Winchcombe Your FREE local community magazine MARCH 2020
WIN TICKETS TO A CHELTENHAM E TOWN F.C. GAM
THIS MONTH: Your essential local ‘What’s On’ guide Big Interview with Michael Duff, CTFC Manager Treat Your Mum with our Mother’s Day Gift Guide
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WIN TICKETS TO A CHELTENHAM TOWN F.C. GAME
COMPET
PAGE 15
IT IO N
A note from the Editor TIME TO SPOIL YOUR MUM After months of rain, storms and floods, we move into March hoping that Spring will bring us calmer and dryer weather.
This month: MOTORING
6-7
FOOD & DRINK
10 & 11
THE BIG INTERVIEW
12 & 13
QUIZ TIME
14 & 15
MOTHER'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
Come rain or shine, on 22nd of March it's time to spoil your mum! Have a look at our fantastic Mother's Day guide on the centre pages of this magazine for unique present ideas, places to go and things to do - and the best part is, it's all local! Ever wondered what life as a Football Manager is like? This month you can find out with our 'Big Interview' in which we asked Cheltenham Town F.C. Manager Michael Duff to tell us about his job. Want to see Cheltenham Town F.C. in action? Then enter our competition on page 15 for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see a home game during the remainder of the season. In addition, we also bring to you the usual mixture of interesting articles, scrumptious recipes, fiendish puzzles, local events and local businesses. Enjoy the read!
Best wishes, Anne
12-13
TO ADVERTISE james@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: Michael Duff, Cheltenham Town F.C. Manager Page 3
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MOTORING
Leasing a car for the cost of a weekly shop The average weekly shop is about £60, so which cars are available for less than £240 per month? There are many things to take into account when financing a car, such as depreciation and the difference between finance deals. So, to give some context, we decided to look at cars that cost less than the average weekly shop, something most people don’t give a second thought about. Each of these deals is based on a personal contract hire (PCH) deal, where you pay an initial rental or deposit plus your monthly fee, which usually includes servicing. At the end of the agreement – often between two and four years – you hand the keys back with no extra to pay, assuming it’s in good condition and you’ve kept to the pre-agreed annual mileage limits, of course. The prices here are just a guide, as monthly payments will vary depending on the deposit amount, credit status, and current offers and promotions running. Offers correct at time of writing and are subject to change.
6
Volvo S90 £229.55 per month x 47 Initial rental: £2,065.95 Additional fees: £360 Mileage limit: 5,000p/a Total over 48 months: £13,214.80
Hyundai Ioniq Electric £237.03 per month x 23 Initial rental: £1,422.18 Additional fees: £199 Mileage limit: 5,000p/a Total over 24 months: £7,072.87
Skoda Superb £212.31 per month x 35 Initial rental: £1,910.79 Additional fees: £298.80 Mileage limit: 8,000p/a Total over 36 months: £9,640.44
Nissan Qashqai £181.55 per month x 47 Initial rental: £1,089.30 Mileage limit: 5,000p/a Total over 36 months: £9,622.15
Seat Ibiza £135.41 per month x 47 Initial payment: £1,218.69 Additional Fees: £tba Mileage limit: 8,000p/a Total over 48 months: £7,582.96
Honda Civic £171.45 per month x 47 Initial rental: £1,028.70 Additional fees: £360 Mileage limit: 5,000p/a Total over 48 months: £9,446.85 By James Baggott
Top Tips ● Shop around for the best deal and make sure you factor in any upfront payments required ● Ensure that leasing is the right choice for you, as you will not own the car ● Check you are comfortable with the financial commitment ● Be careful of any damage and return costs at the end of the lease term
MOTORING
What you need to know about Hybrids Looking to move into the world of electrification? Here’s all you need to know about hybrids. With all the talk about the future of petrol and diesel vehicles, and ultra-low emission zones being implemented in cities in the UK in the near future, perhaps now is the time to start to understand the hybrid options, and what hybrid cars are all about. What is a hybrid? As the name suggests, it’s a combination of an electric vehicle and an internal combustion engine (usually powered by petrol or diesel). It will have a battery-powered electric motor that will work in conjunction with the combustion engine to power the wheels. Generally, the idea is that the electric motor takes care of the driving at low speeds or while accelerating because that’s when a combustion engine is at its most inefficient. Then, once up to speed, when the engine can run at low effort to keep things ticking along, it takes over. The result is better fuel economy, which is always a good thing! Types of hybrid Mild hybrid (MHEV) The mild hybrid takes the hybrid principles but utilises them in the mildest of ways. They typically have a small battery and an electric motor that can take over running the car’s ancillaries, such as the headlights and air
conditioning. This means the engine can be turned off to save fuel at times when it is not needed, e.g. when decelerating or when stopped. The important distinction is that the wheels cannot be powered by the electric motor. Hybrid When you hear a car referred to as simply a ‘hybrid’ alone, it tends to mean that it can run on pure electric but the batteries can only be recharged through regenerative braking. This is when motors in the wheels ‘harvest’ energy that would normally be lost when decelerating and braking and use it to replenish the battery charge. This is where the term ‘self-charging hybrid’ comes from – you never charge the vehicle from an external source, it recharges itself through regeneration. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Plug-in hybrids are the ultimate form of hybrid models because they can plug into an external source of electricity to charge the batteries. This means you can top the batteries up to full charge overnight and thus maximise the electric-only range. If your daily commute is quite short you might rarely need petrol power, saving you lots of money in the long run.
By James Baggott
Page 7
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Page 9
FOOD & DRINK
Spinach & Ricotta Dumplings Ready in: 1 hour, plus overnight chilling Serves 4 as a starter, 2 as a main course INGREDIENTS ● 225g baby spinach leaves ● 150g ricotta ● 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley ● 50g grated Parmesan ● 100g plain flour ● 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed ● 2 medium eggs, beaten ● Salt and freshly ground black pepper ● 50g butter ● 6 tbsp crème fraiche ● 2 tsp freshly chopped chives ● Salad leaves and cherry tomatoes, to serve
10
METHOD Place the spinach in a large metal colander set over the sink. Pour over boiling water to wilt. Refresh under cold water, drain well then squeeze firmly with your hands to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the spinach and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the ricotta, parsley, Parmesan, flour, garlic and eggs. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and mix to a soft dough. Using clean damp hands, divide and shape the mixture into about 12 walnut-sized balls. Chill for 30 minutes. Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to the boil. Gently add the dumplings. They will drop to the bottom at first then slowly rise to the top. Once they have risen to the top, cook for a further minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and divide between 2 or 4 warmed dishes. Melt the butter in a small pan. Stir in the crème fraiche and simmer to make a creamy sauce. Pour the sauce around the dumplings. Garnish with chopped chives and serve with salad leaves and cherry tomatoes. TIP: Serve the dumplings with a ready-made tomato and herb pasta sauce instead of the creamy sauce, if liked.
FOOD & DRINK
Cheat's Apple Strudel Ready in: 55 minutes Serves 6
A classic strudel with home-made pastry can take a long time to make, but using a convenient pack of ready- rolled pastry means you can have a delicious fruity pudding on the table in less than an hour!
METHOD Preheat the oven to 200C / 180C fan / gas mark 6. Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
INGREDIENTS ● 2 large dessert apples, peeled, cored and chopped ● 50g raisins or sultanas ● 1 tbsp cornflour
● 50g caster sugar
● 2 tsp ground mixed spice ● 320g pack ready-rolled
shortcrust or puff pastry ● Beaten egg, to glaze ● Icing sugar, to dust
● Whipped cream, custard and fresh berries, to serve
Place the apples and raisins or sultanas in a bowl. Mix together the cornflour, sugar and spice and add to the apples, tossing to coat. Unroll the pastry but keep it on the paper. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the pastry a little thinner. With one long side facing you, spoon the apple mixture along the length, leaving a 2cm border at the edges. Gently roll up the pastry to enclose the filling and fold the pastry in at the ends (see Tip). Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush all over with beaten egg. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden. Leave to stand for 10 minutes. Dust with icing sugar and serve sliced with whipped cream, custard and fresh berries. TIP: Take care when rolling up the pastry and seal the edges by brushing with some of the beaten egg.
Page 11
THE BIG INTERVIEW
Michael Duff used to play for Cheltenham Town F.C. In 2018, he returned to the Club in the capacity of Manager. Love Local Magazines met with him to find out what life as a Football Manager is like.
■ If you weren’t a Football
Manager, what would you be? A football coach!
■ Who is your Football Manager role model or idol, and why? I don’t have a specific person that I would want to be. I take different things from different people I’ve played under and who I watch on TV. I just want to be the best version of myself.
■ What did it feel like returning
to Cheltenham as Manager? It was an opportunity to get a first team job at a club that I knew well. I’m lucky that in 25 years I’ve only had two football clubs, Cheltenham being one of them, so coming back was a no brainer. It’s great to bring the family home.
■ How do you cope with the
pressure of being a Football Manager? It’s not easy because it never stops. I’m constantly thinking and the phone never stops ringing. Generally spending time with my family – that’s how I get away. I try and switch off. My kids aren’t interested in whether we’ve won, lost or drawn, so I spend as much time as I can with them when I get the chance. 12
Michael Duff
Cheltenham Town F.C. Manager
"Coming back to Cheltenham was a no brainer." ■ Do you ever switch off from football?
No. Like I said, I spend time with my family to switch off but it’s always in the back of my mind. I get moments when I completely forget about it, but I’m always thinking of something I could tweak, or a player that’s been mentioned, or a player that I like or have watched on the telly. It’s difficult to get away from it.
■ What does a typical working
day look like for you? I’ll be up walking the dog at quarter past seven, get into work for half eight. Then I plan training, start training at 11am, finish at 1pm and have some food. In the afternoon, I analyse performances, deal with players and agents, conduct media interviews, hold meetings, etc. I normally leave work between half four and 5pm.
THE BIG INTERVIEW emotional. I never walk straight into the dressing room afterwards. I take the emotion out of every decision.
■ Can the Robins make
the playoffs this season? You’ll have to ask the players. We’re seventh and we’ve been there all season so there’s a possibility that we can, whether we do is another matter.
■ It feels like CTFC is on the
Then quite often I’m watching stuff at home or I’m going to watch other games on two or three evenings a week.
up – what’s driving this, and how do you sustain it? Planning, hard work and structure.
■ What could the next few years hold for the Robins? We’ve got to take it season by season. ■ What’s your half time team At the minute we’re on the crest of a talk like if you're losing? wave and we are punching It’s no different from when "There’s a above our weight. Notts we’re winning. If we are County got in the playoffs possibility that winning, I don’t say it’s all a couple of years ago and were relegated the next great and if we’re losing, the Robins can year. It happens quite a lot I don’t throw teacups around make the playoffs in this League because the the place. I try and be as turnover of players is so constructive as possible. this season." high. Historically, we’ve I always have a three- or been a bottom-six club. four-minute break with the Our aim is to go from that to a club that staff. Then I walk into the office, can consistently get into the middle band. decide what we’re going to talk about how we’re going to tweak things, what we’re going to tweak, and whether they "We’ve got to take it need a rocket. It’s constructive, it’s not
season by season."
© Pictures by Thousand Word Media
Page 13
QUIZ TIME
Pictograms
PICTOGRAMS
3 words
W IS DO M
2 words THE TAMING OF THE GROUSE
4 words DISMISSING
AXING
SACKING
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 P I
D
S T U
TARGET Excellent: 23 or more words Good: 19 words Fair: 16 words 14
SUDOKU
Puzzle Page
QUIZ ISLANDS
1. Which group of 12 large islands and numerous small islands has a name that literally means “twelve islands”? 2. Who sings the first line of the 1983 hit single Islands In The Stream?... Kenny Rogers or Dolly Parton? 3. Which American state was named after the largest of the Channel Islands? 4. In the book Gulliver’s Travels, there are two islands in which the inhabitants are about onetwelfth of the height of a normal human. One of these is called Blefuscu. What is the other island called? 5. On each episode of the radio show Desert Island Discs, how many recordings is a guest allowed to choose when deciding what they would take if they were to be cast away on a desert island? 6. Found in a number of Indonesian islands, including the island it is named after, what is the world’s largest living species of lizard? 7. Behind Great Britain and Ireland, what is name of the third largest island in the British Isles? 8. True or False… the official International Bartenders Association recipe for a Long Island Iced Tea cocktail contains tea? 9. A villa on which island was used as the setting for the TV show Love Island when the show was revived in 2015? 10. What term, that was first created by Sir Thomas More to refer to a fictional island society off the coast of Australia, is now used as a general term for an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect?
Answers on p. 20
QUIZ TIME
IT'S C OMPE TITION TIME! WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO A CHELTENHAM TOWN F.C. HOME GAME
Entering Could NOT BE EASIER!
To enter the competition & C's a simply visit our websiteT's and pply submit your information. Closing Date & Time: 4pm on Monday 16th March 2020
© Thousand Word Media
www.lovelocalmagazines.co.uk
Page 15
MOTHER'S DAY
22
Treat your mum this Mother's Day
MARCH
Treat mum like a Queen this Mother's Day weekend at Sudeley Castle Enjoy a walk around the beautiful castle and gardens, before indulging in an extra special afternoon tea. With a glass of Prosecco on arrival, followed by an amazing array of sandwiches, cakes and scrumptious cream scones, it's the perfect Mother's Day treat! Available all weekend. ÂŁ35 pp. Advance bookings only: 01242 604 244 or www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Indulgent treatments at Jodi Brooks Beauty & Cosmetics in Winchcombe Book an indulgent pampering session for your mum this Mother's Day. From nail treatments, facials and massages to skin care and more, there's a perfect gift for your mother at this fantastic local beauticians. www.jodibrooksbeauty.co.uk
Inspirational shopping with lakeside restaurant near Newent Treat your mum with a day out at the fabulous 3-Shires Garden Centre. This is a true destination centre with inspirational products for the home and garden in a pleasant lakeside setting. The Gallery Restaurant, overlooking the lake, is very popular for delicious food and drink with friends and family from coffee and homemade cakes to delicious three-course lunches. www.bluediamond.gg/garden-centre/3-shires-garden-centre 16
MOTHER'S DAY
Well Walk Tea Room
Indulgent afternoon tea in Cheltenham Set aside an hour or two and enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea with your mum at this wonderful family-run tea room. Tucked away in a quiet location in the centre of Cheltenham, Well Walk Tea Room gives you everything you would want from a tea experience and more! Enjoy sumptuous freshly baked goods served on vintage china, take in the charming interiors and atmosphere and sit back and relax it's the perfect location to spend some quality time with your mum. £16.95 pp - incl. a bouquet for each mum. www.wellwalktearoom.co.uk
Afternoon tea or a relaxing spa experience at the wonderful Hatherley Manor Hotel in Gloucester Experience the Cotswolds in this elegant 17th-century manor house in the rolling Gloucestershire countryside. The 4-star, AA hotel features an elegant restaurant, a cosy lounge bar within the original beams of the manor, a luxurious state-of-the-art Spa and elegant rooms with 24-hour room service and free Wi-Fi. www.hatherleymanor.com
Visit and explore the unique and beautiful Rococo Garden in Painswick Experience the great outdoors, with a cheeky peek into the flamboyant frivolity of the early 1700s, in the UK's only complete surviving rococo garden. This is a place to forget the stresses of everyday life. A place for fun, adventure and exploration. A place to relax, to restore, and to discover a haven of peace and tranquillity, sprinkled with quirky features to surprise and delight you. www.rococogarden.org.uk
A fun day out at Cotswold Farm Park - Mum goes free! With a vast array of indoor and outdoor activities on offer, Cotswold Farm Park is the perfect destination for a fun family day out. Visitors can meet and feed various animals and there are plenty of opportunities for the kids to burn off some energy and to learn about various aspects of farming. SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY OFFER: ‘Mums go free’ on 21st and 22nd of March! Applicable to online tickets only: www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Page 17
HOME & INTERIORS
Quick & Inexpensive Home Improvements Breathe new life into your home with a few quick and inexpensive changes. Dazzle with great lighting It’s quick and easy to upgrade lampshades or replace table or floor lamps to introduce some on-trend shapes, textures and colours. Dimmer switches add flexibility but check that your light bulbs are the right wattage, so rooms are not poorly lit or dazzling. LED bulbs are kind to the planet and save you money over time. Perhaps consider smart lighting, controlled with a remote control, an app, or a voice command. Ring the changes with colour Have a colour makeover with paint or a change of accessories – perhaps some vases on a shelf, a pile of fluffy towels, storage canisters in the kitchen or files in your home office. Go lighter and brighter for spring and summer. Create great style with cushions and throws. Uplift a sofa with a throw and new cushions, choosing on-trend colours and patterns, complemented by some inexpensive plains. Vary textures and include interesting trims and fastenings.
18
A fresh look for flooring Completely alter a room’s look by removing the carpet, sanding back the floorboards and applying two coats of varnish. Alternatively, add or replace a rug to change the look and feel of your floor and room. Choose complementary colours and patterns and make sure the size and proportions of the rug suit the size and shape of the room, with the furniture fitting onto the rug comfortably. Wonderful window treatments Change the look of windows with ready-made curtains. Floor-length is usually best unless furniture in the way makes sill length the better option. Alternatively, swap curtains for inexpensive clean-cut blinds. Simple slatted or roller blinds can be ordered to your exact measurements and in a variety of styles. Give your pictures the professional touch Create a fabulous display of pictures by putting them in identical or coordinating frames and hanging them in orderly rows or well-planned groups for optimal impact. By Katherine Sorrell
Great ways to give your home a new look: ■ Upgrade your lighting ■ Introduce new colours using paint and accessories ■ Choose new flooring or add a rug ■ Change your curtains ■ Use identical or coordinating picture frames & group pictures
HOME & INTERIORS
Room to Play Children need their own space so it is beneficial to create a dedicated space in which they can work, play and relax. Where to begin? Is the room just going to be a playroom, or will it double as another room, e.g. a child’s bedroom? Consider available space and its shape, who will use the room, your budget and your child’s likes and dislikes. Sketching a floor plan helps, or involve an architect or interior designer. Design basics Flexibility is key. Keep the basics plain and simple – neutral walls, floor and major items of furniture, with less expensive and easily changed items (such as blinds, cushions or storage boxes) themed to whatever colour or character will stimulate your child’s imagination. On the floor The ideal playroom floor is non-slip, easy to clean, hardwearing and not too hard underfoot. Wooden or laminate boards plus a soft rug (on an anti-slip mat) is ideal, while vinyl, linoleum, cork or rubber are good choices.
Soft carpet will break falls but can stain, so use a texture or pattern that won’t show the dirt. Off the wall Add interest to plain walls with your child’s artwork in bright frames, removable stickers or good-looking storage. Blackboard paint or colour-in wallpaper allow for individual expression, or cover a wall with maps, flags, cork tiles, pegboard, sheet music, artificial grass, a hand-painted mural or a series of LEGO base boards. Furniture and fun Leave space for whizzing around but perhaps add a swing, slide, tunnel, indoor activity frame or climbing wall. Floor cushions and beanbags are better (and cheaper) than quickly outgrown miniature sofas and chairs. Built-in bench seating along one wall, with storage beneath, is a perfect dual-purpose solution. A quiet corner for reading and a special spot for craft activities or homework are essentials, while a den or hideout of some kind is a great idea – even if it’s simply a blanket slung over the back of two chairs. Storage To encourage tidiness, storage should be plentiful and easy to access. Incorporate it into tucked-away spaces such as chimney alcoves or below a window. Low shelving plus a variety of boxes or baskets is ideal. Peg rails, hooks and hanging fabric organisers are all useful space savers. By Katherine Sorrell
Top Tips ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Sketch a floor plan Keep the basics plain and simple Choose non-slip, easy to clean flooring Add interest to the walls Create areas for different purposes Offer plenty of storage solutions
Page 19
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Page 21
TECHNOLOGY
Tech scams to watch out for By Carrie Marshall
Top Tips
● Stay cynical and trust nobody ● Assume any unsolicited message is a fraud ● Check invoices are genuine ● Never transfer any money if in doubt There are many traps one can fall into online and some scams can leave the victims seriously out of pocket. So how can you keep yourself safe from scammers? Step one is to trust nobody. One of the most common kinds of scams is called ‘phishing’, which is when fraudsters create a convincing-looking fake email purportedly from your bank, from PayPal, from eBay, etc. They’re traps - the sites they link to are also fake and they’re designed to trick you into entering your username and password. If you do, the villains can use those details and start spending your money – and because so many people use the same details on multiple sites, the fraudsters can often access multiple sites too. Many security packages can detect phishing emails, but they’re not 100% reliable so it’s important to stay cynical. A new and worrying kind of scam centres around bank transfer payments. Fraudsters pose as genuine tradespeople or service 22
providers and send a convincing-looking invoice with the bank details they want you to transfer money to. According to payment processing firm ShieldPay, in the UK alone such frauds cost UK bank customers a whopping £207.5 million in 2019. Whether it’s fake emails or fake invoices, it’s a good idea to assume that anything unsolicited that appears in your email inbox is a fraud: if in doubt, call your bank or tradesperson on the phone (and don’t use any numbers listed in the suspicious emails – they can be faked too). Never, ever transfer money if there’s the slightest possibility that the recipient is a scammer. Some of the oldest scams have been reborn on the internet too: snake oil salesmen selling dodgy products that promise to cure all ills; auction scammers who sell fake or broken items without disclosing their status; get-rich-quick schemes, dodgy lotteries and other dubious supposed moneymakers. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. When you’ve been the victim of a scam: 1) Contact the police if the scammer is nearby or you have sent them money in the last 24 hours. 2) Inform your bank using the number on the back of your bank card to contact them 3) Contact Action Fraud to report the fraud
TECHNOLOGY
Improve your smartphone photography For many of us, our phone has become our main camera, but the images we capture on it might not always be to our satisfaction, so here are some useful tips and tricks to help you step up your smartphone photography game. Simple things can make a huge difference – before you start, make sure your phone’s camera lens is clean. Carrying a small microfibre cloth in your bag or pocket can work a treat. To avoid blurry images, always hold your phone with both hands when taking pictures and use your index finger or thumb to trigger the button. If something’s too far away, don’t use your camera app’s digital zoom but get closer for sharper pictures. Think about your composition. Choose interesting surroundings and backdrops but make sure they don’t distract from your subject. When photographing objects, try following the Rule of Odds, which states that an odd number of objects is visually more appealing than an even one. An important factor in getting a good photo is lighting. That changes throughout the day: on a bright day, noon is usually the worst time to take pictures because there’s not much shadow, and if the sun’s in front of you your subjects will appear much darker and more
By Carrie Marshall indistinct than when the sun’s behind you. If you’re shooting in the evening, get as much light as you can onto your subject. If things are really dark you’ll often end up with noisy, poorly detailed pictures, or you’ll have to use the flash and end up with unnatural results. Finally, be smart and back up your photographs. A lost or damaged handset can easily be replaced, but memories can’t, so it really is crucial that you have a backup of any photos that matter to you. At the very minimum you should ensure that every picture and video is automatically uploaded to ‘the cloud’, e.g. iCloud (Apple phones) or Google (Android). But for ‘belt and braces’ make extra copies. Connect your phone to your PC regularly and copy your photos across to your harddrive or use a third-party app such as Flickr or Dropbox to make and store duplicate copies. Or you could use a tried and tested way of backing up photos: print them!
Top Tips
● Hold the phone with both hands ● Avoid using digital zoom ● Think about your composition ● Ensure proper lighting ● Back up your photographs Page 23
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Page 25
LOVING LOCAL
Winchcombe’s new park is getting closer to becoming a reality
Winchcombe Festival of Music & Arts
The Winchcombe Festival of Music & Arts will be back in town between 18th and 25th May to showcase local bands, groups, artists and more.
At the Winchcombe Town Council meeting on 8th January 2020, it was RESOLVED to seek the approval of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government to apply for a PWLB loan of £500,000 over the borrowing term of 25 years for the construction of Winchcombe Park. The annual loan repayments will come to around £34,707.84, however, it is not intended to increase the council tax precept for the purpose of the loan repayments. The ambitious and exciting park will include facilities such as a wheeled sports area, a multi-use games area (MUGA), petanque, and other play areas as well as important open spaces for the benefit and enjoyment of all sections of the community. With planning permission granted, the final conditions of approval down to just last two issues, and a PWLB funding loan now formally being applied for, it looks like this fantastic new park could soon start to become a reality for the residents of Winchcombe. 26
The Festival is a non-profit making organisation run by people in Winchcombe for people in Winchcombe, bringing live music and arts to the town. Planning is currently underway so if you would like to get involved or help out at the event then please get in touch by emailing enquiries.wfma@gmail.com.
Volunteers Needed Winchcombe Open Gardens is looking for people who are;
● willing to open their gardens on Sunday 14th June 2020 ● willing to sit on the Open Gardens Committee ● able to bake cakes or provide fruit, vegetables, plants, honey and jams (for sale) ● willing to help with plants and teas at St Peter’s Church ● able to help with a variety of tasks such as distributing posters and flyers, or selling tickets on the day. For more information and to get involved, please contact Rosie Green: 07757 667672 or email winchcombegardens@gmail.com.
LOVING LOCAL
Local walk: Stancombe Walk A short circular walk from the centre of Winchcombe along a track and fields returning over the River Isbourne. Distance: 2 miles / 3.2kms Duration: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy Start/finish: Back Lane car park £1 all day. Toilets 20p in car park. Refreshments: Winchcombe Ascent: 166 feet/50 metres Leave Back Lane car park via the main entrance into Back Lane and turn right. Carefully cross the road and continue along the pavement to the crossroads. Turn right at the crossroads into North Street past the shops to the T-junction at the top.
Turn right through the gate and follow the path across the field towards a farm. Follow the footpath signs past the farm and bear right across a field to Rushley Lane C. Turn left and follow the lane for 50 metres before you turn right at a footpath sign (Gloucestershire Way) through a gate.
At the T-junction turn left passing various shops and different house styles, walk down the hill to a bridge spanning the River Isbourne. Cross the bridge before turning right into Rushley Lane A.
Continue along the path between some houses into Castle Street D and turn right to follow the road up a steep slope to enter the town by the White Hart Inn.
After 100 metres bear left at a sharp bend B into Stancombe Lane and follow uphill for approx 400 metres until you meet a footpath on your right.
Follow the path diagonally across the meadow to the far left-hand side, notice the ridge and furrows resulting from ploughing in the Middle Ages, 100’s of years ago. The land has not been ploughed since.
Carefully cross the road and turn left; approx. 50 metres ahead on the right is Cowl Lane. Turn right into Cowl Lane and follow until you reach the car park pedestrian entrance on your left. Places of interest: Hailes Street: Note the different styles of architecture, stone cottages mixed with black and white half-timbered buildings. Once stood The Sudeley Arms pub now 21 and 23. The Wheatsheaf pub is now called ‘Mercia’. On the right-hand corner with Silk Mill Lane, a gasworks was established in 1850. Castle Street: The buildings opposite point D were formerly a paper mill utilising power from the Beesmoor Brook, now part of Sudeley Castle holiday cottages. © Winchcombe Walkers are Welcome 2017 WWaW hope you enjoy the walk, however, the walk is undertaken at your sole risk and WWaW have no responsibility for loss, damage, injury or interpretation. Every possible care has been taken to ensure the information given was accurate at the time of creation.
This walk is courtesy of Winchcombe Walkers are Welcome. Each month we publish a different route. All routes are available to view on their website: www.winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com Page 27
LOVING LOCAL
MARCH EVENTS Your essential guide to local events in and around the area WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Ongoing until 29 March, Nature in Art, Gloucester, GL2 9PA. All the latest winners in the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography competition organised by The Natural History Museum. www.natureinart.org.uk FOLK SONG NIGHT 3 March, 8 - 11pm, The White Hart Inn, Winchcombe, GL54 5LJ. With guest duo 'Discovery' - Elaine and Jeff Gillett. Free entry. T: 01242 602236 BC METHODIST CHURCH WEDNESDAY FELLOWSHIP 2pm, Bishop's Cleeve Methodist Church Hall New members (men and women) always welcome. 4 March: Camphill Village Trust, speaker Alex Robins. 18 March: Driving Miss Daisy. LINC LUNCH CLUB 6 March, Primavera, Montpellier, Cheltenham. For supporters of LINC. New guests welcome. To join, email Louise: l.adkins@nhs.net. ABBA’S ANGELS 7 March, Doors open 7.30pm, St Edward’s Senior School, Cheltenham GL53 8EY. In aid 28
of LINC charity. Enjoy singing and dancing to the songs of ABBA. Bar. Ticket price of £35 incl. a Ploughman’s Supper. To book: www.lincfund.org/ event/abbas-angels/ 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 CRAFT FAIR 8 March, 11.30am - 2.30pm, Bishop's Cleeve Community Centre. Wide range of stalls; refreshments. Free entry. Libby Cleal: 07776 301767. 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 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL AND GOLD CUP 10 - 13 March, Cheltenham Racecourse For details and tickets: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk WINCHCOMBE GARDENING CLUB 11 March, 7.30pm, Methodist Church Hall, Winchcombe.
AGM & Annual Dinner. T: 01242 609590 CLEEVE CONCERTS 13 March, 7.30pm, Tithe Barn, Bishop's Cleeve. Barbara Dickson. Tickets from Chelt. Town Hall, 0333 666 3366 or www.cleeveconcerts.com. SPRING FLING 13 - 15 March, Uptonupon-Severn. 48 gigs in 48 hours across 10 local venues. www.upton48.co.uk TEWKESBURY FARMERS MARKET 14 March, 9am - 1.30pm, Abbey Lawns car park, Gander Lane, Tewkesbury www.cotswoldmarkets.com PUDDING EVENING 14 March, 7pm, St Michael's Centre, Church Rd, Bishop's Cleeve. With Mad Hatter raffle. Sample a selection of up to 30 different hot and cold puddings. Tickets: £7 available from the Centre, stmichaelscentrebookings@ gmail.com or 01242 673612. ROVING CROWS ST PATRICK'S PARTY 14 March, 7.30pm, Watson Hall, Barton St, Tewkesbury A vibrant mix of Celtic-inspired fiddle alongside original and intelligent lyrics backed by
LOVING LOCAL tribal and electronica-infused dance grooves. Tickets: £12. On sale at Tewkesbury TIC: 01684 855040. BISHOP'S CLEEVE WI 17 March, 7.15pm, Tithe Barn, Bishop's Cleeve "Travelling around Japan on a Couch", Chris O'Grady. AN EXHIBITION OF ART & JAZZ 20 - 26 March, Daily 10am 5pm (3pm close on the 26th), Dove Gallery, Winchcombe, GL54 5HT. Grand Evening Launch: 20 March, 5.30 8.30pm. Art by Jane Ware & Sue Jolley. Jazz merchandise & photos of Kim Cypher. MADE BY HAND CRAFT FAIR. 20 & 21, 10am - 5pm, 22 Feb, 10am - 4pm, Cheltenham Town Hall. Meet some of the UK’s finest designers and makers, incl. jewellers, potters, furniture makers, textile artists, glassmakers, woodworkers. Craft workshops, activities, stalls & more. WEIRD & WONDERFUL DRINK TASTING 20 March, 7.45pm, Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury £20pp, over 18s only. T: 01684 295074; www.rosetheatre.org CHELTENHAM ROCK, GEM & BEAD SHOW 21 & 22 March, Sat: 10am 5pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm, Cheltenham Racecourse Adults £5; Conc. £3; U16's free. No advance tickets.
Ample free parking. CHARITY CONCERT 21 March, 7.30pm, Tewkesbury Abbey. Glos Youth Orchestra, Glos Youth Choir & Glos Intermediate String Ensemble. With music by Dvořák, Wagner, Barber, Holst, Grieg & John Williams. Tickets: £10, U16’s £5 from The Abbey Shop/ 01684 856148. In support of Gloucestershire Young Carers. SCALLYWAGS COMEDY NIGHT 27 March, Doors 7pm, Show 8pm, Watson Hall, Barton Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PX.Jarred Christmas & Scott Bennett. www.facebook.com/ watsonhalltewkesbury WINCHCOMBE LIVE BLUES FESTIVAL 27 - 29 March, 8.15pm, The White Hart Inn, Winchcombe Fri: The Thomas Atlas Band (£12); Sat: The Achievers (£10). Plus 10 free acts. Tickets available from winchcombelive@gmail.com. In aid of a local charity. HISTORY TALK 28 March, 11am - 12pm, Old Baptist Chapel, off Church St, Tewkesbury, GL20 5RZ. ‘The amusements, games and sports of the Tudor and Stuart eras’. Adults £6, Conc. £4.50 Children £2. Ticket includes entry to John Moore Museum and The Merchant’s House. LIDO OPENING DAY 28 March, 11am - 7.30pm, Sandford Parks Lido,
Cheltenham. Celebrate the start of the Lido's 2020 season for only 2p per person. Fun-filled day for all the family! sandfordparkslido.org.uk CHELTENHAM BACH CHOIR 28 March, 7.30pm, Tewkesbury Abbey Rachmaninoff Vespers (All-Night Vigil). Tickets: £20, Students & children £5 unreserved - from The Abbey Shop or www.cheltbachchoir.com. CRESCENDO BIG BAND CONCERT 29 March, 3pm, Gupshill Manor, Gloucester Rd, Tewkesbury, GL20 5SY Tickets: £10 on door. www.crescendoband.co.uk LINC LUNCH CLUB 3 April, Flynn’s, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham. For
supporters of LINC. Guests welcome. To join, email Louise: l.adkins@nhs.net. CHARITY MUSIC & DANCE EVENING 4 April, 7pm - 11.15pm (doors open 6.40pm), Hatherley Manor Hotel, GL2 9QA. Live music, ballroom and bop, dance demonstration, charity raffle & disco. In aid for Maggie's. Tickets: £6 email info@finesteps.co.uk. CLEEVE CONCERTS 5 April, 7.30pm, Tithe Barn, Bishop’s Cleeve Nine Below Zero. Tickets: www.cleeveconcerts.com Page 29
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