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AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire
Largest ever seizure of illegal tobacco in Gloucestershire
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
County Council’s Trading Standards Service has secured its biggest ever seizure of illegal tobacco – more than 50,000 packets of cigarettes and nearly 500 pouches of hand rolling tobacco.
Idris Amin, aged 32, of Vicarage Road, Gloucester, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Wednesday 20th May 2026 for sentencing, having pleaded guilty to two counts of intentionally evading duty on cigarettes and tobacco which he had in his possession for sale.
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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
Co-Op, Leckhampton Road
Co-Op, Bath Road, Leckhampton
Co-Op, Salisbury Avenue
Cheltenham General Hospital
Cheltenham Spa Train Station
East End Garage, Charlton Kings
Morrisons, Caernarvon Road Up Hatherley
Sainsburys, Gallagher Retail Park
Sainsburys, Priors Road, Oakley
Tesco Superstore, Collets Drive
Tesco, Church Road Bishops Cleeve
We are also at selected other Co-Op stores as well as many 1000s delivered door-to-door on a rotation basis every two weeks.
He was sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment. The judge said that only a custodial sentence was appropriate because of the seriousness of the offences.
Amin operated A2Z Shop in Southgate Street, Gloucester, having secured a lease for it using false identification.
On 18th October 2023, Trading Standards officers found Amin at a nearby flat surrounded by 2,284 packets of cigarettes and 117 pouches of hand rolling tobacco. The tobacco had not had the relevant duty paid on it, it was incorrectly labelled for the UK market and much of it was a counterfeit copy of well-known brands.
The tobacco was found in a food delivery bag and neatly stacked on a shelf. It had been
stored in the flat rather than the shop to avoid detection during trading standards inspections.
Around a month later, Trading Standards officers visited a selfstorage business in Kidderminster and found two storage containers containing illegal tobacco. These containers had been rented by Amin using false identification. Between them, the two containers contained 50,796 packets of cigarettes and 499 pouches of hand rolling tobacco – the largest ever seizure of illegal tobacco by Gloucestershire Trading
Standards. It had also not had the relevant duty paid on it, was incorrectly labelled and much of it was a counterfeit copy of well known brands.
Amin admitted to being the owner of A2Z Shop and to selling illegal tobacco. The tobacco found at the flat and self-storage business were to be sold from Amin's business.
Amin said that the tobacco found in the containers would last for between four and five months.
The total amount of duty evaded by Amin was £429,498.
Car trader sentenced after Trading Standards investigation
A CAR trader has been sentenced following an investigation by Gloucestershire Trading Standards into fraudulent trading practices.
Max Grunfeld, 34, of Coopers Edge, appeared before Gloucester Crown Court on Friday 15th May for sentencing following guilty pleas to offences relating to fraudulent trading, misleading consumers, and producing a false service history booklet.
He was sentenced to a threeyear Community Order, meaning if he fails to meet the conditions set by the court he can be brought back to be sentenced for the original offence. He was ordered to undertake 25 rehabilitation days, 200 hours unpaid work and was disqualified as a director for 10 years.
Grunfeld was also given a criminal behaviour order, meaning he cannot sell, advertise
cars other than his personal vehicle, or work in the car trade.
He must return to court every six weeks to report on his gambling addiction issue, and a timetable was set for a Proceeds of Crime Investigation to be conducted. If he breaches any of the conditions, he can be fined or be re-sentenced.
The court heard that Grunfeld, trading as BMG Autohaus, advertised four vehicles claiming they had full service histories, which were later found to be false.
Two customers were advised by him that the service history documents would follow the sale. These never materialised and on one vehicle, Grunfeld prepared and supplied a false service history booklet.
During the sales process, he made statements such as “one million percent there” and “be rest assured that car’s got full service history”. When a
customer later pressed for the service history, misleading information was provided and a false service history booklet was produced.
Further concerns came to light during an inspection by Gloucestershire Trading Standards, where two additional vehicles were identified as having discrepancies in their service history documentation.
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This case shows how seriously we take any attempts to mislead or deceive customers. People have a right to trust that the information they are given when buying a vehicle is accurate and honest. Our Trading Standards team works hard to protect residents from unfair and fraudulent practices, and we will not hesitate to take action where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing.”
CCTV appeal after assault in Gloucester City centre
POLICE investigating a serious assault in Gloucester have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
Officers were called to Eastgate Street at around 3.40am on Thursday,14th May, following a report a man had assaulted another man by The Cross.
The victim sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.
A forensic examination of the scene has taken place and investigating officers have conducted a number of enquiries since the incident, including a review of CCTV footage.
They have now released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident and are asking for information from the public which could assist the investigation.
Anyone who recognises the man pictured, who was wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, a grey beanie hat and had a bike with him, is urged to get in touch with police.
Information can be provided by contacting police on 101 or by completing the following online form and quoting occurrence: 53260035221: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/t ua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/
Police hunt man following alleged assault in St Paul’s
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Police are appealing for information to help locate a man wanted in connection with an alleged assault in Cheltenham.
Officers are seeking to find 33-year-old Shane Walsh so they can speak to him in relation to an incident involving a man and a woman at a property in the St Paul’s area of the town on Monday, 25th May.
POLICE have released images of two women they would like to identify in connection with an assault which took place at Cheltenham Racecourse.
It was reported that the women, who are believed to be mother and daughter, assaulted a woman in her 20s by pulling a clump of her hair out and hitting her around the head multiple times.
Following the incident, which took place in the women’s toilet at the Evesham Road site at around 1.10pm on Friday 13 March, the women were escorted from the racecourse by security guards.
Investigating officers have completed a number of enquiries since the incident, but are yet to identify those involved, and they are now asking for the public's help.
They would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed what happened or who may be able to help identify the women.
One of the women was described as being in her 50s, with long straight blonde hair just below shoulder length. She was wearing a black and white tweed cape-style coat, a black top, black tights and black knee-length boots. The second woman was described as being in her 20s, with long curly blonde hair. She was wearing a fluffy brown coat and knee-high
Police appeal for help identifying woman as part of assault inquiry
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Police investigating an assault are releasing an image of a woman they need the public’s help to identify.
A woman hit a man in the face at the ASDA service station in Bishop’s Cleeve at around 1am on Monday 27th April.
When the victim tried to call police, the woman took his phone off him and threw it on the floor, causing it to smash.
Officers have carried out a number of enquiries since the incident and are now asking anyone who recognises the woman pictured to get in touch, as they believe she may have
information which could help their inquiry.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police either by phoning 101 or by completing the following online form and quoting occurrence 53260028906: www.gloucestershire.police. uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tellus-about-existing-case-repor t/ Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously by calling independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online: www.crimestoppersuk.org/give-information/for ms/give-informationanonymously
heeled boots.
It is recognised that the images are not the clearest, but anyone who knows who the women are is asked to submit information online by completing the following form quoting occurrence 53260012005: www.gloucestershire.police. uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/acrime-that-has-already-beenreported/
Police said Walsh, of Brooklyn Gardens, is alleged to have entered the property between 1pm and 2pm, where he is alleged to have physically assaulted a woman, causing bruising to her face and arm.
He is also alleged to have assaulted another man with a knife, causing lacerations to his arm.
The man was later treated at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and his injuries are not believed to be serious.
Two other women who are also believed to have been inside the property at the time are not reported to have suffered any injuries.
Officers were called to the incident at around
9.10pm. Police said the property was empty when officers arrived, however the man and the three women have since spoken with police.
Officers are now appealing for information from the public to help locate Walsh.
He is described as white, around 5ft 6in tall, of medium build and with short brown hair. Police believe he may still be in the Cheltenham area.
Women wanted in connection with assault at racecourse News
Anyone who has seen Walsh or has information about his whereabouts is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 53260039420.
If he is present at the time of calling, members of the public are advised not to approach him and instead dial 999.
Information can also be provided online through the Gloucestershire Police website by quoting the same incident number.
A435 Cycleway officially opened News
THE new A435 Cheltenham to Bishop's Cleeve Cycleway has officially opened, with residents invited to celebrate the completion of the long-awaited route at a community event.
The opening celebration took place at Cheltenham Tigers Rugby Club, where visitors were able to walk, wheel or cycle along the new route and find out more about active travel opportunities across Gloucestershire.
The cycleway runs from the Honeybourne Line in Cheltenham along the A435 Evesham Road to the GE roundabout on the southern edge of Bishop's Cleeve. The route has been designed to provide a safer and more accessible option for people travelling between the town and village by bike or on foot.
Information displays, demonstrations and advice
sessions formed part of the opening event, with residents able to try a range of bikes, including e-bikes, adaptive cycles and cargo bikes, as well as receive bicycle maintenance advice.
Gloucestershire County Council said the scheme forms part of wider efforts to encourage more sustainable travel and improve connections for people making everyday journeys
travelling between Cheltenham and Bishop's Cleeve.
He said: “By creating safer, more accessible routes like this, we’re helping to make walking, wheeling and cycling a realistic choice for everyday journeys, as well as supporting healthier lifestyles and more sustainable travel across the county.”
without relying on a car.
Councillor Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and strategic highways, said it was an important improvement for people
The scheme was funded primarily through Government Active Travel funding administered by the Department for Transport, alongside Community Infrastructure Levy funding
and Section 106 developer contributions.
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman welcomed the opening, saying the route would provide people with a safe and attractive alternative for local journeys while helping reduce car dependency.
Residents can find out more about the scheme and active travel initiatives through Gloucestershire County Council. For more information please visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ highways/a435cycleway/
In the dock!
The
following cases have all been heard recently at Cheltenham Magistrates Court:
Harry Regan, 23, of Cotswold House, Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, admitted burgling The Rotunda in Montpellier Street on 23rd March this year and stealing a bottle of vodka worth £38. He caused £300-worth of damage in the process of the burglary. Regan was sentenced to a one-year community order with a sixweek home curfew from 7pm-7am each night. He was also ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work for the community. The magistrates ordered him to pay full compensation of £338 plus costs of £85.
Jade Knight, 36, of Jasper Close, Bishop’s Cleeve, was remanded in custody to await sentence at Gloucester Crown Court on 18 charges of shoplifting from the Coop, one of possessing cocaine and five of breaching a criminal behaviour order. Knight stole more than £1,100 worth of goods from Co-op stores in Bishop’s Cleeve and Cheltenham between early April and May 19th. She kept returning to the stores to steal despite twice being arrested and appearing in court to be sentenced for her offences. At her first appearance she was handed a 20-week suspended jail term. However, she breached that immediately by committing more offences, for which sentence was deferred at her next appearance. Even then she went on offending and at a hearing on May 21st she was committed to the Crown Court for sentence on June 11.
Ben Hammond, 21, of Greenhills Close, Cheltenham, who is charged with making more than 1,500 indecent images of children, was committed for trial at Gloucester Crown Court. He was unconditionally bailed pending his first appearance at the Crown court on June 18th. The charges are that he made 477 Category A images (the most serious), 364 Category B and 672 Category C at Cheltenham on 20th Nov 2023.
Ian Brisland, 39, of Whaddon Road, Cheltenham, was sent for
Crown Court trial on charges of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and three alleged offences of possessing illegal stun guns in Cheltenham on 24th June 2024. He was bailed to make his first appearance at Gloucester Crown Court on 18th June.
James Thompson, 50, of Grove Street, Cheltenham, was conditionally discharged for six months after admitting a common assault on a man in Cheltenham on August 26th last year. He denied a second charge of criminally damaging a police van in Gloucester on the same date but that case was not proceeded with.
Aston Gyde, 24, of Monkscroft, Cheltenham, indicated guilty pleas to two charges of burglary of neighbouring addresses in Hudson Close, Gloucester, on 7th March this year. He stole a £500 electric iscooter from one household and a PlayStation, drill and rucksacks of unknown value from the other. He also admitted possession of cannabis in Cheltenham on 19th April 2025. He was unconditionally bailed till June 12th for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Ibrar Ahmed, 31, of Cumberland Road, Old Walcot, Swindon, was banned from driving for 42 months after he admitted failing to provide a blood sample for analysis to police at the custody suite in Gloucester. He had been stopped for driving a black Volvo in Cudnall Street, Cheltenham, without insurance or a valid licence on 27th March this year and he then failed to provide the specimen after his arrest. Ahmed pleaded guilty to all three offences and as well as the driving ban he was placed on a one-year community order with a requirement to do 80 hours of unpaid work. He must also take part in rehab activities for up to 10 days and pay £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.
Roy Wilce, 49, of Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, pleaded guilty to assaulting a man by
beating him in Tewkesbury Road on 11th November last year. He was placed on a one-year community order with a requirement to do 40 hours of unpaid work and to take part in up to five activity days. He was also ordered to pay his victim £150 compensation as well as costs of £85 and a £114 surcharge.
Jonathan Bullingham, 50, of Tebbit Mews, Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham, admitted driving a Ford Transit van on Andover Road, Cheltenham, on 15th November last year when he had illegal levels of cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his blood. His case was adjourned till 13th July for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. An interim driving ban was imposed on him pending sentence.
Oluwagbenga Akinduro, 36, of Providence Park, Princess Elizabeth Way, pleaded not guilty to failing to provide a blood specimen when under investigation for a possible motoring offence on 14th October 2023. He also denied possession of 1.08grams of cannabis. He was unconditionally bailed to await trial on 4th November 2026.
Andrew Clarke, 58, of Hermitage Street, College South, Cheltenham, denied driving a Renault Trafic without reasonable consideration for other road users in Hatherley Road, Cheltenham, on 28th April 2024. His trial will take place on 6th July.
Anthony Davis, 57, of Arle Road, Cheltenham, who has admitted stealing perfume sets worth £1,071.90 from Boots on the Gallagher Retail Park on 3rd November 2024, did not attend court to be sentenced. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
Sebastian Demel, 40, of Clarence St, Cheltenham, is charged with possessing a pepper spray gun, cocaine and ecstasy in Cheltenham on 20th September 2024. He did not attend the first hearing of his case and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Christian Pop, 39, of Medoc Close, Cheltenham, was banned from driving for 22 months after he admitted driving a Renault Clio on London Road, Gloucester, on 14th Feb this year with excess alcohol on his breath. He gave a breath reading of 86mgs - almost two and a half times the limit. He was fined £369 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £148 surcharge. If he passes an approved driving course within the set time period he will have his ban reduced by 22 weeks.
Tristan Mitchell, 52, of Hartlebury Way, Charlton Kings, is charged with driving a Triumph Tiger 1200 on Old Bath Road, Cheltenham, on 11th April this year with excess alcohol on his breath. His case was adjourned till 2nd July for him to attend and enter his plea to the charge.
Mark Watkins, 27, of Milton Road, Cheltenham, who is charged with causing £20 damage to a custody detention officer’s watch on 12th April 2026, did not attend court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Luke Shaw, 30, of Beauchamp Road, Walton Cardiff, admitted criminally damaging a toilet door at the Royal Hop Pole Hotel, Tewkesbury, on 17th October last year, causing £1,141.34 worth of damage. He was ordered to pay full compensation. The magistrates did not impose any penalty or order him to pay any costs.
David Sartori, 48, of Blenheim House, Evesham Road, Cheltenham, is charged with possessing methylamphetamine (crystal meth) in Cheltenham on 6th October last year. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
Bradley Lear, 35, of Water Street, Dursley, pleaded not guilty to driving a Toyota Aygo on Lansdown Road, Cheltenham, on 15th April this year when he allegedly had 61mcgs of alcohol on his breath. The legal limit is 35mcgs. He was bailed to await trial on 16th November 2026.
Lianne D’Addario, 42, of Stilchester Road, Brockworth, who is charged with stealing quantities of alcohol from two Cheltenham supermarkets, did not attend court and a warrant was issued for her arrest. She is alleged to have stolen £146 worth of alcohol from Waitrose on 4th October last year and another £99 worth of alcohol from Tesco on 9th October.
Rachel Mills, 48, of Tewkesbury Road, Twigworth, admitted driving in Golden Valley, Cheltenham, on 11th April this year with more than double the legal alcohol limit on her breath. She gave a reading of 73mcgs. She was banned from driving for 20 months, fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 surcharge. Her ban will be reduced by 20 weeks if she completes an approved driving course.
Christian Ginn, 28, of Wenlock Road, Tewkesbury, admitted making six Category C indecent images of children and possession of a prohibited image of a child on 7th July 2024. He was sentenced to a two-year community order with 80 hours of unpaid work and 25 activity days. He is also required to register at Hesters Way Police station, Cheltenham, for five years. The court imposed a fiveyear sexual offences prevention order upon him. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.
Desmond Thompson, 51, of Tewkesbury Road, Coombe Hill, admitted assaulting a police constable in the execution of his duty on 1st September last year in Gloucester. He was ordered to pay the officer £100 compensation plus costs of £100.
Jack Faulkner, 33, of Stoke Road, Bishop’s Cleeve, who is charged with driving an Audi A3 while over the drink-drive limit, was bailed to attend a case management hearing on 23rd July. It is alleged
he had 62mcgs of alcohol on his breath when he drove on New Road, Southam, on 19th April this year. The legal limit is 35mcgs.
Caitlin Allen, 21, of Northfield Terrace, Cheltenham, is charged with assaulting two women police workers while they were in the execution of their duty in Gloucester on 19th October last year. Allen did not attend court and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
Aisha Ferris, 21, of Warwick Place, Cheltenham, did not attend court to face a charge of failing to comply with an exclusion order imposed by the police for Gloucester city centre on 15th April this year. A warrant was issued for her arrest. The exclusion zone had been ordered under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Kyle Perkins, 32, of Lapwing Drive, Bishop’s Cleeve, was bailed for a pre-sentence report to be prepared after he admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance. He committed the offences in a Ford Transit van on Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, on 16th Nov last year. The case was adjourned till 19th June.
Bradley Timbrell, 26, of Meadowsweet Road, Shurdington, is charged with driving without insurance in Withybridge Lane, Cheltenham, on 19th April this year and failing to provide a breath specimen when required to do so. He was bailed to attend on 21st July to enter pleas to the charges.
Ashley McNulty, 37, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody to await jury trial on a charge of burgling a house in Derwent Drive, Mitton, nr Tewkesbury, on 15th Feb this year and stealing £13,083 worth of jewellery, clothing, watches and Pokemon cards. He will next appear for a case management hearing before Gloucester Crown Court on 19th June.
New Mayor of Cheltenham inaugurated at Town Hall
Councillor Martin Horwood has been sworn in as the new Mayor of Cheltenham during a celebration at Cheltenham Town Hall that also honoured community champions, charity fundraisers and Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill
CHELTENHAM welcomed a new civic year as the annual mayor-making ceremony took place at Cheltenham Town Hall recently.
Councillor Martin Horwood was officially inaugurated as Mayor of Cheltenham, succeeding Dr David Willingham.
Councillor Mike Collins was appointed deputy mayor.
The mayor chairs Cheltenham Borough Council and represents the town at civic, business and charity events throughout the year. Councillor Horwood has chosen three charities to support during his term: Art for All Mental Health, Young Gloucestershire and ITSA Digital Trust.
A packed town hall audience enjoyed performances from Indian classical dancer Gyatiri Gauri Shankar, poet Chloë Jacquet, who appeared at this year’s Cheltenham Poetry Festival, dancers from Corraine Collins Dance Studios and singer Jess Abiona, winner of the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts Young Performer 2025 award.
councillors. I want to be a mayor for all communities in Cheltenham and support the fantastic work carried out by my chosen charities, particularly in helping young people, mental wellbeing and digital inclusion. I’m looking forward to meeting residents, community groups and businesses over the coming year.”
Speaking during the ceremony, which also marked 150 years of Cheltenham’s mayoralty, Councillor Horwood reflected on the town’s civic history and paid tribute to former mayors including Baron de Ferrières, founder of Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, and former mayor and MP Daniel Lipson, who also served as president of Cheltenham Synagogue.
Councillor Martin Horwood said: “It is the honour of my life to have been elected mayor of my home town by my fellow
Outgoing mayor Dr David Willingham announced that £6,000 had been raised during his term for his chosen charities: Men in Sheds, Sea Cadets and The Rock.
Dr Willingham said: “It has been a privilege to serve as mayor and to see first-hand the dedication of residents, volunteers and community groups across Cheltenham. I would like to thank everyone who supported the fundraising efforts over the past year.”
The ceremony also saw three people awarded the title of Honorary Freeman, the highest civic honour the council can bestow.
Dave Bath received the award for decades of voluntary service in
Cheltenham, including his support for Cheltenham Saracens Football Club, community food projects during the pandemic and seasonal charity appeals for local families.
Clare Seed was recognised for her work with Public Hearts CIC, helping establish a network of more than 116 publicly accessible defibrillators across Cheltenham.
Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill was honoured for his contribution to the football club across two spells in charge, including leading the Robins to promotion to the Football League and rebuilding links with supporters following his return in 2025.
Council leader Councillor Rowena Hay said: “These awards reflect the very best of Cheltenham. Through community service, sport and charity work, all of the recipients have made a lasting contribution to the town.”
The evening also included the presentation of the 2026 Medal of Honour to Leigh Norwood for his services to the Cheltenham Samaritans.
Max Wilkinson MP
THE town centre is so important to the future of Cheltenham. As many other places have suffered widespread long-term shop closures, we’ve largely beaten the trend. It’s a testament to our town that the shop vacancy rate remains below the national average. We’ve done so despite having a large retail area. That said, we need to remain vigilant and be wary of what might come next.
Trump’s war in Iran and some bad decisions on tax by the Government have placed the town centre further at risk. There are ongoing changes in consumer behaviour and economic headwinds.
Rising energy and supply chain costs will inevitably filter down, dealing a damaging blow to the retail and hospitality sector.
While we in Cheltenham can’t prevent those bigger picture problems, we can take some steps locally to support our town centre.
That’s why I’ve made focusing on the town centre a key campaign since I was elected and why I’ve been calling on both councils (county and borough) to up their game.
We can have no repeat of the slapdash and expensive tarmac job at The Strand which the previous county council Conservative administration left us. And as I’ve said for some time, we need to ensure that we tackle empty premises.
It’s because of those issues that I have asked the borough council’s leadership to introduce a new policy: High Street
Rental Auctions. This would give the local authority the power to force an auction of any property left long-term empty by landlords. The policy gets local entrepreneurs, independent shops, and community groups into those spaces instead of leaving them vacant. In some cases, it can prompt property owners to convert the spaces into much-needed homes on brownfield sites too.
This policy was a recommendation of a report I worked on a few years ago with the borough council. It helped set a course for a future with a more proactive approach to our High Street and town centre. Now is the time for the council to take the next step and act – giving us a safety net in the event that we see shop closures when Trumpflation and the Government’s poor economic decisions really kick in.
There will inevitably be more to do, including reforming business rates. I remain fully behind the goal to completely abolish this counterproductive tax and replace it with a fairer system that levels the playing field with online giants. We need to look at getting some other local things right too – like urban design and heritage (there’s scope to improve the former and protect the latter). But for now, it’s over to the borough council to introduce High Street Rental Auctions. There’s no time to waste.
HONOURED: Steve Cotterill with Paul Baker.
Labour Party
NET migration is falling. Why do so many not believe it?
Immigration provokes strong views, and public perceptions do not always keep pace with the facts. Under this Labour government, net migration has fallen sharply. Yet the commonly held view is still to think it is going up.
The latest Office for National Statistics figures show a striking reduction, with net migration down to 171,000 in the year ending December 2025 - almost half the level of a year earlier and down by more than threequarters from its 2023 peak of over 900,000. Current forecasts even suggest it could fall below 100,000 by the end of 2026. But that plunge has not shifted public understanding.
Research from British Future found that only around onein-six people think migration decreased last year; around half actually think it increased, and a little over half expect it to rise again next year.
The same research suggests that the public has a false view of the make-up of immigration: asylum accounts for less than one tenth of all immigration, while the public estimate is that it is around a third. Similarly, the number of overseas students studying in the UK is estimated to be around one quarter of all immigrants, when in fact it is double that, at just over one half.
So if migration has fallen this far, why doesn’t public opinion reflect that? The simplest answer is that the debate has not caught up with reality.
Politics and media have helped perpetuate an inaccurate view; pictures of people arriving on small boats capture public attention far more readily than a
TODAY, dear reader, I found an interview with Kemi Badenoch on Facebook. In that interview, she claimed that she found it easy to identify British culture because she had also lived in the US and Nigeria. So I waited with some interest to hear what she had identified. After quite a lot of waffle, she said British people judge you more on your character than your appearance compared with many other
Julie Farmer
headline story that immigration figures are on a dramatic decline. And when people are struggling with the pressure on housing, public services or jobs, they do not neatly separate those strains from the immigration debate.
Voters do not read migration statistics dispassionately. They read them through their own views, experiences and political instincts. British Future’s polling suggests that people who already hold sceptical views on immigration are far more likely to believe numbers are still rising, whatever the official data says.
The Government is committed to further reductions in the numbers, but there is still a compelling case for well-managed immigration that provides an overall benefit to the country; a benefit that can be clearly communicated as creating gains rather than losses.
Many employers say they cannot fill enough roles from the domestic workforce alone, which is why sectors such as social care continue to argue for more migration, not less. So a well-informed debate must continue. What kinds of migration does Britain need? What level is sustainable?
As citizens in a democratic country, in the age of social media and AI-generated misinformation, it falls to all of us to do whatever we can to seek out the truth on this critical issue, and not be swayed by easy propaganda.
Cheltenham celebrates 11 years of prestigious Purple Flag award
CHELTENHAM has successfully retained its Purple Flag award for the 11th consecutive year.
The nationally recognised Purple Flag award is given to towns and cities that have an appealing, safe and welcoming evening and night-time economy (ENTE).
Like the Blue Flag for beaches, the Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between 5pm and 5am.
The annual award, made by the national Association of Town & City Management, assesses qualities, underpinned by clear evidence, of safety, diversity, vibrancy, accessibility, cleanliness and partnership working, and it gives positive reassurance to those people planning a night out in the town.
Key successes in Cheltenham’s submission include:
l The strong branding as the 'Festival Town' supported by
Reform UK
Matt Podmore, Reform UK Cheltenham Chair
countries. End of interview.
I have to say I was disappointed with such a weak answer. British culture boils down to that one thing?
I think this is the problem, and it is not unique to Kemi. I must stress this has nothing to do with her upbringing or heritage. I suspect many politicians on both front benches would struggle with the same question. You would probably get answers such as “tolerance”, “diversity”, something about adopting different cuisines and
“multiculturalism”. Most high-level politicians are so removed from everyday life they really could be anywhere, whereas most ordinary people are very much from somewhere. Take Andy Burnham. He is viewed in Westminster as being simply “from the North”, therefore assumed to be popular everywhere across it. But that ignores the deep rivalries between towns, cities and regions across the North of England, where “Manchesterism”, whatever that
a diverse events programme that attracts a wide range of audiences;
l Cheltenham BID securing a new five-year term;
l National accreditation for the local Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP);
l The delivery of a proactive ENTE strategy supported by strong partnerships.
Initiatives such as venue briefings, the development of a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)/Night Charter, and the Nightcare Hub further demonstrate Cheltenham’s commitment to safety and support after dark.
Councillor Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “We’re proud to have held Purple Flag status for 11 years running. It’s a great reflection of the work that goes into making Cheltenham such a welcoming place to enjoy in the evening.
“There’s so much on offer in the town, from food and drink to culture and events, and it’s
actually means, is not always welcomed as the panacea Labour assumes. Consequently, Andy may yet come a cropper politically.
But back to British culture. I criticised Kemi’s answer, so let me tell you what I think British culture is: a dry but ready sense of humour, stoicism in the face of danger, resilience, being unimpressed by airs and graces while still loving the Monarchy, loving animals, often more than humans, and being highly inventive and creative. We are sarcastic, witty, acerbic and reserved until after a drink or two. We are peaceful and lawabiding for the most part, we like order, particularly queues, and we cannot abide queue jumpers.
important to us that people feel safe while they’re here.
“This recognition is down to the strong partnerships we’ve built across the town - from local businesses and Cheltenham BID to Cheltenham Safe and our volunteers - all working together to create a positive experience for everyone.”
Francesca Inman, chief executive at Cheltenham BID, said: “Retaining Purple Flag status for 11 years is a fantastic achievement for Cheltenham and reflects the strong partnership working across the town. This continues to offer a vibrant and varied evening and nighttime economy in Cheltenham, which supports local businesses, hospitality and cultural venues throughout the year.
“This recognition demonstrates the commitment across the town to maintaining high standards of safety, cleanliness and visitor experience, and we’re proud to support initiatives that help ensure Cheltenham remains
And we have a very welldeveloped sense of fairness. That last one is perhaps our defining quality. It is why issues perceived as unfair can provoke strong reactions, whether that is benefits rising while working people struggle, concerns about sentencing disparities, or debates around asylum seekers being housed while many local people remain on waiting lists. British people will accept a lot, but not what they see as repeated and obvious unfairness.
I do agree with Kemi on one point though. I think we do judge character more than appearance compared with many other countries, because, to most British people, that simply feels like the fair thing to do.
an inclusive and enjoyable place to spend time after dark."
Inspector Steve Benbow from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “It is great that the continued hard work of partner agencies across Cheltenham has yet again been recognised.
“We will continue to work alongside our partner agencies to ensure that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time during the night-time economy.
“My team regularly patrol in the town centre and where unacceptable behaviour towards women is identified, we will respond appropriately, as tackling male violence and intimidation against women and girls is a priority.”
Find out more about Cheltenham’s Purple Flag status and night-time economy.
www.cheltenham.gov.uk/com munities-andleisure/community-safety/our -town-at-night-purple-flagstatus/
Staying with the Conservative theme, I also read the column by Cheltenham Conservative Party chairman Rob Garnham, who seemed to suggest the Conservatives were the growing party in Cheltenham. I would politely point out that the Conservatives came fourth overall in the recent elections, behind the Greens. Reform came second overall and won a seat, while the Conservatives did not win a single seat.
I am afraid chasing vote share at the expense of seats seems a strange strategy to me, although I wish the Conservatives well while also wondering what the point is of voting for them in Cheltenham.
Albie’s Shard climb triples target sum
Six-year-old Albie Lavallee has raised more than £1,500 for autism awareness after climbing the equivalent height of The Shard three times at his local climbing centre, earning a special invitation to visit the London landmark
YOUNG fundraiser Albie
Lavallee and his family have been invited for a rare private visit to The Shard by two of its occupiers, after the six-year-old climbed the equivalent height of the London landmark three times to raise money and awareness for autism.
Albie, from Charlton Kings in Cheltenham, is autistic and has a speech delay. During Autism Awareness Month in April, he took on the challenge at his local climbing facility, 270 Climbing in Gloucestershire, repeatedly scaling the wall to match the 310-metre height of The Shard, the UK’s tallest skyscraper.
The challenge was inspired by Albie’s love of climbing, which his mum Corrie described as his “happy place”, saying it gives him confidence and allows him to be himself.
Starting with a target of just eight climbs per session, Albie quickly surpassed expectations, typically climbing 10 to 12 walls each time he went. Over the course of the month, he completed a total of 930 metres, the same as scaling The Shard three times. He originally aimed to raise £500 for the National Autistic Society but has already surpassed £1,500 in donations.
In recognition of his achievement, The View from
The Shard invited Albie and his family, including his mum, dad and one-year-old brother, for a rare private experience at one of London’s most recognisable landmarks. The visit included exclusive access to the viewing platform, which offers panoramic views stretching up to 40 miles across the capital and beyond.
Albie was also treated to the Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard on Level 31, featuring a menu inspired by J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, including the Lost Boy Sandwich, Neverland Lagoon confit salmon and Tinkerbell’s Tart, a cookie dough and raspberry tartlet.
Albie’s mum, Corrie, said: “We wanted to raise awareness of autism in a way that means a lot to us and Albie, and the height of The Shard felt like the perfect challenge. Albie was thrilled when he found out he had been invited to visit, especially when he realised he would not actually have to climb it himself. Climbing is his happy place. It gives him confidence, joy and a real sense of achievement. We are so proud of what he has achieved.”
As a lasting memento, The Shard presented Albie with a commemorative coin to mark his achievement and special day.
Dan Fulbrook of Real Estate Management (UK) Limited
Conservative Party
Rob Garnham - Cheltenham Chairman
SOMETIMES in politics
you do get too big for your boots, even at local level, but the public soon bring you back down to earth. I once received a letter addressed to Mr Rob Garnham, Cheltenham Borough Councillor, Gloucestershire County Councillor, Chair of Gloucestershire Police Authority… and as I continued reading with pride it ended with, and I quote in full… “Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cheltenham 2001 (FAILED)”. Me being reminded not to overfill those boots!
Is Andy Burnham getting too big for his boots I wonder? If he wins Makerfield, and only if he wins, he’ll have to resign as Manchester’s Mayor and trigger a Mayoral by-election – at an estimated cost of £4.7million. Does Mr B think he’s of sufficient worth to burden Mancunians with such a high bill, just so he can try and fulfil his personal ambitions and become Prime Minister? Labour’s game playing doesn’t come cheap, does it?
Back when I was a Councillor, I always had one belief when making decisions, especially financial ones, as follows:
“am I making this decision for my benefit, for my party’s benefit or for the benefit of the public?”
said: “The Shard is proud to celebrate extraordinary stories like Albie’s. His determination, resilience and fundraising success have been remarkable, and we were delighted to welcome him and his family for this special visit.”
councillors postpone decisions about investing in much-needed water infrastructure whilst they debate their wish to start meetings with the Lord’s Prayer and end with the National Anthem, as in Kent; or when they decide that school bus fares will be increased by 20%, as in North Northamptonshire; or when they consult on closing five Council care homes, as in Lancashire; I do wonder who Reform are actually serving?
The right decision was always the last one.
Everything a politician does should always be for the benefit, and in the service, of the public.
So when Reform
A personal plea Having personally joined ships in the Persian Gulf and passed through the Straits of Hormuz numerous times, I think of the thousands of poor seafarers who have been stuck in those waters since February. President Trump says he controls the Straits, but is he the only person in the world who can’t see that it is Iran still in control? Whilst the news focuses on the war and on trade, please spare a thought for those seafarers stuck on ships that have come under attack, are in unbearable temperatures with supplies running out, and all they want to do is get home to their families. Another unintended consequence of Donald’s doings.
YOUNG FUNDRAISER: Albie Lavelle on his visit to the Shard in London.
Albie with his parents, Corrie and Zach, and his brother, Casey.
Council Corner
AS we begin a new civic year, I want first to thank those councillors who have stepped down for their service, and to congratulate those newly elected or returning Councillors. Public service matters, often in ways that go unseen, and our town is stronger because people are willing to step forward.
I have now appointed my deputy leader and cabinet portfolios, with a small number of changes to reflect new responsibilities. But while teams and titles matter, what matters most is the purpose behind them: to serve residents well. At a time when national politics feels chaotic and local government reorganisation risks becoming yet another Whitehall distraction, my priority remains simple. I will continue to act in the best interests of Cheltenham, focusing on decent public services, safer communities, and a council that is practical, open and rooted in local needs.
Recently, I was lucky enough to join council colleagues at CYBERUK which is the government’s flagship cyber security conference and hosted at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in Glasgow. As the nation’s premier summit for digital resilience, it brings together the global cyber community to learn, collaborate and showcase emerging technology as well as addressing pressing national security threats. I learned a lot from world-leading experts in their fields and in turn, promoted Cheltenham as a cyber-hub amidst fast growing interest in our Golden Valley development.
And this is why our visit to CYBERUK mattered. Bringing together more than 2,500 experts from government, industry and academia, with over 100 speakers and 150 sponsors and exhibitors. For Cheltenham, the significance is clear, as our conversations changed from making people aware of Golden Valley to actually laying out how much space some of our interested and globally significant partners will require on site.
As a Liberal Democrat leader,
WELL, the results are in following the last elections for Cheltenham Borough Council. We could not be more grateful for your support. We stood candidates in all 20 wards for the first time,
Rowena Hay Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council
I have always said that success cannot be measured only in investment figures or national prestige. Golden Valley will succeed only if local people feel the benefit in their daily lives: better jobs, stronger skills and training, more affordable homes, greener spaces, improved transport, and real opportunity for young people and families. We must make sure innovation works for the whole community, not just a well-connected few.
This development - which I once heard described as a ‘vanity project’ - has the potential to create up to 12,000 jobs, deliver around 2,500 homes, support a new primary school and community infrastructure, and strengthen our position at the forefront of cyber innovation.
Cheltenham has a proud relationship with GCHQ and, in the development of Golden Valley, a real chance to shape the future. My job is to make sure that our future is fairer, more inclusive and firmly grounded in the everyday priorities of the people we serve.
I laid out my hopes and aspirations in a speech to delegates in Glasgow and made it clear that Golden Valley is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Cheltenham and the wider south-west – but only if we do it right. We share a commitment with partners in government, industry and education to ensure that this development brings opportunities for everyone. Very far from a ‘vanity project’ in my humble opinion.
Hot weather warning for dog owners
DOG owners are being urged to take extra care in hot weather after temperatures over the recent Bank Holiday weekend reached 34 degrees Celsius in some areas, with vets warning that some owners were still seen walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is advising owners to stick to early morning and late evening walks and avoid exercising dogs when temperatures peak, to reduce the risk of heatstroke and other potentially fatal heat-related illnesses.
Each summer, vets across the country see large numbers of cases involving dogs requiring treatment for heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties, with some animals sadly unable to be saved.
Unlike humans, dogs struggle to regulate their body temperature in hot and humid conditions because they are unable to sweat effectively. Instead, they rely mainly on panting to cool down, making them particularly vulnerable to overheating. Even a short walk in high temperatures or being left in a car for just a few minutes can prove fatal.
Flat-faced breeds such as English bulldogs and pugs are at greater risk due to breathing difficulties linked to their shorter airways. Overweight, elderly and thick-coated dogs are also more vulnerable.
British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said: “While many of us will be enjoying warmer weather, our pets need extra care to stay safe from heatstroke and other heatrelated illnesses.
“Make sure all pets have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from
Green Party
and the people of Cheltenham responded. Our overall vote share rose to 19%, up three and a half points on 2024, making us joint second across the borough. We came second in five wards. And in the two seats we were defending we increased our majorities. In Prestbury, Jan Foster nearly doubled her vote share from 21% to 41%,
taking 993 votes and beating the Liberal Democrats into fourth place. In St Paul’s, we secured half of every vote cast, 50%, winning with a majority of 349. I know Jan and I are so deeply appreciative of our communities placing their trust in the Greens to continue representing them. We will not let you down. Across the rest of the
direct sunlight at all times. When walking or exercising dogs, avoid the heat of the day and stick to early morning or late evening walks only. Never leave dogs inside a car, caravan or conservatory, even for a short time.
“It is important to recognise the early signs of heatstroke, as quick action could save your pet’s life. In dogs, these signs include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.
“If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool, wellventilated place, offer small amounts of cold water if possible, and pour cool water over their body to help bring their temperature down, before contacting your vet.”
A BVA Voice of the Veterinary
borough, the old political map is shifting. The Conservatives failed to win a single seat for the second election running. In ward after ward, Reform drew overwhelmingly from the traditional Tory vote. That matters for every resident who has ever been told they must vote tactically to keep the Conservatives out. Look at the numbers: the Tories are already out. That argument is over. You can vote for what you actually believe in, and increasingly, Cheltenham is doing exactly that.
Profession survey during the 2022 heatwave found that 51 percent of UK vets saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related illness. Dogs were the most commonly affected animals, reported by 51 percent of small animal vets, followed by rabbits at nine percent and cats at six percent.
The BVA has issued five key safety tips for pet owners during hot weather:
1. Make sure pets always have access to fresh water, ventilation and shade, and provide cooling aids such as mats or fans indoors.
2. Avoid exercising dogs in the hottest parts of the day, particularly older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds, or those with heart or lung conditions, and stick to
To every voter who put their cross next to a Green candidate, whether in a ward we won or one where we are still building: thank you. Your support is not taken for granted. It will be repaid with hard work, honest representation, and a refusal to treat local government as a rubber stamp. And to the Green members and volunteers who pounded the streets through rain and shine, who knocked on doors and had real conversations about the things that matter to real people in this town:
early morning or late evening walks.
3. Carry out the five-second tarmac test before walking dogs by placing your hand on the ground for five seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for their paws.
4. Never leave dogs in vehicles. If a dog is seen in distress inside a hot car, call 999.
5. Watch for early signs of heatstroke, including heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, disorientation, and changes in gum colour. If suspected, move the dog to a cool place, offer small amounts of water, cool them with water, and seek urgent veterinary advice. For further information on keeping animals safe in hot weather, visit the British Veterinary Association website.
you campaigned for what you believed in, and it showed.
Both locally and nationally, the Greens are offering something the established parties cannot: a genuine alternative that puts people first. After too many years of being told there is no other way, residents across Cheltenham are proving otherwise.
We are just getting started. We will keep showing up, keep listening, and keep delivering for the people who put their faith in us.
Ashleigh Davies
Historic law firm opens new Cheltenham office
Brethertons LLP has expanded into Cheltenham with the opening of a new Montpellier office, bringing a range of legal services to clients across Gloucestershire
A LAW firm with roots stretching back more than 200 years has expanded into Cheltenham with the opening of a new office in Montpellier.
Brethertons LLP says the move forms part of its continued regional growth strategy and will strengthen access to legal services across Gloucestershire.
The new Cheltenham office follows the recent opening of the firm’s Bloxham location and brings Brethertons’ total number of permanent offices to four across Rugby, Bicester, Bloxham, and Cheltenham.
The expansion marks the latest milestone in the firm’s long history and reflects continued investment in both its client services and regional presence across Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, and Gloucestershire.
The Cheltenham office will provide clients with access to a range of legal services,
including wills, trusts and estate planning, Court of Protection work, family law, divorce and finance, lifechanging injury claims, and property services, including residential conveyancing.
Operating on an appointment-only basis, the new office supports the firm’s client-focused approach by providing a professional and discreet environment for clients.
Alongside its regional growth, Brethertons has also continued investing in its staff, with a number of recent internal promotions to partner level across the business as part of its longer-term strategy.
Alison McCormack, CEO of Brethertons, said: “Our new offices allow us to meet clients where they are, in environments that reflect who we are as a firm: approachable, professional, and client-focused. It’s an exciting step forward for both
our teams and the local communities we’re proud to support.”
Linda Jones, Director of Legal Services, who has been with the firm for more than 37 years, added: “We may be new to Cheltenham, but supporting clients with their legal needs is something Brethertons has done for generations. We’re delighted to bring that experience and personal approach to the Gloucestershire community.”
Ahead of the office launch, the firm also sponsored the Cheltenham Literary Festival, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the local community and wider cultural initiatives across the region.
Founded in 1810, Brethertons has grown from its Warwickshire roots into a nationally recognised law firm, and was recently named one of The Times’ Best Law Firms for the second consecutive year.
New swimming and water-safety programme for Cheltenham
children backed by Sport England
CHELTENHAM charity Seren's Wish has secured new funding from Sport England’s Movement Fund to launch a swimming and water safety programme designed to protect and support children across the town and wider Gloucestershire.
Seren’s Wish Charity will use the funding to start its Waves of Wellbeing programme, offering fully funded swimming lessons and confidence building support for children who may otherwise miss out due to financial hardship, anxiety, or limited access to safe swimming opportunities.
The announcement comes at a time when the country has seen several tragic open water deaths during the recent heatwave, prompting renewed calls for improved water safety education for young people. Strategy, Programme &
Finance Lead at Seren’s Wish Charity, Patrick, said the funding could not have come at a more important moment.
“Our hearts go out to the families affected by these recent tragedies. Swimming isn’t just a sport - it’s a life skill. This funding means we can help more children learn how to stay safe, confident and supported in the water, regardless of their circumstances.”
The programme will be delivered in partnership with HH Dolphin Swim School, a long established local provider known for its supportive, child centred approach.
A spokesperson for HH Dolphin Swim School said: “We’re proud to work with Seren’s Wish to give children a safe, encouraging space to learn vital swimming skills. This funding will make a real
difference to local families.”
What the programme will offer:
l Fully funded swimming lessons for families facing financial hardship;
l Support for children experiencing anxiety or low confidence;
l Water safety education for parents and carers;
l Pathways into wider wellbeing and physical activity programmes.
Seren’s Wish Charity supports children and families experiencing hardship across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire, providing practical help, wellbeing support, and opportunities that help young people thrive.
For more information, contact Seren’s Wish Charity on 01242 346014 or email admin@serenswish.co.uk.
PROUD: Brethertons CEO Alison McCormack.
Winners making an Impact in Gloucestershire
IT is one of the great privileges of this Office to celebrate our Impact Award winners, and this year is no exception. These are individuals and teams whose commitment, compassion and skill go above and beyond the call of duty. All of them make a tangible difference to people’s lives across Gloucestershire. These annual awards give us a moment to pause and say thank you.
The fact that not all of them wish to be named in this article, I think, demonstrates their selflessness, but it does make writing it a little more challenging!
Protecting and supporting victims sits at the heart of my role as Police and Crime Commissioner, which is why the Victim and Victim Services Award is so richly deserved. This went to a woman working within a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) who was recognised for her dedication
By Chris Nelson Police & Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire
to safeguarding victims of domestic abuse. Her calm leadership under pressure and ability to bring agencies together has made a real difference for some of our most vulnerable residents. Her willingness to intervene and think differently has helped keep people safe, while her care for colleagues and commitment to welfare shows leadership in its truest sense.
Prevention is just as vital as response. SkillZONE’s StreetWIZE programme, recognised through the Crime Prevention and Innovation Award, I believe is a powerful example of education saving lives. By tackling knife crime, exploitation and anti-social behaviour head on, the provision gives young people the tools to make safer choices. Their willingness to go where and when they are needed most
is genuinely transformative. I am also pleased to recognise Gloucestershire County Council for its leadership in tackling men’s violence against women and girls. Becoming the county’s first White Ribbon accredited organisation shows real commitment to changing culture, engaging men and boys, and using influence beyond statutory duties to drive lasting change.
The Solace Team’s work in preventing anti-social behaviour demonstrates what partnership and persistence can achieve. Resolving hundreds of highrisk cases, supporting frontline officers and earning national recognition, the team continues to act as a vital safety net for communities.
Trust and confidence remain fundamental to policing. Two officers
exemplified this through compassion, professionalism and determination. The two award-winning Officers have worked to rebuild confidence in how public feedback is handled and by standing alongside a victim through a complex and harrowing investigation. Finally, our Community
Views sought on plans to make Cheltenham’s roads safer
GLOUCESTERSHIRE County
Council is asking people to have their say on proposals to improve road safety and support healthier communities in Cheltenham.
The plans form part of the council’s Safer Roads and Community 20s programme and cover Cheltenham and surrounding areas, including Swindon Village, Leckhampton with Warden Hill, Prestbury, Charlton Kings and Up Hatherley.
The proposals focus on reducing vehicle speeds in areas where people are most at risk, based on local insight and detailed evidence.
Many residential streets could become 20mph, particularly where people live, shop and travel locally, while some key routes would see changes to improve safety while keeping traffic moving. In places where current speeds, road collisions and other factors suggest that the existing speed limit is appropriate, then there will be no changes to the speed restriction.
easier and safer for people to walk and cycle. They are also expected to support better public health and create a more attractive and welcoming town.
Over the past five years, there have
views, please see: www.haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.e ngagementhq.com/cheltenham-speedand-road-safety-improvements
The engagement period will close at midnight on Friday 19th June.
The scheme is being brought forward alongside a separate Cheltenham Town Centre Road Safety Scheme. This includes improvements at eight key junctions, such as upgraded pedestrian crossings, changes to junction layouts and measures to support safer cycling. Together, the proposals aim to reduce the likelihood and severity of road traffic collisions, while making it
been 790 road casualties in and around Cheltenham, with 25 per cent resulting in death or serious injury. Most collisions happened on roads where people live and carry out everyday journeys, highlighting the need for safer speeds in these areas.
People can view the proposals and share their feedback using an interactive map and online survey. For more information and to share your
Local events and an online webinar will also be held to give residents the chance to speak directly with the project team.
An in-person pop-up event will be held at Montpellier Gardens, Montpellier Spa Road, Cheltenham GL50 1UL, Wednesday 10th June, 10-6pm, and an online webinar will be held on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 9th June, 67.30pm. Register online. If there is community support, a formal consultation on traffic orders is expected to take place in autumn 2026.
Councillor Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Keeping people safe on our roads is one of our top priorities. “These proposals are about reducing speeds where it matters most, helping to prevent serious injuries and saving lives.
“We want to hear from residents, businesses and communities so we can shape plans that reflect local needs. By working together, we can create safer streets that support healthier, more active lifestyles and make Cheltenham an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Champion winners remind us that policing is strongest when rooted in communities.
The first works relentlessly to reach out to our diverse communities, understand their differences and build long-term relationships between them and the police. And the second is a volunteer for the community
Speedwatch ANPR camera. He volunteers many with commitment and humility. These winners frequently all that were nominated, reflect the values we strive for across Gloucestershire. I am incredibly proud of them, and grateful for the difference they continue to make.
Dental team steps out for mouth cancer charity
A CHELTENHAM dental practice is stepping out in support of mouth cancer awareness with a fundraising walk in aid of a charity close to the team’s hearts.
NUYU Dental and Aesthetics, based in Winchcombe Street, is organising a 5k walk to raise both awareness and money for the Mouth Cancer Foundation, which supports people affected by mouth, throat and head and neck cancers.
The practice hopes to raise £3,637, representing the number of lives lost to mouth cancer in the UK.
The Mouth Cancer Foundation provides support and information for patients, families, friends and carers, while also promoting awareness campaigns and fundraising initiatives including the annual Mouth Cancer 10KM Awareness Walk.
Staff at NUYU Dental and Aesthetics say the cause is especially personal to the practice, as the President of the Mouth Cancer Foundation, Jocelyn Harding, is both a
colleague and close friend.
A spokesperson for the practice said: “As a practice we care deeply about oral health.
“The Mouth Cancer Foundation does incredible work supporting those suffering from or at risk of mouth cancer, throat cancer and other head and neck cancers, while also helping families and carers navigate the challenges that come with diagnosis and treatment.
“This charity is very close to our hearts, not only because of the important work it does, but because the President of the foundation, Jocelyn Harding, is one of our wonderful colleagues and friends.
“We are planning to do a 5k walk together to help raise awareness and funds so the charity can continue providing vital support to people affected by head and neck cancer.”
The practice is also encouraging people to support the charity through fundraising, awareness campaigns and selfexamination initiatives designed to help improve early detection.
Gardening
Gardening jobs for June Gardening jobs for June
By Mark Hopkins
JUNE is one of the most rewarding months in the garden.
The sun is finally making a regular appearance, borders are full of colour and after a long spring the garden is starting to feel alive. With the warmer weather arriving across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire, now is the perfect time to enjoy the hard work already put in earlier in the year while keeping on top of a few important jobs.
The vegetable garden should now be producing some of the first harvests of the season. New potatoes, lettuce, radish and salad crops are all beginning to appear and there’s nothing better than using fresh homegrown produce straight from the garden. Keep succession sowing salads little and often to maintain a steady supply through the summer months.
As the temperatures rise, watering becomes more important. Containers, baskets and pots dry out quickly during
warm spells and can easily become stressed if neglected.
Watering early in the morning or later in the evening gives plants the best chance to absorb moisture before the heat of the day arrives. Newly planted bedding plants and vegetables will especially benefit from regular watering. If you haven’t already got one installed, now is still a good time to add a water butt to the garden. Collecting rainwater is both environmentally friendly and cost effective, particularly during long dry periods when mains water usage increases. Plants often prefer rainwater
too, especially acid loving varieties.
Lawns will begin growing quickly this month thanks to a mixture of sunshine and occasional showers. Regular mowing will keep them looking neat, but avoid cutting too short during hot weather as this can scorch the grass. Raising the mower blades slightly during dry spells will help keep lawns healthier and greener for longer. Keeping on top of weeds is another important June task. A little time spent each week can prevent larger problems later in the summer. Paths, patios and gravel areas can quickly
become overrun if left untreated. A simple homemade weed solution using equal parts vinegar, salt and washing up liquid can be effective on stubborn weeds, alternatively there are plenty of weed killers available in garden centres. Care should always be taken not to spray nearby flowers or plants as it will damage most greenery it touches.
June is also the ideal time to plant summer bedding. Garden centres are full of colour at this time of year and adding annuals into borders, beds, containers and hanging baskets can instantly brighten the garden.
Geraniums, petunias, begonias and marigolds all perform particularly well through the warmer months and provide long lasting displays right through to autumn with regular deadheading and feeding.
Perennials will also need a little attention this month. Taller plants such as hollyhocks, lupins, sunflowers and delphiniums should be staked and tied before strong winds or heavy rain flatten them.
Supporting plants early helps keep borders tidy and prevents stems snapping later in the season. Cutting back early flowering perennials after blooming can also encourage fresh growth and sometimes
even a second flush of flowers later in the summer.
Greenhouses and covered growing areas will need ventilation during hotter days. Opening vents and doors improves airflow and helps prevent plants from overheating. Shading can also help protect delicate plants from intense afternoon sun.
Most importantly, June is a month to spend time enjoying the garden. Whether it’s sitting outside with a cup of tea, harvesting fresh vegetables or simply admiring the colour now filling the borders, this is when gardens really begin to reward the effort put into them earlier in the year.
Animal Shelter Being there, at the start
By Katie Bevan
EVERY pet who arrives at Cheltenham Animal Shelter begins a journey towards a new life.
When some come to us they need medical care to improve the quality of their life, whilst others require treatment because of illness or injury. Whatever their needs, we are proud to be the first step on their journey towards a happier future.
Three-year-old Dior was signed over to the Shelter as her previous owner could no longer provide her with the care she needed. When Dior was examined by our vets, she was diagnosed with a condition called BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) and required surgery costing over £3,000 to improve her breathing. Bull breeds like Dior often have narrow nostrils and nasal passages, and a narrow windpipe which restricts their airflow and makes it difficult for them to breathe.
Niamh and Aoife, two beautiful adult cats, came to the Shelter after a neighbour alerted us that they had been abandoned in a property. When they arrived, they were both pregnant and each gave birth to four kittens at the Shelter.
Both cats had an upset stomach while they were settling into the Shelter, so we sent off faecal samples for testing. The results came back positive for Giardia, a parasitic infection, which required a 15-day course of Panacur worming liquid, given on and off, to successfully treat it.
Niamh’s kittens also
became quite unwell, and we needed to send another sample off to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Thankfully, their health has been improving, and they all now appear to be on the road to recovery.
Please help us be ready to care
The Shelter doesn’t receive any government funding and wouldn’t be able to provide this care without the support of our community. By donating a regular monthly gift, you can help us be ready to care for pets like Dior, Niamh and Aoife. Regular, predictable gifts enable us to purchase the things we need and plan treatment - they help us be there at the start of each pet’s journey to a new life. To find out how you can support pets in need with a regular monthly gift visit www.gawa.org.uk/donate or scan the QR code below. Thank you
Niamh and her kittens.
Aoife and her kittens.
Dior posing in the garden.
Recipes Steph Williams
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Mediterranean Sharing Platter
Create a vibrant Mediterranean sharing platter with a variety of dips, fresh vegetables, cheeses, and more for a delightful mezze experience. There are so many different combinations, the creative possibilities are endless! This is a perfect dish to share for a bit of alfresco dining on those summer evenings. It should take around 40 minutes to make and contains 28g of net carbs.
Ingredients
Serves 2
Chicken
• 2 large Chicken Breasts
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• Pinch of Salt & Black Pepper
• Juice and zest of 1/2
Lemon
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 1 clove of minced Garlic
• 1 tablespoon Tomato
Puree
Hummus
• 400g tin of Chickpeas
• 3 cloves of Garlic
• 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice
• 2 teaspoons Cumin
• Pinch of Salt & Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Tahini
• 4 tablespoons Water
Extras
• 10 Olives
• 150g sliced Cucumber
• 100g crumbled or cubed
Feta Cheese
• 100g Cherry Tomatoes
• Drizzle of Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper to taste
• Sprinkle of Pumpkin Seeds (optional)
Instructions
l Marinade the Chicken in it's ingredients above as early in the day as possible and refrigerate. I've cut each breast in half to create smaller portions to share.
l Pre-heat the oven to 190 degrees centigrade.
l Place the marinaded Chicken on a parchment lined baking tray and bake for 35 minutes, with the last 3 minutes done under the grill to add a bit of char.
l Whilst the Chicken is cooking, ensure your veggies and cheeses are chopped, cubed, diced etc.
l To make the Hummus, drain and rinse your Chickpeas and add to a blender or food processor with all of the other Hummus ingredients.
Blend until smooth - See Recipe Notes.
l With a spoon or spatula,
Sage Butter
spread the Hummus into a circular bed in the middle of your platter and build around it with the cheeses and veggies.
l Add on the cooked Chicken, drizzle over some olive oil, salt and pepper and serve!
Recipe notes
Use a little of bit Water to adjust the consistency of the Hummus if needed. Traditional Hummus is thinner in texture than the shop bought stuff which is thicker and grainier. It will go great with low carb Pitta Bread, Veggies and Meats.
Garnish ideas for the Hummus include Parsley, Olive Oil, extra whole Chickpeas, Cumin or Paprika, Pine Nuts, Pomegranate, Mixed Seeds. The Chicken does not have been to oven cooked, it can be air fried or BBQ'd - Best with a little bit of char for added taste.
Rich homemade Butters are something you can get creative with. Why not grab a set of 4 mini mason jars and fill with different flavours! This Sage Butter is a great flavour booster for sauces, meat, breads, mashed potatoes, soups, on toast, and more! It's very easy to make and takes only 5 minutes. 1 small mason jar, approximately 2 servings, contains only 0.4g net carbs per serving.
Ingredients
2 servings
• 150g unsalted Butter
• Pinch of Salt & Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
• 1 clove of minced Garlic
• 3 teaspoons dried Sage
Instructions
l Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan and apply a medium heat for around 3 minutes.
l You should start to see it bubbling. After 3 minutes remove it from the heat and pour mixture in to a mason jar or small butter dish.
l Refrigerate to set the Butter
l After 30 minutes, give it a good stir around as you may see some separation.
l Pop back in the fridge until set to your liking. Recipe notes I'd recommend serving with
for being used in a steak
Summer Jam returns to the Brewery Quarter
THE Brewery Quarter is set to come alive this summer as Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup returns from 26th-28th June, bringing a full weekend of free live music, comedy, family entertainment and festival atmosphere to the heart of Cheltenham.
Returning earlier than ever this year, the three-day event is designed to kickstart the summer season with a packed programme of performances and activities for all ages.
Friday 26th June - Live Music to Launch the Weekend
The weekend opens with soulful performances from Kytana and Flynn (of Duke fame), followed by the Mark Walby Band, delivering a crowd-pleasing set of classic and contemporary pop and rock favourites.
Saturday 27th June - Road to Lakefest Grand Final
Saturday features the highly anticipated Road to Lakefest Grand Final, where six bands compete for the opportunity to perform on the main stage at Lakefest.
Across the day, visitors can also enjoy comedy, magic and juggling performances from Matt Barnard and Gareth Jones AKA Cling Film Guy.
The evening will be headlined by Duke Duo, Cheltenham’s beatboxing duo known for their appearance on The X Factor UK and for supporting global artists including Prince, Amy
Winehouse and Kanye West. The night continues with a silent disco experience from DJ Shippers and Friends.
Sunday 28th June - Family Day with a New Dog Show Feature
Sunday offers a relaxed, family-focused programme with performances from Lakeside School, dance and Cheltenham Rock Choir showcases, and live music from Adam Cross, Emzy Music, Tate Note, and a highenergy closing set from beatbox band Hive. Plus enjoy comedy magic with Phil from Cotswold Childrens Parties.
New for this year, Sunday will also feature a community dog show hosted by So Fetch, a brand new independent dog grooming salon based on Henrietta Street. From 12pm to 1pm, visitors have the
chance to enter their dogs into fun categories including Waggiest Tail, Happiest Pooch, Grinchiest Paws and more. Entry is £2 per dog, with all proceeds donated to Cheltenham Animal Shelter.
To enter your dog and find out more info, email Lnogrooming@gmail.com. Throughout the weekend, families can also enjoy free arts and crafts activities provided by Spare Room Arts.
Lakefest at Eastnor Castle
Visitors can also purchase tickets and merchandise for this year’s Lakefest Festival, taking place at Eastnor Castle from 5th-9th August, featuring headline acts including Madness, The Charlatans, Example and Bananarama, alongside hundreds of additional performances across the weekend.
PARTY ATMOSPHERE
Finding the right solar panel installer
Ian Williams of Forever Green, explores why some homeowners believe solar panels are a waste of money, and reveals how poor installation standards are damaging confidence in one of the most effective ways to cut energy bills and carbon emissions.
IT’S probably true that in a burgeoning field, when any old company can jump on the bandwagon, there’s an increased chance of being bamboozled by unreliable tradesmen.
I’ve had an epiphany; allow me to explain.
I’m always keen to show that modern black solar panels don’t detract from the aesthetic of a roof, and I posted some photos of recent installations on social media. No complaints about the appearance, which is
refreshing, but there was a litany of comments from people claiming solar panels are a waste of money.
This seemed odd, given that in most cases savings from a properly designed home energy system, plus revenue from exported power, typically wipe out your electricity bill. Add the benefit of whole-house power cut back-up, and everyone I deal with claims a home energy system is the best investment they’ve ever made.
I engaged with those who’d responded to my post; universally, they’d been mis-sold or misled. Badly installed panels, kit not fit for purpose, undersized inverters. Many systems had been installed without power storage, so they only benefit from a fraction of their free generated power and can’t take advantage of off-peak charging. None had power cut back-up.
Someone told me they had no MCS certificate; they
can’t get paid for export, and if they sell their house, they won’t be able to provide the necessary permissions. I’d no idea that well-meaning people were being taken advantage of on such a wide scale. But the issue goes deeper. An average solar panel system offsets CO2 equivalent to 60-70 trees, so investing in a home energy system is one of the best things any of us can do to protect the environment. Most people who
investigate solar panels do so because a friend or neighbour has raved about the benefits. Yet here’s a negative side that’s detrimental to all of us; for every one of these badly installed systems, I wonder how many people are put off.
Given that there are more ‘cowboys’ in the renewables industry than I imagined, there’s a simple lesson to be learned. Don’t fall for advertising; look for case studies. Don’t go for a
cheap installation. Ask around; post on a local Facebook or WhatsApp group; read customer reviews. Find an installer who’s been recommended, who you can trust, and who knows their stuff. If you can trust them to install a properly designed system, you should also be able to trust them to charge a fair price. This is potentially a 20-year investment; find an installer you can be confident will get it right first time.
MONEY TALKS
Why a good salary doesn't stop the stress
MORE people have been in touch with me recently about money stress than at any other point in my career.
And what surprises them, once we start talking, is not the stress itself. It is who else is in the room.
They expected money anxiety to belong to people who were genuinely struggling. People with debt, with low incomes, with real financial difficulty. They did not expect to find themselves there, with a good salary and a comfortable life and a knot in their stomach every time the subject of money comes up.
But here they are. And here you might be too.
Financial stress does not check your payslip before it settles in. I have worked with people on household incomes that most would consider more than comfortable, who describe the same symptoms as people earning far less. The tight feeling before opening the banking app. The vague dread at the end of the month. The sense that no matter what comes in, it is never quite enough. The avoidance of the conversation, even with themselves, because looking feels worse than not looking.
A good salary changes your options. It does not automatically change your relationship with money. And it is the relationship that drives the stress.
Here is what I most often see in people who earn well yet still feel financially uneasy. Not crisis, not catastrophe, but a persistent low-level disconnection between what they earn and what they consciously do with it. Money arrives. Life absorbs it. The month ends. Nobody quite knows where it went. And because there is always more coming, the reckoning gets postponed. Until it doesn't.
The other pattern is subtler and in some ways more insidious. The person who is very much on top of the dayto-day, who knows roughly what is where, who is not in
most people avoid because the answer might require action, and action requires time and attention that life does not seem to offer. But here is what I know from years of this work. The avoidance is always more expensive than the looking. The stress generated by not knowing is almost always worse than what is actually there when you look. And the relief on the other side of even one honest conversation with your own finances is immediate and real.
So I want to offer you something practical today. Not a budgeting system. Not a spreadsheet. Just a challenge.
any kind of difficulty, and yet still cannot shake the feeling of financial unease. For them, the stress is not practical. It is existential. The money is there, and yet the sense of control, of freedom, of being genuinely at ease with their finances, is not.
In both cases, the answer is the same. Awareness first. Then action.
Awareness sounds simple, and it isn’t. Real financial awareness means knowing not just what is in your account but what your money is doing for you. Whether it is working as hard as you are. Whether it is sitting in an account being slowly eroded by inflation while you mean to sort it out. Whether your pension has been properly reviewed in the last 12 months. Whether your ISA allowance is being used. Whether there are payments leaving your account each month that serve no purpose except habit. These are not dramatic questions. They are the ones
For the next 30 days, take one small money action every day. Not a big one. Not a scary one. Just one. Check a statement you have been avoiding. Make one phone call about a bill. Transfer a small amount to a savings pot. Look up what your pension is actually worth. Cancel one payment you have forgotten about. Ask one question you have been putting off. One action a day for thirty days. What you will find is not that your finances transform overnight. What you will find is that the relationship transforms. That money stops being the thing in the corner of the room you are pretending not to see. That the stress, without the avoidance feeding it, begins to ease.
People who are genuinely at ease with money are not people who never feel the pressure of it. They are people who have stopped turning away from it. Who look at it regularly and clearly, who make conscious decisions rather than letting the month happen to them, who treat their financial life as something worth attending to rather than something to survive.
That shift is available to anyone, including people who already earn well and still feel the hum. Especially them, in fact.
Fanny Snaith offers money coaching
JM Finn celebrates new Cheltenham office opening
A WEALTH management firm has officially opened its new Cheltenham office as part of its continued expansion across the UK.
JM Finn marked the opening of its town centre branch with a ceremony attended by clients, staff and guests from across the local business community.
The office was officially opened by Edward Gillespie OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.
Headquartered in London, JM Finn now has five regional offices including its new Cheltenham branch.
Ian Posgate, holding the microphone, alongside JM Finn CEO
Guests heard speeches from CEO Hugo Bedford and Head of the Cheltenham branch, Ian Posgate at the office opening ceremony. The firm then hosted an
evening at the Nook, where staff were joined by clients and local guests for drinks and canapés.
Ian Posgate, Investment Director and Head of the Cheltenham office commented: “It was a fantastic evening to celebrate our branch opening – we were delighted that so many
clients and guests from the local community were able to join us. We look forward to bringing the breadth of our team’s experience to both existing and new clients in Gloucestershire. The opening of the Cheltenham office firmly cements JM Finn’s growing presence in the South West. As the firm
continues to expand, we retain the same client-first approach that the firm has adopted for the last 80 years.”
The team, who joined JM Finn last year, have come together having previously worked for another firm in Ombersely, near Droitwich. JM Finn’s Cheltenham office
is four-storey Darwin House, located in a prime central Cheltenham Town Centre location at the junction of Rodney Road & Regent Street adjacent to the Promenade and Regent Arcade retail areas. Darwin House, 67 Rodney Road, Cheltenham, Gloucester, GL50 1HX
The property detail many couples never check
MOST homeowners across Gloucestershire assume they “own their home together”and rarely think much more about it.
However, there are two distinct legal ways to own a property as a couple, and this small detail can have an important impact later.
If your home is owned as joint tenants, the property automatically passes to the surviving partner.
While this arrangement is common, it can also limit certain planning opportunities -
How your home is owned could matter more than you think
particularly when families want clearer control over how assets are eventually passed on.
An alternative structure, known as tenants in common, allows each partner to own a defined share of the property.
This can:
• Provide greater control over your share;
• Allow clearer instructions within a will;
• Support more flexible estate planning;
• Help create a more structured long-term approach.
Many people are unaware of how their property is currently owned and only discover this after a serious illness, bereavement or unexpected change in circumstances.
By that stage, decisions can become more stressful for families already dealing with difficult situations.
Local specialists say it is increasingly common for
homeowners to assume their wills alone deal with everything, without realising property ownership can also play an important role.
For many couples, a simple review provides reassurance that their arrangements still reflect their wishes.
KNOW HOW YOUR HOME IS OWNED
Reviewing your position early can help avoid uncertainty later.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Most couples are unsure how their home is legally owned;
• Ownership structure can affect later decisions;
• Changes are often straightforward if reviewed early.
Russ, Cheltenham Office
Speak to someone locally
MEET THE TEAM: Amelia Hobbs – Desk Administrator, Richard Cleary – Investment Director, Mark Burnett – Investment Director, Liam Shelton – Investment Manager, – Ian Posgate - Investment Director and Head of the JM Finn Cheltenham Office, Debby Taylor - Desk Administrator.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Ian Posgate, Richard Cleary, Mark Burnett, Amelia Hobbs, Debby Taylor, Edward Gillespie OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Liam Shelton.
Hugo Bedford (left).
TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER Puzzles
1. Which type of weather is forecast by the presence of low-level nimbus clouds?
2. The character of Louisa is forced to marry Josiah Bounderby in which novel by Charles Dickens?
3. The 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing was won by which sporting celebrity?
4. Colonel Jacob Schick is best remembered for which invention?
5. According to the proverb, honesty is the best... what?
6. The triple-pleated cap worn by Catholic clergymen has what name?
7. What is studied by a ufologist?
8. Actor Joe Pesci won a Best Supporting Academy Award for his performance as Tommy De Vito in which 1990 cult film?
9. What name is given to a stoat in its white winter coat?
10. Brothers Angus and Malcolm Young rose to fame as members of which Australian rock band formed in the 1970s?
Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
1. Complained when guide leader was found out (8)
6. Eleven players taken into consideration (4)
8. Flirtatious woman found at home in Middlesex (4)
9. Regulator used by senior administrator (8)
10. His diagnosis will only be skin deep (13)
11. A Frenchman so upset by the prophet (4)
13. Fill gap with a promotion (4)
17. Fare may be taken here on a train (10,3)
20. Treading dangerously on the slope (8)
21. Food for a young insect (4)
22. Cleaner comes from Bucharest (4)
23. Go after Act One curiously saying little (8)
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
2. Brought down, say, or brought up (6)
3. Saying with a word of hesitation it’s the greatest (7)
4. Very easy to carry (5)
5. Elaborate way to produce a photograph (7)
6. Show indifference when dizzy daughter’s date is off (5)
7. Liable to drop off? (6)
12. Pupil, about ten, goes after boss (7)
14. Out of bed, drunk is tense (7)
15. Shortage of tangled thread (6)
16. In rough Jura environment silver cat is found (6)
18. Old royal family’s style of architecture (5)
19. It can become a lark (5)
NONAGRAM
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines:
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Unidentified flying objects; 8 Goodfellas; 9 Ermine; 10 AC/DC. abet; able; aglet; alee; bagel; bale; bate; beagle; beat; begat; beta; blag; blat; bleat; eagle; eaglet; elate; elevate; gable; gale; gate; gave; gavel; late; lave; leat; leave; legate; legatee; table; tael; tale; teal; vale; valet; veal; VEGETABLE; vegetal; veleta. EQUALISER: CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Obstinate; 9 Enlist; 10 Lair; 11 Meat; 12 Kettle; 13 Serious; 16 Trod; 17 Silt; 18 Lac; 20 Tan; 21 Urge; 23 Brae; 25 Sneaker; 26 Struts; 29 Lilo; 30 Afar; 31 Anther; 32 Relegated. Down – 2 Beaker; 3 Turbid; 4 Nimbus; 5 Teak; 6 Entente; 7 Diet; 8 Stretcher; 13 Statesman; 14
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
Gloucester legend Ludlow launches testimonial year at Hartpury
LEWIS Ludlow officially launched his testimonial year at Hartpury University, returning to the place where his Gloucester Rugby journey first began.
The opening event was held at the Graze Restaurant and brought together friends, former teammates, supporters and key figures from across the rugby community to celebrate one of Gloucester Rugby's most respected modern-day players.
Ludlow was joined on the evening by Gloucester Rugby coach and former Hartpury coach Mark Cornwall, current Gloucester teammate Jamal Ford-Robinson and former Cherry and Whites back-rower Jake Polledri. Former Gloucester and England centre Mark Atkinson acted as master of ceremonies, while Lady Bathurst, representing the Cotswold Lady B Foundation, was also in attendance.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came
when former Gloucester captain Ed Slater, a close friend and former teammate of Ludlow, sent a heartfelt recorded message to those attending.
Ludlow's testimonial year recognises more than a decade of service to Gloucester Rugby. The flanker joined the Gloucester academy as a 17year-old while studying at Hartpury and has gone on to make more than 250 appearances for the Cherry and Whites. He became club captain in 2020 and remains the longest-serving captain of Gloucester Rugby in the professional era.
The Bedford-born back row forward has also represented England at international level.
Ludlow earned his first senior England cap against the United States at Twickenham in July 2021 and became only the fifth player in history to captain England on his Test debut. He won a second cap against Canada the following
week.
His testimonial year is expected to feature a number of fundraising and community events, with proceeds supporting charitable causes including the 4Ed Foundation, which was established following former Gloucester teammate Ed Slater's diagnosis with motor neurone disease. Representing the Cheltenham Post at the launch was Mark Hopkins, who said: “This year Gloucester celebrates one of its modern legends in Lewis. It will be a very special testimonial year packed with events, memories and community spirit.
“Cherry and White fans will have the chance to honour a player whose passion, leadership and commitment have defined Gloucester Rugby. The Cheltenham Post is right behind Lewis's testimonial and we look forward to supporting the many events planned throughout the year.”
Gloucestershire in high spirits ahead of West Country Derby in Bristol
GLOUCESTERSHIRE will go into their West Country Derby fixture against title holders Somerset this Friday second in the T20 Blast Central group, having won three of their opening four matches.
Despite losing a plethora of bowlers before the season began, including Ajeet SinghDale and Josh Shaw as well as David Payne to injury, wicket taking has not proven much of a challenge. In their opening match in Bristol, Gloucestershire successfully defended a low total of 121 all out after 16.1 overs, bowling Warwickshire out for just 74 (14.1) to seal an opening day victory - with latest addition Duan Jansen claiming figures of 4-25. The
By Tom Day
game also saw a debut for Kamran Dhariwal; the 21year-old scored 10 (6) in his first innings in yellow, and later took a catch in the deep off Craig Miles’ bowling.
The next day, it was an unchanged side for the short trip over the bridge to Cardiff to face Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens. Jansen took another three wickets, but couldn’t prevent the hosts posting 1578 from their 20 overs, despite Jack Taylor’s tidy 2-24. In response, Gloucestershire’s higher order struggled to support Miles Hammond’s 56 (31) with D’Arcy Short managing just four, and Ollie
Price and Ben Charlesworth ducks each. Captain Taylor’s 34 and Dhariwal’s 30 pulled their team back into the match, though later at 121-8, the game seemed beyond them. Still, an inspired 18 (9) from Matt Taylor helped Gloucestershire to a dramatic victory, taking a bit of luck on the final ball of the innings that flew down to third man for four.
For the third successive game, it was an unchanged side for the trip to Northamptonshire. This time it was Hammond who trailed the rest of the top four, with Charlesworth coming just one short of a half century; some handy runs from the lower order meant Gloucestershire set a target of 165 despite
being nine down. Northants started well, and ultimately a combined 122 between Chris Lynn and Nathan McSweeney saw the Steelbacks race to victory, winning by seven wickets with just under four overs to spare.
Capping off their opening four games, Gloucestershire travelled to Yorkshire for their first Blast fixture ever at Headingley. In the first change to the team of the season, Joe Phillips came in for his T20 debut, replacing Miles to provide a deeper batting lineup. That proved to be an inspired decision as Phillips supported Short to put on a second-wicket stand of 95, hitting 42 (25) as the Australian managed his best
score of the season with 82 (50). Jack Taylor, Charlesworth, Price, and Jansen all scored double figures, and Dhariwal’s 4 (4) meant all eight batters scored at 100+ strike rate, with James Bracey not coming in. That left Yorkshire needing 218 for the win, and despite opener Adam Lyth scoring 97 from 56, only two other batters managed double figures as Gloucestershire powered to a 56-run win to secure their third Blast victory of the season. Jansen again took 3-22 from three, but it was part-time spinners Price and Short who took 236 and 4-31 respectively that claimed headlines. Short also became just the third player ever to score 80 runs and take
four wickets in the Blast. Now, Gloucestershire host rivals Somerset in only the second T20 game in Bristol of the season. Northants occupy the top spot with an unbeaten record so far, with Somerset in third after two wins from three, hosting Glamorgan on Thursday. Glos supporters will recall the triumphant home game against Somerset back in 2024, as Charlesworth and Price’s late power hitting guided their side to victory. Fans will be hoping for a similar spectacle on Friday night, but will equally back their team to secure the win in regular fashion given the form with both bat and ball, despite facing the reigning champions.
Gloucester RFC staff and supporters turn out for Lewis Ludlow’s testimonial launch.
Lewis Ludlum with Mark Hopkins.
A first for Cleeve walking footballers
BISHOPS Cleeve played in their first-ever Walking Football National Cup match at the Everyone's Energy Kayte Lane Stadium.
The tie remained goalless at the water break after 10 minutes. Both sides had asked questions of the opposition goalkeeper and both were forced into making some good saves, but neither could find the opener in a nervy affair. A big chance for Cleeve came a minute after play resumed, but the shot from close range was fired just wide. A great save at the other end followed almost instantly as both teams vied for the lead. As the first 20 minutes came to a close, the day's first goal was still to arrive.
By Ben Ware
the box. The goalkeeper got a hand to the spot-kick but could not keep the ball out.
A flowing passing move from Stroud saw them carve open the Cleeve defence, with an opener looking destined, but the shot flew wide to the relief of the marching Mitres. The deadlock was finally broken four minutes into the second half when a penalty was awarded to Stroud after a save was deemed to have involved contact just outside
A blue card for three fouls came just after the restart, and Cleeve now had a man advantage as they pushed for an equaliser. They could not make it count during the twominute sin-bin period, and the wait for their first-ever National Cup victory would continue. They did have chances, though, with a brilliant pass from Stuart Rogers finding Dave Hughes, who turned and shot, forcing a good save before winning a free-kick. Unfortunately, the set-piece came to nothing. Heartbreak came in the final minute of normal time as Stroud doubled their lead. A free-kick was awarded against Cleeve for running over the block while attempting a shot. The setpiece was laid off and dispatched into the bottomright corner. Another goalkeeping infringement gave Cleeve a chance when Stroud held onto the ball for
Miss Mitres hit double digits to seal highest ever finish
BISHOPS Cleeve Ladies ended the season in superb style, scoring 14 goals against bottomplaced Iron Acton to secure their highest-ever finish in the football pyramid.
The 14-0 full-time scoreline meant the Mitres finished third in the Gloucestershire County Women's League Division One, their highest-ever position since the club's formation.
A hat-trick from Nia GearyAndrews, a fine strike from Belle Torrington, five goals from Golden Boot winner Leonie Gough, a brace from captain and centre-back Sophie Taylor, another brace from Jess
Stirling and a corner conversion from Lottie Winter made up the scoresheet, ensuring those at Kayte Lane were entertained throughout the 90 minutes.
Despite it being the final game of the season and with little riding on the result, they were not messing around, with Geary-Andrews netting the opener after less than a minute. The tempo certainly did not drop either, as Torrington doubled her side's lead five minutes later.
In between the opening two goals, Becca Harris rattled the woodwork and struck it again after the third goal, which was
scored by Gough, who started the day aiming to become the league's top goalscorer.
With 22 minutes on the clock, Cleeve were awarded a penalty for an Iron Acton handball, and captain Taylor stepped up to make no mistake from the spot.
Five minutes later, Gough bagged her second, meaning Cleeve were five goals to the good, and only a few moments passed before she completed her hat-trick.
Five minutes into the second half, Stirling got in on the act to make it nine before GearyAndrews completed her own hat-trick in the 55th minute to
send the Mitres into double figures.
Still not done, Winter made it 11 on the hour mark, impressively turning home a corner.
Stirling then netted her second less than 10 minutes later, before Gough scored her fifth late on, securing her position as the league's top goalscorer.
This was a great way to end the season, and an even better way to secure Bishops Cleeve Ladies' highest-ever finish in the football pyramid, ending the campaign in third place in the Gloucestershire County Women's Football League.
BISHOPS Cleeve will kick off pre-season with the visit of Hellenic Premier Division side Droitwich Spa on Saturday, 4th July.
National League side Forest Green Rovers then make the trip on Tuesday, 7th July. Kayte Lane will also host the Severn Sport Shield, which the Mitres won last year with victories over Longlevens AFC and Gloucester City.
Paul Collicutt’s side will prepare for the upcoming
2026/27 Southern League Division One South season with the following fixtures: 4th July: Droitwich Spa (H) 7th July: Forest Green Rovers (H) 9th July: Cinderford Town (Severn Sport Shield, H) 11th July: Fairford Town OR Cheltenham Saracens (Severn Sport Shield, H) 17th July: Hereford FC (H) 31st July 31: Evesham United (A)
More friendlies may be announced.
too long, but the resulting indirect free-kick also came to nothing.
Cleeve did get their piece of history in the end thanks to a Pete Arthur screamer in
added time. He found the bottom-left corner from halfway two minutes into
stoppage time to halve the deficit, but the game ended in a 2-1 defeat.
Smiths RFC win Community Cup
SMITHS Rugby put on an impressive, dominant performance in beating St Mary's Old Boys RFC 4919 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Having been well beaten by St Mary's twice in the league this season, Smiths knew the quality of their opposition for their second visit to Twickenham in two seasons.
Big confidence-building results against Cantabrigian and Mansfield, both winners of their respective leagues, in the quarter-finals and semifinals set Smiths up for a huge game in the final, and they delivered in style.
Smiths were able to pull together the elements of their game that have brought great success in recent years. A powerful performance from their pack, multi-phase possession and clinical finishing out wide saw Smiths score seven tries.
Mitch Renton scored two tries and there was one apiece for Dan Jarvis, Oli Aherne, Duncan Spurrier and Charles Peters. Marcus Raymond slotted three conversions and two penalties, and Smiths were also awarded a penalty try. Man of the match Jarvis
was energetic throughout and a real threat to the St Mary's defence.
The victory capped an outstanding cup run for Smiths, who overcame league champions Cantabrigian and Mansfield in the knockout stages to reach the final.
Winning at Allianz Stadium is a significant achievement for the club and marks a successful return to Twickenham following their
previous appearance last year.
Smiths shared success across the whole club this year, with their 2nd XV winning the Junior Combination Cup and the U15s winning the Cirencester 7s tournament. Although some celebrations are still to be had at their end-of-season dinner on 13th June, thoughts are already turning to the 2026/27 season.
Head Coach Ben Parker is
proud of the club's success but wants to keep moving forward, particularly with a focus on promotion to Counties 1. Parker was keen to point out: “We focus heavily on making Smiths a place where everyone feels welcome and providing an environment for players to improve and excel. We want to make sure club members, families and players are all cared for and feel part of our
LINE-OUT: George Angell secures vital possession.
amazing rugby club.”
Smiths are recruiting for next season and are pleased to be able to offer excellent facilities at Prince of Wales Stadium, quality coaching and a family-focused, welcoming club environment. Players of all standards are invited to join the squad for pre-season training. Check out @smiths_rugby on social media or www.smithsrugby.co.uk/ for more information.
Short Leads Gloucestershire to Headingley Triumph
The Australian all-rounder struck 82 and claimed four wickets as Gloucestershire handed Yorkshire their first defeat of this season's Vitality Blast in a high-scoring encounter
A D’ARCY Short-inspired Gloucestershire won the battle of two in-form sides at the start of this season’s Vitality Blast as Yorkshire’s early three-game winning streak ended at Headingley.
A cross-group clash - the first ever T20 meeting between these two countiessaw Gloucestershire post 217 for six and successfully defend it to win for the third time in four, this by 56 runs.
Australian opener Short’s buccaneering 82 off 50 balls with five sixes was the feature of a Glos total which could have been more. T20 debutant Joe Phillips was excellent for 42 off 25, but Pakistani overseas pacer Hassan Ali limited the damage with three for 29.
Sensational Short then struck twice in two balls with his left-arm wrist spin as Yorkshire slipped to 101 for five in the 11th over and went on to finish with four for 30.
Opener Adam Lyth’s excellent 97 off 56 balls proved a consolatory effort in 161 all out.
While Short led the way, Miles Hammond and Phillips hit early leg-side sixes as
By Graham Hardcastle ECB Reporters Network
Gloucestershire - having elected to bat, minus exYorkshire captain Dawid Malan through injuryreached the 10-over mark at 86 for one.
On a true pitch, Short clubbed two more leg-side sixes as 20 came off Dom Bess’s off-spin in the 11th, the left-hander reaching his first 50 of the campaign off 35 balls in the process.
Phillips was heading for similar when he was caught behind scooping against AJ Tye’s seam, leaving the score at 119 for two in the 13th over. That ended an 88-run partnership.
Short pressed on and shared 46 with captain Jack Taylor. But when both holed out to Hassan’s impressive seam in the 16th - 166 for fourYorkshire were able to keep things in check, with the same man striking again late on.
Gloucestershire’s position was then strengthened inside
two overs of their defence when Jonny Bairstow hoisted Ollie Price’s off-spin to longon.
Will Luxton attacked in Price’s next over but miscued to mid-off for only 20 before left-arm pacer Duan Jansen’s first ball was a beauty and bowled James Wharton, with the White Rose 49 for three in the sixth.
Lyth took back-to-back legside sixes off Jansen later in the over and another off Short’s spin in the next, reaching his 50 in 26 balls as Yorkshire moved to 99 for three at halfway.
Short’s influence on this game increased when he got Moeen Ali caught at deep midwicket and Matthew Revis caught and bowled with successive deliveries in the next.
And when he bowled Faheem Ashraf in the 13th, the White Rose were floundering on 115 for six.
He later forced Dom Bess to play on, and not even Lyth could save Yorkshire, who were finished off by two more Jansen wickets.
Lyth was last to go to de Lange.
Quedgeley Wanderers U12 Girls
Complete Historic Double
QUEDGELEY
Wanderers FC U12 Girls have completed an historic double, securing both league champions and plate winners in a standout season for the team. Winning the double is a huge achievement, and every player, coach and supporter should be proud of what has been accomplished. The hard work in training, commitment on match days and never-give-up attitude have all played a key role in their success.
Coach Mark Taylor said: “What a season for these incredible girls, league champions and cup winners. From the first whistle to the final game, the team showed determination, teamwork and brilliant football throughout.”
Coach Matt Corbett added: "This season has shown that these girls can achieve anything when they work hard while having fun with the game. The team spirit has been outstanding, and the girls have been
great ambassadors for girls' football, showing respect and humility towards their opposition on their path to the double.”
Champions in the league. Plate winners. Unbeaten spirit. One amazing team.
Squad: Amelie C, Sophia T, Alyssa W, Millie B, Poppy B, Evie W, Sofia G, Lillie W, Skyla M, Bronwyn H, Neave HP, Aaliyah P, Seren J.
