Tewkesbury Your FREE local community magazine FEBRUARY 2020
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THIS MONTH: Unique Valentine’s Gift Ideas Your essential local ‘What’s On’ guide Big Interview with Martin Surl, Gloucestershire’s PCC
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PAGE 15
IT IO N
This month: MOTORING
6-7
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
LOVING LOCAL
26 - 29
www.lovelocalmagazines.co.uk GENERAL ENQUIRIES: anne@lovelocalmagazines.co.uk T: 01242 388 366
A note from the Editor NEW YEAR, NEW US 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
12-13
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.
THIS MONTH'S BIG INTERVIEW: Martin Surl, Gloucestershire's PCC Page 3
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Page 5
MOTORING
How to buy a new car Buying a new car can be riddled with stress and anxiety, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some useful tips for you: Research the car Research everything you can about the car you’re looking at. When it comes to buying from a dealer, making sure you know everything about a certain model can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to be choosy. Pick a colour, specification and engine and stick with that. Consider the fuel and long-term implications There’s a lot in the news about diesel cars and the potential for Low Emission Zones in some cities becoming dieselfree or even all-electric areas. Consider how long you may own this new car, and how long do you want to future proof against potential legislation and emission policy changes. Consider the total cost of ownership Consider the total cost of owning and running any new car. The cost is about much more than just the purchase 6
Top Tips ● Think about the long term future when deciding on the type of fuel/car ● Consider the total cost of ownership ● Get the best warranty & protection possible ● Haggle and be prepared to walk away
price, you should consider fuel costs (diesel / electric or petrol), vehicle tax (VED) costs, servicing intervals and costs, etc. Do your research so you can make an informed choice and decision.
Choosing a dealer – franchise or independent? Franchised dealers get first access to the latest cars and technology and are therefore potentially better equipped at answering questions. In terms of aftersales and repairs, they have the manufacturer’s support. They’ll also have a good selection of used vehicles that have been well maintained in their servicing department. An independent dealer might not be able to offer you different options of the model you’re looking at, but they will be keen to do a deal and will offer the backup of a well-established business. Get the best warranty possible Make sure you are protected if anything goes wrong. Try and get the longest warranty possible. By law, a business selling any vehicle must provide 3 months, but try and get at least 6 or 12 months. It is also worth researching who provides the warranty. A main dealer should be reputable and trustworthy, if you buy from an independent dealer we would always recommend they provide you with an external warranty from providers such as the AA or RAC so you can be sure it is of good quality and reputable. Haggle & don’t be scared of walking away Haggling remains crucial and even with used cars, there will be some wiggle room. You should never pay the full price for a car, and dealers are prepared for this, so go in strong and stick to your guns. There are thousands of available cars and hundreds of dealerships, so don’t be scared to walk away if things don’t feel right – the final decision is entirely yours! - James Baggott
MOTORING
The 10 best electric cars on the market Each manufacturer is rushing their own electric car to market, and demand is increasing, but which ones are best? We’ve put together some of the ideal all-electric cars currently on sale. Hyundai Kona Electric: Capable of travelling up to 279 miles on a single charge, the new Kona Electric has one of the most impressive ranges of any new electric car available and comes with funky styling and plenty of in-car technology too. Jaguar I-Pace: The British firm has customers queuing up to buy its all-electric SUV, and it’s easy to see why – the I-Pace is both fast and a comfortable cruiser, plus has almost 300 miles of range. It’s not cheap at £64,495, but that’s good value compared with the Tesla Model X, its biggest rival. Nissan Leaf: Nissan’s Leaf was one of the very first all-electric cars to become popular, and it has retained that popularity. It’ll crack 239 miles on a single charge, and is spacious and comfortable too. Hyundai Ioniq Electric: The Ioniq Electric is an appealing electric car that’s practical, good to drive and surprisingly quick. The interior feels a little on the cheap side, but it’s far from disappointing. However, due to the same battery shortage as has hit Kia, wait times can be up to a year. Audi E-tron: Audi’s E-Tron is its first all-electric model, bringing a premium look and feel as well as impressive electric technology and
By James Baggott
plenty of space and practicality. Audi claims it’ll do 248 miles on a single charge. Renault Zoe: The Renault Zoe offers one of the cheapest entry points to EV ownership and is a great little supermini. The big battery version gives 186 miles of range, so most inner-city commuters will only have to charge it once or twice a week. Tesla Model 3: Tesla’s Model S, its saloon car, has been successful, but for many is too expensive. The new Model 3 is a bit more affordable, but still capable of delivering plenty of range and high technology levels too. Volkswagen e-Golf: A safe bet for an electric vehicle purchase, with the build quality and dependability you’d expect from one of the UK’s best-selling models. Its range of 144 miles is far from the best in the segment, but is perfectly acceptable for the typical commuter. With plug-in car grant applied, prices hover around the £30,000 mark. Kia e-Niro: Journalists have praised the e-Niro crossover for being good to drive and offering a battery capacity that gives an excellent range. Unfortunately, wait times are about twelve months. BMW i3s: BMW has taken time to refine its i3 all-electric city car, ditching its petrol range extender thanks to better range. The i3s model gives the car a little added performance and comes with a tuned stability system and a slightly more dynamic look, bringing a premium look and feel as well as impressive electric technology and plenty of space and practicality. Page 7
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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.
10
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
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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
16
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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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
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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
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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
Amazingly Rewarding part-time school transport roles
Part time school minibus drivers and passenger assistants Our school minibus drivers and passenger assistants help children with disabilities reach their full potential in life by providing a rewarding and essential school transport service. We are currently recruiting for both drivers and passenger assistants to work part-time, during school term time.
Want to do Something Amazing? to apply or find out more call Karen on 01452 713375 or apply online at www.go-transportgroup.co.uk/h2s GO Accessible Transport, SE41 Gloucestershire Airport, Staverton. GL516SP
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LOVING LOCAL
Tewkesbury Big Weekend Parade & Dog Show The Tewkesbury Big Weekend will once again feature a walking parade, which will take place on 16th May at 3.15pm this year. With a slight change in route, the parade will start at Sun Street, go down the High Street and onto Church Street, before finishing at the Vineyards, where there will be plenty of stalls with food, drinks, crafts and entertainment. Spectators are encouraged to follow the parade up to see the award ceremony and inspiring dance shows from local groups that will follow. The theme for this year's parade is ‘Tewkesbury Fiesta’, so visitors can expect plenty of colour and fanfare. The parade has always been very popular and this year should be no different. The organisers 26
are hoping for as many people as possible to join in and help bring the town centre alive. It’s a great way to promote a club, organisation or setting to the town and you are bound to have a great time in the process, so please join in - whether it is a group of two or two hundred, everyone is welcome. In addition to the parade, the Cheltenham Animal Shelter will be back to organise and run a dog show. The event promises plenty of fun and laughs, so make sure to sign up your pooch this year. For further details on the parade and dog show, visit www/tewkesburybigweekend.co.uk. All entries for the parade must be in by 13th April, so don’t leave it too late! Any questions relating to the parade can be sent to acwalker@sky.com. The organisers of the Tewkesbury Big Weekend are excited to welcome two new members to their team. Lee and Steve bring extensive music knowledge with them and will help bring more live music to the event. If you would like to get involved in the planning and organisation of the event in any way, then please contact the organisers via the 'Tewkesbury Big Weekend' Facebook Page.
LOVING LOCAL
Local exercise class for cardiac patients continues to run A local charity that has been providing an exercise class for cardiac patients recently decided that it could no longer provide the class in 2020. Undaunted, a group of regular participants has got together to set up a new charity, HeartFelt Tewkesbury, to take over the running of this really valuable healthcare service. It's well known that physical inactivity is one of the risk factors for coronary heart disease, and that aerobic exercise can be a great help. It's often quite challenging, however, to keep up the motivation to exercise regularly, unless patients have the discipline of attending a regular class. HeartFelt Tewkesbury aims to help with that motivation by providing a regular exercise class and has earned the support of the Gloucestershire NHS cardiac team. Local doctors will also be able to recommend appropriate local patients to join. The classes take place at the Wheatpieces Community Centre every Thursday from 2.30pm to 4pm. They're led by a fully qualified instructor, who operates under
the auspices of the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR). The programme is based on an essential gentle warm-up, followed by a period of more intensive aerobic exercises. Then there are some cooling down exercises, and finally some socialising, with a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. Partners are encouraged to join in too. As there's a limit to class size, it is important for new participants to check before attending by ringing Jim Milne on 01684 772432.
Volunteers Needed Become a Volunteer for The John Moore Museum If you live locally, enjoy meeting people, are interested in local history / natural history / religious history / architecture and can spare two days a month, please call 01684 297174 or email curator@johnmooremuseum.org.
LOVING LOCAL
WINTER DIARY
Your essential guide to local events in and around the area LIGHT UP CHELTENHAM 1 - 23 February, Cheltenham See Cheltenham's town centre lit up in beautiful colours (there will be walking tours) or go for a ride on the observation wheel at Imperial Gardens. 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 TEWKESBURY WINTER ALES FESTIVAL 7 Feb, 11am - 11pm & 8 Feb, 11am - 8pm, Watson Hall, Barton Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PX. 80 winter ales, food, local cider and perry. Judging of the CAMRA South West Perry final. Car parking provided a short walk away. Entry fee incl. glass and a beer voucher. T: 01684 855040 LINC LUNCH CLUB 7 Feb, Wesley House, Winchcombe. New guests always welcome. The lunch typically costs £20 with £6 going to LINC. To join, email Louise: 28
l.adkins@nhs.net. FARMERS & CRAFT MARKET 8 Feb, 9am - 1.30pm, Abbey Lawns Car Park, Gander Lane, GL20 5PG COFFEE MORNING 8 February, 10am - 12pm, Methodist Church, Bishop's Close, Off Tobyfield Rd, GL52 8NT. Fairtrade stalls, raffle, cake, refreshments. Join us for a firendly conversation. All welcome. VISITING CHOIR 8 February, 5pm, Tewkesbury Abbey. The Choir of St Alphege, Solihull. T: 01684 850959 TEWKESBURY AFTERNOON STROLL 9 Feb, 2pm, Meet at Warders Alley (beside M&Co High Street). Walk around the lanes and alleys of Tewkesbury. £2.50. CLEEVE CONCERTS 9 February, 7.30pm, Tithe Barn, Bishop's Cleeve John Adams. Tickets from Chelt. Town Hall, 0333 666 3366 or www.cleeveconcerts.com. ART LECTURE 13 February, Highnam
Community Centre (Gambier Parry Hall), GL2 8DG. Three Andalusian cities and their history, architecture and paintings. Ticketed event. T: 01684 833701 WINCHCOMBE MUSEUM WINTER TALK 13 Feb, 2.30pm, Methodist Church Hall, Winchcombe David Aldred: Helping the historian, place names in the North Gloucestershire landscape. SUDELEY SECRET SPIES 15 - 23 Feb, from 10am, Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe Children can complete a trail of puzzles, codes and riddles and receive a small surprise. Incl. with general admission. LOVE OUR PLANET, WE ONLY HAVE ONE! 15 Feb, 10.30am, Linton Village Hall, HR9 7RX Free talk about ways to reduce our use of single-use plastics. Refreshments, stalls and products to view/buy. VISITING CHOIR 15 Feb, 5pm, Tewkesbury Abbey. The Wheatsheaf Consort. T: 01684 850959 CRESCENDO BIG BAND CONCERT 16 Feb, 3pm, Gupshill
LOVING LOCAL Manor, Tewkesbury, GL20 5SY. Tickets: £10 on the door. JUNIOR RUGBY CAMP 18 & 19 Feb, 9am - 3.30pm, Prince of Wales Stadium, Cheltenham. Two days of Rugby fun and action for boys and girls aged 8-13. £60 for the two days. T: 01452 872287 HALF TERM FUN 19 - 21 Feb, 10am - 12pm, John Moore Museum, Old Baptist Chapel, Church St Drop-in children’s craft sessions. £1per child. QUIZ NIGHT 19 Feb, 7.45pm, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. Test your knowledge of local, national and international trivia. Teams of up to 4 people welcome. £1 pp, no booking needed, just turn up. T: 01684 295074 WINCHCOMBE LIVE 21 Feb, Doors open 8.15pm, The White Hart, Winchcombe. Ian Parker. £10 on the door. TEWKESBURY ROTARY CLUB 22 Feb, 2pm, Watson Hall, Barton Street, Tewkesbury Free annual Senior Citizens Tea Party. Places to be booked via Zeiss Opticians in the High Street. THREE CENTURIES, TWO PERFORMERS, ONE CONCERT. 28 Feb,
7.30pm, Linton Village Hall, HR9 7RX AND 29 Feb, 7.30pm, Kempley Village Hall, GL18 2B. Local violinist Alice Earll and historical keyboard specialist Satoko Doi-Luck will perform music from the 16th, 17th & 18th centuries. Combination of music and discussion. Tickets £12 from 07891 254372, louise.earll@gmail. com or on the door. KNITTED MONKS EXHIBITION. 29 Feb, Tewkesbury Abbey. There was a community of Benedictine monks at the Abbey until the Dissolution in 1540. The display shows the daily activities of a monk. T: 01684 850959 POLAR PLUNGE 29 Feb, 10am - 12pm, Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham. Swim 50m in the freezing water and help raise money for Winston's Wish and the St Vincent's & St George's Association. 17+ only. £10 pp; min. fundraising amount: £50. Swim begins at 10.30am. Spectators welcome. TAXIDERMY IN MUSEUMS 29 Feb, 11am - 12pm, Old Baptist Chapel, Church Street, Tewkesbury www.johnmooremuseum.org JOHN COGHLAN’S QUO 29 Feb, Doors open 7pm, Watson Hall, Barton St, Tewkesbury
£12 in advance. T: 01684 636666
March GUIDED BATTLEFIELD WALK. 1 March, 2pm, Meet at Abbey Lawns car park, Gander Lane, Tewkesbury. 2-hour walk. Booking not neccessary. Stout walking shoes recommended. Families and dogs welcome. T: 01684 855040 FOLK SONG NIGHT 3 March, 8 - 11pm, The White Hart Inn, Winchcombe, GL54 5LJ A friendly gathering of regular singers/musicians and newcomers. Traditional and contemporary music. Guest duo on 3rd March: Discovery - Elaine and Jeff Gillett. Free entry. T: 01242 602236 BATTLE OF THE BANDS 7 March, 7.30pm, Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury Watch six local bands perform a 15-minute set each.Tickets: £8. www.rosestheatre.org THE FESTIVAL PREVIEW NIGHT 8 March, Gates open 6.15pm, Cheltenham Racecourse. Racing legends will take to the stage to share their tips ahead of The Festival. For tickets: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk Page 29
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 1ST BREDON SCOUT GROUP
Are you enthusiastic and enjoy working with children? Can you spare a few hours a week? Leaders are needed for Beavers and Cubs on Wednesday evenings during term time. Volunteers are also required to be involved with planning programmes and occasionally camps/activities at weekends. TRAINING PROVIDED
CAN YOU HELP? For more information:
01386 751493 fionamckeanda@gmail.com
LB Services Building & Marine Work
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED Come and join our team for one afternoon a month at Tewkesbury Baptist Church where we organise a social club for elderly visually impaired residents.
FREE TRAINING PROVIDED Contact Volunteer Organiser Christopher Chapman for an informal chat on 01684 293527 or mail@cchapman.co.uk
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