This gorgeous little man made his way into the world towards the end of 2020. He's so handsome! His mum Hannah, The Mindfulness Coach, said...

'I'm so grateful to have become a Mother to baby Dax. His cheeky little grin makes my face light up every day. Of course, like with everything there are challenges, like the long sleepless nights where he just wanted to be held. I know he won't always want his mum and one day he'll think he's too cool for a cuddle. Plus there are the additional pressures of lockdown but I remind myself every day that this is just temporary and soon my son will be able to meet his Nannie and Pops.'

My old school friend Sally Clark recently left her long term position as Manager at the LINC Shop on Bath Road, to take over a new business venture - a B&B - with her partner Leroy. Their daughter Safie celebrated her 21st birthday in lockdown - in fact there aren't many people who haven't had a lockdown birthday (my son's had two because his birthday falls in March). Safie had a delicious meal cooked by her parents. Her Nan, who is in their bubble, joined them at the B&B for dinner along with Safie's younger brother. Safie is training for a career in nursing.  

Emily Balfour is a bright, funny, kind and giving young woman who is suffering immensely due to having a condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Emily's deteriorating health is now tragically threatening her ability to live a normal life, so her friends and family are fundraising for treatments that are not available on the NHS to manage Emily's symptoms and prevent rapid deterioration of this condition, which will be completely disabling, or even life threatening if left untreated. 

BBC iPlayer

Small Axe is an anthology of five films by British filmmaker Steve McQueen. Lovers Rock is all about a party or 'blues' which makes you feel you are more a guest in the room than a fly on the wall. It's set in 1980 with exuberant outfits and a euphoric atmosphere, with an outstanding a capella singsong to Janet Kay's Silly Games which feels spontaneous and rapturous. (I made rum cocktails to watch this film and join in with the party vibe - Ed.)

The Guardian says that the filmmaker 'shines a sociopolitical spotlight on London’s West Indian community from the mid-1960s to the ’80s. These are McQueen’s people: Born in 1969 to Caribbean parents who were among those invited to settle in Britain after World War II, he has woven his own memories and family stories into a vibrant tapestry of immigrant dignity and determination.'

'One of the most transfixing movies of last year.' Vulture.com

Netflix. Review by Jo Betteridge.

Ohhh Emily how I miss you. At first you got right on my wick, but I soon warmed to you. And like an overly friendly holiday waiter, you’re gone without a backwards glance after just one short season. 

If you loved ‘Sex in the City’, chances are you’re going to absolutely adore its younger, greener cousin ‘Emily in Paris’ (once you’ve got past her irritating niceness). Emily (Phil Collins' daughter in real life) arrives from the American mid-west to head up the Paris office marketing team of the magazine she works for, and, quelle surprise, the chic Parisians are having none of her gauche American ways. Cue textbook grande-madame-threatened-by-endearing-rookie tension, culminating in Insta Icon status for Emily and her picture-perfect selfies.  

Je ne sais pas pourquoi - maybe I lack Francophile finesse? - but I was captivated by the Insta-perfect chickflick-filtered view of Paris that grated on so many. I loved the clothes, the champagne and mostly the cosmopolitan street-side café bars. I’m not going to ‘do’ any spoilers, but the champagne chateau episode was a bit close to the knuckle. If the brother was a sister and the girlfriend was a boyfriend, there’d be rioting in the streets. Just sayin’.

Most of all though, I loved this Neflix tweet: “Friendly reminder Emily in Paris is supposed to be pronounced with a French accent so ‘Emily’ and ‘Paris’ rhyme,”. Pretentious, non? 

Netflix. Review by Laura Stokes of www.meredelalune.com. 

If ever there was an antidote to all things Covid it’s Virgin River.

Filmed against the breathtakingly stunning backdrop of beautiful Vancouver (although it’s set in California) this feel good romantic drama series – based on the books by Robyn Carr - hits all the right buttons; cosy, small town vibes, a will they – won’t they love story, fascinating local characters, intrigue and some medical dramas thrown in too.

Virgin River follows our protagonist, nurse Mel Monroe, as she moves from big city life to small town living. Following her own personal trauma, glimpses of which are revealed via a sequence of flashbacks, Mel settles (somewhat awkwardly) into her role as nurse alongside the town’s longstanding doctor, a suitably obdurate Dr Vernon Mullins. Along the way Mel meets her potential one true love, US marine veteran now local tavern owner, Jack Sheridan, and we follow their budding relationship. There are ups and downs and it’s safe to say the story lines are somewhat predictable, in a comforting kind of way, but the bottom line is that this is wholesome, feel good, beautifully shot TV. The scenery is to die for, the storyline hits juts the right level of cheesiness and on the whole it’s just the ticket for these troubled times. Who wouldn’t want to up sticks and live in a tumbledown log cabin (beautifully restored by said love interest) enjoy marvellous sex, a whole lot of adventure and excitement whilst slowly – but steadily – integrating into an idyllic small town with all its drama?!

(Doesn't Mel have great brows?! - Ed)

Netflix. 

I remember the old Poldark series (1975 onwards) being on when I was little - Nanna used to love it.  I became aware of the 2015 series of Poldark when I saw smoulderingly attractive Aidan Turner photos being shared on Instagram. Ah, he's alright, I thought. Nothing to write home about. But I was wrong. Once I got stuck in to the series with my husband we both became fully invested in his portrayal of Ross Poldark, galloping around the cliffs, beaches, forests and fields of 18th Century Cornwall and doing full justice to his character in the most fetching Georgian attire. I won't give away the plot about a love interest... but the period costumes for the ladies are just as striking.

The story is taken from 12 novels and shows the trials and tribulations of a set of people you come to deeply care about. The old aunt is a real hoot - watch out for her. Interesting fact: Beatie Edney who plays Prudie, Ross's troublesome and lazy housekeeper, was Heather MacLeod in the 1986 film Highlander.

It's also a tale of love, loss, mixed messages, feudalism and rivalry. The scenery is outstanding and there's a backlog of five whole seasons - hearty entertainment for the whole family. We are bereft now it's over. Even watching the fabulous Bridgerton (review in next issue!) I turned to my husband and whispered "Do you miss Poldark?" 

"Yes" came the solemn reply. 

I AM Good Enough Programme by Jo Betteridge

Review by Sue McFadden

'Quite simply this is the book/workbook I didn’t know I needed until I found it and realised how working on my perception of myself and the things I wasn’t happy about could be dealt with by looking at things as if I were my own best friend (or Cheerleader as Jo would call me) and ditching my Inner Bitch! Jo is so open, frank and honest about her ups and downs and her humour, positivity and determination to be a better person and to help others be the best they can is heart-warming and encouraging from start to finish. The book isn’t wishy washy psychology but gritty and funny, a lot like life, and I promise it will help you feel better about yourself, guided by Jo and with a little commitment. More than ever I think most of us, men and women alike, need to be able to feel our own self-worth and not beat ourselves up about how imperfect we are - we are after all imperfectly perfect and unique and we need to appreciate our skills and recognise our weaknesses and this is what Ditch Your Inner Bitch helps you achieve.' 

Get 50% off and transform your life for just £27 at https://payhip.com/b/cx6q  using voucher code LIFESTYLE50!

by Ani King

Night and day conspire deafeningly

in a clash of nebulous fire.

Day hesitates; night falters, knowing

she must blight day’s glowing melody

And they stare, blinded, at their ephemeral creation,

their convergence, suspended in the sky,

balanced on the horizon, their tones blended,

soon to die

Then, part, for the sad thread of Time

is mercilessly unwinding.

They part like lovers afraid to touch,

lest they shatter the other with their passion.

We are happy to announce The Big Clean Dudes, your local heavy duty cleaning company. We are always being asked for carpet and upholstery cleaning recommendations, so these are the dudes to book next time you need that service.

Call Pasha on 07920402020 for your quote. The Big Clean Dudes are at your service for all the heavy duty jobs. No job is too big or too small for The Big Clean Dudes. Please contact them for a free, no obligation quote. (We really hope he does turn up in a Superman cape! - Ed) 

They can quote the job online, over the phone or if you prefer they can stop by and give you a free, fair and honest quote.

• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning 

• Solar Panel Cleaning

• Gutters, Fascias and Soffits Cleaning

• Pressure Washing

• Garden Fencing and Panels (repair and replace)

• Window Cleaning

• High Reach Vacuuming

Website: https://thebigcleandudes.co.uk

Meet our very newest directory member, Heather Savage... 

Are you ready to start your journey of transformation to health and happiness?

My name is Heather and I am the founder of Ginger Health Coaching. I am a certified transformational health and life coach.

• Are you feeling overwhelmed or stressed?

• Are your burnt out or on the verge of burn out?

• Are you feeling stuck in a rut and want to get your life back?

• Are you lacking in energy and feeling tired all the time?

• Have you had enough of trying to juggle everything and want to find some balance in your life - for you and your family?

• Are you struggling with emotional eating?

• Would you like to feel better about yourself inside and out?

If you would like to feel:

• Calmer

• More positive

• More confident

• More energy

• Less tired

• More balance in your life

• Fitter and healthier

• Greater self esteem

I offer a variety of programmes and bespoke one-to-one coaching to help give you sustainable results and help you get your life back.

www.gingerhealthcoaching.com

Hadassah Townend is a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and is a member of the BACP and BABCP Associations. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that emphasises the important role of ‘thinking’ in how we feel and how that affects what we do.

Your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, often trapping you in a negative spiral. CBT helps you stop these negative cycles, breaking down factors that are making you feel depressed or anxious so that they become more manageable. It shows you how to change these negative patterns to improve the way you think and feel.

During our therapy sessions we work together toward finding strategies that will achieve your specific goals. I will help you learn to observe your thoughts and beliefs and then to identify and understand their link to your thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

'I can’t recommend Hadassah highly enough. My daughter started to meet with her during her second year of college. At the time she was suffering from anxiety and depression, and would hide away in her room, isolating herself. Hadassah’s compassion and empathy has turned her life around. My daughter completed and passed her A levels, and started at her first choice of university. She has returned to being a vibrant, confident person, taking part, and enjoying in all aspects of university life.'  Ms K, Worcestershire

Hadassah's website is www.cbtandcounselling.co.uk.

by Stylist Sarah Cross @myvosuk

It’s been a quiet year for fashion as functional and indoors-y clothes took over to reflect the needs and mood of the world pandemic. BUT (capital letters completely necessary) where there is a lull a storm is sure to follow. The Fashion Storm is going to be huge and fab-u-lous darling.

Just think footwear, accessories, and hair dos alone - each will have a renewed purpose as restrictions ease and we are allowed to step out more freely and be away from our homes. Every Spring we are keen to see nature's signals - colourful shoots, brighter skies, yellow rays of sun - all of which lifts our mood. This year Spring will feel even more significant to us which in turn is sure to be echoed in our wardrobe choices. Colour and bold shapes will surface like a kaleidoscope of butterflies as we emerge from our safe, elasticated, slouch wear chrysalises.

'I imagine' is  a column where I talk about my local inspirations and heroes, my work process, challenges and interests. 

I imagine if I could look inside my own head, it would resemble something like candy floss. Not the wispy pink clouds of seaside holiday dreams, but imagine someone dropped the car keys in the candyfloss machine. Then add in a bit of carpet fluff  for good measure. That's usually the starting point for a lot of my work.

That said, how do candyfloss-brained writers get any work done you ask? My answer - with the support of a wider community. In this case I would like to focus on my Gloucestershire community and how it has enabled me to achieve far more than what I could possibly do on my own.

What has Gloucestershire got to do with a manuscript about two children in medieval West Africa? Firstly, I completed the first draft in the family history library in Cheltenham while heavily pregnant with my daughter. I used the library's loans system to borrow obscure books and research papers to embed the story in a believable time and place.

Even before I'd finished my first draft, I'd enlisted the help of a local book club to give me an idea of how my writing style would be received. Turns out, it wasn't very good at all. Bless them, these patient volunteers even managed to finish reading all the way to the end! A friend in the reading group even gave the novel its title.

I joined a women's writing group which prior to lockdown met at the Suffolk Anthology, Cheltenham's best bookstore in my totally unbiased opinion. That's not to mention the informal network of parents who helped with the school run when I had deadlines to meet. Having been longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Writing Competition 2019 and the SI Leeds Literary Award 2020, I have had fantastic exposure from Cheltenham Business & Lifestyle Magazine and Lives of Colour, both successful Gloucestershire-based businesses supporting local talent and enterprise. 

The point my candyfloss-brain is trying to make is that connection makes even the most cotton-ball-minded individuals stronger and more resilient. In the throes of a global pandemic, it has been incredibly challenging to connect with one another, but technology at least makes this possible. I encourage you, dear reader, to be hopeful and reach out to a trusted person... and seriously remember to take that vitamin D! If all else fails, close your eyes and imagine fluorescent pink candy floss at the seaside, cavity and calorie free...

by new columnist Laura Stokes from Mere de la Lune. 

I think we can all safely say the last 12 months have been the most bizarre in all of our living memories. It’s easy to get swamped by the cacophony of negative news. I know that, for a while, I had to turn off social media and limit how much news I was absorbing; it got to be too much and was causing me to spiral down into a little trough of despair and, as a parent, I couldn’t afford to wallow in that trough for long. 

As 2020 drew to an end I gave some thought to all that had gone before and was pleased to discover that I could honestly say I’d had a good year.

*I was fully present for my kids for the first time in years – no place to be, no demands on my time, no outside pressure, no constant clock watching.
*I discovered the kindness of friends and strangers.
*I learned to relax (possibly took to it a little too well!).
*I learned to set boundaries.
*I discovered I have the most awesome neighbours and live in a great community.
*I realised that we have enough.
*I was reminded that my family are my world and I cannot wait to see them again.
*I started a new business (Mere de la Lune) with my fabulous daughter.

We’d spent hours doing nothing but shootin’ the breeze, we’d had a blast making TikToks, we adventured in our neighbourhood, we went on SO many walks, we argued (not as much as I would’ve thought), we FaceTimed family and friends (thank heavens for technology) and we’ve appreciated the small things: delicious food, the joy of creating art, the beauty around us, having precious time together…

Yes, we’ve missed those we can’t see. Yes, we’ve been hit hard financially. Yes, 2020 didn’t go as we had planned. But man, we’ve also had some really good times!

If you’re feeling low (because, let’s face it, lockdown in summer was a whole different ball game!) please reach out to someone. Try and get out, even for a short walk. Call a friend. Make food. Count your blessings.

This too shall pass. 

The website for Mére de la Lune is www.meredelalune.com and it's @meredelalune on socials.

1. Are you Cheltenham born and bred?

Yes born in St Paul’s Hospital Cheltenham.

2. How did you get into journalism?

In 1992 I went travelling to Australia to see my grandparents and on my return got a job working for The Echo. I also worked for Cheltenham News and  Gloucester Citizen but that’s how I got started.

3. I hear you have an interest in sport?

Love all sport, big fan of cricket and football and four years ago was asked if I would like to be an Associate Director of Cheltenham Town. I love watching my son play.

4. Are you a good cook - what's your signature dish?

Yes love to cook, I would say my signature dish is a good old traditional Sunday roast.

5. Where do you like going to eat out in Cheltenham?

I love eating out... I just love eating. 

6. What has been your most important lesson in life that you could share with our readers?

Always be kind, and have time for people in any walk of life; never trust anyone who does not respect nature and does not like animals.

7. Which charity is closest to your heart and why?

A tricky one as all charities do fantastic work. Locally I have a soft spot for Cheltenham Animal Shelter as I am a huge animal lover; nationally Acorns Children’s Hospice - they care for children who have life limiting and life threatening conditions. I am so grateful that my children are grown up and have had healthy lives.

8. How old were you when you had your first crush?

I was 16 - she was my French teacher at school, Miss Laroche. The teaching assistant Miss Lombard was pretty fit too.

8. Who is your best friend?

I have lots of good friends some I have kept since school however my best friend is my wife Anna.

9. Favourite cocktail. 

Cocktail? For a short drink on a hot day/night you cannot beat a G and T.

10. Favourite holiday destination and why.

I love Majorca, in particular Alcudia, many memories. Two hour flight, beautiful sandy beaches and fantastic climate.

The Cheltenham Post website is cheltenhampost.co.uk.

Emma Reuvers is a keen gardener who has set up her own business Wild Edge Garden Design to help people achieve their dream garden without charging the earth. (See what we did there?) 

A Herb Garden

February is an exciting time in the garden as the first daffodils make an appearance and new buds burst into life. Early spring is the perfect time to think about re-invigorating an existing garden border, creating a new planting or replanting old and tired pots or containers.

The best planting schemes are those that are multifunctional. When choosing new plants consider not only how they look, but how they benefit garden wildlife and how they benefit you. For this reason I love a herb garden. The ultimate multi-functional, low maintenance space. With the right mix of plants, a herb garden will provide year round interest. The flowers of most herbs are a source of nectar for many important insects. 

Shrubbier herbs, such as rosemary and sage, provide habitat for birds and small mammals and even a hiding spot for slow worms. If you choose perennial herbs you won't need to replant every year. The soil remains undisturbed to create a self-sustaining system that supports millions of tiny microbes, hundreds of earthworms and the plants themselves. As a bonus herbs are beautiful to look at, often scented and useful to us too. A large number of easy to grow herbs can be used in cooking, simple medicines (like healthy tonics and tinctures), DIY beauty products and even to create dyes for fabrics.

Diagram shows a simple herb garden plan for a sunny, free draining site.

www.wildedgegardendesign.co.uk

Students of Bournside School sent in some wonderful images as entries for a photography competition. Cheltenham Noticeboard Facebook group members voted for their favourite, which is on the cover of this Spring magazine issue. The winner was this gorgeous robin in song, by Charlie Millward who is in Year 10. As well as having the front cover, Charlie won a family brunch which we ordered from The Cotswold Breakfast Factory to be delivered to them on a Saturday morning. Charlie said"we all really enjoyed it!"

We've done our best to include as many runners up photographs as we have space for. 

Piggies on the Move is a Guinea Pig Rescue and Adoption Service based in Gloucestershire. You are welcome to get in contact if you know of an animal in need or are interested in providing a lovely forever home. 

🐹🐾How to Adopt🐾🐹

1) Message the Page regarding the piggies you are interested in.
2) Provide photos of accommodation. Accommodation must be a suitable size for the number of piggies and MUST meet the minimum requirements. We follow RSPCA guidelines but bigger is always better! Staff at pet stores may not provide correct information. NOTE: Only 1 level counts towards the size requirement as piggies need room to stretch out and run around on one level.
3) Fill out and return our rehoming questionnaire.
4) We will not re-home a piggy to live on its own. They are very social animals and must be kept in pairs at minimum.
5) Thoroughly do your research on them, they may be small but require a fair time commitment, daily cleaning, cuddles and access to an outdoor run that should be at least 4ft x 6ft.
6) Their primary carer must be an adult.

Here's the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/piggiesonthemove 

We're lucky to have such talented, imaginative people in this area and because of social media we get to see work that we couldn't otherwise discover. Claudia Naen says: "I am a textile designer by heart and have been moving towards clothing and building up my own slow fashion brand these past few months." Her clothing line is called Tapuh Clothing and new collection called Homebody is coming out soon. 

Here is more about Tapuh clothing in Claudia's own words...

Hello, my name is Claudia Naen and I am the designer and fabric maverick behind Tapuh clothing. Tapuh clothing is my sweet love letter to my family and friends, my love for clothes as an expression of freedom and, well, mostly to my love for fabrics. I studied in Textiles Design and graduated with a specialism in knit, all the while learning about patterns and sewing in my spare time.

I have never felt such freedom as making my own wardrobe and whilst it is not 100% me made there’s a big portion that is. During lockdown the two things that kept me going were getting dressed in the morning and sewing a garment to wear for the next day. I believe clothes are much more than to keep you warm or cool or covered; they are an incredible expression of oneself and for me are my daily saviour. If I am at a crossroads in life, doubting my abilities or feeling low I know making up an outfit will make my day significantly better.

I look to Tapuh to continue this feeling to others to the best of my ability. I want everyone to feel empowered in their clothes whilst still feeling comfortable and flexible to do whatever they wish that day. I hope you are all as excited as I am for this journey and I thank you all for the support already.

For all bodies, all shapes, all sizes - let’s wake up and feel ourselves 🌸

Claudia's website is https://www.claudianaen.co.uk. 

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/tapuhclothing. 

'Only messaged them for a quote late last night not expecting a response. Next thing I knew, someone was working on my windows by lunch time, also came back to clean the carpet. Did an amazing job for a very competitive price, super friendly and most of all was very conscious about having doors open while my kitty was around. Thank you The Big Clean Dudes for an early Christmas present, you are the best! 👌'  Cecile Romien