The Cheltenham Post Newspaper 3rd October 2025

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Man jailed after Christmas knife attack in Gloucester flat AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire

A MAN from the Forest of Dean has been jailed after attacking another man with a knife in a Gloucester flat on Christmas Eve last year (2024).

Daniel Mann, aged 22, and of Leominster Road, Dymock, was sentenced when he appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Wednesday 18 September.

He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to wounding with intent, threatening a person with an offensive weapon, and common assault.

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Where to find us

You can pick up your copy of the Cheltenham Post in many shops and leisure places throughout the town.

We also have stands at your local supermarkets listed below; Arle Court Transport Hub

Asda Superstore, Hatherley Lane

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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.

Mann had been arrested following the attack on a man and woman at an address on Cromwell Street on 24 December.

The court heard that there were discrepancies between the accounts given by the two victims and Mann as to what had led to the attack.

Prosecutor Georgia Lurcombe told the court that it was likely that the woman, who was known to Mann, had gone to the address to buy drugs.

A short while later, Mann had arrived with two unidentified men. Armed with a knife, he had launched a 10-minute attack on the man, before dragging the woman out of the property.

His victim was left with wounds to his head, shoulder, elbow, abdomen, thigh and knee, including a slash across the left side of his face that went from his mouth across his cheek.

In mitigation, the court heard that Mann may have had concerns for the welfare of the woman, but that later he could not recall the reason why he had gone to the address.

Sentencing Mann, Judge

Four men arrested on suspicion of robbery following incident in Gloucester

FOUR men have been arrested on suspicion of the knifepoint robbery of a man in Gloucester on Wednesday 17 September.

Police were called with a report that four men had threatened another man with weapons and stolen his electric bike after they had arranged to meet and purchase it.

The incident happened on Tredworth Road at around 1.30pm and it was reported that the men left the area in a car following the incident.

Details of the car were passed on to officers and enquiries established that the men were travelling along the A417 and heading towards Wiltshire.

Four men were located inside the car and they were subsequently detained and arrested.

The men, who are all from Swindon and between the ages of 21 and 39, were arrested on suspicion of

robbery.

The stolen e-bike was not located within the vehicle and it is believed that it may have been dumped in the Tredworth area. Anyone who comes across the e-bike is asked to report this to police.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers are asking anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened to make contact.

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 199 of 17 September: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tel l-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existingcase-report Alternatively you can call police on 101 or give information anonymously to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

Rupert Lowe said: "Exactly what you were doing there is not easy to discern, but I do not have to be completely clear about that.

“The fact is you went there for reasons that you may have not been clear about yourself, but

you went armed and disguised in order to beat this man up, which you did.”

In a Victim Personal Statement to the court, the male victim said: "Before I was attacked, I was so happy. I was physically fit and had a good life. I was attacked and everything changed.

“For around two months after the attack, I was continuously in pain. I had constant headaches, struggled to eat because I couldn’t chew or swallow properly and struggled to move my body.

“I am struggling mentally. I am struggling to accept why this has happened to me. Whenever I see the scar on my face, I am reminded of what happened to me. I sit and stay at home because I am too scared to go outside.”

Mann was jailed for five years for the count of wounding with intent, reduced to three years and nine months following an early guilty plea.

He was sentenced to a further six months for threatening a person with an offensive weapon, and four months for the common assault, both to run concurrently with the previous sentence. Mann was told he must serve at least half the sentence before being eligible for release.

A five-year restraining order was also put in place against the male victim.

Appeal for information following theft of silverware from a property in the Cotswolds

POLICE are appealing for information following the theft of silverware from a property in the Cotswolds.

Officers received a report of a break-in at an address in Guiting Power which is believed to have taken place between midnight on Friday 15 August and 4am on Saturday 16 August.

Three unknown offenders, all dressed in dark clothing, are believed to have forced entry to the rear of the property before searching a number of rooms and stealing a large quantity of silverware.

Officers have conducted house-to-house and CCTV enquiries in the area and a

forensic investigation of the scene has been carried out.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who has any doorbell or dashcam footage which they believe to be relevant is asked to make contact.

They are particularly keen to obtain any footage which shows the driver of a grey Land Rover Freelander who was reported acting suspiciously in the area. Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 88 of 16 August: www.gloucestershire.police.u k/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/

Gloucestershire Constabulary supports national road safety campaign for young drivers

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Constabulary has joining police forces across the country in supporting a campaign focused on raising awareness of road safety amongst young drivers.

Operation Spotlight aims to reduce the number of motorists aged between 17 and 24 who are killed or seriously injured on the country's roads.

Officers from our Roads Policing Unit have been engaging with young motorists and educating them on the "Fatal Four" causes of collisions where people are killed or seriously injured.

These are driving under the influence of drink or drugs, using a mobile phone while behind the wheel, driving at inappropriate speed and not wearing a seat belt.

National statistics show that in 2023, around a fifth of all fatal or serious injury collisions involved a young driver with males between the ages of 17 to 24 being four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than drivers aged over 25.

Young drivers are at a much higher risk of road collisions than older drivers and the combination of youth and inexperience can prove a fatal combination on

the roads.

The Operation Spotlight National Police Chiefs' Council campaign is running until 5 October.

Inspector Martyn Murawa from Specialist Operations said: "Sadly we’ve seen fatal collisions involving young motorists here in Gloucestershire and I want to remind young drivers that, when you get behind the wheel, it is really important that driving is the only thing you focus on.

“We all have a part to play in making our roads safer, choosing to make good decisions and encouraging our friends and family to do the same.”

Appeal for witnesses to attempted robbery

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an attempted robbery which took place in Cheltenham last week.

The incident happened on Merestones Drive in The Park area at around 1.20pm on Tuesday 16 September.

It was reported that an unknown man had approached another man before making threats and trying to steal the victim’s phone from his hand.

The victim refused to hand over his phone and a struggle ensued before the suspect left the area.

The suspect was described as being a mixed-race man who was around 6ft tall. He was wearing a black North Face jacket, black jogging bottoms, trainers and a balaclava style face covering.

Investigating officers have conducted enquiries and are

now asking anyone who was in the area and saw what happened or who has CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage to make contact.

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 508 of 16 September:

www.gloucestershire.police.uk /tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/

Elderly woman was subjected to racial abuse

OFFICERS are appealing for witnesses and asking an elderly woman to come forward after she was subjected to racial abuse in Cheltenham.

It was reported that two women were walking along Rowanfield Road at around 6.20pm on Friday 5 September when they began to utter racial insults about an elderly woman who was on the other side of the road.

The member of the public who witnessed this stated that the pair raised their voices and shouted racial abuse at the elderly woman for around 10 minutes

before turning onto another street.

Enquiries are now ongoing to identify the women who shouted the abuse as well as the victim of the abuse.

The women who shouted the abuse were both described as being white and had been walking arm-in-arm at the time of the incident.

The first woman was aged in her 40s, had tanned skin and straight brown hair. She was wearing a tan vest top and white trousers.

The second woman was aged in her 70s, had white hair and

was wearing an all-white outfit consisting of trousers and a shirt. Investigating officers have conducted several enquiries and are now asking the victim, or anyone who knows her, to come forward.

They are also asking anyone who was in the area or who has dashcam or CCTV footage they feel is relevant to make contact.

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 472 of 5 September: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/t ua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/

Meet the Local Slimming World team! Cheltenham groups:

Gloucester Groups

Now’s your chance to say whether you have trust and confidence in the Police

A SHORT, simple study to find out what people in Gloucestershire think of their police force was launched recently.

The ‘Trust and Confidence’ survey has been produced jointly by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and the Constabulary to discover the public’s thoughts about the police, crime and safety in their area.

The results will help shape the future of policing in the county.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Evans said: “The concept of ‘policing by consent’ is central to the British model of policing and emphasises that the power of police to carry out their duties depends on the common

consent of the public. “But for policing by consent to be effective, the police must have the trust and confidence of the public and

Bishop’s Cleeve Care Home

it is the Police and Crime Commissioner’s job to be the public’s voice in policing.”

According to the latest

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Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) 68.2% of people questioned in Gloucestershire had confidence in the Police.

With statistical variations, that could rise to 74% or fall as low as 62.5%. The peak average for police forces most similar to Gloucestershire was 68.4% rising as high as 70.3% or dropping as low as 66.6%.

But there is also evidence suggesting levels of trust and confidence in the police in England and Wales have declined in recent years and vary by ethnicity and gender.

Studies found that trust can be affected by people’s experiences when engaging with the police; people’s second-hand conception of police conduct and performance, and how the

police are portrayed in the media.

Mr. Evans said: “While it is gratifying that Gloucestershire comes out at least as well as, and better than, some other forces in terms of public confidence, we want that to be higher.

So carrying out our own analysis will give us a much clearer picture and help us know what else we need to achieve.

“Our survey will run for 365 days and we are hoping for as many responses as possible so that the data will help shape the work of both the OPCC and the Police in Gloucestershire.

“After the first quarter we will be running quarterly campaigns to target areas or demographics who have a low response rate to ensure our sample is representative

of the whole county. As well as quarterly summaries, we will also produce an annual report based on the year’s findings.

“As well as collecting feedback throughout the year, we hope the initial rollout will gather a high level of responses so that we can pilot the analysis.”

The survey is based on the college of policing definitions for trust and confidence and the methodology is nationally recognised as best practice for this kind of study.

Participants do not have to be signed up to the app to complete the survey but will be encouraged to do so if it is something they would be interested in, as it will give them regular updates from their local neighbourhood officers.

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Conservative Party

SO, what do you talk about over the dinner table? Down the pub?

Let me give you a few ideas – and figures as well.

What about Donald Trump running our country down? The first thing that came to my mind was rather than him telling us, and the rest of the world, what is wrong with our countries, perhaps he ought to look closer to home. Let’s look at the stats. Since the start of the year the Home Office says it has received 4,125 applications from US citizens who want to come and live here. A 40% increase compared with last year. The “Donald Dashers” are talking with their feet it seems!

£25 million pounds. That’s a nice figure and is the sum that, as joint owners, the Lib Dems running Cheltenham Borough and Gloucester City councils, are hoping to get when they sell the airport.

They are now going through the process of selling their shares to a newly formed company - Horizon Aero Group Ltd - a joint venture between Vayu Aviation Services (UK) and Vensa Infrastructure (India).

There is concern amongst many, and particularly amongst some companies at Staverton, that Horizon doesn’t have sufficient aviation experience and people wonder if the real motive is to eventually sell the site for housing, realising a value in the hundreds of

millions of pounds?

The Airport’s Managing Director has resigned. The BBC tell us that “according to its latest set of accounts, Vayu Aviation Services has net assets of just £4,062 and six staff.”

The Lib Dems say they are doing their due diligence before signing the final papers and have put a “covenant” on the sale preventing house building for 50 years. But is that covenant in the public domain and how strong are covenants when it comes to the planning world anyway?

I just hope the Lib Dems have done their sums and they make this a watertight deal so that the local taxpayer, and the aviation world, doesn’t lose out.

Many people still lament the defeat of our previous MP Alex Chalk. However, and in the spirit of fairness, I am sure there are some, maybe, in the Lib Dem world who have welcomed Max Wilkinson. But as Max now employs twice as many staff as Alex did, can I ask if you think you are getting twice the value for money from your new MP?

In the dock!

The following cases have all been heard recently at Cheltenham Magistrates Court:

Eskteen Devillies, 27, of no fixed address, admitted breaching the terms of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 10th March 2025, by failing to attend two appointments in June of this year. The original offences for which the community order was made were entering as a trespasser at The Dental Surgery, Symonds Yat, with intent to steal on 1st October 2024, and stealing DIY goods and electrical chargers worth £17 from the Proper Job Shop in Coleford on 3rd October 2024. He was ordered to carry out 75 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months, and pay £60 costs.

Liam Williams, 54, of no fixed address, admitted breaching a domestic violence protection order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 18th September 2025 on the same day the order was made. He was committed to prison for 28 days. Magistrates said the custodial sentence was necessary because Williams has a flagrant disregard for court orders and bail conditions.

Samuel Stevens, 34, of Cromwell Road, Cheltenham, was charged with driving a Vauxhall Astra motor car at Two Hedges Road, Bishop’s Cleeve, on 5th March 2024 without valid insurance. The case was adjourned until 17th November 2025.

Neate Tyler, 31, of Brooklyn Road, Cheltenham, was charged with driving an Audi A3 car on the A417 dual carriageway at Dartley Bottom, near Daglingworth, Duntisbour, on 22nd April 2024, at a speed in excess of the 70mph limit. The case was adjourned until 17th November 2025.

Gary Walker, 46, of Notgrove Road, Cold Aston, Cheltenham, was charged with driving a Range Rover car on the A417 Brockworth Bypass on 18th April 2024 at a speed in excess of the 70mph limit, and without a valid licence; and also that on 16th July 2024 on the A417 Brockworth Bypass he also drove a Ssangyong Musso motor vehicle at a speed in excess of the 70mph limit. The case was adjourned until 17th November 2025.

Leon Gratton, 43, of Ullswater Road, Cheltenham, admitted failing to comply with the community requirements of a suspended sentence order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 28th August 2025, by failing to attend two initial appointments as directed. The original suspended sentence was re-imposed, namely 38 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months, in respect of six offences of theft from a shop, and using threatening / abusive / insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence. The original requirements for mental health treatment, prohibited activity and rehabilitation activity were ordered to continue, with an additional five days of rehabilitation activity added. He was also made subject to a 28-day domestic violence protection order, prohibiting him from intimidating, harassing, threatening or using violence against a named person, contacting that person either directly or indirectly, or going to a named address in Stilchester Road, Brosckworth, Gloucester.

Andrew John Anger, 74, of London Road, Cheltenham, was charged with dishonestly claiming council tax support

benefit while failing to declare income from selfemployed work. He was remanded on unconditional bail until 23rd October 2025.

Elizabeth Catherine Austin-Foley, 43, of Juniper Court, Cheltenham, admitted dishonestly failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a change in circumstances which she knew would affect her entitlement to Personal Independence Allowance, namely changes to the frequency and severity of her symptoms and how they affected her. She was remanded on unconditional bail until 4th November 2025for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.

Adam Matthew Courts, 35, of St Georges Road, Lansdown, Cheltenham, admitted breaching a domestic violence protection order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 11th September 2025, by being found at a prohibited address on 24th September 2025. He was fined £50.

Keith John Saunders, 44, of Princess Elizabeth Way, Hesters Way, Cheltenham, was made subject to a domestic violence protection order, prohibiting him from intimidating, harassing, threatening or using violence against a named person, contacting that person either directly or indirectly, or going to a named address in Evesham Road, Cheltenham. The order lasts until midnight on 21st October 2025.

Ashton Brotherton, 19, of Norfolk Avenue, St Marks, Cheltenham, had an application to revoke a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 17th March 2025 approved,

on the grounds that good progress has been made.

Ivan Dudek, 27, of Honeybourne Drive, Cheltenham, admitted failing to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 10th October 2024 by failing to attend two unpaid work appointments in July and August of this year. The community order was revoked, and he was dealt with for the original offence, of failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis after being suspected of having driven a vehicle. He was fined £733.

Callun Harris, 22, of Overton Road, Cheltenham, was charged with failing to comply with the terms of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 16th July 2025, by failing to attend a probation appointment and an unpaid work induction appointment in August of this year. He was remanded on unconditional bail until 5th November 2025 for the Probation Service to monitor his compliance with the order.

Mohammod Abdul Sattar, 61, and Sajeda Tophadar, 52, of Devon Avenue, Cheltenham, were charged with attempting to claim Universal Credit, while falsely claiming they only had one bank account and no capital savings or investments, when they had four additional bank accounts with a total balance which exceeded the prescribed maximum for entitlement to Universal Credit. They were remanded on unconditional bail until 16th October 2025 for a Bengali interpreter and the defendants to attend and for a plea to be entered.

Rob Garnham - Cheltenham Chairman

Strictly star teams up with Santa at Cheltenham Racecourse this Christmas

A UNIQUE Christmas crisis calls for a unique Christmas event and Cheltenham Racecourse is answering the call in the most magical way imaginable with the help of household name, Craig Revel Horwood.

From 19th to 24th December, The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse will play host to Santa Claus himself as he is making an unprecedented pre-Christmas journey from his base in the North Pole to the UK with the support of one of the Nation’s most well-known faces. Known for his wit, theatrical flair, and scenestealing presence as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, Craig Revel Horwood brings his directorial brilliance to this one-of-a-kind, immersive family experience.

With Craig at the helm, Santa - The Visit promises to be more than just a fab-ulous festive day out, it’s a high-energy, heartwarming theatrical adventure packed with music, characters, magic, and a mission to save Christmas itself.

According to top-secret sources at GCHQ (who, it turns out, have been monitoring Santa for years), a rogue signal is disrupting the all-important Christmas spirit in the Cheltenham area. As everyone knows, Santa’s sleigh runs exclusively on Christmas spirit, so this development has placed the entire gifting operation in serious jeopardy.

Upon receiving the alert via the official Santa hotline, the big man in red wasted no time. He has assembled a team of elite elves from the F.I.A. (Festive Intelligence Agency) and is heading to Cheltenham to save Christmas before it’s too late.

Santa and his elves can’t do this alone. The F.I.A. is now recruiting temporary junior agents (aka Santaloving children and their families) to help raise Christmas spirit levels and ensure the magic of Christmas can go ahead as planned.

This isn’t your average ‘garden centre’ Santa. This is

the real deal! A fully immersive, theatrical festive mission featuring music, Christmas characters, puzzles to solve, and magical surprises throughout.

‘Santa - The Visit’ is perfect for believers of all ages. It is a thrilling and heartwarming Christmas adventure designed to bring families together in the spirit of the season. Audiences will play an active role in helping Santa and the F.I.A. identify the source of the problem and restore joy to Cheltenham and beyond.

Craig Revel Horwood, said: “Darlings, I am beyond thrilled to be teaming up with the one and only Santa Claus this December at Cheltenham Racecourse!

Christmas is in a spot of bother – but never fear, because with a little theatrical flair, some Strictly-style sparkle, and a sprinkle of festive magic, we are going to save it together.

“‘Santa – The Visit’ is not

just another meet-and-greet, oh no. It’s an immersive, musical, magical adventure where families will step into Santa’s world and become part of the mission to rescue Christmas spirit itself. Expect music, characters, laughter, and more than a few surprises along the way. I can’t wait to welcome you all, big kids and little ones alike to join Santa and his elite elves, on this extraordinary festive journey. It will be nothing short of… fab-u-lous!”

Guy Lavender, Chief Executive, Cheltenham Racecourse said: “Cheltenham Racecourse has welcomed some very distinguished, VIP guests over many years but perhaps this is our most unusual and exciting yet. We’re not entirely sure what to expect, let alone where we’ll park his sleigh, but we’re honoured and thrilled to host his visit and help play our part in saving Christmas for

the people of Cheltenham and beyond.”

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this once-in-alifetime festive mission.

Christmas needs you! Tickets are on general sale from Friday 26th September from £18 per person (plus booking fee).

To find out more visit www.santathevisit.com or www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ch eltenham

Additional information:

1. When: 19th – 24th December 2025

2. Where: The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse

3. Approximate running time: 1hr 25 mins

4. Tickets available from £18 per person (plus booking fee)

5. Tickets on sale from Friday 26th September

6. Suitable for believers of all ages!

Max Wilkinson MP

THE number one ‘school gate’ issue at the moment is the impact of smartphones on children.

I’ve heard horror stories from parents and teachers who are having to deal with the consequences of governments and big tech companies taking a ‘let it rip’ approach these past few years.

The consequences are well known. Studies show that the average child can spend up to five hours scrolling every day. Almost half of children report spending most of their free time alone in their bedrooms. Concentration spans are decreasing.

They’re suffering welldocumented mental health troubles. They’re falling prey to grooming, hateful narratives and bullying.

And for what? So the likes of Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and the owners of TikTok can get rich. I see the world through the lens of freedom. Freedom to make the best of our lives and freedom from those things that might harm us. But it must also be acknowledged that where children are concerned, the need for freedom is always outweighed by the need for protection.

Since I was elected last summer, I’ve been making the case for more protection for children online. That includes by speaking out in Parliament and voting for tougher restrictions.

Last week, I was reassured to see so many parents and teachers at Bournside School for an open meeting on that topic. And I was honoured to be asked to speak.

The school’s headteacher

Steve Jefferies and his team deserve praise for showing leadership on this issue. Other local school leaders were there alongside scores of parents and the campaign group Smartphone Free Childhood.

Teachers and parents know that the rules on smartphones and social media have allowed children too much freedom for too long. Those who worship at the altar of Trump and who benefit from the current lax approach to regulating children’s access to social media must no longer be given a free pass.

They’ve made it clear that they don’t care about the wellbeing of our kids. They care about power and money. At the recent Liberal Democrat conference, we passed a new policy that would build on restrictions like the Online Safety Act. The new legislation is not perfect, but it’s a huge step forward. I support it, even if I think it needs a review to ensure it is working properly. Sadly, one party is committed to repealing the Act – Reform UK.

So next time you see Nigel Farage sounding off on the telly, pop him on mute and ask yourself this question: why does his party want to overturn this piece of legislation that protects children online?

It’s a question that is not yet being asked enough by the media, but that shouldn’t stop the rest of us. In a few years’ time, I hope our country will protect children much more from online harms. That requires political choices –don’t let politicians from any party forget their role.

FESTIVE FUN: Craig Revel Horwood will be appearing at Cheltenham Racecourse this Christmas.

Contractor Appointed for £1bn

Golden Valley Cyber Development Green Party

IT was fantastic to hear our new Green Party leader Zack Polanski remind us this week that the pursuit of endless economic growth does not benefit people or the planet. In fact Simon Kuznets, the very economist who first conceived of GDP, warned that it was a terrible measure of human wellbeing. GDP tells us nothing about whether people are thriving, whether communities are healthy or whether our environment is being protected. It only measures the churn of money even if that churn comes from pollution, inequality or the exploitation of our shared resources.

This is where Cheltenham’s Liberal Democrat council is so badly behind the curve.

Time and again they prioritise short-term profit over the long-term benefit of people, their pockets and our communities.

Just look at the current situation at Hardwick Green.

Public land previously used as allotments and gifted to the university for community use has been sold off by a cash strapped institution. The new owners of Hardwick Campus are already appealing the site’s Asset of Community Value status while putting it back on the market for a staggering £7.25 million, nearly double the £3.75 million they paid just months ago. Instead of safeguarding green space for local people the system is tilted in favour of developers looking to make millions.

Or take Cavendish House in the town centre. Over £800,000 in unpaid business rates is missing from its

THIS week the Liberal Democrats held their annual conference, and of course Ed Davey made a fool of himself for the cameras in a desperate attempt to gather press coverage. Unfortunately, Ed wasn’t satisfied with marching about with a band like a

current tenant leaving less funding for local services and infrastructure. The building is owned by a Canadian life insurance company that now wants to demolish and redevelop the entire site. Across the country there are inspiring examples of empty properties being repurposed for the benefit of councils charities and social enterprises. In Cheltenham however we see only more extraction, more exploitation and less for local people. The pattern is clear: less green space, less money for services, less investment in community infrastructure. And while the Liberal Democrats tinker at the edges they remain complicit in a broken model that puts private developers ahead of residents.

The Liberal Democrats have grown complacent with your vote in Cheltenham. But as the Tories collapse more and more people are voting with their heart not tactically. National polling now shows the Greens overtaking the Liberal Democrats. If we can do the same here in Cheltenham you can be assured of this: Greens will always put you not property developers first.

DEVELOPER HBD, part of the Henry Boot Group, has appointed Bowmer & Kirkland as the lead contractor for the first phase of the landmark £1 billion Golden Valley Development in Cheltenham.

The major regeneration scheme, being delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, will transform land adjacent to GCHQ into a world-class hub for cyber innovation. The development will include 2,500 new homes, 1.25 million sq ft of commercial space, and is expected to generate around 12,000 new jobs.

Bowmer & Kirkland will be responsible for delivering the scheme’s first phase, which includes two key buildings –IDEA, the National Cyber Innovation Centre, and ROUTER, a smart transport hub – as well as enabling infrastructure for future phases. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

IDEA will comprise 160,000 sq ft of high-quality office and event space, designed to foster collaboration and innovation in the UK’s rapidly growing cyber and deep-tech sectors. ROUTER will act as a central transport hub, supporting sustainable travel across the 200-hectare site, which will also feature retail, leisure and wellbeing facilities.

The contractor has previously partnered with HBD on several major projects, including “Island” –a £60 million net zero carbon office development in

Reform UK

demented youth leader. He also gave a speech attacking Reform, in which he referred to Nigel Farage more than 30 times. It seems he is obsessed with Nigel, but also with Trump and he imagines that a Reform government will usher in a version of Trump’s America. This is obviously untrue but it doesn’t stop Ed. He claims there will be no NHS in this dystopia, people will be denied healthcare, our countryside will be destroyed by fracking and most hysterically and frankly

dishonestly he claims Reform will roll back gun laws!

Let’s take those claims one at a time. Firstly, the claim Reform will abolish the NHS. This is just untrue, Reform is committed to the NHS, but common sense requires we discuss how it’s managed and funded, what cannot continue is ever increasing funding while patient outcomes for major illnesses decline to some of the worst in Europe. Secondly that fracking will destroy our countryside;

Manchester city centre.

Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director of HBD, said: "The importance of Golden Valley in strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in secure innovation really can’t be overstated. The development will play a key role in driving innovation across cyber and deep-tech industries while delivering significant economic benefits for Gloucestershire and the wider South West."

He added that the appointment of Bowmer + Kirkland marks an important milestone as the project moves closer to construction.

Councillor Rowena Hay,

again untrue, not if it is managed properly and a policy of making good once the fracking is complete will solve that potential hazard, but anyway let’s look at the upside which Ed of course completely ignores, the UK has the highest business energy costs in the world while it is sitting on shale gas estimated to be able to fulfil the UK’s needs for a decade, and that’s just deposits of gas we know of now.

The US has gone from being a net energy importer to a net exporter from the exploitation of shale gas, consequently its economy is booming while the UK is limping towards an IMF

Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said:

“It is important that social value remains a key priority as Golden Valley begins to take shape. Bowmer + Kirkland engaged early with local groups, schools, charities and universities to understand community priorities and ensure their plans deliver tangible local benefits.”

Stuart Fanshaw, Regional Construction Director at Bowmer + Kirkland, said:

"We are delighted to continue our relationship with HBD on this exciting scheme, which will contribute to putting the UK at the forefront of cyber

bailout, just like the 1970’s. Thirdly that Reform wants to change our gun laws, apparently this claim by Ed comes from a comment Nigel made in 2014! It’s not Reform policy, it is never discussed and has zero interest in the party, it’s an obvious attempt to scare people and it’s hogwash and frankly shows the level of desperation in the Liberal Democrats.

This week Ed Davey was pitching his party to former Conservative voters that much is clear, and one can understand why, many Conservative MPs and their voters are probably more comfortable switching to the

innovation. Our team is looking forward to working with HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council on a range of social value initiatives to support the local workforce and wider community.”

HBD is one of the UK’s most established property developers, with a £1.2 billion development pipeline. Operating from six regional offices, the company specialises in industrial and logistics, urban regeneration and residential projects. Its strong delivery track record has made it a trusted partner for local authorities and private investors alike.tion visit www.bhf.org.uk

Liberal Democrats.

However the majority are choosing Reform instead, and the reasons are clear, the Liberal Democrats are just another flavour of the same failed Uni-party consensus, the disastrous Net Zero, mass immigration, and the high taxes and the ever-expanding state to manage the decline into bankruptcy. A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for Labour just in a different colour tie.

While Reform is the home of real Conservatism, of pragmatism not dogma, of economic growth and for love of this great country of ours. Join Reform today and help save our country.

Ashleigh Davies

Matt Podmore, Reform UK Cheltenham Chair

New owners unveil ambitious social value charter for Gloucestershire Airport

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Airport’s incoming owners, Horizon Aero Group Limited (HAG), have outlined an ambitious plan to transform the site into a

and sustainable aviation hub –with social value at the heart of their vision.

As HAG moves closer to finalising its acquisition of Gloucestershire Airport Limited (GAL) from Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council, the group has released a new Social Value Charter, setting out its long-term commitment to the region.

The charter outlines how Horizon Aero Group intends to deliver meaningful and measurable social, economic and environmental impact for local communities, while ensuring the airport remains a key driver of innovation and regional growth.

Six Pillars of Social Impact At the core of Horizon’s approach are six key social value principles:

l Skills and Employment –Developing new apprenticeships, training and career pathways for local people.

l Regional Growth –Positioning the airport as a catalyst for business innovation and local economic development.

l Community and Culture –Strengthening ties with local communities and supporting Gloucestershire’s cultural landscape.

l Health, Safety and Wellbeing – Creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for workers and visitors alike.

l Environmental Stewardship – Prioritising biodiversity and carbon reduction in day-to-day operations.

l Responsible Procurement –Promoting ethical and sustainable practices throughout the airport’s supply chain.

Leadership Transition

As part of this transition, Jason Ivey, Managing Director of GAL, has announced he will step down in January for personal reasons. He will continue to support the handover to

Horizon Aero Group and assist with the transition process.

“It has been a genuine privilege to lead Gloucestershire Airport, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment,” Mr Ivey said. “I believe Horizon Aero Group is exceptionally well positioned to take the airport forward, developing it into a thriving aviation hub that will continue to serve and benefit the region for generations to come. Their Social Value Charter reflects a bold, responsible, and forward-thinking approach to growth, and I’m proud to support its implementation.”

The search for a new Managing Director will begin in the coming weeks.

Speaking on behalf of Horizon Aero Group, CEO Soma Pemmireddy described the charter as a long-term pledge to deliver lasting

South Star Roofing Ltd are a roofing and property

value to Gloucestershire.

“This is more than an investment in infrastructure –it’s an investment in people, place, and planet,” he said.

“We are committed to ensuring Gloucestershire Airport becomes a beacon of responsible growth, innovation, and community value. Through this charter, we’re embedding social value into every part of the airport’s future.”

Councillor Rowena Hay, Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, welcomed Horizon’s vision, saying:

“The social value promise from the soon-to-be owners of Gloucestershire Airport will ensure long-lasting impact and sustainable growth for the airport, its communities, and businesses across the region. I’d also like to thank Jason Ivey for his outstanding leadership over the past few years.”

contractor

Cheltenham and nearby areas. Services include leak tracing and repair, 琀le and slate replacement, flashing and leadwork, and emergency call outs subject to availability. Work is scheduled following a site survey, and quotes set out scope and exclusions clearly.

Healthy eating and managing diabetes

Thursday 9th October 2025, 2pm - 4pm

In our interactive workshop, listen to Alison Preston, Nutrition Diabetes Educator, discuss how to eat healthily with diabetes with interesting insights, practical tips, and simple food swaps.

Friendship café

The third Wednesday of each month, 2pm - 3pm Enjoy the opportunity to meet our friendly team and explore our different care types and the lifestyle that we have at our home.

To attend please call

“Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham is a truly wonderful experience”

THIS October, a woman from Cheltenham will walk beneath the stars to remember beloved friends and raise vital funds for Sue Ryder, the palliative care and bereavement support charity.

On Saturday 18 October, Heather Langston, 58, will take part in the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham. She is walking in memory of her friends Shirley Raynesford and Lynne Keenan, who were cared for at home by Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice at Home Nurses. Heather will be joined by her long-time friends Tracey Moore and Jane Jeffries, both 62, who are seasoned participants in the event.

Reflecting on what sparked her fundraising journey, Heather said: “Shirley passed away seven months ago at just 59.

I’d known her for 40 years, and her three children remain very close to me.

“Lynne was also a dear friend. Both she and Shirley received compassionate care at home from Sue Ryder Nurses, who supported not just them, but their families with dignity and kindness.”

Tracy added her own motivation for taking part in Starlight Hike Cheltenham:

“I'm a nurse at a GP surgery, and I’ve seen so many patients cared for by Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and at home by Sue Ryder Nurses. The care they provide is amazing, truly holistic support for friends, family, and everyone involved.

“I’ll be walking in memory of

my brother-in-law Lawrence Moore, it’s a lovely way to take some time and remember loved ones who are no longer with us.”

Jane also explained what drew her to the event: “My mum, Irene Cooper, had cancer and was in hospital before spending a short time at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. The staff were fantastic. Sue Ryder is such an important part of our community.”

Looking ahead to the 18 October Heather reflected on what makes the event so special: “It is a wonderful evening, because everyone is there for the same reason. It’s a celebration, in memory of

people who have died, but full of joy.

Heather concluded: “We love getting into the spirit of the evening, dressing up each year as brightly as possibleface paint, light-up tutus - the works! The volunteers who line the route are all amazing and keep everyone going. Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham is a truly wonderful experience.”

Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham is sponsored by Capita and supported by in2Print and Ashley Manor Preparatory School. Starting at the School, friends and families are invited to come together on the night and walk a 10k route through

Cheltenham, all in memory of someone special. Along the way, participants can choose to pass through the beautifully lit, tranquil grounds of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, where they’ll have the opportunity to place a star in memory of someone special.

Sign up and help Sue Ryder be there when it matters most. Every step helps fund expert, compassionate care for people at the end of life. To register or find out more, visit: sueryder.org/starlighthikechelt enham

You can support Heather’s fundraising here: www.justgiving.com/page/heat her-langston-6

Labour Party

Ed Conway, the respected Sky News Journalist, has recently written that one of the great tragedies of the way immigration policy is debated in this country is that the conversation is mostly conducted in emotive rather than rational terms, and often based on speculation and rumour rather than fact.

I was forcefully reminded of this when reading the most recent column in the Cheltenham Post from Mr Podmore, who wrote about immigration on behalf of Reform UK. He claims that there are an unspecified number of ‘illegal immigrants’ being housed in Cheltenham. On what he bases his claim that they are ‘illegal’ he doesn’t say. He later refers to ‘asylum hotels’ and ‘asylum seekers’. The terms ‘asylum seeker’ and ‘illegal immigrant’ are often confused, and Mr Podmore certainly appears to do so. Whether his confusion is deliberate or out of ignorance I cannot say. He says that the people he claims are ‘illegal immigrants’ are ‘potentially’ being housed in Houses of Multiple occupancy (HMOs). It’s not at all clear what Mr Podmore means by ‘potentially’ but he then proceeds to complain on the assumption that HMOs are actually being used. He makes further claims that these HMOs are well furnished, that the occupants get medical appointments ‘regularly’, and then makes the unfounded and inaccurate claim that such facilities are ‘only available to people who enter the country illegally’.

Mr Podmore then switches tack and states that Reform UK ‘welcomes genuine

asylum seekers’, but claims that many asylum seekers are not genuine but ‘economic migrants’ – a term which has no legal meaning.

Residents of Cheltenham who would like a better understanding of immigration into the UK, what the numbers and trends are, what the proportions are from different countries, how much is through regular routes (e.g. the granting of visas), how many are asylum seekers or have been accepted as refugees, and how many entrants are eventually judged illegal, and exactly how this plays out in Cheltenham, will not gain that understanding from Mr Podmore’s article. I’ve lived in Cheltenham for nearly 60 years and seen many fierce political disagreements. But they were conducted by politicians (of all parties) who had some knowledge of what they were talking about, and whose arguments, even when you disagreed with them, were factually correct and had some internal logic. And they were always conducted with a degree of respect. Cheltenham deserves better than Mr Podmore’s incoherent and ill-informed rants.

Mike Farmer

STAR LADIES: Jane Jeffries, Tracey Moore, Heather Langston.

Run Cheltenham 2025: A day of stride, spirit and solidarity

ON Sunday 21st September 2025, the streets of Cheltenham came alive with the rhythmic beat of thousands of feet as Run Cheltenham returned in force.

Sponsored by Safran, Bishop Flemming and supporting local hospice Sue Ryder, this year’s edition offered runners a choice of routes - a half marathon, 10 km and “Move More Mile” - all culminating in a dramatic finish on the grandstand of Cheltenham Racecourse.

A field which included “Mr Bean” and former Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk, overcame the undulating Cotswold terrain, as morale was high from the off.

By 9 am the half marathoners were off, followed by 10 km competitors 40 minutes later. Marshals, water stations and crowd control ensured the course remained traffic free and well supported.

Organisers had promised a course with “spectacular views of the surrounding area” and a “grandstand

finish” that would elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike.

By mid morning, the race village was buzzingfamilies cheering, music playing and volunteers directing exhausted but exhilarated runners to the finish line.

Across the board, feedback was glowing. Many runners remarked on the smooth organisation, generous signage, and enthusiastic crowd support. Some noted the modest climbs tested stamina, especially around the mid section of the 10 km.

Others praised the flat stretches through Cheltenham’s leafy avenues

as prime spots to push for a personal best.

In the aftermath, organisers reported that entries this year had filled more rapidly than in 2024, citing a renewed appetite for community events post pandemic. Local businesses in the town centre also benefitted - cafés and shops along the route saw a noticeable uptick in footfall throughout the morning.

As the sun dipped in the afternoon, runners and volunteers alike lingered in the race village, catching their breath, comparing times and relishing the shared achievement.

Matt Reay, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue

Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: “Run Cheltenham 2025 was once again a truly incredible event, the support shown by the team of over 300 Sue Ryder runners has blown us away!

“Thanks to them as well as our corporate partner and Run Cheltenham's headline sponsor Safran we’ve had a record-breaking year, raising an astonishing £142,000 so far, with funds still coming in, which will ensure we can continue to provide care and support for families across Gloucestershire.

“A heartfelt thank you to our fabulous team of volunteers and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to support Team Sue Ryder. If you feel inspired to take on a new running challenge next year, why not sign up now and be part of something amazing?”

You can find out more and sign up to Run Cheltenham 2026, which will take place on 20 September, here: www.sueryder.org/getinvolved/fundraise-for-us/eve nts/run-cheltenham/

PICTURES by John Clare.

Reds triumph in ten-goal thriller as memorial football match delights Fans

A SPIRITED football match between two mixed-ability teams saw the Red Team emerge victorious in a 6–4 goal-fest, delighting a crowd of over 60 spectators in what has become a muchloved annual fixture.

Now in its fifth year, the match - brainchild of Blue Team captain “Tricky” Hannis, following the death of his sister - once again delivered entertainment in abundance, featuring players of all ages, sizes, and skill levels. With each team having claimed previous bragging rights (the Reds last year and the Blues the year before), anticipation was high.

Kick-off was delayed by 30 minutes due to a pitch doublebooking, but once underway, the match quickly lived up to expectations. Captains “Tricky” Hannis (Blues) and “Garthy” (Reds) were seen issuing animated tactical instructions pre-match -

though their teams appeared more confused than inspired.

The game began with the Reds showing early promise through a spell of neat passing, but it was the Blues who struck first - finding the net just two minutes in, against the run of play. Their momentum continued with a second goal 15 minutes later, putting them 2–0 up. Despite the scoreline, the

Reds maintained pressure, only to be denied time and again by some heroic saves from the Blues’ goalkeeper.

Their persistence paid off in the 35th minute, reducing the deficit, before levelling the score shortly before half-time - despite vociferous (and ultimately unsuccessful) offside protests from the Blues.

The second half saw a

rejuvenated Red side take control. Within ten minutes, they had scored twice to move 4–2 ahead. Fatigue soon began to show, and both teams made a flurry of substitutions - adding fresh legs but not necessarily fresh talent.

The final half hour featured four more goals - two apiecebringing the final score to 6–4 in favour of the Reds. The match ended with warm

applause from the crowd, who appreciated the drama, passion, and good humour on display.

At full-time, “Tricky” Hannis thanked players, organisers, and fans for their support, and promised a Blue Team victory next yearprompting laughter from the sidelines.

With the tradition now firmly established, spectators and players alike will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this lighthearted but fiercely contested annual clash.

I’m backing phones-in-school-ban in respect for tragic teen Brianna

WHEN kids returned to school earlier this month, the Prime Minister received a note, urging him to stop them taking their phones with them.

In a direct appeal to the PM and Secretary of State for Education, the letter read: “Across the country students and teachers are struggling with the impact of phones in the classroom. We are calling on you to take action to protect children’s education, safety and wellbeing by introducing a statutory ban on mobile phones during the school day.” It came from the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project (BGLP) and I was happy to give my support along with many of my PCC colleagues.

Brianna Ghey was a 16year-old transgender girl who was murdered in a premeditated attack by two 15-year-old children. The project that bears her name is an initiative founded by Brianna’s mother to promote mental health and safety for young people by raising awareness of the dangers of

Download Free Food bank App

MY name is Isaac, I am 13 years old. When I was nine, I started a local food bank after seeing families in our community struggle to put food on the table, while others wanted to help but weren’t sure what to give.

There is a free app called BanktheFood that shows in real time what your local food bank needs most. Too often, donations are generous but mismatched – we might get plenty of pasta but run short of basics like long-life milk or toiletries. With BanktheFood, supporters can check the list and make sure every item truly counts.

1st October is the start of Food Bank Fortnight, a time to shine a light on the growing need and rally support. For the people we help, a bag of the right essentials can mean the difference between skipping meals and having dignity at the dinner table.

I would like to ask your readers to download the BanktheFood app, see what your local food bank needs today, and add a couple of extra items to your shop. A small act of kindness can have a big impact on a neighbour in crisis.

Yours sincerely, Isaac from Friends of Isaac’s Food Bank on behalf of BanktheFood

By Chris Nelson Police & Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire

social media and harmful online content, which contributed to her daughter’s murder. It focuses on providing support through group wellbeing activities and online education, aiming to create a safer digital environment for youth.

I readily understand parents like the security of their child carrying a phone so they can contact them throughout the day, especially going to and from school. But a report by the schools’ watchdog OFCOM found that 4 out of 5 teachers complained of lessons being disrupted by phones, and that three quarters of students accessed inappropriate content in class.

While those figures speak for themselves, schools have been left to formulate their own policy, yet I am inclined to agree that teachers know what is best for a healthy

Save our beauty spots from overdevelopment

AS a local resident who moved to Cheltenham four and a half years ago, I am astounded by the level of development that has taken place in this district in that short period of time. A similar ‘level of development' is one of the reasons that I moved from our previous home in Devon. The other was to be nearer to our two young grandchildren, aged five and nine. With them, my husband and I frequently walk along to the fields at Burrows Park and Lott's Meadow, all of us enjoying this exceptionally beautiful and natural environment.

Here, the children love flying their kites, observing birds and identifying signs of the changing seasons. A few days ago, we were all out in the sunshine picking wild blackberries for a homemade crumble. This was an idyllic ‘old-fashioned’ family afternoon - in my view, far preferable to all of us sitting in front of individual screens, which seems so often to be the activity of choice these days. I have no private transport of my own, but we can make full use of this wonderful facility without the need to pollute the air by travelling further afield. Should Lott's Meadow be

learning environment in the classroom and that it’s time the Government took the lead and introduced a blanket ban. BGLP argues that “Most schools are relying on children to resist a temptation even adults struggle with. Phones are distracting students, increasing safeguarding risks and harming mental health. Teachers are battling to keep focus.” It is calling for a statutory ban on mobile phone use during the school day as the evidence about the negative impact of phones in schools continues to grow.

Surely medical and accessibility exemptions can be made to allow secure storage for phones at schools that will ensure fair, safe, and consistent implementation in every school and, in doing so, satisfy both sides.

sold (no doubt for building development), this land will NEVER be reclaimed, resulting in less space for walking, playing and essential habitats for native wildlife. The residents of Leckhampton and Warden Hill (of both human and animal variety) do not deserve to be treated in this way, and we should hang our collective heads in shame if we allow this to happen. A way MUST BE FOUND to preserve this area.

With kind regards, Louise Heap

Bus route is not a help for pensioners

I wish to express my disgust at the new “improved” bus service in Hatherley and Warden Hill forced upon us by the council.

I am a pensioners without my own transport and rely heavily on buses, as do many other residents in these areas.

I used to be able to access Town, Morrisons and Salisbury Avenue from a bus stop less than 5 minutes away. Now, I can only access Town or Morrisons every hour unless I walk approximately half a mile to a different stop and have no access to Salisbury Avenue at all.

The timetables at the stops show only where you are and the final destination. There is no information on the route or

any stops along the way. This information can apparently be accessed via the Stagecoach website which is of absolutely no use to anyone who doesn't have the ability to do so.

Some buses now operate in both directions along certain roads such as Alma Road and Windermere Road but there are no bus stops enabling people to get on in the new direction. Many elderly or infirm residents are now effectively without access to shops, doctors or the library.

L Richardson

Cycle lanes

WHY-OH-WHY do 50% of cyclists not use cycle lanes. Our councils have spent millions of pounds on cycle lanes that are dedicated sections of roads specifically for cyclists separating them from general traffic for their safety and improve traffic flow yet I constantly see selfish cyclists not using them. I’m not talking about club cyclists, these guys move along at a faster pace and are generally more aware, it’s the happy shopper types peddling along blissfully unaware of their selfish attitude towards other road users. I use my bike a lot and where ever possible use a cycle lane, you know who you are so please use the lanes provided.

Allan Pearce Cheltenham

We

need

more affordable housing

I read with total dismay

Ashleigh Davies Green Party column referencing Hardwick Greens potential for building houses in St Paul’s. She mentions a lack of green areas to walk in, unbelievable comment, does she not realise there is a huge area called Pittville park less than 400 yards away, there is also the Honeybourne Line 100 yards away and The Winston Churchill memorial gardens 400 yards away.

We have a desperate shortage of affordable housing in our fine town and Hardwick Green would help solve part of this issue.

Elam Pearce

Starlight Hike

I TOOK part in my first Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Cheltenham in 2017, just before my brother Josh passed away.

The care Josh received, both from Sue Ryder Nurses at home, and during the time he spent in Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, was incredible. As a family, we were supported every step of the way. That’s why we started fundraising for Sue Ryder. Sue Ryder Starlight Hike I do the hike with my family

and also with Josh’s best friend, who was like a brother to him. The atmosphere is fantastic on the night, and you are surrounded by like-minded people. It’s a brilliant way to remember loved ones while raising money for such an important cause.

Josh would’ve loved the evening. It’s dog-friendly, and I can just picture him there with his dogs! If the roles were reversed, I know he’d be doing the same to say thank you. I think he’d be proud we’re turning something sad into something positive.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday 18th October and I’d encourage anyone to sign up and take part. It’s a special star-lit walk filled with lights, music and memory, all to support the amazing care at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

This year’s event, sponsored by Capita, starts and finishing at Ashley Manor Prep School and I’d encourage anyone to take part. It's a special star-lit walk filled with lights, music and memory hosted by the amazing Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. You can sign up now at www.sueryder.org/starlighthike cheltenham and be part of something truly magical, anyone walking in a team of five or more can also get 20% off with the code TEAM20. Nisha Joshi, 52, from Cheltenham

Cheltenham care home unveils

£400,000-plus refurbishment

REFURBISHMENT:

A CARE home in Cheltenham has celebrated the launch of its renovated residential suite with the help of some special guests.

The team and residents at Care UK’s Sandfields, on Saint George’s Road, were joined by the Mayor of Cheltenham Councillor Dr David Willingham for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the Cheltenham Suite.

To mark the occasion, the team hosted a celebratory event complete with a guest appearance by professional jockey Sam Twiston-Davies, a lively performance from a gospel choir and visits from two lollipop ponies.

90-year-old, Kenneth Wood, a resident at Sandfields, said:

“As a Resident living on the new Cheltenham Suite, I think it is simply marvellous and so homely. My favourite part of the afternoon was when the Shetland Ponies

came - I mean how often can you say you have had a pony in your home!”

The suite will provide premium residential care for older people in Cheltenham and the surrounding area, and has been designed to provide the highest-quality care for residents.

The £400,000+ refurbishment also includes upgrades to the home’s bistro, kitchen and lounge areas, all featuring modern furnishings and enhanced amenities to provide greater comfort for residents.

Malaika Charles, Home Manager at Sandfields, said:

“We love celebrating these exciting moments with the residents. Seeing the joy on everyone's face as they explore the new space makes all the hard work worthwhile.

We’re proud to call this our home.

“We have built a warm, welcoming community here

at Sandfields and we are delighted about this refurbishment, which will enable us to continue to provide the highest standards of personalised care.

“We’d like to thank everyone who made this refurbishment possible, as well as the Mayor of Cheltenham and Sam Twiston Davies, who certainly made it a day to remember.”

Sandfields is a state-of-theart care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The building incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and bistro.

To find out more about Sandfields, please contact Customer Relations Manager David Blake on 01242 801867, email david.blake@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/sandfields.

Winter clothes drive - Cheltenham Open Door

DO you have clothes you no longer need? Local charity

Cheltenham Open Door is in need of casual, comfortable clothes for its guests. Cheltenham Open Door is a friendly place that supports those struggling with homelessness, addiction and mental health issues.

They are looking for donations of the following items for men and women:

• T shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies

• Jeans, joggers and leggings

• Trainers

• Coats, hats and gloves

• Blankets and sleeping bags (no duvets or other bedding)

• Socks, boxers, knickers, bras (new, or as-new and washed) Donations can be dropped off at Cheltenham Open Door on Mondays to Thursdays from 9am to 3pm, or on Sundays between 8.30am and 12.30pm. The Guest Hub is located at Unit 3, St George’s Business Park, Alstone Lane, Cheltenham GL51 8HF

Please note that Open Door’s service users are often homeless and on the move, so they do not require skirts, dresses, shirts, blouses, trousers, suits or shoes (apart from trainers), or any household items. As a charity for adults, the team can't take any children's items.

Find out more about supporting Cheltenham Open Door and how to find the Guest Hub at www.cheltenhamopendoor.org.uk/

Mayor David Willingham cuts the ribbon following the care home upgrade.

YearsGoneBy

Enfield v Cheltenham 7th Feb 1987

John Murphy with a late challenge far left with Ray Baverstock looking on.

A huge star at the time, Norman Wisdon came to The Goumont (Winchcombe St) which opened in 1933. The theatre became the Odeon in 1966 before closing in 2006.

St Paul’s Primary Football Champions, 1957.

Back row: James Tarling Harold Locke, unknown, John Overton, Douglas Shelum, Alan Daniels, Alan Court.

Front row: Samuel Gibbons, unknown, Royston Green (capt) Noddie Need, Peter Davey.

The master was the Headmaster Mr R Flay.

The foyer of the old ABC cinema on the prom, behind Neptune‘s Fountain.

Amaretto Sugar-Free Chocolate Ganache

Joyce Brooks Lingerie Boutique

Everyone loves chocolate. Being on a low-carb doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your cravings for the stuff. This decadent dessert is as cute as it is delicious, with an incredible very smooth yet thick texture. Inspired by a dessert made by family members when I was younger, the idea of making a similar keto version sounded too good not to try. Each Pudding contains only 3g of net carbs, contains minimal ingredients and it will take you only 12 minutes to make plus chilling time.

Ingredients

4 puddings

• 100g of sugar-free Dark Chocolate

• 4 tablespoons of Sweetener or low carb Sugar substitute

• 180ml Single Cream

• 60ml Amaretto

• Knob of Butter

• See Garnish ideas under “Recipe Notes”

Broccoli

Instructions

l Break the Chocolate up into small pieces and put into a bowl and melt BainMarie style on the hob.

l Once smooth, add in all other ingredients and whisk until smooth for around 2 minutes.

l Decant into ramekins and top with your chosen garnish to make it look pretty.

l Refrigerate or enjoy immediately.

Recipe notes

Do not microwave the Chocolate, it'll burn. Garnish ideas include chopped Nuts, Chocolate curls, Pomegranate seeds, Mint Leaves and Berries. Single Cream has to be used here as Double Cream will turn into a thick cement-like consistency when whisked. This dessert is very rich and boozy, so you may want to adjust the amount of alcohol according to your taste.

& Stilton Soup

Visit us at the Cheltenham Gift and Fashion Fair 16,17,18 & 19 October, Stand 98 at the Centaur Centre, Cheltenham Race Course.

Open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10.30am-4pm CLOSED ON THE GIFT AND FASHION FAIR DATES

Date of our extra special bra-fitting day with Lucy Ellis to be announced soon.

Broccoli and Stilton soup is a British dish usually served in the winter. A thick and creamy soup is perfect for a starter, lunch or dinner. This recipe is effortless to make at home with just a few ingredients found in most supermarkets. The broccoli and cheese pair perfectly together. With its powerful flavour, Stilton isn't for everyone but this recipe mellows out the strong taste. If you're looking for a vegetarian soup recipe, this one really is a classic. Start to finish should take around 3040 minutes and each serving contains 4g of carbs.

Ingredients

3 bowls

● 200g Broccoli

●2 tablespoons Olive Oil

●1/2 small white Onion

●100g Stilton

●180ml of Vegetable Stock

●40ml Double Cream

●1/2 teaspoon Salt

●1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions

l Finely chop the Onion and chop the Broccoli into small florets.

l Add the oil to a saucepan, apply a medium heat and cook the onion for 5 minutes.

l Add in the Broccoli and cook for a further 5 minutes.

l Add the Stock, bring to the boil and then simmer for 15 minutes.

l Crumble in the Stilton and let melt for a further few

minutes.

l Remove from the heat and using a hand blender, blend until smooth.

l Stir through the seasoning and the cream.

Recipe notes

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Helping animals in need this October Helping animals in need this October

By Erica Landon

CHELTENHAM Animal Shelter steps up for World Animal Day with Inflatable Challenge. A team of enthusiastic fundraisers are bouncing into action this month, taking on the Inflatable 5K Challenge at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday 4th October, World Animal Day. Among the brave runners is Shelter volunteer Kim, who generously gives up her time to support the on-site charity shop and regularly attends community fundraising events. She’ll be joined on the course by Alison, the Shelter’s Head of Fundraising, as they navigate the fun but demanding inflatable obstacle course to raise vital funds for the animals in our care.

If you want to support their challenge, you can donate at

www.gawa.org.uk/pay where you can add your message of encouragement. Every donation helps make a difference to the hundreds of animals cared for at Cheltenham Animal Shelter each year.

Spooky fun for families this Halloween Families looking for a fun and creative way to

celebrate Halloween can join Cheltenham Animal Shelter’s Family Craft Sessions on Thursday 31st October.

The sessions promise an hour of spooky crafting, warm drinks, and a behindthe-scenes tour of the Shelter. There are three time slots available throughout the day, and each £15 ticket reserves a table for up to 4

children and 2 adults (no minimum numbers required). All ages are welcome, though the activities are best suited for children 2-year-plus.

Crafts on offer include:

• Ghost lollipops for small animals

• Cat-themed pom-poms

• Pumpkin dog biscuits

Led by the Shelter’s

Education Team, participants can choose to take their creations home or donate them as a treat for the Shelter’s residents. Costumes are welcome, but guests are kindly asked to avoid face paint or anything that might scare the animals. After all, our furry friends prefer treats over tricks!

Join the pack for a fancydress dog walk

Dog lovers and their fourlegged companions are invited to join a Group Dog Walk on Saturday 1st November, starting at 10am from Cheltenham Animal Shelter.

The circular walk, which takes around 60–90 minutes, will wind through the beautiful Pittville Park, and everyone is encouraged to dress up – pets and people alike! This fun event is designed to raise awareness of the Shelter's work and celebrate the bond between humans and animals.

Whether you're spooky, silly, or just stylish, it’s a great way to support a local cause while enjoying the fresh autumn air.

For more information and to book our spooktacular events, visit www.gawa.org.uk/eventscalendar

Money talks

Fanny Snaith

your pots?

WE all live with pots. Not the ones in the kitchen cupboard, but invisible pots that hold our money, our energy, and our sense of security. There’s the Rainy Day Potsavings for the “what ifs.” The Debt Pot - money already spoken for. The Fun Pot - joy, rest, and the lighter side of life. The Growth Pot - investing in yourself and your future. And of course, the Energy Pot - your personal reserves that fuel everything else. When I work with clients, I notice that most of the stress, guilt, and worry we feel about money isn’t really about the numbers. It’s about the proportions of these pots - which ones we overfill, which ones we neglect, and how they interact with each other. Let me give you two examples.

Sally’s Pots

Sally describes her Debt Pot as “huge.” In reality, her debt is not unusual, but to her it feels overwhelming. She thinks about it constantly. Every decision she makeswhether to buy a coffee, book a holiday, or even take a day off - is filtered through the lens of her debt. Because her focus is fixed on that pot, her Energy Pot is drained. The worry, the anxiety, the feeling of “I must get rid of this as fast as possible” eats away at her reserves. And because she feels guilty for having debt in the first place, she punishes herself by ignoring her Fun Pot. No treats, no downtime, no play.

The result? Sally feels trapped. Exhausted. She describes herself as “always behind.” Her Debt Pot might be shrinking slowly, but her Energy Pot is empty and her Fun Pot is bone dry.

Ella’s Pots

Now meet Ella. She also has what she calls a “huge” Debt Pot. The difference? She’s taken a step back and worked out a plan. Much of

her debt is on 0% interest, and she has a solid schedule for paying it off over the next few years. Instead of obsessing over it daily, Ella sees her Debt Pot as part of her life - for now. It’s contained. She knows it will shrink steadily, and she doesn’t have to thrash against it.

That shift in perspective frees up space for her other pots. She budgets a little money each month for her Fun Pot. Sometimes it’s a nice meal out, sometimes it’s a massage, sometimes just fresh flowers for the house. She also makes time for daily walks, which keep her Energy Pot topped up.

The debt is still there. But Ella isn’t drowning in it, because she hasn’t let it dominate all her pots.

The Lesson of the Pots

Both women have debt. Both describe it as “huge.” The difference isn’t the numbers - it’s how they’ve sized their pots.

Sally’s Debt Pot has expanded to fill her whole field of vision. It’s so large it overshadows everything else. Ella’s Debt Pot is still significant, but it sits alongside her Fun Pot and her Energy Pot. Because

she allows herself to enjoy life while paying off debt, she has resilience for the journey.

This is the key: wealth isn’t how many pots you fill, it’s how freely you can move between them. When the fun pot is empty, life feels like punishment. When the Energy Pot is drained, no amount of money will make you feel rich. And when guilt overshadows the Debt Pot, it becomes less about maths and more about shame.

The Salmon and the Otter I sometimes picture two animals on the same river. The salmon, thrashing upstream, exhausting itself against the current. And the otter, floating with the flow, conserving energy, playful, diving when it chooses. The river is the same. The difference is how they meet it.

With money, time, and energy, we have the same choice. We can fight our pots, or we can flow between them. We can thrash like a salmon, or float like an otter.

So Here’s My Question This month, take a blank page and draw your pots. Energy, Rainy Day, Debt, Fun, Growth. Make them bigger or smaller depending on how they feel right now. Then ask yourself: Which pot do I most want to grow? And just as important: Where could I stop fighting like a salmon, and start flowing like an otter? Because balance isn’t about equal pots. Balance is about the right proportions. And joy, rest, and energy aren’t luxuries - they’re fuel.

The Vital Importance of Lasting Power of Attorney: Lessons from Kate Garraway's Experience

IN recent times, the concept of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) has gained significant attention, particularly following the experiences of public figures like Kate Garraway. An LPA allows individuals to appoint someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf in case they lose the mental capacity to do so. Unfortunately, Kate has suffered immense pain, stress, and confusion because her husband did not establish an LPA.

We often educate our family, friends, and customers about the importance of making an LPA, but experience is often the best teacher. In this article, we’ll share real-life stories to help your family avoid making the same mistakes.

Kate Garraway’s Regret: A Family in Crisis

Kate Garraway’s husband, Derek, has been struggling to recover after contracting coronavirus in March 2020.

The emotional toll of Derek's condition is compounded by the practical difficulties Kate faces in handling his financial and property affairs without legal authority.

Many of their marital assets and policies are in Derek’s name, and because he never made an LPA, Kate is unable to manage these matters. She finds herself grappling with issues that should be straightforward, like dealing with car insurance or utility providers. Had Derek established a simple and affordable LPA, Kate could have seamlessly taken control of their policies and assets. Now, Kate must navigate lengthy, complex, and costly

court proceedings to gain the authority to manage her family’s affairs, adding stress during an already challenging time. With an LPA, she would also be empowered to make critical decisions regarding Derek’s healthcare and welfare, which is increasingly important as his condition remains serious. By sharing her story, Kate hopes to highlight the necessity of

creating an LPA to prevent other families from facing similar hardships.

Ylenia Angeli’s Painful Lesson Ylenia Angeli, a retired nurse, also regrets that her mother did not set up an LPA. In 2020, she was arrested for taking her mother out of a care home where she was living. Her mother had been

suffering from loneliness due to coronavirus restrictions, and the family believed she would be happier and safer at home with Ylenia. However, the care home refused to let her leave, and Ylenia had no legal right to contest this decision because her mother had not made a Health & Welfare LPA. This led to a distressing situation where a family decision resulted in Ylenia’s arrest and her mother being returned to the care home.

Had her mother established an LPA, Ylenia would have had the legal power to make decisions on her behalf without any issues.

The Bottom Line These stories exemplify the

critical importance of establishing a Lasting Power of Attorney while individuals still have the mental capacity to do so. Making an LPA is a straightforward and affordable process that can save families from unnecessary pain, stress, and confusion in the future. It also helps avoid the costly and complex court procedures required to gain these powers once it’s too late.

Don’t wait until it’s too late act now to protect your family and ensure that your loved ones can make decisions on your behalf when it matters most.

For more information on how to create a Lasting Power of Attorney, consult a legal professional on 0333 335 5875

Great joys of springthe Crocus

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By Mark Hopkins

THE first thing to lift our spirits in the garden when it feels like winter will never end is Crocus, the first buds that push through the soil in spring are delicate to look at but resilient and reliable giving us a glimpse of the colours to come.

They are the cheerful little low-to-the-ground delights that can be out on lawns under a tree in the shade, twisting through borders or sat in pots and containers. They come as small bulbs that are easy to plant and will quickly establish giving you minimal effort with year after year of joy from early February at times.

The bulbs like to be in the ground from early October through mid-December 23in deep and 1inch apart. Crocus love to be planted in groups for a masse display or in smaller pots and containers for the designer garden or balcony. Left in the ground they will thrive year after year, but you can also lift the bulbs once foliage has died back and store over the summer. Planted in autumn the Crocus will bloom before

other bulbs, they are easy to plant, will add another layer of nectar for the bees and are very versatile. They love combination planting with others mixing well with Daffodil, Tulip, Iris, Snowdrops and Bluebells elevating your garden displays year after year.

All in all, Crocus are a modern garden delight perfect for creating a

striking effective display in the border, flower bed, rockeries or even planted as part of an actual lawn. Crocuses are suitable for planting in all soil types and will naturalise profusely to create a bigger display each year as they mature. Crocus flowers may be small but when planted en-masse they can make a colourful and eye-catching impact.

New days out reader offer

THE Cheltenham Post and Pulhams & Sons Coaches have teamed up to give our loyal readers a fabulous day out to the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

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: Birmingham: 9th December 2025

Information

Pick up points in Cheltenham, 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. JUST £30 PER PERSON

Book now for just £30 per person. Call Mark on 07983179225 or email mark@cheltenhampost.co.uk

TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER Puzzles

1. Which hazard to shipping lies about six miles off the Kent coast near

2. What was the name of the Aled Jones single which reached No 5 in the 1985 charts when he was 14 years old?

3. What is the common name for the bone properly called the scapula?

4. Who won the 2025 World Snooker Championship?

5. Which Middle Eastern country is also known as the Hashemite Kingdom?

6. Larry Lamb played the part of Mick in which TV comedy series?

7. Cassoulet is a rich, slowcooked stew originating from which country?

8. Who composed the music for the ballet The Nutcracker?

9. Who is the only woman tennis player to have won the Wimbledon singles title nine times?

10. In the T.S. Eliot play Murder in the Cathedral, who was the victim?

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.

5. Father to go back for a jumper (4)

7. Wildly funny but violently emotional (10)

8. Cunning way to enter? (4)

9. Not very exciting and lacking drive apparently (10)

12. A cheap sort of native American (6)

13. Article by little sister turned out to be an essay (6)

14. Lying obliquely across, like the French books (6)

16. Regretted that fifty are involved in making a decision (6)

17. Sailor a cheat? Nonsense (10)

20. Small administrative part (4)

21. Not far off earth and an explosion (4,2,4)

22. Stump or catch (4)

QUICK 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.

1. Broken off fragment of potato? (4)

2. Crippling dues not new (4)

3. Her wit could make one squirm (6)

4. Handwriting the words of the TV programme (6)

5. With a facecloth went ahead and flattered (10)

6. Taking place from time to time – at this sort of table? (10)

10. Commentary from the former place (10)

11. Men not starting the singing –that’s charming (10)

15. Menace that is going round about (6)

16. Policeman is a communist international (6)

18. Pull upward (4)

19. He is in a spin (4)

NONAGRAM

(7)

(7)

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines:

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Down – 1 Kindling; 2 Banal; 3 Ultra; 4 Zephyr; 5 Chin; 6 Blossom; 7 Only; 12 Lamb; 13 Both; 15 Bate; 16 Tout; 17

anisette; ante; anti; attest; east; eaten; estate; inset; instate; INTESTATE; nattiest; neat; neatest; nest; nett; saint; sate; sateen; sati; satin; satinette; seat; seitan; senate; sent; sente; seta; sett; site; stain; stat; state; statin; steatite; stein; stent; stet; stint; taint; taste; tattie; tease; teat; teen; tein; tenet; tense; tent; test; testa; testate; tetanise; tian; tine; tinea; tint; tisane; titan.

EQUALISER:

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Kibbutz; 8 Echelon; 9 Non-stop; 10 Honesty; 11 Lullaby; 14 Orb; 16 Toys; 18 Emit; 19 Atom; 20 Garb; 21 Hat; 23 Beatles; 26 Besides; 28 Officer; 29 Trooper; 30 Boldest.

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

row and each column

l

l

l

l

THE FEELING

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Cleeve through to FA Cup Senior quarter finals

By Ben Ware

AFTER an impressive 4-2 victory at the weekend against Fareham Town, Bishops Cleeve took on Fairford Town in the Gloucestershire FA Senior Challenge Cup.

The Mitres were hoping to get over their agonising loss in the tournament last season, when they fell to a 30 defeat at the hands of Bristol Manor Farm. Cleeve were coming off the back of a cup double, with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Willand Rovers and last weekend’s 4-2 win against Fareham securing them a place in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

The Mitres opened the scoring through Harry Lesson in the eighth minute, his shot from the left curling perfectly into the bottom right corner for a wonderful finish from outside the box. Moments later, Cleeve had a second when Curtis Jemmett-Hutson was able to keep possession on the righthand side, crossing the ball into the middle of the box to Ross Langworthy. The Cleeve skipper continued his brilliant goal-scoring streak this season and rose highest

to head home in the tenth minute.

Langworthy made it a brace just seven minutes later, laying off a header to Jack Watts, who was able to beat one of his men but saw his shot blocked. There was no worry, however, as the trusted finisher was behind him, Langworthy thundering the ball home into the bottom right corner.

Cleeve then hit Fairford on

Bishops

the counter, a brilliant through ball from Toby Holland to Lewis Spurrier, seeing the former Malvern man force a good save on the edge of the box, but Langworthy was there behind him to fire home for a 15-minute hat trick.

Although Cleeve were dominating in style, they did concede a free-kick from which the home side pulled a goal back. Danny Way sending a free-kick into the Cleeve wall, but seeing it deflected into the top right

corner, leaving Clayton at a standstill with 36 minutes played.

Cleeve opened the second half with a brilliant one-two between Leeson and Watts, where the former Bristol City man passed it back to the summer signing, his shot from inside the box gliding into the top right corner to make it five after 49 minutes.

The home side were given another chance to pull a goal back, Jake Lee bringing down Harrison Edwards in

League draw for Cleeve at home against Bideford Sport

TOBY Holland’s wonderful chipped strike wasn’t enough for Cleeve to seal three points, but Scott Robinson’s header meant it was a point apiece at the Everyone’s Energy Kayte Lane Stadium on Saturday.

Cleeve had the first chance of the game when Jay Malshanskyj ran in behind the Bideford defence, but the keeper was able to get off his line in time to stop any threat.

Lewis Spurrier came close to a brilliant individual effort and danced through the Bideford team but saw his shot fly just wide.

Malshanskyj ran in behind again when Ross Langworthy’s header was laid off to him perfectly; the attacker was able to get the shot off, but Shaun Semmens kept his cool for the save.

The Mitres took the lead in the 21st minute when Holland ran in towards the Bideford left and produced a brilliant chip over Semmens into the top right corner, very reminiscent of his strike against Fareham last weekend. A Holland free kick was then punched out by Semmens and landed at the feet of Spurrier, who put the ball back in. Matt Liddiard was able to get his head on it and squared it beautifully to Langworthy, however, the striker’s close-range volley went over the bar.

The first chance of the second half came from the visitors when Jamie Hearsay

the box, though Dan Grieve’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Clayton. Fairford did add another when Sol Pryce let fly from just outside the box.

By Billy Taylor

grabbed the ball from 20 yards out and had a go on goal, but Lewis Clayton was comfortable in saving it with both hands. Finn Roberts was Bideford’s man for long throws, and he couldn’t get enough of them, as he put one in towards Hearsay, where he got his head on it, but Langworthy was there to head it away.

Not long after, the Robins got themselves their equaliser when Jack Winsor crossed the ball from the lefthand side, Robinson leaping into the air to put the visitors back in the game. Bideford pressed for a second as a cross in the box led to a scramble which saw Clayton come off his line and push the ball away.

Ben Mclean produced a fine pass to Langworthy, who was in the middle of the box; however, the Robins' defence crowded over the striker to put him off getting his shot away. Winsor had the chance to get the winner when he was open in the box on the right-hand side; the defender tried his luck, but he powered his shot over the bar. Langworthy had the best chance for Cleeve when he had a run into the box, but his feet got tangled up, and the forward wasn’t able to get his shot off, leaving Cleeve with their first league draw of the season.

Clayton thought he had it covered, but it slipped through his hands and in for another consolation. Even with the late goal, Cleeve are through to the quarter-finals, where they will take on Bristol Rovers Development at home with further details to be announced.

Cleeve ladies’ season gets off to a rocky start as they lose to Hartpury

SUNDAY, 28th September

was ‘Ladies Day’ at Kayte Lane, as Bishops Cleeve Ladies started their league campaign against Hartpury at 2pm, and their development side took on Abbeymead Rovers at 4:30pm, hoping to continue their winning start to the season.

In front of a crowd of around 200 Mitres fans there for both games, the heavily rotated first team were shocked as they went behind after 25 seconds. Hartpury, who had already started their push for the Gloucestershire County Women’s League title with three wins in as many games, showed no signs of stopping after their goal from kick-off, as they converted a

By Dan Brian

free kick from distance to double their lead on the fiveminute mark.

Lottie Winter and Leonie Gough found themselves with the ball in the Hartpury penalty area, but neither of them could properly test the keeper. Two saves from Lexi Jones kept the visitors waiting momentarily for a third, but it wasn’t a long delay, as they went 3-0 up in the 12th minute.

An injury to Maddie Belcher meant that things were going from bad to worse for the Mitres, but a Kirsty

Richardson strike not long after coming off the bench gave them a glimmer of hope. As the game crept into the first half’s injury time, the hosts very nearly had the perfect gift to go into halftime with. After bobbling in the area, the ball rolled just in front of Gough, but not close enough for her to get a foot on it and tap it home. Unfortunately, this came back to haunt them, as right before the whistle blew, the visitors scored their fourth, and this ultimately killed any hopes that Bishops Cleeve had of completing their comeback. A fifth and sixth in the 20 minutes that followed the break didn’t help either, and despite a couple of decent

attacks from the makeshift Mitres and a good save from Jones to tip over a dipping shot, Hartpury did find a seventh in the dying embers.

The eyes at Kayte Lane then shifted to the development side, with fingers crossed that they could end Ladies Day on a positive note. Thankfully for those in attendance, Bishops Cleeve took the lead after only five minutes, as a great one-on-one save from the Abbeymead goalkeeper ended up being turned into her own net by their centre-back. The same keeper then made a great double save to keep her side in the game, before conceding a second to the recovered Belle Torrington on

her first start since returning from injury.

Other than a Mitres effort that rattled against the post, the remainder of the first half was quiet. The second 45 started just as the first did, with a Cleeve goal in front of the Kayte Lane crowd. This time it was courtesy of Charley Sercombe, who did well to follow in a rebound after a good stop from a continuously unlucky Abbeymead goalkeeper.

Sercombe doubled her tally quickly after the hour mark, this time taking the ball around the keeper and making no mistake in tapping it into an empty net. With fifteen minutes to go, the visitors pulled one back, but their

little celebrations were quickly halted when their goalkeeper, who had been by far their best player, went down injured in the 85th minute.

When it became clear deep into injury time that both teams’ medical staff weren’t going to be able to get her off the pitch safely quickly enough, the referee called the game early. If the game isn’t to be replayed, Bishops Cleeve Ladies Development’s next game will be against Cheltenham Spa on Sunday, 5th October. As for the first team, they’ll be hoping to get their first league win of the season when they take a trip to Bristol to play Olveston United on the same date.

— Cheltenham football league round-up with Rob Morrison

A MONTH into the season, Cheltenham League Premier Division teams are juggling three competitions - league fixtures, Charities Cup matches, and County Cup games - making for a busy schedule.

As October approaches, Kings are yet to complete a league fixture. Unable to raise a side last time out, they faced Tewkesbury Town Reserves at the weekend as they looked to kick-start their season in the County Cup. The teams could not be separated after 90 minutes as they shared two goals, before Kings moved into the next round courtesy of a penalty shootout win.

Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves and Charlton Rovers were also without a league point and hoping to find success in the County Cup. Sadly neither team made it into the next round. Service were soundly beaten, 5-1 by Stroud United, while Rovers were beaten on penalties by Millwall after a 1-1 draw. In the league the top two teams went head-to-head as Bishops Cleeve A visited Montpellier. Cleeve held a two-point lead going into the fixtures, both teams having played two games. By full time the position remained unchanged after a 1-1 draw.

In the other league game Whaddon United Reserves visited Southside Star. Once again, the teams could not be separated, a 3-3 draw handing Star their first league point of the season.

Debutants Mickleton Rangers have made a flying start to life in Division One and it continued on Saturday as they overcame Leckhampton Rovers 1-0. The win preserved their perfect three-game start - an excellent debut in the division.

While Mickleton edged past Leckhampton, it was a different story for Cheltenham United who hit

Lakeside Reserves for eight without reply. Two wins and two draw for United, the reigning Senior Charities Cup holders, leaves them in second place, a point ahead of Shurdington Rovers, having played a game more. It was also a positive weekend for Winchcombe Town Reserves. A 3-3 draw at Falcons Reserves handed them their first point of the season and moved them

Match report with Pat Cox

above Lakeside and Tewkesbury Town III.

While Town may remain pointless in the league, they progressed to the next round of the County Cup on Saturday after a marathon penalty shoot-out. After drawing 4-4 with Woolaston they went into the hat for the next round after an 1110 shoot-out victory. There was also good news in the County Cup for

Prestbury Rovers. Unlike Town they only needed 90 minutes to progress, beating Ruardean Rangers 3-0 to

keep their cup dream alive. Cheltenham Saracens A’s emphatic start to their Division Two season was given a jolt on Saturday as they were beaten 1-0 by Newton. It was Saracens’ first defeat of the season, although they still top the table on goal difference. For Newton, the victory saw them move into fifth.

Saracens ended the weekend on nine points. It was the same story for Tewkesbury Town Development and Tredworth Tigers III after the two met in Tewkesbury. A 3-0 win for Tigers moved them level on points with their hosts, encouraging for a side that struggled last year.

It was back-to-back defeats for St Johns. After shipping five against Saracens last weekend, their first defeat of the season, they lost again on Saturday, losing 3-2 to AFC Worcester Forge. There was also an impressive win for Bibury Reserves who beat Leckhampton Rovers Reserves 7-1 for their first win of the season.

In the final league game, Whaddon United III and Bishops Cleeve B played out a goalless draw, with both sides earning a point.

Saturday 20 September 2025 Cheltenham Town 0 – Oldham Athletic 3

A COMPLETELY lacklustre performance from the Cheltenham team saw them lose by 3 goals to an Oldham side who could and should have won by more. The scoreline flattered Cheltenham and led to the sacking of manager Michael Flynn.

More than a few players need to look at themselves and ask did I really do my best after this display.

The honest answer from most would be NO!!

Oldham were in charge from the start and hit the post as early as the 4th minute when Michael Mellon’s

effort having beaten Joe Day struck the post.

The writing was on the wall already, the Robins lacked cohesion and work rate.

A rare Cheltenham attack saw an Isaac Hutchinson’s free kick go wide in the 26th minute followed quickly by Ethon Archer firing straight at the keeper. In the 32nd minute Oldham cut through Cheltenham with a flowing move that ended in Luke Hannant hitting the post with Day well beaten. It was only delaying the inevitable. The goal Oldham had

threatened arrived in the 37th minute when the dangerous Donervon Daniels beat Freddy Willcox and delivered a low cross that Jacob Mažionis couldn’t deal with and Will Sutton scored easily.

Half time saw Oldham 1 up with Cheltenham somehow still in the game.

Oldham started the 2nd half attacking and Day was needed in the 48th minute to push a shot around his post.

Cheltenham’s best spell came in the 70th minute when a rare passing move saw an Arkell Jude-Boyd shot pushed around the post

by the underworked Matthew Hudson in the Oldham goal. He was needed again I minute later to save from Liam Kinsella.

Any thoughts of an unlikely comeback were quashed 5 minutes later when James Wilson needlessly fouled Daniels leading to a penalty which Hannant converted sending Day in the wrong direction.

At this point with 15 minutes left it was just how many Oldham would score! With 7 minutes left Oldham substitute Kai Payne should have made it 3 but

fired wide with the goal at his mercy.

It was a short reprieve as in the 89th minute the Robins’ old boy Tom Pett saw his shot parried by Day only for the unmarked Joe Quigley to pounce on the rebound and score.

In the final minute JudeBoyd made a mistake losing the ball on the edge of the area and was grateful Day saved the ensuing shot.

Cheltenham were soundly beaten too easily and offered very little attacking threat. Really missing Jordan Thomas and someone to lead the front line.

Bishops Cleeve v Montpelier

PICTURE: Tim Ryder-Jones

Cotterill is back!

Continued from back page

Cotterill’s most recent managerial stint was for Gloucestershire side Forest Green Rovers, where he failed to bring Rovers back to the Football League.

Known for his organised, disciplined playing style, he is going to come into a chaotic dressing room after the departure of both Director of Football and Manager in recent weeks.

Fans will be excited to see Cotterill back in the dugout, but apprehensive about him tarnishing his legendary status, and also not being equipped to keep Cheltenham in League Two.

In five years previously, Cotterill took Cheltenham from the sixth tier of English football to the third. All of Cheltenham’s success as a football league team was started by Cotterill. He is also responsible for bringing through key players like Michael Duff.

Cheltenham owe so much to Cotterill, and he owes the club nothing, but still he comes back to try and guide his hometown club to safety over 20 years after his last managerial spell.

Cotterill started his career as a youth team player at Cheltenham Town way back in the 1980-81 season and later played for Alvechurch, Burton Albion, Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth. His managerial career started at Sligo Rovers in the Republic of Ireland before returning to Gloucestershire to manage the Robins in 1997.

After five years at the helm,

he has since taken charge of nine other clubs since 2002 including Stoke City, Burnley, Notts County, Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City, Birmingham City, Shrewsbury Town and Forest Green Rovers. He won promotion from League Two as champions with Notts County in 2010 and achieved the double of League One championship and EFL Trophy with Bristol City in season 2014-15.

Cotterill will be in the dugout for his first Cheltenham game in 23 years against Fleetwood Town at the EV Charger Points Stadium on Saturday 4th October, 3pm kick-off.

Cheltenham Town chairman, David Bloxham, said: “I am very pleased to confirm that Steve Cotterill is returning to us as manager.

“Those are words many people never thought they would hear but having held discussions with Steve and his agent over the past few

days, we all believe that the time is right for him to return.

“Steve is a manager with vast experience and a record of success going back many years. I think it's fair to say that we would not be able to attract someone with his record of success unless he wanted the opportunity to rejoin his home-town club and the place where it all began for him.

“I'd like to thank our owner Mike Garlick and my colleagues on the Board for their work towards making this happen. The Club would not have been in a position to appoint Steve without Mike’s full support. I would also like to thank all our supporters for their patience and forbearance in recent times while we have been trying to re-organise the club.

“The directors and former principle shareholders have worked really hard over the past few months to bring new ownership to Cheltenham Town and to re-

,

Terrace

WHERE do I start, Cheltenham Town fans?

talk with Will Alder

structure the football management in order to give us the best chance to improve and move forward.

"We have all been bitterly disappointed by our start to the season but positive action has been taken and there are still a lot of games left for us to turn things around.”

As part of the changes Cotterill will be appointing his own assistant manager with former club captain Aaron Downes stepping down from the role.

“I would like to thank Aaron for his efforts since returning to the club at the start of last season.”

“He is another terrific club man who has worked hard in difficult circumstances and I’m sure he has a good coaching career ahead of him.

“I would now like to appeal to everyone to get behind the new manager and the players, starting with our home match on Saturday. I really believe this can be the start of a new era for our football club.”

Smiths U15s in convincing win over Old Cryptians

Smiths 48 – 17 Old Cryptians (GRFU U15 League A GRFU Boys Development Leagues) Game 1, 28th

Sept

Smiths opened their first league game in style with a dominant win. Overnight rain had left a slightly slippy surface but otherwise conditions were perfect as Smiths welcomed Old Cryptians to the Prince of Wales Stadium.

Monty Faulkner on the charge for Smiths.

Early scores from Jessop and Francis set the tone, although slightly against the run of play with Crypts using strong backs and clever kicks to pin Smiths back for a lot of the first half.

PICTURE: Andy Tiplady

Once Smiths found their

feet, Watkins x2, Hall x2, Heins and Carrel all crossed the line to score in a strong attacking display. Francis & Skelding added valuable conversions to keep the scoreboard ticking. Player of the Match Charlie Jukes was typically strong on both sides of the ball making yards, big shots and important turnovers across the whole match.

Old Crypts replied with a first-half penalty and two tries, but Smiths’ pace and power proved too much as they ran out convincing 48–17 winners.

Coach Sam Cook was pleased with their first

league performance, he said: “Brilliant team effort, won through great defense, some moments of great attack. Crypt played great territory, we need to focus on how we play when we’re under pressure but the future’s bright for these players.”

Smiths’ next league fixture is vs Bredon at Prince of Wales on Sunday 19th October.

You can follow the league results and table herewww.englandrugby.com/fix tures-and-results/searchresults?competition=166&d ivision=68792&season=202 5-2026

Following Director of Football Gary Johnson's resignation, it also came as no surprise to anybody that Michael Flynn’s tenure as the Robins boss also abruptly ended following yet another pathetic display away at Oldham Athletic. I don’t think even the most optimistic of those 88 travelling Cheltenham fans expected us to get absolutely anything from the next long trip up to Grimsby, with Aaron Downes at the helm, but to suffer such a humbling 7-1 defeat was an absolute embarrassment to the football club. This means that we currently find ourselves at perhaps our lowest point in recent memory, with our club on and off the pitch in an absolutely awful situation. Without a manager, sitting bottom of League 2 and a disillusioned fan-base losing faith. We have to go back to the 2014/15 season to remember something so negative. Ironically that season began with six games unbeaten under Mark Yates, but three managers later and an NFL-size roster of players used, we were deservedly relegated to the National League. My worry is that this time around, if something similar were to happen, we likely wouldn’t bounce back so quickly and might find ourselves stuck out of the EFL for a long time. Just ask Yeovil, Carlisle, Hartlepool, Torquay or Morecombe fans how tough those lower leagues can be to get out of. So, where did it all go wrong. Here is my take:

‘Off the pitch’. The way in which our club has been run off the pitch for a long time has quite simply not been good enough. In more recent times, the costcutting decision to hand the reigns to first-time manager Wade Elliott following the success under Michael Duff was a massive mistake, and this was clear and obvious to most of us at the time too, this is not just in hindsight. Despite our next manager Darrell Clarke’s heroics to almost keep us in League 1, a lack of any sort of vision or plan from the same people at the top, led to Clarke walking away. They can say all they want that he wanted to manage at a higher level, but just look where he is managing at the moment, League 2. A lack of finances has

often been blamed by the owners as a barrier to our growth, but what have the leadership of our club (who are in the majority still in situ) done to generate more revenue to allow us to grow? Apart from increase ticket prices and season after season sell all our best players and not reinvest the money back into the playing squad? Our stadium continues to deteriorate and many fans are becoming increasingly disheartened with a lack of a matchday experience. As we know, Mike Garlick has not been in place very long and has spoken of his plans for evolution rather than revolution, but I think a lot of CTFC fans, myself included, think that perhaps revolution might be what is required right now to save our club.

‘On the pitch’. Over the last few seasons, our playing staff has clearly not been good enough. Recruitment over this period has been way below par, with not many signings brought in during this spell becoming a real success for the Robins.

One way in which other clubs with lower end budgets have had success in the lower Leagues is not only keeping their core of better players, but also to make good use of the loan market, and this is something that I have mentioned a number of times that we certainly have not done. Since the 2022/3 season and not including this season, we have brought in approximately 30 loan players, and you can count on one hand the number who you would say had a major impact over the course of a season whilst they were in Gloucestershire (namely; Luke Southwood, Joel Colwill, Sam Stubbs and Caleb Taylor). That is simply not good enough, and once again goes back to poor recruitment.

Under Michael Duff and to some extent Darrel Clarke we had a clear philosophy, but since then we have not, and a lack of organisation, game-plan or any real quality does not equal success on the football pitch. The only glimmer of hope we have at the moment is that we are only 10 games into the season, but there is so much work to do for our new owner and next incoming manager to save Cheltenham Town.

Cheltenham Post

Cotterill returns following Flynn sacking

CHELTENHAM Town have announced the managerial return of Steve Cotterill.

Cotterill rejoins the Robins after previously playing for the club and bringing Cheltenham to the Football League for the very first time as the clubs Manager from 1997-2002.

Cheltenham enjoyed one of the most successful spells in their history under Cotterill. The Cheltenham born 61-year-old worked miracles to bring Cheltenham into the football league, and he’s going to have to

By George Didcote Chief Football Writer

now try and work another miracle as he aims to keep them there having now signed until 2028.

Cheltenham have struggled at the start of the 25/26 season and Cotterill needs to be the man to come in and steady the ship and guide the Robins to safety, but it won’t be easy.

Continued on page 31