Cheltenham Standard 9th April 2015

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9 APRIL 2015 ISSUE 38

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CHELTENHAM TOWN JOBS RISK club chairman admits that job losses could be on the horizon

JOBS would be at risk at Cheltenham Town Football Club if it is relegated from the football league, the chairman has warned.

Paul Baker commented that admin jobs would be axed if the League Two club drops into the Football Conference next season.

Cheltenham are currently bottom of the league with only five games left to play.

Mr Baker said: “People would lose jobs all over the football club and we would have to trim down the team.”

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 APRIL 2015

Former New Zealand rugby player arrested at Kingsholm on suspicion of a sexual assault

Cheltenham WeatherWatch Thursday 9th April Min 7ºC Max 16ºC

MILS Muliaina, 34, who plays for the Connacht province in the Irish Republic, was arrested following a match in Gloucester last Friday evening.

Gloucestershire Police said a man in his thirties had been arrested at Kingsholm Stadium in relation to the assault in Cardiff.

South Wales Police said a 34year-old man was in their custody.

The ex-All Black, earned 100

FrIday 10th April Min 8ºC Max 17ºC saTurday 11th April Min 5ºC Max 12ºC suNday 12th April Min 5ºC Max 13ºC MONday 13th April Min 6ºC Max 12ºC TuEsday 14th April Min 7ºC Max 14ºC

caps during his nine years with the international side.

Connacht rugby club said in a statement: “Connacht Rugby can confirm that player Mils Muliaina is currently assisting the South Wales Police with enquiries relating to an alleged incident in Cardiff in March of this year.

“As this is a legal matter, Connacht Rugby will be making no further comment at this time.”

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WEdNEsday 15th April Min 7ºC Max 15ºC

EdITOr editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk spOrTs jon@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk advErTIsINg mark@stylemagazines.co.uk bethany.lynch@stylemagazines.co.uk sales@stylemagazines.co.uk rECruITMENT recruitment@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

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CAMPAIGNERS are saying that the new NHS contract-awarding rules for GPs are a “disgrace” as they create a conflict of interest.

GPs on Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have been given the power to award GP services.

Campaign group 38 Degrees is concerned this will influence the way contracts are awarded because the GPs themselves oversee the decisions.

But, the CCG said its decision-making committee's constitution will avoid this potential issue.

David Perry, from 38 Degrees,

said: “This announcement is a disgrace, introducing a conflict of interest with GPs commissioning GP services.

“It is similar to the conflict of interest in parliament when large numbers of MPs with financial interests in private healthcare companies voted for the 2012 Health & Social Care Act which has led to the privatisation of many more NHS service.”

Gloucestershire CCG is the only one in the South West that has been given the go-ahead for the committee.

Campaigners believe as long

as GPs are on this committee they will always be open to the accusation they are feathering their own nests.

Previously, GPs sitting on CCGs only controlled the purse strings for buying hospital and community services.

Mary Hutton, the accountable officer at Gloucestershire CCG, said: “This provides the CCG with a great opportunity to better meet local needs by commissioning more joined up services for patients from GP care, to care at home, right the way through to hospital services.”

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Road death misery over Easter weekend TWO people from Cheltenham died in separate car crashes in Gloucestershire over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Police have confirmed that a motorcyclist died in a collision on the A40 near Sherborne.

Paramedics and police attended the scene but the 41-year-old sadly lost his life.

An occupant of the other vehicle involved in the crash was taken to hospital in Oxford for treatment, but their injuries were reported to not be life-threatening.

Also in the early hours of Good Friday morning, a driver died in a single-vehicle collision on the A38 at Waterwells Roundabout in Gloucester.

The driver was aged 36 and from Cheltenham.

Both men's next of kin have been informed.

Anyone with information about either crash is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police on 101.

9 APRIL 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Chalk calls for cheaper parking in Cheltenham CHELTENHAM’S Tory MP hopeful, Alex Chalk, has called on Council bosses to “look again” at the town’s parking charges. He believes the high cost of parking is damaging the town’s high street and deterring shoppers from visiting. If Mr Chalk gets his way, it would mean free parking in designated town centre car parks after 4pm and more free parking days during less busy shopping periods.

Cheltenham Borough Council are responsible for setting off-street parking charges in the town. Last year the town’s car parks raised over £3 million last year for Council coffers.

Town hall bosses point to the fact they have frozen charges for the last five years as evidence of their support for local businesses. But Mr Chalk is not impressed.

Speaking to the Standard, the man who wants to be Cheltenham’s next MP drew a comparison with neighbouring towns: ‘‘The cost of parking in our town is too high. While Tewkesbury and Gloucester have adopted a more flexible approach in recent years, Cheltenham’s Lib Dems have refused to follow suit. For example, you

can park all day in Gloucester on a Sunday for £2, but it would cost you £10 in Cheltenham for the same period.

In our town centre you have to pay to park until 8pm every evening (including Sundays), compared to 5pm in Gloucester’s key town centre car parks. With internet shopping and out-oftown retail parks increasingly popular, we need to do everything we can to support our high street. Cutting parking charges would make a big difference.’’

Mr Chalk also accused his Lib Dem opponents of not having a proper parking strategy. He cited the example of the North Place car park, which was closed in December last year to make way for a new Morrisons supermarket and housing development. The closure was @shortsighted’’ according to the Conservative candidate, as ‘‘the Council didn’t ensure replacement spaces were available, thus leaving a key gap in capacity over a key shopping period.’’

It’s not just here in Cheltenham where parking has played a key part of the election campaign. Last month, the Minister responsible for

local Government, Eric Pickles, announced he was introducing a ten minute ‘grace' period for drivers, allowing them extra breathing space to finish their shopping without facing a ticket.

Opponents argued that Mr Pickles’ move was a gimmick that didn’t go far enough.

Appeal after man left with fractured eye socket POLICE in Cheltenham are appealing for information after an elderly man was robbed in the town last Tuesday afternoon.

The incident happened in an alleyway next to the Two Pigs pub at about 3.50pm on Tuesday 31st March.

The 70-year-old victim had just collected several thousand pounds in Euros from the post office when a man approached him and told him there was a woman who wanted to speak to him.

The victim returned to the cashier at the post office but

Potential job cuts for robins >> CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

The club recently appointed former Bristol City and Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson to try

left again when she told him it wasn't her.

He walked to a nearby bus stop but just before the ’D’ route bus arrived the same man approached him again and told him the woman was waiting for him in a pub. The man told the victim he would take him to her and escorted him down an alleyway next to the Two Pigs pub. The victim, realising he may have been tricked, turned to walk back but was then attacked by the man.

The victim managed to

and help the team avoid relegation.

“We'd have to look at all aspects of the business,” he said. “You have to trim all of your costs.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to retain the academy and hopefully we’d be able to

hold on to some of the cash but was left with injuries including multiple fractures to the eye, bruises and grazing.

The attacker is described as white, around 30 years old, of slim build, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall and wearing a distinctive blue and white jumper and sandy/beige chino style trousers.

A CCTV image of the man has been released by police.

Anyone who recognises the man or has any information about this incident is urged to call 101, quoting incident 330 of 31 March.

retain the training facility.

“But the key thing will be the wages and the playing budget which will have to be significantly reduced.”

Cheltenham lost to York and Stevenage over Easter weekend.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 APRIL 2015

Pittville Gates in Cheltenham grand opening THE grand opening of the restored Pittville Gates took place on Tuesday of this week at 3pm by Cheltenham’s Mayor, Simon Wheeler. The event takes place four years to the day since the Friends of Pittville launched the fundraising campaign.

The Mayor and Mayoress rode from Pittville Pump Room to the gateway in a

horse-drawn carriage. As they approached, the new gates opened to allow the carriage to pass through and Cheltenham’s Town Crier, Mr Ken Brightwell, announced their arrival. The Mayor then unveiled a plaque in front of the gates marking the beginning of the restoration work in 2012, the Queen’s

Diamond Jubilee year.

The celebrations concluded with a reception, sponsored by Mr and Mrs Adam Lillywhite, at the nearby Cheltenham Townhouse hotel. The guests included major donors and others who have helped with the restoration project. The carriage then returned to the Pump Room carrying

members of Friends of Pittville who have been successful in a draw for the carriage ride.

Judie Hodsdon, chair of the Friends of Pittville project committee said: “The gateway now looks even more magnificent than we hoped it would and has

helped transform what was previously a rather dismal corner of Cheltenham. We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed in any way to the success of the project. It has been a real community effort.”

Simon Wheeler, mayor, added: “The gates look in-

credible and have considerably improved the appearance of a prominent corner of the townscape.

I feel honoured to have been asked to unveil the plaque and I give my personal thanks to everyone involved in this important restoration.’’

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april sites for mobile speed cameras

You have been warned!

THE speed cameras will be out and about this month in Cheltenham.

Priority sites for April are as follows: A4013: Princess Elizabeth Way Cheltenham A46: Bath Road The sites chosen reflect ongoing speeding issues at these sites as evidenced throughout the last year. Some have shown an improvement since being previously named as priority sites and Police say it is hoped this trend will continue.

nick Clegg visits Cheltenham supporting liberal democrats LIB Dem Leader Nick Clegg made a whirlwind visit to Cheltenham this week to rally Liberal Democrat activists ahead of the General Election.

Mr Clegg delivered a motivational speech to Martin Horwood and his

Lib Dem supporters.

With polling day less than a month away now the Deputy Prime Minister paid a visit to the party's offices in Hewlett Road.

He delivered a motivational message to supporters of Martin Horwood,

the Lib Dem candidate who is hoping to be returned as the town's MP on May 7th Mr Clegg said to a standing-room-only crowd: “Our message is really starting to get through.”

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Five choirs, 100 voices for st Paul’s ST Paul’s Church in Cheltenham was packed out for a choir concert with a difference last Friday evening. Five choirs led by Cheltenham based music teacher and director Rachel Bowen met together on Friday evening to sing Alexander L’Estrange’s Ahoy!; Sing For The Mary Rose.

The five choirs have been separately practising L’Estrange’s multi part choral cantata since January last year and the concert on Friday was the culmination of months’ of work. The singers ranged

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in age with young children from the Ridge Academy Choir, the junior and senior sections of Cheltenham Youth Choirs, staff from Cheltenham Festivals and HSBC who sing as A Choired Taste and the more mature voices of Midlife ChoirSis. Over 100 voices came together for the concert with accompaniment provided by a specially assembled band of piano, violin, double bass, drums and accordion.

“This was the hardest piece that many of the singers have ever performed,” said Rachel.

“They had all worked incredibly hard and learnt their parts brilliantly. The combination of adult voices with the gorgeous youth choir children and the little ones from The Ridge actually blew me away. None of the singers had auditioned for a place in their choir but it sounded as if they’d all auditioned and I had chosen the best in the west! We put together an amazing band to accompany the choirs and they made a huge difference adding an extra dimension to the piece,” she added.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 APRIL 2015

Half a million pegs and 100,000 metres of washing line sold by Morrisons PEG and washing line sales are rocketing by 600% as the first spring sun liberates the nation’s laundry.

During April 4th - 10th – the earliest dry and warm week of the UK year so far Morrisons expects to sell at least 500,000 pegs and 100,000 metres of line – enough to stretch a washing line from London to Southampton.

1.2 million packs of laundry detergent are also likely to be sold. This would

wash an estimated 30 million loads or 60,000 tonnes of washing – the weight of a large container ship.

Chris Watson, Laundry Buyer at Morrisons said:

“Since last October, our homes have been littered with wet clothing and bed linen on radiators, airers and doorframes.

“The hot weather has arrived early this year, with the Met Office predicting 20°C temperatures for the rest of Easter school holidays. Pegging laundry out will not only save dampness in the home and money spent on tumble dryers, but will leave your washing both soft and smelling fresh.”

Cheltenham College unveil 3 metre periodic table display CHELTENHAM College has a long tradition of strength in Sciences. As with all the great public schools of England, College led the way in the introduction of science to the school curriculum in the nineteenth century and many Old Cheltonians have gone on to make an impact in their specialist scientific areas on the world stage.

Students aged 9-18 will now be able to undertake experiments and investigations beyond the scope of the curriculum.

John Jones, Head of Chemistry at Cheltenham College said: “The refurbished laboratories will transform our pupil’s experience of practical science – they ensure that College can continue to put practical skills at the top of the science agenda.”

Specially commissioned for the newly renovated Science Centre, and inspired

by Theodore Gray, international selling author, the periodic table is the first large-scale installation of its kind in Europe, bringing the concept of the periodic table to life.

The display presents hundreds of carefully curated objects, showing how elements are used in civilisation, as well as an interactive video display featuring experiments and demonstrations.

9 APRIL 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Castle opens an A-MAZE-ING new attraction SUDELEY Castle & Gardens launched its latest family attraction with a bang last Wednesday 1st April.

The historic home invited visitors to the opening of ‘Lost in the Willows’, a living willow maze and dipping pond with the ribbon being cut by Lady Ashcombe, the Mayor of Tewkesbury, and Roger Mortlock, CEO of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

In addition, Chloe the Midnight Story Teller read chapters from Wind in the Willows and from Lady Ashcombe’s new book, ‘Brock the Badger: The Tale of the Family Pet’.

Working alongside Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the maze is based on classic children’s novel, The Wind in the Willows and is made up of a series of interconnected areas where children can run free and have adventures exploring and finding the burrows of Badger, Ratty and Mole.

Cocaine dealers caught in Pittville A POLICE sting operation in Pittville Park has successfully trapped two cocaine dealers who sold the Class A drugs to police officers posing as customers, Gloucester Crown Court has heard.

Jack Linton, 23, of Roseberry Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, and 25-year-old Kane Davies, of Cobham Road, Cheltenham, pleaded guilty to six counts of supplying cocaine over a four-month period last year, Gloucester Crown Court was told on Tuesday of this week.

Prosecuting barrister Paul Cook said: “Undercover offi-

The maze also contains a wildflower meadow, a small orchard, a pond and a free play area, so there’s plenty for children to explore.

Elizabeth, Lady Ashcombe, who owns and lives at Sudeley Castle & Gardens, said: “The launch was a huge

success, with adults and children alike delighted by the unveiling of the maze. “It is close to my heart, as it weaves in the story of Brock, our family badger. We can’t wait to share this and welcome guests to our wonderful new attraction.”

cers approached a group of young people in Pittville Park in September of last year and asked if they could buy cocaine.

“A meeting was arranged and Davies handed over an amount of cocaine, which was of a high purity.’’ He also added: “Officers again contacted Davies with another similar request but this time Linton conducted the supply, again in Pittville Park.

“This occurred a number of times and was clearly street dealing for profit.

“Linton has a substantial list of previous convictions, including burglary, disorderly behaviour and cannabis possession, while Davies only has three previ-

ous convictions for affray and assault.

“They supplied the drugs to fund their own habits and bitterly regret the situation.

They pleaded guilty immediately to the offences which were committed over a relatively short period of time.”

The Court Recorder Peter Towler said: “For fourmonths these two men supplied cocaine to undercover police officers in Pittville Park which has a high student population.’’

Both men were given two year jail sentences suspended for two years and made the subject of 12 months supervision and six months of a drug rehabilitation requirement.

Sexual touching incident in High Street POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a sexual touching incident that took place in the High Street on Monday 30th March.

A woman was the victim of sexual touching as she was walking up Cheltenham High Street at about 4.45 pm.

As she walked past WH Smith she was approached

by a man walking in the opposite direction who touched her in a sensitive manner as he walked past her. The woman was extremely shocked.

The suspect is described as being white, in his 30’s, about 5’10” tall with a slim build and dark hair. He was wearing blue camouflage trousers with black shoes

and a black jacket. He had dark hair and a very pale complexion with possibly a small thin moustache.

It is believed a number of witnesses saw the incident.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police on 101, quoting Incident Number 367 of 30 March.

Located only eight miles from Cheltenham and Broadway, Sudeley Castle & Gardens is the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds. The last of Henry VIII’s six wives, Katherine Parr lived and died in the

castle, where she still remains today entombed in a beautiful restored 15th century church found within the award-winning gardens.

Other highlights include a unique Katherine Parr exhibition, which allows guests to view personal items of the

queen including rare copies of original books she wrote.

An owlery, pheasantry, adventure playground with picnic area, gift shop and restaurant in the old medieval banqueting hall complete the perfect day out. www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 APRIL 2015

Posh shirts for the Promenade HAWES & Curtis, the once traditional Jermyn Street shirt-maker will take the wraps off its first Cheltenham store on the Promenade.

Chairman Touker Suleyman, who last week was unveiled as one of the new faces for the BBC’s Dragons Den, said shoes, chinos, casualwear and swimwear will be added to complement the market-leading shirts and suits.

Suleyman, who rescued

Hawes & Curtis for £1 in 2001 and transformed it into a £30m business, said, “Hawes & Curtis has always been an affordable luxury brand, predominantly for office wear. As the brand has evolved into celebrating the British lifestyle, we have extended our product offering to include outerwear, shoes and casual wear.

And with a clientele which has included icons from past and present - from the Duke of Edinburgh and Duke of

Windsor through to Clark Cable, Cary Grant and Fred Astaire through to the likes of David Hasselhoff, Morgan Freeman and Martin Kemp it’s easy to see where the inspiration has come from.

The expansion in the UK mirrors that of the company abroad, which is opening 26 stores throughout the Middle East as part of a landmark franchise operation.

The Cheltenham store is due to open on July 2nd this year.

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Star studded night in Cheltenham looming APRIL 18th will see a host of reality stars arrive in the town Not only is Geordie Shore holding its Season 10 launch party at Moo Moos, but the son of footballing legend George Best, Calum Best (pictured) will be making an appearance at V Club.

The club which is under new management is running a competition for fans to pick Calum up at the start of the night in a limousine. Jump onto their Facebook page to find out how to enter.

Calum's visit comes as he is launching an autobiography detailing his relationship with his father, footballing legend George Best.

Venting spleen WHAT an utter disgrace that NINE British Muslims are expected to be returning back here from Turkey later this week after they attempted to join ISIS. Scores of these wannabe terrorists are re-entering our country after security services apprehend them in their attempts to cross into Syria.

However – many of them, like this latest batch, are likely returning to the UK without any terror charges to face.

It’s a total farce and highlights the vulnerability this puts our great nation at.

I find it ludicrous that in the war against radicalisation (where an estimated 600 Brits have joined the terror group) we can’t bend the laws to protect our streets.

Who cares if there’s no concrete, photo evidence of young ‘Waheed’ wielding an AK47? I don’t need to see a photograph of him pointing it at some poor bloke’s head

Local man about town, Tom Thurlow lets loose

and I don’t need to wait for him to cross into Syria before it’s too late for us to act. His intentions were to commit mass genocide and that should be the only thing we take into account.

As far as I’m concerned he’s frittered away his citizenship in this country and is no longer fit to possess a British passport.

Simply telling them we don’t want them back is not enough.

We should be telling them they’re not allowed back under any circumstances.

Alas, from my grasp of law, I fear we cannot do this due to restrictions imposed on us by the European Union. Because he’s ‘one of us’ he has human rights

and we should hold our arms open for his return back to Rochdale; doubtlessly with a free house, some benefit cash and perhaps even some treatment on the NHS? The EU simply doesn’t work for our country. It’s a lovely idea but when we can’t close our borders when it’s appropriate for us (like in this instance), I say enough is enough.

The general election is looming and I’m extremely worried about the result for a number of reasons that I’m sure I’ll write about it in the coming weeks. But the first and most important concern boils down to immigration. Irrespective of my views to how crowded we are, or my take on the rights of foreigners to set up home here, I want us to have the fundamental right to keep terrorists out.

We shouldn’t have to tip toe around draconian laws written up by non-

Brits and we certainly shouldn’t have to honour the human rights belonging to a radical Muslim who is threatening the security of our country.

Quite simply: if one of our citizens is a terrorist threat we should revoke their citizenship and either deport them to their place of origin or lock them up in prison for life. FYI – lack of prison space should never be an excuse for shorter or no custodial sentence. For pity’s sake build more of them.

Come May 7th I’m voting Conservative: the only party promising a referendum on the EU. It’s reason enough for me to pledge my support to our local Tory candidate Alex Chalk. God help us if we get stuck with the hapless Miliband who’ll hand any rights we haven’t already given to the EU over to the Scots!

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

9 APRIL 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

standoku

medium

7 1 4 9 3 5 1 6 9 2 1 7 3 8 9 4 5 9 4 5 6 7 3 6 9 1 5 8 3 4 3 7 2

taRget

L R Y E A C T S G

make as many words of four letters or more as you can. each word must contain the center letter and each letter must only be used once.

Target: 25 words good; 35 very good; 40+ excellent.

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Cryptic Crossword No38 aCRoss 1. Take in water when the plug is out (4) 3. Quietly change nappies with an instrument (8) 9. Beat an animal in front of a holy man (7) 10. Steel is terribly loyal (5) 11. Party of the right and not vice versa, perhaps (12) 13. Nudity is made out to be slovenly (6) 15. The doctor sees 11 across about fungal decay (3,3) 17. Talk of conservation? (12) 20. Strange enigma when I leave a girl (5) 21. A fir cone falls from this tree (7) 22. Is 'artist' appropriate for this type of writer (8) 23. Mary goes around with soldiers (4)

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Last week’s solutions (2nd april 2015): aCross: 6 Caution; 7 Colon; 9 Deuce; 10 Decimal; 12 Round of golf; 14 Masterpiece; 18 Ignores; 19 Heist; 21 Brian; 22 Seminar. doWn: 1 Layer; 2 Stucco; 3 Bow; 4 Moving; 5 Notable; 8 Deposit; 11 Unarmed; 13 Dangers; 15 Trojan; 16 Credit; 17 Islam; 20 Ken.

By LJ RobeRts THE countdown is on for one of the biggest sporting fashion events of the year, the Aintree Grand National this Saturday 11th April.

While some race-goers are busy picking out their bets others are focusing on their outfits.

Dodgy spray-on tans, heavy make-up and skimpy attire, often extremely inappropriate for the April weather, have become common sights to grace the pages of the press in recent years and spotting the fashion faux pas’ have become a sport in itself for the paparazzi.

It is a pastime, however, they may have to relinquish, as bosses at the Liverpool course have a plan to preserve their visitors' dignity by actually banning photographers from taking pictures of badly dressed women.

John Baker, managing director of the racecourse, hopes the ban will put an end to what he claims is ‘unfair coverage of customers getting drunk or flashing too much flesh at the event.’

The racecourse feel it is the media coverage of some women taking advantage of the 'lax' dress code which has put other people off attending the meeting.

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DowN 1. An iron or where you might use it (4,4) 2. Fruit eaten when out of melon? (5) 4. I have followed the law of movement (6) 5. Dressings are not for an impossibly virtuous person (7,5) 6. A friend has to state that it's a tedious discussion (7) 7. Some nasty eye infection (4) 8. I wanted river to be diverted by the dowser (5,7) 12. Fish which might be straying (8) 14. Tottenham Hotspur should have considered ... (7) 16. ... a summary of changing prices (6) 18. Deduce that the fine will turn out right (5) 19. I take politicians to be little devils (4)

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Pointing the finger POLICE in Gloucestershire are testing two new devices to combat people giving them false details at the roadside.

Officers now have two mobile fingerprint machines that they will be using in the county on a trial basis.

Gloucestershire road police took to twitter to showcase one of the devices.

They said one of the devices is linked to the immigration database.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 APRIL 2015

THE new “loneliness maps“ could be used to target limited resources at the people and places that need them most.

The Hidden Citizens report, published by the Campaign to End Loneliness, said this has already been done successfully in Gloucestershire and Essex.

Studies have suggested loneliness contributes to health problems.

Laura Alcock-Ferguson, director for the Campaign to End Loneliness, said: “If local councils and services do not act now to find the people experiencing severe loneliness, we are likely to see the consequences in our hospitals and social care services.

“Loneliness and isolation in older age is a serious public health issue and increases the risk of conditions including dementia, high

blood pressure and depression.“ The report, published in conjunction with the University of Kent, describes how Gloucestershire County Council adapted a model used by Essex County Council when creating its own loneliness map.

The map was created using existing data about people living in the county.

Factors such as low income, living in a household with one occupant and not owning a car were taken into consideration when assessing the potential for loneliness.

Neil Dixon, the council's joint strategic needs analysis manager, said: “The map we've adapted from a model by Essex County Council means that we can work out how many people could be lonely and where those people need us most.“

nurse caught nicking drugs A 37-year-old nurse walked free from Gloucester Crown Court following admitting stealing drugs from Cheltenham General Hospital.

On March 13th, Natashia Penhale was found guilty of three charges of theft, one of possessing a controlled drug and eight of fraud.

She was remanded in custody ahead of this week’s sentencing hearing.

Ms Penhale was sentenced to 42 days in jail which meant she was released immediately because of the time she had already spent in custody.

NHS counter fraud specialist Sallie Cheung said: "Ms Penhale worked in a position of trust which she abused for her personal gain. She put the reputation of her employer and colleagues at risk but thanks to the professionalism of another member of staff her patients’ safety was not compromised.’’

A staff member blew the whistle after non-stock

medication was found to be missing and Penhale was later arrested for theft of drugs. An investigation followed, led by the Gloucestershire NHS Local Counter Fraud Service.

Penhale stole painkillers she was prescribed for back pain caused by her job.

The mother-of-three, who worked in intensive care at the hospital, had always maintained her innocence – even after the court jury convicted her last month of stealing drugs and fraudulently obtaining painkillers. But this week in court she finally admitted her guilt.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC told her it would be a condition of her sentence that she gets help from the ISIS women offenders' centre in Gloucester.

He also ordered her to pay £5,000 towards the £20,000 cost of her 10-day trial.

She was found guilty of three charges of stealing drugs, eight of fraudulently obtaining the painkillers and one of possessing the Class C drug diazepam illegally.

The jury cleared her of one charge of theft, two of fraudulently obtaining painkillers and two of forging prescriptions.

HATS ON FOR GIFFORDS CIRCUS PHILIP Treacy will design 12 bespoke pieces for the Giffords Circus 2015 summer tour entitled Moon Songs.

Headwear by the internationally famed milliner is going to form part of the costumes for the 12 members of the company’s Ethiopian troupe.

Giffords Circus founder Nell Gifford visited Philip’s London studio along with creative designer Lindsay Pugh and Director Cal McCrystal.

Nell said: “We are privileged to be working with Philip and thrilled to announce our collaboration.

I’ve been an admirer of his work for many years and we are very excited to see him bring his touch to Moon Songs.”

Moon Songs will run from May to September across the Cotswolds and the South West with a short foray into London. The tour opens at Giffords Circus’ new HQ at Fennells Farm, Stroud on 15th May. Along the way,

PHOTO: Kevin Davies

Maps created showing where older people are likely to be at risk

Giffords Circus will visit the following locations: Sudeley Castle, Stadhampton Village Green, Blenheim Palace, Oxford University Parks, Daylesford Organic Farm, The Fox Inn at Barrington, Frampton Village Green, Minchinhampton Common, Marlborough Common and Cirencester before returning to Fennells Farm until 20th September.

For a full list of tour dates,

locations and to book tickets, visit the Giffords Circus website at www.giffordscircus.com or call the Box Office on 0845 459 7469.

Tickets are priced at £22 for adults and £14 for children with the exception of Chiswick House & Gardens.

Tickets for these performances are priced at £25 per adult and £15 per child.

Under 3s are free to all shows if they are sitting on a lap.

9 APRIL 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

11 Official Partners With

Shopmobility reminds shoppers of meet and greet service THE shops and sights of Cheltenham can still be enjoyed by those with mobility difficulties, thanks to an invaluable ‘meet and greet’ service offered by Shopmobility. The service is especially important during the current High Street closure which means that some buses cannot take their passengers to their usual destination.

The road is closed to buses between Boots Corner and Henrietta Street whilst the exciting Brewery phase 2 transformation takes shape.

It means that for the moment, some buses are unable to bring passengers to their normal town centre stops. That’s why Shopmobility is reminding shoppers

that they can benefit from equipment including powered scooters and wheelchairs.

A spokesperson from Shopmobility said: “Our meet and greet service really helps people who, for whatever reason, have difficulties in getting around independently. As long as people are registered and trained to use the equipment, they can book the service in advance.

Then they can relax knowing that they can get off the bus and meet someone from Shopmobility who will have what they need to make their shopping trip easy and enjoyable.’’

There is a small charge for the service - £7.50 per day or

£28 for annual membership - and users need to be registered and trained for insurance purposes. This is a very quick and simple process which can be done at Shopmobility which is based at level 1 of the car park at Beechwood Shopping Centre.

The meet and greet service needs to be applied for at least 24 hours in advance and applications will be treated on a first come, first served basis. At times of high demand, applications may not be possible.

For more information, call the team on 01242 255333 or visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/ shopmobility

HAYFEVER – TIME TO TAKE ACTION Now is the time for the town to get planning for hay fever EVERY year, hay fever sufferers endure a host of unpleasant consequences, including poorer performance at work, impaired driving performance not to mention social misery. But, surprising new survey statistics from NasalGuard reveal that over a fifth of hay fever sufferers in the county wait up to two weeks after the onset of their symptoms before starting a treatment, whilst three quarters start up to 7 days later. Over half of sufferers in the county have also spent money on ineffective treatments.

Certain months last year saw the numbers of hay fever sufferers seeing their GP more than double compared to 2013 so hay fever sufferers should prepare in advance for the forthcoming season.

With the tree pollen season getting underway, why not take the time to start thinking about hay fever prevention, before unwanted symptoms get out of hand.

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Trouble brewing for First Great Western

SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP PREVENT HAY FEVER: 1. Timing is key. Hay fever symptoms are likely to be more severe when the pollen count is high, usually on hot dry days. Start keeping an eye on the Met Office website’s pollen forecasting tool to ensure you’re prepared to block pollen before hay fever symptoms start.

2. Avoid alcohol. Many alcoholic drinks contain histamine, which is the chemical that triggers allergic reactions, so alcohol can increase your sensitivity to pollen.

3. Stub it out. Smoking or inhaling other people’s

smoke can irritate your airways and exacerbate symptoms, so cut out the cigarettes and don’t let others smoke around you or in your home.

4. Stop the spread. Pollen can be brought into the home from outdoors on our clothing and hair. Take a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors to avoid spreading pollen around the home, where it can get trapped in things like carpets and fabric, fuelling symptoms. It’s also best to keep windows closed and to clean them regularly with a damp cloth to avoid pollen building up indoors.

Have a celebrity look-alike in your family?

Please send us a photo and you might win a prize! email: editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

THE RMT union has declared a dispute over First Great Western's plans to axe guards and buffet cars on the new Hitachi Inter City Express trains.

The union said it was taking action to retain a guard on every train, “not a diluted customer service role“ and full buffet car facilities.

First Great Western denied claims that jobs would be lost.

The train company said having drivers operating the doors using in-cab CCTV was safer and quicker.

The first Hitachi trains will run on the Great Western main line from 2017.

The new trains are being introduced under the Inter-

city Express Programme (IEP) on routes between London Paddington and Oxford, Bristol and South Wales.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “First Great Western are pressing ahead with proposals that will allow for driver only operation with the sacking and reducing of the safety critical operational role of train guards/conductors.“ The train firm said drivers would be in sole charge of doors on the new trains.

It said research showed incab CCTV allowed close monitoring of the platform by the driver and would cut journey times.

About 2,500 rail workers, including drivers, guards and station staff, will vote on whether to launch a campaign of action, the union said.

Buffet cars could also be replaced with just a trolley service under the plans.

The RMT said it was seeking an urgent meeting with the company.

New boss for bbC loCal radio STEPHANIE Marshall, former BBC Radio Bristol reporter has been made head of regional and local programmes for BBC in the West, incorporating BBC Radio Bristol, Gloucester-

shire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

The former BBC Radio Bristol reporter replaces Lucio Mesquita who has been appointed director of BBC monitoring.

She takes charge of a region which covers four local radio stations, plus the nightly news programmes Points West, Inside Out, Sunday Politics and BBC News Online websites.

12

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 APRIL 2015

WHAT’S ON Sporting legendS come to cheltenham racecourSe On Wednesday 20th May the Centaur at Cheltenham racecourse will welcome four legends of their sports for a two course gala Dinner hosted by David Flatman, aP McCoy, Matt Le tissier, Michael Vaughan and shane Williams. it’s rare to get so many sporting icons in one room; aP McCoy OBe, record-breaking 19 times champion jockey with over 4,315 winners, who recently announced his retirement from racing; Matt Le tissier an exceptionally technical attacking midfielder who is best known for over 400 appearances playing for southampton; Michael Vaughan OBe a former england cricket captain, once ranked as one of the world's top cricket batsmen, winning the ashes 2005 and finally shane Williams MBe, Wales rugby's top try scorer and former irB World rugby player of the year. the evening will we compered by the thoroughly entertaining David Flatman, former Bath and rugby legend. a delicious two course

meal will be served as well as coffee and petit fours.

Lee Moulson, regional Head of sales of Jockey Club racecourses south West, commented: “With a place already steeped in racing history it’s fantastic to have icons from other sports at the Home of Jump racing.” aP McCoy said: “i'm looking forward to being back at Cheltenham racecourse in May - when i can eat! – and to chat with the likes of Michael Vaughan, shane Williams and Matt le tissier. there will certainly be lots to talk about.” tickets are priced at £90 per person. shared tables are available as well as individual places.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm start.

For more information or to enquire about exclusive sponsorship packages call 01242 539538 or e-mail cheltenhamevents@thejockeyclub.co.uk.

Other information can be found at www.cheltenham.co.uk

VAN MORRISON at Cheltenham Jazz Festival FresH from releasing his globally acclaimed new studio album ‘Duets: reworking the Catalogue’, which features collaborations with the likes of gregory Porter, Michael Buble, Clare teal and others, pop maverick Van Morrison has been confirmed to perform at the opening night of this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival. the visionary songwriter joins an already star-studded line-up that includes gregory Porter, Beth Hart, Martha reeves, gilles Peterson, Jamie Cullum, Lee Konitz, squarepusher, Laura Mvula, sun ra arkestra, tony allen and many more.

Festival Director ian george said: “We are obviously delighted to have been able to add

CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

SPORTING ICONS DINNER WEDNESDAY 20th MAY 2015 Join our sporting icons for a night of banter, laughter and fun encouraged by our MC and former Bath & England rugby legend David Flatman

THE SPORTING ICONS DAVID FLATMAN Our MC and former Bath & England rugby legend, sport magazine columnist and TV pundit.

MATT LE TISSIER An exceptionally technical attacking midfielder who is best known for over 400 appearances playing for Southampton.

MICHAEL VAUGHAN OBE Once ranked as one of the world’s top cricket batsmen, winning the ashes in 2003 and retaining them in 2005.

AP MCCOY OBE Record breaking 19 time champion jockey with over 4,315 winners, who recently announced his retirement from racing.

SHANE WILLIAMS MBE Wales Rugby’s top try scorer and former IRB World Rugby player of the year.

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Van Morrison to the programme for this year’s festival. He’s universally regarded as one of the finest, most singular artists of all time and i can’t think of a better way to kick off proceedings.”

Cheltenham Jazz Festival runs from Wednesday, 29th april – Monday, 4th May and is hosted in a tented festival village in Cheltenham’s Montpellier gardens.

Van Morrison performs at the Big top on Wednesday, 29th april.

Tickets are available to Cheltenham Festivals members on Wednesday, April 8 and then to the general public on Thursday, April 9 at www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz

Lee Nelson LIVE Lee Nelson bringing his new live stand-up show, Suited & Booted, to Cheltenham Town Hall on 22nd April

in the new show Lee’s swapping his shorts and baseball cap clobber for a more mature look, and an outlook to match. now suited and booted, a more thoughtful Lee has begun to engage with life outside his estate and is grappling with bigger issues, offering his unique spin on religion, politics and immigration.

Cheltenham Town Hall, 0844 576 2210

Green Party Cheltenham and Paper Label Records present an evening of live music Featuring edd Donovan and the Wandering Moles, Delicate Holly (acoustic) and Dale Campbell.

Hosted by Cheltenham green Party candidate adam van Coevorden at The Frog and Fiddle, Cheltenham Monday 13th April ADMISSION FREE

Edd Donovan

9 APRIL 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

13

BUSINESS editor’sDesk

W

ith only five games left in the footy season we may be seeing Cheltenham Town FC being relegated to the next league down. Bad for the team and bad for the town.

Very often a small town football club can be at the beating heart of some elements of the community and Cheltenham is no different. Let’s hope they manage to scrape through and survive to fight another day.

This week has also seen the Tory hopeful Alex Chalk let loose (at last) on the infernal parking problems we have in the town. I just hope the county and borough councils are taking note and if Mr Chalk becomes our local MP then let’s hope that he keeps to his promises and delivers a parking solution for the town.

I note with some real interest that our very own Tom Thurlow has put on his boxing gloves and gone all out to have a pop at the ridiculous immigration situation we have in the UK at the moment. His comment piece this week nicely captions the UK citizens traveling to Syria to join Islamic State.

It’s a bold move to put your neck above the parapet to voice this kind of no-nonsense opinion and say what really needs to be said.

As I’ve commented before, we as a newspaper won’t be lax or sit on the fence in our approach to saying what most people think.

It may stir up local tensions but in doing this it creates debate and that is surely what the media and press must do?

As you will also note in this week’s edition we are hosting our very own Question Time at Cheltenham Town Football Club on the evening of Thursday 30th April.

I would urge our readers to make an effort and come along to this free evening of colourful debate and dare I say public anger?

It’s your chance to really put these politicians on the spot and get the answers you want about the local and national issues that affect you.

As a newspaper I see it as our public duty to try and ensure all our readers do actually vote on May 7th and make that difference. No vote means no opinion, simple as that.

So on Thursday 30th April at 7pm do come along and have your questions answered by the very folks who want to represent you at Westminster.

Eric Barton, Editor

Got a comment?

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

GLOUCESTER RUGBY “WOULD WELCOME” TAKEOVER TALKS GLOUCESTER “would welcome” discussions over the potential sale of the Premiership club, according to chief executive Stephen Vaughan.

A report in the Sunday Times claims the club has been put up for sale for £25m.

Vaughan confirmed Cavendish Corporate Finance has been asked to conduct a strategic review of the club.

“If the right calibre of new ownership is found that can accelerate the club's objectives then we would welcome those discussions,” he said

in a statement.

Gloucester, currently ninth in the Premiership and in the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup, have been owned by Walkinshaw family since 1997.

They are currently controlled by 27-year-old Ryan Walkinshaw, who took over following the death of his father Tom - a former Formula 1 team owner - in 2010.

However, it’s reported that a deal to sell the club could be completed within weeks.

Vaughan said Gloucester

Stephen Vaughan

would be an attractive proposition for potential investors.

“Gloucester Rugby is a wellrun club,” he said. “We make profit on a regular basis, own

our own ground, generate income from off-field activities and are proud to be hosting four Rugby World Cup fixtures later this year.”

Co-op members share two million prizes as they “swipe and win” The Co-operative Food has launched a “Swipe and Win” loyalty promotion in which Co-operative members could share in almost two million prizes during April.

Between 8th – 29th April customers of The Co-operative Food – which operates a store in every postal area - who present their Membership card at the checkout will be entered into a prize draw with the chance of winning a

range of prizes.

Each week, ten prizes of £2,000 worth of Co-operative Group vouchers will be awarded by the community retailer which can be used to purchase items at its family of businesses including its online electrical shop and food stores.

In addition, there are hundreds of thousands of instant win prizes and coupons.

Maria Sloan, Head of Membership Marketing, said: “We

hope our members will enjoy taking part in Swipe & Win. With nearly two million prizes up for grabs, by simply handing over their card at the

checkout, members have a chance of winning £2,000 worth of Co-operative Group vouchers or receiving instant win in-store prizes and coupons.

“Of course, there are many other facets to membership of The Co-operative which enables people to have a say in the running of the business, join campaigns and to take part in organised events with other members.”

Unique shopping app gains the support of The Growth Hub MAYBE Solutions Ltd, a startup business creating a unique shopping app, has benefitted from some expert advice on branding and product innovation from The Growth Hub. Polly Barnfield OBE (pictured), who has several extremely successful businesses to her credit, is developing the business; however, this is the first time in ten years she has found herself back in start-up land.

The Maybe App will enable people to collect items they are considering buying, from any online or offline retailer, and allow the shopper to ask the opinions of their friends and family before they decide whether to buy or not. Maybe creates the space and support shoppers often need to make a decision on what to buy.

The app is in the development phase and it is hoped it

will be sat on people’s tablets and mobile phones by the end of the year.

Polly approached The Growth Hub seeking their expertise and was given financial support via an Innovation

Voucher (part of the European Regional Development Fund Programme), which has helped her to accelerate the growth of her business. The Growth Hub is a partnership between the University of Gloucestershire and GFirst LEP and is the place to go for businesses that have the potential and ambition for growth.

Polly said: “The Maybe app will help people make buying decisions.

Today, choice is endless.

Shopping is a 24/7 activity that is no longer simply online or offline. It is a blended, multi channel, multi device experience.

Yet, despite so many options of where and

how to shop, word-of-mouth still drives most purchase decisions. We know that sharing a decision makes it easier, trusted and more rewarding.

Maybe brings together the most important people in our shoppers’ lives to help make life’s fun decisions.

Laura Crabb, Director of Business at The Growth Hub, said: “We are delighted with Polly’s response to the support that ‘Maybe’ has received from us. This is a project with many different elements including business growth advice, providing direct access to the target market for focus groups, product development support, innovating branding, and access to finance. It shows how The Growth Hub truly is the single front door to business support in Gloucestershire.”

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9 APRIL 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

21

SPORT

CRICKET / RUGBY UNION / HORSE RACING / FOOTBALL

Club cricket set for major overhaul in 2016 CRICKET

DETAILS of the biggest restructure of league cricket in the West in more than a decade have now been finalised.

Changes affecting all of the region’s 390 clubs will come into play in 2016 following discussions between West of England Premier League (WEPL) and its four feeder leagues: the Bristol and District Cricket League, Gloucestershire County Cricket League, Somerset League and Wiltshire League.

The shake-up will see the WEPL become a 70 team competition with seven divisions across three tiers. These include a Premier One that will remain unchanged, two leagues (Glos/Wilts and Bristol/Somerset) in the second tier and four divisions (Glos, Wilts, Bristol and Somerset) at the third level.

The restructure has been made in response to the

ECB’s 2014 National Cricket Playing Survey which highlighted major dissatisfaction with travel time, the length of day and the competitiveness of the cricket on offer, particularly at second XI. One of the main changes will see the league become linear with no independent second XI pyramid and a number of second XIs competing against first teams.

From 2016 the top four second XI teams in WEPL’s Premier One Second Division moving into the third tier of club cricket and the other WEPL second XIs will join their relevant feeder league (based on geography).

As a result of the latest discussions between WEPL officers, feeder leagues and current players promotion and relegation for 2015 has now been finalised.

It has been agreed that the top eight WEPL Premier One teams at the end of 2015 will remain in Premier One in

2016. The bottom two will move into the relevant second tier division – the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire or Bristol and Somerset strands – and be replaced by the top two teams from Premier Two. The third to ninth placed teams will be placed into the appropriate second tier division for 2016 but the bottom club will be relegated to tier three.

Teams in the WEPL Bristol/Somerset and Gloucestershire/Wiltshire divisions in 2015 will be placed into the new tier two divisions in order of their finishing position, for example first place teams will be placed first, then second place and so on.

This process will continue until the division has 10 teams with the others being placed into the appropriate tier three.

The permutations for promotion and relegation from

WEPL and the three feeder leagues are wide-ranging these principles have also been agreed.

Along with his counterparts in Wiltshire and Somerset, Gloucestershire Cricket Board chief executive Steve Silk has been a major part of the discussions about the restructure.

He said: “It has been fantastic to see clubs and leagues respond so quickly and decisively to make changes which we believe will help protect the future of club cricket.

“Every effort has been made to ensure that all cricket in 2015 remains competitive with promotions and relegations taking place so that there are no ‘dead rubbers’. Instead the changes mean that more clubs will have something to play for than ever before so I expect this year to be one of the most exciting league seasons in memory.”

GloucesTer edGe TeNse Thriller To make euro semi-fiNal RUGBY UNION

Gloucester Connacht

14 7

GLOUCESTER reached their first European semi-final since 2006 after a low scoring, but eventful victory over Irish side Connacht at Kingsholm.

They led 14-0 at half-time, scoring two good tries and

generally controlling proceedings, but Connacht fought back after the break to make it a tense finish.

Gloucester's tries came from Charlie Sharples and Bill Meakes, with Greig Laidlaw converting both.

They will play Exeter Chiefs in the last four at Kingsholm on April 18 after they beat Newcastle Falcons in their quarter-final.

Dowty claim inaugural Plate with win over Brockworth THIS was the first time Cheltenham Association Football League had organised a Plate competition and it was certainly a success.

Both these teams were riding high in Division Three and the rivalry made for an excellent game in the GMB Plate Charities Cup Junior final at All Saints Academy.

Dowty had an early shout for a penalty but it

Photo: Lydia Viney

CHELTENHAM LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Wood in the Dowty goal had to make some sharp saves.

Dowty took the lead in the 75th minute through good work in their midfield allowing Tom Jeffries to tuck his shot home.

Brockworth had their chance to level the scores from close in but the shot went wide. Dowty made it safe when they were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute and Tom Jefferies slotted it home.

was Brockworth who opened the scoring 10 minutes into the game when Ian Taylor added to his season’s tally of goals.

Five minutes later Dowty were back on terms through Andy Ryman.

Both keepers were now being kept busy and Olly

Balthazar king set for National race two years ago as a seven-year-old and finished a credible seventh.

Trained by Tom George it only has 10 stone 6lbs to carry and makes plenty of appeal at a bigger price each way particularly on good or good to soft ground.

Among others that could be given a chance are The Druids Nephew prominent in the betting since winning well at Cheltenham but prone to the odd mistake and may not take to the unique fences, stamina laden Gas Line Boy off a low weight particularly if the ground went very soft, likewise laid out for the race Spring Heeled in the same ownership as Lord Windermere and Alvarado a good fourth in last year’s race.

As however the last three running’s of the race have produced starting prices of 25/1,33/1 and 66/1 there is plenty to be said for looking for less obvious horses that are further down the betting market as luck can still play a big part in the race.

Advice in any event would be to ‘take a price’ on the morning of the race and with a bookmaker offering ‘best odds guaranteed’.

HORSE RACING >> coNTiNued from Back PaGe

the race.

Trained in Somerset by likeable trainer Philip Hobbs and ridden by top jockey Richard Johnson Balthazar King has the requisite stamina, is normally a good jumper and runs well fresh.

The downside might be the going underfoot as a soft surface would make the horse vulnerable and give more of a shout to Rocky Creek who finished fifth last year but who has improved this season and won its prep race nicely.

Ridden by local lad Sam Twiston Davies and carrying less weight than last year Rocky might well land the knockout blow this year.

Obviously the fairytale ending would be for Tony McCoy to win on Shutthefrontdoor in McCoy’s last season. The horse having won the Irish National last season and its prep race at Carlisle would be in with every chance.

Trained by local trainer Jonjo O’Neill Shutthefrontdoor is likely to start favourite for the race and will be the popular choice of the once a year punter.

Saint Are is another improving horse. Now a nine-year-old it ran in the

Selection: Balthazar King Saver: Rocky Creek Best Outsider: Saint Are

Teenage jockey Bowen qualifies for ride on lively outsider in National HORSE RACING

BY RIDING his 10th winner over chase fences only last Saturday at Haydock Park 17year-old Sean Bowen qualified to ride Mon Parrain, for champion trainer Paul Nicholls in the Grand National.

Sean, son of Welsh trainer Peter Bowen, has impressed many this season and is seen as a future Champion jockey.

His riding style is evocative of much more experienced

jockeys despite his youth and he is likely to be Champion conditional (apprentice) jockey this season in what is virtually his first race riding year.

The horse Mon Parrain, is no forlorn hope either having won nicely over the Cheltenham fences in the New Year over three miles two furlongs with Bowen aboard and is temptingly

weighted down towards the bottom of the National handicap.

The last 17-year-old to win the National was Bruce Hobbs on Battleship in 1938!

Time for another perhaps.

22

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 APRIL 2015

SPORT

FOOTBALL

Kings stave off the drop with win at Gala CHELTENHAM LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Kings defend an attack by Gala

Gala Wilton Res 0 Kings FC 1 KINGS will have a lot to thank the Griffiths family for as they took all three points to secure their Division One status in the Cheltenham Football League, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Cheltenham Ford.

With several players first team missing, Ivor and Sol Griffiths were brought in from the reserve team and between them made the difference to a battling performance by Kings at Plock Court.

In the first 10 minutes Gala Wilton took the game to Kings, with Dorian Colling controlling the Gala attack.

Despite this, the Kings defence held firm.

As the game progressed, Kings with Howe, James and Febery getting to grips with the midfield, there was a shift in the balance of play.

However it was Gala who almost opened the scoring in the 26 minute but a brave save by Ivor Griffiths at the feet of the Gala striker prevented it.

As if to counter this effort, his brother Sol then picked up a pass from Alex Febery, made space and then buried his shot to put Kings ahead on 28 minutes.

Gala tried to hit back and although Gala’s strikers looked dangerous, the Kings back four were more than a match for them. When Gala did get through, they found Ivor Griffiths was a major obstacle as he pulled off two great saves to thwart them in the 41st and 43rd minutes.

The second half saw Gala pushing Kings back and Howe taking a more prominent role in front of the back four. He made numerous interceptions during this period and this started to

frustrate the Gala midfield who were kept at bay.

Biggs could have made it 20 for Kings on 56 minutes, but his shot went well over the bar. Griffiths also had a chance but was not able to convert it. On 65 minutes Colling had a chance for Gala, but his shot hit the Kings post and was cleared

by Hencher.

On 71 minutes there was a good move by Griffiths and Morran which created an opening for Griffiths to get a good shot away but the Gala keeper did well to push it out from under the bar. This was followed by a Biggs attempt on 75 minutes, which hit the base of the post.

The last 10 minutes saw

end to end play and on 85 minutes Ivor Griffiths again came to Kings rescue when he stood up well to beat away a one on one attempted shot.

Chandler was brought on in the dying minutes to replace Griffith and when James broke down the right and put in a low level cross into the six yard box, but for a deflection, Chandler would have converted it from close in.

The three points have put Kings above Hanley Swan and Bishop's Cleeve and with Hanley having finished their fixtures and Star FC have withdrawn from the league, they have avoided what looked like certain relegation a few weeks ago.

Steve Cleal

Cleeve on verge of the drop after 9-0 defeat by champions SOUTHERN LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Merthyr Town 9 Bishop's Cleeve 0 BISHOP'S Cleeve now need a minor miracle to escape relegation from Division One South and West of the Southern League.

They went down 9-0 to newly crowned champions Merthyr Town on Monday, leaving them eight points

COUNTY LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Chelt Civil Service 3 Chipping Sodbury 3 CHELTENHAM Civil Service are seven points clear at the top of the County League table and now require six points from their last six fixtures to secure the title.

They were held to a 3-3 draw at home to second placed Chipping Sodbury Town on Monday in front of a crowd of 128.

Service started well and took the game to their opponents for the first 15 minutes. Teejay Bick sent a 25 yard free-kick over the bar in the second minute.

In the seventh minute the home side almost went ahead when a long ball into the Sodbury six yard box had goalkeeper George Hale trying to fist the ball clear

but he only succeeded in punching it across goal and Josh Cann cleared off the line as Paul Holmes closed in.

Jack Sklenar, starting his second game after a long injury problem, broke clear down the left but could not keep his shot down as it disappeared over the bar.

Sodbury’s first attempt on goal after 20 minutes came from Ben Weaver a low shot that home keeper Tim Griffiths did well to keep out.

A couple of minutes later Chris Pates had to head the ball over his own bar from a well taken free-kick from Sodbury.

On 25 minutes the visitors were awarded another free kick 20 yards out and to the left of the box. Ollie Clark’s well-flighted shot gave Griffiths no chance and it was 10 to the visitors.

The home side had a good chance to pull a goal back from the edge of the box but Sklenar hit the free-kick well over.

A minute later cross from Sodbury’s Ben Weaver found Justin Cattle with a free header but the striker headed over the bar.

The home side were fortunate in the 34th minute when Jonny Evans was brought down in the box and Sklenar levelled the score from the spot.

The home side almost took the lead on 39 minutes but Sklenar’s fierce drive hit the underside of the crossbar and was cleared. Sodbury got back in front in the 41st minute when Liam Barrett’s drive was handled in the box but the ball finished up in the net and the referee allowed the goal.

Just a minute before the

break a long ball up field from the Sodbury keeper caught the home defence and their keeper out as James Mackie slipped the ball around Griffiths to roll it into an empty net.

For the first 32 minutes of the second half neither side were able to create anything until Mackie made a good break down the left flank before striking his shot just wide.

Service had their first shot on target in the second half after 36 minutes when Holmes hit a low shot into the corner of the goal making Hale dive to save.

A minute later and out of the blue Service pulled a goal back from a harmless looking cross from the left to the edge of the box for Cameron Smith to drive the ball into the corner of the net.

Photo: Peter LangLey

Service held at home but title still within their grasp

from safety with three matches left.

Their goal difference is also vastly inferior to nearest rivals Wantage Town, so boss Steve Cleal's men looked doomed to the drop.

They play Bashley at home on Saturday, rounding off the campaign with trips to AFC Totton and Gloucestershire rivals Shortwood United.

A rare attack from the visitors a few minutes later ended with a shot from Mackie that had Griffiths at full stretch to push to ball away.

At the other end Holmes fired over with the goal at his mercy and then in the last minute of the game Service

scored the all-important goal to give them a point.

Bick sent the ball up to Holmes and he headed it down for Jonny Evans to drive the ball past Hale.

Service play Gala Wilton at home on Thursday (6.30pm).

9 APRIL 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

23

SPORT

FootBall

cheltenham league round-up CHELTENHAM LEAGUE FOOTBALL

WITH the top two not in action, the focus was on the bottom of the table in Division One of the Cheltenham League, sponsored

by Bristol Street Motors Cheltenham Ford.

Kings' impressive run of recent results continued as they beat Gala Wilton Reserves 1-0.

The three points took them a point above Bishop's Cleeve III and Hanley Swan and with Swan having completed their league fixtures Kings are guaranteed to avoid bottom spot.

Cleeve currently occupy

bottom spot on goal difference but with four games to play they will be looking to grab the point they need to move ahead of Swan.

Whaddon United, the table toppers, will have played two games by 5pm next Saturday. They lead FC Lakeside by four points and have a game in hand.

United need nine points from their remaining five games to guarantee top spot.

Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves captain Neil Wheeler kept his recent good scoring record going as he lead his team to victory at WMK. Wheeler and Joe McCauley were on the mark

as Service secured a 2-1 win.

With one game left to play Service head the table.

Victory against Andoversford in their final game will guarantee them second place with their attention turning to Stanton and Corse, the only team able to overtake them.

Corse still have six games left to play and will be crowned champions if they take 14 points from the eighteen available.

With the Division Three title already going to Welland, Brockworth Albion Reserves and Leckhampton Rovers are fighting it out for

Joe McCauley

the runners-up spot.

Albion lead the way by two points but have played a game more than their rivals. Rovers play their game in hand on Saturday at Falcons Reserves. Victory will see them leap-frog Albion with two games remaining.

A 4-1 defeat at the hands of Gala Wilton Reserves confined Shurdington Rovers Reserves to bottom spot.

They trail their nearest rivals by seventeen points with five games left to play.

Cheltenham Civil Service III hopes of competing for the Division Four title took a blow on Saturday when they went down 3-2 at Bourton Rovers III. They remain in second place but with leaders Northway holding a three point advantage, as well as having two games in hand, their title hopes look to have slipped away.

Winchcombe Town Reserves remain rooted to the foot of the table following an 8-3 defeat to Southside Reserves. With just a game to play Town need to take all three points to avoid finishing bottom due to their inferior goal difference.

FC Lakeside Reserves remain at the top of Division Five following their 6-0

New silverware up for grabs in Cheltenham League THERE will be six new trophies to be won in the Cheltenham Association Football League this season, all thanks to League's continued sponsorship deal with Bristol Street Motors, Cheltenham Ford.

The new cups were unveiled at the showrooms by Iain Sercombe, representing Bristol Street Motors, along with Nick Oram and Ian Hamilton, who are chairman and general secretary of the League respectively.

There is a new championship trophy for each of the League's six divisions

and the awards will be made to the divisional winners over the course of the next month as the 2014/15 season reaches its climax.

The really good news for the six champions is that they will not just hold the trophies for a season – they will be theirs to keep!

This is a new departure for the Cheltenham League and one that is bound to be welcomed by its member clubs.

“For years now, players have picked up medals after a successful season but the clubs that come out on top have never had anything to show for it,” Hamilton said.

“Now, thanks to the relationship of the League with Bristol Street Motors and the generosity of the sponsorship deal, each championship winning club will have a lasting memento of their success.”

Got a local sports story? Email jon@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

win at bottom club Sherborne Harriers. They lead Cheltenham Civil Service IV by two points although they have played two games more.

Service kept up the pressure at the top with a 2-1 win over Bredon Reserves.

With four games left to play Service will be champions if they take nine points from the 12 available.

Sherborne’s loss at Lakeside means they will finish the season in bottom spot.

They currently trail Pittville United Reserves by six points with just one game left to play.

Fintan Reserves completed the first of a double header last Saturday which will decide their season. A 41 defeat of Cheltenham United all but put to bed United’s title hopes. Fintan lead their opponents by four

points with just two games left to play.

Their next big challenge comes on Saturday when they face Malvern Vale a team that trail the leaders by seven points but have two games in hand. Malvern will need maximum points if they are to grab the initiative.

Fintan will be on course for the title if they avoid defeat against Malvern. As the only team in the whole league to remain unbeaten this season, Fintan will go into the game as favourites.

Having already completed their league games Cheltenham Saracens III are confirmed as the team that will finish bottom of the league.

With two wins and a draw the seven points they accumulated were not enough to avoid bottom spot.

cheltenham Football league, sponsored

by Bristol street Motors Ford cheltenham

playEr proFilE oF thE WEEk This week’s player profile is of Matt Brown who is player manager of Andoversford first team who play in Division Two. The club currently run teams in the league; the Reserve Xi in Division Five and the newly-formed third team debuting in Division six.

While none of the teams are competing for honours this season they continue to be competitive opposition who are more than capable of beating title contenders on their day.

Name: Matt Brown Nickname: Browner/ ZiZi position: Defensive midfield, always wear number six previous clubs: st James', Endsleigh, st Mark's, Lakeside Most memorable game: Recently, beating Churchdown at the end of last season to end their unbeaten run in the league

Worst game: Losing by double figures to Lakeside last season. toughest opponents: shipton when they had a team. Very tough as it was our local derby Best club player: in the past, Robbie Elliot (now retired), but present day there are a number of young players that are very talented: Ryan Cleal, Billy Frewin, Josh horsfall, to name a few. We have a very young first team most are in their early 20s apart from myself as i'm now player manager at the age of 36! team supported: Liverpool Favourite player: Lothar Matthaus

24

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 APRIL 2015

with JON PALMER, SPORtS EditOR

SPORT

jon@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

GARY Johnson says Cheltenham Town’s players must “grow up quickly” if they are to pull off a great escape act this season.

The new manager’s first two matches in charge ended in 1-0 defeats by York City and Stevenage over the Easter Weekend.

The Robins travel to automatic promotion chasing Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday three points adrift of the safety line.

Former Yeovil Town and Bristol City boss Johnson had a long chat with his players in the dressing room after Monday’s narrow reverse at the hands of Stevenage.

“There were a few home truths because I felt some could have done a bit more and I have to be honest with them,” Johnson said.

“Some of them don’t have the fitness or mental toughness to get on the ball in our situation.

“It’s going to be about picking the right team now and individually I have gone round and told them their strengths and weaknesses and they have to grow up very quickly now.

“The message is to grow up and be more professional. If you are going to shoot you have to believe you are going to score, not just flash at it.

“I thought we were quite brave, which you have to be against Stevenage to win the aerial battles and the

PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA

We must groW up quickly – Johnson

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Classy Grand national fit for a ‘King’ horse rAcing

By JAMES dALy

second balls, but they were cleverer than us.”

Johnson said that nobody at the club can afford to throw in the towel, with 15 points still to play for and only three points to make up.

“They have a manager who won’t give up and I will try to be a 12th man through the game,” he said.

“There are not many leaders in there and it’s probably got to come from the line and hopefully one or two of them will step up.

“They need a result to

get that confidence back in themselves and we are not a millions miles away, but it’s getting that goal at the right time. I won’t allow anyone to give up.”

Cheltenham are likely to be without Will Packwood on Saturday after the Birmingham City loan defender hobbled off in the second half with a hamstring injury.

“Will is a big miss for us, but other people now have to step up to the plate and if they do, we are still in it,” Johnson said.

“It’s not mathematically impossible for us to get

Looking for a venue to hold your:

out of trouble.”

Stevenage’s goal came in the 78th minute from the penalty spot after Packwood’s replacement Jack Deaman fouled Ben Kennedy in the box.

Kennedy stepped up to beat Trevor Carson from the spot and it was enough to earn Stevenage maximum points.

Cheltenham had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half when Shaquille McDonald raced through and put the ball in the net, with Johnson adamant he was onside.

CHELTENHAM TOWN: Carson; Vaughan, Packwood (Deaman 53), Brown, Braham-Barrett; Hanks, Richards; Wynter, Manset (Harrad 73), McDonald (Haynes 65); Burns. Subs not used: Gould, Kotwica, Sparrow, Berry.

STEVENAGE: Day; Bond, Wells, Dembele, Okimo; Whelpdale, Walton (Andrade 65), Parrett, Martin (Deacon 76); Beardsley (Kennedy 57), Lee. Subs not used: Beasant, McAllister, Pett, Conlon.

REFEREE: R Clark.

ATTENDANCE: 2,858 (205 from Stevenage).

THIS Saturday’s Grand National sees both last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere and this season’s Hennessey Gold Cup winner as intended runners which add undoubted class to the race.

Both horses however might find it difficult to give weight away to some in form rivals and both did run disappointingly in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. Horses with the right profile for the race include Rocky Creek, Balthazar King, Shutthefrontdoor and Saint Are. Of these four, Balthazar King provided the ground on Saturday is no worse than good to soft is a tempting win and place bet having finished second in the race last year and having been laid out for TURN TO PAGE 21 >

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