Forest of Dean Magazine December 16

FOREST OF DEAN

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE December 2016

www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

FREE

Recipe

December What‘s On Guide

Pepper And Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Gardening

Local News Local Businesses

by Pippa Greenwood

Home & Interiors

Martin Lewis Estuary Christmas Estuary Oils

by Katherine Sorrell

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

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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 original furniture ranges of original furniture We pride ourselves on providing quality furniture with a difference.

2000 sqranges ftquality showroom We pride ourselves onfine providing furniture with afor difference.

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We all ouronfine ranges quality at the very bestand prices Wecustomers pridesource ourselves providing furniture withtake afordifference. throughout Gloucestershire - come aour look customers - come and takefora look our We sourcethroughout all ourour fineGloucestershire rangesshowrooms at the very best prices superb today inside inside our superb showrooms today customers throughout Gloucestershire - come and take a look inside our superb showrooms in Cheltenham or Gloucester today

www.importfurnituredepot.co.uk www.importfurnituredepot.co.uk www.importfurnituredepot.co.uk 4 - TEWKESBURY DIRECT

Page 2

272 - 274 High Westgate RetailStreet Park (Opposite the Brewery) Westgate Retail Park (Opposite Dunelm Mill) (Opposite Dunelm Cheltenham, GL50Mill) 3HQ Gloucester GL1 2RU (Opposite Dunelm Mill) Tel: 01242GL1 577006 Gloucester 2RU

Tel: 01452GL1 524545 Gloucester 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

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?

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A simple push of a button will activate a call to our monitoring centre and help will be on its way!

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Forest Linkline

www.forestlinkline.co.uk 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, Well, where did this year go?

I can’t believe it’s December already and it’s that time of year again when we embrace Christmas and all the festive fun that goes with it.

December is such a magical month, not only for the children but also for the parents and grandparents. One of the festive highlights must be the annual nursery or school nativity play. It’s a very emotional time for us parents, so make sure you pack the tissues and put on the waterproof mascara!

December is also a particularly busy time for our local shops, pubs, restaurants and garden centres, many of which are open throughout the season, so please support our local businesses as much as you can this Christmas and give back to the community.

Finally, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at the Forest of Dean Magazine!

See you next year!

Best wishes, Vicky Muller

- Editor

Please like us on Facebook.com/ForestofDeanMagazine Follow us on Twitter @ForestMagazine

Tel: 01594 806 555

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.

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

T: 01594 564444 W: www.whiteknightgroup.co.uk

Do you need expert independent pension advice?

Can we improve your income and options available in retirement?

WE HAVE THE EXPERTISE TO HELP CONTACT Bill Ballinger Dip PFS Tim Beal Dip PFS

billballinger@whiteknightgroup.co.uk

timbeal@whiteknightgroup.co.uk

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

Merry Christmas!

Carers Drop-In DO YOU LOOK AFTER SOMEONE WHO IS FRAIL, ILL OR DISABLED? Then you may like to meet with other carers to share stories, swap coping ideas, gain helpful information and relax over a cuppa.

Come and join us on the 3rd Thursday each month between 10.30am and 12.00pm

Hot Spiced Mulled Apple

& Mince Pies

Thursday 22nd December Coleford Drop In 11AM till 2PM

At: The Community Lounge Two Rivers Housing Western Way Dymock Next meeting date

15th December For more information contact Roger Hare at ‘Carers Gloucestershire’ on 01452 872241 or email rhare@carersgloucestershire.org.uk.

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Find us at: The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH Give us a call: 01594 834436

Come along and meet Drop In members and staff, everyone welcome!

To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

Tracy's Barber Shop in Bream

Tracy’s Barber Shop

Having spent most of her life living in Bream, Tracy Walkerdine always wanted to own and run her own barber shop in the village.

In September this year her dream finally became reality when she opened Tracy’s barber shop in Blue Rock Crescent, Bream.

Tracy has 25 years of experience in hairdressing and has worked for various Forest-based barbers over the years. Most recently she worked at a busy barbers in Cinderford until she opened her own shop.

Tracey enjoys working close to her home and serving the local community.

No appointments are needed at Tracy’s Barber Shop, you can just turn up and enjoy getting you hair cut in a friendly and comfortable environment.

Tracy would like to wish all her customers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

No appointment gentleman’s barber.

Opening times: Monday 9.00am - 5.00pm Tuesday 9.00am - 5.00pm Wednesday 9.00am - 5.00pm Thursday 6.00pm - 8.00pm Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 1.00pm

Blue Rock Crescent, Bream Gloucestershire, GL15 6LW

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

For more information call: 01594 834436

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 7

FROSTY DELIGHTS

Don't you just love December? I certainly do. With the end of the year in sight and as we go into winter, December is a month of contrast and brings joy to many people.

Take comfort from the simple things like harvesting your own parsnips, taking apples out of storage, enjoying the look of your garden or taking long walks in the countryside.

With the shortest day fast approaching now is a quiet time in the garden. While you can still spot a few flowers on winter-flowering shrubs on the odd sunny day and berries bright as rubies, there are only a few small jobs that need tending to at this time of year. Have a look at your greenhouse for example – check that overwintering plants have good light, are not exposed to too much cold and do not begin to dry out. Small rodents can and will eat bulbs, along with fruit and vegetables in storage so check them periodically. With dahlias and gladioli throw away any that have softened or show signs of rot, try using a good fungicidal power to keep them healthy.

While you may still be lifting root vegetables from the ground, this time of year gives you a good opportunity for forward planning. Dig over all vacant beds to prepare them for the next season.

Spread compost or well-rotted muck over the beds and allow it to be incorporated naturally.

Gardening not only links us with the soil, it is also nourishment for the soul. We often take soil for granted but it is the most important resource in the garden and a very complex material.

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

ARK-ART EXHIBITION

Mariana-Art Gallery

East Street, St. Briavels, Gloucestershire GL15 6TQ

Don't forget to prune overgrown, neglected or congested shrubs and climbers.

Sun 27 November – Mon 12 December

I hope you enjoy your winter garden and would like to wish all Forest of Dean Magazine readers a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Artists: Mark Jenkins, Alison Lingley & Mariana Robinson Preview: 12 Noon on Sat 26 November 2016

If you need help with or advice on your garden, please give me a call on 01594 541118 or 07767 690009.

- Catherine Williams, The Garden Lady Page 8

Open Daily: 10.30-5.00 (closed Wednesdays)

Original Artwork, Ceramics, Cards, Silver Jewellery, Binoculars, Prints & Gifts www.mariana-art.co.uk

To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

Winter Driving Tips It may be mild for the time of year but winter hasn’t started yet. Iain Betson passes on these tips.

Stop! It may be stating the obvious, but when snow is falling fast don’t drive unless you really have to.

Terrible weather is an occasion when putting things off until conditions improve really is the best advice.

And your condition? Winter ailments can leave you exhausted and sluggish. If you don’t feel like you can drive safely, don’t risk it.

Car Maintenance Is the car safe to drive? Keeping it well maintained is doubly important in winter. Worn tyres won’t hold the road in wet conditions as well as those with a good, deep tread. Make sure all exterior lights are working correctly and that wiper blades are in good condition. Check the oil, coolant and washer fluid levels.

In The Wet Driving in heavy rain is difficult and can be treacherous, so take precautions. Slow down: the wetter the roads, the longer your

braking distance, and the heavier the rain, the worse your visibility. Driving cautiously and leaving a good distance between you and the vehicle in front is the safest thing to do.

In Snow And Ice The same advice applies if you are driving through snow or ice. Slow down and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front. Use your headlights if necessary. Brake and accelerate gently.

It’s not always easy to tell if you’re driving on ice, but a good rule of thumb is that if your tyres are making less noise than usual, you may well be. If you do skid, don’t brake – you’ll lock the wheels and lose control. Instead, depress the clutch and steer into the direction of the skid. When the car straightens, steer as normal.

Emergency Stopping You may have more need for a well-executed emergency stop in winter’s slippery conditions, so remember the rules. Apply the brake, without locking the wheels. If the vehicle starts to skid, ease pressure from the pedal and then reapply.

Depress the clutch just before you stop.

Safe winter motoring!

ithin: ities W n u t r o y Opp • Potter g in n e d ry • Gar • Weave g in m • Far kery rk • Ba o W d o • Wo • Café y r t e k s • Ba

Volunteer

With Camphill Village Trust Park At: ** Oaklands Grange Village

nities... u Comm me Everyone Welco

We have a range of rewarding opportunities to offer from working outside on the land to producing crafts.

Can you spare 3 hours a week or more to assist us in our workshops?

If you can, we’d love to hear from you!

Contact: 01594 516551 (Oaklands Office) Email: oaklands@cvt.org.uk

An application form and DBS check must be completed prior to starting.

Reasonable expenses covered. Some training provided.

18 yrs +

Work placements skill sharing.

to

• Do you have skills a nd enthusiasm to share?

• Would you like to l earn more about a specific interest?

• Do you enjoy a rela xed and fun atmosphere work ing as part of a team?

• Can you help suppo rt adults with learning disabiliti es in our communities?

Registered Charity 232402

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

www.cvt.org.uk

Page 9

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To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

Santa's Grotto opens at Coinros Park Nursery Be sure to visit Santa in his ice cave this December at Coinros Park Nursery, Lydney.

Don't miss out on this enchanting magical grotto, consisting of mood lighting, an imitation waterfall and a reindeer scene – all sculptured by Robin Hooper.

Santa will be waiting to see all children in his grotto on: ● December 3rd and 4th ● December 10th and 11th ● December 17th and 18th between the hours of 11am and 4pm. No booking required.

Santa's Grotto is organised by volunteers from the Children's Opportunity Centre Coleford and all proceeds are gratefully received by them. Please come along and support this great local charity (registration no. 284975).

Coinros Park Nursery Ltd Quality plants at great prices!

Follow us on Facebook

Christmas Shop now open

Santa’s Grotto open from December 3rd.

Tel. 01594 840447 New Office, Old Park, Lydney, Glos, GL15 6BU (Behind Taurus Crafts)

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.

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 11

Gardening Gifts

by Pippa Greenwood

It is not that long until Christmas now, and if you’ve any gardening friends it is so easy to get them a present they’ll really enjoy and find useful. Any good local garden centre will have plenty of potential gifts in a wide range of prices, sizes and shapes to suit anybody from the complete novice to the most experienced gardener.

Alternatively, take a look on the internet and get some gorgeous gardening gifts delivered right to your door.

Houseplants make brilliant presents, so why not choose a couple of really good-looking ones? At this time of year there are plenty, such as the indoor cyclamens and azaleas or a flamboyant poinsettia or a gorgeous Christmas cactus, which look fantastic whilst in flower - but don’t forget that lots of the foliage houseplants look great, too. Make sure that you keep the plants at their best by placing them in a suitable position before you give them away.

Outdoor plants are also an ideal choice, but make sure that you know that the plant you are choosing will go to a suitable home. There is no use buying a lime-hating plant such as a Pieris, rhododendron, Camellia or azalea for somebody if they garden on chalk - although a Page 12

supply of ericaceous compost and a good sized pot could also be a present from someone else if you plan carefully.

A lovingly created pot of winter flowering bedding plants, perhaps under-planted with a few small bulbs such as crocus or miniature daffodils, will make a lovely instant garden impact present for anyone. Despite the huge quantities of Christmas paraphernalia in garden centres now, any half decent centre will still have a good range of winter bedding plants and winter interest plants available.

Anyone with an interest in growing vegetables would enjoy one of the many gardening books on the subject, or perhaps a ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Voucher Card, which lets them select the vegetables they’d like to grow from the range I offer at www.pippagreenwood. com. Then, in the spring, we send them garden-ready plants accompanied by weekly advice and tips emails from me.

Most gardeners love to encourage birds into the garden, so how about a bird box or feeder or maybe even some bird food? Bird feeding equipment and supplies take up plenty of space in garden centres, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Gardeners love practical things so a good hoe like my favourite, the SpeedHoe, will always be welcome, or how about some Micromeshcovered or polythene-covered EasyTunnels, perfect for protecting crops throughout the growing season next year?

A raised bed kit is a great gift idea, too, allowing people to grow vegetables when their own soil isn’t ideal. Some kits have the option to add crop covers made from fine mesh (to keep pests out) or polythene (to protect from the worst of the weather and provide off-season warmth).

So rather than rushing out and buying something that ‘will do’ as a gift, take a moment and see what you can find which will really bring a smile to someone’s face!

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and book Pippa for a gardening talk or peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items, including Nemaslug to control slugs, pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, pull-out EasyTunnels, ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Voucher cards, signed books and lots more besides.

To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

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My name is Linda Pike and I am a student at the University of Worcester.

For my final dissertation I am researching the impact of the North American military in World War Two. This specifically involves the presence of American GIs at Ashchurch Camp in Tewkesbury and the Royal Canadian Air Force at RAF Pershore.

I am particulary interested if anyone has any specific memories, either as a child or young adult, during this period concerning these troops and are willing to talk to me, (confidentially if you wish), to help me undertake my research topic.

This is due to finish in Spring 2017.

You can reach me on 01684 772028 or 07971 623767 and my email address is Linda.pike54@hotmail.com. It would be great to hear from you! Thank you.

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 13

Handmade local

Christmas Eve 9am-4pm I Christmas Day CLOSED Boxing Day CLOSED I 27 December 10am-5.30pm Usual Opening times Monday - Saturday 9am - 5.30pm I Sunday 10am - 4.30pm (breakfast & browsing 10am - 10.30am)

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To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

Look who's coming to town Santa Clause really is coming to town in style this Christmas and children of all ages can visit him at Labels Shopping Ross-on-Wye.

Santa will take up residence in his grotto on the ground floor

every day from Saturday 17th to Wednesday 21st December between 10am and 4pm.

“Every child who visits me will receive a special gift” said Santa. “I’m so looking forward to seeing you all.”

young theatre group, E-entricity, during his 5 days at Labels, like the beautiful Princess Holly, 21-year-old cast member Holly Clack, pictured with Santa.

Santa will be joined by various Pantomime characters and festive friends from the Ross based Tickets to visit Santa in his grotto are just £5 per child and can be purchased on arrival at the Customer Services Desk at the ground floor entrance at Labels.

Proceeds will be going to local charities supported by the Ross Rotary Club who are working in conjunction with Labels Shopping on the project.

Santa Clause with the beautiful Princess Holly

Labels Shopping is located just off junction 4 of the M50 near Ross-on-Wye and is open 7 days a week.

Let It Snow 1. Which author created the fictional land of Narnia, where it is always snowing, but never Christmas?

2. Which of the "big six" Hollywood film studios has a snow-covered mountain as its logo?

3. Which American state has a name that means "snow covered" in Spanish?

4. What liqueur is mixed with lemonade to make a snowball cocktail?

5. Which Disney film was loosely based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Snow Queen?

6. What name is given to a snow storm that lasts for at least three hours, has winds blowing at a speed of at least 35 miles per hour and reduces visibility to a quarter of a mile or less?

7. What type of animal is Snowball in George Orwell's book Animal Farm?

8. Of all the sports at the Winter Olympics, which is the only one with "snow" in its name?

9. Which mountain range is the Abominable Snowman said to inhabit?

10. In which 1990s film does the title character go in search of Snowflake, the missing mascot of the American football team the Miami Dolphins?

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 15

MARTIN LEWIS Christmas

By Martin Lewis @moneysavingexpert

Christmas is fast approaching and it’s time to prepare as many festive savings are only possible if you do them early.

This isn’t a trivial message.

I’m fed up of every January people telling me they’re skint and when I ask why they reply, “Christmas of course.”

Well I can tell you exclusively here, Christmas will be on 25 December this year, so it’s not an unexpected event – there is time to plan in advance to prevent problems.

So here are my seven key things you should do in advance that’ll save you for festivities.

I’ve focused on Christmas, but the same techniques work for Chanukah, Eid, and Kwanzaa too.

1. Agree to not give unnecessary presents.

Gifts for kids, grandchildren or your spouse are fine. Yet it’s time to stop the ever growing list of people we buy for even when we’ve no idea what they want, know we’ll end up buying tat that’ll never be used, and add heaps of pressure on ourselves to do so.

I’ve been campaigning to end unnecessary gifts for six years, and more and more people are doing it. Yet it involves agreeing a pact not Page 16

to buy each other. Even the joy of giving can be selfish if it obligates someone who can’t afford it to buy back.

Julia tweeted me a couple of weeks ago: "@MartinSLewis, finally took your advice and told family I can't afford Xmas presents. What a weight off my mind. Thank you."

So contact friends and family and make an agreement not to buy, or to cap the cost, only give homemade or even to give to charity instead. See my full ‘why Christmas presents are bad’ explanation at www. mse.me/BanChristmas.

2. Book your train tickets in advance.

Wherever you’re planning on spending the festive season, if you need to travel by train, book your tickets ideally 12 weeks in advance. That's when most cheap advance tickets launch, so you get maximum availability. So if you haven't already, make sure you buy your tickets if you’re away visiting friends and family for Christmas and New Year.

3. Small savings make merry There are still a couple of working days left till Christmas.

So, if you buy a £2 coffee every

work day, just give it up now, put the cash in a Christmas kitty instead and you’ll have some extra money to spend by the big day. I’m not telling you to do this, it’s about deciding priorities. If that’s cash you need for Christmas, are you willing to make the sacrifice?

4. Earn 5% cashback on your Christmas shopping.

If you’re going to be spending for Christmas, you might as well do it on a card that pays you every time you spend on it.

The no annual-fee www. americanexpress.com Platinum Everyday credit card pays you 5% cashback on your first three months' spending (maximum £100), so get it now and you get the big cashback during the high spend Christmas period. It then follows with up to 1% after.

The cashback is paid after a year, so you’ll get it in time to help next Christmas, though there’s a minimum £3,000 spend to get it. That sounds a lot, but do all your normal spending on it as it pays you and you’ll be fine.

Of course, only do this if you’ve a direct debit to repay IN FULL each month, or you’ll be charged 22.9% rep APR, which kills the gain.

To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

5. Not saved for it?

Do it now – then you can split the cost by two (or more – the earlier you do this the better).

A typical family Christmas costs around £600-£800 a huge amount from one month's salary alone. But if you haven’t started saving yet, there is still time. For example, if you put £300 aside from your November income, it’ll spread the cost.

Save what you can.

If you’re saying you can’t afford that, then I’m afraid you’ll need to go cold turkey.

Christmas is just one day, it’s not worth overspending and ruining your New Year.

6. Set up a Christmas cupboard.

Become a tactical shopper.

Work out in advance what necessary gifts you need to buy, and then if you spot a bargain, you can pounce on it when there’s a code, voucher or discount that makes it cheaper (I put the best in my weekly email at www.mse. me/tips).

Even better, as is part of many Money Savers' Christmas arsenal, once you buy a present, bag it, wrap it, and pop it in a Christmas cupboard – gradually getting the chores done.

7. Not used it since last Christmas? Flog it.

old coffee makers, mobile phones, gadgets, or even clothes, why not sell them?

This isn’t just about eBay or car boot sales; Facebook now has a lot of good local sales groups too that can be an easy way to do this. There are also lots of recycling sites that will pay you for old mobiles and gadgets – just make sure you do your research first to find the one that’ll give you the most.

Martin Lewis is the Founder & Editor in Chief of Money Saving Expert. To join the 10 million people who get his Martin’s Money Tips weekly email, go to www. moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip

Walk around the house and examine everything; it’s time for your annual personal stock clearance. Many old items can be worth serious cash. And if you’ve not used things for a year, whether toys, prams,

Christmas Angel Bells Boots Bows Candle Cards Carols Celebrate Chestnuts Chimney Decorate Elf

Family Friends Frost Gift Gold Goose Happy Holly Icy

Kings Lights Mistletoe Party Ribbon Santa Snowman

Find the words associated with Christmas in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

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Page 17

Page 18

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Auction Anecdote November has been a very busy but also exciting month at the auction rooms in Newent. Despite my best intentions the November antiques sale ended up being just as huge as the October sale with over 1100 lots including a fantastic jewellery section which sold very successfully. Selling started at 10am and continued until almost 9 o’clock in the evening, however with over four hundred and fifty bidders registered for online bidding it did not seem to matter that the sale continued on ‘into the night’.

Although there were a number of star items in the sale my favourite by far was a stunning Victorian suite of jewellery comprising a necklace, bracelet and brooch all set with amethysts, pearls and peridot.

As I have said before, good quality antique jewellery is very sought after in the current market and since this set was actually very wearable and came in its original fitted box I did not hesitate to give it a pre-sale estimate of £2000/£3000.

The suite of jewellery was one of the first items to be consigned to the sale giving me plenty of opportunity to promote it both on the internet and in the local press. Of course it did no harm to publicise the fact that the owner of the jewellery was a descendent of the Gaskell family – (William Gaskell being the husband of Elizabeth Gaskell the well know author of North & South) and this type of interesting provenance combined with the good condition of the jewellery all helped to make it a very attractive item for a top end jewellery specialist.

On the sale day itself the main battle for the suite was predictably between a local antique jewellery dealer and a London jewellery dealer – both parties well known to us at Newent Auctions. In the end the determined local dealer in the room won the day with a final bid of £4000 against the telephone bidder from London - although there was also some interest online during the bidding. The delighted owner was in the room watching it sell and the saleroom had a fantastic atmosphere which made it a pleasure to be on the rostrum.

Other notable items in the same sale included a fine sapphire and diamond broochwhich made £2,850 and an unusual Victorian diamond brooch set with pear cut stones in silver which made £2000.

Smiths next antiques sale is on the 9th December and includes a special section for antique toys, however if dolls and trains are not your ‘thing’ do not worry as there is once again a wonderful selection of antique jewellery, collectables, silver, glass and ceramics all of which can make perfect Christmas gifts. On the viewing day Smiths will be serving free mulled wine and mince pies to all their customers - just to get everyone in the Christmas mood and to say thank you for your support and business over the past year – do come and join us. For further details see the website www. smithsnewentauctions.co.uk or telephone 01531 821776.

- Written by Rita Kearsey Manager of Smiths Auction Room at Newent

Monthly Sales of Antiques & Collectables

Fri 9th Dec Sale at 10am with Special Antique Toy Section Viewing Day prior 10am - 7pm and morning of sale Diamond marquise cut ring Est £1200/£1800 Left: Diamond set pendant Est £2000/£3000

Next Antiques & Collectables Sale

Fri 27th January at 10am with Coins & Notes Section Entries Invited

13th & 15th Dec and 3rd & 5th Jan 10am - 3pm or by appointment

Home visits for larger consignments Live online bidding available at

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Page 19

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Why does your cat spray?

Cats that have been neutered tend to spray when they want to mark their territory, but it can also happen if they are anxious. Spraying inside their own home, or excessively outdoors, often means they are trying to repel other cats, or that they don’t feel secure within their own territory.

Both male and female cats spray, but nonneutered males have a natural tendency to mark their territory to excess.

Your cat might suddenly start spraying if: • Another local cat comes in through their cat flap, or appears at the windows or patio doors.

• You buy new furniture, as the old furniture would have carried their scent.

• A new baby arrives, or another pet.

• You redecorate your home.

• They are suffering a urinary tract infection.

PETS

What to do if your cat is spraying in the house It’s important not to be angry with your cat, as this will increase its anxiety levels and make the problem worse. If another cat has been in the house, you could lock the cat flap for a while to make your pet feel more secure.

Otherwise, make sure they have plenty of quiet, safe places to escape to if there are children in the house. A warm airing cupboard is often a safe bet, or a quiet upstairs room.

Bear in mind that a medical condition such as cystitis could also be causing your cat to spray, so a trip to the vet would be worthwhile if the problem continues. http://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/why-docats-spray.html https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/stopyour-cat-spraying-and-soiling-indoors

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By Ann Haldon

Page 21

Sir Jimmy Young: A tribute to Cinderford's “JY” I caught the radio bug at an early age and like most kids back in the day I used to hide a radio under my pillow, much to my parent’s disgust, so I could listen to the charts on Radio Luxembourg. My mum could never understand why I used to oversleep every day for my paper round! It was purely because I spent every night listening to the Fab 208.

I was, like so many children of my generation, obsessed with the charts. It was a long 2-hour wait every Sunday to find out who was going to be Number 1.

It was a weekly teatime ritual which required plenty of multitasking. First of all, you had to make sure nobody would talk while you tried recording as otherwise it would record what they were saying! You also had to try to get mum not to do the washing up or ask you if you had done your homework. We did all of this whilst eating tea – taping the songs that we loved, pausing the ones we didn’t, and re-winding the tape with a pencil while trying to not let the DJ talk all over the songs.

Millions of kids did this on a weekly basis using an old cassette recorder with a microphone pushed towards the speaker! I was slightly different because I used to record the DJ as well, as even at that young age I knew that thar was the only job in the world that I wanted to do (well apart from being in a band or the next George Best, the problem was that I couldn’t sing or play an instrument and Page 22

I was useless at football!).

Radio ruled when I was a kid!

Radio Luxembourg was the station for evening listening, Radio 1 was for the kids and Radio 2 was for mums and dads. There were no commercial stations back then so it was a case of 'like it or lump it'. One person I would listen to, who graced the airwaves of all three of these mighty stations, was Cinderford’s Leslie Ronald Young. We knew him better as Jimmy, JY or Sir Jimmy.

Jimmy was the son of baker Frederick and Gertrude, who taught him to play the piano in his early years. When he left school, Jimmy drove his dad's baker's van for a while, however, war broke out and Jimmy lied about his age to join the RAF, where he was spotted singing and playing the piano, and was promptly asked by the variety performer Pip Norman to join the Army’s Entertainment Section in India. At this point a career in radio hadn’t even entered Jimmy’s thoughts.

A life in show business was his dream but after the war finished his career got off to a slow start. His break came when Jimmy was spotted by the BBC producer and creator of 'The Black and White Minstrel Show', George Inns, who asked another producer to have a second look at him to see if he was up to scratch.

He was, and Jimmy was signed to perform four songs for the Ronnie Pleydell Orchestra.

Jimmy’s showbiz dream started to come true after two successive No 1 songs with 'Unchained Melody' and 'The Man from Laramie'.

They became household hits and a future in Radio and TV beckoned when he landed Housewife Choice, Juke Box Jury, Saturday Special and the 625 Show followed a move to Radio Luxembourg.

Eventually, the BBC were on the lookout for someone to broadcast a daily show on both Radio 1 & 2 and Jimmy was the one they chose for tthe job. He insisted that the show would be called 'The Jimmy Young Show' and drew an audience of over 5 million listeners on his first show. 1973 saw Jimmy’s JY Prog (as he called it) scheduled on Radio 2. With a mixture of light entertainment, interviews, consumer rights, debates and a cooking feature called 'What’s the recipe today then, Jim?', Jimmy held this post until his contract ended in 2002, prompting an outcry from millions of his listeners including celebrities and politicians who had featured on the show (Margaret Thatcher appeared on it 14 times!).

Jimmy was appointed OBE in 1979, CBE in 1993 and received a Knighthood in 2002. Last month, on 7th November, Jimmy sadly passed away and with it the Forest of Dean lost one of its finest talents. RIP Sir Jimmy/Jimmy/JY, you are a true radio legend!

- Written by Gregg Upwards, Sunshine Radio Presenter

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Page 23

Home & Interiors A Rustic Christmas

Simple festive decorations can be the most appealing, says interiors expert Katherine Sorrell Who doesn’t love a natural look? Unpretentious and understated, natural Christmas decorations suit every home, large or small, modern or traditional, and make a fabulous, timeless alternative to commercialised glitz and glitter.

The ideal centrepiece is a real tree, best bought from a good local stockist. Choose one that’s as fresh as possible, make a new cut at the bottom, and display in a stand (a wicker basket is perfect) that holds a reservoir of water. (Tip: the Nordmann Fir holds its needles really well.) Decorate your tree generously without overloading, and keep to a limited colour scheme (white, red, green and brown are all great), using natural materials (see box). For a touch of sparkle, twine the tree with small, plain white fairy lights.

Feeling inspired? Then make Page 24

By Katherine Sorrell

decorations with the family.

Garlands of popcorn, nuts, gingerbread stars and paper strings of angels or snowflakes are adorable. Instead of shiny baubles, cut simple shapes from felt and blanket-stitch them around the outside, or make a wreath using garden clippings. Similarly, you can create wonderful decorations using sprigs of evergreen, ivy, pine cones (perhaps sprayed with artificial snow), rose hips, dried seed heads and twigs (lashed into a star shape). Or tie dried slices of apple and orange together with gardener’s string and add cinnamon sticks and star anise. If you’re short of time, all these will be in the shops, along with others such as birch bark candle holders, driftwood Christmas trees and needlefelted and knitted owls, reindeer and robins.

Wrap presents in brown paper and string, or lengths of fabric and cotton ribbon. Use cardboard luggage labels, and why not embellish the plain paper with potato printing in white – something children might enjoy? For receiving presents, there’s nothing nicer than knitted stockings hanging by the fire, perhaps with some widely available printed hessian sacks for larger gifts.

Fresh flowers are fabulous at Christmas – hyacinths, amaryllis and poinsettias are classic and all look particularly special in white. Wrap pots in hessian tied with string or pop groups of them into a wicker basket; you can decorate the tops of the pots with silver moss.

Less is more with this look, so laying the festive table is

easy. A linen runner or place mats, plain white china, clear glass and simple decorations such as bowls of pine cones or oranges studded with cloves, and perhaps a vase full of evergreens, twigs and boughs. Cosy, welcoming and unpretentious.

Finally, add candles, small and tall, anywhere their flickering glow will make you feel happy.

Alternatively, tea lights look pretty inside old jam jars, which is safer if you have young children around. Pop a mince pie in the oven and heat some mulled wine on the hob, and here it is – a very merry Christmas.

Main Image: Log battery candles with star design, £12 each, The Contemporary Home, 02392 469400; www.tch.net

IngredIentS for a natural ChrIStMaS

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Page 25

Golden Years

Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning

While the day after Boxing Day may be of no more significance to most of us than an opportunity to recover from – or perhaps to continue in – the season’s excesses, to lovers of extreme sports it’s an anniversary of some importance. For December 27th 1966 was the occasion of the first documented descent of the world’s most spectacular pothole (or open-air pit cave, to use the jargon).

The three American cavers who descended the Basement of Swallows or Sotano de las Golondrinas – TR Evans, Chas Borland, and Randy Sterns – were not so crass as to announce it as a discovery: local people had been aware of its existence for countless generations, because every morning just after dawn the thousands upon thousands of swifts and green parakeets which roosted in its safe depths flew up en masse, and every evening just before dusk returned in even more spectacular fashion, diving head-first into the 49 x 62m opening. Besides, this part of Mexico – the San Luis Potosi region – was already well known for its sotanos, bell-shaped potholes caused when the roofs of limestone caves scooped out by underground rivers finally collapsed. What was unusual Page 26

here was the size of the thing.

At 515m the Basement of Swallows is not the deepest pot-hole in the world. But the 376m drop from the uphill lip of the opening to the cave floor is the deepest vertical pitch known to speleologists – and the 330m drop from the downhill lip is pretty impressive, too! (The remaining 140-odd metres comprises a series of tunnels and chambers in the cave floor collectively known as the Crevice). The deepest such pitch in the UK, Yorkshire’s Gaping Gill, is a mere 110m; and the difference between the two would be even greater if the floor of the Basement of Swallows weren’t many metres deep in possibly 100 million years of guano.

The first descent of the cave predated the popular emergence of extreme sports by more than a decade: the acronym BASE (buildings, antennae, spans, earth) wasn’t coined until 1978 even though parachutists had been leaping off skyscrapers, cliff-edges and bridges for quite some years by then. But news of its wondrous dimensions soon spread throughout the caving world, and before long more and more potholers were making their muddy way up the narrow unmetalled track from the nearest town, Aquismon. You might not think that rappelling down 370 metres of rope, frantically squirting it with water to prevent the friction melting it, is an enjoyable way of spending a few minutes, but these people did; they weren’t even deterred by the knowledge that the handover-hand climb back up might take even a fit person an hour

or more.

To the Huastec people of the district this was an unmixed blessing: previously subsistence farmers, they now had a tourist industry to keep supplied with food and souvenirs. Soon the muddy track was fringed with kiosks of all descriptions and the impromptu camp-sites were knee-deep in litter which the tourists couldn’t take away and the locals had no means of disposing of. The authorities did their best to prevent damage: they metalled most of the track, and they persuaded the cavers to start their descent from a designated part of the cave entrance, which they obligingly equipped with ringbolts, and only to go down into the dark once the birds had gone out for the day.

Then things got crazy. First, someone flew a hot-air balloon into the cave. Then the BASE jumpers arrived. Jumping the Basement of Swallows was reputed to be one of the sport’s hottest highs, but when tour organisers started installing electric winches to haul their customers out again, the authorities put their foot down.

In 2002 BASE jumping was officially banned.

And nobody, it seems, took any notice...

Happy 50tH BirtHdays to to Les Ferdinand and Sinead O’Connor (8th); Ian Paisley Jr (12th); Dennis Wise (16th); Keifer Sutherland (21st); and Martin Offiah (29th)..

Cake and botox to you all!

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Page 27

䘀椀渀搀 漀甀琀 洀漀爀攀㨀 匀椀洀漀渀 ☀ 匀甀攀 䠀漀氀氀椀渀最猀栀攀愀搀 Contact John ㄀㔀㌀㄀ 㠀㈀㄀㠀㌀㄀ Call: 07434 906886 or 猀椀洀漀渀⸀栀漀氀氀椀渀最猀栀攀愀搀䀀栀漀琀洀愀椀氀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀 Email: uw@workwithjohn.net 眀眀眀⸀猀椀洀漀渀愀渀搀猀甀攀猀愀瘀椀渀最礀漀甀洀漀渀攀礀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀

To book an appointment for me to come and see you 䈀愀猀攀搀 椀渀 一攀眀攀渀琀

Page 28

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Craig's Comment Often there are certain things that we do not miss until they are gone. In other cases we do not notice something is there until it disappears.

For many of us, this is the role that telephone boxes hold. Whether they are the old-fashioned crimson payphones, or the new modern glass boxes often with advertisements on the outside of them, most of us do not even notice them as we go about our daily lives.

However, for some people in our communities they could be a vital lifeline. While mobile phone signal has improved a great deal, and still continues to move forward, there are still pockets in the Forest where it is hard to get any signal.

In times of emergency, those often ignored or forgotten about phone boxes are suddenly far from redundant. To call 999 or 101 from them costs nothing at all, and what is more there definitely will not be any worries about signal

from them if calling a regular number in an emergency.

However, this could all change soon.

BT, who own and maintain the phone boxes throughout the country, are considering whether to get rid of some of their less used phone boxes.

While there are some that have not had a single call made from them in the last year, such as the one on The Scarr in my ward, there are others that have seen over 200 calls made from them in the last year.

BT are considering closing just over 70 phone boxes throughout the Forest of Dean, as well as some in Monmouthshire and Herefordshire.

However, they will not be getting rid of them without local residents allowing them to.

There is currently a consultation being carried out by BT. Until the 21st December you can submit your views to BT telling them why any of the phone boxes that they want to get rid of should remain available to the community.

Perhaps you have been without signal and in need of the emergency services and one of the payphones has been

your lifeline. Or maybe your car has broken down or you got lost and you have had to rely on a public phone.

If this is the case then maybe you are not the only one.

Make sure you have your say and let BT know if your local phone box is one of your local amenities. After all, it really could help save someone’s life one day.

To have your say you can contact BT directly by writing to: BT Payphones, pp 4th Floor Monument TE, 11-13 Great Tower Street, London, EC3R 5AQ You can also email BT via: btp.authorisation.team@bt.com

I would like to wish all readers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

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.

Newent Christmas Market returns Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a trip to the Newent Christmas market at the Memorial Hall. The two-hour event starts at 9.00am on the 23rd December and is packed with locally produced, handmade crafts and gifts.

The market is run by Newent Country Market who host a weekly market at the Memorial Hall (every Friday, 9.00am - 11.00am).

Come along and choose from a fantastic selection of fresh produce, homemade cakes, gifts and a lovely selection of plants, and support local traders this Christmas.

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Page 29

Festive fashion show a great success “The charity fashion show at Labels Shopping Ross-on-Wye in November proved to be a great success” said Ailsa Macleod, the store’s Head of Marketing and Social Media. “Every seat was taken and it was standing room only.”

Charity Fashion Show a great success at Labels Customers and colleagues at Labels were invited to model clothes and take to the catwalk at a Festive Shopping Evening on Thursday 10th November, the store’s official launch of Christmas.

The show was opened by Joyce Thomas and proceeds went to local support of the New Life Foundation charity.

Clothing and accessories from the Labels’ store were co-ordinated into themed sets entitled Christmas morning, Christmas party and Boxing Day stroll.

“We’ve been planning the show for months” said Ailsa. “It’s been a lot of hard work for all concerned but we’re absolutely delighted with the way that it went, the turnout and the feedback we’ve received.”

“Thank you to everyone who took part and everyone who came along to support us.”

Labels Shopping, located just off junction 4 of the M50 near Ross-on-Wye, is open 7 days a week.

Page 30

Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre Remembrance Service – 11th November 2016

On Friday 11th November, Newent School invited local dignitaries and community members to join students, staff and Governors in their school act of remembrance.

The school assembled on the lower field and heard Reverend Simon Mason read John 15. This was followed by Mr John Celino from the Newent and District British Legion read the fourth stanze of the poem “For the Fallen” by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869 – 1943).

The Last Post was followed by two minutes of silence at 11am. Finally, the Kohima Epitaph was read immediately before Mr Alan Johnson read out the names of the Newent fallen.

The service concluded with the handing of a wreath at the memorial to those ex-students who lost their lives in conflict.

Following the event Mr Alan Johnson, Principal, wrote to all parents to express his gratitude for the mature and respectful way in which their sons and daughters conducted themselves during the school act of remembrance. He praised their behaviour as impeccable and remarked that the stillness whilst everyone observed two minutes of silence to remember those who lost their lives in conflict was absolute. He concluded by saying that standing in front of the students, he watched with pride how well they marked this solemn occasion.

Mr Johnson would like to thank all those who attended the event including Mr Paddy Roche and Mr Tim Rosser of the Rotary Club, Cllrs June Davies and Maggie Shere and Sally Anne Grimshaw Flt Lt RAF VR. For further information on Newent School call 01531 820550, email admin@newent.gloucs. sch.uk or visit www.newent.gloucs.sch.uk.

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Page 31

Health

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Six Tips for Surviving Christmas

For many of us, Christmas is a special time to spend with loved ones, brightening the darkest days of the year. Unfortunately, though, it can be fraught with stress, family tensions and too many food or alcohol-based temptations.

So how can you survive Christmas?

1. Be Prepared Start adding a few Christmas items to each shopping list now, saving you the stress of a massive, last-minute shop. Only the freshest items need to be purchased just beforehand. Bake, prepare and freeze as much as possible in advance.

2. Go Easy on the Alcohol Alcohol is a calorie-heavy appetite stimulant linked to serious health conditions, which lowers inhibitions and affects judgment - so beware voicing long-standing gripes at Christmas and plan your drinking, ensuring you don’t exceed the recommended weekly maximum of 14 units (now applicable to men and women).

Never drink on an empty stomach and match each alcoholic drink with a soft one to help your body handle alcohol’s toxins and dehydrating effects.

Alcohol absorption depends Page 32

on several factors, so no set amount guarantees you’re under the legal drink-drive limit (and Scotland’s is much lower than the rest of the UK’s). Any amount of alcohol affects judgement and reactions.

3. Remember: Christmas Is About Everyone Try to resolve family conflicts (or agree a temporary truce) before the big day. Consider what everyone (including yourself) wants most from Christmas, but remind them compromises will be required. Try to find a few things everyone can enjoy together.

Many Christmas adverts portray the exhausted woman, rushing around while everyone else relaxes, as the norm. Don’t let it be. Ensure everyone helps.

4. Be Shrewd with Food Keep a few quick-to-prepare items in stock to feed unexpected visitors, but don’t buy huge quantities of food.

You can always top up later.

Food poisoning isn’t festive, so ensure all cooks wash and dry their hands. Frozen foods should be properly defrosted and immediately refrigerated or cooked thoroughly (particularly large poultry or joints of meat).

Keep raw foods separate from cooked food.

Leave enough room in the fridge for cold air to circulate and don’t leave buffets out for more than 4 hours.

Healthy festive food: • Removing skin and avoiding butter basting removes around a third of your turkey’s calories and

half its fat.

• Choose low-salt gravy mixes and hide the saltshaker.

• Swap: o sausage meat for vegetarian sausage mix o goose fat for healthy oils o traditional mince pies for filo or open-top versions o brandy butter or cream for low-fat custard or crème fraiche o crisps, salted nuts and chocolate for plain popcorn, rice cakes, pretzels, unsalted nuts and homemade chocolate-covered fruit (preferably using dark chocolate) 5. Stay Festive Fit An alarming amount of Christmas hospital admissions are due to excessive or unhealthy eating. Include some ‘normal meals’, avoiding excess sugar and salt. Keep portion size sensible and stop eating just as you start to feel full.

Ensure you get a good night’s sleep whenever possible, and stay active: a walk burns calories and the daylight and fresh air will help you feel physically and mentally well.

6. Finally... Keep It in Proportion Christmas Day is only one day; most festivities are centred on just one week out of 52. If the turkey’s burnt, laugh; it’s not what matters most. Keep celebrations simple, focusing on what makes you and your loved ones happy. It’s your Christmas. Relax and enjoy it!

To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

COLEFORD DROP IN

Chip Butty Day Wednesday 28th December 12.30pm

ÂŁ1.50 each Forest Drop In The Main Place Old Station Way Coleford GL16 3JT

Tel. 01594 834436

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

S O U P

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Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 33

@GlosBiltong

All styles of curtains, blinds, pelmets etc. with a wide range of fabric, poles and accessories to choose from.

The Gloucester Biltong Company

Producing the finest quality Traditional & Naga Biltong.

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.

Or visit our shop & showroom in Chapel Hay Lane, Prospect House, Church Road, Churchdown, GL3 2ES

www.chosencurtains.co.uk sales@chosencurtains.co.uk

Page 34

OPENING TIMES

Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

www.gloucesterbiltong.co.uk

To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

AN INVITATION

comes to Chepstow On Saturday 10th December Jo Fong will perform ‘An Invitation’ with a cast of other dancers at Chepstow’s Drill Hall. The performance will start at 7.30pm and tickets are £12 full paying and £10 concession.

Tickets are available on the door or from Chepstow Museum (T: 01291 625981).

Jo Fong is a Cardiff based choreographer and performer, and has performed internationally with renowned companies including Rambert, DV8 and Rosas. According to Luke Jennings of The Observer, Fong is ‘something of a legend on the UK contemporary dance scene.'

‘An Invitation’ is an alive and evolving dance work.

It is about connection, conversation, spontaneity and uncertainty. It’s also playful, joyous, imaginative, powerful and human. The audience are invited to help create the work during the show with the performers, sharing the moment.

‘An Invitation’ is presented by Ruth Holdsworth with The Drill Hall through Arts Council Wales’ Night Out scheme.

Photograph on the left by John Collingwood.

ST JOHN’S ON-THE-HILL welcomed Scott McKeon

St John’s on-the-Hill, Chepstow recently welcomed Scott McKeon, fiddle player with Rusty Shackle, a local welsh indie-roots band (www.rustyshackle. com), to its school on Friday 18th November, to launch a new folk music club called the Celtic Club.

Scott joined the pupils for a special assembly where he played the guitar, penny whistle, fiddle, mandolin, banjo and bodhran. He also gave a rendition of the unicorn song, complete with actions. Scott then selected four students to play the Penny whistles, bodhran and mandolin and within minutes he had them playing a little tune!

Dave Mitchell, Music Director, St John’s on-the-Hill, said: “We are so excited to have Scott on-board to lead our new Celtic folk music club. Scott is a passionate folk musician and teaches all over South Wales promoting Celtic and folk music.

The club will cater for children who have never picked up an instrument as well as our more experienced musicians and if our assembly is anything to go by it will be great fun.”

For more information please visit www.stjohnsonthehill.co.uk.

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 35

The Gift of a Good Book Struggling to find the perfect book to give as a gift? Or wondering what to add to your own wish list? Maybe we can help…

The Hidden People – Alison Littlewood Crime, fantasy and historical fiction are melded together in The Hidden People.

Albie Mirralls is every bit the sensible, upstanding gentleman that Victorian society wants him to be. When his cousin, Lizzie, is burnt as a changeling, Albie travels from London to her village to see justice done. But when Albie’s own wife seems so completely changed, he finds himself questioning whether there could be some truth to the rumours about his cousin. The perfect book for curling up with on a winter’s night.

The British Table – Colman Andrews and Christopher Hirsheimer For the foodie in your life, you might want to consider this recently released tome.

Featuring around 125 recipes, from the traditional to the modern, there’s plenty to tempt most taste-buds. Recipes range from long-forgotten traditional fare, to regional specialities and contemporary classics. The focus is on warming comfort food. Think Braised Brisket followed by Whisky-Soaked-Raisin and Orange Marmalade.

Page 36

Little Warrior – Giuseppe Catozzella Inspired by a tragic true story, Little Warrior tells the story of Samia Omar. Growing up in war-torn Somalia, life is hard, and dangerous. But Samia has big dreams – she wants to follow in Mo Farah’s footsteps and compete in the Olympics.

As life grows increasingly hard for women, Samia refuses to be cowed into submission.

There are few options for Samia but to put her life into the hands of traffickers, in the hope of escaping to a better place. A heartbreaking read that will stay with you long past you’ve finished the last page.

The Girl Who Saved Christmas – Matt Haig Magic is starting to fade in Victorian England, and Amelia might be the only one who can save the day.

(Father Christmas being a bit tied up with reindeers falling from the sky, angry trolls and other mishaps.)

While it’s the sequel to the 2015 children’s bestseller A Boy Called Christmas, it stands up perfectly well on its own. An ideal gift for children aged 7 and up, this is a really enjoyable read. So much so

that you may well find yourself borrowing it back.

Buzz Books 2016: Fall/Winter Still no idea what book to go for? Download Buzz Books for free from Amazon, and you can read excerpts from 40 of this season’s new releases. Wellknown and debut writers are included, across both fiction and non-fiction. With a wide range of genres, there should be something to suit most tastes. Think of it as browsing in a bookshop, only with more time to read and the chance to sample books at home.

A Christmas Kiss – Vicky Pattison 24 year old Amber dreams of designing her own fashion line. But after a year of working as a general dogsbody for the Queen of Fashion, Diana Grant, that dream is looking increasingly unachievable. So when an opening comes up working with a leading fashion house, Amber jumps at the opportunity. With a new job and a new love, Amber’s life is looking up, but is she in danger of getting a bit too caught up in the glitzy world of fashion?

Warm and funny, this is a great romantic comedy to enjoy over a glass of prosecco.

To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

This space only £28 + vat per month (t&c's apply) For Best Value advertising contact us today to include your business in the January Issue.

Tel: 01594 806 555

www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

Singing for the Brain ® Groups Forest of Dean Singing for the Brain Held on the first and third Monday of the month, 11am till 12.30pm at Forest of Dean Drop In 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

106.2 - 107 - 107.8 FM

LOCAL ELECTRICIAN NICEIC Domestic Installer Insured CRB checked NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Darren on 01452831016 or 07739825645 dmc electrical, 97 Oak Way, Huntley

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 Gregg Upwards 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 37

inking of

? s a m t s i r h C We’re thinking of Spring… now is the time to plan your perfect indoor-outdoor space

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01531 635338

CONSER VATORIES ● S U N L OU N GES ● W INDO W S ● DO O RS FASCITo A advertise & GU Tcall T ER IN G806●555 GLorAvisit S S www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk CENTRE Page 38 01594

STAMP APPEAL

Suppliers of

Propane & Butane Cylinders for Domestic Heating and Business Use

We need your used postage stamps

from 4.5 - 47 kilos

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

LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES INTERNATIONAL STANDARD (formerly Airmail) Saturday 3rd December Wednesday 7th December Thursday 8th December Saturday 10th December Wednesday 14th December Thursday 15th December Friday 16th December Saturday 17th December

Africa, Middle East Asia, Cyprus, Far East (including Japan, Eastern Europe, Caribbean, Central & South America Australia, Greece, New Zealand Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland Canada, Finland, Sweden, USA Austria, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxumborg

Caravan & Camping Gas incl. GAZ

To order call Malcolm on

01452 762712 or 07973 402982

Compton Green Business Park Redmarley Road, Newent

Various Size Units To Let Storage / Distribution / Office Workshops Refurbished and Insulated Premises Do Not Flood Single / Three Phase Electrics

CCTV/HD Cameras On Site

Mobile Ten Tonne Container Loading Ramp - Now Available For more information please phone John Stallard

01531 820568

LAST RECOMMENDED POSTING DATES

nt e w e N rt SERVICE dve A

UK Inland Services Tuesday 20th December

2nd Class and Royal Mail Signed For速 2nd Class

Wednesday 21st December

1st Class and Royal Mail Signed For速 1st Class

Thursday 22nd December

Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed速

Friday 23rd December

Special Delivery Saturday Guaranteed速

Christmas Postal Dates Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 39

Cake and Bake Mincemeat & Apple Mini Strudels These delicious sweet and buttery mini fruity strudels make great festive puds over Christmas. You can prepare them a few hours in advance, cover and chill in the fridge and bake just before serving.

Ingredients:

1. Preheat the oven to 200C, Fan 180C, Gas Mark

• 8 tbsp luxury mincemeat • 1 small cooking apple, peeled and coarsely grated

2. Place a spoonful of the mincemeat mixture along

• 8 sheets filo pastry, each measuring 18x31cm • 50g unsalted butter, melted • Filo pastry stars, to decorate (see Tip) • Icing sugar, to dust • Whipped cream or brandy butter, to serve

Makes 8 Ready in 35 minutes

Page 40

6. Mix together the mincemeat and grated apple.

Take one sheet of filo pastry and brush with some of the melted butter. one short end of the sheet of buttered pastry.

Fold in a little of the pastry along each long side then roll up to enclose the filling. Place seam side down on a large greased baking tray.

3. Repeat with the rest of the pastry sheets and

mincemeat mixture to make 8 mini strudels in total. Brush with any remaining melted butter.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes

until the pastry is crisp and golden. Cool for 5 minutes then halve and serve with filo pastry stars and dust liberally with icing sugar. Serve with whipped cream or brandy butter.

TIP

To make the stars, fold a spare sheet of filo pastry into three. Stamp out tiny stars using a small star-shaped cookie cutter and brush with a little melted butter. Bake as above but for only 4-5 minutes until crisp and golden.

To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

What‘s On in December Ark-Art – Christmas Art Exhibition Ongoing until Monday 12th December (closed Wednesdays), 10.30am - 5.00pm, Mariana-Art Gallery, East Street, St. Briavels, GL15 6TQ

The Mariana-Art Gallery will be holding a Christmas Exhibition entitled Ark-Art, introducing animal portrait painter Mark Jenkins and cartoons/illustrations by Alison Lingley. Mariana Robinson will also be showing new work - all three artist's work on display will be loosely connected to the subject of animals. In addition, there will be local pottery, silver jewellery

by Ann Skehel, beads by Geri Maslen, hiking sticks, gifts, cards and prints. Please come along and shop locally this Christmas for very special and unusual gifts.

Free entry and on-street parking, credit/debit cards accepted.

For more information, please visit www.mariana-art.co.uk or call 01594 530484.

Dean Heritage Centre Open every day, 10am - 5pm Last entry: 4pm 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 giftaid 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.

Evie’s Aeroplane Ongoing until Sunday 3rd January 2017, 10.00am - 5.00pm before Christmas, 10.00am - 3.00pm after Christmas, Clearwell Caves, Nr Coleford, GL16 8JR Until Christmas Eve children can see Santa in his real underground grotto and choose a present before following delightful cavern displays which tell the enchanting story of a little girl and her toy aeroplane and the adventure they get up to during Christmas.

Tickets are £10.00 per person, under 2’s free. Ticket price includes a present for all children between 2 and 14 years old.

Christmas at Perrygrove Thursday 1st December, Perrygrove Railway, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB If you are looking for a truly magical family Christmas experience, then Perrygrove is a must! Where else does Father Christmas come down the chimney

in front of your eyes? Unlimited entry to the site on your specified date. At a pre-booked time head into the carriage shed theatre for a 25 minute show. There is also an option to do a Christmasthemed treasure hunt. For more information call 01594 834991 or visit: www.perrygrove.co.uk.

Chase Hotel Events Chase Hotel, Gloucester Road, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 5LH Thursday 1st Friday 23rd Dec and Wednesday 28th - Friday 30th Dec: Harry's Restaurant Christmas Fayre. Lunch and dinner for larger private groups that can be accommodated in a private room. 2 courses: £16.50, 3 courses: £22.50. Friday 9th Dec: Take That Tribute Night. Tickets: £39.50. Saturday 10th Dec: 80's Skool Disco Night. Tickets: £32.00. Saturday 17th Dec: Holly Ball and The Time Bandits.

Tickets: £ 42.00. Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd Dec: Christmas Party Nights.

Tickets: £27.50. Don't wait too long, tickets are selling fast.

For more information or to make a booking, please call Stacy on 01989 760642 or email sales@chasehotel.co.uk.

Après Ski Bar Open every Friday, Saturday & Sunday throughout December, The Angel Hotel, Market Place, Coleford, Glos, GL16 8AE

Located in the courtyard, this pop up bar brings the atmosphere of an Alpine Ski Lodge to the heart of Coleford. The Après Ski Bar is a cosy spot to celebrate winter

events cont'd...

...events cont'd with family and friends. Full of festive charm, it offers a range of seasonal tipples and hearty snacks. Opening hours: Fridays 5.00pm-10.00pm, Saturdays 12.00pm-10.00pm and Sundays 12.00pm-9.00pm.

Bells Hotel Events Bells Hotel, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8BE Friday 2nd Dec: Michael Jackson Tribute Show. Tickets £25.00 to include a 3 course festive meal and party disco. Friday 9th Dec: Bruno Mars Tribute Show. Tickets £29.50 to include a 3 course festive meal and party disco.

Friday 16th Dec: Bon Jovi Tribute Show. Tickets £29.50 to include a 3 course festive meal and party disco. Saturday 17th Dec: Abba Tribute Show. Tickets £29.50 to include a 3 course festive meal and party disco. To book tickets please call 01594 832583.

Day out with Thomas Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December, Dean Forest Railway, Lydney, GL15 4ET

Thomas visits the Forest of Dean railway in December. Sir Topham says “Your ticket covers the whole day and there is nothing else to pay”. Doors open at 9.30am, and as long as Thomas is able to wake up he puffs into the platform at approximately 9.45am for the start of a fun-filled day!

Christmas at Krazy Golf Lydney Saturday 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and Sunday 4th, 11th, 18th December, also Friday 23rd Page 42

December, from 10.00am, Krazy Gold Lydney Enjoy a game of crazy golf in the company of Santa and his elves. Children can visit Santa, make tree decorations and reindeer food, and you can enjoy some festive treats at the cafe. For more information please call 01594 840082.

Santa’s Grotto at Coinros Park Nursery Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th, Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December, 11.00am 4.00pm, Coinros Park Nursery, Lydney, GL15 6BU Don't miss out on this enchanting magical grotto, consisting of mood lighting, an imitation waterfall and a reindeer scene – all sculptured by Robin Hooper.

No booking required. Santa's Grotto is organised by volunteers from the Children's Opportunity Centre Coleford and all proceeds are gratefully received by them. Please come along and support this great local charity (registration no. 284975) Winter Woodland Open every weekend from Saturday 3rd December and daily from Wednesday 21st December - Monday 2nd January, Whitemead Forest Park, Nr Lydney, Forest of Dean Back by popular demand!

Come along and try the synthetic skating rink, visit Santa in his grotto, browse the festive craft stalls, have your face painted and take part in the indoor and outdoor activities (new experiences every day including archery, fencing, body zorbs, snorkelling and much more) and after all that why not visit the bar and restaurant.

Ross-on-Wye Choral Society Concert Saturday 3rd December, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Parish Church, Ross-on-Wye Ross-on-Wye Choral Society presents a lively Concert at the start of Advent, contrasting a classical work by Mendelssohn with a vibrant contemporary Mass setting. Mendelssohn’s exuberant Hymn of Praise with organ accompaniment, is followed by Will Todd’s upbeat Mass in Blue complete with a crack ensemble from the Jazz department of Birmingham Conservatoire of Music. An evening to remember – and all yours for only £15 per ticket/£5 for students and under18s ! Conductor: Russell Burton.

Newent & District Camera Club Meeting Tuesdays, meet at 7.30pm for 7.45pm start (meeting ends at 10.00pm), Newent Library

6th Dec: "'A&E' - a photographic journey from artist to excellence"

by Martin Fry FRPS EFIAP AV-AFIAP BPE4* APAGB. 13th Dec: Last meeting before Christmas: Christmas Social.

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.

Ross-on-Wye Choral Society Carols & Songs Saturday 10th December, 3.00pm, Ross Baptist Church Carols and Songs followed

by Tea and Cakes – a familyfriendly chance to enjoy celebrating Christmas music.

Tickets: £5, available from

To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

Rossiter Books, High Street, Ross (01989 564464)/ Ticket Sec. (01989 563328).

Severn Bore Tuesday 13th December Saturday 17th December, 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.

Carers Drop-In Thursday 15th December, 10.30am - 12.00 noon, The Community Lounge, Two Rivers Housing, Western Way, Dymock Do you look after someone who is frail, ill or disabled? Then you may like to meet with other carers to share stories, swap coping ideas, gain helpful information and relax over a cuppa. Come and join us on the 3rd Thursday each month. For more information contact Roger Hare at ‘Carers Gloucestershire’ on 01452 872241 or email rhare@ carersgloucestershire.org.uk.

Visit Santa at Labels Saturday 17th Wednesday 21st December, 10.00am - 4.00pm, Labels Shopping, just off junction 4 of the M50, Nr Ross on Wye, Sat Nav: HR9 7QQ Santa's Grotto in-store. £5 per child (to be paid on the day).

Proceeds go to the Rotary Club of Ross on Wye. Christmas at Puzzlewood Saturday 17th - Saturday 24th December, 10.00am with last entry at 3.30pm, Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB Festive fun for everyone at Puzzlewood this Christmas. Why not dress up as Little Red Riding Hood or the Woodcutter and make your way to Grandma’s house? Santa will be waiting there to meet everyone who comes to visit.

Meet Father Christmas at the Dean Heritage Centre Saturday 17th - Saturday 24th December, 10.00am 4.00pm, Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, GL14 2UB Father Christmas and his elf will be taking a break from their busy schedule at the North Pole and return to his cosy Forester’s cottage, welcoming children with a selection of Christmas gifts.

The Grufallo Trail will also be open. Entry included in general admission price.

Christmas Drop In Session Thursday 22nd December, 11.00am - 2.00pm, Coleford Drop In, The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH Hot spiced mulled apple and mince pies. Come along and meet Drop In members and staff. Everyone welcome.

Contact: 01594 834436.

Mince Pie Special Tuesday 27th and Saturday 31st December, Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd January 2017, from 9.50am, Dean Forest Railway, Norchard,

Forest Road, Lydney, GL15 4ET Christmas day is over, and it’s time to get out for some fresh air…

Travel through the magical forest (while keeping an eye out for some deer or even a wild boar!) and perhaps take a short walk at Parkend and visit a pub for a bite to eat and some real ale.

All rides are on steam hauled trains. No need to book in advance.

Chip Butty Day Wednesday 28th December, 12.30pm, Coleford Drop In, The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH Come along and meet Drop In members and staff. £1.50 per person. Everyone welcome.

Contact: 01594 834436.

Bring & Share Friday 30th December, 12.30pm, Coleford Drop In, The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH Everyone welcome.

Contact: 01594 834436.

REGULAR EVENTS Charity Quiz Night Last Friday of every month, Doors open at 7pm, Sixteen Community Cafe, Bank Street, Coleford, GL16 8B 7.15pm: Talk from charity; 7.30pm: A mouth watering meal; 8pm: Quiz; 8.30pm: Raffle; 8.45pm: Vote of

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

events cont'd...Page 43

Pictograms

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Puzzle & Crossword Solutions Let it Snow

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To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

...events cont'd thanks. Tickets: £7.50 includes a Cheltenham Town Hall meal.

For more information visit: A range of performing art workshops www.jamiefundraiser.co.uk for children of all ages to enjoy. or contact Jamie on info@ There will be a different theme each jamiefundraiser.co.uk orexperience time, no previous drama 07586530907. neccessary. Your kids can just come and enjoy the fun - you never Coffee & Chat know, who might Every Monday, be a naturally 11.00am - 12.30pm, born entertainer!

Lydney Community Centre, TicketsLane, can be Naas Lydney, GL15 5AT purchased from the call For more information Cheltenham Town 01594 845704.

Hall Box Office: Forest of Dean Drop In 0844 5762210.

Coffee & Chat Let's Hang On 2016 Every Wednesday, Saturday 16th January 10am - 12 Noon, Cheltenham Town Hall Forest of Dean In, to the Town Let's Hang OnDrop return The 8HR HallMain duePlace, to theColeford, amazingGL16 response Everyone welcome.

For more they had a previous gigs. If you information 01594 love Frankiecall Valli & the 834436.

Four Run by theyou'll Independence Seasons, be dancingTrust. a lot at this unmissable Admission: Knit and Natterevent. sessions £24.50.

Tickets can be- purchased Every Thursday, 7pm 9pm, from Dog the Cheltenham Town Hall Mad Designs at Taurus Box Office: 0844 5762210.

Crafts, Lydney ItPhilharmonia doesn’t have to be knitting Orchestra Matinee January, 3pm, itSunday can be 17th any craft that can be Cheltenham Town transported easily!Hall Why not An afternoon of Mozart and ideas!

Haydn. come along and share your Conducted

by Michaelemail Collins.

For more information Prices: £12.50, £15.00, £27.50 & enquire@tauruscrafts.co.uk. £32.50. Tickets can be purchased Severn Tai Chi and from theSun Cheltenham TownYoga Hall Box Yoga: 7.00pm Office:Wednesdays, 0844 5762210.

8.30pm Tai Chi: Thursdays, 7.00pm

Jack and the Beanstalk Wednesday 20th - Sunday 24th January, The Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Hatherly Road, -Cheltenham, 9.00pm, Blakeney GL51Youth 6HE Centre Friendly abilities.

It's pantoclasses, time atallthe Bacon Telephone Natalie onfor fun Theatre: Come along and laughter! booking 01594 510666Early for more recommended. £10 information or toAdmission: join. £14. For more information and Table Sale tickets call: 01242 224 144.

Last Sunday of every Festival12pm Trials- 3pm, Day month, Saturday 30th January Sixteen Community Cafe, Cheltenham Racecourse Bank Street, Coleford, Come8Bto what's known as the best GL16 one day jumpare fixture in the tables UK, Refreshments available; andFor getmore notable pointersvisit: of horses £5. information ahead of The Festival in March. www.jamiefundraiser.co.uk Forcontact more information and tickets or Jamie on info@ visit: www.cheltenham.co.uk jamiefundraiser.co.uk or LOCAL MARKETS 07586530907.

Christmas Charities, Fine Food LOCAL & Drink MARKETS Market Saturday 5th December, Christmas Market 9am - 4pm, Long Gardens Saturday 3rd Dec, First stop for cards, gifts and 10.00am - 5.00pm, wrapping paper as well as for Hillside Brewery, Longhope fine food and drink.

A festive market in the lovely Christmas Celebration warm rustic barn of the Hillside Farmers Market Brewery. Come along and pick up Friday 11th and 18th Christmas essentials and December, goodies 9am 2pm, Long Gardens such as locally sourced beef meat The essential destination for the boxes from May Hill, Charles finest local food and produce to Martell cheese and spirits, Hetty’s satisfy all!

Tea Party cakes, Brentwood Tongs,

Christmas wreaths and table centre pieces from Jessabel Flowers, handmade rustic and reclaimed gifts, Christmas cards, a selection Christmas Gifts andchutneys and of local wines, cider, Arts & Crafts Market of course Hillside Brewery beers!

Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th Dec, For more information, please 9am - 5pm, Long Gardens call 01452 830222.

Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd & Coleford Country Market Wednesday 23rd Dec, 9am - 5pm, Pedestrianised of the-Promenade, Every Fri fromarea 9.30am outside Cavendish House 12 Noon, beside the Clock Tower The treasureEvery trove Sat for from gifts, treats in Coleford; and that extra special something 10am - 12 Noon, in Mushet for someone over five Walk, near the- now Co-op.

We selldays! home-baked cakes and pastries, German-Style Christmas Market home-produced and Dec, Thursday 3rd –preserves Sunday 20th honey, handmadeCheltenham crafts, home The Promenade, grown seasonal as well This market doesfruit, not only getasyou vegetables andmood plants.but is also the into the festive perfect place for seasonal treats St. Briavels Farmers Market and Christmas shopping. Monday First Saturday of every - Wednesday: 10am - 6pm; month, 9.30am - 1.00pm, Thursday - Saturday: 10am – The Pavilion, St. Briavels 8pm and Sundays: 11am - 6pm Produce, patisserie, fish, pies and more.

Taurus Crafts Christmas Markets Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th, Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th December, Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Gloucestershire, GL15 6BU Celebrate Christmas in style by doing your seasonal shopping at the Taurus Crafts Christmas market. You can browse a range of inspirational art & craft items, gifts, food and drink and not to forget locally grown high quality Christmas trees.

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Page 45

Page 41

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 46 call 01594to806 555your or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk Get in touch with the ForestTo ofadvertise Dean Magazine have local club or society listed for FREE!

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 47

LOCAL FREELANCE Crystal Flame Photography PHOTOGRAPHER (With mobile studio)

PORTRAITS

Families, Children, Christenings, Pets, Teen Shoots, etc [No posing in studio - comfort of your home or preferred location]

WEDDINGS

Imaginative and Relaxed Photography

Packages from £100 to £800

For quote or discussion call Colin on 07851 407628 or 01531 822172 or email colinwe@aol.com zedman65@mail.com

CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

24

11

5

2 17

6

2

24 6

11

16

7 20

15

20

O

8

13

Page 48

6

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To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

...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

“I must say I am thrilled with the coverage of my charity event in your magazines. I already had a response from people wanting tickets. Thank you so very much!”

Martin

Variety Show Mitcheldean

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 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 Singers Practice Wed evenings from 7pm to 8.30pm at Pillowell Methodist Church New members welcome. Ladies with an interest in joining please ring 01594 562 485.

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 for FREE!

“Your magazine is a really good source for advertising and it is bringing people in. Thank you!”

“Looks lovely as always - very nice layout and quality. I do get quite a lot of feedback about the feature.”

Sarah

Rita

Gloucestershire County Council

Smiths of Newent Auctions

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Page 49

Finance

By Ann Haldon

By Ann Haldon

Different Different Types Types Of Of Debt Debt And And How How To To Deal Deal With With Them Them

The temptation to borrow The temptation to borrow money is all around us. Despite money is all around the credit crunch, weus. stillDespite live thea credit crunch,society we stillwhere live in consumerist in a consumerist society where credit card companies extend creditlimit cardunprompted, companies extend your and payday lenders target those your limit unprompted, and least able to paytarget extortionate payday lenders those interest rates. least able to pay extortionate interest The fact rates. that many people need to borrow simply to The fact that many people pay bills and meettothe needtheir to borrow simply ever-increasing cost of living pay their bills and meet the means it can become ever-increasing cost ofdraining living and stressful to stay means it can just become draining afloat.

When you money and stressful just owe to stay to numerous it afloat.

When companies, you owe money can be difficultcompanies, to know how to numerous it best to deal withtoyour can be difficult knowdebts how -best the to pressure becomes deal with your debts overwhelming you’re - the pressure when becomes simply trying towhen pay them off. overwhelming you’re

simply to pay To helptrying you get morethem off. control and understand To help you get more the ramifications of failing tothe repay, control and understand here’s a little more detail ramifications of failing to about repay, the various forms secured here’s a little moreofdetail about and unsecured borrowing. the various forms of secured and unsecured borrowing.

Page 50

Secured loanS Secured This type of loanS loan is secured on This type such of loan secured on an asset, asisthe mortgage an your asset, such Ifasyou thefall mortgage on home. behind on these your home.

If you fall behind on repayments your on these repayments your so home could be repossessed, this is the number one priority so home could be repossessed, debt all others. this isabove the number one priority debt above all others.

Repossession is a worst case scenario, however, and most Repossession is a worst case lenders will initially be scenario, however, andopen mostto negotiation.

They won’t wanttoto lenders will initially be open lose you as aThey customer, but you negotiation. won’t want to do need proactive about lose you to asbe a customer, but you communicating with them, and do need to be proactive about demonstrate thatwith youthem, take the communicating and situation seriously. demonstrate that you take the situation There areseriously. many debt charities in the UK willdebt helpcharities you There arethat many work budget if youyou need in theout UKathat will help guidance this area, andneed work out ainbudget if you some mayineven contact the guidance this area, and lender on your It’sthe some may evenbehalf. contact important let behalf. your lender lender on to your It’s know an amount youlender can afford important to let your to repay, provide with know an and amount you them can afford atocopy of your budget to back repay, and provide them with ita up. copy of your budget to back

it up.

unSecured loanS unSecured loanS Unsecured lending includes Unsecured lending includes credit card borrowing, payday credit card payday loans, storeborrowing, cards, personal loans, store cards, personal loans and catalogue debt, and loans catalogue and this is and not secured ondebt, an asset. this is not secured on an asset. credit cards and store cards credit cards store The UK’s totaland credit cardcards debt The risen UK’s to total credit cardindebt has £65.5 billion has risen to £65.5 in 2016, according to billion the Money 2016, according Money Charity, equatingto tothe £2,426 per Charity, equating £2,426 household.

Takingtothis figureper household.

Taking figure as an example, andthis assuming as ancredit example, assuming your card and has an average your credit has an average interest ratecard applied, it would interest rate applied, it wouldto take 25 years and 6 months take 25 years months repay it in full ifand you6only paidto repay it in fullamount if you only paid the minimum each the minimum amount each month.¹ month.¹the minimum repayment Making

for too long causes a rapid Making the minimum repayment decline into unmanageable for too long causes a rapid debt, particularly if you also decline into unmanageable have borrowing debt, other particularly if youtoalso contend with. have other borrowing to contend with.

Personal loans Personal Personalloans loansfrom the bank will have aloans fixedfrom rate the of interest Personal bank so know howrate much you’ll willyou have a fixed of interest need toknow pay each and so you how month, much you’ll the exact duration of the loan. need to pay each month, and In themany exactrespects durationthese of theloans loan. are easier to manage than In many respects these loans credit cards, come are easier to which manage thanwith acredit temptation buildcome up more cards, to which with debt over time. a temptation to build up more debt overloans time. are generally Personal offered forloans largerare purchases, Personal generally however, aspurchases, a car or offered forsuch larger refurbishing a kitchen foror however, such as a car example. refurbishing a kitchen for Payday example.loans Payday Paydayloans loansare targeted at those who need amounts Payday loans aresmall targeted at to carry them to the end of those who need small amounts the month, andtoare to carry them theoften end of

the month, and are often

To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

used to pay bills and meet used to pay bills and meet other liabilities. The danger of other liabilities.

Thelies danger of these types of loan in the these types of loan lies in the extremely high rates of interest extremely high rates of interest applied. applied.

If you know that you’ll be able If you thatoff you’ll beit’s able to pay know the loan when to pay themay loanbe offawhen due, they goodit’s last due, they be aagood last resort, butmay missing payment resort, missing a payment will verybut quickly send you into very quickly you into awill debt spiral thatsend is difficult to a debt spiral that is difficult to escape. escape.

Mail order catalogues Mail ordercompanies cataloguestend Catalogue Catalogue companies tend to attract new customers to attract new customers with introductory low interest with introductory low interest rates or no interest initially. rates or no interest initially.

Repayments are made over a Repayments are–made over specified period usually 20 a specified period 20 or 40 weeks, and–ifusually you don’t or 40 weeks, and aif mail you don’t fall behind, using order fall behind,can using order catalogue be a mail flexible way catalogue to spend. can be a flexible way to spend.

The problem is that if you The problem that if youa miss even oneis payment, miss even one payment, a

higher interest rate will come higher interest rate will come into effect which can be as into effect which canOther be as much as 40% APR. much as 40% APR. Other charges will also be applied charges will also including be applied by the company, late by the company, including payment fees and a chargelate for paymentthe fees and a charge for chasing debt. chasing the debt.

As with some credit card As with some credit card limit companies, your spending companies, your spending may be increased regularlylimit may be increased regularly to tempt you into purchasing to tempt more.

Onyou theinto facepurchasing of it, buying more.a On the facecompany of it, buying from catalogue from a catalogue seems like a goodcompany idea, but seemsother like afactors good idea, these need but to these other need to be taken intofactors account.

Further be taken into problems can account. also ariseFurther if you problems canfor also if you are an agent thearise catalogue. are an agent for the catalogue. acting aS a catalogue acting aS a catalogue agent agent Being a catalogue agent Being a catalogue agent involves collecting money involves money from yourcollecting customers and from youritcustomers and But remitting to the company. remitting it to the company. what happens if one of yourBut what happens if one of –your customers doesn’t pay are customers doesn’t pay – are

you ultimately liable for the you ultimately liable for the money they owe? money they owe?

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E EFFIC EF FF IE FIIC CIIE T ,, EN N T S SPEED EE SP PE D EDY YD D ELIVE DE EL LIIV R R VE ERY Y

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Page 51

Pepper & Turkey

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Serves 4

Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes

This is a tasty and healthy post-Christmas day family supper and a great way to use up leftover roast turkey.

Ingredients: • 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, scrubbed • 2tbsp olive oil • 1 red onion, peeled and chopped • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced • 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced • 225g cooked turkey breast, diced • 1 x 230g tub fresh tomato salsa • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 100g Cheddar cheese, grated • Chopped avocado, lime wedges and freshly chopped parsley, to serve Page 52

Preheat the oven to 200C, Fan 180C, Gas Mark 6. Prick the potatoes all over with a fork and place on a baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until tender.

Just before the potatoes are ready, heat half the oil in a frying pan and fry the onion for 6-7 minutes until tender, adding the garlic after 5 minutes. Add the peppers and turkey and fry for a further 2-3 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp of the tomato salsa and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Halve the baked sweet potatoes and roughly mash up the flesh with a fork. Season lightly and drizzle over half the remaining oil, then pile the turkey and pepper mixture on top of the halves.

Scatter over the cheese and drizzle over the rest of the oil. Return to the oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese has melted.

Serve with chopped avocado and lime wedges and sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley.

Spoon the rest of the salsa into a small bowl and serve on the side.

TIP

For a vegetarian version replace the turkey with halved chestnut mushrooms or diced aubergine or courgette and use vegetarian Cheddar cheese.

To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

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Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Lydney & District Hospital Ross on Wye Community Hospital The Dilke Memorial Hospital LIBRARIES

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Page 53

advertisers index Auctioneers & Valuers Smiths of Newent Building Supplies Hale & Co

19

33

Caring Services & Technology Forest Linkline 4 Carpet Cleaners Mavis Russell

Carpets & Flooring Blueboy Carpets Ltd

Charities, Clubs & Groups Forest of Dean Chess Club New Start Cat Rescue Singing for the Brain Christmas Trees Prestbury Farm Curtains & Blinds Chosen Curtains

34 25 33 39 37 3 34

Decluttering Services Clutterfly 20 Electrical Services Dmc Electrical Entertainment Sunshine Radio

37 37

Estate Agents & Property TwoCan Estates back page Events An Invitation Ark-Art Exhibition Bring & Share Drop-in Carers Drop-in Chase Hotel Chip Butty Day

35 8 31 6 10 33

Events (cont'd) Christmas Drop-in Drop-in Coffee Morning Food & Drink Gloucester Biltong Wiltshire Farm Foods

Furniture DK Furnishing Gloucester Import Furniture Garden Centres Coinros Park Garden Centre Howle Hill Nursery Roses Country Fayre Garden Machinery & Tools Hale & Co Garden Services The Garden Lady

34 55 20 2 11 23 13 33 8

Gas Cylinder Suppliers FloGas

39

Hair & Beauty Tracy's Barber Shop

7

Handyman Dave Dowell

25

Heating & Plumbing Services Aqua Heat 18 Broad Oak Services 23 Interior Design Chosen Curtains DK Furnishing

Legal & Financial Services White Knight Group

34 20 6

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Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Glos Directories does not officially endorse any advertising/editorial material included within the publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systen or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise - without the prior consent of the publisher. The use of this magazine for canvassing or direct marketing is strictly prohibited.

F

Include your business in the January issue - call us today or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk Page 54

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Opportunities Oaklands Park

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48

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51

Shopping DK Furnishing Farm & Country Store Gloucester Import Furniture Labels Outlet Shopping

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Storage Compton Green Business Park 39 Travel Travel Councillors Chris Gooch 25 Utilities Utility Warehouse

Vets & Pet Services Farm & Country Store Sundean Vets

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Weddings Crystal Flame Photography

28 31 21 48 48

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This Christmas why not let us do the dinner?

Try our Christmas Selection Pack for only £37.95 7 Main Courses with vegetables

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We’ve got all the Christmas classics on the menu from Roast Turkey, Chicken, Beef and of course Christmas Pudding. Plus some delicious new meals, including Coq au Vin and Chocolate Orange Ice Cream! It’s your Christmas after all, so let us make it enjoyable and delicious.

We’ll deliver your tasty dinner direct to your freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply pop your meal in the microwave or oven and enjoy.

Ask for your FREE brochure today, and order over the phone or online. There’s no better time of year to discover Wiltshire Farm Foods.

To order your Christmas Selection Pack call

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where you can also order your FREE brochure

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Page 55

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