Forest of Dean May15 by Love Local Magazines

FOREST OF DEAN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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May 2015

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LOCAL EVENTS Finance

Alternative Investments: Returns vs Risk

Martin Lewis Boost your savings

Going Potty for Summer Plants Estuary

Estuary Oils by Pippa Greenwood Your Leading Fuels & Lubricants Supplier

Oils

Andrew Mould

Blueboy Carpets Ltd

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From the Editor

TEW KESCH BUEL RYTE NHAM WINCHCOM BE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNIT Y MAGAZINE www.cheltenhamYOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZI NE magazine.co.uk May 2015 FREE www.tewkesburymagazin e.co.uk June 2015 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE LOCAL YOUR FREE !

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May must be one of my favourite months of the year, not only because the spring sunshine makes us all feel happier but also because we have not one but two Bank Holiday weekends this month.

LOCAL EVENTS Grow Your Own

by Pippa Greenwood

Home & Interiors

Martin Lewis - Debt

LOCAL EVENTS Grow Your Own

by Pippa Greenwood

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Leckhampton • Montpellmagazine distributed in Town Centre • Naunton ier • Tivoli • The Park • Bath Road Park • Sandford Park • 10,000 copies Pippa Greenwood

Also available to view

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Finance

Alternative Investments: Returns vs

Risk Local Events - Home & Interio rs - OnionEd’s Gardening by Blog - Martin Pippa Greenw Lewis ood - Puzzles - Local Busine sses

Martin Lew Boost your is saving

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There certainly is no shortage of events and attractions for you to spend some much needed time with the family here in the Forest and Wye Valley (see our events pages towards the back of the magazine). Enjoy it and make the most of those Bank Holidays because the next one isn’t until August and then Boxing Day!

Going Potty for Summer

Plants by PippEstuar y Oils a Gree nwood Your Leading

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Once again we would like to thank you for all your lovely feedback received on the Forest of Dean Magazine. Finally, we are proud to welcome Triangle Radio to the magazine and are happy to sponsor their What’s On Guide from this month onwards. Happy reading and listening,

Vicky Muller

- Editor

FOREST OF DEAN

YOUR LOCAL COM FREE

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

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INE

May 2015

INSIDE... LOCAL EVENTS

Finance

Alternative Inves Returns vs Risk tments:

Read The Online Editions Martin Lewis

Boost your sav

Blueboy Carpe ts Ltd

CARPETS, RUGS,

VINYL & WOOD

at excellent prices FLOORING

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Your Leading Fuels

& Lubricants Supplier

Oils

Andrew Mould

Managing Director

Mob: 0788 7777 752 Email: andrew@estuaryoil Web: www.estuaryoils.coms.com

Estuary Oils Caldicot: 01291 422 656 Cardiff: 02920

YourForest Leading Fuels

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of Dean: & Lubricants 01594 Supplier

Head Office:

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Unit 57D Symondscliffe Andrew Mould Way Severn Bridge Managing Director Ind Est, Caldicot, NP26 5PW Mob: 0788 7777 752 Email: andrew@estuaryoil Web: www.estuaryoils.coms.com Head Office:

Unit 57D Symondscliffe Way Severn Bridge Ind Est, Caldicot, NP26

Estuary Oils

Caldicot: 01291 422 656 Cardiff: 02920 887 973 Forest of Dean:

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Request list your online or call to yourIssue spaceofinForest Aug/Sept Magazine Call us today a toprice include business in book the June of Dean Magazine. Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers. Page 3

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Martin

LEWIS Use the savings fountain to boost your savings Savings rates are spit-worthily low; but it could get even worse as the UK base rate doesn't look likely to rise till late 2015 and 'swap rates' - which influence fixed saving rates - have plummeted recently. Yet there are weapons in a saver's arsenal - most don't use them, it’s time to change that. As an aside, before you start saving, do pay off any expensive debts, as they’re costing you more than saving will pay you. This is often true for mortgage too – read my full www.mse.me/mortgageoverpay guide to see if it’s worth it. My savings fountain is designed to maximise your interest on every penny of your cash. It works because different types of savings have different rules on how much you can put in and when. Think of it like a champagne fountain - put your cash into the bestpaying savings vehicle possible, then when that's full and overflowing, fill up the next best, and so on. The top tier... earn up to 5% easy-access via 'bank account' savings. Some bank accounts' in-credit rates now smash easy access savings accounts and ISAs. They're done as a loss leader to entice new banking customers - yet if you're prepared to switch account, you gain. Aim to cover as much as possible at decent rates. - Earn 3% AER on £3,000-£20,000: With the www.santander.co.uk 123 account. There's a £2/mth fee, but this is usually more than covered as it also pays cashback on bills. - Earn 4% AER on £4,000-£5,000: With the www.lloydsbank.com Club bank account. - Earn 5% AER for a year on £2,500: With the www.nationwide.co.uk FlexDirect account. - Earn 5% AER on up to £2,000: With the www.tsb.co.uk/ Classic Plus bank account. Next trickle into regular savings... save monthly to earn up to 6%. Regular savings accounts often pay high interest as it's only on a small amount for a short time. While the top rate's slightly more than bank accounts, because you need to put cash in each month, you'd need to trickle it across from your top savings account anyway - hence why it's second. - Bank linked 6% regular savings. If you’re a First Direct bank customer, it offers a linked regular savings

account at 6% AER fixed for a year - you need to put £25-£300 in per month and can vary that each month. The Lloyds current account has a similar linked account at 4%. - Anyone can earn 3.05%. The www.leedsbuildingsociety.co.uk Regular Saver pays 3.05% AER variable if you pay in £50 to £250 every month for a year. Got more? Pour it into a cash ISA 2.6% tax-free with access. Cash ISAs are just savings accounts where the interest isn't taxed (so you keep all of it). Anyone over 16 in the UK can put up to £15,000 in an ISA each tax year (6 April - 5 April) and once in, it stays tax -free year after year. With fixed-rate cash ISAs, unlike normal savings, you can access the cash within the term - though you'll lose some interest in penalties. Yet even if you withdraw early, these can still be winners. - Top fixed-rate cash ISA: www.coventrybuildingsociety.co.uk pays 2.6% AER fixed for four years, but you can withdraw by closing the account early and the penalty is just 120 days' interest. So withdraw after 1yr and you'd get 1.75%, after 2yrs 2.18% and after 3yrs 2.32%. This means as long as you keep cash in for 10 months, you'd earn more than the best easy access deal anyway. - Top fix for cash ISA transfers: All those that allow you to transfer old cash ISAs in as well as new money have heftier penalties. So here the aim should be to fix for a length you need. Top 1yr is www.postoffice.co.uk at 1.7% AER, 2yr is Barclays at 2.02% AER, 3yr is Virgin at 2.15% AER. - Need access to your cash, 1.55% easy access cash ISA. www.bmsavings.co.uk allows new money and lets you transfer in old cash ISAs, of its 1.55% AER variable interest 1.05% is a bonus for a year. See www.mse.me/ISAs for more ISA options Now consider locking cash away - earn 2.5% in fixed rate savings. If you've still money, next consider whether you're prepared to lock it away without access - if so, you can fix with a locked-in rate that's usually higher.

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Triangle Radio

very best to attend as many local events as possible to get ourselves known around the Triangle Forest. We have already attended Radio is the Coleford Carnival of Transport the only community and broadcast live from the radio station event. The relationship with the Carnival has now blossomed into aimed solely at the Forest of Dean. a partnership and we hope to be Triangle Radio is a not-for-profit actively involved again next year. project which means all money We covered the recent election raised is invested back into keeping hustings held at St Stephens the station going. The whole team at Church in Cinderford, broadcast Triangle Radio are volunteers from the HOOF event live from the the local community. We launched Forest Theatre on the 22nd April softly in July 2014 which enabled us and we compered the arena to get off the ground and provide space at the Forest Activities programming which we are proud of. Festival on the 26th April. We have This year we are doing our a presence at Proms in the Park

in June and Wollaston Carnival is also confirmed in the summer. If you have an event you would like us to include in our on-air “What’s on Guide” or if you would like Triangle Radio to attend your event, please email ryan@ triangleradio.co.uk or simply message us on Facebook. Over the coming editions, you can meet some of our volunteers. Triangle Radio is available online at Triangleradio.co.uk, via our own free app on the Google play store or via the Tune in radio app.

Written by Ryan Davies, Controller. Friday 08:00: Breakfast with Daren 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 17:00: The Forest Weekly 19:00: The Global House Party 20:00: The Weekend Vibe with Ryan 22:00: House Central 23:00: Bass And Breaks Saturday

PROGRAMME

Wednesday 08:00: Breakfast with Daren 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 18:00: Soft Rock & Acoustic Sessions with Clive (Rpt) 20:00: The Blues Hour 21:00: Blues Hour Xtra 22:00: The Triangle Chart Show (Rpt)

08:00: Saturday Breakfast with Daren 10:00: The Daytime Shuffle 11:00: The Triangle Chart Show 13:00: The Daytime Shuffle 19:00: Saturday Night Party with Dan 20:00: The Weekend Vibe Saturday Session 21:00: Electrik Playground with Andi Durrant 23:00: Triangle Radio Guest Mix

Tuesday 08:00: Breakfast with Daren 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 18:00: Daytime Shuffle with Dan 19:00: Manda’s C60 Mix Tape (rpt) 20:00: Chris Arscott’s Folk 21:00: Mostly Summer with Phil Meek 22:00: Daren’s All 80’s (rpt)

Thursday 08:00: Breakfast with Daren 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 18:00: Chris Arscott’s Folk (Rpt) 19:00: The Blues Hour 20:00: Best of British Unsigned 21:00: Encyclopedia of Rock with Trevor Howard 22:00: Q-Burn (Rpt)

Sunday 08:00: The Daytime Shuffle 10:00: Check in with Cat 12:00: Mellow Moments 14:00: The Daytime Shuffle 16:00: Manda’s C60 Mix tape 17:00: The Soft Rock and Acoustic Sessions. 19:00: The Elbum Show 21:00: The Chill Factor 23:00: The Nighttime Shuffle

Monday 08:00: Breakfast with Daren 10:00: Daytime Shuffle with Clive 13:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ian 16:00: Daytime Shuffle with Ryan 18:00: Forest Sport 19:00: Q-Burn with Peter Anthony 21:00: Daren’s All 80’s 22:00: The Elbum Show with Phil Meek (Rpt)

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Dining Out They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but there is if you’re willing to do a little digging for it, and sometimes that means literally. If you’ve ever fancied foraging, growing your own grub or even becoming totally self-sufficient then this could be the book selection for you. If not, then you could just toss the page into a nice salad, and eat that instead! Wild Food: A Complete Guide for Foragers - Roger Phillips A leading expert on food foraging, Philips hasn’t managed to kill himself with a dodgy mushroom yet (and he’s been doing it for decades) so it’s a safe bet that what he says, goes. In this easy-to-identify guide to the edible plants found in our woodlands and hedgerows, he even throws in some recipes for good measure. If you’re just thinking, ‘nettle soup’ then you’ll be disappointed, because Roger’s recipes are delicious. You’ll never need to buy a bag of salad again. The Hedgerow Cookbook: 100 Delicious Recipes for Wild Food - Ginny Knox and Caro Willson If you can pick more than you can eat on the spot, standing next to a hedge in the sunshine, then this is the book for you. It’s all very well taking home all those delicious (free!) berries, but if you don’t know what to then do with them all you’ll end up with are more unidentified bags of somethingor-other in the bottom of your freezer. This book is all about turning your own mini-harvest into a feast. Instead of jam, why not try ‘fruit leather’ or how about making a flavoured cheese, or cordial or even booze?! You’re only really limited by how many blackberries, sloes, rosehips and wild garlic bulbs you can find, so it’s really worth getting out and taking advantage of nature’s bounty.

Practical Self Sufficiency Dick Strawbridge and James Strawbridge You might recognise father and son team Dick and James from the television. You’d at least remember Dick’s moustache if you’ve ever caught their programme ‘It’s Not Easy Being Green’. The Strawbridge family double-act are all for making small changes that can transform the way we exist on this planet. There are top tips for reducing your carbon footprint, excellent advice on how to lower your household bills and even how to build a wormery. It’s great fun to read and if it doesn’t help you at all then you can at least buy it in hardback, and use it as a shelter. The Self Sufficient-ish Bible - Andy and Dave Hamilton For anyone who always has good intentions but for whom the idea of living the ‘Good Life’ is a little bit on the extreme side, then twin brothers Andy and Dave are the boys for you. They’re realistic in their approach to living a more green and organic lifestyle, appreciating that most of us are just looking for some ideas for becoming a little more self-reliant and not up for doing a total ‘Tom and Barbara’. They have a refreshing and fun approach to recycling, growing your own produce and making sure your home is more energy efficient. It’s not at all preachy, and with small suggestions it could definitely help to improve your life and outlook,

without the need for a total, intimidating overhaul. The Moneyless Man: A Year of Freeconomic Living - Mark Boyle Former businessman Mark Boyle swapped his suit for a pair of jeans and some rubber gloves and vowed to live for an entire year without spending a penny. He knew that it wasn’t going to be pretty, but his journey through bad hygiene, scavenging and living a truly frugal existence is fascinating. Dabbling in selfsufficiency wasn’t for Boyle and his approach is extreme to say the very least. He’s gone totally ‘off the grid’ and, according to his friends and family, he may also have gone off his rocker. Whether you could adopt his philosophy or not, it’s a compelling idea and one that will make you question how you live and what’s important. Food For Free - Richard Mabey If you want fast food, or at least a meal on the run, then you should carry this handy little guide around with you. It’s the ideal companion for the country lady or gent who fancies a snack on the move but has forgotten to pack the cheese and pickle sandwiches. There are details of over 100 edible plants, with clear illustrations and some interesting facts on how they’ve been used across the ages. It also talks you through the rules and regulations so that you don’t start munching on protected wild orchids by mistake.

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Going Potty for Summer Plants by Pippa Greenwood Summer bedding plants are everywhere at this time of year and as soon as conditions are reliable enough, you can plant them out in your garden to create a wonderful, colourful display to last the whole summer long. I am a great fan of hanging baskets, window boxes and patio containers, but this year why not ring the changes and also include some unusual containers and planters to bring a different look or even a bit of humour to your garden? You can use almost anything as a planter, so keep an open mind before you chuck anything in the bin or skip. I have seen some really crazy plantings in disused hand basins, loo cisterns or even the lavatory itself! Provided there is adequate drainage in the base of the container, it should work well. If you are using something like a hand basin which only has one plug hole in the bottom, make sure that you cover it with pieces of broken crock and then perhaps put an inch or two of coarse gravel in the bottom of the container before you put the compost in as this should help to Page 10

make sure that the drainage hole does not become blocked. But if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like the idea of bringing your loo or bathroom out into the garden, there are plenty of other normal household objects which can be used as useful planters without necessarily making your neighbours think you have gone completely crazy. How about that old watering can thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sprung a leak or has a loose handle? Whether you have a traditional galvanised can or a more modern plastic one, you can have great fun planting it up with bedding, particularly if you choose something like trailing blue lobelia to come spurting out of the top and perhaps even the end. Buckets, too, can look really good fun and if you have one which still has its handle firmly attached, then you could use it as a hanging basket. Plastic buckets can have holes drilled or melted in the base and similarly you can use a sturdy nail to make holes in the base of a metal bucket. Old footwear with a bit of

character can be turned into planting with real flair. If you use old gardening boots or a pair of shoes, you are unlikely to need to add extra drainage as they invariably drain well. But if you are going to recycle a pair of wellies, then you may need to add a bit of extra drainage unless they have quite a lot of damage on their soles. Again, cascading plants can look particularly dramatic, but a bunch of bright red geraniums or the spiky hedgehog-like foliage of a bright green or variegated grass can look particularly handsome appearing out of some discarded footwear. What about a beaten up old handbag? If you choose one with several compartments, you can even have sectional planting and if you have one with a handle, it too can be suspended from a pergola or wall and used rather like a hanging basket. See if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anything in your kitchen cupboards that could be recycled and put to better use in the garden. An old saucepan, casserole pot or even a mixing bowl or jug can make an attractive planter, but again you will

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have to make sure that there is sufficient drainage. If the container is large and there are no drainage holes in it, then the other option is to plant it up as a mini bog garden and use moisture-loving plants in it such as hostas or pond-side irises. Colanders or sieves also make interesting and unusual hanging baskets and have the advantage of holes that are generally so small that you need not even use a liner. You can simply concentrate on planting one or two upright specimens in the centre of the colander and then using plenty of trailing plants around the edge and allowing them to cascade down. Provided you have time to keep them well watered, you could even create your own living tea set

with an old sizeable teapot and some large mugs full of favourite summer bedding. Larger items such as old wheelbarrows or chimney pots may not be the sort of thing you have lying around your own garden, but you can often pick these up very cheaply from a local salvage or junk yard or perhaps even from a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden. Something like a wheelbarrow gives a huge planting area and because it holds such a large volume of compost, it will also mean that you need not be quite so concerned about watering, as it will be less inclined to dry out.

the garden centre. As I mention, drainage is of great importance, but when it comes to choosing a compost and the plants themselves, you need nothing any different from when you are planting up a more traditional container and believe me you can have a lot more fun! Visit Pippaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website www. pippagreenwood.com for ladybirds to control greenfly, Nemaslug, brilliant weeders, pop-up crop covers, copper tape and lots more besides.

All these containers can be treated in just the same way as a container that you have bought from

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‘Your Energy is our Business’ Email: Info@glevumheating.co.uk

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Auction Anecdote Smiths recent antique sale on the 17th April was an eventful day for a number of reasons. Firstly we were re-visited by the Antiques Road Trip and so the cameras were rolling during parts of the sale whilst items entered for sale by experts Phillip Serrell and Natasha Raskin were offered under the hammer.The camera crew, Natasha and Phillip were all charming and made the whole event entertaining and fun.

Monthly Sales of Antiques & Collectables

Edwardian diamond ring Sold £1000

J F Spohler - oil Sold £4,600

Fri 15th May at 10am

Elsewhere in the sale though there was also alot of with Silver & Jewellery Section action with top price of the day being £2,600 paid by a commission bidder for a charming ‘apprentice piece’ miniature chest of drawers. Other items which performed well included a range of interesting collectables with Painting Section as well as jewellery, stamps and postcards. However I thought I would talk about the sale of a very familiar All sales includes furniture, and popular antique in the form of a 19th century cuckoo clock. The example for sale at Smiths was of course made in the Black pictures, ceramics, glass, silver, Forrest area of Germany and featured a highly decorative case jewellery & collectables carved with vines, fruit and flowers.The clock created a great deal of interest despite having no hands (obviously a minor detail Viewing Thursday prior for collectors) – the interest mainly being caused by it having a superior eight day fusee movement making it far more reliable 10am-7pm and morning of sale and accurate than many more ordinary clocks of this type. The clock came from a large house clearance just outsideWells Entries Invited for our June Sale which included a number of good 19th, 21st, 26th & 28th May quality antique collectables such as musical boxes and barometers.The 10am-3pm or by appointment – eventual purchaser was a collector House visits for larger from California who emailed the saleroom to express his ‘excitement consignments at having booked a telephone line’ for the lot. On the day he had For all enquiries please telephone competition from all directions – 01531 821776 or see our website on the internet, in the room and on the other telephone line - but he won out in the end at £720. Live on-line bidding and Smiths next sale is on the 15th May and includes a catalogues online at special section for jewellery and silver.Viewing is on the 14th May 10am-7pm and the fully illustrated catalogue is available at www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk - Written by Rita Kearsey Manager of Smiths Auction Room at Newent Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers. Page 17

Fri 19th June at 10am

www.smithsnewentauctions.co.uk

Roger Bannister: The Man behind the Mile By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk 6th May 2015 marks the 61st anniversary of Roger Bannister’s ‘four minute mile’. But the last year’s anniversary interviews and publication of his autobiography, Twin Tracks, revealed that the man behind the mile doesn’t want to be remembered solely for his record-breaking achievement. Testing Times Bannister had enjoyed running at school and chose to study medicine at Oxford because of its record for “creating [runners] who managed to reach the Olympics and... lead full academic and social lives.” He ran 4:52 in the freshman’s mile and competed abroad, delaying his medical exams. But he wanted time for other interests. “I must be the international athlete who trained least,” admits Bannister. He only did “the minimum amount of training [necessary] to improve,” and this attracted criticism. Bannister found competing stressful and avoided competitions as the 1952 Olympics approached, saving himself for Helsinki. “Running was only my secondary interest and I could not afford to spend another four years jeopardising my medical future with this exciting distraction.” However, his training hadn’t prepared him for 1500m heats, semi-finals and a final on consecutive days. His fourth place was a “shattering blow”.

Page 18

The Four Minute Mile Undeterred, Bannister focussed on the four minute mile. A 4:03.6 British-record-breaking run proved “that the four-minute mile was not out of reach,” and desperate to achieve it before his chief rival, John Landy, he named the day: 6th May 1954. At the Iffley Road track Bannister ran the mile in 3:59.4 seconds, becoming an overnight sensation. Landy broke his record 46 days later, but Bannister beat him at the Commonwealth Games. He retired on a 1500m win at the European Championships, running 3:43.8 – which would have won gold at Helsinki. Changing Track “My whole life was medicine. I wanted to become a specialist.” Bannister believed neurology offered the chance to demonstrate “kindness and effectiveness in dealing with patients and clinical problems.” Some fellow professionals doubted his commitment though. “How can Bannister, a mere athlete, probably spoilt... aspire to neurology?” But he let his work speak for him. He focussed on the autonomic nervous system, and founded the Clinical Autonomic Research Society in 1982. He and his colleagues made a host of significant discoveries in autonomic failure, identifying rare disorders, and he has said he would rather be remembered

for this work than for his mile. Giving Something Back Chairmanship of the independent Sports Council gave Bannister the chance “to use the experience of both my sports and medical careers; my twin tracks.” He campaigned for random drug-testing and arranged development of a sensitive urinary test for anabolic steroids. “That’s up there with anything I did on the track,” he insists. Meanwhile his successful ‘Sport for All’ campaign encouraged greater sporting participation and access, with the number of multipurpose sports centres rising from 4 to 400. He also chaired the International Council of Sport and Physical Education improving international sporting relations and reducing ethnic and social divisions. A Worthy Legacy Bannister’s work with the Sports Council laid the foundations for the successful 2012 Olympics and he is rightly proud of all his achievements, but he carried the Olympic torch at the scene of his magic mile (now Bannister Stadium) and acknowledges the fame and opportunity the achievement brought him. So perhaps his legacy is inspiration; to not only set goals, but be prepared to adapt them, and pursue more than one. It’s rather humbling. Evening class, anyone? Image: Iffley Road Track, Oxford - blue plaque by Jonathan Bowen.

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Page 19

Book your taxi!

01594 510 810

enquiry@severnsidetaxis.co.uk

PENNY KAVALLARES

01594 846 297

We do airport transfers

Osteopathy For All Penny has over 28 years experience as an osteopath and treats a wide age group of people, from the new born to the very elderly and people from all walks of life e.g.manual or office workers, sports players, pregnant women.

Friendly reliable service - Available 24/7 Covering Severnside & the Forest of Dean

E E I C R P You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

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Claremont House, High Street, Lydney, GL15 5DX

Lydbrook Band presents

“PROMS IN THE PARK”

at THE SPEECH HOUSE Saturday 20th June2015 Celebrating GREAT

BRITISH EVENTS

SUPPORTING GREAT OAKS HOSPICE & THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Bring your picnics and enjoy: Coleford Community Choir, Cotswold Big Band, Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir, X-entricity (Jersey Boys), Lydbrook Band & Training Band, Sealed Knot Battle Re-enactment, Firework Finale

Tickets: £10.00 (Under 16s Free) Available from Great Oaks Hospice & Shops Central Stores, Lydbrook online at www.lydbrookband.co.uk/proms or call Barbara Morgan: 01594 860944 for tickets and/or Gazebo Plots @ £20.00 Page 20

To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

3L ere ice ire per pie ree rei

This Recipe is brought to you by Marian Buckmaster from Occasionally Tea & Plenty of Cake Forest of Dean

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Rhubarb, Rhubarb, Rhubarb... Nothing gets my taste buds going more than the anticipation of eating a home baked cake made with fresh fruit from the garden and this time of year a real favourite, forced rhubarb. I can smell the melting butter and sugar already... sweet vanilla and buttery aroma, mmmm. I have 3 rhubarb forcers on the go. One has been cohabited by some slugs, and they are being dealt with, but the other 2 are fair to middling in the delicate pink stems range. So this week it is going to be my first deep rhubarb streusel cake of the year made with freshly picked forced rhubarb. It’s my favourite recipe for fresh fruit, it is useable for the best part of spring right through to winter and, because it’s my birthday this Friday I am going to share this well used and happily eaten recipe with you all.

First heat oven to 190°C (170°C fan oven) Ingredients gas mk 5. Place the flour, ground almonds, caster sugar and lemon zest into bowl of food processor. Blitz together. Add the chilled butter For a 23cm springform cake tin you will need: and reduce to crumbs (DO NOT overbeat as it may stick together like a dough). Press half 300g plain flour the mixture into the base of the cake tin; cover 150g ground almonds this with all the rhubarb then top with the 150g caster sugar remainder of the crumb mixture. The crumb finely grated zest of 1 lemon mixture should at least come up as high as the 300g unsalted butter, diced rim but if it is higher, don’t worry... it will sink and chilled during baking (which is why I always pack it 6 sticks of forced rhubarb with rhubarb). Bake for an hour or until golden (or as much as you like to brown on the top, crisp, and the juices are fill the cake) bubbling out. Cool the cake then release the cake and place on a plate (this is where it is a good idea to losen the rim of the cake with a sharp knife before releasing the spring). The cake may not come off the base in one piece so leave it on the base. Dust with icing sugar, serve with cream. Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 21

PETS Why a Luxurious Bed is Important for your Elderly Dog A comfortable place to rest their head, extra support for arthritic bones and a little extra TLC - dogs need all of these things as they grow old. You can make their twilight years a happy time for both of you simply by being aware of the issues they face, and what you can do to help. An orthopaedic bed with a memory foam mattress will support their joints by moulding itself around them, helping with blood circulation and providing a comfortable place to rest. Problems such as hip dysplasia often show themselves in middle age, so even if you don’t consider your dog to be elderly, it may be worthwhile investing in this type of bed. What types of luxury beds are there? Self-heating Metallised insulation is placed below the lining, and radiates heat. Covered with a sheepskin or fleece outer layer, this would have therapeutic benefits particularly if your house is draughty. Elevated On the theme of draughty houses an elevated bed keeps your dog away from a cold floor, and is available in a range of sizes.

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Luxury materials One of the most important considerations is the material used to make the bed and mattress. You can buy alpaca fibre and soft fleece fillings, but it’s also important to think about practicality, so zip-off covers should be a priority to maintain hygiene. A luxurious place to sleep is important for dogs of all ages, but particularly so for those in their later years. By Ann Haldon

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Page 22

To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

PTO 4 NEW LE ON TI PROTEC G O IN ALL D NS IO AT VACCIN

Have you heard about our NEW

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Our vaccination prices are up to 70% lower than local vets. Check our prices below to see how much you can save. We offer a friendly, quality service with a dedicated qualified team at the Sundean Veterinary Clinic. Please pop in for a visit. We’d love to meet you and your pet.

Vaccination Local Vet Price* Sundean Price

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Page 23

Voted the best of the best… We’ve been voted best in the region for customer satisfaction - again! That’s 6 years running

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CONSER VATORIES ● SUN LOUNGES ● WINDOWS ● DOORS To advertise call 07939&802 384 or 01594 806●555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk FASCIA GUTTERING GLASS CENTRE

Golden Years Memories of 50 Years Ago by Ted Bruning

By curious coincidence this month’s General Election falls on the 50th anniversary of another such, whose dire consequences are still with us today. In 1963 the short-lived Central African Federation was dissolved so that its constituent countries – Northern and Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland – could be granted independence. A precondition was the acceptance of universal suffrage, to which the Europeans in Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia grudgingly assented. They became independent as Malawi and Zambia respectively in July and October 1964. The Southern Rhodesians, though, weren’t playing. Many of them were newcomers from other parts of the Empire: they had fled majority rule once and they weren’t about to do it again. Despite being warned against it by the newly-elected British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, in November 1964 they held a referendum and overwhelmingly voted for a Unilateral

Declaration of Independence on their own terms – which included the perpetuation of minority rule. In the election of 7th May 1965 Ian Smith’s Rhodesia Front won a landslide, taking 50 of the legislature’s 65 seats. But only 100,000-odd of the country’s 5,000,000 people were allowed to vote, and 90,000 of those were European. Six months later Rhodesia issued its UDI. The Governor, Sir Humphrey Gibbs, told Smith it was invalid. Smith told Sir Humphrey – politely, as they were old friends – where he could shove it. Sir Humphrey retired in a huff to Government House, where he remained in magnificent isolation until Rhodesia declared itself a republic four years later. The world piled in on Rhodesia. Britain froze its overseas assets and imposed trade restrictions. The UN declared an arms and oil embargo. Canada, India, Sri Lanka, West Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Israel, Japan, Turkey, Australia – nobody would recognise the new state. Meanwhile the Russians and Chinese armed the military wings of the banned African parties, ZANU and ZAPU, unleashing a decadelong bush war that cost more

Skateboarding is a thrilling and glorious spectacle (when done well); and on 22nd of this month it celebrates its golden anniversary as a televised sport. That was the day of the inaugural US national skateboarding championship, held in Anaheim, California. It was known then as “sidewalk surfing”, and the first commercial skateboards were actually made by surfboard manufacturers.

than 20,000 lives. The backing of South Africa and sanctions-busting by Western supporters allowed Rhodesia to survive for 14 years. But although its military won almost every encounter they had with the guerrillas – and, often, with the Zambian army – the economic position was untenable. In 1979 Rhodesia caved in and allowed a free election in which Bishop Abel Muzorewa’s United African National Congress won a slim majority. There was a ceasefire; sanctions were lifted; Britain finally and officially lowered the Union Flag. The first postindependence election was held in February 1980; Robert Mugabe’s ZANU won and... well, you know the rest. One can’t help asking what might have happened if the Southern Rhodesian settlers, like the Europeans in Northern Rhodesia, had called a one-man-one-vote election in 1965? Out of fear and suspicion, though, they chose defiance, isolation, and war over democracy, openness, and trust. They controlled the economy, the civil service, the judiciary, the armed forces – and by refusing to give an inch, they lost the lot.

Happy 50th birthdays to Rob Brydon (3rd), Linda Evangelista (10th), Jeremy Vine (17th), and Brooke Shields (31st). Cake and botox to you all!

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Page 25

HOOF - Hands Off Our Forest The Forest of Dean is under threat as never before.

Government plans to sell it off will limit access and destroy centuries of tradition. The mixed broad-leaf and conifer woodlands, so well managed by the Forestry Commission as an amenity for all, will be ruined. HOOF aims to keep the Forest as it is – publicly owned and publicly run by the Forestry Commission. The strategy is that government should respect the 1981 Act regarding the Forest of Dean and give it, and the other Heritage Forests, full protection from disposal. HOOF believe that ownership by charitable trusts or private companies is both impractical and a road to ruin. HOOF already has a number of high profile celebrities on its side. Well known supporters include: Bill Bryson, acclaimed travel writer and President of The Campaign to Protect Rural England; environmentalist and advisor to Prince Charles, Jonathon Porrit; the actor Richard Wilson, best known as Victor Meldrew; The Bishop of Gloucester; The botanist and environmentalist David Bellamy; and Lord Denis Healey. For more information visit: www.handsoffourforest.org

A mural on the wall of The Miners Arms Restaurant & Freehouse in Whitecroft promotes the campaign

Charity begins at the White Hart Inn Ruspidge The White Hart Inn at Ruspidge organised a successful charity ‘Pig Racing’ night on behalf of the Dementia UK Admiral Nurses on Friday 3rd April. The event raised £113 on behalf of the charity and provided an excuse to have a night at the races cheering on your selected pink fluffy pig to the winning line while raising money for this very worthwhile charity. Marston’s Brewery, Alan and Gaye..., Otter Brewery and the White Hart Management all, very kindly, sponsored races and those joining the event had a very exciting evening. Page 26

To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

FOREST

ACTIVITIES

FESTIVAL

Forest Activities Festival is once again a major success Hundreds of people once again flocked to the recent event which took part on the grounds of the Speech House Hotel. The day was a tremendous success with families enjoying taking part in outdoor pursuits such as Bush Craft, Artspace, Trapeze and Circus Skills. Local community radio station Triangle Radio (www.triangleradio. co.uk) were also there broadcasting a three hour show live on the day.

Triangle line up left to right: Daren Green, Amanda Cox, Ryan Davies, Chris Arscott, Dan Green, Martin Harrison & Roger Thorne.

Other attractions and events on the day included Birds of Prey demonstartions, Cookery demonstrations, golf and even a dog show! Thank you to everyone who attended - we are already looking forward to next year's Festival!

A Fun Family Day Out in the Forest of Dean

Showcasing the areas best activities

Sunday 26th April 2015 10am - 5pm Adults £2, Children £1 The Speech House Hotel GL16 7EL

forestactivitiesfestival.co.uk

Displays, demonstrations ‘have a go’ sessions. Archery, Segways, Bushcraft, Circus Skills, Rugby,Rocket Science, Golf, Den Building, Cycling & More

ARTS & CRAFTS-MUSIC-LOCAL FOOD-DOG SHOW-ARENA

Circus Skills

Winner of dog who judge would like most to take home Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Picture tweeted by @AdrianLJames Page 27

Make your

HOLIDAY last forever

W hy l e ave t h o s e h o l i d ay photographs on your mobile phone or camera when you can make them into everlasting memories. With a photo album, photo book, canvas print or framed print youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to share your holiday experiences with family and friends for many years to come. At Kodak Express in Ross-on-Wye weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve a range of contemporary and traditional ways to display your holiday photographs and show them off to their best. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help.

Express

Ross-on-Wye Gloucester Road Ross-on-Wye HR9 5BS Tel: 01989 768316 kodak-express.co.uk Page 28

To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

Should It Be Home Or Away For Grandparents? by Kate McLelland If you’ve ever watched TV programmes such as “Escape to the Country” or “A Place in the Sun: Home or Away”, you’ll appreciate the dilemma. Each week these shows focus on couples who dream of making a new start in life, either by moving to a different part of Britain or emigrating to a new country altogether. In many cases the show’s subjects are older couples. The show takes them to their dream location and follows them as they seek advice on property from a real estate professional. At the start of each programme we learn something about their lives then eavesdrop as they explore various houses. But as soon as the door closes on the final viewing, the TV presenter’s expression changes from light-hearted to deadly serious: it’s decision time. This is often a moment of mixed emotions, particularly if the couple is concerned about leaving grandchildren behind. For all their excitement and anticipation there’s often a trace of regret - even guilt - behind the smiles.

grandparents understand how quickly children grow up. While you can always come back for important events such as sports days and the Christmas nativity play, missing out on the small, everyday things may be difficult. It’s also possible that your children depend on you to provide regular, unpaid childcare services while they work. In those circumstances your move away may have significant economic implications for the family. But is it right that grandparents, who may have struggled to bring up their own children, should now feel trapped by a sense of obligation to the next generation? Jules and Gareth Bowman from Essex were faced with that difficult question when they retired.

It’s a tough dilemma that many of today’s grandparents face: should they move, or stay?

“We had always dreamed of living in the country but my job kept us in town,” says Gareth. “Retirement brought the chance to move but our daughter Ellie worked full time and relied on us for childcare. Although we didn’t want to let the family down, Jules suffers from ill-health and we felt we only had a few good years left.”

Having been through parenthood themselves,

The Bowmans finally confided their feelings to their daughter

and son-in-law.

“I don’t think they’d ever considered that we might want to live somewhere else. Ellie spoke to her boss, who let her work flexi-time, and she found a good créche for the holidays. The move has been good for us and the family enjoy coming to visit.” The Bowmans were lucky that their family could adapt to changing circumstances, but what works for one family may not work for another: other grandparents have felt there is no alternative but to continue offering support. It seems counter-intuitive, but sometimes relocation can work better for everyone involved. Without the stresses and strains of close-up living, family visits become more like holidays, celebrated with lots of outings and treats, while Skype calls via a webcam help to bridge the gaps between visits. Although it may help to discuss future plans with your children, ultimately it’s up to you to decide on the best long-term solution for your health and happiness. But however you choose to go forward, one thing is certain: real life decisions are more complex and challenging than they appear on those reality TV shows!

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 29

Litter Prevention: Competition Launched Youngsters living in the Forest of Dean are being invited to take part in a competition to decorate four of the district’s street cleansing vehicles. The competition, launched this week by the Joint Waste Team based at the District Council in Coleford and waste contractor Biffa, aims to encourage people of all ages to think about the problems of littering and flytipping in the district.

Young people will be asked to design a poster, with the four best designs - one from each age category - being recreated on the vehicle sides.

cleansing crew clear up litter and rubbish which accumulates in our town centres and across the district on a daily basis. In the past three months alone the crews have removed 1,400 black sacks of litter having cleaned 220 miles of roadside verges. Most litter is totally avoidable so we should all take responsibility to either take our rubbish home or find a bin and dispose of it responsibly.”

Rachel Capon, Joint Waste Team Leader at Coleford said: “We live in such a beautiful place yet we are seeing more and more litter in the Forest and on our streets. Littering is anti-social and the rubbish left behind is not only James Walker, Biffa’s manager at unsightly but damaging to wildlife Cinderford said: “We hope this and tourism to the area.” competition will raise awareness of the problem particularly amongst She continued: “The street younger people and we will be inviting our local schools to get involved too. We are hoping for some really bright and colourful entries and look forward to the winning designs appearing on the trucks later in the year.” The competition is open to children who live in the Forest of Dean and who are currently in primary education (key stage 2) or secondary education (key stage 3 and key stage 4). The Competition Criteria and Rules is available on the Forest of Dean District Council’s website www.fdean.gov.uk, by emailing recycling@fdean.gov.uk or by calling the customer services team on 01594 810000.

The Bristol Grandparents Support Group is a national charity that covers all of the UK and beyond. It is estimated that over one million children in the UK are denied contact with their grandparents due Page 30

to family breakdown. Family breakdown can occur for a variety of reasons - it can be as a result of separation or divorce, drug and alcohol dependancy, domestic violence within the home, bereavement or a family feud. As a result of losing contact myself I, Jane, have founded the Bristol Grandparents

Support Group which offers support over the phone, via email, Skype and in regular meetings. Grandparents need to know they are not alone and that we are here to support them! For more information visit: www.bristolgrandparents supportgroup.co.uk

To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET Excellent: 50 or more words Good: 45 words Fair: 38 words

I E

(With mobile studio)

PORTRAITS

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

LOCAL FREELANCE Crystal Flame Photography PHOTOGRAPHER

WEDDINGS

R P

Imaginative and Relaxed Photography

Packages from ÂŁ100 to ÂŁ800

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

We are an established Gloucestershire company whose aim is to help you make some of the most important choices in retirement as simple as possible. We provide a professional home based service offering advice on Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney, Funeral Plans and assistance with Personal Taxation and Probate.

If you need specialist advice, such as Financial Planning and Equity Release we have links with trusted local professionals so call us today to discuss how we can help you.

T 01452-813145 or 01452-412067 E enquiries@tl-ls.co.uk W www.tl-ls.co.uk Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Page 31

Cake and Bake Chocolate Fondant Puddings These divine puds have a wonderful molten chocolate centre which oozes out as you cut into them. Take care not to overcook them and serve immediately otherwise the liquid centres will start to set. Serve with a dollop of tangy crème fraiche or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!

Ingredients: • 100g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing • 100g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling • 100g good quality dark chocolate, broken into pieces • 2 large eggs • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 20g plain flour • Mint sprigs, to decorate • Few strawberries and chocolate shavings, to serve

Serves 4 Ready in 35 mins Page 32

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/Gas 6. Lightly grease 4 x 175ml capacity individual pudding basins with the extra softened butter and sprinkle with the extra caster sugar. Place on a baking tray. 2. Place the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water and leave until melted. Remove from the heat and stir until smooth. Leave to cool for about 5 minutes. 3. Place the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and flour in a bowl and, using a hand-held electric whisk, beat together until smooth and creamy. Fold in the cooled chocolate mixture and pour into the prepared pudding basins. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the puddings are risen, puffy and just set on the outside- they should have a slight wobble and still be runny inside. 5. Leave for a few seconds then turn the puddings out onto serving plates. Decorate with mint sprigs and serve with the strawberries and chocolate shavings.

TIP

If you don’t have individual pudding basins then use small ovenproof ramekin dishes instead.

To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

FRED – Forest Read Easy Deal There are many adults in our community who experience a hidden disadvantage that is rarely spoken about – those adults who find reading difficult.

For various reasons, thousands of adults in this country struggle with reading. Imagine never being able to read your child a bedtime story, follow the instructions on a packet of tablets or understand street signs. Poor reading skills exclude people in so many ways and can have a negative impact on their lives, affecting job prospects, personal relationships and self-esteem. Help is at hand for adults in the Forest of Dean. FRED – Forest Read Easy Deal – is an awardwinning Forest-based charity that provides FREE, confidential, one-to-one reading coaching to adults. Trained reading coaches are matched with learners and because the training is one-to-one, learners can progress easily at their own pace. FRED is flexible too, using various resources to suit the learner’s needs. Typically, learners and coaches meet for two thirty minute sessions each week at a place that suits them both.

FRED is FREE!

FRED learners are delighted with their progress and the huge difference it has made to their lives. This is what some of our learners said about FRED: “I had tried learning to read before but having one-to-one help really made a difference” FRED learner aged 56. “Since learning to read with FRED my confidence has really improved” FRED learner aged 34.

“I was very nervous when I went to my first session but I soon felt comfortable and liked the venue where we met. I was able to borrow books from the library and could take worksheets home to do which gave me practice in between sessions” FRED learner aged 21. If you know an adult who would like to improve their reading, please tell them about FRED.

More information can be found on the FRED website “I would certainly www.forestreadeasydeal.org.uk recommend FRED to anyone To contact FRED call who finds reading difficult” 07746371353 or email FRED learner aged 70. info@forestreadeasydeal.org.uk “I was really pleased to be able to read a proper book. I am much more confident in reading online and try to read notices and other things when I’m walking around. For the first time I was able to read labels on Christmas presents which was great. I am also writing impressive text messages now!” FRED learner aged 38.

The Great British Tennis Weekend 2015 Get outdoors and try tennis for free!

Lydney Tennis Club will be hosting a Great British Tennis Weekend on the 16th & 17th May 2015.

It will be a great opportunity for the whole family to play tennis. Free coaching sessions and free Cardio Tennis will be offered as well as free social play sessions.

Open to everyone, regardless of ability. It will be a great place to learn and meet fellow players of all ages and abilities. If it’s something that you’re interested in, discounted membership will also be on offer if you sign up as a member on the Great British Tennis Weekend. More information can be found on the LTA website, search for

Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers.

Great British Tennis Weekend Lydney and you’ll see details of our programme. Alternatively, please see website lydneytennisclub. net or the facebook page for details of what’s on offer and to book your place on the coaching sessions.

Page 33

Join Adam Henson and Ellie Harrison for the 2015 CHELTENHAM CHALLENGE

SUNDAY 21st JUNE 2015 All standards welcome 5k, 5k Wheelchair Race, 10k, Half, Full & Ultra Marathon Kindly sponsored by

Event organised by

Support CCP, or one of our other charity partners:

National Star

/CheltChallenge

To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

Forest of Dean Walking for Health Forest of Dean Walking for Health

Level 1 -‐ easy walking on mainly flat surfaces. Level 2 -‐ walks may have some rough surfaces and gentle slopes. Level 3 -‐ longer walks with some uneven, sloping or rough pathways. Level 1 -‐ easy walking on mainly flat surfaces. 10 – 30 minute walks usually available here – please phone Walk Leader to check. Level 2 -‐ walks may have some rough surfaces and gentle slopes. Level 3 -‐ longer walks with some uneven, sloping or rough pathways. Day, Time and Level Meeting Points and Walk Leaders’ tel nos. for more detail 10 – 30 minute walks usually available here – please phone Walk Leader to check. Mondays, 10.30 am Parkend Meet at Dean Forest Cycles, New Road, Parkend. Level 2 Graham 01594 562240 Day, Time and Level Mondays, 10.30 Mondays, 10.30 am Level 1 Level 2 Tuesdays, 10.30 am Mondays, 10.30 Level 3 Level 1 Tuesdays, 10.30 am Tuesdays, 10.30 am Level 1 Level 3 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 2pm Tuesdays, 10.30 am Level 1 Level 1 Wednesdays, 10.30 am 2nd & 14 th Tuesdays, 2pm Level Level 1 Wednesdays, 10.30 am Wednesdays, 10.30 am Level 2 Level 1 Wednesdays, 10 am Wednesdays, 10.30 am Level 2 Level 2 Last Thursday of the month, Wednesdays, 10.30 am Level 120 am Level st rd 2 th 1 , 3 & 5 Thursdays Last Tahursday 10.00 m Level 1o f the month, 10.30 am Level 2 Thursdays, 10.30 am 1st, 31rd & 5th Thursdays Level 10.00 am Level 1 Thursdays, 2pm Thursdays, 10.30 am Level 1 Level 1 Thursdays, 2pm Thursdays, 2pm Level 2 Level 1 Fridays, 10 am Thursdays, 2pm Level 2 Level 2 Fridays, 11.15am, Fortnightly Fridays, Level 1 10 am Level 2 st 1 Saturday of the month Fridays, 10.15 am 1L1.15am, evels 1 &F 2ortnightly Level 1 st 1 Saturday of the month 10.15 am Levels 1 & 2

Meeting Points and Walk Leaders’ tel nos. for more detail Cinderford Meet at the Foxes Bridge Centre. Parkend M at Dean Forest Cycles, New Road, Parkend. Kim 01594 5eet 62240 Graham 01594 562240 Staunton nr Coleford. Meet at the Village Hall. Cinderford Meet at the Foxes Bridge Centre. Marlene 01594 836502 Kim 01594 562240 Mitcheldean Meet in the car park of the Well Wisher Café. Staunton Coleford. Pam 01594 n5r 43733 Meet at the Village Hall. Marlene 01594 836502 St Briavels Meet at the Assembly Rooms. Mitcheldean Meet in the Margaret 01594 530752 car park of the Well Wisher Café. Pam 01594 543733 Coleford Meet in the lobby at The Main Place. St Briavels eet at the Assembly Rooms. Chris 01594 8M36813 Margaret 01594 530752 Yorkley Meet at Yorkley Star Cricket Pavilion, Cut and Fry Road, Oldcroft. Coleford Meet in the lobby at The Main Place. Jenny 01594 562096 Chris 01594 836813 Hartpury Meet at the Village Hall. Yorkley Meet at Yorkley Star Cricket Pavilion, Cut and Fry Road, Oldcroft. Susan 01452 700707 Jenny 01594 562096 Bailey Lane End Meet at the letterbox on the Drybrook/A40 road in Bailey Hartpury eet a0t the V7illage Lane End. SM heila 1989 50528 Hall. Susan 01452 700707 Newent Meet at the United Reform Church, Broad Street, Newent, Bailey Lane End 8M eet at the letterbox on the Drybrook/A40 road in Bailey Margaret 01531 20245 Lane End. Sheila 01989 750528 Lydney Meet in the car park in Bathurst Park. Newent eet at t0he United Reform Church, Broad Street, Newent, Richard &M Barbara 1594 841964 Margaret 01531 820245 Blakeney Meet at the GP Surgery for a shorter ( 30 minute) walk. (You can Lydney Mweet ar park Hin Bathurst Park. John 01594 510814 meet the alk in at tthe he cV illage all if you prefer.) Richard & Barbara 01594 841964 Sedbury Meet at the Village Inn pub, Beachley Road, Sedbury. Blakeney eet at the GP Surgery for a shorter ( 30 minute) walk. (You can Sue 01291 6M29821 meet the walk at the Village Hall if you prefer.) John 01594 510814 Bream Meet in the West Dean Centre car park. Sedbury eet at the Village Inn pub, Beachley Road, Sedbury. Len 07816 M 488291 Sue 01291 629821 Coleford Meet at the Main Place. Bream in 8t34136 he West Dnean car park. Roger on M0eet 1594 for ext Cwentre alk date. Len 07816 488291 Mallards Pike Meet in the car park. Well behaved dogs are welcome on this Coleford at the Main P lace. walk. Chris Moeet n 01594 836813 Roger on 01594 834136 for next walk date. Mallards Pike Meet in the car park. Well behaved dogs are welcome on this walk. Chris on 01594 836813

www.walkingforhealth.org.uk. Facebook - Forest of Dean Walking for Health, Twitter @FoDWalk4Health Scheme Coordinator Kim Spencer Tel 01594 562240 27 March 2015 www.walkingforhealth.org.uk. Facebook - Forest of Dean Walking for Health, Twitter @FoDWalk4Health Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding advertisers. Scheme Coordinator Kim Spencer Telto01594 562240

Page 35

Finance Finance

Alternative Investments: Returns v Risk By Ann Haldon Alternative Investments: Returns v Risk By Ann Haldon

as a percentage of interest merchants, you can buy ‘new as a percentage of your interest merchants, you canby buy earned, or of total vintage’ wine the‘new case, earned, or of your total vintage’ wine by the case, investment or ‘en primeur’ which means investment or ‘en primeur’ which means • You may be able to withdraw pre-bottled. Buying ‘en • You may be able to withdraw pre-bottled. Buying ‘en the money early, but there primeur’ is less expensive, the money early, but there primeur’ is less expensive, will probably be a fee for this but riskier in the long run as will probably be a fee for this but riskier in the long run as too the vintage has not yet been too the vintage has not yet been • Zopa, Funding Circle and tested. • Zopa, Funding Circle and tested. Ratesetter are all key players The industry wine industry has been Ratesetter are all key players The wine has been this market the target of scammers The alternative investment in thisinmarket the target of scammers The alternative investment in the past, which is why market has grown considerably market has grown considerably Equity-based crowdfunding in the past, which is why Equity-based crowdfunding establishing the reputation in recent years, as results of establishing the reputation in recent years, as results of Investors put money into one put money into one of a merchant wine merchant is research by innovation charity,Investors of a wine is research by innovation charity, or more businesses either at or more businesses either at paramount making an Nesta, in conjunction paramount beforebefore making an Nesta, in conjunction with with the start-up or growth stage, or growth stage, investment. the University of Cambridge, the start-up investment. the University of Cambridge, in return for a stake in return for a stake in thein the The Wine Investment shows, The Wine Investment shows, company. companies company. ThoseThose companies Association offers Association offers lots oflots of “... [the UK market] has more seeking funding place their “... [the UK market] has more seeking funding place their advice and guidance, advice and guidance, and and than doubled in size year on business planpitch and pitch than doubled in size year on business plan and was up in response to was set upset in response to million in 2012online, online, plus details year year from from £267£267 million in 2012 plus details aboutabout their their thelevel high of level of being fraud being the high fraud to £666 million in 2013 to £1.74 background and experience. to £666 million in 2013 to £1.74 background and experience. experienced by investors. experienced by investors. in 2014.”� Lenders then search billionbillion in 2014.”� Lenders then search the the • Wine funds: these website for they whatregard they regard • Wine funds: these allow allow for what Although generally consideredwebsite Although generally considered to spread the risk over you toyou spread the risk over to be good investment to be good investment mainstream moremore risky risky than than mainstream a range of different a range of different grapesgrapes opportunities. opportunities. products, alternative products, alternative and vines, andcan you can and vines, and you investments a broad investments offer offer a broad an example, if a business As anAs example, if a business simply sit and backallow and allow simply sit back choice, and depending on choice, and depending on is seeking £20,000 and this is seeking £20,000 and this fund manager to make a fundamanager to make the product, potentially the product, potentially moremore financial financial not reached targettarget is notisreached the selection. The Financial the selection. The Financial control your money. control over over your money. theofend the stated period, by thebyend theofstated period, Conduct Authority Conduct Authority has has are returned to theto the all monies are returned HereHere are five to invest areways five ways to invest all monies suggested that wine suggested thatfunds wine funds investors. should you wish to tryto a nonshould you wish try a non- investors. shouldshould only be marketed only be marketed traditional route:route: traditional Transactions are processed Transactions are processed to experienced investors, to experienced investors, online, in oneinofone twoofdifferent online, two different however. With this it’s Peer-to-peer consumer however. Withmodel this model it’s Peer-to-peer consumer ways:ways: important to note lending important tothat noteyou that you lending with the You directly deal directly with the are effectively tradingtrading on This This involves lending smallsmall • You• deal are effectively on involves lending company you are ratherrather than than company youinvesting are investing the wine amounts of money to to the market wine market amounts of money in, and goes goes on on owning the wine in,your and name your name individuals via dedicated owning the itself. wine itself. individuals via dedicated the shares – Crowdcube and selling wine: wine: the shares – Crowdcube • Buying peer-to-peer websites. • Buying and selling peer-to-peer websites. operate underunder this policy. onlineonline wine trading platforms Higher interest ratesrates provide operate this policy. wine trading platforms Higher interest provide • The• crowdfunding website allow allow you toyou carry your motivation to invest whenwhen The crowdfunding website to out carry out your motivation to invest processes the deal behalf and selling compared with banks and and processes theon deal on behalf own buying own buying and selling compared with banks of multiple (sometimes activities, read reviews on building societies, but peer-toof multiple (sometimes activities, read reviews on building societies, but peer-toinvestors, and and various wines,wines, and check on peer peer lending also carries with itwith it thousands) thousands) investors, various and check on lending also carries holdsholds the shares – this –isthis is the value of your greater dangers. the shares the value ofportfolio. your portfolio. greater dangers. Seedrs’ method of operating. Seedrs’ method of operating. Investing in wine a risky One One such such risk isrisk theislack Investing in iswine is a risky the of lack of business. BeingBeing an unregulated protection from from the Financial business. an unregulated protection the Financial Fine wine Fine wine class class meansmeans there is no is no Services Compensation ThereThere are three ways ways to buyto buy asset asset there Services Compensation are three protection for your Scheme, whichwhich normally into the protection forinvestment your investment Scheme, normally intowine the market: wine market: from the Financial Services guarantees savings up to up a to a • Established, reputable from the Financial Services guarantees savings • Established, reputable Compensation Scheme, maximum of £85,000. wine merchants: with Compensation Scheme, maximum of £85,000. wine merchants: with but it may be suitable for • An annual fee is common, the emphasis firmly on but it may be suitable for • An annual fee is common, the emphasis firmly on high net worth individuals or which may be calculated established and reputable high net worth individuals or which may be calculated established and reputable Page 36

To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

experienced investors. • This should be seen as a driving their pride and joy to experienced investors. • This should be seen as a driving meetings their prideand andother joy toevents. long-term investment of five Stamps long-term investment of five meetings and other events. to ten years The running costs of owning a Stamps Stamp collecting used to be to ten years The running costs of owning classic car need to beafactored Stampregarded collectingas used to be but it is a hobby, Classic cars classic carbut need tosimple be factored in, the that ther regarded as a hobby, but it is Classic cars now seen as an investment A new classic car fund was in, but the simple fact thatfact there no complex electronics to now seen as an investment A new launched classic carinfund opportunity. If you want to build Maywas 2014 by are no are complex to some deal withelectronics should keep opportunity. If you to buildit’s launched in May 2014 by PHD up your ownwant collection, private equity group, deal with should keep some up your ownand collection, equity Partners. group, PHD costs lower. rarity quality it’s that are the privateEquity A minimum costs lower. rarity and quality that are the Equity investment Partners. A of minimum These ideas may have whette watchwords. £50,000 is These ideas may have whetted watchwords. investment of £50,000 is your appetite for the alternativ required, and investors are able Knowing what is rare and of required, your appetite for the alternative and investors are able Knowing what is rare and of investment market, but they to drive their car(s) on certain good quality is something that investment market, but they to drive their car(s) on certain good quality is something that are just a small selection of of the year. comes with experience built days ofdays are just a small selection of the year. comes with experience built the non-standard investments up over a number of years, the non-standard investments It’s not only Ferraris that are of up over a number of years, available. Collectibles, forestry It’s not only Ferraris that are of available. Collectibles, forestry, however. interest to investors cars like however. diamonds and gold provide interest to investors - cars like diamonds and gold provide • Money Observer state thatthe 1970s the 1970s Ford Escort are also other opportunities to invest, • Money Observer state that Ford Escort are also other opportunities to invest, “anything popular. Many owners combine but as with all alternative “anything under under £500 is£500 is popular. Many owners combine but as with all alternative unlikely to be considered their love their of classic cars with investments they higher attract highe unlikely to be considered oflove classic cars with they attract investment this investment opportunity, investments investment grade”�grade”� this investment opportunity, risks. risks. �www.nesta.org.uk/publications/understanding-alternative-finance-uk-alternative-finance-industry-report-2014 �www.nesta.org.uk/publications/understanding-alternative-finance-uk-alternative-finance-industry-report-2014 �www.moneyobserver.com/our-analysis/alternative-investments-stamps �www.moneyobserver.com/our-analysis/alternative-investments-stamps www.wineinvestmentassociation.org/ www.wineinvestmentassociation.org/ www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/diyinvesting/article-2378031/How-invest-wine-avoid-pitfalls-plonk.html www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/diyinvesting/article-2378031/How-invest-wine-avoid-pitfalls-plonk.html

www.which.co.uk/money/credit-cards-and-loans/reviews-ns/peer-to-peer-lending-websites/peer-to-peer-lending-explained/ www.which.co.uk/money/credit-cards-and-loans/reviews-ns/peer-to-peer-lending-websites/peer-to-peer-lending-explained/ www.whatinvestment.co.uk/financial-news/funds/2463232/and39taxefficientand39-fund-to-invest-in-classic-cars-launched.thtml www.whatinvestment.co.uk/financial-news/funds/2463232/and39taxefficientand39-fund-to-invest-in-classic-cars-launched.thtml

WORDWHEEL

Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

N A P E

TARGET Excellent: 50 or more words Good: 45 words Fair: 38 words

R P

H so ex N na la la la pa pe N

N E C K

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Page 37

LOCAL CLUBS & SOCIETIES Forest of Dean Walking for Health We offer 16 free, regular walks throughout the Forest of Dean. All our walks are free to take part in and there’s no need to book. They are suitable for all abilities and can range from just 10 minutes to up to an hour. All end at a café or similar so there’s a chance for refreshments and a chat. Full details on our website at www. walkingforhealth.org.uk/forestdean-walking-for-health or phone Kim Spencer on 01594 562240 for more information.

BREAM

Bream Rugby Social Club High St, Bream, Lydney Tel: 01594 562320 Bream Sports Club High St, Bream, Lydney Tel: 01594 563094 Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir The choir practices every Monday and Friday evening at the West DeanCommunity Centre, Bream. The choir is always happy to welcome new members or any gentleman who would like to have an enjoyable taster session free of charge. There are no auditions - just a friendly bunch of guys so join and enjoy their company and camaraderie. The choir sings at concerts to raise money for various charitable causes as well as at weddings, birthdays, funerals and other private functions. For more information call Eric Woods on 01594 836050.

CINDERFORD

The A. W. Parker (Drybrook) Band Tel: 01594 543707 www.drybrookband.co.uk

Causeway Club Edge Hills Rd, Cinderford Tel: 01594 822039 Cinderford Band Contact: Ian Tomlins – Press Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Webmaster for the Cinderford Band Tel: 01452 723518 Cinderfordband03@aol.com www.cinderfordbrassband.co.uk Cinderford Hanover Court Activities Cinderford Hanover Court, Extra Care Flats, GL142 LQ We offer the following group activities: Every Tuesday: Songs of Praise, 3-4pm with a cup of tea; Wednesday,10.30-11.30am: Trevor Reynaert T’ai Chi - £3; Wednesday, 3-4pm: Quiet Corner Book Reading with Mary including the partially sighted - £3; Thursday, 11-12am: Extend Exercises with Sue; Last Friday of each month, 3-5pm: A social Musical Afternoon with singing, dancing, friendship, tea and raffle - £4, monies for a defribulator. Come and bring your friends. For more information contact Celia Large on 01594824276. Clay Hill Potters Pottery Group in Newnham-OnSevern, www.clayhillpotters.co.uk Dean Photographic Club Sheltered Housing Scheme, Worcester Road, Cinderford New Members Welcomed. All ages, abilities and photographic interests.Tel: 01594 824944 or 07796318395 Drybrook & District Ladies Choir Drybrook & District Ladies Choir practice every Wednesday in Drybrook Bandroom (7pm – 9pm) and welcome all ladies, or girls aged 16 or over, with an interest in music and the ability to sing in tune! Tel: 01594 542414 www.ddlc.org.uk Drybrook & District Male Voice Choir Tel: 01452 830492

Drybrook Memorial Hall & Social Club Drybrook Road, Drybrook Tel: 01594 543794 The Friendship Club The Friendship Club is a social club for the over 50s which meets fortnightly in the Armoury Hall in Newnham during the afternoon. Its chief function is to provide a venue for members to meet their friends for a chat and a cup of tea but there is usually also some entertainment which varies from fortnight to fortnight.Tel: 01594 516545 Lions Club Severn Dean Big Hyde Farm Hyde Lane, Newnham, GL14 1HQ Tel: 0845 833 5836 Miners Welfare Hall Wesley Rd, Cinderford Tel: 01594 823422 Mitcheldean Welcome Club Tel: 01594 543986 The Newnham Art Group Newnham Art Group meets every Tuesday in the Armoury Hall between 10am and 12 Noon with the exception of short breaks at Christmas and Easter and a longer recess in the Summer. The group consists of amateur artists who simply want to take time out on a regular basis to draw and paint and exchange tips, advice and ideas. There is no annual fee, members pay a small amount (currently £2 to cover room hire and refreshment costs each time they attend). Tel: 01594 516450 / 01594 516007 Newnham Club Newnham Club is a social and sports club situated in a fine building in the centre of the village. In addition to the bar and a family friendly atmosphere it offers a number of activities including skittles, darts, snooker, pool, a garden with a barbecue and an area where you can watch televised sport. It also has a large

Pagein38touch To with advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 555 or visit Get the Forest of Dean Magazine to 806 have your localwww.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk club or society listed for FREE!

function room with a bar that can cater for a wide range of events. Tel: 01594 516379 Newnham Garden Club Providing a forum for all species of gardener in Newnham and the surrounding area. The club meets on the third Monday each month at 7.30pm in the W.I. Hut in Dean Road (opposite Orchard Rise). The programme is varied and includes talks from specialists and professionals; summer trips to gardens; themed evenings and a Christmas Party. Indoor meetings include a bring and buy plant stall, a raffle, a monthly competition, refreshments and a chance to talk horticulture. Members range from beginners to professionals. Tel: 01595 823411 Newnham Players The group welcomes new members for all aspects of drama from acting and directing to make up and construction, costume skills, props, sound engineers, front of house, etc. For more details visit www.newnhamonsevern.co.uk Newnham Youth Club Newnham Youth Club welcomes children from Year 7 and older and meets at the Armoury Hall on Monday evenings during term time between 7 and 8.30pm. The club is run by local volunteers and is seen as a benefit for both the young people of the village and for the wider community, providing a safe environment for the young people to meet, socialise and engage in fun activities. New children and volunteers are always welcome. Tel: 01594 516742/ 01594 516287 Soldiers & Sailors Club 1 Commercial St, Cinderford Tel: 01594 822142 Xerox Sports & Social Club Tel: 01594 846110 YMCA High St, Cinderford Tel: 01594 823388

COALWAY

Coalway Singers Practice every Monday 7.15pm 9.00 pm, Pisgah Chapel in Coalway We welcome all ladies or girls aged 16 or over with an interest in music and singing. We are in the process of learning a new repertoire under the direction of our new musical director Sam Davis and pianist Joe Smith.

LYDNEY

Forest of Dean U3A Every 3rd Thurs of the month, 1.40pm, Lydney Town Hall Painting, skittles, whist, photography, three walking groups, bridge, cribbage, French, art and crafts, trips, singing and luncheon club are just some of the voluntary activities offered during each month for the over 50s. Why not come and join our lively, friendly groups? We already have nearly 200 members who come from all parts of the area. Come along, listen to our guest speakers, and meet the people who run the groups. Annual membership is only ÂŁ15. For more details visit www. forestofdeanu3a.co.uk The Royal British Legion Clubs 3 Hill Street, Lydney Tel: 01594 842444 Parkend Working Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Lion Row, Parkend, Lydney Tel: 01594 562566 Sports Lydney Bowling Club Bathurst Park, Lydney Tel: 01594 842962 Lydney Cricket Club The Pavilion Recreation Ground, Swan Rd, Lydney Tel: 01594 842765 Lydney Town A.F.C Recreation Ground, Swan Rd, Lydney Tel: 01594 844523 Lydney Golf Club

Naas Lane (access off bypass), Lydney, GL15 4ES Tel: 01594 842775 Lydney Rugby Football Club Regents Holme, Regent St, Lydney Tel: 01594 842479 Viney St. Swithins Sports & Social Club Recreation Ground, Viney Hill, Lydney, Tel: 01594 510658 Lydney Yacht Club The Old Shipyard House, Harbour Road, Lydney, GL15 4ER Tel: 01594 842573

NEWENT

Newent Walking Group Meets twice a month on a Sunday. An informal friendly walking group. Walks may be full or half day and vary in distance between 4 and 10 miles, often with a picnic or pub break. For more information please telephone our Programme Secretary, Alison Jones, on 01531 820151.

WOOLASTON

The Springfield Singers Secretary: Lesley Wreford Tel: 01594 529468 www.thespringfieldsingers.co.uk Forest voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) is the support agency for voluntary and community groups in the Forest of Dean. A data base of groups is kept, so if you are looking for an activity or club get in touch. We are also the local volunteer centre. Have a look at www.fvaf.org.uk email help4groups@fvaf.org.uk or phone 01594 822073.

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Page 39

Page 40

To advertise call 07939 802 384 or 01594 806 555 or visit www.forestofdeanmagazine.co.uk

What‘s on in May Fragments and Chance, Tony Hopkins Art Exhibition Ongoing until Sunday 10 May Taurus Craft, Lydney Park Estate, Lydney, GL15 6BU Artist and musician Tony Hopkins is back at Taurus Craft to exhibits his colourful work. Tony’s art is inspired by his life in the Forest of Dean and will be on display until the 10th of May. For further information call: 01594 844841.

LIFE as we see it Ongoing until Sun 10 May, Taurus Crafts, Function Room, Lydney Park Estate, Lydney, GL15 6BU An art exhibition of paintings and drawings showing the human figure; curated by Angela Palmer. Free entry. See the Spring Lambs Ongoing until Sunday 10 May, Every day from 11.30am - 5pm Parva Farm & Vineyard, Tintern, Nr Chepstow, NP16 6SQ

At this annual sheep exhibition you can see and stroke ewes and lambs of various breeds, learn about sheep farming, wool etc. and possibly even bottle feed orphaned lambs. Admission: £1 per adult and 50p per child for charity. For more information visit: www.parvafarm.com

more information about the artists and gardens visit: www. wyndcliffecourt.co.uk

Arts in the Marches Ongoing until Tuesday 28 July Taurus Crafts, Lydney Park Estate, Lydney, GL15 6BU Taurus Crafts is running an exciting new sculpture exhibition. Curated by Arts in the Marches, an arts company based in the border lands between Wales and England, Taurus Crafts currently showcases the work of nine different sculptors. To find out more visit: www.tauruscrafts.co.uk Horse Racing event in Aid of MacMillan Friday 1 May, White Hart Inn Ruspidge Ownership of all of the horses can be purchased in advance for the sum of £2, just call in, pick your favourite and buy your horse at the bar. On the evening bets can be placed on the horses in the races displayed on the television, just cheer on your choice to the winning line. It is hoped to raise a worthwhile total to help fund this special charity.

Craft Fayre Saturday 2 May, 10am - 1 pm St Stephen’s Church, Belle Vue Road, Cinderford Lots of stalls from talented local artisans, light lunches, teas/ coffees and cakes, raffle and craft activities for children and young people. Free entry - all welcome. Come along and support wonderful local craftspeople. For more information visit www. cinderford-churches.org.uk

(includes a free glass and festival programme). Free parking. Camping available.

St George’s Mushroom Forage Saturday 2 May, from 12.15pm to 4pm, Chepstow Join Henry Ashby, expert forager and supplier of wild food to Wales’ top restaurants, for a foraging woodland adventure in St. Pierre’s Great Woods just outside Chepstow. Henry will teach you how to identify edible treats and how to forage sustainably. After the forage the group will head to The Millers Arms to enjoy a light bite featuring foraged foods. There will be a talk about the wild foods found on the day and lots of ideas and tips on what to do with foraged foods. Price per person: £45. Please bring good outdoor clothes and suitable footwear. For more information or to book visit: www.foodadventure.co.uk The May Ball Sat 2 May, 7.30pm to midnight, Arts and Crafts Oak Ballroom, Wyndcliffe Court Sculpture Gardens, Off Penterry Lane, St. Arvans, Chepstow, NP16 6EY

A magical night with spring sculptures, illuminated gardens, live music, dancing, DJ and plenty of fun. Dress Code: Fancy dress - ‘Hats and masks’ (Extravagance commended, there will be a prize for the best dressed). Food and Drink: Sizzling hog roast and bubbly drink on arrival (all included in the ticket price), delicious vegetarian options available too. Full bar from 8pm - 11pm. Free mini-shuttle bus from and to Chepstow from 7pm-8pm and 11.30-12.30am. Tickets cost £25. For more information or to book visit: www.wyndcliffecourt.co.uk/may-ball

Ross on Wye Beer and Cider Festival Saturday 2, 12 - 11 pm & Sunday 3 May, 12 - 10 pm, Ross Rowing Club, Rope Walk, HR9 7BU Back by popular demand and in Wyndcliffe Court Spring its second year running, the Ross Sculpture Show on Wye Beer and Cider Festival Ongoing until Sun 21 June, will showcase local beers and Open every Fri, Sat, Sun and ciders from small brewers and on Bank Holidays from 11am producers. Food will be available to 6pm, Off Penterry Lane, St. for purchase and there will be Arvans, Chepstow, NP16 6EY music on both days. The event Spring sculpture show: Exhibition is organised by the Ross Rotary of local and regional sculptors. Club and the Ross Lions Club All sculptures are for sale and and all charity funds raised go are individually labelled and to good causes. Admission: £5 priced. Entrance fee: £4. For ...events cont‘d on p42 Please mention Forest of Dean Magazine when responding to advertisers. Page 41

...events cont‘d from p41 Border Counties Steam and Vintage Show Sat 2 and Sun 3 May,Vauxhall Fields Monmouth, NP255BA Fun for the whole family: selection of all types of vintage vehicles, models and crafts, collectable Vintage Sale on Saturday and Car Boot Sale all day Saturday/ Sunday. There will also be a tug of war competition and a dog show on Sunday which you can enter on the day. Admission: Adults £6, Concession £4, 12 to 16 yrs £3, 12yrs and under go free. Contact: AnnMarie 07895052454.

Wiggle Wye Valley Warrior Cycling Event Sunday 3 May, 7.45am - 9.30am (Registration opens at 7.30am) Chepstow Racecourse

A beautiful and challenging cycling event along the awe inspiring Wye River and past some great land marks; three routes to choose from: Epic 101 miles, Standard 79 miles and Short 40 miles. Contestants who finish will receive a well-deserved medal and finishers T-Shirt. Refreshments and massages will be available after the event. For more information visit: www. ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/

Forest of Dean Spring Classic Sun 3 - Mon 4 May, Monmouth 2Day Cycling Event - Day 1: Monmouthshire Challenge (roads mostly within the county); Day 2: Forest of Dean Classic (9000ft of climbing, over 18 listed climbs - all in 90 miles, one of the hardest rides on the UK calendar). Registration, start and finish on Vauxhall Fields in Monmouth Town. Free parking available right next to the registration marquee. Free camping for those doing both days. Admission:

Page 42

Monmouthshire Challenge £15, Forest of Dean Classic £35 or ride both for only £45. For more information or to enter visit: www. wheelsinwheels.com

Fortress Wales Sun 3 to Tues 5 May, 10am5pm, Caldicot Castle Country Park, Church Road, NP26 4HU A multi period re-enactment event in the Castel Country Park with highlight shows in the arena. Various living history groups from Medieval, Cowboys and Indians to World War 1 and World War 2. The BFBMF Dakota will fly on Sunday subject to weather conditions or aviation constraints. Cost Day Pass: Adults (16+) £10, Child (5-15) £5, Concessions £5, Family (2 adults & 3 children) £30. Cost Weekend Pass: Adult £15, Child £7, Concession £7, Family £40. For more information visit: www.caldicotcastle.co.uk Fire and Wood Festival Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May The Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, GL14 2UB Celebrating its sixth successful year, the annual Fire and Wood festival returns to the Dean Heritage Centre. The festival goes over three days and celebrates local artisans and woodcrafts. There will be an array of woodland activities, chainsaw carving demonstrations and a traditional charcoal burn. Headlining this years activities are the Welsh Axemen, who will be thrilling the crowds on the Sunday and Monday, with their amazing lumberjack demonstrations using axes and crosscut saws. For further information call 01594 822170 or visit: www.deanheritagecentre.com

Jewellery Making with Balm Jewellery Tuesday 5 May, 12 Noon - 4pm Taurus Crafts, Lydney Park Estate, Lydney, GL15 6BU Hammer a ring with Balm Jewellery: Using a ready made sterling silver ring create a hammered finish. Limited places, bookings essential (if possible please provide ring size when booking). Cost per person: £15. The course takes approximately 1hr and is suitable for age 10 and up with adult

supervision. For more information or to book call 07918 676539.

Heritage Diesel Railcar Days Wednesday 6, 13 and 20 May Dean Forest Railway, Forest Road, Lydney, GL15 4ET Get a panoramic view of the Forest as you travel on board of a Diesel Multiple Unit. For more information and times call 01594 845840 or visit: www. deanforestrailway.co.uk Newent Orchestra Spring Concert Saturday 9 May, 7.30 pm, Newent Memorial Hall Music in Nature, Art and Dance’, light classics. Tickets on the door, £8, £7 concession, children free. Programme at www. newentorchestra.org/springconcert.html

Lydney Bowling Club Open Day Saturday 9 May, 10.30am 4.30pm, Bathurst Park, Lydney For more information call 01594 842962.

Steam Days Sun 10, Wed 27 and Sun 31 May, Dean Forest Railway, Forest Road, Lydney, GL15 4ET Enjoy a relaxing journey along the Dean Forest Railway behind steam locomotive. Let the sounds and smells of the steam engine bring back memories of days gone by. For more information and times call 01594 845840 or visit: www.deanforestrailway.co.uk Dymock Gardeners’ Club annual bargain plant sale Saturday 16 May, 10am 12 Noon, Dymock Parish Hall

Bargain plants (vegetables, shrubs, annuals, perennials & herbs) on offer. Tea/coffee with homemade cake available. Bric-a-bac stall with unexpected bargains.

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Saturday

‘TALK, PLAN... LIVE’

Parva Farm & Vineyard, Tintern, Nr Chepstow, NP16 6SQ Come and visit the Parva Farm & Vineyard in Tintern during Welsh Wine Week (open every day) for a free vineyard tour and wine tasting.

Family Fun Day Monday 25 May, from 11am ‘VOLUNTEERS Week’ Find out more about volunteering over a cuppa and a Drybrook Rugby piece of cake Football Club Family Fun Day to raise awareness for two very special boys who unfortunately have been diagnosed with Batten dieease. There will be bouncy castles for all ages, a Email: clerical@great-oaks.org.uk BBQ, disco from 3pm onwards, The Great British facepainting and Glitter tatoos, Tennis Weekend a bar, table sales and fun stalls, a Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 May, huge raffle with great prices, a Lydney Tennis Club fancy dress competition, tug of A great opportunity for the war competiton, welly wanging, whole family to play tennis. Free coconut shy, hook a duck and coaching sessions and free much more. Everyone welcome. Cardio Tennis will be offered as All money raised on the day will well as free social play sessions. help make special memories for Open to everyone, regardless the boys and 40% of the money of age and ability. For more will go to to BDFA charity and information visit: 60% to the boys to make their live www.lydneytennisclub.net a little easier. The Wild Boar Chase SILD – Unique music group Sunday 17 May, The Speech Thursday 28 May, 7.30pm House Hotel, Coleford, GL16 7EL Evergreen Hall, Church Walk, A Mountain Bike challenge using Broadwell, Coleford, GL16 7BN Forest tracks and Bridleways Martin Leamon and Sille Ilves with short sections of quiet formed their unique Welsh – roads in the Forest of Dean and Estonian collaboration shortly Wye Valley. Ride 21, 26, 40 or 45 after the 2001 Viljandi Folkmusic miles. Entries will close on May Festival. Since then they have 7 - do not leave it too late! All developed a truly original fusion distances: £22, age 11 to 17: £12. of two different musical cultures, All starters will be entered in a rooted in tradition yet thoroughly prize draw: £100 first prize, other modern, they create timeless prizes to be announced. For more music. Advance Tickets £8 from information or to enter visit: Forestbookshop.com or 01594www.fodmbe.org.uk 833334. £9 on door, all welcome. Welsh Wine Week For more information visit: www. Saturday 23 May until Sunday thecolefordhub.info/?page_id=514 31 May, 11.30am-5.30pm Prepare for dying so you can get on with living…Now!

Also -

Coleford Busking Festival Saturday 30 May, 9am – 4pm Now in its 4th year, the popular Busking Festival returns to the streets of Coleford. Last year saw over 30 acts come to the open mic stage. Come along and listen to talented musicians from the area and far afield. Admission free. For more information contact Nick Penny on 07801 650977.

Peppa Pig & George at Dean Forest Railway Sat 30 May, Dean Forest Railway, Forest Road, Lydney, GL15 4ET Peppa Pig and her little brother George are coming to the Dean Forest Railway. It’s going to be a fun-filled and exciting day with lots happening at Norchard station. Start your journey at Norchard with (parking is free) and catch the train to Parkend where Peppa and George will be making appearances at various intervals throughout the day. Pre-booking essential! For more information visit: www.deanforestrailway.co.uk

LOCAL MARKETS

Buy Local Saturday 9 May, 11am to 4pm, Taurus Crafts, The Old Park, Lydney, GL15 6BU

Buy local produce and tasty fresh food and drink at our regular market. We offer locally farmed meat, local Cider and Perry, Coffee, locally made country wine and much more. Coleford Country Market Every Fri from 9.30am 12 Noon, beside the Clock Tower in Coleford; Every Sat from 10am - 12 Noon, in Mushet Walk, near the Co-op We sell home-baked cakes and pastries, home-produced preserves and honey, handmade crafts, home grown seasonal fruit, as well as vegetables and plants.

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Page 43

Family Fun Day at D.R.F.C.! We are holding a Fun Day at Drybrook Rugby Football Club to raise awareness for 2 very special boys who unfortunately have been diagnosed with Batten Disease.

On the day will be:

This event will be held on the 25th May, 11AM onwards and everyone is welcome!

Bouncy castles for all ages BBQ Disco from 3pm onwards Facepainting / Glitter tattoos, A bar Table sale and fun stalls A Huge raffle, including a signed Gloucester Rugby shirt and ball, 2 night camping holiday, wine, 10” tablet, vouchers, days out and lots more! • Fancy dress competition, Welly wanging, coconut shy, hook a duck • And so much more...! • • • • • • • •

Who Dreamt That One Up? Iain Betson Asks What’s In A Name? In the seventies, car names conjured up far flung places of style, with sun kissed beaches and rolling countryside. Ford were masters at this: Cortina, Capri, and Granada, although let’s brush over the Escort. Then they completely lost it with the likes of Ka and Mondeo and Probe. British Leyland had the lame offerings of Marina (it’s a car not a boat, but it should have sunk without trace all the same), Allegro (it was hardly quick), or Dolomite (more like Termite). But the Japanese have cornered the weird name market starting with The Bongo Friendee and the Suzuki Mightyboy. From Toyota: The Lucinda Joyful Canopy (it has two sunroofs

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25th May 11am onwards

Money raised on the day will help make special memories for the boys. 40% of the money will go to BDFA charity and 60% to the boys to make their live a little easier. So if you’re looking for a fun day out with family and friends, this is the place to be because not only will it be fun, you are helping to raise awareness for BDFA and helping the family of 2 very unfortunate boys. A Go Fund Me account has also been opened for the boys - for more information and if you wish to make a donation please visit

GoFund.me/h28yew

apparently) and from Mitsubishi the Cyborg-R. Europe, anxious not to be left out, entered VW with its Golf Club and Golf Driver. After that they decided to stay with a simple, descriptive name, so came up with Bora. Vauxhall/Opel had a go as well. There is an urban myth circulating that amongst Spanish speaking countries the Nova enjoyed poor sales as, translated, it means “No Go”. The Koreans unleashed a whole raft of silly, inappropriate or misunderstood monikers: Hyundai “Accent” - nothing wrong with that per se, except the script style typeface at a quick glance looks like “effluent”. From Kia: The Cee’d (don’t forget the apostrophe!) Hyundai again: The Pony - never a truer word said. But it won’t end there, because coming over the horizon are the Chinese. With a manufacturing industry geared to produce just about everything, mass car export is just a matter of time and with it some more silly names.

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

999 999 0800 111 999 999 101 111

CHURCHES Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cinderford Baptist Church Coleford Baptist Church Forest Church Forest Gate Church The Forest of Dean Community Church Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church St. Ethelbert's Littledean St. James Church (Bream) St. John's Cinderford Stroat Church St. Stephens Church Cinderford

01594 832904 01594 822618 01594 839377 01594 542232 01594 544844 01594 824076 01531 821647 01594 833173 01594 822286 01594 562985 01594 822286 01594 529209 01594 822286

DOCTORS Blakeney Surgery Brunston Practice Coleford Health Centre Dockham Road Surgery Drs Andrew, Edwards, Hayes & Cleary Drybrook Surgery Forest Health Care Lydney Practice Mitcheldean Surgery Newnham Surgery Severnbank Surgery

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HOSPITALS Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Lydney & District Hospital Ross on Wye Community Hospital The Dilke Memorial Hospital

0300 422 2222 03004 218722 01989 562100 03004 218640

LIBRARIES Bream Community Library Cinderford Library Coleford Library Lydney Library Mitcheldean Community Library

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useful numbers

Newent Library 0845 2305420 Newnham Community Library 01594 516296 POST OFFICES Bream Post Office 01594 564 333 Gorsley Post Office 01989 720 258 Hartpury Post Office 01452 700 416 Higham Post Office 01452 522 912 Netherend Post Office 01594 528361 Newent Post Office 01531 820326 Parkend Post Office and Stores 01594 563565 TRAVEL Bus Information Train Information

08705 808080 08457 484950

COUNCIL Forest of Dean Council

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UTILITIES Electricty -足Power Loss Gas Emergency Water Leaks Water Severn Trent

0800 365 900 0800 111 999 0800 1691144 0800 783 4444

HELPLINES Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555 Childline 0800 1111 Citizens Advice Bureau 0870 120 4040 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Directory Enquiries 118 500 Drugs Helpline 0800 776 600 Floodline 0845 988 1188 Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222 RSPCA 0300 123 4999 Samaritans 01452 306333 National Missing Persons 0500 700 700 NHS Direct 08 45 46 47

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advertisers index Acupuncture Pam Everitt Acupuncture 15 Auctioneers & Valuers Smiths of Newent 17 Blinds, Curtains & Soft Furnishings Chosen Curtains 4 Carpets & Flooring Blueboy Carpets Ltd 19 Mavis Russell Floor Care 6 Caring Services Key Staff 19 Charity Penny Brohn Cancer Care 31 Cleaning Mavis Russell Floor Care 6 Oven Devils 6 Clothing & Embroidery Freedom Embroidery 13

Electricians FTL Electrical 22 Entertainment Dymock Festival 40 Proms in the Park 20 Sunshine Radio 15 Triangle Radio 7 Fencing & Sheds Allaston Grove Fencing 13 Fitness Cheltenham Challenge 34 Forest of Dean Walking for Health 35 Food & Drink Lindors Country House Hotel 16 Vintage Tea Parties 21 Wiltshire Farm Foods back page Furniture Country Garden Centre 8 Gloucester Import Furniture 2 Garden Centres & Nurseries Coinros Park Garden Centre 15 Country Garden Centre 8

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Farm & Country 13 Howle Hill Nursery 11 Roses Country Fayre Garden Centre 13 Garden Machinery & Tools Dean Mowers 16 Hale & Cole 4 Garden Services & Landscaping Jim's Mowing 6 Health Lydney Osteopaths 20 Interior Design Chosen Curtains 4 Lawn Mowing Jim's Mowing 6 Legal & Financial Services Total Later Life Solutions 31 White Knight Group 8 Oil Company Estuary Oil 4 Oven Cleaning Oven Devils 6 Photography Crystal Flame Photography 31 Kodak Express 28 Plumbing, Heating & Boiler Services Glevum Heating 14 Roofing Cure It 12 Shopping Labels 47 Storage Compton Green Business Park 6 Taxis Severnside Taxis 20 Vets & Pets Bullet Tree Kennels & Cattery 22 Sundean Vets 23 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Cloudy 2 Clear 19 Shane Howells 24

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Today I can have chicken tikka masala and my husband can have roast beef, for less trouble than it takes to make either of them. Now you can both enjoy your favourite meal whenever you feel like it, with less of the fuss. Over 300 tasty dishes Many diets catered for including gluten free Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding £4.45

Easy to store and cook Main meals from £2.95 FREE Delivery

Chicken Tikka Masala £3.70

For your FREE brochure, with over 300 meals to choose from, call us on

01600 892855

wiltshirefarmfoods.com

24 years of great service