Cheltenham Standard 18th September 2014 by Cotswold Style Ltd

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www.cheltenhamstandard.co.uk 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 ISSUE 9 Your discerning local weekly newspaper

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Boom time as Panto sales reach £250,000 I

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T may only be September but bosses debut in the title role. Chief Executive, Geoffrey Rowe, said, “To reach at The Everyman Theatre are sales of £250,000 this early is fantastic predicting a bumper Christmas, as this year’s Pantomime sales top the quarter and well ahead of previous years. We are clearly in for a busy December and of a million pound mark. With almost three months to go before opening night January. Audiences have built steadily over the past few years and more on 28th November, it looks like this year recently Tweedy has proved a will be the best ever with ticket sales great hit both with adults and already well up on children”. Don’t despair if you previous years. The Everyman haven’t yet got your tickets. There are 72 performances, so reports that 1,000 still plenty of tickets left. more tickets have Tickets start from as little as been sold for this £9 for schools (early bird year’s Pantomime than offer ends 21st at the same time last September) and £52 year. Sleeping Beauty stars the returning for a family of four. Call the Box Office on favourites of Tweedy 01242 572573. the Clown and Sleeping Beauty William Elliott as the runs from Friday Dame, alongside 28th November Cheltenham 2014 until newcomer Eleanor Brown who makes Sunday 11th PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA January 2015. her Everyman

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 18 SEPTEMBER 2014

Cheltenham WeatherWatch THURSDAY 18th Sept Min 16ºC Max 23ºC FRIDAY 19th Sept Min 16ºC Max 20ºC SATURDAY 20th Sept Min 14ºC Max 19ºC SUNDAY 21st Sept Min 12ºC Max 18ºC MONDAY 22nd Sept Min 11ºC Max 18ºC TUESDAY 24th Sept Min 12ºC Max 17ºC WEDNESDAY 25th Sept Min 12ºC Max 17ºC

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Local woman Sally Preece dies in Scottish cycling accident A WOMAN who was involved in a crash while taking part in a national cycling event has died from her injuries. Mum-oftwo Sally Preece, a Lloyds Bank worker from Cheltenham died after being hit by a vehicle while cycling close to Loch Earn in Scotland last Friday. She died in hospital on the Saturday. Mrs Preece was taking part in the Ride Across Britain cycling event when the accident happened. The Lloyds Bank worker was taking part in the Deloitte Ride Across Britain. A 71-mile diversion was set up at the time after the A85 was closed at the junction with the A827 Killin Road. A spokesperson from Police Scotland said inquiries were ongoing. Her devastated husband Nick said this earlier this week, “Sally was the most wonderful, loving wife and devoted mother to our children Brad (16) and Amy (13).’’ He went on to add, “the opportunity to ride from Land’s End to John O'Groats whilst raising over £4,000 for

Alzheimer's was a challenge she couldn’t resist. She had trained for many months, having already completed the London Marathon, becoming one of the fittest and leading riders on the event’. Mr Preece also said his wife would be “sadly missed” by her family and her wide circle of friends. He finally commented, “only her own physical and inner strength permitted her to survive the initial

collision long enough for her family to say their final farewells. “She never had a bad word to say about anyone, and it's impossible to say a bad word about her. She was just so nice and lively and cheerful.” Mrs Preece had been hoping to raise £4,000 for the Alzheimer's Society. At the moment donations to her charity page justgiving.com/Sally-Preece-RAB already total more than £5,000. On her page, Mrs Preece wrote that she was taking part in the ride because she wanted to ‘challenge herself ’ and said it would be very difficult and had also added, “but this is nothing compared with dementia and what it can do to sufferers and their families and friends. It is a horrible scary thing and nobody is immune.” A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson commented, “we are shocked and saddened by this devastating news and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Sally at this very difficult time”.

Scottish pub in voting dilemma THE QUAICH (Gaelic for drinking cup) pub on the corner of Ambrose Street and Clarence Street is in a real quandary when it comes to this weeks vote on Scottish independence. This Friday after the referendum results come in could see Scotland becoming an independent nation, breaking away from the Union with England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The Quaich, which is a Scottish themed pub is a real hotbed of opinion as the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ voters mix both their drinks and their opinions. The pub, which was formerly the twelve bedroom St James Hotel was taken over by Scotsman Kevin Grieve (pictured) in March this year and was promptly given a £50k makeover. Kevin who is

from the Leith area of Edinburgh said, “things have picked up nicely since we converted the pub and we are exactly where we wanted to be on the growth front”. When it comes to the prickly issue of independence, Kevin has his feet firmly set in the ‘no’ camp. Kevin said, “I’m voting no because I don’t think it will do Scotland any good to break away from England”. He continued to comment, “for me personally I haven’t been given all the facts. All I see is the passion of the ‘yes’ camp without the solid facts to back up their claims”. It also transpies that two of Kevin’s Scottish staff at the Quaich will also be voting a resounding ‘no’ for the very

same reasons. Having said that the pub is split 60/40 on the vote by its Scots regulars. So in a sense it’s a fair reflection of what’s actually happening in Scotland this week. Kevin went on to further add, “I don’t think it’s fair that we Scots living outside Scotland don’t get to vote, whilst people from other countries who are just working in Scotland do.” The Quaich pub does have a strong Caledonian identity and of course they’ll be shaking the timbers this Hogmanay with a huge party. It might be that those timbers will be pulsing and creaking to the sound of the pipes in either celebration or commiseration on the outcome of the vote. The Quaich is open seven days a week serving food from midday to 9pm. It also has a function room for hire, with lots of live music and an open mike night on Thursdays.

Air Balloon accident A DRIVER was air-lifted to hospital after yet another A417 crash last Thursday. The 66-year-old female driver was taken to hospital by air ambulance after being involved in a crash on the A417 near Birdlip. Her BMW car was in collision with a skip lorry near the Air Balloon roundabout. Fire crews were called to cut her free from the vehicle. She was flown to Southmead Hospital in Bristol suffering several fractures. The driver of the skip lorry, which had gone down an embankment and landed on its side, was treated at the scene for minor injuries. The incident happened just before 10am last Thursday causing severe traffic delays in the area. Part of the A417 at Birdlip was closed and diversions were put in operation.

18 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

Boost for councils running joint services

Arrests in drugs crack-down

not simply be extended to cover four district councils which collectively represent over 400,000 residents across a geographical area of 934 square miles. That is why the partner councils have commissioned work by independent specialists to identify the most appropriate interim shared management arrangements which would have the authority and responsibility to deliver the 2020 Vision across all of the councils. The detailed business case for the 2020 Vision along with management arrangement proposals will be reported back to each council later this year which, subject to agreement by each council, could enable implementation to be completed before the end of the financial year. Subject to agreement in the autumn

POLICE in Cheltenham have arrested two people during a drugs operation in the town. Last week, uniformed and plain clothes officers from the St Marks local policing team carried out patrols in and around Arle Avenue and Market Street. A 41-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug. He was bailed to appear at Cheltenham police station on 4 November. A 25-year-old local woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug and bailed to appear at Cheltenham police station on 6 October. Quantities of suspected crack cocaine and cannabis were seized during the operation. PC Justin Brennan said: “We've had ongoing reports from local people about drugs activity near their homes and businesses and we are acting on their concerns”.

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a blue 2008-registered Vauxhall Agila was found a few hours later, abandoned and badly damaged in Malden Road. The wheelchair and 'blue badges' were returned to the victims before the car was taken away for forensic examination. The husband subsequently found that his Garmin 620 running watch had also been taken. The thieves are believed to have entered the bungalow through a kitchen window. Officers carried out house-to-house enquiries, but were unable to locate any witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 46 of 12/9/14.

POLICE are appealing for information to help trace thieves who broke into the bungalow of a disabled couple in Cheltenham while they slept. The burglary happened in Bowen Close last Thursday night, September 11th after the couple had gone to bed. On waking the following morning, the husband went to the living room and found several items missing, including an Apple Macbook Pro laptop, an iPad Air tablet computer, a red rucksack and keys. Outside, he saw that their car, which had contained his wife's wheelchair, was missing from the front drive. The vehicle,

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young people to train in hairdressing and we are quite determined to do that in Hollie’s name”. He went to say, “we look forward to working with Courtney and Laura and wish them the best of luck with their studies.” The fund will pay for materials, trips, equipment and uniform for the six applicants who share similar character attributes to Miss Gazzard.

Monday for the next phase of work to the Brewery to start. “Whilst we appreciate that may be inconvenient to some people, the benefits to the town of linking the Brewery through to Cheltenham’s High Street will be enormous and this is a very exciting time for Cheltenham.” The nearest car parks to Baynham Way are the NCP and North Place on St Margaret’s Road.

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THIS week the Brewery car park at Baynham Way closed permanently. The 23 space car park is closing as preparations start for phase two of the Brewery redevelopment. Hoardings will be put up ready for the contractors to start on site next month. Jeremy Williamson, managing director of Cheltenham Development Taskforce, says: “The car park will be closed from

TWO teenagers, one of them from Cheltenham, have been chosen to receive the inaugural Hollie Gazzard Trust award to help them to study hairdressing. Miss Gazzard, 20, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Asher Maslin, 22, while at work in a hair salon in Gloucester last February. He was found guilty and jailed for life. Hollie’s family set up the trust to help young people to become hair stylists. The bursary was awarded to Courtney Shaw, 18, from Cheltenham and Laura Tibbetts, 18, from Gloucester. A further four students are being sought to receive the fund to study Level 2 Hairdressing at Gloucestershire College. Hollie’s father Nick Gazzard said the trust wanted to support young people to train.Father Nick Gazzard commented that hairdressing was Hollie’s life. “She was very stylish and fashion conscious,” Mr Gazzard, who is the trust’s founder, said, “we want to financially support

Brewery car park closes it’s gates

First Hollie Gazzard Trust Award bursaries awarded

this would result in an interim integrated shared management team across the four councils, with sustainable annual savings of at least £500,000 per year from April 2015. The funding award that has been announced today would be used to fund the one-off costs of implementing those shared management arrangements. Cllr John Rawson, cabinet member for finance at Cheltenham Borough Council, said, “we are currently undertaking an engagement process with members and officers about how we could implement the 2020 Vision. If the four councils can agree on an approach in the autumn then this funding will help to support the implementation of our vision for public services whilst delivering significant savings’.

THE Local Government Minister Kris Hopkins announced that 80 local authorities will share £9 million investment as they join up services and reduce costs for taxpayers. This is excellent news for Cheltenham Borough, Cotswold, Forest of Dean, and West Oxfordshire District Councils who have agreed the following vision for closer partnership working in the future: ‘Four independent councils determining their own policies, priorities and decisions supported by a small number of expert advisors who commission and monitor services either from the private and voluntary sectors or from local authority owned service delivery companies.’ Current models for shared Chief Executive and Management Team arrangements could

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 18 SEPTEMBER 2014

New era dawns for leisure and culture A SIGNIFICANT point has been reached in establishing a trust to manage Cheltenham’s leisure and culture services. At a meeting this week cabinet was asked to agree the awarding of the contract to The Cheltenham Trust from 1 October 2014. The decision will be subject to The Charity Commission approving the trust as a charitable body by that date. The decision would mean The Cheltenham Trust would oversee the management, operation and development of some of Cheltenham’s most iconic cultural venues. These include Cheltenham Town Hall, The Wilson and Pittville Pump Room. The trust will also be responsible for running Leisure @ Cheltenham, the Prince of Wales Stadium, our tourism services and the Tourist Information Centre, as well as our ‘Sport, Play and Healthy Lifestyles’ outreach service. The trust will be working closely in partnership with the council but it will be run independently by a board of trustees. The trustees – two of whom are councillors - bring with them a range of skill sets and will be chaired by Joanna Stringer. The creation of the trust will result in net savings to the council of £125,000 in 2014/15 rising to £833,000 by 2018/19. As a trust, it will also look to generate additional income through fundraising, as well as commercial activities through its trading subsidiary.

The trust will also ensure that the services continue to make a vital contribution to the town, both to the everyday life of its residents and as a destination that inspires and excites visitors. Councillor Rowena Hay, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles, said: “It’s taken two years and a lot of hard work but I’m delighted to be at the point where we are seeing The Cheltenham Trust taking on the management and development of our leisure and culture services. “I am confident that the board members and staff will bring a huge range of skills and expertise that will drive the trust forward and will help promote Cheltenham as a town rich with leisure and culture services and attractions.” Joanna Stringer, chair of the trust, added: “We are honoured to be trusted with this considerable responsibility and look forward to working with all those in Cheltenham to develop these services over the next decade. We would also like to extend our thanks to all those involved in the project at the borough council, particularly Pat Pratley, Ken Dale and Rowena Hay who have gone above and beyond in the spirit of creating a better future for Cheltenham.” The contract is for ten years, with a review at five years, with

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potential for the council to extend the contract by a further five years. Staff currently working in these areas will transfer under TUPE to The Cheltenham Trust. In the event of The Cheltenham Trust not being registered as a charity before 1 October 2014 the cabinet will be asked to delegate authority to the council’s deputy chief executive in consultation with the cabinet member to complete the transfer by 1 November. If services are not transferred by that date a further report will be brought to cabinet on 11 November.

Wanted man Declan Lonergan finally arrested POLICE in Cheltenham have arrested a wanted man who failed to appear in court at the end of August to face a burglary and attempted burglary charge. Declan Lonergan, 18 of Welch Road in Cheltenham, was due to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday August 22 for a preliminary hearing in connection with the incidents in Cheltenham during the daytime on Tuesday May 27. After failing to appear at court a warrant was issued for Lonergan's arrest. Officers arrested Lonergan on last Thursday, September 11th. He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Gloucester Crown Court this Thursday September 18th.

CHALKTALK

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cheltenham gets vocal...

E all want Cheltenham’s economy to thrive. A strong economy brings jobs and opportunities close to home, particularly for our young people. Prosperity also offers a pathway out of the deprivation which still exists at unacceptable levels in parts of our town. But if we are going to make Cheltenham a town of opportunity for all we need a plan - one with a clear vision and clear goals. Alarmingly, none exists in Cheltenham. The old version, which dates back to 2007, has been severely criticised by the Council itself as ‘out of date and no longer fit for purpose’. Scathingly, they also admit that it ‘does not concentrate on delivery of solutions to problems’. So how is the process of devising a new strategy going? Not very well, it seems. Having resorted to advertising externally for someone to come up with a plan (there’s no one in Cheltenham who can do it, apparently) there was only one bidder. That bid was deemed too weak, and so the project has gone back out to tender in the hope that there will be better luck second time around. It hardly inspires confidence in any business thinking of setting up here. All the while, there is a growing sense that our competitors are driving forward. Readers of my last column may recall that I examined statistics comparing us with Gloucester. Steered by Conservative MP Richard Graham, Gloucester is delivering a long-established plan for its own

economic future. Not only have they reached their £500 million target for private investment, Gloucester is set to receive a further £60 million for the retail development due in the Kings Quarter area. Sadly these figures dwarf investment here in Cheltenham, even allowing for welcome developments such as the Brewery Phase II. For those of us who are proud of Cheltenham that's a worrying trend. But I believe it’s entirely reversible. We can do so much better here in Cheltenham. If we raise our game, we have the potential to become a key economic hub, building on our expertise in technology, but also the other areas in which we thrive, such as communications, engineering and tourism. Our goal should be nothing less than making Cheltenham the most attractive town in Britain to do business. But if we’re serious about competing over the next decade I believe we need to get far more professional. An economic strategy for Cheltenham should be a central priority, not an afterthought. We must also prioritise consulting local businesses. I have visited dozens of Cheltenham employers, and many are full of ideas about how we can make Cheltenham more competitive if only they were asked. So, if you are a Cheltenham business or are thinking about setting up here, I would be delighted to hear from you. Let me know how we can make our town more business friendly. Get in touch at alex@alexchalk.com. Together, with a clear vision, I believe we can create a town of opportunity for all.

18 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

Leckhampton Hill gets a clean and brush-up LOCAL authority owned environmental services company Ubico Ltd is sending a group of volunteers to help the Friends of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common (FOLK) clear an expanse of overgrown land on the Leckhampton Hill nature reserve. The Ubico management team agreed they would like to give up some of their time as part of an ongoing commitment to support local community and voluteer groups. They decided to join the Friends of Leckhampton Hill (FOLK), a dedicated team of volunteers that hold

work parties three times a month to improve the environment of the site. Ubico will send along 8-10 volunteers on Tuesday 16 September who will assist in grass cutting, general scrub clearance and raking work. Cheltenham Borough Council’s Senior Community Ranger Wayne Sedgwick has earmarked an area that has been overgrown for some time now and has recently had a contractor in to carry out some heavier tree and hedge clearance works in preparation. The volunteers will be working together to clear the site which is a Site of Special

Summer holidays final straw for many marriages FAMILY lawyers in the region are going through one of the busiest times of the year following disastrous summer holidays, claims a leading Gloucestershire divorce expert. An estimated 40 per cent of marriages end in divorce, and it is in early autumn, following the summer break, and January following Christmas and New Year that see an increase in couples parting ways. Wayne Phillips, an expert in family law at DF Legal said it was a pattern that is to be expected. "When marriages are under strain it is often the case that one of the parties decide to start divorce proceedings following a bad holiday, which should be when couples and families are having one of the happiest times of the year," he said. "During a summer break couples generally have been in each other's company more than

most times, and as soon as normal life recommences they often take stock as to whether the marriage is worth preserving," he said. Mr Phillips whose firm has offices in Cheltenham said divorces are no longer as high as they were in the latter part of the 20th century when they peaked, but this is due to more couples living together, but not marrying. He added that there is no set formula as to why marriages fail. "Sometimes a difficult marriage can limp on for years before there is a point where action is taken, but sometimes a marriage can disintegrate very quickly," he added. "However, for sure there are times of the year where traditionally a difficult relationship ends and autumn is one of those times and that is why family law specialists in the region will find themselves being called upon now."

Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is hoped that the clearance works will open up a new view point for visitors of the site to enjoy for years to come. Rob Bell, Managing Director, Ubico Ltd said: “I am pleased that we are able to offer some help to a worthwhile cause right on our door step. The Leckhampton Hill nature reserve and common is a wonderful place to visit and we are happy to be able to offer some support towards the ongoing maintenance of the site. “FOLK work incredibly hard all year round and in all weathers to maintain the site and we wanted to contribute in some way.” Mike Donnelly,

FOLK Work Party Coordinator adds: “We are very grateful for the extra volunteer help from Ubico. The Ubico contribution will help us complete this large project to recreate an open area of grassland that over the years has become very overgrown with weed and Hawthorn. This work will help maintain the grassland, increase the views and the open space for the public recreation.” If you would like to offer some of your free time to help on the project, please contact Cheltenham Borough Council’s Community rangers: parksandgardens@cheltenham.gov.uk Telephone: 01242 250019.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 18 SEPTEMBER 2014

Affordable lending campaign reveals people are obtaining quick credit without knowing the costs LATEST research findings revealed this week by My Home Finance, a national social lending organisation, shows it has become morally acceptable for individuals to pay extortionate rates for short-term loans, with no questions asked by the loan provider to determine whether they can afford it. On the launch of My Home Finance’s Affordable Lending Campaign, findings show that nearly one in four people are using the Internet and telephone to access short-term loans, with nearly 50% of applicants not doing any research ahead of hitting the ‘accept’ button. Worryingly, over a quarter of people had no idea of the actual cost of the loan they took out, most people just picked a company they had heard of when they needed money. Tess Pendle, Chief Executive of My Home Finance said; “Latest findings show an alarming culture has developed, where people think it’s perfectly acceptable not to check what the actual cost of the loan is; and worse, companies are lending to people without assessing if they can actually afford to repay the loan”. “Nearly one in five people who took out a loan think it is absolutely normal to pay

at least £780 back on a £300 loan. It isn’t, and it needs to stop”. My Home Finance is today launching an awareness campaign, with a host of 21 supporting partner organisations throughout the UK including local Wessex Resolutions. Wessex Resolutions is a Community Interest Company working in partnership with local councils in South West England to provide socially supportive finance to assist private sector homeowners to maintain their homes to a ‘decent’ standard. Andrew Wallace, their Managing Director, said, “Wessex Resolutions has been delivering

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affordable, community based finance for nearly ten years. Our loans are targeted to assist those who cannot afford to borrow from commercial or higher rate finance providers and are delivered by friendly, qualified staff who give the highest priority to quality customer service. We believe in financial inclusion for all and are happy to support My Home Finance in this campaign”. Ben Hughes, Chief Executive of the Community Development Finance Association said; “We should all have the basic right of access to fair finance. Like all our members, My Home Finance is changing

lives and putting wealth back into communities. But more people need to know about the affordable loans that are on offer and that won't trap them in spirals of debt. More investment is needed to link up community lending, savings and advice services.” Tess Pendle concluded; “We need a huge change in the way customers of short term lending are given choices and information on what the actual cost of the loan is. Customers have been led to believe that it is fine for them to be allowed to take out credit, without any affordability checks; but this usually means that they have to pay it back at gigantic interest rates. What kind of society are we when we do not allow people to borrow in a way that enables them to still be in control of their money?’ For more information call the national office on 0121 212 9568 or visit www.myhomefinance.org.uk

AgonyAunt Kimberley Wall HI, I’m Kimberley Wall and I’m the new Agony Aunt for the Cheltenham Standard. I work for Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon and I really want you to write in with your worries. Sometimes it helps to get a different perspective on something. And with a team of Relate relationship counsellors, family therapists, young person counsellors and sex therapists behind me I can access the expertise of many specialist areas. In August, Relate’s ‘The Way We Are Now’ survey found that… • Over 8 out of 10 people have good relationships with their partners (85%) • 1 in 10 people don’t have a single close friend (9%) • Nearly 1 in 5 people never or rarely felt loved in the two weeks before the survey (18%) • 1 in 5 people say they are not satisfied with their sex lives (22%) • 3 in 10 people think their bosses believe the most productive employees put work before family (30%) • One in four people in the South West have experienced the breakdown of their parents’ relationship (25%) • 60% think money worries are one of the biggest strains on a relationship Money worries was cited as the biggest challenge to relationships which was

followed by maintaining a work-life balance, infidelity, not understanding each other and communication problems. No relationships are immune to tough patches or challenges but sometimes we can experience a problem that isn’t easily resolved and/or spirals without intervention. If this occurs and especially if you are someone who feels they do not have a close friend; where can you turn? Relationships, like people, are diverse and while family separation continues to shape modern family life, Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon understands that the quality of family relationships matters more than the size, shape or structure of the family unit (we’ve come a long way since we were the Marriage Guidance Council). We recognise that there is no one-sizefits-all solution but please contact me on office@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk (anonymously if you prefer) if a relationship, family, friendship or sex problem is causing you distress or worry. You don’t have to suffer in silence. If you would prefer to talk through an issue face-to-face with a Relate counsellor then please contact our Cheltenham office on 01242 523215. If you prefer to tweet a question you can also find us on @LooksLikeLove using hashtag #agonyaunt. Don’t forget I’m here to listen!

18 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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LEFT: The fancy dress parade will be a hit at the Cheltenham Connect Village Show on September 20. On the catwalk carpet are (left to right): Eloise Verlaque, Freddie Plaskitt, Archie Moule, Pollyanna Mayhew, Matilda Mayhew, Harry Plaskitt, Elodie Verlaque.

Saturday September 20th University of Gloucestershire Park Campus

Vegetables ready to go for Cheltenham Connect Village Show GIANT vegetables, colourful paintings, animals made from fruit and veg and a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fancy dress parade will be among the attractions at a fun-filled family event in Cheltenham. Bakers, crafters, growers and artists will showcase their skills at the Cheltenham Connect Village Show this Saturday (September 20), to raise money for community development. This is a fabulous opportunity to exhibit hidden talents and

even win a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best-in-Showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; award for biggest pumpkin, best jam or most creative needlecraft. There will be fancy dress, food and drink stalls, a range of competitions for adults and children, and variety of entertainment, with visitors encouraged to try their hand at new skills like bunting making, pottery and painting. The show takes place at the University of Gloucestershire's Park Campus from 12pm

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm, alongside the Greener Gloucestershire Festival, which promotes sustainability, new technologies and promoting simple ways to lead a greener life. Chairman of Cheltenham Connect Dave Savell said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a family-focused, fun event involving the whole community, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real celebration of people's creativity and we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to get started. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We would urge everyone in Cheltenham to come along and

support a good cause. We are a committee of volunteers and proceeds will go to continue the great work of Cheltenham Connect, which aims to improve the residential and trading community of south Cheltenham.â&#x20AC;? For more details and an entry form see www.ccvillageshow.weebly.com or pop into Cook on Bath Road. Or to get involved in running the event, please contact Vanessa@cheltenhamconnect.co.uk

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 18 SEPTEMBER 2014

BUSINESS Editor’sDESK

RIVING in the town right now is becoming more than a nuisance. It’s like trying to herd cats; almost impossible and very annoying. Navigating your way across town is also akin to participating in the Dakar Rally. If the pot holes don’t get you, then the noxious fumes building up from the long lines of stationary cars will. Back in January this year environment chiefs at the borough council said that the amount of nitrogen dioxide polluting the atmosphere in parts of the town had reached unacceptably high levels. Nice of them to caption the obvious. At the time our borough council had come up with a 20-point action plan to tackle the problem, with improvements to traffic flows in the town centre which was at the heart of their strategy. Of course then the banana skin that is the Severn Trent Water sewage repair works arrived, was promptly discounted, omitted or just plain forgotten about. It took me twenty five minutes to navigate from Tivoli to Eagle Tower. That’s unacceptable. The town council must have known about these road works and that closures were going to have to be put in place. Where was the contingency and the planning to keep the town flowing properly? Driving on Bath Road has become a slow death; a meandering, frustrating snake of traffic which renders you almost comatose. Getting around by car in this town right

now is like wading through treacle. The tempers are flaring as most folks find they’re almost certainly going arrive late to wherever they’re going. It doesn’t help that a number of drivers in Cheltenham aren’t exactly Lewis Hamilton when it comes to the speed stakes. You know who you are! The only way to get around properly is to use all the back doubles. And that’s if you know them. And even the back doubles are now congested. It’s a downward spiral of queuing traffic and lengthy waits at most intersections whilst you try to get through the traffic lights without getting caught on the yellow boxes. Paul Scott, contaminated land officer at the authority, said much earlier in the year, ‘everyone has a right to live, work and relax in a healthy environment which includes having good quality air to breath. Good air quality is an important factor in protecting people’s health’ He went to comment at the time, ‘evidence suggests poor air quality is a major cause of premature death in the UK with around 29,000 occurring annually’. Well the death rate in Cheltenham over the past two months must have soared. We all know these works have to be done, but it’s the way it’s been communicated and as importantly it’s the way it’s been handled operationally that’s key. I can’t find a single soul out there who has said that they don’t mind the congestion, the fumes, the delays or the frustration. Right, I need to be the other side of town in an hour… better leave now and get ready to gnash my teeth.

Got a comment? Contact us at editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

Bence, 160 years and counting BUILDERS Merchants have been part of the construction and building scene in Cheltenham since 1854 and Bence builders merchants fully intend to be here for many more years to come. The family business located in Fairview Road is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year and looking forward to the future. In ‘the day’ it would have been horse and carts delivering the supplies in and around town, now of course that’s given way to a fleet of vehicles, including six-wheel crane lorries, and specialised lorries for

delivering the more fragile items. But sixth-generation managing director Paul Bence, 35, is adamant that the core values of the firm these days are as relevant now as they were way back in the in the 19th Century. ‘’At Bence's our objective is simple: we work hard to provide firstclass products and service to all our customers at the most competitive rates. Established in 1854, we are still a local family-run business, serving the local community and playing our part in the local economy’’, he said.

Cheltenham Standard is published weekly by Paul.Bates Publishing Ltd is registered Cheltenham 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, Paul.Bates Publishing 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

Standard

Illustration by James Tandy www.jamestandydesign.com

18 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

BUSINESS Connect Business Day grows with the local economy A BUSINESS-BOOSTING event featuring inspiring speakers, entrepreneurs and expert exhibitors is expanding by 50 per cent for 2014. Connect Business, now in its fourth year, has moved to a bigger venue in Cheltenham and sold out of exhibition space three months in advance. The free-to-attend event will see keynote addresses by Martin Horwood MP, Steve Knibbs, Gloucestershire Reporter for BBC Points West and Luan Wise and Fiona Spencer from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Well established business people from across the county will be passing on their knowledge and advice. There will also be a panel discussion about how to grow your business with three successful local entrepreneurs, and the event will be opened by

Cheltenhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mayor Simon Wheeler. Connect Business is organised by community group Cheltenham Connect. It brings together more than 200 people, from leading business experts to new and growing Cheltenham businesses, aiming to encourage networking and local sourcing in Gloucestershire. Organiser Belinda Wilson urged everyone with an interest in business to snap up a free ticket as they are disappearing fast. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other local companies and discuss how we can help each other to achieve our business objectives. Whether you are looking for advice on social media, a fresh new designer or an experienced recruiter who can help you find the best local talent, this Cheltenham event will have

No. 10 visit for C2S

people who can help.â&#x20AC;? The event takes place at the new location of The Pavilion, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 6PN, on Thursday 25th September 2014 from 10am to 3pm. Visitors will be able to network throughout the day and over an informal lunch. For booking and more information visit www.connectbusiness.org.uk, join the Connect Business #CCBiz group on LinkedIn or follow the event on Twitter using #CCBiz.

FOLLOWING a recent visit to 10 Downing Street, local Cheltenham company Circle2Success has expanded its horizons promoting the benefits of the Governments Corporate Covenant. This week saw leading UK timber and panel importer Premier Forest Products based in Newport become the first private company in Wales to sign up to the armed forces corporate covenant. Over forty companies in Gloucestershire have already pledged their support to current and exmilitary personnel. Terry Edgell, Director and cofounder of Premier, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whilst working with Cirlce2Success they brought to our attention the Covenant and it was an easy decision for us. As well as showing our appreciation for the hard work the men and women of the

armed forces do, it also gives us access to a highly disciplined, well trained pool of staff that would be an asset to any business.â&#x20AC;? Premier Forest Products also received support from Baroness Randerson, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, Baroness Randerson said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Following the brilliant success of Meet the Forces day in Cardiff Bay this week, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s particularly timely for me to be thanking Premier Forest Products on having signed up to the Corporate Covenant. I look forward to many more Welsh businesses signing up in due course.â&#x20AC;? Suzanne HallGibbins, Circle2Success said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it was great to have a group like Premier Forest sign up to the Covenant. We are delighted they have come on board and leading the way in Walesâ&#x20AC;?.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 18 SEPTEMBER 2014

HEALTH&LIFESTYLE

ThePulse By JO BETTERIDGE

jo@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

Surging through the veins of Cheltenham Life

Musings of a Cheltenham Wannabe I TOOK my daughter to see Maleficent starring my girl-crush Angelina Jolie at the weekend. Being a non-discerning, lazy viewer of nothing but chick flicks and whichever Disney film we have on a loop at the whim of said daughter, I loved it. Maleficent, Ange’s malevolent villainess/magnificent heroine was a super-good faerie until the man she loved stole her wings and threatened her kingdom’s security (great metaphors, Walt!). In retaliation, the girl done bad. Very bad. Disney, role models to our children, have thus finally addressed the fact that there is no such thing as pure good or evil; our actions, good or bad, are driven by our experiences and emotions, good or bad, as the wronged faerie beautifully illustrated. It’s made me view what I call the Cheltenham gossip carousel a little differently. There are circles in town that seemingly thrive on criticising who said/did/wore what,

or who’s with whose ex (yup, it’s an incestuous town). I’ve been guilty of taking sides, of judging others. But in reality, there are valid reasons for every action and reaction, and people can’t simply be labelled as nasty or nice. For example, it’s not unknown for nice, nonmalicious people to have extra-marital affairs and go on to survive long, happy marriages. It doesn’t make them evil; although I doubt the exes agree. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, but it’s always more complicated than that. And take murder; most heinous of crimes of the heart. I’m sure I don’t need to point out I’m not in any way excusing or condoning it, but I was once of the few privy to the other human, exceedingly complex side of a shocking, sensational story that hit the headlines. And on a lighter, more superficial note, mobile phones have been aglow with toxic texts in my peer group of late – yes,

even at our age. But if we unpick who said what and when and why, it’s not because anyone is particularly right or wrong, good or bad, it’s because everyone comes from their own place of hurt and is motivated by emotional and moral self-defence. People instinctively protect what is sacred to them, whether it be their heart, their home or their beliefs. To prove my cultural consumption does not begin and end with Disney, Shakespeare aptly illustrates my next point: “If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh?... And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?” Revenge then, whether in the form of a cutting put-down or worse, is perhaps a natural reaction of the wronged, just as happiness is a natural reaction of the loved. Strong, regretful reactions can be provoked in the best of us when that which we most fiercely protect is threatened. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not

UNDER PRESSURE: HOW HIGH IS YOUR BP IQ?

put a strain on your heart. I liken it to driving with your foot flat on the throttle. That's great if you need to accelerate past a car but if you drive like that all the time, the engine will eventually start to complain!” Simon Flynn, Cheltenham resident and 10-year high blood pressure sufferer was diganosed whilst being treated by a chiropractor and was advised to visit his GP. He admits “I haven’t had my blood pressure readings explained, I don’t even really know what the two numbers mean. I probably should know but the GP is a busy man and I don’t like to make a fuss”. Neetan Jain of The Spa Pharmacy in Montpellier clarifies “Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your arteries or your blood vessels and recorded as two figures. The top or first number is the systolic pressure – the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. The bottom or second number is the diastolic pressure – the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between each beat. “Generally the higher the blood pressure the greater the risk to health. If you are worried contact your local pharmacist for advice.” The survey also showed that over two thirds of people would monitor their blood pressure themselves if they

understood hypertension better. Blood pressure monitors are available for use at home or at work, enabling early diagnosis if readings are high. High blood pressure patients use them as aids in better health lifestyle regimes, as diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol can shape blood pressure. They are also used to validate readings in a clinical environment where a patient’s stress at their environment can cause false results. Dr Dawn is all for the use of home monitors; “I often recommend patients use home monitors to give me a picture of what their blood pressure is doing at different times of the day. I always ask them to bring their monitor into surgery to check against mine.” GPs do not always have time to explain the numbers, and with ‘whitecoat hypertension’ making blood pressure results higher in the surgery, it is not surprising patients can leave the GP baffled. Kinetik Medical appear to have provided the answers: “We have developed the BP IQ quiz to help point people to some simple facts, the best resources and lifestyle measures for a dose of self-help”.

A NEW national survey has revealed that more than half of adults over forty have never had their blood pressure results explained by their GP. One in three UK adults has high blood pressure or hypertension, dubbed ‘the silent killer’ because its victims often do not notice symptoms. Eight million Brits with high blood pressure are not undergoing treatment, and every day 350 people suffer the preventable strokes or heart attacks it causes. The survey, commissioned by Kinetik Medical, showed that while 96 percent of people knew hypertension upped the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure, 46 percent of forty year olds did not know what their blood pressure reading actually was. Kinetik Medical spokesman Ian Baker said: “We know that a third of people with high blood pressure are walking around undiagnosed, but even those that take the time to get tested can struggle. Gloucestershire GP Dr Dawn Harper, star of TV’s ‘Embarrassing Bodies’ comments: “It’s completely normal and appropriate for blood pressure to go up when we are anxious or in pain but blood pressure that is consistently raised can

To take the ‘BP IQ’, visit www.kinetikmedical.com/bpiq.html

saying we should accept bad behaviour or that tit-for-tat retaliation is excusable or right. So my point? It’s hard not to judge a person by their wrongdoings or the things they say. But if you dig a little deeper there’s nearly always a story, a hidden reason to foster empathy. Rarely are we good or bad people, we’re just human, driven by our base instincts and emotions. And hurt people hurt people. PS apologies to the lady I was involved in a minor car crash with the other day. As she later realised, my somewhat overthe-top vocal reaction (cringe) was from a deeper source. I explained. She understood. And she forgave. So love one another, gossipers of the ‘Nam! Understand. Empathise. Forgive. Vengeance shall not be yours, you’re really not that evil.

BASQUE BOOT CAMP THE diets are charted, the scales are primed, the tape measure warmed and the personal trainer warned… Cheltenham’s two most un-motived, exercise-loathing, food-loving, wineguzzling birds are about to go head-tohead in the battle of the basques. Driven by the need to squeeze ourselves into burlesque-themed birthday party fancy dress at the end of October, Natalie Neale and I have decided to make ourselves publicly accountable and share our fitness voyage into the unknown. Aside from not wishing to look mountainous in Moulin Rouge-style corsets, we each have very different personal reasons for our potentially humiliating three-month fitness and weight-loss quest. Natalie’s exploring the effects of diet and fitness on health in general, and on her migraines specifically, whilst I want to uncover the confidence-boosting, happy-making psychological effects of a finely toned body. Yes indeed, personal trainer Matt Coulthard has his work cut out. Our inspirational journey kicks off here next week – see you then! Follow us on Twitter: Natalie@CheltStandard and Jo@CheltStandard.

18 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

HEALTH&LIFESTYLE FINDING the right diet to suit you and your lifestyle can be a minefield. There are diets aimed at rapid weight loss or those focussed on changing attitude towards food for slower weight loss. Over recent years the following diets have become the subject of media scrutiny: South Beach, Cabbage Soup, Atkins, 5:2, Cambridge, Weight Watchers, Dukan, Paleo, GI (Glycaemic Index) and Slimming world. So which one should I pluck for? I don’t want to spend my day obsessing and craving food. I can’t sleep if I’m hungry, and if I’m running on empty I start to shake. I don’t want to feel weak and tired if I’m expected to exercise (actually just that thought is making me feel weak and tired) and I could do without an abundance of headaches and lack of concentration whilst I try and hold down a job. Here’s a snapshot. South Beach Diet – Designed by a cardiologist, it’s basically a low fat diet that occurs in 3 phases. Phase 1 (first 2 weeks) is to cut out all processed carbohydrates, fruit, vegetables of a higher glycaemic value (yep sounds like putting your body in to ketosis to me). Phase 2 continues for weight loss and introduces fruit, vegetables and some grains. Phase 3 is maintenance for life. Frankly this just sounds like a mixture of any normal low fat diet, Cambridge and GI. This is not for me and nutritionally I don’t like the idea of limiting so many fruit and vegetables. Cabbage Soup Diet – Recommended for a quick fix. I did actually do this many years ago. ‘Flatulence’ and ‘boring’ spring to mind. Little nutritional benefit with the vegetables being overcooked. Not for me. Atkins – A very low carb diet allowing full fat and fried foods. It works by putting your body in to ketosis which is frowned upon by many in the medical profession but personally I really believe the science behind it. You will get incredible halitosis on this diet, so if you’re planning a date, I’d give it a miss. This is not a diet that should be undertaken by diabetics and medical advice should be sought if you have any medical history if you plan to start this diet. I’m not big on full fat foods. I don’t want dog breath so I’m moving on.

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

Diet dilemma… that consists of drinking 3-4 meal replacement shakes a day. Like Atkins it puts your body in to ketosis which takes approximately 3 days to achieve, gives you a nasty headache and yep, you get dog breath. I failed on day one and had to eat an evening meal thus moving me from the Sole Source step (shakes only and no solid food) to Sole Source Plus that incorporates a small evening meal. There are 6 steps to this diet and your GP will be informed if you opt to start on the Sole Source. I lost 9lbs in 2 weeks, felt absolutely fantastic, and am positive that the shakes were nutritionally better than my own diet. I had bundles of energy, slept well had great skin which was probably as a result of the 2 litres of water that needs to be consumed on this diet. The water consumption is paramount on this diet. The only downsides were the cost (around £42.00 a week) and you can put the weight back on very quickly, so a massive amount of selfdiscipline is required and you might as well ditch your social life. Alcohol no matter how small the amount is a no-no and it’s not quite the same going to friends for a Sunday lunch and sitting there with your shake. It’s borderline depressing.

5:2 Diet – This involves restricting calorie intake to 500 calories on 2 nonconsecutive days of the week. I liked it but found it difficult to limit the calories on the two days, and found it hard to sleep because I was hungry. In order to keep to the 500 calories, I ate low calorie bulky food that lacked nutritional content, and because I had restricted my calorie intake the previous day I over compensated with a binge the next day. This could work for me if I could find a better way to use my 500 calories.

Weight Watchers – A national favourite I gather, but sadly not one of mine. You can join a local group (plenty in Cheltenham) or online. The diet gives you the opportunity to use daily ProPoints (that are calculated on your height, weight, age and gender) for your meals, and some additional ProPoints that you can use over the week. If you don’t want to count ProPoints you can choose from a list of healthy foods, but you will still be given a weekly allowance of ProPoints for foods that aren’t on the list. Failing either of those options you could choose one day to count ProPoints and the following not to. Confused? I think I’ve just burnt some fat off the grey matter just trying to fathom that out.

The Cambridge Diet – I tried this recently. It’s hard! A low carbohydrate diet

Dukan Diet – A low carbohydrate, high protein diet which consists of 100 foods. 72

of which are sourced from animals and 28 from vegetables. You can eat as much as you like of these foods only. The diet has “4 pillars” – Attack, Cruise, Consolidation and Stabilisation. Attack is protein only for up to 10 days along with 1.5 tablespoons of oat bran and 1.5 litres of water. This phase is meant to give you a ‘kick start’ (sounds like putting yourself in to the ever popular ‘ketosis’ to me). Cruise is where you can introduce your 28 vegetables (to be eaten on alternate days only) and continue with the oat bran. No fruit allowed. You continue with this phase to lose 1kg per week until target weight has been achieved. If there is any weight gain some of the vegetables are banned. Consolidation is the phase about not putting the weight back on. One piece of fruit is allowed and 2 pieces of wholegrain bread a couple of times a week, and finally Stabilisation is about long term maintenance. This diet is way too regimented for me. Paleo Diet – Also known as the ‘Caveman’ diet because it literally consists of eating only foods that that would have been hunted by our ancestors. We’re talking meat, fish, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables (except potatoes). No sugar, dairy products, grains or legumes allowed, and that for me is a problem. I want a diet that that I will stick to and will suit my lifestyle, and guess what? I’m not a cave-woman, so I wouldn’t stick to this. GI (Glycaemic Index) Diet – To me this is just eating sensibly. It involves eating foods with a low GI value that are low fat, preventing high sugar surges. This diet is about releasing sugar steadily so that insulin (a hormone that is produced by the pancreas) can eliminate excess sugars instead of them being converted to fat. I think this is a great way for anyone with diabetes (in particular diet controlled) to eat, but unless I was morbidly obese, or needed to control my sugar levels, I wouldn’t consider this a diet for me to lose weight, only as a way to maintain weight.

Slimming World – Probably my favourite of the bunch. Not only does it promote healthy eating (easily achieving your 5-a-day) but you’re never hungry whilst you munch away on an abundance of ‘free foods’. You can add some measured healthy extras and with an allowance of 515 Syns a day you can enjoy the odd treat (alcohol, chocolate or cake for example) without ‘failing’. I like the idea that if you abstain from using your daily Syns you can allow yourself some indulgence at the weekend if attending a wedding or other social event. Once you know your free foods (the healthy extras) it’s easy. You can join online or at one of the many groups running across Cheltenham. Personally I can’t find anything much negative about this diet, although you need to be wary of portion sizes. It’s a slow burner, so not the one for you if you want rapid weight loss, but I know many people this diet has been a huge success for and the weight has stayed off. This is the only diet I think I could actually stick to but I want ‘faster’ weight loss. Therefore, I’m going to create my own programme to lose weight using the principles of 3 diets that I believe will fit my lifestyle and that I can sustain long term. Each week I’m going to include the two non-consecutive days of the 5:2 diet. I will plot these on my busiest work days and the days that I don’t plan to exercise. On these days I’m going to have 3 meal replacement shakes (similar to that of the Cambridge diet). They are nutritionally complete and contain approximately 130 calories per shake. The 2 litres of water that I’ll consume on these days will keep hunger at bay and in the evening I’ll allow myself a light meal. For the days where I don’t need to restrict myself to 500 calories, I’m going to stick with Slimming World so I can have my binge but this time with an unlimited amount of “free” healthy foods. Hooray as I start a healthier me. *If you have any medical history you should always consult your GP before making drastic changes to your diet.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 18 SEPTEMBER 2014

EDUCATION

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MOST parents have heard the stories about how children aren’t allowed to play conkers at school, or wear ties, because of health and safety rules. But while such tales are mainly myths, the more disturbing reality is that thousands of kids have been seriously injured in accidents at school over the last five years, costing the taxpayer more than £3.3 million in compensation in just three of England’s biggest cities alone. Incidents include fractured bones and severed fingers, with many resulting from unsafe classroom and PE equipment, according to health and safety experts Employment Law Advisory Service (ELAS), who obtained the figures. They found that a total of 1,980 personal injury claims were lodged across Greater London, Birmingham and Greater Manchester in the five years since September 2008, and 444 of them were successful. “These figures are shocking and clearly not enough is being done to protect children in schools from what are, in the main, preventable accidents,” says Wayne Dunning, ELAS’ lead health and safety consultant. “The statistics emerging from these three cities are only the tip of the iceberg. “Health and safety’s not being managed properly in the education sector and this is costing taxpayers millions, not only in direct compensation but also additional hidden costs from administration.” Dunning says that it’s clear from the nature of the accidents that many areas are being overlooked by school managers and teachers, and points out: “It’s not through any fault of their own, but because they haven’t received the necessary training required to identify the potential risks and hazards that may prevent an accident from happening in the first place.”These are quite basic health and safety failings and the

Government needs to invest more in training, so that accidents that put children in danger are avoided.” Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers NUT), agrees that school managers and teachers often don’t have enough guidance to make schools the safest they possibly can be. She says school health and safety guidance is currently piecemeal, and suggests: “There should be national guidance available for school managers on what their duties are, how to avoid risk, and what’s a reasonable way of doing that. “You can’t avoid all accidents, but schools have to make sure safety requirements are met, such as adequate staff supervision, and national guidance will help staff.” She says that while stories about seemingly overzealous school health and safety measures have hit the headlines in recent years, such tales are often taken out of context, and there’s no reason to think that rules are any more or less stringent than they were in the last generation. Certainly, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirms that the no conkers or school ties rules are indeed myths - the conkers story is believed to have arisen after a well-meaning head teacher decided children should wear safety goggles to play conkers, and subsequently some schools banned the game ‘on health & safety grounds’. However, the HSE points out: “Realistically, the risk from playing conkers is incredibly low and just not worth bothering about.” And as for banning school ties and wanting children to wear clip-on ties: “HSE doesn’t ban school ties it’s up to schools to make their own decisions about uniforms.”General guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) stresses that health and safety measures should help children experience a wide range of activities safely, but not stop them.

Loopholes causing risks LOOPHOLES are leaving some academies at risk of sponsors cashing in, MPs warned. A recent report warns safeguards to protect taxpayers’ money in the flagship academies programme are far too weak and highlights the dangers of takeovers by "cabals and cliques" such as in the Trojan Horse scandal which recently blighted Birmingham. Taxpayer funded academies are open to exploitation by big business and political or religious “cliques” which support them because of “almost non-existent” safeguards, the report warned. Research commissioned by the Commons Education Committee said

checks and balances to guard against conflicts of interest between the academy chains and their sponsors are too weak despite efforts impose greater scrutiny and in some cases are “largely meaningless”. It also warns that the academy system which was the centrepiece of the former Education. Secretary Michael Gove’s reforms of schools is widely seen as lacking in transparency and “overly politicised from the top down”. It cited cases of directors taking expensive “fact finding” trips abroad or family members being put on the payroll with jobs which did not appear to have been advertised publicly.

18 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

Longer school days ALL schools 'should run a longer day' to benefit pupils from poorer backgrounds. The Department for Education tells all state schools in England to consider running a longer day, saying head teachers should put pupils' education before "tradition". It says schools should run a longer day to prevent pupils from working-class white families falling behind their peers, according to the Department for Education. All state primaries and secondaries should consider extending the school day to give pupils more teaching time and access to "character building activities". This is likely to include extra-curricular activities such as sport, cadet forces, the Duke of Edinburgh award and debating societies which are seen as vital to the development of important "life skills" outside the classroom. The report outlined that officials said pupils from poor backgrounds would benefit most from a longer day because it enabled them time to “complete work in a calm and supportive environment” well away from often chaotic home lives. The DfE failed to set out recommended opening and closing times

but evidence from the Education Endowment Foundation which is a government-funded charity has found that some schools extended the day from the usual seven or eight hours to 12. It would involve running lessons and extracurricular activities from 7am until 7pm. The EEF however has indicated that "smaller increases are associated with greater gains, and with more than three of four hours a day the benefit decreases". Schools should plan their day based on “what works in the best interests of their pupils’ education and not simply on tradition”, the DfE said. Some schools that have already extended the day make it compulsory for pupils to attend extra lessons but extra-curricular activities run into the evening are only often option. The report also said, “longer days can mean schools have more time to work with pupils who need additional help, and can open up opportunities for pupils to access purposeful, character building activities that help them build the confidence to succeed when they leave school’.

Head teachers attack idea of Ofsted inspectors visiting schools without warning BRIAN Lightman (pictured), head of the Association of School and College Leaders has said, ‘unannounced inspections treated staff like “naughty children”. Ofsted said there would be 40 no-warning inspections this month alone. These will test the feasibility of unannounced inspections, proposed after the Trojan Horse inquiries in Birmingham schools. There were calls for inspections to take place without advance warnings after claims some schools in the city were being taken over by hard-line Muslim groups. This followed concerns that some of the schools were able to conceal unacceptable behaviour when they knew Ofsted inspectors were about to call. But head teachers' leader Mr Lightman said, “moving to no notice for routine inspections is unnecessary and would be counter-productive. It stifles creativity and treats professionals like naughty children.” Sir Michael Wilshaw has announced a wave of no-notice inspections “Schools currently only receive half a day's notice. This is the absolute minimum time needed so that key staff and governors are available to meet with inspectors and staff can gather the facts and figures that inspectors need during their visit,” said Mr Lightman. He accepted that where there is an “urgent cause for concern”, unannounced inspections could be appropriate, but it should not become the standard procedure. Ofsted plans to test the idea of no-notice inspections, with a wave of two-day unannounced visits across England. “I'm currently giving thought to whether Ofsted should move to more routine, no-notice inspections as part of our wider education inspection reforms, which we will be consulting on later this year,” said Sir Michael. “In the meantime, under our regional structure, inspectors are

Nurturing

Talent since 1541

well-placed to use their local knowledge and contacts to identify where these sorts of problems may be taking hold so we can respond swiftly and report publicly on what we find.” Tip-off claims Meanwhile Ofsted is investigating claims that a number of schools in academy trusts in Norfolk were given advance warning of inspections. The education watchdog also revealed that inspectors have returned for monitoring checks on five of the Birmingham schools placed into special measures after the Trojan Horse investigations. The National Union of Teachers says it opposes adopting a system of routine no-notice school inspections. “For accountability to be meaningful there needs to be proper professional and respectful dialogue,” said the union's general secretary, Christine Blower. “The government should look to and learn from the light touch accountability systems of high-performing countries such as Finland and New Zealand which are based on trusting schools and teachers to do the best by their students, rather than the issuing of threats or penalties.”

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 18 SEPTEMBER 2014

QUIRKY NEWS

Something a bit different...

About as useful as…

Firefighters with hearts of gold

BOFFINS at Nestle have produced a chocolate teapot which held boiling water for two minutes and made a drinkable cup of tea. Reports say that the York chocolatiers were challenged to prove the phrase “as useful as a chocolate teapot” wrong. The result was

a hand-crafted, working receptacle made of dark chocolate containing 65 percent cocoa solids. The hot water melted some of the chocolate inside the teapot, but the viscous molten chocolate helped insulate the outside layer and the teapot did not leak.

FIREFIGHTERS who responded to a man having a heart attack whilst cutting the lawn, went back to finish the job as a gesture of goodwill to his family. After John McCormick was taken to hospital by firefighters and an ambulance crew, fire engine driver Luke Badnarak

came up with the idea to go back and finish off the lawn. McCormick, 65, sadly died two days later, but his family said they were grateful for the gesture. “It just speaks to their character,” said McCormick’s son-in-law Dan Blackford. “They say honour is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. That’s a fact.”

No booze at festival NEW licensing laws mean competitors in the Pewsey Carnival wheelbarrow race will be sober for the first time in 33 years. Organisers of the annual threelegged ‘wine race’ and ‘wheelberro’ races at the Wiltshere festival have brought in the unpopular change this year to comply with the 2003 Licensing Act preventing ‘drinking alcohol at speed’. This weekend, anyone who wants to race in either event will have to drink non-alcoholic beverages at each of the designated stops around the village. There will be a second non-competitive race, starting five minutes later, for entrants who want to drink booze and make their way around the stops at a leisurely pace. Organiser David Major told the

Gazette and Herald: “It’s been a bit of a nightmare but we’ll just have to see how things go. “We won’t know how it will affect entries until the day, but people have been talking about it, so hopefully everyone will still get into the spirit of things.” Jerry Kunkler, landlord of the Moonrakers pub, one of the stops on the race route, added: “It’s a bit of a strange one, but it’s all to do with health and safety which I don’t always agree with. “We live in a nanny state and it’s the minority that the rules are in place for and the majority are the ones that have to pay. “The Wheelberro race has been going for 33 years and we’ve only had one person fall out of a wheelbarrow which isn’t bad going.”

Man asks Siri to help cover up murder

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER... H

UNDREDS of people descended on Cheltenham town centre last Saturday for the world’s most exclusive treasure hunt. A total of £10,000 worth of diamonds were hidden across the spa town by luxury jeweller Beards. The event, which attracted global media attention, was held in aid of Maggie's Cancer Care Centre. Treasure maps priced at £10 each were available for the public to purchase. Additional clues were also available on the day priced at £5. Initial fundraising figures suggest the Beards Diamond Rush raised in excess of £5,000 for Maggie's. The first diamond was found within 10 minutes of the Diamond Rush kicking off. The event started at 9.30am and by

9.37am, the first diamond had been found in The Daffodil Restaurant in The Suffolks. The final diamond was found at 1.34pm. Lucky winners 23-yearold Matthew Jefferies and 28year-old Fay Morehen found the first diamond and purchased their treasure map one week before the event. “The town was buzzing with people hunting for the diamonds. We had been planning our strategy all week but we were absolutely stunned to have found one. I cannot explain the feeling of excitement which dawned on us when we came across that special little purple pouch,” said Miss Morehen. Other diamonds were found in Cheltenham’s iconic Lido, Montpellier Gardens and at the top of Leckhampton Hill. Meanwhile

one lucky shopper found a diamond in the Celebration Cake Counter in Waitrose and another was found in Ellis and Kilpatrick Opticians in The Regent Arcade. Other diamonds were found in a bush at 131 The Promenade and under a bin in Pittville Park. One Cheltenham couple, who

found the diamond in 131 The Promenade, heightened the emotion of the day with a marriage proposal. Builder Scott Thompson, 27, got down on one knee to ask his girlfriend Lucienne Simpson, 26, to marry him. The final gem, which was not found until 1.34pm, was

hidden in the underground car park at The Montpellier Chapter. Managing Director Alex Rose, from Beards Jewellers, said: “The success of this event has been phenomenal. It has been so much fun for everyone taking part while also making 10 lucky diamond hunters incredibly happy. We have raised a fabulous amount of money for Maggies – a truly amazing charity. All in all, the Beards Diamond Rush was a fantastic success. We would like to thank everyone who took part.” Spokesperson Anna Mason, from Maggie’s, said: “It has been an amazing and rather emotional day which has not only raised a huge amount for Maggie’s but has also changed lives of people taking part. The people who have found the diamonds have been over the moon, and this was simply topped with one of the lucky finders popping the question to his girlfriend.”

18 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

CoffeeBreak

Right coffin, wrong body MOURNERS in Florida were horrified when the wrong corpse was brought in to a funeral. Mary Anderson, 64, had chosen the clothes in which she wanted to be buried, including underwear, but relatives found they had been put on the body of a dead stranger. Mary’s daughter, Marvelle Freeman, was first to spot the horrendous mistake after funeral workers opened the casket. The wake in West Palm Beach had to be delayed by an hour until Mary’s

body was fetched from another location and the clothes were transferred. “We get here today for her wake, and it’s not her. They have somebody else in all of her belongings,” Freeman told the Sun Sentinel. Anderson’s sister Susan Williams added: “To take her undergarments and put on somebody else, and then take them off her, and put them back on (my sister)... Come on! Come on! That’s not right.”

Your Weekly HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 20 – April 18): You resent walking on eggshells. It’s just not your style. Make the extra effort today because loved ones and friends will appreciate it. TAURUS (April 19 – May 19): Things are going swimmingly on the professional front, but don’t relax. Maintain your lead because your competition’s just a breaststroke behind. GEMINI (May 20 – June 20): There’s networking and then there’s building allegiances. Don’t be impatient. Put in the time and energy and you’ll reap long-lasting results. CANCER (June 21 – July 21): Everyone’s convinced you’ve got the answer. If only you shared their confidence. Follow through with what you have planned and you’ll see their faith isn’t misplaced. LEO (July 22 – Aug 21): There’s been so much back-and-forth lately that you may have a hard time remembering what you finally agreed to. Ask.

Astronaut on ocean floor AN ASTRONAUT is spending a week living at the bottom of the ocean to simulate and prepare for future space missions. Jeremy Hansen is currently on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean at the Aquarius Reef Base in Florida, about 20m (65ft) below the surface. He has been tweeting images of his underwater adventure, including an early morning snap of a passing barracuda. In one message posted online he said: “In bed for first night’s sleep under 20 metres of ocean. I got the top bunk! “I hear water surging back and forth and other strange sounds.” The Canadian told CBC before the mission: “For me, mentally, I’m preparing to go on a space mission for the next seven days. “We’ll be going to space walks, if you will, out of the habitat every day and exploring the ocean floor as if it were an asteroid or the surface of Mars.” The 38-year-old is the exploration

VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21): No sooner do you write off an acquaintance as a snake in the grass then this person pulls your fat out of the fire. Apologize – and fast! LIBRA (Sept 22 – Oct 22): You’re surprised to see the human side of someone who’s always “on.” Is it enough to revise your opinion? You betcha! SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21): You suspected something was up, but today’s revelation is still a surprise. You’ll need some time to absorb the repercussions. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 20): You’re used to doing things by yourself, but this needs to change. You’re never too old to learn how to be a team player. CAPRICORN (Dec 21 – Jan 18): There’s more to a romantic interest than meets the eye. Expect things to get deep. You’ll appreciate the added dimension to your life. AQUARIUS (Jan 19 – Feb 17): The hidden cost to success is that you have to answer to your own amazing track record, but don’t worry. You’re on a roll so keep on rolling.

lead for Nasa’s extreme environment mission operations. He will guide a four-man crew for the week-long event. He said: “There’s a hole in the floor that’s open to the ocean all the time, and the air pressure keeps the water out, and we just go in and out. “One of unique things I’m really excited (about) is just to see the ocean life. It’s kind of like a big aquarium for me.”

PISCES (Feb 18 – March 19): Asking for help actually gives the impression of you wanting to do your best. A colleague or client is happy to show you the ropes.

Word Ladder Convert the word at the top of the ladder into the word at the bottom of it, using only the three steps in between. Every word must be a valid four-letter word.

MASK

DEER

BURN

BEAK

CRYPTIC Crossword 8

9 10

11 12 13

16 17

19 20

ACROSS 1. You don’t get cross when you get one (4) 3. The bus decor becomes hidden (8) 8. As well as a London orchestra (4) 9 and 20 Across. Sum to do in per cent to work it out (8,8) 11. Lost me cash in terrible contraptions (4,8) 13. Father’s attempt to make dough ... (6) 14. ... or bits cooked in a small restaurant (6) 17. The government representative got in a flap over Ray and the police force (12) 20. See 9 Across. 21. To return to the man (4) 22. Normal procedure used for skipping? (3,5) 23. It’s a long walk from the theatre, kids! (4)

DOWN 1. Strange patterns in the wing of a church (8) 2. Conventions where you may make a declaration (7) 4. An ornamental clasp and two rings found in a British Church (6) 5. Being impulsive, write a hundred credit notes on an Italian island (10) 6. Itinerary for the tour around the East (5) 7. Terribly odd love-bird (4) 10. One more Paris performance arranged by the theatrical producer (10) 12. It shouldn’t be used as a blotter (4,4) 15. Driven to tears by a domestic appliance (7) 16. False lashes can give trouble (6) 18. Improper treatment of 6 down? (5) 19. The main point of registration (4)

Last week’s solutions (11th September 2014): Across: 1 Church-goers; 9 Upbraid; 10 Phial; 11 Total; 12 Nankeen; 13 Errata; 15 Corset; 18 Magnate; 20 Throb; 22 Romeo; 23 Immense; 24 Inelegantly. Down: 2 Habit; 3 Reallot; 4 Hiding; 5 Orpen; 6 Raiders; 7 Furthermore; 8 Plane-tables; 14 Regimen; 16 Ottoman; 17 Meting; 19 Atoll; 21 Renal.

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 18 SEPTEMBER 2014

TELEVISION Your one-stop guide to the best tv over the four-day ‘weekend’

18 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 18 SEPTEMBER 2014

HELTENHAM Borough Council has been quietly beavering away for years on plans to partially pedestrianise Boots Corner. This is one of a number of changes included in the ‘Cheltenham Transport Plan’. During the summer of 2013 the Council conducted a consultation with the town’s residents about plans for Boots Corner. People were shown imaginative sketches of the area transformed by fancy road surfacing, along with options for a new fountain, trees or public art. The Council concluded that there was support for their plans. Not happy with the way this consultation had been undertaken, I carried out my own online survey earlier this year (you can view the results and read my objection to the plans on my blog http://klara1967.blogspot.co.uk). My survey showed that the largest number of people want Boots Corner to stay as it is. Interestingly it also showed that many people, who say they support the Council’s plans to change Boots Corner, actually support full pedestrianisation and not the fudge of partial closure. What is proposed simply will not deliver the significant level of improvements at Boots Corner the Council say it will because buses and taxis will be trundling through the area.

ON MY

Soapbox By COUNCILLOR KLARA SUDBURY

With buses and taxis going through but no controlled crossing, Boots Corner will become a difficult environment for many vulnerable people to use. Over 67% of people responding to my survey said they did not believe allowing buses and taxis to

share space with pedestrians at Boots Corner would be safe for people with disabilities. Partial pedestrianisation of Boots Corner will shift congestion from a town centre location where no one lives to roads where there are many local residents. Almost 79% of people responding to my survey expressed some level of concern about this, with the largest number of people saying they are very concerned. And they are right to be concerned. The transport ‘plan’ will move pollution from a mobile population of shoppers to a static population of residents, with all the negative health impacts that will have. The roads affected by increased traffic will be much worse for all road users, not just

motorists or bus users stuck in traffic jams; cycling and walking on these routes will be much more unpleasant. Increasing congestion and making journey times more unpredictable will also harm local businesses. The current one way system in our town needs sorting out but that can be done without the proposed traffic changes at Boots Corner. Improving the appearance of Boots Corner is not dependent on reducing the traffic there. In the Promenade by the War Memorial a great deal of investment has taken place in improving the pavements. And yet this potentially wonderful civic square remains a glorified taxi rank and bus station. No one wants Cheltenham to stagnate. It is a beautiful town and a wonderful place to live. We need to pursue plans for the future which will bring genuine improvements. Given how damaging the current plans are it is time for a fundamental rethink. Let’s keep the traffic flow at Boots Corner as it is – yes it’s busy but it works, the crossing helps people cross and traffic around the town is not continually gridlocked. Resurface and repave the area and give the fountain some TLC. Remove the traffic from the Promenade by the Long Gardens and War Memorial and create a world class civic square which will be a real asset to the town and its residents.

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18 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

CULTURE Twinning choir returns to perform at Town Hall

events in our choir’s programme. “We’re delighted to welcome the Göttingen Stadtkantorei back to Cheltenham. On the last visit of the Göttingen choir, we performed Mendelssohn’s Elijah in Tewkesbury Abbey. We hope many people will be inspired by memories of that fine concert to come and support us on 8th November. They will not be disappointed.” The visitors, who are in Cheltenham from 4-9th November, will also have time to explore their twin town with a guided tour and a welcome reception with the Mayor, Councillor Simon Wheeler. Cheltenham has been twinned with Göttingen in Lower Saxony since 1951 and this visit is one of many well established links that exist between the two towns. Councillor Garth Barnes, chairman of Cheltenham Twinning Association, said: ’’I am delighted that the two choirs from Göttingen and Cheltenham have forged such a superb relationship that has enabled them to perform at the highest standard together. This shows twinning at a cultural and personal level that brings much enjoyment and lasting friendships to many.’’ Ticket prices range from £10 to £30 and are available from Cheltenham Town Hall’s website.

THE Cheltenham Bach Choir and the Göttingen Stadtkantorei are combining once again to present a great choral work at Cheltenham Town Hall on Saturday 8 November at 7.30pm. The massed voices will number some one hundred and fifty singers and will be conducted by Dr. Bernd Eberhardt, the Stadtkantorei’s musical director. The choirs will sing the Latin text of Beethoven’s magnificent Missa Solemnis. The Cheltenham Bach Choir has been twinned with the Göttingen Stadtkantorei (Town Choir) from Cheltenham’s German twin town since 1971. John Bristol, chairman of the Cheltenham Bach Choir, said “The Cheltenham Bach Choir is absolutely delighted to be performing with the Stadtkantorei. There are longstanding links between these two choirs and we have exchanges every two or three years, which are important

Community casting for Miller masterpiece TOURING Consortium Theatre Company hold regional auditions for community casting in next production of Arthur Miller’s ‘A View from the Bridge’. In spring 2015, the Touring Consortium Theatre Company will, with York Theatre Royal, co-produce Arthur Miller's modern classic, A View from the Bridge, directed by Damian Cruden. 2015 is the centenary of Arthur Miller’s birth and they are delighted to be celebrating it with this production of one of his most popular plays. Set in 1950s New York and crackling with raw emotion, this American classic simmers with tension as longshoreman Eddie Carbone's obsession with his orphaned niece spirals out of control. In a close Italian immigrant community bound by codes of justice and vengeance, the scene is set for disaster when Eddie and his wife welcome Sicilian cousins into their home. Sexual repression, paranoia and homophobia drive Eddie to an act of betrayal that has tragic consequences for himself, his family and the whole community. This dark and passionate tale ranks as one of the great classics of our time. The Touring Consortium Theatre Company will be holding open auditions at the Everyman Theatre,

Cheltenham to cast between 10-12 people who will make up the ensemble casting for this production. Local members of the community will perform alongside the professional cast for the entire week that it plays at the Everyman (Tuesday 10th – Saturday 14th March 2015). It’s a wonderful opportunity for local actors to be part of a national touring production. The Touring Consortium Theatre Company has included community ensembles in their previous tours of WhatsOnStage nominated To Sir With Love and Brassed Off. Anyone with even a little acting experience is welcome to audition. Just bring your enthusiasm and commitment. Auditions will be held on the Everyman Theatre stage this autumn. To apply for a casting slot, please send a recent photo and a short paragraph about yourself explaining why you would like to take part to stacey@touringconsortium.com. Please note you must be over 16 years old to apply. Deadline for applications is 3rd October 2014. The next Touring Consortium production at the Everyman will be a stage adaptation of Pat Barker’s WW1 novel Regeneration next month (21st – 25th October).

Competition Final Week! Thanks to our friends at The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham you could Win one of three pairs of tickets for George Orwell’s classic novel ‘1984’ now adapted as a play for the Friday 26th performance. To go into our free to enter draw to win a pair of tickets just answer this question....

Q. Which other novel by George Orwell immediately preceded ‘1984’? A. Coming up for Air B. Animal Farm C. The Road to Wigan Pier

THE D A TING DIARIES…. a collection of short stories from the heart By KAREN PERRETT

Long Distance love… Part 1 STACEY had been dating Mark for around eighteen months and it was never going to be a serious relationship as she had just come out of a long-term relationship with the father of her first daughter. She had basically hooked up with Mark after meeting in a nightclub not long after her daughter was born. He was seven years younger than Stacey and had made no bones about the fact that he wanted to go travelling for a year whilst he was still young. They both thought they could handle the impending moment when Mark would leave. However, they had inadvertently fallen in love and when the day finally arrived for Mark to step on the plane, he had actually pleaded with Stacey to wait for him at least for the first couple of months. He was due to go to Vancouver for a month and then onto Perth in Australia for a year. Mark had not been particularly computer literate and Stacey had set up a Hotmail account for him to remain in touch with her in Internet cafes throughout his trip. In a freak twist of events, Stacey sends an email to Mark’s Hotmail account and accidentally omits one of the full stops in the address. The result is that the email goes to somebody with the same name, surname and year of birth as her Marc, But whom lives in Perth Australia. What is even spookier is that the Australian Marc, who goes by the name of Marcus, has been in an almost identical situation and his girlfriend has left him to go to travelling for a year. She resides in Vancouver, which is where Stacey’s boyfriend is staying at that precise time in history The story follows Stacey’s developing relationship (Online and by telephone) with Marcus and how coincidences in life can lead us to unknown paths that form part of life’s rich tapestry. The story finishes at the point where Stacey meets Marcus face-to-face for the first time in Vancouver as he seeks to rekindle his romance with the estranged Isabelle.

To be continued next week… The Dating Diaries is due to be released as an e-book on Amazon kindle, priced at £1.99 on September 30th 2014 and a follow up collection is due to be released next year.

Karen Perrett A modern day Bridget Jones Karen Perret formerly of Cheltenham and now living in rural Herefordshire has compiled collection of short stories under the name Stacey Ingal. They’re based on her real life experiences, whilst playing the dating game over a seven year period.

Answers by email to:

editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk First three correct randomly chosen answers win.

Closing date 22nd September 2014

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18 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

100,000 families paying for care they don’t need to RECENT figures indicate that care home fraud, i.e. families disposing of property and assets to claim state funding has nearly doubled in the past year, up to 82% which is tantamount to £4 million. However many would people argue that a far bigger con trick is being perpetrated by the NHS and local councils. This is because families are not being informed about funding or exemptions they are entitled to and as a result some experts believe thousands of houses are being sold unnecessarily each year, and inheritances drained when they don’t have to be. To add to this, an estimated 100,000 families are unaware of some schemes that could save them a fortune in care home fees. It’s a shocking revelation, especially considering those most affected will be the tax-paying middle classes. For relatives of the estimated 130,000 elderly people who enter care homes every year, the sums at stake can be vast. According to healthcare analysts Laing Buisson, residential care costs about £600 a week and more than that for people suffering from dementia. Costs also vary by location. It was found that patients in the South East who pay closer to £1,000 a week for residential care clock up a bill of nearly £100,000 over two years (the average time a person spends in care), compared with £73,000 in other parts of the country. So what can those at risk do about it? First, they need to understand the rules surrounding care for the elderly. Who pays depends upon the financial circumstances of the individual needing care. If the local authority arranges the care home placement, then a financial assessment will be carried out, with both income and savings taken into account. Most forms of capital and savings are included in the assessment, including bank and building society accounts, National Savings, premium bonds, shares and property. As it stands, anyone with property or capital worth £23,250 or more has to pay the full cost of their care. Because of this rule, it is estimated that 40,000 family homes are sold each year to cover the bills. It is estimated that three out of four people whose parents go into a care home lose all or most of their inheritance. As part of the assessment process, councils have the power to investigate the way in which any capital or assets have been disposed of before going into care. And they are taking increasingly aggressive steps to delve into personal finances. These include employing ‘avoidance inspectors’, who routinely demand to see everything, from tax returns to notes from meetings with financial advisers. Even attempting to get rid of thousands on extravagant holidays could fall foul of these rules. Timing is often crucial. If someone transferred their house to a relative when they were fit and healthy, and had no plans to go into a home, then they’re unlikely to transgress

the law. But if it can be shown to have been done with the intention of getting the council to pick up some or all of their future care costs, they can be treated as though they still have that capital. In cases where this happens within six months of the individual applying for funding, councils have the power to recover money from the person to whom the asset was transferred. It’s a frightening thought. Some people find themselves accused of fraud, and facing criminal prosecution. The emphasis seems to be ’can you pay? but it surely it ought to be, ‘should you pay?’ It seems that in many cases ignorance is not bliss!

HERE’S SOME NEAT WAYS OF ENSURING THAT YOUR FAMILY DOESN’T LOSE OUT... MAKE SURE A RELATIVE LIVES IN YOUR HOUSE If you own your property but your spouse remains in it when you go into a care home, the local authority cannot take it into account for the purposes of their financial assessment, and so must ‘disregard’ it. The same applies if it is occupied by another family member.

ACT EARLY TO PROTECT ASSETS Assets should not be given away at the last minute but can be protected as part of long-term estate planning. So act early, when you are fit and well and unlikely to require imminent residential care.

RELY ON A TRUST An elderly person can transfer the ownership of a property into a lifetime discretionary trust. This would allow you to go on living in it, with the ownership of the property going to a relative on your death. Again, this has to be done early and as part of estate planning strategy. The most common form of trust is a life interest trust, whereby half the value of your home, up to the inheritance tax threshold, is put into a trust on the death of the first spouse, for the benefit of children.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 18 SEPTEMBER 2014

SPORT Cheltenham Youth Football League Weekend Fixtures SATURDAY Under-11 Arthur Stiley Trophy Bishops Cleeve Colts v Southside Tigers; FC Lakeside Reds v Churchdown Panthers; Leckhampton Rovers Harriers v Charlton Rovers Reds.

Under-10 Development Red

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Churchdown Panthers Rovers v Lydney Town; FC Lakeside Blues v Chuchdown Panters United; Longlevens Infants Lions v Prestbury Phantoms Rovers; Prestbury Pahtoms Tornadoes v Winchcombe Town Charlton Rovers Blues v Bishops Cleeve Colts United.

Under-10 Development Yellow Bishops Cleeve Colts Rovers v Leckhampton Rovers Pirates; Bishops Cleeve Colts v Gotherington Juniors; Leckhampton Rovers Lemurs v FC Lakeside Reds; Leckhampton Rovers Wolves v Churchdown Panthers Albion; Charlton Rovers Reds v FC Lakeside Whites.

Under-11 Division 1 St Marks Juniors v Tuffley Rovers; Cheltenham Saracens v Southside Panthers, Southside Lions v Leckhampton Rovers Spitfires.

Under-12 Division 3 Under-11 Division 2

BE THE NEW FACE OF

RAGING BULL

Here at The Standard weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve teamed up with our sister publication Cotswold Style, House of Fraser and rugby icon Phil Vickeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing brand to find the new male face for Raging Bull. This is an amazing opportunity to get noticed and be the face of the brand. Simply send us an image of yourself or your partner to enter this fabulous competition. The winner will model in a fashion shoot for Cotswold Style Magazine and will also have the chance of winning ÂŁ300 of Raging Bull clothes, together with an overnight stay at the stunning Ellenborough Park with a meal for two. House of Fraser is featuring a special window display (on The Everyman Theatre side) during our search for the Raging Bull Star, displaying some of the images sent to us on a large screen. The winner will be chosen from an invited short list at the store by a panel including the House of Fraser store manager and Phil Vickery. Images can be emailed to office@stylemagazines.co.uk with your contact details by October 21st 2014.

Churchdown Panthers Colts v Gotherington Juniors; Swindon Village Bowmen v Charlton Rovers Blues; Leckhampton Rovers Meteors v Bishops Cleeve Colts Rovers U11.

Winchcombe Town v Southside Tigers.

Under 13 Division 1 Worcester Colts v Gotherington Juniors; Quedgeley Wanderers v Shurdington Rovers Wolves; Leckhampton Rovers Falcons v FC Lakeside Reds.

SUNDAY Under-13 Division 2 GFA Under-14 County Cup Bishops Cleeve Colts v Longlevens; Churchdown Panthers v Painswick Youth; FC Lakeside v Newent Town; Lydney Town (Youth) v Sevenside Nuclear; Leckhampton Rovers Whites v Tuffley Rovers; Charlton Rovers Reds v FC Barometrics; Lydbrook v Leckhampton Rovers Sharks; Gotherington Juniors v Cirencester Town.

CHELTENHAM YOUTH LEAGUE Under-12 Ted Croker Cup Bishops Cleeve Colts Rovers v FC Lakeside Blues, Swindon Village Bowmen v Abbeymead Rovers Yellows; Prestbury Phantoms Falcons v Leckhampton Rovers Lions; Broadwell Amateur Youth v Chuchdown Panthers Reds; Longlevens Lions v Abbeymead Rovers Reds; Forest Rangers v Worcester Colts; Leckhampton Rovers Predators v Cheltenham CS Youth Blues; Prestbury Phantoms Spirts v Leckhampton Rover Jets; Charlton Rovers Reds v Longlevens Youth; Charlton Rovers Blues v FC Lakeside Whites; Leckhampton Rovers Eagles v Tuffley Rovers; Southside Sharks v Bishops Cleeve Colts; Quedgeley Wanderers v Cheltenham CS Youth Reds.

Hardwicke Rangers v Northleach T.

Under-14 Division Cheltenham Spa CS v Leckhampton Rovers Cheetahs.

Under-15 Division Southside v Leckhampton Rovers Cougars; FC Lakeside v Rodborough Youth; Cashes Green Youth v Gotherington Juniors; Painswick Youth v Cinderford Town; Fintan v Lydney Town (Youth); Charlton Rovers Reds v Charlton Rovers Blues; Cheltenham Saracens v Bishops Cleeve Colts United.

Under-16 Division 1 St Marks Juniors v FC Lakeside; Ruardean Hill Rangers v Tuffley Rovers; Wotton Rovers v Fintan; Evesham United v Churchdown Panthers; Whitecroft FC v Quedgeley Wanderers.

Under-16 Division 2 Bishops Cleeve Colts v Painswick Youth; English Bicknor v Abbeymead Rovers; Gotherington Juniors v Charlton Rovers; Harvington CC v Cheltenham Saracens FC Highnam v FC Oakwood.

Under-13 C&G League Cup

Under-18 Division

Bishops Cleeve Colts v Charlton Rovers Reds; FC Lakeside BLues v Bishops Cleeve Colts Rovers; Fintan v Bishops Cleeve Colts United; Shurdington Rovers v Cinderford Town; FC Oakwood v Kingshill Lions; Charlton Rovers Blues v Tuffley Rovers.

Bishops Cleeve v Fintan; Cheltenham CS Youth v Hucclecote Youth; Churchdown Panthers v Tewkesbury Town Colts; Southside v FC Lakeside; Shurdington Rovers v Gotherington Juniors Blues; Gotherington Juniors v Whites Southside Galaxy.

18 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

SPORT Whaddon maintain Top Spot GRASS ROOTS FOOTBALL

WHADDON UNITED made it four wins from four games, as they thrashed Upton Town 5-0 in Division One. Michael Winter was thee standout with a brace, while Ryan Peach, Lewis Peters and Mark Walsh rounded off another good week for Whaddon. They are now three points clear of FC Lakeside, who still have a game in hand. Churchdown Panthers remain in contention with a 4-0 win over Star FC Reserves. The home-side led 1-0 at half-time but scored another three time to secure another victory. Daniel Alderman claimed a double as they moved up to fourth in the table. Hanley Swan romped to a 4-0 win at AC Olympia, an impressive way to claim their first win of the campaign. The result keep Olympia just one place off the bottom of the table. R.S.G. managed to overhaul Newton FC, winning 3-1 at Spring Fields. Jake Johnson, Leo Kent and Tom Webb all grabbing goals in a

comfortable victory. While Falcons and Gala Wilton Reserves played out a 1-1 draw. In Division Two, Cheltenham Patriots dealt Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves to their first defeat of the season, with a comfortable 3-0 win. The win moves the hosts to within two points of the top, helped by goals from Conor Barrowcliffe, Thomas Jenkins and Kayne Samapuria. Andoversford failed to take advantage of the leader’s defeat, losing 2-1 at Staunton & Corse. Goals from Thomas Lyon and Joshua Steele ensured Andoversford would not be taking over at the top of the table. FC Barometrics Reserves pulled off the most emphatic result of the weekend, with a 6-1 demolition of W.M.K, at the Newlands. Southside FC moved into the top four, with a 2-0 over Prestbury Rovers. While Tewkesbury Town got their first points of the season with a tight 1-0 triumph over Whaddon United Reserves.

Rugby Stars Cycle for Charity CHARITY

A HOST of rugby stars swapped their playing boots for cycling cleats for charity, at Cyclothon 2014, at Brand Hatch. The event is now in its fourth year and was conceived in an attempt to raise awareness and money for a host of charities, supported by some of Britain’s top sportsmen and women. Mike Tindall MBE was one of a number of exrugby starts taking part on the day. He was also

joined by former England international colleague Lee Mears and Roger Uttley OBE. Former Bath and England prop, Victor Ubogu is the brainchild behind the event, which started in 2011 and has been staged at Brands Hatch ever since. The day consisted of two events, an 8 hour and 12 hour event and between the teams they managed to raise over £150,000 for their charities, including the RFU Injured Players Foundation.

Cheltenham Spartans claim opening wins WATER POLO

NEWLY promoted Cheltenham Spartans claimed a double victory, on the opening week of the National Waterpolo League season. In their first match in Division Four, Dave Edwards and Nick Armitage-Bond led the young team to 9-3 win over Grantham. Both players scored twice in a promising start for Spartans. They were made to work for it early on, a low scoring first half saw Cheltenham leading 2-1, but took the game by the scruff of the neck in the third quarter, adding another five

goals and running out eventual winners. Their second game was a much more dramatic affair, with Spartans having to recover from a 4-1 deficit to take a 15-20 victory against City of Cambridge. Dave Edwards continued his form from the first game, scoring seven times. Rudi and Jake Polster were also instrumental in this impressive performance. Rudi added 5 goals to his opening match tally of one and Jake hit a hat-trick. The opening wins means the Spartans are top of the league, on goal difference, from York City who also won their two opening games.

Gloucester battle to first victory RUGBY UNION

GLOUCESTER picked up their first win of the Premiership season, with a comeback victory over Sale Sharks. Trailing 6-17 at half-time, the Cherry and Whites produced a fighting display in the second period to overcome the team that finished sixth in last season’s standings. Sale took full control of the first half, Tom Arscott went over for the first try of the game. And the visitors added to their lead with following tries from Chris Cusiter and Luke McLean. Gloucester’s first-half six points, came from the boot of Greig Laidlaw. The Scottish international landing two penalty kicks for the hosts. Another two kicks brought the homeside to within a try of their opponents and Jonny May managed to provide it. His try levelled the scores at 17-17. Despite Danny Cipriani kicking Sale back in front, Gloucester managed to claim their second try of the match. May was involved yet again as he fed Rob Cook to touchdown. Laidlaw converted the try and added another penalty to increase Gloucester’s lead. And it looked like the game was settled when the hosts were awarded a penalty try and Laidlaw added the extras. Cipriani managed to claim a late try for Sale, but they could not stop Gloucester

claiming their first win under David Humphreys. “After going down 17-3 down, and following on from the disappointment of last Friday, we were in a hole and I think it showed the character of the squad to turn it around,” Humphreys told the press after the game. “There’s huge amounts still to work on but we’re delighted to have come away with the win.” Gloucester will be back at Kingsholm on Saturday as they take on Exeter Chiefs, who are currently fourth and narrowly lost to Leicester last weekend.

18 SEPTEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

SPORT

SportsEye.... By MATTHEW THOMAS I THINK it’s fair to say that this past week couldn’t have gone much worse for Cheltenham Town. The Robins’ slumped to their first league defeat at Luton, and then losing against Southend after having a man sent off. However, looking at the performances, especially at Luton, you can argue that the Robins’ deserved at least a point out of the games. Mentally the team looks a lot stronger than last season and, as Mark Yates’ has eluded to already, the effort is there for the fans to see so they have no grounds to complain about the start to the season they have had.

Yates: Can’t fault my players

mattthomas@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

The only aspect I can see that the team need to improve is their proficiency in front of goal. When I was at the Hartlepool game a couple of weeks ago, which Cheltenham won 1-0, they should have been in front well before injury time and with a bigger advantage on the scoreboard. What won’t help is the fact that Birmingham City decided to recall Koby Arthur from his loan spell at the Robins. The Ghanaian had arguably been Cheltenham’s best attacker this season and losing him is a big blow. So it’s up to Terry Gornell, Byron Harrison and the other loanee John Marquis to provide Yates’ side with

the goals they crave. Then came Tuesday’s game against Southend. The main talking point of the match was of course the red card for Jason Taylor. While the decision may have been harsh, I have to say Taylor has walked that disciplinary tightrope a couple of times this season. We’ve seen already that he can have a temper and he was nearly sent off against Oxford, in the cup tie, for his reaction to a challenge on him. It’s ok having passion, and that is one of his best attributes. Apart from that he has been a great presence in that Cheltenham midfield and will continue to be a key player, even after his ban.

Cheltenham Town suffer Luton Town defeat

MARK YATES remained upbeat despite Cheltenham’s first defeat of the season at Luton Town. Mark Cullen scored an eighth minute winner for newly promoted Luton ended Cheltenham’s unbeaten start to the League Two season. “I thought for the first twenty-five they were better than us,” Yates said. “They paid us a massive compliment by changing their shape. I thought second half we were outstanding, if we had got one we could’ve got a couple. I won’t fault the lads as long as I get effort like that. We’ve been built of hard work and commitment, and I got that for all the game.” The Robins have now failed to find the net in their last two games. Yates still believes the team are creating good chances, but does rue those missed opportunities. “Credit to them, they had something to hang on too and managed to. We had chances in the second half to win three or four games. The keeper makes a few good saves and I think we picked the wrong option three or four times.” Despite this setback the manager is still happy with the start his team has made to the campaign. “We’ve had seven games, fourteen points and that’s tremendous from the whole group. It’s not a response where, we’re after the players because it was a poor performance, the work rate and effort was there we just didn’t get anything out of the game.”

PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA

Arthur recalled by Birmingham CHELTENHAM TOWN loan star, Koby Arthur, has been recalled by parent club Birmingham City after just under two months at Whaddon Road. The Ghanaian made eight appearances for the Robbins scoring three league goals, plus another in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win over Oxford United. His first goal came in the 2-1 win over Accrington Stanley. He then scored Cheltenham’s equaliser on the way to a 3-2 win at Tranmere and the winner against Hartlepool at the end of August. Arthur’s departure leaves Mark Yates’ team with three first-team strikers. Byron Harrison and Terry Gornell will now be looking to link up, while trying to fight off competition from Millwall loanee, John Marquis.

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

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 18 SEPTEMBER 2014

with MATTHEW THOMAS, SPORTS EDITOR

SPORT

mattthomas@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

Robins Suffer Double Setback

Cheltenham fall to Luton defeat SATURDAY FOOTBALL

TUESDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

CHELTENHAM TOWN SOUTHEND UNITED

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HELTENHAM TOWN failed to bounce back from their weekend defeat, and succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Southend United. The hosts lost Jason Taylor to a, controversial, 25th minute red card. Then Conor Clifford scored the winner for the visitors, just seven minutes after halftime. It was an unentertaining first half, although Jordan Wynter stung the hands of Daniel Bentley. On twenty-five minutes, the controversial moment of the game happened as Jason Taylor was shown a straight red card. After he and Clifford tangled, a scuffle broke out after Myles Weston seemed to shove Taylor in the back. To the dismay of the home crowd the referee gave Taylor his marching orders. The only other threat that Cheltenham posed, before the break, came through Craig Braham-Barrett cutting in from the by-line, only to see his shot blocked by the Southend defence. United very rarely showed any attacking impetus, but had a chance to take the lead just before half-time. Shaq Coulthirst managed to get on the end of a cross from Adam Thompson, but Trevor Carson was equal to it and parried it behind for a corner. Cheltenham’s stopper was called into action again early in the second-half to deny Jack Payne, but was beaten in the 52nd minute. Clifford picked up the ball, 25 yards out, and struck a lovely drive into the bottom corner. Sending the traveling fans wild.

PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA

Coulthirst nearly got on the end of a cross, before Clifford had another long range effort that curled just wide. Southend were now fully in charge and tested Carson yet again, as Weston saw his effort denied. Just before the hour mark it should have been 2-0 to the visitors. It was Weston who found himself with the goal at his mercy, he managed to place his effort wide of the open goal, as United missed a golden opportunity to put the game beyond Cheltenham. The woodwork denied Southend another goal on seventy-two minutes, as Kevan Hurst looked to put a seal on the result. Cheltenham’s final contribution came right at the end, when Matt Richards’ tame shot was gathered easily by Bentley. “The game got ruined by the official,” said manager Mark Yates. “Our supporters are the most mild mannered, and for them to give the

referee what they gave him at the end and throughout the game just summed it up for me.” Yates also saw Jason Taylor receive a straight red card in the first-half, and while believing his player was did not deserve the punishment he conceded the midfielder asked for it with his reaction. “I saw it at half-time and I thought it was harsh. But Tayl’s has given him (the referee) the chance to. I thought it was a good game till then, two teams playing some decent stuff.” It was a disappointing end to a tough week for the Robins’, first losing their unbeaten start at Luton then losing a player and the match at Whaddon Road. They will have a chance to right the wrong, with another home game next weekend against Dagenham & Redbridge. “The effort and commitment is there to see. In the three games we haven’t won, we’ve played well in them all so we’ve just got to be more clinical.”

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AN early goal ended Cheltenham’s unbeaten start to League Two, after going down 1-0 at Luton Town. Mark Cullen scored an 8th minute header to condemn Mark Yates’ side to their first defeat of the league campaign, and their second in all competitions. It was a slow start for the Robins’, as Steve Elliott had to clear off the line before Cullen opened the scoring before ten minutes. And the Luton threat continued, as Luke Guttridge’s shot was deflected wide by Troy Brown before Alex Lacey’s 11th minute header sailed over the bar. Joe Hanks had Cheltenham’s first meaningful effort, bringing a good save from Mark Tyler. Then it took a good block rom Luton’s Steve McNulty to deny John Marquis. A mistake from Matt Richards handed Guttridge another opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet, but luckily for the Cheltenham man the effort was wide. The visitors improved after the break, but it was Luton who nearly scored a second and had the ball in the net on fifty-eight minute. Jim Stevenson bundling the ball home, but the referee deciding not to award the goal. Eight minutes later and Cheltenham threatened the equaliser through Jason Taylor. The Luton goalkeeper had to be alert to palm away a fierce drive from the midfielder. Omari Sterling-James looked like he would finally find a breakthrough for the Robins’, when he controlled a lovely ball from Richards but a tame finish ended up safely in Tyler’s arms. Only one more opportunity came for Cheltenham, within the last ten minutes. The referee awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position, and John Marquis tested Tyler yet again but the keeper was determined not to be beaten and Luton held on to claim their first home victory back in the Football League. Despite the result, Cheltenham will have a chance to redeem themselves when they host Southend United at Whaddon Road.

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