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12 MARCH 2015 ISSUE 34
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VICKERY’S VIEW
Phil Vickery MBE shares his thoughts on the 2015 RBS Six Nations
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STANDARD EXCLUSIVE
KATIE HITS THE TOWN! POSING exclusively for the Cheltenham Standard, glamour model and TV reality star Katie Price swept into town for Ladies Day at this week’s Festival. Arriving at the swish Ellenborough Park Hotel prior to making her way to the racecourse Katie said, “It’s great to be here for Ladies Day. I’m really looking forward to it. I was here last year and loved it. I really like Cheltenham.” Asked whether she would consider moving here she simply said, “You never know, I wouldn’t rule it out.”
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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 12 MARCH 2015
Cheltenham WeatherWatch THURSDAY 12th March Min 4ºC Max 12ºC
RACE WEEK BUZZ
FRIDAY 13th March Min 2ºC Max 6ºC SATURDAY 14th March Min 1ºC Max 6ºC SUNDAY 15th March Min 3ºC Max 6ºC MONDAY 16th March Min 3ºC Max 7ºC
PHOTO: LAUREN BRIDGES
TUESDAY 17th March Min 4ºC Max 8ºC WEDNESDAY 18th March Min 4ºC Max 9ºC
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Healthy, happy ducks thanks to new seed dispenser DUCKS, swans and other birds are in for a treat thanks to a new seed dispenser which is being installed at Pittville Park. Friends of Pittville - in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council - is installing the coin-operated dispenser, containing food which is suitable for wildfowl such as ducks and swans. The machine takes 20 pence coins and will dispense a handful of seed at a time. This can be fed directly to the wildfowl, with no paper or plastic bags to turn into litter. Fiona Clarke, secretary for Friends of Pittville, said: ‘’Many people love feeding
these birds but do not realise that bread, especially white bread, has no nutritional value. It fact, it is bad for birds’ health and is not good for the environment eitheras it attracts rats and pollutes the water.’’ Malcolm Walls, the council’s community parks officer added: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to introduce the seed dispenser as it means that families can carry on feeding the birds, but with food that is healthy for them and safe for the environment.’’ Cheltenham Borough
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Council has provided and installed the equipment and the first bag of seed. Volunteers from St Vincent’s and St George’s in Winchcombe Street will manage the dispenser during the week and Boathouse staff will look after it on weekends, ensuring that the food is topped up and kept dry. They will remove the money each day and this will go towards buying more seed. It is hoped to make the system self-sufficient financially, after the initial outlay. This is a trial scheme and, if successful, more dispensers may be installed at Pittville.
THE town came alight this week as Race Week fever took hold. The increased influx of Irish visitors has bolstered an already record-breaking crowd with some reports indicating the numbers from Ireland are up double on last year’s figures. Most of the town centre saw the pubs and restaurants buzzing with activity as returning race-goers enjoyed everything that the town has to offer. The top end of Montpellier is always a hive of revelry during the week as visitors to the town historically make a beeline for the area. Local man about town Martin Flett said, “It’s great to see the town really buzzing. It’s a great time of year and the vibe all week is absolutely fantastic.’’ Last year Stagecoach West organised 74 more busses than usual to cater for customers attending Gold Cup day and 76,000 passengers were carried over the week. With Gold Cup Day only a day away the town is bound to see even more punters arrive to enjoy a fabulous day of World class jump racing.
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THERE has long been a rivalry between Cheltenham and Gloucester. Now experts have suggested that the Shire capital may have become a more attractive place to do business than its Regency neighbour. Economic consultants working for Cheltenham Borough Council made the bold claim while drawing up a new economic strategy for the town. Back in June 2014, the Lib Dem-run Council advertised for an external firm to help them create a new plan, describing the existing version as “out of date” and “no longer fit for purpose”. Eight months down the line, the Council are close to revealing their new strategy. During a preview meeting held earlier this year, Gloucester won praise as a town that “knows where it wants to be and where it is in terms of strategy”. Meanwhile, it was suggested that Cheltenham’s representatives need to take action to boost the town’s competitiveness. Concerns were raised about the lack of office space in the town, with the consultants adding “there is a limited supply of the right type of supply in Cheltenham…but HQ space is available in Gloucester, so companies are more likely to move there.” The consultants also stressed the need to foster a stronger relationship with GCHQ, an opportunity described as of “high value for the economy and for jobs.”
Commenting on the reports, Tory MP hopeful, Alex Chalk, said ‘‘Cheltenham remains a fantastic place to do business. But this is further evidence that we have been losing our competitive edge for some time. I have long believed that we need a far clearer vision for our economic future, including promoting Cheltenham as a regional tech hub. Only with that vision can we unlock our town’s potential and attract jobs. I am passionate about getting our town winning again.’’
TFIELD A E R G FARM SHOP UP HATHERLEY
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Twin town celebrations LOCAL residents are invited to an organised ‘Big Party’ visit to our German twin town of Göttingen. The trip follows a successful visit in 2013 of over 120 Göttingen citizens to Cheltenham. This year’s visit is from 24th July to 31st July 2015. Visitors will be welcomed with a reception from the Mayor of Göttingen, Rolf-Georg Köhler. A full programme of events includes a guided tour through the historical old town of Göttingen, as well as day trips to Berlin, Hanover and Einbeck and a twinning party. As an added bonus Cheltenham’s Symphony Orchestra will be in Göttingen at the same time and will be doing two concerts during the duration of the stay. Annette Wight, the council’s twinning officer, said, “The Big Party visit is open to all Cheltenham residents plus anyone interested in making contacts in Göttingen. The trip may be of particular interest to
those who have been involved in twinning over the years. Göttingen is well known for its hospitality and I have no doubt that people of all ages will find this trip worthwhile and enjoyable.’’ Councillor Garth Barnes, chairman of the twinning association, added: ‘’Large scale trips such as these only happen every four years and they provide the perfect opportunity to get to know Cheltenham’s German twin town. “The trip is also a great opportunity to develop business links and professional contacts.’’ The cost of the trip is £195 per person which includes: use of Marchants executive coach for the duration of the eight day visit; ferry/shuttle crossings; and one night’s accommodation in a four star hotel in Belgium on the outward journey. Further details Annette Wight, 01242 264311 or email annette.wight@cheltenham.gov.uk
ON YER’ BIKE AT THE Standard we’ve taken the bold move to put our Editor on a branded bicycle for the spring going into the summer. The bike was sourced on EBay and is in fact an old postman’s bicycle made by Pashley in Stratford upon Avon. The bicycle was is quite a state when our Editor took delivery of it but with a heap of TLC and some serious skill from Williams Cycles in Cheltenham it was soon restored to its former glory. Andrew Williams, proprietor said, “It’s
been a great project to do and seeing the bicycle fully restored is very fulfilling for us. As we have a fully stocked workshop were were able to undertake the restoration with complete confidence’’. Williams Cycles on Albion Street have been in Cheltenham since 1904 and as a quality cycle shop were the obvious choice to do the work. Look out for the bike around town. Now all he needs is a black and white cat! www.williams-cycles.co.uk
Andrew Williams and the team from Williams Cycles
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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 12 MARCH 2015
Parking changes on way for St. Pauls County Council introducing new permit parking zone THE new scheme which is due to start in the summer will prevent all-day commuter parking to ease congestion, which will benefit local businesses by making it easier for customers to park closer to businesses. Following significant local support through the final formal consultation which started in October 2014 and feedback that has led to some minor changes, the new permit parking zone (Zone 11) will be launched this summer covering much of the St Paul’s area. The zone will be made up of shared use parking, with non-permit holders limited to a maximum stay of two hours or three hours in
Attempted robbery in Pittville POLICE are appealing for information following an attempted robbery that took place in Pittville Circus Road, back on the 16th February. The incident occurred between 7 – 8 am as the victim was walking to her place of work. The suspect demanded her phone and bag and grabbed her hair, causing her to stumble, and he then made a failed grab for her longstrapped handbag. The suspect then made off on his bicycle along Pittville Circus Road towards
some streets closer to the university. Parking charges will be introduced on some roads closer to the town centre and Brewery complex (King Street, St Pauls Street South, St Georges Street, and Henrietta Street) while some roads will be reserved for local permit holders only to make sure residents have priority to park in the area. The scheme will operate Monday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm in the area closest to the town centre to take into account the growing nighttime economy around the Brewery complex in direct response to requests by some residents. Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for high-
Hewlett Road, without gaining any of the demanded items. He is described as white, around 20 years old, 6 feet tall, of skinny build, and with brown eyes. He was wearing a plain black/navy hooded top which hid his hair, a black scarf with white writing and dark coloured jogging bottoms. His bike is described as a dark blue mountain bike with white handlebar grips. Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police on 101, quoting Incident Number 42 of 16 Feb and crime number CR/3478/15
ways, “We’ve taken time to talk with and listen to local residents and businesses in St Pauls who’ve been finding it difficult to park near their homes and premises. The new parking zone will help resident’s park in their local neighbourhood while managing high demand for parking from visitors. We hope all of this will help reduce congestion on roads in the area.” Residents affected by the new parking zone will be contacted again before the scheme is launched with details on how to purchase parking permits. Plans showing the zone and restrictions are available at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ parking under the ‘consultations’ tab.
DAPHNE’S RESTAURANT PROSECUTED LAST Monday Cheltenham Magistrates Court fined Mr Ilhan Bingol of Daphne’s restaurant a total of £640, after he pleaded guilty to non-compliance, by the date specified, to two Health and Safety Improvement Notices relating to gas safety at the restaurant. Two notices were served to ensure compliance of the appliances to the recognised gas safety standards. Mr Bingol was originally requested to comply back in January 2009 when a food hygiene inspection highlighted that the gas safety systems were not checked regularly. There were then several follow up actions including letters, phone calls and emails to Mr Bingol who did not comply. Following a visit with the food officer on the 5th March 2014 an informal deadline for compliance was requested. This was not complied with and the legal notices were served. During this time Mr Bingol never contacted the council to explain why he could not comply with the notice nor informed the council when compliance had occurred. Officers made contact with him twice during the notice period (of 48 days), reminding him of the need for compliance and visited
Sex offenders on the loose EIGHT sex offenders have gone missing across Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, police records have revealed. Figures released by 39 police forces after a Freedom of Information (FoI) request show that a total of 394 sex offenders are currently wanted because their whereabouts are unknown. Gloucestershire Constabulary reported that three sex offenders were missing. Registered sex offenders are required to inform the authorities of their addresses so they can be monitored. The police forces responded to the FoI request last month or early this month. The forces stressed that the figures could change as arrests were made or new cases came to light.
four times following expiry of the notice, before discovering compliance some 6 weeks after the expiry of the notice. Sadie Hawson, senior environmental health officer, said: "We urge business to address issues informally when they arise, if served with a notice, they need to pay attention to the situation highlighted and comply with the notice within the time scale specified. If genuine circumstances prevent compliance then the period of the notice can be extended and the council doesn’t have to take further legal action." Cllr Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, added: “Council officers work to gain legal compliance with businesses informally and serve notices where a problem persists or there is an imminent risk to address. When a legal notice is served it must be complied with by the time specified, otherwise legal action has to be taken. Gas equipment and services must only be installed and repaired by a gas safe registered installer. You can check an engineer by checking the website or calling 0800 4085500 with their ID number, business name or postcode.
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Wine-tastic for Mother’s Day Anthony Davies, owner of The Grape Escape Wine Bar & Merchant reveals the secret ingredient to the perfect Mother’s Day... FOR Mum there is only one place to start; it has to be fizz and it has to be pink. This year, treat her to Sussex’s Ridgeview Fitzrovia Rosé (Waitrose £25.99), which has been
Fit to bust A CHELTENHAM personal trainer is preparing to take the stage as she goes for glory in the Miami Pro World Championships. Natalie Bourgeois, who works at Fitness First, will show off her figure in the Ms. Bikini class on
beating the French in blind tastings for years now. If you’re cooking a seafood dish make Chablis your first destination. She will love the apple and citrus flavours with electrifying acidity and cool minerality. Tesco’s Finest Chablis Premier Cru 2011 (£13.99) is one of the best-kept secrets on the supermarket shelves. That great British favourite, beef, is possibly the easiest meat to match. We’re talking full-
bodied reds, so treat her to a butch Australian like The Hedonist Shiraz 2013 (Waitrose £13.99). For mums who like pork pick up a juicy red from Piedmont. The Nebbiolo grape doesn’t come cheap but Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Barbaresco 2011 (£10.00) delivers everything you would expect from a wine three times its price. However you plan to treat your mum this Mother’s Day, don’t forget that magic ingredient when you go shopping, the perfect wine.
April 19th in St Albans. The category is for competitors who are toned with some muscle development to the upper and lower body. Guided by her coach Peter Nunn, Natalie has been training three times a day to ensure she is in the best possible shape. The 34-year-old has also been eating seven meals a day,
adopting a ketogenic diet, which is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve done because it takes over your life physically, mentally and emotionally,” she said. “I’ve had to make sacrifices and my friends and family don’t understand why I’m putting myself through it, but it will be worth it in the end!”
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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 12 MARCH 2015
More than 12,300 over 75s enjoying a free tv licence
TheVIBE A snapshot of student life
A SEA OF TWEED AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN BY FRANCESCA COBY TO MOST students, talk about race week is the sound of impending doom. Indeed the town does become a hub of tangible excitement and energy. But I’m just not sure if it’s for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure the races are great, but the only place I’ve watched them from is an overcrowded restaurant where I’ve served either incredibly rude, or incredibly drunk toffs a rump of lamb and endless pints of Guinness. Like many other students I like to take the plunge and work over race week, possibly one of the most tiring four days in existence. The prices everywhere suddenly shoot up, all bog standard night clubs turn into grimy strip clubs, and the prospect of walking home becomes nothing short of a nightmare. During these four days in March our quaint regency town, doesn’t belong to us. It is the race goers’ nirvana and watering holewe students are the help. Although the prospect of earning a bit of money never really goes a miss with us predominantly poor university goers, it really is horrendous. I can’t talk for everyone, but stating clearly, no you do not know how to do silver service and ten minutes later trying to make your way through a crush of people, balancing a piece of oak on your shoulder, covered in easily ruined canapés is just not my idea of fun. (True story) It never fails to surprise me that during the festival, everyone suddenly becomes obsessed with tweed. Many of us may be partial to a tweed jacket every now and then I’m sure, but this week it really does go to a whole new level. We are talking head to toe tweed. From the shoes to the hat, I’m sure it is not a requirement, so why does everyone do it? It turns out tweed is the ultimate ‘countryman’ staple, a proud country girl myself, I think becoming a human tweed monster is a bit silly. Perhaps I’m just incredibly pessimistic, perhaps I’m just jealous that I can never go. (Definitely) But I cannot wait for this week to be over, and for my J-bombs at moo moos to go back to one pound.
MORE than 12,300 over 75s in Cheltenham are enjoying the benefits of a free TV Licence according to figures published by TV Licensing. TV Licensing is reminding anyone aged 75 or over they are eligible for a free TV Licence for their main address, as part of an awareness campaign which charity Age UK is supporting by helping TV Licensing to get the message to everyone aged 75 and over. Although the concession is free, it must be applied for in order for the address to be correctly licensed. Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director of Age UK, said: “Television is an important source of information and entertainment for many older people, but those on low incomes may struggle to pay. We would encourage people aged 75 and over to apply for their free TV Licence so they don’t lose out. It’s easy to do and TV Licensing will renew it automatically for three years once you’ve applied, cutting down the paper work. “For more age-related information and expert advice people can
get in touch with Age UK Advice by calling 0800 169 65 65. Lines are open from 8am to 7pm, seven days a week.” Richard Chapman, spokesperson for TV Licensing South West, said: “If you’re 74 then you can save money by applying for a short-term licence and if you’re 75 then you can claim a free TV Licence. It’s easy to arrange both types of licence which can be completed online in minutes, or by speaking to our dedicated over-75 contact centre team. “What’s more, if you’re not yet 74 or 75, but live with someone who is, their short-term or free licence will cover all the equipment in the property, meaning you could also benefit.” A free over 75 TV Licence only covers the main home address. It’s quick and easy to apply. You’ll just need your National Insurance number to hand, or another proof of age if you don’t have one. If you’re applying on behalf of someone else, make sure you have their details ready. To apply, call the dedicated over 75 team on 0300 790 6154 or visit tvlicensing.co.uk/over75info.
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VENTING SPLEEN… Local man about town, Tom Thurlow lets loose MAKE no mistake readers; if I write about anything that ISN’T horse-related this week, I’ll probably lose my job. So here goes. Once again, for one whole week, our town has been invaded by a group of horses gagging to be ridden hard up Cheltenham racecourse. The Irish will spend a small fortune in our pubs and Cheltonian wannabes will empty their purses out in Primark in their attempt to ‘dress up’. Walking through the town centre this week was evidence enough of the cheap fashion show currently ensuing on our high street. The sheer number of lads modelling ill-fitted suit jackets blinded my vision. As entertaining as it is to observe the aforementioned clowns enjoy a day of drinking, gambling and generally acting like a buffoon – I do wonder who’s manning the checkouts at Iceland? Chavs group together (pre-
sumably to pool their £2 coins), and begin a life-changing day of betting. Their voices can be heard a ¼ mile away down the lower high street as they beckon each other to the nearest television screen. It’s handy for them to watch a bit of racing on Ladbrokes TV. Please don’t think I’m adverse to a little bit of betting myself. In fact, I’m incredibly addicted to it. Already I’ve splurged £500 and it’s not even Saturday yet (God help me). But when I walk into the betties the last thing I want, or need, is to engage in any form of social interaction with this lot. Normally I’m familiar with seeing this pond scum from afar as they sink their benefit money into the machines. But race week changes their mood. They oddly take up an unhealthy interest in horse
racing and rally towards the counters to place random, badly thought-out bets. Always each way, always no more than £10 placed. I often wonder why they even bother? They lack etiquette and manners. Queuing isn’t a concept these witless deadbeats have heard of. Their wretched smell travels around them for a radius measuring approximately 5 yards. One of these monsters smelt so bad it forced me to pause my gambling and to make the short stroll round the corner into another Ladbrokes to continue my unlucky streak. I can count on the Cheltenham Borough Council to ensure the nearest bookie is never too far away. Their willingness to hand out new gambling licenses is incredibly generous. I guess the feeling I’m left with at the moment
is one of apathy. For the first time in my life I’m wishing for race week to come to an end as soon as possible. I’ve not made any money (only lost some), the balloons and banners that adorn the high street are no different to previous year’s and nor are the outfits, the people, or the songs that are on loop. When TV shows get boring producers hurry together new game show rules, or characters; but with the races nothing ever changes. I guess most people are happy to keep things as they are, and so was I… but not anymore. It’s exasperating seeing people cheer about the same old thing and tweet about winning £20. Yeh whatever – I’m going to go drive around in my new Mercedes now and toot my horn at all the ladies wearing dresses that barely cover their arse.
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
12 MARCH 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD
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BUSINESS Editor’sDESK
T
he town is bulging with race-goers and the Guinness is being swigged at the rate of a thirsty National Hunt winner. All to the good of our town and the local economy I hear you cry. But only if you serve beer and food or let rooms. It’s a time where a certain number of the town’s retailers can really make a few quid. The onset of race week tends to focus on the racecourse itself and the establishments in the town that provide booze, food and rooms, together with ‘other’ entertainment of a more dubious nature…and they will clean up! One thing that’s missing in this retailing bonanza is the plight of the local shopkeepers. As we all know the town becomes some kind of retail graveyard as the punters and their guests make their way to the racecourse about 10.30am each day leaving the town centre looking like tumbleweed central. So in fact the smaller local shops don’t really see a benefit at all. It’s my view that we need to push the fact the town centre parking is free this week and never a better time to go shopping if you’re not racecourse bound. Let’s get behind our local retailers and try to support them this week. There won’t be any of the annoying parking attendants out in force to slap on unfair tickets and the shops could be relatively quiet. Bliss really. I’m not advocating grumpiness here, I’m saying that we have a once in a year opportunity if we don’t want to go or watch racing. It would be of great interest if the Borough Council were to conduct a straw poll amongst the smaller retailers to see just how the Festival has affected them. Is it the case that they see no benefit at all and can merely only stand by to watch the other businesses filling their troughs? No doubt the tills will be shrilling of the scale in the pubs from about 5pm every day (and some even all day, as a number of locals just want to watch it on telly with a pint to hand). Again, not shopping or spending in the other retailing units. So this week good folks of Cheltenham try and support your local shops by getting out there and spending some of your hard- earned cash. Honestly they’ll love you for it.
Eric Barton, Editor
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
Piercefield Oliver relocates head office to Cheltenham LEADING financial planning company Piercefield Oliver has relocated its head office to Cheltenham. The company, headed by Stephen Willis and Louise Oliver, is one of a select number of Accredited Financial Planning Firms in the UK, providing independent, regulated financial advice. Piercefield Oliver already has offices in Bristol and Chesterfield and now, following a restructuring review, the company has moved its head office to Festival House in Jessop Avenue, Cheltenham. “We believe that Cheltenham, with its great business infrastructure and its central location, is the perfect base for the company,” said Louise Oliver. “Over the coming months we look forward to introducing ourselves to the region’s business community and
making new contacts as we strengthen our roots in our new home. “At the same time, however, we will be maintaining our presence in both Bristol and Derbyshire as we continue to build our national portfolio of clients.” Louise Oliver has been in the financial services sector for more than 30 years and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). She is a regular expert commentator on BBC breakfast TV and the BBC news channel as well as BBC Radio 4 Moneybox. .She is keenly involved in supporting Women in Business and is past chair and board member of the Sheffield Inspiring Women Group and Vice President of the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs.
Louise Oliver
Stephen Willis has been in the financial services sector for over 25 years, having worked for large corporates before setting up Piercefield Asset Management in 1998. He is a Chartered Associate of IFS School of Finance and he qualified as a Certified Financial Planner in 2003. More at www.piercefieldoliver.com or call 0845 2578749.
New bookshop in The Suffolks
Mushroom Miles AT family-owned Chelbury Farm Mushrooms, which nestles in the glove of Cleeve Hill, just outside Cheltenham they know how to deliver the caress that their mushrooms require in order to provide the organic environment they need to flourish. The farm itself has a clean, almost clipped appearance. Blink and you’ll miss it A move in 2000 saw the business morph over to increased organic production. In 2011 the larger producer G’s Fresh Mushrooms became involved and the business now has a current investment of £3.5M to provide expansion and better retail penetration. In fact more than £1M has been invested in the growing methods in just the last two years alone. Mark Haynes Managing Director, G’s Fresh Mushrooms Ltd commented, ‘’ we have been a family business since 1952 and this year is the 50TH anniversary of the Chelbury mushroom farm. It’s a landmark for all of us’’.
Mark Haynes went on to further comment, ‘’mushroom farming doesn’t stop for anything and I quite like that’’. He went to say, ‘’at G’s Fresh Mushrooms Ltd we take the organic side of our business very seriously indeed. Our growing methods are pivotal on being consistent and supplying high-end quality produce that’s available all year round’’. Being a local company Mark Haynes and the team are all-too-aware about the need to engage with the local market. Mark also adds, ‘’Our Chelbury mushroom range is available in the Wholefood Store in Cheltenham’’. Mark Haynes also comments, ‘’ we have now developed organic shiitake mushrooms which are going very well. This is a big area for us, as most of the retailing giants still source these mushrooms from China’’. He also adds, ‘’ this is food miles gone berserk. It’s crucial for us to let people know that you can now get these from a local grower’’.
BOOKWORMS in the town will be delighted that a new bookshop has opened up in Suffolk Parade. The Suffolk Anthology opened its doors last week and is the brainchild of a former GP from Painswick, Helene Hewett. As well as selling books and cards and being able to fulfil orders sometimes within 24 hours, The Suffolk Anthology, has a small space for coffee and cake to refresh the avid book shopper. The shop can take orders by phone, in person or via its website. Contact Helene on 01242 361362 or see theanthology.co.uk
New look for Accountants THE Cheltenham-based independent accountants and tax advisers Paish Tooth has a new corporate brand and website. Leckhampton-based creative agency Hills Design came up with the new logo. To complement the new design, Paish Tooth has also launched a new website, developed by an accounting industry web designer. The site will also shortly have a free downloadable mobile app Paish Tooth has two directors and employs fifteen staff in its Rodney Road offices.
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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 12 MARCH 2015
CULTURE THE HISTORY BOYS LA BOHÈME the most BY ALAN BENNETT romantic night out in opera! THE EVERYMAN THEATRE Monday 30th March – Saturday 4th April WINNER of over 30 major awards including the Olivier and Tony Awards for Best New Play, The History Boys is the story of a group of bright, funny and unruly sixthformers in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university. Their maverick English teacher is at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher, whilst their headmaster is obsessed with results and league tables. The History Boys is a hilariously funny
and exceptionally moving play about the true purpose of education. Alan Bennett's comic masterpiece was voted the nation’s favourite play in a recent national survey conducted by English Touring Theatre to celebrate their 21st birthday. Alan Bennett is one of the UK’s most celebrated playwrights and authors, and in a career that spans five decades has created many acclaimed works for theatre,
IN APRIL 2014, English Touring Opera won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera, beating competition from superstar singers Joyce DiDonato and Placido Domingo to scoop UK theatre’s biggest prize. It was a remarkable breakthrough for a company that has been visiting Cheltenham for more than 15 years, especially as the Olivier’s opera category is typically dominated by the big London opera houses. “It says the best opera isn’t just for London, it’s for
outside London too,” believes ETO’s General Director, James Conway. This April, ETO returns to the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham with a stunning new production of Puccini’s La bohème (Friday 10 April, 7.30pm; Saturday 11 April, 2pm and 7.30pm). It’s an opportunity to see one of the best-loved and most wonderfully moving of all operas, with nothing to get in the way of the raw emotion and beauty of the music.
television and film. His work for the stage includes People, Hymn and Cocktail Sticks, The Habit of Art, Talking Heads, The Madness of George III and Kafka’s Dick. Prior to his work as a playwright, Bennett enjoyed enormous success as a co-writer and performer of Beyond the Fringe, a comedy stage revue which played in the West End and on Broadway in the 1960s. At the 2005 Olivier Awards Bennett was awarded the Society Special Award for his contribution to theatre. This brand new production for 2015 is presented by Sell a Door Theatre Company. The cast features Richard Hope as Hector (soon to be seen in the new TV adaptation of Poldark). Tickets www.everymantheatre.org.uk
THE ABRUPT PHYSICS OF DYING by Paul Hardisty Book REVIEW By EVE SEYMOUR THE thrilling dual launch of Orenda Books and the publisher’s first novel, ‘The Abrupt Physics of Dying,’ Paul Hardisty’s thought-provoking and elegantly written debut, takes places tonight at Waterstones in Trafalgar Square. Set in Yemen, the novel tells the story of oil company engineer, Claymore Straker. When Islamic terrorists abduct his friend, Clay is given a choice: find out why children are dying of a mysterious sickness, or your friend will be killed. If you haven’t already tumbled to it, it’s
alleged that the activities of the oil facility for which Clay works are contaminating the water supply. In time-honoured fashion, Clay soon finds himself obstructed in his pursuit of the truth, framed for a murder he didn’t commit, on a CIA wanted list and snarled in factional rivalries in a country ripe with political intrigue and fast descending into chaos. In short, his life is on the line and, as anyone knows, oil is big business and often comes with a heavy price tag for those lesser souls who stand in the way. Hardisty, an engineer, hydrologist and environmental scientist, is an author who really does know what he is talking about, yet although the story is written with conviction and
honesty, he never descends into polemic. Story comes first, second and third, and I spotted it the moment I received the manuscript through the auspices of my day job. Yes, hands up, I am unashamedly biased in writing this review. I was intimately involved in the novel’s journey from early draft to revision, to agent representation where I waved it farewell, my job done. But let’s be clear, the hard work and talent belong to the author alone. So what was it that grabbed me about the book? Was it the stunning setting? Was it the beautifully written prose or powerful characterisation and the fact that Clay Straker is a man you’d follow to the end of the line? Was it the timeliness of
a story that chimes with the fact that we all need to wake up to the importance of nurturing and protecting the planet on which we depend? All of this played with me, and, naturally, I’m a sucker for genuine thrillers with powerful redemptive themes, but what spoke to me more strongly than anything was the courage, integrity and passion with which the novel is written. The book has heart and soul. You can’t ask for anything more so, hell, just buy it! ‘The Abrupt Physics of Dying’ is published by Orenda Books. On a commercial footnote, Karen Sullivan’s decision to set up Orenda in an industry notoriously risk averse, is nothing short of gutsy. I wish her the very best.
Eve Seymour is a freelance writing coach 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
12 MARCH 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD
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QuirkyNews...
CoffeeBreak
FORD FOCUS!
Your Weekly HOROSCOPES
EARLY morning commuters on the Dortmund underground railway got a surprise - when a Ford Focus pulled into the station instead of a train. The driver, a 31-year-old off duty soldier, was drunk and had got lost around 5am. He had followed a tram into a tunnel, somehow managing to ignore warning signs - and also the fact the road gave way to a train track. U-Bahn trains in Dortmund run as trams for stretches on city streets above ground, before returning underground. The man, whose name has not been released, stopped at the first station he came to, Barop Parkhaus - blocking the U42 line. “I was in a nightclub, and like a real
Palace nude a fraud? A DEBATE is raging over a video apparently showing a naked man climbing out of a bedroom window at Buckingham Palace. The incident appears to have been captured in the background of footage taken by a Swedish tourist of the Changing of the Guard near Green Park. When the camera zooms in on Buckingham Palace, it seems to capture the naked man climbing out of a window and sliding down a bed sheet. When the man gets to the bottom of the bed sheet he loses grip and falls to the ground from quite a height. No sound can be heard of the fall, neither does anyone in the video react to a man falling such a distance.
StandOKU!
ARIES (March 20 – April 18): You finally succeed at a hard fought effort. Part of you will miss the adventure, but don't worry because there's another quest right behind this one.
dummy I got behind the wheel,” he told Bild newspaper. “After that my memory's blank. All I remember is two policemen approaching me on the platform.” U-Bahn staff had to push the car back up out of the station by hand, and service was interrupted for several hours. The hapless driver only had a provisional licence, which he has now lost.
TAURUS (April 19 – May 19): You finally win favor with that person you've been hoping to impress. Unfortunately you also attract a rival's resentment. Be prepared. GEMINI (May 20 – June 20): Your ears must be buzzing. You're everyone's favorite topic of conversation and the press is good. It's a sorely needed vote of confidence.
The video was posted by Anders Dahlberg and has notched up more than a million views in just three days. But it looks to be an elaborate hoax. Online detectives say careful analysis shows that the scenes featuring the man were not taken at Buckingham Palace. Film expert Jon Rosling said: “What he appears to have done is matte some footage from another clip of another building over the top of the Palace. “Either way, he deserves some credit - I thought this was quite convincingly done and there are plenty of people out there still who believe it's real!!” Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the video and the Metropolitan Police said they have had no reports of the incident.
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CANCER (June 21 – July 21): Information comes to light today that will make you very happy. Don't be afraid to share it with others. Trumpet your good fortune. LEO (July 22 – Aug 21): You don't like being beholden to anyone, but
Word Ladder 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.
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Difficulty rating: Moderate
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TARGET
R L I T A S O W E
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: 25 words good; 35 very good; 40+ excellent.
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don't let pride spoil things. Being at others' beck and call is a small price to pay for being a favorite. VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21): Someone you wrote off as ditzy shows more depth than thought. It's worth reconsidering. There may be hope for this person yet. LIBRA (Sept 22 – Oct 22): You finalize an agreement that's gone back and forth for a while. Right now it's more a relief than a godsend, but you'll soon feel otherwise. SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21): You'll have to accept being persona non grata, but people will get over themselves. It's the price you pay for making the tough calls. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 20): Fulfill your own obligations before accusing people of neglecting theirs. You
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Last week’s solutions (5th March 2015): Across: 1 Lens; 8 North Wales; 9 Sergeant; 10 Race; 12 Trivia; 14 Second; 15 Deform; 17 Assets; 18 Stye; 19 Horseman; 21 Discretion; 22 Asti. Down: 2 Endearment; 3 Snug; 4 Armada; 5 Chutes; 6 Barracks; 7 Isle; 11 Constraint; 13 Violence; 16 Mahler; 17 Adroit; 18 Side; 20 Edna.
PISCES (Feb 18 – March 19): It's been a while since you sat down and worked out finances. Go ahead and stare that bugaboo in the eye. It's not as scary as you think.
RACE
WINS
CRYPTIC Crossword ACROSS
DOWN
7. He's mainly a scientist (13)
1. The butcher's out to become a composer (8)
9. Made up to look like a pantomime character.... (4)
2. Required a pale man ... (6)
10. ... but unfortunately ends up as a parody (4-2)
4. Campaigns for used cars to be serviced (8)
12. Being awfully rude on ship due to coercion (6)
5. Rest the creature (6)
16. A slight semblance of change how sad! (6) 18. Run away like lightning? (4)
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AQUARIUS (Jan 19 – Feb 17): It's a loved one's turn to shine. You're happy to give up the spotlight, but the true test will be curbing the coaching from the sidelines.
JUMP
14. A pastry’s rolled over in layers (6)
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CAPRICORN (Dec 21 – Jan 18): Pay close attention to people you're meeting now. At least two of them will go on to become major players this spring.
GOLD
8. They can be ruthless (8)
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don't want the rug pulled out from under you.
3. ... to get me a book (4)
6. A name such as Hilary? (4) 11. They may be needed after accidents with staplers (8) 13. Irregular employment of injured picadors (8)
20. A cot for a renegade (8)
15. Song the man rewrote (6)
22. A song for one involved in ritual banner-waving (4,9)
17. Stress that money is on account (6) 19. Work for the creature with a month’s leave (4) 21. She’s awfully hurt (4)
CHELTENHAM STANDARD 12 MARCH 2015
Are you looking for a new career challenge?
RECRUITMENT
IT skills shortage deepening We are recruiting for Mortgage Collections Advisors to join our team at our office in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham. Salary up to £18,920 plus benefits At Chelsea Building Society, we really do value our people and believe you'll enjoy working here. Your ideas will be listened to and you'll be encouraged to take the initiative. It's the way we do business. At Chelsea it's a team effort and success is always recognised and rewarded. We are looking for an empathetic and understanding individual with exceptional listening skills to engage with customers who may experience difficulties now or in the future in making their mortgage repayments. With a talent for explaining complex information as clearly and concisely as possible, you will have a confident approach to questioning and will use all of these skills to find the best solution for our customers, ensuring that they are treated fairly. Previous financial service, collections or mortgage experience would be beneficial, however if you possess good communication skills and a positive attitude, and feel that you could provide an exceptional service to our members we can provide training for the rest, which will include a seven week induction program. If this sounds like you, to find out more and to apply, please follow the link below:
http://www.workatchelsea.co.uk/ Job reference 2211BR
Chelsea Building Society and the Chelsea are trading names of Yorkshire Building Society. Yorkshire Building Society is a member of the Building Societies Association and is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. thechelsea.co.uk
The UK IT sector as a whole is suffering from an acute skills shortage. One of the issues that compound this problem is that companies in this country now have to compete with other parts of the world, which can often offer a greater opportunity for talented professionals. For businesses that are looking to recruit in the software asset management sector, it’s important to spend time searching for the right people. Once they are in place, they will need to invest in adequate equipment, IT asset management and training to ensure that they can carry out their roles effectively.
The issue with recruiting for SAM professionals is that this area covers a broad range of skills, and not all of these are IT based. In the recruitment process, employers will need to decide on what their future objectives are before they begin searching for candidates. This will likely influence the type of person they are looking for and provide a focus for the skills that are most important to their business. There’s no quick magic fix for this. It’s all about planning and investment to ensure they attract the right candidates.
incorporating lettings
PropertyBuyer
Your essential guide to buying and selling property
THE BEST FLOOR SHOW IN TOWN
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33 Prestbury Road | Cheltenham | Gloucestershire | GL52 2PP
01242 375026
CHELTENHAM
£445,000
ALL SAINTS TERRACE
£350,000 ULLENWOOD
A highly versatile and very well presented three storey period town house with many fine character features including feature fireplaces, ceiling mouldings and joinery. A generous entrance hall leads into the upper ground floor that comprises a living room with exposed floorboards and a charming fireplace, a sitting room, a modern fitted kitchen that leads into a breakfast room with views over the rear garden and stairs leading to the lower ground floor that offers a study, a wonderful dining room opening effortlessly into a second living room/bedrooms four with a fireplace, a wet room with under floor heating and a hallway with access to the front. The first floor provides three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Benefits include gas fired central heating, the potential for a garden flat subject to alterations and permissions, a landscaped rear garden and a garage. EPC: D
An impressive four bedroom period house in a sought after no-through road within walking distance of Pittville Park and the town centre. Its accommodation is presented in very good decorative order, offers a wealth of character features, and comprises in brief an entrance hall with corbels to the ceiling, a living room with a feature open fireplace, a dining room, a modern fitted kitchen with access to the landscaped rear garden, a family bathroom, cloakroom, three double bedrooms and a single bedroom. Further benefits include a really useful cellar with a window to the front, gas fired central heating and a jolly good sized rear garden. EPC: D
SOUTHAM
£595,000
An extended detached house with a self-contained annexe, a large rear garden backing onto fields and marvellous views to Cheltenham Racecourse and the Malvern Hills. The principal dwelling comprises in brief an entrance hall, a dining room, a generous living room with a feature fireplace leading to a sitting area, a garden room, a modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, a downstairs cloakroom, three double bedrooms, the master with access to a roof terrace, a family bathroom, shower room, a walk-in shower and a cloakroom. In addition the annexe offers a living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and a conservatory. Further benefits include gas fired central heating, double glazing and off road parking for numerous vehicles. EPC: D
£375,000
A spacious and versatile three bedroom period cottage with the potential to create an adjoining annexe/home office. Offering a wealth of character features its well presented accommodation comprises in brief an entrance hall, living room with an attractive fireplace, dining room, a fitted kitchen, utility, three bedrooms and a bathroom. Benefits include oil fired central heating, a substantial adjoining former stable block currently arranged as dog kennels but offering scope for conversion into an annexe/home office subject to the necessary consents, a good-sized mature garden overlooking open countryside and off road parking for several vehicles. EPC: F
MOOREND GLADE, CHARLTON KINGS
£650,000
An extended five bedroom detached family house in a splendid tucked away location backing on to St Edward's School. Its well maintained accommodation is offered in good decorative order and comprises in brief an entrance hall, downstairs cloakroom, living room with a feature fireplace and patio door opening to the landscaped rear garden, a dining room, a fitted kitchen with an arch leading to the breakfast room with a sitting area, utility room, a conservatory, five bedrooms including a large master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom, a family bathroom and a shower room. Further benefits include gas fired central heating, double glazing, impressive gardens, off road parking for several vehicles and a garage with an electronically operated up and over door.
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We will not: raise false expectations behave unethically or encourage others to do so
CHARLTON KINGS
£1,000,000
A luxuriously renovated family residence in a very sought after residential area with highly versatile accommodation over two floors that offers up to six bedrooms. The sheer spaciousness of this fine property with high ceilings asks to be explored and on the ground floor comprises a generous entrance hall, a quite remarkable kitchen/breakfast room that flows effortlessly into a dining room with a log burner and views to the landscaped garden, a utility room, a cloakroom, a large living room with a shared log burner and a similar aspect, three bedrooms, an impressive family room that could be used as a guest bedroom, and a family bathroom. Above there is a splendid galleried landing with a study area, the master bedroom with a dressing room, an en-suite bathroom and double doors to a balcony with hillside views, and a further bedroom or study. Parking for numerous vehicles, a double garage and an impressive rear garden. EPC: C
Nigel Errington-Smith
Last year Andrews sold over 1,000 properties in Gloucestershire*
Contact your local branch today to book a free valuation**
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01242 675 491 Leckhampton 01242 248 979 01242 576 700 Prestbury 01242 529 660 01242 235 021 Tewkesbury 01684 296 464 01452 305 991 @andrewsonline
* Andrews internal figures for 2014 (weeks 1-52: total 1,008). ** Free valuation does not apply to valuations conducted for insurance or mortgage purposes.
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Lyefield Court, Chartlon Kings GL53 8EN
Lyefield Court, Charlton Kings GL53 8EN
£200,000
£350,000
A modern two double bedroomed apartment in Charlton Kings. With its own entrance, open plan living and en-suite, this would make an ideal investment or first home.
A modern four bedroom home situated in the Balcarras School Catchment area. Open plan living on the ground floor takes you upstairs to four double bedrooms, two bathrooms and en-suite.
Brizen Lane, Leckhampton GL53 0NG £1,250 pcm A three bedroom detached house in leckhampton with imposing views across fields and up towards Leckhampton hill.
Prestbury Road, Cheltenham GL52 3DD £460,000 An imposing five bedroom detached Georgian home in the popular Cheltenham village of Prestbury. The house is spread over three floors and retains lots of period charm.
Rosehill Street, Cheltenham GL52 6SJ
Old Station Drive, Cheltenham GL53 0DD
£800 pcm
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An extended two bedrooomed mid terrace house located close to the town centre.
A one double bedroom ground floor flat with it’s own entrance in ever popular Leckhampton.
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CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE
SPORTING ICONS DINNER WEDNESDAY 20th MAY 2015 Join our sporting icons for a night of banter, laughter and fun encouraged by our MC and former Bath & England rugby legend David Flatman
THE SPORTING ICONS DAVID FLATMAN Our MC and former Bath & England rugby legend, sport magazine columnist and TV pundit.
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MATT LE TISSIER An exceptionally technical attacking midfielder who is best known for over 400 appearances playing for Southampton.
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12 MARCH 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD
21
Six Nations 2015 ROUNDUP
SPORT
Results: FRANCE 13 WALES 20; SCOTLAND 19 ITALY 22; IRELAND 19 ENGLAND 9 Fixtures: Sat, March 14: Wales v Ireland (2.30pm); England v Scotland (5pm) Sun, March 15: Italy v France (3pm)
VICKERY’S VIEW IT IS going to be another huge week in the RBS Six Nations, none more so than at the Millennium Stadium when Wales face Ireland. After a great result in Paris, Wales have given themselves a chance of winning the tournament but the pressure is now back on them. Their last game at the Millennium was the defeat against England and they’ll be desperate to make amends for that, and with Ireland still on for the grand slam, the pressure and atmosphere is going to be incredible. If Wales can get their game going quickly, then I think they’ll beat Ireland. Ireland have to do what England did, put Wales under pressure and contain their big ball carriers like Jamie Roberts. Ireland will be confident after their two wins at the Aviva Stadium, but it’s
a totally different test away from home. I don’t think Ireland have played too well in the RBS Six Nations despite still being on for the Grand Slam. They know their game and do it well, but they’re heavily reliant on Jonathan Sexton. They will be praying that he is fit, we saw against England how Sexton’s organisation and precision in guiding his team around the park is vital to how they play. If he isn’t available, it could be another great day for Wales at the Millennium. England vs Scotland is always a big game, especially as they are now two teams who have a lot to prove. Scotland have showed signs of competing again but the defeat to Italy at Murrayfield will have really hurt them. It was there for them to win but they let it slip away.
England World Cup winning hero Phil Vickery MBE shares his thoughts on the 2015 RBS Six Nations, only in the Cheltenham Standard
There’s no pressure on Scotland coming to Twickenham though and I think they could be dangerous in that situation, particularly Greg Laidlaw who has been outstanding all tournament and had another fantastic game for Gloucester last weekend. Scotland have looked unplayable at times, but their drop off is unbelievable, they can go from heroes to villains really quickly. England need to show a big reaction after the disappointment in Dublin. It’s irritating as they are making the same errors they did at the start of the tournament, giving away silly penal-
ties and making mistakes in bad areas of the pitch. England captain Chris Robshaw said how England were still hurting from seeing Ireland lift the Six Nations last year, but it obviously didn’t hurt that much judging by their performance in Dublin. Robshaw was out-played personally and he really needs to step up as leader of the team and drive them forward, he went missing in Dublin during the important moments. They need to show Scotland, and the home crowd, exactly what England are about. France lost the last time they travelled to Rome and they’ll want to avenge that defeat, to try and salvage something from this Six Nations where they’ve been so poor. Their playing pool gets bigger and
bigger but Philippe Saint-Andre seems no closer to knowing his best side, even after using 80 or 90 players since taking charge. Italy will be on a high after their win against Scotland and a win for them would really send shockwaves through Northern Hemisphere Rugby. They are two big, powerful teams and I think the French are more suited to playing against Italy than Scotland were. For the Italians to have any chance of winning, Sergio Parisse will have to have yet another monumental game at number eight and hope the rest of his team can up their games to that kind of standard.
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CHELTENHAM SLIP BACK INTO RELEGATION TROUBLE RUGBY UNION
Burnham 22 Cheltenham 15 CHELTENHAM slipped back among the relegation strugglers after losing at Burnham. They conceded a try inside 22 seconds with wing Will Aspill racing through a static defence and Tom Piper converting. Cheltenham opened their account in the third minute when referee Wayne Beddis penalised Burnham and Josh Herbert kicked the penalty. The visitors allowed Burnham back into the 13th minute with centre Russ Pike dancing past some inept tackling for a unconverted try and a 12-3 lead. Cheltenham suffered a set back in the 22rd minute when flanker Nick Clifford left the
field with a dislodged rib. He was replaced by teenager Dominic Alden, a product of the mini and junior section. Head coach Chris Scott’s men did reduce the arrears to 12-8 with a well worked unconverted try for captain James Hillier. Burnham came out all guns blazing in the second half extending their lead to 19-8 when Aspill scored his second try after more questionable tackling with Piper slotting the extras. Cheltenham gained a man advantage in the 49th minute with Josh Muskett was shown a yellow card for a obstruction. They soon utilised the numeric advantage with prop Matt Carter grabbing a try with Herbert adding a fine touchline conversion to narrow the deficit to 19-15 after 51 minutes.
But just as Cheltenham themselves back in race they were guilty of giving away a soft penalty which Piper kicked with ease. From the restart Cheltenham gave away the man advantage when try scorer Carter was shown a yellow card for a ruck infringement. Cheltenham withstood more attacking salvos, but were also unable to open up the Burnham defence as they slipped to defeat. The Cheltenham management have decided to play their last three home games at Newlands Park. Cheltenham: Moore, Griffiths, Carter, Barrowcliff, J Hillier, Milne, Clifford, Athey, P Hillier, Brookes, Lockhart, Morris, W Scott, D Edwards, Herbert. Replacements: Alden, Etheridge.
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22
CHELTENHAM STANDARD 12 MARCH 2015
SPORT
Local Football
Cheltenham League round-up CHELTENHAM LEAGUE FOOTBALL
GOALKEEPER Liam Gould went from villain to hero as Cheltenham Civil Service III blew the title race open in Division Four of the Cheltenham League, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Cheltenham Ford. Service hosted Apperley who started off the brighter team but it was the home team who took the lead just after the 10 minute mark. Service striker Richard Miles capitalised on a defensive miscalculation from the Apperley defender Ashley Moore, after Ian Durrant had done well to provide a looping cross from a difficult position, to open the scoring. Durrant, normally constrained to a more defensive role, turned provider again 10 minutes later with another cross. This time it was perfectly weighted for Nathan Church to slot it first time in to the bottom left corner and it remained 2-0 to Service at the break.
As the second half started Apperley showed why they went into the match as league leaders with periods of extended pressure, forcing Service to defend deep in their own half. The pressure was to pay off when they pulled a goal back just after the hour mark. A powerful Nathan Smith corner was met by the head of David Palmer who bulleted the ball into the net. The away team continued to push for an equaliser and were handed a golden opportunity when Service keeper Liam Gould was adjudged to have brought down Jamie Moore. Gould went from villain to hero by getting up and saving Brandon Preedy’s penalty low to his right. Apperley continued to press for the remainder of the game but the Service defence held strong. The win drew Service level on points with their opponent who remain top on goal difference. Third placed Northway are three points behind the the top two but
PHOTO: Lydia Viney
Apperley’s Shane Duncan and Civil Service III’s Rich Miles
Service back on top of table CHELTENHAM Civil Service are back on the top of the Gloucestershire County League table after a 2-0 win over Patchway Town. Patchway had a player dismissed for a professional foul in the 13th minute and Service took the lead in the 27th minute when Paul Holmes scored. Cameron Smith netted the second on 75 minutes with a tremendous shot into the top corner.
Service will face Thornbury Town in the final of the Les James Cup after Town defeated Kings’s Stanley on Saturday. Meanwhile, Bishop’s Cleeve Reserves moved out of the bottom two with a 2-1 win over Yate Town Reserves. Cleeve were 2-0 up inside five minutes, with goals from Brad Barnard and Charlie Elliott. Yate pulled one back late on through Shaun Keet’s penalty.
have two games in hand. With Apperley taking a rest on Saturday, Service could move three points clear if they beat Leckhampton Rovers Reserves. Whaddon maintained their five point lead at the top of Division One following a 3-0 victory over Newton FC. FC Lakeside remain in second place after a 6-3 win over Hanley Swan. At the bottom of the table Kings impressive form continued with a 10 win over Gala Wilton Reserves. The win moved them within two points of Bishop's Cleeve III who went down 5-0 to Churchdown Panthers. Kings face Lakeside next weekend and with Cleeve not in action they could move off the foot of the table if they claim all three points. The top two teams in Division Two both won last weekend but Staunton and Corse’s poor run of form continued as they went down 1-0 at WMK. FC Barometrics remain in top spot after a 3-2 win at Tewkesbury Town. After a poor run of form Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves got back to winning ways with a 42 victory at Prestbury Rovers to remain in second place. If Service are to be considered serious title challengers they must beat Corse who they face on Saturday. Victory would take them seven points clear of their opponents although Corse do have four games in hand. At the bottom of the table Shurdington Rovers pulled off an impressive 4-2 victory over Whaddon United Reserves, a team that beat them 14-1 in the reverse fixture. Welland remain top of Division Three after a 4-0 win at Pittville United. They lead Leckhampton Rovers, who beat third placed
Cheltenham Football League, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Ford Cheltenham
PLAYER PROFILE OF THE WEEK This week’s featured player is Jack Daniels who plays for Fintan in Division Three. As with a number of clubs in the league, Fintan boast a junior section as well as two adult teams. The senior teams both reached the County Cup semi-finals this season and while the first team are in the lower half of the league, the reserve team are currently top of Division Six and in a strong position to claim the title.
Brockworth Albion Reserves 2-1. At the bottom of the table Shurdington Rovers Reserves were unable to replicate the success of their first team as they went down 6-0 to Charlton Rovers Reserves, the team directly above them. Cheltenham Athletic surrendered their place at the top of Division Five after being held to a 2-2 draw by Hatherley, a team who have been struggling at the bottom of the table. Athletic’s slip up opened the way for FC Lakeside Reserves who moved top on goal difference after their 2-1 win over Andoversford Reserves. Lakeside have two games in hand on Athletic. Cheltenham Civil Service IV moved within three points of the top two after their 3-2 win at Kingshill Sports. With a game in hand
Name: Jack Daniels Nickname: Jacko Position: Centre midfield Previous clubs: None Most memorable game: League Cup Final (first final) Worst game: League Cup Final (losing) Toughest opponents: Whaddon Reserves Best club player: Clark Powis Team Supported: Liverpool Favourite player: Stevie Gerrard
on Lakeside the title could go to the wire with the winners decided on goal difference. Service and Lakeside are both in action next weekend. Service face bottom club Sherborne Harriers and will be looking to improve their goal difference while Lakeside face a testing match at Staunton and Corse Reserves. With Division Six leaders Fintan Reserves in County Cup action, Cheltenham United took full advantage and moved level of points with the table toppers after beating Gala Wilton IV 3-2. Fintan still top the table on goal difference and will be expecting to move clear at the top when they face a struggling Charlton Rovers III on Saturday when they play their game in hand on United who are not in action.
Champions in seventh heaven YOUTH FOOTBALL
Southside Panthers 1 Southside Lions 7 NEWLY crowned Southside Lions booked themselves into their third consecutive finals day with convincing win against their sister side at Winchcombe School. Lions raced to a 4-0 half-time lead through goals from Callum Morrissey who pounced on good work from George Cuzner.
A Tom Peck lob made it two, a screamer from Mick Rewczuk made it three and a Cuzner shot made it four. In the second half Scooter Edwards made it five before a fantastic shot from Johnny Lynch from distance pulled one back for Panthers. Morrissey got Lions’ sixth from good work from the industrious Aidan Jameson, and a bullet header from a Cuzner corner from Harry Duncan rounded off the scoring for the Lions.
12 MARCH 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD
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SPORT
Cheltenham Festival
GOLD CUP PREVIEW
BY JAMES DALY SILVINIACO CONTI is the clear bookmakers favourite for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup. It is his third consecutive appearance in the Gold Cup, having fell two out while travelling well two years ago before finishing fourth in last year's race. This season Paul Nicholls' chaser has seen an improvement in form after the application of cheek pieces, winning three of the top staying chases including the King George VI Chase at Kempton. Despite his fine form this season, there are still question marks over whether he is suited to the track at Cheltenham. There are number of other major contenders, including Many Clouds, owned by Trevor Hemmings and trained in Lambourn by Oliver Sherwood. The eight-yearold won the prestigious Hennessey Gold Cup at Newbury earlier in the season, and has already had success at Cheltenham this season in the Betbright Chase at Festival Trials day in January. Local trainer Jonjo O'Neill saddles Holywell, who is undefeated at the Festival having won the Ultima Business Solutions handicap chase in good style in 2014. He will be rode by Richie McLernon, the Cheltenham based jockey who guided the horse to his win last year. There are some notable contenders from Ireland, headed by Road to Riches, a dual Grade One winner this term
and owned by Michael O'Leary, of Ryanair fame. 19 time Champion Jockey AP McCoy has a strong chance in his final Gold Cup appearance on Carlingford Lough, winning Ireland's Hennessey Gold Cup last time out. A win for McCoy would mark his third triumph in the race, having won on Mr Mulligan in 1997 and Synchronised in 2012. Willie Mullins’ best chance comes in the form of the exciting
Djakadam from his all-conquering stable, and will be ridden by favourite for leading jockey at the Festival, Ruby Walsh. These horses all look to be strong stayers and will surely test the resolve of the current favourite. The field for the most open renewal in recent years contains two former winners of the race, including last year's champion, Lord Windemere, who charged up the hill in one of the most pulsating fin-
ishes seen in recent years as four horses jumped the last fence in unison. He is trained by Jim Culloty, a three-time winner of the race as a jockey aboard Festival legend Best Mate. Nicky Henderson, the all-time leading festival trainer with 51 winners, saddles the 2013 winner Bobs Worth, who will thrive on the better ground forecast and ridden by Barry Geraghty, and looks to be a lively outsider to consider.
The supporting races on the card commence with the JCB Triumph Hurdle for novices, where Henderson will be looking to get his day off to a good start with the heavy favourite Peace and Co. The three mile Albert Bartlett Novices hurdle is an open race, headed by Willie Mullins' Black Hercules. The local interest in this race comes from the Nigel Twiston Davies trained Blak Lion, who has previous course form. The Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle looks to be its normal minefield for punters, with bookmakers going for around 10/1 the field. The race attracted 88 entries, with the field having to be reduced to a maximum of 26 runners for safety reasons. Following the Gold Cup is the St James Foxhunter chase, the amateur equivalent of the Festival's showpiece event. Salsify won this race in 2012 and 2013, and could make history by becoming the first horse to win the race on three occassions. David Pipe always has plenty of entries for the race named after his father, the legendary Martin Pipe, and his 11 entries are headed by Unique De Cotte. The final race of the 2015 meeting has been renamed in honour of AP McCoy after he announced he will be retiring at the end of the season. It would be a fitting end to the festival if McCoy was to ride the winner, and he is likely to have a strong chance aboard the ante-post favourite Ned Buntline.
Robins swoop for Blues defender Packwood FOOTBALL
BIRMINGHAM City defender Will Packwood has joined Cheltenham Town on loan until the end of the season. The 21-year-old American will go straight into the Robins' squad for the trip to Newport County on Friday night. USA youth international Packwood has spent time on loan at Bristol Rovers, for whom he appeared against Cheltenham last season, and Colchester United. He has been on Birmingham's books since the age of 14, making 18 appearances in the Championship for the Blues. Packwood becomes boss Russell Milton's fifth signing since taking over at the helm, following Pablo Mills, Matt Sparrow, Shaun
Harrad and Danny Haynes. “I have been looking at the games we have coming up, with three in eight days and I felt we needed cover in every position,” Milton said. “There will be some rotation and Will fits nicely into that. I have had some very good reports about him and I've seen him play a few times myself. “He is a quick, strong boy, who talks a lot for someone so young. He has played regularly for Birmingham and we now have four good centre halves with Pablo Mills, Troy Brown and Matt Taylor.” Cheltenham drew 1-1 at home to Mansfield Town last Saturday, with substitute Billy Kee cancelling out Wes Burns' 47th minute strike for the Robins. They travel to Portsmouth next Tuesday (7.45pm).
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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 12 MARCH 2015
SPORT
with JON PALMER, SPORTS EDITOR jon@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk
ROBINS SIGN USA YOUTH INTERNATIONAL ON LOAN P23
EXCLUSIVE
VICKERY’S VIEW Phil Vickery MBE shares his thoughts on the 2015 RBS Six Nations PAGE 21
TAKE THE ROAD TO RICHES FOR GOLD CUP GLORY HORSE RACING
BY JAMES DALY IN WHAT is a fascinating Gold Cup this year, likely to be made even more so by a large field and quicker than normal conditions prices of up to 12/1 are available on several horses with a good chance of outgunning the favourite Silviniaco Conti up the Cheltenham hill. Although the favourite won the King George Grade 1 chase in December that was on a flat track against arguably a less strong field than he faces on Friday and consequently he is opposable at around 3/1 for win purposes. Horses that come into the race in
excellent form include Road To Riches, Many Clouds and Carlingford Lough with Road To Riches’s convincing win in the Lexus Chase over Christmas looking rock solid. Trainer Noel Meade and jockey Bryan Cooper know what it takes to win at Cheltenham and the horse’s combination of jumping, staying and ability to quicken up from the last fence make him a very strong win and place betting proposition at around 9/1. Likewise Many Clouds is an improving horse and showed battling qualities to win the Hennessey at Newbury (many horses behind Many Clouds in that race have subsequently won) and again last time out in a decent race
around Cheltenham. Expect the horse to be prominent throughout and keep plugging away from the second last. A saver on him win and place at around 10/1 is suggested. Obviously everyone knows this will be Tony McCoy’s last Gold Cup and therefore expect his mount Carlingford Lough to run well particularly if the ground is on the soft side. Punters will probably shorten up the horse’s odds in the run up to the race due to the McCoy factor so the likes of 12/1 might not be available before the actual race – so if you fancy this horse take the morning price. Others prominent in the betting include Holywell for local trainer
Jonjo O’Neil but this horse does not always jump well enough and is therefore a false price. Djakadam is probably going there a year too soon and the ‘Mullins’ factor is responsible for the price being only around 8/1. If the ground were to ride ‘Good’ Lord Windermere last year’s winner could get into the mix once again as he stays very well up the hill. Looking for an outsider The Giant Bolster likes it at Cheltenham and could run on into a place particularly if the bookmakers pay out the first four home but Bob’s Worth’s prime years are probably behind him now. This year’s Gold Cup is clearly one of the best for several years and
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www.shaneduffsoccer.co.uk should prove a right royal battle to the winning line with hopefully ROAD TO RICHES just getting the better of MANY CLOUDS. Earlier on the same day in the Triumph Hurdle the impressive Hargam might reward each way backers. The racing bandwagon moves on Uttoxeter and the Midlands Grand National on Saturday. If Jonjo runs Catching On in this marathon after its easy win in the Devon National 10 days ago, Cheltenham losses may be recouped! It is always helpful to have a Plan B!
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