The Local
A NS W E R
GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S BIGGEST LOCAL MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2020
NORTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE ‘LEST WE FORGET’ – WEAR YOUR POPPY WITH PRIDE!
R R S
R Richards & Son Ltd FAMILY BUSINESS
ROOFING & SCAFFOLDING
SPECIALISTS 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 ◆
◆
One of the many reasons to choose us:
In partnership with our sister company, Severn & Wye Scaffolding, we create a safe working environment which enables our professional team to focus on delivering a high quality service. This is more cost-effective than using external scaffolders Se ev vern & Wye and is far more convenient for customers – the SCAFFOLDING scaffold is erected and removed in a timely fashion.
FREE WRITTEN QUOTA ATIONS – 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
The The Lo Local c al
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 Delicious Dish Dish Parenting Parenting & Guardianship Guardianship Word Word Search Search P et C are Pet Care M edical H ealth Medical Health Q uick C rossword Quick Crossword EEducation ducation & EEmployment mployment M otoring Motoring M oney M atters Money Matters Sudoku Sudoku Holidays Holidays & Travel Travel Homes Homes & Gardens Gardens In In the the Garden Garden Interior Interior Design Design Save Save the the Planet Planet Gadgets Gadgets & Gizmos Gizmos Index, Solutions olutions Index, Competitions, Competitions, S
5 7 8 9 10 10 12 12 13 13 15 15 16 16 16 16 17 17 2200 2233 2277 2299 3333 3344
Unit H,, C Churchill state, U nit H hurchill IIndustrial ndustrial EEstate, Churchill Road, eckhampton, C hurchill R oad, LLeckhampton, 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 N ovember November The nights are well and truly drawing in and lots of us are starting to plan our Christmas celebrations. While the festive season is something to look forward to, we must also make sure we and our loved ones stay safe. This month we have important information from two of the emergency services. The NHS want to let you know about temporary changes to Emergency Care in Gloucestershire in response to COVID-19, and Gloucestershire Constabulary have shared their burglary protection advice to keep you safe and secure this winter. Read more inside. As we head towards winter, you may be thinking about getting warm and cosy in your home. Gill Greenwell shares some Nordic style Interior advice in her latest article, while Roberta Smart thinks about how we can light up the dark winter days in her Parenting & Guardianship feature. So grab a cup of tea, cosy up on the sofa and enjoy reading your November magazine!
If you use the services of any of our advertisers, please tell them you found them in The Local Answer!
Contacts C ontacts Advertising Marketing A dvertising & M arketing Dave Kingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk Lois Kingscott lois@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Distribution D istribution & LLeaflets eaflets John Overton (01242 541075) leaflets@thelocalanswer..co.uk Louis Jordan distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk
Accounts A ccounts Rob Kingscott (01242 541071) accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk Page 3
Delicious Delicious Dish Dish with w ith H Helen elen K Kingscott ingscott
P Parsnip arsnip and and potato gratin p otato g ratin Ad delicious, elicious, ccreamy reamy a accompaniment ccompaniment ffor or your your roast roast dinner. dinner. Great Great with with cchicken hicken or or tturkey. urkey.
IIngredients: ngredients: 500g/1lb parsnips; 500g/1lb potatoes; 150g/5oz pack of bacon lardons; 2 echalion shallots; 2-4 garlic cloves; 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 bay leaf; 400ml/¾ pint whole milk; 100g/4oz full fat crème fraiche; 300ml/½ pint double cream; fresh or dried nutmeg; 50g/2oz walnuts, roughly chopped; ½ tbsp olive oil plus extra for greasing the foil.
M Method: ethod: 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C, (180°C fan/gas mark 6). 2 Peel and finely slice the shallots, garlic, potatoes and parsnips. I used my mandoline – it saves so much time. 3 Put the bacon in a large pan and cook gently to allow the fat to melt and turn crispy. Remove and set aside. 4 Add the oil and cook the shallots for approximately eight minutes until soft. 5 Add the garlic and stir for a minute, then add the bay leaf, half the thyme, the cream, crème fraiche, milk, a pinch of nutmeg and salt and pepper. 6 Heat the mixture until just simmering then
Keep up K eep u p tto o d date ate o on n ssocial ocial m media! edia!
@thelocalanswer @thelocalanswer The Local Answer
WE W E NEED NEED
add the parsnips and potatoes. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes, until they begin to soften. Remove the bay leaf. 7 Spoon out half the mixture into your chosen baking dish (about 20 x 30 cm/ 8 x 12 inch) and scatter over half of the bacon bits. Spoon the remaining mixture on top and sprinkle the remaining bacon, thyme, the walnuts and a little more nutmeg on top. 8 Cover with a sheet of oiled foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for a further 20 minutes until golden and tender. This can be made the day before. Just wait until fully cooled before putting in the fridge. To reheat the next day, cover with foil and cook for approximately 25-30 minutes at 200°C, (180°C fan/gas mark 6).
V VOLUNTEERS OLUNTEERS •C Can an yyou ou sspare pare jjust ust a ffew ew hhours ours month am onth ttoo ssupport upport and and offer offer friendship friendship with ttoo ppeople eople w ith llearning earning disabilities? d isabilities?
S SOCIAL OCIAL EVENTS EVENTS F FRIENDSHIPS RIENDSHIPS
•F Full ull ssupport, upport, ttraining raining aand nd fflexibility lexibility aare re ggiven, iven, aallowing llowing yyou ou ttoo ccommit ommit tthe he hhours ours you you choose choose • We We cover cover tthe he w whole hole ooff Gloucestershire Gloucestershire and and hhelp e lp with with yyour our eexpenses xpenses
01242 0 1242 210950 210950
Registered charity number 1178538
a admin@buildingcirclesglos.org.uk dmin@buildingcirclesglos.org.uk To advertise call 01242 510500
Nail Trimming • Corns Calluses • Cracked Heels Fungal Nail Infections Routine Foot Care
C Call all 07921 07921 821805 821805
enquiries@sophielanefhp.co.uk enquiries@sophielanefhp.co.uk
HOME H OME C CONSULTATIONS ONSULTATIONS &A PPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS
Page 5
ly Only .99! £6.9
£
P Parenting arenting & G Guardianship uardianship w with ith R Roberta oberta S Smart mart
L Light ight u up p tthe he d dark ark d days ays Its dark out there, isn’t it? The evenings draw in quicker and quicker and it can be easy to feel hemmed in and frustrated – especially after the year we have had! So how can you bring more light into your life? November sees the beginning of many festivals of light: from Bonfire night and the Hindu festival of Diwali, to the American Thanksgiving and the beginnings of the Yule celebrations making themselves known. No matter your nationality or religious persuasion, midwinter calls upon us to bring in the light and in any faith, ‘Be The Light’ is a constant message. From decorating the house with lights through to trying to do a good deed every day; there are many ways we can ‘be the light’ in these dark times.
M Make ake sseasonal easonal d decorations ecorations w with ith o old ld jam and jam jjars ars a nd ttea ea llights ights A trip to the bargain store is a great place to start, where you can pick up cheap and
The Local Answer
cheerful decorations for your home. Get the kids making seasonal decorations, maybe decorating old jam jars and popping tea lights inside. Or if you are really crafty, collect autumn foliage to create a centrepiece for the table with conkers, pinecones, greenery and ribbon, then place a sturdy jar candle in the middle. Candles can then be lit with a touch of ceremony at mealtimes, whilst settling down or gathering as a family. If you are not into ‘Prayer’ as such then lighting a candle and sharing things you are grateful for, what good thing happened in your day or sending our wishes for others far away to be happy and healthy, are great ways to bring a sense of joy and togetherness into our lives. As I have mentioned before, a little ritual goes a long way to bringing people together and can grow into a To advertise call 01242 510500
beloved family tradition. Taking time to centre our thoughts and focus on good things is really great for our mental health as well, and no matter how stressed or difficult your day may have been, there is always something to be grateful for.
Help H elp cchildren hildren who who may may sstruggle truggle w with ith anxiety anxiety If you have kids who are struggling with anxiety, this can be a good way to ‘turn it on its head’ by first encouraging them to express what they do not like, then helping them to see how this could in fact be a good thing: Help them to understand that our struggles build character and resilience, helping us develop patience and empathy, and indeed if we never experienced the yucky things in life, the pleasures would be all the less sweeter. And remember my favourite adage: the Universe only ever acts in your favour and for your highest good! Now there is something to think about! Page
Word W ord S Search earch X P E Q N W S V H D J Z I W I W Z E R Q C S C A
F X O V O Z A Y M U U B B U S U S Z S E G S L E
K U M R S E B F B W B J E S G I W N O L M D A E
T N D Y A L E Z I H M E G Y L S M T A X E M Q O
X F E H E E T A N I R A M E C R R Z F N Q K I A
Q M S A S Q K Q H U L G M R V S E J T G P P O S
U A X V D W X U P J Z A V X T X A E N G G N T C
M U J N K K T D E S R T B Z E R Q W Y C J X D H
E V D B X C S F L A M B E C Z C L U C G T I D O
N F G L J F I I C Q G N U Q W K Y H C D U O R P
J E T M K Z R Z H W O D N M B V Z V P G M R B A
U A U F G D Y P I W E T Y C V D T N S A U T E I
N J H D K P I L V R G Y Q S M L P T D Y N U E M
O F O E W D Y X Y H R K I Q C T J S F B V F R A
E U O R W E F S P D I P E T S A B V Y Q K B Z W
X Q E Q E E I J W A L O W D I I E R X X A T K O
D J W A B P S E X Y L R M J M E V E B I Z V Z X
E I X Z V F L U Y E K A B J L M N E U R X J Y Q
B X C A O R U G F F O E B R Q V L N R V A B E N
U V I E U Y M O M O L E K I R H W N E P E I U L
D L T U S V E O W X P A B J W P A U J I U U S S
I N W O Y B P O A C H E D C M D P H L O L X C E
J E Y T J P T A U E A R O H K U K Q C F Q U A A
U D I U B M D R S T D M P B W F O L D Z J U J E
Cooking C ooking ALDENTE BASTE BAKE BEAT BRAISE CARAMELISE CHOP DEEP FRY DICE
EMULSIFY FLAMBE FOLD GLAZE GRILL JULIENNE KNEAD MARINATE MASH
POACH PUREE REDUCE SAUTE SEASON SIMMER WHISK
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
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Pet Pet Care Care w ith M egan JJackson ackson with Megan o ragon V et C entre off D Dragon Vet Centre
F Firework irework season season
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 Vet Centre. You can book your visits and pick up pet supplies, food or medications at either surgery if it’s more convenient.
OPEN MON-FRI 9AM-5PM & SAT 9AM-10.30AM 31 Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PD
www.dragonvet.co.uk www.dragonvet.co.uk
01684 01684 217 217 708 708
OPEN SATURDAY 9AM-12 NOON Prestbury Park , New Barn Lane, Cheltenham GL50 4SH
T: 01242 580324
F: 01242 241908
www.dragonvet.co.uk www.dragonvet.co.uk
2244 H HOUR OUR EEMERGENCY MERGENCY ~ 01242 01242 5522022 22022 The Local Answer
As the nights draw in, we look forward to crisp morning dog walks and cosy nights in, but for many pet owners it also brings the dread of firework season. For those without pets or those lucky enough to have pets that are unperturbed by the noisy events, it’s easy to forget just how stressful it can be. Whilst Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve are important social events, it’s worth taking a moment to put yourself in an animal’s furry shoes. The sky splitting, ear deafening bursts of colour look pretty to some, but for those four-legged friends with no understanding, it may well indicate the end of the world... and some certainly react that way! Sadly, many panicked cats and dogs are injured on Bonfire Night escaping from their homes in a blind panic.
There There are are plenty plenty of of ways ways to to help help Start early where possible – desensitising puppies and kittens at a young age can help hugely in the future. Keep pets safely indoors, lock cat flaps and don’t walk dogs during prime firework times. Check local events to try and make sure someone is there for your pet. Provide a familiar, comfortable hiding place such as a crate or basket that is covered to minimise noise. Cats especially like being high up. Be guided by your pets – some like to be with you, others like to hide away. Follow their lead but try to be near in case they want reassurance. Pheromone plug-in diffusers can work wonders for some, and playing music can help mask noises. For animals that suffer severe stress and anxiety, have a chat with your vet about long-term desensitisation. There are also short-term medication options available for those badly affected. Of course it’s lovely to have celebrations to look forward to such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve, especially in these times, but for pet owners and non-pet owners alike, it is important to remember just how scary all creatures – wild and domestic – find these events.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 9
Medical M edical H Health ealth with w ith H Holly olly H Hannigan annigan
Differences Differences in in Dyslexia Dyslexia Dyslexia affects 10-15% of the UK population, often runs in families and is a life-long condition. It was seen for many years as a learning disability, focusing on the weaknesses, but the way a dyslexic brain works is not bad, wrong or deficient. It is just different and difference is not a disability. This learning difference mainly affects reading and writing skills, and can also impact on other areas such as organisational skills, coordination and memory. People with dyslexia think and learn differently from others and as such their strengths can be: • Good problem solvers • Creative • Observant • High levels of empathy • Excellent big-picture thinkers • Good at making connections • Strong narrative reasoning • Three-dimensional thinking • Determination Each person with dyslexia will experience the condition in a way that is unique to them, which can make it difficult to identify at times. Most often it is diagnosed in Primary school aged children, with these main symptoms: • Read and write very slowly • Put letters the wrong way round • Confuse the order of letters in words • Have poor or inconsistent spelling • Struggle with planning and organisation • Difficulty following instructions Page 10
• Finds it difficult to blend letters together • Slow reading progress • Confusion with place value (units, tens, hundreds) • Difficulty remembering anything in sequential order (days of the week, the alphabet) • Poor time keeping • Difficulty with concepts (yesterday, tomorrow) • Easily distracted • The class clown, disruptive or withdrawn The first step to getting support if you think your child might be dyslexic is to consult your child’s teacher or the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) to discuss your concerns. They may carry out screening tests to see how your child will be best supported in the classroom.
Ensuring E nsuring a appropriate ppropriate ssupport upport a and/or nd/or iinterventions nterventions A school doesn’t need a formal diagnosis to put support in place for your child and shouldn’t delay in providing appropriate support and/or interventions. However, a Diagnostic Assessment can help to ensure that the appropriate interventions are put in place. Techniques and support that are available include: • Occasional 1:1 support or small group work www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
• Technology like computers and speech recognition software that may make it easier to read and write.
Help Help in in higher higher education education or or e employment mployment Sometimes adults may wish to get diagnosed if they have managed to get through the education system without a diagnosis, in order to help them in higher education or in employment. Universities have specialist staff who can support young people with dyslexia, and employers are required to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace to help people with dyslexia, such as allowing extra time for certain tasks. There is support available and more focus now on an individual’s strengths rather than their weaknesses, so always raise any concerns with the school. The Local Answer
Quick Quick Crossword Crossword ACROSS ACROSS 1 Privileged class 7 Former soldiers 8 Edible organs 10 Horseracing track 12 Entitling 14 Moved through water 16 Tasks 17 Scraps 20 Pop instrumentalists 23 Finnish steam bath 24 Highly charged 25 River-mouth land
D OWN DOWN 1 Develop 2 Rupture 3 Measure (out) 4 Furnishing scheme 5 Diminishing 6 Admiration 9 Large spoon 11 Partly cooked 13 Gesture of assent 15 Radiates 16 Sharply serrated 18 Musical composition 19 Taunts 21 Curved-bill bird 22 Auction
List your business in our brand new Online Directory from only £ per month! £12
© 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.
www.thelocalanswer.co.uk www .thelocalanswerr.co.uk
Exploring the lyrics of Inkubus Sukkubus Candia and Tony McKormack met in 1989 while studying Graphic Design and quickly discovered they had similar tastes in music and a shared interest in the history and practice of witchcraft and magic – as well as a fairly unhealthy mutual love of classic horror films. Soon after, they formed their band Inkubus Sukkubus (originally spelt ‘Incubus Succubus’) – a vehicle to write and perform songs on subjects covering paganism, folklore, witchcraft, vampire lore and death rites. They married in 1990, have two children and live in Gloucestershire. To date they’ve released 25 studio albums and performed live in Mexico, USA, Australia, Russia, Turkey, Scandinavia, the UK and most of Europe. They’ve also appeared on national television in the UK, Greece, Germany and Finland. In 2019, the band celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a series of live concerts and their 25th studio release, an album called Liliith Rising. Page 12
“One of our land’s most individual and interestin ng Gothic folk-rock bands now proves that it can deal as effectively with prose as music, in n a mixture of stories old and new, of horror, beauty and romance, that capture perfectly the magiccal and mysticcal heritage of one of En ngland’s most remarkable counties.” Professor Ronald Hutton
Folkloric tales are told in the songs of Candia and Tony’s trilogy of albums Tale es of Witchcraft & Wonder and now, under the same title, their book delves into the meaning behind the tales – the theories, the magic, the romance, and the horror. Many strange stories are www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
explored, including sightings of winged cats and a tragic ‘woman in black’ in Cheltenham, Dr Margaret Murray’s connection with the Hagley Wood wych elm murder case, strange acts committed by people under the influence of datura, and the body of a Gloucestershire woman wrapped in deer skins and bound with iron chains. The 120-page A5 paperback and accompanying 13-track CD of featured songs is available through the band’s website Inkubussukkubus.com for only £17.50 including P&P. The Local Answer
E Education ducation & E Employment mployment w with ith H Holly olly P Prince rince
Extra-curricular E xtra-curricular activities activities School is a place of learning and as well as following the National Curriculum, many educational institutions also provide extra-curricular activities. These are often in the form of lunchtime clubs or afterschool clubs. Having a structured venture to engage in at lunchtime is great for those children who are keen on learning and who want something productive to do. Getting involved in pursuits at the end of the school day can give children a chance to do something they enjoy. It can also be useful for parents who work, as it means children can stay in the safety of the school grounds for an hour or two longer before they need collecting or get the bus home.
A cchance hance tto o rrelease elease ssome ome e energy nergy Activities may be sporty, such as football, hockey, cricket or netball. These give children a chance to get some exercise and release some energy, which is good if they
The Local Answer
have been sitting at desks for much of the day, and for those who love PE it is another opportunity to be involved in a sport they revel in. Alternatively, pastimes on offer may be music-related, such as orchestra, choir, and brass or string group. These are ideal for musically-minded individuals who want to take their musicianship further, plus studies have shown that learning an instrument can improve memory and intelligence. Other extra-curricular activities available might include cooking, electronics, or arts and crafts. All these skills are great to whet a child’s appetite for learning more about the wider world and to gain competencies to add to their repertoire. Some schools also proffer support for children who might be struggling at home. Breakfast clubs, for instance, can be offered to families on a low To advertise call 01242 510500
income who may not be able to provide enough food at home.
A sset et time time to to focus focus on on ttheir heir homework homework There may be a Homework club as well, where children can stay on after lessons have finished to have a set time to focus on their homework – which can be useful if their home life is chaotic or if they find it hard to concentrate on studies at home. There are many other benefits to a child learning additional disciplines. Firstly, they are good for nurturing and developing a child’s interests, as the activity is often something the child wants to do and takes pleasure in doing. Another is that the child may interact with children from different classes or school years, leading to meeting new people, forming new relationships and improving social skills. School doesn’t have to be a chore – if a child can be encouraged to find something they like, it can enhance their life in many ways! Page 1
CLEEVELINE C LEEVELINE TTAXIS AXIS
Award A ward winning winning locally-brewed locally-brewed beer delivered delivered to oy our d oor! beer your door!
0 01242 1242 3 374224 74224
cleevelinetaxiis@gmail.com cleevelinetaxis@gmail.com w www.cleevelinetaxis.com ww.clleevelinetaxis.co om
P Promote romote yyour our b business usiness in in
4 43,000 3,000
CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS GIFT GIFT PPACKS ACKS
magazines magazines
N NOW OW A AVAILABLE VAILABLE To T o place place your your order order please please visit: visit:
www.clavellandhind.co.uk w ww.clavellandhind.co.uk T The he O Old ld H Haulage aulage Y Yard, ard, B Birdlip irdlip G GL4 L4 8JL 8JL
C CALL ALL N NOW! OW!
01242 0 1242 5 510500 10500
G Gloucestershire’s loucestershire’s VW VW AUDI AUDI Group Group Specialist Specialist SServicing ervicing FFrom rom £ £95.00 95.00 M MOT OT £ £39.95 39.95 C Cambelts ambelts FFrom rom £ £249.00 249.00 A Air ir C Conditioning onditioning rregas egas £ £45.00 45.00 Free Free Courtesy Courtesy Cars Cars – Collection Collection & Delivery Delivery
www.v-hubservices.co.uk www.v-hubservices.co.uk
01684 01684 2 214444 14444 SSales: ales: M Mon-Fri: on-Fri: 9 9am-6pm am-6pm SSat: at: 9 9am-4pm am-4pm SSun: un: Appointment Appointment only only
Service: Service: Mon-Fri: Mon-Fri: 8.30am-5.30pm 8.30am-5.30pm SSat: at: 8 8.30am-12.30pm .30am-12.30pm SSun: un: C CLOSED LOSED
UNIT U NIT 8 8A: A: B Beta eta C Close, lose, D Delta elta D Drive, rive, TTewkesbury, ewkesbury, G Glos. los. GL20 GL20 8SR 8SR Page 14
Like on Like us us o n Facebook Facebook
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
Motoring M otoring w with ith T Toby oby A Aiken iken
Ap piece iece o off h history istor y Recently, Audi celebrated the 40th anniversary of the original Quattro on Twitter with a collaboration with another of my favourite brands; Lego. To celebrate the event, they sent Lego Speed Champion models of the rally version of the Quattro to motoring writers with a challenge: time your build from opening the box to finished model. I may have harassed them a bit until they sent me my kit, but the chance to get behind the wheel of an original Quattro from Audi’s heritage Fleet was too much of a temptation! They sent me the kit, I set the fastest time and my prize was duly delivered for a long weekend of four-wheel drive fun. The car was from 1990, so a mere 30 years old… and coincidentally almost the same age as my first car – a 1991 Ford Escort. This car was a little more powerful than my (t)rusty old Escort though, and there’s no way my Escort is now worth just shy of £50k. First impressions when it was The Local Answer
reversed off the delivery truck was that the pearlescent paint was stunning in the sunshine – it doesn’t photograph well, so the photo doesn’t do it justice. But it was great, and that massive boot just oozed ‘performance coupe’. So what was it like to drive, considering this was a car that originally had 220bhp and a 060 time of under six seconds? It was probably still going to be quick. The sound of the turbocharger was immense – whining as it spooled up the power and delivering it to all four wheels. It was clear that this was an iconic car from history.
An A n impressive impressive llevel evel o off e electronics lectronics But is it practical in today’s world? It boasts an impressive level of electronics, given its pedigree – an all-digital dashboard and speedo was positively futuristic in the 90s, and while basic, the trip computer functioned much as you’d expect To advertise call 01242 510500
from a more modern machine. The steering was brilliant – precise around the bends, which isn’t surprising given it was designed for rallying, and the power and gearbox have stood the test of time as well. The brakes, however, are clearly dated. They worked fine, but took a little bit of acclimatisation. So if you’re in the market for a practical and appreciating classic – and have a spare £50k to throw at what would have to be your second car – the Quattro will give you a lot of fun while remaining pretty firmly planted on the road. It’s not as quick as a modern hot hatch, and a fair few of those 220 horses under the bonnet have probably long since fled the stable, but it still has enough to draw smiles from people outside the pub as you drive past, turbo screaming. My kids loved it, my wife hated it. Me? I was firmly in the first camp! It’s a legend and will remain so for quite some time. 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 cchanges hanges
Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
The government will look after us, won’t they? If you are poorly, we can turn to the National Health Service; if we lose our job, we can claim state benefits. And once we are officially too old to work, the state will pay us a pension. But therein lies a problem. We are all living longer and as a result the government has decided it cannot afford to pay our state pensions for as long as it used to. They have known for some while that it was coming and initially used equality laws and arguments to increase the age (65) at which women became eligible for state pension to be the same as for men. Campaigners tried to claim that the move was illegal, but they have all lost in court. Last month we saw the start of the second phase of the government’s long-term plan come into force, when the state pension age was officially raised from 65 to 66. It affects anyone born after 6th October 1954 and will be held at that level for the next six years, following which it will rise to 67. There are plans for further increases in pension age until it reaches 70 in 20-30 years’ time.
W Waiting aiting another another 12 12 months months tto od draw raw ffrom rom tthe he p pot ot It goes deeper than just waiting another year for our state pension. The age at which we stop paying National Insurance on our earnings is aligned to state pension age. 65 year olds therefore pay into the system now for one year longer as well as waiting a further 12 months to draw from the pot. What else can the government do? It has already introduced compulsory company pensions for those in employment, which have now reached maximum contribution levels by both employer and worker. The argument is that the more money that is in your personal pension, the less you will need to rely on the state. The level of government pension is guaranteed to rise by reference to inflation, with a guaranteed minimum increase of 2.5% if inflation is lower than that. There are suggestions that the government should go back on its word and remove the guarantee. It wouldn’t be the first time they had done something like that, would it? Page 16
Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.
THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR NEW BATHROOM ...
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
Your local family business
The Local Answer
Holidays H olidays & Travel Travel w with ith A All H Hidden idden
Cycling Cycling Japan’s Japan’s Shimanami Shimanami Kaido Kaido On a sunny mid-November day we pedal against the breeze to cross the four-kilometre-long Kurushima Kaik yō suspension bridge. Some 65 m below, a container ship, toy-lik e in the sunshine, steams north en route to Kure, Hiroshima or further afield. Soon, we’ll finish our 70 km ride along the Shimanami Kaido cycleway at Imabari, return our bikes to Miho of Shikoku-based Hidden Japan Travel and catch a JR train to Matsuyama. But for now, beneath the bridge’s sk yscraping white tower s, we reflect on the three days since riding the cableway up Onomichi’s Mt Senkoji. There, just before leaving and bathed in sunset’s golden luminosity, we surveyed the islands ahead with eager anticipation.
Follow Follow the the blue blue line line from from Onomichi Onomichi to to Imabari Imabari Seasoned cyclists easily complete the Shimanami Kaido in a day. However, that is to miss fuller appreciation of Ōmishima, The Local Answer
Mukaishima, Iwagi, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Hak atajima and Ōshima islands. Sometimes the well-marked route – just follow the blue line – uses sleepy lanes past citrus groves, beaches and temples such as Ikuchijima’s glorious Kosanji with its dazzling white marble installation. Elsewhere, it climbs and descends superbly-engineered, rice-grain-smooth, access ramps flanking the soaring inter-island bridges. Inevitably, something amazing lies around every corner: another gravitydefying bridge; breathtaking vistas; or fertile agricultural land where friendly farmer s generously share fresh-picked satsumas and fiery wasabi. After each day’s adventure we relax, dine and sleep in authentic minshuku and ryokan. On tiny Iwagi, it’s Minshuku Yoshimasa, run by a local fisherman offering a sublime seafood feast from the day’s catch. The next evening, sunset turns the Seto Inland Sea to swirling rose-tinted mercury as To advertise call 01242 510500
more delicious seafood awaits us at Hak atajima’s water side Seto Ryok an. There, within waving distance of freighter s battling the treacherous Funaoriseto, we again dine localstyle at a low kotatsu table set up on our room’s ’s tatami matting.
M Myriad yriad impressions impressions of of p people eople a and nd p places laces
Too soon, after spiralling off the Kurushima Kaik yō Bridge through trees kissed with autumn gold, we follow the now-familiar blue line into Imabari and journey’s end. As well as souvenir water bottles and countless photos, we take away myriad impressions of people and places – their magnitude and intensity always disproportionate to our short time riding one of the world’s most impressive cycleways. We e vow to return and spend more time exploring this idyllic archipelago nestled between Honshu and Shikoku. Cycling the Shimanami Kaido has that effect on you! Page 1
Free Free Roof Roof Inspection Inspection
CPA G PAVING P A AV VING
New Roofs New Roofs R Roof oof restoration, restoration, Leak Leak Detection Detection P Pointing ointing & Lead Lead Work Work A All ll aspects aspects o off Flat Flat roofing roofing TTiling, iling, Slating Slating & Cladding Cladding Facias, Facias, Soffits Soffits & G Guttering uttering
&
10% OFF
ALL WORK BOOKED IN NOVEMBER 2020
LANDSCAPING L ANDSCA APING DRIVEWAYS D RIVEWAYS PATIOS P ATIOS 5 YYEAR EAR
fo
r 99le ca £7r singdrive
G GUARANTEE UARANTEE
Complete Complete R Roof oo f S Specialist pecialist
C CALL ALL NOW NOW F FOR OR A FREE FREE QUOTE QUOTE
01242 0 1 24 2 6 649286 49286 | 01432 01432 2 298287 9 8 2 87 0 7 58 4 6 6930 1 07584 669301 w ww.sjlewisandsonsltd.co.uk www.sjlewisandsonsltd.co.uk
FULLY INSURED
Cs T& pply a
S S.J. .J. LLewis ewis & S Sons ons LLtd td
WITH ALL WORKS
Block Paving • Tarmac • Gravel • Drai g • • p Paths • Turfing • Fencing • Decking • Resin Bound Driveways
FFREE REE QUOTATIONS QUOTATIONS Call or email 01242 801706 • 01452 341699 candgpavinguk@gmail.com
GUARANTEED GUARANTEED TO TO BEAT BEAT ANY ANY GGENUINE ENUINE QUOTE QUOTE
www.cg-paving.co.uk w w ving.co.uk w ww ww w..cg-paav
JHD D
ROOFING & BUILDING
U UPP TO TO 3 30% 0% off o ff all a ll rranges anges o off fflat lat rroof oof ssystems, ystems, U UPVC PVC ffascias, ascias, ssoffits offits & guttering guttering
M Many any local local rreferences eferences a available vailable upon upon rrequest equest F Fully ully IInsured nsured ~ A All ll w work ork g guaranteed uaranteed W We’ll e’ll b beat eat a any ny ‘‘like like ffor or llike’ ike’ q quotation! uotation! Page 20
• 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 • Free Roof Inspection
THANK T HA NK YOU! YOU! & ALL ALL KEY KEY WORKERS WORKERS
F For or a FREE FREE ESTIMATE ESTIMATE p please lease ccall: all: Please ddial ial 001242 1242 8802542 02542 ((Please 07879 3370178 70178 aarea rea ccode) ode) 07879
o orr email: email: jjhdroofingandbuilding@gmail.com hdroofingandbuilding@gmail.com
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
TOO H HOT OT in the summer? TOO C COLD OLD in the winter? A Guardian Warm Roof will convert your conservatory into an all year round living space.
New roofs • Roof repairs Flat roofs • GRP & Felt SSCAFFOLDING! CAFFOLDING! EPDM rubber roof systems Felt & battening • Rotten timbers replaced • Chimneys Repointing • Rebedding Lead work • External painting & much more UPVC Roofline products Fascias • Soffits • Apexes Barge & cladding boards Guttering & downpipes any oorders rders in in Roofs cleaned/demossed any November November 2020 2020 Fungaseal treatments T T&Cs &Cs a apply pply Guttering cleaned & cleared from as little as £30
FREE F REE
W Why hy cchoose hoose tthe he G Guardian uardian Warm Warm Roof? Roof? Guardian are the UK’s market leaders for tiled and replacement conservatory roofs. Each roof comes with a range of benefits and options to choose from to create the perfect living space.
30% 30% OFF OFF
A ALL LL W WORK ORK F FULLY ULLY GUARANTEED FULLY INSURED GUARANTEED • FULLY INSURED FFor or a FREE FREE QUOTATION QUOTATION p please lease ccall: all: Please ddialial aarea rea ccode) ode) 07786 07786 058696 058696 / 01242 01242 8 809264 09264 ((Please
o orr e email mail m mitchelldavishomecare@hotmail.com itchelldavishomecare@hotmail.com 4 47 7W Worcester orcester SStreet, treet, G Gloucester loucester G GL1 L1 3 3AW AW
www.homecareroofingbuilding.co.uk www.homecareroofingbuilding.co.uk
C Customers ustomers aare re eentitled ntitled ttoo a 14 14 dday ay ccooling ooling off off period period
Paving & Tarmac Specialists B Block lock Paving Paving • TTarmac armac • Landscaping Landscaping Driveways FFencing encing • Patios Patios • Driveways & Sons Ltd
G arden 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 ooff Colours Colours • Durable Durable & Long Long Lasting Lasting • Weed Weed Free Free • Porous Porous for for Drainage 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 • FFirm, irm, attractive attractive Surface Surfface Can •C an bbee aapplied pplied oover ve r Surface EExisting xisting S urface Cost •C ost Effective Effective
w www.marshallsdriveways.co.uk ww.marshallsdriveways.co.uk
Company Company rregistration: egistration: 1 11415390 1415390
The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 21
STEVEN Domestic and Industrial Skips
ATTENTION! A TTENTION! Let us lighten your load! Stevens Recycling
Ham Villa Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6NB
01242 522647/529397
stevensrecycling584@gmail.com
Fencing
& LANDSCAPES • Artificial Grass • Gravel • Block Paving • Tarmac
07525 164256
EXPERIENCED AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
dbsfencing@hotmail.com
sspecialising pecialising all aspects spects iin na ll a o oofing and an d off r roofing building building
Page 22
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
IIn n tthe he Garden Garden w with ith JJulia ulia S Smith mith
C Clean lean up up your your garden garden tools tools Sadly, many Bonfire Night events have been cancelled this year because of the pandemic. Therefore, your garden may be in demand for a small, sociallydistanced family Bonfire Night. Now that autumn leaves are falling, keep your garden tidy by sweeping the patio and planting up extra pots with small evergreens, pansies and some bulbs to keep the interest going. Even if you only have a small audience, you’ll still want your garden to look its best! This is also a good month to take a long hard look at your garden. We are all guilty of hanging on to shrubs, trees or perennials that really are either not good doers, or are too big or ugly. If you are having trouble deciding, get the professionals in. It is better to start the process in the winter months than waiting until spring when everyone is rushed off their feet!
S Stop top tthe he b build uild u up po off p pests ests a and nd d diseases iseases One of the chores in having a greenhouse is that it should
Image: www.gardeningexpress.co.uk
The Local Answer
really be cleaned every year to stop the build up of pests and diseases, and to keep the glass clean for maximum light. A dry windy day would be ideal for this. Using a disinfectant such as Jeyes fluid, clean the benches, all the cracks and crevices which could house mealy bugs, and even wash through the gravel if you have it on your bench tops. This is one of those jobs that hangs over you like a big black cloud, but when you’re done it wi ll m ake yo u fee l wonderful. You will be tempted to bore your family and friends by taking them into your clean greenhouse to look round – don’t expect the same interest from them! Hybrid tea and floribunda roses need to be cut back by about one-third now, which will stop wind rock loosening the roots through the winter. Also cut off any dead, diseased or crossing growth. Leave the rest for the spring pruning. When the mowing comes to a To advertise call 01242 510500
halt later this month (although last winter the lawns seemed to grow all through the winter!) book your mower in to be serviced, thus beating the spring rush. Now is also a good time to clean and oil tools and send off secateurs to be sorted out if they are in a bit of a state.
Av valuable aluable late late source source off n o nectar ectar for for bees bees A plant that really adds to the garden this month is the Sedum Herbstfreude, or the Ice Plant, which starts early in spring with the fat rosettes of succulent, lettuce-green leaves, topped with salmon-pink flower heads in summer, maturing to pinkish-bronze then copperyred in autumn. This versatile perennial is a perfect filler plant for a sunny, well-drained spot. A valuable late source of nectar for butterflies and bees, the dried flower heads provide structure and colour in the winter garden and still look interesting in November. Page 2
S Save ave 2 20% 0% V VAT AT
BEFORE
IIff you you need need to to make make changes changes to to y our b athroom d ue to to disability disability or or bathroom due your am edical ccondition, ondition, we we are are able able to to medical ssupply upply your your bathroom bathroom VAT VAT free, free, ssaving aving you you 20%. 20%.
P PLEASE LEASE ASK ASK F FOR OR DETAILS DETAILS
Specialists Specialists in in bathroom bathroom ssafety afety and and design design Walk Bathrooms Walk in in showers showers • Wet Wet rooms rooms • B athrooms Cloakrooms • Tiles Tiles • W all boards boards Cloakrooms Wall Full bathroom bathroom design design service service Full Free F ree home home visit visit in in accordance accordance with with COVID-19 C OVID-19 guidelines guidelines to to discuss discuss your your needs needs 7496 0 57281 or 0 1453 8 84167 07496 05 57281 01453 884167 C Contact ontact Rex Rex on on 0 or rex@lifestylebathrooms.net rex@lifestylebathrooms.net ffor or or ree home home visit visit to to discuss discuss your your needs needs a ffree
www.lifestylebathrooms.net w ww.lifestylebathrooms.net
AFTER
’
220% 0% ooffff
w with ith tthis his aadvert dvert dduring uring November November
Page 24
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
0 145 2 522 42 2
interior needs
ries@interiorneeds.co.uk
SHOWROOM OM OPEN OPEN BY BY APPOINTMENT O NLY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Tuesday-Saturday: Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-3pm 10am-3pm Sunday-Monday: Sunday-Monday: Closed Closed
FREE
abrics fab Curtains & fabrics • Curtains poles Tracks & poles • Tracks shutters Interior shutters • Interior blinds fit blinds Perfect fit • Perfect indow window ay w Bay •B treatments treatments Lighting • Lighting Mirrrrors • Mirrors per allpap Wallpaper •W
IGN DESIG ICE SERVIC
• Sandersons • Romo • Zoffany • Prestigious • Casadeco • Bill Beaumont • Ian Mankin • Hardy • Villa Nova • Harlequin • Luxaflex • James Brindley • Silent Gliss • Velux • Blendworth
B BLINDS LINDS
WEEKLY PRIZE DRAW Check out our
on our Facebook page!
C CURTAINS URTAINS
SHUTTERS SHUTTERS
10% 10% O OFF FF T THROUGHOUT HROUGHOUT N NOVEMBER OVEMBER
and an EXTRA EXTR RA A5 5% %O OFF FF for retur ning customers
Eastern Eastern 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
A AW W
Fireplaces F ireplaces
FFree ree SSurveys urveys
EEst st 1985 1985
07799 07 799 830689 830 689
A ccomplete omplete sservice ervice
– the the design, design, manufacture manufacture aand nd iinstalla on nstalla on of of a llarge arge range range ooff quality quality fireplaces fireplaces
M Made ade tto oM Measure easure
Woodburning Woodburning stoves, stoves, m marble/limestone arble/limestone fireplaces, fireplaces, ggas/electric as/electric fi fires, res, oak oak surrounds surrounds aand nd o oak ak bbeams. eams.
aawfireplaces.co.uk wfireplaces.co.uk mail@awfireplaces.co.uk mail@awfireplaces.co.uk VISIT OUR VISIT O U R SHOWROOM: S H O W R O O M:
U Unit nit JJ,, TThe he Bramery Bramery B Business usiness PPark, ark, A Alstone lstone LLane, ane, CCheltenham heltenham G GL51 L51 88HE HE
Luxury Luxur y Fitted Fitted Wardrobes Wardrobes Modern rded of Awa
s 9 ines Bus ear 201of t Y the hebes r
Traditional
F FROM ROM ONLY ONLY £ ITTED! £580 580 FFITTED!
by t uceste Glo
1 10 0Y YEAR EAR GUARANTEE GUARANTEE
01452 548152
Page 26
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
IInterior nterior D Design esign w with ith G Gill ill G Greenwell reenwell
N Nordic ordic sstyle tyle ccosy osy The Scandinavians have it all worked out when it comes to surviving cold winters and staying indoors. When I think ‘cosy’, Nordic style always comes to mind. Here are a few Skandi tips to help you create a warm, inviting space to while away those cold winter evenings at home. Their word for it is ‘Hygge’ – “a warm, cosy feeling embracing life’s pleasures” – something we all need to feel at this time of year.
IInspired nspired b by yn nature ature Nordic design is rooted in nature. The latest interior trends increasingly draw inspiration from natural themes, using sustainable materials sourced locally. Think warm wood or stone floors, exposed bricks, and mid-century furniture W made from teak. The latest A//W 20 interiors ranges all feature cane, bamboo and rattan.
M Modern odern rrustic ustic The modern rustic look is a perfect example of Skandi style. Think calm wall colours painted soft grey or dusty pink, and wood furniture paired with
soft wool or sheepskin throws and textured lamps. To be really on trend, include some brown in your scheme – perhaps a Sixties style toffee coloured distressed leather sofa. Yes, brown is back! Check out the Cox and Cox website for inspiration. I particularly love their coffee table made of reclaim ed oak – a perfect addition to a winter sitting room.
Bringing B ringing n nature ature indoors indoors Greenery is key to this look and green plants create a lovely woodland feel. I love fresh flowers in the house, and dried flowers are having a moment too so you can mix the two. I use lots of natural foliage from the garden or hedgerows to bulk out my arrangements, which costs nothing. If you’re feeling creative, make dried flower pictures made from pressed flowers or frame a group of cheap botanical prints to add some character to a blank wall. Look up Pinterest for ideas.
Crafty C rafty u upcycling pcycling Being sustainable is fundamental to Skandi style. “Don’t
The Local Answer
To advertise call 01242 510500
buy new if you can get good second hand items or already have things that work”. Look for pieces with a history or made from recycled materials using traditional craftsmanship. I had an old stripped pine chest re-painted in a deep mahogany brown with new handles. It now has pride of place in the hallway of my daughter’s flat. Look out for vintage cane or rattan pieces, and give them a contemporary twist with a vibrant colour like deep blue or emerald green.
A Add dd a ccosy osy N Nordic ordic ttouch ouch For that final Nordic touch, make your home really cosy and comfortable this winter by installing a natural wood burner. Always have plenty of candles – they create instant atmosphere. My favourite has a smoky scent just like a log fire. And don’t forget those antlers on the wall and a sheepskin rug on the floor. Now just relax with a mug of hot chocolate, a blanket and a good book, and you are sure to be snug and happy at home when its freezing outside.
Page 2
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 ch en
UKFrom ma ’s the ke # ov 1 er
ex pe r ts
B Before efore
2020 2 020 PRICES P RICES HELD HELD
● FROM
SIMPLE DOOR REPLACEMENTS TO COMPLETE FITTED KITCHENS
nstallations ffor or iinstallations in January/ January/ in February February
● FULLY
INSTALLED BY LOCAL PROFESSIONALS IN JUST A FEW DAYS
● CHOOSE
FROM A LARGE SELECTION OF DOORS, WORKTOPS AND APPLIANCES
● 93
OUR SHOWROOM IIS S CURRENTLY OPEN BY LY APPOIIN NTME T ONLY LY – PLEAN CALL NOW TSE BOOK YOURO VIS ISIT IT!
DO YOU DREAM OF A NEW KITCHEN?
SHOWROOMS NATIONWIDE
C CALL ALL US US NOW NOW FOR FOR AF FREE REE E ESTIMATE STIMATE
www.dreamdoors.co.uk w ww.dreamdoors.co.uk Book Book now now to to visit visit our our showroom showroom at at
0 01453 145 3 2 299344 99344 18 High Street, 18 H igh S treet, Stonehouse, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire G L10 2NA 2NA Gloucestershire GL10
S Save ave the the P Planet lanet with w ith L Louise ouise W Williams illiams
What W hat iiss the the e environmental nvironmental impact impact of of the the virus? virus? Initially it seemed that the only positive about coronavirus was its environmental impact on the planet. Factories closed, no longer churning black smoke into the already very damaged ozone layer, the roads were empty, cars still on drives. We cooked our own food from scratch, grew our own produce, shopped in local stores, walked more, cycled everywhere, the skies were empty of planes and people discovered a renewed love of nature. It felt positive, hopeful even, despite the many, many tragic losses, people would cite this as ‘one good thing to come out of lockdown’. There were less positive changes though – necessary, but still an environmental setback. Food shopping delivered in carrier bags again with no option not to have bags, disposable mask and glove production in overdrive, people driving on their own to avoid the bus.
Image: earth.org
changes and people aren’t notes of the creatures you don’t going outside as much, slowly see at the moment. Watch age sucked back into the whirlwind appropriate documentaries with of school, work, after school them, get them to help sort the clubs and beginning the semi- recycling, to find out where it hibernation we seem to fall goes. into in the autumn and winter No N oo one ne iiss going going to to months. After all, you can’t do wave w ave a magic magic wand wand an evening bug hunt in the We need to keep the children pitch black with a torrential rainstorm soaking you through. of future generations interested in nature, in recycling, in cutting Or can you? Maybe it’s time to grab our down emissions and saving The The p positives ositives a are re a best wet weather gear and our the planet. It would be all too d distant istant m memory emory torches and go on a flashlight easy to slip back into our old Now it feels like all the bug hunt with our children or ways of thinking that someone positives are a distant memory. grandchildren. Or if that’s too else will sort it all out. There The roads are choked with cars much, sit in a darkened room isn’t anyone coming to wave a again, queueing at the traffic and watch for wildlife out of magic wand – the change is lights. Factories reopened (vital the window, keeping a log of with us and the generations to for the economy and people’s the visitors to your street or come after us. In a time where we don’t feel livelihood of course), disposable garden. If you’re away from the in control, this is an area where masks and gloves litter the pavements and wash up across children in your family, this is we can be in charge. Children the perfect activity to do over w e r e s o e m p o w e r e d a t t h e all shores. In the UK, the rediscovered zoom. Compare notes, who beginning of the year, so let’s love of nature seems to have sees the most wildlife? Teach try to work together to keep been lost as the weather them about hibernation, make that fire stoked. The Local Answer To advertise call 01242 510500 Page 29
Page 0
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
The Local Answer
A APPLECRUSH PPLECRUSH C CONSTRUCTION ONSTRUCTION
SSpecialising pecialising in in all all aaspects spects ooff ggroundwork roundwork • • • • • •
Driveways Patios Footings Drainage Landscaping Concrete floors/bases
R Rest est assured assured FULLY F ULLY INSURED LICENCED INSURED & LICENCED ALL A LL WORK WORK GUARANTEED GUARANTEED OPERATING O PERATING WITHIN WITHIN GOVERNMENT G OVERNMENT GUIDELINES GUIDELINES PROFESSIONAL P ROFESSIONA AL & FRIENDLY FRIENDLY
Contact Contact Matt Matt for for a free free no no obligation obligation quote quote
007894 7894 0017253 17253 aapplecrushconstruction@outlook.com pplecrushconstruction@outlook.com
@applecrushconstruction @applecrushconstruction
A Applecrush pplecrush Cottage, Cottage, A Aston ston Ingham Ingham Road, Road, K Kilcot, ilcot, Newent, Newent, G Gloucestershire loucestershire G GL18 L18 11NR NR
YOUR Y OUR ELECTRIC ELECTRIC C COOKER OOKER OR OVEN OVEN N OT W ORKING? OR NOT WORKING? EST E ST 2004 2004 l cal TTel: el: 07955 07955 295360 295360
For more information pllease visit the website @
www.fix-my-oven.co.uk w ww.fix-my-oven.co.uk
D DIRTY IRTY C COOKER OOKER O OR RO OVEN? VEN? Tel: 01242 227067
www.ovenbusters-cheltenham.co.uk www.ovenbusters-cheltenham.co.uk
Keep u Keep up p to to d date ate on on ssocial ocial m media! edia!
BBOILERS OILERS RADIATORS RADIATORS CENTRAL CENTRAL HEATING HEATING SYSTEMS SYSTEMS BBATHROOM ATHROOM For a professional, reliable IINSTALLATION NSTALL ATION agnedt infriteonudclhy service please GGENERAL ENERAL PPLUMBING LUMBING 07969 508107 enquiries@apwplumbingandheating.com WORK W ORK
RAW MECHANICAL Plumbing & Heating Domestic & Commercial We install, service & repair
Boilers & Central heating systems Gas cookers, hobs & fires Landlord safety checks
@thelocalanswer @thelocalanswer
BE GAS SAFE, NOT SORRY CALL Aaron ON 07786 513995 Raw_mechanical@mail.com
Don’t replace the Frames ... just the Panes! Broken B roken or or Damaged Damaged Windows? Windows? Hinges, Handles orr LLocks? FFaulty aulty H inges, H andles o ocks? Want W energy saving saving glass? glass? ant the the latest latest ‘A-rated’ ‘A-rated’ energy guarantee new double glazing! 1100 yyear ear g uarantee on on n ew d ouble g lazing!
WINDOW W INDOW REPAIR R EPAIR SSERVICE ERVICE Cladding G utter, Fascia Fascia & Cladding Gutter, C leaning S ervice also also a vailable! Cleaning Service available!
… we make saving money perfectly clear! Call Paul on or or p paul@mistytoclearglos.co.uk aul@mistytoclearglos.co.uk
001452 1452 543158 543158 Page 2
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
007530 7530 940610 940610 The Local Answer
G Gadgets adgets & G Gizmos izmos w with ith L Laura aura N Nicklin icklin
W Winter inter w wonderland onderland o off g gadgets adgets As we look forward to the end of 2020, you may have only just started thinking about prepping for the Christmas holidays (after all, we have had a lot of other things to worry about). In the build-up to the festive season, check out some of these snazzy gizmos that can help you out.
Oblio O blio W Wireless ireless C Charger harger and a nd U UV VS Sanitiser anitiser Menkind.co.uk: £79 Now more than ever, it’s vital that we are staying as clean as possible. However, while you may be washing your hands and keeping hand sanitiser within reach, there’s a chance you’ve forgotten about another important part of your routine: your phone. Just think about how many times a day you tap away on your phone screen, leaving behind traces of bacteria. To ensure your phone is as clean as it can be, check out the Oblio Wireless Charger and UV Sanitiser. Not only does this gadget charge your phone, but it also kills up to 99.9% of germs in one short 20-minute The Local Answer
cycle. Give yourself one less thing to worry about with this clever cleaning gizmo.
Canon Z Canon Zoemini oemini Mobile Mobile Photo P hoto P Printer rinter John Lewis: £109.99 Nowadays, everyone can take photos on their phone and upload them to their social media in a few seconds. No need to bother with printed copies when you can get 100 likes on Instagram, right? But, if you’re feeling a bit oldschool and miss the nostalgia of a printed photograph to hang on your bedroom wall, then this nifty portable printer is the gizmo for you. The Zoemini from Canon wirelessly connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth to print photos that are smudge-proof, tear-proof and water-resistant! Its compact size also makes it easy to carry around, so no matter if you’re o u t a n d a b o u t , y o u ca n p r i n t your snapshots to your heart’s content. You can also have fun with the filters available with the Canon Mini Print app. And, if you want to stick your photos up, just peel off the back to uncover the sticky side. With this gadget, you can create a whole collage of treasured memories that you won’t find online.
cold winter nights creeping in, you’d be forgiven for falling behind on your fitness regime. Worry not, however, as there are still ways to stay motivated from the comfort of home. With the Activ5, you can exercise anywhere! Get fit and strengthen muscles with the Activ5’s 5-minute, low-impact, full body workouts. All the workouts will be personalised to your own fitness level, so don’t panic if you’re only a beginner! At just 136g, this device will fit neatly into your home. Just connect to your Android or iPhone to get started. With over 100 workouts to choose from, you’ll be spoi lt for choice.
Activbody A Activbody Activ5 ctiv5 Fitness F itness System System Apple: £124.95 Although the gyms are now open, many people may prefer to work out from home. But, with the To advertise call 01242 510500
Page
Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK
Space Master
Clavell & Hind
GARDEN SERVICES Cheltenham Town Landscaping 24 DBS Fencing 22 Lawn Doc 22
C&G Paving 20 14 Cheltenham Town Roofing 22 Home Care Roofing 21 HEALTH & BEAUTY JHD Roofing & Building 20 Sophie Lane 5 Marshalls Driveways 21 R Richards & Son Ltd 2 INFORMATION 20 Glos Constabulary 18-19 S.J. Lewis & Sons 11 CLEANING NHS Gloucestershire Ovenbusters 32 HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS FURNISHING & APPLIANCES 24 AW Fireplaces Lifestyle Bathrooms 26 Severn Vale Bathrooms 16 & 35 Bella’s Interiors 26 Dream Doors 28 BUILDING SERVICES Applecrush Construction 31 Interior Needs 25
26 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ANIMAL & PET SERVICES Dragon Vets Tewkesbury 9
HEATING & PLUMBING APW Plumbing & Heating RAW Mechanical WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES Albany Windows Clearway Windows Misty to Clear
CHARITIES Building Circles Let’s Be Clear Campaign
5 4
32 MOTOR SERVICES 32 Cleeveline Taxis V Hub
14 14
PUBLISHING 8 & 36 Lois Kingscott 30 SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING 32 Stevens Recycling
6 22
To advertise your products or services please call 01242 510500 or email info@thelocalanswer.co.uk Puzzle Solutions X P E Q N W S V H D J Z I W I W Z E R Q C S C A
F X O V O Z A Y M U U B B U S U S Z S E G S L E
K U M R S E B F B W B J E S G I W N O L M D A E
T N D Y A L E Z I H M E G Y L S M T A X E M Q O
X F E H E E T A N I R A M E C R R Z F N Q K I A
Q M S A S Q K Q H U L G M R V S E J T G P P O S
U A X V D W X U P J Z A V X T X A E N G G N T C
M U J N K K T D E S R T B Z E R Q W Y C J X D H
E V D B X C S F L A M B E C Z C L U C G T I D O
N F G L J F I I C Q G N U Q W K Y H C D U O R P
J E T M K Z R Z H W O D N M B V Z V P G M R B A
U A U F G D Y P I W E T Y C V D T N S A U T E I
N J H D K P I L V R G Y Q S M L P T D Y N U E M
O F O E W D Y X Y H R K I Q C T J S F B V F R A
E U O R W E F S P D I P E T S A B V Y Q K B Z W
X Q E Q E E I J W A L O W D I I E R X X A T K O
D J W A B P S E X Y L R M J M E V E B I Z V Z X
E I X Z V F L U Y E K A B J L M N E U R X J Y Q
B X C A O R U G F F O E B R Q V L N R V A B E N
U V I E U Y M O M O L E K I R H W N E P E I U L
D L T U S V E O W X P A B J W P A U J I U U S S
I N W O Y B P O A C H E D C M D P H L O L X C E
J E Y T J P T A U E A R O H K U K Q C F Q U A A
U D I U B M D R S T D M P B W F O L D Z J U J E
Competition 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 after 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 DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE – Tuesday 10th November 2020
W ec are a bout We care about environment the the environment
Precision P recision C Colour olour Printing Printing Ltd Ltd (our (our printer) printer) are are proud proud tto o be be a Forest Forest Stewardship Stewardship Council® Council® (FSC®) (FSC®) certificate certificate holder, holder, and and The The Local Local Answer Answer is is proud proud to to have have this this publication publication printed printed on on paper paper certified certified to to F FSC® SC® standards standards which which helps helps to to protect protect the the World’s Wo orld’s forests. forests. Page 4
www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk
F Fully-recyclable ully-recyclable A Ass well well as as the the paper, paper, tthe he iinks nks and and vvarnishes arnishes uused sed iinn pproducing roducing The The Local Local A Answer nswer aare re bbiodegradable. iodegradable. TThe he process process uused sed bbyy rrecycling ecycling ccompanies ompanies ttoo eextract xtract inks inks aand nd ccoatings oatings including including UV UV vvarnishes arnishes from from tthe he ppaper aper rrender ender tthe he ppaper aper suitable suitable ffor or ppulping ulping and and recycling. recycling. The Local Answer