Cheltenham

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Cheltenham

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APRIL 2015

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Cheltenham – 43,000 copies Cotswolds – 28,000 copies Forest of Dean – 42,000 copies Gloucestershire North – 20,000 copies Gloucestershire South – 44,500 copies Gloucester – 42,000 copies

James Butler Publication Manager – Cheltenham

01242 541072 james@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Editorial Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Helen Kingscott

Easter may fall at the beginning of the month, but there’s plenty going on throughout April to keep the family busy. Our Delicious Dish is a brilliantly chocolatey treat that is sure to have the kids arguing over who gets to lick the bowl!

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at The Bird Park and Henry’s Easter Adventure at Over Farm are a great chance to spend time with the family, and the ForgetMe-Not Concert in aid of Alzheimer’s Society is sure to be a magical evening, raising money for a really worthwhile cause.

If you’re already thinking ahead to summer, the Holidays & Travel article may inspire you to try an exotic paradise. Or why not visit one of the fabulous eateries from our Food & Drink section.

Don’t forget St George’s Day on 23rd April!

Inside this month...

editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Distribution Debbie Powell – 07720 098934 distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Administration & Production Beverley Ellin admin@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Alison Hambling alison@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Accounts Kerry Fell accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Robert Kingscott rob@thelocalanswer.co.uk

1 Ullenwood Court, Ullenwood, Gloucestershire GL53 9QS

01242 510500 thelocalanswer

Welcome to April ...

@thelocalanswer

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Food & Drink Delicious Dishes Cocktail Time Health & Beauty Style & Fashion Mirror Mirror on the Wall Looking Good, Feeling Great Holidays & Travel Care Services Parenting & Guardianship Pet Care Property What’s On Picture Perfect

5 5 10 10 11 13 15 17 19 21 27 28 32 39

Wild Food Foraging 41 Homes & Gardens 44 In the Garden 49 Interior Design 53 Wordsearch 56 Quick Crossword 60 Sudoku 63 Motoring 69 Gadgets & Gizmos 71 Save The Planet 75 Professional Services 76 Money Matters 77 Local Policing 81 Index, Competitions, Solutions 82

Competitions: 35 & 39 Page 3

Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott

Chocolate Easter Squares A quick, easy and fun recipe to make with the kids this Easter!

Ingredients: 6 Mars bars; 170g (6oz) unsalted butter; approximately 100g (3.5oz) rice crispies; 200g (7oz) plain chocolate; 200g (7oz) milk chocolate; mini eggs to decorate.

Method: 1 Melt Mars bars and butter in the microwave until runny – you may have to stir the mixture for a few minutes if it curdles. Alternatively, if you don’t own a microwave, cut the Mars bars and butter into small pieces, place in a glass bowl and melt over a pan of boiling water (approximately an inch of water).

2 Stir in as many rice crispies as you can – 100g should be enough. If you don’t like rice crispies, why not swap them for corn flakes.

3 Line a 7” x 11” tin with

greaseproof paper and press the mixture into the tin.

4 Break the plain and milk chocolate into a glass bowl and melt over a pan of boiling water. Leave to cool for 10 minutes.

5 Pour the chocolate over the rice crispies mixture and spread evenly. Leave for another few minutes and then decorate with mini eggs. Put in the fridge to set and cut into pieces when ready to serve.

TEWKESBURY COOKSHOP & BAKESHOP

Pots & Pans, Bakeware, Cake Decorating, Preserving & China Whisky Wedge

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm Mon-Sat (except Thurs 9am to 6pm)

CHECK ok Facebo ter for Eas ng Openi s Time

103 High Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5JZ | 01684 296444 |www.facebook.com/Tewkesbury-Cookshop The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 5

Shut

Th

Welcome to The Shutters ...

The Shutters at Gotherington is a local, friendly pub owned and run by Clinton Finch. Having recently moved to the UK from Australia, Clinton is keen to bring regular, exciting events to the pub including live music, open mic nights, quiz nights, couples nights, beer festivals and charity events.

The adjoined cafĂŠ serves cream teas and lunches, breakfast is served daily in the pub, and fish and chips are available for takeaway. The large open bar area serves a variety of local real ales, with a guest ale that changes weekly, and the pub is wheelchair and dog friendly.

The Shutters Inn, Shutter Lane, Gotherington GL52 9EZ Tel: 01242 673122 www.facebook.com/shuttersinngotherington

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Starters Soup of the Day £3.95 Baked Camembert £7.50 Seared Scallops £7.50 Creamy Garlic King Prawns £7.50 Stuffed Mushrooms £5.50

Main Courses Trio of local Sausages £8.95 Fresh Fish and Chips £9.95 King Prawn Linguine £11.95 Pan-seared Duck Breast £14.95 French Rack £15.95 Vegetarian Tart £9.95 Vegetarian Lasagne £9.95 Gammon and Chips £10.95 Sweet Chicken Breast £12.95 10oz Texas Steak £16.95

A selection of desserts Children’s and small portions are available OAP discount lunchtimes Monday to Saturday Daily Specials Board Breakfast served daily

What’s On

SKITTLE ALLEY

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE Players wanted for new season

LIVE MUSIC – Every fortnight FRIDAY 10th April 9pm

THE FURTIVE

FRIDAY 8th May 9pm

LOUISE JAMES

BEER FESTIVAL

& FARMERS MARKET 23rd, 24th & 25th May Local Produce, Local Ales

QUIZ NIGHTS Every 2nd Monday

2 COURSES & WINE

Monday & Tuesday Evening Meal

BUY ONE MAIN GET ONE

£25

COUPLES NIGHT

HALF PRICE

The Old Rectory Re staurant

The Aviator

Cole sbourne , Che lte nham 01242 870120

Cafe Pub Restaurant

Book now for Easter

Dine in style

Enjoy top quality local meats & poultry, fresh fish & seasonal vegetables Delicious home made desserts

*KIDS EAT FREE DURING EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Friday 27 March-Sunday 12 April

Amid scenic countryside and lovely gardens

*Kids meal free with every adult main meal purchased

Free Wifi access ● Alcoholic and soft beverages ● Specialty coffees, tea and homemade cakes ● Breakfast from 9am ● Main menu and lighter bites from noon ● Children’s menu and daily specials board ● Sunday roasts and Sunday menu

Traditional Sunday Lunch 3 course multi choice menu £18.50 SUPERB DINING - EXCELLENT VALUE

Gloucestershire Airport, Staverton, Cheltenham GL51 6SR www.theaviatorglos.co.uk Email: info@theaviatorglos.co.uk

01452 714442

Private Dining Room Ideal venue for parties of all occasions and friends get-togethers – No hire cost!

www.theoldrectoryrestaurant.co.uk

Lunch Express Menu SPECIAL OFFER 2 COURSE MEAL £8.95 Select one main course and either a starter from 1-7 or a dessert from the menu (specialities not included) Takeaway available Sunday-Thursday 10% off menu prices

01452 535 185

www.so-thai.co.uk

Bearlands, Longsmith Street, Gloucester GL1 2HJ

Page 8

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The Local Answer

NOW O PEN

IN TEW KESBUR Y

Bespoke classes geared towards your culinary needs

FFil Oin Aprd %sses this a 10all clawith

Develop your cooking skills in a sophisticated, informal and friendly home kitchen.

Class sizes never exceed six so you receive individual tuition and confidently learn to create amazing, great quality dishes.

Classes offered include: ● BREAD MAKING ● CLASSIC CAKES

FRENCH BRASSERIE FAVOURITES ● THE PERFECT CUPCAKE ● FISH AND SEAFOOD and many more ●

For more information call Ruth Davies on 01684 294274 or 07834 761641 1 Manor Fields, Shuthonger, Tewkesbury GL20 6EF

Email: ruth@manorfieldscookeryschool.com www.manorfieldscookeryschool.com

Abbey Group, Units 23/24, Neptune Business Centre, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9FB

www.abbeybusinessequipment.com

The Abbey Business Lounge at Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium sponsored by Gloucestershire’s leading business solutions provider

The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 9

Cocktail Time with Lois Kingscott

Our highly skilled and experienced team of hairdressers is on hand to create a new spring look for you

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Expert colouring and highlighting

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Precision cutting and styling

25% OFF FOR NEW CLIENTS

WITH STYLISTS AND JUNIOR STYLIST IN APRIL

01242 514900

www.theguildhairdressing.co.uk View the full range of promotions at

Singapore Sling

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail?

For a non-alcoholic alternative, mix 120ml cherry soda, 60ml ginger ale, splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ice cubes and 1tsp grenadine. Garnish with a wedge of lemon and a maraschino cherry.

Page 10

Definition Beauty

Permanent Cosme(cs by Elaine Burton

(Trained and cer fied by Nouveau Beauty Group, with 4 years experience) Photos courtesy of Nouveau Beauty Group

This iconic cocktail was created at Raffles Hotel at the turn-of-the-century by Hainanese-Chinese bartender, Mr Ngiam Tong Boon.

In the Hotel’s museum, visitors are able to view the safe in which Mr Ngiam locked away his precious recipe books, as well as the Singapore Sling recipe, which was hastily jotted down on a bar-chit in 1936 by a visitor to the Hotel who asked the waiter for it.

Originally, the Singapore Sling was meant as a woman’s drink – hence the attractive pink colour. Today it is very definitely a drink enjoyed by all, without which any visit to Raffles Hotel is incomplete.

Ingredients: Ice; 30ml gin; 15ml cherry brandy; 120ml pineapple juice; 15ml lime juice; 7.5ml cointreau; 7.5ml Dom Benedictine; 10ml grenadine; a dash of Angostura Bitters; slice of lime or pineapple and a maraschino cherry.

Method: 1 Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.

2 Strain into an ice filled collins glass.

3 Garnish with a slice of lime or pineapple and a maraschino cherry.

18 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2AQ

PRE0SUMMER SPECIAL OFFER

15% o all permanent cosme(c treatments Valid un(l 31/5/15

Contact Elaine for a free, no obliga on consulta on or why not book in for one of the following beauty treatments and have a chat about permanent cosme cs during your visit?

HD Brows £25 (April Special Oer £22.50) LVL Lash Li ing £30 (April Special Oer £25) Gelish Gel Soak-o Nails £20 (April Special Oer £18 inc soak-o) Face & Body Waxing from £8

Tel: 07841 500616 www.definitionbeauty.com burtonelaine12@gmail.com 12 Thornhaugh Mews, Up Hatherley, Cheltenham, Glos GL51 3RW

www.facebook.com/definitionbeautycheltenham

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Style & Fashion with Sophie Perry

London Fashion Week AW15 London Fashion Week (LFW) – the most anticipated fashion event of the year – arrived in the final days of February, bringing over 250 of our most prestigious designers together.

An event watched worldwide, fashionistas eagerly waited in anticipation of fashion’s next big thing. To outsiders, LFW can often come across as outlandish, but everything eventually trickles down the fashion chain and come September we will begin to see key details from the shows filter into the high street.

London’s Spring Summer 2015 (SS15) fashion week well and truly cemented the start of a 70s phenomenon, and the nostalgia will continue into our winter wardrobes.

Crushed velvet, distressed edges, lace, leather and suede were all key features amongst the catwalks.

Topshop’s Unique collection featured a retro dandelion print, cute mini dresses and coats with fluffy cuffs, and the bohemian vibe continued with patch work denim, fur coats (Tom Ford) and over the knee suede boots (Burberry).

JW Anderson based his collection on ‘soviet girls in Berlin in the late 80s/90s’. It takes us

back to a pivotal point in fashion history when people really started to discover fashion for themselves. The collection featured classic 80s leather boots, wide belts, floor length leather coats and pin stripes.

Ashley Williams’ AW15 show brought attitude with quirky patches and super cool oversized fur bucket hats.

While LFW showcases womenswear, the male equivalent is London Collections: Men (LC: M). Overshadowed

by LFW in the past, LC: M is quickly developing into a worthy contender, now running over four days. A key piece seen in several of the catwalk shows was the shearling jacket. Fashioned both long and short in an array of colours, this is a versatile piece to be worn over a multitude of outfits.

Tom Ford swung with a 60s vibe, showcasing innovative psychedelic prints such as monochrome optical illusion suit jackets. Topman continued in complete 70s glory, titled ‘Bay City Rollers’, which was filled with close fitting flares, turtles necks, star motifs and oversized flamboyant fur coats, creating top heavy silhouettes.

Other up and coming trends include tartan, paisley prints and blanket scarves.

A slightly alternative, but nevertheless prominent, trend across the catwalk was the return of the jumpsuit. Each styled by designers in different ways, it displayed its wearability from day to day.

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Page 11

For health and wellbeing Craig Thorn B.Sc. (Hons) PGCE

Experienced and qualified in UK and Asia Member of Acupuncture and Acutherapy Council Clinics held in Charlton Kings and Suffolk Road, Cheltenham

www.acupuncturetherapeuticmassage.blogspot.com

For more details and FREE consultation tel 01242 576906/07851 004679 Page 12

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Mirror Mirror on the Wall... with Katie Pollard

Hair talk – to grow or to chop?

You might have noticed the hairstyle of the moment – what is being referred to as the ‘lob’ (aka the long bob) – gracing the covers of the magazines and taking over your social media feeds. This look has taken the world by storm. Everyone from Fearne Cotton to Kim Kardashian is rocking this new bob, and why not?

It’s one of the best trends to have caught on since the ombre colour, and it’s the perfect hairstyle to embrace if you’re feeling a change but don’t want to commit to anything too drastic. The beauty of having a ‘lob’ is it can still feel as long as you want it to. Falling anywhere between the shoulders and the cheekbones, be sure you keep yours textured and full of volume in true ‘lob’ style.

I, myself, have been wanting a change of hairstyle for a while, but not one to throw on a packet of vibrant hair dye or switch from blonde to brunette, I pondered about it for long enough before I too decided to embrace the ‘lob’! I love this new style and plan on keeping it for the foreseeable future. It’s easier to maintain and much more manageable, but it’s also a classic look that, even after the celebrity craze is over, will always be timeless.

I would personally recommend John Frieda products to maintain the locks of

your ‘lob’, especially if, like myself, you have finer hair. For this, I use the Volume Thickening Blow Dry Spray and Volume Thickening Mousse to build a natural looking bounce, as well as Lee Stafford’s Big Fat Root Boost Mousse Spray. A cheat trick to create a wavy ‘lob’ (not having been blessed with natural waves myself) is to use straighteners starting from root to tip, lightly pulling them downwards in a zigzag movement to create a wavy effect.

Give it a whirl!

The beard is back with a vengeance Now it’s time for guy talk. The ‘lob’ might be the latest in style trend for the ladies, but what is the equivalent for men? This would be the beard. Men have been rocking this look for centuries – the original ‘cave man’ was the first bearer of the beard and now it is back with a vengeance! It has become fashionable to grow a beard – the longer the better.

However, unlike back in the cretaceous period where men used to have no choice but to let it grow, it now takes work to maintain such a look. If you want to achieve this, firstly there is nothing to do but let it grow. However, once you’ve reached the stage where it’s time to treat it, you can do this with beard oil (yes, there is such a thing – look it up and invest

if you have one) that helps keep a beard from looking unkempt to naturally shaggy.

Alternatively there is also coconut oil, which is known for working wonders on your hair, skin, nails and even in your cooking! This will make your stubble feel softer, but avoid moisturisers with alcohol in, as research has shown they dry out your skin. This goes for shampooing your beard too – try to use a natural bar of soap that doesn’t have irritant chemicals in, which could make it feel itchy!

So if you’re feeling a change and want to embrace a new look, there’s always an on-trend to inspire you and this month you can either take the cut or let it grow.

Sports Massage & Soft Tissue Therapy Move better & Feel better in 2015 consultation and 50%OFF Initial first treatment in April!

ReSet Gym, Oriel Lodge, Oriel Road, Cheltenham GL50 1XN

hello@mwft.co.uk The Local Answer

07792 632 752 www.mwft.co.uk

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 13

thehaven TO THE RESCUE RescueRXxTM is highly effective new treatment that repairs damaged nails with the power of Keratin protein and moisturising jojoba oil.

See a difference daily

Purchase at The Haven for only £5 182 Cirencester Road, Charlton Kings

www.thehavencheltenham.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see what’s happening, and don’t be afraid to drop in for coffee in the cafe!

Call 01242 254321 or visit www.isbourne.org

Maria Ranieri Long M.S.S.Ch.

M.B.Ch.A. HPC Registered

Qualified Chiropodist providing professional care and service in the comfort of your own home Toe nail cutting, thick yellow nails, corns, hard skin, in-growing toe nails, diabetic foot care, general foot care Appointments can also be made for treatments at the Springbank Community Centre and at the Hester’s Way Healthy Living Centre. Please call for details

01242 705828 / 07719 664020

Cheltenham CBT Clinic Private Psychotherapy Practice offering cognitive behaviour therapy to treat clients suffering from emotional disorders Panic disorder Agoraphobia ■ Generalised anxiety ■ OCD ■ Social anxiety ■ Specific phobias ■ Health anxiety ■ Depression At our clinic we are proud to offer a psychotherapeutic solution that has been scientifically tested with proven results.

■ ■

FR EE

Centre Manager Janie Whittemore

April sees the start of a brand new term at the Isbourne, jam-packed full of goodies in the way of guest speakers, workshops, classes and talks!

Taster Week 18th May – 24th May The famous Isbourne Taster Week is mid-term – a fantastic opportunity to find out what we do, to dip your toes in with no commitment, and all for free! These free classes get full fast so remember to reserve your spot.

There is a good discount offered on the day – 10% off if you book the course you have just ‘tasted’!

Why not try meditation? We have classes for everyone, from beginners to experienced. This rapidly spreading way of relaxing your mind and improving your outlook is now being recognised internationally by individuals, schools corporates and governments.

Some other subjects on offer are Yoga for Graceful Ageing, Egyptian Belly Dance, Shamanic Journaling, Tarot, Chakra Sound Healing, Numerology, NLP and even how to make a website!

At midlife? Try Midlife Mastery – How to Make the Best of the Rest, or maybe Find Your Voice with some holistic singing lessons! If you have reached a point where you aren’t quite sure what your path is, Helen Stott will help you in Discovering Your Soul Purpose – all offered in the Taster Week.

Did you know you have a superpower? Find out how you can tap into your own strength with Odille Rault at her taster called You Have a Superpower.

We have ten fantastic guest speakers lined up to enthuse, inspire and entertain, including David Hamilton, Jason Chan, Tori Hartman, Stewart Pearce and Nikki Slade. There are plenty more besides, so if you want to brighten your life, find out how to be happier or expand your intuition, the Isbourne is a lovely place to start.

Come and see friends, visit the café, browse the library and make yourself at home!

You could also become an Isbourne Friend member to get free talks and discounts!

Page 14

MOBILE CHIROPODIST 01242 252 869 amandawiltshire@aol.com

Fi rs tA pp oi wh nt en m en TL quo t A tin g

Living well

Oriel Lodge, Oriel Road, Cheltenham GL50 1XN Call Deborah to book your clinic or skype appointment

07595 322317 www.cbtclinic.co.uk info@cbtclinic.co.uk

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Looking Good, Feeling Great with Matt Wagstaff

Give your body a spring clean with sports massage Sports massage is a form of therapy used by a variety of therapists, which can help alleviate the bodies’ soft tissue structures – including muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. Therapists use a range of manual, compressive and stretching techniques to help reduce tightness, relieve tension and promote healthy soft tissue. However, a sports massage can do way more than just help your soft tissue, and below are some of the other benefits of regular sports massage.

HELPS RELIEVE STRESS & REDUCES ANXIETY Just a single massage treatment can reduce one’s stress levels, and regular massages can have long-term beneficial effects. As well as helping to reduce cortisol within the body (the stress hormone), this type of massage can also boost the bodies’ endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, helping you to relax and elevate positive moods. Sports massages have also been shown to alleviate symptoms in people suffering with longterm depression and anxiety problems.

BOOSTS IMMUNITY Our immune system is the biological part of our body that prevents illness and disease, but this can suffer due to a number of reasons such as stress or poor diet. Massage has been shown to boost immunity by increasing the cytotoxic cells

that kill viruses and toxins within the body. Massage promotes the important drainage of toxins through the lymphatic system in the body, helping to increase good blood supply to the body.

REGULATES BLOOD PRESSURE High or low blood pressure can be fatal and symptomless, leading on to a number of problems such as heart disease and stroke. Getting blood pressure to a healthy level is vital and regular massage is a cost effective treatment to regulate blood pressure – helping to increase good blood flow and supply to the body – decrease heart rate and decrease cortisol within the body, which has been shown to increase blood pressure.

HELPS TO TONE (SCAR TISSUE) A sedentary lifestyle and poor muscle health can lead to muscles becoming untoned. This can be due to poor blood supply, high levels of adhesions and poor contractibility. Sports massage can help by stimulating unused muscles fibres, breaking down knots within the tissues and regulating good blood supply and beneficial drainage of toxins. Scar tissue that is laid down after injury is treatable with massage techniques – massages can break down and elongate scar tissue, helping to increase the skins elasticity.

RELIEVES PAIN Pain in any form will cause your body and mind undue stress. Sports massage, though uncomfortable itself when using deeper techniques, can be helpful in preventing and stopping pain. Headaches can be relieved via massage to the neck and shoulder regions, helping to relax the muscles that are often tight and therefore inhibiting blood flow to the brain. Joint and soft tissue pain – even arthritis – has been shown to decrease with sports massage. Various techniques help to improve blood flow, which helps healing and also develops a better range of motion at joints. The positive endorphins released during massage also help manage pain and promote relaxation.

HELPS BREATHING Many debilitating conditions affect breathing and the respiratory system, such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies.

Massage alone cannot solve these problems but can go a long way to help.

Treatments can help relax the respiratory muscles in the back and front of the body, helping sufferers breathe deeper.

Massages can also improve posture, which can help open up the chest to improve breathing efficiency.

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Page 15

Holidays & Travel with TLA Travel Expert

A beautiful tropical paradise

Cancun is a tropical paradise that prides itself on being one of the world’s top tourist destinations. This comes as no surprise when you consider how much Cancun has to offer in both the city and the beaches. A place with great weather, pumping nightlife, many accommodation options and some of the coolest activities in Mexico, Cancun is where you need to be on your next holiday.

Some people are lured by the simple pleasures of a white-sand beach, turquoise waters and perhaps a little partying here and there, whereas others find themselves drawn to the pre-Hispanic Maya ruins.

Whatever your reason, Cancun will not disappoint.

It is home to the world’s second largest barrier reef, which makes Cancun an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkelling. The water temperature is always warm – being on the Caribbean sea – and you can even swim with massive Whale Sharks!

The Local Answer

When you tire of the beach and the water sports there are quite a few excursions to be had. You can explore the many Mayan temples or visit the unique underwater museums that have been created to lure people away from the reefs. You may also want to try golfing, fishing or tennis. If you’re looking for something a tad tamer, Cancun also has great shopping, sunbathing, and dining.

ensure the perfect night out. Or, if you are looking for a more sedate evening, there are Jazz bars – or why not indulge in the many tapas bars on offer.

Locals say a visit to Cancun is not complete without dining at Lorenzillo’s.

Facing the lagoon and a perfect place to watch the sunset, it is reputed to be the best seafood restaurant in the area – they even give you 20 separate choices for your lobster preparation! as accommodation, Cancun runs Cancun can certainly deliver theAs far gamut. It has everything from When it comes to nightlife, there is no luxurious villas – ideal for a family or better place as there are dozens of great group of friends – to all-inclusive hotels, bars, super clubs and even lounges to which would suit a romantic getaway and even budget hotel options if your hotel is not your main focus on holiday. Your travel agent will be able to find something in Cancun that meets your budget and your needs.

Whether it’s a family vacation at an all-inclusive like the Hyatt Cancun, a destination wedding, a girl’s weekend or a romantic getaway, Cancun can certainly deliver whatever you’re looking for.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 17

www.VALKYRIE CHAUFFEURS.co.uk

07852 613545 The Premiere Chauffeur Service

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Page 18

Travel in comfort and style Valkyrie Chauffeurs is a recently established independent chauffeur service managed and run by owner Nathan Bickerdyke of Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury. He started the business after being made redundant from his previous job, using his redundancy package to fund an idea he’d had for a long time – a premium chauffeur service whereby customers can travel in comfort and style.

The company offers a wide range of services, including air and seaport transfers, corporate bookings, weddings and other special occasions. Fully licensed by the Borough of Tewkesbury, Valkyrie Chauffeurs uses a Mercedes S Class for all bookings and Nathan ensures it is always kept in pristine condition – both inside and out. There is plenty of space in the back so clients can sit back and relax.

For complete discretion, the car is plate exempt, which means the vehicle is unmarked and has no requirement to display the council issued license plate. In addition, Nathan adds in luxuries such as in-car Wi-Fi, an Apple iPad, noise cancelling headphones, premium bottled water, a selection of sweets and mints, a complementary umbrella on rainy days and travel blankets.

Nathan hopes that once potential clients know about the competitive rates and complementary services that Valkyrie Chauffeurs provides, they will use the company for all their transport needs.

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Page 19

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www.nurseryrhymes-daynursery.co.uk

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Contact Rachel ~ 01242 260550

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Peacecroft, Kidnappers Lane Cheltenham GL53 0NR

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11 Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham GL51 3AU

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Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart

Creating harmony and cooperative kids Are you struggling to find harmony in your family? Are the kids running wild and you feel you’ve lost control? There is an answer and a way forward.

As a parent you create firm boundaries around your children, clearly showing them what is and isn’t acceptable. Rather than simply allow anything to happen and then punish what you do not like, offer clear choices to a child to steer them in the right direction and give attention to the times when they are descriptive praise to encourage best doing it exactly right. For example: “Julie, behaviour. you are waiting really quietly for your dinner – thank you” or “John, you are Descriptive praise sharing your toys with your brother If you are struggling to get the kids to without fighting – isn’t this great?” cooperate and find yourself constantly By stating the best behaviours you see repeating the same demands over and and giving heartfelt appreciation for it, over, this is a great place to start. Instead you will find your kids acting this way of only noticing everything they are more and more – because, really, they doing wrong, choose to pay close only want to please you and have your attention.

Last thing at night when you are exhausted, grumpy and just want them to go to bed? Or when you are on the phone, talking to a friend, trying to focus on something?

So, the best way to tackle this is to give attention – and be mindful about it. Find a quiet time together – a rainy afternoon perhaps – sit down with the kids, a large piece of paper, and some felt tips and draw up a plan that shows how and where you will do things together and also what you expect from them.

Let them come up with ideas for fun activities as well as jobs they agree to do for the family – perhaps preparing dinner or walking the dog. Try to include reading and homework as together time too, so that things you have to do can become things you all want to do, because you are doing it together!

A family is a team affair and everyone their part. By making a plan and Paying attention costs nothing plays celebrating your success you will soon Attention is the golden ticket with find a harmonious element that you children – from cuddling your baby, never knew existed! making eye contact and playing ‘faces’, through to listening to their stories, looking at their drawings and watching them dance.

Kids thrive on your loving attention and it is only when they feel deprived of it that they act up!

Think about it – when are they the worst for you? In the morning when you are tired, rushed and distracted?

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Let’s Talk Courses Using CBT to Help You Manage Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

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Let’s Talk is Gloucestershire’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service – free from your local NHS. We offer free psychological / educational courses across the county. They are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and are intended for people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression as well as other common mental health difficulties.

They are not group therapy and you don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. You will have tasks to complete between sessions to help you make changes.

Find dates and book on a course near you by visiting our website

https://courses.talk2gether.nhs.uk or call 0800 073 2200 We request you only book on one course at a time.

I have enjoyed this course, lots of information and discussions.

It’s good spending time with people with similar issues.

I feel I can now manage my illness by changing some things in my life.

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Call 01242 516361 to arrange a visit

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Page 24

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The Local Answer

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The Local Answer

Pet Care

with Oliver Wilkinson of Charlton Kings Vet Centre The Charlton Kings Vet Centre is fully equipped with a sterile operating theatre, digital radiography, ultrasonography and laboratory equipment.

Drop in and have a look around. You will see many of the same friendly faces from our main surgery at Dragon Vet Centre.

You can book your visits and pick up food, medications or pet supplies at either surgery if it’s more convenient.

17 Lyefield Road West Charlton Kings Cheltenham GL53 8EZ 01242 220158

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Prestbury Park, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham GL50 4SH T: 01242 580324 F: 01242 241908 www.dragonvet.co.uk

The Local Answer

How much can I exercise my puppy?

I’m often asked this question as new dog owners are understandably worried about inadvertently contributing to a joint problem or making their dogs lame. But how much is too much? And can you really “over exercise” a young dog?

I once had an owner of a rather large 9 month old German Shepherd ask me if they could let him walk up the 3 steps into their house yet. It turned out they had been carrying him up the steps ever since they had had him. His breeder had told them to not let him go up or down stairs until he was fully grown. At nearly 40kg it was starting to become quite a chore!

Not letting a young dog tackle stairs and only exercising a dog for 10 minutes a day per month of age are the two most common pieces of generic advice that you will hear. While on the one hand they are not terrible pieces of advice, is there any actual science behind them?

Historical scientific literature linked rapid growth in large breed dogs with an increased risk of joint damage and some forms of exercise such as excessive chasing of balls or sticks as a risk factor for elbow or hip dysplasia. However, these studies didn’t answer the question as to exactly how much is too much and at what age?

Let your puppy explore the world A recent Norwegian study followed 500 large breed dogs over 10 years to evaluate lifestyle factors on the influence of hip dysplasia. It highlighted some interesting findings. In particular, activity in the first three months of life appeared to be the most critical in terms of influencing hip dysplasia.

Although using stairs during this period did have a negative impact if used daily, puppies that had more daily exercise in those first three months had a lower risk of hip dysplasia than those who were less active! The study suggested that inactivity could be just as harmful as the wrong sort of exercise in the first few months.

My general advice to new puppy owners is to try to keep the majority of daily exercise to soft ground – i.e. parks and fields. Avoid excessive pavement pounding in the first 6 months and remember that exercise for puppies is about exploring the world, socialisation, having fun and burning off some of that canine energy. Too little exercise is a big contributing factor to boredom, frustration and destructive behaviour in the house.

So stop carrying your 6 month old Labrador up the stairs, get down to the park, let your puppy explore the world and just enjoy being outside with your dog!

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 27

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They always answer the phone and all queries with great punctuality.

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What’s On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors.

We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit.

EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY JEWELLERY MAKING COFFEE SESSIONS Enjoy a friendly coffee morning and make your own fabulous jewellery with tuition from Rachel in her shop at Verchiel Jewellery, 1 Berkeley Mews, Cheltenham (behind the Swan). Mon 10.30-12.30.

Wed 10.30-12.30 and 1-3pm, Thur 12.302.30. Only £5 including tuition and refreshments. Materials extra. Pre-booking required. verchieljewellery@hotmail.co.uk.

07828 552610. verchieljewellery.co.uk.

EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY KIXA SELF DEFENCE & FITNESS TRAINING Impove fitness, learn self defence and control without aggression. Tuesdays 79pm – Gloucester Deaf Association Community Centre, Colin Road, Barnwood, GL4 3JL. Thursdays 7-8pm – All Saints’ Academey (Gym/Studio), Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham GL51 0WH. proteksfitness.com. 0776 210 1938.

28 MARCH – 12 APRIL THE GIANT DUCK HUNT

A group of giant ducks will be landing at Slimbridge this Easter holidays – can your family spot them all? Pick up an activity

sheet on arrival then set off on a fun hunt, which will take you all round the grounds. 9.30am everyday. Price included in admission. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT. 01453 891223.

29 MARCH – 30 APRIL WOLD GALLERIES

Enjoy our 10th anniversary exhibition in Moreton-in-Marsh featuring artwork by regular contributors to the gallery alongside exciting contemporary work from brand new exhibitors complemented by hand finished glassware and individual ceramics. www.woldgalleries.com 28 MARCH – 6 APRIL HENRY’S EASTER ADVENTURE Join Henry the Tractor on his spectacular Easter adventure at Over Farm this spring.

Tractor trailer ride, Easter trail, lambs and baby chicks, arts and crafts, chocolate making and much more. No admission, free parking. All attractions are pay-asyou-go. 10am-4pm. Over Farm, Gloucester GL2 8DB.

31 MARCH FILM: THE LEGO MOVIE Emmet, an ordinary, rule-following, perfectly average Lego mini-figure is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant; a journey for which is Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. Easter activities from 1pm.

Film starts at 2pm. £7 (to include an Easter treat). The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

31 MARCH FILM: BELLE

Inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate, mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral, raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield. She falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change, who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in 18th Century England. 7.45pm. £6.50 (£5.50).

The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

Jive/Rock ’n’ Roll Dances

Your local furniture restorer

Repolishing & upholstery repairs Porcelain, clock, barometer, silver and painting repairs TELEPHONE 01452 310881

Page 32

LIVE BAND AND GREAT DJ MUSIC on Saturday nights 8pm-11.30pm £10 Apr 18th, May 16th, June 20th, July 18th, Sept 19th Entry includes free rock ’n’ roll lessons 7-8pm More info: call Martin on 07528 760646 or find us on facebook/glosjive45

Wotton Hall, Gloucester GL4 3JS

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

Samuel L Legge Photography Professional Image Retoucher, Wedding & Events

30% OFF all Wedding Packages Confirm booking by 1st July 2015 Discounted Packages start from £650 samuellleggephotography.com facebook.com/samuelllegge

The Local Answer

THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE BUSINESS SHOW DELEGATE REGISTRATION OPEN NOW

Nearly 150 spaces taken up by Gloucestershire businesses exhibiting their services and products, and there will be zones for learning, networking and advice including:

Includes entry on both days plus many of the seminars and workshops.

Visit website for details

• Art In Business • Innovation The Gloucestershire Business Show is proud to support • Promote Gloucestershire • Invest Gloucestershire • Procurement & Supply Chain • Funding for Growth • Learning & Development LAST FEW • Cyber Security STANDS • Entrepreneurship In Action AVAILABLE • Corporate Social Responsibility • Business Landscape 2015 & Beyond

Visit the website for details of individual sessions, special events, interactive zones, exhibitor floor, sponsorship and other opportunities.

www.gloucestershire-business-show.co.uk ~ 01242 807689

CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE 13th-14th MAY 2015 hello@business-shows.co.uk

County Business Shows

@BizShowGlos

BizShowGlos

WIN TICKETS! courtesy of the bacon theatre

Simon & Garfunkel Tribute Tribute duo ‘Bookends’ will be presenting ‘Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years’ – a semi-acoustic set, interlaced with fascinating tales of their career – on Friday 17th April at 7.30pm.

Dan Haynes’ and Pete Richards’ voices blend together in perfect harmony to create a magnificent and authentic recreation of the sound of Simon and Garfunkel, including much-loved tracks such as ‘The Sound of Silence’, ‘Mrs Robinson’, ‘The Boxer’ and the unforgettable ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’.

Tickets cost just £14 (£12 for concessions) and may be booked online at bacontheatre.co.uk or by calling 01242 258002.

To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Simon & Garfunkel’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk, stating ‘Simon & Garfunkel’.

Closing date: Thursday 9th April 2015.

The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 35

2 APRIL THE NEIL DIAMOND STORY

A real celebration of the music of Neil Diamond. Featuring iconic songs from a hit filled musical career, such as Cracklin’ Rosie, Sweet Caroline, Love on The Rocks, America, Forever in Blue Jeans and Play Me, alongside more recent acoustic material. Bob Drury’s one-man show is a ‘must see’ for all Neil Diamond Fans.

7.30pm. £15. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

4 & 8 APRIL MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY

A fantastic Easter event that gets children out and about with birds and animals.

Alice in Wonderland themed marquee, dressing up and face painting. 11.30am.

Children’s tickets £10, must be accompanied by an adult for whom the normal admission charge will apply. The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX. 01452 812727. thebirdpark.com.

7-11 APRIL GLOUCESTER GANG SHOW 2015

Gloucester District Scouts present this show at The Bacon Theatre. £9 (£7).

7.15pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

8-14 APRIL POP UP SHOP IN THE PARK Taking over The Gardens Gallery, Montpellier Gardens, a bright and colourful Pop Up shop that you don't want to miss. Full of quirky cards, gorgeous gifts, stationery, prints and lots of other lovely things too. Pop in! 10am5pm daily. Tweet @PopUpinthePark 10 APRIL A FEAST OF STORIES: LOVE AND STUFF LIKE THAT

The Bacon Theatre and local writerperformer Philip Douch have joined forces again for an informal evening of entertaining shows written and read

ON ROAD OFF ROAD EVERYTHING FOR CYCLING

from second hand sales to servicing and repairs

Collection & Delivery Service Available!

Call Nige on 07551 923072 / 01452 534622 or email bickosbikeshack@virginmedia.com For all your cycling needs visit our website...

www.bickosbikeshack.co.uk Page 36

aloud by local authors, interspersed with live music. This time the subject is Love in all its many forms – the serious and the definitely not so serious. Suitable for adults and young people aged 14 and over. Plenty of laughs guaranteed 7.45pm. £10 (to include a free glass of wine or juice). The Prince Michael Hall, The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

10 APRIL MURDER MYSTERY EVENING

Join us for dinner and witness the drama unfold before your eyes. Interrogate the suspects as they mingle, while you try and get to the bottom of the crime. £30pp to include 3 course dinner and entertainment. Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill GL4 6EA. 01452 525653.

11 APRIL TEWKESBURY VINTAGE & COLLECTORS FAIR The George Watson Hall in Barton Street will be transformed into a bustling vintage market complete with tea room.

Entertainment includes live music with Betsy Harmony, Lindy Hop dance demonstration with Gary & Sara Boon, a vintage fashion show and musical highlights from 1960s Broadway Hit “Sweet Charity”. Entry is free with donations being collected for the Mayor’s charity fund. 10am-4.30pm.

VINYL RECORDS WANTED – CASH PAID Most records considered – large or small collections. Psychedelia, Prog Rock, 1960’s, Heavy Metal, Soul & Reggae are especially wanted.

‘For Sale’ lists of records welcome, please send to: willowpitch@blueyonder.co.uk 01242 702947 or 07785 515987

www.TheLocalAnswer.co.uk

The Local Answer

16 APRIL THE HARD PROBLEM

Tom Stoppard returns to the National Theatre with his hotly-anticipated new play, directed by Nicholas Hytner. Hilary, a young psychology researcher is nursing a private sorrow and a troubling question at work: If there is nothing but matter, what is consciousness? Is the day coming when the computer and the fMRI scanner will answer all the questions psychology can ask? Meanwhile, Hilary needs a miracle and she is prepared to pray for one. £16 (£14). 7pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

17 APRIL SIMON & GARFUNKEL THROUGH THE YEARS Watch Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel give personal accounts of their rise to fame and listen to wonderful live renditions of their iconic music by Bookends, stripped

to just a single guitar and two voices.

Bound together with video clips, audio snippets and imagery, this show touches on the highs and lows of an incredible friendship and career, featuring hits such as The Sound of Silence, Mrs Robinson, The Boxer and the unforgettable Bridge over Troubled Water. £14 (£12). 7.30pm.

The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

19 APRIL THE FORGET-ME-NOT CONCERT

A gala evening of entertainment, featuring artists from the world of opera, musical theatre, dance and television, as well as the pupils of Dean Close School and the Choristers of Tewkesbury Abbey.

This is the third Forget-Me-Not Concert following previous events in St. George's

Chapel Windsor and the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford. So far the sum of £34,000 has been raised for the Alzheimer's Society. Come and join us for a magical evening in the Bacon Theatre and support a really worthwhile cause! In aid of Alzheimer’s Society. £25. 7.30pm.

The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

21 APRIL THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY

A stimulating triumph over exile, blossoming with passion and heart, with marjoram and madras. Set in the quaint village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the South of France, this film is a portrayal of two worlds colliding and one boy’s drive to find the comfort of home, in every pot, wherever he may be. £6.50 (£5.50).

7.45pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

For spectacular spring walks, breathtaking views, fabulous food and a wonderful selection of gifts and gardening goodies and plants, rediscover beautiful Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre. A perfect spring day out for all the family – dog friendly too!

Visit www.batsarb.co.uk for more about our lovely spring events and updates on the latest Batsford news.

BATSFORD ARBORETUM AND GARDEN CENTRE Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9AB Telephone 01386 701441 Email: arboretum@batsfordfoundation.co.uk www.batsarb.co.uk The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 37

FABULOUS EVENTS at

Hallmark Hotel Gloucester

GLOUCESTER

MURDER MYSTERY EVENING

WEDDING OPEN EVENING

Join us for dinner and witness the drama unfold before your eyes. Interrogate the suspects as they mingle, while you try and get to the bottom of the crime.

Only £30.00 per person to include 3 course dinner and entertainment.

View the fabulous Merlot Suite set up for a ceremony and wedding breakfast and meet local wedding suppliers

Friday 10th April

ABBA TRIBUTE NIGHT Saturday 23rd May

Thursday 30th April 5.30pm-8.00pm

70s THEMED PARTY NIGHT Saturday 13th June

A chance to sing your heart out to the famous songs of Abba, with the number one award winning Abba tribute act “Abba Revival”. Includes a delicious two course dinner and entertainment £29.50 per person

Dust off those flares and get your boogie on for the best of the 70’s. Includes a welcome drink, 70’s music and chef’s choice of buffet.

Fancy dress optional but encouraged. Prize given for best dressed. £15.00 per person

Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill, Gloucester GL4 6EA

01452 525 653 gloucester.events@hallmarkhotels.co.uk www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk

Picture Perfect

WIN A £100 TOY VOUCHER!

The theme for our April competition is ‘Cutest Kid’. Send us a photo of your baby, toddler or even your teenager and you could be in with a chance of winning £100 worth of vouchers to spend at Smyths Toys Superstore in Cheltenham courtesy of The Local Answer.

Whatever the age of your cutest kid, we’re sure you’ll find something suitable to spend your prize on!

To enter, email your photo, stating ‘Cutest Kid’ in the subject line, along with your name, address and telephone number to editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk. One entry per person. You must ask permission to take photos of anyone or their belongings. See ‘Index of Advertisers’ page for full competition rules. Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2015.

Gateway Retail Park, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham GL51 9DU

The in aid of Alzheimer’s Society on

Concert

Sunday 19 April 2015 at 7.30pm Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham

A Gala Evening of Entertainment for a very worthwhile cause.

Sponsored by Care UK Sandfields With artistes from the world of opera, ballet, classical music, musical theatre, film and television And from Dean Close School

Sarah Connolly CBE – world renowned Mezzo Soprano Pietra Mello Pittman – first Artist Royal Ballet Company Benjamin Ba ker – winner of the International String Competition Petr Limonov – Concert Pianist The Choristers from the Schola Cantorum, Tewkesbury Abbey Martin Sta nfo rd – Sky Newsreader Tessa Wyatt – Actress Tickets from the Box Office Fio na Fullerto n – Actress Tel: 01242 258002 (Other artists to be confirmed)

The Dean Close Jazz Band Hannah Brookes-Hughes Lawrence Kilsby Amy Porter Phillippa Hall Stephen Whitford

at The Bacon Theatre

Email: team@bacontheatre.co.uk If you are interested in finding out more, please contact

Felicity Copp, Dean Close School T: 01242 267439 E:fjcooper@deanclose.org.uk

The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 39

22 APRIL HUGLESS DOUGLAS

part in an Auction of Promises filled with many surprises. 7pm. St Phillip and St James’ Church, Leckhampton. For more information call 07824 323803 or email natalienorman2014@gmail.com.

30 APRIL A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE A stellar cast is led by Mark Strong in the Young Vic’s ‘magnetic, electrifying, astonishingly bold’ production, directed by the visionary, Ivo van Hove. The great Arthur Miller confronts the American dream in this dark and passionate tale broadcast from London’s West End by National Theatre Live. This stunning production of Miller’s tragic masterpiece was the Evening Standard, Guardian and Independent’s top theatre pick of 2014. £16 (£14). 7pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

WEDDING OPEN EVENING View the fabulous Merlot Suite set up for a ceremony and wedding breakfast, and meet local wedding suppliers. 5.30-8pm.

Hallmark Hotel Gloucester, Matson Lane, Robinswood Hill GL4 6EA. 01452 525653.

12-16 MAY THE PHEONIX PLAYERS PRESENT: AURELIA Directed by Phil Jones. A stylish, edge-ofyour-seat crime thriller with deceit,

Hugless Douglas is a huggable, lovable young brown bear who wakes up one morning in need of a hug. Blunderbus present this delightful family show with an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and high-energy storytelling, suitable for little cubs aged 3-7 years. Join Douglas in the Bacon Theatre for laughter, sing along songs and plenty of opportunities to join in! £8.50 (£7.50), family £32. 10.30am.

The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham GL51 6EP. 01242 258002.

25 APRIL PIP & JIM’S BIG APPEAL Fundraising evening to help repair the Church. Guests will be able to enjoy a performance by The Ukulele Orchestra, a delicious hot buffet, fine wine and take

Shipton Golf Course

robbery, blackmail and (of course) murder – with a comic twist! 7.30pm. Tickets from £5-9. Call 01452 522795. The Kings Theatre, Barton Street, Gloucester GL1 1QX. 9-13 JUNE HMS PINAFORE AND COX & BOX

Presented by The Cotswold Savoyards.

You’ll be familiar with HMSP but probably not C&B. It’s a fast moving story of two men renting the same room without knowledge of the other. Cox works days and Box nights. Cox has a day off finding Box and mayhem ensues! 7.30pm (2pm Sat mat). £13-£19. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.org.uk.

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Page 40

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The Local Answer

Wild Food Foraging with Steven Hawley

Give nettles a second chance

Come and try your first class for FREE!!!

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They make phobics cringe, children cry, adults swear and unobservant canines whimper. They also make for quite a refreshing cup of tea! Stinging nettles need no real introduction.

Everything you think you need to know about nettles is often learned quickly as a child and, as a result, the connection from throbbing red hand to mouthful of yum is rarely made. But put those adolescent hard feelings to one side for a moment and give this infamous plant a second chance.

Some brave evangelists will encourage you to harvest it by simply ‘grasping the nettle firmly’ to avoid being stung. I tried that once and found the advice to be agonisingly flawed. So, I advise thick gardening gloves and a sharp pair of scissors. One tip I think worthy of mentioning, however, is to try and avoid picking nettles from popular dog walking spots for – what I hope to be – obvious reasons.

Stinging nettles already have something of a cult following and many recipes can be found online. Young leaves are usually best, as older ones tend to be a little overpowering in taste when used in cooking. But when dried and used for tea, older leaves are fine.

To make a year’s supply of nettle tea pick a couple of bunches of the whole plant. Rinse in cold water and hang them upside down to dry on a washing line during a sunny day, or on a really low heat in your oven if you’re beset by stereotypical English weather. When dry, the leaves should easily crumble between thumb and forefinger and are much safer to handle at this stage – but this forager uses gloves whenever they require direct handling.

Firmly grasp the root end and position over a large bowl and run your hand down the plant to dislodge the leaves from the stem. Now, get some pay back for your childhood mishaps and bravely break those dried leaves into loose tea sized pieces with heavily armoured hands.

Store in an air tight glass container – old coffee jars work well – and use as you would any loose leaf tea. Stored in a cool dry place – it can last you through the winter until you’re able to replenish your stocks the following year. It’s similar in taste to a strong green tea and packs just as much goodness.

If you’re not 100% sure that the plant you’re picking is safe for human consumption, don’t pick it. If you’re prone to food allergies, or pregnant, always seek medical advice before consuming anything foraged in the wild.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 41

Easter comes early Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Spring has started early this year with birds already nesting, peacocks displaying and the Mad Hatter’s Tea party preparations for Saturday 4th and Wednesday 8th April in full swing. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party has become a must do event for children at Easter and gets them out and about with birds and animals in a casual way. The Alice in Wonderland themed marquee has illustrated hangings and is themed for the tea party – with all the birds roaming around, it really is quite special. Dressing up is very much part of the event and the face painter makes the finishing touches on the day. Lunch and face painting is included in the price, and this fun marquee can be hired individually for private parties.

What’s on at The Bird Park’s New Centre?

Whilst all this is going on, the New Visitor Centre welcomes Ronald Swanwick – the new Resident Artist who will be at the centre running courses from the 16th-19th April. Ronald will be at the park on these dates and as one of Gloucestershire’s most well-known wildlife artists, we are pleased to welcome him here. There are other courses and events now running throughout the year at The Bird Park. More information can be found on line.

y at The Bird Park

Gypsy Caravan The Bird Parks beautiful Gypsy Caravan is open for Children’s Birthday Party bookings for up to 14 children. This has to be one of the most quirky places to host your child’s special day. Tucked away in a secluded part of the park, amongst the flock of Barnacle geese and miniature donkeys we are able to provide a unique setting for children to enjoy a party. Catering can be provided or you can self cater.

If you’d like to book the Gypsy Caravan, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party or simply find out more information about the park, call 01452 812727 or visit www.thebirdpark.com.

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Page 46

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The Local Answer

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Page 47

LOCAL ROOFER

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Page 48

SERVICING & REPAIR

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The Local Answer

In The Garden with Julia Smith

Enticing and eye-catching colours April can be a bit of a lottery weather-wise. I know the old rhyme says ‘April Showers’, but we have also had quite bad droughts at this time of year. If this is the case, care will have to be taken with any shrubs and trees planted in the last few months.

Evergreens don’t show any sign of drought until they are in a really bad way, so care must be taken to give them a thorough watering once a week until they are a year old and should have a strong root system.

Remember thorough watering means a good watering can full per plant – mulching around the soil will keep the water in (although don’t go right up to the stem as it can lead to rotting).

Garden centres are full of small

plug plants in all sorts of enticing colours, and buying bedding plants as plugs is a very good way to do it. However, don’t just ‘bung’ them in the garden, as they are used to a frost-free environment in the nursery and will need to be kept in a cold greenhouse or conservatory for another 3 or so weeks to acclimatise and make sure they won’t be zapped by the frost (which still can come in April).

Start feeding your strawberries, raspberries, etc. now as they will be flowering soon. A balanced fertiliser like Growmore or blood, fish and

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bone will promote successful flower and fruit production, good foliage and strong roots. Apply about 70g per square metre.

This is also a good time to plant ornamental grasses in free-draining sandy soil, but if your soil doesn’t sound like this you can add plenty of grit to clay soils to improve the drainage, or create a raised bed with bricks or sleepers to aid drainage.

Some grasses look great in pots like the Japanese Hakonechloa macra ‘Alboaurea’, which is an eyecatching small ornamental grass, forming cascading hummocks of vividly striped bright yellow and green striped foliage. The narrow leaves keep their colour throughout the season – although it loses its leaves in winter – and often when the plant is grown in full sun, it develops a reddish tinge. However, I prefer it grown in shade to keep the yellowy-green colour.

FOR ALL YOUR GARDEN NEEDS

mikeowen1@aol.com www.cotswoldgrounds.co.uk Call Michael Owen 01242 226880 07770 685 662 ESTABLISHED 1995

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 49

Landscape C

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Specialists in Paving and Turf Laying, Driveways, Fencing and Timber Work Andy Durrant 07786 602 992 Stuart Parker 07866 534 925 E: andydurrant7@hotmail.com W: www.landscape-creations.co.uk

Landscapes designed and built to enhance your outdoor space

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Julia Smith Gardening GARDEN & PLANTING DESIGNS From as little as £350

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Page 50

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The Local Answer

Give your garden a makeover SLEEPERS to enhance borders, rockeries and paths

Wondering what to do with your outdoor space? Now is the perfect time for some fresh ideas for your garden. That’s where the Challenge Fencing team can help. This long-established company has been under the same ownership since 1987 and has a branch in Hardwicke. Thanks to word of mouth and a specialised local team, the business has won a loyal customer base, including members of the trade who are looking for a good range of high-quality stock.

This includes sheds, fence panels, trellis panels, screening products, gates, decking boards and accessories as well as woodcare products.

Maximise the appeal of your garden Alison Parsons of Challenge Fencing said: “Now is the ideal time to start thinking about your garden. If you don’t have green fingers, it can be hard to imagine how to organise your garden to its best advantage. You’d be surprised how easily you can make big changes to the feel of your outside space. By using panels and perhaps trellises, we can help you create different ‘zones’ for added interest.

Then you can get on with the fun bit, such as planting and an alfresco drink or two while you admire your handiwork!”

With a small display area where you can admire the different hard-wearing panels and timber products, the friendly Challenge team are always on hand to talk you through options. Whether you’re looking to create some raised beds using treated railway sleepers, or find some well-made garden furniture, enlisting Challenge Fencing is sure to help you maximise the appeal of your garden – whatever its size!

Challenge Fencing is open weekdays 8am-5pm, 8am-1pm Saturdays, 9am-4pm Good Friday and 8am-4pm Easter Saturday.

Pop in or call 01452 676808 to get your garden dreams hatched!

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Matt Grimshaw Carpentry Ltd Your local Carpenter/ Kitchen Fitting Specialist

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WHEN QUOTING TLA

Page 51

Interior Design with Vicky Walker

A place for rest and relaxation 4. STORAGE

The bedroom is part of the house where we recharge and rest after a hard day in the office or the daily stresses and strains of everyday life. To wind down, the room must be designed with a calming atmosphere – if you are planning on decorating a bedroom I hope these tips will help.

Built in storage creates a streamlined look, and is much neater than free standing wardrobes. High gloss finishes in a variety of colours really give that boutique hotel feel, whilst wood can be used for a traditional style. If you have freestanding furniture and want to change it, painting it is a great way to give it a new lease of life.

1. THE BED A bed is a really important investment, especially when you consider how much time will be spent sleeping over a lifetime. The best bed for you isn’t necessarily the most expensive bed, but spending as much as you can afford on a mattress is certainly worth it.

Consider the space you need at night – a standard double 137cm wide may not be large enough for a couple, so a kingsize 150cm wide gives will give you and your partner more room to relax and stretch out during sleep. Divans are very useful if you are tight on space, with drawers that provide additional storage.

Bedsteads are generally more decorative, but take up considerably more room, whereas folding beds are flexible for overnight guests and take up a lot less room.

2. BEDDING Nothing beats getting into bed with freshly washed and ironed sheets – preferably cotton for that super soft feel.

Try to buy bedding that fits well with the colour scheme of the room. If your bedroom is quite ‘jazzy’, opt for subtle

tones and perhaps steer clear of too many patterns. On the other hand, if your bedroom has a neutral scheme, bedding can bring a burst of colour and life to the room.

3. LIGHTING Try to avoid relying on a single pendant light, which can feel a bit stark. Take a tip from hotel bedrooms, which invariably have a number of different types of lights spread around the room – wall, floor and table lamps. Using a combination of these will create a softer, cosier ambience and including a dimmer switch means you can adjust the strength of the light depending on your mood.

Table lamps are probably the easiest way to update a tired bedroom, adding colour or pattern in a flash. Smart chrome lamps give a contemporary feel, or you could try a brass one with a lampshade for a more traditional finish. You can also get touch lights, which create a more subtle atmosphere.

5. DECOR Paint versus wallpaper is a long-standing argument that will probably never be settled – but whatever you choose, make sure you are happy with it and won’t tire of it quickly. A feature wall behind the bed can instantly update your room, and although big bright bold patterns may appeal to you when you are staying in a hotel – generally this is for a short period of time – they can be a little overpowering every night.

If you are wishing to create a calming atmosphere, choose more neutral tones for walls, furniture and accessories.

Cushions and throws on the bed will add texture to a flat room, and a couple of pictures in the same tone as your décor will just finish the look off.

Lastly, try to avoid having a television and computer in the bedroom, and put your mobile on silent – we really need to switch off at night and these appliances can certainly disturb your sleep.

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Page 53

Welcome to

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Page 61

THREE PIECE JOINERY

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Page 63

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The Local Answer

Motoring with Christian Tilbury

Fancy trying something different?

If you’re searching for a family car that’s far from ordinary, the Hyundai i30 could be quite a tasty number.

Ask the majority of drivers to name a medium-sized family car and the usual answers are “Ford Focus” or “Volkswagen Golf”. Such a response is no surprise, but for those that think outside of the box and – perhaps more likely, those that are ‘in the know’ – there’s another very worthwhile choice – the Hyundai i30.

Freshly revised and launched last month, the latest Hyundai i30 takes on all the sector’s ‘big guns’ and gives them more than a run for their money.

Recent drivers will be more akin to Hyundai’s latest offerings, but for motorists who still associate the brand with its previous efforts of the 1980s and 1990s, then it’s time to put those memories firmly to bed.

Hyundai’s transformation from budget, ‘value’ manufacturer to producer of acclaimed cars is akin to the rise of Skoda – the only joke now is on car buyers who don’t consider them.

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make the model’s package even more alluring. In brief, the crisp-looking new i30 has been enhanced with improved engines, a new seven-speed transmission, extra comfort and safety, plus refreshed styling.

The new front end treatment sees the i30 assume the same corporate look as its stablemates, but it’s what is under its purposeful skin that is likely to be of more interest. There’s now a choice of five engines and, thanks to advanced energy saving measures such as stop/start technology, the i30 emits as little as 109g/km CO2 and returns up to 78.4mpg (combined).

Versatility and peace of mind Both diesels and petrols are available – although the diesel does carry a premium so worth weighing up if you really do need the extra frugality – and performance is more than adequate. Indeed, if you have a real need for speed then there’s a brand new 186PS 1.6-litre turbocharged version that’s good for

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Page 69

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Gadgets & Gizmos with Dan Wood

Give your plants a helping hand PARROT FLOWER POWER Watering and caring for our plants about the house often comes second to everything else, and I’m ashamed to say I’d need more than two hands to count the plants I’ve lost to poor care. Are you guilty too? Worry no more.

For £40-45 you could invest in the Parrot Flower Power. Exploit technology and increase the chances of good growth, perfect flowering and longevity of your potted friends.

Stick the Parrot device into the soil along with your plant and the device will communicate via the official app.

Powered by AAA batteries and with a six month battery life, the Parrot Flower Power has a database of over 7,000 plants so you’ll be able to identify and select the plant you’re

trying to grow. The device will monitor moisture and sunlight, as well as the temperature of the soil and atmosphere. When it decides your plant is in need, it will send an alert to your phone or tablet – you can then provide what is needed!

Compatible with iOS and android technology, this gadget is waterproof and weighs only 170g. I’m struggling to identify a fault with this – it seems a rather good idea and very well executed!

out stalks, speed up the process with the strawberry-stem remover to effortlessly hull the stalks.

Simply click the green end button and retract to remove stems with ease. Priced at a mere £2-5, this is a cheap buy that will save you time, and is perfect for everyone from children to kitchen gadget fiends.

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Of course, if you are a successful gardener you may end up with a bumper crop. With summer only a few months away, the Chef’n Stemgem could be just what you need to save time in the kitchen.

Instead of fumbling around cutting

For the child in us, £10-15 buys the black liquid phenomenon that is FerroTec Ferrofluid. Microscopic magnetic particles react when disturbed by an external magnetic field so you can watch water dance – literally. I highly recommend this, as it is great fun, but it does stain so beware!

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To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 71

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Free quotations upon request

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Save the Planet

with Hannah Gray of Gloucestershire Environmental Education Partnership

Plan ahead – reuse and recycle As the weather warms up it’s traditionally time to treat your home to a good old fashioned spring clean. The origins of the spring clean are unclear but in 19th Century America, before the advent of the vacuum cleaner, April was seen as a good month to tackle the dusting – warm enough to have all the windows open but not yet warm enough for insects to cause problems.

If you’re planning a spring clean this month you may find yourself with a collection of clutter to get rid of. A little planning may mean the difference between sending things to landfill and the much more environmentally friendly options of reusing or recycling.

If you’re willing to donate your items, charity shops are a great option for anything that’s in good usable condition.

Some charity organisations will take and test electrical goods before reselling them, and some will even collect larger

items such as furniture from your home. Stamps, old greetings cards, spectacles and bottle tops are also collected by some charity organisations, and schools often organise textile collections as a fundraiser.

There are a couple of local online reuse networks that you can join and give away (or find) items for free – simply post a description and people who are interested reply. This is a great way to rehome items in your local area – from half tins of paint to a collection of jam jars, a stack of egg boxes to an old TV. Depending on what your item is you may like to make some money out of it by selling it online, in the local papers or even having a car boot sale. This is also a great way of finding a new home for items that are still fully functional.

Once you’ve reused as much as you can, the next stop is recycling. Use your box, bin or bag depending on where you live and don’t forget to make use of collection points in public car parks.

Larger items that are well past their best can be taken to one of the five Household Recycling Centres

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(HRCs) in the county. A defunct toaster, broken fence panels and old worn clothes can all be recycled into something new – metals extracted from your toaster are smelted and used to create more small electrical appliances, and old fence panels could become chipboard kitchen worktops.

As a nation we buy 2 million tonnes of clothing each year – 75% of which ends up in landfill, making textiles one of the fastest growing waste streams! Even the most tired clothing can be recycled and given a new lease of life – perhaps even as filling for vehicle seats.

Remember to sort items before you visit the HRC so that you can recycle quickly and easily on site.

For more information about waste prevention, reuse, recycling, composting and free waste education workshops for pupils, please visit www.recycleforgloucestershire.com.

To find out more about the work of the Gloucestershire Environmental Education Partnership, please visit www.geep.org.uk.

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Page 75

Building & Property Services

Aubrey Howard is an innovative property services company made up of experienced project managers, architects and tradesmen. We aim to provide a fresh approach to your property requirements without the usual complaints and hassles that dog the building trade.

The Perfect Build

✧ Concept Design ✧ Architectural Drawings ✧ Planning Permission ✧ Listed Building Consent ✧ Project Management ✧ Consultancy ✧ Portfolio Management

Whether it is a leaky tap, a loft conversion or a larger building project, Aubrey Howard has the necessary experience and drive to make even the most daunting of projects a reality. We work collaboratively with our customers at all stages of a project and deliver an outstanding service on time and on budget. Always.

Our Services ✧ Plumbing ✧ Heating ✧ Carpentry

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24 genc Ho y Cal ur l Out

Contact us via email info@aubreyhoward.co.uk or call on 01242 269287 or 07758 334480 www.aubreyhoward.co.uk

Em

ALL QUOTATIONS COME WITHOUT OBLIGATION!

er

46 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 2AQ

Money Matters NEW LEAF CONSTRUCTION

with Roger Downes of Andorran

Quality Building Extensions Loft Conversions Roofing Walls Bathrooms Porches Paving References from satisfied customers NEW LEAF CONSTRUCTION is fully insured Contact Oliver Keys for a FREE no obligation quotation on:

Tel: 01242 581524 Mob: 07837 857145 email: oliverkeys@hotmail.co.uk 70 Horsefair Street, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Glos GL51 8JH

Plumb It Plumbing & Heating Services is a family run, Cheltenham based company that has built its customer base on good old fashioned service, value and reliability.

SERVICES INCLUDE: · Central heating systems · Boiler installation and servicing · Gas fire installations · Kitchen appliances (from plumbing in dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators and cookers)

· Plumbing installations, blockages & leaks · Gas safety & Landlord certificates

Plumb It Plumbing & Heating Services M: 07827 913291 E: info@cheltenham-plumber.com www.cheltenham-plumber.com The Local Answer

Planning the inevitable They say that there are only two certainties in life – death and taxes. Several major companies and celebrities seem to have found a way around the latter, but try as we might, no-one has conquered the former, despite the fact that on average we are all living longer.

Some of the eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that there was no Money Matters article last month. Mrs Downes and I were away, enjoying some winter sunshine and celebrating my 60th birthday.

It was a perfect opportunity to reflect and plan. The evenings were long and quiet, so, amongst the cocktails, we sat and talked about the future. I’ve always argued that you make better short-term decisions if you have a long-term plan and that is as true in planning for the inevitable as it is in any other walk of life.

Think about the time when we’re unable to plan anything more Mrs Downes wants me to prepare a ‘Death Box’ for her, containing all of the information that she might need in my absence. I’m not just talking about a copy of my will, my choice of funeral hymns and a final love letter. When you take time to think about it, there will be quite a lot in my ‘Box’!

The will, of course. But Mrs D has always reminded me that I could be worth more dead than alive, so how does she know how to access those funds – life assurance and pension policies need to be there too.

And how about those preciously guarded PINs – she will need to know those to be able to get her hands on any money in my current accounts. Not that there’s that much, but you get the point.

And then there is the mass of online information. I can’t remember all of my passwords, so what chance does my dearly beloved have?

We all plan our lifetime finances – we need also to think about the time when we’re unable to plan anything more.

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 77

1st Choice

Aerial & Satellites

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Digital Aerial Installations Upgrades and Repairs

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What would you say if someone told you that your central heating system could be transformed, with very little disruption to your home, using highly qualified engineers, with the best quality materials possible at a price you could afford?

A family run business, Cotswold Plumbers Limited has provided quality plumbing and heating services in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire since 2005. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through repeat custom and relationships that have been built around a first class experience.

Offering our customers more...

www.cotswoldplumbers.co.uk Page 78

CONTRACTOR FOR

T: 01242 251743 M: 07770 790767

CALL 01242 234 576 ●

References available

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GAS

TM

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Accredited Installer

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& Property Maintenance Public Liability insured

25 Years Experience

Roofing, Chimneys Drainage Re-pointing Structural Openings Plastering Brickwork, Patio’s Extensions etc Contact John Gurney

Over 25 years experience

J.T.G

Building Services

Newman & Ellis

Carpentry & Building Contractors

For all aspects of Carpentry, General Building and Property Maintenance

Scott: 07850 362562 Warren: 07770 409798

PC-Menders

07799 246692 07775 876443 01242 693111

Email: newman_ellis@yahoo.com

IT help for Home and Small Business users • • • • • •

Repairs, Troubleshooting and Upgrades Windows 8 and iPad set-up and assistance Virus removal Data recovery and transfer System set-up and Training Networks and Servers

phone: John on 01242 576650 email: help@pc-menders.co.uk

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DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST • Full & Part Rewires • Fuseboards • Interior/Exterior Lighting • Complete shower installation • Extra Sockets • Fault Finding • TV Aerial Points Local references available No call-out charge ~ Free Quotations FRIENDLY • RELIABLE • PROFESSIONAL

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ARD developments

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ltd

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A professional company working throughout Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties for over 10 years.

Offering a wide variety of services ranging from a labour only service to a complete building management solution.

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To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 79

MARTINTERIORSLTD

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• Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting • Carpentry/Joinery • Painting & Decorating • Tiling • Plaster Skimming

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Please contact Martin for a

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t 01242 231985 m 07984 049743 e martinterior@aol.com www.martinteriors.co.uk

Cheltenham Plumbers

for all your plumbing and oil requirements From a leaking tap to a complete new bathroom Oil boiler servicing and replacements

Cost-effective FREE Quotations NO VAT TO PAY ON OUR SERVICE For professional service with a smile contact: SHANE IAN

07780 594421 07768 317151 www.cheltplumbers.com

shane@cheltenhamplumbersltd.co.uk

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Page 80

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The Local Answer

GOOD CREW Painting & Decorating Call us for a Free Quotation

078 71 344 300 goodcrewuk@gmail.com www.goodcrew.co.uk

Eversure Accounts

Accountancy, Payroll & Bookkeeping Services

T: Lisa on 01242 251614 M: 07891879504

info@eversureaccounts.co.uk www.eversureaccounts.co.uk

ALEXANDER BURN FUNERAL DIRECTORS Alexander Burn is an independent family business with three offices in the Cheltenham area.

COURTEOUS, EFFICIENT AND RESPECTFUL 24 hour personal service Private chapels of rest

www.alexanderburn.com Bishops Cleeve 22 Church Road 01242 673300

Cheltenham 436 High Street 01242 245350

Winchcombe 11 North Street 01242 604888

Local Policing with Tim Waterhouse

Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team

Where stories are made and history is written As I write this I am contemplating the week ahead. And by the time you read this you will undoubtedly have a couple of stories about the week that was. The week I am talking about is the Festival. The glorious Cheltenham Festival up at Prestbury Park where stories are made and history is written. All our plans are made and months of planning, meetings, briefing and hard work are about to be tested.

We have the Avon & Somerset mounted branch coming up to help us out as the evening festivities get into full throw. Our own Constabulary’s licensing department are out in force to make sure our pubs and clubs are complying with legislation. The increase in sexual entertainment around the town will be monitored to ensure no one crosses the line. Our patrols will be increased significantly both up at the course and around the town, but also along the routes to and from the course to prevent minor acts of disorder such as urinating in gardens along Evesham road.

Promoting peace and tranquility CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANT AND TAX ADVISER SMALL BUSINESS SPECIALIST

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Annual accounts Monthly management accounts Personal and corporate tax Bookkeeping, Payroll and VAT

Free, no obligation initial meeting

Danielle Cole danielle@coleaccounting.co.uk 01242 279487 07899 772119

We will have the help of the South West Ambulance Service who will join our Police Hub in the High Street, giving a fully functional and near 24/7 permanent emergency services presence in the town centre (outside Marks & Spencer). This is to give reassurance to race goers and permanent residents alike that we, the Police, are about and are out in force to help and promote peace and tranquillity.

So, my point being that we have completed lots and lots of planning and hopefully (fingers crossed) that we have no dramas or problems throughout the week and everyone has a fantastic time, keeps safe and the disruption to our own residents is kept to a minimum.

I understand that not all of our permanent residents are interested in racing and find the whole week a bit of a nuisance. But, I think we all understand that the Festival is vital in keeping Cheltenham a vibrant and exciting town to live in, so I think we should all try and facilitate and encourage the ‘tourists’.

As a final note, if anyone does have any feedback to how we Police the Festival, please pass a short e-mail to us and I will ensure it is passed on to the right person: CheltenhamNeighbourhoodPolicing@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk Keep ‘em locked and keep safe.

Gloucestershire Constabulary Non-Emergency Number – 101 In an emergency always call 999

www.gloucestershire.police.uk The Local Answer

To advertise call 01242 510500

Page 81

Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK So Thai The Aviator The Old Rectory The Shutters

PROPERTY & STORAGE 8 8 8 6-7

29 House Moves Newcombe Residential 28 Northwood 31 28 Norton Park Open House 30 WHAT’S ON Park Home Life 28 CLUBS & SPORTS Sam Ray Property 30 Bickos Bike Shack 36 The Property Centre 84 Cheltenham College Sports 33 HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL CLC Sports Centre 12 Miles Morgan 16 Harwood Dance 41 Shipton Golf Course 40 HOMES & GARDENS Star Golf 35 BATHROOMS City Plumbing 66 EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Batsford Arboretum 37 Cotswold Bathroom Solutions 45 Glos Business Show 34 Leckhampton Bathrooms 54-55 83 Glos Jive 45 32 Severn Vale Total Bathroom 71 Hallmark Hotel 38 Manor Fields Cookery School 9 BUILDING SERVICES 72 National Star Cycling 37 Abard Roofing 76 Prinknash Bird Park 42-43 Aubrey Howard Builders ARD Developments Limited 79 Over Farm 40 44 The Bacon Theatre 35 BE Rudman Chosen View 51 The Forget-Me-Not Concert 39 Dot & Dab Plastering 46 Valiant Events 35 Edgebuild 74 RETAIL Elite Loft Ladders 71 72 Aquajardin 26 G Kelly Plastering 60 Cotswold Vintage Living 66 GlosBuild 70 MillAquia 48 Harry Antonious 50 Tewkesbury Cookshop 5 Home Care Property 79 Vinyl Records 36 JTG Building Services Leckhampton Plastering 72 HEALTH & BEAUTY Mart Interiors Limited 80 Cheltenham CBT 14 Marshalls Driveways 51 Craig Thorn Acupuncture 12 New Leaf Construction 77 Definition Beauty 10 Pinnacle Property Services 72 Isbourne Holistic Centre 14 PJ Home Improvements 64 Matt Wagstaff Fitness 13 R Richards & Son 2 Mobile Chiropodist 14 Ready 2 Repair 46 NHS – Let’s Talk 22 Roofing & Building 50 Oakwell Health 11 RS Cladding and Roofing 46 Spa Vapes 15 & 63 Spa Garden Rooms 65 The Guild Hairdressing 10 Steve Mustoe Building 59 The Haven 14 SWS Plastering 78

Weathertech CARPENTRY Matt Grimshaw Newman and Ellis Nick Burton Three Piece Joinery CLEANING SERVICES Anya Cleaning Cotswold Carpet Cleaners Ecoclean Hard Pressed for Time Oven Busters Ovenclean Pink Fairy Cleaning Regency Cleaning The Housekeeper ELECTRICAL SERVICES Beacon Electrical Cotswold Rewires County Electrical Steve Holland Electrical TJE Electrical Services FURNISHING & APPLIANCES Antique World Bella’s Interiors Carpet Emporium Just Fabrics MWE Furnishings Ltd New Blinds New Blinds – Awnings New Blinds – Curtains New Blinds – Shutters GARDEN SERVICES Acorn Gardening Services Challenge Fencing Chosen Lawnmowers Cotswold Garden/Landscape Cotswold Tree Services DW Tree Services Julia Smith Gardening Just Fencing Landscape Creations Mark Clifford Landscapes Master Sheds The Garden Landscape Cons.

48 HANDYMAN SERVICES John Wilson Maintenance 48 50 51 The Local Handyman 79 HEATING & PLUMBING 80 78 Barker & Bayliss 80 62 Cheltenham Plumbers Combi-Man 66 Cotswold Plumbers 78 47 70 47 ID Godwin 72 47 KB Female Plumber 72 47 Pete T Plumbing 72 47 Platinum Plumbing 77 53 Plumb It Pure Plumbing 74 47 21 Seasoned Hardwood Logs 70 Ubique 59 47 KITCHENS Cotswold Kitchen Solutions 45 74 Hatherley Worktops 44 79 Leckhampton Kitchens 54-55 78 Worktops Cheltenham 4 64 PAINTING & DECORATING 64 Decor by Makeover 46 Flairline Decorating 46 32 Floods 62 53 Good Crew Painting 81 70 Trevor Rogers 46 52 TV & AERIAL 44 1st Choice Aerials 78 62 WINDOWS, DOORS 59 & CONSERVATORIES 66 Albany Windows 57 64 C&L Windows 67 Clearway Doors & Windows 58 48 Cloudy2Clear 61 51 Emperor Windows 73 48 Misty2Clear 63 48 Nova Glazing 74 49 51 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 50 AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS 18 48 Mallams 50 CARE SERVICES 48 Barnwood Trust 25 50 Brandon Trust 24 50 Helping Hands 24

Nazareth House 24 The Order of St John 19 23 Thirlestaine Park COMPUTERS & SOFTWARE Abbey Business Equipment 9 PC Menders 79 EDUCATION & TRAINING Fox Cubs Day Nursery 19 Winton House Day Nursery 20 FUNERAL DIRECTORS Alexander Burn 81 HOUSE & RUBBISH CLEARANCE Crown Clearance 47 LEGAL & FINANCE Cole Accounting 81 Eversure Accounts 81 LOCKSMITHS Ollie’s Lock & Safe 78 MOTORING SERVICES Valkyrie Chauffeurs 18 Westlands Hyundai 68 PETS BJ Luxury Kennels & Cattery 26 Charlton Kings Vet Centre 27 Phoebe’s Pad 26 PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES Sam L. Legge 32 SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Stevens Recycling 75

If you don’t see the goods or services you provide listed here – take advantage and

BE THE FIRST! Telephone

01242 510500

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS T N N G M E I F U J L X S D B T X R C G I J F K

COMPETITION WINNERS Congratulations to the winners of our March 2015 competitions: Bacon Theatre – Pair of tickets to see Sleeping Beauty – Jan Regan of Hatherley and Christine Ball of Cheltenham.

Everyman Theatre – Pair of tickets to see The Absence of War – Patricia Whittaker of Leckhampton and Lauren Major of Benhall.

W Q N N A C H S C S E R P Z Q V E H A R T E A W

Y N J S U V R I P D E Z B Z Y G O N S T C S M P

R Q T O Z T C N D W V F D E R C V L N O X U I I

W E C A B C D L O E L F Z G O A X E J O A S L B

R R E A C K E L E P B G X L O C B B W A B A Y B

S P R I N G F T W F E L A H U N T B B H B Z M B

P H E L S I R E Z R T T R K U Z K K I H I A G O

L E D N T F S K U G E P U K T V I S M T L W G C

N T A H A D P S H N F R M Z E E H N P W A M E C

D O W E E N W A R T H D D Q J W H O S L G W W H

Y A I I R T L B L H F F A B D J D I T L X I C L

A N J X T Y D Z K T U I F M P B Q T R A I L D R

N C N K I B J Y W X W Y F C Y K E C A L O E V B

Z W Y U O F P I Q B H J O O J O U E D Z L S K X

N G K A B A I Q M I Q U D U O I N R I K C E E D

N I T F R I O C N C O F I B K I H R T Q R B K N

C D J Z N S L L U T X U L G P T A U I H E C P Y

E T A R B E L E C R P Q A X F P V S O Q G R A T

L M S D D E T R W C C T B S Q G Z E N R A D Y B

X L I D E C O R A T E C Y M Q M N R A A N D A I

H C R U H C Y L V P Q Y U P X M T S A U L R M D

Z B I X W I B N S L V V P C O Y S H S H Q C E P

X M U W L F T K U Y D L B O Y K C I H C P P F Q

COMPETITION RULES 1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless stated. 7 Proof of

posting is not regarded as proof of receipt of entry.

8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party.

BOOKING DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE – Wednesday 15th April 2015 Page 82

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