North Glos by The Local Answer

ocal Local The The L

ANSWER A NS W E R

GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S BIGGEST LLOCAL OCAL BIGGEST M AGAZINE MAGAZINE AUGUST AUGUST 2021 2021

N NORTH ORTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE GLOUCESTERSHIRE TTAKE AKE PART PART IN IN OUR OUR SMALL SMALL BUSINESS BUSINESS SUPPORT SUPPORT SURVEY SURVEY

R R S

R Richards & Son Ltd FAMILY BUSINESS

ROOFING & SCAFFOLDING

SPECIALISTS Serving Gloucestershire and beyond

New Roofs ◆ New Builds ◆ Slate, Chimney & Tile Repairs New Valleys ◆ Felt and Battening ◆ Lead Work ◆ Leak Repairs ◆ Rubber Roofing ◆ Fibreglass Roofing ◆ Felt Roofing ◆ Guttering ◆ Soffits ◆ Fascias (range of colours) ◆ Carports ◆

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IIn n partnership partnership w with ith o our ur ssister ister ccompany, ompany, S Severn evern & W Wye ye S Scaffolding, caffolding, w we e ccreate reate a safe safe w working orking e environment nvironment w which hich e enables nables o our ur p professional rofessional tteam eam tto o ffocus ocus on on d delivering elivering a h high igh q quality uality sservice. ervice. T This his iis s more m ore ccost-effective ost-effective tthan han u using sing e external xternal sscaffolders caffolders Se evern vern & Wy ye e and a nd iis s far far m more ore cconvenient onvenient ffor or ccustomers ustomers – tthe he S SCAFFOLDING CAFFOLDING scaffold scaffold is is e erected rected a and nd rremoved emoved iin n a ttimely imely ffashion. ashion.

FREE WRITTEN QUOTATIONS – NO OBLIGATION

LOCAL REFERENCES SUPPLIED

For a friendly, professional service please give us a call:

01432 870957 / 01242 300028 / 07437 016736

www.rrichardsandson.co.uk

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AN ANSWER SWER

North Gloucestershire: Gloucestershire: 220,000 0,000 ccopies opies North C heltenham: 443,000 3,000 ccopies opies Cheltenham: C otswolds: 330,000 0,000 ccopies opies Cotswolds: G loucester: 446,000 6,000 ccopies opies Gloucester: S troud D istrict: 441,000 1,000 ccopies opies Stroud District:

IInside nside tthis his m month onth ... ... Delicious D i sh Delicious Dish 5 TTLA LA Small Small Business Business S upport Survey Survey 5 Support P et C are 6 Pet Care TTLA LA Cover Cover C ompetition 7 Competition LLooking ooking G ood, FFeeling eeling G reat 9 Good, Great Q uick C rossword 1100 Quick Crossword M irror M irror oon n tthe he W al l 1111 Mirror Mirror Wall P arenting & G uardianship 1133 Parenting Guardianship H olidays & TTravel ravel 1155 Holidays M oney M atters 1166 Money Matters S udoku 1166 Sudoku M otoring 1177 Motoring TLA 225% 5% O ff ffor or A dvertisers 118-19 8-19 TLA Off Advertisers H omes & G ardens 2200 Homes Gardens TLA Leaflet Leaflet Distribution Distribution 2244 TLA Gadgets & Gizmos Gizmos 2255 Gadgets TTLA LA D istributors R equired 2244 Distributors Required IIn n tthe he G arden 2277 Garden IInterior nterior D esign 2299 Design W ord Search Search 3322 Word IIndex, ndex, Competitions, Competitions, S olutions 3344 Solutions

U Unit nit H H,, C Churchill hurchill IIndustrial ndustrial EEstate, state, C Churchill hurchill R Road, oad, LLeckhampton, eckhampton, C heltenham, Gloucestershire Gloucestershire G L53 7EG 7EG Cheltenham, GL53

Telephone T elephone 01242 01242 510500 510500 info@thelocalanswer.co.uk info@thelocalanswer.co.uk @thelocalanswer @ thelocalanswer

www.thelocalanswer.co.uk w ww.thelocalanswer.co.uk

W elcome Welcome ttoo A ugust August Many of us will be staycationing this year, but if you’re missing the smell of the sea breeze and the feeling of sand between your toes, why not try some of Gill Greenwell’s interior tips for creating a modern coastal style in your home? Alternatively, if you’re keen to get away in the UK, Al Hidden shares his trip to Dartmouth with us, including challenging walks and stunning views. After a year off in 2020, our Cover Competition is back! If you are a budding photographer and would like the chance to have your image on one of our 2022 covers, check out the competition details inside. We e’re also running a survey to determine how interested the public are in spending with and supporting small, independent businesses. Details are under the Delicious Dish and there is a chance to win a £50 voucher for taking part. Finally, we have a competition on our website for Frampton Country Fair with three pairs of tickets up for grabs. Head online to enter – www.thelocalanswer.co.uk/competitions.aspx

If you use the services of any of our advertisers, please tell them you found them in The Local Answer!

Contacts C ontacts DIRECTOR MANAGING MANAGING DIRECTOR Dave Kingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk MARKETING & EDITORIAL EDITORIAL MARKETING Lois Kingscott lois@thelocalanswer.co.uk ACCOUNTS ACCOUNTS Rob Kingscott (01242 541071) accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk ADVERTISING ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: ENQUIRIES: info@thelocalanswer.co.uk LEAFLET LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES: ENQUIRIES: leaflets@thelocalanswer.co.uk DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES: ENQUIRIES: distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk Page 3

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Colesbourne, Cheltenham GL53 L53 9NP 9NP 0 01242 1242 870120 870120

GUY SHEPPARD

The Raven & The Crow

Jaimie can’t breathe. Jaimie can t speak. i m. Other patients are sick. Other patients can’t help h coming’.’. coming s is i l i v e devil d e h t ‘the ‘ s y a says s o h who w n e v a raven r a s t u r t struts s t s e h chest c s i his h n On O the Intensive Care n i s k e e w g n i d n e p s r e t f a l a n o i Doctors insist he is delus urvived Covid-19. Unit of his local Gloucestershire hospital, having s mas k ke mask beak-like and beak-li PPE and full PPE in full dressed in ne dresse someone sees someo he sees night he Next Next night te… opposite… bed opposi the bed in the Ivona in called Ivona woman called young woman attack attack a young earch the wards, she When Detective Sergeant Alison Ellis arrives to s s talk of crime and ou i t i t s r e p u s s ’ e i m i a J y l e r u S . r finds no violent intrude r who lives in a care folklore is as confused as her own elderly fathe ho me? all.’ us all.’ kill us will kill Crow will ‘The Crow out ‘The cries out Ivona cries dying Ivona the dying Except the Excep the crow-man f o y r e t s y m e h t e v l o s p l e h o t d r i b l a e r Can Ellis enlist a ? s e i d before anybody else v e? detective? play detecti ever play raven ever Can a raven Can

lable from Amazon in ebook and Paperback

Cotswold Country Dining Locally sourced meats, fresh fish and vegetables.

Summer Lunch Traditional Sunday Lunch Private P rivate D Dining ining R Room oom

Ideal Ideal for for p parties arties of of all al l o occasions ccasions including including birthdays, birthdays, anniversaries anniversaries and and g get-togethers et-togethers w with ith friends. friends. N No oh hire ire ccost! ost! S U P E R B D I N I N G – E X C E L L E N T VA L U E

w www.oldrectoryrestaurant.co.uk w w. o l d re c t o r y re s t a u r a n t . c o . u k

THE MAYFLOWER

RESTAURANT A relaxed and safe dining experience

With a fully air-conditioned restaurant and seating capacity reduced by 40%, you can dine with us in a safe, relaxed environment. If you are not ready to join us in our restaurant, you can still enjoy your favourite dishes in the comfort of your own home with our Take-away service. We hope you are all staying safe and well, and hope to see you for a dine-in meal or take-away very soon.

Safe & Simple Takeaways

Visit www.themayflowerrestaurant.co.uk and select your favourite dishes from our Take-Away Menu. Telephone 01242 522426 to place your order and pay when you collect. OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday, 12-2pm & 5pm onward and closed on Sunday. Lunch Menu available from Monday to Friday. We are also open on Bank Holiday Monday (30th August). Take-Away service available at all times. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates about our opening times. These will be changeable depending on lockdown restrictions.

32-34 Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3NX – 01242 522426

www.themayflowerrestaurant.co.uk

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The Local Answer

Delicious Delicious Dish Dish with w ith H Helen elen K Kingscott ingscott

Cinnamon Cinnamon plum plum cake cake Fill your with F ill y our kkitchen itchen w ith tthe he wonderful off w onderful sscent cent o and enjoy ccinnamon innamon a nd e njoy tthis his llight, ight, ffruity ruity ssponge! ponge!

IIngredients: ngredients: 6 large plums, halved and stones removed 2tsp cinnamon 110g softened butter 200g caster sugar 2 eggs 190g plain flour 1tsp grated lemon zest 1tbsp lemon juice 3 tbsp milk 1tsp baking powder Pinch of salt

M Method: ethod: 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/gas mark 4). 2 Grease and line a 20cm springform tin. 3 Whisk the butter and all but 2tbsp of the caster sugar until pale and fluffy. 4 Beat the eggs and slowly add to the butter mixture a bit at a time. 5 Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl, then add the lemon zest, lemon

juice and milk and fold through gently. Pour into the tin. 6 Mix the remaining sugar and cinnamon together then toss the plum halves in until well coated. Place cut side down on top of the cake mixture. 7 Cook for approximately 50

minutes, until golden brown on top and a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool slightly before removing from the tin. 8 Cut into eight wedges and serve warm. Also delicious the next day when the plums have soaked into the cake.

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Page 5

P Pet et C Care are w ith O liver W ilkinson with Oliver Wilkinson o ragon V et C entre off D Dragon Vet Centre

The The dog dog that that couldn’t couldn’t walk walk I was recently faced with an all too common and tragic scenario; a dachshund dog that had suddenly lost the use of its back legs. The dog had gone from being slightly wobbly on its hindquarters to being paralysed and unable to feel its back feet over a period of only 24 hours. This was an emergency situation and a CT scan confirmed that an intervertebral disc had prolapsed and was compressing the dog’s spinal cord. The chance of recovery for this dog without surgery was only 10%. Intervertebral disc disease can occur in any dog breed but some, like the characterful dachshund, are more prone than others. As many as 25% of dachshunds will suffer from disc disease in their lifetime – 20% of those will likely require surgery. The intervertebral disc is the cushion between the bones of the backbone. It has a firm outer layer and a soft inner layer. What happens in the dachshund is that the outer layer becomes calcified (hardened) and brittle, and allows the soft inner part of the disc to burst through and squash the sensitive nervous tissue in the spinal column.

Ah highly ighly d delicate elicate p procedure rocedure The challenge with surgery is getting access to the damaged area to remove the prolapsed disc material to decompress the spinal cord. Essentially, the spinal cord is encased within the centre of the bones of the spinal column (the vertebrae). The only way to operate on a prolapsed disc is to use a high-speed orthopaedic burr to very carefully drill away the bone on the side of the vertebrae until the spinal cord is reached. It is a highly delicate procedure and one slip of the burr would cause irreversible damage. These are highly stressful and risky operations and I always feel a great sense of trepidation when I have to tackle this difficult procedure. In this case I was confident that I hadn’t caused any damage when I reached the point where t he spinal cord was exposed, and it was a relief to discover that there was a large amount of disc material that I could carefully remove. Within 48 hours the dog was able to weight bear with only a little assistance, and was trying to walk within three days. It often takes many weeks for a dog to fully recover from a serious disc prolapse but, in this case, I am hopeful my patient will go on to make a good recovery.

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TTewkesbury ewkesburryy Dragon Vets Tewkesbury is fully equipped with a sterile operating theatre, digital radiography, ultrasonography and laboratory equipment. Drop in and have a look around. You will see many of the same friendly faces from our main surgery at Dragon Vets Cheltenham. You can book your visits and pick up pet supplies, food or medications at either surgery if it’s more convenient.

OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 9am- 6.30pm & SATURDAY 9am-10.30am 31 Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PD

w www.dragonvet.co.uk ww.dragonvet.co.uk

01684 01684 2 217 17 7 708 08

OPEN SATURDAY 9AM-12 NOON Prestbury Park , New Barn Lane, Cheltenham GL50 4SH

T: 01242 580324 w www.dragonvet.co.uk ww.dragonvet.co.uk

2244 H HOUR OUR EEMERGENCY MERGENCY ~ 001242 1242 5522022 22022

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BECOME A COVER STAR! The TLA Photography cover competition is back! If you’re a keen photographer and would like the opportunity for us to consider your photo to be published on our front cover, now’s your chance! We are running a competition over the next few months to find the cover photos for our 2022 publications, excluding the month of December. We’re looking for food, animals, plants, everyday objects, landscapes and more to represent the four seasons of the year. The winner for each month will have their photo published on the front cover of 180,000 magazines distributed throughout Gloucestershire.

Image Criteria:

How to enter:

• The image subject must be local to Gloucestershire and relevant to the whole county. • Must have a specific focal point, which fits within a square shape. • Must have a colour contrast in order for us to select a colour theme for the month (the colour used on the front cover and various pages throughout the magazine). • Entrants may submit one image per month for up to three months of the year – you must specify which month you wish the image to be used for. Any additional images will be ignored.

Send your image(s) along with your name, address and telephone number stating ‘TLA Photography 2022’ to the following email: photography@thelocalanswer.co.uk. We cannot accept postal entries. Any photos sent in the post may not be returned. The closing date for entries is Sunday 17th October 2021. Entries received after midnight on this date will not be accepted.

Image Specifications: • High quality resolution – 300dpi (dots per inch) – and a minimum of 20cm wide when cropped. • We can only accept file sizes up to a maximum of 10mb and JPEGs are preferred. If you are successful we may ask if you have a larger version to send us, so please keep your original files.

Competition Rules: In addition to our usual competition rules (found below our Index of Advertisers), the image must be an original and owned by the entrant. Entrants must seek the permission of any people, or the owners of any property, featured in the photograph. We will accept photographs from professionals, though there will be a maximum of three professional winners, with the other eight winners being amateurs. In the case that we receive no entries for any month of the year, or none of a high enough quality, The Local Answer will supply an image for the cover in that month. The Local Answer reserves the right to exclude any photographs they believe may have been excessively edited. The entrant must not have used their images for any other competition or publication in the UK. Winning Entrants will be expected to comply with additional terms and conditions related to The Local Answer’s right to publish.

Shipton Shipton G Golf olf C Course ourse

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The Local Answer

Looking Looking Good, Good, F Feeling eeling Great Great with w ith W Will ill M Mbanga banga

The The role role of of carbohydrates carbohydrates aand nd ffats ats in in your your nutrition nutrition plan plan Carbohydrates (carbs) and fats are very important for muscle recovery and traditionally get a bad rap because of their potential for weight gain problems. Carbs are important for replenishing glycogen stores, which aid in providing muscles with energy, and there is evidence to suggest that they also play a role in optimising protein absorption in muscles. The amount you should consume depends on how active you are. For fairly sedentary people, 3-5 grams per kg of bodyweight may be enough carbohydrate to ensure healthy functioning and stable weight. For people focusing on fat loss in addition to building muscle, carbs should also be lowered proportionally and, ideally, complex carbs should be incorporated, as these supply the most ‘pound for pound’ nutrition of all carbs in supporting the recovery process. For the more active person, 810 grams per kg of bodyweight may be necessary to supply the body enough energy on an active recovery day (i.e. a nontraining or light training day involving low intensity exercise).

We We associate associate fatty fatty ffoods oods a as s ‘‘bad’ bad’ When it comes to addressing fat intake, a lot of people switch off because we have become conditioned to automatically associate fatty foods as ‘bad’, which is only half of the story. Healthy fats are an important part of a balanced diet and should typically account for The Local Answer

between 20-35% of your total caloric intake. This range is variable depending on training goals and nutritional needs. Your fat intake on recovery days should be based on one of two options; you either lower your fat intake because you know you’re going to be less active, especially if weight-loss is a focus. Alternatively, you look at it as a recovery day and build in the option to have ‘cheat meals’ (and risk the temptation of over-indulging). Either way, it’s important to remember that there is a difference between healthy and unhealthy fats. Healthy fats include those found naturally in foods such as avocados, nuts, meat and olive oil for example, while unhealthy fats tend to be those found in processed foods (those yummy cakes, cookies, and crisps we love so much!). In addition to these two important macronutrients, ensuring you have adequate amounts of

the ‘Macro-nificent Seven’ (protein, carbs, fat, dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and water) is key to optimising the relationship between your training goals and outcomes.

E Ensure nsure an an appropriate appropriate iintake ntake of of macronutrients macronutrients For some people, calorie counting and measuring macros is useful – for others, not so much! Either way, ensuring that your intake of appropriate levels of all macronutrients is sufficient for your exercise intensity, training goals and maintaining a balanced diet is critical. By optimising recovery day nutrition alongside your overall nutrition plan, you will give yourself the very best chance of meeting your training goals through being fuelled/refuelled for your next training session, providing sufficient nutrients for muscle growth and repair, and maintaining your exercise intensity levels.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 

Quick Crossword 2

ACROSS DOWN 1 Benefactor 1 Arctic (region) 2 Line of rotation 7 Exonerated 3 Gifted 8 Leg bone 4 Weaving 10 Improve machines efficiency of 5 Evasion 12 Proximity 6 Verb modifier 14 Ewe’s young 9 Make amends 16 Dock 11 Medical support 17 Clearly expressed worker 20 Trees retaining 13 Gender foliage 15 Tribal groups 23 Rescued 16 Nauseated 24 More slender 18 Barters 25 Giant monsters 19 Spy, secret ... 21 Optic organs 22 Performed in opera

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AFTER The Local Answer

Mirror Mirror Mirror Mirror on on tthe he Wall Wall w with ith V Val al S Starr tarr

Fabulous F abulous feet feet Feet are our foundation, but sadly they are often overlooked as they are not always on display, particularly in cooler climates. August is perhaps a good time to reconsider how we look after this important foundation. To put it into perspective, if you live to an average age of eighty, with a daily step count of 7,500 – the amount of a moderately active person – you will have walked over 210 million steps in your lifetime (taking out the baby and toddler years)! We expect so much from our feet and often give so little, so maybe now is the time to start a ‘love your feet’ regime?

P Podiatry odiatry This is the treatment of the foot and ankle, often carried out by a professional, but some of the recommendations they offer are suitable for you to do at home. Foot hygiene is imperative, particularly during hot weather. In the shower or after exercise, wash thoroughly in between your toes and dry well afterwards. Moisturise your feet

generously to avoid dry,, cracked heels – the older we get, the more heels tend to dry out, causing cracks and sometimes leading to infections. Why not get some breathable cotton socks, which are not too tight on the ankles, add a good layer of emollient or foot cream and sleep in them. The next morning you’ll have soft, happy feet.

Shoes S hoes Try to choose footwear with a slight lift, even slippers, as flat, thin-soled footwear can cause heel pain. Trainers are now acceptable virtually everywhere, prominently featured on all the catwalk shows. From functional to glamorous, you can have comfortable feet and still look good!

Nails N ails Cutting nails correctly is crucial; you need to follow the natural curve of the nail and never over-cut or cut down the sides of your nails. This can be painful and lead to ingrown nails, which we need to avoid. If you do experience irritation from over-cutting, a warm salt The Local Answer

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foot bath may offer some relief and help speed up healing.

Nail Nail polish polish Many of us like a polished nail, especially in the summer when we often wear open toed shoes and sandals. Polish should not be left on for longer than a week, as most contain chemicals which, if left on for too long, can cause corrosion of the nails. Nail bars are a popular place to go for a pedicure, however it is imperative they work to approved hygiene standards. The equipment used should be new for each client. At home, nourish the cuticles as you would the rest of your hands – a good almond oil is effective. Always apply a base coat to avoid yellowing of the nails, and to help the polish last longer with minimal chipping. Remember, the darker the shade of nail polish, the easier it is to see when it is chipped. Our precious feet respond well to TLC, so try to make footcare a regular addition to your beauty regime. After all, hopefully we have many more miles to walk, so let’s walk them on happy feet! Page 11

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P Parenting arenting & G Guardianship uardianship w with ith R Roberta oberta S Smart mart

B Breast reast iiss b best, est, o orr iis s iit? t? It’s the oldest argument in the proverbial parenting book: is breastfeeding truly best for baby? But in this article I am asking a different question – is breastfeeding best for Mum? Of course, we understand that breast milk is created especially for the job, constantly available, free, needs no preparation and provides all of a new baby’s nutrition. But at what cost?

For F or m many any m mums ums b breastreastffeeding eeding iisn’t sn’t doable doable Personally, I happily breastfed both of my children for the first year, but I didn’t return to work quickly and I had no other calls on my time. I was able to literally sit and feed for hours on end without much aggravation, but for many mums that just isn’t doable. For a lone parent, working mum or otherwise stressed mother, maybe with several children to care for, the very idea of breastfeeding might

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feel overwhelming. Some are simply unable to breastfeed. So what are the benefits of ‘supplementary feeding’ or ‘bottle feeding’ for a new mum? Well for one, it isn’t all on you to provide for your baby. You can literally let any trusted person (partner, grandma, best mate) hold your baby and give them a feed, maybe even whilst you are having a nap! Bliss! Secondly, you can feed anywhere without fear of stigma or criticism, because yes, there are still people out there who seem to think that breastfeeding is disgusting and should be hidden away. Somehow the image of a small person sucking on a bottle is not quite so alarming to them, and if you are particularly socially anxious you may want to avoid all and every possibility of being attacked in public. Sad but true! Working mums can feel very torn at leaving their baby, so often choose to To advertise call 01242 510500

breast-feed for the first few months, to support bonding and initial growth, before moving onto bottles as they return to the workplace (or, more recently, their laptop). And when it comes to babysitting, you can feel happy in the knowledge that your baby is safe and well-fed, without the need to hurriedly express before you leave or panic to get home in time to feed them. Let’s face it, if you want any kind of social life, breastfeeding kinda cramps your style!

Choose Choose w what hat is is right right ffor or you you In summary, you must choose what is right for you. Whether you decide to exclusively breastfeed, supplement with a bottle, or just go straight to formula, you can create a routine that fits both your life and your temperament. Because at the end of the day, a happy, healthy mum is paramount in order to raise a happy, healthy baby, and that’s all anybody wants, right? Page 1

Holidays H olidays & Travel Travel w with ith A All H Hidden idden

D Dart art V Valley alley delights delights As we climb steadily, the sign by the footpath warns of basking adders. To our left, billowing steam from another train rises ethereally between sunlit oaks and beeches. Beyond, another glimpse of sparkling estuary and moored yachts heralds the vistas ahead. We’re heading for Greenway House, onetime haunt of Sir Walter Raleigh and more recently, holiday home for the queen of detecti ve fiction, Dame Agatha Christie. Earlier, we began our walk beside the sheltered estuary – one of Britain’s best natural harbours. Moments later, driver and passengers waving, a Kingswearbound steam locomoti ve and

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its rake of cream and chocolate carriages evoked a bygone age. The smell of the coast, sylvan slopes, bobbing yachts, steam trains and the magnificence of Britannia Royal Naval College across Dartmouth Harbour define the 10-mile Dartmouth Greenway round walk…

IIn n Agatha Agatha C Christie’s hristie’s ffootsteps ootsteps In 30 0-acre National Trust grounds where Christie once plotted Poirot’s adventures, we picnic on a log and gaze back towards Kingswear and Dartmouth just across the water. By afftternoon’s end, we’ll be guzzling Devon ice cream by the town’s beautifully restored Grade 2 Listed bandstand. But fir st, our walk only half done, we must tak e to the water. Ringing Greenway Quay’s famous bell summons a tiny launch that whisks us over to Dittisham – locals say ‘Ditcham’. Today, with picnics packed, we resist the waterside temptations of the Ferry Boat and Red Lion pubs and continue up steep Manor Street. Maybe another time: the reviews and the food on pack ed tables both look good.

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Unfolding Unfolding estuary estuary views views Paradoxically, continuing another typically South Devonian c l i m b b r i n g s u s t o Lo w e r Dittisham. Higher still, and with more unfolding estuary views, we reach Fire Beacon Hill. Here, a weathered fire basket atop its pole marks the site of a beacon that signalled the Spanish Armada’s sighting in 1588. Then we descend, contouring down to sle epy Old Mill Cre ek before making one last ascent to Darrttmouth’s hilltop suburb of Townstal. Afftter that, it’s down again through narrow streets and stepped alleys to the bustling water side and that well-deserved ice cream – or something more substantial in Dartmouth’s former station, one that never saw trains – before catching the ferry back to Kingswear. Though sun-wor shipping adder s eluded us, a stunning walk gifted myriad amazing views and rich insight into estuary history. No wonder every Dartmouth estate agent’s window was bloody with ‘Sold’ tags. Whether you’re luck y enough to li ve here or just exploring for a day, the Dart Estuary’s delights are irresistible.

Page 15

Money Money Matters Matters w with ith R Roger oger D Downes ownes o off A Andorran ndorran

S State tate p pension ension

Sudoku S udoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

For some people, the state pension is all they have to look forward to as income in later life. For others it’s a helpful top up to their workplace pension, savings income, etc. Either way, it’s an important issue both for those in receipt of it and the government that has to finance it. Under a manifesto promise, the current government has pledged to increase pensions in line with inflation, measured in the highest of three ways. One of these is wage rate inflation, which is currently much higher than the others as a quirk of the runout of the pandemic. Forecasts are anything between 5 and 8%. At the upper end of that range it would cost the Treasury around £3bn more than their forecasts, a staggering amount for them to have to find when they are working out how to fund their covid support programmes. So does the government stick with its manifesto pledge and find other ways of financing its recent spending or dispense with the ‘triple lock’ as the inflation promise is generally known? It may be a one-year only blip, with the increase returning to ‘normal’ levels next year. If the government could be sure it is, I think they would opt to retain the system, rather than risk the political fallout from going back on their promise.

A ‘hot ‘hot potato’ potato’ for for the the g government overnment It’s a commitment that divides public opinion. Pensioners argue it’s crucial to them coping with rising costs and point out the UK state pension is amongst the least generous in Europe. I’m surprised at that statistic, but apparently it’s true. Opponents of the triple lock argue the majority of people drawing state pension have other incomes and don’t need the security of the inflation guarantee. Goodness knows who is right, but it is a real ‘hot potato’ for the government. The cost of providing state pensions is clearly something that troubles our politicians, enough for the current government to offer the guarantee as part of its strategy for winning the Election. Successive governments have looked at ways of reducing the annual outlay, including equalisation of pension ages for men and women, extending the qualifying age from 65 to 66 (and soon 67) and increasing the number of years you need to pay in before you qualify for a full pension. It’s a ‘hot potato’, that’s for sure, and one that will burn the hands of those trying to catch it for generations to come. Page 16

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Motoring M otoring w with ith T Toby oby A Aiken iken

Aw wolf olf in in sheep’s sheep’s clothing? clothing? Let’s face it, there are countless reviews of the RS4, Audi’s monstrously powerful estate, that describe how it handles around a track; the wolf of a V6 in the sheep’s clothing of a family estate, but it’s that second element that I think need a little closer inspection. If this truly is what it is hyped as, then it should be able to function as a family wagon as well as a track weapon. So does the car live up to the brief? Surprisingly (and thankfully, considering it costs north of eighty thousand pounds) the answer appears to be yes.

A tthorough horough ttest est iincluding ncluding m motorways, otorways, k kids ids a and nd B B-roads -roads Naturally, in investigating this, a trip to my parents’ in North Devon over half term was called for to give it a thorough test, including motorways, kids, traffic, B-roads, the no to rio us g radien t of P orlo ck Hill, and even the roughest of unsurfaced farm tracks that included potholes deep enough to swim in and the odd meandering sheep. I am surprised to be able to say that the RS4 took it all in its very capable stride and ate up the miles, spitting out a growl from the exhausts as it went. Oh, and it ate up quite a lot of petrol too, given the V6 is in 2.9 litre twin turbo form with four-wheel drive. One more thing about the engine before I move on – I think someone at Audi went a little to far on the theme of ‘4’… It’s an RS4, with 4-wheel The Local Answer

drive, and the power output? Allegedly 444bhp. Seems a little convenient to me, but attention to detail is important!

A Audi’s udi’s g great reat iinfotainment nfotainment system system The cabin is everything you would expect – properly premium materials abound, incredibly comfortable and supportive seats and Audi’s great infotainment system. The rear seat legroom is also good, making it a strong contender for a family car (if you can live with the fuel economy), as does the three zone climate control, so the kids in the back can adjust their temperature zone independently of both front seat passengers, who can also set their own preference. So it works as a family car, and can handle pretty much any terrain you throw it at. I did take it very carefully on To advertise call 01242 510500

the rough roads and while it didn’t feel like it was threatening to ground out at any point, it must have been close. What I was most worried about was the alloys. The RS4 has a very aggressive, wide stance, and while the arches flair to accommodate the huge wheels, the low-profile tyres and grey multi-spoke alloys meant I was convinced I was going to grind them to pieces on potholes, curbs and pretty much anything else.

Fantastic Fantastic cameras cameras make make it it easy easy to to park park But in fairness, despite the width of the car, it is really quite driveable and the fantastic cameras (360 degree aerial view type thing) make it easy to park too. Just keep in mind that having paid out more than £80k, the fuel economy you’re likely to get is in the mid to low 20s… ouch! Page 1

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G Gadgets adgets & G Gizmos izmos w with ith L Laura aura N Nicklin icklin

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W Wireless ireless C Charger harger C Clock lock Menkind.co.uk: £40 What’s better than a digital alarm clock? If you’re more of a multitasker, then the answer is a 2-in-1 digital alarm clock and wireless charger. Actually, it also includes a built-in night light, so technically it’s a 3-in-1! With its handy wireless charging dock, you can avoid messy wires getting tangled up and taking over your nightstand. The Wireless Charger Clock also provides ambient mood lighting with three modes to choose from, so you can make your room feel even more like your own personal oasis. Save yourself the mess – and money – by getting one of these snazzy gadgets that will make for a very practical accessory for your room.

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IIn n tthe he Garden Garden w with ith JJulia ulia S Smith mith

Keep Keep plants plants well-fed well-fed aand nd w watered atered Hopefully this month will see you harvesting plenty of beans and tomatoes, or coming back from holiday and finding the tiny little courgette you left on has now assumed the proportions of a very large barrage balloon! If you are going away and haven’t got anyone to water your pots, move them to a shady position – I used to use an old rigid paddling pool and put some water in it just to tide them over.

R Replant eplant a tthird hird o off y your our sstock tock e every very y year ear Strawberries decline after two or three years, so it is good practice to replant a third of your stock every year. You could buy them in or you could use the runners produced towards the end of the season by pegging them down. Do this either into the soil or into small pots of compost like John Innes No.1, using bits of wire coat hangers to make a Ushaped piece about 15cm in length.

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Plant up your new runners as soon as they have rooted, but at least by the second week in September to give them a good start next year.

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Get Get ahead ahead of of the the game game for for winter winter Plant ‘Paperwhite’ narcissi bulbs for winter indoor displays – I know, it is strange to think of winter already but you will be ahead of the game. If your container has no drainage holes, use special bulb fibre. Plant the bulbs close together with the tips just showing and keep in a cool dark place for 812 weeks while the roots develop. It is nice to find shallow, old-fashioned vegetable dishes, etc. from the junk shops to give them a vintage look. Page 2

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IInterior nterior D Design esign w with ith G Gill ill G Greenwell reenwell

Modern M odern ccoastal oastal sstyle tyle As many of us will be holidaying by the English seaside this summer, I have been thinking about how we can capture some of the magic of time spent by the sea back in our own homes. Traditional coastal style can get a bad rap, often deservedly so, but approached the right way you can create a stylish, beachy-inspired interior, wherever you live. Here are my top tips to help you nail this tricky trend.

E Easy asy lliving iving I fell in love with coastal style when I first visited Australia – the Aussies really do know how to do chic beach house interiors. Essentially, it’s all about simplicity and relaxed, easy living spaces with a laid-back vibe. Forget obvious nautical themes, no portholes, anchors or seagulls please. Instead go for a neutral palette, natural timbers, and plenty of texture, paired with a few well-chosen vintage pieces.

Image: Cream Cornwall

Am muted uted p palette alette

F ocus o n ttexture exture Focus on

For a sophisticated look choose muted coastal inspired colours – we live in a northern clime so think stormy seas and windswept dunes. A watery palette of soft whites, misty greys, and washed out blues works well. Add in a pop of contrasting sandy yellow for a Skandi feel. Alternatively, Australian interiors expert Darren Palmer suggests black as an accent colour to avoid a scheme that looks too bland.

Texture is a key element of this laid-back style. Classic white or pale grey linen for soft furnishings (ideally with removeable covers) always look timeless. Add in some soft coloured wool cushions and throws, or an on-trend chunky knitted pouffe. I love Ian Mankin’s striped cotton ticking for simple roman blinds. Woven lampshades and plenty of baskets for storage will complete the look. Check out the driftwood lamp-bases at Not on the High Street.

Keep K eep iitt n natural atural Natural materials create a relaxed look – think weathered or bleached timber floors covered with wool or cotton rugs in a subtle pattern, or softly coloured stripes. Search out vintage items of furniture and paint them white or grey (Annie Sloan chalk paint works best). Look for pieces made from wicker, bamboo or rattan for a natural feel. Fit shiplap timber cladding to the walls for added visual interest – this works particularly well in bathrooms.

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It’s It’s all all in in the the detail detail Keep your accessories subtle. Bunches of soft coloured dried flowers, soft white or blue coloured stoneware, recycled glass vases and lamp-bases always look chic. I love my coastal inspired artworks framed in pale wood and white, and my artistic sister-in-law has even used old navigation charts as wallpaper in her kitchen. If you stay away from the obviously nautical, your coastal inspired decor will look stylish, and not clichéd.

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BUILDING SERVICES ERVICES BUILDING S 20 4 C&G Paving 4 Cheltenham Town Roofing 23 21 Home Care Roofing H HEALTH EALTH & BEAUTY BEAUTY 20 JHD Roofing & Building Be Well Gloucestershire 8 Marshalls Driveways 22 2 R Richards & Son Ltd S SPORT PORT 20 Roofcure 247 Shipton Golf Course 8 22 RS Cladding 21 S.J. Lewis & Sons H HOMES OMES & G GARDENS ARDENS SERVICES CLEANING ERVICES CLEANING S BATHROOMS B ATHROOMS 30 AHM Installations 30 Ovenbusters 30 Blissful Bathrooms 28 Regency Cleaners Lifestyle Bathrooms 10 FURNISHING APPLIANCES PPLIANCES FURNISHING & A Severn Vale Bathrooms 16 & 35 Bella’s Interiors 28 The Mayflower The Old Rectory

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