CheltenhamPost The
Friday 28th August 2026
FREE
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
Cheltenham’s newest wealth manager With an 80-year heritage you can trust
Scan here to learn more. Capital at risk.
01242 502 808
SPORT ROBINS GO DOWN 2-1 TO SWINDON TOWN PLUS BISHOPS CLEEVE SURVIVE FA CUP SCARE
Reconditioned Straight (Subject to Availability)
From Only
New Straight CHELTENHAM CRICKET CLUB BEER AND WINE FESTIVAL See page 17
FRENCH PROPERTY SHOW COMES TO THE RACECOURSE See page 8
PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES
SEE PAGES 23-27
CHELTENHAM STUDENTS GCSE SUCCESS FULL STORY SEE PAGE 10
From Only
NEW £12M CANCER CARE UNIT GIVEN GREEN LIGHT
Reconditioned Curved
A NEW cancer centre offering modern clinical and treatment spaces, digital consultations, a dedicated support centre and peaceful therapeutic gardens has been given the green light by Cheltenham Borough Council. More than 10,000 people have already donated to Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity's Big Space Cancer Appeal, with more than £9.8 million raised towards the estimated £12 million cost of the new build.
Planning approval has been granted for a new state-of-the-art cancer centre at Cheltenham General Hospital, bringing the project a major step closer to reality
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Kevin McNamara said: "We are delighted to reach this significant milestone of planning approval.
From Only
New Curved From Only Local Engineers - 24 Hour Support
This brings us one step closer to delivering a new state-of-the-art centre to improve cancer services for our patients. Continued on page 3
FREE ROOF SURVEYS
(Subject to Availability)
FREEPHONE: 0808 108 0722
ALL MAJOR CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED
0% FINANCE AVAILABLE
Trusted Local Roofing Contractors
l Roofing l Repairs l Fascias
l Gutters l Soffits l Conservatories
l Conversions l Flat roofing l Rubber roofing
New Solar Guards
fitted not screwed
From comprehensive roof repairs to quality upgrade installations, everything is covered by our expert team of roofing contractors.
Call 01242 800 659 info@apexcladdingandroofing.co.uk www.apexcladdingandroofing.co.uk
Friday 28th August 2026
Cheltenham Post
News Cheltenham Post AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire Contact us Commercial Director Mark Cuzner mark@cheltenhampost.co.uk
Publishing Director Nicholas Clarke nick@cheltenhampost.co.uk
Editor editor@cheltenhampost.co.uk
Website enquiries digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk
To advertise call
07983 179225 GOT A STORY? News editor@cheltenhampost.co.uk
General enquiries
info@cheltenhampost.co.uk
Follow us on social media
Twitter: @CheltenhamPost www.facebook.com/ cheltenhampost www.cheltenhampost.co.uk The Cheltenham Post Newspaper is owned and published by All4One Media Limited. The views, reviews and comments of contributors aren’t necessarily those of the publisher. Company registration 09333677
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 Co-Op, Leckhampton Road Co-Op, Bath Road, Leckhampton Co-Op, Salisbury Avenue Cheltenham General Hospital Cheltenham Spa Train Station East End Garage, Charlton Kings Morrisons, Caernarvon Road Up Hatherley Sainsburys, Gallagher Retail Park Sainsburys, Priors Road, Oakley Tesco Superstore, Collets Drive Tesco, Church Road Bishops Cleeve 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.
2
Man jailed for gunpoint kidnapping in Gloucester A 32-year-old man who kidnapped another man at gunpoint in Gloucester has been jailed for four-and-a-half years. On the evening of 11th December last year Claude Bond pointed the gun at the victim in the street, pushed the weapon into his back and then escorted him to a nearby address. Once inside the property Bond used cable ties to secure the victim's wrists together and repeatedly made threats to injure and kill him. The ordeal started at around 6.40pm, saw Bond telephone a relative of the victim and demand £250,000 for his safe release. The victim, aged in his 20s, could see that there were items at the address as well as the firearm including knives, a blow torch, tweezers, bleach and a large sheet with tape on it. The court was told how Bond had threatened to hurt the victim if he was not provided with cash from the relative, including threatening to blast his head off, cut his fingers off and chop up his body. During sentencing at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday 18th August, the reason behind the kidnap was discussed, and it was suggested that this related to a drug dispute between Bond and the victim's relative. The court was told that the victim had no involvement in criminality and that he did not know who Bond was. Bond's demands for cash from the relative lowered to between £150,000 and £200,000, and after around three hours at the address, Bond released the victim with no money provided. Police were called and attended that evening, and due to the time of night and for fear of repercussions, initially the victim did not provide a full statement to officers. The following day, he showed officers where he had been kidnapped from on Hatherley Road and the nearby address on Hanman Road that he was walked to at gunpoint.
JAILED: Claude Bond.
PICTURE: Gloucestershire Police
Police applied for a warrant the same day, 13 December, and this was granted late that evening. Officers went to the address and arrested Bond there, and this was found to be his home address. An empty Beretta gun case was seized, along with zip ties, a blow torch, cannister and a handwritten kidnap list. The weapon was not located at the address, and the court was told that the weapon was believed to have been an airsoft pistol. However, the victim would have thought it was a genuine firearm. Bond gave a no comment interview, and following an investigation by the Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department, he was charged with kidnap and remanded in custody.
On 22nd June at Gloucester Crown Court he pleaded guilty to the offence on the first day of his trial, and he was sentenced at the same court subsequently to fourand-a-half years in prison. Bond was told he must serve two thirds of his sentence before being released on licence, and he was given a 12-year restraining order to protect the victim. Parts of a statement written by the victim was read to the court in which he said he thought he was going to die and that he had made peace with the fact he thought his life was going to end. He said that the attack was completely unprovoked and that he had always tried to live his life the right way. The victim's ability to sleep had
been impacted, as the kidnap replayed in his head, and he felt he would carry this with him for the rest of his life. Bond's defence barrister told the court that Bond said he had been robbed of some funds and he suspected that the victim's relative was involved. It was heard how Bond was doing well in prison, and that he understood his actions caused harm and he was apologetic for that. The court was told Bond had previous convictions, including the supply of class A drugs, and he was jailed for 84 months in 2018 for this and released in 2023. In sentencing Bond, Judge Rupert Lowe said: “You somehow decided you would kidnap [the victim] off the street and you went and laid in wait for him with a gun. “I accept from your basis of plea, and from the evidence from the police, that this was in all probability an airsoft pistol. “You lay in wait for him, and when he came out of a shop you barged into him, pushed him into a van and pushed your gun into his back. “He didn’t know who you were, he had no idea, and you then demanded money and walked him at gunpoint down a number of roads.” After sentencing, investigating officer Detective Constable Niall Carter said: “I would like to thank the victim for his steadfastness and courage shown throughout this investigation. His continued support and engagement has been invaluable in helping officers establish the circumstances of what happened. “This has been a complex investigation, and the commitment and professionalism shown by multiple officers from different departments should be recognised. “Such violent and serious offending will not be tolerated in Gloucestershire, and we will always work to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Court grants civil injunction following woman's violent and aggressive behaviour GLOUCESTER City Council, in partnership with Solace and Two Rivers Housing Association, have successfully applied to the County Court under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 for an injunction against Amy Jennings. Amy had regularly caused distress to members of the public in both
Gloucester and Newent and has been given a court order due to her violent and aggressive behaviour that posed a significant risk. The court granted her order and Amy Jennings is now forbidden from: l Engaging in conduct which causes or is capable of causing
alarm or harassment or distress to any person within the City of Gloucester or town of Newent; l Using or threatening to use violence towards any person within the City of Gloucester or town of Newent at any time; l Entering or being in a designated area of Newent at any time.
The court further ordered that a power of arrest is attached to the order, meaning Amy Jennings can be detained if she breaches any of these conditions. Anyone who witnesses any suspected breaches of the order is encouraged to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary on 999.
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
Cheltenham Post
Friday 28th August 2026
News
New cancer care unit set for Cheltenham General Hospital Continued from front page McNamara continued: “Our vision as a Trust is to deliver the best possible care and experience for the people of Gloucestershire and the wider regions. Ahead of submission, over 1,000 patients, carers and members of the public were consulted to ensure the plans reflected what matters most to our community.” As well as the new centre, the existing facilities in the current Oncology Centre will be upgraded as part of the second phase of the project. One local supporter of the appeal, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, said she was "scooped up by the NHS at its best" and received the all clear later that year. She said: “I am completely indebted to the outstanding teams at Thirlestaine Breast Clinic and Gloucestershire Oncology Centre.” However, she said the rooms where she had appointments were "small and dark", adding that there was not enough space for her and Dr Jess Bailey.
“I’m supporting The Big Space Cancer Appeal because I want the people who cared for me to have a modern, light and spacious place to work," she said. “We need to look after our clinicians, just as they look after us. When you receive the worst news, you know you are in the best hands, but patients and staff should also have the best environment.” Community fundraising has already included last year's Lions at Large sculpture trail, which raised £370,000. More than 180 runners are confirmed for Run Cheltenham this September, while hikers are already signing up for the charity's first international challenge next year to Mount Kilimanjaro. Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity associate director Richard Smith said: “For every person whose life has been touched by cancer, we are delighted that planning has been approved. “One in two people will be affected by cancer in their lifetime and 5,000 people from the local area begin treatment every year in our
ARTISTS IMPRESSION: How the new unit at Cheltenham General Hospital will look.
current facilities.” He added: “Thanks to our amazing community, we are closer than ever to transforming cancer care for our patients and their families, as well as our incredible NHS teams." The charity is continuing to appeal for donations to help make the new centre a reality.
Resident prosecuted over French Bulldog breeding and fraud A CHELTENHAM resident has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering and fraud after breeding and selling French Bulldogs from their home address without a licence. The resident had pleaded not guilty in 2024 to offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and Fraud Act 2006. The charges related to breeding dogs without a licence, causing unnecessary suffering under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and placing false and misleading adverts. The case went to trial in Cirencester in June 2026, where the resident was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering and fraud. The prosecution followed reports that the resident was breeding and selling French Bulldogs from their home address without a licence and
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
advertising the dogs for sale on social media. One puppy sold to a member of the public was later found to be seriously unwell. Although the advert stated that both parent dogs had been health tested, the puppy was found to have birth defects and Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). At a sentencing hearing at Gloucester Crown Court on July 24, the resident also pleaded guilty to breeding dogs without a licence. They received an 18-month community order, a mental health treatment requirement and eight Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days. They were also ordered to pay £1,000 towards the council's costs. The prosecution was brought by the public
protection team at Cheltenham Borough Council, with assistance from One Legal and the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit. Councillor Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: "This case demonstrates that we will take action where there are serious concerns about animal welfare and where members of the public are misled. “Anyone who breeds dogs is responsible for ensuring that parent dogs are suitable for breeding and that any relevant genetic testing is carried out. “If you're looking for a pet, check for the licence number before going any further. Buying from a licensed breeder gives reassurance that the animals have been bred and cared for to appropriate health and welfare standards."
3
Award winning care homes
Sandfields care home, Cheltenham
Love to Move First Tuesday of each month, 2pm - 4pm Join us for age and dementia friendly seated exercise sessions delivered as part of the nationally recognised programme from British Gymnastics.
To book please call 01242 801596 or email david.blake@careuk.com Trusted to care
Cheltenham Post
Friday 28th August 2026
News
Are victims at the heart of early release decisions? LIKE many people, I have followed the debate around the Government's prison early release scheme with great interest. It is a complex issue, and I recognise the difficult position. Years of underinvestment in prison capacity and wider pressures within the criminal justice system have left us facing hard choices. It would be wrong to pretend there are easy answers. However, I do believe there should be more exemptions from early release arrangements, and there have been a number of cases highlighted by campaigners that have my support. Every day, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, prison officers and other frontline workers put themselves in harm's way to protect the public. When they are assaulted or in the most extreme cases killed in the course of their duties, it
By Chris Nelson Police & Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire is not only an attack on an individual, but also an attack on the people and services that keep our communities safe. The case of PC Andrew Harper remains one of the most shocking and heartbreaking examples. His family have campaigned to ensure the criminal justice system properly recognises the seriousness of crimes committed against emergency workers. Their courage and determination have my utmost respect and support. More broadly, I think decisions around early release need to take greater account of the impact on victims and their families. Victims often carry the consequences of crime for years, sometimes for the rest of their lives. Their voices must be heard, and their concerns considered,
whenever significant decisions are made about an offender's sentence. Victims of domestic abuse are a good example of this, regardless of the offence their perpetrator has been charged with. That said, simply keeping more people in prison for longer cannot be the only answer. If we are serious about reducing crime and easing pressures on our prisons, we also need to get serious about rehabilitation and crime prevention. Too many people leave custody only to reoffend, creating more victims and placing even greater strain on the system. Breaking that cycle must be a national priority. That’s why I want to see greater investment in evidence-based rehabilitation programmes that help offenders address the causes of their offending and build positive
futures. Locally, initiatives such as the Prisoners’ Building Homes programme demonstrate the value of early intervention, and practical opportunities to change behaviour. Preventing people from becoming repeat offenders
is not a soft option; it is one of the most effective ways of protecting the public and reducing future demand on the criminal justice system. Ultimately, we need a system that balances punishment, public protection, victim
confidence and rehabilitation. Future reforms must put victims at the heart of decisionmaking while also tackling the underlying causes of reoffending, creating a safer and more effective justice system for everyone.
We o昀er: Residential Care | Dementia Care | Respite Stays
This is what exceptional care looks like At Bishops Cleeve Care Home, Gloucestershire
A luxury, purpose-built residence offering expert residential and dementia care — in a setting as peaceful as it is beautifully appointed. Picture stepping inside: laughter mingles with music, fresh coffee and homemade bakes are part of everyday life, and friends gather in the cinema room — surrounded by warmth, safety, and genuine belonging. For your loved one, and for your whole family, this is what peace of mind truly feels like. www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
An experienced, caring team Specialists, dedicated to meaningful, person-centred support. Beautifully appointed rooms Thoughtfully designed spaces that feel warm, personal and entirely your own. Peaceful surroundings Stunning Cleeve Hill views and tranquil gardens, in the Cotswolds.
Arrange your visit today at Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home Ruby Avenue, Cheltenham, GL52 7ZN 01204 232 024 administrator.bc@advinia.com
advinia.co.uk
5
Friday 28th August 2026
Cheltenham Post
News
In the dock! The following cases have all been heard recently at Cheltenham Magistrates Court: Jakob Peake, 23, of Nottingham Road, Bishop’s Cleeve, is charged with causing serious injury to a male person by driving inconsiderately on 14th August last year. The case was before the court earlier this month but Peake was unwell that day and the magistrates adjourned until 3rd September to allow his lawyer to take full instructions. It is alleged that Peake drove a Nissan Micra without reasonable consideration on Southam Road, Cheltenham, thereby causing serious injury. Stephen Rix, 69, c/o Red Shed, Northleach, was committed to Gloucester Crown Court for trial on charges of sexually communicating with a child, making indecent images of children, and illegally possessing a shotgun. He is charged with sexual communication with a girl under 16 between 17th July 2024 and 17th July 2025, making 6 Category A and 89 Category C indecent images in the same time period, and possessing a Spa Luigi 12 bore shotgun without a certificate. He was granted bail pending his first appearance at the Crown Court on 7th September. While on bail he must not communicate with two named prosecution witnesses or go to a number of specified areas of Gloucestershire and Kent. Charmaine Farmer, 34, of Grenville Close, Churchdown, admitted driving a BMW car in Essex Close, Churchdown, on 6th February this year while more than five times over the legal alcohol limit. She had 179mcgs of alcohol on her breath – the legal limit is 35mcgs. She was banned from driving for three years, fined £761 and ordered to abstain from alcohol for 90 days. She can reduce her ban by 36 weeks if she completes an approved driving course by 29th August 2028. She was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 surcharge. James Minshull, 40, of Griffiths Avenue, Cheltenham, was committed to Gloucester Crown Court for trial on charges of sexually assaulting a 14year-old boy on 15th August this year and breaching a
6
Sexual Harm Prevention Order by communicating with a male child under 16. The order was made against Minshull at Bolton Crown Court in 2021. Minshull was remanded in custody till 14th September when he will appear for a case management hearing at Gloucester Crown Court. Steven Sharpe, 20, of Longford Mews, Tewkesbury Road, Gloucester, admitted possessing 4.436 grams of cocaine in Cheltenham with intent to supply on 5th March last year. He was committed on unconditional bail to Gloucester Crown Court to be sentenced on 10th September. Nicholas Davis, 51, of Welch Rd, Cheltenham, pleaded not guilty to assaulting two men, a civilian and a police officer, in Cheltenham on 6th December last year. He was unconditionally bailed to await a trial, estimated to last 3 hours, on 4th January 2027. Antony Dowling, 65, of Barn End, Lea, nr Ross on Wye, was convicted in his absence of failing to notify the police who was driving a Ford Fiesta in Plymouth at the time of an alleged motoring offence in June last year. He will appear for sentence on 3rd February next year when he will face two other charges – one of using a hand-held mobile phone when driving a Mercedes car on Gretton Road, between Gotherington and Far Stanley, near Cheltenham, on 15th August last year and one of failing to notify police who was driving at that time. He has not yet entered pleas to either of those charges. Victor Omasheye, 42, of Joyford Passage, Cheltenham, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a male person in Winchcombe Street on 3rd December 2025 by beating him. He is also charged with a shoplifting offence on the same date – allegedly stealing a suit worth £179 from Next. The case was adjourned for trial on 4th February next year. Nathan Hayward, 34, of Carter Road, Cheltenham, was remanded in custody on two charges of assaulting a woman and one of using
controlling and coercive behaviour towards her. He has denied assaulting the woman by beating her in Gloucester on 5th May 2026 and in Cheltenham on 9th July. He has not yet made his plea to the charge of using controlling behaviour towards her between 1st May-14th July 2026. The case was adjourned pending a three-hour trial on September 3rd. Mark Malcolm, 53, of Meadow View, Rodmarton, was remanded in custody to await trial at Gloucester Crown Court on charges of stalking a woman and sending a death threat. He is alleged to have messaged the threat in breach of the Online Safety Act on 2nd August this year. The stalking charge alleges that between 18th Oct last year and 7th July this year he stalked a woman in Cirencester and sent messages conveying threats of serious harm to her. Malcolm will appear before Gloucester Crown Court on 11th September. Michael Thompson, 31, of Blakeacre Road, Knowsley, Liverpool, was jailed for eight weeks and banned from driving for three years after he admitted driving on the M5 near Cheltenham with illegal levels of cocaine and cannabis in his blood. He also admitted having no valid licence or insurance at the time of the offence on 20th December last year. The court heard he was driving a Vauxhall Corsa northbound between junctions 10 and 11 at the time of the offences. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs. The magistrates said “The offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified.” Harry Day, 34, of Harlech Close, Birmingham, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a woman by beating her in Bishop’s Cleeve between 21st-24th July last year. He was unconditionally bailed pending a trial, estimated to last two hours, at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 11th September. Marni Winyard, 30, of Stoneleigh, Coopers Hill, admitted driving with excess alcohol on the breath and was disqualified for 14 months and fined £120 plus £85 costs and a £48
surcharge. She committed the offence in a Jeep on New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, on 8th July this year when she was found to have 47mcgs of alcohol on the breath. The legal limit is 35mcgs. If she completes an approved driving course by 6th May next year her ban will be reduced by 14 weeks. Connor Mitchell, 24, of Pitman Road, Cheltenham, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a man in Cheltenham by beating him on 16th January 2026. He was bailed for a trial estimated to take three hours on 11th December this year. David Williamson, 49, of Meadow Close, Cheltenham, admitted driving a VW Golf on Bath Road, Cheltenham, on 9th July 2026 when he had 74mcgs of alcohol on his breath – more than twice the legal limit. He was banned from driving for 20 months and fined £346 plus £85 costs and a £138 surcharge. His disqualification will be reduced by 20 weeks if he completes an approved driving course by 24th September next year. Sophie Cox, 34, of Newton Road, Cheltenham, is charged with possessing a kitchen knife in a public place in Corinium Ave, Gloucester, on 9th September last year. A warrant was issued for her arrest. Shyshko Andrii, 32, of Bushy Way, Cheltenham, pleaded guilty to four assaults on the same woman on 18th December 2025 and 9th January, 21st February and 22nd February 2026. He admitted assaulting her by beating on each occasion in Gloucester. He was bailed until 17th September for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. He must not contact the victim or go to a specified area of Gloucester while on bail. Alexis Harvey, 32, of Millbrook Gardens, Cheltenham, admitted stealing cider and wine from Waitrose in Stonehouse, nr Stroud, on 20th June this year and again on 9th July. The total value of the drinks stolen was £16.80. The magistrates ordered Harvey to pay full compensation but did not impose any other penalty, or costs.
Harry Barton, 23, of Church Road, Soudley, Forest of Dean, was sentenced to do 100 hours of unpaid work for the community after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in Cheltenham on 21st December 2024. He was also placed on an 18-month community order with rehab activities and the court ordered him to register with the police as a sex offender for five years. He was ordered to pay £600 costs and a £114 surcharge. Barton had pleaded not guilty to sexually touching the woman without her consent but he did not attend his trial in March this year and was found guilty in absence. Mikolaj Sobczak, 54, of no fixed address, admitted assaulting an off-duty police officer in Cheltenham on 22nd June this year. He was conditionally discharged for six months. The court made no order for compensation because there was no loss or damage caused. They did not order Sobczak to pay any costs on the grounds that he is homeless and of limited means. David Hill, 43, of Southend Lane, Newent, admitted driving a Mercedes car in Henrietta Street, Cheltenham, on 6th February this year when he had no licence because it had been revoked due to disability. He was banned from driving for three months and fined £120 plus £85 costs. Herbert Butler, 38, of Sapphire Road, Bishop’s Cleeve, is charged with ill treating, neglecting, abandoning or exposing a boy in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury between 3-5th February this year in Cheltenham. A warrant was issued for his arrest. Steven Cooper, 40, of Mill Road, Little Melton, Norwich, admitted assaulting a woman by beating her in Cheltenham on Boxing Day last year. He was placed on a one-year community order with up to 20 days of rehab activities and was also fined £45 and ordered to pay £40 costs. Flynn Rutty, 52, of Union Street, Stow on the Wold, admitted riding a Honda
motorcycle in a public car park in Stow on 10th July this year when he had 59 mcgs of alcohol on his breath. The legal limit is 35mcgs. He was banned from driving for a year and fined £440. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £176 surcharge. The disqualification will be reduced by three months if he completes a driving course by 12th May next year. Ricky Steeples, 49, of Rowton Court, High Street, Cheltenham, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a man by beating and intentionally strangling him at Northolt, London, on 23rd February last year. He was bailed to await a three-and-a-half hour trial on 13th April next year. While on bail he must live and sleep each night at his home address. Artur Bartosiak, 25, of Arle Gardens, Cheltenham, was sentenced to six months jail suspended for a year after he admitted possessing a lock knife in public at the Brewery Quarter on 4th June this year. He also admitted possession of cannabis resin on the same date. The court ordered forfeiture and destruction of the knife and the drug. Bartosiak was ordered to pay £85 costs. The magistrates said they were suspending the sentence because there were ‘exceptional circumstances’ relating to Bartosiak’s work and accommodation and the reasonable prospect of his rehabilitation. Sonny Benfield, 34, of Saracens Court, Swindon Road, Cheltenham, admitted assaulting a woman by beating her in Cheltenham, on 6th October last year. He also admitted a breach of bail conditions on 4th May this year. He was conditionally bailed till 15th September for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. Steven Charewa, 33, of Thames Road, Cheltenham, admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance in Gloucester on 7th December last year. The offences were committed when he was at the wheel of a Ford Fusion in the Hampden Way car park in Gloucester. He was unconditionally bailed till 15th September for a presentence report to be prepared.
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
Cheltenham Post
Friday 28th August 2026
Thousands flock to Cheltenham’s Party in the Park Families flocked to Pittville Park and the Prince of Wales Stadium for a day of free activities, entertainment and support at this year’s No Child Left Behind event MORE than 6,500 children, young people and their families attended this year’s No Child Left Behind Party in the Park, which brought a packed programme of free activities and entertainment to Pittville Park and the Prince of Wales Stadium. The popular summer event featured more than 80 activities spread across four themed zones, with families able to take part in everything from sport and circus skills to music, dance and art. The NCLB Main Stage provided entertainment throughout the day, with hosts Camilla Lewington, Kishi and Maria Allebone joined by performances from local groups including CEG band and Kingdom Academy of Performing Arts. There was plenty for visitors to get involved with across the Festival Field, including circus skills with World Jungle, a silly science show and storytelling. Children could also take on the climbing wall, compete in the mini-Olympics at the Move More Arena and watch skateboarding demonstrations from Friends of Montpellier Skatepark at the Urban Playground. The Music Works bus gave children and young people the opportunity to explore music and get creative, while local community organisations were also on hand at the advice hub to offer support and guidance to families. Around 1,200 children were provided with a healthy lunch through Gloucestershire County Council’s Holiday Activity and Food Scheme (HAF). Food donations for the event were provided by FeedCheltenham, with support from The Jockey Club, Sewa Day and Tesco. Councillor Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety and communities, said the event
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
had showcased "the very best of Cheltenham". He said: "It was great to see Pittville Park and the Prince of Wales Stadium full of families enjoying everything Party in the Park had to offer. "Whether families came for the sports, performances, creative activities or to get support from local organisations, the event provided a wide range of opportunities to get involved. "The atmosphere throughout the day was brilliant and showed the very best of Cheltenham." He added that the council was "really pleased" that so many eligible families had benefited from a free healthy lunch through the HAF scheme. "A huge, sincere, thank you to
our sponsors, partners, hosts, volunteers and everyone who helped make the event happen," he said. "Their support helps ensure Party in the Park remains free and accessible for local families." The event also included measures designed to make it more accessible for disabled children and their families. Nicole Hastie, chief executive officer at Active Impact, said the organisation was pleased to support the event by grant funding a Mobiloo, providing suitable toileting facilities for people with more significant personal care needs. A sensory chill-out space was also available for anyone who needed somewhere
quieter to take a break from the activities. Ms Hastie said: "Making events inclusive from the start means disabled children and their families can take part and enjoy the day without barriers. "These small additions make a big difference, and it was wonderful to see so many children and young people able to join in." The event was sponsored by Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Golden Valley HBD, Renishaw Engineering and Active Impact, with The Children’s Society and Move More hosting the four activity zones. Organisers also thanked the Cheltenham Trust, partners and volunteers who helped stage the event.
News Max Wilkinson MP
Liberal Democrats
THE Prime Minister recently highlighted the importance of revitalising Britain’s high streets and giving local communities more say over the future of their town centres. It is welcome recognition of a challenge that people in Cheltenham have been talking about for some time. But he’ll need to do much more than offer sticking plaster solutions and talking points. Saving town centres will require radical action. Our town centre is one of the things that makes Cheltenham such a special place. The Promenade, Montpellier and the High Street are central to our success as a place to live, work and visit. Yet like towns across the country, we have felt the effects of a broken business rates system, the rise of online shopping and poor property ownership. High energy bills and increased employer national insurance contributions haven’t helped either. These are national issues that only the Westminster Government can solve (unless devolution to local areas is both quicker and deeper than we are being told). The consequences of the status quo are clear: empty shops, neglected buildings and extreme pressure on independent retailers. While Cheltenham’s vacancy rate remains lower than the national average, we cannot afford to be complacent. That is why I am calling on our councils to make full use of the powers they do have. That includes ‘nudges’ and formal mechanisms to bring vacant premises back into use. I’m told the excellent
High Street Rental Auctions policy is under active consideration. That forces building owners to bring properties to market and lease them to the highest bidder, rather than leaving premises empty. If it happens, I’ll be applauding the council for being proactive. I have asked the county council to address street maintenance issues and urged both councils to promote higher standards of design and upkeep across the High Street and Promenade. The results of a recent town centre survey carried out by the BID, in partnership with both councils, could form the basis of a new plan. Then there is Cavendish House. This is a simpler issue. The building owner, Canada Life, needs to get on with it - as I’ve been saying for a while. The Prime Minister has also proposed stronger powers for local areas to prevent an overconcentration of vape shops and betting premises. He’s right to point out that councils lack the authority to reject developments that local communities do not want. Cheltenham residents will remember the application for a slot machine business on the lower High Street a few years ago. I campaigned against it, the council rejected it, but the gambling company won on appeal and the premises eventually opened. It is encouraging that this issue is now being recognised nationally. But if the Government is serious about supporting high streets, it must go so much further, so much faster.
7
Friday 28th August 2026
Cheltenham Post
News
French Property Show returns to Racecourse FOLLOWING this year's successful April show, The French Property Show will return to Cheltenham Racecourse for its autumn edition. It is not your traditional property show, where the focus is on generating lots of footfall and having as many exhibitors as possible. For TFPS, it is about offering a valuable experience for visitors and creating a onestop shop for anyone with a serious interest in France, whether that's buying a holiday home or relocating full-time. With a smaller, boutiquestyle event, visitors have the time to wander around at their own leisure. They can drop out for lunch and return later in the day or even the next day should they wish. There are free goodie bags
8
to put all your brochures in, as well as seminars running throughout the day. The estate agents at the show (Immobiliers) cover the more popular regions of France and different styles of property, from quaint little country cottages to city-centre homes.
There are even some stunning chateaux being showcased, including one for less than 300,000 Euros for sale by Agence Thom in the Mayenne region of France, which is the home of the original Escape to the Chateau programme. The seminars cover
everything from visa requirements for anyone looking to make a full-time move to France to the actual buying process, which is explained in detail. There are also financial advisers, tax specialists and currency experts, as well as the team from The Old School, who can guide families with younger children so that their education isn't disrupted by a family move to France. The French Property Show also has some amazing media partners supporting its events, with The Good Life France and Cheltenham Post both supporting the shows. Tickets are completely free via thefrenchpropertyshow.com, and Sundays are often the best days to attend as you'll get more time to spend with the exhibitors.
Councils reaffirm £2.9m funding commitment to M5 Junction 10 scheme COUNCILLORS from Cheltenham Borough, Gloucester City and Tewkesbury Borough Councils have reaffirmed their commitment to Gloucestershire County Council's M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. At a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Joint Committee meeting on Monday, July 13, the councils approved a further £2.9 million from previously allocated CIL funding, alongside around £18.5 million already allocated to the project. Up to £30 million of CIL funding has been allocated to the scheme to date, while the overall project budget remains unchanged at £372 million. The scheme is intended to improve transport connectivity, support economic growth and help unlock planned housing and employment development across Gloucestershire.
The committee also agreed to ringfence around £7.5 million for future local strategic infrastructure projects, including transport improvements, flood resilience measures, health facilities, and community open space and leisure projects. Councillor Richard Stanley, leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council and chair of the CIL Joint Committee, said the scheme was "one of the most important infrastructure projects in Gloucestershire". Councillor Julian Tooke, cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council, said the funding was "a fantastic example of true partnership working". The committee will continue to prioritise future support for the Junction 10 scheme through future CIL receipts.
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
Cheltenham Post
Friday 28th August 2026
News
Widow to walk under the stars in memory of husband
Jacky also remains involved with Sue Ryder through the Hospice User Group at Leckhampton Court, helping to provide feedback on the charity's care and shape improvements. The Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham is sponsored by Allstone Speedy Skips and Monster Mix. Tickets start at £20 per adult, including a T-shirt and medal. Teams of five or more can receive 20 per cent off their registration fee using the code TEAM20. Participants are encouraged to raise at least £100 in sponsorship. The hike takes place on Saturday, October 17th. More information and registration details are available on the Sue Ryder website.
ONE of our priorities as a Lib Dem led council is to tackle inequalities in our society. Back in 2018 a report highlighted that almost fourand-a-half thousand local children and young people were living in poverty in our town. The report showed that the younger individuals who experienced poverty were more likely to face challenges such as poorer educational outcomes, higher rates of exclusion and worse physical and mental health. We didn’t believe this was acceptable in Cheltenham. Our desire to improve lives directly led to the launch of our inspirational No Child Left Behind (NCLB) initiative. This community-wide project tackles child poverty and the inequality some young people face through enrichment grants, creating events to raise awareness and directing focus towards supporting families who need it. On Wednesday 5th August this year’s NCLB showcase ‘Party in the Park’ took place, where more than 6,500 children, young people and their families filled Pittville Park and the Prince of Wales Stadium for a day of free fun, activities and entertainment. The much-loved summer event featured more than 80 free activities across four themed zones, giving families plenty of opportunities to get active, be creative and try something new. From sports and circus skills to music, dance and art, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Throughout the day, crowds gathered at the NCLB Main Stage for entertainment and performances from hosts Camilla Lewington and Kishi and Maria Allebone, alongside performances from local groups including CEG band and Kingdom Academy of Performing Arts. At the Festival Field, both children and adults tried their hands at circus skills with World Jungle, watched a silly science show and got lost in storytelling. Children braved the heights of the climbing wall and competed in the miniOlympics event at the Move
More Arena. At the Urban Playground, Friends of Montpellier Skatepark thrilled crowds with skateboarding demos, while The Music Works bus offered children and young people the chance to explore music and get creative. Local community organisations offered support and guidance to families at the advice hub, and 1,200 children were provided with a healthy lunch through Gloucestershire County Council’s Holiday Activity and Food Scheme (HAF). Food donations for the event were provided by FeedCheltenham with support from The Jockey Club, Sewa Day and Tesco. It was wonderful to see eligible families benefiting from a free healthy lunch. Small gestures like this really highlight the things we can achieve when we work together with a common goal in mind. Our partners at the vital Golden Valley development – HBD as well as Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Renishaw Engineering and Active Impact all provided vital sponsorship for the event, we could not have achieved a successful event without them. Similarly, The Children’s Society and Move More sponsored the zones which brough so much joy on the day. A huge thank you should also go to the Cheltenham Trust for their support and catering as well as all our partners and volunteers who helped make the wonderful event possible. I can’t wait to see what Party in the Park 2027 will bring!
further forward on re-opening the Swindon Road tip (probably because having closed it they don’t want it open again); why they have no news on the sale of the airport (which is incurring huge financial losses); nor on the sale of the Municipal Offices (which was lauded in the press but has now gone quiet). As for the Town Centre, we still hear complaints about parking, litter, graffiti and can the Lib Dems tell us what is happening to Cav House? It’s quite ironic that the Conservatives campaigned on
these concerns in the May elections, only to have the Lib Dems jumping on the bandwagon claiming they’re on top of this. But once again, where is the progress? I welcome last week’s Conservative Policy announcement on Energy and Climate Change. With indepth analysis we showed that Labour’s industry-crippling dash for net zero has given us the highest energy prices in the developed world. Those high prices stop people wanting electric cars and electric heating. It drives our industry
to more polluting countries overseas with us then forced to import goods with higher emissions. Madness. Conservatives believe that reducing the cost of energy, making electrification more attractive, letting the economy grow and giving consumers choice, is the more sensible and sustainable approach to reducing emissions in the long run. It’s good to see true Conservative principles; “smaller state”, “supporting the economy” and “giving people choice” back again.
A Gloucester woman will take part in this year's Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham to mark 10 years since the death of her husband, who was cared for by the charity's hospice teams A WOMAN who credits Sue Ryder with helping her husband fulfil his final wish will take part in a 10km charity walk in his memory this October. Jacky Stewart, 60, from Tuffley, plans to join hundreds of people taking part in the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham on Saturday, 17th October, and will be marking 10 years since the death of her husband Ken. Ken was cared for at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice before being supported by the charity's Hospice at Home team, which helped him fulfil his wish to die at home with Jacky by his side. Jacky first took part in the evening remembrance walk shortly after Ken died in March 2016 and has continued to support the charity through fundraising and volunteering. “The whole team was wonderful, not only caring for Ken, but caring for me too. “If I looked exhausted, they'd make me a coffee and check I was okay. “People don't talk about death enough, and having a good death is so important. For me, Sue Ryder allowed Ken to have a good death.” Jacky, who spent 33 years working for Gloucestershire Constabulary before retiring early and becoming a celebrant and registration officer, said she had experienced a particularly difficult decade. Her father died in 2014,
TRIBUTE: Jackie Stewart with her late husband Ken.
Ken in 2016, her mother in 2018 and her son in 2019. “I take a philosophical approach to death and grief," she said. "I believe when it's your time, it's your time, but it was a difficult decade, and I decided life is too short. “After losing so many people, I was going to retire at 55 and make the most of the time I had.” Jacky said taking part in the Starlight Hike gave her an opportunity to remember those she had lost while also supporting the charity which had helped her and Ken. “Walking the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham gives me the space to remember and celebrate Ken and the lives of everyone close to me who has died, but also an opportunity to give
something back to Sue Ryder," she said. “The event is joyful. It's poignant at times, especially when you walk through the beautifully lit hospice grounds, but still joyful.” The 10km Starlight Hike will set off from Ashley Manor Preparatory School before following a route around Cheltenham and passing through the grounds of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. Jacky has previously raised money for Sue Ryder by completing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, where she met one of her closest friends, Tracey. Tracey, along with Ken's best friend Jim and his daughter Katie, will join Jacky for this year's hike.
Conservative Party Rob Garnham
GOOD to hear Lib Dem MP Max Wilkinson calling on people to vote Conservative and make Kemi PM. “Really?” I hear you ask. Okay, I confess,
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
not true but given Max spins a good yarn in his leaflets I thought I’d have a go. Why? Because townspeople are asking me about Max’s claim in his latest leaflet that, “Conservatives are preparing to prop up Reform leader Nigel Farage.” This demands an answer and I am happy to clarify that the Conservatives are certainly NOT preparing to prop up Reform, nor anyone
else. As Kemi has said: “there will be no pact with Reform, either before or after the next election”. I now look forward to Max printing a correction in his next leaflet, but I won’t hold my breath. August is a quiet month for Councils and they will soon be getting back to normal in September. Perhaps the Lib Dems might start the new term by explaining why they are no
Council Corner
Rowena Hay Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council
9
Friday 28th August 2026
Cheltenham Post
News
Cheltenham schools see rise in GCSE results Students are celebrating their GCSE results across the area, with St Edward’s Cheltenham and Cleeve School reporting strong performances and a host of individual achievements STUDENTS at schools across the Cheltenham area are celebrating their GCSE results, with St Edward’s Cheltenham and Cleeve School both reporting strong performances and impressive individual achievements. At St Edward’s, 38.3 per cent of GCSE grades were awarded at grades 9 to 7, a significant increase from 26 per cent last year. Overall, 95 per cent of grades were awarded at grades 9 to 4, up from 87 per cent in 2025. The school also recorded a rise in the proportion of grades awarded at 9 to 6, reaching 64.2 per cent compared with 45 per cent last year, while 22.3 per cent of grades were awarded at grades 9 to 8, up from 15 per cent. Almost one in five students achieved eight or more GCSEs at grade 7 or above.
10
At Cleeve School, 74 per cent of students achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and maths, while 55 per cent achieved a grade 5 or above in both subjects. The school said it was particularly pleased with the performance of students facing barriers to their education, with their results expected to exceed national averages across most measures. There were also some outstanding individual performances at Cleeve. Freddie Perry achieved eight grade 9s, a grade 8 and a Distinction in Extended Maths, while Oscar Youell also achieved eight grade 9s and a grade 8. The schools' results come as thousands of young people across Gloucestershire collect their GCSE grades and begin deciding on their next steps.
At St Edward’s, headteacher Anna Sandford-Squires said she was "immensely proud" of the students and praised the work that had gone into achieving their results. “Behind every grade is a young person who has worked hard, overcome challenges, discovered new strengths and, in many cases, surprised themselves with what they can achieve,” she said. “GCSE results are an important milestone, but they are not the definition of any young person.” She said students would now follow a variety of paths, including A levels, vocational courses and apprenticeships. “Their destinations may be different, but each one has their own talents, character and story,” she added. Cleeve School's head of Key Stage 4 and 5, Ben Slatter, also
praised the commitment of the school's Year 11 students. “We are delighted with another set of excellent results achieved by our Year 11 students," he said. “The results are testament to their hard work and commitment to their studies, and we are delighted that the majority are looking to continue their studies with us in the Sixth Form.” He also thanked teachers and parents and guardians for the support they had provided throughout the students' GCSE studies. Alwyn Richards, executive head of Cleeve School, said the results demonstrated the strengths of the school's comprehensive approach to education. “We are delighted with these GCSE results,” he said. “Within a true comprehensive
ethos, every single student deserves our complete admiration and a celebration of their achievements.” He said the school community was proud of students who had worked hard to achieve their ambitions, supported by staff and their families. The results at both schools include pupils who have achieved highly across a broad range of subjects, as well as students who have overcome significant challenges during their education. At St Edward’s, the school said its results were particularly pleasing because of its nonselective intake, with an emphasis on helping individual students discover their strengths and achieve their potential. Sandford-Squires said: “We want young people who know themselves, who have the confidence to be themselves and
who are ready to make their mark on the world. “Today, we celebrate every student, not simply for the grades they have achieved, but for the journey they have taken to get here. We could not be prouder of them.” Many students at both schools will now continue into sixth form, while others will move on to colleges, vocational courses, apprenticeships and other routes towards their future careers. Cleeve School said a large number of its successful Year 11 students would continue their studies at its Sixth Form Centre of Excellence, while St Edward’s is also welcoming students into its Sixth Form. For students across Cheltenham, however, GCSE results mark the beginning of the next stage of their education rather than the end of their journey.
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
VOTED NO.1 MOBILITY RETAILER IN THE UK GOGO GB ELITE BOOT SCOOTER
BEXTON RISER RECLINER
SALE PRICE
SALE PRICE
NOW FROM *
£1599
£299* ASTROLITE POWERCHAIR
WALKERS FEATUR ZERO ING TECHNOTURN LOGY
SINGLE MOTOR
SAVE £50
AVAILABLE IN 2 COLOURS
SALE PRICE
*
£1299
£549*
SAVE £100
SAVE £50
APOLLO LIFE BOOT SCOOTER
LEOPARD ROLLATOR EXCLUS IVE TO ABLEW ORLD
AVAILABLE IN 2 COLOURS GREY
LIFETIM WARRA E ON BAT NTY TERY
SALE PRICE
LOW SEAT HEIGHT
FROM
NOW FROM
N EW
SAVE £50
£69
*
£50 £150 £300 *
SAVE
ON BOOT SCOOTERS
*
SAVE
LIGHT WEIGH T
ON PAVEMENT SCOOTERS
SALE PRICE
£1749
£299
*
RED
*
*
RISER RECLINER CHAIRS
BLUE RED
SALE PRICE
£44
.99
WHEELCHAIRS
JOLLY BOOT SCOOTER
INCLUD ATTEND ES A CONTR NT OLLE R
OFFERS APPLICABLE 1ST JUNE – 31ST AUGUST
*
£199
SAVE £20
SAVE UP TO
*
ON ROAD SCOOTERS
UNMISSABLE STAIRLIFT OFFERS STRAIGHT STAIRLIFTS OFTEN FITTED NEXT DAY
NEW STRAIGHT £1695* NEW CURVED
FREE 7 DAY / 24HR MANNED HELPLINE
RECONDITIONED FROM ONLY * RECONDITIONED FROM ONLY * £795 CURVED £2295 STRAIGHT
FRIENDLY LOCAL
ENGINEERS
FROM ONLY
SAVE
FROM ONLY
*
£3345
SELECTED VOUCHER ON ALL PLUS £250 ABLEWORLD £250! ONSTAIRLIFTS NEW STAIRLIFT PURCHASES
WE PROVIDE A FREE, NO-OBLIGATION HOME SURVEY ee g Fr rkin Pa
CHELTENHAM ABLEWORLD
www.ableworld.co.uk Voted UK’s no.1 Mobility Retailer 2019, by Access & Mobility Professionals
107B Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9DW
cheltenham@ableworld.co.uk
Next door to Sue Ryder Charity Shop OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Further details on all our stores can be found on: www.ableworld.co.uk
NHS Vouchers Welcome Where Applicable *VAT Exempt - Ask in Store for Details MRP- Manufacturers Recommended Price Previous Price - Sold for 28 days in last 6 months at our Nantwich Store Insurance/Warranty is arranged by Ableworld UK Ltd and provided through Mark Bates Ltd t/a Premier Care, Premier House, Londonthorpe Road, Grantham, Lincs, NG319SN who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FRN308390. Calls made to this number may be recorded for monitoring and quality purposes
NQP290726017
Tel: (01242) 470 000
Friday 28th August 2026
Cheltenham Post
News
Labour Party
Clive Harriss
IT is not only heroes who need homes in Britain today. Britain urgently needs more housing and the infrastructure to support it: shops, schools, buses, and community facilities for sport and recreation. But we need the right kinds of homes in the right places, where people can have access to jobs, businesses, and the services they need to lead healthy, productive lives. This month, the Government released a new National Planning Policy for England. It aims to give people a greater sense of optimism by helping everyone in our communities enjoy homes and lives that feel secure. The Government has also committed to building 1.5 million new homes in the lifetime of this parliament, mandating through the policy minimum percentages of development that must be made up of affordable or social housing. Building more council housing acts as a powerful stabilizing anchor for the entire housing market by directly relieving demand pressures, cooling private rental inflation, and reducing state reliance on expensive private-sector subsidies. When local authorities build highquality, genuinely affordable homes, the positive ripple effects extend far beyond the families moving into them. The conflict between protecting “our green spaces” and providing homes is real. But how do we balance the wider housing needs of all with the objections of the loudest local voices whenever new building is
Accessible play space planned in Cheltenham A new playground planned for Burrow’s Fields aims to create a space where children of all abilities can play together, with organisers now seeking further funding and business support
proposed? These are thorny issues that must be grasped and tackled. This Government, under our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has shown it is willing to make challenging decisions that will be unpopular with the noisy few, and to stand its ground in the face of dissent. But if we are going to fix the problems we face and provide homes at scale across the country, including in Cheltenham, and more widely in Gloucestershire, we must start by building many more of the right homes in the right places, and by standing up to those who would try to stop that. If an impoverished and almost bankrupt Britain under Clement Attlee's post-war Labour government was able to build more than a million homes, 80% of which were council houses, largely to replace those destroyed by war then maybe Labour’s target of building 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliament might not be so impossible, provided we can come together as a nation and put the housing needs of all, young and old, in work or in need of support first.
PLANS are taking shape for a new fully inclusive playground at Burrow’s Fields in Cheltenham, which organisers hope will open in 2027. The project is being developed through a partnership between Cheltenham Borough Council and Leckhampton Rovers FC (LRFC) and will replace the existing playground, which is described as outdated. The new facility is intended to provide play equipment and spaces suitable for children of all abilities, allowing them to play alongside friends and family. Proposed features include an accessible climbing frame, trampoline, roundabout and seesaw, as well as swings designed for children with different abilities. The playground will also include sensory and movement-based activities, accessible surfaces and rest areas for parents, carers and grandparents. Organisers say the design has been developed with input from children and aims to create a safe and welcoming community space. The project has already attracted support from local parents, disability charities, councillors, schools and preschool groups, with organisers saying hundreds of children are represented by those backing the plans. Tweedy the Clown, who has become an ambassador for the project, has also committed to
Green Party Jan Foster
WE appear, at the time of writing, to finally have a break in the hot weather. Despite it being late August,
12
the Met Office seem confident that this break is only temporary. This summer, with its droughts, fires and dangerous temperatures, has felt like a corner has been turned in the era of climate change. I have often been reminded of the quote "Climate change will manifest as a series of disasters viewed through phones with footage that gets
closer and closer to where you live until you're the one filming it." This was especially true when we all smelled the smoke from the wildfires in south Wales, or when Government sent out a National Emergency notification. Climate change is creeping closer and closer. While I utterly reject the messaging from certain plots of the political spectrum that
opening the playground when it is completed. The campaign has a personal connection for one member of the project committee, who is the parent of twins Harry and Freddie. While Harry is fully able, Freddie has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. The family’s experience has highlighted what organisers say is a gap between many existing playgrounds and the needs of children with disabilities. They say that while children such as Harry can generally use existing playground facilities, children such as Freddie can face barriers to taking part. Mark Beaney, LRFC trustee responsible for community
projects, said: “Every child deserves the chance to laugh, play, and have fun. “A trip to the playground for all families should be about exploring opportunities, not a reminder of barriers. “This inclusive playground is about changing that. We are creating a space where children of all abilities can play side by side with their friends and family and simply enjoy being children.” Initial designs have been produced by playground suppliers and some financial support has already been secured. However, the team is continuing to seek additional funding and is hoping to secure a major business sponsor. Discussions are also taking place with local
companies about potential inkind contributions. The proposed playground forms part of the wider development of Burrow’s Fields by Leckhampton Rovers. The club says it has invested more than £1.1 million in the site in recent years, including new pitches and drainage, the Dug Out Café, a pavilion with sustainable facilities, outdoor seating and equipment storage. More than 2,500 trees and plants have also been added, alongside a sustainability trail and app. Organisers hope work towards the new playground will gather pace over the coming months, with the aim of opening the new facility in 2027.
nothing can be now be done, the fact is that we are now living with climate change. In the Green Party, this has long meant that we have advocated both for urgent national and international change. It has also meant that we encourage behavioural change at the most local level. Of course, most of us know that disposable barbecues and fireworks could spell disaster in the ‘tinderbox’ that is the UK. Most of us are responsible and care for our environment. Summer 2026
has taught us that we now need to go one step further and reconsider how our dayto-day lives could be tweaked here and there - to consider if our own consumer behaviour is helping or hindering. I know that most people want to be part of the solution, and not part of the problem. One area which I would like to bring attention to is fridge and freezer disposal; the council currently cannot take any more of these units. Yet a study by BRE showed that 28% of cooling
appliances taken for recycling were suitable for immediate reuse (and 59% would pass an electrical safety check). Waste management can often lead to a sense of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ for us, assuming that the ‘problem’ has been dealt with. Instead, options exist such as Freecycle to help curb the damage of our consumerism. A quick walk to the local parks, now yellow, or a nose out of the window to smell smoke, tells us that ‘out of sight, out of mind’ is no longer an option.
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
READ OUR REVIEWS ON FACEBOOK @GCO-BRISTOLROAD
o T k c Ba
l o o Schounts Disc
Un
s ’ e c i r P e l b a beat
NAL F O I S S E F O R P
ITTING
FREE ESTIM
ATING
EXPERT AD
ROOM SIZE REM’S FROM
£ 50
AY! SAME DAY TAKEAW
OCK 2 ROLL ST.9 FROM £6 9 m
ARKING P E T I S N O FREE
cial 昀 i t r a n n o i a g r a b nts! a n m e Grab a r grass
OPEN MON-FRI 9AM-5PM SATURDAY 9AM-4PM SUNDAY 10AM-2.30PM (Store opening times may vary please call or message the store to confirm times)
Mill Place 1, Unit 4, 90 Bristol Rd Gloucester GL1 5SQ www. gloucestercarpetoutlet.co.uk
VICE
Scan QR code to visit the website
Mill Place 1, Unit 4, 90 Bristol Road Gloucester GL1 5SQ • 01452 413 513
Friday 28th August 2026
Gardening
Cheltenham Post
September jobs to keep your garden blooming By Mark Hopkins SEPTEMBER is a funny month in the garden. One minute you are sitting outside thinking summer is going to last forever, and the next you are looking for a jumper because the temperature has suddenly dropped. Your tomato plants seem to be looking at you as if to say: “We didn’t sign up for this.” Here in Cheltenham, September can give us almost anything. Sunshine, rain, wind and the occasional day when you need a coat in the morning and a T-shirt by lunchtime. It is also the month when the garden starts to change. Flowers are fading, leaves are thinking about changing colour and evenings are getting shorter. But don’t put the gardening gloves away just yet. There is plenty to do, and September is one of those months when you can start one small job and find yourself three hours later covered in mud. One of the first jobs is tidying up the summer flowers. Keep deadheading where you can, as removing old flowers encourages many plants to keep flowering, and there is no reason why we can’t squeeze a few more weeks of colour out of the garden. But don’t go mad with the secateurs. There is always a temptation to tidy everything until the garden looks perfect, but some plants are better left alone. Seed heads can look attractive through autumn and provide food for birds, so sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing at all. September is also a good time to collect seeds from plants that have performed particularly well. It costs virtually nothing and there is something satisfying about growing your own plants. The vegetable garden is still keeping us busy too. Runner beans seem to have one purpose in life at this time of year: producing more beans than any normal family could possibly eat. You pick them on Monday and there are another dozen
14
waiting by Wednesday. Courgettes are much the same. Leave one unattended for a few days and you come back to find something resembling a cricket bat. Tomatoes should still be producing, so keep picking them. If you have grown potatoes, September is also a good time to start lifting the later varieties once the foliage has died back. September is also the time to start thinking about spring. It may seem strange to think about spring when we haven’t even finished summer, but this is the time to plant many springflowering bulbs. Daffodils, crocuses and alliums can all be planted, giving us something to look forward to after winter. Tulips can usually wait until later in the autumn, so there is no need to rush out and buy the entire garden centre just yet. The lawn might also need some attention. After months of children, dogs, barbecues and garden chairs, your lawn may be looking a little tired. September is a good time to rake out dead grass, aerate compacted areas and repair bare patches. Hedges can also have their final trim before winter, but remember to check for nesting birds before you start cutting. Then there is the greenhouse. Give it a clean, remove dead plants and check for pests, and
bring in anything that won’t appreciate the colder nights. And don’t forget the shed. Most gardeners have one full of tools leaning against each other until everything falls on your feet. Finally, there are the fallen leaves. Clear them from paths and patios, but don’t treat every leaf as an enemy. Collect them and they can eventually become wonderful leaf mould for the garden. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy what you have created. Gardening can become a neverending list of jobs. There is always something to cut, dig, plant or tidy. But sometimes the best gardening job is to put the tools down, make a cup of tea and sit in the garden. After all, we don’t spend all that time gardening just so we can spend more time gardening. September may be the beginning of the end of summer, but it is certainly not the end of the garden. There are still flowers to enjoy, vegetables to pick, bulbs to plant and plenty of reasons to get outside. So enjoy September, make the most of the sunshine when it appears, and remember that there is no such thing as a finished garden, only a garden where you have decided it is time to put the kettle on.
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
Cheltenham Post
Friday 28th August 2026
Animal Shelter
Small animals searching for loving homes CHELTENHAM Animal Shelter cares for a wide variety of pets while they wait for loving new families. Alongside re-homing cats, dogs, and rabbits, they also have a dedicated small animal room that can accommodate many types of rodents. Here are just a few of the adorable small pets currently searching for their forever homes. Eight-month-old Coco is a sweet little gerbil with a big personality. Coco came into the shelter after she sadly lost her bonded friend and is now searching for a loving home where she can be carefully introduced to another female gerbil. Although she can be shy when meeting new people, Coco is full of energy and incredibly quick on her feet. She loves tunnelling through her bedding, hiding beneath her wheel, and dashing around her pen exploring her surroundings.
Bean.
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
By Katie Bevan
Coco is looking for a caring and confident owner who is happy to undertake the bonding process at home, helping this lovely little lady find the companionship she deserves. Bean is an adorable fourmonth-old guinea pig looking for a loving forever home. His two great passions in life are food and comfort. Bean loves his pellets and fresh greens, with coriander and parsley being his all-time favourite treats. If there's a tasty snack on offer, Bean will be first in line to investigate. When he's not enjoying his meals, Bean can usually be found relaxing in one of his comfy houses or his hides. As guinea pigs are social animals, Bean is looking for a spacious enclosure with a friendly male guinea pig
companion. Three-month-old Mocha and seven-month-old Pudding are a beautiful pair of closely bonded sisters searching for a loving home together. These sweet rats love nothing more than snuggling up next to each other in their hammocks for a cosy nap. Pudding is the more confident of the two, always keen to explore and investigate what's going on around her. Mocha is a little more reserved and relies heavily on her sister for reassurance. Her previous owner believed Mocha may have limited eyesight, so she can find new environments a little scary at first. Mocha and Pudding are looking for a home where they can stay together in a spacious cage or enclosure. For more information or to apply to adopt Coco, Bean or Pudding and Mocha please email smallanimals@gawa.org.uk Coco.
Pudding.
15
Friday 28th August 2026
Recipes Steph Williams Follow Steph’s blog This Plate Is Pretty stephnicw.wixsite.com /thisplateispretty
Cheltenham Post
Sugar Free Butter Pecan Pralines With a buttery, slightly burned sugar flavour and sweet, nutty crunch, they’re little bites of pure heaven! These easy pralines melt right in your mouth. Perfect if you are craving a delicious sweet salty snack. To create, they will take around 15 minutes plus chill time, and each sugar free praline will contain 0.6g of net carbs. Ingredients 12 Pralines • 100g Pecans • 5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter • 7 tablespoons Double Cream • 1/4 teaspoon Salt • 3 tablespoons Sweetener or low carb Sugar substitute • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Essence Instructions l Roast your pecans at 200 degrees for 5 minutes, on a lined baking tray.
l Using a pestle and mortar, partially crush the pecans ensure you leave some big chunks for texture variety. l In a small sauce pan, add the sweetener, 6 tablespoons of the cream and 4 tablespoons of the butter and cook on a medium heat, stirring throughout until it turns a yellow/brown colour, then remove from the heat. l Stir through the rest of the butter and cream (1tbsp of each).
l Stir through the pecans and salt. l Either drop 12 even spoonful's on to a lined tray or use a silicone mould (small circles). l Refrigerate until firm and serve. Recipe notes Ensure you do roast the pecans, it really makes the flavour. (Do the before/after taste test!). They should be a darker brown than before, but not a deep burned colour.
Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing This dressing is versatile and can be used to jazz up various proteins such as Chicken in particular, raw or cooked fish, white meats & it goes great with salads - A very citrusy and tangy refreshing summery dressing, maybe even a staple on your BBQ spread this year. This recipe will take you only 5 minutes to make and contains only 12g of net carbs per serving. Ingredients 2 servings • 1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds • 4 tablespoons Olive Oil • Pinch of Salt • 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard • Juice of 2 Lemons • 1 tablespoon Honey Instructions l Juice your lemons. l Add all ingredients to a small dish, except the oil, and whisk with a fork. l Add the oil in slowly to allow it to emulsify. l Ensure evenly whisked and serve. Recipe notes This dressing can be stored in the fridge for around a week.
16
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
Cheltenham Post
Friday 28th August 2026
Going Out
TV talent finalist headlines Cheltenham Cricket Club Beer & Wine Festival A FORMER finalist on The Voice UK will be the headline act when Cheltenham Cricket Club's annual Beer & Wine Festival returns next month. Cheltenham resident Vince Freeman will take to the stage at the Victoria Ground on Saturday, September 5, performing from 7.30pm to 10pm. Freeman, who reached the final stages of The Voice UK in 2012, has since established himself as a popular live performer, appearing at festivals, venues and events around the country. His appearance will be the centrepiece of a weekend which organisers say will showcase some of the best musical talent from the area. Saturday's programme begins at noon, with Hambling & Lloyd performing during the afternoon before local act It's Just Nick takes to the stage from 5pm to 7pm. Matt Baker, head of communications at Cheltenham Cricket Club, said the festival was about more than cricket. “Cheltenham Cricket Club has always been about bringing our community together, and that extends beyond cricket," he said.
“We're incredibly proud to provide a platform for local musicians and performers, and this year's Beer & Wine Festival is our strongest line-up yet. “Having Vince Freeman headline the festival is something we're genuinely excited about. Vince has performed on national stages and built an incredible reputation across the country, yet he's still proud to call Cheltenham home. “To welcome him to the Victoria Ground for what promises to be an unforgettable Saturday night is a real privilege for the club.” The festival, which runs from Friday, September 4, to Sunday, September 6, will also feature more than 70 beers, ales and ciders, alongside a dedicated D'Arcy Wines wine bar and a selection of food vendors.
Saturday will also see the annual Chairman's XI versus President's XI cricket match take place at the ground. The weekend opens on Friday evening and concludes on Sunday with a Chill Out Sunday Soul Session. The festival will be held at Cheltenham Cricket Club's Victoria Ground in Princes Street, with opening hours from 5pm to 10pm on Friday, noon to 10pm on Saturday and noon to 6pm on Sunday. Advance tickets cost £15, with tickets available on the gate for £20. Organisers are encouraging people to book in advance, with the event expected to attract hundreds of visitors over the three days. Tickets are available through Cheltenham Cricket Club's website.
REVIEW: The Last Laugh THE Everyman hosted an audio-described performance of The Last Laugh. Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse are in a dressing room. No, this is not the first line of a joke, but the imagined evening in 1984 when three of the most iconic comedians of their time are brought together at the end of their heydays. The play imagines one evening where they are all together backstage in a dressing room preparing for their show. Entering the auditorium, I am grinning already as songs such as Lonnie Donegan's My Old Man's a Dustman and Benny Hill's Ernie are played. People are fondly recalling times gone by and the anticipation is obvious as the audience begins to take their seats. Tommy sets the scene as he is first to enter the stage. Unseemly in a vest, pants and novelty chicken-feet slippers which he says "smell fowl", he is soon joined by Bob, the very antithesis of Tom. He
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
By Ruth Carr oozes perfection and charisma with his dulcet tones. Finally, Eric, who was well known for his slapstick comic act and double takes. Pulling faces at the audience and wiggling those classic glasses, he is a real funny man. All very much of the time when cabaret and show business was at its peak and part of life, these men were household names. I remember that as a child, my Mum would often stick a teabag in the greeting card she religiously sent. Tommy Cooper carried a box and would be known to hand them out, saying: “Have a drink on me.” It feels like we are seeing the real comedians, and jokes are plentiful throughout. However, their guards are down. We also see the people behind the laughs, their fragility and heartbreaking humanity. This is who they really were. As an audio-described performance, blind and
visually impaired patrons are invited to take their seats a little early to check their headsets and listen as Francesca describes the set exactly as you see it. A rundown space which is shabby and has seen better days adds to the touching story. The set does not alter throughout the 80-minute act. Francesca describes during the first act and also gives warnings of any loud noises or bright lights, knowing when to leave a meaningful silence to hang there. Written and directed by Paul Hendy, the writer himself describes it as a love letter to the golden age of British comedy. The second act is a Q&A with the actors, introduced by their understudy, which is a real treat. Damian Williams as Tommy Cooper, Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse and Steve Royle as Eric Morecambe. Their passion is clear. These guys know their stuff and have recreated a special, if fictional, moment.
17
Friday 28th August 2026
Cheltenham Post
Finance
MONEY TALKS What if you're wrong about your money?
Are Your Finances Leaving You Feeling Frustrated and Overwhelmed? Do you secretly worry about your financial future? Do you create a budget but fail to stick to it? Maybe you have never been good with money?
If this sounds like you - I can help transform your finances with the 8 week online..
My Money Makeover course > Money Secrets From The UK’s Top Money Coach > Ready Made Tools And Resources > Lifelong Strategies And Systems That Work > Revolutionary Mindset Shifts
With Fanny Snaith Certified Money Coach www.fannysnaith.com 07487 890 165 Scan or go to https://fannysnaith.com/mymoney-makeover 18
RECENTLY, I worked with a client who had a good job, a decent salary, and two kids. She was sure she was terrible with money. Hopeless, she said. A lost cause. She couldn't quite explain why she felt that way. She just did. We sat down and looked at the numbers together. She wasn't bad with money at all. In fact, she was managing things quite well. I've had the opposite too. Someone who seemed relaxed and confident. Everything fine, they said. No need to panic. And then we looked at the numbers. And they were not fine. I've always been fascinated by the gap between how people feel about their money and what's really happening. This week, I read a research paper that helped explain why this happens. A new study published in the Journal of Financial Therapy, by researchers Olajide, Dinh, Watkins and Johnson, looked at more than 3,600 adults and found that the gap between how people see their financial situation and what the numbers actually show is strongly shaped by emotion. Not just personality. Not just background. Emotion. The way you feel, moment to moment, about yourself and your life. The researchers focused on something called locus of control. This is a psychological concept about where you believe control over your life comes from. During COVID, many people saw a simple diagram with three circles, each inside the next. The innermost circle is the Circle of Control things you can manage, like your spending, savings habits, and how you handle financial stress. The middle circle is the Circle of Influence - things you can affect but not fully control, such as your salary, investment choices, or money talks with a partner. The outer circle covers everything you can't control at all, like interest rates, inflation, layoffs, or government decisions.
Fanny Snaith offers money coaching and financial therapy. www.fannysnaith.com
07487 890 165
The inner circle is what this research calls an internal locus of control. The outer circle is an external locus. And where your mind spends most of its time shapes how clearly you can see your own financial life. Here is what the researchers found. People with a strong internal locus tend to feel comfortable about their finances. Positive. Hopeful. And they rate their financial situation better than the actual numbers show. People with a strong external locus tend to feel anxious and worried about money. And they rate their situation worse than the actual numbers are. Both groups are looking through a lens. And the lens is not clear glass. It is tinted by how they feel about themselves and the world. Here's where it gets interesting: this isn't just about money. Think about the person who was told, as a child, that they were stupid. Or the one who heard, over and over, that they were a disappointment. Those words don't land in the money part of the brain. They land in the self part. It's important to know the difference between two similar ideas. Self-worth is your sense of your own value and the feeling that you deserve good things. Selfesteem is your confidence in your ability to do things well. They are related. And they are different. The person with low selfworth often doesn't believe,
deep down, that they deserve financial security. They might earn good money and still feel, somehow, that it isn't really theirs to keep. The person with low self-esteem might feel incompetent around money, as if it is a clever person's game and they aren't clever enough. Both create the same result. A lens that isn't accurate. My client, who thought she was hopeless, had spent years carrying a story. Not just about money. About herself. She had been given messages, some loud and some very soft, about what kind of person she was. Those messages became beliefs. The beliefs became feelings. And the feelings became the lens through which she looked at her bank statements. This is what I think of as the deeper layer of financial coaching. The money blocks, the inherited beliefs, the programming we don't remember receiving. You can hand someone a perfect budget and a savings plan. And if they believe, somewhere underneath it all, that they don't deserve it or aren't capable of it, the plan won't stick. This matters enormously if you earn a good salary and still feel stressed about money. You might be underestimating where you actually are. Living in the anxiety, not the reality. And it matters just as much if you feel broadly fine and don't look too closely. Because that comfortable feeling can be doing the work that the actual numbers should be doing. What can you do with this? Start by noticing. When you think about your financial situation, are you responding to the feeling or to the actual numbers? When did you last sit down and look, properly, at what is coming in, what is going out, and what you have? Not the vague sense of it. The actual thing. And then ask yourself what story is running underneath. Not just about money. About you.
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
Cheltenham Post
Friday 28th August 2026
Finance
Choosing the right wealth adviser Finding someone you can trust with your finances is about more than investment performance. JM Finn Cheltenham looks at the key questions to ask when choosing an adviser to help manage your wealth and plan for the future. CHOOSING a wealth adviser can be one of the most important decisions you can make with your finances – and it’s often a very personal choice. The relationship between you and your adviser can last a lifetime, so it is worth taking time at the outset to make sure the adviser is right for you and your family. Read on for our checklist on what to look for in making your decision. Check that they’re FCA regulated The most important starting point is to check that the adviser is regulated – and it’s vital to do this at the outset before you hand over any personal information or money. In the UK, anyone providing regulated financial advice must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). If they’re not FCA regulated, you won’t be covered by any of the schemes in place to protect consumers. Pay particular attention to “advisers” on social media, some of whom may hold themselves out as experts but aren’t regulated at all. Don’t just take the adviser’s word for it - the best way to be sure is to look at the FCA’s financial services register. Are they qualified? You should also look for recognised professional qualifications and evidence of ongoing development. If they’re a wealth planner (also known as a financial planner), look for evidence that they have a Chartered Financial Planner qualification from an
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
organisation such as the Personal Finance Society. If you’re seeking a wealth manager, look for advanced qualifications from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, or the CFA Institute. Understand the adviser’s investment approach Looking at past investment performance is of course a factor to consider, but it’s important to always look at returns in context and particularly against the goal of your investments. If it’s a lower-risk investment, the goal might be to outperform inflation or to provide a regular dependable income. If it’s a higher risk investment, looking at the returns against the aggregate performance of other firms could be more beneficial. Bear in mind also that no portfolio is immune to global events that cause market volatility – a good adviser will be able to clearly explain performance to you.
focused on your objectives. It’s also worth checking how they manage continuity of service when they’re away on leave – do they have a wider team that you can speak to in their absence? Assess the breadth of service Good wealth management is rarely just about a portfolio. The real value often comes from joining up the different parts of your financial life: investments, tax, retirement, family needs and future plans. A quality wealth adviser should help you make informed decisions across retirement planning, taxefficient investing, inheritance tax mitigation, succession planning and family wealth.
Evaluate their communication style Even the most technically capable adviser will struggle to add value if they are hard to reach, slow to respond or unable to explain recommendations clearly. The right adviser should understand what you want to achieve, explain difficult choices clearly and help you stay focused when markets, tax rules or family circumstances change. As you speak to potential advisers, consider whether they listen carefully, respond promptly and keep meetings
Consider reputation and stability An advice relationship may last for many years, and sometimes across generations. Ask how long the firm has been established, whether it has a stable ownership structure, how client assets are protected and what independent reviews say. To find out more about how your local JM Finn Cheltenham branch could help you manage your wealth, contact jmfinncheltenhamoffice@jmfinn.com
23
Cheltenham Post
Friday 28th August 2026
Environment
Solar power boom could leave homeowners out in the cold With electricity prices continuing to rise and local networks struggling to accommodate growing numbers of solar panels, Ian Williams of Forever Green urges homeowners to act before export capacity becomes more restricted. WHEN I started in renewables in 2010, electricity cost 12p a unit. Today it's around 26p under the price cap, and the October cap is forecast to rise again. That's a price that has climbed at roughly 5% a year, every year, for a decade and a half - about twice general inflation quietly doubling every 14 or 15 years. You'd be surprised how hard it is to convince people of that, and harder still that it will keep rising until the transition to renewables is complete. Isn't that something to address now?
Solar uptake keeps climbing, spurred along by shocks - the conflict in Ukraine, and now the demand for air conditioning. But it isn't as simple as asking an installer to quote for panels and a battery. In the summer months, once your battery is full, you'll be selling your surplus back to the grid - which means every solar system connected to your local substation is sending power the 'wrong way'. It won't surprise you that there's a limit to how much your local network can take. The Distribution Network
Operator controls what flows in, but it can't control what all those rooftops generate - so there's a legal limit on the size of your system. Up to 3.7kW you simply connect and notify; above that, there's a mandatory application process. There are no set rules; every application is judged case by case. Until recently 6–8kW was generally approved, occasionally even 10kW. But as panels proliferate and the risk of overload grows, things are getting stricter - several of our own installations have
lately been limited to 3.7kW. To put that in perspective: a 6kW system with a battery will typically wipe out your electricity spend. A 3.7kW system helps, of course, but nothing like to the same extent - and the economics
improve with scale, so the greater your system's capacity, the better it performs financially. The message is simple. Export capacity on your local network is, in practice, first come, first served. Wait
too long, and the size of your system may be decided for you. Don't be caught out - a five-minute conversation will tell you where your street stands, and what panels and a battery could do for your home.
Skewed priorities DOMESTIC heat pumps are often presented by government bodies as the cornerstone of the UK's strategy to decarbonise homes. Heat pumps will inevitably play an important role in reducing emissions, but installing them in existing homes presents significant practical challenges - and government policy would deliver more if it prioritised insulation and domestic solar first. The major difficulty is that much of the UK's housing stock was never designed for low-temperature heating. Older properties frequently have poor insulation and inadequate glazing, and unless those are addressed first, the heat pump is fighting the house. As one of my clients put it, it's like filling a sink with the plug out. The pump works harder to hold a comfortable temperature, electricity consumption climbs, and in some cases condensation problems follow.
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
The financial barriers are just as real, and the cost doesn't end at the appliance. Heat pumps typically need larger radiators and plumbing alterations, and the insulation improvements they depend on can add thousands more. Grants help with the appliance itself, but not with the radiators, the replumbing or the insulation it needs to work properly. For many households the sums are hard to justify while an existing gas boiler still has years left in it - and a new boiler costs around a quarter of a heat pump installation. More than one household I've visited has ended up lighting a log burner to make up for what the heat pump can't do. Insulation, by contrast, pays whoever you are and whatever you heat with. It lowers bills, improves comfort and cuts emissions immediately. Every unit saved through insulation reduces demand permanently - and makes any future lowcarbon heating system
perform better. Rooftop solar gives households a direct means of generating clean electricity: lower dependence on the grid, lower bills, minimal maintenance and predictable costs. As batteries and heat pumps become more common, locally-generated power becomes more valuable still. And many people overlook the incentive that already exists - zero VAT on solar panels and batteries. Heat pumps remain important for reaching net zero, particularly in well-insulated properties and new builds. But improving the thermal efficiency of Britain's housing stock, and increasing the electricity our homes generate for themselves, would deliver broader benefits, sooner, to more people. Fix the sink. Then talk about the tap.
Ian Williams designs domestic solar, battery and backup systems across Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire for Forever Green Energy. Tel: 01242 370308. These notes are general information, not financial advice. 21
Friday 28th August 2026
Cheltenham Post
TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER Puzzles
1. Harrisburg is the capital of which US state?
6. Which 2024 film about the election of a pope is based on a Robert Harris novel? 7. What was the name of Ernest Shackleton’s ship which became trapped in pack ice and sank in the Antarctic? 8. Which Scottish lament is often played on the bagpipes to mark the death of fallen soldiers? 9. In Greek mythology, what is the name of the underworld river? 10. Who wrote the novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin?
2. In 2025, Kirsty Coventry became the first woman to head which powerful sporting body? 3. The plant Camellia sinensis produces which commonly used product? 4. A stylised bird of paradise appears on the flag of which country? 5. What H is the name of a hit musical and a product often found in the bathroom?
FIVE ALIVE
AV
IL
AR
MU
EQUALISER 8
SO
14 IW FS
EL RO
UI TL
OL
UO AW
AU EA
DX
NR CT
EG
SE
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.
8 5
17
8 10 3
8
26
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
3
4
6
7
8 9
10 10
11
11
12 13
13
14
15 15
18
17
19
16
16
20
21
17 22
23 21
24
ACROSS 1. Old fellow admitted torch gave a sudden illuminated burst (5,2,5) 9. Cartoonist’s art is kept alive (9) 10. Concept of euro bird doesn’t get off the ground (3) 11. Bird and rodents or just small birds (7) 12. Cup that is preparing to freeze (3,2) 13. One does not often find this (6) 15. Doctor in a jacket has to struggle (6) 18. Clown has a nightcap (5) 20. A bachelor held by a Buddhist priest in state (7) 22. Lament that the clergy are legless (3) 23. Pat’s into a different hors d’oeuvre (9) 24. Cold beer brewed with duke on bus (6-6)
DOWN 2. Spear turned out to be sterile (7)
2
3
4
4. Supposed to have yearned after nothing (6) 5. Naturally one is spotted having this (7) 6. Diving bird upends ice with energy (5)
5
6
7
8 9
10 11
10
12
13
16
14
19
20
10
14
12
17
18
21
22
24
23
25
26
22 23
15
27
28
29
30
24
32
31
33
34
31
35
SOLUTIONS
19
16
7 4
7
19
8
26
4
12
14
4
7 12
4
5
24
9
1
1
26
12
19 16
16 5
25
13
25 26
26
16
3 11
16 12
17
16
4
21
9
15
8 4
4
26 10
23
26 26
8
6
5 5
23
20
16
20 11
4
5
20
23 12
21
12
10
12
11 25
26
11
16 26
12
5
11
4
13
26
9
6
9
8
4
11
21
18
21
19
26
9
16
26
10
2 25
5
8
11 10
26
16
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
2
3
14
15
16
R
4
5
6
7
8
9
17
18
19
20
21
M
22
I
10
11
12
13
23
24
25
26
16. Money that is for the club (7) 17. We had included a book that was required (6)
SUDOKU
19. Shy bear said to have become a rodent (5)
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
8. Ferocious person in charge of sour food additive (8,4) 14. Rival at odds with work (7)
21. Jelly, some of which was pickled (5)
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Stronghold (8) 5. Likelihood (4) 9. Ice mass (7) 10. Progeny (5) 11. Mythical bird (3) 12. Sheepskin (6) 15. Track (5) 17. As well (4) 19. Seem (6) 22. Charged particle (6) 24. Scorch (4) 26. Fireside implement (5) 27. Song words (6) 30. Irritate (3) 32. Unrefined (5) 33. Diplomat (7) 34. Fencing sword (4) 35. Least heavy (8)
1. Mists (4) 2. Little (5) 3. Sound (5) 4. Herb (6) 6. Remote (7) 7. British currency (8) 8. Winner (6) 13. Organ of sight (3) 14. Feel concern (4) 16. Molecule (8) 18. Nimble (4) 20. Ship’s boat (7) 21. Help (6) 23. Witchcraft (3) 25. Chemical compound (6) 28. Vomit (5) 29. Hoard (5) 31. Saucy (4)
H
I M
E
S C
M A N 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: 21 Good; 25 Very Good; 29 Excellent. Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Fastness; 5 Odds; 9 Glacier; 10 Issue; 11 Roc; 12 Fleece; 15 Trail; 17 Also; 19 Appear; 22 Proton; 24 Sear; 26 Tongs; 27 Lyrics; 30 Irk; 32 Crass; 33 Attaché; 34 Epée; 35 Lightest. Down – 1 Fogs; 2 Small; 3 Noise; 4 Sorrel; 6 Distant; 7 Sterling; 8 Victor; 13 Eye; 14 Care; 16 Particle; 18 Spry; 20 Pinnace; 21 Assist; 23 Obi; 25 Alkali; 28 Retch; 29 Cache; 31 Pert.
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: EQUALISER: 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Across – 1 Flash of light; 9 Animation; 10 Emu; 11 Titmice; Clockwise from top left – add; Y X R H Q U K M V T Z P E 12 Ice up; 13 Rarity; 15 Combat; 18 Cocoa; 20 Alabama; 22 divide; multiply; subtract. Total: 12. Cry; 23 Antipasto; 24 Double-decker. EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU NONAGRAM: Down – 2 Leister; 3 Spahi; 4 Opined; 5 Lentigo; 6 Grebe; 7 9 8 6 4 2 1 7 5 3 4 2 7 8 1 9 6 3 5 Trumpet major; 8 Tartaric acid; 14 Travail; 16 Brassie; 17 amnesic; anise; ashen; case; casein; cash; chaise; 4 3 7 8 5 6 1 9 2 1 9 6 3 2 5 7 4 8 chamise; chase; chasm; encash; incase; inseam; Wanted; 19 Coypu; 21 Aspic. manse; mash; mashie; MECHANISM; mesa; mesh; 8 5 3 4 6 7 2 1 9 5 1 2 3 9 7 6 4 8 mesic; misname; nesh; sachem; same; sane; 5 7 8 2 9 1 3 6 4 8 9 5 7 3 4 2 6 1 scam; scan; scena; schema; seam; semi; sham; 6 7 4 2 1 5 3 8 9 6 4 2 7 8 3 5 9 1 shame; shea; shen; shim; shin; shine; sice; since; 1 2 3 9 6 8 5 7 4 9 3 1 6 5 4 8 7 2 sine; sinh. 2 6 4 1 7 8 9 5 3 7 4 1 6 8 3 9 2 5 FIVE ALIVE: 2 5 8 1 7 9 4 3 6 3 8 9 5 4 6 1 2 7 (1) Across – Alamo; Frown; Ledge. Down – Awful; Aloud; Ounce. 3 6 9 5 4 2 8 1 7 7 1 5 9 3 2 4 8 6 (2) Across – Virus; Solar; Taxes. Down – Visit; Relax; Sorts.
F
J
W
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Pennsylvania; 2 The International Olympic Committee; 3 Tea; 4 Papua New Guinea; 5 CROSS CODE Hairspray; 6 Conclave; 7 The Endurance; 8 Flowers of the Forest; 9 The River Styx; 10 Harriet Beecher Stowe. 1 2 3
4
A
5
O
6
G
7
B
8
N
9
I
D
10
L
11
S
12
C
13
22
26
12
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.
7. Regimental instrumentalist to make a bigger elephantine sound (7,5)
NONAGRAM 5
17
19
3. Cavalryman disturbs aphis (5)
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
7
9
21
5
13
11
EASY
2
22
12
26
HARD
1
9
16
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1
7
21
6 3
9 13
2 2
4
CROSS CODE
2
8 1 6 2 8 5 3 7 8 6 8 9 1 4 1 8 5 3
6 7 2 1 9 3 5 8 7 8 5 6 2 7 2 6
9 8 6 1 5 7 8 1 9 9 4 6 1 6 7 3 8 9 2 5 7 3 1 3 5 4
© Sirius Media Services Ltd.
Quiz Challenge
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
COVENTRY ROOFING GROUP LIMITED Your Local Roofing Experts Covering Cheltenham & Surrounding Areas All Work Fully Guaranteed. Free, No-Obligation Quotes Is your roof showing its age? Don’t wait for a small problem to become a big expense. Trust the specialists at Coventry Roofing Group Limited for all your roofing needs, from minor repairs to complete new installations.
Call Today to Protect Your Home:
We Offer a Full Range of Services: New Roof Installations: Tiled, slate, or flat roofs, installed to the highest standards. Dry Ridge & Dry Verge Systems: A modern, low-maintenance solution to secure your roofline. EPDM Rubber Roofs: Durable, weatherproof, and energy-efficient for flat roofs. Torch-Down Felt Roofs: A cost-effective and reliable option for sheds, garages, and extensions. General Roof Repairs: Leaks, missing tiles, moss removal, and gutter repairs – we fix it all. Why Choose Us? Local Reputation: Years of trusted service in the Cheltenham area. Quality Workmanship: All our roofers are fully qualified and insured. Peace of Mind: Every project comes with a comprehensive guarantee.
01386 366784 01789 616608 01242 379871
COVENTRY & CHELTENHAM LANDSCAPING Transform your property with our high-quality surfacing and landscaping services. We work across Cheltenham and surrounding areas with expert craftsmanship and reliable service. RESIN BOUND & RESIN BONDED Smooth, durable, permeable surfaces in a range of colours – perfect for driveways, paths and patios. BLOCK PAVING Wide selection of styles, colours and patterns including herringbone, stretcher bond and cobble effects. Long-lasting and easy to maintain. TARMAC / ASPHALT Smooth, cost-effective and durable surfacing ideal for driveways and large areas. DECORATIVE CHIPPINGS & GRAVEL Budget-friendly, attractive and low-maintenance for borders, paths and garden areas. NATURAL STONE SLABBING Premium Yorkstone, Sandstone and Slate for elegant patios and outdoor living spaces. CONCRETE & SEALED SURFACES Affordable, strong and available in plain or imprinted finishes to suit any style. TURF & LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION Full garden preparation, turf laying and general landscaping works.
NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE
01242 379871 Testimonial
“Coventry and Cheltenham Landscaping installed our resin driveway, and we are so happy with the result. Great quality work, reliable team and completed on time. Highly recommended in the Cheltenham area.” Mr & Mrs T Harris, Cheltenham.
Testimonial
“Had block paving done by this company in Cheltenham. Excellent service, fair pricing and quality finish. Clean, professional and done exactly as promised.Will definitely use them again.” Mr D Roberts, Cheltenham.
Professional Services To advertise here call Mark 07983 179 225 Open Mon-Fri 8am To 4.30pm For Trade and Retail Free Parking Available
Units 3&4, The Runnings, 4 Competitive Prices Kingsditch Trading Estate, 4 Quality Certified Cheltenham. GL51 9NJ 4 Accredited Products 4 Highest Standards Glass cut to size.
NOW OPEN FOR ALL YOUR GLASS NEEDS. CALL 01242 505750 n Extentions n Conversions n Refurbishments & renovations n Kitchens n Bathrooms
Unique Group specialise in Contract Cleaning, Builders Cleans and End of Tenancy Cleaning. We cover all of The Cotswolds and surrounding areas. 4.9 Google Rated with 44 Reviews Unique Group - Intelligent Cleaning for Business Contact us for Commercial Deep Cleaning too.
CALL 01242 339099 steve@auniquegroup.com
Property Creations Cheltenham is a dedicated, professional building and carpentry company providing services in Cheltenham and surrounding areas. We provide services such as extensions, renovations, refurbishments, garage conversions and much more...
Quality carpentry and building specialists with over 15 years experience
Shurdington Nurseries, Whitelands Lane, Little Shurdington, Cheltenham. GL51 4TX
07854 057358
Propertycreations7@gmail.com www.property-creations.com
Cotswold Deep Cleaning cover all of The Cotswolds. We specialise in;
H Deep Cleaning H Builders Cleans H End of Tenancy Cleaning
Cotswold Deep Cleaning is 5H Rated on Google Get your deep cleaning quote today
CALLsteve@auniquegroup.com 01242 339099
To advertise here call Mark 07983 179 225
Professional Services
Fast, Reliable Skip Hire
Fast, Reliable Skip Hire Recycled Aggregates Recycled Aggregates Construction Aggregates Get in Touch
01452 536536
Construction Aggregates Decorative & Landscaping Products Decorative & Landscaping Products Muck Away & Grab Hire
info@allstone.co.uk Allstone House, Myers Road, Gloucester GL1 3QD
Muck Away & Grab Hire
01452 290390
Visit www.speedyskips.co.uk
Visit www.speedyskips.co.uk
www.monstermix.co.uk
Southern Site, Eastern Avenue depot, Eastern Avenue, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL4 6PQ
CHELTENHAM
FLOORING SERVICES Carpets Safety flooring All other types of flooring
TEL: 07903 846003 / 07950 478341 www.cheltenhamflooringservices.co.uk FOR ALL OF YOUR FLOORING NEEDS
RENOVATION SPECIALISTS
Residential & Commercial • Alterations & Extensions Decoration, Maintenance, Repair & Restoration
Quality workmanship at sensible prices
www.craftsmenbuilders.co.uk • mencrafts@ymail.com
07716 007326
MT Landscaping & Design Ltd Alongside our landscaping services we now offer a fully licenced waste disposal service around Gloucestershire.
For a no obligation quote call
07394317300 n Extentions n Conversions n Refurbishments & renovations n Kitchens n Bathrooms n Landscaping
M G Wynn Limited Crowned Winner of Johnstone’s Painter of the Year
Painting & Decorating Services Our painting and decorating company provides you with flawlessly professional work at reasonable prices. You can rely on us whether you require renovation, painting, wallpapering, coving, and plastering. l INTERIORS l EXTERIORS l DUST-FREE SANDING
Property creations garden rooms and landscape division Quality carpentry
For a quote call
Shurdington Nurseries, Whitelands Lane, Little Shurdington, Cheltenham. GL51 4TX
01684 274967 or 07788 745033
E-mail: mgwynn@ymail.com www.mgwynn.co.uk
We are a dedicated, professional building and carpentry company providing services in Cheltenham and surrounding areas. We provide services such as extensions, renovations, refurbishments, garage conversions and much more...
07854 057358
Propertycreations7@gmail.com
www.property-creations.com
and building specialists with over 15 years experience
RANT
E
D•
•
UA
E
Supplying and fitting qualit y Doors and Windows
G
B E S T P R IC
E
Huge range of colours & styles Several choices of materials Aluminium / Composite / UPVC Professional installation by a local family run business Competitive prices on made to measure doors & windows
01242 304 305
Recent Local Installations
Unit L Churcham Ind Est, Cheltenham, GL53 7DF
www.bencewindows.co.uk
INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTOR
We are a Cheltenham based family-owned funeral service, with over 45 years’ experience in the profession. Honouring lives, comforting loss.
Call 01242 530 683 info@iangeorgefunerals.co.uk
www.iangeorgefunerals.co.uk
Trusted Local Roofing Contractors
From comprehensive roof repairs to quality upgrade installations, everything is covered by our expert team of roofing contractors. l Roofing l Gutters l Conversions l Repairs l Soffits l Flat roofing l Fascias l Conservatories l Rubber roofing
Call 01242 800 659
info@apexcladdingandroofing.co.uk www.apexcladdingandroofing.co.uk
Quality Carpets, Fitted Properly New family-run carpet shop offering honest advice, expert fitting, and great value on carpets, vinyl & laminate. ✔ Free measuring & quotes ✔ No pushy sales Visit us today or call to book your free measure.
01242 639316
Great opening deals in store now! Free underlay or free fitting on selected ranges.
Unit P4c Runnings Road Kingsditch Trading Estate. GL51 9NQ
Cheltenham Post
Friday 28th August 2026
Why more homeowners are reviewing how their home is owned ACROSS Gloucestershire, more homeowners are beginning to review how their property is legally owned. Although it may sound like a technical legal detail, advisers say it can play an important role in later-life and estate planning. The two main forms of ownership - joint tenants and tenants in common - work differently and can influence how assets are dealt with in the future. Key considerations include: • The level of control each owner has; • How assets may eventually be passed on; • The flexibility available within a will; • The ability to reflect personal wishes more clearly.
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
For those wanting to take a more considered approach to their affairs, reviewing the ownership structure can be an important step. While changes are often possible, specialists say they are usually easier and more effective when reviewed early rather than after circumstances have already changed. Many homeowners are surprised to discover they have never actually discussed how their ownership arrangements may affect future decisions. Because the family home is often one of a household’s largest assets, understanding how it is structured can
Legal
provide valuable reassurance and help families feel more organised for the future. Even where no immediate changes are needed, a review can often provide clarity and peace of mind. DID YOU KNOW? • Many homeowners are unaware of their ownership structure. • Changes can often be made with the right guidance. • Early reviews can help avoid uncertainty later. To speak to a local specialist for clear, practical guidance, call 0333 335 5875.
27
Friday 28th August 2026
YearsGoneBy
Cheltenham Post
R
Memories of Cheltenham’s past May 1953. The wedding of Mr Walter “Red” MacDonald (US Army) and Miss Jean Cuzner, held at Holy Trinity Church, Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham — the church now known simply as Trinity. A wonderful glimpse into Cheltenham’s past and a special moment in the Cuzner family history.
Cheltenham Deanery Mothers Union St Matthews Church.
The Prom in the sunshine in the early 30’s Sent in by Tony Smith.
Do you recognise any of the people in these pictures? Get in touch and send your old photos via email to be included in our ‘Years Gone By’ feature. Email mark@cheltenhampost.co.uk
Caring for people in Cheltenham since 1946 Our charity provides day care, respite, independent living, residential and nursing care, with specialist knowledge of dementia and end of life care.
01242 303220 / www.lilianfaithfull.co.uk 28 Chelt Post Banner 50x258 Workings.indd 4
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk 19/02/2026 8:28 am
Cheltenham Post
Friday 28th August 2026
Sport
Cleeve survive FA Cup scare with late goals against Wallingford THREE late goals saw Bishops Cleeve avoid an FA Cup upset as Wallingford & Crowmarsh almost held on for a famous victory. Cleeve almost opened the scoring within two minutes, with Ross Langworthy breaking through and hitting the post at the bottom right corner. Devanti McInerney slid in for the rebound, but a huge touch guided the ball over the bar for a corner. The resulting set piece led to a foul in favour of the visitors. It was all Cleeve in the opening stages, with Wallingford barely able to string a pass together, but it was the away side who took the lead. The ball was played in low from the right and squeezed into the bottom right corner, with Clayton almost keeping it out from close range in the 17th minute. Cleeve came close to a swift response in the 21st minute as Langworthy brought a long ball down well before playing it to Jack Carter, who fed EvansHarriott after cutting in from the right. His shot was blocked for a corner, which
By Ben Ware led to a string of chances that the visitors only cleared when the keeper claimed a long throw two minutes later. The 24th minute brought another big chance as Langworthy again brought down a long ball, but Reegan Messenger's touch let him down in front of goal. Another opportunity followed two minutes later when Clayton's clearance was headed out for a corner, which was eventually sent wide by Jake Lee at the far post. Despite Cleeve's total control, it was the visitors who came closest to the next goal when they hit the home side on the break in the 37th minute, with the ball flying just wide of the bottom right corner. A stunning save then denied a superb Evans-Harriott, who was taking matters into his own hands. He danced through the defence and shot low towards the bottom left corner, only to see a fingertip guide the ball onto the post. Wallingford & Crowmarsh
held on and went into halftime a goal to the good. Cleeve came close through Messenger five minutes into the second half. He brought the ball down well and held his man off wide to the right before firing a shot across goal that forced a good save. Soon after, Wallingford missed a sitter. Through on
Cleeve Development climb to second BISHOPS Cleeve Development rose to second in the Gloucestershire County League table after a tight 2-1 win at Stoke Gifford SGS United on Saturday. The home side may have felt hard done by at the SGS Stadium after the Cleeve Development side fought back to take all three points home to Gloucestershire, with goals from Nathan Payne and Harry Davis securing the victory. Cleeve Development could not have asked for a better start, with new signing Payne opening the scoring after just five minutes. The lead was almost gone immediately, however, as Tom Manley found only the crossbar,
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
with plenty of early pressure from the hosts ultimately coming to nothing. Stoke Gifford eventually found an equaliser through Oscar Cox and almost took the lead from the penalty spot, only for debutant Joe Goodey to produce a brilliant save to deny Tyler Dunnell-Luff. The hosts were denied once more soon after, with Cox thinking he had doubled his tally, only for the assistant's flag to quash the celebrations. Cleeve Development were far from dead and buried, however, as Sam Smith headed against the crossbar before Harry Davis missed from just two yards out. Davis would make amends, though, putting
Cleeve back ahead on the stroke of half-time with what would prove to be the winning goal. Gifford continued to push and put pressure on the Cleeve goal after the break, with Goodey called into action numerous times. The home keeper was also kept on his toes by Elliot Green and Monty New as Cleeve looked to extend their advantage. More chances came and went for both sides as the game drew towards its conclusion, but neither could find the net again. Cleeve Development held on for a 2-1 victory and three valuable points, although on another day there could have been plenty more goals.
goal down the right, an early dive from Clayton looked as though a second goal was coming, but the visitors could not find the target and were left with their heads in their hands. Again, Wallingford went against the run of play to come close in the 57th minute, with a low free-kick under the wall well saved. While Cleeve enjoyed
much of the ball, there was little of note until the 75th minute when Shiyak Sutherland replaced Langworthy. His first impact on the game saw him play a perfect pass to EvansHarriott, who capped a superb display by bending the ball around the keeper and into the net with 14 minutes remaining. Substitute Will Turner was
then called into action by a well-hit long ball, jumping up to hoof it clear. The resulting throw led to a foul and free-kick Cleeve's way. The second goal finally came in the 81st minute. A strong shot from Sambu was spilt to Holliday, but his rebound was met by an exceptional save. The luck Cleeve had been missing all game finally arrived as the ball looped up to Messenger, who headed home to put the home side ahead. The closest the visitors then got to an equaliser also came via the head of Messenger. Wallingford piled on the pressure but could not find an orange shirt. A green head, however, guided the ball towards goal, where Clayton made a simple save. He was called into action again soon after, making another straightforward stop. Charlie Holliday made it three a minute into stoppage time. A poor tackle on Messenger saw him completely wiped out, but the referee played on and the ball came to Holliday, who was the only player still paying attention. He kept his cool, taking the ball around his man before slotting home from a tight angle. The ground breathed a collective sigh of relief as the final whistle blew on a 31 win for Bishops Cleeve.
Cleeve Ladies book FA Cup first qualifying round place BISHOPS Cleeve Ladies followed their male counterparts by booking their place in the First Round Qualifying of the FA Cup with victory over Cheltenham Civil Service on Sunday. Chris Gough’s side overcame the Gloucestershire County Women’s Football League Division One outfit thanks to goals from Jess Dobbins and Lisa Mansell. Cleeve opened the scoring after Nia GearyAndrews was fouled inside
the Civil Service box. Dobbins stepped up and left the keeper stranded, picking out the side netting to her left with the shotstopper unable to move. The visitors responded immediately from the kickoff, finding the net from 55 yards to send the sides into the break level. The tie was settled by a superb Mansell free-kick just two minutes into the second half. Following a foul on Leonie Gough in the 47th minute, Mansell picked out the bottom right
corner from the edge of the box to restore Cleeve’s lead. Both sides created chances during the later stages, but Cleeve held on to secure victory and advance to the next round, which will be played on September 6. The win also puts £1,000 safely in the bank for the club. Their opponents in the next round will be fellow South West Regional Women’s Football League Division One North side Downend Flyers.
29
Friday 28th August 2026
Cheltenham Post
Sport
England's Kicking Cancer team proving football really is for everyone An inspirational England walking football team bringing together people affected by cancer has been training in Gloucestershire ahead of an international tournament in Spain, with wheelchairusing coach Marcus Renzi helping prove that football really can be a game for everyone
New free seated exercise programme launching across Gloucestershire CHELTENHAM Town Community Trust and Gloucestershire Libraries partner to make physical activity more accessible to local communities. Cheltenham Town Community Trust is set to launch a new programme of free weekly seated exercise sessions across Gloucestershire from Monday 7th September 2026, delivered in partnership with Gloucestershire Libraries and funded by Sport England. The programme has been created to help older adults and anyone who would benefit from gentle, low impact physical activity to stay active, improve their strength, balance and mobility, and connect with others in their local community. Sessions will be delivered across five library and community locations, bringing physical activity into familiar and trusted spaces and helping to remove some of the barriers that can prevent people from being active. The free sessions will take place during term time at: • Longlevens Library – Mondays, 11.00am –11.45am • Winchcombe Library – Tuesdays, 11.30am –12.15pm • Stroud Library – Wednesdays, 10.00am– 10.45am
30
• Quedgeley Library – Thursdays, 11.00am – 11.45am • Oakley Interactive Space – Fridays, 12.30pm – 1.15pm The programme forms part of Cheltenham Town Community Trust’s wider commitment to creating healthier, stronger and more active communities, while demonstrating what can be achieved when community organisations work together. Oliver Roberts, Deputy Chief Executive at Cheltenham Town Community Trust explains: “We know that finding accessible and welcoming opportunities to be active can make a real difference to people’s physical health, wellbeing and social connection. Working with Gloucestershire Libraries
allows us to take activity directly into communities and deliver sessions in places that people already know and trust.” The partnership also highlights the important role libraries can play as community hubs, providing spaces where people can come together, access new opportunities and improve their wellbeing. Cheltenham Town Community Trust would like to thank Sport England for funding the programme and Gloucestershire Libraries for helping to connect the project with communities across the county. Find out more To find out more or book a session, visit www.ctfccp.com or call 01242 518630.
THERE are some things in football that mean far more than the final score. For the players and coaches of the WFA England Kicking Cancer team, pulling on the Three Lions is about friendship, determination, overcoming adversity and showing that a cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean leaving the game you love behind. That spirit was in evidence at Plock Court in Gloucester, where nine Walking Football Association England teams recently came together for a special training day. Among them was Marcus Renzi, coach of the England Kicking Cancer team, whose own story makes his involvement particularly remarkable. Marcus joined the England set-up in August 2025 after spotting a WFA social media post. He contacted England Kicking Cancer manager John ‘Coops’ Cooper, explained that he held a UEFA B Licence and went along to a training session. A wheelchair user, Marcus says he is the only qualified WFA referee in a wheelchair in the country, and possibly the world, and, as far as he is aware, the only wheelchairusing coach of an able-bodied national side. But he is quick to turn the attention away from himself and towards the people he coaches. “I get a lot of admiration for the things I do, being a wheelchair user, but the admiration I have for all of the England Kicking Cancer squad is immense,” he said. “I’m just glad to be a part of it.” The Kicking Cancer story began after the positive effect walking football was having on people living with Parkinson’s was recognised. John Cooper, who had himself been diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2020, wondered whether something similar could be created for people affected by cancer. The first Kicking Cancer match was played in 2023 at Burton Albion, where the
PROUD MOMENT: England Kicking Cancer coach Marcus Renzi receives his England cap from Stuart Langworthy following the team’s trip to Paphos, Cyprus, in April 2026.
team recorded a 7-3 victory against Chesterfield FC Community Trust Cancer Team. Games against Nottingham Forest and Pride of Lions followed before a fixture against Arsenal Strollers at the Emirates Hub. Tragically, Tony LinforthHall, who had helped create the Kicking Cancer logo, passed away just days after attending that game. His widow, Maria, was determined that his dream should continue and supported the formation of an England Kicking Cancer team. Trials began in 2024 and, by September, a 20-player England squad had been selected, with Coops as manager. Maria has since formed the WFA Kicking Cancer charity in Tony’s honour. The team’s journey has already taken it overseas. After international fixtures in Jersey, the squad travelled to Spain in October 2025 for
exhibition matches during the World Nations Cup, recording victories against Singapore, England 80s, Spain Women’s Over-40s and Cyprus 50s, as well as drawing with a Japanese mixed-age side. In April this year, they travelled to Paphos, Cyprus, playing eight matches in five days in gruelling heat. They won six, drew one and lost once, with Marcus earning his England cap during the trip. Now attention turns to the Euro Nations tournament in Spain in November 2026, with several Gloucestershire players involved. Among those hoping to play is England player Mark ‘Atters’ Atterbury, whose own story demonstrates the spirit of the squad. Mark was diagnosed with prostate cancer eight years ago and, while playing for a hospital football training team, was asked to play for Kicking Cancer.
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
Cheltenham Post
Friday 28th August 2026
Sport
One win and one loss for Robins as League Two begins Continued from back page “We've had some really good moments. It's funny because we came here last year and won 1-0, played really well in the first half, but we got worked really hard in the second half. Today, I thought we were the better team in both halves. There is improvement regarding that and sometimes before you get results, the performance has to be right. Otherwise you'll get an odd result or two, but it'll catch up with you in the end because you won't know how you got those results. A couple of moments today, if we'd put them away, I am really struggling apart from (Aaron) Drinan's goal, which was a really good finish, to think of too many efforts they had. We just needed a little bit more courage and determination with our conviction when we get in there.” Cheltenham will improve with time as the team gels, there have been promising moments in their opening two league games. They showed exactly what they are all about with a 2-1 home win against Rotherham on the opening day, when they dug in deep and worked hard for three points. Cotterill will need to have best use of his whole squad if he wants to keep progressing this season, he
spoke about some of his injured players, and the persistence and improvement of young midfielder Freddy Wilcox. He continued: “We knew
we'd be a bit light coming into this game. We have lost George Miller, James Wilson and Shaun McWilliams. Those three would have been a big help to us today. Joe
(Tomlinson) went into midfield and had a right go. He has a goal in him. I thought we'd try that and it was alright. Shippers (Jordan Shipley) has had two quiet
games now, but I know he can do more. What's happened a little bit with him is that he's probably not been consistent now for maybe a good year or 18
months. I have to try and reach down deep in him to try and drag that back out. I know there is so much more that he can do for us. He's a deep kid, a real family guy, a lovely lad. He looks like he might be short of confidence at the moment, but let's see how that goes. I am sure he'll be fine for us. “When I said about a loan, that was last year - he's come back and worked really hard in pre-season. He's been around the lads and when he went on today, he was great. Freddy is a great lad and that's not to say Sops or Mama or Harry are not great lads - I love all of them. It was right to get Freddy on today and some fresh legs. It would have been nice to have a full complement to choose from, but you don't always get that in this game. Lots to work on, but in defeat, enough encouraging signs. We are Cheltenham Town coming to Swindon Town today and stuck them right on the back foot. Swindon is a big club, great fanbase who get right behind the team. We had a great away following today, which was brilliant. We definitely would like to have come to them at the end if we could have tucked one of those chances and got a draw after being 2-0 down, we'd be really happy. We are just talking about a couple of chances.”
Match report with Pat Cox
Saturday 15th August 2026 Cheltenham Town 2 - Rotherham United 1
IN a really competitive entertaining match the Robins came out on top against previous Division 1 side Rotherham United. In truth, Rotherham started strongly and were the better side for the first 15 minutes without creating any clear chances. In the 16th minute Paul Mullin sent a vicious free kick just over the bar from the edge of the area before new keeper Wyll Stanway made his first save of the game from Fabio Tavares and shortly afterwards from
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
Denzel Hall. From the middle of the first half Cheltenham started seeing more of the ball and when the strong tackling Shaun McWilliams forced the ball towards Kirsten Otchere his persistence saw the ball break forward to Ryan Broom whose lovely weighted pass found Charlie McCann who calmly placed the ball into the bottom right corner. This was the boost that the Robins needed and two minutes later from a
McCann corner they could have increased their lead, but from eight yards Robbie Cundy headed wide. In the 38th minute Cheltenham believed a penalty should have been awarded for pulling back but the referee disagreed. Half-time arrived with Cheltenham one goal to the good in a hard-fought half. In the second period Rotherham started strongly again and Stanway did well to scramble a save from close in. A quick breakaway by the
Robins in the next minute saw Otchere have his shot blocked for a corner. Rotherham were pressing and when Jili Buyabu cut inside Jonathan Tomkinson in the 60th minute he finished well giving Stanway no chance and equalised. Five minutes later Jordan Shipley shot straight at the keeper following a corner. In the 71st minute Cheltenham regained the lead with a fine goal from 17-year-old debutant Jake Evans. Robbie Cundy
found him with a pass and Evans did the rest, cutting inside and curling a beauty into the left hand corner. Some finish! Rotherham substitute Tom Bradshaw found space in the 76th minute but headed straight at Stanway. The Robins saw the match out in the last 15 minutes to gain three wellearned points against a good side. Home fans departed with a spring in their steps looking forward to the next match.
Player rating
Wyll Stanway Jonathan Tomkinson Robbie Cundy Ben Stevenson © Charlie McCann Kirsten Otchere Ryan Broom Shaun McWilliams George Nurse Pierce Sweeney Jordan Shipley Joe Tomlinson Jake Bickerstaff Andreas Weimann Jake Evans
8.5 8 8.5 9 8 7 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 8
Coxy’s Man of the Match Ben Stevenson
31
Cheltenham Post Sport
The
Friday 28th August 2026
FREE
“I thought we were the better team” Robins manager Steve Cotterill reflects on the 2-1 loss to Swindon Town
CHELTENHAM Town lost 2-1 to Swindon Town in their second game of the 2026/27 League Two season. Ryan Broom’s late strike was not enough to help the Robins back into the game, and they returned home with no points for their efforts against an organised Swindon side. The defeat means Cheltenham start with one win and one loss in their opening two games, a steady start and a reminder that League Two is tough, every game will be a challenge and the squad needs to be ready for that. Manager Steve Cotterill thought his side did enough to win the game. He said: “We have given away two soft goals. One is from our own throw-in and one is from a throw-in really we should try and gain and they have ended
INSIDE
Inspiration: Walking football team prepares for Spanish trip
SEE PAGE 30
By George Didcote Chief Football Writer
INSIDE
up with a long throw, one of the young lads has switched off and there is a runner off the back of him. I thought we were the better team today. Sometimes that can happen. “They didn't give up. They passed the ball well for a new team. Lots of changes in it. We'll continue to do that because we'll only get better at it, so I am pleased with that. We paused on the ball and had good composure at times. I think within the game, not all of the game, we had good moments of rhythm. I definitely don't think we deserved to lose the game. One of their goals was our own making and we could have stopped the other one.” Continued on page 31
Football: Bishops Cleeve win 3-1 at home
SEE PAGE 29
Kings Amateur Boxing Club Cheltenham’s Number One Club
www.kingsabc.com
All ages, regular timetable, also 1-2-1s
Call 07857 484227
32
www.cheltenhampost.co.uk