Forest of Dean December 2019
YO U R F R E E LO C A L COMMUNIT Y MAGAZINE
SHORT STORY
The Christmas Spirit HISTORY
Christmas Traditions RECIPE
Cranberry, Orange & Nut LoafEstuary Oils Your Leading Fuels & Lubricants Supplier
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STAMP APPEAL We need your used postage stamps Used postage stamps can be turned into valuable funds for New Start Cat Rescue What to do: Collect your used postage stamps and those from friends, family, colleagues or local businesses Cut out the stamps leaving a 1/4 inch or 1/2cm border all the way around on a single layer of envelope Pop them into a stamped envelope
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Tewkesbury Big Weekend launches ‘Battle of the Bands’
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Working in collaboration with the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, they are offering one talented band the opportunity of a lifetime: A 45-minute set at the popular Lakesfest festival in August 2020, plus a professional photoshoot and a £250 cash prize! To enter the 'Battle of the Bands', music groups are invited to submit a video by 31st January. The top six bands shortlisted will be invited to perform a 15-minute set on 7th March at the Roses Theatre. Application forms can be found at www.rosestheatre.org. The bands will be judged by a panel of industry professionals and the overall winner will be announced on the night. It will be a fun evening with wonderful music and great entertainment. Limited tickets are available now from The Roses' website for only £8. For more information on the 2020 Tewkesbury Big Weekend or to get involved, find the event on Facebook or email carolbigweekend@outlook.com.
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Do you have skills, interests and knowledge that would benefit young people? We are taking the exciting step of recruiting volunteers. To promote an ethos of ‘work for reward’ amongst young people.
If you are interested in offering some time to support the Aston Project, we would very much like to hear from you. You can complete the online Volunteer form via the link found at www.astonproject.co.uk. under the “Volunteer” section or you can get in touch on the below contact details if you would simply like to find out more. T: 01452 907252 or 07813 351346 E: astonproject@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk W: www.astonproject.co.uk
Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Gloucestershire
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your pet may eat them without you noticing. These sachets can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Prett y Christmas Trimmings That Can Harm Your Pets
Whilst not wishing to diminish the joy of Christmas, it pays to make sure your pets are safe this festive season. Many of these trimmings aren’t obviously hazardous but they do have the potential to cause serious harm. By Ann Haldon
The glitz and glitter of Christmas is so pretty that it’s easy to forget the potential dangers of our festive trimmings, so here are some of the possible hazards that may threaten your pet at this time of year. Spray snow Spray snow looks very pretty but it does contain chemicals that are harmful to animals. If your cat or dog licks the substance they could suffer from sickness and diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal problems. Tinsel Tinsel can cause a blockage in the intestines if eaten and might require a trip to the vet to clear the blockage. Glitter The sparkle of glitter is very attractive to pets, but glitter is easily ingested. The tiny pieces can also lodge in their eyes and set up a nasty irritation. Baubles Glass baubles present a serious danger to pets if broken, and also pose a choking hazard. Fairy lights Your pet can be electrocuted by fairy lights if bitten through, but there’s also a danger they could become tangled in the lights and be unable to free themselves if they’re alone in the house. Silica gel Silica gel sachets are very small and 4
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Charity Begins at Home “Money can’t buy happiness” the saying goes, but there is a definite exception: giving your money away. Numerous studies have shown that giving money to others or donating to charity will put a much bigger smile on your face than spending on yourself, meaning we are being both selfish and selfless by giving to others. Undoubtedly as we approach the annual festive season, the charities are hoping that feeling of bonhomie extends to setting up a regular donation to their causes. But how to choose who to donate to? One approach is to “start with the end." What is the change in the world that you are hoping to make? That thought works well when you are donating to a medical
research type organisation or supporting children’s development. Alternatively, you could concentrate on supporting local charities and projects or urgent causes (e.g. disaster relief). There are many ways to go about this... It’s not always cold, hard cash that has to be given away though; your time is just as precious to so many good causes. As Winston Churchill once aptly stated: We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. I shall bear that in mind when wishing you a Happy Christmas!
Anne x
T: 01242 388 366 | E: Anne@lovelocalmagazines.co.uk
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Traditional Christmas Style Our top tips for festive decorating to create a warm and welcoming look. A wreath on the front door A decorative essential for the Christmas season, a front-door wreath provides a wonderful festive welcome for visitors. There is an enormous variety of readymade wreaths to choose from: classic or contemporary, heart-shaped or circular, small or large, utterly simple or lavish and complex… or why not make your own, using leaves, flowers and seed heads from the garden? An impressive tree Britain’s most popular Christmas tree is the Nordmann fir, which will stay fresh for ages provided it gets enough water. The Norway spruce is less expensive, but tends to drop needles unless watered frequently. When buying a cut tree, ask the seller to saw half an inch off the bottom of the trunk to help it absorb water. Before decorating, trim away any low-down or interior branches that you don’t need, and position your tree away from sunny windows and radiators. Wind with an even distribution of lights and garlands (use a stepladder if necessary, and stand back regularly to assess), then add baubles and other ornaments, making sure to hang some in the centre of branches as well as at the tips, to create a sense of depth and interest. Mantelpieces, balustrades and pictures Drape generous armfuls of fir, ivy, holly and lush green foliage along mantelpieces and wind among balustrades – you could even add them along the tops of pictures. Where appropriate, add pine cones, baubles, strings of tiny LED lights and maybe some small, 6
These metallic Christmas stockings feature a Moroccaninspired design in gold foil. They are available in white or grey and can be personalised. Gold metallic Moroccan-print Christmas stockings, £59 each, Penelope Hope: 01481 721 410; www.penelopehope.com.
battery-operated candles for a gorgeous, glowing display. Candles, candles everywhere Nothing says Christmas like warm, flickering candlelight, but keep them away from decorations and extinguish them before going to bed or leaving the house. Better still, use battery-operated LED candles in the form of tea lights, pillars or bridge decorations. Piles of presents Presents under the tree look so much better when colour-coordinated and criss-crossed
with ribbons and bows. Inexpensive paper – even brown paper or newsprint – looks lovely if adorned with a home-made label, and avoiding metallic papers, which can’t be recycled, is good for the planet, too. You could even consider wrapping in fabric or employing a reusable box. For a finishing touch, add a tiny pine cone, small bauble or home-made iced biscuit. Setting the table Laying the table can be a pleasing ritual that results in an eye-catching display. Start by setting out a special runner and your best crockery, perhaps with plates that layer in colour or that include edgings of gold. Carefully position glassware and cutlery, and finish with greenery, pine cones, candles, baubles and other small-scale decorations, plus hand-written place settings. Hang up some stockings Children especially love to hang a stocking
es p tre o r d Non m £17 fro
for Santa, but there’s no reason why adults can’t get in on the act, too – the effect is so charming, after all. If you don’t have a handy mantelpiece, try a peg rail, branch, coat hooks, along the banisters or specially bought stocking hooks. Arrangements of cards Christmas cards are a lovely way to decorate your home. Display them in neat rows on a shelf or mantelpiece, tucked into mirrors and picture frames, stapled to ribbons and hung alongside the staircase (weighted with a bauble or pine cone) or from rows of string using mini wooden pegs. Decorative displays Use illuminated ornaments or a few poinsettias in pots, some bowls of clove-studded oranges and a few baubles or fairy lights in a glass bowl or vase for a sparkly effect. By Katherine Sorrell
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Driving
Easy Tips to Improve Your Driving
As we progress in our driving lives, gaining experience whilst doing so, we also pick up some bad habits. The following tips will help improve your driving which will act as a basis to take your driving skill further by being safer and even saving you money through car care and insurance. Don’t ‘Drive’ the Car – Control It By this I mean forcing the vehicle to do
something against its ‘will’. Get to know your car’s inertia, i.e. how quickly it slows down when you lift your right foot. How much do you need to turn the wheel to go around a corner? When’s the point at which the engine starts to labour or over-rev because it’s in the wrong gear? Learning how your car handles means you can set it up well in advance to go smoothly around a bend, for example. Posture Trying to control a car with a one hand holding the wheel at an 11 o’clock position is not only dangerous, it’s bad for your posture too. I see drivers doing ‘gymnastics’ as they negotiate a roundabout, swinging in the seat as they almost wrestle with the wheel. It all leads to untidy car control and leaves us tired after a journey. To improve this, hold the steering wheel with both hands at ‘10 to 2’ and feed it through your hands. Changing gear or a control will still mean you have one hand on the wheel. By Iain Betson
Christmas
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Advent Angel Birth Cards Carols Coal Festive Gifts Hearth Hymns Ivy Joy Lights Love Manger Myrrh Noel Nutmeg Ornament
Party Turkey Peace Yule Priest Punch Santa Claus Sled Sleigh Snow Song Star Thanks Tree
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Find the words associated with Christmas in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase Answers: p. 29
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The Christmas spirit
˜ A short story written by local writer Geraldine Faulkner ˜ Henry was digging up some leeks. He hummed away happily to himself as he slipped his garden fork under each plant and carefully pulled them up by the leaves. He could already taste his wife Annie’s homemade leek and potato soup and it was making his mouth water. He picked up the leeks, took them to the outside tap and washed off the worst of the mud before taking them into the kitchen. Annie was on the phone. “Keep us informed, won’t you?” she said before ending the conversation. “That was Alice, our neighbour. She was calling from A&E because Tom has broken his leg,” explained Annie while filling the kettle to make them a brew. “I hope she doesn’t expect me to take their dratted dog, Caspar, for a walk every day,” replied Henry ungraciously. 10
“Now that’s not very kind,” said Annie reaching up for the biscuit tin. Henry mumbled an apology through a mouthful of Hobnobs and tea. In the end, he volunteered to take Caspar for a walk every morning without any prompting from Annie. Although he wouldn’t admit it, he was growing fond of the cheerful little animal and would chat to him on their walks. “It will be Christmas soon,” he told Caspar one morning. Caspar cocked an ear as he knew a reaction was expected. “This year my granddaughter, Rosie, and her parents are coming to us. We usually wait until Rosie is there before we decorate the Christmas tree. She loves to put out a biscuit for Santa and carrots for the reindeer on Christmas Eve.” Caspar recognised the word ‘biscuit’ and looked up hopefully at Henry who
usually had a dog biscuit in his pocket. However, Henry was destined to suffer disappointment. A week before Christmas, their daughter rang to say Rosie had got chickenpox. “She’s got a high temperature and has been complaining of aches and pains,” explained Rosie’s mum. “As of this morning, she is covered in red spots. We have to keep her at home until the spots have crusted over which can take between five to seven days.” “Poor little mite,” sympathised Annie. “Tell her we’ll have a belated Christmas celebration once she’s better, and that her granddad and I will make sure it’s extra special.” When told the news, Henry was plunged into gloom.
“Christmas is not going to be Christmas without our Rosie,” he complained. “We’ve already got the turkey in the freezer and most of the trimmings. How are we going to eat all that food?” Annie had an idea. “Why don’t we invite Tom and Alice over for Christmas Day. They are going to be on their own and it will be lovely to have the company,” Henry pondered for a few moments. “The last time we had them over for a meal they beat us at Trivial Pursuit. It’s time for a return match,” he said while thinking gleefully: ‘That gives me five days to swot up on the questions.’ Perhaps Christmas wasn’t going to be such a washout after all.
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Pictograms AM
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PICTOGRAMS
2 words
5 words 15:50
QUIZ
3 words
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS
CHEAP HAT MAGIC DIRTY
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.
S I
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TARGET Excellent: 22 or more words Good: 19 words Fair: 17 words 12
SUDOKU
Puzzle Page
1. In a well known children’s story, who does Cindy-Lou Who catch stealing Christmas presents? 2. Launched in the run-up to Christmas in 1983, which toys were said to have been born at Babyland General Hospital? 3. In the 2013 TV advert for John Lewis, what did the hare get the bear as a Christmas present? 4. At the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, what does Scrooge arrange to be sent anonymously to the Cratchit family? 5. In the film Gremlins, what name does Billy give to the Mogwai he receives as a Christmas present? 6. On the TV show South Park, who brings presents to children whose diets have been high in fibre? 7. “I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree” is a line from which well known Christmas song? 8. In the 1996 film Jingle All the Way, what is the name of the toy that Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character is desperately trying to get for his son as a Christmas present? 9. Which 1997 novel by Terry Pratchett features a Santa Claus-like title character who gives presents to children on December 32nd? 10. What is the final item that the singer asks Santa for in the song Santa Baby? Answers: p. 19
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Cranberry, Orange & Nut Loaf This simple cake makes a delicious alternative to a classic rich fruit Christmas cake. It will keep un-iced in an airtight container for a few days. Add the icing and fresh cranberry topping on the day of serving.
Ready in 1 hour 45 minutes, plus cooling | Serves 8-10
Ingredients
175g unsalted butter, softened 175g golden caster sugar 225g self-raising flour 2 tsp ground mixed spice ½ tsp baking powder 3 large eggs 75g sweetened dried cranberries 50g walnuts, chopped 50g hazelnuts, chopped Zest of 1 orange 1 tbsp orange juice
TIP
FROSTING Half of a 400g tub ready-made royal icing 2 tsp snowflake sugar sprinkles 75g fresh cranberries Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate (optional)
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Preheat the oven to 170C, 150C fan, gas mark 3. Grease a 900g loaf tin and line the base and up two long sides of the tin with baking parchment. Place the butter, sugar, flour, spice, baking powder and eggs in a large bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly combined. Fold in the dried cranberries, nuts and orange zest and juice.
Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the surface. Bake for 1hr-1 hr 15 minutes or until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
Spread the royal icing over the top of the cake. Scatter over the sugar sprinkles and fresh cranberries, plus the fresh mint sprigs if using. Leave in a cool place until set. Serve sliced.
Instead of the fresh cranberries you could scatter over more festive-themed sugar sprinkles and add a dusting of edible gold spray for a really sparkly finish.
Auction Anecdote Smiths’ November antique sale turned out to be a very hectic day with a record number of commission bids coming in at the last minute. It took two staff working flat out for over an hour, just to get them all on the sale book before the sale started! Many of these bids were on the jewellery, gold and silver - my favourite section of the auction to sell on the rostrum, and this sale was certainly pair of mid-19th century no exception. However, This diamond earrings made £740 with nearly four hundred lots to get through it became quite exhausting by the end, with bids flying in from all directions! Almost all of the antique and modern jewellery, as well as much of the costume jewellery, found eager buyers. There was such strong bidding throughout, that I almost began to find myself wishing they would all just stop... of course, I don’t really mean that! It was a real pleasure selling at such an exhilarating pace, as I swapped on and off the rostrum with my colleague until gone 7pm in the evening. Prices remained pretty buoyant throughout the day, however there was a little surprise in store, when a box of pewter estimated at £10-30 made £1,220! It seems an early and rather battered pewter tankard had been spotted online by several eagle-eyed specialists, who I am yet to quiz as to what exactly made this very ordinary-looking item quite so special. Smiths’ forthcoming antiques and collectables sales will take place on 6th December (with a special section for antique toys) and 24th January (with a specialist coin section). Entries are invited on the 10th, 12th and 17th December, and on the 2nd and 7th January 2020 between 10am and 3pm. For further details, please call 01531 821776 or visit www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk. - Written by Rita Kearsey, Manager of Smiths Auction Room at Newent
Monthly Sales of Antiques & Collectables 6th December and 24th January includes Coins, Silver, Gold, Jewellery, Ceramics, Glass, Furniture, Pictures & Collectables
Viewing Day prior 10am - 7pm and morning of sale Fully illustrated catalogues available online
Nelson gold proof crown set Sold £2,220
Victorian diamond marquise ring Sold £420
Entries Invited 10th, 12th & 17th Dec & 2nd & 7th Jan
10am-3pm or by appointment Why not pop in for free valuations and expert advice with our valuers
Home visits for larger consignments
Live online bidding available at
www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk Page 15
Christmas Traditions
History Article by Catherine Rose Christmas seems to come around sooner each year but at one time, people would decorate their homes on Christmas Eve as it was considered unlucky to do so earlier. In 300AD, Pope Julius I decreed that Christ’s birthday was on 25th December. The Midwinter Solstice on 21st December was already a traditional pagan celebration so Pope Julius effectively combined both. During the Midwinter Solstice, homes would be decorated with evergreens, and a Yule Log – the first log of winter – would be ceremonially burnt on the night of the shortest day. This is the reason the word ‘yule’ relates to Christmas. Christians took holly as a symbol of Christ’s crown, the berries representing his blood. Mistletoe, which the Druids regarded as sacred because it effectively grows ‘in the air’, was also adopted by 16
Christianity, the white berries reflecting the purity of the Virgin. The Victorians set many of our modern Christmas traditions, such as cards and tinsel. During the festive season, mistletoe was hung in the entrance to the house as a sign of peace and goodwill. Because it is usual to greet people with a hug and a kiss when they arrive, ‘kissing under the mistletoe’ evolved into a custom by Victorian times. Christmas trees came over from Germany towards the end of the 1700s but were popularised by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Trees would be decorated with candles, strings of glass beads, real silver tinsel and candies, topped with an angel or star. Many of our Christmas customs originated in Europe. Gingerbread and beeswax Christmas ornaments were available
in markets across Europe 400 years ago. The advent calendar originated in Germany. Mince pies were invented in medieval times. Originally made with minced lamb and fat, dried fruit, peel and spices, there were 13 ingredients in total, representing the apostles. Although we have dropped the lamb, the term ‘mincemeat’ to describe the filling has endured. Turkeys were brought to Britain in 1526 and it is said that King Henry VIII was the first to eat a turkey for Christmas dinner. However, turkeys didn’t become traditional Christmas fayre until the 1950s. Father Christmas also has his origins in Europe. St Nicholas or ‘Sinterklaas’ (from which we derive Santa Claus) was a second-century saint known for giving gifts to the poor. His spirit was said to visit
children on the night of the 5th December. In Holland, wooden shoes or clogs would be left next to the hearth filled with an edible treat and straw for St Nicholas’ horse. In return, St Nicholas would leave a gift. As the custom spread across Europe, stockings were used instead of shoes. It is thought that Tom Smith, an English baker, invented the Christmas cracker by taking a sweet and a love motto and wrapping them in a strip of paper impregnated with a compound that ‘cracked’ when opened. The first known Christmas card was made by Sir Henry Cole of The British Postal Service in 1843. It was the Victorians who first depicted Father Christmas in a red suit. Previously, the traditional colour for Saint Nicholas was green. Page 17
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PICTOGRAMS (p. 12): (1) Round Robin (2) One Step At A Time (3) Box Of Tricks QUIZ (p. 12): (1) The Grinch (in How The Grinch Stole Christmas) (2) Cabbage Patch Kids (3) An alarm clock (4) A turkey (5) Gizmo (6) Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo (7) All I Want For Christmas Is You (by Mariah Carey) (8) Turbo-Man (9) The Hogfather (10) A ring
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Page 19
GARDENING
Pruning Perfection Winter is perfect for pruning and cutting back woody plants (except if it is really icy or frosty), so get stuck in now that deciduous trees, shrubs, hedges and climbers are bare of leaves. Remember that for pruning to really benefit the plant, you need the right tools. For a small expanse of a hedge or a shrub that needs reshaping, a good, sharp pair of well-oiled shears should do the job. When cutting along a hedge top, a guideline – such as a taut string – will help you get a neat, level surface. For larger hedges a powered hedge cutter or hedge trimmer is preferable. Use ‘loppers’ for removal of stems at various heights and of varying thicknesses. These are available with various handle lengths (some have telescopic handles) so that you can reach higher. For relatively thick stems they are better than shears or secateurs 20
and allow for accurate cutting. Wear goggles and ideally protective headgear if you have to cut back branches above your head. Everybody needs a pair of goodquality sharp secateurs for pruning smaller woody stems. Always cut to an outward-facing bud (so that the new growth produced from that bud grows outwards). Secateurs are good for removing dead and dying stems, for formative pruning (to ensure the plant grows in the right direction), and for pruning to encourage flowering. A proper pruning saw is necessary for pruning out or tidying up larger branches on trees and shrubs and is perfect for fruit trees. Use a sawing action for best results and make the pruning cut a few millimetres or so away from the main stem from which the branch you are removing is joined.
A cut like this will heal quicker and is less prone to fungal rotting.
MORE PRUNING TIPS Always check the best pruning time for your plants – most hedges and many shrubs can be cut back now, but you may impact the flowering potential of others. Some trees, mainly those in the Prunus family – such as edible and ornamental cherries, plums, apricots, damsons, peaches and nectarines – are prone to the potentially fatal fungal ‘silver leaf’ infection, and should be pruned in the summer months. Pruning tools must be really sharp – blunt tools mean more effort and the risk of damage to the plant.
Create sloping cuts with secateurs, loppers and saws to prevent moisture accumulating (wetness encourages wood-rotting), and cut close to but not on top of a bud to allow new growth without dieback. Stand back from time to time when pruning, to let you see how you are affecting the overall shape of the plant. By Pippa Greenwood
At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood. com) you’ll find natural pest controls, stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, tools, planters, raised bed kits and the “Grow Your Own with Pippa” system. Or book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club.
For all your landscaping needs Patios • Decking • Fencing • Driveways • Turfing • Foundations, drainage and over-sites • Walls • AND MORE • No job too big or too small
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Page 21
Potted Smoked Salmon This is the perfect starter for the lunch on the big day – you can make it the night before and the recipe will easily double up if you are feeding a crowd at Christmas!
Ready in 30 minutes, plus chilling time | Serves 6
INGREDIENTS 275g honey roast salmon flakes 250g smoked salmon slices, chopped 100g unsalted butter, softened 125g full-fat soft cheese 2 tsp creamed horseradish 1 tbsp lemon juice Salt and freshly ground black pepper Fresh dill sprigs and green peppercorns, to garnish Slices of toasted brown or granary bread, to serve
Reserve about 25g of the salmon flakes for garnish (cover and chill in the fridge until required). Place the rest of the salmon flakes in a food processor with the smoked salmon, butter, soft cheese, horseradish and lemon juice. Process until smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and process for a further few seconds. Divide the mixture between 6 small ramekin dishes and level the surface. Cover and chill in the fridge until required. Garnish with the rest of the salmon flakes, dill sprigs and green peppercorns. Serve with toasted brown or granary bread.
TIP Most supermarkets sell packs of ready-flaked honey roast salmon but if unavailable just buy ready-cooked smoked salmon fillets and roughly flake the fish, discarding any skin and fine bones. 22
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Page 23
The Gift of Reading
Whether you’re buying for someone else, looking for ideas for yourself, or plan to buy a book, read it and then wrap it up (we won’t tell), there’s plenty to choose from this month. Banksy You Are an Acceptable Level of Threat – Gary Shove & Patrick Potter This is so much more than just a coffee-table-worthy photography collection. For a start, it’s snort-out-loud funny. It’s been updated for 2019 and now spans Banky’s career, from the early 90s to 2018. There are anecdotes, irreverent biographical references and a few hundred photos to pore over. The Testaments – Margaret Atwood The Testaments picks up a few years after The Handmaid’s Tale ended. It weaves together the stories of three women – Daisy, born in Gilead but raised in Canada; Agnes Jemima, who’s desperate to escape the life set out for her by her stepparents; and the infamous Aunt Lydia. We won’t spoil it by giving away too much of the storyline, but it’s fair to say that it’s everything you hoped for and more. Perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale (book or TV series). 24
The Corset – Laura Purcell Ruth Butterham is on trial for murdering her mistress. She confessed to the crime, but is she guilty or delusional? The more that wealthy prison visitor Dorothea Truelove hears of the beaten and broken Ruth’s tale, the less sure she is of who the real villain is in the story. Is Ruth the killer, is there another murderer at large or, as Ruth seems to believe, is the real culprit something far more unlikely? Gripping historical crime fiction sure to appeal to fans of Sarah Waters. Burn After Writing (Teen Edition) – Rhiannon Shove A journal with a difference, Burn after Writing invites teens to answer a series of questions to paint a picture of who they are, from ‘The song that makes me want to dance’ to ‘If I had a brainwashing machine, I would use it to’ and ‘Something I do that makes me feel proud of myself’. Perfect for 11 to 14 year olds. (The adult’s version is worth a look too.)
Little Robin Red Vest – Jan Fearnley This classic picture book is now 20 years old. It tells the story of how the robin got his red vest. (Spoiler: Father Christmas gave it to him as a reward for the robin giving away his own woolly vests.) A great story, beautiful illustrations and a feel-good message to top it all off. What more could a young child want from a book on Christmas morning? Veg – Jamie Oliver Buying for a vegetarian? Or just someone who enjoys healthy food that tastes great and doesn’t take hours to prepare? This book is for them. There are twists on new classics, such as Veggie Moussaka and Vegan Lasagne, and plenty of more inspired dishes that could soon become old favourites, like Masala Stuffed Peppers and Crispy Cauliflower Katsu. Some take a few minutes to make from scratch, while others are more suitable for chilled-out Sunday brunches or dinners with friends.
Spot the difference! Can you find all 10?
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Page 25
WINTER DIARY Your useful guide to local events in and around the area EVERGREEN! Tues - Sat until 21 Dec, Eastnor Pottery & The Flying Potter, Ledbury, HR8 1RD. Learn how to create and decorate Christmassy soft clay items (£20pp) or try the potter’s wheel (from £30pp). Advance booking only: 01531 633886 or admin@ eastnorpottery.co.uk.
essential: www.perrygrove.co.uk
01594 560400.
CHRISTMAS AT PERRYGROVE 7, 8, 14, 15 & 21 - 24 Dec, Perrygrove Railway, Coleford, GL16 8QB. Watch Father Christmas come down the chimney. Show, story, singing, refreshments, presents and train rides. Advance booking essential. T: 01594 834991
DISCO PARTY NIGHTS 13, 19 & 20 Dec, Whitemead Forest Park - Cabins and Apartments, Parkend, GL15 4LA. An evening of festive dining and dancing. Arrive at 7pm; 3-course dinner from 7.30pm, followed by a festive disco until midnight. Prices from £20pp. T: 03301 230 374
XMAS FAYRE 6 - 8 December, Hot Pot Pottery, Coleford, GL16 7NS A range of pottery and other local crafts for sale. 6 Dec, 6 - 8pm: Shopping Preview with free mince pies and mulled wine. 7 & 8 Dec, 10am - 4pm: Christmas Shopping, pottery activities and Xmas decoration making.
SANTA SPECIALS 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 - 24 Dec, various times, Dean Forest Railway, Lydney. Ride behind a real steam engine with Santa and his helpers on board - no queues for a grotto here! Age-related gift for each child, mince pie for each adult. Online booking highly recommend: www.deanforestrailway.co.uk
WINTER OWL EVENINGS 6, 13 & 20 Dec, 6.30 - 9pm, International Centre for Birds of Prey, Newent, GL18 1JJ. Spend a magical evening watching owls fly by moonlight. £35pp. Approx. 2h. Ticketed event only. www.icbp.org/owl-evenings/
SANTA’S WORKSHOP 7 - 24 Dec, daily 10am 5pm, Whitemead Forest Park - Cabins and Apartments, Parkend, GL15 4LA. Get messy with pottery painting or bring a festive teddy to life. Prices from £4.
TWILIGHT TRAINS 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 - 23 Dec, Perrygrove Railway, Coleford, GL16 8QB. Experience a magical steam train journey in the dark through illuminated woods. Meet Father Christmas who will hand out a token gift to all the children. Advance booking
VISIT SANTA. 7 & 8, 14 & 15, then daily from 20 Dec, 11am - 5pm, Whitemead Forest Park - Cabins and Apartments, Parkend, GL15 4LA. Come and visit Santa and his Whitemead express train in his cosy brand new grotto. Just £6 per child. Pre-booking available but not essential:
26
A VERY TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS. 14, 15, 21 & 22 Dec, Dean Heritage Centre, Nr Cinderford, GL14 2UB. Enjoy a variety of Christmas activities in a beautiful Forest setting. Meet Father Christmas who will have gifts for the children. Get some Christmas shopping done and enjoy live music: Treble Makers Choir (14 Dec); Drybrook Male Voice Choir (21 Dec). COMMUNITY CINEMA 14 Dec, Doors open at 6pm for 6.30pm start, Newent Community Centre, Ross Rd Family film & refreshments. Free admission. Children must be accompanied by adults. For further details: Andrea Cox: acox27@ btinternet.com CHRISTMAS CONCERT 14 Dec, 7pm, Maisemore Village Hall. Leadon Vale Community Choir presents a selection of seasonal
and popular songs, incl. Beatles and Elgar. Tickets from Toughnutts Staunton, Ashleworth Post Office, John (07967 323164) or leadonvalecommunitychoir@ yahoo.co.uk. In aid of Gloucestershire Young Carers. TRADITIONAL MUSICAL CELEBRATION. 14 Dec, 7.30pm, Newent Memorial Hall. Newent Orchestra. Tickets on the door: £8; concessions £7; children free. Incl. mince pies and mulled wine. Orchestral favourites and carols with guests, Newent-Scottish Choir, conducted by Joe Skivington. A cornucopia of seasonal works to delight and entertain. NIGHT SKY WONDERS 16 Dec, Doors open 7pm, 7.30pm start, Viney Hill Sports Club, GL15 4NF Presented by Forest of Dean Camera Club. Alyn Wallace shows us why BBC and ITV have featured his Astrophotography on their programmes. A wondrous night before Christmas! Tickets £5 at the door. www.fodcc.co.uk A CHRISTMAS CAROL 18 Dec, From 7pm, The Cathedral Of The Forest, Newland, GL16 8NL Dickens' favourite classic in a historic setting. 7pm arrival with festive drinks, 7.30pm performance with Christmas carols. Tickets: Adults £12 U16's £5; Family of 4 £32. www.thisismytheatre.com/ newland FLICKS IN THE STICKS 19 Dec, 7pm for 7.30pm start, Gorsley Village Hall.
‘Fisherman's Friends’ (cert. 12A). Admission (at the door): Adults £5, Children (u18) £3. Discounted tickets (Adults £4.50, Children £2.50) can be purchased in advance from Gorsley Community Shop or Tony Beckwith (01989 720358, mtonybeckwith@ gmail.com). CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT 20 Dec, 7pm - 12am, Hillside Brewery, Nr Longhope, GL17 0NG. A festive evening to remember with a traditional 3-course Christmas dinner, live music and a fully stocked bar. £35 pp, individual and group bookings are welcome. T: 01452 830222 BEAUTY & BEAST 23 December, Whitemead Forest Park - Cabins and Apartments, Parkend, GL15 4LA. A traditional family pantomime. Adult £9; Child £6 (child tickets must be brought for children between the ages 1-15, under 1's are free). www.whitemead.co.uk/panto# ART LECTURE 9 January, 2pm, Highnam Community Centre (Gambier Parry Hall), GL2 8DG. L. S. Lowry - Should we celebrate his contribution to British Art. Visitors welcome. T: 01684 833701
Regular Events COMMUNITY FOSTER CARE INFO SESSIONS Wednesdays, 3 - 6pm, Unit A Kingsholm Mews, 76 Kingsholm Rd, Gloucester, GL1 3BD. Are you interested in fostering children and
young people? Then come along and find out more. T: 01452 849301 www. communityfostercare.co.uk YORKLEY MEND & REPAIR CAFÉ 2nd Sat/month, 11am 1.30pm, The Community Centre, Yorkley, Bailey Hill, GL15 4RS. Bring your broken items for our skilled repairers to mend. Please phone or email us beforehand - Andrew Worsley: 01594 562396, Andrew@earthy.f9.co.uk. Repairs are free; donations welcome. Charges for replacement part may apply. Visit the Café for drinks and refreshments during the sessions. Volunteer repairers/ menders always welcome.
Local Markets CHRISTMAS MARKET 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15 December, Taurus Crafts, Lydney, GL15 6BU. The area's largest Christmas shopping event with over 30 independent traders, live entertainment and hundreds of locally-grown fresh cut Christmas Trees. COUNTRY MARKET Fridays, 9.30am - 12pm, beside the Clock Tower in Coleford; Saturdays, 10am 12pm, Mushet Walk, near the Co-op. Home-baked goods, preserves, honey, handmade crafts, homegrown seasonal fruit, vegetables & plants. FARMERS MARKET 1st Sat/month, 9.30am 1pm, The Pavilion, St. Briavels. Produce, patisserie, fish, pies, etc. Page 27
Enjoy the Winter Garden We don't always look forward to getting ready for the shorter days and cold snaps, however, winter features that have previously been planted can be enjoyed both from the in- and from the outside. When frost and fierce winds have stripped the garden bare, only evergreens remain in leaf. The garden skeletal is then on show and trees become the most striking element in the garden. The garden does not look bleak; it allows you to see elements that are not normally visible. It enables you to discover its soul and identity and you can appreciate new views and vistas. This happens even in the smallest garden. The magic of hoarfrost on trees, shrubs and grasses demonstrates the beauty and simplicity of nature. The Dogwood stems, especially Cornus Alba, and berried Pyracantha Orange Glow brighten gloomy winter gardens. Add in silver-leaved plants, which will shimmer in the moonlight and sparkle in the frost. Also consider growing silver-leaved plants in pots that are white including ornamental cabbages with variegated ivy. Getting outside into the garden is good for your health and wellbeing but remember to keep off the soil if the ground is frozen or waterlogged. On dry days, dig over bare soil and add well-rotted farmyard manure (or soil improver) and prune any plants that are overgrown to rejuvenate them. TIP: Use cotton wool soaked in stale beer to remove dust from the leaves of your houseplants. Written by Catherine Williams, The Garden Lady 28
The Garden Lady 01594 541118 or 07767 690009 Catherine uses her 26+ years of knowledge, skills and experience to create landscape magic, transforming your garden into a beautiful and practical oasis. AVAILABLE FOR: • Training on ‘How to maintain your garden’ • Solving problem areas & revamps • Talks & workshops for clubs/groups • Demonstrations & question time • Garden design & consultancy • Professional speaking & signing of her book Covering the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye. Contact Catherine for a no obligation chat about how she can help you in your garden or speak at your event.
The Haven, Hart Lane, Ruardean, GL17 9UT mail2@thegardenlady.me.uk
www.thegardenlady.me.uk/gardening-blog
PUZZLE ANSWERS Wordsearch (p.8) HIDDEN PHRASE: Christmas comes but once a year – Thomas Tusser
Henry Hedgehog's Puzzle Page (back page) The answers are... • Cranberry Sauce • Roast Potatoes • Stuffing • Christmas Pudding • Brussel Sprouts • Turkey • The extra word is 'Turnip'. There are 20 snowmen. You collect 8 baubles when travelling down the tree.
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Page 29
Advertisers index AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS Patrick Oliver Antiques
9
Smiths of Newent A.
15
Bod's Custom Cycles
13
BIKE REPAIRS
BUILDING & HANDYMAN SERVICES BB Services
High Hopes Partnership BUILDING SUPPLIES Hale & Co
BUSINESS
11 2
29
ELECTRICIANS BB Services EVENTS
Battle of the Bands
Tewkesbury Big Weekend FENCING
Colour Fence
FIREWOOD & LOGS
2
Garolla
5
GARDENING &
CHRISTMAS TREES
17
Natural Christmas Tree Co. 7 COMPETITIONS
Battle of the Bands
3
New Start Cat Rescue
2
CHARITIES Sue Ryder
CURTAINS & BLINDS Chosen Curtains Sheila's Shutters
2 9
13
23
Sue Ryder
FURNITURE
Blueboy Carpets
Ledbury Carpets
3
4
GARAGE DOORS
2
3
Woodland Energy
Compton G. Business Park 13 CARPETS & FLOORING
11
LANDSCAPING
The Garden Lady
28
Green Moon Landscaping 31 High Hopes Partnership Highnam Landscaping James Bubb
LEGAL & FINANCIAL
Dee & Griffin Solicitors
MUSIC & INSTRUMENTS
2
19
21
Ermin Plant Hire
25
BB Services
11
EL Roofing
31
PLUMBING & HEATING ROOFERS
SD Roofing SHOPPING
13
Renaissance
3
STORAGE
Compton G. Business Park 13 VETS
Vine Tree Vets
4
Aston Project
3
VOLUNTEERS
WINDOWS, DOORS
& CONSERVATORIES Shane Howells
18
9
Strummers
21
Estuary Oils
29
OIL SUPPLIERS
PLANT HIRE
Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Love Local Magazines do not officially endorse any advertising/editorial material included within the publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systen or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior consent of the publisher. The use of this magazine for canvassing or direct marketing is strictly prohibited.
To include your business in the January issue call 01242 388 366 or email Anne@lovelocalmagazines.co.uk. We publish 6 magazines in the Gloucestershire area.
h TecT ip
Safety with Gadget Chargers
If you’re buying a replacement charger forexternal spaces, with over 30 years experience on domestic, your gadgets, or want to replace a number of local authority and commercial projects. Design, construction and maintenance Design, construction and maintenance to enhance your Design, construction and maintenance to enhance your chargers with a single multi-charger, be careful. external spaces, with over 30 years experience on domestic, to enhance your external spaces, external spaces, with over 30 years experience onwith domestic, A recent Which? study found that many noForlocal a free quote please contact us. authority and projects. over 30 years on domestic, local authorityexperience and commercial commercial projects. name chargers sold on sites such as Amazon localconstruction authority commercial projects. Design, Design, construction andand maintenance and maintenance to enhance to enhance your your (via third party sellers), Wish and eBay were Forwith a free quote please contact external external spaces, spaces, overwith 30 years over 30 experience years experience onus. domestic, on domestic, www.greenmoonlandscapes.com local authority local authority and commercial and commercial projects. projects. www.greenmoonlandscapes.com dangerous. More than one-quarter of unbranded greenmoon.landscapes@gmail.com www.greenmoonlandscapes.com www.greenmoonlandscapes.com USB chargers were fire risks, many USB travel greenmoon.landscapes@gmail.com For a free For quote a free please quotecontact pleaseus. contact us. greenmoon.landscapes@gmail.com greenmoon.landscapes@gmail.com adapters could deliver serious electric shocks www.greenmoonlandscapes.com www.greenmoonlandscapes.com tel:tel: 01594 542253 and over half of the unbranded power banks had 01594 542253 greenmoon.landscapes@gmail.com greenmoon.landscapes@gmail.com tel: 01594 electrical faults that could lead to fires. mob: 07462 07462 542253 322852 mob: 322852 In many cases the unbranded chargers look like genuine products from the likes of Apple, Amazon or Anker. To avoid the fakes, always look for brands you recognise, don’t buy from third-party sellers and don’t buy from outside Europe. You’ll probably pay a little more but the savings just aren’t worth the risk.
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