Cheltenham Post
Former cop barred for misconduct
A FORMER police officer who tried to gain entry into a nightclub by showing her police warrant card and claiming to be on an operation has been barred from policing.
PC Hannah Cooling attempted to persuade the door staff of a Cheltenham nightclub to allow her into the venue in the early hours of Sunday, 23 February. The nightclub informed police and when officers approached her, she denied what had happened.
The Professional Standards Department subsequently investigated and an accelerated misconduct hearing took place at Police Headquarters on Friday 28th November, in front of Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson.
PC Cooling was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy; Discreditable Conduct and Honesty and Integrity.
PC Cooling resigned before the hearing took place, however she would have been dismissed without notice had she still been a serving officer.
Her name will now be added to the Police Barred List.
aims to educate drivers about the dangers and consequences they could face by getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol and/or drugs.
The campaign was launched on Monday 1 December and will run until Thursday 1 January to ensure that motorists are enjoying the festive period while driving in a safe and legal way.
Drink and drug driving is one of the main contributors in collisions and is one of the fatal five driving offences, alongside careless driving, not wearing a seat belt, excessive speed, and using a mobile phone whilst behind the wheel. Continued on page 3
Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow Grint said: “While offduty, PC Cooling attempted to abuse her position as a police officer to gain entry into a nightclub. She then lied about her actions when questioned by officers. This is a clear breach of the College of Policing’s Standards of Professional Behaviour which every officer must adhere to.”
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City council to crackdown on unregulated landlords AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire
GLOUCESTER City Council is set to crack down on unregulated Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), which can pose safety risks for residents, contribute to anti-social behaviour, and reduce the number of homes for local people.
The city council is looking at plans to limit the rise in the number of unregulated HMOs across the city, which is even impacting new developments, built to tackle demand for affordable and family homes.
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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.
A HMO is a home where three or more people live in separate households with a shared kitchen or bathroom.
While many are well managed, issues such as poor housing conditions, overcrowding, and lack of housing security are more common in this type of accommodation. There are also links to increased numbers of community complaints, crime and anti-social behaviour.
HMOs can also contribute to problems with waste and fly tipping, put pressure on parking and on council services such as waste collection and housing services, with more complaints about housing conditions such as damp or mould.
HMOs can also reduce the supply of affordable housing available to local residents with landlords willing to pay more for properties that they can rent out.
At December's cabinet meeting, councillors will consider a plan to require all HMO landlords to apply for a licence, making sure properties
are well managed and meet minimum health and safety standards.
Currently only landlords with HMOs that have five or more tenants need a licence or risk a fine of up to £30,000 (set to be increased to £40,000 with government changes to renter’s rights.)
If given the go ahead, the plan could be brought in during 2026 following consultation with residents.
The council intends to reduce the impact of HMOs in areas where there are already large numbers by introducing an Article 4 Direction that will
require landlords to seek planning permission.
The council is considering the restrictions in Kingsholm and Wotton, Westgate, Barton and Tredworth, Moreland, Kingsway and Elmbridge.
If granted it could be introduced in April 2027 following consultation with residents.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “The council plans to enforce stricter regulations on Houses in Multiple Occupation in Gloucester to address the issue of HMO saturation, especially
where family homes are frequently converted. Many conversions occur without licensing or planning permission, affecting local communities. The council aims to introduce mandatory HMO licensing across Gloucester and implement an Article 4 Direction in certain wards, requiring planning permission for HMOs with six or fewer residents. While quality landlords will continue to receive support, those providing poor housing or exploiting tenants must cooperate with the council to avoid legal action.”
Trading Standards officers seize almost £4,000 of illegal tobacco hidden in car
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Trading Standards have seized illegal tobacco worth almost £4,000 following an inspection of a shop.
A Trading Standards Officer found the illegal tobacco during an inspection of a shop in the Forest of Dean.
A car parked to the rear of the premises was found to be storing a large quantity of illegal tobacco, with evidence found linking the vehicle to the shop. It is increasingly common for stores to keep illegal tobacco off
premises to avoid it being found during any inspections.
Trading Standards officers carry out routine inspections of stores across the county to ensure illegal products are not being sold to the public.
Officers were able to seize 343 packets of cigarettes and 97 pouches of hand rolling tobacco.
The seized tobacco included counterfeit copies of brands such as Amber Leaf and Lambert and Butler, with a value of approximately £3,800.
The Trading Standards investigation into the store is ongoing.
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Our Trading Standards officers carry out regular inspections of stores across the county to ensure they are not selling illegal products.
“No one benefits from shops selling illegal tobacco and vape products, and our teams work hard to prevent these items being sold.”
Police launch anti-drink and drug campaign
Continued from front page
Drivers who combine alcohol and drugs are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than sober drivers, and police are aiming to make motorists aware of how long drink and drugs can stay in their body for.
That's why motorists can expect to see officers from Local Policing, Neighbourhood Policing, the Special Constabulary and Specialist Operations taking part in more roadside traffic stops in both urban and rural areas across the county.
Enforcement action will also see the Special Constabulary and Camera Enforcement Units conducting a number of proactive operations and Roads Policing officers making targeted patrols in hot spot areas.
Inspector Martyn Murawa from Specialist Operations said: "We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving and over the festive period we are focusing our efforts on tackling this issue.
“With festive catch-ups and gettogethers fast approaching, motorists are reminded to plan ahead and think about how they will get home, be it appointing a designated driver, booking a taxi or using public transport. Do not take the risk – it could cost lives.
“We want to do everything we can to ensure the roads of Gloucestershire are as safe as possible this Christmas.”
Nick Evans, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of the Road Safety Partnership said: “Keeping Gloucestershire’s
roads safe is a shared responsibility, and this annual campaign is a vital reminder of the dangers posed by drink and drug driving.
“Every decision behind the wheel matters. One reckless choice can cost lives.
“Drugs can stay in your system for days and there is no ‘safe’ amount of alcohol to consume before driving.
“Never get behind the wheel with drink or drugs in your system.”
Cllr. Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council said: “It’s incredibly sad that people lose their lives or are injured on Gloucestershire’s roads – it’s devastating to our families and communities.
“Please do take extra care this festive season – don’t take risks
with alcohol or drugs and enjoy yourself safely.”
If you are concerned someone is drink or drug driving, or is planning to, report it immediately by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Alternatively you can report information anonymously to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
The multi-partnership campaign in Gloucestershire is co-ordinated by Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as part of the Road Safety Partnership.
Appeal for witnesses after man dies following collision near Cheltenham
A MAN who was involved in a serious collision earlier this year has died.
Police are investigating after a grey BMW 3 Series estate left the road and collided with a tree on an unnamed road in Hawling, Cheltenham.
The incident happened close to the A436 at around 11.40am on Sunday 26 October.
The driver, a man in his 40s, was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol with serious
injuries, but never recovered and died on Friday 14 November.
His next of kin and the coroner have been informed and his family continue to be supported by specialist officers.
Police would like to hear from anyone that may have any relevant information in relation to the collision.
They are asking for anyone who witnessed the BMW beforehand or who has
CCTV released following Tesco robbery
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Police investigating a robbery at a Cheltenham supermarket have released CCTV of a man and woman they would like to identify.
Police were called with a report that an unknown man had robbed a woman of several hundred pounds that had just been withdrawn from a cash point.
This took place in the car park of Tesco on Colletts Drive at around 11.50pm on Friday 10 October and the man made off on foot following the incident.
The victim sustained injuries to her arm but did not require medical treatment.
Officers have conducted a number of enquiries since the incident, but are yet to identify the man and woman pictured, and are now asking for information from the public.
It is believed that the pair may have information which can help with the
investigation into what happened.
Anyone who recognises the man or woman pictured or has information about what happened is asked to complete the following online form quoting incident 564 of 10 October: www.gloucestershire.police.u k/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-
about-existing-case-report/ Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form: www.crimestoppersuk.org/give-information/for ms/give-informationanonymously
dashcam footage which they believe to be relevant to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police through the website, quoting incident 152 of 26 October: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ contact/af/contact-us/us/amatter-involving-driving-vehicl es-or-a-road-traffic-incident/ Alternatively you can call on 101.
Safer Streets Winter launches in Cheltenham following successful summer crackdown
FOLLOWING the success of Gloucestershire’s Safer Streets Summer Initiative, also known as Operation Shield, a winter version has recently launched.
The summer initiative saw nearly 3,500 hours of patrols by police officers and nearly 650 hours of patrols by partner agencies.
The new seasonal operation, Safer Streets Winter, officially launched on Monday 1 December with a day of action, including: the neighbourhood engagement vehicle, police patrols, business and community engagement.
The summer campaign, which ran from June to September, resulted in: l 78 arrests for offences including robbery, theft from the person and shoplifting; l 51 anti-social behaviour out-of-court disposals;
l 94 illegal e-bikes and escooters seized; l 4657 engagements with businesses by police or partners;
l Targeted operations in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean;
l In Cheltenham alone there was a 5% decrease in antisocial behaviour during the summer months with 21 arrests for retail and street crime and 37 fines issued.
Building on this momentum, Safer Streets Winter will focus on tackling the types of crime and antisocial behaviour that typically spikes during the colder months. This includes shoplifting, street drinking, male violence against women and girls, drink/drug drive prevention and public order offences.
Despite launching in
Safer Streets Winter will take place in all the districts of Gloucestershire.
Partners from across the county will be doing their bit
to prevent crime and help people feel safer when out and about this winter.
Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “I would
like to thank our constabulary and council officers for their exemplary partnership working, as specifically noted in our recent police and crime panel meeting. Your efforts paid off seeing a 5% reduction in anti-social behaviour across the town.
“As we move into the festive period, we know how important it is for people to feel safe in the town centre, especially during the darker winter months.
“Safer Streets Winter builds on the success of the summer campaign and is a great example of how working together with our partners can make a real difference in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Police and crime commissioner Chris Nelson, said: “The results of our summer initiative, Op Shield, were clear - high visibility
policing and partnership works.
“Gloucestershire communities responded positively, and officers made a real impact on the ground. Safer Streets Winter is about keeping that momentum going and adapting our approach to the challenges the winter season brings.
“I hope to see similar results that reassure the public that we are out there, helping to keep them safe.”
Chief inspector Marcus Forbes-George, said: “The Safer Streets Summer initiative had some great successes, and I am hopeful that the winter version will be just as impactful.
“I would like to thank everyone who will be yet again playing their part in helping to make the streets of Gloucestershire as safe as possible.”
Cheltenham,
Police and Crime Commissioner, Chris Nelson.
Conservative Party
Garnham - Cheltenham Chairman
ONE definition of the verb “to ask” is “to invite”. And if you get an invitation then it’s only polite to reply. So, when the Chancellor says that she is “asking ordinary people to pay a little more”, I wonder if I can write back with “thanks, but no thanks.”
Of course, we all know what she really means is she’s asking everyone to pay more taxes. Let’s stop the silly language and have some honesty. Labour traditionally tax and spend and nothing has changed this time round. One thing is clear, each hard working family is now paying more in taxes simply to support Labour’s increase in welfare spending.
No mincing of words from Kemi in her marvellous budget response. Calling out the Chancellor for her duplicitous budget has got Kemi even more fans.
Police and Crime Commissioners are to be abolished in 2028. Gloucestershire has been served by two Commissioners, the present Conservative Chris Nelson and the previous incumbent Independent Martin Surl. Both came to the role with different perspectives, but I cannot deny they both wanted to ensure that the Police were held to account on behalf of the public and although a very noble cause, one that is not often recognised. Therefore, thanks to both of them for the service they offered and I wish Chris well for the remaining two years left. I sincerely hope there is
some clear thinking at the Home Office about what their replacement body will be. It needs to be effective and have teeth, and not just a talking shop populated by councillors. It’s great to see local people achieving success in saving Daisy Bank Field. Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council started by securing the field’s status as an asset of community value, and then, with local residents’ support, raised half the funds needed to buy the field. With further support from two Parish Councils, local businesses and individuals, and the National Lottery, the rest of the £80,000 was raised and the field purchased. Well done to all involved.
The elections for four Regional Mayors in England are postponed from next year to 2028.
I wonder if the town’s Lib Dems will delay the forthcoming Borough elections. I wouldn’t put it past them. This is the last edition of the Post until early January, and I send season’s greetings and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
In the dock!
The following cases have all been heard recently at Cheltenham Magistrates Court:
Siddharth Arya, 39, and Vikram Arya, 34, both of Clarence Square, Cheltenham, were made subject to 28-day domestic violence protection orders prohibiting them from attending or entering their address in Clarence Square, and molesting, intimidating, harassing, using or threatening violence against a named person there. They are also prohibited from evicting or excluding the associated person from the address.
Adam Chadwick, 34, of High Street, Moreton-inMarsh, was made subject to a warrant for arrest without bail for breaching the terms of a community order made by Kidderminster Magistrates on 27th June 2023, by failing to attend two consecutive unpaid work appointments in June 2024.
Terence White, 48, of Devon Place, Devon Avenue, St Marks, Cheltenham, admitted three charges of shoplifting and one of breaching a criminal behaviour order. On 22nd March 2025 he stole Vera Wang perfume worth £51 from Colletts Drive Tesco, Cheltenham; on 3rd July 2025 he stole two Makita drills worth £258 from B&Q Cheltenham; on 5th July 2025 he stole two Karcher K4 pressure washers worth £398 from B&Q Cheltenham, and was found in the possession of a bicycle without verifiable proof of ownership, contrary to the conditions of a criminal behaviour order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 22nd April 2024. He was remanded on conditional bail for pre-sentence reports to be prepared, pending the next hearing on 13th January 2026. He is prohibited from
entering B&Q on Hatherley Road, Cheltenham during that time.
Szymon Palewski, 19, of Bodnam Road, Springbank, Cheltenham, admitted breaching the terms of a community order made by magistrates on 23rd May 2025, by failing to attend unpaid work sessions in August and October of this year. He was fined £87 and ordered to pay £60 costs.
Oliver Savage, 23, of Queens Road, Tewkesbury, admitted breaching the terms of a community order made by magistrates on 25th March 2025, by failing to attend unpaid work sessions in August and October of this year. He was fined £350 and ordered to pay £60 costs.
James Wallin, 57, of Pennine Road, Whaddon, Cheltenham, was made subject to a warrant for arrest without bail for breaching the terms of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 2nd July 2025, by failing to attend two unpaid work appointments in July and October of this year.
Benedict Fellows, 26, of Ablemarle Close, Moretonin-Marsh, admitted breaching the requirements of a community order made by Oxford Magistrates Court in July of this year, by failing to attend unpaid work appointments in September and October. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £60 costs.
Andrew John Anger, 74, of London Road, Cheltenham, admitted dishonestly claiming Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support benefit between July 2016 and April 2022 while failing to declare income from self-
employed work. He was ordered to participate in up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity, fined £80, and ordered to pay £85 costs and a Victim Services Surcharge of £114.
David Saunders, 39, of St Stephens Road, Cheltenham, admitted assaulting a named woman in Cheltenham on 29th May 2025. He was remanded on conditional bail until 8th January 2026 for pre-sentence report and mental health assessment to be made. Bail conditions include that he is not to enter a named property at Grove Street, Cheltenham, and must report to Hesters Way police station every Monday and Thursday.
Jordan Taylor, 28, of Monkscroft, St Marks, Cheltenham, was charged with breaking into a property in Albion Street, Cheltenham, on 20th November 2025, and stealing cash, alcohol, tobacco and a bank card when a person inside the property was subjected to violence. He was remanded on conditional bail and the case was sent to Gloucester Crown Court for trial, with the next hearing date set for 19th December 2025.
Jake Le Vance, 25, of Rowton Court, High Street, Cheltenham, admitted four charges of theft from shops; on 10th October 2025 he stole one bottle of Courvoisier and four bottle of French Brandy from Waitrose, Cheltenham; and on 19th November 2025 in Gloucester he stole a coat, alcohol and groceries to the value of £123.80 from Morissons, a leg of lamb and a bottle of vodka from Asda, and a bottle of alcohol to the value of £4.99 from Station Express. He
was further charged that on 2nd May 2025 in Cheltenham he used threatening, abusive and racially aggravated behaviour towards two men, one of whom he also assaulted. He was remanded on conditional bail until the next hearing on 9th January 2026, for pre-sentence reports to be prepared, during which time he is not to enter Waitrose, Morrisons, Asda or Station Express in Gloucester.
Jordan Risby-Sheldrake, 24, of Middle Mead, Preston, Cirencester, admitted four charges of theft from shops in Cirencester; on 21st June 2025 he stole 5 bottles of Tresemme and a tub of Vanish worth £30 from Tesco Extra; on 25th June 2025 he stole washing pods and dishwasher tablets worth £53.90 from Home Bargains; on 1st July 2025 he stole washing pods and dishwasher tablets worth £39.52 from Home Bargains; and on 15th July 2025 he stole washing pods and dishwasher tablets worth £43.42 from Home Bargains. He was fined £120, ordered to pay costs of £85 and a Victim Services Surcharge of £48, and also ordered to pay compensation to the respective shops to the value of the goods taken.
Barry Weekes, 54, of The Lea, Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham, pleaded not guilty to driving a Transit van on the M25 at Oxted, Surrey, on 13th March 2025 with excess levels of a cannabis metabolite in his blood stream. He was remanded on unconditional bail until the next hearing on 17th February 2026, for a “special reasons” argument to be made.
Rob
Cheltenham Borough Council supports two councils for Gloucestershire
A PREFERRED model for local government across Gloucestershire has been discussed and agreed by Cheltenham Borough Council.
A two unitary model will go forward as Cheltenham’s submission to government, marking a key milestone in the local government review process.
This option, which went to full council on 17th November for debate and an advisory vote, was then agreed by cabinet on 18th November. It would see an east (Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Cotswold) and west (Gloucester, Forest of Dean and Stroud) split.
Councillor Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council said: “Gloucestershire is a proud and diverse county. As local leaders, our responsibility is not only to protect what makes each place special, but to build a future in which all parts of Gloucestershire can flourish.
Leadership in local government is about serving people in ways that makes sense to them. We did not ask for local government reorganisation. But if reform is to happen, it must be done once and done right – not for the next few years but for the next fifty years. How we reform matters just as much as whether we reform.
“A two unitary model offers a smarter way forward, fostering
innovation and growth in both Gloucester and Cheltenham.
It creates a flexible system that supports ageing well, improves skills, expands digital access, and links housing growth with job creation – unlocking productivity and opportunity for decades to come.
“It is ultimately a decision for government which option is taken forward. Cheltenham Borough Council is committed to working together with all councils locally to deliver whichever option is selected by government to be implemented and will work to deliver the very best for residents now and into the future.’’
The council is committed to supporting whichever option government decides to proceed with, but has further developed and finalised a policy and business case for the two unitary model, “Stronger Places, Stronger Gloucestershire: the case for East and West Gloucestershire. One County, Two Unitary Councils’’, setting out the rationale for this preferred approach, which is considered a stronger longterm option for Gloucestershire.
As detailed in the business case, it will prioritise:
l Identity and economic growth; understanding and
responding to differing needs, opportunities, and civic cultures;
l A size which is right for connection and capability redesign for the direct benefit of residents;
l Clear and defined democratic processes which build trust and where local voices can be heard;
l An environment which is mission focussed, flexible and approachable to respond to changing community needs.
More information about local government organisation in Gloucestershire, including key dates, can be found at www.futuregloucestershire org.uk
Last chance to have your say on the future of Cheltenham’s Heritage
RESIDENTS, visitors and business owners are being reminded to have their say on how Cheltenham can use its rich heritage to shape a vibrant future.
There are only a few days left before a public questionnaire, aimed at gathering ideas and opinions on how to discover, learn, celebrate and protect
Cheltenham’s history, culture and environment, will close. This questionnaire is an opportunity for everyone to help shape how Cheltenham Borough Council tells the town’s story and ensures our heritage continues to inspire future generations. Whether it’s conserving our historic buildings, protecting green spaces or uncovering untold
stories from our diverse communities, we want to hear your views on how Cheltenham’s past can guide its future. The questionnaire closes on Monday 15th December at 11:59pm.
From its rise as a spa town to becoming the hub of cyber security that it is today, Cheltenham has a unique and evolving story and through
your voice, the Council wants to help preserve and share the experiences of all communities, past and present to help shape the future.
To learn together, to discover and explore, to celebrate and to protect and enhance are the key themes for Cheltenham's Heritage Project.
Max Wilkinson MP
IT seems like we have been discussing the budget for far too long. The Government’s trail of leaks and briefings over the course of months confused the nation and made life more difficult for businesses too.
Cheltenham businesses I spoke to before the Chancellor’s statement were pretty clear what they thought. The decision to delay to the latest possible date reduced confidence. After that, the speculation was unhelpful. Now, the hospitality industry faces higher bills next year, causing significant angst and some to fear for the future. That’s a big concern, because our town has worked hard over many years to build a reputation as a place with brilliant pubs, bars, hotels, cafes and restaurants.
I spoke to local business owners after the budget and the tone was one of deep concern. I made exactly that point in the House of Commons during the recent budget debate, asking Ministers why they were targeting small and medium sized businesses. I also asked why it is that the government is failing to deal with the ongoing fallout from Brexit.
A small step back towards EU integration is not good enough – that’s where this country’s businesses do around half of their trade.
The trade barriers erected by Johnson’s Brexit deal, backed fervently by Nigel Farage, mean that goods imported from Europe for us to buy are more expensive and that products sold in the EU by UK businesses are less competitive. The referendum was
almost a decade ago and although the vote is a long way in the past, whichever way you voted, you definitely didn’t vote to become poorer. Sadly, the only person who has apparently benefited is Nigel Farage himself. It’s good that the Labour party is finally admitting that Brexit is a drag on our economy, but it needs to act to put that right instead of pretending such small steps are going to do us much good. A new trade deal with Europe is needed. I’m supporting one in Parliament this week when the Liberal Democrats present a bill that would produce exactly that. In local news, I was delighted to visit schools and local groups as part of UK Parliament Week. One of my jobs as MP is to make myself available to discuss democracy with local people. If you’re in a local group that would like to invite me, please get in touch. It was a pleasure to be at Belmont School for another important event in their fundraising activities for the new community sports facility. Kevin Day and the team are doing a brilliant job. And I spent time volunteering for Cheltenham Food Bank’s Christmas collections at Tesco. Finally, I’m saying a massive “well done” to the team at The Hatherley pub after they won the online vote for “Cheltenham’s Favourite Pudding”. Their sticky toffee pudding is a big hit with regulars and I was delighted to try one myself last week. And before you ask – yes, I paid for it! Our hospitality industry needs all the support it can get.
Green Party
HAVE Your Say on the Future of Cheltenham: The Strategic and Local Plan is now out for consultation Cheltenham residents now have an important opportunity to help shape the future of housing, the environment and development across our town and our neighbouring districts. Cheltenham Borough Council has launched a public consultation on new research for the Strategic and Local Plan (SLP) and I strongly encourage everyone to take part.
As a Green, I have always been clear that Cheltenham urgently needs more housing. Too many people, including young families, key workers and older residents, struggle to find homes that are affordable, secure or suited to their needs. Yet the delivery of new housing must not come at the cost of our natural environment. Growth must be planned with care for our landscapes, biodiversity and the distinct character of our communities.
This is why the Strategic and Local Plan is so important. Rather than looking at housing and land use district by district, the SLP brings together Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and Gloucester in one strategic process. This reflects the reality that our housing market, travel patterns and green corridors do not stop at administrative boundaries. When we plan across a wider geography we can make decisions that meet shared housing needs, protect our shared environment and support more balanced development across the whole area.
For Cheltenham, this approach creates a real opportunity to shape growth in a thoughtful way. It encourages us to use land wisely, place new homes in
the right locations and ensure that development comes with the transport links, community facilities and green spaces that people rely on. It also strengthens our ability to safeguard sensitive areas, from floodplains to wildlife habitats, by considering the full ecological picture rather than isolated pockets of land. This work also links to the wider debate about how Gloucestershire should be governed. The SLP shows how effective planning can be when districts work together. For this reason, we believe that a single countywide unitary authority offers a more coherent way forward than the east-west split proposed by Cheltenham’s Liberal Democrats. A unified approach is better placed to deliver consistent planning, environmental protection and services across the county.
You can find the consultation on the Cheltenham Borough Council website by going to the News section or by searching for “Strategic and Local Plan consultation.” All documents and the online survey are available there.
This is your chance to influence how Cheltenham grows. I urge every resident to take part and share their views.
SUPPORT: MP Max Wilkinson with people from the hospitality trade who continue to struggle after the Budget.
MP Wilkinson condemns Reeves’ ‘botched budget’
RESPONDING to the Budget recently, Max Wilkinson, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham, criticised the Government for failing to deliver the investment and change needed for residents and small businesses in Cheltenham. He branded it a “botched Budget” that failed to deliver “the real change people in Cheltenham were promised”, and instead
“delivered a tax bombshell for millions” by extending the freeze in tax thresholds. The Chancellor refused to cut VAT for hospitality businesses in the Budget. At a time when hospitality businesses are closing their doors and jobs are at risk in the sector, an emergency VAT cut until April 2027 would have provided muchneeded relief to local high streets and protected jobs. Max met local hospitality
business owners on the weekend before the budget to discuss their concerns and the Lib Dem proposal to cut VAT for the sector.
Max, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham, said:
“This is a botched Budget from a Chancellor who sees the problem - Brexit - but won’t fix it with a new European trade deal to boost jobs and the public finances too. Promises on growth and tackling the cost
of living have once again been broken.
“The Conservatives left the UK’s finances in a terrible state for families and small businesses in Cheltenham. We wanted bold decisions, but instead the Government delivered a tax bombshell for millions.
“I will continue to work with my Liberal Democrat colleagues to secure the fairer deal we were all promised.”
Arrests made during coordinated week of police activity targeting drug supply
MORE than a hundred people have been arrested across the South West after police forces came together to target illegal drugs and child criminal exploitation (CCE).
During a week of coordinated activity, police officers and staff worked collectively to apprehend suspected dealers, seize drugs and weapons, and safeguard vulnerable people.
A range of enforcement activities took place, including the execution of arrest and search warrants, vehicle stops and the use of drones to track suspected dealers.
In addition, several people identified as possible drug users from the phones seized
from suspected dealers were sent text messages with details of support services.
In Gloucestershire, there were:
- 10 arrests made, with three people since charged - £9,754 cash seized - Two adults were safeguarded - One gun seized
Last week’s Operation Scorpion, which was coordinated by Gloucestershire Constabulary, had a particular focus on CCE – where criminals groom and exploit young people into carrying out crimes on their behalf.
Officers visited schools where they gave inputs to
children on county lines and CCE, highlighting what it looks like and where to get help and support.
A coordinated awareness campaign was also run on social media, with targeted TikTok and SnapChat adverts designed to reach young people where they spend much of their time - online.
In Gloucestershire, teenagers from local colleges were also guided through Sam's Alley –an interactive alleyway within SkillZone which is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Children and young people were challeneged to make safe choices as they walk through
the alley and 'Sam' asks them to deliver a package for him in return for money.
Chris Nelson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, said:
“Operation Scorpion demonstrates the power of collaboration and partnership working.
“By working together across the South West, we are sending a clear message that these criminal networks will not be tolerated. Protecting our communities, especially our children and young people, is at the heart of this work.
“Taking illegal drugs fuels organised criminal groups and other criminality, such as the
human trafficking of youngsters, and is definitely not a victimless crime.
“This operation shows that we will continue to invest in both strong policing and community engagement to make Gloucestershire and the wider region no place for drugs.”
Gloucestershire Police
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said:
“Organised crime groups and other criminals don’t recognise county boundaries which is why it is important police forces work together to share intelligence and coordinate resources to stop them from operating.
“Children and young people
were very much at the heart of this edition of Operation Scorpion, along with communities affected by drug use and supply.” Anyone who suspects drug dealing or suspicious activity is taking place in their community can report it to either Crimestoppers anonymously or police.
You can report this to police online by using the following form:
www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-orheard/
You can contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
Ashleigh Davies
Cheltenham film company wins top award at Birmingham Film Festival
CHELTENHAM-BASED family film company Reejekt Productions is celebrating after winning Best Micro Short Film at the Birmingham Film Festivalthe largest film and media event in the West Midlands.
The team picked up the award at the festival’s 10th anniversary black-tie Gala Awards at the Eastside Rooms on 22 November. It was the company’s first ever festival entry, making the win a significant milestone for the young production house.
Their film, My Old Man, premiered at the festival and was selected from a competitive shortlist of 20 nominees. Described as a tender, intergenerational coming-out story, the short follows a granddaughter and grandfather as they share longheld truths in a quiet moment together. The film has been praised as “quiet, heartfelt and unapologetically queer”, with audience reactions including: “It’s very moving” and “It resonated with me.”
The judging panel featured an Emmy Award winner, several BAFTA winners and nominees, and a range of industry professionals,
including actors, writers, broadcasters and filmmakers.
The idea for My Old Man began as a note scribbled by writer Kianna Evans while brainstorming on her bedroom floor. She later developed the script in collaboration with cofounder Kaye Evans. The film was shot on a seaside bench in late 2024, where the cast and
crew contended with challenging coastal weather to complete the project. Crew member Owen Evans undertook multiple roles during filming, including assistant director and script supervisor, helping to keep the shoot running smoothly alongside the director of photography.
The project holds particular meaning for Kianna, whose grandfather died when she was a few months old. Although she never knew him, she was
Cheltenham MP announces the winner of his 2025 Christmas card competition
CHRISTMAS came early for Bea, from Warden Hill Primary School, who won the Cheltenham MP Max Wilkinson’s Christmas Card competition with a festive picture of Pittville Pump Room.
Voting took place among local residents after brilliant entries were received from schools across the town.
Max said:
“The Christmas card competition is a highlight of my year and this year was no exception.
“Bea’s drawing of Pittville Pump Room caught my eye when we reviewed the shortlist and it clearly impressed hundreds of local people too.
“I’d like to thank all the children who entered the competition and everyone
who took part in the online vote.
“I can’t wait to see Bea’s card sitting on mantlepieces right across town.” The Christmas card will be
delivered to households in Cheltenham by volunteers from Max’s team, at no cost to taxpayers.
Max visited Warden Hill Primary School to give Bea a certificate of achievement, a copy of the Christmas card and a House of Commons Bauble as her prize.
due on his birthday and has always felt a strong connection. The film, she explained, serves as a tribute to the relationship they might have shared. The coastal setting was also a deliberate
choice: Kaye’s family has roots by the sea, and Kianna hoped the calmness she feels watching the waves would be reflected on screen.
Reejekt Productions was founded in 2022 by Kianna,
Owen and Kaye Evans. Since then, the company has written, produced and directed three short films and a TV pilot, with three more short films planned for 2026 and two feature films currently in pre-production.
CHELTENHAM
fundraiser Matt Miles has completed the iconic Camino de Santiago walk, covering nearly 900km as part of his ‘Miles for Katy’ campaign – and has already raised more than £9,000 for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.
Matt set himself a target of £10,481 in tribute to his late wife Katy, a former Detective Sergeant with Gloucestershire Constabulary, whose police collar number was 1481. That total is now firmly in sight thanks to the outpouring of support in her memory.
Katy was first diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and spent her final three weeks at the hospice, where Matt and her sister Lucy stayed by her side. Matt said the care they received made an “impossibly difficult time bearable”.
He said: “We couldn’t have asked for more support.
Everyone at Leckhampton Court was incredible.”
Walking the Camino was a deeply personal journey for Matt, honouring a trip Katy had always hoped to make.
At the trail’s traditional halfway point, where walkers leave something from home, he placed one of her earrings.
“A part of her is on the trail now,” he said.
The route took Matt across demanding mountain stages and coastal paths, and he
Matt’s miles
Matt’s miles
Labour Party
Cheltenham man conquers
Cheltenham man conquers
of wife
Camino de Santiago trail as part of epic fundraising challenge in memory
Camino de Santiago trail as part of epic fundraising challenge in memory of wife
credits encouragement from supporters back home for keeping his spirits high. On a day marked by heavy rain and a last-minute accommodation mix-up, he discovered a surprise £500 donation on his fundraising page.
“It completely turned my day around,” he said.
Fellow walkers also provided moments of connection. Matt recalled meeting a man who, like him, had lost his wife last year. “That was a very poignant moment,” he said.
Reflecting on Katy’s reaction to his achievement, Matt added: “She would be immensely proud. She’d have loved every moment and talked to everyone along the way.”
Completing the Camino is just one milestone in Matt’s wider fundraising challenge, which culminates with the London Marathon next year.
He also took part in the Big Dip at Cheltenham Lido on 7 December – a cold-water
most.
“I’m not usually a fan of swimming, so this one definitely like a challenge,” he said.
How to support Donate to Matt’s fundraising: Matthew Miles is fundraising for Sue Ryder www.justgiving.com/page/m atthew-miles-1
Learn more about the Big Dip Cheltenham: sueryder.org/bigdipcheltenham
A well-balanced budget for some Christmas cheer! I’ve been really annoyed recently about the way in which much of the media covered the Budget and by the sometimes vicious attacks on Rachel Reeves personally. You’d think from their stories that all that mattered was how Rachel responded to the various updates published by the Office for Budget Responsibility, whether she was right to warn the public (and the markets) of the difficult choices she faced, or even how good a chess player she was at school! I sense a significant whiff of misogyny from a predominantly male group of financial journalists.
All of that noise distracted from the positive things that were actually in the Budget.
Firstly, measures to raise income. For pensioners, the State Pension will go up by £575 a year next April, because the government is committed to retaining the triple lock. For millions of workers the Minimum Wage will go up by 50p per hour from next April.
450,000 children will be lifted out of poverty by the scrapping of the two-child cap on child benefits.
Secondly, measures to bear down on family living costs. Average energy bills will come down by around £150 next April.
Prescription charges will be frozen for a year, as will rail fares (for the first time in 30 years). And fuel duty will be frozen again.
Thirdly, some reforms to our tax system. Taxes on property rental income and share dividend income will be raised, to bring them closer to the tax rate on income earned from
working. It’s always struck me as grossly unfair that workers pay a higher rate of income tax than property landlords and shareholders.
A modest start has been made to reforming council tax, by introducing higher rates for properties worth over £2m. Duties on online gambling have been raised substantially. Online firms like Temu and Shein will no longer be able to compete unfairly with UK firms by being able to import goods duty free using the de minimus loopholealthough I’d have liked to have seen that brought in straight away rather than in 2029!
All of this was done without spooking the markets! And why was this so important? Because it’s the markets that determine how much the government has to pay for its borrowing (which ultimately we all have to pay for), how much mortgages cost, and how much we all have to pay for credit cards, car loans etc.
So Rachel Reeves had a really difficult balancing act to perform. And I for one applaud her for keeping her balance, no matter how much some commentators have tried to push her over. This is our last column of the year – thanks for reading and have a Happy Christmas!
plunge he admits tested him more than
Clive Harries
Bishop’s Cleeve farming dynasty honoured with care home dedication
Meet the local Slimming World team!
Monday 9:30am & 11am
St Nicolas Church
Wednesday 9:30am & 11am 5pm & 7pm
St Mark’s & Hester’s Way Community Centre 07446157092
Tuesday 5:30pm & 7:30pm Springbank Community Cafe
Saturday 7:30am & 9am
The Rock, Tewkesbury Rd 07909139996
Thursday 6pm Parkland's Community Centre, Whaddon 07866196718
Tuesday 5.30pm & 7.00pm Naunton Park Primary School Leckhampton 07300 425191
Tuesday 5:30pm & 7pm Coopers Edge Community Centre, Wednesday 9:30am & 11am
St Johns Church, Churchdown
Thursday 5.30pm & 7.00pm
Sir Thomas Rich’s School Sixth Form room 0797923212
Wednesday 6:30pm Thursday 9am & 10:30am Bishops Cleeve Methodist Hall 07988630336
Wednesday 5:30 & 7pm
St Philip & St James Church, Up Hatherley
Friday 8am & 9:30am Warden Hill
United Reformed Church 07553439404
Tuesday 7:30am, 9am & 10:30am
United Reformed Church, Warden Hill
Wednesday 9:30am & 6pm
Holy Apostles Hall, Charlton Kings 07786068370
Wednesday 3.30pm,5pm & 6.30pm
St Georges Church Hall, Tuffley
Thursday 5.30pm & 7.00pm
Abbeydale Chrustchurch
Saturday 8.00am & 9.30am Elmbridge Primary School 07816142261
Thursday 7:00pm Brockworth Primary Academy
Friday 7:30am & 9am
Hucclecote Community Centre 07525946889
A LOCAL care home is honouring the legacy of one of the area’s historic farming families after being inspired by the arrival of new resident Ruby Washbourne, whose clan worked the land on which it sits.
Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home has named its new household ‘Dean’ after Dean Farm, where Ruby was born in the 1930s and raised alongside her three brothers, who followed in their farmer father Joesph Gilder’s footsteps.
Ruby, 93, was invited to cut the ribbon to officially open ‘Dean’ Household at a moving celebration, during which she fondly remembered her years on the family farm.
She said: “I feel honoured. It’s lovely to think that after all these years, the name Dean will live on here.
“Life was happier then, but harder. We all had to do our bit, but everyone looked out for each other.”
During the war years, Ruby says the family’s fields were alive with purpose and community spirit. She remembers long days of handpicking potatoes, milking cows, tending sheep on Cleeve Hill, and helping the ‘land girls’ who came to support the war effort.
According to Ruby, every inch of the land was put to use, from fields of corn and vegetables sold at Cheltenham Market to orchards where the family pressed their own cider.
Ruby recalled, “Every Sunday we had a drink before our meal.
We made our own cider from the fruit we grew; nothing was wasted.”
She left Dean Farm when she married, but farming continues to run through Ruby’s blood. Her children and grandchildren also became farmers and many of them continue to plough the fields of Gloucestershire to this day.
Her daughter, Ruth Lloyd, said that Ruby’s decision to move to Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home feels like a full-circle moment.
Ruth said: “It feels like home.
Mum has always wanted to stay close to where she grew up, and now she’s right back where it all began. Naming the household
‘Dean’ means the world to her, and to us.”
Remarkably, the Advinia Healthcare home is situated on Ruby Avenue, which was dedicated to their newest resident some years ago.
Now Ruby and her family have another dedication that celebrates their legacy on this land.
Home Manager Tanya Laity said: “Ruby’s story embodies everything we value here: community, family, and a sense of belonging. It’s incredibly special that our home now carries a name that reflects both Ruby’s history and the spirit of this area.
“We want every resident to feel their life story matters, and this tribute to Ruby is a beautiful reminder of that.”
Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence
Gloucestershire Septic Tanks Ltd of 1 Chaffinch Court, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 2HU is applying for a Restricted goods vehicle operator’s licence to use Tuffley Park Estate, Gloucester GL2 5DE as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle and 0 trailers.
Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected may make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at: Office of the Traffic Commissioner, Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UE, within 21 days of the date of this notice.
Representations must be sent at the same time to Gloucestershire Septic Tanks Ltd at the address above.
What does Christmas mean to you?
CHRISTMAS holds a wide range of meanings for people across the globe, shaped by personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and individual experiences.
For some, it remains a profoundly spiritual occasion; for others, it is a season centred on family, community, and reflection. Increasingly, it is also a cultural celebration that transcends religious boundaries.
For the estimated billions of Christians worldwide, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and serves as a reminder of God’s love and the hope embodied in that moment. The Christian understanding of Christmas encompasses the Nativity story, recounting Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph; a period of spiritual reflection and forgiveness; and the tradition of gift-giving, inspired both by the gifts presented by the wise men and by the belief in God’s ultimate gift of His Son.
Yet Christmas extends well beyond faith. For many
By Mark Hopkins
people, regardless of religion, it is a time to reconnect with loved ones. Families and friends come together to share meals, uphold long-standing traditions, and take time away from the demands of daily life to appreciate what truly matters. The season also highlights generosity and goodwill, whether through volunteering, donating to local charities, or offering acts of kindness within the community. Increasingly, many emphasise the importance of intentional giving - choosing gifts or experiences that hold meaning rather than material value alone.
However, the festive period can also be emotionally complex. For those who have experienced loss, separation, or hardship, Christmas may evoke sadness or loneliness. Some honour loved ones who have passed away, while others seek new ways to find hope and comfort during the
season. The pressure associated with commercialisation and societal expectations can further contribute to stress at this time of year. Beyond its religious origins, Christmas has evolved into a global cultural event. Festive decorations, illuminated high streets, seasonal shopping, and the enjoyment of Christmas films and music have all become hallmarks of modern celebrations. These traditions bring vibrancy to towns and cities, including Cheltenham, where community events and lights displays have become cherished features of the winter calendar.
In a world of diverse experiences and perspectives, the meaning of Christmas continues to evolve. Whether celebrated as a sacred holiday, a cultural tradition, or a moment of personal reflection, the season offers an opportunity to pause, connect, and consider what brings joy, hope, and meaning to our lives.
Step back into Christmas: Cheltenham care home welcomes community for festive fun with a nostalgic twist
A CARE home in Cheltenham is embracing the yuletide season by opening its doors for a special reminiscence event.
Sandfields, on St George’s Road, is inviting people to revisit traditions from Christmas past by joining residents and team members on Tuesday 16th December at 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm.
The event is part of Care UK’s Step into Christmas initiative, which aims to rekindle festive customs that residents remember from their childhood by reliving them and sharing them with the local community.
On the day, Sandfields will be hosting a 1950s-themed Christmas party, adorned with traditional decorations such as paper chains along with entertainment from a classic Punch and Judy show.
Guests will also have the opportunity to make their own traditional decorations and sweet treats.
Malaika Charles, Home Manager at Sandfields, said:
“We’re thrilled to be hosting a 1950s-style Christmas fete that brings the golden era back to life.
“The residents here have been sharing memories of festive celebrations from their youth and we can’t wait to recreate that magic with the wider
community.
“From vintage decorations to classic carols and treats, it is set to be an event to remember, and we encourage the people of Cheltenham to come along and party with us!”
For more information about Step into Christmas, visit www.careuk.com/Step-intoChristmas
Sandfields is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time
residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The building incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and café.
To find out more about Sandfields, please contact Customer Relations Manager David Blake on 01242 801867, email david.blake@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/sandfields. www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
Residents protest at ongoing closure of footpath alongside local brook
TWENTY-SEVEN people
wielding banners broke through the barriers cutting off a path to Moorend Brook recently in protest at issue that's lasted over half a decade.
It all began in August 2020 when a resident drew Councillor Dilys Barrell’s attention to the brook, running behind Merestones Close, which was blocked with foliage and debris from tree felling. The brook began to divert itself and a section of the bank partially collapsed.
Moorend Brook is a tributary of Hatherley Brook with runs through Merestones and is believed to be classed as a river by the Environment Agency. The matter was reported to Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) as it was feared heavy rain could cause more damage to the path.
Residents report that they used the path regularly with their children going to and from school, dog walking and generally for short cuts through the estate.
In March 2021 Councillor Barrell was advised that “discussions were underway with a contractor” to repair the path. The erection of a barrier, in February 2022, gave a glimmer of hope that finally attention was being given to the danger that might possibly be caused by the collapsing edge to the path.
Despite chasing by the ward councillors, and the volunteer flood warden for the area, the issue never made it near the top of the priority list. GCC also reported that they were waiting for an ecology report.
Peter, the volunteer flood warden, mentioned that he repeatedly reports this issue to the council’s Flood Group as an issue that urgently needs resolution. “I’m confident that representatives from Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) and
GCC have raised this issue themselves. However, when I ask for updates on the matter, I receive blank looks, and the standard response is that it’s been reported, and the responsible authorities are aware. The longer this goes on without remedial works the risk of local flooding increases. Damage to the footpath has led to a no-go area for the public and costs associated with repairs spiral, it’s simply not acceptable.”
By 2024, the red and white barriers alerting that the path was allegedly unsafe had largely fallen into the brook to join the rest of the debris. The mounting concern about blockages, potential flooding, further subsidence and the possibility of damage to the garden walls running along the path were beginning to peak.
Karen, the secretary of the Merestones Residents' Association, said: “The time for words is over, we need ACTION NOW!
“Some residents have already removed an 8ft x 9” wooden beam from the brook. Do we really have to take matters into
our own hands?
“I respectfully suggest that the appropriate members of GCC Highways and Environment Agency get their act together and revisit the site to see how bad it has become and agree an urgent action plan.
“If the ownership and therefore the responsibility for the path and clearing the brook are unclear, this could account for the lack of action. However, the closure of the path suggests someone has taken responsibility. Residents deserve more clarity and an idea of when the saga might finally end.”
Spurred on by worried and frustrated residents, the councillors organised the protest, despairing that the longer this is left, the more expensive it will be to fix.
Dilys said: “I am really disappointed to see the state of the path and stream today. What started as a simple problem of some foliage being dumped in the stream has turned into a saga in which the bank is collapsing and the path closed.
Unbelievable!”
Adrian, who lives several streets away and who has a keen desire to maintain ancient paths for walking, said: “The path isor rather was – a delightful place for a walk beside the stream. I don’t believe it represented any more danger to walkers than crossing a road, even after part of the bank was slightly eroded. The public bodies involved have just blocked off the path and walked away. It’s a disgrace.”
Sue Ryder launches ‘tree-rrific’ Christmas Treecycling scheme
NATIONAL healthcare and bereavement charity Sue Ryder is encouraging Gloucestershire residents to ‘branch out’ and recycle their real Christmas tree this January. With limited capacity available, the charity is encouraging early reservations to secure a collection.
The festive season is a busy time, so if you ‘can’t see the wood for the trees’ and have run out of time, transport or energy to dispose of your real Christmas tree, then sign up to Sue Ryder’s Christmas Treecycling initiative. Take one thing off your festive plate while Sue Ryder’s firiendly and reliable volunteers
collect your real Christmas tree directly from your front door, front garden or driveway.
Real Christmas trees are 100% recyclable and can be turned into compost or wood chippings, which will be used in local parks and woodlands or to generate green energy.
Gloucestershire residents who sign up to the scheme will not only be supporting the important work that Sue Ryder does but will be helping the environment as well.
Last year Sue Ryder provided palliative and bereavement care to thousands of families across the country, including those
HSC
BRICKLAYING & BUILDERS OF CHELTENHAM
supported by our hospice and community teams at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. Sue Ryder's bereavement support includes an online community forum and new Grief Kind Spaces.
Alysia Cameron-Price, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, explained what a difference Christmas Treecycling makes to Sue Ryder: “Last year our Christmas Treecycling services in Gloucestershire saved 1,579 trees from landfill, raising £36,500 for Sue Ryder, helping more people than ever to access our specialist care and support.”
“By choosing to recycle your
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real tree with an optional donation to Sue Ryder, your Christmas tree could become the gift of expert care, advice and compassion for those living with serious illness, death and grief.”
Capacity is limited for this festive green scheme, so reserve your collection now to avoid disappointment. For more information and to secure your collection before midnight on 6 January 2026, visit www.sueryder.org/treeglos
Contact the fundraising team at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice with any queries on 01242 246 270 or email: leckhampton.fundraising@su eryder.org
Christmas and New Year waste and recycling collections
WITH Christmas fast approaching, please remember that Christmas and New Year waste and recycling collection dates will change.
Christmas is a time when many of us produce more waste and recycling from wrapping paper, cards, and other gift packaging. You can recycle these materials yourself at home, or by making use of our waste and recycling services.
Cllr Paul Baker, cabinet member for waste, recycling and green open spaces, said:
“Christmas often brings extra waste, but it’s also a great opportunity to recycle more and support those in need. The more we recycle, the more donations our service provider Plan-B makes to Cheltenham’s foodbanks, which is especially important at this time of year, and it reduces the cost of waste going to the incinerator.
“Wrapping paper, cards and packaging from gifts can quickly fill up our bins, but many of these items can be recycled or even reused. Of course, some items are non-recyclable and will have to go into the general waste, but if we can, let’s remember to recycle as much as possible.
“Please make sure brown paper goes into the blue bag with cardboard, not with paper recycling, and check that wrapping paper passes the scrunch test. If it stays scrunched when squeezed, it doesn't contain foil and can be put into the kerbside recycling box. If it springs back, it contains foil and
cannot be recycled.
“I’d also remind residents to check their collection dates carefully, especially residents who would normally have a collection on Thursday 25 December 2025, as this has been brought forward by five days and will take place on Saturday 20 December 2025. Once again this year we have tried to keep changes to collection dates to a minimum.”
Normal collections resume Monday 5 January 2026.
Garden waste collections will be suspended at the end of Friday 12 December 2025 and will resume from Monday 12 January 2026. Please note the above dates are subject to change.
Find out information about how to recycle Christmas trees (either through Sue Ryer's Christmas treecycling collection service, at the kerbside or dropoff points), Christmas lights, cards, wrapping paper and other Christmas items on the council’s website.
Excess recycling can be taken to one of the bring bank sites located around the town or to Wingmoor Farm recycling centre.
Pantomime opens with A Gloucestershire Twist
THE festive season launched in spectacular style at the Everyman Theatre on Friday 28th November, as Robin Hood and His Merry Men opened to huge applause and a buzzing Cheltenham audience.
This year’s show bursts with the unmistakable Everyman pantomime magic including Tweedy’s trademark mischief, dazzling costumes, spectacular sets, laugh-out-loud skits and show-stopping musical numbers that had audiences cheering from start to finish. Leading the cast is Gloucestershire’s favourite clown, Tweedy, who returns for his 14th Everyman pantomime as the hilarious Friar Tweedy Tuck.
This production marks the Everyman’s first-ever take on the story of Robin Hood. In a uniquely local twist, Friar Tweedy Tuck invites Robin Hood and his band of outlaws to the Cotswolds to defeat the villainous Sheriff of Gloucestershire in a show packed with Cheltenham injokes and references including Cavendish House and The Ivy. Tweedy is joined by audience favourites Kevin Brewis as Dame Nursie and Kane Verrall as Will Scarlett, alongside West End star
Award-winning
BRACE yourselves - the awardwinning Happy Ending Pantomimes which brought you TINDERELLA and SLEEPING WITH BEAUTY are back with another scandalously sidesplitting festive romp at the Cheltenham Town Hall on 11th January! This year, they’re reaching cloudy new heights of hilarity with their jocular take on Jack and the Beanstalk - but don’t expect any of Grandma’s bedtime stories here.
“Jack Off the Beanstalk” promises an evening of ‘udder’ chaos, magical mayhem, and unapologetically adult humour.
When Dame Trott’s farm falls to bits, her son Jack sets off to sell their beloved cow, Daisy. But instead of cashing in, he gets duped into swapping her for a handful of... suspiciously shiny beans.
Can Jack and his magic beans save the day? Will Daisy ever get
Lizzie Bea as The Sheriff of Gloucestershire, Dan Wilshire as Robin Hood, and Jewelle Hutchinson as Maid Marian. They are supported by a talented 6-person West End-quality ensemble, and a brilliant creative team.
This year’s production reunites the Everyman’s acclaimed pantomime creatives, including writerdirector duo Sam Holmes and Nick Winston, set designer Andrew Exeter, sound designer Ben Harrison, and the newly appointed costume designer Stewart J. Charlesworth. Last year’s pantomime, Aladdin, welcomed over
45,000 audience members, and with demand already high, the 2025/26 pantomime is set to be another hugely popular year.
Mark Goucher, CEO of the Everyman Theatre said: “We are very excited to bring Robin Hood to Cheltenham for the very first time. The atmosphere on our opening night was electric, and the cast delivered an exceptional performance after weeks of rehearsal. We can’t wait for audiences from across Gloucestershire to join us over the next six weeks.”
A portion of proceeds from this year’s pantomime will directly support the
Everyman’s major new community project, the Everyman Education Centre at Grove Street, which will be a dedicated new hub for creativity, wellbeing, and community engagement in Cheltenham. By booking tickets, audiences are helping to transform access to the arts across Gloucestershire. Tickets for Robin Hood and His Merry Men are still available, but weekends and Christmas holiday performances are selling fast. Families are encouraged to book early to secure their preferred dates.
For more information visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk
Christmas magic comes to Playhouse Panto
THE Cheltenham Playhouse is set to bring Christmas cheer to audiences as its professional panto opens from 12th December with a cast of local performers.
Dick Whittington will bring an exciting and cheerful conclusion to a year of fundraising at the Playhouse, following a financial battle to keep its doors open. It will be the third pantomime from the community theatre, with last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk described as “an absolute hoot of a show” by one audience member. Directed by Kieran Mortell and produced by Matt Nolan, visitors can expect more toetapping musical numbers and plenty of lovable and funny characters in this year’s show.
The Pantomime will see the return of cast members from previous Playhouse pantos, some of whom trained at the theatre as children and have gone on to star in the West End and on national television. Their Playhouse beginnings will be reflected as they are joined by a talented child ensemble from
Theatre Studio, giving the next generation of stars their chance to perform alongside more experienced actors. New theatre manager, Miles Leven, joins the team just in time to share his knowledge and panto expertise from previous roles. “Panto is the best time of year on any local theatre’s calendar. We look forward to welcoming people of all ages to share the Christmas spirit and also to celebrate the successes of the year, this being a poignant one for the our 80th birthday.” Miles went on to say: “I’m excited to welcome back actors who can inspire our younger performers as they start out and learn from people who were once where they are now.”
Dick Whittington runs from 12th December to 3rd January at the Cheltenham Playhouse with ticket prices starting from £18. Get your tickets now at www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk or call our box office on 01242 522 852 during opening hours.
adult pantomime company return with their newest and cheekiest show
milked? Is that really the size of his beanstalk? And what exactly are we chopping with that oversized axe?
Expect a gloriously witty script packed with saucy innuendos and outrageous outuendos. With more twists than a giant's curly toe, this is one grown-up panto that shouldn’t past-eur-ize. So leave the little ones at home and join us for the biggest, boldest, and cheekiest adventure of the season.
It’s not just big - it’s massive. Tickets sell out every year - so don’t miss out on the most sought after night of the panto season!
Warnings: This show is strictly for 16+ only!
Happy Endings are not guaranteed, but are highly likely. For more information, visit www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/ event/jack-off-the-beanstalkgrab-your-chopper/
Recipes Steph Williams
Follow Steph’s blogThis Plate Is Pretty stephnicw.wixsite.com /thisplateispretty
Peanut Butter Chicken
Fancy a healthier version of a takeaway curry minus the bloating carbs? My flavourful peanut butter chicken is rich and creamy. It's a classic, easy to make recipe that uses general pantry staple ingredients. Sure to be your new weeknight favourite ‘fakeaway’. There is always a place for Peanut Butter after all! The dish takes around 45 minutes including prep time and contains approximately 9g of carbs!
Ingredients
Serves 4
Chicken
• Spray of low-calorie oil or olive oil
• 4 Chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
Peanut Butter Sauce
• 1 small Onion (Any colour)
• 3 cloves of Garlic
• 2 small Chili (Any colour)
• 2 teaspoons fresh Ginger
• 2 tablespoons Garam Masala or Medium Curry Paste
• 100g Peanut Butter (Unsweetened)
• Spray of low-calorie oil or olive oil
• 400g tin of Tomatoes
• 400g tin of Coconut Milk (Unsweetened)
• Squeeze of Lime Juice
Instructions
l Oil, season and either oven bake or air fry your Chicken, set aside and cube at the end before adding to the sauce.
l Dice your Onion, Garlic, Chilis and Ginger
l In a large frying pan, add in the Oil and Onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and translucent, on a medium heat.
l Add the Garlic, Chilis and Ginger and continue to cook for 1 minute.
l Add in the Curry Paste and continue to cook for 1 minute.
l Add Peanut Butter, Tomatoes and Coconut Milk and bring to a boil on a high heat.
l Simmer down on a lowmedium heat for around 25-30 minutes, when the
Lentil Ragu
sauce should thicken.
l Remove from the heat and stir through the Chicken.
l Plate up and add your chosen garnish.
Recipe notes
Using crunchy peanut butter rather than smooth will give a great texture to your meal, but this is of course down to personal preference. Your Chicken can be cooked however you prefer. Usually, I'd cook the chicken in the sauce, but this time I have cooked it separately to allow for a crispier texture. Serving suggestions include the essential squeeze of lime, cauliflower rice or stir-fried Vegetables. Garnish ideas include chili's, crushed peanuts, fresh herbs, lime wedge.
Given the time of year, we are probably all getting into eating more hearty and rich warming meals. I have been more focuses recently on vegan and vegetarian recipes due to the ever-increasing cost of meat. It is easy to make, and you can make different variations to fit your taste. Slightly higher carb content than I would usually cook, but rich in fibre and protein, with 8g per serving, and taking only 40 minutes to make.
Ingredients
Serves 4
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 2 Celery sticks
• 1 medium Carrot
• 3 cloves of Garlic
• 1 Onion (any colour)
• 300g Lentils
• 750ml Vegetable Stock
• 250ml Passata
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 1.5 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 tablespoon Tomato Puree
Instructions
l Finely dice your ingredients.
l In a pan, heat the Olive Oil on a medium-high heat and add the Garlic, Celery, Onion and Carrot and cook for around 4-5 minutes.
l Add Lentils, Stock, Passata, Oregano, Puree and Balsamic.
l Cover and simmer down on a low heat for 25-30 minutes then serve.
Recipe notes
Any type of Lentil can be used. In this recipe, I used Red.
If the Lentils start to stick, add a splash of water. The dish freezes very well. This dish will go great with a side of juicy Chicken if you do not wish to eat vegetarian.
Uncovering the charm of Cheltenham's newest cheese bistro
IN an age of transient food trends and fleeting culinary fads, there is a quiet, comforting presence in the simple pleasures of good cheese.
It is this enduring appeal that a new bistro in Cheltenham, the Cheese Works Upstairs, taps into with a refreshing style. This is not just another cafe; it’s a glorious celebration of crafted artisan cheeses sourced both locally and from Europe.
There is a cosy ambiance to this little gem on the first floor. The interior is thoughtfully rustic with both an elegant and casual feel, the wooden tables and high ceiling with its classic cornice are especially comforting. The menu is a masterclass in curation, focusing on quality over quantity. You are encouraged to build your own board or indulge in expertly assembled tasting flights that pair specific cheeses with house-made chutneys, quince paste and pickles with artisanal crackers and thoughtfully selected wines. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the origins and flavours of each selection.
There are many other cheesebased selections such as the The Full Works Toastie, a blend of Raclette, Worcester Hop, Lincolnshire Poacher & Comte; or the Harkin's Hot
By Mark Hopkins
Take Toastie which is another four cheeses blend with chilly jam and chorizo; there’s also a Dorset and a garlic mushroom toastie. You can try the doorstep sandwich with a choice of Ploughman’s or Bresaola salt beef, there is a stunning selection of jacket potatoes.
You will find seasonal quiches, soups of the day, mushroom and blue cheese muffins, and a delicious grilled mushroom, thyme and creamy Montagnolo served on a toasted muffin. There’s a specials board which changes daily. There’s also a tasty selection of hot and iced teas and coffees.
Rachael and I decided on a five cheeses board with house chutney, quince paste, pickled button mushrooms, olives and a selection of artisan crackers. Our cheese selection was, BARKHAM BLUE, a delicate buttery blue with savoury notes and a velvety finish.
WILD GARLIC YARG, a delicately zesty fresh semihard cheese with herbal and garlic notes from its leaf rind.
OSSAU-IRATY, a smooth nutty Basque sheep’s cheese with hints of hazelnut and a gentle lingering finish.
WENSLEYDALE , a fresh and
milky cheese with a clean, honeyed flavour. Light and slightly tart with a crumbly texture and gentle acidity.
MOUNTAIN GORGONZOLA, from the Lombardy region of Italy offers a sweet and sharp blue spice contrast in a creamy spreadable cheese with a lingering tang. All stood out as a delicious balance of assertive flavour beautifully presented as a visual feast that appeals to all senses before the first bite is even taken. The Cheese Works Upstairs
is more than just a place to eat, you can enjoy a beer or a glass of wine, perhaps some accompaniment such as almonds or olives sat with friends or on a date night; James, Danielle and their team have created a delightful journey through the best of British and European cheesemaking traditions. It is a reminder that the simple things, when done with attention to detail and a genuine love for the craft, are often the most profound. It is without doubt worth a visit.
Oh and don’t forget the Cheese Works shop on the ground floor with an array of artisan cheese, crackers, sweet treats and accompaniments, wines, ports and spirits along with cheesecakes, breads and
gift hampers. There are fondue nights and wine and cheese tasting evenings so keep an eye out for these events at this fabulous-family run shop, cheese bistro and wine bar in the heart of Cheltenham.
Money talks Fanny Snaith
The January financial hangover - and how to clear it fast
JANUARY is the month where everyone quietly panics about money.
We don’t talk about it, of course. We talk about diets, resolutions, gym memberships, “new year, new me”… but behind the scenes, people across Cheltenham and the rest of the UK are staring at their bank accounts with that sinking “oh dear God” feeling. If this is you, breathe. You’re not alone, and you’re certainly not broken.
According to The Money Charity, the average UK household started January with over £65,500 of debt, including mortgages. Unsecured debt alone (credit cards, loans, overdrafts) sits at about £4,300 per adult — and that’s before Christmas spending hits the statements.
And here’s the kicker: the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) reported that real household disposable incomes are still below pre-pandemic levels, one of the longest squeezes in living memory. No wonder January feels like financial whiplash. So, let’s ditch the shame and deal with what’s actually happening.
January isn’t a moral failure. It’s a maths problem, a mindset pattern, and a moment of clarity rolled into one.
And if you treat it that way, it can become the month that changes everything.
Step 1: Name Your January Spending Type
Most people fall into one of four camps:
1. The Avoider
You haven’t opened the banking app since Boxing Day and you’d rather drink cold gravy than check it now. You’re not stupidyou’re scared. But fear always costs more than clarity.
2. The Justifier
“It’s Christmas! It only happens once a year!”
Yes, and hangovers only last a day… until they don’t.
3. The Over-Gifter
You give like you’re Santa on commission. Gifts, dinners, drinks, donations - and now you feel slightly resentful, slightly panicked, and slightly skint.
4. The “It’ll Be Fine” Optimist
You bought everything on a wing and a prayer, telling yourself future-you will sort it. Future-you is currently furious. Whichever one you are - none of it is a character flaw. It’s a coping mechanism.
Recognise it, and you can change it.
Step 2: Do the January Reality Check (10 minutes, no drama, just what’s so) Your money situation is already what it is.
Checking your balance doesn’t make it worse - it simply tells the truth sooner.
Here’s the fast, panic-free version:
1. Open your banking app.
Even if you feel shaky.
(Remember the 90-second rule: emotions surge, then settle. Don’t add a story.)
2. Write down three numbers:
• What you actually have
• What must be paid this month
• What you’ve still got available
3. Then write one question: “What’s one sensible action I can take today?”
That’s it. No spreadsheets. No life overhaul. No guilt. Just truth to calm, leading to one good decision.
Step 3: Build Yourself 30 Days of Financial Breathing Space
Most people try to fix January with punishment: “No spending all month!”
“I’m living off chickpeas!” “I’m never going out again!” Nonsense. You don’t need austerity; what you need is air. Here are the three quickest wins to give yourself room, without feeling deprived.
1. Press Pause on the Outflows
Check your subscriptions.
The Money Charity reports that the average adult forgets at least £360/year in unused direct debits.
That’s £30/month. That’s instant breathing space.
Cancel what you no longer use, what you meant to cancel, and the ones that you signed up for ages ago - out of boredom.
2. Create a Mini Buffer - Even £10 Counts
A buffer isn’t about the amount. It’s about breaking the cycle of scraping by. Creating some Peace of Mind – I call it a POM fund. Build it up so that you have 3-6 months of living expenses set aside.
Transfer £10–£20 into a separate pot called Peace of Mind Space. Psychologically, it does more than you think. It tells your nervous system: I’m safe. I’m taking control.
3. Do the One Big Call Energy provider? Bank? Credit card?
Talk to them.
Companies expect hardship. It’s in the model.
Call and say: “I’m struggling right now - what support options have you got?” You may get interest frozen, fees paused, or a lower payment plan. It’s not weakness. It’s strategy.
Step 4: Make February You
Proud January is the wake-up. February is where momentum starts.
If you want to reset your whole financial year, do these three simple things:
1. A Weekly 10-Minute Money Huddle
Look at facts, face your feelings about money and take one next action.
Do it every week, no exceptions.
2. Create a “Sometimes Spends” Pot Christmas, dentist, school uniforms, car MOT, holidays… These things aren’t surprisesthey’re certainties.
Set aside £5–£20/week and watch next December transform. Better still work the figure out as a twelfth of the annual spend and set that aside monthly.
3. Learn One Money Skill This Month
Not ten.
Not everything.
Just one.
• How pensions work
• How to budget properly
• How interest rates actually eat your money
• How to start an ISA
• How to invest £25/month Knowledge is power - but clarity is peace. Visit my website @ www.fannysnaith.com.
A Final Word: January Shame Helps No One
You can’t hate yourself into better financial behaviour.
You can’t avoid your way into stability.
You can’t rely on the system to rescue you - as we’ve discussed before, nobody is coming to save us. We must steer our own financial adventure.
But here’s the part people forget: You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from awareness. And that is worth more than any January pay check.
So, check your money. Take one smart action.
Give yourself breathing space. And let this be the year you take the driver’s seat — not your panic, not your overdraft, not the January hangover. Because a financially calm February starts with a single brave moment in January. You’ve got this.
Fanny Snaith offers money coaching and financial therapy.
Protecting your Home: The role of severance of tenancy Legal
IMAGINE owning your family home with someone else, only to find out that if you ever need long-term care, the whole property could be at risk.
Many families in the UK face this situation under a joint tenancy. Severance of tenancy is a legal process that alters the way you and your co-owner hold the property. In a joint tenancy, all owners automatically inherit the shares of the other owners. Severance turns this into a tenancy in common, where each person’s share is a separate asset that they can pass on to whoever they choose.
A big reason UK homeowners consider severance is to protect their property from care fees. If you’re joint tenants, the whole property is usually
included in means-testing if one of you needs care.
However, if you sever the tenancy, only your share is considered. This can help protect your family home from being sold to pay for care. Always check the latest government advice or consult/solicitor, as the rules are subject to change.
Types of Co-Ownership
1. Joint Tenancy: You and the other owner(s) own the property together. If you die, your share automatically goes to the other owner(s).
2. Tenancy in Common: You own a separate share of the property (which can be equal or different). If you die, your share goes to whoever you choose, not automatically to the others.
Methods of Severance
You can sever a joint tenancy in a few ways:
- Give written notice to the other owner(s).
- Agree together in writing.
- Do something that shows you no longer want to be joint tenants (like selling your share).
• Get a court order if you cannot agree.
Legal Consequences of Severance
After severance, you each become tenants in common. There’s no right of survivorship, and your share can be left to anyone you choose. Shares can be equal or unequal.
Why Severance Works Severance works because it changes how your share of the property is treated by law. As joint tenants, your home
is seen as a single unit. If you or another owner need care, the whole property may be counted when means-tested for care fees. By severing the tenancy and becoming tenants in common, only your share is considered. This gives you more control and helps protect your part of the property for your family.
Severance of tenancy offers several benefits for coowners:
1. You control who inherits your share: Severance removes the right of survivorship. You decide who gets your share, not the law.
2. More flexibility: You can hold different shares and sell or transfer your interest more easily.
3. Helps if relationships
change: Severance helps prevent disputes if you fall out with a co-owner. Your share is clearly defined.
4. Better for estate planning: Your share is part of your estate. You can plan for tax or provide for your family.
5. Clarity: Severance makes it clear who owns what and reduces future arguments.
Knowing these benefits helps you make the right choice for your situation - whether you’re protecting your home, planning your estate, or investing. Severance means you control the future of your share, not the law or automatic rules.
Key Points to Remember
- Severance of tenancy gives you your own share of the property. You decide what happens to it.
- It can help protect your home from being sold to pay for care fees if you ever need care.
- Always get legal advice or check official guidance to make sure severance is right for you.
By acting promptly, you can safeguard your home and provide your family with lasting security.
For more information, consult a legal professional on 0333 335 5875
Creating Exceptional Homes and Supporting Gloucester’s Regeneration
By Shane Duff
IF you’re looking for investment opportunities that combine strong financial returns with the chance to make a tangible difference in the local community, we’d love to introduce you to Leckhampton Property Group. Over the next 12 months, we have several exciting property development projects planned in Gloucester City Centre, and we’re seeking new investment partners to join us in these ventures.
Over the past 14 years, I have been on a journey from professional footballer to experienced property developer, a journey defined by focus, determination, and a passion for creating quality homes. After my football career ended at 29, I was determined to apply the discipline and strategic thinking honed on the pitch to a new challenge: property investment.
I began by flipping houses, learning the intricacies of the property market firsthand, and gradually building a track record of successful projects. In 2018, I met Andrew Hall, an extremely experienced property
professional, and we have been business partners ever since. Together, as Leckhampton Property Group, we have forged a strong partnership built on trust, complimentary skills, and shared ambition. Over the past eight years, we’ve worked predominantly through joint venture partnerships, delivering projects valued at over £22.5 million. These collaborations allow
us to combine our expertise with the skills and resources of private investors, minimising risk while maximising outcomes. Locally, our focus is on contributing to the regeneration of Gloucester City Centre by creating homes people are proud to live in. Each project enhances the community, improves streetscapes, and delivers modern, thoughtfully designed homes. For us, it’s
important that we are proud of what we create and that residents feel great living in these homes.
Building strong relationships is at the heart of our approach. We’ve cultivated long-standing partnerships with private investors, founded on trust, transparency, and mutual benefit. We work hard, manage projects meticulously, and ensure results meet or exceed
expectations. We see ourselves not just as developers, but as guides for our investors, helping them feel informed and secure every step of the way.
If you’re interested in learning more about the investment opportunities we have in Gloucester and how we can work together, we would be delighted to hear from you. Together, we can create exceptional homes, deliver solid financial returns, and contribute positively to the city’s ongoing regeneration.
Smiths A Skittles Hospital Cup Winners, Michael Whitbread Cup Winners & Supreme Champions 1988-89.
Back row: P Townley, J Smith, A Marriott, A McIIquham, D Cashmore, S Marchant.
Front Row: C Stenson, P Embley, D Averiss, D Chandler, (Capt) A Studd, B Wood.
1971 Highbury Scouts football team at Market Street playing field winners of the Inter Scout K/O Cup, with the old gasworks in the background.
Left to right: Referee unknown, J Bartlett, unknown, unknown, unknown, Chris Brewster, Simon Mills, Bill Donohoe, Graham Lodge, unknown, Hugh Davis, Tim Donohoe, Andy Bird, unknown, unknown. If you know any of those unknown players, get in touch.
Prominent in the line out for Smiths RFC in the 1970’s, Eddie Coltman delivers ball.
A Christmas fairy from 2000 Betsy Cuzner.
Could you give a homeless pet a second chance? Animal Shelter
By Alison Jarvis
AT Cheltenham Animal Shelter, we’re shining the spotlight on three dogs who urgently need loving new homes.
Pumpkin and Mowgli have been with us since January, and Hallie is struggling with kennel life, so we’re keen to find her a suitable home as soon as possible.
Each of these dogs has their own personality, quirks and charm. If you have patience, love to give and are looking for a new best friend, one of them could be your perfect match. Why not take a look and see if you could offer one of them a new home?
Pumpkin
A clever lady who knows what she likes, Pumpkin is an intelligent, independent girl who has won the hearts of staff with her expressive personality and gentle nature. She adores comfy sofas, peaceful walks and a good back scratch when the mood takes her. Although she can be cautious around unfamiliar people, Pumpkin repays patience with loyalty, warmth and plenty of affection once she forms a bond.
A quieter, adult-only home (16+) would suit her best, ideally with a secure garden where she can enjoy pottering about without neighbouring dogs disturbing her peace.
Pumpkin isn’t keen on other animals and would prefer to be the only pet in the household. Her favourite
activities include scent games, searching for tennis balls and showing off her hilarious “back scratch wiggle dance”, often performed with a toy proudly held in her mouth. Her main carer at the Shelter describes her as: “A lovely lady with a great personality. She never fails to make me laugh… and she would absolutely do anything for a treat.”
Pumpkin may take time to settle, but for the right adopter, she’ll be a faithful companion and a constant source of smiles.
Key Facts: Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross Gender: Female
Age: Nearly 3 years old
Mowgli
The pocket rocket with a big personality.
Mowgli, a lively and inquisitive terrier, is bursting with fun. This energetic little dog loves to keep busy and will thrive in a home where he can enjoy games of tug, puzzle toys and time in the garden exploring every scent. His number one passion, however, is cheesea guaranteed way to win his heart.
Because of his spirited nature, Mowgli is seeking an experienced adopter in an adult-only home (or with children aged 16+). He can be vocal on walks, especially when he spots other dogs, cats or squirrels, so quieter walking routes will help him
enjoy his outings without too much excitement. Although he doesn’t want to share his home with other animals, Mowgli absolutely loves human company and settles beautifully for cuddles once he’s had his fun.
His carer sums him up perfectly: “Mowgli is a highenergy, inquisitive boy with a lot of presence… but he also loves a cuddle!”
Key Facts:
Breed: Scruffy Terrier
Gender: Male
Age: Nearly 3 years old
Hallie
An ex-racer ready for a life of comfort.
Hallie is a sweet, gentle greyhound enjoying her well-deserved retirement
after life on the racetrack.
She has quickly adapted to the joys of soft beds, quiet companionship and the occasional zoomie when the mood strikes. Hallie is known for her signature greyhound lean, which she offers happily when she’s in need of a snuggle.
She could live with calm, respectful children aged 10+ and may be happy sharing her home with another sighthound. Due to her high prey drive, she isn’t suited to living with cats or small animals. Hallie is a sensitive soul who prefers having company for most of the day, as she can become unsettled when left alone.
Her simple pleasures include treats, comfort and being
close to her people.
Key Facts:
Breed: Greyhound
Gender: Female
Age: 5 years old
If you’re interested in adopting Pumpkin, Mowgli or Hallie, you can request an application form by emailing dogs@gawa.org.uk
Can’t adopt? You can still help.
If you’re unable to adopt these or any of the Shelter’s dogs, you can still make a meaningful difference by supporting the Light Up Their Lives Christmas Appeal. Every donation helps provide comfort, enrichment and care for animals spending the festive season in kennels.
www.gawa.org.uk/appeal
Pumpkin
Mowgli
Hallie
1.
2.
TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER Puzzles
6. Which part of the body may be paralysed by Bell’s palsy?
7. What was the name of Honor Blackman’s character in the TV series The Avengers?
3.
4. What is the
professional cricket pitch?
5. Which glamorous Hollywood actress was the mother of Princess Caroline of Monaco?
8. Complete this Elvis Presley song lyric – Well, it’s one for the money two for the... what?
9. Which range of hills lies on the border between England and Scotland?
QUICK CROSSWORD
10. Which royal protection unit was founded by Henry VII and is still in service? ACROSS
2. Spring in south Pennsylvania (3)
crossword.
5. Bandit dismissed the rules of the state (6)
7. One who has yet to settle (6)
9. Lets one’s hen out all the same (11)
10. Overshoot when it is burning? (2,4)
11. Appropriately charming? (6)
13. Forecaster heard to make good money (6)
16. Be part of nature, but not out there (6)
18. Ruthless way of scoring sixes perhaps (4-7)
19. Rush to get a good job (6)
20. Is mule prepared for breakfast? (6)
21. To the east where the corn might grow (3)
Savouring (7)
Admit (7)
Funny (7)
Passenger vehicle (7)
Dispute (7)
Turf (3)
Curve (4)
Dog (5)
Detest (4)
and subtraction.
1. Surrender and retire for the night (4,2)
2. Saw the twisted bandage (6)
3. Notice an opening is coming (6)
4. Using spoon, I removed the harmful substance (6)
6. Infer island could be one off the east coast (11)
8. Bite her cake carelessly to make a start (5,3,3)
10. Senior citizen initially appears in soap opera (3)
12. Character said to be giving command to speed up (3)
14. Engineers present, say, try again (6)
15. Is it worn when there’s terrible thirst? (1-5)
16. Early enough to keep rhythm (2,4)
17. Treat Reginald to a beer (6)
NONAGRAM
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.
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).
l
l
l
l
Sport
Health & Fitness with Steve Hopkins
WHAT another month it’s been! Thank you for all getting in touch again... I am blown away but the number of people who have contacted me. I’m also very busy with online clientsthank you for choosing me!
This week I’m dusting the pads off in a practise scrimmage for American Football (they are going back on the shelf afterwards, promise!)
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed answering your questions again this week - keep them coming in.
Stubborn belly
I have really stubborn belly fat and with Christmas around the corner and all its temptations, what can I do to motivate myself because I do not want to get fatter?
Stuart, Gloucester.
Stuart, thanks for the question. Christmas is definitely a time for celebration and spending time with loved ones. But we can still make better choices to limit the inevitable weight (or fat) we will add to our bodies during this time.
There is a great quote Stuart: “Discipline before motivation”. What this means is you need to have the discipline NOW and the motivation will come LATER. For example, I knew I needed to exercise to fix my body, but I nearly passed out on a few occasions. I remained disciplined and today the motivation fuels itself. So, my advice? Make the right choice. Go for a walk and find a way to get your heart rate up for 20 mins a day. That can change everything.
Injury troubles
I’ m 60. I’ve got a hip injury, and I’m really frustrated because I want to
do exercise. Can you recommend me some exercises?
Keith, Leckhampton
Hi Keith, great to hear from you. I’d need some more information on your hip injury. But some basics will help to start with. Research some stretches to help with flexibility, and movement. Things like just standing up from a chair and sitting back down. As that gets easier, buy a light dumbbell and hold that as you do it. Progress to walking up and down the stairs 10 or 15 times a day. Again, walking is a fantastic exercise for any beginner. If you would like me to show you some more advanced movement, contact me and
we could do a video call, or I can pop round and show you a few things like I do with other clients.
Getting started
I’m mid 50s going through the menopause. I have followed your articles and would like to start doing regular exercise, but I haven’t for a long time, how do I get the ball rolling? Help!
Suzie, Montpellier
Suzie, don’t worry I got you. It can be tough for women at this stage in life but well done for making the decision to do regular exercise. If you stick at it, you will feel so much better. Have you seen Samantha on my socials? She is in a similar place and
joined the gym six weeks ago. She is absolutely loving it. You want to aim in the beginning for 3 times week, including 20 mins cardio. Start with fast walk on a treadmill on an incline of 4 or 5. Once you get good at that, try and progress to a stepping machine. When it comes to weight training, I find a ‘push, pull, legs’ training split is really working for my female clients. Aim to build some strength, learn good technique and in a few months you will start to feel
and see progress – promise! If you want further support, contact me and we can set something up.
How do I increase my protein intake as a vegan
I’ve recently become a vegan for moral grounds but I weight train and I’m worried about my protein intake as I’ve felt weaker recently at the gym.
Ralph, Winchcombe
Hey Ralph. Vegan lifters can succeed but you need to focus on complete or combined-plan proteins correctly. Foods like lentils, chickpeas, black beans or kidney beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan (wheat, gluten) and hemp seeds are all fantastic. Also, there are many vegan protein supplements you can use to help bridge the gap. I can write you a food plan to follow if you contact me. Remember as a vegan to take your vitamin supplements so that you don’t become deficient in anything. This is an example of a good vegan breakfast; tofu (scrambled), whole grain toast, avocado with oatmeal, chia seeds, hemp seeds, soy milk and peanut butter. ENJOY!
Cherry and Whites gain hard fought Champions Cup win over Castre
GLOUCESTER Rugby secured a 34-14 victory against Castres Olympique at Kingsholm in the first round of the Champions Cup. Tries from Freddie Thomas, Will Trenholm and a late double from Charlie Atkinson secured four points against the French side. The travelling team started swiftly, however pressure from the cherry and whites suddenly
By George Davis
wavered when Vuate Karawalevu intercepted from Seb Atkinson to race in from his own 22 and score. Sustained pressure brought the home side within striking distance mere minutes later, as a marauding run from Ollie
Thorley set the platform to hit back from. Lovely dummy lines from Lewis Ludlow and co, gave Thomas the soft shoulder he needed and the second row did the rest from close range. Castres, going tit for tat for scores, produced a splintering rolling maul shortly after and Loris Zarantonello was the beneficiary to give them back the lead. However
there was to be one final score before the end of the half and it was Trenholm on the scoreboard for George Skivington’s side. A quick tap penalty from Seb Blake got the Gloucestershire team within metres before the number eight powered through several Castres players and reached out to score.It was late on in the second half that the scoring resumed service, when
halftime super sub Atkinson changed the game. The replacement dummied through two defenders after some slick hands from his teammates allowed him the space to run it in. Then with the clock in the red, growing pressure on the Castres line finally caved, the ball spun wonderfully wide by Tomos Williams to find Atkinson who spun in to score.
Bishops Cleeve in historic win over Mousehole
BISHOPS Cleeve earned their first ever victory at the National League System’s most westerly club after a historic 1-0 win at Trungle Parc.
The 7.45am departure and five-hour drive made for some tired legs as the Mitres struggled to find an early footing in increasingly worsening conditions. This was apparent in the early flow of the game, the home side in control and eager for the opener. Within two minutes, they had a corner, headed away at the far post.
Soon after, they had a free kick from a similar position, it was passed low to the edge of the box, and the shot blocked. The conditions then began to play their part, a solid defensive performance from the churned mud and grass, our through ball seeming destined for an opportunity
By Ben Ware
one-on-one, but being caught and cleared with seven minutes played.
Toby Holland's low cross was then cleared by a superbly executed diving header before a Cleeve corner led to two chances, which Mousehole were equal to. With 13 minutes played, Mousehole had a half chance, the ball rolling towards goal and being cleared off the line, albeit unlikely to have reached the whitewash.
Clayton was then called into action again immediately after, getting low across his goal to push the ball away from the bottom right corner, the ball was played back, but they couldn't reach it sliding in.
The action didn't slow as the game went on, Jack Watts
headed just wide from a Holland corner before he had Cleeve’s first shot on target with a tame effort from the edge of the box in the 23rd minute.
The Trungle Parc pitch continued to play its part, a bobble seeing Devanti McInerney's shot from goal,
then another bouncing over the foot of Ben McLean as he set up to shoot from eight yards after just 26 minutes. Just after the half-hour mark, Mousehole had an opportunity of their own. A horrible deflection diverted the ball from its course towards the bottom left corner and into the
centre of the goal, where Clayton was able to keep it out. Jake Lee then slid in to clear the loose ball and deny a certain tap-in for the hosts.
The rain grew heavier, and legs grew tireder as the action dissipated towards the halftime break, the two teams heading into the dry in a goalless stalemate.
The second half brought a game-changing substitution as Steve Davies took to the pitch and took control of a turgid midfield. This led to a flurry of chances as the home side struggled to escape their defensive third, Langworthy coming close twice within the space of a minute.
The 62nd minute brought what had become an inevitable opener with the conditions working in the Mitre’s favour at last. A low long ball forward caught up just enough to catch out the Mousehole backline and let Holland sneak in; he held off one and went around another's tackle before firing home into the bottom left corner. “Great finish that,” the goalkeeper
admitted.
Then came one of many reasonable penalty shouts, Watts dragged over at the far post as he went for a header in the 65th minute. He'd be involved again four minutes later, picking up the ball from Holland's saved shot, but unable to curl home from a tight angle. A minute later, substitute Curtis JemmettHutson would force another save one-on-one, Watts sliding in for the rebound but giving away a free kick on the goalline.
The visitors had another penalty shout waved away in the 74th minute, Holland breaking into the area and being tripped in the process. After some deliberation, the referee decided this was simulation.
It then became a game of attrition, both sides trying to get forward but meeting a brick wall. The pitch didn't lend itself to attractive football, or any football for that matter, given the rain, as they sent it long and in the air but couldn't break through.
Cheltenham Town ladies end 2025 with a convincing win over Exeter
CHELTENHAM Town Women ended 2025 with a 4-0 win over Exeter City Women at Coach Road.
An Una Lue hat-trick combined with a superb finish from the in-form Bella Hall gifted Cheltenham all three points.
The action started quickly with the sides exchanging early opportunities. Despite the game starting evenly, it was the home side who had the first real sight of goal.
Cheltenham’s towering goalkeeper Charlotte Haynes made a big save to deny the onrushing Sophie Gillies from opening the scoring for the hosts early on.
Both ‘keepers were called into action in the later minutes as the game developed into an end-to-end battle, but it was Cheltenham who opened the scoring on the 25-minute mark.
Lue latched on to Casi Evans’ through ball over the top and made no mistake with either the first touch or the finish, beating Exeter ‘keeper Olivia Giles with a powerful effort.
Exeter regrouped and looked to bring the score level, but a
By Abi Harding
brave stop from Haynes slammed the door shut, with the Cheltenham’s stopper requiring treatment after the fact. Following the fiveminute stoppage for the injury, it didn’t take Hall long to double the visitors’ lead, lobbing the onrushing Giles, and within the next couple of minutes, Tom Davies’ side added a third.
Lue grabbed her brace after Amelie Curtis won the ball back brilliantly, high in Exeter territory, and passed a superb ball through to Hall, who squared the ball across into the area for her strike partner, who slotted the third of the afternoon.
Exeter, determined to not let the flood gates open, dug in and despite the game developing into a midfield battle, it ended 3-0 to Cheltenham at the break.
Whatever Abbie Britton said to her side at half time clearly left a mark, as Exeter came out of the blocks in the second half quickly, but Cheltenham soaked up the
pressure well. With Exeter’s pressure waning, Lue got her welldeserved hat-trick with just under 20 minutes left to go. Just like her previous two goals, she ran in behind, with Salisbury-Williams finding her. Again, she made no mistake. Her lofted lob over Giles left the Grecians ‘keeper with no chance and handed the Robinesses a strong 4-0 advantage.
Exeter kept their foot to the pedal despite conceding the fourth and looked to get a goal back to dampen the Cheltenham celebrations a little, but found themselves unable to convert as the clock ticked away. The game filtered out from there on as energy levels started to drop, with the Cheltenham defence able to snuff out any late Exeter movements, and it ended with Cheltenham closing the calendar year on a high note.
Cheltenham Town Women FC return to action on Sunday 4 January, welcoming Real Bedford Women to Kayte Lane.
Cheltenham football league round-up with Rob Morrison
WITH Junior Cup fixtures continuing to dominate the schedule, the race for the Cheltenham League Premier Division crown remains as tight - and as uncertain - as ever.
Whaddon United Reserves have thrust themselves back into the title hunt after stringing together consecutive league victories. Two weeks ago, strikes from Lawrence Gorry and Kofi Corbett earned them a hard-fought 2-1 win over Southside Star. Corbett was at it again on Saturday, adding to his season’s tally as Whaddon eased past Montpellier with an impressive 3-0 win. The six-point haul lifts them into second place, level on points with leaders Tewkesbury Town Reserves but behind on goal difference - and with a game more played.
With Whaddon contesting the only league matches over the past fortnight, the remainder of the division turned their attention to Junior Cup round-robin action. Results were mixed for Tewkesbury, who followed up a win against Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves with a setback at the hands of FC Wickhamford. Service, meanwhile, responded to their defeat by battling to a 1-1 draw with Southside.
Mickleton Rangers continue to set the pace in Division One, but Cheltenham United remain firmly in pursuit.
A George Redshaw hattrick inspired Rangers to a 3–2 victory over Welland Reserves, dealing a blow to their opponents’ title ambitions. Rangers followed that up with a 5–3 win against an improving Lakeside side. United were
without a league fixture on Saturday, but their 5–0 win over Prestbury Rovers the previous week kept the pressure on. After 11 matches each, United trail Rangers by just two points.
It has also been a productive fortnight for fourth-placed Shurdington Rovers. An emphatic 8-1 triumph over Winchcombe Town was followed by progress in the Minor Charities Cup, where they eased past Cheltenham Tigers 4-1. Seven points off the top with a game in hand, Rovers will feel they are still very much part of the title conversation.
Lakeside, despite their loss to Rangers, have climbed to sixth thanks to four wins and a draw in their previous five outings. While they remain too far back to mount a title challenge, it marks a significant upturn in form
for the Hatherley-based side.
The cup also offered welcome respite for Tewkesbury Town III. With only a single point from nine league games, it has been a season to forget, but their 5-1 win over Welland Reserves stands as their best result so far. Eighthplaced Leckhampton Rovers enjoyed a similar boost, earning a 4-1 cup victory over bottom club Winchcombe Town - their first win in any competition since 13 September. They will hope it signals a muchneeded change in fortunes.
A 3-0 win over Leckhampton Rovers in the Minor Charities Cup ensured Bredon Reserves’ strong start to the season continued. The Division Two leaders remain the team to beat, though Cheltenham Saracens A are doing their best to keep the
pressure on.
Back-to-back victories have left Saracens four points adrift of Bredon with a game in hand. A hard-fought 2-1 win against fellow title challengers Worcester Forge was followed by an emphatic 80 demolition of Montpellier Reserves, with Jordan Rushworth netting an impressive five goals.
It has been a disappointing fortnight for Montpellier. Their heavy defeat to Saracens came on the heels of a county cup exit, where they fell 3-2 to Westbury United Reserves. For Forge, however, the cup brought a much-needed lift. They responded
positively to their league loss against Saracens by securing their place in the next round with a 3-1 victory over Tewkesbury Town Development. It has been a tale of contrasting fortunes for Newton across two cup competitions. A dominant 6-1 win against Sherborne Harriers saw them advance in the County Cup, but they were brought back down to earth on Saturday with a 40 defeat to Bibury Reserves.
Elsewhere, Bishops Cleeve B enjoyed Charities Cup success, with a double from Alex Taylor leading them to a convincing 4-0 win over St John’s FC.
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PICTURE by Lily Gurney
Robins batter Buxton for 6 in FA Cup win
Continued from back page
“We played against some really strong conditions as well in the first half, that weren't there in the second.
Whoever keeps turning this wind-ometer up when we are at home, I need them to keep it turned on for the second half! It seems as though every time we defend the home end, the wind goes down and all of a sudden it drops. That's happened in two or three games now. Something we need to look at, maybe.
“We knew what we were doing, we just had to execute the plan a little bit better and we did that in the second half. They are a decent side and they'd have been ready for it. They brought a couple of players back in, another loan player, one of their best players to give them another dimension. This was a really tricky game for us. We needed to make sure we navigated our way around it.
“We still should have been four goals to the good in the
first half, definitely. We had balls flashing across the posts, a couple of shots when we didn't quite hit the target, but we could have easily scored four or five in the first half. All of a sudden that scoreline wouldn't have looked as tricky as it looked. I know what's happened, when I haven't been here, about the Alvechurches that have happened. We prepared the lads as well as we possibly could, like we do every week. We prepared them well and we didn't take them lightly at all. It might look like we did in the first half, but no we didn't. We made a mistake that anybody can make and we gave away a silly free-kick and that can happen. Sometimes when you are so desperate to do well, you get desperate in the challenge, rather than staying on your feet. We did that and all of a sudden you are defending that end, a really strong wind whips across and anything can happen.”
Cheltenham can now look
forward to a third-round tie after a good afternoon with plenty of goals for players who had been wanting to get on the score sheet. Archer got his first of the season, and Thomas went from one goal to three for the season, something that Cotterill was also pleased with.
He continued: “Confidence is a big thing isn't it. I am more interested with the football we play and them having solutions to get out of things. We found them in the second half. A lot of the patterns you have won't be the same in every game, so when their formation changes, we have to adapt if we don't want to change our formation. We did it. They ended up with two up and two pressing, we dropped down and built in a three. The outside centre-backs stepped out and we ended up seeing James Wilson on the left wing. I want us to work hard and love the game and I talk to the players about that. If they love the game, it'll make them a better
Terrace talk with Will Alder
I AM a big fan of the FA Cup and am old enough to remember Cup Final Day as a fixture in the football calendar as something to look forward too.
From Michael Owen’s late brace at the Millennium Stadium to sink Arsenal; to a last gasp Ben Watson header for Wigan snatching a dramatic 91st-minute winner against big-spending Manchester City, to an exhausted Steven Gerrard thunderbolt against West Ham United, these are some standouts moments that I will always remember.
As a Cheltenham Town fan though, it seems as though we have experienced more FA Cup upsets in recent times than we have decent results. For every victory over a higher division Bradford or Swindon, we have suffered a number of humiliating results too. I spoke about the Alvechurch debacle last time around, and to add to this, since 2013 we have also been humbled by; Tamworth, Dover Athletic, Sutton United and Maidstone too. If you take out the Covid affected season of a few years ago, we have only won once at home in the Second Round of the FA Cup since 1933, so history wasn’t boding too well for us going into this one.
player. They all work hard, they are good lads and do you know what? They haven't done too bad for me so far.”
After the game, Cotterill went and applauded the away fans for their effort in defeat. It was something he said he’d been planning to do.
He said: “I thought about doing it before the game. The only thing I was dreading was if I had to go and applaud them if it'd stayed 2-1, but it was their day. You have to be humble enough to do it. I've spoken to the boys about being humble all week. They have been because they are a down to earth group of good lads. Cheltenham Town have no divine right to win anything here. But what we have done over the last 2025 years is win a few things. We've had a bit of success, but we have to make sure we are that down to earth club, working hard and giving honest performances if we can.”
us back into it. Even though the visitors once again took the lead from a well taken free kick, we didn’t panic and continued playing some nice stuff and creating lots of chances. Hakeeb Adelakun had his best game in a Cheltenham shirt and showed some glimpses of the quality that so many of us were hoping for when he arrived. Jordan Thomas was also excellent and his two goals were also both superbly taken. The goals continued to flow (apart from the centre forward position) and the scoreline in the end at 6-2 did flatter us somewhat, but the most important thing was that we got the job done and go into the hat for the third-round draw, for the first time since that memorable Manchester City game a few years ago. Nearly £100k into the January coffers for the inevitable and needed arrivals also isn’t too bad either.
Scot Bennett’s return to the Cheltenham side after injury could not have gone much worse really for the experienced defender. The 35-year-old has come under fire a number of times from the Whaddon Road faithful since his arrival from Newport, for a number of high-profile errors that have led to opposition goals during his time in Gloucestershire. Another howler gifted National League North side Buxton the opener early in this FA Cup Second Round tie, which you have to say was well finished by former Manchester City youngster Tai Sodje. Historically, as the above poor results in the FA Cup have shown, some Cheltenham sides of the past have gone to pieces when conceding first to lowerlevel opposition, but not this time around. Who else, but loanee Isaac Hutchinson once again showed how important a signing he has been for the Robins and the quality he has at this level. He absolutely ran the show against The Bucks, and the first goal of a brace brought
Next up for the Robins is the short trip to The County Ground to face in-form Swindon Town, who continue their somewhat unexpected revival under experienced gaffer Ian Holloway. The other League 2 Robins currently sit second in the table and will be going into this one full of confidence after also convincingly dispatching League 1 side Bolton 4-0 in the Second Round of the FA Cup at the weekend. Irish forward Aaron Drinan looks the big danger man for them with 16 goals to his name so far this season, including a hat-trick against Bolton, and along with former Wrexham front man Ollie Palmer leading the line, they will definitely cause us problems defensively.
Given the relatively short travel distance, even though this one is on a potentially cold December evening, we will hopefully be backed by a decent vocal away following. At this stage though, and with all things considered I think we would take anything we can get from this one and run as fast as we can back to Gloucestershire.
As we enter the busy festive period, a bad result at a promotion chasing side is not going to define our season, but the subsequent games against Harrogate, Barrow and Shrewsbury are all much more winnable and could all have more of a bearing on our final league position this season when all is said and done come May.
Cheltenham Post
Robins draw Leicester in FA Cup after Buxton win
break, were then hit with five unanswered goals in the second half as Cheltenham took their tally to six for the first time in a competitive fixture since their 6-2 win over Arsenal under 21s in 2018.
Man of the Match Isaac Hutchinson scored two, Jordan Thomas also scored two, while Robbie Cundy and Ethon Archer
defeat, but Cheltenham boss Steve Cotterill praised their performance.
He said: “It was Buxton's day and they had a really good following.
I know at 2-1 up at halftime they might have wanted more out of the game, but we upped it a bit in the second half and we were better.
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