FOREST OF DEAN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
February 2016
www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
FREE
February What‘s On Guide
Feathered Friends
Gardening by Pippa Greenwood
Planning a Bathroom
Home & Interiors by Katherine Sorrell
Martin Lewis
Local News Local Businesses
Cheap trains, drains & automobiles
The Millionaire Maker Local Writer Richard Denny
Finance
Is Buy-To-Let Still A Good EstuaryInvestment? Oils Estuary
Your Leading Fuels & Lubricants Supplier
Oils
Andrew Mould Managing Director
Blueboy Carpets Ltd
Mob: 0788 7777 752 Email: andrew@estuaryoils.com Web: www.estuaryoils.com
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Unit 57D Symondscliffe Way
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NOW ALSO IN CHELTENHAM 272 - 274 High Street (Opposite the Brewery) Cheltenham, GL50 3HQ
Telephone: 01242 577006
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Page 3
The Yew Tree Inn
Your Family, Dog & Horse Friendly Country Pub The Yew Tree Inn located at the bottom of May Hill is the perfect stop on your way to the top! PUB QUIZ AVAILABLE EVERY 2ND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH.
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Next Pub Quiz on Feb 12th
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From the Editor
Local Magazines Published by Glos Directories - connecting local businesses with local people
Dear Reader, Christmas has come and gone, the mild start to January was lovely and then the rain, floods and finally Jack Frost came to leave his calling card! As we head into February we have Valentine's Day to look forward to. A lot of people see Valentine's Day as a commercial gimmick and the first stumbling block to anyone who had a diet-related new year's resolution! But whether you celebrate the day or not, I think it is a reminder to spread a bit of love and warm feelings to those around you, and with the 14th falling within half-term it certainly provides parents with a great theme for doing some arts and crafts or baking with the kids! This time of the year many Friends of the School commitees and Church Fete organisers get together to arrange dates, so please let us know what you are planning and if it's local we will publish your event in the magazine free of charge.
CHELTENHAM YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
FREE
www.cheltenham-magazine.co.uk
February What‘s On Guide Feathered Friends
Enjoy this month's issue and see you in March! Best wishes, Vicky Muller
Gardening by Pippa Greenwood
Planning a Bathroom
Home & Interiors by Katherine Sorrell
Martin Lewis
Cheap trains, drains & automobiles
The Millionaire Maker
- Editor
February 2016
Local Writer Richard Denny
Local News Local Businesses Finance
Is Buy-To-Let Still A Good Investment?
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Page 5
Golden Years
Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning of its surroundings. Even the fact that Jodrell Bank intercepted the signals and the Daily Express published the pictures before Pravda could didn’t spoil the party.
There were glasses raised in jubilation in Moscow and drained in frustration in Washington on February 3rd 1966, when the Soviets demonstrated once again that they were well ahead in the space race. They had been ahead from the beginning, of course: Sputnik 1, the first man-made satellite, blasted off on October 4th 1957, to be followed by Sputnik 2 a month later, whereas the Americans couldn’t launch Explorer 1 until January 31st 1958. On April 12th 1961 Yuri Gagarin pipped Alan Shepherd by only 23 days to be the first man in space, and the Soviets rubbed it in by being the first to orbit the earth, having the first woman in space, and completing the first spacewalk. Now they were ahead in the race for the Moon, too, the race that President Kennedy had declared that America must win within the decade. But after a flawless launch and three-day flight, Luna 9 touched down gently on the rocky floor of Oceanus Procellarum, extended its camera array, and started making a complete panorama Page 6
It was the first successful rocketassisted controlled landing on the Moon, and the extent of the Soviet lead was only confirmed on February 21st when the American probe Ranger 8 crashed; but the lead was less solid than it seemed, and it evaporated for good on February 26th with America’s first successful Saturn rocket launch. Actually, the Americans had had the lead all along but didn’t know it. After the war they had more or less kidnapped Germany’s V2 team and its director, Werner von Braun, but for five years the Germans were only allowed to supervise the completion of captured V2s and train the Americans in their use. In 1950 the military sacked von Braun and packed him off to the Marshall Space Flight Centre in Alabama where he could dream his intergalactic dreams in peace while the US Navy worked on its main project, the Vanguard missile launch vehicle – a task in which it failed. Only when Sputnik was launched did Washington realise that Moscow now had a viable missile delivery system and it didn’t. Then someone remembered that
rather embarrassing ex-Nazi in Alabama. Maybe von Braun had something the military could use? He had. His Redstone rocket was originally intended as the launcher for Explorer, but in 1955 Eisenhower had decided to use Vanguard instead. Now the military turned back to Redstone. Explorer was hastily adapted to fit its new launcher, and the US was back in the game. So was von Braun. Vanguard was scrapped and the development dollars went his way instead. His giant Saturn rocket that would take America to the Moon had its first launch only weeks after Luna 9’s triumph. Meanwhile the Russians were dividing their resources between two new launch vehicles, N1 and Proton. But N1’s designer, Sergei Korolev, died suddenly in January 1966 and the project faltered. Proton wasn’t ready either, and when Apollo 8 became the first manned lunar orbiter on Christmas Eve 1968, the heart went out of the Russian effort and after four failed attempts to launch N1 they gave up. The Soviet moon-shot was suspended in 1974 – two years after the last American had walked on the Moon – and scrapped in 1976.
Happy 50tH BirtHdays to Rick Astley (1st), Cindy Crawford (20th), and Tea Leoni (25th) Cake and botox to you all!
To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Come slim with us
To be able to eat hundreds of every day foods in unlimited amounts - and still lose weight - might sound too good to be true, but it’s what helped literally millions of Slimming World members to lose weight beautifully without ever going hungry. Local Consultant Sue Holdcroft says "Many people start January with the best of intentions but by the end of the month have given up, defeated by hunger, boredom or feelings of deprivation. I want people to know that not all ‘diets’ are the same. It’s easy to be wooed by the plans that promise the fastest loss, but it’s important to think sensibly about the plan they choose and look at which offers the chance of lifelong success." Sue has lost 7st herself with Slimming World and believes faddy diets aren’t the answer: She adds, "Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan encourages members to eat a wide variety of healthy foods to satisfy their appetite, so they never need to suffer the hunger pangs that usually see people throwing in the towel on other weight-loss plans. We call these foods ‘Free Foods’ because they can be enjoyed freely and this month at Slimming World we’re celebrating Free Food February. "Free Foods are those that are low in calories yet filling, including fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat, fish and more. So by using these foods and making just small changes to the way they cook and prepare meals
BEFORE
there are hundreds of delicious dishes, from roast dinners and big AFTER (with with Peter Andre) breakfasts to curries and pasta dishes, that slimmers can enjoy without having to worry about tucking into tiny portions. "It’s really flexible too so whether you love to cook or are quite inexperienced in the kitchen, you’re bound to be able to find something you’ll enjoy making – and, more importantly eating. I’ve just re-launched the groups in Cinderford Rugby Club at 5.00 & 7.00pm on Mondays and in just the last 2 weeks the members have lost more than 300lbs! To find out more about Free Food February and losing weight with Slimming World, pop along to the Cinderford Rugby Club Slimming World group, which is held every Monday at 5.00 & 7.00pm, or call Sue on 01594 824181 or 07917 834512. You can also visit www.slimmingworld.com to find your nearest group there are 16 throughout the Forest of Dean area!
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 7
Perfect Gift for your
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Express
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Open Mon - Sat 9am – 5.30pm FREE WI-FI
To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Richard Denny Your Success Coach The media have called Richard Denny ‘The Millionaire Maker’. For over 30 years he has helped thousands of people into financial wealth, and others into greater achievement and happiness. His lectures, books, videos, DVD’s and CD’s are bought around the world.
10 Tips for a success mind-set Success of course is different for us all and what we perceive success to be. The one thing that all successful athletes, musicians, singers and self-made millionaires have in common is an attitude (mind-set) of success. They didn’t acquire this after their achievements. So here are a few tips for you to have that mind-set: 1. You must have an objective, a purpose or something you really want to achieve. This becomes your goal or goals, your mind must know exactly what it has to achieve. 2. Make it a habit to be positive, some habits take a while to cultivate and transform into subconscious automatic behaviour. Make it a habit to be positive every day. 3. Use repetition; athletes build muscle by continuous repetition, in a similar way we need to continually send the right messages to the brain. Ten repetitions of a thought will embed that thought into your achievement mechanism. 4. Use positive affirmations 'I can' as against 'I can’t', 'I am good at...' as against 'I’m no good'. This may sound ridiculous but I promise it works. What we tell our mind our mind will deliver. 5. Smile, you will find it so much harder to have negative thoughts when you
are smiling. ‘A frown brings a wrinkle, a smile brings a twinkle’. 6. Plan doing something towards your success each day. By planning and doing something constructive each day you will progress towards your goal. One of the laws of motivation says ‘seeing ourselves progressing motivates us’. 7. Discard negative thoughts; when you have taken photographs, you discard those out of focus or badly lit, you just keep the quality images. Your mind can work the same way, cast out the negative images and replace them with positive ones. 8. Think of problems as challenges; use the word challenge rather than problem. It’s fascinating how our mind positively embraces a challenge whereas a problem is a de-motivator. 9. Before you go to sleep the last thoughts should always be on what you want, never on what you don’t and best of all to include some thankyous for your day and those that have helped you. 10. All of the above thrive on a clear objective and a goal. So you must be absolutely sure what it is you are striving for and that objective must not be money. There is not a millionaire or billionaire who chased money as their goal. Money comes as a by-product of successful achievement.
For success and wealth join www.dennyacademy.com for FREE Page 91 Page
Please of DeanMagazine Magazinewhen whenresponding respondingtotoadvertisers advertisers. Please mention mention Forest Winchcombe
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Various Size Units To Let Storage / Distribution / Office Workshops Refurbished and Insulated Premises Do Not Flood Single / Three Phase Electrics
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Mobile Ten Tonne Container Loading Ramp - Now Available For more information please phone John Stallard
This space only £28 + vat per month (t&c's apply) For Best Value advertising contact us today to include your business in the March Issue.
Tel: 01594 806 555
ne i z a g Ma t n e New Proof rt for Local hospice on look-out Adve 01531 820568
www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
fundraising volunteers across Gloucestershire Local hospice charity, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court, is seeking community fundraising volunteers from right across Gloucestershire to get involved and help it raise the £1.6 million it needs every year to provide care for local families. The hospice has created some brand new volunteer roles including fundraising collection volunteers and collection tin coordinators, for anyone who can join them to help. Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to become a Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Community fundraising volunteer wherever they live across Gloucestershire, no matter how many hours they can volunteer. Each of the roles are flexible and fulfilling. Fundraising collection volunteers will help with collections in stores in and around Gloucestershire and help the local charity to seek opportunities to promote the Page 10
hospice and the incredible work it does. There is a particular need for this in Gloucester and Cirencester. The role of collection tin coordinator will help with the distribution of collection tins in a given area – a vital stream of income for the hospice. There is also a vacancy for a fundraising administrator working alongside the team based at the hospice assisting with research, handling donations and general admin duties around events and projects. The volunteer must be able to commit to a weekday within office hours on a weekly basis working at the Cheltenham-based hospice. Mike Tague, Head of Hospice Fundraising at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice said, “We can only raise the money needed to carry on providing care for local families at a time they need it most with the support of
the very communities we care for.” “We have an incredibly loyal and hardworking army of volunteers but we need more volunteers in local communities right across the county if we are to raise the £1.6 million needed every year to help run our inpatient unit, day hospice and hospice at home services.” “These new roles will help more people flexibly volunteer with us. No matter how many hours you have to offer and no matter where you live, from Gloucester to Cheltenham, from Stroud to Cirencester or from the Forest of Dean to Tewkesbury or anywhere in between you can get involved and help support our work, right in the heart of your local community.” Anyone interested in becoming a fundraising volunteer for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice can call Beth Davis on 01242 246285 or email beth. davis@suerydercare.org.
To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Blueboy Carpets Ltd
No.1 for Quality & Price 01594 836926
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To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Rapid Electric Car Charger Will Boost Tourism An electric car charging facility has just been installed at Tidenham near Chepstow.
Located on the car park of Hanley Farm Shop and Business Centre the installation is a joint initiative with Gloucestershire County Council and was recently officially opened by District and County Councillor, Graham Morgan.
Cllr Morgan, Cinderford (Lab), said; “I’m pleased to have been able to open this new electric car charging point at Hanley Farm Shop and Hanley Court Business Centre, it is the first superfast charging point in the Forest and great news for the local community. It will increase accessibility around this picturesque part of the world.” Cllr Patrick Molyneux, Sedbury (Con), said; “This is a great opportunity to enjoy our beautiful Forest in an environmentally friendly way. If you own an electric vehicle you can now enjoy the delights of the Dean with the knowledge that there is a fast and convenient point to charge your car.” “The electric car charger will be a fantastic boost
Christmas Smiles at Gloucester Royal Hospital, Oncology Wards Just before Christmas, Tasha Saunders loaded up a borrowed van and headed for the Royal Gloucestershire Hospital, Children's oncology wards. She wanted to try to help put a smile on some of the young faces who, at a difficult time, would be spending Christmas in hospital. As a working mum with 5 children, she knows how hard it can be juggling everything at this time of year. When asked why she wanted to add something else into her already busy schedule she said: "My husband and I have had our share of tough times, people have been kind to us when we have needed help and I just wanted to do something to help and give a bit back”.
At the official opening of the new electric car charging facility at Tidenham near Chepstow - Cllr. Helen Molyneux, Cllr. Terry Hale, Cllr. Maria Edwards, Cllr. Graham Morgan, (cutting ribbon) and Cllr Patrick Molyneux
to tourism as well as give locals the opportunity to charge their vehicles.” Said Lyndon Edwards, owner of Hanley Farm. “It will make the whole of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley area easily accessible to the ever growing number of ecotourists who drive electric cars. Not only will they be able to get here, they will now also be able to charge up and get home too!” Whilst their cars are ‘plugged in’ drivers are able to use the café and facilities at Hanley Farm Shop during the short time that it takes to re-charge.
So in October, using Facebook and word of mouth, she started asking friends and family if they would like to donate toys, gifts, sweets etc. that could be donated to the 2 Oncology wards as Christmas gifts. "The response was just incredible " said Tasha, "donations started pouring in... there was just so much! We were able to donate presents to not only the 2 oncology wards but also to the renal ward and 2 medical wards too! We were also able to make up some hampers for the hard working nursing staff. It was a humbling experience - my little 6 year old wanted to come and deliver the presents with us, there were lots of smiles and there were lots of tears of happiness shed too!" Tasha plans to build on the success of the 2015 appeal and is planning to make the “Donate A Gift Appeal” even bigger in 2016. If you would like to either help or donate a gift, please contact Tasha on 01594 841355.
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Page 13
Home & Interiors Plan Your Perfect Family Bathroom
Is your bathroom family-friendly? Think layout, fittings, flooring, lighting and all-important storage space – and turn your bathroom into an appealing haven for both children and adults, says Katherine Sorrell. THE SPACE If your room is small but there’s a tiny, adjacent WC, consider knocking down the wall in between to combine them into one family-friendly room. If there are a lot of bedrooms compared to the number of bathrooms, it may make sense to convert a bedroom into a second bathroom. The least expensive way to overhaul a family bathroom is to keep the fixtures and fittings in the same place, which avoids the costs of altering pipe runs. On the other hand, if the layout isn’t right – perhaps you want to create space to add a separate shower – you’ll have to re-arrange the room. Measure up and draw a plan on graph paper, noting the position of doors and windows, radiators, the soil pipe and any other permanent fixtures. Then decide what fittings you require: a bath, Page 14
walk-in shower, WC, basin (or two – ideal for busy bathrooms), radiator and/or heated towel rail (big enough for LOTS of towels)… A specially designed showerbath, wider at one end and with a curved-glass screen, can be a great space-saver, and try to include as much storage as you can, so plastic toys can be put away when you need a calm, grown-up space. Vanity units can be built under basins, also concealing pipework, and WCs can be placed against false walls which contain both the cistern and some storage space; you can also use wall and floor cupboards, either custom-made or off-the-peg, plus conventional storage ideas such as a hinged chest with a padded seat on top and shelves, racks, boxes and baskets. Finally, draw all your fittings to the same scale as your floor plan, and cut them out. Move them around until you find the best layout, allowing generous activity space for knees, elbows, drying and so on, around each fitting. FITTINGS In a bathroom that’s used regularly by all members of the family, young and old, flexibility is key. Opt for a timeless white suite with an easy-clean finish, plus neutral tiles, and add bold colours and fun patterns in the form of towels, mats, handles and hooks. Wall-hung fittings are easier to clean around, as well as making the space seem bigger; for small children, a sturdy, portable step will help them reach the loo and basin. Ensure taps and shower have an anti-scald device and touch-safe surfaces, and set thermostatic mixers to low temperatures. FLOORING Bathroom floors must be nonslip, easy to clean and mustn’t
By Katherine Sorrell
mind getting wet. Don’t use carpet, and avoid solid wood as it may shrink or warp. If you like the look of timber, however, you may be able to install marinegrade ply, engineered boards, laminate, bamboo or tropical hardwoods. Ceramic tiles are ideal, especially as they work brilliantly with underfloor heating (cosy toes!), while alternatives include linoleum, which has a classic look and is made from environmentally friendly materials, rubber – available in an array of gorgeous colours – and the ever-popular and practical vinyl. LIGHTING Lighting really makes a difference to the mood of a bathroom and, if possible, it should be planned in the initial design stages. Include good general, overall lighting, perhaps in the form of inset ceiling spotlights or (less expensive) a ceiling-mounted track, plus some task lights, by the mirror, for shaving or applying make-up. Clever ideas include: storage units that incorporate lighting; fitting uplighters in flooring; an led colour-changing lamp operated by remote control; adding a colourful light stream to your tap water and even illuminated tiles. You could even consider fitting low-level lighting that comes on automatically when someone enters the room – great for night-time toilet visits. Remember that when any light fitting is near water, it must be manufactured with suitable protection against splashing – designated by an IP coding of 4 and above.
Main Image: Cooke & Lewis Perdita bathroom suite: shower bath, £198; close-coupled toilet with soft-close seat, £184; semi-pedestal basin, £85; all B&Q, 0333 014 3098; www.diy.com.
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Auction Trends for 2016 I thought it would be pertinent to celebrate the start of the new year with a quick run-down on current auction trends and collecting fashions rather than my normal monthly anecdote. One of the most noticeable trends this year has been the slowing down of the Chinese market which has been in a strong boom period for the last few years as one might have anticipated in line with China’s general economy. Chinese antique values had soared wildly but as with all steeply climbing markets it had to come to an end some time. Not that prices for Chinese items have collapsed they have just pulled back to a more sensible level which will probably prove to be more controlled and sustainable in the long run. Traditional antiques have tended to stay very subdued with certain iconic items such as antique maps, brass candlesticks and Royal Commemorative China finding it almost impossible to find buyers. The truth of the matter is that very few young people are wanting to buy such ‘old fashioned’ items and supply far exceeds demand. The antique furniture market continues to see very selective buying with some success stories countering the general doom and gloom that this subject currently often inspires. Some interior designers are now balancing a few carefully chosen antiques with modern inspired interiors – such pieces tend to be simple classic designs – for example early oak furniture, Arts & Crafts or fine quality Georgian pieces. Ornate Victorian furniture is still not popular and mediocre furniture without any useful function is definitely ‘out’. Classic mahogany dining furniture is at all time low as more and more people eat in the kitchen and not surprisingly prefer lightwoods and modern styles. However useful items such as antique bookcases, chest of drawers and storage furniture continues to sell steadily. Designer vintage furniture continues to perform very well with the greatest interest coming from dealers based in large cities who source their stock online. Areas of the market which have continued to expand include antique postcards, small collectables, coins, medals and gentlemen’s wrist watches (for some reason this does not apply to ladies wrist watches which are far less in demand). Jewellery has also continued to sell very well with large diamonds having performed exceptionally at Smiths last year. I have recently been informed that the market is now moving into good sapphire and ruby set pieces as well. Natural pearls have also made record prices in the last few years but these are rare and far between as 99% of pearls sold are cultured – interestingly the only sure way to tell the difference is to have the pearl tested and keep the certificate. The paintings market has seen a huge boom in contemporary and 20th century art whilst Victorian watercolours have taken a hit and more traditional paintings have stayed in the doldrums. This is reflected in the interior fashion for having one large eye catching painting on a wall rather than a number of attractive but less ‘visually arresting’ antique works. Collectables such as this James Overall it appears to be a fantastic time Bond poster which made to buy many traditional antiques and £290 are more popular than a good time to sell all the small niche a Victorian watercolour! collectables lurking forgotten in your drawers. Smiths hold drop in valuation days on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a closing date of two weeks before each sale.The saleroom is very friendly and approachable and more than happy to offer sales and buying advice to prospective customers. Please see our website www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk or call 01531 821776.
- Written by Rita Kearsey Manager of Smiths Auction Room at Newent
Monthly Sales of Antiques & Collectables
Sudan Medal Est £100/£150
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Page 17
Triangle Radio
We are Community Radio serving the Forest of Dean here in Gloucestershire, fully run by volunteers who have a passion for radio and also the community. Christmas seems a distant past and we are well into the schedules for quarter one of 2016 albeit we’ve made some early changes with the introduction of a new show on Sunday afternoons: Kissy, Alex and Tom host Forest Chat with KAT bringing you their view of the Forest and the world at large. They will also be showcasing one or the other unsigned band with great live music from South Wales’ The Committee and Tom Purnell. Be sure to join them in coming weeks live from 2pm. We’ve already started our planning for live outside broadcasts and have now confirmed to attend the Coleford Carnival of Transport again. We have also already started discussions to support this year’s Coleford Music Festival in July. If plans come to fruition, we will be broadcasting on FM in Coleford and the surrounding area during this time with a purpose-built studio, but more on this in later articles. If you have any events during 2016 please get in touch and we can see on promoting or attending. We still rely on your support either as a
PROGRAMME Monday 08:00: Breakfast Shuffle with Daren 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 18:00: Forest Sport with Paul & the team 19:00: Q-Burn with Peter Anthony 21:00: Encyclopedia of Rock with Trevor Howard (Rpt) 22:00: *NEW* Americanza with Alan Roberts (Rpt) Tuesday 08:00: Breakfast Shuffle with Daren 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 18:00: Daytime Shuffle with Dan 19:00: Manda’s C60 Mix Tape (Rpt) 20:00: Chris Arscott’s Folk Show 21:00: Forest Chat with KAT (Kissy, Alex and Tom) (Rpt) Wednesday 08:00: Breakfast Shuffle with Daren 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian Page 18
volunteer or as a sponsor. We always are always looking for more volunteers and advertisers to join us. Feel free to contact us either on Facebook or via email at triangle@triangleradio.co.uk. Our revised Quarter 1 schedule is below and new programmes will be added during the coming months. Please visit our website for the current listings and any changes. We are still looking for the right commission-based sales executives to join our team. If this is a venture that interests you, please contact us at triangle@triangleradio.co.uk. If you would like to give us feedback, please make contact and drop me a line at daren@triangleradio.co.uk Below is a short Bio on one of our Presenters, Daren Green (Saturday Breakfast, Director and Station Controller) Daren’s interest in Music and Radio stems back to the 1980’s when he was a Disc Jockey on the Mobile and Club scene. At that time he was also involved in the then local radio station Severn Sound and undertook many duties from technical operations to programme support and outside broadcasts. Getting married and having children refocused his attentions until his youngest son showed an interest in Triangle Radio’s first RSL
16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 18:00: Soft Rock & Acoustic Sessions with Clive (Rpt) 20:00: The Blues Hour 21:00: Blues Hour Xtra 22:00: The Nighttime Shuffle Thursday 08:00: Breakfast Shuffle with Daren 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 18:00: Chris Arscott’s Folk (Rpt) 19:00: The Blues Hour (rpt) 20:00: Best of British Unsigned 21:00: Encyclopedia of Rock with Trevor Howard 22:00: Q-Burn with Peter Anthony (Rpt) Friday 08:00: Breakfast Shuffle with Daren 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 17:00: The Forest Weekly 19:00: Friday Night Party with Dan Green 20:00: It’s the Weekend, Ryan Davies
(FM) broadcast and asked him to come along. This was the trigger to rekindle his dormant interest; Daren has now taken on presenting duties on Saturday Breakfast and is also Station Controller as well as one of the Directors of Forest Community Media. If you would like to know more about Triangle Radio please visit our website on www.triangleradio.co.uk or contact us for an informal chat by emailing ryan@triangleradio.co.uk. We are a not for profit organisation and rely solely on grants, donations or advertisements. If you would like to discuss a flexible package to promote your business then please make contact. Triangle Radio is available online at www.triangleradio.co.uk where you can stream or download our free app on Google play store or via the TuneIn App.
Written by Daren Green (Programme Controller) 22:00: Global House Party 23:00: Bass And Breaks Saturday 08:00: Sat Breakfast with Daren 10:00: The UK Airplay Chart with Jack Sullivan 12:00: *NEW* Forest Sport with Paul and the team (Rpt) 13:00: The Daytime Shuffle 19:00: Sat Night Party with Dan Green 20:00: It’s the Weekend, Ryan Davies 21:00: Electrik Playground with Andi Durrant 23:00: House Central with Jay Forster Sunday 08:00: The Daytime Shuffle 10:00: Check in with Cat Lake 12:00: Mellow Moments 14:00: Forest Chat with KAT (Kissy, Alex and Tom) (Rpt) 16:00: Manda’s C60 Mix tape 17:00: The Soft Rock and Acoustic Sessions 19:00: *NEW* Americanza with Alan Roberts 21:00: The Chill Factor 23:00: The Nighttime Shuffle
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To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Feathered Friends by Pippa Greenwood
Watching wild birds in your garden is a real delight, and as many help to keep pests at bay for much of the year it makes sense to encourage them in. You can provide a haven for wild birds as long as you have a fair number of potential hiding places, such as a few good sized shrubs or trees - and trees which provide berries or other fruits are always going to be welcome. But what else can you do to encourage your feathered friends into the garden? A source of water really is one of the best features, so either buy an ornamental birdbath or create one from a shallow dish with sloping sides. The water should be no deeper than 2” (5 cm) and if you do have a deeper container then you should fill the lower depths of it with good sized stones, to reduce the depth. Ideally the water should be changed every other day, but at this time of year it is essential to make sure that the water does not freeze for long periods of time. Other garden water features, including ponds with shallow sloping sides, are also perfect for many birds to feed and bathe in. Providing birds with additional
food materials is worthwhile, but remember to provide a constant supply or they may come to rely on something that is not there when they need it most. If you have a problem with squirrels, then use a squirrel proof feeder – they resemble bird cages and hold a central cylinder of peanuts, though they can cost up to £40. If squirrels are not a problem, use a cheaper nut feeder, but position it so it is out of range of cats. Save household scraps for the birds too; they enjoy apples, cooked rice, cheese, old breakfast cereal, raisins and sultanas and, of course, bread. Buy fat balls which contain mixed seeds and hang them from trees or large shrubs where they will provide a fantastic meal for many birds and, provided you position them correctly, means that you can also enjoy watching them. I only buy the net-free fat balls,
as birds’ feet can get trapped in the net. You can also buy grubs and larvae to feed the birds. These high protein snacks are particularly useful once birds start feeding their young in the spring, and are best distributed on a bird table or even on a garage roof. They are available by mail order or from garden centres and pet shops. If you feel like making or buying a bird table on which to set out the feasts you are supplying, then so much the better. Choose one which is not easily accessible by cats, and position it where you can watch the birds as they feed and drink. I mainly feed the birds on top of an old, established hedge. It is just tall enough for me to reach its flat clipped top surface and I put out bird food on flat wooden trays – perfect for me to view and impossible for cats to get the wrong idea about who is meant to be eating! Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa , biological controls, fleece, copper tape and lots more besides.
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Page 21
LEWIS
MARTIN LEWIS
, drains and automobiles
Cheap trains, drains and automobiles
t for various reasons be it business or personal, p cut the cost of travel.
of fuel via extreme couponing trick.
anning a big spend at any one of 50+ retailers between boiler-only, the cheaper option that co unoccupied for more than boiler andCheap HouseSome of Fraser, Homebase and PC World), buy folks drive a lot boiler coverheating - you cover, its controls, or central d in Morrisons andreasons you get 1p/litre perdays and you turned the for various be it off fuelfive don’t need to stick includes full central heating coverwith on top (includ So £100 gets 10p and £1,000ish free off. The rule of thumb business or off personal, here agets aheating firm radiators, your pipes, energy etc). is keep it to a minimum 14 few tip to help cut the cost degrees. Boiler cover is compare a free market, of travel. c) To find the cheapest, prices via uSw ck isn’t to use them as gifts, but that if you’re energy firms like you to thinktime. and add inyet Energyhelpline.com if you’ve Buying big purchase in that into two tickets for you need to stick with them. You Free tank ofstore fuelanyway, via first pop one train journey can and buy the gift card. Then a few days later, don’t. While British Gas charges extreme couponing trick. £12/month, youcover may for be able ctive, go and use it to buy your planned save you £100s ● Get a year's breakdown £17. to get similar cover for as little as giving Ifyou a potentially whopping you’re planning a big spendpetrol tips:during the winter se here’sata any full list and more infoSplit at ticketing makes about Ifasyour car£6. oneofofretailers 50+ retailers hasMy hadquick trouble much sense as Chewbacca, be butcostly it (including House of Fraser, isonsfuelsaver.co.uk. to pay it back in the Spring. Thankfully works. It’s where you buy tickets Rentersdoing usually need Homebase and PC World), buy know whata)you’re youdon’t can get super chea a journey’s constituent parts as things their landlord’s thedown, gift card Morrisons and going for heating butinnot off if you're away There are it, four you needlikely to know: responsible. Check. you get 1p/litre off fuel per £10 separately to slash the price. It’sthat allowed by the conditions of £100 getspipes. 10p off ld, nospend. heatingSorisks burst So much so - If you’re renewing, haggle. 84% of AA and 76% carriage – the only rule is that Ensure know what cover and cover £1,000ish a free tank. ers won't you gets for damage if your home's customer b) who triedyou reported success. the train must call at the stations you need. Choose between d for more than five days and you turned the - If you’re new then for basic cover use a cashba you14buy tickets for. boiler-only, option The real trick isn’t to use them . The rule of thumb is keep it to a minimum standard RAC policy isthe £28cheaper online and an AA pol that covers your boiler and its as gifts, but that if you’re but sites like Topcashback.co.uk and Quidco.com For example, a single from controls, or central heating cover, planning a big purchase in around £10-£15 back so the effective cost to yo Manchester to Cornwall costs which includes full central heating thatfor store first pop o tickets oneanyway, train journey caninto save you This usually works, though do note the cashbac £158, but the train stops at cover on top (including radiators, Morrisons and buy the gift card. 100% guaranteed. Cheltenham Spa. Buy a £52 pipes, etc). Then a few days later, once it’s - If you have Tesco clubcard points you can swa ticket from Manchester to active, go and use it to buy your ng makes about as much sense as Chewbacca, for RAC cover, so £16 of vouchers gives you bas Cheltenham Spa, then a £58 c) To find the cheapest, compare purchase, giving s. It’s planned where you buy tickets foryou a journey’s one from there to Cornwall breakdown. and prices via uSwitch.com and add in potentiallytowhopping t partsaseparately slash thepetrol price. It’s allowed - For full service, Autoaidbreakdown.co.uk is a p the total’s £110. That’s the same Energyhelpline.com if you’ve time. discount. There’s a full list ditions of carriage – the only rule is that the reclaim polcy for £42/year, which covers you an train, the same time – possibly of retailers and more info at call at the stations you buy tickets for. spouse for home start, breakdown and onward even the same seat. www.morrisonsfuelsaver.co.uk. Getfirm a year’s breakdown local delivery is sent out, and you pay then le, a single from Manchester to Cornwall costs cover for £17. receipts to get the cost back. To help find if you can do this Turn your heating down, he train stops at Cheltenham Spa. Buy a £52 for your journey, use my free but not off if you’re If your car has troubleis? Manchester to Cheltenham Spa, then a £58 ● Do you know where yourhad stopcock TicketySplit tool at mse.me/ going away. during the winter season, it can here to Cornwall and the total's £110. That’s the ticketysplit. As Justine tweeted costly to pay back in the , the same time – possibly even the same seat. No nudge be nudge wink winkitneeded. Everyone s me: “Genius - tickety split has If it gets cold, no heating risks Spring. Thankfully, ifwater you know where their stopcock – mains tap – is. Fr just saved me £50, no effort, burst much that whatanyou’re doing you can get d if you canpipes. do thisSofor yoursojourney, use my bursts create average £4,000 of damage, ma exact same journey.” some insurers won’t cover you superthe cheap cover.asThere are ySplit tool at mse.me/ticketysplit. As Justine you can't find off switch your home flood for damage if your home’s e: "Genius - tickety split has just saved me £50, prepared. xact same journey." Page 22 To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit the www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk Under kitchen sink’s a very common place.
four things you need to know: - If you’re renewing, haggle. 84% of AA and 76% of RAC customer who tried reported success.
- If you’re new then for basic cover use a cashback site. A standard RAC policy is £28 online and an AA policy £35, overs but yoursites like Topcashback. co.uk and Quidco.com give , which ding around £10-£15 back so the effective cost to you is £18ish. This usually works, though do note the cashback isn’t 100% witch.com guaranteed.
- If you have Tesco clubcard points you can swap them in for RAC cover, so £16 of vouchers eason, gives it canyou basic breakdown. y, if you ap cover.
- For full service, Autoaidbreakdown.co.uk is a pay and reclaim polcy for £42/year, which covers you and your spouse for home start, breakdown and onward travel. A local delivery firm is sent out, and you pay then send in receipts to get the cost back.
Do you know where your stopcock is? No nudge nudge wink wink needed. Everyone should know where their stopcock – mains water tap – is. Frozen pipe bursts create an average £4,000 of damage, made worse if you can’t find the off switch as your home floods. So be prepared.
Under the kitchen sink’s a very common place. To locate yours, Thames Water has a helpful video at thameswater.co.uk/ help-and-advice/13526.htm
Can you find sub-£1/litre petrol? Petrol prices are now under £1/litre in some places, but the range is huge. Use Petrolprices. com to find your cheapest, nearest forecourt. The difference even within one post code is 10%. It’s an easy check to fill up on savings.
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Page 23
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Across 1. Twisted fir cone provider (7) 7. Beneath sheltering in thundery conditions 8 (5) 9 8. Fruit grown from a melon (5) 9. Prisoner driven to agree (7) 11 12 11. Overweight part to be sent (5) 13. Foodstuff termed a stew (3,4) 13 17. Unit I constructed for Arctic people (5) 19. Natural habitat in the periodic table (7) 16 22. The Spanish after very warm place to stay 19 20 21 (5) 23. Garment cut in pieces (5) 24. Exploit the power of stable gear? (7) Down 23 1. Small room with nothing in the orchestra (5) 24 2. Quantity men rub the wrong way (6) 3. Enclosed and fought with swords (6) 15. The gospel truth 4. Dash occupied by one wreck (4) is holding back a 5. Lied about being lazy (4) swimmer (6) 6. Trace around a container (5) 16. Concavities seen in 10. Bird observed in Botswana (4) decadent spot (5) 12. Appear to be a join, we hear (4) 18. Least organised 14. Choice reply (6)
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22 Špuzzlepress.co.uk
Mini Cryptic Crossword
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How to Look after Your Dog’s Paws When caring for your dog, it’s easy to overlook their paws unless they are limping, but it’s important to make sure that nothing gets lodged in their pads or stuck in the ‘web’ between their toes. It’s an easy routine though, and consists of just three steps: • Checking regularly for signs of damage or soreness Although puncture wounds may not be immediately visible because of the dark colour of your
PETS
dog’s pads, if anything has caused damage the dog will pull away or show signs of discomfort when you touch their feet. Regular checks after each outing will help to prevent infection building up in broken skin, and identify damaged or split claws. • Bathing To flush out any sand or small objects, dip each paw into a shallow container of water and pat dry. Sand in particular causes discomfort if not removed after a walk on the beach, and sharp shells can easily cut the paws. • Keep fur trimmed This is especially important for long-haired breeds with lots of fur between their
pads. Keeping it short allows you to see any damage to the paw, and makes the dog more comfortable when walking. You can buy special creams and waxes to protect your dog’s paws from harsh winter weather, and also from becoming blistered in the summer heat. A damaged paw will put a halt to their activities and can mean an expensive visit to the vet, so prevention is certainly cheaper than cure. http://uk.pedigree.com/health-andtraining/caring-for-your-dog/lookingafter-your-puppys-paws http://theilovedogssite.com/5-must-knowtips-for-taking-care-of-your-dogs-paws/
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By Ann Haldon
Page 25
8.30am-6.30pm 8.30am-6.30pm
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Walford Ross-on-Wye, Telephone: 01989Road, 564687 • vinetreevets.co.uk Herefordshire, HR9 5RS Herefordshire, HR9 5RS
Herefordshire, HR9 5RS Tel: 01989 01989 564687 www.vinetreevets.co.uk Telephone: 564687 • vinetreevets.co.uk Telephone: 01989 564687 • vinetreevets.co.uk
Chemical Element
Argon Arsenic Barium Bismuth Boron Caesium Copper Francium Gold Hafnium Helium Holmium Indium Iodine Iron Lead Lithium
Neon Nickel Osmium Radon Rhenium Silicon Silver
Strontium Tin Wolfram Zinc
Find the names of Chemical Elements in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase
Page 26
To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Finance Is Buy-to-Let Still a Good Investment? By Ann Haldon
With no sign of improved interest rates for savers, and pension changes that offer more freedom, is buy-to-let still a good option for those wanting to invest? At first glance, the increase in stamp duty and reduction in some tax reliefs for landlords may cast doubt on whether investing in bricksand-mortar is a good idea, but success depends on many factors, not least of which is your commitment to maximising returns. We take a look at what you need to consider when thinking about property investment. One of the first items on the list should be to clarify your motivation for this type of investment, as it will directly impact on the areas and type of property that you choose. Do you want rental yield or long-term capital growth? Are you considering a long-term investment to take advantage of capital growth, or focusing on the potential rental yield of a property? Between 15 and 20 years is a common timescale for property ownership with capital growth in mind, which might fit in nicely with your plans for retirement. On the other hand, investing in a multiple-occupancy student let, for example, could bring in much-needed monthly income. You may be able to make a
rental yield of between 5% and 10% if you find a suitable property in a good location, and buy it for the right price. Focusing on the figures Buy-to-let can still be a good investment if you’re prepared to put in the time and effort to make it work. This begins with meticulous research to make sure you get the best mortgage deal, find suitable locations and the right style of property for your target market. In other words, you need to make sure as far as possible that the numbers add up. Lending restrictions have made it difficult to find a good mortgage deal in recent years, when compared with the precredit crunch era, but even when you’ve got a mortgage offer that you’re happy with, you should be constantly looking for ways to improve returns by switching suppliers and cutting costs. Will you manage the property yourself? Many professional landlords concentrate purely on managing their business. They don’t get involved in the monthto-month management of the property, or dealing with tenant issues – in fact, many landlords never even meet their tenants. It’s purely a numbers game, and taking this approach means
abandoning any personal preferences with regard to choosing your property. If you decide to hire a letting agent, they will take a percentage of the rent by way of payment. This may seem like a needless expense when you’re willing to do the work yourself, but when you consider how much time and energy is saved in not having to deal with tenant issues it may be money well spent, particularly if you have more than one property. Financial benefits of buy-tolet The beneficial tax reliefs enjoyed on buy-to-let mortgage interest payments are now being limited to the basic rate of income tax. This was previously an attractive part of buy-to-let investing, but they can still be enjoyed if you form a limited company for your property investments. As rates of corporation tax are being reduced to 18% by 2020, for owners of multiple properties at least, this could help to reduce costs. But as always, you need to seek the advice of a professional advisor to maximise the investment returns and minimise your tax bill. http://moneyfacts.co.uk/ guides/buy-to-let/btl-have-youconsidered-the-investment-risks/
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Page 27
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Windfall shared with Gloucester church St Margaret’s Church in Whaddon is a little bit richer thanks to a donation from two women following the sale of their family home. Vicki Hernon and Helen Gage decided to make their gift after taking advantage of a ‘no fees’ introductory offer from local estate agent TwoCan when they sold the bungalow last year. Grateful for saving hundreds of pounds in agency fees, they thought they would share their good fortune with the church “that has been at the heart of our family since we came to live in Tuffley more than 50 years ago”. At the end of January, Vicki, Helen and TwoCan Senior Negotiator Andrew Heard met Hans Rackham, Treasurer at St Margaret’s Church to present him with a cheque for £200, which will go towards the £150,000 appeal to replace the church roof. Vicki’s grandparents, Bertie Osmond
and Mary Bullard, were among the first people to move to the newly-built Grange estate in Tuffley when they bought 2 Windsor Drive in 1962. They passed it on to their daughter and son-in-law in 1980, and it remained in the family until 2015. Now the bungalow has been bought by a Tredworth couple, and Vicki and Helen want to pass on the history of the home and some memories of their grandparents to the new owners. “This was the first house they ever bought,” explained Vicki. “I assume they must have paid for it out-right as Bertie retired in 1963 having completed 38 years of service with the Post Office. “Helen and I lived there with our parents Beryl and Lionel Chiswell. They were active members of many Tuffley clubs and societies as well as the church, and they are both now buried in the churchyard at St Margaret’s. “We saved money by selling the bungalow through TwoCan and it felt like a fitting tribute to donate some of that to the local church in memory of our parents.” Vicki and Helen found the original marketing details for the
www.twocan.estate Grange estate and photographs of their grandfather being awarded the BEM for long service to the Post Office, plus letters of congratulations from the Queen and the Prime Minister of the time, Rab Butler. TwoCan was recently named by raterAgent as Gloucestershire’s Agent of the Year. Senior Negotiator, Andrew Heard, said: “The history is one of the great things about buying a second-hand home and it was really interesting to see the original documents and to learn something of the families that lived there. “Vicki and Helen’s family clearly had strong connections with Tuffley and it’s a lovely gesture to donate some of the money they saved through TwoCan to the church, which obviously meant a great deal to their parents, and where Lionel was Churchwarden between 1999 and 2004.” TwoCan is a property sales, lettings and management agency, combining a highly professional and competitivelypriced service with a unique ethical ‘profit-for-purpose’ approach to doing business. It was recently named ‘Gloucestershire Agent of the Year’ by independent review site raterAgent. TwoCan is owned by Newentbased Two Rivers Housing charity and every penny made in profit is gifted to support its work.
Coleford Charley Smith's Big Hair cut raises £2,209 In December we published an article on Charley Smith from Coleford who decided to cut off her waist length brown hair to donate it to the ‘Little Princess Trust’ who make wigs for children who have lost their hair through chemotherapy. At the same time Charley raised money for the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. Her target was to raise £300 for the hospice that cared for her granddad, but she soon exceeded her target and managed to raise an incredible £2,209. Last month she and her family went to present hospice Director Elise Hoadley and Receptionist Mandy Thomas with the cheque. The hospice was incredibly grateful for Charley's generous donation.
L to R Charley's mum, Rachel Smith, Charley Smith and Hospice Director Elise Hoadley and Hospice Receptionist, Mandy Thomas
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Page 29
Valentine’s Coffee Morning and Raffle
Thursday 11th February 10:30am Money raised from the Raffle will be going to the Coleford Drop In member committee fund. Coleford Drop In, The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH - Telephone: 01594 834436
01452 830441
07817 693203
FOR ALL YOUR EQUINE NEEDS Very competitive prices with a huge range to suit everyone’s pocket. FREE hat and body protector fitting with fully qualified members of staff. Wide selection of horse feed available with affordable meal deal offers. Opening Hours: FIND ALL OUR Mon-Fri 12-7pm LATEST OFFERS ON OUR Saturday 10-4pm FACEBOOK PAGE
Sue Mason, Newhunt Farm, Newent Lane, Huntley, GL19 3HH
Forest of Dean Chess Club FODCC meets at Mitcheldean Library Thursday evenings 7.00pm-9.30 pm 2015: 3rd Sep.—17th Dec. 2016: 7th Jan.—3Oth June (Except Public Holidays) NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME
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
For further details, contact Secretary Ray Francis: Tel. 07815597714 Forest of Dean Chess Club Website: www.fodcc.org.uk
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
Page 30
To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
SAVOY THEATRE www.monmouth-savoy.co.uk
CHURCH STREET MONMOUTH 01600 772467
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Friday 26th February at 7.30pm
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PONGO'S PARTY Fun Packed Family Show
Suitable for ages 3-7 Join Pongo the Pig and friends for a show full of songs and laughter
Thursday 24th March at 8pm
BRIAN CONLEY
Multi-talented Brian guarantees you an evening of non-stop entertainment 106.2 - 107 - 107.8 FM
ON SCREEN
JONAS KAUFMANN An Evening With Puccini
German tenor's unforgettable concert filmed at La Scala The only showing in South Wales Monday - Thursday 6am Paul Ellery In The Morning 10am Mark Edwards 2pm HIGH SCHOOL HITS WITH OPAL BONFANTE 3pm SHAUN TILLEY INC CRUISE CONTROL REQUESTS AT 6pm 7pm NON STOP SUNSHINE FRIDAY AS ABOVE EXCEPT...
7pm FLOORFILLERS WITH MARK BAKER 10pm HIGH SCHOOL HITS WITH OPAL BONFANTE 1 am NON STOP SUNSHINE
SATURDAY 7am MARK EDWARDS • 10am ALL REQUEST SATURDAY WITH GREGG UPWARDS • 2pm MARK BAKER • 6pm 70’S HEAVEN WITH SHAUN TILLEY • 10pm HIGH SCHOOL HITS WITH OPAL BONFANTE • 1am NON STOP SUNSHINE SUNDAY 6am MARK BAKER • 10am LEON OLDMAN • 2pm MATT HEALEY • 6pm 80’S HEAVEN WITH SHAUN TILLEY • 10pm CLASSIC SOUL & MOTOWN WITH MIKE HOLLIS • Midnight NON STOP SUNSHINE Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 31
And Another Thing... by Tom Hughes Follow Tom on Twitter @groomsdaybook
I returned home from the health centre after my annual MOT to be confronted by my Dearly Beloved’s demand for the prognosis. “So Tom, how did your check up go?” “A complete waste of time. These new age medical fads will have me in an early grave.” “In other words, she told you to go on a diet?” “I think she muttered something about broccoli.” “Did she measure your BMI?” “What didn’t she measure? Anyway I think the old quack was down in the dumps, she kept saying things were morbid.” “As in obese? Right that’s it, no more biscuits for you. What’s that in your hand?” Sarah prised the card from my fingers. “A gym membership? You’re joining a gym?” Page 32
“Doctors orders apparently. And less of the sniggers please.” After a trip to a large out of town sports retailer (which looked to me like one big jumble sale), I turned up at the sparkly new gym freshly clad in Lycra. I spotted my reflection in the reception mirror. I looked like a shrink-wrapped WC Fields. A little boy dressed in crepe paper rustled towards me. I was about to ask him if he was a school boy on the run from the Wag Man when he cheerily piped up, “Hi I’m Jason, I’m going to be showing you around the gym.” And so we entered a vast cathedral of glistening stainless steel and skin tight leggings. I strolled past all manner of appalling contraptions. Finally, we arrived in a dark corner of the gym, the floor of which was covered by squishy blue mats.
“So Tom, if you would like to warm up?” “Warm up? Right, well you can either turn down the air conditioning or I can go and get my jumper.” Jason looked worried. “OK, I’ll go and get Nigel. He’s going to do your induction.” It was then I spotted him, bounding over like a Super Hero straight from the set of Avengers Age of Ultron. Enviously I observed how Nigel suited Lycra a lot better than did I. “Hi Tom! My name’s Nigel …let me ask you some health questions, we don’t want you croaking on one of our machines and suing us, now do we?” His laughter evaporated in the cold dry air of the gym. “Seriously, do you work out?” “The last time I worked anything out was the clock on our new oven and that
To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
HPS TR Ltd, Newent
Britain’s Premier Sport Shooting Supplies Company HPS Target Rifles are now able to offer an INTRODUCTION TO HAND LOADING COURSE to suit your needs. Launched in July 2015, HPS is now offering a 1-day course for up to 4 people per course and will be looking to build on this course with an INTERMEDIATE HAND LOADING COURSE to be launched in 2016 for those who wish to improve their skills. The Introductory Course will be held at the Old Bisley Gun Club, Bisley Camp, Surrey at pre-arranged dates.
New Opening Hours for HPS in Newent: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm & now Saturdays 9am - 2pm!
Participants will learn the basics from case preparation to bullet seating before heading off to the range to shoot their own hand loaded ammunition tailored to their rifle. For more information or to book get in touch and let us know about your requirements.
Tel: 01531 822 641 Fax: 01531 828 741 E-mail: info@hps-tr.com Website: www.hps-tr.com left me pretty breathless, I can tell you.” “Err OK, have you ever suffered from any of the following - angina, asthma, arthritis, slipped disc, joint pain, calcium deficiency?” “Not as yet…” I said, warily. “Great! Right, let’s jump on this bad boy.” Bad boy? I mouthed to myself. And so we set off on what can only be described as a Penrose Staircase of endless agony. After ten minutes of purgatory I held up my hand in protest. Nigel stopped the machine. “Are you alright Tom?”
up finished now let’s get you on one of these wicked machines.”
“Great! I’m just in the middle of some bicep curls.”
“The warm up! You mean there’s more?”
“I hope he’s not working you too hard.”
“Oh yes! Another forty five minutes more.”
And with that a familiar voice was overheard: “Same again old chap?”
“Not for me there isn’t sunshine, that’s quite enough for one day, thank you.” “But Tom, don’t you want rock hard buns?” “If I want rock hard buns I’ll go home and fetch my bread making machine down from the loft.”
“Thank goodness that’s over!” I gasped.
Half an hour later I answered a call from Sarah.
“Right Tom, that’s the warm
“How’s it going?”
“Yes, why not?” A pause then Sarah, her voice hardening, said “Tom…are you in the pub?” “Sorry love, got to go. It’s my round. But if it’s any consolation, these vegetable crisps are broccoli flavour, so how’s that?” Well, as any athlete will tell you, it’s never advisable to over train.
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Page 33
Beef Stew
with Horseradish Dumplings
Serves 4
Ready in 3 hours 30 minutes This is a traditional and warming casserole which is ideal to serve to the family during the chilly winter months. Serve with steamed green vegetables such as broccoli, Savoy cabbage or green beans.
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1kg braising steak, cut into chunks 2 tbsp seasoned flour 3 tbsp sunflower oil 2 large onions, peeled and sliced 300ml Guinness 450ml beef stock 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced 2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 bay leaves FOR THE DUMPLINGS 75g self-raising flour 40g shredded suet 1 tsp grated horseradish 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
TIP
If you don’t want to serve this stew with dumplings, try topping with sliced potatoes instead. Arrange 3 large peeled and thinly sliced potatoes in concentric circles on top of the stew after 2 hours cooking time. Season well and dot with butter. Return to the oven, uncovered, and cook for a further 1- 1� hours until both meat and potatoes are tender.
Page 34
Preheat the oven to 170C, 325F, Gas 3. Place the meat and seasoned flour in a large plastic freezer bag. Seal the bag and shake well, until the meat is coated in the flour. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan and brown the meat in small batches, over a high heat. Add more oil if necessary. Transfer the meat to a large casserole dish. Add the remaining oil to the pan and fry the onions for 5 minutes. Pour in the Guinness, stock and Worcestershire sauce and bring to the boil. Pour the liquid and onions over the meat and add the carrots, thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Cover and cook for about 3 hours until the meat is tender, stirring once. To make the dumplings, place the flour, suet, horseradish and parsley in a large bowl. Season with half a teaspoon of salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper, then stir in enough cold water to mix to a soft dough. Using lightly floured hands, divide and shape into 8 dumplings.
5 Uncover the stew and gently sit the dumplings on top of the meat. Cover and cook for a further 20 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and risen. Serve sprinkled with extra freshly ground black pepper.
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Page 35
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Page 36
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Armchair Gardening Winter may not be the ideal time to be out in the garden with the cold and the wet, but it's a great time to sit indoors in your best armchair with a cup of tea and watch the birds whilst reflecting on the past gardening year. Have a good look at your garden Winter lets you enjoy the rewards and appreciate the fun of gardening. Take in the beauty of your garden when you sit in your chair and pay special attention to the outlines and structures that you will be able to see. Seeing the shapes of borders and focal points in particular will help you make plans for adjustments and might spark some great new ideas. Plan and order seeds for spring sowing Choose your vegetable crop varieties and flower seeds and buy packets early to avoid disappointment. Garden centres, magazines and websites offer plenty of choice whilst mail order and online shopping facilitate an easy purchase. However, before you buy, do your research and make a list of varieties that extend the growing season - early, mid and late season. Also make the resolution to try something new this year and go for it! Jobs to do Start chitting seed potatoes, use the time to go ahead with some tool maintenance, plant a new deciduous hedge, check tree ties and stakes - replace or refasten as needed - and repair plant supports and fences in preparation for the growing season.
The Garden Lady 01594 541118 or 07767690009
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.
4 West Avenue, Drybrook, Glos, GL17 9HX mail2@thegardenlady.me.uk
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.
S N O W
If you need help and advice on how to prepare your garden for spring then give me a call on 01594 541118 or 07767690009. - Catherine Williams, The Garden Lady
©Puzzlepress.co.uk
F A L L
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Page 37
What‘s On in February Perrygrove Railway Open every weekend Perrygrove Railway & Treetop Adventure, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB Adults: £6.80; Seniors: £6.20; Children (3 and over): £5.30; Family (2 adults & 2 children): £23. For more information call 01594 834991 or visit: www.perrygrove.co.uk Willow Heart Making Workshop Saturday 6th February, 10am – 1pm, Humble by Nature, Upper Meend Farm, Lydart, Monmouth, NP25 4RP
Weave a beautiful decorative willow heart using coloured willows. The perfect hand-made gift for someone you love. Admission: £35. For more information visit: www.humblebynature.com. Model Railway Exhibition Sunday 7th February, 10am 4pm, Monmouth Leisure Centre, Old Dixton Road, NP25 3DP The Rotary Club of Monmouth presents their 5th Model Railway Exhibition with about 30 exciting layouts. Free parking, wheel chair access and light refreshments. Proceeds in aid of Rotary charities. Admission: adults £5, children/OAPs £4, family Page 38(2+2) £12.
Valentine's Coffee Morning & Raffle Thursday 11th February, 10.30am, Coleford Drop In, The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH
Money raised from the raffle will be going to the Coleford Drop In member committee fund. Contact telephone: 01594 834436 Rob Beckett: Mouth of the South Friday 12th February, 8pm, Savoy Theatre, Church Street, Monmouth, NP25 3BU Come and see Rob Beckett, star of BBC1’s Live at the Apollo, BBC2’s Mock the week and Channel 4’s 8 out of 10 Cats live at the Savoy Theatre. Recommended over 15s. Admission: £14, friends of the Savoy & students £12. Tickets available from the theatre during opening hours, online: www.monmouth-savoy.co.uk, via email: monmouthsavoy@hotmail. com or phone: 01600 772467.
£35. For more information visit: www.humblebynature.com. Pongo’s Party Saturday 13th February, 11.30am, Savoy Theatre, Church Street, Monmouth, NP25 3BU It’s Pongo the Pig’s birthday but everyone seems to have forgotten. Worse still, his presents have gone missing! Join Milly-Moo the Cow, Sheena the Sheep and farmer Marty MacDonald in a laughter packed fun-filled adventure with songs jokes and Monmouth’s biggest ever game of pass the parcel. Particularly suitable for 3 7 year olds. Make sure you come dressed for the Best Party Clothes competition. Tickets: adults £9, under 16s £8, family (2+2) £30; available from the theatre during opening hours, online from: www. monmouth-savoy.co.uk, via email: monmouthsavoy@hotmail.com or phone: 01600 772467.
Valentine Chocolate Making Friday 12th February, 10am - 12.30pm, Humble by Nature, Upper Meend Farm, Lydart, Monmouth, NP25 4RP
Make around 30 Marc de Champagne truffles in this special Valentine chocolate making workshop. Admission:
Hattie Briggs Concert Sunday 21st February, 7.30pm, Forest Folk Club, Royal Oak, Whitecroft near Lydney, Park Hill, GL15 4PG Come and see Gloucestershire based singer-songwriter Hattie Briggs perform at the Royal Oak. Her music has been played on TV, BBC Radio 1, 2 and 6Music and many regional BBC radio stations. Admission: £6 on the
To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
door. For more information visit: www.forestfolkclub.com/whats-on and www.hattiebriggs.co.uk
Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH For more information call 01592 834436.
Jonas Kaufmann An Evening with Puccini Friday 26th February, 7.30pm Come and see Jonas Kaufmann’s legendary concert on the stage of La Scala Milan. A film directed by Brian Large. Tickets: £10; available from the theatre during opening hours, online: www.monmouth-savoy.co.uk, via email: monmouthsavoy@hotmail. com or phone: 01600 772467.
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 thanks. Tickets: £7.50 includes a meal. For more information visit: www.jamiefundraiser.co.uk or contact Jamie on info@jamiefundraiser.co.uk or 07586530907.
Jackie Cox Exhibition of Silk Paintings Saturday 20th February Monday 28th March, Taurus
Forest of Dean Drop In Coffee & Chat Every Wednesday, 10am 12 Noon, Forest of Dean Drop In, The Main Place, Coleford, GL16 8HR Everyone welcome. For more information call 01594 834436. Run by the Independence Trust.
Crafts, The Old Park Lydney, Near Chepstow, GL15 6BU An exhibition of silk paintings by local artist Jackie Cox.For more information visit: www.tauruscrafts. co.uk and www.sindencox-art.co.uk/ jackie.html REGULAR EVENTS Asperger's Awareness Support Group Last Tuesday of every month, 2pm - 4pm, The Main Place, Old
Open Coffee Morning Every Thursday morning throughout February, from 10am and 12 Noon Pillowell Village Hall Pillowell Village Hall will be holding an open coffee morning for coffee, cake and a chat, for anyone who would like to attend. This will be an opportunity to get out of the house and meet neighbours and other locals of all ages. If you require transport or support to get to the Hall, please call Anne on 01594 560012 and we will try to help you with this. We look forward to seeing you!
Table Sale Last Sunday of every month, 12pm - 3pm, Sixteen Community Cafe, Bank Street, Coleford, GL16 8B Refreshments are available; tables £5. For more information visit: www.jamiefundraiser. co.uk or contact Jamie on info@ jamiefundraiser.co.uk or 07586530907. LOCAL MARKETS
Coleford Country Market Every Fri from 9.30am 12 Noon, beside the Clock Tower in Coleford; Every Sat from 10am 12 Noon, in Mushet Walk, near the Co-op. We sell home-baked cakes and pastries, home-produced preserves and honey, handmade crafts, home grown seasonal fruit, as well as vegetables and plants. St. Briavels Farmers Market First Saturday of every month, 9.30am - 1.00pm, The Pavilion, St. Briavels Produce, patisserie, fish, pies and more.
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Page 39
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/forest-deanwalking-for-health or phone Kim Spencer on 01594 562240.
BREAM 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/localsupport-groups/regions/south-westengland/south-forest-parkinsons-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,10.3011.30am: Trevor Reynaert T’ai Chi - £3; Wednesday, 3-4pm: Quiet Corner Book Reading with Mary including the partially sighted - £3; Thursday, 1112am: 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 01594824276. Miners Welfare Hall Wesley Rd, Cinderford Tel: 01594 823422 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 Photographic Club 17 Cinder Hill, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 8HJ New Members Welcomed. All ages, abilities and photographic interests. Tel: 01594 839118.
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
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 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 & 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
Get in touchTowith the Forest of Dean Magazine to806 have local club or society listed for FREE! Page 40 advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 555your or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
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 Thursday 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 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 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-On-Severn, www.clayhillpotters.co.uk Lions Club of Severn Dean 2 Whetstones, Newnham GL14 1BL Tel: 0845 833 5836 The Friendship Club Social club for over 50s which meets fortnightly in the Armoury Hall in Newnham during the afternoon. Opportunity for members to meet their friends for a chat and a cup of tea. There is usually also some entertainment which varies from fortnight to fortnight. Tel: 01594 516545 The Newnham Art Group Newnham Art Group meets every Tuesday in the Armoury Hall between 10am and 12 Noon with the exception of short breaks at Christmas and Easter and a longer recess in the 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 in the W.I. Hut in Dean Road (opposite Orchard Rise). 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: 01595 823411 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 Wednesday 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 Secretary: Lesley Wreford Tel: 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.
Sudoku
M L O R FA You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.
3 letters: 9 4 letters: 9 5 letters: 3 6 letters: 1
3L AR FA FO FR LA MA OA OA RA
Puzzle & Crossword Solutions Pre-Euro Currencies
Quick Crossword
1. Austria Schilling 2. Belgium Franc 3. Cyprus Pound 4. Estonia Kroon 5. Finland Markka 6. Greece Drachma 7. Latvia Lats 8. Netherlands Guilder 9. Portugal Escudo 10. Slovenia Tolar
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Answer: CHESTNUT
Page 42
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Down: 1 Piste, 2 Roast, 3 Appears, 4 Shocks, 5 Chest, 6 Crashed, 7 Extends, 12 Harbour, 13 Noisier, 15 Lenient, 16 Asleep, 18 Ideal, 20 Brash, 21 Enter.
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21
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WORDWHEEL
TARGET Excellent: 40 or more words Good: 32 words Fair: 27 words
H
S H A M P O O
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Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.
5
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Pictograms 1. Barking Up The Wrong Tree 2. Singing In The Rain 3. A Sorry Sight
3 Letters ARM FAR FOR FRO LAM MAR
OAF OAR RAM 4 Letters FARM FOAL
FOAM FORM FROM LOAF LOAM ORAL ROAM
6 Letters FLORA MOLAR MORAL
Sudoku
6 Letters FORMAL
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Just Another Way To Say ‘I Love You’ Get ready to download a Barry White compilation. Whether it’s the rush of first love, a slow-burning romance, or the everlasting bond between friends, love is definitely in the air. Calling Me – Louise Bay If you’re looking for a good old fashioned romance, with just a hint of erotica, then you need to add this trilogy to your wish list. It’s an age-old friends to lovers story, but with plenty of twists and steamy scenes to keep you reading. Ashleigh and Luke have been friends since childhood, but when Ashleigh’s unrequited love is finally reciprocated, will she be brave enough to risk everything? Can this new relationship survive, or is Luke just on the rebound? A good fun, easy read in the style of Fifty Shades of Grey. This Raging Light – Estelle Laure Ah, first love – that raw, all consuming fire that is impossible to ignore. 17 year old Lucille’s mum has walked out, leaving Lucille to bring up her little sister and pay the bills. As if that wasn’t enough to cope with, she’s falling for her best friend’s brother, who is already very much taken. Beautifully written, almost poetic at times, This Raging Light follows Lucille as she stumbles into adulthood. While it’s aimed at the young adult market, don’t let that put you off; you don’t have to be a teenager to immerse yourself in Lucille’s story.
Dear Cathy ... Love, Mary – Catherine Conlon and Mary Phelan It’s 1983 and best friends Cathy and Mary are just starting their adult lives. When one leaves Ireland to work as an au pair in France, the letters start flying back and forth. The vibrancy and hope of youth shines through the pages. At times poignant, but mainly rather funny, Dear Cathy ... Love, Mary is as much a celebration of friendship as it is a coming of age story.
The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt – Tracy Farr Octogenarian Lena Gaunt reflects on her life as an experimental musician, wild child and lover. Her first love was the cello, but then came the theremin – an electronic instrument that would see her rise to almost celebrity status. And then came Beatrix… As Lena starts to recount her life for a documentary, she finds her memories resurfacing and the walls she’s built up around her starting to crumble away.
Carrying Albert Home – Homer Hickman Elsie leaves her childhood sweetheart and West Virginian home town in the 1930s, for a life of adventure in Orlando. A whirlwind romance and painful breakup later, and she returns home to marry Homer (the author’s father). The Albert of the title is Elsie’s pet alligator, who lives in their bath, and serves as a daily reminder of the life she could have been living in Florida. When Homer and Elsie decide to take Albert back to Florida, their trip certainly provides the adventure that Elsie craves, but will it bring her and Homer together, or pull them even further apart?
Fifty-Two Ways to Love Your Body – Kimber Simpkins In a culture where ‘You’ve lost weight’ is the ultimate compliment and magazines tear celebrities apart for gaining a few pounds or wrinkles, it’s no surprise that women often struggle to love and appreciate the body they have. If you’re fed up of avoiding mirrors and jumping on every dieting bandwagon going, you need this book. Follow one chapter each week, dip in and out as you need, or read it cover to cover - it’s really up to you. There are no lectures, no criticisms, just simple steps to help you regain an appreciation for your body.
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advertisers index Auctioneers & Valuers Smiths of Newent Building Supplies Hale & Co
17
4
Caring Services Keystaff 19 Carpet Cleaners Mavis Russell
Carpets & Flooring Blueboy Carpets Ltd
Clothing & Embroidery Freedom Embroidery Charities Alzheimer's Society
Clubs Forest of Dean Chess Club Curtains & Blinds Chosen Curtains E-Cigarette Store Vape Vixen
Entertainment Savoy Theatre Sunshine Radio Triangle Radio
Equastrian Newhunt Horses
15 11 16 30 30 19 15
Furniture DK Furnishing Gloucester Import Furniture Garden Centres Coinros Park Garden Centre Garden Machinery & Tools Hale & Co Garden Services The Garden Lady
Handyman Services Dave Dowell Handyman
Health Slimming World Cinderford Interior Design Chosen Curtains
Legal & Financial Services White Knight Group
16 4
23 7 19 3
Oil Estuary Oil 20 Painting & Decorating Sam Dixon Painting
30
Photography Crystal Flame Photography Kodak Express
44 30
16 2
37
31 31 18
Estate Agents & Property Easy Let Lettings 4 TwoCan Estates back page Events Drop-in Coffee Morning Valentine's Coffee Morning
Food & Drink Gloucester Biltong 23 The Royale Exchange 35 The Yew Tree at Cliffords Mesne 4
Paving & Tarmac Specialists Marshall's Driveways
Plant Hire Ermin Plant Hire Services
Shopping DK Furnishing Farm & Country Store Gloucester Import Furniture
Kodak Express Newhunt Horses
8 30
Roofing Secure Fit Roofing
Sport Shooting Supplies HPS TR Ltd
3
33
Storage Compton Green Business Park 10 Stoves & Fireplaces Aqua Heat 12 Swimming Lessons Puddle Ducks
Vets & Pet Services Farm & Country Store Sundean Vets Vine Tree Vets
44 36 25 26
Video Production Dominic Iles 11 TurnRound 28 Website Design & Marketing TurnRound 28 Weddings Crystal Flame Photography
36
19
Windows, Door & Conservatories Shane Howells 47
24
Window Repairs & Glazing Cloudy2Clear
26
36 8 11 16 36 2
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£99
inc VAT
Our experienced property sales and lettings team is ready to deliver a flexible service at a price that’s hard to beat. TwoCan has committed to donate all profits to a housing charity to help provide homes to rent at low cost and build strong communities. So, by letting TwoCan help find your new home, we’re helping others to move on, too.
www.twocan.estate 0800 294 2860 Estate Agents, Letting Agents, Property Management TwoCan is part of Two Rivers Housing charity