Cheltenham Standard 19th March 2015

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19 MARCH 2015 ISSUE 35

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VICKERY’S VIEW

Phil Vickery MBE shares his thoughts on the 2015 RBS Six Nations

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Airport is planning to invest £6 million in various projects over the next ten years sources have revealed.

This will mean more flights, more hangars and potentially more profits for the Stavertonbased operation.

It’s a bold vision and one that the new business plan for Gloucestershire Airport will no doubt outline in the near future.

The airport is looking to invest £6 million over the next decade as part of its ambition to deliver this level of expansion.

They also want to continue to support the local economy while delivering financial returns for their two shareholders, Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 19 MARCH 2015

THURSDAY 19th March Min 3ºC Max 8ºC FRIDAY 20th March Min 4ºC Max 11ºC SATURDAY 21st March Min 3ºC Max 8ºC SUNDAY 22nd March Min 4ºC Max 8ºC MONDAY 23rd March Min 3ºC Max 9ºC TUESDAY 24th March Min 3ºC Max 8ºC WEDNESDAY 25th March Min 4ºC Max 9ºC

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Chalk and Horwood angrily cross swords WITH less than 50 days to go until the General Election, the battle to become the next MP for Cheltenham is hotting up.

Last week saw the Conservative Member of Parliament for Stockton South, James Wharton, unexpectedly waded into a debate between two of Cheltenham’s general election hopefuls.

The Stockton MP’s intervention followed a debate hosted by the Federation of Small Businesses between Cheltenham’s six election candidates, at the Reddings Community Centre.

The event saw the candidates spar on a number of issues, including Boots Corner, the economy and immigration.

But it was on the issue of Europe that the two leading contenders to be the town's next MP, the Lib Dem Martin Horwood and Tory Alex Chalk, crossed swords.

Mr Chalk claimed that the Liberal Democrat MP had tried to ‘stymie’ James Wharton MP’s attempts to force an in-out referendum on EU membership by December 2017. Mr Horwood denied the claim.

James Wharton MP

But now the man whose Bill was under discussion has waded into the argument, stating on Twitter that Mr Horwood "tried desperately to scupper my EU bill, if he denies it he is not being truthful.’’

Commenting on his Tory colleague's intervention, Mr Chalk said: “I am 100% in favour of a referendum. It’s high time the people of Cheltenham were given a say on Britain’s membership of the EU. If I had been Cheltenham’s MP I would have wholeheartedly supported James Wharton’s Bill.’’

Race week death in Montpellier Street LOCAL traders and some of the general public expressed their shock after a man was found dead outside a Ladbrokes betting shop over the weekend.

Police officers were called to Ladbrokes in Rotunda Terrace, Montpellier at approximately 7.45am last Saturday morning.

A man in his 40s was found deceased at the scene. It is not yet clear how he had died.

Paramedics from South West Ambulance Service arrived at the scene within minutes. An officer confirmed the man had died.

Police were trying to get in contact with the next of kin over the weekend.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police commented, “Paramedics were in attendance and a male in his forties was deceased. The death is not being treated as suspicious but is currently unexplained.’’

Swindon Road car crash horror THREE people had to be evacuated from a house last Thursday night after a car ploughed into it.

Police at the time said no life-changing injuries were suffered in the accident which happened on the corner of Swindon Road and Townsend Street.

Officers were called to the road at around 8.35pm, where they discovered the maroon Renault Clio hatchback. One person was still inside the vehicle, who sustained minor injuries.

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of the theft of the car.

It had caused serious damage to a flat-roof extension on the rear and side of the property.

Gloucestershire Fire and

Airport investment PHOTO: LAUREN BRIDGES

Cheltenham WeatherWatch

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Rescue Service said they sent 10 firefighters to the crash scene at about 8.50pm.

“The vehicle had crashed into the bathroom of the property which had suffered a partial collapse,” the spokesman said.

“Crews quickly stabilised the building and made the

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area safe. The occupants of the house were uninjured in the accident.

“The appliances were kept at the incident for one hour 25 minutes.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 quoting incident 511 of March 12.

The business plan will see £6 million invested in the airport between 2015 and 2025.

The investment will be funded through on airport activities like fuel and landing fees, together with renting and development of the ‘on-airport’ business properties.

The airport has indicated it hopes to be in a position to return a dividend to the two councils in 2015/16.

The new business plan was due to be discussed by decision-makers at Cheltenham Borough Council on Tuesday evening of this week before the shareholders meet to discuss it on Friday 20th March.

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19 MARCH 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Winston’s Wish announces a new charity patron – RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

Your vote counts AS a national television advertising campaign is launched to encourage voter registration ahead of the General Election, Cheltenham Borough Council is encouraging local people to visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote On May 7th 2015 voters will go to the polls to elect a Member of Parliament for Cheltenham.

The Electoral Commission this week launched its national voter registration campaign to remind people to register by April 20th 2015.

Kim Smith, election and registration manager said: “Time is now running short to make sure you can take part in the elections, so I’d encourage everyone in Cheltenham to take action now if they aren’t registered to vote.

Our message is simple: you can’t vote, if you aren’t registered by 20th April. It’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes online. If you’re not sure, please double check.’’

Residents can register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-tovote. Residents can check whether they’re registered to vote by calling 01242 264132.

Fellows for life.

Paul Winter, Chair of Trustees of Winston’s Wish, commented on the appointment: “We are delighted and honoured to have Randolph Churchill as a patron and to be announcing his appointment in the year of the 50th anniversary of Sir Winston’s Churchill’s death. It’s a fitting way for us to celebrate both the historical connection and the heritage of our charity.

“Randolph Churchill’s support will be key in helping us to raise awareness of the vital work we do with bereaved families across the UK and we look forward to working closely with him.”

Randolph Churchhill

SOLAR ECLIPSE ON WAY TOMORROW Friday 20th March, the town will be cast in shadow as the first solar eclipse in 16 years hits the UK. The eclipse will block out up to 90 percent of the sunlight across parts of the UK between 8.25am and 10.45am and will maximise at approximately 9:30am for two minutes.

However, the temptation to witness the spectacular phenomenon with the naked eye

can cause damage to sight and even temporary or permanent blindness. So make sure you have your eyes protected properly.

Essilor, the world leader in corrective lenses, is currently running a campaign to let people know the dangers of looking at the eclipse with the naked eye and are using eye mascots, The Protectors, to spread this message.

The giant eye mascots were in Imperial Gardens in Montpellier offering advice to the people of Cheltenham on how to look after their eyes during the eclipse. And they were joined by a host of visiting Japanese school

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children to learn how to avoid the dangers.

They were in fact looking away from the Sun’s direction on their short tutorial from the Essilor Mascots.

The rule of thumb is to always resist the temptation to look directly at the sun without complete eye protection. Looking for just a few seconds could cause serious irreversible damage – this damage is often painless, so people don’t realise what they’re doing to their vision.

For expert advice on protecting your eyes from UV rays all year round, visit www.essilor.co.uk to find your nearest independent optician.

PHOTO: LAUREN BRIDGES

WINSTON’S Wish, the leading childhood bereavement support charity in the UK, based in the town has announced the appointment of Randolph Churchill, great grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, as a patron for the charity.

Randolph Churchill is a Trustee of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust which was established when Sir Winston Churchill died in 1965. The Trust carries forward his legacy by funding British citizens from all backgrounds to travel overseas in pursuit of new and better ways of tackling a wide range of the current challenges facing the UK. Successful applicants are known as Churchill

Alexander Burn is an independent family business with three offices in the Cheltenham area.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 19 MARCH 2015

GET TO GRIPS WITH GULLS URBAN gulls cause nuisance to residents and businesses in parts of Cheltenham during the spring and summer, with the noise they make in the early hours, swooping, faeces on balconies and cars, and nesting materials blocking guttering.

Here are some ways in which you can help keep the gull population under control: • Bird proof your property before the nesting season starts. This should be done as soon as possible, by midApril, and will prevent gulls from landing and nesting, which is beneficial as they are at their noisiest when they are supporting hatchlings.

• Fit long spikes to chimney stacks or short spikes to dormer roofs. This will stop birds from nesting and nets or wires will also stop birds from landing.

• Nests on residents’ roofs can be reported to the council’s environmental health team on 01242 264135, email ehbusinesssupport@cheltenham .gov.uk so that officers can visit during the egg replacement programme which takes place in early May. Finally residents can help by reducing food sources that are available to the gulls.

Using the weekly food waste collection scheme rather than putting food in general waste, will reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfill. Landfill sites are a major food source for gulls.

The council coordinates an Urban Gulls Focus Group, which is open to interested residents.

Contact Helen Down on 01242 774960 if you would like to attend.

Sarah Clark, public and environmental health team leader, said: “Gulls become

increasingly troublesome in the build up to the breeding season in May, and bird proofing is a very good way to deter them in a sustainable way.”

Cllr Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, added: “We are keen to get our residents on board in our ongoing work to manage our urban gull population. We are

pleased to have an additional £8,616 this year to start using dummy eggs in the nests.’’

Lido to expand evening events SANDFORD Parks Lido wants to expand the number of evening events it runs throughout the year.

The treasured Cheltenham open air pool has written to neighbours to let them know it wants to run events more regularly until 10.30pm.

It wants to run outdoor theatre and cinema nights, as well as live and recorded music nights, all events which have previously been held there and applied for under a Temporary Event Notice.

In its letter to neighbours it said: “While our normal hours of operation are 6am until 8.30pm, our lease entitles us to operate the lido until 10.30pm throughout the year.”

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19 MARCH 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Battered for Comic Relief make donations to Red Nose Day. Claire Carter said, “It was certainly something I never thought I would say: ‘I got battered for Comic Relief!’ But, actually there was something quite soothing about it. All the staff at Simpsons were a great laugh & hats off to them for organising it. I know a few of their staff continued to sit in the tub through the night shift – top work for charity so well done.

If anyone now has tips on how to get batter out of clothing, that’d be great.”

James Richie, Co-founder of Simpsons Fish and Chips, said: “Claire was such a great sport.

Sitting in a bath of batter is a bit of an experience. We raised in excess of £250 through this which is great. I would like to say a big thank you to all our customers and staff for their generosity.”

College catering students to work with award-winning chef FOLLOWING a sold-out launch dinner, the popular Gloucestershire’s Finest series returns to Gloucestershire College’s Cheltenham Campus on Monday 23rd March with The Feathered Nest at Food Central.

Situated just over the county border, The Feathered Nest Country Inn is headed up by three AA Rosette award-winning chef, Kuba Winkowski, and is renowned for its modern menu of fine British food,

made using locally-sourced and seasonal produce.

Kuba will be bringing his brigade of skilled chefs to the county‘s top chef’s training school at Gloucestershire College, to work with its students – the future stars of the industry – and give them an invaluable experience of working in a professional kitchen, serving real customers.

During the formal evening, 40 discerning diners will be served a fivecourse menu carefully crafted by Kuba and co, with the help of the College students.

On the menu are a selection of

PHOTO: LAUREN BRIDGES

BBC Radio Gloucestershire star Claire Carter last Friday found herself up to her armpits in batter thanks to Simpsons Fish and Chips.

The Cheltenham chippy plunged the radio DJ into a bath of batter in aid of Comic Relief. Simpsons staged the fundraiser outside the restaurant on Priors Road. Staff dressed as jockeys wearing red noses and encouraged customers to

mouth-watering canapés; Carrot and Coconut to start; Scallop with seranno ham escabeche, paprika, black olive and rocket; Chicken with foie gras, morel mushroom, smoked potato, leek and wild garlic; Hazelnut with Pedro Ximénez, parfait, praline and chocolate; and Petit Fours.

Costing just £30 per person, each course will be perfectly paired with an alcoholic beverage too.

Gareth Crwys-Williams, Head of School for Catering and Hospitality, said: “After the success of Cheltenham’s Champions, we are very much looking forward to welcoming

Kuba and his chefs from The Feathered Nest to Food Central Cheltenham Restaurant.

There are a limited number of tickets remaining for The Feathered Nest at Food Central and advance booking is highly recommended.

Call 07717 156767 to book or email foodcentral@gloscol.ac.uk.

The evening will start from 6pm.

If you’re a local chef or restaurant owner looking to showcase your cuisine in a new and exciting way, contact Gareth Crwys-Williams on 01242 532105 or email gareth.crwyswilliams@gloscol.ac.uk

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 19 MARCH 2015

Comic Relief at All Saints Academy FROM the 9th – 13th March students and staff at All Saints’ Academy were running activities to raise money for Comic Relief. £466 was raised by All Saints’ Academy, with the government doubling what schools made, that meant £932 raised!

Each day of the week saw a cake sale at break time run by the four different houses and the Sixth Form. There were games such as ‘Guess the baby’, which featured 21 staff/teachers. Other activities included a penalty shoot-out and guess the how many red noses in the jar. Three Sixth Form students chose to take part in a sponsored silence.

Their final event was a Staff Stars in Their Eyes on Friday 13th at the end of the day.

Tickets had been sold throughout the week for £1. There were five acts similar to the original Stars in Their Eyes

format. Assistant Principal Stuart Clarkson & Science teacher Mr. Neeley transformed into the Blues Brothers, Kerri Skelding & Emily Smith became Elsa and Anna from the hit film Frozen, IT Teacher Emma Wellington became Vanilla Ice, Head of Music Naomi Austin took a turn as Adele and RE teacher Matthew Pinless crooned as Gary Barlow. Hair and Beauty teacher Claire Cox was on hand to help make-up the teachers along with some of

A417 strikes again POLICE have reported a multi-vehicle crash on the A417 Nettleton Bottom between the Air Balloon Roundabout and Cirencester.

Up to eight vehicles were involved, police believe.

The collision happened at 8.50am.

There were no injuries and the vehicles have been cleared from the carriageway, however the road is closed while police appeal to the Highways Agency to clean up fluid on the road.

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her beauty students. Instead of Harry Hill or Matthew Kelly we had Head of Media Keith Wright take the reins of the show.

The audience of students and staff were kept entertained

by Mr. Wright as the acts went through the ‘non smokey doors’ to be transformed. At the end of the show the acts all came out and did the S Club 7 number ‘Reach’. The show was a tremendous success and £107 was raised for Comic Relief.

To advertise in the Cheltenham Standard call 01242 257019

Venting spleen WHAT a depressing week of news we’ve had in Cheltenham.

A local police officer has been charged with exposing himself on duty, three teen yobs stole a car and smashed it into a terraced house in town and a poor chap was found dead on the streets of Montpellier.

Let’s tackle these three stories in reverse order.

Firstly it goes without saying that my deepest condolences go out to the family of the man who died in Cheltenham last Saturday.

His body was found outside Ladbrokes at 7:45am and emergency services declared the gentleman dead at the scene. It certainly was a very sombre note to end Cheltenham’s race week on and I do wonder if the (presently) unidentified man was in our town for this reason?

The only vague information we have on the man so far is that he was in his 40s. Whatever the cause of death, he certainly was too young to be leaving this

Local man about town, Tom Thurlow lets loose

world and it’s a very chilling reminder to us all how precious human life is.

I do think it’s important to mention that at least his last moments were spent in one of the finest areas of our town and that is the one solitary aspect we can be thankful for in this very tragic story.

Moving on, three kids decided to rob the keys to a Renault Clio and ram it into a house off Swindon Road.

You see - I can understand this from the kids’ point of view.

They probably had a party to get to, which would’ve undoubtedly involved under-age drinking? So they might’ve been a bit tipsy already? Pre-drinking is a great way to save some money and turn up in a party mood.

The do-gooders will try and tell me they should’ve got a taxi then. But c’mon people it was Race Week! You try booking a taxi

in Race Week!! Also have you paid a taxi fare recently? It’s a small fortune! I can barely afford the cost to the nearest off license, let alone some spotty 14-year old.

I certainly wouldn’t advocate them taking a bus, I wouldn’t even wish that on my worst enemy, which left them with their only option of stealing a car; perfectly understandable if you ask me. They get brownie points for being considerate and stealing the keys to a Renault Clio. The owner won’t be too sentimental over that thing. If the kids were selfish they would’ve taken off in a brand new Beemer.

I guess they lose the brownie points I just awarded them when they smashed the car into some poor person’s house. It wasn’t their finest hour and

at least two of them fled the scene; either out of embarrassment or because they were now running extremely late to the aforementioned party.

Alas the kids have all been arrested now after what must’ve been a disappointing night for them. I just hope they get bail once the police realise it was a Cheltenham Borough Council owned property they rammed; highlighting once again how thoughtful these kids were not to target a tax payer on their joyride.

I’m now running out of space to write about the final topic of the flashing police officer. Not much to say anyway really. Bit horrendous, probably a good thing he doesn’t serve us anymore, hopefully other officers don’t do it. Here’s hoping for a cheerier set of news in Cheltenham next week.

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

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

19 MARCH 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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BUSINESS Editor’sDESK

L

ast week’s scribes by our social commentator Tom Thurlow were bang on the money for me. It is right not to give the beggars money. Give them food or help to get off the street. Hope the Borough Council are reading this?

It’s all very well that we have these poor unfortunates on the street but one point that were are also missing in this social comment is the street buskers.

Now, the sight of the homeless and the beggars might be offensive to the eyes and rightly tug at the conscience as it should, but what about the offence to the ears?

In London they have some of the most talented people busking in the tube system, here we have a bunch of un-talented ‘wannabes’ trying their luck with our wallets and our hearing. Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind popping them a bob or two but at least let’s have something decent to listen to.

One of our readers this week, Mr Richard Woolley, quite rightly points out that although some of them are just about bearable, there’s one particular individual who foists his lack of talent with the trumpet on us, who should be removed for the sake of both his ego, our poor eardrums… and the look of the town.

I happen to have heard this chap playing outside Cavendish House and it’s quite appalling. Harry James he is not. Just walk past his doleful attempts at slow, haunting melodies and if you’re in anyway depressed or feeling down, you’ll be reaching for the Valium or self-harming within twenty paces.

He delivers mournful fog horn tunes that are way down the melodic scale in terms of cheeriness and talent. No Trumpet Voluntary from this bloke. It’s easier to play slow moaning music rather than quick cheery tunes. It’s called talent and he doesn’t have any. Simon Cowell would slaughter him.

If I trumped up to someone’s front door and blared an ‘out of tune’ song at them they’d slam the front door. It’s the same thing. It’s unwanted.

Perhaps the town council could look to regulate this lot for the sake of our ears and the look of the town centre?

In London buskers have to pass an audition to perform in the tube systems. Quite right too as they can earn very good money.

Let’s get rid of these street buskers here in favour of either silence or talent.

Eric Barton, Editor

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Please contact us at editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk Cheltenham Standard is published weekly by Cheltenham Standard Ltd is registered at Suite 104, Eagle Tower, Montpellier Drive, Cheltenham, GL50 1TA. Reproduction of any material, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, heltenham Standard Ltd will not accept liability for loss or damage. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions.

Neither the editor nor publisher accepts responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. All rights reserved. ISSN no. 2055-2092. Terms and conditions at www.cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

New business guide and directory A NEW free business guide and directory for Cheltenham has been launched this week in both a brochure format and an online guide.

The directory provides an invaluable networking tool for companies already based in the borough and also highlights the benefits of working in the borough to businesses who may be considering making Cheltenham their new home.

Hard copies are available from the Municipal Offices’ reception, Cheltenham Library, the Chamber of

Commerce and the Growth Hub; and the online directory can be found on the borough council’s website: www.cheltenham.gov.uk\businessdirectory Cllr Steve Jordan, council leader, said: “It is vital that Cheltenham remains an attractive place for investors, developers and local businesses alike. We hope that the directory will be of great benefit to businesses already based in Cheltenham, whilst also helping to attract new companies to our borough.”

Outsauce partners with county community projects CHELTENHAM-BASED, contractor and staffing sector financial support specialist Outsauce is thrilled to announce it is partnering with County Community Projects (CCP) throughout 2015.

Based at Cheltenham House, Outsauce has a strong track record for raising charity funds.

The partnership was confirmed following a company wide vote.

The money the Outsauce team raises will help CCP to engage and work with people experiencing multiple complex problems including homelessness, family stability issues and physical and mental wellbeing.

Miles Lloyd, CEO, Outsauce said: “As a proud Cheltenham business, we are delighted to be supporting CCP which provides crisis and preventative services to improve the lives of children, young people, families and vulnerable adults across Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

The charity works closely with other agencies to offer care and support to enable vulnerable people to realise their aspirations and reach their full potential.

“The Outsauce team will be holding fundraising events to raise as much money as possible for CCP so we are looking forward to working closely with the team and are thrilled to announce the partnership.”

Chris Knight, CCP’s Corporate and Event Fundraiser, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as one of the Charities of the Year for Outsauce, being supported by a local business is invaluable for our organisation. It gives us a really great opportunity to raise the profile of the work we do locally at the same time as raising much needed income, which will enable us to provide vital services for our customers. I’m really looking forward to working with the staff team at Outsauce during 2015 on some really great fundraising initiatives.”

Outsauce provides a range of compliant accountancy and payment services to contractors and supports UK recruitment firms with sector specialist accountancy and financing.

Kevan Blackadder, manager of Cheltenham Business Partnership, said: “The new online guide is a great way to find Cheltenham businesses with a simple click. Hopefully it will also encourage local companies and traders to do more business with each other.

“You can use the website to trace thousands of businesses through a business name, a type of company or an address. If you run a business and aren't included in the guide, it is also easy to add your details.”

CEO of TalkTalk at Racecourse business breakfast YESTERDAY morning (17th March) The Racecourse hosted a networking breakfast attended by over 90 local business people in the Panoramic restaurant. This month’s speaker was a former Gold Cup winning owner, Dido Harding, who is the CEO of TalkTalk.

She spoke of her passion for being the underdog in business which has given her the strength and determination to build Dido Harding a successful career.

Dido was appointed CEO of TalkTalk Group in March 2010. Prior to joining TalkTalk, Dido was Sainsbury's convenience director. She joined Sainsbury's from Tesco PLC where she held a variety of senior roles both in the UK and international businesses. She was appointed as a non-executive director of The British Land Company PLC in January 2010.

The next business breakfast will be held in June with guest speaker TV celebrity physician Dr Dawn Harper.

Visit www.facebook.com/CotswoldStyleMagazine to see Dido talk about broadband strategy for rural areas.

Measured growth for Attivo Group IN 2005, Stephen Harper established Attivo Group Limited.

In 2006 he launched MYSIPP. And then in 2012 Attivo Investment Management was born. It’s been a very measured path of growth and acquisitions that have brought the Attivo story to where it is today.

Stephen Harper has created a financial services business that is totally

transparent and built on long-term client relationships, rather than the historic transactional model employed by many in the financial services sector. He leads a team of specialist independent pensions, tax and investment advisers, who are well known for their technical excellence and innovative approach.

Most of the Attivo business is done

in the South West and South East. It’s a wide enough net that generates upwards of £2BN being managed at any one time.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 19 MARCH 2015

CULTURE COUNTDOWN TO COUNTRYTASTIC 2015 Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Thursday 9 April 2015, 10am - 5pm COUNTRYTASTIC returns to the Three Counties Showground, Malvern on Thursday April 9th.

Visitors can expect an action packed day full of fun, food and farming with plenty of outdoor and indoor activities. Tickets are priced at just £6 with free entrance for under 3s making it the perfect Easter holiday outing.

Doreen Smillie-Gray, Countrytastic Show Manager said: “Countrytastic is one of our favourite shows. Just for kids it’s always packed with fantastic activities from bottle-feeding lambs, to tractor rides and egg decorating. We’re really looking forward to it.”

This year’s theme is Birds & Their

Habitats. Children can learn everything about both domestic and wild birds from identification to bird song and nest building, their natural habitats and the importance of their conservation. The poultry display also includes a hatching demonstration so children will be able to handle chicks and learn.

The Tractor and Trailer rides transport children on a showground safari taking in all the sights and activities.

Special guest Adam Henson from BBC Countryfile and the Cotswold Farm Park will be exploring throughout the day and visitors will get the chance to hear his countrytastic tales about his own farm animals in the Livestock Ring.

Other highlights include Xtreme Falconry, the Sheep Show, Wildlife Way, the Barn Owl display and the interactive Livestock Parade.

Countrytastic takes place on Thursday April 9 from 10-5.

Tickets are priced at £6 per person, under 3s are free.

Book tickets early for entry into a prize draw to win the chance of a picnic with Adam Henson. For more information please call 01684 230128 or visit www.threecounties.co.uk/ countrytastic

BUBBLEMAN AT TOWN HALL 30th March, 11.30am & 2.30pm LOUIS Pearl, the Amazing Bubble Man, embarks on a tour of the UK with his unique show that has been delighting audiences of all ages around the world for thirty years. The world's leading ‘Bubbleologist’ is back by popular demand having sold out at the Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe for the past eight years.

Pearl has been thrilling schools and family audiences around the world with the art, magic, science and fun of bubble since 1983. He explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized.

PLUS LIVE MUSIC ON STAGE: During his show Louis is accompanied by Jet

Black Pearl whose wild and wonderful live accordion playing brings and extra layer of fun and artistry to the performances. See the trailer here: The Amazing Bubble Man accompanied by JET BLACK PEARL The Amazing Bubble Man has been bubbling professionally since 1980, when he started the Tangent Toy Company in San Francisco. Pearl estimates, that in his 30 year career he has created over three million bubbles! He has written two books about bubbles, made a film called “Lights, Camera, Bubbles!”, has appeared on Blue Peter and Sunday Brunch and has so far produced 21 fantastic bubble inventions including the Mega Bubbles, a patented huge bubble maker.

Satin ‘n’ Steel by Amanda Whittington Coming to Everyman Studio Theatre ROBERTS & John Productions are delighted to announce their inaugural touring production of Amanda Whittington’s Satin ‘n’ Steel. The production, directed by Gareth Tudor Price, will tour throughout the UK between March and July 2015.

Set against a world of one night gigs in sleazy northern clubs, this gritty comedy reveals the highs and lows of performing in the shady, dark cabaret circuit in the north of England.

A sensational mix of classic pop songs Daydream Believer, The Wind Beneath My Wings, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, Time After Time, I Will Survive and Johnny B Goode help Teena’s and Vince’s tenuous relationship unfold.

A great show not to missed!

1st & 2nd April Everyman Studio Theatre Tickets: 01242 572573 www.everymantheatre.org.uk £10.50 (£9 concs)

THE PICK-UP ARTIST BY CHRIS HILL Book REVIEW

By EVE SEYMOUR IT’S Reputed that men think about sex every seven seconds.

I’ve no idea if this is true, although it definitely appears the case with Chris Hill’s central character, Robert Thompson, in ‘The Pick-Up Artist’.

Unlucky in love, Thompson, a young and successful ad executive at a newspaper, resorts to ‘Pick-Up Artists’, a web community that supplies its members with psychological techniques designed to attract the opposite sex. Thompson testdrives various methods that, to be

fair, include fostering romance, but only as a means to ‘target’ women, also known as ‘the mark,’ in a bid to get laid. Hmmm.

Described on the book jacket as a ‘lad-lit rom com’, I immediately had visions of ‘Men Behaving Badly’ coupled with ‘The Worst Week of My Life’, non-P.C. jokes, blokes getting wasted, and references to breasts, sex, fisticuffs and footie. As it turned out I was on the money. The average feminist would have a bad dose of ‘red mist’ after less than a dozen pages. Me? I was brought up from an early age in an all-male household, so I’m schooled in ‘lad-chat’. For what I wasn’t prepared: the portrayal of ugly ladette culture. When one character, Alice, curses: ‘Stuck-up

bitch...What she needs is a good seeing to,’ followed, chapters later, with her stated opinion that any woman who was ‘bothered’ about abortion was ‘lying,’ I almost flung the book across the room.

Be in no doubt, Hill captures the occasional cruelty of ‘the fairer sex’ in a way guaranteed to make Thompson and the reader squirm. Psychosexual politics in action, you might argue, but why resort to smut and cheap laughs?

There’s a scene, in which Rob strolls haplessly through a field with a female companion. A herd of cows take more than a passing interest. His companion’s angry reaction is so finely observed that I genuinely chuckled, but there just wasn’t enough of this

kind of wit and insight.

What is undeniable, Hill is an accomplished writer with an easy style, a snappy line in dialogue and an original turn of phrase.

It’s a real pity that he doesn’t turn talent for dark comedy to writing a story that is engaging and appealing and for a wider audience. And with my grammar cop hat on, the whole novel could have done with a darn good copyedit.

Numerous references to Cheltenham might broaden the novel’s appeal to local readers.

Perhaps males of a certain age would find the story entertaining.

But I wouldn’t recommend they hand the book to their girlfriends.

The Pick-Up Artist by Chris Hill is published by Magic Oxygen.

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

19 MARCH 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

9

QuirkyNews...

CoffeeBreak

LEGAL DRUGS BY ACCIDENT

Your Weekly HOROSCOPES

MORE than 100 substances including ecstasy and ketamine have effectively been legalised in Ireland - but not for long.

The country's parliament sat late on Tuesday and passed emergency drug control laws after a ruling in the Court of Appeal found a section of the country's current drug legislation was unconstitutional.

The emergency legislation was passed by the lower house of the parliament, but must be ratified by the Senate and then signed into law by the President Michael D. Higgins.

That is expected to be completed within

24 hours, but would only come into force from midnight on Thursday, meaning the drugs are effectively legal for a period of more than 36 hours between the court ruling and the emergency laws taking effect.

Many other drugs, including heroin, cocaine and cannabis are banned under separate laws and not affected by the ruling.

The ruling came during the prosecution of a man for possession of methylethcathinone, which was among a number of substances added to the controlled drugs list in 2010.

ARIES (March 20 – April 18): How many bridges did you burn recently? Probably more than you wanted to.

An apology is the first step to rebuilding them.

TAURUS (April 19 – May 19): Venus in Taurus will make you feel centered, grounded, and at peace with yourself. It will also lead you to revisit a certain romantic decision made in haste.

GEMINI (May 20 – June 20): Accept that offer on the table. It’s not everything you wanted but finding ways to improve on it gets the creative juices flowing.

The report also reveals that the garden shed industry is now worth over £8billion to the British economy, with more than 21 million people in the UK now owning a shed.

The report also found that 'Sheddies' will spend nearly a year in their sheds during their life, but that nearly a third admit their shed is so messy they can barely get through the door.

Cuprinol is urging Sheddies to clear out the junk and transform their sheds into a garden sanctuary and enter it in the Shed of the Year competition.

Last year's winner was Joel Bird from London for his eco-friendly Allotment Roof Shed which he built from scratch using recycled materials and used to grow an array of vegetables.

SHED HEADS NOMINATIONS are now open for the annual Shed of the Year contest in which Britons each year show their eccentric affection for their garden refuges.

Early contenders this year include a minipub shed called The Ballroom (pictured) at Keyworth in Nottinghamshire.

Rivals include the VW-themed Pear Tree Wedding HQ in Northamptonshire, a bunker-like Biker's Shed near Chichester and a Pirate Retreat in Croydon.

To coincide with the launch of the 2015 competition, sponsors Cuprinol have published its annual 'Shed'onomic' report on the nation's garden shed habits.

It reveals some of the bizarre items that Brits horde in their sheds including exhusbands' possessions, retro cassette tapes and Second World War gas masks.

StandOKU!

1

2

3

CANCER (June 21 – July 21): After weeks of feeling under the gun, Venus’s change of sign brings a ray of hope. It only gets better from here.

LEO (July 22 – Aug 21): No matter how difficult things get, there’s always someone around to help out in a pinch. Look for a

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

5

TARGET

S A T E E C B R P

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

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

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

7 8

9

10 11 12

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21): Could a loved one have been right all along? It’s beginning to look that way.

It’s good for you to be wrong once in a while. It builds trust.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 20): You’ve been at loggerheads for a while and little has come of it.

The other side is just as exasperated. It’s the perfect time to extend the olive branch.

13

17

18

19 20

22

PISCES (Feb 18 – March 19): A rival becomes an ally when you both want the same thing. Put aside differences and work together. You’ll be happy with the outcome.

CAKE

WEDS

CRYPTIC Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

6. Go on - escape! (3,4)

1. Revolt of bighead in dance (5)

7. Jeer from stupid person (5)

2. Inexperienced climber fighting (3)

12. Public body showing evidence of over-eating (11)

16

AQUARIUS (Jan 19 – Feb 17): Thinking of renovating or remodeling? Now’s the time to do it. The money’s there for the asking as long as you invest it in your home.

LOVE

10. Allaying suspicions when removing weapons? (9)

15

CAPRICORN (Dec 21 – Jan 18): Thank heavens Venus moves into profit-making Taurus. This brings good news regarding finances.

This makes you pleasant to live with again.

RING

9. Observe 20 present (3)

14

21

LIBRA (Sept 22 – Oct 22): The emotional rollercoaster comes to a complete stop today. 3 weeks of loop de loops was all you could take. Feel free to kiss the ground.

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

4

6

VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21): Your love life gets more loving with Venus in Taurus. It’s been a battle of the sexes since Feb 21. You’re ready to make love, not war.

Word Ladder

Difficulty rating: Moderate

7

friend to resurface after a long absence.

15. Impish behaviour in the theatre? (11) 17. Whatever may happen during whatever trial (2,3,4) 19. Dance like a machine (3)

3. Herbalist’s holiday island (4) 4. Most dig at disturbed person expressing opinions arrogantly (9) 5. Leave a group playing (7) 8. Producing nothing again in farm building (6) 11. Having several husbands on play production - dull! (9)

21. Begin to wince (5)

13. Use fists about a middle-age spread? (6)

22. Copes as the male gets older (7)

14. Set out on scheme to show heavenly bodies (7) 16. Sacked if up to Communist (5)

Last week’s solutions (12th March 2015): Across: 7 Oceanographer; 8 Hustlers; 9 Dame; 10 Send-up; 12 Duress; 14 Strata; 16 Shadow; 18 Bolt; 20 Turncoat; 22 Rule Britannia.

Down: 1 Schubert; 2 Wanted; 3 Tome; 4 Crusades; 5 Spider; 6 Term; 11 Plasters; 13 Sporadic; 15 Anthem; 17 Accent; 19 Opus; 21 Ruth.

18. Friends’ turn to hit (4) 20. Capital after 2 (3)

CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

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

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

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

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

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24063 Cheltenham Sporting Icons Cheltenham Standard Advert 259x325.indd 1

07/03/2015 08:43

incorporating lettings

PropertyBuyer

Your essential guide to buying and selling property

THE BEST FLOOR SHOW IN TOWN

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33 Prestbury Road | Cheltenham | Gloucestershire | GL52 2PP

01242 375026

QUEENS ROAD

£525,000

SANDFORD PARK PLACE

£250,000 PITTVILLE

A marvellous five bedroom semi-detached family house with character features and a very large rear garden. Its well proportioned accommodation on the ground floor comprises in brief an entrance hall, a dining room with a log burner set into the fireplace, a living room overlooking the rear garden, a modern fitted kitchen opening into the breakfast room, a utility room and a shower room with a sauna. The first floor offers four bedrooms and a family bathroom. Above the roof conversion provides a large fifth bedroom. Further benefits include gas fired central heating, double glazing, off road parking for numerous vehicles and wonderfully landscaped gardens with lawns, patio areas and a vegetable patch. EPC: D

A bright and airy two bedroom second floor apartment which forms part of a select development within walking distance of the town centre and with access onto the picturesque Sandford Park. The accommodation is in very good decorative order and comprises in brief an entrance hall, a modern fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, a living/dining room with a southerly facing balcony, a family bathroom, two bedrooms and an en-suite shower room. Additional benefits of this modern apartment include double glazing, gas fired central heating, allocated parking and a garage. EPC: C

GOTHERINGTON

£575,000

A five bedroom detached family house, adjoining fields, in a delightfully tucked away spot with splendid gardens and far reaching views. Its well-proportioned accommodation comprises a porch, hall, a downstairs cloakroom, a quite remarkable open plan kitchen/breakfast room with sitting and dining areas, a utility, a living room with a feature fireplace, a large family room, five bedrooms, the master with an en-suite shower room, a 'Jack and Jill' en-suite shower room serving two further bedrooms and a bathroom.

Further benefits of this fine property, found within walking distance of a good local school and shop, include gas fired central heating, double glazing, a large landscaped garden and parking. EPC: C

£300,000

A stylish and beautifully presented four bedroom town house offered in very good decorative order and located in this central location within walking distance of the town centre, bars, restaurants and Pittville Park. Recently refurbished its accommodation is arranged over three floors and comprises in brief an elegant entrance hall, a through living/dining room opening to a fitted kitchen, four bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom, and a family bathroom. Additional benefits of this fine period property include gas central heating, double glazing, a courtyard garden and the option of residents permit parking. EPC: D

LECKHAMPTON HILL

£950,000

Located in a wonderfully elevated spot with delightful grounds in the region of 2.3 acres including a former paddock is this five bedroom detached family house with a wealth of character features. Its accommodation comprises an entrance porch, a generous hall, downstairs cloakroom, living room with an impressive stone fireplace, sun room, dining room, family room, a kitchen/breakfast room, utility, walk-in pantry, five bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom and a family bathroom. The views from this fine property are a joy to behold and other benefits include great potential provided by the large boarded attic space with windows, a wonderful mix of outside space with enchanting wooded areas and cultivated landscaped gardens, garaging and parking for numerous vehicles. EPC: E

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ELDERSFIELD

£600,000

Occupying a truly delightful rural location is this spacious four bedroom barn conversion with a southerly facing aspect overlooking its landscaped gardens and paddock, in all about 2.1 acres. Its beautifully presented accommodation offers a wealth of character features and comprises a hall, a spacious living room with wood burner, fitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility/boot room, four bedrooms with the master sharing a Jack and Jill bathroom with bedroom two, an en-suite shower room and a bathroom. Private driveway with access via electronically operated gate, parking for several vehicles, a summerhouse, a low maintenance mature courtyard garden leading to a lawned garden and a fenced enclosure with a two bay open equestrian shelter with power, water and lighting leading to the paddock. EPC: D

Nigel Errington-Smith

Last year Andrews sold over 1,000 properties in Gloucestershire*

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Lyefield Court, Chartlon Kings GL53 8EN

Lyefield Court, Charlton Kings GL53 8EN

£200,000

£350,000

A modern two double bedroomed apartment in Charlton Kings. With its own entrance, open plan living and en-suite, this would make an ideal investment or first home.

A modern four bedroom home situated in the Balcarras School Catchment area. Open plan living on the ground floor takes you upstairs to four double bedrooms, two bathrooms and en-suite.

Planets Lane, Up Hatherley GL51 6GR £1,500 pcm A very tidy detached family home offering four beds and a spacious kitchen / diner, perfect for a family.

Prestbury Road, Cheltenham GL52 3DD £460,000 An imposing five bedroom detached Georgian home in the popular Cheltenham village of Prestbury. The house is spread over three floors and retains lots of period charm.

Rosehill Street, Cheltenham GL52 6SJ

Deep Street, Prestbury Cheltenham

£800 pcm

£875 pcm

An extended two bedrooomed mid terrace house located close to the town centre.

A Two Bedroom Barn Conversion with Vaulted Beams in the Living Room and Small Patio Garden.

incorporating lettings

PropertyBuyer

Interiors <

Like scones and strawberry jam

Large Butterfly Double Sided Frame, £49, Joanna Wood (www.joanna wood.co.uk)

INSPIRED by spring blossoms, designers have opened the back door to find garden life is a rich source when it comes to brightening the home.

With an endless variety of decorative details on offer – botanical prints, birds, bees, butterflies and bugs - there’s no better time to start accessorising the home than with the first signs of spring.

“Nature in all its forms is always popular in interiors - they are universal symbols - everyone loves the butterfly for its incredible fragility and beauty,” says Liam Butler, brand director for luxury lifestyle store Achica.

“This spring, the butterfly will be adorning cushions, rugs and other fabrics for the home, combining pattern with the finest texture.”

According to ceramicist Hannah Turner, who features fairy tale toadstools among her tableware collection, garden-inspired green and copper tones are bang on trend for 2015.

“Leaf, floral and insect prints are

making an appearance on everything from ceramics to sofas,” she says. “Nature gives us the best in terms of colour and pattern in birds, bugs and bees. I need to look no further than the natural world for my spring trend theme.”

If you want to refresh a room but your existing scheme is neutral or monochrome, plenty of designers have pencilled black insects onto a white background, to make it easy to include the bug trend, without going crazy with colour.

Sharon Jervis, founder of beefriendly homewares company Beefayre, says she’s not surprised by the popularity of bee motifs in interiors. “During recent years, when money has been tight, people have spent much more time at home and become more aware of their home and garden environments,” she says.

“Bee and bug interior designs say... ‘I am aware and I care’! Brits and bees go together like scones and strawberry jam.”

GET THE NATURAL HISTORY LOOK Pot Mitt £3, Tea Cosy £5, Double Glove £5.50, Gauntlet £5, Cotton Apron £7, all from the Ulster Weavers Butterfly Collection, Achica (www.achica.com)

ART FOR ART’S SAKE… BUT IN THE HOME IT could be argued that we’re all artists, snapping away with our mobiles and generally enjoying a more visual world, but all too often our ‘work’ ends up unseen.

Photographs of family, friends and holidays are commonly left lingering on laptops and phones, despite the risk of accidental deletion or a system crash, instead of being out on display.

Google’s vice president, Vint Cerf has even warned internet users to print out photographs or risk losing them in the future as technology advances.

Heeding his advice could not only save the heartache of losing a treasure trove of memories, but also provide a brilliant source of decoration for the home. What could be easier than dressing your walls with personal photos and artwork for an instant injection of personality?

“Even a single piece of art, beautifully framed, in the middle of a blank wall can have an enormous impact, especially if the piece is particularly small or particularly large,” says Luci Noel, director of the Affordable Art Fair. Now in its 16th year, the AAF has has held 111 events

across 11 countries and prides itself on making art accessible for everyone.

“Art creates a real focal point for a room, and symmetry of furniture or furnishings around the piece can also help to draw the eye to it. Conversely, a cluster - known as a ‘salon hang’ can vary from a few pieces up to an entire wall filled with a collection.

Be as creative as you want to be, even hanging objects or mirrors within the cluster to fill a space,” Noel says.

If you’re bewildered by the vast array of art on offer, or struggle to identify which photos to include in your home ‘gallery’, she advises hanging with heart.

“It’s all about browsing at art fairs, visiting galleries to discover what resonates with you. Maybe print off a selection of your photo prints, so over time you can narrow down your choice,” she says.

“Art should be an emotional experience - buy only what you love and what you want to live with and will enjoy every day. It’s all about personalising your space and making it unique to you.”

18

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 19 MARCH 2015

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

19 MARCH 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

19

19 MARCH 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

21

Six Nations 2015 ROUNDUP

SPORT

Results: WALES 23 IRELAND 16; ENGLAND 25 SCOTLAND 13; ITALY 0 FRANCE 29 Fixtures: Sat, March 21: Italy v Wales (1.30pm); Scotland v Ireland (2.30pm); England v France (5pm)

VICKERY’S VIEW AFTER last weekend, three sides go into the final weekend with the chance of winning the RBS Six Nations and you can't really ask for more than that. It should be a fantastic finale, they are three huge matches.

Following their disappointing defeat in Ireland, England had to make amends against Scotland and they did produce a good performance.

However, it was also an incredibly frustrating display. England created so many opportunities, particularly in the first half, and failed to take advantage of them. If England had managed to convert some of those opportunities, they could have been out of sight and put down a real statement to Wales and Ireland ahead of this weekend.

Scotland deserve credit for the way they came back into the game and kept trying to play their natural game, and managed to put England under

some pressure at times.

It was a huge win for Wales against Ireland, and a lot of that was down to the way they started. They set the pace and the tone of the game, like they did against England, but on this occasion they kept that going for the entire game. Ireland worked their way back into the game and will be frustrated about the outcome, but Wales were just slightly better.

A lot of Ireland's frustration was directed towards the referee Wayne Barnes, but I thought he had a good game actually. He was consistent in his decisions with both teams and that's all you can ask for. It was a ferocious game, there was some huge hits going in. When I get asked if I miss playing, I look at some of the hits that were going in during that game and think that I'm much better off where I am now!

England World Cup winning hero Phil Vickery MBE shares his thoughts on the 2015 RBS Six Nations, only in the Cheltenham Standard

Wales' win has set them up with a big opportunity against Italy. After forcing their way back into reckoning with wins away at France and beating Ireland, I can't see they will let Italy do a job on them. The Italians do seem to play better when there is no pressure on them, no-one expected them to go to Scotland to win, but I think Wales will beat them and fairly comfortably too. Everyone talks about point difference being crucial, but the first and most important thing is winning the game.

Ireland will face a tough test at Murrayfield. I think Scotland will take a lot of heart from their performance

against England and will fancy their chances against Ireland. They just need to find a bit more consistency in their play. Scotland's front five will need to be at their best against the Irish pack, who have probably had the best set piece in the tournament. I can't see Ireland not winning, I think they'll squeak the game by a score. It's probably the game I'm most looking forward to over the weekend.

England versus France are always big games, and England will still be hurting from their defeat in Paris last year when they really should have won. France got a win last weekend in Italy, but it was a pretty average performance from both teams. The great thing about these games are that the form book always goes out of the window.

There's no love lost between the

Festival Stars Shine Annie Power was an unlucky loser in the Mares Hurdle but as anticipated Polly Peachum ran a race of real promise just to be touched off and on good ground should easily pick up a Listed contest in the Spring or Summer.

Thomas Crapper ran well in the final race on Tuesday and should start to fulfil his potential on a sound surface if kept going for the rest of the season.

Wednesday saw good performances from Windsor Park,Don Poli and Dodging Bullets in the Neptune,RSA, and Champion Chase respectively and all three will win more good races. Many were impressed with Don Poli in particular but arguably there was no stand out performance on that day after ‘tremendous’ Tuesday.

Thursday again showed the strength of the Mullins camp with a brilliant performance by Vautour in the opening JLT chase and this horse at only six years old has a great future and must be followed.

The Pertemps Final was won with a taking performance by Call The Cops travelling well throughout the race then quickening and staying on strongly up the hill.

Good ground at Aintree in April could easily see a repeat performance and Nicky Henderson his trainer is sure to find the right race for him.

The World Hurdle was won nicely

by Cole Harden but he does look ground dependant and it may be difficult for

two sides and France were physically impressive against Italy in their defence, even if they didn't create much. They are strong and pacey, and we know France can always produce when no-one expects them to.

England still need to improve, I don't think we've seen the best of them so far. It's only been glimpses so far, if they can put in a 60-70 minute performance against France they should win, and win well.

It's going to be incredibly close but I think England will win the RBS Six Nations, they just need to make sure they perform from the very start, get at France and put some points on the board early on.

In association with

Faugheen

him to follow up on softer ground.

Later in the card a good performance from Monetaire showed there are races to be won by this horse under the care of David Pipe and is one to watch.

Friday saw Peace and Co win the Triumph from stable companions Top Notch and Hargam but possibly if the rain had not come to soften the ground both Top Notch and Hargam might have edged it.

Over two miles four furlongs Top Notch is worth following going forward. Martello Tower won the Albert Bartlett nicely but the race of the day was of course the Gold Cup. A tremendously gutsy win by the novice Coneygree and great runs by Djakadam, Road to Riches and Holywell. All four are bound to win good races over the next few seasons but Djakadam is definitely the horse to take out of the race.

As a six-year-old he ran a screamer getting past Road to Riches on the run in but unable to peg back Coneygree in the last 75 yards.

This year’s Festival was the best for many years. It augurs well for National Hunt racing for years to come. After such equine splendour however can you wait that long?

22

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 19 MARCH 2015

SPORT

Local Sport

Cheltenham extend their lead at the top

Cheltenham League’s community spirit

WATER POLO

CHELTENHAM Swimming and Water Polo Club extended their lead at the top of group B in the British Water Polo Championships.

The town's first team were away to Sheffield and secured their fourth straight victory, a win which brings their current run to 11 wins.

After a long drive Cheltenham made a slow start and exchanged goals with Sheffield throughout the first quarter which ended 3-2 to Cheltenham.

The second quarter saw more of the same and the town side were only 6-5 up going into the break.

The second half saw CSWPC increase their tempo, and just three minutes into the third quarter was the final time Sheffield scored. Cheltenham didn't let up on their pace and scored eight goals in the second half, to finish the game 14-6.

Cheltenham's boys Under-19 side were also in action over the weekend, despite loses to the top three sides in their qualification group the boys managed to secure a top four place and progression onto the National Age Groups finals.

MORE than £2,000 has been donated to the Cheltenham and District Sports Association for the Disabled by the Cheltenham Association Football League.

They provided two brand new chairs to enable group members to move safely and with ease into the Leisure @ Cheltenham swimming pool during their weekly swimming sessions.

Ian Hamilton, Cheltenham League general secretary, said: “It is a pleasure to be involved with such a worthy charity providing such a vital service to the disabled group.”

Tim Sizer, Cheltenham and

COUNTY LEAGUE FOOTBALL

District Sports Association for the Disabled chairman, thanked the League and its clubs for this tremendous donation. He said: “It makes a huge difference in getting group members in and out of the pool.”

It was the generosity of their main sponsors, Bristol Street Motors Cheltenham Ford and their Charity Cup sponsor, the GMB Union, which made this great contribution to the League’s annual charity collection possible.

To advertise in the Cheltenham Standard call one of our sales team on

01242 257019

ONE D DAY AY CAMP Coaching by G Gloucester loucester Rugby Rugby & Int International er nation nal rugby legends For girls ls aged 11-16 11-16 years

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Service held by battling Rangers CHELTENHAM Civil Service remain top of the Gloucestershire County League on goal difference after being held to a 0-0 draw at Rockleaze Rangers.

Rangers had much more of the ball in the first 45 minutes and had several shots on target but nothing to trouble Tim Griffiths.

At the other end Rangers keeper Sam Burgess did not have a shot to deal with in the first 45 minutes and the only chance created by the visitors came a minute before the break when Mark Jones' shot from the edge of the box slipped past the post.

At the start of the second half Paul Holmes hit the target with a fierce

shot but it went straight to Burgess.

Leading goalscorer Jack Sklenar, who has been carrying an injury, was introduced 17 minutes into the second half to try and pep up the visitors game.

He was involved with their best chance in the 73rd minute when he found himself in front of goal and would normally have shot but laid the ball off for Holmes but over hit his pass and the final shot went well wide.

Rangers almost snatched the points on 87 minutes when Alex Fox had a clear shot on goal, but Griffiths got down well to save.

Service, who have five games in hand on nearest rivals Chipping Sodbury Town, visit King's Stanley on Saturday.

Second from bottom Bishop's Cleeve Reserves, who did not have a game last weekend, travel to Thornbury Town.

Search is on to find fastest club bowler in county CRICKET

COACHES from the Gloucestershire Cricket Board are travelling around the county armed with a state-of-the-art speed gun to uncover the quickest pacemen outside professional ranks.

Masoor Khan and Pete Lamb have already visited six clubs as part of the Top Gun competition.

Players who take part will have their speeds displayed on the GCB and Gloucestershire CCC websites, with the top three bowling off against each other during the interval of the county’s first NatWest T20 Blast match at home to Middlesex on May 15.

The fastest bowler on the day will win a T20 membership package for the rest of the season.

GCB community coach Masoor Khan said: “We hope clubs will get on board and see this as a fun way to add a bit of extra competition to their pre-season training.

"How fast people bowl is always a talking point among cricketers and now we will be able to definitively prove who the quickest bowlers in the county really are.”

The GCB coaches hope to get around as many clubs as possible and are planning to hold a series of events where players from nearby clubs

visit one ground in their area to test their skills.

It is still early days in the competition but early frontrunners include Michael Ley (72mph) from Bohemians CC, Glos Under-17 and Bristol CC’s Tommy Probert (71mph) and Babar Malik (69mph) from Bristol Asians.

To see the full list go to www.gloucestershirecricketboard.com The GCB is also using the Top Gun competition as a way of talking to players about the inaugural Street Cricket “World Cup” which gets underway on March 22.

Open to players aged 16-30 the six-a-side tournament sees teams compete against each other in a fast-paced form of the game using a taped tennis ball.

The competition is free to enter and each will team have the chance to compete for a range of prizes. Club sides are

welcome to enter or teams can be made up of groups of cricketmad friends.

Each team will be allocated a World Cup country to represent with a kit to match.

Masoor said: “Street cricket is a great way to sharpen up your skills ahead of the season and this is a nice way to draw attention to the current ICC World Cup. "The game is all-action and moves at such a fast pace that you are involved the whole time. It suits players of all abilities so whether you are an experienced cricketer, haven’t played for a while or are new to the game you are guaranteed to enjoy yourself.”

The “World Cup” gets underway on Sunday March 22 at 3pm at City Academy, Bristol. Matches will then take place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on Thursdays (from March 19) and 3pm and 5pm on Saturdays (from March 21).

For more information on the World Cup or to book a visit from the GCB Top Gun team please email masoor.khan@glosccc.co.uk or ring him on 07958 271415.

19 MARCH 2015 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

23

SPORT

Local Football

Cheltenham League round-up WHADDON United’s bid for the Division One title of the Cheltenham League, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Cheltenham Ford received a boost last weekend without them kicking a ball.

FC Lakeside, who have pushed United all season, were held to a 0-0 draw by bottom club Kings AFC leaving a severe dent in their own title aspirations.

The point for Kings leaves them within one point of fellow strugglers Bishops Cleeve III and is a major boost in their hopes of surviving the drop.

Whaddon now lead the table by four points and have a game in hand on Lakeside. They return to action this week against AC Olympia while Lakeside host fourth placed RSG. Kings will be hoping their good run continues when the face third placed Churchdown Panthers. Panthers go into the game off the back of 2-0 win at Newton FC last Saturday.

In Division Two Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves showed they should still be considered as serious title contenders following their 1-0 win over Staunton and Corse, courtesy of a Neil Wheeler goal.

The win took them a point clear of FC Barometrics and opened up a seven point lead over their opponents.

Service have played a game more than Baros and four more than Corse so they remain an outside bet

PHOTO: LYDIA VINEY

CHELTENHAM LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Dowty's Lee Surman, chased by Leckhamptons' Joe Wylie

but one that should not be discounted, especially considering Corse’s recent poor run of results.

At the bottom, a 5-1 loss against Andoversford leaves Northleach adrift at the foot of the table. They trail Shurdington Rovers by nineteen points and with just thirty points left to play for their fate is nearly sealed.

Leckhampton Rovers hopes of pushing Welland all the way in Division Three took a blow last weekend when they were beaten 3-1

by Dowty Dynamos.

Dowty came out the blocks first with striker Pat McCaffrey testing the Rover’s keeper with a low drive.

Shortly after striker Gary Robinson linked up well with winger Gino Strinati who fed Robinson but his effort found the side netting.

Leckhampton created their first chance shortly after, a strong run from Joe Lawrence, who cut in from the right, ended with a shot going just wide of the post.

Both teams continued to play

some good possession football but it was Dowty’s who broke the deadlock. Left back Josh Ellin whipped in a cross which fell to Robinson who dispatched a shot into the top corner.

Leckhampton picked up the pace of the game and leading goal scorer Tim Rylatt beat the offside trap only to fire his shot just wide of the post.

Jeffries and Strinati again caused a threat down the right flank threading a ball through to Adam Ryman who flicked the ball up and volleyed past the diving keeper to take Dowty 2-0 up into the break.

Leckhampton came out in the second half fired up and within 10 minutes put themselves back in the game after Lawrence went on a mazy and crossed for Rylatt to tap in from close range.

When another goal came it was Dowty’s who got it. Lee Surman broke up play in the centre of the pitch before finding Connor Harmer who’s low cross was handled by the

defender who slid in to intercept it.

The penalty was confidently finished by Adam Ryman for his second of the game.

Both Welland and Leckhampton are in action next weekend and with two games in hand a four point lead the title is the leaders to lose.

After an impressive win against Apperley in their last game, Cheltenham Civil Service III were brought down to earth with a bump when they were beaten 4-0 by Leckhampton Rovers Reserves.

The loss opened the door for Northway whose emphatic 7-1 win at Southside Reserves took them to the top of the table on goal difference.

Northway have a game in hand on second placed Apperley and with both teams on twenty eight points they remain in pole position for the title.

With the top two facing teams in the bottom three on Saturday the title race should continue to run for a few more weeks.

After setting the pace for much of the season Cheltenham Athletic’s title hopes look to be over after they were beaten 4-0 by Kingshill Sports in Division Five.

With both Cheltenham Civil Service IV and FC Lakeside Reserves winning, Athletic dropped down to third.

Lakeside took top spot following their 6-0 win at Staunton and Corse while Service dismantled bottom club Sherborne Harriers 12-2 to move level on points with Athletic.

Cheltenham Football League, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Ford Cheltenham

PLAYER PROFILE OF THE WEEK

This week’s featured player is Lee Webb of Cheltenham Athletic in Division Five.

After finishing fourth in Division Six last season, their inaugural year, Athletic were promoted and have made an impressive start to life in the higher level.

After topping the table for much of the season they have surrendered top spot the FC Lakeside although they remain in the hunt for the title with four league matches remaining.

Name: Lee Webb Nick name: Webby Position: Left midfield

Previous clubs: Regency Town, Hardwicke Rangers, Gloucester County Most memorable game: When Hardwicke played against a team on our tour and I played in goal then and we lost 5-0 but somehow I managed to still get man of the match. A strange game!

Worst game: Probably has to be this season against a team that was in the bottom half of the league and not doing so well and we were flying high at the top of the table and we went in to the game thinking we would win with ease and were 3-2 up at half-time, but managed to lose 6-3!

Toughest opponents: Even though we beat them I have to go with Lakeside as they clearly are a well organised team and very physical. We won by the skin of our teeth.

Best club player: I’d have to go with Sanches, a great football player and an eye for goal.

Even though he is a striker he gets back and defends which is unusual and unheard of for a striker.

Team supported: Coventry City Favourite player: John Fleck.

Plays for Coventry and doesn’t score many goals but he runs and runs and gives everything every game. Football needs more players like that!

Athletic will look to get back to winning ways next week when they face Sherborne however they will not overtake Lakeside, even if the leaders are beaten by Hatherley FC, due to their inferior goal difference.

Fintan Reserves maintained their place at the top of Division Six after a 7-0 win at Charlton Rovers III last Saturday.

Playing their game in hand over second placed Cheltenham United, Fintan opened up a three point lead at the top.

Malvern Vale kept up their pressure on the leaders with a 4-1 win at Regency Town. Vale are seven points adrift of Fintan but have two games in hand.

With the top two not in league action on Saturday, Vale can close the gap if they beat Prestbury Rovers Reserves on Saturday.

At the bottom of the table Cheltenham Saracens III claimed a points following their 3-3 draw with Prestbury Rovers Reserves. It was not enough to go past Charlton Rovers but they have moved within one point of their nearest rivals.

County Cup finals All Sunday Premier Cup: Coney Hill Wanderers v Frampton CC, at Tuffley Rovers FC, April 26, 10.30am.

Sunday Intermediate Cup: Alderton v AFC Cheltenham, at Bishop's Cleeve FC, April 19, 10.30am Sunday Minor Cup: Coopers Edge Javelins v Blackbridge, at Stonehouse Freeway FC, April 12, 10.30am Senior Amateur Cup: Brockworth Albion v Broadwell Amateurs/Harrow Hill, at Slimbridge FC, April 22, 7.30pm Junior Cup: Upton St Leonards v Longlevens Reserves, at Slimbridge FC, April 30, 7.30pm Intermediate Cup: Ellwood Reserves v St Nicholas Old Boys, details TBC Minor Cup: Northway v Wickwar Wanderers, at Bishop's Cleeve FC, April 7, 7pm Primary Cup: CHQ Reserves v Siddington Sports Vets, at Tuffley Rovers FC, April 28, 7.30pm

24

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 19 MARCH 2015

SPORT

with JON PALMER, SPORTS EDITOR

VICKERY’S VIEW

BOSS MILTON CALLS FOR HOME WIN AFTER BATTLING POINT AT POMPEY RUSSELL Milton says Cheltenham Town must beat Exeter City at home on Saturday to make their 2-2 draw at Portsmouth an even better result.

Goals from Eliot Richards and Will Packwood put the Robins 2-1 ahead at Fratton Park on Tuesday after they had fallen behind, before Pompey hit back before half-time.

With Tranmere Rovers winning at Cambridge, Cheltenham slipped back into the bottom two on goal difference and their battle to survive looks set to run until the final day of the season.

“It was an excellent point for us on Tuesday and to come back from a goal down and go ahead was a

fantastic effort, it’s just a shame we gave a free-kick away before half-time and conceded,” Milton said.

“If we’d got in at halftime we could have fired them up, but I asked for discipline and effort in the second half and I got that.

“It was a great finish from Eliot for the first and I am sure Pompey will be disappointed with our second from a free-kick, but their second was similar.

“Portsmouth have been going well so we have to be pleased, but we also have to get the best result possible against Exeter now to make this an even better point.”

Milton's men fell behind to Matt Tubbs' 17th minute strike, with the poacher tapping in from almost on

EXCLUSIVE

jon@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

Phil Vickery MBE shares his thoughts on the 2015 RBS Six Nations PAGE 21

PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA

Faugheen’s a jolly good fellow!

the line after fine work from Andy Barcham on the Pompey right.

But less than a minute later, they were back on level terms. Matt Richards found Shaun Harrad, who teed up Eliot Richards for his first Robins goal. It was his first since he struck for Tranmere Rovers against his current club last August.

Cheltenham took the lead in the 23rd minute when Matt Richards' freekick was nodded in by loan defender Packwood, who celebrated the first goal of his senior career.

Pompey hit back two minutes before half-time when Matt Richards tripped Danny Hollands and the resulting free-kick from Dan Butler was headed past ex-

Portsmouth goalkeeper Trevor Carson by Ryan Taylor, who was a constant aerial threat.

Carson made an excellent save less than a minute after half-time to deny Tubbs a second and Portsmouth were on top for much of the second period, but Cheltenham defended well to secure a share of the spoils.

Troy Brown picked up his 10th yellow card of the season and now faces a two match ban, while Packwood was forced off in the 78th minute after taking a knock, but Milton is hopeful he will be fit to face Exeter.

Club captain Matt Taylor is likely to come back into the side in place of Brown, who will also miss the

home match against Plymouth Argyle a week on Saturday.

Portsmouth (3-5-2): Jones; Webster (Fodgen 68), Devera, Whatmough; Barcham (East 46), Dunne (McCallum 86), Wallace, Hollands, Butler; Tubbs, R Taylor. Subs not used: Cornell (GK), Ertl, Atangana, Chaplin.

Cheltenham Town (4-5-1): Carson; Berry, Packwood (M Taylor 78), Brown, BrahamBarrett; E Richards (Wynter 89), Mills, Sparrow, M Richards, Haynes (Kotwica 60); Harrad. Subs not used: Gould (GK), Vaughan, Hanks, Manset.

Referee: D Whitestone.

Attendance: 13,558 (156 away).

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James Daly looks at Festival horses to follow for the future...

A CRACKING Cheltenham Festival last week saw a myriad of horses with a very exciting future ahead of them and a treat for the national hunt enthusiast for years to come.

Tuesday saw Willie Mullins’ horses simply do what it says on the tin and win the Supreme, the Arkle and the Champion Hurdle with Douvan, Un De Sceaux and Faugheen all in very impressive style.

The ride given by Ruby Walsh on Faugheen was poetry in motion as McCoy stalked him all the way round on Jezki but was simply burnt off when Walsh quickened up round the final bend to win nicely from Arctic Fire.

Of the three Faugheen is the one to take forward as it could be argued neither the Supreme nor the Arkle were vintage renewals. Having said that both Douvan and Un De Sceaux will win good races and could easily do so if,for instance, sent to Aintree or Punchestown in April.

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