FOREST OF DEAN
YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE March 2017
www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
FREE
March What‘s On Guide
Recipe
Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes
Gardening
Local News Local Businesses
Home & Interiors
Martin Lewis
by Pippa Greenwood
by Katherine Sorrell
Find
Mortgages -
Oils EstuaryDeal theEstuary Cheapest Your Leading Fuels & Lubricants Supplier
Oils
Andrew Mould Managing Director
Blueboy Carpets Ltd
Mob: 0788 7777 752 Email: andrew@estuaryoils.com Web: www.estuaryoils.com
CARPETS, RUGS, VINYL & WOOD FLOORING
at excellent prices
01594 836926
www.blueboycarpetsltd.co.uk
Estuary Oils Caldicot: 01291 422 656 Cardiff: 02920 887 973
YourForest Leadingof Fuels & Lubricants Dean: 01594 Supplier 825 130
Estuary Oils
Head Office:
Andrew Mould Unit 57D Symondscliffe Way Managing Director Severn Bridge Ind Est, Caldicot, NP26 5PW
www.twocan.estate
Mob: 0788 7777 752 Email: andrew@estuaryoils.com Web: www.estuaryoils.com Head Office:
Unit 57D Symondscliffe Way
Caldicot: 01291 422 656 Cardiff: 02920 887 973 Forest of Dean: 01594 825 130
Import Furniture Depot
N E E P R O O T W S O NE IN 2 577006 E R O L T B S A NHAMVAIL el: 0124
A50 3HQ E T L W E O H N C L NEW ANChEStreet G
FIN Hig 0a% t 272-274
T
2000 Square Foot Showroom
Stores inCheltenham Cheltenham &&levels Gloucester 2000 Square Footstock Showroom Gloucester Filled with Stores oak and pineinfurniture, massive in living room, bedroom, Filled with oak and pine furniture, massive stock levels Filled with oak and pine furniture, massive stock levels living room, bedroom, dining room and occasional furniture. Lots of chairs to choose from inininaliving wideroom, varietybedroom, of fabrics and styles dining room and occasional furniture. Lots of chairs to choose from in a wide variety styles -dining room and occasional furniture. Lots of chairs to choose from in a wide variety offabrics fabrics and styles tables in many different sizes too. All with very quick delivery times - normally within 7 of days fromand placing order tables tablesininmany manydifferent differentsizes sizestoo. too.All Allwith withvery veryquick quickdelivery deliverytimes times--normally normallywithin within77days daysfrom fromplacing placingorder order Still time for Pre-Christmas Delivery! Still time for Pre-Christmas Living Room Ranges Delivery! Living Room Ranges Living DiningRoom RoomRanges Ranges Dining Room Ranges Dining Room Ranges BedroomRanges Ranges Bedroom Bedroom Ranges OccasionalFurniture Furniture Occasional Occasional Furniture
Our Prices Our Prices OurBePrices Can’t Can’t Be Beaten Can’t BeBeaten Beaten Probably the Probably Probably the cheapest cheapest inthe the cheapest in the inCounty! the County! County!
Fantastic prices on fabulous Fantastic prices on our our fabulous Fantastic prices on our fabulous ranges of original furniture ranges of of original original furniture furniture ranges We pride ourselves on providing quality furniture with a difference. 2000 sqranges ftquality showroom We pride ourselves onfine providing furniture with afor difference. We source all our at the very best prices our
We all ouronfine ranges quality at the very bestand prices Wecustomers pridesource ourselves providing furniture withtake afor difference. throughout Gloucestershire - come aour look customers - come and takefora look We sourcethroughout all ourour fineGloucestershire rangesshowrooms at the very best prices our inside superb today inside our superb showrooms today customers throughout Gloucestershire - come and take a look inside our superb showrooms in Cheltenham or Gloucester today
www.importfurnituredepot.co.uk www.importfurnituredepot.co.uk www.importfurnituredepot.co.uk 4 - TEWKESBURY DIRECT
Page 2
272 - 274 High Westgate RetailStreet Park (Opposite the Brewery) Westgate Retail Park (OppositeDunelm Dunelm Mill) (Opposite Cheltenham, GL50Mill) 3HQ Gloucester GL1 2RU (Opposite Dunelm Mill) Tel: 01242GL1 577006 Gloucester 2RU Tel: 01452 524545 Gloucester GL1 2RU
Mon Mon-Sat - Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm 9.30am-5.30pm Sun 11.00am 272-274 High- 4.00pm Street Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm Sun 11.00am-4.00pm Sun 11.00am-4.00pm Cheltenham GL50 3HQ
Westgate Retail Park
(Opposite 01242Dunelm) 577006 Tel:Tel: 01452 524545 Tel: 01452 524545 Gloucester, GL1 2RU Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm
Sun01452 11.00am-4.00pm Tel: 524545
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 3
CB HOME IMPROVEMENTS Roofing & Building Solutions Family run business Specialists in all types of UPVC Fascias, Soffits and Guttering
• Re-felting and batoning • Complete roof re-fits • Re-pointing of ridges, chimneys and walls • Exterior painting • Leadwork • Gutter cleaning and repairs • EPDM Rubber roofs all flat roof repairs Public Liability Insurance held for up to £1,000,000
01452 347350 or 07748 085534 www.cb-homeimprovements.co.uk
106.2 - 107 - 107.8 FM
DKM HANDYMAN SERVICES LTD The missing piece to all your maintenance needs.
Tel. 07886 186412
Forest of Dean – Gloucester – Cheltenham
THE COMPLETE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SERVICE ▪ Kitchens ▪ Bathrooms ▪ Carpentry ▪ Painting ▪ Flooring AND MUCH MORE Reliable & courteous service No job too big or too small Guild of Handymen Member
FREE ESTIMATES COMPETITIVE PRICES If you require a general handyman or professional tradesman, we can help.
dkmhandymanservices@gmail.com
www.dkmhandymanservices.vpweb.co.uk
MONDAY - THURSDAY 6am - 10am Paul Ellery In The Morning 10am - 2pm Mark Edwards 2pm - 7pm Drive Time 7pm - 6Am Non Stop Sunshine FRIDAY 6am - 10am Paul Ellery In The Morning 10am - 2pm Mark Edwards 2pm - 7pm Drive Time 7pm - 10pm Chris Roberts 10pm - 7Am Non Stop Sunshine
SATURDAY 7am-10am Mark Edwards in the Morning • 10am - 2pm Gregg Upwards All Request Saturday • 2pm - 6pm Paul Ellery • 6pm - 9pm All the Hits with Pat Sharp • 9pm - 11pm Totally 90’s• 11pm - 6am Non Stop Sunshine SUNDAY 7am - 11am Roger Noble • 11am - 3pm Sunshine On Sunday • 3pm - 7pm Matt Healey• 7pm - 9pm Totally 80’s• 9pm - 11pm Mike Hollis Soul Show • 11pm - 6am Non Stop Sunshine Page 4
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
From the Editor
Local Magazines Published by Glos Directories - connecting local businesses with local people
Dear Reader, Welcome to the March issue of your local community magazine, which as usual is packed full of local businesses and lots of local events should you be stuck for ideas for a day out or something to do! March is a busy month as the county becomes the focus of the racing world. With the Cheltenham Racing Festival starting on the 14th we can look forward to four days of National Hunt Racing. Spring is also on its way and as I drive around I can start seeing the daffodils appear, adding a splash of colour to the grass verges – a sight which delights every year! As we head into Spring, remember the clocks go forward 1 hour on Sunday the 26th of March. The 26th is also Mothering Sunday so we wish all Mums a happy Mother’s Day! Remember to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for our featured business of the day and more information on local events. Have a happy March everyone, until next month. Best wishes, Vicky Muller
- Editor Please like us on Facebook.com/ForestofDeanMagazine Follow us on Twitter @ForestMagazine
For general enquiries: 01242 308 522
Local: community@forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk Advertising: office@glosdirectories.co.uk Website: www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Tel: 01594 806 555
www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Request a price list online or call to book your space in Aug/Sept Magazine Page 5
Book now to be included in the next Issue and grow your business locally.
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 6
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Specialist Valuation Day A special antiques and collectables valuation event will be taking place soon in your area. The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations to the public on Wednesday 15th March, 12.30pm - 4.30pm at Lydney Community Centre, Naas Lane, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 5AT (free car parking available on-site).
There will be experts providing valuations on the following types of collectables: Coins (including British & World, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives & proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals & militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, pens, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books & maps, vintage comics, vintage
toys, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre-1960 sporting programmes & tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets & antique firearms. No appointment is necessary at this event, simply turn up with your items and the valuers will be happy to see you. Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms & conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. High quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions will be given away on a complimentary basis in order for the public to get a better idea of the services available. These valuation days have proven to be very popular in the past, and we have conducted hundreds of them across the UK. Some of the best items we have auctioned were brought to us at these events, such as two pieces of Russian 17th century enamelled silverware, a bowl and a lidded pot, which we later sold on behalf of the owners for over ÂŁ75,000. If you have any questions feel free to contact Lockdales' Martlesham offices: 01473 627110, sales@lockdales.com. For further information see our website www.lockdales.com
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 7
Thai Green Curry Serves 4
Ready in 35 minutes
This classic curry is great for a mid-week family supper – it’s quick to make and tastes delicious!
Ingredients: • 200g Thai jasmine rice • 1 tbsp sunflower oil • 1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced • 2 tbsp Thai green curry paste • 1 large red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced • 1 large courgette, sliced
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion for 5 minutes. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the pepper and courgette and fry for a further minute. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until no longer pink, stirring all the time. Pour in the coconut milk and simmer gently for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked. Stir in the soy and fish sauces and lime juice.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
Drain the rice and use a small heatproof cup or bowl to make four mounds of rice on warmed serving plates. Sprinkle the nigella seeds on top and spoon the curry on the side.
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
TIP
• 450g chicken breast fillets, cut into chunks • 400ml can coconut milk
• Squeeze of lime juice • 2 tsp nigella seeds
Page 8
Cook the rice in a large pan of boiling, lightly salted water for about 15 minutes until tender, or follow the packet instructions.
Add a handful of freshly chopped coriander leaves to the curry at the end of cooking time, if liked. Or for a spicier flavour, garnish with shredded red chilli pepper.
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Dogs swimming their way to health and healing
Fed up with muddy paw prints in the house? Fun and fitness swims could be the answer. A 3-minute swim in our pool is equivalent to a 5-mile walk, only much cleaner! Hydrotherapy is perfect for dogs with arthritis, spinal injuries, degenerative myelopathy, obesity and other conditions but unlike a visit to the vets, dogs tend to love their hydrotherapy sessions! The low impact exercise is beneficial to dogs of all fitness levels. Not only is it fun, it can help keep your dog happy and healthy. Hydrotherapy basically makes exercise easier on the joints, since the buoyancy of water makes a body practically weightless. It also takes more energy to move body and limbs through the water, making exercise more therapeutic. A specially trained therapist guides the dog in the water, making sure they feel safe and secure. Most dogs get right in and have fun, even those who usually avoid getting wet or who have never been in water before usually take to it in just two sessions. We can motivate dogs with a wide selection of water toys which makes the exercise more like a game. Bilbo’s Pet Spa provides a large, heated indoor pool, specially designed with a ramp to make it easy for dogs to get in and out of the water. Size matters when it comes to Canine Hydrotherapy! The size of a dedicated dog pool really matters when it comes to swimming larger dogs. The canine hydrotherapy pool here at Bilbo's Pet Spa is 20 feet long, and 8 feet wide, so we can accommodate all breeds from Newfoundlands to Chihuahuas, and all sizes in between.
doggie treadmill later on this year. If your dog has hip or elbow dysplasia, arthritis, is preparing for or recovering from surgery, or has other health conditions, your veterinary surgeon may recommend hydrotherapy to manage pain and promote healing. If your dog is overweight, hydrotherapy, along with a healthy diet, is an effective and enjoyable way for your dog to get back to a healthy body condition. If you have an older dog who is not moving around as well, hydrotherapy can help them get the exercise they need without stressing their joints. Or if your dog is an athlete, hydrotherapy provides a great cardio workout and muscle strengthening to maintain them in peak condition. Even if your dog does not have any therapeutic need for hydrotherapy, why not bring him or her along for fun and fitness swimming. It’s far safer for your dog to get their workout in clean, warm water in a controlled environment, free from dangerous currents and carefully supervised by a therapist and it’s an activity your dog can enjoy year-round. See canine hydrotherapy in action at: www.bilbospet.biz or on Facebook or Twitter. Do you have a dog that loves to swim or that may benefit from hydrotherapy? If so, please contact us by calling 01594 844222 or email us at: hello@bilbospetspa.biz
Bilbo’s Pet Spa Hydrotherapy & Grooming ...for friends with hairy feet 01594 844222 hello@biblospetspa.biz www.bilbospetspa.biz
The pool has a standard depth of 4 feet, which is sufficient for all breeds. We have an internal pool ramp for dogs to take a break between swims. This ramp is good for dogs to sit on, to get used to their surroundings and it is a good place for those unsure of water to start their session. The pool has water jets that work as massagers and as a force to swim against. We also plan on installing an underwater Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Bilbo’s Pet Spa @BilbosPetSpa Page 9
LOCAL ELECTRICIAN NICEIC Domestic Installer Insured CRB checked
Sudoku
NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Darren on 01452831016 or 07739825645 dmc electrical, 97 Oak Way, Huntley
UNWIND WITH A MASSAGE, PAMPER YOURSELF WITH A PEDICURE OR INDULGE IN SOME BEAUTIFUL NAILS
•Body Treatments Swedish Massage Hot Stones Massage Aromatherapy Massage Bamboo Massage Deep Tissue Massage
•Waxing •Brows & Lashes •Decléor Facials •OPI Nails •Gelish Nails •CACI non surgical solutions
To make an appointment:
•call Lana on 01531 822711 or 0780 282 5394 •email us at perfectbliss@mail.com •call in at 3 Court Lane, Newent•find us on Facebook - Perfect Bliss Health and Beauty
Easter Coffee Afternoon Thursday 13th April 1.30pm - 3.00pm Coleford Drop In The Main Place Old Station Way Coleford, GL16 8RH Tel. 01594834436
Easter Draw Money raised will go towards the Committee Funds
Page 10
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Auction Anecdote Smiths first antique sale of the year started off with some typically strong bidding for coins, silver, jewellery and collectables as well as seeing an improvement in trickier areas such as ceramics and furniture. In some ways this is to be expected as the early part of the new year has become a very popular time for antiques – when people are thinking more about their homes and interiors rather than gardens and holidays. Top price of the sale was paid for a very unusual and eye-catching card table whose unusual form was subject to much discussion, however, it seemed to pass the desirability test and several antique dealers liked it enough to show an interest in bidding. The main attraction of the table was its superb quality which was displayed in some fine gilt metal mounts and in the stunning floral marquetry panels on each side of the folding rectangular top. In order to make the most of its assets the table top folded vertically rather than horizontally so that the sides could be more easily admired. As if this was not enough to make the table unique, the designer had then squeezed a tapestry shield form fire screen underneath it did not appear to be a terribly practical idea but gave the table a highly decorative appearance. The table carried a pre-sale estimate of £500/£700 and since it had come from a deceased estate a close friend of the family had decided they would very much like to bid on it at auction and reserved a telephone line. Sadly, on the day they were not successful and having underbid the table up to four figures, it then continued upwards with a bidder in the room against an online buyer who turned out to be a local furniture dealer. Eventually the table was knocked down for £1250 and since it was in very good clean condition one can assume it will be ‘sitting pretty’ in a shop window near here soon! Smiths next auction is on the 3rd March with viewing on the 2nd March 10.00am - 7.00pm. The following sale is on the 7th April and includes a special section for Postcards and Stamps as well as a full range of antiques and collectables. Entries for the April sale are invited on the 7th, 9th, 14th & 16th March 10.00am - 3.00pm or by appointment. Please telephone 01531 821776 or see our website www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk - Written by Rita Kearsey Manager of Smiths Auction Room at Newent
Monthly Sales of Antiques & Collectables Friday 7th April Sale at 10.00am with Postcard & Stamp Section Viewing Day prior 10am - 7pm and morning of sale
Postcards of industrial towns and rural life are in demand
Sold in our January sale for £980. Further fine jewellery entries invited.
Entries Invited
7th, 9th, 14th & 16th March 10.00am - 3.00pm or by appointment Home visits for larger consignments Live online bidding available at
www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 11
How To Hedge by Pippa Greenwood
There is nothing better than a living boundary around or within your garden, and it is difficult to beat a hedge. Hedges can be smart or informal, neat and compact or thicker and sturdier, evergreen or deciduous and can even have pretty flowers - and now is an ideal time to plant a new hedge. First, prepare the area by forking the soil over thoroughly and remove large stones, debris and pernicious weeds. This also helps to break up any compaction and to aerate the soil, making it a better place for plant roots. You should fork in well-rotted garden compost, manure or proprietary compost if the soil is either very sandy and light or very heavy with clay, and at the same time incorporate a complete fertilizer. Don’t plant right up against an existing fence, as the plants won’t grow well. At this time of year you can create a hedge very effectively using ‘bare-root’ plants, but if you want to plant a hedge at any other time you will need container-grown plants. If using pot-grown plants, water them thoroughly and then carefully remove each plant from its pot. If the roots are tightly packed, tease them out firmly before planting. If you’re using bare-root plants, plant them Page 12
immediately. It is essential to plant and space the plants correctly, to both achieve the desired effect and ensure the plants establish well. Once out of the pot, position the plant in the prepared soil at the same depth as it was in the pot; for bare-root plants only the roots should be beneath the soil. Firm the soil around each so that it is in good contact with the roots. Hedging plants should generally be spaced about 30-45cm apart. For a thicker or denser hedge, plant two parallel rows, each with a 45cm spacing between the plants, but positioned so that the planting is staggered like bricks in a wall. Once the whole hedge is planted, water the soil thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots and so allow the plants to establish. On windy sites or with larger plants use small, temporary stakes such as bamboo canes to stabilise the plants. Keep the hedge well watered, especially during dry or windy weather. The first 18 months is the most vital period. Some great hedging plants: • Yew - a formal, evergreen hedge. • Thuja - a stunning conifer hedge for year round colour.
• Beech - a deciduous plant that gives a good effect for much of the year. Both purple and green-leafed forms. • Hornbeam - great as a neatly clipped hedge, but more prone to mildew than beech. • Cypress – excellent if kept well clipped and cut back regularly. • Pyracantha - spiny evergreen with pretty creamy-white flowers and red-orange or yellow berries. • Privet - the classic town hedge. • Euonymus - evergreen, some variegated green and cream, others green and yellow. • Hawthorn - deciduous and potentially thorny, good for wildlife. • Blackthorn - deciduous and very thorny, with pretty white flowers followed by sloes – but can easily get too vigorous! Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com to buy gorgeous UK grown vegetable plants accompanied by weekly advice emails from Pippa, or to peruse the really useful selection of Pippa’s favourite gardening items including pop-up crop covers, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug, pullout EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Compton Green Business Park
LOCAL FREELANCE Crystal Flame Photography PHOTOGRAPHER
Redmarley Road, Newent
Various Size Units To Let
(With mobile studio)
Storage / Distribution / Office Workshops Refurbished and Insulated Premises Do Not Flood Single / Three Phase Electrics
PORTRAITS
Families, Children, Christenings, Pets, Teen Shoots, etc
CCTV/HD Cameras On Site
Mobile Ten Tonne Container Loading Ramp - Now Available For more information please phone John Stallard
01531 820568
[No posing in studio - comfort of your home or preferred location]
nt e w e N Your Advert Here rt e v d A From only £28 + VAT
WEDDINGS
Imaginative and Relaxed Photography
per month (T's & C's apply) Call 01594 806 555 or 07740 784 444 for more information.
Packages from £100 to £800
For quote or discussion call Colin on 07851 407628 or 01531 822172 or email colinwe@aol.com zedman65@mail.com
Estuary Oils Your Leading Fuels & Lubricants Supplier
Estuary
Your Local Independent Family Oil Company
Oils www.estuaryoils.com enquiries@estuaryoils.com
Caldicot: 01291 422 656 Cardiff: 02920 887 973 Forest of Dean: 01594 825 130 Emergency Telephone Numbers: Andrew 07887 777 752 / David 07976 091 307
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 13
Timing it right
Gardening is one of life’s many pleasures. For me, it is all about engaging with the process, working through the seasons and reaping the rewards from your efforts. A garden can be a tremendous source of relaxation, it brings you food and joy, and gives you the chance to practise your artistic talents – and you don’t even have to leave your home for any of it. Take time to look at your garden with the aim of adding something colourful and of interest to it where you can. One idea is to combine your planting with a range of “hard features” such as fences, walls, patios and paths. Space is not an issue. You may think that you do not have the space to have a garden but don’t forget that you can grow things on a window sill, put pots by your front or back door and plant some hanging baskets to bring an array of colour to your outdoor space. Keep your garden notebook to hand and the following in mind when planning your gardening tasks for this year: • Soil: Do you need to prepare the soil for planting? (Forking it over and removing all large stones and traces of weeds is always a good idea.) • Planting: When is a good time to add new plants to the garden? • Lawns: What attention does your lawn need? When is the best time to make a new lawn? • Growing things from seed: Which plants do you want to grow from seed? If you have seedlings, are they ready for potting on or planting out? • Under cover: What needs to be done in the greenhouse to keep the plants happy? • Pests and diseases: How do you spot signs of these and what action should you take to deal with them? With the increase in daylight hours you may want to spend more time outdoors and start tackling all the jobs that you have been thinking about during the winter months. Seeing first signs of new life emerge in your garden at this time of year, will help you to find your motivation. You can also get started inside by starting to grow plants from seed. As always, if you need help with or advice on your garden, please give me a call on 01594 541118 or 07767 690009. www.thegardenlady.me.uk
The Garden Lady 01594 541118 or 07767 690009
Catherine will take you on an inspirational journey.
My purpose in life is to create landscape magic, to share that passion for beautiful gardens with as many people as possible, to have fun and to achieve success. The business involves garden care & conservancy for clients in many different situations - from busy professionals to elderly people. I am a sole trader, and have been working for myself for 24 years. I cover the Forest of Dean area, Gloucestershire, Monmouth & Ross-on-Wye. I am also a professional speaker who talks to small groups and clubs.
Small or large areas • Practical garden ideas & help • Design consultation • Planning advice • Planting & plant care • Pruning and maintenance The right garden has a beneficial effect, is an oasis of calm and a home in the natural world to make you feel good.
The Haven, Hart Lane, Ruardean, GL17 9UT mail2@thegardenlady.me.uk
www.thegardenlady.me.uk
Singing for the Brain ® Groups Forest of Dean Singing for the Brain Held on the first and third Monday of the month, 11am till 12.30pm at Forest of Dean Drop In The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH After your singing session you are welcome to come to the Drop In for Tea or Coffee. The Drop In is situated on the ground floor in the same building opposite the Library.
- Catherine Williams, The Garden Lady Page 14
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
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Coinros Park Nursery Ltd Quality plants at great prices!
At last it’s...Spring!
New stock of FRUIT TREES, SOFT FRUIT, ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, ROSES & EARLY SPRING PERENNIALS.
SUMMER FLOWERING BULBS PRIMROSES now in full colour.
Great selection of CERAMIC POTS.
Freshly filled BASKETS & PLANTERS. Follow us on Facebook
The perfect gift for
Mothers Day.
New Office, Old Park, Lydney, Glos, GL15 6BU (Behind Taurus Crafts) Tel. 01594 840447
Drink Up 1. What drink was first produced in Somerset in the 1930s and was named after the scientific name for the blackcurrant? 2. The Coca-Cola Company is headquartered in which American state? 3. How many units of alcohol are there in total in a bottle of wine that has an alcohol volume of 12%? 4. What liqueur shares its name with the Dutch word for “lawyer”? 5. What drink is sometime's referred to as “Adam's ale”? 6. What drinks brand originated in the 19th century when the owner of an oyster bar in London began offering a gin-based drink with a mixture of herbs and liqueurs as an aid to digestion, serving it in a small tankard known as a “number one cup”? 7. In the first chapter of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, what happens to Alice when she drinks from a bottle labelled “drink me”? 8. What are the four types of alcoholic drink mentioned in the lyrics of the 1997 hit single Tubthumping by Chumbawumba? 9. Best known for their machines that allow people to make their own carbonated drinks at home, what company reintroduced their slogan “get busy with the fizzy” in 2010? 10. Which cocktail is reportedly named after a surfer who, after losing a contest, had too many drinks and kept bumping into furniture? Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 15
Cake and Bake Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes Based on the classic lemon drizzle cake these tangy cupcakes are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea! Ingredients: • 175g unsalted butter, softened • 175g golden caster sugar • 175g self-raising flour • 1tsp baking powder • 3 large eggs • 2tbsp lemon curd TOPPING • 100g granulated sugar
1. 1 Preheat the oven to 180C, Fan 160C , Gas Mark 4. Line a 12 hole muffin tray with paper muffin cases.
2. Place the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder and eggs in a large bowl and whisk with an electric whisk until thoroughly blended and pale and creamy. Fold in the lemon curd.
3. Divide the mixture between the muffin cases and
bake for 15-20 minutes until risen and golden brown. Whilst the cakes are baking mix the topping ingredients together in a small bowl.
4. Remove the cakes from the oven and leave for 1-2
• Juice and grated zest of 1 lemon
minutes then spoon some of the sugar and juice mixture over each cupcake. Leave to cool in the tray - the sugar topping will go crisp on cooling.
Makes 12
TIP
Ready in 40 minutes, plus cooling
If you don’t have lemon curd use 1-2 tbsp of milk or soured cream and 2 tsp grated lemon zest instead.
Page 16
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
CVT Gloucestershire Workshops - Volunteering The Camphill Village Trust (CVT) is a long established, national charity which supports adults with learning disabilities and other support needs in their home, work and social life. We do this within nine communities spread across the country. Three of these communities are within Gloucestershire, these are The Grange Village, Oaklands Park and Taurus Crafts. The Grange Village and Oaklands Park are both rural communities providing supported accommodation and Day Opportunities near Newnham, plus Lydney Community Support where support is provided within CVT houses in Lydney. Taurus Crafts is a visitor attraction, in Lydney,
hosting local artisan businesses, a café and gift shop. A key part of the Camphill philosophy is working together to achieve together (co-production). This coproduction provides the opportunity not only for people to contribute to their community but also to develop skills, gain experiences, feel valued and maintain or improve their mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. CVT operates biodynamic gardens and a farm, bakery, weavery, pottery, wood and crafts workshop on a co-produced basis. All play a key part in the life of the communities. We also run The George Café in
Newnham village and other training and work experience opportunities for people to progress onto within Taurus Crafts. Many of the people supported by CVT access daytime activities in these farms, gardens, workshops and social enterprises. We are looking for volunteers who would like to share their skills and interests with others within our workshops, and to help us look after the land and animals. If you can commit some time on a weekday regularly, have something you can bring to this role and feel this could be the right place for you, then please contact us.
in: s W ith e i t i n u Oppor t ttery g • Po in n e d r ry • Ga • Weave g • Far min akery ork • B W d o o • W • Café y r t e k s a • B
Volunteer
With Camphill Village Trust Park At: ** Oaklands Grange Village
nities... u Comm me Everyone Welco
We have a range of rewarding opportunities to offer from working outside on the land to producing crafts. Can you spare 3 hours a week or more to assist us in our workshops?
If you can, we’d love to hear from you! Contact: 01594 516551 (Oaklands Office) Email: oaklands@cvt.org.uk
An application form and DBS check must be completed prior to starting. Reasonable expenses covered. Some training provided.
18 yrs +
Work placements skill sharing.
to
• Do you have skills a nd enthusiasm to share? • Would you like to l earn more about a specific interest? • Do you enjoy a rela xed and fun atmosphere work ing as part of a team? • Can you help suppo rt adults with learning disabiliti es in our communities?
Registered Charity 232402
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
www.cvt.org.uk
Page 17
A unique collection of womens brands
Coming soon to: Labels Shopping Ross on Wye SAT NAV: HR9 7QQ labelsshopping.co.uk
More craft workshops announced at Labels Craft workshops are now taking place regularly at Labels Shopping on the first Thursday of every month and will be covering all kinds of crafting activities. At the February workshop it was sewing skills with Emma Roberts of Ruby Florence Designs and everyone went home with a string of fabric hearts ready for Valentine’s Day. On Thursday 2nd March it's jewellery making with Karen Owens of Gaynans, the Jewellers in Ledbury, who will be making a safety pin bracelet, and on Thursday 6th April Emma Roberts will be back with lots of ideas of things to make for Easter.
Emma Roberts (second from left) with her sewing skills workshop group at Labels.
For the latest news and updates on the workshops available please visit: www.labelsshopping. co.uk/events You can book a place by phone or email: T: 01989 769000
E: welcome@labelsshopping.co.uk Labels Shopping is located just off junction 4 of the M50 near Ross-on-Wye. It's open 7 days a week with lots of free parking.
Wanted: Postcode Pioneers We are looking for innovative organisations, businesses and residents within the Forest of Dean who have trouble finding others or being found using current addresses. Locating properties without street numbers has always been hard. The advent of postcodes and satellite navigation has helped but it is still, for many, a real issue with single postcodes covering many properties over large areas. The Hashpoint Project is a free, open database of geographic locations that can be self-managed by organisations, individuals and companies. It harnesses the most up-to-date satellite data and imagery to allow you or your clients to easily be found.
The system simply assigns a single letter (we call a hashpoint) to each property which, when combined with the postcode, can be used to accurately pinpoint your property, include relevant contact and delivery information and even additional locations such as road access, parking etc. The platform can be accessed online or via a mobile app and interfaces directly with google’s navigation tools. It is currently live in beta test phase and is being fully launched in January 2017. If an accurate way of locating others or being located would help you then get involved. For details or to register call 01452 760580, visit hashpoint.org or try googling GL141PQ#A.
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 19
The Gruffalo brought to life in The Forest of Dean with new augmented reality app In the first development of its kind, Forestry Commission England and Magic Light Pictures bring The Gruffalo characters to life in the forest through a new augmented reality app.
The Gruffalo Spotter app has been developed and animated by Nexus Studios and is available for free with no in-app purchases from the App Store, Google Play and Amazon.
The Gruffalo Spotter has been designed for exclusive use at 26 forests across England where visitors can join the adventure through the deep dark wood. The trail will at Beechenhurst opened last month.
A Gruffalo Spotters kit will be available to buy on site and includes animal facts, tips for tracking wildlife, an evidence collection bag, a magnifying glass and a pencil to make a note of your forest finds! Judith Lack, Dean Forest Park manager for Forestry Commission England, commented:
Families can follow clues on an interactive trail and track signs of their favourite characters based on The Gruffalo, best-selling picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The self-led trail is packed with fun facts about forest animals with fantastic activities along the way. Once families have spotted the characters, they can use the app to bring the 3D character animation to life and take photos with them. Their photos are automatically added to the device’s gallery, from where it can be shared via social media with the hashtag #GruffaloSpotters. Taking family forest walks to new heights, the app mixes technology with the real world, encouraging children to get exploring, firing their imaginations and enabling them to have an all-new forest experience. Page 20
“This is such an exciting development and will deliver a completely different forest experience for our visitors. The Gruffalo is a world renowned story and to be able to bring the characters to life in their natural setting is fantastic. It’s great we’ve had the opportunity to join the two worlds of technology and nature together sensitively!” Barney Goodland, Head of Digital at Magic Light Pictures, said: “Our partnership with Forestry Commission England has been an overwhelming success from the start so in this, our fourth year of activity, we wanted to do something really special. We’re always looking to further children’s enjoyment of The Gruffalo brand and this was an innovative way to incorporate new technology
with a real world experience. Working with the Forestry Commission and Nexus Studios has been a real joy and it’s exciting to now be sharing The Gruffalo Spotter with families. Most importantly for us the app is completely free, which means that it’s there for everyone to enjoy.” Claire Cook, Creative Producer at Nexus, said: “The team at Nexus are massive fans of The Gruffalo and were really excited to be able to bring the iconic characters to life in the forest through the magic of Augmented Reality. Working with Magic Light and the Forestry Commission has been a fantastic collaboration on many levels, from new technical innovation in AR and real time 3D characters, to creating an experience that works outside in all weathers and for all ages. The creative challenges have always been enjoyable and we can’t wait to see children (and their grown-ups!) playing it.” The Gruffalo Spotter app launched on 20 February and the trail at Beechenhurst will run until December 2017. The Gruffalo Spotter app is free from the App Store, Google Play and Amazon and requires downloading before your visit. For a full list of participating sites across England and for further details please visit www.forestry.gov.uk/gruffalo
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Your Advert Here
The Gloucester Biltong Company
@GlosBiltong
Producing the finest quality Traditional & Naga Biltong.
From only ÂŁ35 + VAT per month (T's & C's apply) Call 01594 806 555 or 07740 784 444 for more information.
Mail order on Tel: 01452 346496 or email info@gloucesterbiltong.co.uk or simply visit us at Unit 28 Kestrel Court, Waterwells Drive, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AT.
OPENING TIMES
Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
www.gloucesterbiltong.co.uk
STAMP APPEAL We need your used postage stamps Used postage stamps can be turned into valuable funds for New Start Cat Rescue What to do: Collect your used postage stamps and those from friends, family, colleagues or local businesses Cut out the stamps leaving a 1/4 inch or 1/2cm border all the way around on a single layer of envelope Pop them into a stamped envelope
Send stamps to: NEW START CAT RESCUE Used Stamp Appeal Fords Farm Horsey Norfolk NR29 4EP Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 21
MARTIN LEWIS Mortgages Money Sins–
ByFind Martinthe Lewischeapest @moneysavingexpert deal By Martin Lewis @moneysavingexpert The biggest singleFinancially personal Are you a sinner? financial risk in 2017 is that that is. There are a host mortgage rates will rise of everyday money rapidly. This isn’tthat primarily misdemeanours millions about UK base rates, them set by the of people do, costing bank of England, it’sbeing far more thousands, without about City’s long term awarethe of it. These aren’t prediction interest rates – horrors likeofgrabbing a which cheap fixed and paydaynew loan, but the result long termmisunderstandings, variable rate deals of simple are based upon. badset habits or inaction. Mortgage rates aretoured near allSo having recently time historic lows and have around the UK doing been for a couple years, roadshows for theof sixth series and we’ve got used that. of my ITV show, I’ve to collated Yet a plausible chance fivethere of theismost common. that 2017 is the year that 1. Saving while you’ve will change. We’ve already expensive seen somedebts cheap deals such as HSBC’s 0.99% fix Savings rates are two-year depressingly being pulled. five-yearrate low – the top The easy-access swap is 1%.rates Credithave cardincreased and other from 0.35% September interest ratesback are in depressingly to 0.9% – and we’re high. So,now £1,000 credit card already seeing longer debt at 18% costs youfixes £180 a start more expensive year, to theget same amount saved in on backsavings of this.account at topthe paying 1%course, interestthere’s only earns you £10. Of no certainty If you Yet hadUK both, pay here. rates arethe sodebt cheap off with savings and you'd that evenyour if things reversed and be £170 a yearagain, betterthe off.likely they dropped gain holders Manytoofmortgage you will be thinking, would be limited. they "but I want to keepBut myifsavings, did rise, theboiler cost could what if the packsbe up or huge. Thefalls savings available the roof in?" However, right can be huge, like that’snow a sentimental strategy, Kperat’s whoone. emailed: not a logical Let’s "Fixed carry at for 2 debt yrs, reduced on1.24% the £1,000 and term tosavings 13 yrs without £1,000 scenariopaying much more month. Will be to show youawhy. saving about £20,000 even • If you don’t pay the debt after fees. Thanks."
So, is my offthis with the clarion savingscall andfor an ALL mortgagehappens holders, that to emergency check if you’re costsNOW you £1,000 toon fix,the you’d cheapest deal,savings and, if and not still use all your sort, it.£1,000 Here's of what to do have credit tocard finddebt. your cheapest deal. • If you do pay offI the debt How much could save? with the savings, and a £1,000 If emergency like many people, you’re on happens, you’d your standard variable needlender’s to pay for it on your rate (SVR) – the defaultyou rate credit card, meaning still most and trackers revert havefixes no savings and £1,000 toofwhen the intro deal ends – credit card debt. then the savings can be huge. The end result of 4% them is Most SVRs are at or both higher. the the same, yet by paying offfix the Yet cheapest two-year debt savings, is justwith 1.2%the (you’ll needyou a top save inscore the meantime. credit and it’s got a big fee). Five-year fixes isstart at debt The only exception if the around course, is at 0%.1.8%. ThenAll, theof financially depend ondisciplined how muchcan of your savvy and do home’s value stoozing, you’re borrowing. what’s called where So, moving yousomeone deliberately buildaup 0% £150,000 fromearn debt only mortgage to save it and 4% SVR toThough a two-year at interest. with fix current 1.2% £4,000+ savingwould rates save so low, it’s notover two years, fees. as easy as iteven usedafter to be. Full help on that at www.mse.me/ Quickly find what stoozing deals are available 2. Not at least asking your For an easy benchmark energy firm if you are on of what’s available in your its cheapest deal circumstances, start with a Most peoplesite in the are on comparison thatUK includes their energy firm’s standard all deals, including ‘direct tariff, which typically means only’, aren’t offered they’re overpaying by £300 by brokers. Full market a year. I’ve talked about comparisons include my own switching until I’m blue in the www.MoneySavingExpert.com/ face, and, of course,and the best mortgagebestbuys, plan is to take five minutes to www.totallymoney.com’s do a full market mortgage tool. comparison via my www.CheapEnergyClub.com
Finding a cheap deal isn’t the or any www.Ofgem.gov.uk approved end – youcomparison need to get site. accepted Yet for some that doesn’t hit The days when lenders would home. So,deals let me be and plain. Even fling out to all sundry if you won’t do that, just pick up are long gone. Getting accepted the phone and ask your current is now the challenge. There are provider “Am I on your cheapest two key elements to this: tariff?” and, if not, switch •toIsthat your score ascredit there’s no change good but the enough? price! Your credit history is a huge part of For example, as Ibe write (it can whether you'll accepted change oncredit, EDF’s standard for anydaily), type of tariff someone with typical including a mortgage. So usage £1,070/year. take pays precautions. AvoidIt also has fixthat at £880/year anya 12-month applications leave - £190/year a footprintless. on your file – The British Gas’scards, standard tariff such as credit contract with typical use isor£1,044/year, mobile phones monthly but also runs Sainsbury Energy caritinsurance – in the few (i.e. it’s the sameapplying companyfor months before but a different name), your mortgage. Neverand its cheapest fixcash is £804/year withdraw on credit–cards saving £240/year. This don’t ask or take payday loans. For full don’t works at all the helpget on saving this, join my free big firms,Club so ifwww.mse.me/ you won’t do Credit a CreditClub, comparison,which at least do your this. gives credit score, affordability 3.score Onlyand making tells the you minimum what repayments on credit needs improving. cards cardrepayments minimum •Credit Are the payments are affordable? based For themostly past oncouple a percentage the balance, of years,oflenders which onlyjust justchecked covers the haven’t if you interest. So, you hardly can afford the monthly clear any off. at the current repayments
A rate, 30-year-old with but they also£3,000 stress test debt on a credit card at 17.9% affordability if rates were interest, whoCrucially, made only 6% or 7%. thistypical minimum repayments, doesn’t only apply to would new take 27 years it’s to clear it. By then, mortgages, also for they’d be 57 andtoo have paidisa re-mortgages (which
Page 2218 To advertise call 07740 To advertise call 01594 806 555 visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk Page 784 444 or 01242 500 028 oror visit www.bishopscleevemagazine.co.uk
ridiculous and, on an aside, I am campaigning against this). So, if this is a problem, it’s important to reel in your spending months before applying. Lenders will want evidence of income, big bills, expenses and even eating out. Use a mortgage broker to match your situation to a top mortgage. The information about what different lenders are looking for isn’t available to the general public. But it’s something that most mortgage brokers have and, of course, their job is to find you the best product. So, they’re a good way to work out what the best deal available to you is. Yet do ask if the broker will check all deals available to them and not just a panel of lenders. Also, check how much it will cost and use a qualified one. Some phoneonly brokers such as www.LandC. co.uk are fee-free. If you want face-to-face help, ask friends for a local recommendation or find one via www.unbiased.co.uk or www.VouchedFor.com.
Don’t ignore the fees The smaller your mortgage, the bigger the impact of fees. A good way to compare mortgages is to divide the fee across the discount or fixed period. So, a £1,200 fee on a two-year (i.e. 24-month) deal is £50 a month. Then add that to the monthly repayment. I designed a “Total Cost” tool that does this automatically for you within the www. MoneySavingExpert.com/ mortgagebestbuys comparison. Fix or variable rate? A fix’s advantage is you get price and budgeting certainty that the rate won't move for a set time, whereas variable deals move with the UK interest rate (and sometimes just on the provider's whim). Generally, you pay a little more to fix, but not much. Ask yourself how much you think rates will rise over the period. If safety's what’s important to you, err on the side of fixing, and fixing for longer. Right now, with fixed
deals being outrageously cheap, it’s a great time to do it. Got savings? They could get you a better mortgage For this, you need to find your current loan-to-value (LTV) – the proportion of the value of your home you're borrowing, so £80k on a £100k property is 80% LTV. At every 5% LTV threshold, from 95% down to 60%, deals tend to get better, so a little extra can have a big impact on your rate. For example, if you've a £150,000 home, and want a £137,000 remortgage, that's a 91% LTV, and the top five-year fix is 3.98%. Yet use £2,000 of savings to reduce the borrowing, and you'd be at 90% LTV – where the top five-year fix is 2.54%, saving c. £1,100/year in payments. Martin Lewis is the Founder & Editor in Chief of Money Saving Expert. To join the 10 million people who get his Martin’s Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/ latesttip
Bird Blue tit Carrion crow Dunnock Fieldfare Great tit Greenfinch Jackdaw Jay Lapwing Magpie Pheasant Redstart Redwing Swallow Robin Swift Rook Tawny owl Siskin Waxwing Starling Wren Find the names of birds in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 23
SARA is recruiting!
The Severn Area Rescue Association team at Beachley is looking for new crew and supporters to help with fundraising and other roles that need to be filled in order to run the Lifeboat & Rescue Station to a professional standard. Team members come form all walks of life and are aged from 18 to well into retirement age. Some live close to Beachley and others are from across the county and the Forest of Dean. The SARA Team is getting busier each year, and 2017 has already seen a high number of callouts for the land search and the lifeboat crew. Have you got what it takes to join your local Search and Rescue Organisation? Would you like to support it? The Supporters of SARA is a small but growing team of members who are not operational, but help raise the essential money, which is needed to keep the Station operational. Fundraisers will need to commit to supporting at least 6 events a year. Other Supporters have skills such as administration and vehicle mechanics which are essential to keeping the operation going. SARA is having an Open Evening at Beachley on Thursday 30th March, for people interested in becoming ‘Supporters of SARA’. SARA is also looking for new crew members to join the Land Search Team, with a training programme starting in May. Once qualified, crew members can also train for lifeboat, swift water or cliff rescue if they want. Training generally happens on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. Whether you are thinking about training to become an operational crew member, or wish to help in other ways, download and send in the Application Form from www.sara-rescue.org.uk/join-us, or contact beachley.trainingmanager@sara-rescue.org.uk if you would like more information.
Boilerfixers Ltd BOILER REPAIR, SERVICING & INSTALLATION
Fixed cost repair or replacement
Call 01452 452053 to book a visit, or to receive FREE ADVICE from SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HEATING
www.boilerfixers.com
Email: boilerfixersinfo@gmail.com Gas Safe Registration No. 582922 | Oftec No. 101192
HIGH HOPES PARTNERSHIP PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Insured local tradesperson, no job too small, competitive rates, FREE quotes
• Helping hand with projects • Small electrical, fencing and studwork • General carpentry • Decking and patios • Painting and decorating – inside and out • Shed/chalet/greenhouse building • Flat pack furniture assembly • House/garage clearance • Carpet cleaning • House cleaning AND MUCH MORE...
Friendly Service
Get in touch today!
Deals this good don’t last forever...
07851 704626
Email: juliekirkham@msn.com Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 25
Gifts for Mum Looking for the perfect present for Mother’s Day? Maybe we can help… Paris for One and Other Stories – Jojo Moyes These 11 short stories are filled with romance, humour and charm. As we’ve come to expect from Moyes, great plots and believable characters make this a really enjoyable read. The title story follows Nell as she finds herself alone in Paris and has to break out of her comfort zone. Perfect for mums who sometimes only have 10 minutes to relax with a book and a cuppa. Planet Earth II – Stephen Moss Millions tuned in to watch David Attenborough reveal some of the most spectacular natural wonders the Earth has to offer. If your mum was one of them, she’ll love this book. With 250 stunning photographs and commentary on the habitats and animals featured in the TV series, Planet Earth II may well find a prized position on the bookcase for years to come. Page 26
Hide and Seek – M. J. Arlidge If Mum’s into crime fiction, Hide and Seek could be a good choice. DI Helen Grace is serving time in Holloway for a series of murders she didn’t commit. When one of her cell mates is brutally murdered, suspicion turns to Helen. Can she find the real killer before she gets the blame, and before she becomes the next victim? Gripping. From the Heart – Susan Hill A poignant coming of age novel, From the Heart is set at a time when many of the freedoms we now take for granted could cost you dearly. Olive wants to be free to follow her heart. But an unplanned pregnancy gives her an almost impossible choice – marry a man she doesn’t love, or give up her baby. Beautifully written, and painfully emotive, this is a book to devour in one evening.
Gino’s Hidden Italy: How to cook like a true Italian – Gino D’Acampo If a new cookbook is on her wishlist, this TV programme tie-in should prove a winner. 80 authentic Italian recipes are included, many of which are local specialities or traditional dishes with a Gino twist. Recipes are straightforward to follow, with dishes such as Baked Salmon with a Pistachio, Honey and Herb Crust, and Stuffed Lake Como Pie. Elizabeth: The Forgotten Years – John Guy John Guy is one of the most respected Tudor historians of our times. Here he reveals aspects of Elizabeth I’s later life previously lost in time. Painstakingly researched, the biography includes extracts from numerous letters from Elizabeth herself and details of both her private and public life. A must for fans of historical biographies.
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Branches in: Gloucester, Newent, Mitcheldean and Coleford
w w w . s t e v e g o o c h . c o . u k
4 High Street • Newent • Gloucestershire • GL18 1AN • Tel: 01531 820844
Sales
Lettings
Auctions
Classic & Country
For all your Selling, Purchasing, Auctioning, Letting, & Surveying Requirements Gooch & Burley Surveyors & Valuers Coventry Building Society available at Newent Branch
View properties online 24/7
01452 760511
STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING?
Your local, friendly, helpful store with easy access & plenty of parking.
Don’t replace the Frames... just the Panes!
Broken or Damaged Windows? Faulty Hinges, Handles or Locks? Want the latest energy saving glass? 5 year guarantee on new double glazing.
...we make saving money perfectly clear... Call Freephone
0800 61 21118
www.cloudy2clear.com
We are open Weekdays 8.30am-5.30pm & Saturdays 9.00am - 2.00pm Suttons Seeds & Compost/bark/grow bags, shrubs and seasonal plants Food, bedding & health care products for all animals/birds We are now DIY supplies incl. cement, stockists for sand, ballast, postcrete natures:menu Local eggs, honey, jam, chutney & potatoes Calor gas, logs, kindling, coal, briquettes, firelighters & paraffin From brooms & buckets to wheelbarrows, wellies & waterproofs.
We are on the A48, just outside Westbury-on-Severn at Elton Court, GL14 1JG
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 27
WELCOME TO DESIGNED FOR BEAUTY AND FOREST OASIS Forest Oasis is a new branch of the well-established Monmouth-based company Designed for Beauty. It is situated in the Forest of Dean between Coleford and Cinderford and is much more than just a beauty, hair and nail salon as it also has its own aesthetics clinic offering a wide range of treatments, including:
Botox | Fillers | Semi-permanent make-up | Laser, IPL | Silhouette thread lifts | Non-surgical facelifts | Treatments for thread veins, warts, verrucae, birthmarks, skin tags and hyperpigmentation, including sunspots.
Amazing offers on semi-permanent make-up – don’t miss out! EYELASH EXTENSIONS: Special Offer only £35. MICROBLADING: Only £75 per session*. * Standard semi-permanent make-up sessions usually cost twice as much and our micropigmentation technician has over 10 years’ experience both in the UK and abroad. Visit his full laser clinic right here in the Forest of Dean.
LIPO LIGHT
NON-SURGECIAL FACELIFT
LOOKING FOR A SPECIAL GIFT?
Look no further! Forest Oasis has its own spa tucked away in a tranquil location. Sit back in the hot tub, unwind in the relaxation garden or enjoy one of the many treatments on offer – from massages, facials, pedicures and manicures to reflexology, aromatherapy and hairdressing. You can also book a fitness session with one of the personal trainers. Choose between full and half day spa packages; with or without accommodation it’s the perfect way to treat your loved ones or to spend some quality time with friends.
Design for Beauty and Forest Oasis also offer first class cosmetic surgeries and dentistry, including implants, crowns and bridges, via their partner clinics in Europe. The cost, in comparison to UK rates, is considerably low and you can expect an exceptionally high standard. All it takes is a short flight - you will be stunned at the savings and results!
COSMETIC SURGERY
Forest Oasis Price
UK Price
Breast Enlargement including round implants
£1650
£4000
Breast Enlargement with Breast Uplift (round implants)
£2040
£5000
Breast Enlargement with Breast Uplift (anatomic implants) £2295
£5300
Breast Uplift
£1190
£5500
£1490
£3000
£340 - £1300
£2000 - £6000
Mini Tummy Tuck
£1190 - £1650
£5750 - £8000
Facelift
£1280 - £2125
£5000 - £10000
Breast Reduction
FACELIFT
Liposuction
Rhinoplasty (cartilage)
£595 - £1360
£3000 - £7000
£385
£2000
Lower Eyelid
£480
£2500
Upper & Lower Eyelid
£810
£3800
Otoplasty (Ear Pinning )
£480
£3500
WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
Forest Oasis Price
UK Price
Breast Enlargement including round implants
£1650
£4000
Gastric Balloon
£1365
£4000
Spatz Gastric Balloon
£1650
£6500
Gastric Bypass
£4280
£10500
Gastric Band
£3225
£6000
Gastric Sleeve
£3580
£10500
Upper Eyelid
Before
After
For a free consultation or to make a booking please call 01600 719 219 or 07909 766542 Email: info@designedforbeauty.co.uk www.forestoasis.co.uk | www.designedforbeauty.co.uk
Angkor Wat Cambodia By Solange Hando From the 9th to the 15th century, the Khmer dynasty ruled one of the largest kingdoms in south-east Asia. Today Angkor, their ‘capital city’, is a unique history book highlighting the different styles and cultures which evolved over the 300 years it took to complete. It’s a World Heritage site, a ‘lost city’ claiming hundreds of temples and ruins scattered in a vast archaeological park. Most iconic is Angkor Wat, the best preserved temple and the largest religious structure in the world. It was built in the 12th century to honour the Hindu god Vishnu, was later used for Buddhist worship, and is featured on the national flag. Rising like a dream above the plain, it’s the finest example of Khmer classical architecture, stylish and harmonious with towers and colonnades reflected in a lotus pond. It’s a breathtaking sight, especially in the soft light of dawn tinged in silver and gold. The sandstone glows, almost surreal, birds stir in the trees and monks in saffron robes meditate at the water’s edge. The causeway leading to the entrance is still deserted and for the early pilgrims, this is a sublime vision Page 30
of heaven as lotus-shaped towers mirror the five peaks of Mount Meru, the home of the gods. The first westerner to set eyes on Angkor Wat was a Portuguese monk in the 16th century, who spoke of ‘a building like no other in the world…with all the refinements the human genius could conceive.’ But the gods must have played a part for whatever the time of day, the temple is pure magic, shimmering in the cool of the morning, burning in the midday heat, silhouetted against the darkening sky in the last rays of the setting sun. So from morning to dusk, the visitors pour in, spellbound as they shuffle around the lower gallery, marvelling at the basreliefs stretching for 800 metres around the central temple and regarded as the greatest artistic legacy in Angkor. There are epic legends and battle scenes but most highly praised is ‘The Churning of the Ocean Milk’, where devils and gods fight for immortality, the latter led to victory by some of the 3,000 heavenly nymphs, or apsara, found in Angkor Wat. They also line the walls on the second level, encouraging meditation before the near vertical climb to
the top, an act which requires unflinching concentration and a very slow descent. Visitors clamber down backwards and one can’t help wondering how the high priest ever managed to preserve his dignity. But when you’re up there, the world is at your feet, the courtyards, the galleries, the entrance gates at each cardinal point, two of them large enough to accommodate elephants. The oversized moats glisten like oceans, the outer walls mark the edge of the world and the forest spreads as far as you can see, hiding more vestiges from a glorious past. It’s a sacred replica of the universe, they say, and you can feel the vibes in the air. Back on the ground where city and palace once stood, cicadas whir in the trees and lizards bask in the hot sun. ‘Close your eyes’, whisper the guides, ‘and feel the past clinging to the stones.’ Then for a moment or two, you step back in time, sitting in the Royal Court, bewitched by the wonderful apsara and dreaming of the legendary seven-headed snake who built a rainbow bridge to link heaven and earth by the lofty towers of Angkor Wat.
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
T: 01594 564444 W: www.whiteknightgroup.co.uk
Do you need expert independent pension advice? Can we improve your income and options available in retirement? WE HAVE THE EXPERTISE TO HELP CONTACT Bill Ballinger Dip PFS Tim Beal Dip PFS
billballinger@whiteknightgroup.co.uk
timbeal@whiteknightgroup.co.uk
White Knight Group is an independent intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Couduct Authority who also trade under the names of: Dean Magna Insurance & Financial Consultants, Farmer & Clark Insurance & Financial Consultants and Swambo Woollett Insurance & Financial Consultants & Newent Insurance Services.
Britannia House, High Street, Bream, Lydney, Glos, GL156JS Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 31
ENERGY
P LU M B I N G
&
H E AT I N G
Local, competitive & great customer service
Boiler service from £45 + VAT New boiler installations from £1400 + VAT Based in Longhope Tel: 01452 238555 www.broadoakservices.com Look at our reviews for BroadOak Services on trustatrader.com
Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre Watery Lane Newent Gloucestershire GL18 1QF Tel: 01531 820550 Fax: 01531 820707 Email: admin@newent.gloucs.sch.uk Website: www.newent.gloucs.sch.uk
Would you like to help make a big difference to a young person? ► Are you able to spare some time? ► Are you committed to helping young people? ► Are you a good role model and willing to listen? ► Are you open-minded and non-judgmental?
If yes, then we need you to become a Voluntary Mentor. ► Mentoring can be very rewarding for you and the young person. ► You will meet with students on a one-one to basis and by giving just a few hours of your time each week during term time, you could make a real difference.
If you are interested in becoming a Mentor, please contact Ann Price, Business Manager on 01531 820550 for further details. Page 32
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Fancy paying 40% less at the vets? 40%
£61.00
£35.00
43%
£45.00
£28.00
38%
£45.00
£35.00
22%
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 33
Help when you need it... • 24 hour emergency monitoring service • Help you or a loved one maintain independence and improve quality of life Recently discharged from hospital? Taken a trip or fall? Forest Linkline can help. A simple push of a button will activate a call to our monitoring centre and help will be on its way!
Supra C500 KeySafe™ Forest Linkline monitoring service can be used in conjunction with Supra C500 KeySafe™, providing secure external storage for keys and allows immediate access to your property by the emergency services to ensure your safety and well-being. Additional benefits include: • Store keys when out jogging • Safe storage for children’s house keys • Safe place for self-catering properties to leave key for visitors • Passcode can be changed as required • The first police approved KeySafe™ • 4096 possible combination codes
Call us today 01594 812505 @Forest_Linkline Page 34
Forest Linkline
www.forestlinkline.co.uk To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Triangle Radio We are a Community Radio Station, serving the Forest of Dean, fully run by volunteers who have a passion for radio and the community. Our popular show ‘Strike Up The Brass’ features brass band music performed by local bands from the Forest of Dean and the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association area. Last month, we had a special treat for our listeners as we broadcast highlights of the “Innovation 216” concert. On November 27th last year, 270 performers from three brass bands and three choirs came together, just a few runway lengths across Bristol from the new Aerospace Centre, to celebrate the city’s aviation heritage. As the Concorde 216 (the last supersonic passenger plane ever built) moved into its new home at the Aerospace Centre, brass music fans had the chance 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 19:00: Q-Burn with Peter Anthony 21:00: Encyclopedia of Rock with Trevor Howard (Rpt) 22:00: 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 T.R.A.C.K (Rpt) Wednesday 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: Soft Rock & Acoustic Sessions
to hear an aviation themed concert make a ‘return flight’. The “Innovation 216” concert was part of “The Art of Flight” series of events taking place at St George’s Concert Hall in Bristol. On the programme were popular tunes such as “Dambuster’s March”, “633 Squadron” and “Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines”. The Lydbrook Brass Band, their training band, the Lydney Training Band and the City of Bristol Brass Learner Band were joined by Gurt Lush Choir, Bristol Man Chorus and the University of West of England (UWE) Singers. The finale was commissioned by Bristol 800 and composed by Dr Liz Lane, Senior Lecturer in Composition and Performance at UWE’s Computer Science and Creative Technologies Department. “Innovation 216” was played by the massed brass bands, with specially written words by
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 with Ryan Davies
Jennifer Henderson and members of Bristol’s aerospace industry sung by the choirs. The concert was recorded by students from UWE’s Computer Science and Creative Technologies Department under Lecturer Luke Reed. We aim to make the broadcast available again via our website, so please keep an eye on www.triangleradio.co.uk. You can listen to ‘Strike Up The Brass’ every Tuesday at 7.00pm on Triangle Radio and every Sunday at 9.00pm (repeat). 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 Dave Jury, ‘Strike Up The Brass’ presenter dave@triangleradio.co.uk 22:00: Global House Party 23:00: Bass And Breaks Saturday 08:00: Saturday Breakfast with Daren 10:00: The Daytime Shuffle 18:00: The Elbum Show with Phil Meek 20:00: Saturday NIght Party with Dan Green 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 T.R.A.C.K 16:00: Manda’s C60 Mix tape 17:00: The Soft Rock and Acoustic Sessions 19:00: Americanza with Alan Roberts 21:00: The Chill Factor 23:00: The Nighttime Shuffle
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 35
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.
F I S H
All styles of curtains, blinds, pelmets etc. with a wide range of fabric, poles and accessories to choose from.
www.chosencurtains.co.uk sales@chosencurtains.co.uk
©Puzzlepress.co.uk
Or visit our shop & showroom in Chapel Hay Lane, Prospect House, Church Road, Churchdown, GL3 2ES
F O W L
Mini Cryptic Crossword
Across 1. Object for examination (7) 7. Cast eager to be united (5) 8. Author of Wheels Turn (7) 9. Smart claim about 5 repeated (5) 11. Polish female sent inside (5) 12. Extremely short book’s empty words (5) 14. One hundred chat about snag (5) 16. Unusual recipe first duke went through (7) 18. Weeds behind border plant (5) 19. Sally to Piers: “all wrong!” (7) Down 1. Old people, note, in mines (5) 2. Alternatively, a gripped paddle (3) 3. Strange one by a tree (5) 4. Least organised accounts (5) 5. Undergarments – most daring! (7) 6. Long period of time soon ending (5) 10. Girl going on and off a terrace (7) Page 36
S
12. Initial verdict on man bearing east (5) Gaelic poetry (5) 15. Hothead leading 13. Marvellous purse in creep to stall (5) bad shape (5) 17. Firm head of 14. Penny-pinching supplied lettuce (3)
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Home & Interiors Playtime
By Katherine Sorrell a floor plan on graph paper will help, as you may need to include one or more beds, a desk, seating, a music system and clothes storage, as well as space for books and toys, plus free floor space in which to play.
If you have space for a dedicated playroom, or can allocate a section of another room, you can keep toys contained and your children happy – and it’s a great opportunity for some imaginative decorating, says Katherine Sorrell. The key to designing a playroom is flexibility. Keep the basics plain and simple – neutral walls, floor and major items of furniture, with only the less expensive and easily changed items (such as blinds, cushions or storage boxes) themed to colours or characters. Start by considering the major factors. Is the room just going to be a playroom, or will it double as another, such as a child’s bedroom? How much space do you have and who will use it? How old are your children? What is your budget? Sketching
Place and space The more space you can allocate to a playroom the better, not to mention the storage requirements (see below). A light, bright room is ideal, preferably not far from a toilet or from the kitchen or living room, so you know what they’re up to. Direct access to outside space would, again, be ideal. A space with interesting nooks and crannies, perhaps even different floor levels (within reason), will feed the imagination. Design basics Floors should be non-slip, easily cleanable, hard-wearing and not too hard underfoot. Wooden or laminate boards plus a soft rug (with an anti-slip mat beneath), vinyl or linoleum are all ideal. If you must choose carpet, go for an inexpensive one and have a stain-resistant treatment applied before installation. Inset ceiling lights and highup wall lights are better than floor or table lamps that could be knocked over. That said, decorative lighting looks lovely, but choose one designed for children and position it so that there are no trailing flexes. You may choose to keep walls plain, or make them the focal point of the room in the
form of a specially painted mural - an internet search will produce plenty of companies that will create one for you, but be careful that it won’t date. Alternatively, use framed pictures, removable stickers, artists’ canvases painted in bright blocks of colour, a camouflage net, flags, maps, blackboard or magnetic paint, or an entire wall of good-looking storage. Furniture and fun When furnishing a playroom you can let your imagination run riot, but note that floor cushions and bean bags are better than miniature children’s sofas and chairs, which are quickly outgrown. Storage Always ensure that toys are easily accessible. Cheap and colourful plastic tubs are ideal for many toys, while Lego, plastic people, farmyard animals and other small things can go in appropriately sized storage boxes (perhaps recycled ice cream tubs or takeaway cartons). You may also need storage/display space for elaborate railway or racing tracks, craft activities, pretend kitchens and shops, teddies, dolls and action figures and, for older kids, technology such as laptops and tablets. Last of all don’t forget peg rails, hooks and hanging fabric organisers – all invaluable space savers. Main Image: CAM CAM hot air balloon light, £52, The Modern Nursery: www.themodernnursery.com
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 37
Blueboy Carpets Ltd
No.1 for Quality & Price 01594 836926
Large selection of
CARPETS, RUGS, VINYL & WOOD FLOORING
at excellent prices OPEN Mon - Sat
9am - 5.30pm FAST, FRIENDLY & EFFICIENT SERVICE
Established over 25 years
atblueboycarpets@aol.com
www.blueboycarpetsltd.co.uk
11 Pyart Court, Coleford, Glos, GL16 8RG
DK Furnishing
01594 843261
OPEN 9.00am - 4.30pm Tuesday - Friday, 9.00am - 4.00pm Saturday
• BEDROOM,
LIVING ROOM & OCCASIONAL FURNITURE in pine, oak and sheesham
• BEDS including wood, metal, leather and divans • MATTRESSES including orthopaedic, pocket sprung and memory foam in a range of sizes from 2’6” to 6’. Odd sizes can also be made.
• We also stock a variety of GIFT ITEMS
www.dkfurnishing.co.uk
Come and see our fantastic new range of Wicker furniture
26 Newerne Street, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 5RF Page 38
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Craig's Comment Last month I discussed how I have been calling for the re-opening of Newent Ambulance Station to be considered. This was in response to figures that showed that residents in certain parts of the Forest faced considerably longer waits for an ambulance in an emergency than in other parts of the county. Following discussions with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, I can report that unfortunately they will not be exploring this option. Their response to my request was: “At this point in time there are no plans to re-install the Newent ambulance vehicle.” It is disappointing that they have not fully explored the idea of re-opening Newent Ambulance Station before making their decision. The ambulance trust did however set out a number of projects that they are carrying out which they
hope will improve response times for local residents. There is an Ambulance Response Programme and a Rota Review which they claim are “improving resources which will benefit patients in the Gloucestershire area.” They added that “with the right number of staff on duty at the right time in the right place, this will enable the service to manage peaks in demand, giving an improved response to patients as well as protecting staff welfare and wellbeing.” We also discussed the important role that volunteers play in assisting our emergency services. Around the country, volunteer Community First Responders provide assistance to our ambulance services, helping people in emergencies while an ambulance is en route. Although they can not improve ambulance waiting times, these volunteers play a vital role by tending to emergencies in their local communities and providing help and assistance to people. Unfortunately, the Newent area no longer has any volunteer
Community First Responders to provide this vital help. Are you looking for volunteer opportunities to help make a difference in your local community? If so, maybe becoming a Community First Responder is for you. South Western Ambulance Service is currently looking to recruit new Community First Responders throughout the Forest of Dean. Full training is provided by the ambulance trust for those volunteers that pass the initial application process. More information about the role of Community First Responders, and how to apply, can be found on the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust website - www.swast.nhs.uk - or by telephoning 01392 453940. Craig is the District Councillor for Oxenhall and Newent North East. If Craig is your councillor you can contact him on craig.lawton@ fdean.gov.uk. To find out who your District Councillor is you can contact Forest of Dean District Council on 01594 810000.
Your Advert Here From only £58 + VAT per month (T's & C's apply) Call 01594 806 555 or 07740 784 444 for more information.
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 39
History Happy New March! By Catherine Rose
March sweeps in on the coat tails of winter and it is not unknown for it to snow. Despite this, in the Northern Hemisphere, 1st March is meteorologically the first day of spring. The old saying that ‘March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb’ is perhaps appropriate. Dubbed ‘Hlyd’ by the Anglo-Saxons for ‘loud’ or ‘rugged’ (thought to refer to March winds), it is the month of the vernal equinox when the hours of day and night are split equally. By the end of March, spring is truly in the air and it remains the herald of longer, warmer days with its oceans of daffodils and narcissi. March is also a first for another reason. Its name comes from the Latin Martius, the Roman God of War, and it was the first month in the Roman calendar. This was traditionally a time for a feast known as Tibilustrium Page 40
to celebrate the end of winter, and it was also a time for warmongering and invasions.
lively March mating rituals of the hare. The Victorian author Lewis Carroll subsequently used the March Hare for a character in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
It is an ominous month in other ways too. The well-known Shakespearean quote “Beware the Ides of March” refers to 15th, when the first full moon of the Roman year appeared and Caesar was assassinated at the Senate. There is also an old superstition that if Easter falls on 25th or Lady Day, then disaster for England will follow:
Most people born in March will fall under the zodiac sign Pisces: the final sign that is said to capture the traits of all the eleven that precede it. Pisceans are known for being creative, imaginative, sensitive and compassionate, so it is rather a revelation to learn that more British Prime Ministers were born in March than in any other month.
‘When my Lord falls in my Lady’s lap England beware of some mishap.’ Interestingly, this was the case last year and many consider 2016 to have been disastrous for the UK with Brexit, the US election results, and the untimely deaths of a larger than usual number of British icons. 25th March remained New Year’s Day in Great Britain until the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in 1752, but it is still the first month in other cultural calendars even today. Another popular phrase, ‘mad as a March hare’ was coined as early as 1500 after the
Celebrated across the globe, March also brings the Feast of St Patrick on 17th - a lively celebration of Irish culture. A 5th century missionary and bishop, St Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland whose designated day is a national holiday for partying and “the wearing of the green”. The Irish shamrock emblem with its three leaves is said to have been adopted as an explanation of the Holy Trinity when missionaries were converting the pagan Irish to Christianity. 2017 will see a parade, festival and other events in London to mark the event. In celebrating March, perhaps we should take a shamrock leaf out of the Irish book rather than following the Roman example. But whatever you do this month, try not to be a mad March hare!
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Slow PC?
Don’t Buy A New One Yet A slow PC isn’t necessarily destined for the scrap heap. Quite often you’ll find that a few simple steps can get your old PC running like it’s just left the factory. First of all, delete any files you don’t want and uninstall any apps you don’t need, paying particular attention to any apps that run when you start Windows: if you don’t need them, don’t let them sit using up memory all the time. Running antispyware software is a good idea too, as sometimes viruses and other online nasties can infect PCs and cause serious performance issues. Our picks include BitDefender Antivirus Free Edition, Panda Free Antivirus 2016 and AVG Anti-Virus Free. Simple and inexpensive upgrades can make a big difference too. Adding more memory is cheap and pays dividends, and you can swap out the hard disk for a speedy solid-state drive (SSD) for around £50. It’s really easy to do, too.
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 41
Pictograms
V E U T O D
6 words
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.
CUT CUT CUT CUT 3 words
3 letters: 8 4 letters: 6 5 letters: 3 6 letters: 1
ZZZ IT
ASPIRATION ITP
WORDWHEEL
Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.
TARGET Excellent: 17 or more words Good: 15 words Fair: 12 words
Drink Up 1. Ribena 2. Georgia (in the city of Atlanta) 3. 9 (calculated as the volume in litres, 0.75, multiplied by the alcohol volume) 4. Advocaat 5. Water 6. Pimm's (Pimm's Number One Cup is the most popular Pimm's drink) 7. She shrinks 8. Whiskey, lager, cider, vodka ("He drinks a whiskey drink, he drinks a vodka drink, he drinks a lager drink, he drinks a cider drink") 9. Soda Stream 10. Harvey Wallbanger (after Tom Harvey)
Codeword 7 10
M
6
25
4
10
4
R
H
N Answer: Page 42 HINDER
I
Z
E
M E
9
I
S
11
1
D
DIE
DO
DU
DU
OD
OU
Puzzle & Crossword Solutions
2 words
R
3L
7
8
A S U
5 6
X C
19 6
I
T
16
I
N
7 7
S
22
J
9
8
A U
6
5
18
I
X
14
E
B
2
V
15
F
C
C
4
4
R E
5
24 7
W S
19 4
T
E
12
L
4
E
E
H
16
N
L
19 3 4 7
7 3 9
R 10
O M
25
4
E
17
K
13 12
L
20
25
R
3
12
25
20
C
O
C
T
H E S
4
7
E S
21
P
S H A
15
F
8
C
18
G
19
I
T
A
3 16
N
25 23 7
S
4
D E
10
S
25
R
20
U M O
20
O
A
25
R
19
T
17
K
7
S
20
O
8
U
21
P
9
4 7
16
N
4
2
D
23
9
19
6
9
Y
R
T
5
Solution
Word Ladder
Hereis is possible Here oneone possible solution (others may(others exist) may exist) solution FISH
5
25
R
G
1
5
S
Mini Cryptic Crossword
H E A V E
16
N
7
S
21
P
25 4 9
R E A
23
20
O
9
9
A A
A
22
J
8 4 7
Q U E S
7
4
19 6
T
20
I
O
7
20
8
7
O
14
B
N U
18
G
12
L
13
list
E
loot
L
16
O
S
12
20
D
9
fist
26
4
S S E
Y
10
11
12
13
23
24
25
26
M
Z
L
Y
D W R Q
3 Letters
OUT
DUET
OUTED
DIE
TOE
TOED
VOTED
DOT
VET
VETO
6 Letters
DUE
4 Letters
VOTE
DEVOUT
DUO
DOTE
5 Letters
ODE
DOVE
DUVET
lost foot fool FOWL
Pictograms 1. The First Cut Is The Deepest 2. Sleep On It 3. Dream Ticket
Sudoku
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre
as neurons. Neurons can talk to each other by emitting small molecules called Former Newent Community School pupil, Philip Biggin, neurotransmitters. has been awarded the title of Full Professor in a pioneering These scientific field at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. neurotransmitters make their way The 45-year-old who attended enjoyed most lessons at school.” from one neuron the Watery Lane School from On leaving the school after A-Levels, to a neighboring neuron and bind to Year Seven through to Sixth Form Professor Biggin, whose mother lives a class of protein molecules termed ion has been made Professor of in Highnam, first read Computerchannels. This interaction between the Computational Biochemistry aided Chemistry at the University of neurotransmitter and the ion channel at the University of Oxford. Surrey. He then did his doctorate in then causes the latter to change shape The promotion is a result of his work Molecular Biophysics at the University and open. When it opens it allows ions using computer models to improve of Oxford, which led to a research like sodium and potassium to pass into understanding of brain-related position at the Salk Institute in San or out of the neuron. The neuron senses conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Diego, California. Following further this change in ion distribution and uses Parkinson’s and autism. post-doctoral positions in Oxford’s that to initiate an electrical signal all Department of Biochemistry and a the way along the length of the neuron. Attributing his career choice to research fellowship between 2007 When the signal reaches the end of his studies at the school, he said: “I had and 2012, he became Associate that neuron, it might also send out its a fantastic time at Newent –definitely Professor at Oxford before recently own packet of neurotransmitters and some great memories. Perhaps unsurprisingly my favourite subjects were being awarded the title Full Professor. so on and so on. We can represent the dynamics of the ion channel and the Chemistry, Biology and Physics. I still Congratulating the past pupil on neurotransmitter by a computational recall to this day many of the anecdotes his promotion and success, Newent model and research in my group is that Mr Latham, my Chemistry Teacher, Community School Principal Alan told us. He was particularly memorable Johnson said: “There is no school in the focused on understanding exactly how the ion channel changes shape and probably the biggest influence world that is better than its teachers, on me in pursuing Chemistry at and our teachers are some of the best to allow it to open (and indeed how undergraduate level. I must also credit there are. Each time I hear about some later it closes again). This is important because when this process goes wrong, Mr Des Marshall, my Sixth Form tutor, of the tremendous achievements of it can lead to some serious diseases who had his little library of Biology our ex-students it makes me incredibly books and encouraged us to dive in for proud of our staff and our school. I am including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, autism and many others. ourselves and read around the subject a equally proud that we have helped The hope is that by understanding the bit. This was the first taste of how things pave the way for Philip’s research might work at university and I thought into brain related conditions which will details of how the ion channel proteins change shape, we can design better that was great.” undoubtedly help so many people.” drugs to treat some of these diseases.” He added: “I was very lazy as a Explaining how his work aims to For further information on pupil, which of course all the teachers lead to new treatments for brainNewent Community School call spotted and they kept dropping nonrelated diseases, Professor Biggin 01531 820550, email admin@ subtle hints in my reports which said: “Communication within the newent.gloucs.sch.uk or visit I still have at home! I can recall nearly brain is performed by a complicated all of my teachers quite vividly and arrangement of specialized cells known www.newent.gloucs.sch.uk
“I must say I am thrilled with the coverage of my charity event in your magazines. I already had a response from people wanting tickets. Thank you so very much!”
Martin
Variety Show Mitcheldean
“Your magazine is a really good source for advertising and it is bringing people in. Thank you!”
“Looks lovely as always - very nice layout and quality. I do get quite a lot of feedback about the feature.”
Sarah
Rita
Gloucestershire County Council
Smiths of Newent Auctions
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 43
Finance It May Not Be Too Late To Make A Claim For Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) By Ann Haldon • They told you the loan would be more expensive if you didn’t sign up for PPI.
According to ‘Which?’ the banks have written to 5.5 million customers, letting them know they might have been mis-sold PPI and offering three years in which to make a claim. Although some of these letters were sent in 2013, people are still successfully claiming PPI from banks and other lenders. A potential final deadline of June 2019 has also been announced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). If this is confirmed, it offers plenty of time to write to lenders and recover the money that should never have been taken from you. Could you have been missold PPi? PPI could have been mis-sold to you in a number of ways, including these scenarios: • You were pressured by the salesperson, or told it was compulsory. • You were self-employed, unemployed, or retired when the policy was taken out. • You had a pre-existing medical problem. • A clear explanation was not given of how much PPI you were going to pay, or if it was included in the total loan quote. • You already had cover in place within another policy – life insurance, for example. • You were not informed of the ‘cooling-off’ period. Page 44
ContaCting the lender If you no longer have your loan agreement, write to or phone the company concerned. Many larger financial organisations will be able to tell you over the phone whether or not you’ve been sold Payment Protection Insurance. You can also request a copy of your original agreement. Some companies can deal with your entire claim by phone, or online. The Financial Ombudsman Service also has an online questionnaire, and allows you to upload any supporting documents. Otherwise, you should print it off and sent it by recorded delivery after taking a copy for yourself. When the ComPany rePlies you receive a positive response Regular premiums Credit cards and mortgages generally had a regular PPI premium attached, rather than one single premium. If this was the case, you should receive a refund for the premiums paid. If interest had been added, this amount should also be refunded. Single premiums Single PPI premiums were often paid in relation to personal loans and finance agreements. How much you receive depends on whether the loan is still in force: • If your loan is ongoing, the lender will calculate the monthly amount you should have been paying (minus the PPI), and this will be deducted from the total amount
outstanding. • If the loan has been repaid in full, you’ll receive a refund for the amounts you paid. The lender should also calculate a new redemption figure as though the PPI had never been paid, and repay the difference between this and the amount you actually repaid on redemption. if the Claim is rejeCted Should there be no response from the lender within eight weeks, they reject your claim, or you are unhappy with the refunded amount, you can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service for a decision. This must be done within six months of the lender’s final response to you. It may take up to two years to reach a decision, and any interim offers made by the lender will be forwarded to you. If you’re not happy with the final outcome, you can request that an official ombudsman reviews your case for a second opinion. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ business-36950803 http://www.moneysavingexpert. com/reclaim/ppi-loaninsurance#how http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/ money/cardsloans/article1606455/Reclaim-PPI-premiumspayment-protection-insurance. html https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/ payment-protection-insurance/ claim-mis-sold-ppi http://www.which.co.uk/consumerrights/advice/i-think-ive-been-missold-ppi-what-should-i-do http://www.which.co.uk/consumerrights/advice/how-to-reclaim-missold-ppi
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
CODEWORD
7
Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.
10
6
7 7
11 25
4
5
5
4
25 22
4
9
4
5
5
19
8
6
6 8
16
4
7
12
4
5
18
19
4 7
25
3
25
9
20
O
25
10
15 19
3 16
4
25
9
23
2
7
4 7
26 20
4
9
9
7
R
6
12
20
16
7
20
25
20
8
7
4
25
4
21
9 20
7
20 25
10
7
19
16
16 8
8 4
23 21
4
9
7
7
6 7
19 3
1 9
12
20
24 10
12
13
19
17
T
18
9
14
23
12
4
13
E EFFIC EF FF IE FIIC CIIE ,, EN NT T S S P E E E SP ED PEED DY YD D ELIVE DE EL E LIIV R R VERY Y
GREAT WEEKEND HIRE GREAT WEEKEND HIRE OPTIONS GREAT WEEKEND HIRE OPTIONS OPTIONS
Small Cultivator Cultivator Digger £25 £25£90
Hedge Small Trimmer Digger £25 £90
Plate Hedge Plate Hole Pressure Post Hole Post CompactorCompactor Washers Borers Trimmer Borers £25 £35 £25 £25 £35 £25
Pre Wa £
Cherry picker hire available with free sitewith surveys Cherry picker hire available free site surveys Massive range of salerange itemsofincluding and and hand tools Massive sale items including and all gardening and all gardening and ha
Unit 1 Ashburton Industrial Estate, Ross-On-Wye 5SY ☎ 01989 Byard Rd, Gloucester GL2 5DFGL2 ☎HR9 01452 526616 Byard Rd, Gloucester 5DF 01452566729 526616 7.30am-5pm and 8am-12pm 7.30am-5pm and Saturdays 8am-12pm Saturdays
www.ermin.co.uk www.ermin.co.uk
Branches in: Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, Worcester, Ross-on-Wye Branches in: Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, Worcester, Ross-o Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 45
Established 1995
V I S I Tly
w Our ne d he refurbis OM RO SHOW y toda
SHOWROOM & WORKSHOP
The Workshop Bye Street Ledbury HR8 2AG Mon-Fri 8.00am-4.30pm Sat 8.30am-12.00 noon Tel: 01531 635338
Multi-Award Winning WWW.SHANEHOWELLS.CO.UK
Page 46
CONSER VATORIES ● SU N L OU N GES ● W INDO W S ● DO O RS FASCIToAadvertise & GU Tcall T ER IN G GL S Swww.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk CENTRE 01594 806●555 orAvisit
What‘s On in March Dean Heritage Centre Open every day, 10.00am 5.00pm, Last entry: 4.00pm Camp Mill, Soudley, GL14 2UB
Thursday 2nd March: Mother's Day Jewellery Workshop with Karen of JB Gaynan Jewellers of Ledbury. For more information and the latest news and updates on the workshops please visit www. labelsshopping.co.uk/events. You can book your place by phoning 01989 769000 or emailing welcome@labelsshopping.co.uk. Perrygrove Railway Open every weekend all year round, and daily during local school holidays Perrygrove Railway & Treetop Adventure, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB
With five galleries spanning over 10,000 years of history, plus outdoor attractions, trails and a woodland playground, the Dean Heritage Centre is so much more than just a museum. Non giftaid prices: Adults: £7.20, Conc: £6.30, Children (3-16): £5.40, Family (2 plus 2): £23, Family (2 plus 3): £28. For more information call 01594 822170 or visit www.deanheritagecentre.com. Severn Bore Wed 1st & Thurs 2nd, Sun 12th - Tues 14th, Tues 28th - Fri 31st March, Minsterworth, Various times
Come and see one of Britain's truly spectacular natural phenomena. Please use one of the car parks (do not park along Church Lane). No fixed car parking charge, a voluntary contribution is requested. For more information and the timetable visit: www.severn-bore.co.uk. Craft Workshops at Labels Shopping Labels Outlet Shopping, just off junction 4 of the M50 near Ross-on-Wye
Adults: £7.00; Seniors: £6.60; Children (3 and over): £5.65; Family (2 adults & 2 children): £24.50. For more information call 01594 834991 or visit: www.perrygrove.co.uk. Newent & District Camera Club Meeting Tuesdays, meet at 7.30pm for 7.45pm start (meeting ends at 10.00pm), Newent Library (parking behind)
Workshops, talks and competitions. 7th March: Annual General Meeting + VECC National Exhibition (time permitting). 14th March: Three way Print & DPI battle vs. Coleford and Stroud at Newent; Judge: Peter Siviter EFIAP DPAGB.
21st March: "Marco evening" by Vince Penticost AWPF. Submit print & DPI entries for Annuals. 28th March: "The art or urban exploration" by Tim Knifton LRPS CPAGB AFIAP AWPF PSA7*. www.flickr.com/photos/ timster1973/ New members always welcome, fee of £2 per evening (visit 3 times before joining). For further information on the Club please visit www. newentdcc.com or email tonycook01@gmail.com. Supper Club – St. Patrick’s Day Supper Friday 17th March, Harts Barn Cookery School, Longhope, Gloucestershire, GL17 0QD With a fantastic quirky dining area, the Apple Barn is the perfect place for people to come together, try new dishes and enjoy the wonderful surroundings. There is also a fully licenced bar. You can enjoy a starter platter of Colcannon soup shots and smoked salmon on soda bread Crostinis, followed by a main of Irish beef & Guinness stew and a dessert of Irish Cream Bundt Cake. Tickets are £15.00 and advanced booking is required. For more information, please call 01452 831719. Kempley Daffodil Festival Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th March, Kempley, GL18 2BP
Join us for a happy weekend in the country and help us celebrate the 42nd anniversary of the Kempley Daffodil Weekend. Come and see the wonderful displays of wild daffodils in the local woods and fields, enjoy
events cont'd...
...events cont'd organised walks (4 miles: starting at 10.45am; 6-7 miles: starting at 11.00am; 2-mile local history walk at 2.00pm), browse stalls selling local crafts, plants and produce, go for a ride on the free Daffand-Ride bus, enjoy teas, coffees and scrumptious lunches in the Village Hall (between 10.30am and 5.00pm each day) and visit the Scarecrow exhibition at St Edward’s Church. All proceeds go to St Edwards Church and the Kempley Village Hall Restoration Fund. For more information, please visit www.daffs.org.uk. Musical Charity Evening Saturday 18th March, 7.30pm, Mitcheldean Community Centre Muscular Dystrophy UK (South West ) is presenting 'An Evening With Dick Brice and Friends'. This promises to be a sell out evening featuring the ever popular songwriter, singer and raconteur Dick Brice, supported by local singer/songwriters Clint Mann and Tracey Dixon. There will also be a raffle and guests should bring their own snacks and drinks. Tickets at £7 and bookings are available from Martin on 07796 585255, Martinwhitehouse586@ btinternet.com, or the Mitcheldean Library. You are advised to book early as spaces are limited. Pop Up Opera Sunday 26th March, 7.00pm - 10.00pm, Hillside Brewery, Longhope, GL17 0NG This Spring, Hillside Brewery is hosting an opera experience with a difference with the touring Pop Up Opera performing Romeo and Juliet. For more information, please call 01452 830222. Severn Area Rescue Association Open Evening Thursday 30th March, The Lifeboat Station, Beachley, Chepstow, NP16 7HH Page 48
Have you got what it takes to join your local Search and Rescue Organisation? Would you like to support it? Then come along to this Open Evening and find out how you can get involved. For more information email beachley.trainingmanager@ sara-rescue.org.uk. Easter Coffee Afternoon Thursday 13th April, 1.30pm - 3.00pm, Coleford Drop In, The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH Easter Draw: Money raised will go towards the Committee Funds. For further information, please call 01594834436.
REGULAR EVENTS Charity Quiz Night Last Friday of every month, Doors open at 7.00pm, Sixteen Community Café, 16 Bank Street, Coleford, GL16 8BA 7.15pm: Talk from charity; 7.30pm: A mouth watering meal; 8.00pm: Quiz; 8.30pm: Raffle; 8.45pm: Vote of thanks. Tickets: £7.50 includes a meal. For more information visit: www.jamiefundraiser.co.uk or contact Jamie on info@ jamiefundraiser.co.uk or 07586530907. Coffee & Chat Every Monday, 11.00am - 12.30pm, Lydney Community Centre, Naas Lane, Lydney, GL15 5AT For more information call 01594 845704. Community Get Together Every Tuesday, 3.00pm - 5.00pm, Sixteen Community Café, 16 Bank Street, Coleford, GL16 8BA We’ll be sharing food, fun and friendliness. Please join us for a hot meal and good company. If you need help getting there, we might be able to assist – call Kate at FVAF on 01594 822073 or email bestbutties@FVAF.org.uk.
Forest of Dean Drop-In Coffee & Chat Every Wednesday, 10am - 12 Noon, Forest of Dean Drop In, The Main Place, Coleford, GL16 8HR Everyone welcome. For more information call 01594 834436. Run by the Independence Trust. Knit and Natter sessions Every Thursday, 7pm - 9pm, Mad Dog Designs at Taurus Crafts, Lydney It doesn’t have to be knitting it can be any craft that can be transported easily! Why not come along and share your ideas! For more information email enquire@tauruscrafts.co.uk. Severn Sun Tai Chi and Yoga
Yoga: Wednesdays, 7.00pm - 8.30pm Tai Chi: Thursdays, 7.00pm - 9.00pm, Blakeney Youth Centre Friendly classes, all abilities. Telephone Natalie on 01594 510666 for more information or to join.
LOCAL MARKETS Coleford Country Market Every Fri from 9.30am 12 Noon, beside the Clock Tower in Coleford; Every Sat from 10am - 12 Noon, in Mushet Walk, near the Co-op. We sell home-baked cakes and pastries, home-produced preserves and honey, handmade crafts, home grown seasonal fruit, as well as vegetables and plants. St. Briavels Farmers Market First Saturday of every month, 9.30am - 1.00pm, The Pavilion, St. Briavels Produce, patisserie, fish, pies and more.
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
BULK BAGS
from £45
delivered locally incl. VAT
Everyone Welcome!
Coffee
Chat
and
Every Tuesday
Every Wednesday
10am – 12 noon Gloucester Drop In, Brunswick Road,
10am – 12 noon
and...
Forest of Dean Drop In, The Main place,
Gloucester,
Coleford,
GL1 1HT
Gloucestershire, GL16 8RH
For more information call: 01452 529663
For more information call: 01594 834436
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 49
LOCAL CLUBS & SOCIETIES Forest of Dean Walking for Health We offer 16 free, regular walks throughout the Forest of Dean. No need to book. They are suitable for all abilities and can range from just 10 minutes to up to an hour. All end at a café or similar so there’s a chance for refreshments and a chat. Full details on our website at www. walkingforhealth.org.uk/forestdean-walking-for-health or phone Kim Spencer on 01594 562240. BREAM Bream Friendship Circle Every Monday, 2.00pm - 4.00pm Bream Community Centre If you are lonely and in need of friendship, then come along and meet like-minded people. Tea & Biscuits, Bingo, Table Top Sales, Mature Isometrics and monthly trips out. For more information call Mrs Selway on 01594 564443. Bream Gardening Society Meets monthly, indoor meetings are held second Tuesday of the month at West Dean Centre in Bream, 7.30 pm. Summer garden trips are organized to different gardens and places of interest during the summer. For additional information contact Secretary, Jennifer Lang, at 01594 719314. Bream Silver Band and Training Band Rehearsals Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7.30pm - 9.30pm, at the Bandroom, Sun Tump, Bream. New members welcome. Contact our Secretary on 01594 564382, for Training Band call 01594 860181. www.breamband.com Bream Rugby Social Club High St, Bream, Lydney Tel: 01594 562320 Bream Sports Club High St, Bream, Lydney Tel: 01594 563094 Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir The choir practices every Monday and Friday evening at the West Dean Community Centre, Bream. New members always welcome. We offer enjoyable taster sessions free of charge. No auditions - just a friendly bunch of guys so join and enjoy their company and camaraderie. The choir sings at concerts to raise money for
various charitable causes as well as at private functions. For more information call Eric Woods on 01594 836050. Forest of Dean Parkinson’s Group Meets at the first Wednesday of the month, 2pm - 3.30pm, West Dean Centre, High Street, Bream, Lydney, GL15 6JW We offer information, friendship and support to local people with Parkinson's, their families and carers. We also organise regular events and social activities, all are welcome to join us. Contact Jane Henderson, Volunteer Co-ordinator on 0344 225 3694 jhenderson@parkinsons.org.uk if you are interested in coming along, See more at: www.parkinsons.org. uk/local-support-groups/regions/ south-west-england/south-forestparkinsons-group CINDERFORD Causeway Club Edge Hills Rd, Cinderford Tel: 01594 822039 Cinderford Band Contact: Ian Tomlins - Press Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Webmaster for the Cinderford Band. Tel: 01452 723518 Cinderfordband03@aol.com www.cinderfordbrassband.co.uk Cinderford Bowling Club Steam Mills Recreation Ground, Cinderford, Gl14 3JD Tel.: 01594 542004 Cinderford Hanover Court Activities Cinderford Hanover Court, Extra Care Flats, GL142 LQ We offer the following group activities: Every Tuesday: Songs of Praise, 3-4pm with a cup of tea; Wednesday,10.30-11.30am: Trevor Reynaert Tai Chi - £3; Wednesday, 3-4pm: Quiet Corner Book Reading with Mary including the partially sighted - £3; Thursday, 11-12am: Extend Exercises with Sue; Last Friday of each month, 3-5pm: A social Musical Afternoon with singing, dancing, friendship, tea and raffle £4, monies for a defribulator. Come and bring your friends. For more information contact Celia Large on 01594 824276. Found in the Forest Youth Theatre Sundays, 12.00 - 1.30pm (Ages 7-10), 2.00pm - 3.30pm (ages 11-16) Artspace, Cinderford A fun, practical drama group for anyone aged 7-16. Get involved with acting, drama and performance, have fun and meet some new friends along the way. Each term ends with a performance for friends and family. Contact Jamie@actorworkshop.co.uk or call 07712481991.
Miners Welfare Hall Wesley Rd, Cinderford Tel: 07551 032480 Soldiers & Sailors Club 1 Commercial St, Cinderford Tel: 01594 822142 YMCA High St, Cinderford Tel: 01594 823388 COALWAY Coalway Singers Practice every Monday, 7.15pm 9pm Pisgah Chapel in Coalway We welcome all ladies or girls aged 16 or over with an interest in music and singing. We are in the process of learning a new repertoire under the direction of our new musical director Sam Davis and pianist Joe Smith. Valerie Harris: 01594 832465 Eileen Avery: 01594 835977 Coalway Ladies Group Meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm, Pisgah Hall, Old Road, Coalway, GL16 7JT We have a varied programme of interesting speakers throughout the year. Ladies of 16years onward and visitors are always very welcome. For more information call Anne on 01594 834402. COLEFORD Coleford Bowls Club The Bells Hotel & the Forest of Dean Golf & Bowls Club, Lord's Hill, Coleford, GL16 8BE Tel.: 01594 839417 Coleford Chess Club Every Tuesday, 5.00pm - 7.00pm Main Place, Coleford Library Our free 'just for fun' chess club ranges from young novices to experienced league players; so please come along to learn, or brush up on your chess skills in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere. Coleford Hard Of Hearing Club Meets every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month between 10.00am and 12 noon at St. Margaret Mary Church Hall, High Nash, Coleford, where there is ample parking. Our aim is to spread useful information, help those with hearing impairment feel less isolated and have fun. We welcome new members and volunteers, and try to have four special events e.g. Christmas lunch or summer trips each year. For more information please contact Elaine on 07971 303958. Coleford Photographic Club 17 Cinder Hill, Coleford, GL16 8HJ New Members Welcomed. All ages, abilities and photographic interests. Tel: 01594 839118.
Page 50 Get in touch with the ForestTo ofadvertise Dean Magazine have local club or society listed for FREE! call 01594to806 555your or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
DRYBROOK The A. W. Parker (Drybrook) Band Tel: 01594 543707 www.drybrookband.co.uk Drybrook & District Ladies Choir Practice every Wednesday in Drybrook Bandroom (7pm - 9pm). All ladies, or girls aged 16 or over, with an interest in music and the ability to sing in tune welcome! Tel: 01594 542414 www.ddlc.org.uk Drybrook & District Male Voice Choir Tel: 01452 830492 Drybrook Memorial Hall & Social Club Drybrook Road, Drybrook Tel: 01594 543794 Forest of Dean Model Railway Club Meets in the Parish Room at the United Reformed Church, Drybrook, GL17 9JE, every Monday and Friday evening from 7pm until about 10pm (except Christmas and Easter). Facilities include test tracks in N, OO and O gauges, areas for browsing the library collection or constructing models and kits. We have N and OO Rolling Roads and Wheel Cleaning facilities and a kitchen for teas and coffees (free). Membership consists of an annual fee, and a weekly sum payable on attendance. We have a wide range of skills, and are always ready to provide help and advice to anyone who asks. We will discuss any aspect of railway modelling with anyone who wants to chat, and there is always a warm welcome awaiting visitors and prospective members alike. For more information visit: www.fodmrc.co.uk. LYDNEY Forest of Dean Camera Club Meets each Monday evening at 7.30pm (doors open at 7.00pm). Meetings are held at the Viney St. Swithin Sports and Social Club, Viney Hill, near Lydney. The programme includes talks with advice on various aspects of photography, question and answer sessions and competitions. Progarmme details and information can be obtained on the club website: www.forestofdeancameraclub.co.uk Forest of Dean Sea Cadets Parade Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 7.00pm - 9.15pm Open to young people aged 10-18. Rowing, kayaking, canoeing, D of E, as well we many life skills, i.e. First Aid and leadership. See our website for more details of the varied programme available to all: www.sea-cadets.org/forestofdean. Contact by email forestofdeanscc@ btinternet.com.
Forest of Dean U3A Every 3rd Thurs of the month, 1.40pm, Lydney Town Hall Painting, skittles, whist, photography, three walking groups, bridge, cribbage, French, art and crafts, trips, singing and luncheon club are just some of the voluntary activities offered during each month for the over 50s. Why not come and join our lively, friendly groups? Come along, listen to our guest speakers, and meet the people who run the groups. Annual membership is only £15. For more details visit: www.u3asites.org.uk/forest-of-dean Lydney Community Centre Naas Lane, Lydney, Glos, GL15 5AT Accessible and dementia-friendly building with three rooms and hall to hire for meetings, birthday parties and concerts; Wi-Fi available. White Lotus Classes, Tai Chi & Fitness, Tai Chi Sword, Zumba, Kickboxing, Pilates, Lindy Hop Dance, Painting, Chat and Craft, Women’s Institute, Riverside Church, CAP Unemployment & Debt Counselling, Beast Keep Fit, Jeans Keep Fit, Welcome Trust Tea & Toast, Golden Triangle Club, Jazz 4 U Club, Film Club, Jazz Concerts, Monday Drop in Coffee & Chat, Kids Arts & Craft, Over 60`s Club, Drama Society & Scenesetters. All details of days and times including social events can be found on www.lydneycommunitycentre. co.uk and facebook, or email lydneycommunitycentre@outlook.com. Tel. 01594845704 / 07504565153. Lydney & Severnside Flower Club Meet on the second Monday of the month, 7.15pm at Lydney Town Hall Floral demonstrations at most meetings. Refreshments and raffle. Give yourself a treat! Visitors always welcome. Contact: 01594 860 578 Lydney Tennis Club Hams Road, Lydney Tel: 01594 842159 Lydney Training Band We rehearse every Monday evening from 6.30 til 7.30pm at the Bandroom, Swan Road, Lydney GL15 5RU. Training is given by experienced and qualified teachers (DBS checked). All ages welcome including adults. £1 a week covers tuition and instrument. Come along and have a chat or ring Kerry Ford BMus on 01594 530886. The Senior Band rehearses on Fridays from 7.30 til 9.30pm. The Royal British Legion Clubs 3 Hill Street, Lydney Tel: 01594 842444 Parkend Working Men’s Club Lion Row, Parkend, Lydney Tel: 01594 562566
Sports Clubs in Lydney Lydney Bowling Club Bathurst Park, Lydney Tel: 01594 842962 Lydney Cricket Club The Pavilion Recreation Ground, Swan Rd, Lydney Tel: 01594 842765 Lydney Golf Club Naas Lane (access off bypass), Lydney, GL15 4ES Tel: 01594 842775 Lydney Town A.F.C Recreation Ground, Swan Rd, Lydney Tel: 01594 844523 Lydney Rugby Football Club Regents Holme, Regent St, Lydney Tel: 01594 842479 Viney St. Swithins Sports & Social Club Recreation Ground, Viney Hill, Lydney, Tel: 01594 510658 Lydney Yacht Club The Old Shipyard House, Harbour Road, Lydney, GL15 4ER Tel: 01594 842573 MITCHELDEAN Forest of Dean Chess Club Meets Monday evenings (except during Public Holidays), 7.00pm9.30pm at Mitcheldean Library. The club competes in Division Two of the North Gloucestershire Chess League and also runs its own internal tournaments. Training sessions, simultaneous displays and social matches form part of the club’s variety of chess-related activities. New members are welcome; why not come along for a taster session? For further information, contact Secretary Ray Francis (07815597714) or visit www.fodcc.org.uk Forest of Dean Motorcycle Club Meet at least once a month on a Tuesday night, 12 Vantage Point Business Village, Mitcheldean, GL17 0DD Family oriented Club. Members enjoy all aspects of Motorcycles from Vintage to Modern and from Club Rallies to the Isle of Man TT. For more information contact Mike (Spike) Hook on 07815571350 or email: spikehook@3rossroad.freeserve.co.uk Mitcheldean Folk Club Every second Thursday of the month, 8pm, The White Horse in Mitcheldean Xerox Sports & Social Club Vantage Point Business Park, Mitcheldean, GL17 0DD Xerox SSC has a well maintained clubhouse consisting of a bar, lounge, skittle alley, snooker room and an exceptionally well appointed function
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 51
...Local Clubs & Societies cont'd room. The club regularly hosts charity evenings & includes a thriving Country/Western club which holds events every month. There is a floodlit patio and a secure, extensive car-park reserved for members and guests. Annual membership fee £5.20. Tel: 01594 544900 NEWENT Newent Bridge Club In the Sixth Form Centre of Newent Community School We play duplicate bridge every Wednesday (18.45pm for 19.00pm start) and Friday (19.00pm for 19.15pm start). There is always a host on Fridays, so you don’t need a partner. Visitors are always welcome. Full details on our website www.bridgewebs.com/newent. Newent & District Camera Club Meets every Tuesday at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start (meetings end at 10.00pm), Newent Library New members welcome. Fee of £2. For further information please see our website www.newentdcc.com or email our Chairman on tonycook01@gmail.com. Newent Walking Group Meets twice a month on a Sunday. An informal friendly walking group. Walks may be full or half day and vary in distance between 4 and 10 miles, often with a picnic or pub break. For more information please telephone our Programme Secretary, Alison Jones, on 01531 820151. NEWNHAM Clay Hill Potters Pottery Group in Newnham-OnSevern, www.clayhillpotters.co.uk Lions Club of Severn Dean 2 Whetstones, Newnham GL14 1BL Tel: 0845 833 5836 The Friendship Club Social club for over 50s which meets fortnightly in the Armoury Hall in Newnham during the afternoon. Opportunity for members to meet their friends for a chat and a cup of tea. There is usually also some entertainment which varies from fortnight to fortnight. Tel: 01594 516545 The Newnham Art Group Newnham Art Group meets every Tuesday in the Armoury Hall between 10am and 12 Noon with the exception of short breaks at Christmas and Easter and a longer recess in the Page 52
Summer. Consisting of amateur artists who simply want to take time out on a regular basis to draw and paint and exchange tips, advice and ideas. £2 to cover room hire and refreshment costs. Tel: 01594 516450 or 01594 516007 Newnham Club Newnham Club is a social and sports club situated in a fine building in the centre of the village. In addition to the bar and a family friendly atmosphere it offers a number of activities including skittles, darts, snooker, pool, a garden with a barbecue and an area where you can watch televised sport. It also has a large function room with a bar that can cater for a wide range of events. Tel: 01594 516379
Newnham Garden Club Providing a forum for all species of gardener in Newnham and the surrounding area. The club meets on the third Monday of each month at 7.30pm at the Armoury Hall. The programme is varied and includes talks from specialists and professionals; summer trips to gardens; themed evenings and a Christmas Party. Indoor meetings include a bring and buy plant stall, a raffle, a monthly competition, refreshments and a chance to talk horticulture. Members range from beginners to professionals. Tel: 01594 516165 Newnham Players The group welcomes new members for all aspects of drama from acting and directing to make up and construction, costume skills, props, sound engineers, front of house, etc. For more details visit: www.newnhamonsevern.co.uk Newnham Youth Club For children from Year 7 and older. Meets at the Armoury Hall on Monday evenings during term time between 7pm and 8.30pm. Club is run by local volunteers and seen as a benefit for both the young people of the village and the wider community, providing a safe environment for young people to meet, socialise and engage in fun activities. New children and volunteers always welcome. Tel: 01594 516742 / 01594 516287 PILLOWELL Pillowell Singers Practice Wed evenings from 7.00pm
to 8.30pm at Pillowell Methodist Church New members welcome. Ladies with an interest in joining please ring 01594 562 485. RUSPIDGE Ruspidge Garden Club Meets at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month in Ruspidge Memorial Hall. We have a varied programme with talks from horticultural professionals and skilled amateur gardeners. At the indoor meetings there are also refreshments, a raffle, plant sales and friendly exchanges about gardening matters. In addition, we run summer trips to some exquisite local gardens. Visit www.ruspidgegardeningclub. net for more information, or call Sally Graham on 01594 822666, or e-mail Pam Sheppard at psthesquare@talktalk.net. WOOLASTON The Springfield Singers Rehearsals Tuesday evenings, 19.45pm - 21.30pm Woolaston Primary School Subscription: £15 per month. Secretary Lesley Wreford: 01594 529468 www.thespringfieldsingers.co.uk
Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) is the support agency for voluntary and community groups in the Forest of Dean. A data base of groups is kept, so if you are looking for an activity or club get in touch. We are also the local volunteer centre. Have a look at www.fvaf.org.uk email help4groups@fvaf.org.uk or phone 01594 822073. Get in touch with the Forest of Dean Magazine to have your local club or society listed here for FREE! Send and email to office@glosdirectories.co.uk
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
EMERGENCY NUMBERS Ambulance (Emergency Only) Fire (Emergency Only) Gas Emergency Police (Emergency Only) Police (non-emergency) NHS Direct CHURCHES
999 999 0800 111 999 999 101 111
Aylbuton Methodist Church Bailey Lane End Methodist Chapel Bream Methodist Church Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cinderford Baptist Church Cinderford Methodist Church Clements End Methodist Church Coalway Methodist Church Coleford Baptist Church Drbrook Methodist Church Forest Church Forest Gate Church Ellwood Methodist Church The Forest of Dean Community Church Lydney and Woolaston Methodist Church Mayhill Methodist Church Mount of Olives Elim Pentecostal Church Pillowell Methodist Chapel Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church St. Ethelbert's Littledean St. James Church (Bream) St. John's Cinderford Stroat Church St. Stephens Church Cinderford DOCTORS
Blakeney Surgery Brunston Practice Coleford Health Centre Dockham Road Surgery Drs Andrew, Edwards, Hayes & Cleary Drybrook Surgery Forest Health Care Lydney Practice Mitcheldean Surgery Newnham Surgery Severnbank Surgery Wye Valley Practice, St. Briavels HOSPITALS
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Lydney & District Hospital Ross on Wye Community Hospital The Dilke Memorial Hospital LIBRARIES
Bream Community Library Cinderford Library
01594 833247 01594 825662 01594 825662 01594 832904 01594 822618 01594 824656 01594 833247 01594 833247 01594 839377 01594 825662 01594 542232 01594 544844 01594 833247 01594 824076 01594 833247 01452 830329 01594 837047 01594 825662 01531 821647 01594 833173 01594 822286 01594 562985 01594 822286 01594 529209 01594 822286 01594 510225 01594 833255 01594 838108 0844 815 1058 01594 562437 01594 542239 01594 820820 01594 842167 01594 542270 01594 516241 01594 845715 01594 530334 0300 422 2222 03004 218722 01989 562100 03004 218640 01594 563073 0845 230 5420
Forest of Dean useful numbers
Coleford Library Lydney Library Mitcheldean Community Library Newent Library Newnham Community Library POST OFFICES
Blakeney Post Office Bream Post Office Gorsley Post Office Hartpury Post Office Higham Post Office Netherend Post Office Newent Post Office Parkend Post Office and Stores Yorkley Post Office and Stores TRAVEL
Bus Information Train Information COUNCIL
Forest of Dean Council UTILITIES
Electricty -ÂPower Loss Gas Emergency Water Leaks Water Severn Trent
0845 230 5420 0845 230 5420 01594 544164 0845 2305420 01594 516296 01594 510310 01594 564 333 01989 720 258 01452 700 416 01452 522 912 01594 528361 01531 820326 01594 563565 01594 562331 0871 200 2233 08457 484950 01594 810000 0800 365 900 0800 111 999 0800 1691144 0800 783 4444
HELPLINES Alcoholics Anonymous Glos 01452 418515 (24hrs) Alcoholics Anonymous National 0800 9177650 Childline 0800 1111 Citizens Advice Bureau 03444 111 444 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Directory Enquiries 118 500 Drugs Helpline 0800 776 600 Floodline 0845 988 1188 Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222 RSPCA 0300 123 4999 Samaritans 01452 306333 National Missing Persons 0500 700 700 NHS Direct 08 45 46 47
Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.
Page 53
advertisers index Auctioneers & Valuers Lockdales Auctioneers Smiths of Newent Building Supplies Hale & Co
7 11
Business Compton Green Business Park
21 13
Caring Services & Technology Forest Linkline 34 Carpet Cleaners Billy Russell
Carpets & Flooring Blueboy Carpets Ltd
41 38
Charities, Clubs & Groups Forest of Dean Chess Club 31 New Start Cat Rescue 21&41 SARA 24 Singing for the Brain 14 Curtains & Blinds Chosen Curtains
36
Decluttering Services Clutterfly 31 Electrical Services Dmc Electrical
Entertainment Sunshine Radio Triangle Radio
10 4 35
Estate Agents & Property Steve Gooch Estate Agents 27 TwoCan Estates back page Events An Evening with Dick Brice A Newent Symphony Concert Coffee & Chat Drop-In Communiy Get-together
38 49 49 25
Events (cont'd) Easter Coffee Afternoon Make A Will Month Specialist Valuation Day
10 32 7
Food & Drink Gloucester Biltong Wiltshire Farm Foods
Furniture DK Furnishing Gloucester Import Furniture Garden Centres Coinros Park Garden Centre Garden Machinery & Tools Hale & Co Garden Services The Garden Lady
21 55 38 2 15 21
Handyman Dave Dowell DMK Handyman Services Ltd
14 10 4
Health & Beauth Designed for Beauty 28&29 Forest Oasis 28&29 Perfect Bliss Health & Beauty 10 Heating & Plumbing Services Boilerfixers Ltd 25 Broad Oak Services 32
Interior Design Chosen Curtains 36 Clutterfly 31 DK Furnishing 38 Legal & Financial Services Dobbs & Drew Property Lawyers 6 White Knight Group 31 Logs Log Boy 49 Oil Estuary Oils
13
Opportunities Forest Voluntary Action Forum 3 Oaklands Park 17 Voluntary Mentors Wanted 32 Photography Crystal Flame Photography Plant Hire Ermin Plant Hire Services
Property Maintenance High Hopes Partnership Removals DRL Removals
Roofing CB Home Improvements Schools Newent School
13 45
25 15 4 43
Shopping DK Furnishing 38 Farm & Country Store 27 Gloucester Import Furniture 2 Labels Shopping 18&19 Storage Compton Green Business Park 13 Vets & Pet Services Bilbo's Pet Spa Farm & Country Store Sundean Vets Video Production Dominic Iles
9 27 33 25
Weddings Crystal Flame Photography
13
Shane Howells
46
Windows, Door & Conservatories
Window Repairs & Glazing Cloudy2Clear
27
Advertising Rates start from only Eighth Page £28 Quarter Page £35 Half Page £58 Full Page £99 Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Glos Directories does not officially endorse any advertising/editorial material included within the publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systen or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise - without the prior consent of the publisher. The use of this magazine for canvassing or direct marketing is strictly prohibited.
F
Include your business in the April issue - call us today or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk Page 54
Per month & excl vat
Read The Online Editions
To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk
Delicious & delivered NEW
Spring & Summer 2017 Brochure
F R E E N A T I O N W I D E D E L I V E R Y | M E A L S F R O M O N LY ÂŁ 2 . 9 9 O V E R 3 0 0 T A S T Y R E C I P E S | N O C O N T R A C T, N O C O M M I T M E N T
Call us today for your FREE brochure
01600 892855
wiltshirefarmfoods.com
01531 829300 info@twocan.estate www.twocan.estate
estate agents
Your ethical agent Estate Agents, Letting Agents, Property Management.
Highnam
Newent
Newent
A rare breed... TwoCan is a division of Two Rivers Housing, all our profits go back into the community to help improve the lives of others. Not only do we offer great value, our fee structure is simple and fair. Contact us today for your free market appraisal.
for you - for your community - not for profit