POLICE IN BARBER SHOP RAID
BARBERSHOPS in Gloucestershire believed to be involved in criminal activity were targeted as part of a national money-laundering campaign recently.
Dozens of officers from Gloucestershire Police, The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Immigration, Trading Standards and HMRC took part in the operation across the county.
Warrants were conducted on two barber shops on Barton Street in Gloucester on Wednesday 5 March, resulting in a man aged 40 and from Gloucester being arrested on suspicion of fraud. He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
A total of 11 barber shops were visited that day by the various agencies as part of the operation.
Barbershops in Gloucester suspected of fraudulent activity raided
One man was arrested for immigration offences and Trading Standards officers seized illegal cigarettes and vapes. A closure order was also placed on one shop for selling illegal cigarettes.
A 24-year-old man from Gloucester was also arrested on suspicion of burglary and
possession of Class A drug Methamphetamine. He was charged with theft and bailed to a Police Station for burglary and drugs offences.
A further two men, aged 33 and 18 and both from Gloucester, were arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A and Class B drugs, namely cocaine and cannabis. The 18-year-old was charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession with intent to supply cannabis and was remanded in custody, while the 33-year-old was released under investigation.
Officers also used a passive drugs dog from West Midlands Police, similar to ones used in airports and arenas, to detect people carrying drugs. Eight people were stopped and searched, resulting in drug paraphernalia being seized and one person given a community resolution order for possession of cannabis.
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Where to
You can pick up your copy of the Gloucester Post in many shops and leisure places throughout the town. We also have stands at your local supermarkets listed below;
ASDA SUPERSTORE, Bruton Way
WM MORRISON, Metz Way, Triangle Way
TESCO SUPERSTORE, St Oswolds Way
CO-OP SUPERMARKET, 129 Cheltenham Road
ASDA SUPERMARKET, Naas Lane Link Road
TESCO SUPERSTORE, Cheltenham Road East
TESCO SUPERSTORE, Gloucester Business Park
SAINSBURYS STORE, Barnett Way
We are also at selected other Co-Op stores as well as many 1000s delivered door-to-door on a rotation basis every two weeks.
AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire
Licensing Sub-Committee revokes private hire driver’s licence due to safety concerns
A PRIVATE hire driver licensed by Cheltenham Borough Council has had their licence revoked following a unanimous decision by the Miscellaneous Licensing SubCommittee on 2 April 2025.
The driver was referred to the sub-committee following a vehicle compliance check in the early hours of the morning of Saturday 15 March during Race Week – one of Cheltenham’s busiest periods. This decision came after a vehicle compliance check revealed serious safety issues with the driver’s vehicle. During the check, which was carried out by a Licensing Officer at Cheltenham Borough Council and a Taxi Compliance Officer at Avon and Somerset Police, both front tyres of the driver’s vehicle were found to be below the legal tread limit of 1.6mm, with one as low as 0.6mm.
Due to the serious public safety concerns posed by the bald tyres, the driver was referred to the committee for a review of their licence.
At the committee, members raised concerns about the impact of low tread depth on stopping distances; a history of problems with the tyres noted during MOT tests; and that the driver had not been carrying out regular checks of his vehicle to a level expected of licence holders.
Allowing the tyres to deteriorate to such a level at any time, but especially during the
Cheltenham Festival, the busiest week of the year for the taxi and private hire trade where public safety is paramount, was not acceptable, and it was the unanimous decision of the committee to revoke the licence as a result.
Michelle Bignell, manager of licensing and public protection at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “The decision by the licensing sub-committee demonstrates the council’s commitment to public safety and that members will not tolerate a lack of regard to high standards that licence holders should demonstrate in terms of vehicle safety.
“All licence holders should conduct daily checks to ensure that their vehicles are safe to carry members of the public.”
Misconduct hearing concludes former officer would have been dismissed without notice
A FORMER student police officer who was given a suspended prison sentence after admitting multiple child sex offences would have been dismissed without notice had she not resigned, a misconduct hearing panel has concluded.
Former PC Darcy WoodsBroady was also added to the police barred list following an accelerated misconduct hearing held at Police Headquarters on Wednesday 5 February.
The hearing was held after the former officer was given a twoyear prison sentence, suspended for two years at Worcester Crown Court in August last year.
She had previously pleading guilty to seven counts of sexual activity with a girl aged under 16 and inciting a girl aged under 16 to engage in sexual activity.
The offences took place between October 2022 and March 2023 when former PC Woods-Broady was 20 years old and the child was aged 15.
In addition to her suspended prison sentence, the former officer was also made the subject of a five-year sexual harm prevention order and will be subject to notification requirements for 10 years.
The offences she pleaded guilty
to were brought by the Crown Prosecution Service following an investigation by Gloucestershire Police's Professional Standards Department under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint said: “Former PC Woods-Broady's conduct was truly shocking.
“She exploited a child, who was vulnerable due to her age, and engaged in sexual activity with her over several months.
“One doesn't have to be a police officer to know that her actions weren’t just morally wrong, but
criminal.
“There is no place in the police service for those who take advantage of others or who commit such serious offences and the panel had little hesitation in concluding former PC WoodsBroady's actions amounted to gross misconduct and had she not previously resigned, she would’ve been dismissed without notice.
“We're committed to protecting children, and we would urge anyone who has been sexually abused or exploited to seek support and report this to police so that we can bring perpetrators to justice.”
Man who attacked strangers in their homes sentenced
A GLOUCESTER man who attacked three strangers in their own homes while armed with a knife and meat cleavers has been sentenced to prison.
Paul Salisbury, aged 39 and of Timmis Close, Gloucester, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Monday 17 March to be sentenced for a string of offences.
He had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to one count of robbery, two counts of attempted robbery, three counts of possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a bladed article, two counts of assault by beating and one count of criminal damage.
Salisbury was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison before being eligible to be released on bail.
The court heard that Salisbury had visited the first address on Garnells Road in the early hours of 27 June 2024. Although he did not know the
two male occupants, he knocked on the door and was let in by one of the men inside, who, thinking it was a friend, walked into the kitchen without paying attention.
He was followed by Salisbury, who was armed with a kitchen knife and two meat cleavers, who then threatened to seriously injure the man unless he gave him money.
The man was ordered to lay on the floor where Salisbury then stamped on his head multiple times, causing bleeding and bruising.
While this happened, the second was sat in an armchair in the living room, unable to move due to an old injury to his legs.
Salisbury entered the room and held the weapons to the second man's head, before calling the first man into the room and once again demanding money. They handed over £30 in cash, which Salisbury took before
Gloucester barbershops raided by police
Continued from front page
Another six premises were visited on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 March –four in Gloucester, one in Stroud and one in Tetbury. No arrests were made.
The action was part of Operation Machinize, a national operation spearheaded by the National Crime Agency, targeting barbershops and other cash-intensive businesses during a threeweek crackdown on high street crime.
A total of 265 premises were visited across England, with officers securing freezing orders over bank accounts totalling more than £1m, executing 84 warrants and making 35 arrests. The operation saw 55 individuals questioned about their immigration status and a further 97 individuals safeguarded in relation to potential modern slavery.
In addition, officers
seized more than £40,000 in cash, some 200,000 cigarettes, 7,000 packs of tobacco, over 8,000 illegal vapes and two vehicles.
Two cannabis farms were also found, containing a total of 150 plants. Ten shops have been shut, with further closures expected as a result of on-going investigations.
The crackdown, which is part of the NCA’s continued disruption of cash being laundered in the UK, involved 19 different police forces and Regional Organised Crime Units, as well as national agencies including HMRC, Trading Standards and Home Office Immigration Enforcement.
Inspector Ash Gardner from Gloucester’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Organised Crime Groups are known to use a variety of fronts to launder their money, including barbershops.
“We will not allow such businesses to operate in our
communities and we will work together with partner agencies to tackle them head-on.
“During the operation and in the time since, officers have been told by the public how thankful they are that we have taken this positive action.”
Detective Sergeant Adrian Bray from The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit said:
“We know there are businesses on many high streets that are connected to serious and organised crime.
“Along with our partner agencies, we have been carrying out compliance visits on premises that could be a cover for illicit drug dealing, money laundering or illegal tobacco sales.
“It’s really important that the public report their suspicions about businesses who may be operating illegally in their area.”
leaving.
Salisbury then knocked on the door of a neighbour, who again he did not know.
When the door was opened by a man inside, Salisbury brandished the kitchen knife. This man was able to push Salisbury away and close his door, causing the offender to threaten to kill him before smashing a window with a metal pole.
Residents reported to police that a shirtless man could then be seen walking around the area, armed with the knife and cleavers. Officers attended the area and were able to arrest him.
In mitigation, the court heard that Salisbury suffered from a personality disorder that affects his emotional regulation.
Since being arrested and remanded in custody, he has been taking antidepressants and attending mental health workshops.
BBC Concert Orchestra
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Britten Sinfonia • Pavel Kolesnikov
Dame Sarah Connolly DBE
British Sinfonietta
Liam Bonthrone • The Gesualdo Six
Hadewych van Gent • Plínio Fernandes
Braimah Kanneh-Mason
Santiago Sanchez • Ryan Corbett
Dame Imogen Cooper DBE
Idrîsî Ensemble • Seckou Keita
Zeynep Ozsuca • Gerald Finley
Anna Semple • Isata Kanneh-Mason
The following cases have all been heard recently at
Cheltenham Magistrates Court:
Cotswold Roofing and Bricklaying Ltd, of Mitre Gardens, Shurdington, Cheltenham, were made subject to a distress warrant for nonpayment of a fine of £1490, imposed on 6th January 2025.
Joshua Cullen-Forney, 23, of Fairfax Road, Cirencester, admitted failing to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 19th November 2024 by failing to attend unpaid work sessions in January and March of this year as directed, and without providing acceptable reasons or evidence for the failures within the required timescales. He was fined £550, and ordered to pay £60 costs. He was granted time to pay at a rate of £50 per week.
Glen Foley, 46, of Brunswick Street, Cheltenham, admitted failing to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 10th February 2025 by failing to attend unpaid work appointments in March and April of this year as directed, and without providing acceptable reasons or evidence for the failures within the required timescales. He was fined £40.
Kim Stonelake, 42, of Ash Road, Northway, Tewkesbury, had the unpaid work requirement of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 2nd October 2024 revoked on the grounds that the requirement has become unworkable due to childcare commitments. The rehabilitation activity requirement of the order remains in force until 1st October 2025.
Joan Buzincu, 44, of High Street, Cheltenham, was made
subject to an enforcement warrant issued without bail for non-payment of a fine of £408 imposed by Cheltenham Magistrates on 8th August 2024.
Peter and Julia Miller, of Edendale Road, Cheltenham, were subject to a liability order for £1130 for non-payment of council tax and costs.
Thomas Christopher Townsend, 37, of Pennsylvania Avenue, St Peters, Cheltenham, was made subject to an enforcement warrant issued without bail for non-payment of a fine of £3,439 imposed by magistrates on 31st March 2025.
Nathan Clarke, 23, of Freedom Close, Staunton, was jailed for 24 weeks for assaulting a man in Gloucester on 16th June 2019 causing him actual bodily harm. The sentence had previously been suspended by Magistrates for a 12-month period following Clarke’s conviction in January 2024. The sentence was implemented after Clarke admitting failing to attend probation meetings in January and February of this year. He was also fined £970, and ordered to pay costs of £270 and a Victim Services surcharge of £387.
Michael Willett, 61, of Crown Drive, Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham, admitted failing to comply with the conditions of a supervision order imposed following release from a period of imprisonment. He did not register with police as directed, he did not keep in touch with his probation supervisor, had not been residing at the address approved by his supervisor, and did not attend an appointment as instructed. He was committed to seven days in prison, and ordered to pay costs of £65.
Local wildlife and healthy soils supported throughout the week which focuses on Biodiversity
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
residents were encouraged to get involved in Gloucestershire
Biodiversity Week 2025, which has run from 22-31 May.
It has being coordinated by Gloucestershire County Council and joined by environmental organisations across the county. This year’s theme highlights the crucial role of soil in supporting our nature and wildlife.
Soil is essential for growing food and supporting biodiversity but it is often overlooked. The week aimed to highlight simple ways that residents can find out more about soil health to create
thriving local green spaces.
The Biodiversity Week initiative, first introduced in 2024, coincides with International Day for Biodiversity on 22 May and Gloucestershire’s halfterm break. There were events on throughout the county to get adults and children involved in keeping soils healthy.
The project aims to highlight the benefits of composting at home and help you to get started. Composting is a great way to support biodiversity and save money on compost.
David Owen, director of economy and environment at Gloucestershire County Council, said:
In Gloucestershire, Biodiversity Week had a strong focus on composting as a way to make healthy soil. Around 15 per cent of people in Gloucestershire already compost, but those who don’t were given simple, practical advice on how to start, with a limited number of discounted compost bins available through gloucestershirerecycles.co m/composting
“Gloucestershire Biodiversity Week is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of soil health and encourage residents to take simple steps, like composting, to improve biodiversity in their own gardens and outdoor spaces. We hope to see communities across the county getting involved to help nurture and protect our natural environment."
Arrest made following proactive patrols by police officers
AN arrest was made recently following proactive patrols by officers in the Forest of Dean.
The South Neighbourhood Policing Team were carrying out patrols in the Coleford and Lydney areas on Sunday 4th May when they were asked to search for a man who had failed to stop following a collision.
The collision had taken place on Albert Street in Lydney earlier in the day and the driver of a car had not stopped after colliding with a parked vehicle.
Initial searches for the man were unsuccessful, however after some persistence and patience he was spotted by officers.
A foot chase ensued and a man was detained and arrested by PC Hale. A 19-
year-old from Lydney was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. He was later released on bail pending further enquiries.
Anyone who witnessed the collision but has not yet spoken to police or who has dashcam footage which they feel is relevant
is asked to make contact. Information can be submitted by completing the following online form quoting incident 319 of 4 May:
/www.gloucestershire.poli ce.uk/tua/tell-usabout/cor/tell-us-about-exi sting-case-report
Officers will be taking part in increased patrols in Coleford following recent incidents in the town.
Gloucester Council want your views on domestic abuse News
RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on Gloucestershire’s strategy to tackle domestic abuse from 2025 to 2028.
Domestic abuse can impact anyone and can have harmful effects on a person’s health, wellbeing and outcomes in life. Across England and Wales, one in four women and one in six men will be affected by domestic abuse, amounting to just over 2 million adults.
This behaviour includes abuse that is physical, sexual, economic, psychological, emotional, and can include coercive control, violence or threats.
In Gloucestershire 38 percent of violent offences reported to the police are domestic abuse and 78 percent of victims are female.
Gloucestershire’s multiagency Domestic Abuse
Local Partnership Board is a group of organisations that are working together to improve outcomes for people experiencing domestic abuse and hold offenders to account.
The partnership board has developed a three-year strategy that sets out the vision and priorities for tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims in
Gloucestershire.
The draft strategy has been informed by the voices of victims, survivors and the wider community. We now want residents to have their say.
Siobhan Farmer, Director of Public Health at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Domestic abuse has a damaging impact on the lives of many adults and children in our county. No-one should suffer in silence. Whether the abuse is physical or emotional, please reach out if any of the signs resonate with you; you are not alone. Your feedback on the draft strategy will help us
achieve our aim for everybody in Gloucestershire to live free from abuse or harm.”
The consultation opened on Tuesday 6 May and will close at 5pm on Monday 16 June.
To view the draft strategy
and to take part in the survey, visit haveyoursaygloucestershire. uk.engagementhq.com/wewant-your-views-on-domesti c-abuse
Accessing support
If you're in danger, call 999 and try to speak to the
operator if you can, even by whispering. You may also be asked to cough or tap the keys on your phone to answer questions. Visit www.gloucestershire.police. uk/ for more information on how to make a silent 999 call.
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Come and see our stylish collection of apartments in a welcoming community, set within the heart of Cheltenham. Meet our moving experts, Aprico, and learn how to ‘right-size’ without having to sacrifice on space.
Discover tips from our local health expert on staying mobile and the benefits of daily stair usage. Plus enjoy some delicious locallysourced wellness canapés and smoothies while you chat with our welcoming sales team.
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City welcomes new mayor and sheriff News
GLOUCESTER has welcomed a new mayor and sheriff to represent the city.
Councillor Ashley Bowkett has been named as the new mayor and takes over from Councillor Lorraine Campbell.
Fellow councillor, Linda Castle takes on the role of sheriff and Deputy Mayor of Gloucester from Councillor Pam Tracey.
The mayor is the first citizen of the city and acts as Chair of the Council.
They represent the council and the city at civic, ceremonial and community events both inside the city boundaries and elsewhere.
Cllr Bowkett was first elected to the city council in 2019 and has lived in the city with his family since 2011.
He has spent almost two decades working in international television production and broadcasting before moving into artificial intelligence engineering. He believes strongly in
sharing his skills and experience with the next generation and that every young person has something valuable to contribute to our world, given the chance.
Councillor Bowkett said: “For our city to truly flourish we must all continue to play our part in supporting people of all ages to find their feet in a fast-changing society.”
The city’s new sheriff was born in Longlevens and was first elected as a city councillor in 2021.
Cllr Castle worked at Nuclear Electric before moving to the NHS, with roles in NHS Complaints, the Blood services and Clinical Systems. Since retiring she has taken up a number of hobbies including dog training and dog agility.
She says that her personal message is that ‘anything is possible, but you have it enjoy what you are doing. Believe in yourself, everyone has a strength of some kind.’
Cheltenham-based broadcaster
Jill Douglas joins Sported charity
CHELTENHAM-BASED
broadcaster Jill Douglas is one of three new appointees who have joined the board of leading grassroots sports charity Sported.
The host of ITV’s rugby coverage, who previously served as founding chief executive of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, accompanies Mickela HallRamsay and Jeffrey Eneberi in becoming a trustee of the national organisation.
Sported was founded in 2008 by Sir Keith Mills as a legacy charity of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It now supports more than 5,000 clubs and groups across the UK with the aim
By Richard Briggs digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk
of transforming lives and strengthening communities.
Last month it announced an expansion of its collaboration with Barclays on a £1.4million-a-year Community Sport Fund.
Douglas was a founding trustee of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – set up in honour of her close friend, the former Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir –and ran the charity for six years, helping to establish it as one of the leading MND research charities and raising more than £20million.
She said: “I’ve been fortunate to see how
grassroots sport can provide a pathway to the very top but also, as importantly, how it can make such a difference in shaping lives and serving as the heart of communities.
“Sported’s mission is to underpin those ambitions and reach even more groups and clubs across the UK. And in joining the board of trustees, I hope to grow awareness of their work and help the charity reach even more people.”
Hall-Ramsay founded HR Sports Academy in 2010, a London-based communityinterest company dedicated to empowering children and young people through sport, and brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the
communities and member groups that Sported supports. She was chair and later trustee of the London Youth Games in 2021, where she brought an authentic voice to the table, shaped the strategic objectives for the Games and collaborated with the chief executive to ensure financial oversight.
Eneberi is currently general counsel, company secretary and head of environmental, social and governance at Red Gate Software Ltd. He has compliance and governance experience at board level. He has a background in data, technology and entrepreneurial projects, lending a blend of legal and commercial experience to the charity.
Funding for community groups to tackle climate crisis
GLOUCESTERSHIRE County
Council is offering £50,000 in grant funding to communities to help reduce carbon emissions and the impacts of climate change.
The Community Climate Change Fund has already given more than £98,000 to a total of 24 projects since January 2024. The funds have been spent in communities to improve local facilities and help tackle the climate crisis. The funding has helped make buildings warmer and keep costs down for vital community spaces all whilst helping create a healthier planet. The first round of funding
supported organisations to grow enough vegetables for 800 local meals, engage with 30 businesses on rail travel, support 15 new volunteers, run eight training sessions for young people, offer training for parish councillors, installation of a large in-vessel composter, as well as a cycle shelter, ten solar panels, thermal imaging cameras and LED lightbulbs.
On May 6, round three of the funding will be launched and community groups from across the county can apply for money to both help projects that tackle climate change and increase people’s awareness
and knowledge of the climate emergency.
Eligible groups don’t have to be climate experts to apply. The fund can be used to support communities who are starting their journey to take action and protect their local environment, increase the health of their local community and help cut costs. Priority will be given to projects that are able to reach the most people, reduce the most carbon and that provide the best value for money.
For more information on the Community Climate Change Fund and for details on how to apply, visit
Philosophy with Matt Gray
The Gray Area: Lighthouse in a storm
LET’S be honest, the world has gone at least a bit crazy in recent years.
The Covid pandemic, Ukraine/Russia war (that we were lulled into believing couldn’t happen in Europe again), the recent and rapid rise in AI capability, US and global politics, UK riots and the seemingly endless polarised political debate.
Canadian philosopher John Vervaeke has argued that we are not only facing real, existential threats to our survival, but also that we are in a “meaning crisis”.
We’ve all heard before about the decline of the church in Western Europe, and it’s no surprise that the withdrawal of such a huge chunk of social and cultural identity and ritual will leave something of a vacuum – which is being filled variously by sports, politics, music, sub-culture, new-age and other forms of mysticism.
This, coupled with the increased role of science in society, and the consequent social advances in medicine, logistics, literacy and life expectancy, has left the old religious and spiritual customs seemed less and less relevant as history progresses.
Gone are the days we could be fairly sure our neighbours would have the same spiritual, political and moral perspectives – and indeed, given the number and range of opinions, viewpoints and ideologies, the world of ideas can be a disorienting, even confusing, place to be.
I have found that philosophy offers a lighthouse in the stormy seas of understanding, hence the founding of Cheltenham & UK Philosophers.
I genuinely believe the world, starting with Cheltenham, needs more reflection, critical and clear thinking, to help defend against the ever-increasing nonsense offered up online and on TV – as well as to sustain and protect the virtues of open-mindedness and reason.
www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/pl anning-and-environment/ greener-gloucestershiredashboard/greener-gloucesters hire-community-fund/ Colin Chick, Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure, said: “I am delighted that this fund will be offering grants to help tackle the climate crisis for a third time.
“This round of funding will mean the council has provided more than £100,000 to community projects to help reduce carbon emissions and to spread messages around climate change.”
essentially out of our hands, and in many cases our worldview is expected to be of a certain kind by friends and family.
I’d venture that some significant portion of the mental-health crisis can be attributed to feelings of displacement, and lack of purpose in the world.
For me, the meaning of Socrates’ pronouncement runs even deeper – beyond identity and belief, into questions about our very existence: what, in fact, are we?
Sure, we’re apes on a rock in space able to wield language – but more broadly, what is life, how did it emerge, what is consciousness, is there a broad purpose to nature, some goal in mind?
Are we a part of that – if there is some truth about what we are that we can begin to understand, does this change what we “should” do (moral imperative)? For me, in a time of deepening crisis, these sorts of questions are ever more important.
HG Wells once wrote: “History is a race between education and catastrophe.” It seems to me that, whilst we appear ever closer to catastrophe, there is also a counter movement in play –an increased interest in philosophical and, perhaps, spiritual questions. Science is now softening its stance, and mechanistic materialism isn’t the only game in town – numerous cutting-edge scientists and philosophers (Donald Hoffman, Mike Levin, Bernardo Kastrup, Matt Segall) are thinking outside the prevailing paradigm. Philosophy is back in the room – to sort through the claims of mystics, scientists and politicians.
There is nothing like philosophy and logic for exposing poor arguments, or outright charlatanry.
Socrates, the famous ancient Greek philosopher accused of corrupting the minds of the youth of Athens, famously said during his trial in 399 BCE that “an unexamined life is not worth living”.
His message here, as far as I understand it, is that we cannot be confident in our values, opinions and, consequently, actions if we have not first assessed these positions under the light, and methodology, of reason.
Why do we believe what we believe? Why do I do what I do?
Much of our identity is
Philosophy won’t give you the answers – in fact, it might even give you more questions than you had in the first place. But it will show you that it’s OK to not know, it is saner, and wiser, to reserve judgement in complex cases.
A world with a bit more humility, and a bit less certainty, might just be a safer world to live in right now –and one in which education, and not catastrophe, might just win the race.
Matt Gray will be back next month with another edition of The Gray Area. Visit Cheltenham & UK Philosophers on Facebook for more about the group or to join.
Words Matter – A guide to how we talk about male violence
THE words we use when communicating with each other hold a lot of power.
When you look at how the world talks about male violence against women and girlscrimes like rape, sexual assault and domestic abuse - it’s incredibly victim blaming.
It’s so important that professional communications teams within the Constabulary, my Office - and I would argue the wider public and charity sector - get it right when talking to the public and the media, about these crimes.
Last week, my Office in collaboration with Gloucestershire Constabulary and Stroud-based not-for-profit ‘This Ends Now’ launched a new campaign called “Words Matter.”
Words Matter is a set of guidelines, written with Police Communications teams in mind, and gives direction on how best to talk about a whole host of male-dominated crimes. It’s important that these teams get their press releases, social media posts and website articles
By Chris Nelson Police & Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire
right, because the media find their stories from these sources.
These guidelines have been in the works for almost three years. They’re extensive, and question victim-blaming language on a whole new level.
For example, using passive language and not using the active voice in a headline.
Typically, you read a headline that says ‘a woman was raped’. No mention of the perpetrator who raped her. Male violence doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Removing the man at fault takes men out of the question and makes a reader only focus on the woman. Did she ask for it? Where was she? What was she wearing?
No victim ever chooses to be a victim. But offenders choose to offend.
Words Matter recognises the nuances of language and gives practical, specific advice when reporting and talking about male violence against women
and girls. And hopefully, by initiating a change in language and the media’s reporting of these crimes, the ripple effect will be a reduction in victim blaming and misogyny generally.
The guidelines were produced in consultation with experts such as: Women’s Aid, The Hollie Gazzard Trust and Zero Tolerance. It has been well received by the national policing community and local partners here in Gloucestershire.
Tackling male violence against women and girls was a priority in my first term of office and remains a priority in my second. It features heavily in my Police and Crime Prevention Plan, which sets the agenda for policing in Gloucestershire.
You can read the guidelines on Gloucestershire’s OPCC website under Our Work, Words Matter.
Nationally important monument preserved and protected
WORK has begun at St Oswald’s Priory, to conserve and enhance the nationally important monument, thought to be the resting place of Queen Athelflaed. The work is taking place thanks to a grant from Historic England and the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) administered by Gloucester City Council.
The project has received £20,000 from Historic England and £16,000 from the Shared Prosperity Fund which will see improvements to the landscaping around the historic landmark, along with new architectural lighting.
CCTV will also be installed to help protect the
monument which has previously been targeted by vandalism and graffiti.
Also planned are small scale repairs to the stonework, improvements to the gravelled area and the installation of interpretation panels telling people more about its history.
St Oswald’s Priory was built by Aethelflaed, eldest daughter of Alfred the Great and known as the Lady of the Mercians, as a Minster church. It became the resting place for the relics of St Oswald, a much celebrated Christian martyr and Queen Athelflaed who died in 918 is thought to be buried there.
From 1152 it became the site of an Augustinian
Priory which was dissolved in the dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII, after which it fell into ruin.
Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement at Gloucester City Council, said: “St Oswald’s is one of the most historically important monuments in our city and it’s vital that we do all we can to protect and preserve it for present and future generations. I’m delighted to see this project get underway and look forward to seeing the results.”
St Oswald’s Priory is currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, but it is hoped that the works will see it removed from the list later
this year.
Ross Simmonds, South West Regional Director at Historic England, said: “St Oswald’s is a fascinating monument and a vital part of the story of Gloucester. We’re pleased to support the council to help keep it safe and in good repair, so that it can continue to be enjoyed by locals and visitors to the city for years to come.”
St Oswald’s was one of nine projects that were successful in the second phase of SPF grants totalling £160,000, given to local schemes.
In total the city received £1.48m from government after the council submitted an investment plan, following extensive local consultation.
Animal Shelter
Every stray has a story
AT Cheltenham Animal Shelter, we sadly see many stray animals come into our care - each with their own story. Some may have slipped out of a garden or become lost on a walk, while others are caught up in challenging circumstances, including family breakdowns, financial hardship, or health issues that leave owners unable to cope and forced to abandon a pet. Whatever the reason, these animals often arrive at the Shelter feeling overwhelmed, anxious and unsure of the world around them. Our Animal Care Assistants work tirelessly to reassure them, offering gentle care, a safe environment and the stability
By Annie Phillips
they need to help them adjust to their new surroundings. So far this year, we have found new homes for 176 animals in total, 37 of which were strays when they arrived. We are now seeking forever families for the stray pets who remain with us, so they too can find the safe, happy and loving homes they deserve.
Pudding (Bull Breed) – 3 years old
Pudding is a big-hearted girl with a sensitive soul, looking for an experienced, understanding owner to help her feel safe and loved. She’s
anxious around strangers and can be reactive to unfamiliar people, but with slow introductions, she quickly forms strong bonds. Once she trusts you, Pudding is a loyal lady, who loves affection. She’s energetic and playful and adores her treats, making training and trust-building exercises easier. She is looking for an adult-only, petfree home in a quiet area, with a secure garden and calm walking routes to help restore and build her trust.
Pudding will need someone at home with her most of the time, but with patience and care in the right environment, Pudding will thrive and become your best friend for life!
Emberlyn (Domestic Longhair) – 1 year old Emberlyn was brought to us by a concerned member of the public after being found wandering alone and heavily pregnant. Despite her struggles as a stray, she was immediately affectionate and grateful for the love and comfort offered by our team. Sadly, none of Emberlyn’s kittens survived - they suffered from complications including cleft palates and limb deformities, that our vet team believe are likely linked to inbreeding. Despite this trauma, Emberlyn is recovering well and remains incredibly loving. She is looking for a home with outdoor access and may be
able to live with another catwe’re unsure how she feels about dogs. A calm home, possibly with older children, would be perfect for this sweet, endearing girl who truly deserves a second chance.
Max (Domestic Shorthair) –3 years old
Max is a handsome boy, who came into our care after his owner moved house, leaving him behind in a vacant property. Understandably, it took him a little while to settle with us and gain trust, but he now enjoys a gentle fuss and loves his food! He is growing in confidence every day, and is now looking for a calm, adult-only home, with no
other pets. Max will need outdoor access once settled and thrives from enrichment games like puzzle feeders and playtime. He can get a bit over excited at times, so gentle interaction in small doses is best. With patience and understanding, Max will make a loving, fun and loyal companion.
If you think you could offer Pudding a home, then please email dogs@gawa.org.uk or call 01242 548770 for more information.
If you have space in your heart for Emberlyn or Max, then please contact our cat rehoming team on cats@gawa.org.uk or call 01242 548771.
Pudding
Max
Emberlyn
Gardening jobs for June
THE gardens are in bloom, and the weather channel is finally delivering good news. This brings some of the first harvests from the vegetable garden, including tasty new potatoes and salads. As the conditions become drier, keep an eye on your garden pots and containers and if you haven't got one, it's never a bad time to install a water butt.
Keep on top of weeds
Consistency is the key to dealing with weeds, the more time spent means fewer
By Mark Hopkins
problems. A top tip and natural solution to difficult areas is to mix soap, salt and vinegar in equal measures in a spray bottle; but be careful when you spray making sure not to accidentally spray your flowers as this stuff will kill most plants it touches.
getting your summer bedding planted. Pick your spots in the borders, beds, pots and containers around your garden to receive these annuals; some favourites are Begonia, Petunia, Geranium, Dahlia and Fuchsia all full of colour and easy to grow.
Warm temperature care
High temperatures bring dry weather which is as damaging to plants as cold winters. Dryer spells mean watering is more important so don’t let your hard work go to waste. Be sure to water regularly especially baskets, pots and containers as this will give your plants the best chance to show off their vibrant colours. Watering in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler, gives your plants more time to absorb the water, and don’t forget your lawns will need watering from time to time as well. Also if you have a covered area or greenhouse keep it ventilated and use shades to protect whatever is in there.
Perennials
Hollyhocks, Delphinium and Lupin will need to be staked and tied to protect them from the wind. Taller border plants will need to be tied. Cutting back your early
Fruit trees
You new fruit is a free lunch for the birds so protection is imperative, a top tip is to use something reflective like old CDs hung with string as the changing light will deter the birds.
Keeping things tidy
We talked about weeding but that’s not all we need to keep an eye on. Lawns need weekly cutting and if you have loungers on your lawn it’s a good idea to move them regularly so as not to damage and cause yellowing or patchy areas. Prune your shrubs and trim your hedges keeping the waste in a compost heap or bin if possible. If you have ponds then remove any blanket weeds to give fish and wildlife more room. Keep an eye on those little critters we can’t see with regular pest patrols.
What to plant and sow Vegetables like Pak Choi, Broccoli, Florence Fennel, Spring Onion and Pumpkin. Flowers like Sunflower (under cover), Sweet William, Alstroemeria, Achillea, Arabis, Canterbury bells, Coreopsis, Erigeron, Myosotis, Polyanthus and many more.
more flowering.
Petunia display
Vegetable patch
Begonia
The probate process: Going solo vs. hiring a legal professional
WHETHER you've recently dealt with probate or are anticipating it in the future, understanding the process is crucial for effective estate planning. Probate validates a deceased person's will, empowering you, as the executor, to manage the estate, settle debts, pay taxes, and distribute assets to beneficiaries. This process can often feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief.
The emotional toll of losing a loved one can be compounded by the complexities of probate. Family dynamics often complicate matters, leading to disputes among beneficiaries, particularly regarding asset distribution. Additionally, the time required to complete probate can be lengthy, causing frustration if you’re waiting for an inheritance that could provide financial support during a difficult period. Remember, as an executor, you can also be held liable for any miscalculations regarding costs, such as taxes, which adds another layer of responsibility and potential stress.
When considering how to navigate probate, you may wonder whether to manage it yourself or hire a legal professional. Here are some pros and cons to guide your decision:
Doing Probate Yourself Pros:
• Cost Savings: One of the most significant advantages of handling probate on your own is the potential to save on legal fees, which can be considerable, especially in complex situations.
• Control: Managing the process yourself gives you direct control over decisions, allowing you to act in accordance with your understanding of the estate. You can tailor your approach based on your unique relationship with the deceased and their wishes.
• Learning Experience: Navigating probate can provide valuable insights into legal and financial aspects of estate management. This knowledge can be beneficial for your future planning and may empower you in similar situations later.
Cons:
• Complexity: The probate process can be legally intricate, and lacking expertise can lead to mistakes that may result in delays or disputes among beneficiaries. Even seemingly straightforward cases can become complicated quickly.
• Time-Consuming: Handling probate on your own can take a significant amount of time, as it requires researching laws, completing paperwork, and communicating with various parties involved in the process. This can divert your attention from more pressing personal matters.
• Emotional Strain: Managing the process while grieving can be emotionally taxing, adding stress during an already challenging time. The burden of decision-making can weigh heavily on your shoulders.
Using a Legal Professional Pros:
• Expert Guidance: A legal professional brings expertise in probate law, helping you navigate complexities and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Their experience can prevent costly mistakes,
Unlock a Child’s Imagination — Start with One FREE Story!
Download “Gabriel, Platy and the Monster of the Deep” –the first short story from The Adventures of Gabriel Written by an 11-year-old boy. Loved by thousands.
When Cheltenham schoolboy Gabriel Khan began telling bedtime stories to his mum, they never imagined it would spark a literacy movement. Now, children across the UK — especially boys — are rediscovering the joy of writing through the same stories Gabriel created.
What’s Inside:
✔ A thrilling sea monster adventure
✔ A heroic boy and his unlikely sidekick, Platy the platypus
✔ Co-written by Gabriel and his mum, Kate Markland
✔ The first in a 6-story series inspiring children to become authors
“Every child has a story. They just need a spark to tell it.”
Download your FREE story now at www.theadventuresofgabriel.com
Start the story. Spark the change. Because when a child tells their own story, everything changes.
potentially saving you time and money in the long run.
• Efficiency: With a lawyer managing the process, you may find that probate is resolved more quickly. They can efficiently handle paperwork and communication with involved parties, which can be particularly valuable in timesensitive situations.
• Reduced Stress: Hiring a legal professional can alleviate some emotional burdens. You can focus on the grieving process and personal matters instead of the intricacies of the law. This support can help you find closure during a difficult time.
Cons:
• Cost: Engaging a lawyer can be expensive, and legal fees can accumulate quickly, especially if the estate is complex or if disputes arise. This financial aspect may be a significant consideration for many families.
• Less Control: While a professional can manage the process, you may feel a lack of direct control over decisions. You’ll need to trust their judgment, which can be difficult if you have strong
opinions about how things should be handled.
• Dependency: Relying on a lawyer may prevent you from fully grasping the probate process. This could be a disadvantage in future estate planning or if additional issues arise, as you might not have the necessary knowledge to navigate them independently.
Additional Considerations
As you weigh your options, consider the specific circumstances surrounding the estate. Is it straightforward, or are there potential complications, such as multiple properties, business interests, or contentious family dynamics? If the estate is particularly valuable or complex, hiring a legal professional might be the best course of action.
Moreover, think about your own comfort level with legal documents and processes. If you feel confident in your ability to navigate the
requirements, then handling probate yourself could be a viable option. However, if the prospect feels daunting, leaning on a legal expert's experience can provide peace of mind.
In conclusion, navigating probate can be a daunting task filled with emotional and logistical challenges. Weighing the pros and cons of handling it yourself versus hiring a legal professional is essential for making an informed decision. By considering your specific situation and needs, you can choose the best approach to ensure that your loved one's wishes are honoured while achieving peace of mind for yourself and your family. With effective planning and the right support, you can navigate this complex process more smoothly and secure a sense of closure during a difficult time. Ultimately, taking the time to understand your options will empower you to make the best choice for your circumstances.
& 6:30pm
&
Money talks Fanny Snaith
shopping to be straight and honest?
IF you’ve ever found yourself staring at your Amazon basket wondering whether you’re being ripped off, you’re not alone. In fact, you probably are. But Amazon’s tactics are just the tip of the iceberg. From cryptic phone tariffs to energy plans that require a PhD to decipher, the world of shopping has morphed into a maze designed not for ease, but for confusion. It was easy to assume that the digital age would make shopping simpler—more transparent, more empowering. But what we’ve ended up with is the illusion of choice, cloaked in complexity. Behind the slick interfaces and “one-click” checkouts lie layers of manipulation designed to maximise profit, not serve us – the customer.
I’d already been thinking about how tricky and timeconsuming it is just to make sure we’re not being fleeced— like when I had to move my ISA after the “introductory” interest boost disappeared after a year. I was left with that bitter taste in my mouth, realising banks rely on customers not taking action, letting their savings quietly shrink under inflation.
That’s when an article by Laurie Havelock in The i Paper caught my eye, confirming what I’d suspected: this kind of quiet exploitation isn’t limited to banking. Amazon - king of convenience - has been quietly nudging us to overpay too.
The Amazon Illusion Known for its slick interface and competitive prices, Amazon looks like a consumer’s dream. But a closer look reveals a web of pricing practices that quietly push shoppers to pay more.
A recent investigation I found that Amazon encourages shoppers to pay up to 15% more for popular products by burying cheaper third-party deals several clicks deep on the site.
Take the Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner. Amazon lists it for £267.46. But scroll down, click through to the “other sellers” section, and there it is: £230, with free delivery. That’s a £37 difference for the exact same product. Another example? The Google Nest Learning Thermostat - Amazon sells it for £179.99. A third-party seller lists it for £167.99, but that deal is hidden behind three
clicks. Most shoppers never go that far.
And it’s not just a few isolated cases. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the European Commission are both investigating whether Amazon is abusing its market dominance to funnel customers towards its own listings. A legal case, due to land in the Competition Appeal Tribunal, could see shoppers entitled to a £900 million payout - if Amazon is found guilty of hiding better-value alternatives.
This isn’t about a few missed bargains. It’s about systemic design choices that manipulate shopper behaviour. According to consumer rights advocate Martyn James, the strategy is “opaque”- and that’s generous. In practice, it’s downright misleading.
Complexity Pays
But Amazon isn’t alone in this. Complexity has become a business model. Just look at energy tariffs. How many of us really understand what we’re being charged per unit? How often do you check the standing charge, the off-peak rates, the early exit fees? Most people don’t - because it’s too much effort. So we stick with what we’ve got, even if it’s costing us more.
Phone contracts are another mess. “Unlimited” doesn’t always mean unlimited. Upgrade deals aren’t always upgrades. Cashback offers, small print, data bolt-onsthese are the weeds choking any chance at clear decisionmaking. The intention? Obscure the real value and keep you locked in. We’ve normalised this. We’ve accepted that finding the best deal requires hours of comparison, spreadsheets, and apps just to make sure we’re not being mugged off. Why is the burden on the buyer to do all the detective work?
The Psychological Toll
Here’s the more insidious bit: all this opacity isn’t just about money. It messes with our heads. When we’re overwhelmed by choice and confused by complexity, we make worse decisions. Studies show that too much choice leads to choice paralysis - we either pick the most visible (read: most profitable) option, or we give up altogether. And let’s not ignore the emotional toll. How many times have you bought
something, only to discover you overpaid? That little stab of frustration - directed at yourself, not the system - is what keeps us quiet. We blame our lack of savvy instead of questioning the setup.
So What Can You Do?
There are ways to fight back. Tools like CamelCamelCamel let you see Amazon price history, so you know if that “deal” is really a deal. Sites like PriceRunner and Google Shopping let you compare prices across retailers. And if you’re flexible, Amazon Warehouse and Amazon Outlet offer decent discounts on returned or overstocked goods. Some Shark vacuum cleaners sold for £267 on the main site can be snapped up for £203 or even £162 via Warehouse - if you don’t mind cosmetic scuffs. And let’s not forget good old-fashioned patience: prices fluctuate constantly, so setting an alert on BackInStockAlerts.com or just waiting a week can save you serious cash.
Also, get strategic with your payment methods. Use cashback credit or debit cards where possible. The returns may seem small - 0.25% here, 5% there - but over a year, it stacks up. It’s one of the few areas where you can game the system right back.
TopCashback and Quidco can also bag you an extra bonus. Note that these cashback sites can be good for an added bonus and NOT the reason for the purchase as they cannot be relied upon to deliver.
But Let's Be Honest... You shouldn’t have to do any of this. That’s the point. Shopping should be simple. Transparent. Honest. Why have we accepted a system where the customer is always on the back foot? Why are we rewarding complexity over clarity? These aren’t just annoying inconveniencesthey’re structural issues that affect how we spend, how we feel, and how much we trust the very systems we rely on. We deserve better. And it starts with refusing to be passive consumers. Ask the uncomfortable questions. Share the workarounds. Complain when you’ve been duped. And remember: just because something is normal doesn’t mean it’s right. The system won’t change until we demand better - and that starts with noticing when it’s broken.
TEST YOUR BRAINPOWERPuzzles
Quiz Challenge
1.
3. After The Gold Rush was an early solo album for which US-Canadian rock star?
6. Which hobby involves knotting and plaiting string to make decorative articles?
7. Fatherland, Enigma, Archangel and Pompeii are books by which best-selling British novelist?
8. The coat of which small South American jungle cat was once prized in the fur trade?
9. Who succeeded James Callaghan as UK prime minister?
10. What B is the surname of an iconic English singer and two US presidents?
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
1. Maintaining contact although out of play (2,5)
8. Holds pink hornet in old container (7)
9. Tyre problem dismissed when going extremely fast (4,3)
10. Duck under a road to shopping precinct (7)
11. Beneficiary found shelter going round entrance (7)
12. Any thug could be ill-behaved (7)
14. Animal caused obstruction about mid-July (7)
18. Appears to be eleven earls inside troubling Middle Easterner (7)
20. Fifty in court with American medicine (7)
21. In the centre, not sounding strong on Wednesday (7)
22. All I get is ploughed into cultivation (7)
23. Wrong chaps in agony (7) 1
QUICK CROSSWORD
1. One has to be certain to have this attribute (13)
2. Sounding nosy! (6)
3. Vessel’s about-turn (1-4)
4. Strikers employed to attack others (6)
5. Expert runner uncomfortably full (7)
6. Alkaline substance exchanged at shop (6)
7. Ephemeral creature played in summer (3-3,7)
13. Length of the room used by old highwayman (7)
15. Unaccompanied individual getting in £2 before the end of the day (6)
16. Kelvin is to join the police force at fête, we hear (6)
17. Remove member of committee, not Georgia (6)
19. Cyclist may be haggard by the end (5)
Guidelines: Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the
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
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
20 Egress; 21 Need; 22 Iris; 23 Bottle; 24 Stream; 25 Snakes.
strop; tarp; tarpon; TRANSPORT; trap. EQUALISER: CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Except; 4 Madras; 8 Rocked; 10 Shiner; 11 Waste; 12 Hee-haw; 14 Ardent; 16 Darn; 17 Gear; 19 Sten; 22 Ibis; 26 Renege; 27 Rotten; 28 Remit; 29 Titled; 30 Streak; 31 Schism; 32 Dermis. Down – 1 Earthy; 2 Cycled; 3 Pre-war; 5 Adhere; 6 Ranger; 7 Strata; 9 Dawn; 10 Stag; 13 Haste; 15 Davit; 18 Gratis; 19
– 1 In touch; 8 Inkhorn; 9 Flat out; 10 Mallard; 11 Legatee; 12 Naughty; 14 Bullock; 18 Israeli; 20 Linctus; 21 Midweek; 22 Tillage; 23 Torment. Down – 1 Infallibility; 2 Twangy; 3 U-boat;
Recipes
Williams
Follow Steph’s blogThis Plate Is Pretty stephnicw.wixsite.com /thisplateispretty
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Thai Fish Curry
This recipe is very simple, using fresh flavourful ingredients, gluten free, full of fresh veg, flaky fish and juicy prawns. It's the perfect recipe when you’re after something quick and satisfying. The light, fragrant Sauce incorporates a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, containing only 7.5g Carbs and taking only 30 minutes. Talk about Curry in a hurry! Trust me, your kitchen will smell delicious.
Ingredients
Serves 4
• 400g mixed Fish
• 150g Prawns
• 1/4 teaspoon Xanthum Gum
• 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
• 1 White Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves minced or pureed Garlic
• 4 tablespoons Thai Red Paste
• 1/2 tin of Tomatoes
• 400ml unsweetened Coconut Milk
• 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, sliced thinly
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, fresh or pureed, minced.
Instructions
l Chop, mince, and dice your vegetables.
l Add the Onion to a pan with the Coconut Oil and cook on a medium heat for around 3 minutes.
l Add the Ginger, Garlic and Peppers and continue cooking for a further 2 minutes.
l Add in all of the other ingredients, and bring to a boil then simmer down for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
l Garnish and serve!
Recipe notes Garnish ideas include Pomegranate Seed, fresh Herbs, Sliced Radish, Shredded Coconut, Lime Zest and Chilis. Frozen mixed Fish is the cheapest way of making this recipe. This recipe is glutenfree, dairy-free and can easily be made vegetarian and vegan by replacing the seafood with Tofu and low-carb vegetables such as Green Beans, Cauliflower, Kale, Butternut Squash, Asparagus, Spinach… the options are endless.
Slow-Cooked Duck with Port and Blueberry Sauce
Duck and a fruity glaze is a delicious pairing, a delightful combination with big flavours that is sure to please any dinner guest. The slight acidity of the Fruit and Balsamic cuts through the richness of the gamey meat to create a very satisfying meal. The Balsamic really brings the flavour of the Blueberries through the Port. Port is strong, so be sure not to use too much, or you could lose the other flavours of the sauce. When following a low carb diet plan, Fruit is something we do tend to avoid due to natural sugars, however this dish will only set you back 14g of Carbs plus whatever Veggie sides you use to accompany it. This dish should take around 90 minutes to create.
Ingredients
Serves 3
• 3 Duck Legs
• Spring Onion
• 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 150g Blueberries
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 120ml Port
Instructions
l Pre-heat the oven to 160 degrees celsius.
l Pat Duck with kitchen roll to remove excess moisture, prick the skin and season with Salt & Pepper.
l Roast in the oven for 90 minutes, basting a few times
l Cover in foil and let stand for 5 minutes before plating.
l For the sauce, finely chop the Spring Onion and add to a pan with the Olive Oil and a pinch of Salt & Pepper. On a
medium heat, cook for 1 minute so the Onion starts to sweat.
l Pour in the Blueberries and Port and let it reduce for about 10 minutes, keeping a constant eye on the pan.
l Stir through the Balsamic and the Butter, to make it nice and glossy in the final minute and serve.
Recipe notes
You may wish to mash down the sauce at the end before serving as it will be slightly chunky. The sauce can be kept in the fridge for around 5 days and can be frozen for another meal. Garnish ideas include Watercress, Pomegranate Seed, Spring Onion.
A little piece of the West Indies
Cheltenham Post correspondent ALICE REEVE samples the Bottomless Brunch at Caribbean restaurant and bar Turtle Bay Cheltenham.
WITH summer approaching, I was looking for a fun new experience –and I found it at Turtle Bay Cheltenham with their Bottomless Brunch.
This offering, at £41.50, provides excellent value, allowing you, for two hours, to enjoy unlimited drinks such as cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), Prosecco, draught beer and soft drinks alongside a choice of any brunch or bigger plate or two small plates.
With the cost of living, it’s not always easy to go out and enjoy cocktails since they can be pricey. But Bottomless Brunch at Turtle Bay Cheltenham is a fantastic way to experience them at a reasonable price.
Following my friend’s recommendation, I tried the Reggae Punch, which was delightfully strong yet easy to drink. I also enjoyed the Jamrock Punch, which was refreshing with a hint of fizz.
The Strawberry Daiquiri was a bit too sweet for my taste, so I’ll likely stick with the other cocktails next time.
The waitress was fantastic at advising my companion and I on the cocktails, offering great recommendations and
explaining their flavours in a way that made it easier to choose.
The staff were incredibly attentive, ensuring our glasses were never empty and making the experience even more enjoyable.
The atmosphere was perfect for a summer vibe, and Turtle Bay Cheltenham caters for guests of all ages (there’s a children’s menu too), making it a great spot for everyone to gather and unwind.
The food was equally impressive. I could even smell the 24hr Marinated Chicken with Fiery Jerk cooking, and that got my
stomach rumbling. The chicken was tender, perfectly spiced and served in a generous portion.
My companion, who’s quite a fussy eater and doesn’t like spices or garlic, had the Seafood Soul Bowl, containing king prawns and squid. And, despite being averse to strong flavours, he enjoyed his meal – he found it mild.
I also really liked the complimentary watermelon punch and the plantain chips on arrival – it was a lovely touch.
To finish, we shared a Banoffee Cheesecake with
mango coulis. It was absolutely delicious – and that’s something major for me to say, because I’m not really a dessert person.
Turtle Bay Cheltenham also caters well for those with mobility needs, with disabled bathroom provision.
Overall, Turtle Bay Cheltenham provides fantastic food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere where you can sit back, enjoy good company and let the world go by. Highly recommended.
To find out more about Turtle Bay Cheltenham, visit www.turtlebay.co.uk/ restaurants/cheltenham
Classic Car and Gardens Show celebrates 15 years
A POPULAR charity Car & Gardens Show returns to Gloucestershire, on Sunday 8 June, showcasing new attractions to entertain car fanatics and families in the beautiful grounds of Highnam Court.
With over 300 classic cars already booked in this is a record number ahead of the event, so it promises to be a feast for the eyes on the front lawn of Highnam Court, in front of the lakes.
Very large trucks will also be on show along with some vintage scrambler bikes and Gloucestershire Police vehicles.
The charity is partnering with the Good Day Farm in Gloucester, who specialise in bringing their menagerie of beautiful animals out into the community (schools, care homes, nurseries and hospitals) for wellness and
therapy benefits. This is your chance to say hello, meet the pets and get involved.
With something for all the family to enjoy, there will be very popular steam engine rides, go karts, bouncy castles, storm troopers, and many other treats including ice creams and cakes. There will be stalls with car memorabilia, sweets, bric-abrac and the ‘famous’ raffle with great prizes and all proceeds going to Pied Piper. The fabulous Face Fanatics team will also be there to create some special face art!
Nick Broady, chair of the Trustees and original founder of the show 15 years ago said: “It is always a great family day out in these wonderful grounds and last year we were thrilled to attract a record attendance with 4,500 visitors and guests. The show raised a
staggering £52,000 for sick & disabled children in Gloucestershire.”
On the day visitors can wander around the peaceful 50 acres of beautiful gardens, enjoy the green space and wood carvings and over 6,000 roses in the formal gardens, oriental gardens, woodland and the lakes. Or, if you want something a bit louder, enjoy music entertainment on Highnam’s traditional bandstand with performances from the Rock Choir and Got2sing. .
A spokesperson said: “We couldn’t do this show every year without so many loyal volunteers manning the entrance gate, car parking and helping on stands as well as serving teas and cakes in the Orangery. There are vans around the ground offering food and beverages.
“Huge thanks to Roger Head
OBE and headline sponsors, Malvern Tyres Group and APM Fire & Security, who are helping us stage this oneday family show.
“We look forward to seeing everyone for a traditional family day out.
All the funds raised will be 100% put back into Gloucestershire at the special schools, hospitals, Wish holidays and support for children struggling with mental health challenges.
Pied Piper Classic Cars, Trucks & Gardens 2025 Highnam Court, Gloucestershire
Tickets are £10 an adult and kids under 16 go free. Dogs are also permitted on a short lead. Pre-book entrance tickets for quicker entrance.
For more information visit www.piedpiperappeal.co.uk /classic-cars-gardens-2024/
A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN: Turtle Bay serve delicious dishes such as 24hr Marinated Chicken with Fiery Jerk and Spiced Fries and Seafood Soul Bowl.
COCKTAILS: A variety of tasty cocktails are served such as this Mango Paloma and Coconut Espresso Martini. PICTURES: Richard Briggs
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Next level later living
Stay
Host
Continue
Make
Join us on Tuesday 3rd June at 11am to celebrate Latheram House’s stunning duplex collection, and discover the benefits of later living across two storeys.
Come and see our stylish collection of apartments in a welcoming community, set within the heart of Cheltenham. Meet our moving experts, Aprico, and learn how to ‘right-size’ without having to sacrifice on space.
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Keiran Thomas signs as players confirmed for next season
GLOUCESTER City are delighted to welcome defender Keiran Thomas back to the club for the 2025/26 season.
Keiran, 29, previously had a two season spell with City in which he made 80 appearances, before leaving in 2018 to join Hereford. He then joined Weston-Super-Mare, winning the Southern League title with the Seagulls in 2022/23. He becomes Daf Williams’ first new signing of the season.
On his return to the club, Thomas said: ‘It didn’t take much for me to decide to come back after I spoke to Daf about what his ambitions were. It was always my aim to come back to Gloucester and play in front of a home crowd, I’ve been to a few games here and the crowd and atmosphere was really good.’
In a recent statement Gloucester City AFC confirmed the players leaving and those retained for the new season. The statement said: “GCAFC would like to thank the departing players for their
time and effort throughout their stay at the club. We hope the future holds nothing but the best for them.”
PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT
Elis Watts
Harry Pinchard
IN NEGOTIATIONS
Jared Thompson
Dan Leadbitter
Ben Richards-Everton
Ed Williams
Joe Hanks
Kieran Phillips
Harry Emmett
RETURNING PRESEASON
Curtis Jemmett-Hutson
Harry Burns
RELEASED
Dan Ball
Tyrone Duffus
Dayle Grubb
Brandon Smalley
Spencer Hamilton
RETIRED
Kevin Dawson
Cheltenham Town survive league in season round-up
FOLLOWING relegation from League One at the end of the 23/24 campaign, Cheltenham Town needed a season of stability, and through Michal Flynn’s leadership that is exactly what they got.
After a relegation no one knows what to expect. On one hand you want your team to bounce straight back; this might be a case of right players, wrong Manager and system. Other clubs might be fearing a double drop through such poor management on and off the pitch. Cheltenham were somewhere in between. A lot of players were still on League One wages and wanted out, the Manager came in and failed to keep the club in League One so he wanted out, and there wasn’t a wealth of resources to dip into to start a promotion push.
So it was a new Manager, new Director of Football, and a number of new faces arriving at Whaddon Road for the new campaign.
The best thing that could have happened for Michael
Flynn in some ways was a solid mid-table finish. No getting carried away with a play-off push that papered over cracks in formations or play styles, and no serious risk of relegation. Again that is exactly what the Robins got. When Cheltenham beat Newport in the opening home game 3-2, after a thrilling performance,
maybe some fans expected more. The first 10 games later and many would have taken a mid-table finish as new players took on new coaching styles and got used to life in the fourth tier. New names were beginning to get used to their surroundings and in the early half of the season Ethon Archer and Joel Colwill in particular shone brightly.
Colwill’s performances were so good that with just his initial loan spell he won the Young Player of The Season Award. Archer’s were so good that he was already attracting bigger clubs and offers of a move away from Whaddon Road, but Flynn kept him.
As the season went on other players began to shine, loanee Ethan Williams showed his talent in an emphatic win against Flynn’s former club Newport County at Rodney Parade. George Miller was top goalscorer for Cheltenham and his goals from 6-12 yards were becoming vital.
As the season went on, young winger Jordan Thomas really began to shine, his performances week in week out impressed fans, and Flynn admitted that Cheltenham would struggle to keep him come the summer. Loanee Sam Stubbs was another proving his worth every week. Stubbs did so well that he earned himself a spot in the League Two team of the season.
Come the end of the season Cheltenham found themselves in that stable position they desired, with a few great results and certainly a few points left on the pitch.
After the last home game
Flynn pretty much summed up the campaign saying: “I think we have given a lot of points away, so when you look at it that way, yes. We are about eight points off the play-offs, we've given 15 away, so that is my gripe.
“The job, in terms of what I was brought in to do and how it started, I think I have overachieved.
“The fans have been superb. We have just been around and given them a deserved clap. Attendances have been up this year, which is good. It's a fitting way to see an exciting game, if I am honest, today.”
Attendances being up is a huge positive and that needs to continue next season, but that will be dictated by performances on the pitch.
Cheltenham will again need to make some signings, as key players return to parent
clubs or leave in the summer.
This gives Flynn another tough job, if the Robins want success in 25/26, and the hard work comes in May, June and July with recruitment and a plan.
With that in mind the Robins released their retained list.
All first team players have had individual meetings with the relevant football staff and are aware of their position heading into next season.
Five players will be leaving the Club upon the expiry of their current contracts. Those include long-standing goalkeeper Max Harris, Owen Evans, Tom Pett, Brandon Liggett and Ryan Bowman.
Meanwhile Sam Stubbs, Timothee Dieng, Ethan Williams and Ashley Hay will all return to their parent clubs following the end of their respective loan spells.
Cheltenham really could do with a couple of the loan players back for next season, but only time will tell how it goes and what the summer will bring.
Gloucestershire blasted by Sussex
SUSSEX Sharks made it two wins out of two in the Vitality Blast when they marked their first home fixture with victory over Gloucestershire by 80 runs.
But after their success last season it has been a disappointing start to the new campaign by Gloucestershire, who were beaten by just four runs in their high-scoring opener against Kent.
They needed 174 for victory here but were bundled out for 93, with only three batsmen making double figures. After making a
bright start to their chase Gloucestershire soon ran into trouble. Ollie Robinson sent Cameron Bancroft’s offstump cartwheeling to make it 19 for one and when D’Arcy Short was caught on the deep backward-square boundary they had lost both their Australian overseas players inside the first four overs.
Miles Hammond then pulled a short ball from Tymal Mills to mid-wicket and one run later Jack Taylor had his off-stump pegged back by the first delivery of the match from James Coles.
It was 49 for five when Ben Charlesworth lofted Jack Carson to long-on. Carson had been brought into the team to counter the high number of left-handers in the Gloucestershire team.
The dangerous James Bracey was still there but he couldn’t find anyone to hang around with him. It was 50 for six when Ollie Price, reverse sweeping, was caught behind off Carson and then Matt Taylor was stumped as he went down the wicket to Coles. David Payne had his middle stump plucked out by by Mills to
make it 88 for eight, Aman Rao was caught at mid-on to give Nathan McAndrew a wicket and finally Tom Smith was caught at midwicket to give Mills his third.
Earlier, the Sussex innings had been built around a fine fourth wicket stand of 105 in ten overs by Tom Alsop and the in-form Coles, before a collapse saw them lose their last seven wickets for 25 runs.
Daniel Hughes looked in prime form on a true pitch, with a rapid outfield, and muscled six fours in his 19-
ball 34 to give the home side some early impetus. But he was caught in two minds over his shot selection and tamely lofted Price – who had already bowled Harrison Ward - to mid-off. And Gloucestershire made it two wickets in two balls when John Simpson sliced his lofted drive against Matt Taylor and watched in horror as Hammond pulled off a sensational one-handed diving catch to make Sussex 43 for three in the sixth over.
But then Alsop (58 off 35, with six fours and two sixes) and Coles (43 off 27, with
four sixes) pulled the match towards their side. They set their violent tone when they each hit a six off the 11th over bowled by Tom Smith, which cost 17 runs.
The 100 partnership came up in the 15th over. But from 148 for three at 15.1, when Sussex fancied a total in excess of 200, their innings perished before steady Gloucestershire bowling backed up by an outstanding fielding outfit. David Payne and Matt Taylor took three wickets apiece. But Sussex had already made enough.
Wade signs off union career on a high for Cherry and Whites
A BONUS-POINT victory, including a hat-trick from Academy graduate, Jack Cotgreave, wasn't enough for the Cherry & Whites to secure a spot in the Gallagher Premiership playoffs this afternoon, as Gloucester Rugby end the season in fifth place.
Gloucester opened the scoring after just four minutes through winger, Jack Cotgreave. After scoring a try on his first Gallagher Premiership start at Newcastle last time out, the Academy graduate added a five-pointer in his first Premiership start at Kingsholm to maintain his try-scoring run.
Santi Carreras, who had passed the ball to Cotgreave earlier in the move to send him over the line, added a beautiful conversion from the touchline.
The visitors struck back quickly, though, as Tom Pearson forced his way over the whitewash from a handful of metres out. Fly-half, Rory Hutchinson, converted their try from out wide to level the scores at seven apiece.
After a lengthy break in play whilst Saints skipper, Ed Prowse, was down with an injury, play got back underway with a penalty for the visitors five metres from the Gloucester line. They wasted no time in turning
territory into points when centre, Tom Litchfield, found the whitewash from short range. Hutchinson added two more to extend the away side's advantage.
Cotgreave, thought he had a second to close the gap, only for the TMO to chalk it off for a foot in touch.
However, the youngster did find himself adding a brace in the 25th minute, when a flat pass from Gareth Anscombe into the arms of Seb Atkinson allowed the latter to link up with the winger and put him away for Gloucester's second score.
Northampton went back on the offensive, but a dangerous-looking wide pass
was picked off by Christian Wade, and there was no catching him as he raced home from the half-way line in his final Kingsholm match.
The Cherry & Whites' tails were up now, and after a loose bounce from a kick, Freddie Clarke, scooped up the ball and passed to scrumhalf, Tomos Williams, to send the Welshman clear and into the corner in from of the Stowford Press Stand.
The away side started the second half brightly, and although there were suspicions of a forward offload in midfield, they had a try awarded when scrumhalf Jonny Weimann, sniped
over just seven minutes into the second period.
Saints had closed the gap to just one point, but the Cherry & Whites responded again, with Cotgreave crossing for his hat-trick securing try.
Moments later, Gloucester were over once more through Seb Atkinson. Wade showed his dancing feet to skip through several tackles along the touchline and slipped the ball inside to the centre to dot down for the Cherry & Whites' sixth try.
Northampton kept fighting, and added another when replacement Iakopo Mapu, rolled over the line on the tail of a powerful maul.
Gloucester ended the game with a length of the field try, typical of the adventurous style of rugby they've brought to the Gallagher Premiership season, as Wade escaped down the touchline in front of The Shed and over to complete the game. Ruan Ackermann took the shot at goal in his final fixture in Cherry & White, however his attempt was unsuccessful.
Full-time: Gloucester Rugby 41-26 Northampton Saints
Results in fixtures meant the Cherry & Whites missed out on the Gallagher Premiership playoffs by just two points, despite a valiant performance at Kingsholm this afternoon.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Cricket is thrilled to confirm the signing of explosive Australian toporder batter D’Arcy Short for the 2025 T20 Vitality Blast.
A dynamic left-hander and a dangerous wrist-spinner, Short has represented Australia in both IT20 and ODI formats, while also lighting up franchise
leagues around the globeincluding the IPL and The Hundred.
In MIT20s, Short boasts an average of 30.6 from 23 appearances for Australia. He has also featured in eight ODIs for Australia, maintaining a similar average of 30.1 with the bat. Short is perhaps best known for his time with the Adelaide Strikers and
