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October 2015
Leaf Litter
Gardening by Pippa Greenwood
Eco Homes
Home & Interiors by Katherine Sorrell
LOCAL EVENTS Martin Lewis Credit Scoring
The Millionaire Maker Local Writer Richard Denny
This month’s magazine distributed in
Charlton Kings • Charlton Park • Moor End • Prestbury • Pittville • Fairview • Bath Road • 10,000 copies
Also available to view online at www.cheltenham-magazine.co.uk
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From the Editor
Local Magazines Published by Glos Directories - connecting local businesses with local people
Hello Reader, It’s that time of the year again when all of our summer clothes get packed away to make space for winter woolies to help us through the colder season! October in Cheltenham sees the final weeks of The Rugby World Cup as well as the start of the Cheltenham Literature Festival, and November brings us Remembrance Day, exciting horse races and the switch on of the Christmas lights. For more local October and November events see our What's On section on page 41 & 43. Finally, just in time for Halloween remember that the clocks go back 1 hour on the 25th. Thankfully my phone and computer clocks change automatically and the kitchen clock is pretty straightforward to change manually, but I will probably be spending the months until the clocks spring forward again with my car clock being 1 hour out, same as last year! Best wishes,
Vicky Muller
- Editor
Cheltenham Magazine Distribution Areas Distributed in Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec Charlton Kings, Charlton Park, Moor End, Prestbury, Pittville, Fairview. (10,000 copies)
Distributed in Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov Leckhampton, Montpellier, Tivoli, The Park, Bath Road, Town Centre, Naunton Park, Sandford Park. (10,000 copies)
Cheltenham Magazine prints 10,000 copies per month. All our magazines are also available to view online. Please visit www.cheltenham-magazine.co.uk, email us on info@cheltenham-magazine.co.uk or call us on 01242 500 028 to request advertising rates for Cheltenham or should you like information on any or all of the other publications which we publish in Gloucestershire.
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Town Centre Talking Cheltenham BID – a chance for shops and businesses to have their say Cheltenham has a strong reputation as a retail town. But it’s more important than ever that we don’t rest on our laurels if we want to continue to attract shoppers from far and wide. That is why a new scheme is being considered that would give retailers and businesses in central Cheltenham a real voice in the town’s future. Proposals have been drawn up on the possible creation of a Business Improvement District or BID. The idea is being driven by the Cheltenham Business Partnership, a collaboration between key businesses and the borough council, which works to improve the town. But what is a BID and what difference could it really make? There are more than 200 BIDs already operating in the UK and they have seen their areas not only better promoted but also attracting more people to the towns and cities. All businesses want to see increased footfall in their
area, and that’s exactly what most BIDs achieve. BIDs are run by the businesses themselves, rather than the council, with most governed by a board of BID levy payers. Early indications are that Cheltenham likes the idea, with a recent survey of almost 100 businesses showing overwhelming support for more information. Those businesses were quick to identify the main areas they thought improvements should focus on: l Marketing & promotion l Parking incentives l More town centre events l Public realm improvements l Signage But there are many more ideas and we want everyone to have their say. BIDs generate a significant amount of revenue and our calculations show that could be as much as £480,000 per year. With most BIDs running for an initial period of five years, that means it could create a pot of £2.4 million to be spent in the town.
The money comes from a small increase in the business rates across the BID area. A levy of 1.25% is currently being recommended. This would apply to all but the smallest businesses in a core area being proposed that takes in the main town centre, The Brewery and Montpellier. This, like the potential projects, is subject to consultation. The BID would only go ahead if a majority of the businesses vote in favour of the idea in a ballot, likely to be held next Spring. So there is plenty of chance for everyone to have their say. You can do so by emailing info@cheltenhambid.co.uk. More information can be found at www.cheltenhambid.co.uk. - by Kevan Blackadder, Town Centre Manager
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Tips from The Millionaire Maker The media have called Richard Denny the millionaire maker. For over 30 years he has helped thousands of people into financial wealth, and others into greater achievement and happiness. His lectures, books, videos, DVD’s and CD’s are bought around the world and he lives right here in the Cotswolds.
Become Lucky The truth is that luck is available to you, maybe not in the way you wish, but you can become lucky. No doubt you have listened to an interview with a celebrity and they nearly always say, “I’ve just had a bit of luck”. Surely they are really saying “I made an effort, I got off my backside and got myself into a place that turned out to be at the right time.” And then you hear other people (who are dissatisfied with their lot in life) blaming their lack of success on bad luck. Let’s distinguish the difference between luck and chance. Chance is out of your control, the premium bond win, the lottery, the horse race, the raffle etc. Sadly there are too many people suffering from this soul destroying approach, believing this to be the route to happiness. LUCK is something that you can influence.
L U C K
Labour Under Correct Knowledge
The L for labour means that you actually do something, not wait for the phone to ring, but actively get out and do things. The C K is the correct knowledge which is: l Knowing where you are today l Knowing where you want to be or go - then having a plan to get there The most important aspect about the correct knowledge is having some goals, things you really want to do, achieve or look forward to. If your brain has goals or purpose and you positively do things towards those goals you will become lucky. For more detailed information and help join the Denny Business Academy for free. www.dennyacademy.com
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Chalk Talk The image in the Independent of the three-year old Syrian boy washed up, alone, on a European shore was incredibly ® Like many here in harrowing. Cheltenham, I found it difficult and painful to look at. Being the father of a three-year old myself did not make it any easier. I have personally read many powerful and poignant emails from Cheltonians on this issue. I said from the outset, my guiding principle is that our country must act with scrupulous humanity. It is the British way, and it means doing our duty by those who are fleeing violence and persecution. One of the things which I believe makes our country great is our proud history of offering help to those who need our protection. That's why I believe it was right to take our share of refugees. We couldn't simply have walked on by. The question of how many is very difficult. But as to whether we should have gone further I would merely offer the following reflections. First, the grim truth is that none of the figures bandied about could ever meet the need. Eleven million people have been displaced
suite 20, ent telephone : 01329 288822 / 827777 suite 20, fareham fareham ent telep telep telep telep from Syria alone. That's before telep you even think about the people of Libya. This is a crisis on an epic scale. Sadly, it is beyond our country alone to solve. Second, it is not just Syrians of course who are in need. That poor ® young boy could just as easily ® ® have been Libyan or Afghan. ® Should they be treated less®kindly? Of course not, and the truth is therefore that there may be future appeals for our help. And, in case we'd forgotten, the state of Iraq is hanging by a thread. Just think what could happen if that country disintegrates and thousands flee. Third, I think we can take real pride in the extraordinary efforts our country is making in the Middle East away from the TV cameras. For months Britain has stood head and shoulders above our European partners in providing aid to the border camps, where the majority of displaced Syrians are. Just three per cent have embarked on the perilous journey to Europe. Britain has helped those who stayed behind, giving £900m to keep alive hundreds of thousands who are too weak to travel or determined to stay and rebuild their country. The French have provided less than £100m.
PROOF Finally, we meet our promises to those in need. We are the only country in the G8 to have delivered on its commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of GDP on international aid. Whilst other countries talked a good game at the Gleneagles summit in 2005, only Britain followed through. Not France. Not Germany. Not Japan. We have led the world on this. So whilst this is an immensely difficult situation and no response is perfect, I believe our country is showing its heart. It is using its head too.
- by Alex Chalk
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Leaf Litter by Pippa Greenwood
Are you surrounded, engulfed and swamped with huge quantities of fallen leaves? Whether they come from trees in your own garden or from a neighbour, the deluge of leaves that falls in autumn is often enough to get level headed, tree-loving gardeners eyeing up chainsaws! Leaves that are allowed to build up can cause problems - on the lawn they smother the turf grasses, often causing patches of die back, largely due to lack of light and oxygen. If the crowns of the less tough herbaceous perennials or alpines are covered in leaves, they too start to deteriorate. So, like it or not, you need to do something - the sooner the better! A spring-tined rake is perfect for raking leaves off the lawn, and can even work quite well on a gravel drive. If you have a lot of lawn or a lot of leaves then the easiest way to deal with them is to mow the lawn. Provided you keep the hopper or grass-collector on the mower, when you empty it out you’ll have a fantastic mix of grass clippings and chopped leaves. On beds and borders you can pick by hand, or you could invest in a leaf vacuum or a leaf blower (and this can be Page 12
used on most drives and paths, and lawns too). After collecting the leaves, make leaf mould. It is easy and makes a fantastic soil mulch or conditioner…for free! Leaves are best rotted down on their own (they take longer to decompose than the rest of the stuff in your compost heap and need less air and warmth), so make yourself a simple and inexpensive leaf mould bin. Just drive four stakes into the ground to make the corners of a square, and then attach chicken mesh around the outside to make a cage. Stack the leaves in, tread or firm them, add some water if they are dry, then more water if the weather remains dry…and then leave them be. Chop up larger or tougher leaves (like horse chestnut) first so they rot down much faster - either mow them with the lawnmower or ‘chop’ them with a sharp spade. Avoid very spiky leaves, and those that are very leathery and tough - mainly evergreens such as holly, laurel and camellia, or those from sycamore and plane. You can speed the process up by adding a leaf mould activator, which is available from garden centres. You can also make leaf mould
in a bin liner or other bag. Choose a good quality bin liner and cram it full of leaves, again adding water and/or activator if you wish. Then stab a few holes in the bag with a garden fork, loosely fold over the top and weigh it down with a brick. Bin liners full of leaves can be hidden anywhere that you have the space - perhaps behind the shed, garage or greenhouse. If you don’t like the idea of black plastic, then there are now some lovely jute mesh bags which can be crammed full of leaves and act as a perfect container whilst the leaf mould is forming, but will eventually rot down and add to the useful material you produce. You can see these on my website www. pippagreenwood.com/products. Whichever method you use you should have a useable product in 12-18 months, but leave it a bit longer and it will be even better! Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for gorgeous gardening things including the unique ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ you choose the vegetables you’d like to grow and Pippa sends garden-ready plants as well as weekly advice and tips emails to you. Plus Nemaslug, signed books, jute composting bags and lots more besides.
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Edward Rose runs the Las Vegas ‘Strip at night’
for the mental health charity Mind. This is a charity very close to his heart as his brother suffered from bi-polar This November will see disorder. The marathon Edward Rose take on his will take place on the third marathon challenge 15th anniversary of and this time he’s heading Adam’s death and is a to the Nevada desert and celebration of his life. the city of Las Vegas. The journey to get to As part of this challenge, the starting line will Edward is raising money be funded entirely by himself, so that all proceeds from the fundraising will go directly to the charity. As part of this fundraising, Edward has been working with The Exmouth Arms, Bath
Road, Cheltenham to organise a pub quiz. On the 8th November 2015, they will host a quiz at the pub with all the proceeds going to the charity. Everyone is welcome to enter a team of up to 6. The cost will be £1 per person and the quiz begins at 8pm. If you would like to show support for Edward, you can make a donation to Mind by visiting www. virginmoneygiving. com/edwardrose
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Court Farm Shop Opened Its Doors in September Simon Knight and Lisa Grayson have been working towards opening a farm shop for the last two years. Both in their early thirties, Simon from a strong farming background and Lisa with operations management experience, they have developed their business together and are passionate to showcase the farm and what they produce.
The farm shop will be managed by Lisa. Simon will continue to manage the farm with his Dad (Ray) as well as having a very welcome helping hand from John (Simon’s Great Uncle) and focus on producing quality lamb, beef and free range eggs for the farm shop. They will build a sustainable business providing benefits to the local residents, tourists, suppliers and farmers.
The project has had the full support of both their families with Lisa’s Dad (John Grayson) project managing the planning and building of the shop. “The amount of work and detail that has gone into it is phenomenal and we will be forever grateful to my Dad for all his support, guidance and knowledge. We couldn’t have done it without him!” exclaims Lisa.
Court Farm Shop is built upon this strong history of traditional family farming as well as the valued loyalty of their customers. From modest beginnings of selling their own Free Range Eggs and locally sourced potatoes from their “Egg Shed” they pride themselves on the quality of the produce.
The farm shop with butchery, which will replace their “Egg Shed” will specialise in the sale of traceable fresh meat both from the family’s own beef herd, lambs and pigs as well as from local producers. They will also provide an outlet for their own fresh, free range eggs, honey from bees on their farm and support other local producers of poultry, game, fruit, vegetables, confectionery, jams, chutneys, ales, ciders, bread, dairy, deli and store cupboard items, gifts, seasonal plants and Christmas Trees. This in turn will shorten the food supply chain and reduce ‘food miles’. The location of the farm situated in the village of Stoke Orchard on the edge of Bishop’s Cleeve on Stoke Road (just before the railway bridge), a busy through road that links Bishops Cleeve and Tewkesbury, makes this an ideal location for their farm shop and offers great access with plenty of parking. With a strong history of family farming on Court Farm since 1936, Simon is a fourth generation farmer following in the footsteps of his Dad, Granddad and Great Uncle and has been steadily growing his business for the last 15 years. He now manages 1700 hens for egg production, 400 sheep (producing 700 lambs a year) and a handful of pigs. Simon is very dedicated and has a great understanding of his animals which shows in his quality of produce.
They envisage a natural balance being formed between providing an outlet for their own and local produce and educating people about farming practices, the value of the countryside and the importance of supporting and celebrating local farmers as well as securing the long term future of family farming on Court Farm. It is something both Simon and Lisa feel enthusiastic about. There are also imminent plans to develop an animal area where customers can meet a few of the farm’s cheeky characters. This is due to open in October and will be followed by events throughout the year such as “Lambing Live” in February and “Open Farm Sunday” in June. Court Farm Shop with their Butchery and Shop full of delicious, home produced and local food is going to tempt your taste buds!
COURT FARM SHOP Home produced,FARM free range, local & fresh COURT SHOP Home produced, free range, local & fresh
Court Farm Free Range Eggs Court Farm Free Range Eggs
Their family-run farm provides acres of Their family-run farm of land for their hens to provides roam freeacres during land for theirdaylight hens tohours. roam free during daylight hours. They nurture their small flocks with They nurture quality their small with the highest care flocks and feed, the highest quality care and feed, which means that their happy hens lay which means that their happy hens lay beautifully fresh eggs with golden yolks. beautifully fresh eggs with golden yolks. Stoke Road, Stoke Orchard, Stoke Road, Stoke Orchard, Cheltenham, GL52 7RY Cheltenham, GL52 7RY www.courtfarmshop.co.uk www.courtfarmshop.co.uk Like & Follow us: Like & Follow us:
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Page 15
FROM 3RD OCTOBER IS GUIDE DOGS WEEK Creative Writing Graduate Megan Paul tells us how her guide dog Tate changed her life.
My personal furry tale
June 2013. I was getting ready for an evening out with my friends when my phone rang. I was surprised to hear my guide dog instructor‘s voice when I answered. “It‘s early days yet,“ she said, “but I think one of my dogs is going to be suitable for you. He‘s a small labrador retriever.“ I was crying as I hung up the phone; finally my dream had come true and I was going to be matched with a guide dog. I‘ve always been around animals. My family live on a farm in Yorkshire and my mum used to be a Guide Dogs Puppy Walker. This meant that we had a puppy living with us for a year and Mum‘s job was to teach them obedience skills before they began their formal training at the Guide Dogs centre. I was born blind and from an early
Page 16
age, my parents told me how exciting it would be to get a guide dog when I was older. I’d recently watched my friends getting their guide dogs, now it was my turn. I met Tate a week later. Although I had fallen in love with him instantly, I had no idea how much he would change my life. My instructor took us on a walk so that she could see whether he was the right dog for me. I was overjoyed when she told me that we were a match; I couldn‘t wait to begin training with him. We were only five days into the training when I realised just how incredible Tate is. At this point, I was getting used to working with him; I had previously gone out with a white cane which is a laborious way of getting around compared to a guide dog. Tate and I walk so fast and he guides me around obstacles as if they‘ve never existed! Our instructor had taken us on a walk through a part of town where there were cars parked on the pavement. She warned me that it would be difficult for Tate to get me through the narrow gaps between the cars. I was worried that he would bump me into the wing mirrors but Tate moved so slowly that I didn‘t feel a thing. He was so careful with me that I was moved to tears. I‘ve had Tate for two years now and our special bond has grown. He has taken me to university where I recently finished my degree. He got his knack of falling asleep in lectures down to such a fine art that my lecturer commented that he was better
behaved than the students! Tate‘s accompanied me to conferences, courses, and on trips to see my family. He’s stopped me getting hurt on many occasions and I don‘t know where I‘d be without him. National Guide Dogs week is taking place from 3rd -11th October and we‘ll be out there raising much needed funds and awareness for the charity. Tate was given to me for free, along with his harness and other essential items. It costs Guide Dogs approximately £50.000 to train and care for a guide dog; this seems like a lot of money but Tate‘s worth so much more than that! The freedom and happiness he‘s given me go beyond any material cost. By raising money for Guide Dogs, I hope to repay them for their priceless gift: my affectionate, loyal Tate. If you want to read more about my early days with Tate, my blog can be found at: www. mylifewithtate.wordpress.com
To find out how you can support Guide Dogs UK please visit www.guidedogs.org.uk To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01242 500 028 or visit www.cheltenham-magazine.co.uk
The Lions Club of Cheltenham and gave their support.
Prostate Cancer is a subject most men have thought about but then taken no action about getting themselves tested. The Lions Club of Cheltenham were delighted when asked in January 2014 if they would be able to support The Cotswolds Prostate Cancer Group at their PSA Test Event in Churchdown. Cheltenham Lions Club volunteers helped in many ways such as fundraising, administration, guiding the men through the various stages of the PSA blood test handing over to the professional team of phlebotomists and the experienced Cotswolds PC Support Group. The partnership was successful and when in October 2014 another Free PSA Test Event took place at the Pittville Pump Rooms, Cheltenham Lions Club helped
The Cotswolds Prostate Cancer Support Group are holdig another Free PSA Test Event on the 19th October 2015 at Wall's Club in Gloucester. The Lions Club of Cheltenham will be helping together with colleagues from Gloucester Lions Club.
Anyone interested in finding out more contact Peter Weir on 07973807159. - by David Green, Lions Club PR Officer
Â
For more information ring Gerry Mitchell on 01242 242867. To fund such events as the above the Lions have been running their Annual Book Sale at 86 High Street, due to finish on October 3rd. They will also have their Autumn Plant Sale at The Exmouth Arms, Bath Road on Saturday 17th October 9am-1.30pm. The Club meets at The Victory Club on the second and fourth Monday each month.
PRESTBURY PANTHERS NETBALL CLUB A NEW and exciting sporting club for U11’s in the community of Prestbury, offering girls and boys the opportunity to learn NETBALL and skills in an enjoyable and positive environment. Currently registering players from Year 3 to 6 for September 2015. Training at Pittville School on Saturday mornings. Please contact info@prestburypanthers.co.uk or visit our website www.prestburypanthers.co.uk for further details. Please mention Cheltenham Magazine when responding to advertisers
Page 17
Home Home &&Interiors Interiors Eco Sorrell EcoHomes HomesByByKatherine Katherine Sorrell
Step Two – What Two – What areStep its weak are its weak points? points? It may already
How can you update your How cantoyou update your property keep you snug property keep you snug and cosy –towithout paying and cosy – without huge energy bills? Is paying it hugepossible? energy bills? it even Well, Is yes. possible? Well, yes. Aeven few simple measures few measures –Awe aresimple not talking wind – we areand notsolar talking wind turbines panels and panels –turbines can make an solar enormous – can make an enormous difference, says Katherine difference, says Katherine Sorrell. Sorrell. Step One – Get to know Stephome One – Get to know your yourishome What your home made from?
How was it originally What is your home built, madeand from? what if any, have Howchanges, was it originally built, and been to it over thehave years? whatmade changes, if any, Getting to know going been made to itwhat overisthe years? on inside to and outside four Getting know whatyour is going walls will make easier your to work on inside and itoutside four out howwill you can eco-improve walls make it easier to work the outproperty. how you can eco-improve the property. Page 18
may already be Itobvious what be obvious problems needwhat problems need solving. Rattling, solving. Rattling, draughty windows, draughty gaps aroundwindows, the gapsofaround the edges the front edges the front door, heatofescaping door, the heatroof, escaping through through themore roof, perhaps. For perhaps. For more specifics, however, specifics, however, it could be helpful it could be helpful to commission a to commission a professional test for air professional tightness andtest for airloss. tightness and heat Best done loss. Best done on heat a cold, clear on a cold, winter’s night clear (so night (so try winter’s to plan ahead), to plan ahead), it istry non-invasive it shouldn’t is non-invasive and cost and shouldn’t a great deal morecost a great deal more than around £300. than around The results will £300. The results will demonstrate exactly where demonstrate exactly where you have the most serious you have the most problems, helping youserious to target problems, helping target improvements where you theyto are improvements where they are most needed. most needed.
for older properties, as they forthe older properties, they have ability to absorbaswater haveand therelease ability to absorb water vapour it. And, she vapour release it. And, she adds, checkand your loft regularly adds,of check your loft regularly for signs condensation, for and signssmall of condensation, mould animals. mould and small animals.
Step Four - Windows Step Fourcan - Windows Your windows leak out a lot
Yourespecially windows can leak of heat, if they areout a lot heat, especially if theyofare old of and single glazed. Short old and single glazed. Short of double glazing, good draught double glazing, good draught proofing is the answer. Those is the strips answer. DIYproofing self-adhesive areThose self-adhesive stripsfor are onlyDIY a temporary measure; only a temporary a longer-term solutionmeasure; you will for a longer-term solution need to cut in a rebate andyou will needcompression to cut in a rebate fit either sealsand fit either compression seals (hinged windows) or wipers (hinged windows) or wipers (sashes). Alternatively, if you (sashes). Alternatively, don’t open your windows if you don’t open your windows often, secondary glazing will often, secondary dramatically improve glazing both air will dramatically improve both air tightness and heat loss through andare heat loss through the tightness glass. There plenty the glass. Thereincluding are plenty of different options, of panels different options, clear that simply including fix clear panels that with simply to the window frame a fix the window slimtomagnetic strip,frame whichwith a magnetic strip, which are slim unobtrusive and easy to are unobtrusive remove. Or there areand twoeasy old- to remove. Or therethick, are two fashioned methods: linedoldfashioned thick, curtains, hungmethods: close to the walllined curtains, can’t hungcreep closearound to the wall so draughts Step Three – The loft draughts can’tshutters, creep around the so edges; or timber Step Three – no The loft Although there is one-sizethehave edges; or demonstrated timber shutters, which been Although there is no fits-all solution, your loft one-sizewill which demonstrated to be evenhave morebeen effective than fits-all solution, your loft will often be the top priority for ecoto be even more effective than glazing. often be theMarianne top priority for eco- double improvement. Suhr, double glazing. improvement. Suhr, Step historic buildings Marianne surveyor and Five: Doors historic of buildings surveyor co-author Old House Eco and Do Step Five: Doors your external doors fit well co-author of Old House Eco Handbook (Frances Lincoln, Do your external in their frames? If not,doors it canfit well Handbook (Frances Lincoln, £30), recommends laying in atheir frames? If not, have negative impact on it can £30), of recommends laying 300mm quilt insulation – but a negative impact on yourhave home’s energy efficiency. 300mm of quilt points out that it isinsulation important – tobut To make your home’s energyadjust efficiency. them airtight, retain some points outform that of it isventilation important to as necessary for a airtight, good fit,adjust To make them in retain the space in form orderof toventilation avoid some addas draught proofing for fit, necessary for a(as good condensation. is atorange in the spaceThere in order avoid windows) and cover keyholes, add draught proofing (as for of condensation. insulation materials Thereonisoffer a range letter slots andand catcover flaps. keyholes, You windows) at of varying prices, but she on says insulation materials offer might even want to cat popflaps. a good letter slots and You that you canprices, afford but natural at ifvarying she says old might ‘sausage dog’ along the a good even want to pop materials, such sheep’s wool that if you canasafford natural bottom edge, or hang long,the old ‘sausage dog’ a along or materials, hemp, theysuch tendas to sheep’s be betterwoolthick curtainedge, from or a hinged bottom hang arod. long, or hemp, they tend to be better thick curtain from a hinged rod.
To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01242 500 028 or visit www.cheltenham-magazine.co.uk
Step Six: Floors Step Six: Floors a good Surprisingly, it’s actually
Step Seven: Walls Step pretty Seven: Walls It is usually
• A thick rug will help to reduce • A through thick ruggaps will help draughts in to reduc draughts through gaps in It is usually pretty actually a good floorboards. straightforward to insulate thing Surprisingly, to have wind it’s whistling straightforward to insulate have windtimber whistling modern cavity walls; older, solid • Adding floorboards. a pelmet to a window belowthing yourto suspended walls; • Adding a pelmet to a window your being suspended however,cavity are more of older, solid treatment can help to reduce floor, below the reason that it timberwalls, modern walls,and however, more of draughts treatment help floor, the moisture reason being expertsare don’t and stopcan warm airto reduce will evaporate from that it a problem, problem, andbest experts draughts and warm air will evaporate moisture from alwaysaagree on the way don’t disappearing down thestop back the timber and supporting always onsystems the best way of your disappearing down the back the timber and your supporting to go about it. agree Modern curtains or blind. structures and keep to go about it. Modern of your curtains or blind. andSo keep your may trap moisture and cause systems homestructures nice and dry. don’t • When radiators are placed trapgood moisture and and dry. When radiators are placed but one option is cause below• windows, blockhome up thenice air grilles on So the don’t damp,may their heat one good option is can disappear block up Instead, the air grilles on the to adddamp, below windows, their heat timber but panelling inside, more easily, outside walls. to make add panelling canwhen disappear more outside Instead, leavingtoan airtimber gap behind. If inside, especially there is a easily, the floor itselfwalls. as airtight as to make leaving an major air gapworks, behind. especially when there is a the floor itself as airtight planning it If curtain hanging over them possible, a fitted carpet with a as you are you are planning major works, –it as it simply curtaindirects hanging over possible, a fitted carpet possible to add external heat up them thermal underlay is perfect, orwith amay be may insulation be possible to add external – as rather it simply directs thermal is perfect, oror internal at the and behind, than into heat up – if you preferunderlay timber boards or internal at the and behind, moving rather than into if youaround prefer the timber boards same time, but beinsulation sure to get the room. Consider – seal– gaps skirting same time, but be sure to get radiators the Consider impartial advice. – seal skirting toroom. internal walls. moving boards with gaps foam around strips, athe bead impartial advice. radiators to internal walls. boards withorfoam strips, of silicon mastic slivers of a bead Quick Tips Main Image - Adding a portiere rod is a of silicon mastic slivers of matching timber. If theor boards Quick Tips • Consider installing shutters. A great way to Main Image - Adding aexterior portiere rod is insulate a draughty timber. If the boards have matching gaps, experts recommend shutters. A Hang great way floor-length to insulate acurtains, draughty exter test •byConsider Glasgow installing Caledonian door. heavy, gaps, experts recommend filletshave of balsa wood or lengths test found by Glasgow Caledonian ensuring door. Hang floor-length University that wellthat thereheavy, is enough stack- curtain filletswhich of balsa or lengths of string, you wood can stain, University found that well- back spaceensuring thattothere is enough stac for the door be opened fitted timber shutters reduced of string, which you can stain, glue and push into place spaceuse for an theinsulating door to be open fitted shutters possible, heat loss bytimber 60% (they are reduced easily. Ifback glue easily. and push place relatively And,into if you easily. If possible, use an insulati heat loss insulation by 60% (they are lining and heavy fleece interlining good for sound relatively easily. And,(via if you can get below the boards heavy that and the pole willfleece need interlini good for sound insulation – bearing in mindlining and security too). To work canorget below the boards (via most efficiently, – bearing in the mind that the pole will ne a cellar crawl space), or to support weight. 12mm and security To work to be able theytoo). should a cellar to or lift crawl space), to be ableportiere to support the weight. 12m are planning them, it’s or button in beeswax, mosta efficiently, they shouldself-closing meet with rebated edge areidea planning lift them, it’s portiere in beeswa from self-closing £44.10, Jim button Lawrence, 01473 a great to addtoinsulation meet with a rebated and include a brush strip or edge £44.10, Jim Lawrence, 014 a great idea to add insulation rubberand 826685;from www.jim-lawrence.co.uk. underneath. include a brush strip or seal. 826685; www.jim-lawrence.co.u underneath. rubber seal.
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Twin town students enjoy work experience in Cheltenham
Students from Göttingen in Germany are experiencing working life in Cheltenham, as they embark on a 6 week work placement.
To introduce the students to democracy in Cheltenham, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles, Cllr Rowena Hay is preparing a talk for the students. Cllr Hay said: ‘’I will be talking with the students about democracy in the council, how decisions are made and partnership working. I will also invite questions at the end of the session. I hope that by offering this insight, they will be able to compare it with their own democratic system.
experience democracy in action. The trip has been co-ordinated by Cheltenham Twinning Association in partnership with Delingua Training.
Carol Stephens of Delingua Training and of the Twinning Eight students, from the Association Committee said: ‘’This borough’s twin town are taking is a valuable part of the students’ on a range of roles as part of 3 year training programme and their apprenticeships in public builds positive links between ‘’We are delighted that the administration. students have come to Cheltenham Cheltenham and Göttingen.’’ Until 16 October, the students to gain their work experience and Sonja Gastorf, from Göttingen aged between 20 and 30 - are County Council is visiting this I hope that when they return to staying with local host families week to see how the students Göttingen, they will go with new whilst they gain valuable work experiences, knowledge and skills are getting on. She added: experience to support their ‘’The students are delighted which assist them in their studies studies. The placements are in a to be in Cheltenham and are and future careers.’’ range of public and private sector really enjoying their time here. The students have also been organisations including Cheltenham We are looking forward to invited to attend a cabinet Borough Council, local schools, future placements.’’ meeting so that they can charities and businesses.
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Cheltenham Art Club Originals Cheltenham Art Club is one of the largest in the country. The members have created individual examples of work in preparation for their autumn Exhibition. The last exhibition took place in spring when quite a number of paintings were purchased and taken away by appreciative clients. The exhibition will be held at the Gardens Gallery in Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham from 21st - 27th October 2015. 10.00am – 5.00pm daily (it opens at 1.00pm on the 21st).
Anonymous Benefactor Brings Cinema Back To Playhouse
On display will be a diverse range of subject matter, distinctive styles and an array of media, all original, which may be taken away on purchase. The Cheltenham Art Club is currently thriving with nearly 200 members and has its own studio. Club members maintain that artists benefit from the opportunity to paint together and share ideas and skills, while developing individual pieces of work. Standards range from basic drawing skills to associates who regularly exhibit at the West of England Show and London galleries.
our intention to revisit the idea and it became possible recently thanks to a very generous benefactor – who wishes to remain anonymous – who has come forward to fund not only the cinema but other items of equipment too.” Classic films will be shown on Because of the popularity of a regular basis in Cheltenham again from next year, along with the theatre as a venue for cult and foreign movies and more local performers, much of the auditorium calendar for 2016 recent releases that didn’t make has already been allocated it to Cineworld, at the town’s for live performances, so the intimate theatre, the Playhouse. cinema will be very heavily “We trialled classic cinema here a weighted to the first six months few years ago and the screenings themselves proved very successful,” of the year – three weeks in February, two weeks in May says theatre manager Paul Scott. and two weeks in June. “We had people travel from Two of these weeks fall during Yorkshire and London for the chance to see Gone With the Wind the school half terms, so there will be plenty of family-friendly and Singin’ in the Rain on the big screen again, and when we showed films at very reasonable prices during the day for parents Casablanca for a Friday matinee, desperate for things for their one nearby office closed for the kids to do for a few hours. afternoon and brought all their staff round as a treat! From 2017 onwards, film weeks will be held on a regular basis, “Unfortunately, we didn’t have probably every other month, the funds at that time to be with shorter two- or three-night able to purchase the projector, screen and sound equipment and runs along the way. It is hoped that some of the weeks will long-term hire of them wasn’t have themes or short seasons financially viable. It was always
Within the studio the atmosphere is relaxed, supportive and often humurous with the priority being on enjoyment. Anyone who has an interest in Art is welcome to join. Take at look at the website for further details: www.cheltenhamartclub.co.uk
of films by certain directors or studios, together with whole trilogies being shown on a Saturday or over a weekend. The Playhouse also plans to look, longer term, at holding film matinees during the day and live performances at night, together with possible business conference use. In addition, people or groups may be able to hire out the venue for a screening of a film of their choice for parties or as potential charity fundraisers. “The Playhouse has been run by the people of Cheltenham for the people of Cheltenham for over 50 years,” continues Paul, “and we want everyone to get involved and let us know what films they want to see." You can email film suggestions to boxoffice@cheltplayhouse. org.uk or send us a message on our facebook page: www. facebook.com/CheltPlayhouse
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Drop in for training at Newlands Park Tues & Thurs from 7pm or email as below for more details.
Page 22
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MARTIN LEWIS Credit Scoring
By Martin Lewis @moneysavingexpert Dean Martin may have crooned, “You’re nobody till somebody loves you”, but in today’s financial world, you’re nobody till somebody scores you. The more creditworthy you are, the better deals you can get, whether it be mortgages, contract mobile phones, bank accounts, monthly car insurance or even how you pay for your energy bill. So it’s time to add ‘manage my credit file’ to your to-do list - especially if you’re about to make a big application. To help, here are my 10 things you need to know about credit scoring. 1. You don’t have a universal credit rating there’s no blacklist. Each lender scores you differently and secretly to see if you meet its requirements as a profitable customer. Those whose history shows they’re unlikely to repay are unlikely to be profitable, but good risks can be rejected too, if the lender thinks you won’t make it money. 2. Boosting your credit score’s like going on Tinder You can try a host of things to make yourself more attractive to lenders, but there’s no universal fix. Say two women both use dating app Tinder - one might always swipe no to men with beards, the other might love them. Equally, different lenders look for different things. Yet most people like someone who doesn’t smell, so here are some simple cosmetic changes that work for most: a) Evidence of stability’s good. Put a landline, not mobile, on applications. b) Don’t withdraw cash on credit cards or get payday loans. They’re expensive and evidence of poor money management. c) Never miss or be late on repayments. Use a direct debit, even if just for the minimum (then repay more on top). d) Check for address errors. An old active but unused mobile registered to an old address could cause a mortgage rejection. e) Time it right. Major problems like CCJs, defaults or bankruptcy stay on your file for six years. Applications for products stay on for one year. If they’ll soon lapse, consider waiting to apply. 3. Find out for free what cards and loans you’ll be accepted for. Most of the credit score boosting techniques take time to filter through. If you need credit now, instead the key is to find which provider is most likely to accept you. My free loan and credit card eligibility calculators at moneysavingexpert.com/ eligibility show your % odds of acceptance
(and unlike applying don’t impact your credit-worthiness), so you can home in on the right card or loan, minimising applications. They can be hugely powerful. Kelly messaged me to say: “Used the balance transfer eligibility calc and got 35mths 0%, shifted £11,500 from up to 29.9% APR” - saving £4,600 interest. 4. Get on the electoral roll. Register at www.gov.uk. Don’t worry about getting lots of junk mail - you can opt out of the ‘open register’ element, which stops this. 5. Check your file. Even small errors on your files at the three credit reference agencies - Experian, Equifax and Callcredit kibosh applications. Check them all line by line at least once a year - you’ve a legal right for £2. Yet to check them all for free, use noddle.co.uk for Callcredit and sign up to both Experian.co.uk and equifax. co.uk for free month long trials of their outrageously expensive credit monitoring services – then once you’ve got your file, cancel asap. And don’t feel the need to pay to ‘find your credit score’. These are just a lose indication at best. Each lender scores differently and uses far more info than just your credit file. 6. Avoid lots of applications in a short space of time. Almost every card or loan application leaves a file footprint. Too many of these, especially close together, hurt future applications. The system’s anti-shopping around, as if you’re offered a worse rate than that advertised, you’ll want to apply elsewhere. So space out and prioritise applications. Due a new mortgage? Don’t apply for minor things like cashback credit cards a week before.
credit file. For example, “It was for a swimsuit from a catalogue firm and it never arrived.” This will slow down applications, as most credit companies will review these manually, but a slow yes is better than a “no”. Finally, complain to www.financial–ombudsman.org.uk. 8. Use a bizarre trick to (re)build your creditworthiness. Rejection’s likely if your history makes you look a bad credit citizen, yet lenders can reject those who’ve never had credit due to lack of data. The answer’s to get a credit card, just to do about £50 a month of normal spending on it (never withdraw cash), then repay IN FULL by direct debit each month so there’s no interest. After six months to a year, you’ll start to look a better credit citizen. The catch 22 is ‘how do you get a credit card if you’ve poor credit?’ The answer’s specialist credit rebuild cards - I’ve a full list of cards and help to find which you’re most likely to be accepted for at www.mse.me/creditrebuild. 9. Be consistent, even on different applications, to avoid fraud scoring. Fraud scoring is credit scoring’s secret cousin. Among other things, these specialist agencies map how consistent your applications are, even to totally different firms. So if you’ve a couple of mobiles or job titles, use exactly the same one every time you apply.
7. Get unfair defaults removed. If there’s a default on your file that isn’t fair, for example, if you didn’t pay a catalogue loan as it failed to deliver the goods, it’s important to get it removed.
10. Beware joint mortgages, loans and bank accounts. It’s not whether you kiss, live together, hold hands or are married that links credit files. It’s simply whether you have a joint credit agreement (mortgages, loans, bank accounts and sometimes utility bills - joint credit cards don’t exist).
First complain to the lender and if that fails, write to the credit reference agency to ask it to add a short Notice of Correction to your
This means their credit history can be looked at when assessing whether to lend to you. If theirs is bad, avoid any joint products.
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Page 23
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Golden Years Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning
Exactly 51 weeks after coming to power with a majority of four, Harold Wilson seized a very public opportunity to prove that when he said he was going to reforge Britain in the white heat of the technological revolution, he meant it. For on 8th October 1965 he cut the ribbon on perhaps the most visible manifestation in Britain of the new world of high-tech telecommunications: the Post Office Tower. Not all was as it seemed, of course. First, Harold Wilson had absolutely nothing to do with the tower’s creation: it was first proposed in 1954; construction started in June 1961; and it was topped out in July 1964, three months before the general election. Secondly, the microwave technology it existed to support was not quite white-hot: the purpose of the tower was to replace an array of microwave antennae Page 26
that had been built on top of a neighbouring telephone exchange in 1947, and which was now in danger of being overshadowed by the many much taller office-blocks that were at the planning stage. But performing the official opening made a great photo-opportunity for such an avowed moderniser as Wilson.
was crowned by a restaurant that revolved at a snail’s pace, taking 22 minutes to complete a circuit without causing a ripple on the surface of the diners’ glasses of Blue Nun. To novelty-hungry Londoners it was a sensation: more than a million people visited the Tower in its first year and 100,000 dined in the restaurant.
At 177 metres tall (191 if you include the antennae), and on foundations rammed 53m deep into the clay beneath Maple Street, Fitzrovia, it was London’s tallest building until the NatWest Tower was completed 15 years later. The slim, elegant, green-glass shaft with its 29 microwave dishes and 16 storeys packed with mysterious technology was visible from almost everywhere in London, and was utterly unlike anything Londoners had ever seen. Serene and unmoving it may have appeared but it was actually frenetically busy: TV shows, radio programmes, longdistance telephone calls, air traffic control data and military traffic – all began their silent and invisible journeys round the country from this point.
Then in October 1971, the IRA set off a bomb in the gents’ loo on an observation deck underneath the restaurant. Noone was hurt and no structural damage was done but security was ever afterwards a concern. In 1980 the tower was closed to the public. Ostensibly this was on security grounds, as the Troubles were intensifying; actually, though, the newlycreated BT (after which the tower was renamed) saw a great deal less trouble and more profit in operating the upper stages as a swish venue for corporate functions than as a downmarket tourist attraction; it’s rather telling and perhaps indicative of the times that even though the Troubles are ancient history now, the tower has never reopened.
But this was the ‘60s, when the concept of modernity was as much cultural as technological; and culture in the ‘60s was a democratic affair. Not only was the tower entirely designed by the in-house architects at the Ministry of Works, not only was it entirely publicly funded (to the tune of £2.5 million), and not only was it open to the public, but the whole thing
Happy 50tH BirtHdays to Ardal O’Hanlon (8th), Luke Perry (11th), Steve Coogan (14th), and Steve Lamacq (16th). Cake and botox to you all!
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Cheltenham's parks win awards A number of parks across Cheltenham have achieved awards for their high standards in a pilot scheme ran this year by the RHS Britain in Bloom - It’s Your Neighbourhood Campaign. Imperial Gardens and Hatherley Park obtained a Gold Award; Montpellier Gardens achieved a Silver Guilt and Sandford Park received Silver. The RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood (IYN) campaign supports community groups in cleaning up and greening up their immediate local environment - whether
that’s the street they live in, or a small patch of communal land needing a revamp. The results given by the judges reflect the high standards and hard work achieved by Cheltenham Borough Council and community groups associated with each space. Adam Reynold, green space development manager, says: “We’re delighted to receive these awards for a number of our parks. I’d like to thank The Heart of England in Bloom Committee - a voluntary group who organised the regional entries for the RHS Britain in Bloom - It’s Your Neighbourhood Campaign. Volunteers and community groups put so much time into maintaining high
Word Ladder
Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.
B L U E
WORDWHEEL
Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.
TARGET Excellent: 45 or more words Good: 38 words Fair: 30 words
©Puzzlepress.co.uk
R M G O L D
standards in our parks and it’s fantastic their work has been recognised in this way.” Cllr Chris Coleman, cabinet member for clean and green environment, added: “What a great achievement. It just goes to show what can be accomplished when councils, communities and residents work together to improve their environment. Thank you to all those that play their part in helping maintain our beautiful parks.”
O A
R U T
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B E Page 27
Cake and Bake Halloween Macaroons For the ultimate Halloween sweet treat why not have a go at making a batch of French Macaroons?
Ingredients: • 230g icing sugar, sifted • 75g ground almonds • 2 large egg whites • 50g caster sugar • Orange and black food colouring gel • 55g unsalted butter, softened • 1/2 � tsp vanilla extract
Makes 16 Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling
TIP The filled macaroons will keep in an airtight box in the fridge for 2-3 days. Stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Page 28
1. Place half the icing sugar and all the ground almonds in a food processor and process for 30 seconds, or until fine and powdery. Sift the mixture into a mixing bowl, discarding any tiny pieces of almonds left in the sieve. Set aside. 2. Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until softly peaking. Gradually whisk in the caster sugar, to make a firm and glossy meringue. Whisk in enough of the orange food colouring gel to colour the meringue deep orange. 3. Fold one third of the icing sugar mixture into the meringue using a spatula. Repeat with another third of the mixture. Finally add the last third and continue to cut and fold the mixture until it forms a shiny and thick batter that falls in a slow ribbon when the spatula is lifted. 4. Line 2 large baking sheets with baking paper. Spoon the mixture into a large piping bag fitted with a 1cm plain piping nozzle. Pipe 32 discs of the mixture onto the baking sheets, each with a diameter of 3cm. Lift the nozzle at the top of half the piped discs to create a small point. Leave for 30 minutes to allow the macaroons to dry and form a slight crust. Preheat the oven to 160°C / Fan 140°C / Gas Mark 3. 5. Bake, one sheet at a time for 10-15 minutes, or until the macaroons have a crisp shell and the frilly bases don’t stick when gently lifted from the paper. Leave on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. 6. To decorate, dip the tip of a fine paintbrush into the black food colouring gel and paint pumpkin faces on the 16 pointed macaroons. 7. To decorate, dip the tip of a fine paintbrush into the black food colouring gel and paint pumpkin faces on the 16 pointed macaroons.
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Page 29
Enjoy October In Tewkesbury’s Newly Reopened Arts Centre
Blake
Sunday 4 October 7.30pm
The Lindisfarne Story
Wednesday 7 October 7.30pm
Sing-A-Long-A Frozen Saturday 17 October 10.30am & 2pm
Beyond The Barricade Ricki & The Flash (12A) Flanders & Swann Sunday 18 October 7.30pm
From Monday 19 October
The Irish House Party The Amazing Sunday 25 October 7.30pm Bubble Man
Tuesday 27 October 1.30pm & 3.30pm
Friday 23 October 7.30pm
Ballet Theatre UK: The Snow Queen
Wednesday 28 October 7.30pm
Please visit rosestheatre.org to see our full programme of events
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Residents moved to action with donations for refugees Drop off points for donations to be taken to Calais and Kos have been set up across Cheltenham, in support of the refugee crisis. Local residents have been moved to action by the ongoing plight of families seeking refuge, many of whom are currently residing in temporary camps across Europe. The following items can be taken to the Municipal Offices (9.30am-5pm), Global Footsteps on Portland Street (11am-4pm) or the Bayshill pub (12noon-11pm): • Toiletries including antibacterial gel, plasters, toothbrushes,
01242500000 851933 500000 01242 851933 01242
toothpaste, shampoo • Sleeping bags • Winter coats, gloves, hats & socks • Thin macs/raincoats • Wind up mobile phone chargers • Wind up torches • Tarpaulins • Tinned food • Bin bags • Disposable gloves Bonnie Eastmond grew up in Cheltenham and initiated a support group made up of local residents. She said: "The large number of people who have been in touch with enquiries about making donations led to the need for organising a coordinated approach to collection and storage of items locally, to be taken over. "Local residents and business were invited to a meeting at Global Footsteps café, where they brought together their knowledge of the current needs in Calais and Kos, as well as their ideas and offers of practical assistance. As
a result, there is now a clear list of items which are being called for, and a set of local drop off points for donations." Councillor Peter Jeffries, cabinet member for housing, added: "I feel strongly that we have a responsibility to do as much as we can to help these families. I fully support the group of residents and businesses who have pulled together and set up donation points so that people locally can offer practical help." A group from Cheltenham will travel to Calais in November to deliver the donations. The donations for Kos will be passed to appropriate agencies or charities for delivery. For further details please contact Abbey Smith, the council’s inspiring families officer on 01242 775172 or search for Cheltenham Friends of Calais on Facebook.
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Finance What are Your Options when You’re Struggling with Debt? By Ann Haldon Knowing how to deal with debt, and understanding the options available, can relieve some of the pressure when creditors are relentlessly pursuing you for money. A range of formal debt solutions exists in England and Wales that consolidate your debt down to a single monthly payment. Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) An IVA is legally binding and usually lasts for around five years. Your appointed IP will negotiate terms with all unsecured creditors, 75% of whom have to agree to the IVA before it can go ahead. Advantages • Interest and charges are frozen • Creditors cannot chase you for payment • No legal action can be taken against you • Once repaid, your remaining debts are written off Disadvantages • An IVA remains on your credit file for six years from its start date • Your job may be affected • If you miss payments, your creditors may enforce bankruptcy • Costs for an IVA can be high, often around £4,000, and form part of your monthly instalment Debt Relief Order (DRO) Debt Relief Orders are intended for people with minimal assets and a low income. They offer Page 32
relief from creditor pressure for a period of time, generally 12 months, and are negotiated on your behalf by a licensed IP. Advantages • You do not have to make any repayments to the debts included in the Debt Relief Order for a fixed period of time – usually one year • Your creditors cannot pursue you for debt during this time • All debts included in the DRO are written off if your circumstances have not improved at the end of the term Disadvantages • Interest and charges continue to be added • A Debt Relief Order remains on your credit file for six years • It may affect your job if you work in the legal or financial sectors, the police or prison service Debt Management Plan (DMP) A Debt Management Plan is not legally binding and involves paying back all of your debt, but over a longer period of time. None of the debt will be written off at the end of the term, and your DMP provider will deal with creditors on your behalf. Advantages • Your DMP provider will deal with creditors on your behalf • You are able to repay your debts in full, which may have less impact on your credit file • You make a single consolidated payment to cover the debts included in
the plan Disadvantages • Interest and charges may be added • It still has an effect on your credit file, even though you are not writing off any debt • If you don’t keep up repayments, you may be forced into bankruptcy Bankruptcy As a measure of last resort, bankruptcy writes off your debt and allows you to start again. It usually lasts for one year, after which time you will be discharged and can begin to rebuild your credit rating. Advantages • All debts are written off • There is no more creditor pressure • You can start afresh financially Disadvantages • You will lose your home and other assets • Your job may be affected • Bankruptcy will have a serious adverse effect on your credit file Factors including whether you have a regular income, your line of work, total level of debt and assets, all have an influence on which of these solutions would be most appropriate. https://www.gov.uk/options-forpaying-off-your-debts/individualvoluntary-arrangements http://www.stepchange.org/ Debtinformationandadvice/ Debtsolutions/Individualvoluntary arrangement.aspx
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CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.
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Please mention Cheltenham Magazine when responding to advertisers
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GO WITH YOUR GUT.
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Official Fuel Economy Figures for the new MINI Clubman Range: Urban 35.8-60.1 mpg (8-4.7 l/100km). Extra Urban 52.3-76.3 mpg (5.4-3.7 l/100km). Combined 44.8-68.9 mpg (6.3-4.1 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 147-109 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.
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Car Traffic Control Iain Betson thinks if airports were like our car parks, we’d never get on a plane. On my return flight from holiday I spent time, prior to boarding, watching the preceding flights being prepared for take-off. I was struck by the care the ground and air crew took when moving the aircraft from the jet bridge to the taxiway. Each person knew their job and checks were made prior to each manoeuvre. I particularly noted that an aircraft, ready to push back from the gate, was not allowed to start its engines as a second aircraft was taxiing immediately behind it. When it was clear, the tractor carefully pushed the jet backwards onto the taxiway. Only then did the dispatcher give the signal for the pilot to start up. I contrast this with the actions of drivers in multistorey car parks. Most have speed
Remembrance Sunday And Pause To Remember
• Cheltenham’s remembrance service and parade to honour the sacrifice of armed services in war: 11am Sunday 8th November
• Mayor marks Remembrance Day at 11am on Wednesday 11th November with two minutes of silence at the war memorial The war memorial in Cheltenham’s Long Gardens will once again be the centrepiece for the town’s service of remembrance and civic parade on Sunday 8 November. On Remembrance Day the mayor, Cllr Duncan Smith, will honour the two minute silence at 11am. The
limit signs and bumps, and give way markings on the road. Yet the driving attitude of more than a few motorists is just breathtaking: speeding around corners, narrowly missing pedestrians or not checking properly when reversing out of spaces. If a pilot acted in a similar fashion, throwing the jet out of the gate and speeding along the taxiway, we would surely shout about airline safety. Contrasting this with the free-for-all car parks and the same high potential for an accident, there really is no difference. We rightfully expect the airlines to look after us but, when it comes to driving, it’s our responsibility to look after the safety of ourselves and other road users. After all, we’ve parked our cars, the reckless drivers become the at-risk pedestrians.
service will begin at 10.55am. A lone trumpeter will play ‘The last post’ before two minutes of silence at 11am. After the Reveille, the service continues with prayers, hymns and the national anthem, played by Gloucestershire Police Band. The mayor will lay the first wreath at the war memorial followed by other civic dignitaries, including borough and county councillors, and representatives from local organisations. After the wreaths have been laid, the civic party will watch from the steps of the Municipal Offices as Cheltenham Silver Band leads the march past. Taking part will be the Cheltenham branch of the Royal British Legion; Cheltenham Royal Naval Association; 243 Gloucester Field Hospital; 2624 Sqn Royal AUX (RAF Brize); Joint Services Support Unit; and Old Comrades. Also attending will be detachments from the naval, army and RAF cadets,
and patrols from local scouts. In the evening, the mayor will attend the Festival of Remembrance, which is organised by the Royal British Legion and held at the town hall. On Remembrance Day (Wednesday 11 November) the council is again supporting The Royal British Legion in encouraging businesses, shops, offices and individuals to pause to remember at 11am. During a short service conducted by Canon Dr Tudor Griffiths, the mayor, Cllr Duncan Smith, will observe a two minute silence at the war memorial. Children from Dunalley primary school will be attending to join in this act of remembrance. Cllr Duncan Smith said that as first citizen he counted it a privilege to be able to lead the town in this act of remembrance and would like to invite all members of the community to join him at both of the services.
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Page 35
Understanding The Power Of Your Pension Pot by Kate McLelland It’s now six months since UK residents aged 55 or over became able to access the money in their pension pots and spend or invest it as they wish. Previously pensioners had been offered little choice other than buying an annuity, but on April 6th 2015 older people suddenly found themselves confronted by a bewildering range of options. You may have read media reports claiming that pension pot savings have been used to fund everything from luxury cruises to facelifts, but a close examination of the evidence so far suggests that far from splurging it all on a sports car or the holiday of a lifetime, most people are choosing to invest their pensions wisely. Richard Butcher, of Pitmans Trustees, which provides independent pension advice, thinks most individuals have reacted “sensibly”, by paying down debts and mortgages or carrying out home improvements. But while many older investors have found the opportunity to access pension funds a liberating experience, others have become increasingly confused about the options available to them. Unfortunately confidence tricksters have been quick to capitalise on their uncertainty. How to spot a pension scam Scammers typically promise
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sky-high returns from overseas investments or innovative money-making schemes. They may also offer extra tax savings or claim to know of loopholes that can increase your tax-free allowance. They may also claim that they can help you unlock your pension before the age of 55. The marketplace is currently awash with businesses eager to benefit from your pension and many of them claim to have the answer when it comes to making the right investment, so how do you tell a scammer from a legitimate company? The Money Advice Service website (www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk) has published some guidelines to help you stay safe. You should exercise caution if: • You receive a phone call, text message or doorstep visit out of the blue from someone offering to help you with pension investments • The only contact details available on the company website are a mobile phone number and a PO box address • The business doesn’t want, or allow, you to call them • You are put under pressure to make a decision right away Fraudsters often go to a lot of trouble to persuade you
that they are genuine, with convincing websites and highly plausible salesmen. It’s not unheard of that they claim to be part of the government-backed “Pension Wise” service, set up to offer impartial advice to investors. Check the facts before you sign Contact the Pensions Advisory Service for advice on 0300 123 1047 if you’re at all nervous about signing up with a company. If you are unsure about the status of the firm you are dealing with, you can check whether they are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fca.org.uk or call 0800 111 6768). Finally, if you think you have detected a scam, you can call the police’s ActionFraud service on 0300 123 2040 to report it. Investing wisely for retirement has never been more challenging – or more potentially rewarding – than it is now, but you should ensure that your decisions are based on the best possible advice. Where better to start, then, than the government’s own pensions advice website, www. pensionwise.gov.uk? There’s a lot to learn, but getting the right guidance will help you enjoy the happy, secure retirement you have worked so hard to achieve.
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WSP Solicitors & Randall and Payne Quiz Night Raises £2600 for The Pied Piper Appeal and Gloucestershire Young Carers People were asked to get their thinking caps on for a quiz in aid of two charities. The quiz, hosted by Steve Knibbs of BBC Points West, attracted over 150 people from all across Gloucestershire to Marling School hall on 16th September. 40 teams entered the general knowledge quiz, which was won by BBC Gloucestershire’s aptly named team ‘Knibbsy’s Worst Nightmare’. Nigel Sherwood of WSP Solicitors said “We’re now in our seventh year of running this
event, and we truly appreciate the local business community getting behind us to support these two great charities. The money raised is going to be split evenly between The Pied Piper Appeal and Gloucestershire Young Carers, and we know every penny will be well spent.” The Pied Piper Appeal is a children's charity, set up in 1992 help to fund life-changing medical and practical equipment that can transform the lives of sick and disabled children in Gloucestershire. Gloucestershire Young Carers, also founded in 1992, supports and meets the changing needs of young carers in the county. Having supported a number of charities over the past seven years, WSP and Randall & Payne have now raised over £18,500 for charities in Gloucestershire through their quiz evenings.
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Hobbies What your brain can gain from a musicmaking hobby By Kate McLelland When did you last pick up a musical instrument and play a piece of music from beginning to end? Last week? Last month? Last year? Sadly for most people the answer is quite likely to be: “Not since I was a child.” Musicians are most likely to develop their abilities during childhood. It’s the ideal time to learn basic skills such as reading music and playing an instrument, but as children turn into teenagers it’s not unusual to find that the pleasures of learning and playing are sacrificed to the pressures of taking exams, studying at college or university and – eventually – taking up fulltime work. In Sweden, researchers interviewed a random selection of 16 to 19 year olds who enjoyed regular music sessions. Starting in the 1980s, the researchers returned at specific times over the next two decades to interview their subjects. They discovered that by the time the respondents had reached their twenties, the proportion still managing to attend weekly sessions had dramatically decreased to just 6%. Although it may be hard to find time to make music as Page 38
a busy adult, much attention has recently been focused on the physiological benefits of learning to play an instrument. For example, a study based on 157 sets of twins discovered that those who were able to make music were 33% less likely to suffer from dementia. While it’s unclear exactly why this might be, there is a theory that learning to play an instrument – which involves a wide range of brain regions, functions and processes – empowers the brain in such a way that it is able to draw on its “cognitive reserves” when under attack. Other reports have suggested that playing music can improve listening skills, encourage better self-discipline, help with memory and even increase the IQ of both children and adults. In 2009 the University of Zurich conducted research with people aged 65 and over and discovered that playing an instrument for an hour a week produced strong changes in the brain. Psychologist Lutz Jancke from the university described the outcomes revealed by the research:
“The parts of the brain that control hearing and memory and the part that controls the hands all become more active. Essentially, the architecture of
the brain changes.” So whether you’re returning to an instrument you once loved to play, or learning for the first time, you can enjoy your hobby in the knowledge that you’re not just bringing pleasure to others through your music, you are enhancing your brain’s capabilities. If you’re feeling insecure about your musical skills, those first few steps towards learning (or returning to) a musical instrument will be crucial. You should make sure that tuition progresses at just the right pace for you: too fast, and you may lose confidence, too slow, and you’ll quickly become bored and frustrated. Fortunately there are a number of organisations whose purpose is to signpost musicians towards the help they need to develop. There are many resources out there, so take your time to explore the options, working towards a solution that’s tailor-made for your level of skill and experience. If you live in a city you may be able to access adult education services. Pick up a prospectus at your local library or search online to find a suitable course. Some adult learning institutes let you try a taster session so
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you can decide if the lessons are appropriate before you book an entire course. Alternatively, find a local tutor by searching the Music Teachers UK website (www. musicteachers.co.uk). This organisation offers a free service to help musicians with every aspect of education and performance and the site provides some valuable information, including a helpful guide to selecting a music teacher. If you are returning to music and have retained some basic (if rusty) skills, you might enjoy joining up with a local amateur music group, or even putting together a group from scratch. Making Music (www. makingmusic.org.uk) helps its members to set up, run and develop music groups in their communities. As a leading organisation for voluntary music in the UK, its remit is to
encourage music groups and individuals of all kinds to take part in a vibrant, multi-cultural music scene. The BBC’s website also provides some useful links, including resources to help you learn to read music, explore local courses and even find an amateur orchestra in your area (www. bbc.co.uk/learning/subjects/ music.shtml). Musicians who take up an instrument after a long absence from playing often report that the hardest part is finding the selfdiscipline to practice. “The Musician’s Way, a guide to Practice,
Performance and Wellness”, written by Gerald Klickstein (available from Amazon) is a book that provides tips on motivation and time management. Kickstein has also written a blog (at www. musiciansway.com), which offers an easy to follow, 9-step guide for returning musicians. Whatever your interest in music, whether it’s performing to concert level or joining an amateur ukulele orchestra, it can be a hugely rewarding hobby. Apart from the hours of pleasure you’ll get from playing, science suggests that your brain is likely to stay sharp well into old age.
Fancy Dress 1. In the film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, what did Michael and Elliott dress up the title character as at Halloween so they could sneak him out of their house? 2. For which film did Madonna earn a Guinness World Record for “most costume changes in a film”? 3. Set at a New Year’s masquerade ball, the song Masquerade features in which famous musical? 4. Who caused controversy in January 2005 by turning up to a party wearing an armband with a swastika on it? 5. Who dresses up as a woman to take on the role of Dame Edna Everage? 6. If you’re going to a fancy dress party dressed as Superman, what colour of pants should you wear on top of your tights? 7. In which William Shakespeare play does Viola disguise herself as a man and take on the name of Cesario? 8. In an episode of Only Fools And Horses called Heroes And Villains, who do Del and Rodney dress up as to attend a party, but when their van breaks down on the way, have to run the rest of the way and ended up scaring off thieves? 9. Which boxer was awarded the title of Britain’s best dressed man by the British Menswear Association in both 1991 and 1993? 10. Who did Daniel Hillard become when he dressed up as a woman? Please mention Cheltenham Magazine when responding to advertisers
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Pictograms
T R E L F I
4 words RAIN WIND SUN SNOW JOY
3 words YPPAH YPPAH YPPAH YPPAH YPPAH
YPPAH YPPAH YPPAH YPPAH YPPAH
3 letters: 13 4 letters: 19 5 letters: 10 6 letters: 3 YPPAH YPPAH YPPAH YPPAH YPPAH
4 words
YPPAH YPPAH YPPAH YPPAH YPPAH
Puzzle & Crossword Solutions Fancy Dress
HELLO READING
You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.
Word Ladder
Here is one possible solution (others may exist)
1. A ghost 2. Evita 3. The Phantom Of The Opera 4. Prince Harry 5. Barry Humphries 6. Red 7. Twelfth Night 8. Batman And Robin 9. Chris Eubank 10. Mrs Doubtfire
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Pictograms 3 Letters elf fer fie fir fit ire lei let lie
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lit ref ret tie 4 Letters felt file fire flit fret
left lief lier life lift lire lite rife rift rile
rite tier tile tire 5 Letters filer filet flier flirt lifer
litre refit relit rifle tiler 6 Letters filter lifter trifle
1. Feeling Under The Weather 2. Many Happy Returns 3. Talk Of The Town
Word Wheel ANSWER: ARBORETUM
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What's On in Oct/Nov Picasso Exhibition Ongoing until Saturday 31st, Barnbury in Winchcombe Come and cease the opportunity to see and/or buy work of worldfamous artist Pablo Picasso. There will be over 40 pieces on display. Cheltenham Litertaure Festival Friday 2nd - Sunday 11th October, Imperial Square & Montpellier Gardens
Cheltenham will once again host the renowned Literature Festival. Come along to celebrate the world's best writing, meet world stars like Ronnie Wood, Caitlin Moran or Sophie Thompson, and soak in the great atmosphere. There will also be a variety of great events for children to enjoy. Booking for all events strongly recommended. For more information visit: www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature Devil's Aquathlon Sunday 4th October Cheltenham's Sandford Parks Lido will once again play host to the monumental challenge of the Devil's Aquathlon, a tough swimming and running challenge, that starts with a 2km swim in the lido's 50m main pool. The heating to the main pool has been tuned off at the end of September, so wetsuits are advisable but not
necessary. Brave competitors will then run out of the lido and up to the Devil's Chimney on Leckhampton Hill, returning to finish in the lido grounds, a round route of 10km. Last year over 100 competitors turned out to take part on a gloriously sunny day. Why not raise funds for Cobalt whilst you take part? Contact Cobalt's Community Fundraiser, Mary Peterson on 01242 535920 or email mary.peterson@cobalthealth.co.uk to let her know you're registered and to get your sponsorship forms and Cobalt t-shirt. Are you tough enough? The Devil’s 2k Swim Sunday 4th October, 1pm – 2pm Sandford Parks Lido Taking place in the Lido’s 50m pool, this event is in aid of the Sandford Lido Ltd. Charity. Entrants to the 2km race must be 17 or over and will take place immediately after the last wave of the ‘Devil’s Aquathalon’. For further information about entering, please see www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk. Macmillan Lido Challenge Sunday 4th October 2pm – 6pm Sandford Parks Lido The day of swimming challenges at the Lido concludes with the Macmillan Lido Challenge. Every penny you raise in this 2km, cold water event will help us to ensure no one faces cancer alone. Entry forms and further details available at www.sandfordparkslido. org.uk and www.macmillan.org.uk. Dean Friedman Sunday 4th October, 7.45pm The Tithe Barn, Bishop's Cleeve Singer-songwriter legend Dean Friedman treats us to an evening of some of his finest music. Admission: £20. Tickets can be purchased at Cheltenham Town Hall, or from the Cleeve Concert website: www.cleeveconcerts.com. Tickets also can be bought at the door on the night. Wool Week Monday 5th - Sunday 11th October, 10.00am, Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD Sudeley Castle will be celebrating ‘Wool Week UK’ from 5th to 11th
October to raise awareness of the many attributes and uses of wool. There will be fascinating talks on ‘The Wool Trade and the Cotswolds’, traditional music, crafting with wool, historic demonstrations and much more. Feel free to bring along your knitting! Included in normal admission. For more information visit: www.sudeleycastle.co.uk Autumn Diesel Weekend Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th October, time tbc, Cheltenham Racecourse & Toddington Station
Another chance to visit our fleet of heritage diesel locomotives. Entry is by ticket only, please see www.gwsr.com for further information. The Gloucestershire Wedding Show Sunday 11th October, 11.00am – 4.00pm, Cheltenham Racecourse Come and meet the best wedding suppliers from Gloucestershire at this free wedding exhibition at the Racecourse. Grab some goody bags, gather lots of information and take part in VIP Tours of the Cheltenham Racecourse wedding facilities. Find everything you need to plan your perfect wedding day! Free entry and parking. Cheltenham Art Club Exhibition Wednesday 21st - Tuesday 27th October, 10.00am – 5.00pm daily, The Gardens Gallery, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham Come along to this great art exhibition hosted by the Cheltenham Art Club. There will be many different subject matters, distinctive styles and an array of media on display. All exhibits are originals and may be
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events cont'd on p43...
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106.2 - 107 - 107.8 FM
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Saturday
7am-10am Mark Edwards 10am-2pm All Request Saturday Gregg Upwards 2pm-6pm Mark Baker 6pm-8pm 70's Heaven Shaun Tilley 10Pm-1Am Dancing through the decades mick brown
Sunday
6am-10Am Mark Baker 10Am-2Pm Leon Oldman 2Pm-6pm Matt Healey 6pm-10pm 80’s Heaven Shaun Tilley
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...events cont'd from p41 purchased. The exhibition opens at 1.00pm on 21st October. For more information on the club visit: www. cheltenhamartclub.co.uk.
Cheltenham German Beerfest Saturday 31 October, 5pm – 11pm, Cheltenham Town Hall
Autumn Fayre in aid of people with MS in Our community.
A traditional German beer festival comes to the Cheltenham Town Hall, complete with live ompha music, singers, authentic steins of German ale, sausages and pretzels. A great night out for all at only £12pp. Tickets available in advance from www.beerfestuk.com.
Cheltenham College Christmas Fair Sunday 22nd November, 10.00am - 4.00pm, Cheltenham College, Bath Road, GL53 7LD Christmas Fair with over 70 stallholders. Admission: £5 entry, children under 16 free.
The Showcase Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th October, 12.00 Noon – 6pm, Cheltenham Racecourse
Enjoy a great day out and watch the horses, jockeys and trainers return to the spiritual home of Jump racing. Tickets on the day: £28. For more information visit: cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk Halloweek Monday 26th - Saturday 31st October, from 10.00am, Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD Exciting magic shows, ghost tours, Halloween and themed arts and crafts! The 31st will see even more spooky activities such as face painting, a carved pumpkin display, ghostly Tudors, ‘Henry’s Horrid History’ shows and a ‘Thriller’ dance workshop. All included in normal admission. Halloween ‘Steam and Scream’ Special Saturday 31 Oct, time tbc Cheltenham Racecourse & Toddington Station Dress up in your scariest costume and join the ‘Spooky Specials’ to celebrate Halloween in style. Normal ticket prices apply, for more information please visit www.gwsr.com.
Performing Arts Workshop Sunday 1st Nov, 10.00am & 11.15am, Cheltenham Town Hall Fun workshop for children of varying ages. They don't have to be a performer to come along. 10.00am: 8 - 11 years; 11.15am: 12 - 16 years. Tickets: £2 per child. Churchdown Book Fair Sunday 1st November, 10.00am to 3.30pm, Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, Churchdown, GL3 2JH Gloucestershires longest running independent book fair. Dealers from all over the country will be selling over 1000 quality second hand and antiquarian books, postcards and Ephemera. Easy parking, refreshments available. Admission: 50p (under 16s free). Sing for Heroes Saturday 7th November, 7.30pm - 10.00pm, Cheltenham Town Hall Featuring the Cotswold Male Voice Choir, the GE Aviation Male Voice Choir and the Innsworth Military Wives Choir. Sponsored by GE Aviation. All tickets: £10. Proceeds will aid Help for Heroes. Autumn Fayre Saturday 7th November, 2.00pm - 4.00pm, Shurdington Social Centre, GL51 4SW
The Open Friday 13th - Sunday 15th November, Cheltenham Racecourse 13th Oct: Countryside Day from 10.30am - 6.00pm; 14th Oct: Paddy Power Gold Cup Day from 10.00am 6.00pm; 15th Oct: The Open Sunday from 11.00am - 6.00pm. Fantastic three days of racing.
Christmas Lights Switch On Thursday 26th & Saturday 28th Nov, Cheltenham Town Centre 26th Nov, 4.00pm - 7.00pm, Regent Acarde: Come and enjoy some festive fun in Cheltenham's town centre. Characters from Frozen will entertain the children, before Father Christmas arrives to switch on the lights in the arcade at 7.00pm. Late night shopping and free parking. 28th Nov, 5.00pm -8.00pm, The Brewery: Christmas snow comes early with the snow machine. Festive fun guaranteed!
LOCAL MARKETS Cheltenham Arts & Craft Market Saturdays 9am - 5pm, Pedestrianised area of the Promenade, outside Cavendish House. Dates for 2015: September 19th, October 17th, November 21st, December 19th & 20th. Cheltenham’s Farmers’ Market Every second and last Friday of each month, 9am - 2pm Pedestrianised area of the Promenade, outside Cavendish House A great opportunity to sample and buy locally grown and made produce from Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.
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Around Britain Places Named After People 1. Alexandria, West Dumbarton - The Dumbarton town of Alexandria is named after Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Smollett MP, who was born there in the mid-18th century. A member of the Coldstream Guards, Smollett was killed at the Battle of Alkmaar in the Netherlands in 1799. 2. Camden, London - Camden Town is named after Baron Camden, the title taken by the 18th century lawyer and politician Sir Charles Pratt when he was made a peer in 1765. In turn, Pratt took his title from William Camden, the 16th century scholar famous for compiling the first geographical survey of Great Britain, in whose former home Pratt was living at the time. 3. Fort William, Highland - The fort from which Fort William takes its name was built by English parliamentary forces during Scotland’s Royalist Rising in the early 1650s. In 1690, the fort was strengthened and much improved, and named in honour of the Scottish king William III. 4. John O’Groats, Highland - The most northerly settlement on mainland Great Britain – as well as one of the most famous village names in the whole of Scotland – John O’Groats is actually named after a Dutch sailor named Jan de Groot, who is believed to have lived in the town during the reign of James IV. 5. Kingstanding, Birmingham - According to local tradition, the Kingstanding area of Birmingham is named in honour of King Charles I, who is said to have addressed his troops there during the Civil War in 1642. The mound on which he is said to have stood is today known locally as the ‘King’s Standing’. © Taken from The British Isles: A Trivia Gazetteer by Paul Anthony Jones
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Cheltenham Useful Numbers DOCTORS SURGERIES
COUNCIL
Leckhampton Surgery
01242 539080
Underwood Surgery
01242 580644
UTILITIES
01242 215020
Gas Emergency
Springbank Surgery Overton Park Surgery
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The Royal Crescent Surgery St Georges Surgery Sixways Clinic
Seven Posts Surgery
HOSPITALS
01242 234306
Electricty -足Power Loss
0800 365 900
01242 519049
Water Leaks
0800 169 1144
01242 215015
HELPLINES
01242 580248 08444 772551 01242 246549 0300 422 2222
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0300 422 2222
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LIBRARIES
01242 802897 01242 634100
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0845 2305420
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0845 2305420
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01242 262626
01242 580511
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Nuffield Health Hospital
Cheltenham Borough Council
0845 2305420
Water Severn Trent
0800 111 999
0800 783 4444
Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555 Search & Rescue Team 01242 519470 Childline 0800 1111 Citizens Advice Bureau 0870 120 4040 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Directory Enquiries 118 500 Drugs Helpline 0800 776 600 Floodline 0845 988 1188 Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222 RSPCA 0300 123 4999 Samaritans 01452 306333 National Missing Persons 0500 700 700
0845 2305420
POST OFFICES
Cheltenham Post Office 08457 223344 Bath Road Post Office, 170 Bath Road, GL53 7NF Charlton Kings, Budgens, 12 Lyefield Rd. W, GL53 8EZ Hesters Way, 8 - 10 Hesters Way Road, GL51 0DA Prestbury, 6 High Street, Prestbury, GL52 3AS 107 Salisbury Avenue, Warden Hill, GL51 3DA Shurdington, 2 Yarnolds, Shurdington, GL51 4SH
EMERGENCY NUMBERS Ambulance (Emergency Only)
999
Fire (Emergency Only)
999
Police (Emergency Only)
999
Gas Emergency
Police (non-emergency) NHS Direct
0800 111 999 101 111
St Marks, 255 - 257 Gloucester Road, GL51 8NW Tewkesbury Road, 93 Tewkesbury Road, GL51 9DB Up Hatherley, 238 Hatherley Road, GL51 6HB Whaddon Road, 112 Whaddon Road, GL52 5NQ
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advertisers index Accounting & Bookkeeping Cheltenham Tax Accountants 29 Aerials & Satellites Digital TV & Satellite Systems 13 Architects hookmason architects 2 Beauty Natasha B., Mobile Hairdresser 6 Building, Maintenance, Repair, Carpentry & Handyman Services, Painters & Decorators Cakebridge Home Improvements 11 Dave Dowell 20 Matthew Moore General Building 19 Business & Technology Audio & Video Conversion 6 Building Supplies Staverton Building Supplies 3 Carpets & Flooring Carpets Direct 11 Goodrum Carpets 37 Storey Carpets 24 Ceramics Ceramic Centre Cheltenham 11 Charities & Community Building Circles 13 Cheltenham Lions Club 17 Cotwold Listener 8 Guide Dogs for the Blind 16 Driveways Cheltenham Town Landscaping & Driveway Services 4
Electrical Services Flexitest Ltd 29 Pro Electrical 37 Entertainment / Theatre Sunshine Radio 42 Roses Theatre 31 Events Art Exhibition, Montpellier Gardens 20 Food & Drink Court Farm Shop 15 Wiltshire Farm Foods 47 Funeral Directories Alexander Burn 24 Furniture Country Garden Centre 24 Garden Centres Country Garden Centre 24 Gardens & Landscaping Cheltenham Town Landscaping & Driveway Services 4 Edward Price 13 Jim's Mowing 10 Park Street Garden Services 8 Heating & Renewables Adept Heating back page Holidays 'We'll meet again', 1940's trip 14 Hypnotherapy Advance Practice 8 Interior Design Bella's Interior 8 Motoring, MOT’s & Vehicle Sales Cotswold Mini 34 Exhaust, Tyres & Batteries 6
Advertising Rates start from only Sixteenth Page £28 Eighth Page £40 Quarter Page £64 Half Page £110 Full Page £195 Per month & excl vat
Photography Mouse About Town 14 Plumbing, Heating & Boiler Services Johnston Scotia 25 MJ Taylor 2 Panda Heating 33 Paul's Plumbing 31 Removals Swift Removals & Storage 42 Roofing LCM Flat Roofing 11 Shopping Court Farm Shop 15 Sports Clubs Cheltenham Tigers 22 Prestbury Panthers Netball Club 17 Storage Compton Green Business Park 14 Swift Removals & Storage 42 Television Aerials & Satellites Digital TV & Satellite Systems 13 Vacancies HPS TR Ltd 44 Webdesign Skymaster Webdesign 4 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Cloudy 2 Clear
Ledbury Door Supplies
19
4
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