Forest of Dean Magazine November16

FOREST OF DEAN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE November 2016

www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

FREE

November What‘s On Guide

Recipe

Steamed Date Puddings with Caramel Sauce

Local News Local Businesses

Gardening

by Pippa Greenwood

Home & Interiors

by Katherine Sorrell

Martin Lewis

Mortgages

The Millionaire Maker

Local Writer Richard Estuary Oils Denny Estuary

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Import Furniture Depot

N E E P R O O T W S O NE IN 2 577006 E R O L T B S A NHAMVAIL el: 0124

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Page 4

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From the Editor

Local Magazines Published

by Glos Directories - connecting local businesses with local people

Dear Reader, Welcome to the November issue of the Forest of Dean Magazine. I hope that half term was enjoyable - I'm sure the children had a lovely time dressing up to go out and trick or treat. Let's hope that they all had treats and no tricks!

You will find lots of interesting articles to read inside along with the many local events happening in and around the area. Once bonfire night is out of the way, Christmas is just around the corner, so why not take a trip to one of the many fayres and festivals that are on and start your Christmas shopping early.

The Lions Club Annual Bonfire Party is being held on Saturday 5th November at the Speech House in Coleford. The gates open at 5pm with entrance at just £5.00 for adults and children of Primary School age or younger are free. There will also be free parking. This family event will include a large bonfire and a stunning fireworks display as well as Danter's famous Fun Fair and hot food and drink.

Remembrance Sunday this year falls on 13th November, when the nation remembers and honours those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.

In the spring of 1915, shortly after losing a friend in Ypres, a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in battle-scarred fields so wrote a now famous poem called 'In Flanders Fields'. After the First World War, the poppy was adopted as a symbol of Remembrance.

To read more about it or donate to The Royal British Legion, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk.

On a final note, if you would like to add any upcoming events to the “What’s on” section in the magazine, please email us at office@glosdirectories. co.uk or like our Facebook page and we will be happy to share the event for you to promote it to the local community.

Best wishes, Vicky Muller

- Editor

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

Tel: 01594 806 555

Local: community@forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk Advertising: office@glosdirectories.co.uk Website: www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

Tel: 01594 806 555

www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

Request a price list online or call to book your space in Aug/Sept Magazine

Book now to be included in the next Issue and grow your business locally.

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Page 5

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Richard Denny Your Success Coach The media have called Richard Denny ‘The Millionaire Maker’. For over 30 years he has helped thousands of people into financial wealth, and others into greater achievement and happiness. His lectures, books, videos, DVD’s and CD’s are bought around the world.

10 tips for getting along better with people To state the obvious our world is made up of people. We naturally have a massive responsibility to care for the material aspects, the climate, the oceans and our land mass. Our shared responsibility is to pass on the world as we know it to future generations in better condition. Oops!

We are certainly falling short of the mark there.

Our joys and sadnesses are fundamentally created by our relationships with people. Sadly, for some people, their lives are damaged by people they have fallen out with. This is so desperately tragic that people allow themselves to have negative relationships with family or neighbours – “we don’t speak”. Yes, it can be within your control. Yes, we can all make a greater effort to communicate lovingly and caringly and be determined to get on better with people. All it requires is a very simple change of mindset. We are all so much happier when we are free of nasty thoughts about others.

1. Guard your tongue, say less than you think.

We never get into trouble for what we don’t say.

2. Make promises sparingly, keep them faithfully.

Be a trusted person, a safe pair of hands.

In the business world I teach – ‘under-promise and over-deliver’.

3. Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind word. Look for the good in people - kindness and compliments help to cultivate relationships.

4. Be interested in others, their pursuits, work and family. One of the greatest gifts you can give to people is your attention and interest in them.

5. Be cheerful, don’t dwell on minor aches and small disappointments. Be positive, enthusiasm can be so infectious. Are your friends and

family infected with your cheerfulness?

6. Keep an open mind, discuss but don’t argue, disagree without being disagreeable. Do what politicians feel guilty in doing, change your mind. Be persuaded, it’s a great quality to change.

7. Discourage gossip, its destructive.

Gossip can be so evil and often entails the releasing of a secret. We are never trusted if we can’t keep a secret.

Hear all, see all but don’t say all.

8. Be mindful of the feelings of others.

This is empathy, standing in the other person’s shoes. When necessary say to yourself ‘Why did he say that?’

‘Why is she thinking that?’

9. Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you. Live so that nobody will believe them. Remember the old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”.

10. Every day be determined to enhance somebody else’s life with a kind word, a compliment or even a smile.

It does not matter what anybody says, thinks or does; it’s what you do that really matters.

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

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Page 9

FROSTY DELIGHTS

Enjoying Your Winter Garden We love November for its fresh days and falling leaves, however, Autumn is the toughest period of the gardening calendar. There are lots of cleaning jobs to be done after the Spring and Summer – often in cold and wet weather. Getting the jobs done now means you can enjoy your Winter garden in the months to come. Winter can be, like all seasons, a wonderful time. Make sure you enjoy the beautiful evergreens, tree barks, grasses and those first flowers!

Keep looking ahead even if the garden is beginning to look bare. There are still a few late-flowering perennials, bulbs and grasses which can be used to add interest to the shortening days. Make plans for planting, taking cuttings and sowing seeds. Decide in advance which jobs need to be done. You should also start your composting – with so much dead plant material around, this is a great time to make a compost heap! Compost is the number one soil improver and all kinds of material can be used for it, just not any diseased plant matter.

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

Bare-root plants are available now and ready for planting. They are much cheaper than containergrown plants. Prior to planting, soak the roots for about an hour and make sure the soil is right for planting by adding compost and feed. If you have a kitchen garden, enjoy a Winter's worth of homegrown produce. Make the most of any mild weather and spend time outdoors. Give the greenhouse a thorough clean, wipe the glass with disinfectant and wash the floor.

Remember to wash all your pots and containers too. Lastly, clear away all dead and dying foliage and flowers.

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

- Catherine Williams, The Garden Lady Page 10

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

Word Ladder

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S A N D

Shapes 1. What name is given to a triangle where two of its three sides are equal in length?

2. Which are there more of among the individual cubes that make up a Rubik's cube?... a) cubes with one coloured sticker; b) cubes with two coloured stickers; or c) cubes with three coloured stickers?

3. The Oval is home to which county cricket club?

4. With the first law stating that "the orbit of every planet is an ellipse with the sun at a focus", who discovered the three laws of planetary motion?

5. Where in the human body would you find a small bone called the anvil, which is shaped like the tool it is named after?

6. The only standard road sign in the UK that is octagonal in shape orders drivers to do what?

7. How many years old was Harry Potter when Lord Voldemort killed his parents and left Harry with a scar shaped like a lightning bolt?

8. In which American state would you find the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defence?

9. Who designed Madonna's famous cone bra that she wore on her Blond Ambition Tour of 1990?

10. How many distinct shapes of falling pieces are there in the game of Tetris?

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Health

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

Alcohol Awareness Week: Knowing the Risks disease.

Alcohol causes around 10% of the UK’s deaths and diseases and is linked to 60 serious conditions. Yet over 9 million people in England exceed recommended drinking limits.

This year, Alcohol Awareness Week (14th-20th November) focuses on ‘Knowing the Risks.’

So what are they - and how much is too much?

The Major healTh risks Cancer: Alcohol is a major cause of cancer and increases absorption of carcinogenic chemicals from tobacco.

It’s responsible for many oesophagus, bowel, liver and breast cancers, and around a third of throat and mouth cancers. Just one daily drink increases your risk.

Brain function and mental health: Long-term misuse can cause memory and reasoning problems and changes mood, personality and the brain’s shape, size and structure – symptoms of Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD) or Alcohol-Related Brain Injury (ARBI). It can also cause alcohol-related dementia and early-onset dementia. liver damage: Liver disease deaths are at record levels.

The liver processes alcohol, but too much can cause cirrhosis (liver scarring), hepatitis (liver inflammation) and fatty liver

heart and Circulatory system: Just one drink a day raises blood pressure, increasing the risk of hypertension (permanently elevated blood pressure), stroke and heart attack.

Diabetes: Alcohol misuse can lead to chronic pancreatitis, while alcohol’s appetite stimulation and calories can cause obesity. Both conditions can lead to diabetes.

Pregnancy & Childbirth Problems: Drinking in pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth, and foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in your baby, potentially resulting in stunted growth, facial abnormalities, epilepsy, hearing and ear problems, hormonal disorders, liver damage, kidney and heart defects, a weak immune system and learning and behavioural problems. accident and injury: Even small amounts of alcohol impair coordination, reaction times and decision-making, making driving and machinery operation far riskier. In recognition of this, Scotland has reduced its drinkdrive limit down to just 22mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. reduced Fertility: Regular and/ or heavy drinking can reduce male fertility through impotence and reduced testosterone, libido, sperm quality and sperm quantity. Even light drinking can reduce female fertility. impaired Development: Alcohol can affect the normal development of the brain, liver, bones and hormones in

adolescents and affects their mental health and judgement, too. If 15-17 year olds drink alcohol, it should be under parental supervision and never more than once a week. Under15s shouldn’t drink at all. how MuCh is Too MuCh? Alcohol Concern says there’s no ‘safe’ level of alcohol consumption as regards cancer risk and the government, in light of recent evidence, has reduced and renamed its recommended limits. Its new ‘low risk’ limit is a maximum of 14 units a week for men and women, spread over at least three days. A unit is around half a pint of normalstrength lager or a single measure (25ml) of spirits. A small (125ml) glass of averagestrength wine contains around 1.5 units.

Remember, too, that some of us process alcohol less efficiently. Women usually have less mass, a higher fat to water ratio and lower levels of the alcohol-processing enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, and our genetic make-up also affects the efficiency of this enzyme.

For more information and support: alcohol Concern: www.alcoholconcern.org.uk Tel: 0203 8158920 or Drinkline (confidential drink helpline) Tel: 0300 123 1110 Drinkaware: www.drinkaware.co.uk e: contact@drinkaware.co.uk Tel: 020 7766 9900 Don’t Bottle it up: https://dontbottleitup.org.uk e: support@dontbottleitup.org.uk

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Page 13

Garden Fireworks

by Pippa Greenwood

You may be planning a traditional display of fireworks on November 5th, but why not also think ahead and plant yourself a few garden fireworks?

At this time of year, there are still several stunning flowers that remind me of fireworks, such as the flamboyant red hot pokers or kniphofias, also known as torch lilies.

Kniphofia ‘Brimstone’ has a rich yellowy-orange colour while the smaller ‘Little Maid’ has ivory-yellow flower spikes and reaches a height of about 2 ft (60cm). ‘Fiery Fred’ has blazing orangey-red flowers, while those of ‘Alcazar’ are bright red. Available in garden centres now, they do well if planted out in early autumn or spring in a sunny spot with a well drained soil. Once established you will have a regular display that really will go off like a rocket!

Crocosmias help provide colour at this time of year, so take a look at ‘Lucifer’, with its flame-red, almost trumpetshaped flowers clustered along an elegantly arching spike, or for golden yellow flowers consider ‘Canary Bird’. The many varieties of crocosmia thrive in sun or part shade in a well drained yet also moist soil.

Pot-grown plants should be Page 14

available for planting now or in the spring, or you can buy the corms to plant towards the end of winter; these plants will look like the ultimate elegant arching firework.

If fireworks like star clusters are more your scene, think about sedums or ice plants, many of which have star-shaped flowers. Some of the sedums, such as ‘Autumn Joy’, are still just about in flower, but plant pot-grown specimens now and from late summer you will have a tremendous show of blooms for several weeks, certain to attract bees and butterflies.

The angels’ fishing rods, diorama, have arching stems in great numbers surrounded by broad, almost grass-like leaves, each measuring up to 5 ft (1.5m) in length. The rich pink funnel-shaped flowers dangle and sway in the wind and keep on bobbing straight back up again, even on a windy site.

Consider growing some lupins for summer, either a yellow variety or ‘My Castle’, which has rich red flowers - just like a rocket racing skywards, but far less noisy.

If you want a tree but space is limited, the Kilmarnock willow, Salix caprea ‘Kilmarnock’, is a good option, reaching a height of about 6 ft (1.8 m) after 10 or

15 years. It has long weeping branches and bright yellow fuzzy catkins in spring, far better than any real Roman candle I know!

Look around nearby gardens to see what a fantastic display autumn foliage can put on, then plant anything with good autumn colour to guarantee a glowing bonfire every autumn.

Your garden centre should have a plentiful supply of shrubs and trees at this time of year.

Finally, if you are having a bonfire, make it at the last minute to minimise the risk of hedgehogs or other wildlife hiding beneath the heap coming to an untimely end.

The hedgehog is one of the gardener’s best friends, as it eats huge numbers of slugs and many other garden pests.

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

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

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Whether it’s holiday photos, home movies or your unfinished novel, the media that really matters to you is probably digital. But whether you store your memories on a phone or a PC, a desktop or a laptop, the sad truth is that electronic devices can and do go wrong - and they can also be damaged, lost or stolen. If you lost your PC or phone, would you lose your photos, movies or memories too?

If the answer is “yes”, it’s time to think about having a back-up copy of the media that matters to you. You can back up online with internet services such as Google Photos, Apple iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive or Amazon Prime, or you can use an external hard drive and copy everything to that. Best of all, do both. That way if the internet service suffers you’ve still got your backup drive, and vice-versa.

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SPAM BUSTER briefing on ving you a potentially whopping the petrol options before being put NatWest and most Nationwide is legit or not. I’ve even had Yes, there’s a chance could latest techniques…

– thus gettingitrid of ere’s a full list of retailers and more info through at customers, it’s around 4%, If your car has hadtexts trouble during My mailbag’s been rammed similar myself, andthe I’mwinter sea get even cheaper, but if you’re sonsfuelsaver.co.uk. almost all spam calls. The be best though this is likely to drop costly to pay it back in the Spring.

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How to stop spam calls bagging something that’sso of these cost up to £100 ifyou’re there doing is a rate cut.

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84% AAaand 76% a sure-fire Stop spamwin. texts tpsonline.org.uk) orhave call a crystal £1,000 of mortgage. rs won't for damage if your home's rightcover now. Iyou don’t shotgun spraying customer who triedapproach, reported success.

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Will be saving them your number is real most legit companies scarper.

- If you have Tesco clubcard points you can swa term City swap rates’. And the moneysavingexpert.com/ppi those that aren’t offered by about £20,000, fees. and it may targeteven you after more. ng makes about as much sense as Chewbacca, for RAC cover, so £16 of do vouchers gives you bas markets’ gloom has Mobile: While 85% ofpushed people will help you it for free. brokers.

These include my THANKS.” . It’s those wheredown, you buy tickets for a journey’sInstead, forward the message breakdown.Mortgage Comparison at www. sotheir fix rates could have registered landlines, for tocheap 7726 (spells ‘spam’) parts(there’s separately to slash the price.

It’s allowed Stop door knockers - For full service, Autoaidbreakdown.co.uk a lot registered of crystal-ball Justfree how only 3% have their mse.me/mortgagebestbuys or is a p itionsgazing of carriage –trickle the only rulea is that the to your provider – if enough Put a no cold-caller’s sign up. reclaim polcy for £42/year, which covers you an here) down are mortgages? sites such as TotallyMoney.com. mobiles. Now a new service all attouch the stations you buy tickets for. people do it the number isspouse for I’ve designed a free one and you onward home start, breakdown further. allows you to register it by free HSBC is offering a 0.99% Yetfirm it’s not justout, the and rate that investigated and blocked. local delivery can download, print andyou stick is sent pay then two-year-fix, though you’ll text.

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Page 18 To advertise call 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

Matching your characteristics to available mortgages is something a good mortgage broker can do that you can’t do yourself.

But do ask if the broker will check all deals available to them and not just a panel of lenders. Also, check how much using a broker will cost and ensure you use a qualified one.

Some phone-only brokers such as www.LandC.co.uk are feefree but if you want face-toface help, ask friends for a local broker recommendation or use www.Unbiased.co.uk or www.

VouchedFor.co.uk to find one.

Don’t ignore the fees

The smaller your mortgage, the bigger the impact of fees, especially on smaller mortgages. 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 – add that to the monthly repayment. And if you use www.mse.me/mortgage bestbuys to compare, the ‘total cost’ function does this automatically for you.

Fix or variable rate?

The advantage of a fix is you get price and budgeting certainty that the rate won’t move for a set time. Variable deals move with UK interest rates – and sometimes just at 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 counts for you, err on the side of fixing, and fixing for longer.

Got savings? They could get you a better mortgage

the proportion of the value you’re borrowing. E.g., £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 91% LTV, and the top 5yr fix is 4.49%. Yet use £2,000 of savings to reduce the borrowing, and you’d then be at 90% LTV – where the top 5yr fix is 2.84%, saving c. £1,600/ 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

For this, you need to find your current loan-to-value (LTV),

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Page 19

Page 20

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

Auction Anecdote Smiths last sale on the 7th October got a little ‘out of hand’ and as hundreds of items flooded in during the last week of entries it was obvious the sale was going to be a big one. Once lotted up the sale totalled over 1100 lots which meant it was going to be a long day for both staff and customers. Luckily for customers they don’t have to stay at the saleroom all day but have the option of staying at home and bidding online.

The sale was notable for the huge number of small collectable silver and jewellery items and since this is exactly the type of item which is selling very well in the current market it was a very busy and exciting day. Several consignments of jewellery and ‘bits & bobs’ had been left with me for sale and opening up a box of tiny treasures and then finding a nice quiet time to sort them all out and catalogue them is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job.

The boxes included such a variety of items, it is hard to describe but the collection included silver thimbles, vesta cases, a beautiful hair comb, pin cushions, etc. as well as hundreds of brooches, necklaces, rings and hatpins. It is the hatpins I will focus on as we had three rather pretty examples which although divided into three lots made over £200 in total. Two of the hatpins were made by Charles Horner - a Victorian business man who mass-produced small silver items and jewellery from 1860 onwards at his large factory in Halifax. Although the items were factorymade they were of good quality and design including Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau and then Art Deco styles. After his death in 1896 his sons continued running the factory and it only eventually closed in 1984. Today Charles Horner jewellery, hat pins, thimbles and so on are all highly collectable and of course it helps that all his products are signed with his distinctive CH mark which makes identification easy and reliable.

The third hat pin pictured had a beautiful enamel dragonfly ‘settled’ on the top and although it had no maker’s mark it was the star lot of the three as it was just so attractive and made a very desirable item for a hatpin collector.

In the week after the sale, Smiths staff broke all their previous records and posted out one hundred and five parcels to online bidders – luckily for us – most of those parcels were very small but it has still been a very hard couple of weeks. I think I will have to ensure the November sale is a bit smaller or I may have a staff revolt on my hands!

Smiths next sale is on the 11th November and includes a special section for jewellery and silver. Viewing is on the day prior 10am-7pm and the fully illustrated catalogue is online from the 4th November.

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

Monthly Sales of Antiques & Collectables

Fri 11th Nov Sale at 10am with Special Jewellery & Silver Section Viewing Day prior 10am - 7pm and morning of sale Fine diamond & sapphire brooch Est £2000/£3000 Left: Victorian demi parure Est £2000/£3000

Next Antiques & Collectables Sale

Fri 9th December at 10am with Antique Toy Section Entries Invited

15th, 17th, 22nd & 24th November 10am-3pm or by appointment

Home visits for larger consignments

Live online bidding available at

www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk

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Page 21

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Craig's Comment Every year, as the nights move in, the leaves begin to fall, and we begin to find ice on the ground, something else also arrives for many people – flu.

While many of us will get it at some point throughout the year, for some it can be a lot more serious.

Many “at risk” groups of people therefore qualify for a free flu vaccination to help protect them throughout the winter months when, combined with the cold of the winter, flu can be at its worst for many.

Residents classed as “at risk” include children and pregnant women, as well as people aged 65 and over. In addition, people with conditions such as Diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Asthma are also at risk of experiencing more

distressing symptoms as a result of flu. The Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group's campaign Anyone who falls into any of these 'Flu Free' is working to raise awareness groups, or who has family or friends of the importance of getting free who are a part of one of these flu vaccinations for those at risk groups, should consult their local throughout the Forest and the community pharmacy or GP as whole of Gloucestershire. soon as possible and enquire If you think you or someone you know about a free flu vaccination. might be at a higher risk to suffer from For parents and carers who are complications of flu, then please get in concerned about a flu jab for their touch with your GP or your community children, there is not even the need pharmacy for more information to go near a needle anymore thanks and support. to a new child-friendly nasal-spray For more information from that has the exact same result the Gloucestershire Clinical as the “old style” flu jab.

Commissioning Group please visit: Children between the ages of two www.gloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/ and four years old, as well as those your-health/health-topic/ in school years one, two, and three can all get the nasal-spray free from Craig is the District Councillor for Gloucestershire NHS this winter.

Oxenhall and Newent North East.

In addition, anyone who is a If Craig is your councillor you can contact him on craig.lawton@ designated first aider in their place fdean.gov.uk. To find out who your of work should also consider the District Councillor is you can contact benefits of a flu vaccination this year Forest of Dean District Council on so that you can continue to be on hand 01594 810000. to help save a life if called upon.

Getting down to business in the Lea If you run a business, big or small, then your views matter – and the Lea would love to hear from you. That is because the village is busy putting together a Neighbourhood Development Plan and needs your input.

Just four miles outside Ross-onWye, and straddling the A40, the Lea sits close to the Herefordshire/ Gloucestershire border.

The NDP's steering committee wants to know what your priorities are. That is the case no matter whether you already run a business in the Lea, are contemplating starting one or thinking of moving your existing activities to Herefordshire's best-located village.

"Is it the availability of land that matters?" asks steering committee chair, Sylvia Nicholls.

"Is it the quality of the transport links that is the key?" she continues. "Perhaps it is the broadband speed or the skills of the local workforce.

"No matter whether you are self-employed or an SME – Small and Medium-size Enterprise - then we want to know what you would like to see included in our NDP." Put together by local people for local people while at all times respecting county-wide and national policies, an NDP sets out how a community wants to evolve over the coming years.

It addresses everything from

the extent of housing development and where it should go to ways in which businesses, employment provision and local facilities and services should be supported.

A statutory document, its contents must be taken into account by, for example, developers who wish to construct more dwellings in the village.

"The Lea is open for business," says Sylvia. "And we're open to the views of business people."

Businesses that wish to have a say in Lea's NDP should email theleandp@googlemail.com

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Page 23

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The

Wharf House and Malswick House will be used for the promotion and restoration of the Hereford & Gloucester Canal.

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

Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre Olympic Triathlete, Vicky Holland, visits Newent School in October

Olympic medal-winner Vicky Holland returned to Newent Community School in October despite an invitation to the Olympic Parade in Manchester, which took place the same day, as she did not want to disappoint students at her old school.

people at a place that has played an important role in her life.”

Principal Alan Johnson added: “We are delighted that such an inspirational former pupil came back to see us. Our aim is to give every child who comes here the opportunity to fulfil their dreams and Vicky is proof that if you put in the effort you too can be outstanding in your field.”

The 30-year-old who spent her secondary years at the Watery Lane comprehensive returned from Rio with a Bronze triathlon Medal. She also holds a Commonwealth Games Bronze individual medal and a Gold for the Mixed Team Relay.

Year Seven student Izzy McIntyre said: “It was really nice of Vicky to take the time to come and see us.

She has inspired me to follow my dreams and helped me realise that even if something bad happens, if I keep trying, good will come out of it.”

During her visit to Newent School, she took part in PE lessons, giving present pupils some top tips, and also gave inspiration and advice during a special assembly.

Josh Hill, also in Year Seven, added: “She has shown us that you can be whatever you want, all you have to do is try.”

Recollecting her student days, the sports star, who dreamed of representing her country having watched the Olympics at the age of six, said: “The school really set me up for my career. There are great facilities and great opportunities to get involved in sports here. During my time at the school, I did swimming and running – which are sports that I do now, and also played tennis, hockey, netball, rounders and other games.”

For further information on Newent Community School and Sxith Form Centre please call 01531 820550, email admin@newent.gloucs.sch.uk or visit www.newent.gloucs.sch.uk.

Vicky explained that success doesn’t come easily and that she had to overcome some low points in her career but pointed out that with dedication one can succeed. She told the gripped young audience: “I’ve had to put in blood, sweat and tears but if you work hard and dream big, your work will be rewarded.”

Leaving the inspired students with a target, she added: “I still hold some of the school records, you’ve got a challenge on your hands.”

Assistant Principal Martyn John told the teenagers at the assembly: “Not many schools are so special that a past pupil like Vicky comes to visit. She sat here where you are now, you have all got your dreams – may it be in sport, music, drama or academic studies, and Vicky proves that if you work hard enough, you too can get wherever you want. Let her be your inspiration.

We are very lucky she chose to come and see us today rather than be at the parade, as she had said yes to our invitation first. She’s part of our school family, and wanted to come back to see

Singing for the Brain ® Groups Forest of Dean Singing for the Brain Held on the first and third Monday of the month, 11am till 12.30pm at Forest of Dean Drop In The Main Place, Old Station Way, Coleford, GL16 8RH After your singing session you are welcome to come to the Drop In for Tea or Coffee.

The Drop In is situated on the ground floor in the same building opposite the Library.

If you would like to participate in any of the groups listed please contact Jane or Rachel on 01452 525222 or the Drop In 01594 834436

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Page 25

Finance

By Ann Haldon

How Much Does It Really Cost To Buy A Home?

The true cost of buying a home isn’t always obvious when you start looking, and many people are unaware just how much the additional fees can mount up.

In fact, when consumer group Which? carried out a national property survey, over 25% of buyers and sellers said that moving had cost them more than expected.

So apart from your mortgage, what extra fees and expenses might you face when buying a new home?

Homebuyer SurveyS Mortgage lenders will carry out a basic valuation survey to confirm how much the property is worth. The price of this can start from around £150, but varies according to its value.

Two other types of survey are also available - a Homebuyer Report and a full structural survey.

The cost of these surveys can vary depending on your location and the size of the property, but expect to pay from around £250 for a Homebuyer Report and upwards of £600 for a structural survey.

ConveyanCing and SoliCitor’S FeeS Solicitors tend to charge a fixed fee for their time, and then add on the costs of local authority and land/water searches separately, along with other searches that you might want to Page 26

carry out.

More than 60 different searches are available, but many are specialised and only relevant to a small number of properties.

These are the searches most commonly used by homebuyers: local authority Local authority searches include the Local Land Charges Register. Your solicitor will also find out about any issues such as new roads that are being planned near the property, any parking restrictions or tree preservation orders, for example. land registry This will confirm who holds the legal title to the land, and whether there are any charges on the property, such as a mortgage. drainage and Water The water company will confirm whether the property is connected to the mains water supply, drainage and surface water drainage. This search also reveals whether any public drains are located on the land. environmental An environmental search utilises historical information about how the land on which the property was built, and the land nearby, was used in the past – industrial or commercial uses, for example – and indicates whether contamination might be an issue. Any risk of flooding is also highlighted using data from the Environment Agency.

Stamp duty Stamp Duty affects the purchasers of residential freehold or leasehold properties sold forover £125,000, with rates currently standing at¹:

• £125,001 to £250,000: 2% • £250,001 to £925,000: 5% • £925,001 to £1.5 million: 10% • Over £1.5 million: 12% As a buyer, you must send a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) return along with your payment within 30 days of completion. removalS Using a removals firm can seem like a large expense if you don’t have a lot of possessions, and many people choose to hire a van instead. Removals firms generally charge from £300 for a small move, but may charge more for weekend work.

Home inSuranCe Buildings insurance is an important aspect of buying a property, and will be a requirement by your lender if you’ve taken out a mortgage.

Contents insurance also protects your belongings in the event of fire, flood, or other disaster.

It’s a good idea to factor in these extra costs before you start looking for a property.

You’ll be more confident that your budget will stretch far enough, and won’t have to suffer any nasty surprises later on. http://www.which.co.uk/money/ mortgages-and-property/guides/ buying-a-house/the-cost-ofbuying-a-house/ https://www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/ articles/estimate-your-overallbuying-and-moving-costs http://land-data.org.uk/ getdownload.aspx?did=15 ¹ https://www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/ articles/everything-you-need-toknow-about-stamp-duty

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Page 27

Visi t Santa

Santa’s Grotto in-store

Saturday 17th - Wednesday 21st December

10am - 4pm £5 per child, paid on the day Proceeds to Rotary Club of Ross on Wye

Christmas Day CLOSED Boxing Day CLOSED New Year’s Day CLOSED Page 28

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

Bunting out for 25th Anniversary!

The bunting has been out at Labels Shopping Ross-onWye to celebrate the store’s 25th anniversary.

The colourful vintage fabric bunting was all hand made by Labels Colleagues who met up regularly after work to cut the fabric into triangles and sew then all together in their own time.

“It took us a month to make 70 metres of bunting.” said Jayne Walters, Sales Floor Coordinator at Labels, whose idea it was to take on the mammoth task. “I don’t think that that we’ve broken any world records but we at least we all had great fun doing it.”

To celebrate the 25th anniversary Labels Colleagues

and associates attended a party held at the store midOctober, where the vintage theme continued with traditional games like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Hoopla and a tough general knowledge quiz.

Joyce Thomas, retired County Councillor, who attended the event said “Labels attracts visitors to our area from all over the region, if not the country.

I speak to many of them who tell me that they always go on to visit our beautiful market town of Ross-on-Wye

during their visit.

I’m delighted to have been involved with Labels from day one and I wish them every success for the future.”

Labels Shopping, located just off junction 4 of the M50 near Ross-on-Wye, provides employment for over 120 local people and attracts in the region of a million visitors a year to the area.

THE ROYAL FOREST OF DEAN HERBERT HOWELLS SOCIETY Patrons: Baroness Royall of Blaisdon, Viscount Bledisloe President: Joe Pelissier Reg. Charity No.: 1115748

MUSIC BURSARY 2017: £1,500 The Royal Forest of Dean Herbert Howells Society whose aim is to perpetuate the memory of this Lydney born composer offers a bursary of £1,500.

Applicants should be committed young musicians with aspirations of making a career in music, and must reside in the boundaries of the Forest of Dean District Council.

The applicants must have attained Grade 7 and are working towards Grade 8.

Applicants should be in or older than school year 11, and 25 years or under on 1st December 2016.

APPLICATION Applications should contain the following information: • Personal details (name, address, date of birth, telephone number and email address) • Details of musical studies/ career and future plans • Details of recent performances (do not send tapes) • Reasons for applying for the bursary • What makes music important in their lives?

Closing date for applications is 1st December 2016.

Please send applications to: Mr Maurice V Bent, Melrose, Ruardean Hill, Drybrook Gloucestershire, GL17 9AR Applications will be considered by the organising committee

and suitable candidates will be invited to audition/ interview before an independent panel of judges, on Saturday 8th April 2017, starting at 11am.

THE AUDITION All candidates will be asked to present two contrasting pieces of their own choice on their instruments or two compositions.

In the case of music technology (sequencing and recording), two samples of their work. At the end of the performance the judges will initiate an informal conversation to enable them to gain an insight into the candidate’s ambitions and musical development.

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 29

Home & Interiors Open Plan Living

By Katherine Sorrell

(but complementary) floorings to create visually distinct zones, or lay one practical flooring throughout. Stone or ceramic tiles, engineered or laminate floorboards, rubber and good quality vinyl are all suitable – simply soften with rugs around your sofas and chairs to create the framework for a separate ‘living’ area.

Who doesn’t love the idea of living in a light, bright and airy open-plan space?

Katherine Sorrell explains how to get the most out of it.

To ensure an open-plan room looks good and functions brilliantly, carefully plan how you’ll use the space – for cooking, eating, entertaining, working, relaxing and so on – then divide it into appropriate areas. These zones can be created with changes of level, but generally it’s through use of flooring, colour and pattern, lighting and the positioning of furniture.

Kitchens/halls need splashproof flooring that can be mopped, while sitting areas should feel inviting and comfortable, so use different

Pale colours emphasise open, airy spaces, while darker shades can help make large areas feel cosy. One option in an open-plan room is to use tones of one colour, going from light at one end to darker at the other. In long, thin spaces, painting the end walls in a deeper shade makes them appear closer, thus improving the proportions, while a neutral scheme throughout can have matching accents of a brighter colour – say, a rug in the living area, glasses on the dining table and kitchen accessories – for a smart and interesting look.

Conventional furniture may not work as well as expected in an open-plan space, so search for larger-than-average pieces that look good from all angles, not just the front. Avoid placing

the seating around the edges, or spacing it too far apart, and group it so that sofas and chairs are sociable, either facing each other or creating a corner (modular units are good for this).

Try to include an island or peninsular unit between the kitchen and the rest of the room. This gives a visual break between the two zones and lets the cook chat with family or guests.

Kitchen manufacturers produce products that blend kitchen, dining and living functions, from cabinets that co-ordinate with free-standing storage to media units that incorporate a TV, to help design a space that blends easily from one zone to another.

One final point: bear in mind that sound carries and if you’re eating dinner, watching TV or catching up on emails you won’t want to be disturbed by the extractor fan or the dishwasher.

If possible, put your washing machine somewhere separate and buy super-quiet appliances.

Image - Moments floor and wall tiles, £15.02 per square metre, Tile Mountain: 01782 223822; www.tilemountain.co.uk.

get the light right

Good lighting makes a big difference in open-plan living, helping to zone the space and provide either strong illumination or soft ambience. Food preparation areas need bright lights, which can be in the bottoms of wall-mounted cabinets or, if you have an island unit, can be a ceiling-mounted track or a row of pendants. To give flexible lighting that can be turned up or down easily in dining and living areas, experts advise installing a range of circuits controlled by separate switches or dimmers, but this can involve disruption and extra expense. Instead, replace main light switches with dimmers and plug in a selection of table or floor lamps.

Page 30

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

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Page 31

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Page 32

For more information call: 01594 834436

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

Customers take to the catwalk Customers at Labels Shopping Ross-on-Wye will be taking to the catwalk at the store’s Festive Shopping Evening on Thursday 10th November.

Festive Shopping Evening at Labels Shopping – Thursday 10th November until 7pm.

“It’s all part of our Festive Shopping Evening.”

Said Ailsa Macleod, Labels’ Head of Marketing and Social Media. “Our official launch of all that’s Christmas here at Labels.”

“We’ve been planning our fashion show for months and along the way we’ve invited a number of our customers to model clothes for us on our fashion show catwalk.”

“Visitors will be able to watch guest artists and crafters at work, book signings with local authors and hair stylist Paula Morgan of Callisto Style, Monmouth will be on hand to demonstrate their services. We’ll be serving Christmas afternoon tea in our Café until 6pm and food tastings in our Farm Shop.”

The Festive Shopping Evening at Labels is on Thursday 10th November when the store will be open until 7pm. The fashion show starts at 5pm with a free goodie bag for the first 50 seated guests.

Everyone is welcome, entry is free and there’s lots of free parking.

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

Leading independent Builders’ Merchant, Hale & Co, held its annual drop-in event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

Hales are a huge supporter of the Macmillan CharityMedia andRelease hold a drop-in event each year2016 9th October for their staff to get involved in and to raise Leading independent Builders’ Merchant, Hale & Co, held its ann money for thedrop-in charity.

This they held a event in aid ofyear Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Cake Off” style competition, where both Hales are a huge supporter of the Macmillan Charity and hold a drop-in event eac staff and baked a money variety of This year they for theircustomers staff to get involved in and to raise for the charity.

“Cake cakes.

Off” style competition, where both staff and customers baked a variety of te tempting cakes.

Bacon Rolls with plenty of Tea and the day with a delicious cakes Bacon Rolls with plenty ofCoffee Teastarted and treats available throughout the day.

Coffee started the day followed by Macmillan Cancer Support helps improve the lives of people affected by cancer a range of delicious cakes and treats those living with cancer and their families and carers. Two million people in the U with cancer and one will be diagnosed during their lifetime. available living throughout thein three day.

Marketing Manager, Nigel Britter, said: “A HUGE thank you to everyone who sup Macmillan Cancer Support helps improve our Macmillan Coffee event. Any kind of support was greatly appreciated; whethe the lives of people - of money. donation of cakes, affected attendance at the by coffeecancer morning or donation would also like to thank the local businesses who donated prizes for the raffle he both those living with cancer and their raise over £525”. families and carers. Two million people Jake Hale, General Manager, commented “We are a regular supporter of the Mac in the UK are living with cancer andyear.one in encourage Charity and ensure we hold a coffee morning every We always employees to diagnosed get involved in campaigns to help raise money for the fantastic and three will be during their lifetime. causes. The generosity of our staff and customers makes sure we raise a consid amount of money.”

Marketing Manager, Nigel Britter, said: “A HUGE thank you to everyone who supported our Macmillan Coffee event. Any ENDS media enquiries, kind ofFor support was greatly appreciated; contact: Nigel Britter Telephone 01594 545639 whether it was donation of cakes, attendance Email nigel@haleco.co.uk at the coffee morning or donation of money.

I would also like to thank the local businesses who donated prizes for the raffle helping to raise over £525”.

Jake Hale, General Manager, commented “We are a regular supporter of the Macmillan Charity and ensure we hold a coffee morning every year. We always encourage our employees to get involved in campaigns to help raise money for the fantastic and worthy causes. The generosity of our staff and customers makes sure we raise a considerate amount of money.”

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 33

Golden Years

Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning

La Serenissima wasn’t so serene when its citizens woke up on 4th November 1966 to find the most beautiful city in the world under more than 6 feet of seawater.

Even at the northernmost reach of the Adriatic, where the shallow sea is almost tideless, Venetians have always been used to the occasional acqua alta when water laps San Marco’s toes. But on that night 50 years ago, heavy winter rain in the Alps and Appenines filled rivers to overflowing so that the water level of the Adriatic rose, while at the same time a strong northerly wind drove thousands of tons of seawater into Venice’s lagoon and canals.

To make the flooding worse, Venice had started sinking. The bedrock below Venice’s lagoon is buried so deeply under sand and silt that to drive piles down to it would be impossible. Only the canal banks themselves are revetted with oak piles. The city’s churches and palazzos stand on zatteroni, or rafts of thick larch planks, with stone blocks piled on top. Even St Mark’s itself and its next-door neighbour, the Doge’s palace, stand on foundations not much more substantial than Page 34

the floor of your house.

For centuries, mountains of masonry have been compacting the silt, slowly pressing the water out of it.

More recently the aquifers in the bedrock itself have been tapped and drained, causing subsidence. In the first half of the 20th century the city sank by 23cm; and on that night 50 years ago centuries of chickens came home to roost.

Nobody was killed, but the flooding caused $6 million worth of damage to architectural and artistic treasures alone.

The loss of stock in shops and restaurants and damage to homes and business premises came to far more. But the world rallied round – or at least, the western world did. This was 1966, don’t forget, and Italy wasn’t only the treasure house of the Renaissance; it was also a hothouse of ‘60s style. Alfa Romeos, Vespas, Lambrettas, skinny suits, Sophia Loren, espresso ... the West owed Italy, and in every country support groups sprang up to raise funds and clean paintings.

In Britain, the fundraising committee that eventually became Venice In Peril was founded in early 1967 as the Art & Archive Rescue Fund by well-heeled Italophiles such as former ambassador Sir Ashley Clarke, who had also chaired the British Italian Society, and Carla Thorneycroft, the Italian-born wife of senior Conservative politician Sir Peter Thorneycroft. It raised

millions, and by 2010 had completed 46 major projects including the restoration of one of Venice’s oldest churches, San Niccolo dei Mendicoli, used as a location in the iconic 1971 thriller Don’t Look Now. Not all ViP’s money has come from the upper crust, though: £2 million of it so far has come from a crust of an altogether doughier kind. Since 1977 Pizza Express has been making a donation – currently 25p – for every Pizza Veneziana it sells.

So much for salvaging Venice’s past. To safeguard its future the Italian government has spent more than €5.5 billion on barrages that can be raised to block the lagoon’s three inlets.

These take the form of flattish rectangular tanks, lying on the seabed and hinged at one end. Normally the tanks are full of seawater and lie flat, but whenever high water threatens compressed air is pumped into them and they float upright.

When complete they will be able to hold back a surge of 3 metres. Although whether that will be enough in the era of climate change, who knows?

Happy 50tH BirtHdays to Jeremy Hunt (1st); David Schwimmer (2nd); Gordon Ramsay (8th); and John Bishop (30th)

Cake and botox to you all!

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

Catjoy

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No additional charge for more than one cat!

We can also care for other pets at the same time, including dog walking!

Service available all year round including Christmas and Bank Holidays. Please visit our website for full details. Find us on

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Page 35

Help when you need it...

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Prompt action saves life of barn owl A local Llangrove couple were concerned that the barn owl that they found was near to death, but their prompt action saved its life.

Edward and Marian Drzymalski discovered the barn owl lying in the grass in a field adjoining their bed and breakfast and holiday cottages in Llangrove, between Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth.

“We could see that the bird had a metal ring on one of its legs so it was obvious that it belonged to someone who would be missing it.” said Edward. “It was still alive, but only just, so we wrapped it in a towel and took it into the warmth of our kitchen which seemed to revive it a little.”

The couple thought that the owl might have strayed from the Hilltop Birds of Prey Experience at nearby Llangarron and contacted owner, Mike Hill. Although Mike knew that

all of his own birds were present and correct he gladly agreed to help.

“The poor owl was in a very distressed state and very hungry.”

Said Mike. “So the first thing that we did was to feed him and let him rest before taking the details off the leg ring and contacting the equally distressed owner.”

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD (formerly Airmail)

Thursday 8th December Saturday 10th December Wednesday 14th December Thursday 15th December Friday 16th December Saturday 17th December

“The owner was absolutely delighted to hear the amazing news and the two were soon reunited.”

The Hilltop Birds of Prey Experience at Llangarron near Ross-on-Wye is open to the public by prior booking only.

Full details on their website at www.hilltopbop.com.

“It seems that the barn owl had been missing for two weeks from its private breeders, 12 miles away in Coleford. He’d been blown off course by heavy winds during a flying training session and lost her Mike Hill from the Hilltop Birds of Prey Experience at bearings so Llangarron, near Ross-on-Wye, with one of his barn owls.

LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES Saturday 3rd December Wednesday 7th December

flew for days until she became too tired and hungry to go any further.”

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Page 37

Chilli Bean Nachos Serves 4

Ready in 30 minutes

This is perfect filling finger food for a bonfire night snack or tv dinner.

For a meatier version add some diced chorizo sausage when frying the onions.

Ingredients: • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed • 1tbsp mild chilli powder • 1/2 tsp each ground cumin and ground coriander • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 1/2 tsp sugar • 400g can kidney beans, drained and rinsed • 200g packet nachos or tortilla chips • 2 tbsp sliced jalapeno peppers (from a jar) • 175g Cheddar cheese, grated • Guacamole, to serve (see Tip) Page 38

Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and fry for a further 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chilli powder, cumin and coriander and fry for 1 minute then add the chopped tomatoes.

Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened.

Stir in the sugar and kidney beans and simmer for a further 2-3 minutes until the beans are piping hot. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Arrange the nachos on four heatproof plates and spoon over the bean mixture.

Scatter over the jalapeno peppers and top with the grated cheese. Place under a medium hot grill for 1-2 minutes until the cheese begins to melt. Serve immediately with guacamole.

TIP

To make your own guacamole, mash the flesh of 1 large ripe avocado with the juice of half a lime, 2 chopped tomatoes and a handful of freshly chopped coriander. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

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

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

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Page 39

Books To Get You Talking Whether you discuss them at a book club, blog about them, or just chat about them with a neighbour, these books are sure to get you talking.

The Return of Norah Wells – Virginia Macgregor Six years after walking out on her husband and children, Norah is back. But her best friend, Fay, has stepped in to fill the space Norah left. Who will the family choose – the Mother Who Left, or the Mother Who Stayed? A beautiful read that tells the story from each family member’s point of view, as they struggle to understand, forgive and find their place.

Pines (The Wayward Pines Trilogy, Book 1) – Blake Crouch Not a recent release this one, but worth a mention nonetheless. Secret service agent Blake Crouch wakes up in a small American town after a car crash. His partner is dead. His wallet is missing.

And the more he learns about the small town, the more he knows he needs to escape.

For a start there’s the dead body of one of his colleagues rotting away in an abandoned house. Any why can’t he get through to anyone on the outside? A must for fans of Twin Peaks or Lost, this book has inspired a hit TV series.

You’ll be ordering the second Page 40

in the trilogy seconds after reading the last page.

Yellow Crocus – Laila Ibrahim Mattie is a slave and, as such, has no choice but to leave her own baby in order to act as nurse to the plantation owner’s newborn daughter. She soon becomes a mother-figure to Lisbeth, who becomes far closer to Mattie than to any of her natural family. But Mattie knows that one day she’ll have to choose between the two children – the one she raised and the one she gave birth to. As Lisbeth grows up, she too will have to make a life-changing decision about whose side she’s really on.

Gripping, emotional and impossible to forget.

A Year of Marvellous Ways – Sarah Winman It’s 1947 and 90-year old Marvellous Ways has got used to being alone on her little creek in Cornwall. Then Frank Drake, battered by the war and grief, washes up on her shore. They form an unlikely friendship and as they reveal the stories they’ve kept hidden, each helps the other

to heal. A lyrical, poetic read about friendship, love and the strength of the human spirit.

A Boy Made of Blocks – Keith Stuart Alex has always struggled to connect with his eight-year old autistic son, Sam, and has become more and more distant from his wife. As his family seems to disintegrate before his eyes, he discovers an unusual way to connect with Sam: the computer game Minecraft. But is it enough to reunite the family? Funny and poignant in equal measures.

The Bees – Laline Paul In the colony every bee has its place, its duty, its very reason for existence. Difference isn’t tolerated and punishment is swift and violent. Flora 717 wants to fulfil her role and serve her queen, but struggles to fit in. She’s a sanitation worker, destined to spend her entire life cleaning the hive. But she can’t help but be enticed by the thought of flight, and the world outside the colony. The hive is at risk, and to save it Flora 717 may have to break the most sacred rule of all. Fascinating.

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Page 41

Cake and Bake Steamed Date Puddings with Caramel Sauce These moist and sticky mini steamed puds will go down a treat after a Sunday roast! Serve with pouring cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream to make them extra indulgent.

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C Fan/Gas Mark 5.

Ingredients:

Lightly grease 4 x 175-200ml oven- proof ramekin dishes (or metal pudding basins) with the extra butter. Line the base of each with a circle of baking paper.

• 115g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing • 115g caster sugar

2. Place the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat together

• 2 medium eggs beaten • 115g self-raising flour • 1tsp ground mixed spice • 55g ready-to-eat dates, chopped • 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste (see Tip) • 1tbsp milk FOR THE CARAMEL SAUCE • 50g unsalted butter • 75g brown sugar • 75ml double cream

Makes 4 Ready in 1 hour 20 minutes Page 42

until pale and creamy. Gradually beat in the eggs, adding a spoonful of the flour if the mixture begins to curdle.

Sift over the rest of the flour and mixed spice and fold in until thoroughly combined. Fold in the dates, vanilla bean paste and milk.

3. Divide the mixture between the prepared dishes and

cover each with a square of pleated baking paper then pleated foil and secure with fine kitchen string. Place the dishes in a deep roasting tin and pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the dishes. Bake for about 50 minutes until risen and firm to the touch.

4. To make the caramel sauce, gently heat the butter

and sugar in a small pan, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until syrupy then remove from the heat and stir in the cream to make a smooth sauce. Turn the puddings out onto warmed plates and spoon over the sauce.

TIP

Vanilla bean paste has a very intense flavour so use sparingly. If unavailable use 1tsp vanilla extract or for a change of flavour try 1-2 tsp coffee extract instead.

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

What‘s On in November Dean Heritage Centre Open every day, 10am - 5pm Last entry: 4pm Camp Mill, Soudley, GL14 2UB

With five galleries spanning over 10,000 years of history, plus outdoor attractions, trails and a woodland playground, the Dean Heritage Centre is so much more than just a museum. Non giftaid prices: Adults: £7.20, Conc: £6.30, Children (3-16): £5.40, Family (2 plus 2): £23, Family (2 plus 3): £28. For more information call 01594 822170 or visit www.deanheritagecentre.com.

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

1st Nov: 'A guide to long exposure daylight photography'

by David Lowe ARPS DPAGB & Dave Yates. For further information please visit www. davidlowepics.com. 8th Nov: Monthly Competition No. 3.

Theme: "People at work", judge: Trevor Bell. 15th Nov: Submit print & DPI entries for 'Low light'.

22nd Nov: Three-way Print

& DPI battle vs. Beacon and Ross at Newent. Judge: Pete McCloskey FRPS APAGB. 29th Nov: Monthly Competition No. 4.

Theme: "Low light", judge: Martin Cooper LRPS. New members welcome, fee of £2. For further information on the Club please visit www.newentdcc.com or email tonycook01@gmail.com.

Bonfire & Fireworks Night Saturday 5th November, Hillside Brewery, Longhope Look forward to a fun family evening out with the bonfire and fireworks evening at the Hillside Brewery on November 5th. All welcome. For more information, please call 01452 830222.

The Lions Club Annual Bonfire Party Saturday 5th November, Gates open at 5.00pm, The Speech House, Coleford, Glos, GL16 7EL

Perrygrove Railway & Treetop Adventure, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB Adults: £7.00; Seniors: £6.60; Children (3 and over): £5.65; Family (2 adults & 2 children): £24.50. For more information call 01594 834991 or visit: www.perrygrove.co.uk.

Severn Bore Sun 13th - Fri 18th November 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.

Takeaway Experience Saturday 19th November, Hillside Brewery, Longhope

Gather at the Speech House Hotel field with the Lions' F.E.R.N Committee to celebrate bonfire night. The family event will include a large bonfire and a stunning fireworks display as well as Danter's famous fun fair. Hot food and drinks will be available too.

Admission: Adults £5.00, children of primary school age or younger are free. Free parking.

Perrygrove Railway Open every weekend all year round, and daily during local school holidays

If you are a lover of curry and beer then this is for you – Harts Barn Cookery School have teamed up with Hillside Brewery to bring you a jam-packed, epic cooking experience. Pop down to the cookery school and meet Versha Patel who will teach you how to make Chicken Pakora with a dip, Lamb kebabs with a riata and chickpea curry and a light naan bread. Then go up to the brewery for a fantastic tour and beer tasting! Leave with your

events cont'd...

TV Show Pictograms

T U RAI L

3 words WUN WON

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.

WON

3 words

3 letters: 7 4 letters: 6 5 letters: 3 6 letters: 1

3L AIL AIR AR LIT RA RU TAR

ORIENT EXPRESS

Puzzle & Crossword Solutions 3 word MATTHEW

Shapes

LUKE JOHN

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: 80 or more words Good: 70 words Fair: 60 words

1. Isosceles 2. b) cubes with two coloured stickers (there are 12 of these compared to 6 with one colour and 8 with three colours) 3. Surrey 4. (Johannes) Kepler 5. The ear 6. Stop 7. One 8. Virginia 9. Jean Paul Gaultier 10. Seven (roughly in the shape of the letters I, J, L, O, S, T, Z)

9

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Here possible solution Hereisisone one possible (others may(others exist) may exist) solution

20

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LIRA RAIL TAIL 5 Letters TRAIL TRIAL

Z

4

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22

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20

21

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13

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13

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18

H

23

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Solution

Word Ladder

Codeword 5

Mini Cryptic Crossword

Y

E

C Q

Pictograms 1. Odd One Out 2. Train Of Thought 3. Miss The Mark

Sudoku

ULTRA 6 Letters RITUAL

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

...events cont'd takeaway in one hand and beer in the other. For more information please call 01452 830222.

Ledbury Art Society Exhibition Monday 21st - Sunday 27th November, 10am - 4.30pm The Weaver’s Gallery, Church Lane, Ledbury All welcome, admission free.

Jersey Boys Tribute Show Friday 25th November, Bells Hotel, Coleford, GL16 8BE The show will also include hits from Grease and Dirty Dancing. Tickets: £17.50 (to include a 2 course meal and party disco). To book tickets please call 01594 832583.

Après Ski Bar Opening Party Saturday 26th November, The Angel Hotel, Market Place, Coleford, Glos, GL16 8AE

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

Full of festive charm, it offers a range of seasonal tipples and hearty snacks. Kick-start the festive season at the Après Ski Bar Opening party on Saturday 26th November. Thereafter, the bar will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout December. Opening hours: Fridays 5.00pm - 10.00pm, Saturdays 12.00pm -10.00pm and Sundays 12.00pm - 9.00pm.

Ark-Art – Christmas Art Exhibition Sunday 27th November Monday 12th December (closed

Wednesdays), 10.30am 5.00pm, Mariana-Art Gallery, East Street, St. Briavels, GL15 6TQ The Mariana-Art Gallery will be holding a Christmas Exhibition entitled Ark-Art, introducing animal portrait painter, Mark Jenkins and cartoons/illustrations by Alison Lingley. Mariana Robinson will also be showing new work - all three artist's work on display will be loosely connected to the subject of animals. In addition, there will be local pottery, silver jewellery

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

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

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

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

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.

Table Sale Last Sunday of every month, 12pm - 3pm, Sixteen Community Cafe, Bank Street, Coleford, GL16 8B Refreshments are available; tables £5.

For more information visit: www.jamiefundraiser.co.uk or contact Jamie on info@ jamiefundraiser.co.uk or 07586530907.

LOCAL MARKETS Coleford Country Market Every Fri from 9.30am 12 Noon, beside the Clock Tower in Coleford; Every Sat from 10am - 12 Noon, in Mushet Walk, near the Co-op. We sell home-baked cakes and pastries, home-produced preserves and honey, handmade crafts, home grown seasonal fruit, as well as vegetables and plants.

St. Briavels Farmers Market First Saturday of every month, 9.30am - 1.00pm, The Pavilion, St. Briavels Produce, patisserie, fish, pies and more.

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 45

LOCAL CLUBS & SOCIETIES Forest of Dean Walking for Health We offer 16 free, regular walks throughout the Forest of Dean. No need to book. They are suitable for all abilities and can range from just 10 minutes to up to an hour. All end at a café or similar so there’s a chance for refreshments and a chat.

Full details on our website at www. walkingforhealth.org.uk/forestdean-walking-for-health or phone Kim Spencer on 01594 562240.

BREAM Bream Friendship Circle Every Monday, 2.00pm - 4.00pm Bream Community Centre If you are lonely and in need of friendship, then come along and meet like-minded people. Tea & Biscuits, Bingo, Table Top Sales, Mature Isometrics and monthly trips out.

For more information call Mrs Selway on 01594 564443.

Bream Gardening Society Meets monthly, indoor meetings are held second Tuesday of the month at West Dean Centre in Bream, 7.30 pm. Summer garden trips are organized to different gardens and places of interest during the summer.

For additional information contact Secretary, Jennifer Lang, at 01594 719314.

Bream Silver Band and Training Band Rehearsals Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7.30pm - 9.30pm, at the Bandroom, Sun Tump, Bream.

New members welcome.

Contact our Secretary on 01594 564382, for Training Band call 01594 860181. www.breamband.com Bream Rugby Social Club High St, Bream, Lydney Tel: 01594 562320 Bream Sports Club High St, Bream, Lydney Tel: 01594 563094 Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir The choir practices every Monday and Friday evening at the West Dean Community Centre, Bream.

New members always welcome. We offer enjoyable taster sessions free of charge. No auditions - just a friendly bunch of guys so join and enjoy their company and camaraderie. The choir sings at concerts to raise money for

various charitable causes as well as at private functions. For more information call Eric Woods on 01594 836050.

Forest of Dean Parkinson’s Group Meets at the first Wednesday of the month, 2pm - 3.30pm, West Dean Centre, High Street, Bream, Lydney, GL15 6JW We offer information, friendship and support to local people with Parkinson's, their families and carers.

We also organise regular events and social activities, all are welcome to join us. Contact Jane Henderson, Volunteer Co-ordinator on 0344 225 3694 jhenderson@parkinsons.org.uk if you are interested in coming along, See more at: www.parkinsons.org. uk/local-support-groups/regions/ south-west-england/south-forestparkinsons-group CINDERFORD Causeway Club Edge Hills Rd, Cinderford Tel: 01594 822039 Cinderford Band Contact: Ian Tomlins - Press Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Webmaster for the Cinderford Band. Tel: 01452 723518 Cinderfordband03@aol.com www.cinderfordbrassband.co.uk Cinderford Bowling Club Steam Mills Recreation Ground, Cinderford, Gl14 3JD Tel.: 01594 542004 Cinderford Hanover Court Activities Cinderford Hanover Court, Extra Care Flats, GL142 LQ We offer the following group activities: Every Tuesday: Songs of Praise, 3-4pm with a cup of tea; Wednesday,10.30-11.30am: Trevor Reynaert Tai Chi - £3; Wednesday, 3-4pm: Quiet Corner Book Reading with Mary including the partially sighted - £3; Thursday, 11-12am: Extend Exercises with Sue; Last Friday of each month, 3-5pm: A social Musical Afternoon with singing, dancing, friendship, tea and raffle £4, monies for a defribulator. Come and bring your friends. For more information contact Celia Large on 01594 824276.

Found in the Forest Youth Theatre Sundays, 12.00 - 1.30pm (Ages 7-10), 2.00pm - 3.30pm (ages 11-16) Artspace, Cinderford A fun, practical drama group for anyone aged 7-16. Get involved with acting, drama and performance, have fun and meet some new friends along the way. Each term ends with a performance for friends and family.

Contact Jamie@actorworkshop.co.uk or call 07712481991.

Miners Welfare Hall Wesley Rd, Cinderford Tel: 07551 032480 Soldiers & Sailors Club 1 Commercial St, Cinderford Tel: 01594 822142 YMCA High St, Cinderford Tel: 01594 823388 COALWAY Coalway Singers Practice every Monday, 7.15pm 9pm Pisgah Chapel in Coalway We welcome all ladies or girls aged 16 or over with an interest in music and singing. We are in the process of learning a new repertoire under the direction of our new musical director Sam Davis and pianist Joe Smith.

Valerie Harris: 01594 832465 Eileen Avery: 01594 835977 Coalway Ladies Group Meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm, Pisgah Hall, Old Road, Coalway, GL16 7JT We have a varied programme of interesting speakers throughout the year. Ladies of 16years onward and visitors are always very welcome.

For more information call Anne on 01594 834402.

COLEFORD Coleford Bowls Club The Bells Hotel & the Forest of Dean Golf & Bowls Club, Lord's Hill, Coleford, GL16 8BE Tel.: 01594 839417 Coleford Chess Club Every Tuesday, 5.00pm - 7.00pm Main Place, Coleford Library Our free 'just for fun' chess club ranges from young novices to experienced league players; so please come along to learn, or brush up on your chess skills in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere.

Coleford Hard Of Hearing Club Meets every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month between 10.00am and 12 noon at St. Margaret Mary Church Hall, High Nash, Coleford, where there is ample parking. Our aim is to spread useful information, help those with hearing impairment feel less isolated and have fun. We welcome new members and volunteers, and try to have four special events e.g.

Christmas lunch or summer trips each year. For more information please contact Elaine on 07971 303958.

Coleford Photographic Club 17 Cinder Hill, Coleford, GL16 8HJ New Members Welcomed. All ages, abilities and photographic interests.

Tel: 01594 839118.

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

DRYBROOK The A. W. Parker (Drybrook) Band Tel: 01594 543707 www.drybrookband.co.uk Drybrook & District Ladies Choir Practice every Wednesday in Drybrook Bandroom (7pm - 9pm).

All ladies, or girls aged 16 or over, with an interest in music and the ability to sing in tune welcome!

Tel: 01594 542414 www.ddlc.org.uk Drybrook & District Male Voice Choir Tel: 01452 830492 Drybrook Memorial Hall & Social Club Drybrook Road, Drybrook Tel: 01594 543794 Forest of Dean Model Railway Club Meets in the Parish Room at the United Reformed Church, Drybrook, GL17 9JE, every Monday and Friday evening from 7pm until about 10pm (except Christmas and Easter).

Facilities include test tracks in N, OO and O gauges, areas for browsing the library collection or constructing models and kits. We have N and OO Rolling Roads and Wheel Cleaning facilities and a kitchen for teas and coffees (free). Membership consists of an annual fee, and a weekly sum payable on attendance. We have a wide range of skills, and are always ready to provide help and advice to anyone who asks. We will discuss any aspect of railway modelling with anyone who wants to chat, and there is always a warm welcome awaiting visitors and prospective members alike. For more information visit: www.fodmrc.co.uk.

LYDNEY Forest of Dean Camera Club Meets each Monday evening at 7.30pm (doors open at 7.00pm).

Meetings are held at the Viney St. Swithin Sports and Social Club, Viney Hill, near Lydney. The programme includes talks with advice on various aspects of photography, question and answer sessions and competitions.

Progarmme details and information can be obtained on the club website: www.forestofdeancameraclub.co.uk Forest of Dean Sea Cadets Parade Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 7.00pm - 9.15pm Open to young people aged 10-18. Rowing, kayaking, canoeing, D of E, as well we many life skills, i.e. First Aid and leadership. See our website for more details of the varied programme available to all: www.sea-cadets.org/forestofdean.

Contact by email forestofdeanscc@ btinternet.com.

Forest of Dean U3A Every 3rd Thurs of the month, 1.40pm, Lydney Town Hall Painting, skittles, whist, photography, three walking groups, bridge, cribbage, French, art and crafts, trips, singing and luncheon club are just some of the voluntary activities offered during each month for the over 50s.

Why not come and join our lively, friendly groups? Come along, listen to our guest speakers, and meet the people who run the groups. Annual membership is only £15. For more details visit: www.u3asites.org.uk/forest-of-dean Lydney Community Centre Naas Lane, Lydney, Glos, GL15 5AT Accessible and dementia-friendly building with three rooms and hall to hire for meetings, birthday parties and concerts; Wi-Fi available. White Lotus Classes, Tai Chi & Fitness, Tai Chi Sword, Zumba, Kickboxing, Pilates, Lindy Hop Dance, Painting, Chat and Craft, Women’s Institute, Riverside Church, CAP Unemployment & Debt Counselling, Beast Keep Fit, Jeans Keep Fit, Welcome Trust Tea & Toast, Golden Triangle Club, Jazz 4 U Club, Film Club, Jazz Concerts, Monday Drop in Coffee & Chat, Kids Arts & Craft, Over 60`s Club, Drama Society & Scenesetters. All details of days and times including social events can be found on www.lydneycommunitycentre. co.uk and facebook, or email lydneycommunitycentre@outlook.com.

Tel. 01594845704 / 07504565153.

Lydney & Severnside Flower Club Meet on the second Monday of the month, 7.15pm at Lydney Town Hall Floral demonstrations at most meetings.

Refreshments and raffle. Give yourself a treat! Visitors always welcome.

Contact: 01594 860 578 Lydney Tennis Club Hams Road, Lydney Tel: 01594 842159 Lydney Training Band We rehearse every Monday evening from 6.30 til 7.30pm at the Bandroom, Swan Road, Lydney GL15 5RU. Training is given by experienced and qualified teachers (DBS checked). All ages welcome including adults. £1 a week covers tuition and instrument.

Come along and have a chat or ring Kerry Ford BMus on 01594 530886.

The Senior Band rehearses on Fridays from 7.30 til 9.30pm.

The Royal British Legion Clubs 3 Hill Street, Lydney Tel: 01594 842444 Parkend Working Men’s Club Lion Row, Parkend, Lydney Tel: 01594 562566

Sports Clubs in Lydney Lydney Bowling Club Bathurst Park, Lydney Tel: 01594 842962 Lydney Cricket Club The Pavilion Recreation Ground, Swan Rd, Lydney Tel: 01594 842765 Lydney Golf Club Naas Lane (access off bypass), Lydney, GL15 4ES Tel: 01594 842775 Lydney Town A.F.C Recreation Ground, Swan Rd, Lydney Tel: 01594 844523 Lydney Rugby Football Club Regents Holme, Regent St, Lydney Tel: 01594 842479 Viney St. Swithins Sports & Social Club Recreation Ground, Viney Hill, Lydney, Tel: 01594 510658 Lydney Yacht Club The Old Shipyard House, Harbour Road, Lydney, GL15 4ER Tel: 01594 842573 MITCHELDEAN Forest of Dean Chess Club Meets Monday evenings (except during Public Holidays), 7.00pm9.30pm at Mitcheldean Library.

The club competes in Division Two of the North Gloucestershire Chess League and also runs its own internal tournaments. Training sessions, simultaneous displays and social matches form part of the club’s variety of chess-related activities. New members are welcome; why not come along for a taster session? For further information, contact Secretary Ray Francis (07815597714) or visit www.fodcc.org.uk Forest of Dean Motorcycle Club Meet at least once a month on a Tuesday night, 12 Vantage Point Business Village, Mitcheldean, GL17 0DD Family oriented Club. Members enjoy all aspects of Motorcycles from Vintage to Modern and from Club Rallies to the Isle of Man TT. For more information contact Mike (Spike) Hook on 07815571350 or email: spikehook@3rossroad.freeserve.co.uk Mitcheldean Folk Club Every second Thursday of the month, 8pm, The White Horse in Mitcheldean Xerox Sports & Social Club Vantage Point Business Park, Mitcheldean, GL17 0DD Xerox SSC has a well maintained clubhouse consisting of a bar, lounge, skittle alley, snooker room and an exceptionally well appointed function

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 47

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PORTRAITS

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

WEDDINGS

Imaginative and Relaxed Photography

Packages from £100 to £800

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

NEWENT SKIPS LTD. Fast friendly service • No VAT

Monday - Saturday 7.30am - 5.30pm Sand, Gravel & Top Soil Delivered

Ring: 07817 649650 1YD - 2YD - 4YD - 6YD Page 48

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

...Local Clubs & Societies cont'd room. The club regularly hosts charity evenings & includes a thriving Country/ Western club which holds events every month. There is a floodlit patio and a secure, extensive car-park reserved for members and guests. Annual membership fee £5.20. Tel: 01594 544900 NEWENT Newent Bridge Club In the Sixth Form Centre of Newent Community School We play duplicate bridge every Wednesday (18.45pm for 19.00pm start) and Friday (19.00pm for 19.15pm start). There is always a host on Fridays, so you don’t need a partner. Visitors are always welcome.

Full details on our website www.bridgewebs.com/newent.

Newent & District Camera Club Meets every Tuesday at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start (meetings end at 10.00pm), Newent Library New members welcome. Fee of £2.

For further information please see our website www.newentdcc.com or email our Chairman on tonycook01@ gmail.com.

Newent Walking Group Meets twice a month on a Sunday.

An informal friendly walking group.

Walks may be full or half day and vary in distance between 4 and 10 miles, often with a picnic or pub break. For more information please telephone our Programme Secretary, Alison Jones, on 01531 820151.

NEWNHAM Clay Hill Potters Pottery Group in Newnham-OnSevern, www.clayhillpotters.co.uk Lions Club of Severn Dean 2 Whetstones, Newnham GL14 1BL Tel: 0845 833 5836 The Friendship Club Social club for over 50s which

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

Martin

Variety Show Mitcheldean

meets fortnightly in the Armoury Hall in Newnham during the afternoon.

Opportunity for members to meet their friends for a chat and a cup of tea.

There is usually also some entertainment which varies from fortnight to fortnight.

Tel: 01594 516545 The Newnham Art Group Newnham Art Group meets every Tuesday in the Armoury Hall between 10am and 12 Noon with the exception of short breaks at Christmas and Easter and a longer recess in the Summer.

Consisting of amateur artists who simply want to take time out on a regular basis to draw and paint and exchange tips, advice and ideas. £2 to cover room hire and refreshment costs. Tel: 01594 516450 or 01594 516007 Newnham Club Newnham Club is a social and sports club situated in a fine building in the centre of the village. In addition to the bar and a family friendly atmosphere it offers a number of activities including skittles, darts, snooker, pool, a garden with a barbecue and an area where you can watch televised sport. It also has a large function room with a bar that can cater for a wide range of events. Tel: 01594 516379 Newnham Garden Club Providing a forum for all species of gardener in Newnham and the surrounding area. The club meets on the third Monday of each month at 7.30pm at the Armoury Hall. The programme is varied and includes talks from specialists and professionals; summer trips to gardens; themed evenings and a Christmas Party. Indoor meetings include a bring and buy plant stall, a raffle, a monthly competition, refreshments and a chance to talk horticulture. Members range from beginners to professionals.

Tel: 01594 516165 Newnham Players The group welcomes new members for all aspects of drama from acting and directing to make up and construction, costume skills, props, sound engineers,

front of house, etc. For more details visit: www.newnhamonsevern.co.uk Newnham Youth Club For children from Year 7 and older.

Meets at the Armoury Hall on Monday evenings during term time between 7pm and 8.30pm. Club is run by local volunteers and seen as a benefit for both the young people of the village and the wider community, providing a safe environment for young people to meet, socialise and engage in fun activities. New children and volunteers always welcome. Tel: 01594 516742 / 01594 516287 Pillowell Singers Practice Wed evenings from 7pm to 8.30pm at Pillowell Methodist Church New members welcome. Ladies with an interest in joining please ring 01594 562 485.

WOOLASTON The Springfield Singers Rehearsals Tuesday evenings, 19.45pm - 21.30pm Woolaston Primary School Subscription: £15 per month.

Secretary Lesley Wreford: 01594 529468 www.thespringfieldsingers.co.uk

Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) is the support agency for voluntary and community groups in the Forest of Dean.

A data base of groups is kept, so if you are looking for an activity or club get in touch.

We are also the local volunteer centre. Have a look at www.fvaf.org.uk email help4groups@fvaf.org.uk or phone 01594 822073.

Get in touch with the Forest of Dean Magazine to have your local club or society listed for FREE!

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

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

Sarah

Rita

Gloucestershire County Council

Smiths of Newent Auctions

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 49

Hobbies Are We Tired Of Shabby Chic? Not

By A Long Chalk

By Kate McLelland It’s a trend that has been going strong for over twenty years and there’s no sign of it disappearing just yet. ‘Shabby chic’ has been around since the 1990s, when holidaymakers returning from destinations such as Provence, Tuscany and Greece tried to recreate the weathered, sun-baked surfaces found in traditional Mediterranean buildings in their own homes, using specialist paint techniques.

In recent years a growing interest in upcycling has created a healthy market for furniture painted in the shabby chic style. Dark brown wooden furniture has been unpopular for decades and upcyclers have been able to take advantage of this trend, buying pieces at knockdown prices, refurbishing them with chalk-based paints and selling them on for a profit on Gumtree, Ebay or Shpock.

It’s relatively easy to revive a piece of furniture using chalk based paints. This flexible medium requires no stripping, sanding or priming and you’ll only need to master a few basic techniques before you can start to use it with confidence: Page 50

1 Wash the furniture with clean, soapy water to remove any surface dirt, and allow to dry. Don’t be tempted to clean with wax, as this won’t provide a secure base for applying the paint.

2 When you’re aiming for a rustic style, the brush strokes can go in any direction. It’s usual to apply coats of paint in different colours to create a layered effect, and this is best achieved by using a lighter shade under or over a darker shade for contrast.

3 Allow at least an hour for the surface to dry then sand with very fine sandpaper. At this point you will be trying to create the look of furniture that has been painted many times and used so much that the paint has begun to rub off at the contact points, so sand only where you think the item would have been repeatedly touched (around handles or on the top and bottom corners of your piece). Don’t rush this part of the project, apply light pressure and start sanding in a place where the effect will be less visible.

4 Dampen a cloth and pass it over your item to remove all

the sanding dust, then wait until it is completely dry.

5 Chalk based paint is porous, so it is liable to pick up marks and stains if it is not sealed with a layer of soft wax. Use a different brush for applying the wax and don’t use that brush for any other purpose (this also applies with coloured waxes – if you’ve used a dark wax on the brush, don’t use it to apply a lighter shade). Apply the wax generously, using a clean cloth to remove any excess.

6 If you are painting furniture for the garden, you should not apply wax at all as it will not set (just be aware that the piece will age and fade more rapidly if it is left outside). If your indoor item is likely to get a lot of use, let the wax dry for two to three weeks before bringing it into service.

Whether you want to revive pieces that you currently own or you fancy trying your hand at upcycling and selling on, you’ll find that turning yesterday’s scrap items into today’s interior design treasures is rewarding … and highly addictive.

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%

The Best Diet For Your Rabbit If you consider how rabbits eat in the wild, it’s clear that natural foods best support their delicate system, and help them to live longer. Here are some of the most nutritious foods to give your rabbit, as recommended by the RSPCA and PDSA.

Hay Fresh hay that is dust-free should constitute the major part of your rabbit’s diet. It’s best to keep it away from their bedding though - perhaps in a hay rack attached to the side of the cage. It takes a long time to chew hay, and it’s this chewing action that also helps to keep their teeth down.

Safe leafy greens Suitable vegetables and herbs should be washed to remove any pesticides, and provided daily. Your rabbit will appreciate variety, but bear in mind that some plants are poisonous to rabbits,

PETS so take care and get advice from the vet if you’re unsure.

Root vegetables and fruit It’s a myth that carrots should make up a large part of your rabbit’s diet, as like fruit, carrots are high in sugar. They should be given as an occasional treat, and only in small quantities.

Pellets The PDSA suggests one tablespoon of pellets or nuggets per day for your rabbit, or twice a day for larger rabbits weighing over 3.5kg.� Water Fresh drinking water should be available at all times, from a clean container. Rabbit drinking bottles that attach to the side of the cage are a good idea. They’re easy to clean and can be topped up quickly. http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/ rabbits/diet �https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/ rabbits/diet

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

By Ann Haldon

Page 51

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Ambulance (Emergency Only) Fire (Emergency Only) Gas Emergency Police (Emergency Only) Police (non-emergency) NHS Direct

999 999 0800 111 999 999 101 111

CHURCHES

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

Page 52

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 -­Power 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

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

Carers Drop-In Do you look after someone who is frail, ill or DisableD? Then you may like to meet with other carers to share stories, swap coping ideas, gain helpful information and relax over a cuppa.

Come and join us on the 3rd Thursday each month between 10.30am and 12.00pm At: The Community Lounge Two Rivers Housing Western Way Dymock Next meeting dates 17th November and 15th December For more information contact Roger Hare at ‘Carers Gloucestershire’ on 01452 872241 or email rhare@carersgloucestershire.org.uk.

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

5

19

20

10

9 25

4

9

6

21

13

1

13

6 23

1

12 5

13

23

25 13

13

19

25

23

15

13

2

5

10

22

1

23

23

3

2 23

2

12

9

15

20

A

2

10 5

16

10

5

5

13

13

23

6

15

2

13

N

10

22

17

S

25

13

20

23

13

22

25

19

14

13

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

9 24

7

13 25

6

2

20

23

6 17

2

6 2

2 18

13

4 20

22

22

4

13

15

13

1 17

13

18

9

5

13

23

13

13 6

7

22

26

11 5

13

10

6

25 20

13

14 20

12

8

Page 53

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

22 21

53

Caring Services & Technology Forest Linkline 36 Carpet Cleaners Mavis Russell

Carpets & Flooring Blueboy Carpets Ltd

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

41 41 39 25 3 39

Decluttering Services Clutterfly 32 Electrical Services Dmc Electrical Entertainment Sunshine Radio

32 8

Estate Agents & Property TwoCan Estates back page Events Carers Drop-in Chase Hotel Christmas Drop-in Drop-in Coffee Morning Soup for Syria

53 4 41 32 10

Food & Drink Gloucester Biltong Malswick House The Wharf House Wiltshire Farm Foods

Furniture DK Furnishing Gloucester Import Furniture Garage Door Repairs V.S.F. Ltd

Garden Centres Coinros Park Garden Centre Howle Hill Nursery Garden Machinery & Tools Hale & Co Garden Services The Garden Lady

31 2 9 17 17 53 10

Gas Cylinder Suppliers FloGas

27

Handyman

Dave Dowell

Interior Design Chosen Curtains DK Furnishing

Legal & Financial Services White Knight Group Logs Log Boy

Oil Estuary Oils Opportunities Oaklands Park

F

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

Payroll Services Paeroll

Photography Crystal Flame Photography Plant Hire Ermin Plant Hire Services Removals DRL Removals Roofing Lightweight Tiles Ltd

Shopping DK Furnishing Farm & Country Store Gloucester Import Furniture Labels Outlet Shopping Skip Hire Newent Skips

8 48 15 48 17 31 11 2 28 48

Storage Compton Green Business Park 32

31

Travel Travel Councillors Chris Gooch 11

Heating & Plumbing Services Aqua Heat 20 Broad Oak Services 6

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.

Page 54

15 24 24 55

Utilities Utility Warehouse

17

39 31

Vets & Pet Services Catjoy 35 Farm & Country Store 22 Sundean Vets

51

27

Video Production Dominic Iles

31

6

Weddings Crystal Flame Photography

48

35

Windows, Door & Conservatories Shane Howells 12

6

22

Window Repairs & Glazing Cloudy2Clear

Advertising Rates start from only Sixteenth Page £18 Eighth Page £28 Quarter Page £35 Half Page £58 Full Page £99 Per month & excl vat

Read The Online Editions

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

This Christmas why not let us do the dinner?

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

• Honey Roast Turkey Breast • Gammon in Cranberry & Orange Sauce • Roast Pork with Cranberry Stuffing • Turkey Hotpot • Coq Au Vin • Beef with Roast Potatoes & Yorkshire Pudding • Braised Beef in Rich Sauce

FREE*

CHRISTMAS TEA TOWEL worth £3.95

5 Desserts

• Luxury Christmas Pudding • Sherry Trifle • Chocolate Orange Ice Cream • Lemon Sponge • Mulled Fruit Crumble Available to order from 12/10/16 to 31/12/16 *With every Christmas selection pack, while stocks last.

Discover our festive delights delivered straight to your door It’s everyone’s favourite meal of the year, but it’s certainly a lot of work. This year, why not let Wiltshire Farm Foods take care of the cooking while you put your feet up and enjoy the day?

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

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

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

To order your Christmas Selection Pack call

01600 892855

where you can also order your FREE brochure

wiltshirefarmfoods.com

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 55

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