Cheltenham Standard 15th January 2015 by Cotswold Style Ltd

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CHARLTON KINGS VILLAGE SHOP OWNER ILA AGHERA DEFIES DANGER BY BECOMING ONE OF THE FEW UK STORES TO STOCK THE LATEST CHARLIE HEBDO MAGAZINE BY ERIC BARTON MRS AGHERA is selling copies of the latest Charlie Hebdo magazine which was published on Wednesday of this week despite fears of repercussions. Ila Aghera, 54, who runs Forge News, in Charlton Kings, has ordered copies of the 'survivors' edition of the satirical magazine which was published on Wednesday. The latest edition has been published after many of the Charlie Hebdo editorial team were massacred in an attack at their Paris office which saw terrorist brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi kill 12 people. In total the Kouachi brothers and their colleague Amedy Coulibaly killed 17 police and civilians in separate attacks on the French capital. Five of Charlie Hebdo's cartoonists, including the editor were killed in the atrocity. The magazine's cartoon front cover of the Prophet Mohammed

Ila Aghera

has sparked anger amongst some Muslims, with radical cleric Anjem Choudary describing it as “an act of war” and warning of “retaliations.” Despite this mum-of-two Mrs Aghera says she is doing the right thing.

“It is important for future generations to see this and to know what happened,” she said. “I am nervous about all this. I'm only a little shop but I don't care because what I am doing is right. “We will be selling it from Friday and I

think I'm the first one to do it. I might be old fashioned but I'm not going to be scared. I'm selling it as a one off. I have ordered 100 plus copies so far and it is getting out of hand as people across the UK are calling and asking for them.’ On a more cynical and contradictory note she also said, “I’m not interested in religion, I just wanted to take advantage of all of all the publicity surrounding this issue. I simply did this to increase footfall and sales and to help my small business. I don’t really care about any of the issues around Charlie Hebdo.’’ TURN TO PAGE TWO >

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JE SUIS CHARLIE

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

Cheltenham WeatherWatch THURSDAY 15th Jan Min 2ºC Max 6ºC FRIDAY 16th Jan Min 0ºC Max 5ºC SATURDAY 17th Jan Min -1ºC Max 4ºC SUNDAY 18th Jan Min -1ºC Max 3ºC MONDAY 19th Jan Min -1ºC Max 3ºC

Motorists warned as we face another weather ‘bomb’ WITH forecasters predicting that the UK will be battered by the worst storm for two years later this week and the Met Office issuing snow warnings on ground over 100m as well as ice and sleet on lower levels, many agencies are advising drivers to carry some essentials to prepare for the freez-

ing onslaught. Thermometers are expected to plunge to -8°C (18°F) in some parts of the UK. Automotive Trading Director Dave Poulter of national chain Halfords said: “The phrase hope for the best, plan for the worst is extremely relevant to motorists – who often forget the planning

part, leave things to chance and regret it later. “Almost half of motorists (48%) are anxious or frightened about driving in poor weather conditions, so carrying a few essential items in the boot can help reduce anxiety and inspire greater confidence behind the wheel.”

TUESDAY 20th Jan Min -1ºC Max 3ºC WEDNESDAY 21st Jan Min 0ºC Max 4ºC

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Newsagent defies danger CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

However she did also say, “What happened in France is very upsetting, it was very wrong for a silly cartoon that was a joke to make people laugh. I'm just doing my job and providing a service. If people want to read it they should be able to.” She was prompted to order it following a request from a customer and now has 40 reservations.

EDITOR editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk HEALTH & LIFESTYLE natalieneale@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk SPORTS sports@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

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Man walks free after assaulting girl 20-year-old Cheltenham man Jack Wright broke two of a girl's ribs when he assaulted her for the second time in three days, a court was informed earlier this week. Mr Wright, of Waterloo Street, St Peters, was told by the judge that he deserved to go to jail for his attacks on the 17 year old girl. However on hearing that Wright had already spent two months in custody on remand since his arrest for the offences Judge Jamie Tabor QC allowed him to walk free with a suspended sentence. Wright admitted common assault on the girl on October 16 last year and assaulting her, causing actual bodily harm on October 19. Prosecutor Janine Wood said

Wright was in an on-off relationship with the girl when he assaulted her. On the first occasion he kicked her in the leg and punched her on the left shoulder and she suffered a bruised knee. Three days later he committed the more serious assault, punching her to the right side of her ribcage. She was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and found to have fractures of the 4th and 5th ribs. In a victim personal statement the girl said she felt 'angry and rather sad' about the way he had behaved towards her. Joe Maloney, defending, said Wright had spent two months in jail reflecting on the consequences of his actions and was now keen to put matters behind

ALEXANDER BURN FUNERAL DIRECTORS

him and take up a potential offer of employment with a relative. Judge Tabor told Wright it must have been a 'very hard punch indeed' to break two ribs. But he said he took into account that Wright was young, 'not very bright' and had not been set a good example in his youth about how to behave towards other people.’’ “I believe you should go to prison but you have already been inside for two months and I hope you learned something while you were there.” He jailed Wright for eight months suspended for two years with one year's supervision and ordered him to do 100 hours unpaid work as well as attend a specified activity programme for 20 days.

Local resident Anita Syvret who regularly uses the Forge newsagent said, “Good for Mrs Aghera. This has been an international phenomenon and it’s good to show some strength and depth about this here in Charlton Kings.’’ She also said. “It’s also good that’s she a switched-on newsagent and can see the sales opportunities.’’ WH Smiths and Menzies are expected to be purchasing up to a 2,000 copies to supply to stores in the UK. The edition will be priced at £3.50 in the UK. As far as the Cheltenham Standard is concerned all we can say is Je Suis Charlie, Nous Sommes Cheltenham Standard!

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15 JANUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

Gloucestershire priest leads call for change in church law forbidding Christian funerals for victims of suicide REVEREND Canon Dr Michael Parsons wants Canon B38 to be amended to allow those who have taken their own life to be given a “normal funeral service.” Currently, a “modified service” should be used by the clergy but there is no approved alternative liturgy available. The issue will be debated at the General Synod next month. “The current law is that anybody who has taken their own life, while of sound mind, cannot have a Church of England funeral service,” said Dr Parsons, who is in charge of the St Oswald's, Coney Hill and St Aldate areas of Gloucester. “It's a technicality, but because canon law is the way it is, it appears that the church is hostile to those who have committed suicide and it's just not true.” Dr Parson is calling on the General Synod to change the law that governs the Church of England to “remove all reference of prohibition of Christian funerals for suicides.” “If they have professed a Christian faith they are entitled to be buried according to the Christian faith,” he said.

“Why should taking your own life be something that disqualifies you?” But according to William Fittall, secretary general of the Church of England, even where suicide is suspected or confirmed

“many clergy will use the normal burial service with few if any modifications.” The motion is due to be debated at the next meeting of the General Synod on 12 February.

Cash and jewellery stolen in break-in CASH and jewellery were taken in a daytime burglary in Cheltenham on Tuesday 13th January. Officers are appealing for information after unknown offenders forced their way into a house in Caernarvon Street between 7.30am and 7.10pm. A man's palladium wedding ring and hundreds of pounds of cash were stolen from the property. Police are also investigating two other burglaries yesterday that could be linked. Unknown offenders targeted a house in Ryeworth Road in Charlton Kings between 10.30am and 1.30pm, stealing jewellery and electrical items, while a small amount of money and documents were taken from a house in Alverton Drive in Bishop's Cleeve between 7pm and 8.30pm. House to house and forensic inquiries are being carried out but police are eager to hear from anyone who knows anything or witnessed suspicious activity in any of these cases. Anyone who can help should call 101 and quote incident 347 (Caernarvon Road burglary), 183 (Ryeworth Road burglary) or 365 (Alverton Drive burglary) of 13 January.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

Cheltenham GPs finally switch on electronic prescriptions GPS in Cheltenham are making the switch to the NHS Electronic Prescription Service. At last this now makes it easier and quicker for local patients to get their medication. Fifteen GP practices in Cheltenham have gone live with the timesaving electronic service and can now digitally send prescriptions direct to pharmacies, without the need for the traditional paper slip. It is designed to speed up the process and gives patients access to new services. One of the new options is the NHS Repeat Prescription Service from Pharmacy2U, which allows people to order by phone, online or using a mobile app, and then have their medication delivered for free to their home or workplace. Pharmacist, Dr Julian Harrison, Director at Pharmacy2U, said: “The move to e-prescriptions makes the process quicker and easier and is giving patients a lot more choice – such as a pharmacy closer to where

they work or an online and mail-order service like ours. “Our NHS repeat prescription service can be a useful option for those who don't find a traditional high street pharmacy a convenient choice. It’s popular with people who work long hours, the elderly and housebound, and busy commuters who want to save time.” The NHS Electronic Prescription Service will eventually be rolled out throughout England. Despite this, research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Pharmacy2U revealed that nearly three quarters of people in the South West (73 percent) were not aware that paper prescriptions are being replaced. To use electronic prescriptions, patients can speak to their chosen pharmacy to set their ‘nomination’, which is where their prescription will be digitally sent. Find out which Cheltenham GPs are live with electronic prescriptions, here: http://www.escriptfinder.co.uk/

CHALKTALK Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cheltenham gets vocal... SO, with 111 days to go to the General Election the Liberal Democrats have revealed what their strategy is going to be here in Cheltenham – say as little as possible about their own record and bang on about the Conservative challenger not being local. Groan. Is that really what democracy has come to in 2015? Let me be crystal clear about my position. I was raised in Foxcote by the Kilkenney pub. It’s where my mother still lives. I spent my youth locally, whether it was attending youth workshops in the Playhouse, learning to drive on the streets of Pittville, or even spending time as a patient in Cheltenham A&E after an accident. I left home to build my career in London as a barrister, and now have returned to pursue my political career and live in town with my wife and daughters. The Liberal Democrats pour scorn on this. But saying Foxcote (a Cheltenham address by the way) is not local is a bit like saying Cheltenham Racecourse is in Tewkesbury. It’s completely artificial. And should we really be sending the message to Cheltenham’s young people that having a career in London automatically disqualifies you from representing your hometown? But what is most silly about all this is

the sheer hypocrisy. Martin Horwood himself left Cheltenham and became a councillor in Abingdon. He also stood for Parliament in Oxford, before trying again in London. Cheltenham was his third choice. He only stood here in 2005 after he had exhausted all other options. I don’t criticise that. But it is wrong to try to pull the wool over people’s eyes. All this of course distracts from what people are entitled to ask about – the Liberal Democrats’ record. After 23 years and millions of pounds spent on Lib Dem MPs and their offices in Cheltenham, people are entitled to know whether it has been value for money. What have they actually achieved here? What have they stood for in Parliament? Take immigration. Vince Cable has admitted that the Lib Dems are ‘intensely relaxed’ about mass migration to this country, even though such immigration puts pressure on green spaces here in Leckhampton. Or on the EU referendum, Liberal Democrats have done their best to stop the British people having their say. These are the real issues that should be debated. Obsessing about where a candidate is from, or where he spent part of his career, is not just petty – it’s bad for democracy.

The Power of the Pen BY TODD HASLEWOOD FREE media has an obligation to help and inform its readership and try to make change for the good of the people. In last week’s issue, we bought to you the chaos surrounding the general state of the roads in Cheltenham, and in particular the sink hole on Suffolk Parade. Since then, work has been done by the Highways Agency on fixing the problem, and making the road safe and accessible again.

Your complaints and the work by the paper has managed to drive the authorities to fix a problem that had been unresolved for three months. Clive Burling, who I spoke to about the state of Suffolk Parade last week said, “I thank the Cheltenham Standard and the local residents for all the pressure they put on the Highways Agency to fill the sink hole. It has taken far too long to resolve and I for one am just glad it’s all over.”

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15 JANUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

Mark Dodd remanded in custody Appeal after house targeted in on charge of attempted murder suspected arson in Cheltenham FOLLOWING the appearance at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on Wednesday 7 January of Mark Andrew Dodd, 49 and of Coopers Edge in Gloucester, on a charge of attempted murder, he has been remanded in custody until 6 February. A preliminary hearing will take place at Gloucester Crown Court on that date.

No bail application was made and no plea was entered today. The offence relates to an incident in which a 44-yearold Gloucester man was stabbed and struck by a car. The incident occurred in Pembury Road in Gloucester on Monday 5 January. The victim was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for treatment.

Two men assaulted in Cheltenham POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two males were assaulted in Cheltenham. The incident happened outside Boots in the High Street last Sunday 11/01/15 around 0400 in the morning. One of the victims received a bang to the head and was knocked unconscious. He was taken to

the Gloucester Royal Hospital. Two men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault. Both men have been released on police bail until 26/02/2015. Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the assault. If you can help please call 101 quoting incident no. 63 of 11/01/15.

Collecting, kennelling and re-homing of stray dogs FROM 1 February 2015, Cheltenham Borough Council will be using a new collection, kennelling and re-homing service for any stray dogs found in the borough. As part of a procurement exercise, the contract has been awarded to Worcester Regulatory Services. Councillor Andrew McKinley, cabinet member for development and safety, says: “We are required to deal with stray dogs within Cheltenham borough, and the cost of looking after dogs that are not reunited with their owners is funded from the public purse. “A review of all council services in our public protection division is essential to us continuing to provide value for money.” Cheltenham Borough Council put the collection, kennelling and re-homing service for stray dogs out to tender in November following a review of this service Barbara Exley, head of public protection, continues: “The welfare of dogs is paramount and using Worcestershire Regulatory Service will ensure stray dogs found within the borough are well

cared for − and if not claimed by their owner are found loving homes within a very short timeframe.” Dog owners are legally required to ensure their dogs wear a collar and an identity tag detailing the owners name, address and telephone number. Unlike a collar and tag a microchip is a permanent record of ownership and cannot fall off or be removed; micro chipping will be a legal requirement in England from April 2016. In most cases dogs seized or collected by a dog warden will be taken to a designated kennel used by the council to board strays. If the dog has been micro chipped or the owner can be identified all reasonable efforts will be taken to contact the owner so that they can collect their dog. Dog owners will be unable to collect their dogs from the kennels however, until after they have paid the appropriate fees. Once at the kennels the dog will remain there for seven clear days unless claimed by the owner. If the owner does not come forward within this time frame re-homing will be pursued.

POLICE are appealing for information after a suspicious house fire in Cheltenham on Tuesday 13 of this week Officers were called by the fire service after a report of smoke coming from an address in Pennsylvania Avenue shortly before 6.40pm. The house was unoccupied at the time and no one was injured but there was substantial damage to the staircase and smoke damage throughout.

DC Niki Hazell said: “While the property was empty it is a semi-detached house and there was a real risk to those next door. “We are carrying out forensic and house-to-house inquiries but we really need anyone who has information but hasn't come forward yet to call us. “If you witnessed anything suspicious in the area between 1pm and 6.30pm we want to hear from you. Please call 101 and quote incident 325 of January 13.”

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AgonyAunt Kimberley Wall IN ONE of my first columns I explored the meaning of infidelity and the notion that individuals may benefit from discussing their definition of cheating with their partner. This is because while we assume other people instinctively ‘know’ and share our visions of monogamy this is not always the case; relationship boundaries need to be created that are shared, understood and agreed by both people. However, to date I have not discussed the issue of dealing with an affair if it has already happened. Can relationships really survive such a betrayal? A recent Relate survey (The Way We Are Now, 2014) found that 94% of our counsellors believed a relationship can survive (and potentially thrive!) after a partner has cheated. However this vision was only shared with 33% of the rest of the UK population (representative 5,000 people surveyed). So are Relate counsellors implying that most infidelity should be forgiven and even enhance a relationship? No. But counsellors are highlighting that not all relationships need to end after infidelity – it highly depends on the unique situation, whether communication is open and suggests not making a decision based on what society, and maybe you previously, seemed to believe about affairs. A situation can feel very different and more complicated when you are the person in the middle of it (this is especially important to remember if

you are listening to a friend discuss their situation in order to try and reduce your initial judgement and conclusion of what seems best to do). On their national website, Relate offer some tips on how it may be best to cope if you find out your partner has had an affair which include; agreeing to spend appropriate time talking and listening to your partner in which eye contact can be maintained and there will be no interruptions. Avoid cutting in on what your partner is saying; you will undoubtedly be shocked and upset, but try not to start shouting or rush out of the room. You need to hear the full story in order to assess exactly what has happened. Ask your partner to tell you the truth, however painful. Recovery after an affair is always worse if initial lies are told, including lies of omission. Ask questions if you need to, but try to focus on facts initially, e.g. how long the affair has lasted and what your partner wants to happen now. Avoid immediately blaming your partner, the affair partner or yourself. It may seem tempting to hurl an insult at your partner about his/her fickleness and blame the third party as a seducer, but this often gets in

the way of true understanding. You should also resist self-blame; an affair can never be the “fault” of a faithful partner. Once you have established the facts, if your partner resolves to end the affair and re-commit to your relationship, be slow to judge. You will need to reflect on whether you are able to forgive the breach of trust and you will not yet have all the information with which to make that decision. These tips have been taken directly from the Relate website so for further information and to see the full article please visit http://www.relate.org.uk/relationshiphelp/help-relationships/relationshipcommon-problems/ive-discovered-mypartner-having-affair-what-should-ido. Personally I also think that other factors such as whether this has occurred before, how the affair came out and the attitude of the partner who cheated also affect the possibility of reconciliation. If emotions are high and you find it difficult to discuss the situation without continued conflict you could also talk through the issue with a Relate counsellor (charges apply). You can book an appointment at Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon on 01242 523215. But either way, it may benefit you to take time to consider your choices in a situation that may not always be as clear cut as it first seems.

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

The heat of the kitchen FIVE young chefs from Gloucestershire and beyond battled it out in Gloucestershire College’s Food Central Restaurant kitchen this week, in the district semi-final of the Rotary Young Chef Competition. In a Masterchef-style challenge, each student was tasked to create a three-course, healthy meal for two people in two hours, for less than £15, with leading local chefs from Cowley Manor and The Greenway Hotel among the judging panel. Dishes including Thai chicken curry, steamed sticky butternut squash, chicken saltimbocca and salmon pate with blinis won 13-year-old Winchcombe School pupils Chakkri Kaewkhamsorn and Eleanor Stratemeier, places in the district final at the Cotswold School on Saturday 28 February. Gareth Cryws-Williams, Head of School for Hospitality and Catering, said: “The competition is a great way of teaching young people how to cook healthily; develop presentation and planning skills; and consider food hygiene. These are very important aspects of the catering industry and something we champion at Gloucestershire College.” Organiser Marian Lewis said: “The Rotary Young Chef competition is an important national contest for anyone under 17 who is interested in cooking. Rotary is always keen to encourage excellence in any field of interest for young people, and this exciting event provided just that sort of opportunity.’’

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FESTIVAL TRIALS DAY

on Saturday 24th January at Cheltenham Racecourse Many of the horses that run on Festival Trials Day are having their final preparation before The Cheltenham Festival and it is rare that this meeting doesn’t feature at least one subsequent Festival winner. This year we saw Lac Fontana win on Festival Trials Day, before winning the Vincent O’Brien Hurdle in March.

In addition, The Giant Bolster won the feature chase of the day, now sponsored by on-line betting group BetBright. He went on to be placed

in the Betfred Gold Cup for the third consecutive year, behind Lord Windermere. You and a friend could be there to watch all the action, with The Cheltenham Standard giving away two Club/Tattersalls tickets for the day. To win simply answer the below question...

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15 JANUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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

A & E needs intensive care WHAT a sorry state of affairs to see our local hospital floundering, unable to provide vital services when we need them. In the past week two stories have come to me which clearly point out one of the main causes. A friend’s daughter needs routine blood tests to ensure that her diabetes is controlled. Her GP surgery could not offer an appointment within the next month on either of the days she does not work, in order to take her daughter for the test. After some discussion she was told by the surgery “Take your daughter to A&E.” Similarly a small accident left another friend with a deep cut potentially needing stitches. His wife called their GP surgery for advice and treatment to be told, “We don’t have that facility here. Go to A&E.” This was before 5.00pm on a weekday. Instead, knowing how much pressure A&E is under, they went to a pharmacy where they received reassurance and practical help. One of the most monumental blunders

was in the Labour Government treating GP’s as if they were highly qualified admin clerks, setting up the majority of them with office hours and junior banker’s pay. Meanwhile their colleagues in A&E, as well as providing life-saving care, are inundated with unnecessary minor conditions and problems which should never reach them, causing potentially fatal delays to more serious patients. This is a gross abuse of A&E staff, who must often be stressed to the point of exhaustion. In Cheltenham, we must protect the local NHS services that remain. Grandstanding by our MP does not solve the problems, for which his Coalition Government policy failures must take some responsibility. You are invited to our open meeting on 23 January to talk about this and other issues. Details are on our website www.UKIPCheltenham.org.uk

UKIP Public Mee#ng All welcome Friday 23rd January at 7.30pm

Come along and meet your UKIP parliamentary candidate, local girl Chris na Simmonds, and hear the real issues and policies which we promote and support.

Guest speaker John Petley is Opera ons Manager for the Campaign for an Independent Britain and edited Freedom Today, the The Freedom Associa#on’s magazine.

The Exmouth Arms, Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7LX Published & promoted by UKIP Cheltenham Mar n Leonard, Courtland, New Court Road, Cheltenham,GL53 9AZ as Agent for the U.K. Independence Party, Cheltenham branch

Deafblind charity calls for Gloucestershire marathon runners

Christina Simmonds www.ukipcheltenham.org.uk chairman@ukipcheltenham.org.uk. SENSE, the national deafblind charity, is offering budding athletes from Gloucestershire the opportunity to take the challenge of a lifetime and run this year’s London Marathon. The charity that supports and campaigns for people who are both deaf and blind across Gloucestershire, has guaranteed places for the iconic race in April. Tara Hamdi from Sense, said: “The London Marathon is one of the world’s greatest but getting a place can be difficult, so Sense wants

Morrisons hits the road with home deliveries JAMIE Mitchell (pictured), made some of the first deliveries in Cheltenham for Morrisons, after the supermarket launched its home delivery service in the town this week. He said: "It’s been pretty great going so far and the first homes I delivered to in the town were really welcoming. Checking the freshness of their shopping on the doorstep was a novelty for some customers,

they really seemed to really appreciate it. “Some of the customers we’ve delivered to have gone the extra mile and sent in positive feedback to head office, so big thanks to them! “We’re all really pleased to be putting all our training in to practice. What makes it even more rewarding is the positive reception we’ve had in Cheltenham.”

to give local runners the chance to run for a cause close to home. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a novice we’ll support you every step of the way, from training and fundraising to the big day itself.” If you would like to run for Sense, you can register online at www.sense.org.uk/londonmarathon, call the Marathon Hotline on 0300 330 9257 or email marathon@sense.org.uk. The closing date is January 23rd 2015.

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

BUSINESS Editor’sDESK

AST week will go down in the annals of journalism as one of the most difficult days since WW2 with the atrocities committed in Paris by a bunch of ill-informed, bigoted, gun-toting terrorists. It’s our right as journalists to offend. It’s as simple as that. Imagine if we couldn’t make comment on politicians or fat people who are ripping off the benefits system. If I decide to unleash hell on a local real ale pub for closing its doors on New Year’s Eve to loyal regulars or worse still operating a ‘ticket only’ procedure for Christmas day (again excluding some very loyal regulars) just because the landlady has an odd sense of how to run a pub, then that’s my prerogative. We don’t live in Russia or China thank God. In the same sense I wholly defend the right of a local newsagent to fly in the face of these terrorist idiots and sell the very latest edition of Charlie Hebdo, even if it does cause some mis-guided offence. Democracy is everything, as is the need for us journalists to be able to speak out. On a weekly basis it’s my job to point out what’s right and what’s wrong with this town. You may not agree, but how often have we all been in situations where not everyone agrees with us? It may be me pointing the finger at the Borough Council, the County Council, inept politicians or even selfish landladies/licensees. It doesn’t matter. It’s my right to defend the freedom of speech for both my profession and indeed society as a whole. We may upset some folks on this journey, but quite frankly, like Rhett Butler in ‘Gone with the Wind’, ‘’I don’t give a damm.’’ I don’t care that some small-minded people (and I’m thinking of one particular landlady here) take umbridge and feel the need to be punitive. I won’t be intimidated by some landlady from a small back street pub and certainly won’t hold back on comment. I would be flying in the face of everything a decent journalist believes in. What kind of town would we live in, if say a diner in a restaurant couldn’t complain about either the food or the service? Should we bar them for making comment? In fact let’s take that argument a tad further. AA Gill who writes The Times restaurant reviews would almost certainly be barred from most restaurants if the owners took offence at what he said. You see my point? As a newspaper we will always stick our neck out and comment on the ‘uncommentable’. It’s our job and if some publicans or local politicians don’t like it then they must swallow it with a degree of good grace. Journalists died last week so we could have this freedom of speech and just like Charlie Hebdo, we won’t be cowing down to anybody either… whatever the cost. Je Suis Charlie, Nous Sommes Cheltenham Standard!

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

Amey welcomes eight new apprentices in Gloucestershire EIGHT apprentices have been welcomed to their new roles at Amey, the organisation who deliver highways maintenance services on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council. The apprentices, aged between 16 and 25-years-old, have been appointed to take on a variety of jobs, from out on the roads to working in administration responding to customer enquiries, in the planning team scheduling work or in the design team working on projects. Ruth Kinsella, Account Director for Amey in Gloucestershire, said: “We are committed to helping young people develop their careers and our apprenticeship programme allows us to continually invest in the future generation. We want to recruit young, talented people who bring a fresh approach to delivering services across Gloucestershire. The enthusiasm

shown by our apprentices already has been fantastic, and I wish them all the best as they progress through their apprenticeship.” Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways and flood at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Being an apprentice gives young people the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification and develop professional skills, while earning a starting salary. Skilled

and well trained young people are vital to grow Gloucestershire's economy and help it to flourish.” This year alone, Amey has already recruited nearly 100 apprentices across the UK and was recognised in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, announced at the National Apprenticeship Awards in November 2014. The list, which is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service and City and Guilds, recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices as well as organisations that ensure their apprentices become successful and inspirational role models.

Triangle Communications launches in Cheltenham A NEWLY created and innovative marketing communications agency launched this week in the town. Triangle Communications has been set up by three experts in the fields of PR, Digital Media, Marketing, Events, and Internal & External Communications, specifically to support the needs of businesses in the South West. As a specialist marketing, lead generation, media communications and events agency, Triangle Communications will have three main offices Neil Nixon, Liz Graveney and Neil Howman

from the outset - in Plymouth, Cheltenham and Exeter - all of which will support local clients and specialise in working with the needs of local businesses across the South West region. All three Triangle Communications’ Directors - Neil Nixon, Liz Graveney and Neil Howman -have decades of broad and varied experience working with clients to support their sales and revenue streams through developing and executing marketing plans, PR campaigns and events programmes. A varied range of

services will be offered to clients, including copywriting, web design and development, event organisation and management, literature production and design, and the management of social media campaigns. Triangle Communications will be launching with a very strong brand presence and an eye-catching logo. A home-grown, creative website has also been launched where potential clients can find out more general information about the company www.trianglecomms.com

15 JANUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

BUSINESS ALEXANDER BURN FUNERAL DIRECTORS Alexander Burn is an independent family business with three offices in the Cheltenham area. COURTEOUS, EFFICIENT AND RESPECTFUL 24 hour personal service | Private chapels of rest HM Coroner and NHS Funeral Director for Gloucestershire

www.alexanderburn.com Bishops Cleeve 22 Church Road 01242 673300

Cheltenham 436 High Street 01242 245350

Winchcombe 11 North Street 01242 604888

Ambrose sourcing the cream of skilled professionals

Martin Horwood MP presents FSB’s Rising Star Award to Pitman Training “WE are delighted that Cheltenham MP, Martin Horwood, presented the FSB Cheltenham Rising Star Award to Pitman commented Tim Calway, Chairman of the FSB Cheltenham Branch. “Kath and Kevin Daws who run Pitman Training in Cheltenham, are a good example of a small business that has had to work hard to succeed. We presented this award to them because

we wanted to recognise their achievements, including more than doubling their turnover in the last 12 months. Kevin and Kath opened Pitman Training Cheltenham in 2011 when we were at the bottom of the recession and we are delighted that they have survived and prospered. We hope that their success will inspire and encourage other small businesses in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire during

these difficult times.” “We were both surprised and delighted when we were told that we would be receiving the FSB’s Rising Star Award, commented Kath Daws, Centre Manager at Pitman Training Cheltenham, “We really appreciate this Award and it is fantastic to receive some recognition for all our hard work, it makes it all worthwhile.”

THREE recruiters from Gloucestershire with over 40 years experience within the industry have teamed up to form a specialist technical, engineering and logistics agency called Ambrose Recruitment. Richard East and James Gibbs directors behind the successful Re Resource Group and SafeHands Recruitment agencies have branched out into the Technical marketplace with specialist recruiter Robert Dove to provide permanent, contract and interim recruitment solutions to engineering and manufacturing companies. “We are operating on a nationwide basis sourcing graduates through to director level positions across a

wide range of specialist industries including aerospace and defence, automotive, fmcg, automation, process, general manufacturing, warehouse and distribution,” said Robert Dove. “I have worked in this sector for 15 years and witnessed the evolution of change largely driven through advances in technology which has had a positive effect on engineering and manufacturing in the UK. “This in turn has presented us with an excellent opportunity to meet the challenges of the industry by working in partnership with some of the countries’ leading employers to fulfil their specialist recruitment needs”, concluded Robert.

IT’S TRUE that time stands still for no man or woman. The relentless tide of time ages us all eventually, and we all want to look better. When you need that bit of extra help, and begin to delve into the medical cosmetic world, the variety of treatments available nowadays becomes quickly overwhelming and daunting. That’s why it is so refreshing to find a true professional, who knows the real dilemmas, knows the business and has an honest approach to what can be achieved. Combine that with being highly trained, passionate and having a deep integrity about helping people, you’ll not find any better than Alison Taylor to be that guide. None of us want to go down the Joan Rivers route – the fear of having that “overdone” look is what stops many of us from making the move. Finding the balance of looking so much better whilst it not being obvious is exactly the balance that Alison has expertise in.

In her clinic, right in the heart of Cheltenham, it is obvious that there is a delightful combination of professionalism and style. Its discreet location lends itself to privacy and intimacy, yet it still remains a friendly place. Alison qualified as a registered nurse in 1987, she held senior posts in the NHS and has kept her registration as a nurse to this day as practising nurse in cosmetic medicine. Alison opened her first skin clinic in Charlton Kings in 2006. The clinic has grown and grown over the years, with a huge and loyal following to this day.This has given her the confidence to open a luxury clinic in Regent Street offering the very latest treatments whilst still upholding her strong personal values of giving natural beauty back in a subtle but effective way. There’s a veritable cocktail of the latest procedures available; everything from wrinkle relaxing and dermal and lip fillers, through to micro needling, skin peels, facial

thread veins and skin care. “I’ve now been able to invest in the latest in skin tightening equipment, the first in Gloucestershire. I also have the latest in LED light therapy (that’s the safe and healing part of natural light which makes our skin feel fabulous after a holiday in the sun) and the new safe, pain free skin tightening and I’m so excited about the results we’re seeing already.” Alison continues to say, “Our skin is the signpost to our well-being and if you’re confident in your skin, then you feel better about everything. It’s really important to me that I can offer the treatment I believe in to give the best results. I don’t want anyone to be less than happy with their results. As Alison says. ‘’Even if it’s just a freshen up for your skin for a special do, or you want to look in the mirror and not see the tired face anymore, there’s so much on offer - why would you not want to look a more rested, better you?’’

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGIE PHAIR

Say hello to the new you… Alison Taylor Medical Cosmetics

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

CULTURE Some stunning one-nighterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at The Everyman Three nights of toe-tapping, fab music at the Everyman Theatre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; guaranteed to chase away those January blues! Thursday 15th January (7.45pm) ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS, a brand new show, featuring Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lee Memphis King. All tickets ÂŁ24 Friday 16th January (7.45pm) sees BEATLEMANIA superbly recreating the legendary live performances of The Beatles, from their moptop roots to the final years of Let It Be. All tickets ÂŁ22.50 Saturday 17th January (7.45pm) go back in time with THE LONDON SWING ORCHESTRA and Graham Dalby to the legendary years of Jazz & Swing. Featuring hits from Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra. Tickets ÂŁ19 & ÂŁ24 Box Office on 01242 572573 or visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk to book tickets.

One night of Elvis

RIVER CRUISING

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE Everyman Theatre kicks off 2015 with a cracker of a crime thriller

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creepy tale for a dark winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night! Based on the best-selling mystery novel of all time, Agatha Christieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own stage adaptation of this dark and captivating tale stars BAFTA nominated stage and screen star Paul Nicholas, Colin Buchanan (Dalziel and Pascoe), Susan Penhaligon (Bouquet of Barbed Wire and A Fine Romance ), TV favourite Mark Curry, Emmerdale and West End leading lady Verity Rushworth, Emmerdale star Frazer Hines and from ITVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning Soldier Soldier, Ben Nealon. A group of 10 strangers are lured to a remote island off the coast of Devon. Upon arrival it is discovered that their host, an eccentric millionaire, is missing... Stranded on the island by a torrential storm and haunted by an ancient nursery rhyme, one by one the guests begin to die... With only the fallen believed to be innocent, who amongst them is the killer? AND THEN THERE WERE NONE Monday 26th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday 31st January 2015 Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ Eves: Mon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat 7.45pm Mats: Thu & Sat 2pm Tickets: ÂŁ15 - ÂŁ30 available from the Box Office on 01242 572573 or online at www.everymantheatre.org.uk

15 JANUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

CULTURE

THE LIVE LINE UPS AT its peak in the mid-1970's Wigan Casino had over 100,000 members who converged on the town each weekend from all over the country to dance to old soul records. Along with clubs in Manchester and Stoke-On-Trent, the venue in Wigan was at the forefront of the Northern Soul scene. However, as with any subculture, when Wigan Casino closed down in 1981 the scene soon disintegrated and drifted apart. Despite being nearly 150 miles from its epicentre in Wigan, the recent resurgence of Northern Soul music has not gone unnoticed in the South West. From the dancing Northern Soul Girl, whose videos filmed on the streets of Bristol have gained over 2 million views on YouTube, to sold out screenings of the recent Northern Soul film at Gloucester Guildhall and Stroud Subscription Rooms, Northern Soul music has established itself in the mainstream once again after going largely unnoticed for over 30 years. But that's not to say that Northern Soul music had disappeared completely in that time. The music has always kept some popularity, and none more so than in Cheltenham which boasts of having one of the fastest growing soul clubs in the UK. Soulfusion is a bi-monthly club night held at Dowty Sports & Social Club in Cheltenham which next takes place on Saturday 17th January. Since January 2006 a core team of resident DJs (including local legend Jerry Hipkiss) have played the best

Northern and modern soul music the scene has to offer. The three room event covers Northern Soul, Motown and modern soulful house, jazz and RNB steppers. Founder Neil Self explains more: ""We normally have guest DJs and this month's event has Colin

Curtis, a living legend, plus one of the UK's top Northern Soul DJs in Sean Chapman." Soulfusion has built such a reputation that soul fans travel from all over the country to attend, as well as a handful who make regular trips from Europe. "The age range is generally over 30s but we do get a younger element in for the modern room. The music is not mainstream, but more soulful and cutting edge as well as mega rare Northern Soul. Each event attracts between 300 and 400 people so there is always a buzzing atmosphere." Whether you were part of the original Northern Soul scene, or if you've just picked up on the passion and excitement that comes from this particular genre of music, with five more similar nights planned for later this year there's plenty of time to get your soul fix without having to travel all of the way to Wigan. Saturday's event runs from 8pm to 1am and costs £6. For more information visit www.soulfusion-soulnites.co.uk/ For more local music news visit Behind The Scene Gloucestershire www.facebook.com/behindthesceneglos

Manalive takes to the studio theatre FOLLOWING sell out performances of their last three shows in the Everyman Studio, award winning company Box Tale Soup return to Cheltenham in January with the premiere of their latest work, Manalive! The new show was commissioned by the Everyman Theatre, and tells the story of Beacon House, a broken-down boarding establishment, and its brooding tenants. When an exciting new guest arrives everyone is uplifted by his infectious charm and energy... but the visitor may not be as innocent as he seems. Adapted from the novel by G.K. Chesterton, Manalive! features just two performers alongside a cast of Box Tale Soup's signature handmade puppets. MANALIVE! 28th – 31st January, 7.45pm 31st January, 2pm Everyman Studio Theatre Tickets are £10.50 / £9 Available from Everyman website www.everymantheatre.org.uk Box Office Tel: 01242 572573

Book The feast of Artemis By Anne Zouroudi REVIEW By EVE SEYMOUR WHAT better way to overcome those January blues than dip into ‘The Feast of Artemis’? Despite reading the murder mystery over Christmas and with plenty of festive food on offer, I found myself positively drooling over Anne Zouroudi’s sumptuous descriptions of Greek delicacies. To celebrate the saint’s day of the Archangel Michael, the Greek town of Dendra is holding a feast – and, boy, the Greeks definitely take their food seriously. Each year there is a competition to see which family can bake the best kleftiko (lamb cooked in a fire pit). An act of sabotage, ruining the lamb and spiking the potential winner’s chances, reveals a deadly feud between two families: the Kapsis and the Papayiannis. But this is no Great British Bake-Off for things

soon take a vicious turn when a youth from the Kapsis family, taking part in a fairly bonkers activity of ‘leaping the bonfire,’ winds up badly burnt. The big question: was it an accident, or was he tripped in a tit for tat act of vengeance? Enter Hermes Diaktoros, maverick, and quietly persistent investigator and ‘fat man’ with more than a passing interest in gastronomy. Nibbling his way through the investigation, (and having his trousers let out to accommodate his expanding girth) Hermes quickly ascertains that the heart of the feud stems from a longstanding disagreement concerning olive oil production and, the average conveyancing solicitor’s bête noir, a boundary dispute. Add to this an ice cream parlour reputed to be a source of food poisoning and responsible for the deaths of four of its customers,

and you have a glorious tale of intrigue, rumour and backstabbing. Zouroudi’s precise, descriptive and sparkling prose transports the reader to a place where the legacy of gods like Artemis imbue the island’s inhabitants with a sense of timelessness and tradition. Through a cleverly interwoven plot, the author leads the reader one way while playing peekaboo from another direction. It’s the kind of book to read at a leisurely pace, a story in which you can really soak up the atmosphere and lose yourself. The Feast of Artemis is published by Bloomsbury. 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

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

HEALTH&LIFESTYLE

Seeing red for January Marsala is this month’s colour for the fashion conscious IF YOU need an excuse to break the January detox, pour yourself a nice glass of red and call it research. Meet colour authority Pantone's top tip for 2015: Marsala. A robust, earthy red, it's the perfect transitional tone to add to your wardrobe that will take you take from winter to spring. “Much like the wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue emanates a sophisticated natural earthiness,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute. “The impactful, full-bodied qualities of Marsala make for an elegant statement used on its own or as an accent.” Uncork Marsala and add a splash of this year's colour to your closet. If scarlet red feels too much (Santa, you're so 2014), Marsala might be the tone for you. This colour doesn't scream statement; it's surprisingly soft and muted for a red.

The reddish-brown hue is rich but grounding, making it work for both casual and eveningwear. “Marsala is an elegant colour to wear, as long as you have the right colouring for it,” warns Veronique Henderson at Colour Me Beautiful (www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk). “Wear it head-to-toe if you have more of a soft colouring - think Jennifer Aniston. For everyone else, try teaming it with other colours.” For a quick test, hold the colour under your chin and see if your complexion gives you a beautiful flush (one glass of wine) or the hungover look (lost count). Pantone describes Marsala as a “highly varietal shade” that combines well with neutrals. Try mixing your new-found red with taupes and greys to soften up the colour. Teamed starkly against black, it's more of a dark and dramatic statement. If you're feeling dedicated to 2015's colour, wear Marsala top-to-toe, teaming

Complimentary 1:1 Appointments with Mr Warr Saturday 24th January from 10am (at the hospital) Mr. Warr MBBS, MD, FRCS (Plast) is consultant plastic surgeon working at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital. Having trained in Paris and London his particular cosmetic interests lie in nose reshaping, breast surgery and body contouring. An expert in tailoring treatments to the needs of his patients, he is renowned for his attention to detail.

If you are thinking of having cosmetic surgery then why not get complimentary expert advice from Mr Rob Warr. He can talk to you about a range of cosmetic procedures including; breast enlargement; breast reduction; breast uplift; tummy tuck; facelift; eye lid reshaping; nose reshaping and liposuction.

Consultations are for 15 minutes where you will have the opportunity to talk to Mr Warr in private about all your cosmetic surgery questions, he will explain to you the procedures available as well as the risks and benefits of surgery. Spaces are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

Call 01242 246552 to book your free mini consultation.

Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital, Hatherly Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 6SY Nuffieldhealth.com/cheltenhamhospital

together different textures like faux fur, lace and big knits to add interest. More hesitant? Weave Marsala into your outfit via a print on one piece, like a top or shirt. Those not mad on Marsala can still get a colour injection with bold accessories. Henderson advises: “Don't go for a necklace or scarf that's too close to the face, but a bracelet, handbags or shoes will work a treat.” The Marsala takeover continues with your cosmetics bag. Beware if you're wearing the colour close to your face: “Make sure the lipstick you wear works with it and doesn't clash,” Henderson says. You can't go wrong with matchy-matchy tactics. Exaggerate the top-to-toe look with Marsala-toned lips or nails to bring your 2015 red look together. For a softer look, try a muted Marsala and wear blotted on to lips that's more like a stain, or create a statement lip with a punchy, matte deep red. Painting your nails is probably the most non-committal way to wear Marsala, while also testing out your colour compatibility. Apply two to three coats for a bold, opaque look and accessorise with a large glass of red.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

QUIRKY NEWS

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT...

A selection of the strangest stories from around the globe

SPLASHING TIME DRENCHED pedestrians have complained to police after being splashed by motorists driving through puddles, figures reveal. Upset walkers across England and Wales have contacted police forces and accused drivers of swerving deliberately to drive through standing water. Some even said police officers were among the perpetrators. Splashing comes under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and can be punished through a fixed penalty notice. The details of those who have been investigated were released by police forces to the Press Association following a Freedom of Information request. There were 63 reported incidents of motorists driving through a puddle and splashing pedestrians during a five-year period from January 2009. A police officer was forced to apologise after driving a 4x4 through standing water, while one pedestrian complained that a bus driver accelerated to soak those walking on the pavement. A van driver was given a ticket for a public order offence after driving “back and forth through a large puddle to intentionally splash pedestrians.” Another driver was spoken to after

deliberately going through a puddle to splash a walker before laughing with a passenger. Cumbria Police were contacted by a group of pedestrians in November 2012 after the walkers say they were deliberately soaked by a car in Cockermouth. An unlucky resident here in the county, said they were splashed “at least five times” by drivers speeding through puddles on one particular road. Another said a police officer “swerved into a puddle on purpose” to soak him. One witness reported how a “young male driver was swerving all along” The Knapp in Stroud, “driving into puddles on purpose to splash school children walking home.” It was one of 11 incidents reported to

Hopping drunk

Gloucestershire Police. Mike Frisby, the Driving Instructors Association chief examiner, said motorists have a “duty of care” not to splash pedestrians, something which can be “easily avoided.” He added: “It's probably not widely known by pedestrians that they can report incidents if they're splashed, but we don't really want to engage in a culture where people are going to report every little incident. “The driver has an obligation to plan well, as there is always a danger when driving through a puddle because even in shallow water drivers won't know what lurks beneath.”

POLICE in Dundee pulled over a man for riding a space hopper while drunk on a busy main road. Officers spotted the man taking the air filled toy down the dual carriageway towards a tunnel on the city centre ring road. Eye-witness Jamie Shankland, 25, said the man tried to run away but police had “no problem” catching him. “He looked very drunk and police had blocked the left-hand lane because he was on the road,” he said. “I had to pass slowly and, as I did, I saw another policeman walking up the tunnel to pick up a red space hopper. “The look on the guy's face was priceless - you could just tell he was thinking: 'What have I done?” A spokesman for Police Scotland's Tayside Division confirmed a man on a space hopper had been stopped on the road, but no formal action was taken.

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

HELTENHAM appears to be going through a worsening economic recession over the past 12 months and it troubles me. This week we’ve heard the news that Ruby Tuesday’s is shutting its doors in the Brewery complex, Burger King is no more and now the prospect of a shiny new Morrison’s Superstore to be located at the old Portland car park has been scrapped. What is going on in this town? I feel like there’s a closing down sale to be had every week as yet another business feels the pinch and has to shut its doors to the Cheltonians. Well here’s another three businesses I’d love to see disappear from our radars and go bust for good. WHSmith. It’s an absolutely pointless business that offers no value to its customers; in fact I’d go as far to say it’s ripping its customers off. Overpriced stationary,

extortionately priced confectionary, and don’t get me started on the 3 for 2 book vouchers they can’t give away quick enough in a promotion that seemingly never ends. Here’s a retailer that’s stuck in the nineties and has struggled to play catch up in modernising. When a business has to depend on leasing floor space to the Post Office (which probably derives most of its footfall) then you know there’s a serious problem. Pack your bags Smith’s and let’s see that prime retail space offered to a more exciting retailer. Chiquito. Here’s an example of a restaurant I wouldn’t even want my Aunt to dine at (and I truly can’t stand that woman). Chiquito’s wins my award for the worst customer service going out of

every single establishment in Cheltenham. On arrival you can expect to be greeted by a member of staff whose face has been slammed by a double decker; all the female servers appear to suffer from severe sleep deprivation and show pure disdain when you make the smallest requests at your table. If you are able to look past the zombie-like servers, and the extremely long wait between ordering and receiving the food,

let me tell you that it doesn’t get any better. The food is greasy, soggy, luke-warm junk. And the bill you’ll receive will be disappointingly high. I’m not quite sure how they can describe the dining experience as authentically Mexican just by draping a few sombreros off the wall and placing an odd lizard statue at the entrance. I’d love to see this restaurant replaced with a much more enjoyable Mexican

themed restaurant such as a Chimichanga! Finally I’d like to end on how extortionate I think it is for ‘The Car Wash Centre’ in the Kingsditch estate to be charging £7.50 for a basic carwash. A year ago they charged £3.50 for the exact same service. The Eastern European boys will do a quick scrub down of your car’s worst areas and then spray on some soap before directing you into the big machine which does the rest of the job for them. A few quid is reasonable for the two minutes of their time you get and the five spent in the massive machine with the big dusters. But £7.50? So the award for most disproportionate inflation has to go to these guys who have set a yearly inflation rate of well over 100%. Good job guys, the tax you contribute to HMRC must be an admirable sum.

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

15 JANUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

The footy match that never was ACCRINGTON Stanley are inviting their fans to spend £20 on souvenir tickets for a game which will never happen. The League Two side blew their chance of hosting Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup by losing to Yeovil in their second-round replay. The match would have been a lifeline for cash-strapped Stanley which has now produced 250 commemorative tickets to

CoffeeBreak

mark the club’s FA Cup run. Chairman Peter Marsden said the money would go towards “strengthening the squad” for the rest of the season. Manager John Coleman said he hoped Stanley would still get a chance to play the 20-time league winners. “We are speaking to Manchester United and we're going to try to pull on their heartstrings a bit and hopefully those who buy the tickets might actually see us play them in the not too distant future,” he said. But the move has been met with scepticism on online forums by fans. One posted: “Bullseye springs to mind... Let's see what you could have won. In reality, it's hardly an FA Cup run. We entered round one and exited round two.”

Your Weekly HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 20 – April 18): Leave smoldering resentments alone. Addressing them now (no matter how well intentioned) only fans embers into a flame. TAURUS (April 19 – May 19): The Venus/Uranus sextile makes you irresistible to everyone but the person you want. Clearly there are plenty of fish in the sea. Toss this one overboard. GEMINI (May 20 – June 20): Your romantic prospects would improve by spending time in an exotic setting.

Emu on the run MOTORISTS in a tranquil coastal town encountered an unlikely jogger - an emu on the run. The bird was filmed zigzagging through traffic in the Israeli coastal town of Herzliya in the pouring rain on Sunday. Local authorities say it appeared to have escaped from a private farm. Footage taken by Iliya Zelser, a 27-yearold video artist who was driving on the road, showed the emu running between cars. Speaking afterwards, he said it was an “absurd” situation. “It felt like (being in a) cartoon, (it felt like in a minute I would hear) the ‘beep beep’ and I said to myself in a second a coyote will appear from behind,” he said. An unnamed resident, who spoke to the website Ynetnews, said the bird was running at about 25mph (40kmph). They said: “I called the police and reported the emu siting. They were

CANCER (June 21 – July 21): The Last Quarter Moon indicates a last minute change of mind. A softening in tone or sign of concern is all it takes to see someone in a new light.

stunned. As I drove, I noticed that a city vehicle had arrived to deal with the emu and was zigzagging between lanes, but I was the only one who managed to chase after it with my scooter.” The man said he attempted to stop the emu, but it tried to attack him. He said he managed to steer it towards a lawn next to a shopping centre, where it was eventually caught. Dorit Basman, a spokeswoman for Herzliya municipality, said wardens caught the emu and returned the bird safely to its owner, seemingly unharmed. The emu, which is native to Australia, is the second largest living bird in the world after the ostrich.

StandOKU!

LEO (July 22 – Aug 21): It's always wise to introduce a little separateness in your togetherness. It's what

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 five letter word.

Difficulty rating: Moderate

5 1

3 9

5 8

6 2 3 9 6

7 8 4 2 4 1 3

TARGET

L Y O R A S M I N

1 5 9 7 5 2 4 1 8 6 4

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.

17 18

24 Last week’s solutions (8th January 2015): Across: 1 Schnapps; 5 Ogre; 9 Aria; 10 Colossal; 11 Repel; 12 Orphans; 13 Station-wagons; 18 Averages; 19 Logs; 20 Naivete; 21 Shore; 22 Days; 23 Stendhal. Down: 2 Current; 3 Nearest; 4 Pronouncement; 6 Gestapo; 7 Enlists; 8 Hoopla; 13 Stained; 14 Amenity; 15 Isabel; 16 Galahad; 17 Nigeria.

keeps the other half from turning into a ball and chain. VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21): Don't be so hasty to conclude matters. You may be signing off right when someone important is signing on. LIBRA (Sept 22 – Oct 22): You're ready to let a nowin situation go, but an adversary may be trying to pull a fast one. Be prudent and keep one foot in the ring. SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21): Don't jump to conclusions. The last quarter Moon in Libra warns that you may be emotionally invested in a tremendous misunderstanding. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 20): Reach out to your network of friends during this Venus/Uranus sextile. Not only are they happy to make important introductions, but their

friends (and friends' friends) will as well. CAPRICORN (Dec 21 – Jan 18): A lucky turn of events may have worked out in an opponent's favor, but s/he can't win unless you give away the game. So don't. AQUARIUS (Jan 19 – Feb 17): Firmly grasped notions won't be given up overnight. It's just as well since your aim is to reverse a trend that's gone on for too long. Loosen one finger at a time. PISCES (Feb 18 – March 19): As the level of frustration rises, your job performance improves as well. There must be a better way, but keep on doing what you're doing for now.

BOATS

TAKES

TRAIN

TRIPS

CRYPTIC Crossword ACROSS 1. Those who avail themselves of services rendered (6-5) 9. Censure for shocking pub assault (7) 10. Container in which you'll find some of the morphia left (5) 11. The result of summing up (5) 12. Ann unusually eager for this material (7) 13. Slip list in the book (6) 15. Stays in the wrong sector (6) 18. The gateman has become a big business operator (7) 20. The heart's regularly ordered beat, initially (5) 22. A capital ring for a lover (5) 23. Large part of the claim men settled (7) 24. Ten genially disposed in a graceless way (11)

DOWN 2. Usual procedure assumed by the rider (5) 3. Back a great many, we hear, to make a new distribution (7) 4. The kind of place for corporal punishment (6) 5. Prone to be disguised as an artist (5) 6. Dear Sir, those in the attack have been routed (7) 7. Promote a greater number as well (11) 8. They're used for surveying aircraft schedules (5-6) 14. Prevailing system of discipline for nearly all the military body (7) 16. A motto put up by northern Turk (7) 17. Margaret holding the money for rationing out (6) 19. Everybody goes round to the island (5) 21. Somehow learn to describe glands affected by nephritis (5)

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

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15 JANUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

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Stay secure, stay safe MANY of us worry about break-ins and burglaries. Not only is there the risk of financial loss and disruption, having someone invade your property can be very emotionally traumatic. Keeping your home secure is essential for your own safety and peace of mind. Good security can also be a priority for potential buyers. One of the key things to remember is that most burglaries are carried out by opportunistic thieves. Around 20% of all burglaries do not even involve the use of force; thieves enter freely through open doors or windows. Always make sure you lock all your doors properly when leaving the house and at night time. Even when doors are locked, entry is sometimes forced by kicking in the door or prising it open. External wooden doors should be

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at least 44mm thick. Make sure you have good solid locks on all external doors (five lever mortise deadlocks kite-marked to at least BS3621 are recommended). Check your door frames are sturdy, well fitted and that the hinges are attached securely. Glass panelling in doors is particularly vulnerable and should be fitted with laminated glass if possible. Most modern patio doors come with a multi locking system. If your patio doors are not secure, get specialist advice to make sure suitable locks are fitted at the top and bottom. Around a third of burglars get in through a window, so it's definitely worth checking they are secure. Visible window locks can act as a deterrent, as most thieves won't want to break glass and run the risk of drawing attention to themselves. Pay particular attention to

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LYNWORTH PLACE

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NORTON, GL2 9LN

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● Characterful older type house requiring some updating. ● Living room, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, ● THREE BEDROOMS & bathroom. Gas centrally heated & double glazed (EPC-C). ● Off road parking. Generous rear garden which is an outstanding feature.

CHARACTERFUL CONVERTED BARN WITH FOUR BEDROOMS & TWO BATHROOMS. Lovely open plan living room, dining room & kitchen enjoying pleasant countryside views. SELF-CONTAINED ANNEXE/STUDIO. Attractive red brick walled grounds. Large driveway. Central heating & double glazing. (EPC-D)

£192,000 GUIDE

A SEMI-DETACHED BUNGLAOW IN NEED OF MODERNISATION. The accommodation offers entrance hall, living room, good size kitchen, conservatory, two bedrooms and bathroom. Gas central heating and double glazing. (EPC - awaited). There is also a driveway giving off road parking, a carport and garage together with a pleasant rear garden. OPEN VIEWING - SATURDAY 17th JANUARY - 11 - 11.30 am

£122,000

● Very nicely presented second floor flat with TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS. ● Entrance hall, living room, re-fitted kitchen and bathroom ● Gas central heating & double glazing (EPC-C). Residents’ grounds and parking. ● Less than £400 per year maintenance charges!

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CLEEVEMOUNT

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Big in Business Lunch THE Gloucestershire Big in Business Lunch was held in the 1873 Club at Kingsholm on Wednesday of this week and was attended by over 100 local business folk. For the first time a male speaker Mr Tim Greenway coowner of the family business Highfield Garden Centre based in Whitminster was interviewed by resident host, TV sports pre-

senter Jill Douglas. Local accountants Tayabali Tomlin were this month’s sponsor. The Lunch which started out as a predominantly Ladies Lunch has now been opened up to men and women in business. The next lunch is at the end of April. To book contact angelaedwards@ gloucesterrugby.co.uk

CRIPPS OPEN DAY JANUARY 18TH 2015, 10AM TO 5 PM. Cripps Kitchen is excited to announce the first ever Cripps Open Day at both Cripps Barn and Cripps Stone Barn. With photographers, florists, hair and makeup experts, videographers, musicians and magicians – this Open Day will also be the perfect place to meet local suppliers weddings or special occasions. Simply drop in or book a tour of the barns with a Personal Wedding Coordinator on 01285 721900.

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15 JANUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

UNPOPULAR plans to reduce part of Bath Road to one lane are being trialled by the County Council. The so called ‘Bath Road Safety Scheme’ will see the Bath Road restricted to one lane of traffic between the High Street and Oriel Road, as well as traffic signals at Vernon place replaced with a temporary pedestrian crossing. This scheme is part of the wider Cheltenham Transport Plan, which regular Soapbox readers will know I have a few worries about. At the heart of the controversial Transport Plan is the aim of preventing private vehicles going through Boots Corner. However there are a number of other significant changes to the road network as part of these plans, including the Bath Road Safety Scheme. County Council officers have decided, without any consultation with local councillors that the Bath Road scheme could be delivered on its own even if the Cheltenham Transport Plan is thrown out. They have announced at extremely short notice that they are carrying out a trial of this road narrowing scheme for four weeks from Monday 19th January to 6th February. Residents living nearby are very concerned that vehicular access from Vernon Place and Bath Street on to the Bath Road is going to be made very difficult without the traffic lights. Whilst it might seem a good idea to try to slow down traffic on Bath Road, it is fairly obvious that ‘slowing down’ could mean actual gridlock at times. It is also possible

Soapbox By COUNCILLOR KLARA SUDBURY that some drivers will choose other routes which might be even more sensitive. For example, College Road is already very busy at peak times but more North to South traffic could be displaced on to it. It seems odd to move traffic from a town centre road with not many direct residential properties to a residential road which dissects Sandford Park as well as being the access to the towns A&E. If you want an example of the frustrations of being a councillor this is it. I am County and Borough Councillor for this part of Bath Road and College Road. Even though I have formally objected to this plan on numerous occasions, officers have still been working on it and now it is being trialled. Other schemes in my division, which I am desperate to be implemented take a Christmas miracle and years of determination to bring to fruition. I have been on twitter for a while; you can find my normal account at @KlaraChelt. This week I am honoured to be tweeting from the @Chelt52 twitter account. @Chelt52 is an account where different people tweet each week over the year. It is a bit of a challenge to engage twitter users who I suspect have no idea

who I am. As I write this, it is day two and I’m still feeling a little like a guest in a kindly stranger’s home, trying to find my way around. One of the questions I have posed to @Chelt52 followers is what is your favourite thing about or in Cheltenham and what in the town would you put in room 101. And thinking about it made me realise how tricky it is to pick just one of either thing. I told my youngest son about this question. He asked me if the town’s Christmas lights would be going into room 101. The thing that irks me most however is the Promenade being used as a bus station and taxi rank, so that’s going into my room 101. As for choosing the one good thing about Cheltenham, this took a bit longer. When I lived in London and Oxford, apart from missing my family and friends, the one thing that I missed the most was the greenness of Cheltenham; the street trees

which are so much part of the character of the town, as well as the distant views to the hills. However, all this aside it’s really crucial for the powers that be (including politicians but also other powerful and influential groups) to focus their energies on bringing genuine improvements to the real issues that need sorting out.

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

EDUCATION Breaking point for some state school places The cost of creating places for the 880,000 extra pupils expected in England by 2023 could push schools to breaking point, council leaders warn THE Local Government Association fears the demand for school places could soon reach a tipping point with no more space or money to extend schools. The LGA wants the government to fully fund the cost of all the extra places, calculated to run to £12bn. Ministers said the last Labour government had failed to plan ahead. Official government figures, published

last year, project that by 2023 there will be a total of 8,022,000 pupils in England's schools - up from 7,143,000 in the current academic year. The school population bulge is most acute in major cities, according to the National Audit Office, with the birth rate rising faster than at any time since the 1950s. Some suburban areas have seen a rise in the number of families with school-age children, due to changes in work patterns while the school population has fallen in some rural areas. The National Audit Office has said the rising birth rate is related to a 6% increase in the number of women of child-bearing age since 2003, plus older women having children. The LGA says the cost of creating places for all these pupils could be £12bn, meaning the government's commitment of £7.35bn for extra school places leaves a shortfall.

As well as more central government funding, it wants councils to be given the powers to open new schools to meet local need without bureaucratic burdens. It says councils are “pulling out all the stops to ensure there is a place for every child.” Education Secretary Nicky Morgan told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the spaces would be provided by academies and free schools, and £5bn had been spent in this parliament so far on the creation of new places. “By the time we get all the free schools in the pipeline up and running, they will be providing over 200,000 new places across the country,” she said. “Seventy percent of free schools that have been opened have been opened in areas of basic need.” Class size was important but so was the quality of education and number of teachers in the classroom, she added.

2014 leavers return for social at All Saints LAST Friday Year 13 2014 leavers were invited back to ASA for a reunion. During the time they picked up their exam certificates and spoke with their old teachers about what they were up to now. Over 30 students and many staff attended to catch up with them to find out how they were getting on at University etc. Lots of students expressed their enthusiasm for their University courses and the independent life they now led. Some students spoke about the higher apprenticeships or jobs that they had taken. Jake Sheppard is studying at BIMM University in Bristol studying Music Production. He is currently in the process of moving to Bristol after commuting for the first term. Robbie Bond is studying Psychology at Cardiff Met University. He was incredibly happy to have achieved a first in one of his assignments. He is living in a house share in the city centre and enjoying a newfound sense of freedom. Demi Wheeler is studying Media & Communications specialising in Journalism at Birmingham City University. She has already had a few of her articles published on a Birmingham Eastside website. Chelsea Craven is off on a Latter-day Saints

mission trip to Brazil in February and couldn’t be more thrilled. “It has been my dream from a young age to serve as a missionary. When I return I hope to apply for University to study Broadcast Journalism.” Assistant Head of Sixth Form Leo Kelly said

“There was a great atmosphere and all those at University have had a very successful first term and were really positive about their future studies. Students mentioned that they were thankful for staff and subject teachers that encouraged them to go.”

All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form celebrates best ever results! PROSPECTIVE Sixth Form students and parents are invited to look around All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form in January/February to discover the subjects on offer along with support and extra curricular activities that are available. Please contact Mrs Parr on 01242 711225 to book a tour.In 2014 we achieved our best results yet, 98% A* - E with 47% achieving top grades A* - B. All Sixth Form students are supplied with a laptop to enable their independent learning. Ofsted graded All Saints’ Academy as good in our November 2014 report. “The sixth form curriculum meets students’ needs exceptionally well to prepare them for their next steps in education, training or employment. They are given excellent guidance to make sure that they are on the best course for them. Students’ achievement in vocational subjects is outstanding. It has improved in academic subjects.” Ofsted 2014.

15 JANUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

EDUCATION University of Gloucestershire releases major economic report THE University of Gloucestershire contributed an estimated £150 million to the Gloucestershire economy in 2014. Its graduates are adding almost £200 million of value to the UK economy every year, according to a new report released today. The report has been produced for the University by Biggar Economics, an independent economic consultancy. Using models developed to assess the impact on their communities of a range of other Universities, the report estimates the direct and indirect ways in which the University contributes to Gloucestershire’s economy through its staff and students, business development, volunteering, and spending with local and national businesses. Vice-Chancellor Stephen Marston (pictured) said: “We are proud to be the University of, and for, Gloucestershire. This report estimates for the first time the various impacts of the University’s activities, in terms of supporting economic, social and community wellbeing for Gloucestershire. “It tries to

assess not just the University’s impact as a £70m business in our own right, but also the many indirect and multiplier effects from staff and student spending, from our procurement of goods and services, from the contribution our graduates make in the labour market, and so on. The report underlines our commitment to be a key contributor to the economic growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the county. “The report estimates that the University’s activities and spending support almost 3000 jobs in the South West region. Our staff and students spend more than £28 million in the county and commit more than 10,000 hours of volunteering each year. He went on to add, “One of the major findings of the new report is the value our students and graduates bring to businesses and public sector organisations in the region. More than 3000 students a year undertake a placement or internship which generates an estimated £4 million of impact.’’

Nuturing talent FOR parents seeking to realise their child’s potential and nurture their talents, The King’s School, Gloucester fulfils that dream. A hidden gem with around 530 girls and boys aged 318 years, it is the leading Independent Day School in the area. Offering academic excellence, small class sizes, outstanding pastoral care and a unique ‘Keystones’ programme designed to identify and develop individual talents. Established by Henry VIII in 1541 and set within the Cathedral grounds, the school offers an inspiring setting and provides a special sense of identity and powerful community unlike any other. The Choristers and Choral music are intrinsic to life at King’s, while the school nurtures both its sporting and acting talent. Monday to Friday a varied academic and extracurricular programme including art, drama and music is presented with a vibrant culture of endeavour and scholarship which continues to thrive. The school’s dedicated bus services enable access countywide. The next Open Morning is Saturday 14th March with a Sixth Form Information Evening on Wednesday 11th February. Come and discover how King’s can develop your child. For further details or to arrange an individual tour, please contact the Registrar Sharon Bird; 01452 337337, registar@thekingsschool.co.uk. Alternatively visit www.thekingsschool.co.uk

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

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15 JANUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

MOTORING REVIEW

MOTORING SUAVE AND SOPHISTICATED...

AUDI has pressed the refresh button on the full A6 range, so the muscle-bound S6 saloon and Avant estate get the same (tiny) makeover. The grille now has twin bars running across it instead of single, thicker ones, and the headlights, bumper and air inlets have been slightly reshaped. Don some X-ray specs and you'll see adaptive air suspension set to 20mm lower than the standard A6, while the brake

calipers are now matt black, the rear diffuser has an aluminium-look blade and the fullLED headlights are ever-so-slightly slimmer. The wider changes to the base car have made it a better-looking platform for the S and, in 2015, the RS development teams to deal with. Side skirts that jut out more prominently, 19-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels and those flashy headlights give it the kind of window shopping appeal that

half of Amsterdam could scarcely dream of. But the S6's civility is stuffed deep down inside its bag of tricks and there's no getting rid of it. At first glance this could just be an S-line spec A6, and its relative understatement is one of the qualities that help it sell so well. In finest fast Audi tradition you can choose an estate model as well as the saloon. With such shapely seats and high-

European Car of the Year finalists THE finalists for the European Car of the Year have been announced and the winner will be crowned at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015. Among the contenders for the 2015 title are the new Ford Mondeo, Citroen C4 Cactus and Renault Twingo. Others in the running are the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, Mercedes C-Class, Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Passat. Originally, 31 cars were on the possible contender list, but they have been whittled down to just seven finalists. Now, 58 judges from across Europe will make their decisions and their votes will be added up to decide the overall winner. There are six judges from the UK.

Previous winners of the European Car of the Year title include the Alfa Romeo 147, Fiat Bravo, Peugeot 307 and 405, and the Porsche 928. Volkswagen has announced details of its first high economy Bluemotion variant to run on petrol instead of diesel. The Polo Bluemotion uses a 1.0-litre TSI engine to deliver 95bhp and 160lb.ft of torque, giving respectable performance; 062mph takes 10.5 seconds and the top speed is 119mph. More importantly the petrol-powered Polo Bluemotion is capable of 68.9mpg and so has an official CO2 figure of 94g/km, under the crucial 100g/km barrier. Based on the S model, the Polo

Bluemotion gains unique front and rear bumpers, a smoother grille, side skirts and a rear roof spoiler as well as 15-inch alloy wheels and low rolling resistance tyres. Inside there's a multifunction leather steering wheel, alarm with remote central locking, air conditioning, a front centre armrest and a combined media and infotainment system all as standard. Prices start at £14,730 for the three-door version, with first deliveries in the UK expected in March 2015.

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quality leathers cocooning you like a Persian prince, the S6 is better for luxuriating than it is for folding the seats down and throwing a load of planks into. It's just too wellappointed for that. Turbocharging a V8 gets you lots of things; power and speed being two. The S6 is as rapid as the people who take used plates away at all-you-can-eat buffets, and it doesn't feel particularly like a turbocharged engine. It pulls harder and harder with a barrel-chested bellow as the revs rise, a lot like the previous engines of S-car generations Grip and traction are beyond what you'd ever be able to exploit on the road. The way it drags itself so violently but so steadily out of tight corners is uncanny. G-force has never been so unthreatening. Most roads simply aren't big enough for the S6 to stretch its legs, but at normal speeds it's as stable as Ayers Rock. Sure, it's firm over bumps on its huge (optional) 21-inch wheels, but if history has taught us anything it's that Audi buyers don't tend to mind sacrificing ride quality for aesthetics. At £56,000, the saloon is not a cheap car. And at that price Audi kindly leaves a lot of the technology and luxury that you're likely to want on the options list, so quickly totting up beyond £60,000 is a given. It's big, hugely capable and prestigious, but smaller premium-brand cars that will do the job just as well could offer a much better value alternative.

FACTS AT A GLANCE AUDI S6 SALOON, FROM £56,000 Engine: 4.0-litre turbocharged petrol V8 producing 444bhp and 406lb/ft of torque Transmission: Eight-speed automatic driving all four wheels Performance: Top speed 155mph, 062mph in 4.4 seconds Fuel Economy: 30.7mpg combined Emissions: 216g/km of CO2

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15 JANUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

SPORT

Local Rugby

RUGBY UNION

Cheltenham North Woodrush

8 11

PHOTO: ANDREW TAYLOR

THIS game was going to be the litmus test for Cheltenham North's second half of the season: at home with a side only a couple of players short of the strongest they could put out, against the league leaders who hadn't lost a game since October. Woodrush kicked off with a strong wind at their backs and quickly opened their account. Giving away an early score is now almost part of the North's game plan, but fortunately their generosity only extended to a penalty. That was the metaphorical kick up the backside required and the home side began to play in earnest. The inspiration was a trade mark 30 metre break from the base of the scrum by Paul Scott, he was dragged down on the 22 but the North were in full cry and pounded the Woodrush line. Awarded a penalty they kicked for the corner. They lost the ensuing line-out but such was their pressure that the visitors were unable to clear their lines. Another North penalty, another lost line-out but still they pressurised. A third penalty and this time they won the line-out and drove for the line. Dan Hewitt was stopped short but Damien Parker sniped and twisted his way over to make it 5-3. Then, from a seemingly innocuous scrum on the half-way line, a moments loss of concentration led to a missed tackle. The Woodrush backs are big, robust, quick and very clinical, and when presented with such an opportunity were not going

to turn it down. Undeterred the home side came back strongly. Their line-out was operating well by now and they had the upper hand in the scrums. Following a Rich Hance break they were unlucky not to score just before halftime but, after playing into a fierce wind and turning round three points down, they went into the break knowing that the game was theirs for the taking. The North do not have a kicking game and are far better off with the ball in hand and so, apart from two booming Tom Parks' clearance kicks that went from 22 to 22, the wind at their backs was not the advantage it could have been. They dominated territory in the second half and soon were awarded a kickable penalty to make it 8-8. Then, in one of their rare sorties into the North 22, Woodrush reciprocated to make it 11-8. Woodrush tackle strongly and counter-ruck aggressively and it was to the North's credit that their ball retention was good, no longer giving a string of penalties at the breakdown. North came tantalisingly close to winning the game in the last five minutes: first Dan Hewitt crossed the line only to be brought back because the ref was unsighted, then from the ensuing five-metre scrum Woodrush were pushed back and then penalised for collapsing. It was difficult to see how that could not be interpreted as a penalty try but the ref was closer to the action and he didn't see it that way. To add insult to injury a mix up at the base of the next scrum led to a fumble and Woodrush were off the hook and home and dry.

ATALLAH SHINES IN AWAY VICTORY FOR CHELTENHAM RUGBY UNION

North Bristol 18 Cheltenham 24 A MUCH patched up Cheltenham side travelled to North Bristol and completed a much needed win double over the second bottom side in Western Counties North. Chris Scott’s team kicked off playing into an icy wind, but it was the home side that opened the scoring in the second minute by way of a Dan Snow penalty. As both sides struggled with the cold windy conditions, it was Cheltenham who took a narrow lead in the 17th minute when talisman Zac Atallah gained ball deep in his own half carrying the ball some 40 metres before after three more phases finding Sam Olly Pickles who forced his way over for a unconverted try. North Bristol came back when their star man Snow found former Scotland Under-21 player Ross Wilson who retook a narrow 8-5 lead with a unconverted try wide out.

As the game continued to swing from end to end it was the turn of Cheltenham to take the lead after a fine Anthony Woodthorpe try, after good work from the Cheltenham pack with Atallah kicking a conversion for a 12-8 lead. North Bristol did however reduce the arrears just before the half time whistle with a second penalty via the boot of Snow. North Bristol started the second half stronger and in the 53rd minute Alex Cue, son of former Bath and England Phil Cue, scored a well constructed try with Snow adding the extras for a 18-12 home lead. Again neither side stamped their authority on the game it was Cheltenham’s talent young Harrison Sayers who scored a excellent try in the corner with Atallah’s conversion drifting off target to narrow the gap to 18-17. Cheltenham continued to gain ball from the 50-50 situations and in the 63rd minute captain Tom Lait broke up field finding Atallah who scored what was to be the winning try under the posts

with his conversion making it 24-18. North Bristol kept battling away and were given a glimmer of hope in the 70th minute when referee Rob Waller showed a yellow card to Cheltenham’s replacement Ross Griffiths for coming in from the side. But as in other games this season Cheltenham refused to allow the man advantage to wipe out this vital win to remain mid-table. CHELTENHAM: Moore, Herbert, Gilder, Milne, Burger, Morris, Pickles, Lait, Woodthorpe, Atallah, Sayers, Brookes, Beeney, D Edwards, Delbrook-Jones. Replacements: Griffiths, Murells, Lockhart. NORTH BRISTOL: Collins, Anthony, Sterry, Wood, Wilson, Featherstone, Collins, Shepherd, Cue, Snow, Samura, Hitchman, Gait, Warren, Lewis. Replacements: Lewis, Rawden, Purdy. REFEREE: Rob Waller STAR MAN: Zac Atallah (Cheltenham).

New the star as unbeaten Panthers punish Cornish side NETBALL

Hucclecote Panthers 50 Cornwall Saints 24 HUCCLECOTE Panthers had an amazing first quarter when visitors Cornwall Saints did the return leg of the journey for the second fixture in the South West England Under-16 Regional League. Mid court player Elisha New had yet another fantastic game, showing great speed through court and forcing three interceptions. Combined with solid defence and outstanding shooting, they led 17-3 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw Saints up their game and with more shooting attempts netted 10 shots in this period while slowing Hucclecote’s tally to 12. The half-time score of 29-13 saw changes made to Panthers squad with Eve Saunders coming on to GK, Issy Robinson taking on the WD bib and and the partnership of Ellie Spark and Elisha New moving up through the unit. Saunders

PHOTO: ANDREW TAYLOR

Unlucky North so close to upsetting leaders Woodrush

made an instant impact defensively intercepting and rebounding strongly. At times Panthers play was exciting and fast paced although errors still crept in. With the score increasing to 40-15 at three quarter time, further changes saw Lucy Martin take on the GA role and she did well shooting seven of eight attempts. This was another excellent performance which saw Panthers step it up again to finish the game 50 goals to 24. Shooting combinations saw the Jane Taylor/ Emma Hale combination produce good consistency al-

though it was Lucy Martin who achieved a fabulous 88 percentage rate. The day however saw Saints award Elisha New player of the match for an outstanding display of netball during the 60 minutes on court. This still leaves Hucclecote Panthers as clear leaders at the top of the South West table and their unbeaten record continues. HUCCLECOTE: E. Hale, J Taylor, L Martin, E New, E Spark, E Powell Davies, (captain), C Santacroce, E Saunders, H McCoubrie, I Robinson.

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

SPORT Pats pile on the points with bonus point success against Newton Abbot RUGBY UNION

Old Patesians Newton Abbot

28 23

By MATT EVANS THE recent bad weather meant Old Patesians were forced to move from their usual Everest Road home to the Prince of Wales Stadium for the National League Three South West clash with Newton Abbot. However, the change of scenery seemed to do the Pats the world of good as they emerged with a bonus point win over the fifth-placed side. A barnstorming run from flanker George Angell straight from kick-off set the tone, and although they were unable to take advantage of that break, Old Pats were on the scoreboard after just four minutes. Newton Abbot had already collapsed one maul, with Old Pats opting to kick the ball into touch from the resulting penalty. They won the line-out and another powerful rolling maul ended with Jon Barker forcing his way over the line for the first try of the match. Barker could have added a second try just a few minutes later, breaking from the back of the scrum through the defence only to contrive to drop the ball as he went to touch down. However the referee gave Barker a reprieve, returning to an earlier infringement from the All Whites, allowing George Hughes to slot home a regulation penalty to give Old Pats an early 8-0 advantage. Newton Abbot finally got into the game, a strong scrum resulting in a penalty which Rob Avery-Wright kicked with ease. Avery-Wright reduced the deficit further with a second penalty, the result of another strong Newton Abbot scrum. The fly-half then had the chance to give the All Whites the lead, attempting an optimistic kick from the halfway line that never looked like going through the posts. Old Pats soon extended their lead with a second try. A sweeping set piece move from Old Pats after a powerful scrum saw the ball thrown to winger Duncan Spurrier who straightened the line superbly, before finding his fellow winger Dan Burrows who finished well in the corner. Hughes’ conversion unluckily rebounded back off the post. As the half neared completion, Old Pats found themselves under heavy pressure and began to lose their discipline, with hooker Rob White sin-

binned. Pats defended resolutely on the line keeping Newton Abbot away from the try line, receiving a helping hand from referee Karl Gibson, who inadvertently acted as an extra man in defence for Old Pats when he collided with an onrushing Newton Abbot player. There was a 10 minute delay as the referee recovered from his injuries before blowing for half-time. Immediately after the break, Old Pats extended their lead after Newton Abbot were caught offside, Hughes kicking his second penalty of the match. With hooker White still off the pitch, Newton Abbot used the numbers game to their advantage to score a carbon copy of the Pats' first try, a long rolling maul ending with flanker Simon Mingo emerging from a pile of bodies to claim the try, which was converted by full-back Will Castleton. White re-entered the fray but his place in the sin bin was soon being filled by another Old Pats player, Barker given a harsh yellow card for a high tackle. This didn't deter Pats, who crossed the try-line five minutes later after a run down the blindside from Spurrier, who powered over the line, Hughes failing to add the extras. However, Old Pats' lead was soon reduced as Newton Abbot centre Alex Moore spotted a gap in the Old Pats defensive line, bursting through to touch down under the posts, with Castleton again adding the extras. Barker returned to the action after his spell on the side-lines, and the allaction Number 8 had an immediate impact. A Newton Abbot scrum was overpowered by Pats who managed to win the ball against the head, Barker taking the ball from the base of the scrum and driving towards the corner. Although he was stopped just short of the line, scrum-half Lucas RoySmith got quick ball and flung it across to fly-half Craig Jones, who in turn fed the ball to Hughes who sprinted in under the posts for the Pats fourth try and a bonus point. Hughes then added the extras to take his own personal points tally to 13 for the game. Newton Abbot then had much of the ball for the final 15 minutes, but some strong Pats defence kept the All Whites at bay. They won a penalty under the posts in the final minutes, which Castleton easily kicked, meaning they secured a losing point as the Pats moved up to ninth place.

Local Sport

Lions maintain unbeaten run by sinking Saints CHELTENHAM YOUTH FOOTBALL

St Mark’s Southside Lions

2 6

ON A blustery day and heavy pitch at KGV, St Mark’s were out to avenge their 14-1 cup defeat by Lions earlier in the season. The Saints started well and had the benefit of a strong wind on their backs, testing Lions with some early shots, however it was Lions who opened the scoring when Callum Morrissey collected a left foot pass from Matty Hunt to finish. Tom Peck made it two, finishing with a good right foot shot after collecting a rebounded shot from Morrissey to fire home. St Mark’s got one back from a shot from Romain Harrison which found the corner, and when St Mark’s attacked again Lions keeper Alex Schofield found George

Southside Lions

Cuzner in his own half who ran the length of the pitch beating four to slot home. Morrissey's second came initially from a free kick by Cuzner that was rebounded out to Peck, headed on to Cuzner who volleyed back which ricocheted to Morrissey who then calmly slotted it in using all his goalscoring instincts.

Saints' Harrison made it 4-2 from a free-kick, before two from Scooter Edwards put the game out of sight. His first when he was put in by Morrissey and his second when he followed up a shot from Morrissey that the St Mark’s keeper spilled as Lions maintained their unbeaten record this season.

Loss of key men see Kings bow out of County Cup LOCAL FOOTBALL

Wickwar Wanderers 2 Kings Reserves 1 WITH key players missing, this County Cup quarter-final was going to be a tough one for Kings Reserves to win against Wickwar from the Stroud and District League. Tom Hencher was with the first team, Alex Febery unavailable and Scott Walker injured, Kings Reserves had to find some way to minimise the disruption. Neil Worrall made his second appearance of the season following a long term injury and clearly played a major part in the team’s efforts to clinch a semi-final place. A strong wind didn’t help either side as they tried to play football. With the a strong wind at their backs Wickwar dominated the first 25 minutes and could have taken the lead as early as the seventh minute when they rattled the Kings upright. Kings defended well during this period, but were unable to get much forward movement against the strong wind and a de-

termined Wickwar side. Gradually the game changed and Kings. In a four-minute spell the score could have been 2-1 to the home side. On 25 minutes Kings mounted a strong attack and had the Wickwar defence under pressure, when a Gareth Bee shot came off the crossbar, although it fell to Jon Chandler in space, he was deemed to have been off side. On 27 minutes Wickwar attacked and a shot from just outside the box saw Ivor Griffiths flying across goal to make a strong one handed save as the ball headed for the top far corner. Spurred on by this, another Wickwar effort from close in was again well saved by Griffiths. In the last 15 minutes of the first half, Worrall and Bee managed to get the Kings side on the offensive. They began to spray balls all over the park and really did create all sorts of problems for the Wickwar defence. Kings then took the lead on 39 minutes. From a Joe Griffiths freekick, Worrall got his head to the ball and it fell to Bee who found

the unmarked Mike Mackay who angled his shot back across Binden in the Wickwar goal. Wickwar hit back and with two minutes to go to half-time, a high ball was lobbed into the six-yard box and Griffiths in the Kings goal hesitated to come for it as he would normally do, and Wickwar were level at 1-1. The second-half saw the wind drop and this enabled both sides to play some better football. Kings just had the edge in terms of the build-up play, but were not able to penetrate a determined Wickwar defence. Despite this Wickwar were dangerous on the counter attack and it was from one of these that Kings chances were dashed. On 67 minutes, Joe Griffiths and Bee went to put in a challenge inadvertently took each other out and leaving Whitefoot exposed to a two-on-one situation, which Kings were not able to defend. The last 15 minutes saw Kings put everything into trying to get an equaliser to take the game to penalties, but despite this Wickwar held out.

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

15 JANUARY 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

SPORT

Local Football

Cheltenham League round-up CHELTENHAM LEAGUE FOOTBALL

FC LAKESIDE moved to the top of Division One of the Cheltenham League, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Cheltenham Ford, following their 3-0 defeat of old rivals Churchdown Panthers. With Whaddon United losing their match to the weather Lakeside pulled a point clear although they have played a game more than United. Both teams are in action this weekend and know that they need to keep taking all three points to stay in touch with each other. At the bottom Bishops Cleeve III claimed a crucial victory as they beat bottom club Kings 4-2. The win lifts them above Newton and leaves them seven points ahead of their opposition. Leaders Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves avenged their defeat to Cheltenham Patriots earlier in the season with a hard fought 3-2 victory at their Tewkesbury Road ground. Patriots twice took the lead only for Joe McCauley to twice draw Service level. Keeper Lewis Horton then kept the hosts in the game with a superb save before a spectacular winner from Dan Midwinter gave them all three points. Staunton and Corse kept up their pressure on the leaders with a 3-2 win at Andoversford. They are just three points behind Service but crucially have three games in hand.

Service face another of their conquerors next week when they play FC Barometrics Reserves. Baros lost 2-0 to WMK last weekend and will be looking to get back to winning ways and stay in contention for the title. Welland FC moved top of Division Three after beating the previous leaders Leckhampton Rovers 4-3. They top the table by two points and still have two games in hand. At the bottom Shurdington Rovers woes continued as they were beaten 5-0 by Brockworth Albion Reserves. This weekend Welland travel to Newland who still boast an unbeaten league record. However, after drawing five of their opening six matches they find themselves ten points off the top of the table. There were just two league matches in Division Four last weekend and Southside Reserves were the big winners as they hit eight past bottom club Tewkesbury Town Reserves. First plays fourth this weekend as Northway host Kings Reserves. Kings know they will need to avoid defeat if they are to remain in contention in the title raise. An impressive 6-1 win for FC Barometrics III over Hatherley FC saw them move off the bottom of Division Five and up four places. Sherborne Harriers lost the only other game in the Division, going

33 entries for Chase HORSE RACING CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

old Sizing Europe (50/1, Henry de Bromhead), who was successful in 2011. Sprinter Sacre has been off the track since pulling-up in the 2013 Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park, but is set to return in Ascot's Clarence House Chase on January 17, while Sire De Grugy is due to make his comeback in the Betfair Price Rush Chase (registered as the Game Spirit Chase) at Newbury on February 7. Irish handler Henry de Bromhead has three entries, including Sizing Europe who could make his seventh appearance at The Festival. The tremendous chaser, who ran in the 2008 Champion Hurdle, took the Racing Post Arkle in 2010, won the Queen Mother Champion Chase the following year, was second in the 2012 and 2013 renewals and finished fourth last year.

down 4-1 to Bredon. The defeat, coupled with Baros' win, sees Harriers end the weekend bottom. Harriers task doesn’t get any easier this weekend when they host leaders FC Lakeside Reserves. Lakedside will be expecting to take maximum points from the match but defeat could open up the way for Staunton and Corse Reserves or Cheltenham Civil Service IV who are on their tails. Malvern Vale maintained their 100 percent start to life in Division

Six with a 4-2 win at Gala Wilton IV. Fintan Reserves, the other team with a 100 percent record were not in action last Saturday. Fintan return to action this weekend in the big game in Division Six as they travel to Cheltenham United. United sit one place and one point above their opposition however they have played two games more. United go into the clash off the back of a 3-0 win at Charlton Rovers III with Chris Clavin grab-

bing two goals and Carl Crisp the other. Defeat for United could open the way for Regency Town to leapfrog them. They will play Apperley after the United game finishes so will go into their gaming knowing whether victory will take them up to third. The bottom two teams also meet this weekend as Andoversford III host Charlton Rovers III. With both teams on three points it will be winner takes it all.

Cheltenham Football League, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Ford Cheltenham

PLAYER PROFILE OF THE WEEK This week we focus on Rob Curry who captains Southside FC in Division Two. One of the biggest junior

He recorded his eighth Grade One victory in the Punchestown Champion Chase in April and got the better of subsequent dual Grade One victor Road To Riches by a head when landing the Grade Two PWC Champion Chase for a fourth successive year at Gowran Park in October. Sizing Europe turned in a rare lacklustre performance on his latest start when sixth to Champagne Fever (Willie Mullins, 8/1) in the Grade Two Clonmel Oil Chase on November 13. De Bromhead said: “Sizing Europe is well and in good form. We are just taking it one race at a time with him at the moment, but it is better to be entered at Cheltenham rather than not. That was our thinking anyway. “He is in the Clarence House at Ascot next weekend but I'm not sure if he will travel over. It will all depend on the ground.” De Bromhead has also entered Special Tiara (25/1), who regained the winning thread with a spectacular jumping performance in the Grade Two Desert Orchid Chase at

clubs in Cheltenham, Southside have made a successful transition into open aged football enabling players like Rob to stay with the club and move from junior to adult football. They now boast two teams as well as a veterans team who play in the County Veterans League. The first XI claimed the County Cup last season and currently sit in eighth place in Division Two. Name: Rob Curry Nickname: Chicken Position: Centre midfield Previous clubs: None. Played

Kempton Park over Christmas and was sixth in this race last year, and Grade One runnerup Moscow Mannon (66/1). The trainer added: “The Champion Chase is the aim for Special Tiara. He has come out of Kempton very well and is in great form. “We delighted with him there - it was a brilliant performance - and it was great to get him back on the winning trail again. “We still need to think about whether or not he will run again as I haven't given it a lot of thought yet. “We were happy with Moscow Mannon in Leopardstown and he seems to be in good form after the race. “He will probably go for the Champion Chase as well and I would be hopeful of a good performance.” There are 14 Irish-trained entries, another modern record (previous highest 12 in 2007), with four of these hailing from the stable of the country's champion trainer Willie Mullins. Mullins' leading contender appears to be Champagne Fever, who is already a dual

for Southside since I was eight years old Most memorable game: County Cup Final 2013/14 versus English Bicknor when we won 1-0 Worst game: League Cup Final 2008/09 versus Tewkesbury Town, we drew 3-3, 4-4 AET then lost 7-6 on penalties Toughest opponents: Charlton Rovers (promoted to Northern Senior League last year) Best club player: Rob Lowe Team Supported: Liverpool Favourite player: Steven Gerrard

winner at The Festival having taken the 2012 Weatherbys Champion Bumper and 2013 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle. He was also the head runner-up in the 2014 Racing Post Arkle Chase. Mullins could also run Ballycasey (33/1), Turban (66/1) and Twinlight (22/1). British champion trainer Paul Nicholls is the most successful current handler in the Betway Champion Chase with four successes. He has four entries for 2015, headed by 2011 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle victor Al Ferof (8/1), who was third over a mile further in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. Nicholls could also be represented by Dodging Bullets (10/1), successful in this season's Grade One Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park, plus Mr Mole (33/1) and Hinterland (50/1). Alan King, successful with Voy Por Ustedes in 2007, has two strong contenders in Uxizandre (16/1) and Balder Succes (20/1), while Cumbrian-based Nicky Richards may run Eduard (33/1) and Simply Ned (20/1).

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 15 JANUARY 2015

Hartlepool United 2

Cheltenham Town 0

PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA

SPORT

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Buckle calls for more leadership ahead of Morecambe home clash FOOTBALL

AUL Buckle says Cheltenham Town must bounce back quickly from last week’s setback at Hartlepool United as they welcome Morecambe to Whaddon Road on Friday night (7.45pm). They went down 2-0 to the bottom club at Victoria Park, with goals from Scott Fenwick and former Robins trialist Rakish Bingham in each half. It was Pools’ first victory under new boss Ronnie Moore, bringing Cheltenham back down to earth with a bang after their 2-1 win at Oxford United a week earlier, leaving them 18th in the table. “It's always disappointing when you lose and we've probably had enough of those days to last us a lifetime this season,” Buckle said. “You have to manage the game

from the side, but the players have to manage the game as well, in terms of understanding the conditions. “I don't think we cleared our lines well enough, we still had chances all the way to the end, but the goals we conceded were poor. “We just lacked a little bit today, but it certainly wasn’t effort or desire.” It was the first time Cheltenham had conceded more than one goal in a game under Buckle and he knows they will need to show a vast improvement if they are to distance themselves from the drop zone against 11th placed Morecambe. “We had a brilliant weekend against Oxford, but we have to take this on the chin and it’s all about dusting ourselves down and going again against Morecambe,” he said.

“I am dealing with this group of boys I have inherited and I’m doing the best I can with them. We didn’t get carried away with Oxford and Hartlepool deserved their win, but we shot ourselves in the foot. “We will be trying to get three points at home after a good week of training and I will be calling for more leadership from the boys, which is the biggest thing they need to take onboard.” Cheltenham are still without midfielder Asa Hall, who this week underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon and faces another six weeks on the sidelines. Captain Matt Taylor is close to being considered for a return from his hamstring injury suffered at former club Exeter City on Boxing Day, while Steve Elliott is working hard to regain fitness after a knee problem.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Flinders; Duckworth, Harrison, Jones, Austin; Franks, Tshibola, Woods, Compton; Bingham, Fenwick. Subs not used: Maxted, Holden, Bates, Walker, Featherstone, Richards, Nearney. CHELTENHAM TOWN: Carson; Vaughan, Jones, Brown, BrahamBarrett; Ferdinand, Stewart, Richards, Sterling-James (Harrison 54); Dunn, Gornell (Williams 69). Subs not used: Haworth, Deaman, Hanks, Kotwica, Reynolds. REFEREE: R Clark ATTENDANCE: 3,155 (177 from Cheltenham). * Cheltenham Town's back-up goalkeeper Matt Gould has joined Bishop’s Cleeve on loan. Steve Cleal's Mitres side face Mangotsfield United at Kayte Lane on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

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Record entries for Queen Mother Champion Chase HORSE RACING

A MODERN day record of 33 entries has been revealed for the £350,000 Grade One Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, the highlight of Ladies Day at The Festival. The previous highest number of entries was 32 in 2002. The latest four winners of the two-mile chasing championship are entered for the Grade One race, which takes place on Wednesday, March 11. Last year's hero Sire De Grugy (Gary Moore, 11/2 second favourite with new sponsor Betway), breathtaking 2013 victor Sprinter Sacre (Nicky Henderson, 5/2 favourite), 2012 scorer Finian's Rainbow (33/1, Nicky Henderson) and the veteran 13-yearTURN TO PAGE 31>

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