The Cheltenham Standard 12th February 2015

www.spirecliniccheltenham.co.uk

12 FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE 30

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FOR years the town has had itsproblems with traf?c wardens, oras they’ve been newly branded,Civil Enforcement Of?cers.Traf?c wardens have been

prominent in Gloucestershiresince 1960, and their job is to givea PCN (penalty charge notice) toanybody who hasn’t moved theirvehicle in the allotted time.

Fast forward 55 years, and CivilEnforcement Of?cers patrol thestreets with a certain level of zealon the lookout for any offenders.But does Cheltenham actuallyhave a congestion problem? Andhow is this affecting the town eco-nomically?Jim Daniels, parking manager at

Gloucestershire County Councilstated: “When people park sensi-bly, and don’t block spaces, there

is more parking available for resi-dents and visitors to access localshops easily.”Interestingly over the past three

years, Gloucestershire CountyCouncil have made an income of£900,608.82 solely from PCN’s.Where is this money going?Cheltenham’s Conservative can-

didate, Alex Chalk, has weighedinto the debate by saying, “Weshouldn’t pick on wardens who

are doing a tough job. It’s thepolicy they are enforcing thatneeds to change. High charges inour off-street car parks are drivingaway business and heaping pres-sure onto Cheltenham’s hardpressed retailers.”Local heating engineer, Stuart

White from Copper Top Heatingand Plumbing also joined the fray

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WELCOME TOPARKING HELL

POT HOLEHORRORPAGE 3

By TODD HASLEWOOD

Parking ticketsspotted in towncentre by ourreporter in just30 minutes

PRESSUREMOUNTINGON BUCKLE ASROBINS LOSEAGAIN BACK PAGE

2 CHELTENHAM STANDARD 12 FEBRUARY 2015

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We’re on the hunt for local storiesthat are happening in your area.

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by saying, “We can’t park any-where in and around the towncentre without getting a £70ticket for either dropping offkeys or nipping in somewherefor Hve minutes to oversee asmall job.” He went on to say,

“the trafHc wardens just say weshould leave the back of ourvans opens to indicate we aredropping off. What a nonsense.This means we run the danger ofhaving all our tools nicked. It’sridiculous and it’s constantlycosting us money all the timeand strangling our business.’’One member of the general

public, Matthew Phillips, said:

“Parking rates in town are astro-nomical, it’s no wonder shopsare beginning to shut. Thehigh-street needs leniency tosurvive.”It seems the war between

the general public, tradesmen,politicians and GloucestershireCounty Council is set to con-tinue as they remain at logger-heads with one another.

ONE hundred members of staffat Dowty Propellers are to be re-housed at parent company GEAviation's Bishops Cleeve site,near Cheltenham after it wasravaged by Hre last week.The blaze began at about mid-

night last Wednesday (4th) inthe roof space of Dowty's pro-duction facility at Staverton,where propeller systems for air-craft are made.Twenty-nine staff were evacu-

ated from the site and led tosafety. No-one at the time was re-ported as injured.Gloucestershire Fire and

Rescue Service said 80% of the

factory building had been “se-verely damaged” by the blaze,which was tackled by 80 Hre-Hghters.A spokeswoman said 40 of the

staff had now been already beenmoved and at least 60 otherswould be transferred by Thurs-day of this week.GE Aviation's Jennifer Villar-

real said portable trailers hadbeen brought in to the site tohouse some of the workforce.She added demolition of the

damaged factory was “a fewweeks away” and it was too earlyto discuss the rebuilding of thefactory.

“We are focused on gettingemployees back to work andgetting operations up andrunning,” she said.“We are exploring all possible

options to meet the needs of thebusiness and employees, includ-ing options in Gloucestershire.”She added structural engineers

were still assessing the building.The Dowty Propellers site in

Staverton - which employs 250workers - is separate to theMessier-Bugatti-Dowty factorynearby which designs and man-ufactures landing gear for air-craft.Its main production line, de-

stroyed by the Hre, makes pro-pellers for the C130J SuperHercules and the BombardierDash 8 Q400.

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Parking Hell

PLANS to re-launch an appren-ticeship scheme at one of Chel-tenham’s biggest employers weregiven the nod of approval by theSkills Minister last week.Nick Boles MP, the Minister of

State for Skills and Equalities,was in town to hear aboutKohler Mira’s plans to restarttheir apprenticeship programme.The Cheltenham Hrm, which

is based on Cromwell Road inOakley and employs over 850people in the town, Hrst begantaking on apprentices in the1960s but has chosen 2015 asthe year for a revamp.They are planning to take on

four new mechanical engineer-ing apprentices in Septemberthis year and expect to continuegrowing the programme in the

future.Mr Boles was

impressed bythe company’splans andclaimed itshowed theGovernment’spolicies on ap-prenticeshipsare paying off.He said: “I wasdelighted tovisit Kohler

Mira today and see their excel-lent facilities. Apprenticeshipsmake a huge difference to thelives of our young people. I

would encourage every companyin Cheltenham to take one on.”The visit was organised by the

town’s ConservativeMP hopeful,Alex Chalk, who was also keento praise the Cheltenham Hrm.He said: “Kohler Mira are aWorld-beating Hrm and its excel-lent news that they are creatingnew apprenticeships here inCheltenham. They will add tothe 2,610 already created inCheltenham since 2010. But ifwe want to keep generating op-portunities for our young peoplewe need to complete the job of abuilding a strong and successfuleconomy.”

Half the workforceof $re-hit Dowty inStaverton redeployed

Skills Minister showers Kohler Mira with praise

12 FEBRUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD 3

Ellenborough Park raises £8,150 for charityPHIL Vickery MBE, theformer England andGloucester rugby captain,presided over a charityauction that raised£8,150 for the WoodenSpoon children’s rugbycharity, last Friday 6thFebruary, as part of anevening of Six Nations celebrations.Before the ‘war’ unfolded at the

Millennium Stadium, there wasanother battle going on in Ellenbor-ough Park’s kitchen, as top chefschallenged each other in a Walesvs England Six Nations’ CulinaryCook- Off.Although England took the

honours in the Six Nations openingmatch, it was Wales that won on thenight in the kitchen as diners votedfor one of two menus preparedanonymously by the chefs.

Team captain on the Wales sidewas Welshman David Kelman, exec-utive head chef at EllenboroughPark, who was assisted by RichardDavies, Michelin starred chef at TheManor House, Castle Combe.

Captain of the Englandteam was Tom Court, thetwo AA Rosette chef atThe Sticky Fig in Stour-bridge; assisted by KubaWinkowski, head chef atthe three AA RosetteFeathered Nest Inn, Stowin the Wold.

Between the main and dessertcourses, diners watched the game ongiant screens. After the @nal whistlerugby legend Phil Vickery stepped upto auction lots including a signedframed Gloucester Rugby Shirt, VIPrugby tickets, a cooking lesson withDavid Kelman, and “Red Racing”,a Neil Helyard painting that wentunder the hammer for a staggering£3,500.The evening’s nominated charity

was Wooden Spoon, the UK’s leadinggrant-making charity dedicated tohelping disabled and disadvantagedchildren and young people throughrugby. A donation from each ticketsold was made to Wooden Spoonand all proceeds from the auctionwent to the charity.

Battle of the Chefs contest sees Wales win Six Nations Culinary Challenge

THESE photos was taken yesterday morning(Wednesday 4th Feb) on St Stephens Road.The pothole is around two feet across and at

least two feet deep, tunnelling under what isa very busy thoroughfare through the town.It’s plain to see the road has partly collapsed.Somemotorists were seen to swerve too late

as they spotted the deep hole, causing on-coming traf@c to also swerve out of the way.

POTHOLE DISGRACEON ST STEPHENS ROAD

Richard Davies (Manor House, Castle Combe), David Kelman (Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham),Thomas Court (Sticky Fig, Stourbridge), KubaWinkowski, (Feathered Nest, Stow).


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Don’t forget the LEMONS and EGGSfor PANCAKE DAY!

POLICE want to thank the members ofthe public who came forward to identify ayoung male running across a row of carsat a local dealership.The act of vandalism happened on

Tewkesbury Road between 5.30pm and6pm on Sunday 25th January and wascaptured on CCTV.The footage showed the youth climbing

onto the roof of the Irst car and then

running across the top of Ive more beforeleaping onto the bonnet of the seventhcar and attempting a handstand.The CCTV footage was distributed via

the media and social media whichprompted a huge response from thepublic, many of whom put forward aname.A 15-year-old male from Cheltenham

has now been arrested on suspicion ofcriminal damage. He has been released onpolice bail until 06/03/15.

Car vandal caught

Honeybourne Line improvementsIMPROVEMENT works to part of the Honey-bourne Line in Cheltenham started onMonday (9th) of this week with informationsigns going up at each entrance to the path toadvise residents and visitors.Conifers are being removed from along

the main footpath boundary between theplay area and the end of the Travis Perkinsyard. This will make the whole arealighter and more inviting, whilst also im-proving security for nearby properties. OtherbeneIts include better CCTV coverage,reduced annual maintenance costs andit will also help prevent further root

damage to the footpath.Malcolm Walls, community parks ofIcer

from Cheltenham Borough Council, says:“We’re really pleased to have won fundingfor these improvements. The HoneybourneLine is a very popular footpath and cycleroute and we’ve had great support fromneighbouring residents, businesses and theFriends of the Honeybourne Line.“We hope that removing the conifers will

help improve the light and safety in thisarea. We’ll be consulting with local resi-dents, businesses and friends’ groups overthe replacement trees and bushes, and a

more appropriate scheme will be plantedhere in the autumn.”The scheme costs around £6,750 which

has come from Gloucestershire CountyCouncil’s local sustainable transport fund.Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for

highways and Jood at GloucestershireCounty Council, said: “The line is a popularfootpath and cycle route linking WymansBrook and the railway station. The improve-ment money we’ve provided will make thearea lighter, more inviting, improve the se-curity, prevent further root damage andreduce annual maintenance costs.”

POLICE are seeking information about a bur-glary at a supermarket in Bishop’s Cleeve, inwhich a large quantity of cigarettes werestolen.The burglary occurred between midnight –

1am last Friday 6th February in a store on TheGreen, Bishops Cleeve.A rear door was forced open and the ciga-

rettes stolen.It is suspected that three males were in-

volved and used a crow bar to force the door.A vehicle is believed to be involved which

was parked at the rear of the shop while theburglary took place. A short time later a VWsilver Golf was seen speeding along the B4632towards Winchcombe.Anyone with information is asked

to contact Gloucestershire Police on101 quoting incident number 12 of6th February 2015.

Cigarettes stolen in Bishop’s Cleeve supermarket break-in

Part-closure from Monday 9th February between 8.30am and 4.30pm

DO YOU and your partner enjoy cookingand want to compete for £1000?Couples Come Dine with Me will be

Ilming in/around Cheltenham very soon,and they are looking for contestants.Over the course of three nights,

three couples that are enthusiasticamateur chefs, who don’t know eachother, take it in turns to host a dinnerparty for the other two couples. At theend of the week the best host couple wins

a £1,000 cash prize.The production company Shiver TV

are looking for romantic couples toapply for the show. Applicants mustbe at least 18-years-old, and must notbe professionally trained as a chef.The shoot will take place the week

commencing 6th April, so you mustbe available across this week.Email [email protected]

ASAP or call 08712 003 939 to apply.

Come Dine with Me comes to Cheltenham

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THE trial road safety scheme in Bath Roadwhich ended early should not be the endof the road according to Gloucestershire’sPolice and Crime Commissioner MartinSurl.Bath Road was temporarily reduced from

two lanes to one - but the experiment wascut short after motorists and local busi-nesses complained of trafEc jams and in-creased congestion.Mr. Surl, who has made safe and social

driving one of the priorities of his policeand crime plan, said: “Whilst I have somesympathy with traders whose business hasbeen affected the county council must notgive up their efforts to solve what is aserious problem.’’ He went on to add: “Thisis one of the busiest roads in the town andis a vital thoroughfare but too many driverstreat it as a race track and the close prox-imity of shops and clubs are a dangerousmix.”The Bath Road trial began on 19th

January and was introduced in order forGloucestershire Highways to assess theimpact of reducing the town centre stretch

of the road to a single lane. Despite exten-sive research and trafEc modelling before-hand to try and predict what wouldhappen, it was called-off when it appar-ently failed to provide the anticipated so-lution.Ironically, the project was abandoned on

what would have been the 21st birthday ofKatie Clutterbuck from Longlevens,Gloucester who died after being hit by a carin Bath Road in September 2013. The driverwas sentenced to seven months in jail.

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Remnants must be cleared

Bath Road dangersmust be addressedsays Police andCrime Commissioner

EIGHTEEN Canaries have been stolen from aproperty in Justicia Way, Up Hatherley, lastweekend.The owner of the birds, whichwere housed

in cages in a shed, called police at just before0900hrs on Sunday 08/02/15 after noticingthe out building had been broken into - be-lieved to be sometime between 1930hrson Saturday 07/02/15 and 0820hrs on

Sunday 08/02/15.The birds are Coloured and Lizard Canaries

- worth hundreds of pounds in total.Gloucestershire Police would like to hear

from anyone who has either been offeredthese birds for sale or who knows anythingabout this incident. They are asked tocontact 101 quoting incident no. 116 of08/02/15.

Valuable canaries stolen from aviary

COUNCILLORS will be rolling up their sleevesandmucking in at the recycling centre over thecoming weeks, as part of the council’s ‘thanksa million’ campaign. They will be on hand tooffer recycling advice to residents who mayhave otherwise been tempted to send things tolandEll.The campaign, running throughout Febru-

ary andMarch, sends out a reminder that recy-cling and composting by Cheltenham residentssaves over £1million on landEll tax costs everyyear. The council wants to beat this Egure andthat’s why councillors are going to theSwindon Road recycling centre to show resi-dents how they could do even more.Councillor Chris Coleman, cabinet member

for clean and green environment said: “Whenwe have a clear out, it’s always tempting to puteverything into a bag and take it to the tip forlandEll. The reality is that lots of items couldbe saved from disposal and recycled if peopleknow what the alternatives are.’’Councillors representing different parties

will be joining staff members to ask residentsas they arrive at the centre if they are willing tovolunteer to take part. If they are happy to doso, staff members will open their bags and anyrecycling items which can be identiEed will beseparated and recycled rather than being sentto landEll.

“In addition to increasing the amount of re-cycling which is collected at the site, it is alsoenvisaged that by raising awareness on whatcan be recycled, we can minimise the timepeople have to spend asking what to do withdifferent items.’’In one week, betweenMonday 2nd February

at 7.30am and 4.30pm on Thursday 5th Febru-ary from the recycling that was collected at thedepot and weighed, the council collected:300kg of paper; 500kg of textiles, 220kg of hardplastics, 15kg of household batteries, and 10kgof lightbulbs.Councillor Coleman continued: “This is not

about policing bins. I am always amazed whenI visit the recycling centre at the vast range ofitems which can be recycled. It’s just aboutspreading the word and showing people thatthey can make a difference.’’

Councillors roll up theirsleeves at recycling centre


Art Maze heading to townART PLAYGROUND, a new social enterprisein Cheltenham, are crowdfunding for theirinnovative, accessible art installation: the ArtMaze. It will be open for all to explore fromApril 1st - 19th in the town centre.The Art Maze will be a fun, free, commu-

nity activity and members of the public canhelp to support Art Playground in their questto jam-pack the maze with lots of brilliantinteractive art, by donating as little or asmuch as they can to the project.Art Playground have launched their

crowdfunding campaign to ask for thepublic’s help to fund the last £2k towardscreating the maze.Christina Poulton, Director at Art Play-

ground said: “We’re really excited aboutmaking this project a reality. We have beensharing ideas with artists and local groupsand it has really sparked people’s imagina-tions. We can’t wait to explore it ourselves.”Art Playground have already received £10k

of funding from the Big Lottery fund and

Cheltenham Borough Council to create thestructure of themaze, offer themaze for free,to ensure it is accessible for a diverse audi-ence and to do creative learning workshopswith local families. Some key artworks arealready lined up and the crowdfunding willprovide the Lnal artworks to complete themaze.Art Playgroundwill combine work by fam-

ilies, community groups, schools, and bothlocal and national artists to build the mazein an empty retail unit (secret location to berevealed), open daily for free. The ArtMaze isfor grown-ups, not so grown-ups, art lovers,toddlers and teenagers, for ages 0-100+.The project aims to encourage creativity

and curiosity in adults and children alike.Over 3000 people have taken part in theirprojects recently.If you are interested in supporting the

Art Maze visit their crowdfunding page at:http://www.ideastap.com/crowdfunding/art-maze THE over 65s and men are leading a surge in

cosmetic surgery in Cheltenham.This trend is mirrored across the UK, as

NufLeld Health’s Lrst annual Plastic Surgeryinsight survey reveals emerging trends in themarket.Nationally, almost two thirds (64 percent)

of NufLeld Health surgeons, who betweenthem carry out 1 in 10 cosmetic procedures inthe UK, reported an increase in older peopleseeking surgery. This Lgure was slightly higheramongst surgeons in the South West – where67% noted this trend. NufLeld Health’spatient Lgures paint the same picture, withpatients over 65 up by 49% in 2014 from2007.

Men are also continuing to drive the cos-metic surgery market, with more than four inLve (83 percent) of NufLeld Health surgeonsin the South West saying they have noticed arise in men seeking cosmetic surgery in theform of nose jobs, eyelid lifts and ‘man boob’removal. All of the SouthWest surgeons ques-tioned (100 percent) also reported a rise in thenumber of previously overweight or obesepatients looking for surgery followingweight loss.

The NufLeld Health plastic surgeonsbelieve the reasons behind the trend amongthe ‘baby boomer’ generation to be a directresult of people living longer, healthier lives

and wanting to ‘look well’ too. For men,surgery has increasingly become ‘the norm’ inrecent years, and the trend looks set to stay,with men accounting for one in ten of all UKcosmetic procedures.*Mr RobertWarr, Consultant Plastic Surgeon

at NufLeld Health Cheltenham Hospital said:“I’m now seeing many more people in their60s, 70s and even their 80s seeking plasticsurgery as they not only want to remain Ltand healthy into their old age but they wantto look well too. I think this trend will con-tinue as this is an expanding age group. Theyaren’t usually looking for radical work, nor-mally face-rejuvenation, and providing theyare Lt and healthy, we can use new techniquesand technologies which are ideally suitedto them.”

Over 65s and men in Cheltenhambiggest plastic surgery users

DRIVERS using the A40 Golden Valley bypass have been promised a safer andsmoother journey as a result of an £800,000project to resurface the dual-carriageway

linking Cheltenham and Gloucester.Resurfacing work on a three mile section

of the bypass will begin next week andrequire full night-time closures, Monday toFriday, on the A40 between M5 junction 11and the Elmbridge Court roundabout.The road works will begin on the night of

Thursday, 19th February, and will take placebetween 8pm and 6am, Monday to Friday.The scheme is expected to be Lnish byFriday, 6th March.While the works are undertaken fully

signed diversion routes will be in place. Roadusers travelling eastbound towards Glouces-ter should join the B4063 at the Arle CourtRoundabout, re-joining the A40 at Elm-bridge Court Roundabout.Road users travelling towards Cheltenham

from Gloucester should use the same routein reverse.

£800,000 resurfacing workon A40 Golden Valley bypasswill force night time closures


FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ONALL BEDS AND MATTRESSES

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A LARGE quantity of cannabis has beenseized from Churchdown and Cheltenhamlast week. Two males have been arrested.Following a call from the public reporting

a strong smell of cannabis from an industrialunit in Meteor Business Park, Churchdown,police executed a warrant to search thepremises on Monday 2nd February and dis-covered a large hydroponics cannabis pro-duction facility.

A large number of plants were seized andtwomales aged 50 and 53were subsequentlyarrested, one from a house in Brook?eldRoad, Churchdown and another in Thistle-down Close, Cheltenham where anotherlarge quantity of cannabis plants wereseized.An extremely high street value has been

placed on the seizure which would havegiven a very large potential yearly yield ofover £800,000.The two arrestedmales have been released

on police bail pending further investigation.PC Matt Rollason of Tewkesbury Police

Station said: “This was a dynamic operationwith an excellent result made possible withthe support and assistance of the local com-munity, which will always be an invaluableaspect of policing. We are grateful to themember of the public who contacted us toreport their suspicions about this activity,’’

PC Rollason ?nally said: “We would urgeanyone to come forward when they suspectpossible criminality.”

Cannabis seized in Churchdownand Cheltenham, two men arrested

New Business Start-Up Diploma launched“CHELTENHAM has seen a lot of businessesstart up and fail. Unfortunately a lot ofpeople have great ideas but they need otherskills.” commented the Mayor of Chel-tenham, Cllr SimonWheeler. “A Diploma ofthis type helps to put the new Business Start-Up on a good footing.”“The Chamber is delighted that Pitman

Training Cheltenhamhave created a BusinessStart-Up Diploma providing the successfulbusiness ingredients required for anyonewishing to start up their own business.” com-mented Michael Ratcliffe, Chief Executive ofCheltenham Chamber of CommerceThe newManager of the Cheltenham Busi-

ness Partnership, Kevan Blackadder com-mented: “It is great to welcome a newBusiness Diploma that will be of help to alltypes of Business Start-Ups.”Kath Daws, Centre Manager, commented

“We are delighted that the CheltenhamChamber of Commerce, GloucestershireFredericks Foundation and the CheltenhamBusiness Partnership were able to come andsupport the launch of our Business Start-UpDiploma.”“Our Business Start-Up Diploma is

designed help new Businesses maximisetheir chances of success. It is a great way togain practical, hands-on experience insome of the key areas involved in running abusiness.”

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police are appeal-ing for information following thetheft of an unusual watch from ahouse in Malleson Road, Gother-ington, Cheltenham.Sometime between midday

on 3rd and 9.00am on 5th Feb-ruary intruders forced open thepatio doors of the property andsearched throughout the houseemptying drawers and cupboards.The offenders stole a rare 70th An-

niversary Battle of Britain Watch.The case is described as rose gold

plated with a red face. It is engravedwith the words “Never in the ?eld ofhuman con@ict was so much owedby so many to so few.”Police would like to hear from

anyone who saw or heard anythingsuspicious in the area or recognises thewatch.Please call 101 quoting incident

number 87 of 5th of February 2015.

Precious watch stolen in CheltenhamLeft to right: Kevin Daws, Michael Ratcliffe,Mayor SimonWheeler, Kevan Blackadder

and Tony Solomon.


On Instructions from: Major Finance Companies, Liquidators, The Official Receivers,Glos. Constabulary and Other Vendors

Extensive Selection ofDomestic Appliances

To incl. Gorenje E53108AW / GI52108AWGas and Electric Cookers; Gorenje RK603590BK / RK603590C/ RK603590CO / RF603090C Fridge Freezers; Gorenje W6223 Washing Machine; Ice King Fridges /Freezers / Fridgefreezers; Montpellier Cooker Hoods; Montpellier MR90DFMK / MR90DFMX RangeCookers; Montpellier MSE50W Electric Cookers; Royale RY50SEW / RY50TCS RY60DGW / RY60TCW/ TT29 Cookers; Microwaves; Vacuum Cleaners etc

Part of an 800 Lot Collective Auction to also incl. Vehicles; Plant and Machinery; Workshop Racking;General Machinery; Sanitary Ware; IT/Electrical Equipment; New and Used Tools; Selection of Bicycles

VIEWING: Monday 23rd February 2015 , 11am – 5pm

LOCATION: Unit 5, Church Farm BusinessCentre, Church Road, Leckhampton,Cheltenham, GL53 0QJ

Public Auction SaleTuesday 24th February 2015,9:30am promptLIVE INTERNET BIDDING

A GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police Sergeant, whoruns a martial arts school in his spare time,has recently helped Ive of his studentsobtain yellow belts - a promotion to thenext level in martial arts terms, and theywill receive their awards this week.Sergeant Harry Limer, who is also a pro-

fessional 4th Dan Black Belt instructor, runsAston Taekwon-Do in Cheltenham for localchildren and families who are part of thelocal Aston Project - aimed at those whohave less opportunities available to themcompared to other youngsters and theirfamilies.Today at The YMCA Sports Centre, The

Mayor, Councillor Simon Wheeler and

Councillor Suzanne Williams willvisit Aston Taekwon-Do to present thesesuccessful students with their new certiI-cates and belts.Sergeant Harry Limer said: "This is an im-

portant day for Aston TKD students. Theirachievement displays their self-improve-ment not only as martial artists but also asindividuals within the community."Through a disciplined but fun environ-

ment we teach the tenets of Taekwon-Do,which are; Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance,Self-control and Indomitable spirit."Aston TKD provides the local commu-

nity with easy access for children to train ina safe environment which leads to young-sters having a healthier lifestyle, more con-Idence and self-discipline whilemaintaining a focus and developing addi-tional life skills, instead of potentiallyhanging around the streets causingmischiefthrough boredom that may lead to anti-social behaviour within the community."

Cheltenhamstudents can dowith Taekwon-Do

LAST Friday 6th February, All Saints’Academy hosted an event involving thelocal Parliamentary candidates for the elec-tion this May 2015.The candidates were current MP Martin

Horwood, Liberal Democrats, Alex Chalk,Conservatives, AdamVanCoevorden, GreenParty, Christina Simmonds, UKIP andRichard Lupson-Darnell who is running in-dependently.The event was planned for the Year Eleven

and Sixth Form students to give them aclearer view on the future elections. Thestudent’s asked tough questions regardingour future.These included the subject of universities

and how to guarantee employment aftergraduating; the economy and the decline ofof the armed forces due to cut backs; theNHS and the subject of closing the A&E de-partment in Cheltenham General Hospitaland the hot topic of immigration – shouldan ‘Australian style’ points system be intro-duced in which skills and qualiIcations aretaken into account. Sixth Form students Jack

Lane and JodieWilkinson chaired the debatemaking sure that each politician had theirturn to speak.“It was a great experience being able to

question theMP candidates for Cheltenhamas we got to hear their views on topics thatare relevant to us and our future, which willhelp us make an informed decision on whoto vote for. Before this experience I neverreally thought about voting and never paidinterest in what the parties stood for. I nowfeel as if I have a greater understanding andfeel more prepared, and ready for the futurewhen I can vote’’, said Sixth Form studentCharis Pardoe.Conservative candidate Alex Chalk said:

“It’s fantastic that All Saints’ Academy hasgiven their pupils the chance to engage sodirectly with the election in Cheltenham,and I love that the school is putting out sucha positive message about voting.’’Richard Lupson-Darnell who is running

independently said: “The school should bevery proud of what it put on and the way itconducted itself.’’

FIRST HUSTINGS ATALL SAINTS ACADEMY

TURTLE Bay is to open a brand new restau-rant in the town.Opening late March, Turtle Bay, Chel-

tenham will be located in the heart of thetown centre on the corner of Pittville Streetand Albion Street.Turtle Bay’s opening is one of the biggest

restaurant openings in Cheltenham this year.The 6,000sq/ft venue will have 175 covers

and employ a total of 60 staff.The former Embassy nightclub is currently

undergoing an epic transformation, whichrepresents an approximate £1m investmentfor Turtle Bay. Contractors are workingaround the clock to ensure the restaurant isready for its grand opening.Turtle Bay is one of the best performing

and fastest expanding brands on the highstreet today.Founder Ajith Jayawickrema said the

opening of the Cheltenham restaurant was abig milestone for Turtle Bay.He said: “This is an exciting step for us and

we are especially looking forward to trans-porting Cheltenham diners to the Caribbeanwithout the need for a plane ticket! At TurtleBay, we are all about capturing the heart andsoul of the Caribbean. I believe that excitingfood should exercise the senses, stretch thepalate andmake your tongue smile.Wewantto lift our diners’ heart and soul – allowingthem an atmosphere to have fun, laugh,relax with friends and share great foodand drink.”

Famous Caribbean eatery, Turtle Bay,to open restaurant in Cheltenham


A PLANNING application submitted toCotswold District Council has infuriatedmany Cheltenham families. Developershave asked to redevelop Ullenwood Courtwhich is host to many existing local busi-nesses and includes a working livery yard,arena and pony club.The plans for 27 houses mean the riding

centre on the outskirts of Cheltenhamwould have to close. This has caused a lotof concern for the people who ride andkeep their horses there. A Facebook pageset up to Ight the plans has garnerednearly 400 supporters, many of who haveposted photos and memories of timesriding there.New developments often provoke a

massive backlash; sometimes it is becauseof the loss of a much loved amenity as isthe case at Ullenwood. Cheltenham is alovely place to live; we have good schools(many oversubscribed), decent shopping,leisure and culture opportunities, heritagebuildings, green spaces, parks and gardens.The quality of life in Cheltenham makespeople who grew up here want to stay andalso attracts people to move into the area.The concerns about the Ullenwood rede-

velopment are arguments which arecentral to the dilemma facing plannersand politicians in Cheltenham and theareas surrounding our town; people need

houses but they also need a lot of otherthings too. It is a difIcult balance to suc-cessfully plan to provide enough housingto meet the demand for housing withoutruining the town and the area around it bydestroying the very things which make itso appealing to live here.We all too often moan about youngsters

these days being sat at home watching T.V.or playing video games and health expertsexercise themselves about childhoodobesity. And yet for all of us to have accessto space for exercise and recreation meansless land available to plonk houses on.That means we need to protect spaces likeriding schools, football pitches, greenspaces used for walking, leisure etc.The riding centre gives young people an

opportunity to keep It, be out in fresh airand learn to care for animals; it is a valu-able experience for them and I hope thecampaigners win.

SoapboxBy COUNCILLOR KLARA SUDBURY

By TODD HASLEWOOD

THIS weekend sees the yearly musicfestival, ‘Glos-Tone-Beret’, takingplace at the Frog and Fiddle in thetown centre.With two days of live music

across two different stages, it offersthe chance to take in some of thecounty’s musical talent. All differ-ent genres of music are covered;from acoustic right through toheavy metal.Overlooking the event will be

the University of Gloucestershire’svery own Tone Radio, who havebeen on a meteoric rise over thepast number of years. They broad-cast live from the festival eachyear, whilst doing the same at‘2000 Trees Festival’. Much morerecently, station manager andradio production student, TomClarke interviewed Ricky Gervaison his show, ‘Apologies InAdvance’.Tom, 19, said: “Glos-Tone-Beret is an

amazing opportunity for us to get involvedin the local music scene; it’s great to show-case some of Gloucestershire’s best musi-cians too.”

“We’re all really excited about theweekend and hope it will be as much of asuccess as previous years.” The festival isheld this Friday and Saturday, 13th and 14thof February.

Glos-Tone-Beret Preview

NEW MOBILE APP MAY DIG YOUOUT OF THE VALENTINES HOLEA SURVEY by Inkly Cards has revealed that72% of people in the county have admittedto leaving it until the lastminute to buy theirloved one a Valentine’s Day card in the past*.Men are the worst culprits, with 82% leavingit until the last minute (the highest rate inthe country, with a national average of 76%),compared to 67% of women in Gloucester-shire.Respondents in the UKnationally also said

that they would most like to receive a hand-written card (35%), followed by a card withpersonalised photos (26%). ‘Funny’ and‘cute’ cards were less popular (16% and 14%respectively).Peter Ryder, cofounder of Inkly Cards, said:

“It looks as though we Brits need to be a bitmore prepared for Valentine’s Day. But

people have busy lives and buying cardsmight not be at the top of their list of thingsto do. We’re providing a solution to thatwith Inkly Cards.”Lee Hawkins, cofounder of Inkly Cards

said: “With themobile app, people can selecta card, include their own handwriting,upload their photos and post it straightaway, without needing stamps or a post box.It’s quick and easy for those on the go, sothere really are no more excuses for lastminute shopping!”Inkly Cards allows you to send real printed

greetings cards and postcards straight fromyour mobile device with a handwrittenmessage inside.Inkly Cards is compatible with iPhone,

iPad and Android 4.0 and up.


BUSINESSEditor’sDESK Blackadder goes forth

A GROUP representing Cheltenham’skey retailers and businesses has ap-pointed a new manager.

Kevan Blackadder started work thisweek as manager of the CheltenhamBusiness Partnership.

Kevan, 54, former editor of theGloucestershire Echo, said he aims touse the role to both promote the townand help companies thrive. Kevansaid: “I will work closely with bothbusinesses and local councils andother organisations to try to ensurethat Cheltenham thrives both as aretail centre and as a town. “It’s im-portant that although I will beworking closely with CheltenhamBorough Council in particular, I willbe independent.’’

“If the council is not representingthe interests of our shops and busi-nesses properly, I intend to let themknow. I’ll be meeting the major shop-ping centres and independent retailersregularly and ensuring that I know theissues that are important to them.”

The Cheltenham Business Partner-ship is made up of key companies andorganisations, who work together for

the beneKt of the town. It brings to-gether commerce, industry, leisureand administration.

Kevan, who lives in Woodmancote,said: “I am determined to make sureCheltenham continues to punchabove its weight as a shopping, busi-ness and cultural destination.

“We are very lucky as a town thatwe have so much to promote in addi-tion to our unique retail offering.

From the races through to the festivals,to the distinctive independent busi-nesses, the town has so much to offer.

“If you are a local business, big orsmall, I’d be delighted to hear fromyou.”

Partnership chairman JohnForward, centre director of RegentArcade, said: “I am delighted thatKevan is taking up this post at what isan exciting time for our vibrant andgrowing town.

“There are many changes happen-ing in Cheltenham and it is importantthat the views of the town’s businessesare represented throughout.”

Councillor Steve Jordan, leader atCheltenham Borough Council said:“Kevan has the ideal background forthe role as he has always workedclosely with key stake holders. He hasalso questioned the actions of thecouncil when necessary, and I knowhe will continue to do so.”

Kevan will also continue to work in-dependently as a media consultant.

He can be contacted on 01242252626 or by e-mail [email protected]

ON TUESDAY 3rd February 2015,local recruitment agency Expecta-tions! Recruitment Services presentedlocal charity The James Hopkins Trustwith a donation cheque of £2,808.The funds, which were raised over thecourse of a year, will be used tosupport the charity to enrich the livesof disabled, life threatened and life-limited children in Gloucestershire.At the beginning of 2014, local busi-ness Expectations! Recruitment Serv-ices pledged that their Cheltenhamand Gloucester branches would helpraise money for local charity TheJames Hopkins Trust; they committedto donate £24 for every permanentvacancy Klled, as well as raisingmoney through donations. Theirtarget; to raise £2,500 for the charity,to help fund their life-changing workwith severely disabled, life threatenedand life limited young children inGloucestershire.Last Tuesday 3rd February 2015, theteam from Expectations! Cheltenham& Gloucester ofKces presented The

James Hopkins Trustwith a cheque. SarahJames, FundraisingManager, for TheJames Hopkins Trustsaid: “We have reallyenjoyed getting toknow Expectations!Recruitment; theyhave been full ofenergy and absolutelycommitted to makinga difference. Withoutthe generous supportof our Gloucestershirecommunity and busi-nesses like Expecta-tions Recruitment wewould really struggleto support our fami-lies.”Victoria Maddock, Director of Expec-tations said: “Having a charity tosupport this year has been great andall the staff have really got ‘stuck in’to raising money. The James HopkinsTrust is such a moving cause and our

staff were really touched by theirwork when we paid them a visit! Weknow that the money raised will beused to do good work, and supportinga local charity means we knowexactly how it makes a difference.”

A S WE face the end of our‘winter of discontent’ onseveral issues in and

around the town, some glaringlyobvious problems have arrivedagain to cause a certain degree ofmisery. The winter thaw is justaround the corner and the annualappearance of potholes are rearingtheir ugly heads again.

I have never in my life been in acity or town that’s so blighted bythese holes in the road. Now I

know that some of our local politicians have been blaringon about them in the past. But all of them, without excep-tion, haven’t been able to actually resolve the situation.What pressure do they need to exert on both Gloucester-shire County Council and the Borough Council to Kx thisnonsensical and appalling mess? And are they doingenough? Probably not.

Just take a look at our article on page three about the‘cave’ that has appeared on St Stephens Road, which isnothing short of dangerous and even life-threatening.

Imagine if a cyclist hit that pothole and then toppled intothe main part of the road in front of trafKc? We would havea death or at the very least, a serious injury on our hands.And this at a time when the council have just wasteda certain amount of money on the Bath Road trial. Atwhat cost?

And as we said on our front-page this week, the CountyCouncil have netted some £900K over the past three yearsin parking tickets. And yet we still have some roads that aredownright dangerous. Again where is the money going?

It’s either incompetence or misguiding funds somewhereelse into needless and pointless projects that’s hoveringaway the much-needed money for road maintenance.

The council may want to hold up their hands and saythey have a grip on this, but they don’t. It’s as simple as that.

The latest overspend on The Wilson Gallery which wasapparently a ‘mistake’ and an ‘unfortunate’ cost to the town(us) was over £500K. What would that money have beenable to do for the state of the roads? You see my point?

We need action, not hot air from these ‘would be’ Parlia-mentarians and councillors on behalf of all the road users.They all posture and postulate, but don’t actually get downto any real work. Why doesn’t either Martin Horwood orAlex Chalk march into the council ofKce and aggressivelydemand some action? But they don’t. Emails, grandstand-ing and letters to the council simply isn’t going to cut it gen-tlemen. We need real action before someone is killed. Or areyou going to wait and then say, ‘I told you so’ blaming eachother and everybody else except yourselves for the inabilityto get it sorted?

Eric Barton, Editor

Cheltenham Standard is published weekly by Cheltenham Standard Ltd is registered at Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Montpellier Drive, Cheltenham, GL50 1TA. Reproduction of any material, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without the priorwritten consent of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, heltenham Standard Ltd will not accept liability for loss or damage. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct attime 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 rightsreserved. ISSN no. 2055-2092. Terms and conditions at www.cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

Got a comment?Please contact us at

[email protected]

Local business raises over£2,800 for local charity


BUSINESS

BUILDING on the accelerated pace ofgrowth set in 2014, Attivo, the nationalwealth management and investment groupheadquartered in Cheltenham announcedit is acquiring Sanderson Financial Consul-tancy based in Reading. Sanderson is awealth management IFA with 190 activeclients, £16m funds under managementand a recurring income of over £130k peryear.Stephen Harper (pictured), chief execu-

tive of Attivo Group, said: “We have set our-selves the challenging target of 12acquisitions in 2015, continuing the ambi-tious growth of the Group to reach ourtarget of £1bn FUM by the end of 2015,with plans to double this Ggure by 2017.’’He went to add: “The acquisition of Sander-son is the Grst business past the post thisyear but we have a number of other IFAbusinesses at due diligence stage and Iexpect to make further announcementsshortly.’’Stephen Harper also commented: “The

Attivo proposition is attractive for IFAsseeking to make capital from their business.We are often in competition with largerconsolidators but we are able to secure ac-quisitions through the strength of ourclient-focussed proposition. SigniGcant IFAswho have built up a loyal client bank overa number of years do not want to hand over

their business to a company who seeksassets Grst and client security second. Weare a Chartered, independent wealth man-agement business Grst and foremost - manyIFAs are putting this aspect over the largerconsolidators.”Attivo offers clients full wealth manage-

ment services, including Chartered Finan-cial Planning, DFM, SIPP and SSAS armssupported by the client serving teams.

WITH the extremely successfulmerger of two legal Grms it is nosurprise that this particularcompany has gone from strengthto strength over the last few years.The strongest, 200-year-old legalGrm in Gloucestershire, Rickerbys,joining forces with the solidWorcestershire and Herefordshirebased, Harrison Clark.Partner and Head of the Chel-

tenham OfGce at Harrison ClarkRickerbys (HCR), Jon Whitbread(pictured), said: “In late 2012,early 2013, discussions startedabout putting the two practices to-gether to give us a dominant posi-tion across the Three Countiesbase. There was lots of commoninterest, synergies and links acrossthe two practices and we broughteveryone together in the middle of2013.”Eighteen months later and they

have not looked back.Clearly delighted with how the

merger has gone Jon, previous em-ployee of Wragge LawrenceGraham & Co, continued: “Interms of clients, I think we nowhave greater strength and depth.There is a clear focus on the clientexperience and delivering the bestservices. We are more proactive,thinking about what opportunitiesand introductions we can make tothe client and are actively lookingat opportunities for them.”With some brilliant lawyers,

HCR are not only recruiting someof the best local people across theThree Counties but are pulling insome phenomenal quality lawyersfrom Birmingham, Bristol, andLondon, who all have a passionfor quality. Jon said: “There is agreat attraction for coming intothe Grm. We want to have a really

balanced practice between privateclients and corporate services andbetween local work and local com-panies. We also want to be able topull in some big ticket work na-tionally and internationally,which would generate opportuni-ties for many, which can only be astrong thing for the local businesscommunity.”“Seeing the company go from

strength to strength, and digestingthe positive feedback from clientsis such a buzz, and always will be.”For 2015, the motto is ‘never saynever’ Harrison Clark Rickerbys.Jon added: “In terms of our ofGces,the base we have got and the keypeople in the company, it is now acase of developing and supportingthese people in these niche areas,which will be the focus for thisyear and we will see where we gobeyond there.”

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Local 'rm Attivo starts2015 with new acquisition

WITH Valentine's Day falling on aSaturday and the hottest @lm of theyear - Fifty Shades Of Grey - comingto the big screen on February 13th,there couldn't be a better time for asparkling rose, Provencal pink orsophisticated classic @zz to spark upthe romance and passion.Here's our pick of the bunch -

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set the mood, a twist on the classicmartini promises the perfect start toValentine's evening. Instead ofvermouth, pour in a measure ofLanique (£24.95, 70cl) to unearththe scent of rose oil from thisunique Prussian liqueur. Anexquisite lipstick pink, it's slightlysweet and can also be added towhite wine.You’ll need- 25ml Lanique, 15ml

gin and a lime twist.Here’s how- half-@ll a mixing glass

with ice. Add the Lanique and gin,stir well, then strain into a chilledmartini glass. Garnish with a limetwist. Yum.

COMING UP ROSESThe picturesque LoireValley produces somelovely bubbly and freshstyles from Saumur suchas Abesse Cremant DeLoire Rose 2012, France(£12.99, www.laithwaites.co.uk) - madein the traditionalmethod, it can bebeautifullyexpressive and offerexcellent value.Made from cabernetfranc grapes, it has aAoral, fresh berrynose with a creamypalate and a fruit-@lled freshness onthe @nish.

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it’s Valentine’s Day!wrong with a bottle of GH MummCordon Rouge Rose, France (£33.59down from £41.99, now untilMarch 17th, Waitrose). A deeppeachy pink with raspberryaromas, vibrant red fruits and aslight tartness on the Bourish of aAnish.

UNDER LOCK AND KEYA sexy creation from Moet &Chandon, their limited edition‘Unfurl The Tie' Rose ImperialChampagne, France (picturedbelow) (£110 available now) comesin a stylish rounded case whichpirouettes open to reveal a bottle oftheir rose, with a 'Toasting Tie'stand that holds two delicatelystemmed, footless champagneButes.

Bit over the top, but might beperfect to ‘push out the romanticboat’ as it were.

PINK PERSUASIONCited by Decanter magazine as 'theperfect Provence Rose', onceyou've poured a glass of ChateauCoussin Rose 2013, Cotes deProvence, France (£13,Oddbins) it won't take

much convincing that this wine isgoing to be utterly delicious. Thecolour is a pale, baby pink, thebouquet is rose and strawberryscented which leads to passionfruit and pink grapefruit Bavourswith an underlying minerality thatadds freshness and elegance.So you see there’s plenty of

mouth-watering tinctures out thereto set the Valentines pulses racing.Wow him or her with a tantalisingswig of something exotic or a sip ofsomething that’s both simple andstunning. Let the fun begin.

DON’TFORGET...14THFEB!

A snapshot of student life in Cheltenham

BY FRANCESCA COBY

UNIVERSITY is for many, the Arsttime they move away from home,away from their parents, and thepeople they’ve always known.The safety blanket is pulled

from underneath all of us and weare thrust into the new world ofindependent living and buyingour own toothpaste. I neverrealised cheese was this expensive!There are dozens of daunting Arsttime tasks. Although we’re only atuniversity for nine months of theyear many of us will havebirthdays that fall into thiscategory. I decided in my Arstyear, as a February baby to not run

home to mummy but to take myindependent living to awhole new extreme, I was goingto stay here.From three years of experience I

can honestly say they are bloodymarvelous. Everyone feels so sorryfor you that you’re not at homeyou get spoilt rotten. Mum mighthave brought me some toast inbed but my friends in Cheltenhamcook me a Bipping eggs benedict,and I get woken by a champagnetoast.As for the celebrating it goes on

for at least a solid week, everyonetakes it as an excuse to do as littlework as possible and get sodisgustingly drunk they don’t

know what to do with themselves,all with the notion, ‘hell it’s abirthday let’s all celebrate’. Thebest part is everything is double,last year I got two birthday cakeson two separate occasions duringthe week, and all those friendswho don’t buy you a present endup buying you a drink whenyou’re out, and when people aredrunk everyone is your friend.On all of your consequential

nights out you get a shout outfrom the DJ each seeming betterand more exciting than the last.The free “champagne” (cheapcider in a wine bottle) you get atMoo Moo’s on your birthdayseems like the best thing that has

happened to you all year.I encourage all students to

spend their birthdays at uni,because the party never ends andthe best part? Mum comes up at

the end of the week, and takesyou for the most glorious three-course dinner which means youstay full for days and don’t haveto go food shopping. Bliss.

TheVIBE14 CHELTENHAM STANDARD 12 FEBRUARY 2015

BOOZE, BINGES & BIRTHDAYSAnd everything in-between!

I HAVE come acrossa couple of recentarticles that haveoffered ‘tips’ forpeople who aresingle in orderto ‘survive’Valentine’s Day.They tended to

focus on the ‘best’ways to And a mate in time for the ‘bigday’ and/or planning for the perfect Arstdate; Bridget Jones style.There is obviously nothing wrong with

desiring a romantic relationship orlooking for one (at any time of year) butone of the greatest hurdles in life can betruly accepting and loving yourself forwho you are, so why not use this day to

work on your relationship with yourself?(NB if you are someone who is activelylooking for a partner, loving yourself alsohappens to be very attractive to otherpeople anyway so win-win!).You could visit somewhere nice, run

yourself a romantic bath, make yourselfa special breakfast or even write yourselfa letter saying why you are so very proudof the woman/man you have become(including the things you’ve achievedsince last year)?Whatever is YOU (those activities that

help you feel peaceful and content).Before we look for a new relationship it ishealthy to take some time to reBect onour past experiences or invest in who weare now, in order not to choose the samerelationship again. Therefore if a pastrelationship is still hurting you or youare Anding it difAcult to move on thenyou could also make the decision to talkto a Relate counsellor (charges apply)about it this year (01242 523215).Whether you are in a relationship or notyour Valentine’s Day can still be full oflove even without going on that ‘perfect’Arst date.

AgonyAunt Kimberley Wall

or email: [email protected]

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CULTURE

CHELTENHAM Jazz Festival returns at theend of April with a bold programmefeaturing a range of exclusive one-offperformances, unique collaborations,special commissions and debut UKappearances from a heady mix ofestablished stars and emerging talent.Taking place across six days from

Wednesday, April 29th – Monday, May4th, this year’s festival will present asmart balance of classic andcontemporary jazz, blues, soul and popfrom a string of pioneering acts includingmillion-selling singer-songwriter Rumer,Dutch superstar Caro Emerald,experimental producer and composerSquarepusher, one of the queens of soulMartha Reeves, world-renowned DJ andbroadcaster Gilles Peterson, former DrFeelgood guitaristWilko Johnson,Californian blues-rocker Beth Hart, andconsummate jazz singer and broadcasterClare Teal. It’s a heady line-up that’s

bound to thrill.BBC Radio 2 continues its long-term

association with the festival and hasconIrmed a range of activity across theweek. Alongside live festival-themedshows recorded onsite by Jamie Cullumon Saturday, May 2 and Clare Teal onSunday, May 3, the network will air CaroEmerald’s concert onThursday, April 30and a Frank Sinatra-themed ‘Friday NightIs Music Night’.The 2015 Cheltenham Jazz Festival is

hosted in a tented festival village inCheltenham’s Montpellier Gardensfeaturing the Big Top, the Jazz Arena, theTake Five Tent - which will feature talks,workshops and family activities - a food,drink and market area, as well as showsat various venues around town.Tickets go on sale to members on

Wednesday, February 25 and to thegeneral public on Thursday, March 5 atcheltenhamfestivals.com

BIG NAMES FOR JAZZ FESTIVAL 2015

Bumper calendar of family events for Town HallEvent Date Time Location Tickets

JurassicAdventures(Ages 3+)

Monday 23March 2015

11am &4.30pm

CheltenhamTown Hall

Adults: £16.50Children: £13.50Family of four: £54School parties: £9.50

The AmazingBubble Man(all ages)

Monday 30March 2015

11.30am &2.30pm

CheltenhamTown Hall

Adults: £14Children £11.50Family of four: £46

Journey ofTurtle (ages 5+)

Monday 6April 2015

2.30pmCheltenhamTown Hall

Adults: £7.50Children: £6.50

Tweedy’s Houseof Fun (all ages)

Wednesday8 April 2015


Adults: £12.50Children: £9Family of Four: £36

Jamie AllaniMagician

Friday 1May 2015


Adults: £19.50Under 16s: £12.50

Voca People Monday 4May 2015


Adults: £22.50Children: £20.50Family of four: £76

All tickets available from: Cheltenham Town Hall Box Of<ce in person,via 0844 576 2210 or at Cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

A BRAND new programme offamily events will launch atCheltenhamTown Hall this year,starting with Jurassic Adventureson Monday 23rd March 2015.The spring season also features

the fabulously entertaining TheAmazing Bubble Man (30thMarch 2015). Bubbleologist LouisPearl explores the breath-takingdynamics of bubbles, combiningcomedy and artistry withaudience participation andmesmerising bubble tricks tokeep all ages entertained.

Lempen Puppet Theatre bring the imaginativeevolutionary journey of the turtle to town on Monday 6thApril 2015 (Journey of Turtle). This delightful, traditionalproduction, designed to inspire everyone over age 5, is toldwith shadows, table-top puppets and storytelling.OnWednesday 8th April 2015 Gloucestershire’s favourite

clown,Tweedy, moves into a new house, but needs toimpress his grumpy landlord (Wink Taylor, from Mini CITV’sSooty Show) with the help of Theo the Mouse andWendy!This delightfully entertaining show (Tweedy’s House of Fun)from Gloucestershire’s top family entertainers is a perfectEaster matinee for all ages.Heading towards the summer months (Friday 1st May

2015) Jamie Allan’s spectacular fusion of magic andtechnology explores the work of history’s greatestillusionists, demonstrating how modern technology canmake them even more mind blowing. His incredible illusionshave recently appeared on ITV’s The Alan Titchmarsh Showand BBC’s The One Show.On Monday 4th May 2015 the thrilling and original musical

extravaganza that is the Voca People will burst intoCheltenhamTown Hall with their energetic show.Thisinternationally acclaimed vocal harmony beatbox groupperform more than 80 hit songs, from Michael Jackson toMozart!

Wilko Johnson


CULTURE

YOUNG teen, Oscar Dunleavy is missing,presumed to have committed suicide. Abig search takes place to Jnd him, but tono avail. Stevie, his disabled brother, isconvinced that Oscar is alive, as is hisbest friend Meg.Oscar’s missing status is the event from

which this enchanting story sparks.Through a dual narrative, MooreFitzgerald sensitively conveys theblossoming of Oscar and Meg’s deepfriendship and love for each other so thatwhen Meg is forced to fall in with herparents’ plans to visit New Zealand for asix-month stay, leaving her best friendbehind, she is Jercely resistant. WhatMeg doesn’t realise is that, in her absence,precocious and beautiful Paloma Killealy

makes a play for Oscar. When he rejectsher seductive charms, hell, as the sayinggoes, hath no fury than a woman scorned.Vicious and deeply manipulative, Palomaembarks on a cruel plan, withcatastrophic results.Moore Fitzgerald’s vibrant prose Jzzes

with energy. Her portrayal of the agoniesof adolescence is spot-on. Dogged,sensible and determined Meg is awonderful character, yet it’s gentle andcharming Oscar who really grabs ourhearts. With a nose for those in trouble,Oscar turns his talent for baking into agenuine force for good. And this is wherethe intriguing title of the novel comes in.Oscar gifts his apple tarts to the lost anddesperate. Embodying the kindness ofstrangers, his simple gesture is not only amessage of hope, but also of love, andsomething we all need to keep us on the

straight and narrow. As Oscar says: ‘Afteryou’ve taken a bite, the whole world willlook almost completely different... you’llrealise that everything is going to be OK.’So how is it that Oscar feels so

marginalised and desperate himself?How does he pull off the biggestdisappearing act in history? And whocomes to the rescue? You’ll have to readthis big-hearted children’s book to Jndout. Certain to delight 11 plus readersand, dare I say, adults alike, it’s a littlepiece of pure, irresistible magic.The Apple Tart of Hope is published by

Orion’s Children’s’ Books.

Eve Seymour is a freelance writing coach andthe author of seven crime /ction novels.Beautiful Losers will be published by USpublisher Midnight Ink early 2016. To see moredetails of her work visit www.evseymour.co.uk

THIS weekend's big event in Cheltenham is aseries of concerts that goes under themoniker of Folk Three.Taking place atCheltenhamTown Hall over three nights onFriday 13th to Sunday 15th February, FolkThree replaces the Folk Festival that ranannually in the town for many years.Controversially, the Folk Festival was

disbanded this year due to declining ticketsales.This new stripped-back version hopesto retain the appeal of the Folk Festival’sevening sessions by having a headlining actand supports perform, with a disc jockeyspinning discs in the interval. Some peopleare sceptical of the new format and point tothe omission of the traditional FolkFestival workshops, Fringesessions and street performanceas a huge loss.Friday's concert begins with

BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winnerChrisWood before headlinersShooglenifty (featuring KaelaRowan) take the stage.Saturday features RoryMcLeod and headlinersEliza & Martin Carthy.Whilst Sunday'sconcert sees majorfolk star SethLakeman(pictured)return to

Cheltenham, with support fromThe BlairDunlop Band.The organisers promise that Folk Three

will be 'not just your usual concertexperience,' with DJ Dolphin Boy performingsets throughout the weekend in the PillarRoom and a pop-up bar in the Main Hallserving drinks during the performances.Whether it can win over the folk fans whohave faithfully supported the festival overthe years remains to be seen, but restassured that the acts on show will be of thehighest quality.If you aren’t a big fan of folk music then

you’ll still be able to get your live music Jxelsewhere around town this weekend asmost genres are covered. On Friday, head toSubtone for some jazz and blues played byupbeat party bandThe Cuginis, whilst the 2Pigs hosts a night of indie and alternativerock by the way of TheVigil,The Call Out andCourson. Fred Roberts’ Family host an

acoustic night featuring TheTimbres atThe Bell Inn, and Glos-Tone-BeretFestival takes place over two stagesat The Frog & Fiddle.On Saturday it might be

Valentine’s Night, but as all of therestaurants are likely to be fullybooked by now, you might as welltake your loved ones to watchTheGoing Goods at St Paul’s Tavern whoplay hip-hop with a smile on theirfaces.

If that’s not your thing, thenKnebakaye are performing modand Britpop covers at Subtone,whilst The Jaguars play the bestsongs from the 60’s at TheCharlton Kings Club.Whatever’syour thing, you will be sure toJnd plenty going on inCheltenham this weekend tosatisfy your musical taste buds.For more local music news visit

www.behindthesceneglos.com

By EVE SEYMOUR

BookREVIEW

The Apple Tart of Hope By Sarah Moore Fitzgerald

ON FRIDAY 20th November 2015,TheCentaur at Cheltenham Racecoursewill warmly welcome the return ofJools Holland & his Rhythm & BluesOrchestra with special guest KTTunstall. Having performedpreviously in The Centaur back in2013 the Pianist, bandleader, singer,composer, television presenter andmultiplatinum recording artist JoolsHolland returns to Cheltenham aspart of his thirty-one date

Autumn/Winter Tour across the UKand Ireland.Jools Holland will be performing

tracks spanning his entire solo careeras well as songs taken from his newduets album ‘Sirens Of Song’,released November 2014.With acatalogue that reaches throughdecades a night with Jools Hollandwill bring you the greatest boogie-woogie party in town.KTTunstall will be joining Jools

and his Rhythm & BluesOrchestra making for avery exciting addition tothe line-up.The BRIT-award

winning Scottish singer-songwriter has sold over4 million records andboasts an impressivecatalogue of hit singlesincluding ‘Suddenly ISee’, ‘Black Horse AndThe Cherry Tree’ and‘Other Side Of TheWorld’. She originallybroke into the musicscene in 2004 when sheperformed live on“Later…With JoolsHolland” and appears onJools’ recent albumSirens Of Song (2014) onthe track ‘Night AndDay’.Tickets are priced at

£36 (excluding bookingfee) and available atwww.cheltenham.co.uk

Jools Holland returns toThe Centaur with KT Tunstall

THE LIVELINE UPS

Jools Holland


QUIRKYNEWS SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT...A selection of the strangest stories from around the globe

A 14-YEAR OLD teen hasbasked in the spotlightthis week for accepting

donations totaling £300 to replacehis top-of-the-range bike stolenfrom his backyard in Springbank,Cheltenham.In a local article at the end of

January it reported the theft andpublished the photo of a glumlooking Jackson French and hisappeal to the thieves to return thebike he worked so hard to save upfor.Up until this point the story

hasn’t bothered me. Fruitless asthis appeal looked then, and now,perhaps a twitchy neighbour or aremorseful accomplice mightcome forward with information?Certainly worth the kid trying? Ialso appreciate his frustration andhaving something taken from himthat he’s bought with his ownmoney; poor little mite.However - my sympathy

quickly dries up thefollowingweek whenhis

misfortune seemingly gets itsown registered charity number.Local woman, Rachel Godwin,gets on her soapbox andpublicly callsfor everyone in the county to‘chip in’ £1.Whilst I felt his

parents taught hima valuable lessonin beingindependent,earning money,saving money, itseems theselessons fell shortwhen his enablershelped him to behave nobetter than a vagrant.The teenager lost his bike.

Unlike theworthy storiesyou hear of thepublic crowd

funding forindividualsneeding life-

savingsurgery, this

case warranted nothingof the sort.

The parents should’ve gracefullyrefused the offer of donations,instead thanking those for theirgenerosity. In the process theycould’ve taught Jackson anotherimportant life lesson: you will losethings and you will have to dealwith it.Heavens! How many more times

are we going to have to chip in forpoor Jackson? Should we foot thebill when he rips a hole in his

sweatshirt when he plays about inthe mud? Or God forbid hisgirlfriend dumps him in a few

years. Should we allrally together topay for him toget on adating site?It’s molly-coddling tothe highestdegree and Iwon’t stand

for it.I happened to

have my Beatsheadphones stolen last week offthe gym Boor whilst I worked outwith Personal Trainer to the localcelebs, Adam Galway. It’s veryimportant I deal with it like a bigboy and make the painstakingdecision of whether to part withmy money for another pair or gowithout. I’m certainly not going todo a whip round and have theBritish public purchase them forme.To add a Anal twist to the story,

it was awkwardly revealed that

the kid’s Granddad actually gavehim ANOTHER £300 needed for anew bike. But rather than returnthe donations it seems Jackson’sparents intend to pocket the lotunder the justiAcation he’ll needthe cash to buy a steel lock.Hopefully they might change theirminds and return the moneyeither to the donors or at leasttreat Granddad to a bottle ofwhiskey; that would be thehonourable thing to do?In light of this, I think I would

like to repeat Miss Godwin’sactions and ask my readers todonate £1 to Jackson French’sparents. If everybody in the countydid it would raise £858,300! Wecould use the money to movethem to a better house in a betterarea of Cheltenham, or, let’s faceit; this bike’s going to be a gonner’too! But don’t worry if you thinkthis is classless, they don’t mindtaking handouts.

Get more of Tom’s insightsby following him onTwitter @thurlow

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

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

A DOG who became a global star after beingabandoned at a Scottish train station withhis belongings in a suitcase has found a newhome.

Shar-Pei crossbreed 'Kai' was discoveredtied to a railing outside Ayr station lastmonth next to a suitcase containing apillow, toy, food bowl and food.

After his story was publicised, the ScottishSPCA found themselves inundated withoffers to adopt Kai from people all over theworld.

However, his lucky new owner is self-employed hydraulic engineer Ian Russell, 52.

Mr Russell said he was left heartbrokenwhen his Dalmatian Mica, who he hadowned for 15 years, passed away just beforeChristmas.

When he heard about Kai he immediatelyapplied to adopt him but didn't think thathe stood a chance. And when he learned he

had been successful he said it was a “bit likewinning the lottery.”

As for Kai's future, Ian says he can expectto lead an active and adventurous life as heworks all over Scotland, mainly outdoors,and Kai will accompany him.

According to reports, Kai ended up beingabandoned after a Gumtree sale allegedlywent wrong.

After his case was publicised, a womancalled Fin Rayner stepped forward to claimthat she had travelled from her home inAberdeenshire to Ayr to collect Kai after

seeing him advertised.However, when she arrived she discovered

that he wasn’t the dog pictured in theonline ad.

When she asked to take Kai for a walk theseller requested a £150 deposit in case shedidn't return. However, it was the seller whodisappeared.

According to Ms Rayner, she told amember of staff that Kai was somebodyelse's dog and, after making sure he was in asafe place, tied him to the railings beforeleaving.

BRITAIN'S ;rst police beekeeping clubhas been launched to help of;cers inScotland Yard's CO19 ;rearms unit keepcalm.

Bosses provided a grant of £525 to payfor two hives and protective suits for theMet Police Beekeeping Association.

Publicity material for the club says theactivity is ideal for stressed cops becauseit is a relaxing and rewarding hobby.

The ;rearms of;cer who set up theclub, whocannot benamed forlegal reasons,said: “There'sa long historyof beekeeping

in my family and I thought it would be afantastic hobby for police.”

A Met Police spokesman said: “TheMetropolitan Police BeekeepingAssociation has no record of membersbeing stung by their MPBA bees.

“Members wear protective clothingand gloves at all times and are briefedabout risks before they take part inactivities.”

Coppers keepcool with bees

TRAINSTATIONDOG FINDSNEW HOME

Illustration purposes only


CRYPTICCrossword

CoffeeBreak

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

9

10 11

12 13

14 15 16

17 18

19 20 21

22 23

24 25

PASS

DIVE

KICK

BALL

WordLadderConvert the word at the topof the ladder into the wordat the bottom of it, usingonly the four steps inbetween. Every word mustbe a valid four letter word.

Last week’s solutions (5th January 2015): Across: 1 Copal; 4 Recipes; 8 Overall; 9 Scion;10 Eyes; 11 Hesitate; 13 Ruth; 14 Tree; 16 Remained; 17 Apes; 20 Ennui; 21 Charade;22 Sledges; 23 Heels. Down: 1 Close quarters; 2 Piece; 3 Loaf; 4 Roller; 5 Cashiers; 6 Private;7 Senselessness; 12 Striking; 13 Romance; 15 Fences; 18 Plane; 19 Oath.

MANUFACTURERS of Monopoly are tocelebrate a key anniversary by making 80sets containing real money in France.Hasbro is marking the 80th anniversary

of Monopoly's Crst appearance in Franceby making one set containing a total of20,580 euros (£15,500).Another ten sets will contain Cve real 20-

euro notes, two 50-euro notes and one 100-euro note.And the remaining 69 sets will have Cve

10-euro notes and Cve 20-euro notes.The 80 lucky sets are hidden within

30,000 boxes of different types of game -classic, junior, electronic and ‘vintage’.“We wanted to do something unique,”

said Florence Gaillard, brandmanager at Hasbro France.“When we asked our French

customers, they told us theywanted to Cnd real money intheir Monopoly boxes.”The operation to switch the

notes was carried out in secret,in the eastern town ofCreutzwald, where the gamesare packed up before beingshipped throughout France.

1 25 6 8 37 4 6 98 1 64 9 8

3 9 26 5 2

2 1 8 9 4 5 65 1 3 7

StandOKU!Dif:culty rating: Moderate

TARGET

E R NS TF D A

E

Make as manywords of four lettersor more as you can.Each word mustcontain the centerletter and eachletter must onlybe used once.

Target:20 words good;35 very good;40+ excellent.

ACROSS

7. Adopts a new stance andestablishes law (6)8.Went one better - made aninternational (6)10. One glass and he fails to standup (7)11. Clipped a piece from theintersection (5)12. The right writing material fora slippery surface (4)13. To be of use as part of a bridaloutAt, by the sound of it (5)17. Deceptive movement notclearly seen, we hear (5)18.Very small, soft cry (4)22. Take steps to show tyremarking (5)23. No particular date fortransforming an amenity (7)24.Measures acting as restraints(6)25. The one who pulls out theticket returns for the prize (6)

DOWN

1. An ash-tree badly affected bythe elements (7)2. Train me to change gear (7)3. See 19 Down.4. Barker, when pleased, will dothis for a bird! (7)5. Not connected with a stage role(5)6. Seed scattered round the end ofBowering borders (5)9. Supply conclusive evidence theclan altered French dialect (9)14. The road to the cemetery?(4-3)15. One faced with a big bill (7)16. Disseminates advertisementin press arrangement (7)19 And 3 Down. Cattle even nownot moving (5-5)20. This makes part of a rosepaler (5)21.We hear they're unbelievableinstruments (5)

ARIES (March 20 – April 18):Is what you're hearingmore applicable to theperson saying it? You maybe the unconscious hookfor his issues. Smile andnod in all the right placesas you make your way tothe nearest exit.

TAURUS (April 19 – May 19):A friend or associate isgoing through a roughpatch. It's your turn to bethere for someone whoonce came through for you.

GEMINI (May 20 – June 20): Itmay feel like you're takingthree steps back at work,but a return to basics is thevery thing that can help toreorient you now.

CANCER (June 21 – July 21):An associate's fear ofconfrontation mixes withyour fear of rejection tocreate a perfect storm ofmisunderstanding. Putyour cards on the table. It'snot as bad as you think.

LEO (July 22 – Aug 21):Differences aren't soirreconcilable.This just

isn't the time to resolvethem. A partner willapproach you whens/he is ready.

VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21):It's no fun havingsomeone birddog you atwork, but look at it thisway - it keeps you onyour toes.

LIBRA (Sept 22 – Oct 22):You've pushed arelationship as far as itwill go. If you don't want itto break down all together,you'd best startbackpedaling now.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21):You've gone through a lotto keep your hometogether.Take pride in theway you rose to theoccasion.

SAGITTARIUS(Nov 22 – Dec 20): Aneleventh hour assist getsyou over a hurdle. Don'trelax yet.You may stillneed one more favor inthe eleventh hour andAfty-ninth minute.

CAPRICORN (Dec 21 – Jan 18):Sometimes the bestinvestments are personalrather than Anancial.Helping people helpthemselves ensures thefavor will be returned oneday.

AQUARIUS (Jan 19 – Feb 17):You can't always pick andchoose your allegiances.Stick by those whosupported you - even ifyou don't like whatthey're doing.

PISCES (Feb 18 – March 19): Itdoesn't take much for aspeculation to berepackaged as fact.Consider the source.Youmay And that the truthhas been greatlyembellished.

YourWeekly HOROSCOPES

REAL MONOPOLYMONEY AT LAST

A BRIGHTON man whofound a Pringle crisp withwhat looks like a Nikeswoosh in it is selling thesnack on eBay.The 22-year-old seller,

known as only Rob, hopesthe mis-shaped Pringlewill prove a moneyspinner on the auctionwebsite.He said: “I was having

some crisps after work oneday when I saw it, one ofthe last crisps the packet, and thought:‘That's odd’.”Rob claims the snack is completely

natural and has not been tampered with

in any way, and says heput it on eBay because he“wanted people to see it”.But he admitted that it

had proved quite achallenge not to haveeaten the paprika LidlPringle as it was one of hisfavourite Davours.He promises to wrap the

“one off specimen” inseveral layers of tissue andbubble wrap to ensure itremains in one piece

during delivery to the auction winner.However, so far, it doesn’t look like the

distinctive crisp will make him a rich man- bidding has so far reached only £7.50.

Nike shaped crisp for sale

OPENING TIMES: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm, Sunday 10am - 2pm

Canal Bank • Saul • Gloucester • GL2 7LA • Tel: 01452 741880 • www.ffogloss.co.uk

UK house prices rose 2pc to £193,130 fromDecember to January, the strongestmonthly growth rate for eight months,according to new data from The HalifaxHouse Price Index.The value of the average British home in

the last three months (November toJanuary) was 1.9pc higher than in theprevious three months (August to October),the Irst quarterly increase for six months,following a sudden pick-up in demand forhome loans as prospective movers and Irst-time buyers took advantage of yet morerecord low mortgage offers.Martin Ellis, economist at The Halifax,

said: “This bounce-back in house pricegrowth in January coincides with reports ofthe Irst rise in mortgage approvals for sixmonths in December. These improvementsmay indicate that the recent declines inmortgage rates, the reform of stamp dutyand the Irst increases in real earnings forseveral years are providing a modest boostto the market.”The Halifax forecast that nationally,

house prices will increase in a range of 3%to 5% in 2015 compared with 8% last year.“We should take this price rise as a sign

that house prices in the UK are returningtowards trend; stable and moderately aheadof inJation. This is good news for themarket, which could use a dose of relativecalm after the past few years,” said AdamChallis, head of residential research for JLL.


SMART AND STYLISHCARPETS, RUGS & RUNNERS FROM

Hartley &Tissier • Brintons • Alternative flooring • JacarandaCARPETS WOOD AMTICO NATURALS33 Prestbury Road | Cheltenham | Gloucestershire | GL52 2PP

01242 375026

PROPERTY&HOME

ROMANCE is a funny old thing; it cansneak up on you, hit you like athunderbolt, or just be tantalisingly out ofreach, but there's one place where it's alltoo easy to feel the love - at home.Rooms which are cosy, cherishing and

cosseting are as good as a hug on a coldwinter's day, while those dressed withtactile 'touch-me' textures and sensualcurves seduce the senses.Similarly, while love comes in all shapes

and sizes, so do settings, and there areseveral looks to fall for, whichcould appeal if you're Jirting,infatuated or totallycommitted to a romanticdecor choice.If all things amour set your

heart racing, be inspired thisFebruary 14th and use the red ofthose classic love tokens, hearts and roses,as a decor cue. Pastel pinks and prettytouches are for those with a head-over-heels crush on fashionable boudoir style,while neutral tones, skilfully embellished

with decorative accents, are so subtle thatthey have a timeless appeal.So don't wait for love to come knocking -

simply romance the rooms!Forever associated with 'girly' girls, those

blushing, pink shades are for those wholove all things Jirty and feminine.

“Pink velvets, shimmering glassand the sheen of fashionablemetallics capture the newromantic spirit,” says StephanieChen, director of Marks &Spencer's home division.“A sumptuous and indulgent

collection of statement pieces playa key role in our new collection for

homes. Traditional touches in ceramicand lace create a soft, feminine mood,ending on a vibrant range of pretty pastelcolour pops in modern digi-prints and chicclassic styles.“A combination of decadent pink velvet

and striking copper conjures an elegant, yetchic look, that is the epitome of the trendfor 2015.”There's nowhere more suitable for

romance than the bedroom, and this spaceshould be a cocoon where relaxation andseduction is easy.Naturally, a well-dressed bed is essential,

and Emma Bridgewater's new Hearts &Flowers bed linen set is particularlyappropriate in pale pink and white. Double

Duvet Cover, £55, available from mid-March (visit www.ashleywildegroup.co.ukfor stockists).Remember also that bursts of passion are

exciting in a relationship - and bold coloursenliven rooms. Consider painting a piece offurniture in your favourite red shade, andadd pops of red - ‘kisses’ making yourhome a haven of love and romance thisValentines.

Room for hugs from your homethis VALENTINES

House pricessee slight change

THE PARK £750,000A five bedroom detached family house in a highly sought after residential area within easy reach of a good local school, Montpellier and the town centre. Its generous accommodation comprisesin brief a spacious entrance hall, a living room, dining room, a study, a modern fitted kitchen, utility room, downstairs cloakroom, a wonderfully large conservatory enjoying views over the garden,five bedrooms, an en-suite to the master bedroom and a family bathroom. Further benefits include gas fired central heating, double glazing, a jolly good sized rear garden with a leafy aspect, offroad parking for numerous vehicles and a double garage with electronically operated doors. EPC:D

ULLENWOOD £375,000Occupying a semi-rural location with useful commuter access to Cheltenham, Gloucester and views over thesurrounding countryside is this spacious and versatile three bedroom period cottage with the potential tocreate an adjoining annexe/home office. Offering a wealth of character features its well presentedaccommodation comprises in brief an entrance hall, living room with an attractive fireplace, dining room, afitted kitchen, utility, three bedrooms and a bathroom. Benefits include oil fired central heating, a substantialadjoining former stable block currently arranged as dog kennels but offering scope for conversion into anannexe/home office subject to the necessary consents, a good-sized mature garden overlooking opencountryside and off road parking for several vehicles. EPC:F

PRESTBURY £450,000Set in a wonderfully tucked away spot within a highly sought after residential area is this remarkablyversatile four/five bedroom modern end of terrace house with easy access to local shops and countryside.Its well-presented accommodation, over three floors, is surprisingly spacious and on the ground floorcomprises an entrance vestibule, a generous hall, shower room, utility room and a wonderfully open plankitchen/dining/family room that opens to the landscaped rear garden. The first floor offers a large livingroom opening into a study area and two possible bedrooms. Above there is a master bedroom with adressing room and an en-suite, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Additional benefits includegas fired central heating, double glazing, an integral garage and off road parking. EPC:D

CHARLTON KINGS £525,000A beautifully presented four bedroom Grade II listed farmhouse with a wealth of fine character features in a sought after residential area. Its well-proportioned accommodation comprises inbrief an entrance hall, a living room with an inglenook fireplace, a dining room with an open fireplace, a fitted kitchen/breakfast room, a study, four good sized bedrooms, an en-suite showerroom to the guest bedroom and a family bathroom with a shower over the bath. Additional benefits of this remarkable period property, featured in the Period Living magazine, include gasfired central heating, a large garden with a summer house, a workshop and off road parking.

SOUTHAM £595,000An extended detached house with a self-contained annexe, a large rear garden backing onto fields and marvellous views to CheltenhamRacecourse and the Malvern Hills. The principal dwelling comprises in brief an entrance hall, a dining room, a generous living room with a featurefireplace leading to a sitting area, a garden room, a modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, a downstairs cloakroom, three doublebedrooms, the master with access to a roof terrace, a family bathroom, shower room, a walk-in shower and a cloakroom. In addition the annexeoffers a living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and a conservatory. Further benefits include gas fired central heating, double glazing and offroad parking for numerous vehicles. EPC:D

Customer Charter

You can expect the following from us:

� total honesty � realism� frequent communication� transparency� ethical behaviour at all times� a never-ending determination to get results

We will not:� raise false expectations� behave unethically or encourage others to do so

Nigel Errington-Smith

Evesham Road,CheltenhamGL52 2AB

£280,000

A luxury ground <oor apartment set inthis period style building built in 2006.High ceilings and sash windowscoupled with a fully ;tted kitchen anden-suite all add to the charm.

Prestbury Road,PrestburyGL52 3DD

£460,000

An imposing Five bed Georgian home,having been stripped back to brickand then sympathetically restored bythe current owners. This is a must see.

Bath Road,CheltenhamGL53 7NG

£700 pcm

A Brand New Large One BedroomApartment in the Heart of PopularLeckhampton

Selkirk StreetCheltenhamGL52 2HH

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Quite Possibly the HighestSpeci;cation Two Bedroom House inPittville. Unique and quirky bestdescribe this house.

Overton Park Road,CheltenhamGL50 3BW

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A second <oor apartment situated inthis imposing period villa.Conveniently located close to popular'Montpellier' this studio would makean ideal ;rst buy or investment

Badminton Road,GloucesterGL4 6AY

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We advise an offer has been placed on80 Badminton Road, Gloucester, GL46AY for the sum of £115,000. Anyperson’s wishing to place a higher offermust do so within 7 days in writing toElliot Oliver Sales and Letttings, 101Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW.

A bespoke personalised service to get you the best price

[email protected]

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Call Martin Julier MNAEA01242 898746

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It’s our10th BirthdayAnd to celebrate we are offering to sell

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SALES DEPARTMENTNOW OPENTel: 01242 250846Email: [email protected]

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GIVEN that the ForTwo is Smart's 'reallysmall' car, you'd be forgiven for thinking theForFour was practically a family wagon. Butno, it's only the same size as a Skoda Citigo -albeit a very different sort of attack on thecity car sector.You get four doors, four seats and a tiny

boot that can be cleverly expanded in severaldifferent ways. A rear-mounted engine takes alot of potential boot space away, so asstandard it's smaller than a Citigo or Hyundaii10, but it has more Bexible seating to createsurprising space if you want it.Even if you choose the basic model and the

least colourful interior, the Smart is still a bit'look at me!'. You just choose how bright andfunky you want it, and thanks to multipleoptions for the fabric-covered dashboard andtrim inserts, you're never going to be short ofsomething to brighten your day.It's a unique thing to look at, with a front

end by Barn Door Styling Ltd and a two-tonepaint job that traces the special safety cellmaking both Smart cars so strong in crashsituations.While the boot is pretty miniature to start

with, the two rear seats fold Bat in an instant

to give a Bat and broad load bay. The frontpassenger seat folds too, to allow long, thinobjects of up to 2.2 metres. Brilliant forplumbers carrying copper piping,one assumes. Or active types withsurfboards or skis.The rear seat cushions even Bip

and collapse to a lower position,turning the rear passenger area intoa ‘boot’ big enough to take a 50-inchTV. Rear doors that open to amarvellous 85 degrees help withloading and unloading, whether the cargo isoversized electronics or undersized humans.There are a couple of handy storage

compartments squeezed into the cabin, butthe glove box is all-but-useless and the cupholders ahead of the gear stick allow drinksbottles to Bop around and interfere withshifts.The big selling point is a super-tight

turning circle.It's nowhere near as hilarious as the

ForTwo's black cab-beating efforts, but it'sclass-leading anyway. Parallel parkingbecomes a mere triBe in the daily grind ofcommuting.

Not even theturbocharged version is

quick, so forget any delusions of grandeur,and the steering and chassis responses havebeen tuned for slow reactions. Better forstability and safety, Smart says, and they dotechnically have a point.It rides and drives like a bigger car thanks

to new suspension tech inspired by theMercedes C-Class. There's more suspensiontravel and greater control than in the oldmodel, although the steering stays very lighteven at speed.There's a very valid case for buying the

biggest Smart, but at the increased price youreally do have to want one a lot.It's got the quirk factor, as well as solid and

safe engineering under the skin. It's a fashionstatement that eclipses most of its more soberconfederates and stands out in a way thatplenty of people are likely to engage with.

UNLIKE with some modelupdates where it’s impossible totell what’s been changed, withFord’s revamped Focus Estate,there’s no mistaking old for newhere. The Arst thing that greets you is Ford’snew corporate nose - think Aston Martin forthe people.But there’s more to the Focus than just

some added bling, as the car now packssome impressive safety and convenience kit,tweaked ride and handling characteristicsplus engines that are more than worthy ofFord’s hype.In keeping with the Fiesta and Mondeo,

the Focus sports a new nose that lookssuspiciously similar to something youmight And on an Aston Martin. Whateveryour view, the bold new snout is a genuinehead-turner and does much to boost the

car’s premium look and feel. And it’s thisangle that Ford is most keen to develop, asthe Arm aspires to move its models

increasingly upmarket.As the wagon of the

family, you can expectthe Focus Estate toswallow pretty muchanything you throw at it.The car’s low loading lip,easy open tailgate and

Bat load bay all conspire to make lifeexceptionally easy when shifting large orheavy items. This versatile theme continuesinside the cabin, with both front and rearoccupants offered good levels of space. Ifyou don’t fancy a conventional peoplecarrier or SUV, the Focus Estate could easilyfulAl the bulk of your family-related dutieswith ease.It’s not down to luck that the Focus is

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enhance the experience for keen driversand boost reAnement for everyone else inthe cabin.From suspension and steering changes to

soundprooAng tweaks, Ford has taken a Anetooth comb to the Focus in a bid to bring itcloser to premium class cars costingconsiderably more. And then there’s theBlue Oval’s continued development of itsengine range. New for the Focus is a 1.5-litrediesel to complement the existing petrolequivalent, while a 1.0-litre petrol unit hasalso been introduced. Load-luggers will nodoubt appreciate the diesel’s 120horsepower, 98g/km CO2 rating and theprospect of 70-odd mpg. That it’s smooth,reAned and capable is more than a bonus.Whichever variant you choose, Ford has

upped the ante with more standard kit,improved economy and emissions plus animpressive choice of hi-tech extras coveringsafety and convenience.Plus, with the car’s cabin ambience

having been raised, the added premium‘feel’ is immediately obvious and doesmuch to convince occupants they are in a

higher class of car.If the current crop of compact SUVs and

people carriers leave you cold or you need aconventional load-lugger, the Focus Estate ishard to ignore. It can’t match the latter foroverall cabin versatility, but as compromisesgo the Focus wagon is a competent,affordable and well-equipped alternative.It’ll likely drive better than eitheralternatives - something the Focus range isfamous for.

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Cheltenham 11Barton Hill 15

IT WAS a case of déjà vu for Chel-tenham as they were denied a valu-able home win with Barton Hillgrabbing a winning converted tryfour minutes from the Jnal whistlefor the second time this season.It meant that the home side

slipped closer to the relegation zonein Western Counties North.Cheltenham welcomed back

captain James Hillier, but it wasBarton Hill who opened theiraccount with a Ollie Norwellpenalty after referee Ryan Owenhad indicated hands in the ruck.Cheltenham squandered a

chance two minutes later to drawlevel as Zac Atallah, playing his lastgame before returning to Australia,missed a 30 penalty from in front ofthe posts.Despite Barton’s territorial advan-

tage it was Cheltenham who scorednext to draw level when Atallah

kicked a penalty after 18 minutes.Barton were led in the pack by

former Bristol and Gloucestershireplayer Ian Patten and they were re-warded for a prolonged attack onthe Cheltenham line when BenElliott dotted down for a uncon-verted try and a narrow 8-3 lead.The visitors continued to have

the upper hand, but in the 37thminute they were penalised andAtallah stepped to kick his lastpoints for Cheltenham to narrowthe arrears to 8-6.This score inspired Cheltenham

into some enterprising open rugbywith Ben Constantine to the fore.But it was Rhys Edwards, nor-

mally a Kanker or second rowforward, playing on the left wingsuch are Cheltenham’s player short-ages, who scored a Jne unconvertedtry in the corner to give his side a11-8 lead at the half-time whistle.Buoyed by the last score, Chel-

tenham started strongly and lookedto have scored a well worked try forEdwards early in the second half butreferee Owen adjudged the Jnal

pass to be forward.Barton aregained the upper hand

for long periods, bombarding theCheltenham try line and after 76minutes scoring the winning trythrough Ian Bickford, with the bootof Norwell sealing the win for thevisitors just like he did at the startof the season.Cheltenham slip to ninth place

with a tough rearranged homegame against fourth placed ChewValley on Saturday.

CHELTENHAM: Moore, Herbert,Gilder, Barrowcliffe, Milne, Hillier,Pickles, Athey, Beeney, Atallah,Edwards, Brookes, Constantine,Morris, Lockhart. Reps: Compton, SHaskayne, J Haskayne.

BARTON HILL: Maynard, Dicken-son, Hopkins, N Yasoumi, Chase,Bickford, Elliott, Patten, Rankin,Coote, Wiltshire, Steer, Grey,Sansum, Norwell. Reps: Parker,Stone, Chapple.

REFEREE: Ryan Owen.

More late heartache for CheltenhamRUGBY UNION

Six Nations 2015 ROUNDUPResults: WALES 16 ENGLAND 21; FRANCE 15 SCOTLAND 8; ITALY 3 IRELAND 26Fixtures: Saturday: England v Italy (2.30pm); Ireland v France (5pm). Sunday: Scotland vWales (3pm)

SPORT

HUCCLECOTE Panthers played atExeter University against Lawn andTeam Bath, emerging victoriouswith two outstanding perform-ances.TheysweptLawnaside in theJrst

15minutes goingout at a phenom-enal pace and taking a 16-4 lead.The starting line- up of Emme

Hale, Jane Taylor and Lucy Martinin attack played at lightning pace.The back trio of Ella Powell-

Davies, Izzy Robinson and CaitlinSantacroce kept the pressure on.The half-time score of 27-13 in

Panthers’ favour sawmore changesfrom the Hucclecote bench withJodie Emms making her debut ap-pearance at this level atWA.

EveSaundersalso tooktheGKbibtohelp take the score up to 39-24 atthe end of the third quarter.Further changes saw Robinson

andMartinbackon,andwithElishaNewmoving toWA, the re-arrangedline-up didn't stopHucclecote fromwinning ways as they took a con-vincing 50-33win.After a short break, they took to

the court for their secondgame against a very tall andstronglooking Bath side and won 52-34,leaving themclear leaders at the topof theSouthWestEnglandRegionaltable.Still unbeaten, they face another

tough challenge on Sunday whenthey have another double header,meeting Ferndown and Bath atDorcan Sports Centre in Swindon

Panthers stretch unbeaten runNETBALL

Cheltenham North 19Ledbury 21

A MUCH improved Ledbury sidecame to StokeRoad looking to avengethe six try drubbing they receivedearlier in the season.North came out of the blocks

quickly and from the kick-off appliedpressure. Retaining the ball well withtheir runners coming from deep theywere punching holes and havingsucked in thedefence–quickhands inthe centre putwinger Ian Parker clear.He stepped off his left foot and

wove hisway through four defendersto score under the posts. CharlieMcKegney added the extra points.By now Ledbury were getting into

the gameand,withboth sideswillingto play open rugby, it was turninginto an entertaining contest.North then suffered a setback with

injury forcingDanHewitt to leave theJeld. His strength and physical pres-encewere a loss and now their scrumwas suddenly under pressure andconceding penalties.Ledbury converted one to pull the

score back to 7-3. Themomentum ofthe game had changed and now itwas Ledbury's turn to pound away atthe North line, but the defence held,and a thunderous tackle from RichHance on the stroke of half-time dis-lodged the ball from the attacker and

brought proceedings to a close.North regrouped and after the

restart scored the try of the match:George Terry came into the centrefrom the rightwing tomake a superboutsidebreak, putting IanParker clear.This time he was caught just short

of the line but Danny Thomas was,as ever, on hand to pick up the balland score.North were still under pressure in

the tight and it wasn't long beforeLedbury converted pressure intopoints with awell worked try of theirown tomake it 12-8.Hewitt returned to the Jeld but

then shortly afterwards they weredown to 14 men having suffered ayellow card.North's sevenmanpack continued

to suffer in the tight and itwasn't longbefore Ledbury made the numericaladvantage count and scored theirsecond try. The conversion took thescore to 15-12.The home side were back to full

strength and began to reassert them-selves but then a second yellow cardtook away themomentum.Ledbury kicked the ensuing

penalty and then added anotherwhichmeant the North now neededto score twice to win.Back to full strength theymanaged

half the job when, Adam Dovecapped a very Jne game by crossingfor their third try. Charlie McKegneyconverted but time had run out.

AWIN over Lancaster in late Januarysaw the side win the league and theteam is now going for the double.The town side currently sit top of

their group in the British Water PoloChampionship, the water poloequivalent of the league Cup in foot-ball, with four games left to play inthe group stage.The last two seasons have seen the

club win the League and Cup butnever in the same season. Last seasontheymissed out on the league by justone point, but theywon the cup, andin 2013 they won the league but lostout on the cup!The cup competitions also provide

the only opportunity for competitivehome games for the Cheltenhamside, as the league is played at cen-tralised shared venues.The need for an all deep pool

means the side play home games atGL1 inGloucester, despite training atLeisure@ in Cheltenham. Attendanceat the last game was fantastic, withthe stands nearing capacity the at-mosphere was electric.

The clubs next home game will beon February 21 at GL1 againstShefJeld. A unique opportunity towatch top level sport, in a localvenue, with a great atmosphere, atonly £2 entry for adults and £1 forchildren.With face painting and free noise

makers for children and a licensedbar for adults it makes a greatevening's entertainment. Gates openfrom 5.15pmwith a junior game andthe main event starts at 6.30pm.As well as the Men’s Jrst team,

CSWPC also run two other men'steams, a women’s and junior team atall age groups, as well as an afterschools club at [email protected] after schools club runs every

Tuesday from 4.30pm for kids fromseven to 13 years, and is a great wayfor children to be introduced to thesport, as well as building water conJ-dence, following swimming lessons.

For more information about theteams please follow them on socialmedia @cs_wpc on twitter orwww.Facebook.com/ CSWPC.

Cheltenham Swimming and Water Polo Clubare British Water Polo League ChampionsWATER POLO

North suffer narrow homedefeat as Ledbury exact revengeRUGBY UNION


SPORT Local Sport

Demand for the Best Mate En-closure has been particularlystrong this year, with ticketsselling out three weeks earlierthan in 2014.

Ticket sales for the Drst threedays of The Festival are alsogoing well, with sales in hospi-tality boxes particularly strong.The Panoramic, Moscow Flyer

and Final Fence restaurants aresold out on every day of The Fes-tival.Ian Renton, Regional Director

for the south west region of TheJockey Club, said: “Ticket salesfor The Festival are going reallywell with the Best Mate enclo-

sure on Gold Cup Day sold outabout three weeks ahead of lastyear.“I would expect this to have

an impact on the two other en-closures and for the sold outsigns on Gold Cup Day to go outin advance.“We have seen strong hospi-

tality sales across all our differentrestaurants, at all price levels andI hope for this pattern to con-tinue as we run into The Festivalin Dve weeks' time.”The Festival takes place from

Tuesday, March 10 until Friday,March, 13.For further information, or

to book tickets, please visitwww.cheltenham.co.uk or call0844 579 3003.

THE Cheltenham Youth FootballLeague is in urgent need of new vol-unteers to join its committee andhelp safeguard its future.The league currently provides

football for over 160 teams andnearly 3,000 children.“As with any voluntary organisa-

tion, the day to day operation onlyworks effectively with the support ofpeople willing to give up theirtime,” Dxtures secretary DenisePates said.“Over the years we have been ex-

tremely fortunate to recruit sufD-cient volunteers to sit on themanagement committee anddeliver an excellent League forthe clubs and in turn the

children participating.“The members of the League's

committee do an excellent job andas a result I believe that this had ledto the steady and continued growthof the League to where we currentlyare.“As the League has grown, so has

the time commitment, however thenumbers working on the committeehas not, in fact it has shrunk.“Despite our best efforts to en-

courage new recruits to the com-mittee over the course of the last fewseasons, we have had little success.This situation cannot continue.”There are a variety of roles that

must be Dlled as existing committeemembers either retire (six are retir-ing in May) or take a step back fromtheir current roles.

The following roles are essentialto the continued operation of theleague: league secretary, league treas-urer, charter standard co-ordinator,three ex-ofDcio members and twotrustees.“We are at least eight people short

and conceivably could Dnd jobs foranother couple of volunteers,”Denise said.“Without at least the Drst two va-

cancies being Dlled, I believe wewould struggle to receive sanctionfrom the GFA to run any football atall next season.“I cannot stress enough how crit-

ically important this is, we really doneed your help at this critical stageof the League’s development.”If you can help, please email

[email protected].

Youth League appeals forvolunteers to come forward

CHELTENHAM LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Southside Lions U11 9St Marks U11 0

SOUTHSIDE Lions Under 11’s con-tinued their march to their thirdconsecutive league title with a ninegoal romp against newly promotedSt Mark’s.Lions’ Drst goal came from a

Harry Duncan corner that was metsweetly by Callum Morrissey (pic-tured) with a bullet header.Morrissey made it two with

another superb header from aGeorge Cuzner corner.Cuzner was upended in the box

but his penalty was brilliantlysaved by St Mark’s goalkeeper RileyMeegan.Rewczuk made it three from dis-

tance after a good Eick on fromMorrissey, and Morrissey made itfour from his head and his hat-trickwhen he Eicked on from a Cuznerfree-kick.Cuzner made it Dve when he

took down a Tom Peck cross withhis right and Dred in with his left.

Morrissey'sfourth comefrom aS c h o D e l dthrough ballthat he placedin with hisright and his

Dfth was a carbon copy Dnding thebottom corner.Morrissey's sixth came after he

latched on to a ball from ScooterEdwards, once again clinical fromoutside the box, and his seventhand the Lions’ ninth came frompersistence from Jameson.Edwards had a shot and the goal-

keeper parried, but Morrisseyshowed all his goal scoring in-stincts to Dre in.Morrissey is one goal away

from his 100th goal for the Lionsin the league and cup sincethey started league football twoseasons ago.

Lions: SchoDeld, Inward, Groom,Hitchins, Peck, Cuzner, Duncan,Morrissey, Jameson, Hunt,Edwards, Rewczuk, Yordanov.

Morrissey smashes in seven asLions close in on another title

YOUTH FOOTBALLBishop’s Cleeve 1Larkhall Athletic 4

BISHOP’S Cleeve suffered their 21stdefeat of the season as play-offhopefuls Larkhall completed a windouble over the Mitres.Boss Steve Cleal was without

the injured Jack Oldham, SolWheatley and the suspendedAllton Axton so in came AshleyJones, Mike Sholly and JoshWard as they looked to achieveback-to-back wins for the Drst timethis term.Any such thoughts were dashed

when with only seven minutesplayed Matt Magee tripped mid-Delder Joe Tumelty and the refereepointed to the spot.

Loan goalkeeper from Chel-tenham Town Matt Gould got ahand to Brad Norris' penalty, but hecould not keep it out.Midway through the Drst half

Cleeve registered their Drst effort ongoal when a good delivery by AaronDrake was forced away by goal-keeper Josh Barrington.On 34 minutes Larkhall doubled

their lead when a Tumelty cross wasonly temporarily cleared and RobHobbs drove the ball home from theedge of the area.The second half picked saw a

change in system for Cleeve as theylooked to try to get back into thegame.But on 73 and 75 minutes they

ended the game as a contestwith two quick goals from Norris,who celebrated a hat-trick at

Kayte Lane.Cleeve substitute Christian

Boateng pulled one back late onwhen he and Jack Watts latchedonto a through ball and he bundledin from close rangeBoateng and Larkhall captain

Ollie Price were both dismissed lateon for violent conduct. Boateng re-taliated to a foul by pushing full-back Ross Lye to the ground andfrom the resulting free-kick Pricewas dismissed for an off the ball in-cident.

• Goals from Jack Watts andNathan Summers earned Bishop'sCleeve a 2-1 homewin over Tiver-ton Town on Tuesday night,keeping their survival hopes alive.They play Wimborne Townaway on Saturday.

COUNTY FOOTBALL

Mitres sunk by Norris hat-trick

High demand for Festival ticketsHORSE RACING

CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

LocalFootball


SPORT

THERE were a host of surpriseresults last weekend in the Chel-tenham League, sponsored byBristol Street Motors CheltenhamFord, as the team sharpen theirfocus on the business end of theseason.The biggest surprise of theweekend, and possibly the season todate, came in Division Two whereNorthleach Town, who were rockbottom with just a single draw toshow for their efforts this season,travelled to and beat league leaderStaunton and Corse. The 5-4 victoryfor Town was only the second timeCorse had been beaten in the leaguethis season.Defeat for Corse opened the wayfor Cheltenham Civil Service Re-serves who moved back to the topof the table courtesy of a superiorgoal difference after they beat strug-glers Shurdington Rovers 5-1. Corsestill have three games in hand onService but this defeat will give aglimmer of hope to the teamsaround them.With Corse and Service taking abreak next weekend, third placedFC Barometrics Reserves couldmove level on points with the toptwo if they beat Andoversford whothemselves are still in contentionfor the title.At the bottom Northleach willhope to build on last weekend’s ex-cellent result when they face eighthplaced Southside.The chase for the Division Onetitle took another twist as leader FCLakeside were held to a 3-3 draw atUpton Town. The dropped pointsmean that Whaddon United, whobeat Hanley Swan 5-2, are now justa point behindwith a game in hand.The two meet on Saturday in theweekend's big game. Whilst therewill still be at least eight leaguegames left to play, the winners willclaim a big advantage and moveinto pole position in the race for thetitle.While the leaders in the divisionsabove were dropping points thesame could not be said for Wellandwho stay top ofDivision Three fol-lowing a 4-0 win over Fintan.Leckhampton Rovers stay insecond place following an impres-sive 7-0 hammering of NewlandsAthletic. Despite sitting in eightplace this was Athletic’s ;rst leaguedefeat of the season.Saturday sees Welland face thirdplaced Brockworth Albion Reserves.

A four point lead at the top meansWelland will still be leaders come5pm on Saturday but droppedpoints will provide encouragementto the teams around them.At the bottom ShurdingtonRovers Reserves are nine pointsadrift of the next placed team. Theyface GalaWilton III on Saturday andwhilst they still have 11 leaguegames left to play they know thattime is running out if they are toavoid bottom spot.It is as you are in Division Fourwith the top two, Northway andApperley, both winning. Apperleytrail the table toppers by threepoints although they do have agame in hand.Northway’s superior goal differ-ence is worth an extra point cur-rently however with nine gamesstill to play Apperley are more thancapable of closing that gap.This weekend both teams face op-position in the lower end of thetable and will be con;dent of takingmaximum points. The same can besaid of third placed CheltenhamCivil Service III who will still feelthey are in contention for the title.Cheltenham Athletic remain topofDivision Five following their 3-1win over FC Barometric III. Withsecond placed FC Lakeside and thirdplaced Cheltenham Civil Service IValso winning. The battle at the topremains intense with just twopoints separating the three teams.Civil Service have two games inhand on the leaders and a game inhand on Lakeside. Having alreadydrawn their two matches againstLakeside, the two matches againstAthletic could go a long way to de-ciding the title.This weekend Service face fourthplaced Andoversford Reserves andknow they will need to win if theyare to maintain their pressure at thetop. Andoversford go into the gameoff the back of a 4-0 defeat ofbottom club Sherborne Harriers andService manager Simon Greenwoodknows his team face a tough chal-lenge if they are to take all threepoints.The big game of the weekend wasin Division Six where the top twowent head to head as leaders FintanReserves hosted Malvern Vale.Fintan topped the table by a pointhaving played a game more thanVale although the second placedteamwent into the gamewith a 100percent record having won all eightof their league games.After a slow start it was Fintan

who drew ;rst blood, opening thescoring when their forward latchedonto a long ball and headed overthe advancing keeper.The goal drew an immediate re-sponse from Vale. A corner fromToby Ireland was met by Chris Kingwho slipped his marker and headedit at the near post.With the spoils even at half-timeit was Vale who started the secondhalf stronger and they were soon re-warded for their efforts. Irelandplayed in Daniel Stowe and despiteseeing his original effort saved hewas able to follow up and bundlethe ball over the line to give the vis-itors the lead.With Vale pushing to extend their

lead Stowe then turned provider ashe squared the ball to Aaron Grif-;ths however his goal bound effortwas de<ected wide.When a goal did come it was thehosts who drew level. A free-kick inthe Fintan half was played long and

when King was unableto get his head on thecross the ball fell to aFintan player who hadthe simple task ofheading home from sixyards out.Despite dominatingafter the goal Fintanwere unable to add totheir goal tally.With thegame ending 2-2 there

was still time for one last drama asVale’s Ashley Jones saw red afterpicking up a second yellow for fouland abusive language during thepost game handshake. The resultmeans Fintan remain top with Valestill hot on their heels.

CHELTENHAM LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Cheltenham League round-up

This week we featureJoe Egletonwho plays forNewlands Athletic.Winning Division Six in

their inaugural season,Athletic have gone on toclaim successive promotions,starting the season inDivisionThree.Despite only losing one

league game to date they cur-rently sit eighth in the tableafter drawing 7ve.

Nickname: Joey CheltenhamPosition: Goalkeeper, centre-back, centre mid7eldPrevious clubs: Bishop’sCleeve, Newton FC,Tewkes-bury Rovers, Bredon andNewlands AFCMost memorable game: Firstappearance in the FA Cup forBishop’s CleeveWorst game:Against Slim-bridge for Cleeve – two sloppyback passes by me and we

lost in the last minuteToughest opponents: Chel-tenham Patriots FCBest club player:As I'mplayer manager I wouldn'tlike to commentTeam Supported: PortsmouthFavourite player: Not a player,

but my heroMr PompeyFC (JohnWestwood)pictured insetwith me atCheltenham

Cheltenham Football League, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Ford Cheltenham

PLAYER PROFILE OF THEWEEK

Fintans number three AlanWiltshire joining his teammates in celebrating a goal

Malvern’sChris Kingwho scored

their 7rst goal(white shirt)

PHOTO:LYDIA

VIN

EY

PHOTO:LYDIA

VIN

EY


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PAUL Buckle hasvowed to battle onand turn Cheltenham

Town’s fortunes around afterwatching them slip closer tothe drop zone with a 2-0defeat at Southend Unitedon Tuesday night.It came three days after

they were beaten 3-1 athome by Burton Albion andthe pressure is mounting,with the Robins now onlyone point clear of thebottom two ahead of Satur-day’s visit of Bury.“It’s hard to take at the

moment, but I believe I amstill theman to take the clubforward,” Buckle said.“One thing that gave me

hope was the players’ effortson Tuesday, but I do under-stand the supporters’ frustra-tions.“We have to keepworking

hard and stick togetherbecause I took over a clubgoing in thewrong directionand I am doing my best toimprove it.“The best chance to do

that was with new playerssigning, but they have tobed in and the spirit in thesquad is still there.”Both Southend goals

came from on-loan Charl-ton Athletic front man JoePigott in the Grst half.Buckle made two changes

to the side beaten by Burton.In came Eliot Richards forhis Grst start up front withDenny Johnstone asMathieu Manset droppedout, while Crystal Palaceloanee Jake Gray was pre-ferred to Matt Richards inthe left midGeld role.Liverpool youngster Lloyd

Jones missed out through

injury and Lee Vaughan wasleft in the stand, withOmariSterling-James and JackDeaman promoted to substi-tutes' bench.Cheltenham carved out

the Grst chance of the nightwhen Jordan Wynter set upRichards, who travelled intothe box, but his shot crashedinto the side netting.But Southend soon took

control and opened thescoring in the ninth minutewhen John White's crosswas met by Jake Cassidy.His effort was well blocked

by Trevor Carson, but Pigottfollowed up with a simpleGnish to give Phil Brown'sside the lead.Carson made a diving

save to keep out MichaelTimlin's shot in the 22ndminute, but he could donothing about Southend's

second in the 34th minute.After a foul by skipper

Matt Taylor, Ben Coker'sfree-kickwas headed in pow-erfully by Pigott for anothersimple goal that left the trav-elling fans shaking theirheads in disbelief.Southend nearly netted a

third before half-time, withWhite's stopping headerfrom Coker's cross rebound-ing off the left post withCarson beaten.Cheltenham's best effort

of the night game twominutes into the second halfwhen Taylor's header fromGray's corner was cleared offthe line by Timlin.The game Gzzled out, with

Cheltenham showing aminor improvement afterthe break but Southendgoalkeeper Daniel Bentleywas only called into action

once, scooping away anattempt from substituteZack Kotwica in the 82ndminute.

SOUTHEND UNITED:Bentley; White, Binnom-Williams, Thompson, Coker(Barrett 67); Atkinson,Leonard, Timlin, Payne(Weston 68); Cassidy (Hurst78), Pigott. Subs not used:Smith, Corr, Coulthirst,Deegan.CHELTENHAM TOWN:Carson; Berry, Brown,Taylor, Braham-Barrett (MRichards 67); Burns, Wynter(Hanks 47), Ferdinand, Gray(Kotwica 63); E Richards,Johnstone. Subs not used:Reynolds, Deaman, Sterling-James, Manset.REFEREE: Carl Berry.ATTENDANCE: 5,013(49 away).

DEFIANTBUCKLEVOWS TOTURN AROUND AILINGROBINS’ FORTUNES

Documents

The Cheltenham Standard 12th February 2015