Cheltenham Your FREE local community magazine MARCH 2020
WIN TICKETS TO A CHELTENHAM E TOWN F.C. GAM
THIS MONTH: Your essential local ‘What’s On’ guide Big Interview with Michael Duff, CTFC Manager Treat Your Mum with our Mother’s Day Gift Guide
VAN AND CAR HIRE www.gorental.co
01452 713375 | 01242 233084
FROM JUST £29.99 PER DAY
WIN TICKETS TO A CHELTENHAM TOWN F.C. GAME
COMPET
PAGE 15
IT IO N
TIME TO SPOIL YOUR MUM After months of rain, storms and floods, we move into March hoping that Spring will bring us calmer and dryer weather.
This month: FOOD & DRINK
10 & 11
THE BIG INTERVIEW
12 & 13
QUIZ TIME
14 & 15
MOTHER'S DAY
16 & 17
HOME & GARDEN
18 & 19
TECHNOLOGY
22 & 23
LOVING LOCAL
26 - 29
Come rain or shine, on 22nd of March it's time to spoil your mum! Have a look at our fantastic Mother's Day guide on the centre pages of this magazine for unique present ideas, places to go and things to do - and the best part is, it's all local! Ever wondered what life as a Football Manager is like? This month you can find out with our 'Big Interview' in which we asked Cheltenham Town F.C. Manager Michael Duff to tell us about his job. Want to see Cheltenham Town F.C. in action? Then enter our competition on page 15 for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see a home game during the remainder of the season. In addition, we also bring to you the usual mixture of interesting articles, scrumptious recipes, fiendish puzzles, local events and local businesses. Enjoy the read!
Best wishes, Anne
www.lovelocalmagazines.co.uk GENERAL ENQUIRIES: anne@lovelocalmagazines.co.uk T: 01242 388 366 TO ADVERTISE james@lovelocalmagazines.co.uk T: 01242 388 367 Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Love Local Magazines do not officially endorse any advertising/editorial material included within the publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systen or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise - without the prior consent of the publisher. The use of this magazine for canvassing or direct marketing is strictly prohibited.
A note from the Editor
12-13
THIS MONTH'S BIG INTERVIEW: Michael Duff, Cheltenham Town F.C. Manager Page 3
Vehicle damaged? Don’t delay, repair it today
“ Very impressed with the overall service. Great job on the paintwork repair. Awesome customer service.” Call Peter or go online today for your FREE estimate
TV
AS SEEN ON
0800 145 5118 www.chipsaway.co.uk
4
NEW RETIREMENT APARTMENTS FOR SALE IN CHELTENHAM
Complete peace of mind. For you, and your family Life at Churchill means Owners will always have friendly neighbours around, with the independence of their own safe and secure apartment, they are free to enjoy time to themselves without ever feeling isolated. The biggest worry Owners have is deciding between a cosy night in, or heading downstairs to meet friends in the Owners’ Lounge. LEWIS CARROLL LODGE St Margaret's Road - Open Tues to Sat, 10am to 5pm.
CALL TODAY TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
01242 802839 Visit churchillretirement.co.uk
01242 233084
www.fixmyvan.co.uk
• Lodge Manager • Owners’ Lounge with coffee bar • Guest Suite for friends and family • Landscaped gardens • 24-hour support • Video entry system • Free parking • Lift to all floors
Page 5
MOTORHOME & CARAVAN BODY REPAIRS
Are you making the most of your conservatory? Is it overheating in the summer, chilly in the winter and too noisy when it rains? Then have a new tiled and insulated roof fitted by Modern Living Extensions.
Please call for your free no obligation quote
01452 452102 Barn Farm Business Park, Tewkesbury Road, Norton, Gloucester, GL2 9LH
Motorhomes and Caravans Repaired and Painted Insurance and Private Work Undertaken Accident & Insurance Work High Quality Workmanship Competitive Prices Fully Qualified & Skilled Staff Insurance Approved Low Cost / High Standards
Unit 3 Highfield Business Park, Tewkesbury Road, Deerhurst GL19 4BP Tel: 01684 295353 / 01452 724949 (24 hours) Mobile: 07876 154864 Email: pj.lane@hotmail.co.uk
www.pjlanebodyrepairs.co.uk PJ Lane Motorhome & Caravan A5 Flyer.indd 1
At the foot of the Bredon Hills, The Yew Tree Pub & Restaurant is located in the quaint village of Conderton. The setting is surrounded by natural beauty and many popular walking routes. The Yew Tree boasts stunning country interiors, fabulous food and drinks menus and a warm welcome which extends to muddy boots, paws and even hooves! The Yew Tree is open seven days a week. Food is served daily, including our famous Sunday Lunches which are served all day. For more information on menus & events etc. please visit our website. www.yewtreepub.com Reservation Line: 01386 725364 6
FREE QUOTES
Conderton, GL20 7PP The Yew Tree Pub & Restaurant
11/07/2016 16:14
HOW WILL YOUR FENCE LOOK AFTER ANOTHER UK WINTER?
COLOURFENCE - no painting or repairs for 25 years!
Don’t wait until your timber fence breaks down. Prevention is better than cure!
“
“
We’ll be maintenance-free until 2044! †
The problem with traditional fencing is that it will break. And the moment it does, you have to deal with third party damage, security and privacy issues, neighbour’s concerns, quotes, the expense and inconvenience – all at once. How much simpler it would be to give Colourfence a call and head off all your problems for the next 25 years! The only fence not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel and withstand windspeeds up to 130mph. To see our great value, colours and designs call today.
To see our wide choice of sizes, mix and match colours and designs contact us today!
“
Despite many coats of preservative, the structure of the wooden fence in our front garden rotted, and a recent storm sent it off down the road, thankfully missing the neighbour’s car. However, every cloud has a silver lining, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our new ColourFence. It looks great, and we are looking forward to years of summers with no fence paint or algae treatments.
“
Mr & Mrs P. Glamorgan
Guaranteed† not to warp, crack, shrink, rot or peel Withstands wind gusts of up to 130mph No painting or repairs for 25 years
Green
Blue
Cream
Create your look with a choice of colours, designs and sizes No risk professional installation
AS FEATURED ON TV
†Hose down occasionally – terms & conditions apply.
LOVE YOUR
GARDEN with
CALL NOW! To see our full range of
ALAN TITCHMARSH
colours, designs and get a FREE ‘no-obligation’ quote – CALL
01242 329 321 colourfence.co.uk
Page 7
CLIVE PARDOE Gardening & External Property Maintenance
A family run business with years of experience
Knowledgeable Gardener Reliable Service at Competitive Rates
P Local & reliable Based in Staverton, Gloucestershire
Tel: 01989 562330 | Mobile: 07912 359034 Email: Clivepardoe@btinternet.com
Special Offer BOILER SERVICES
from £44.50+VAT
T: 01452 379687
admin@townandcountryheatingandplumbing.co.uk www.townandcountryheatingandplumbing.co.uk Unit 710 Jupiter Court, Meteor Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, Staverton GL2 9QL
THERE’S ONLY ONE WAY TO GUARANTEE YOU LEAVE THE RACES A WINNER... WORK THERE WE’LL PROVIDE THE TRAINING, YOU BE THE... Waiter
Cashier
Kitchen Assistant
Bar Tender
Catering Assistant
Team Leader
64
at Cheltenham, Exeter, Warwick and Wincanton
WE’LL ALSO PROVIDE Weekly pay, lunch and a bonus incentive scheme!
APPLY NOW WWW.JOCKEYCLUBCATERING.CO.UK/JOBS
recruitment.cheltenham@compass-group.co.uk
8
01242 541580
WANTED
ADVERTISE WITH US
FROM JUST £34+VAT
Patrick Oliver Antiques LAPADA member
WISH TO PURCHASE ANTIQUES IN ANY CONDITION Furniture, clocks, silver, jewellery, books, watches, medals, toys, pens, etc.
Complete house clearance Valuations for insurance, probate and dispersal For all your landscaping needs Patios • Decking • Fencing • Driveways • Turfing • Foundations, drainage and over-sites • Walls • AND MORE • No job too big or too small
For a FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE call James on
07746 449 587 Email: jay.bubb@hotmail.com
4 Tivoli Street, Cheltenham, GL50 2UW
Tel. 01242 519538 Mob. 07970 052808
Page 9
FOOD & DRINK
Spinach & Ricotta Dumplings Ready in: 1 hour, plus overnight chilling Serves 4 as a starter, 2 as a main course INGREDIENTS ● 225g baby spinach leaves ● 150g ricotta ● 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley ● 50g grated Parmesan ● 100g plain flour ● 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed ● 2 medium eggs, beaten ● Salt and freshly ground black pepper ● 50g butter ● 6 tbsp crème fraiche ● 2 tsp freshly chopped chives ● Salad leaves and cherry tomatoes, to serve
10
METHOD Place the spinach in a large metal colander set over the sink. Pour over boiling water to wilt. Refresh under cold water, drain well then squeeze firmly with your hands to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the spinach and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the ricotta, parsley, Parmesan, flour, garlic and eggs. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and mix to a soft dough. Using clean damp hands, divide and shape the mixture into about 12 walnut-sized balls. Chill for 30 minutes. Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to the boil. Gently add the dumplings. They will drop to the bottom at first then slowly rise to the top. Once they have risen to the top, cook for a further minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and divide between 2 or 4 warmed dishes. Melt the butter in a small pan. Stir in the crème fraiche and simmer to make a creamy sauce. Pour the sauce around the dumplings. Garnish with chopped chives and serve with salad leaves and cherry tomatoes. TIP: Serve the dumplings with a ready-made tomato and herb pasta sauce instead of the creamy sauce, if liked.
FOOD & DRINK
Cheat's Apple Strudel Ready in: 55 minutes Serves 6
A classic strudel with home-made pastry can take a long time to make, but using a convenient pack of ready- rolled pastry means you can have a delicious fruity pudding on the table in less than an hour!
METHOD Preheat the oven to 200C / 180C fan / gas mark 6. Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
INGREDIENTS ● 2 large dessert apples, peeled, cored and chopped ● 50g raisins or sultanas ● 1 tbsp cornflour
● 50g caster sugar
● 2 tsp ground mixed spice ● 320g pack ready-rolled
shortcrust or puff pastry ● Beaten egg, to glaze ● Icing sugar, to dust
● Whipped cream, custard and fresh berries, to serve
Place the apples and raisins or sultanas in a bowl. Mix together the cornflour, sugar and spice and add to the apples, tossing to coat. Unroll the pastry but keep it on the paper. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the pastry a little thinner. With one long side facing you, spoon the apple mixture along the length, leaving a 2cm border at the edges. Gently roll up the pastry to enclose the filling and fold the pastry in at the ends (see Tip). Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush all over with beaten egg. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden. Leave to stand for 10 minutes. Dust with icing sugar and serve sliced with whipped cream, custard and fresh berries. TIP: Take care when rolling up the pastry and seal the edges by brushing with some of the beaten egg.
Page 11
THE BIG INTERVIEW
Michael Duff used to play for Cheltenham Town F.C. In 2018, he returned to the Club in the capacity of Manager. Love Local Magazines met with him to find out what life as a Football Manager is like.
■ If you weren’t a Football
Manager, what would you be? A football coach!
■ Who is your Football Manager role model or idol, and why? I don’t have a specific person that I would want to be. I take different things from different people I’ve played under and who I watch on TV. I just want to be the best version of myself.
■ What did it feel like returning
to Cheltenham as Manager? It was an opportunity to get a first team job at a club that I knew well. I’m lucky that in 25 years I’ve only had two football clubs, Cheltenham being one of them, so coming back was a no brainer. It’s great to bring the family home.
■ How do you cope with the
pressure of being a Football Manager? It’s not easy because it never stops. I’m constantly thinking and the phone never stops ringing. Generally spending time with my family – that’s how I get away. I try and switch off. My kids aren’t interested in whether we’ve won, lost or drawn, so I spend as much time as I can with them when I get the chance. 12
Michael Duff
Cheltenham Town F.C. Manager
"Coming back to Cheltenham was a no brainer." ■ Do you ever switch off from football?
No. Like I said, I spend time with my family to switch off but it’s always in the back of my mind. I get moments when I completely forget about it, but I’m always thinking of something I could tweak, or a player that’s been mentioned, or a player that I like or have watched on the telly. It’s difficult to get away from it.
■ What does a typical working
day look like for you? I’ll be up walking the dog at quarter past seven, get into work for half eight. Then I plan training, start training at 11am, finish at 1pm and have some food. In the afternoon, I analyse performances, deal with players and agents, conduct media interviews, hold meetings, etc. I normally leave work between half four and 5pm.
THE BIG INTERVIEW emotional. I never walk straight into the dressing room afterwards. I take the emotion out of every decision.
■ Can the Robins make
the playoffs this season? You’ll have to ask the players. We’re seventh and we’ve been there all season so there’s a possibility that we can, whether we do is another matter.
■ It feels like CTFC is on the
Then quite often I’m watching stuff at home or I’m going to watch other games on two or three evenings a week.
up – what’s driving this, and how do you sustain it? Planning, hard work and structure.
■ What could the next few years hold for the Robins? We’ve got to take it season by season. ■ What’s your half time team At the minute we’re on the crest of a talk like if you're losing? wave and we are punching It’s no different from when "There’s a above our weight. Notts we’re winning. If we are County got in the playoffs possibility that winning, I don’t say it’s all a couple of years ago and were relegated the next great and if we’re losing, the Robins can year. It happens quite a lot I don’t throw teacups around make the playoffs in this League because the the place. I try and be as turnover of players is so constructive as possible. this season." high. Historically, we’ve I always have a three- or been a bottom-six club. four-minute break with the Our aim is to go from that to a club that staff. Then I walk into the office, can consistently get into the middle band. decide what we’re going to talk about how we’re going to tweak things, what we’re going to tweak, and whether they "We’ve got to take it need a rocket. It’s constructive, it’s not
season by season."
© Pictures by Thousand Word Media
Page 13
QUIZ TIME
Pictograms
PICTOGRAMS
3 words
W IS DO M
2 words THE TAMING OF THE GROUSE
4 words DISMISSING
AXING
SACKING
WORDWHEEL Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.
E P I
D
S T U
TARGET Excellent: 23 or more words Good: 19 words Fair: 16 words 14
SUDOKU
Puzzle Page
QUIZ ISLANDS
1. Which group of 12 large islands and numerous small islands has a name that literally means “twelve islands”? 2. Who sings the first line of the 1983 hit single Islands In The Stream?... Kenny Rogers or Dolly Parton? 3. Which American state was named after the largest of the Channel Islands? 4. In the book Gulliver’s Travels, there are two islands in which the inhabitants are about onetwelfth of the height of a normal human. One of these is called Blefuscu. What is the other island called? 5. On each episode of the radio show Desert Island Discs, how many recordings is a guest allowed to choose when deciding what they would take if they were to be cast away on a desert island? 6. Found in a number of Indonesian islands, including the island it is named after, what is the world’s largest living species of lizard? 7. Behind Great Britain and Ireland, what is name of the third largest island in the British Isles? 8. True or False… the official International Bartenders Association recipe for a Long Island Iced Tea cocktail contains tea? 9. A villa on which island was used as the setting for the TV show Love Island when the show was revived in 2015? 10. What term, that was first created by Sir Thomas More to refer to a fictional island society off the coast of Australia, is now used as a general term for an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect?
Answers on p. 20
QUIZ TIME
IT'S C OMPE TITION TIME! WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO A CHELTENHAM TOWN F.C. HOME GAME
Entering Could NOT BE EASIER!
To enter the competition & C's a simply visit our websiteT's and pply submit your information. Closing Date & Time: 4pm on Monday 16th March 2020
© Thousand Word Media
www.lovelocalmagazines.co.uk
Page 15
MOTHER'S DAY
22
Treat your mum this Mother's Day
MARCH
Treat mum like a Queen this Mother's Day weekend at Sudeley Castle Enjoy a walk around the beautiful castle and gardens, before indulging in an extra special afternoon tea. With a glass of Prosecco on arrival, followed by an amazing array of sandwiches, cakes and scrumptious cream scones, it's the perfect Mother's Day treat! Available all weekend. ÂŁ35 pp. Advance bookings only: 01242 604 244 or www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Indulgent treatments at Jodi Brooks Beauty & Cosmetics in Winchcombe Book an indulgent pampering session for your mum this Mother's Day. From nail treatments, facials and massages to skin care and more, there's a perfect gift for your mother at this fantastic local beauticians. www.jodibrooksbeauty.co.uk
Inspirational shopping with lakeside restaurant near Newent Treat your mum with a day out at the fabulous 3-Shires Garden Centre. This is a true destination centre with inspirational products for the home and garden in a pleasant lakeside setting. The Gallery Restaurant, overlooking the lake, is very popular for delicious food and drink with friends and family from coffee and homemade cakes to delicious three-course lunches. www.bluediamond.gg/garden-centre/3-shires-garden-centre 16
MOTHER'S DAY
Well Walk Tea Room
Indulgent afternoon tea in Cheltenham Set aside an hour or two and enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea with your mum at this wonderful family-run tea room. Tucked away in a quiet location in the centre of Cheltenham, Well Walk Tea Room gives you everything you would want from a tea experience and more! Enjoy sumptuous freshly baked goods served on vintage china, take in the charming interiors and atmosphere and sit back and relax it's the perfect location to spend some quality time with your mum. £16.95 pp - incl. a bouquet for each mum. www.wellwalktearoom.co.uk
Afternoon tea or a relaxing spa experience at the wonderful Hatherley Manor Hotel in Gloucester Experience the Cotswolds in this elegant 17th-century manor house in the rolling Gloucestershire countryside. The 4-star, AA hotel features an elegant restaurant, a cosy lounge bar within the original beams of the manor, a luxurious state-of-the-art Spa and elegant rooms with 24-hour room service and free Wi-Fi. www.hatherleymanor.com
Visit and explore the unique and beautiful Rococo Garden in Painswick Experience the great outdoors, with a cheeky peek into the flamboyant frivolity of the early 1700s, in the UK's only complete surviving rococo garden. This is a place to forget the stresses of everyday life. A place for fun, adventure and exploration. A place to relax, to restore, and to discover a haven of peace and tranquillity, sprinkled with quirky features to surprise and delight you. www.rococogarden.org.uk
A fun day out at Cotswold Farm Park - Mum goes free! With a vast array of indoor and outdoor activities on offer, Cotswold Farm Park is the perfect destination for a fun family day out. Visitors can meet and feed various animals and there are plenty of opportunities for the kids to burn off some energy and to learn about various aspects of farming. SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY OFFER: ‘Mums go free’ on 21st and 22nd of March! Applicable to online tickets only: www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk Page 17
HOME & INTERIORS
Quick & Inexpensive Home Improvements Breathe new life into your home with a few quick and inexpensive changes. Dazzle with great lighting It’s quick and easy to upgrade lampshades or replace table or floor lamps to introduce some on-trend shapes, textures and colours. Dimmer switches add flexibility but check that your light bulbs are the right wattage, so rooms are not poorly lit or dazzling. LED bulbs are kind to the planet and save you money over time. Perhaps consider smart lighting, controlled with a remote control, an app, or a voice command. Ring the changes with colour Have a colour makeover with paint or a change of accessories – perhaps some vases on a shelf, a pile of fluffy towels, storage canisters in the kitchen or files in your home office. Go lighter and brighter for spring and summer. Create great style with cushions and throws. Uplift a sofa with a throw and new cushions, choosing on-trend colours and patterns, complemented by some inexpensive plains. Vary textures and include interesting trims and fastenings.
18
A fresh look for flooring Completely alter a room’s look by removing the carpet, sanding back the floorboards and applying two coats of varnish. Alternatively, add or replace a rug to change the look and feel of your floor and room. Choose complementary colours and patterns and make sure the size and proportions of the rug suit the size and shape of the room, with the furniture fitting onto the rug comfortably. Wonderful window treatments Change the look of windows with ready-made curtains. Floor-length is usually best unless furniture in the way makes sill length the better option. Alternatively, swap curtains for inexpensive clean-cut blinds. Simple slatted or roller blinds can be ordered to your exact measurements and in a variety of styles. Give your pictures the professional touch Create a fabulous display of pictures by putting them in identical or coordinating frames and hanging them in orderly rows or well-planned groups for optimal impact. By Katherine Sorrell
Great ways to give your home a new look: ■ Upgrade your lighting ■ Introduce new colours using paint and accessories ■ Choose new flooring or add a rug ■ Change your curtains ■ Use identical or coordinating picture frames & group pictures
HOME & INTERIORS
Room to Play Children need their own space so it is beneficial to create a dedicated space in which they can work, play and relax. Where to begin? Is the room just going to be a playroom, or will it double as another room, e.g. a child’s bedroom? Consider available space and its shape, who will use the room, your budget and your child’s likes and dislikes. Sketching a floor plan helps, or involve an architect or interior designer. Design basics Flexibility is key. Keep the basics plain and simple – neutral walls, floor and major items of furniture, with less expensive and easily changed items (such as blinds, cushions or storage boxes) themed to whatever colour or character will stimulate your child’s imagination. On the floor The ideal playroom floor is non-slip, easy to clean, hardwearing and not too hard underfoot. Wooden or laminate boards plus a soft rug (on an anti-slip mat) is ideal, while vinyl, linoleum, cork or rubber are good choices.
Soft carpet will break falls but can stain, so use a texture or pattern that won’t show the dirt. Off the wall Add interest to plain walls with your child’s artwork in bright frames, removable stickers or good-looking storage. Blackboard paint or colour-in wallpaper allow for individual expression, or cover a wall with maps, flags, cork tiles, pegboard, sheet music, artificial grass, a hand-painted mural or a series of LEGO base boards. Furniture and fun Leave space for whizzing around but perhaps add a swing, slide, tunnel, indoor activity frame or climbing wall. Floor cushions and beanbags are better (and cheaper) than quickly outgrown miniature sofas and chairs. Built-in bench seating along one wall, with storage beneath, is a perfect dual-purpose solution. A quiet corner for reading and a special spot for craft activities or homework are essentials, while a den or hideout of some kind is a great idea – even if it’s simply a blanket slung over the back of two chairs. Storage To encourage tidiness, storage should be plentiful and easy to access. Incorporate it into tucked-away spaces such as chimney alcoves or below a window. Low shelving plus a variety of boxes or baskets is ideal. Peg rails, hooks and hanging fabric organisers are all useful space savers. By Katherine Sorrell
Top Tips ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Sketch a floor plan Keep the basics plain and simple Choose non-slip, easy to clean flooring Add interest to the walls Create areas for different purposes Offer plenty of storage solutions
Page 19
SDROOFING-BUSINESS-CARD.pdf
C
PUZZLE ANSWERS page 14
M
Y C CM M MY
C
Y CY C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
CM CMY M C MY K Y M CY C CM Y CMY M MY CM K Y
1
20/11/2017
19:45
SDROOFING-BUSINESS-CARD.pdf
1
20/11/2017
19:45
SDROOFING-BUSINESS-CARD.pdf
1
20/11/2017
19:45
SDROOFING-BUSINESS-CARD.pdf
1
20/11/2017
19:45
Specialising in flat & pitched roofs EPDM Rubber & GRP Fibreglass Fascias & Guttering Chimney Repointing Roof Maintenance
Flat roofs completed with a 20 or 25-year guarantee CY MY CM
CMY CY MY
K CMY CY
FREE QUOTATIONS
Mobile: 07776 003678 Email: sd.roofing@outlook.com K CMY
K
Compton Green Business Park PICTOGRAMS: (1) Words Of Wisdom
(2) Game, Set And Match (3) Firing On All Cylinders
QUIZ: (1) The Dodecanese (2) Kenny Rogers (3) New Jersey (4) Lilliput (5) Eight (6) The Komodo dragon (7) Lewis and Harris (8) False (9) Majorca (10) Utopia WORDWHEEL: DISPUTE
H I GHNAM LANDSCAPING
Redmarley Road, Newent
Various Size Units To Let Storage / Distribution / Office Workshops Refurbished and Insulated Premises Do Not Flood Single / Three Phase Electrics
CCTV/HD Cameras On Site
Mobile Ten Tonne Container Loading Ramp - Now Available For more information please phone John Stallard
01531 820568
tM n e w Ne rt P e v d A
HIGH NAM
Block Paving • Tarmac • Gravel • Drainage Kerbs • Steps • Paths • Turfing • Fencing & Decking
LANDSCAPING
Block Paving ••Tarmac • Gravel LANDSCAPING DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS • Drainage Kerbs • Steps • Paths • Turfing • Fencing & Decking
20% OFF All Bookings* *Madebefore before 10th 10th March April 2019 *Made 2020
LANDSCAPING • DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS 5-YEAR GUARANTEE WITH ALL WORKS
FULLY INSURED • FREE QUOTES 20% OFF All Bookings* *Made before 10th April 2019
Tel: 07435 654 318 • 01452 341 504 Serving Gloucestershire and surrounding areas
5-YEAR GUARANTEE WITH ALL WORKS FULLY INSURED • FREE QUOTES 20
Tel: 07435 654 318 • 01452 341 504
New Resin Bound Driveways from £899 New Resin Single Car Bound Drive Driveways from £750 from £899
T’s & C’s apply
Single Car Drive from £750 T’s & C’s apply
ScotiaCare ScotiaCare ScotiaCare Homeplan Homeplan Homeplan Established 1979
A fast, reliable service from expert local provider Aan fast, reliable service from A fast, reliable service from an expert local provider an expert local provider www.johnstonscotia.com
01684 773747
3 3 Great Great Products Products for for the the price price of of aa Boiler Boiler Service! Service!
The ScotiaCare Homeplan offers complete peace Homeplan of mind for offers all your boiler, The ScotiaCare The ScotiaCare Homeplan offers heating, water, and electrics completehot peace of plumbing mind for all your boiler, complete peace of mind for all your boiler, for only £7.99 per month. heating, hot water, plumbing and electrics heating, hot water, plumbing and electrics for only £7.99 per month. forfast, onlyreliable £7.99 per month. A service from an expert local provider A fast, reliable service from an expert local A fast, reliable service from an expert local provider. provider A fixed low cost of just £7.99 per month for the first 12 months. ongoing at £16.99 A fixed low cost Aoffixed just £7.99 perprice month for the A fixed low cost of just £7.99 per month for the per for a further years. price at £16.99 firstmonth 12 months. A fixed 2ongoing first 12 months. A fixed ongoing price at £16.99 per month for a further 2 years. per month for a further 2 years.
Boiler Cover - YES Boiler Cover Cover YES including repairs and annual boiler service Boiler -- YES including repairs and annual boiler boiler service service including repairs and annual Plumbing and Heating - YES Plumbing and Heating Heating -- YES YES Plumbing Electrical -and YES Electrical -- YES YES Electrical Sign up now to claim Sign up FREE now to to£10 claim your Sign up now claim your FREEgift £10 Costa Coffee card your FREE £10 Costa Coffee gift card Costa Coffee gift card
£7.99 £7.99 per month per month month per
What's included.. What's included.. •What's Boilerincluded.. Breakdown YES • Heating System & Controls YES Boiler Breakdown YES • Boiler Breakdown YES • Hot Water Systems YES Heating System & Controls YES • Heating System & Controls YES • Internal Plumbing Hot Water SystemsYES YES • Hot Water Systems YES • Home Electrics YES Internal Plumbing YES • Internal Plumbing YES • Radiators YES YES Home Electrics • Home Electrics YES • Radiators YES • Radiators YES Plus.. •Plus.. NO EXCESS Plus.. • FREE annual service NO EXCESS • NO EXCESS • FREE parts annual service • FREE annual service • FREE labour parts • FREE parts • FREE callout labour • FREE labour • Emergency FREE callout • FREE callout • helpline Emergency • Emergency helpline helpline
Established 1979 Established 1979 1979 Established
01684 773747 01684 773747 773747 01684 www.johnstonscotia.com
www.johnstonscotia.com www.johnstonscotia.com
Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers
27
Page 21
TECHNOLOGY
Tech scams to watch out for By Carrie Marshall
Top Tips
● Stay cynical and trust nobody ● Assume any unsolicited message is a fraud ● Check invoices are genuine ● Never transfer any money if in doubt There are many traps one can fall into online and some scams can leave the victims seriously out of pocket. So how can you keep yourself safe from scammers? Step one is to trust nobody. One of the most common kinds of scams is called ‘phishing’, which is when fraudsters create a convincing-looking fake email purportedly from your bank, from PayPal, from eBay, etc. They’re traps - the sites they link to are also fake and they’re designed to trick you into entering your username and password. If you do, the villains can use those details and start spending your money – and because so many people use the same details on multiple sites, the fraudsters can often access multiple sites too. Many security packages can detect phishing emails, but they’re not 100% reliable so it’s important to stay cynical. A new and worrying kind of scam centres around bank transfer payments. Fraudsters pose as genuine tradespeople or service 22
providers and send a convincing-looking invoice with the bank details they want you to transfer money to. According to payment processing firm ShieldPay, in the UK alone such frauds cost UK bank customers a whopping £207.5 million in 2019. Whether it’s fake emails or fake invoices, it’s a good idea to assume that anything unsolicited that appears in your email inbox is a fraud: if in doubt, call your bank or tradesperson on the phone (and don’t use any numbers listed in the suspicious emails – they can be faked too). Never, ever transfer money if there’s the slightest possibility that the recipient is a scammer. Some of the oldest scams have been reborn on the internet too: snake oil salesmen selling dodgy products that promise to cure all ills; auction scammers who sell fake or broken items without disclosing their status; get-rich-quick schemes, dodgy lotteries and other dubious supposed moneymakers. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. When you’ve been the victim of a scam: 1) Contact the police if the scammer is nearby or you have sent them money in the last 24 hours. 2) Inform your bank using the number on the back of your bank card to contact them 3) Contact Action Fraud to report the fraud
TECHNOLOGY
Improve your smartphone photography For many of us, our phone has become our main camera, but the images we capture on it might not always be to our satisfaction, so here are some useful tips and tricks to help you step up your smartphone photography game. Simple things can make a huge difference – before you start, make sure your phone’s camera lens is clean. Carrying a small microfibre cloth in your bag or pocket can work a treat. To avoid blurry images, always hold your phone with both hands when taking pictures and use your index finger or thumb to trigger the button. If something’s too far away, don’t use your camera app’s digital zoom but get closer for sharper pictures. Think about your composition. Choose interesting surroundings and backdrops but make sure they don’t distract from your subject. When photographing objects, try following the Rule of Odds, which states that an odd number of objects is visually more appealing than an even one. An important factor in getting a good photo is lighting. That changes throughout the day: on a bright day, noon is usually the worst time to take pictures because there’s not much shadow, and if the sun’s in front of you your subjects will appear much darker and more
By Carrie Marshall indistinct than when the sun’s behind you. If you’re shooting in the evening, get as much light as you can onto your subject. If things are really dark you’ll often end up with noisy, poorly detailed pictures, or you’ll have to use the flash and end up with unnatural results. Finally, be smart and back up your photographs. A lost or damaged handset can easily be replaced, but memories can’t, so it really is crucial that you have a backup of any photos that matter to you. At the very minimum you should ensure that every picture and video is automatically uploaded to ‘the cloud’, e.g. iCloud (Apple phones) or Google (Android). But for ‘belt and braces’ make extra copies. Connect your phone to your PC regularly and copy your photos across to your harddrive or use a third-party app such as Flickr or Dropbox to make and store duplicate copies. Or you could use a tried and tested way of backing up photos: print them!
Top Tips
● Hold the phone with both hands ● Avoid using digital zoom ● Think about your composition ● Ensure proper lighting ● Back up your photographs Page 23
BOOK ONLINE NOW
www.gorental.co 01242 233084
24
Andrew Jones - Carpenter All aspects of carpentry & general building work undertaken
Call 07818 253455 or 01242 251714 Email: abrettjones@hotmail.co.uk
MC Gardens & Landscapes Creative Garden Design • Fencing • Turfing • Tree Care • Tree & Garden Clearance • Hedge Cutting • Garden Maintenance • Hard & Soft Landscaping • Planting Call Martin Carter on 07787 400221 or email martincarter592@gmail.com
David Richards on 01242 898 750 or 07725 722132
Page 25
LOVING LOCAL
Let’s roll up our sleeves and clean up our great town Cheltenham BID works to support businesses in the town centre in many ways – but sometimes we also encourage them to help themselves. So it is with our Tidy Up Cheltenham campaign. If cigarette ends are being dropped outside a pub each night, it really isn’t the job of the council or anybody else to turn out every morning to clean them up. We encourage landlords to do this sort of cleaning up themselves and also run days where we concentrate on smartening up a particular area as we did in Regent Street in July. We’ve also done regular clean-ups of Boots Alley (Albion Walk) and Post Office Lane. We’ll be supporting the Great Britain Spring Clean 2020. From 20th March to 13th April everyone – and that includes you - is being encouraged to go out and collect litter from streets, parks and beaches. We’ll be asking our businesses to sign up to at least half-an-hour of tidying up outside their business during the event. You might want to concentrate on your own street or perhaps your favourite park. As well as support from the BID and the Borough Council, the Cheltenham Litter Picksies, a community group who regularly organise litter collections to keep different districts clean, will also be taking part. For more information, see www.keepbritaintidy.org Kevan Blackadder, Cheltenham BID Director
Holst Birthplace Museum: Volunteers Wanted
Give your time now to help preserve the past. To find out more about the museum and their volunteering opportunities, email curator@holstmuseum.org.uk.
Cheltenham Lions Club is looking for new members Cheltenham Lions Club is always looking for like-minded volunteers to help with their fundraising events such as book and plant sales. The club also helps out at events hosted by other organisations and charities. Being a club member is entirely voluntary and can fit in around existing commitments. Although there is a serious side to what the club does, there is plenty of room for fun as social events are an integral part of its activities. To find out more attend the Club's Open Evening on 20th March - see 'What's On' section for more information - or contact Martin Shorland on 07793 544858. 26
Keep an eye out for the Club's annual 'Giant Easter Egg Raffle', which will be back at various pubs and venues in town in the lead-up to Easter. All proceeds go to local charities.
LOVING LOCAL
Councillors Corner Road repairs I am delighted to have secured road resurfacing for Naunton Way, Suffolk Parade, Montpellier Drive and Montpellier Parade during this financial year. Whilst this is great news, I am aware that there are other areas where work is also needed. I am working hard to get places such as Exmouth Street, Hermitage Street and Rodney Road resurfaced. If there are any roads or pavements you think need resurfacing, then please let me know. Gold award for Sandford Park Sandford Park has been awarded a Heart of England in Bloom Gold Award thanks to the phenomenal hard work of Cheltenham Borough Council, LINC, Friends of Sandford Park, Vision 21 and volunteers. I am pleased to have helped by securing grant funding for a couple of the projects in the park including the pétanque court and the LINC sanctuary garden, near the Keynsham Road entrance. It is great news too that the Borough Council have recently allocated funding to replace the dated loos in the park and I am urging them to get this work done as quickly as possible. LINC have work parties at the Sanctuary Garden on the last Friday of every month from 10am. If you have time to volunteer, they would love to see you! Cllr Klara Sudbury, Charlton Park & College Ward
'Give local, help local' to support new charity combating hygiene poverty Hygiene poverty is an often forgotten aspect of living under the breadline and affects many people in the UK. According to The Trussel Trust: "People stop buying toiletries long before having to go to a food bank." The Hygiene Bank is a national, volunteer-led charity focussed on helping people in crisis or struggling with a low income. The organisation aims to inspire social change. Rooted in the community, each hygiene bank collects products and donates them to local, often smaller, charities that do not get massive funding elsewhere. The Cheltenham and Tewkesbury projects support Cheltenham Open Door, the Nelson Trust women's centre and the Tewkesbury Food Bank.
This year, instead of 'giving up' for Lent why not give to those in need? Re-gift those unwanted toiletry gift sets or pick up an extra deodorant or toothpaste on your weekly shop and find your nearest drop off point (see www.thehygienebank.com). You could also encourage your school or workplace to do a one-off collection. Follow The Hygiene Bank Cheltenham on Facebook or Instagram (@thbcheltenham) or write to Jess at thbcheltenham@gmail.com to find out more about how you or your business could get involved. Items we desperately need: Toothpaste ● Toothbrush (child/adult) ● Shampoo/ conditioner ● Shower gel ● Razors ● Shaving foam ● Deodorant ● Hairbrush/hair ties ● Nit comb/nit shampoo ● Sanitary products ● Nappies ● Baby wipes ● Toilet roll ● Laundry detergent
Page 27
LOVING LOCAL
SPRING DIARY Your essential guide to local events in and around the area WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Ongoing until 29 March, Nature in Art, Gloucester, GL2 9PA. All the latest winners in the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography competition organised by The Natural History Museum. www.natureinart.org.uk FOLK SONG NIGHT 3 March, 8 - 11pm, The White Hart Inn, Winchcombe, GL54 5LJ. With guest duo 'Discovery' - Elaine and Jeff Gillett. Free entry. T: 01242 602236 LINC LUNCH CLUB 6 March, Primavera, Montpellier, Cheltenham. For supporters of LINC. New guests welcome. The lunch typically costs £20 with £6 going to LINC. To join, email Louise: l.adkins@nhs.net. NEARLY NEW SALE 7 March, 2.30 - 4.30pm, Shurdington Social Centre, Cheltenham, GL51 4TB Pre-loved, good quality baby, children's and maternity items at bargain prices. ABBA’S ANGELS 7 March, Doors open 7.30pm, St Edward’s Senior School, Cheltenham GL53 8EY. In aid of LINC charity. Enjoy singing 28
and dancing to the songs of ABBA. Bar. Ticket price of £35 incl. a Ploughman’s Supper. To book: www.lincfund. org/event/abbas-angels/ BATTLE OF THE BANDS 7 March, 7.30pm, Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury. Watch six local bands perform a 15-minute set each.Tickets: £8. www.rosestheatre.org SUNDAY AFTERNOON STROLL. 8 March, Meet 2pm at Warders Alley (beside M&Co), High Street, Tewkesbury. Walk around the lanes & alleyways of Tewkesbury. £2.50 pp. THE FESTIVAL PREVIEW NIGHT 8 March, Gates open 6.15pm, Cheltenham Racecourse. Racing legends will take to the stage to share their tips ahead of The Festival. For tickets: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL AND GOLD CUP 10 - 13 March, Cheltenham Racecourse For details and tickets: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk CLEEVE CONCERTS 13 March, 7.30pm, Tithe Barn, Bishop's Cleeve Barbara Dickson. Tickets from Chelt. Town Hall,
0333 666 3366 or www.cleeveconcerts.com. SPRING FLING 13 - 15 March, Uptonupon-Severn. 48 gigs in 48 hours across 10 local venues. www.upton48.co.uk ROVING CROWS ST PATRICK'S PARTY 14 March, 7.30pm, Watson Hall, Barton St, Tewkesbury A vibrant mix of Celtic-inspired fiddle alongside original and intelligent lyrics backed by tribal and electronica-infused dance grooves. Tickets: £12. On sale at Tewkesbury TIC: 01684 855040. MADE BY HAND CRAFT FAIR. 20 & 21, 10am - 5pm, 22 Feb, 10am 4pm, Cheltenham Town Hall Meet some of the UK’s finest designers & makers, incl. jewellers, potters, furniture makers, textile artists, glassmakers, woodworkers. Craft workshops, activities, stalls & more. LIONS CLUB OPEN EVENING 20 March, 7.30pm, The Victory Club (Ground floor alley), Cheltenham, GL50 2SY. Skittles; free buffet and first drink. Everyone welcome - just turn up and learn more about the Club.
LOVING LOCAL CHELTENHAM ROCK, GEM & BEAD SHOW 21 & 22 March, Sat: 10am 5pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm, Cheltenham Racecourse Adults £5; Conc. £3; U16's free. No advance tickets. Ample free parking. CHARITY CONCERT 21 March, 7.30pm, Tewkesbury Abbey. Glos Youth Orchestra, Glos Youth Choir & Glos Intermediate String Ensemble. With music by Dvořák, Wagner, Barber, Holst, Grieg & John Williams. Tickets: £10, U16’s £5 from The Abbey Shop/ 01684 856148. In support of Gloucestershire Young Carers. SCALLYWAGS COMEDY NIGHT 27 March, Doors 7pm, Show 8pm, Watson Hall, Barton Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PX.Jarred Christmas & Scott Bennett. www.facebook. com/watsonhalltewkesbury WINCHCOMBE LIVE BLUES FESTIVAL 27 - 29 March, 8.15pm, The White Hart Inn, Winchcombe Fri: The Thomas Atlas Band (£12); Sat: The Achievers (£10). Plus 10 free acts. Tickets available from winchcombelive@gmail.com. In aid of a local charity. HISTORY TALK 28 March, 11am - 12pm, Old Baptist Chapel, off Church St, Tewkesbury, GL20 5RZ. ‘The amusements, games and sports of the Tudor and Stuart eras’. Adults £6, Conc. £4.50
Children £2. Ticket includes entry to John Moore Museum and The Merchant’s House. LIDO OPENING DAY 28 March, 11am - 7.30pm, Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham. Celebrate the start of the Lido's 2020 season for only 2p per person! Fun-filled day for all the family. sandfordparkslido.org.uk CHELTENHAM BACH CHOIR 28 March, 7.30pm, Tewkesbury Abbey Rachmaninoff Vespers (All-Night Vigil). Tickets: £20, Students & children £5 unreserved - from The Abbey Shop or www.cheltbachchoir.com. CRESCENDO BIG BAND CONCERT 29 March, 3pm, Gupshill Manor, Gloucester Rd, Tewkesbury, GL20 5SY Tickets: £10 on door. www.crescendoband.co.uk
April LINC LUNCH CLUB 3 April, Flynn’s, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham For supporters of LINC. Guests welcome. The lunch typically costs £20 with £6 going to LINC. To join, email Louise: l.adkins@nhs.net. CHARITY MUSIC & DANCE EVENING 4 April, 7pm - 11.15pm (doors open 6.40pm), Hatherley Manor Hotel, GL2 9QA. Live music, ballroom
and bop, dance demonstration, charity raffle & disco. In aid for Maggie's. Tickets: £6 email info@finesteps.co.uk. CLEEVE CONCERTS 5 April, 7.30pm, Tithe Barn, Bishop’s Cleeve Nine Below Zero. Tickets: www.cleeveconcerts.com FOLK SONG NIGHT 7 April, 8 - 11pm, The White Hart Inn, Winchcombe, GL54 5LJ A friendly gathering of regular singers/musicians and newcomers. Traditional and contemporary music. On 7th April our guest band is Scarecrow. Free entry. T: 01242 602236 EASTER EGG TRAIL 11 April, 1 - 4pm, Sandford Park, Cheltenham Find clues around the park and win some Easter chocolate. In aid of Cobalt and Maggie's. £2.50 per child from the stall by or in Sandford Park Café. GWSR EASTER EGGSPRESS 13 April, Toddington Station Travel to Winchcombe for an Easter Egg Hunt and meet the Easter bunny. Free Easter-themed quiz sheets and craft activities for children. ‘Best Bonnet on the Train’ competition. Normal ticket prices apply. www.gwsr.com
Local Markets FARMERS’ MARKET 2nd & last Fri/month, 9am - 2pm, Pedestrianised area outside Cavendish House, Cheltenham Page 29
EL ROOFING 30% DISCOUNT
All aspects of Roofing
on orders when you mention Cheltenham Magazine
Including any repairs - no matter how big or small!
Your local roofing company • Guttering • Soffits • Dry Ridge • Dry Valleys • Fascias • Repointing • Dry Hip • Dry Verge
FREE QUOTATION, NO OBLIGATION Call 01452 347805, mobile 07528 143802 Email info@elroofing.co.uk 8 Avon Crescent, Brockworth, Gloucester GL3 4LG
30
UKBlindsGloucester CURTAINS, BLINDS (Vertical, Roller, Roman, Pleated, Wooden & Venetian)
& PLANTATION SHUTTERS FREE FREE FREE
fitting no obligation quotes consultation in the comfort of your home
SPECIAL OFFER
Three vertical blinds for £250* with this advert Call 01452 538945 and quote ‘LOVE LOCAL’
digitaltvsystems Cheltenham
AERIAL. SATELLITE. CCTV. NETWORKING
Reception Problems Solved New House installations Extra TV & Satellite Points Storm Damage CCTV Security Systems Wired & Wifi Data Networks Set ups & Retunes Flat screen wall mounting TV supply and installation Satellite Broadband installer Commercial installations Fully Insured All work double Guaranteed
PLUS Member C.1602
Reg No:18265341
No Call-out charge & free quotations*
01242790015
*Max size: 72” wide, 82” drop. Price includes survey, fitting and VAT.
www.d-tv.co.uk info@d-tv.co.uk @dtvsystems /digitaltvsystems
T: 01452 538945 E: enquiries@gloucestershireblinds.com
www.gloucestershireblinds.com
MRE CONTRACTS
01242 690 907 / 07748 987 895 www.mrecontracts.co.uk
Bathroom, wet room & cloakroom installations Professional & reliable service | Complete guarantee | Competitive prices | High standard of craftsmanship
Choose us for
• Plumbing & electrical work • Plastering • Carpentry • Tiling • Painting & decorating • Flooring & heating • Installation & maintenance
Here is one of our 5-star reviews. For more, please visit www.yell.com and search for MRE Contracts. Cloakroom refitting with building works to accommodate a shower. “An excellent job that started and finished on time. Moreover Matt had allowed sufficient margin for including significant additional work we requested. A good team who adapted to circumstances and tried to minimise the inevitable dust and mess. Highly recommended.”
Free initial survey & consultation Page 31
Meet your local Perry Bishop and Chambers team Thinking of selling or letting? Just call 01242 246980 perrybishop.co.uk
Estate Agents • Lettings & Management • Land & New Homes