SANTA TO VISIT UK
CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD IN CHELTENHAM
Strictly
Details are emerging of an unprecedented preChristmas visit to the UK by Santa Claus himself. Experts at the government’s GCHQ here in Cheltenham have reportedly intercepted a rogue signal that’s zapping the nation’s Christmas spirit. With this mythical force the source of power for his famous sleigh, insiders are rumoured to be concerned that his legendary present-giving mission on Christmas Eve is in jeopardy! This unique Christmas crisis looks to have resulted in a unique Christmas event. A visit from Santa!
Reportedly heading to The Centaur, on the grounds of Cheltenham Racecourse, Santa is said to have engaged the services of his elite elves from the F.I.A. (Festive Intelligence Agency) who’ve been instructed to recruit ‘Special Agents’ from the children in the area to help investigate what (or who!) is causing the problem and get Christmas back on track!
Sources have also con昀rmed that Craig Revel Horwood has been recruited in this Christmas-saving mission!
More about this story on page 2…
SANTA THE VISIT
star recruited by Santa for Christmas mission.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN...
NO, HE REALLY IS!
Santa - The Visit is a fab-u-lous, brand new, festive theatre production, directed by the brilliant Craig Revel Horwood.
Christmas spirit is mysteriously in free fall, Santa’s sleigh power is dropping and Christmas Eve’s present-giving mission is now in jeopardy!
This unique Christmas crisis calls for a unique Christmas event. A visit from Santa!
Helping him in his task are his elite elves from the F.I.A.
(Festive Intelligence Agency) who’ve been instructed to recruit Special Agents from the children in the area.
Now, with your help, it’s time to 昀gure out what (or who!) is causing the problem and get Christmas back on track!
Packed with fun, music, dance and lots of Christmas silliness, Santa - The Visit is a familyfriendly Christmas treat, not to be missed!
What’s Coming Up at Cheltenham Racecourse
As autumn settles over the Cotswolds and the anticipation builds, Cheltenham Racecourse is gearing up for an unforgettable few months of racing, entertainment, and celebration.
THE NOVEMBER MEETINGRacing’s Ultimate Weekender
As the leaves turn and the Cotswold hills glow in autumnal gold, there’s only one place to be for racing fans and lovers of great days out alike - Cheltenham Racecourse, where The November Meeting marks the start of the jumps season in truly spectacular style.
Known as Racing’s Ultimate Weekender, this three-day festival is a celebration of everything that makes Cheltenham special - electric racing, live music, rural traditions, and a community spirit like no other. From Countryside Day’s rustic charm to the thrilling energy of Super Saturday and the fun-filled Carnival Sunday, it’s the perfect way to experience the heart and soul of jump racing.
COUNTRYSIDE DAY –
Friday 14 November 2025
A Celebration of Rural Life and Top-Class Sport
The November Meeting kicks off with Countryside Day, a vibrant tribute to rural traditions and country pursuits. Expect seven exciting races, beginning at 1.10pm, setting the tone for a weekend of pure racing entertainment.
Between races, enjoy a gun dog display in the Parade Ring, browse countryside stalls, and soak up the atmosphere with live music throughout the day. LAMPA will lift spirits with a lively mix of Irish favourites before Tommy and The Fuse bring the post-racing party to life at The Centaur, filling the venue with an hour of feel-good tunes.
It’s a day where the warmth of the countryside meets the thrill of Cheltenham’s hallowed turfthe perfect curtain-raiser to the weekend ahead.
SUPER SATURDAY –
Saturday November 2025
Where Racing’s Stars Take Centre Stage
The showpiece of the weekend, Super Saturday, is where the atmosphere truly ignites. With seven thrilling races on the card, including the iconic Paddy Power Gold Cup Steeplechase at 12.35pm, this is a day that never disappoints.
While trainers and jockeys battle it out for glory on the track, racegoers can also admire equine legends of the past in the Retraining of Racehorses Parade, featuring names that have lit up Cheltenham over the years - horses like Bristol De Mai, Coneygree, and Pineau de Re. Between the races, enjoy live performances from Richard James at the Tattersalls Sales
Arena Bar, then dance the night away at The Centaur’s official after party, where the celebrations keep going long after the final horse has crossed the finish line.
Super Saturday is the beating heart of the November Meeting - a day of passion, pride, and unforgettable moments.
CARNIVAL SUNDAY –
Sunday 16 November 2025
Fun, Family, and Festival Spirit
The weekend rounds off with Carnival Sunday, a celebration of community and colour, offering something for everyone to enjoy. With six competitive races, Shetland pony racing, and the ever-popular mascot race, it’s a day packed with fun, laughter, and local pride.
Families can join the Minions’ 15-year anniversary celebrations, visit The Cadbury Family Zone, or simply relax and soak up the feel-good atmosphere. From the Guinness Village with its lively Irish melodies to the Champagne Bar’s smooth sax sounds, there’s a flavour for every mood.
It’s a true Cheltenham experience - the perfect finale to a weekend where racing heroes are made and memories last a lifetime.(Under 18s race free when accompanied by an adult.)
See back page & sport
ONLY A FEW PLACES LEFT Book a day out to the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market for just £30 per person. Day includes prizewinning games on the way.
See page 7
A MAN who assaulted another man in an unprovoked attack in Cheltenham has been jailed for three years.
Sean Arnold, 38 and of Evesham Road, Norton in Worcestershire, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
At around 1pm on Sunday 18 December 2022, Arnold approached a man whom he did not know on the Promenade, outside Brasserie Blanc.
It was reported Arnold made comments to the stranger who
walked away, and Arnold then chased after him and punched him.
The victim continued to try and get away from Arnold, who it was reported then forced the victim to the floor, assaulted him and pushed his head into some railings.
The victim, aged in his 40s at the time, managed to get away and went to Cheltenham General Hospital with severe bruising to his eye socket, a graze on his head and a laceration on his face.
Continued on page 3
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Man jailed after admitting to knifepoint robbery in Stroud AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire
A MAN has been jailed after enquiries by officers proved that he had used a knife to threaten and rob another man in Stroud.
Adam Downey, aged 19 and of Winnycroft Lane in Matson, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday 10th October where he was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.
He had pleaded guilty to robbery during an earlier court appearance.
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Where to find us
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.
The court heard how police were called at around 2am on 24 December 2023 with a report that an unknown man had grabbed another man from behind before pulling him to the floor and dragging him into undergrowth close to Cainscross Road.
The offender then threatened the man with a knife and demanded that he hand over his personal property.
He took the victim's Google Pixel 8 phone, wallet and keys before fleeing in the direction of Gannicox Road and Burford Drive.
The victim was not physically injured but was shaken by what happened and so contacted police.
An investigation was launched which saw officers conduct extensive CCTV enquires and contact second hand mobile phone sellers in the county.
CCTV enquires captured the suspect wandering around Stroud town centre shortly
before the attack. Downey’s identity was established from this footage after officers recognised him.
Downey was also captured on CCTV at a supermarket on Stratford Road around 10 minutes after the attack. This footage showed him throwing items out of a wallet and
Two teenage boys arrested as part of drugs operation
POLICE in Gloucester have arrested two teenage boys in the city on Wednesday 15th October in connection with supplying Class A drugs.
Officers from the Gloucester and Cheltenham Neighbourhood Support teams carried out a number of warrants in Gloucester as well as one in Redditch.
As part of the operation, more than £6,000 in cash and Class A drugs with an estimated street value of £10,000 was also seized.
A number of teams from across the Force were involved in the warrants, including the Gloucester Neighbourhood teams, intelligence and the dog section.
Two teenage boys from
Gloucester, aged 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
They remained in custody while enquiries were continuing.
Anyone who has concerns or intelligence about drug dealing can report this to police via the following link: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/t ua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-orheard/
Alternatively you can report information anonymously through the independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website: www.crimestoppersuk.org/give-information/forms/g ive-information-anonymously
looking at a phone. 10 days after the attack, on 3 January 2024, police were contacted by staff at a shop in Gloucester who reported that a person was wanting to sell a phone which matched the description of the one that had been stolen.
Police arrived a short time
later and Downey was arrested.
During interview Downey was shown CCTV which had been gathered, and it was established that he was wearing the same clothing at the time as those worn by the offender on the night.
Despite this development Downey refused to provide an account of what happened and so was released on police bail.
In July 2024, Downey answered bail and was presented with further evidence but again refused to make any comment.
The CPS decided that further evidence was needed and therefore Downey's bail was extended.
The investigation continued and the case was later resubmitted to the Crown Prosecution Service. As a result of this Downey was charged with one count of robbery.
PC Richard Smith from the Stroud Local Policing Area said: “On the evening in question, just a couple of nights before Christmas, Downey found himself wandering the streets of Stroud.
“He took it upon himself to follow a man who had been out for the evening with friends. As the man made his way home, he was attacked by Downey who made off with items belonging to him.
“I am relieved that Downey was identified and has been sentenced for his actions.”
Arrests made following discovery of cannabis factory in Gloucester
POLICE have made a number of arrests in Gloucester after cannabis was discovered in the city.
Officers were alerted when a group of people in balaclavas were spotted by police on CCTV loading bags into a car parked on a street in the city centre.
The vehicle was stopped as it passed St Oswalds Retail Park while officers searched the property. More than 100 cannabis plants were found at the address. The grow has now been dismantled and the plants will be destroyed.
As a result of the find, four people were arrested at the scene on suspicion of the manufacture of a Class B drug.
Those who have been arrested are all aged in their 20s and 30s, and are from the West Midlands. They remain in police custody at
this time and enquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information about the incident can provide this to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 51 of 17 October: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/con tact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-thathas-already-been-reported/
Anyone who has concerns or intelligence about drug dealing can report this via the following link: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/ tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/
Alternatively you can report information anonymously through the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website: https://crimestoppersuk.org/give-information/forms/give -information-anonymously
Cheltenham man receives injunction for anti-social behaviour
A 43-year-old man has been handed an Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction (ASBI) due to continued anti-social behaviour in Cheltenham town centre.
Thomas Stephenson, of Isbourne Road, Cheltenham failed to appear at Gloucestershire County Court on 18th September 2025 and was given an injunction in his absence. The injunction was in response to continued antisocial behaviour in and around Cheltenham spanning over a year.
Solace, a partnership between Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council, Gloucestershire Constabulary as well as other support services and partners, were alerted to Stephenson when he was rough sleeping in the town –although he does own his own home. He was causing harassment, alarm and distress by leaving his belongings in doorways, littering, behaving aggressively to members of the public and shop keepers,
shouting, exposing himself and leaving his dog unattended and off the lead.
Solace officers along with Cheltenham Borough Council’s neighbourhood team and local police officers tried numerous times to engage with Stephenson to make him aware of the impact he was having, offer help and support and to advise him of potential repercussions. As a last resort, and due to the severity of Stephenson’s ongoing and repeated antisocial behaviour, Solace successfully obtained a civil injunction.
The injunction, which is in place for 12 months and expires on 18th September 2026, comes with conditions and an exclusion area. Stephenson is prohibited from: - engaging in conduct which causes, or is capable of causing, alarm or harassment or distress to any person living in, or visiting, the town centre of Cheltenham; - using or threatening to use violence against any person
living in, or visiting, the town centre of Cheltenham; - entering or being in clearly defined areas at any time.
Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “We are very much aware there are often deep-rooted and complex reasons for this type of severe and on-going anti-social behaviour. There is often a lot of tragedy and chaos associated with the lives of those individuals involved which is extremely sad.
“However, such serious and persistent anti-social behaviour is totally unacceptable and balanced with the need to keep our town safe and welcoming, and protecting individuals from threatening and aggressive behaviour, enforcement action had to be taken.
“We will not hesitate to take action when required to protect our communities and will work diligently with offenders to offer help and support through positive and appropriate interventions.”
Any breaches of the Anti-
Robbery in supermarket car park
POLICE in Cheltenham are appealing for witnesses after a man robbed a woman in a supermarket car park.
Officers were called with a report that an unknown man had robbed a woman of several hundred pounds that she had just withdrawn from a cashpoint.
This took place in the car park of Tesco on Colletts Drive at around 11.50pm on Friday 10th October.
It was reported that the man approached the woman as she was sat inside of her car before opening the car door and grabbing the money out of her hands.
The man made off on foot following the incident. He was described as being of a large build and wearing dark clothing.
The woman sustained injuries to her arm but did not require medical treatment.
Officers conducted searches in the area but were unable to locate the man and are now asking anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened to come forward.
In particular they would like to speak to two people who are believed to have seen
the man leaving the car park of the supermarket.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police by completing the following form and quoting incident number 564 of 10 October: www.gloucestershire.police.u k/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/
News Man jailed following unprovoked attack near the Promenade
Continued from page 1
He was found to have sustained a fracture under his right eye socket.
Social Behaviour Injunction will result in Stephenson being arrested or receiving an unlimited fine.
Anyone who witnesses Stephenson breaching the order is asked to contact the police on 101 or 999 if an offence is taking place.
If you are concerned for a person who is rough sleeping, please report this through a Streetlink referral at www.streetlink.org.uk/. Streetlink reports go directly to an outreach team who will then visit the location and assess the person’s needs.
Arnold walked away from the scene. Officers attended and searched for him but he was not located.
A witness appeal for the assault was published the following day and information was provided by members of the public.
Arnold was then arrested the same day.
He denied the offence but was found guilty on 7 August this year following a trial at Cirencester Courthouse.
He was sentenced on 24 September to three
years in prison.
Investigating officer
PC Dan Stephens said:
"This was a particularly nasty assault on a man who had been going about his day having lunch with his family on a Sunday afternoon just before Christmas.
“Arnold repeatedly assaulted the victim in the street, causing him serious injuries.
“Off the back of a public appeal for information, we had multiple people contact us and I’d like to thank them for coming forward and providing information and witness statements as this helped secure justice in this case.”
To book please call 01242 801596 or email
To book please call 01242 801596 or email
david.blake@careuk.com
david.blake@careuk.com
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November, 10am - 3pm
Tour our beautiful home, explore the different care types we offer, and participate in activities. Join in with seasonal craft sessions, musical reminiscence, cinema club, and mini Namaste sessions. Our friendly team will be on hand to answer any questions and show you around the home.
Trusted to care.
Sponsor announced for new special school
THE Department for Education has confirmed that the Enable Trust will be the preferred sponsor to run Gloucestershire’s new 200place special school. Enable Trust is a wellestablished academy trust specialising in special educational needs and alternative provision, providing high-quality education in a neighbouring local authority area. This will be their first school in Gloucestershire.
The new school will support primary and secondary pupils aged from 4 to 16 years and will be built on land off Arle Road in Cheltenham, which is already owned by the County Council.
The £20 million school will be established for children with Complex Learning Difficulties (CLD), including autism and associated communication and interaction difficulties.
The school in Cheltenham is planned to open, subject to the
necessary approvals, during the academic year 2027/28.
Representatives from the academy trust, alongside council officers, met with local residents and parents and carers of children and young people with SEND recently in order to learn more about Enable Trust and the new special school. At the wellattended drop in event, members of the design team shared the proposed plans and site layouts ahead of the detailed submission for planning approval that will be made later this autumn.
There continues to be an increasing need for special school places in the county, in line with the picture in other parts of the country, and the highest level of demand for places needed is centred around Gloucester and Cheltenham. Construction work started in June on the new special school to open in Gloucester in 2027, which follows the establishment of new special schools in
Brockworth (September 2022) and Stroud (September 2023).
Cllr Linda Cohen, Cabinet member responsible for Education at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We are committed to making sure all children in Gloucestershire can access high quality education that meets their needs.
“I am delighted that the Enable Trust will be sponsoring this new school in Cheltenham, and I look forward to working with them to achieve the best outcomes for our children and young people.”
Andrew Buckton, CEO of Enable Trust said: “Enable Trust is thrilled to be collaborating with local schools, trusts, and the Local Authority to support children with complex special educational needs in the area.”
For more information on the new should, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/c helt-special-school
Conservative Party
Rob Garnham - Cheltenham Chairman
I SUSPECT most readers are not a political anorak like me but then again, I suspect most readers want to know how their council tax is being spent and are their councillors truly representing them? Whilst following up on October’s full council meeting, where the 40 councillors are meant to be there to represent you, I noted that once again no councillors submitted any official written questions and a number of councillors were absent.
Councillors receive allowances to carry out their duties, and it is with some alarm I read that of the full council meetings over the last year there is an average absence rate of 22%. Over a fifth of councillors are offering their apologies at each meeting, and two expected council meetings were cancelled.
Thanks then to members of the public, our Conservative activists, and other former Councillors, for holding the Council to account by submitting questions and getting written answers.
Democracy being put to work by the public it seems, but less accountability from our elected representatives. Conservatives were highlighting the number of Cafes and Restaurants closing, the protection of historic buildings and businesses, and questions over expenditure on Council buildings e.g. Burrows Pavillion. And questions give rise to further questions. The Lib Dem Cabinet Member for Housing explaining that empty council housing caused a £456.6k loss last
year, and a loss of £335k so far this year, is particularly worrying.
Blame was put upon “serious governance and legal issues” at the former Cheltenham Borough Homes, so, going back to my anorak questions of accountability, was CBC not keeping an eye on CBH? And as well as the financial cost, what about the cost to families waiting for a home?
How many times do we hear, “If there was an election tomorrow the polls show this party or that party would win.” I know the Conservative are not topping the polls but even if they were, would that help the farmers facing the Family Farm Tax? The Pensioners being robbed of their Winter Fuel Allowance? Would that help businesses facing an extra £5billion through the Employment Rights Bill? And who knows what else is coming in next month’s budget? What is needed is action and that is why I am pleased to see Kemi inviting the Prime Minister to adopt the Conservative policy of abolishing Stamp Duty. C’mon Kier, no shame in nicking other people’s ideas!
Lloyd Jones, 61, of Coventry Close, Tewkesbury Priors Park, Tewkesbury, admitted four charges of making or possessing indecent photographs or prohibited images of children, including 200 images of Category A, 80 images of Category B and 264 images of Category C. He also admitted possessing 51 extreme pornographic images of persons performing acts of intercourse with dogs and horses. He was given an 8month prison sentence suspended for two years, ordered to participate in up to 25 days of rehabilitation activities, and pay £85 costs, with a £187 Victim Services surcharge. He was also prohibited from owning more than one computer and mobile phone, and required to register with police for the next 10 years, during which time he is prohibited from having any contact or communication with any child under the age of 16, other than such as is inadvertent and unavoidable in the course of lawful daily life, or with the knowledge and consent of the child’s parent, guardian or social care authority.
Aisha Ferris, 21, of Vittoria Walk, College North, Cheltenham, was convicted of three charges of shoplifting. On 7th October 2024 she stole cleaning products and chocolate to the value of £220 from B&M Bargains in Cheltenham. Between 17th18th July 2025 she stole 8 steaks, diced beef, olive oil and 2 multipacks of crisps to the value of £63.45 from Tesco in Gloucester, and on 7th August 2025 she stole two cans of Jack Daniels and Cherry Coke to the value of £5 from Iceland
Supermarket in Gloucester. She also admitted a charge of disorderly behaviour while drunk on 4th August 2025 at Station Road, Gloucester. She was remanded on conditional bail for a sentencing hearing at Bristol Magistrates Court on 17th November 2025, pending mental health treatment requirement assessment. She must not enter any of the shops she stole from as a condition of her bail.
Jordan Campbell, 25, of Alstone Lane, Cheltenham, admitted a charge of violent behaviour, threatening and intimidating staff at the custody suite of Compass House police station on 29th August 2025, and two charges of assaulting police officers on the same date. He was remanded on unconditional bail for a sentencing hearing at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 5th December 2025, pending pre-sentence reports to be prepared.
Kelvin Watt, 38, of Belle Vue road, Cinderford, denied driving a Volkswagen Golf on the A48 at Minsterworth on 8th December 2024 after consuming sufficient alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath was 77 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath, more than double the prescribed limit of 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath. He was remanded on unconditional bail pending trial at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 11th December 2025.
Jeffery Baker, 31, of Shakespeare Road, Cheltenham, admitted driving a Honda Civic at Sutton St Nicholas near Hereford on
19th July 2025 with more than the specified limit of methylamphetamine and MDMA in his blood. He was banned from driving for 17 months, and ordered to complete 50 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a Victim Services surcharge of £114.
Charlie Wood, 28, of The Reddings, All Saints, Cheltenham, was made subject to a warrant for arrest without bail on two charges of voyeurism and one charge of making a Category C indecent photograph of a child on 4th January 2024 in Cheltenham.
Robbie Ede, 27, of Brooklyn Road, Cheltenham, was remanded on conditional bail pending trial at Gloucester Crown Court on 6th November 2025 on charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity, and attempting to meet a girl aged under 16 with the intent of committing sexual activity with a child, between 16th and 25th January 2025. He must reside at his Brooklyn Road address and not have any unsupervised contact either directly or indirectly with any child under the age of 16 unless agreed with Social Services and the parent/guardian of the child.
Patrick Bermingham, 35, of St Michaels Avenue, Bishop’s Cleeve, admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words to cause a named woman harassment, alarm or distress on 19th June 2025, taking a Mercedes SL
without consent between 22nd and 24th June 2025, after which it was driven dangerously on public roads at speeds over 100mph while refusing to stop for police officers, and driving the same vehicle on 24th June 2025 at A38 Coombes Hill without valid licence or insurance. He also admitted driving a VW Passat at Westgate Island, Gloucester, on 22nd July 2025 without a valid licence, and failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis on the same date. He was remanded on unconditional bail until a sentencing hearing at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 18th November 2025, for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.
Matthew Wheeliker, 46, of Dunalley Parade, St Pauls, Cheltenham, admitted assaulting a man in Gloucester on 22nd January 2025, and breaching the terms of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order made by Gloucester Crown Court in December 2012 by entering Gloucester city centre on the same date. He was remanded on unconditional bail pending a sentencing hearing at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 19th November 2025.
Gary Marshall, 67, of Battle Road, Tewkesbury, was convicted of driving a Honda CR-V on the A38 at Tewkesbury on 28th March 2025 with above the specified legal limit of cannabis compound Delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol in his bloodstream. He was banned from driving for 12 months, fined £185, and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a Victim Services surcharge of £74.
Record numbers step out for charity Starlight Hike
OVER one thousand people lit up the streets of Cheltenham on Saturday 18 October, walking in celebration and remembrance for Sue Ryder’s annual Starlight Hike.
The event brought together families, friends and colleagues to walk in memory of loved ones, while expecting to raise a record breaking £118,000 for the national healthcare and bereavement charity.
Beginning at Ashley Manor Preparatory School, the walk saw many embracing the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike spirit with glitter, neon, and glowin-the-dark accessories.
1161 people turned out, with the evening beginning with live music from two amazing choirs and a high energy warm-up group before participants set off at 8pm along the illuminated paths. Along the way, participants had the opportunity to pass through the beautifully lit, tranquil grounds of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, where they were able to place a star in memory of someone special.
This year’s hike also featured a sustainability initiative, partnering with local hospice supporters Printwaste to recycle, inviting participants to donate pre-loved clothing at the on-site ‘donation station’, supporting Sue Ryder’s retail shops and reducing waste. At the finish line, walkers were presented with medals to mark their achievement. The event will help Sue Ryder continue to deliver expert palliative and bereavement support through services like Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham.
Matt Reay, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: “This year’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham was a fantastic evening – full of energy, reflection and community spirit. It’s always humbling
to see so many people come together to make such a special event possible, celebrate and remember loved ones and support Sue Ryder’s care. Every step taken really does help ensure we can continue to be there when it matters most.”
“We are also incredibly grateful to the dedicated army of volunteers who gave their time so generously, as well as the many local businesses who offered their support. A very special and heartfelt thank you goes to our friends and headline sponsors, Capita, whose unwavering partnership since 2017 has helped us deliver this meaningful event year
after year and raise over £704,000 to support our care.”
Jo Wynn, from Capita, said: “Our partnership with Sue Ryder is rooted in the personal experience of many of our local Capita colleagues, who have seen first-hand the difference the charity makes to people at the end of their lives and to those closest to them. For any business thinking of building a partnership with a local charity, you can make a real difference with a relatively modest contribution.
“Our sponsorship has helped Sue Ryder grow the event year on year, meaning it’s now one of their flagship annual fundraisers. We’re
stepping down as sponsor after eight fantastic years but will look forward to continuing to take part as the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike goes from strength to strength.”
Sue Ryder’s hospice teams supported more than 8,700 people last year, both in specialist centres and in their own homes. Events like Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham help ensure that no one has to face death or grief alone.
For updates and other ways to support Sue Ryder, contact the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice fundraising team at Leckhampton.events@suery der.org or call 01242 395 450.
Max Wilkinson MP
THE achievements of our young people should be celebrated more often. As a generation, those at school in 2025 will grow up into an uncertain world and unprecedented challenges. But they also have a unique set of skills and experiences.
It was with that in mind that I attended the Balcarras School Annual Prize Giving last week. I’m saying a huge ‘thank you’ to Headteacher Dominic Burke for asking me to be the guest speaker at such a fabulous event. Well done to all the pupils who won awards and to the House Captains for giving such an enthralling rundown of the past year’s events. Funding for schools was rightly one of the topics raised on the night – something I’ve spoken about in Parliament.
Two other subjects at the top of the agenda are health and economic growth. These remain two of the biggest problems we face.
I’m doing what I can as the MP to speak up for our town on these matters. First up, I’ve enabled the Big Space Cancer Appeal to give a briefing to the Health Minister, Ashley Dalton MP. We were able to let the minister know that the project to upgrade our cancer centre at Cheltenham General Hospital is aligned with the national cancer plan. That plan is something Liberal Democrats have long been calling for.
Next, we need to ensure ministers are looking at what more they can do to back the scheme. The economy is even higher on the agenda than usual ahead of the budget next
month. The Golden Valley scheme remains our biggest local economic development project. If we get it right, there will be more than 12,000 new good jobs in the cyber and tech sector. Jobs bring prosperity and revenue to our area and the Golden Valley puts us on the national map too. At the moment, we need more support to ensure we get the infrastructure to help the development work. That means upgrading Junction 10 of the M5. That’s why I’ve long been lobbying ministers for more attention on the scheme. Rampant construction inflation and delays have left our area £70m short of the funds to complete the project. The Golden Valley development and the motorway junction have already made progress through the planning system.
I’ll keep pushing as hard as I can to ensure the project is realised and the transport upgrades are delivered.
In other news this week, I paid a visit to Army HQ in Andover. The Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme enables MPs lucky enough to get onto the program to immerse ourselves in the work of our servicemen and servicewomen. The visit to Andover gave me and a small group of others a briefing about the strategic challenges facing the Army, as well as insight into the careers of soldiers and army officers. I remain extremely grateful for the work they do to keep us safe, particularly as our world seems less and less stable.
Labour Party
MOST of you, I’m sure, are appalled by groups of men systematically duping and abusing children and young women. The Casey Audit into group-based child sexual exploitation (CSE), which reported earlier this year, made 12 recommendations for action to properly support the victims, effectively identify and deal with the abusers, and prevent such abuse happening again. One mechanism recommended was a public inquiry.
The ethnicity and religion of the abusers is, understandably, a key factor for some of the victims – in a recent case, mainly men of South Asian or Pakistani heritage. But other victims of CSE had other experiences and want their voices to be heard too. And according to the Home Office in 2020: “Research has found that group-based offenders are most commonly white.”
Which brings us to the one common factor in all of this – the gender of the abusers, which is almost 100% likely to be male.
Whatever the culture, religion or skin colour, the real threat to most women is predatory men; a small proportion of all men, in all communities, and throughout history. So I would welcome an inquiry that looked at all forms of CSE, to give me more confidence that my young granddaughter is protected from such bestial treatment, wherever she lives and whoever the would-be abuser.
Meanwhile, the abusers have moved online, using social media, messaging, and so on, making everything more difficult for the authorities to tackle. We can hope that the Online Safety Act will help. Not all political parties support this
IT’S late autumn now, and the leaves are changing colour, dropping from the trees, and if like me you have got the heating on in the mornings and evenings you have probably started thinking about your next energy bill. So today I want to talk about Net Zero, it’s an
Julie Farmer
Act of course; you need to decide for yourself whether protecting our children is more important than all forms of so-called ‘freedom of speech’.
The government is working on all 12 Casey recommendations. Some people are frustrated that change isn’t happening quickly enough. Understandable - but it’s important to get it right – the right training, data definitions and systems, review of previous cases, and the right sort of inquiry. All of this must be paid for - by us, the taxpayers. If we want to ensure that public bodies do their jobs properly, take victims seriously and prosecute abusers, and if we want to understand how it was possible for certain police forces, social services teams and other professionals to fail the victims, we need to accept that this will cost money. Public inquiries of any sort are (rightly) expensive. Implementing the outcomes over the long-term will also need resources. So the next time you’re asked to vote for a party that promises you the earth while also saying they’ll slash taxes, pause and think how realistic that is, and whether it will give you the sort of society you really want to live in.
Wilkinson calls for more GPs as waiting times reach record high
LOCAL Liberal Democrat
MP for Cheltenham, Max Wilkinson, has called for an “emergency package” to save the family doctor. It comes after new research revealed that, since January, 335,948 appointments in Gloucestershire have had waits of over 28 days, up from 102,977 at the same point five years ago, an increase of 226%.
Local waits of over two weeks have increased from 317,466 in 2020 to 837,360 this year, an increase of 164%.
Max has called for an emergency package to end the crisis, and for the Government to deliver a new right to a GP appointment within seven days, or 24 hours if urgent, by recruiting thousands of extra doctors. The emergency measures would include a strategic fund to reopen surgeries, dedicated local initiatives to ensure nowhere becomes a “GP desert”, and the introduction of a 24/7 GP booking system to end the “8am scramble”, with 111 call handlers trained to become GP receptionists.
The House Of Commons Library research, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, found that nationally, since Labour have been in power, patients have seen the highest number of two-week and four-week waits to see a GP since 2020. It follows previous record numbers of two and fourweek waits under the last Conservative government. The data also found that there has been a 50% increase in patients waiting over 14 days
Reform UK
important issue which is hitting you in your pocket and you have probably never seen a public debate about the issue. Why is that? Well, it’s because politicians have reached a consensus on the issue and anyone disagreeing with them is called a “climate change denier!”
Consensus is a political term not a scientific one, science should work by challenging current understanding not shutting down debate and namecalling. This is a major problem for us, because
without challenge and debate you get successive governments putting into law policies that haven’t had proper scrutiny.
For example, when the Conservatives made Net Zero a target for 2050, they did so with barely a discussion in the Commons! Did you know that you would have to be poorer to pay for that decision? I certainly didn’t, I heard again and again about “Green Energy Jobs”, of which we would see thousands! I heard that my energy bill would come down
for a GP appointment since the same period in 2020 across England, rising from 19.7 million appointments that took this long to 43 million appointments. There
by hundreds of pounds each year as we accessed all this wonderful “cheap” renewable energy.
The reality is very different, the green jobs haven’t appeared, wind and solar farms are paid for producing energy we can’t use, and our energy bills are going through the roof, and we see a further decline in British manufacturing, little wonder when the UK has the highest business energy costs in the world! Yes, the birthplace of the industrial revolution now pays more for energy than any other country. High energy costs don’t just make putting the heating on a tough call for the elderly, but they
has been a 67% increase for those waiting over 28 days, from 5.8 million five years ago to 12.9 million today.
Fixing the local NHS has been a day-one priority for Max since being elected as Cheltenham’s MP. Max has been campaigning for growth in GP services in Cheltenham to match the growth of the town.
Max said: “Patients here in Cheltenham are finding it really difficult to get a GP appointment and I am deeply appalled by the fact that they are having to wait such a long time to see their doctor. The Conservatives completely failed our NHS, but Labour
make every single product and service you use more expensive. This government is so callous, and completely ideological when it comes to Net Zero. They’re fine with making everyone poorer, they’re fine with the danger of a cold home this winter for pensioners as long as they reduce the UK’s emissions.
Ironically, those emissions don’t disappear, they just get exported to China who are building coal-fired power stations to drive their expanding manufacturing economy!
That’s jobs, tax income, and our prosperity we are giving away just so Conservative, Labour,
are just not providing any real answers to this ever-growing crisis.
“Together with Liberal Democrat colleagues I am calling for an emergency package to save our GP services: with a dedicated fund to reopen surgeries, a 24/7 booking system via 111 and a recruitment and retention drive to secure thousands of extra family doctors.
“The Government should deliver a right for every patient to be seen within seven days or 24 hours if urgent, so that no one is denied care when they need it."
Liberal Democrat, and Green politicians can parade their climate change credentials. Our local MP Max Wilkinson supports the Net Zero madness, he wants more solar panels made in China on our houses, he doesn’t understand that solar energy is completely unreliable, causes instability in the grid and is often unusable but still paid for by you the customer! Only Reform will rip up Net Zero, only Reform will remove the charges added to your bills that line the pockets of the Renewables companies, only Reform will challenge the ideology that is making you colder and poorer this winter.
Matt Podmore, Reform UK Cheltenham Chair
CONCERNED: MP Max Wilkinson.
A zoo-tiful day: care home resident has wild time on safari
A RESIDENT at a care home in Cheltenham had a roaring good time as his wish to visit the zoo came true.
The team from Care UK’s Sandfields, on St George’s Road, arranged for animallover John Roberts to meet and feed a host of furry and feathered friends at Cotswold Wildlife Park.
From admiring rhinos and penguins to sharing laughs with cheeky meerkats and monkeys, John enjoyed a funfilled, hands-on day.
The 81-year-old also got up close to feed Century, the oldest giraffe at the park, and visited all the other longnecked leaf-reachers to gain the nickname ‘Jungle John’ from the park team.
John said: “I loved seeing
THE CENTAUR , CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE
the animals and sharing stories with the help of my daughter. My favourite moment was feeding the giraffe even if he did try and eat my hat!”
This special outing was made possible through Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to share their personal ambitions.
Whether it's revisiting a past hobby, enjoying a classic fish and chip supper or trying something new like flying a plane, every wish is embraced – no matter how big or small.
Malaika Charles, Home Manager at Sandfields, said:
“It was a truly memorable day for all involved. Watching John reconnect with old memories and exploring new experiences was wonderful to see.
“The smile on his face was so heartwarming. It’s this kind of outing that brings so much happiness and creates lasting impressions on residents, and we’re proud to make them happen.”
Sandfields is a state-of-the-art care home that provides fulltime residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as shortterm respite care. The building incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and café.
To find out more about Sandfields, please contact Customer Relations Manager David Blake on 01242 801867, email david.blake@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/sandfields.
Top darts, big names, and a rising star! Catch Luke Humphries, Rob Cross & 12-year-old sensation Jayden Walker live — plus raffle prizes and a fancy dress showdown!
Remember, remember, stay safe this fifth of November
BONFIRE Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, takes place every 5th of November to remember the anniversary of the gunpowder plot.
This infamous event, when Catholic plotters had intended to assassinate Protestant King James l and his parliament by blowing up the House of Lords on this day in 1605.
Guy Fawkes was arrested while guarding the stash of gunpowder beneath the building. Celebrating that the King had survived, people lit bonfires around London and a few months later an act was passed called the Observance of 5th November Act making it an annual day to celebrate the failed attempt.
It’s traditionally celebrated with bonfires and fireworks which can have risk to friends and family so here are a few
tips and precautions you need to be aware of to reduce this risk and enjoy the fun.
Fireworks are a key element in celebrating Bonfire Night. A firework display is exciting and beautiful and must be enjoyed safely so professionally organised shows are recommended. However, many people purchase fireworks every year for their own mini display. It’s vital you remember that they contain explosives and can cause a lot of harm if not stored and used correctly.
Following these safety tips will allow you to enjoy the fun and stay safe.
l Only buy products displaying the official CE mark.
l Buy from reputable retailers. Store them in their original packaging with the lid closed.
l Avoid alcohol when handling fireworks.
l Read the instructions and follow them to the letter.
l Light them at arm’s length using a taper to protect yourself.
l Stand well back when they are lit.
l Never return to a lit firework until it has gone off.
l Supervise children and keep all pets indoors.
l Never set off fireworks after 11pm – this is against the law.
Tell your neighbours you are going to set off fireworks so they can help prepare themselves for the noise and keep nervous pets indoors.
Sparklers are loved by the kids and very popular, but they burn at very high temperatures
and can easily cause injuries if not used properly. Only use one at a time and keep an eye on the little ones, put the sparkler in a carrot or potato so it’s easier to hold and won’t burn their hands when it burns down and make sure the old sparkler is put in a bucket of water or sand when done.
Bonfires are another key element to celebrating the 5th of November.
It is not recommended to have a bonfire in your garden as they
can get out of hand easily. There are lots of organised bonfire events available each year with full risk assessments and first aid in place and emergency equipment at the ready. They will also have notified the local emergency services of the event.
Stay safe and enjoy Bonfire Night and please remember it’s a busy night for our Fire and Rescue Services, we can support them by taking proper precautions.
Cheltenham Civil Service CC 1981
Back row left to right: Gerry Chivers, Richard Beel, Rosie Townsend, Eddie Baker, Chris Bailey, Steve Murray.
Front row left to right: Richard Chamberlain, Adrian Slatter, Charlie Mills, Mike Davis and Paul South. Regulars missing from that team that day would have been Martin Phipps, Les Stenner and Mike Cook. Picture supplied by Eddie Baker.
Mr J. F. Jackson far right. Don't know any other names but we think it would be a Sunday morning or Bank holiday in the early 1900's.
Saracens Skittles team 1980s.
ICI 1992-93. McNulty, Taylor, Marsden, Travarthan, Lord, Morgan, Crowther, Howard, Williams, Morgan, Pocketts, Knight.
Christmas Present Selection Box appeal
By Anisha Nand-Lal
ALL parents know too well that ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ is also the most demanding.
For children, the season is a magical time, full of festive fun and cheer, but for many struggling families, the Christmas period can be particularly challenging.
Amidst the Christmas season, David Bath has been charitably volunteering to collect and deliver selection boxes to families in need for the last five years. The operation started in 2020 when David noticed some children in his local area missing out on the Christmas cheer, so he took it upon himself to donate selection boxes and started posting about his efforts online via his Facebook page.
This small act of kindness proceeded to grow in popularity every year and is now a council endorsed project, with more than
20 charities or organisations receiving boxes in the local area.
David planned the appeal after recalling a similar act of kindness. Shortly after his son was born during the Christmas period, David’s neighbours at the time unexpectedly brought him some Christmas treats as a gesture of good will. Years, even decades later, David cherishes this memory and now believes it’s his turn to give back. Last year alone David’s Christmas appeal delivered 817 selection boxes to children around
Cheltenham, with the organisation donating around 1500 boxes in total over the five years. The recipients of the boxes include charities such as Maggie’s Cheltenham, Young Gloucestershire, Rowanfield Children Centre, among numerous others.
David also has a crew of helpers that regularly donate, volunteer and get involved in the Christmas spirit. A foundational part of the organisation, Marisa Regan has volunteered alongside David every step of the way,
establishing relationships with the charities and playing an essential role every year. Other organisations or members that supported the appeal in 2024 include Councillor Flo Clucas, Gloucestershire Live’s Jon Palmer, A.F Blakemore & Sons Ltd, among many others whom David thanks personally via his Facebook profile. Cheltenham Round Table have already announced their support this year, pledging to donate 170 selection boxes.
Cheltenham Borough Council also supported the appeal last year and pledge to donate again for the upcoming Christmas season. David was absolutely thrilled to see the support the appeal received last year, stating that: “It was amazing to see so many people showing they care about the children in Cheltenham.”
David also recently received the Cheltenham Medal of Honour for his great
contributions in the field of voluntary work, awarded to him by the then Mayor of Cheltenham, Paul Baker. Regardless of the recognition, David continues his pursuit to spread Christmas joy and help those struggling, saying: “SO many families will be finding it hard again this Christmas and for
some children, just to get a selection box shows them people care. And to me that is what Cheltenham is about.”
David’s appeal represents the true spirit of Christmas. A small act of kindness could mean the world this holiday season and every child deserves their magical Christmas.
Recipes Steph Williams
Follow Steph’s blogThis Plate Is Pretty stephnicw.wixsite.com /thisplateispretty
Gardening
By Mark Hopkins
BONFIRE night is our signal to prep the garden for winter.
As the fireworks light up the skies, we know the days are shorter and colder, so this is the time to plan. All is not lost from a colour perspective as we can make up some lovely colourful pots and containers with winter hardy plants, and don’t forget to fill your bird feeders they need all the help they can get in winter.
Let’s look at the November checklist for the garden.
1. Clear leaves with a rake and compost them.
2. Plant shrubs, evergreens and conifers early in the month while the soil has warmth and remember new plants may still need watering even in winter. November is a great month for hedges with lots to choose from.
Prawn Ceviche
Ceviche is a no-heat method of “cooking” Seafood with Citrus. It can be made with many types of seafood like Prawns, Scallops, Clams or Octopus. It is then balanced with Citrus and a hint of heat. Making this allows you to really get creative with colour. There are so many variations of a Ceviche as the choices for fillings are vast. This dish is light and very fresh-looking and tasting. The best part... No cooking and it is ready in just 10 minutes (excluding marinade time), containing only 6.5g of net carbs.
Ingredients
Serves 1
• 100g King Prawns
• Juice of 1 Lime
• 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon diced Onion (Any type)
• 1 sliced Radish
• 1 tablespoon diced Mango
• 1/2 diced Tomato
• 1 tablespoon diced Cucumber
Instructions
l Marinade the Prawns in the Lime Juice for at least 30 minutes.
l Dice and slice your veggies as above and add all of the ingredients to the Prawn and Lime and mix together.
l Serve in a fancy glass or in a Lettuce cup.
Recipe notes
The type of Onion used in this recipe is Spring Onion, mainly as it is less harsh in flavour compared to say a Red Onion.
Gardening jobs in November
3. Protect tender plants from frost with garden fleece and covers. If in pots you can consider moving to a more sheltered area of the garden.
4. Fill the bird tables and feeders, our little friends need all the help they can get in winter so keep them filled.
5. Aerate and feed the lawns, get this done before the first heavy frost, rake up the leaves, aerate, treat moss and weeds then feed with a good winter lawn feed. Please be sure to use a winter feed as a spring feed may harm your lawn; and finally make sure
to adjust your mower to a higher setting.
6. Plant spring flowering bulbs such as tulips and Daffs. There’s still time to get your tulips and daff bulbs in and remember to lift Dalia and Begonia tubas and store in a dry place for next year. Lift and divide perennials to avoid overcrowding and improve growth.
7. Plant garlic and onions. For best results wait for a cold day then plant, the cold will help develop clusters that grow into bulbs next spring.
8. House plants can help fill the winter colour gap so maybe look to fill your inside space with minimal fuss flowering bulbs.
9. The greenhouse will need a thorough clean and disinfect to kill pests, look to replace any broken glass and maybe fit a solar light or two.
‘Exceptional’ Red Lion at Wainlodes Food Review
I BET you thought The Red Lion at Wainlodes was closed?
Well, you’d be wrong - it’s very much open for business and looking to welcome people to enjoy this most original of British country pubs.
Jamie and his team took over The Red Lion in May this year, bringing a refreshing old school experience back to this traditional public house. In Jamie’s own words he wanted to preserve the history of The Red Lion with a commitment to the pubs past and tradition.
The Red Lion situated at the bottom of Wainlode Hill is an all year-round establishment where
By Mark Hopkins
families can enjoy sunny days by the river, cosy nooks for courting couples or a fun day/night with friends. A warm, comforting sense of belonging will take you away from your daily grind.
It is a go-to eating and drinking destination with riverside views over the Severn and a backdrop of the Malvern Hills. The menu is refreshingly traditional with offerings like Beef Stew and dumplings, Pork Belly with cider jus, Beetroot Wellington, Sea-bass on a bed of spinach drizzled in a white wine and citrus sauce,
along with many of the usual suspects such as fish and chips, gammon or stunning smokehouse burgers.
There’s a specials board with offerings like homemade faggots, some very inviting desserts, a kids menu and lots of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The selection of drinks is extensive with different styles of lager and cider, there’s draft Murphy’s and a couple of ales to choose from, a nice mix of wine and spirits and freshly brewed coffee and tea.
We visited on a Tuesday evening. The drive along Wainload Lane through Bishops Norton opens up to stunning views down
PUBLIC NOTICE Licensing Act 2003
I Mr Tristan Jones applied on 27th October 2025 for a premises licence at Burley Fields Lake for Sale of Alcohol, on Monday-Saturday, 8:00am – 23:00, Sunday, 8:00am-22:00.
Full details are included in the application held at Tewkesbury Borough Council. The application has been made to: Tewkesbury Borough Council, Licensing Team, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 5TT Email: licensing@tewkesbury.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@Tewkesbury.gov.uk no later than Tuesday 25th November 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.
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
The
Lion sat on the riverside at the bottom. The pub’s outside space and abundant car parking sits alongside the huge riverbank. The building itself will entice you in through the central door of this tenement style mid 1700s construction.
Once inside it’s like a time warp featuring inglenook fireplaces with wood burners, English bond brickwork, church pew style seating, wooden floors and a long old-school bar. Photos depicting the inn’s history are displayed on the walls, allowing you to glimpse of a time long gone time when landladies would welcome you with a smile and a “good evening” and the
would call time with a tongue-in-cheek “straight home mind” as you leave.
I ordered the beef stew and dumplings.while Rachael had the gammon; both were delivered promptly by a delightfully pleasant young man and woman. My beef stew was exceptional with a light and airy dumpling on top, fresh crisp vegetables and a lovely smooth mash. Rachael’s gammon, egg and chips were a marriage made in heaven, the cured panfried gammon was thick and juicy with a runny yolk hen’s egg sat on top and the home cooked chips with garden peas deliciously completed this staple of British food. For dessert, my bramble
apple pie with ice cream was as good as granny used to make and Rachael’s biscoff cheesecake was light with a crisp base.
The Red Lion is more than a quintessential British country pub, it’s a time capsule where you can feel the history and tradition of a good old-fashioned welcome by a young vibrant team who understand the essence of the pub’s past. I particularly like the fact the chef will wander amongst you with a hello and a smile while you enjoy his menu. So go and visit Jamie and his team at the Red Lion at Wainload Hill, take the family, eat, chat and enjoy, you’ll be glad you did I promise.
PUBLIC NOTICE
GLOUCESTERDSHIRE SEPTIC TANKS LTD of 1 CHAFFINCH COURT, STONEHOUSE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL10 2HU is applying to change an existing licence to keep an extra goods vehicle at the operating centre at Tuffley Park Industrial Estate, Lower Tuffley Lane, Gloucester, GL2 5DE.
Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected may make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF stating their reasons within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given above. A guide to making representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.
Cheltenham
Wainload Hill with
Red
landlord
Money talks Fanny Snaith
Leaving money on the table — or just picking it up from us?
HAVE you ever felt like you’re constantly being caught out - by a parking fine, a sneaky subscription, or a charge that wasn’t there last year?
It’s not just you. It’s the system getting smarter at squeezing revenue from the rest of us - one “minor offence” at a time. The phrase “leaving money on the table” used to belong to the world of business - a warning to seize every opportunity. But now it’s being quietly borrowed by local authorities and government departments as a way to plug their evershrinking budgets. The only problem? We’re the opportunity.
According to the latest Home Office data, 2023 saw a record 2.7 million motoring offences in England and Wales (excluding London) - the highest since records began in 2011. More than 86% of them were for speeding. And here’s the jawdropper: fines for using a mobile phone while driving rose by a third in just one year.
spreadsheet to work out the add-ons: seat selection, cabin bags, speedy boarding, snacks, water, even the privilege of sitting next to the person you booked with. Parking?
Yes, part of that’s down to new technologycameras are sharper, AI systems can spot a driver texting from metres away, and there’s no such thing as a “quiet” road anymore. But it’s also because fines have become a dependable source of income. As the AA’s Jack Cousens put it: “Drivers need to know that bad behaviour will be caught either in person or on camera.” Cameras, of course, don’t need lunch breaks or pensions. They just print money - literally. Have you noticed how speed limits seem to change more often than the British weather? One minute it’s the national speed limit, then suddenly 50, then 40, then back to 50 again - all within half a mile. Keeping track feels less like safe driving and more like an endurance test for your concentration. And it leaves a perfect hole for a speeding ticket to slip through. One small lapse in
attention and boomanother £100 gone, plus three points for good measure. It’s not that we’re reckless.
It’s that the landscape has become a minefield. The rules may be there for safety, but they also happen to fill the coffers nicely. And now we’ve entered the age of the AI camera. No longer content with catching red light jumpers or speeders, these clever devices can spot drivers scrolling through their phones, eating sandwiches, or even failing to wear seatbelts. Mounted high on trailers, they peer straight through windscreens like mechanical hawks - and they don’t blink. In one summer trial on the A30, they caught 117 people using their phones in just 72 hours. Seventy-two hours!
That’s more than one every forty minutes. On paper, it’s about safety. In practice, it’s starting to look like a business model.
Every click of the shutter, every fixed penalty notice, every retraining course fee - it all adds up. Technology that could be used to improve awareness is instead becoming a cash cow, quietly turning human error into local revenue.
The machines may not judge, but the fines they generate certainly do.
It’s not just on the roads. Have you noticed how everything that used to be included now costs extra?
Flying used to be simpleyou bought a ticket, checked in a bag, and off you went. Now, you need a
Once £1 an hour. Now £1 an hour plus a service fee, an app download, and a text confirmation that costs you another 20p. Bin collections, garden waste, visitor permits - all “optional extras.” Councils call it revenue recovery. The rest of us call it being fined for living.
What’s really happening here is a slow creep. A small penalty here, a service charge there, a £60 fine for overstaying by four minutes in a car park you thought was free after 6 p.m. And each time it happens, it chips away at our trust - and our sense of control. You start to wonder whether it’s all about safety, fairness, or just another way to balance the books without raising taxes.
You and I can’t stop the councils installing more cameras or the airlines charging for a glass of water. But we can stop being such easy targets. Slow down. Read the signs. Challenge unfair fines when you’re in the rightcouncils do back down if you’ve got evidence. And while you’re at it, check your own accounts. How many subscriptions, “convenience fees”, or automatic renewals are quietly nibbling away at your money each month? Because “leaving money on the table” isn’t just what councils do - it’s what we all do when we don’t pay attention.
The system’s not designed to save us - it’s designed to sustain itself. That means the responsibility, unfair as it feels, falls on us to stay awake at the wheelliterally and financially. So, keep your eyes on the road, your phone in your pocket, and your money where it belongs - in your own account, not someone else’s revenue report.
Fanny Snaith offers money coaching
financial therapy.
Lasting Power of Attorney: A Personal Perspective Legal
LET’S talk about something important that often gets avoided: the realities of illness, disability, and death. I know these discussions can be uncomfortable but addressing them is crucial as we navigate life. You might think that a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is only for older individuals, but it’s a vital document for everyoneregardless of age or relationship status.
What is Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to manage your affairs if you’re unable to do so. This applies whether you’re single, widowed, divorced, or married.
Managing Your Future
As an adult, you have the right to manage your own affairs. However, unexpected circumstances like illness or accidents can change that in an instant. Planning ahead is essential to ensure your wishes are respected and to relieve your loved ones from making difficult decisions during tough times. If this resonates with
you, I encourage you to seek legal advice. A solicitor can help you set up your affairs and express your wisheswhether that means creating a will or appointing someone to handle your financial and health decisions.
Having an LPA can significantly ease the burden on your loved ones. Many people only realize its importance when faced with challenges, such as incapacitation, where family members may need guidance. While options like contacting the Court of Protection exist, they can be costly and timeconsuming. By planning now, you provide clarity and support for your family when they need it most.
Why It's Important for Married Couples
If you're married, having an LPA is even more crucial. Many people assume their spouse automatically has the authority to make decisions on their behalf, but that’s not always the case. Without an LPA, your spouse may face
legal hurdles when trying to manage finances or make healthcare decisions in an emergency. Ensuring this document is in place means your spouse can act on your behalf when it matters most.
When Would You Need It?
You need an LPA if you cannot manage your affairs due to health reasons. It’s important to know that Lasting Powers have replaced Enduring Powers of Attorney, but the latter remains valid if created before October 1, 2007. Setting up an LPA requires understanding what it involves. A certificate provider must confirm that you’re making this decision voluntarily and understand its implications. Your attorney must be at least 18 and not bankrupt, and you can appoint more than one attorney, so seeking advice can really help.
Types of Lasting Power of Attorney
1. Health and Welfare: This allows your attorney to make medical and welfare decisions for you when you cannot.
2. Property and Financial Affairs: This grants your attorney authority to handle your financial matters, like managing your bank account and paying bills. This type can be used even if you still have capacity, unless specified otherwise.
Common Misconceptions About Power of Attorney
1. Only for the Elderly: Many thinks LPA is only for older individuals. Anyone can benefit, as accidents or illnesses can happen at any age.
2. Automatic Control: Some believe that having an LPA means the appointed person can immediately make decisions. However, an LPA only becomes effective when you are incapacitated.
3. One Size Fits All: Not all LPA documents are the same. Different types serve specific purposes and should be tailored to your needs.
4. Ends Upon Death: An LPA is no longer valid after your death; the will then takes effect.
5. Spouse Automatically Has Authority: Many assume their spouse can make decisions
without an LPA. Without one, they may face legal challenges when trying to act on your behalf.
6. Unlimited Use: Some think an agent can do anything for you. The scope of authority is defined by the LPA document, and the agent must act in your best interest.
7. Difficult to Change: People often believe that once an LPA is established, it can’t be changed. However, if you are mentally competent, you can modify or revoke it at any time.
8. Only for Financial Matters: While often associated with finances, an LPA also includes healthcare and personal welfare decisions.
9. Losing Control: Some worry that appointing an attorney-in-fact means losing decision-making rights. In fact, an LPA allows someone to step in only, when necessary, while you retain control if you are able.
Consulting a legal professional is the best way to ensure your Lasting Power of Attorney is set up correctly and in your best interest. If you’d like a noobligation consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Legal Team.
Taking these steps prepares you for the future and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Planning ahead isn’t just a responsible decision; it’s a valuable gift you give to yourself and your family. By addressing these important matters now, you empower your loved ones to support you in times of need, ensuring your wishes are honoured and your future is secure. It’s never too early to start thinking about your future and the well-being of those you care about.
For more information, consult a legal professional on 0333 335 5875
Animal Shelter Keeping pets calm and safe during fireworks season
By Erica Landon
AS Bonfire Night approaches, the familiar whistles and bangs have already been heard near Cheltenham Animal Shelter, reminding us that firework season is just around the corner.
This time of year can be stressful for our four-legged friends, but with the right approach, you can help your pets feel calm, safe, and secure. At the Shelter, we’ve already begun our preparations and we’re sharing our tried-and-tested tips so you can do the same at home.
One product we recommend is Pet Remedy, a natural destress and calming solution that is suitable for dogs, cats, and small animals. It works by using a clinically proven blend of essential oils that mimic calming signals in the brain, helping to reduce anxiety without sedating your pet. We begin using Pet Remedy early so the animals associate the scent with positive, calm experiences.
That way, when firework night arrives, the scent acts as a soothing reminder of safety.
You’ll find Pet Remedy products including plug-ins and sprays available at our charity shops and pet shop at the Shelter’s reception. Our team is always happy to discuss how it works and how to use it effectively.
At the Shelter, we create a safe, peaceful environment for our animals. Each one is settled into the quieter back sections of their pens during fireworks, with calming music playing to help drown outside noises. Plug-ins and sprays are used throughout the kennels and pens, and animals
are given enrichment activities to keep them occupied like frozen Kongs for the dogs, and puzzle feeders or snuffle mats for our cats and small animals.
At home, creating a safe space away from windows and noise is essential. Dimming the lights, closing curtains, and playing gentle music can make a big difference. Offering enrichment activities like a chew toy or food puzzle can also provide a welcome distraction and help lower stress.
Tips for Dogs:
• Walk your dog earlier in the day, before fireworks begin.
• Ensure your dog wears a collar with a tag and use a lead on evening walks.
• Allow time for your dog to toilet before dark, as they may be too nervous to go out later.
• Create a designated safe area with familiar bedding or a crate.
• Use enrichment toys to keep them busy during loud periods.
• Contrary to popular belief, it's okay to comfort your dogcalm reassurance can help them feel safe.
Tips for Cats:
• Keep cats indoors during fireworks.
• Provide hiding places, such as under furniture or in a covered bed.
• Ensure your cat is microchipped, in case they escape.
Tips for Small Animals:
• Partially cover outdoor cages with blankets to block out sound and flashes.
• Offer extra bedding for burrowing.
• Bring them indoors if possible (do so gradually over time).
You can find more information and advice on our website at: www.gawa.org.uk/tipsadvice/preparing-pets-for-fire works
Firework season can be daunting, but with a little
preparation, you can help your pet feel safe and secure. And remember, if your pet suffers from severe anxiety or a phobia, speaking to a qualified behaviourist or a veterinary professional is always a wise step.
Fantastic Frankfurt Christmas Market
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!
Quiz with prizes of meals for two and other fantastic prizes.
Deadline for booking and payment: Birmingham: 2nd December 2025 Information
Pick up points in Cheltenham, Departing 9am and returning from destination at 5pm.
Escorted by John Batchlor from Cotswolds Travel
TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER Puzzles
1. The German Ocean and the Frisian Sea were early names for what?
2. In June 2025, which Italian volcano erupted, propelling a dense column of ash and smoke several kilometres high?
3. A Blenheim orange is which type of fruit?
4. Which European porcelain factory used two blue crossed swords as its trademark?
5. Which famous racecourse is situated in the Bois de Boulogne near Paris?
6. Which 2025 film, starring Al Pacino, deals with the subject of exorcism?
7. The rock opera Tommy was written by which guitarist from The Who?
8. Losing My Virginity is the title of the 1998 autobiography of which business mogul?
9. The concept of logarithms was invented by which 17th century Scottish mathematician?
10. Who was the first monarch of the house of Tudor?
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. It is bound to be a shopping list (9)
6. Complain endlessly about an old bird (3)
8. Sections of the tree scheduled for complete removal (4-3-6)
9. Part of leaf pales out of recognition (5)
10. One who chooses to be at cross purposes? (7)
11. About to quote or read aloud (6)
13. Costly attack? (6)
16. Retrial ordered to establish what 1 Down went before (7)
18. Somewhat more lethargically offered for rent again (5)
20. In disordered haste at the funfair (6-7)
22. The point where one is punctual (3)
23. Passes on a tradition with ease (5,4)
QUICK CROSSWORD
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
1. Motor causes endless trouble (3)
2. Soldiers coming from Oporto head off (5)
3. Tract of grassland left uncultivated (7)
4. Mechanical device tagged differently (6)
5. Ghostly eastern lake (5)
6. Lizard egg found in the heath (7)
7. Strongly opposed to having mixed other bran (9)
9. Withdrew, although had only a minor injury (9)
12. Fellow allowed a string of beads (7)
14. Exploit mechanism for directing horsepower? (7)
15. Where one has to go, given time (6)
17. Sucker for an old physician (5)
19. Many to follow the game (5)
21. Manage to go quickly (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).
– 1 Mass; 2 Nine; 3 Shave; 4 Atlas; 5 Bind; 6 Governor; 7 Undaunted; 8 Gibraltar; 11 Basso; 12 Abate; 13 Theme;
sice; sipe; sitcom; site; smit; smite; smote; some; somite; soot; spec; spice; spit; spite; spot; stem; step; stipe; stoic; stomp; stoop; stop; stope; topos.
EQUALISER: CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Magnesia; 5 Bung; 7 Unfailing; 9 Sane; 10 Dive; 11 Beast; 14 Plaza; 15 Heron; 16 Slate; 17 Tunes; 18 Molar; 19 Obese; 22 Ever; 24 Task; 26 Decorator; 27 Cord; 28 Denounce.
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
row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
l
l
l
Kings Corner
Cheltenham’s Kings Boxing Club shines at National Championships
IT was another proud weekend for Kings Boxing Club in Cheltenham as one of its talented young fighters, Maxwell Koncher, continued to make his mark on the national stage under the guidance of head coach Sean Martin.
Koncher travelled to Kettering to compete in the England Boxing National Championships, where he produced a series of outstanding performances.
On Saturday, he boxed superbly in his semi-final, defeating the London and Schoolboys Champion by unanimous decision - a result that highlighted both his skill and composure against toplevel opposition. In Sunday’s final, he faced the Midlands Champion in what proved to be a thrilling contest. Despite a very close decision loss, Maxwell’s display drew praise from coaches, spectators, and officials alike for his determination and technical ability.
Head coach Sean Martin was full of admiration for his young boxer’s effort, saying: “Max put on two brilliant performances over the weekend.
Beating the London champion was a fantastic achievement, and he
pushed the Midlands champion all the way in the final. The whole club is incredibly proud of what he’s accomplishedit’s a sign of just how hard he’s worked.”
There was also a special mention for teammate Alfie Roby, who competed the previous weekend in Bodmin, reaching the quarter-finals of the national tournament. Alfie’s impressive run followed his success in the Western Counties Championships, where he claimed the title in the earlier rounds.
“Alfie’s had a run,” added Martin. “Winning the Western Counties title and then reaching the national quarter-finals is a huge achievement. Both he and Max have represented Kings Boxing Club - and Cheltenham - with pride.”
Based in Cheltenham, Kings Boxing Club has become a cornerstone of the local sporting community, providing opportunities for young athletes to develop their fitness, confidence, and competitive edge. Under Martin’s experienced coaching, the club continues to produce talented boxers who are now making their presence felt on the national scene.
Smiths RFC Under 15s beat battling Bredon in Prince of Wales thriller
AFTER last-minute kicks previously settled a loss vs Ross on Wye and then another to beat Royal Wootton Bassett in preseason fixtures, Smiths Rugby U15s left it late again to make it 2 wins from 2 in the league vs visitors Bredon Star RFC.
The 19-15 final score reveals nothing about the frenetic last 5 minutes that saw the lead change hands three times.
Conditions were a good test for the skills and attitude of the players a a steady wind drove light rain straight down the pitch for most of the game. With a large central area of the pitch described as 'heavy going' as well, the game was always likely to have plenty of attritional phases.
Bredon started with the wind at their backs and an up and under into Smiths 22 led to Bredon regathering and breaking through a scrambling defence to take the lead on 12 minutes and lead 0-7.
For the rest of the half Smiths worked hard to make progress up the pitch and made light of the conditions to try and impose their wide game play. Loose passes and not resourcing rucks meant the home side didn’t make the most of the opportunities they had.
Instead of getting on the scoreboard in the first half, it was a huge defensive effort that contributed towards the result. Smiths’ pack dealt with everything Bredon threw at them as they soaked up tackles, disrupted rucks and dismantled mauls to trail 0-7 at half time.
After a similar pattern to the 3rd quarter, scores came thick and fast in the last 15 minutes. Firstly Bredon took advantage of a couple of missed tackles wide on the left to take their lead to 0-12.
Smiths then came to life and applied real pressure with Bredon struggling to exit their 22 against the wind. Forward phases including strong carries by the tight 5 pushed on to Bredon's line and they finally broke when Number 8 Dylan Fox dived over from close range. Centre Ed Skelding added the extras for 7-12.
The next score came through Smiths backs with Wing Addison Betteridge touching down and Skelding again added 2 points for Smiths to take the lead for the first time 14-12 with less than 5 minutes to go.
A lapse in concentration saw
Bredon take a quick restart to catch Smiths on the hop and regain possession. It was the visitors turn to work their phase play and were awarded a central penalty kick just outside the Smiths 22. With a 14-15 lead and time running out, Smiths would have one last chance to claim the win.
A long kick and good chase ended with a goal line drop out and once back in possession of the ball a couple more strong forward carries dented the Bredon defence leaving some space on the left of the pitch.
Smiths have been working hard to add some guile to their play and coach Sam Cook was pleased to see the training pay off: “It was great to see us keep our heads right at the end of the game and use the ball instead of just crashing it up.
Our Player of the Match was Monty Faulkner and he
showed confidence and skill in that moment to keep the ball moving with a pass out the back of the forwards pod.” James Pickering was the beneficiary of the play but as he took the ball at pace he still had metres to cover before shrugging off a tackle to slide in out wide and seal a gutsy 19-15 win.
Smiths 1st XV had a more stress-free league win away at Old Richians. Tries from Tony Moore, Ben Hawker x2, Jack Davies x2, Charles Peters, Dan Jarvis x2 and a try and 7 kicks from Oliver Aherne helped Smiths lead from start to finish. They move up to 3rd in the league in a very competitive top 5.
Next week Smiths 1st XV are away at Cheltenham North in round 2 of the Community Cup.
Cherry & Whites continue unwanted losing streak following defeat to Exeter Chiefs
GLOUCESTER Rugby are now six games without a win after they fell to a lacklustre 3912 defeat by Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park. Tries from Will Joseph and Freddie Thomas were not enough to ease pressure on Head Coach George Skivington, with the Cherry and Whites now sitting ninth in the Prem Rugby table. Chiefs, buoyed after their 38-0 thrashing of Harlequins the week before, put the away side under huge amounts of pressure from the beginning, new signing Joseph Dweba on the end of a powerful rolling maul
By George Davis
to score within five minutes. We didn’t have to wait long for arguably the score of the game, set up wonderfully by Jack Cotgreave.
A loose ball was gathered up by the 19-year-old, who showed great speed to shake off one defender before stepping another and running half the length of the pitch. His pass inside then found Tomos Williams who basketball styled a pass over a Chiefs player to Joseph to race away and score.
Rob Baxter’s team threatened shortly after, their signature power game coming to the floor and they spent most of the first half knocking on the Cherry and Whites’ door. And soon the door was opened, not by power, but a smart line from Henry Slade who unlocked the Gloucester defence from five metres out.
A well worked first phase move off a scrum gave Chiefs their second of the game, England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso skittling Gloucester defenders as he clattered his way towards the
tryline to score. The Harlem Globetrotters of Gloucestershire then decided to make a rare appearance this season as some wonderful offloading meant there was space on the opposite wing for Cotgreave to get within metres of the line. Williams only then had to look up and find a rampaging Thomas who forced his way over. A double penalty from Slade gave the home side a 15-point lead at the break before a second 40 that got further away from the visitors. Skivington’s side came out the blocks firing however but were
unable to get any of their shots to stick, spending a decent amount of time in Exeter’s 22 but inaccuracies killed any momentum.
Thomas came to the rescue after some ill discipline in the middle of the park meant chiefs could kick to the corner. The second row leaped up in front of the home side's lineout jumper to take the scoring opportunity away from them.
However the next score was inevitable for the chiefs, Slade showing its not only place kicking he can do, but he’s also a deft grubber in behind as
well.
The centre caught a crossfield kick and immediately put boot to ball before going shoulder to shoulder with George Barton to then dot down. Chiefs then went on to finish how they started, a hooker on the end of a rolling maul with Jack Yeandle on the end of it this time.
Gloucester’s last win came on September 12th against Exeter in the Prem Cup but after a disappointing and also injuryhit first block of the season they will be hoping their form can U-turn when the Prem returns.
Mitres make history despite penalty heartbreak
By Ben Ware
A MUCH changed Bishops Cleeve side made the trip to Surrey on Saturday as they faced Southern League Premier Division side Farnham Town on both teams’ first ever game in the first round proper of the FA Trophy.
Paul Collicutt was without strikers Ross Langwrothy and Jack Watts with centre back Jake Lee stepping up and rolling back the years with the former Cheltenham Town man originally joining the Mitres on loan as a striker back in 2010.
Goalkeeper Lewis Clayton was also absent, with Sam Gilder returning for his first competitive game since 2021. Gilder was named man of the match after an outstanding performance during the 90 minutes and two saves in the shootout.
Cleeve would have the opening chance of the game, dominating the early stages, with Josh Nelmes beating his man on the left wing and putting in a low cross to Harry Leeson, his outstretched boot was mere centimetres away from an historic opening goal.
Despite this early pressure, it would be the home side that took the lead. Ogo Obi was played through by Bobby-Joe Taylor and kept his composure to slot home the first goal of the
game past the onrushing Gilder with 14 minutes gone. The lead would last just 15 minutes as Lee was played in on goal by Toby Holland, rounding the keeper and being brought down by a glove around the ankle.
The home side made their disagreement with the decision very clear as Holland stepped up to take the spot kick, the midfielder unfazed as he fired home the equaliser as we hit the half-hour mark.
Farnham’s lead didn’t last long, but Cleeve’s time on level pegging was even shorter.
Owen Dean made his way into Cleeve’s box from the right wing, laying the ball off to Mat MacKenzie, who managed to
just about squeeze it in under Gilder in the 35th minute. There were penalty shouts for the home side two minutes into added time but they were waved away, and we entered the break at 2-1.
The second half saw the hosts take control of the game for the first time that afternoon though the Mitres would come closest to finding the net again, Holland’s corner on target and carried over the line by Michael Eagott, but the referee had adjudged Nelmes to have played a not quite legal role in achieving this.
Cleeve came close from a few corners which the home side struggled greatly to deal with while Farnham came close with pop shots from the edge of the box calling Gilder into action on
multiple occasions.
It would be Jay Malshanskyj who would have the next say in proceedings, charging down the left wing, breaking into the box, and holding off two defenders before prodding the ball under the keeper and in to equalise again with 13 minutes left to play. Holland came close to winning the tie with a late free kick but a superb save meant that it would go to penalties. Neither side could score their first penalty with Farnham having a one-goal lead after both had taken two. It was 1-1 after three as Lewis Spurrier found the net but Holland would miss the fifth while Farnham would convert leaving Taylor with the opportunity to win it for the home side, one which he duly took.
Comeback win over Shaftesbury for Cleeve
BISHOPS Cleeve came back from 2-0 down at half-time to beat Shaftesbury 3-2 thanks to Jay Malshanskyj's second-half double and Will Turner’s lastminute winner.
Tobias Holmes and Tom Hewitt struck for the Rockies in the first half, but Malshanskyj’s antics and Turner’s cracking header saw the home side take all three points.
Cleeve had the first chance of the game when Joe Jeremiah was able to beat his man down the right and crossed the ball into the box to an open Ross Langworthy, but the striker's header came off a Shaftesbury defender, and it went out for a corner.
The Rockies went in front not long after when Holmes went through on goal and beat
By Billy Taylor
Lewis Clayton with a finish into the bottom right corner for the lead.
Cleeve looked for an equaliser, and they came extremely close when Langworthy won a long ball and laid it off towards Jack Watts in the box, whose shot agonisingly hit the inside of the post and bounced back out.
The home side came close again moments later when Malshanskyj lobbed a cross to Langworthy, who misread his shot, but Watts had the header off the shot, which then went out in what would have been bizarre circumstances for an equaliser.
Cleeve won a free kick from
25 yards out, and Toby Holland stepped up to take it on with his set piece threatening Ben Taylor, who smacked it away back into play. Ben Mclean got on the end of a volley rebound from close range; however, he couldn’t keep it low, and it went over the bar.
A gift of a goal came for the Rockies when Steve Davies was caught out adjusting his shin pads when a ball was played across to Jack Lovell, who then got the ball to Hewlett, where he placed it under Clayton for the second of the day.
Half-time saw Cleeve come out looking to get themselves back into some sort of contention, and Malshanskyj was the man to pull the Mitres back into it with a straight-line
Ladies win two in a row Sport
IT’S back-to-back wins for Bishops Cleeve Ladies as they beat Dursley Town 3-0 in a dominant away performance.
The goals came courtesy of Belle Torrington, Lainey Butt and debutant Nia GearyAndrews, who rounded off a great first Mitres performance with a welldeserved third. It didn’t take long for Cleeve to get off the mark, with Torrington sending the ball home from a tight angle and making it 1-0 to the visitors. It was no doubt a great moment for the goalscorer, who’s now netted her first since returning from injury in September.
After an early setback, the hosts did well to ensure they were still in the game, with one shot being saved by Lexi Jones in the sixth minute and another flying well over the bar only a couple of moments later. Dursley then found themselves with a free kick in a good crossing position after a soft foul was awarded against Lauren Peck, who was then booked by the referee for kicking the ball away. Harsh, but rules are rules. Nothing came from the hosts’ set piece, but they were still very much in the tie.
Geary-Andrews then had her first bit of action in a green and white shirt, having an effort on goal from outside the area. It flew just wide, but the signs that she was going to be a great addition to Chris Gough’s side were very much there.
A quiet 10 minutes followed, before Lainey Butt capitalised on a goalkeeper mistake in the 29th minute to double the visitors’ lead. The Dursley shot stopper just couldn’t keep her hands on a low cross, and it fell for Butt in a lovely position to tap in.
Up the other end, the hosts nearly responded immediately, as a great individual run was unlucky not to result in a goal.
run, beating Taylor to put them back to one behind.
Cleeve were searching for the equaliser, and on the hour mark, Langworthy was through in the box when he got his shot off, but it blasted over the bar.
Lewis Spurrier had the ball in the back of the net in the 73rd minute, but the linesman called for an obvious offside. Malshanskyj finally got Cleeve their equaliser when a corner rebounded back out to Holland, who slid the ball to the attacker on the edge of the box, and he lifted it into the top corner with a fabulous strike.
Super sub Will Turner slotted a late winner home with a fabulous header from Toby Holland’s corner to keep Cleeve unbeaten in the league.
By Dan Brian
very close to the post and behind.
With 10 minutes left on the clock, Geary-Andrews got her well-deserved goal, rounding off a brilliant Mitres performance.
Coming off the back of a 10 local derby win against Cheltenham Saracens last weekend, this result means it’s back-to-back wins in Division One of the Gloucestershire County Women’s League for Bishops Cleeve Ladies.
That game’s only goal came courtesy of Leonie Gough, capitalising on poor goalkeeping to score her second of the season and put the visitors ahead.
The Mitres started on the strong foot, with Gough and Jess Stirling both getting shots underway in the opening five minutes. A corner in the sixth was met by Stirling, who, with her second effort of the game, headed into the goalkeeper’s hands.
A minute later, it was the hosts’ turn to attack, as a golden opportunity to take the lead couldn’t be directed on target and gave Lexi Jones of Bishops Cleeve her first goal kick of the game. Again, Saracens found themselves wasting a good chance, as a free-kick, brought about by a yellow card-worthy foul by Mitres captain Sophie Taylor, was hit disappointingly wide.
A couple of injuries, one of which to Lottie Winter saw her replaced by her sister, were the talking points in the remainder of the first half, and the sides went into the break goalless.
Jones was then forced into action again with another great stop, forcing a corner.
The hosts could do nothing with it, and that was all she wrote for the first half. 10 minutes into the second 45, Cleeve had a penalty shout, as substitute and this season’s top goal scorer so far with two Leonie Gough was brought down in the area.
The referee, however, waved it away.
The closest the Mitres came to another goal before GearyAndrews made it three was through Becca Harris, who was played down the right thanks to a brilliant long ball from Peck. Her cross was slightly too far in front of Leigh Mitchell for the forward to get a touch on it, and it ended up nearly finding the back of the net on its own anyway as it flew
It didn’t take much of the second 45, however, for the deadlock to be broken, as Stirling’s low ball into the box was met by the ‘keeper, who, maybe partly down to the horrible weather, spilled it into the path of Gough. Last season’s top goalscorer made no mistake in smashing the ball home, and Bishops Cleeve were ecstatic to take the lead in a league game for the first time this season.
Immediately after, they made three substitutes, with Winter coming back on alongside Lainey Butt and Lauren Peck, with the latter being replaced herself by Belle Torrington later on in the affair.
A wayward Saracens cross, again possibly affected by the rain, nearly caught Cleeve out in what was the closest attempt they had in the second half, but it flew just over. When the referee blew for full-time, the feeling was one of relief more than anything, as Bishops Cleeve had held on for a great 1-0 away win against their rivals.
— Cheltenham football league round-up with Rob Morrison
A 4–3 defeat at fellow Premier Division strugglers Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves was hardly ideal preparation for bottom club Charlton Rovers ahead of their clash with secondplaced Tewkesbury Town Reserves at the weekend.
Rovers had raced into a 20 lead against Service but let it slip as the hosts mounted a spirited comeback to win 4-3. Mark Jones’ top-corner strike proved decisive after Rovers’ Max Sucuoglu was sent off for two bookable offences.
Hoping for a better outcome against high-flying Tewkesbury, Rovers entered as clear underdogs. Town, with a game in hand on league leaders Whaddon United Reserves, knew victory in the weekend’s only league fixture would take them top - and they delivered. In another sevengoal thriller, Rovers once again fell 4-3, leaving them still without a point, while Town moved two clear at the summit.
For many of the teams chasing top spot, the league took a break as County Cup action filled the fixture list. Whaddon headed into their cup tie against Cam Bulldogs buoyed by a 1-0 win over Bishops Cleeve A. That victory, courtesy of an Inigo Walker goal, handed Cleeve their second defeat of the season. Whaddon were unable to add to their winning streak however as a dogged Cam claimed a 3-1 win.
Cleeve looked to bounce back as they travelled to Tetbury Town in the cup.
THE second spell of Steve Cotterill’s management goes from strength to strength as Cheltenham defeated top of the table Walsall with a lastminute own goal.
Cotterill’s sides are playing with renewed energy to a defined strategy and with the final piece of the jigsaw good sides need - luck.
The Robins rode theirs against an athletic welldrilled Walsall team.
Walsall pressed Cheltenham from the start and created the first real opening after 14 minutes when Aaron Pressley was clear but shot wide of the
Like Whaddon however, they were unable to keep the Cheltenham League flag flying in the competition. A 3-1 Tetbury victory leaves Cleeve looking elsewhere for silverware this season.
Another side aiming to recover from defeat were Montpellier, who slipped to third in the table following a 2–1 reverse against FC Wickhamford. They travelled to Randwick hoping to regain momentum. Unlike Whaddon and Cleeve they found a way to win, cruising to a 6-1 victory to progress to the next round. With just a single point from three games, Southside Star’s league campaign has yet to ignite. They faced Stroud League’s Old Richians in the cup on Saturday, hoping to put their poor league form behind them. A 4-2 reverse however marked another poor result for Cheltenham League teams.
Mickleton Rangers aimed to reclaim top spot in Division One on Saturday, following Cheltenham United’s 3-1 victory over Leckhampton Rovers which temporarily put United two points clear. While Rangers were progressing in the County Cup, United capitalised on their absence to take the initiative, albeit having played two more games.
This weekend saw a reversal of roles, with United heading to Sling for their County Cup fixture, while Rangers travelled to bottom club Tewkesbury Town III, looking to preserve their 100 percent league record and return to
the summit. Anything less than three points - and a healthy boost to their goal difference - would be a major upset.
Mickleton delivered as expected, romping to a 9-2 win to move into pole position while United maintained their excellent form, dispatching Sling 4-1.
After a disappointing start to their league campaign, FC Lakeside Reserves made it two wins in a row, moving up to six points. Their 4-3 win over Hanley Swan set them up nicely for the upcoming cup clash against Upton St Leonards. The winning run came to an end however, a 1-0 defeat ending their hopes of adding the County Cup to their trophy cabinet.
Shurdington Rovers, with 13 points from five matches, are emerging as Rangers’ most likely title challengers. A 3-1 County Cup win over Trident was ideal preparation for their league encounter with Cheltenham Tigers. The reverse fixture in September ended in a 3-3 draw which were Rovers’ only dropped points so far, so neither side will want to concede ground this time.
After four wins on the bounce, following their 3-3 draw, Rovers once again found Tigers to be a thorn in their side. Rovers looked to be set for all three points; trailing 1-0 at half time, they went into the last 10 minutes 2-1 ahead after Matt Hitchman’s 75-minute goal. However an 85-minute equaliser saw the teams share the spoils once again.
Prestbury Rovers secured a crucial 3-1 win over
with Pat Cox
target from inside the Robins’ box.
Cheltenham’s first opportunity saw the overlapping Arkell Jude-Boyd finish a good move with a weak shot which didn’t trouble Myles Roberts in the Walsall goal.
Five minutes later another Cheltenham attack saw a Luke Young attempt well blocked. With 10 minutes left until half time Joe Day kept the Robins level with 2 saves in a minute, both denying Rico Browne.
The half ended just after Jude-Boyd brought a regulation save from Roberts
fellow strugglers
Winchcombe Town Reserves last week, opening up a six-point gap and leaving Town with just a single point. Both sides faced away ties in the cup over the weekend. While Town didnt make it to kickoff, and opponents Frampton III were given a walk-over, Rovers were beaten 4-0.
Falcons Reserves were involved in the weekend’s most dramatic encounter, losing 7-6 to Rodborough and Cainscross Old Boys in a 13-goal thriller, while Welland Reserves enjoyed a well-earned break following a 2-1 win over Falcons the previous week.
Despite some promising results earlier in the season, Leckhampton Rovers have now suffered three consecutive defeats. Like many of their Division One peers, they were also on the road in the cup on Saturday, visiting Staunton & Corse Reserves. Neither side was able to find the net in the 90 minutes, but it was Staunton who held their nerve to progress via a penalty shoot-out.
A 4–1 victory over struggling Montpellier Reserves ensured Bredon Reserves maintained their position at the top of Division Two. On Saturday, they faced another bottomhalf side, Bishops Cleeve B, aiming to stay ahead in the title race. Despite Cleeve’s lowly league standing, their recent 3-0 County Cup win gave them a confidence boost heading into the fixture. Despite this, Bredon maintained their position at
the top of the table as they banked a 6-2 win.
While Bredon continue to set the pace, Tewkesbury Town Development lost ground after being held to a 1-1 draw by Leckhampton Rovers Reserves. It was only Rovers’ fifth point of the season and arguably their best result to date.
Tewkesbury looked to bounce back against midtable Bibury Reserves, who thrashed Whaddon United III 8-1 last week. On paper, it was a game Town were expected to win but that proved to be deceptive. A 53 Bibury win moved them to within three points of their hosts while denting Town’s promotion hopes. It’s been a tough start to life in the division for Charlton Rovers, who have failed to field a side in several matches. While league position would suggest Leckhampton would not be the toughest of opponents, their latest results suggests otherwise.
In the end, the game was postponed after Leckhampton were unable to raise a team.
Since their 3-2 defeat to Tewkesbury on 13 September, Newton have gone on a strong run, propelling them to third in the table. Their latest resulta 1-0 win over St John’scements their status as promotion contenders. They
had a week off on Saturday but will be hoping to continue their form when they return to action.
Cheltenham Saracens A have dropped five points in their last two league matches after winning their opening three. They hoped to return to winning ways on Saturday against newcomers Montpellier Reserves. On paper, it was an ideal fixture for Saracens to secure a vital three points. Sadly, after a serious injury for a Saracens player, the game was abandoned in the first half with Saracens leading 2-0.
With just nine points separating the top nine sides and at least 18 league games still to play, the title race remains wide open. While St John’s and Worcester Forge kicked off in eighth and fourth respectively, promotion - and perhaps even the title - are still within reach. All teams can do is keep collecting points. At full-time it was Forge who added to their points total. A 3-2 win moving them into third in the table.
The final game in the division saw Whaddon United III take on Tredworth Tigers III. Tigers held a four-point lead over their hosts at kick-off. It proved to be a close affair however with the teams sharing four goals to take a point-a-piece.
from distance.
Walsall had edged the first half against a combative Robins.
Walsall’s best period of the match was after half time when they attacked Cheltenham from the restart.
Ten minutes in, a good block by James Wilson stopped a goal-bound shot and 2 minutes later the miss of the match occurred when Courtney Clarke headed over the bar from 6 yards, a let off!!
Walsall were on top and Cheltenham needed Joe Day to save a well struck shot from Brandon Comley to maintain
parity.
A Town counterattack ended with Isaac Hutchinson shooting wide.
A minute later the next Walsall attack brought about Day’s best save when he managed to tip Clarke’s goalbound rocket over the bar. Cheltenham were working hard to deny Walsall but needed the width of the crossbar to keep them level when Day was beaten by Jid Okeke in the 78th minute but deserved to see the shot hit his bar, he had earned that slice of luck.
Having ridden the storm Cheltenham pushed forward
and a spectacular Jake Bickerstaff overhead attempt struck a defender when it was on target.
In added time Cheltenham gained all 3 points when Bickerstaff beat a defender, the ball fell to substitute Tommy Taylor whose shot hit a defender and rebounded off Walsall’s Aden Flint onto the post and after looping up over everyone span back into the goal to send the home fans wild.
Cheltenham’s work rate deserved a point but the luck running with them gained them 3 against a good Walsall team.
Cheltenham Town beat league leaders
Continued from back page
Manager Steve Cotterill said: “I couldn't see what happened, but I think it's gone down as an own goal. I actually fancied Tommy (Taylor) to score on the cutback. Jake Bickerstaff, that has epitomised him, in the games I've been here. Without him doing that, chasing like he chased and not giving up that lost cause, we keep talking about another touch in the box, and I thought he did brilliantly for the goal, absolutely brilliant.
I am so pleased for him because he's been a little bit of an unsung hero for us. He's been a bit like Gyökeres for Arsenal. He's done a load of running and had very little reward for it, in terms of goals. He's a fantastic lad, I really enjoy working with him and the fitter he gets, the longer he runs and the quicker he runs, things will drop for him. Without him doing that today, I don't think he could have done that two, three or four weeks ago, because he'd not played any football. Think about him being four games into a pre-season. He hasn't done badly, so huge thanks to him along with the rest of the players today. I just thanked them in there, every single one of them and my staff for their efforts today. It's been incredible.
“We've got it back onto a track, where everyone needed those
types of performances and results because it makes everything else better, doesn't it? It makes your Sundays and your Monday mornings a lot better. Everything in life is so much better when you are winning. It's not always going to be like this. There will be bumps in the road, for sure. The timing of this was a big one because teams will play this afternoon and they will play again before we play on the Monday (v Notts County), so it was a good three points for us.”
Cheltenham did control the game, it was a tactic that paid off against a team who ended up having to work very hard off the ball, all a part of Cotterill’s plan.
He continued: “It's funny, I was never quite 'I want to take a 0-0' because I knew the three points would have been important for us. I was never at that point, but when the ball crosses the halfway line and you are in 90-plus minutes, you always think then, maybe I will take a point. Even if it would have been a point against Walsall, it would have been a good point today. We played some really good, patient football today, which was key. I said to the boys, we had to play patiently today and work them side to side, which is why the two nines end up getting substituted for them because they worked their socks off.
And their eight in midfield, they get through an enormous amount of running. The fact they made their changes and the other midfield player came off early, through an injury, but we moved the ball really well.
“The more we have the ball, the less we are going to have to defend, especially when we are up against a bigger team. They are a bigger team, so there will be less corners, long throws etc. I thought the lads were really good today, patient. I said to them at half-time that we got done in the 95th minute the other week and the more you keep going, you'll get that back. You will get that goal back that we conceded late. You learn from trying not to concede one again, that's not to say it won't happen, but you can spin it the other way and the positive will be that if we keep playing, we'll score one late on. It didn't even take half a game of football for that to happen. That's not me being clever, it's just experience telling me that's what happens when you stay in the game.”
Cheltenham had a few standout performances, goalkeeper Joe Day made a few excellent saves and new midfield signing Ben Stevenson looked to control the game from the middle of pitch.
Cotterill was especially pleased with both of them, praising Stevenson who was given the
, Terrace talk with Will Alder
OVER 900 of us
Cheltenham Town fans embarked on the short trip over the bridge into Wales to witness the Robins face Newport County at Rodney Parade, with the new Steve Cotterill era now well under way. Last season, we witnessed one of our most convincing performances away from home in the same fixture and most of the travelling faithful were once again hoping for something similar against the Exiles, who have thus far been struggling at the wrong end of the table. A somewhat unlikely but extremely well taken brace from Luke Young, in his further forward role, secured Cheltenham’s first away win of the season as our remarkable transformation under Cotterill continued. We were once again solid defensively, generally kept the ball much better without lumping it forward and at times we played some really nice football through the lines. We thoroughly deserved the victory and the jubilant scenes at the end of the game were fantastic to be a part of.
man of the match award.
Cotterill said: “I just said to him (Stevenson) I wish I'd have been here and had him for preseason because I think the fitter he becomes, the better he'll become. There were a few corridors we could have got him in today and he could have received the ball and the difference is sometimes that extra couple of yards of sprinting to split their attack. Their attack and eights work really, really hard. You can see why they've had a load of clean sheets. They work really, really hard at that. But we need to work even harder to make sure we keep possession.
“Joe’s been brilliant too and he's a great guy. He has to do all his coaching as well. Myself and Mike (Garlick) spoke about it on Friday, and I've spoken to a couple of people on the board as well. It's difficult for him to coach and play.
Mamadou has a game on Tuesday in the FA Youth Cup, which is not ideal because we'd have preferred him to play in this, but I asked Tim (Bell) from the academy whether he was the difference between winning and losing and he said yes, so they will have him and we'll get around that. We do need to look at the goalkeeping situation, which is somewhat troublesome and we need to rectify that when we get the time.”
right wing before driving into the box, his cross wasn’t able to be finished, but a subsequent trademark lower league scramble ensued and the ball somehow ricocheted off former Bristol City man Aden Flint into the back of the net, to give the Robins an unlikely three points.
For all Bickerstaff’s endeavour, we are still definitely lacking that bit of quality up top, with Lee Angol now seemingly completely out of the picture, but as we all know it is difficult to bring in free agents at this time of year, especially strikers as they are the most sought after. By this time in the season, the camps put on by the PFA and others to keep players fit have finished, meaning that it may take some time for any players now brought in to get up to speed and the gaffer might be thinking to try and make it through to January before any further arrivals are brought in.
Next up to for the Robins was the visit of Walsall to Whaddon Road. The Saddlers came to Gloucestershire sitting at the top of the League 2 table after a strong start to the campaign, and were always going to pose a difficult test for us. We were not as fluid as we have been under the new gaffer in this one, but we were once again resolute defensively and a tough nut to crack for the visitors. Joe Day was excellent and the back four once again defended well for the majority as the game seemed to be heading for a 0-0 stalemate.
Jake Bickerstaff was brought in on loan from Wrexham by former gaffer Michael Flynn, but then not really given much of an opportunity to show what he can do. Due to necessity really with George Miller out injured long term, he has played more football under our new regime, and despite not really threatening the goal on too many occasions, he is working tirelessly at the top end of the pitch. It was this work rate that created the Cheltenham winner as the game drew to a close. Somehow, he managed to keep the ball in play on the
Since Cotts has taken over, we have picked up ten points from a possible twelve available, and kept three clean sheets in the process, meaning that we now sit 20th in the table.
Many of us were hopeful that the return of a Robins’ legend would bring with it positive change, but such a big difference really has been made in such a short space of time. For a start we are playing better football with a clear gameplan, the atmosphere around the ground has improved and the amount of positivity within the fanbase has also noticeably increased. Yes, we will likely have a few bumps along the road between now and the end of the season, but the new manager’s reign couldn’t have got off to a much better start really (aside from a last-minute Gillingham equaliser).
We now have a couple of weeks off from League 2 action, with a couple of cup games and a chance for our fringe players to get some game time, with our League campaign not restarting again until the visit of Notts County on 10th November.
We will all be hoping to see as many fist pumping celebrations that are becoming a trademark of a Steve Cotterill victory as we can over the coming weeks, as we continue to climb the League 2 table.
Cheltenham Post
minute own goal.
Robins topple league leaders
Cheltenham, who started the day 22nd in the table, dominated possession and controlled the tempo, meaning a lot of Walsall’s chances came on a quick counter attack or through unsustained pressure.
The away side had a lot more goal scoring
opportunities but couldn’t find the back of the net, and were disappointing overall, not applying pressure to Cheltenham’s defence at all when Cheltenham had the ball.
Steve Cotterill’s men defended brilliantly and
organised, the midfield worked hard, and Jake Bickerstaff, the only fit striker in the squad was still making runs in the 94th minute which eventually helped Cheltenham to their goal.
Cotterill was delighted after the game with how his side played.
Continued on page 27
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Cheltenham Post The
