historic Bath , and the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market for just £30 per person
See page 23
ON OFF YOUR BIKE
POLICE in Cheltenham have warned they will continue seizing illegal e-bikes and escooters found being used on pavements and cycle routes.
The warning follows a rise in reports of dangerous riding in the town centre, with many users unaware their actions break the law.
Both e-bikes and e-scooters are legally classed as motor vehicles. Privately owned unrestricted versions cannot be ridden on roads, pavements or any other public space.
Many e-bikes seen on the streets fail to meet legal standardsmotors must not exceed 250 watts, assistance must stop at 15.5mph (24.94 km/h) while pedalling, and motors must not propel the bike beyond 3.7mph (5.95 km/h) without pedalling.
Because they cannot be registered or insured for road use, anyone riding an unrestricted ebike or e-scooter in public commits insurance and licence offences. Penalties include a £300 fine, six points on a driving licence, and the vehicle being seized and destroyed.
Continued on page 3
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Two men jailed for their part in Gloucester shooting AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire
TWO men from Birmingham have been jailed for a combined total of more than 28 years for their part in a shooting in Gloucester.
It is understood to have been a case of mistaken identity which left the victim with significant leg injuries. The injuries require ongoing treatment and the victim has been told his leg may need to be amputated in the future.
Simeon Bernard, aged 39 and of Knightwick Crescent, and 42-yearold Darren Atkins, of Hastings Road pleaded guilty to offences on the second day of their trial.
At Bristol Crown Court on Friday 29th August Bernard, who had shot the victim, was sentenced to 16 years and two months in prison. He had admitted to Section 18 wounding with intent, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Atkins had admitted to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and he was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison. They were told they must serve at least two thirds of their sentences.
In a statement from the victim which was read to the court, he said: “Every time I hear a knock at my front door I am reminded of the events of that night. Every time I freeze and my mind races back to the horrible events that took place. My home is supposed to be my family's sanctuary, our safe space, and as a consequence of the defendants' actions it will never feel safe again.
“One of the worst parts of this experience is that it has robbed my ability to be close with my loved ones. I have not been able to share a
bed with my wife since it happened. I have had to sleep on a makeshift bed downstairs in our house. I cannot play with my young daughter, go out on day trips or help out around the house. Those small moments that we all take for granted have been taken from me. I want them back.
“All of these things, these moments that made my life what it was, were stolen from me that night by these men. I don't think my life will ever be the same again. Even if my leg does heal one day the wounds to my mind will always be there. I am missing the most important years of my family's life all for the sake of their criminality.
“There is no statement that can fully explain all of the ways in which my life has been broken by their actions. My life changed completely in those few seconds, it will never be the same, and the trauma it has left my family will last forever.”
Bernard and Atkins had initially been charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
A trial started on Tuesday 26 August, however on the second day both men pleaded guilty to offences which were accepted by the Crown.
During the trial, the court heard how the men travelled from Birmingham to Stanway Road in Gloucester on 18 January this year (2025) on two motorbikes riding in convoy.
A third man had been riding pillion on the back of Bernard's motorbike and he has not yet been identified.
At around 9pm the unidentified man knocked on the door of the victim's address and pointed a gun
directly at him when he answered.
Richard Posner, prosecuting, said in his opening speech that the victim was “an innocent man who lived on that road, a man who was not the intended target, a dangerous and almost fatal case of mistaken identity.”
Due to fearing for his life, the victim pushed the gun away and chased the gunman down his driveway and into Stanway Road where the two motorcyclists were waiting stationary on their bikes.
The victim pushed both of the bikes over and the men fell off. The gun was picked up off the floor and pointed at the victim and misfired, and he was then shot in the leg by Bernard.
During the confrontation, which was captured on CCTV, the victim's wife had heard what was happening and ran outside to help her husband.
Mr Posner told the court that she was also injured during the incident by a ricochet rather than deliberately being shot.
After Bernard shot the victim, the trio rode off together on the two motorbikes.
The victim, aged in his 40s, was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol with a gunshot wound to his right lower leg.
X-rays showed fractures to the two bones and he underwent a number of operations to remove the bullet and realign the leg.
He now has a large frame on his leg and has been to hospital many times since he was first discharged.
Gloucestershire Constabulary launched an investigation which resulted in a large-scale trawl of CCTV to trace the movements of the motorbikes.
In Gloucestershire up to the West
Midlands around 600 residential and commercial properties were visited as part of the police investigation, with CCTV reviewed from around 380 locations.
During the sentencing hearing, the court was told that Bernard had been paid to take someone to the location to endanger someone's life, and that his role was to be the driver, not the gunman, which is what he became.
Detective Inspector Paula Hannaford said: “Neither Bernard or Atkins have really shown a shred of remorse for the injuries and trauma they have inflicted on an entirely innocent family.
“They were not the intended target, it was a case of mistaken identity, and the family now have to live with the lasting impact of the damage caused by the ones who mistakenly targeted them.
“Their courage that night is captured clearly on CCTV footage – with the victim running at the defendants, pushing them off their motorbikes, and doing everything he can to protect himself and his family. His wife bravely ran out to help him and was also injured in the process.
“It is still very important that we identify the third outstanding man as this level of violent crime within our communities will not be tolerated, and I urge anyone with information on who the third suspect is to please come forward.”
If you know who the third unidentified person is, you can provide information anonymously to independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online: www.crimestoppers-uk.org/giveinformation
GUILTY: Simeon Bernard and Darren Atkins.
Man jailed after pleading guilty to supplying class A drugs
A MAN has been jailed after several thousand pounds worth of drugs and cash were found at his home in Cheltenham.
Richard Cooper, aged 39 and of Bridge Street in Cheltenham, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday 1st August where he was sentenced to three years in prison.
Cooper had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a class A drug namely cocaine and possession of criminal property.
Officers from the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Local Policing Area executed a drugs warrant at Cooper's address on Thursday 3rd July during which time a large amount of individually prepared wraps of drugs and £4,275 in cash was found.
Cooper was subsequently arrested and charged with the offences which he pleaded guilty to on 4th July.
Enquiries by a drugs expert established that the drugs hidden in the bedside drawers of Cooper's bedroom were approximately 420 individually prepared wraps of 0.5g wraps of cocaine with an estimated resale value of £17,000.
During sentencing Cooper stated that he had disagreed with the drugs expert's ruling and that the amount and weight of the drugs had been overestimated.
Several iPhones were also seized from Cooper's address, one of which was constantly ringing. Messages on the lock screen appeared consistent with being a busy drugs line with customers attempting to call in order to buy drugs.
Cooper gave no comment in police interview but did accept that he was the only person who lived at the address when the drugs were seized.
He also expressed regret and remorse about his drug
dealing activity stating he had struggled to get a steady job following a previous spell in prison.
Inspector Grant White from the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Local Policing Area said: "The team are glad that Cooper has been taken off the streets and is no longer
Police seize illegal e-bikes
Continued from front page Riders under the influence of drink or drugs face arrest under the same laws as drink-driving. Although widely available online and in shops, many buyers are unaware of the regulations before purchase. Recent checks by the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team have led to about 15 illegal bikes being confiscated so far this year. The county also runs a trial of rental e-scooters, which may be used only in approved areas by registered users holding a licence with category Q (included in categories P, AM, A or B). The pink VOI scooters in the town centre must be hired directly from the provider, used in the permitted zone, and ridden in line with road traffic laws and company rules. Misuse can result in riders being reported and receiving penalty points.
Full details can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/government/p ublications/poweredtransporters/information-sh eet-guidance-on-poweredtransporters
Sergeant Steve Wilkinson of Cheltenham’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We have worked hard to educate riders after ongoing issues
with illegal e-bikes and scooters in the town centre.
“Residents have voiced concerns about delivery riders using them dangerously, so PCSOs held an information session with a volunteer translator to explain the rules and contacted delivery companies directly to make sure their drivers understand the law.”
able to target the people that he had been dealing drugs to.
"This case is just another example of how tirelessly we are working to disrupt those who think they can deal drugs here in Gloucestershire."
Anyone who has concerns or intelligence about drug dealing can report this to police via the following link: https://www.gloucestershire.p olice.uk/tua/tell-usabout/soh/seen-or-heard/ Alternatively you can report information anonymously through the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website: www.crimestoppersuk.org/give-information/forms /give-informationanonymously
Cambray Carnival brings free fun for young people to Cheltenham town centre
CHELTENHAM’S town centre is set for an afternoon of fun tomorrow (Saturday 6th September), as Cambray Carnival takes over the High Street and Cambray Place from 1pm - 4pm.
The event, led by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Cheltenham BID as part of the council’s Year of Youth Action campaign, is aimed at young people aged 11 and over. It offers a packed programme of free activities to enjoy, with highlights including circus skills, beatboxing, street art workshop and breakdancing performances, all delivered by World Jungle.
Local businesses will be offering food, face painting and other activities to help create a carnival atmosphere.
Cllr Izaac Tailford, cabinet member for economic development, wellbeing, culture and public realm, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing Cambray Carnival to the town centre for the first time, in partnership with
Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home
Cheltenham BID. It’s a great way to celebrate our local businesses and give young people something fun and free to enjoy.”
Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “We have listened to the results
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of our NCLB youth survey completed by hundreds of young people in Cheltenham, who told us we needed to provide more free
town centre activities. I am thrilled that working together with Cheltenham BID, we have been able to launch our first ever street
carnival on Cambray Place. I look forward to hearing how many young people enjoy this special event.”
Francesca Inman, chief executive at Cheltenham BID, said: “'It's great to be able to bring such a fun and creative event to Cambray. It’s a chance for young people to get involved in something positive that celebrates urban culture, while also giving a boost to our brilliant local businesses by bringing more footfall into the area.”
Racheal Bird, owner of Tailors Pub, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this year’s Cambray Carnival. It’s a fantastic way to bring the community together and support an incredible cause that makes a real difference in the lives of young people in Cheltenham.”
We are proud to offer luxurious surroundings and exceptional, personalised care.
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In the dock!
The following cases have all been heard recently at Cheltenham Magistrates Court:
David Diemer, 41, of Atherton Close, Shurdington, Cheltenham, admitted failing without reasonable excuse to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on 12th February 2025 by failing to attend, as directed, office appointments on 23rd April 2025 and 11th July 2025. Diemer failed to provide evidence of a reasonable excuse for the absences within the agreed time limits. He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £60 in costs.
Samantha Hodges, 39, of Ashton Crescent, Pamington, Tewkesbury, was made subject to a warrant for arrest without bail for failing without reasonable excuse to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 6th January 2025 by failing to attend probation appointments on 5th February 2025 and 30th June 2025. Hodges also failed to provide evidence for these absences within the required timeframe.
Ricky Hanson, 29, of Sneyd Wood Road, Cinderford, admitted failing without reasonable excuse to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on 8th January 2024 by failing to attend, as directed, at unpaid work on 28th December 2024.
Hanson also failed to attend, as directed, an unpaid work induction on 5th July 2025, without providing an acceptable reason and/or evidence to substantiate a reasonable excuse for the failures within 5 working days. The Community Order was revoked and Hanson was dealt with for the original
offences, namely that on 5th January 2024 in Lydney he assaulted three police officers PC Ames, PC Harris and PC Taylor. He was fined £166 and ordered to pay £60 costs.
Ieuan Parry, 19, of Lipson Road, Hesters Way, Cheltenham, admitted failing without reasonable excuse to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on 17th February 2025 by failing to attend, as directed, a planned office appointment on 25th June 2025. Parry also failed to attend, as directed, a planned office appointment on 22nd July 2025, and failed to provide evidence of a reasonable excuse for the absences within the agreed time limits. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £60 costs, and was given time to pay at a rate of £20 per month. Magistrates ruled that the rehabilitation activity element of the original community order should continue, but that the unpaid work requirement should be removed on the grounds that it is unworkable.
Marley Pearce, 30, of Top Farm, Kemble, Cirencester, was granted an application to amend the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 6th March 2025 by removing the Building Choices Accredited Programme from the order on the grounds that Mr Pearce has been assessed as unsuitable.
107 Edward Wilson House, Princess Elizabeth Way, Cheltenham, was made subject to a closure order following service of a notice on 14th August 2025, pursuant to section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, crime
and Policing Act of 2014.
Suzanne Fossett, 48, care of Allens Young Solicitors, St Georges Road, Cheltenham, denied failing to provide a sample of breathe for analysis when suspected of having been in charge of a vehicle on 10th July 2023. She was remanded on unconditional bail until 2nd September 2025 for a case management hearing.
Andrew Goldsmith, 52, of Dollar Street, Cirencester, had his case reopened following conviction for driving a BMW car on the A40 in Ealing, London, on 13th October 2024 at a speed in excess of the 40mph limit. The original sentence was set aside, and his licence endorsement was removed. He was fined £40 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £16 Victim Services Surcharge.
Hills Attractions, of Woolstone Place, Evesham Roaad, Bishop’s Cleeve, was charged with keeping a Volvo HGV truck on the road on 27th July 2024, two months after the tax disc had expired. The annual rate of duty for that vehicle at the time was £1426 per year, and back duty was claimed in the sum of £141.67. The case was adjourned until 1st September 2025 for a case management hearing.
Peter and Julia Miller, of Edendale Road, Cheltenham, were made subject to a liability order for nonpayment of council tax and costs in the sum of £2306.52.
Jamie John Brookes, 33, of Kingsmead Close, Cheltenham, admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words towards a police officer PC Cooper on
7th June 2023 in Cheltenham. He was fined £630, ordered to pay costs of £400 and a Victim Services Surcharge of £252. He was granted time to pay at a rate of £100 per month.
Ryley Cottle, 21, of Whaddon Road, Cheltenham, was charged with failing to attend unpaid work appointments on 23rd and 30th July 2025, as required by the terms of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 20th June 2023. A warrant was issued for his arrest without bail.
Jonathan Child, 55, of Moorhen Walk, Moreton-inMarsh, had a Community Order for driving or attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol, which was imposed by Magistrates on 24th July 2024, revoked on the grounds that “good progress has been made”.
Alin Litu, 27, of St George Street, Cheltenham, was made subject to a warrant for arrest without bail for failing to attend unpaid work appointments on 28th June 2025 and 12th July 2025 as required by a suspended sentence imposed by Llanelli Magistrates on 24th February 2025.
Thelma Lawrence, 34, of Vittoria Walk, Cheltenham, admitted failing to attend probation appointments on 21st July 2025 and 28th July 2025 as required by a community order made by Magistrates on 15th July 2025. Lawrence must comply with a revised order requiring drug dependency treatment, by a new end date of 14th March 2026. Previous requirements regarding rehabilitation activity and prohibited activity remain in place.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service praised
THE final cause for concern at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) has been lifted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) following its latest revisit.
HMICFRS visited the service between 9 and 10 July 2025 to review progress against its ambitious action plan. It followed a revisit earlier this year when two out of three causes for concern were removed after significant progress had been made in the areas of values and culture, and protection.
And now the third cause for concern in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) has also been lifted, meaning all recommendations have now been completed.
A revisit letter from HMICFRS said the service had worked at pace to address outstanding recommendations and it had made good progress to improve the way it promotes EDI.
EDI objectives were now included in the staff appraisal process, helping to raise staff awareness of them. Positive action training is shared with watch managers to support the work to recruit a more diverse workforce, and the service has introduced ‘the big conversation’. These face-to-
face conversations encourage staff to have open and honest conversations on a specific topic each month and EDI objectives were the first topic discussed.
The letter said that the service had carried out further work to educate and communicate with staff on the importance of EDI, evidence was found that staff have a better understanding of the service’s EDI objectives, and staff expressed confidence in the importance of recruiting a diverse workforce.
The letter confirmed that the remaining cause for concern had been closed and GFRS would return to HMICFRS’s default phase of monitoring with immediate effect.
Mark Preece, Chief Fire Officer for GFRS, said: “This marks a significant milestone for the service and I would like to thank HMICFRS for recognising the progress we have made. The lifting of the final cause for concern is the result of hard work and a real commitment to change across our organisation.
“We’ve placed equality, diversity and inclusion firmly at the centre of everything we do and our team has worked incredibly hard to respond to these challenges. Creating an inclusive culture is an ongoing journey and we will continue pushing forward to ensure our service is one where everyone can thrive.”
New dementia care model launches in Cheltenham
ROYAL Court Care Home in Fiddler’s Green has officially unveiled its newly refurbished Lavender Unita purpose-built, dementiafriendly space that sets a new standard for personalised care in Gloucestershire.
More than just a renovation, the Lavender Unit represents a complete reimagining of how dementia care can feel.
Designed to be warm, welcoming, and homelike, the unit blends therapeutic design with cutting-edge support to create a safe and nurturing environment for residents living with dementia.
What sets the Lavender Unit apart is its unique small-scale living model. Each household accommodates just 6–7 residents, encouraging deeper connections, a sense of belonging, and familiar routines. Residents have private bedrooms, shared kitchens, and communal lounges that feel more like cosy family living rooms than traditional care settings.
Led by the specialist Cura team, the unit offers consistent, compassionate care tailored to each individual’s needs.
“Continuity and emotional security are key to dementia care,” says the dementia specialist overseeing the unit.
“Our team builds genuine relationships with residents and their families, ensuring every
person feels seen, heard, and valued.”
Therapeutic features have been carefully integrated throughout the space. A serene sensory room with soft lighting and gentle music provides calm, while nature-inspired quiet zones and peaceful garden areas offer residents opportunities for relaxation and connection.
Life at Royal Court is rich and varied, with regular therapy dog visits, music sessions, gardening groups, and day trips aboard the Lilian Faithfull Care bus.
Intergenerational partnerships with local schools bring additional joy, fostering connection across generations. Residents also have access to on-site wellbeing services such as physiotherapy, hairdressing, and chiropody.
Families are welcomed as essential partners in their loved ones’ care journey. “We believe in preserving the rhythms of daily life,” says the home’s manager. “Familiarity brings comfort and joy, especially to those living with dementia.”
The newly opened Lavender Unit doesn’t just meet the needs of today - it sets a hopeful benchmark for the future of dementia care. “This is more than a refurbishment,” adds the manager. “It’s a blueprint for how dementia care should look and feel - not
Cheltenham’s
EVERY Tuesday at 1pm, something quietly magical happens inside Cheltenham’s Pittville Pump Room.
Run entirely by volunteers, the Cheltenham Music Festival Society hosts its Young Musician Concerts - a series of free (by donation) classical performances showcasing some of the UK’s most promising young talent.
What started as a small initiative to support emerging artists has grown into a weekly cultural staple, drawing loyal audiences from across the region. But despite growing popularity, the concerts are now under threat, as venue costs continue to rise and funding remains tight.
“We’ve had 28 concerts during this recent academic year, with audiences ranging from 70 to over 150 people,” says Andrew Auster, Chairman of the Cheltenham Music Festival Society, who arranges the concerts. “These young musicians are phenomenalwe’ve had former BBC Young
just in Cheltenham, but across the region.”
Royal Court Care Home is part of the Lilian Faithfull Care group, a charity dedicated to providing exceptional care for older people in Gloucestershire.
free hidden lunchtime concerts
Musician finalists, and performers studying in the UK from France, Ukraine, Russia, and Malaysia, as well as outstanding musicians from schools across Gloucestershire. People often say they can’t believe it’s free.”
The concerts are indeed free to attend, with donations strongly encouraged - and needed. The Cheltenham Trust charges the Society for use of the Pump Room, and on top of that there are regular costs for piano tuning and covering at
least the travel expenses for the musicians, many of whom travel from leading conservatoires and music schools across the country.
“We rely entirely on the generosity of our audience,” Andrew adds. “Ideally, we need more people to know about these concerts and to come along.”
“It’s the perfect lunchtime escape - live music, an inspiring setting, and a real sense of community, all by donation,” adds Liz Auster,
who also helps organise the series. “And it's not just for retirees. Families, students, home educators - everyone is welcome.”
The Society is now hoping to find local sponsors or donors who can help secure the future of the series for the next generation of musicians and audiences.
Upcoming Concerts –Autumn 2025
23rd September – Robin Smith (piano) 30th September –Hilary Cronin (soprano) & Will Mason (piano) 7th October –Tim Rumsey (piano) 14th October – Bridget Yee (piano) 4th November – Solihull School 11th November – Pate's Grammar School 18th November – Bournside School 25th November – Cheltenham
College 2nd December –Ottilie Wallace (violin) & Winnie Chan (piano)
Venue: Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham Time: 1:00pm (doors open 12:30pm) Entry: Free (donations welcomed)
Max Wilkinson MP
THE issue of immigration and asylum remains a troubling one for this country.
Despite what some say, there are no simple answers. My strongly held view is that we should all be wary of politicians who offer simplistic answers, because this is much more complex than is often portrayed. The politicians on the right who pretend the UK can exist in blissful isolation are misleading us. They know they are, just like the ministers in the last government who told us they were in control of immigration while they presided over an increase in net annual migration to almost 900,000.
International flows of migrants and refugees have been on the increase due to instability across the globe. The inevitable result is that some people will present themselves in the UK. And although those coming by small boat constitute a small proportion of overall migration figures, the danger inherent in such crossings means that route must be dealt with. Many of the people arriving in small boats end up in hotels. This policy was wrong when the Conservatives introduced it. Today, it remains wrong under Labour. Local communities and asylum seekers themselves deserve a more sensitive and respectful solution. It’s time for the Home Office to speed up the processing of claims and appeals.
That’s the way to deal with the backlog, to ensure asylum seekers don’t spend weeks and months holed up in hotels. Those who qualify to stay should be given the chance to work and pay taxes. Those who
don’t must be returned. That approach, alongside some other measures, will help prevent channel boat crossings without ripping up international agreements and making our nation an international pariah alongside Vladimir Putin. Just over a year ago, there was a big vote for change in this country. People are right to now ask questions of the new government. But we must also remember that the system wasn’t always so dysfunctional. We don’t need to delve too far into the past to find a time when there was no small boats crisis and migration levels were far lower. At that time, the UK was a member of the European Union, with all the cooperation on borders and crimefighting that came with EU membership. The man who led the charge to leave the EU was Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK. That was his last big idea. Brexit was not only a disaster for our economy. It poisoned public debate and divided friends and families. And despite the promises that it would mean we ‘took back control’ of the UK’s borders, it reduced the amount of control. Naturally, he won’t be held accountable for that –he’ll say it’s everyone else’s fault. But when you read about Farage’s plan for migration, bear in mind what he said about Brexit and how it turned out. He plans to hand over taxpayers’ money to the Taliban. Our armed forces fought against them for many years. A total of 457 of our brave military personnel died. It is an outrageous suggestion and one we must all reject.
Young musicians with former Cheltenham Mayor Paul Baker.
Cheltenham gears up for Cycle September Green Party
RECENT anti-migrant protests in our community have been deeply troubling. Protesters have sought to portray migrants as a threat to women and girls. This narrative is not only false, it is dangerous. It weaponises women’s safety to promote a divisive political agenda, while doing nothing to address the real and urgent problem of violence against women and girls. The evidence is clear: violence against women and girls exists in every community. According to the Office for National Statistics, one in four women in the UK has experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16, and one in five has experienced some form of sexual assault. The Femicide Census shows that, on average, a woman is killed by a man every three days in the UK, overwhelmingly by a current or former partner. These crimes cut across all backgrounds. The data shows no link between migration and higher rates of violence against women. Suggesting otherwise is a deliberate attempt by far right groups to sow fear and mistrust. What women and girls need is not scapegoating of vulnerable groups, but safety and support. The Green Party has long argued that tackling violence against women requires sustained investment in communities. That means properly funding domestic violence services, rape crisis centres, and refuges so survivors are never turned away. We know how damaging it is when services close, and women are left with nowhere to go. That is why organisations like Gloucestershire Rape and
Ashleigh Davies
Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC) are so invaluable here in Cheltenham and across the county. They provide a lifeline to survivors, but cannot do this vital work without secure, long-term funding. It also means making misogyny a hate crime, training all police forces to deal with domestic abuse appropriately, and ensuring our justice system has the resources to deliver timely and fair outcomes. These are practical, constructive steps to tackle the crisis. The truth is that far right rhetoric exploits women’s safety to advance an antimigrant agenda. But protecting women and girls requires unity, not division. We must stand together, across all communities, to demand the resources and reforms that will make a real difference.
As Greens, we are clear: violence against women and girls is a national crisis. It requires urgent action, compassion, and investment, not scapegoating of vulnerable groups. Let us not be distracted by those who seek to divide us. Instead, let us build safer, stronger communities where all women and girls can live free from fear.
Public Notice
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
County Council is encouraging residents, workplaces, schools and community groups to get involved in Cycle September.
The free, month-long celebration of biking Cycle September kicked off at the beginning of the month and is all about helping more people discover the joy of cycling. Whether it’s to work, to the shops or simply for fun, the challenge is open to everyone, regardless of experience or fitness level.
It’s easy to take part, as people are encouraged to ride throughout the month of September and all rides count, whether it’s a short trip to the shops, a daily commute or a weekend adventure. There are also local, national and industry leaderboards with great prizes to be won.
The initiative supports the council’s objectives to get more people cycling and walking and complements its investment into cycling and walking projects, including its ambitious infrastructure project, the Gloucestershire Cycle Spine, a 26-mile cycle path being built across the county which now links Cheltenham and Gloucester.
The approach aims to make walking and cycling safer, easier and more attractive for everyone, supporting the council’s wider commitments to climate action, public health
Steer Automotive Group Limited of 105 High Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 2HW is applying for a licence to use Steer Cheltenham, Unit 1 Saxon Way, Battledown, Cheltenham, GL52 6QX as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle and 0 trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.
and road safety.
Cllr Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Cycle September is a brilliant way to build healthy habits, support sustainability and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re cycling to work, popping to the shops or
heading out with friends, every ride counts. It’s free to join and open to everyone, no matter your experience.
Riding together helps us feel good, connect with others and strengthen our communities across Gloucestershire.
“It makes cycling safer and easier for all. Let’s get pedalling this September and
show how small changes can make a big difference to our health, our environment and our county.”
Registration is quick and free and participants can ride solo or as part of a workplace, school or community group. For more information, visit www.lovetoride.net/gloucest ershire
Public Notice Licensing Act 2003
I Mr Tom Noori applied on 15th August 2025 for a premises licence at 6 Regent Street for Sale of Alcohol, and Live and Recorded Music on Monday-Sunday, 8:00am - 03:00am.
Full details are included in the application held at Cheltenham Borough Council. The application has been made to: Cheltenham Borough Council, Licensing Team, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 9SA Email: licensing@cheltenham.gov.uk
The application can be inspected at the Council’s offices from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Any person wishing to make representations about this application may do so in writing to the above address or via email to licensing@cheltenham.gov.uk no later than Friday 12th September 2025
It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application punishable on summary conviction by an unlimited fine.
Cheltenham Green Party calls for council protection commitment for allotments
THE Cheltenham Green Party is calling on the Liberal Democrat-led Cheltenham Borough Council, to make an unequivocal declaration to protect the town's allotments and other community green spaces.
This urgent demand follows a local survey revealing widespread public anxiety over the perceived threat to these vital assets, exacerbated by recent national policy signals from Housing Secretary Angela Rayner and what the Greens describe as the council's history of disposing of community resources.
In Cheltenham, these national concerns are amplified by the Liberal Democrat council's track record of selling off community assets. Notable examples include:
l The controversial sale of Idsall Drive car park in Prestbury in 2024, despite a petition signed by over 1,000 residents opposing the move. The site was sold for £282,500 and is now back on the market for more than double the price with planning permission for housing.
l The ongoing sale of the Grade II-listed Municipal Offices, marketed since September 2024, with a buyer expected to be announced soon.
l The joint sale of Gloucestershire Airport in 2025 for over £25 million to Horizon Aero Group Ltd, an asset requiring significant investment.
l The closure of the Swindon Road household recycling centre, which requires £1 million in upgrades and faces
an uncertain future amid county council proposals.
To gauge local sentiment, the Cheltenham Green Party conducted a survey of Cheltenham residents, posted across various local social media groups. The results, gathered from dozens of responses, paint a clear picture of alarm:
A majority of respondents expressed being "very worried" about the threat to allotments, citing fears that the council will target community assets to raise funds amid financial pressures.
Key concerns included the council's past actions, with many referencing sales like Idsall Drive car park as evidence of a pattern. Respondents highlighted the multifaceted value of allotments, including benefits for mental health and wellbeing, food security
through growing fresh produce, community connections, biodiversity, and access to green spaces for those without gardens. There was strong willingness to take action, with most indicating they would sign petitions, contact local councillors, attend council meetings, join peaceful demonstrations, share campaign messages on social media, and volunteer for protection efforts.
In comments to the survey when posted to local social media groups Councillor Paul Baker, the Lib Dem cabinet member responsible for allotments, commented “As the Cabinet Member responsible for our allotments I have NO intention of selling off allotments, in fact we are investing in them and working hard to make unused plots available to our waiting list.”
Cllr Ashleigh Davies, Green Party Council Group Leader, said: “These assurances fall short of the firm commitment residents are seeking. Councils act as custodians of community assets - they do not own them outright, and vague statements about current intentions do not guarantee long-term protection. The council is already scaling back the community benefits promised for the Golden Valley Development, amid massive losses from other speculative ventures, notably the Minster Square Exchange, which incurred a £4.7 million overspend.”
Cllr Dr Ian Cameron, Green Party County Councillor, said: “Our survey shows that Cheltenham residents are deeply concerned about losing these irreplaceable green spaces, which provide essential benefits for health, community, and the environment. The Liberal Democrats must go beyond saying 'no plans yet' and declare unequivocally that they will protect our allotments and green spaces from development.
“They can go further and commit to open up unused land such as Cakebridge Place for community food growing and that new housing projects such as Elm’s Park will have green spaces for recreation, wildlife, and allotments.
“I call on Councillor Paul Baker and the council to make this commitment now, reassuring the public that community assets will be safeguarded for future generations - not sold off when budgets tighten.”
Conservative Party
Rob Garnham - Cheltenham Chairman
AUGUST saw the publication of results for A levels, GCSE’s and vocational and technical qualifications. Young people have featured in the press lately, for example, in discussions around being allowed to vote at 16, and should a 19-yearold Reform councillor be leader of Warwickshire Council? But amidst all this interest let’s stop to congratulate the young people who have worked so hard to achieve their education successes. For some, university beckons, for others there will be more studying, and others will be starting apprenticeships – an exciting time as they enter another chapter in their lives. I wish them well and as someone who did not go to University, but instead chose three years at a Marine and Technical Further Education College, I celebrate the wide range of career and study options open to students these days. “Different horses for different courses” definitely comes to mind!
“Populism is the exploitation of grievances without solving them”. A statement I apply to the recent publicity stunt pulled by Nigel Farage. It’s easy to stand up and say you will arrest and deport every single person who arrives by boat from across the channel. But within hours the plan fell apart as he had to backtrack and say he didn’t mean everyone and then he, Zia Yusuf and Richard Tice got into a tangle over
whether or not they would do the unthinkable and deport women and children back to a country where rape and torture are prevalent. Yes “stopping the boats” is a major topic of public concern, and the government desperately needs to get its act together, and “Oh, why did we cancel the Tory Rwanda Plan” I hear Labour cry. Reform have once again shown that whilst they are good at shouting the loudest, their plans fall apart at first scrutiny.
Up until May this year the Conservatives successfully ran the County Council at Shire Hall. At the Muni in Cheltenham, the Lib Dems continue to run the council in their own style. Difference? Research shows that in 2024/25 the Lib Dem Borough Council increased its debt by some £3million whilst the Conservative-run County successfully decreased its debt. And as they increase their debt the Lib Dems sell off assets - the Muni and the airport - and close Swindon Road Recycling Centre. Are they clearing the decks and trying to balance the books before Unitary Councils come along I wonder?
Grand launch of new suite
Wednesday 17th September 2025 2pm - 5pm
Join us to celebrate our grand opening with an afternoon of entertainment including a visit by professional jump jockey Sam Twiston Davies and two miniature ponies. Enjoy complimentary live entertainment and refreshments.
Friendship café
The third Wednesday of each month, 2pm - 3pm Meet like-minded people in the community for a chat over a hot drink and freshly baked treats.
Care home fete sends skydive fundraiser total rocketing
GENEROUS revellers at a Cheltenham care home helped two intrepid employees double their target for a skydive fundraiser. Family, friends and neighbours flocked to Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home on Ruby Avenue for their summer party on Saturday 16th August and gave generously to the good cause.
Home Manager Tanya Laity and Chef Natalie Wilson were just days away from completing their first-ever skydive to raise money for an initiative based on bringing joy into the lives of residents. Getting a cash injection from the summer party set them up with a total of £1450 as they boarded the plane just three days later.
Tanya said: “We were so grateful for the generosity of everyone who has contributed to the fundraiser. It helped us stay focused on the dive despite being very nervous.
“I’m petrified of heights, but I was so calm on the plane, and when I finally jumped, I loved it! I only agreed to do it because I wanted to support Natalie, who has always wanted to do a skydive, and to raise money for
our ‘Day To Remember’ initiative. Now I want to do it again!”
The ‘Day to Remember’ initiative is a company-wide campaign by Advinia Healthcare to create memorable experiences for care home residents. At Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home, residents have been asked to make wishes and hang them on a tree at the home, and now Tanya and her team are hoping to fulfil as many of them as possible.
Tanya added: “There are so
many different wishes on there, so we’re starting to put plans in place. Many of our residents asked to go to the seaside, so we’re now able to pay for a minibus to take them for a lovely day trip. It feels amazing to know that our fundraising has made these magical moments possible for the residents.”
It wasn’t just family and friends who contributed to the summer party fundraiser, local businesses also got behind the efforts. The raffle was packed
Labour Party
Sorting out fact from fiction
Did you like Maths at school? Do you feel confident with basic numbers now? It is often said of the English that we think it is ‘ok’ not to be good at maths, and after all, we’ve got calculators and even Alexa to give us the answers. But do we understand the significance of percentages and ratios?
Or the difference between numbers of very different sizes? And if we don’t, does it matter?
I think it does. In politics, it’s important that an informed electorate has an accurate understanding of how taxpayers’ money is spent on the different services they expect government to provide.
A recent survey illustrates the issue. It asked people to identify the three government services they believed the government spent most money on. Not surprisingly, the health service had most votes –we all know that the NHS is a huge and expensive undertaking. But what came next? Given the media coverage and public anxiety on immigration issues, you might not be surprised that immigration and asylum seekers came second. And after that?
with prizes donated by companies in the local area, including Boots, The Works and many others. When Tanya and Natalie arrived at Hinton Skydiving Centre to make their jump, they knew the community was behind them.
Tanya said: “We were bowled over by the support we had from our local community.
Escape Hut Cheltenham donated an escape room experience, The King’s Head gave us a meal for two to raffle off, Gwen’s Café and Flight Club gave us vouchers, and many more contributed. It was brilliant to see our community
Clive Harriss
Interest on government debt and MPs’ expenses. All hot issues in certain parts of the press! But is this perception accurate?
Well, no!
In 2024-25 the government’s total managed expenditure was approximately £1,278 billion. Of this, the biggest spend was on health and social care (approximately £205 billion) which was about 16% of all government spending. After that the next three, in descending order, were social security (12%), local government (11%) and state pensions (about 8%).
Nothing like the list of
coming together to celebrate with us and help us raise money.”
The summer party was also a chance to recognise the hard work and dedication of the Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home team. It was also the first anniversary of Tanya taking over as the Home Manager. Many of the staff’s families attended the party, feasting on BBQ food and baked goods made by resident Rebecca
perceived spending. In fact, the spend on immigration and asylum seekers (approximately £4.8 billion, or just under 0.4%) and MPs’ expenses (not quite £20 million, or about 0.002%) were way down at the low end of government expenditure. These are nonetheless very big figures to take in and make sense of. So, for illustration, let’s say the government total spend was £100. Of that £100, about £16 was spent on health and social care, and about three and a half pence on immigration - and there’s no coin small enough to represent MPs’ expenses! Public concern about immigration and MPs’ expenses should be and are taken seriously by the Government. But it does seem that some people are not well informed about the reality of public spending, and that their anger may be based on myth rather than fact.
At a time when we need more calm and less anger, more hope and less hate, encouraging such misapprehension doesn’t help the ordinary citizen to make sensible (or, dare I say it, even ‘common sense’) judgements about what they’re being led to believe. And the next time you hear someone complain of an apparently huge figure being spent on a public service, pause and check, before you judge, just how it stacks up in the great scheme of things!
Knight.
Tanya added: “We want to thank everyone who came to celebrate our team and the hard work they do every single day. I’m so proud of everyone, and it is always nice to be able to say ‘thank you’ and take a moment to acknowledge their contribution. For me, it’s been an incredible first year, so to top it off by doing a skydive has made this milestone unforgettable.”
FUNDRAISERS: Natalie and Tanya.
Eat. Drink. Discover Week launches at The Brewery Quarter
THE Brewery Quarter is set to host its very first Eat. Drink. Discover Week this autumn – a week-long celebration running from Monday 29 September to Sunday 5 October 2025. With an exciting mix of exclusive menus, unique events, family offers and hidden gems to uncover, visitors are invited to explore The Brewery Quarter in a whole new way.
With restaurants, bars, cafés, leisure venues and retailers all joining in, there will be plenty of chances to try something different –whether it’s indulging in a special menu, enjoying a hands-on activity or picking up a one-off deal.
The celebrations will culminate on Saturday 4th October with a day of live music and street performers, finishing with a lively silent disco to bring the week to a spectacular close.
Some highlights include:
• The Alchemist – discover a secret cocktail menu available only to those in the know.
Guests quoting “Discover Week” in-venue will unlock exclusive drinks, alongside a special-price two- and threecourse set menu.
• Flight Club – step up to the oche with the daily Bullseye Challenge (weekdays 5:30–
6:30pm) and win prizes, or gather friends for their Margs & Margs deal: two Watermelon Margaritas and a Margherita sharing pizza for just £25. Special events will also run across the weekend, including takeaway pizzas and drinks on Saturday.
• Hub Box – serving up big value across the week, with deals including £1 burgers for
students on Wednesday, locals’ preview nights on Tuesday and Thursday with burger, side and drink for £20, plus a special 4th anniversary re-launch party on Saturday 4th October complete with DJ, BBQ and complimentary arrival drinks, and kids eat free on Sunday.
• Brewhouse & Kitchen –celebrate Oktoberfest with a complimentary pretzel when ordering any Oktoberfest main course. On Saturday 4th October, the venue will also host an unmissable Bavarianthemed party to close the week in style.
• PizzaExpress – enjoy a secret two-course menu for only £19.65, including any starter and any classic pizza. Just show or quote Eat.Drink.Discover Week to redeem.
• Menkind – try out the latest gadgets, from laser tag to remote-control cars, during their in-store demo day on Saturday 4th October. The first
20 people to quote Discover Week will receive a free scratch card, with guaranteed prizes of up to £250 to spend in-store.
• Faded – enjoy grooming perks with buy-one-get-onefree on select hair products, plus a Dad & Lad offer when booked at the same time –perfect for a family trim during Discover Week.
• Mulligans – get competitive with a round of crazy golf and enjoy 50% off pizzas all week.
• Cosy Club – settle in for a weekday treat with their twocourse set lunch menu at £19.95 or three courses for £24.95, available Monday to Friday.
• F45 Training – shake up your fitness routine with an unbeatable trial offer: 5 classes for £15 or 10 for £30, available by quoting Discover Week. And that’s just the start – with over 20 venues taking part, from restaurants and cafés to entertainment and lifestyle
brands, visitors can expect a week packed with flavour, fun and discovery.
Demelsa Coleman, Marketing Manager at The Brewery Quarter, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching Eat. Drink. Discover Week, which shines a spotlight on the incredible variety we have here at The Brewery Quarter. Whether it’s grabbing a great-value lunch, sampling a hidden cocktail menu, treating the family or uncovering something new in our stores, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience The Brewery Quarter at its very best. And with live entertainment and a silent disco to finish, it promises to be a fantastic week for everyone.” Eat. Drink. Discover Week runs 29 September – 5 October 2025 at The Brewery Quarter, Cheltenham. For full details and a schedule of events, visit www.thebreweryquarter.com
Cheltenham Grammar School football team 1976 Derrick, O’Kelly, Brookes, Nicholls, Lambley, Buckley. Front row: Hynes, Summerbell, Wintle, Khalif, Dodwell.
Cheltenham Grammar School XV Martin, P Beckley, Eaves, Baldwin, Watts, Hopley, R Beckley, Tyler Kneeling: Osbourne, Madeley, Webb Williams (capt), Allen, Booth, Percival.
A recruitment advert from the 1950’s for one of Cheltenham’s biggest employers.
Cheltenham to host “first” concert celebrating famous animated film soundtracks
WEST Midlands orchestra
conductor Jack Campey has chosen Cheltenham as the venue for the first UK concert of its type dedicated entirely to the world of animated film music.
Driven by a lifelong passion for film and stage music, 32year-old Jack founded The Studio Orchestra in 2019 specifically to perform “the best music ever written” from Hollywood to the West End and beyond – and to share it with audiences throughout the country.
And every year (apart from Covid-hit 2020) he has staged themed concerts in Cheltenham and on tour, featuring iconic scores from music greats such as John Williams and Hans Zimmer; from mega-hit films such as Star Wars; and from Broadway shows and Christmas films.
And now Jack and his 60piece orchestra of talented, professional musicians are presenting The Music of Animation – in Concert, at the Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday, September 6, performing unforgettable soundtracks from the studios of Disney, DreamWorks, Pixar and Studio Ghibli in Japan.
From Cinderella in 1950 to How to Train Your Dragon in 2010, iconic film scores will get the full orchestral treatment, supported by special guest Radio 1’s film critic Ali Plumb, who will guide the audience through a programme of 14 film scores that define the history of animated film. Along the journey are Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Watership Down, Howl’s Moving Castle, Ratatouille, The Incredibles – and more. And the whole show will be enhanced by spectacular lighting.
Ali is delighted to join forces with Jack for the concert. He said: “I absolutely adore animated films and to be part of this amazing opportunity to show off and celebrate their outstanding music is a real joy. I can’t wait to share in all the love we have for these worlds, these characters, these – let’s be honest –unbelievably catchy themes.”
Jack added: “it’s a real thrill to return to Cheltenham racecourse alongside the brilliant Ali Plumb. Ali’s love for cinema and film music will add something truly special as he leads audiences through an incredibly diverse and captivating programme. Animated films have shaped generations with their storytelling, unforgettable characters, and the magic of making us believe in the impossible. Their music has become the soundtrack of childhoods around the world.
“It’s the first concert of its type in the UK that specifically celebrates animated film music from all the big studios in one glorious show. I am so proud of the orchestra and its unbelievably talented musicians. We are all about pushing the boundaries to deliver exciting concerts that will immerse the audience in some of the best music ever written.”
Jack loves to bring his passion for film and stage music home to Cheltenham and the West Midlands. He was born in Ross-on-Wye and now lives and works in Worcester. He is remarkable in that he has a full-time job in the food industry and prepares, rehearses and arranges concerts in every waking hour of his spare time. He conducts and plays live music all over the West Midlands and is sought after
for film, theatre and classical concerts.
Jack fell in love with film music as a boy hearing his mum’s old vinyl records of Broadway songs and he said: “I started to dance and flail my arms around – and I’m still flailing my arms around!”
He is a largely self-taught orchestral conductor apart from a few, valued lessons from the director of music at Exeter University where he was a student. He plays the trumpet, saxophone, piano, drums and percussion. He is also an author, researching and writing about the Golden Age of musical theatre and film.
In 2018 he travelled to Los Angeles where he researched original score manuscripts at the Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros and the Archive of the Academy Awards. He said: “I was looking at the original scores of Disney’s Snow White with rings of coffee cup stains from the music department all over the place – little did they know at the time that they were adding their mark in history, quite literally.”
He added: "I'm deeply committed to performing film music the way it should be heard and that is with a full orchestra. That is how composers originally wanted to hear their music performed live, so we take no shortcuts. We do things the right way –this is Hollywood music after all, so it deserves to be glamorous and splendid.”
Listings information
Venue: The Centaur, Cheltenham racecourse
Date: Saturday, 6th September
Start time: 7:30 pm For tickets and more information visit www.thestudioorchestra.co.uk
Recipes Steph Williams
Follow Steph’s blogThis Plate Is Pretty stephnicw.wixsite.com /thisplateispretty
Smoked Salmon Pate
Local Charity Auction
On Saturday 13 September 2025, the Twin Arrows Golf Society will host their last charity fundraising golf day to raise funds for the National Star College.
After playing golf an auction will be held at the Greatfield Pub in Hatherley and pre-auction bids are welcome for the following items.
There will be 3 vouchers for the 59 Club UK, each for 4 golfers who can choose from an extensive list of over 100 courses throughout the UK.
(Estimated value £200 plus for each 4 ball)
Other items include:-
A 4 Ball at the Belfry (Estimated value £300)
2 x 4 Balls at the Forest of Arden
(Estimated value £250 for each 4 ball)
Aston Villa – European game for 4 with refreshments (Estimated value £400)
Gloucester 1873 Rugby match for 4 including refreshments (Estimated value £400)
Lilleybrook 4 Ball with refreshments (Estimated value £200)
A Car Chase Heroes Voucher. Drive 3 super cars in your choice of their venues across the UK.
(Ideal Christmas present) Estimated value £100
Send you pre-auction bids to Pat Cox at email address patrickcox775@msn.com or by telephone 07847 662569
If you love easy party appetizers, then this is a must try. It is light, silky, fresh-tasting and delicious. Perfect as an elegant fish starter for your dinner party, a picnic, snack or lunch. All you need is a food processor and you'll have crazily moreish pate in just a few minutes, containing only 2.5g of net carbs.
Ingredients Serves 2
• 100g Smoked Salmon
• Juice of 1/2 a Lemon
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Dill or Chives
• 150g Cream Cheese
Instructions
l Put all ingredients into a food processor and blitz to your liking.
l For a chunkier Pate, add
in the Salmon right at the end and give it a few pulses.
l Spoon into a dish or bowl and chill for around 45 - 60 minutes.
l Garnish - See Recipe Notes.
Recipe notes
Serve with Salad, low carb Crackers, bread & Crudites, such as Cucumber Sticks or on top of Cucumber rounds.
Beetroot Shots
If you are not a fan of Salmon, this will also work well with Tuna, Crab or Mackerel instead. Garnish with a small rolled up piece of Salmon, Dill, Lemon Zest, Capers, Peppercorns or a drizzle of melted Butter.
If you want to get really fancy, use a piping bag to pipe into a serving dish.
With a sweet flavour and packed with nutrients, these daily detox shots will give you a boost in the morning! The ingredients will provide you with anti-inflammatory health benefits, an immunity boost, will kick start your energy and are great for your Liver, Skin and Heart. It has a sweet taste and is gluten free. You can easily buy these types of shots in the well-known coffee shops and supermarkets but it is so much cheaper and will only take only 5 minutes to make at home, all you need is a blender. Per shot contains 4.5g of net carbs.
Ingredients 10 Shots
• 200ml Water
• 1 medium Carrot
• 1 cooked non pickled whole Beetroot
• 2 small red Apples
• Juice of 1.5
Instructions
l Add all of the ingredients to a blender and mix thoroughly for at least 30 seconds until you get a smooth consistency.
l Grab your favourite shot glasses, pour and enjoy. The rest can be stored in the fridge for the rest of the week.
Recipe notes
The consistency is more of a pulp than a liquid. If this is not for you, strain the mixture through a sieve, however you will lose some of the taste and nutrition.
Happy endings
Animal Shelter
AT Cheltenham Animal Shelter, every animal has a story and thanks to the kindness of our adopters and supporters, these stories end in joy and a new beginning.
Cookie, a lively working
Cocker Spaniel, arrived at the Shelter in February at just 11 months old. His previous owner, overwhelmed by the energy of a working-breed puppy, made the difficult decision to find him a new home.
Fortunately, Cookie didn’t have to wait long as just 17 days after he arrived he went to his new life with Darcie and Sam.
Now known as Cook, the young spaniel is thriving in his new home. “He’s a very happy chappy,” they told us. “He’s incredibly affectionate and loyal, and his fetch skills are on another level. Since joining our family, he’s already enjoyed two trips to Wales
By Erica Landon
and settled in perfectly.”
Hubert, a bold ginger kitten, showed up on a stranger’s doorstep one day and decided to stay, despite the protests of the household’s dogs. With no one to claim him, the young stray aged around seven months old, was brought to Cheltenham Animal Shelter to find him a new home.
Aleks, one of the charities Trustees, had patiently been waiting to adopt a feline friend. She met Hubert and was instantly smitten.
Renamed Figaro, or Figgy for short, he quickly made himself at home. “He’s curious, mischievous, and an absolute joy,” Aleks shared. “He loves playing with his wand toy and lounging in the sun.”
This little “orange” ball of mischief has found his place, and his humans
couldn’t be happier.
Three-year-old lionhead rabbit Niknak arrived at the Shelter in March after being rescued from poor living conditions alongside several other rabbits. With matted fur, overgrown nails, and
told us. “She and Bertie have bonded so well. It’s heartwarming to watch her explore the garden, knowing the conditions she came from.”
sore eyes, she needed plenty of love and care.
After being nursed back to health, Niknak found a loving new home with a rabbit companion called Bertie. “Niknak has settled in perfectly,” her adopter
These happy endings are only possible because of the incredible support we receive from our community, and around one third of the income we need each year comes from people who leave us a gift in their Will.
A legacy gift allows you to leave a provision that will
help us continue to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals like Cookie, Figgy, and Niknak for generations to come. Whether large or small, every gift helps ensure that we can be there for the animals who need us most.
To find out more about how you can leave a gift in your Will and help shape a better future for vulnerable animals, visit www.gawa.org.uk/leave-alegacy
Hubert
Cookie
Niknak
Money talks Fanny Snaith
Money Talks: When resistance means you’re on track
RECENTLY I told my dear friend Catherine Rolt, who lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and uses Integrated Medicine to help her and others, about another woman with the same condition, Paula Carnell.
Paula discovered she could improve her health through natural remedies and, remarkably, through bees and honey. She now speaks openly about her journey, creating a buzz (literally and figuratively) as she teaches the world about energy, healing, and truth. And the world resists. Hard.
That’s when Catherine, reflecting on Paula’s story, said something that stopped me in my tracks: whenever someone speaks a clearer truth, resistance will rise. She called it the law of resistance. And then she gave me an image so simple, so sharp, I can’t stop thinking about it. Read on.
Energy and the Law of Resistance
We all sense this, even if we don’t always name it. Just think about the language we use: “I’m on a high.” “I’m feeling low.”
These aren’t just throwaway phrases. They reveal how energy works. High energy (or high frequency) feels clear, light, and alive. Low energy feels heavy, muddled, or drained.
When you raise your frequency - through truth, clarity, love, or courageyou disrupt the status quo. And the lower energies will try to drag you back down. Not because they’re evil, but because that’s how resistance works.
It’s like friction. It shows up every time you move forward.
antennae are scrambled. It thinks it’s a duck, heads the wrong way, and ends up shot down.
That’s us, as humans.
Every day we have an inner navigation system designed to take us where we need to go - in money, in life, in health. But most of us are flying with scrambled signals.
Why? Because of conditioning, trauma, and generational baggage. Because of what we eat, drink, and absorb. Because of the endless cultural noise telling us who we should be. Our “antennae” - the inner sense of what’s true for us - are muddled. And then, to make matters worse, we’re told: “Don’t worry. Just think positive. Train your mind. Fix your mindset. You’ll be fine.”
It’s a half-truth at best.
Why Positive Thinking Isn’t Enough
Here’s the hard reality: you can’t out-think a scrambled navigation system.
If your unconscious beliefs are tangled - “I don’t deserve wealth,” “money always slips through my fingers,” “success will make me selfish” - then no number of daily affirmations will stick.
Catherine’s Bird Metaphor
Catherine explained it like this: imagine a bird flying south for the winter. Year after year it remembers what it is, follows its inner compass, and gets safely to its destination.
Now picture a bird that’s forgotten it’s a bird. Its
It’s like typing new directions into a satnav that’s wired to keep sending you back to the wrong road. The conscious mind is powerful, but it’s only one part of the machinery.
Real change means clearing the interference at a deeper level:
● Naming and dismantling inherited stories;
● Clearing emotional blocks stored in the body;
● Choosing what to eat, drink, and consume so your energy isn’t dulled;
● Facing the uncomfortable truths you’d rather avoid. That’s the work. Not sexy. Not Instagram-worthy. But real.
The Money Link
So what does this have to do with money?
Everything.
I work with people who earn six figures and still feel broke, or who avoid looking at their bank accounts because the numbers trigger shame. On the surface, they’re smart, accomplished, “together.” But their antennae are scrambled. Somewhere deep down, there’s a match between their old money wounds or better, identities, and the “lower frequency” of fear, guilt, or scarcity. And that unconscious match keeps pulling them back.
Until you recognise and clear that, all the spreadsheets, budgets, and tips in the world won’t set you free.
The Takeaway
If you feel resistance right now - in money, in life, in your own head - don’t assume you’re failing. Consider it a signpost: you’re actually moving. You’re closer to clarity than you think.
When Paula speaks her truth about EDS and natural healing, the resistance she meets is not proof she’s wrong - it’s proof she’s brave enough to be clear. Catherine captured it with the bird metaphor: either we remember what we are, or we fly confused and lost. The same goes for you. So the next time the world resists, or your own head pushes back, ask yourself: Is this because I’m wrongor because I’m finally on track?
And if your bird has forgotten it’s a bird? It’s time to remember.
You can find out more about Catherine and Paula using the links below: www.catherinearolt.com/ www.paulacarnell.com/
Fanny Snaith offers money
financial
Make sure your children get your estate!
YOU didn’t spend your whole life working, scrimping and saving just to let the taxman take nearly half of your home, along with anything and everything else you own when you die.
House prices tripled in the last 20 years, and with the average life expectancy now well into the 80’s most people don’t realise just how big their estate will be, and therefore how much HMRC will take until it’s too late.
Inheritance tax is brutal. If you don’t do something about it, up to 40% of what your house will be worth, your savings, your business, and from 2027 your pension too, will be gone before your children even see a penny.
That’s if there’s even anything left after paying for means-tested care…
But the elite? The ones making the rules? They don’t play by them. Oh no.
The rich stay rich because their parents and their parents before them made damn sure
their wealth stayed in the family. You think their children are paying nearly half of everything in inheritance tax when they die? Not a chance. It seems like it’s one rule for them and another for us.
But you don’t have to accept it. You shouldn’t let anyone
walk away with a bigger share of your inheritance than your kids.
You want to make sure your kids can have a better life, so,
they can have choices and so, your grandkids can have opportunities.
You want to leave a chunk of money that means they’re not struggling. That means they can put a deposit on a house, pay off their mortgage, start a business, buy a new car, go on holiday… or just breathe a little easier.
That’s what this is really about.
But that’s only going to happen if you stop anyone else taking the lion’s share of your estate first.
Call us and find out how to make sure your kids get the maximum inheritance possible (and nobody else gets to take a bigger slice…)
You earned it. Make sure your kids get it!
For more information and advice call the Unity Legal on 0333 335 5875
Pesky Pests in the garden and how to stop them
WE work hard on keeping our gardens in prime condition.
The problem is it’s open to all weather which delivers all sorts of creepy crawly visitors bringing disease and chomping on leafs. So how do we stop these pesky bugs and keep our garden safe?
Here are a few tips on pest control:
Aphids (Green & Black fly)
These little monsters are a real problem to plants. Large infestations will weaken and wilt plants and feast on your prized flowers. They can be picked off or washed away with a hose or spray bottle but keep on top with regular inspections. You can also introduce and encourage natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, wasps and hover flies as they love to munch on aphids. Small birds can also be seen picking them off then back to the nest to enjoy a family meal.
Powdery mildew
Mildew is a problem for most plants affecting the leaves and stunting growth, if left alone it will spread and infest throughout your garden. Poor soil management, bad weather and poor location are all factors but there are things we can do to remove this powdery pest.
One natural solution is a
By Mark Hopkins
home made remedy of baking powder mixed with water and sprayed regularly onto the leaves. You can also space out your plants to make it more difficult to spread, or you can also simply remove the infected leaves but be sure to bag them before binning them to stop the fungus spread.
Slugs and snails
The arch enemy of any gardener, these tykes can be found in all manner of places, and they can often be found inside our properties. They are relentless in there destruction of the complete plant leaving nothing but waste. So how do we try to control them? Stop them getting to dine on your plants by spreading gritty material like diatomaceous earth on the soil, or egg shells work very well. Homemade traps like a container with beer in it set in the soil will attract the curious critters, and a copper tape ring around your pots will also keep slugs and snails away.
Companion planting by
placing crops with strongscented herbs or flowers, such as marigolds or garlic, can confuse pests and repel them from your main crops. Crop rotation by planting specific plants each year can disrupt the pests’ life cycle and prevent soil disease building up. You can find plant varieties that have natural resistance to common pests and mix them into your garden. Neem oil is a very effective organic pesticide but must be formulated for domestic use. Hand picking visible bugs like caterpillars is easy and effective.
Safeguard against the weather
We can get four seasons in the same day in Cheltenham so it’s important to be ready to protect against wind, heat and cold.
Winds will rip a plant to shreds especially tall varieties so stake and fix you plants for safety.
Heat or drought will stress your plants so be sure to water regularly, early morning or evening is the best time to water and avoid evaporation. Cold is equally damaging as heat to many plants, frost and snow are deadly to most plants so add a layer of mulch to keep roots from freezing, think about fleece cover and maybe lift and store your most tender plants.
New days out reader offer
ONLY A FEW SEATS LEFT
Bath
A timeless treasure
Tuesday 16th September
Step into the elegance of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture, rich history, and rejuvenating thermal waters. Whether you're seeking culture, relaxation, or adventure, Bath offers an unforgettable experience.
THE Cheltenham Post and Swanbrook Coaches have teamed up to give our loyal readers some wonderful days out throughout the year. BATH SEPTEMBER 16TH -
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Tuesday 9th December
Marvel at the grandeur of the Royal Crescent and The Circus, or explore the ancient Roman Baths, where natural hot springs have bubbled for over 2,000 years. Indulge in a spa day at the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can bathe in warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying breathtaking rooftop views.
Literature lovers can follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen, visiting the museum dedicated to her life and works. Stroll along the charming streets, filled with boutique shops, quaint cafés, and awardwinning restaurants.
With its vibrant cultural scene, stunning countryside surroundings, and fascinating heritage, Bath is a must-visit destination for a truly enchanting escape.
Step into a winter wonderland at the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria! This festive favourite transforms Birmingham’s city centre into a magical Christmas haven, complete with traditional wooden chalets, twinkling lights, and the sweet sounds of festive music.
Wander through Victoria Square and New Street, where you'll find unique handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and delicious German treats. Indulge in sizzling bratwurst, crispy pretzels, and roasted almonds, all perfectly paired with a warm mug of glühwein or rich hot chocolate.
With live entertainment, a beautifully lit Christmas tree, and a joyful atmosphere, the market is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift or simply embracing the holiday spirit, Birmingham’s German Christmas Market promises an unforgettable experience filled with warmth, tradition, and Christmas cheer!
Escorted by John Batchlor from Cotswolds
Travel www.cotswoldstravel.co.uk
Quiz with prizes of meals for two and other fantastic prizes.
Deadline for booking and payment:
Bath: 9th September 2025
Birmingham: 9th December 2025
Information
Pick up points in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Churchdown
Departing 9am and returning from destination at 5pm.
Cos t and payment
Price is £30 per person.
Payment either by bank transfer to All4one Media Ltd
Acc no: 78327142
Sort code: 60-83-71
Or cheques payable to; All4One Media Ltd.
Send to 121 Salisbury Avenue, Warden Hill, Cheltenham. GL51 3BZ.
TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER Puzzles
1. The island nation of Seychelles is in which ocean?
2. In athletics, what is the official weight of the women’s discus?
3. Which system of algebra deals with logical operations, using only two values: 0 and 1, or true and false?
4. Octopus, squid, cuttlefish and nautilus belong to which class of marine animals?
5. Which author is best known for her vampire romance series Twilight?
6. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in which 2024 film adapted from a hit West End and Broadway musical?
7. Upsilon is the 20th letter in which alphabet?
8. TV personality Stacey Solomon married which former EastEnders actor in 2022?
9. The cutting of shrubs and hedges into ornamental shapes is called what?
10. What is the longest river in France?
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.
2. Odd sort of punch (3)
5. Criticise a graduate for his hat (6)
7. Lots of dogs headed off (6)
9. Why tie agent in knots to become obstructive? (3,2,3,3)
10. Carrier sounds as if he has less clothing on (6)
11. Deputy who works to rule! (6)
13. Artist worked out in the narrow passage (6)
16. Hit the man with bandage (6)
18. Setting the amount to be charged first, it is not done in the free market (5-6)
19. Insures bookends (6)
20. Rig, it’s collapsed in the river (6)
21. Some were relying on the city (3)
QUICK CROSSWORD
1. Small pool (6)
Relic (6)
Counting frame (6)
Yawning (6)
Finger (5)
Hole for cord (6)
Cycled (4)
Epochs (4)
Russian emperor (4)
Beers (4)
Calm (6)
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.
1. Tempt large number with fish (6)
2. Rod ran around old part of Wales (6)
3. Doctor with the redhead who has given birth (6)
4. East African Yank could have accepted the measure (6)
6. Change original inhabitant’s choice (11)
8. Below arranging in rank and reducing in status (11)
10. Vehicle loan brought up (3)
12. Article not held centrally (3)
14. Mistakenly opt to follow leader (3,3)
15. Set out repeatedly to fly (6)
16. Scottish game played by some of the Irish in Tyrone (6)
17. A Girl Guide initially tucks into his Scottish dish (6)
NONAGRAM
Typewriter roller (6)
Cloth seller (6)
Praised (6)
Public speaker (6)
Grins (6)
Shallow lake (6)
Location (4)
Jeer (4)
Blood-sucking insect (5)
Part of collar (5)
Shun (6)
Hypnotic state (6)
Temper, toughen (6)
Back end (4)
Continent (4)
Pantry (6)
Figure of speech (6)
Turn to ice (6)
Withdraw from (6)
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).
Serene; 27 Saline; 28 Nadir; 29 Hinder; 30 Admire; 31 Weekly; 32
Topiary; 10 The Loire. acer; acre; arise; asker; care; caries; carse; carsick; circa; crack; crake; craw; creak; crew; crick; erica; kaiser; kris; race; rack; raise; rake; raki; rase; reck; rice; rick; rise; risk; saker; sari; sark; scar; scarce; scare; screw; sear; serac; serai; sicker; sire; skier; swear; wackier; waker; ware; wear; weir; wicker; wire; WISECRACK; wiser; wrack; wreak; wreck.
EQUALISER: CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Puddle; 4 Fossil; 8 Abacus; 10 Gaping; 11 Digit; 12 Eyelet; 14 Bolero; 16 Rode; 17 Eras; 19 Tsar; 22 Ales; 26
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
l
l
l
l
Sport
Welsh wizard Williams named Cherry & Whites captain for the season
2024/25 Gallagher PREM Player of the Season, Tomos Williams, has been named Club Captain at Gloucester for the 2025/26 season by Director of Rugby, George Skivington.
The Welshman has been a revelation since joining from Cardiff Rugby last summer, and was rightly rewarded for a terrific season in Cherry & White with his Player of the Season award and a call-up to the British & Irish Lions squad for their summer tour of Australia.
A general at half-back, Williams was instrumental in Gloucester's attacking revolution last season, marshalling the side around the park and producing moments of individual brilliance.
Off the field, Williams' leadership and commitment have also impressed the coaches at Kingsholm.
Williams will be assisted in his duties by Vice Captains Arthur Clark and Seb Atkinson, who both made their international debuts for England this summer.
On his appointment, Williams commented: “I’m incredibly proud to be named captain of such a historic rugby club.
“When I first arrived at Gloucester, I quickly learned how much this club means to the city and how passionate the fans are.
“It's been an honour and a privilege to represent them, both home and away, and to have their support behind us.
Smiths Rugby ready for season start
“We’ve got an exciting, ambitious group here, and I’m looking forward to leading them on the pitch.”
Director of Rugby, George Skivington, added:
“Firstly, I would like to thank Lewis Ludlow for the great work he’s done as Club Captain over the past five-and-a-half seasons.
“He's fully embodied what this Club is all about: passion, desire, grit; and continues to do so every time he steps on the field. He'll continue to be an important player for us, but we felt it was the right time to select a new Captain.
“Ever since Tomos came in, we viewed him as someone with lots of leadership potential, and over the past season, he's really impressed us with the way he communicates with the lads and the standards that he sets. His performances on the field and the impact he has on those around him speak for themselves.
“Arthur and Seb are two really impressive young men and are both already strong leaders in their own right.
“Like Tomos, they demand incredibly high standards of themselves and their teammates, and that'll only be positive in pushing our Club onwards.
“I'm sure fans will join me in congratulating Tomos, Arthur and Seb on their appointments, whilst also recognising Lud’s contribution as the Club's longest-serving Club Captain of the professional era.”
AFTER nine weeks of preseason preparation, Smiths Rugby are gearing up for the start of the 2025-26 campaign on 6th September. With two away matches first up, their 1st XV visit St Mary's Old Boys in Counties 2 Gloucestershire and the United side have a friendly at Chosen Hill.
1st XV captain Ben Hawker and United skipper Joe Hemming both agree that despite some tough fixtures, there is a buzz about the club.
Hawker explained: “The addition of some new players in the last few weeks has been a boost to training numbers and competition for places will only improve standards across the squad.”
Hemming adds: “The new faces are a real indication of how Smiths is viewed as a club and great to hear
positive feedback from players as they settle in.”
With the challenge of building squad depth and seeing Smiths reach their potential, Head Coach Ben Parker has sought to tweak some things on the playing front.
“As a club we’re always
looking to improve. We’ve enjoyed a lot of success in recent seasons, but we can’t stand still, the challenge now is to see how far we can go. We’ve strengthened both on and off the field, with real quality in the squad and the exciting addition of George Angell to the coaching team
from Cinderford. Just as important is continuing to grow our culture and create an environment where players feel welcome, valued and able to play their best rugby. It’s also fantastic to see our new under-15s team settling in so quickly, and I’m really looking forward to watching them develop and eventually progress into the senior setup.”
Smiths’ first home matches will be a double-header at Prince of Wales Stadium on Saturday 13th September with the United side facing Bredon at 1pm and 1st XV vs Old Elizabethians at 3pm.
Training for U15s squad is from 6.30pm and senior squad from 6.45pm every Wednesday at Prince of Wales Stadium. www.smithsrugby.co.uk/mini -junior
CAPTAIN: Tomos Williams. PICTURE: Gloucester Rugby
Mitres win in front of England legend
By Ben Ware
BISHOPS Cleeve rounded out the bank holiday weekend with a 2-0 win over Sporting Club Inkberrow in front of former England international and Pitching In ambassador Stuart Pearce.
A win would take the Mitres to the top of the table and seal a perfect start of four wins from four in the Southern League Division One South, one of the best starts in the club’s history. They started off on the front foot too, Jack Watts running through the Eagles’ defence to fire a shot at goal which Gabriel Bajrami was equal to, diving down to the bottom right corner to keep the ball out with three minutes on the clock.
With 11 minutes played, Jay Malshanskyj forced another strong save before Ross Langworthy found the net with a smart finish oneon-one, only for the assistant’s flag to rule out a 13th-minute opener. The action died down as the home side found a footing in the match, keeping Cleeve quiet until the 33rd minute when Josh Nelmes bent one goalwards, seeking the top right corner but not hitting the target. Half-time saw the
two sides go in goalless.
Inkberrow would come closest in the opening stages of the second half, almost picking out the top left corner six minutes in, before Lewis Clayton was forced into an impressive save as he parried the ball around the post.
The first goal of the game finally came just after the hour mark, Ross Langworthy being played through on goal, holding off two defenders as he raced towards Bajrami, sitting the keeper down and
taking it round him before tapping home to make it 1-0. The lead was close to lasting just two minutes, Inkberrow hitting the inside of the post at the top left corner, but seeing it bounce out and away from danger.
The action continued as the 67th minute brought Cleeve’s second goal, substitute Curtis Jemmett-Hutson picking up the ball after Inkberrow failed to clear a corner and slotting it across goal and into the bottom right corner
Development side beat the Rocks
THE Development side struck late to bring home all three points as they travelled to Tytherington Rocks in the Gloucestershire County League on Tuesday night.
Last season saw the Devs travel to Hardwicke Playing Fields twice as they faced Tytherington Rocks Reserves in Hellenic Division Two West and in the Division Two Challenge Cup, coming away with one win and one defeat. This time, they’d be facing the first team who recently came down from Hellenic Division One.
Their first chance came from the feet of Will Pugh, the defender picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, holding off the two Rocks midfielders before letting fly from distance, but he could only find the keeper seven minutes into the game.
The next foray forward saw Noah Parker charge down the right wing, his low cross only half cleared, falling to
Callum Debonis, who looped a volley over the keeper and in to make it 1-0 after 12 minutes. The early control of the game bringing an early goal.
Within a minute, however, the home side were level, Ollie Briggs hitting a tame effort from the edge of the box but seeing it sneak through Noah Sunter and in.
The home side began to take some control, seeing the ball fly across the goal following a well-placed free kick with 22 minutes on the clock, before their first of four penalty shouts were waved away just after the half-hour mark.
Devs’ best chance to retake the lead came after Toby Moss beat the keeper to the ball on the edge of the box in the 33rd minute, but he unselfishly looked to square the ball and saw it cleared.
Two penalty shouts in the space of five minutes were waved away for the home
side as they started the stronger of the two teams, Alex Cheal’s side riding the storm with well-timed substitutions changing the tide of the night. The visitors almost made it 2-1 in the 58th minute, Moss beating the keeper to the ball again, going round the hapless shot stopper, but seeing an incredible tackle sweep the ball away before he could tap home.
Sam Smith was the next Mitre to be in with a chance but a questionable offside flag prevented him from going one-on-one.
Just as the Mitres looked to be headed home all even with the points shared, a corner in the 95th minute fell to Jamie Lock on the edge of the box. A touch to get it out of his feet was followed by a rocket into the top left corner to win the match with the last kick of the game, and saw the Devs bring the three points home.
table.
The Mitres were unable to replicate last season’s historic cup run as they fell to a 5-2 defeat against Southern League Premier Division Central side Wimborne Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.
Wimborne started the game well, focusing on Cleeve’s right-hand side in the early stages, but seeing their best opportunity come from the left as they advanced towards goal, working the ball beautifully around the Mitres’ defence, but saw their shot rebound off the post and away with eight minutes gone. Two minutes later, Cleeve had a chance of their own, Lewis Spurrier’s corner headed goal-wards by Jake Lee before being cleared off the line.
hit 30, Williams being played through on goal and slotting home his second. They came close again ten minutes later, but some brave defending in a goalmouth scramble kept the score at 2-0 to the Magpies as the two sides went into the break.
Just as one side dominated the start of the first half, another dominated the start of the second; this time, it was Cleeve’s turn to take control and force their way back into the tie. It would take just two minutes for their efforts to come to fruition as Malshanskyj was played through on goal and curled a half volley past Plain and in to half the deficit.
to double the Mitres’ lead. In a similar fashion to the last goal, Inkberrow came close to scoring themselves but managed to fire over an open goal from two yards.
The last 20 minutes were far more tame, Toby Holland having a go from distance but not managing to hit the target, proving to be the highlight of the closing stages. Full-time brought another three points for Paul Collicutt’s side as they climbed to the top of the
The 16th minute brought an almost inevitable opening goal from the away side, the almost 300 in attendance treated to a sublime finish into the top right corner as Wimborne took the lead from the edge of the box via Lewis Williams. The 23rd minute brought the next opportunity of the game, the Mitres may have been fighting for control, but they were still fashioning chances as Jay Malshanskyj’s low cross was prodded towards goal by Ross Langworthy, but he couldn’t beat Cam Plain in the Wimborne net.
A clinical through ball then carved open the Cleeve defence just before the clock
Toby Holland replaced Lewis Spurrier 55 minutes into the game and made an instant impact, his pinpoint cross from the left-hand side headed home by Ross Langworthy to pull the game level and give the home side a real fighting chance with momentum in their favour.
The next goal was crucial but it would go the way of the Magpies, Joe Ryan firing across goal and finding the net to make it 3-2 after 72 minutes before Williams completed his hat-trick seven minutes later, sliding in to bundle the ball home from a yard out. The pick of the bunch came in the 90th minute as Will Fletcher picked out the top right corner with an outstanding finish.
Ladies win in local derby
BISHOPS Cleeve Ladies finished pre-season in style with a 4-0 win away to local rivals Evesham United.
Leonie Gough continued her fine summer form as she bagged a hat-trick, with the first coming in the 11th minute to end a quiet start to proceedings. The Robins came close to getting back level only a couple of minutes later when a corner was swung into the box, but the resulting header flew just wide.
An even closer attempt came not long after, as a powerful yet brilliant effort from outside the box struck the crossbar and bounced back off the line. Evesham’s forward couldn’t reach the rebound as the ball ricocheted to safety. Chances going astray came back to haunt them when
By Dan Brain
Gough doubled her tally on the half-hour mark, making the most of a great ball from Becca Harris and finishing with class.
That was it for the first half, and as the rain began at the start of the second, so did the goals. The Mitres made it three through Leigh Mitchell, who calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper, and five minutes later, Gough completed her hat-trick. She took advantage of a mishap from one of the hosts’ two centre-backs when her gamble to close her down paid off and put her through on goal. Her finish couldn’t have been more perfectly placed in the bottom left corner. After the
fourth, Evesham looked defeated and were unable to string a number of passes together. Cleeve’s Evie Jackson had an opportunity for a fifth with less than 20 minutes to go, but she couldn’t make the most of a poor clearance as she smashed the ball over the bar.
The full-time whistle meant that Bishops Cleeve had won eight of their 10 pre-season tests, with the only loss against another ladies team coming against Odd Down earlier in August.
Their regular season begins next Sunday as they take on Cirencester in the FA Cup, who they beat 2-1 earlier in pre-season. Their first league game comes against Dursley Town on Sunday, September 21st.
Bishops Cleeve v Wimborne Town.
National Champion award for local horse
CHELTENHAM-BASED
former racehorse, Not At Present, was crowned the Tattersalls Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Ridden Showing Series Supreme Champion on Saturday 23 August at The Jockey Club RoR National Championships held at Aintree International Equestrian Centre.
The 10-year-old, affectionately now known as Neil the Baby, was formerly trained by Ben Pauling, bred by Grand National-winning jockey, Davy Russell and previously owned by Rachel and John Brodie, who purchased him at the horses in training sale in Ireland, then known as the Goffs Land Rover Sale.
Not At Present raced on 18 occasions under National Hunt rules, with wins at Worcester, Bangor, Kempton, and Fontwell on Boxing Day. However, after sustaining a tendon injury, his owners carefully rehabilitated him before he returned to racing, but it soon became clear that he had fallen out of love with the sport. With his natural
presence in the arena, he began a new chapter in retraining, which ultimately led to his special partnership with his current owner and rider, Molly Sherring. Since retiring from
the track in July 2024, he has gone on to enjoy a highly successful second career in showing.
Molly Sherring, owner and rider of Not At Present, said:
“Neil has made my wildest dreams come true. Just reaching the RoR National Championships at Aintree in his first season showing was incredible, but to go on and
win two finals - the Tattersalls RoR Novice and Amateur Ridden - is simply unbelievable. Then, to top it off, winning the overall Supreme Champion title was beyond anything I could have imagined.”
The Jockey Club RoR National Championships took place from 19–24 August 2025 at Aintree International Equestrian Centre and is Great Britain’s largest event exclusively for former racehorses. The thrilling sixday showcase featured classes in showing, dressage, arena eventing and showjumping, with a record-breaking 341 former racehorses entered to take part.
David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, added: “This year’s Championships were truly special, with an incredible atmosphere throughout. To see so many former racehorses together –from those who were superstars on the track to those who only ever made it as far as training – all looking so well and thriving across such a wide variety of disciplines, perfectly demonstrates both
Match report with Pat Cox Saturday 9th August 2025: Cheltenham Town 0 – Chesterfield 2
A NEW-look Cheltenham Town team struggled to match the power of a strong Chesterfield side who proved too much for them in the second half.
The Robins had an early sniff of a goal in the 3rd minute of the game when Luke Young’s free kick was met at the far post by a stretching Scot Bennett who could only direct it to the keeper.
For the remainder of the half it was Chesterfield who looked the more likely to open the scoring.
In the 26th minute a corner saw Chey Dunkley head wide
CHELTENHAM lost their second consecutive home match by the odd goal when Oliver Hawkins was left free from a corner on the hour mark and he was able to pick his spot and beat Joe Day.
History repeating itself with home fans a little more encouraged by a display whose efforts were worth a draw.
In a fluctuating first half, Cheltenham had the first meaningful attack after 10 minutes when good work
from a good position.
From their next meaningful attack Young was on hand to head Armando Dobra’s effort off the goal line with Joe Day beaten.
Chesterfield were looking like they would score and believed they had in the 38th minute after Day saved a well struck shot only to see Dylan Duffy collect the rebound and beat him from a tight angle.
The linesman’s flag saved the Robins this time!
Chesterfield had edged the first half but the score was level.
Chesterfield did take the lead early in the second half when
from Jordan Thomas saw his cross met by Ethon Archer who missed the target from 10 yards out.
This seemed to spark Barnet into life and Day was required to make three good saves in quick succession, firstly to deny Hawkins’ goal bound header, then 2 more saves were needed to deny Callum Stead.
Cheltenham responded well and a cohesive attack saw Josh Martin shoot wide from the edge of the area before
the industrious Duffy crossed the ball and Lee Bonis’ flick beat Day but not the far post. However, full back Lewis Gordon had backed up and was unmarked for a simple tap in.
The introduction of substitutes Jordan Thomas and Jake Bickerstaff saw the Robins up their tempo and within minutes Ethon Archer found George Miller whose header was mis-directed high over the bar.
In the 59th minute a Bickerstaff back heel went straight to the keeper and a minute later Chesterfield nearly went 2-nil up but a dual effort from Jacob Mažionis
Luke Young did the same. With 10 minutes of the half left the last meaningful attack of the first period saw the lively Hawkins shoot wide with the goal at his mercy.
Nil - Nil at half time.In the second minute of the second half a dubious offside decision against George Miller who was bearing down on goal was to prove very costly.
An awkward coming together between Young and Thomas saw the Robins’ best
and Young managed to divert Dilan Markanday’s wellstruck shot into the hands of Day.
In the 68th minute Chesterfield got their second via a free kick from the previously denied Dylan Duffy.
The Robins had an opportunity to reduce the arrears shortly afterwards but Miller’s lack of control saw the chance go begging trying to chest the ball down when it needed heading.
Efforts from both Bickerstaff and Thomas didn’t trouble Zach Hemming.
The most spectacular event of
player Thomas leave the pitch with what looked like a serious shoulder injury, a major loss to the Robins.
Two minutes later Barnet took the lead through Hawkins who was free when a corner arrived at his feet and he beat Day easily from close range.
When Emmanuel Osadebe was sent off for a serious foul on Young hopes of an equaliser increased. However, Day was required again to save a well struck
match followed when centre back Kyle McFadzean spotted Day on the edge of his area from well in his own half and his perfectly struck attempt saw the back pedalling Day happy to tip his effort over the bar.
Thomas shot over with 5 minutes remaining but the points were deservedly Chesterfield’s.
In a match that was by no means dirty the referee Mr Speedie managed to give the home side 7 yellow cards whilst not carding Chesterfield for similar offences.
Inconsistent performance from the official.
Nnamdi Ofoborh shot and was happy to see Mark Shelton’s follow up go wide of his post with 2 minutes of normal time left.
In added time Young nearly snatched the point the Robins deserved but when his initial shot was parried back to him by the keeper his second effort couldn’t find the target.
the versatility of these horses and the dedication of their owners.”
Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), British racing’s official aftercare charity, is devoted to ensuring the welfare of racehorses when they retire from racing, and Not At Present’s story is an example of the variety of second careers former racehorses enjoy. More than 2,000 racehorses leave the sport each year, and like people changing jobs, these horses learn new skills and adapt to new environments. Not all second careers involve competition, others provide therapy or are equally happy leisure riding or hacking.
This year, the same weekend also marked the start of National Racehorse Week, an annual nationwide celebration of racehorses, and a chance for communities to see first-hand the love, care and attention that goes into looking after them. The 2025 edition includes more than 90 events taking place across the country, with 12,000 free places available for people to experience the life of a racehorse at training yards and retraining centres.
Molly Sherring rides Not At Present
Cheltenham Town draw at Salford
Continued from back page
It was a cross that led to the goal, curled in from the right, not blocked by a Cheltenham player and then an unmarked Kadeem Harris headed home.
Taking the positives, it was Cheltenham’s first point of the season, and the team showed different qualities, soaking up some pressure and then trying to counter.
New Owner Mike Garlick saw his club’s first EFL point, he’ll be hoping the first of many and will be hoping he can use what remains of the transfer window to bring in the players needed to help Cheltenham improve.
After the game, Manager Michael Flynn praised his team for their efforts.
Flynn said: “I am gutted for the boys because they put in a hell of a shift tonight against a very good Salford team. I have never won here, so while I probably shouldn't have expected too much, with a 93rd-minute equaliser, I am so proud of them and the work they put in. If George (Miller) had put that chance away which he should, 2-0 up, that would have been three points. “Joe (Day) made a great save
in the first half, but we switched off right at the end and that's the frustrating thing. Ethon (Archer) has held his hand up, we know that, but that's what we can't do, we can't switch off. We need to stay switched on for the duration of the game and they did most of it tonight. I am proud of them tonight. I know the supporters are frustrated, I am frustrated but I know how to win games in League Two. I know how to build teams and with a few additions over the weekend which we are very close on and a few coming back from injury, we'll be a much better prospect and a tougher team to play against.”
Returning players will be just as important as new signings. Scot Bennett returned from an injury and came into the defence and was a standout performer for Cheltenham.
Another standout was youngster Freddy Willcox. He came on for his first EFL start and played brilliantly, much to the delight of Flynn.
Flynn continued: “Freddy Willcox was excellent tonight, I want to single him out. First start in the EFL and he's a smashing kid,
who gives his all day-in, day-out. He's probably been unlucky that I haven't thrown him in before. I don't mind saying that because he's probably the easy option not to start. I am not taking the easy option, but people could say that. I was really pleased for him tonight and now he just has to stay in the team, whatever we decide for Tuesday and Saturday. “Freddy is more physical. He's more aggressive.
George Harmon has a very good left foot, but he's not up to speed yet. He has to lose a little bit of weight and he has to get a bit sharper.
Freddy deserved his chance and he's better in the air, for left-side centre-back where he played tonight.”
Questions have come in about the Manager and some other backroom staff at Cheltenham after a poor start, but Flynn is pleased with how his side is still performing for him.
He said: “Of course they are playing for me. They are playing for themselves as well. Don't forget, anybody who is not, their career will go down the pan because word of mouth gets around very quickly in football. I have never known a player
, Terrace talk with Will Alder
IT feels like a time of mixed emotions as a Cheltenham fan right now.
On one hand, Mike Garlick’s takeover of the Robins has finally been completed, which is great news following so many years of under investment and lack of leadership off the field. Let’s just hope Garlick’s experience of running a Premier League club stands him in good stead and helps us progress as a club. On the other hand, our terrible start to the season is a massive cause for concern, as the aforementioned lack of investment and leadership appears to really be coming back to haunt us.
The new man at the helm has already spoken of evolution rather than revolution and publicly given his backing to manager Michael Flynn despite the dreadful start to the season.
cross that line and not try because they are quite selfish and they want to do it for themselves. They'll want their names in the papers, flashing up on Sky Sports News and being talked about for the right reasons on social media. Nobody goes across that line not to do it. Whether they like the manager or not, I have known a lot of teams who don't like their manager and have got promoted. That means diddly squat really. I am probably too liked!”
Attention turns to the transfer window now where Flynn is confident of getting a couple more through the door.
He continued: “I am definitely expecting two, which are close to being done. A centre-back and a centre forward. I am looking for another two as well, so I am hoping Mike Garlick is in a good mood tonight and he can see we know what we are doing and he'll be right behind us. I know he is anyway because I've had good conversations with him. I might have to shift a couple out, but that can happen after the window as well, because they'll go to Conference or lower.”
To come into a football club and immediately sack a manager would definitely be a big call, but further poor performances resulting in league defeats at home to Bromley and Barnet recently have certainly increased the pressure on the incumbent gaffer. Defensively in both of these matches we looked very weak and a lack of any real patterns of play or a potent threat up front were also big concerns for the fanbase.
These back-to-back home defeats in the League were followed by a trip up to Manchester to face Salford City as pressure continued to mount on Michael Flynn. Scot Bennett had his critics last season following a couple of high-profile errors, but he was excellent on the evening and certainly made us look a lot more solid defensively. A mention also has to be given to academy product Freddy Wilcox, who was very good on his EFL debut. He has been in and around the first team squad for a couple of seasons now, without really being given much of an opportunity, so it is great for him to be given a chance. In all honesty, Salford were once again the better side throughout without being able to break through.
However, against the run of play, we somehow found a way to edge in front, with a trademark George Miller close-range finish. This gave us some hope of a positive result and a few minutes later, when Miller
was put through one-on-one after some neat link up play with Lee Angol, he simply has to score that chance and for me this shows why some fans (myself included) become so frustrated with him. It was a big moment in the game and it certainly felt at the time that him not taking the chance was going to come back and haunt us. In injury time this proved to be the case, as the dangerous former Cardiff city winger Kadeem Harris capitalised on Ethan Archer switching off defensively to give The Ammies a point which they definitely deserved. A recurring theme of my articles over the summer have been that further reinforcements are required, and with a couple of days of the transfer window remaining, this is still the case. If the rumours are to be believed then 25year-old former Northampton centre back Sam Sherring looks set to bolster our depleted defensive ranks, arriving on loan from MK Dons. He is a good player at this level, with a League 2 promotion on his CV, and definitely someone who should help us improve our shaky defensive record. Out-andout pace is something we haven’t really had in the squad for a while now and former Fulham striker Terry Ablade is on the verge of joining the Robins on transfer deadline day. It appears as though he has scored goals at youth level, but has thus far struggled to find the net in senior men’s football in his couple of loan spells. He is known for his pace and direct style though, so hopefully he will give us a different attacking threat. With Ethon Archer’s departure now seeming inevitable, and hopefully some more money now in the transfer budget with the new owner, hopefully we can add a couple of further new signings before the window closes, perhaps a ball winning central midfielder and another winger.
We now enter a massive couple of weeks for our 2025/6 season. Failure to beat Accrington at home next weekend will I am sure for some be the final straw and the calls for the manager to be relieved of his duties that have been becoming increasingly loud over the last few weeks, will be stepped up once again.
Cheltenham Post
By George Didcote Chief Football Writer
CHELTENHAM Town picked up their first point of the 25/26 League Two Season with a 1-1 draw at Salford.
It was so nearly three points but for a 93rd-minute Salford equaliser.
The Robins fans who made the trip up to Salford thought they’d seen their team clinch all three points, but it wasn’t to be as the home side’s pressure paid off and they got a deserved goal.
Cheltenham dug in well at times, but Salford enjoyed much of the possession and chances, with a number of dangerous crosses and corners coming in from both sides. Continued on page 31
