andscaping •T Turfing urfing •G Garden arden Walls Walls
5 Year Guarantee with all works Many local refe erences available
C Covering overing C Cheltenham heltenham & G Gloucester loucester
07843 07843 2 277723 77723 ~ 0 01242 1242 2 255043 55043
07768 07768 5 528944 28944 / 01452 01452 3 348487 48487 (Please (Please ddialial aarea rea ccode) ode) o orr e email mail m mitchelldavishomecare@hotmail.com itchelldavishomecare@hotmail.com
4 47 7W WORCESTER ORCESTER STREET, STREET, G GLOUCESTER LOUCESTER G GL1 L1 3 3AW AW
CPA G PAVING P A AV VING
LANDSCAPING L ANDSCAPING D DRIVEWAYS RIVEWAYS PATIOS P ATIOS
&
Block Paving • Tarmac • Gravel Drainage • Kerbs • Steps • Paths Turfing • Fencing & Decking
r 99le ca £r7singrive fo d T& Cs ap ply
1A0LL%WOOFRKF
BOOKED IN NOVEMBER 2019
5Y YEAR EAR G GUARANTEE UARA RANTE EE W WITH ITH ALL ALL WORKS WORKS
FULLY F ULLY IINSURED NSURED Page 28
NEW NEW Resin Resin B Bound ound D Driveways riveways
FFREE REE q quotations uotta ations
01242 0 1242 801706 801706 01452 0 1452 341699 341699 candgpavvinguk@gmail.com
w w..cg-paving.co.uk w www.cg-paving.co.uk w ww
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
R ROOFING OOFING & D DRIVEWAY RIVEWAY SSPECIALIST PECIALIST NEW ROOFS & REPAIRS FLAT ROOFS • CHIMNEY WORK • TILES & SLATES FASCIAS • GUTTERING • SOFFITS • UPVC
AQ QUALITY UALITY SSERVICE ERVICE FFROM ROM TTOP OP TTO OB BOTTOM OTTOM Autumn Sale GENUINE
10% OFF TARMAC
BLOCK PAVING
REGULATED & INSURANCE APPROVED
FFREE REE QUOTATIONS QUOTATIONS GLOSBUILD GLOS BUILD 01242 500918 00918 Professional Professional & R Reliable eliable 01242 5 L LTD TD
General General Builders Builders OVER OVER 40 40 YEARS’ YEARS’ EXPERIENCE! EXPERIENCE! The Local Answer
ALL A LL M MAJOR AJOR CREDIT CREDIT CARDS CARDS ACCEPTED ACCEPTED
info@glosbuild.co.uk info@glosbuild.co.uk w www.glosbuild.co.uk ww.glosbuild.co.uk Court Court FFarm, arm, TTewkesbury ewkesbury Road, Road, Twigworth, Twigworth, G Glos. los. G GL2 L2 9 9PX PX
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 2
JHD D
ROOFING & BUILDING • Roofing Repairs & Full Replacement • Slate & Tiled Roofs • Lead Work • Skylights • UPVC Fascias & Soffits • Gutter Replacement & Cleaning • Roof Cleaning
• Chimney Repairs, Removals & Rebuild • Dry Verge Cops • Dry Ridge Copping • Fully Insured • All Work Guaranteed • Professional & Reliable • Free Quotes
UPP TO U TO
30% 3 0% o off ff
all all rranges anges of of flat flat rroof oof ssystems, ystems, UPVC UPVC ffascias, ascias, ssoffits offits & gguttering uttering
Many Many llocal ocal references references available available upon upon rrequest equest F Fully ully Insured Insured ~ All All work work guaranteed guaranteed We’ll We’ll b beat eat any any ‘like ‘like for for like’ like’ quotation! quotation! For For a F FREE REE ESTIMATE ESTIMATE p please lease ccall: all: Please ddial ial 001452 1452 347643 347643 (a(Please 07879 3370178 70178 area rea ccode) ode) 07879
or or email: email: jhdroofingandbuilding@gmail.com jhdroofingandbuilding@gmail.com
BIG BIG JOB J L Little ittle Job J
All Work All Work Fully Fully Guaranteed Guaranteed • Specialise Specialise in in EDM EDM rubber rubber roofs roofs • New New Roofs Roofs GG.R.P .R.P Fibreglass Fibreglass • Certified Certified CCURE URE IT IT IInstallers nstallers • Roof Roof Cleaning Cleaning & CCoating oating • Ro Roof oof & Chimney Chimney Repairs Repairs • Slate Slate Repairs Repairs • Dry Dry Verges Verges • FFlat lat Roof Roof RRepairs epairs • uPVC uPVC • FFascias, ascias, SSoffits offits & Guttering Guttering • uuPVC PVC RRepairs epairs • PPainting ainting & Decorating Decorating
Property Property M Maintenance aintenance
••Painting Painting ••Decorating Decorating ••Bathrooms Bathrooms ••Kitchens Kitchens
01452 01452 8 899903 99903 07503 07503 8 858963 58963 w www.a1roofing.uk ww.a1roofing.uk
07900 07900 923888 923888
CCheltenham heltenham Rd Rd EEast, ast, Gloucester, Gloucester, GGL3 L3 11AE AE
E.P.S E .P.S Ellis Property Solutions FFREE REE
Fitted Fitted B Bathrooms athrooms F Fitted itted K Kitchens itchens E Electrical lectrical Plumbing Plumbing
Laminate Laminate Worktops Worktops oon n Kitchens aallll K itchens
email Scott@epsuklimited.co.uk
mobile mobile
0 07976 7976 090247 090247 llandline andline
www.eps‐glos.co.uk 001452 1452 5549213 49213
Paving & Tarmac Specialists B Block lock Paving Paving • TTarmac armac • Landscaping Landscaping riveways FFencing encing • Patios Patios • D Driveways & Sons Ltd
Garden Walls Walls Garden
A ALSO LSO
All our work is G Guaranteed uaranteed ffor or 5 y years! ears! Guaranteed to beat any genuine quote
Resin esin Driveways, Driveways, P Patios atios & P Paths aths
aintenance • Low M Maintenance • Choice Choice of of Colours Colours • Durable Durable & Long Long Lasting Lasting • Weed Weed Free Free Drainage • Porous Porous for for Drainage
Rectory Rectory F Fields, ields, R Rudford, udford, G Gloucestershire loucestershire G GL2 L2 8 8DT DT
Tel: T el: 01452 01452 6668005 68005 / 001453 1453 2297010 97010 / 001285 1285 2238089 3 80 8 9
Reduces Puddles •R educes P uddles • Firm, Firm, attractive attractive Surface Surfface Can •C an bbee aapplied pplied oover ve r EExisting xisting Surface Surface • Cost Cost Effective Effective
w www.marshallsdriveways.co.uk ww.marshallsdriveways.co.uk
Company Company rregistration: egistration: 1 11415390 1415390
Page 30
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
SK KYLINE YLIN NE
R ROOFING & OOFING & P PROPERTY CARE ROPERTY CARE
AAllll rroofing oofing w work ork uundertaken ndertaken aand nd ffully ully gguaranteed uaranteed •N ew R oofs • R oof R epairs • FFlat lat R oofs ((GRP GRP & FFelt) elt) New Roofs Roof Repairs Roofs •E PDM R ubber • E aves P rotection ((EPS) EPS) EPDM Rubber Eaves Protection •D ry V erge & R idge S ystems Dry Verge Ridge Systems Chimney Repairs Re-pointing •C himney R epairs • R e-pointing UPVC Roofline Products Soffits, U PVC R oofline P roducts – S offits, Cladding, Guttering FFascias, ascias, C ladding, G uttering Gutter Cleaning Repairs •G utter C leaning & R epairs Brickwork Driveways •B rickwork • D riveways • Patios Patios Paths Block Paving Slabbing •P aths • B lock P aving • S labbing Exterior Washing Service •E xterior Painting Painting • JJet et W ashing S ervice
GRASS
SCAPE
SPECIALISTS IN
&
15% 15% O FF OFF aallll w work ork booked booked in in N November ovember 2019 2019
BLOCK PAVING • TARMAC • GRAVEL • ARTIFICIAL GRASS
01452 01452 347720 347720 • 0 07984 7984 592457 592457
C CARE ARE C Construction onstruction
family business business delivering delivering a professional professional A family and friendly friendly sservice er vice aacross cross G loucestershire and Gloucestershire
✆
TONEWORK • EEXTENSIONS XTENSIONS • RRENOVATIONS ENOVATIONS • SSTONEWORK • BBARN ARN CCONVERSIONS ONVERSIONS • PPROPERTY ROPERTY MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE • SSPECIALIST PECIALIST RRE-POINTING E-POINTING • LLANDSCAPING ANDSCAPING
PPlease lease eemail mail oorr call: call: info@careconstruction.online info@careconstruction.online
001452 1452 649 649 7754 54 • 007794 7794 540 540 071 071 • 07834 07834 7728 28 7778 78 www.careconstruction.online w ww.careconstruction.online
sales@grassscape.co.uk www.GrassScape.co.uk Manor Farm • Stoke Road • Cheltenham • GL52 7RY
SPEC IAL O FF on En ER CLEARA d of Line NCE UP T O 35 STOCK
OVER OVER 20 20 YEARS YEARS E EXPERIENCE XPERIENC DIS COU %* *T&
Cs Ap ply
NT
RESIN IVEWAYS & PATIOS
W Weed eed Free, Free, No No Maintenance, Maintenance, P Porous o ro u s S Surface urface
e yourself the cost igging up your old e and apply to your existing surface
C COST OST EFFECTIVE EFFECTIVE S SOLUTION OLUTION
LANDSCAPING • PATHS PAT PA ATHS • PATIOS PA ATIOS • DROP KERBS • GARDEN WALLS AT WA • FENCING FENC CING RESIN BOUND BOUND DRIVEWAYS CHIPPINGS DRIVEWAYS • RESIN DRIVEWAYS • HOT HOT TAR TAR SPRAY SPRAY & CHIPPINGS DRIVEWAYS SURFACE DRESSING DRESSING • CARPARK CARPARK REPAIRS, CLEANING & S EALING S ERVICES REPAIRS, CLEANING SURFACE SEALING SERVICES DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL DOMESTIC
01452 0 14 5 2 7 757836 5 7 83 6 • 0 07867 78 6 7 9 910377 1 03 7 7
OFFERS ANTASTIC OFFERS View View our our gallery gallery at at w www.pave-drive.co.uk ww.pave-drive.co.uk FFANTASTIC ON FENCING FENCING AND AND ON ARTIFICIAL LAWNS LAWNS ARTIFICIAL
5Y YEAR EAR G GUARANTEES, UARANTEES, FREE FREE NO NO OBLIGATION OBLIGATION WRITTEN WRITTEN QUOTATIONS, QUOTATIONS, FULLY FULLY INSURED INSURED
The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 31
LAWN WN MAN MAN
Woodlands W oodlands Landscapes Landscapes All types of gardening work undertaken For a FREE FREE PPATIOS ATIOS•FFENCING ENCING•TURFING TURFING For no obligation n oo bligation PRUNING PRUNING•TTOPPING OPPING•FELLING FELLING quote quote call: call: HEDGE HEDGE CUTTING CUTTING 01452 01452 GARDEN GARDEN CLEARANCES CLEARANCES 899771 899771 A family run business – we won’t be beaten on price!
Ring R ing J James ames on on
0 07830 7830 646 646 544 544
leewoodlands@hotmail.com
w www.lawnmantreefella.co.uk ww.lawnmantreefella.co.uk
orr o
007919 7919 8837765 37765
CHOSEN C HOSEN LAWNMOWER L AWNMOWER SERVICES S ERVICES S SERVICING ERVICING & REPAIR REPAIR of of d domestic omestic lawnmowers lawnmowers Mower Mower collection collection and d and delivery elivery For a reliable, friendly service please speak to Graham on
07771 07771 783528 783528
or to leave a message call
0 01452 1452 7 731967 31967
All aspects of Tree and Garden work undertaken Hedges g – reductions/trimming/removals g Trees T rees – pruning/felling pruning/felling Garden Garden clearances clearances – W Waste aste removal removal Wood-chipper W d hi Services S i FENCING • PATIOS • TURFING • JET-WASHING No job too small or big · Professional, Local, Reliable Service
We We are are also also registered registered waste waste carriers carriers – Fully Fully insured insured
0 01242 1242 8 851 51 9 941 41 0 01452 1452 4 404 04 6 626 26
DIY & TRADE GREAT WEEKEND HIRE OPTIONS
Turf Lifters
Lawn Scarifier
Plate Compactor
Long Reach Hedge Trimmer
£50
£40
£26.25
£35
Post Hole Borer
£37.50
Cherry picker hire available with free site surveys
Massive range of sale items including
and
and all gardening and hand tools
Byard Road, Gloucester GL2 5DF 01452 526616 7.30am-5pm and 8am-12pm Saturdays
www.ermin.co.uk Page 32
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
IIn n tthe he Garden Garden w with ith JJulia ulia S Smith mith
Tidy T idy up up before before winter winter hits hits The autumn garden has looked really good this year, especially in all the lovely sunshine we have had (in between showers!). The borders were beautiful in October and the Michaelmas daisies and Sedums looked particularly fine with tones of purple and pink and flowered on and on. Traditionally, the first week of November is the time to make winter sowings of peas and broad beans. These should be ready to pick from May, which is earlier than the spring-sown crops. Sow broad beans in double staggered rows at 25cm intervals in rows 6090cm apart. Peas are sown in a double row at 5cm intervals in rows 10-15cm apart.
C Clear lear o out ut n nesting esting b boxes oxes If you have any nesting boxes in your garden they should be emptied now and cleaned with boiling water. Once they are dry, if you put a handful of something like woodshavings inside they can
The Local Answer
be used by small mammals or birds overwintering. Prune blackcurrants now, removing two or three of the oldest branches down to the base. You can take cuttings really easily from blackcurrant bushes by snipping some healthy 25cm long shoots, which have formed this year (make a slanted cut at the bottom so you know which way up they go!), and simply sticking them in the ground – it really is that easy! If shrubs such as Cotinus (smoke bush) have become too large they can be cut back now by a third, providing the weather is still mild, and this will produce a more compact shrub next year. Cotinus grown for their foliage only can be cut down to the ground in early To advertise call 01242 510500
spring, thus producing large spectacular leaves.
To tidy To tidy your your borders borders o orr n not ot tto o ttidy idy tthem? hem? There are two schools of thought on tidying borders for winter: you can leave the dying foliage and stems of perennials over winter to help insects survive (and slugs that like to hide under the rotting foliage!). Alternatively, you only leave the architecturally pleasing seedheads and get rid of the rest. What I suggest is that if you get round to it, do tidy up and then sit back and feel smug, but if you don’t get round to it, tell yourself that you are trying to be ecologically sound and still sit back and feel smug! If you do get round to clearing up, now is a good time to add a layer of (or homemade compost bought sacks of soil-improver) and let it lie on the top, and the worms will incorporate it over the winter. Page 33
Phoenix P hoenix Gardens Gardens Let L et u uss d doo tthe he g groundwork roundwork ffor or y you ou
◆ Fencing ◆ Tu urfing ◆ Garden Landscaping ◆ Decking ◆ Patios ◆ Plant Advice ◆ Complete Garden Makeovers ◆ Hedge Cutting & Planting Call C all Mark Mark on on MOB: MOB: 07979 07979 421 421 501 501 T EL: 0 1452 549 TEL: 01452 549 2 286 86 www.phoenixgardenersgloucester.co.uk
A All ll Landscaping Landscaping aand nd Horticultural Horticultural w work ork undertaken undertaken • FFull ull LLandscape andscape D Design esign &C Consultation onsultation •G Garden/Commercial arden/Commercial M Maintenance aintenance • LLawn awn C Care are & T Treatment reatment • FFencing encing • P Patios atios • SShrub/Hedge hrub/Hedge Pruning Pruning P PROFESSIONAL ROFESSIONAL • TRAINED TRAINED • COMMITTED COMMITTED
C Call all Garry Garry on on 0 07398 7398 1 162908 62908 or or 01452 01452 6 612379 12379 www.gslandscapesolutions.co.uk www.gslandscapesolutions.co.uk
• Tree Work • Garden Design • Garden Maintenance • Turfing • Lawn Cutting • Hedge Trimming • Pond Work • Patios • Decking • Pergolas • Fencing • Sheds • Driveways Diploma in Horticulture ~ Established 1993
Free Quotes ~ Competitive Rates
01242 01242 713800 713800 / 07778 07778 340485 340485
w www.markclifford-landscapes.co.uk ww.markclifford-landscapes.co.uk
Rob Cockburn
Tree & Hedge Services
• Take down, reductions, crown lifting & thinning, bracing FIREWOOD • Stump grinding • Tree and hedge planting • Hedge laying, trimming and reductions A LOAD • Site clearance & excavations
£60
ALL TREE WORK OPERATIONS UNDERTAKEN
Fully NPTC Qualified and Insured
m: 07787 578845 t: 01452 700388 e: rob.cockburn16@gmail.com
JOE & JAMIE
~ Established 25 years! ~
LANDSCAPE GARDENERS All garden work undertaken and guaranteed!
Master Master Sheds Sheds Each structure is custom built to your own requirements – perhaps to fit a corner of the garden or a difficult location.
01452 314011 07831 762644
www.mastersheds.co.uk
Unit D, Sudmeadow Road, Hempsted, Gloucester GL2 5JA
Garden Sheds, Summerhouses, Home Offices, Garages, Workshops, Site Huts, Stables, Kennels, Aviaries, Pavilions or any large timber buildings! Page 34
Fencing, Patios, Block Paved Drives & Gravel Surfaces Tree & Hedge Pruning, Trimming, Felling 10% OFF Turf supplied and laid ~ Lawns removed for OAPs Retaining Walls Built/Repaired
No job too small or too large ~ All waste removed For a FREE ‘no obligation’ estimate, call Joe or Jamie on
01452 500942 or 07724 159342
P Promote romote yyour our b business usiness in in
4 46,000 6,000
magazines magazines C CALL ALL N NOW! OW!
01242 0 1242 5 510500 10500
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Wildlife Wildlife Matters Matters with w ith M Maxine axine Raggatt Raggatt
Robin Robin redbreast redbreast The European robin is Britain’s national bird. Robins are a member of the thrush family, so they are related to the nightingale and the blackbird.
Not Not just just a att C Christmas hristmas R obi ns can b e f ound almost everywhere throughout the UK and seen all year round, not only at Christmas! They are extremely territorial birds, especially towards their own kind; however, they are not shy. If you find yourself digging in your garden, you’ll often spot a rob in wa tch in g you, w ai ti ng to hop in and snap up any worms in the turned-up soil.
The T he rrobin’s obin’s n nest est Robins are famous for nesting pretty much anywhere. They prefer to settle near ground level in tree hollows, climbing plants, piles of logs and tree roots. Some of the more unusual but popular nesting sites for these birds are flowerpots, shoes and boots, post boxes and even clothes pockets. The Local Answer
The females build the nests using grass, dead leaves, moss and hair. Robins usually lay 46 eggs per clutch and the incubation period lasts about 13 days. When the chicks hatch, they are entirely dependant on their parents for food and warmth as they have no feathers or fluff at all. Quills will start to appear around day three, and they usually have all their feathers by day 14. Juvenile robins have a brown breast rather than red; which will later come through after their first moult. Robins have two broods a year. If the winter is mild, then they can have up to four clutches as they will start breeding in January instead of March.
What W hat you you ccan an tto o do do h help elp You can help encourage robins to nest near your home in a few easy steps. • Leave natural fibres and hair in your garden. When removing To advertise call 01242 510500
the hair from your hairbrush, you could pop it outside for robins to weave into their nest to keep their young warm. Place it in an easy to spot area such as a hanging basket, in amongst trees and bushes, or log piles. • You can put a nesting box in your garden to encourage robins to nest there – ensure it has an open front, as they tend not to use boxes with a small circular hole. Be sure to place it somewhere discreet and well-hidden where they won't be disturbed. • All birds and other species need to have access to food throughout the winter, especially when food is scarce, so placing a few bird feeders about and some water is always a good idea. A robin’s favourite foods are mealworms and fruit, so you could put out some raisins, cranberries or chopped apple as a well needed nutritional boost during the winter. Page 35
AW A W
Fireplaces F ireplaces
EEst st 1985 1985
07799 0 779 9 830689 83 068 9 A complete complete service service
– the the design, design, m manufacture anufacture aand nd iinstalla on nstalla on of of a llarge arge range range ooff quality quality fireplaces fireplaces
FFree ree SSurveys urveys
M Made ade tto oM Measure easure
Woodburning Woodburning stoves, stoves, m marble/limestone arble/limestone fireplaces, fireplaces, gas/electric gas/electric fi fires, res, o oak ak surrounds surrounds aand nd o oak ak bbeams. eams.
awdfireplaces.co.uk awdfireplaces.co.uk mail@awdfireplaces.co.uk mail@awdfireplaces.co.uk VISIT VISIT O OUR U R SHOWROOM: S H O W R O O M:
U Unit nit JJ,, The The Bramery Bramery B Business usiness PPark, ark, A Alstone lstone LLane, ane, Cheltenham Cheltenham G GL51 L51 88HE HE
NEW GLOUCESTER STORE NOW OPEN! N OW O PEN! Pick up a Brewers Card in-store or register for one online
www.brewers.co.uk Page 36
OPEN TO THE TRADE AND PUBLIC SINCE 1904
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
IInterior nterior D Design esign w with ith G Gill ill G Greenwell reenwell
Bedroom Bedroom bliss bliss There is nothing like that feeling of hunkering down in a warm, welcoming haven in the colder months. As the days get cooler, and we start focusing on hibernating for the winter, it’s a good time to think about refreshing our bedrooms. The good news is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to create that special cosy space. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Create C reate a ccalm alm sspace pace Ideally your bedroom should be a calm sanctuary you can retreat to, but all too often it ends up being a messy space full of piles of clothes, unread books and old magazines – time to detox. First up clear the clutter – organise your wardrobe and store your clothes away; donate books you’ll never read to a charity bookshop; recycle old magazines. Smartphones and tablets are known to interfere with a good night’s sleep, so minimise your stress levels and keep them out of reach.
Colour C olour m me eb beautiful eautiful To create a restful haven, go for colours that make you feel happy and relaxed. Think warming soft neutrals, rich corals with washed indigos, or on-trend calming greens. Try a wallpaper with a natural motif as a backdrop for your bed (like Cole and Son’s “Tree” pattern) or create a restful photo wall. I’ve painted my bedroom a lovely calm grey, and on one wall is Farrow and Ball’s beautiful Wisteria wallpaper. I love curling up on my bed with The Local Answer
a cup of tea when I need some time out.
Add A dd ttexture exture Texture is all important, as it softens a space and will give your room a restful feel. Try adding knitted or velvet throws and cushions, soft rugs and blankets, which are having a bit of a moment, for when it gets chilly. I like welsh blankets for their colours and patterns (try Melin Tregwynt’s website for inspiration) or you could search out an antique quilt to create a vintage look.
Re-style R e-style your your bed bed It goes without saying that the most important element in a bedroom is a comfortable bed, so make sure you invest in the best you can afford. I was recently reminded of the importance of styling your bed. It’s amazing what a difference you can make by using contrasting or toning To advertise call 01242 510500
colours and patterns for your bedlinen. It really doesn’t have to be all pristine white – try mixing and matching old and new. Soft coloured, crumpled linen sheets are very on trend, as are different shaped pillows and cushions. You can so easily change the whole look of your room!
Finishing F inishing ttouches ouches Your bedroom is your personal space, it’s all about you. If you fancy something fun and unexpected, create an interesting shaped headboard in a bright patterned fabric (check out Firmdale Hotels Instagram for ideas) and don’t forget the all-important soft lighting. Now all you need to do is make yourself a cup of luxurious hot chocolate, sink into your cosy bed, open that new book and allow yourself some time to dream. Page 3
FEMALE DECORATOR
07891 194005 Local independent oven cleaning specialist OVENS O VENS • EXTRACTOR EXTRACTOR FANS FANS • M MICROWAVES ICROWAVES H OBS • A GAS • R AYBURNS HOBS AGAS RAYBURNS
100% products 100% biodegradable biodegradable and and non-caustic non-caustic p roducts Tidy, efficient Tidy, cclean, lean, e fficient system! system!
01452 01452 404600 404600 | 07958 07958 383366 383366 w www.ovenandrangecleaning.co.uk ww.ovenandrangecleaning.co.uk iinfo@ovenandrangecleaning.co.uk nfo@ovenandrangecleaning.co.uk
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
michellepowell81@hotmail.com
iinfo@sarsenenergy.co.uk nfo@sarsenenergy.co.uk w www.sarsenenergy.co.uk ww.sarsenenergy.co.uk
OOKER YOUR Y OUR ELECTRIC ELECTRIC C COOKER OR OVEN OVEN N OT W ORKING? OR NOT WORKING? EST E ST 2 2004 004 l cal TTel: el: 07955 07955 295360 295360
For more information please visit the website @
www.fix-my-oven.co.uk w ww.fix-my-oven.co.uk
DIRTY D IRTY C COOKER OOKER OR OR OVEN? OVEN? Tel: 01242 227067
www.ovenbusters-cheltenham.co.uk www.ovenbusters-cheltenham.co.uk
List your business in our online directory from only £12 per month
✔ *Only available on Platinum Listings. See website for more details.
F FREE REE G GOLD OLD L LISTING ISTING
For every customer that advertises in our printed magazine, for the duration of your booking.
Visit V isit w www.thelocalanswer.co.uk ww.thelocalanswer.co.uk Page 38
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
QUALITY KITCHEN Q UALITY K ITCHEN MAKEOVERS M AKEOVERS b byy ssimply imply rreplacing eplacing tthe he d doors oors a and nd w worktops orktops
kit F c r Vi hen om sit t ou mak he U r s eo K’ ho ve s # wr r e 1 oo xp m er no ts. w
PRICE FREEZE on
B Before efore
9 Est. 199
allll orrd derrss ffo or tth he rre est of 20119 9 BOOK YOUR APPOIIN NTMEN TODAY! T
interior needs
Frrseoneal
pe design interiorrvice se
01 45 2 5 22 42 2
ies@interiorneeds.co.uk
Opening pening T Times imes
Mondays ays bbyy aappointment ppointment only only Tuesday-Saturday: ay-Saturday: 10am-3pm 10am-3pm Sundays: S undays: C Closed losed
• Curtains Curtains abrics & ffabrics Tracks & poles poles • Tracks • IInterior nterior shutters shutters •P erfect fit fit Perfect blinds blinds •B Bay ay w window indow treatments treatments • Lighting Lighting Wallpaper •W allpaper •M irrors Mirrors
• Sandersons • Romo • Zoffany • Prestigious • Casadeco • Bill Beaumont • Ian Mankin • Hardy • Villa Nova • Harlequin • Luxaflex • James Brindley • Silent Gliss • Velux • Blendworth
*
10% OFF BLINDS TOHNISPARDOVDEURCTTISIOEMNEONFT
*
E Eastern astern A Avenue, venue, G Gloucester loucester G GL4 L4 3 3BU BU ((Next Next tto oT The he W Weavers eavers S Shop, hop, o opposite pposite S SMYTHS) MYTHS)
w www.interiorneeds.co.uk ww.interiorneeds.co.uk
S Save ave the the P Planet lanet with w ith L Louise ouise W Williams illiams
Eco-friendly Eco-friendly aand nd tthoughtful houghtful Christmas Christmas gift gift ideas ideas By now, your thoughts may well be turning to Christmas presents, and perhaps you are wondering what to get for the children in your life or for the person who has everything. It can be easy to revert to the classics; a new toy for a child, a gadget to open wine for an uncle (who will probably put it in the back of a drawer to be taken to a charity shop in five years’ time), yet another scarf for Granny. Perhaps though, you could think a little outside the box and come up with some ideas for gifts that will be useful throughout the year and won’t add to any landfills in January. Here are a few gift ideas we have done over the years. One of the main things I have learnt in life is that people value time together and gifftts that facilitate that are so appreciated. For vouchers where people need to choose a date, we tend to draw a voucher and either give
the money with it or pay when they choose.
to do but don’t make time for without a prompt.
For F or cchildren hildren
For F or anyone anyone
A season pass for a local attraction they like going to, l i k e a f a r m p a r k , i s s om e t h i n g that will bring joy year-round. A trip to the cinema, followed by lunch or an ice-cream sundae is always a treat for my two. As is a trip to a fun museum, especially if it’s the gift giver that takes them.
Make something. Most people love to receive something that has had a lot of thought or time invested in it. If you can show that you care enough to sit and crochet or knit a hat in their favourite colours, put photos of them in an album or gather together some bits in a box for a film night with popcorn or a relaxing pamper day, it will always be appreciated. Remember that it really is the thought that counts. There is honestly no need to spend a fortune on a plastic toy that will probably be forgotten about by Boxing Day when the thing that most people love about Christmas is time with the ones they love. And if you can spread that out throughout the year, all the better!
For For older older recipients recipients A voucher for an afternoon tea somewhere lovely. A theatre trip with a night in a hotel. A subscription to their favourite magazine. A massage at a lovely spa.
For F or ccreatives reatives A half day course doing something they enjoy – whether that’s floristry, pottery painting, sewing, writing, etc. Often, it’s something people would love The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 41
G Gadgets adgets & G Gizmos izmos w with ith L Laura aura N Nicklin icklin
W Winter inter w warmers armers It’s hard to believe that 2019 is coming to a close – where has the year gone?! Just as we were embracing the summer weather and blue skies, it’s now time to bundle up for the dark winter nights. Here are a few gadgets that may come in handy for those struggling to adjust to the colder temperatures.
Heated B Heated Back ack a and nd S Seat eat Massage M assage C Cushion ushion Menkind.co.uk: £49 As the days start to feel shorter, and the nights are drawing in, you may feel like there aren’t enough hours to get things done. Whether it’s work deadlines, looking after kids or even getting a headstart on Christmas shopping, you may feel yourself getting pent-up with stress.
Soothe away frustrations and enjoy some well-deserved warmth and relaxation with this portable heated massage cushion from Menkind. The Local Answer
Simply strap the massage cushion into a chair and use the remote control to start kneading away those irritating knots. Customise your settings and choose a level suited for your aches. Not only will the massage cushion get rid of all that built-up tension, but it will also increase circulation, helping you feel more alert. Time your sessions with the timer button, making it feel as though you have your own personal masseuse.
Microsoft Arc Microsoft Arc Bluetooth Bluetooth Mouse M ouse John Lewis: £69 This snazzy little gizmo is designed to switch on once it’s in your palm and turn off when it’s used up too much energy. If your fingers are feeling the chill, this mouse will keep them cosy whilst also connecting via Bluetooth for wireless use. Scroll both vertically and horizontally, with a wireless range of up to 10 meters. If you’re working on the go, this little mouse will let you easily connect your device and scroll away on any surface. So whether you’re sat in the office, on the train or in a cafe, you’ll have power at your fingertips. To advertise call 01242 510500
Sony S Sony SRS-XB22 RS-XB22 Wireless W ireless Speaker Speaker John Lewis: £74.99 Small and compact, this niftty wireless speaker is the ideal gizmo, whether you are indoors, outdoors or on the move. Use the Sony Music Center App on your smart device (available on iOS and Android) to get the Live Sound Mode for a 3D audio, and utilise your DJ skills by adding sound effects by tapping the speaker. Yo You can also play with the lighting in tune with the music, making it feel even more like your own at-home club. With up to 12 hours of nonstop music, the Sony SRS-XB22 will keep everyone entertained. This stylish gadget is even waterproof, so it can be submerged in 1-metre deep water for up to 30 minutes. And, just as an extra bonus, it’s dust-proof!
Page 43
Word W ord S Search earch H G W D C J E U S Q E S P M O W R P B G X I A Q
O Z N C U E T Z H K E Y C G T D Y E G T B V D E
T G Z I L J I O O G X U S A X M T T A U O K N A
C J G D Z H H V V G X D L E R A F L B W O B Y O
H G D Q E E W P E X B B E Z N F S N N Y T W A G
O U X L F B E K L W D F D R W Y D N H B S J I M
C C N S D P A R I M L G E H S K E Y V B U J K K
O O T F R O S T F G J B G N I I K S D S X Q I G
L T U A H S U Q I X I K O L S Y Q A X T Q H C R
A M B D E E O O C H T D W S E E K O K Q B Z A Z
T J Y J Z V M H P Z Z B R F G V S M T O Z Q H B
E A Z A P O I T X Z K K U R F D X D V X U C X E
I C O C Q L U F W N J I N T T X K J T J A F L D
R C C C L G W W S A I F W C E H O Q K P W H A T
A Q E Y F S O I V E U F L B C K X Z J O V J E U
E S O S X P L C N B N K P J Q Y C W D F T E L Y
B N J C K S W Q O T Q J E X B P P A O R Z N S H
R G A C H A P G D S E E H M N B T Z J F A B A Z
A J B C S E T S K Q D R O X N A G G O B O T H S
L Z P C N R Y I J G X L H B C C G C B I N W N U
O O F G S W L X N H X O D N C V X F Q K H O R N
P O U J S I V L C G M N J O B J S M A Q W W U C
T I F I R E P L A C E H L R Y T J G C R X J Y O
N Y X G I H N N J U S D L F U H Y J U M P E R G
W Winter inter BOOTS CHILLY COAT COLD CUDDLE FIREPLACE FREEZING FROST GLOVES
HAT HIBERNATE HOT CHOCOLATE ICE SKATING JACKET JUMPER PENGUIN POLAR BEAR SCARF
SHOVEL SKIING SLED SNOW TOBOGGAN WHITE WINTER
Installers of top quality windows, windows, doors and conserva tories. conservatories. For a free no obligation quotation call
01242 511384
Showroom – Units 40 & 41, Space Business Centre, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9FL
Don’t Don’t look look until until you’ve you’ve finished! finished! S Solutions olutions oon n ‘‘Index Index ooff A Advertisers’ dvertisers’ ppage. age. Page 44
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
EMERGENCY PLUMBER Available 24/7 90-minute Response Time
Female male Plumber umber • Boiler service £50+VAT • Landlord gas safety check £50+VAT • Boiler breakdowns and repairs • Boiler installations • General plumbing and plumbing maintenance
GRP Electrical Current Emergency Plumber of the Year
DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL
Getting ready for the dark nights with external security lighting • Rewires • Fault finding • Showers • Inspection & testing • Distribution board upgrades FREE ESTIMATES, NO CALL OUT CHARGE
Mobile:
0 07880 7880 258158 258158 kerry@thefemaleplumber.co.uk
RHODES CARPENTRY CAN ASSIST YOU WITH ALL YOUR CARPENTRY AND BUILDING NEEDS
10% OFF EVERYTHING
for work booked and carried out before 30th November 2019
01452 690650 • 01242 649642 www.grpelectricalltd.co.uk
Page 46
sional plumber Fully insured No job too small
q
T: T: 001452 1452 4452002 52002 E: E: Office@gloucesterplumb.co.uk Office@gloucesterplumb.co.uk www.gloucesterplumb.co.uk w ww.gloucesterplumb.co.uk LTD
07900 923888
Kerry rry Baker Baker
• Heating installations • Complete bathroom installations • Gas Safe and Oftec (oil) registered • Free no obligation quotations
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
07870 586701 lee@rhodescarpentry.co
The Local Answer
Page 48
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
K Keep eep u up p tto o d ate o n date on ssocial ocial media! media!
ELITE LOFT FT FT LADDERS Safe and easy access
LLOFT OFT LADDERS LADDERS SUPPLIED SUPPLIED & INSTALLED INSTALLED LLOFT OFT HATCHES HATCHES EENLARGED NLARGED 01452 526040 07972 777876
@ @thelocalanswer thelocalanswer
mark@eliteloftladders.co.uk www.eliteloftladders.co.uk
BM BM SERVICES SERVICES Window, Window, Door Door & Conservatory Conservatory R Repairs epairs
A sspecialist pecialist rrepair epair sservice ervice ffor or w windows, i n d o w s, d doors o o rs a and nd conservatories conservatories w with ith o over ver 4 40 0 yyears’ ears’ e experience. xperience. Misted glass Handles Misted g lass • Locks Locks • Hinges Hinges • Handles Seals Conservatory Roof Cleaning leaning Seals • C onservatory R oof C For For ffree ree quotes quotes a and nd a rreliable, eliable, ffriendly riendly sservice: ervice: Am member ember o off Call: 07963 217998 21 7 9 9 8 Call: 07963 E mail: b arrieminett@mail.com Email: barrieminett@mail.com W eb: w ww.bm-services-glos.co.uk Web: www.bm-services-glos.co.uk VERY V ERY C COMPETITIVE OMPETITIVE PRICES PRICES
STEVEN
Money Money Matters Matters w with ith R Roger oger D Downes ownes o off A Andorran ndorran
“I “I hate hate technology” technology” It’s one of the most widely-used phrases in my office and it’s not just me, as the old man of the team, who can be heard to mutter it! This month I suffered an e-intruder, who briefly took over my e-mail account. Fortunately, my IT support team were on the case in minutes and had re-taken control inside half an hour with no obvious loss of personal data or lasting damage. But it was another reminder of just how much we rely on technology and how vulnerable we are to it. For the half an hour I was without my PC, I had to find something else to do. I looked at my ‘to do’ list and decided that only a couple of items involved me being away from my machine. I had to talk to people! I think they were almost as happy as me that ‘normal service’ was restored so quickly. At a headline level, technology has been changing the way in which businesses operate for decades now. The simple technology of vehicles that could move goods more quickly than boats and planes, taking them direct to your doorstep rather than a depot or port is often ignored as a major technological advance, but it was definitely an early part of the technology revolution.
Domestic and Industrial Skips
R Running unning sscared cared o off robots robots ttaking aking our our jobs jobs
ATTENTION! A TTENTION!
Mechanising processes previously carried out by human beings quickly followed and those affected had to adapt in order to survive generally. We were all running scared of robots taking our jobs. More recent advances have been in the name of improving living standards for all of us, but there is still a fall-out from these advances. Online banking has caused widespread closure of local branches and internet shopping has had a similar effect on the High Street. And it shows no signs of abating. The latest changes have hit businesses in a different way, with HMRC demanding VAT returns via digital software despite businesses, HMRC themselves and notably software providers being badly under-prepared. This will lead to more changes in my accounting practice in due course as Making Tax Digital is rolled out to other taxes. And “I hate technology” will be heard even more often at Andorran Towers!
Let us lighten your load! Stevens Recycling
Ham Villa Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6NB
01242 522647/529397
stevensrecycling584@gmail.com The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 4
IIndex ndex o off A Advertisers dvertisers FFOOD OOD & D DRINK RINK Cafe Rene The Fountain Inn
4 4
IINFORMATION NFORMATION Police & Crime Commissioner Annual Report 13
W WHAT’S HAT’S ON ON EVENTS & A EVENTS ATTRACTIONS TTRACTIONS Burley Fields Lakes Fireworks 21 Nature in Art 23
H HEALTH EALTH & BEAUTY BEAUTY Fab Feet 6 V Jeavons Mobile Foot Clinic 6 Wings of Health 6
H HOLIDAYS OLIDAYS & TRAVEL TRAVEL JustGo! Holidays Howard Trravel
16 16
R RETAIL ETAIL Assured Mobility AW Fireplaces Brewers Ermin Plant Hire The Grooms Room Vinyl Records
6 36 36 32 6 23
H HOMES OMES & G GARDENS ARDENS BATHROOMS BATHROOMS Lifestyle Bathrooms 10 Severn Vale Bathrooms 25 & 51 BUILDING BUILDING SERVICES SERVICES A1 Roofing 30
28 BE Rudman C&G Paving 28 Care Construction 31 Elite Loft Ladders 49 30 Ellis Property Solutions 29 Glos Build 28 Home Care Roofing 30 JHD Roofing & Building 30 Marshalls Driveways 31 Pave-Drive Skyline Roofing & Property 31 CARPENTRY CARPENTRY Rhodes Carpentry 46 CLEANING SERVICES CLEANING S ERVICES Oven & Range cleaning 38 Ovenbusters 38 ELECTRICAL SERVICES ELECTRICAL S ERVICES GRP Electrical 46 FURNISHING APPLIANCES FURNISHING & A PPLIANCES Bella’s Interiors 36 Designex Cabinets Ltd 12 Dream Doors 39 Gloucester Carpet Outlet 42 Interior Needs 40 GARDEN GARDEN SERVICES SERVICES Chosen Lawnmower 32 Services 2 Easigrass 31 Grass Scape 34 GS Landscape Solutions 34 Joe & Jamie 32 Lawn Doc Lawn Man & Trree Fella 32
Mark Clifford Landscapes 34 34 Master Sheds 34 Phoenix Gardens Rob Cockburn Tree & Hedge 34 Southwest Landscapes 32 32 Woodlands Landscapes HANDYMAN HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVICES Big Job Little Job 30 HEATING HEATING & PLUMBING PLUMBING Emergency Plumber 46 Gloucester Plumbing 46 KB Female Plumber 46 Sarsen Energy 38 PAINTING PAINTING & DECORATING DECORATING Michelle Powell Decorator 38 AERIALS TTV V&A ERIALS 5 1st Choice Aerials WINDOWS, DOORS W INDOWS, D OORS & C ONSERVATORIES CONSERVATORIES AJ Windows 45 Albany Windows 44 & 52 BM Services 49
C&L Windows Clearway Windows
46 & 47 48
PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SERVICES ANIMAL SERVICES SERVICES ANIMAL Cats Protection CARE SERVICES C ARE S ERVICES Barnwood Trrust Bramble Home Care Coate Water Care Saintbridge House EDUCATION EDUCATION Sir Thomas Rich’s School MOTORING SERVICES M OTORING S ERVICES Julian Rogers Autoservices PUBLISHING PUBLISHING Guy Sheppard REMOVAL REMOVAL SERVICES SERVICES Little White Van Man SKIP SKIP HIRE HIRE & RECYCLING RECYCLING Stevens Recycling
24 14 8 8 8 5 16 22 5 49
TToo advertise advertise in in print print or or online online please 510500 please call call 01242 01242 5 10500 or or to to list list your your business business in in our our brand brand new new online online directory, directory, visit visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk www.thelocalanswer.co.uk and go go to to the the Directory Directory tab. tab. and
P Puzzle uzzle S Solutions olutions O N W A R D U
E
E
U
S
T
L
B
C H
T
S
S E
S
Y
C
N G
O
H
T
I
L
O O
E
M
N
Y
R
E
E
D
C
A
D E
E
S
M
R
A
Y
B
I
T
S U S
A
T
M
L
A M A
E
S
S
H
H G W D C J E U S Q E S P M O W R P B G X I A Q
L
A M
E
D I
P
A C
X
S
I
A
G
E T
I
R
N
N
G O N L
E
I A
E
T
C O A L
D
O
E M B
L O
R U Y
R D
L
A
I K
E
N
O Z N C U E T Z H K E Y C G T D Y E G T B V D E
T G Z I L J I O O G X U S A X M T T A U O K N A
C J G D Z H H V V G X D L E R A F L B W O B Y O
H G D Q E E W P E X B B E Z N F S N N Y T W A G
O U X L F B E K L W D F D R W Y D N H B S J I M
C C N S D P A R I M L G E H S K E Y V B U J K K
O O T F R O S T F G J B G N I I K S D S X Q I G
L T U A H S U Q I X I K O L S Y Q A X T Q H C R
A M B D E E O O C H T D W S E E K O K Q B Z A Z
T J Y J Z V M H P Z Z B R F G V S M T O Z Q H B
E A Z A P O I T X Z K K U R F D X D V X U C X E
I C O C Q L U F W N J I N T T X K J T J A F L D
R C C C L G W W S A I F W C E H O Q K P W H A T
A Q E Y F S O I V E U F L B C K X Z J O V J E U
E S O S X P L C N B N K P J Q Y C W D F T E L Y
B N J C K S W Q O T Q J E X B P P A O R Z N S H
R G A C H A P G D S E E H M N B T Z J F A B A Z
A J B C S E T S K Q D R O X N A G G O B O T H S
L Z P C N R Y I J G X L H B C C G C B I N W N U
O O F G S W L X N H X O D N C V X F Q K H O R N
P O U J S I V L C G M N J O B J S M A Q W W U C
T I F I R E P L A C E H L R Y T J G C R X J Y O
N Y X G I H N N J U S D L F U H Y J U M P E R G
C ompetition W inners Competition Winners The TLA Photography winner for the November 2019 cover is Martin Vincent.
Competition Competition Rules Rules 1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random afftter the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless stated. 7 Proof of posting is not
regarded as proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party. 11 One entry per household.
BOOKING B OOKING D DEADLINE EADLINE FFOR OR N NEXT EXT IISSUE SSUE – M Monday onday 111th 1th N November ovember 22019 019 Page 50
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer