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GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S BIGGEST LLOCAL OCAL BIGGEST M AGAZINE MAGAZINE FFEBRUARY EBRUARY 22022 022

STROUD S TROUD D DISTRICT ISTRICT H HAPPY APPY V VALENTINE’S ALENTINE’S DAY DAY FROM FROM THE THE LOCAL LOCAL ANSWER! ANSWER!

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S troud D istrict: 41,000 41,000 copies copies Stroud District: G loucester: 46,000 46,000 ccopies opies Gloucester: C heltenham: 443,000 3,000 copies copies Cheltenham: C otswolds: 330,000 0,000 ccopies opies Cotswolds: N orth G loucestershire: 20,000 20,000 ccopies opies North Gloucestershire:

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W elcome Welcome ttoo FFebruary ebruary Whether you want to treat a loved one on Valentine’s Day, or practise some self-love, this month’s Delicious Dish is sure to hit the mark. Tasty red velvet cupakes decorated with chocolate hearts – yum! Dorothy Glen is looking forward to spring, as she focuses on frogs and toads in her latest Wildlife Matters article. Meanwhile, Gill Greenwell is making the most of the winter weather with her interiors feature – check out her ideas for creating an alpine ambience in your home, even if you don’t live anywhere near the mountains! Toby Aiken reviews the ‘highly-anticipated’ electric Mustang, the Mach-E in his Motoring article, while Al Hidden takes us to Cuba in his Holidays & Travel feature. As always, we have a great local sport story in this month’s issue, along with our usual puzzles to give your brain a good workout!

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Contacts C ontacts MANAGING D MANAGING DIRECTOR IRECTOR Dave Kingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk

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

V Valentine alentine red red velvet velvet ccupcakes upcakes S poil your your lloved oved o ne tthis his Spoil one V alentine’s Day Day with with these these Valentine’s ssweet, weet, rromantic omantic ttreats! reats!

IIngredients: ngredients: 150g plain flour 1 tbsp cocoa powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 50g butter 150g caster sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla paste 100ml buttermilk 50ml vegetable oil 1 tsp white wine vinegar 15g tube of extra strong red food colouring For the icing: 100g full fat cream cheese 100g butter 220g icing sugar

M Method: ethod:

1 Put 12 cupcake cases into a cupcake tin. Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). 2 Sieve the flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda and a pinch of salt into a bowl and mix together. 3 Beat together the softened butter and sugar with an

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electric whisk until light and fluffy. Add the beaten egg, vanilla paste, buttermilk, oil and vinegar until all combined. Gradually whisk the wet mi xture i nto th e d ry ingredients, then add all of the tube of red food colouring and mix well. Divide the mixture between the cupcake cases then bake for 15 minutes. Leave to cool on a rack. To make the icing, beat

together the butter and icing sugar until pale and fluffy, then beat in the cream cheese until nice and soft. 8 Using a piping bag with a star nozzle, fill the bag with the icing then pipe a swirl onto the cooled cakes. 9 Decorate as you wish for your valentine, using treats such as chocolate hearts, freeze dried strawberry or raspberry pieces, or even in strawberries dipped chocolate!

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Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson’s

POLICE & CRIME PREVENTION PLAN ~ 2021-2025

Fixing the price of policing In contrast with other areas of the country, the cost of policing in Gloucestershire is now split almost equally, between a grant from Central Government and funding from local taxpayers. The Government settlement, announced last month, has to meet pay rises, inflation and additional cost increases. In or der to begin to imp lement some of the manifesto proposals on which I was elected, there will have to be an increase in the part of the council tax that pays for policing. Having won your votes on the promise of recruiting more police officers, driving down antisocial behaviour and making it easier to contact the police, I am determined to keep my word.

New officers already on board So far, the Government’s uplift programme has helped me make a start and enabled the Constabulary to bring in a number of new officers already. As part of this year’s central grant settlement, I am also allowed to increase the precept – the part of the council tax that pays for policing - by up to £10 without a referendum. But as my manifesto was based on what the public said they wanted, consultation is important to me. Let me be clear; I remain committed to my manifesto promises and I am working with the Chief Constable to ensure that a £10 increase meets his most as immediate needs such investigating crimes against the most vulnerable in society, by, for example, increasing the numbers working in Child Abuse Investigation Teams. A £10 rise would also

Consulting inside and outside the Constabulary is key to getting the police the resources they need. ensure that we can start to increase the number of people in the Force Control Room who take 999 and 101 phone calls from the public.

Much-needed additional investment In building the budget I have also asked the Chief to make savings in other non-pay areas to help towards ensuring that every penny can be targeted towards these improvements. We are working together to make sure that every part of the existing budget is as tightly squeezed as it can be to make as much space as possible for this much-needed additional investment. Increasing the precept by more

If you would like to have your say on the Police Budget proposals, please email the Police and Crime Commissioner at

PCC@gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk

than £10 would enable me to meet my manifesto commitments more quickly. However, I have to take into account the need to avoid a costly referendum, the financial position of our residents and their ability to pay, which may mean it takes longer to achieve the recruitment numbers I aspire to. I will be submitting my proposed budget to the Police and Crime Panel soon, but if you haven’t already done so and would like to have your say, please email me at PCC@gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk

C Chris hris Nelson Nelson Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire

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

Cuba: C uba: more more than than jjust ust Varadero Varadero I love anything by Buena Vista Social Club, but the song that best evokes Cuba for me is actually ‘I Wish I Could Go Travelling Again’ by jazz chanteuse Stacey Kent. The line about dashing for shelter through tropical rain always reminds me of a showersoaked sprint across Havana’s cobbled Plaza des Armas – to the colonial Hotel Santa Isobel’s sheltering colonnade and magical Mojitos. The hastening pace of transformation in post-Castro Cuba means it’s very different to the island I’ve visited. Or the place where, in 2002, my wife met late-great Cuban crooner Ibrahim Ferrer in Havana’s iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba. Fortunately, some things don’t change: like stepping into the sultry Cuban night from Havana airport’s arrivals hall, or the lime-imbued sadness of your last Cuban Mojito. Cuba still delivers almost everything you’ve seen in movies like ‘I Am Cuba’, ‘Havana Suite’ or

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Wim Wenders’ acclaimed music documentary. But you might want to hurry…

Pastel-hued P astel-hued ssights ights a and nd Che C he m murals urals Real Cuba is so much more than Varadero’s all-inclusive beach hotels. Or day tripping Havana’s El Floridita Bar where Hemingway held court, admiring the city’s 1950s American cars and strolling the wavebattered Malecón. Naturally, you’ll explore these and Havana’s other pastel-hued sights, and admire its ingenious urban organopónico allotments. And, of course, you’ll marvel at oversize murals of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos on Plaza de la Revolución – before going up its 142m-high José Martí Memorial. Then, I hope, you’ll leave town for a while to explore another side of Cuba. Buses work well and self-drive’s doable – if not for the fainthearted. Navigating Cuba’s Soviet-era autopistas and ill-

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signed backroads can be challenging! Suggested destinations a few hours from Havana? Try Santa Clara, where bereted Che won the Revolution’s deciding battle. Or Trinidad de Cuba, for elegant colonial architecture, Playa La Boca’s beaches and historic steam train rides to the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Sugar Mills.

Experience C Experience Cuba’s uba’s Salsa-driven S alsa-driven vibe vibe At Cuba’s other end, the Viñales Valley is another unmissable UNESCO site. It’s renowned for extraordinary limestone mogotes, rock-face murals and unspoiled agricultural landscapes. On the way, visit Las Terrazas’ striking ecohotel Moka. The lobby’s built around a towering lime tree. That’s another Cuban ‘Wow!’ Cuba’s a-changing, but its Salsa-driven vibe and welcoming people keep delighting. Corporate globalisation may be infiltrating island life, but for now, McDonald’s and KFC remain locked away on America’s Guantánamo Bay base! For how much longer remains unclear. That’s another reason to experience the genuine Cuba today! Page 

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

New New Year’s Year’s R Revolution evolution As you may know, I’m not big into New Year’s ‘resolutions’, but rather intentions. If it’s something you really want to accomplish, you don’t resolve to do it, you intend to get it done! Last year I had some big intentions – I hit some, but not all of them. But life goes on and rather than being downcast about the misses, for all of us, 2022 is a fresh opportunity to jump back on the horse and get after those things we really want to achieve. Here are five practical tips to give you the best chance of achieving your intentions this year:

1.. B 1 Be ep prepared repared Career and life changes always seem to come as a surprise, so t h e b e t t e r p r e p a r e d yo u a r e t o be flexible and ‘roll with the punches’, the better your ability to thrive in a changing world. No matter how stable your job may be, the last two years have shown that you should have a solid strategy for reemployment, in case you lose your job, and an even stronger one if you’re looking for promotion/growing a business. You can be prepared by having a solid CV at the ready at all times as well as looking at ways to continually upskill or update your knowledge and expertise.

2. R 2. Reconnect econnect w with ith y your our purpose p urpose Self-actualisation is a journey of continuous development and requires a real commitment to physical, emotional and spiritual self-improvement. Knowing The Local Answer

your purpose and getting after ples of this include financial it will help make you stronger, budgeting, tax returns, pension, investments, vehicle tax and more positive and resilient. MOT, household management.

3.. C 3 Check heck your your vices vices

Given the current pandemic concerns, socio -economic pressures and high-stress work environments we endure, the line between decompressing and destructive habits is very thin. Addictions can take the form of overeating to substance abuse, and anything in between. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – take a hard look at your habits and get the help needed to make positive changes and get back on track to becoming your best self this new year.

4. G 4. Get et y your our a admin dmin iin n order o rder The beginning of a new year is a good time to get your affairs in order. With your demanding schedule, it’s critical to ensure you make the effort to do your admin regularly. Some exam-

5. Make 5. Make sure sure you’re you’re fit fit ffor or llife ife The start of a new year is a good time to review your fitness and wellness needs and current status. Taking time to give yourself a thorough ‘MOT’ is a great way to start the year. Start with the question, “Am I where I want to be in terms of my fitness, health and wellness?” Part of your review may identify a range of options to support your development, such as coaching, personal training, medical/alternative complementary medicine, and age appropriate medical checkups (prostate or cervical screening, etc.) There is no time like the present to get your mind and body in line with your intentions.

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D Distributors istributors Required R equired Immediately in Berkeley, Bowbridge, Dursley,, Leonard Stanley, Painswick, Stroud Centre and Whiteshill. And to join our waiting list for Brimscombe, Cam, Cashes Green, Minchinhampton, Randwick, Thrupp, Uplands and Woodchester Please Please only only apply apply for for the the areas areas listed listed above. above. Please email d distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk istribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk with your name, postal address, telephone number and date of birth. A member of our team will respond with more information. Please do not call the office – our staff are only returning to work part-time, so may not always be available to take your call. Each round is made up of 150-400 copies per month. The rate of pay is 6 pence/copy. Depending on property types, our current team of people average between 100-150 copies/hour (equivalent to £6-£9/hour). Magazines are delivered to Distributors’ homes towards the end of each month and we expect deliveries to be completed within four days between the hours of 7am and 9pm. You must be 13+ years old, flexible, reliable and sufficiently physically fit to perfform the duties.

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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

Wrap W rap up up in in style style February can feel a little like a Wednesday (hump day) – we are hopefully more than halfway through the winter, eagerly anticipating the prospect of spring with its warmer weather and lighter days. This is the time of year when we are still in our winter outerwear and we need just that little something to update and brighten our wardrobe, without buying more coats and jackets.

S Scarves carves Et voilà – the fastest way to update your look is by adding a scarf. It’s the perfect accessory, one which with just a small investment can last you for years to come. Scarves are like our comfort blankets and whether they are long or wide, cashmere or wool blend, there is certainly one for everyone. A good scarf around your neck is the fastest way to warm

you up and keep the chills at bay. Men, women and children can all benefit from this special addition to their winter wardrobe; even pets are being given their own winter accessories.

Big B ig sscarves carves This appears to be the most popular style; you will find so many choices, it can be hard to decide. Mango has a really good selection, including a striking emerald green (right) which is incredibly long and, at just £19.99, affordable too. If you want to invest in something a little more special, cashmere is always a treat. Toast offers a big shawl size scarf in four different colours at £155. British brand Penelope Chilvers is also worth a look; they choose stripes that incorporate all the colours of the season in one scarf. Made in Scotland, these scarves are sure ement your wardrobe. nother Scottish brand, ves with a giant letter hoice at £90. d seems to have an en it comes to great I have written prevout Great Scot, who diverse selection of of exceptional quality exquisite packaging.

Riding b boots oots nother item that can m your look without a lay and will last well spring. Riding boots t with a maxi or mini with the ever-popular ng’. As the majority rt a flatter heel, they offer great comfort. ph Lauren, renowned The Local Answer

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for the polo look, has a superb tan long boot for £199 (left) – it’s very smart and unlikely to go out of fashion. Moda in Pelle’s selection is also superb – from short to long, and with some fabulous colours to choose from, this is an easy way to add an instant update to your outfit. Moda in Pelle have a leopard print long boot that is sure to turn heads, as well as every style of boot you could wish for; you might even catch them on sale at this time of year. They also sell a great boot shaper for £14.95 in a natural plastic that will stop your high boots from flopping over when not being worn. This will prolong their lifespan by ensuring they stay in shape, and they adapt to any shape or size, so are well worth the investment. Small changes offering a super fresh look as we head towards spring! Page 11

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

O Opinions pinions aand nd cconflict onflict Your new baby is now firmly part of the family and things are changing rapidly. As dynamics change within families, it is more than likely that different opinions will be shared and this can lead to conflict. This could be between partners who had very different upbringings and hold opposing values, or between extended family, especially where mum is living with her own parents when she brings baby into the world. But the occurrence of conflict and the clashing of opinions, especially around the way baby is raised, does not have to mean everyone falls out. We can learn to share ideas and opinions without falling into unnecessary conflict if we can follow a few simple rules.

B Be e rrespectful espectful No matter how much you disagree with someone around an issue, commit to always communicating with respect. Be willing to listen as well as talk, and most importantly, do not harbour the need to be right all the time. Quite honestly, every-

one is simply doing the best they can in the moment and there is rarely a wrong or right in most situations.

Choose C hoose y your our m moment oment If you are in a family with underlying issues, unsolved trauma or concerns, then be mindful of how and when you choose to voice your opinions. Choose a time when everyone is calm, and be clear about your intentions in any conversation. Talking behind people’s backs, plotting and trying to win over a certain family member to your side will only ever lead to a fracture in the family, and may have devastating consequences in the long term. Try to make time regularly to have face to face conversations around schedules, noise, behaviours and feelings, with everyone present if possible. This way, everyone can feel part of the team when it comes to dealing with discomfort.

Why W hy a all ll tthe he d drama? rama? You may wonder why I am talking about this. I have seen it so often after many sleepless The Local Answer

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nights; stress is mounting, people are tired and old behaviour patterns and familial roles come into play. Believe me, now is not the time for mother and daughter to be at loggerheads over who is in charge, who owns the house or pays the bills! Neither is it the right time for the new parents to start battling over forgotten birthdays, infidelities or other disappointments from the past. I understand how high tensions can run with no sleep and the worries over the wellbeing of your precious baby, all staged with a backdrop of a pandemic and social change like we have never seen before. So I beg of you – stay calm, be kind and most of all, be honest and upfront with each other. I want to acknowledge that times can indeed get difficult and that I know you have it within you to navigate change and challenge in a caring and considerate way. I just wanted to remind you that you are doing a great job and you should be very proud of yourself! Page 1

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

Electric E lectric h horse orse p power ower I finally got behind the wheel of the highly-anticipated electric Mustang, the Mach-E. I love EVs, and I adore the Mustang, but to really be a Mustang, a name synonymous with the term muscle car, surely it needs a V8 and a loud, throaty roar from the exhaust? Ford has tried to remedy this with artificial engine noise designed to match the speed and acceleration of the electric version, but the sound isn’t quite pitched right. I think the issue is that the noise a V8 makes is felt as much as heard, so the result of piped engine noise through the speakers is too one-dimensional. I expected to instantly love this car – it epitomised many things I love about driving, all wrapped up in a brand and name I associate with driving enjoyment. But it missed the mark. I think Ford made one mistake with the Mach-E, and that’s the name. I like the design styling that points to the V8 counterpart – the iconic rear lights, the flashy graphics on the massive touchscreen, but the noise ruined the experience. Until that is, on day four of my test drive, I turned the artificial exhaust noise off.

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IItt ssuddenly uddenly ffelt elt m much uch more m ore a alive live Suddenly, it made sense. As an EV without fake noise, it suddenly felt much more alive, connected and, most importantly, it wasn’t trying to be something it wasn’t. I got it. As an EV, the Mach-E offers a really nice drive. Balanced, powerful, spacious and premium for the most part. The exception is the dial around the one control knob on the touchscreen, which feels far too cheap and plastic to match the rest of the car. And for the £57k price tag, I don’t think that’s acceptable. On a £16k Fiesta, maybe, but not on something £40k more expensive. Onto the drive. With th e in st ant power yo u expect from an EV, well-planted handling and cornering, it feels like it will look after you when you add a bit too much power to a b-road bend, where a conventional Mustang wouldn’t. And while it might not be quite as much fun, this is To advertise call 01242 510500

ultimately a family-friendly SUV, not a fastback muscle car, so that’s probably for the best. The interior is refined, comfortable and has all the tech you would expect. The touchscreen is clearly reminiscent of the Tesla Model S, the pinnacle for which to aim for, so well done Ford on that task. It’s spacious, with two big boots; the conventional at the rear, and the front trunk. But as the front storage is mainly filled with charge cables, in reality, you will just be using the rear boot. And on charging: I don’t like to criticise EVs for charging practicalities, as anyone who buys one would more than likely install their own high capacity charger at their home. I do not, so have to rely on public chargers or a slow 3-pin charge from an extension lead. I didn’t struggle too much, that said, and I do feel that the time for EVs to be a realistic option as a main car in the UK is fast approaching. Are we there yet? Perhaps, not. But the destination is just around the corner. Page 15

Whatʼs On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors. We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit. 1 FEBRUARY SIMON KEMPSTON A unique talent performing thoughtprovoking, evocative original songs in a wonderfully intimate setting. Simon’s beautifully crafted, folk-tinged material showcases his incredible, distinctive and intricate fingerstyle guitar work, an exciting blend of the folk-baroque, blues and classical styles, and his gently nuanced, compelling tenor vocals. 8.30pm. £15. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org 3-6 FEBRUARY 2022 PANTO – DICK WHITTINGTON Promenade Productions present their traditional family panto Dick Whittington, the story of the boy from Gloucestershire who sets out to find fame and fortune in London. Performances Thursday and Friday at 7pm, Saturday and Sunday at 12pm and 4.30pm. Tickets £16 (adults) and £12 (children) from the box office at Cheltenham Playhouse – 01242 522852 or online: www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 4 FEBRUARY AN EVENING WITH 6 O’CLOCK GIN A fun and fascinating night exploring the range of multi award-winning gins of top local distillery 6 O’clock. The family-run distillery will guide us through their range of artisan gins, giving insight into their distilling process and how each gin is produced, their family story and the wider world of gin in a deliciously hands-on way as you taste through a

selection of perfectly paired 6 O’clock gin and tonics. 7pm. Tickets £25. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE. thesubrooms.co.uk THE GREATEST HITS OF MOTOWN – HOW SWEET IT IS This stunning live show combines first class music with slick choreography and an amazing band to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have! This show will have you Dancing On The Ceiling, with songs from legendary artistes such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and many more. 7.30pm. Tickets £29.50. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org 5 FEBRUARY THE FILM ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN WILLIAMS Founded in Worcester in 2012 by Jane Whittle, this 60-piece orchestra has developed a reputation for bringing exciting programmes of screen music to a wide audience. As we approach Maestro John Williams’ 90th birthday, The Film Orchestra is delighted to programme this special concert featuring some of his greatest film scores, including Harry Potter, E.T. and Star Wars. 7.30pm. £20 (£18 conc). 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk MERCURY Celebrating 75 years since the birth of the legendary Queen frontman, Mercury

have firmly established themselves as one of the world’s most authentic tributes to Freddie Mercury and Queen. Including performances of the most popular hits, such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, We Will Rock You and many more, this awardwinning show has been wowing audiences across the world with its spectacular costumes and world class production for over 20 years. 7.30pm. £18-£26. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org 10 FEBRUARY BERK’S NEST PRESENTS SUZI RUFFELL Working-class comedian of her generation, Suzi Ruffell has had five sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival racking up critical acclaim. 8pm. Tickets £16.50-£18.50. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE. thesubrooms.co.uk 11 FEBRUARY TIM EDEY Tim Edey has toured the world and recorded with most of the major names in Celtic/Contemporary roots music. He is now a name on the world stage in his own right after 20 years of very hard work, and consequently he is rated by many to be one of the world’s finest ever melodeon and guitar players in folk and contemporary acoustic music! 8pm. Tickets £12-£14. Sundial Theatre, Cirencester, GL7 1XA. www.sundial-theatre.co.uk

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1122 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY AN EVENING WITH SIR GEOFF HURST In this evening with England’s Hat Trick Hero and World Cup winner, listen to Sir Geoff reminisce on his illustrious career and have the chance to ask your own questions. VIP ticket holders (Rows A-C) can meet Sir Geoff before the show for an exclusive photo and autograph opportunity. 7.30pm. £27-£55. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. www.rosestheatre.org SETH LAKEMAN Charismatic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Seth Lakeman is back for a solo tour in February, following the release of his new studio album ‘Make Your Mark’. Written during his enforced 18 months off the road, the album features 14 powerful, new songs including the BBC Radio 2 playlisted single Higher We Aspire. 7.30pm. £22 (£20 conc). Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. gloucesterguildhall.co.uk 1133 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY PET PORTRAIT PAINTING WORKSHOP

Come and enjoy a relaxed day of painting at Cheltenham’s dog friendly pub, The Strand. Working from photos, professional artist Hazel will help you create a masterpiece for yourself or for someone special. Tickets £85 including lunch and materials. Book online: hrhpetportraits.com/workshops Enter code ‘TLA10’ to get 10% off. Gift vouchers available. 12.30-5.30pm. The Strand, 40 High Street, Cheltenham. GL50 1EE. AN EVENING WITH SU POLLARD Su is about to embark on her first ever tour where she will talk about her exceptional career, which is sure to be filled with laughter and a few tears. Su will also undertake a Q&A with the audience. 7.30pm. £20-£41.50. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE. thesubrooms.co.uk 1177 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE – THE BOOK OF DUST: LA BELLE SAUVAGE Set twelve years before the epic ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy, this gripping

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adaptation revisits Philip Pullman’s fantastical world in which waters are rising and storms are brewing. Two young people and their dæmons find themselves at the centre of a terrifying manhunt. In their care is a tiny child called Lyra Belacqua, and in her lies the fate of the future. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50 conc, £12.50 students). 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. bacontheatre.co.uk 18 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 18 BACH-VIVALDI CONCERT Cheltenham Sinfonietta led by Gordon Busbridge, soloist Hannah ThompsonSmith (violin). Vivaldi: ’Winter’ and ‘Summer’ from The Four Seasons; Bach: Double Violin Concerto and D Minor Harpsichord Concerto. 7.30pm. Tickets free from EventBrite www.pipandjims.eventbrite.co.uk or from Parish Office 01242 522658. Collection for charity. St Philip & St James’s Church, Grafton Road, Leckhampton GL50 2DD. MATT FORDE: CLOWNS TO THE LEFT OF ME, JOKERS TO THE RIGHT

There are wallies everywhere and half of them are running the country. The other half are trying to. Matt Forde (Have I Got News For You, The Last Leg) lashes out right, left and centre. And chucks in some funny voices. 7.30pm. £15. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk 2233 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY CIRCUS SPECTACULAR Join us for the greatest show on earth – featuring international circus acts, amazing magic and lots of laughs. Our top-class artistes will not only bring skill and suspense with their acts, they will also all be participating in the production numbers and comedy aspects of the show to make one truly unhinged experience. 3pm. £17.50 (£15.50 conc, £60 family of four). 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. bacontheatre.co.uk 25 25 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER Chris Bannister returns for what is always a very special evening. Performing favourites including Sunshine On My Shoulders, Take Me

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Home Country Roads, and of course Annie’s Song, along with some of the cover versions John himself loved to perform live. Unlike ‘lookalike’ tributes, Chris performs the songs in his own unique way which proves popular and has brought him widespread acclaim. 8pm. £16.50-£18. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE. thesubrooms.co.uk 26 26 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY LONGFIELD COMMUNITY HOSPICE’S ALE AMBLE Starting and finishing at Stroud Brewery, the Ale Amble will take you on a fantastic four-mile circular walk. You’ll arrive back to a hero’s welcome at the Brewery with a free pint or soft drink and the chance to catch a Six Nations rugby match on the big screen. 10am-1pm. £15 adult/£10 child or raise sponsorship. To sign up visit www.longfield.org.uk/event/ale-amble THE BEACH BOYZ TRIBUTE SHOW Come join a journey in time and space, back to the 1960s, across to the sunny shores of the Golden State of California where the surf sound was conceived. The show is exhilarating as ever, filling the auditorium with glorious, rich vocal harmony. The five all singing, all playing boys that are Beach Boyz Tribute Band continue to amaze, astound and defy belief in their recreation of America’s biggest and longest selling pop rock band. 7.30pm. Tickets £21. 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk MARCH 4 MARCH STROUD FILM FESTIVAL LAUNCH Stroud Film Festival will run from 4th27th March at venues around Stroud district. Now in its eighth year, the Festival aims to appeal to an even wider range of film tastes, offering a varied programme of films and events – from award winning recent features and classic movies, through to films with a distinct Stroud flavour. For more details, please visit www.stroudfilmfestival.org 5 MARCH MARCH MIND BODY SPIRIT SHOW Over twenty fantastic exhibitors: 1-1 tarot, psychic, shamanic & clairvoyant readings, holistic therapies, massage, self-help, crystals, jewellery, books, arts and crafts, healthy living products, aura imaging, the paranormal. Food and refreshments onsite. 11-5pm. The New Inn, 16 Northgate Street, Gloucester City Centre, GL1 1SF. www.deerspirit.co.uk

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B Bring ring some some aalpine lpine ccheer heer to home to your your home February is often a challenging month in the UK weather-wise. At half-term, many families head for the ski slopes – the sight of mountain scenery and sun on snow is so uplifting. Why not recreate some of that winter holiday feeling in your own home, even if you don’t live anywhere near the mountains!

IInspired nspired b by yn nature ature Chalet-style interiors are inspired by nature. Think split natural stone, or grey toned reclaimed timber cladding on a single wall for a natural organic look, and to create warmth and depth. For a more cost-effective option I love Cole & Son’s “In the Woods” patterned wallpaper. Use sophisticated soft greys mixed with metal and glass for a contemporary feel, and pair with colours inspired by nature like deep pine green or cool blue spruce. Or add a pop of bright colour; Alpine red with

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cool grey looks great. Do avoid being cliched – no orange pine or gingham please!

Add A dd ttexture exture A variety of textures is key to this look. Think woollen fabrics, felt, soft coloured tweeds and tartan. Plaid throws (check out The Tartan Blanket Company) and textured patterned rugs. Sheepskin fleeces casually draped across simple dining chairs always look cosy, and cowhide looks great on benches and stools. I have a single faux cowhide Image: Next wishbone chair in my sitting room – I love it and it scheme looking too rustic. Go really lifts the room. for oversized, natural-looking ceramic lamp bases with drum Create C reate a cosy cosy space space No chalet is complete without shaped shades – look at Cox & a crackling log fire – a real fire Cox’s website for inspiration. Antlers shaped into an interis instantly welcoming and brings a space alive. A giant log esting contemporary chandelier basket from Garden Trading style light over a dining table adds a rustic chic touch. And or in the sitting room would be don’t forget the lighting – good a real talking point. Retro midl i g h t i n g c r e a t e s w a r m t h a n d century style ceramics also fit well with this look. Soho Home atmosphere. Oversized modular sofas are has a great selection, and check perfect for lounging after a out the retro Alpine Chalet winter walk. Pair with mid- mugs at Spicer and Wood. century faux sheepskin chairs Personalise ersonalise w with it h a artwork rtwork from Zara Home or a vintage P rattan chair. This look is all Complete your scheme with about comfort without being some alpine inspired artwork. I t o o s m a r t , c o s y b u t d e f i n i t e l y love vintage ski travel posters, or search out contemporary not twee. prints inspired by winter scenes. Accessories A ccessories with with a Now you can invite your friends ccontemporary ontemporary ffeel eel over for a fondue, hand round Contemporary style light the glühwein and settle in for a fittings are a must to stop your perfect cosy winter’s evening. To advertise call 01242 510500

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Clive Clive Eagles Eagles is is still still a star star tturn urn Long-time player and committee member Clive Eagles has given a lot to Minchinhampton Rugby Club. He’s played some 450 games for the club – more than anyone else – has served on the committee since the mid-80s, is a past 2nd XV captain and is the current captain of the club’s 3rds/vets side. But whatever Eagles, now 58, has given to Minchinhampton, he readily admits the club has given back to him, and more, by the bucketload. When the one-time Marling S c h o o l p u p i l w a s a s k ed i f h e ’ d play for the club way back in 1982, just a few weeks after they were formed, he could not have imagined the journey it would take him on. It's a heartwarming tale that has given him the opportunity to be in the presence of Royalty, play against international rugby players and appear on primetime television; but more than anything it’s given him the opportunity to have fun with a capital ‘F’. As he readily admits: “I’m not sure what I’d have done for a social life without the rugby club.” He’s still playing at least once a month now and remains forever grateful for a chance meeting that got him involved with Minchinhampton RFC. “I was in the pub on a Friday night and I saw Pete Smith,” he said. “He was involved at the club and knew I’d played rugby at Marling. He asked if I fancied a game the next day.” Pete Smith came from a strong rugby-playing family – he is the son of former England international and one-time RFU and Minchinhampton president JV Smith – and the game in question was at Bream.

“I hadn’t played in quite a few years and I’m pretty sure we lost,” Eagles said. “Until a couple of years ago that was the only time I had ever played at Bream.” In those early days, Eagles was happy to play wherever he was asked but after a while he established himself as either a scrum-half or fly-half. “I played for the 1sts for about 10 years,” he said. “I was in the Army and was based in Germany for a while but I always played when I could when I came back. Most of my games Clive Eagles has played more games for for the club have been for Minchinhampton Rugby Club than anyone else the 1sts or 2nds.” He enjoyed playing for both picked up on it and the next teams, of course, and also thing we know we’ve got two enjoyed his spell as captain of r e p o r t e r s f r o m t h e I T V s h o w the 2nds. Richard and Judy with us in “We do enjoy ourselves and Belgium. it’s important to keep the social “They did a big feature and I side going,” said Eagles, who was filmed kicking off the lives in Chalford. “I’ve always game!” been a bit of a singer and I like And a decent kick-off it was a sing-song, it’s good fun.” too – you can check it out on And he’s been belting out the YouTube – although that was by tunes in Minchinhampton, no means Eagles’ only high around Gloucestershire and spot in Minchinhampton’s 40even farther afield for many year history. years now. In 2017, their new £370,000 “Up until Covid we’d been on clubhouse was opened by The a tour every year since 1993,” Princess Royal, followed by a said Eagles, who has great game between a Mike Tindall memories of them all, but one XV and a Gloucestershire XV. in particular. Tindall’s side included the “One year we went to B e l g i u m a n d w e r e p l ay i n g th i s l i k e s o f f o r m e r i n t e r n a t i o n a l s unpronounceable team just Iain Balshaw, Thinus Delport and David Flatman, while outside Brussels. “We used to have a theme for Eagles was one of the lucky every year and this particular ones to play against them. “I didn’t lay a hand on any of year we dressed up as Morris Dancers, we even had Morris them,” he said with a laugh. Dancing lessons. We thought if “Most people seem to remthe All Blacks had the haka we ember me getting absolutely flattened by David Flatman!” could have the Morris Dance! “One of the newspapers Full story online.

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IIndex ndex o off A Advertisers dvertisers Roofcure 247 INFORMATION INFORMATION NHS Gloucestershire 18-19 Right Choice Roofing RS Cladding Police & Crime Commissioner 6 WB Home Improvements

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