FOREST OF DEAN
YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE April 2017
www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
FREE
April What‘s On Guide
Recipe
Ricotta Stuffed Chicken
Gardening
Local News Local Businesses
by Pippa Greenwood
Home & Interiors
Martin Lewis
Estuary Oils Transfer Balance
by Katherine Sorrell
Estuary
Your Leading Fuels & Lubricants Supplier
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
01594 836926
www.blueboycarpetsltd.co.uk
Estuary Oils Caldicot: 01291 422 656 Cardiff: 02920 887 973
YourForest Leadingof Fuels & Lubricants Dean: 01594 Supplier 825 130
Estuary Oils
Head Office:
Andrew Mould Unit 57D Symondscliffe Way
Managing Director Severn Bridge Ind Est, Caldicot, NP26 5PW
www.twocan.estate
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
Import Furniture Depot
N E E P R O O T W S O NE IN 2 577006 E R O L T B S A NHAMVAIL el: 0124
A50 3HQ E T L W E O H N C L NEW ANChEStreet G
FIN Hig 0a% t 272-274
T
2000 Square Foot Showroom
Stores inCheltenham Cheltenham &&levels Gloucester 2000 Square Footstock Showroom Gloucester Filled with Stores oak and pineinfurniture, massive in living room, bedroom, Filled with oak and pine furniture, massive stock levels Filled with oak and pine furniture, massive stock levels living room, bedroom, dining room and occasional furniture. Lots of chairs to choose from inininaliving wideroom, varietybedroom, of fabrics and styles dining room and occasional furniture. Lots of chairs to choose from in a wide variety styles -dining room and occasional furniture. Lots of chairs to choose from in a wide variety offabrics fabrics and styles tables in many different sizes too. All with very quick delivery times - normally within 7 of days fromand placing order tables tablesininmany manydifferent differentsizes sizestoo. too.All Allwith withvery veryquick quickdelivery deliverytimes times--normally normallywithin within77days daysfrom fromplacing placingorder order Still time for Pre-Christmas Delivery! Still time for Pre-Christmas Living Room Ranges Delivery! Living Room Ranges Living DiningRoom RoomRanges Ranges Dining Room Ranges Dining Room Ranges BedroomRanges Ranges Bedroom Bedroom Ranges OccasionalFurniture Furniture Occasional Occasional Furniture
Our Prices Our Prices OurBePrices Can’t Can’t Be Beaten Can’t BeBeaten Beaten Probably the Probably Probably the cheapest cheapest inthe the cheapest in the inCounty! the County! County!
Fantastic prices on fabulous Fantastic prices on our our fabulous Fantastic prices on our fabulous ranges of original furniture ranges of of original original furniture furniture ranges We pride ourselves on providing quality furniture with a difference. 2000 sqranges ftquality showroom We pride ourselves onfine providing furniture with afor difference. We source all our at the very best prices our
We all ouronfine ranges quality at the very bestand prices Wecustomers pridesource ourselves providing furniture withtake afor difference. throughout Gloucestershire - come aour look customers - come and takefora look We sourcethroughout all ourour fineGloucestershire rangesshowrooms at the very best prices our inside superb today inside our superb showrooms today customers throughout Gloucestershire - come and take a look inside our superb showrooms in Cheltenham or Gloucester today
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Page 2
272 - 274 High Westgate RetailStreet Park (Opposite the Brewery) Westgate Retail Park (OppositeDunelm Dunelm Mill) (Opposite Cheltenham, GL50Mill) 3HQ Gloucester GL1 2RU (Opposite Dunelm Mill) Tel: 01242GL1 577006 Gloucester 2RU Tel: 01452 524545 Gloucester GL1 2RU
Mon Mon-Sat - Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm 9.30am-5.30pm Sun 11.00am 272-274 High- 4.00pm Street Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm Sun 11.00am-4.00pm Sun 11.00am-4.00pm Cheltenham GL50 3HQ
Westgate Retail Park
(Opposite 01242Dunelm) 577006 Tel:Tel: 01452 524545 Tel: 01452 524545 Gloucester, GL1 2RU Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm
Sun01452 11.00am-4.00pm Tel: 524545
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 3
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
Send stamps to: NEW START CAT RESCUE Used Stamp Appeal Fords Farm Horsey Norfolk NR29 4EP
Everyone Welcome!
Coffee
Chat
and
Every Tuesday
Every Wednesday
10am – 12 noon Gloucester Drop In, Brunswick Road,
10am – 12 noon
and...
Forest of Dean Drop In, The Main place,
Gloucester,
Coleford,
GL1 1HT
Gloucestershire, GL16 8RH
For more information call: 01452 529663
Page 4
For more information call: 01594 834436
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
From the Editor
Local Magazines Published by Glos Directories - connecting local businesses with local people
Dear Reader, Welcome to the April issue of your local community magazine, which as always is packed full of local businesses and interesting articles for you to read. The Easter holidays will soon be upon us and you will find lots of local events in the What’s On section of the magazine should you be stuck for something to do with the family! I must get organised as the Easter bunny will soon be paying us a visit. Each year I limit my children as to how much chocolate they’re allowed by hiding away their stash after they’ve had a few treats, only to find myself digging in after they’ve gone to bed. So in a bid to cut our family’s sugar intake, I’ve asked the Easter bunny for fewer chocolatey treats and requested he hides some arts & crafts activities instead to keep the kids entertained and to reduce my annual intake of chocolate in April! Maybe we’ll even squeeze in a family walk after lunch on Easter Sunday. Happy Easter to all our readers! Remember to like our Facebook page and to follow us on Twitter in order to keep up to date with all the local businesses and events in your area. Enjoy this month’s issue! Best wishes, Vicky Muller
- Editor Please like us on Facebook.com/ForestofDeanMagazine Follow us on Twitter @ForestMagazine
For general enquiries: 01242 308 522
Local: community@forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk Advertising: office@glosdirectories.co.uk Website: www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Tel: 01594 806 555
www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Request a price list online or call to book your space in Aug/Sept Magazine Page 5
Book now to be included in the next Issue and grow your business locally.
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Page 6
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre
Budding authors got top tips from best-seller Jamila Gavin when she visited Newent Community School as part of World Book Day celebrations
The prize-winning writer shared secrets of the success, which secured her the coveted Whitbread Children’s Book prize, putting her on the same page as JK Rowling and Michael Morpurgo, when she ran workshops and gave a talk to Newent Community School students last month. Librarian Deborah Gibbons, who organised the event, said: “Everyone taking part got a lot out of it, she got all the students writing, inspiring them with starter sentences. She let them know that, even if at first you don’t succeed, you can be a writer if you keep at it.” Charlotte Parry, who spends much of her free time writing, listened enthusiastically to the author, who admits that she still fears the blank page and who believes her craft is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration. The 12-year-old said: “She gave an inspirational speech. I want to be a writer myself and she showed me that it’s possible, and that even if not everyone likes your books there’ll be people out there who do. She showed me that characters in books can be anyone, not just the types you often think of.”
Anglo-Indian Jamila Gavin, who has also been short-listed for the Guardian Children’s Fiction prize and Nestle Smarties Prize and whose other works include The Blood Stone and Danger by Moonlight, explained how she started writing as she couldn’t find any books for her own children which depicted non-white characters. Natalie Harris, 12, said: “It was exciting having a real author coming in, you don’t normally see them in real life. I’m now inspired to read some of her books.” Molly Tuck, 12, added: “She taught us that if you want to pursue something, you have to go straight for it, you can’t let anyone stop you.” Jamila Gavin lives in Gloucestershire and Coram Boy is set partly in the county in the 1700s, scenes include Gloucester Cathedral. For further information on Newent Community School, please call 01531 820550, email admin@newent.gloucs.sch.uk or visit www.newent.gloucs.sch.uk.
Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre
THERE’S STILL TIME! Come and see us at work. Call 01531 820550 to make an appointment. Strong track Record of Academic Success Open and Friendly Environment Strong Pastoral Care Extensive Sports Facilities Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
STRIVING FOR
Excellence
Judged
‘GOOD’ by Ofsted 2014
Mr Alan Johnson, Principal Watery Lane, Newent, Gloucestershire GL18 1QF Email: admin@newent.gloucs.sch.uk • Twitter: @newentschool
www.newent.gloucs.sch.uk
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Page 7
Cake and Bake Chocolate & Orange Hot Cross Buns
Give the classic hot cross bun a delicious twist with the addition of chocolate chips, orange zest and piped chocolate crosses!
Ingredients:
1. Sift the flour into a large bowl and stir in the salt, mixed spice, orange
• 500g strong white plain flour, plus extra for dusting
2. Bring the milk almost to the boil in a small pan then stir in the butter
• 1/2 tsp salt • 2 tsp ground mixed spice • Zest of 1 orange • 50g caster sugar • 1 x 7g sachet easyblend or fast-action dried yeast • 300ml hand-hot milk • 55g butter, cubed • 1 large egg, beaten • 75g dried mixed fruit • 50g dark chocolate chips
FOR THE GLAZE
AND CROSSES • 1-2 tbsp warmed golden syrup • 50g dark chocolate, melted
Makes 12 Ready in 2 hours, 45 minutes Page 8
zest, sugar and dried yeast. Make a well in the middle.
until melted. Leave the liquid to cool until it’s just hand hot. Pour the liquid into the well with the beaten egg and mix with a round- bladed knife to make a soft and slightly sticky dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
3. Place the dough in a clean, lightly greased bowl and cover with oiled
cling film. Leave the bowl in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, flatten out with the palms of your hands and scatter over the dried fruit and chocolate chips. Fold and knead the dough until the fruit and chocolate chips are incorporated. Divide and shape the dough into 12 even-sized buns and place on a large greased baking sheet.
5. Cover loosely with oiled cling film and leave in a warm place until the buns have risen by at least half again and are almost touching each other - this will take about 45-60 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200C, 180C fan, Gas Mark 6.
6. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until risen
and golden brown. Leave on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack. Brush with the warmed golden syrup whilst the buns are still warm.
7. When the buns are cold, spoon the melted chocolate into a small
disposable piping bag, snip off the end and pipe a cross on each bun. Leave until set then serve.
TIP
These buns are best eaten on day they’re made, but if you have some left over the next day simply split and toast and serve with butter or chocolate spread.
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Dogs swim for fun and fitness at Bilbo’s Pet Spa
At Bilbo’s Pet Spa, we use our pool for a variety of water-based exercises that go well beyond swimming. We call them Aqua Conditioning Exercises (ACEs). The purpose of an ACE is to incorporate a range of activities into a canine athlete’s or companion dog’s conditioning programme that use water to provide resistance, buoyancy, instability, a challenge and safety.
Bilbo’s Pet Spa Hydrotherapy & Grooming ...for friends with hairy feet 01594 844222 hello@biblospetspa.biz www.bilbospetspa.biz
Swimming is a great conditioning exercise for dogs, providing them with cardiovascular endurance, strength, ease on the joints and an active range of movement, but most importantly – it's fun! Swimming is so versatile that few activities can beat it. Since a dog’s feet are unfixed and remain free to move, twisting and turning requires significant recruitment of the core and trunk muscles. We gradually introduce your dog to the pool as it is important for your dog to be relaxed. He or she will need to enjoy swimming; panic will not provide a good experience or valuable conditioning exercise. Some dogs, like water spaniels, poodles and retrievers, leap into the pool with gusto and take to water like feathered fowls. Others, including dachshunds, pugs and greyhounds, can be taught to enjoy a few laps or splashes in the pool. Giving your dog a few swimming lessons is a wonderful way to bond. Hop into the warm 32°C water and encourage your dog to join you, using treats or toys as temptation. Paddling to their prize will build confidence and stamina. Soon, they will associate water with play and paddling and splashing in the pool turns into a game all of its own -- you may be surprised how little convincing it takes!
Bilbo’s Pet Spa @BilbosPetSpa
Coffee Morning to raise money for Cancer Research UK
Tuesday 18th April 10.30am - 1.30pm Coleford Drop In The Main Place Old Station Way Coleford, GL16 8RH Tel. 01594834436
Do you have a dog that loves to swim or that may benefit from hydrotherapy? If so, please contact us by calling 01594 844222 or email us at: hello@bilbospetspa.biz. You can find us at Unit 2 Marina Park, Harbour Road Lydney GL15 5ET (just past the station).
Raffle donations welcome. Organised by Drop In members.
See canine hydrotherapy in action at: www.bilbospet.biz or on Facebook or Twitter. Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 9
Colours in Nature April is a wonderful month as first signs of spring start to appear and we can look forward to warmer and sunnier days. It’s lambing season, the birds start singing, the trees and hedgerows are dressed in green with bursts of intoxicating colour and the bulbs and blossoms are little short of mesmerising. We love April for its colours and warmth but it can also be a cold month with lots of showers and sometimes even frost. So take the time to look at your garden fill with warm spring colours when the days are bright. You should try having a big bowl of grape hyacinths on the patio, then follow these with tulips for a brilliant season-long display. Things seem to accelerate now. In spring, you are infused with new energy, filled with fresh plans and fired with enthusiasm for the gardening season ahead. With more flowers opening every day and the increased likelihood for damp weather, there is usually a rush of growth on perennials. This is also a good time for sowing seeds in the vegetable garden as most will germinate readily now. Plan your bedding schemes of annual and new shrubs with perennials for the border, but keep an eye out for the frosty weather!
The Garden Lady 01594 541118 or 07767 690009
Catherine will take you on an inspirational journey.
My purpose in life is to create landscape magic, to share that passion for beautiful gardens with as many people as possible, to have fun and to achieve success. The business involves garden care & conservancy for clients in many different situations - from busy professionals to elderly people. I am a sole trader, and have been working for myself for 24 years. I cover the Forest of Dean area, Gloucestershire, Monmouth & Ross-on-Wye. I am also a professional speaker who talks to small groups and clubs.
Small or large areas • Practical garden ideas & help • Design consultation • Planning advice • Planting & plant care • Pruning and maintenance The right garden has a beneficial effect, is an oasis of calm and a home in the natural world to make you feel good.
The Haven, Hart Lane, Ruardean, GL17 9UT mail2@thegardenlady.me.uk
www.thegardenlady.me.uk
Having herbs means that you can pick and sprinkle them into your dinner whenever you like, it’s a great way to enjoy nature! If you think you lack space for an herb patch, then think again as you can grow them just about anywhere. For example, mixed in with flowers, edging a vegetable plot or in a patio tub or window box. Containers can also provide a home for essential herbs like oregano and rosemary.
If you need help with or advice on your garden, please give me a call on 01594 541118 or 07767 690009 or visit my website – www.thegardenlady.me.uk. - Catherine Williams, The Garden Lady Page 10
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Branches in: Gloucester, Newent, Mitcheldean and Coleford
w w w . s t e v e g o o c h . c o . u k
4 High Street • Newent • Gloucestershire • GL18 1AN • Tel: 01531 820844
Sales
Lettings
Auctions
Classic & Country
For all your Selling, Purchasing, Auctioning, Letting, & Surveying Requirements Gooch & Burley Surveyors & Valuers Coventry Building Society available at Newent Branch
View properties online 24/7
Easter Coffee Afternoon Thursday 13th April 1.30pm - 3.00pm Coleford Drop In The Main Place Old Station Way Coleford, GL16 8RH Tel. 01594834436
Easter Draw Money raised will go towards the Committee Funds
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Page 11
Flower Power by Pippa Greenwood Blooming Hollyhock Flower You can inexpensively and easily grow a huge range of flowers from seed at home. Just about every perennial flower is available to grow from seed, and once they have reached flowering size they’ll just keep on performing! There are lots to choose from, including lupins, silene, Echinaceae, geranium, perennial poppies, delphiniums, gaillardia, hollyhocks, rudbeckia and salvia. Pay a visit to your local garden centre or use a seed catalogue and start planning; you could save a fortune, and all from a packet or two of seed.
make sure you collect up any that falls on the surface below. Once the compost is in the tray or pot, firm it down so that there are no large gaps beneath the surface, and level it off to make it easier to sow the seeds evenly and at the same depth. You can make your own tamper using a piece of wood with a small block of wood nailed to it to make a ‘handle’.
To start, you need containers to sow the seed into – I like to use half-sized seed trays, RootTrainers or smaller individual cells – and some good quality compost and your chosen seeds. It helps if you have something to tamp down the compost too, plus labels, a permanent marker, a dibber and some vermiculite (for covering seeds that need some light to germinate well).
It is easier to look after seedlings if the seed has been sown in straight rows; make the rows using a plastic plant label. Check the packets for the correct depths for the seeds, and if you are sowing seeds in small cells then it is easier to make the holes using a dibber (or a pencil if you don’t have one). RootTrainers are ideal for larger seeds such as sunflowers. Don’t sow too densely or the seedlings will need more thinning out and will be more likely to become drawn, leggy and weak. Once in place, just cover the seed with compost.
Sieve compost through a compost sieve to remove the larger lumps, leaving fine compost perfect for seed sowing. If you sieve it straight into the pots, cells or trays,
Next, use a watering can with the rose attached and water
Page 12
If you are sowing larger seed into cells, just pop the seeds in to the prepared holes and cover to the required depth.
thoroughly. If the seed sown was quite small, it is best to stand the tray in a shallow tray or bowl of water, so the compost absorbs water from below – this way the seeds are less likely to be displaced. Finally, label your seed trays clearly, ideally with a permanent marker. Many perennials need heat for the seed to germinate reliably. Put the trays, pots or cells into a propagator, standing each on moist capillary matting. Once the seedlings appear, gradually lower the temperature and then prick each one out into its own pot. Keep them fed and watered as they grow and in just a few weeks or months you will have some great plants ready for the garden. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com to buy gorgeous UK grown vegetable plants accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa, or to peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items including SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and other nematode controls for leather jackets, vine weevils and other pests, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Boilerfixers Ltd BOILER REPAIR, SERVICING & INSTALLATION
Fixed cost repair or replacement
Call 01452 452053 to book a visit, or to receive FREE ADVICE from SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HEATING
www.boilerfixers.com
Email: boilerfixersinfo@gmail.com Gas Safe Registration No. 582922 | Oftec No. 101192
Coinros Park Nursery Ltd Quality plants at great prices!
New stock of FRUIT TREES, SOFT FRUIT, ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, ROSES & EARLY SPRING PERENNIALS.
VEGETABLE PLANTS now in stock. Large selection of HERBS. SUMMER FLOWERING BULBS PRIMROSES now in full colour.
Great selection of CERAMIC POTS.
Freshly filled BASKETS & PLANTERS.
OIL BOILER?
Get ready for next winter. Service & full function check new nozzle for £90. Oftec registered.
New Office, Old Park, Lydney, Glos, GL15 6BU (Behind Taurus Crafts) Tel. 01594 840447
Scientist Baird Becquerel Bell Bernoulli Boyle Bunsen Celsius Crick Curie Darwin Davy Einstein Fleming Galen Gauss Halley Hopper
Joule Kepler Lovelace Marconi Newton Nobel Pasteur Rutherford Volta
Find the names of scientists in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 13
Broad Oak Decorating Services Sudoku
• • • • • • •
Interior & exterior painting Free estimates Wall coverings No job too big or too small Fully qualified CITB registered Local friendly service References available
Call 07703 057647 or 07792 685764 Email: adammac2008@hotmail.co.uk
Your Advert Here From only £28 + VAT per month (T's & C's apply) Call 01594 806 555 or 07740 784 444 for more information.
Forest of Dean Band Contest
Sat 8th April at 2.00pm, Finale at 6.15pm Forest Oak Arena, Purlieu View, Lydney, GL15 4LN Performances from bands from across the UK, including special guests
BRITISH & EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS
THE CORY BAND
Tickets: £8.00 - unreserved seating, Under 15/Over 65 £6.00 Further information from Sharon Thomas sharon.les.thomas@gmail.com
Page 14
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Auction Anecdote I am always looking for something a bit unusual or with an interesting story attached for my monthly anecdote and so although our 3rd March sale included a ‘record breaking’ jewellery high for Smiths of £9000 paid for a three stone diamond ring I have chosen to talk about a much more humble item instead. Despite all the glamour of the high prices I think my favourite item in the sale was a charming group of three bone alphabet letters bought in by an elderly client who lives within Newent. She explained that she had learnt her alphabet and spelling using the letters and what is more she was sure that her mother had likewise learned to read using the very same letters.The three sets were each enclosed in a small mahogany box with bone inset lids marked ‘ABC’ and with a paper label to the base for W Cremers – ‘German Toy Manufactures’. It may well be that her grandparents and great grandparents had also learnt to read by the same method, as two of the boxes bore an early label for the Cremer’s shop in Bond Street whilst the third label was from a later Regent Street shop which opened in 1860 under the new management of Mr Cremer’s son. The letters were difficult to research as they don’t come up for sale very often being one of those small collectables which have been lost, damaged and thrown away over time.This of course is a particular problem with antique toys which are more likely to have been badly treated or broken by children – although many children in the past did treat their few precious toys very carefully compared to our children today! Eventually I found a few comparable examples and gave the lot an estimate of £60/£80. However, interest on the day led to a final hammer price of £310 – selling to an online bidder who runs a specialist antique toy shop in the West Country. Once again this result proves how the most innocuous items can make for an exciting buy for specialist online buyers and how the power of the internet seems to be able to unite buyers and sellers in a way which was never possible before. Smiths next antiques and collectables sale is on the 12th May and includes a special section for jewellery and silver. Entries are invited on the 18th, 20th, 25th & 27th April 10am-3pm or by appointment. Telephone 01531 821776 or see our website www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk - Written by Rita Kearsey Manager of Smiths Auction Room at Newent
Monthly Sales of Antiques & Collectables Friday 12th May Sale at 10.00am with Silver & Jewellery Section Viewing Day prior 10am - 7pm and morning of sale All buyers and browsers welcome
Fine three stone diamond ring Sold 3rd March £9000
Georgian silver entrée dish Sold 3rd March £1,100
Entries Invited
18th, 20th, 25th & 27th April 10.00am - 3.00pm or by appointment Home visits for larger consignments Live online bidding available at
www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk
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Page 15
Help when you need it... • 24 hour emergency monitoring service • Help you or a loved one maintain independence and improve quality of life Recently discharged from hospital? Taken a trip or fall? Forest Linkline can help. A simple push of a button will activate a call to our monitoring centre and help will be on its way!
Supra C500 KeySafe™ Forest Linkline monitoring service can be used in conjunction with Supra C500 KeySafe™, providing secure external storage for keys and allows immediate access to your property by the emergency services to ensure your safety and well-being. Additional benefits include: • Store keys when out jogging • Safe storage for children’s house keys • Safe place for self-catering properties to leave key for visitors • Passcode can be changed as required • The first police approved KeySafe™ • 4096 possible combination codes
Call us today 01594 812505 @Forest_Linkline Page 16
Forest Linkline
www.forestlinkline.co.uk To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
LOCAL FREELANCE Crystal Flame Photography PHOTOGRAPHER
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If you require a general handyman or professional tradesman, we can help.
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Estuary
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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
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Page 17
MARTIN LEWIS Money Sins Balance Transfer By Martin Lewis @moneysavingexpert
Arethe youbeginning a sinner? Financially At of the that is. arethe a host year, forThere many, letterbox of everyday becomes anmoney enemy. When misdemeanours that millions it flips open it contains a bill. of people do, costing them And the worst of those thousands, without being for many are credit cards aware of it. These aren’t a final reckoning of the horrors like grabbing a last year’s debts, topped off by payday loan, but the result Christmas spending. If you’ve of simple misunderstandings, debts you can’t repay, there bad habits or inaction. are two key thingstoured to do: So having recently stop borrowing more around the UK doing and cut the interest rate. roadshows for the sixth series of my ITV show, I’ve By cutting the rate,collated more five of the most common. of your repayments clear the actualwhile debtyou’ve rather than 1. Saving expensive debts just help add profit to the lender. The main weapon to Savings rates are depressingly clear credit store cards low – the topand easy-access rate is 1%. a balance transfer, where Credit card and other interest arecredit depressingly you getrates a new card(s) high. repays So, £1,000 credit that debts oncard existing debt atfor 18% costs cards you, soyou you£180 oweait, year,at the same amount saved in but a far lower cost, top paying savings account at for a small fee. 1% interest only earns you £10. The newspay is right If yougood had both, the debt off with your savings and you'd now there’s white-hot be £170 a yearinbetter off. competition this market. So, sort it now stop Many of you willand be thinking, paying more than my needed. "but I want to keep savings, whatifif you the boiler And won'tpacks listenuptoor the roof fallstoin?" However, me, listen Marc who that’s a sentimental strategy, emailed: "took your tip on not a logical one. Let’s carry taking a balance transfer on the £1,000 debt and card and we’ve saved £1,000 savings scenario £9,400 the next to show over you why. 40 months. Amazing." • If you don’t pay the debt
off with the savings How to choose the and rightan emergency happens that balance transfer card deals costs you £1,000 to fix, you’d There is a vast range of use all your savings and still cards choose from, haveto £1,000 of credit ranging up to 43 mths 0%. card debt. But it isn’t quite • If you do pay off as thesimple debt a £1,000 aswith justthe go savings, for the and longest. emergency happens, you’d 1.need Go for thefor lowest fee to pay it on your incredit the time you're sure card, meaning you still you cards havecan no repay. savings Most and £1,000 charge a one-off fee on the of credit card debt. amount of debt transferred. The end result of them both is So, for example, 3% is off £30 the same, yet by paying the per debt£1,000. with theGenerally, savings, youthe longer themeantime. 0% period, save in the the bigger the fee.is if the debt The only exception is atwhat 0%. Then financially So, you the need to do is savvy and disciplined can do calculate how long you think what’stake calledtostoozing, where you'll clear the debt, you deliberately buildfor upsafety, 0% add a few months debt only to save it and earn then pick the lowest fee interest. Though with current within the time you saving rates so low, it’sneed. not If sure, safe asyou’re easy asnot it used to play be. Full and go long. For example, help on that at www.mse.me/ the longest card available stoozing at the of asking writingyour is the 2. Not time at least www.MBNA.co.uk energy firm if you areuponto 43 mths 0%, with its cheapest deala 3.29% fee. The longest no-fee card is Most people in the UK are on www.Halifax.co.uk up to their energy firm’s standard 26 mths 0%.typically means tariff, which they’re overpaying by £300 2. You need a a year. I’ve talked best aboutbuy PERSONALISED switching until I’m blue in the table. Each lender credit face, and, of course, the best scores you differently, where plan is to take five minutes to one reject.via do a accepts, full marketothers comparison Best buy tables just list the my www.CheapEnergyClub.com
or anyoffers www.Ofgem.gov.uk best available, but what approved comparison really counts is whatsite. you can Yet accepted for some that be for.doesn’t Worse hit still, home. So,way let me plain. the only to be find out Even what if you won’t do that, just pick up you’ll actually get is to apply, the phone and ask your current and that“Am marks provider I onyour your credit cheapest file. Yetand, we’ve seen a new tariff?” if not, switch range show your to that of as tools there’sthat no change likely but thechances price! of acceptance before applying, protecting For example, as I write (it can your credit Some card change daily),score. on EDF’s standard firms have their own or my tariff someone with typical Eligibility (www. usage paysCalculator £1,070/year. It also mse.me/BTeligibility) shows has a 12-month fix at £880/year - £190/year less. your chances for most top cards, effectively giving you The British Gas’s standard tariff awith personal table. typical best use isbuy £1,044/year, butMany it also cards runs Sainsbury Energy 3. are 'up to's': (i.e. it’s the same company With these cards, only 51% but a different name), and its of accepted cheapest fix isapplicants £804/year –need get the advertised 0%don’t length, saving £240/year. This ask the a shorter don’trest get could savingget works at all the deal. So, so in many cases,dothe big firms, if you won’t cards that aren’t ‘updo to’s’ a comparison, at least this. can be better. The longest 3. Only making the minimum non-up to 0% www. repayments on deal creditiscards SainsburysBank.co.uk Credit card 42mth 0%minimum for a 3.5% fee, payments are based mostly and it also has the longest on a percentage of the balance, fee-free 25mth which onlydeal just at covers the 0%. interest. So, you hardly This is especially important clear any off.do an eligibility when you comparison. If all£3,000 your A 30-year-old with accepted cardscard are at ‘up17.9% to’ debt on a credit interest,then whothe made only typical cards, likelihood is minimum you won’trepayments, get the fullwould 0%. takeeven 27 years to clearone it. Byorthen, So if there’re two they’d be 57 and have paidthey a non ‘up to’ deals there,
Page 1818 To advertise call 07740 To advertise call 01594 806 555 visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk Page 784 444 or 01242 500 028 oror visit www.bishopscleevemagazine.co.uk
may be worth looking at. The 3 Balance Transfer Golden Rules Getting the right card's only half the job. Once you get it, you need to use it the right way. a) Repay at least the set monthly min, or you can lose the 0% deal. The same can be true if you bust your credit limit. b) Always clear the card or shift again before the 0% ends, or rates jump to the representative APRs, typically 18% to 20%. c) Don't spend or withdraw cash on them, it's rarely at the cheap rate. Instead, shift your debt to these cards, then put it away somewhere not to be used. A final thought on this. The best way to clear debts is to repay as much as you can and be wary of only repaying the minimum repayments. That’s dangerous. Minimum
repayments are set to only just cover the interest, so repayments drop as debt drops, prolonging the debt period. For example, with £3,000 on a typical card, repaying minimum repayments it’d take you 27 years to repay, costing £4,000 in interest. Now you may say to me “I can’t afford to pay more.” Yet in the first month the minimum repayment would be about £70, and if you fixed your repayment at that rather than letting it drop, you’d clear the debt in five years. Yet if you’ve multiple debts, order them in terms of interest rates, and throw all spare cash at repaying the one with the highest rate (as it’s growing fastest). Just pay minimums on the rest. Once that’s clear, focus on the next most expensive debt and so on. Are you in debt crisis? The solutions above are for those who can manage their
debts. Yet if you a) can't meet even the minimum monthly payments b) have non-mortgage debts bigger than a year's salary or c) can’t sleep due to your debts, or have depression or anxiety because of them, then you’re in what I define as debt crisis. Forget the above and get free, one-on-one debtcounselling help from www.CitizensAdvice.org, www.capuk.org, www. StepChange.org or www. NationalDebtline.co.uk. They are there to help, not judge. The most common thing I hear after is: "I finally got a good night's sleep". Martin Lewis is the Founder & Chair of Money Saving Expert. To join the 12 million people who get his Martin’s Money Tips weekly email, go to www. moneysavingexpert.com/ latesttip
Awards and Prizes 1. Originally receiving the most votes, which dog was removed as a candidate for the first ever Best Actor Oscar after the Academy wanted to have a human actor win the award so they would appear more serious? 2. Which London art museum hosts the annual Turner Prize exhibition? 3. The Man of Steel award is given annually to the player voted best in which sport? 4. Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize? 5. Which annual award has a name containing three nouns that, according to an analysis of the Oxford English Corpus of over one billion words, are the first, second and third most commonly used nouns in the English language? 6. On which game show were a chequebook and pen awarded as a booby prize? 7. Winning in 1966, who was the first footballer to win the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award? 8. After winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016, Bob Dylan became only the second person to have won both an Oscar and a Nobel Prize. Born in Dublin in 1856, who was the first? 9. What is the maximum individual prize in a monthly premium bonds draw? 10. Sometimes referred to as the animals’ Victoria Cross, the Dickin Medal was established in 1943 and was awarded 54 times to honour actions during World War Two. What type of animals were honoured more than any other, with 32 awards in total? Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 19
ENERGY
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Boiler service from £45 + VAT New boiler installations from £1400 + VAT
Singing for the Brain ® Groups Forest of Dean Singing for the Brain
Based in Longhope Tel: 01452 238555 www.broadoakservices.com
Held on the first and third Monday of the month, 11am till 12.30pm at Forest of Dean Drop In
Look at our reviews for BroadOak Services on trustatrader.com
The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH After your singing session you are welcome to come to the Drop In for Tea or Coffee. The Drop In is situated on the ground floor in the same building opposite the Library.
If you would like to participate in any of the groups listed please contact Jane or Rachel on 01452 525222 or the Drop In 01594 834436
Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre Watery Lane Newent Gloucestershire GL18 1QF Tel: 01531 820550 Fax: 01531 820707 Email: admin@newent.gloucs.sch.uk Website: www.newent.gloucs.sch.uk
Would you like to help make a big difference to a young person? ► Are you able to spare some time? ► Are you committed to helping young people? ► Are you a good role model and willing to listen? ► Are you open-minded and non-judgmental?
If yes, then we need you to become a Voluntary Mentor. ► Mentoring can be very rewarding for you and the young person. ► You will meet with students on a one-one to basis and by giving just a few hours of your time each week during term time, you could make a real difference.
If you are interested in becoming a Mentor, please contact Ann Price, Business Manager on 01531 820550 for further details. Page 20
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VALE COUNTRY FAIR & POINT TO POINT HORSE RACES SUNDAY 16th APRIL 2017 (Easter Sunday) At Andoversford, Nr Cheltenham, GL54 4LQ Join us for a great family day out on Easter Sunday. There will be plenty of variety and things to see and do. Bring your dog and enter the fun family dog show or sign your terrier up for the terrier racing. Look at the poultry and watch the falconry display given by Jemima Parry-Jones, the owner and director of the International Birds of Prey Centre in Newent. There will be stalls and stands and you can bring your own picnic or buy food and drink there. There will be seven Point to Point Horse Races starting at 2.00pm. The gates open at 10.30am. Adult tickets cost £10, children go free and there will be free parking available. For more information, please visit www.valecountryfair.info.
106.2 - 107 - 107.8 FM
VALE COUNTRY FAIR & POINT TO POINT HORSE RACES
SUNDAY 16th APRIL 2017 (Easter Sunday)
At Andoversford, Nr Cheltenham, GL54 4LQ
Gates open at 10.30am 1st Race at 2.00pm Includes: Falconry Display, Poultry, Family Dog Show & Terrier Racing Adults £10, Children free Free parking
Trade Stands welcome but need to be pre-booked on 07980 863883 or 01989 720335
www.valecountryfair.info
MONDAY - THURSDAY 6am - 10am Paul Ellery In The Morning 10am - 2pm Mark Edwards 2pm - 7pm Drive Time 7pm - 6Am Non Stop Sunshine FRIDAY 6am - 10am Paul Ellery In The Morning 10am - 2pm Mark Edwards 2pm - 7pm Drive Time 7pm - 10pm Chris Roberts 10pm - 7Am Non Stop Sunshine
SATURDAY 7am-10am Mark Edwards in the Morning • 10am - 2pm Gregg Upwards All Request Saturday • 2pm - 6pm Paul Ellery • 6pm - 9pm All the Hits with Pat Sharp • 9pm - 11pm Totally 90’s• 11pm - 6am Non Stop Sunshine SUNDAY 7am - 11am Roger Noble • 11am - 3pm Sunshine On Sunday • 3pm - 7pm Matt Healey• 7pm - 9pm Totally 80’s• 9pm - 11pm Mike Hollis Soul Show • 11pm - 6am Non Stop Sunshine Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 21
Changes Our books this month are all about change, from shifting viewpoints to rewriting history.
Stickertopia, The Flower Garden – Mitchell Beazley Walk into any bookstore and you’re likely to see at least one shelf dedicated to grown-up colouring books. So it’s not too much of a surprise that sticker books are having a similar grown-up makeover. This one includes 30 garden illustrations, from Klimt’s garden path to the butterfly garden in Bronx Zoo. You can add extra colour and detail with stickers of flowers, leaves, butterflies and birds. It’s surprisingly relaxing, and there’s something rather satisfying about putting your own mark on the designs. All Our Wrong Todays – Elan Mastai No one expects Tom Barren to amount to much. They certainly don’t expect him to go back in time and completely change life as they know it. But that’s what happens. In Tom’s world 2016 looks rather different than it does to us. The discovery of a clean, almost effortless form of energy back in the 60s has made the world something of a utopia. But then Tom becomes the first time traveller, and accidently rewrites history. When he gets back to 2016, everything has changed. Page 22
Take Courage, Anne Brontë and the Art of Life – Samantha Ellis Anne is often seen as the ‘other Brontë’. Most of us would struggle to remember the names of either of her books. In part this is because of the way she’s usually portrayed – quiet, reserved and, well, less interesting than her siblings. Ellis goes to great lengths to show that this was far from the case. Anne’s novel, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, was, in many ways, more subversive and ahead of its time than those of her sisters. As Ellis talks us through her research, a very different Anne Brontë starts to emerge. Take Courage is far from a dry clinical biography; Ellis is clearly indignant at Anne’s treatment and the book is a real pleasure to read. Good Me, Bad Me – Ali Land Can a child brought up to be a killer change her fate? That’s the question posed in this gripping psychological thriller. Milly is in foster care with a new family and a new name. All she wants is a fresh start. But Milly’s mum is a serial killer, and Milly was the one who put her behind bars. As the trial approaches, Milly has to decide what she
wants from life, and how far she’s willing to go to get it. The Art of Contribution – Ann Skinner The Art of Contribution aims to help people live a more meaningful life. Life coach Ann Skinner shares her advice for making a positive impact on the world. The book is broken up into short, easily digestible chapters. They focus on lessons that Skinner has learnt herself, from embracing imperfections to contributing not ‘from a place of feeling that some things in the world need fixing, but from a place of wanting to add joy to it’. Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi Homegoing follows the descendants of two African sisters – one sold into slavery, the other married off to a slave trader. We meet warring tribes in Ghana, brutalised slaves on American plantations, men forced into hard labour once slavery has supposedly been outlawed, drug addicts and numerous other characters. Brilliantly written, vivid and, at times, harrowing, this is one of those books you’ll find yourself recommending to anyone who’ll listen.
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New boutique now open at Labels A new range of women’s clothing has arrived at Labels Shopping, Ross-on-Wye. Brand names like b.young, Soaked in Luxury, Bellfield, White Stuff and Goose take pride of place in a new purpose-built boutique at the store. Offering new styles and ranges, which have never previously been available at Labels; this move has been driven by customer feedback for younger brands.
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Visitors to the launch day of Boutique were able to take advantage of the help and advice Lots of new brand names in Boutique of Beth at Labels. Price, local Personal Stylist, who was on hand to assist with choosing outfits. “A lot of people find clothes shopping frustrating and sometimes buy clothes out of sheer desperation only to end Beth Price, Personal Stylist, at up never the launch of Boutique at Labels. wearing them. It’s usually just because they are choosing the wrong styles” said Beth. “It was an absolute pleasure attending the launch of Boutique and helping people to choose clothes and accessories to flatter their shape, making them look great and feel more confident.”
Boutique it located on the upper floor at Labels Shopping, just off junction 4 of the M50 near Ross-on-Wye. It's open 7 days a week with lots of free parking.
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Page 23
A unique collection of womens brands
NOW OPEN AT Labels Shopping Ross on Wye
labelsshopping.co.uk 01989 769000
Making bracelets from safety pins The recent craft workshop at Labels Shopping Ross-on-Wye proved to be a great success, with people coming from as far afield as Birmingham to take part. Karen Owens of Gaynans the Jewellers of Ledbury guided participants through the art of making a bracelet using coloured beads and safety pins. “At the end of the two-hour craft session everyone went home with their own bracelet creation” said Karen. “The results were truly amazing.” Craft Workshops are now taking place regularly at Labels Shopping on the first Thursday of every month and will be covering all kinds of crafting activities. Thursday 6th April Emma Roberts will be back to show us how to make a beautiful fabric wreath for Easter,
Karen Owens from Gaynans the Jewellers of Ledbury with a jewellery workshop group at Labels.
with lots of further Easter workshops available for children throughout the holiday.
You can book a place by phone or email: T: 01989 769000 E: welcome@labelsshopping.co.uk
For the latest news and updates on the workshops available please visit: www.labelsshopping.co.uk/ events
Labels Shopping is located just off junction 4 of the M50 near Ross-on-Wye. It's open 7 days a week with lots of free parking.
Wanted: Postcode Pioneers We are looking for innovative organisations, businesses and residents within the Forest of Dean who have trouble finding others or being found using current addresses. Locating properties without street numbers has always been hard. The advent of postcodes and satellite navigation has helped but it is still, for many, a real issue with single postcodes covering many properties over large areas. The Hashpoint Project is a free, open database of geographic locations that can be self-managed by organisations, individuals and companies. It harnesses the most up-to-date satellite data and imagery to allow you or your clients to easily be found.
The system simply assigns a single letter (we call a hashpoint) to each property which, when combined with the postcode, can be used to accurately pinpoint your property, include relevant contact and delivery information and even additional locations such as road access, parking etc. The platform can be accessed online or via a mobile app and interfaces directly with google’s navigation tools. It is currently live in beta test phase and is being fully launched in January 2017. If an accurate way of locating others or being located would help you then get involved. For details or to register call 01452 760580, visit hashpoint.org or try googling GL141PQ#A.
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Page 25
Triangle Radio We are a Community Radio Station, serving the Forest of Dean, fully run by volunteers who have a passion for radio and the community. We are firmly in spring now and the cold snap and wet spells are starting to make way for that fresh kind of feeling. For us this means event season and we are already starting to make plans to attend a few. As mentioned in previous articles, we have the Coleford Carnival of Transport in our sights on the 17th April, followed by the Forest Activities Festival at the Speech House Hotel on the 23rd April. Why not come along and say hello and have an informal chat with us about what we do, you never know you may like to join us. On that note – we have already been talking with potential PROGRAMME
volunteers and a couple of them have decided to join. It’s all a little slow at the moment but will gain momentum over the coming months. Currently going through parliament is a bill called the “broadcasting multiplex services bill”, which paves the way for smaller localised transmitters on DAB. This will give us a big opportunity to expand on DAB Radio across the Forest of Dean, however, this won’t happen until mid-2018. Despite having expressed an interest to move onto FM, it would not make financial sense at this time. This year, we still plan to undertake a smaller FM broadcast and our current plans remain fixed to provide this at the Coleford Music Festival this summer. Community radio exists for the community it serves and we are looking to promote events across the Forest of
Dean. If you have something in the planning that you would like us to promote, then please do get in touch with the details. For a nominal donation we can also provide a public address and compare and can help your special event go off with a bang. If you are interested in joining or discussing more about Triangle Radio please get in touch by emailing Daren Green (Programme Controller) at daren@triangleradio.co.uk. Triangle Radio is available online at www.triangleradio. co.uk where you can stream or download our free app on Google Play Store or via the TuneIn App. Written by Daren Green (Programme Controller)
with Clive (Rpt) 22:00: Global House Party 20:00: The Blues Hour 23:00: Bass And Breaks Monday 21:00: Blues Hour Xtra Saturday 08:00: Breakfast Shuffle with Daren 22:00: The Nighttime Shuffle 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 08:00: Saturday Breakfast Thursday 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian with Daren 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 08:00: Breakfast Shuffle with Daren 10:00: The Daytime Shuffle 19:00: Q-Burn with Peter Anthony 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 18:00: The Elbum Show with 21:00: Encyclopedia of Rock 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian Phil Meek with Trevor Howard (Rpt) 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 20:00: Saturday NIght Party 22:00: Americanza with Alan Roberts (Rpt) 18:00: Chris Arscott’s Folk (Rpt) with Dan Green 19:00: The Blues Hour (Rpt) 21:00: Electrik Playground Tuesday 20:00: Best of British Unsigned with Andi Durrant 08:00: Breakfast Shuffle with Daren 21:00: Encyclopedia of Rock 23:00: House Central with Jay Forster 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive with Trevor Howard Sunday 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian 22:00: Q-Burn with Peter Anthony (Rpt) 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 08:00: The Daytime Shuffle Friday 18:00: Daytime Shuffle with Dan 10:00: Check in with Cat Lake 19:00: Manda's C60 Mix Tape (Rpt) 08:00: Breakfast Shuffle with Daren 12:00: Mellow Moments 20:00: Chris Arscott’s Folk Show 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 14:00: Forest T.R.A.C.K 21:00: Forest T.R.A.C.K (Rpt) 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian 16:00: Manda’s C60 Mix tape 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 17:00: The Soft Rock and Wednesday 17:00: The Forest Weekly Acoustic Sessions 08:00: Breakfast Shuffle with Daren 19:00: Friday Night Party 19:00: Americanza with 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive with Dan Green Alan Roberts 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian 20:00: It’s the Weekend 21:00: The Chill Factor 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan with Ryan Davies 23:00: The Nighttime Shuffle 18:00: Soft Rock & Acoustic Sessions Page 26 To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Music for Muscles 2017 Following last year’s highly successful Music for Muscles concert, the Royal Forest of Dean Branch of Muscular Dystrophy UK is very proud to present the 2017 concert on Saturday 6th May at St Michael and All Angels Church in Mitcheldean. This year will feature performances from The Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir, the Forest Flute Choir and sensational harpist Jemima Phillips. Jemima has performed at the very highest level and to have her play in Mitcheldean is a major coup for Music for Muscles. Her mix of traditional and contemporary styles will amaze and delight you. Tickets will go on sale at the beginning of April and you are advised to secure them early. The ticket price will be £7. Refreshments will be available. For details, please contact Martin Whitehouse on 07796 585255 or email Martinwhitehouse586@btinternet.com. All proceeds will be donated to the Forest of Dean Branch of Muscular Dystrophy UK to help fund research into devastating muscle wasting diseases.
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We are on the A48, just outside Westbury-on-Severn at Elton Court, GL14 1JG
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Page 27
FOREST OASIS & DESIGNED FOR BEAUTY Forest Oasis is the Forest of Dean branch of the well-established Monmouth-based company Designed for Beauty. It is situated in the Forest of Dean between Coleford and Cinderford and is much more than just a beauty, hair and nail salon as it also has its own aesthetics clinic offering a wide range of treatments, including;
Botox | Fillers | Semi-permanent make-up | Microblading | Laser, IPL | Electrolysis | Threading | Silhouette thread lifts | Non-surgical facelifts | Treatments for thread veins, warts, verrucae, birthmarks, skin tags and hyperpigmentation, including sunspots | Surgical Interventions
Amazing offers on Microblading – don’t miss out! Only £75 per session* * Standard semi-permanent make-up sessions usually cost twice as much and our micropigmentation technician has over 10 years’ experience both in the UK and abroad. Visit his full laser clinic right here in the Forest of Dean.
Special Offer on Eyelash Extensions Only £35!
LOOKING FOR A SPECIAL GIFT?
Look no further! Forest Oasis has its own spa tucked away in a tranquil location. Sit back in the hot tub, unwind in the relaxation garden or enjoy one of the many treatments on offer – from massages, facials, pedicures and manicures to reflexology, aromatherapy and hairdressing. You can also book a fitness session with one of the personal trainers. Choose between full and half day spa packages; with or without accommodation it’s the perfect way to treat your loved ones or to spend some quality time with friends.
Forest Oasis and Designed for Beauty also offer first class cosmetic surgeries and dentistry performed to European standards and legislation. The cost, in comparison to UK rates, is considerably low and you can expect an exceptionally high standard. All it takes is a short flight - you will be stunned at the savings and results!
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Page 31
Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Serves 4
Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes
This recipe is a great way to turn chicken fillets into something special. You can prepare them a couple of hours in advance and keep covered in the fridge, then simply cook when needed.
Ingredients: • 75g ricotta cheese • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest • 4 large skinless chicken breast fillets • 12 thin-cut rashers streaky bacon • 5 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar • 1tsp Dijon mustard • Pinch of sugar • 100g baby spinach leaves • 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
TIP
Instead of ricotta you could use low-fat soft cheese such as Philadelphia or a mild and creamy goats’ cheese. Page 32
Use a sharp knife to make a deep pocket in each chicken fillet, making sure not to cut right the way through. Place the ricotta cheese in a bowl and stir in the thyme leaves and the lemon zest. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place one-quarter of the ricotta mixture in the pocket of each chicken fillet. Use the back of a knife to stretch the bacon rashers. Wrap 3 rashers around each chicken fillet and secure with a metal skewer. Preheat the oven to 180C, 160C Fan, Gas Mark 4. Heat 1tbsp of the oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken fillets over high heat for 2-3 minutes until the bacon is browned, turning once. Transfer to a roasting tin and cook for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Cover and leave in a warm place to rest for 10 minutes. To make the dressing, whisk the remaining oil with the vinegar, mustard and sugar in a small jug and season to taste. Slice each chicken fillet into 6 pieces and arrange on the salad leaves. Scatter over the toasted pine nuts and spoon over the dressing. Serve immediately.
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West Gloucestershire
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ones. The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives. If you use an iPhone and the recipient has an iPhone, you can send anything you like over Messages using your internet connection, bypassing the phone network altogether, and if you don’t have that possibility you can connect with friends or family via Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp or one of the many hundreds of chat/messaging apps available for PCs, smartphones and tablets. You can even use apps to bypass the phone network to make voice and video calls: Skype is available for almost every platform, while Apple users can FaceTime one another for voice or video.
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To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Your Advert Here
The Gloucester Biltong Company
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Producing the finest quality Traditional & Naga Biltong.
From only ÂŁ35 + VAT per month (T's & C's apply) Call 01594 806 555 or 07740 784 444 for more information.
Mail order on Tel: 01452 346496 or email info@gloucesterbiltong.co.uk or simply visit us at Unit 28 Kestrel Court, Waterwells Drive, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AT.
OPENING TIMES
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White Knight Group is an independent intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Couduct Authority who also trade under the names of: Dean Magna Insurance & Financial Consultants, Farmer & Clark Insurance & Financial Consultants and Swambo Woollett Insurance & Financial Consultants & Newent Insurance Services.
Britannia House, High Street, Bream, Lydney, Glos, GL156JS Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
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All styles of curtains, blinds, pelmets etc. with a wide range of fabric, poles and accessories to choose from.
Or visit our shop & showroom in Chapel Hay Lane, Prospect House, Church Road, Churchdown, GL3 2ES
www.chosencurtains.co.uk sales@chosencurtains.co.uk
Mini Cryptic Crossword
Across 1. Bear mascot, wrong height (7) 7. Singular twit turned distant (5) 8. City somehow reddens (7) 9. Artful snare comes closer! (5) 11. Small seabird back on a ship (5) 12. Canoe going back and forth (5) 14. Sandwich bar totally empty (5) 16. Country song gripping people (7) 18. Meal egghead inside doesn’t eat (5) 19. See newt turn to sugar (7) Down 1. Chair Danes moved around (5) 2. Poem in Arapaho delights! (3) 3. Mountains with less inside (5) 4. Cheers, sans its lead actor (5) 5. Change given finally in secret (7) 6. Key letter put in an odd font a lot (5) 10. Appalling sort of balm, say (7) 12. Blade a snitch sent back east (5) Page 36
S
13. Limerick’s ending bothers poet (5) 14. Dessert was a failure when cut (5)
15. Long time before the first of November (5) 17. A fanatic unrolled them first (3)
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Word Ladder
Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.
H p (o
F I R E
F
hi
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H ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk
H E A T
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Page 37
Home & Interiors Refresh Your Home For Spring shelves and light fittings, shampooed rugs, washed loose covers and curtains and taken duvets to the launderette? To say nothing of cleaning mirrors and windows – and scrunched-up newspaper and white vinegar will give them a wonderful sparkle.
As our gardens start to grow and blossom fills the trees, it’s time to think about refreshing and re-energising our homes ready for a stylish spring. Clear the clutter There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned tidy up! Heavy winter duvets, furry throws and cable-knit hot water bottles can all be stored out of the way, while at the same time this is a good opportunity to go through shelves and cupboards and get rid of anything you no longer need. If it’s broken, mend it or throw it away; don’t let worn out, unusable and unnecessary items take up space. Clean house After clearing space, you will probably notice that some of your house could do with a deep clean. How good will you feel when you have washed down the front door, wiped Page 38
Have a brush with paint Has your paintwork seen better days? Perhaps windows need sanding and repainting, or door frames need touch-ups where they’ve had knocks and bashes? Or maybe a whole room could do with a makeover? Painting is a relatively quick and inexpensive DIY job that creates an overall impression going above and beyond the effort involved. Introduce colour Now’s the time to ditch dark winter shades and get fresh with spring-like colour. Yellow, blue and green are all associated with spring – and Pantone’s colour of the year is gorgeous ‘Greenery’, described as ‘a fresh and zesty yellowgreen shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew’. Use with plenty of bright white for a really clean, fresh look. Include a dash of pattern Your backdrop of pale spring colours is perfect for adding pops of pattern to make an impact. Chevrons, triangles and geometrics in general (especially if they have a tribal feel) are still current, as well as tropicals, textures (think chunky knits or grassy weaves), graphic
By Katherine Sorrell botanicals such as ferns and leaves and the natural patterns of marble and stone. Up your game with accessories Replace old accessories with on-trend items such as cushions and throws, duvet covers, vases, prints, small storage containers, mirrors, clocks, table lamps and plants. You don’t have to spend a fortune to overhaul your look dramatically. Add some scent Instead of artificial air fresheners, use natural wax scented candles. Alternatively, try reed diffusers with essential oils, or simply arrange locally sourced, scented flowers (those from abroad don’t tend to smell so good). And, try to dry laundry in the sunshine outdoors – you can’t beat that beautiful fresh smell. Bring the outdoors in Now the warmer weather is here, open the windows and get some air circulating around your home. It might even be warm enough to sit outside, so think about pressure washing your patio, scrubbing up your barbecue and cleaning down your outdoor furniture. After all, it’s not that long until summer… Main Image: Artificial bulb jar £5; faceted vase (set of three) £12; short botanic herb jug £12 (small) and £25 (large); green glass tea light holder £5 (large) and £4 (small); fern glass tea light holder £10.50: all from The Contemporary Home, 02392 469400; tch.net.
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interior needs
Tel: 01452 522 422 enquiries@interiorneeds.co.uk
Luxurious curtains and stylish blinds...
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Frrsoeneal
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Interior Shutters are becoming more and more popular, timeless elegance. Good advice is essential – we can guide you through our many different options, finding the shutter to suit your practical needs and style.
• Curtains & fabrics • Tracks & poles • Interior shutters • Awnings • Wallpaper
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Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm Open Mondays by appointment only Eastern Avenue, Gloucester GL4 3BU (Next to The Weavers Shop, opposite SMYTHS)
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Page 39
Blueboy Carpets Ltd
No.1 for Quality & Price 01594 836926
Large selection of
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Established over 25 years
atblueboycarpets@aol.com
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11 Pyart Court, Coleford, Glos, GL16 8RG
DK Furnishing
01594 843261
OPEN 9.00am - 4.30pm Tuesday - Friday, 9.00am - 4.00pm Saturday
• BEDROOM,
LIVING ROOM & OCCASIONAL FURNITURE in pine, oak and sheesham
• BEDS including wood, metal, leather and divans • MATTRESSES including orthopaedic, pocket sprung and memory foam in a range of sizes from 2’6” to 6’. Odd sizes can also be made.
• We also stock a variety of GIFT ITEMS
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Come and see our fantastic new range of Wicker furniture
26 Newerne Street, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 5RF Page 40
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Craig's Comment Last month, Philip Hammond, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced during the budget that the government plans to provide more support for the country’s pub industry. This will come in the form of a discount on business rates for all pubs with a rateable value of less than £100,000 and will catch many, if not all, small- and medium-sized pubs throughout the Forest of Dean. While this support, along with the extra £300 million of business rate help that has been made available for councils to help struggling businesses, is welcome, there is also a lot that all of us can do to help our local pubs. One option is, of course, to pop into your local for a pint, however, there is even more that we can do to help the whole community. A few years ago, CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, was successful at getting the government to introduce Assets of Community
Value in England. This allows local resident groups or town councils to register their local pub with their local council – in this case the Forest of Dean District Council – as an asset that they feel adds value to the community.
local residents love your local pub and it is an important part of your community's social and economic life, it could be worth getting in touch with the District Council and registering it, or any other assets, as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
It does not just have to be a pub that you register. Any asset that you think adds to the value of the community can be registered. This can include local parks and other open spaces, post offices and buildings.
21 pubs close in Britain every week and while some may well be closing due to a drop in patron numbers, others lead to local towns and villages losing much more than just their local pub.
The advantage this gives the community is that if your local asset, e.g. a pub, goes up for sale then the local community will have up to six months to put together a bid to purchase the asset.
You can find out more about the work that CAMRA does and the support they can provide at www.camra.org.uk.
This change in the law has allowed groups to protect their local pub, and other important community assets, from being purchased by developers and either demolished all together or, in some instances, converted into flats or convenience stores. At the moment there is nothing to stop a company purchasing a pub and converting it into a shop. No change of use application is needed. Therefore, if you and other
You can also get in touch with the Forest of Dean District Council’s Planning Department on 01594 810000 or visit their website at www.fdean.gov.uk. Craig is the District Councillor for Oxenhall and Newent North East. If Craig is your councillor you can contact him on craig.lawton@fdean. gov.uk. To find out who your District Councillor is you can contact Forest of Dean District Council on 01594 810000.
Your Advert Here From only £58 + VAT per month (T's & C's apply) Call 01594 806 555 or 07740 784 444 for more information.
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Page 41
Don’t Just Leave Your Care To The Kids by Kate McLelland A debate about how we will fund social care - now and in the future - is currently raging, with politicians blaming each other for the looming crisis. These days the media is full of stories about vulnerable older people let down by fifteenminute home care visits. Added to this, the Guardian recently reported that the country has lost almost 1,500 residential care homes in the past six years. All this may leave you wondering what quality of care we can expect in the coming years. If you have children, it may be tempting to ignore the negative headlines, in the hope that your offspring will look after you when the time comes. But given the way lifestyles are changing and new working patterns are emerging, this could be a risky strategy: you would be wise to put an alternative plan in place. Blame the economy Nowadays, economic pressures are forcing families to live further apart. Research carried out by the WRVS found that a reduction in job security, coupled with changes in the labour market, has driven many families to live elsewhere. 82 per cent of adults who moved Page 42
away from their parents did so for work reasons, with the result that 10 per cent of older people now live more than an hour’s drive away from their nearest child. We’re all living longer Thanks to improvements in health care, older people are now living longer. Parents are also waiting longer before having their first child – statistics gathered last year showed that first-time mums in their thirties and forties now outnumber those giving birth at age 20 and under. With the state pension age due to rise again from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, our working lives are getting longer, too. It’s likely that you will start to need care just as your children are working through their final years before retirement. Even after retirement it’s entirely possible that – exhausted by years of work and parental responsibility – your children may be reluctant to swap full-time work for the job of full-time carer. Thinking ahead If you are intending to downsize, then consider moving to a property that can be modified as your needs change, with a toilet - and
ideally a shower room - on the ground floor, and a reception room that can be adapted into a bedroom if you become unable to climb the stairs. If the property is close to shops and good transport links, so much the better. As you grow older, you should continue to discuss your situation with your children. It may be that you all agree to move into a property with a ‘granny flat’, or compromise by moving separately to an area where there is a good residential care home nearby, so you can still maintain close contact with your loved ones if your health deteriorates. Finally, keep an eye on options for funding your long-term care. There are some excellent sources of advice available, including the Money Advice Service (www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk). None of us can predict what will happen in the future. In the best-case scenario you could remain fit and healthy throughout your old age, but if that isn’t the case, considering your options now may make life a little easier for yourself, and your family, as you grow older.
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CODEWORD
2
Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.
10
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V I S I Tly
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Page 44
CONSER VATORIES ● SU N L OU N GES ● W INDO W S ● DO O RS FASCIToAadvertise & GU Tcall T ER IN G GL S Swww.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk CENTRE 01594 806●555 orAvisit
What‘s On in April Dean Heritage Centre Open every day, 10.00am 5.00pm, Last entry: 4.00pm Camp Mill, Soudley, GL14 2UB
With five galleries spanning over 10,000 years of history, plus outdoor attractions, trails and a woodland playground, the Dean Heritage Centre is so much more than just a museum. Non gift-aid prices: Adults: £7.20, Conc: £6.30, Children (3-16): £5.40, Family (2 plus 2): £23, Family (2 plus 3): £28. For more information call 01594 822170 or visit www.deanheritagecentre.com. Perrygrove Railway Open every weekend all year round, and daily during local school holidays Perrygrove Railway & Treetop Adventure, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB Adults: £7.00; Seniors: £6.60; Children (3 and over): £5.65; Family (2 adults & 2 children): £24.50. For more information call 01594 834991 or visit: www.perrygrove.co.uk. Severn Bore Saturday 1st April and Wednesday 26th - Sunday 30th April, Minsterworth, Various times
Come and see one of Britain's truly spectacular natural
phenomena. Please use one of the car parks (do not park along Church Lane). No fixed car parking charge, a voluntary contribution is requested. For more information and the timetable visit: www.severn-bore.co.uk. Daffodil Weekend & Spring Fayre Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd April, 12.00 noon - 5.00pm, Dymock Parish Hall, GL18 2AG Trading tables in the hall each day, £5 per table (please call 01531 890453 or email jenniferthick@aol.com to book). Jewellery, second-hand books, cards, etc. for sale. Light refreshments available including the always popular cream scones. Guided walk (approximately one hour) to see the wild daffodils available on each day. Walks start at 2.30pm from the Wintour’s Green outside St. Mary’s Church. Proceeds go to the Dymock Parish Hall funds. Twilight Enduro Saturday 1st April, Racing starts at 6.45pm (registration is between 5.00pm & 6.00pm), Pedalabikeaway Cycle Centre, Coleford, GL16 7EH A fun endurance race consisting of 3 stages, leading through Forest of Dean trails. The 1st stage takes place in daylight, the 2nd in twilight and the 3rd in the dark. Hungrytown at the Forest Folk Club Sunday 2nd April, Doors open at 7.30pm, Royal Oak, Whitecroft, Lydney, GL15 4PG This popular duo from the US make a welcome return to the club. After more than a decade of world-wide touring and three album releases, Hungrytown have earned a reputation for the quality and authenticity of their song writing. Tickets £6.00 on the door.
Newent & District Camera Club Meeting Tuesdays, meet at 7.30pm for 7.45pm start (meeting ends at 10.00pm), Newent Library (parking behind) Workshops, talks and competitions. 4th April: Annual colour & monochrome print & DPI competitions; judge: Ralph Snook ARPS EFIAP DPAGB. 25th April: Annual dinner and presentation of trophies including the "Members' Award", venue TBC. New members always welcome, fee of £2 per evening (visit 3 times before joining). For further information on the Club please visit www. newentdcc.com or email tonycook01@gmail.com. Craft Workshops at Labels Shopping Labels Outlet Shopping, just off junction 4 of the M50 near Ross-on-Wye Thursday 6th April: Fabric Easter Wreaths with Emma of Ruby Florence Designs. £15 to include all materials. For more information and the latest news and updates on the workshops please visit www. labelsshopping.co.uk/events. You can book your place by phoning 01989 769000 or emailing welcome@labelsshopping.co.uk. Oxenhall Daffodil Festival Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th April, St Anne’s Church and Village Hall, Oxenhall, GL18 1RH Free coffee and biscuits in the church between 10.30am and 12.00pm on both days. Home produce, plant sale, white elephant stalls and a tombola in the village hall until 5.00pm. Homemade refreshments, Ploughman’s lunches and pasties will be available in the village hall between 12.00pm and 4.30pm. There will be Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
events cont'd...
...events cont'd guided walks at 2.00pm and 2.30pm on both days. Plenty of free parking available. For further information visit www. stanneschurch.oxenhall.org.uk or call 07974 074723. The Royal Forest of Dean Herbert Howells Society Events Saturday 8th April, 11.00am: Bursary Auditions at St Briavels Parish Church. Saturday 29th April, 7.00pm: Bursary Concert with Compere Steve Knibbs at St Briavels Parish Church. Forest of Dean Band Contest Saturday 8th April, 2.00pm (finale at 6.15pm), Forest Oak Arena, Purlieu View, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 4LN Performances from bands from across the UK, including special guests the British and European Champions The Cory Band. Tickets: £8.00, unreserved seating. Under 15s/over 65s: £6.00. For further information, please contact Sharon Thomas on sharon.les.thomas16@gmail.com. NSPCC Open Day Sunday 9th April, 10.00am - 5.00pm, Lydney Park Gardens, GL15 6BT Stroll through the woodland garden, explore the Roman ruins and visit the museums, including the New Zealand Museum. Look forward to flowering cherries, magnolias, scented spring flowering shrubs and drifts of spring bulbs which will provide a stunning entrance and delve deeper into the grounds to find the 8-acre woodland garden full of colourful flowers. Adults £5.00, children 50p. Creative Canopy - A Showcase and Share Day of Arts Sunday 9th April, 12.00 noon 6.00pm, West Dean Parish Centre Creative Canopy is providing a day of singing, painting, theatre, Page 46
crafts, printmaking, dancing, textiles, circus and music of all kinds - a delectable selection of things to see and do. All they ask is that in return for refreshments and entertainment you tell them what you think and what you would like to see in the future. This event is supported by the Arts Council England. Easter Coffee Afternoon Thursday 13th April, 1.30pm - 3.00pm, Coleford Drop In, The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH Easter Draw: Money raised will go towards the Committee Funds. For further information, please call 01594834436. West Gloucestershire Art Society EASTER ART EXHIBITION Friday 14th April, 12.00pm 5.00pm, Saturday 15th April, 12.00pm - 5.00pm, Sunday 16th April, 12.00pm - 4.00pm, Monday 17th April – Festival of Transport, 11.00am - 5.00pm, Studio Cinema Coleford
Free entry. Vote for your favourite artwork for a chance to win free cinema tickets; voting slips available in the cinema. For more information or to join us, please visit www.wgas.org.uk. Antique and Vintage Fair Sunday 16th April, 10.00am - 5.00pm, Taurus Crafts, Lydney, GL15 6BU Pick up a bargain while browsing the stalls and antiques, vintage memorabilia and collectables. Look forward to activities for children, live music, crafts and great food and drink. Free entry and parking. Vale Country Fair & Point to Point Horse Races Sunday 16th April (Easter Sunday), Gates open at 10.30am, Andoversford,
Nr Cheltenham, GL54 4LQ Join us for a great family day out on Easter Sunday. There will be plenty of variety and things to see and do. Bring your dog and enter the fun family dog show or sign your terrier up for the terrier racing. Look at the poultry and watch the falconry display given by Jemima Parry-Jones, the owner and director of the International Birds of Prey Centre in Newent. There will be stalls and stands and you can bring your own picnic or buy food and drink there. There will be seven Point to Point Horse Races starting at 2.00pm. Adult tickets cost £10, children go free and there will be free parking available. For more information, please visit www.valecountryfair.info. Coleford Festival of Transport Easter Monday 17th April The Coleford Festival of Transport takes place on Easter Monday every year. The town centre is closed so that all vehicle types and periods can be displayed side by side. Classes of vehicles include Vintage Cars, Classic Cars, Custom and Street rods, Military, Commerical and Motorcycles. Over 500 vehicles will be on display. The event is free and there will be plenty to see and do with entertainment throughout the day, rides for children, an art exhibition, a craft show and a model railway exhibition. The Relay Ramble Saturday 22nd April, 10.00am, The Speech House Hotel, Coleford, GL16 7EL Relay Ramble is a 5k or 10k walk around the beautiful Forest of Dean. Starting at the Speech House field, walks will be guided by a leader and there will be marshals along the way and directional arrows to keep you on track. There will also be an egg hunt for children, an Easter bonnet contest and music
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and refreshments. For more information, please contact Julie Drew on 07869 118016 or email Julie.drew@fodrelay.co.uk. £7.00 for adults and £3.00 for children. Forest Activities Festival Sunday 23 April, 10.00am 5.00pm, The Speech House Hotel grounds
Whether you’re hoping to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle or simply looking to take up a new hobby, there will be everything from mountain biking, rugby and archery to Segway taster sessions along with bush craft, cookery, photography and golf on offer from a whole host of local businesses. What’s more, local musicians will perform live throughout the day, while gastronomes can pick at a selection of food and drink from the region’s best exhibitors. Furry friends are also welcome, with dogs on a leash allowed in the festival grounds, as well as the chance to enter into the popular fun dog show. Wild Boar Festival Sunday 30th April, Hillside Brewery, Longhope Family fun and activities, a banquet and much more expect you at the Wild Boar Festival hosted by Hillside Brewery, Battlesports and Harts Barn Cookery School. The festival is a celebration of the Forest of Dean’s wild boar population and wild garlic. There will be plenty to do throughout the day including foraging demonstrations followed by talks and cooking. There will be battle sports activities, a wild boar treasure hunt, storytelling, face painting, cooking demonstrations,
food and drink talks, a wild boar hog roast and a variety of stalls, plus a fully stocked bar. The free day activities run from 12 noon – 5.00pm and the evening banquet runs from 7.00pm – 11.00pm at a cost of £35.00 per person. For more information and to book your banquet please call 01452 830222. Talk on Brexit Friday 28th April, evening, Oxenhall Parish Hall Our local MEP, Julie Girling, will be talk about and answer questions on the current state of BREXIT and its implications. More details nearer the time.
REGULAR EVENTS Charity Quiz Night Last Friday of every month, Doors open at 7.00pm, Sixteen Community Café, 16 Bank Street, Coleford, GL16 8BA 7.15pm: Talk from charity; 7.30pm: A mouth watering meal; 8.00pm: Quiz; 8.30pm: Raffle; 8.45pm: Vote of thanks. Tickets: £7.50 includes a meal. For more information visit: www.jamiefundraiser.co.uk or contact Jamie on info@ jamiefundraiser.co.uk or 07586530907. Coffee & Chat Every Monday, 11.00am - 12.30pm, Lydney Community Centre, Naas Lane, Lydney, GL15 5AT For more information call 01594 845704. Community Get-together Every Tuesday, 3.00pm 5.00pm, Sixteen Community Café, 16 Bank Street, Coleford, GL16 8BA We’ll be sharing food, fun and friendliness. Please join us for a hot meal and good company. If you need help getting there, we might be able to assist – call Kate at FVAF on 01594 822073 or email bestbutties@FVAF.org.uk.
Forest of Dean Drop-In Coffee & Chat Every Wednesday, 10am - 12 Noon, Forest of Dean Drop In, The Main Place, Coleford, GL16 8HR Everyone welcome. For more information call 01594 834436. Run by the Independence Trust. Knit and Natter sessions Every Thursday, 7.00pm 9.00pm, Mad Dog Designs at Taurus Crafts, Lydney It doesn’t have to be knitting it can be any craft that can be transported easily! Why not come along and share your ideas! For more information email enquire@tauruscrafts.co.uk. Severn Sun Tai Chi and Yoga Yoga: Wednesdays, 7.00pm - 8.30pm Tai Chi: Thursdays, 7.00pm - 9.00pm, Blakeney Youth Centre
Friendly classes, all abilities. Telephone Natalie on 01594 510666 for more information or to join.
LOCAL MARKETS Coleford Country Market Every Fri from 9.30am 12 Noon, beside the Clock Tower in Coleford; Every Sat from 10am - 12 Noon, in Mushet Walk, near the Co-op. We sell home-baked cakes and pastries, home-produced preserves and honey, handmade crafts, home grown seasonal fruit, as well as vegetables and plants. St Briavels Farmers Market First Saturday of every month, 9.30am - 1.00pm, The Pavilion, St. Briavels Produce, patisserie, fish, pies and more.
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Page 47
Finance Ways To Reduce ‘Hidden’ Spending So You Can Save Money Or Pay Off Debt By Ann Haldon wastage as consumers are encouraged to buy more than they need – a particular danger if you also shop when you’re hungry. Cars An essential part of everyday life for most people, running a car is expensive and constitutes a significant chunk of the annual budget. So although you may already be resigned to spending a small fortune on your car, have you looked closely at all the costs?
There are the obvious ways to save money, such as using comparison websites or cancelling an unused gym membership, but what about the ‘hidden’ money pits that drain your cash in a less evident way? Three areas immediately spring to mind – food, cars and technology – all essential parts of life but ones that can seriously deplete your financial reserves. So what can you do to stem the flow of cash, start to pay off your debts, or save towards something special such as retirement or a family holiday? Food shopping According to Love Food Hate Waste, £13 billion of edible food was wasted by households across the UK in 2015, equating to 7.3 million tonnes.¹ One of the issues is that people don’t plan their food shopping, and overestimate how much their household needs. Although it’s a very convenient way to shop, supermarkets encourage overspending with so-called ‘deals’ and careful placement of goods around the store. This can result in food Page 48
insurance premiums The ever-increasing cost of insurance is a particular bugbear for motorists. On top of the annual increase in premiums, Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) has also risen from 5% to 6%, making insuring your car even more expensive. Although there’s nothing you can do about IPT, if you plan in advance and can afford to pay in one lump sum rather than by monthly direct debit, you’ll save money in the long-run. It’s also worthwhile looking at the level of cover your current policy provides, and whether it’s still appropriate. Fuel Fuel is usually the largest cost for motorists, and one of the best ways to save is to alter your driving habits. Avoiding harsh acceleration and braking, and reducing your speed on the motorway, if only by a few miles per hour, will help you save. You can check the price
of local petrol online using PetrolPrices.com, and plan ahead so you’re not forced into buying expensive fuel at motorway service stations en route. Making sure your tyres are at the correct pressure, and reducing unnecessary weight in the car, will also help. servicing and MoT Package deals on servicing are available on new and used cars, and although it may seem a large outlay at first, they can offer long-term savings. As far as MOTs are concerned, you can save the cost of a re-test just by carrying out a few simple checks before taking the car in, such as tyre tread depth and light bulbs. phones and TeChnology Most people don’t question the fact that they have a landline, but do you really need one? If you naturally reach for your mobile to make a call and could manage without a home phone, you’ll make a significant saving on line rental and call costs. If you prefer to keep the landline, maybe you could save on the cost of your mobile phone. With so many competitive pay-as-you-go deals around, it’s worthwhile checking them against your contract. Also, don’t forget about recycling any old phones to raise extra cash. ¹https://www. lovefoodhatewaste.com/article/ unite-food-waste-fight http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/bills/article-1591904/50ways-save-money.html
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EMERGENCY NUMBERS Ambulance (Emergency Only) Fire (Emergency Only) Gas Emergency Police (Emergency Only) Police (non-emergency) NHS Direct CHURCHES
999 999 0800 111 999 999 101 111
Aylbuton Methodist Church Bailey Lane End Methodist Chapel Bream Methodist Church Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cinderford Baptist Church Cinderford Methodist Church Clements End Methodist Church Coalway Methodist Church Coleford Baptist Church Drbrook Methodist Church Forest Church Forest Gate Church The Forest of Dean Community Church Lydney Methodist Church Mayhill Methodist Church Mount of Olives Elim Pentecostal Church Pillowell Methodist Chapel Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church St. Ethelbert's Littledean St. James Church (Bream) St. John's Cinderford Stroat Church St. Stephens Church Cinderford Woolaston Methodist Church DOCTORS
Blakeney Surgery Brunston Practice Coleford Health Centre Dockham Road Surgery Drs Andrew, Edwards, Hayes & Cleary Drybrook Surgery Forest Health Care Lydney Practice Mitcheldean Surgery Newnham Surgery Severnbank Surgery Wye Valley Practice, St. Briavels HOSPITALS
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Lydney & District Hospital Ross on Wye Community Hospital The Dilke Memorial Hospital LIBRARIES
Bream Community Library
01594 833247 01594 825662 01594 825662 01594 832904 01594 822618 01594 824656 01594 833247 01594 833247 01594 839377 01594 825662 01594 542232 01594 544844 01594 824076 01594 833247 01452 830329 01594 837047 01594 825662 01531 821647 01594 833173 01594 822286 01594 562985 01594 822286 01594 529209 01594 822286 01594 833247
01594 510225 01594 833255 01594 838108 0844 815 1058 01594 562437 01594 542239 01594 820820 01594 842167 01594 542270 01594 516241 01594 845715 01594 530334 0300 422 2222 03004 218722 01989 562100 03004 218640 01594 563073
Forest of Dean useful numbers
Cinderford Library Coleford Library Lydney Library Mitcheldean Community Library Newent Library Newnham Community Library POST OFFICES
Blakeney Post Office Bream Post Office Gorsley Post Office Hartpury Post Office Higham Post Office Netherend Post Office Newent Post Office Parkend Post Office and Stores Yorkley Post Office and Stores TRAVEL
Bus Information Train Information COUNCIL
Forest of Dean Council UTILITIES
Electricty -ÂPower Loss Gas Emergency Water Leaks Water Severn Trent
0845 230 5420 0845 230 5420 0845 230 5420 01594 544164 0845 2305420 01594 516296 01594 510310 01594 564 333 01989 720 258 01452 700 416 01452 522 912 01594 528361 01531 820326 01594 563565 01594 562331 0871 200 2233 08457 484950 01594 810000 0800 365 900 0800 111 999 0800 1691144 0800 783 4444
HELPLINES Alcoholics Anonymous Glos 01452 418515 (24hrs) Alcoholics Anonymous National 0800 9177650 Childline 0800 1111 Citizens Advice Bureau 03444 111 444 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Directory Enquiries 118 500 Drugs Helpline 0800 776 600 Floodline 0845 988 1188 Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222 RSPCA 0300 123 4999 Samaritans 01452 306333 National Missing Persons 0500 700 700 NHS Direct 08 45 46 47
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LOCAL CLUBS & SOCIETIES Forest of Dean Walking for Health We offer 16 free, regular walks throughout the Forest of Dean. No need to book. They are suitable for all abilities and can range from just 10 minutes to up to an hour. All end at a café or similar so there’s a chance for refreshments and a chat. Full details on our website at www. walkingforhealth.org.uk/forestdean-walking-for-health or phone Kim Spencer on 01594 562240. BREAM Bream Friendship Circle Every Monday, 2.00pm - 4.00pm Bream Community Centre If you are lonely and in need of friendship, then come along and meet like-minded people. Tea & Biscuits, Bingo, Table Top Sales, Mature Isometrics and monthly trips out. For more information call Mrs Selway on 01594 564443. Bream Gardening Society Meets monthly, indoor meetings are held second Tuesday of the month at West Dean Centre in Bream, 7.30 pm. Summer garden trips are organized to different gardens and places of interest during the summer. For additional information contact Secretary, Jennifer Lang, at 01594 719314. Bream Silver Band and Training Band Rehearsals Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7.30pm - 9.30pm, at the Bandroom, Sun Tump, Bream. New members welcome. Contact our Secretary on 01594 564382, for Training Band call 01594 860181. www.breamband.com Bream Rugby Social Club High St, Bream, Lydney Tel: 01594 562320 Bream Sports Club High St, Bream, Lydney Tel: 01594 563094 Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir The choir practices every Monday and Friday evening at the West Dean Community Centre, Bream. New members always welcome. We offer enjoyable taster sessions free of charge. No auditions - just a friendly bunch of guys so join and enjoy their company and camaraderie. The choir sings at concerts to raise money for
various charitable causes as well as at private functions. For more information call Eric Woods on 01594 836050. Forest of Dean Parkinson’s Group Meets at the first Wednesday of the month, 2pm - 3.30pm, West Dean Centre, High Street, Bream, Lydney, GL15 6JW We offer information, friendship and support to local people with Parkinson's, their families and carers. We also organise regular events and social activities, all are welcome to join us. Contact Jane Henderson, Volunteer Co-ordinator on 0344 225 3694 jhenderson@parkinsons.org.uk if you are interested in coming along, See more at: www.parkinsons.org. uk/local-support-groups/regions/ south-west-england/south-forestparkinsons-group CINDERFORD Causeway Club Edge Hills Rd, Cinderford Tel: 01594 822039 Cinderford Band Contact: Ian Tomlins - Press Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Webmaster for the Cinderford Band. Tel: 01452 723518 Cinderfordband03@aol.com www.cinderfordbrassband.co.uk Cinderford Bowling Club Steam Mills Recreation Ground, Cinderford, Gl14 3JD Tel.: 01594 542004 Cinderford Hanover Court Activities Cinderford Hanover Court, Extra Care Flats, GL142 LQ We offer the following group activities: Every Tuesday: Songs of Praise, 3-4pm with a cup of tea; Wednesday,10.30-11.30am: Trevor Reynaert Tai Chi - £3; Wednesday, 3-4pm: Quiet Corner Book Reading with Mary including the partially sighted - £3; Thursday, 11-12am: Extend Exercises with Sue; Last Friday of each month, 3-5pm: A social Musical Afternoon with singing, dancing, friendship, tea and raffle £4, monies for a defribulator. Come and bring your friends. For more information contact Celia Large on 01594 824276. Found in the Forest Youth Theatre Sundays, 12.00 - 1.30pm (Ages 7-10), 2.00pm - 3.30pm (ages 11-16) Artspace, Cinderford A fun, practical drama group for anyone aged 7-16. Get involved with acting, drama and performance, have fun and meet some new friends along the way. Each term ends with a performance for friends and family. Contact Jamie@actorworkshop.co.uk or call 07712481991.
Miners Welfare Hall Wesley Rd, Cinderford Tel: 07551 032480 Soldiers & Sailors Club 1 Commercial St, Cinderford Tel: 01594 822142 YMCA High St, Cinderford Tel: 01594 823388 COALWAY Coalway Singers Practice every Monday, 7.15pm 9pm Pisgah Chapel in Coalway We welcome all ladies or girls aged 16 or over with an interest in music and singing. We are in the process of learning a new repertoire under the direction of our new musical director Sam Davis and pianist Joe Smith. Valerie Harris: 01594 832465 Eileen Avery: 01594 835977 Coalway Ladies Group Meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm, Pisgah Hall, Old Road, Coalway, GL16 7JT We have a varied programme of interesting speakers throughout the year. Ladies of 16years onward and visitors are always very welcome. For more information call Anne on 01594 834402. COLEFORD Coleford Bowls Club The Bells Hotel & the Forest of Dean Golf & Bowls Club, Lord's Hill, Coleford, GL16 8BE Tel.: 01594 839417 Coleford Chess Club Every Tuesday, 5.00pm - 7.00pm Main Place, Coleford Library Our free 'just for fun' chess club ranges from young novices to experienced league players; so please come along to learn, or brush up on your chess skills in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere. Coleford Hard Of Hearing Club Meets every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month between 10.00am and 12 noon at St. Margaret Mary Church Hall, High Nash, Coleford, where there is ample parking. Our aim is to spread useful information, help those with hearing impairment feel less isolated and have fun. We welcome new members and volunteers, and try to have four special events e.g. Christmas lunch or summer trips each year. For more information please contact Elaine on 07971 303958. Coleford Photographic Club 17 Cinder Hill, Coleford, GL16 8HJ New Members Welcomed. All ages, abilities and photographic interests. Tel: 01594 839118.
Page 50 Get in touch with the ForestTo ofadvertise Dean Magazine have local club or society listed for FREE! call 01594to806 555your or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
DRYBROOK The A. W. Parker (Drybrook) Band Tel: 01594 543707 www.drybrookband.co.uk Drybrook & District Ladies Choir Practice every Wednesday in Drybrook Bandroom (7pm - 9pm). All ladies, or girls aged 16 or over, with an interest in music and the ability to sing in tune welcome! Tel: 01594 542414 www.ddlc.org.uk Drybrook & District Male Voice Choir Tel: 01452 830492 Drybrook Memorial Hall & Social Club Drybrook Road, Drybrook Tel: 01594 543794 Forest of Dean Model Railway Club Meets in the Parish Room at the United Reformed Church, Drybrook, GL17 9JE, every Monday and Friday evening from 7pm until about 10pm (except Christmas and Easter). Facilities include test tracks in N, OO and O gauges, areas for browsing the library collection or constructing models and kits. We have N and OO Rolling Roads and Wheel Cleaning facilities and a kitchen for teas and coffees (free). Membership consists of an annual fee, and a weekly sum payable on attendance. We have a wide range of skills, and are always ready to provide help and advice to anyone who asks. We will discuss any aspect of railway modelling with anyone who wants to chat, and there is always a warm welcome awaiting visitors and prospective members alike. For more information visit: www.fodmrc.co.uk. LYDNEY Forest of Dean Camera Club Meets each Monday evening at 7.30pm (doors open at 7.00pm). Meetings are held at the Viney St. Swithin Sports and Social Club, Viney Hill, near Lydney. The programme includes talks with advice on various aspects of photography, question and answer sessions and competitions. Progarmme details and information can be obtained on the club website: www.forestofdeancameraclub.co.uk Forest of Dean Sea Cadets Parade Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 7.00pm - 9.15pm Open to young people aged 10-18. Rowing, kayaking, canoeing, D of E, as well we many life skills, i.e. First Aid and leadership. See our website for more details of the varied programme available to all: www.sea-cadets.org/forestofdean. Contact by email forestofdeanscc@ btinternet.com.
Forest of Dean U3A Every 3rd Thurs of the month, 1.40pm, Lydney Town Hall Painting, skittles, whist, photography, three walking groups, bridge, cribbage, French, art and crafts, trips, singing and luncheon club are just some of the voluntary activities offered during each month for the over 50s. Why not come and join our lively, friendly groups? Come along, listen to our guest speakers, and meet the people who run the groups. Annual membership is only £15. For more details visit: www.u3asites.org.uk/forest-of-dean Lydney Community Centre Naas Lane, Lydney, Glos, GL15 5AT Accessible and dementia-friendly building with three rooms and hall to hire for meetings, birthday parties and concerts; Wi-Fi available. White Lotus Classes, Tai Chi & Fitness, Tai Chi Sword, Zumba, Kickboxing, Pilates, Lindy Hop Dance, Painting, Chat and Craft, Women’s Institute, Riverside Church, CAP Unemployment & Debt Counselling, Beast Keep Fit, Jeans Keep Fit, Welcome Trust Tea & Toast, Golden Triangle Club, Jazz 4 U Club, Film Club, Jazz Concerts, Monday Drop in Coffee & Chat, Kids Arts & Craft, Over 60`s Club, Drama Society & Scenesetters. All details of days and times including social events can be found on www.lydneycommunitycentre. co.uk and facebook, or email lydneycommunitycentre@outlook.com. Tel. 01594845704 / 07504565153. Lydney & Severnside Flower Club Meet on the second Monday of the month, 7.15pm at Lydney Town Hall Floral demonstrations at most meetings. Refreshments and raffle. Give yourself a treat! Visitors always welcome. Contact: 01594 860 578 Lydney Tennis Club Hams Road, Lydney Tel: 01594 842159 Lydney Training Band We rehearse every Monday evening from 6.30 til 7.30pm at the Bandroom, Swan Road, Lydney GL15 5RU. Training is given by experienced and qualified teachers (DBS checked). All ages welcome including adults. £1 a week covers tuition and instrument. Come along and have a chat or ring Kerry Ford BMus on 01594 530886. The Senior Band rehearses on Fridays from 7.30 til 9.30pm. The Royal British Legion Clubs 3 Hill Street, Lydney Tel: 01594 842444 Parkend Working Men’s Club Lion Row, Parkend, Lydney Tel: 01594 562566
Sports Clubs in Lydney Lydney Bowling Club Bathurst Park, Lydney Tel: 01594 842962 Lydney Cricket Club The Pavilion Recreation Ground, Swan Rd, Lydney Tel: 01594 842765 Lydney Golf Club Naas Lane (access off bypass), Lydney, GL15 4ES Tel: 01594 842775 Lydney Town A.F.C Recreation Ground, Swan Rd, Lydney Tel: 01594 844523 Lydney Rugby Football Club Regents Holme, Regent St, Lydney Tel: 01594 842479 Viney St. Swithins Sports & Social Club Recreation Ground, Viney Hill, Lydney, Tel: 01594 510658 Lydney Yacht Club The Old Shipyard House, Harbour Road, Lydney, GL15 4ER Tel: 01594 842573 MITCHELDEAN Forest of Dean Chess Club Meets Monday evenings (except during Public Holidays), 7.00pm9.30pm at Mitcheldean Library. The club competes in Division Two of the North Gloucestershire Chess League and also runs its own internal tournaments. Training sessions, simultaneous displays and social matches form part of the club’s variety of chess-related activities. New members are welcome; why not come along for a taster session? For further information, contact Secretary Ray Francis (07815597714) or visit www.fodcc.org.uk Forest of Dean Motorcycle Club Meet at least once a month on a Tuesday night, 12 Vantage Point Business Village, Mitcheldean, GL17 0DD Family oriented Club. Members enjoy all aspects of Motorcycles from Vintage to Modern and from Club Rallies to the Isle of Man TT. For more information contact Mike (Spike) Hook on 07815571350 or email: spikehook@3rossroad.freeserve.co.uk Mitcheldean Folk Club Every second Thursday of the month, 8pm, The White Horse in Mitcheldean Xerox Sports & Social Club Vantage Point Business Park, Mitcheldean, GL17 0DD Xerox SSC has a well maintained clubhouse consisting of a bar, lounge, skittle alley, snooker room and an exceptionally well appointed function
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Page 51
...Local Clubs & Societies cont'd room. The club regularly hosts charity evenings & includes a thriving Country/Western club which holds events every month. There is a floodlit patio and a secure, extensive car-park reserved for members and guests. Annual membership fee £5.20. Tel: 01594 544900 NEWENT Newent Bridge Club In the Sixth Form Centre of Newent Community School We play duplicate bridge every Wednesday (18.45pm for 19.00pm start) and Friday (19.00pm for 19.15pm start). There is always a host on Fridays, so you don’t need a partner. Visitors are always welcome. Full details on our website www.bridgewebs.com/newent. Newent & District Camera Club Meets every Tuesday at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start (meetings end at 10.00pm), Newent Library New members welcome. Fee of £2. For further information please see our website www.newentdcc.com or email our Chairman on tonycook01@gmail.com. Newent Walking Group Meets twice a month on a Sunday. An informal friendly walking group. Walks may be full or half day and vary in distance between 4 and 10 miles, often with a picnic or pub break. For more information please telephone our Programme Secretary, Alison Jones, on 01531 820151. NEWNHAM Clay Hill Potters Pottery Group in Newnham-OnSevern, www.clayhillpotters.co.uk Lions Club of Severn Dean 2 Whetstones, Newnham GL14 1BL Tel: 0845 833 5836 The Friendship Club Social club for over 50s which meets fortnightly in the Armoury Hall in Newnham during the afternoon. Opportunity for members to meet their friends for a chat and a cup of tea. There is usually also some entertainment which varies from fortnight to fortnight. Tel: 01594 516545 The Newnham Art Group Newnham Art Group meets every Tuesday in the Armoury Hall between 10am and 12 Noon with the exception of short breaks at Christmas and Easter and a longer recess in the Page 52
Summer. Consisting of amateur artists who simply want to take time out on a regular basis to draw and paint and exchange tips, advice and ideas. £2 to cover room hire and refreshment costs. Tel: 01594 516450 or 01594 516007 Newnham Club Newnham Club is a social and sports club situated in a fine building in the centre of the village. In addition to the bar and a family friendly atmosphere it offers a number of activities including skittles, darts, snooker, pool, a garden with a barbecue and an area where you can watch televised sport. It also has a large function room with a bar that can cater for a wide range of events. Tel: 01594 516379
Newnham Garden Club Providing a forum for all species of gardener in Newnham and the surrounding area. The club meets on the third Monday of each month at 7.30pm at the Armoury Hall. The programme is varied and includes talks from specialists and professionals; summer trips to gardens; themed evenings and a Christmas Party. Indoor meetings include a bring and buy plant stall, a raffle, a monthly competition, refreshments and a chance to talk horticulture. Members range from beginners to professionals. Tel: 01594 516165 Newnham Players The group welcomes new members for all aspects of drama from acting and directing to make up and construction, costume skills, props, sound engineers, front of house, etc. For more details visit: www.newnhamonsevern.co.uk Newnham Youth Club For children from Year 7 and older. Meets at the Armoury Hall on Monday evenings during term time between 7pm and 8.30pm. Club is run by local volunteers and seen as a benefit for both the young people of the village and the wider community, providing a safe environment for young people to meet, socialise and engage in fun activities. New children and volunteers always welcome. Tel: 01594 516742 / 01594 516287 PILLOWELL Pillowell Singers Practice Wed evenings from 7.00pm
to 8.30pm at Pillowell Methodist Church New members welcome. Ladies with an interest in joining please ring 01594 562 485. RUSPIDGE Ruspidge Garden Club Meets at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month in Ruspidge Memorial Hall. We have a varied programme with talks from horticultural professionals and skilled amateur gardeners. At the indoor meetings there are also refreshments, a raffle, plant sales and friendly exchanges about gardening matters. In addition, we run summer trips to some exquisite local gardens. Visit www.ruspidgegardeningclub. net for more information, or call Sally Graham on 01594 822666, or e-mail Pam Sheppard at psthesquare@talktalk.net. WOOLASTON The Springfield Singers Rehearsals Tuesday evenings, 19.45pm - 21.30pm Woolaston Primary School Subscription: £15 per month. Secretary Lesley Wreford: 01594 529468 www.thespringfieldsingers.co.uk
Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) is the support agency for voluntary and community groups in the Forest of Dean. A data base of groups is kept, so if you are looking for an activity or club get in touch. We are also the local volunteer centre. Have a look at www.fvaf.org.uk email help4groups@fvaf.org.uk or phone 01594 822073. Get in touch with the Forest of Dean Magazine to have your local club or society listed here for FREE! Send and email to office@glosdirectories.co.uk
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Pictograms
AO I D R N
3 words
DOZEN
You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.
3 words
3 letters: 13 4 letters: 8 5 letters: 5 6 letters: 2
3L AD AID AIR AN DIN DO ION NO
HOGWARTS
Puzzle & Crossword Solutions 2 words
SI
SI
D
D
SI
S
ID D
WORDWHEEL
Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.
TARGET Excellent: 43 or more words Good: 36 words Fair: 30 words
Drink Up 1. Rin Tin Tin 2. Tate Britain 3. Rugby League 4. Marie Curie 5. Time Person of the Year 6. Blankety Blank 7. Eusebio 8. George Bernard Shaw (winning the Nobel Prize for Literature and an Oscar for Adapted Screenplay for Pygmalion) 9. One million pounds 10. Pigeons
Codeword 2 10
C
1
8
D S
16
D M
L A
A N E
E
14
A
N H
10
C
3 7
Z O N
16
E
21
T
26 7
19
F
4
X
A
23
21
T
12 3 3
B
O
6
I
L
D
14
A
2
6
G L
23 16
I
11
17
R
8 9
S
Z
15
Y
O
16
E
3 Letters ADO AID AIR AND DIN DON ION NOD
R
7
C
14
A
N
25
V
23 7
W
N E T
B
16
14
E
4
14
A
S
X
17
R
5
H
18
J
21
T
1
A
17 1
6
R
D
14
A
12
O
B
T
21
3
13
I
16
21
T
12 21
12
B
E
8
3
10 17
16
O M P
20
K
1
24
E
14
16
E
U
N
L
V A
F
NOR OAR RAN RID ROD 4 Letters ARID DARN IRON
N
20
K
19 6
F
L
S
14 6
A L
16
6
8
16
E S
23 7
16
E
I
N
15
Y
18 16
E
17
R
10
C
14
7
8
U
J
25
D
19
26
21 8
8
T
23
7
L
E
N
12
B
16 5
E
H
14
A
I
S
25
V
16
T
3
21
T
3
R
16
O
16
E
16
E
E
26
T
1
U
23 17
I
E
6
1
A X
D
15
L
Y
16
E
10
11
12
13
22
23
24
25
26
RAID RAIN RIND ROAD ROAN 5 Letters ADORN DRAIN NADIR
I
G
V
hire herd head HEAT
Y
9
Q
Here is one possible Here is one possible solution (others may (others exist) solution may ex
15
D
14 4
Word Ladder
here D Y
16 1
D
15
R
S W C M B
21
1
E
22
Q
O
Solution
FIRE
17 21
Mini Cryptic Crossword
Pictograms 1. Half A Dozen 2. School Of Thought 3. Vicious Circle
P
U
Sudoku
RADIO RADON 6 Letters INROAD ORDAIN
Answer: MANHANDLE Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 53
advertisers index Auctioneers & Valuers Smiths of Newent Building Supplies Hale & Co
15
Business Compton Green Business Park
11 30
Caring Services & Technology Forest Linkline 16 Carpet Cleaners Billy Russell
Carpets & Flooring Blueboy Carpets Ltd
Charities, Clubs & Groups Forest of Dean Chess Club New Start Cat Rescue Singing for the Brain Copywriting Wordy Birdy Curtains & Blinds Chosen Curtains
Electrical Services Dmc Electrical
Entertainment Sunshine Radio Triangle Radio
37 40 40 4&36 20 23 36 30 21 26
Estate Agents & Property Steve Gooch Estate Agents 11 TwoCan Estates back page Events Bald Statements - The Exhibition 10 Charity Coffee Morning 9 Coffee & Chat Drop-In 4 Communiy Get-together 30 Confidence Building Sessions 37 Dymock Music Festival 6
Events (cont'd) Easter Art Exhibition Easter Coffee Afternoon Forest of Dean Band Contest Make A Will Month Music for Muscles Vale Country Fair
33 11 14 25 27 21
Food & Drink Gloucester Biltong Wiltshire Farm Foods
35 55
Furniture DK Furnishing Gloucester Import Furniture
40 2
Garden Centres Coinros Park Garden Centre
13
Garden Machinery & Tools Dean Mowers Hale & Co
33 11
Garden Services The Garden Lady
10
Handyman Dave Dowell DMK Handyman Services Ltd Health & Beauth Designed for Beauty Forest Oasis
4 17
28&29 28&29
Heating & Plumbing Services Boilerfixers Ltd 13 Broad Oak Services 20 Interior Design Chosen Curtains DK Furnishing Gloucester Import Furniture Interior Needs
27 40 2 39
Legal & Financial Services Dobbs & Drew Property Lawyers 34 White Knight Group 35
Oil Estuary Oils
17
Painters & Decorators Broad Oak Decorating DMK Handyman Services Ltd High Hopes Partnership
14 17 30
Opportunities Forest Voluntary Action Forum 3 Voluntary Mentors Wanted 20
Photography Crystal Flame Photography Plant Hire Ermin Plant Hire Services
Property Maintenance High Hopes Partnership Removals DRL Removals
Schools Newent School
17 43
30 14 7
Shopping Farm & Country Store Labels Shopping
27 24
Vets & Pet Services Bilbo's Pet Spa Farm & Country Store Sundean Vets
9 27 31
Storage Compton Green Business Park 30
Video Production Dominic Iles
30
Weddings Crystal Flame Photography
17
Shane Howells
44
Windows, Door & Conservatories
Window Repairs & Glazing Cloudy2Clear
27
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