Newent
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FEBRUARY 2020
THIS MONTH: Unique Valentine’s Gift Ideas Your essential local ‘What’s On’ guide Big Interview with Martin Surl, Gloucestershire’s PCC
01242 233084 01242 233084 www.fixmyvan.co.uk www.fixmyvan.co.uk
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PAGE 15
IT IO N
NEW YEAR, NEW US
This month: LOVING LOCAL
A note from the Editor
6-8
FOOD & DRINK
10 & 11
THE BIG INTERVIEW
12 & 13
QUIZ TIME
14 & 15
VALENTINE'S DAY
16 & 17
HOME & GARDEN
18 & 19
TECHNOLOGY
22 & 23
Welcome to the February issue of your local community magazine! As you will notice we have made a few changes to the magazine to give it a new look and fresh feel. We’ve made it easier for you to navigate through the pages, included some new and improved regular content features alongside the usual local news and events, and there will be some exciting prize giveaways (see page 15). You’ll also find in this edition our new monthly big interview feature where we interview a prominent local figure and ask them the questions you would like to be answered. If there’s someone, in particular, you would like us to interview, then let us know at info@lovelocalmagazines.co.uk. We hope you enjoy our new look magazine! We have many more exciting new features and plans for the coming months to make sure the magazine is informative, of value to our readers and always provides great local news and features, so keep an eye out and enjoy the read!
Best wishes, Anne www.lovelocalmagazines.co.uk GENERAL ENQUIRIES: anne@lovelocalmagazines.co.uk T: 01242 388 366 TO ADVERTISE liberty@lovelocalmagazines.co.uk T: 01242 388 367 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. Love Local Magazines do 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.
12-13
THIS MONTH'S BIG INTERVIEW: Martin Surl, Gloucestershire's PCC Page 3
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Page 5
LOVING LOCAL
►WINTER DIARY
Your essential guide to local events in and around the area NEWENT AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB. 7.30pm, Newent Library. 4 Feb: Colin Walls (Beacon Camera Club) – technical talk on 'image size & file format'. Entries for club 'portfolio' competition. 18 & 25 Feb: Sandie Cox FRPS (Bristol CC) will be judging entries to our portfolio competition. 3 Mar: Club AGM & social. Entries for club 'project' competition. www.newentdcc.com NEWENT ONION FAYRE OPEN EVENT & AGM 4 February, 7.30pm, Newent Market House The team is looking for new members for fresh ideas and helping hands. Come and be part of Gloucestershire's largest free one-day event and support your community. onions@newentonionfayre. net, 07831762735 or 01531 821610 for details. SOUTH HEREFORDSHIRE DOWSERS 6 Feb, 7.30pm, Aston Ingham Village Hall, HR9 7LS. Talk about childbirth & rearing in Stuart and Tudor times. Entry on the door: Visitors £5, members £3. www.shd.org.uk ART LECTURE 13 February, Highnam 6
Community Centre (Gambier Parry Hall), GL2 8DG. Three Andalusian cities and their history, architecture and paintings; with Gail Turner. Ticketed event. T: 01684 833701 THURSDAY AFTERNOON GROUP. 13 February, 2pm, St Mary's Church Room, Newent. For the older generation. Entertainment in the form of a speaker followed by tea and cake. office@stmarysnewent.org COMMUNITY CINEMA 15 February, Doors open at 6pm for 6.30pm start, Newent Community Centre, Ross Road. Family film & refreshments. Free admission. Children must be accompanied by adults. For further details: Andrea Cox: acox27@btinternet.com U3A MEETING 18 Feb, 9.45am - 12pm, Newent Memorial Hall Talk: "Experiences of a Young Eccentric Abroad" by Kat Gibson. For details: www.u3asites.org.uk FLICKS IN THE STICKS 20 Feb, 7pm for 7.30pm start, Gorsley Village Hall. "Downton Abbey" (cert. PG). Admission (at the door):
Adults £5, Children (u18) £3. Discounted tickets (Adults £4.50, Children £2.50) can be purchased in advance from Gorsley Community Shop or Tony Beckwith (01989 720358, mtonybeck with@gmail.com). Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available and you are welcome to BYO drinks (glasses provided). Fish and chips will also be available in the car park. THE GREAT CABARET SAFARI 28 February, 7.30pm, Cliffords Mesne Village Hall The effortlessly funny ShooShooBaby have been appreciated by audiences all over the world. Expect watertight harmonising on a wonderful array of razorsharp original cabaret songs. Tickets £12 (U18s £6) from Gareth: 01531 821654, dgwilliams84@hotmail. com or Ruth 01531 820635, cloud9ruth2@talktalk.net. FILM EVENING 29 Feb, 7pm for 7.30pm start, Pauntley Village Hall "Downton Abbey" (cert. PG). Tickets £5.50, to include tea/coffee & cake. BYO wine/beer. Raffle. Advance booking please, by phone on 01531 822315 or email pauntleyvillagehall@gmail.com.
LOVING LOCAL
REGULAR EVENTS COMMUNITY FOSTER CARE INFO SESSIONS Wednesdays, 3 - 6pm, Unit A Kingsholm Mews, 76 Kingsholm Rd, Gloucester, GL1 3BD. Are you interested in fostering children and young people? Then come along and find out more. T: 01452 849301 communityfostercare.co.uk COUNTRY MARKET Fridays, 9am - 11am, Newent Memorial Hall Local produced fresh foods including cakes, savouries, jams and chutneys. Seasonal vegetables, eggs, cut flowers, plants, meat etc. Coffee and Biscuits available. KEMPLEY PRODUCE MARKET. 2nd Saturday/ month, 9.30am - 11.30am, Kempley Village Hall. Local produce. Early arrivals can enjoy a cuppa and browse the book swap before selling begins. For info: Maggie Bligh 01531 890332, kempley producemarket@gmail.com; www.kempleymarket.com. KNIT & NATTER GROUP Every Monday, 10.30am, Community Café, 36 Broad St, Newent. Bring your knitting, crochet or sewing project and join in. 01531 821389 or 07967 683853. LAKESIDE CHURCH Sundays, 6 - 7pm,
Memorial Hall, Bury Bar Lane, Newent, GL18 1PT. T: 07905 901189 MAY HILL COUNTRY DANCE Last Wed/month, 10am 12pm, May Hill Village Hall. Liz Cox: 01452 830899 MEETINGS ABOUT PRAYER Sundays, St Mary's Church, Newent. 8.45am: Communion. 10.15am: Communion or Morning Worship. 4pm: Informal Cafe-style worship with tea and cakes. office@ stmarysnewent.org MEND & REPAIR CAFÉ 18 Feb ,10am - 1pm, Community Cafe, 36 Broad St, GL18 1AJ. Bring your broken, damaged and worn out items for our expert volunteer repairers to fix. Small donation only. Cake & drinks for sale. T: 01531 890 609 MUSICAL THEATRE EXPERIENCE SESSIONS Wednesdays, 9.15 - 11am, Newent Memorial Hall. Songs from the Shows. Entry: £5 on the door. All ages and abilities. For more information: Jo Roach 07376 032818 or Joanna. roach76@talktalk.net. NEWENT & AREA PRAYER FOCUS 5 February, 8.30am, St Mary's Church Rooms, Newent. Come along and pray for our area with members of all the churches. office@
stmarysnewent.org NEWENT & DISTRICT BRANCH OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION 4th Thurs/month, 7pm, Newent Memorial Hall All welcome. Contact: Newent.chairman@rbl. community or see www. britishlegion.org.uk. T: 07885 397781 NEWENT & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB 2nd & 4th Tues/month, 10am - 12pm, Newent Memorial Hall. For retired and semi-retired businessmen and professionals. Come along and join us. PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP 2nd Mon/month, except May, July & Dec, 10.30am, Sheppard House, Onslow Road, Newent, GL18 1TL. All affected by Parkinson’s welcome. For details call Diane: 01452 790628. SHEKINAH CHURCH Tuesdays, 1.30 - 2.30pm, Memorial Hall, Bury Bar Lane, Newent, GL18 1PT. Tel. 07905 901189 WALKING FOR HEALTH Every Thurs, 10 - 11am, Meet at Chillout Zone, Newent. For all abilities. Short & local walk followed by refreshments. Margaret Highton: 01531 820245 or Scheme Co-ordinator Barbara Woods: 01594 562240. www.walkingforhealth.org.uk Page 7
LOVING LOCAL
Newent Town Council’s February Newsletter Mayor’s Message Cllr June Davies Grateful thanks to those who contributed to the purchase of a new defibrillator. By the time you read this, we will have welcomed a new member to the Town Council to replace Aaron Jones, who sadly resigned towards the end of 2019. We appreciate the work Aaron did as a councillor. New Life Saving Equipment The new defibrillator is situated on the Library wall, and like the others, is accessible to any emergency need, 24 hours a day. Others are situated at: ● Courtyard, St Bartholemews, Gloucester Street ● Outside Two Rivers’ offices, Cleeve Mill Lane ● Front entrance - Co-op, Market Square ● Glebe Chapel, next to the King’s Arms, Ross Road There are also defibrillators available inside Sheppard House and MKM Builders’ Supplies, but only when these premises are open. Homeshare Homeshare is a new project to bring together older people, who have spare rooms, with people who are looking for affordable accommodation who are happy to chat and lend a hand. For more details visit www. ageuk.org.uk/Gloucestershire/homeshare. A Date for your Diary The Annual Parish Meeting of Newent Town 8
Council will be held on Thursday 2nd April. Further Information Information about the Council, its activities and contact details for councillors, can be found on the Town Council's website at www.newenttowncouncil.org.uk. Alternatively, you can ring 01531 820638. A fuller version of this newsletter is available online.
STAMP APPEAL We need your used postage stamps Used postage stamps can be turned into valuable funds for New Start Cat Rescue What to do: Collect your used postage stamps and those from friends, family, colleagues or local businesses Cut out the stamps leaving a 1/4 inch or 1/2cm border all the way around on a single layer of envelope Pop them into a stamped envelope
Send stamps to: NEW START CAT RESCUE Used Stamp Appeal Fords Farm Horsey Norfolk NR29 4EP
Volunteers Needed Become a Steward for Newent Market House If you live locally, enjoy meeting people, are interested in local history and can commit to a few hours at weekends during the summer months, please contact Ginny on 01531 821904 or vljames@onetel.com.
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We are passionate about making the Love Local Publication locally relevant to our readers, and we are looking for a local 'news and views' contributor in your area.
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Page 9
FOOD & DRINK
Cheesy Vegetable Gratin A warming one-pan family supper packed with winter vegetables and topped with a rich cheese sauce. Serve with toast or crusty bread.
Ready in: 55 minutes | Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, peeled and roughly chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 350g small cauliflower florets 1 large courgette, roughly chopped 100g mushrooms, sliced 2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped Large handful baby spinach leaves, chopped 1 tsp dried oregano 350g tub fresh four-cheese pasta sauce 150ml passata 100g Red Leicester cheese, grated Freshly chopped parsley, to garnish
METHOD Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan (see TIP) over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for a further minute. Add the cauliflower, courgette and mushrooms and cook, stirring, for 5-6 minutes, then stir in the tomatoes, spinach and oregano. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour over the pasta sauce and turn gently to coat the vegetables. Drop spoonfuls of the passata on top and scatter over the grated cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve straight from the pan with toast or crusty bread, if liked.
TIP If your frying pan is not suitable for use in the oven, transfer the vegetables to a large shallow baking dish before pouring over the cheese sauce.
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FOOD & DRINK
THE PERFECT VALENTINE'S TREAT!
Raspberry & Vanilla Panna Cotta Ready in: 1 hour, plus overnight chilling Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 75g fresh raspberries, pureed 1 sheet leaf gelatine
PANNA COTTA
600ml double cream 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 pared strips lemon rind 50g caster sugar 2 sheets leaf gelatine Few drops pink food colouring
TO SERVE
2 ready-made chocolate brownies, halved horizontally Fresh raspberries
METHOD To make the raspberry jelly hearts, line a small 6cm square dish with cling film. Soak the gelatine in a shallow dish of cold water for 2-3 minutes. Heat the raspberry puree in a small pan with 1 tbsp water. Remove the gelatine leaf from the water and stir into the hot puree until dissolved. Pour into the lined dish and leave to cool, then chill in the fridge until set. When the jelly is set, use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to stamp out 4 heart shapes and place each one in the base of a small heart shaped ramekin dish (each about 150ml capacity). To make the panna cotta, place the cream, vanilla extract, lemon rind and caster sugar in a pan and bring slowly to the boil. Remove from the heat. Meanwhile, soak the gelatine leaves as in step 1. Remove from the water and stir into the hot cream until completely dissolved. Leave to cool for 30 minutes. Remove the strips of lemon rind and divide the mixture between two bowls. Stir a few drops of pink food colouring into one bowl. Spoon the two mixtures into the ramekins, to give two with colouring and two without. Chill for 6 hours or overnight until set. To serve, cut and trim the halved brownies to make four heart shapes the same size as the ramekins. Dip each ramekin into a bowl of hot water for a few seconds to release the panna cotta then turn each one out onto a heart-shaped brownie. Decorate with fresh raspberries.
Page 11
THE BIG INTERVIEW Martin Surl has been Gloucestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner since 2012. Love Local Magazines met with him to see how he's making Gloucestershire safer.
■ What made you want to become
the PCC for Gloucestershire? It's a job that I thought would be really interesting. I was actually following the green papers through parliament when I was working in London for ACPO which was the terrorism branch of chief officers. The job looked tremendously interesting, but I never really thought I would win the election. I knew it was a fantastic opportunity, so I had to get involved. I'm a local person, I understand policing and I seem to have the right skill set for it, so I thought I’d give it a go!
■ If you weren’t the PCC for
Martin Surl
Gloucestershire Police & Crime Commissioner
"Gloucestershire is the third-safest place to live in the whole of the UK"
Gloucestershire what would be your ideal job? This is my dream job! I’ve had some great jobs in the past within the police service – I got to work abroad in Estonia to help modernise its police service after the country left the Soviet Union; I got to work in the capital after the London bombings on counter-terrorism for five years; I’d always wanted to be the police commander in Cheltenham – and I got to do that – I’ve had a great career, but there’s nothing else I really want to do.
once a week to discuss how the constabulary is doing – always taking the position of the public, not the police. I’ll ask the questions that the public wants to ask, but isn't always able to and ultimately hold the chief to account. I’m also responsible for the finances of the police service to make sure the money is spent efficiently and have a lot to do with the priorities in the Police and Crime Plan, which includes things like ensuring that the constabulary becomes more environmentallyfriendly; improves its performance around burglary and always provides a good service.
■ What does the PCC do and what
■ How does Gloucestershire rank in terms
does a typical day look like for you? There really is no typical day. I must dispel one myth though, which is that my job is part-time – it's very much full-time! My duties include meeting with the chief constable, Rod Hansen, 12
of national crime and safety figures? Despite a general rise in crime across the whole country, Gloucestershire is the thirdsafest police area to live in in the whole of the UK. It hasn’t always been that way though, the situation has consistently improved
THE BIG INTERVIEW
since I took office in 2012. Undoubtedly, there is still work to be done, but this is a fantastic county and a safe place to work and bring up a family.
■ Antisocial behaviour accounts for
tax by 5 per cent, and last year by 10 per cent. It was a difficult decision to make, but it allowed us to recruit another 74 officers and about 20 police staff. Local people in Gloucestershire are the ones paying for improvements to policing now, so I believe it’s really important for them to have their say on the kind of policing that’s relevant to them. In addition, the government has realised that the cuts went too deep, and has promised 20,000 new officers nationally. If they keep their word then we think that equates to 143 new officers for Gloucestershire.
nearly a third of all crimes in the county, ■ What is your biggest single priority what is being done to reduce this? for the safety of Gloucestershire Antisocial behaviour is a problem. The residents in 2020? force in Gloucestershire lost over 300 There isn’t one single priority, but it’s my officers in the last few years, which is a job to ensure that every priority of my huge number, so they’ve understandably Police and Crime Plan is met been focusing on really harmful by the constabulary during my "Antisocial crimes. But now that austerity time in office. A full list of my is over, I’ve been going back to behaviour, priorities is available online them to say "you need to focus (www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk). requires a change on the volume crimes now’"; this It includes things like focusing in society" includes burglary and retail crime. on providing a safe and positive By reintroducing community policing and working with our friends and agencies through The Commissioner’s Fund we’re hoping to achieve this. You can’t just police your way out of antisocial behaviour, it requires societal change, and that’s why we need to work together with local people to change the culture within communities. Every crime matters, because every victim matters.
environment for children and young people to grow; ensuring the police are accessible and accountable in all they do; making sure that no one is overlooked and that Gloucestershire is a green and pleasant county; and that those enjoying the county’s night-time economy feel safe.
■ What is the PCC doing to increase
police numbers in Gloucestershire? We lost a lot of police and staff over recent years and we’ve had no increase in government funding since 2010, but two years ago I was able to raise council Page 13
QUIZ TIME
Pictograms
PICTOGRAMS
4 words
PANTANTANTPANT
3 words BOO!
QUIZ
NEON 2 words
ABC
13/05/2020
26/10/4040
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.
E
T
A
L
T P
E
M
TARGET Excellent: 41 or more words Good: 36 words Fair: 32 words 14
SUDOKU
Puzzle Page
1. The 2010 film Easy A, starring Emma Stone, was loosely based on which 1850 novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne? 2. How many points is the letter “B” worth in Scrabble? 3. In the equation E = mc2 that was devised by Albert Einstein, “E” represents “energy” and “m” represents “mass”. What does the letter “c” represent? 4. What is the only American state to have a name beginning with the letter “a”, but ending with a letter other than “a”? 5. Commissioned to mark the 2002 Commonwealth Games, in which British city would you find a sculpture called B of the Bang? 6. Known by the stage name Mr. C, Richard West was the lead singer of which charttopping group? 7. What letter begins the names of more elements in the periodic table than any other letter?... A, B or C? 8. Which is larger?... an AA battery or a triple-A battery? 9. In the lyrics of the Chuck Berry hit single, Johnny B. Goode lives “deep down” in which US state? 10. The “Four Cs” is a term used to refer to what four characteristics that diamonds are commonly judged by? Answers on p. 20
QUIZ TIME
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T's & C
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VALENTINE'S DAY
Unique Valentine's Gift Ideas Our story cushion Capture your most memorable moments with your other half on this gorgeous personalised cushion! From your very first date, your first anniversary, to your first romantic holiday together. £16.99. findmeagift.co.uk
Birth Flowers (Grow Your Own) Each month of the year has a birth flower which represents qualities inherited by those born in that month! There are 12 flowers available for the months of the year, which the recipient can grow. £9.99.
gettingpersonal.co.uk
Date night bucket list At this point in your relationship, you both feel like you've seen and done it all. This handy jar of 25 date ideas will prove otherwise. Once you complete one of the ideas (create a piece of art together, for example), note the date on the back of the stick. £13.99.
uncommongoods.com
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Love Tiles Poster
Create a personalised love tiles poster, with your names intertwined with one another. You’re also able to add a special date and a personal message. £19.99. findmeagift.co.uk
VALENTINE'S DAY
Bathtub Caddy Tray This is one of our favourites. The only thing that beats breakfast in bed is a candlelit bath at night. Fill the tray with sweets, flowers wine, candles and books for the perfect romantic bathing experience. From £29.99. amazon.co.uk
Special Location Map Map out your love story with this customizable print. Choose the exact location where you got engaged or married, and then add your names, anniversary date and a heartfelt message. £29. notonthehighstreet.com
The ‘start of us’ star map Take it back to the beginning with this custom map print that shows what the night sky looked like at the exact moment that you first locked eyes, kissed, or fell in love. Choose from four colour foil overlays for the stars for that extra special personalisation. £24. notonthehighstreet.com
What’s the history of Valentine’s Day? The origins of St Valentine’s Day are said to have begun as early as the third century and were possibly influenced by the Roman fertility feast of Lupercalia held on 15th February, By the eighteenth century, handmade Valentine’s cards had become popular and were very elaborate with flowers, ribbons and lace. They would often feature Cupid, the mischievous winged son of Venus, Roman goddess of love. He also appeared in much romantic verse as the bringer of often unrequited love – hence a missive was necessary to let the object of your desire know of your affections! With their sentimental notion of romance and the language of flowers, the Victorians elevated Valentine’s Day to the popular celebration it has become today. In 1858, The London Journal wrote of St Valentine’s Day that it was both “natural and proper that at the start of spring the predominating sentiment in the human mind should be the sentiment of love; and to this accordingly the anniversary of our saint is directed”.
HOME & INTERIORS Open plan living may look great, but is it really practical for everyday living?
Open Plan or Broken Plan?
Welcome to Broken Plan
By Katherine Sorrell Although everyone loves open-plan living, sometimes we need a quiet, separate space. Huge open spaces can be difficult to heat, too, and noise can sometimes be an issue. ‘Broken plan’ is a practical evolution of open plan, retaining the elements we love, particularly good light and a feeling of openness, but with subtle elements to divide large spaces into more manageable ones, with different zones for different activities. Spaces may even be opened up or closed off as desired. Broken plan aims to be the best of both worlds. Temporary dividers are convenient and less expensive: a screen, for example, a large floor-standing bookcase, or even simply a slender console table. They can be easily moved around or removed as necessary. An open-plan space can be divided visually, using simple tricks such as changes in paint colour or floor finish and mini ‘rooms’ are easily created by grounding furniture arrangements on a rug or in an area of contrast flooring. Finally, employ lighting as a powerful tool to delineate space. Form zones of different lighting types, including pendants and wall lights, and carefully position floor and table lamps. If possible, install different circuits (controlled by switches or dimmers) to break down the 18
spaces and illuminate different parts to suit your needs, whether it be a living area or bedroom, a kitchen or a dining area.
Great ways to introduce a broken-plan feel: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Changes in floor level Lowered ceilings to create cosy areas Glass walls Steel-framed internal floor-to-ceiling windows Pocket doors Sliding/folding doors Hinged, panelled doors Screens Large bookcases Console tables Lighting zones Changes in paint colour Differences in flooring Rugs to create mini ‘rooms’
HOME & INTERIORS
Cosy up your home this Winter
By Katherine Sorrell
Spring may still be a while off, but there are ways to make your interior more inviting, even in the midst of winter. Make long, dark nights and chilly mornings more bearable with some clever thinking. To start, make sure your lighting is up to scratch. A well-designed lighting scheme reinforces a sense of security, comfort and vitality, and making dramatic improvements could be as simple as adding a floor lamp in a dark corner or a reading lamp next to a favourite armchair. For the best effect, layer lighting so that it comes from a variety of sources and directions. Add the leaping flames of a log burner or a few pretty tea lights or candles for an atmospheric evening in. Colour can make all the difference to a room’s feel, and a quick paint job – perhaps just on one wall – can be transformative. Earthy or spicy colours such as claret, mustard, ochre or chocolate are great choices, while navy or dark grey are more neutral and perhaps easier to live with all
year round. Don’t be afraid of trying darker shades – not only are they very on-trend, but they are really effective at creating a feeling of cocooning comfort. Think about the other main colours and textures in each room. For warmth underfoot use a deep pile rug or two to add extra softness, and consider swapping sheer, pale, lightweight curtains or blinds for something heavier and in a bolder shade – think wool, tweed, velvet or even felt, denim or mohair. In the bedroom, replace pale linens with sheets or a duvet cover in a deeper shade, piling on quilts, eiderdowns, bedcovers, throws and blankets, combining colours, patterns and fabrics for a glorious, sumptuous mixture. And in the living room, pile up cushions on sofas and armchairs for a sense of cosy luxury, then add some generously sized throws over the back: great for snuggling under. Draw the curtains, light the fire, pull on some fluffy socks, make a mug of hot chocolate and settle down with a good book or a favourite box set – baby it may be cold outside, but inside it’s warm, cosy and welcoming.
Top Cosy Tips ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Lighting is key Colours make all the difference Darker colours add to the cosy feeling Use warm colours on feature walls Use lots of cosy and colourful fabrics
Page 19
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Pictograms 1. Ants In Your Pants 2. Element Of Surpise 3. Double Date
C
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Various Size Units To Let Storage / Distribution / Office Workshops Refurbished and Insulated Premises Do Not Flood Single / Three Phase Electrics
CCTV/HD Cameras On Site
Mobile Ten Tonne Container Loading Ramp - Now Available For more information please phone John Stallard
01531 820568
tM n e w Ne rt P e v d A
HIGH NAM
Block Paving • Tarmac • Gravel • Drainage Kerbs • Steps • Paths • Turfing • Fencing & Decking
LANDSCAPING
Block Paving ••Tarmac • Gravel LANDSCAPING DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS • Drainage Kerbs • Steps • Paths • Turfing • Fencing & Decking
20% OFF All Bookings* *Made before 10thFebruary April 20192020 *Made before 10th
LANDSCAPING • DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS 5-YEAR GUARANTEE WITH ALL WORKS
FULLY INSURED • FREE QUOTES 20% OFF All Bookings* *Made before 10th April 2019
Tel: 07435 654 318 • 01452 341 504 Serving Gloucestershire and surrounding areas
5-YEAR GUARANTEE WITH ALL WORKS FULLY INSURED • FREE QUOTES 20
Tel: 07435 654 318 • 01452 341 504
New Resin Bound Driveways from £899 New Resin Single Car Bound Drive Driveways from £750 from £899
T’s & C’s apply
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Page 21
TECHNOLOGY
Are you at risk of being data hacked? Top Tips
● Change your passwords regularly ● Don’t use the same password for different devices or applications ● Use more complex passwords ● Use letters, numbers and symbols We all know that we should keep our passwords safe, use different ones on different devices and make them hard to guess, however, most of us brush off this simple advice because we think it’s too complicated or time-consuming. With cybercrime rising at an alarming rate, and organised criminals becoming even more sophisticated, leaving your password security to chance is a high-risk strategy. With a small amount of time, and a focus on safety and security, there are some easy and simple steps you can take to improve your password security. Focus on length. The best passwords are at least 12 - 15 characters long and should contain letters, numbers and symbols. Try not to use numbers and letters that run in sequence, add an element of randomness to your passwords. Use different passwords for accounts that contain sensitive or personal data. 22
The importance of this tip cannot be emphasised enough. If you use the same password across your accounts, once one of them has been cracked, all of your accounts and data become vulnerable. Share your password with…. no one and never write it down. This sounds obvious, but all too often people share passwords with partners or friends or even have a hand-written password book at home. Don’t let browsers remember your passwords. While this feature in many browsers may make it quick and easy to get into your accounts, it also makes it easy for someone who’s using the same computer or device to access those accounts (and all of your personal information) without needing to know your password.
Consider using Password Managers There are lots of password manager tools available that store and protect passwords like banks store and protect money – these tools can also create passwords that are incredibly hard to crack. Make sure they are a reputable company. Do your research and read through reviews to make sure you are choosing the best provider for you.
TECHNOLOGY
How safe is your PC data?
By Carrie Marshall
Have you ever considered the impact and pain of losing valuable data or all your cherished digital photographs if your computer failed, had a terminal virus, or your data was hacked, stolen or held to ransom? Have you taken enough steps to protect and back up your data? Make sure you are backing up your data regularly. You can store data backups on cloud-based services such as Google, Microsoft, and Dropbox to name but a few. Whilst you will need an internet connection for cloud-based storage, they are very cost-effective and secure. Another great benefit of cloudbased storage systems is that they are continually and automatically backing up your data, and therefore your data is always live and securely backed up. For further peace of mind, it’s always a good idea to back up your important data to an external hard disk: that’s much faster and doesn’t require you to keep up a membership or pay a monthly subscription as some online services do. You can get a good external hard
disk for less than £40, and you don’t need to pay much more for faster, higher-capacity ones. To protect yourself from malicious software and hacking there are plenty of free options such as the excellent AVG Free, but it’s worth considering spending a little money on a paid-for security suite such as BitDefender Total Security (around £49/£69 for an unlimited-device Family Pack). BitDefender doesn’t just cover your PC: it protects Macs, Android and iPhone/iPads too, and it includes tools to stop bad things getting onto your devices as well as anti-hacking protection for your personal data. It comes highly recommended by the internet’s most trusted review sites. Top Tips
● Back up your data regularly ● Have an external storage device back up of essential data ● Use a cloud storage provider ● Use strong anti-virus software
Page 23
V I S I Tly
w Our ne d he refurbis OM RO SHOW y toda
Established 1995
SHOWROOM & WORKSHOP
The Workshop Bye Street Ledbury HR8 2AG Mon-Fri 8.00am-4.30pm Sat 8.30am-12.00 noon
Tel: 01531 635338
Multi-Award Winning WWW.SHANEHOWELLS.CO.UK
24
CON SER VATORIES ● S U N L OU N GES ● W INDO W S ● DO O RS FASCI A & GU T T ER IN G ● GL AS S CENTRE
STEVE GOOCH E S TAT E A G E N T S | E S T 1 9 8 5
Residential Sales | Lettings | Auctions | Surveys
Your local agent - For all your Selling, Purchasing, Letting & Surveying requirements
Newent Office
01531 820844 4 High Street | Newent | GL18 1AN Also at: Mitcheldean 01594 542535, Gloucester 01452 505566 Coleford 01594 835566 & Lettings 01531 822829 | www.stevegooch.co.uk
Gooch & Burley Surveyors & Valuers (01531) 822777 | Coventry Building Society Newent Branch (01531) 822337
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 25
GL19 Heating Services Offering a reliable and friendly service, with over 30 years experience in the trade. Specialising in Gas, Oil and LPG Boilers.
All styles of curtains, blinds, pelmets etc. with a wide range of fabric, poles and accessories to choose from.
• • • •
Repairs Servicing Replacements Oil Tank Replacement.
Contact Peter Surman for a quotation.
07903846006 or Or visit our shop & showroom in Chapel Hay Lane, Prospect House, Church Road, Churchdown, GL3 2ES
www.chosencurtains.co.uk sales@chosencurtains.co.uk
01452780125
peter.surman@yahoo.co.uk
www.gl19boilers.com
SUPPLYING & MAINTAINING GARDEN, ESTATE AND FORESTRY MACHINERY FOR OVER 40 YEARS
TEL 01452 790305
EMAIL info@bucklandgardenmachinery.com
STIHL l HUSQVARNA l WALKER l COUNTAX l HONDA l ATCO l CUB CADET 26
Auction Anecdote It’s a case of ‘Out with the New’ and ‘In with the Old’ at Smiths Auctions in Newent! Many of us will have started 2020 with resolutions to lead a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable life. This might involve cutting down on plastics, buying an electric car or going vegetarian or vegan. However, few people have thought about the fact that buying antiques or second-hand items is also a brilliant way to help the environment. Of course, once you think about it, it becomes clear that antique or even vintage furniture will have a far smaller carbon footprint than factoryproduced items. Add the transport factor and compare it to a saleroom which probably sources most of its items from within a twenty-mile radius. Once you weigh up the fact that antique furniture was made to last using superior quality woods and craftsmanship, it becomes blindingly obvious that buying at auction (or in an antique shop) is definitely the way to go. What is more, buying at auction will probably save you money. Many of our younger buyers, who are keen to ‘go green’, are interested in up-cycling whilst others are very good at spotting fantastic eye-catching pieces to furnish their homes with. Matching different pieces of furniture can create a ‘selective eclectic look’ which is very much on-trend at present. So take a look at the local auction calendars and antique shops and help ‘save the planet’ whilst hopefully enjoying a new hobby – but be warned, it can be addictive! Smiths’s next auction is on the 28th of February and includes a large selection of furniture, ceramics, glass, collectables, paintings, silver and jewellery. For further details and to view the auction calendar please visit www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk or call 01531 821776 for more information. - Written by Rita Kearsey, Manager of Smiths Auction Room at Newent
Monthly Sales of Antiques & Collectables Friday 28th February includes Medals & Militaria, Silver, Gold, Jewellery, Ceramics, Glass, Furniture, Pictures & Collectables
Viewing Day prior 10am - 7pm and morning of sale Fully illustrated catalogues available online
Scottish Military Oil Portrait
Two Victorian Campaign Medals
Entries invited for our 3rd April Antiques & Collectables Sale
including Silver & Jewellery
3rd, 5th, 10th & 12th March
10am-3pm or by appointment
Home visits for larger consignments
Live online bidding available at
www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk Page 27
EL ROOFING Fascias, Soffits, Guttering & Downpipes, fully fitted from £750 • Felt and rubber flat roofing • All aspects of roofing repairs • Dry verge and ridge system • Re-pointing • Ridge tiles, chimneys and valleys ALL WORK GUARANTEED FREE QUOTATION, NO OBLIGATION
Call 01452 347805, mobile 07528 143802 Email info@elroofing.co.uk 8 Avon Crescent, Brockworth, Gloucester GL3 4LG
Your local, friendly garage with a hardworking team! We carry out all aspects of repairs: • MOTs • Servicing • Air-con regassing (R1234YF & R134A) • Tyre fitting • Diagnostics • Brakes • and much more. For further information, call Ian or Paige on
01452 840201 Located Just Three Miles From Hartpury College
Malvern Road, Gloucester GL19 3QA
Cleeve Mill Business Park, Cleeve Mill Lane, Newent, GL18 1AZ We are open from 8.30am - 7.00pm and on Saturdays from 8.30am - 12.30pm. Surgeries are run by appointment, please call us to book:
Tel. 01531 820258 Web: www.millparkvets.com | Email: info@millparkvets.com
Have you heard about our Pet Health Club for cats, dogs and rabbits?
ONLINE BOOKING NOW AVAILABLE 28
This is a monthly discounted preventative healthcare scheme covering things like regular flea treatment and worming, vaccinations and much more. Please check out our website for more information.
OFSTED ‘OUTSTANDING’ ONE OF THE O V E R
TOP TEN SIXTH FORM CO L L E G E S
IN ENGLAND
99.2% Visit us at our upcoming Open Event
Saturday 8th February 9:30am - 12:30pm
For more information, visit www.hereford.ac.uk
40 COURSES
TO CHOOSE FROM
A L E V E L FE NA RNI CT HA MS ET NI CT PASS RATE OPPORTUNITIES STATE OF
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GRADES Page 29
HODGE ELECTRICAL LTD Covering every aspect of electrical tasks, including:
Lighting installation Domestic rewiring Over 40 years’ Consumer unit upgrades experience Testing and inspection Fault finding Central heating control systems
Always happy to advise and help Any size of job undertaken with safety Personal and reliable customer service Call Chris on
01452 830962 07767 201899 Email: chrishodgelect@gmail.com
Caple Banks Ltd. are proud to be your local Independent Financial Advisers. We offer a FREE initial review and provide professional advice in any of the following areas;
Pension and retirement planning Investment Portfolio management Inheritance tax planning Protection - Personal & Corporate Estate Planning Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
We are also looking forward to running a number of free Masterclasses over the coming months. Our next event is focused on Inheritance tax planning and investments. If you would like more information or to book a free initial review please email enquiries@caplebanks.co.uk or call 01452 768138.
www.caplebanks.co.uk
uk
30
The Most Thorough Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Ever Seen, or it’s FREE! • Fully trained, experienced and CRB-checked technicians
• Dedicated to customer satisfaction with a friendly personal service
• Rapid drying steam extraction
cleaning and amazing cleaning results for your carpets and upholstery • Amazing stain removal cleaning. You will be impressed with the results of our training and powerful equipment. • Minimum disruption, and we can move your furniture
Tanya and Billy Russell owners of Billy Russell Floor Care
www.billyrussellfloorcare.co.uk Call today to book your free quotation
01531 810013
Trained and approved by:
BBOOOOKK I NEE OONNLLI N NNOOWW
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book online and quote www.gorental.co LOVELOCAL20 01242 233084 when booking Page 31
Estate Agents l Letting Agents Auctioneers & Valuers Agricultural Valuers
NEWENT
SSTC - Similar Required
f o
£600,000 CHURCHAM
3 Bedrooms & Shower Room. Garage & Private Garden. A superbly located spacious 5-bedroom detached family NEWENT home; part of a small select development. The property enjoys a tranquil and private Semi-Detached setting and is situated l An extremely well presented House in the groundsRefurbished of Stardens Manor House. It high is in standard excellent l Recently throughout to a very order throughout and viewing is highly recommended. l Quiet corner position in a sought after cul-de-sac location l Entrance Porch, Hallway, Cloakroom, Lounge, Kitchen/Diner 4 Reception Rooms, Large Timber Gazebo providing l UPVC Double Glazing & Gas Central Heating outdoor living space, double detached garage l Energy Performance rating ‘D’ with studio above and lovely garden situated Ref 783 £179,950 in a peaceful setting
P
£399,000
An Impressive Former Vicarage. Gardens approx 1 acre. Individual & well presented detached bungalow, NEWENT situated in a rural village location. l Set in an Elevated Position in Mature Landscaped Gardens Lounge & Kitchen/Dining area, 4 Bedrooms, l Entrance Hallway, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Large Magnificent Shower Room & Bathroom Conservatory, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Rear & Inner Off-road parking 2 to 32nd vehicles Lobby, Sitting Room,for Library, Kitchen & Shower Room. Large, well kept, enclosed rear garden l First Floor: 5 Bedrooms & 2 bathrooms onto farmland l 2backing Storey Coach House, Double Garage Summerhouse Ref 753 £750,000 Beautiful countryside views
o r
SSTC - Similar Required 3 Double Bedrooms with Ensuite & Family Bathroom 3 Bedrooms & Family Bathroom £339,950 NEWENT £169,995 NEWENT NEWENT A NEWENT beautiful & spacious detached house Well presented town house. l
A Delightful, Spacious & Well Presented Detached Bungalow
lA well presented Extended Detached in a very sought-after cul-de-sac location withHouse
Hall, Cloakroom, Room &Town Kitchen l Lounge, In a Quiet Location within easyLiving distance of the Centre Dining Kitchen, Study, l Entrance open aspect andRoom, well-kept rearConservatory, garden Hallway, Lounge, Dining Room, Kitchen, Cloakroom Cloakroom & Utility Room Bedrooms & Family Bathroom l 2Entrance Entrance Hallway, Cloakroom, l Private & Conservatory, Ensuite Wet Room/Shower Room to Master Garden & Allocated Parking l Garden Lounge/Dining & Kitchen l Ample Detached Garage with & parking to Glazing the front throughout Off Road Parking Gas Central Heating Double l The property benefits from gas central heating & double glazing Four BedroomsRoom & Family Bathroom Ideal first time buyer or investment opportunity Integral Garage & Garden £225,000 Ref 785 Ref 736 £299,950
email: enquiries@newentproperties.co.uk www.newentproperties.com Tel: 01531 820767
16 Broad Street, Newent, Gloucestershire, GL18 1AJ