Cheltenham Post 22nd August digital edition

See page 28

Sinkhole shuts down town centre road Sinkhole shuts down town centre road

URGENT work is underway to fix a “very large” sinkhole in Cheltenham town centre.

Sherborne Place has been closed since Monday, August 11 after a two-metre-wide cavity was discovered in the middle of the road, sparking safety concerns.

Public car park and residential access have remained largely unaffected by the closure, but one local business has been significantly impacted: the family-run George Bence Group. Paul Bence, managing

By Sam McEvans

director at the builders’ merchant, said at the end of last week that the three-metre-deep hole has had a “detrimental” impact on his business and has “cut operations to the core”.

Continued on page 3

CHELTENHAM commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August 2025, remembering both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War in 1945. Full story and pictures page 5

Pictures by Sam McEvans

Cheltenham Post

Contact us

Commercial Director

Mark Cuzner

mark@cheltenhampost.co.uk

Publishing Director

Nicholas Clarke

nick@cheltenhampost.co.uk

Editor editor@cheltenhampost.co.uk

Website enquiries

digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk

AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire

Gloucester Day Returns to celebrate city’s history

GLOUCESTER Day is set to return on Saturday, September 6, with a day of parades, stalls, music and entertainment, all celebrating the city’s rich and interesting history.

The popular annual event commemorates the lifting of the Siege of Gloucester in 1643 and aims to boost pride in the city, encouraging visitors and residents to find out more about its colourful past.

Gloucester Day is organised by Gloucester town crier Alan Myatt and supported by Gloucester City Council, and Gloucester Civic Trust.

News

editor@cheltenhampost.co.uk

General enquiries

info@cheltenhampost.co.uk

Follow us on social media

Twitter: @CheltenhamPost www.facebook.com/ cheltenhampost www.cheltenhampost.co.uk

The Cheltenham Post Newspaper is owned and published by All4One Media Limited. The views, reviews and comments of contributors aren’t necessarily those of the publisher. Company registration 09333677

You can pick up your copy of the Cheltenham Post in many shops and leisure places throughout the town.

We also have stands at your local supermarkets listed below; Arle Court Transport Hub

Asda Superstore, Hatherley Lane

Tesco Superstore, Collets Drive

Tesco, Church Road Bishops Cleeve

Morrisons, Caernarvon Road Up Hatherley

Sainsburys, Gallagher Retail Park

Sainsburys, Priors Road Oakley

Co-Op, Leckhampton Road

Co-Op, Bath Road, Leckhampton

Co-Op, Salisbury Avenue

East End Garage, Charlton Kings

Cheltenham General Hospital

We are also at selected other Co-Op stores as well as many 1000s delivered door-to-door on a rotation basis every two weeks.

This year’s celebration will begin at 9.45am at Gloucester Cross, where local organisations, community groups and charities will all be hosting stalls.

The first parade, led by the Mock Mayor of Barton, starts at 11am and will process from Constitution Walk, through Queens Walk to Gloucester Cross, then to Westgate before heading to Northgate Street and on to Southgate Street.

There will be the traditional comic meeting between the Mock Mayor of Barton who this year will be Viva O’Flynn, secretary of the Gloucester Filipino Association and the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Ashley Bowkett.

A different person is chosen to

play the mock mayor each year and its origins date back to King Charles II. The role is awarded to those who have done good work in the community.

The parade will then depart at midday for a Thanksgiving Day service at St Mary de Crypt. At 2pm it will again make its way through the city led by the Mayor of Gloucester along with the Sheriff of Gloucester, Councillor Linda Castle, in full civic regalia.

At 4pm there will be a costumed 1643 civil war demonstration of musketry at the

Appeal for witnesses after woman was assaulted on the M5

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault which took place on the M5 earlier this month.

A member of the public called police at around 3.40am on Tuesday 5 August to raise concerns about a woman who was seen walking along the hard shoulder of the southbound carriageway near to junction 8 for Strensham Services.

Officers located the woman and she stated that a man had punched and dragged her into the motorway before smashing off the wing mirrors of her car which was parked on the hard shoulder.

The woman sustained minor injuries and was understandably shaken by what happened.

This had taken place between

junctions 8 and 9 at around 3am.

A man in his 50s and from Evesham was arrested on suspicion of common assault and later released on bail in connection with the incident however investigating officers would like anyone who saw what happened to make contact.

In particular officers would like to speak to the driver of a white van who turned up at the scene and took the woman home before coming back and collecting her car. Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 43 of 5 August: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/t ua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/

Folk of Gloucester where the audience can expect to hear some big bangs. The Folk bar will also be open for refreshments.

Alan Myatt, Gloucester town crier, said: “Gloucester Day is an organic catalyst and celebration of everything that is good and positive in this great city of ours.”

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “Gloucester Day helps make our city the unique and special place it is. Originally Gloucester Day celebrated the lifting of the siege in 1643, but it

lapsed over the decades. Thanks to Alan Myatt and his volunteers, Gloucester Day was reborn. Do come to Gloucester and bring the family. The kids will enjoy it especially the parades.”

Gloucester Day takes place as part of Gloucester History Festival, which runs until 21 September and promises a packed programme of historical events and talks from historians and celebrities. More information at the Gloucester History Festival website www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co .uk/

Man dies following tractor collision near Tewkesbury

A MAN has died following an incident in Fiddington, near Tewkesbury on Saturday 9 August.

It is believed that a man who had been driving a tractor through fields collided with hedges and some stationary vehicles at around 11.25pm.

A passenger on the tractor, a man aged in his 50s, sustained serious injuries in the collision and members of the public provided first aid at the scene, which was near Monks Lane.

Police officers attended and provided first aid prior to the arrival of paramedics. Despite everyone’s efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin and the coroner are aware.

A man aged in his 20s, who is believed to have been driving the tractor, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through alcohol.

The Severn Vale Vintage Club annual show had taken place at the location the day before. Due to the incident, the organiser had to close the event on the Sunday. Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police can provide information online by completing the following form and quoting incident 591 of 9 August: www.gloucestershire.police.u k/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/

Shops caught selling booze to underage teen

AN operation was recently carried out by Gloucestershire Police, with the help of cadets to carry out fake purchases of alcohol to under-age drinkers.

Officers from the Constabulary’s Licensing Team took part in a test purchase operation in Cheltenham where a teenager attempted to buy alcohol from shops.

The operation was conducted alongside the Special Constabulary and Cheltenham Borough Council’s Licensing Team on Saturday 26 July.

It involved a teenager from the Police Cadets who attempted to buy alcohol to gauge whether local businesses are being responsible and abiding by licensing laws.

This saw police visit 11 shops. Eight of the shops checked the teen’s ID and refused to serve alcohol, however three shops failed and served the teen.

The teen entered the venues that were being tested accompanied by officers in plain clothes, who observed their attempt to buy alcohol. The test purchaser is always careful not to lie about their age and does not produce any ID if asked.

Completing the test purchases allowed officers to

ensure that licensed premises are meeting their objective under the Licensing Act to ‘prevent children coming to harm’ and enforce any breaches through education, letters or warnings, tickets or taking the premises to review in certain circumstances.

PC Wintle from the Licensing Team said: “We regularly carry out joint operations with our partner agencies to ensure licensed

premises are operating responsibly.

“On this occasion, three shops failed to uphold their legal obligations, and we will be following up with those businesses and conducting further checks in due course.”

The penalties for failing a test purchase can include a fine of up to £5,000, prosecution and withdrawal of the premises' licence to sell alcohol.

wallet from an elderly and vulnerable man

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Police have released CCTV images of a woman they would like to identify following the alleged theft of a wallet from an elderly and vulnerable man.

It was reported that a wallet had been stolen from a bag which was on the back of a man's wheelchair whilst he was out in Cheltenham town centre. The theft is believed to have taken place within a shop on High Street at around 1.45pm on Monday 21 July and saw the offender go on to

withdraw several hundred pounds using the man's bank cards.

Officers have conducted a number of enquiries since the incident, but are yet to identify the woman pictured, and are now asking for information from the public.

Anyone who recognises the woman pictured or has information is asked to complete the following online form quoting incident 285 of 21 July: www.gloucestershire.police.u k/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/

Sinkhole

shuts down Sherbourne Place

Continued from front page

Many of Bence’s customers rely on the route to access a yard where they collect 26tonne loads of building supplies. Some have been driving away due to the road closure signs. Others are making use of a temporary alternative gate.

Mr Bence said the hole’s position in the centre of the one-way road rules out damage from heavy goods vehicles as a cause, suggesting instead that a

burst pipe could be the root cause of the problem.

According to the British Geological Survey, water leaks are a common trigger of sinkholes. Cheltenham is also susceptible to sinkholes due to its loose, sandy soil. This can wash away making the ground underneath tarmac more likely to collapse.

Councillor Lisa Spivey, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We appreciate the patience of the local community while

we prepare to carry out an urgent repair.”

Mr Bence added: “We're still very much open and we hope that the council and highways can make this more of a priority to get it sorted because it's been days now and it's not ideal to say the least.”

Elsewhere in the county, at Rushmire Hill, a fivemetre- wide sinkhole appeared in June. The road was closed for 17 days while repairs were completed.

Joyce Brooks Lingerie Boutique

Part of the Cavendish House Independent Collection

Cheltenham Post

Cheltenham honours VJ Day

CHELTENHAM

commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August 2025, remembering both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War in 1945.

To mark the anniversary, a short service led by Rev Graham Bowkett CF was held at the war memorial on the Long Gardens, Promenade, on Friday 15 August at 11:50am. The timing of the service aligned with the national two-minute silence at midday.

In attendance were the Mayor of Cheltenham, Cllr

Dr David Willingham, HM Lord Lieutenant Mr Edward Gillespie, and representatives of the local serving and veteran community.

Mayor of Cheltenham, Cllr

Dr David Willingham, said:

“VJ Day marked the effective end of the Second World War and gave us a moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who served

in the Far East.

“As we marked 80 years since the day Japan announced its surrender, it was more important than ever to honour the memory of those who never returned and those who returned changed forever by the horrors of war. We had to ensure their stories were never forgotten. This anniversary was a chance to come together in gratitude and remembrance.”

Wing Commander Roy Roberts RAF (Retd), Royal British Legion Cheltenham

Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home

chair, said: “The timing of our service on Friday enabled us to mirror the national twominute silence at midday. The silence was observed in a national commemorative event at the Royal British Legion National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, and the event was broadcast on BBC1. “We, and the relatives of Far

Exceptional Care in the Heart of the Cotswolds

Welcome to Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home, a luxury, purpose-built residence just four miles from Cheltenham. With stunning views of Cleeve Hill, our home offers expert residential and dementia care in a warm and welcoming setting.

01242 358 911

East Prisoners of War holding their annual reunion in our town, were grateful to the mayor and borough council for their enduring support of remembrance, in the continuing hope that current and future generations would be forever grateful for the sacrifices of those who went before us. Lest We Forget.”

REMEMBRANCE: Cheltonians honour the fallen at the Cenotaph. PICTURES: Poppy Matthews.

We are proud to offer luxurious surroundings and exceptional, personalised care.

With specialist residential and dementia care, engaging lifestyle activities, and a focus on comfort, dignity and wellbeing, Bishops Cleeve is a place where every resident is treated like family.

Our door is always open...step into something better! Exceptional care, a welcoming environment and breathtaking views.

Ruby Avenue, Bishop's Cleeve, Cheltenham,

MAYOR: Cllr David Willingham attended the ceremony.

HONOUR: Bob Stark, Col Ranson, Robert Weller and Brian Woollaston. PICTURE: Mark Cuzner

In the dock!

The following cases have all been heard recently at Cheltenham Magistrates Court:

Tony William Hurst, 23, of Sutton Road, Soudley, Cinderford, was made subject to a warrant for arrest without bail for failing to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 6th May 2025, by failing to attend unpaid work appointments in May, June and July of this year.

Martin McAlary, 41, of Whittington Road, Cheltenham, was made subject to a warrant for arrest without bail for failing to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 20th January 2025, by failing to attend unpaid work appointments in March and May of this year.

James Robert Andrew Hay, 28, of Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham, was made subject to a warrant for arrest without bail for failing to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 25th February 2025, by failing to attend two unpaid work appointments in June of this year.

Michael Mulenga, 53, of Meadoway, Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham, admitted failing to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 6th May 2025, by failing to attend three unpaid work appointments in June and July of this year, without providing an acceptable reason or excuse withing the specified time period. The court ordered that he must comply with

the original order to carry out 30 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months, and an additional 30 hours was added to the order.

An application to extend a closure order for nuisance or disorder in respect of premises at Evenlode Avenue, Whaddon, Cheltenham, made on 7th May 2025 by Cheltenham Magistrates Court, was extended for a further period of 3 months from 1st August 2025.

Mohammed Abdul Hadi, 37, of Howard Road, Tewkesbury, denied a charge of driving without due care and attention in a Toyota Auris on the A38 at Cambridge on 19th October 2023. The case was adjourned for trial until 21st November 2025 for an Arabic interpreter to attend.

Keith John Saunders, 44, of Princess Elizabeth Way, Hesters Way, Cheltenham, was served with a domestic violence protection order on 9th August 2025.

Santino Caltabiano, 19, of Belle Vue Road, Cinderford, was convicted of driving a Ford Fiesta on the A38 Bridgwater Road, Cross, Sedgemoor on 14th August 2024 at a speed in excess of 40mph. An application to re-open the case was adjourned until 4th September 2025 for the defendant to attend in person.

Laura Diggles, 42, of Cleeve View Road, Oakley, Cheltenham, was convicted of driving a Skoda Octavia on the A40 Over Farm Road at Gloucester on 6th October 2024 at a speed in

excess of the 50mph speed limit. She was fined £158, ordered to pay costs of £90 and a Victim Services Surcharge of £63.

Christopher Keenan, 70, of Welch Road, Springbank, Cheltenham, had the prohibition terms of a sexual harm prevention order, initially issued by magistrates on 1st May 2025, varied. He is prohibited from owning or using more than two Personal Computer, including Laptop, Desktop, Notebook, Smart TV or Tablet or any other variation of Internet enabled device or subsequent successor. (This does not include any standalone Games Console designed with the primary function of playing video games or any Smart Utility device.) The rest of the order remains as originally issued, and will stay in place until 1st May 2030.

Mohammod Abdul Sattar, 61, and Sajeda Tophadar, 52, both of Devon Avenue, Cheltenham, were charged with making false representations to the Department of Work and Pensions, while claiming for benefits or Universal Credit, that they only had one bank account when in fact they had 4 additional bank accounts with a total balance that exceeded the prescribed maximum for entitlement to Universal Credit. They were remanded on unconditional bail until 25th September 2025 for a case management hearing at the request of the prosecution for review following representations by the defence solicitor.

CCTV images issued following attempted arson in Cheltenham

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Police investigating an attempted arson in Cheltenham last month have released CCTV images of men they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Emergency services were called to Clyde Crescent in Oakley at around 8pm on Sunday 27 July with a report that two men had poured what was believed to be a flammable liquid onto a car.

The car was not set alight, however one of the men had made threats to set the vehicle on fire.

Officers have conducted a number of enquiries since the incident, but are yet to identify the men pictured, and are now asking for information from the public.

Anyone who recognises the men pictured or has information about what happened is asked to complete the following online form quoting incident 357 of 27 July: www.gloucestershire.police.u k/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/ Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting the independent

crime-fighting charity

Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form: www.crimestoppersuk.org/give-information/form s/give-informationanonymously

Families enjoy another successful NCLB Party in the Park

CHELTENHAM’S Pittville Park and Prince of Wales Stadium were buzzing with excitement recently as families came together for No Child Left Behind’s (NCLB) Party in the Park 2025.

The free event offered a packed day of fun, activities and entertainment for the whole family.

Families gathered to enjoy music, dancing and entertainment on the main stage in front of the Pittville Pump Room. Highlights included entertainment and performances from hosts Camilla Lewington and Kishi and Maria Allebone, plus a range of other performances from local groups such as Dance Revolution and Belmont School Choir.

Local community organisations offered support and guidance to families at the advice hub and 955 children were provided with a healthy lunch through Gloucestershire County Council’s (GCC) Holiday Activity and Food Scheme (HAF). Kind food donations for the event were also provided thanks to Sewa Day and the Cheltenham Racecourse. Around 200 children with additional needs took advantage of the quiet hour at 10am, and approximately 1,700 children with additional needs attended the event throughout the day. At the festival field, both children and adults tried their hands at circus skills with World Jungle, played with parachutes, participated in dance competitions and got lost in storytelling. All ages braved the heights of the climbing wall and took part in sporting activities at The Move More Arena. At the urban playground, crowds were amazed by Team Extreme’s daring demos.

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “It’s been fantastic to see Party in the Park return and continue to bring so much joy to local families. The atmosphere this year was full of energy and happiness, and it was lovely to

see children and young people getting involved in so many different sporting and cultural activities. Huge thanks to all the families for enjoying this very special day with us, it’ll certainly be one to remember. “We’re delighted that so many eligible families benefited from a free healthy lunch, thanks to funding through GCC’s Holiday Activity and Food Scheme. I’d also like to thank our event partners, hosts, sponsors and volunteers - your support helped make this year’s event such a success.”

Matt Bellshaw, director and

head of region at HBD, said: "It was brilliant to be able to sponsor and volunteer at No Child Left Behind Party in the Park, supporting the important work they do with young people in Cheltenham. The Golden Valley team were onsite all day and enjoyed helping students to turn their pencil-sketched dream buildings into AI reality in our 'Golden Valley Imagine' sessions. It was great to meet so many families from across the city, while helping to create a space where community and creativity could come together."

Nick Cook, director of young people’s services at The Children’s Society, said: “What an incredible day for children, young people and families across Cheltenham –the variety of activities made for a dynamic and fun-filled day. The Children’s Society were delighted to support the event. Across the day we had so many positive conversations with families who said the day was a real highlight of their summer holiday.”

Follow NCLB events on Facebook or X to keep up to date with news and activities.

Max Wilkinson MP

CHELTENHAM’S town centre is faring so much better than many other places. We have a lower shop vacancy rate than many towns, even though we have a relatively large shopping area. That’s good news, but we cannot afford to be complacent. We must be mindful of the rapid pace of change. That doesn’t just mean changing consumer habits like internet shopping. It also means changes to the national tax system that have placed further strain on town centres. That’s why I’m hopeful that we can use all the tools at our disposal to stay ahead of the pack.

A few years ago, when I was the lead local councillor for economic development, I took on the political leadership of what we called the Empty Shops Report. The report makes a suite of tough recommendations, including more enforcement against landlords who own messy properties. It also calls for the conversion of empty premises and empty spaces within premises into muchneeded new homes. I’m keen that the Borough Council now looks at one of the other policies referenced in the reportHigh Street Rental Auctions.

This enables local councils to force the owners of long-term empty commercial premises to auction their properties for rent to a new tenant, with the highest bidder getting

the keys to the shop. Take the former Oasis shop, for example. It’s been empty for absolutely ages. The owners have left it in a mess inside and out. It’s a disgrace. It represents a huge failure not just of the company responsible, but of our economic system too. This shows us exactly why High Street Rental Auctions are needed.

If a High Street Rental Auction policy was adopted locally, one of two things would likely happen. Firstly, the owner of the shop would probably sort it out before an auction was forced. Secondly, if they didn’t, the council could force an auction, with the building being leased to a new tenant that won the auction.

In all likelihood, many shop owners wouldn’t let it get as far as a rental auction. They’d show more respect for local areas. They’d keep their buildings in an appropriate state and they’d work harder to lease them. It’s a pity that not all investors can be relied on to be responsible custodians of town centre buildings. If they were, we wouldn’t need to talk about this sort of action.

Cheltenham Borough Council has the power to enact this policy and I’ve asked them to look at what can be done. The council has told me they’re looking at next steps – that’s really good news. Agents with responsibility for empty Cheltenham town centre premises should advise their clients accordingly.

Families come together for Party In The Park. Pictures: Andrew Higgins, Thousand Word Media Ltd.

IN July 2025, thanks to the determined efforts of the Cheltenham Green Party and our local community, Hardwick Green has officially been recognised as an Asset of Community Value by Cheltenham Borough Council. This powerful status, secured through the Localism Act 2011, ensures that this cherished green space cannot be lost to development without meaningful local input.

County council Children’s Services praised by Ofsted Green Party

Hardwick Green has long been more than just a patch of grass; it is a living, breathing part of everyday life for locals. A former resident recalls playing there as a child in the 1970s, and during the pandemic lockdowns of 2020 the Green was a lifeline, a place for daily exercise and socially distanced community moments. It has hosted Big Local music events, Cheltenham Paint Festival workshops for children, and even a community growing project called Field Fare that brought neighbours together to grow, collaborate, and reconnect with nature.

When the University of Gloucestershire challenged the nomination, arguing that community use was merely “ancillary,” we did not back down. Instead, local voices and evidence spoke louder, showing that Hardwick Green is woven into our social and recreational fabric. The council’s site visit confirmed it, and today the Green stands protected.

This victory demonstrates why the Greens are Cheltenham’s community

I’D like to introduce myself, I'm Matt Podmore the new Chairman for Reform UK in Cheltenham, and I’d like to thank Kevin Bowden for his sterling work over the last 12 months. Kevin took us from a standing start in Cheltenham to being able to stand candidates in 10 wards in the local elections and coming second in most. A

Ashleigh Davies

party. We listen, we organise, we act, wherever our community’s sense of well-being is at stake.

Contrast that with the Liberal Democrats’ recent handling of the Golden Valley development.

Promises of 35 per cent affordable homes have been watered down to 26 per cent, and critical community benefits, including social housing, school provision, and public spaces, have been diluted under the pressure of so called viability issues. At the planning vote, the only dissenting councillor was Green, not Liberal Democrat, highlighting that we remain committed to holding developers to their word for the people’s sake.

Our message is simple, community comes first. We believe that our shared spaces, homes, and future should reflect our values, not developer profit margins. Hardwick Green’s protection shows what can happen when local voices rise. The Golden Valley developments should not fall victim to hollow promises. In Cheltenham, the Greens stand strong for the people, always.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

County Council’s Children’s Services have been judged as Good with Outstanding elements in its most recent inspection.

During the inspection, which took place from June 9 to 20 this year, the inspection team found the council’s Children’s Services to be Good in their overall effectiveness, with judgements of Outstanding in two of four categories, and good in the remaining two categories.

Services showed significant improvement since the last full inspection when they were judged to require improvement in 2022.

Ofsted found that ‘children

Reform UK

remarkable achievement given all the obstacles in our way.

My own history with Reform really starts with the last local elections where I stood as a candidate for Pittville and St.Pauls, although I managed only second place this time I learnt a huge amount, which brings me on to my main objectives as the party Chairman for the next 12 months. Firstly we must grow the party membership in Cheltenham, and secondly we must get the membership to be much more active when it comes to elections,

because the biggest takeaway for me from the local elections is the amount of activist members the Liberal Democrats have in Cheltenham who deliver leaflets, canvas and attend the election count. This gathers a lot of information on likely voting intentions and motivates the Liberal Democrats base. Now I want to discuss the popularity of the Liberal Democrats, honestly this is a mystery to me, I assume they benefit from not being Labour or Conservative but really they’re exactly the same, the same policies, the

in care experience exceptional care and support’ and that those who need help and protection ‘benefit from high-quality, effective early help services’.

The experiences and progress of children in care was judged to be Outstanding by inspectors. They found that ‘children enter care at the right time and live in stable homes where they are well supported, and their needs are met’.

Leaders were also singled out for praise, where their impact on social work practice with children and families was found to be Outstanding. Ofsted said that leaders ‘have been relentless in their ambition to

same attitudes and the same shallow and inaccurate analysis of this country’s problems, and apart from after one coalition government they’ve never really been held to account for their dismal policies. Though quite rightly after that terrible performance in the coalition Liberal Democrat numbers were decimated, they continue to do well in Cheltenham because unfortunately people have short memories and until now there was no real alternative to Labour or the Conservatives. That’s changed with the arrival of Reform. I’ve come to the party having been a Labour and then Conservative voter, I was a Remainer and like so

improve children’s lives… systematically creating the conditions for success.’, adding that, ‘as a result, social work practice is now strong in all areas and the experiences and progress of vulnerable children are much improved’.

Cllr Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Care at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I am delighted that our Children’s Services have been judged Good by Ofsted and that it is a marked improvement since the 2022 inspection.

“The systems that have been put in place will allow us to continue to improve and deliver consistently positive outcomes for all children and

many in Reform I don’t fit neatly into a left- or rightwing pigeonhole. Reform is taking voters from all the main parties because we’re not a left-wing or right-wing party, we’re the party of common sense, our policies go beyond ideology to pragmatism and utility. And fundamentally we reject the managed decline the Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Conservatives all seem hell bent on delivering. The reason for that is clear, the old parties hate our country, have nothing but contempt for you and I and they’re ashamed of our history and they want us to pay for their loathing of this once great country.

You may believe it’s

young people in Gloucestershire.”

Ann James, Director of Children’s Services at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This has been a team effort, with dedicated practitioners, managers, partners and elected members all pulling together for our most vulnerable children and families. I am proud that inspectors could see the impact of the improvements we have made.

“I would like to pay tribute to the staff within the service who have worked tirelessly to help us achieve this outcome.

“We are committed to continuing to improve our Children’s Services.”

impossible to beat the Liberal Democrats in Cheltenham, but you’re wrong, the Liberal Democrats win in Cheltenham not because they’re popular and strong but because turn out is very low and they win on a tiny majority. So please don’t give up, join us and vote at the next local and national elections, because if you don’t take part you're just a passenger on this sinking ship.

So, I urge you to join Reform UK and to get involved with the Party locally, the Reform UK website is listed below as is my email address. Chair.cheltenham@ reformuk.com www.reformparty.uk

Matt Podmore, Reform UK Cheltenham Chair

Great Victorian actor brought back to life in home town of Cheltenham

THE great Victorian actor, William Macready - who lived his last years in Wellington Square in Cheltenham – will be making an appearance in the town once more!

Take your seats on Sunday 28th September to watch the fascinating story of Macready – the man to whom his best friend Charles Dickens dedicated Nicholas Nickleby. He will be brought to life by actor Mark Stratford in the highly acclaimed show Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend currently touring the UK. With passion, humour, emotion, and an array of characters and anecdotes, Stratford will take his audience on a journey through the sheer graft, tribulations and joys of Macready’s life, and the fascinating world of Victorian theatre. Despite becoming head of his profession, Macready never wanted to be an actor. Instead, he dreamed of being a barrister and a gentleman. But when his father’s theatre company collapsed, the teenage Macready was forced to leave school and try

Although still a boy, he took charge of a shambolic company of players still in his father’s service at Chester. Young William had shown early promise as a performer at school and before long he somehow managed to knock the troubled troupe in to shape. Debts were cleared, salaries were paid and the company moved on to the next theatre!

to save it, and found himself unwillingly thrust into the ungentlemanly world of the stage.

And when his father was released from prison, he cast his son as Romeo and the rest, as they say, is history.

The show is a labour of

love for Stratford who became intrigued by Macready’s story when he read his diaries a few years ago. “He is not as wellknown as the likes of Edmund Kean and Henry Irving, famous actors whose careers overlapped with Macready’s at each end of the 19th century,” explains Stratford, “but his story is of such importance and interest, I feel driven to tell it.”

For more information visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk /rotundatheatre.com

Conservative Party

Rob Garnham - Cheltenham Chairman

HOW pleased I was to receive my free bus pass at the age of 66, but I do wonder how younger people feel about free bus passes? Something which they don’t enjoy but perhaps some groups ought to be able to benefit from. A committee report from MPs is recommending free bus passes to those under 22 to help them find jobs, attend interviews and for work. Quite radical, and comes at a cost, but I’m looking forward to hearing the detail because if it allows more young people to access employment and pay their way in life it must be a plus.

Perhaps we also need something more local to Cheltenham? I remember sitting in the Council Chamber some years ago discussing reduced fees during school summer holidays for the Leisure Centre - so more youngsters could use the facilities. Good idea, I said, but what’s the use if young people can’t even afford the bus fare to get there? My suggestion of reducing the bus fares in tandem fell on deaf ears. I’m still waiting for that one to be picked up. Labour continues to fall deeper into the hole they are digging for themselves. Behaving along the same historical lines and implementing the dogma that we have seen so many times before. Why are we surprised with what happens when they take up the reins of power? Their first year speaks for

itself. Inflation is up. Borrowing is up. Unemployment is up. More taxation and likely to increase again in November. Should we be worried? Of course we should. Higher taxes mean less growth and that impacts us all. Last week’s figures show that whilst growth is up slightly it is slower than expected and the warning signs for the future are there. But it’s not just the traditional way they govern that should give us cause for concern. What about principles? We’ve just witnessed the Minister for Homelessness resigning because she ended her own tenants fixed-term contract so she could sell the property but then put the same property back on the rental market at a vastly increased rent within six months. Guilty of doing exactly what her Party are trying to make illegal under their Renters’ Rights Bill. The very Bill she herself was trying to push through Parliament! What hypocrisy! Is this the kind of change you voted for I wonder?

Experience quality dementia care, led by experts

At Care UK’s Sandfields care home in Cheltenham, our team is passionate about supporting your loved one to maintain independence and make choices, whilst receiving the very best dementia care in a place they can call home.

Care you can trust

We work with academic partners and respected leaders in the field, to ensure we stay up to date with the latest approaches to dementia care. We have worked closely with the Association of Dementia Studies to create bespoke programmes of dementia training. Whilst Dr Nori Graham - a renowned dementia expert and Vice President of Alzheimer’s International – supports the development of our dementia strategy with Suzanne Mumford, a Queen’s Nurse and Head of Nursing, Care and Dementia at Care UK.

Living well with dementia

Our dedicated team will work with you and your loved one to deliver a care and lifestyle plan entirely tailored to their unique needs and preferences and our busy activities schedule is always packed with meaningful activities that support them to live life to the full.

Recently, residents had fun moving and tapping their feet to the beat of their favourite music at their weekly ‘Wake and Shake’ session. They

have also enjoyed testing their knowledge and having fun with their fellow residents at the ever popular quiz club!

Purpose-built facilities

At our purpose-built home, everything from colour schemes, signage, and furniture to the design of our crockery, has been carefully chosen to support residents living with dementia to be as independent as possible.

Each floor at Sandfields is divided into smaller suites that create a calm atmosphere, keeping hustle and bustle to a minimum.

Sandfields also has a Namaste care room and trained Namaste care practitioners, who provide a calming sensory experience using soothing lighting and gentle hand massage, for people living with advanced dementia.

Sandfields care home in Cheltenham is part of Care UK, the country’s most awarded large care provider. We’ve been delivering high-quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 10,000 families trust us to care for their older loved ones.

To find out more about Sandfields, call 01242 802570 or scan the QR code.

Sandfields

St George’s Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3EL careuk.com/sandfields

Cheltenham man conquers 630-mile South West Coast

Path in tribute to his wife

PHIL Brown, 65, has completed an epic adventure in just one month, raising over £27,000 for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, where his wife, Anna, died in January following a short illness.

Phil set out from Minehead on 31 May and finished up in Poole Harbour on his daughter’s birthday on the 30 June. The route, that included a gradient equivalent to climbing Mount Everest four times, was a very special one for Phil as he and Anna had always planned to do the South West Coast Path together.

The adventure provided plenty of memorable moments for Phil, he explained: “I met and talked to so many people who donated and left touching messages. I walked with Ruth for a few miles, she lost her husband in 2016, and she shared some valuable insights into life a few years after loss. There were many challenging days, a few falls but fortunately no serious injury. I walked the last four days with painful shin splints.”

After walking such a staggering distance Phil made sure to celebrate the end of his journey in style. “There were some good friends there to greet me at the finish. Rachel and Clive walked with me the last day and there were many friends to welcome me home and share a beer or two, followed by dinner and a massage the next morning.”

Now his adventure is behind him Phil shared what it meant to him to complete such an incredible feat.

“I’m feeling relieved, it was extremely emotional when I finished. I was just so pleased to have done it.”

Thinking of Anna, he added: “She wouldn’t have doubted I’d finish. But she’d be amazed I didn’t injure myself; I’m always bumping my head! Most of all she would be delighted at how supportive Alex and Max were and how much closer we have become since her

loss and the walk.”

As well as honouring Anna’s memory Phil was determined to raise as much money as possible for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, which provided care and support for Anna and her family in the final weeks of her life. As Phil said: “My daughter Alex, son Max and I spent two weeks with Anna in Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. That last week I slept there, holding Anna’s hand throughout the night. We were all with her when she passed away on January 30, just two months from diagnosis.

“The care Anna received at the hospice was truly wonderful. My children and

I could never find the words to express our gratitude. From the people who brought the breakfast, to the cleaners to the nurses and doctors, to the retired nurse who came in as a volunteer at weekends to play the piano, they were all just so caring, it was extraordinary.”

Friends and family rallied around Phil’s challenge, offering both emotional and financial support, He described his deep gratitude for these contributions: “I’d like to thank Ian and Janet McKenzie who sponsored my expenses for the walk, Tim Gardiner, the guys from Lilley Brook golf club have been extraordinary, Rachel Lewis who made the

Labour Party

Delivering the best start for our children

The Sure Start programme, created under the last Labour government, was widely acknowledged to have been highly successful, making a real and positive impact on child health and welfare. But under the Tory administrations, funding was reduced to less than a quarter of its level in 2010 in real terms.

Cheltenham was left with three Family centres, funded via the County Council’s Family Hub model, but with something less than half the level of funding previously provided.

Clive Harriss

So it is very good news that the Labour Government has launched a £500 million Best Start (formerly Sure Start) Family Hubs programme aimed at creating up to 1,000 “one stop” family hubs across all local authorities by 2028, with rollout beginning in April 2026. These hubs will provide support and services to families with children aged 0-19 (or up to 25 for those with special needs) and are an important part of Labour’s strategy to ensure all children get the best start in life. Currently, one in four families with children under five cannot access local children’s centres or the existing Family Hubs, so the new service will be very good news.

Services provided by Best Start Family Hubs will include support for children’s early development and language, aiming to increase the number of children who are really ready for school at the age of 5. The hubs will also offer services ranging from birth registration to help with health and housing issues and debt. These services will complement the increase

film, Polly who did the tshirt designs, everyone who walked with me, put me up and donated, Ashley, and more than anything my amazing children Alex and Max.”

Phil reflected on the driving forces that powered him along each mile of the stunning South West Coast Path: “It was important for me to do this walk to keep Anna's memory alive for everyone, that is why it was

called #fortheloveofanna.

I’m so proud to have raised £27,000 so far for Sue Ryder. If anyone’s considering a fundraising challenge for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice - do it. The hospice is desperately needed so it’s important that people support it.”

Laura Jeffries, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Leckhampton

in government-funded childcare to 30 hours, increasing the reach of school-based nurseries, and the rolling out of free breakfast clubs in every primary school to support working parents, with over 2 million breakfasts already served!

Collectively these measures could save parents who benefit up to £7,500 a year. Further help for struggling families will come from the steps taken to reduce the cost of new school uniforms –something that has been a strain on many household budgets for many years now.

The changes will cap the number of branded uniform items schools in England can require to three, plus a tie. This will be introduced via the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, and the government calculates it will save parents at least £50 per child in their back-to-school shop. Every child deserves to feel equal and included, regardless of their family’s income. Introducing the new Best Start Family Hubs, providing free breakfast clubs, and reducing the price of costly branded uniforms will, taken together, start to make that equality and inclusion a reality for many more children and their parents in Cheltenham, and in every other part of the country.

Court Hospice said: “We are absolutely bowled over by the amount that Phil has raised for us so far, we’d like to say an enormous thank you and congratulations, 630 miles is an incredibly long way to walk! It is thanks to the dedication and commitment of our supporters, like Phil, that we can continue providing care to people when they need it most.”

Cheltenham Post

END OF THE ROAD: Phil at the end of the South West Coastal path.

SUPPORT: Phil with his son Max.

PROUD: Phil with his daughter Alex and granddaughter In Bude.

Summer sun and safer streets

THERE is a well-known saying that one swallow doesn’t make a summer.

Roughly translated, it means you should never jump the gun and make a hasty conclusion based on limited evidence. Even so, it’s hard not to be encouraged by the early results of the seasonal operation currently targeting so-called street crime.

It may not be the snappiest title a police operation was ever given, but so far, the ‘Safer Streets Summer Initiative’ in Gloucestershire has led to 29 arrests with a further 27 people given antisocial behaviour-related out-of-court disposals and a number of illegal e-bikes and scooters seized. Out-of-court disposals are when matters result in outcomes such as cautions, conditional cautions, penalty notices and community resolutions.

The operation is a nationwide initiative, which was launched locally in Gloucester on 30th June and will continue until the end of September. It is the kind of visible policing designed to

By Chris Nelson Police & Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire

make our town and city centres safer by tackling things like shoplifting, street crime and other forms of anti-social behaviour and is exactly what the citizens of Gloucestershire expect of their police force. I know that because it’s what you tell me. So it was particularly pleasing that suspected shoplifters were among those arrested during the first weeks of this operation and that the Constabulary’s neighbourhood teams seized a number of illegal e-bikes and scooters, which have become such a hazard on our roads and pavements.

Seven e-bikes were seized in Cheltenham; A man was arrested following a burglary at Five Valleys Shopping Centre in Stroud in connection with the theft of £6,000-worth of phones; two suspected shoplifters were arrested in

Cinderford; another man was arrested in Stroud charged with being drunk and disorderly and assaulting an emergency worker; and a number of Public Space Protection Orders were imposed in Cheltenham and Gloucester to limit street drinking, so it’s happening right across the county. And that was just the start.

One of my priorities over the next four years is for people in Gloucestershire to feel safe and to have trust and confidence in their Constabulary. Successful, high-visibility operations like The Safer Street Summer Initiative are an ideal opportunity for us to make a real difference in all our communities across the county, because they are addressing crimes I know the public are most concerned about.

MP calls for answers after £350,000 cost of Tory town centre works is revealed

CHELTENHAM’S MP is calling for answers after it was revealed the controversial resurfacing works at The Strand cost taxpayers almost £350,000.

Max Wilkinson has revealed the figure publicly for the first time after questioning the new Shire Hall leadership about what went wrong.

The standard of work signed off by the previous Conservative administration has sparked outcry among Cheltenham residents.

The County Council’s new Liberal Democrat leadership visited Cheltenham for a site meeting at Max’s invitation.

They have pledged to work on a town centre plan for Cheltenham, ending years of a piecemeal approach.

Max said: “It's a scandal that the previous Conservative County Council administration spent so much money doing such a poor job.

“Everyone can see what a mess they've made - frankly, it shows a lack of respect for Cheltenham people and a lack of care for the town. They’ve recently lost the election and now they really must be held to account for what went wrong - that’s why I’m revealing the cost

of the works.

“It will take a long time to undo that failure, because after years of cuts to council budgets by Westminster Tory governments, local areas don't have money to waste.

“That £350,000 simply cannot be spent twice.

However, there is new hope.

“The new County Council leadership has responded positively to my request to investigate what happened, answered key questions and pledged to work on a plan

for our town centre - and other centres in the county too.

“I welcome that fresh approach after so many years of Cheltenham being an afterthought for the Shire Hall Conservatives."

Max has also opened discussions with the aim of securing the future of the flagstones on The Promenade.

Since his election last year, Max has also called for an end to ‘tarmac cowpatting’ repairs in the town centre.

Public Notice Licensing Act 2003

I Mr Tom Noori applied on 15th August 2025 for a premises licence at 6 Regent Street for Sale of Alcohol, and Live and Recorded Music on Monday-Sunday, 8:00am - 03:00am.

Full details are included in the application held at Cheltenham Borough Council. The application has been made to: Cheltenham Borough Council, Licensing Team, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 9SA Email: licensing@cheltenham.gov.uk

The application can be inspected at the Council’s offices from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Any person wishing to make representations about this application may do so in writing to the above address or via email to licensing@cheltenham.gov.uk no later than Friday 12th September 2025

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application punishable on summary conviction by an unlimited fine.

Slimming group responds to the rise in weight-loss drug solutions

Meet the Local Slimming World team!

Monday 9:30am & 11am

St Nicolas Church

Wednesday 9:30am & 11.00am

5pm & 7pm

St Mark’s & Hester’s Way Community Centre CAROLINE 07446 157092

Tuesday 5:30pm & 7:30pm

Springbank Community Café

Wednesday 9.30am & 6.00pm Holy Apostles Hall

Saturday 7:30am & 9.00am

The Rock, Tewkesbury Rd CLAIRE 07909 139996

Thursday 7:00pm Brockworth Primary Academy

Friday 7:30am & 9am

Hucclecote Community Centre EMMA 07525 946889

Tuesday 5:15 & 6:45pm

St Johns Church, Churchdown

Thursday 9.30am & 11am

4.00pm, 5.30pm & 7.00pm Irish Club, Horton Rd SHERRYL 07581 221006

Wednesday 6:30pm

Thursday 9am & 10:30am

Bishops Cleeve, Methodist Hall

Thursday 5:30pm

Abbey Fields Community Centre, Winchcombe CATH 079886 30336

Monday 5.30pm

St Margaret’s Hall

Wednesday 5:30 & 7.00pm

St Philip & St James Church, Up Hatherley

Thursday 6.00pm

Parkland’s Community Centre

Friday 8.00am & 9:30am Warden Hill

United Reformed Church DEBBIE 07553 439404

Tuesday 7:30am, 9am & 10:30am

Warden Hill

United Reformed Church NATALIE 07786 068370

Tuesday 5.30pm & 7.00pm

Coopers Edge Community Centre

Typhoon Way

Wednesday 9:30 & 11am

St Johns Church, Churchdown SHARON 07979 232122

NEW GROUPS COMING SOON

W/C 22ND SEPT

*NEW CONSULTANT*

TUESDAY 7.00pm

NAUNTON PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

LECKHAMPTON EMMA 07300 425191

*NEW CONSTANT* SATURDAY 8.00am THE WHEATSHEAF OLD BATH RD LECKHAMPTON NEIL 07597 403082

Weight-loss drugs can’t replace the power of group support for lasting results, says local expert

SLIMMING World

Consultants from Cheltenham & Gloucester say slimming clubs are needed more than ever despite the growing popularity of weight-loss medication.

While the arrival of drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have undoubtedly changed the weight management landscape, the Consultants say the drugs will never replace weight-loss methods based on lifestyle changes, like Slimming World.

Bonny and Michelle, Team Developers for the Cheltenham and Gloucester Consultants are spreading the word about groups, saying: “While, of course, we know and our members are living proof that lasting weight loss can be achieved without drugs, we also understand that when you’re desperate to lose weight, it can be tempting to try something new that promises instant results. The truth is though there’s no magic bullet – losing weight and maintaining that weight loss requires change. Weight loss drugs need to go hand-inhand with making changes to your diet, activity and mindset. They’re not a replacement for those changes.”

A recent University of Oxford study found exactly this. It showed that people who stop taking weight loss drugs typically regained the weight they lost within a year, with full weight regain expected in under two years, if they don’t maintain a healthy lifestyle afterwards.

Bonny says Slimming World’s approach is focused on helping its members to make lasting changes. She says: “Our healthy eating plan encourages members to eat nutritious, everyday food so they lose weight without deprivation, and we have an activity programme that helps members increase how much and how often they move, at their personal pace. In our

groups, members get behaviour change support which helps them to understand themselves more deeply as a slimmer and change the way they think about food, activity and their weight. With over 55 years’ expertise in helping people lose weight and transform their lives, we believe Slimming World offers the very best package there is when it comes to helping people to adopt healthy habits for life. That’s why we’re committed to offering support to everyone, including providing wraparound care for members who are taking weight-loss drugs alongside attending Slimming World.”

Michelle says: “Many people join our groups after trying to lose weight beforehand, often alone and unsuccessfully.

They understand they need support because it isn’t easy –and it’s even harder on your own. Whether you’re using weight-loss medication or have had surgery, lasting change needs real support. Our members form strong friendships in group, and there’s nothing quite like the motivation and accountability that comes from losing weight with others who understand the challenges. Being part of a group helps you to stay on track and committed until the changes you’re making become everyday habits.”

Despite more weight-loss drugs now being available, a poll of 2,000 adults revealed 69 per cent of adults would still be unlikely to take them. Of those, 25 per cent say they don’t want to change the way they eat, drink and socialise, 21 per cent worried they wouldn’t be getting the nutrition they need for good health and 20 per cent say they love their food too much.

The consultants all say: “We often hear from new members how amazed they are that they can lose weight without feeling like they’re missing out. In fact, in a recent survey of our members conducted by OnePoll, 85 per

cent told us they were surprised they could lose weight while still eating foods they loved.”

The survey of members of Slimming World’s 13,000 community weight loss groups and online programme found that 89 per cent love losing weight while getting all the nutrients they need. Over three quarters (77 per cent) of members questioned now make healthy, nutritious, filling meals that the whole family enjoys and 76 per cent feel proud that they’re passing on healthy habits to their families. More than half (56 per cent) report being surprised at how quickly they’ve lost weight since joining Slimming World. Bonny and Michelle have lost 13stones between them. They say: “We are delighted with our weight-loss, it’s something we never dreamed we would be able to achieve when first starting. While we wouldn’t ever judge someone for going down the route of weight loss injections, we are personally glad we didn’t choose that option because we feel confident that we have learned how to make changes we can keep up forever.

“As Consultants we have all changed the way we think about food and the expertise shared at all of our groups across our area, have helped our members to see where and why their previous attempts at losing weight didn’t work. Getting to know their triggers, members can spot when something might have the potential to send them off track and we support them to put a plan in place to protect their weight loss.”

If you are a past or present Slimming World member and would like to know more about how you can support people in your local community please get in touch to come along to one of our informal information events just call Michelle07816 142261 or Bonnie 07544 731250

Cheltenham YMCA FC 1978

Picture sent in by Tony Dix

Naunton Park School Paris trip 1977

Bernie Richardson, Danny Knight, Tracey Hopkins, Sharon Nunn, Paul Green, Duncan Edwards, Tim Moore, Nick Brinsford.

Tony Price (Piggy) 24th April 1944 - 8th July 2025 Will never be forgotten for his famous laugh.

THE FEELING

Full stamp duty paid on selected homes up to £70,000*

Show home open daily 10am - 5pm

Hayfield Heights, Ashmead Drive, Gotherington, GL52 9ES *T&Cs

New perennial planting in the Long Gardens supports greater biodiversity

THE perennial planting in Cheltenham Promenade's Long Gardens has been carefully selected to support pollinators and the wider ecosystem. The gardens will also provide year-round interest and reduce waste.

As one of Cheltenham’s most high-profile and carefully considered planting projects in recent years, the Long Gardens on the Promenade now have bountiful wildlife thanks to new perennial planting methods.

Perennial planting involves selecting and embedding plants that live for more than two years, returning annually, to reduce the amount of time and waste associated with seasonal gardening.

Cheltenham Borough Council are moving away from traditional bedding to a new perennial-based planting scheme – planting a mix of perennials, shrubs, bulbs, and evergreens. These species have been chosen to reduce maintenance and watering, support urban wildlife, provide year-round colour, and are better suited to climate change.

The project was led by Marta Cowling, public realm and landscape architect at the council, who designed and coordinated the planting scheme from concept to delivery. Marta was supported by colleagues from the council’s parks and public realm team. The ground

preparation, planting, watering, and ongoing care were delivered by the green team from Ubico, while Wyevale Nurseries supplied the plants for the project.

The perennial planting has been selected to support the ecosystem, provide yearround interest and reduce

waste, and replace outdated, high-maintenance annual bedding with a more sustainable, climate-resilient approach. The project has been funded by Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council’s trees team.

Cllr Paul Baker, cabinet

member for waste, recycling and green open spaces, said:

“Long Gardens has always been a much-loved part of Cheltenham’s town centre, and I’m absolutely delighted to see it revitalised with this stunning new planting scheme.

“The mix of shrubs like

hebes, mahonias, and lavenders, alongside perennials such as geraniums, geums, heleniums, echinaceas, and many more, brings yearround colour, texture, and interest.

“Most importantly, these plants were carefully chosen

to support pollinators, bees, and the wider ecosystem. A huge thank you to the amazing teams from Ubico and the Council’s Green Space team, whose care and dedication have brought this project to life. It’s sustainable, it’s beautiful and it’s planting for the future.”

Local projects to benefit from over £800,000 in infrastructure funding

THREE community projects supporting development in Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and Gloucester, are set to receive a share of £804,251 funding, following a decision made at the Joint CIL Committee Meeting.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that local authorities can set on new developments to raise funds to help with the provision, improvement, operation and/or maintenance of infrastructure – such as public green spaces and transport improvements – needed to support new homes and businesses. This funding comes from CIL payments collected across

the three council areas, between January 2019 and February 2025. The meeting, held at Tewkesbury Borough Council, focused on projects that would bring real improvements to these local areas, which were submitted during a funding round from November 2024 to January 2025.

l Gloucester (Podsmead) –£534,251

To support Phase 2 of the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub to deliver improvements to the grass pitches, sustainable drainage, and landscaping.

£472,006 from CIL receipts

received by Gloucester City Council

£62,245 from CIL receipts received by Tewkesbury Borough Council

l Tewkesbury – £120,000

For feasibility work to support progress of design and costs for a new footbridge to replace the Legion Footbridge over the River Swilgate. Funding will be from CIL receipts received by Tewkesbury Borough Council.

l Cheltenham and Tewkesbury - £150,000

To update feasibility work for a shared waste and

recycling depot for the two authorities.

The funding will be provided equally from CIL receipts received by Cheltenham Borough Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Councillor Sarah Sawyer, Cabinet Member for Planning at Gloucester City Council, said: “The Blackbridge Community Sports Hub is a state-of-theart facility, which will bring huge benefits to Podsmead and will open up many more opportunities, especially for young people.

“This funding will be a huge boost to the project and is

testament to how working together with our partners can bring benefits to all our local communities.”

Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council and Chair of the Joint CIL Committee, said:

“We’re delighted to see funding being allocated to projects that will go towards making a real difference in our communities. These investments reflect a strong commitment to local infrastructure and long-term community wellbeing.

“We’re pleased to be able to use this funding in Tewkesbury Borough to support the design and costs

for a permanent replacement footbridge over the River Swilgate. The footbridge is a popular route for many of our residents – particularly during periods of flooding –and we’re keen to push forward with plans to rebuild it.”

Councillor Rowena Hay, Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said:

“This allocation builds upon the allocation made by the CIL Joint Committee in March this year of over £13 million, demonstrating our collective commitment to investing in infrastructure that will make a real difference to our communities.”

Recipes Steph Williams

Follow Steph’s blogThis Plate Is Pretty stephnicw.wixsite.com /thisplateispretty

Lamb Chops, Mint and Asparagus Puree with Mint Vinaigrette

Lamb Chops, Mint and Asparagus Puree with Mint Vinaigrette

Lamb Chops are balanced by the sweetness of mint in this dish. An absolute winning combination that adds an unexpected burst of flavour and freshness. This recipe is great as part of a family BBQ to give the Lamb that extra char or as a mid-week evening meal. To create this dish. It should take you around 25-30 minutes and each serving contains only 4g of carbs.

Ingredients

Serves 2

Lamb

• 4 Lamb Chops

• Salt & Pepper to season

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

Asparagus & Mint Puree

• 200g Asparagus

• Salt & Pepper to season

• 75ml Vegetable Stock (See Recipe Notes)

• 5 Mint Leaves

Mint Vinaigrette (Serves 3)

• 15 Mint Leaves

• 1/4 Red Onion

• 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes

• 1 tablespoon chopped Capers

• 1 teaspoon Caper Brine

• 1.5 tablespoons Lemon Juice

• 1.5 tablespoons Olive Oil

Instructions

l Season the Lamb and set aside.

l Meanwhile to make the Vinaigrette, finely chop all of the ingredients, stir together and set aside.

l Boil/steam the Asparagus until soft and drain. Approx. 15 mins. Ensure you chop the bottom of the stalk off first. They will snap in their natural place.

l Blend with Mint, Stock, Salt & Pepper until smooth.

l Pan fry the Lamb until it reaches the desired pinkness.

Morning Detox Shots

Recipe notes

BBQ'ing the Lamb rather than using a pan will be great to add that extra char but be careful not to over cook causing the meat to toughen. A little pink in the middle is always best.

Remove as much stalk of the Mint as possible before blending with the Asparagus. Save some Asparagus tips for garnish. I've also used Pomegranate Seeds and Mint Leaves to garnish.

Tip

Use only half a stock cube or it will be far too salty. The Puree can be frozen.

With a punch of flavour and nutrients, these shots will definitely wake you up in the morning! The ingredients will provide you with antiinflammatory health benefits, an immunity boost, will kick start your metabolism and aid digestion. They are also great for the skin! It has a sweet, sour and spicy taste and is gluten free. You can easily buy these types of shots in the well-known coffee shops and supermarkets but it is so much cheaper and will only take 5 minutes to make at home, all you need is a blender. Each shot contains 5g of carbs.

Ingredients

8 Shots

• Juice of 3 Lemons

• 3cm knob of fresh Ginger Root

• 1 Green Apple

• 2 Celery Sticks

• Pinch of Cayenne

Instructions

l Add all of the ingredients to a blender and mix thoroughly for 30 seconds at least until you get a smooth consistency.

l Grab your favourite shot glasses, pour and enjoy. The remainder can be stored in the fridge for the rest of the week.

Recipe notes

The consistency is more of a pulp than a liquid. If this is not for you, strain the mixture through a sieve, however you will lose some of the taste

and nutrition. Ground Ginger can be used if fresh is not available.

If you find it too harsh, just

add some sweetener. Don’t use more than a small pinch of Cayenne, or as it will be far too over-powering.

Animal Shelter

Long-term shelter dogs still waiting for a home

Long-term shelter dogs still waiting for a home

AT Cheltenham Animal Shelter, we work tirelessly to find loving homes for each animal that comes through our doors.

But sadly, some dogs stay with us far longer than expected, often through no fault of their own. Today, we’d like to introduce (or reintroduce) you to three special dogs who have been in our care far too long and are still hoping for their forever homes.

Ozzy may look familiar, as this happy-go-lucky boy has featured in the paper before. Yet, despite our best efforts, he’s still waiting patiently for the right family to come along.

This handsome three-yearold Lurcher arrived at the Shelter back in June 2023. Full of energy and joy, he’s a clever and affectionate dog who thrives on human connection and outdoor adventures. Whether it's a long walk or a good game of fetch, Ozzy is always ready to join in the fun. Sadly, after more than two years with us, Ozzy hasn’t received much interest. Only a couple of requests have come through which is heartbreaking, as we know just how special he is. His slightly exuberant greetings are simply a sign of how excited he is to connect with people. Once he settles, he becomes incredibly

By Erica Landon

affectionate and forms strong bonds with those who show him love and patience.

Teddy, a six-year-old Shepherd mix, came into our care in April 2024 after his previous owner found it too difficult to manage two dogs. Since then, Teddy has shown us just how much love and loyalty he has to give.

With a big personality and an even bigger heart, Teddy craves human companionship. He adores spending time with his people and would thrive in a home where he’s rarely left alone. If you’re looking for a faithful friend to stay by your side, Teddy is your guy.

He’s also highly intelligent and enjoys learning, especially when it involves one-on-one attention. A quiet, pet-free home would be ideal for Teddy, where he can relax, feel safe, and soak up all the love he deserves.

Tetley arrived as a stray in September 2024 and has made great strides since then. At just two years old, this playful boy has lots of love to give, he just needs the right person to help him feel secure.

Tetley has a soft spot for toys, especially tennis balls. One of his favourite things is to gently place a ball in your lap, hoping you’ll join in his favourite game of fetch. It’s in these little moments that Tetley builds

trust and starts to connect. While he can be shy with new people, once you earn his trust, you’ll discover a deeply affectionate and gentle dog. Tetley would thrive in a quiet, patient home where he can settle at

his own pace.

These wonderful dogs have been overlooked for far too long. Each of them has so much to give but just need someone to give them a chance.

If you think you could

offer Ozzy, Teddy, or Tetley the loving home they deserve, please get in touch. Visit www.gawa.org.uk/adopt-apet or email dogs@gawa.org.uk to find out more.

Teddy

Tetley

Ozzy

Money talks

Fanny Snaith

expensive illusion of financial success

HAVE you ever caught yourself admiring your neighbour’s new car and wondering if you should upgrade yours too?

Or felt that strange twinge of inadequacy when someone posts their dreamy holiday villa on Instagram while you're wrestling with your energy bill? If so, you're not alone - and you’re not broken. You're just playing a very old game. One that costs more than most people realise. It’s called Keeping Up with the Joneses - and it’s landed millions of people in quiet, suffocating debt.

The moment we start comparing our lives to someone else’s - their house, their gadgets, their lifestylewe enter what I call the False Mirror. It’s a mirror that reflects not truth, but projection. What we think someone else’s life means becomes a distorted measure of our own worth. And when our sense of worth is rattled, many of us reach for the quickest comfort available: spending money.

In my work as a money coach, I’ve seen this pattern in people across all income levels. High earners living paycheck to paycheck. Small business owners taking out loans they don't need – or the business can’t afford. Parents stretching beyond their limits to host the “perfect” birthday party. Why? Because of a subconscious belief that if we look like we’re doing well, we must be okay.

Here’s the thing: financial peace doesn’t come from appearing successful - it comes from feeling safe, aligned, and in control of your choices.

What Are You Really Buying?

Let’s break this down. Imagine your neighbour rolls up in a brand-new electric SUV. It’s sleek, silent, and smacks of eco-luxury. You smile and nod. But inside, a little spark goes off. A mix of envy, pressure, maybe even shame. That’s your nervous system reacting. And that reaction is not about the car. It’s about what the car represents to you. Respect. Security. Belonging. Admiration.

What you’re really craving might not be the object - it might be a sense of identity. This is where the financial trap snaps shut. If you try to fill that emotional hole with

external stuff, it never ends. It’s like trying to quench a thirst by eating sand.

The Emotional Cost of Comparison

Most people don’t realise how deeply this performance culture is embedded in us. We're raised on it. Social media fuels it. Advertisers thrive on it. And without realising, we begin to confuse our financial decisions with emotional ones.

In the coaching I offer, we look at the being behind the doing. Ask yourself:

- Am I spending to impress, or to express?

- If no one saw this purchase, would I still make it?

- What do I believe this will “fix” about me?

Often, we’re chasing an internal sense of value using external tools. And that rarely works. You can’t “buy” your way into feeling worthythough it’s understandable why we try.

The Eight Archetypes at Play

This is where our money archetypes come in - internal personas that drive our financial habits. (See www.fannysnaith.com)

When you're triggered by comparison, it might be:

• The Innocent, who feels they’re falling behind and wants someone to rescue them.

• The Fool, who leaps into purchases to get a quick high.

• The Martyr, who spends on others to feel needed or important.

• The Tyrant, who hoards and controls to avoid feeling vulnerable.

None of these are “bad”. They’re just old software running the show. The key is to notice who’s driving — and whether you want to keep letting them.

Stepping Into Your Financial Truth

So, what’s the alternative? We stop playing the game. Not by opting out of life, but by opting into our own truth. That means:

• Knowing what enough looks like for you.

• Spending in alignment with your values, not your ego.

• Learning to sit with discomfort rather than spending through it.

• Becoming the Magician - the archetype who creates from clarity, not comparison. When you start living from this place, money becomes a tool - not a trap. You can stop performing and start designing a financial life that feels good from the inside out.

Try This at Home

Want to get out of the neighbour comparison loop?

Here’s a quick 3-step exercise.

1. Pause: Next time you feel triggered by someone else’s purchase, take a breath. Where do you feel it in your body?

2. Name It: Ask, “What do I believe this item represents? What am I really craving?”

3. Redirect: What’s one small way you could give yourself that feeling without spending or performing?

This tiny practice, done regularly, can rewire your money mindset in profound ways.

The Real Flex? Financial Peace

• Sleeping well because you're not in debt.

• Spending in line with your values.

• Not needing to prove anything to anyone.

• Having emotional peace around money. It’s saying: “I don’t need to perform wealth. I am well.”

Let’s be real - the world isn’t short on people trying to look rich. What we need more of are people who feel calm, grounded, and empowered around money.

If you want to start this journey, you don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Just notice. Get curious. Have the courage to stop performing and start being. And next time your neighbour rolls up in something flashy?

Smile. Wish them well. And remind yourself: you’re on your own financial adventure. And it’s exactly where you’re meant to be. Fanny Snaith

Why you should consider putting your house in a Trust

IF you own a home, placing it in a trust can be a smart way to protect your property and ensure your family is taken care of after you pass away. Here are the key reasons to consider this option:

Protect Your Assets

A trust can safeguard your home from creditors, making it a wise choice for business owners or individuals in highrisk professions.

Avoid Care Fees

In the UK, long-term care can be financially devastating. If you require care assistance, your assets, including your home, are assessed to determine how much you must contribute to care costs. This can lead to significant financial strain, diminishing your estate and leaving less for your loved ones to inherit. By placing your house in a trust, it may be classified as a non-countable asset, effectively shielding it from being used to cover care expenses. This proactive step

not only protects your home but also ensures that your family retains a larger share of your hard-earned wealth.

Skip Probate

With a trust, your loved ones can inherit your home quickly, bypassing the lengthy probate process. This saves both time and costs.

Control Distribution

You can dictate how and when your assets are distributed, ensuring your wishes are honoured, especially for younger beneficiaries who may not yet be ready to manage an inheritance.

Protect Inheritances

A trust can shield your beneficiaries from losing their inheritance to creditors or in the event of divorce proceedings.

Potential Tax Benefits

Depending on the trust structure, your property may be exempt from inheritance tax, allowing your heirs to retain more of your intended legacy.

Manage Affairs If You Become Ill

If you become unable to manage your affairs, a trustee can step in, ensuring that your property is cared for without the need for court intervention.

Act Now!

Explore how placing your house in a trust can benefit you and your family. Contact us today for a free review of your options and secure your peace of mind.

For more information and advice call the Unity Legal on 0333 335 5875

Gardening jobs for September

SEPTEMBER is just around the corner, where the evenings are starting to get darker and cooler, so what can we look forward to doing in the garden this month?

We need to plan and order our bulbs ready for bulb planting season from early October. What type of display do you want to achieve? Look at combination planting with tulip, crocus, daffodils , iris, hyacinths and forget-menots. Think about height, spread layering, and maybe make a sketch to help visualise your plan.

Perennials will need lifting and dividing, this will promote and maintain a healthy plant while giving you more plants to use. It’s easy to do, just lift out with a garden fork, shake off the soil and then gently divide, replant, sit back and enjoy.

September is a good time to plant new shrubs and small trees, the soil still holds some warmth from summer which allows plant roots to establish ready for winter.

Keep on top of watering and deadheading, there’s lots of waste for the compost heap this month. Tidy your borders and keep an eye on your tall plants, adding support where necessary.

Plan, then plant your winter pots and containers with winter bedding and spring

By Mark Hopkins

bulbs, and move any tender plants into cover. Look to harvest apples and pears as they ripen, blackberries and raspberries too.

Your lawns will need some attention to maintain their health through winter. Mow your lawn, rake up any suspicious looking weeds and moss then mow again at right angles to the last mow to remove your raked up waste. After this, spike and feed with a winter lawn feed, this is important as a spring feed can harm winter lawns. You may feel you want to top dress with soil, if this is the case keep the layers thin so as not to bury the grass.

September is also possibly your last chance to trim hedges, bay trees and bamboo. Your evergreen hedges will look neat and tidy for the winter month. Other types can be pruned back but please be sure to check for nesting birds before cutting. Your bay trees will need pruning to maintain their shape by removing dead, diseased, or damaged wood, then cut back any out-

facing buds to encourage outward growth. Bamboo will need very little maintenance if in the ground, thin out the dense areas of growth and removing any dead canes.

Pond and water features will need covering with netting to stop autumn leaves falling in but first be sure to remove dead and dying foliage and rescue young water plants which can be removed into trays of wet

muddy soil then placed in a frost-free area until next year. When you clear away waste plants, be sure to leave them overnight by the side of the pond to allow any wildlife to escape back home before composting. If possible it’s a good idea to remove and clean any pumps for water features or fountains. Finally think about supporting any climbers and young trees to prevent root damage through rocking

back and forth, a single stake on a slight angle will let gentle movement with each breeze and potentially strengthen the stems and trunk.

Tulips

With that in mind let’s have a look at five types of tulip for different areas of your spring garden.

Rembrandt Bulbs

Brash strong strokes of colour giving texture and depth to a timeless tulip collection, ideal in borders giving good height with a little drama.

Species Bulbs

These little beauties will fill your early borders, small containers and rockeries with dainty exquisite blooms that will delight your neighbours for years, as left alone they will return year after year.

Double Late Bulbs

This multi-layered petal plant offers a lush and round appearance allowing them to stand out in any garden. They bloom later than other species extending your spring displays and

offering bright strong colours. They are the loud show-offs that are big and proud.

Fluted Bulbs

These elegant stunners will bring sculpted grace to your displays adding height and will offer a contrast to the typical tulip shape. They are perfect for mixing in among a more traditional display.

Fringed or Parrot Bulbs

The feathered edge look of this stunning variety will add texture and style to your spring collections. They play beautifully with the light adding a touch of flair to your garden.

One flower with so many interpretations, tulips symbolise renewal, offering a happy nod that summer is

Gardening

on its way with thoughts of enthusiasm for the coming year. They come in many different colours, shapes and sizes and are grown from bulbs ideally set in the soil in late October through December. Plant the bulbs pointy end up and three times the size of the bulb deep; mix in a little grit if heavy soil, water well when planted then sit back and let

nature do its thing. Traditionally thought to be Dutch the tulip was originally cultivated in the Ottoman Empire know today as Turkey and introduced to Europe in the late 16th century. There are approximately 120 different species of tulip split into 15 main groups; the five we have discussed plus others such as Viridiflora, Darwin,

Triumph and Fosteriana, then there are early and late bloomers with tall and short stems they can be planted in groups or individually with other perennials or as a single display. Whatever varieties you choose and however you display them the tulip will add structure, grace and vibrant colour that will never disappoint you.

Species Bulbs

Fringed or parrot bulbs

Fluted Bulbs

Rembrandt Bulbs

Double Late Bulbs

TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER Puzzles

1. The Madeira archipelago in the Atlantic forms part of which European country?

2. The singer Cliff Richard was born in 1940 in which country?

3. Which type of horse is known as a gelding?

4. Stephen Graham stars in which 2025 hit Netflix series about a 13-year-old boy who is arrested for murder?

5. What T is a three-pronged spear and the name of a ballistic missile?

6. In film and television crews, what is a gaffer?

7. A Promised Land is the 2020 memoir of which US president?

8. Brian Clough, Nuno Espirito Santo, Steve Cooper and Paul Hart were all managers at one time of which English football club?

9. The French Côte d’Opale mirrors which English coastal feature?

10. Steven Spielberg won the Best Director Oscar in 1999 for which film?

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

1. Spoil a single occasion by the sea (8)

5. Still fifty in the river (4)

8. Was there once a man from this Irish town? (8)

9. Prince on a Russian space satellite (4)

11. Not winning artwork? (7)

13. Rough American tramp pays oddly (5)

14. Adding merely a dash (11)

18. One French 21 Across used to unfasten (5)

19. Instance was more than enough (7)

21. Fastener at one’s fingertips (4)

22. Malleable goods used in a computer (8)

24. Oil platform by a Baltic port (4)

25. Useless material for old US stage (4,4)

Floor covering (8)

Beekeeper’s shed (6)

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is

and multiplication before

and subtraction.

1. Leading mountaineer to yodel new tune (6)

2. Dance coming from Burma (5)

3. Becoming more dull like a mountain lake? (10)

4. Worn outside part of machinery (3)

6. An old railway worker – he’s dependent on charity (7)

7. Large number freely tarry with the victim (6)

10. Not applied by editor being absent-minded (10)

12. Information concerning a literary style (5)

15. Baying to get sound pay rise first (7)

16. Bow Street plant? (6)

17. Rely on having some independence (6)

20. Quiet Scotsman in the post office (5)

23. A few lines due to be reported (3)

NONAGRAM

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines:

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

rove; urea; vair; verb; vireo. EQUALISER: CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Linoleum; 8 Apiary; 9 Font; 10 Own; 11 Ironic; 12 Basilica; 15 Arctic; 16 Chalet; 20 Harmed; 24 Captor; 27 All there; 28 Sacrum; 29 Pat; 30 Bier; 31 Chrome; 32 Rehearse. Down – 2 Isobar; 3 Outfit; 4 Exotic; 5 Maniac; 6 Mimosa; 7

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

SUDOKU

l

l

l

l

New days out reader offer

THE Cheltenham Post and Swanbrook Coaches have teamed up to give our loyal readers some wonderful days out throughout the year.

ONLY A FEW SEATS LEFT

Bath

A timeless treasure

Tuesday 16th September

Step into the elegance of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture, rich history, and rejuvenating thermal waters. Whether you're seeking culture, relaxation, or adventure, Bath offers an unforgettable experience.

Marvel at the grandeur of the Royal Crescent and The Circus, or explore the ancient Roman Baths, where natural hot springs have bubbled for over 2,000 years. Indulge in a spa day at the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can bathe in warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying breathtaking rooftop views.

Literature lovers can follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen, visiting the museum dedicated to her life and works. Stroll along the charming streets, filled with boutique shops, quaint cafés, and awardwinning restaurants.

With its vibrant cultural scene, stunning countryside surroundings, and fascinating heritage, Bath is a must-visit destination for a truly enchanting escape.

Birmingham Frankfurt

Christmas Market

Tuesday 9th December

Step into a winter wonderland at the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria! This festive favourite transforms Birmingham’s city centre into a magical Christmas haven, complete with traditional wooden chalets, twinkling lights, and the sweet sounds of festive music.

Wander through Victoria Square and New Street, where you'll find unique handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and delicious German treats. Indulge in sizzling bratwurst, crispy pretzels, and roasted almonds, all perfectly paired with a warm mug of glühwein or rich hot chocolate.

With live entertainment, a beautifully lit Christmas tree, and a joyful atmosphere, the market is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift or simply embracing the holiday spirit, Birmingham’s German Christmas Market promises an unforgettable experience filled with warmth, tradition, and Christmas cheer!

BATH SEPTEMBER 16TH - ONLY A

Escorted by John Batchlor from Cotswolds

Travel www.cotswoldstravel.co.uk

Quiz with prizes of meals for two and other fantastic prizes.

Deadline for booking and payment:

Bath: 9th September 2025

Birmingham: 9th December 2025

Information

Pick up points in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Churchdown

Departing 9am and returning from destination at 5pm.

Cos t and payment

Price is £30 per person.

Payment either by bank transfer to All4one Media Ltd

Acc no: 78327142

Sort code: 60-83-71

Or cheques payable to; All4One Media Ltd.

Send to 121 Salisbury Avenue, Warden Hill, Cheltenham. GL51 3BZ.

Mitres continue winning streak

By Ben Ware

BISHOPS Cleeve made it three wins from three to start the season, beginning with a 1-0 win over Larkhall Athletic at the Everyone’s Energy Kayte Lane Stadium before scoring 11 goals across their next two games in the Southern League Division One South and FA Cup.

It took an 89th-minute header from debutant Curtis JemmettHutson for the Mitres to seal an opening day win with victory over Larkhall at Kayte Lane. The hosts thought they’d taken the lead far earlier in the game when Jack Watts played the ball across the area to Ross Langworthy who converted from close range, only for the assistant’s flag to controversially rule out the goal.

The visitors then had the opportunity to take the lead themselves, a foul in the box giving Max Williams the chance to slot home from 12 yards. Cleeve shot stopper Lewis Clayton was having none of it, however, and saved low to his right to keep the game goalless. A tight affair looked to be ending as it started, only for substitute Jemmett-Hutson to snatch the three points with a bullet header in the 89th minute.

Tuesday night brought a trip to the Loop Meadow Stadium as Paul Collicutt’s men faced Didcot Town in league action, an evening that proved far more

fruitful than the weekend.

A long ball to Watts allowed the striker to square the ball to Jay Malshanskyj, who slotted home the first of 10 goals in the 26th minute. A minute later, and it was two, Malshanskyj turning provider as he laid the ball off to Watts to smash home. The 43rd minute brought Cleeve’s third goal, Luke Payne’s cross eventually falling to Watts, who finished from close range for his second.

Development drama

BISHOPS Cleeve

Development looked set for their first win in the Gloucestershire County League as they were 5-1 up against Wick in their first home game of the season. Eager to avoid any drama after last season’s play-off debacle, Alex Cheal’s side will have to wait for their three points.

The visitors took the lead early on, but Ben Hunt equalised from near the halfway line in the 12th minute, which Cleeve took as inspiration and began to dominate the game, Monty New putting them ahead in the 38th minute before Harry Davis made it 3-1 with four minutes left of the first half. George Cuzner made it four from the penalty spot on the hour mark before Ubaid Salehbai added number five with

his first goal of the season. It was at this point that things started to go wrong.

Development manager Alex Cheal put it like this:

“Confusion set in, as the referee noticed a mistake in not sending off Cleeve forward Cuzner for a second bookable offence, following an earlier yellow card and sin bin offence.

“At a water break on 69 minutes, it was urged that Wick FC players remove themselves from the pitch, despite the referee admitting his error and it being agreed that Cleeve would remove a player and have a goal chalked off, to atone for the earlier refereeing error.”

Wick walked off the pitch, and the game was abandoned in the 69th minute, with both sides having to wait to find out just what will happen.

Langworthy joined the party with a delightful chip to send the ball over the keeper and in from distance in the 45th minute before Malshanskyj contributed the pick of the bunch two minutes into added time. A wide free kick saw both sides shape up for the cross, but Cleeve’s winger had other ideas, shooting directly and finding the top right corner to make it 5-0 at the break. Didcot would have been looking to hold on in the second half and keep the score at five, but within seconds, disaster struck.

Kick off was sent back to their keeper, who kicked it directly into Langworthy, the Cleeve striker running onto the ball and poking home number six. Lewis Spurrier then got Cleeve’s seventh, sweeping the ball into the top left corner from Langworthy’s cut back. Plenty of changes then allowed the visitors to get a foothold in the game, and they’d bag a consolation via Tyger-J Hall in the 62nd minute. Then, they got another. Cameron Mills scoring in the 84th and doing so again in the

86th to give a far more exciting end to the game than anticipated, but the impossible proved impossible as the game ended 7-3 to Bishops Cleeve with no dramatic comeback for the 170 in attendance.

Saturday brought Cleeve’s first game in the 2025/26 FA Cup, the first time since its introduction that the Mitres didn’t enter at the extra preliminary stage due to their third-place finish last season. It brought a trip down to Bristol, where they faced Hellenic Premier Division side Hallen AFC. The first half contained little of note; the home side’s game plan executed perfectly as Colly’s men were left frustrated and lacking an attacking threat. The second half was a different story, Ben McLean slotting home the opener five minutes into the second half, Spurrier’s through ball proving the catalyst as it sliced open the Hallen defence.

Watts’ short pass to Spurrier saw the attacking midfielder break into the box, cutting in from the left and curling past Harry Thomas-Baker and doubling our lead in the 63rd minute. Spurrier was involved again moments later, returning the favour for Watts to bag the third in the 67th minute before Jake Lee got on the end of Aaron Evans-Harriott’s deep corner to head home number four.

Coming up for Cleeve’s first team is a home game against Tavistock on the 23rd of August, before they travel to Sporting Club Inkberrow on Monday the 25th, both games having a 15:00 kick off.

Walk to support Sport

BISHOPS Cleeve General Manager Dan Ford and Head of Media Ben Ware will be undertaking a 23-mile walk on the 25th of August as they seek to raise £1000 for the Archie Matthews Trust and the club’s Comets programme by heading to the away game at Sporting Club Inkberrow on foot.

Money raised will be split between the club’s Comets programme, pan-disability football sessions for disabled boys and girls aged between 5 and 11 held at the Everyone’s Energy Kayte Lane Stadium on Mondays, and the Archie Matthews Trust, one of the club’s charity partners. The Archie Matthews Trust aim to promote strong mental health for young men across Gloucestershire and its surrounding areas. They strive to raise awareness of the challenges that young men face and reduce the stigma that still remains around young men's mental health. Ford has previously walked from Tewkesbury to Manchester, while Ware completed a marathon around Cleeve’s training pitches, with both eager to rise to the challenge and raise money for two very worthy causes. The journey is set to take eight hours with a 4 am departure from the Everyone’s Energy Kayte Lane Stadium to allow plenty of time to get there! Giving only a short but hopeful quote, Ford said: “Please donate what you can afford... and we'll do our best to arrive before kick off!” A link to the GoFundMe can be found on Bishops Cleeve FC’s social media accounts or via bit.ly/WalkToSupport.

Ladies in hard-fought victory over Hereford

BISHOPS Cleeve Ladies won once again on the road in preseason, this time with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Hereford Pegasus on Wednesday night. It was a dominant first half from the hosts, who took advantage of their majority share of possession when their striker took the ball on the turn with class and fired past Lexi Jones into the net with apparent ease. Only five minutes after the game’s opener, Lottie Winter hit a ball low across the box, but the strike from Tamara Griffiths was met comfortably by the gloves of the goalkeeper. Signs of life were clearly there, however. Only two minutes after Leonie Gough’s shot from outside the box was just about tipped over for a corner, the under-pressure referee pointed to the spot for handball. Gough stepped up, converted, and that meant it would be all to play for after the break. The first five minutes of the second half were hectic, with

By Dan Brain

the hosts only just seeing a shot go wide of the post moments after Immy O’Brien fired over from a free kick. In the 50th minute, the visitors had the ball in the net to round off a lovely bit of football, but the flag was up for offside. The game then quietened down and reverted to feeling like a pre-season friendly for the next 15 minutes, until the Mitres had to scramble for their lives to survive a corner that must’ve seen them face at least four shots. With the clock ticking down and the game going the way that it was, it was clear that scoring the next one and gaining the momentum would be huge. When Gough stepped up and made it 2-1 after an unstoppable run past the defence from Yas Francis, it was looking like it might be Bishops Cleeve’s day after all. They held on for the final quarter of an hour, and that win against tierabove Hereford Pegasus made it

six out of seven for friendlies this pre-season.

On Sunday afternoon, Bishops Cleeve Ladies were defeated for only the second time this preseason when they travelled to Odd Down AFC. The hosts took the lead very early on, capitalising on the Mitres struggling to play out of the back from a goal kick. Almost immediately from kick-off, however, Cleeve pushed back, but Jess Stirling couldn’t keep her shot from going wide when she was one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Stirling had another chance to equalise ten minutes later, but this time her shot struck the post and went behind for an Odd Down ball. This wouldn’t be the last time she hit the woodwork during the game, either.

Despite the fact that chances seemed to be going astray, the momentum of the game well and truly belonged to the visitors. They made the most of this when Lottie Winter produced a fine bit of individual

brilliance to pick out the top left corner. As time ticked on before half-time, it looked like the sides would be going into the break level, but with four minutes to go before the whistle, the hosts reclaimed their advantage through an unfortunate Mitres goalkeeping error. They very nearly pulled level again before the break when Stirling hit the crossbar from a tight angle. The ball ricocheted into the six-yard box, but nobody was in the right position to direct it home. As the game ticked on and the heat showed no signs of dropping, the game’s intensity decreased and so did Cleeve’s attempts at an equaliser on a tiring, sun-kissed pitch. The game finished 2-1, which meant the Mitres failed to win away from home for the first time this pre-season.

They have two more friendlies to go until the regular season starts against Cirencester, with the first being against the City of Gloucester and the second against Evesham.

Jack Watts on the ball for Bishops Cleeve.

Pre-season underway for Smiths RFC

SMITHS RFC preparations begin for the 2025–26 season, building on the solid foundation of last year's strong finish.

A month of intense knockout rugby culminated in a hardfought promotion playoff against a formidable Dings Crusaders side, followed by an impressive run to the final of the Papa Johns Cup at Twickenham. While missing out on promotion and narrowly losing the final were tough outcomes, the passionate support shown throughout - both home and away - highlighted the club’s unity and spirit. The sight of so many proud members and supporters sharing every moment reinforced Smiths' identity as a truly together club.

Looking ahead to the new season, the challenge is set to intensify with a more competitive league structure following the merger of the top six sides from the North and South divisions. This presents opportunities to forge new rivalries with clubs like Frampton and St Mary’s, renew old battles with familiar opponents such as Old Elizabethans, and maintain the ever-anticipated local derbies with North and Cheltenham Saracens. Each weekend now promises a high-stakes fixture, and the support from the stands - especially that famously vocal Smiths crowd - will be more crucial than ever.

Preseason is already past the halfway mark, and the squad has been boosted by several new additions. Among them is player/coach George Angell, whose expertise at the breakdown and lineout is expected to significantly

contribute to the team's ongoing development and progression.

Another key marker of the club’s growth has been the success of the United (2nd XV) side. Last season marked their first in a league structure,

finishing a respectable 6th and outperforming several first teams along the way. The upcoming season will present a tougher test, with strong 2nd XV outfits from clubs like Matson and Longlevenswhose 1st teams currently

Match report with Pat Cox

compete several leagues above Smiths - adding to the competition. Other clubs in Counties 4 include Ross-onWye and Civil Service, both of whom were regular opponents of Smiths' 1st XV not long ago. This competitive environment is exactly what the United squad needs, driving standards higher and pushing development across the club. Increased physio and coaching support for the 2nd XV will remain a priority. Perhaps the most exciting development for 2025–26 is the introduction of Smiths' first-ever junior side. A talented group of U15 players, supported by a dedicated team of coaches and families, are

now becoming an integral part of the club. Early signs - both on and off the pitch - point to a group that embodies the values and energy of the wider Smiths community. Their

Saturday 9th August 2025: Cheltenham Town 0 – Chesterfield 2

A NEW-look Cheltenham Town team struggled to match the power of a strong Chesterfield side who proved too much for them in the second half.

The Robins had an early sniff of a goal in the 3rd minute of the game when Luke Young’s free kick was met at the far post by a stretching Scott Bennett who could only direct it to the keeper.

For the remainder of the half it was Chesterfield who looked the more likely to open the scoring.

In the 26th minute a corner saw Chey Dunkley head wide

from a good position.

From their next meaningful attack Young was on hand to head Armando Dobra’s effort off the goal line with Joe Day beaten.

Chesterfield were looking like they would score and believed they had in the 38th minute after Day saved a well struck shot only to see Dylan Duffy collect the rebound and beat him from a tight angle.

The linesman’s flag saved the Robins this time!

Chesterfield had edged the first half but the score was level.

Chesterfield did take the lead early in the second half when

the industrious Duffy crossed the ball and Lee Bonis’ flick beat Day but not the far post. However, full back Lewis Gordon had backed up and was unmarked for a simple tap in.

The introduction of substitutes Jordan Thomas and Jake Bickerstaff saw the Robins up their tempo and within minutes Ethon Archer found George Miller whose header was mis-directed high over the bar.

In the 59th minute a Bickerstaff back heel went straight to the keeper and a minute later Chesterfield nearly went 2-nil up but a dual effort from Jacob Mažionis

and Young managed to divert Dilan Markanday’s wellstruck shot into the hands of Day.

In the 68th minute

Chesterfield got their second via a free kick from the previously denied Dylan Duffy.

The Robins had an opportunity to reduce the arrears shortly afterwards but Miller’s lack of control saw the chance go begging trying to chest the ball down when it needed heading. Efforts from both Bickerstaff and Thomas didn’t trouble Zach Hemming. The most spectacular event of

the match followed when centre back Kyle McFadzean spotted Day on the edge of his area from well in his own half and his perfectly struck attempt saw the back pedalling Day happy to tip his effort over the bar.

Thomas shot over with 5 minutes remaining but the points were deservedly Chesterfield’s.

In a match that was by no means dirty the referee Mr Speedie managed to give the home side 7 yellow cards whilst not carding Chesterfield for similar offences.

Inconsistent performance from the official.

involvement marks an important step in the continued growth and inclusivity of a club already known for its welcoming, family-oriented ethos.

Smiths RFC against Dings Crusaders at Twickenham.

Smiths RFC Under 15s

“We have to

improve sharpish”

Continued from back page Fans thought they’d seen the Robins turn a corner, but the heavy defeat in Milton Keynes showed just how tough this season could become.

Manager Michael Flynn was also very unhappy with the way his side played, and he apologised to the fans for the poor performance.

He said: “I apologise to them for today's performance, and I made sure every player went over and clapped at the end, but it was more of an apology than

a thank you today, “I’m really disappointed and we have to improve sharpish. We're only three games in, so I'm not too down, but this was a big slap in the face and very unlike us.”

There are of course going to be unprecedented heavy defeats in matches, as there may be the odd big win, but the manner in which Cheltenham have been losing matches hasn’t been acceptable. Simple errors or lapses in concentration have already cost the Robins

dearly. That along with an already growing injury list has made this one of the toughest starts for Michael Flynn.

He continued: “"It was nowhere near good enough, and the manner in which we conceded was really poor. “Every goal came from a mistake from us, but we have to respond, react, and stick together.

“I was glad when that whistle went. We've now conceded eight in three games, which is not good enough.”

, Terrace talk with Will Alder

In fairness to Cheltenham, they have already faced two top teams in Chesterfield and MK Dons. But they now sit at the bottom of the League Two table, giving every team going forward some form of mental advantage when looking at league positions and performances.

Fans will be hoping for a few more deals in the transfer window and players returning from injury to bolster the squad ahead of what is looking likely to be a tough season.

CHESTERFIELD were the first visitors to Whaddon Road, with the new season now fully up and running. In truth, the visitors were the better side throughout and fully deserved to take all three points back to Derbyshire. Two secondhalf goals for the Spireites sealed the second League 2 defeat of the season for Michael Flynn’s men who never gave the northerners cause for concern. Next up for Cheltenham was a trip to Buckinghamshire to face big-spending MK Dons, who are now managed by Paul Warne, a man with multiple promotions on his CV. This was always going to be a difficult trip for the Robins, but backed by over 350 travelling supporters we went into this one with some hope that we might be able to get something. Perhaps even more so when the hosts’ squad didn’t contain either former Cheltenham man Dan Crowley or former Forest Green attacker Aaron Collins, both of whom have caused us significant problems in the past. The Dons need not have worried though, as from minute one they completely outplayed us. There aren’t enough negatives to describe how bad our performance was, particularly defensively. Atrocious, a shambles, pathetic, embarrassing to name a few as the hosts made it look very easy. Compounded by individual errors and a complete lack of quality when we did rarely have possession of the ball, this one was over and done with at 3-0 after 25 minutes. I must say I have yet to be convinced by Daragh Power since his arrival and I can’t remember a worse individual display than he put in on Saturday against MK Dons. I am not sure who scouted him and those fans reports that we read when he signed that suggested he was the best defender in the League of Ireland were, I am sorry to say, way off the mark. I am not sure what the standard is like at that level but if he is the best defender in that League, strikers over there must score bags of goals. We have seen a couple of positives over the last few days though. The encouraging display against Exeter City’s reserves in the first-round victory in the EFL Cup for one, and also

the signing of former Portsmouth, Norwich and Notts County attacker Josh Martin. I have been saying since the start of the summer that he is someone we should be looking to target and he has finally now signed on the dotted line. I do think he is a player who could make a real difference to us with his quality and is a signing that I am excited about, for the first time in a while. I must say though it is frustrating given that he has been in the building since at least the end of July when he played (and scored) against a Brentford B side, so the fact that it has taken nearly three weeks to get the deal done is annoying to say the least. With the impending takeover apparently now on the verge of being

cannot allow a repeat happened years ago, to find ourselves

Darrell Clarke were not able the mire. With three defeats from three in League 2 and

from what I have seen online, quite a few Robins fans are in favour of pressing the panic button already. This often happens after such a humiliating result that we witnessed at Stadium MK, but I am not jumping on the bandwagon just yet, and it is too early for ‘Flynn out’ talk in my opinion. However, the upcoming home fixtures against Bromley and Barnet respectively are becoming increasingly important, even at this early point in the season. Neither of these fixtures will be easy, however it looks at though Bromley on Tuesday look likely to pose us the sterner test. They are unbeaten in League 2 so far and have also knocked Championship Ipswich out of the EFL Cup, so will be travelling to Whaddon Road full of confidence. Barnet on the other hand have, like us, begun the season with three defeats, so I am sure they will be determined to get their season up and running.

Cheltenham Post

By George Didcote Chief Football Writer

Dons

and will face Cardiff away in the second round. Continued on page 31