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AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire
Man jailed for eight years in connection with drug and firearm offences
A BIRMINGHAM man has been jailed after bringing in drugs to the Forest of Dean in an attempt to sell them.
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Where to find us
You can pick up your copy of the Cheltenham Post in many shops and leisure places throughout the town.
We also have stands at your local supermarkets listed below; Arle Court Transport Hub
Asda Superstore, Hatherley Lane
Tesco Superstore, Collets Drive
Tesco, Church Road Bishops Cleeve
Morrisons, Caernarvon Road Up Hatherley
Sainsburys, Gallagher Retail Park
Sainsburys, Priors Road Oakley
Co-Op, Leckhampton Road
Co-Op, Bath Road, Leckhampton
Co-Op, Salisbury Avenue
East End Garage, Charlton Kings
Cheltenham General Hospital
We are also at selected other Co-Op stores as well as many 1000s delivered door-to-door on a rotation basis every two weeks.
Cumar Cumar, aged 26 and of Eastwood Road, Balsall Heath, was sentenced to 8 years in prison at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday 24th March. At an earlier hearing he pleaded guilty to three counts of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug (heroin and cocaine), alongside counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, dangerous driving, possession of criminal property, and possession of a knife.
The court heard that officers first stopped Cumar last August, when he was spotted acting suspiciously while driving an Audi near Lydney.
He was detained to allow a search to take place and police found a clear zip lock bag in the glove box, containing 100 wraps of crack cocaine in separate deal bags.
Cumar initially told officers his name as Kamari Gordon. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.
A further search turned up a lock knife and he was further arrested for possession of an offensive weapon.
Officers also found a single white wrap in the passenger side of the vehicle, a large quantity of cash within a rucksack, a further larger quantity of white wraps, found in the pocket of a jacket
on the driver’s seat of the vehicle and two mobile phones found on the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
Cash totalling £5,030 was also seized from the vehicle.
The vehicle was registered in the name Kamari Gordon to an
address in Birmingham.
However, police were able to subsequently identify him as Cumar Cumar and, following an interview, he was released on police bail, which he later failed to answer.
Three months later, on the evening of Sunday 23rd November 2025, police gave chase to an Audi which had failed to stop for officers in the Bream area. The vehicle crashed into a parked car a short time later and the driver was able to evade police on foot.
Officers searched the car and discovered a loaded pistol in the boot, inside a bag. An examination by experts confirmed it was a 9mm converted starting pistol that had been modified to be fully functional.
Two mobile phones were also recovered, which contained further evidence of Cumar’s involvement in drugs supply, along with Class A drugs which appeared to be wraps of suspected crack cocaine and heroin.
Cumar was arrested on 28th November in Shepherds Gardens, Birmingham and was subsequently charged with the offences. DNA was used to connect him to the firearm.
Police issue renewed appeal on 33rd anniversary of Carol Clark’s murder
DETECTIVES investigating the 1993 murder of Carol Clark have issued a renewed appeal for information as they continue to piece together the evidence they need to finally bring those responsible for her death to justice.
Carol was 32 when her body was found by a dog walker partially clothed in reeds and undergrowth at the side of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.
Carol, who was a sex worker, was last seen getting into a Volvo car on Picton Street in the Montpellier area of Bristol at around 11.30pm on Friday 26th March 1993.
Hours earlier she had left a note for her boyfriend saying she was going out to find work. She planned to be home by 2.30am but she never returned.
She was wearing a black baseball cap, brown leather jacket, blue denim mini skirt, black polo necked
jumper over a plain blue t-shirt and cowboy boots at the time she was last seen.
When her body was discovered two days later, on Sunday 28 March 1993, she was wearing only her underwear and boots – the rest of her clothes have never been recovered.
A large-scale murder investigation was launched and several reviews of the case have been carried out as different investigators have re-
examined the statements and material gathered over the years.
The continued focus on the case led the Major Crime Investigation Team to uncover new and significant information which led to the case being reopened three years ago.
And following a previous public appeal, a witness came forward to say they saw a woman matching Carol’s description walking along Berkley bypass with two men.
During the past few years, three men have been arrested on suspicion of Carol’s murder, a 69year-old man from Gloucestershire; a 48-year-old man from Lincolnshire; and a 66-year-old man from Newcastle.
Detectives have since ruled the man from Newcastle out of their inquiry but the two other men remain under investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne
Usher, the senior investigating officer leading the inquiry, said: “I am convinced someone out there knows what happened to Carol and we remain committed to doing everything we can to secure justice for her and her family.
“We are once again asking anyone who can recall seeing her that Saturday or seeing anyone behaving suspiciously to contact us.
“You could have the final piece of the jigsaw which helps us catch those responsible for her death.”
Anyone with information should phone 101 and tell the call handler they’re phoning in relation to log 262 of 26 March 2026 - or report online:
www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/t ell-us-about/cor/tell-us-aboutexisting-case-report/.
Alternatively. you can give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Register to vote by 20th April
Continued from front page
All voters must be registered before they can take part, either in person, by post, or by appointing a proxy to vote on their behalf.
Residents planning to vote in person are also being reminded they will need to show photo ID at polling stations. Electors are advised to check their poll cards carefully, as some polling stations may have changed.
Most people already have an accepted form of photo ID. However, those who do not can apply for free voter ID either online or by submitting a paper form to the Municipal Offices in Cheltenham. Applications must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 28th April.
Applications for postal votes, postal proxy votes, or changes to existing postal
arrangements must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April. Voters using postal votes do not need to provide photo ID.
Completed postal votes should be returned as early as possible. They can also be handed in at the Municipal Offices during office hours, although a declaration must be signed when doing so.
New rules mean electors can hand in their own postal vote and those of up to five other people.
Applications for proxy votes must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 28th April.
Gareth Edmundson, electoral registration officer at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “Don’t lose your chance to vote at the elections in May. Local elections are an important opportunity to have your say on who represents you and
makes decisions about issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Cheltenham.
“If you are in doubt about whether you need to register to vote, or have questions about how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, or free ID, you can contact the electoral services team.”
Niki Nixon, director of communications at the Electoral Commission, said:
“It’s important that people check they are ready to vote ahead of the upcoming local elections. All voters must be registered, and some may need to apply for a postal or proxy vote, or free ID.
“If you have changed address or moved home since you last registered, it takes just five minutes to update your details online. Checking now helps make sure you can vote in a way that is right for you.”
Man sustained broken jaw during group assault on St George’s Road
A MAN sustained a broken jaw after a group assaulted him in Cheltenham and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
The incident happened at around 4.53am on Saturday 14th March outside Home and Botanic on St George's Road.
Investigating officers have reviewed CCTV from the area which shows a group of two or three men were involved.
Due to the circumstances of the incident, no descriptions
of those responsible was able to be provided.
The victim, a 22-year-old man, sustained a broken jaw in two places which required surgery, and he will also need a further operation in a few months' time.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information on who was involved is asked to contact police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 101 of 18th March: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/t ua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-
about-existing-case-report/ Did you know you can report information anonymously through the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers? Reporting is completely anonymous and you may be eligible for a reward of up to £1000. You can call 0800 555 111 or report information online. More information can be found here: www.crimestoppersuk.org/give-information/form s/give-informationanonymously
Suspected hit-and-run in Cheltenham
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Police investigating a suspected hit-and-run incident in Cheltenham recently are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Officers were called to Orchard Way following a report of a collision involving a car and a cyclist by The Umbrella pub at around 7.55pm on Friday 27th March.
The cyclist, a man aged in his 30s, was taken to
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for treatment after sustaining minor injuries.
The driver of car, which is believed to be a silver or grey saloon, failed to stop to check on the welfare of the cyclist or to provide details, and continued in the direction of Princess Elizabeth Way.
CCTV enquiries have taken place and enquiries are ongoing.
Officers are now asking the driver to make contact and
give an account of what happened.
They are also asking anyone who witnessed the incident and hasn't yet spoken to officers or who has dashcam footage to come forward.
Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 409 of 27 March: www.gloucestershire.police.u k/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/
Sandfields care home, Cheltenham
Fitness and mobility in later life
Tuesday 21st April, From 1.30pm
Join us for an interactive session with Nicky Copper, Health and Exercise Practitioner from Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Falls Assessment & Education Service. Nicky will share practical insights and advice on maintaining fitness and mobility in older age, including how to assess functional fitness and the tools you need to carry out these assessments at home.
Cheltenham Community day
Wednesday 27th May, 11am - 4pm
We want to invite you for a wonderful day at our home with guest appearances from the Fire services and the local Police.
Trusted to care
To attend please call 01242 801596 or email david.blake@careuk.com
Why we need to understand children’s views on sexual violence
YOU may have seen the new Netflix documentary, Louis Theroux, Inside The Manosphere, which looks at how online influencers can easily share harmful content and beliefs with impressionable audiences, including children. As a parent and involved grandparent, I know what it’s like. Children and teenagers seem glued to devices, and they understand tech better than we do most of the time. But, as responsible adults we can’t be caught out, we must understand the dangers our children are exposed to online. We all want the young people in our lives to grow up feeling safe and informed about the world, enjoying happy and healthy relationships. As trusted adults, we play a vital role in helping them navigate a world where messages about relationships and sexual behaviour come from many different places: online, family, school, peers, social media, and pornography. That’s why my specialist Violence Against Women and Girl’s Team is launching an important consultation to better understand what young people really think about sexual
By Chris Nelson Police & Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire
violence and what shapes those views.
Working with the county’s Sexual Violence Partnership, this consultation aims to gather the perspectives of young people aged between 11 and 18 across Gloucestershire. It explores what young people understand about sexual violence, what behaviours they see as acceptable or not, and how their views are influenced by the information they encounter.
By doing this, we hope to build a clearer picture of what young people know about sexual violence at this age, how they are learning about relationships and consent, what messages or education they feel they need and whether support services feel accessible to them.
In the coming weeks, young people will be invited to complete an online survey, with some later taking part in small, supportive focus groups across the county. These discussions will take place in schools, youth
settings, and specialist services.
Sexual violence is an issue that disproportionately affects women and girls, but it can impact anyone. Our goal is to improve safety, understanding, and prevention for all young people.
The findings from this consultation can help us strengthen education around consent, respect, and healthy relationships and ensure prevention messages are relevant and accessible to them.
This consultation will directly shape prevention work through the county’s Sexual Violence Partnership and Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board, ensuring that young people’s voices lead to meaningful change.
I encourage parents, grandparents, and carers to support young people in taking part. Your understanding and reassurance may give them the confidence to share their genuine thoughts and any concerns they may have.
In the dock!
The following cases have all been heard recently at Cheltenham Magistrates Court:
Samantha Lawrence, 39, of Evesham Rd, Norton, Worcs, was sentenced to a 12-month community order after she admitted three charges of theft from shops in Cheltenham and Bishop’s Cleeve. The court also imposed a one year criminal behaviour order banning her from entering five retail premises, namely John Lewis, Waterstone’s, Sainsbury’s at the Gallagher Retail Park, the Co-op in Bishop’s Cleeve, and the Factory Shop, also in Bishop’s Cleeve. The charges Lawrence admitted were: stealing seven Jelly Cat toys worth £169.99 from Waterstones on 13th Feb 2025, two bottles of perfume priced at £226 from John Lewis five days later and clothing valued at £272 from the Factory Shop on 18th Nov last year. The court ordered her to pay £50 compensation to each of the stores.
Russell Jacques, 29, of Grove Rd, Cheltenham, was committed to Gloucester Crown Court for trial on charges of robbing a woman, attempting to cause her grievous bodily harm with intent and assaulting her by beating. He was remanded in custody pending a first appearance at the Crown Court on 22nd April. He is alleged to have assaulted the woman on 4th January this year, attempted to cause GBH to her on 20th March this year and robbed her of £10 three days later.
Monique Martin, 41, of Deacons Place, Bishop’s Cleeve, was remanded in custody to await trial at Gloucester Crown Court on charges of assault, criminal damage and making a threat to a man while she was armed with a machete. It is alleged that on March 10th this year she assaulted a man by beating, threatened him with a machete ‘in such a way that there was an immediate risk of serious harm’ and criminally damaged some of his belongings at an address in Gloucester. She did not enter pleas to the charges and was committed to the Crown Court.
James Wallin, 57, of Pennine Rd, Cheltenham, admitted theft of a Sue Ryder charity collection tin in
Cheltenham on March 13th this year. He was fined £120.
Joey Bitterlin, 26, of London Rd, Charlton Kings, was jailed for 25 weeks after he admitted breaching a criminal behaviour order on March 13th this year by entering retail premises in Cheltenham from which he had been banned. By flouting the order on that date he was in breach of a suspended prison sentence imposed at an earlier hearing.
Jack Wild, 34, of Dowty Rd, Cheltenham, was due before the court to face two charges of assault and one of shoplifting but failed to appear and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is charged with stealing £151.50 worth of groceries from Sainsbury’s on 5th Feb 2025 and assaulting two men by beating them on the same date.
Ryan Knight, 34, of Tennyson Road, Cheltenham, was bailed for a pre-sentence report after he admitted having indecent images of children – 12 Category A pictures (the most serious category), 22 Category B and 6 Category C. The offences took place between 2018 and July 2025. While on bail he must not have unsupervised contact with anyone aged under 18 nor live or sleep at any address where there are children present. He will be sentenced on May 5th.
Nathan Owen, 35, of Colesbourne Rd, Cheltenham, admitted making indecent images of children between 26-29 December last year. The charges related to seven Category A images (the most serious), 12 Category B and 102 Category C. He was bailed till 6th May for a presentence report to be prepared. While on bail he must register with the police and must not have any unsupervised contact with children aged under 18 – nor must he live or sleep at any address where a person under-18 is present.
Nicholas Holder, 36, of Burcombe, Woodmancote, who admitted stalking a Cirencester woman last summer, was sentenced to do 60 hours of unpaid work. for
the community. He was also subjected to a two year community order with a requirement to take part in up to 25 days of specified activities. The court ordered him not to contact the woman and to stay away from her address during the next five years. He pleaded guilty to breaching the Protection from Harassment Act in that he stalked the woman between 26th July and 1st August last year by attending her address, sending letters and cards and contacting her via mobile phone.
Steven Aubrey, 38, of Churn Ave, Oakley, Cheltenham, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a man by beating him on 2nd January this year. He was unconditionally bailed till 10th August for trial. Aubrey also faces a charge of criminal damage to a bodyworn video camera owned by Sainsbury’s. He admitted two charges of shoplifting –theft of a quantity of meat of unknown value from Sainsbury’s on 2nd January 2026 and £366-52 worth of washing tablets, powder, and chocolate from One Stop Stores, Cheltenham, between 11th Jan 2025 and 11th Jan 2026.
Brendan Lee, 20, of Marlstone Drive, Churchdown, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis in Cheltenham between Dec 1st 2023 and 28th May 2024. He was placed on a one year community order with 40 hours of unpaid work and up to 15 days of participation in activities directed by his supervising officer. The court ordered confiscation of a quantity of cannabis seized from him. Lee was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 victims surcharge.
Rhys Ather, 19, of Grove Crescent, Barnwood, Gloucester, admitted the same cannabis supply charge as Lee (above) and was ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a surcharge of £114.
Christopher Hall, 42, of Lyneham Road, MiltonUnder-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, pleaded guilty to driving a VW Golf with
excess Benzoylecgonine in his blood on the A424 Stow Hill on 8th August last year and being in possession of 0.91grams of cocaine in Cheltenham on the same date. He was banned from driving for sixteen months, fined a total of £700 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £280 surcharge. The court ordered forfeiture and destruction of the cocaine.
Billie Jo Bullock, 28, of High St, Blakeney, is accused of possessing cocaine, cannabis and crack cocaine with intent to supply in Coleford between 14th July 2023 and 28th March 2024. She was granted unconditional bail pending a plea hearing at Gloucester Crown Court on 24th April. The charges are: possessing 5.622 grams of cocaine, 0.22g of crack cocaine, a quantity of cannabis resin and 0.37g of cannabis with intent to supply. She is also charged with possession of 0.068g of heroin.
Carl Capon, 38, of Washpool Road, Bishop’s Cleeve, admitted possessing 0.2g of heroin and 0.2g of cocaine in Coronation Square, Cheltenham, on 11th April last year. He also admitted failing to surrender to court bail on 9th Dec 2025. He was fined a total of £150 and the court ordered forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.
Luke Seers, 34, of Wenlock Road, Tewkesbury, who is accused of three separate sets of violent offences against the same woman, was remanded in custody to await trial at Gloucester Crown Court. He is due before the court on April 14th to enter his pleas to eight charges. It is alleged that on 27th Nov last year he threatened the woman with an axe, criminally damaged her furniture and mobile phone and threatened to kill her. On March 13th he is alleged to have intentionally strangled her and assaulted her by beating. The final charges are of assaulting her causing actual bodily harm, threatening her with a knife and strangling her on March 19th.
Tyrone Brisland, 18, of Whaddon Rd, Oakley, Cheltenham, who is accused of criminal damage to a car
and using threatening behaviour towards its owner, had his case adjourned till 27th April at the request of the prosecution. The court was told the prosecution is considering giving Brisland a caution. If he is cautioned he will not have to attend the next hearing. Brisland is accused of damaging an Audi A3 owned by Joshua Burrows on Christmas Eve 2024 and with using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour towards Mr Burrows on the same date.
Porsha Melendez, 45, of Vittoria Walk, Cheltenham, indicated a guilty plea to a charge of stealing goods of unknown value from Sainsbury’s, Barnett Way, Gloucester, on 9th December last year. She was ordered to pay £100 compensation. There was no other penalty and the court did not order her to pay any costs.
Simon Bolton, 50, of Attlebridge Way, Quedgeley, was committed to Gloucester Crown Court for trial on two charges of rape and one of sexual assault. He is alleged to have raped a woman in Gloucester twice between 1st January and 31st December 2013 and to have sexually assaulted the woman between 1st Jan and 31st Dec 2009. He is also accused of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour towards a woman between Jan 1st 2008 and 10th December 2024. He was bailed to attend the Crown Court on 20th July 2026.
Sam Clark, 33, of Yew Trees, Shipton Oliffe, nr Cheltenham, is charged with using a handheld mobile phone or device while driving a BMW M4 on Hewlett Rd, Cheltenham, on 4th July last year. He is also accused of failing to notify the police who was driving the vehicle. His case was adjourned for him to attend on 29th June and enter his pleas.
Sofia Atkins-Wilson, 20, of Sandford Close, Leonard Stanley, admitted failing to provide a breath specimen when suspected of driving in Cheltenham on 23rd Nov 2024. She was banned from driving for 14 months and ordered to pay £576 in fines, costs and surcharge. If she
completes a Governmentapproved driving course by December 7th this year her ban will be reduced by 14 weeks.
Coral Jones, 31, of Old London Rd, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, is charged with sending a grossly offensive or indecent communication by mobile phone to a named person in Cheltenam on 11th April 2023. Her case was adjourned till 7th May for her to attend to enter a plea and to produce medical evidence to explain her nonappearance at court on March 17th.
Harry Barton, 23, of Church Rd, Soudley, nr Cinderford, was found guilty in his absence of sexually touching a woman without her consent in Cheltenham last December. He had denied the offence of touching the woman on Dec 21st 2025 but did not attend his trial on March 17. The magistrates convicted him and issued a warrant for his arrest so he can be brought before the court to be sentenced.
Nima Madad, 19, of Washington Rd, Innsworth, admitted driving a Nissan Micra on Lansdown Rd, Cheltenham, on 17th August last year while he had excess tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis) in his blood. He also admitted having no valid licence or insurance at the time. He was banned from driving for a year and fined £253. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £101 surcharge.
Alan Bell, 42, address unknown, is charged with stealing more than £1,000 worth of goods from a supermarket, assaulting a police officer in Cheltenham, and possessing a knife in public in the town’s High Street. He has been unconditionally bailed to appear on 29th April to enter his pleas to the charges. It is alleged that on 16th January this year he stole £1,003 worth of food, clothing and homewares from Sainsbury’s in St Way, Gloucester. On 4th February he is alleged to have been in possession of a knife with a four-inch blade in public on High Street, Cheltenham, and to have assaulted a police officer.
Lido future secured following lease extension to 2120
New
long-term agreement will protect
the town’s historic lido for nearly another century as it prepares to open for the 2026 season
CHELTENHAM Lido has been secured for future generations after a new lease agreement was confirmed, extending its protection until 2120. The first lease between Cheltenham Borough Council and the charity began in 1996 and ran for 25 years until 2021. A second lease was agreed in 2021, running until 2056. Now, a reversionary lease has been put in place which will automatically begin in 2056 and continue until 2120, safeguarding the site as a long-term community asset.
Cllr Izaac Tailford, Cheltenham Borough Council cabinet member for economic development, culture, wellbeing and public realm, said: “I’m really proud that we could make this happen. The Lido is a fantastic facility loved by so many residents and visitors alike, and the team there do such a wonderful job at running, maintaining and improving this Cheltenham icon.
“In the light of upcoming local government reorganisation, I’m
delighted that as a council we could secure this lease as a legacy for our town,
protecting the Cheltenham Lido for almost 100 years.”
Julie Sargent, chief executive of Cheltenham Lido, said: “Having the lease extended to 2120 is vital to the future of Cheltenham Lido. It plays a huge role in the lives of so many in Cheltenham and the south of England, and this secures the future of our amazing facility for all the communities who visit.
“We are incredibly grateful to Rowena Hay and Simon Hodges at the council for their support and forward thinking. We celebrated our 90th year in 2025 with developments including our car park and solar panel installations, and this lease extension ensures we can protect and develop Cheltenham Lido for the next 90 years and beyond.”
Cheltenham Lido opened its gates for the heated season on Saturday 28th March, when entry will cost just 2p, matching the original admission price when it first opened in 1935.
Residents can now recycle even more from the kerbside
A NEW kerbside recycling service for food and drink cartons has begun from Wednesday 1 April, making it easier for residents to recycle even more from home.
Cartons such as juice cartons, long life milk cartons, soup and sauce cartons and other Tetra Pak style packaging can be placed straight into the green recycling box with plastics and cans. This simple change means more everyday items can be recycled without any extra effort.
To get cartons ready for collection, please rinse and flatten them to save space. Lids can stay on.
spaces, said:
kerbside. This is a really positive addition to our recycling services, especially as cartons are something most of us use every week. By collecting cartons alongside plastics and cans, we’re making it easier for residents to recycle more from home and reduce what goes into general waste.
“As we go through the Easter break, it’s also a good moment to remind residents that there are only minimal changes to collections this year. Our crews will be out working hard as always, and we appreciate the effort residents put into recyclingit really does make a difference.”
Max Wilkinson MP
EASTER is one of those times when many people hit the road to visit friends and family. It’s also a reminder that travel and transport in this country doesn’t always work as well as it should.
Ambitious plans to upgrade infrastructure are not always realised. So it’s important to note good progress when it is made. Locally, we all know the frustrations of the limited operations of M5 Junction 10 and the longstanding aspiration to make it an ‘all ways’ interchange.
Last week I was among a group of people on a site visit to the new construction compound. It was more than just a routine visit - it was a testament to a lot of hard work behind the scenes. With work on the new junction underway and scheduled to finish in 2029, we are finally seeing action on the ground.
It was not long ago that this project was in severe doubt. When construction inflation created a critical funding gap, a strong local effort was made to lobby the Government to give our area the investment it needed for this County Council project.
The local Lib Dem councils made their efforts and I worked in Parliament to make the case too – so did the Tewkesbury MP Cameron Thomas (whose constituency covers the north edge of Cheltenham).
Thanks to that successful lobbying effort and the work of the County, we stand on the cusp of a big and long-awaited upgrade. Crucially, it’s a project that unlocks the full potential of the Golden Valley development too.
Through their efforts to
modernise our transport links, the Lib Dem-run Borough and County councils are clearing the path for thousands of highskilled jobs and solidifying Cheltenham’s reputation as a centre of excellence for cyber security and hightech innovation. That will help us build a sustainable future where our town’s economy can prosper for generations.
While the local councils would be the first to admit they don’t get everything right, it’s important to acknowledge good work when it happens. Working together as a united voice for Cheltenham, alongside local businesses, we proved to Westminster that Junction 10 is a national economic asset – precisely because it adjoins the Golden Valley and GCHQ. Our ability to secure an additional £71.5 million in government funding is a massive win for Cheltenham.
The transformation of Junction 10 from a restricted "two-way" access point into a modern "allways" junction will not change things overnight. We’ll see the benefits over time. By easing congestion and opening the door to the Golden Valley, our local area is laying the foundation for a more connected, prosperous town.
As the local MP, I’m saying a big thank you to everyone involved in reaching this hard-fought milestone. The upgraded junction and the Golden Valley jobs can’t come soon enough. I’m now ready to continue lobbying for more future investment – in these uncertain times, we can’t afford to stand still.
SECURED: The Cheltenham Lido.
Councillor Paul Baker, cabinet member for waste, recycling and green open
“I’m delighted that residents are now be able to recycle cartons at the
Labour Party
LET me explain why having a Labour voice on the Council could make all the difference for the residents of Cheltenham.
Big changes are looming in the shape and operation of local government. The government is proposing to replace the current two-tier system, such as we have in Gloucestershire, with a county council and six district councils, with fewer, larger unitary authorities responsible for all local services. All proposals for Gloucestershire will replace the existing County Council and all of the district councils, with Cheltenham Borough Council as we know it ceasing to exist.
These developments matter because they will determine how local services are run, how public money is spent, and the future development and prospects of the town.
Although the full changes are expected to roll out by May 2028, the decisions that shape them will be taken much sooner. On 7th May, 20 of the 40 Borough Council seats will be up for reelection. These elections will therefore decide the composition of the Council that will manage the transition from Cheltenham having its own council to being part of the new unitary authority. So it is vital that this last Borough Council protects essential services and stands up for Cheltenham as local government is reorganised.
Labour believes in being straight with residents. Real change does not happen overnight, and anyone promising instant savings or quick fixes in the coming year is not being honest. What does make a difference is strong leadership, proper scrutiny, and openness.
Labour councillors will insist on transparency, so residents can clearly see where their money is going and know that major financial decisions are properly examined, not quietly waved through.
I AM pleased to say that for the elections in May the Reform Party in Cheltenham is fielding the full 20 candidates. This is a great achievement and shows significant growth in the party. In 2025 we just made the 10 candidates required, and we
Clive Harriss
As Cheltenham moves towards becoming part of a unitary authority, the Council must leave a strong legacy, not a set of problems for the next administration. That means safeguarding the Council’s finances, resisting short-term or last-minute projects that risk long-term damage, and ensuring services and assets are handed over in good order.
We will always stand up for the services people rely on.
Social housing must be treated as a priority, with homes well-maintained, tenants respected, and repairs carried out promptly. Assets such as the Swindon Road recycling centre should be protected and passed on fully operational, not run down or closed by default.
We support a single unitary authority for Gloucestershire and believe the county’s future lies in working with the West of England Combined Authority. Big decisions on governance, any new town council, or the future of Gloucestershire Airport must be taken carefully, based on clear county-wide plans, and with residents properly involved.
If you want honest leadership, thorough scrutiny, and Cheltenham’s long-term interests put first, vote Labour in the Borough Council elections on 7th May.
Promoted by Clive Harriss on behalf of Cheltenham Labour Party, both at Office 242, 20 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 2LY.
Get ready to vote: Your guide to Cheltenham’s 7th May elections
THE next scheduled elections to take place in Cheltenham will be the borough and parish elections on Thursday 7th May 2026 - are you vote ready?
If you are a resident and not registered to vote, you will need to do this online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote by Monday 20th April 2026. Registering takes just five minutes and once completed you can cast your vote in the most convenient way for you, such as by post, by appointing someone you trust to cast your vote for you (known as a Proxy Vote) or by visiting a polling booth in person. If you choose to vote in person, you will be required to show your photo ID. More information on this can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website.
Local elections are an important opportunity to have your say on who represents you and who makes the decisions that directly affect day-to-day life in Cheltenham and I urge everyone eligible to get out there and make your voice heard.
As you can imagine, putting on an election is a mammoth task for our fantastic Electoral Services Team here at Cheltenham Borough Council. This time around they have had less time than usual to prepare, with the
Reform UK
Matt Podmore, Reform UK Cheltenham Chair
have doubled that in one year. This shows the increasing desire of ordinary people to get involved, stick their heads above the parapet, and fight for their town and country. We also have increased the number of volunteers significantly, and they are out and about each weekend and weekday evenings, delivering leaflets and canvassing the town. Again, this is because the people of Cheltenham have had enough of the
Liberal Democrat monopoly on politics in the town. Our last Cheltenham branch meeting was the best attended and full of energy and commitment. You can feel that out on the street when you talk to people, many are just delighted that Reform is fighting for them in the town. Of course, we do get some people who are rude or hostile, but we politely move on and do not get involved. It is a shame when people
Government initially postponing our election before deciding that it should go ahead after all, which has put extra pressure on our staff.
All 53 polling stations in Cheltenham, as well as the Count Centre, must open (and close) on time, be stocked with the necessary equipment and have disability access made available for our voters.
Around 400 people are employed on a casual basis to undertake various election duties such as preparation of the ballot boxes, issuing postal votes, delivery of poll cards as well as essential jobs on the night of the vote count acting as poll clerks, table supervisors and count assistants. All of these individuals require training and preparation for their roles, which is provided by the Electoral Services team. Beyond the sheer scale of
cannot behave when they encounter someone with a different opinion, but there we are. It is also surprising sometimes just who is supporting us, it is not what people presume. We have all kinds of people offering support, either financial or their free time, and they all find a friendly community of like-minded, patriotic, and determined people who just want the best for their town and country.
I have noticed that the council is finally doing some work on the roads. Cynically, I wonder if it is the upcoming elections that have suddenly
organising an election (we expect around 15,000 postal votes alone will be issued in the build-up) there are other challenges to overcome as the team guides our residents through new legislation around voter ID and reapplication for postal votes. Behind the scenes council officers will be talking with the police and Electoral Commission about
started this much-needed work? In any case, it is very welcome. I have just had to replace a tyre ripped by a pothole, and I know it is a big issue for all residents. Roads in parts of Cheltenham remind me of my time in Kenya back in the 1990s. There is also a County Council by-election on 7th May for St. Marks and St. Peters ward. Apparently Dr. David Willingham has resigned.
Reform will also be standing a candidate in that ward, so I hope Reform UK can gain your vote on 7th May. Although Cheltenham is
keeping people safe on election day and stopping any election-related crime. So, before you put a cross in your box when you cast your vote, spare a thought for the small army of volunteers and borough council staff who work so hard to put our elections on and allow us all the chance to take part in our precious democracy.
a Liberal Democrat stronghold, in May 2025 Reform came second in most wards we stood in, and I think voter frustration has only grown. So please do think again and consider giving us a voice in the council. We can make a difference, and it is high time someone held all parties to account. Do not forget that the elections were postponed last year, it is time to send your representatives a message.
Promoted by Matt Podmore on behalf of Reform UK, both at Millbank Tower, 21–24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP.
Rowena Hay Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council
Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home chef reaches final of cooking competition
A GIFTED local chef is celebrating after reaching the national finals of a new culinary competition by presenting a dish that showcases his Polish heritage.
Piotr Mrugala, the Head Chef at Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home on Ruby Avenue, was one of two finalists to make it through from the South region heat of Advinia Healthcare’s Star Chef of the Year competition.
The judging panel, which is uniquely made up of care home residents and culinary professionals, were wowed by Piotr’s dish - medallions of pork rolls stuffed with bacon, onion and gherkins.
Now he will join fellow South Region finalist Jake WalkerMacey from Hammerwich Hall Care Home at the finals in Manchester next month.
Piotr said: “I am delighted to have won a place in the finals, especially as my dish is from my home country and means a great deal to me.
“I love introducing the residents at Bishop’s Cleeve to new dishes, but also to discover what their favourite foods are so I can recreate them.
“Food brings a lot of joy, and I am excited to compete in the finals.”
The Star Chef of the Year competition is designed to celebrate the incredible culinary talent in care homes and put residents at the heart of the competition.
Every judging panel comprises 60% care home residents, as they are the diners whose opinions matter most.
The chef crowned the winner will have the honour of having their dish added to the menu of every Advinia Healthcare home.
Customer Relations Manager
Philip McAllister said: “It’s wonderful to see Piotr and his talent being recognised by the judges – he’s definitely our Star Chef!
“Piotr is so genuinely passionate about food - he takes time to sit with the residents and find out what he can make to bring back happy memories and delight their palates.
“Everyone here knows how much thought and care he puts into the dishes he serves the residents, and we hope he does brilliantly on finals day.”
Conservative Party
Rob Garnham - Cheltenham Chairman
THURSDAY, 7th May is election day for Cheltenham Borough Council. This year the Conservatives are treating it as a referendum on “Saving Our Town Centre”. Let us have a straightforward, one-issue election, not get caught up in all the usual tit-for-tat and local versus national politics. Let us put an end to one-party domination of our councils.
Some argued the elections were pointless, but your vote is the best way to send a clear message about the future of Montpellier, the Prom, the Lower High Street, and the Strand. Why are we seeing more and more shops boarded up?
Favourite cafes and pubs closing, and retailers leaving the town?
I will be honest, whichever way the election goes, my party will not be taking control of Cheltenham Borough.
But by returning some Conservative councillors, there will be someone to hold the Liberal Democrats to account.
We want to send a clear message and put an end to Lib Dem complacency.
For instance, is the Lib Dem MP joining the Conservative call to abolish business rates, not just reform them? What is the council doing to encourage businesses to stay? Instead of putting parking charges up, why not have a free parking day for shoppers? How is the Borough using the planning process to protect our pubs? Where is their business acumen?
The airport remains unsold and is now costing Cheltenham and Gloucester nearly £3 million a year.
Between the Borough and the County, the Lib Dems control an annual budget of around £700 million. Ask yourselves, if you had that kind of money, would you not use some of it to return Cheltenham to its rightful place as the envy of many towns, just like it used to be?
We believe it is time once again to take pride in our town centre. If we get that right, other things will follow.
We are very positive about this election. Democracy is never pointless, and there will be a Conservative name on every ballot paper. We are not afraid of elections and will be fighting hard to earn your vote and return democracy and accountability to Cheltenham.
Promoted by Rob Garnham on behalf of Cheltenham Conservative Association, both at Conservative Party Headquarters, 4 Matthew Parker Street, London, SW1H 9HQ.
New £20m Cheltenham special school given the green light
A NEW £20 million special school for 200 children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has been approved by the planning committee.
Gloucestershire County Council’s planning committee approved the plans on 19 March, marking a significant milestone in delivering a new ‘allthrough’ school for pupils aged 4–16 with Complex Learning Difficulties (CLD), including autism and associated communication and interaction needs.
The school will be built on land owned by the county council to the west of Alstone Croft, accessed via Arle Road. The site is a former playing field previously used by the nowclosed St Benedict’s Catholic School. The new school is expected to open in January 2028.
Demand for special school places continues to rise both locally and nationally, with the highest need focused in the Gloucester and Cheltenham areas. The new Cheltenham school forms part of a wider programme of investment to expand SEND provision across the county.
A £19.5 million 200-place special school is also due to open in Gloucester in January 2027. This follows the opening of Brook Academy, an £9.75 million 80-place secondary special school, and Sladewood Academy, a 60-place primary special school, which opened in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
In addition, over recent years the council has invested £2.7 million to expand existing special
schools creating extra places. Despite this significant investment, demand continues to outstrip capacity, meaning some children currently travel out of county or attend independent provision.
Cllr Linda Cohen, Cabinet Member for Education at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I’m delighted that the planning committee have approved the scheme for a brand new special
school in Cheltenham.
“We want all children and young people to thrive and have access to high-quality, inclusive education close to home. That’s why we’re investing more than £36 million in new special school places where they are needed most and working closely with schools to put children first.”
The council is also investing £2.7 million in SEND services to meet
rising demand for Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) needs assessments and ensure children receive the right support at the right time.
Most children with SEND, including those with EHCPs, are successfully supported in mainstream schools. The council continues to work with schools to strengthen inclusive practice, expand resource bases and SEN units, and improve access to
early help through the graduated pathway. Work is also underway to make the EHCP process more efficient and timelier for families.
The new school will be run by Enable Trust, which has extensive experience supporting children and young people with complex SEND needs in the local area.
Andrew Buckton, CEO of Enable Academy Trust, said:
“We are delighted that the
new special school has been formally approved. This decision recognises the importance of augmenting high-quality provision for Gloucestershire children with complex learning difficulties.
We look forward to working closely with the county council, local schools, families, and the community to deliver the very best education for children and young people.”
Pricing in local shops checked by Gloucestershire Trading Standards
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Trading Standards have carried out a targeted project over the past month to check whether local shops are following the law on price marking, as set out in the Price Marking Order 2004.
Officers visited 61 stores across Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Dursley, Stroud, Stonehouse, Cirencester and the Forest of Dean.
During these visits, 40 stores were found to be fully compliant, with prices clearly displayed and customers charged the correct amount at the till. However, 20 stores did not meet the legal requirements for price marking, and one store was found to be overcharging customers.
All 21 stores have since been revisited and given advice and guidance to help them bring their premises into compliance.
The project focused on smaller local convenience stores and was carried out to better understand levels of compliance across the county.
Under the Price Marking Order 2004, all items on sale must have a clear price displayed in pound sterling, including VAT and any other taxes. Prices must be shown close to the goods and be easy for customers to see without having to ask for help. This can
be done by displaying the price: - on the goods themselves - on a ticket near the goods - on a list or catalogue displayed close to the goods, with enough copies available for customers to use
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “It is important
that shops clearly display prices so that customers can make informed choiceswhether that is to pay the marked price or to shop elsewhere. This is especially important at a time when many people are managing tight household budgets.
“In this case, our officers have taken an advisory approach to support businesses to comply with the law. However, I would remind retailers that
failing to comply with the Price Marking Order is a criminal offence, and prosecution can result in a substantial fine.”
Anyone who is concerned about pricing or possible noncompliance can email tradingstandards@gloucesters hire.gov.uk, visit the Trading Standards website, or report concerns anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Cheltenham woman transforms health after losing 6½ stone
Meet the local Slimming World team!
Monday 9:30am & 11am
St Nicolas Church
Wednesday 9.30am & 11.00am
5.00pm & 7.00pm
St Mark’s & Hester’s Way Community Centre 07446 157092
Monday 5.00pm & 7.00pm
InnsworthCommunity Hall
Tuesday 5.30pm & 7.30pm
Springbank Community Cafe
Saturday 7.30am & 9.00am
The Rock, Tewkesbury Rd 07909 139996
Wednesday 9.30am& 6.00pm
Holy Apostles Hall, Charlton Kings
Thursday 6pm
Parkland's CommunityCentre, Whaddon 07866 196718
Tuesday 5.30pm Naunton Primary School Leckhampton 07300 425191
Tuesday 5.30pm & 7.00pm & Wednesday 9:30am & 11am
St Johns Church, Churchdown
Wednesday 5:30pm
Coopers Edge Community Centre, 07979 232122
Wednesday 5:30pm& 7.00pm
Thursday 9.00am & 10:30am
Bishops Cleeve Methodist Hall 07988 630336
Wednesday5.30pm & 7.00pm
St Philip & St James Church, Up Hatherley Friday8.00am & 9.30am
United Reformed Church Warden Hill 07553 439404
Tuesday 7.30am, 9.00am & 10.30am
United Reformed Church, Warden Hill 07786 068370
Wednesday 3.30pm, 5.00pm & 6.30pm
St Georges Church Hall, Tuffley Thursday 9am & 10.00am & 5.30pm & 7.00pm Abbeydale Christchurch Saturday 8.00am & 9.30am Elmbridge Primary School 07816 142261
Thursday 7:00pm Brockworth Primary
Academy
Friday 7.30am & 9.00am
Hucclecote Community Centre 07525 946889
Alice Mitchell says support from a local Slimming World group helped her tackle anxiety, improve her wellbeing and build lasting habits
A CHELTENHAM woman has lost 6½ stone in less than a year after joining a local Slimming World group, transforming both her physical health and overall wellbeing.
Alice Mitchell said she decided to make a change while living with high blood pressure and anxiety, and feeling that life was passing her by.
She joined her local group feeling nervous, but was welcomed by consultant Claire Beale and fellow members. She said that support and shared understanding quickly helped her feel more comfortable and motivated.
As part of the programme, Alice adapted her approach to food, preparing meals that suited her lifestyle without feeling restricted. Regular dishes included chow mein, chicken curry and balanced meals with a focus on variety and flavour.
She said the encouragement from Claire and the group helped her stay consistent, particularly during more challenging periods. Progress was marked week by week, helping her to remain
focused on her goals.
Over the course of the year, Alice reported significant improvements in her confidence and a reduction in anxiety. She also said she is now more active, feels more positive and has a greater sense of
Public Notice
Licensing Act 2003
control over her health. Alice added that the habits she has developed are sustainable and will support her long-term wellbeing. For more information about Slimming World groups run by Claire Beale, call 07909 139996.
We, Asanka Haven Ltd applied on 26th March 2026 for a premises licence at Bath Road, Cheltenham. GL53 7NF for the sale of alcohol in a restaurant on 23/04/2026 between 12noon and 22:00.
Full details are included in the application held at Cheltenham Borough Council. The application has been made to: Cheltenham Borough Council, Licensing Team, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 9SA Email: licensing@cheltenham.gov.uk
The application can be inspected at the Council's offices from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Any person wishing to make representations about this application may do so in writing to the above address or via email to licensing@cheltenham.gov.uk no later than 23/04/2026 (date 28 days beginning the day after the application was submitted in full).
It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application punishable on summary conviction by an unlimited fine.
Local charity gala raises over £5,000 for Breast Cancer Now
A CHARITY Gala Ball in Cheltenham has raised more than £5,000 to support people undergoing chemotherapy.
The event was organised by local businesswomen Ruth Jackson of Ruth Jackson Aesthetics and Amanda Sinfield of Coco Fox Salon.
The gala, held at Hatherley Manor Hotel, featured a live auction hosted by Nicholas
Grainer, entertainment from Tux Fizz, and photography by Time Lock Photography, with local businesses donating raffle prizes and vouchers.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the gala, Ruth Jackson said:
“I lost my mum to breast cancer. She was my best friend and dedicated her life to giving to people in every way. Amanda also lost her best friend, the life and soul of everything
she did, so we decided we wanted to give back.
“Seeing the community come together and raise over £5,000 for Breast Cancer Now is incredible – it will make a real difference to people going through treatment.”
Both Jackson and Sinfield continue to support cancer fundraising initiatives in Cheltenham, offering free treatments to
Jordan Crane - Rugby Join
The
Nick Knowles - TV Personality
Shane Williams - Rugby
Thom Evans - Rugby
Courtney Massy - Footballer
Serge Betsen - Rugby
Michael Kurn - Footballer
Ruth Jackson and Amanda Sinfield.
Animal Shelter
Animals seeking a loving home
CHELTENHAM Animal Shelter has three adorable animals seeking a new home.
Among them is Mowgli, a three-year-old terrier cross who has been with us since January last year. He was surrendered into our care due to a change in his owner’s circumstances, which made it difficult to meet his behavioural needs.
Since arriving, Mowgli has been housed in a quieter area of the Shelter to help ease his anxiety, particularly around other dogs. This calm environment, combined with gentle training and even calming music, has significantly improved his confidence and focus.
As an energetic and engaging dog, Mowgli thrives on activity. He enjoys games such as tugof-war, exploring outdoor spaces, and working for treats. He would be best suited to an experienced owner who can provide both mental stimulation and physical exercise, along with a secure garden. Due to his reactivity towards other animals, he would need to be the only pet in a calm household with access to peaceful walking routes.
By Erica Landon
Although he can be vocal when greeting visitors, this is largely due to excitement.
Once settled, Mowgli forms strong bonds and is a deeply affectionate companion. He would suit an adult-only home, or one with older teenagers, where someone is present for most of the day.
Also searching for a new home is Ripley, a two-yearold Rottweiler who arrived at the Shelter in September 2025 after her previous owners were forced to give her up due to illness. Ripley is bright and full of character. She can initially be wary of new people. However, with patience and encouragement, she quickly reveals a playful and loyal nature. She is highly intelligent, enjoys training, and has a particular love for chasing a ball.
Ripley would benefit from a calm, adult-only household with owners who can understand her behaviour and continue building her confidence. She has had limited socialisation with other dogs and can be reactive, so she will need to be the only pet. A secure garden and access to quieter walking areas will help her feel safe and settled. She would also prefer a home where she is not left alone for long periods.
Meanwhile, Puffin, a tenyear-old cat, is hoping to spend her later years in comfort after arriving at the Shelter as a stray earlier this year.
Despite suffering from painful hips and muscle loss in her back legs, Puffin remains affectionate and determined. She is currently on medication and still enjoys climbing up for cuddles, often settling on her carer’s shoulder for attention.
Puffin is incredibly loving,
with a strong desire for companionship. She would thrive in a home where someone is around for most of the day. While she still enjoys playtime and her meals, she particularly values warmth and closeness.
Puffin would ideally be the only cat in the household, although she may be able to live with a calm, cat-friendly dog. Any children in the home would need to be older teenagers.
Those interested in offering a home to Mowgli or Ripley please contact the Shelter via dogs@gawa.org.uk. For Puffin, enquiries can be made by emailing cats@gawa.org.uk
Puffin
Mowgli
Ripley
Gardening jobs in April
APRIL
truly starts to come alive. With longer days and warming soil, it’s one of the busiestand most rewarding - periods of the year.
Tulips are showing off in full bloom, daffodils are dancing, and primroses and polyanthus are among the most cheerful of flowers.
Forget-me-nots and bluebells offer a soft carpet of colour, and of course there’s the big, showy cherry blossom and magnolia trees.
Whether you’re sowing vegetables, dividing perennials, or creating space for pollinators, now is the perfect time to set your garden up for the months ahead.
Flowers and Trees
Lift and divide established border perennials like hostas to improve vigour and create new plants for your garden.
Pinch out the tips of bedding annuals like sweet peas, petunias, and fuchsias to encourage bushy growth this summer.
Divide primroses once they have finished flowering.
Feed trees, shrubs, and hedges with a balanced, slowrelease fertiliser. Roses, in particular, are greedy plants and will greatly benefit from feeding as they come into growth. Tie back climbers as needed.
Check any tree stakes and ties to make sure they’re not cutting into the trunk. Loosen any that are tight to allow the trunk room to expand.
Honeysuckle and clematis are showing growth, so their stems will need tying back and training along supports. Remove faded flowers from winter pansies, and deadhead daffodils and tulips as the
By Mark Hopkins
blooms finish. Leave the foliage intact and allow it to die back naturally to feed the bulbs for next spring. As the days warm up and daylight increases, move begonia and gladioli bulbs outside.
Divide overcrowded perennials - April is a great time for this. Lifting and splitting established clumps not only rejuvenates older plants but also gives you extra plants to use elsewhere in the garden.
Keep an eye out for slugs and snails. Fresh spring growth is irresistible to them, and they can quickly damage tender young shoots if left unchecked. Hostas, delphiniums, and lupins are particularly at risk. Check plants regularly - early morning or evening is bestand remove pests promptly.
Vegetables
April is one of the main months for planting potatoes, particularly second-early and main-crop varieties. Plant seed potatoes in trenches or large containers with the shoots facing upwards. As plants grow, gradually earth-up soil around the stems to protect developing tubers from light and frost.
Root crops such as carrots, parsnips, and beetroot can be sown directly into prepared soil. The warming ground encourages good germination
and steady growth.
Fast-growing salad leaves like lettuce, rocket, and mixed greens can be sown every couple of weeks for a continuous supply. These crops grow well in containers, making them ideal even for smaller gardens or patios.
Warm-season vegetables like tomatoes and courgettes benefit from being started indoors during April. A greenhouse, propagator, or bright windowsill provides the warmth needed for reliable germination. Starting plants early allows them to develop strong roots before being planted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.
Lawns
As temperatures rise, lawns begin growing more quickly and benefit from regular mowing to keep them tidy and healthy. For the first few cuts of the season, keep the mower blade set slightly higher to avoid stressing the grass. Spring conditions make April an ideal time to repair damaged areas of lawn. Rake the soil lightly, sow grass seed, and keep the area moist while new grass establishes. Adding a thin layer of compost will help retain moisture.
Weeding As plants begin growing strongly, weeds will also
appear quickly. Removing them early prevents them from competing with flowers for food, light, and water.
Fruit and Citrus
Beware of late frosts, as many plants begin flowering in April.
Sudden cold snaps can damage delicate blossoms and reduce potential harvests. If frost is forecast, covering trees overnight will protect developing flowers. Sow wildflowers where possible to support pollinators. These areas create nectar-rich habitats for bees and butterflies. Supporting them early in the season helps create a healthier, more productive garden overall.
Ponds and Water Features
A pond is an asset in any garden - both an attractive
centrepiece and a magnet for wildlife. Like any area of the garden, occasional maintenance will keep it in good condition.
Cut back excess plant growth - aim to keep about 50% of the surface free of vegetation. Remove tatty leaves and fading flowers so they don’t decompose in the pond. Thin out underwater oxygenating plants - four to five bunches are sufficient for each square metre of pond surface.
April is a busy month in the garden, it’s also one of the most rewarding. The effort you put in now sets the stage for a vibrant, flourishing space in the months ahead. Stay on top of planting, pruning, and protecting new growth, and you’ll see your garden come to life in full colour.
Recipes Steph Williams
This Plate Is Pretty stephnicw.wixsite.com /thisplateispretty
Aubergine Pickle
As the world is getting increasingly expensive, especially when it comes to food and drink, I've been experimenting a lot more with vegetarian recipes, since meat is becoming the most expensive ingredient. I've also been trying out different side dishes. This Aubergine Pickle is slightly sweet and tangy, making it a versatile accompaniment to a Meze platter. It should take you just 15 minutes to prepare and contains only 5g of net carbohydrate.
Ingredients Serves 2 as an accompaniment
• 1 medium Aubergine
• Pinch of Salt & Pepper to taste
• 2 Curry Leaves
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 2 cloves of Garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon Mustard Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Cumin Seed
• Pinch of Sweetener
• 1/4 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/8 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1.5 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions
l Dice the Aubergine into cubes, keeping the skin on.
l Mince the Garlic.
l Add 1 tablespoon of the Oil, the Aubergine, Salt and Pepper to a saucepan and cook on a medium heat for 6 minutes until soft.
l Add in the rest of the ingredients, bring to a sizzle then simmer on a lowmedium heat to reduce for around 5 minutes.
l Remove from the heat, spoon into a bowl or
Aubergine Puree
ramekin, garnish and serve!
Recipe notes
The garnish here is curry leaves, a mild flavour. Pairs wonderfully with spiced meats, particularly Lamb, natural yoghurt, falafel, veggie sticks, feta, salad, or low carb flat bread/wraps, as part of a meze platter.
Aubergine puree is a smooth, creamy mixture made from roasted or cooked aubergines, often blended with oils, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings, served as dip, spread or side, making it a versatile accompaniment to a Meze platter. It should take you just 15 minutes to prepare and contains only 5g of net carbohydrate.
Ingredients
Serves 2 as an accompaniment
• 1 medium Aubergine
• Pinch of Salt & Pepper to taste
• 2 cloves of Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 1/2 tablespoon Tahini
• Juice of 1/2 Lemon
Instructions
l Skin and dice the Aubergine into cubes.
l Mince the Garlic.
l Add the Oil, the Aubergine, Salt and Pepper to a saucepan and cook on a medium heat for 6-8 minutes until soft.
l Add in the Garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
l Add in everything else and cook for 3 more minutes.
l Remove from the heat,
puree in a food processor or with a hand blender, spoon into a bowl or serving ramekin, garnish and serve!
Recipe notes
The garnish here is curry leaves, a mild flavour and Pomegranate Seed. Pairs wonderfully with spiced meats, particularly Lamb, falafel, veggie sticks, feta, salad, low carb flat bread/wraps, as part of a meze platter.
Barrowman brings glittering musical to The Roses Theatre
FROM the wings of the West End to the bright lights of Broadway, John Barrowman has spent more than three decades commanding stages and screens with irresistible charm and show-stopping vocals. Now, the multitalented performer brings My Life In Musicals to The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury on 30th April, promising a glittering evening of song, storytelling and theatrical magic.
Part celebration and part confession, the show invites audiences to step inside the stories behind Barrowman’s 23 leading roles across the West End and Broadway. Each is relived with warmth, wit and unapologetic sparkle.
Barrowman said: “From descending the staircase in Sunset Boulevard to sailing high in Anything Goes, from the passion and heartbreak of Miss Saigon to the razor-sharp brilliance of Company and the razzle-dazzle of Chicago, my life has been one glorious, glitter-dusted adventure.
“This tour is my love letter to every stage, every song, and every one of you who have cheered, cried, laughed and believed right along with me. The spotlight may shine on me but the magic, that is always ours. I cannot wait to bring you my life in musicals.”
From La Cage Aux Folles to The Phantom of the
Opera and more, Barrowman revisits the productions that helped define both his career and the musical theatre landscape. Each number is threaded together with candid anecdotes, quick-fire humour and moments of genuine reflection that reveal the person behind the performer.
Audiences can expect laughter, nostalgia and a series of bold, unforgettable anthems that showcase why Barrowman remains one of musical theatre’s most magnetic leading men.
More than just a concert, My Life In Musicals offers an evening of connection, storytelling and celebration of live performance at its most joyful.
A high-energy tribute to Taylor Swift’s World: New show at the Roses Theatre
FANS of Taylor Swift are in for a treat as a spectacular new tribute show arrives in the area this spring.
Headlined by the talented Xenna, this immersive production brings the music, style and stage presence of one of the world’s biggest pop stars to life. The show will be performed at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, on 28th May.
Audiences can expect a high-energy journey through Taylor Swift’s career, featuring iconic hits such as "Love Story", "Blank Space" and "Shake It Off". With stunning costume changes, precise choreography and a full cast of dancers, the production captures the excitement and emotion of a live stadium performance. The show now spans all 12 eras, including songs from the latest albums, Opalite, Fate of Ophelia and The Life of a Showgirl. This new era adds glamour and storytelling sparkle to the set, celebrating every chapter of her artistry.
One thing is certain: when Barrowman takes centre stage, the room sparkles a little brighter. For tickets visit www.rosestheatre.org
Tickets are expected to be in high demand for this onenight-only performance, so
Designed for all ages, the show is perfect for families, groups of friends and dedicated fans alike. Whether you have followed Taylor Swift from the beginning or simply enjoy a high-quality tribute production, this promises a memorable night out. Xenna’s performance has already impressed audiences with its attention to detail and its ability to recreate the magic of a global pop icon on stage.
early booking is advised. For those looking to relive the soundtrack of a generation, this is a chance to experience the music, energy and excitement of Taylor Swift in a whole new way. For more information visit www.rosestheatre.org/
Plug-in solar panels risk falling short of expectations
As the Government moves to relax rules on plug-in solar panels, questions remain over their effectiveness, safety, and value compared to professionally installed rooftop systems
DOMESTIC solar panel systems became mainstream in the UK in 2010, when it was unusual to find a solar array over 4kWp; a larger system might risk overloading the grid.
The smallest viable system was around 2kWp; fewer panels might just provide useful power in the height of summer, but electricity generated from these systems in winter is negligible.
Positioning of solar panels is critical, and if they are facing more than 60° off south, or have even slight shade, a cheap panel just won’t work. Today, few investors would be happy with less than 4kWp, and installers generally ask for consent to exceed this, typically connecting 6kWp or even 8kWp. Given that today solar panels are a marginal cost, provided some panels face south, additional high-tech panels can face in what used to be the wrong direction.
This applies to professionally installed
By Ian Williams
domestic home energy systems using quality panels.
The Government has decided to ease restrictions on cheap plug-in solar panels that you’ll soon be able to buy in the central aisle of a wellknown supermarket. But how do they compare with a properly designed PV system on your roof?
It’s suggested you just plonk a plug-in panel on a balcony or in your garden. Suppose your balcony faces the wrong way or is shaded. One panel low down in your garden hardly compares with an array on your roof; what chance is there of getting a decent amount of year-round sun? You could position your panel away from the house, but do you want a cable trailing across your lawn?
The average electricity consumption of a UK home is around 3,500kWh. While a professionally installed system will typically wipe
out your electricity bill, even if perfectly positioned, a plug-in panel will only generate a tiny fraction of this. What use is that?
Another concern is that unqualified DIY enthusiasts might daisy chain several plug-in panels and risk overloading the grid, or think climbing onto the roof is a good idea, which it probably isn’t. How secure will a selfinstalled roof-mounted panel be?
It seems that the Government hasn’t put enough thought into this, and moreover that these panels are a waste of money, when by contrast a professionally installed system will wipe out your electricity bill and pay for itself in just a few years. If the up-front cost is an issue, many householders consider it prudent to switch their monthly bill payment to a loan repayment; why part with dead money when you could be investing in your future? But before you do anything, please consult an expert.
LICENSING
ACT 2003
-
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE
Mr Marcus James Goff
Postal address of premises
Goffs Brewery, 9 Isbourne Way, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5NS
The applicant proposes to vary the premises licence to authorise the following: Changes to the existing licence plan to reflect extension to premises.
Licensable area will now be Unit 8 which will incorporate a retail space and a small taproom. All licensed activities and hours authorised by the licence are to remain unchanged. Any responsible authority or other person who wishes to make representations in relation to the application must make them in writing to, Licensing Team, Tewkesbury Borough Council, Council Offices, Gloucester Rd, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 5TT, where the licensing register and application record may be viewed by appointment during normal office hours.
Representations in relation to the application from responsible authorities or other persons must be made no later than 27 April 2026
It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is Level 5 on the standard scale (E5000)
Money talks Fanny Snaith
I WAS in the supermarket this week when the woman in front of me was properly upskuttled at the checkout, scanning the price tag on a Lindt Gold Bunny and doing a double-take.
So did I. £8.50! For chocolate in gold foil with a ribbon round its neck. And I thought it was the packaging that was the biggest cost! It will not be in my basket, I told her. She raised her eyebrows. But she bought it anyway. There was clearly an air between her and her partner. “It’s for the kids,” he said with a nervous smile. I have been thinking about that moment ever since.
Not because I am judging her. She can spend her money however she likes. But because I keep asking myself - what was she actually buying? The chocolate? I doubt it. You can get perfectly good chocolate for a fraction of that. She was buying the feeling. The gold foil. The ribbon. The sense that Easter had been done properly.
And I understand that completely. Because my mother did Easter properly too.
display is beautiful and there is a small part of us that does not want to be the person who does not buy it. That is not a financial decision. That is a social one. And social decisions made in supermarket aisles are costing us a fortune.
She used to take real eggs, pierce them at each end with a pin, and blow the contents out. She would fill the shells with melted chocolate, let them set, and hand them to us with felt tips so we could draw faces on them. Every year. Without fail. They cost almost nothing. They were completely imperfect. The chocolate was not so neatly in the shell, some spilled on the outside. The faces were wonky. And they were the best Easter eggs I have ever had.
I am doing it this weekend for my own (very grown up) children. Because some things are worth repeating. But here is what I want to talk about. Prices right now are not just a little high. They are eye-watering and they are, by most accounts, about
to get worse. In that environment, the question of what we say yes to and what we say no to has never mattered more.
A financial boundary is not a budget. I do not like the word budget. It sounds like a punishment. A financial boundary is something different. It is the quiet internal moment where you ask yourself: is this actually mine to say yes to?
Not: can I afford it? Though that matters. Not: do I deserve a treat?
Though you probably do. But: does this purchase reflect what I actually value?
The woman with the Lindt bunny may have asked herself that question and answered yes. In which case, £8.50 is entirely reasonable. We pay for what we value. That is how it should work.
The problem is most of us are not asking the question at all. We are on autopilot.
Reaching for the gold foil because it is Easter and that is what you do and the
Here is what I have learned from years of working with people on their relationship with money. The people who feel most financially free are rarely the ones earning the most. They are the ones who know what they actually want. They have thought about it. They have decided. And because they have decided, they can say no to the things that do not matter with almost no effortbecause they are already saying yes to the things that do.
My mother’s Easter eggs cost almost nothing. I remember them 30 years later. I will not remember the contents of my supermarket trolley from this week. That is a financial boundary. Knowing the difference between what lasts and what is just gold foil. Before you buy the bunny (and I am not saying do not buy the bunny) just pause for one second. Ask yourself what you are actually buying. If the answer is joy, tradition, love, a genuinely good piece of chocolate - yes. Go ahead. If the answer is habit, or vague social pressure, or because Easter requires itput it back. Make some eggs instead. Get some felt tips. Be warm. Be wealthy. Happy Easter.
Fanny Snaith offers money
JM Finn expands into Cheltenham with focus on personal wealth management
Investment Director Mark Burnett discusses the launch of JM Finn’s new Cheltenham office, its client-first approach and plans to build a strong local presence
CHELTENHAM’S reputation as a hub for professionals, business owners and retirees continues to grow.
Wealth manager JM Finn has now established a presence in the town, bringing with it more than 80 years of heritage and a focus on personal investment services.
Based in the centre of Cheltenham, the firm’s new office forms part of its expanding regional network. Clients can access investment management alongside advice on pensions, estate planning and retirement planning, all delivered locally but supported by the wider resources of the firm. We spoke to Investment Director Mark Burnett, who joined the business in November 2025, to find out more about the new office and its plans.
What were your first impressions after joining JM Finn?
Burnett describes a strong sense of teamwork across the organisation. He says colleagues are quick to offer support and share expertise, with a collective focus on
making the Cheltenham office a success and maintaining high standards for clients.
He also points to the depth of experience across the firm. From investment specialists to operational teams, he says the level of knowledge has been both reassuring and motivating, giving the new office confidence as it establishes itself.
What does the Cheltenham branch offer local clients?
According to Burnett, the aim is to provide a highly personal service for private clients and local intermediaries. Alongside investment management, the office offers access to specialist advice on pensions, estate planning and retirement planning. He adds that the combination of longstanding expertise and a relationship-led approach is designed to support clients’ financial goals over the long term.
With more than 35 years in the industry, what are your key investment
principles?
Burnett highlights three priorities: maintaining regular and open communication with clients, being honest and transparent, and keeping investment strategies straightforward.
What’s planned for the rest of 2026?
The Cheltenham team is preparing a programme of events to introduce the office to the local community. These include an official launch, a dinner for intermediaries and a wine tasting event for private clients, all aimed at building connections and showcasing the firm’s expertise.
At the same time, the office is looking to grow its team through new hires, bringing in a wider range of experience and specialist knowledge. Burnett says this will help strengthen the service on offer and establish the branch as a trusted presence in the area. To find out how local wealth manager JM Finn could help you plan for long-term care costs, contact your Cheltenham office on 01242 502 808
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TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER Puzzles
1. What is the highest point in the Peak District?
2. The tree Aesculus hippocastanum is better known by which name?
3. The BBC TV programme The Celebrity Traitors, one of the most-watched TV shows of 2025, was won by whom?
4. Who was the Roman goddess of hunting, also known as Artemis?
5. There are typically how many Formula 1 Grand Prix races held each year?
6. The measurement 297mm by 210mm denotes which standard size of paper?
7. A pink fir apple is which type of vegetable?
8. In the 1980s, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Huey Lewis and the News and Jennifer Rush all had different songs called what?
9. Who wrote the classic novel The Call of the Wild?
10. Which Yves Saint Laurent perfume, made in 1977, shared its name with a drug?
but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
1. New reps taking on a public face (7)
8. Therein unfortunately lies part of a double negative (7)
9. Deceived outspoken newsman (7)
10. Aerosol dispersed the red rash (7)
11. Drink excessively to satisfy one’s desires (7)
12. Court artist admits Middle East has a test site (7)
14. You have had your allotted span (5,2)
18. Some of the men for certain had drive (7)
20. Rank lie about being taller (7)
21. Select an entrance, say, for bullfighter (7)
22. Rather more sticky when coming from tie rack (7)
23. Rod lets out he’s getting on a bit (7)
1. Water provider, perhaps, cannot be regarded as a private service (6,7)
2. Finishes off the cycles (6)
3. Rejected internal organs of Cornish flower (5)
4. Male doctor went in again (6)
5. Young lady I take on assignment (7)
6. Supporter of royalists (6)
7. Narrator with idler organised method for solving problems (5,3,5)
13. Nearly all hoping for pain reliever (7)
15. A lot seen about Northern Ireland city (6)
16. By proxy, according to expert (3,3)
17. Believe in tick (6)
19. Stood opposite and confronted (5)
NONAGRAM
1. Calming drug (8)
spinier; spire; spirit; spirt; spit; spite; sprint; sprit; sprite; step; stipe; strep; strip; stripe; tiepin; tipi; tipper; tipsier; trip; tripe.
spine;
snipe; sniper; snippet; snippier; spent;
ripen; ripest; sept; sipe; sipper; sippet;
repp;
Listening organ (3)
White ant (7)
Scrimmage (5)
Deuces (anag.) (6)
Portion (5)
Muddle (4)
(4)
Guidelines: 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.
Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.
As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
SUDOKU
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.
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).
EQUALISER: CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Sedative; 5 Opus; 9 Agonise; 10 Strum; 11 Usage; 13 Benign; 15 Sneer; 17 Iota; 19 Jar; 20 Boor; 21 Mores; 23 Turkey; 24 Tense; 28 Aside; 29 Abusive; 30
1974-5 Cheltenham Town youth team.
Cheltenham Colts XV 1961/62.
Cheltenham’s lower end. Can you guess the year?
Old Centralians, the Combination Cup winning team at Kingsholm 1965.
Cleeve cruise past Hartpury to boost play-off push
BISHOPS Cleeve followed their win over Exmouth on Good Friday with a victory over local side Hartpury FC at the Everyone’s Energy Kayte Lane Stadium on Monday.
Goals from Ross Langworthy, Adulai Sambu and Reegan Messenger sealed a huge victory for Paul Collicutt’s side and sent the Mitres five points clear in the final play-off place with four games left to play.
Hartpury were first to fashion a glimpse of goal, a well-worked move seeing the ball switched high to the right and low to the left before a shot flew just wide of Sam Gilder’s bottom right corner, Cleeve’s number two returning to the pitch in place of Lewis Clayton.
By Ben Ware
The lead didn’t last long at all. A soft penalty was given as the Hartpury man went shoulder-to-shoulder before taking a tumble, always a good sign when the ‘felled’ player laughs when given a penalty, and a frustrating moment for the home side.
Riley McGregor picked out the bottom left corner, and we returned to level pegging with 14 minutes played.
There weren’t a huge number of notable events in the game’s early stages, and it would take 10 minutes for the first corner kick to be awarded.
It went the way of Bishops Cleeve after good work from Will Turner down the left flank, which proved to be a valuable set piece. The attempt was cleared at the front post but sent straight back into the danger zone where Turner and Reegan Messenger both rose to head it goalwards, Ross Langworthy managing to get a little touch on the ball to divert it past Hartpury shot stopper Seth Locke and in for the opener, and Langworthy’s 95th in green and white.
This seemed to turn the game a little; Gilder was forced into another big save to deny Nathan Jenkins at the bottom right corner. Noah Rubio decided to take back control, wreaking havoc down the Hartpury left.
The visitors got away with one in the 21st minute when two hands around Rubio’s waist dragged him to the floor as he raced through on goal, but this only warranted a talking to. He’d win another free kick just before the half hour, but this would only find the hands of Locke.
The Acorns came close to turning the game on its head in the 35th minute, a superb run seeing them break through down the left where a rocketed effort from a tight angle pinged back off the underside of the crossbar and, luckily for Cleeve, away from danger.
Cleeve’s next big chance
came through Rubio again, a pinpoint cross hanging up well for Messenger, whose perfectly executed bicycle kick looked destined for the top right corner, only for Locke to get up and across and palm the ball away.
With the action starting to heat up, the referee brought it to an end. Half-time saw a scoreline of Bishops Cleeve 1, Hartpury 1.
The game’s big moment came in the 53rd minute as both sides played out a bit of a stalemate in the opening exchanges of the second half. Rubio was once again fouled while approaching goal, and this time, it was one too many.
A second yellow for Louis Manning and Hartpury’s #7
had his marching orders. Now, Cleeve had to make it count.
They were all over the place in the following few minutes, bodies and limbs flying as their desperation to retain the draw shone through. Cleeve would come close through Langworthy, Messenger and Rubio, but Hartpury somehow kept the ball out of the goal.
Just after the hour mark, substitute Adulai Sambu broke down the left, charging into the box and hitting a shot straight at Locke. Langworthy looked to pounce, but the away side once again scrambled it clear. A goal was coming, but the Mitres had to be patient.
The 66th minute finally
brought the breakthrough, Sambu only on to replace the injured Malshanskyj, but jumping at the opportunity and bagging his first Cleeve goal.
An incredible pass from Steve Davies released Rubio down the right, a perfect low pass across goal towards the far post, played perfectly into the stride of the onrushing Sambu, who swept home to regain the lead.
Five minutes later, and it was three. There was no doubt this time as Messenger added his name to the scoresheet with no dispute. The midfielder picked up possession some distance from goal, charging forward as if he were alone
on the pitch, evading two defenders like they weren’t even there and picking out the bottom right corner from the edge of the box to make it 3-1.
Hartpury took this as a sign to try again, taking control of the ball and showing what they can really do. Between the two, they advanced 40 yards down the left wing before winning a corner via a deflected shot, though this would come to nothing. They came close again in the 88th minute, but their efforts were too little too late, the red card swaying the game too far in The Mitres’ favour and leaving the Acorns 11 points adrift of the play-off places.
Bishops Cleeve A reach Junior Charity Cup Semi-Final with 2-0 win
BISHOPS Cleeve A booked their place in the semi-final of the Cheltenham League Junior Charity Cup once again with a 2-0 win over Tewkesbury Town Reserves. Cleeve’s first sight of goal came via player-manager Rob Reid in the fifth minute. His shot from the edge of the box was well saved, bringing a corner which led to another saved effort. The next good chance arrived in the 19th
By Ben Ware
minute, when Harvey Danter’s deflected corner met the head of Reid, but he couldn’t guide it on target. Danter created another opportunity two minutes later. A long throw was half cleared and fell perfectly for an acrobatic effort 20 yards from goal, but like Reid, he was unable to find the target.
Tewkesbury did create some chances, but none truly troubled keeper Cameron Cheal. In the 28th minute, a tame free kick was easily saved, and ten minutes later they broke down the right only to fire another soft effort straight into Cheal’s hands. The wind brought the opener on the brink of halftime. Charlie Shore-Nye crossed towards the far post, and a sudden gust curled the
ball over a helpless keeper into the top right corner. Half-time saw the As lead by a single goal.
Just before the hour mark, the first clear chance of the second half arrived, with the high winds making play difficult. Tewkesbury’s Jamie Groom raced through on goal with the aim of lifting it over Cheal, but the lack of height in the shot saw the effort roll safely into the keeper’s
hands.
The 73rd minute brought the decider. Reid bagged the second of the game in style with a rocket fired across goal from 25 yards out, after a perfectly placed pass set him through past the defence. The two-goal deficit finally spurred the visitors into action, but a big save from Cheal denied Town in the 90th minute as they broke through the back line, unable
to find space on either side of the onrushing keeper.
Tewkesbury forced another save in the 92nd minute before coming closest with a wind-assisted effort in the 93rd. A free kick, hit much like Shore-Nye’s earlier cross, sent the ball on target, but Cheal backtracked and got a big hand to it to send it out for a corner.
The As held on to advance to the semi-finals.
—
Cheltenham football league round-up with Rob Morrison
AFTER a slow start to the season, Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves are finishing their Premier Division campaign on a high, with playermanager Stu Midwinter leading from the front.
Striker Midwinter proved decisive last weekend, scoring a hat-trick as Service recovered from 2-1 down to beat Whaddon United Reserves 4-2. It was a similar story on Saturday, when visitors Southside Star raced into a 2-0 lead. Service captain Antony Cacchioli pulled one back before half-time, and a second-half goal from Conor Healy brought the host’s level. Midwinter then struck late on to complete the comeback and secure all three points.
Elsewhere, Bishops Cleeve A booked their place in the Junior Charities Cup semi-final in the only other match involving Division One sides. Goals from Rob Reid and Charlie Shore-Nye earned a 2-0 victory over Tewkesbury Town Reserves.
That win sets up a semifinal tie against the winners of the Whaddon United versus Montpellier match, to be played next weekend. Mickleton Rovers moved back into pole position in Division One with a 3-1 victory over Falcons Reserves. The win lifted them two points clear of Cheltenham United, with three games in hand. The title race is far from settled, however, with
Shurdington Rovers continuing to apply pressure. A 90th-minute goal from Lee Brady, his second of the game, secured a dramatic 3-2 win over FC Lakeside Reserves.
That result leaves Rovers five points behind league leaders Rangers, but with the two sides still to meet, Shurdington remain firmly in contention for the title. While the title race looks set for more twists and
turns before the silverware is handed out, matters at the bottom of the table appear far clearer. A 4-1 defeat against Leckhampton Rovers has left Winchcombe Town Reserves nine points adrift with just three games remaining.
With Town also carrying a significantly inferior goal difference, anything other than a remarkable turnaround looks likely to condemn them to bottom spot.
In the final game in Division One, Cheltenham Tigers returned to winning ways with a 4-1 victory over Hanley Swan. A second-half double from Paul Jarvis helped secure the points and leaves Tigers sitting fifth in the table. Saturday may yet prove a pivotal day in the Division Two title race. The top two met at KGV St Marks, but neither leaders Cheltenham Saracens nor visitors
Match reports with Pat Cox
Bredon Reserves were able to find the net, as the contest ended goalless. With both sides dropping points, the door has been left firmly open for thirdplaced Worcester Forge. They took full advantage with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Tewkesbury Town Development. That result leaves Forge
four points off the top, but crucially they have two games in hand.
In the final game in Division Two, Leckhampton Rovers Reserves claimed an impressive point against Tredworth Tigers III. The draw moved them nine points clear of bottom side Montpellier Reserves.
Monday 6th April 2026 Cheltenham Town 1 – Cambridge United 1
CHELTENHAM can feel themselves lucky to have shared the points with a good Cambridge United team who looked genuine title contenders.
Very little happened in the first quarter of an hour as each side tried to assert themselves.
The Cambridge captain tried his luck from outside the area but fired well over Joe Day’s goal.
Cheltenham’s first moment of note came in the 26th minute when a combination of passes ended with Isaac
Hutchinson setting up Josh Davison from just inside the penalty spot but he failed to keep his close range effort down and it sailed over the bar.
Day kept the sides level in the 32nd minute when he saved Kelland Watts’ header at the far post, tipping it over the bar.
However, his efforts came to nothing because from the following corner
Mamadou Jobe’s knockdown arrived at the feet of Sullay Kaikai who prodded it into the net to put the visitors in front in
the 34th minute.
The final 10 minutes petered out with no goalmouth action from either team and Cambridge went in 1 - nil up having been the better side.
In the 50th minute a very strong forward run from the Robins’ captain James Wilson led to a corner.
From Jordan Thomas’ corner, Jonathan Tomkinson found the ball at his feet but his connection was poor and his effort rolled wide.
In the 53rd minute, Day was needed again to deny
Louis Appere from inside his box.
The same player should have doubled Cambridge’s lead in the 64th minute when Watts’ cross found him unmarked but he could only guide his header wide.
Shortly after Day produced another good save with his legs managing to keep out Ben Knight’s close range effort.
Cambridge were on top and in the 76th minute Kaikai took a good free kick picking out Watts and Cheltenham were happy when his free header went
just wide.
As they did in the first 5 minutes of the second half Cheltenham applied pressure in the last few minutes of the match and were rewarded when from Luke Young’s cross Eastwood in the Cambridge goal under pressure from George Miller could only knock the ball back into his own net.
Although Cheltenham worked hard, it felt like Cambridge were the better side for the majority of the match and the Robins will feel happy with their point.
Service’s Tyler Lupton looking to start an attack.
Service’s Sam Shore-Nye on the ball.
Late goal salvages a draw for Cheltenham
Continued from back page
Manager Steve Cotterill
continued: “Results like that today, it's hard to get results at this time of year, whoever you're playing. Nine times out of 10, when you play the top teams that need the three points, if you are one of the teams in the lower reaches, you get beat. There needed to be a bit more belief in us, after the first half performance, which wasn't bad at all. We had one sloppy moment, which is when they scored. Other than that, we've definitely deserved our point here today.
“We deserved it. We've had a couple of moments. We have to bear in mind, we are three weeks away from the end of the season. Always a lot of comments around at other clubs and I am not sure if there have been at ours, about being on the beach. That's never going to happen while I am here. Our players are working as hard now, in this last week, as they worked the minute I came in the door. That won't happen. We might lose games, but sometimes you don't have the urgency in you. We went to Chesterfield and some of the lads had travel sickness.
“Three or four of them came and sat down the front of the bus and sometimes that can throw you off kilter a little bit. Today, they kept going and going and that's why the supporters appreciate them at the end. All in all, it's a good result against a team that'll probably go up. I certainly think they'll be in the top three.”
Cheltenham now travel to Walsall, another tough game, but they do so with a bit more belief after spirited performances against both Chesterfield and Cambridge. The tough fixtures are taking their toll on the team, with midfielder Ben Stevenson having to battle an adductor injury which will likely last until the summer and have to be managed.
Cotterill spoke about his contribution since his arrival at the club.
He continued: “Two games back-to-back, he's not going to get away with that adductor strain this season. It'll just be where is he and
how does he feel in that moment. I don't think that is going to clear up, probably until the summer for him.
But if we can get an hour out of him that gets us into the game, that'll be handy. I could have easily made a change a bit earlier today, but knowing what Ben was like at half-time, I couldn't make a change at half-time. I needed to start him again to give us that little bit of solidity in there. When he doesn't become mobile and he can't let the ball run across him and he can't get his passes in, that's the time you need to take him off. He got to that stage.
“He's a really good lad, who goes about his work quietly, but efficiently. He's been a really important part of
what's happened since I've come back here. I don't know if we could have got through the period and got enough points, if it wasn't for Ben Stevenson linking what I wanted him to link. He's played a huge part, Ben. He's a great character too, really popular in the dressing room. Funny as well. He's quite quiet, but a quiet assassin! Bit of banter, but doesn't talk a lot. He's a fair bit of a culprit most of the time.”
The Robins switched to a 4-4-2 formation towards the end of the game, and it paid off, but Cotterill admitted it wouldn’t be his first choice with an even game level.
Cotterill said: “At the end of the day, being able to get to that, when you go 4-4-2... I don't really like 4-4-2 at all.
Terrace talk with Will Alder
NEXT up for Cheltenham was another trip up North, this time to the SMH Group Stadium to face Paul Cook’s promotionchasing Chesterfield. Like our gaffer, Cook returned to Yorkshire following a successful spell a few years ago and, following his return, he subsequently guided them back into the Football League in 2024. He is definitely a manager who knows how to win football matches at this level for sure.
In truth, the hosts were the better side throughout and deservedly won all three points on the afternoon. Despite the Spireites hitting the post and the bar a number of times in the second half, the only goal of the game ended up being volleyed in from close range by former Manchester City man Will Dickson following rightback Liam Mandeville's superb cross from the right midway through the first half.
Jordan Thomas had an excellent second half and came very close to grasping an unlikely draw for the Robins after a fantastic solo run, but it was not to be. We did, however, finally get a glimpse of Wrexham loanee Mo Faal late in the second half, as he was signed whilst injured and has not been able to feature until now. Not too long ago the forward was Wrexham’s record signing, but with continued big spending down at the Racecourse, he might find his opportunities limited in the first team, therefore potentially a signing for next season for us if all goes well.
When we get to that, I can only go to it for a certain period of time. We couldn't start a game like that because we'd get picked off in midfield. We can do that and we've only just started getting to know what to do when we get to that 4-4-2, rather than springing it on them where they don't know what to do. I could have played any of the strikers today and on their own, they might not have been as effective as when they had a strike partner with them. But Mo went on, got a few more minutes and George Miller goes on and ends up competing with the goalkeeper for the goal. Sometimes your substitutes work and sometimes they don't.”
led midway through the first half when Sullay Kaikai smashed in an unstoppable strike from the centre of the box after Mamadou Jobe nodded down a cross to him. It was the highlight of an uneventful first half, with Joe Day doing very well to turn over Kelland Watts' header from Kaikai's freekick delivery, the only other real goalmouth action just before the goal itself. In truth, we rarely threatened but did produce perhaps the best move of the first half after some good link-up play down the left saw Jake Bickerstaff find Isaac Hutchinson inside the area, who then proceeded to cut it back for Josh Davison in the centre of the box. However, the Tranmere loanee couldn’t keep his strike down and, unfortunately for the Robins, blazed over the bar. Bickerstaff also saw a shot blocked in the box after a charge forward from James Wilson early in the second half, but in truth it was the visitors who were more threatening.
Louis Appere headed a great chance over the bar for Cambridge in the 65th minute and Joe Day somehow denied Ben Knight with an outstretched leg a few minutes later, to keep the score at 1-0. As the game appeared to be heading to its conclusion with an away win, somehow Luke Young's cross was bundled into his own net by visiting keeper Jake Eastwood in the first minute of added time.
Cambridge United were the next visitors to Whaddon Road and, unsurprisingly it seems at the moment, we faced another side pushing for promotion this season. The U’s arrived in Gloucestershire sitting third in the table, with promotion very much still in their own hands. Winless in their last three on their travels, they were looking to rectify that at Whaddon Road on Bank Holiday Monday.
Cheltenham, on the other hand, were looking to avoid a third successive defeat, and any points we could get out of this one would put us increasingly close to securing our safety for another season. United
This meant the Robins snatched an unlikely draw and, for the second match running, the U’s were moments away from a thoroughly deserved three points, only for the lead to slip away, just as it did against Swindon a few days previously. This unlikely point inches us closer to mathematical safety and, as it stands, we only have six remaining fixtures in the 2025–26 League Two season, with four of these matches at home too.
Within this run we play teams in and around us in the table such as Newport, Tranmere and Gillingham, so barring a huge downturn in results, we should hopefully be a League 2 side come May… fingers crossed, Robins fans.
Cheltenham Post
minute equaliser to secure a point against promotion-battling Cambridge United.
Cambridge, who took the lead early on and who are on track for an automatic promotion spot, hit a fork in the road when a mistake from the goalkeeper, under pressure from George Miller, ended up in the back of the net.
Cheltenham have had some tough games lately, but they held their own against high-flying Cambridge. The Robins struggled to create any real goalscoring chances but they also kept the away side’s chances to a minimum and in the end a point each was a fair result.
Cambridge have been in fine form, and Cheltenham have struggled for goals in recent weeks, so a draw would have pleased Manager Steve Cotterill after a tough run.
Chief Football Writer
After the game, Cotterill praised his side for keeping going and not letting the league position of the opposition stop them. Cotterill said: “We didn't deserve to lose the game today. They are a good team and we saw that in the week. They could have won their last game (at Swindon) by four or five. It didn't look like that today, for us. We had a lot of travelling on Monday, then trying to prepare for this game. We've had a really horrible run of games. A lot of them away from home. It's been a tough old slog for the lads and I think they've done exceptionally well to get the club to where it is.”
Continued on page 31
