Gloucester

The Local

A NS W E R

GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S BIGGEST LOCAL MAGAZINE

GLOUCESTER WWW.THELOCALANSWER.CO.UK

FEBRUARY 2019

The Loc al

ANSWER Gloucester – 46,000 copies Stroud District – 41,000 copies Cotswolds – 30,000 copies Cheltenham – 43,000 copies North Gloucestershire – 20,000 copies

Managing Director Dave Kingscott dave@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Editorial & Marketing Lois Kingscott editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Helen Kingscott

Sport Roger Jackson sport@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Entertainment Tom Hadfield To entertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Customer Services Kevin Vaughan-Spruce services@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Claudie Francis production@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Distribution John Overton – 01242 541075 leaflets@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Louis Jordan distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Accounts Robert Kingscott accounts@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Unit H, Churchill Industrial Estate, Churchill Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7EG

Telephone 01242 510500 @thelocalanswer

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Februuary’s winning coover photo: Keerry Palmer o Lydney of

Weelcome l to February F ...

Now we w are past the January blues, ma any of us will be b looking forward to the middle of the month h, which is all about spending time with that specia al someone in our lives. As Valentine’s Day falls on o a Thursday this year, why no ot stay at home and cook your significant other a romantic meal?? For a fantastic finale, check out our Delicious Dish – we’ve got the perfectt dessert recipe pe for y you to g gain some extra browniie p points!

The Local Answer team are very much looking forwa ard to next month’s issue, as we will be celebrrating our 10th anniversary! We’ll have lots of themed articles for you to enjoy reading and a few exciting announcements, so stay tuned! If you run r a local business or organisation and would d like to be part of our special issue, be sure to gett in touch by Friday 8th February.

Inside this month ...

Distributors Required Delicious Dish Holidays & Travel Medical Health Looking Good, Feeling Great Education & Employment Wildlife Matttters Motoring What’s On Leader’s Life TLA Entertainment Homes & Gardens In the Garden Interior Design Gadgets & Gizmos Sudoku Save the Planet Word Search Quick Crossword Money Matters TLA Sport Index, Competitions, Solutions

4 5 11 15 17 21 23 25 26 29 30-31 32 39 41 43 44 47 48 50 55 56-57 58 Page 3

Distributors Required For a few hours each month in the following specific areas:

Elmbridge • Kingsholm Each round is made up of 150-400 copies per month.

The rate of pay is 6 pence/copy. Depending on property types, our current team of people average between 100-150 copies/hour (equivalent to £6-£9/hour).

Magazines are delivered to The Local Distributors’ homes towards the end of each month and we A NS W E R expect deliveries to be completed within four days between the hours of 7am and 9pm.

You must be 13+ years old, flexible, reliable and sufficiently physically fit to GLOUCESTER perform the duties.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S BIGGEST LOCAL MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2019

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For details email John – distribution@thelocalanswer.co.uk

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Delicious Dish with Helen Kingscott

A decadent dessert for your y valentine This indulgent dessert will surely help to win over your loved one this Valentine’s Day!

Ingredients: For the base and sides: 40g plain chocolate; 75g Hobnob biscuits (or similar); 225g strawberries.

For the mousse: 200g good quality white chocolate; 200g full-fat cream cheese; 200ml full-fat crème fraiche.

Method: 1 Place six 6cm x 7cm metal rings on a baking tray t lined with greaseproof paper.

2 Put the plain chocolate into a medium bowl and melt gently over a pan n of simmering water.

3 Crush the biscuits (pop them in a bag and use a rolling pin) then ad dd them to the chocolate and stir until cove ered.

4 Press the mixture into the bottom of the rings with a teaspoon and pop p in the fridge to set.

5 In I another th bowl, b l break b k up then th carefully f ll melt lt the white chocolate using the same method as above. Leave to cool then add the cream cheese and crème fraiche and mix until smooth.

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6 Remove the e rings from the fridge then slice e the strawberries thinly and arrange them m around the sides of the rings.

7 Spoon the mixture m carefully onto the biscuit base and le evel off the tops – it doesn’t have e to be smoo oth.

8 Chill the mo ousses until firm.

9 Carefully re emove from the rings and serve e on a plate. Decorate with chocolate hearts, mint leaves s, a drizzle of chocolate or love e hearts! The swirly chocolate decoration was s from leftover leftov ver chocolate, chocolate which I drizzled d onto greaseproof paper and put in the fridge e to set.

Tip: This is a very rich dessert so I served it with the leftover strawberries.

To advertise call 0122 510500

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SAINTBRIDGE HOUSE NURSING & RESIDENTIAL HOME

01452 300307

Local partner solicitors are donating their expertise and time to write a basic Will in return for a suggested donation to Cobalt.

Offffering single en-suite bedrooms for up to 36 residents fo Tastefully decorated and homely Lovely patio and landscaped lawn area a fo for residents to enjoy in the warmer weather w ● Dedicated, caring and hardworking g staffff ● Exceptional hygiene standards ● Weekly unisex hairdresser. r. Chiropo odist, dentist, physiotherapist and optician visits arrranged ● Activities Co-ordinator with an ong going programme of events to keep residdents occupied and maintain both physical and menntal well being. ● ●

189 Painswick Road, Gloucesterr,, Gloucestershire GL4 4QQ info@saintbridge-house.co.uk www.saintbridge-house.co.uk

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For further information visit our website www.cobalthealth.co.uk or call 01242 535922

Places are limited so make your appointment today!

Registered charity number: 1090790

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Holidays & Travel with Al Hidden

Ausstralia just got g closer Australia, always popu ular with Brits, came even clo oser in March 2018 with fligh ht QF10, the new non-stop Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dre eamliner service from London He eathrow to Perth. Okay, may ybe not closer by distance, but the 7,828 nautical ti l mile il (14,498km) (14 498k ) direct di t flight certainly makes reaching Oz faster than ever.

How fast? You leave Heathrow at 13:15 and reach Perth at 13:00 the next day, in time to find your hotel, grab lunch, enjoy some tinnies or sip Margaret River Chardonnay in the sunshine. Perth’s relaxed west-coast vibe consistently puts the city high in liveability rankings. Attractions such as Rottnest Island, Kings Park Gardens and Fraser Avenue Lookout complement a great restaurant scene for guaranteed good times.

Will this new route finally get you to Oz? Alternatively, stay on board to Melbourne. Or make one of 11 The Local Answer

more same-day Au ustralian connections. Oh yes, Perth is the perfect gateway to o Australia’s wonders from Can nberra to Port Hedland. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or want w an excuse for a first visit, the new route could be whatt finally makes k your antipodea ti d n dream d come true.

opera house, are genuine icons.

A little further, Ta Tasman nia offers a refreshing contrast to t mainland Australia plus, wo ould you believe it, the world’ss official ‘best’ whisky courtesy of o William McHenry & Sons in Porrt Arthur!

That famous Syd dney harbour bridg ge

Alternatively, head north to Brisbane. Try the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Queensland Art Gallery and Museum of Modern Art, Mt Coot-tha and swimming with dolphins at Tin Can Bay for starters.

And what about Ay Ayers Rock, aka Uluru? It’s impossible to capture Australia’s wonders fully in 400 words. The only way is to discover them for yourself.

With the new Qantas flight and rumours of more planned (hint: watch London to Sydney), Australia’s allure only grows stronger.

Will 2019 be the year you leave Heathrow at lunchtime and arrive in Western Australia for next day’s lunch? Go for it!

What’s to do when yo ou finally touch Australian soil?? If not planting your feet firmly in Perth, Melbourne is home h to Federation Square, Me elbourne Cricket Club, the 975ftt (297m) high Eureka Skydeck, colourful c trams, and engaging la aneways that await exploration p on foot.

Hungry? Enjoy an accclaimed food and coffee sce ene; try Lygon Street, Southba ank and Chinatown for delicious Italian, Modern and – surprise, surprise – Chinese cuisine respe ectively.

A 90-minute flight further east, Sydney’s attractions, in ncluding that famous harbour briidge and To advertise call 0122 510500

400 00 words o ds just isn’t s ’t enough

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Volunteering with Age UK Gloucestershire is rewarding and fun!

We are looking for Volunteer Springboard Group Leaders (VSGL) to run small weekly social groups as part of our Big Lottery funded service, Gloucester Life Changes.

The Service supports local people aged 60+ who are coping with changes in their life, such as bereavement, being diagnosed with an illness or other things making life difficult. difficult However, Springboard Groups are not downbeat; they tend to be jolly, social events, where people genuinely enjoy themselves and this is largely down to the fantastic VSGLs.

Volunteers share their skills As a VSGL you would facilitate a weekly meeting at a local venue, such as a library, where people socialise, chat with others in similar situations and pursue new or existing hobbies. Yo You, or Group members, could share skills such as knitting IT, T, music – in fact, anything is encouraged.

Ten Groups already meet across the City but we Te need VGSLs to start more new ones.

VSGL Julie comments: “Having experienced a bereavement myself, I appreciate how social

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contact helped p me. I love running g my y Group, p, seeing people regain their confidence and independence is a great feeling.”

The Service alsso provides individual support at home. A Volunte eer Life Changes Visitor (VLCV), supports someon ne for up to 12 weeks, providing a listening ear, r, em motional support and encouragement to connect socially, or try a new activity.

VLCV To Tom comments: “I simply provide a helping hand and, when my client is ready, they can move forwa ard feeling stronger and more confident. I’m very well supported in my role, by Age UK Gloucesttershire, who are a great charity to volunteer with h.”

For more information about volunteering with us, contact Stephen Moore on 01452 422660 or visit www.ageukg gloucestershire.org.uk

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Be part of our

10tthh ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Don’t miss your opportunity to advertise in our March issue, to mark the 10th Y Ye ear of The Local Answer helping local businesses connect with the people of Gloucestershire BOOK BEFORE FRIDA AY Y 8th FEBRUAR RY Y

Contact Claudie on 01242 510500 or email production@thelocalanswerr..co.uk to arrange your campaign

Medical Health with Holly Hannigan

Dealing with stress Stress is a word thrown around everyday, yet many people don’t realise the impact stress can have on their physical health, as well as mental health.

Everyone responds differently to varying levels of stress and what one person might be able to cope with, another might feel is the end of the world. It’s therefore important to remember that recognising how y you as an individual respond to stress in the early stages will help you be able to regain control over your emotional, mental and physical health.

Even happy events can cause stress Even happy events like planning a wedding or having a baby can cause stress. The most common causes of stress are bereavement, work, money and relationships.

When we are in a stressful situation or have a build up of stress in our lives, then some of the responses we physically feel are:

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• Headaches • Sleep problems • Upset stomach • Muscle tension or pain • Appetite changes Emotionally you may feel: • Overwhelmed • Low self-esteem • Anxious • Irritable Mentally you may feel: • Racing thoughts • Constant worrying • Difficulty concentrating • Difficulty making deccisions Managing stress can become part of your everyday liife if you become aware of wha at works for you. One of the biggest changes that can help is accepting that you can’’t always change the stressful situation, all you can do is take co ontrol of how you feel and act about a it.

Becoming mindful an nd living in the present is a goo od habit to have, as it limits the amount of unnecessary worryin ng about the future, which has h not happened yet. It is i very empowering g to gain control ove er your emotional wellbeing and along with that making sure you are e talking to someone e about your stressses and problems, w whether that’s friendss, family or a professional.

Self care is vital for being able to deal with stresss, especially getting g a good work/life b balance.

Making time to do To advertise call 0122 510500

what you enjoy, whetther that is exercising, reading g a book or socialising with friends, will help you maintain that balance.

Do not develo op unhealthy habitts to deal with stre ess It is also important tthat you do nott develop d d l unhealthy h lth habits to deal with stress, such as drinking lots of alcohol, smoking or relying on a high caffeine intake. These are avoidance behaviours and simply mask the problems, often creating new ones.

Maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging at times, especially where there are high levels of stress involved. However, it can be as simple as writing down three things you are grateful for in your life every day that can make all the difference and keep you focused on staying positive and finding solutions to your problems.

If you feel like stress is getting too much for you, contact your GP. P. Page 15

Charnwood House NURSING HOME

Charnwood House Nursing Home specialises in caring ffo or elderly people, younger people with a physical disability and people with dementia. Warm and friendly atmosphere.

Highest standards of nursing care provided.

Owned and managed by Wotton Rise Nursing Home Ltd ● Residents always treated with dignity and respect ● Registered nurses on duty 24 hours a day providing personal and nursing care ● Freshly prepared home cooked food from a menu of residents’ choice ● Activity programme to include regular external entertainers ● Attractive patio and garden for residents ● Close to shops ● Wheelchair access throughout the home ●

Contact Diana or Marina Martinez for more details

Tel: 01452 523478 01452 451249 email: wottonrisenursinghome@hotmail.co.uk 49 Barnwood Road, Gloucester GL2 0SD

Looking Good, Feeling Great with Will Mbanga

Time to move! m We’re W ’ already l d over half h lf way through winter and hopefully you have found a way to keep yourself physically active, despite the wet and cold weather. Having a plan to keep healthy is a great first step, but without action it remains just that. We spoke of New Ye Year Intentions last month and putting actions to your intentions is what will bring about the wellness outcomes you desire this year.

Th The h human b d body was designed to move, but modern life has resulted in a de-evolving population with obesity, y, postural defects and mental health problems all rising significantly over the last 40 years. Add in modern stressors, poor nutrition choices, the breakdown of traditional families and, in some cases, poorly designed training programs and one can see how this combination of factors result in injuries/illness, poor posture and impacts on movement capacity.

To ensure your physical activity regimen adequately addresses muscle imbalances or structural impediments, the following tips would be useful additions to your training plan.

1. Mobility and flexibility Work on improving your range of motion and flexibility about your joints through regular stretching and including mobility exercises between sets in the gym or in your daily routine.

2. Exercise pairing Aim to pair exercises, for example pulling and pushing exercises (pull first, then push).

Getting appropriate rest and recovery are essential components to good health.

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Adequate sleep, finding g ways of de-stressing, and allow wing your body time to regenerate are essential componen nts of ensuring your mind and body are in good health. We all service and MOT our ca ars – the same is necessary for ou ur health; ensuring robust physical and mental health is critical for f when th tough the t h times ti come.

A good balanced d diet is essential With regard to nutrittion and hydration, while every yone has unique individual needss, a good balanced diet (and where necessary, adding to it with w high grade, nutritional supplements) is essential. A good starting point is to take a Food d Intolerance test to establish the t most appropriate food grou ups and nutrients for your in ndividual needs. Thereafter, r, ensuring you eat regularly, or find an n optimal Fasting protocol, and are well hydrated are the final p pieces of the puzzle. Try carrying a 1 litre bottle and refilling it 2-4 4 times a day depending on yourr activity levels.

The combination of inttentional

movement through regular exercise, along with mobility and flexibility work will improve posture and play an im mportant role in delivering im mproved health and wellness ou utcomes.

A few exercises to include in your routine are: • Neck rotations – to len ngthen and strengthen the musscles that h are bent b over mobile bil phones/computers 24-7.

• Scapular retraction – to relieve shoulder tension and improve neck posture.

• Thoracic extension – to lengthen and strengthen the spine, and relieve tension and improve posture.

• Hip extension – to reduce negative effects of hunched sitting posture.

• Ankle dorsi-flexion – toe to shin flexes to release tension and improve movement function.

As your body moves more efficiently from a mechanical perspective, you will begin to enjoy the benefits of improved digestion, sleep and general well-being. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get moving!

To advertise call 0122 510500

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Education & Employment with Alison Williams

Are you part of the Gig econom my?

The growth of the gig economy in the UK has been in the news a lot recently; what does it mean?

The gig economy is defined as a labour market which is characterised by the abundance of short-term contracts or freelance work, rather than permanent jobs. At the end of 2017 around five million people were part of this economy.

Businesses can employ people for only as long as they need them Having a standard contract of employment gives an employee rights in law including sick, maternity and statutory holiday pay, but it is costly to employers to provide these rights. One way around this is to encourage individuals to classify themselves as self employed ‘sole traders’, or to put them on a zero hours contract. This helps the economy as businesses can employ people at short notice for only as long as the they ey need them.

Being a sole trader in a skilled job works well for some e people who factor in their lackk of paid holiday and employme ent protection to a higher hourly rate.

There are, however, r, som me situations where the employee may feel the arrangement suits the employer more than themselves. When peop ple in this kind of situation are a low paid and low skilled they are easily replaced and so less likely to be able to demand a high her hourly rate to offset the rights they are losing out o on.

Those on zero hou urs contracts are employee es, entitled to paid holiday but not to minimum hours.

In some situations the in ndividual doesn’t have to take wo ork when it is offered, so this can c be a mutually beneficial way of working – for example, students organising shifts around lectures.

In other cases zero-hours contracts require the worker w to take shifts but don’t gu uarantee them any y work. This ca an leave those affected feeling insecure and unable to manag ge their family finances or domestic d duties.

In response to public concerns c over the gig econom my, the

government commissio oned the Taylor report and, in line with its Ta findings, introduced so ome new measures to protect em mployees.

High profile legal casses such as Pimlico Plumbers and a Uber have seen individualss, whose companies had insistted they were self employed, win the right to be classified as workers.

Deliveroo won their case as their contractors can send oth hers in to do their deliveries for them and hence cannot class the emselves as employees.

There are voices on o both sides of the argument calling for chan nge No doubt there are voices v on both sides of the argument calling for change and itt will also be interesting to see ho ow Brexit affects this debate. Unions fear that Brexit will re esult in employees l l i losing EU employment protection.

If you want to check on your employment status (or that of your workers) go to: www.tax.service.gov.ukk/checkemployment-status-for--tax You can also contact the ACAS Yo helpline for free con nfidential advice: www.acas.org.u uk

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To advertise call 0122 510500

Page 21

Wildliffe e Matters with Maxine Raggatt

The mountaain hare The Peak District is home to the UK’s only native arctic animal – the mountain hare. They can also be found throughout all of Ireland, in the highlands of Scotland and the Isle of man, along with other arctic climates around the world.

When spotted, they will often be found grazing alone, as they tend not to live in groups. Their diet changes with the seasons depending on what is available at the time, time but it mainly consists of heather, grass, twigs, rush and sedge species.

Spot the difference The mountain hare and brown hare are very similar, r, but certain traits set them apart. The coat of a mountain hare has more of a grey tint to it, and they have brown eyes and shorter ears to minimise heat loss. The eyes of a brown hare are a shade of amber with the fur appearing more e orange tinted.

The average head an nd body length of a mountain hare is around 50cm, with females

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weighing in at about 2.9kg and males slightly less at around 2.6kg. Its body is smaller than a brown hare, and another defining factor is that the mountain hare has an all-year-round white tail.

Their fur turns white One of the fascinating abilities of the mountain hare is that during the winter months their summer coat moults and turns white, although brown fu ur can sometimes still be se een. The fur changing process iss usually complete by Decemb ber, and they will keep their wintter coats until early spring. The purpose of this is to camouflag ge themselves amongst the snow s to hid from hide f predators, d t b t with but ith our everchanging climate, it can often make them stand out more when there is no snow s on the ground. Young ha ares are

Picture: Tom Aspinall

hunted by foxes, wildcats, w stoats and buzzards, wiith many not making it to adulthood, while larger adults are e preyed upon by eagles.

Boxing behaviour From January to September the well-known boxin ng behaviour takes place where e several males will chase a fem male and she will retaliate by boxing.

Females may producce up to three litters per yea ar, with gestation being only 50 5 days.

Each litter of offspring will usually produce 1-4 leverets born with fur and eyess open.

The leverets are left alone during the first week of their life while the mother goes to feed, but she will return n at dusk to the thick vegetation where she left her y young g so they t can suckle her milk. By thre ee weeks of age, the leverets will be fully weaned and will g go their separate ways to find th heir own territories. The lifesp pan of a mountain hare is 3-4 y years but they have been known to live to 9 years old when kept in captivity.

To advertise call 0122 510500

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Motoring with Al Hidden

All-season tyres come c of ag ge Years ago, tyre choices for winter conditions were limited.

You could struggle with traditional summer tyres or use an effective get-you-home solution such as AutoSocks, which work well, but only on snow or ice.

For serious winter grip, you could fit winter tyres. Indeed, in parts of Britain where winter hits hardest, such as Scotland or The Peak District, this remains a preferred solution. solution There are devotees in the Cotswolds too. Just imagine commuting from somewhere like Amberley in snow!

Widespread expert approval For years, tyre makers worked on true all-season tyres. The earliest never got close to the performance of dedicated winter or summer rubber. Then Michelin and G d Goodyear l launched h d thei th ir i CrossC Climate and Vector 4S Seasons and began dominating allseason-tyre review ws by AutoExpress, Germany’s ADAC motoring organisatio on and magazines such as Au uto Bild

from countries where dedicated winter rubber is a necessity. Viable all-seaso on tyres were a reality at last – a fact reinforced when Peuge eot fitted them to its 2008 as standard.

A few comprom mises remain Okay, there’s still some compromise. No all-season tyre yet gives quite the ultimate performance of dedicated winter or summer rubber in its intended season n. If you live in mid Wales, seasonal switching to winter ty yres will still make sense. And A for ultimate track-day performance, you’ll probably stick with w your favourite summer rubb ber.

However, if you re egularly drive in typical cold, damp, occasionally snowy, British weather, tyres like Michelin’s CrossClimates, the Vector 4Season Gen 2 tyres on our Sk d Ye Skoda Yeti, ti or Conti C tinental’s t l’ new AllSeasonContacct are a no-brainer.

The downside?

Softer compounds which ma ay mean a shorter life. Furtherm more, the Goodyears – though always Picture: www.tyrereviews.co.uk

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reassuring – don’t quite match the ‘on-rails’ feel of Sko oda’s exworks Pirellis in summer. s They’re not budgett tyres either, although prom motions seem frequent.

Reassuring all-se eason performance e That said, for many drivers, the compromises are e acceptable given reassurin ng fourseason performance. Besides, B the latest all-season tyres give real benefit wheneve er roads are wet or temperature es below 7°C degrade summ mer-tyre performance.

How often do you u drive under such conditionss (this is Britain after all)? An nd how highly do you value p peace of mind when you mee et fresh snow in Wales, Gloucestershire freezes, or you drive in European countries ssuch as Germany – where all-season tyres with the Alpine m mountain snowflake symbol are e legally required in winter?

For more and more o of us, allseason tyres deserve serious consideration – whate ever the season. If you’re like m me, once you’ve tried them, I suspect you won’t go back!

To advertise call 0122 510500

Page 25

What s On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and pre esented 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.

UNTIL 23 FEBRUARY ORIGINAL ARTISTS’ POSTERS EXHIBITION AT AT CHAPEL ARTS

Original posters, created by some of the most prominent artists of the 20th Century, for their own exhibitions.

Wednesday to Saturday.

Saturday 10am 10am–4pm 4pm. www.thechapelarts.com 29 JANUARY – 2 FEBRUARY CRIMES ON THE NILE Belgian detective Artemis Arinae is set to enjoy a holiday cruise along the river Nile when tragedy strikes once more. All the passengers and staff aboard are suspects, and the murder count is growing. Will Arinae’s little grey cells identify the murderer in time? Full details: barntheatre.org.uk.

The Barn Theatre, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester GL7 1BN. 2-9 FEBRUARY A BUNCH OF AMAT ATEURS Keen to boost his flagging career, fading Hollywood action hero Jefferson Steele arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford – only to find that this is not the birthplace of the Bard, but a sleepy Suffolk village.

Jefferson’s monstrous ego, vanity and

insecurity are tested to the limitt by the enthusiastic amateur thespianss.

7.30pm (2.30pm matinee on Satuurday 9th). £14. Cheltenham Playhouse, 4753 Bath Road, GL53 7HG. 01242 522852. www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk 2-24 FEBRUARY LIGHT UP CHELT LTENHAM IS BACK

Light Up Cheltenham will illuminnate over 20 of the most iconic buildings in the town. This spectacular display will take place over three weeks and will be launched on 2nd February byy illuminated drumming band Spark! It will also be the first time a giantt observation wheel will be brougght to the town as the focal point of ann expanded Light Up Cheltenham.

The three-week event, organiseed by Cheltenham BID, will run from 2nd 2 to 24th February.

4 6 FEBRUARY 4-6 SCHOOLS WILL ROCK YOU The story of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion, and live music in a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and acts the same. Let Tewkesbury School take you

on a rocking journey, using the best of Queen’s music. 7pm. £11-£13. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.org 7-13 FEBRUARY PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERS EXHIBITION – UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE An inspiring exhibition, showcasing the work of 8 recent MA Photography graduates, with a diverse range of individual student led projects: from abstract macro photography to large landscape pieces, 3D works and documentary film. 10am-5pm. The Gardens Gallery, Montpellier, Cheltenham. gardensgallery.co.uk 7-16 FEBRUARY WAITING FOR GODOT TTw wo hungry, battered drifters wait by a dead tree. They might have been here yesterday. And they might well come back tomorrow. Unless Mr Godot arrives first. Which he might, if they’re lucky. Which they don’t tend to be. For times and prices visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

8 FEBRUARY THEE ONES WITH JACK P PA AGE Thee Ones are a Stroud band delivering Soul, Jazz, R&B and 60s Hammond Beats. Their original material weaves story telling lyrics and an infectious groove that moves mind and body in equal measures. 8pm.

Full details: theprincealbertstroud.co.uk The Prince Albert, Rodborough Hill, Stroud, GL5 3SS.

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9 FEBRUARY THE RUFF GUIDE TO SHAKESPEARE A glorious celebration of the work of the world’s greatest playwright.

Expect silly sketches, toe-tapping songs, daft dance routines and extracts from all the famous and some less well-known plays. Suitable for ages 5+. For times and prices visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk The Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573.

IMPRESSIONS OF WESTONBIRT – CREATIVE ABSTRACTS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP This fun and challenging one day workshop is designed to help you look beyond the obvious and develop your creative eye. Discover new ways of interpreting Westonbirt and learn to see traditional scenes in a new light.

9.15am-5pm. £120 (10% discount for Friends of Westonbirt). Booking essential. For full details please visit www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirtthe-national-arboretum. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, GL8 8QS. 9-10 FEBRUARY GREEK LITERATURE WEEKEND Our focus for this weekend will be 5th c. Athenian theatre in all its forms.

After discussing the social context and the venue in which the plays were performed, we’ll take in Plato’s attack on the theatre and Aristotle’s defence. Full details of the weekend are at gloucestercathedral.org.uk 10.30am-5pm. Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LX. 10 FEBRUARY THE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW From AC/DC to ZZ Top and everything in between. Anthem after anthem, riff after riff, solo after solo, ‘The Classic Rock Show’ brings the original recordings back to life on stage; with a huge sound and light show to match. Culminating in a showstopping guitar duel. 7.30pm. From £26.50. Cheltenham Town Hall,

Abbey Ab A b b ey ey Mill Mill Mi

Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk THE GREAT BIG HARRY POTTER QUIZ The Braintrust invites you to our very first quiz in Gloucester… and it’s HARRY POTTER themed! We’ll be transforming Gloucester Blackfriars into the Great Hall where we won’t just be testing your knowledge of the books and films, but also your wisdom in a variety of other magical classes!

Hint; you’ll want to dust off your spell book…and maybe your broomstick.

6pm. £30 for a table of 6. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk 12 FEBRUARY STROUD SCHOOLS DRAMA FESTIVAL Come and see the wonderful talent of local primary school children working together in Stewart Auty’s adaptation of ‘Wind in the Willows’. Join us and have the best fun for all the family you’ll have in ages! Who doesn’t want to ‘Toot Toot!’ with Mr. Toad on stage? 5pm. £11 (£8.50 conc). Stroud Subscription Rooms, George Street, GL5 1AE. 01453 760900. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk 14 FEBRUARY ROB HERON AND THE TEA PAD ORCHESTRA Enjoy a reet treat Valentines Night with these lovely chaps – Rob and the gang never fail to entertain and tonight is going to be an extra terrific affair. So come on Up The Hill for a dive back in time when men wore waistcoats and ladies wore the prettiest of dresses.

8pm. The Prince Albert, Rodborough Hill, Stroud, GL5 3SS. Full details at theprincealbertstroud.co.uk 15 FEBRUARY ALE TASTING EVENING WITH GLOUCESTER BREWERY We’ve teamed up with Gloucester Brewery to bring you a wonderful evening of ale tasting. If you’ve always wanted to know your maize from your barley, this evening is perfect for improving your knowledge

on local beer. Each session will last 60 minutes and provides the chance to taste and discuss up to five different ales with Gloucester Brewery’s guru’s.

Minimum required age to participate is 18. £10 per person (ticket purchases are subject to a £2 booking fee per cart. Postage is free of charge if desired). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. www.bacontheatre.co.uk CROONERS The story of 3 very British gentlemen who exude the characteristics of a crooner; suave, self-assured, stylish, as they defend the role of a crooner in our modern world. By the very same nature, it is not always obvious that these characteristics are adopted quite so well by the quintessentially British. Cue a splendiferous injection of British comedy. Tongue firmly in cheek. And an outrageous injection of Big Band Swing. 7.30pm. £24.50.

Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk WILLE AND THE BANDITS Essentially Wille and the Bandits is a classic blues rock three piece much in the vain of Cream or The Jimi Hendrix experience. But in a similar way to how these bands pushed the genre in their time, Wille and the Bandits try to take their sound beyond what is expected of such a traditional line up. 7.30pm. £13.50. Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS. www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk 16 FEBRUARY ANDREW LAWRENCE: CLEAN The star of Live at The Apollo and Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow and UK comedy’s foremost contrarian takes a break from all the controversy in this new show. No politics. No religion. No smut. No swearing. Just great jokes and good clean fun. 8pm. £17. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.org

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16-24 FEBRUARY HALF TERM ACTIVITIES A ATT CHEDWORTH ROMAN VILLA Join us this February half term for a fun day out. We’ve got a special trail, craft activities for children and you’ve got the chance to meet Chedworths’ Romans. Look out for the children’s mosaic workshop on Thursday 21st February. Full details of activities can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ chedworth-roman-villa. Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, near Cheltenham, GL54 3LJ. SOUTH WEST PUDDLE JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS Get your wellies and waterproofs on and jump into the puddles for a chance to be our ultimate splasher.

We’ll be looking for the biggest splash, and most enthusiastic, stylish jumpers. Take part in our daily puddle jumping competition at 2pm in Welly Boot Land with a chance to win a prize. Included with admission. WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, GL2 7BT. www.wwt.org.ukk//wetlandcentres/slimbridge 19 FEBRUARY DON QUIXOTE ROY YA AL OPERA HOUSE LIVE BALLET Cervantes’s story of the bumbling knight Don Quixote has inspired countless artistic interpretations. The story follows Don Quixote’s picaresque journey to do deeds in honour of his imaginary noble lady, Dulcinea. Sunny, charming, funny and touching – a ballet as full of uplifting emotion as it is of astonishing ballet technique. 7.15pm. £15-£17. Full details at coriniummuseum.org. Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, GL7 2BX. 20 FEBRUARY THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD THE SECOND Richard II, King of England, is irresponsible, foolish and vain. His weak leadership sends his kingdom into disarray and his court into uproar.

Seeing no other option but to seize power, the ambitious Bolingbroke challenges the throne and the king’s divine right to rule. 7pm. £16.50 (£14.50, students £12.50). The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP P.. www.bacontheatre.co.uk GODS, GODDESSES, SPIRITS & FA ATTES Join Dr Valija Evalds as she takes you on a journey through Roman beliefs, superstitions and rituals. In this walk through the galleries we will consider objects depicting deities, honouring spirits and propitiating the fates.

Children 7 and above are welcome with an adult. 2pm. £5-£5.50. Full

Page 28

details at coriniummuseum.org..

Corinium Museum, Park Street,, Cirencester, GL7 2BX. 21 FEBRUARY STONE AGE ADVENTURES Join the Yarn Whisperer for an adventure that takes you back into the Stone Age. The story is told weaving props and traditional musical instruments to bring the Stone Age A to life. 10.30am. £2.50-£3. Full details: coriniummuseum org Corinium coriniummuseum.org Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, GL7 2BX. 22 FEBRUARY PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY Young visitors will be able to buuild their own compact pinhole cam mera in honour of Antarctic photographher Frank Hurley. With enough lightt children will be able to point their newly made camera at a subjecct and the image will be projected on tthe back of the camera. Please brinng your own container (shoebox or similar).

11am. £3.50 per child. Cheltenhaam Town Hall, Hall Imperial Square, Square Cheltenham GL50 1QA. www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uuk 22-24 FEBRUARY GLOUCESTER FOLK FESTIVAL Featuring live music and entertainment, this festival draw ws on traditional folklore of the local area. a Events are mainly free of charge and many local bands will be playing.

King’s Square, Gloucester, GL1 1RW. Full details at thecityofgloucesteer.co.uk 23 FEBRUARY THE JOHNNY CASH STORY

An incredible journey through the career of the 18 time Grammy winner. w Featuring powerful renditions of o ‘Folsom Folsom Prison Prison’, ‘Ring Ring Of Fire Fire’, ‘M M In Man Black’, ‘Hurt’ and many more.

This astonishing back catalogue is realised with authenticity by Jaamie Rodden, a critically acclaimed performer whose renditions of Cash’s songs has won audiences and wowed critics. 7.30pm. £17.50 (£15). Thee Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6EP. P. www.bacontheatre.co.uk

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THE SOUNDS OF BROADWA WAY Join the Cotswold Canaries, a group of six sensational singers, centre stage for a stunning evening of musical storytelling based on the showstopping hits of Broadway. Their dazzling show includes songs from the popular musicals Billy Elliot, Chicago, Les Misérables, Hairspray, Blood Brothers, Wicked, Chorus Line, Chess and more. 7.30pm. For prices please visit kingstheatregloucester.co.uk. The Kings Theatre, Kingsbarton Street, Gloucester, GL1 1QX. 28 FEBRUARY & 3 MARCH ROCK AND A HARD PLACE A new play in aid of Stroud Women’s Refuge. Kayleigh, a talented teenager whose life is full of promise, experiences a cycle of domestic abuse until Aunty Jan helps her find a way out. Stroud Subscription Rooms. 7.30pm. 28th February. www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk Chantry Centre, Dursley. 4pm. 3rd March. www.eventbrite.co.uk Students FREE. 3 MARCH CAT ATE CODY “I’m old-fashioned...” sings Catte Cody in a hauntingly beautiful voice that t has been compared to a youngg Peggy Lee. She might well be describing herself, because these days it’ss very rare to find a jazz chanteuse with w such authentic phrasing, who genuinely understands the nuances, and is capable of capturing thee idiomatic gradations and modulations required to swing. 2pm. £15. Thee Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX. www.rosestheatre.org 6-9 MARCH AN EVENING OF TWO ONE-AC CT PLAY AYS Suddenly and without warning,, two men named Kevin find themselves dead and in the waiting room oof Afterlife Relocation Services (EEarth Division). The problem is only oone of them should be dead, but no-onne seems to know which one. Andd as if death wasn’t hard enough, there’s no way back and it seems no pracctical way forward either. 7.30pm. For prices visit kingstheatregloucester.co.uk. The Kings Theatre, Kingsbarton Street, Gloucester, GL1 1QX. 8 MARCH ROCK AND A HARD PLACE A new play in aid of Stroud Wom men’s Refuge. Kayleigh is a talented teeenager whose life is full of promise. Shee finds herself in a cycle of domestic abbuse from which there seems no escape until Aunty Jan helps her find a w way out.

7.30pm. The Sundial Theatre, Cirencester. www.sundial-theatre.co.uk Students FREE.

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A changing city centre We’ve been hearing a lot in the media recently about how town and city centres are having to adapt to respond to the evolving retail environment. The rise of internet shopping pp g has seen instore footfall and sales drop and the number of vacant units creep up. Retailers who have a strong online presence are surviving, but those without it are generally finding it more difficult.

Readers may have seen work taking place on the first floor of the Eastgate Shopping Centre where, years ago, the Food Court used to be. This is to create the UK Digital Retail Innovation Centre UKDRIC). The project is being led by Marketing Gloucester and supported by £400,000 of Government funding through the GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Centre will include co-working space and an exhibition area where retailers can safely trial the use of technologies without exposing them to their own customer-facing outlets, building on the city’s aspiration to be a test-bed for new technologies. Our combined city centre CCTV/w /wifi/4G solution is a good example of this.

The city rose from 50th to 12th in the UK Digital Influence Index

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Gloucester has been working hard to get its city centre traders operating in the digital age, through the Digital High Street programme. The city has risen from 50th to 12th in the UK Digital Influence Index and last year beat 40 other places to be awarded the Best Digital High Street project by the Association of To Town and City Management.

In last year’s Autumn Budget the Chancellor announced a £675 million Future High Street fund to help towns and cities adapt to the new world.

The City Council is working on Gloucester’s bid and an expansion of the UKDRIC is a strong contender to be included.

The investment at Kings Walk, which should start shortly, shows that retail is still important to the city centre’s future, but it has to be about much more than that. More people living and working in the city centre, more events and cultural activities, more services being delivered i the in th heart h t off the th centre t and d maki king the th mostt off our heritage are just some of the ways w in which it will adapt. If we can successfully achieve a this, its future can be bright. @cllrpauljames

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Page 29

Entertainment

If you have a story to share, please email full details to TToom. with Tom Hadfield ‒ entertainment@thelocalanswer.co.uk

Folk Tr Trail returns fo or second yeaar Following a successful debut year, the Gloucester Folk Trail will once again be bringing bringing folk music to the city.

The Gloucester Folk Trail is funded by Gloucester Business Improvement District and supported by Marketing Gloucester. Dan James from Marketing Gloucester explains what the event involves.

He said: “Folk musicians from all over the county will congregate in venues around Gloucester.

“With a mix of contemporary and traditional folk, there’s sure to be something for everyone!”

The Folk Trail holds gigs in independent venues throughout Gloucester, which last year included places like Northend Vaults, The Cavern and Café Rene.

Dan continued: “Last year’s

event proved very po opular and there were over 60 6 artists performing in aro ound 15 venues, and we’re hoping h to build on that even furrther!

“The response in 2018 was really good. We also o hosted a community day in January which was a taster off what’s to come in this year’s Folk Trail.

That went down really y well.”

With plenty of returrning acts,

Film Review – Tom Hadfield Welcome to Marwen ‘Welcome to Marwen’ tells the true story of Mark Hogancamp, an artist who struggles to cope with life following a vicious assault.

Mark, played by Steve Carrell, is left unable to remember his old life following his beating, and also suffers from severe anxiety and PTSD. This leads him to take solace in the town of Marwen, a model town he has created to tell the story of Cap’n Hogie, his action figure alter-ego.

The film is split between Mark’s real life, as he struggles with an addiction to prescribed medication and to face his attackers, and events in Marwen, which are CGI animated.

As it g goes on,, the lines be etween real life and Marwen become more and more blurred, allowing the viewer to understand from Mark’s point of view how the toys provide him co omfort following his ex xperience.

Fu ull review online.

including the Ra agtime Jug Orchestra, Wolfre en Riverstick and Karen Swan n plus plenty n, of new folk singers s and groups from all a over the country, the Folk F Trail is sure to grow in popularity as it cements itself as a regular event in the t calendar.

Dan added: “The e Folk Trail is special because itt gives local residents and peo ople new to the city an opp portunity to explore the wonde erful venues within the city, as well w as enjoy the fantastic array of o folk music on offer in Gloucestter.

“Folk music has a fantastic community feel which will only add to atmosphere in the city.”

The Folk Trail runss from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24 4th February in venues across Glloucester.

The full line up p and more information can be b found at www.gloucesterfolkktrail.com

Book Review – Aloÿse of Daylesford Book Club The Salt Path by Raynor Winn If yo ou need to recalibrate follo owing the start of the new w year, I recommend you read d the incredible true story ‘The Salt Path’ by Raynor Winn, shortlisted for the Wainwright W Book Prize.

Raynor and Moth have lost their home through a bad investment and Moth is term minally ill. They decide to walkk the 630-mile South Wesst Coastal Path starting in Minehead.

M They purchase flimsy sleeping bags and a tent,, and with £115 in cash they y set off. They y are aged 50 and 53 and this is their story.

There was no money for camp sites or B&Bs. They could only just manage to carry their packs, yet they were free. Along the way the challenges were great. Precipitous paths, dreadful weather conditions and unfriendly locals, but Raynor writes thoughtfully and with great humour about the expedition.

Full review online.

Above is a selection from local entertainment stories available online ...

Art • Events • Experiences • Film • Lifestyle Literature • Music • Reviews • Theatre • TV

Gloucester’s gro owing comedyy scene Plenty of people think they are funny, but few would be brave enough to put that to the test through the medium of standup comedy.

Nik Hill is one of the few, although the Gloucester born and bred comedian didn’t foresee the daunting performance becoming a regular hobby.

Nik said: “I never thought I’d do stand-up, I was really shy at school.

“My first gig must have been in about 1994. My dad was president of a local club and asked me if I wanted to come and tell some e jokes.

“Then I leftt it alone for a few years before e answering an ad for comedian ns to perform at a pub in the Fo orest of Dean.”

It was here that Nik rekindled his love for stand-up comedy, and since then he’s performed

Nik Hill

on the com medy circuit alongside the likes of o Rhod Gilbert, Alan Carr and Sarah Millican.

Lately though t his main passion has been promoting the comedy scene in Gloucester, where he plays p a big role.

“I run two o gigs in the city,” he explained. “One is at Gloucester Rugby tha at I’ve been doing since about 2006, where we have aroun nd six or seven gigs a

year dep pending on the rugby schedule e. That attracts well over 200 peop ple which is really good for a loca al comedy gig.

“Glouccester Brewery then approached me to hold a monthly gig, and this is now our fourth ye ear there. We regularly sell that o out to around 70 people and hav ve comedians from all over the country performing.

“I wan nt people to know that there are e great comedy shows in Glouccester to experience. It really is a thriving scene at the momentt.”

Not only does Nik organise all the gigss, but he also acts as master o of ceremonies, warming up the ccrowd and introducing the acts.

“It can n be tough coming up with new w material,” he laughed.

“But it ke eeps me on my toes!”

Full story y online.

Theaatre companyy previews ne ew show The Strike a Light festival is returning to Gloucester this month, brin nging a huge variety of perrforming arts to the city.

The festiva al begins with ‘Juliet and Romeo’, R a spin off of the classic Shakespeare story on Tuesday 12th February at a Gloucester Guildhall.

Following th hat is a show by a local artiistic company, ‘Raised Eyeb brows Theatre’, who will be staging s their brand new family y show at the Guildhall.

“Our work is built around an unrelenting mission to show young peoplle that theatre is a mirror that should reflect us all,” explain ned co-director of Raised Eyebrrows Jess Gibbs.

Jess and co-director Elise

Pigggin and Charmane

Heaven are both professional Theatre-Makers and set up the company in 2014.

Jess continued: “The company is unapologetically Gloucester based, creating professional theatre that then tours nationally.

“We’re aiming to be one of the many companies that prove this

area has the artistic infrastructure and support to nurtu ure and develop succe essful artists and theatre work.”

The e show the pair are curre ently working on for Strike e a Light is called ‘Charrmane’, a play with underlying themes of identity and self-acceptance. “‘Ch harmane’ is our second show w as a company,” Jess continued. “It’s a puppetry show for families, written and directed by Elise.

“Piggin says that Charmane is a kitten because she looks like one. Charmane doesn’t feel like a kitten.

“It’s a story about acceptance, courage and learning how to find your inner roar!”

Full story online.

For full articles and more stories visit www.thelocalanswer.co.uk

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The Local Answer

In the Garden with Julia Smith

An unpredictab ble month F b February i a very unpredictis di t able month; it may be the coldest month of the year with snow and ice, or on the other hand it can be a month of unexpected sunny days which lull you into the false security that spring is just around the corner. You then rush to get started on sowing in the vegetable patch, only to get very disheartened when winter returns!

Sweet scented to S attract the bees Some trees and shrubs are at their best in this unpredictable month, which is quite surprising. As there are not many pollinating insects about at this time of year they can be quite sweet scented so as to attract the few bees that are around and foraging. Think of the witchhazels (hamamelis mollis), the spikey Mahonia, Mahonia th the he lovely

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Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’, or D. mezureum.

My clematis cirrh hosa is another good plant for this time of year. It attracts bumblebees even in very early spring to feed on the lovely flowers that dangle down frrom the archway that I grow it over.

Now is a good time to turn the composst heap, especially if you are still carrying a few w extra pounds from Christmas!

After you have turned it, keep it covered up and you will soon hav ve lovely crumbly composst to add to your veg patcch or to use as mulch aro ound the beds.

Why not try yo our hand at growing globe artichokes thiss year?

They are really very decorative at the e back of a border. You ca an grow this month from m seed, two seeds per 8 8cm pot.

Germinate at 18°C. Rem move the weaker of the two se eedlings, and set the plants out in late April.

Give your lawn itts first cut of the yea ar If the soil is relatively y dry you can give your lawn its first cut of the year. It is best to raise the blades of the mower to take off just the tips of the grass, and then as the weeks progress you can lower them to get down to the shorter levels. This technique stops the grass being weakened and inviting moss and weeds into the sward.

The yellow flowers of winter jasmine are a welcome splash of colour throughout the winter. If left unpruned they turn into a woody mess – now is the time to prune them as they are just about finishing flowering. Cut back flowering shoots to within two or three pairs of buds of the main branch, leaving the framework intact.

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The Local Answer

Interior Design with Gill Greenwell

How green is yo our house?

Plants Pl t lift the th spirits i it like lik nothing thi else; they bring life to a room and make it look more welcoming. They’re also an easy and affordable way to update your home. As we (eventually) move from the dark winter days to the first signs of spring, it’s a good time to think about bringing the outside in.

Here are some ways to add a feeling of spring to your home.

Plants with style At this time of the year I like the chic simplicity of plants with white flowers – I love to have lots of pots around the house filled with paperwhite narcissi, white hyacinths, and hellebores – they smell lovely and you can group them together to make more impact.

Create a contemporary look

mid-century, seventiess favourites like the rubber pla ants and ferns are also back in vo ogue. Do make sure you take ad dvice on the care of your plants and check they are safe for f your pets.

Super succulents

Create a pared back Nordic feel with i h houseplants h l – the he current trend is for plants with sculptural shapes as a focu us point.

Popular varieties include the exotically named drag gon and snake trees. If your style e is more

If y you don’t have a lott of time then go for something low maintenance. Small succulents and cactuses are having g a bit of a moment, they don’t cost c a lot and are in all the interiors shops. They come in a wide variety of shap pes and colours and need minimal watering – perffect for millennials living in small apartments. My daughter d can’t get anything g to grow in her London flat f so I bought her a gold tipped aloe vera in a lovely coloured pot an nd she’s now started a collection.

plant they can make a real r style statement. A group of aged terracotta pots filled wiith herbs will add a nice rustic note to your contemporary kitcchen.

Mix textures and go for unusual shapes. I parrticularly like some cream woven cotton pots I brought bacck from holiday that I filled with with white cyclamens. Te Terrariums filled with succulents also look very stylish, and macramé plant hangers are back in style.

Add some drama

Finally, take a tip from the Japanese and add a bit of drama to your room with an indoor tree – really striking with all-white interiors. I first saw this look used in a friend’s turn of the century apartment in Paris. The room was all white minimalist, softened with two beautiful fig trees in pots at each side of a large window – it New ideas for looked amazing. containers Now you have freshened up Plant containerss don’t your home, you can look have to be boring – forward to those first signs of partnered with the right spring.

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ACCREDITED

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Gadgets & Gizmos with Laura Nicklin

February fresh f Are you still feeling blue this February, as winter lingers on? Then check out some of these gizmos that are sure to brighten up the dull month. From temperaturecontrolled mugs to codecracking robots, these winter wonders will be sure to kickstart your year.

contouring, t i clean l shaving, s body grooming A AND ear and nose trimming!

With blades for the e perfect shave and precisio on, this grooming kit doesn’t lag in performance, thanks s to its durable design. The e kit is available from Bo oots at £34.49.

Ember Te Temperature Control Ceramic Mug We ve all been guilty of We’ve making a cup of tea or coffee and then promptly forgetting about it, until it’s nice and chilled. If you’re slightly absent-minded, like myself, then you’re bound to appreciate this snazzy new device from Apple, who seem to have branched into kitchenware.

Introducing the very stylish Ember Ceramic Mug, made from durable stainless steel and a ceramic coating; not only l does d it look l k nice i e, but b t it has the added bonus of temperature-control.

Anki Cozmo Robot

Programmed with an app that lets you remotely change your drink’s temperature, the Ember Mug will also let you choose your notification preferences, and ensure th hat with a battery life of on ne hour (when fully charged d), your beverage won’t turn lukkewarm.

It also comes with its own Charging Coaster, Coaster so s you won’t need to worry y about boiling kettles, orr even popping your mug in the microwave when you’ve been really desperate. At £79 9.95, the Ember Mug is a true e winter warmer.

Braun Multi Groom ming Kit

Develop your codin ng skills and make a new frie end with this clever little bott that is just bursting with energy.

The Anki Cozmo Rob bot from John Lewis is one of the latest robots that combines s gameplay with teaching g. The interactive bot is full of o games and comes with his h own Power Cubes to play with, as well as his own Cozmo app!

With new updates co onstantly being added, there are e always fun new ways to play; the more you interact with h Cozmo, the more new gam mes and upgrades are unlocked d. With a compatible iOS or Android device, you can connect with Cozmo and help him develop new ranges of emotion. Just don’t ignore him too m much, as he can turn sassy. Ava ailable at £129.99.

If you’re suffering frrom the bushy-beard syndrome, or know someone who needs n a good grooming, the en the Multi Grooming Kit from Braun is the perfect gizmo. g The ultimate 9-in-1 hea ad-totoe kit comes with all the trimmings (pun inten nded) with different attachm ments for stubble, short/me edium/ long beards, hair clipping, The Local Answer

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Sudoku Fill the grids so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

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Stevens Recycling

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Save the Planet with Lily Curle

The ethical foo od market Ethi l food Ethical f d is i becoming b i a bigger market than ever. As Veganuary comes to a close, it is time to think about how to source more ethical food, and what choices will reflect well on the environment.

It is important to consider not only our meat consumption, but also the places and retailers from whom we get our food, and the way in which it has been produced.

Of course, cutting down on your consumption of meat is a fast and easy way to make your diet more ethical. With the production of meat products comes vast amounts of greenhouse gases, from growing food for the animals, the machinery required to rear the animals and then the production of the products.

There is no need to go totally vegetarian or vegan just to help the planet, however simply cutting down to eating meat four times a week instead of every day will cut nearly half of the gases produced.

Vegan and vegetarian food can be delicious!

Try to include a few vegan dinners and vegetarian lunches a week, and this will become an easy habit that you can sustain. And, despite what many people think, vegan and vegetarian food can be very delicious and satisfying when done the right way!

F th Furthermore, cutting tti down d on your dairy consumption can also help to save the planet.

Dairy farming requires a lot of energy, and many resources are needed to help care for dairy cows. In cutting down your consumption, you cut the overall demand for these products, and so less farming is The Local Answer

required – in turn, you save the energy!!

Meat is not the only cu ulprit for ethical food, however. There T are also plant foods that are less than ethical, both for human and environmental reassons. For example, Brazilian av vocados contribute to sig gnificant deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. It is always worth being careful of whe ere your food is coming from, as a many mass producers will sacrifice the environment for the e sake of a large l yield i ld off crops.

The easiest way to enssure that your food is ethical is to o look for products from close to o home.

Consider buying from m farm shops, as you can definitely know the methods o of production for these crops.. Buying locally will also hugely y reduce food miles of your chosen To advertise call 0122 510500

produce – another be enefit for the h planet. l

Buy seasonally and locally Try to buy vegetabless that are in season, ones tha at don’t require the use of artificial heating in order to be e grown.

Choosing these products p means that the same greenhouse gases are n not made during production, creating a much happier planett and a much healthier you!

There are, of course, e many reasons why you may or may not choose a particular diet.

Everyone is entitled to a personal choice, but buying seasonally and locally is easy enough for us to do in the UK and the combined positive effect it could have would be huge for our planet.

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Quick Crossword ACROSS DOWN 1 Wily 1 Religious non5 Pen tips belief 7 Lead-in 2 Local vegetation 8 Brave e man 3 Extent 4 Sloping typeface 9 On an n occasion 5 Asian food items 10 Lazed d 6 To Tour de France 11 Have effect (on) vehicle 13 Scalp parasites 12 Wheel tooth 14 Overssee 15 Astounding 18 Dresss ribbons 16 Respected 21 Tropiccal tree 17 Pilot safety aid, ...

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Don’t miss your opportunity to advertise in our March issue, to mark the 10th Y Ye ear of The Local Answer helping local businesses connect with the people of Gloucestershire BOOK BEFORE FRID DA AY A Y 8th FEBRUARY

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Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran

Changing times Ask anyone at the moment about what 2019 will bring and they won’t be able to tell you, courtesy of the ever-changing picture regarding the UK’s exit from the European Union. These are changing times in anybody’s language.

Stick or twist? Save or spend? I guess these are questions ti th t we’ve that ’ asked k d off ourselves l f for decades, but priorities appear to be changing across the generations.

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Do you know the next Beth Tweddle or Benedict Cumberbatch?

Mak kee sure they’re

ED W E I V R E T IN l Answer

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In my younger days, it was save first, for a deposit on a house, spend next as you enjoyed your 20s and 30s, dread the big four-O and begin the gentle descent into retirement (in my case a very gentle one!) by lumping money into pension schemes in the way that you should have been doing for more years than you care to remember. If there was anything left, it went to the kids if they were lucky. It wasn’t the only way of doing it, but it was the generally accepted model of my age group.

As I’ve watched the next generation grow up, that model has changed a lot. Firstly, there is no saving for your first house. The house you want is probably unaffordable, if it hasn’t already been snapped up by a buy-to-let investor. And the price of it doesn’t fit against your multiple of salary to enable you to get a sensibly-priced mortgage.

Disposable income is lower as a percentage of income Disposable income amongst most young adults is lower as a percentage of income than it was years ago, with rents, cars, mobile phones, etc. eating into your funds for spending on holidays or ‘luxury items’. And the standard of living is now based on a twoperson income, such that if you live alone, you have no chance of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’.

Four-O has moved on a decade as everyone is living longer and the government is making us save for our pensions from the moment we start work. That’s a good thing, of course, and hopefully as this generation reaches its last ten working years, it won’t have to be setting aside quite as much as the previous one did at that age.

And none of that is anything to do in the slightest with Brexit. What happens next?!

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Page 55

Sport

with Roger Jackson

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Cycling club c geared up p for 21st cen ntury Gloucester City Cycling Club are one of the oldest club bs in the county county.

Not only that, they are clearly one of the better ones as well because they have more than 200 members and are, says club member Tony Lake, “in very good health”.

They were formed in 1891 as the Ty Tyndale Athletic and Cycling Club and their development over the past 128 years has certainly been impressive.

“We’re one of the oldest clubs in the country, certainly in the south west,” said Lake, who is the club’s time trials racing secretary.

But while they may have been established in the 19th century, the club are very much geared up for the 21st century and offer something for pretty much anyone who wants to jump on a bicycle.

“Our members range in age from their teens to their 80s,”

A lifetime in sport By his own admission Mike Edwards wasn’t very good at school. In fact, that’s a bit of an understatement because he left the education system at the age of 15 without a qualification to his name.

“I couldn’t wait to get out,” he said, “they were the worst days of my life. I didn’t do any sport, I didn’t work hard.”

But while school was clearly a bit of a non-starter for the now 72-year-old, it’s fair to say he has been a front-runner in life for the best part of six decades now, working in the racing industry for a good number of years, travelling the world to watch some of the top sporting events through his job as a sports travel agent – he worked for former Gloucester and England rugby star Mike Burton – and working

Gloucester City’s To Tonyy Lake

said long-serving clubman Ken Sheldon, “and we ta ake part in most types of cycling from gentle l social i l rides id through h h to national competitionss.

“The club encourage and support all aspects of o cycling, with year-round Sund day rides – some that visit a café for morning coffee – with w riders grouped by ability, and a others undertaking a ‘chain gang’ ride to provide training in riding fast and in close proximitty to other tirelessly on the administrative side to support rugby and a cricket in Gloucestershire.

Right on cue… …

We’re very lucky in GloucesterG shire because we get g to see some of the best sporrts stars in the country – and in ndeed the world – strutting their stuff on some of the biggest stages.

Think National Hunt racing, rugby and cricket; and in February sports fans are in for another treat beca ause the leading players from the world of snooker will be heading to The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse to take part in the Coral World Grand Prix.

It will take place from 4th-10th February and among those set to take part are Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Judd Trump.

riders, skills necesssary for road racing.

“Tuesdays Tuesdays have the same pattern with social rides at a gentle pace to a pub and another chain gang. On Wednesdays in the summ mer we have a full programme o of time trials, forming season-long competitions for club memb bers in which anyone can compe ete on an ad hoc basis.”

As the club’s racin ng secretary it’s no surprise to he ear that Tony Lake is a big fan of ttime trials.

“The good thing about cycling is that you can find find yourself racing against almost anyone,” he explained.

“That’s the attraction. You can come up against some of the top individuals in both road racing and cyclo-cross. It doesn’t happen in other sports – in football it would be like a local footballer playing against Harry Kane!”

Full story online.

A tennis all-rounder “You You never know, know in 10 years years’ time I could be umpiring a men’s singles semi-final at Wimbledon.”

Those are the words of Simon Corbishley who last year was named official of the year by Gloucestershire Lawn Tennis Association.

It’s important to say at this stage that Corbishley isn’t currently a tennis umpire, he was just thinking out loud when he was considering his career options in a sport he has been heavily involved in for many years now.

The 44-year-old is a tournament director and d referee, a tennis coach and alsso re-strings rackets.

For fu Fo full vers rsions of alll th these stori ries and more please visitt our website: www. w.thelocalanswer.r.co.uk

Above is a selection from local entertainment stories available online ...

One of England rugby’s great rugby great men men Mention the name Phil Blakeway around these parts and it’s likely to be followed by four words, ‘Gloucester, England, British Lion’.

And yet, if he had chosen another sporting path, it may have been another four words – equally impressive – that followed the mentioning of his name.

You see, Phil Blakeway, as well as being a Gloucester rugby legend and cornerstone of England’s 1980 Grand Slamwinning pack, was also a modern pentathlete back in the day.

And a good one he was too, good enough h to be the reserve for Great Briitain’s world junior championship team in London in 1968.

And come to think of it, ‘Phil Blakeway, Grreat Britain modern pentathlon’ does have quite a nice ring to itt!

“I used to play rugby and do modern pentathlon,” said Blakeway, “but eventually Robbie Phelps, the four-time Olympian, sa aid I had to choose between the two sports. I chose rugby b becaus b se it was easier!” i !”

Many injuries later – including a broken neckk – in a rugby career spanning more m than two decades, it co ould be argued that the teenaged Blakeway didn’t go for the easie er option, although it’s debateable whether he’d have enjoyed the level of success in modern m pentathlon that he had in rugby.

“I was goo od at the shooting, fencing and riding,” he said, “but running and swimming weren’tt my forte. weren fo orte ” He may be being a bit harsh on himself there as far as his running is concerned because although he was an out and out prop for the whole of his career and good enough to play 19 times for England – he was mainly a tighthead but could also play on the loose – he was

also quickk enough to play on the wing for Gloucesterr in the Middlesex Sevens on occasion.

Born in Cheltenham, Blakeway was w educated at Sherborrne School, a small priv vate school, but it wass at Cheltenham RFC C that he learned hiss rugby.

He was part of the junior sett-up before graduating g to the Colts, the team th hat launched Phil Blakeway was thhe cornerstone of England’s a good number of Grand Slam-w winning pack in 1980 players onto top same number that I played for careers in the t game. h first fi t team,” ” Blakeway Bl k said. id “John Fidler, Nigel Jackson the He mad de his first-team debut and Chris Mourton were all just before me,” said Blakeway, who against Moseley in 1971 and has fond memories of that over the years played alongside Gloucestter greats such as Mike period in his life.

Teague, John Gadd, Gordon Blakeway, who was 68 on New Te Year’s Eve and lives in Sargent, Robin Cowling, Mike Ye Sevenhampton, is very easy to Nicholls,, John Orwin, Steve talk to and is happy to tell stories Boyle, Mike Longstaff and M to name just a few. from yesteryear in an era when Richard Mogg His firsst game for England players were fearsome rivals on me until 1980 and while the field and drinking pals in the didn’t com y seem to have been a clubhouse almost as soon as the that may long waitt, there was a very good final whistle had blown. or that because he broke They were unwritten rules that reason fo Blakeway was more than happy his neck in 1977.

“I broke e it on the Wednesday, to abide by and he was certainly n the Saturday and found starting to make an impression played on he Sunday!” he said. as a rugby player in his late out on th Typically, Blakeway said that Ty teens because he was captain of n necks go, his wasn’t a Gloucestershire Colts as well as as broken bad one, but it was bad enough Cheltenham Colts.

By the age of 19 Blakeway for him to stop playing for a thought he’d try his luck at couple off years.

When h he returned to action he Gloucester. In those days, wannabe players pretty much was catapulted into the England took themselves over to Kings- set-up after just two secondd two first-team games, holm and it was a case of sink or team and making g his debut against the swim.

Tw wickenham in 1980.

Blakeway swam of course, Irish at Tw That year – 1980 – was the year despite what he said of his swimming prowess in his when Biill Beaumont and his merry me en won the Grand Slam modern pentathlon days! e and Blakeway, modest Not that he was an overnight of course success at Gloucester, it rarely as ever, said: “It was unbelievable, talk about being in the right worked like that in those days.

“I think I played 140 games for place at tthe right time.” the United, which was about the Full story y online.

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Competition Winners The TLA Photography winner for the February 2019 cover is Kerry Palmer of Lyydney.

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