Forest of Dean January 2020
YO U R F R E E LO C A L COMMUNIT Y MAGAZINE
SHORT STORY
A New Year Break LOCAL NEWS
Church bells in Newnham restored RECIPE
Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato SoupOils Estuary Your Leading Fuels & Lubricants Supplier
Estuary Oils
Andrew Mould Managing Director
Blueboy Carpets Ltd
Mob: 0788 7777 752 Email: andrew@estuaryoils.com
Web: www.estuaryoils.com CARPETS, RUGS, VINYL & WOOD FLOORING
at excellent prices
Estuary Oils Caldicot: 01291 422 656 Cardiff: 02920 887 973
YourForest Leadingof Fuels & Lubricants Dean: 01594 Supplier 825 130
Estuary Oils
Head Office:
01594 836926
Andrew Mould Unit 57D Symondscliffe Way Managing Director Severn Bridge Ind Est, Caldicot, NP26 5PW
www.blueboycarpetsltd.co.uk
Mob: 0788 7777 752 Email: andrew@estuaryoils.com Web: www.estuaryoils.com Head Office:
Unit 57D Symondscliffe Way
Caldicot: 01291 422 656 Cardiff: 02920 887 973 Forest of Dean: 01594 825 130
Restored bells bring new life to Gloucestershire village
After 15 months, a project to restore the bells at St Peter’s Newnham has recently been completed, which allowed for the Sunday service ringing to restart after 25 years. The bells have needed restoration for a long time as they were too heavy for the tower and notoriously difficult to ring, especially for novices. It had been difficult to raise the full funds for the work, with fundraising efforts taking 3 years. The money was eventually raised by the church itself along with grants from the National Lottery and the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust. The renovation of the bells has seen some substantial improvements that will provide a real draw to the town. They have been fitted with technology to see how they ring in order to educate people who visit the church as well as to help ringers in their understanding of them. With this technology and the new feature that allows the bells to be rung silently, the church provides an excellent opportunity for people to learn how to ring without disturbing the neighbours. 2
There was a recent visit to Newnham by members of the Welsh Colleges Bell Ringing Society and the organiser said: “We found the bells very easy to ring and hear. Our group has quite a large range of abilities, with some quite new learners all the way up to experienced 12-bell ringers, and everyone liked them. They were especially good for the ten-year-old son of two of our ringers, who has recently started learning but is still very small.”
Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust, who gave a grant of £7,500 to this massive project, relies on donations to help with important work like this. Founded in 1980, the trust has helped with more than 460 projects over the years. To find out more about the work of the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust visit www.ghct.org.uk.
Step by Step Whether it’s the New Year that’s driving change, or a forthcoming ‘big’ birthday, those milestones act as a motivation for change. But whilst short term action is fairly easy how do you keep it going? The trouble is we are wired for short-term satisfaction and many ‘life improvements’ really deliver no instant or tangible benefit. E.g. “I’ll exercise more so I have a longer life.” Difficult to think that far ahead if you are in your early 30s. I have found what works best is to set yourself a specific goal and to start small. So if, for example, you are planning to read more this year, instead of making your resolution just that, try and come up with a specific plan like 'This year I am going to read one new book every two months'. It's certainly achievable, you can measure your success (did you read a new book
every two months or not?) and once you are into it, you can reevaluate your target and put the goalpost up (e.g. read a book each month). What also helps is telling others, so if you are serious about making a change, tell somebody about it - it can be a friend, a family member or a colleague. They might even be able to help you reach your goal or join you on your journey. One of our goals this year here at Love Local is to make this magazine even more locally relevant (see page 9 for more information on how you could help with this). There will also be other exciting changes taking place in the next couple of months, so watch this space! Have a wonderful January,
Anne x
T: 01242 388 366 | E: Anne@lovelocalmagazines.co.uk
Page 3
Blueberry Custard Tarts These fruity tarts have a rich creamy custard filling with a crisp pastry case. If you prefer you can use shortcrust pastry.
Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling | Makes 8
Ingredients
75g caster sugar 3 medium egg yolks
2 tbsp cornflour
1 tsp vanilla extract 350ml milk
500g puff pastry, thawed if frozen
Flour, for dusting
TIP
100g fresh blueberries
4
Whisk the sugar, egg yolks, cornflour and vanilla extract together in a heatproof bowl until smooth. Heat the milk in a pan over a medium heat until almost boiling. Whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture then pour back into the pan. Gradually bring the mixture to the boil, stirring all the time, until a smooth custard forms. Remove the pan from the heat and cover the surface closely with greasproof paper to prevent a skin forming. Leave to cool completely. Meanwhile roll the pastry out on a lightly dusted surface to a 3mm thickness. Stamp out eight 12cm rounds of pastry and use to line eight 8cm fluted tartlet tins. Prick the bases with a fork and chill in the fridge whilst the custard is cooling. Preheat the oven to 200C, 180C fan, gas mark 6. Divde the cooled custard mixture between the pastry cases and scatter over the blueberries. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is crisp and golden. Serve warm or cold.
Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up then place the filled tartlet tins on it for baking. The extra burst of heat will help to ensure a crisp pastry base
Keeping your dog warm and safe in winter requires a little forethought, but then you can have plenty of fun without worrying about the cold. www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-care-advice/ winter-dog-care
How to keep your dog safe and warm this Winter
www.purina.co.uk/dogs/health-and-nutrition/ symptoms-to-watch-out-for/hypothermia-in-dogs By Ann Haldon
Although it’s a beautiful season, winter brings unique challenges when you’re caring for a dog. Keeping them safe and warm in these colder months isn’t difficult, however – it just needs a little foreword planning and awareness of the dangers. Keep them warm after walks Walks can be cold, wet, and muddy at this time of the year, so make sure they’re dried off well when you get back home. They’ll probably want to rest in a nice warm bed that’s away from draughts. Don’t leave them in the car It’s not just summer heat that’s dangerous for dogs. Leaving your dog alone in the car in winter exposes them to the danger of hypothermia, which can be fatal and is characterised by shivering, lethargy, and shortness of breath. Check for snow in their pads It’s a good idea to check for compacted snow between your dog’s pads – longhaired breeds are particularly prone to this. The snow forms balls of ice that can be very painful and should be removed or melted as soon as possible. Don’t forget visibility The dark, short days of winter introduce a visibility problem for you and your dog when you’re out walking. It’s advisable to buy a light for their collar, an LED lead, or use a reflective coat to ensure they’re readily visible.
Call: 01989
564687 (24 hour)
Out of hours emergency cover provided by our own vets
Consultation Times: Mon - Fri 9 - 10.30am, 2 - 3pm, 5 - 6.30pm, Sat 9 - 11am Reception Hours: 8.30am - 6.30pm Saturday mornings: 9am - 12noon
For drug & order collections, counter sales & advice
Pets • Livestock • Avian • Exotics
Walford Road, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 5RS
Tel. 01989 564687 | www.vinetreevets.co.uk Page 5
This laid-back living space employs the gentle green of Dulux’s Tranquil Dawn as a backdrop, complemented by other shades from its ‘Meaning’ colour palette. Dulux Easycare Tranquil Dawn matt emulsion, £20 for 2.5l, B&Q.
The Colour Of The Year
One of four colour palettes based around Dulux’s Tranquil Dawn colour, ‘Meaning’ includes simple, serene colours that are moodily beautiful.
Tranquil Dawn, a soft shade of greyishgreen, is paint company Dulux’s colour of the year. It’s a calm, restful colour that’s very easy to introduce into your interior.
This iconic sofa design combines straight lines and thoughtful detailing for a classic/contemporary look. Hoxton Grand sofa in Charlotte Teal, £1,826, Parker Knoll.
Using Tranquil Dawn At Home
• This pale grey-green is inspired by the dawn horizon. It’s a soft and easy-going natural and, as such, could be employed to paint all your walls, providing you with a delightfully calming and contemplative space. It also looks good added in the form of window treatments, upholstery, rugs or smaller accessories. • Dulux has produced four colour palettes, each consisting of ten colours, to demonstrate how to combine Tranquil Dawn in different ways and create a variety of effects. The ‘Care’ palette includes pale pinks and blues, and is soft and airy for a soothing atmosphere; the ‘Play’ palette uses bolder colours such 6
A small side table is always a handy addition to a room. Round enamel table in Pistachio, £70, Bombay Duck.
as citrus and crimson to create a sense of energy and vibrancy; the ‘Meaning’ palette employs subtle greys for a still, quiet space; and the ‘Creativity’ palette, with sapphire, garnet and chocolate, is more moody and intense. Take your pick according to your home style. • Although this delicate shade looks gorgeous with natural materials such as wood, leather, linen, stone and wicker, it can also be teamed with sleek, shiny metallics and plastics for a more chic, contemporary look, while adding rich textures such as velvet or sheepskin will give a sense of natural luxury.
The gently curving shade of this pendant ticks all the boxes when it comes to minimal Scandi style. Ambit pendant light by Muuto in Dusty Green, £270 for a pair, Chaplins.
Streamlined elegance characterises this sofa by renowned Scandinavian design duo Anderson & Voll. Outline Studio sofa, £2,195; Outline Studio chair, £1,495; both Chaplins.
Made from 100% wool, this handtufted rug is soft and cushiony underfoot. Ardelle rug in Mineral Green, £199, Swoon.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic New York subway, these high-gloss tiles have a cool, urban aesthetic. Village Mint wall tiles, £29.99 per square metre, Tile Mountain.
This abstractdesign plate is made from fine china and is safe for use in both microwaves and dishwashers. Impressions Brushstrokes side plate in green, £5, John Lewis & Partners.
Page 7
Shape up for a new garden year Throughout January you can take comfort knowing that spring really is just around the corner. This is usually the coldest time of year but it can also be an exciting time in the garden; when the spring bulbs start to show, birds feed on berries and early flowering shrubs provide much-needed food for insects whilst also brightening your day. Gardening is one of life’s pleasures. It is all about engaging with the process, tuning into the seasons, and having an open mind that connects us with nature. Whether you’re new to gardening or want to learn additional skills, now is an exciting time to plan ahead. On cold, gloomier days, stay in with a nice cup of tea. Do some planning and draw up a list of things you like to achieve in your garden over the coming year; including growing plants from seed, trying new plants and starting new projects. To get the most from your garden, it is good to understand the mechanics and practicalities of how a garden works and what to do each season; from the soil right through to growing plants. On the brighter days, go outside to do a workout by improving ground that has seen heavy use over the year. Gardening really is fun, healthy, creative and relaxing. Plants to enjoy: Shrubs such as Garrya elliptica and Hamamelis (witch hazel), climbers such as Winter Jasmine, perennials including Helleborus niger, and bulbs such as Crocus and Eranthis (Winter Aconite). Written by Catherine Williams, The Garden Lady 8
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
HIGH HOPES PARTNERSHIP PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Insured local tradesperson, no job too small, competitive rates, FREE quotes
• Helping hand with projects • General carpentry • Decking and patios • Painting and decorating – inside and out • Shed/chalet/greenhouse building • Flat pack furniture assembly • House/garage clearance • Fencing and studwork • Carpet cleaning • House cleaning AND MUCH MORE...
Friendly Service
Tel. 01594 840646 Mob. 07851 704626 Email: juliekirkham@msn.com Find us on
We are passionate about making the Love Local Publication locally relevant to our readers, and we are looking for a local 'news and views' contributor in your area. If you have a few hours per month to write and send us informed, important, local news and views that matter in your area, then we'd love to hear from you.
To find out more about becoming a local contributor, email us at:
anne@lovelocalmagazines.co.uk
A New Year break
A short story written by local writer Geraldine Faulkner Unusually for Henry, because he would normally be outside in the garden or taking their neighbour’s dog for a walk, he was sitting on the sofa in the living room in front of a warm wood-burner. He had already checked the greenhouse that morning to make sure his wintering plants were doing well and filled the bird feeders so that the robin, dunnocks and hedge sparrows had something to squabble over. Now at four o’clock in the afternoon and with the light fading outside, the only decision he had to make was whether to have some mixed nuts or a hobnob. His wife, Annie, was in the kitchen making them both a cup of tea. “I know most people find January a gloomy month,” said Annie cheerfully as she came in with the tea tray. “But I rather like hunkering 10
down in front of the wood-burner and enjoying a movie.” She handed Henry his tea before settling down in an armchair so they could watch ‘The Secret Garden’ together. Years ago, Annie had discovered that the only way she could get her husband to watch a film all the way through was to ensure it featured a garden. Henry finally came to a decision. He opted for a hobnob, dunked it in his tea and leaned back to watch the film. All told, it had been a good Christmas. He and Annie had even enjoyed a second Christmas celebration when their adored granddaughter, Rosie, who had fallen ill with chickenpox just before the festivities, had come with her parents to celebrate a belated festive family day. Together with one of Annie’s famous roast dinners, they had opened presents, watched Rosie enjoy her toys and all played
charades. Yes, it had all worked out rather well. The only thing to mar the occasion was the unexpected gift from their two daughters who had presented Henry and Annie with a week’s stay in a four-star London hotel at the end of January. Annie had been so delighted that no one had noticed the horrified expression on Henry’s face. The thought of being in an over-heated hotel with lots of other people, rather than enjoying the crisp fresh air of a January day when he could be planting dahlias, begonias and petunias, was anathema to him. Even a suggested visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew had not cheered him up.
A week before they were due to leave for London, Annie had a phone call from Rosie’s mum, Claire. “The poor girl is exhausted. Work has been manic and she’s finding it hard to sleep at night,” she told Henry. “In fact, she is the one who could do with a break.” Henry saw his opportunity and grabbed it. “Why don’t you suggest Claire accompany you to London? It’s been ages since you two had time together, plus you could go shopping in Oxford Street.” Annie hesitated. “Are you sure, love?” Henry assumed his most saintly expression. “Anything to keep my girls happy,” he said.
Beautiful Window Shutters Supplied & Professionally Installed
* Affordable Quality Shutters * Professional Installation * Family Run Local Company Book your free home survey call 01242 3000 75 or book online at www.sheilasshutters.com Page 11
Pictograms
PICTOGRAMS
4 words
AUTUMN 05:41 11:29 5 words P P P 3 words HA HA LIQUID
GAS
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.
A O
R R
P T
TARGET Excellent: 18 or more words Good: 15 words Fair: 10 words 12
QUIZ REVIEW OF THE YEAR
HA HA SOLID
SUDOKU
Puzzle Page
1. In August, Donald Trump cancelled a trip to Denmark after the Danish Prime Minister said that what was not for sale? 2. In August, which team were expelled from the English Football League due to unpaid debts? 3. To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th, which TV soap opera aired a special episode featuring an all-female cast? 4. What was the specific date in 2019 on which the UK was originally due to leave the European Union? 5. In July, 15-year-old Jaden Ashman from Essex won over one million dollars after coming second alongside his Dutch teammate in the World Cup finals of which video game? 6. In January, who wrote to Emma Fairweather, saying “I have since learned you suffered a broken arm. I am deeply sorry about this injury.”? 7. A McDonald’s restaurant in Edinburgh was asked by police to stop selling what in May due to a visit from Nigel Farage? 8. In June, 89-year-old Colin Thackery became the oldest person to win what? 9. In September, what became the first ever British-made TV show to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series? 10. After talks with Irish leader Leo Varadkar in February, who said there is a “special place in hell for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan of how to carry it out safely”? Answers on p. 18
WANTED
Patrick Oliver Antiques LAPADA member
WISH TO PURCHASE ANTIQUES IN ANY CONDITION
All styles of curtains, blinds, pelmets etc. with a wide range of fabric, poles and accessories to choose from.
Furniture, clocks, silver, jewellery, books, watches, medals, toys, pens, etc.
Complete house clearance Valuations for insurance, probate and dispersal Or visit our shop & showroom in Chapel Hay Lane, Prospect House, Church Road, Churchdown, GL3 2ES
4 Tivoli Street, Cheltenham, GL50 2UW
Tel. 01242 519538 Mob. 07970 052808
www.chosencurtains.co.uk sales@chosencurtains.co.uk
dee & grifÔn SOLICITORS
Call FREE for a quote on
0800 3165770
or email divorce@deeandgriffin.co.uk
FIXED FEE DIVORCE PACKAGES AVAILABLE Including Financial Resolution & Children Arrangements Other services available include Home Conveyancing with an online tracking facility, Wills & Probate.
Marriage gone from
sweet to sour?
Take Control with no hidden costs.
Contact Lesley-Anne on 01242 240560
Hucclecote Court, Hucclecote Road, Gloucester, GL3 3RU Tel: 01452 617288 Fax: 01452 610087 9A & 9B School Lane, Quedgeley, Gloucester, GL2 4PJ Tel: 01452 724343 Fax: 01452 724843 S36 Cheltenham Film Studios, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 6PN Tel: 01242 240560
www.deeandgriffin.co.uk
•
info@deeandgriffin.co.uk Page 13
Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
This soup is packed with flavour and makes a great winter-warming lunch served with crusty bread.
Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes | Serves 4
Ingredients
750g large ripe tomatoes 4 red peppers
4 shallots, peeled and halved 2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp virgin olive oil
1 tbsp dried Italian herbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato puree 400ml vegetable stock 1 tsp sugar
TIP
Crème fraiche, roasted pumpkin seeds and shredded fresh basil leaves, to serve
14
Preheat the oven to 200C, 180C fan, gas mark 6. Score a cross in the top and base of each tomato and place in the roasting tin with the peppers, shallots, garlic cloves, olive oil and Italian herbs. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and roast for 2530 minutes until the tomatoes are soft with charred, peeling skins and the peppers have blistered and blackened skins. Carefully place the hot peppers in a large freezer bag and leave until cool enough to handle (this will help to make peeling them easier). Leave the tomatoes and shallots to cool in the roasting tin.
Peel the peppers, discarding the seeds and pith, and remove the skins and any tough core from the tomatoes. Place both in a food processor or blender with the shallots and any juices from the roasting tin. Process until very smooth – you may need to do this in two batches. Transfer the pepper and tomato mixture to a large pan and stir in the sun-dried tomato puree, vegetable stock and sugar. Slowly bring to the boil then simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning, to taste.
Ladle the soup into warmed bowls, top with a swirl of crème fraiche and some pumpkin seeds and basil.
To make crunchy roast pumpkin seeds, spread them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven with the tomatoes and peppers for 7-8 minutes.
Auction Anecdote Smith’s Auctions final sale of 2019 included several four-figure prices, including a stunning pair of garden urns measuring an impressive 1.5 metres high. A number of prospective buyers had shown interest, with three telephones booked and a buyer in the room, who had confidently travelled down from London intending to take the urns back with him. However, the pre-sale estimate of £400/£600 was soon left behind and they were eventually knocked down at £1,350 to a local specialist in garden antiques who was bidding by phone. A further successful result was reached by another telephone bidder when an 18thcentury oil painting of a gentleman was offered up from a local house clearance. Estimated at £300/ £500 the oil was unsigned, but it had attracted some modest attention from the local art trade. Several commission bids had been left with me around the £300/£500 level and bearing in mind we had two telephone lines booked I was rather hoping for a result approaching £600/£800. During the bidding the successful buyer dropped out several times and seemed to be re-thinking his final maximum price on at least three occasions. Eventually, after much hesitation and deliberation, the painting was knocked down at a surprising £2,000. I wondered if the successful buyer (a London picture dealer) had been rather egged on in his strategy by the enthusiasm of the underbidder - who turned out to be a family friend trying to buy it as a memento. We shall have to hope he is pleased with his purchase! Smiths’ next sales are on 24th January & 28th February. Entries are invited on the 28th & 30th Jan and 4th, 6th & 11th February. Please call 01531 821776 or visit www. smithsnewentauctions.co.uk for further details. - Written by Rita Kearsey, Manager of Smiths Auction Room at Newent
Monthly Sales of Antiques & Collectables 24th January and 28th February includes Coins, Silver, Gold, Jewellery, Vintage Fashion, Ceramics, Glass, Furniture, Pictures & Collectables
Viewing Day prior 10am - 7pm and morning of sale Fully illustrated catalogues available online
Gold Diana £5 Proof Coin Est £1000/£1500
Victorian oil King Charles Spaniel Est £200/£400
Entries invited for our February Antiques & Collectables Sale including Militaria & Medal Section
28th & 30th Jan and 4th, 6th & 11th Feb
10am-3pm or by appointment
Home visits for larger consignments
Live online bidding available at
www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk Page 15
New Year - New Books From poetry to decorating, we’ve got a pretty mixed bag of books for you this month… A Year of Reading Aloud – Georgina Rodgers (editor) If you love poetry, try this collection of ‘52 poems to learn and love’, where you’ll find well-known names such as Sylvia Plath, E.E Cummings, William Blake and Maya Angelou alongside newer poets. Most of the poems are short enough to learn without too much difficulty, and they’re accompanied by a paragraph about the poet and the reason why the poem has been selected. Take up the challenge of learning one each week, or just dip in and out when you need an extra dose of beauty in your life. Booker Prize Shortlist 2019 – Various Looking for a new fiction book to lose yourself in on a long winter’s night? Fancy trying something a bit different to your usual genre? Treat yourself to the six novels from the Booker Prize shortlist. Stories range from Chigozie Obioma’s An Orchestra of Minorities to Elif Shalak’s 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World. Read them all to see whether 16
you agree with the judges’ final decision. 365 Days of Creativity – Lorna Scobie As the blurb says, “Creativity is not just about making your mark on the paper. It’s about looking at the world a little differently.” If you’re stuck in a creative rut, this book might help you get out of it. The daily artistic challenges are split into how they help you feel, so you can choose one based on whether you want to feel calm, inspired, energetic or reflective. They range from drawing patterns on a snake to capturing the view through a doorway. Whether you take five minutes or five hours on each one is up to you. Farrow & Ball Recipes for Decorating – Joa Studholme Planning to redecorate this year? This book might help you come up with a plan. There are thirteen case studies, from city centre apartments to a classic Georgian house, as well as tips and tricks for decorating each room of your home. There’s also plenty of advice on decorating in general,
including making small rooms look bigger and using colour to make an impact. Grow Cook Eat Diary 2020 – Sarah Raven If you love gardening and cooking this could be the diary for you. Each month has a short list of what to sow, plant and harvest in your garden, along with other garden-related tasks and a simple recipe using in-season produce. Dishes range from Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry to Beef Carpaccio with Fennel Flowers. As you’d expect, there are plenty of stunning flower photographs throughout the diary, with one image for each week. A Year of Living Thankfully – Lois Blyth: Can being more grateful change your life? According to this book it can, and Lois Blyth is on a mission to show you how. Each week, you’ll work through an activity to help you embrace gratitude and take pleasure in the little things. There’s guidance on turning negative thoughts around, learning to appreciate what you have and not letting others spoil your mood.
Page 17
SDROOFING-BUSINESS-CARD.pdf
C
PUZZLE ANSWERS SUDOKU (p. 12)
M
Y C CM M MY
C
Y CY C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
CM CMY M C MY K Y M CY C CM Y CMY M MY CM K Y
1
20/11/2017
19:45
SDROOFING-BUSINESS-CARD.pdf
1
20/11/2017
19:45
SDROOFING-BUSINESS-CARD.pdf
1
20/11/2017
19:45
SDROOFING-BUSINESS-CARD.pdf
1
20/11/2017
19:45
Specialising in flat & pitched roofs EPDM Rubber & GRP Fibreglass Fascias & Guttering Chimney Repointing Roof Maintenance
Flat roofs completed with a 20 or 25-year guarantee CY MY CM
CMY CY MY
K CMY CY
FREE QUOTATIONS
Mobile: 07776 003678 Email: sd.roofing@outlook.com K CMY
K
Compton Green Business Park PICTOGRAMS (p. 12): (1) Fall on Hard Times (2) Tick All The Right Boxes (3) No Laughing Matter QUIZ (p. 12): (1) Greenland (2) Bury (3) Emmerdale (4) March 29th (5) Fornite (6) Prince Philip (after being involved in a car crash) (7) Milkshakes (fearing they would be thrown at him) (8) Britain's Got Talent (9) Fleabag (10) Donald Tusk WORDWHEEL (p. 12): PARROT and RAPTOR
Caple Banks Ltd. are proud to be your local Independent Financial Advisers. We offer a FREE initial review and provide professional advice in any of the following areas;
Pension and retirement planning Investment Portfolio management Inheritance tax planning Protection - Personal & Corporate Estate Planning Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
We are also looking forward to running a number of free Masterclasses over the coming months. Our next event is focused on Inheritance tax planning and investments. If you would like more information or to book a free initial review please email enquiries@caplebanks.co.uk or call 01452 768138.
www.caplebanks.co.uk
uk
18
Redmarley Road, Newent
Various Size Units To Let Storage / Distribution / Office Workshops Refurbished and Insulated Premises Do Not Flood Single / Three Phase Electrics
CCTV/HD Cameras On Site
Mobile Ten Tonne Container Loading Ramp - Now Available For more information please phone John Stallard
01531 820568
tM n e w Ne rt P e v d A
Page 19
GARDENING
Gardener's Resolve... Happy New Year! Now that 2020 is here, what are your garden resolutions for the year ahead? Here are my suggestions… Re-cycle pots Save all the pots and trays you get when buying plants and rinse them out to use next time you need one. Store the pots away from sunlight to prevent the plastic disintegrating. Cover it up! Make a resolution to dry off and cover up garden furniture once the summer is over, to protect it from rain, cold, ice or even fungi! Buy furniture covers or, better still, store the furniture in a shed or garage if you have one. Stored properly, it will last much longer. Grow your own Aim to grow more of your own fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs. This could be buying a couple of tomato plants for the first time, or creating a small herb planter, or it could be 20
larger scale and more complex plans if you’re already big on grow-your-own. Compost more Once you get in the swing of it, composting becomes second nature. Make sure you include kitchen waste such as vegetable peelings and apple cores. The amount of extra compost you’ll generate will be well worthwhile. Many local councils offer a good deal on basic plastic composters. Use that space! If you have a cold frame, porch, conservatory or greenhouse, put it to use! Any sort of protected growing area has the ability to increase what you can grow and when you can grow it. So raise your own summer flowers in it, force some bulbs in it in the winter or make off-season sowings of salad crops… make it work, but whatever you do, don’t use it as the family rubbish dump! Mulch more Make use of any organic matter that
is bulky – mulch with it. Whether it is well-rotted manure, garden compost, the used compost from a seasonal bedding display or growing bag, or leaf mould, make it into mulch! Applied a couple of inches or more deep over the soil surface, a mulch like this will improve the soil’s ability to conserve moisture (so saving you both watering time and water) and may also help to keep weeds at bay. A win-win situation.
be able to squeeze into your garden.
Pause before you buy When you’re looking through the seed, plant and bulb catalogues, browsing online or wandering around a garden centre, pause before you buy. I know I’m not alone in having eyes that are much bigger than my plot! It is very easy to order more seeds than you’ll ever be able to sow and plants that you’ll never
Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening things: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ (where you receive your chosen garden-ready vegetable plants in the spring accompanied by weekly advice and tips from Pippa) plus gardening tools, raised bed kits, Grower Frames, signed books and more!
Seasonal saver Make sure you recycle your Christmas tree. Real trees can be recycled at locations up and down the country – many garden centres and councils offer the service. The trees will be shredded and added to other green materials to make a great soil conditioner and planting mix.
By Pippa Greenwood
H I GHNAM LANDSCAPING
HIGH NAM
Block Paving • Tarmac • Gravel • Drainage Kerbs • Steps • Paths • Turfing • Fencing & Decking
LANDSCAPING
Block Paving ••Tarmac • Gravel LANDSCAPING DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS • Drainage Kerbs • Steps • Paths • Turfing • Fencing & Decking
20% OFF All Bookings* *Made before10th 10thJanuary April 2019 *Made before 2020
LANDSCAPING • DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS 5-YEAR GUARANTEE WITH ALL WORKS
FULLY INSURED • FREE QUOTES 20% OFF All Bookings* *Made before 10th April 2019
Tel: 07435 654 318 • 01452 341 504 Serving Gloucestershire and surrounding areas
5-YEAR GUARANTEE WITH ALL WORKS FULLY INSURED • FREE QUOTES
Tel: 07435 654 318 • 01452 341 504
New Resin Bound Driveways from £899 New Resin Single Car Bound Drive Driveways from £750 from £899
T’s & C’s apply
Single Car Drive from £750 T’s & C’s apply
Page 21
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
3 Let ATE BAA BAT BET You have two minutes to find all the words of EAT three or more letters that can be made from the SAT letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns SEA are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a SET normal everyday word. TAB 3 letters: 10 4 letters: 17 5 letters: 8 6 letters: 1 TEA
S E BATA
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
Send stamps to: NEW START CAT RESCUE Used Stamp Appeal Fords Farm Horsey Norfolk NR29 4EP
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
For a FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE call James on
07746 449 587 Email: jay.bubb@hotmail.com
Goodrum Carpets
A LOCAL BUSINESS EST. OVER 30 YEARS
Friendly Service & Professional Advice
Carpets • Carpet Tiles • Natural Flooring • Vinyls • Insurance Estimates • Remnants CALL NICK FOR A FREE ESTIMATE.
01242 251700 or 07967193966 22
Steamy Windows A complete double-glazed window and door repair service • Steamed Up Glass • Broken Handles, Hinges and Locking Mechanisms Proud to be a local tradesman with over 35 years’ experience A member of the Master Locksmiths Association 24-hour locksmith & boarding up service For a free no obligation quote call Mark on
01531 890110
WE FIX YOUR VAN, YOU DRIVE OURS Get a FREE courtesy VAN whilst yours is being worked on saving you time and money With fixmyvan enjoy… Up to 30% cheaper than main dealerships Quality servicing and repairs Latest Van diagnostics Van recovery service
YOUR LOCAL VA SERVIC N ING AND R EPAIR EXPER TS
Fixmyvan from GO Vehicle Services keeps you and your business moving
GET A QUOTE 01242 233 084 (Cheltenham) 01452 713 375 (Gloucester) info@go-transportgroup.co.uk www.fixmyvan.co.uk
Page 23
V I S I Tly
w Our ne d he refurbis OM RO SHOW y toda
Established 1995
SHOWROOM & WORKSHOP
The Workshop Bye Street Ledbury HR8 2AG Mon-Fri 8.00am-4.30pm Sat 8.30am-12.00 noon
Tel: 01531 635338
Multi-Award Winning WWW.SHANEHOWELLS.CO.UK
24
CON SER VATORIES ● S U N L OU N GES ● W INDO W S ● DO O RS FASCI A & GU T T ER IN G ● GL AS S CENTRE
Hereford Sixth Form College Sowing the seeds for your future. At Hereford Sixth Form College students enter a nationally renowned environment of excellence. The college has been recognised as The Times Educational Supplement’s inaugural ‘Sixth Form College of the Year’ in 2016 and has retained its Ofsted Outstanding grade for the last 15 years; being the only sixth form college in the West Midlands to have achieved this. Hereford Sixth Form College has consistently been one of the top performers in the country over a ten-year period; with 94% of the top 100 students achieving A*-B grades, 99.2% of students passing their A Levels, and 99.4% passing their BTECs. In 2019, 483 of our students went on to study at university, and 214 went to Higher Tier universities.
The College’s enrichment programme is designed to underpin a foundation of excellent education with a wide range of opportunities to enhance employability and strong links with top universities. The College is well linked with buses and trains.The cost of travel should never be a barrier to education; which is why the College offers subsidised travel.
An outstanding education is closer than you think! For more information, please visit
www.hereford.ac.uk.
Visit us at our next Open Event
Saturday 8th February 9:30am - 12:30pm
For more information, visit www.hereford.ac.uk
Page 25
WINTER DIARY Your useful guide to local events in and around the area ART LECTURE 9 Jan, 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 FLICKS IN THE STICKS 16 Jan, 7pm for 7.30pm start, Gorsley Village Hall. ‘Yesterday’ (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). COMMUNITY CINEMA 18 January, Doors open at 6pm for 6.30pm start, Newent Community Centre, Ross Rd Family film & refreshments. Free admission. For further details: Andrea Cox: acox27@btinternet.com
start, Pauntley Village Hall. Tables of up to 6 max. £5 per head (incl. tea/ coffee & cake). BYO wine/ beer. Raffle. To book, call Patricia: 01531 820075 or email pauntleyvillagehall@ gmail.com. If you don’t have a team, please come along anyway as there will be tables you can join.
February BLUES & BREWS BREWERY TAP NIGHT 1 Feb, 6pm - late, Hillside Brewery, Longhope, GL17 0NG With four-piece rhythm & blues band No Parkin Blues. Special offers on Dry wine, Dry Gin, etc. to celebrate the end of dry January. Free event, everyone welcome, even dogs (if kept on lead). Make use of the game’s tables, giant Jenga and Nintendo 64. The kitchen will be open for food.
CIRCUS BEZERKUS 24 Jan, 7pm, Clifford's Mesne Village Hall Back by popular demand. Adults: £10; U18s: £5. To book call Gareth: 01531 621654 or email dgwilliams84@hotmail.com
NEWENT ONION FAYRE OPEN EVENT & AGM 6 Feb, 7.30pm, Newent Market House. The team is looking for new members for fresh ideas and helping hands. Come and be part of Gloucestershire's largest free one-day event and support your community. onions@newentonionfayre. net, 07831762735 or 01531 821610 for details.
QUIZ EVENING 25 Jan, 7pm for 7.30pm
TEWKESBURY ALES FESTIVAL 7 Feb, 11am - 11pm & 8 Feb,
26
11am - 8pm, Watson Hall, Barton Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PX. 80 Winter ales, food and local cider and perry. Judging of the CAMRA South West Perry final. Car parking provided a short walk away - look out for signs. Entry fee incl. glass and beer voucher. T: 01684 855040
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 COUNTRY MARKET Fridays, 9.30am - 12pm, beside the Clock Tower in Coleford; Saturdays, 10am - 12pm, Mushet Walk, near the Co-op. Home-baked Design, construction and maintenance to enhance your goods, preserves, honey, handmade crafts, external spaces, with over 30 years experience on domestic, home-grown seasonal fruit, vegetables & plants. local authority and commercial projects. Design, construction and maintenance Design, construction and maintenance to enhance your FARMERS MARKET Design, construction and maintenance to enhance your external spaces, with over 30 years experience on domestic, to enhance your external spaces, external spaces, with over 30 years experience onwith domestic, Forlocal a free quote please contact us. 1st Sat/month, 9.30am - 1pm, The Pavilion, authority and projects. over 30 years on domestic, local authorityexperience and commercial commercial projects. St. Briavels. Produce, patisserie, fish, pies, etc. localconstruction authority commercial projects. Design, Design, construction andand maintenance and maintenance to enhance to enhance your your
WE NEED YOUR FURNITURE AND ELECTRICALS
Items need to be in good condition and in working order (upholstered furniture needs to have fire labels).
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
greenmoon.landscapes@gmail.com www.greenmoonlandscapes.com www.greenmoonlandscapes.com greenmoon.landscapes@gmail.com For a free For quote a free please quotecontact pleaseus. contact us. greenmoon.landscapes@gmail.com greenmoon.landscapes@gmail.com
www.greenmoonlandscapes.com www.greenmoonlandscapes.com tel:tel: 01594 542253 01594 542253 greenmoon.landscapes@gmail.com greenmoon.landscapes@gmail.com
tel: 01594 mob: 07462 07462 542253 322852 mob: 322852 tel: tel: 542253 01594 542253 mob:01594 07462 322852 mob: 07462 mob: 322852 07462 322852
Help us to help those who need us with your donations. We do FREE COLLECTIONS on furniture every Thursday. Please call us on 01594 827205 to arrange collection and we will be happy to help you.
Estuary Oils Your Leading Fuels & Lubricants Supplier
Estuary
Your Local Independent Family Oil Company
Oils www.estuaryoils.com enquiries@estuaryoils.com
Caldicot: 01291 422 656 Cardiff: 02920 887 973 Forest of Dean: 01594 825 130 Emergency Telephone Numbers: Andrew 07887 777 752 / David 07976 091 307
Page 27
HEALTH
Six Tips for a Healthy Winter The shorter, darker, colder, wetter days of Winter can leave even the fittest and chirpiest people feeling run-down. To feel better through the Winter: 1.) Reduce infection risk While being cold cannot give you a cold or the flu (only viruses can do that), it can stress your body and lower your immunity. Practise good hygiene and take antibacterial hand gel out with you. If you’re recommended to have a flu vaccine or are eligible for a free one, get it early. Rest assured it can’t give you flu, as it contains no live viruses. People who get flu after vaccination may have a rarer flu strain not covered by the vaccine or a strain contracted before it became fully active. 2.) Keep exercising Exercise can warm you up, boost your immune system and release endorphins that make you feel good. If you’re exercising outdoors, bundle up, avoid exercising when it’s icy and wear bright, reflective clothes if it’s dark. Consider indoor alternatives: swimming, indoor climbing, exercise classes, short-term gym passes, exercise DVDs or buying your own exercise bike or weights. Check out www.nhs.uk/live-well/ 28
exercise and click on ‘fitness guides’ for free ten-minute workouts, or www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitnessstudio for online exercise videos, including yoga, pilates, strength exercises, aerobic workouts and more. 3.) Get enough daylight, fresh air and vitamin D Your body uses sunlight to regulate your body clock and create vitamin D, essential for strong teeth, muscles and bones, so don’t hibernate! However, in the UK, there’s not enough sunlight between October and early March to make sufficient vitamin D, nor can you get enough by eating vitamin D-rich foods, so the NHS recommends a daily 10mcg vitamin D supplement. 4.) Stay warm When the temperature drops below 8°C, those who are over 65, disabled or
pregnant, or have children under school age, or have a mental or long-term health condition are more vulnerable to illness. Low temperatures increase vulnerability to heart attacks, stroke, flu, pneumonia, hypothermia, falls and injuries, and can worsen depression, dementia and Raynaud’s Disease (which interrupts the blood supply to the extremities, causing pain, numbness, stiffness or tingling, most commonly in the fingers).
top-up while you’re out.
Keep your home heated to at least 18°C and use hot water bottles, heat packs or electric blankets if necessary. Try a hot bath before bed, and have hot meals and drinks. Pre-warm clothes on radiators or in your airing cupboard. When outdoors, wear warm gloves and a hat, and use hand dryers for a warmth
6.) Look after your mental health Stay active, warm and sociable: exercise, time spent outdoors and the company of others can all help stave off winter blues. However, if you think you may have full-blown SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), see your GP for help.
5.) Eat healthy comfort food Choose healthy comfort foods like stews and soups (but watch your fat and salt intake and include plenty of vegetables). Homemade soups are easily made with a simple blender, and cooked fruit with low-fat custard makes a great winter pudding. Visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/ eat-well and click on recipes to find healthy, warming dishes.
By Alison Runham
Blueboy Carpets Ltd
No.1 for Quality & Price 01594 836926
Large selection of
CARPETS, RUGS, VINYL & WOOD FLOORING
at excellent prices OPEN Mon - Sat
9am - 5.30pm FAST, FRIENDLY & EFFICIENT SERVICE
Established over 25 years
atblueboycarpets@aol.com
www.blueboycarpetsltd.co.uk
11 Pyart Court, Coleford, Glos, GL16 8RG Page 29
Advertisers index ADVERTISING
Love Local Magazines
19
AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS Patrick Oliver Antiques Smiths of Newent A.
13
15
BATHROOMS & KITCHENS BB Services
Hale & Co BIKE & CAR REPAIRS Bod's Custom Cycles Fix My Van
17 2
18
23
BUILDING & HANDYMAN SERVICES BB Services
High Hopes Partnership BUILDING SUPPLIES Hale & Co
CHARITIES
New Start Cat Rescue Sue Ryder
CURTAINS & BLINDS Chosen Curtains Sheila's Shutters ELECTRICIANS BB Services
FIREWOOD & LOGS Woodland Energy FURNITURE Sue Ryder
17
8
2
BUSINESS
Compton G. Business Park 18 CAR & VAN HIRE
LANDSCAPING
The Garden Lady James Bubb
Dee & Griffin Solicitors
Ledbury Carpets
17
22
Caple Banks
OIL SUPPLIERS Estuary Oils
PLANT HIRE
Ermin Plant Hire PLUMBING & HEATING
17
ROOFERS
5 27
BB Services EL Roofing
SD Roofing
8
21
22 18
13
5 31 17 7
18
SCHOOLS
Hereford Sixth Form College 25 STORAGE
Compton G. Business Park 18 VOLUNTEERS
The Aston Project
Green Moon Landscapes 27 Highnam Landscaping
Vine Tree Vets
11
GARDENING &
CARPETS & FLOORING Goodrum Carpets
13
Garolla 3
LEGAL & FINANCIAL
29
27
GARAGE DOORS
Go Vehicle Services back page Blueboy Carpets
22
PET SERVICES & VETS
31
WRITING
Love Local Contributor
9
WINDOWS, DOORS
& CONSERVATORIES Shane Howells
Steamy Windows
24
22
27
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 February issue call 01242 388 367 or email Anne@lovelocalmagazines.co.uk. We publish 6 magazines in the Gloucestershire area.
h TecT ip
M
Gadget Insurance
Does your home insurance cover your gadgets? If not, beware: a cracked screen on a recent Apple Watch costs £286 to fix; smash the back of an iPhone XS Max and you’ll be quoted £596.44. Those are official prices and your local repairer can almost certainly beat them, but it’s still a lot of money.
Some home insurance policies cover accidental damage to your gadgets but the excesses can be very high, and some policies don’t cover damage that occurs outside the home. If you have several devices, especially if there are children around, consider dedicated gadget insurance instead. There are lots of policies available from all kinds of names, including big-name retailers; expect to pay around £5 per month for one phone or about £15 to cover multiple devices.
a differen e k ce a
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
10% DISC OUNT WITH THIS ADVERT
from
£26.25 + VAT
£94.68 + VAT
from
£28.50 + VAT
£27.00 + VAT
£38.75 + VAT
£38.50 + VAT
Page 31
www.gorental.co www.gorental.co ww.gorental.co 01242233084 233084 01242 242 233084
BBOOOOKK NEE B OOOONNKLLIIN W O N L INN NOOEW NOW
book online online book and quote quote and book online LOVELOCAL20 LOVELOCAL20 and quote when booking booking when LOVELOCAL20 when booking