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GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S BIGGEST LLOCAL OCAL BIGGEST M AGAZINE MAGAZINE MARCH M ARCH 22022 022

STROUD S TROUD D DISTRICT ISTRICT DON’T DON’T FORGET FORGET TO TO SPOIL SPOIL YOUR YOUR MUM MUM ON ON SUNDAY SUNDAY 27 27TTHH M MARCH ARCH

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S troud D istrict: 40,000 40,000 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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March’s winning cover photo: Edwin Hewlett

W elcome Welcome ttoo M arch March Spring has finally sprung and there are snowdrops and daffodils everywhere. Many of you will have been eagerly waiting to get out in the garden and tidy it up after the long winter. Julia Smith shares her top pruning tips and the vegetables you should be looking to sow in her gardening article. Al Hidden is off to Italy to explore the Dolomites in his Holidays & Travel article, while Val Starr previews the spring fashion trends in her Mirror Mirror on the Wall feature. Gloucestershire Council Council are encouraging residents to be more mindful of what they throw away and to consider whether items could be repaired rather than being replaced. For more details, see their advert inside. Finally, we’re looking for distributors in various areas across the Stroud District – more details can be found in our ‘Distributors Required’ advert.

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

MARKETING M ARKETING & EEDITORIAL DITORIAL Lois Kingscott lois@thelocalanswer.co.uk

ACCOUNTS ACCOUNTS Rob Kingscott (01242 541071) accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk

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DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION Jamie Kirby distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk ADVERTISING ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: ENQUIRIES: info@thelocalanswer.co.uk LEAFLET LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES: ENQUIRIES: leaflets@thelocalanswer.co.uk Page 3

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

T his ssimple, imple, ccreamy reamy This d ish iis sg reat ffor or a q uick dish great quick m id-week d inner. mid-week dinner.

P Pork ork and and mushroom mushroom stroganoff stroganoff IIngredients: ngredients:

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230g brown rice 2 tbsp olive oil 500g (approximately) pork tenderloin fillet 1 large red onion 230g chestnut mushrooms 1 tbsp fresh sage 2 tbsp white wine 1 tsp wholegrain mustard 120g light cream cheese

1 Put the rice on to cook according to the packet instructions – usually about 25-30 minutes. 2 Whilst that is simmering, slice the pork into thin strips. 3 Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok and fry the pork in two batches over a fairly high heat to brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

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4 Chop the sage and onion, slice the mushrooms, then fry together for 2-3 minutes until beginning to brown. 5 Stir in the wine, mustard and cream cheese. Pop the pork back in, heat through and season with salt and black pepper. 6 Serve with the brown rice and your choice of seasonal vegetables.

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

His H is aand nd h her er sspring pring preview preview Spring will certainly herald in some new looks for both men and women this year. Designers appear to be returning to the seventies and nineties for inspiration. Many of the catwalk shows present extreme looks to catch our attention, which are then copied by the high street. Let’s see what is in store this season!

M Men en I often feel men are neglected in fashion previews, but this isn’t the case for 2022. Sleeveless is the big buzz word; better to warn you in case you want to dig out the dumbbells! This style isn’t limited to tshirts, though – you’ll see it on sweaters and even blazers. Exposed biceps seem to be the order of the day for fashion houses like Prada, while Paul Smith is showing waistcoat styles with nothing underneath. Hermes are offering three button suits in cotton and linen. Forget dull grey and blacks; designers are going for a huge palette of incredible colours.

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Before the bare arms appear in the next few months, you’ll be able to get your fix of cardigan-coats – basically a very heavy knit cardigan, often in a coat length, and again in bright shades. Oversized shorts are also popular. If you have a spare £550 in your wallet, head to Giorgio Armani for a stylish pair. Sadly, designer prices do not reflect the lack of sleeveless fabric, but you’ll be able to find more affordable alternatives when they hit the high street shops.

Women W omen Similar to the men, there will be a lot of cut outs, bare midriffs and see through materials. Personally, after two years of staying mostly at home and potentially over-indulging, I’m not quite sure this was the right way for designers to go! Fear not, as there are many more flattering alternatives, starting with the ever-popular denim. New denim styles are reminiscent of the 90s but with easy updates – not just different fabrics, but also different styling. Forget skinny jeans – the new shapes are balloon style, which taper down at the ankles. Cropped flares are a modern twist; Zara has a great pair of mid-rise, cotton flares for £22.99 (top right). Personally, I find a slight flare elongates the leg and is very flattering. Not sure where to go? Marks and Spencer has magic shaping jeans and has sold over 2 million pairs in less than six months – they must be doing something right. These jeans are made using clever To advertise call 01242 510500

technology with super stretch fabric, making them soft and comfortable. Promising to lift your bottom and slim the appearance of any spare tyre, they offer a high waist option at £39.50. Gap, now missing from the high street, still sell online and their ‘sculpt’ jeans range comes in at £54.95 a pair. They have contouring and support to make them super comfortable, and to give a smooth, sleek look. When it comes to dressing yourself this year, personal style is really the key; nothing is either in or out and fashion is what you want it to be. Loud colours and shiny finishes are what you will find on the high street. I think colour cheers us all up, especially after a grey winter. Lengths seem to be extreme – either really short or really long – and fringing is popular, from the hem of jumpers to hand bags. Fashion should be about having fun, so make sure you do so this spring! Page 

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

D Downhill ownhill through through the the Dolomites Dolomites It’s a sunny summer morning in Italy’s majestic South Tyrol. After breakfast (at 838m/2,749 ft) we bade vibrant Brunico (Bruneck) farewell with a last glance up at its hilltop thirteenth-century castle. Pedalling east along the Alta Val Pusteria, the route leads us through pine-scented forests towards Dobbiaco (Toblach), one of the gateways to the Dolomites. Along the way, we admire impressive Lago di Valdaora, then picnic on Weckerl, Heumilchkäse and delicious local strawberries in idyllic alpine meadows. Later still, towards day’s end, we imagine hearing Mahler’s Ninth as we pass his former composing cabin.

S Sky-scraping ky-scraping llimestone imestone ccrags rags The breathtaking scenery of the Alto Adige, fascinating Italo-Germanic culture and immersion in Süd-tirolers’ rich folklore typify the mainly downhill ride to Asola (210 m/690 ft), Veneto’s ‘City of a Hundred Horizons’, which lies ahead. The Local Answer

A couple of days later, rolling into chic Cortina d’Ampezzo, we rub shoulders with northern Italy’s jet set. The town evokes memories of 1956’s Winter Olympics, Ford’s multi-million selling car and ‘For Your Eyes Only’, Roger Moore’s fifth Bond movie. However, despite such fame, it’s the pale, sky-scraping limestone crags surrounding the resort that steal the show every time! It’s no wonder Swiss architect Le Corbusier reputedly described the Dolomites as the world’s most beautiful mountains. Stage three of a trip that is comfortably doable in 11 days (including whole days in Asolo, Brunico, Dobbiaco and Cortina) begins with more leisurely valley riding to Calalzo di Cadore. From there, some organised cycle tours break the ride with a train journey. Alternatively, historic Via Alemagna – part of the celebrated Munich-Venice cycle route – descends gently along the wooded Piave valley to the eastern Dolomites’ most impTo advertise call 01242 510500

ortant town. A further 24 miles (38km) on easy forest trails, between somnolent villages that beg you to stop and sample local gastronomy, brings you to Feltre and Asolo.

World-class World-class grappa grappa and a nd p prosecco rosecco The journey nearly complete, it’s time to toast your achievement with the region’s worldclass grappa and prosecco. Then relax awhile in Asolo or visit nearby Bassano del Grappa to vi ew the im pr es si ve Br id ge of the Alpini over the River Brenta – imagine Lucerne’s Kapellbrücke on stilts! With waning memories of 2021, days lengthen and thoughts turn to two-wheeled adventuring at home and further afield. For an unforgettable cycling experience, these ‘pale mountains’, the ‘monti pallidi’, could be perfect. Will you travel independently or on an organised cycling holiday? Either way, maybe it’s the year to saddle up for the ultimate Dolomites cycling tour. Andiamo! Page 

Make a Will month If, like so many people, making or updating your Will is on your ‘to do’ list for this year, Cobalt’s Make a Will month is just what you need! Having an up to date Will in place can offer peace of mind that your wishes have been made clear. Not having this in place could cause your loved ones a lot of extra stress at what would already be a very difficult time. During April, our partner solicitors will be donating their expertise and time to support Cobalt. They will write or update straightforward Wills in return for a donation to Cobalt. The suggested minimum donation is a fraction of what you would ordinarily pay for this service. Making a Will through this scheme is a wonderful way to not only be able to tick something off your ‘to do’ list but also save money and support Cobalt; every penny of the donations made through this scheme comes to Cobalt. This year, all donations made through the scheme will go directly into our new PET/CT scanner appeal. Whilst the scheme runs during April, appointments are limited, so making contact with your chosen solicitor as soon as possible is recommended. For more information please visit our website www.cobalthealth.co.uk/support-us or call 01242 535922 to request a pack.

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

G Getting etting out out and and about about Now your baby is growing and you are settling into motherhood, you may feel ready to ‘face the world’ and begin taking baby out and about – because let’s face it, you need to get out of the house and you are not going anywhere without your new appendage. I am sure you already realise that this is not as easy as it seems, as the smallest human in your world actually needs more ‘stuff ’ than you could possibly imagine, just to get through the day! To this end I am talking about planning and preparation being your saving grace, and some ways in which you can get through the day and leave the house with some sense of order.

K Keep eep y your our b baby aby b bag ag ffilled illed a and nd rready eady tto og go o Preparation is key; so let’s focus on your baby bag. Ensure you have nappies, wipes, at least two changes of clothes, any feed requirements in addition to breast milk or formula which you may choose to use,

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tissues, a muslin cloth and some nappy sacks for disposing of waste items. Keep your bag filled by restocking before bed each evening; make it part of your bedtime routine. Timing is also a huge issue once you introduce baby into your social schedule, as you can no longer simply ‘pop out’ at a moment’s notice. I am sure you already realise that no matter how hard you try, baby is guaranteed to poop at the exact moment you try to leave the house, necessitating yet another change of nappy and possibly clothing! Sticking to a schedule with a baby is obviously easier said than done, so never worry about refusing to meet when you are asked to, but rather set the times that suit you and work with your baby’s normal routine. This way you will be more reliable, present and good company to those you are meeting, rather than potentially harried, stressed and distracted by a grizzly, hungry or tired baby. To advertise call 01242 510500

Don’t D on’t forget forget your your own own essential e ssential items items One more important thing to mention is to remember to plan for your own needs whilst out and about. Take a bottle of water so you can stay hydrated, as well as a few snacks to tide you over and keep your blood sugar level stable (nuts, seeds, bananas and apples are great). You may also want to fold a spare t-shirt into your baby bag, just in case baby is sick or you have spills. I know only too well the awful feeling of walking around with stains on my shirt and no way to change. Remember, things won’t always go to plan and it may be that you can’t establish a routine (or anything close to one) until your baby is older. The most important thing is to do what is best for you and your little one, and don’t put pressure on yourself to have a perfect schedule. Spring is coming and the weather is slowly improving, so enjoy getting out in the world together – you deserve it! Page 11

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Painswick, Stroud Centre, Whiteshill and Wotton-under-Edge 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 The T h e Loc Lo c al al information. Please do not call the office – our staff A NSW AN S W ER ER are only returning to work part-time, so may not always be available to take your call. GLOUCESTERS GLOUCESTERSH HIRE’S IRE’S B BIGGEST IGGEST LLOCAL OCAL M MAGAZINE AGAZINE FFEBRUARY EBRUARY 22022 022

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 perform the duties. Page 12

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STROU STROUD DISTR DISTRICT IC T

HAPPY HAPPY VALENTINE VALENTINE’S ’S DAY DAY FROM FROM THE THE

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

L Lighting ighting tthe he way way This review has been a while in the making, but purely because the Volvo S90 it features was originally delivered to me in mid-November. About an hour after it arrived, I noticed it had a puncture so Volvo replaced it with an XC60 while they took it away and fixed it. The S90 is very much an executive saloon that works well as a family car too, though perhaps not with the cream leather interior that this one had – a brave choice for those with kids, that’s for sure.

V Volvo olvo h has as o one ne o off tthe he m most ost d distinctive, istinctive, iidentifiable dentifiable iinteriors nteriors The cabin is a really nice place to be and is decidedly Swedish in its design. I think of all the manufacturers today, Volvo has one of the most distinctive, identifiable interiors, regardless of the actual model. Having tested both the XC60 and S90 specced at the same level, it was really interesting to see the similarities – and the differences. Both were T8 spec, so a 300bhp petrol engine, and another 90bhp from the electric drivetrain too – that’s quite a The Local Answer

lot of poke for a saloon that is incredibly comfortable and wafts you along in near-silence. I would have to say that the electric element isn’t massively practical, giving around 20 miles of range fully charged, but as a boost to the petrol and for city driving, it’s worth having, just not if you want something that has a decent electric only range. From the outside, my test cars (both had the same colour scheme) looked great in dark grey, contrasting with the interior nicely, and with imposing grills at the front – another distinctive Volvo characteristic that has evolved from the early days, but stays recognisable. But aside from the performance and the comfort, the thing that I loved about these cars – and I appreciate this sounds a little weird – was the headlights. There are a few manufacturers that have lighting systems that feature automatically dipping main beam when a car is detected approaching, but the Volvo system goes a step further. The lights dip around a car you’re following so as not to dazzle the driver, but maintain To advertise call 01242 510500

full illumination of the areas to the left and right of the car – effectively leaving the car ahead in a pool of darkness, while lighting up the rest of the road.

Adapting A dapting iincredibly ncredibly q quickly uickly a and nd e effectively ffectively It tracks around bends, adapting incredibly quickly and effectively, and I think this is a feature that we will start to see more and more of. There are a few others on the market that deploy similar technology, but I think the Volvo is the peak. And let’s face it, the Swedish manufacturer has a history of innovation. They were the company that patented the three-point seat belt back in 1959 and, incredibly, left the patent open so others could use it free of charge, as they recognised the importance of the system as a safety device. How many companies would act similarly now? So to conclude: with all the models having a very similar interior and feel, it’s a question of picking the body style and size that suits you. For me, it’s the XC60, but really, once you have picked your colour scheme, the choice is yours! Page 1

Quick Crossword 2

28 Narrow aperture ACROSS 29 Make certain 1 The ... Of Oz 5 Traditional wisdom DOWN 1 Rolls (in mud) 7 Frostily 2 Viper 8 Detective’s clue 3 Clock faces 9 Pen tips 4 Moved (hips) 10 Reasoning 5 Hangs unlawfully 11 Musical dramas 6 Bandits 13 Weeded 14 Crockery item 12 Gorilla or chimpanzee 18 Neglect 15 Liquor 21 Wound crust 16 Display case 22 Seniors 17 Tiny waves 24 Drive forward 19 Unwell 25 In comparison to 20 Concentrated scent 26 Take (baby) off bottle 22 Exclusive group 27 Wield (influence) 23 Ups & ...

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TO SHARE SHARE YOUR YOUR SPORTING SPORTING WANT W ANT TO STORY ON ON OUR OUR WEBSITE? WEBSITE? STORY Please Please email email full full details details ttoo ssport@thelocalanswer.co.uk port@tthelocalanswer.co.uk

Jonathan Jonathan Burke Burke on on a mission mission Jump jockey Jonathan Burke was in an upbeat mood when he spoke to The Local Answer. And for very good reason too because the recently turned 26-year-old had just hours before ridden winner number 43 for the season, which in turn took him another step closer to his best ever campaign. Throw in the fact that this year’s Cheltenham Festival is just around the corner and it’s little wonder that Burke had plenty to be happy about as he returned home from Catterick. The good news is that he has since passed that Jonathan Burke is enjoying his best season season’s best – set two years ago when he had 45 winners – good number of Burke’s winners and now it’s all systems go as in recent times. he looks ahead to the four-day “Hopefully this will be my extravaganza that is the year to get a winner, that would Cheltenham Festival, which this be great,” said Burke. “I’m still year runs from Tuesday 15th the right side of 30 but it all March to Friday 18th March. boils down to opportunities and Burke has experienced the how your body stands up, you thrill of riding a winner at need a bit of luck with injuries.” Ch el tenham, although not yet Lik e all j ump jockeys Burke at the Festival – “I’ve had quite knows all about injuries – he a f e w s e c o n d a n d t h i r d p l a c e b r o k e h i s c o l l a r b o n e tw i c e l a s t finishes,” he said – and would s e a s o n b u t s t i l l f i n i s h e d t h e love to add a Festival winner to campaign with an impressive his increasingly impressive CV. 38 winners to his name. “From a job perspective, I try Injuries are part and parcel of to treat each day at the being a jump jockey but even Cheltenham Festival as just when he is forced to sit on the another day of racing,” said sidelines, Burke, who is originBurke, who is based with Slad ally from Cork, loves everything trainer Tom George. about the sport. “But I’d be lying if I said there And if Burke has his way he’s wasn’t that little bit more excite- going to be a jockey for many, ment ahead of the meeting. The many more years yet. Cheltenham Festival is a big “You look at some jockeys part of our season, it’s the and they’re going on until they atmosphere, the buzz, it’s a are 42, 43, 44,” he said. “Again level above.” you need a bit of luck with George, who has been a top- injuries but I want to go as far level trainer for more than 25 as I can.” years, knows what it is like to That’s not only in terms of saddle a winner at the Festival, time but also in terms of his of course, and he has sent out a career path – you don’t get to

be among the top 15 or so jockeys in the country without having plenty of ambition. Burke has recently bought a house in Broadway with his girlfriend Frankie so is putting down roots in the area and he clearly has a sensible head on relatively young shoulders – unlike quite a few people his age he has a pretty clear plan going forward, so much so that he knows what he’d like to do when he finally stops racing. “I’d like to be a racecourse commentator,” he said. “It’s something I’ve stumbled across. I’ve done a bit in Ireland and it’s something I’ve really enjoyed.” Talk to Burke for just a couple of minutes and it’s obvious that he has the voice for it – happily h e h a s n o t l o s t h i s I r is h a c c e n t – and he obviously has the knowledge. He talks very well and comes across as a good bloke; typically, ask him where he fancies working as a racecourse commentator and he says simply, “Wherever I’m welcomed.” That’s all in the future for Burke, of course, who also gets plenty of support from Lambourn trainer Oliver Sherwood. It was for Sherwood that he rode the aformentioned winner at Catterick – Guerlain De Vaux in a novices’ hurdle. It was his only ride of the day and represented a close on 400mile round trip to the north Yorkshire course. “Yes, it’s a long journey,” admitted Burke as he headed home to Broadway. “But If I hadn’t made it I wouldn’t have had the winner.” And it’s that driven attitude that will surely help Burke realise his ambitions in the world of racing.

For For full full articles articles aand nd m more ore stories stories vvisit isit w www.thelocalanswer.co.uk ww.thelocalanswer.co.uk

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 MARCH CULT FIGURE: KENNETH WILLIAMS Kenneth Williams was one of the most unique and beloved figures in British comedy history. A rare talent who could turn from broad slapstick to erudite within a split second. Celebrated actor Colin Elmer reprises his role, telling the great man’s story in his own words, using anecdotes, writing and some of the material for which the comedy legend was so well-known. 7.30pm. £14 (conc £12). The Kings Theatre, Kingsbarton Street, Gloucester, GL1 1QX. kingstheatregloucester.co.uk 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 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

JIVE TALKIN PERFORM THE BEE GEES The timeless repertoire of the Bee Gees is brought to life in this stunning stage production. This charismatic ensemble boasts stars from TV and London's West End and is fronted by real-life family members Darren, Gary and Jack Simmons making for an unrivalled vocal harmony blend. 7.30pm. Tickets £21 (concessions £19). 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk 10 MARCH RIGOLETTO – THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE In his first work for his own Company, Director of The Royal Opera Oliver Mears brings Verdi’s masterpiece into the modern world. The thrilling Rigoletto pits power against innocence, beauty against ugliness, conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano. This special anniversary screening celebrates 171 years since its premiere in 1851. 7.15pm. £15. (£12.50 conc). Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. gloucesterguildhall.co.uk 12 MARCH THE MANFREDS The Manfreds are considered one of the finest and most respected bands from the 60s era and their numerous hits were not just ‘pop’ songs. Many were R&B based with an undercurrent of jazz – a very unusual but winning combination of playing style and substance. 7.30pm. £27. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. rosestheatre.org

WILLOW PIGLETS WORKSHOP Spend an enjoyable day weaving your very own willow piglet. We will start with the body, then add a snout, two floppy ears, four trotters and a curly tail – the only thing we won’t be making is the squeak! All tools and material provided by the tutor so the only thing you need to bring is enthusiasm and £15 for materials (payable to the tutor on the day). 10am-4pm. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE. thesubrooms.co.uk SPONTANEOUS SHERLOCK An award-winning, entirely improvised Sherlock Holmes comedy play based on an audience suggestion of a title. Performed by some of the UK's most critically-acclaimed comedy improvisers, with live Victorian musical accompaniment. 7pm. £25. Sundial Theatre, Cirencester, GL7 1XA. www.sundial-theatre.co.uk 16 MARCH UNDERWATER A beautiful dance piece, created especially for babies aged 0-2 years and their parents or carers. A ballerina wakes from a dreamy sleep and finds herself in the ocean, a comforting world of blue lights and bubbles. As she explores her new home, she meets an octopus and the pair quickly form a loving friendship beneath the waves, dancing a duet to a twinkling sound-track that features familiar melodies. Various times. Tickets £12.50 for an adult and a baby. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. rosestheatre.org

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17 MARCH BC CAMPLIGHT Fired by his ongoing battle with mental illness, Shortly After Takeoff is the final, and finest, chapter of what Christinzio calls his “Manchester Trilogy”. It spans singer-songwriter classicism, gnarly synth-pop and 50s rock’n’roll, with Christinzio’s distinctive, flexible vocal carrying a fearless approach to lyrical introspection – a major leap forward in songwriting sophistication and lyrical communication. 7.30pm. £15. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. gloucesterguildhall.co.uk 20 MARCH FLATS AND SHARPS A four-piece bluegrass outfit from Penzance, Cornwall, delivering energetic, enthusiastic and spirited bluegrass to audiences all around the world. Their music perfectly blends strong harmonies and stonking solos, their incredible stage presence and energy create an evening that’ll have you dancing, laughing and singing along. 7.30pm. Tickets £15.50. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE. thesubrooms.co.uk 25 MARCH THE TINA TURNER AND ARETHA FRANKLIN STORY A spectacular double bill celebrating the music and life stories of two of the world’s most iconic female superstars. Both shows feature Cleopatra Higgins, a UK and US top 5 artist, who delivers these timeless songs with raw passion and endless energy. 7.30pm. Tickets £24 (£22 concessions). 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. bacontheatre.co.uk 26 MARCH ART EXHIBITION Churchdown Art Group are holding an art Exhibition at The Churchdown Community Association, Parton Road, Churchdown, GL3 2JH. 10am-5pm. Come along and support the local artists. Refreshments will be available. Entrance is free and there is free parking on site. 27 MARCH DOM JOLY’S HOLIDAY SNAPS – TRAVEL AND COMEDY IN THE DANGER ZONE Dom will be talking about his exploits as a serial globe-trotter and seeker of dangerous travel spots. From North Korea through the Congo and Syria to Chernobyl, he’s visited some of the most unusual places on the planet. Armed with a trusty Powerpoint, fans can expect his holiday snaps to provide comedy and a sense of

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danger. 7.30pm. £19. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. gloucesterguildhall.co.uk 28 MARCH THE GREATEST MAGICIAN A dazzling new magic show presented by the magician most famous for jamming the BBC switchboards when he correctly predicted the lottery. This astonishing, enigmatic, five star rated magic show will leave you aching from laughter and dizzy in disbelief. 8pm. From £12.50. Sundial Theatre, Cirencester, GL7 1XA. www.sundialtheatre.co.uk 31 MARCH FEAST OF FIDDLES Feast of Fiddles was born in Nettlebed on Valentine’s Day 1994 as a one-off special concert. Since then the band has done 26 spring tours, 25 festivals and has 7 CDs to its name. Not bad for a bunch of old folk-rockers! This is a group of friends that puts on a show of huge dynamic range performed with passion, joy and a liberal dose of fun. 7.30pm. Tickets £22-£29.50. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. rosestheatre.org 2 APRIL MIND BODY SPIRIT SHOW Back in Cirencester. Over thirty fantastic exhibitors: 1-1 tarot, psychic, shamanic and clairvoyant readings, holistic therapies, massage, self-help, crystals, jewellery, arts, crafts, healthy living products, aura imaging. Talks/ workshops/mediumship demonstration. 11-5pm. Bingham Hall, King Street, Cirencester GL7 1JT. www.deerspirit.co.uk CHARITY TABLE TOP SALE Family fun with a mixture of raffle, stalls and tombolas. Refreshments available. 12 noon to 4pm in Longlevens Church Hall (GL2 0AJ). Free entry. In aid of The Land Trust and Holy Trinity Church, Longlevens. 2-3 APRIL MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION Layouts, refreshments, children drive yourself Thomas. Raising funds for Children v/s Cancer, CLIC Sargent. At St. Margaret’s Hall, Coniston Road, off Windermere Road, Hatherley, Cheltenham GL51 3NU. 10am-5pm. Full details at www.cheltmodrail.org.uk 3 APRIL NATIONAL STAR’S SUNRISE WALK Join National Star’s Sunrise Walk on Sunday 3rd April 2022 from Ullenwood, Cheltenham. By putting your best foot forward you will transform the lives of young people with disabilities with

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every step. The beautiful 12k circular route will give plenty of opportunity to soak up the stunning views around the Cotswold Way. Registration from 4.30am with the walk starting at 6am. nationalstar.org/get-involved/sunrise-walk 8 APRIL TWIRLYWOOS LIVE Join Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends as they discover the wonderful world around us! Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as they set sail in their big red boat. An enchanting introduction to theatre for all ages. 1.30pm & 4pm. Tickets £16 (children £14, family of 4 £56). 01242 258002. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, GL51 6EP. bacontheatre.co.uk 9 APRIL WHEN IN ROME WINE TASTING In Italy, wine lovers visit their local winery with a refillable container, fill them, go home, decant and enjoy! We are on a mission to bring this tradition to the UK. Come and enjoy a tasting session with us where you can discover the variety of different wines we have to offer and listen to the stories from our producers, all while learning a more sustainable way to drink wine. 4pm. Tickets £26.50. The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE. thesubrooms.co.uk FOCUS Warm up those tonsils – it’s time for a spot of yodelling! With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the ’70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. 7pm. £20. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. gloucesterguildhall.co.uk 12-13 APRIL THE WIZARD OF OZ Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the cowardly Lion as they journey on an adventure through Oz to meet the legendary Wizard and defeat the Wicked Witch of the West. Anton Benson Productions return with an all-singing, all-dancing show! Various times. Tickets £16-£18. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. 01684 295074. rosestheatre.org 23 APRIL MEAT LOUD The Ultimate Tribute to Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman. Including a performance of the full ‘Bat Out of Hell’ album as well as songs from other Meat Loaf albums and other artists, penned by musical genius Steinman. 8pm. From £17.50. Sundial Theatre, Cirencester, GL7 1XA. www.sundial-theatre.co.uk

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M March arch into into spring spring To celebrate my daughter’s birthday this year we went to a restaurant called ‘Spring’. The calm and fresh décor was the inspiration for this month’s article. Spring is the season of re-awakening and renewal. What better time to think about refreshing your home interiors?

The The n new ew ccollections ollections Many of the new spring/summer 2022 wallpaper and fabric collections are inspired by the countryside. Think dainty floral fabrics and prints. Zara Home and La Redoute have affordable pretty bedlinen and cushions in soft spring colours – perfect for a bedroom refresh. Birds and butterflies also feature strongly in the new ranges. I’m coveting a rug strewn with butterflies for my bedroom. The new homeware collections have a floral theme too – search out Emma Bridgewater’s flower inspired jugs and the cheerful pink and yellow painted vases in Anthropologie.

accessories. Sunny burnt ochre and sand tones are great for switching up a predominantly grey scheme. I’m also seeing everywhere natural looking terracotta vases, rugs and cotton throws in a variety of warm earthy hues. Pair with oversized green plants and natural rattan or cane furniture to lighten the look. Check out the new SS22 H&M home collection for inspiration.

all important personal touch. DIY projects are currently trending. Why not learn to reupholster, search out scraps of beautiful fabric and invest in a staple gun (Tacwise are good). Give your furniture a new lease of life with the latest decoupage look – paper shapes glued to a hard surface. Check out Annie Sloan’s flowers and birds decoupage kits inspired by Kew Gardens.

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There’s a trend towards natural earth tones in paints and

I always think green is a wonderful colour for spring. A friend has painted her dining/ living room wall in Little Greene’s ‘Sage Green’; it makes a real statement. Jewel toned greens work well on a velvet sofa, and a pop of fresh zesty green on a table lamp or painted side table enlivens a sitting room. A set of fern themed botanical prints will also brighten up any wall.

I love paper white narcissi flowers; their fragrant scent really is the essence of spring. Create an amazing centrepiece by filling a huge bowl with lots of narcissi plants. A dining table decorated with soft blue grape hyacinths and paper whites in individual glass bud vases, mingled with tea lights can’t fail to lift your spirits. Small terracotta pots of individual grape hyacinths and miniature daffodils are lovely for a more rustic look. Finally, what could be more spring-like and welcoming than a beautiful vase of scented white hyacinths in the hallway!

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The Local Answer

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9 to to 5 g gadgets adgets If you find yourself struggling emotionally or physically, then it may be related to your current work-life balance. Whether you are going to bed stressed, not keeping hydrated or simply feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. To help you out, we’ve listed some useful tech that might just restore some much-needed balance to your day-to-day routine.

HidrateSpark HidrateSpark Smart Smart W Water ater Bottle Bottle Currys: £72.99 Remembering to drink plenty of water every day is easier said than done, especially if you work full-time or are often on the go. However, keeping hydrated is essential if you’re going to be performing at your best, and it shouldn’t be skimmed. To make it easier on yourself, try out the HidrateSpark Smart Water Bottle. Not only does the stainless steel bottle keep your water cold for hours, but it al how much wate drink! Just con to the HidrateS app via Blueto keep track of ho you drink a reminders for w forget. The LED puck will then remind you to d

P Play lay Light Light B Bar ar (Base k kit) it ) Phillips Hue: £64 If you’re worki home and want a certain ambien to help you focus then check o The Local Answer

the Play Light Bar from Philips Hue. You can set the smart lights up with the included bars, mount them to your TV or just lay them down. Whatever you decide, these gizmos will help your home office match your vibe. Using the Hue app or Hue Bluetooth app, you can control the light bars via the motion mmer switch. ht be small, but hty. With a 10pan and an A+ rating, this will have you en in no time.

Kensington gton ate P lus SoleMate Plus st Footrest £35.99 back is feeling ain of being d over your day, it might to make an ent. Most of us are guilty of having bad posture, even To advertise call 01242 510500

if we don’t always realise it. Enter the trusty footrest, which not only helps to improve your posture, but also sets about enhancing your blood circulation by keeping your feet on the ground (or near enough).

The Kensington SoleMate Plus Footrest goes even further by including a textured, antislip surface and being height adjustable – it can tilt up to 20 degrees, so you can find your ideal comfort level, plus it comes with a lockable tilt control. Soon you’ll be taking the pressure off your lower back, and hopefully, some of your workload. Page 2

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S Spring pring BABIES BLOOM BLOSSOM BULBS BUTTERFLY CLEANING CHICK DAFFODIL FLOWERS

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Roofcure 247 Right Choice Roofing 4 RS Cladding WB Home Improvements

Gloucestershire County Council

PROPERTY The Property Centre

HOMES & GARDENS

TV & AERIAL

CLEANING SERVICES Regency Cleaners

FURNISHING & APPLIANCES

BATHROOMS

20 Parker & Son’s 28 21 PAINTING & DECORATING 21 Jacob’s Painting 26 22

AHM Installations 28 Bella’s Interiors Lifestyle Bathrooms 6 Dream Doors Severn Vale 28 & 18-19 GARDEN SERVICES Lawn Doc BUILDING SERVICES A1 Roofing 22 Superstudios Arco Renovations 22 HANDYMAN SERVICES C&G Paving 20 Ronjamin’s Helping Hands Dykes Builders 22 Your Way Home Help Home Care Roofing 20 HEATING & PLUMBING JHD Roofing & Building 21 M.J. Harris Domestic Marshalls Driveways 22 Repairs

1st Choice Aerials

WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES

COMPUTER SERVICES Hooble

FUNERAL SERVICES

Family Tree Funerals 23 HOUSE CLEARANCE Yes to Mess

14 23

MOTORING SERVICES

Albany Windows 32 & 36 26 Clearway Windows 33 35 Garolla 23 Misty to Clear 26 24 PROFESSIONAL 24

SERVICES

Bridgend Garage

PUBLISHING Lois Kingscott

REMOVAL SERVICES Little White Van Man

SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING

23 CARE SERVICES Stevens Recycling 23 6 26 Lilian Faithfull Care To promote your Scarlet House Care Home 8 business, please call

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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 – Thursday 10th March 2022

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

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