Cheltenham Standard 4th December 2014

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www.cheltenhamstandard.co.uk 4 DECEMBER 2014 ISSUE 19 Your discerning local weekly newspaper

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THE BIG COUNTDOWN: 4 WEEKS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS!

Turkey Trouble!

By TODD HASLEWOOD

A

TURKEY van on the Cheltenham high street has been the centre of attention over the past few weeks, with local businesses and Cheltenham Borough Council both having their say. Ellen Danter, owner of the turkey van, feels aggrieved by the criticism from the town centre manager. Mrs Danter has been a street trader in Cheltenham for the past 30 years, and has had this particular turkey stall for the past 11 years and feels as though “it is part and parcel of Cheltenham.”

She blames the Highways Agency and Licensing Committee, who told Mrs Danter that her trailer had to move due to road works, but since they have fin-

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She explains that her business “was outside Monsoon for 11 years with no problem, and now that I have moved further up the high street I have less business because there is less footfall for me to sell.”

The stall, which is selling hot turkey baps amongst other festive foods, was situated in front of the retailers Marks and Spencer’s, Monsoon and Warehouse but has since been moved and criticised by the retailers. The van was directly affecting their advertising and selling capabilities over the Christmas period, according to the high street giants.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 DECEMBER 2014

Cheltenham WeatherWatch THURSDAY 4th Dec Min 1ºC Max 4ºC

At last!

After more than a decade of delays, deaths and gridlock at the A417 Air Balloon roundabout, a solution is now on the horizon THIS week the Government announced a pledge to fund the £255m A417 Loop to ease congestion at the killer bottleneck. The announcement was part of a £15 billion plan to triple levels of spending by the end of the decade to increase the capacity and condition of England’s roads.

The road is used by some 38,000 passengers a day, and between Crickley Hill and Nettleton Bottom there have been nine deaths, and more accidents, in the last year alone. Campaigners have been stressing that not only is the Missing Link dangerous, it has hampered economic growth locally, regionally and nationally given its connection between the M4 and M5.

The announcement was welcomed

by Gloucestershire’s Conservative MPs as well as Cheltenham’s prospective Conservative MP, Alex Chalk, who raised the issue with the Prime Minister in a recent visit to Downing Street.

Mr Chalk said: “This is a fantastic win for Cheltenham. It represents a commitment to the single most important piece of transport infrastruc-

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ADVERTISING gillkirkham@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk EDITOR editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk LOCAL NEWS STORIES jo@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk HEALTH & LIFESTYLE natalieneale@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

Christmas Drink Drive campaign has begun

SPORTS sports@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

GL OUCESTERSHIRE Road Safety Partnership’s 2014 winter drink drive campaign got under way this week at Gloucestershire College and reflected on 50 years of anti-drink drive campaigning in the UK. During half a century of anti-drink drive campaigning, deaths nationally have fallen from over 1,600 to 230 annually. But for the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership that is still 230 a year too many.

The partnership, which includes Gloucestershire Police, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service and Gloucestershire County Council, is committed to reducing these fatalities further and this December, is stepping up the campaign through combined police enforcement and media campaigning.

The campaign is being further supported by a new initiative from the partnership, the “Wrecked” programme is an anti-drink drive workshop currently touring the county’s sixth

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forms and colleges.

The campaign, in support of the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Department for Transport will run from December 1st 2014 to January 1st 2015.

Drink driving related casualties in Gloucestershire have been declining in the past 3 years and last year there were 72 slight, serious and fatal accidents compared with 105 in 2012. Last year also saw the lowest number ever recorded of people dying or being injured on county’s roads.

Chief Inspector Yannis Georgiou said: “Compared with 50 years ago, drink driving is now very much a minority behaviour but we still have a way to go. During last year’s campaign we arrested 57 motorists in Gloucestershire and we urge drivers to remember that drinking and driving is a serious criminal offence and is totally irresponsible. Motorists who think they can get away with it this Christmas are likely to face the full weight of the law.”

Bring your own booze

Still taking bookings for Christmas

ture needed in our county. It follows a campaign that I and Gloucestershire’s five Conservative Members of Parliament have been at the heart of.” He went on to say, “This announcement just goes to show what an effective campaign can achieve. It has been disappointing not to have had a shred of support from Cheltenham’s Lib Dem MP. Despite the grim toll of fatalities, including nine deaths this year alone, and the growing damage to our local economy caused by gridlock and delays.’’ Alex Chalk went on to comment, “Martin Horwood has failed to back the plan at every turn.

Fortunately it did not prove enough to damage a very strong case.

“However the Government has indicated that before the funding will be released, the relevant stakeholders need to get behind the proposed scheme. Major local controversy could derail it. That’s why it’s more essential than ever that people come out in support. Fence-sitting makes it more likely that the money will simply sit in the Government’s bank account. Now we need to make this happen.”

Turkey trouble for high street trader CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

A number of different points were challenged by the shops, as they believed that the trailer was an obstruction for shoppers, produced excessive noise, and stained their own products with the smell and grease and also caused severe problems for deliveries. The retailers also believed that this was unfair competition, as the stall could take their profits for a whole year in the busiest weeks, whereas the shops on the high street had to battle all year round.

Martin Quantock, the town centre manager, said, “the business view of having a food unit in front of busy shops is a real negative and is extremely detrimental effect on the takings of the high street retailers.”

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4 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

All Saints’ Academy celebrates following a ‘Good’ Ofsted Inspection OFSTED Inspectors said “The academy is improving rapidly because of the outstanding leadership provided by the new Principal.

Mr. McNiffe was appointed in September 2014 and has a strong background of industry, educational leadership and headship. He said: “I am extremely pleased with the glowing report we have received from Ofsted. It is testament to the hard work of staff and students at the Academy. We are now in a

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great position to build on this Good Ofsted judgement to realise our ultimate goal of achieving another outstanding judgement within the next three years.

Ofsted noted that the outstanding leadership of the Principal, the high expectations of senior leaders and governors are underpinned with very well-considered ambitious plans for further improvement.

The future seems to look bright at All Saints’ Academy.

Steve Winwood Receives Honorary Doctorate INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed musician Steve Winwood has received an Honorary Doctorate (Hon DMus) from the University of Gloucestershire for his outstanding contribution to music and the university.

A leading figure in rock and roll, Steve joined the Spencer Davis Group at just 14, achieving success at home and in America with classics such as Keep on Running and Gimme Some Lovin’. On leaving the group he formed the band Traffic, before then joining the super group Blind Faith alongside Eric Clapton.

In 2012 Steve joined Roger Daltrey and Paul Weller with others at the Royal Albert Hall for a gig in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust and still tours regularly. Born in Birmingham, he lives in Northleach and is the recipient of the Ivor Novello Outstanding Song Collection and Musicians’ Union Classic Rock Award, both voted for by his peers.

He received his award at a

3

graduation ceremony at The Centaur, Cheltenham from Dr Ben Calvert, Dean of the Faculty of Media, Arts and Technology.

Steve became an Honorary Doctor of Music at last week’s ceremony. He has also been inducted into the Walk of Fame in Nashville, TN. Steve Winwood said: “It’s a privilege for me to receive this honour from the University of Gloucestershire, as I’ve lived in Gloucestershire for 45 years. I’m especially appreciative of this award.”

THE Britain’s Got Talent production team are looking for a range of fresh talent and will be hosting auditions at All Saints' Academy next Thursday 11th December from 11am. If you’re interested in performing then please register your interest with Kerri Skelding at kskelding@asachelt.org All acts must book in with Kerri Skelding, you can’t just turn up on the day.

Singers need to prepare one song to perform. If their song is an original, they also need to prepare a cover. Backing tracks and any instruments must be provided by themselves. All other acts need to be roughly 2 minutes in duration. The production team are hoping to see as much variety as possible, not just singers and musicians.

All auditions will be filmed and then the footage will be reviewed with the executive producers when they are back in their office. They then ultimately decide who proceeds through to the next stage of the competition. Good luck!

Attempted Car Robberies

By TODD HASLEWOOD CAR thieves were at their most prominent last week, as over 30 cars suffered attempted break-ins around Cheltenham in one night alone. Last Thursday saw the police called out to a number of different areas, one being Arle Gardens. Three different cars were targeted, despite nothing actually being taken.

The police appeared the following morning but were unable to shed any light on the proceedings. James Dyer, 20, said: “It’s just a really petty and immature crime to commit. The fact that this has happened twice to me personally during my student life in Cheltenham makes me question the conviction of the people trying to stop it from happening, as it seems to continue freely.”

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 DECEMBER 2014

Purse stolen in Lansdown Road bar POLICE have released CCTV images of a man they wish to identify following the theft of a purse from a bar in Landsdown Road, Cheltenham.

The theft occurred on 31 Oct shortly after 9 pm when a purse was removed from a handbag.

Various documents and cards, and a large sum of money, were stolen. The purse is described as a long, rectangular ‘Union Jack Radley’ style.

Anyone who recognises the man in

Panto gets off to a cracking start THE Everyman’s production of Sleeping Beauty really got the Christmas season well and truly off to a rip-roaring start last week. Playing to a packed house, the hugely talented cast led the gripped audience through a barrage of jokes, slapstick, songs and wickedness. It is by far the best panto production they’ve launched to us in years.

The high production values coupled with a range of talent provide the audience with levels

of entertainment not often seen in regional pantos. It’s always a good indication of quality when the time flashes by…and it did. There were children screaming, parents screaming and of course it all ended up happily ever after.

One of the highlights is the mind-boggling and hilarious antics of one ‘Tweedy the clown’.

It’s an act in itself. If you haven’t booked the panto yet then our advice is to get online or pop in and do it now.

Animal charity puts its paws together for a £28,000 donation A CHELTENHAM animal rescue is celebrating after receiving £28,000 from the UK’s number one grant giving animal charity, Support Adoption For Pets.

The Cheltenham Animal Shelter, has been awarded the five figure sum by the independent animal charity to help towards the construction of a dedicated dog behaviour assessment room.

Since being established in 2006, Support

Adoption For Pets has helped over 1,000 rehoming centres and animal welfare organisations across the UK by awarding grants and running fundraising campaigns with Pets at Home. In addition to its fundraising work it also runs dedicated adoption centres in more than 386 Pets at Home stores.

To find out more about Support Adoption For Pets or to support the charity visit www.supportadoptionforpets.co.uk

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the images or has any information about the incident is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police on 101, quoting Crime Number CR/025506/14 and incident number 77 of 1 November.

You can also give information anonymously by contacting the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org and you may receive a reward if someone is arrested and charged.

North Place car park to close FROM Monday 8 December 2014, North Place car park will no longer be managed as a public car park by Cheltenham Borough Council.

On this date the council signs and machines will be removed and Augler Buchler, who owns the land, will be taking the site back in order to commence development.

In January 2014, North Place and Portland Street sites were bought by Augler Buchler for £7.8 million in order to regenerate two important town centre areas, and to deliver jobs and housing. The scheme will offer affordable housing, a multi-storey car park, a public square and a food store.

David Roberts, head of property services, said: “We always knew there would come a point when North Place car park would need to close for the development to commence. Originally this was estimated to be around Easter 2014, but we have had a few extra

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months to make use of the facility. We regret that this has happened before Christmas but this is a contractual agreement with Augler Buchler which we are obliged to stick to. We understand this is a big change for members of the public that use the car park but parking will still be available at many other car parks around the town centre.”

Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, added: “This forms part of a much bigger picture of development in Cheltenham. The development promises to breathe new life into this town centre location by transforming a long neglected area.

“The development will create new jobs and much needed housing, including a significant element which will be affordable as well as providing the impetus for many other town centre improvements to begin.”

There are many alternative options for parking in Cheltenham with the council still managing 15 car parks.

Leaflets will be distributed and put up in North Place car park to advise people of other parking areas, in advance of the closure on Monday 8 December. To see the locations of council car parks visit the council’s website. There are still over 2,000 off-street spaces in the town.

Elmbridge Transport Scheme £16.5m plans approved

George Bence & Sons Ltd, 43 Fairview Road, Cheltenham, GL52 2EJ T: Contact: 01242 237241, Open: 8am 5pm Monday-Saturday

Proposals for a new £16.5m parkand-ride scheme between Cheltenham and Gloucester have been approved by local planners.

The work at Elmbridge Court will see a 1,000 space park-and-ride, an upgrade to the roundabout and a new bus lane.

Funding will be provided by the Department for Transport and the county council's Local Transport Plan.

Elmbridge Court roundabout links Gloucester and Cheltenham along the A40 Golden Valley Bypass.

4 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Cheltenham MP welcomes decision on A417 funding

Following intense competition by us to find the new Face of Raging Bull and after much deliberation by the judges, the winner is Dominic Romer who won £300 worth of Raging Bull Clothing and an overnight stay at the award-winning Ellenborough Park, to-

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gether with a meal for two in their Brasserie.

Dominic also was also able to model his new clothes at a private fashion shoot with rugby legend Phil Vickery at Ellenborough Park to launch the Raging Bull summer clothing range.

AgonyAunt Kimberley Wall IT CAN be a challenging time when parents decide to separate especially with the added pressure that our society can still be divided on its beliefs of what is the best way to manage the situation. Sometimes people analyse similar situations which are represented in the media, for example, if a relationship breakdown occurs in the world of celebrity this can cause an array of emotions in fans; people will want to know how the couple involved will approach their new separated status, especially if children are involved.

Will there be conflict or will the separated couple work together to try and limit the impact of separation on the children and positively negotiate a new agreement? This may then become a way for separated parents to analyse their own emotions and choices in their own situation. When celebrities greatly consider how they will negotiate being parents apart this sends out positive signals to society that a separation doesn’t always have to be all negative and that when seeking the right advice, the impact on children can be minimalised.

This is important in a society where almost six in 10 (58%) separated parents surveyed do not believe in the idea of a ‘good separation’, according to polling from Relate.

These statistics inspired Relate’s recent Being Parents Apart campaign which offers a variety of support and online tools for parents and families at all stages of a separation.

Separated parents can visit www.relate.org.uk/policy-campaigns

/our-campaigns /being-parentsapart or contact their local Gloucestershire and Swindon Relate centre for more information on the local services available which include a Separated Parent Information Programme, (SPIP) and an array of counselling services if individuals would like to talk about their situation further.

The feedback we have received from separated parents who have attended the Separated Parent Information Programme includes that people have further understood their children’s perspective and needs during this challenging family time and the programme can assist in reducing conflict when arranging a suitable child contact agreement that suits everyone involved. To find out more information on the Separated Parent Information Programme or any other services that Relate provide locally please contact Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon on 01242 523215 or visit the national Relate website for more information on their Parents Apart online information service. Alternatively please contact me on relateglosservices @hotmail.co.uk if you have any specific worries – I will answer as many letters as I can in my column but would never share your personal information with the newspaper.

CHELTENHAM MP Martin huge environmental cost of Horwood has welcomed this taking such a huge slice out of week’s announcement of the stunning Cotswold escarp£250 million of government ment and cutting into a site of funding to improve the A417. special scientific interest, right He said: “It seems to me next to an important archaeothe government has done logical site at Crickley Hill.” exactly the right thing by earMr Horwood paid tribute to marking a quarter of a billion the Cotswolds District counpounds to improve the A417 cillor who played a key role in Martin Horwood MP but not committing to lobbying government: exactly which solution should go forward. “Winning such substantial funding is a This gives us the space and time for signif- real achievement for the cross-party camicant environmental and safety concerns paign and particularly for the local counto be addressed.” cillor for the area, Lib Dem Paul “I strongly support the need for a by- Hodgkinson, who played such a leading pass at Nettleton Bottom and for im- part without ever dismissing the concerns provements to the junction for Birdlip. that some of us expressed.”

We’ve all seen and read about the terrible “I’m afraid that’s in stark contrast to my consequences of high-speed crashes on new Conservative opponent in Chelthese stretches of road. But I still have tenham who yet again took the opportureservations about the other part of the nity to publicly attack me simply for proposed plan which is designed to tackle expressing reservations about the road the slow traffic at the Air Balloon round- safety and environmental aspects of one about. This would involve a major new part of the scheme. To play party politics high speed dual carriageway looping with such an important and sensitive issue around the Air Balloon pub and down is really very disappointing. I think the Crickley Hill at the same time. I’ve seen coalition government’s generous but caureal safety fears expressed about this tious approach is one we should all be able element of the scheme, not to mention the to support.”

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 DECEMBER 2014

CHALK

TALK Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cheltenham gets vocal...

BACKING SMALL BUSINESSES IN CHELTENHAM

F

OR the second year in a row, Council bosses are refusing to allow free parking this Saturday in the town’s car parks to support ‘Small Business Saturday’. I think that’s a great mistake. Even though Shire Hall have offered free onstreet parking and reduced public transport costs on this crucial trading day, the Lib Dems in Cheltenham have turned their noses up at the idea. As a result it will be charges as usual in car parks in St George’s Road, St James’s Street and elsewhere. But what is surprising is the tone of the opposition. The Council is not just unsupportive – it’s downright hostile. One Lib Dem councillor announced on Twitter this week that helping businesses in this way would be a “red herring”.

That is worryingly out of touch. In this day and age, where you can buy everything you need online, Cheltenham’s local businesses need all the support they can get to thrive. We're fortunate in Cheltenham to have such a fantastic range of shops. But complacency like this puts that at risk. It also puts Cheltenham businesses at a competitive disadvantage to our neighbours.

Readers may be aware that Cotswold District Council waived car park fees for their Christmas lights switch-on earlier in the week. In Stow-on-the-Wold there will be free parking all day this Saturday. And in Gloucester they have already boosted their evening economy by ending charges altogether in some parts of the city after 5pm.

No such luck here.

In terms of the local economy in Cheltenham more generally, complacency is particularly dangerous. There were a total of 304 companies that went bust here between July and September 2014 this year, an increase of 29.4% compared to the same period last year. That compares poorly to the UK as a whole. And more companies shut their doors in Cheltenham this July than compared to any previous July, according to business analysis company, Duport.

It doesn’t need to be this way. Cheltenham is a superb place to set up shop and to thrive.

But we need a more business-friendly approach. It’s not right, for example, that our town still doesn’t have an up-to-date economic plan. Cheltenham’s current bosses need to start giving business and jobs greater priority. Allowing people to park for free this coming Small Business Saturday would be a good place to start.

Festive flavours fire up huge interest among town’s cocktail lovers NOSTALGIC Christmas flavours packed into festive cocktails are causing a huge stir across Cheltenham this week.

Over the seven days, The Montpellier Chapter in Bayshill Road has become one of the top places for those celebrating the season.

The hotel’s Christmas Christingle Cocktail is packing a punch with locals and tourists alike, with cocktail lovers making a beeline for the hotel’s bar. The Montpellier Chapter, which has 61 rooms and a 75-guest restaurant, launched its Christmas Cocktail List earlier this week. Hotel Manager Racheal Bird said she was delighted with the reaction to this year’s new festive additions.

“Every year we do something that little bit special with our Christmas cocktail menu,” he said. “It has become something which people really start to anticipate in the run up to the festive season. We are delighted with the response we have had to this year’s creations. The Christingle Cocktail is proving incredibly popular. Our team has worked really hard to produce this

Hike in Council Tax and parking charges unlikely CHELTENHAM Borough Council’s cabinet will be agreeing its draft budget for 2015/16 on December 16th. This will then go out to five weeks’ public consultation before the final version is agreed by the cabinet and Council on February 13th.

The draft budget encompasses a number of crucial services that will affect us all: • No increase in the borough council’s share of council tax (which is £187.12 a year for a Band D property) • No increase in car park charges • £686,000 of efficiency savings to contain increased costs and the Government’s latest cut in revenue support grant.

• Streamlining senior management and creating the Cheltenham Trust to run leisure and culture services.

• No cuts in front-line services.

Councillor John Rawson, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for finance, says: “This is a business-like budget designed to keep costs down while protecting front-line services. I am delighted that, by finding £686,000 of efficiency savings, we have been able to freeze council tax and car park charges for the fifth year running.’’ He continued to comment, “This result has been possible because of the work we have done to restructure our services and cut overheads.’’

year’s list. We look forward to a festive drink being enjoyed by guests over the next few weeks.”

Other festive cocktails on The Chapter’s Christmas List include the rich Pear & Cranberry Punch, the luxurious Apple Pie Short and traditional Whiskey Mac. Festive foodies are also flooding to enjoy The Montpellier Chapter’s brand new Christmas menus. Head Chef Gary Wheeler’s menus include starter dishes such as Cured Salmon with a Celeriac Remoulade & Citrus Dressing or Duck and Prune Terrine served with Toasted Brioche and Red Onion Chutney. Main courses include Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing and all the trimmings and other dishes such as Poached Fillet of Pork wrapped in Parma Ham served with Fondant Potato, Cabbage and Pancetta.

The Montpellier Chapter’s Christmas Cocktails are available throughout December with guests able to enjoy two for just £10. Festive menus start from £18.50 per person.

For more information, visit www.themontpellierchapter.com or call 01242 527788 to book a table.

Borough Council shares £2.9m government funding News was announced last week as Cotswold, Forest of Dean, West Oxfordshire District Councils and Cheltenham Borough Council collectively received the sum of £2.9m towards their 2020 Vision programme.

The £2.9m is from the government’s Transformation Challenge Fund, which supports the costs of developing more efficient ways to deliver local services. This award is on top of £900,000 already allocated to the partnership through the same fund.

The latest share of money will help to fund further development of joint working. This will include exploring the setting up of an Information and Communications Technology infrastructure to support technology across each of the councils; establishing interim management arrangements to implement change; and expanding depot services for waste provider Ubico Ltd to include Forest of Dean and West Oxfordshire District Councils, alongside those already in place for Cheltenham Borough Council and Cotswold District Council.

The funding is subject to approval at each of the four councils’ cabinet meetings, taking place next month.

Councillor Steve Jordan, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council said: “We have already been working with our partner councils for years, but are now considering the next step. We need to make further savings while protecting valued services and local democratic input. I’m pleased that the government has recognised the importance of the work we are doing by offering considerable financial support.”

4 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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THE SIMMONDS FILE Christina Simmonds – Ukip Cheltenham Parliamentary candidate for 2015

Christmas glitz at Airthrie School AIRTHRIE School has a long-existing reputation for transforming the School entrance into a Christmas grotto as well as putting many other decorations and Christmas trees all around the School. Every year a dedicated team of staff and friends work for a whole weekend creating an amazing display which never fails to enchant not only pupils but parents alike when they

enter the School the following Monday morning.

Pupils are then inspired to make their own decorations for the Form rooms and parents are encouraged to produce a similar display in their homes! The Christmas spirit pervades the whole School and older pupils say they have always loved and will never forget Christmas at Airthrie.

MOST politicians put themselves forward as defenders of the countryside and particularly the “Green Belt” from the ravages of urbanisation. We have even had Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, visiting to reassure us that all is in safe hands.

Last Saturday I attended a meeting in Charlton Kings at which residents were expressing their concerns at the proposed development of residential properties off Glenfall Way. The developers explained that because there was no approved strategy for development in place, the new planning laws introduced under the present coalition should make it possible for them to challenge a previous High Court ruling from 2008 which denied them the right to build, because the site was part of an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”, with a good chance of them winning their case.

Why is it, one has to ask, that a local council in the safe hands of the Liberal

Robbery in Imperial Gardens GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen a robbery take place in Imperial Gardens Cheltenham in the early hours of the morning of 2nd December 2014 at around 1.30am.

A lone female reported that two males, who she believes may have followed her from Regent Street to Imperial Gardens, where one of the males pushed her to the ground and demanded money.

The offenders stole some cash

and the victim’s watch. They also demanded her phone but before she handed it over the two males ran off towards the Promenade and the town centre. They had seen a group of young people walking through the gardens and the offenders made their getaway.

Both males are white with shortish blond hair and in their early to mid-twenties. One is over 6' tall, of slim build and he wore a brown cardigan. The other is shorter at around 5' 10" tall, also of slim build. He was

wearing a scarf or a top with a thick neck. Both were wearing shoes not trainers.

Police would like to speak to anyone who saw or heard this incident in Imperial Gardens. They would particularly like to speak to any member of the group of young people walking through the gardens at the time as they may have some vital information.

If you have any information please call 101 quoting Incident Number 25 of 2nd December 2014.

New Acupuncturist brings his special skills to the town STEVE Wilkinson has a lot of experience in Fertility Acupuncture, which is a very successful treatment for both Men and Women.

It is recommended by both Doctors and Midwives and can be done before and during IVF treatment. He treats a range of conditions such as Period, Sickness, Nausea, Colds, Flu and Hay fever.

Back and Joint pain, Sciatica, Headaches and Migraines. Tendonitis, IBS and Stomach problems. General wellbeing, boosting the immune system and increasing energy. It can also be used as a general tonic to keep the body and

mind well-tuned for optimal use.

Steve is also having great results with Facial Revitalisation, The use of needles and Tui Na massage can help reduce forehead lines and wrinkles. Some respond miraculously to acupuncture, for others changes are gradual, as is the case with any therapy. What is certain is that it is safe treatment for all.

Steve is in Oakwell Health on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Treatment varies on the condition being treated but generally lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

For further information call Oakwell Health 01242 221456.

Democrats, with a County Council run by Conservatives, has not been able to put the necessary safeguards in place? The Joint Core Strategy for Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury has been in existence for many years. It is an extension of the Regional Spatial Strategy initiated by the South West Regional Assembly which was disbanded in 2008, but has caused so much public concern that the consultation on the latest minor revision has only just ended.

Our Coalition Government says that planning should be a matter for local authorities, but then imposes legislation and development quotas which override local sensitivities. Furthermore, even when the Council reacts to local concerns, it must then run the gauntlet of fighting the developers in court, which is, more often than not, a matter of which party can afford the best counsel.

This is not right, it is not fair and it isn’t common sense.

Christina Simmonds www.ukipcheltenham.org.uk chairman@ukipcheltenham.org.uk

8

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 DECEMBER 2014

Small Business Saturday THIS Saturday has been designated as Small Business Saturday. You will have seen the adverts for it. This got me thinking about these designated days. For example, last week we saw the first real incarnation in the UK of our latest US cultural import, Black Friday – the name just conjures up a vision of doom and evil doesn’t it? Obviously this then got the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

What seems ironic to me is that the whole concept started in the US as a retail opportunity for the day after Thanksgiving, as everyone pretty much takes a fourday weekend. So one day you’re being thankful for everything you have in your life, and the next day you’ve turned back to needing to fill your life with all that material stuff. But hey, aren’t our lives full of contradictions.

Anyway, back to this Saturday. I know times are hard. I mean really hard.

Household disposable income is lower than it was at the last General Election in 2010. Baring a miracle, this will be the first time a full-term Government has presided over a fall in living standards since the Second World War. But if you are able, please try to get out this weekend and help support local small businesses. Go local instead of using that

big chain, even if it’s just to buy just one thing, your newspaper or a coffee. And here’s a thought, why not go into your local small shops and ask how things are going.

If a small business is struggling, and hundreds are, even showing concern and having a chat can do wonders, lift the spirits and maybe even change your shopping habits in 2015. In recent years too many businesses have gone to the wall in January and February after hoping that Christmas will come to their rescue. We all know about the national chains that have disappeared from our High Street. Well for each one of those, there have been many small businesses suffer the same fate.

The good news is that most of parking charges have been waived in Cheltenham and across Gloucestershire this Saturday, and bus fares are reduced. Small businesses are an essential part of our communities. We should be thankful for them. Let’s show them on Saturday.

Yours faithfully Richard LupsonDarnell

70-72 High Street Cheltenham

135-137 Bath Road Cheltenham

We are looking for children (under 10) to make decorations to bring in and hang on our Christmas Tree in both our Cheltenham stores.

The whiff of Christmas YOU can’t beat a real Christmas tree. It’s got the smell of the festive season oozing out of every fibre. And right here in Cheltenham there’s a huge choice of these seasonal beauties on offer from a host of suppliers.

The image of a glittering fir tree, with its lush dark-green branches illuminated by twinkling lights, at the centre of a happy domestic scene is today one of the most powerful and recognisable images of a 'traditional' Christmas.

The festive season for Christmas trees seems to have jumped a month, as retailers have now been selling real trees for several weeks to the public, despite advice from the British Christmas Tree Growers Association not to buy your tree earlier than December 1st.

Homebase, B&Q and Asda have had trees in some of their stores for several weeks, while even John Lewis has started selling real trees online for the first time.

Buying a real Christmas tree online may be an unwise choice as shapes do vary and there is limited scope for returning it if it's too wide, dense or simply doesn't fit the shape of your space. But if you've already decked the halls with boughs of holly and put the baubles and tinsel on your Christmas tree, how are you going to stop it from looking like a dried-up old offering by De-

cember 25th, with more needles on the floor than on the branches?

Well, if you are still looking for a cut real tree, make sure you saw around an inch off the base before you buy, which will open the pores of the tree, albeit temporarily. You need to plunge the tree butt in a bucket of water immediately after cutting it, so the tree can absorb moisture and the pores don't have a chance to close up again.

When the tree is brought indoors, mount it in a water-holding stand and place it away from direct heat, such as a radiator. Keep the container topped up with water every day; you will be surprised how much the tree drinks.

Prices are likely to be much the same as last year. B&Q is charging £35 for a medium Nordmann fir (4ft 11in-6ft 6in) and £20 for a similar sized Norway spruce, while from Homebase a 5ft-6ft cut Nordmann fir is £35 and a similar sized Fraser fir is £30.

There’s something very special about bringing home a real Christmas tree and all the trimmings. There’s a sense of anticipation that you just don’t get with a plastic ornate job. It’s all part of the tradition of the season and the only time you can justifiably haul around a near dead tree without being classed as a nutter.

Cheltenham Motor Club in National CAMRA Award final four How to enter: Just bring the decorations with your name, age and contact details written on the back into your nearest store and we will hang them there and then.

A winner will be picked from each store and will receive an extra Christmas present from us and The Cheltenham Standard.

Any questions, call Graham on 01242 285 648

GOOD LUCK!

THE shortlisted final four clubs have been announced for the CAMRA Club of the Year Award. Once again the Cheltenham Motor Club, in Upper Park Street, has made it through to the national final.

Veronica Emary, Chair of Cheltenham CAMRA, said: “This is terrific news. It is testament to all the hard work, commitment and skills of Neil Way and his team.”

‘The Cheltenham Motor Club has already won CAMRA awards from Chel-

tenham and Gloucestershire branches, South West Region, and has now received the Super Regional Club of the year award. The club was National Club of the Year in 2013 and their award track record goes back to 2006. The club’s reputation for hospitality and for selecting and serving great beers is well deserved.”

The overall winner will be announced early in 2015.

See www.cheltmc.com for more information.

4 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

9

Christmas period refuse collections CHELTENHAM Borough Council want to remind residents that the refuse and recycling collection schedule will change slightly over the Christmas period. There will be no collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, therefore some residents will find their collections being made on Saturdays to allow the crews to catch-up.

Collections will return to normal from Monday 12 January.

Scott Williams, strategic client officer for the Joint Waste Team, said: "Collections will be different for Cheltenham residents from Christmas day until 12 January. Most are

running a day or two later, with some residents finding their collections being made on a Saturday. Residents are advised to present their refuse bin, recycling box, food waste caddy and garden waste bin (if subscribed) by 7.00am on their revised collection day until the crews get back to normal.”

Residents can also take their recycling, particularly bulky cardboard, to the Swindon Road recycling centre which will be open for most of the holiday period.

Find out more information about the council’s recycling service at http://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/recycling

COMPETITION WIN TICKETS TO EDUCATING RITA AT THE EVERYMAN THEATRE To have the chance of winning a pair of tickets to the stage production of Educating Rita at The Everyman Studio Theatre on Thursday December 11th 2014 simply answer this question

Who starred in the film adaption of Willy Russell’s stage play Educating Rita?

A. Michael Caine B. Michael Winner C. Michael Macintyre

USUAL COLLECTION DAY

REVISED COLLECTION DAY

Wednesday 24 December (Christmas Eve)

Collections as normal

Thursday 25 December (Christmas Day)

Saturday 27 December

Friday 26 December (Boxing Day)

Monday 29 December

Monday 29 December

Tuesday 30 December

Tuesday 30 December

Wednesday 31 December

Wednesday 31 December (New Year’s Eve)

Friday 2 January

Thursday 1 January (New Year’s Day)

Saturday 3 January

Friday 2 January

Monday 5 January

Monday 5 January

Tuesday 6 January

Tuesday 6 January

Wednesday 7 January

Wednesday 7 January

Thursday 8 January

Thursday 8 January

Friday 9 January

Friday 9 January

Saturday 10 January

TFIELD A E GR Farm Shop TOP QUALITY CHRISTMAS TREES NOW IN STOCK Selection of Festive Foods Order your Christmas Turkey now Plus our usual selection of high quality produce to make your Christmas feasting extra special

Answers to editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk First randomly drawn correct answer wins.

Competition closes Wednesday 10th December 2014

To advertise your businesss in the Cheltenham Standard call 01242 257019

Open: Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun 10-2 Up Hatherley Way, Cheltenham GL51 3QX

01242 690058

10

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 DECEMBER 2014

BUSINESS Editor’sDESK

I

t’s that time of year again when ‘The Christmas People’ come into the town’s pubs on their ‘Christmas bash’ or drinks party. Quite honestly they’re a nightmare. These are the folks who order one drink at a time for a crowd of 9. It’s the bar staff ’s worst nightmare as they take an age to get served.

Now don’t get me wrong I’m not on the bah-humbug trail with this, but it is fairly annoying for the rest of us who may (or may not) frequent the odd hostelry during the year. It is this month when we have to endure packed-out pubs, slow service and the annoying high-pitched cackle of the ‘Christmas People’.

They are a strange breed and cluster together in pubs not quite sure what they’re supposed to be doing. The Christmas People have absolutely no spatial awareness and that’s because they don’t know how to drink in a pub. I.e. be aware of other humans around you, don’t shout everything at the top of your voice and watch how you pass by other pub guests as you weave your way about the pub. Being jostled isn’t one of the delights we go to a bar for.

Too often have I seen the seasonal over-indulgence rear its ugly head in the form of secretaries puking up their ‘babycham’ into their handbags, or worse still, fighting with each other? And these are supposed to be work colleagues? It’s really no wonder that these revellers get into such a state.

And why? Well it’s because they don’t actually drink as a rule. However let’s analyse this for a moment. They are on a night out and the boss is paying. I can see all too clearly the problem. If they were perhaps out on their own they may just sneak a small cheeky sherry, but when the company is forking out then they have eight drinks and mix them too.

Welcome Cheltenham A&E (but not after 8pm as you’ll have to go to Gloucester).

The concoction of drinks taken on board is borderline barbaric. They order a mind-boggling array of alcohol and then expect to be ok. It’s like watching the sorcerer’s assistant ordering a potion to dispel soberness. And of course we then have to witness them slobbering all over each other with false platitudes and unbending toasts of loyalty to the boss, the company and most sickeningly each other. It will of course have all changed back to the sober, brittle, cold disdain of the office as they try to shudder away from the memory of snogging a married work colleague.

I often wonder what they do for the rest of the year and where do they go? We now have three weeks of this to endure. Christmas People (and you know who you are) please take it easy on us, our pubs and the town.

Got a comment?

Please contact us at editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk 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 prior written 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 at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor publisher accepts responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. All rights reserved. ISSN no. 2055-2092. Terms and conditions at www.cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

Manor by the Lake wins top wedding award MANOR BY THE LAKE in Cheltenham is celebrating after picking up one of the coveted awards presented at a ceremony on Monday night at Kingscote Barn.

The venue, which has recently undergone a multi-million pound restoration, will now go forward to represent the South West in the National Finals to be held in London on 15th January 2015.

Tammy Madge, Managing Director, said: “This is a great achievement for us, considering we have only been running for just over a year. Our team has worked extremely hard and we’re very proud of each and every member who has contributed to us winning this award.” Tammy added: “At the Manor we are a customerfocused company with core values of trust and excellence which we feel makes us stand out from the crowd.

The National Finals will see us competing with the very best in the country and we’re hoping that our success will be another reason for people to visit us and Cheltenham, and experience all the great things that our town has to offer.”

Founder of The Wedding Industry Awards, Damian Bailey said: “The Wedding Industry Awards really have become the gold standard for

wedding excellence in this country and, as our regional award ceremony proved, the wedding industry in the South West is packed full with passionate, innovative and committed suppliers.”

“This our fourth awards and the standard of entrants was higher than ever,” continued Damian. “To even make the shortlist is a huge achievement and then to be crowned re-

Thanks but no thanks for the Christmas box!

GIFTING employees a turkey for Christmas won’t get you a roasting from the tax authorities, Sue Daye (pictured), at the Cheltenham office of national audit, tax and advisory firm Crowe Clark Whitehill, has assured worried businesses.

But don’t for goodness sake add a ‘thank you’ or you really could find yourself carved into little pieces.

Mrs Daye, tax partner, noted: “By concession, HMRC will not seek tax on trivial benefits.

“There is no absolute definition of trivial benefits but HMRC have published some guidance.

“It includes a seasonal gift

of an ordinary bottle of wine, a seasonal gift of a turkey, a seasonal gift of a modest box of chocolates plus a bunch of flowers to recognise a significant event.”

But she cautioned: “Any gift given with a tag of ‘thank you’ will be taxable, even flowers, so be aware of the narrative attached to the expense claim and if the flowers are for the birth of a baby, make sure that is recorded on the claim.”

And a Happy Christmas to you all!

gional winner after hundreds of couples have voted is a feat worthy of notice.”

Manor By The Lake still has some spaces available for its spectacular ‘Christmas in New York’ Parties, Christmas Evening Parties and Christmas Lunches and is taking bookings for weddings in 2015 and 2016. Call 01242 245 071 for more details or to book a viewing.

Oxjam Cheltenham win national award Following the takeover music festival in October, The Oxjam Cheltenham team attended the closing conference for the Nationwide Oxjam 2014 events, in Manchester on Saturday 2st November. They came away holding the record for the best in the South West, raising the most money in the region, as well as reaching second place on the national leader board and scooping up an award for their efforts!

The Oxjam Cheltenham Takeover took place earlier this year on Saturday 18th October. There were performances from a number of local acts across five venues including MooMoo Clubrooms, 21 Club, Subtone, Frog & Fiddle plus an outdoor stage by the Promenade. The team also organised two fundraising events; an Auction of Promises at the Daffodil in July and the Chelt-n-Jam Bake Off at Manor by the Lake in August. Overall the team raised £14,000 for Oxfam and were just pipped at the post by Islington who raised £15,000.

The Takeover will return to the town in 2015; follow the team’s progress on twitter @oxjamchelts, facebook www.facebook.com/Oxjam.Cheltenham.Takeover and on the website www.oxjamcheltenham.com

4 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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BUSINESS Fredericks Charity receive £1000 boost FREDERICKS Gloucestershire have received a £1,000 donation from Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ Charitable Trust, which will help their ongoing work making affordable business loans to those turned down for mainstream finance.

Client Manager, Mike Lewis, works with local people who wish to start or grow a business, providing expert advice and support to those looking for a business loan.

Once business plans and projections are ready, applicants get the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of volunteers from other Gloucestershire businesses, who ultimately make the lending decision. Loans tend to average around £5,500, but can go up to £20,000 for established firms seeking a boost.

Mathew Waddington, Partner and Secretary to the Charitable Trust at Harrison Clark Rickerbys met Mike to present the

donation (pictured).

"Harrison Clark Rickerbys Solicitors have long had an interest in Fredericks and recognise that this kind of support is vital in maintaining a healthy local business economy,” says Mathew. “Harrison Clark Rickerbys look forward to working with the successful business once up and running, in a mentoring or other support capacity.”

The law firm regularly join other professional firms in offering free meeting space, panel members and mentoring, and it is this local business knowledge offered by committed volunteers that has made Fredericks such a success - boasting repayment rates that would be the envy of many banks.

To find out more information about loans, donations, mentoring opportunities or other ways to get involved, please contact Fredericks Gloucestershire on glos@fredericksfoundation.net, or 01242 242 555.

Rose Chamberlayne

ON Wednesday 3rd December over 80 early rising delegates descended upon Cheltenham Racecourse for its third Business Breakfast. The morning began with coffee and networking followed by a captivating and insightful speech from Mick Fitzgerald, a former Gold Cup and Grand National winning Jockey. Mick spoke of the highs and lows of racing and his life threating fall which eventually led him to his new career in TV. After the breakfast and speeches delegates were then invited to have their picture taken holding the Gold Cup alongside Mick himself.

Wiggin Osbourne Fullerlove Appoints New Partner WIGGIN Osborne Fullerlove is pleased to announce that Rose Chamberlayne has joined the firm as a partner. Rose advises on international trust, multi-jurisdictional wealth planning, family governance and business succession.

She was previously a partner at Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co. Rose commented: “I am delighted to be joining such a talented team. My global wealth structuring and family governance skills will complement the firm’s strong international platform and I look forward to continuing to advise some of the world’s wealthiest families and the banks, offshore trustees and family offices who work with them.”

Rose’s specialist areas include creat-

ing bespoke wealth preservation structures which are often dynastic in nature and incorporate the highest standards of family and corporate governance.

Rose sets up family offices to act as the central administrative and investment hub of these structures. She also focuses on asset protection and defensive structuring. Managing Partner, Paul Hunston commented: “Private client lawyers with Rose’s experience and obvious talent do not come along very often. We were therefore delighted when Rose decided to join us. She will undoubtedly be a great addition to the Wiggin Osborne Fullerlove practice strengthening it in a key area of wealth structuring and family governance.”

Traders get ready for traditional Christmas market THE traditional wooden chalets are in place ready for the festive season to really begin on Thursday 4th December.

As ever, seasonal food, jewellery, candles, knitwear, handmade children’s toys and many other gift ideas will all be on offer.

The market, on the Prom, now in its eleventh year, promises to be even more impressive this year with more than 40 stalls and a fantastic selection of quality traders.

Martin Quantock, Cheltenham Business Partnership manager, said: "Everyone starts getting into the seasonal spirit when the Cheltenham Christmas Market comes to town.”

Contracts of Employme l nt Grievance & Disciplinary Policies & Procedures Managing performa mance & Absence Maternity & Paterrnity Dismissal & Redundancy Flexible Working TUPE Recruitment Training Telephone Advice Line We tailor our support to the needs of our clients

hŶŝƚ ϭϯ ͼ dǁŝŐǁŽƌƚŚ ŽƵƌƌƚ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĞŶƚƌĞ ͼ dĞǁŬĞƐďƵƌLJ ZŽĂĚ ͼ dǁŝŐǁŽƌƚŚ ͼ 'ůŽƵĐĞƐƚĞƌƐŚŝƌĞ ͼ '>Ϯ ϵW' dĞů ϬϭϰϱϮ ϳϯϵϬϬϬ Ϭ ͼ ŵĂŝů mail@hr @ ml.co.uk ͼ www.hrml.c . o.uk

www.scg-photography.com

Racecourse Business Breakfast hero

Caring, clinical excellence What we offer: The Gynaecology Group offers rapid access to a full private service for the diagnosis and management of benign and malignant (cancerous) gynaecological conditions. Urgent appointments are available within 48 hours of referral and often the same day.

The Menstrual Disorders Clinic is a dedicated clinic specifically for women with any problems related to their periods. This runs weekly at the Nuffield Hospital and the Spire Clinic, Regent Street in Central Cheltenham.

All our consultants are advanced level laparoscopic surgeons and as such routinely perform procedures such as hysterectomy, myomectomy and complex endometriosis surgery laparoscopically.

The Cotswold Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic is a dedicated clinic for patients with pelvic pain or subfertility related to endometriosis. The clinic is run weekly at the Nuffield Hospital, Cheltenham.

We also work closely with clinicians in other specialities to provide seamless ongoing specialist care when required. This may include gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, pain specialists and physiotherapists amongst others.

Appointments: Monday – Saturday, including lunchtimes and out of hours. GP referral not usually required.

www.thegynaecologygroup.co.uk

The Nuffield Private Hospital, Cheltenham, GL51 6SY Kate@thegynaecologygroup.co.uk T: 01242 246549

The Spire Clinic Cheltenham, GL50 1HR Lian.Franklin@spirehealthcare.com T: 01242 216850

4 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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HEALTH&LIFESTYLE WE are entering one of the most stressful times of the year. Christmas. Supposedly the ‘Season to be Jolly’ but for some it’s ‘bah humbug,’ whilst others buckle with the pressure. Whether it’s trying to enjoy the festive period as a broken family, missing family members or simply the financial pressure, this time of year is one of the most stressful. ‘Stress’ is the term used to describe being ‘under too much emotional and/or mental pressure’.

Many of life’s demands can cause stress, particularly work relationships and money problems. And, when you feel stressed, it can affect the way one copes with these demands, even your everyday functioning. Stress can affect how you feel, think, behave and how your body works.

Common signs of stress include insomnia, sweating, loss of appetite and difficulty concentrating. Anxiety, irritability and low self-esteem are all characteristic of stress as are racing thoughts and irrational behavior.

It’s common for stressed individuals to lose their temper more frequently, drink more and suffer with headaches. If your stress manifests itself as chest pain then it’s mostly certainly time to consult your GP. At times of stress our bodies have a hormone surge to aid us in dealing with

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

By NATALIE NEALE

IT DOESN’T NEED TO BE A PRESSURE COOKER the pressure providing us with the ‘fight or flight’ response. These hormones return to normal once the stressful situation has passed, however, if you are constantly under stress then it’s these hormones that lead our bodies to produce the symptoms of stress.

Stress is not an illness, it can however become responsible for some serious health conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiac (heart) problems and depression and anxiety.

Finding ways to cope with stress before turning to the unhealthy methods such as drinking, smoking or binge eating is advisable. Exercise and relaxation techniques such as meditation have long

been recognised as management strategies for stress. Studies have found that mindfulness courses, where participants are taught simple meditations across a series of weeks, shows that it does help to reduce stress and improve mood. Read more about mindfulness in Cheltenham www.meditationgloucestershire.co.uk, and why don’t you test your mood also at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stressanxiety-depression/Pages/understandingstress.aspx.

Don’t let this ‘Chrimbo’ stress you out.

Be organised, think ahead, and avoid situations (or people) that you know will put you under pressure and cause you stress, and remember…it’s good to talk!

Get Cooking for Xmas Physiotherapy Open Evening at Winfield Hospital

Tuesday 9th December 2014 at 7:00pm Join us for a free informative Physiotherapy department open evening with refreshments.

You will have the opportunity to hear all about: t

Introduction 7:15pm

t

Womens health and continence (male and female) 7:20pm

t

Injury Prevention 7:40pm

t

Spinal and back care 8:00pm

t

Winfield Hospital’s new Alter G anti-gravity machine demonstration 8:30pm This machine reduces stress on joints by reducing body impact, allows stability and gives confidence to walk longer. It can also help clients to recover faster, with less pain. This machine can be helpful for a range of people from top level athletes to orthopaedic and neurologic patients plus many more.

Come down, see a demonstration and have a go!

You can book your place(s) via email or phone: winfield.enquiries@ramsayhealth.co.uk

01452 306 009 w w w. w i n f i e l d h o s p i t a l . c o . u k Te w k e s b u r y R o a d , L o n g f o r d , G l o u c e s t e r G L 2 9 E E

STAR BAKER MINCE PIES Christmas is coming so what better way to cosy up away from the rain and avoid the crowds than to do some family baking.

These star-topped mince pies are a traditional favourite and lots of fun for little ones to make.

Ingredients 225g plain flour 280g mincemeat 110g lightly salted butter (plus a little extra for greasing the tin) 80g caster sugar 1 egg Icing sugar for dusting You will also need a bowl, wooden spoon, rolling pin, round cookie cutter to fit your tin, star shaped cookie cutter and a 12 hole muffin tin.

Method • Pre-heat the oven to 200ºC • In a bowl get the children

to pinch in the cool butter to the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Pastry is best when not handled too much so resist the temptation to knead!

• Add the sugar • In a separate bowl, crack open the egg (removing any shell!) and gently beat the egg yolk with a fork until mixed • Add the egg to the dry ingredients • Pastry is easier to roll chilled, so once you have combined into a ball of dough, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes • Grease your muffin tin to prevent sticking • Roll the pastry until it is approx. 5mm thick • Cut out the circles and place in the holes • Put the mincemeat mixture into the pastry cases (3/4 full) • Cut out the stars and pop on the top of the mixture • Bake for around 20 minutes until golden. Do

not touch as the high sugar content in the mincemeat makes them very hot!

• When cool, dust with icing sugar These are lovely to make on Christmas Eve and served with an ice cold milk and a carrot for Rudolph!

To join Fiona at her Cookery Doodle Doo children’s classes please visit www.cookery doodledoo.com or phone 07475883019 for details.

14

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 DECEMBER 2014

QUIRKY NEWS

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT...

A selection of the strangest stories from around the globe

NUDE MALE HOCKEY TEAM A UNIVERSITY hockey team played a match completely naked to raise awareness for an antihomophobia campaign.

The University of Nottingham Men’s Hockey Club stripped off to be filmed playing a cheeky fivea-side match.

And the video has turned them into online stars after 275,000 people watched it on YouTube in just a few days.

It shows the students posing on the astroturf pitch in their birthday suits with just hockey sticks to protect their modesty before playing a match naked.

They also pose for a series of nude photos before the video ends with a team shot of the boys with “No homophobia in sport” painted across their bare chests.

Former club president, Chris Collier, 21, said the players were happy to bare all to make a stand against homophobia.

“It’s an important cause and it’s at the forefront of sporting issues at the moment

so we wanted to do our bit,” he said.

Player Piers Denning, 22, added: “On the day of filming it’s fair to say we were a little bit apprehensive at first, but as soon as we stripped off it was fine. We had so much fun.

“It was an absolutely freezing day so

there was some hesitation to actually get naked but it just made it even more of a laugh.”

The idea was the brainchild of the University of Nottingham student-led Voice Your Rights Project who aim to raise awareness of human rights.

Making a meal of it AN unofficial UKIP cookbook - full of suggestions for replacing foreign meals with traditional British food - has gone on the market in time for Christmas.

James Harris and Mark Blakewill, the comedy writers behind the £6.99 book, say they decided to write the book to fill a gap in the market.

Entitled The (Unofficial) UKIP Cookbook: British Food for British People, it suggests eating a full English breakfast instead of croissants, replacing pizza with a ploughman's lunch and opting for a Scotch egg instead of taramasalata.

The pair funded their project on Kickstarter, gaining more than their original target of £1,500.

“We want more people to eat great British food like bread and dripping and semolina. It's character building. Any child that can survive that, can survive in this ultra-competitive globalised world,” the authors said.

“We recognise that it’s hard these days to buy Christmas gifts specifically for people who don’t hate Europe and enjoy living in a multicultural society. So we wanted to fill that gap in the market.”

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

B

lack Friday, Cyber Monday, I couldn’t care less about either of them.

However it would seem that many in Cheltenham did. Our town (much like the rest of the country) was littered with bright shop displays advertising ‘unmissable’ deals.

The fight was on and poor people from across the town were wrestling it out to get their hands on anything with a reduced sticker plastered all over it.

Plasma televisions, perfume, bodycon dresses; even price-cut obsessives Thornton’s had the cheek to get in on the action and get new stickers to cover their current ones in an attempt to offload their unwanted, overproduced choc on us.

The truth is none of these deals really are that special? The whole event is a massively clever marketing exercise. Like seriously clever. Big department stores like ASDA, House of Fraser, Debenhams, and Tesco get

behind this commercial weekend for a very simple reason.

The stores need only allocate a handful of serious price drops.

They pick some highly desirable items such as: a pair of Beats headphones or a popular television Blu-ray set. They’re prepared to make these loss leaders across hundreds of their nationwide stores (a marketing exercise these stores carry out regularly during the year anyway). In the run up to ‘Black Friday’ the stores will massively

promote these killer deals and will have a limited supply of them.

But because all the shops are offering these incentives all at the same time it feels like a bargain bonanza, which drives the public (and media) into hysteria.

Adrenaline fuelled customers will now enter these shops, credit card in hand, prepared to spend some serious money.

The catch? The majority of us won’t get our hands on the deals that were featured on the front page of Mail Online; these were limited to about ten a store.

What’ll happen is tens of thousands of customers will root round the store and start buying up stock with a paltry 15, 20 or 25% off their original price. A feeling of empty handedness is not something these excitable shoppers want to feel. And they want to be able to tell their Facebook friends what a day of it they’ve had. So they’ll fill their boots with some averagely discounted products to make this day seem worthwhile.

As a result, the shops have once again just managed to pull off the busiest, but the most ordinary and underwhelming discount weekend of the year; timed

perfectly to clear all of this year’s remaining stock and fill their tills with some serious cash.

I heard there were people queuing outside ASDA from 3am just so they could be some of the first to rummage through their deals? And people were staring at their mobile screens waiting for up to 20 minutes to be allowed to shop on the Curry’s website. I mean seriously what is wrong with these cash strapped people?

Cheltenham is a Regency town for God’s sake. Next year, when the rest of the UK scurries like rats around their local stores, I want Cheltonians to do either one of two things. 1) Go to work or 2) Stay at home. If this ghastly charade repeats itself Cheltenham the only deal I want to be offered to you lot is an interest free loan from NatWest on a home of your choice in Gloucester.

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

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

4 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

15

Doll debacle, police called POLICE had to be called to a toy store in Ireland after a frenzy to buy an Elsa doll from Frozen sparked a fight among parents.

Demand for dolls from Disney’s Frozen is huge in the run up to Christmas and many toy stores have already sold out of the coveted Snow Glow Elsa model.

And it led to violence as desperate parents tried to get their hands on the last

CoffeeBreak

remaining dolls at Smyths toy shop in Airside Retail Park at Swords, Co Dublin.

No arrests were made at the time, but Garda officers took details from customers in the store at the time and are examining CCTV footage.

The 18-inch doll is reportedly being sold online for more than £60 - nearly twice its normal retail price of around £35.

Your Weekly HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 20 – April 18): Current obstacles provide a chance to get things right the second time around. Don't pass this up!

TAURUS (April 19 – May 19): You don't like making life changes, but you can see how they'll be necessary.

Plan ahead so that you'll be ready when the time comes.

LEGO STRIP CLUB A US toy maker is selling an unofficial Lego pole-dancing club complete with G-string clad dancers.

The £175 set, produced by Chicagobased Citizen Brick, includes four minifigures and a club with zebra-print couches and a pole.

It’s made from hundreds of genuine Lego bricks and features realistic details including DJ booth, performance stage, LED lighting, hologram tiles and leopard print flooring.

StandOKU!

Citizen Brick has been customising Legos since 2010 and produced a popular Breaking Bad set last year.

Owner Joe Trupia told The Huffington Post he’s sold a few hundred of the new sets which he calls ‘The Citizen Brick Centre for the Performing Arts’.

“We’re fanatically doing things that Lego wouldn’t do,” Mr Trupia told the Huffington Post. He added that Lego kept a close eye on his products and even supplied the disclaimer on Citizen Brick’s site to emphasize that the products are not endorsed by Lego. It says: “Our friends at Lego asked that we remind you... This is not a Lego Product.

These are re-used Lego elements that have been repackaged or altered from their original form.”

But he confessed that he’s not sure how Lego will react to his latest venture.

1

2

3

4

GEMINI (May 20 – June 20): You may have more invested in your line of thinking than you realize.

Take a good hard look at this blind spot. It's getting in the way.

(Nov 22 – Dec 20): Fortunes increase under a grand trine in fire, but read the fine print. You may be

7

8

4 9 8

5 9

9 8 4 3

4 3 5

7 1 3 2 6 4 6 3 5 2 2 4 7 7 1 5

TARGET

O A B S S E L N T

9

10

11 12 13

14

15 16

17

18

19 Make as many words of four letters or more as you can.

Each word must contain the center letter and each letter must only be used once.

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

20

22

LIBRA (Sept 22 – Oct 22): Why is it that a paramour decides to get serious at a time when you're so busy that you can barely see straight? Evidently time, tide, and love wait for no one.

LEO (July 22 – Aug 21): Your ears are buzzing as your name will be on everyone's lips. Thankfully

Difficulty rating: Moderate

3 9 1 8 5

adding to someone else's purse rather than yours.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21): The reason why things aren't coming together is because it's a new game, but you're playing by the old rules. Do some quick catch-up.

Convert the word at the top of the ladder into the word at the bottom of it, using only the four steps in between.

Every word must be a valid four letter word.

6

VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21): It's true that certain people can do more, but pointing out deficiencies will only put them on the defensive. Think like a coach and show them ways to improve.

CANCER (June 21 – July 21): Today's Aries Moon brings out macho tendencies even in women.

Affirmative is good, but aggressive invites others to push back. You want to avoid that.

Word Ladder

5

what they're saying is all good. There's been too much bad press lately.

21

23

Last week’s solutions (27th November 2014): Across: 6 Clipper; 7 Brief; 9 Abyss; 10 Rackets; 12 Establishes; 14 Toastmaster; 18 Sniping; 19 Acute; 21 Dealt; 22 Adopted.

Down: 1 Clubs; 2 Spasms; 3 Tea; 4 Brakes; 5 Leather; 8 Hatless; 11 Jasmine; 13 Counter; 15 Supply; 16 Escape; 17 Steep; 20 Ida.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN (Dec 21 – Jan 18): If you aren't reaching the desired goal, then it's a question of method - not motivation. Be adventurous and explore a different approach.

AQUARIUS (Jan 19 – Feb 17): Any criticism that hits a nerve is worth considering. The energy spent rationalizing is better served on selfimprovement.

PISCES (Feb 18 – March 19): Everyone acts like a change in game plan is no big deal, but keep close tabs. You could be the one who stands to lose.

POST

GIFT

TREE

CARD

CRYPTIC Crossword ACROSS 1. Keep going at the back of the field (4) 3. Fish to be all at sea! (8) 9. A reform, maybe, close at hand (7) 10. Come in to put on record (5) 11 and 1Dn. Unique opportunity for a healthy new-born infant!

(3,6,2,1,8) 13. To some degree, Sir Walter fails to finish "The Talisman" (6) 15. Goes in search of flowerholders (6) 17. Sponsor after money for metal worker (12) 20. State I had sent back the ring (5) 21. Ancient ruler of the Sun and Moon, maybe (7) 22. Designated spot for pitchers (4-4) 23. Not repeated in the initiation ceremony (4)

DOWN 1. See 11 Across.

2. Almost cover up the debris from the cliff (5) 4. Keen to restyle a mantle (6) 5. How the sports meeting with no races taking place progressed? (12) 6. Observing moral obligations when there's no rebate on excise tax? (7) 7. Not often found in polar areas (4) 8. There are working models at these exhibitions (7,5) 12. Gets near to what those who cause disaffection do (8) 14. Sam's car could produce contemptuous remarks (7) 16. Compensated for being removed from the film scene? (6) 18. A devil of a fellow holding me up (5) 19. Record field event America fails to complete (4)

16

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 DECEMBER 2014

TELEVISION Your one-stop guide to the best terrestrial tv over the weekend

18

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 DECEMBER 2014

CULTURE EDUCATING RITA WILLY Russell’s modern classic, Educating Rita, is being brought to the Studio stage in December, presented by the Everyman’s professional company.

Directed by Paul Milton, Educating Rita tells the story of hairdresser Rita (played by Dani Carbery) who feels that life has passed her by. She

THE Dub Pistols bring their hip-hop and big beat sound to Subtone on Saturday 6th December for a rare and intimate live performance. Formed in 1996, the London based band are the brainchild of DJ Barry Ashworth.

Having made several appearances on the decks at Subtone over the years, this time Ashworth brings with him a full live band set up.

The Dub Pistols trademark fusion of hip-hop, dub, techno, ska & punk sees them consistently buck trends and defy musical genres. Since their first single in 1998, the band have released five albums and performed at major festivals around the world, including Glastonbury. They have remixed music by the likes of Ian Brown (from Stone Roses), Limp Bizkit and Moby, and can count Terry Hall from The Specials as a regular guest performer in their live shows. In 2012 the Dub Pistols performed to 100,000 people at a concert in Poland, so the chance to see

PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA

Everyman Studio Theatre

wants an education. But does Open University lecturer Frank (Mark Carey) have anything to teach her?

Educating Rita is a hilarious and often moving story of a woman’s determination to change her life.

Evenings 7.45pm Matinees Thurs and Sat 2pm Tickets: £10.50 (£9 concessions)

THE LIVE LINE UPS them in the relatively small confines of Subtone is a rare opportunity for live music fans.

Doors open at 8.00pm and tickets cost £12 from www.subtone.co.uk Also on Saturday December 6th, local band Solemn Sun play their first official hometown show at the Frog & Fiddle in Cheltenham. You may already know them from their days as Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun, a brash folk outfit who made quite the name for themselves on the local scene over the course of several years. Their distinct brand of high-octane folk got them noticed on a national scale and signed to Xtra Mile Records. A tour of the UK with Frank Turner and a support slot in the USA with Boston punk band

Dropkick Murphys in March 2013 soon followed.

This year, however, has seen the band scrap two albums worth of material and rebrand themselves as Solemn Sun. Under this new guise, their music is more epic, not quite as instant but crucially for them, 100% representative of where they want to be. With a ‘pay what you want’ EP available for download and a small UK tour recently completed, you can witness their regeneration yourself at the Frog & Fiddle. If you don't have tickets for this gig then get there early as this show will almost certainly sell out.

For more local music news visit Behind The Scene Gloucestershire www.facebook.com/behindthescene

Cheltenham author beats depression to publish first novel

By SOPHIE FLOWERS A LONG battle with depression has inspired an IT expert to write a novel inspired by his experiences which he hopes will help others to fight their inner demons.

Courtney Hulbert, 52, of Millbrook Street, moved to Cheltenham in May to work for an IT firm in the town.

But in October he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a condition which could leave him unable to work in a conventional office environment in the future. The diagnosis has given him an added incentive to leave a 20-year IT career and pursue his dream of becoming a full-time writer.

Chasing the Dark Clouds is the first of his books which he has published in Kindle format on Amazon. Set in South Wales, where Mr Hulbert lived for 20 years it follows the journey of Black Michaels, a former soldier who struggles with depression and suicidal

thoughts, until he meets a widow who helps him find love again.

Drawing on his own experience of depression to write the novel, former Army intelligence officer Mr Hulbert said the book is an honest account of what it feels like to suffer from the disease.

The father of two said: “Even someone like me, who had a successful career in the military and in IT, can succumb to the temptation to end it all. I hope that Chasing the Dark Clouds can help readers to see that there is always hope on the horizon.”

He added: “It’s terrifying to think that MS could take away my ability to type or write by hand. There’s never been a better time for me to pursue my goal of becoming a full-time writer.”

He also has plans to start a ‘not for profit organisation’ to help former military personnel and other uninformed professions, such as firemen and nurses, fight depression which can often kick in when they get older and become less connected to their former career support networks.

Shepherding The Mind aims to use dogs and horses to help hard to reach individuals beat depression. Mr Hulbert will give 25% of the profits from sales of Chasing the Dark Clouds to this organisation “If they can only help one person die a natural death, instead of taking circumstances into their own hands, then it will all be worth it,” Mr Hulbert added. The organisation will be launched next year in Cheltenham.

Also a talented poet, Mr Hulbert has already written three novels and is working on his fourth. A member of the Montpellier Writers’ Group, which meets every Tuesday at the Strand in the High Street, he said the group has encouraged him to follow his dream of being a full-time writer.

Search Amazon.co.uk for Courtney Hulbert to buy your e-book of Chasing the Dark Clouds for just £4.11.

Visit www.themovingfinger.co.uk for follow @Cour_Hulbert on Twitter for more details on the author and shepherdingthemind.org.uk for details of the organisation.

Book REVIEW

By EVE SEYMOUR If you’re looking for Christmas presents in the weeks running up to the big day, the following selection of books for young children are well worth popping onto your list.

Horrid Henry’s Christmas Lunch by Francesca Simon (for early readers) Every child knows what it feels like not to get the object of his or her desire at Christmas; and every parent knows what the potential reaction is: a humongous tantrum!

Horrid Henry is no exception. Nothing is right.

Brilliantly illustrated by Tony Ross, the book is packed with humour, Christmas ritual and mayhem, including the traditional family row and burnt dinner. Yet, guess who saves the day?

A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, illustrated by Peter Bailey This is a glorious book that will delight parents and children alike. Thomas’s rhythmic, ravishing prose blows you away. Packed with memories of yesteryear, the story transports us to another gentler, simpler time where it always snows and ‘There are always Uncles at Christmas.’ Whether you enjoy it for what it is, or you want to light up your child’s creative gene, it’s a clear must buy.

‘Tinder’ by Sally Gardner (for young adults) I covered this in a previous issue, but the book is so sublime, it’s worth mentioning again. The short novel includes castles and labyrinthine mazes, wicked sisters and gold merchants, apparitions and enchanting things that go ‘puff’ in the night.

A love story, a tale of epic courage and endurance, a fairy tale with sorcery and secrets, and ghost story, ‘Tinder’ is suitable for boys and girls.

‘Alfie’s Christmas’ by Shirley Hughes Finally, where would we be without Alfie and his little sister, Annie Rose? I was reading Alfie stories to my children when they were little and they never failed to delight. Sumptuously illustrated by Shirley Hughes, ‘Alfie’s Christmas’ shows Alfie counting the days and making preparations for his own special Christmas. As always, Hughes catches the magic of childhood and makes us adults feel pretty special too.

With the exception of ‘Alfie’s Christmas, which is printed by Bodley Head, an imprint of Random House, all other books are published by Orion Books.

Eve Seymour is a freelance editorial consultant and the author of seven crime fiction novels. Beautiful Losers will be published by US publisher Midnight Ink early 2016. To see more details of her work visit www.evseymour.co.uk

4 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

19

PROPERTY&HOME

PROPERTY ADVICE

HELP TO BUY HAS BOOMED

HELP TO BUY, the UK government’s flagship scheme, has helped more than 71,000 people across the country buy a new home, the latest official figures show.

In total over 66,000 households have been helped by the Help to Buy mortgage guarantee and Equity Loan which was introduced to help those who cannot afford a mortgage to buy a home.

Some critics claimed it would not actually help those who needed it and be used by buyers in London to the detriment of others but the figures show this has not happened. The figures reveal that 81% of Help to Buy sales are to first time buyers, helping 54,000 into their first home and the vast majority of sales have been outside of London and at prices well below the national average.

Together with the government’s NewBuy scheme which offers 95% mortgages for

those buying new build properties, the number of new home owners has reached more than 71,000.

The figures also show how Help to Buy is benefiting every region of the country. The North West is the highest region for the mortgage guarantee, while the Equity Loan scheme for new build properties is particularly successful in the East and South East and overall 94% of completions under the scheme remain outside London.

The government also says that Help to Buy is supporting responsible lending, with the average house price for the combined schemes at £186,000, or £156,000 for mortgage guarantee and £211,000 under the equity loan scheme, all of which are well below the UK average house price of £273,000.

The average house price to income multiple, under the mortgage guarantee

scheme is just over 3.5 times salary, and capped at a 4.5 times ratio to ensure responsible lending.

‘Getting the keys to your first home is a moment that no one forgets. It’s about being able to start planning for the future and enjoying the security that you’ve worked hard for,’ said Prime Minister David Cameron.

Sales & Lettings

Chancellor George Osborne said there can be little doubt that Help to Buy is helping to get Britain building again.

‘Housing starts soared by 23% last year, reaching their highest level since the economic crisis. Help to Buy is good for home buyers, it’s good for the construction industry, and it’s great for the economy,’ he added.

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A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR CHELTENHAM COUPLE In just the space of three weeks, Mr & Mrs Malcolm from Churchdown had given up their old life and started a new, vibrant one at McCarthy & Stone’s Jenner Court development in Cheltenham.

Margaret (74) and her husband Gordon (82) had been living in their family home in Churchdown for over 31 years and due to ill health, they were struggling to manage the larger garden. After much consideration, the couple decided it was time to move on and enjoy their retirement in a more manageable property.

Margaret explains: “We absolutely loved the bungalow but we were spending a fortune on hired help to keep the property maintained and there just came a point where we couldn’t do it anymore. I heard about McCarthy & Stone before and had looked around several of their developments.

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“We popped into Jenner Court one day as we were looking to stay within the Gloucestershire area and I fell in love with it straight away.

The development was delightfully decorated and the apartments were spacious and well laid out, yet felt so warm and cosy. “I can’t thank McCarthy & Stone enough for what they have done for us in such short period of time. We are really looking forward to our new life at Jenner Court and all the free time we are going to have together. I am currently volunteering for Age UK and give Ipad lessons to the elderly which I really enjoy. I’m hoping I might even get some of our new neighbours involved and get everyone techsavvy!�

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 DECEMBER 2014

To advertise your vacancy call the sales team on 01242 257019

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The School Sport Network (SSN) in Cheltenham has a post available as a network administrator. Working as part of a successful and dynamic team, the successful candidate will assist with a number of different ini+a+ves within PE and school sport. The main body of work will involve organising various CPD courses across the area; this will be in addi+on to fulfilling a wide range of administra+ve du+es.

The successful candidate should ac+vely support the Network’s overall ethos and intended outcomes and as such, will assist with the organisa+on and efficient running of the School Sport Network. The role is based at the SSN office at All Saints’ Academy and is a 1 year fixed term contract (the post will be extended subject to funding).

HOURS: 20 hours per week (term +me only, plus inset days) GRADE: Grade D Pt 11-17 - £14,880-£16,998 pro-rata (actual pro rata salary range £6,829-£7,802 per annum) CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 9am, Monday 22nd December 2014

The Academy is commi,ed to safeguarding and promo+ng the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance.

To apply for this role please send a covering le%er and a completed Support Staff Applica$on Form to Mrs Ka$e Jordan, HR Administrator, All Saints Academy, Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham, GL51 0WH.

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FLEXIBLE WORKING

BUSINESSES must do more to encourage flexible working as employees feel uncomfortable asking about the options available to them, the CBI has warned.

It said although some employers dismiss flexible working as an optional extra, it boosts productivity, encourages employee satisfaction and aids workplace diversity which is why businesses must embrace flexible working in order to attract and retain the best staff.

A survey of 1,300 workers, published by YouGov, shows a number of worrying tensions when it comes to flexible working.

Around 42 percent of employees feel uncomfortable asking their employer about flexible working options. This is despite nearly nine in 10, or 85 percent of respondents being part of a workplace that offers these arrangements.

Both men and women were equally likely to be wary of broaching the subject with their

employers. Again, this is despite 37 percent of respondents saying they found balancing work and family life difficult.

The CBI stated that, ‘Businesses must adopt values that naturally favour flexible working, and this should be evident even at the interview stage. Additionally they should commit to meaningful diversity policies and show greater openness to ideas like jobsharing in more senior positions.

Katja Hall, CBI deputy director-general,

said: “A lot of companies offer flexible working but the onus should be on businesses to presume in favour, challenge outdated assumptions and give their employees more confidence to ask about the options.’’ She went on to say, “Flexibility is not just for parents but for all staff. It can work for everyone including businesses. That’s why we’re calling for businesses to encourage flexibility from the job ad onwards, as well as the government to help families with childcare costs.”

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Children Children Chi dren & Young People Young P eople

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29

TheVIBE A snapshot of student life in Cheltenham

GRADUATION

BY FRANCESCA COBY LAST week saw the university of Gloucestershire saying farewell to its graduates for 2014. The town came alive for the weekend, as exstudents filled Cheltenham to say goodbye to the university, which we Cheltenham students are lucky enough to do at the racecourse. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet up with old friends, visit local haunts and get so hideously drunk that the whole weekend, including the ceremony is a complete blur.

It will all finally be over, late night library sessions, hung-over lectures, mind numbingly boring seminars, you’re free for good this time. Unless you are one of those crazy education

addicts, who follows a degree with a masters and a masters with a PHD, the time has come for us to grow up.

Waking up at 11 o’clock will no longer be seizing the day, it’ll be wasting it. Waking up for work before the sun rises will not be once in a blue moon, it will be routine.

You shall be introduced to the joys of council tax, and god forbid will no longer be able to use the excuse of “I’m in full time education” for anything; not even your usual discounted dentist appointment.

The real question is what next? I have met more than a handful of students who hated their degree, it assured them that they definitely did not want to become a lawyer, or a computer programmer,

Taking a Stand FROM November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10th, Human Rights Day, there is a campaign to end violence against women and girls around the world. Here in Gloucestershire the ‘Take a Stand’ campaign is currently underway. This includes 16 days of action to tackle domestic abuse and sexual violence (http://www.glostakeastand.com).

At last week’s meeting of the County Council I submitted a motion asking for improved education in schools on domestic abuse. This motion was passed unanimously and the council will now write to the Government to ask that it ensures all UK schools adopt an effective Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) Programme. This programme would include information on domestic abuse, delivered by experts in this field, to educate teenagers on how to identify abuse and subsequently deal with the outcome.

There is no reliable national data on the general incidence of domestic violence in the UK. The facts that are available make pretty grim reading and

The end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? or a biologist but a degree is a degree right?

I suppose this has merit, you can throw yourself head first into the ever-growing pool that is a graduate scheme and hope that something comes along. Aiming for the golden ticket: a salary, the security of knowing how much you’re going to get paid each month… now that’s the dream.

There are those who go the other way, their chosen degree is exactly what they want to do, they stroll up onto the stage, (looking exceedingly sassy in their graduation attire) and think to themselves ‘this is it; this is where my life begins’. The next challenge is getting that life started, maybe a select few walk straight

into their entry level dream job but the majority know they are going to have to fight like hell. The fact of the matter is things are about to change

Soapbox

By COUNCILLOR KLARA SUDBURY behind the statistics are thousands of harrowing stories of pain, suffering and emotional turmoil. One in four women and one in six men are likely to suffer some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. In the latest figures from 2012 to 2013 published by the ONS it is estimated that around 1.2 million women suffered domestic abuse In 2011/12. Domestic violence has consistently accounted for between 16% and 25% of all recorded violent crime.

Homicides against women are most likely to be committed by a partner or ex-partner. On average two women a week are killed in the UK by a current or former partner. Here in Gloucestershire tragically two women and one teenage girl were murdered in the last 18 months by a partner or former partner.

Jane Wiggett from Cheltenham was killed by her former husband in August 2013. Hollie Gazzard, 20, from Churchdown was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend as she worked at a Gloucester salon in February this year.

Kayleigh-Anne Palmer was only a teenager when she was strangled to death by her partner in Whaddon,

Cheltenham in April. She was five months pregnant with their child, Lily Rose.

These three deaths are a tragic loss of life and will have had a massive impact on the families, friends and even on the local communities of those affected.

Long term, I firmly believe, the only way to reduce domestic abuse and domestic violence is through education. It is important for teenagers to understand that creating relationships is not always as straightforward as the fairy tales or pop stars would like them to believe.

Things can and do go wrong and I know from my own past experience that it is all too easy to think that domestic violence is something that happens to someone else.

I am delighted the county council backed my motion; speaking up for those who may feel they currently have no voice and supporting young people in the future. It is only the start because getting the government to implement this may not be straightforward. Education in schools on domestic violence and abuse may not be a total panacea but it is a crucial part of the cure.

big time, graduates are about to be sucked into the black hole that is full-time employment, some never to be seen again.

30

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 DECEMBER 2014

MOTORING Jaguar S-Type 3.3 V6 £2995 Complete Luxury, Stunning Car

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 1.8 C180 Compressor £3795 Automatic Low Mileage FSH

Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin Equippe 4X4 £2695 Full Service History

Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 Sport SE £4695 Automatic 4X4

STAVERTONCARS

Honda Civic 1.6 SE 5 Door £1895 Low Mileage

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Citroen C1 1.0i VTR 5 Door £4995 Fun & Economical

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MOTORING REVIEW

SMALL CAR ROUND-UP

HYUNDAI has revealed pricing and specification details for its new generation i20. Designed, engineered and built in Europe, the i20 range will be priced from £10,695 on the road when it hits the showrooms in January.

Available in five trim levels, the entry-level S boasts the likes of electric front windows, remote central locking, six airbags, tinted windows and RDS radio with USB connectivity. Further up the range Hyundai has included air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, parking sensors, auto headlights and wipers plus heated front seats and steering wheel and opening panoramic glass sunroof. The flagship Premium SE model tops out at £16,725. Power comes from 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines plus 1.1 and 1.4litre diesel units, with the former offered in tax-busting 84g/km CO2 guise.

MINI COOPER S 1.6 £5,999

FIAT PUNTO EVO 1.4 £4,999

VAUXHALL ASTRA DESIGN 1.8 RENAULT CLIO DYNAMIQUE 1.1 £5,999 £3,499

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KIA RIO 3 5DR 1.4 BLACK £8,999

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SUZUKI CELERIO FOLLOWING its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, Suzuki has announced that its new Celerio city car will go on sale in the UK from February 2015. The Japanese car maker boasts a good reputation for producing small cars, and the firm is claiming a level of interior space that surpasses most conventional small cars, and also a class leading luggage capacity of 254 litres.

Standard specification highlights for the range will include six airbags, ESP, air conditioning, alloy wheels, DAB Radio, CD Tuner, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

Final specification and pricing details have yet to be fixed but Suzuki is already promoting the car's low CO2 emissions of 99g/km and fuel consumption of 65.7mpg.

In the summer of 2015 a new engine will be available offering even higher fuel economy and CO2 emissions that fall to just 84g/km.

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA SRi 1.9 £6,499

CITROEN C3 PICASSO 1.6 £6,999

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London Flyer (for Winter Wonderland too) | Dec 14th & 28th | £21 *Entry included. Children (15 and under) receive a discount of £5 on all our Day Trips.

2014/15 Theatre Trips & Shows The Nutcracker – Birmingham Hippodrome Saturday December 6th 2014 | £59 Andre Rieu – LG Arena, Birmingham Wed December 17th 2014 | £75 Dick Whittington – Bristol Hippodrome Sunday December 28th 2014 | £49 Thriller – Live! – London Saturday January 10th 2015 | £59

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4 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

35

MOTORING Nissan NX, a bit of a fresher THIS is more of a case of what isn't new, because the NX is fresh off the drawing board as a little brother to the muchrespected RX. If the RX 400h hybrid was the father of socially-acceptable SUVs, the NX 300h is a not-so-distant cousin.

The styling is as sharp as a supermodel's face, and you'll probably either love it or hate it. That's what Lexus wants, because you can't please everybody and it's better to please some people a lot than fade into the background. The NX is no shrinking violet, as long as you avoid silver.

There's a completely new colour option that layers ordinary paint over a highly compressed layer of flake to create a

deeper, more lustrous shine. Even in white the difference is obvious -and deliciously premium.

Choose anything above the basic S model and you'll benefit from winterbeating four-wheel drive. The NX is a bit of a Tardis, too, with 475 litres of boot space courtesy of a huge hidden compartment and enough rear legroom to let your kids have a game of boules.

There's also a space-saver spare wheel as standard – unique among the NX's rivals. But check this out for a practical feature: the bottle holder in the centre console has a high-friction base so you can open twist-cap drinks with one hand. Very neat.

There's also an induction charging

MOTORING NEWS

Skoda freeze VAT on some models SKODA is offering Fabia buyers the chance to pick up a car at a lower price thanks to the introduction of a new 'No VAT' offer.

With the third-generation model set to arrive early next year, Skoda is celebrating the success of the award-winning current model by offering customers the chance to snap one up with 20% off the asking price.

While customers will still pay VAT on their purchase, the Czech firm is cutting the VAT amount from the original list price. The offer is available across the

MOTORING REVIEW

hatch and estate ranges (S 1.2 12V 60PS model excluded) and extends to the recently launched Black Edition models, along with the popular Monte Carlo models and flagship vRS. With the 'No VAT' reductions applied, popular models such as the 1.6 TDI SE have an on-the-road price of £11,910 - a saving of £2,270. Customers opting for the flagship vRS model can save even more with a £2,949 reduction on the original list price, bringing the 'No VAT' price to £14,745.83.

pad that needs no wires to charge a compatible handset. You're basically driving the future.

For the most part the NX is high quality, especially the leathers. There are one or two small bits of Toyota-spec plastic but they're easy to ignore. The touch-pad computer interface is actually more intuitive than you might initially give it credit for, too.

Thedrive is impressively refined, with supple suspension, decent body control and super-smooth response from the hybrid powertrain. It's not that hard to accelerate gently away using just the electric motor, but on the other hand the outright performance is nothing Usain Bolt would get excited about.

There's no two ways about it - it's pretty pedestrian.

At least the seats are worth a postcard home. Big, perfectly supportive and highly adjustable, the only caveat is for drivers who like their seat back very upright, at which point the forwardleaning anti-whiplash headrests become a pain. The Mark Levinson stereo exclusive to the Premier trim grade - is worth a mention too. It has special software to identify and compensate for the lost quality of compressed digital music, and as long as the source is hooked up via a wired connection, it's

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brilliant. Music played via Bluetooth doesn't benefit in the same way.

The NX has stiff opposition from its German arch-enemies, but it's more than good enough to win fans at the mid-range Luxury price of £34,495.

Classic FM-smooth hybrid drive is a big selling point and the clever on-board tech is right on the money.

It's just a shame that so much of it is reserved for this £42,995 Premier range-topper.

FACTS AT A GLANCE Lexus NX 300h Premier, from £42,995 Drivetrain: 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motors, together producing 192bhp Transmission: E-CVT automatic driving the front wheels (independent motor drives the rears) Performance: Top speed 112mph, 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds Economy: 54.3mpg combined Emissions: 121g/km of CO2

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4 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

37

SPORT Pats facing up to battle for survival RUGBY UNION

Old Patesians Exmouth

10 50

OLD Patesians were well beaten at home by highflying Exmouth and now face a real battle against the drop from National Three South West.

The first try came after Josh Stevens was yellow carded for not following away in the tackle and Exmouth punished his indiscretion with a pushover scored by scrum-half Garry Hooper, with George Meadows converting.

Exmouth ran in three tries in quick succession from Stuart Lowe, Matt Ryan and Ollie Pyne, with Meadows adding a conversion to make it 24-0 at half-time.

COME AND TRY

CROSSFIT

Lowe picked up his second try converted by Meadows after the restart before Haydn Jennings crossed in the corner to open Pats’ account for the afternoon.

Exmouth then added three more tries through Ollie Rice, Ben Hawley and Lowe, who completed his hat-trick. Meadows added two more conversions to take the visitors past the 50 point mark.

George Hughes scored the pick of all the tries to restore some late pride for Pats, but they were well beaten.

AND GET IN THE BEST SHAPE OF YOUR LIFE ‘I was worried that as a forty-something mother of three with no athletic background, I would not be welcome at a CrossFit box, and might find the whole thing beyond my abilities. Instead I've found an accepting and supportive community at CrossFit Cheltenham, where all abilities are encouraged to compete -- not against each other, but against ourselves, to be the best we each can be. In the seven months I've been CrossFitting, I've lost over 2 stone and not only can I now keep up with my kids – they need to run to catch me!’

Old Pats: J Frost, C Dean, C Thompson, H Jennings, J Stevens, N Riley, T Langton, G Betteridge, L RoySmith, C Jones, D Burrows, B Parker, J Aherne,L Hathaway, G Hughes. Reps: B Whyte, J Harrod, A Crombie.

Call 07811 332 381 to book your FREE TASTER session!

CrossFit Cheltenham Unit 39 Cheltenham Trade Park Central Way, Cheltenham GL51 8LX

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Cheltenham pair dominate in Poland FITNESS

Panthers see off local rivals Lawn NETBALL

Hucclecote Under-16 Panthers Lawn (Wiltshire) Under-16

40 20

HUCCLECOTE Under-16 Panthers proved too strong for Lawn’s Regional Under-16 squad, although they did not have it their own way and had to work hard for a 40-20 victory.

Playing at home in front of a great crowd, Hucclecote started well and they began to power away.

Defensively Hucclecote found it tough to close down Lawn’s shooting circle with Regional and NPL player Kirsty Harris at centre really taking control and setting up her attack beautifully.

Although Cote led 11-7, it was at times messy through court and coach Gilly Salter made changes.

Issy Robinson was moved on to GD and teamed up with captain Ella Powell-Davies who was moved back to GK. This was no reflection on Santacroce who had done her job but more height was required. This had the desired effect as both players forced Lawn into errors.

At the shooting end, Alice Bradley made her debut at this level at GS and Emme Hale moved out to WA replacing Lucy Martin.

Although they still maintained the lead, the flow and

pace through court was lacking, but they still edged ahead to 19-10 at half-time.

With Ellie Spark moving to Centre switching with team mate Elisha New, this made an instant impact with Spark producing a strong performance.

With the attack back to its starting line-up which included Lucy Martin who was back on form, Panthers showed what they were made of and instantly linked through court with better timing and some outstanding movement.

This was ably finished off by both shooters, with Hale netting 83 percent in this quarter and Taylor setting up an awesome nine out of 10 in this period of play.

With a large bench to manage and a scoreline of 3315 at three-quarter time to Panthers, Hannah McCourbrie and Eve Saunders both took to the court at GD and WD respectively.

Both turned ball and put pressure on Lawn, however the mid-court connections did not connect quite as well and although there were a huge number of opportunities to goal, Panthers could not quite finish it off either through court or in the net with inconsistencies creeping in.

That said, the final result of 40-20 was a great win and leaves them top of the South West Under-16 regional league, although the squad know they still have some way to go to maintain this position.

CROSSFIT Cheltenham athletes Will Kane (pictured) and David Shorunke placed first and second at the AMAROK East Side Challenge in Poland.

The biggest competition in the country is open to all abilities, with the top 50 qualifying males and top 50 qualifying females going through to the live competition in Poland.

Kane and Shorunke dominated the competition by placing in the top for each of the seven workouts on the day, landing themselves first and second positions on the podium.

Kane said: "The competition was really challenging with some great athletes."

The workouts included a variety of movements ranging from heavy weightlifting to skilled gymnastic work such as handstand walks.

Shorunke said: "The competition was really well organised and is one of the best CrossFit events I’ve competed at."

Over the next few weeks the boys, along with some other CrossFit Cheltenham athletes, are also competing in Germany and Italy, and are hoping to bring home some more trophies.

CrossFit Cheltenham currently offer free taster sessions and then your first month free during December and January, so go along to try a class and see what it is all about.

The gym caters for all abilities and ages and has a great community. To book your free taster class, please call Steve on 07811 332381.

CrossFit Cheltenham can be found at Unit 39, Cheltenham Trade Park, Central Way, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8LX. www.crossfitcheltenham.co.uk for more information.

38

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 4 DECEMBER 2014

SPORT

Local Football

Honours finish even after thrilling match at KGV YOUTH FOOTBALL

Leckhampton Harriers Southside Lions

2 2

Boss Cleal blasts officials as Cleeve pay the penalty added three more FOOTBALL

LECKHAMPTON Harriers took champions Southside Lions all the way in a fantastic end to end game on a heavy pitch at King George V. Lions went close early on with Edwards, Hunt and Peck twice, however it was George Cuzner who scored the opener when he stole the ball from a Harriers player and slotted past Alex Hayter.

Minutes into the second half Cuzner was again on the scoresheet latching onto a fantastic pass from Mickey Rewczuk to half volley into the top corner.

Harriers pressed and were rewarded a goal when an unmarked Edgar Gaze fired home after good work from Soule and eventually all of Harriers hard work and pressure was rewarded when the prolific Oliver Beaney tapped home to make it 2-2.

In a frantic finish a superb volley from

Bishop’s Cleeve Taunton Town Oli Beaney equalises for Leckhampton despite the efforts of Lion’s Harry Duncan

Jameson was saved by the legs of Hayter but it would have been unfair to Harriers if it had gone in after what was fabulous game of football.

Leckhampton Harriers: Anderson, Beaney, Dagnall, Edwards, Gaze, Hayter, Horwood, Soule, Walker, Beard, Rodgers, Saurin.

Southside Lions: Schofield, Duncan, Jameson, Hitchins, Hunt, Cuzner, Peck, Morrissey, Inward, Groom, Rewczuk, Jordanov.

Varnam holds nerve to put Baros through FOOTBALL

Churchdown Panthers FC Barometrics

2 2

(FC Barometrics win 6-5 on penalties) FC BAROMETRICS progressed to the Gloucestershire Senior County Cup quarterfinals, but needed penalties to beat a very competitive Churchdown Panthers.

A defensive error saw Baros take the lead as a short back pass was latched onto by Kurtis Burrows and he kept his cool to fire past Stuart Lewis in the Churchdown goal.

The home team created a couple of good opportunities and on 28 minutes they deservedly levelled when striker Keylock's 20 yard drive found the bottom corner.

Unhappy with his team’s first half performance, manager Mike Rhodes made

HEALTH&FITNESS

0 4

BISHOP’S Cleeve boss Steve Cleal blasted the standard of officiating after his side suffered a heavy home defeat

by Taunton Town.

Cleal felt the turning point of the game came on the stroke of half-time when Taunton were awarded a penalty he was adamant should not have been given, with Ryan Shaw adjudged to have committed a foul.

“I am absolutely at my wits end with the level of officiating in this league,” Cleal said.

“The decision was one of the worst I've seen and not one of Taunton’s players or bench appealed for a foul.”

The penalty was successfully converted by Ben Carter and Taunton

two changes at the break and changed his formation.

However it was the home side that took the lead with only a couple of minutes played in the second half.

There was indecision in the defence, resulting in a goalmouth scramble and the Churchdown striker was quickest to react beating the goalkeeper Sherwood from eight yards.

Baros pushed for an equaliser and it was not long before it came. A deep cross into the box found Will Pugh and his

goals in the second half, with Graham Mercieca, Jamie Short and Jamie Price on target.

N a t h a n Summers was sent off for a handball to compound the misery for the Mitres, who have taken three points from 17 matches so far this season.

Cleal said: “We played some good stuff and I thought that our new signing Allton Axton was superb at the back, particularly in the first half.

“The problem we have is nothing drops for us then we shoot ourselves in the foot. Our decision making at both ends must improve.”

Bishop’s Cleeve: Benbow, Summers, Sherry, Shaw, Axton, Millard, Wheatley, Price (Bennett 72) Vercesi (Boateng 62) Magee (Robey 60) Watts. Subs not used: Mason, Preece.

glancing header found its way into the net.

Both sides pushed for the winner, with a golden chance falling to Sonnie Burrows, but his powerful header was well saved by Lewis and penalties were needed.

Both sides missed two penalties each out of the first five, so it went to sudden death. The next two penalties for each team were successful, but Churchdown missed their eighth spot kick, leaving it to Andy Varnam to take Baros through.

Sklenar strike takes Service through

Exercise of the week: Number Nine: Hammer curls

Cheltenham Civil Service AEK Boco

Stand upright with a weight in each hand held at arms length. The elbows should be tucked in and the palms of the hands should be facing your torso. This is your starting position.

While holding your upper arm stationary, exhale and curl the weight forward while contracting the biceps.

Continue to raise the weight until the biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbell is at shoulder level.

Hold the contracted position for a brief moment as you squeeze the biceps.

After the brief pause, inhale and slowly begin to lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position.

Repeat 8-12 times for three sets.

FOOTBALL

2 1

CHELTENHAM Civil Service progressed to the third round of the GFA Challenge Trophy with a 2-1 home victory over AEK Boco.

Cameron Smith put Service ahead after half an hour with a low shot from just outside the box.

Liam Crewe levelled for Boco in the 49th minute taking full advantage of a defensive mistake that allowed him to fire a low shot under the goalkeeper.

After this the visitors took control but were unable to find a second goal. Then in time added PHOTO: ALAN FRANKLIN

PHOTO: ALAN FRANKLIN

CHELTENHAM-based personal trainer and aspiring fitness model Leah Collins shares her exercise and nutrition tips every week in the Cheltenham Standard

on at the end of the game the home side stole the show with yet another goal from Jack Sklenar (pictured).

Meanwhile, Bishop’s Cleeve Reserves picked up their third County League win of the season with a 2-1 success at Hanham Athletic.

All the goals were scored in the first 15 minutes. Hanham’s Shaun Morris scored after five minute, but this was wiped out

by Harry Beaumont’s 10th minute effort. The winning strike for the visitors came from Jordan Elliott.

Cleeve Reserves visit Frampton United on Saturday, with leaders Civil Service back in league action at Kingswood.

4 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

39

SPORT

Local Football

Cheltenham League round-up

HORSE RACING

Dan Warren who scored for Civil Service in Division Two

with a game in hand.

Rovers 3-0 win at Brockworth Albion Reserves means they are a point ahead of Gala Wilton III who kept up the pressure on the leaders with a 4-3 win at Dowty Dynamos.

Like their first team, Shurdington Rovers Reserves also slipped to defeat, losing 5-0 to Charlton Rovers Reserves. The defeat leaves Shurdington six points adrift at the foot of the table with 0 points from the five league matches.

After losing their 100 percent record last weekend Bourton Rovers III dropped more points last Saturday as they drew 2-2 with

Cheltenham Football League, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Ford Cheltenham

PLAYER PROFILE OF THE WEEK This week we feature Rafal Bonio who plays for Smiths Athletic Reserves in Division Four.

Smiths started life in 1940 and have had teams in the Cheltenham League ever since.

Starting life as the footballing team of Smith Industries, at one stage they had four Saturday teams.

Having made the move from Newlands Park to Dowty Staverton, following Smiths Industries’ sale of their sports ground, the club now have two teams with the first XI playing in the Northern Senior League.

CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

PHOTO: ALAN FRANKLIN

FC LAKESIDE maintained their place at the top of Division One of the Cheltenham League, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Cheltenham Ford with a 2-1 victory at Hanley Swan.

Whaddon United remained on their shoulder with a 2-0 win at Newton FC and are a point behind the leaders with a game in hand.

The leaders face third placed RSG this weekend while Whaddon travel to Bishop’s Cleeve to face AC Olympia.

Kings remain bottom of the table following a 2-1 reverse at Olympia. They are not in action this weekend and will be hoping Bishop’s Cleeve III, who are directly above them, slip up against Churchdown Panthers.

Goals from Jamie Bubb-Jacklyn, Luke Limbrick and Joshua Ralph steered Division Two leaders Staunton and Corse to a 3-1 win at WMK. Whaddon United Reserves and Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves remain in contention at the top following emphatic wins last Saturday.

United hammered a sorry Shurdington Rovers 14-1. Rovers’ November has gone from bad to worse with a heavy defat following last weekend’s game which was abandoned.

Ryan Williams was man of the match as Service put six past fifth placed Andoversford.

Goals from Joe McCauley (2), Danny Warren, Kieran Mitchinson, Mike Kember and Richmond Duah saw Wayne O’Shea’s men xxxxxxx get back to winning ways after losing to Staunton last time out.

With United in County Cup action and Staunton without a game, Service could move into top spot if they beat Southside next weekend.

A 0-0 draw between Newlands Athletic and Fintan in Division Three means that Athletic have now drawn five of their opening six matches, winning the other.

The point leaves them in seventh spot but just five points behind leaders Leckhampton Rovers

Name: Rafal Bonio Nickname: Biscuit (mostly because “dog” seems unnecessarily harsh) Position: Anywhere from centre-half to centre forward, but prefer centre midfield Clubs: Started playing local football last year, so only Smiths Least memorable match: Against Pittville, being sent off, and then Pittville equalising Toughest opposition: Northway (they deservedly won our division last year) Best player at the club: Pavel Sliwinski, playing well below his abilities, and worth two of almost any player we met last year Team supports: Poland Favourite player: Lionel Messi

The New One after repeat victory

Leckhampton Rovers Reserves in Division Four. The only other league game in the Division saw Smiths Athletic Reserves beat Winchcombe Town Reserves 2-1.

This weekend leaders Northway travel to Star Reserves while second placed Cheltenham Civil Service III host Southside Reserves. Defeats for either of the top two could open the door for third placed Apperley.

The bottom club in Division Five won their first game of the season last Saturday as Pittville United beat FC Barometrics III 3-2. The win moved United up two places with Barometrics taking their place at the bottom.

With leaders Andoversford Reserves not playing this weekend second placed Cheltenham Athletic could move clear at the top if they take a point from their visit to Sherborne Harriers this weekend.

If Athletic fail to win then top spot could go to Staunton and Corse Reserves who host bottom club FC Barometrics.

With the two teams with 100 percent records in Division Six in cup action last Saturday, Cheltenham United went to the top of Division Six following their 5-2 win at Gala Wilton Reserves. Goals from Kris Mohan (2), Chris Clavin, Chris Lee and Kyle Patterson leaves United one point ahead.

With no game for United on Saturday, Malvern Vale will move back to the top if they defeat fourth placed Prestbury Rovers Reserves.

Vale have won all of their opening five league fixtures and amassed an impressive plus 35 goal difference.

Elsewhere, bottom club Andoversford III will be looking to move up the table when they face Regency Town. Town have faltered after an impressive start however they will go into the fixture as favourites.

and doubled up in style when recording a two and threequarter length verdict over Zamdy Man in the inaugural Betfair Price Rush Hurdle at Haydock Park last Saturday.

The New One has a good record over hurdles at Cheltenham, with three wins from five starts. He was beaten two and three quarter lengths into third in the Stan James Champion Hurdle on his most recent outing at the course, after being badly hampered at the third flight.

Trainer Nigel TwistonDavies said: “The New One has taken his race very well and it's all systems go for Cheltenham next month.

“He did not have a lot to beat at Haydock but he did it nicely, so I was very happy with the performance.

“His jumping was slick. It's not really something we have been working on, it's just that he hasn't had a lot of races and he is getting better and better as he gets older.

“The return to Cheltenham should suit him as he loves that hill.”

The New One is the 3/1 second favourite with the sponsor for the Stan James Champion Hurdle. Unbeaten Irish star Faugheen (Willie Mullins) heads the market at 2/1 following an impressive reappearance in the Grade Two Ascot Hurdle.

The International takes place at on Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13, offering £528,000 in prize money over the two days.

Key races include the £130,000 Grade Two StanJames.com International, the £100,000 Grade Three Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, the £45,000 Grade Three Majordomo Hospitality Handicap Chase and the £40,000 Grade Two Osborne House Relkeel Hurdle.

The £35,000 Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase also takes place over Cheltenham's unique Cross Country Course and completes Europe's Crystal Cup Challenge.

40

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Buckle happy to open Robins reign with a point FOOTBALL

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EW boss Paul Buckle was impressed with Cheltenham Town’s resilience as his reign started with a 1-1 home draw against Oxford United.

Byron Harrison put the Robins ahead in the 52nd minute before Tyrone Barnett levelled for Michael Appleton’s men.

Only a virtuoso goalkeeping display from Trevor Carson denied Oxford a win at Whaddon Road and while Buckle knows there is much work to be done, he was happy with the effort on show.

“I’m really pleased because it

was a different experience for me coming in so suddenly last week,” Buckle, who was unveiled as Mark Yates’ successor on Wednesday, said.

“I’ve got to thank everyone at the club and the fans for making me so welcome. The staff have been brilliant, the players gave everything and in the end we’ve got to be happy with a point.

“I’m sure Oxford will be disappointed they didn’t win the game as our goalkeeper was man of the match after some brilliant saves, but we showed resilience and I am happy about that.”

Buckle ditched the 3-5-2 formation used by Cheltenham so far

this season, preferring instead to line up in a 4-4-2 shape, with skipper Matt Taylor making his return from injury at centre-half.

With the transfer window shut until January, Buckle’s first aim is to improve the fitness levels of his team, who play Dover Athletic at home in the FA Cup second round on Sunday (2pm).

“I’d like the boys a bit fitter and we had a few go down with cramp but that shows me they gave everything,” he said.

“That’s just one step and it’s going to be a tough season. In January we need to add and help this squad, but they’ve been brilliant in training and the goal was

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The New One on course to complete double HORSE RACING

excellent.

“We’ve been working on overlapping runs and it was a brilliant ball in from Jack Deaman and a good finish from Byron. There were lots of positives.”

Buckle singled out Carson for praise as the Northern Irishman’s impressive start to life at Cheltenham continued.

“Trevor is a great goalkeeper and he’s a great lad too,” he said. “He is brilliant technically, he can kick the ball a long way and we’re going to use that.

“As much as I like to pass the ball, when we’ve got someone like Byron up there it takes a bit of pressure off the boys.”

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THE New One is on course to bid for back-to-back victories in the £100,000 Grade Two StanJames.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham on the second day of The International, Saturday, December 13.

The six-year-old powered to victory over Zarkandar last year, and if successful, will be the first multiple winner of the extended two-mile contest since Relkeel.

The New One held off Rock On Ruby to land the Grade One Aintree Hurdle in April and has cemented his Stan James Champion Hurdle claims with a pair of authoritative victories this season.

He opened his account in a two-mile Listed event at Kempton Park on October 19 TURN TO PAGE 39 >

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