By Richard Briggs digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk
A CHELTENHAM man whose wife was cared for at the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is about to embark on a 630-mile walk in her memory.
Phil Brown will walk the entire South West Coast Path – from Minehead in west Somerset to Poole Harbour in east Dorset – in tribute to his wife Anna, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November last year and died on 30 January, aged 69.
Anna was looked after at Leckhampton Court and Phil will start his walk on Saturday 31 May –his 66th birthday – to raise money for the hospice. Phil said Anna’s care at Leckhampton Court was “truly wonderful”.
Phil, who lives in Fairview, has been preparing for the walk by undergoing warm-weather training in Dubai.
He said: “I went to Dubai for a week to visit an old friend. He had extended the invitation with the hope of getting me out of Cheltenham, encouraging me to step away from the confines of my home, and to
escape the constant reminders of Anna that linger in every corner of my life.
“It was a fascinating place, a metropolis in the desert, beautifully clean and well kept and just a totally different way of life. The heat was almost unbearable – hovering around 40C all day, every day. I wasn’t surprised to find myself as one of the very few people out walking most of the time, if not the only person out walking.
“But I couldn’t go a week without getting my steps in. I averaged over 20,000 a day while I was there,
Husband prepares to walk 630 miles in memory of late wife
topping out at about 33,000 on the day I went sightseeing to Dubai Marina, Dubai Mall, up the Burj Khalifa and the SkyView walk.”
In a tribute to Anna, Phil, who hails from Slough, said: “Anna achieved so much in a life full of variety, travel and adventure. We lived in, and visited, many different places and in all of them made friends for life.
“Anna was born in Southport on 24 March 1955. Her love of sport started early. She loved swimming and during the summer she spent all of her time at Southport’s outdoor lido.
Continued
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TRIBUTE: Phil Brown in Dubai, where he has recently undergone warmweather training for the 630 miles walk in memory of late wife Anna, right.
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AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire
Drug dealer jailed after being caught with cocaine while on licence for previous offences
A 45-YEAR-OLD drug dealer has been jailed after officers on patrol in Stroud discovered a quantity of cocaine in his car.
Nicholas Geenty, aged 45 and of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court to five years in prison.
He had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of cannabis.
The Cheltenham Post Newspaper is owned and published by All4One Media Limited. The views, reviews and comments of contributors aren’t necessarily those of the publisher. Company registration 09333677
You can pick up your copy of the Cheltenham Post in many shops and leisure places throughout the town.
We also have stands at your local supermarkets listed below; Arle Court Transport Hub
Asda Superstore, Hatherley Lane
Tesco Superstore, Collets Drive
Tesco, Church Road Bishops Cleeve
Morrisons, Caernarvon Road Up Hatherley
Sainsburys, Gallagher Retail Park
Sainsburys, Priors Road Oakley
Co-Op, Leckhampton Road
Co-Op, Bath Road, Leckhampton
Co-Op, Salisbury Avenue
East End Garage, Charlton Kings
Cheltenham General Hospital
We are also at selected other Co-Op stores as well as many 1000s delivered door-to-door on a rotation basis every two weeks.
The court heard how officers from the Cotswolds and Stroud Neighbourhood Support Team were patrolling the Paganhill area on 3 December last year, when they spotted Geenty in a car parked on Mathews Way.
Geenty was on licence following a previous conviction for drug offences, however officers had recently received intelligence to suggest that he was still dealing drugs.
As one of the officers approached Geenty's vehicle on foot, he pulled away in his car and drove off at speed.
The officers pursued him in their unmarked car and despite signalling for him to stop and pull over, Geenty continued driving in an attempt to evade them.
A road closure forced Geenty to stop a short time later and he was detained by PS D'Arcy and PC Smith while a search of his vehicle was carried out.
A quantity of white powder in individual zip bags was discovered in various locations inside the vehicle.
Further drugs were found within a rucksack and, following analysis, established to be cocaine with an estimated street value of around £3,000.
A small amount of cannabis, with an estimated street value of £45 was also found, as well as drug paraphernalia including digital scales and a burner phone.
Geenty was arrested and subsequently charged and
remanded in custody.
He was sentenced on 25 April to five years in jail and he was ordered to pay costs of £228.
Speaking after the sentencing, PC Kerr from the Neighbourhood Support Team said: "Geenty is rightfully behind bars after showing a blatant disregard for his licence conditions.
“The action taken by our officers
reflects their dedication in responding to community intelligence and we will continue in our efforts to disrupt the illegal supply of drugs in order to keep the public safe.”
If you suspect drug dealing or have witnessed suspicious activity taking place in your community, you can report it to either Crimestoppers anonymously or to police.
You can report this to police online by using the following form: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tu a/tell-us-about/soh/seen-orheard/
Alternatively you can give information anonymously to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
Man arrested in connection with suspected stabbing in Mickleton
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police are appealing for information following a suspected stabbing in Mickleton recently.
Emergency services were called to a report that a man had been assaulted in a property at around 4.20pm on Saturday 17 May.
A man in his 20s was found to have suffered suspected stab wounds and was taken to University Hospital, Coventry. He has since been discharged.
It was also reported that the victim's car, a Vauxhall Astra, had also been stolen following the assault. The car is yet to be located.
A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Investigating officers would like to speak to anyone with information about the incident and who has not yet spoken to police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police on the website, quoting incident 320 of 17 May: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/c ontact/af/contact-us/us/a-crimethat-has-already-been-reported/
Phil walks in honour of late wife
Continued from front page
“She was also a great athlete, the best in her school on the track and the best in county competitions as well. In one county meeting they were short of competitors in the shot putt, so Anna volunteered. She came second, only beaten by the soon-to-be-international-athlete
Judy Oakes.
“As a track runner she showed massive potential and her county coach wanted her to carry on after school. Her parents were not quite as enthusiastic about girls going into sport full-time and her dad insisted she got a ‘proper job’.
“So she started with the Inland Revenue and worked in Bootle in Liverpool. She very much enjoyed it there and had great colleagues.
“Anna then met and married a Dutchman and moved to Dudley. She loved her time there too and continued to work with the Inland Revenue.
“She was promoted to executive officer and after a few years moved to Maidenhead and started working with the Inland Revenue in Slough. This is where our paths first crossed.
“We first met in 1979 and got together soon after, buying a house together in Lower Earley near Reading.
“We lived there very happily throughout the 1980s, getting married in 1986. Over the years we enjoyed many holidays in America visiting Anna’s family. We went to the LA Olympics in 1984 which was an absolute dream come true for Anna.
“During the 1980s, Anna really got into aerobics. She ran her own classes.
“In 1981 she watched the first London Marathon and was transfixed by it. ‘I am going to run that next year,’ she said.
“There started our joint love affair with running – but also for Anna the London Marathon itself. We joined a running club and enjoyed a great social life around the club, travelling around the country and having weekends away at races.
“The year after we ran London, in 1983, she got involved with the organising committee of the London Marathon. Anna was in charge of the army of medal hangers and every year, for many years, she left home in the early hours and arrived home late at night having ensured every runner got their medal.
“Anna continued to work for the Inland Revenue until our daughter Alexandra arrived in 1987. She stopped work and enjoyed being at home with Alex.
“In the early 1990s, things were not going so well for me so we decided to start afresh in the USA. Unfortunately the immigration process took over two years and just as we got the go-ahead we had a surprise package arrive.
“Anna was pregnant with our son Max, who was born in 1995. This delayed our departure but we still went. We bought a house with a swimming pool. With Alex catching the bus to school, Anna spent the days looking after Max and loved it there.
“During the long delay in the immigration process, I started a business in the UK. It was going really well, so I travelled regularly back and forth.
Although Anna was really happy in California she agreed that we should come back to the UK and build the business together.
“When we arrived home we briefly lived in Andoversford before renting a house in Batsford near Moreton-inMarsh. This was to be the start of a blissful four years. Here we made lifelong friends. Anna looked after Alex and Max whilst organising all the admin for the business.
“We eventually sold the business and moved to Chipping Campden. We spent a few years there, making great friends, before moving to Cheltenham.
“Anna now decided to do something she had always wanted to do – go to university. So at the age of 50 she started a
biology degree at the University of Gloucestershire. She had a fabulous three years at uni.
“Soon after the course finished, I found my latest venture in trouble during the financial crash of 2008, so Anna stepped up to the plate to support the family and went for a job as a licensed social worker working with special-needs children.
“She started work at a school in Seven Springs. Then she worked in Cam before eventually going to Belmont School [in Cheltenham] where she spent many happy years.
“Anna and I would walk through town most days, either going to the gym or the shops, and every now and again would see ex-pupils. They would often see Anna before she saw them and call out and come over.
Anna was overjoyed to hear what they were up to, many now in work or in further education, a real confirmation that all that hard work was worth it.
“She had always continued swimming throughout the years and now belonged to a gym in Cheltenham. It had a great swimming pool and she really got into the spin classes. She had also been doing yoga for a while.
“When she retired, just under two years ago, she threw herself into yoga. She got herself onto a teacher training course and became a qualified yoga teacher and had plans to do so much more.
“We had some great holidays in the past few years. In 2017 we went round the world. A couple of Christmases in Hawaii and a trip to Melbourne in Australia followed.
“Anna’s greatest achievement will always be her children, who were her everything. She was immensely proud of the clever, kind, caring, fun people they had become, both loved immensely by their peers.”
Phil is aiming to raise £20,000 for Leckhampton Court. The current total stands at more than £15,000.
He hopes to complete the walk on Monday 30 June.
Man bitten by dog, as police seek owner
OFFICERS are appealing for a woman to come forward after a man was bitten by her dog while walking in Cheltenham. It was reported that a man was walking through Priors Park in Prestbury when a dog resembling a Rottweiler or similar breed, bit him on the arm causing puncture wounds which required treatment at hospital.
This incident took place by the car park at the entrance to Imjin Road at around 5.35pm on Wednesday 26 March.
The owner of the dog did not stop to check on the man’s welfare. Police are asking her to make contact so that officers can get an account of what happened. The woman was described as being white, 5ft 6ins in
Meet the Local Slimming World team! Cheltenham groups:
Monday 9:30am & 11am
St Nicolas Church
Wednesday 9:30am & 11am 5pm & 7pm
From 21st May We are back @ St Mark’s & Hester’s Way Community Centre 07446157092
Tuesday 5:30pm & 7:30pm Springbank Community Cafe
Saturday 7:30am & 9am The Rock, Tewkesbury Rd 07909139996
Monday 5:30pm
St Margaret's Hall, Up Hatherley
Wednesday 9:30am & 6pm
Holy Apostles Hall, Charlton Kings Thursday 6pm
Parkland's Community Centre, Whaddon 07866196718
Gloucester groups
height and had brown hair which was worn in a ponytail. Her dog was described as being black in colour and had a chain lead. Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 409 of 26 March: www.gloucestershire.police.u k/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/
Thursday 7:00pm
Brockworth Primary Academy Friday 7:30am & 9am
Hucclecote Community Centre 07525946889
Tuesdays 5:30pm & 7pm
Coopers Edge Community Centre, Brockworth Wednesday 9:30am & 11am St Johns Church, Churchdown 07979232122
Wednesday 6:30pm
Thursday 9am & 10:30am
Bishops Cleeve
Methodist Hall
Thursday 5:30pm
Abbey Fields Community Centre, Winchcombe 07988630336
Wednesday 5:30 & 7pm
St Philip & St James Church, Up Hatherley
Friday 8am & 9:30am Warden Hill
United Reformed Church 07553439404
Tuesday 7:30am, 9am & 10:30am Warden Hill
United Reformed Church 07786068370
Tuesday 5:15pm & 6:45pm
St Johns Church, Churchdown 07581221006
Next level later living
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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.
THE curtain could be coming down for good at the Cheltenham Playhouse, which has warned it is facing “a critical situation”.
The theatre, in Bath Road, may have to close down because of financial losses in recent years.
Newly appointed trustees for the registered charity have been fighting to save the theatre since the formation of the new board in November.
A fundraising push at the start of the year has seen the public come forward with more than £33,000 of donations – but this is not enough to save the historic building and protect the jobs it creates.
Neil Burge, acting chair of the board of trustees, said:
“We’re trying to rebuild after a number of tough trading years.
“The finances we inherited were in a desperate state.
“The huge gestures of financial support we’ve received from our community since our publicity earlier in
By Richard Briggs digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk
the year have kept us going this far and allowed us to rebuild a level of financial reserve; we know that we would’ve had to encounter this decision a lot earlier without it.
“However, we’re reaching a point where we simply don’t have the depth of funds to keep the doors open, particularly looking after an old building which is expensive to run and maintain.
“Our financial forecasting leaves us hopeful that we have a long-term future; the societies and groups using the theatre are regular and loyal and we can see a scenario where, with robust management going forward, we survive.
“What we can’t get over is the short-term cash-flow problem – and this is leaving us in a critical situation.
“We have so much to look forward to in this beautiful building.
“We have a schedule of amazing theatre and comedy and our own Fringe Festival next week, not to mention our pantomime plans for 2025.
“But unless we receive some urgent help and funds, there’s a high risk that the theatre won’t continue.”
The Cheltenham Playhouse
Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home Exceptional Care in the Heart of the Cotswolds
Welcome to Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home, a luxury, purpose-built residence just four miles from Cheltenham. With stunning views of Cleeve Hill, our home offers expert residential and dementia care in a warm and welcoming setting.
is a registered charitable incorporated organisation and Grade II listed building that employs a small number of full-time and part-time staff as well as receiving support from a network of volunteers.
The theatre is celebrating its 80th year in 2025 and had hoped to secure funding from external sources to see it through the next 80 years.
The Playhouse urges people
to donate to its JustGiving 80 for 80 campaign – £80,000 for 80 years.
The JustGiving page says about the Playhouse: “The Cheltenham Playhouse is a unique and intimate 186-seat theatre, with stunning Regency architecture and a wide range of performances that often leave visitors with a remarkable experience.
“As the Playhouse is also one of the very few independent venues in the county, we pride
ourselves on being a down-toearth and welcoming space to all.
“Whether you’re a regular theatre enthusiast or trying your first live performance, the Cheltenham Playhouse is here for you.
“Historically, the theatre has been a hidden gem in the town.
“In recent years, the Playhouse has flourished and is rapidly becoming one of the most popular venues in the area.
“We’re making big waves across the county with hundreds of performances each year and a forecast of over 50,000 annual visitors.
“Our events include music, drama, film, comedy, musicals, pantomime, workshops and more.”
If you would like to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/campaig n/cheltenhamplayhouse80th. Anyone with offers of larger financial support or pledges should contact board@cheltplayhouse.org.
We are proud to offer luxurious surroundings and exceptional, personalised care.
With specialist residential and dementia care, engaging lifestyle activities, and a focus on comfort, dignity and wellbeing, Bishops Cleeve is a place where every resident is treated like family.
Our door is always open...step into something better! Exceptional care, a welcoming environment and breathtaking views.
UNDER THREAT: Shows like Jack and The Beanstalk, left, could soon be a thing of the past.
In the dock!
The following cases have all been heard recently at Cheltenham Magistrates
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
Court:
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 2231 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.
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
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:
“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."
Man arrested on suspicion of burglary in Cheltenham following chase by police
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Police have arrested a man in Cheltenham on suspicion of aggravated burglary after finding him in the garden of a property trying to run away from the scene.
Officers were called to a burglary in progress on Sydenham Road South shortly after 2am on Friday 23 May. Three men were witnessed
looking into houses and cars before entering the back garden of one address.
Two officers on patrol in an adjacent street immediately headed for the scene and a man was seen climbing the fence of a neighbouring property.
Officers gave chase over the fence and pursued him on foot, and were able to catch and
arrest him. A search of the man revealed he was carrying a knife.
A 47-year-old man from Cheltenham was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and possession of a pointed article or blade. He remained in custody while enquiries continued.
Officers are appealing for anyone with information about the
For up-to-date news, sport and features visit www.cheltenhampost.co.uk
The articles you’ll see online won’t necessarily appear in your printed Cheltenham Post, so we’re bringing you additional content.
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incident, or who has CCTV which they believe to be relevant, to come forward.
Anyone with information can contact Gloucestershire Police through the website, quoting incident 25 of 23 May: www.gloucestershire.poli ce.uk/contact/af/contactus/us/a-crime-that-has-alr eady-been-reported/
The Cheltenham Post teams up with talking newspaper The Cotswold Listener
By Richard Briggs digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk
THE Cheltenham Post’s stories will reach even more members of the community thanks to a team-up with a talking newspaper.
The Post has joined forces with The Cotswold Listener, the free talking newspaper for the sight-impaired and those who can no longer access the written word due to any other disability.
The Cotswold Listener serves Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the North Cotswolds as far afield as Chipping Campden. It was set up by the local Lions in 1978 and now has more than 150 listeners and 60 volunteers. The volunteers work from a studio on Rodney Road, Cheltenham.
June Little, chair of trustees of The Cotswold Listener, said: “Most of us take reading a newspaper or magazine for granted. But for anyone who is registered as sight-impaired or blind or struggles to hold or read a newspaper due to a disability, staying connected with what’s happening locally becomes more difficult.
“With the changes in BBC radio, many of the local news features people have previously relied on will disappear or have disappeared.
“We offer an invaluable service providing an outstanding source of local news and interesting magazine features for our registered listeners.
“The Cotswold Listener is run by a team of volunteers and trustees – and together we ensure that local news stories are recorded weekly and sent out on memory sticks under the Royal Mail’s concession Articles for the Blind in special pouches. We also record a weekly magazine 51 weeks of the year.
“Registered listeners are
supplied with suitable USB players to listen to the recordings, or they can access recordings via the British Wireless for the Blind app for listeners to enjoy via Alexa smart speakers and our website www.cotswoldlistener.co.uk.
“The service is entirely free of charge to anyone who is a registered with us.
“We are a registered charity and fundraise, and apply for grant funding or sponsorship to enable us to offer this invaluable service.
“If you ask a listener what they gain from receiving the recordings, you’ll be told that they bring much enjoyment and provide a highlight to what can be a lonely week.
“Some of the recordings include short stories, audiodescribed visits to local events and articles about places around the county.
“They are recorded in such a way that anyone who cannot see or visit places themselves can gain a valuable insight into what
the activity or event is all about.
“Items selected can be of interest to a wide age-range of listeners. We bring the world to our listeners.”
Now, articles that appear in The Cheltenham Post and on its website, will be accessible via The Cotswold Listener.
June said: “We’re always looking for quality local news to share with our listeners.
“Having the opportunity of working with The Cheltenham Post has given us access to an additional resource, extending our range of weekly recorded material.
“We’ll also have the opportunity of promoting The Cheltenham Post on our social media and we’re hoping that they’ll be able to share posts we put on The Cotswold Listener’s Facebook page and attract potential new listeners.”
Editor’s comment “The Post is delighted to
join forces with The Cotswold Listener, which provides an invaluable service.
“The Post is a community newspaper and will do everything in its power to help local people.
“Not only will stories from The Cheltenham Post now be available for more people to enjoy thanks to The Cotswold Listener’s recordings, but stories about The Cotswold Listener will be able to reach a wider audience because there’ll be a place for them on the Post’s online channels.”
l If you know someone who would benefit from receiving a recording of The Cotswold Listener, please contact its admin manager who will be able to register them to receive the free service.
You can email The Cotswold Listener at admin@cotswoldlistener.co. ukor visit www.cotswoldlistener.co.uk or call 01242 252072.
Max Wilkinson MP
THERE are so many things that make Cheltenham the place it is. Our heritage is one of them. Our parks and greenspaces is another and so is the beautiful Regency appearance. The work local people do at GCHQ and in cyber security is right up there too.
When I think of our heritage, I think of assets like the Town Hall, The Wilson and the Pittville Pump Room. Our town once fought off plans to sell the Pump Room. For some time, the building didn’t thrive, but it remained beautiful. More recently, the Cheltenham Trust has managed it as an events and wedding venue – with a café on the side. Now, we must consider what happens next to secure it for the long term. Councils are not in the best position to maintain and run heritage assets like the Pump Room. They just don’t have the resources anymore. It’s clear to me that a trusted national charity with the relevant expertise in running heritage buildings would be a much better option. I’ve made that point to anyone who will listen. Watch this space.
And what about other Cheltenham assets like The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum and the Town Hall. What about our parks and gardens too? I think ownership and control should remain in Cheltenham, not a big new unitary authority based outside of our town.
A new Cheltenham Town Council could take over ownership of those assets and help us retain our local voice too. Let’s make sure it happens. When I think about the future, I also think about getting the best for our town centre. I’m pushing Canada Life and
Cheltenham Borough Council to move forward with a scheme for Cavendish House as soon as possible. We can’t let this issue drag on. Not far away, we’ve just heard that an investor has been chosen for the Municipal Offices.
It looks like there’s potential for a positive, landmark development. I’ll be keeping a close eye on proposals as and when they’re published and I’ll be asking that local people are consulted too. Now we have a new County Council leadership, I’ve invited the leader and an appropriate cabinet lead to visit our town so we can set higher standards for maintenance in our High Street and the Promenade. We can’t have any repeat of the woeful approach taken at The Strand and we need to resolve the Promenade too.
That means an end to what I’ve branded “tarmac cowpats” and a level of attention to detail appropriate to our town.
Another part of our future is the Golden Valley development. It’s being built next to GCHQ to bring new jobs and prosperity to our town. I’ve been pressing the case for government support again.
I met Cabinet Minister Peter Kyle last week to highlight the nationally significant opportunity presented by 12,000 new jobs in cyber and tech. This project started long ago in our Borough Council. After years of waiting, I hope we will see the first stage of the development getting through the planning system soon. The local elections have improved alignment between the County Council and Borough Council. Progress must now be made.
MEET THE GANG: Helen, Gillian, Lucy and Zena are members of The Cotswold Listener's team. They are pictured in the studio in Cheltenham.
PICTURE: The Cotswold Listener.
Green Party
ON May 17th, Cheltenham Greens attended Pride, marching through the town centre, before arriving in Imperial Gardens for celebrations throughout the day. Cheltenham Pride was attended by people from all walks of life, with music, amazing food and a brilliantly chaotic dog show.
There were people from so many cultures, generations and backgrounds, ready to stand shoulder-toshoulder with our LBTQ friends. The day was an incredible success, with Imperial Gardens packed out with our lovely community.
Events like these, which show us the beautiful reality of a diverse town, stand in stark contrast to the fear-mongering hysteria that has been levelled at the trans community. The truth is, trans people are no more of a threat to people than any other group simply trying to live their lives.
Cheltenham Greens are clear on this matter. Trans rights are human rights and we will not tie ourselves up in knots trying to appease the same bigotry that powered homophobia through the last century.
It can be hard sometimes to stand up against the noise of right wing commentary that tells us about threats from what are otherwise small and vulnerable groups. But this is why getting out and about in the communities we live in is so important. That is where the reality is - and that includes the fact
OVER recent months, it has become clearer than ever that people here – and across the UK – are feeling ignored, frustrated, and abandoned by those in power. Whether it’s the cost-of-living crisis, rising council tax, or
Ashleigh Davies
that so many of the groups scapegoated by a powerful media are our friends.
Diverse communities are strong communities, and we showed that in Cheltenham.
It makes me feel very proud to be a Green councillor, because when I look at the Green Party’s record I see a commitment to avoiding political games in favour of principle. We reject division and will not be swayed by right wing attempts at gaslighting. As we have done in supporting our trans friends, we have also spoken out on the horrific war crimes in Gaza.
Over the last 19 months, tens of thousands of people - many of them children, babies evenhave been slaughtered in Gaza. As the extreme right-wing Israeli government makes its plans clear, the Green Party calls for long overdue action to be taken on Netanyahu. Our Government, and its opposition, have been made to look like fools and squandered the opportunity to prevent this genocide.
This was a generational moment to make a difference, and it was lost. This injustice is a stain on our political system.
MP backs parents calling for tighter controls over social media to under-16s
CHELTENHAM MP Max
Wilkinson recently launched his Safer Internet Survey to find out more about local parents’ opinions on children using social media. More than 100 families responded.
His call follows a key Parliamentary vote on the Data Bill to increase the age of digital responsibility to 16.
Max worked alongside the Lib Dem Parliamentary team, but the suggestion was voted down by the government and the Tories failed to back the call too.
Max has been working with Cheltenham parent Ellen Roome on online safety for children. Ellen's son Jools died aged just 14 after what she suspects was a case of an online challenge gone wrong.
Of the respondents, 96% say their children are not adequately protected online, with inappropriate content, online bullying and excessive screen time top of their concerns.
Over half of parents surveyed said that they already manage their children’s social media access, with the majority opting for discussions and agreements about acceptable online behaviour. And 4 in 5 want to see tighter restrictions on social media access for under-16s enforced in law.
Responding to the results, Max said: “Parents are rightly concerned with their
Reform UK
overdevelopment creeping into our green belt, the mood is the same… to stop that, we need action.
A recent YouGov poll revealed that 70% of Britons believe the government is mishandling the economy, and nearly 80% believe the state of the economy is poor. These numbers aren’t just statistics – they represent real people in Cheltenham struggling to make ends meet while the political class
postures and deflects. Meanwhile, instead of fixing the issues we face here at home, the government is once again turning its eyes towards Europe – flirting with the idea of rejoining frameworks we voted to leave behind.
The proposed UK–EU youth mobility scheme is just the latest example. Reintroducing free movement in all but name, this plan opens our doors
children’s social media use. Children currently have access to a world of inappropriate and harmful content online which poses a risk to their mental and physical health.
“It is essential that the law provides a layer of safety between our children and dangerous or inappropriate content on social media. MPs must look again at how we can better protect children online, and that includes considering much tighter restrictions for social media use by under-16s.
“The majority of parents are already trying to manage this themselves, either through apps that limit what their child can see online or
once again without public debate, undermining the will of the British people who voted clearly in 2016. We should be investing in our own youth, our own workers, and our own communities –not quietly reversing democratic decisions.
Here in Cheltenham, we’re also watching our identity slip. The town’s unique character – built on culture, green spaces, and strong communities – is being diluted by unchecked development. The green belt that separates us from Gloucester is under increasing threat. If the plans
through conversations and agreements about their use. It is crucial that the law is changed to reassure parents and properly protect children.
“I’m honoured to be backing and working with Ellen Roome, whose inspiring work on this issue following the tragic death of her son Jools has moved so many.”
Cheltenham online safety campaigner Ellen Roome said: “Max’s survey results reflect what I’m hearing from so many parents. Everyone is talking about the harms of social media, but the Government is not keeping up with the pace of technology. We all keep talking about children seeing harmful content.
pushed by local authorities go ahead, Cheltenham risks losing what makes it special. And this brings me to the recently elected Liberal Democrat council. You’ve been given another chance. Now do something with it.
For too long, Cheltenham Borough and Gloucester Council has delivered little more than vague gestures, empty consultations, and tired excuses. The people of Cheltenham deserve forward-thinking plans that genuinely serve their needs –not vanity projects, not distant net-zero targets, but real, tangible improvements
“I firmly believe that the age at which children can access these sites needs to be raised to protect them.
“The Online Safety Act is good, but it needs to be strengthened; the regulator Ofcom needs to compel the platforms to put their houses in order. There is a design flaw with these sites, and the tech companies have the ability to fix things; they choose not to, putting profits above safety.
“I will continue my quest to protect children against these companies, and I regularly meet with Ofcom as part of a group of bereaved families to drive change, in a world where change needs to happen quicker.”
in housing, infrastructure, parking, safety, and local services.
Stop blaming central government. Start taking accountability. You asked for the votes. Now show us you can lead.
Reform UK will challenge this council – locally and regionally. Every decision, every policy, every silence. We will challenge the archaic beliefs and structures that have kept local government stuck in the past. We will demand better –and give credibility, accountability and a voice to our communities.
Kevin Bowden, Reform UK Cheltenham Chair
PHASE 2: Max Wilkinson and Ellen Roome meeting Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle.
Phase two of Golden Valley unveiled at Cyber UK event
GOLDEN Valley was brought to life recently at Cyber UK, where HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council unveiled plans for the second phase of the landmark scheme, including the launch of the newly named 'I/O Buildings'.
Cyber UK is the government’s flagship annual cyber security event hosted by the National Cyber Security Centre. Held in Manchester, it is attended by 2,000 leaders and academic institutions. The Golden Valley delegation included HBD, Cheltenham Borough Council and Plexal.
Property developer HBD, part of Henry Boot, took the opportunity to reveal the names for its landmark phase one buildings as well as showcasing plans for the second phase of the scheme.
The Innovation Centre, which comprises 160,000 sq ft of high-quality office space and flexible event facilities, will be known as IDEA Innovation Centre. At the core of Golden Valley’s vision for the future, it is designed to inspire and nurture groundbreaking ideas. The building is part of the first phase of the project, with construction expected to begin on site later this year.
The two I/O buildings
(INPUT and OUTPUT) are a key element within the second phase of Golden Valley and will provide space for leaders and innovators to work together. INPUT is intended to foster collaboration between education, business and government, focusing on academia, skills and talent. OUTPUT will seek to bring together industry peers to shape the future of technology. The building will create space for quiet focus and provide state-of-the-art facilities for business.
Cabinet Office Minister, Pat McFadden included Golden Valley within his keynote address, saying: “We’re already making some big investments, like the billion pounds going into the new state-of-the-art Golden Valley campus near GCHQ’s Cheltenham office. That site alone is expected to create 12,000 jobs and be home to hospitality, retail businesses and 3,700 new homes. It’s all growth.”
Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director of HBD, said:
“Cyber UK is a major annual event for the cyber and security industry, so it’s important for Golden Valley to take part, continuing to build and strengthen networks and connections within the sector.
“Work is due to begin on site later this year including the I/O Buildings within phase two, and bring the development to life.”
Cllr Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council said: ‘‘Cyber UK offered us the perfect opportunity to showcase phase two of Golden Valley, including the naming of the buildings which will form an integral part of the development. It was an honour to hear that Rt Hon Pat McFadden included the scheme and all that it will offer in his keynote speech and some really great connections were made at the event which will prove invaluable as we move forward.’’
Sustainable travel and connectivity also play an important role in the Golden Valley vision. ROUTER, previously known as the Mobility Hub, is a nextgeneration transport hub powered by smart technology to allow effortless, environmentally friendly movement throughout the scheme. The building will also feature integrated retail, leisure and wellbeing facilities for the benefit of both Golden Valley residents and the wider public.
Golden Valley is a flagship £1bn GDV innovation and technology project located in
Conservative Party
Rob Garnham - Cheltenham Chairman
IS the Swindon Road
Recycling Centre set to re-open? A U-turn from the Lib Dems perhaps?
Following the May elections, they took control of the County Council, and they also run Cheltenham Borough Council, and the town has a Lib Dem MP as well.
So given the public outcry when they closed the centre, and the MP launching a petition to save it and urging talks between the Borough and the County, I hope the first item on the agenda will be the site’s reopening. Especially as one of the town’s county councillors is now the County Cabinet Member for Nature, Climate and Waste Reduction.
Cheltenham, adjacent to GCHQ, the UK's intelligence, security and cyber agency. The development strengthens the UK’s leadership in cyber, AI, quantum technologies, and secure communications, supporting national security, economic resilience, and industry expansion.
Planning consent is being sought for around 1million sq ft of prime commercial space, including a 160,000 sq ft Innovation Centre, and circa 1,000 residential units of various tenures, supporting Cheltenham’s housing needs.
So I await news of when we can start using the Recycling facility again –but I fear that day will never come. The Lib Dems ought to know by now that it’s easy to grandstand before an election, but it’s a different matter when you get into power and actually have to make the tough choices.
Is the spectre of state censorship about to hit America? President Trump has made many decisions but there is one that may have escaped your attention that does worry me. The President recently fired the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, responsible for the world-famous Library of Congress. The White House explained her sacking saying:
“There were quite concerning things that she
had done... in the pursuit of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion and putting inappropriate books in the library for children.” I find this alarming, and a very naïve decision taken in the fog of Trump’s war on anyone who dares to stand up to him. A quick look will tell you that you have to be over 16 to access the library, so children can’t read anything there anyway, and also the library receives a copy of every single book that is published in the US each year, without fear or favour. For me when a country’s leader starts a purge in the world of books and the written word, I do fear for what is next.
I started this column with a possible u-turn from the Lib Dems and now we have one from the government. At long last Labour have seen the error of their ways and are to reconsider making more pensioners eligible for Winter Fuel Allowance. About time too, I say and let’s hope they make the changes in time for this winter!
PHASE 2: HBD unveiling plans at Cyber UK.
Angry action group hits out over footbridge’s ‘temporary’ closure
By Richard Briggs digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk
AN action group has hit out over a south Cheltenham footbridge’s 10-year closure, claiming that walkers, runners and children are being put in danger.
Pilley Footbridge Action Group was formed last November. Members are angry that the footbridge over the disused railway line behind Old Patesians Rugby Club’s ground has been shut since 2015 – blocking a rambling route – although, they say, the closure was supposed to be temporary.
The closure, on part of public footpath ZCK/51, has blocked the Gustav Holst Way, a medium-distance route for ramblers.
According to Gloucestershire County Council documentation, the closure came into force due to “issues relating to structural defects in the metal railway bridge”.
The Gustav Holst Way –named after the celebrated locally-born composer whose most famous work is The Planets orchestral suite – goes from Cranham to Wyck Rissington, via Cheltenham and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Action group member John Kadwell said: “The footbridge behind Old Patesians’ field has been closed on a ‘temporary’ basis for nearly 10 years now,
blocking the Gustav Holst Way.
“No remedial action has been taken taken by Gloucestershire County Council who own the bridge and the cutting below, nor by Cheltenham Borough Council who are responsible for its upkeep.
“This historic footpath, an official walk which celebrates one of Cheltenham’s most famous sons, leads from Cheltenham to the top of the Cotswolds.
“The suggested detour along an increasingly busy Sandy Lane is not only dangerous but causes considerable inconvenience for walkers, runners and children.
“Over the past five months,
we’ve been gathering information and having discussions with other interested parties to find out why the footbridge has remained closed.
“We’ve come across a number of important facts which indicate that Cheltenham Borough Council should take some immediate action.
“A temporary closure notice is not meant to be permanent.
“There are breaches of the covenants that Cheltenham Borough Council undertook when purchasing the land from the British Railways Board in 1971, when it undertook to repair and maintain the footbridge.
“We know that there have been
two costly structural surveys undertaken by a professional local company. However, this has included an extremely detailed statement of work, inevitably leading to ‘eyewatering’ quotations, as described in a Liberal Democrat pamphlet.
“We ask whether such a detailed scope of work is really required and whether these quotes have ever been questioned.
“Had a simple repair to the bridge been made back in 2015 or 2016, it could have reopened for far less than the stated £100,000.
“Safe, convenient access has been denied to the Old Patesians’ children’s play park for residents from the north side – Greatfield Drive and the surrounding areas.”
When asked for a response to the action group’s claims, a Cheltenham Borough Council spokesperson told The Cheltenham Post that Gloucestershire County Council is, as highways authority, responsible for the maintenance of the bridge, so any comment would need to come from the county authority.
Gloucestershire County Council has been unable to comment on this issue at the time of writing.
However, the county council’s website states that “public rights of way are open to everyone at any time”.
Labour Party
ON 17 March this year, a dedicated and specialist team of over 40 caring health workers at Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals began industrial action in their dispute over pay and grading.
Phlebotomists are highly skilled workers, trained to take blood from patients when other health practitioners are unable to, or when the patient themselves is unwilling or unable to do so. Some members of the phlebotomy team (almost all women) have over 40 years working within the NHS and over ten years in phlebotomy. Despite this they are currently paid at NHS Band 2, the lowest in the NHS and just pennies above the national minimum wage. They believe that their skills and training should place them in the higher Band 3 pay band and have asked for a review of their pay and grading to be undertaken.
But senior management within Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust do not agree. They do not appreciate or recognise the work that the team do and have delayed and resisted at every turn.
With decades of experience, all the phlebotomists want to do is continue to do what they do best. But given the increasing cost of living, they feel undervalued and can no longer tolerate being overlooked and underpaid.
Starting over eighteen months ago, the team has cooperated fully with the review of the banding. They have acted in goodwill, cooperating with every stage of the process on the understanding that their banding would be fairly reviewed. However, this goodwill has not been reciprocated, forcing them to
reluctantly take industrial action.
With the ongoing and full support of their union, UNISON, the phlebotomists have now been on strike for over nine weeks, and yet there has been no genuine effort from the Trust to resolve this dispute. Phlebotomists care deeply for their patients. They believe they should get the care they deserve from specialists who are fully trained and respected for their professionalism.
During the dispute, the Trust has wasted public money by forcing nurses (who earn £4.00 an hour more) to do the work of phlebotomists, despite their lack of specialist training. Cheltenham Constituency Labour Party is proud to fully support local phlebotomists in their fight for fair pay. We encourage concerned members of the public to write to the Chief Executive, Kevin McNamara at kevin.mcnamara1@nhs.net. We are pleased to support them on their picket line outside Cheltenham General Hospital, and we encourage people to contribute to their strike hardship fund. You can find details of this on our website at www.cheltenhamlabourparty. org.uk/
Mother and son become national model for helping children re-connect with reading
PROJECT
and
what
are
by
sessions at home.
The book, featuring brave characters, sea monsters and a golden phoenix, was illustrated by Gabriel’s grandfather and inspired by stories passed down from his Bradford-born grandmother. What began as a creative outlet soon grew into something more powerful, The Adventures of Bradford, a citywide programme based on their story. The Adventures of Bradford is now delivered in classrooms to re-engage pupils,
particularly boys, in writing and emotional expression.
National data highlights a growing crisis:
l Boys are twice as likely as girls to fall behind in writing by age 11 (Education Endowment Foundation, 2022);
l Post-pandemic, writing has seen the greatest drop in attainment;
l Oracy skills – verbal confidence and expression – are also in decline (Voice 21, University of Oxford, 2022).
In pilot schools, The Adventures of Bradford achieved:
l A 90% story completion rate; l 100% engagement from previously reluctant writers;
l Voluntary writing sessions requested by pupils.
Kate said: “We created this just to help Gabriel express some big emotions. Now it’s helping hundreds of children find their voice.
“It’s not about grammar. It’s about confidence, imagination and purpose. Children light up when they feel heard.”
The programme has been accepted for presentation at the British Psychological Society Conference and the European Conference on Education, and has been featured in The Canadian Teacher Magazine. Closer to home, interest is growing among Gloucestershire educators.
Gabriel is now being recognised as a young literacy
ambassador. He’s been invited to deliver workshops helping inspire thousands of children and their families.
Kate said: “He’s showing that boys do have stories to tell. They just need to be invited.”
For more details about The Adventures of Gabriel, visit www.theadventuresofgabriel.com
Simon Smith
CLOSED: A section of a public right of way near Old Patesians Rugby Club has been blocked for 10 years. PICTURE: Fiona Wild.
A
created
a Cheltenham schoolboy and his mum has become a national model for helping children reconnect with writing
storytelling, tackling
educators
calling one of the biggest literacy challenges of our time.
Gabriel Khan, 11, and his mother Kate Markland, a former clinician and educator, cowrote The Adventures of Gabriel during storytelling
AUTHORS: Kate Markland and Gabriel Khan.
Public Notice - Licensing Act 2003
I / we The Thirst Trap Mobile Bar LTD applied on (Date) 20th MAY 25 for a premises licence / variation of a premises licence at The Land Adjoining 39 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1DX for (describe licensable activities applied for)
The sale of Alcohol, The performances of live or recorded music and late night refreshment.
On (times and dates)
Every day between 12:00 and 23:59
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 16th
JUNE 25 (date 28 days beginning the day after the application was submitted)
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.
Mayor Paul Bakera year in pictures...
By Richard Briggs digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk
Cllr Paul Baker goes down in history as a record-breaker during his time as Mayor of Cheltenham.
The Liberal Democrat, who represents Charlton Park on Cheltenham Borough Council, served as first citizen for 20242025.
During his mayoral year, which ran from 20 May 2024 to 12 May 2025, Cllr Baker raised £70,000 for his chosen charities Aim Up, The Friends of Sandford Parks, Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees and Caring for Communities and People. This was the largest amount raised during a Mayor of Cheltenham’s year in office.
The money will be split equally between the charities.
Today we bring you a pictorial tribute to Cllr Baker’s memorable year, highlighting some of the many engagements that filled the mayoral diary during that time.
PICTURES: Supplied by Cllr Paul Baker
St Peter’s councillor becomes new Cheltenham mayor
AT the annual inauguration earlier this month at the Pittville Pump Rooms, St Peter’s Councillor Dr David Willingham became Cheltenham’s new mayor.
Cllr Willingham succeeds his predecessor, Cllr Paul Baker, with Cllr Martin Horwood becoming the new deputy mayor.
The mayor chairs the council and represents the borough at many local business and charity events throughout the year. This year, the new mayor has decided to focus his fundraising efforts towards three local charities.
Cllr Willingham, said: “My three charities are, Men in sheds, Sea Cadets and The Rock. They all have sites in St Peter's ward, but as organisations they serve the wider community of Cheltenham and beyond.
“The Rock provides youth activities and skills development for children from areas of high statistical deprivation such as The Moors and St Paul’s.
“Men in Sheds delivers projects for the community while simultaneously benefiting the wellbeing of their members.
“Sea Cadets is another youth group that gives young people opportunities that help them grow through a wide range of activities and by gaining qualifications that can used later in life.”
Out-going mayor Cllr Paul Baker said: “I am delighted that we have raised £70k for
my chosen charities Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees, Friends of Sandford Parks, AimUp and Caring for Communities and People, who all support our wonderful town and its people, from maintaining and improving our beautiful parks to assisting people fleeing war and persecution,
people with disabilities and complex needs, and those dealing with homelessness, poverty, family breakdown, and exclusion.
“Cheltenham is famous for many things but above all it is the people who make our town such a wonderful place in which to live, work and play, thank you.”
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.
RECORD-BREAKER: Councillor Paul Baker, right, and new Mayor Councillor Dr David Wellingham, left, welcoming a WWII Veteran at the recent VE Day celebrations.
CELEBRATION: Councillor Paul Baker with the chain of office celebrates the 100th defibrillator with new Mayor Councillor Dr David Wellingham, right.
Tewkesbury Town Mayor officially opens Bishops Cleeve Care Home’s
Rehabilitation Service
Cheltenham Post correspondent
recently visited the new
THE new Town Mayor of Tewkesbury, Cllr Alan Hayes, officially opened Bishops Cleeve Care Home’s Rehabilitation Service on Tuesday 13 May – his maiden duty as first citizen.
The Advinia Health Care home, in Ruby Avenue, marked the occasion with an open afternoon, for interested visitors, that featured a mouth-watering buffet and the chance to network with healthcare professionals and tour the new facilities.
The care home is dedicated to providing exceptional care, comfort and support for individuals with a wide range of needs, offering long-term care, rehabilitation and respite stays.
Whether you require assistance due to a chronic illness, recovery from surgery or need a warm and welcoming environment with professional care, Bishops Cleeve Care Home is there to help.
The experienced team of nurses, healthcare professionals and specialist therapists work together to ensure that every resident receives personalised care designed to enhance their wellbeing and independence.
The care home supports individuals with severe and enduring illnesses, injuries or physical disabilities, helping them maintain the highest possible quality of life.
The physiotherapists and occupational therapists help restore strength, mobility and confidence, supporting a smooth transition back home or to independent living.
If you have been in hospital for a long time – as I was last year after a complex break and dislocatation of my left ankle –you can become institutionalised. So patients can be fearful about where they are going next.
What I really like about Bishops Cleeve Care Home is that the bedrooms are very comfortable – the two beds I tried were exceptional – and bright, with large windows. Remember that in hospital, you are not always placed near a window and you will therefore be reliant on artificial light. In the care home’s new therapy room I tried out the THERA-Trainer tigo, a motor-
ALICE REEVE
Rehabilitation Service.
assisted stationary cycling trainer for the legs or upper body. It is a very impressive piece of kit. It can be adapted to your needs, so it can do the work for you by moving your legs to get you fit. The machine picked up, correctly, that my left leg is very weak due to my recent injury.
The food on offer at the open afternoon was exceptional and representative of the menu offered to residents. All palates are catered for, which is really important when you are not well.
The home is a fantastic modern facility – and I would be delighted to be offered a place there for rehabilitation if the need arose. The fact it is a lot nearer to my Cheltenham home than where I was sent for residential rehab last year is a big plus – you want to be near family and friends in order to encourage visitors.
In addition to medical care, the care homes services include:
l 24/7 nursing and residential care;
l Compassionate support tailored to individual needs;
l Specialist rehabilitation helping residents regain independence after illness or surgery;
l Respite and short-term stays – a comfortable, caring environment for temporary care;
l Dementia and cognitive support – providing understanding and expert assistance;
l Engaging activities and social life alongside a vibrant community with enriching experiences.
The multi-disciplinary team will assess residents’ needs to create a person-centred therapy plan for their stay. Treatments could include physiotherapy, exercise classes, occupational therapy, group therapy, activities and crafts, nutritional support, psychological support, and education sessions teaching residents how to manage their conditions.
Services that are provided at Bishops Cleeve Care Home are: neurological rehabilitation, orthopedic rehabilitation, elderly care and falls prevention, respite care and rehabilitation, oncology and
palliative care, and hospital discharge assessments.
Facilities on site include: en suite wet rooms, a complimentary cafe with freshly brewed coffee and a selection of teas, sensory gardens, and a cinema room – although films, TV and music are available in the bedrooms.
There is a bespoke activities calendar, and beauty treatments and hairdressing services are available. Visiting hours are unrestricted.
As all treatments are focused around residents’ needs, these can vary on a daily basis to reflect progress during recovery.
Each resident has a personalised timetable incorporating meal times with rest, activities and a variety of therapy sessions.
Therapy sessions include:
l One-to-one time with each speciality – physiotherapy and occupational therapy;
l Hand massage therapy; group therapy – cardiovascular training, leg strengthening and arm strengthening;
l Balance class; functional sessions – kitchen assessments and washing and dressing practice;
l Mobility and reconditioning in the gym;
l Outdoor mobility;
l Group activities such as board games, arts and crafts; l Home assessments/visits.
Length of stay is down to residents. However, the multidisciplinary team will make recommendations depending on residents’ needs.
When residents feel they have reached their rehabilitation goals and are ready to return home, Bishops Cleeve Care Home can arrange ongoing community rehabilitation at their home through the NHS and social services.
Bishops Cleeve Care Home accepts referrals from individuals, family members and health and social care professionals.
For more details about Bishops Cleeve Care Home, visit www.advinia.co.uk/carehomes/bishops-cleeve-carehome, email homemanager.bc@advinia.com or call on 01242 358911.
Tribute as popular postman passes away
THE family of Nicholas John Brown recently announced with deep sorrow that he passed away on May 3rd, 2025 age 59, at Sue Ryder, Leckhampton Court Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.
Nick (Bic) was a wellknown face in Cheltenham. Serving as a postman after leaving Charlton Kings Secondary School, at the age of 16, he was always popular as well as highly regarded by colleagues and customers alike. His mail rounds included a variety of shifts from posting letters, delivering parcels and stints in the sorting office on Swindon Road. Family members might mention in conversation that Nick was a 'postie' and often, it would be met by: “Nick - oh Rolyyes, I know him! Nice bloke, great laugh!”
Nick had a wonderful
sense of humour. It became his trademark and was a constant feature, enjoyed by everyone. He loved to make jokes, and he always brought the laughter to all events.
Happily married to his cherished wife Bev in 1993, Nick was so proud and overjoyed when, in April 1995, their son Ross arrived. This completed Nick, and made him a happy and content family man.
As well as being a devoted husband and father, Nick's other great love was his football team, Manchester City.
He first proudly donned a Manchester City replica strip at the tender age of 6 and later began his lifelong attendance at Manchester City's Maine Road and Etihad Stadiums when he was 15. A regular on the fans’ supporters coach, he enjoyed sharing and often
leading the friendly fun, jokes, and banter. He was so happy to have Bev and Ross join him in this passion, and later his beloved Mum, Tessa, as well.
Childhood holidays were spent at the seaside, and Nick particularly loved his days in Portsmouth and Southsea.
He loved to skim stones by the sea’s edge, chase the hovercraft with his siblings and play on the slot machines.
There were childhood walks up the hills behind his parents' home in Charlton Kings. Nick enjoyed watching his siblings climb trees and joined in blackberry picking.
As a teenager with friends from the locality, he would enjoy visiting Timbercombe Woods, conker-picking near Sacred Hearts Church as well as apple scrumping from the overhang at the
local allotments and hunting for lost golf balls in the fields near the Lilleybrook Golf Club.
Memories of spending pocket money at 'Marg's' sweet shop in the village, playing on the Space Invaders video game in the Charlton Kings chippy as well as fun times spent at the local youth club in School Road.
In the Beeches playingfield, Nick would enjoy the usual boyhood pursuits with school-friends and siblings alike, conkers, football, cricket and other games.
Later, Nick joined others in enjoying a drink playing pool at the Royal Pub, evenings in the Merryfellow, and sometimes discos at the Working Man's Club too.
As well as a loving husband and father, Nick was a dearly loved son, brother, and uncle. He was
also a great friend and loyal workmate, too. Loved for his kindness, sense of fun, humour, and humility, Nick will be deeply missed by
everyone who knew him. His family will cherish their wonderful memories of him forever.
Tributes to Former Deputy Chief Fire Officer
ROGER Graham, 79, a former Deputy Chief Fire Officer for GFRS, a devoted family man, decorated fire service leader, and lifelong community servant passed away peacefully on 10th May 2025, aged 79 with his loved ones around him.
Roger Graham was a much-loved father, friend, and well-respected fire service professional.
From his earliest years, Roger lived a life defined by loyalty, service, and quiet strength. Growing up in Cheltenham, he followed in the footsteps of his father — a Royal Navy and Royal Marines veteran — by embracing service and discipline through the Boys’ Brigade and later the Church Lads’ Brigade at St Paul’s Church. It was there he first picked up the drums, earned his five-year service badge, and began a lifelong dedication to helping others, shaped also by his mother’s strong faith and commitment to community.
At just 13, Roger’s courage and compassion
were recognised by the RSPCA after he rescued his beloved dog, Lassie after he ran onto a frozen lake and fell in, 30ft from the bank — an early example of the instinctive bravery and care that would remain hallmarks of his life.
Sport was a vital part of his youth: a gifted footballer for Baker Street, a skilled gymnast, and a
true team player. Many of the friendships he formed growing up in Courtney Street, St Paul’s would last a lifetime, becoming an extended family for his children and a testament to Roger’s loyalty and warmth.
At 18, Roger joined the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, beginning what would become a distinguished and dedicated career. Rising through the ranks to become Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Roger was known for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the fire service. His dedication was recognised when he was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal (QFSM) for his exceptional contribution to firefighter training.
Colleagues described him as “a great man,” “a lovely boss,” and “a one-off — someone everyone respected but also a friend.”
His approachable nature and sense of fairness left a lasting impression on all who worked with him.
After retiring from active service in 1997, Roger
continued his commitment to fire service education at the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh, where he spent a further ten years shaping future leaders as Senior Divisional Officer.
In retirement, Roger remained devoted to his community. He volunteered at the Gustav Holst Museum, helping to preserve local history and played a key role in establishing the Gustav Holst Way walking route. He also gave his time to Cheltenham General Hospital and supported Parkinson’s UK, always giving freely of his time and kindness.
Roger was a loving father who instilled the values of hard work and compassion, and a guiding presence to his wider family and friends. He taught his children to swim so well they competed at high levels with Cheltenham Swimming Club — a reflection of his belief in doing things well and doing them wholeheartedly.
Roger was also a season ticket holder at Cheltenham
Town FC and rarely missed a match until his health declined.
He gave his all to everything he did — from family life and friendships to public service and volunteer work. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched: the firefighters he trained, the patients he helped, the history he preserved, and the family and friends who loved him deeply.
Roger Graham was, simply, one of the best. A
true gentleman, remembered for his generosity, courage, humility, and heart. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered always.
A funeral service to honour Roger’s life will be held at 11am on Friday 13th June at Oak Chapel, Cheltenham Crematorium, Bouncers Lane.
Donations in his memory are welcome to The Fire Fighters Charity or Parkinson’s UK.
GYMNASTICS: Roger was a skilled gymnast in his younger days.
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.
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,
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.
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
more flowering.
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.
Petunia display
Vegetable patch
Begonia
Recipes Steph Williams
Follow Steph’s blogThis Plate Is Pretty
/thisplateispretty
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.
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
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.
Fanny Snaith offers money coaching
Cheltenham North Rugby 1st Team 1970s.
Sunday League Cup winners D Castledine, G Buckland, D Lightstone, B Woods, K Bronger, J Borowski, D Bryan, J Lightstone, M Benbow. M Griffin, G Bryan, M Mortimer, W Hams, K Devaney, M Palmer, A Lightstone, S Castledine.
Parish School Football Team, cup semi-finalists 1976-77
Back row: Mr Flay ( Headmaster), Mr Cowling (year headteacher) Team back row: Tim Lester, Kevin Keegan, John Buswell, Steven Gibbins, Michael Brown. Front row: Tavion Lewis, Mark Clarke, Wayne Gibbins.
Now The Feathered Fish! Formerly Collins fruit and veg. Sent in by Andy Mckean.
THE Cheltenham Post and Swanbrook Coaches have teamed up to give our loyal readers some wonderful days out throughout the year.
Weston-super-Mare
A Classic Seaside Escape!
Thursday 26th June
Weston-super-Mare, one of the UK’s most beloved coastal destinations, offers the perfect mix of relaxation, entertainment, and family fun. With its expansive sandy beach, stunning sea views, and traditional seaside charm, it’s an ideal getaway for all ages.
Take a stroll along the iconic Grand Pier, packed with thrilling rides, arcade games, and delicious food. Enjoy a donkey ride on the beach, explore the scenic Marine Lake, or marvel at the breathtaking coastline from the Weston Wheel. History lovers can visit The Helicopter Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of helicopters.
Foodies will love the variety of restaurants, cafés, and traditional fish and chip shops dotted along the promenade. With exciting events throughout the year, there’s always something to see and do.
Plan your visit to Westonsuper-Mare today and experience the best of the British seaside!
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.
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 award-winning restaurants.
With its vibrant cultural scene, stunning countryside surroundings, and fascinating heritage, Bath is a must-visit destination for a truly enchanting escape.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Tuesday 9th December
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:
Weston-super-Mare: 19th June 2025
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.
The Pier at Weston-super-Mare
The famous Roman Baths.
TEST YOUR BRAINPOWERPuzzles
Quiz Challenge
1. Which English composer was born in
2. The Snowy Mountains, known for their
and hydro-electric power, are in which country?
3. After The Gold Rush was an early solo album for which US-Canadian rock star?
4. Which football manager led Liverpool to six trophies between 1959 and
5. Adrien Brody won Best Actor at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards for which film?
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
QUICK CROSSWORD FIVE
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)
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 first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
SUDOKU
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
recorded a strong 6-2 win over Cleeve Colts United in a game that was far closer than the final score suggests.
From the first whistle, both teams showed quality, commitment, and excellent footballing moments.
Cleeve opened the scoring early on, capitalising on a quick attack to take the lead.
The Tigers responded with composure as Teddy played a perfectly weighted through ball to Jackson, who calmly slotted home into the bottom corner to level the score.
Cleeve hit back immediately in a scrappy goalmouth scramble to regain the lead.
Just before the break, Jackson struck again with a near-identical finish to his first, making it 2-2 at halftime.
The second half began with 15 minutes of end-to-end action and impressive passing from both sides.
Southside’s fluid link-up play, particularly from Reuben, began to turn the tide. His flair and precise dribbling opened up the game, and he went on to provide two excellent
crosses, both finished clinically by Jackson to complete his hat-trick and then his fourth of the match.
Reuben added his name to the scoresheet after Toby danced past two defenders, cut inside, and set him up for a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
Jackson capped off a remarkable personal performance with his fifth of the match, reacting first to a parried shot and tucking the rebound away to seal the win. At the back, Joshua put in another stellar shift between the sticks, pulling off a series of crucial saves to keep the Tigers in control. Kaya, a recent addition to the squad, continues to impress with his solid defending, making life difficult for Cleeve’s attackers and proving himself a vital part of the team.
Manager Steve New said: “A massive well done to each player—the bond they share is something truly special, and unlike anything I’ve seen before. I’m really excited and looking forward to creating some unforgettable memories with this brilliant group next season.”
Aussie all-rounder joins Gloucestershire for this season’s T20 Vitality Blast
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 globe - including 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 Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL, where he ranks fifth on the league's all-time run-scoring list and claimed back-to-back BBL Player of the Tournament awards.
Short has already had stints
within the English domestic game, having previously played for Durham and Hampshire. The Australian already has established connections at
Southside Tigers U8s tour round-up
SOUTHSIDE Tigers U8s embarked on their first-ever football tour recently, taking part in a two-day tournament in Leicestershire, hosted by Agon Big Weekenders. It was an unforgettable weekend packed with football, fun, laughter, and team bonding that will be remembered for years to come.
Day 1: Group Stage Battles
Saturday’s football action followed a Champions League-style group format, with four 18-minute matches.
The Tigers came out roaring in their debut game, holding a tough local side to a 1-1 draw thanks to a great goal from Jackson and a series of crucial saves by Joshua in goal. With confidence building, our second game brought our first
win of the tournament – a tight 2-1 victory, with goals from Jackson and Reuben, and another star performance from Joshua, who earned Player of the Match with some spectacular diving saves.
The final two games of the day saw us face stronger opposition, and despite a valiant effort, we were narrowly beaten in both. Nonetheless, the children showed great character, determination, and team spirit throughout.
Day 2: Knockouts and Narrow Margins
Sunday morning saw us back at Barrow FC for the final stages of the tournament. Based on Saturday’s results, we were placed in a new group and played two more
group matches, followed by two intense knockout games.
The Tigers battled bravely, reaching the semi-final, where we were narrowly edged out 1-0 in a closely-fought contest.
The effects of a packed weekend had clearly set in, and fatigue began to show. By the third match, the children were running on fumes – but they never gave up. Every single player gave everything they had, and when the semifinal ended, a few dropped to their knees, having left it all on the pitch.
Standout Performances and Lasting Memories
The Player of the Tournament went to our phenomenal goalkeeper, Josh, who made an incredible 41 saves across
the weekend – a key factor in our team’s success. His bravery, focus, and reflexes were top-class, and he fully deserved the recognition.
Manager Steve New said: “While we didn’t take home the trophy, the memories and friendships made this weekend are priceless. The bond this group has formed in such a short space of time is amazing – they’re not just teammates, they’re friends for life.
“As their manager, I couldn’t be prouder. Watching them grow, work together, and support one another both on and off the pitch fills me with pride. I feel truly lucky and grateful to coach such a fantastic group of kids. Here’s to many more adventures to come!”
Gloucestershire, having played with red-ball captain and fellow countryman Cameron Bancroft for Western Australia.
Speaking to the Club about
signing for Gloucestershire, Short said:
“I can’t wait to join the reigning Blast winners, Gloucestershire, for the 2025 T20 Vitality Blast.
“They are a well-run club, and I can’t wait to meet the players, the rest of the club, and be a part of their success in 2025."
Head Coach Mark Alleyne spoke of his delight that Short put pen to paper for the club:
“We are so pleased to get D’Arcy over the line. What a player to be joining us at this exciting time.
“He brings a batting versatility with him being brilliantly effective from 1-6 and offering spin options in the power play and middle.
“D’Arcy compliments everything we are about and we can’t wait to get him on board.”
The Australian international will be available for the entire group stage of the T20 Vitality Blast.
Bishops Cleeve threaten
‘higher
Continued from back page
The Mitres defeated Winterbourne 4-1 in the first of the play-off matches, on 10th May. And with Winterbourne beating Tewkesbury on penalties in the next fixture, anything other than a heavy loss for Cleeve against Town would elevate the Kayte Lane outfit. However, Winterbourne protested to the Gloucestershire FA (GFA) that Cleeve had fielded an ineligible player, Ryan Baines, in the 10th May clash at county headquarters, Oaklands Park in Almondsbury.
The GFA agreed, declaring the match null and void and ordering that it must be replayed if the Mitres failed to overcome Tewkesbury on 21st May. Town triumphed 1-0 – meaning Cleeve would have to face Winterbourne again.
Cleeve pointed out that, prior to the 10th May game, they were told by David Neale, the GFA’s chief executive officer, that Baines was eligible to play against Winterbourne. Neale’s comments came in an email that has been seen by The Cheltenham Post. Neale wrote:
“I’m please [sic] to confirm Ryan Baines is approved to play.”
After the tie was played, with Baines featuring on the pitch, the GFA told the Mitres that Baines was not eligible.
However, The Cheltenham Post has seen proof that Baines played more than five games this season for Cleeve’s under18s – a lower team than the club’s Development squad – so making him eligible to play in this month’s play-offs.
level’ action
A source close to Bishops Cleeve FC told The Cheltenham Post on Tuesday 27th May:
“Ryan Baines was at all times eligible to play against Winterbourne in the play-offs.
“Permission/dispensation was not actually required.
Winterbourne were beaten fair and square by a team fielding eligible players. The match [against Winterbourne] does not need to be replayed.”
The source added that Cleeve are considering taking matters to a higher level than the GFA to ensure their Development team are promoted.
In a statement released this week, the Mitres said: “Bishops Cleeve Football Club would like to reaffirm our position on the unsatisfactory course of events relating to our Development team’s participation in the Gloucestershire County League play-off competition.
“BCFC beat Winterbourne United 4-1 on Saturday 10th May, before losing 1-0 to Tewkesbury Town on Wednesday 21st May.
“The player in question deemed ineligible against Winterbourne United is a registered BCFC player, under the GFA registration process, and had played more than five games for BCFC in the under-18 team, ie even lower than the club’s reserve/Development team.
“He therefore came full square within eligibility Rule 2 of the competition and was therefore eligible to compete in the Gloucestershire County League play-offs.
“The rule is there to prevent teams importing players for the play-offs at the last minute from
other clubs, particularly playing at a higher level. This did not happen here.
“BCFC heard that the panel decided the player was ineligible because the GFA failed to follow its own procedure when granting permission.
“However, it is also clear from the decision that dispensation was not actually required by BCFC in any event as the player was eligible to play under the rules.
“BCFC is now taking advice on how to overturn the panel error and calls upon all involved, including Winterbourne United, to do the right thing.
“BCFC will not be taking part in an unnecessary replay of its match with Winterbourne United.
“BCFC have complied with the rules of the competition, and in accordance with the rules our Development team have qualified for promotion to the Gloucestershire County League without any further matches to be played.
“BCFC look forward to our Devs competing in the upcoming 2025-26 Gloucestershire County League season.”
The Cheltenham Post did not discover until shortly before 5pm on Tuesday 27th May, that Baines had played the correct number of games for Cleeve under-18s to ensure he was eligible for the play-offs.
The Cheltenham Post went by the book by contacting the GFA, at 5.13pm, on their published email address for press queries. Our email asked: Why did Neale tell Cleeve that Baines was clear to play against
, Back-to-back wins for Charlton Rovers U15s
IN football, the hardest achievement for a team is to win their first trophy. Once that ambition has been realised, the hardest challenge is to try to go again and retain the trophy the following season.
That is exactly what Charlton Rovers Reds Under 15s accomplished this year with back-to-back wins in the Severn Valley League cup!
The Reds were on the tough side of the draw as the campaign started back in October with a narrow 32 win over Stroud Eagles, a team also competing at the top of Division One in the league in a match that could have been the final.
Broadwell goal could change the momentum of the match but a Rovers third would all but win it. Broadwell came out strong in the second half pushing for an early goal but a classic well worked counter attack from a corner saw Rovers go 3-0 up within 5 minutes of the restart. Rovers defended a corner and cleared it long. Midfield dynamo Ethan Sanders found Walker with a sweet pass; the striker ran to the byline and crossed it in for #10 Josh Boon to smash it into the roof of the net from close range. An excellent team goal.
Winterbourne, only for the GFA to tell Cleeve after that match that Baines was ineligible? Why were Cleeve told Baines is ineligible when he has played enough qualifying games to make him eligible?
Will the Cleeve v Winterbourne match be replayed or will the 10th May result stand and are Cleeve promoted?
We stated, in the email marked as urgent, that as this is a breaking story and it would be appearing on our website this evening, a reply would be needed by 8pm today.
An automatic reply was received, stating that the GFA office closed at 5pm and would reopen at 9am on Wednesday 28th May.
So going beyond what is required of a media outlet chasing a comment from an organisation, The Cheltenham Post then contacted three members of GFA staff –including Neale and fellow high-ranker Chris Lucker, the head of football services – on their individual GFA email addresses asking the same questions.
The Cheltenham Post received no response by the 8pm deadline.
It must be pointed out that The Cheltenham Post contacted the GFA by email on Tuesday 20th May with other questions relating to the Baines situation; this was also a breaking story. This email was also marked as urgent, and the GFA were given more than five hours to reply.
The GFA failed to respond to those questions by the deadline on 20th May, or indeed at any time since.
After romping to an 8-0 victory against Quedgeley Wanderers in the next round (their best performance of the season) they faced another top division rival in Eastcombe Polar Bears in the Quarter Finals. A hard fought 4-2 win on the day was followed by an epic 10 goal thriller of a semi final against Heart of Gloucester that the team won 6-4. This cleared the way for Rovers to get to their second cup final in as many years.
The final itself was held in lovely sunny conditions at the TigerTurf Stadium in Gloucester on the afternoon of 10th May where they met Broadwell Amateurs.
Rovers had played 5 and won 4 against this team in previous meetings so went in as definite favourites.
Rovers got off to a blistering start going 2-0 up within 5 minutes. For the first goal, striker Lennon Walker surged into the box from the right, made a short cross to midfield playmaker
Benny Mason who mis-hit his shot but the ball rolled through to winger Cecco Bifuculo who slotted it in back post unmarked. The second goal which followed quickly afterwards was a powerful run through the middle by Barney Price who jinked through Broadwell players to put away his chance.
Rovers dominated the rest of the half but couldn’t find the net to put the tie beyond the reach of Broadwell who fashioned some chances of their own.
One of them that needed an excellent diving save by the Rovers’ goalkeeper Rory Featherstone, smartly down to his left.
The teams went in at half time knowing that a
Broadwell carried on fighting but there was no way through the midfield pairing of Leo Constantine and Leo England with the back three of Teddy Reitter, Darius Grant and Finn Wilkins. Rovers were then ruthless in front of goal and put four more goals into the net, some of which were of real quality - a mixture of good team goals and brilliant solo efforts.
The fourth goal was from distance. Striker Neo Allsopp twisted and turned the defender and shot low and left. The keeper left it thinking it was wide but it snuck in.
After assisting two goals striker Walker bagged one of his own that his play deserved with a fantastic solo effort.
Defender and team captain Darius Grant scored his first goal of the season when he leapt like a salmon and delivered a powerful header into the net from a perfectly delivered Yegor Susinschii corner.
The final goal was a strike of pure beauty from outside the box by the skilful player Teddy Reitter.
Broadwell did manage a consolation goal to end the match 7-1, a different player having scored each of Rovers’ goals exemplifying the strong performance of the entire team.
After picking up their well deserved medals and winners trophy the team celebrated with their coaches and families with a meal at the Trattoria Settebello, the proud team sponsor! Can the team make it a treble by achieving victory again next season?
Charlton Rovers Reds seem to have the winning habit now and will certainly give it their full effort!
Cheltenham Post
Friday 30th May 2025
Farce!
their play-off victory over Winterbourne being declared null and void due to ‘ineligible player’ accusations
THE Marcliff Gloucestershire County League promotion saga has taken another twist, with Bishops Cleeve FC “threatening to take their case to a higher level than the Gloucestershire FA” if their Development side are denied the step up.
By Richard Briggs digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk
Cleeve, champions of uhlsport Hellenic League Division Two West, are one of three teams chasing two promotion places to the
Step 7 County League that has members in Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Bristol.
The promotion-chasing trio – also including Gloucestershire Northern Senior League winners Tewkesbury Town and
uhlsport Bristol Premier Combination League champs Winterbourne United – have been taking part in a three-way play-off competition to decide which pair will go up for the 2025-26 campaign.
Continued on page 31
Cheltenham North end season with Community Cup win over Honiton
CHELTENHAM North finished runners-up in the league, but ended the season winning the Papa Johns Community Cup Counties 2 South Plate thanks to their 38-32 victory over Honiton at Shaftesbury Park recently.
A spokesman for North said: “We are truly and utterly so proud and thrilled for our senior men’s team. We have a ‘Team’ player of the match.
“What a journey we’ve been on. We’re proud of every one of the lads and how much work they’ve put in
to get to this point.
“Hats off to the coaches – they’ve done an amazing job, as always, this season.
“The day will definitely go down in Cheltenham North club history. Well done all.”
Honiton started well and went 8-0 up but North battled back and moved 15-8 ahead.
However, North’s lead was only three points – 23-20 – at half-time.
And Honiton edged 25-23 in front early in the second period on the artificial pitch.
A try and a penalty put North 3125 up, only for the East Devonians to respond with a converted try to go into the closing stages 32-31 ahead.
But a late converted try – Moses Tuibua going over and Jack Fowler adding the crucial extras – ensured the Plate went north up the M5.
Fowler completed the match with 13 points to his name – his haul also included three penalties and another conversion.
Atama Raura and Semiti Marautaki each bagged a brace of tries for North.
GOAL-SCORER: Regular and eligible player George Cuzner, scored 2 goals in their victory over Winterbourne United.
