ONLY A FEW PLACES LEFT: Book a day out to the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market for just £30 per person. Day also includes prize-winning games on the way.
Pro-Palestine protest as peace deal struck
STAFF at Ultra Precision Control Systems in Up Hatherley were told to stay home recently as around 200 protesters gathered outside the defence contractor, calling for an end to UK arms sales to Israel.
The protest took place just hours before a ceasefire deal was announced between Israel and Hamas, marking a turning point in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The demonstration, organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign
(PSC) and supported by local activist groups, formed part of a national day of action targeting defence-related sites across the UK. Protesters focused on Ultra PCS's Cheltenham site at Arle Court, claiming the company contributes parts used in Israeli F-35 fighter jets.
Running from 11am to 1pm, the protest remained peaceful. Activists waved Palestinian flags, beat drums, chanted slogans, and held placards demanding a UK-wide
arms embargo on Israel.
Speakers linked the firm’s operations to civilian casualties in Gaza, accusing the UK government of complicity in the conflict through its continued arms exports. “This company may look ordinary from the outside, but the components made here end up in fighter jets used to bomb Gaza,” said one campaigner. “People in Cheltenham deserve to know what’s happening on their doorstep.” Continued on page 3
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Funding to boost Gloucester’s cultural calendar launched AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire
LOCAL artists and community groups are invited to apply for grants of up to £12,000 to bring bold, inclusive and creative ideas to life.
Together Gloucester is offering support for brand new ideas as well as for growing existing events that will give a boost to the city’s arts and cultural calendar. Together Gloucester funding is available for events taking place between April 2026 and March 2027.
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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.
So far the fund has backed 42 projects including helping to bring a nationally acclaimed circus company to Matson, plus supporting a month-long contemporary art trail across the city centre.
The fund has also supported everything from cultural celebrations to hip hop workshops, Bollywood cinema screenings and summer skate park jams.
Applications are being invited for:
• Grants of £1,000 to test out new cultural ideas or grow existing activities or groups across Gloucester.
• Grants of £1,000 to £12,000 to create or develop significant events, projects or cultural programmes for residents and visitors.
Councillor Caroline Courtney, Cabinet member for Culture and Leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: “This is the third
year of the Together Gloucester partnership and we’ve been delighted with the huge increase in the number of applications and the variety of creative projects coming forward.
“Together Gloucester has created many interesting opportunities for people to take part in free arts and cultural events and support Gloucester’s growing arts sector.”
Together Gloucester is a
Appeal after driver collided with cow and failed to stop
POLICE are appealing for information after a car collided with a cow on Minchinhampton Common.
Police received a report at around 7.20pm on Wednesday 1st October that failed to stop. the driver had collided with the animal near Amberley and then driven off without stopping to check on its welfare.
The cow died at the scene from its injuries.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers must legally stop and report any collisions involving dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys and mules, whether they are killed or not.
Witnesses described the
vehicle involved in the collision as being purple or red in colour and enquiries are ongoing to trace the driver.
Investigating officers are now appealing for them to come forward to provide an account of what happened. They are also keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage which they believe to be relevant.
Information can be submitted via the following online form quoting incident 415 of 3 October: www.gloucestershire.police.u k/contact/af/contact-us/us/acrime-that-has-already-been-r eported/
transformative cultural programme in Gloucester, with funding from Arts Council England and Gloucester City Council.
Gloucester Culture Trust continues to fundraise and grow the Together Gloucester programme that has been developed by its partners: Active Gloucestershire, Gloucester BID, Gloucester City Council, Gloucester Community Building
Collective, Gloucester Culture Trust, Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, GUST, The Music Works, University of Gloucestershire and Young Gloucestershire. Applications are now open and close on Sunday, 9 November, at midnight.
A series of information sessions are taking place from 8 October – 4 November, visit gloucesterculture.org.uk/funding / for more information.
Reports of possible spikings by injection at Gloucester bar
POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a report of two possible spikings by injection at a bar in Gloucester last month.
It was reported that two women had been at Teague's Bar on Kingsholm Road on the evening of Friday 12 September and awoke the following morning with injuries and memory loss.
The women remember being at the bar but had no recollection of anything past 10pm. Both lost consciousness with one of them sustaining a broken rib and concussion.
The pair believe they may have been injected by an unknown person after noticing
discomfort and markings on the back of their arms.
One of the women has taken part in tests to determine if she was spiked and officers are currently awaiting the results. Investigating officers are trying to establish how the woman sustained their injuries and are asking anyone who was at the venue between 10pm on Friday 12 September and 1am on Saturday 13 September to come forward.
Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 423 of 15 September: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/t ua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/
Polish Heritage Day.
Photograph: Gloucester City Council
Palestine supporters protest outside Cheltenham business
Continued
from front page
Leaflets were handed out, and campaigners urged residents to scrutinise the arms industry’s presence in their town.
The protest came amid widespread calls for the UK government to halt weapons transfers to Israel, with demonstrators pointing to the rising humanitarian toll in Gaza. Karen Wills, a Cheltenham resident, said:
“I took time out of my work schedule to stand in solidarity with Palestine. People in Gaza are starving, hospitals are in ruins, and water is scarce. The UK has a moral duty to stop fuelling this war. Despite recent political gestures like recognising Palestinian statehood, arms are still being shipped. That is unacceptable.”
A short time after the protest ended, news emerged that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire deal, brokered by international mediators.
The agreement includes phased Israeli military withdrawals, a release of hostages and prisoners, and large-scale humanitarian aid into Gaza.
While many welcome the ceasefire as a vital step toward de-escalation, campaigners say the issues they raised
remain unresolved.
“This protest was never just about this one phase of the war,” said Claire, a local organiser. “A ceasefire is welcome, but the weapons and surveillance tech made here will still be used unless we change the system.
Palestinian rights and lives cannot wait for the next crisis.”
Ultra PCS responded with a brief statement: “Ultra PCS respects and supports the right to peaceful protest. The ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza is deeply saddening, and we hope a resolution can be found as soon as possible.
Ultra PCS is fully committed to complying with international and domestic law, including defence export controls. We remain in conversation with our partners across government and are
supportive of its guidance regarding international trade.”
No arrests were reported, and police maintained a lowkey presence throughout the demonstration.
The Cheltenham protest was part of a broader campaign by Workers for a Free Palestine, a coalition of healthcare professionals, educators, trade unionists, and community groups. Protests were also held at defence sites in Edinburgh, Leicester, and Brighton.
The event also took place against the backdrop of ongoing political debate in the UK. In recent weeks, government ministers have proposed expanding police powers to restrict protests, raising concerns among civil liberties groups about the future of dissent.
Cheltenham MP Max Wilkinson said: “News of a ceasefire deal in Gaza brings real hope. The UK and our allies must do all we can to get the hostages home, get aid in to starving people, and finally end this horrific violence. This must be the first step towards a two-state solution and a lasting peace. In the two years since the conflict began, there have been widespread protests in many places around the world. While violent and hateful protests must be opposed and subject to law enforcement, the right to protest is important to our democracy. I understand the protest in Cheltenham was peaceful in nature, without violence or incitement to hatred. I have read comments from one of the protestors, who suggested the responsibility to regulate the defence industry’s trading conditions lies with government, not individual workers in the sector. I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment.”
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign has since confirmed more demonstrations are planned across the UK in the coming weeks, with activists vowing to return to Gloucestershire.
“This is just the beginning,” said one protester. “The arms trade didn’t stop with this ceasefire - and neither will we.”
PROTESTERS: Karen Wills, left, was one of the hundreds of protesters who turned up to support Palestine.
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Illegal taxi driver prosecuted
CHELTENHAM Borough Council has successfully prosecuted a private hire driver for illegally plying for hire and driving without the required insurance and licence to do so.
On Monday, 29 September 2025, Mr Aneel Hussain, a licensed private hire driver with Tewkesbury Borough Council, pleaded guilty to plying for hire on 14 March 2025 during Cheltenham’s race week.
Mr Hussain was seen with lights not working by a Cheltenham Borough Council licensing officer and Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Taxi Compliance Officer, PC Quinton, working together during the Friday evening of Cheltenham race week. When pulled over it transpired that the vehicle was not pre-booked and that the passengers had agreed a fare on the roadside outside of the Queen’s Hotel. He was fined £230 for illegally plying for hire, £346 for driving without insurance
due to the illegal fare and a victim surcharge of £230. He also received 8 penalty points.
Costs of £1157.50 were also awarded to the council.
The prosecution was brought by Cheltenham Borough Council’s licensing team, with assistance from the council’s
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Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit and One Legal, a legal service shared by Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council, Stroud District Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council. Cheltenham Borough
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Council’s cabinet member for safety and communities, Councillor Victoria Atherstone, said: “Cheltenham Borough Council is committed to ensuring the safety and legality of taxi and private hire services in our community. This successful prosecution sends a very clear message that we will not tolerate illegal activity in our town and will take decisive action to protect Cheltenham residents and our visitors. We are also committed to working with our partner agencies to ensure that Cheltenham is a safe town to visit during festival season and all year round.
“I would like to thank our licensing team, the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit, and One Legal for their diligent work in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”
Anyone can report their concerns regarding unlicensed taxis or private hire vehicles by emailing licensing@cheltenham.gov.uk
Man sustains serious head injury after group assault close to High Street
A MAN has sustained a serious head injury after a group assaulted him in Cheltenham town centre in the early hours of Saturday 4th October.
It is believed that the incident happened between midnight and 12.35am in the vicinity of High Street, Cambray Place and Rodney Road.
A group of around six men approached two men and it has been reported that the group then assaulted the pair.
One man, aged 20, sustained injuries and was taken to Southmead hospital by paramedics. He sustained a head injury and remains in
a serious but stable condition.
The other man, aged 21, sustained bruising and swelling to his face and did not require hospital treatment.
Those in the group were described as being white and aged in their late teens to early 20s Enquiries are taking place and officers are now appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened to come forward.
You can provide information to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 23 of 4 October: www.gloucestershire. police.uk/tua/tell-usabout/cor/tell-us-abou t-existing-case-report/
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Conservative Party
Garnham - Cheltenham Chairman
THREE times I listened to Kemi Badenoch in Manchester last week and three times she exceeded my expectations. Of course I am biased, but I went with a sceptical mind in the hope that my Party had returned to its true Conservative values. Was I disappointed?
Absolutely not. Far from it.
People complained that others made the headlines whilst the Tories had nothing to say. O ye of little faith!
Kemi and her top team have spent time renewing and re-writing policies that have credibility and will rebuild trust with the public. The Conference showed a renewed sense of direction and belief in Conservative values that work for everyone who strives, builds, and contributes, providing a way out of the inevitable economic decline that Labour will leave us in. Labour continually backtrack and have failed in their first year. Reform shout from the rooftops but withdraw at the first sign of scrutiny. The Lib Dems? A recent headline told us that in the last five years their membership has dropped by 50%.
The Conservative Party is the only party not joining the rush to adopt Socialist policies in the pursuit of headlines and short-term victories. As they say of Reform: “right wing on immigration, left wing on the economy”. Conservative new policies? A Golden Rule of ensuring for every £1 saved in government spending, half goes to tackling the deficit.
Abolishing Stamp Duty
on primary residences. A £5,000 First Job Bonus for young people, and doubling the funding for apprenticeships.
Scrapping business rates for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure. Leaving the ECHR so that it’s Parliament not foreign courts deciding who comes to Britain. Banning asylum claims for illegal entries and deporting all foreign criminals.
You’ll hear more in due course, but I left Manchester with a spring in my step because my party is truly Conservative once again.
My positivity is in stark contrast to the Reform Councillors running Kent County Council who’ll have to raise taxes next year.
Voted in on Farage’s promise of making huge savings, we now hear one senior Reform Councillor there saying:
“Everyone thought we’d come in and there’d be these huge costs we could cut away, but they just aren’t there.”
Once again Reform are showing how, whilst they promised the world, their complete lack of understanding of public finances means that promise, like so many others, soon bit the dust.
In the dock!
The following cases have all been heard recently at Cheltenham Magistrates Court:
Peter Brown, 39, of Vittoria Walk, College North, Cheltenham, was made subject to a warrant for arrest without bail on a charge that on 17th January 2025 in Gloucester he was found to be in possession of 4.44 grams of crack cocaine.
Andrew Snee, 54, of Sadlers Court, Old Bath Road, Charlton Park, Cheltenham, admitted failing to complete his annual notification requirements for the sex offenders register within the required timeframe. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs.
Sonny Johnson, 41, of no fixed address, was made subject to a warrant for arrest without bail on charges of assaulting two police constables in Cheltenham and one in Gloucester on 10th September 2025.
Michael Nicholls, 46, of Stow Road, Alderton, Tewkesbury, denied driving a Renault Kangoo panel van through a red traffic light at London Road, Cheltenham, on 12 June 2024. He also denied a separate charge of failing to notify police as to who was driving the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence. The case was adjourned for trial at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 19th December 2025.
Kate Stuart, 39, of Haywards Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, denied driving a Kia Sportage in excess of the 30mph speed limit on Church Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, on 6th June 2024. She also denied a separate charge of failing to notify police as to who was driving the vehicle at the time of the alleged
offence. The case was adjourned for trial at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 5th December 2025.
Oliver Bayliss, 20, of Steam Mills Road, Cinderford, admitted two charges of assault, namely that he assaulted a police constable in Gloucester on 17th August 2025, and he also assaulted a named person at Cinderford on 28th August 2025. The case was adjourned until 18th November 2025 for presentence reports to be prepared.
Martin Buckley, 59, of Albion Street, Stratton, Cirencester, was charged with driving a Fiat 130 on the A417 at Ampney Circus, Cirencester, on 13th September 2025 having consumed so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath was 60 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the prescribed legal limit of 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath. He was remanded on unconditional bail until 20th November 2025 at Cheltenham Magistrates Court for a plea hearing and to produce a medical certificate.
Adam Matthew Courts, 35, of St Georges Road, Lansdown, Cheltenham, admitted repeatedly breaching a domestic violence protection order between 24th and 26th September 2025, by attending the home address of the protected person and being in the company of the protected person on multiple occasions. He was committed to prison for seven weeks, as magistrates
said he has a flagrant disregard for court orders, had persistently breached the order, and the offence was aggravated by his record of previous offending.
Keith John Saunders, 44, of Princess Elizabeth Way, Hesters Way, Cheltenham, admitted breaching a domestic violence protection order by repeatedly telephoning the protected person, between 26th and 27th September 2025. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £85 costs.
Matthew Caleb Meredith, 52, of no fixed abode, was made subject to a stalking protection order for five years, prohibiting him from contacting five named women, and from entering Barnmeadow Road, Abbey View or Seymour Place in Winchcombe, Kipling Close in Gloucester, Foxglove Close in Moreton-in-Marsh, or the go2 Orchard Gloucester Hotel in Quedgeley. The order includes prohibitions against registering vehicles at the women’s addresses, having mail sent to their addresses, and using their home addresses to register for banking, insurance, products and services.
Joshua Bazil Charles Bell, 31, of Burnet Drive, Cheltenham, was made subject to an enforcement warrant issued without bail for non-payment of a fine of £309 imposed on 17th December 2024.
Shannon Townsend, 29, of Nottingham Road, Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham, was made subject to an enforcement warrant issued without bail for non-payment
of a fine of £1014 imposed on 1st August 2023.
Caron Richard Denton, 68, of Cinders Crescent, Cinderford, was charged with keeping a 3-series BMW car on the highway for six weeks with expired vehicle licence. The case was adjourned until 27th October 2025 to allow time for out-of-court payment of owed back-duty to be made.
Tadeusz Szczesniak, 63, of Seacombe Road, Cheltenham, was charged with keeping an S-Class Mercedes car on Marsland Road for one year while it was unlicensed. The case was adjourned until 24th November 2025 at Cheltenham Magistrates Court to allow time for outof-court payment of £345 back duty to be made.
Happy Fuel Ltd, of Evesham Road, Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham, was made subject to a distress warrant for non-payment of a fine of £1490 imposed by magistrates on 8th July 2025.
David Mark Anthony Huntley, 37, of Bloomsbury Street, Cheltenham, was subject to a warrant for arrest without bail for breaching the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 23rd August 2022, by failing to attend two unpaid work starting block appointments as directed in July 2023.
Mark Lindsay, 62, of no fixed abode, was made subject to a 28-day domestic violence protection order prohibiting him from contacting or molesting a named person or going to Tewkesbury Marina.
Rob
First affordable homes completed at Regents Village Development
CHELTENHAM is celebrating a major milestone as the first 10 homes at the new Regents Village development have been completed and are now ready for residents. This marks the beginning of a transformative project that will ultimately deliver 70 high-quality, affordable homes to the local community.
Located on the former Swindon Farm site, the development is being delivered by Cheltenham Borough Council in partnership with Persimmon Homes South Midlands through a Section 106 agreement. Construction consultants Ward Williams are also supporting the project. The homes - offered for both social rent and shared ownership - include a mix of one, two, three and fourbedroom properties. The remaining 60 homes are progressing well and will be handed over in phases over
the coming months.
Each property has been designed with sustainability and future living in mind.
All homes feature air source heat pumps, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging points. Interiors are built to accessible specifications, allowing for future adaptations such as grab rails, ensuring they can meet residents’ long-term needs.
The shared ownership scheme - commonly referred to as ‘part buy, part rent’provides an accessible route to homeownership, with the option to fully purchase the home over time. This initiative supports the Council’s commitment to increasing the supply of affordable, energy-efficient homes for local people.
Cllr Alisha Lewis, Cabinet Member for Major Developments and Housing Delivery, said: “Since bringing Cheltenham Borough Homes back inhouse, our focus has been on delivering high-quality,
energy-efficient affordable housing for local people.
The Regents Village development, in partnership with Persimmon Homes, is a major step forward in that mission.
“These homes not only support a more sustainable way of living but are also built with accessibility and future adaptability in mind. We want these homes to offer a great quality of life now and for years to come.
“I’m excited to see this new community take shape and look forward to working with other developers across Cheltenham to continue meeting local housing needs.”
Russell Griffin, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes South Midlands, added:“We’re proud to hand over the first phase of homes at Regents Village as part of our ongoing collaboration with Cheltenham Borough Council. It’s fantastic to see the real impact these homes
are having on local families, and we remain committed to delivering high-quality, affordable housing across the region.”
Jon Whitehead, Associate Partner at Ward Williams, said: “Being part of a project that delivers affordable, sustainable homes for local people is something we take great pride in. It’s about more than just construction - it’s about creating long-term value for the community.”
The Section 106 agreement, which accompanies the planning permission, ensures that the homes meet high standards for quality, sustainability, and affordability. Crucially, the homes are allocated to those in greatest local needhelping to ensure that Cheltenham’s housing market remains inclusive and accessible.
For more information about shared ownership visit www.cbh.org/services/yourhome/shared-owners/
Max Wilkinson MP
PARLIAMENT returns on Monday after the end of the party conference season.
While the House of Commons hasn’t been sitting, I’ve been working hard in Cheltenham. One of the meetings I had during this time was with one of our local health bosses.
The ongoing ‘temporary’ closure of our maternity unit for labour and births now runs to more than three years – long before I was elected. We are told that a plan to fully reopen the Aveta Centre might only be put in place after a full review of health facilities has been undertaken.
I’ll be writing to health bosses to ask them to publish a timeline for that review. And I’ll be seeking reassurances that they’re still aiming to restore Cheltenham women’s right to give birth in their hometown hospital.
Much of the news debate recently has rightly been focused on the economy. Small and medium-sized businesses need more support from the government if things are going to get back on track. It’s a point I raised as the guest speaker at the recent Cheltenham Business Luncheon Club.
At last year’s general election, a lot of the business community demonstrated its disappointment with the failures of the previous government (on Brexit, the Liz Truss budget and more besides) by backing change. There’s a feeling that this vote for change has been taken for granted by the new government. As a pro-business liberal, I certainly won’t be making the same mistake, which is why I speak up for local businesses as often as I do.
Part of that is making the case for a more balanced
approach to immigration which demonstrates that the government is in control while maintaining the supply of labour that businesses need to thrive.
Last week was Hospice Care Week. We are fortunate to have Leckhampton Court Hospice on our doorstep. Hospices play a vital role in our health services and they need a hand from the exchequer. Ministers should exempt hospices from national insurance rises at the budget next month. My week had a distinct caring theme. It included a visit to the Cheltenham Mental Health Carers Support Group. They overcome big challenges to look after loved ones. Anyone who has ever been a carer will tell you that it can have a big impact on your own wellbeing too. Our community gains so much from these support groups and I’m proud of the work they do to help each other. Congratulations are due this week to the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity. For the last few months, they’ve made Cheltenham and Gloucester much more colourful with the Lions at Large parade. The lions initiative supports the Big Space Cancer Appeal and after they were auctioned, the total raised by this event alone was £370,000 towards the £17.5m needed. Everyone involved should be roaring with pride. Finally, I’m saying a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone who has contacted me with congratulations on my recent promotion. Being the Home Affairs spokesperson in Parliament is a big responsibility and it’s one I will treat with the utmost seriousness.
Community Pride 2025: Funding available for local projects Green Party
THIS column is usually a space to talk about Cheltenham, our parks, our community projects, our transport and our future. But some moments in history are too significant to pass by without reflection. The news of a peace deal between Israel and Hamas is one such moment. We can only hope that by the time these words reach print, the ceasefire still holds, that the guns have not resumed and that the long nightmare endured by millions is at last drawing to a close.
For months, the world has witnessed horrors that words can barely capture: the ruthless targeting of civilians, the destruction of neighbourhoods and the unimaginable suffering of children and families caught in the crossfire. So severe has this assault been that respected scholars, human rights organisations and international lawyers have described it as a genocide against the Palestinian people, perpetrated under the watch of an increasingly far-right Israeli government.
Ashleigh Davies
There is no satisfaction to be taken in being right about such tragedy. Yet I take pride in having been part of a Green movement that spoke out from the very beginning, recognising the scale and gravity of what was unfolding in Gaza when others remained silent. That is not to boast nor to claim moral superiority, but to affirm that there remains a place in politics where principles still come first.
SO, the party conference season is over, what have we learned? The Reform conference was a great success and built on the series of announcements made outlining our sensible approach to reducing illegal immigration and the exploitation of Indefinite
For us, those principles are simple and unwavering. That every life matters equally. That the demonisation of an entire people, wherever it occurs, whoever it targets, only ever leads to catastrophe. That peace requires justice, and justice requires courage, the courage to name oppression for what it is even when it is politically inconvenient.
It has taken the major political parties in this country far too long, years of mass suffering, to begin to acknowledge what the world could already see. That delay has cost lives and corroded our collective humanity.
As Greens, we are proud to stand firm on the side of compassion, equality and peace in Cheltenham as much as anywhere else. These are not abstract ideals, they are the values that guide our work here at home too, from supporting refugees to building a fairer, greener, more connected town. May this fragile peace be the beginning of something better.
COMMUNITY groups across Cheltenham are being invited to apply for a share of £30,000 in community pride grants to help bring local projects to life.
The fund is designed to support community-led initiatives that strengthen neighbourhoods, celebrate Cheltenham’s diverse communities, and build pride in the town.
Grants of up to £2,000 per project are available on a match-funding basis. This means the council will cover up to 50% of project costs, with groups asked to contribute the remainder either through their own funds or in-kind support such as donated goods, services, or volunteer time. Projects must align with at least one of the following themes:
l Connecting people and celebrating Cheltenham’s culture and diversity.
l Improving biodiversity and enhancing green spaces.
l Helping children and
young people to thrive.
l Developing neighbourhood hubs and spaces that engage and support young people. Promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “The
community pride grant is back for another year!
“This is a fantastic opportunity for local groups across Cheltenham to apply for funding to support activities that will make a real difference in their communities, whether that’s through events, or specific projects that leave a lasting
impact. Good luck to everyone who applies.” The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Tuesday 11 November 2025.
Full guidelines and the online application form are available at:
www.cheltenham.gov.uk/co mmunitypride
MP Wilkinson visits Gloucestershire’s new rain garden installation
CHELTENHAM MP Max
Wilkinson visited the site of a newly installed rain garden by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) and its partner organisations.
This state-of-the-art installation forms part of a legacy to help a flood-prone community adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Located opposite the Co-op on Salisbury Avenue, in Warden Hill, Cheltenham, it is designed to help householders, tenants, businesses and the wider
Reform UK
Leave to Remain, and the feel at the conference was of a party growing and full of energy. As a consequence party membership has surpassed 259,000 members and a recent poll has Reform on 34%, well on target for a large majority at the next election.
Conversely for Labour’s conference we saw a deeply unpleasant attack on Nigel Farage personally, and Reform UK and its supporters as racists, or “worse than racist” from our Home Secretary. It’s hard to
recall a more dishonest and unpleasant Labour front bench in living memory. The Cheltenham Labour representative did a similar smear job in the last edition of the Cheltenham Post, accusing me of being too thick and bigoted to understand immigration. I feel this strategy from Labour only backfires, just look at our 34% polling carried out after these disgusting comments from the Cabinet.
The Lib Dems conference was a joke to be honest and
community manage flood risks relating to climate change.
The gardens are one of several nature-based solutions installed across Cheltenham and Gloucester to reduce flooding and increase biodiversity as part of GWT’s Waterscapes Project. Waterscapes is made possible thanks to the support of founding partner Intact Financial Corporation with support from Leckhampton and Warden Hill Parish Council for this rain garden.
they are clearly desperate, for a while they were an option for those who wanted to punish the Conservatives or Labour governments but now, they are a party in decline. Today the BBC published an article showing that Liberal Democrat membership has nearly halved in five years to just 60,000, a remarkable drop and in stark contrast to the soaring Reform UK membership of 259,000.
From the Conservative conference we saw a quiet, some say almost empty conference centre with many ordinary members staying away. I will however credit Kemi Badenoch with a
Max celebrated the rain garden alongside the GWT team and local councilors.
He said: “These sorts of hyper local projects, which are dealing with high flows of water in places like Warden Hill, are really important.
“The more that we can do to ensure that we’re doing local things to help nature and to help the climate, I think the more people will understand that we can pull together and actually make a big difference in our local communities."
decent speech but many of the ideas are Reform UK ideas and it’s all too little too late. We know Kemi will be challenged for the leadership after the May 2026 elections when the Conservatives will lose even more seats, and of course it will be a choice of the wet Liberal or Conservative wing of the party and that’s a coin toss at this point.
The Greens meanwhile have descended from a party with the admirable aim of protecting the environment to a very hard left party committed to the kind of socialism Lenin, Pol Pot, or Chairman Mao would be applauding. They have
Lizzie Hall, Community Project Manager, said: “Our outputs at Warden Hill are a great example of sustainable urban drainage and green roofed technology working together to make an impact within a community as they combat increasingly frequent heavy rainfall events.
“This collaborative effort has transformed an ordinary urban space into a vibrant, biodiverse feature, reducing surface water flooding and providing a haven for pollinators and wildlife.”
completely lost the plot in this lurch to the left. So there is now a clear choice for you all at the elections for the Cheltenham Borough Council in May 2026 or whenever we have the next General Election, do you want more of the highest energy costs in the world, and our pensioners afraid to heat their homes, young people unable to get on the property ladder, businesses crippled by red tape and taxes and no hope in sight? Or do we change direction as a town and as a country and vote Reform UK? It’s our only hope to bring prosperity, unity and pride again to this great country.
Matt Podmore, Reform UK Cheltenham Chair
County Council invests £6 million to keep vulnerable people safe at home
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
County Council is investing £6million pounds over the next five years to support people to live safely and independently at home.
The county council has appointed Careium to provide cutting-edge, digitally driven technology-enabled care solutions. Careium is renowned for its innovative products designed to improve the everyday lives of people with care and support needs.
The new service will provide a variety of telecare products aimed at helping people to maintain their independence, dignity, and wellbeing, whilst also preventing, reducing, and delaying the need for additional care and support.
These include falls detectors, door sensors, pressure mats, alarm base units, dementia clocks, bed or chair occupancy sensors,
bogus caller buttons, wellbeing apps and much more.
A comprehensive suite of technology enabled care
(TEC) options will collect robust data and analytics about individuals, enabling better care and early intervention when changes in
behaviour are detected. The benefits for individuals, their families and carers include:
l Greater independence and wellbeing: People can live more confidently and comfortably at home, maintaining dignity and improving quality of life.
l Enhanced social inclusion: Individuals are supported to reconnect with their communities.
l Health and safety: The service helps prevent hospital admissions and supports quicker, safer returns home after hospital stays.
l Informed choices: Increased awareness of technologyenabled care options empowers individuals to stay independent.
l Reassurance for families: Carers and loved ones gain peace of mind knowing support and monitoring are in place.
Residents can access the service through referrals from health or social care practitioners.
The council is currently in the process of switching all people using the existing analogue service to digital equipment ahead of the Digital Switchover deadline in 2027.
Cllr Dr Kate Usmar, cabinet member for adults’ safety and independence at Gloucestershire County Council said: “I’m really excited about this project, our £6 million investment in smart, technology-enabled care services will support residents across Gloucestershire to live independently and safely in their own homes for as long as possible.
“This investment in technology will help people and families get the support they need, peace of mind, and a better quality of life. Smart,
A NIGHT AT THE DARTS
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!
tailored technology will help our resources go further so we can help even more residents. It will help us to provide a great service for years to come.”
Lauren Purser, Commercial Director, at Careium said:
"We are proud to partner with Gloucestershire County Council to deliver innovative, technology-enabled care solutions that empower vulnerable individuals to live safely and independently at home.
“Our cutting-edge solutions provide real-time support, early intervention, and peace of mind for both users and their loved ones. This investment reflects a shared commitment to enhancing quality of life through smart, responsive care, ensuring people receive the right help at the right time, while maintaining their dignity and independence."
Trusted to care. Join us for our
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.
Cheltenham pupil crowned Maths Olympiad Winner in global challenge
A LOCAL student has been named one of the world’s top young mathematicians in a global online competition, as part of the eighth annual Maths Week Scotland celebrations.
Nine-year-old Jaideep Ammiraju, who attends Gardener’s Lane Primary School, has been awarded the prestigious title of International Maths Olympiad Level 10 Winner, following his outstanding performance in a free-to-enter worldwide maths challenge hosted by the British Youth International College (BYITC).
Jaideep was one of eleven winners selected from thousands of participants aged 4 to 14, who took part in the week-long competition held between 22–28 September 2025. He stood out for his speed and accuracy, completing 50 challenging questions in just one hour using advanced Abacus and mental maths techniques.
Proud parent Viswanath Ammiraju praised the programme, saying: “What stands out about BYITC is the balance between learning and fun. My child enjoys every session, participates confidently, and has developed a genuine love for mathematics.”
Hosted by the Glasgowbased BYITC, the International Maths Olympiad is the first event of
its kind to use the organisation’s innovative Supermaths Abacus programme, which blends traditional finger-counting methods, visualisation skills, and mental maths strategies. The competition takes place virtually, with invigilators monitoring participants via Zoom.
This year’s Olympiad saw winners from across the UK and beyond, including students from Cambridgeshire, London, Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, and even Dublin, Ireland.
BYITC founder Dr Rashmi Mantri said: “Congratulations
to each of the winners. Every child who took part deserves enormous credit - we can see how hard they worked. The growing success of the Olympiad proves there’s a huge appetite for fun, challenging, and enriching maths experiences.”
Dr Mantri added that competitions like this don’t just boost arithmetic skills but also help children develop logical thinking, time management, and problem-solving abilitieskey skills for future education and careers, especially in an age increasingly shaped by AI.
As the UK’s largest
provider of Abacus Maths classes, BYITC has also developed the world’s first digital Abacus maths learning app, continuing to innovate in maths education.
The International Maths Olympiad continues to grow in popularity, with over 100 winners crowned since its launch. The timing of this year’s celebration is especially fitting, as Monday 13th October also marked Train Your Brain Day - a day that highlights the importance of mental agility and lifelong learning.
For young Jaideep and his fellow winners, the numbers certainly add up to success.
DID you know that, in the UK, if the average earner saved every penny of their earnings, it would take them 52 years to get themselves into the wealthiest top 10%? That is according to research by the Resolution Foundation, and it highlights just how big the wealth gap has become in our society. And what’s more, a significant increase in this gap over recent years has come mainly from rising property values and investments, rather than earnings from work.
A Labour government is one that is committed to a more equal society, with better public services and benefits, but to achieve that any government needs to raise more income through taxation. This is foremost in the minds of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the moment, as they prepare for the November budget. We don’t know what they are thinking any more than you do, but we are aware of the issues and some of the solutions that are discussed by economists.
Understandably, people will only accept higher taxes if the system feels fair. Because the current UK tax regime favours unearned incomelike money from investments or property - over earned income from work, younger people and those who rely on their salary end up paying higher tax rates than those who get their income from wealth and investments. Does that seem fair to you?
Furthermore, in the UK most such private assetsinvestments, housing and pensions - are held by older people. So, the way we tax income is not just unfair within generations, but also between them. And it is a problem that is only going to become more significant as people live longer, and the
costs of healthcare, social care, and pensions continue to rise.
One solution could be to equalise the taxation of all types of income - whether it is from work, investments, or property - into a single, unified income tax system. This could be easier and more efficient to run, transparent, and fair to everyone, regardless of their age or how they earn their money. There really is no good reason to tax earned income more heavily than unearned income.
And why not just abolish National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and merge NI payments into income tax? Doing this, along with equalising tax rates on all income, could bring in an extra £30 billion a year for public services. We could also charge NICs on unearned income like rental income (worth about £3 billion) and upgrade the capital gains system to match income tax rates, while still encouraging investment with a system of allowances. In France and Germany, taxes on capital gains are set at 30% and 26% respectively, while the UK’s rates are between 10 and 20%.
The gap between the tax rates faced by wage earners and those who get income from wealth is what the Resolution Foundation calls the “tax bias against employees”, and fixing it could help create a fairer, more sustainable system for everyone, and a system that properly recognises the value of work.
Elite artistic skating club brings joy and talent to Hartpury with Southwest Festival
ELITE Artistic Skating Club brought colour, creativity, and exceptional talent to Hartpury College recently, as it hosted the GB Southwest Skate Festival - welcoming over 120 skaters and nearly 400 guests from across the region.
The annual event, organised by the Gloucesterbased club, is a grassroots celebration of artistic roller skating. While it offers a more relaxed atmosphere than traditional competitions, this year’s event still featured an impressive display of skill, passion and flair.
Spectators were treated to a vibrant mix of solo, duo and trio routines - complete with leaps, cartwheels, and high-speed spins - all set to an eclectic soundtrack. One standout crowd-pleaser was a lively trio performance to ‘Lava Chicken’ from The Minecraft Movie.
Big Ambitions from a Small Club Elite Artistic Skating Club may only have 20 athletes aged between 7 and 21, but its impact on the national and international stage is significant. This year alone, the club has produced five GB Champions across five disciplines and earned five international call-ups for its skaters.
Club founder and Head Coach Lauren Jarvis, a former GB captain, spoke about the significance of the Southwest Skate Festival.
“Elite Comp is such a great event - it comes after the National Championships, so it’s a chance for the skaters to let their hair down, have fun, and still show what they can do in a lower-pressure environment,” she said:
“This really marks the end of the season in celebration.
Although we train hard all year, ultimately we skate for the love of the sport.”
Skaters Share Their Passion
Among those showcasing their talents was Azia Aros (15), a student at Ribston Hall High School in Gloucester, who earned an international call-up this year and performed a solo dance at the Festival.
“Skating is an art form to me,” Azia said. “It’s where I get to really be myself and express who I am through movement and performance.”
Elite’s senior athlete Rubee Burns (21), currently studying at the University of Gloucestershire, agreed.
“Skating is where I can
express myself, challenge myself, and evolve every day,” she said. “This festival is really a celebration of what skating brings us - it’s fun, it’s freeing, and it brings people together.”
A Club on the Rise
Artistic skating is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, and Elite is right at the heart of that movement.
Earlier this month, the club sent a group of skaters to Rome for an elite training camp with some of Europe’s top coaches.
Coach Jarvis said the international stage is where Elite wants to be.
“This year has really shown our ambition to grow as a professional team within GB Skating. As soon as the festival ends, our focus shifts to next season - and the European Championships in Opina, Italy are firmly in our sights.”
Supporting the Future of Skating
Elite Artistic Skating Club operates as a non-profit organisation and is actively seeking sponsors and fundraising opportunities to help support its young athletes.
Anyone interested in following the team’s journey or getting involved can find the club on Instagram: @elite_artistic_skating_club or contact Head Coach Lauren Jarvis directly via email:
HeadCoachEliteArtistic@ya hoo.com
How to safely carve a pumpkin as Halloween injuries and fire risks rise across the UK News
PEOPLE in Britain buy almost 40 million pumpkins every October, according to research by Hubbub.
With this in mind, QR Code Generator reveals five common mistakes to avoid when carving pumpkins this spooky season.
1. Use the right tools and avoid a trip to A&E The UK sees approximately 2,000 pumpkin-related injuries requiring medical attention around Halloween, according to ScienceDirect.
To avoid a trip to A&E, it's important to use the right tools.
A large kitchen knife might seem like the obvious choice, but smaller tools such as a serrated bread knife or a dedicated pumpkin saw provide much more control.
A metal spoon might seem handy when removing the
pumpkin’s seeds and pulp, but it can bend under pressure and even cause hand injuries. Consider using a metal ice cream scoop or a hand-held whisk instead.
2. Cut from the bottom to prevent burns and fires Halloween pumpkins usually have a removable lid at the top. While this may look aesthetically pleasing, it can increase the risk of burns when placing lit candles inside the pumpkin. Instead, try cutting from the bottom of the pumpkin. This technique prevents the sides from caving in as the pumpkin ages, since the stem at the top continues to provide structural support.
Bottom-cut pumpkins also sit more securely on flat surfaces, reducing the risk of accidents with candles. You can also opt for batterypowered candles or lights for
an even safer alternative.
3. Carve at a 30° to 45° angle and avoid accidents It might be tempting to cut straight into a pumpkin, but doing so can make the knife slip and increase the risk of injury.
It’s safer to hold the knife at a 30° to 45° angle. Not only will this give people more control, but angled cuts also let in more light and give the design more depth.
4. Start with smaller designs to keep the pumpkin strong The sequence of cuts can make a significant impact on the final design.
Start with smaller sections like eyes and nostrils, as this helps maintain the pumpkin's structural integrity throughout the carving process.
Carvers who begin with
large sections often find their pumpkins collapsing before they finish their designs. So, it’s best to save the larger cuts for last after the smaller details are complete.
5. Stop over scooping and
prolong the life of a pumpkin
When removing the insides of a pumpkin, avoid overscooping, as this can weaken its structure.
The front wall of a
pumpkin should be around 2 cm thick, but the back can remain thicker for support. By keeping the walls at different thicknesses, this can also allow more light to shine through the design.
How AI is being used to revolutionise the Prisoners Building Homes project
THANKS to the likes of Alexa, Siri and Ava – the welcoming voice behind the ‘bot’ that will book you a tennis court at the Oxstalls Centre in Gloucester –the use of artificial intelligence, or AI as it’s generally known, is almost commonplace. Whether that’s a good thing is a matter of opinion, but a story linking it to a project I have always supported, shows that AI is more than just an automatic telephone answering service.
I am referring to last week’s announcement that a firm called LANDCLAN was awarded £100,000 by the Government to work with Prisoners Building Homes on the development of their AI Pre-Development Tool. This, it’s claimed, will revolutionise housebuilding by making it quicker and cheaper to secure planning permission.
Why is this important to me?
Because I and other Police and Crime Commissioners throughout the South West have long been championing Prisoners Building Homes (PBH), a pioneering
By Chris Nelson Police & Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire
programme that teaches valuable construction skills to prisoners, supporting their rehabilitation and reducing reoffending rates.
As strange as it may seem, some people who come out of prison often break the law again because they want to go straight back behind bars. That’s because those who do, have little or no job prospects and nowhere else to go. With no permanent roof over their heads and no legitimate means of earning money, prison is their most secure option and, ironically, where they feel most at home. So I welcome any means of blocking that particular revolving door.
The announcement goes on to say that the new tool will use artificial intelligence to help public and third-sector landowners identify and appraise sites, manage site reports, generate conceptual site designs, and prepare
planning applications. It will allow the PBH Programme to work with more local authorities and landowners, delivering high-quality, low carbon homes where they are most needed. And in the process, provide prisoners with skills that will help them find employment and reduce their desire to re-offend. There is no doubt the PBH programme leads to qualifications that offer the prospect of employment on the outside, and with it a better future that is so crucial to cutting reoffending. It also produces highly affordable dwellings that can be used to house vulnerable people, homeless people, migrants and key workers, some of whom local councils already have a requirement to house. So it seems this could have a real beneficial ripple effect and turn out to be £100k well invested.
Theatre
New manager for Playhouse Theatre
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THE Cheltenham Playhouse has announced the appointment of a new theatre manager, Miles Leven, who has joined the team ready to give the charity a fresh start and new lease of life.
With 15 years’ experience in theatre management, and an MA in Creative Producing from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Miles has a strong goal: to drive positive change, help the venue thrive and encourage and support all who access the arts at the Playhouse.
“I am really excited to join this amazing team,” says Miles. “Having spent most of my life in theatres there is nowhere I feel more at home and from the moment I walked through the doors of the Playhouse I knew it was a special place.
“I believe in creating theatre which provides exceptional value for audiences and a fulfilling experience for all ages. As a child I was lucky
enough to be taken to the West End to see shows, but I know that’s not everyone's story and we have to make high quality theatre accessible to all,” continues Miles. “I am particularly focused on providing children with their first live theatre experience; these moments are so valuable and can completely change a child’s life.”
Miles brings a perfect blend of commercial experience and absolute passion for theatre.
He has produced nine of his own pantomimes in previous theatres as well as various family and Fringe shows. “I am all about prioritising the audience perspective to keep people coming back,” explains Miles. “We have a strong foundation to build on and a beautiful, historical space in a great location. We need to make sure we are putting on events people want to see and then shouting about it from the rooftops - maybe even literally - to get people through the doors and put this theatre on the map!”
Trustees, staff and volunteers battled to keep the doors open earlier in the year, but positive fundraising progress and the subsequent appointment of Miles heralds a new era, bringing fresh ideas and buckets of enthusiasm just in time for Christmas.
Check out all upcoming Playhouse shows and events at www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk or visit the box office during opening hours.
REVIEW: The Talented Mr Ripley
By Ruth Carr
EVERYONE was talking about the film adaptation of The talented Mr Ripley when it came out in 1999. At the time, I never got round to watching it, so when I saw it advertised, I was keen to see the theatre production.
What a powerful show to kick off the autumn season!
Patricia Highcliffe’s thriller certainly draws you in and takes you on a journey. Not only literally across the world, but also in Tom’s mind as his charming persona begins to unravel and the real person beyond the charisma that Tom oozes is uncovered.
Tom cashes in on the opportunity of his life when a desperate father Mr Greenleaf hires him to bring wayward son Dickie home to settle down and join the real world of the family business.
The pull of the lavish lifestyle in 1950’s Italy is just too much for Tom and when he confesses to spoilt rich kid Dickie, he joins him in his pursuit of the good times.
Fans of the crown will be familiar with Ed Mc Vey as Prince William. For this role he swaps the clipped King’s English for a very convincing American accent. Ed is on stage as Tom pretty much throughout where we see his innermost fears and how his brain ticks.
Tom Ripley gains Dickie’s
trust and a new bond and friendship between them develops. Tom’s obsession then turns the idyllic party into a sinister and darkened nightmare.
We see Tom’s imagination running wild by revisiting scenes using the director’s “cut” and “action”.
There is very little in way of set or props. Sound and lighting are used carefully to create the tension, mood and scene changes.
These days it’s common for the sets to be minimal. Is this purely to provoke the audience’s imagination?
The Everyman hosted an Audio Described performance in which blind and visually impaired patrons can enjoy the show with the aid of a personal headset, through which a description of the show is relayed by the
A touch tour is available prior to the performance. You are taken onto the stage for a unique experience for VIP’S (Visually Impaired People) and their companions to get a feel for the show.
On this occasion I could not make the touch tour, and I missed Bruce Herbelin-Earl who plays Dickie coming on stage to talk to the tour.
A small supporting cast, Maisie Smith plays Marge and Cary Crankson is Freddie Miles. The ensemble both move the set and provide the background characters with skill and competence that is creditable.
To find out what’s on at their Everyman, head to the website.
The website for booking is: www.everymantheatre.org.uk
fantastic Audio Describers Franchesca and Martin.
The Lido, 1981.
Woolworths where John Lewis is now, when you could still drive up and down the High Street.
Tracey and Mark, 1968 Naunton Way Leckhampton (notice only two cars in the photograph).
Recipes Steph Williams
Follow Steph’s
Ras-el-Hanout Lamb Meatballs and Apricot Quinoa
Ras-el-Hanout is an exotic spice blend that is representative of Moroccan cuisine. It typically includes cumin, cinnamon, clove, cayenne, turmeric, and nutmeg. The sweetness of the Apricot balances the strength of the Ras-el-Hanout. I have travelled to Morocco three times, so am loving the flavours and dishes of the cuisine. I hope you enjoy this one. The dish in total will take 25 minutes and contains 19g of net carbs.
Ingredients
Serves 3
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 3 Garlic Cloves
• 6 Green Olives
• 1 Beef Tomato
• Juice of 1.5 Lemons
• 9 Dried Apricots
• 1 tablespoon Ras-el-Hanout
• 12 Lamb Meatballs
• 300g Quinoa - See Notes
Instructions
l Pre-heat the oven to 190 degrees.
l Coat the Meatballs in the
Ras-el-Hanout evenly and bake for 18 minutes.
l Dice the Apricots, Tomato, Garlic and Olives.
l Add these ingredients to a pan with the Oil and Quinoa on a medium heat for around 5 minutes.
l Stir through the Lemon Juice at the end.
l Garnish however you like and serve!
Recipe notes Quinoa comes in many different forms, some where you need to soak it for hours
Salmon Burgers
before cooking. I opted for a prepared packet. And yes... I did not make my own Meatballs this time, they are shop-bought preprepared.
This recipe is quite fibrous due to the Quinoa, so the amount of net carbs here is cut down significantly. Garnish ideas include Aioli, Feta, Pomegranate Seed, Spring Onion, Flaked Almonds and Natural Yoghurt.
These super-simple Salmon Burgers are a great quick and easy meal to throw together. They are slightly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. They are lean, healthy, include minimal ingredients so not complicate things, and take only 15 minutes to make and contain 1g of net carbs per burger, excluding accompaniments. Perfect as a meal or a snack.
Ingredients
2 burgers
● 2 deboned and deskinned Salmon Fillets
● 1.5 tablespoon Red Thai
Paste
● 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
● 2cm knob of Ginger Root
● 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
l Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until roughly minced.
l Ball up two evenly-sized patties and carefully flatten with your fingers into a "burger" shape.
l Add Olive Oil to a frying pan and apply a medium heat.
l Gently place the burgers into the pan and fry on either side for around 4-5 minutes until browned.
l Choose your sauce and side and serve!
Recipe notes
Serving suggestions include
Salad, Lemon, Chili Sauce, Mayonnaise, Aoili,
Pomegranate Seed, Coriander. It will look wet and sloppy, but it'll hold together when you ball the mixture up.
Pets seeking a new home
By Erica Landon
CHELTENHAM Animal Shelter is once again appealing to the local community to help give another chance to some of our most lovable residents.
Boo and Dennis
Two-year-old rabbits Boo (female) and Dennis (male) came to the Shelter having been housed separately. Over recent weeks, Shelter staff have gently introduced them through a careful bonding process.
Now inseparable, the pair are ready to start their next chapter together. Boo has blossomed into a sweet and confident companion who enjoys human interaction, while Dennis is a charming, food-loving character who keeps everyone entertained. Both rabbits live with a condition called E. Cuniculi, meaning they should not be housed with rabbits that don’t
share the condition. Occasional worming treatments may be needed, but with proper care, they can enjoy long, happy lives together.
For adoption enquiries, contact: smallanimals@gawa.org.uk
Roger
A two-year-old bull breed mix with a huge heart and a love
for cuddles. He is at his happiest snuggled close to the people he loves - personal space is not in his vocabulary - but that’s part of his charm! Although he may seem shy at first, it doesn’t take long for Roger to warm up. He’s looking for a quiet, adult-only home with a secure garden where he can safely explore and enjoy some sunshine. Roger isn’t used to being
around other animals so he would prefer to be the only pet in his new home, but he has shown some signs of being open to calm introductions to canine friends in the future.
Roger enjoys learning, loves his treats, and is gradually discovering the joy of toys and play. He thrives with gentle encouragement and would benefit from patient owners who can help him grow in confidence, particularly when left alone or taken out on peaceful walks away from traffic and noise. Interested in Roger? Email: dogs@gawa.org.uk
Ocean
Eight-year-old Ocean is a cat who knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to ask for it. This confident lady enjoys sunbathing, outdoor adventures, and occasional lap time, but only once she’s decided you’ve earned the privilege!
Ocean would be happiest in
a calm home. She enjoys human company (on her own terms) and has a strong independent streak.
This feline does not wish to share her home with other pets or young children as she prefers to rule the roost solo. She can be a little picky with her food around mealtimes, but for the right person, Ocean will be a loyal, charming and entertaining companion.
To find out more about
Ocean, contact: cats@gawa.org.uk
Even if you’re not in a position to adopt, you can still make a difference. Support Boo, Dennis, Roger, Ocean, and many other animals by entering Cheltenham Animal Shelter’s Big Autumn Raffle. Visit www.gawa.org.uk/raffle or scan the QR code below to get involved and help give homeless pets a brighter future.
Money talks Fanny Snaith
Mind the leak — where your energy and money are quietly disappearing
LAST issue, I wrote about the idea that we all live with pots - not the ones in the kitchen cupboard, but invisible pots that hold our money, our energy, and our sense of security. Your Rainy Day Pot, your Fun Pot, your Debt Pot, your Growth Pot… even your Energy Pot.
Many of you told me you drew yours out and had quite the lightbulb moment. You saw which pots were overflowing, which were empty, and where the balance was off.
So this week, let’s go a step further. Because once you’ve seen your pots, the next question is this: where are they leaking?
Most of us don’t lose money in dramatic bursts. We lose it in drips. Tiny leaks that don’t seem to matter - until one day the pot’s half empty and we’re wondering how.
And it’s rarely just about money. The leaks in our financial life often mirror the leaks in our emotional life: the unpaid invoices we keep meaning to chase, the “harmless” subscriptions we never use, the extra glass of wine to unwind from a week we didn’t enjoy. All tiny trickles of energy leaving our system.
Let’s look at where those leaks hide - and how to plug them.
The Invisible Drip: Subscriptions and Small Spends
You know that feeling when a £9.99 payment leaves your account and you can’t remember what it’s for?
That’s a leak. It’s not about the tenner - it’s about the unconsciousness.
When our spending goes on autopilot, we stop being the driver and start being the passenger. The companies behind these “easy” renewals count on that - they design it that way.
Take ten minutes this week to go through your bank statements. Circle anything you don’t recognise or don’t use. Then cancel it. Every cancellation is an act of clarity - and self-respect.
The Emotional Leak: Guilt Spending and “Deserved Treats” Sometimes leaks aren’t about what we buy, but why
we buy. Ever noticed how easy it is to hit “add to basket” after a hard day?
That little dopamine hit feels like comfort - but it’s not really soothing anything. It’s just a temporary plug for an emotional hole.
Try this instead: next time you feel the urge to spend as a reward, pause. Ask yourself, “What am I really trying to give myself right now?” Is it rest? Validation? Connection? Then find a way to give that to yourselfwithout handing your card over.
Plugging leaks isn’t about deprivation. It’s about discernment.
The Time Leak: Busyness That Buys You Nothing Money and time share the same currency - attention. And many of us are overspending. We say yes to things we don’t want to do. We scroll instead of rest. We burn through hours on distractions that leave us no richer in energy or joy.
Busyness looks productive, but often it’s an avoidance strategy. We stay busy to avoid discomfortthe same discomfort we feel when we face our finances.
So here’s a challenge: for one week, track not your spending, but your time. Where does it go? Which activities fill you up, and which drain you dry? The leaks will show themselves.
The Relationship Leak: Generosity Without Boundaries
Let’s talk about the “quiet givers”. You know who you are - picking up the bill, lending money that’s never returned, covering for others to keep the peace. It’s generous… until it’s not.
When you give from depletion instead of abundance, that’s a leak. It’s not kindness - it’s selfabandonment disguised as generosity.
Set clear boundaries around your giving. Not out of stinginess, but out of sustainability. Because when your own pots are drained, you can’t pour into anyone else’s.
The Energy Leak: Worry Without Action
One of the biggest leaks of all? Mental bandwidth. Worry is energy spent with no return. It’s like paying interest on a debt you haven’t even borrowed. If something is stressing you - a bill, a decision, a debt - make a plan. Even the smallest action (a phone call, a spreadsheet, a conversation) will stop the leak.
Action turns anxiety into agency. And that’s where peace begins. There’s an old saying that “small leaks sink big ships.” The same goes for your financial life. It’s not the big mistakes that wear you down - it’s the constant background drip that quietly erodes your energy, confidence, and sense of control.
When you start plugging those leaks, something amazing happens: the pots begin to refill themselves. Not because you’ve earned more, but because you’ve stopped losing what you already have.
So, here’s your challenge for this next fortnight: find three leaks - one financial, one emotional, one energetic - and plug them. Then notice what happens. The calm. The clarity. The quiet satisfaction of no longer leaking away your power.
Because wealth isn’t built by what you earn - it’s built by what you keep, and the energy you preserve while keeping it.
Fanny Snaith offers money coaching
Trusts: Strategic instruments for Managing Inheritance Tax in the UK Legal
I WOULD like to discuss the role of trusts as a significant instrument in the management of inheritance tax (IHT) in the UK. For individuals concerned about the distribution of their assets post-mortem while retaining control over that process, trusts may present a viable option.
Understanding Trusts
A trust is a legal arrangement whereby you, as the settlor, transfer your assets to a trustee. The trustee is then tasked with managing these assets on behalf of the designated beneficiaries.
This arrangement is formalised through a trust deed, which delineates the management and distribution of the trust assets.
Upon the settlor's demise, the trustees assume
responsibility for managing the assets in accordance with the stipulations of the trust deed. They are legally obliged to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, ensuring that the settlor’s intentions are upheld even after their passing.
Tax Benefits of Trusts
One of the primary motivations for establishing a trust is the potential to mitigate inheritance tax liabilities. In the UK, assets placed within a trust are generally excluded from the settlor’s estate for IHT calculations, provided the settlor survives for a minimum of seven years following the transfer of those assets. This provision can substantially reduce the taxable value of the estate, which is particularly advantageous for individuals
possessing significant wealth.
Considerations of Costs and Complexity
It is imperative to recognise that the establishment and maintenance of a trust can entail costs. Legal fees and ongoing administrative expenses can accumulate. Furthermore, the regulatory framework governing trusts and inheritance tax can be intricate, leading to potential confusion for those attempting to navigate it independently.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
For these reasons, it is strongly recommended that individuals consult with a qualified financial adviser or estate planning professional prior to establishing a trust.
These professionals can provide bespoke advice tailored to individual circumstances, ensuring that the trust aligns with the broader financial strategy and familial requirements. It is also essential to understand that while trusts can serve as effective tools for tax planning, they should fulfil a wider purpose. Trusts can safeguard assets from creditors, provide for dependants, and facilitate the smooth transition of wealth across generations.
Conclusion In conclusion, trusts can be a valuable instrument for managing estates and reducing inheritance tax liabilities in the UK. However, due to the complexities and potential costs associated with them, it is crucial to approach the
establishment of a trust with careful consideration and professional advice. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of how trusts operate, individuals can develop a strategy that not only meets their financial objectives but also respects the needs of their families,
thereby preserving their legacy for future generations. Should you have any inquiries or wish to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to reach out.
For more information, consult a legal professional on 0333 335 5875
New days out reader offer
THE Cheltenham Post and Pulhams & Sons Coaches have teamed up to give our loyal readers a fabulous day out to the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Tuesday 9th December
Step into a winter wonderland at the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria! This festive favourite transforms Birmingham’s city centre into a magical Christmas haven, complete with traditional wooden chalets, twinkling lights, and the sweet sounds of festive music.
Wander through Victoria Square and New Street, where you'll find unique handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and delicious German treats. Indulge in sizzling bratwurst, crispy pretzels, and roasted almonds, all perfectly paired with a warm mug of glühwein or rich hot chocolate.
With live entertainment, a beautifully lit Christmas tree, and a joyful atmosphere, the market is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift or simply embracing the holiday spirit, Birmingham’s German Christmas Market promises an unforgettable experience filled with warmth, tradition, and Christmas cheer!
Escorted by John Batchlor from Cotswolds Travel www.cotswoldstravel.co.uk
Quiz with prizes of meals for two and other fantastic prizes.
Deadline for booking and payment: Birmingham: 9th December 2025
Information
Pick up points in Cheltenham, Departing 9am and returning from destination at 5pm.
Send to 121 Salisbury Avenue, Warden Hill, Cheltenham. GL51 3BZ. JUST £30 PER PERSON Special offer
Cos t and payment
Price is £30 per person.
Payment either by bank transfer to All4one Media Ltd
Acc no: 78327142
Sort code: 60-83-71
Or cheques payable to; All4One Media Ltd.
Book now for just £30 per person. Call Mark on 07983179225 or email mark@cheltenhampost.co.uk
TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER Puzzles
1. The term ‘Iberia’ most commonly refers to which two European countries?
2. The New Zealand town of Rotorua is famous for what?
3. The actor Brian Blessed starred as PC ‘Fancy’ Smith in which long-running TV series?
4. Which one-time British possession in the Middle East was noted for being a coaling station for steamships?
5. What is the meaning of the word adroit?
6. Which football team won the 2025 FA Cup final?
7. ‘Maybe I didn’t treat you, Quite as good as I should have’ is the opening of which Elvis Presley hit song?
8. What is the smallest bird in the world called?
9. Which surrealist artist was known for his very long thin moustache?
10. What is the best-known dish prepared from the vegetable okra?
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. Support also arranged for suggested plan (8)
6. No longer tense (4)
8. Man with determination (4)
9. Overhead scales? (8)
10. Made out to be famous (13)
11. Cab’s ordered for strikebreaker (4)
13. Although hard, it will sway to and fro (4)
17. Not how team members should operate (13)
20. Conclude that one has no right to be of poor quality (8)
21. Found presently (4)
22. Catch sight of eastern secret agent (4)
23. ‘Supported’ written on the back (8)
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.
2. Fruit is kept in a lot of water (6)
3. Sagacious, well-mannered for the most part and shortly to be in charge (7)
4. Country in Africa and US possibly (5)
5. Lou rang round despite suffering from sluggishness (7)
6. Standard for the course is capital (5)
7. Allow pain to continue (6)
12. Direct route to the hive? (7)
14. Strangely enough fir cone comes from it (7)
15. One fruit or other fruit with top removed (6)
16. Brief look at girl disheartened by an engineer (6)
18. His progress may be a question of time (5)
19. Risked being challenged (5)
NONAGRAM
1. Divulge (8)
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:
word found in the
choir; chop; coif; coir; corf; cork; croft; crop; tch;fi frock; hock; hoick; ichor; itch; optic; otic; photic; pick; picot; pitch; PITCHFORK; pock; porch; prick; rhotic; rich; rick; rock; thick; thicko; tich; tick; topic; torc; torch; toric; trick; trophic; tropic. EQUALISER:
CROSSWORD: QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Disclose; 5 Laws; 9 Sunrise; 10 Stain; 11 Aspen; 13 Caries; 15 Repay; 17 Loan; 19 Ear; 20 Here; 21 CD-rom; 23 Worthy; 24 Lapse; 28 Inner; 29 Routine; 30 Hemp; 31
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
l
Former American Footballer talks about past struggles as he begins his journey helping others
CHELTENHAM Post are pleased to introduce exGreat Britain American Footballer Steve Hopkins of 72 Health Fitness and Nutrition who will be offering you all help with health fitness and nutrition advice. We would like you all to write in and ask Steve any questions or you may have.
I should be dead Not metaphorically or figuratively speaking… I mean actually dead. And I couldn’t be more grateful to be sat here writing to you today.
I was a normal young man from Cheltenham with a big future in professional American Football ahead of me. As a late teen I played internationally for the Great Britain Lions Youth, the Europe Youth Team, an NFL development squad and, later in my 20’s, the Great Britain Lions Senior Team. I also played nationally for the Birmingham Bulls and Bristol Aztecs. My greatest achievement was being part of the winning team against France in 2003, beating them 19-18 in the final minute.
I was then not such a normal young man anymore. At 30, through a combination of a mental breakdown and back injury, I ended up in chronic drug addiction. I fell a long, long way. I spent the next 11 years slowly dying until one day, I decided to take my life. I’d gotten to a point where I was in so much physical pain and mental torture, I just wanted a way out.
Luckily it didn’t work. I didn’t want to die a failure. I spent four and a half months laying on the floor of my flat waiting to get better holding onto my bulldog, Teddy. I was finally well enough to step back out into the real world. Riddled with fear and anxiety, I did the only thing I knew how to do… And no, I don’t mean take drugs! I went to the gym at the same time every day and put some discipline back into my life.
On my eighth minute on the Stairmaster, I went dizzy and my vision started to go. I clung to machinery on my way to the changing rooms, embarrassed and scared. I want to support you so that you never have to have the same experience.
My life today is dedicated to helping others. Not only through my 12-step recovery program but through my business – 72 Health, Fitness & Nutrition.
Whilst my sporting career
Late come-back not
GLOUCESTER Rugby fell to an entertaining 38-17 loss against rivals Bath in Prem rugby’s derby weekend at The Rec. Tries from Will Joseph, Ben Loader and Ollie Thorley sparked a chance of an unlikely comeback after halftime but the champions’ power game proved all too much in the end. Bath were on the front foot from minute one with some hefty carries and silky hands at the gainline and unsurprisingly it was them that struck first.
A loose ball in midfield by the visitors found its way to Ollie Lawrence who stabbed a kick in behind and the blistering pace of Henry
enough
By George Davis
Arundell was on the other end to score.
After moving from Racing 92 in the summer the England golden boy breezed past a lackluster Loader to dot down.
Lion Finn Russell then began pulling the strings and found all sorts of space in the Gloucester backfield that didn’t really look like it was even there and kept Gloucester in their own half for most of the first twenty. Bath would soon have another as well, a tip tackle penalty in midfield gave them the chance to kick to the
puts me in good stead to help young athletes (which I love to do), I also want to help the average person.
If you want to go for a walk around your local park, I’ll come with you. If you want to be able to climb more stairs, let’s help you reach that goal. If you want a home workout, I’ll come and support that.
If you want to meet me at the gym, I’ll get you to a place where you can walk in confidently.
I truly believe I survived chronic addition to help people. I feel it to my core. This isn’t about making millions of pounds or creating unrealistic highlight reels on social media. It’s about creating a life for myself that revolves around others and not me.
Let’s reach our goals together.
For help and advice email Steveshealthfitness@hotmail .com
as Cherry & Whites lose to champions Bath at The Rec
corner and they didn’t need another opportunity, Tom Dunn on the end of a powerful maul. It was Arundell once again involved for the third of the evening, a brilliant fade on the pass to beat Loader and then a great chip and chase saw him tackled five metres out. The ball was then recycled and a few phases later Ollie Lawrence spun his way over. It was going from bad to worse for George Skivington’s side as they looked to be putting in just another 40- minute performance in an 80-minute game. Ewan Richards finished an opportunistic Bath score
shortly after as Russell took a penalty quickly inside his own 22, kicking downfield into heaps of space. The ball was then fumbled by Ross Byrne and pounced on by the marauding second-row who hacked through to score. With the momentum clearly in one team's favour it took a stroke of magic on the eve of halftime by Joseph to stem the tide.
The centre danced his way around multiple defenders and showcased some impressive speed to give Gloucester something to cling on to at the break. Johann van Graan’s side began the second half like they started the first, with
utter dominance at the gainline. But this time they were unable to find that clinical edge to score and a yellow card for Russell gave the visitors a sliver of hope. A first visit to Bath’s 22 in the second half saw a classy first phase move off of a maul, England international Seb Atkinson with a floating pass over the top of the onrushing defence for Thorley to get on the scoresheet. With Skivington’s team well back in it the tries kept coming and this time it was an absolute stunner ended by Loader going over. It was Joseph once again with a scintillating break from inside
his own half before he was tackled just short of the line. A few phases later the ball found Loader who touched down under pressure in the corner. However the blue, black and white’s ‘bomb squad’ of a bench eventually took its toll, a Russell penalty indicative of the control wrestled back by the home team. And it would soon end that way as Joseph went from hero to zero as he jumped out of line to make a big hit and he misjudged the ball and allowed Richards to gallop in for his second. It was a tough evening for the cherry and whites as they now haven’t beaten Bath at The Rec for more than three years.
Unbeaten run continues for Cleeve in hard-fought win
By Ben Ware
A BATTLING performance against Bashley in the New Forest saw Ross Langworthy’s first-half goal prove the defining moment. The game was far closer than the nine league positions between the two sides would suggest, with both teams getting forward well in the early stages and looking like they’d open the scoring.
The first clear chance of the match came in the sixth minute when Mitres’ midfielder Toby Holland rocketed a half volley just wide of the goal from the edge of the box. Three minutes later, Bashley had their first sight of goal and really should have taken the lead, Conor Whiteley finding himself free with the goal at his mercy from the centre of the six-yard box, but his side-footed effort went wide.
With a quarter of an hour played, Cleeve started to take a bit of control, moving the ball well as they approached the Bash box, one attempt culminating in Langworthy flicking the ball onto Jay Malshanskyj, who could only find Lloyd Thomas in the Bashley net.
The only goal of the game would come within a minute of this, Steve Davies’ pinpoint pass flicked on by Toby Holland, back heeled by Ben McLean, and slotted across goal and into the bottom right corner by Langworthy to give Cleeve the lead after 16 minutes.
This by no means swayed the game completely in Cleeve’s favour, as just nine minutes later the home side fashioned another great chance but were unable to get their ball slotted across goal past Josh Nelmes, who read the pass and cleared the danger. The first of a few moments of controversy came just before the halfhour mark, Curtis Jemmett-Hutson looked destined to double our lead with a tap-in four yards out, but Bashley had other ideas, sliding in to take Jemmett-Hutson out and making contact with the ball long after the man. The referee saw it as a fair challenge despite the protestations of the travelling fans. Another ten minutes later, and it was a similar story,
Jemmett-Hutson shaping up to shoot on the edge of the box but taken out by a poorly timed sliding challenge with no foul given once again.
The 43rd minute brought Holland’s best chance to find the net, a charge into the box followed by the low driven shot seemingly deflected beyond the keeper and into the bottom left corner only for a finger tip save to push it onto the post and away. But the first-half action wasn’t done there, Holland coming close again five minutes into added time but seeing his shot deflected onto the post, roll across the entirety of the goal line, and out for a corner.
The second half featured less notable action in front of goal as Bashley looked to end their mammoth barren run in front of goal at the Veho Community Stadium but didn’t have much
luck while Cleeve found themselves defending often and having to fashion opportunities the hard way.
The 54th minute saw Langworthy make a big contribution at both ends of the pitch, heading the ball off the line to retain Cleeve’s lead. Bashley attempted to shield the ball out for a corner with an hour gone, only for Malshanskyj to steal possession and play the ball across goal, but no one was there for the tap-in.
The football would slow down as the game wore on, the next event of note coming in the 80th minute, one which marred the day a tad too.
Jack Watts was headbutted in an event seen by the referee, who after some deliberation with his assistant issued a yellow card and penalty was given, only for the referee to
Mitres come-back gets win over Malvern Town Sport
BISHOPS Cleeve’s unbeaten run in the league continues, as the Mitres were able to levy a second-half comeback against Malvern Town. Sam Clark’s first-half strike was cancelled out by Matt Liddiard’s second-half goal, and then Jay Malshanskyj produced a brilliant lob to grab all three points on the evening.
Toby Holland had the first chance of the game when he made an open run in the middle of the park and had a shot from 25 yards out; the dialled ball wasn’t a problem for Seth Locke, who powered it away. Malvern’s first big chance came later in the game when Levi Francis’s low cross saw itself through to Sam Clark, whose eventual shot pinballed around the Cleeve backline until it ended up in the hands of Lewis Clayton. The Hillsiders were first on the scoresheet when Ben Baxter’s corner was perfectly placed at the feet of Sam Clark, who powered the ball into the back of the net to give Malvern the lead. The home side pushed for a second, as Sam Clark won the ball in the middle of the pitch and took a low shot from outside the box which was dragged just wide of Clayton’s front post.
Malvern hit the bar just before added time when Sam Clark’s cross saw Joe Tumelty get his head on it and smash it against the woodwork. The Mitres came close at the end of the half when Ross Langworthy won
then change his mind and restart with a Bashley ball while the assistant was set up ready for the penalty looking rather confused at what was happening.
This meant that there was plenty of added time though little happened over the seven minutes, Watts was shoved in
Cuzner bags a brace as Cleeve Development climb the league table
ALEX Cheal’s Development side made it two wins in a row with victory over Cribbs Reserves at the Everyone’s Energy Kayte Lane Stadium on Saturday in a triple header down the lane.
Rob Reid’s A Team kicked off proceedings, facing FC Wickhamford in Cheltenham League Premier Division action at midday. Their unbeaten start to the league unfortunately came to an end with a 3-2 defeat, Bradley Edwards and Curtis Osinuga scoring our goals. This leaves them second in the table, after
By Ben Ware
Montpellier, following a 6-2 opening day win over Southside Star, 2-1 win over Charlton Rovers, 1-1 draw with league leaders Montpellier and Saturday’s loss.
They’re next in home action when they face Montpellier on the eighth of November. The B Team kicked off at 14:00 on the grass pitch but fell to a loss as well, scoring two of their own but conceding eight to
AFC Worcester Forge who put themselves within a win of the top spot. The Bs now sit 11th of 13 with four points from five games, their win being a 1-0 victory over Leckhampton Rovers Reserves. They’re next in home action on the 18th when they host Painswick Thirds in the County Cup. The Development side completed their first 90 minutes on home soil this season after a long string of away games in the Gloucestershire County League. Their previous attempt was abandoned after Wick left
the field of play following a referee’s error. George Cuzner bagged a brace in front of 84 fans to seal a 2-1 win over familiar opponents at first team level, the three points seeing the Devs climb to seventh with a game in hand over four of the six clubs above them. If they are granted the three points from the Wick game, then they will climb further to fifth.
The Ladies First Team had a week off so the Development side took centre stage on Sunday, an incredible performance from the ladies
By Billy Taylor
a through ball and had a oneon-one with Locke, but the keeper had it settled coming off his line for the save.
Cleeve got the equaliser in the second half when Toby Holland's corner bounced around the box until Liddiard pounced on the loose ball in the middle of the box and made the game level.
Harry Clark was then through on goal and got past Clayton, but his ball was too hard as it glided out for a goal kick. Curtis JemmettHutson was then through on goal thanks to a brilliant ball from the back, the Barbados international got his shot past Locke, but the ball just went past the bottom left corner.
Malvern sub Pierce Walton came close when his effort from the right-hand side was saved by Clayton, who had a lot to do in the game. Right at the death in added time, Cleeve seized victory when Malshanskyj grabbed a long ball and ran up to Locke, where he then lobbed it over the keeper to win the game.
Spurrier was sent off after receiving a second yellow for taking too long at a throw-in, leaving the Mitres with ten men to end the game. Jemmett-Hutson had the chance to seal the game late on when he was through on goal, but his shot was just wide; however, the Mitres still came away with the three points on the evening.
the back when going for a header in the box but nothing was given while the home side pushed for an equaliser and the away side pushed for a second. In the end, the scoreline remained and Cleeve came away with a 1-0 win in a hardfought and exciting game to go top.
second string brought a 5-2 win over Andoversford Women at the Everyone’s Energy Kayte Lane Stadium. Kirsty Richardson, Tamara Griffiths, Belle Torrington and Charley Sercombe were the goal scorers as Cam Hunter’s side cemented their place at the top of the Gloucestershire County Women’s Football League Division Three. It’s also four wins from four which puts them two points ahead of second-placed Abbeymead Rovers, who have amassed a tally of 10 from six. Up next is a home game against Cheltenham Spa in the County Cup on Sunday (17:00).
Goal-scorer: George Cuzner.
Ross Langley celebrating his first half goal.
— Cheltenham football league round-up with Rob Morrison
AS we accelerate towards mid-October, the combinations of Charity Cup and County Cup matches has left us none the wiser in terms of the favourites for the Premier Division title.
The season may well be heading towards its third month of action but three teams had played just one league match going into the weekend’s fixtures.
For Bishops Cleeve A, it was a familiar story. Sitting atop the table before the turn of the year is a well-worn position for the Kayte Lane side. In recent years, however, it’s been a lack of consistency that has cost them the ultimate prize.
Cleeve aimed to stay in pole position on Saturday as they hosted FC Wickhamford in the early kick-off. With a draw from their only fixture, Wickhamford - like Cleevewent into the game unbeaten.
After 90 minutes it was the visitors’ record that remained intact as Wickhamford returned to Worcestershire with all three points after a 3-2 win.
Tewkesbury Town Reserves are one of just two teams in the competition who boasted a 100 percent record going into the weekend. It was sure to be tested against a Whaddon United Reserves team who sat directly above them in the table with four points from three games. In an important win for the hosts, Whaddon edged out Town by the odd goal in three.
Charlton Rovers entered the weekend rooted to the bottom of the table, having
failed to pick up a point from their opening two games.
They welcomed Kings, who were looking to build on their 1–1 draw with Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves last weekend - their only league outing so farand add to Rovers’ earlyseason woes. They duly delivered, handing Rovers a 2-0 defeat to leave them still to register a point.
The final game in the division saw Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves host Montpellier. It has been a tough start to their campaign for Service following last season’s relegation. They were hoping the draw last time out was a turning point but faced a real challenge against the reigning Division One champions. For Montpellier, a win and two draws has been a steady, if not spectacular, start to life in the top division.
In a well-contested game, Service took the lead through Joe McCauley in the first half before a contentious penalty drew Montpellier level after the break. With two minutes to go, Charlie Swift found the bottom corner from outside the box to give Montpellier the win and move them top of the table.
With four wins from four outings, it’s fair to say that Mickleton has easily settled to life in the Cheltenham League. The Division One pace-setters travelled to Cheltenham Tigers on Saturday and on paper it promised to be a challenging fixture. Last season’s Senior Charities runners-up, Tigers,
have already faced their visitors, losing 3-2 on the opening day of the season. It was an important game for Tigers, knowing three points would be critical if they want to challenge for the title. Again just one goal separated the sides and it was Mickleton who secured the double over their rivals in a nine-goal thriller.
Four wins and a draw, including a 10-0 hammering of Tewkesbury Town III last weekend, has left Shurdington Rovers well placed to challenge for honours. They travelled to Falcons Reserves, clear favourites against a team who had claimed four points from their opening five games and were heavily beaten by Tigers last time out. The game went to form as Rovers banked a 4-0 win which included two more goals for the prolific Mark Hitchman.
Relegated from the top flight last season, Cheltenham United have made a strong start to life in Division One. Three wins and two draws from five matches saw them sitting in second place at kick-off. Their unbeaten record would surely be tested however as they faced fourth-placed Welland Reserves. With three wins, from four games, their only defeat coming at Mickleton, it has been a great start for the Worcestershire based team. United proved too strong however, winning 4-1 to return second place.
They may not be setting the division alight, but
Leckhampton Rovers have made a solid start to their season, and more importantly are continuing to grow as a team. With many of their players with the club since their youth footballing days, Rovers are building on a model of loyalty which is refreshing to see. They travelled to FC Lakeside Reserves on Saturday, hoping to add to their hosts’ woes. Pointless after four matches, Lakeside were very much the underdogs but pulled off a fantastic result as they won 4-0 to move off the foot of the table.
Like Lakeside, Tewkesbury Town III also went into the weekend without a point to their name. They faced a Winchcombe Town Reserve side who were unable to raise a team last time out but unlike their opponents they had banked a point. With both teams feeling they could leave the pitch with three points it was Winchcombe who ended up smiling. A 4-0 win leaves their opponents still to claim a point.
The final game in the division saw Prestbury Rovers travel to Hanley Swan. Both clubs started the day in the lower half of the table although with a threepoint advantage at kick-off, Rovers started as slight favourites. Rovers threepoint adavantage was wiped out however as Swan romped to a 7-0 win.
Three wins and a draw left Bredon Reserves unbeaten and in pole position in Division Two going into the
weekend. They were strong favourites against Leckhampton Rovers Reserves who started the day in tenth, six points adrift. While Bredon duly secured the win, the 2-0 victory was closer than some may have predicted.
Tewkesbury Town Development, like Bredon, started the day on ten points although they had played a game more and had an inferior goal difference. Town played bottom side Charlton Rovers Reserves and were hoping to not only claim three points but also boost their goal difference. Like Bredon, they too banked three points, also 2-0, which did nothing to reduce Bredon’s superior goal difference.
After a strong start to the season, Cheltenham Saracens A have seen their momentum disrupted by Newton. A 1–0 league defeat was followed last weekend by a penalty shootout loss in the County Cup - against what is increasingly looking like their bogey side. They looked to bounce back on Saturday against Bibury Reserves, a game on paper they were expected to win. Once again however Saracens are likely to be disappointed with the result, a 0-0 which saw them slip three points behind the leaders.
Montpellier Reserves have had a tough introduction to life in the competition and found themselves pointless after three games. The season has not been without success however. A 4-2 win in the County Cup last weekend set them up nicely for their game against Whaddon United III on Saturday. With two points from four games, Whaddon were directly above Montpellier in the league and it was a game both side would have felt they could win. At full time the gap between the two teams increased to five points as Whaddon won 4-1.
Bishops Cleeve B and Worcester Forge both sat in mid-table as the teams faced off at Cleeve on Saturday. In a congested table, Forge’s 82 win saw them move into third and introduce themselves as potential title contenders.
The final game in Division Two saw fourth play fifth as Tredworth Tigers hosted Newton. Tigers held a twopoint lead going into the game, and while there is still a long way to go, matches like this often have a significant say in who finishes in the top three come April. After back-toback wins over Saracens, Newton continued their hot streak with a 4-3 win to leapfrog their hosts.
CPSFA U11s progress in National Cup after thrilling 7-4 win over South Birmingham
CHELTENHAM Primary
Schools FA’s U11s made history on a blustery morning in Birmingham, battling both a strong South Birmingham side and swirling winds to secure their first-ever win in the National Cup with a thrilling 7–4 victory.
This was only CPSFA’s second appearance in the national competition, and after a first-round exit last season, the new crop of 2025–26 players were determined to go one better and they did just that, in style.
The early exchanges saw both teams adjusting to the testing conditions, with the wind causing chaos and passes going astray. South Birmingham threatened with their pace early on, but Cheltenham’s defence stayed composed and weathered the
storm, thanks in part to Zachary Horsfield, who made several excellent saves throughout the match to keep the hosts at bay. Once the game settled, Cheltenham began to assert themselves. In the 8th minute, a long throw from Noah Gage caused havoc in the Birmingham box, and Albie Potter reacted quickest slotting home on the second attempt to
open the scoring.
Confidence flowing, Cheltenham doubled their lead shortly after when Arthur Hancocks coolly finished a slick move, latching onto a perfectly weighted through ball.
South Birmingham responded well and grabbed two goals following some changes and pressure drawing level at 2–2. But just before
the break, some brilliance down the left saw Jackson Coombes dance past his marker and whip in a fantastic cross, met by a towering header from Frankie Bermingham to restore the lead.
Cheltenham came out for the second half with purpose and the wind at their backs and it showed. Just two minutes in, Henry Diacon latched onto a clever pass and made it 4–2 with a composed finish.
Soon after, a dangerous corner from Diacon caused chaos in the box, and Arthur Hancocks reacted sharply again to grab his second and Cheltenham’s fifth.
Tommy Redmond was a steady presence in defence throughout the game, showing great composure under pressure and playing some
smart passes out from the back. Alongside him, Dillon Fisher impressed with his strong 1-v-1 defending and surging runs forward, constantly putting South Birmingham on the back foot.
Cheltenham were flying, and Ethan added more magic with a dazzling run down the right, cutting the ball back for Blake Valentine-Pottinger, who smashed home to make it 6–2.
Not long after, great work from Freddie Potter down the left set up Jackson, who twisted past his marker with a clever roulette and fired in a powerful shot, which squeezed under the keeper for Cheltenham’s seventh goal.
Reuben Smith, was full of energy and determination, linking play smartly and constantly putting pressure on the Birmingham defence with
his tenacity and excellent forward runs.
At 7–2, the game looked comfortable but South Birmingham weren’t finished. A late surge and some high pressing saw them pull two goals back to make it 7–4. However, Cheltenham held firm, regrouped well, and managed the final minutes professionally to secure the win.
This result sees CPSFA now move into the second round of the National Cup for the very first time, a brilliant achievement for this group.
Full-Time: South Birmingham 4–7
Cheltenham PSFA
Scorers: Albie Potter, Arthur Hancocks (2), Frankie Bermingham, Henry Diacon, Blake Valentine-Pottinger, Jackson
Robins concede late goal to draw
Continued from back page
Manager Steve Cotterill said: “I thought we looked strong in our box in the second half, but in the first half I don't think we were competitive enough in our own box. They had more looks at our goal in the first half, than they did in the second. We were quite solid in the second half.
“You get forced back when you come here, they are going to put balls in on you and they are a big team. Bigger than us, so therefore your players really have to stand up. I said to them during a little break in the game when we had an injury, there is a 1-0 in this for us because we are going to have a chance. There were a few good moments we had, when you thought it could happen for us. When we went 1-0 up, I thought that was good.
“We've become a victim for two games in a row of having a blatant free-kick in the build-up to their goal. It happened against Bristol Rovers and it happened again today. It's a free-kick on the halfway line and all of a sudden the clock is running out. That's the only disappointment. The boys have worked extremely hard and before the game would we have taken a point? Maybe we would have done in the circumstances, but after how we played today, when we saw their attacks off, I thought we were on our way to three. But there is not a lot we can do about it now.”
Cheltenham continue to look a different, more organised side under Cotterill, who is
desperately trying to get to grips with his team during a tough spell of games. Since his arrival, he has signed two free agents, who have already come in and had an impact. The most recent is Jonathan Tomkinson who has come in at left back and put in a strong first shift.
Cotterill continued: “That right-hand-side for them wasn't perhaps as effective as it has been in some other games, probably down to Jonathan's height and athleticism. When he was cramping up, we switched for a little while with Jude (Arkell Jude-Boyd) going over there because we didn't want to find their right side all of a sudden one-on-one with Jonathan and he pulls a calf or cramps up and he can't do anything, so we swapped it, which was fine anyway as Jude can play that side. A lot of their crosses from the right went to the back stick anyway. It was a
simple switch really. Jonathan is okay, it's just cramp as he's not played a lot of football. He did all right today, for being that side of the pitch, he gave us more size on those long throws, made a couple of important headers. And his first game for God knows how long. He did okay, but he shouldn't have crossed that ball early on with his left foot! He should have come back, dragged it and put the cross in with his right foot, but because he's seen us do it in training, he probably thought the rule was with his left foot.
We'll allow him that one.”
Cheltenham are still struggling for attackers with George Miller out until January with an injury. There is still space for another free agent, with a striker the priority.
Cotterill wants to get that bit of business sorted, but is admitting it isn’t easy.
He said: “We don't want to take our time, but it's something
we are looking at to try and get the right one. Sometimes things don't drop how you want them. Being in the game long enough now has taught me that. Sometimes you have to take things. You might have a preference of what position you want and in order, but sometimes you can't do that. You have to then make a judgement on that person, which is what I did with Ben, then Jonathan because he can play across the back four. That probably is the position that'd be his fourth choice, where he played today. I thought he did really well in a difficult environment and being thrown into it. He'll give us great flexibility along that backline, without us having to be so nervous. He's signed until the end of the season and all being well if it pans out okay, we get an option to keep him.
“I am not so nervous over the squad. We definitely need another striker and that's not any disrespect to any of them, we need another after losing George Miller until the window. But they are hard to come by even when the window is open. It's even harder to come by now. Getting hold of someone fit enough to come in and hit the ground running and do they want to come and can we afford them? It boils down to lots of things. We have what we have in terms of all around the squad and we'll carry on working with them and improving them and hopefully picking up more points to take us away from the position we are in.”
Leckhampton Rovers U15s hammer own-club Titan rivals
A LOCAL derby saw Leckhampton Rovers U15 Hammers take on Leckhampton Rovers U15 Titans in a division 2 youth football match on Sunday 12th October, in which the Hammers secured a 10-1 victory.
Titans started really well and took a 1-0 lead early on in the match. The Hammers then found their momentum with Zak scoring his first club goal since joining at the start of the season, a goal from Cameron and a penalty from TJ, also scoring his first club goal which was closely followed 2 minutes later by his second, saw the Hammers
go into half time with a 4-1 lead. The Titans kept their heads up going into the second half but the Hammers’ goals kept coming with goalkeeper Ronnie scoring a free kick from the half-way line. Archie & Captain Zac (2) added to the scoreboard shortly after. Goals from Josh and Lewis M In the last 10 minutes secured the Hammers a win. The Hammers go on to another derby match next week when they play away to Leckhampton Rovers U15 Lions, with Titans at home to Charlton Rovers Blues, both at the Burrows field, Cheltenham.
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Terrace
talk with Will Alder
ALL things Cheltenham Town are at last finally starting to look a bit more positive. The return of Cheltenham legend Steve Cotterill has been very well received amongst the Whaddon Road faithful and has given us some muchneeded positivity. I am old enough to remember his previous spell in charge and the success he had with us last time around, and I know that the old adage is to never go back (and I am sure this crossed our new manager’s mind too), but a proven manager in the lower Leagues of English football, who knows the club and has attended many games this season, was too good an opportunity for Mike Garlick to pass up. What we will likely see from a Cotterill side is a hardworking and organised team that will try and play some nice football when the opportunity arises, and I think we are beginning to see signs of this already. So many of the frustrations under the previous regime stemmed from a lack of strategy, organisation and our refusal to string more than a couple of passes together before lumping it forward. Early signs are that the lads are being encouraged to keep the ball and look for the easy pass, rather than hitting aimless long balls forward with no one likely to get on the end them.
We were all hoping for the old ‘new manager bounce’ cliché as Fleetwood Town were the first visitors to Whaddon Road, as Cheltenham welcomed back the most successful manager in our club’s history to the dugout for the first time in over 20 years. It could not have gone much better really, with two goals and a clean sheet, giving the fans something to celebrate, which we haven’t had too much of an opportunity to do this season. Jubilant scenes at the end duly followed and let’s just hope we witness lots more enthusiastic Cotterill fist bumps, celebrating wins between now and the end of the season. Next up was a visit to high flying and big spending Gillingham, as the Robins looked to continue the positivity.
The lads defended well throughout, even though it was a bit backs to the wall at times, and the longer we kept in the game there was always a chance that we could nick it.
Sam Sherring’s first goal for the Robins after Isaac Hutchinson hit the woodwork for the second time in the afternoon looked like all three points might have been heading back on the bus to Gloucestershire, however the hosts kept knocking on the door and substitute Elliott Nevitt’s last kick of the game equaliser meant that the spoils were shared.
A point away at the Priestfield Stadium is a good result though and keeps some momentum going.
A huge positive for Town as well was the return of Jordan Thomas following his shoulder injury and he could be a big player for us as long as he is with us.
Our first free agent arrivals under the new gaffer certainly look to have added something and will both definitely improve with match sharpness.
Former Coventry and Colchester midfielder Ben Stevenson was the first through the door, and on first viewing he looks very composed at the base of the midfield and is happy to put a tackle in, both aspects that our midfield has definitely been lacking this season. This was evident in the part he played in Josh Martin’s goal against Fleetwood. American former Norwich defender Jonathan Tomkinson has also joined the Robins squad and he looks a composed and versatile defender who hopefully will help us shore up at the back. With George Miller out of action until January, this opens up another space in the squad for one further new free agent addition outside of the transfer window, and we all know that this needs to be a striker, regularly the hardest position to recruit for. With our attacking midfield options, this in my opinion needs to be an oldfashioned number 9-type signing who can hold the ball up and bring others into play, just like Sam Vokes did for the Gills at the weekend.
Next up for the Robins is the relatively short trip across the Prince of Wales Bridge to face fellow strugglers Newport County. Hopefully the lads will be backed by a vocal travelling away support and we can replicate last year’s result against the Exiles, one of our most convincing away performances of the season.
Back row Left to Right: Lewis P, Milan, Cameron, Archie, Ron, Zac, Lucas, Louis, Lewis M. Front row Left to Right: Ethan, Zak, Josh, Jude, TJ, Ned.
Cheltenham Post
The Robins could only manage to bring back one point to Whaddon Road, after scoring late on to give themselves a moment’s hope of claiming all three.
Gillingham’s pressure paid off though and they ended a losing streak with a last-gasp goal, Cheltenham failing to
clear a chance that bobbled around the edge of the box before being hammered home.
Manager Steve Cotterill would have been gutted to see the ball hit the net, after thinking his side had done enough to earn three points.
There were lots of positives
spells, the performance was a world away from the 7-1 defeat the last time they played on the road in the league.
After the game, Cotterill shared his frustrations at the final result Continued on page 31
