The Cheltenham Post Newspaper 16th May 2025 by cheltenhampost

DYNAMIC DUO

AWARD-WINNING comedian

Dom Joly has teamed up with award-winning health campaigner Alice Reeve to raise awareness of Lyme disease.

The duo, both from Cheltenham, joined forces at the start of a global campaign to highlight what a serious disease Lyme is.

By Richard Briggs

Lyme Disease Awareness Month is running throughout May and seeks to improve understanding of

the condition that is passed on by bites from infected ticks.

Early symptoms of Lyme disease present themselves like flu, and sometimes the victims have a rash. Later symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, arthritis and heart and eye problems. Continued on page 3

Animal shelter staff in charity events to help meet £1m annual costs

STAFF at Cheltenham Animal shelter have taken part in a series of charity events to help raise money towards rising costs.

With the shelter costing over £1m to run each year, the fundraising team have their work cut out to make sure ends meet. They are constantly looking for new ways to engage with supporters, and are amazed and impressed by the fundraising events supporters organise, and the challenges they take part in to support the animals.

One father-daughter duo ran 5k for the shelter last year dressed as Batman and Robin, and this year they will be abseiling 100ft down the Anfield football stadium to raise finds for pets in need.

Shelter team member, Angie, took on a daring wing-walk in 2024 proving that the sky really is the limit when it comes to helping vulnerable pets, and another Shelter first came in April when the team went to London to support runners in the London Landmarks Half Marathon.

Full story and pictures, see page 18

Cheltenham Post

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AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire

12 YEARS JAIL FOR RAPIST

Man who raped one woman and sexually assaulted several others is jailed

ANTHONY Williams, 40, targeted women by posing as a professional photographer and asked them to take part in photoshoots.

After one woman reported to police about what Williams had done to her, an investigation was launched by Gloucestershire Police's Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team and several other victims were identified.

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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.

He was subsequently charged with 17 counts relating to nine women. These included one count of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and 14 other sexual offences relating to touching without consent.

Following a four-week trial, a jury found him guilty of all of the offences, and on 22 January this year he was sentenced to eight years in prison.

This sentence was appealed under the Unduly Lenient Sentencing scheme and the Attorney General sent the case to the Court of Appeal. The sentence has since been increased from eight years to 12 years.

During his trial, the court heard how Williams targeted women by messaging them on Instagram using a photography business account he had set-up and offering his services as a photographer.

In November 2021 one of the women reported to police what Williams had done to her. A second woman then also came forward and made a report to police.

Officers arrested Williams and he was interviewed in relation to the two victims. He provided a statement to say he had consensually digitally penetrated one of the victims, and denied sexually assaulting the second woman.

A search of his home studio in Lobleys Drive, Brockworth took place, and paperwork was seized which detailed photoshoot contracts with several other women.

Efforts were made by the investigating officer to contact all of them, and as a result seven other victims were identified, one of whom Williams had raped in July

2021.

The women live across the country and they all agreed to take part in police video interviews, detailing what Williams had done to them, which were played in court.

The offences took place over a six-month period in 2021.

In one photoshoot Williams put his hand around a woman's throat, sexually assaulted her

and then raped her. He would adjust women's clothing, often without their consent, and sexually assaulted them in the process.

Williams gave evidence in court and said that if he had touched anyone when adjusting clothing, that it was not intentional. He also claimed some of the offences were consensual.

Arrest made following proactive patrols by officers in the Forest of Dean

AN arrest was made recently following proactive patrols by officers in the Forest of Dean.

The South Neighbourhood Policing Team were carrying out patrols in the Coleford and Lydney areas on Sunday 4th May when they were asked to search for a man who had failed to stop following a collision.

The collision had taken place

on Albert Street in Lydney earlier in the day and the driver of a car had not stopped after colliding with a parked vehicle.

Initial searches for the man were unsuccessful, however after some persistence and patience he was spotted by officers.

A foot chase ensued and a man was detained and arrested by PC Hale. A 19-year-old

from Lydney was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. He was later released on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the collision but has not yet spoken to police or who has dashcam footage which they feel is relevant is asked to make

contact. Information can be submitted by completing the following online form quoting incident 319 of 4 May: /www.gloucestershire.police.uk /tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report

Officers will be taking part in increased patrols in Coleford following recent incidents in the town.

“In some ways I’ve been fortunate the Lyme disease caused me major joint destruction because that’s physical evidence”

Continued from front page

Diagnoses that can imitate or be triggered by Lyme disease include bipolar disorder and multiple sclerosis – but the outlook can be worse. On rare occasions, Lyme is fatal.

More than 14 per cent of the world’s population have, or have had, Lyme disease.

Celebrity sufferers include Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Martine McCutcheon and Justin Bieber.

Dom, the renowned TV comedian, broadcaster and travel writer, said: “I know five people who’ve got Lyme disease, and I know how unbelievably debilitating it is and how long it goes on for, that’s what’s crazy.

“As a massive fan of Ren [the Welsh singer who suffers from Lyme disease], it’s not a good thing but I think it’s useful when someone in the public eye has it, because I think that raises awareness.

“It’s just a terrible thing. I think there should be more

awareness of it.”

Long-time Lyme disease sufferer Alice said: “I was misdiagnosed by the NHS for 20 years.

“In the end I had to go through private medical care to get a diagnosis which led to the NHS eventually diagnosing it. Unfortunately the NHS don’t treat chronic Lyme disease and most of the time won’t even recognise it.

“The doctors of mine who seemed to accept it the most were orthopaedic doctors.

“When you are very sick and can be stuck in bed for days at a time because of Lyme disease, you try to reach out to other people through social media if you feel up to it because that is a support network.

“But what I’ve learned through Lyme is that you have to have a sense of humour. What I like about

Dom Joly is he cheers people up and interacts with them on social media.

Laughter is a form of medicine.

“I’m also a fan of Ren, who is a Lyme sufferer. Through

his music he has raised awareness of his own experiences, his own personal journey. He’s bringing awareness of Lyme disease to a wider audience.

“The biggest problem Lyme sufferers get is that because it can seem invisible, family, friends, doctors and the public don’t necessary accept you have it and will say ‘You look fine’.

“In some ways I’ve been fortunate that Lyme has caused me major joint destruction because that’s physical evidence to show the doubters.

“It’s terrifying that while the Government are demanding that ill people go back into work, most chronic Lyme sufferers would no way be able to do that.

“Every day you don’t know how you’re going to be. You might wake up one morning and your brain doesn’t work, so you have to cancel plans.

“The Government and the NHS have got to wake up because there’s a big problem here with Lyme disease. They need to start

Appeal after man stole watch in Cheltenham

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Police are investigating after a man stole another man's watch in Cheltenham in the early hours of, Saturday 3 May. The incident happened at around 1am in the town centre and it is believed there were others who may have witnessed what happened but left prior to officers arriving.

The victim, who is aged in his 50s, had been walking with a friend along Clarence Parade when an unknown man started walking with them.

They then stopped to talk at the junction with Clarence Street, and the unknown man then ran off. He ran down Clarence Street and turned left onto Crescent Place.

After the man ran away the victim realised his Rolex watch was missing.

The suspect was described as being aged between 25 and 30, around 6ft tall, with short dark hair and stubble. He was wearing all dark clothing

including a hooded top.

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and witnessed what happened or anyone who saw a man matching the description is asked to make contact with police. Information can be provided to officers online by completing the following form and quoting incident 21 of 3 May: www.gloucestershire.police.u k/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/ www.cheltenhampost.co.uk

listening to the international experts – because if you need help currently, you have to go down the private medical route which is unrealistic for most people.”

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

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

AWARENESS: Alice with Patrick The Pony - the Mayor of Cockington in Devon. PICTURE: Richard Briggs

Next level later living

Stay

Continue

Make

Join us on Tuesday 3rd June at 11am to celebrate Latheram House’s stunning duplex collection, and discover the beneﬁts of later living across two storeys.

Come and see our stylish collection of apartments in a welcoming community, set within the heart of Cheltenham. Meet our moving experts, Aprico, and learn how to ‘right-size’ without having to sacrifice on space.

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.

Rent from £1,650 pcm

Exclusively for those enjoying life over 60

Latheram House, 42 Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3PL

Feel Good card launched to boost health and fitness

FOLLOWING the success of the #FeedCheltenham activity pass, which helped Cheltenham’s community pantry and food bank users boost their health and fitness, a new scheme is being launched.

The Cheltenham Feel Good card will give people access to more free physical activity sessions. As well as swim, gym, classes and soft play sessions available at Leisure At Cheltenham, the card can now also be used to access free activity sessions at the YMCA sports centre and free Get Moving Whaddon sessions held at the

Cornerstones Centre. The card also lists a group that is planned to be set up at The Oasis Centre for over 50s.

The card will give each user 12 free sessions at each venue. It will also be made available to a wider range of people, such as those using local food banks and pantries, those involved in the NHS’s social prescribing scheme and those engaged in community wellbeing projects.

Cllr Martin Horwood, cabinet member for economic development, wellbeing and culture said: “I’m really pleased to launch the Cheltenham Feel Good card,

making it easier for people to stay active, even if that’s something they don’t always have the chance to do. In such challenging times, helping people look after their health and wellbeing is so important.”

The scheme is part of the council’s commitment to making sure that everyone, regardless of means or background, has the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from physical activity and sports. It is also part of a collective response to the cost-of-living crisis.

Linda Grice, Feed Cheltenham lead, said:

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.

“What better news than to relaunch this life-changing scheme which has already benefited so many of our food pantry users. Trying to make ends meet during the cost-of-living crisis is no easy feat, which is why I’m delighted this card will

continue to remove barriers for people looking to boost their health and wellbeing.”

The pass is supported by the NHS and run by Cheltenham Borough Council, Feed Cheltenham Network and Cheltenham Trust. It gives access to 12

free activities including swim, gym and soft play, in addition to a year of discounted access to pay as you go activities at the Cheltenham Trust, plus activities provided by the YMCA and the Cornerstone Centre.

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.

Ruby Avenue, Bishop's Cleeve, Cheltenham, GL52

FEELING GOOD: Councillor Martin Horwood (left) with Linda Grice and Joel Layton.

New exhibition focuses on Ukrainian women in Cheltenham

AN art exhibition focusing on Ukrainian women –who, due to the war in their country, relocated to Cheltenham – is currently being staged in the Regent Arcade.

The exhibition of photographs, called Mothers and Daughters of Ukraine: Where is Home?, opened at The Bridge Cafe yesterday (Thursday 15 May) and will continue for around a fortnight.

It is a collaborative project developed as part of the Fine Art Master’s degree course at the University of Gloucestershire.

By Richard Briggs digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk

Valeria Dushanina-David has teamed up with Lucy Taylor for the project.

Valeria said: “Lucy and I have chosen a collaboration project in the form of a photo reportage about an older generation of Ukrainian women who, due to the pressures and unfortunate circumstances of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, were forced to leave behind their homes and lifestyles.

“They relocated to Cheltenham, where they

reunited with their daughters, who had settled in the UK much earlier and became their main source of support.

“This theme is particularly close to my heart, as my own mother is part of that older generation and has been reunited with me after we spent over 20 years apart.

“Our project aims to showcase how difficult it is for these women to find their footing in a different culture, without knowledge of the language and while being cut off from their familiar environment, especially considering they are all between 70 and 85 years old.

“The process of assimilation and integration into a completely unfamiliar environment is highly traumatic.

“They all miss their homes and the life they had before the conflict started, holding on to the hope that they will be able to return ‘next month’ or ‘the month after’.

“Their full dependency on their daughters, who are desperately trying to help them settle and embrace this new chapter of their lives, adds to the complexity.

“As time passes, these women begin to realise that they are not alone, and through their daughters’ networking they eventually form a support group –Mothers of Ukraine.

“They meet once a week at The Bridge Cafe in Cheltenham, providing each other with a strong network to help cope with their shared experiences.

“This group allows them to exchange news, share Christmas presents, celebrate birthdays, swap books, attend theatre performances and concerts together, and communicate in their own language.

“Our project aims to address these issues faced by the older generation as they assimilate into UK life, while also raising the crucial question of what will happen to them in the future. Will they be allowed to stay in the place they now consider home?

“We plan to use photographs of these women and their daughters to highlight the deep connection and support they offer each other during this challenging time in their lives.”

Gloucester Council

RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on Gloucestershire’s strategy to tackle domestic abuse from 2025 to 2028. Domestic abuse can impact anyone and can have harmful effects on a person’s health, wellbeing and outcomes in life.

Across England and Wales, one in four women and one in six men will be affected by domestic abuse, amounting to just over 2 million adults. This behaviour includes abuse that is physical, sexual, economic, psychological, emotional, and can include coercive control, violence or threats.

In Gloucestershire 38 percent of violent offences reported to the police are domestic abuse and 78 percent of victims are female.

Gloucestershire’s multiagency Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board is a group of organisations that are working together to improve outcomes for people experiencing domestic abuse and hold offenders to account.

The partnership board has developed a three-year strategy that sets out the vision and priorities for tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims in Gloucestershire.

The draft strategy has been informed by the

voices of victims, survivors and the wider community. We now want residents to have their say.

Siobhan Farmer, Director of Public Health at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Domestic abuse has a damaging impact on the lives of many adults and children in our county. No-one should suffer in silence. Whether the abuse is physical or emotional, please reach out if any of the signs resonate with you; you are not alone. Your feedback on the draft strategy will help us achieve our aim for everybody in Gloucestershire to live free from abuse or harm.”

The consultation opened on Tuesday 6 May and will close at 5pm on Monday 16 June.

To view the draft strategy and to take part in the survey, visit haveyoursaygloucestershire .uk.engagementhq.com/wewant-your-views-on-domes tic-abuse

Accessing support

If you're in danger, call 999 and try to speak to the operator if you can, even by whispering. You may also be asked to cough or tap the keys on your phone to answer questions. Visit www.gloucestershire.police .uk/ for more information on how to make a silent 999 call.

DEEP THOUGHT: Zina Looking In The Window. PICTURE: Valeria Dushanina-David.

CELEBRATION: Ola's Birthday. PICTURE: Valeria Dushanina-David.

Lib Dems promise of fresh start for local politics

By Richard Briggs digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk

THERE was no hiding their joy as Cheltenham’s Liberal Democrat county councillors came to terms with their emphatic success in last week’s election. And they’re promising a fresh start for local politics.

The Lib Dems won nine of the 10 Cheltenham divisions in the Gloucestershire County Council election, helping their party claim 27 of the 55 seats on offer.

They narrowly missed out on a clean sweep of victories in Cheltenham, as Lib Dem candidate Richard Lawler was pipped by Ian Cameron of the Green Party by 23 votes in the battle for Prestbury & Swindon Village.

The Lib Dems fell agonisingly short – by one seat – of overall control of the authority, which had been run by the Conservatives for much of this century.

Cllr Colin Hay, who is also deputy leader of the Lib Dem group on the county council, told The Cheltenham Post:

“Local residents told us that they were continuing to support us because they know and trust us to look after them.

“They also know that we work for them, their families and their communities throughout the year, not just at election time.

“The Lib Dem success across the county has ended 20 years of Conservative mismanagement and decline.

“Throughout those 20 years in opposition we’ve continued to highlight the Conservative failings which include badly

CELEBRATION: Cheltenham's

maintained roads, a poor social-care system and inadequate children’s services.

“We’re determined to work for the improvements we so desperately need. We’ll prioritise investment in local

infrastructure, improve transparency in council finances and listen to the voices of our residents across the county.

“This will be an exciting fresh start for Gloucestershire,

repairing the damage of the past 20 years.

“We’re looking forward to rebuilding the trust with the residents of Gloucestershire.”

Although Reform UK made massive gains nationally, securing 10 councils, their best results in Cheltenham were five second places.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, the MP for Clacton in Essex, visited the Cheltenham area in the lead-up to the Gloucestershire County Council election.

He came to the Clavell & Hind Brewery & Tap Room at Elmstone Business Park to meet Reform UK candidates and supporters – and while there he took time to read The Cheltenham Post (pictured left).

Funding for community groups to tackle climate crisis

GLOUCESTERSHIRE County

Council is offering £50,000 in grant funding to communities to help reduce carbon emissions and the impacts of climate change.

The Community Climate Change Fund has already given more than £98,000 to a total of 24 projects since January 2024. The funds have been spent in communities to improve local facilities and help tackle the climate crisis. The funding has helped make buildings warmer and keep costs down for vital community spaces all whilst helping create a healthier planet. The first round of funding

supported organisations to grow enough vegetables for 800 local meals, engage with 30 businesses on rail travel, support 15 new volunteers, run eight training sessions for young people, offer training for parish councillors, installation of a large in-vessel composter, as well as a cycle shelter, ten solar panels, thermal imaging cameras and LED lightbulbs.

On May 6, round three of the funding will be launched and community groups from across the county can apply for money to both help projects that tackle climate change and increase people’s awareness

and knowledge of the climate emergency.

Eligible groups don’t have to be climate experts to apply. The fund can be used to support communities who are starting their journey to take action and protect their local environment, increase the health of their local community and help cut costs. Priority will be given to projects that are able to reach the most people, reduce the most carbon and that provide the best value for money.

For more information on the Community Climate Change Fund and for details on how to apply, visit

www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/pl anning-and-environment/ greener-gloucestershiredashboard/greener-gloucesters hire-community-fund/ Colin Chick, Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure, said: “I am delighted that this fund will be offering grants to help tackle the climate crisis for a third time.

“This round of funding will mean the council has provided more than £100,000 to community projects to help reduce carbon emissions and to spread messages around climate change.”

Max Wilkinson MP

LAST week, the UK marked 80 years since VE Day. It’s a date that should make us all pause and consider why so many British and Commonwealth citizens sacrificed so much. They fought for our freedom, our right to democracy and against tyranny. They fought for the British values of respect, decency, tolerance and the rule of law.

On the eve of war, Liberal leader Archibald Sinclair warned that a policy which imposes injustice on a small and weak nation and tyranny on free men and women can never be the foundation of lasting peace.

He was speaking about the Munich Agreement, which saw European powers cede Czechoslovakian territory to Adolf Hitler. Nobody would describe the brave nation of Ukraine as small and weak.

But with the spectre of the dictator Vladimir Putin looming large on the eastern edge of Europe and President Trump threatening deals via a carve up of Ukrainian territory, Sinclair’s words resonate today as they did then.

The wartime generation knew the cost as they celebrated VE Day 80 years ago this week.

The best way to honour those who fought for peace is to redouble our efforts to preserve it.

In their memory, this VE Day must be a moment not just of reflection, but of a renewed sense of responsibility.

This country is at its best when it works with its allies, not when it shrinks from the world.

I was honoured to be able to speak in the VE and VJ Day debates in the House of Commons to make these points.

Honouring the sacrifice of

the wartime generation means this country must be clear in its view when Donald Trump gets it wrong on international order. That includes on Ukraine.

We also need to ask questions of political newcomers like Reform about what they really think. Are they committed to defending Ukraine? Their record on this matter is concerning.

On the same day as the VE Day commemoration, we learned in the early hours that a new and very narrow trade deal had been struck with the US.

It does not remove all tariffs previously imposed by Donald Trump, but instead achieves reductions on tariffs on some British industries. The full details of the deal remain unclear as I write, however negotiations are continuing on many other issues such as taxes on US tech barons, online safety protections for children and US influence in our NHS.

My opinion is that the Government must commit to a Parliamentary vote on any agreement.

Notwithstanding any scrutiny of the deal, we must all be clear about what’s actually happening. Regardless of whether there’s a vote or not, this country is significantly worse off than we were before Trump’s trade war started.

Sooner or later, the government is going to have to recognise the reality and prioritise a trade deal that’s much more helpful to businesses and consumers in this country.

The bulk of our trade remains with Europe, despite the disaster of Brexit.

Whatever the Tories and Reform tell us, that’s inevitably where our future lies.

Liberal Democrat county councillors and supporters. PICTURE: Cheltenham Liberal Democrats.

Green Party

IT is a pleasure to be writing the first article after our recent elections for Gloucestershire County Council given that the Green Party more than doubled its councillors from 2021. Not only this, but we elected our very first Green Party County Councillor in Cheltenham. Huge congratulations to the brilliant Doctor Ian Cameron, who is now representing Prestbury and Swindon Village and will do a great job ensuring the residents’ interests are properly heard in Shire Hall.

Ian’s election was not just significant in achieving this breakthrough in Cheltenham. As the only non-Liberal Democrat elected in our town, Cheltenham has a councillor who can act, if it’s needed, as a dissenting voice instead of toeing a party line. Just as myself and my Green colleagues at Cheltenham Borough Council do, the Gloucestershire Greens will continually advocate for services over economic growth strategies that begin and end with new, shiny buildings that have nothing to do with our communities.

The pouring of nearly £100 million into the Golden Valley Development at the evident expense of our local services reflects a certain complacency that comes with the large majority that the Liberal Democrats have enjoyed here in Cheltenham. However, the old argument that we had to vote Lib Dem to keep the Tories out is dented further with each election. The

FRIDAY May 1st was quite a day — and what a journey to get there.

Just four months ago, Reform UK Cheltenham didn’t exist. Now, we’ve come away from the 2025 local elections with five second-place and five third-place finishes across all wards we contested. That’s an incredible achievement for a

Conservatives are not only a spent force in Cheltenham, but across Gloucestershire, securing just six seats out of 55 - and none here. While we should absolutely be mindful of Reform and their Gloucestershire gains, the right-wing representation is significantly diminished in our County. Progressive voters have more of a choice now than they ever did.

To be able to form a majority at Gloucestershire County Council, a party needs to secure 28 seats at Shire Hall. The Liberal Democrats secured 27. Without Ian’s election we would be looking at four years of outdated economic policy that ignores the dayto-day needs of Gloucestershire’s residents.

Thanks to your votes, there will be real democracy in action at county level. This is especially important as we face the devolution of Gloucestershire in the coming years.

Gloucestershire Greens, and your Green councillors here, will do all we can to ensure devolution works for the residents and not just the Liberal Democrat party. The 2025 election showed just how every vote matters, and what a difference you can make.

Cheltenham-based broadcaster

Jill Douglas joins Sported charity

CHELTENHAM-BASED broadcaster Jill Douglas is one of three new appointees who have joined the board of leading grassroots sports charity Sported.

The host of ITV’s rugby coverage, who previously served as founding chief executive of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, accompanies Mickela HallRamsay and Jeffrey Eneberi in becoming a trustee of the national organisation.

Sported was founded in 2008 by Sir Keith Mills as a legacy charity of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It now supports more than 5,000 clubs and groups across the UK with the aim

Reform UK

brand-new team, built from scratch and fuelled by passion, commitment, and belief.

I couldn’t be prouder of our candidates. They’ve worked tirelessly — knocking on doors, answering questions, putting themselves out there — not for personal gain, but because they believe Cheltenham deserves better. And the results show that many residents agree. We may not have taken a seat this time, but we’ve made a real impression.

Of course, the Lib Dems held firm. Credit where it’s due and

congratulations to them — they’re well-organised and have long-standing roots here. The only ‘however’ if there is one is that there was frankly a little too much personality shown by a few of their candidates after the results, and not in a way that reflects well on elected representatives. Shame, as it tarnished an otherwise flawless display from them.

One of the real positives I took was the camaraderie we found among candidates and party members from other parties where we found

By Richard Briggs digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk

of transforming lives and strengthening communities. Last month it announced an expansion of its collaboration with Barclays on a £1.4million-a-year Community Sport Fund. Douglas was a founding trustee of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – set up in honour of her close friend, the former Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir –and ran the charity for six years, helping to establish it as one of the leading MND research charities and raising more than £20million.

She said: “I’ve been fortunate to see how

genuine warmth and respect. From Labour, the Green Party and Conservatives all were friendly, supportive, and welcoming. That’s how local democracy should feel — people with different views, treating each other with dignity while standing up for what they believe in. It was refreshing and perhaps something the Lib Dems can learn from…

Beyond Cheltenham, we’ve seen even more reason to be optimistic. Across Gloucestershire, Reform UK made serious strides — winning 11 county council seats and becoming the secondlargest party in the chamber. That’s not just progress — that’s a signal. Voters are ready to move beyond tired party

grassroots sport can provide a pathway to the very top but also, as importantly, how it can make such a difference in shaping lives and serving as the heart of communities.

“Sported’s mission is to underpin those ambitions and reach even more groups and clubs across the UK. And in joining the board of trustees, I hope to grow awareness of their work and help the charity reach even more people.”

Hall-Ramsay founded HR Sports Academy in 2010, a London-based communityinterest company dedicated to empowering children and young people through sport, and brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the

lines and are responding to a message rooted in common sense, accountability, and national pride.

To be part of that bigger picture — to contribute to this erosion of stale political dominance — is incredible. It shows that Reform UK isn't just a protest vote. It’s a growing movement, with substance and support. Reform UK isn’t going anywhere. In fact, this is just the beginning. Our intention is clear — we will continue to build, to listen, and to challenge. We will push for greater scrutiny of council decisions, demand clearer audits, and fight for a system that puts people first. Nationally, what we’ve seen is

communities and member groups that Sported supports. She was chair and later trustee of the London Youth Games in 2021, where she brought an authentic voice to the table, shaped the strategic objectives for the Games and collaborated with the chief executive to ensure financial oversight.

Eneberi is currently general counsel, company secretary and head of environmental, social and governance at Red Gate Software Ltd. He has compliance and governance experience at board level. He has a background in data, technology and entrepreneurial projects, lending a blend of legal and commercial experience to the charity.

even more exciting. From council gains to surprise wins in previously untouchable areas, Reform UK is making serious ground. Across the country, the message is being heard: people are tired of the same empty promises. They want truth, action, and leadership that puts Britain first.

Cheltenham might not be quite ready yet — but the signs are there. People listened. They engaged. They voted. And we’ll be ready when the time comes.

To our candidates, volunteers, supporters, and every voter who took a chance on us — thank you. This is only the beginning. Reform is coming.

Ashleigh Davies

Kevin Bowden, Reform UK Cheltenham Chair

Community projects awarded funding to improve health and wellbeing

CHELTENHAM Borough Council is continuing its work with local NHS partners to support community-based projects that will improve the health and wellbeing of local residents and the communities they live in.

Applications for the Cheltenham health and wellbeing community grant fund closed in February 2025. In total 55 applications were received, requesting £570k worth of funding. With £160k available, 20 projects received funding.

Cllr Martin Horwood, cabinet member for economic development, wellbeing and culture, said: “Health isn’t just about doctors and hospitals. It’s also about supporting better health and wellbeing in the community so I’m really pleased that for the third year running we have been able to work with the NHS to support health and wellbeing projects in the local community.

“Many people in Cheltenham face health and wellbeing challenges but we can see from the data that they don't affect people equally. If you're less well off your risk of ill health is higher and the data paints some shocking pictures on issues like young people's mental health. We tried hard to use the data to inform our priorities in making these grants.

“The 20 successful communitybased projects reveal a wealth of brilliant ideas which will make a real difference to the wellbeing of Cheltenham people.”

The six district and borough councils in Gloucestershire have been given access to money from the Strengthening Local

Communities Fund to support health and wellbeing, with each area developing a plan for how to direct the funding. In Cheltenham, the council is working with Cheltenham Integrated Locality Partnership (ILP) that brings health, care and community partners together.

Bronwyn Barnes, associate director for locality development at NHS Gloucestershire, said: “Through the Cheltenham ILP, we are working together to tackle the root cause of health inequalities and improve health and wellbeing in Cheltenham. We also want to empower people in Cheltenham to improve their health and wellbeing.

“I’m delighted that the council has decided to use Strengthening Local Communities funding to offer grants to local community projects. The 20 successful projects will help people lead

more active lifestyles, encourage greater access to the natural environment and promote the health benefits of taking part in cultural activities.”

Some of the projects supported through the grant fund include:

- Goals Beyond Grass – to continue their currently running, successful inclusive cycling Sunday sessions at Belmont School, alongside establishing new weekly session at the Prince of Wales Stadium.

- Men in Sheds - to improve wellbeing and mental health of older men drawn from the local community who may be socially isolated, bereaved, depressed or anxious.

- Young Gloucestershire – to provide trauma-informed mentoring and mental health interventions for young people aged 11–25 in Cheltenham who

98 per cent of pupils offered a place at a school of their choice

THIS year a total of 5,907 Gloucestershire children have been offered a primary school place for September, with 98 per cent being admitted to one of their preferred schools. 91 per cent of pupils also received a place at their first preference school.

Parents and carers who applied online received an email on 16 April confirming their school place, which they have been invited to accept online.

Those who did not apply online received a letter including the place on offer and the reasons why. This letter is specific to each pupil and contains an explanation for the decision made.

Parents are encouraged to accept their place online, or return their reply forms as soon as possible, and had until 23 April to either accept their school place or request an alternative school. If parents asked for their child to be placed on the waiting list for their preferred schools, they will be placed on the waiting list for their preferred schools. If places then become available as some parents change their preferences over the coming months, they will be offered a place in line with the school’s Admissions Policy. Parents unhappy with their

initial offer are encouraged to keep their place, as this will ensure that whatever the outcome of the reconsideration, their child will have a place at a school in September.

The county council have written to parents with the result of the reconsideration after 14 May and parents have until the 21 May to reply. Those who are still not satisfied with their given school will be advised of the appeals procedure.

The admission criteria and more information about waiting lists for every school are available at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/sc hooladmissions

Conservative Party

Rob Garnham - Cheltenham Chairman

POLITICALLY speaking, what did the May 1st election mean for Cheltenham? Out of ten County Divisions in the town, there are now 9 Lib Dem County Councillors and just one Green. A very disappointing day for my Party with no Conservative representation for Cheltenham on either the Borough or the County Council. A sad day indeed.

Or not, some might say. I understand that view but who, I ask, will hold the Lib Dems to account?

Who will stop them, as they have said all along, from implementing their plan to split our county into two – East and West Gloucestershire?

Elections are a funny thing. Cheltenham was in uproar over the closure of the Swindon Road

are at risk of or have experienced criminal or sexual exploitation.

- Community Connexions – to recruit volunteer drivers in Cheltenham to expand their on demand, door-to-door transport service and offer transport for day trips to vulnerable groups.

- St Michaels Cornerstone Trust – to provide a range of sessions for local residents of all abilities to build a community of strong, healthy, moving people who can support each other into better physical and mental health.

- Art For All – to provide free weekly art classes to adults with mental health conditions who live in Cheltenham.

- Archie Matthews Trust - a pilot project aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of male students at the Cheltenham Campus, in particular, those who are/may be neurodiverse.

Recycling Centre, yet the public still voted Lib Dem, the very party that closed it.

That said, a little bit of analysis showed that the Lib Dem vote has not increased since the last County Council Elections in 2021. Nor has the Labour vote. What happened was that throughout the County the Conservative vote fell by about 50,000, whilst Reform picked up about 45,000 votes, six thousand more than in last July’s General Election.

Evidently my party is still being punished by the electorate. However, there are some positives to be drawn from the elections; our hard-fought campaign helped stop any

Reform candidates being returned in Cheltenham and the enthusiasm of our Conservative candidates and volunteers was unwavering. I thank all our volunteers and candidates for their marvellous effort, I am proud of our campaign, and it bodes well if we do have Borough elections next year.

And what of Reform?

Now we will see if those national soundbites from Mr Farage deliver for people locally across England. It would be foolish to ignore Reform though. I believe the best way to beat them is to have a much clearer offer based on true Conservative values that have stood the test of time; to demonstrate why we are relevant once more, and how people can trust us as we renew. There is talk of mergers, but I say emphatically no. Why would we want to merge with a party that wants to destroy us? And anyway, could I really support Mr Farage who once described President Trump as the “most resilient and bravest man I have ever come across”? I’m not sure I want to be led by someone with that kind of judgement!

ART CLASSES: Councillor Martin Horwood visited Art For All.

Holee Cow! New look for burger restaurant

Cheltenham Post correspondent Alice Reeve joins the party at the refurbished Holee Cow restaurant

CHELTENHAM

independent burger restaurant Holee Cow marked the recent completion of its refurbishment with a celebration evening for invited guests.

Holee Cow, on Winchcombe Street, showed off its new look for a packed house who sampled a range of delights from its menu.

My favourite of the numerous delectable dishes on offer was the Kim JongUn’s chicken burger. This comprises a brioche bun, buttermilk marinated fried chicken breast, spicy miso glaze with toasted sesame, Korean hot mayo, pickled red cabbage, lettuce, red onions and spring onions. The Korean hot mayo was new to me but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Side orders on offer included Truffle Cheese Fries and Macaroni Cheese Bites. I wouldn’t necessarily have chosen the latter from the menu, but it was delicious.

The restaurant’s new look is trendy, casual and sophisticated with an industrial vibe. It will appeal to younger, modern diners as well as oldies like me. I sat

in a booth in the mid section of the restaurant and found it very comfortable.

All of Holee Cow’s meat burgers are made with South West Gloucestershire dry-

aged longhorn beef. However, there are vegetarian options.

There’s a wide-ranging drinks menu including everything from milkshakes

Labour Party

Change is coming!

DURING the County election campaign, we quite often encountered people who felt frustrated that the changes Keir Starmer and the new Labour Government promised last year hadn’t appeared yet. So we’re delighted with the news that three GP practices in Cheltenham – Springbank, Royal Well and St George’s - are going to benefit from funding from the government’s £120 million programme of modernisation of the health service infrastructure.

The fund aims to enable around 8 million additional patient appointments each year, by creating additional capacity for the GP and practice workforce, and enhancing the use of existing infrastructure. So a significant number of Cheltenham residents should soon see improvements in the availability of GP appointments and other services from their GP practice.

Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association, said: ‘Crucially it delivers on what patients themselves have called for; modern, accessible spaces that support high-quality care. This investment represents a meaningful step towards realising what patients have long been asking for.”

to highly tempting cocktails. And it was good to see that Holee Cow offers a special Kids’ Pick n Mix menu designed especially for under-eights.

For more about Holee Cow, visit www.holeecowburgers.co.uk.

As Labour Party members, we follow what’s going on in Parliament, and we know that the bills needed to make election promises a reality, by turning them into laws, are working their way through the democratic process of proper scrutiny from across all the parties in Parliament, and in both houses – the Commons and the Lords. This takes time –

but we’re not a dictatorship, where new laws can be brought in over night and just as quickly jettisoned, with no chance for the democratically elected representatives of the people to agree and vote for or against them.

We’ve already had the good news that two primary schools in Cheltenham are in the first wave of schools to get Breakfast Clubs. Over the next few months there will be more good news stories. For example, The Renters Rights Bill, that will, amongst other things, ban no-fault evictions, is currently with the House of Lords; as is the Employment Rights Bill, which will improve the working conditions of millions of workers through such measures as ending ‘fire and rehire’ practices and exploitative zero hours contracts, strengthening statutory sick pay, making existing entitlements to Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental leave available from ‘Day 1’ of employment, and introducing a new right to unpaid bereavement leave. The British people have been deprived of rights and benefits such as these for well over a decade, and in some cases, have never had them. As the Prime Minister says, we’re working on it, and we’ve started to deliver, developing good laws that will improve the lives of millions.

Julie Farmer

Bishop’s Cleeve care home marks VE Day with a week of 1940s-themed celebrations

A BISHOP’S Cleeve Care Home was full of wartime spirit last week as residents, families, and staff came together to mark VE Day with a week of heartfelt 1940s-themed celebrations. The home hosted daily games and activities in the lead-up to the big day, each one designed to spark memories and bring people together through laughter, music, and shared stories.

The celebrations culminated in a lively VE Day Tea Party, complete with a live performance from returning favourite Andy Yapp, who sang wartime classics and took special requests from residents. One of the highlights of the day was the birthday celebration of resident Sheila, who was serenaded by Andy with a heartfelt rendition of Happy Birthday. Sheila described it as: “The best birthday I’ve ever had,” beaming with joy over her delicious cake and the warmth of everyone celebrating with her.

The afternoon was rich with personal memories and nostalgia. Resident Gillian shared a touching story from her childhood in London, recalling a street party where her father brought a piano outside and played music long into the night. Her vivid memories brought smiles and nods from fellow residents, some of whom had childhood experiences of the war themselves, while others recounted stories passed down from their parents.

There were also powerful conversations about the Blitz,

air raids, and the importance of community during and after the war. The feeling of togetherness was a key theme throughout the week, reminding everyone of how the country united in both hardship and celebration.

Relatives joined in the festivities, including one residents family member Anne, who dressed for the occasion and shared her appreciation: “I always enjoy the special events here at Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home—everyone has such a wonderful time.”

Wellbeing Coordinator Karen led the week’s events with warmth and creativity, and the final tea party was topped off by a stunning

buffet prepared by Chef Manager Piotr, known for his delicious contributions to the home’s celebrations.

Care Home Manager, Tanya Laity, said: “It has been wonderful watching all the residents at Bishop’s Cleeve and their loved ones take part in our activities. We are already looking forward to more special moments ahead, including our Rehabilitation Service launch, National Care Home Open Week, charity events, and our upcoming summer party!”

Bishop’s Cleeve’s VE Day celebrations served as a beautiful tribute to the past while continuing to create joyful new memories in the present.

AS my amazing mayoral year draws to a close I must firstly thank the Cheltenham Post for offering me the opportunity to write these notes which I hope have given readers an insight into the role of their Mayor.

It has been a wonderful year for me, as a Cheltenham boy, to meet so many wonderful people and organisations who make such a difference to the lives of so many.

And what a final week! The Mayoress and I enjoyed a day out at Buckingham Palace for the first Garden Party of the year hosted by King Charles, Queen Camilla and Princess Anne. We were two of around 3000 guests from all over the country so whilst we did not have an opportunity to meet our hosts in person, we did enjoy meeting and chatting to many of the guests including the Mayor of Gloucester and Nathalie and Cam who were representing Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees, one of my charities this year who recently won the Kings Award. The gardens and lovely lake at the palace and the palace itself were beautiful, the afternoon tea was delightful, it was a truly memorable occasion.

I was also delighted to attend the Young Photographer presentation ceremony organised by Cheltenham Camera Club which took place at The Playhouse Theatre. This was the 21st year of the competition, which is open to all schools, primary and secondary, across the county. There were a staggering 1,114 entries this year from 68 schools, a record, and the quality was truly amazing. Congratulations to everyone involved and a big thank you to the camera club for putting on this event every year, and to Cheltenham Rotary for helping to fund it.

Opening new and refurbished businesses is always a pleasure, both because it shows confidence in

our town and because it is always delightful chatting to staff and customers. Opening the refurbished branch of Hays Travel in the High Street was no exception, a lovely event and another fabulous business to support our local economy. Whaddon Road is a wellknown venue for me as a previous Chairman of Cheltenham Town FC and lifetime supporter, so it was lovely to go back and present the trophies for the Cheltenham Youth League Under 17 cup final between Hereford Pegasus and English Bicknor. A fabulous, hardfought encounter eventually decided on penalties in front of, I have to say, a very noisy crowd, congratulations to English Bicknor from the Forest of Dean. I must say congratulations and thank you to all involved in the running of the Cheltenham Football League, they enable hundreds,

if not thousands of boys and girls from under 9’s to under 18’s to play football in and around Cheltenham. It is a significant undertaking year in, year out, so thank you to all involved including of course all the coaches and those who help on matchdays.

And finally I was honoured to attend the VE Day 80th Anniversary service of remembrance organised by the Royal British Legion. It was a very poignant occasion to remember all those who sacrificed their lives and those who lost loved ones to secure peace. I sometimes wonder what the world has learnt from wars given the number of conflicts currently taking place in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere. We must do everything we can to engage with other countries and to work together, war surely is not the solution. I must say a big thank you to the hard work of the Cheltenham branch of the Royal British Legion, especially their Chairman Roy Roberts and the standard bearers, thank you all.

So that’s it from me, it has been an incredible year, on top of which we have managed to raise a record-breaking £70,000 for the Mayor’s Charities, Aim Up, Caring for Communities and People (CCP), Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees and the Friends of Sandford Park. Thank you to everyone who has supported my year.

Paul Baker Mayor of Cheltenham

Mayor’s Message News

Mayor Paul Baker arriving at Buckingham Palace.

Mayor Baker with Nathalie and Cal from Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees.

Mayor Paul Baker with Deputy Mayor Cllr David Willingham and Royal British Legion Chairman Roy Roberts.

Wash and go - Police raid bogus barbershops in high street blitz

YOU take a walk down the street, you notice another new barbershop has opened, amongst the dozens of others already up and running. You wonder: ‘Are there even enough heads that need a haircut?’ I have thought the same. When you notice suspicious activities in your area please report it. Because when you do, that intelligence goes towards action.

The Constabulary recently worked as part of a national money-laundering campaign to identify barbershops in the country, as well as here in Gloucestershire, that could be harbouring criminality.

This extensive operation was another prime example of partnership working as officers from Gloucestershire Police, The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Immigration, Trading Standards and HMRC took part across the county.

As a result, a total of 11

By Chris Nelson Police & Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire

barber shops in Gloucestershire were visited by the various agencies as part of the operation. There were a number of arrests for a range of offences, including suspicion of burglary, possession of a Class A drug, suspicion of supplying Class A and Class B drugs, and possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.

The action was part of Operation Machinize, a national operation spearheaded by the National Crime Agency, targeting barbershops and other cashintensive businesses during a three-week crackdown on high street crime.

A total of 265 premises were visited across England.

I hope this intensive action reassures the public that if you tell us about your

suspicions we will do something. A police force runs on intelligence to get ahead of perpetrators and stop them doing further harm. This most recent crackdown, which was part of the National Crime Agency’s continued disruption of cash being laundered in the UK, involved 19 different police forces and Regional Organised Crime Units, as well as national agencies including HMRC, Trading Standards and Home Office Immigration Enforcement. Organised crime groups will exploit anyone and anything to make themselves more money. I am pleased to see robust action nationally and locally to hinder them. No one deserves to have criminals running their local shops. Crime should never pay.

Philosophy with Matt Gray

The Gray Area: Lighthouse in a storm

LET’S be honest, the world has gone at least a bit crazy in recent years.

The Covid pandemic, Ukraine/Russia war (that we were lulled into believing couldn’t happen in Europe again), the recent and rapid rise in AI capability, US and global politics, UK riots and the seemingly endless polarised political debate.

Canadian philosopher John Vervaeke has argued that we are not only facing real, existential threats to our survival, but also that we are in a “meaning crisis”.

We’ve all heard before about the decline of the church in Western Europe, and it’s no surprise that the withdrawal of such a huge chunk of social and cultural identity and ritual will leave something of a vacuum – which is being filled variously by sports, politics, music, sub-culture, new-age and other forms of mysticism.

This, coupled with the increased role of science in society, and the consequent social advances in medicine, logistics, literacy and life expectancy, has left the old religious and spiritual customs seemed less and less relevant as history progresses.

Gone are the days we could be fairly sure our neighbours would have the same spiritual, political and moral perspectives – and indeed, given the number and range of opinions, viewpoints and ideologies, the world of ideas can be a disorienting, even confusing, place to be.

I have found that philosophy offers a lighthouse in the stormy seas of understanding, hence the founding of Cheltenham & UK Philosophers.

I genuinely believe the world, starting with Cheltenham, needs more reflection, critical and clear thinking, to help defend against the ever-increasing nonsense offered up online and on TV – as well as to sustain and protect the virtues of open-mindedness and reason.

Socrates, the famous ancient Greek philosopher accused of corrupting the minds of the youth of Athens, famously said during his trial in 399 BCE that “an unexamined life is not worth living”.

His message here, as far as I understand it, is that we cannot be confident in our values, opinions and, consequently, actions if we have not first assessed these positions under the light, and methodology, of reason.

Why do we believe what we believe? Why do I do what I do?

Much of our identity is

essentially out of our hands, and in many cases our worldview is expected to be of a certain kind by friends and family.

I’d venture that some significant portion of the mental-health crisis can be attributed to feelings of displacement, and lack of purpose in the world.

For me, the meaning of Socrates’ pronouncement runs even deeper – beyond identity and belief, into questions about our very existence: what, in fact, are we?

Sure, we’re apes on a rock in space able to wield language – but more broadly, what is life, how did it emerge, what is consciousness, is there a broad purpose to nature, some goal in mind?

Are we a part of that – if there is some truth about what we are that we can begin to understand, does this change what we “should” do (moral imperative)? For me, in a time of deepening crisis, these sorts of questions are ever more important.

HG Wells once wrote: “History is a race between education and catastrophe.” It seems to me that, whilst we appear ever closer to catastrophe, there is also a counter movement in play –an increased interest in philosophical and, perhaps, spiritual questions.

Science is now softening its stance, and mechanistic materialism isn’t the only game in town – numerous cutting-edge scientists and philosophers (Donald Hoffman, Mike Levin, Bernardo Kastrup, Matt Segall) are thinking outside the prevailing paradigm.

Philosophy is back in the room – to sort through the claims of mystics, scientists and politicians.

There is nothing like philosophy and logic for exposing poor arguments, or outright charlatanry.

Philosophy won’t give you the answers – in fact, it might even give you more questions than you had in the first place.

But it will show you that it’s OK to not know, it is saner, and wiser, to reserve judgement in complex cases.

A world with a bit more humility, and a bit less certainty, might just be a safer world to live in right now –and one in which education, and not catastrophe, might just win the race.

Matt Gray will be back next month with another edition of The Gray Area. Visit Cheltenham & UK Philosophers on Facebook for more about the group or to join.

Nurse to take part in charity gig raising funds for Sue Ryder

By Richard Briggs digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk

NURSE Cat Sargent is taking her passion for care beyond her day-to-day role by organising – and performing in – a charity gig to raise funds for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

The event, from 7.30pm on Saturday 31 May at Uley Village Hall near Dursley, will feature local band Cat Amongst the Pigeons and some special guests.

There will be an eclectic mix of folk, rock and indie-inspired music.

People who attend can enjoy Uley Beer, wine and soft drinks from the bar, and take part in a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.

Entry to the gig is free but donations are encouraged to support the essential work of the hospice.

Cat, 33, has worked at Sue Ryder for five years, providing nursing care and emotional support to patients receiving palliative care and their families.

She said: “I work closely with nurses, doctors, occupational therapists and physiotherapists to make a huge difference to people’s lives – whether helping them manage symptoms or ensuring they’re comfortable in their final days.

“Working at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is incredibly rewarding. Even as a healthcare assistant, my thoughts and ideas are valued and respected by my colleagues.

“It’s wonderful to be part of a team that helps people when they need it most.”

Coming from a musical family, Cat was inspired to

combine her passion for music with fundraising.

She said: “I used to perform with Cat Amongst the Pigeons and my husband is still in the band.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to put on something fun for my local community while giving back to Sue Ryder.

“I will also be returning to the band for one night only, which I am excited for.

“We’ve been blown away by how supportive the community has been, from those who have

helped with the practicalities of organising the event to the local businesses who have so generously donated raffle prizes.

“When people hear what we’re doing, they often want to help in any way they can.

“So many of us have personal experiences of life-limiting conditions and hospice care, and it’s a cause close to many people’s hearts.

“Our hospice relies heavily on fundraising to operate. We’re the only hospice in Gloucestershire with an

inpatient unit, serving a wide area.

“The care we provide for our patients and their loved ones makes a huge difference, and I sometimes wonder how different their experiences would be if we weren’t here.

“This event is my way of giving back and ensuring our hospice continues to help others.”

You can find out more about the gig or donate to Cat’s fundraiser by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/pag e/charitygiguley.

Social care workers recognised by national awards

EIGHT Gloucestershire Social Workers and the county council’s Enablement Team have received a nationwide award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the social work profession.

Amazing Social Workers is a campaign championing the exceptional work happening across the UK social work profession. It is run by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), the UK’s largest professional body for social work.

The awards aim to highlight the achievements of individuals and teams, whilst also raising the profile and public understanding of the

critical role of social work in our communities.

Huge congratulations go to Katie Durber, Caroline Eaton, Michelle Stephens, Bernadette Heath, Heidi Bulled, Lisa Scarlett, Shelley Ravalier, Lauren Warner, and the Enablement Team who were all recognised for their exceptional practice.

Over 400 individuals and teams across the UK were nominated by their colleagues this year, including frontline practitioners, students, managers, leaders, educators and newly-qualified social workers.

BASW has paid tribute to them by featuring their

accomplishments on their website and social media channels as part of their month-long celebrations following World Social Work Day.

Sarah Scott, executive director of adult social care, wellbeing and communities at Gloucestershire County Council said: “I am delighted to see so many of our social workers recognised and celebrated by this year’s Amazing Social Worker Awards.

“It's a fantastic opportunity to highlight the exceptional social work being done across Gloucestershire’s Adult Social Care, while also expressing

our gratitude to the individuals and teams who make it possible.

“These awards acknowledge the hard work, commitment, and dedication of our Adult Social Work colleagues. Their values and strengths-based practice is evident, making a real difference to those who draw on adult social care support. It is wonderful to see this outstanding practice recognised at a national level.”

More information about the Amazing Social Workers campaign can be found on BASW’s website: www.new.basw.co.uk/aboutbasw/awards/amazing-social-w orkers

Nurse Cat Sargent and the band.

Protective Will Property Trusts: A smart choice for your future

ARE you concerned about protecting your home and assets?

A Protective Will Property Trust could be the solution you need. This legal tool safeguards your property from external pressures, such as care home fee assessments, ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of.

Key Benefits:

• Asset Protection: If you remarry after losing a partner, their share of the property stays secure for your children or family, keeping your legacy intact.

• Living Rights: You can live in the property for life, and you can't be evicted by trustees. This ensures you have a stable home environment, regardless of future changes.

• Flexibility: If circumstances change, you can sell the house, but keep in mind that

profits will be shared with trustees, balancing your needs with the Trust's requirements.

Consider a Living Trust

A Living Trust allows you to manage your assets while you're alive, avoiding the lengthy probate process. This means your wishes are carried out immediately, giving you peace of mind. Additionally, it ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, without unnecessary delays.

Navigating Care Fees

With rising care costs, understanding how asset assessments work is crucial.

Local Authorities evaluate your assets to determine your contribution to care fees, which can be daunting. Some may worry about losing everything they've worked for. Transferring assets to avoid assessments can lead to

complications, so it's vital to plan carefully and transparently.

The Risks of Not Having a Protective Will Property Trust

Failing to establish a Protective Will Property Trust can expose you to several significant risks:

• Asset Vulnerability: Your assets may be at risk from creditors or local authority claims, especially if you require long-term care.

• Higher Care Fees: Without a Trust, the full value of your property could be considered for care fee calculations, potentially depleting your savings.

• Unclear Beneficiary

Distribution: Your assets might not go to your intended beneficiaries, creating confusion and potential disputes among family members.

• Lengthy Probate Process: Your estate may face a complicated and timeconsuming probate process, delaying access to assets for your loved ones.

• Loss of Control: Without a Trust, you give up the ability to dictate how your assets are managed and distributed after your passing.

Proactive Planning is Key

By setting up a Protective Will Property Trust or Living Trust early, you can avoid potential pitfalls and ensure your loved ones are protected. This proactive approach not only secures your assets but also alleviates stress for your family during challenging times.

Get Professional Guidance

Consulting with a legal professional can help you navigate these complexities and ensure your estate

planning meets your needs. They can provide tailored advice, helping you understand the implications of your decisions and ensuring your wishes are respected. Protect your assets and secure your family's future today! Don't leave it to chance—take control of your estate planning now. For more information and advice call the Unity Legal on 0333 335 5875

Animal Shelter

Putting the fun in fundraising

By Jennie Crow

WITH Cheltenham Animal Shelter costing over £1m to run each year, our fundraising team have their work cut out to make sure ends meet.

We are constantly looking for new ways to engage with our supporters, and we are amazed and impressed by the fundraising events our supporters organise, and the challenges they take part in to support the animals.

One father-daughter duo ran 5k for us last year dressed as Batman and Robin, and this year they will be abseiling 100ft down the Anfield football stadium for our pets in need.

Shelter team member, Angie, took on a daring wing-walk in 2024 proving that the sky really is the limit when it comes to helping vulnerable pets, and another Shelter first came in April when we went to London to support our fabulous runners in the London Landmarks Half Marathon.

Whilst asking for

sponsorship from friends and family is a great place to start, there are so many ways you can raise money towards your personal fundraising target. Car boot sales, pub quizzes, coffee mornings, raffles, tombolas, and games

(including the locally infamous Human Fruit Machine!) are all alternative ways to gather support in a fun and engaging way. Here are some of our featured events in 2025 and with accessible options for adults and children alike, we hope we have found something fun for everyone!

• Cheltenham Running Festival

– Sunday 8th June, Cheltenham. Choose to run the 5k, 10k or half marathon around Cheltenham Racecourse.

• Arla Great North Swim – 1315 June, Lake Windemere. Choose from five different open water swimming distances to suit all ages, abilities, and levels of experience.

• Tough Mudder – Saturday 16th August, South Gloucestershire. With no competition and no timing, it’s

just you, your teammates and muddy strangers working together to conquer the course and earn the world-famous orange headband.

• Run Cheltenham – Sunday 21st September, Cheltenham. Choose to run the chip-timed 10k or Half Marathon around Cheltenham.

• Inflatable 5k – Saturday 4th October, Cheltenham. The Inflatable 5k is back, and it’s going to be bigger, bouncier and better than ever! The Unique Inflatable Obstacle Course Race (OCR) has even more obstacles in 2025, it’s going to be epic!

• Run Alton Towers –Saturday 15th November, Alton. Come and join us at Run Alton Towers at the UK’s largest theme park. You are guaranteed a great day out with theme park entry and access to all the rides included in your entry!

• London Landmarks Half Marathon – Sunday 12th April 2026, London. This event is not your average half marathon! From cultural landmarks and heritage to the city’s quirky and hidden secrets, with an electric atmosphere runners get to explore the capital on a route like no other!

In many cases Cheltenham Animal Shelter will pay 50% of your event entry fee and ask that you raise £100 or more in sponsorship.

Details can vary so please check our website www.gawa.org.uk/challengeevents for more information. Our fundraising team are always willing to answer any questions and offer ideas or support - drop us an email on fundraising@gawa.org.uk –we can’t wait to hear how you will raise money for rescue pets!

CAPED CRUSADERS: Dynamic father and daughter ran 5k to raise money.

DAREDEVIL: Staff member Angie taking part in a wing walk.

SUPPORT: Fundraisers dressed as a human fruit machine.

TEST YOUR BRAINPOWERPuzzles

Quiz Challenge

6. Which European country is known in its native language as Suomi?

7. Novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford, who died in 2024 aged 91, wrote in which genre?

8. Pretty Vacant, God Save the Queen and Bodies were songs by which UK band?

9. What S is an African tree that produces nuts which yield butter?

city?

5. Which chemical salt is used for explosives and fertilisers?

10. Which Egyptian monument shares its name with a variety of moth?

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

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.

1. Rebuilt a hut in an American state (4)

4. One starting to go to the bottom (7)

8. Hard as a peach perhaps (5-7)

9. Spoke at length when it had been magniﬁed (8)

10. Smart bird left Ken behind (4)

12. Cook is found in hillside surroundings (6)

14. Charismatic Indian leader had gin cocktail (6)

16. Very sensible letters are heard (4)

17. May fruit be prickly in the hedge? (8)

20. There’s no going back once you start to travel along it (3-3,6)

21. Mother’s vehicle, a cosmetic (7)

22. Extremely handy sort of ﬁle (4)

2. Complete sum (5)

3. Eastern invader takes lock to lady on horseback (8)

4. Stella leaves out fuller’s earth for German dictator (6)

5. Up like a tree (4)

6. Abandoned, having crashlanded (7)

7. Edition portrays colourful deed (9)

9. Given freedom and scope with space under the joint (5-4)

11. It is extremely hard for the actors even (4-4)

13. Sailor’s by the pool with a swelling (7)

15. Una upset on the water suﬀering from queasiness (6)

18. Signs of daggers coming from old boy and old priest (5)

19. Thanks lawyer ﬁrst for the information (4)

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. Guidelines:

the

Down – 2 Pronto; 3 Not out; 4 Emerge; 5 Stoves; 6 Sierra; 7 Nebula; 12 Sloe; 13 Rapt; 14 Ghee; 17 Cube; 18 Rite; 19 Bust; 21 Nuance; 22 Rhodes; 23 Errant; 24 Avatar; 25 Armada; 26 Engage.

Reverent; 28 Labour; 29 Apt; 30 Adam; 31 Screen; 32 Threaten.

8 Sex Pistols; 9 Shea; 10 The Sphinx. dare; dart; date; dear; dearest; deer; derate; desert; deter; drat; dray; dree; drey; dyer; eared; eased; erased; eyed; rased; rated; read; ready; rede; reed; reedy; rested; sard; sated; seared; seated; sedate; seed; seedy; stared; stayed; stead; steady; steed; strayed; tardy; teased; teed; trad; trade; tread; treed; tyred; yard; YESTERDAY.

– 1 Utah; 4 Founder; 8 Stony-hearted; 9 Enlarged; 10 Chic; 12 Braise; 14 Gandhi; 16 Wise;

EQUALISER: CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Openness; 8 Trivet; 9 Bolt; 10 Ego; 11 Versus; 12 Struggle; 15 Loathe; 16 Scarab; 20 Entrée; 24 Abates; 27

2 Hermione Granger; 3 Port Sunlight; 4 São Paulo; 5 Nitrate;

Recipes Steph Williams

Follow Steph’s blogThis Plate Is Pretty stephnicw.wixsite.com /thisplateispretty

Sugar-Free Coffee Crème Brulé

Rich and Creamy Sweet Coffee Crème Brulé... and yes, sugarfree! This is a guilt-free zone that I will make over and over, mainly due to the simplicity, few ingredients, the deliciousness and of course, the use of a blow torch. I really felt like I'd indulged at a fancy restaurant, but all made in the comfort of my own kitchen. This decadent dessert is as cute as it is delicious, with an incredible very smooth yet thick texture. Each Pudding contains only 1g of carbs and it will take you only 10 minutes to make.

Ingredients

Serves 3

• 300ml Double Cream

• 4 medium Egg Yolks

• 2 tablespoons Sweetener or low carb Sugar substitute

• 3/4 tablespoon Vanilla Essence

• Extra Sweetener for the topping

• 1 tablespoon instant Coffee

• 1/4 teaspoon Coffee Essence

Instructions

l Add the Cream to a saucepan with the Vanilla, instant Coffee and Coffee Essence over a medium heat until it reaches a low simmer, then remove.

l In a separate bowl, whisk together the Sweetener and Yolks.

l Whisk this into your Cream mixture.

l Put back on to the heat, but low, and continue whisking until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

l Spoon into ramekins and pour over around 1 teaspoon of

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Sweetener, covering evenly.

l Using a blow torch on a high setting, torch the top for around 30-60 seconds until crisp and browned.

l Serve warm or chill for later.

Recipe notes

Keep the temperature on the lower side to avoid eggy Custard.

Make sure you are whisking continuously without stopping to ensure you don't end up with scrambled Eggs. Coffee and crushed Nuts go so well together, so this is a great garnish idea.

Turmeric Yoghurt Dip

The base is Greek yoghurt so it’s not only delicious but nourishing as well. Serve this at your next dinner party to start things off on a light, but very tasty note, keeping all the flavour but offering something a little fresher and more vibrant. The result is a dip that’s just as craveworthy as a heavier, more indulgent recipe. Turmeric will provide you with anti-inflammatory health benefits and is a brilliant antioxidant. You can whip this up in seconds and it will only set you back just over 3g of net carbs.

Ingredients

Serves 1

• 4 tablespoons Greek Yoghurt

• 1/2 tablespoon Tahini

• 1/2 teaspoon ground Turmeric

• Pinch of black Pepper

• 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice

Instructions

l Add all ingredients to a food processor or a bowl and mix evenly. Yes, that's it.

l Garnish for presentation and serve.

Recipe notes Greek yoghurt is easily accessible fat-free if you are very diet conscious. Serve with lean meats, salads, fibrous grains, low-carb flat bread or wraps. Garnish ideas include pomegranate seeds, a sprinkling of turmeric, chopped chive, spring onion, chili flakes, lemon zest.

VE Celebrations in Severn Road, Whaddon. Picture sent in by Paul Morse.

Cheltenham RFC combination team, 1970s.

Renowned Gloucestershire rugby referee Alan White. Sent in by his son Stuart.

Money talks Fanny Snaith

break the silence

MONEY is one of the most powerful forces in our lives, touching everything from our mental health to our relationships.

Yet, despite its influence, it remains one of the most avoided topics of conversation. We talk about the weather, our weekend plans, and even intimate health issues before we ever talk honestly about money. It’s time to change that. In fact, it’s overdue.

The Silent Saboteur Think back to your own childhood. Was money discussed openly in your home—or was it shrouded in secrecy, tension, or shame?

For many of us, money was either a source of stress or a subject too “grown up” or “impolite” to be spoken about. That silence plants seeds - seeds of confusion, anxiety, or worse, false beliefs about money that can shape a lifetime of decisions.

Here’s the problem: when we don’t talk about money, we don’t learn how to manage it.

We end up copying what we’ve seen, or swinging the other way in rebellion. We carry silent beliefs like, “There’s never enough,” “I’m just bad with money,” or “Money changes people.” These internal scripts run the show until we challenge them. And we can’t challenge what we won’t talk about.

A Culture in Need of Change

We need a cultural shift— one where talking about money is not taboo but normal, empowering, and even inspiring. Money is not just maths; it’s mindset. It’s not just what we earn; it’s what we believe, how we behave, and the decisions we make daily.

Let’s be clear, this isn’t about flashing wealth, sharing salary figures on social media, or giving financial advice over dinner (unless someone asks). This is about open, honest, judgement-free dialogue. About asking questions, about getting comfortable with being uncomfortableso we can all grow.

Because here’s the truth; when we talk about money, we raise our collective

wealth - financial, emotional, and relational.

Why Kids Need to Hear It

If you’re a parent, you’ve got even more reason to start the conversation. Your children are already learning about money - from you, the media, their friends. The only question is, are they learning the truth, or absorbing myths?

Children notice more than we think. They see our stress at the checkout. They hear arguments behind closed doors. They absorb our habits and attitudes. If money is always a problem, they’ll believe it always will be. If it’s never spoken about, they’ll learn to fear it - or worse, misuse it out of ignorance.

By talking to children about money early and often, you give them a gift far greater than pocket money. You give them confidence, clarity, and the ability to make smart choices.

How to Start the Conversation

You don’t have to be a financial expert to raise financially confident kids. You just need to be willing to talk. Here’s how.

1. Start Small

Begin with simple concepts. Explain how saving works. Talk about the difference between needs and wants. Take them shopping and show them how you compare prices or stay within budget. These everyday moments matter.

2. Be Honest

Share your own journeywhat you’ve learned, what you wish you’d done differently, and what you’re still figuring out. Vulnerability is powerful. It teaches children that money

isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.

3. Make It a Two-Way Street

Encourage your children to ask questions - even the awkward ones. What’s a mortgage? How much do things cost? What happens if we don’t have enough? These are golden opportunities to teach, reassure, and guide.

4. Let Them Practice

Give your kids money to manage, even if it’s small. Let them make decisionsgood and bad. Learning to save, spend, and delay gratification are life skills that can’t be taught with theory alone.

5. Celebrate Financial Wins

When they save up for something, hit a target, or even rethink a purchaseacknowledge it. Make money management something to be proud of, not pressured by.

The Ripple Effect Money conversations don’t just help kids. They help us too. Whether you’re speaking with a partner, a friend, a colleague, or a parent, opening up about money deepens relationships. It breaks down comparison, shame, and secrecy. It lets us share wisdom, ask for help, and grow together. Imagine a world where people talked about money as freely as they talked about fitness, careers, or relationships. Imagine how much financial pain and isolation we could avoid if asking for advice didn’t feel so taboo. That world starts with you. With me. With all of us choosing to speak up instead of shut down.

Your Call to Action Start the conversation. Not tomorrow. Not when you “know more.” Today. Talk to your kids. Talk to your friends. Ask questions. Share your experiences. Reflect on what you believe about money - and whether it still serves you.

Let’s raise a generation that sees money not as a mystery or a monster, but as a toola tool they know how to use.

Because when money talks, lives change.

Fanny Snaith offers money coaching

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ELITE DRAINAGE SERVICES

GLOUCESTER CARPET CLEANERS

GOLDEN STITCHES

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l Full turn key offered

l Bathrooms & kitchens,

l Bespoke joinery

SUMMERTOWN

TAP

New days out reader offer

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.

Next level later living

Stay

Continue

Make

Join us on Tuesday 3rd June at 11am to celebrate Latheram House’s stunning duplex collection, and discover the beneﬁts of later living across two storeys.

Discover tips from our local health expert on staying mobile and the benefits of daily stair usage. Plus enjoy some delicious locally-sourced wellness canapés and smoothies while you chat with our welcoming sales team.

Rent from £1,650 pcm

Exclusively for those enjoying life over 60

Latheram House, 42 Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3PL

Sport

Gloucestershire dominate Lancashire in gutsy display but settle for draw

RESOLUTE batting by Lancashire’s Luke Wells and Tom Hartley frustrated Gloucestershire’s bowlers and helped ensure that the Rothesay County Championship match at Emirates Old Trafford ended in a draw.

The visitors declared on their overnight score of 589 for eight, giving them a lead of 139, and when they reduced the home side to 160 for six half an hour before tea, they looked well placed to beat Lancashire for the first time since 2015.

But Wells and Hartley shared a seventh-wicket partnership of 69 in 28 overs either side of tea and the game ended at 5.53 when Lancashire were 255 for eight and had a lead of 116 with only eight overs left in the match.

Hartley was caught by James Bracey off Ajeet Singh Dale for 37 but that wicket fell just before players shook hands with Tom Bailey on nine not out and Saqib Mahmood unbeaten on nought. For Gloucestershire, Tom Price ended the day with three for 52 and Graeme van Buuren took three for 36.

Gloucestershire take 13 points from the game to Lancashire’s 12 but that hardly reflects the difference in the quality of the cricket played by the sides, particularly on the last two days of the game.

Having declared this morning with a lead of 139, Gloucestershire were rewarded for their enterprise when they dismissed both Lancashire openers inside the first dozen overs of their side’s second innings.

George Bell departed for 28 when his waft outside the off stump to a ball from Tom Price only edged a catch to Cameron Bancroft,

Bishops Cleeve FC success in play-off

By Ben Ware

BISHOPS Cleeve

the only slip. Two balls later, Keaton Jennings joined his opening partner in the pavilion when he was beaten by Singh Dale’s nip off the pitch and Bancroft took his second catch when fielding at a conventional second slip.

That left Lancashire on 50 for two, still 89 runs in arrears, and things got worse for the home side 15 minutes before luncheon when a flighted ball from Graeme van Buuren tempted Marcus Harris out of his crease and Bracey completed the stumping.

Lancashire were 89 for three when Harris departed for 24 but Josh Bohannon and Matty Hurst cleared Lancashire’s deficit and had built a mere four-run lead before both were dismissed by Tom Price and the game was tossed into the hazard once more.

Hurst was the first to go when having made 33 in 72 minutes, he inside-edged a ball onto his leg stump; four overs later Bohannon pushed a little tentatively at a delivery that seemed to bounce more than he was expecting and was caught at slip by Bancroft for 30.

Lancashire’s lead was only 13 when Bohannon was dismissed and it had been increased to only 21 when George Balderson was caught behind by Bracey off van Buuren for two.

But Wells and Hartley took their side to tea on 178 for six and the eighthwicket pair then inched Lancashire to safety on the resumption, extending their partnership to 69 before Wells was caught behind off van Buuren for 36. The result means that all three Championship games at Old Trafford this season have been drawn with the visiting team only batting once on each occasion.

Development made another significant step in their endeavour towards promotion from Hellenic Division Two West with a 4-1 victory away at Winterbourne United in the Gloucestershire County League play-offs on Saturday.

Alex Cheal’s squad, led by John Banfield on the day, faced the runaway Bristol Premier Combination League winners at the Gloucestershire FA on Saturday as part of a threeway play-off between them and Gloucestershire Northern Senior League winners Tewkesbury Town. Bristolbased Winterbourne amassed 62 points from 24 games, losing just twice in the league all season, while Tewkesbury totted up 85 points from 30 games with only one league defeat.

Cleeve’s victory on Saturday put them in a solid position to win promotion from a league that has no set pathway up the pyramid, with the County League play-off usually involving a third side from Bristol, but instead bringing the Mitres into the fray this season.

Saturday’s match was closer than the scoreline would suggest with the opening stages an incredibly even affair, both sides got the ball forwards quickly and covered plenty of ground despite the heat and difficult conditions in Almondsbury. Winterbourne, the nominated home side on the day, fashioned the first chance of the game but were only able to find the hands of keeper Greg Lannon. Cleeve would also get an early sight of goal but the ball was just beyond striker George Cuzner eight yards out.

Winterbourne took the lead in the 15th minute, breaking forward with menace and slotting the ball across goal and in at the bottom left corner, a perfect finish to put them ahead early on, Jordan Yeo getting his name on the scoresheet.

The lead lasted for fewer than 15 minutes however as Cleeve went back to basics and played a simple ball through the middle of the pitch, dissecting the United defence and leaving Cuzner with the goal at his mercy.

He made no mistake and slotted it past the keeper to

level the tie.

There was no change to the scoreline at half time with a huge 45 minutes ahead for both sides.

The heat began to get to both sides in the second half with the temperature nearing the mid-20s, and there was little of note before the drinks break midway through the second half. It wouldn’t be until the 71st minute that either side managed a clear shot on target. It was Cleeve that created this opportunity to take the lead but a goalmouth scramble and some heroic defending meant that it remained 1-1.

The 83rd minute brought the real turning point in the match, Banfield turning to his bench and sending youngster Victor Balitski into the action. He made an instant impact, charging into the box and setting up Tommy Bond to fire Cleeve ahead via both posts and both top corners with five minutes left to play. Balitski then broke into the box again, rounding the defender and goalkeeper before slotting home the third three minutes later. Cuzner then poked home Cleeve’s fourth in the second minute of added time to seal an emphatic win for Bishops Cleeve Development.

Montpellier Panthers seek more players as they move up to nine-a-side football

THE under-10 girls of Montpellier Panthers are seeking additional players as the team move into nineversus-nine football next season at under-11 level.

The Panthers were champions of their section this time around and will now be testing themselves in the different format in the Gloucester County Girls League.

A club spokesperson said: “We’re now looking to add two or three new players to our amazing squad for the new season.

“If your child has a passion for football and is ready to be part of a competitive team, we’d love to hear from you.”

The club offer weekly training sessions – with FAqualified coaches – and matches.

For more details, email info@montpellierfc.co.uk.

MOVING UP: The girls of Montpellier Under-10 Panthers are stepping up to nine-versusnine football at under-11 level next season.

Survival for Robins: season round-up

Continued from back page

So it was a new Manager, new Director of Football, and a number of new faces arriving at Whaddon Road for the new campaign. The best thing that could have happened for Michael Flynn in some ways was a solid mid-table finish. No getting carried away with a play-off push that papered over cracks in formations or play styles, and no serious risk of relegation. Again that is exactly what the Robins got. When Cheltenham beat Newport in the opening home game 3-2, after a thrilling performance, maybe some fans expected more. The first 10 games later and many would have taken a mid-table finish as new players took on new coaching styles and got used to life in the fourth tier. New names were beginning to get used to their surroundings and in the early half of the season Ethon Archer and Joel Colwill in particular shone brightly.

Colwill’s performances were so good that with just

his initial loan spell he won the Young Player of The Season Award. Archer’s were so good that he was already attracting bigger clubs and offers of a move away from Whaddon Road, but Flynn kept him.

As the season went on other players began to shine, loanee Ethan Williams showed his talent in an emphatic win against Flynn’s former club Newport County at Rodney Parade. George Miller was top goalscorer for Cheltenham and his goals from 6-12 yards were becoming vital.

As the season went on, young winger Jordan Thomas really began to shine, his performances week in week out impressed fans, and Flynn admitted that Cheltenham would struggle to keep him come the summer. Loanee Sam Stubbs was another proving his worth every week. Stubbs did so well that he earned himself a spot in the League Two team of the season. Come the end of the season Cheltenham found

themselves in that stable position they desired, with a few great results and certainly a few points left on the pitch.

After the last home game Flynn pretty much summed up the campaign saying: “I think we have given a lot of points away, so when you look at it that way, yes. We are about eight points off the play-offs, we've given 15 away, so that is my gripe.

“The job, in terms of what I was brought in to do and how it started, I think I have overachieved.

“The fans have been superb. We have just been around and given them a deserved clap. Attendances have been up this year, which is good. It's a fitting way to see an exciting game, if I am honest, today.”

Attendances being up is a huge positive and that needs to continue next season, but that will be dictated by performances on the pitch.

Cheltenham will again need to make some signings, as key players return to parent clubs or leave in the

summer. This gives Flynn another tough job, if the Robins want success in 25/26, and the hard work comes in May, June and July with recruitment and a plan. With that in mind the Robins released their retained list.

All first team players have had individual meetings with the relevant football staff and are aware of their position heading into next season.

Five players will be leaving the Club upon the expiry of their current contracts. Those include long-standing goalkeeper Max Harris, Owen Evans, Tom Pett, Brandon Liggett and Ryan Bowman.

Meanwhile Sam Stubbs, Timothee Dieng, Ethan Williams and Ashley Hay will all return to their parent clubs following the end of their respective loan spells.

Cheltenham really could do with a couple of the loan players back for next season, but only time will tell how it goes and what the summer will bring.

Sport

, Terrace talk with Will Alder

WITH the 2024/5 season done and dusted, attention now turns to recruitment in readiness for the 2025/6 season. We have had a bit of an update from the current Chairman that the potential takeover of the club that has been touted for a little while now is potentially still quite a long way off, despite positive talks. Therefore, our playing budget for next season will likely remain similar to this season, and be unsatisfactory in comparison to those around us. Michael Flynn knew the task in hand when he arrived at the club and he and the team around him are going to need to find some diamonds in the rough and take a few gambles.

We have also had news of our retained list and that five players will be leaving Gloucestershire upon the expiry of their current contracts; goalkeepers Max Harris and Owen Evans, midfielders Brandon Liggett and Tom Pett, and striker Ryan Bowman. No real surprises for me, with Pett out on loan in recent times, and Harris and Liggett nowhere near breaking into the first team picture really. Owen Evans and Ryan Bowman in particular have been very disappointing signings, with both likely signed in to be first choice regulars and therefore have I am sure taken up quite a chunk of the budget, without having really any positive impact this year.

Ibrahim Bakare, Harrison Sohna and the vastly experienced Matty Taylor have also been made available for transfer, so we will have to see if they all find pastures new or perform a Bradbury / Kinsella kind of turnaround and force their way back into the first team picture. Both Tom Bradbury and Liam Kinsella ended up playing lots of games for us this season and along with left back Ryan Haynes who had an injury-hit campaign, have all been offered new terms. Haynes and Bradbury for me would be two good signings for us for next season, but if Kinsella does opt for a fresh start, I think this would have less of an impact. With the above news in mind, there are definitely a

few key positions that we should be targeting in the summer. Despite the good season Joe Day has just had, assuming he does sign a new deal, he will turn 35 in August and a new first choice goalkeeper will hopefully arrive in the summer. Day will then likely serve as a very capable deputy if required, combined this with his role as goalkeeping coach, and young stopper Mamadou Diallo will in all likelihood be sent out for some senior experience on a local loan I would have thought.

Even if Tom Bradbury and Ryan Haynes sign their contract offers, we should still be looking to improve defensively, having as we all know, conceded far too many sloppy and preventable goals this season. In the middle of the park, having Harry Pell back will be like a new signing hopefully, having not featured at all last season. That along with Luke Young and hopefully someone else at the base of the midfield who can break up play and make us more defensively solid, then I think we have the makings of a good central midfield at this level. Out wide we will just have to wait and see on the futures of Ethon Archer and Jordan Thomas, but if speculation is to be believed and they both do depart, then some pace and creativity should also be top of the shopping list. Finally, up front is another area we will be looking to add, and I hope we see more of a traditional ‘number 9’ brought in. Someone with the ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play, along with ideally some ability in the air and a bit of pace to really test League 2 defences would be great to see. I know a lot to ask with our limited resources, but something we have been looking for, for a number of years now and something that no-one in our current squad can do.

We now have a long couple of months to wait for the Robins to return to pre-season action. If we can somehow retain either Thomas or Archer, secure a few decent first team regular type signings and make better use of the loan market, we can build on this year’s League position and be challenging towards the top end of the table next season.

Cheltenham Post

16th May 2025

Robins;

Stability for the Robins, season in review

FOLLOWING relegation from League One at the end of the 23/24 campaign, Cheltenham Town needed a season of stability, and through Michal Flynn’s leadership that is exactly what they got.

After a relegation no one knows what to expect. On one hand you want your team to bounce straight back; this might be a case of right players, wrong Manager and system. Other clubs might be fearing a double drop through such poor management on and off the pitch.

Ninja kids secure first cup triumph in history of club

PRESTBURY Phantoms Under-

11 Ninjas have recorded the first cup triumph in the football club’s history.

The Ninjas won their section of the Cheltenham Youth League in April. Now they have secured a double of league and cup titles when they beat Bourton Rovers Under-11 Blues 8-1 at Cheltenham Town recently to land the Arthur Stiley Memorial Trophy.

By Richard Briggs digitaleditor@cheltenhampost.co.uk

A spokesperson for the Ninjas said: “We were backed by more than 300 Prestbury supporters.

The atmosphere was fantastic.

“The team couldn’t have wished for a more perfect start as Hughie Bence’s corner went straight in after three minutes.

“Teddy Cresswell added a second

strike shortly after, before he unleashed a wicked left-foot shot from 25 yards into the top corner for his second of the match and a goal-of-the-season contender.

“Oscar Blenkinsopp added a penalty to make it 4-0 after 18 minutes.

“After the break the Ninjas quickly added to their tally with a good finish from Ethan Capewell.

“A deflected finish from Jack Halliday made it six, and this was

followed by a consolation goal for Bourton.

“The Ninjas continued to attack, with Bence hitting a post before further goals from Monty Cook and Blenkinsopp made it a comprehensive 8-1 win, sparking wild celebrations.”

Prestbury captain Keyon Shortman was presented with the trophy, which was paraded in front of the boys’ families and friends.

By George Didcote Chief Football Writer

Cheltenham were somewhere in between. A lot of players were still on League One wages and wanted out, the Manager came in and failed to keep the club in League One so he wanted out, and there wasn’t a wealth of resources to dip into to start a promotion push.

Continued on page 31

GOAL SCORER: Hughie Bence on the ball.