Cheltenham Standard 4th September 2014

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www.cheltenhamstandard.co.uk 4 SEPTEMBER 2014 ISSUE 7 Your discerning local weekly newspaper

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GCHQ Protest Fizzles The three-day protest by activists that took take place last weekend at the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) in Cheltenham has been dubbed ‘the protest that never was’

T

HE nine thousand protestors that were expected to arrive for the demonstration in Cheltenham, organised by the We Are Anonymous group never materialised. Instead a few dismal protesters wearing masks were camped out in just three tents. They were supporting a legal challenge by civil liberty groups against the alleged use of mass surveillance programmes by UK intelligence services. The UK government says interception is subject to strict controls. Privacy International and Liberty are among those challenging the

legality of alleged "interception, collection and use of communications" by agencies, at the tribunal. This follows revelations by the former US intelligence analyst Edward Snowden about UK and US surveillance practices. The case which was also brought by Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups centres on the alleged use by UK intelligence and security agencies of a mass surveillance operation called Tempora. The UK government has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of the operation. Continued on Page 2

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Woman attacked in Queens Road A WOMAN who was punched as she fought off a man attempting to sexually assault her has said her martial arts training really came to her rescue.

The woman in her mid-20s was walking on Queens Road at about 2.30am on Sunday when her assailant struck. She said, ‘I’d been out for a night with friends in Cheltenham and was on my way home. I was crossing Queen’s Road when the man just came at me from nowhere. He approached me from the front. I didn’t see him until the last moment so I suppose he must have been in the shadows somewhere’. As the man made to grab the young woman she bravely managed to fight him off when he punched her before she was able to run away. The woman, who wants to remain anonymous said, ‘I have had martial arts training, so I have the technique to be able to defend myself in this kind of situation. I just bolted after he hit me.

I found some help and called the police straight away’. Despite the dreadful attack, the young woman is more

Horrific early morning ordeal for young woman as she is pounced upon concerned about the safety of others in Cheltenham. She commented, ‘the really frightening thing about all of this that he’s still out there. If he attacked someone who didn’t have my martial arts training, perhaps someone who wasn’t so able to defend themselves it could be so much worse’. As it was she was still left with minor injuries. Paul Sutherland from Trojan Free Fighters in Cheltenham commented, ‘this seems to have been an horrendous attack. It’s the very kind of incident that we train and prepare our female members to handle’. He went onto further say,’ it looks very much like her martial arts training kicked in and saved her neck.

I’m very keen that every young girl or lady in the town understands that they need to be aware of their surroundings when they’re out and about, especially late at night. The man police are hunting is described as white, in his late 30s or early 40s, 5ft 8ins - 5ft 9ins

O’Neill’s pub to close it’s doors

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ONE of Cheltenham’s most thriving and popular pubs is set to close.

O’Neill’s, in Montpellier Street, has been the cornerstone of the town’s Irish pub culture for over 20 years. During Race Week it’s a heaving mass of racegoers and revellers. However on October 6, the popular watering hole will close for the last time to begin refurbishment

works for a brand new pub. Not a facelift but a totally new pub. Mitchell and Butler’s, who own O’Neill’s, are planning on changing the brand to London-based Castle. The pub will be re-branded as Harry Cook’s Freehouse, which was in fact its original name around 100 years ago. On September 27, the pub will celebrate its 20th birthday,

“The protest that never was” Continued from cover story...

An ‘Anonymous’ protester was reluctantly willing to speak about their cause but only as long as we kept his identity secret. He told the The Cheltenham Standard, “we are here at GCHQ because they (GCHQ) are totally responsible for crimes that start with breach of privacy and collection of our personal data. He went on to say, ‘my view is that there is a point in having cameras on main shopping streets but they shouldn’t go beyond that. Our presence here is very important.

This is the first protest outside GCQ. Our next step will be to highlight what they are doing

tall, of slim build, bald and wearing a pale blue cotton shirt and dark trousers. Detective Constable Faye Satchwell-Bennett said, ‘this was an unprovoked attack that left the victim extremely distressed and with some physical injuries. Obviously stranger attacks like this are very uncommon so it is concerning. I can reassure the community we are doing everything we can to trace the man responsible but in the meantime we need the public's help. The area is well lit and residential so we're hoping someone may have seen something. If you recognise the man's description or have any information that could be linked to this incident please call us straight away on 101, quoting incident 68 of August 31. We don't want to cause alarm to people in the area but as we would always advise, please do read the personal safety advice at www.gloucestershire.police.uk

and to keep the whole issue in the public eye’. GCHQ have responded by saying that their work is within the rights of the law and continually examined in Parliament. Chief Superintendent Neil Mantle of Gloucestershire Police said, ‘while the policing of the GCHQ was planned and delivered by local police it came under the policing operation for the NATO summit. This meant officers from other forces joined us and were available should an incident take place. Because of the low numbers at the protest we were able to deploy these extra officers across the county and they were of huge benefit in making arrests and defusing

serious incidents right across Gloucestershire throughout the weekend. One of the key objectives of the policing operation for the NATO summit is that there will be no detrimental effect on local policing in the counties affected.

In this case local policing was actually bolstered because of the mutual aid agreement’. He went to finally add, ‘Gloucestershire Police is supporting the policing operation for the NATO summit and also providing officers as part of mutual aid. It is vital to stress that the full cost of the mutual aid provided will be refunded to Gloucestershire Police and we will not incur any financial impact as a result’.

two decades after Gold Cup-winning jockey and racehorse trainer Jonjo O’Neill attended the pub’s opening.

Sarah Williams the Deputy Manager at the establishment for six years, has recently been put in place to close O'Neill's but will remain part of the management of the same 15-strong team headed by Robert Powell.

Cruel burglars ransack home of elderly couple POLICE are appealing for information after a couple in their eighties returned home to discover their bungalow had been ransacked earlier this week. The burglary happened in Selkirk Close in Cheltenham some time between 9pm and 11pm on Monday 1st Sept. A safe containing a large amount of cash and jewellery including nine carat gold diamond rings and a gold Seiko watch were taken by the intruders. House to house and forensic inquiries are continuing but the victims have been left very distressed by the incident and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward straight away.

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area or can help in any way should call 101, quoting incident 557 of September 1.Other residents in the area will be visited by officers offering security advice and reassurance.

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Urgent Humanitarian Aid Required… in Cheltenham?

By JO BETTERIDGE

I

T’S truly shocking that Cheltenham, a conspicuously wealthy town, has pockets of poverty that are below the national average, and that a 2014 report compiled by Public Health England suggests there are in excess of 3,200 children living in poverty here. However, it is heartening to know that Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) is not hiding this particular issue behind a proliferation of Cheltenham in Bloom flower baskets.

They have partnered with a number of agencies to deliver on their 2014 Corporate Strategy that pledges to ‘improve the outcomes for people who rely on the council and the wider public sector’ and to ‘deliver a sustainable quality of life, where people, families, their communities and businesses thrive’. County Community Projects (CPP) Foodshare is just one of the partnership schemes providing an incredibly valuable community resource to fulfil CBC’s ambitious strategy. Alarmingly

reminiscent of humanitarian relief for displaced refugees in war-torn regions, CCP rely on donations from local community groups, companies and individuals to provide food aid parcels for those in dire need far closer to home.

Despite joining forces with a partner Foodshare agency, demand for CCP food aid has doubled over the past year, seeing more than 800 food parcels distributed, and a staggering £100,000 worth of food donated. Whole Foods Market are one of the biggest contributors, providing supported accommodation for the homeless with a much-welcomed daily supply of quality fresh vegetables, dairy, bread and cakes. Poverty is a complex phenomenon caused by being out of work, low paid work and inadequate benefits.

Cllr Rowena Hay, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles, says: ‘Like most towns or cities, Cheltenham has affluent areas and deprived areas. Thankfully, Cheltenham has a fantastic network of community groups who have set up food

banks throughout the deprived areas.

These networks are so important to vulnerable individuals and families who may be experiencing financial difficulty, especially in a tough economic climate.

We are lucky to have such dedicated volunteers from these community groups who help provide such a valuable resource.’ It’s reassuring that the root causes of poverty issues are being tackled in conjunction with aid provision to solve

rather than simply patch up problems.

Ramona Ray, Senior Manager at CCP commented ‘We have a range of services that support people who have been affected by recent changes to welfare and ensure that support is offered to those accessing Foodshare to empower them to take control of their financial issues.’

Charity, as ‘they’ say, begins at home.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/ccprojects/donate.

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CHELTENHAM show a significant increase in housing stock for the first time since the economic downturn began in 2008.

The figures, from the recent publication of the Housing Land Availability study, reveal 430 housing completions within Cheltenham borough for 2013/14.

Of this figure 137 are affordable dwellings due to new housing developments across both the Delancey Hospital redevelopment and the Midwinter allotments sites.

This is a large increase on previous years which saw an historic undersupply of affordable units within the borough. Housing figures for Cheltenham over the recession have not risen above 300 new homes per year. In 2008/09 there were 280 completions; 275 in 2009/10; 136 in 2010/11; only 36 in 2011/12; and 266 for 2012/13. Cllr Pete Jeffries, cabinet member for housing, says: “This is great news for Cheltenham and for our residents. “Since the economic downturn, the housing market has seen a national decrease in dwelling

completions. However this year has seen a significant uplift in the town especially compared with previous years. We must continue to work hard as we know affordable housing and new homes across the town are in high demand.”Tracey Crews, Head of Planning, says: “It is encouraging to see the number of new homes completed, adding to the availability of housing for our growing population. The Council’s planning policy team will continue to work with the development industry to convert permissions granted by the Council into completions helping to meet the housing requirements established by the JCS. ”This year’s Housing Land Availability study is the first to use housing requirement from the emerging Joint Core Strategy (JCS). The JCS, when adopted, will form part of the development plan for Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. The JCS pre-submission publication has now closed and it now awaits submission to the Secretary of State.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 SEPTEMBER 2014

Badgers under threat of another cull G

LOUCESTERSHIRE’S badgers are under threat of death again as more than a thousand of the animals are due to be culled in a new Government-backed imitative to take place next month.

A High Court bid to halt this year's badger culling, which will take place without independent monitoring, has failed. The Badger Trust argued the "controlled shooting" in Gloucestershire and Somerset should only take place with independent observers overseeing it.

Defra lawyers said the monitoring was only intended to run in the first year.

Dominic Dyer, of The Badger Trust, said the group was "considering its options" following the ruling. Mr Dyer called on Environment Secretary Liz Truss to halt the culls or reinstate monitoring. He added the High Court ruling "does not detract from the serious public concerns over the continuation of the cull".'Changes made' A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) spokeswoman said: "We are pleased that the judge has found in our favour. "We have always been clear that the independent expert panel's role was to oversee the six-week pilots in the first year of the culls only. "This year we have made changes to monitor effectiveness and humaneness and the culls will be independently audited." Defra is testing whether the shooting method can be rolled out to other parts of the country to tackle tuberculosis in cattle. The government and farmers insist that culling is necessary to tackle TB in livestock. More than 26,000 cattle were slaughtered in England last year because of the problem. But opponents say it is inhumane and ineffective, and alternatives such as vaccination should be pursued. Mr Justice Kenneth Parker, sitting in London, dismissed the application for a judicial review of the cull, due to start its second of four years this autumn. 'Moving goalposts' David Wolfe QC, appearing for The Badger Trust, argued that Defra had not simply "moved the goalposts" but was also "sacking the referee". But the judge said he rejected the claims that a legitimate expectation had arisen of independent monitoring. The trust was ordered to pay £10,000 towards Defra's legal costs. It can still ask the appeal court to hear the case. Last year, an independent panel said controlled shooting could not deliver the level of culling needed to bring about a reduction in bovine TB and was not humane. The 2013 cull saw 921 badgers killed in Gloucestershire and 940 in Somerset. This year, the minimum number of badgers to be culled is just under 1,000. The maximum number of badgers that can be culled has been set at

1,091 in Gloucestershire and 785 in Somerset. Nine hundred and twenty-one badgers were killed in the county during the first cull last year and now Natural England has given the go ahead for up to 1,091 to die in the second shooting operation which is due to begin this month Confirmation of the new cull, part of an attempt by the Government and Natural England to stop the spread of TB to cattle, was described by opponents to the scheme in Gloucestershire as “disastrous”. “The new licence has confirmed that the shooters are allowed to kill 1,091 badgers in the county, 170 more than was shot last year," said Jeanne Berry of Gloucestershire against Badger Shooting (GABS).

“We are appalled that despite all the science showing that culling badgers is not a solution to bovine TB the Government is refusing to listen to reason.

“Last year’s cull was seen to be disastrous. It was judged to be inhumane and ineffective by the government's own independent panel. In response they are only intending to oversee five per cent of the badgers as they are shot so that no meaningful evaluation can take place at the end of the cull.

“This seems to be a cynical attempt to once again pull the wool over the public's eyes. The latest Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) figures show bovine TB in the UK at its lowest level for 14 years, dropping rapidly in the last four years. The success of the vaccination and cattle control scheme in Wales has shown that BTB can be tackled without culling badgers. “This announcement means that GABS will now mobilise its supporters to get ready to go out, act within the law and look for wounded badgers during the cull. Once again, our numbers are growing daily."

Natural England announced on Tuesday that it intends to kill at least 615 badgers in Gloucestershire and 316 in Somerset this year. In 2013, 921 badgers were killed in Gloucestershire and 940 in Somerset. The maximum number of badgers that can be culled this year has been set at 1,091 in Gloucestershire and 785 in Somerset. The companies carrying out the cull have not stated when the new cull will start. Defra’s current estimate of the badger population is Gloucestershire is 1,904 and in Somerset 1,876. The current plan is for culling to be carried out for four years with the aim of wiping out 70 per cent of the population to test how effective, humane and safe it can be.

Government ministers and the National Farmers' Union believe culling badgers will curb TB in cattle. Opponents say shooting the animals is ineffective and inhumane. The stalemate continues.

Booze theft POLICE have now released CCTV images of two men they wish to speak to in connection with theft by shoplifting at an off-licence in Edinburgh Place Cheltenham. The theft took place on 18 July shortly after 8 pm. Two unknown males entered the store, appear to have stolen some bottles of wine and left the store,

making no attempt to pay and leaving the scene on bicycles. One suspect was of small build, white, wearing a cap, check shirt, jeans, and carrying a shopping bag. The other was wearing an Adidas cap, blue shirt and jeans.

They are believed to be in their teens or early 20s. Anyone who recognises these males or has information about this incident is asked to call Gloucestershire Police on 101, quoting Crime Reference 16267/14.

Man in random stab attack A 48 YEAR OLD MAN from Southampton has suffered a 5 cm stab wound to his chest after walking back to a friend's home in Cheltenham after a night out in the town. The incident happened in Hewlett Place, Cheltenham, between 3 am and 5.15 am on Thursday 28th August 2014.

The man had been out with friends in town and became separated from the group as they were walking back to the property in Priory Street. As he was walking along Hewlett Place, alone

towards Priory Street, another man walking in the opposite direction is believed to have pushed him. When the victim arrived home his friend noticed he had blood on his shirt. It was then the man discovered a stab wound to his chest and a cut to his hand. The man received hospital treatment at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Please call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101 and quote incident number 44.

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Twisted ankle ruins UK run for local man A TWISTED Ankle suffered while filming a video selfie has caused endurance adventurer Sean Conway to abandon his Length of Britain run.

Last year Mr Conway swam from Lands End to John O'Groats, via Ireland, over four and a half months.

He started running from John O'Groats on 9 August and aimed to reach Lands End around 20 September.

The “embarrassing” fall led to more serious injuries which prevented the 33-year-old from running further. 'Bad terrain' Mr Conway, who is from Cheltenham, said: “I was doing a video selfie and I was just running along and I tripped up on a rock and slightly injured my ankle.

“But it really wasn't a serious injury at all - I was stretching and it was okay so I carried on running.

“Over the next few days with my ankle being injured and my knees taking over, some bad terrain and camber issues on the side of the road,

all added to pressure building on my knees.”

He said after taking medical advice, he took it easy but another fall 10 days later ended his chances.

Mr Conway tried to take as many offroad trails as possible during his running challenge 'Difficult conditions' “I went one way, my knee went the other way and unfortunately at that moment I knew it was going to be game over with that immediate pain in my knee.” Mr Conway was running unaided describing conditions as difficult with lots of midges and wet rocky trails to run along. He took a route along the north coast and got as far as Loch Ness having covered more than 200 miles when the run was abandoned. The athlete has also previously cycled the length of Britain. He has raised £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

Despite the fall, he said he would not have done anything differently.

He plans to try again next May to continue his fundraising efforts.

Batman to the rescue?

A fathers’ rights campaigner who climbed the walls of Buckingham Palace dressed as Batman has indicated more stunts are in the pipeline to raise awareness.

Ten years ago next week, Jason Hatch from Cheltenham staged a protest on the walls of the Queen’s house in London where he remained standing on a ledge for many hours Although the Mr Hatch was part of Fathers 4 Justice at the time, he was arrested as soon as he came down and later released without charge Shortly after the Buckingham

Palace escapade, Mr Hatch left Fathers 4 Justice but he is now involved with a splinter group. Despite having access to his children, Mr Hatch, 43, says he will climb back into his superhero suit one more time for more publicity stunts on behalf of fathers who are denied the right to see their children.

He commented, ‘I decided to leave Fathers 4 Justice a couple of years ago because unhappy with the way it was being run. He went to add, ‘but I’m supporting New Fathers 4 Justice and we’re planning some new stunts and protests’. He declined to give further details on any new stunts planned. The

Helicopter rescue for fallen climber A CLIMBER from Cheltenham who fell at a Pembrokeshire cliff was airlifted to hospital by a helicopter crew which had to respond to another emergency on the way.

Milford Haven coastguard said a 39-yearold man from Cheltenham fell up to 15m (50 ft) at St Govan's Head. Three coastguard rescuers made their way down to him while they waited for the RAF helicopter to arrive.

The aircraft was diverted to Tenby after a man collapsed. Both men were flown to Swansea's Morriston Hospital. Coastguards said the alert began at about 12:30 BST on Sunday with a call from a group of climbers saying one had fallen. Tenby and St Govan

painter and decorator now resides in Wiltshire, but is planning on returning to Cheltenham where one of his children, a 10-year-old daughter, lives. Some groups have criticised campaigners like Mr Hatch and Fathers 4 Justice for being just publicity seekers and more concerned with the rights of fathers than the wellbeing of their children.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire police declined to make any comment.

coastguard rescue teams were sent to the cliffs at St Govan, which are popular with climbers. Three team members dropped down to the climber whose fall had been partly checked by his ropes but who was suffering chest injuries. A coastguard spokesman said the rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor in Devon was passing over Tenby when it had the call to say a 70-yearold man had collapsed on the beach there.

The Tenby RNLI inshore lifeboat crew and beach lifeguards gave the collapsed man resuscitation treatment, he said. The man was flown to hospital before the helicopter returned to the area to rescue the fallen climber.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 SEPTEMBER 2014

Winston’s Wish mascot Winston Bear takes on the ice bucket challenge!

Cycle to Work ACTIVE GLOUCESTERSHIRE, a local charity that aims to increase the amount of sport and physical activity in the county, are encouraging employees around the county to celebrate their commute to work and take to two wheels on Thursday 4th September 2014. Cycle to Work Day is a national event, championed by multi gold medal winning Paralympic cyclist, Dame Sarah Storey, which aims to encourage everyone to take to two wheels and cycle to work for just one day on Thursday 4th September 2014.

According the census data, 760,000 people in the UK cycle to work regularly - this number keeps growing steadily, but with Cycle to Work Day's help we are aiming to make those numbers skyrocket this year and beyond! By 2021, we hope to see 1 million people regularly commuting to work by bike.

Last years event saw a Herculean effort from the 20,000 commuters who hit the streets and cycled over a quarter of a million miles on Cycle to Work Day.

This year we want to double the number of budding commuters saddling up and achieve (at least) half a million miles pledged! For this to happen, we need your help. Here are some of the ways you can make a difference.

Jamie Gordon, Active Gloucestershire's marketing and communications officer, regularly commutes by bicycle said: "I have always loved cycling ever since I was a child, however it was difficult for me to find the time in the evenings to take part. I started commuting to work on my bike a few months ago and haven't looked back since. It is a great opportunity not only to stay fit, but also means that you can contribute to easing congestion and carbon emissions. I hope people are able to use this day to become inspired to take up cycling on a more regular basis."

To find out more about cycle to work day, please visit: www.cycletoworkday.org

WINSTON’S WISH, the leading childhood bereavement charity in the UK, has soaked their mascot Winston Bear with ice-cold water as part of the world-famous ice bucket charity challenge. Winston Bear’s challenge is the latest creative video as part of the online craze, which sees participants receive a soaking, then pass on nominations to friends and family to repeat the challenge, all in aid of charity. The campaign was initiated by ALS Association, a motor neurone disease charity, and in recent days has expanded with many people donating to a charitable cause close to their heart.

Gemma Harris, Digital Media Officer for Winston's Wish, said: “We are thrilled that so many of our supporters have chosen to donate their #icebucketchallenge to Winston’s Wish and it has been great fun getting Winston Bear involved. Being part of a high profile social media campaign can really help us to raise awareness of the services that we offer so that we can reach more bereaved children who could benefit from our support”.

Winston’s Wish helps children rebuild their lives after the death of a parent, brother or sister, enabling them to face the future with confidence and hope.

Professional therapeutic help is provided in individual, group and

residential settings, and via a national Helpline, interactive website and publications.

Winston Bear has passed on the ice bucket nominations to fellow mascots Rodney Robin (Cheltenham Town FC), The Nando’s Chicken (Cheltenham Nando’s) and Hero Bear (Help For Heroes). Careful those mascot suits don’t shrink! Thanks to generous funding from Help for Heroes, Winston’s Wish is able to offer specialist support to bereaved children from military families across the UK.

Ticket demand for Literature Festival goes sky high A STELLAR LINE-UP of some of the biggest stars of stage and screen guaranteed there would be huge demand for tickets at the 2014 Cheltenham Literature Festival. But even the organisers admit they’re astounded at the level of interest in this year’s event after a record- breaking first day of sales.

The box office opened to festival members on Tuesday last week and a staggering 15,000 tickets were sold in the first hour of sales alone, surpassing last year’s total by 3,000.By the end of the day more than 40,000 tickets had been bought. This year’s line-up

includes Dame Judi Dench, John Cleese, Hilary Mantel and Damian Lewis among many others. Chris Pearson, director of marketing at Cheltenham Festivals commented, “We’re delighted with how the first day of sales has gone. “The festival programme is so strong that the pressure on the first day of sales was always going to be incredibly high and our upgraded online box office systems coped with the demand admirably, as members will testify. “The festivals bring Cheltenham alive, making it an internationally renowned cultural destination’’. The literature festival will run from

October 3 – 12. This year’s programme is led by guest directors Shami Chakrabarti, Omid Djalili, Amit Chaudhuri, Sophie Hannah and Michael Rosen. The theme for this year is Brave New Worlds and it will see events asking big questions like: Is democracy at risk? Is technology changing our brains? What does the next century hold? Speakers include; Will Self, Caitlin Moran, India Knight, Camila Batmanghelidjh, Russell Kane and Educating Essex’s Stephen Drew. There will be more than 500 events in total touching on everything from history to politics, food to fashion.

Paul Merton

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ON MY

Soapbox

By COUNCILLOR KLARA SUDBURY

Fighting Fit In light of recent attacks on women in Cheltenham, the ability to recognise and prevent a potentially violent encounter – using physical force as a last resort – could be life saving

By JO BETTERIDGE THE Active Krav Maga (AKM) club’s free workshop will give Cheltenham women a fighting chance to do just that. Developed in the Israeli military and still relatively unknown in the UK, Krav Maga is so effective and easy to learn that it has been adopted by law enforcement and military agencies worldwide. Focussing on defence from real attacks, its techniques are based on natural reactions and do not require great strength, flexibility or years of training for proficiency. And judo-style pyjamas are definitely not on the agenda.

Anna Surowiec, Chief Instructor/Head of AKM explains, ‘Training is particularly useful for women; AKM offers a range of non-violent techniques as well as strong defence methods, and increases confidence.

We have members of all ages and from all walks of life. Our club emphasises the importance of a friendly atmosphere with regular social events and activities to compliment training.’ 21-year-old Krav Maga student Katy agrees: ‘Krav Maga teaches you that you don’t have to be big or physically strong to be able to defend yourself. I know that if I am in a dangerous situation, it doesn't matter that I am smaller, I now know I can defend myself.’

Whilst traditional self-defence methods are unchanged art forms dating back thousands of years, Krav Maga is constantly tested and modified to provide the most effective techniques for today’s problems.

Krav Maga workshop: Cheltenham Ladies College Sports Centre, 10am-12pm, Saturday 6th September. Booking required: www.activekravmaga.co.uk/M-power

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LET’S take this chance to paws for thought We are a nation of animal lovers.

There are few other things that rouse our sense of injustice more than animal cruelty. When it comes to dogs, there are good reasons why they are known as Man’s Best Friend. All the more reason for local politicians and council officers to realise that making changes to the way stray animals are dealt with in Cheltenham could be highly sensitive, you might conclude.

Indeed this very thought crossed my mind when I read a recent Facebook post by the Cheltenham Animal Shelter. The post outlined that Cheltenham Borough Council had made the decision not to use our local and much loved animal shelter to house stray animals any more. The Facebook post was the first I had heard about it even though I am a local Councillor. Numerous enquiries later and I have to say some of it is

still as clear as mud. The Council say they were paying the Animal Shelter for four kennel spaces for strays but these were not always available and strays were often being sent elsewhere. The Animal Shelter says they weren’t consulted about the planned changes. Others say this is not the case and the shelter was fully aware of the issues and the need to resolve them.There is now a three month trial with Worcestershire Regulatory Services who will have responsibility for kennelling stray animals. Then I understand there will be a tendering process to find a permanent provider of this service.

During this time council decision makers should reflect on just how much local people value our animal shelter as well as the benefit of keeping this service as local as possible. And if they could also keep their own councillors informed of such important decisions it would make a nice change.

‘Book Bank’ needs your help A free 'book bank' scheme to help encourage families to read at home is asking for members of the public to donate suitable children’s books as well as books aimed at teenagers in order for it to expand into secondary schools.

The book bank scheme has been running at a number of primary schools since April 2013 and has been really successful in helping give families more opportunities to read at home. The book bank scheme relies on donations from the community and aims to give all families access to fiction and non fictions books for all ages. Families will be able to keep the books that they love and return the ones they do not want to keep, along with other books from home

Unit 2, Morrisons Centre, Caernarvon Road, Up Hatherley, Cheltenham GL51 3BW

Valid Until 30th September *Terms and conditions apply, ask in store for details. The Kodak trademark and trade dress are used under license from Kodak.

they no longer need. The initiative is part of the Inspiring Families project which co-ordinates services for children, young people and their families within their own communities. Ami Lavery, Inspiring Families project officer, says: “This project has been really successful in helping families to enjoy spending time together reading at home. We’d like to thank all those who have donated books, and all the organisations that are taking part in the scheme.

People looking to make donations can contact inspiringfamilies@cheltenham.gov.uk , or visit their facebook page facebook.com/InspiringFamilieschelt or twitter page @IFamilieschelt

Phone today to book an appointment

01242 504800

M O N D AY

O PEN IN G -

T IMES

T H U R S D AY - F R I D AY 9PM - 3AM S AT U R D AY U N T I L 4 A M

4 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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BUSINESS EditorsDESK

P

AVEMENTS aren’t for cyclists. Fact.

The word pavement comes from the Latin Pavimentum (walkway) and I don’t recall the Romans trundling around on bikes. The amount of cyclists riding around on the pavements in this town is getting beyond a joke. I get cycling, I really do. I fully support the green benefits and fitness attributes behind it. If the World was full of cyclists instead of C02 emitting cars then I’m positive it would be a much better place. But it isn’t. At the moment as a pedestrian we’re treated as second class citizens and to be honest the bikes on the pavement issue is akin to wasps; annoying and you can’t get rid of them. It’s all very well for the two-wheeled plastic crash hat mob to weave in and around the lowly pedestrians, but what about the inherent danger to us? Only just recently a Government Minister said bike riders who go onto the pavement to avoid difficult or dangerous stretches of road shouldn’t be penalised by the police. However cycle campaigners in Cheltenham, who acknowledge there may sometimes be a reason to do so say that the best place for cyclists is on the road. John Mallows, chairman of the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Cycle campaign said that while cyclists often think they are safer on the pavement; that’s quite often not the case. “I would add that for children under 10 and the very old and slow, it’s understandable that they would prefer to ride on the pavement. And I think we would want the police to turn a blind eye in these instances. We’d call for enforcement to be sensible. But we do think cyclists should be on the road’’.Hurrah, some sense at last.

And incidentally have you seen some these individuals? They’ve got the helmet, the gloves, and the go faster body- hugging Lycra and yet still persist on flitting along on the pavements. Get back on the road. It smacks of downright cowardice that these cyclists aren’t prepared to get on the road with the other adults. I fully support young children or the elderly being cut some slack on this, but full grown adult men?

‘Oooh I might get run over if I cycle out there’. Well don’t cycle out there. And don’t cycle on the pavement either. Here’s an idea; give up cycling and get a car or walk. It’s whimpish beyond belief. If you want to cycle then get on the road. Quite simply cycling on the pavement is against the law and while children under 10 aren’t exempt, they are under the age of criminal responsibility and cannot be fined for doing so. Hmm., come on you local Bobbies and CSO’s get a grip on this menace. I for one purposefully try and make myself as ‘wide as possible’ (which doesn’t involve eating too many pies) in an attempt to make it difficult for them to pass on the pavement. Again I say. ‘Get back on the road where you belong’ I must drop the Tour de France organisers a note and see if we can’t get a ‘pavement section’ set up as a part of the race. I can just see the peloton being awarded extra points for annoying the hell out of pedestrians. Perhaps not!

Eric Barton, Editor

Got a comment?

Contact us at editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

CHALKTALK

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cheltenham gets vocal....

Rub salt into the wound “O VER the next 25 years I am sure that Gloucester will overtake Cheltenham on a number of criteria. We will carry on going up, Cheltenham will fall behind.” So said Richard Graham, the energetic and businessminded MP for Gloucester in an interview last month with the Citizen. Now, let’s not be utterly naïve here. What MPs say about the prospects for their constituencies has to be taken with a pinch of salt. Promises of a bright future are virtually guaranteed. But the language used on this occasion was striking. And for those like me who are hugely proud of our town, it raised a real concern. People in Cheltenham have told me about the sense of energy and dynamism they see coming out of Gloucester. But does that impression reflect reality? Is Gloucester really stealing a march on our town? One important indicator is private investment. In recent years Gloucester has secured a massive £460 million for Gloucester Quays, with an additional £34 million for the derelict Railway Triangle. Plans are also afoot to spend £60 million on the upgrade of King’s Quarter. All in all, Gloucester City Council have exceeded their private investment target of £500 million. It appears there is more to come.

The position in Cheltenham is, by comparison, rather more modest. Even taking into account the investment due in phase 2 of the Brewery scheme and the revamp of the old Odeon site, the overall

figures are pretty small compared to Gloucester.

And to rub salt into the wounds, Gloucester beat Cheltenham to secure £2m for railway station improvements. Cheltenham was in the running, but had its bid rejected. Statistics don’t always give the full picture of course. Let’s not forget that Gloucester is (with all due respect) starting from a lower economic base. Cheltenham still remains overall a competitive place to do business, and we have a far higher proportion of citizens educated to high levels.But the signs are that that the old order may be changing. According to the Centre for International Competitiveness, in 2013 Cheltenham dropped seven places in the UK scale.

Gloucester, by comparison, jumped by 24 places.

Perhaps more worryingly, 229 Cheltenham companies closed in the first quarter of 2014, compared to just 126 in Gloucester. So, whilst there is no need for panic, I think the figures overall make sobering reading. They suggest that Gloucester’s leaders may have a point. If we are going to stop Cheltenham falling behind we need a clear economic vision, and one which prioritises investment and employment opportunities. Over the coming months I will be fleshing out my economic vision for Cheltenham. It will be unashamedly ambitious. I believe it needs to be.

Mark Twain once stated “If you stand still you fall behind.” Wise words that we would do well to heed.

Cheltenham says farewell to Montpellier stalwart AFTER five years of putting summer style into the wardrobes of women across Cheltenham Vérité Louise is to close its doors, but not forever.

Vérité Louise has been trading in Cheltenham’s glamorous Montpellier for five years supplying some of the best and most luxurious swimwear, beach and spa accessories. She has now decided to leave the area due to the success of their online business and is now looking for bigger premises either in the town or in the surrounding area to combine both a high street presence and have an area big enough to hold stock for the award winning store. Owner Verity Symcox, who also owns the

lingerie boutique KnickerBockers in Nailsworth, and is also head of the Nailsworth Chamber of Commerce, says that closing the doors of Vérité Louise is not the end of the road, simply saying, ‘it’s the beginning of a new challenge and is something we have been considering since last year,” Verity explained, ‘the high street is not dead and I firmly believe that’. She went on to comment, ‘it is important in this day and age to explore all new avenues and the website is just one of the developments we will be expanding.

Cheltenham Standard is published weekly by Paul.Bates Publishing Ltd is registered at Suite 104, Cheltenham Eagle Tower, Montpellier Drive, Cheltenham, GL50 1TA. Reproduction of any material, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, Paul.Bates Publishing Ltd will not accept liability for loss or damage. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor publisher accepts responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. All rights reserved. ISSN no. 2055-2092. Terms and conditions at www.cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 SEPTEMBER 2014

HEALTH&LIFESTYLE

ThePulse Surging through the veins of Cheltenham Life

By JO BETTERIDGE

Back to School Bliss?

THE long-awaited first day of term has arrived. School-run chaos reigns once more on the pot-hole pocked roads of The ‘Nam. So how many back to school resolutions have you broken thus far? My tally is truly impressive.

• Healthy tea at table: Hotdog TV dinner (but lunch was healthy, honest.)

• Bath = tattoos scrubbed off, nail polish removed, holiday braid severed (leaving ridiculous tuft). Tick!

• Hair wash: Done. Bath time clearly my forte.

• Early night: Err, what time is a sixyear-old supposed to go to bed anyway?

• Smart new uniform: Ironed (result, no frantic scramble through ironing pile), but not yet labelled (they fall off anyway) and features scruffy old cardigan as new one left at Daddy’s.

Fighting Fit IN light of recent attacks on women in Cheltenham, the ability to recognise and prevent a potentially violent encounter using physical force as a last resort could be life-saving. The Active Krav Maga (AKM) club’s free workshop will give Cheltenham women a fighting chance to do just that.

Developed in the Israeli military and still relatively unknown in the UK, Krav Maga is so effective and easy to learn that it has been adopted by law enforcement and military agencies worldwide. Focussing on defence from real attacks, its techniques are based on natural reactions and do not require great strength, flexibility or years of training for proficiency. And judo-style pyjamas are definitely not on the agenda. Anna Surowiec, Chief Instructor/Head of AKM explains, ‘Training is particularly useful for women; AKM offers a range of non-

• Calm and controlled: Epic fail.

Fevered screaming at child to hurry up, eat breakfast, get dressed, clean teeth, etc.

• Healthy breakfast: Forgot to shop, improvised with leftover hotdog roll and marmite. Which has vitamins so that’s a tick in my book.

• Fashion neat hair bun: Impatiently tug knotty hair into ponytail whilst ignoring screaming, writhing and demands to go live with Daddy as he doesn’t insist on hair-brushing.

• Walk to school enjoying exercise and fresh air: Mad scramble into car with three minutes to spare.

• Be on time: Called into Tesco as forgot playtime snack, so ten minutes late. Cue tears. From both of us.

And don’t get me started on the after school ‘do your homework’ palaver.

Roll on half term...

violent techniques as well as strong defence methods, and increases confidence. We have members of all ages and from all walks of life. Our club emphasises the importance of a friendly atmosphere with regular social events and activities to compliment training.’ 21-year-old Krav Maga student Katy agrees: ‘Krav Maga teaches you that you don’t have to be big or physically strong to be able to defend yourself. I know that if I am in a dangerous situation, it doesn't matter that I am smaller, I now know I can defend myself.’ Whilst traditional self-defence methods are unchanged art forms dating back thousands of years, Krav Maga is constantly tested and modified to provide the most effective techniques for today’s problems.

Krav Maga workshop: Cheltenham Ladies College Sports Centre, 10am-12pm, Saturday 6th September.

Booking required: www.activekravmaga.co.uk/M-power

HIPS& LIPS

Your essential guide to staying healthy and enjoying the best life has to offer

By NATALIE NEALE

Liver Love HANDS UP if you’ve been enjoying a bit too much of the devil’s brew this summer?

Well don’t think you’re on your own because most of the people I’ve spoken to recently are feeling the same. It’s time to reign it back in folks after a summer of partying, and it seems to be the end of the school holidays that has become the bench mark for the start of a health kick, myself included. So along with the change of diet, increase in exercise, and a vow of abstinence from wine, I’m going to give my liver some love because we are no longer friends. The liver is one of the largest organs in our body, and amongst its other functions, is the one that’s responsible for removing harmful substances and toxins from our body. Diseases of the liver such as cirrhosis or alcoholic liver disease (to name a couple) occur when the liver has been overly subjected to toxins that then cause scarring or a degeneration in tissue.

Subsequently liver function is reduced.

With a brief understanding of the liver, and some nerdy research in books and online, my shopping list to rejuvenate my liver consisted of the following; Milk Thistle, Nettle Tea, Artichoke extract and basically any other pill or potion that stated “liver” and “detox” in the same sentence.

MILK THISTLE (same group of flowers as the daisy).

Milk Thistle has long been used as a liver detox, and has been used in human studies both in the UK and US. It’s been reported that not only can milk thistle protect the liver from toxins but it can also slow down the progression of liver cirrhosis. Happy days. It comes as a once a day, easy to swallow capsule, and I can already hear my liver thanking me. This really couldn’t be easier.

NETTLE TEA Nettle tea is recognised as a liver and kidney cleanser with its high mineral content, and isn’t as hard to consume as some may think. Its relatively tasteless (think grassy boiling water) and by the time you’ve consumed five cups whilst reminding yourself of the benefits, you’ll be well adjusted! Like myself if you’d rather

not prolong the torture then I found leaving the tea to cool and drinking it straight down the best solution. Onwards and upwards to give your liver that spring clean by drinking as many cups as humanly possible in a day. Lastly, and to avoid bankrupting myself by purchasing the million products that do actually state “liver” “detox” or “health”, I stumbled upon “Liverel”, a product which claims to contain all the advised herbs, extracts, antioxidants and vitamins recommended for liver health (in addition to those I’ve stated above).

Everything you supposedly need to sustain liver health in two not-so-easy to take tablets. I’ll be honest, I struggled. The tablets are enormous, took what felt like a lifetime to swallow, and to any onlooker would have been an unsightly process.

From my personal experience these tablets need to be taken with a large amount of water and in private (unless of course your partner finds you gagging particularly attractive). Furthermore if you wish to avoid a post-ingestion regurgitation then take with them with food. All the ingredients for my detox were easily found in Holland & Barrett in Regents arcade, and of course there are other health food stores and chemists within Cheltenham that stock similar products. That little lot cost me around £40.00, and a week later it’s fair to say I’m feeling pretty good. I’m pleased to say my liver and I are friends again…until next time!

SOME LOCAL DEALS AND PROMOTIONS AT A GLANCE....

Amazon Local @https://local.amazon.co.uk/Gloucester • Spa day with two treatments at Cheltenham Park Hotel in Cheltenham from £35.00 Groupon @http://www.groupon.co.uk/browse/ Gloucestershire • Laser teeth whitening @ Smileright in Cheltenham – £99.00 • Thomas Callaghans Bootcamp in Cheltenham from £15.00 • 6 gym passes at Trimnasium in Cheltenham – £6.00

4 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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CULTURE PAM AYRES Pam Ayres brings her latest show to the Everyman, following the recent publication of her new book of poetry, ‘You Made Me Late Again’ Pam Ayres’ work is funny and approachable. It sounds simple, as though dashed off in a hurry but this is nicely deceptive piece of writing. Her hair-trigger timing, her eye for the detail of everyday life and for the absurdity therein, makes for an art that hides art Pam has been a writer, broadcaster and entertainer for over 35 years, following her TV debut on the talent show Opportunity Knocks. She has sold millions of books, record albums, CDs and DVDs. For the past 15 years she has been a regular on BBC Radio, on such programmes as Just A Minute; Quote Unquote; Loose Ends and three series of her own Ayres on The Air. On TV Pam has recently been seen on The One Show; Paul O’Grady; Countdown and QI. Pam is also Patron of the Everyman Theatre Association (ETA) and is performing two shows at the Everyman next month, as part of the Hobgoblin Cheltenham Comedy Festival.

Sit back, relax and be prepared to be entertained.

PAM AYRES Everyman Theatre Cheltenham, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ Sunday 14th & Monday 15th September, 7.45pm All tickets £24.50 & £29.50 available from the Box Office on 01242 572573 or online at www.everymantheatre.org.uk

THE GRUFFALO COMES TO CHELTENHAM Tall Stories return to the Everyman Theatre with their hit musical stage adaptation of the award-winning picture

book by Julia Donaldson with illustrations

by Axel Scheffler. Meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maracashaking, party mad snake! Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined?

The Gruffalo is the perfect family treat with plenty of songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and upwards and their grown-ups!

THE GRUFFALO Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ Tuesday 16th September (1.30pm & 4.30pm) and Wednesday 17th September (10.30am & 1.30pm) Tickets: Adults £12, children £10 (Family Ticket: 2 adults, 2 children £40) available from the Box Office on 01242 572573 or online at www.everymantheatre.org.uk

of an Author; King Lear; Medea, Romeo and Juliet, The Seagull and Spring Awakening. This co-production previously enjoyed a national tour in 2013 and also had seven weeks at the Almeida Theatre in London, followed by a West End run. This is a remarkable, spinetingling new adaptation, created by Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan. The production runs straight through (at 101 minutes) without an interval and contains scenes of torture and is suitable for ages 14 and up. It’s a must see!

1984 Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ Tuesday 23rd – Saturday 27th September Eves: 7.45pm. Matinees: Thu & Sat 2pm Tickets: £13 – £28 available from the Box Office on 01242 572573 or online at www.everymantheatre.org.uk

EVERYMAN THEATRE ANNOUNCES PANTO LINE–UP… OH YES THEY DID!

GEORGE ORWELL’S CLASSIC NOVEL, 1984, COMES TO THE EVERYMAN! It is April 1984, at 1pm Comrade 6079, Winston Smith, thinks a thought, starts a diary and then falls in love. But Big Brother is always watching and the door to Room 101 can swing open in the blink of an eye. The iconic and definitive book of the 20th century is re-examined in this radical new staging, exploring surveillance, identity and why Orwell’s vision of the future is as relevant now as ever. The theatre company Headlong continues to interrogate our most important cultural texts, following productions of Six Characters in Search

COMPETITION Thanks to our friends at The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham you could Win one of three pairs of tickets for George Orwell’s classic novel ‘1984’ now adapted as a play for the Friday 26th performance.

To go into our free to enter draw to win a pair of tickets just answer this question....

Everybody’s favourite clown Tweedy was at The Everyman Theatre last month to launch this year’s annual Christmas pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. This will be his third panto for the Cheltenham theatre.

Alongside Tweedy will be many familiar faces, including William Elliott as the Dame, Kelli Maybank as Prince Charming, and Wendy Abrahams as the Good Fairy.

New faces this year include Eleanor Brown, who will make her Everyman Theatre debut, starring as Sleeping Beauty. This was Eleanor’s first visit to Cheltenham and she spent the day at the theatre, trying on costumes and having pictures taken for publicity. Geoffrey Rowe, Chief Executive commented, “Eleanor was picked from over 25 hopeful young actresses for the part. She looks great, sings like a dream and was by far the best. I’m sure she is going to be a superb addition to this year’s pantomime and I’m delighted to welcome her to the Everyman. I know it seems crazy to be

Q. Which other novel by George Orwell immediately preceded ‘1984’?

A. Coming up for Air B. Animal Farm C. The Road to Wigan Pie

planning panto this early in the year but scenery has to be built and costumes made. Tickets are already on sale too and I’m delighted to report that we have sold over 1000 more tickets than at this time last year.” Eleanor, 25, said: “I am delighted to be appearing as Sleeping Beauty and am so excited to be in Cheltenham this Christmas. I’ve had a look around this gorgeous theatre and the auditorium and building are so beautiful. Cheltenham is lovely too and I’m looking forward to visiting the surrounding area and enjoying Cheltenham’s shops and restaurants.”

No stranger to Pantomime, Eleanor has previously starred in Mother Goose at Bury St Edmunds and most recently at the Watermill Theatre in a premiere of Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s A Bunch of Amateurs. “Having been working on a play for two months, I can’t wait to get back to singing and dancing in Sleeping Beauty’’, she added.

Sleeping Beauty opens on Friday 28th November 2014 and runs until Sunday 11th January 2015. Tickets start from £9 for schools (with a Family ticket starting from £52). To book call the Box Office on 01242 572573 or online at www.everymantheatre.org.uk

Answers by email to:

editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk First three correct randomly chosen answers win.

Closing date 22nd September 2014

12

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 SEPTEMBER 2014

QUIRKY NEWS

Something a bit different...

UK Embassy apologises to US

Rugby jock shock

THE BRITISH EMBASSY in Washington has apologised after it sent a tweet seeming to poke fun at the 200th anniversary of the burning of the White House. In the message on Sunday, the embassy posted a photo of a White House-shaped cake, with sparklers and the flags of both nations, with the caption “only sparklers this time!”.The White House was set on fire in August 1814, during the so-called War of 1812 between British soldiers and US forces. But users on Twitter did not find any humour in it, with some branding it tasteless. “Even if Talking Heads were singing it, I think this is in extremely POOR TASTE,” wrote one user. Another said: “Classy Britain.

Maybe Germany should commemorate bombing London?” Another one said: “While the @UKinUSA 1812 tweet was no big deal, I'm allowing myself another 'you'd all be speaking German' joke sometime in the near future.” The embassy had explained in another tweet that it wanted to celebrate the “special relationship and work together shoulder

to shoulder across the globe”. But the backlash prompted it to issue an apology.

“Apologies for earlier tweet. We meant to mark an event in history and celebrate our strong friendship today,” it said.

Other users rallied to the embassy's defence, including some Americans.

“Congratulations humourless Americans, you made them apologise for their joke, you perpetually outraged losers,” wrote one. Another wrote: “No need to apologise! I'm American and I chuckled.

“I think our two nations have been through enough together to share a joke.”

TWO THIEVES bit off more than they could chew when they raided a rugby team's dressing room. They were spotted making their escape from the dressing room of Edinburgh Academicals and 40 angry players gave chase.

The team - Scotland's oldest club - had just finished training when players noticed wallets, money and mobile phones had been stolen.

The culprits were spotted heading

towards a getaway car and the irate - not to mention burly - players gave chase. As the police were called, the Accies' team caught the pair, surrounded the car and snatched the key from the ignition.

Captain Greg Campbell told the Edinburgh Evening News: "They didn't get very far. We managed to catch them at the right time."

The police confirmed the two men had been detained, with inquiries ongoing.

Man asks Siri to help cover up murder A MAN accused of killing his roommate didn't know where to hide the body - so he asked Siri on his iPhone. Pedro Bravo, 20, told Apple's digital assistant: “I need to hide my roommate”, after allegedly kidnapping and strangling Christian Aguilar in 2012. Bravo was charged with murder on 28 September 2012, though the body of his friend was not recovered until hunters found a shallow grave in a

forest several weeks later. And according to evidence recovered from Bravo's iPhone, Siri responded: “What kind of place are you looking for?”

“Swamps, reservoirs, foundries, dumps,” Bravo said.

Police also found the flashlight function had been used later than evening, which they speculate was to navigate the woods where Bravo is alleged to have buried the body.

VENTING SPLEEN… Local man about town, Tom Thurlow lets loose

T

HIS week has seen the argument over our nation’s spy centre GCHQ heat up as the organization that calls itself Anonymous, fronted a pitiful protest outside the Cheltenham fortress. They claim our government uses excessive surveillance tactics. But any reasoned UK citizen knows that it’s Anonymous who are just excessive moaners, with nothing really important worth noting.

We live in an increasingly volatile world. It’s quite scary to see the horrifying happenings in the Middle East with the ISIS scum. And in today’s tech-fuelled society the problems we face in the UK are a real threat. Terrorists can order bomb parts online, thugs can communicate via Facebook Messenger, a teenager could tweet death threats to a classmate. The list is endless.

We’re lucky to live in a country where our government is stepping up to the risk and enforcing proper measures to meet the dangers and protect British lives.

So what if someone somewhere reads that I’m meeting a friend at Nando’s for some delicious peri chicken at 7pm? I don’t care and nor does the majority of society who have nothing to hide. The only people who need to worry about their text messages, their email communication and so on, are the criminals. But these campaigners would prefer it for us not to be monitored so vigorously and for us to have greater privacy rights. If they had

their way there is no doubt in my mind we open ourselves up to a bigger danger and a frightening prospect that we might not be able to get back from. We always have to be one step ahead to apprehend the criminals around us.

The ten or so demonstrators (great turn out by the way) really showed us their intellect when they allegedly drank their own urine when officers refused to accept it on ‘behalf of GCHQ’ … bizzare. They also came out with some great garbage lines such as ‘terrorism is a myth’ and another gem claiming the

government are committing ‘privacy crimes’. Protesters outside of GCHQ should take my specific advice. Firstly, go home and shower. You look grubby.

FYI – laces on your boots are supposed to be tied up to prevent a fall. Actually, leave them untied. Once you Neanderthals have fixed your appearance head straight to the job centre. I suspect the reason most of you were able to take up a 4-day protest with little consequence is thanks to us taxpayers. Those

pesky spy workers doing 40 hour weeks fund your ‘let’s-sleep-in-atent’ purchases from Go Outdoors. Don’t even get me started on those ridiculous masks you’ve spent our money on at the party shop.

And to answer the question on one of the amateurly-designed placards that read, “Where were you at the GCHQ protest?” well, I was sipping champers outside the front of 131 on the Friday afternoon, enjoyed a lovely tapas out on my friend’s patio in the evening, then I phoned my mum later on and had a wonderful discussion about the Scottish referendum. And I hope someone from GCHQ did listen in on it… it was riveting.

Get more of Tom’s insights by following him on Twitter @thurlow

The views, opinions and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these articles are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of The Cheltenham Standard

4 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Bristol bus mistake which are likely to last up to four weeks in the Old Market area of the city centre.

Bristol City Council was unavailable for comment about the error. But Peter Mann, the service director for transport, said: “It is important that we carry out these improvements as soon as possible to maintain road safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”

A MISTAKE by workmen just down the road in Bristol has become an unlikely viral hit after painters managed to misspell the word 'bus' in new road markings. “Bup stop” was painted on to the road surface in Bristol in large yellow lettering at the end of last week, with the stencilled letter P used instead of S. The mistake was made as part of road repairs

CoffeeBreak Your Weekly HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 20 – April 18): You’ll have zero tolerance for people’s excuses today, but things really are as wild and crazy as they say. They couldn’t make this stuff up if they tried.

TAURUS (April 19 – May 19): You’re trying to hold on to what used to work and that’s the problem. Let go of old rules and expectations.

GEMINI (May 20 – June 20): You’d love to be anywhere but where you are right now. The sooner you tie up loose ends, the sooner you can move on to greener pastures.

Police make drivers stare at headlights

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LEO (July 22 – Aug 21): An older friend or relative provides a safe harbor. S/he may not understand everything you’re going through, but the advice is still solid.

make those found carelessly using bright lights to look at them for five minutes,” they warned.

Offenders are also lectured about properly using their headlights and fined 300 yuan (£30). The punishment has sparked ridicule and anger on Chinese social media. One blogger, called Darkcity2, said: “I live in Shanghai. Of all the absolutely mindbogglingly inconsiderate **** drivers do on the road here, driving with your high beams on is low on the list.”However, some said the punishment did not go far enough. “I'm hitting 'likes' with my hands and feet,” @shenzhenlaocui wrote.”Full-beam headlights are evil. I suggest they extend the stare time to 30 minutes, splitting it into three time periods, and let people take a 60second break in between.”

POLICE IN CHINA have begun punishing drivers who dazzle other motorists by forcing them to stare at full-beam headlights for five minutes.

Officers in the southern city of Shenzhen are using the unusual penalty to crack down on motorists who inappropriately flash their lights. And we all know that feeling or the idiot who drives about on full beam!

Drivers are ordered to sit on a small plastic stool and stare at the front of a police vehicle while its headlights are turned on full beam for five minutes.

Shenzhen traffic police announced the optical ordeal on their Weibo account, a Chinese version of Twitter, saying it was an “appropriate experience” that would make offenders “sense the harm” of flashing their lights.

“From now on, traffic police will

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CANCER (June 21 – July 21): A crisis is no time to reinvent the wheel. Support structures in place. It’s because they weren’t being followed that things are unraveling.

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LIBRA (Sept 22 – Oct 22): You finally see what a colleague tried to warn you about. Move quickly and you’ll stave off disaster. Then thank this person in person.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21): Identifying with the underdog isn’t the same as being one.

It’s all right to champion a “lost cause” but avoid getting personal about it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 20): It isn’t easy being forced to painstakingly master details. Nevertheless relearning what you do gives you a new lease on talents.

CAPRICORN (Dec 21 – Jan 18): You’re always there to lend a hand but do you stay long enough for the thanks? Work without appreciation is like taking half a breath.

AQUARIUS (Jan 19 – Feb 17): In truth you must go forward with what’s already in play.

You can’t afford to back out now and changing course won’t save anything.

PISCES (Feb 18 – March 19): You catch the other party in an inconsistency, but don’t play your trump card yet. Let this person continue. You’ll take in a bigger haul.

Word Ladder Convert the word at the top of the ladder into the word at the bottom of it, using only the three steps in between. Every word must a valid four-letter word.

MORE

COLD

LESS

WARM

CRYPTIC Crossword

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VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21): The more you try to be reasonable, the louder loved ones become. Listen to what they have to say. That – in and of itself – will allow tempers to cool.

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ACROSS 1. Freedom from penalty, but I’m small-minded about it (8) 5. They give account indications for a pharmacist (4) 9. Not liable to fade quickly (4) 10. The French returning with irregular forces in the open air (8) 11. Game bird to show signs of fear (5) 12. Using excessive force to disperse oil in the air-shaft (7) 13. Naked ladies conforming to forewoman’s fad! (6,7) 18. Corsican card game (8) 19. Keen opera star to make a comeback (4) 20. Tranquillisers I swallowed during operations (7) 21. To put in the peg used by climbers (5) 22. Ostrich to nurture, we hear (4) 23. A short way to encourage caviar producer (8)

DOWN 2. Discover the length of stately dance (7) 3. Freed about the middle of March and not brought before the court (7) 4. See its violent adaptation as an entertainment medium (10,3) 6. He kneads to use arms in a different way! (7) 7. Contract from Marrakesh or Tenerife (7) 8. Withdraw from an arrangement and sob in the wings (3,3) 13. A measure of the worker’s time (3-4) 14. Provide one with information of a trophy, one hears (7) 15. Diminutive hooters (6) 16. Alight as a tailless bird (7) 17. The Womble flower found in Venezuela (7)

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4 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

21

SPORT Upton Town top after Opening Day FC battled out a 3-3 draw.

There were only three matches on opening day in Division Two. UPTON TOWN are top of the And it was the perfect start for Cheltenham Association Football Whaddon United Reserves, League Division One, after who dealt out a 5-0 drubbing a 6-3 victory on the opening of Southside FC. Arron day against Star FC Ansell stole the show with a Reserves. hat-trick, while Ryan The hosts finished 9th in McDonald and Craig last season’s table, while McShane rounded off the their opponents finished scoring. two points ahead.

Upton Town’s Cheltenham Civil Service Churchdown Panthers Tom Crump Reserves opened their also started the season account with a 3-1 away win at strongly with a 4-1 home victory over Tewkesbury Town. A double from AC Olympia. Daniel Alderman opened Joseph Mccauley and a goal from the scoring before Elliott Sheerin Michael Kember sent the away side on doubled their lead on twenty minutes.

Chris Smyth and Gary Hill grabbed two their way to victory.

Cheltenham Patriots and Gloucester more in a deserved win.

Elmleaze played out a 1-1 draw.

Whaddon united replicated the Leckhampton Rovers started their scoreline against Gala Wilton Reserves Junior Charity Cup campaign with a with Justin Powell, Lewis Peters, Ben Griffiths and Andy Crosskey getting the 12-0 win over Kings AFC reserves, while they were joined in the next goals. round by their reserve side who FC Lakeside and R.S.G. both won 7-0 at home to Cheltenham rounded off the weekend with 3-0 Saracens thirds. wins, while Hanley Swan and Newton LOCAL FOOTBALL

Gala Wilton Thirds and Fintan FC recorded 6-0 and 6-1 victories respectively, while Smiths Athletic reserves put Cheltenham Civil Service thirds to the sword with a 6-2 victory.

There were also wins for Welland FC, Newland Athletic and Dowty Dynamos.

Bourton Rovers thirds were held to a 1-1 home draw with Shurdington Rovers Reserves.

In the Minor Charity Cup, group stages, Kingshill Sports Reserves demolished Andoversford thirds 12-1, while FC Lakeside reserves and Cheltenham Civil Service fourths both got into double figures. Both sides scored 10 goals in opening day wins.

Hatherley FC and Fintan Reserves both survived closely fought 3-2 matches to claim their first wins.

Malvern Vale put six passed Gala Wilton fourths as did FC Barometrics thirds in a 6-1 defeat of Pittville United reserves. Bredon Reserves were the final team to record a victory, winning 2-0 at Apperley Reserves.

Cheltenham Athletic and Regency Town finished 2-2.

Gloucester round off preseason with defeat RUGBY UNION

GLOUCESTER RUGBY ended their preseason on a losing note, going down to a narrow 29-24 defeat to Llanelli Scarlets.

It is the first defeat of the cherry and whites preparations for the coming Aviva Premiership season. Having beaten Yorkshire Carnegie and Munster at Kingsholm, the trip to Wales ended in

a defeat to their strong opponents.

The positives of the trip were the try scoring exploits of Henry Trinder, Aleki Lutui and Steve McColl. Summer signing and Wales international, James Hook also looked impressive, as he provided Trinder’s try with a sublime chip that sat up well for the centre to touch down.

Gloucester will be looking to regain their form from the 2012/13 season

when they managed a fifth place finish in the Premiership, having endured a frustrating 2013/14 season, finishing only ninth.

The team is yet to win the Premiership title, despite topping the table three times since 2003. Their progress has always been halted in the play-offs and the Kingsholm faithful will be hoping their team ends up fighting it out for the prize they crave.

Tennis League gears up for Round Nine TENNIS

THE Cheltenham Parks Tennis League is set to return for round nine on September 11th.

Having been running since October of 2012, the events have been received warmly by local players. With a total of eight events having taken place so far.

It has been a happy stomping ground for Simon De Mello. He won four of the first five events.

The other players will be looking to get in on the action and Simon Molyneux maybe one to look out for, having already won one group two event and coming runner-up to Richard Jones in the previous group one event back in laste August.

Lisowski set for Ding Test SNOOKER

CHURCHDOWN’S Jack Lisowski, is ready to pit his wits against, snooker’s world number three and defending champion, Ding Junhui at the Shanghai Masters.

As one of World Snooker’s major ranking events, Lisowski will be looking to continue his decent start to the season. It is the second major event the 23 year-old has qualified for this season, after making it through three rounds of qualifying to book his flight to China.

Lisowski had to battle passed China’s Cao Yupeng, a player who risen into the top 50 in the ranking since qualifying for the world championships in 2012. Also former Masters Champion and twice World Championship runner-up, Matthew Stevens of Wales.

Based at Grove Snooker, in Romford, Lisowski is currently ranked 39th in the world, two places better off than his start of season position of 41st.

He has been ranked as high as 35 in the past 2 season, culminating in his first appearance at the Crucible Theatre at the 2013 World Championship. Losing his first round match, to that season’s runner-up Barry Hawkins, Lisowski’s best result in his career is a quarter-final place at the 2013 China Open, just three weeks before walking out at the home of snooker.

However, he will be up against one of the game’s current greats. Ding Junhui won five major tournaments during the 2013/14 and was ranked number two from April until June of this year.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 SEPTEMBER 2014

PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA

SPORT

Late Winner Maintains Robins Unbeaten Start FOOTBALL

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HELTENHAM TOWN maintained their unbeaten start to League Two with a 90th minute winner to beat Hartlepool 1-0, at Whaddon Road.

Substitute, Koby Arthur, converted a last minute header to give the Robins back to back wins for the first time since December.

The result leaves Cheltenham second in the table, with four wins and one draw from their opening league fixtures. Making this Cheltenham’s best start to a league campaign since the promotion winning season on 2005/06, where they went seven games unbeaten.

Arthur, on loan from Birmingham City, has now scored three goals in five substitute appearances, having also been on target in last week’s comeback against Tranmere as well as grabbing the winner against Accrington.

Confidence was high after the incredible comeback at Tranmere and the hosts were off to a quick start as Terry Gornell found

space just outside the area but his effort was blocked well.

The early pressure continued as Hartlepool had to turn away a dangerous looking cross from Byron Harrison and Gornell dribbling a shot wide after a quarter of an hour.

Cheltenham kept going forward but were struggling to carve out any clear-cut chances. Jason Taylor nearly provided a chance but his cross from the right just looped over the waiting Harrison.

Five minutes before the break and Gornell nearly provided a moment of inspiration, turning his markers on the edge of box but his finish flashed just wide.

It was first-half that the hosts had dominated but didn’t have a goal to show for all their dominance as the two sides went in level at the break.

Hartlepool looked as if they had got a foothold in the game after break, as the first ten minutes started evenly with both sides creating half-chances without really threatening.

Then on fifty-five minutes the Robins

really should have been in front. Matt Richards’ corner was delivered into the near post and Gornell saw his goal-bound header cleared off the line. And as the ball was flung back in, it fell to Gornell and he fired over the top, when he really should have scored.

On the hour, Mark Yates introduced John Marquis, on loan from Millwall, for Gornell and the striker was straight into the action.

Troy Brown’s lovely through ball sent the twenty-two year old free down the right, but he was denied a debut goal as his thunderous effort cannoned off the foot of the post, as the hosts frustration grew.

It looked like not being Cheltenham’s day, when three minutes later Jordan Wynter played Harrison through one-on-one. The striker managed to get round the goalkeeper but collided with Marquis, who had been steaming up to support, and the chance went begging.

Into the last ten minutes and Yates’ side kept pushing for that winning goal. And Marquis almost provided it on eighty-two minutes, Omari Sterling-James’ cross from

the byline found Marquis who, from only yards out, saw his header tipped onto the bar by an incredible save by Scott Flinders.

However, the game would provide a great finish for the Whaddon Road faithful. A long throw into the box was helped on at the near post and Arthur rose highest to nod in a dramatic winner for the Robins.

It would prove to be an important result as it moved Cheltenham to joint top of the League Two table, level on points with Burton Albion.

“I don’t know what to say,” said a bewildered Arthur. “It doesn’t matter if you come off the bench or start, you come on and just do what you can do to help the team and luckily I got the goal.”

The Ghanaian is now the Robins’ leading goalscorer, so far this season, with three goals having not even started a game yet.

“I don’t mind because I’m still a young player and I’m learning. The more you play the more you get the experience, and hopefully my chance will come to start.”

The team will look to continue their current form, with a trip to third placed

4 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

23

SPORT

By MATTHEW THOMAS

recorded three league defeats, one draw and one victory. What a difference twelve months makes.

Last season’s struggle were in stark contrast to the previous two play-off campaigns. However, it looks like Yates has a much stronger squad this term, he has stated that he feels that there is more competition in the squad now and the intensity has been upped since the opening day.

The biggest revelation has been the capture of Koby Arthur. The Ghanaian joined the Robins on a six-month loan deal and already has

four goals to his name.

Next up is a big test for Cheltenham as they travel to third place Morecambe, on Saturday, who sit just one point behind.

The Shrimps also had their struggle last season, finishing 18th, one place below Cheltenham. But they have started well, with four wins and one defeat but are coming into the game on the back of defeat to Tranmere last weekend.

Who knows? At full time we may be looking at Cheltenham topping the division.

PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA

I THINK it’s fair to say the last three weeks have gone, almost, perfectly for Cheltenham Town.

Four wins and one draw, in the league, has left the Robins joint top of League Two. It is the club’s best start to a season in nine years, and the last time they started this well they ended up with promotion.

But that is looking too far ahead at this stage. After a tough 2013/14 campaign I’m sure Mark Yates and the fans will just be looking for a much more consistent season. By this stage last season the team had

mattthomas@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

One final push for All Golds RUGBY LEAGUE

AS THE END of Rugby League’s Championship 1 season looms, the University of Gloucestershire’s All Golds, are fighting to claim the last play-off place.

The UK’s only university run professional rugby league team has had an up and down season, but it could still end on a high with the club just two points off the top 5.

The defeat to Hemel Stags, last weekend, was a huge blow for the club. Victory would have secured their place in the end of season play-offs, but a 4424 defeat means the All Golds now look unlikely to claim the final spot, but still have a glimpse of hope.

For the final game of the season, the All Golds must travel to Oldham to face the Oldham Roughyeds. It will be a difficult task for the university side, having to travel away from the Prince of Wales Stadium and that Oldham are currently third in the league table.

However, the Roughyeds have already confirmed their place in the play-offs and that may play into the All Golds hands. We all know the cliché that teams may take their foot off the gas towards the end of the season, especially if they have reached their target well before the end.

Another factor that may fall in favour of the All Golds, is that Oldham suffered a heavy defeat themselves last time out against Gateshead Thunder.

So despite the fact that two upsets need to happen for the All Golds to sneak into the pay-off, there is still hope that the young club can make their mark in the record books come Saturday evening.

PHOTO: LEWIS MITCHELL

SportsEye....

Marquis: We thoroughly deserved win JOHN MARQUIS made his Cheltenham Town debut in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Hartlepool United. And the youngster, on loan from Millwall, believed the team were worthy winners on the day.

“We got the result,” said Marquis.

“I think we thoroughly deserved it and it was only a matter of time, until the goal came.

We had to stick in there and dig in, because they (Hartlepool) didn’t look like scoring. We knew we had to just keep creating chances and one will go in eventually.”

Marquis signed for the Robins on the Thursday before the match, having turned out for Millwall against, Premier League, Southampton only two days before that and was happy with his Cheltenham debut.

“Just happy to win and be part of it.

I was glad to get on and get half an hour. We were knocking on the door all afternoon, and eventually one went in but on another day it could have been five or six.”

The 22 year-old was denied a

dream start to his Cheltenham career, with the post and an extraordinary save from Hartlepool’s Scott Flinders, stopping him scoring in front of the home fans.

“I was a bit isolated with the one that hit the post, I had to just try and hit the target and got a bit unlucky.

Their keeper made a really good save for the header. I think the goals will come, the chances are there and it’s down to me to take them as they come.”

GOT A LOCAL SPORTS STORY? Contact our Sports Editor via mattthomas@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

24

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 SEPTEMBER 2014

with MATTHEW THOMAS, SPORTS EDITOR

SPORT

mattthomas@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

Derby Delight for Cheltenham Town FOOTBALL

PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA

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HELTENHAM Town battled into the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, with a 2-0 win over, 10-man, Oxford United.

On loan striker, John Marquis, opened his Robins’ account with a header in firsthalf stoppage time.

Oxford’s Jonathan Meades then received a straight red card for a late challenge on Jason Taylor. And Cheltenham took full advantage and increased their lead on 78 minutes, Koby Arthur met Terry Gornell’s cross to nod in his second goal in as many games, taking his current tally to four in just six appearances.

However, it was the visitors who were the quickest out of the blocks. A cross from Joe Riley fell to Will Hoskins and it took the intervention of, Cheltenham defender, Jack Deaman to deny Oxford the opening goal.

The Robin’s first real attack came on 9 minutes. Craig Braham-Barrett’s cross looped over goalkeeper George Long but clipped the crossbar and stayed out.

Oxford were also denied by the woodwork, as Riley’s free-kick clipped the Cheltenham post on 13 minutes.

The U’s just kept pounding on the door and Junior Brown had Cheltenham hearts in mouths as he danced through a number of challenges to shoot, but his finish crept wide and Cheltenham were let off the hook.

The hosts managed to withstand the pressure and grew in strength as the half wore on, and closer to half-time they were the better side.

And their late resurgence led to the

opening goal. After an initial Cheltenham corner was cleared, a second corner was delivered into the near post and Marquis rose highest to fire the ball into the net.

With the goal coming seconds before the break, it seemed to give Cheltenham a lift when they came out for the second period.

They seemed to be playing with more intensity and winning the ball back quickly.

With 63 minutes gone they came close to a second goal, as nice interplay between Arthur and Marquis gave Omari SterlingJames a chance but he fired his shot just wide.

Only six minutes later and the hosts seemed to be in control. Oxford’s Jonathan Meades flew in with a very late tackle on Jason Taylor and the referee

showed no hesitation in showing a straight red car. Taylor’s aggressive reaction saw him booked in the aftermath.

And with 12 minutes to go, the Robins made their man advantage count. Terry Gornell got away from his marker and his lovely cross was met by the head of Koby Arthur to fire in the second goal of the night.

Arthur looked to have turned provider on 81 minutes, he danced away from the Oxford defence and slid a nice through ball, to Gornell, but he was denied by Long.

The match finished with the hosts running out comfortable winners in the end. They will now wait to see who they will face in round 2, when the draw is made on Saturday 6th September.

Yates: Still more to come CHELTENHAM TOWN manager, Mark Yates, believes there is still more to come from his side after a strong start to the season.

Yates has seen his side go five games unbeaten in League Two and overcome rival Oxford United in round 1 of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

“Delighted,” said Yates after the midweek win against Oxford.

“The effort the players have put in at the start of the season has carried over into today. The pleasing thing was the work rate was there, and there’s still plenty to come in terms of the football we want to play.

There were some very pleasing performances.”

Cheltenham grew stronger as the match went on and Yates saw that the team drew belief after surviving the opening pressure from their opponents.

“The goal settled us down and in the second half, I thought we were great.

In the first half they (Oxford) did cause us a few problems but we handled most of it pretty well.

And we grew into the game as it progressed. We had lots of shots, couple of goals and another cleansheet, it’s a pleasing result.”

The manager will also be impressed that both of his starting striker got their names on the scoresheet. John Marquis and Koby Arthur are both on loan at Whaddon Road, from Millwall and Birmingham City respectively.

“Terrific goal, the first one,” Yates said.

“A well worked set-piece. And Terry did great for Koby’s back post header.

It keeps the good atmosphere going.

You talk about habits and getting into a winning run, building momentum, we need to keep doing what we’re doing.

Keep striving to improve.”

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