Cheltenham Standard 9th October 2014

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off by police officers until the debris could be removed from the road and the pavement made safe for pedestrians.

Local buses were diverted from routing along the up hill section of the Promenade to the rotunda roundabout and Vinegar Hill was closed for most of the day.

Workers from Gloucestershire Highways chopped up the large remains of the tree before removing them from the site. They also took away the rest of the damaged tree, leaving behind just the trunk and the beginning of two boughs, creating an ugly reminder of the devastating winds that had shaken the town.

A tree was also blown down in Bishop’s Cleeve, blocking Finlay Way near the Lidl supermarket and another tree

was brought down on Ashlands Close.

Gloucestershire Highways said that every tree in the county near a road was checked periodically to make sure they are safe and Cheltenham Borough Council also checks trees regularly in the town.

Back in 1990 a 39 year-old woman, Allison Stevens, was tragically killed when a tree crashed onto her convertible car while she was stationery at traffic lights on the Promenade.

As a result all trees in the Promenade at the time were checked by the Forestry Commission and subsequently a number cut down.

PHOTO: FAYE MCNAUGHT

H

IGH winds on Monday morning of this week brought a number of trees crashing down causing traffic chaos in and the around town.

Some town centre shoppers narrowly escaped being struck by a giant branch which snapped off from a tree in the Promenade as the gale force winds lashed Cheltenham.

A large horse chestnut tree in the Promenade, near the traffic lights on the junction with Imperial Square, was split in half when winds ripped off a massive chunk of the tree and threw it into the road, smashing through a streetlamp in its path. It also damaged a smaller tree nearby as it was thrown through the air.

The pavement directly outside stores Vinegar Hill and Joules was immediately sealed

PHOTO: MAX SCARROTT

Gale force winds lash town

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 OCTOBER 2014

Cheltenham WeatherWatch THURSDAY 9th Oct Min 9ºC Max 15ºC FRIDAY 10th Oct Min 9ºC Max 16ºC SATURDAY 11th Oct Min 8ºC Max 15ºC SUNDAY 12th Oct Min 8ºC Max 14ºC MONDAY 13th Oct Min 8ºC Max 13ºC TUESDAY 14th Oct Min 8ºC Max 14ºC WEDNESDAY 15th Oct Min 12ºC Max 15ºC

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Combat Norovirus Campaign re-launching HOSPITALS across Gloucestershire have relaunched a major campaign this month to help stop the spread of Norovirus, protecting vulnerable patients and supporting NHS services this winter. The high visibility ‘Combat Norovirus’ campaign will be profiled at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Cheltenham General Hospital, community hospitals and GP surgeries.

Banners, posters and leaflets carrying the key campaign messages will be available at healthcare facilities across the county.

Leaflets for relatives, explaining how to protect vulnerable patients will be handed out by healthcare staff and campaign information and resources will be available on NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group’s website and through social media channels.

The re-launched campaign is keen to put over a number of warnings and advice which is…

• Do not visit healthcare facilities, like hospitals, if you

have had diarrhoea and/or vomiting until three days after symptoms have stopped (even if these were mild symptoms) • Do not visit friends or relatives in hospital if you have recently (within the last two days) been in contact with anyone who has diarrhoea and/or vomiting • Always wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. You should always do this after using the toilet and before preparing food.

This is good practice whether or not you have symptoms • Do not handle or prepare

food for other people until you have been free of symptoms for a minimum of three days • If you, or someone you care for needs medical advice call NHS 111. CALL your GP surgery in the first instance Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Director of Infection Prevention and Control Maggie Arnold said, “We are encouraging all our staff and visitors to get behind this important campaign and help tackle the spread of Norovirus head on. Anyone visiting our hospitals will not fail to see

the campaign messages. We need every individual to take it to heart and help protect our vulnerable patients.”

Director of Nursing and Quality at Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust Liz Fenton added to this saying, “We fully support this campaign and will be working with our colleagues across the county to reinforce these key messages to prevent the spread of Norovirus to our patients and service users’’.

She went to add, “By following a few simple steps we can stay well and minimise the risk of infection to those around us.” And Clinical Chair at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group and local GP Dr Helen Miller, said, “The campaign reinforces our shared responsibility to combat the spread of Norovirus in the interests of patients, staff, relatives and the NHS as a whole. We would urge everyone to take heed of the important messages and act responsibly as it could make a real difference and could even save lives.”

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Sickness bug closes school

Signalling problems cause rail misery

A SICKNESS bug ravaged its way through a primary school in Cheltenham last week forcing it to close its doors for two days.

Around 45 pupils at Christ Church Primary School in Malvern Road came down with the virus at the end of last week. Three members of staff were also ill due to the effects of the bug.

Staff from Gloucestershire County Council were at the school for twao days implementing a “deep clean” to get rid of the germs which

RAIL commuters endured travel misery after signalling equipment was damaged near Slough during overnight engineering work earlier this week.

First Great Western (FGW) operated a “severely reduced” service into Paddington, adding up to an hour to some journeys.

The rail company advised passengers at the time to avoid travelling between Reading and Paddington. It said attempts to repair the problem had “so far been unsuccessful”. The problems had also been affecting services to and from the west of England, Oxford, Cheltenham Spa and Worcester.

A message on the FGW website at the time said: “Following

have caused the sickness.

The Head Teacher, Janie Fentem said that the school had acted on advice from the county council to close in order to stop the bug spreading any further.

It is reported that approximately some 20 per cent of the 222 pupils were affected by the bug. The medical advice with this kind of bug is not to send your children back to school until they have been symptom free for 48 hours.

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overnight engineering work, signalling equipment has been damaged between Slough and West Drayton affecting all four lines. Because of this, a severely disrupted train service is operating between Reading and London Paddington this morning.”

Then an updated message read: “Engineers have been working all morning to rectify the fault, but have so far been unsuccessful. At present, we are only able to run four trains per hour in each direction between Reading and Paddington’’.

Many services were cancelled and there were delays of up to 60 minutes affecting those trains which did run.

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9 OCTOBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Cheltenham MP supports action on climate change SPEAKING at the at risk from flooding as Liberal Democrat party well as demanding conference in Glasgow long-term planning for this week Cheltenham droughts and floods, MP Martin Horwood rather than scrambling welcomed new party around after episodes of policies calling for more severe weather as has co-ordinated actions to been the case in the adapt to changing past. climates.

The motions Mr Horwood said “Ed welcomed the creation Davey has done a great of the flood rejob as Secretary of State insurance deal between for Energy and Climate government and the Change and helping to insurance industry but prevent climate change also call for government MP Martin Horwood still has to be one of the to actively monitor the top priorities for affordability and government. But it’s also time to accept availability of flood insurance, which has that our weather patterns are changing affected many people in Cheltenham and that it also the government’s since 2007. responsibility to take action to address Mr Horwood finally commented, that.”

“Policies like these show the Liberal The motions being voted on by party Democrats are still the only mainstream representatives highlight the severe political party that takes long-term weather seen by many parts of the environmental issues seriously. Climate United Kingdom over recent years, change is increasing our risk of flooding, and which devastated Gloucestershire in 2007, flooding 600 properties in Cheltenham alone.

The motions call on the government to introduce high standards of flood resilience for buildings and infrastructure in areas

Tribute to Police fallen

storms and severe weather. Our response can’t just be short-term measures announced by ministers rushing around in boats and wellies and then moving on.

We need a long-term approach to issues such as flood resilience, land planning and insurance. We mustn’t bury our heads in the sand when it comes to the threat that climate change poses to our country, our economy and our way of life.

This policy is a great first step to giving that threat the attention it needs, and ultimately the only way we will be able to tackle it.”

Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable were among those who joined the Prince of Wales in paying tribute to the bravery of police officers who have died in the line of duty.

Prince Charles, who is Patron of the National Police Memorial Day, praised the ‘selfless devotion to public service which typifies the British Police Service'.

The first National Police Memorial Day was held in St. Paul’s Cathedral in October 2004 and has now become an annual event.

It brings together police forces, officers, colleagues, friends and family from across the country to remember and give recognition to those who lost their lives protecting their communities.

Man has part of ear bitten off in town centre attack

Sexual assault on male in town centre A MAN was sexually assaulted in the street in Cheltenham by another male.

The incident happened near The Brewery, Swindon Road, in the town in the early hours of Thursday 25th September 2014 between 0240 and 0250 hours.

The offender is described as black, 5ft 8 inches tall and of large build.

Gloucestershire Police are appealing for any witnesses or for anyone with further information about the incident to come forward .

Please quote incident no. 28 of September 25th.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses to an attack on a man who had part of his ear bitten off during a night out.

The 25 year old from Cheltenham was attacked in Royal Well, Cheltenham, at around 0030 in the early hours of Sunday 5th October 2014.

The victim was walking alone, towards the taxi office in Royal Well Place, when it happened.

Paramedics were called to the scene and the victim was taken by ambulance to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. He is now recovering at home.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesperson said; “Someone should have seen something as the town centre was very busy at this time and we are hoping someone can come forward.”

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 OCTOBER 2014

Sandford Ale House swings on hinges at CAMRA launch LAST Saturday saw over 150 guests flock into the popular town centre ale house for the launch of the very first Cheltenham branch of CAMRA (the campaign for real ale).

The Sandford Ale House which was voted CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2014 was closed for the evening and opened only to members and invited guests. Pianists Grenville Hillman and Bill Hunt (ex ELO and Wizzard), together with barbershop sextet The ‘WassAlers’ kept the gathered beer lovers entertained.

Branch Chair Veronica Emary said, ‘Although historically a part of Gloucestershire CAMRA, Cheltenham has grown steadily to over 900 members. With a dedicated committee and a lively beer scene, we voted to form a full independent branch. This now allows us to respond quickly to local campaigning issues and events’’.

Grant Cook Landlord (pictured) at the Sandford Ale House said, ‘’The first two decisions were to plan the first Cheltenham CAMRA Beer Festival, which will take place on August 14th and 15th 2015 at Cheltenham Town Hall. The second decision was to grow membership particularly amongst young drinkers’’ He went to say, ’’Recently Cheltenham CAMRA were invited for the first time to recruit new members at the University of Gloucestershire’s Park Campus Fresher’s Fayre’’. The organisation has now grown to 166,000 members and has become the most successful consumer champion organisation of all time. Young and female drinkers seem to be driving membership growth. A CAMRA spokesperson said, ’’Perhaps bored with bland mass-market products they are turning to real ale in a big way - not just discovering, but also reinventing beer and brewing’’.

When CAMRA was formed it’s thought

OUR town has been named the best place in the UK to raise a family.

The Telegraph has compiled a list of the top 20 family-friendly areas, based on criteria such as schools, housing, leisure activities and nature.

Lynn Simmonds of Hamptons International said: “Excellent schooling, low crime rates, a thriving sporting culture and a bustling town centre all make Cheltenham a natural place for families with children.”

CHALKTALK

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cheltenham gets vocal...

S

the number of breweries had dwindled in the UK to just 180. Last year the number stood at 1,150.

The packed pub saw both members and guests enjoying some specially reduced beer prices, together with a good selection of excellent pub grub.

Generous sponsorship from local breweries Cotswold Lion, Prescott, Battledown, Gloucester and particularly from Peterborough brewer Oakham provided the refreshment.

Grant Cook further commented, “I’m hugely enthusiastic about this new CAMRA branch. It will put Cheltenham on the real ale map in the long term’’. He finally said,’ I’m also absolutely thrilled that the new CAMRA branch for Cheltenham was launched right here in the Sandford’.

Foster care highlighted at Farmers’ Market YOU might want to put foster care on the shopping list when you pop along to Cheltenham Farmers’ Market on Friday October 10th.

The charity Community Foster Care is pitching up alongside market traders in the Promenade from 9am-2pm.

“There is a huge need for foster carers in Gloucestershire,” said Chris Cawkwell, Registered Manager for CFC, a not-forprofit independent agency based in Staunton. “Often people aren’t sure

Cheltenham named best place in UK to raise a family

whether they’re eligible. That’s why it’s important we are out there, spreading the message that foster caring is very rewarding, and that there is plenty of help to get them started.

“You may not have had children of your own, but you may have the life experience that would make you a great foster carer.

Come along and have a chat about it with someone friendly.”

For more info: www.communityfostercare.co.uk

O conference season is over. Poor old Ed Miliband might be relieved. On a human level I feel for him. But it really was an extraordinary howler to fail to mention the deficit once in his hour-long speech.

Boris teased him, saying that the “baggage handlers in his memory went on strike – as they would under a Labour government – and refused to load the word ‘deficit’ on to the conveyor belt of his tongue.” But there was a serious point too. Six years on from Labour’s great recession and many will ask themselves if Ed Miliband and Ed Balls have learnt anything. Not surprising perhaps when you consider that they were the ones that were advising Gordon Brown as he steered Britain onto the rocks.

Up in Birmingham for the Conservative Conference the mood was more buoyant. After a tricky start, the place was fizzing with ideas and enthusiasm. It was good to spend time with David Cameron, briefing him on the issues that affect Cheltenham, such as the need to safeguard our acute hospital and also the need for an economic vision for our town. As a barrister, I was particularly interested to hear what the Home Secretary had to say about reforming stop and search powers (long overdue) as well as her robust comments about the “hateful ideology” of extremists. And as a taxpayer, I warmly welcomed the bold announcements about easing the burden of tax for British workers, including raising the tax-free personal allowance to £12,500.

In Glasgow, the Lib Dems got stuck into bashing both Labour and the Conservatives. Most of it is all good political knockabout. But it was Vince Cable’s comments about immigration that struck a particularly odd note.

Only earlier this year he hailed a spike in immigration as “good news”. Now in

Glasgow he was criticizing the Conservatives for daring to have a net migration target at all.

I’m afraid the Lib Dems are out of touch on this issue. Let’s be clear immigration has undoubtedly brought many benefits to Britain. Controlled immigration can fill skills shortages and make our economy more competitive.

Individual immigrants have made huge contributions to our national way of life. But what the Lib Dems seem unable to acknowledge is that uncontrolled immigration can create huge pressures on our society. It puts strain on public services, it can drive down wages for people on low incomes.

It also adds to pressure on our green spaces – something we know a bit about in Cheltenham. To suggest there isn’t an issue here is plain wrong.

It’s one of the key reasons why we need to look again at our relationship with the EU. The unfettered free movement of people within Europe has to come under the microscope. The result of David Cameron’s renegotiation will then be put to the people in a referendum. But that’s only if the Conservatives win the next General Election. The Lib Dems and Labour are clearly intent on denying the British people that choice. It’s a position I profoundly disagree with.

And after the 2014 conference season, the prospect of Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg teaming up to lead this country is more unthinkable than ever.

9 OCTOBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Paddington train crash bereaved mark 15th anniversary of disaster THOSE bereaved by the train disaster have placed flowers at a memorial site high above the railway line at Ladbroke Grove in west London.

Just before 08:10 BST on 5 October 1999, 31 people died when two trains collided almost head-on. The subsequent inquiry found the Thames Trains service travelling from Paddington to Bedwyn in Wiltshire had gone through a red signal.

It then crashed into the London-bound high-speed First Great Western train which had left Cheltenham Spa in Gloucestershire at 06:03.

The Thames driver, Michael Hodder, 31, and the other train driver, Brian Cooper, 52, were among those killed as the collision led to a fireball in which coach H was burnt out.

As well as the thirty one fatalities, more than 220 people were injured.

Paddington Survivors group chairman Jonathan Duckworth, 56, from Stroud in Gloucestershire, was on the First Great Western train.

Father-of-two Mr Duckworth said, “Luckily, I was only in hospital for around 24 hours but then I suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder’’. He went to say, “I had to have about 18 months of

treatment and was only able after that to take on small, part-time jobs and It was six or seven years before I was able to work full-time again.”

The Paddington disaster was followed by fatal rail crashes at Hatfield in Hertfordshire in 2000, at Selby in North Yorkshire in 2001 and at Potters Bar in Hertfordshire in 2002.

Michael Roberts, director-general of the Rail Delivery Group, which speaks on

behalf of Network Rail and the train operators, said: “We remember those who lost their lives and all those whose lives were changed as a result of the Paddington crash.

“After serious accidents in the early 2000s, changes such as an overhaul of employee training for those doing safetycritical jobs and a better approach to staff working hours have helped improve safety on Britain's railway.”

Thousands of under-18s caught drink-driving, police records show RECORDS released by 43 UK police forces in response to a Freedom of Information request show 6,558 people aged under 18 were caught driving under the influence of alcohol between 2008 and 2013.

The figures, obtained by in-car camera provider Nextbase, found the youngest offender was aged 11, in the Thames Valley in 2011, with the yougets in Gloucestershire just 15 years old The government said drink-driving laws were being strengthened.

The records show that an average of five under-18s were caught drink-driving each week. Some of those under 18 were driving without insurance and a quarter were 16 or younger.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "Under-age driving is illegal and no person under the age of 17 should be driving a car. We have tough laws in place to tackle those caught driving without a licence.

"Drink-driving is a menace that costs lives, and the government is strengthening the law to help police crack down on this problem."

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EYE-OPENER Cheltenham eye surgeon introduces Europe to revolutionary new product

By Faye McNaught JOHN Ferris, a Gloucestershire-based Consultant Ophthalmologist at Cheltenham General Hospital and the face of Simulated Ocular Surgery, launched the latest technology in surgical training last Friday at the EVER conference (European Vision and Eye Research) in Nice, France.

Together with Bristol-based manufacturer Craig Philips, Ferris has created a product which he believes “could change the whole concept” in which eye surgeons are trained.

Ferris saw Philips’ simple version of a plastic eye designed for a drug company and realised how useful this concept could be. He decided to develop the idea and has used the latest intelligent plastic technology to design “stitchable” model eyes which are extremely realistic, both visually and texturally.

The UK Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the European Board are already behind the concept, with a consensus to make the technique “mandatory from next September”.

John said, “With the UK and Europe already on board, we just need to convince the Americans”.

The existing training tools consist of pig eyes from the abattoir or a virtual reality system. These machines cost approximately £100,000 each and do not provide as “plausible” an experience as the tangible plastic eye. John said, “The key difference is that the machine is very expensive, and limited in that you cannot physically stitch, as you do with the eye”. The plastic eyes offer a much more accessible, affordable and anatomically accurate alternative to the

current methods and the materials used to make them react in the same way as a human eye would when under the knife.

This development could seriously decrease the element of risk in surgical training, as trainees are able to practise extensively on a scientifically accurate model before moving onto human patients. This adds safety value in much the same way as a trainee pilot would use a flight simulator rather than being sent straight out into the skies above.

As well as offering the tools for trainees, Simulated Ocular Surgery has designed a website with Room 58, a multimedia agency based in Eagle Tower. The website provides a series of step-by-step guides to the use of the plastic eyes and surgical techniques performed by mainly Cheltenham-based eye surgeons. This is a great source for the trainees but also for the curious layperson, and as John said, “this way anyone can understand the techniques and we can convince everybody that what we have been doing for decades can always be improved”.

Cheltenham care home judged one of the best in Gloucestershire THE Quality Assessment Framework report carried out

by Gloucestershire County Council's Adult Social Care team in July 2014 has passed Oakhaven Residential Care Home in Cheltenham with flying colours. Ten key factors were assessed as Areas of Good Practice and worthy of comment the by Reviewing Officer for Gloucester County Council. These were; Care Planning, Dignity, End of Life Care, Activities, Quality Assurance, Mental Capacity Assessments, Dementia Care Planning, Observation of Staff Competency, Menu Planning and Display, and Resident Involvement. The Officer said, "The Oakhaven team can be very proud of the number of areas of good practice demonstrated during the assessment. Normally we request an action plan to implement service delivery improvements. Oakhaven's standard was such

that this was unnecessary’’. He went on to further add, ‘’They are one of the better care homes in the county."

The Quality Assessment Framework is a regulatory requirement requiring all contracted care providers to undergo an annual local authority review of their services.

Oakhaven has been owned and run by the same family for thirty years. The QAF noted that the staffing ratio at Oakhaven is higher than average and training takes place not just for mandatory areas. Staff have also received training in end of life care, person centred care and dementia amongst others.

Owner Ralph Holland (pictured) said, ‘’Receiving such a fantastic report has bowled us over. We take a lot of pride in what we do and seeing so many areas of good practice detailed in black and white really brings it home."

9 OCTOBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Blushes brush up on trends Blushes team reveal the secrets to being ontrend this autumn and introduce “Style Pod”, a personalised styling experience from head to toe

By Faye McNaught “TOO often we are shopping for someone else”, pinned Michelle Blake (pictured) from Blushes in Cheltenham last Monday night. A few puzzled expressions appeared amongst the audience, but these soon vanished as she went on to explain how we tend to have an idea of what or who we will look like with a certain look, rather than a genuine awareness of how different we all are.

Throughout the evening Michelle, with contribution from co-founder Darrel Blake and Blushes’ own stylists, showed an audience of around 100 people how

essential understanding individual qualities such as skin tone, “body architecture” and face shape is in creating styles that are tailored to make you look your best.

She explained how to “eliminate those big purchases” by choosing what is right for you, but emphasized the importance of trends and the way they keep us evolving and creating. She said frankly, “if you don’t move on, you’re stuck in a time warp”.

Blushes remains one of Gloucestershire and Cheltenham’s big business success stories, revved by plans to open a branch in Bath, and Michelle put it down to

AgonyAunt Kimberley Wall WHEN we think (or dream) about retirement what comes to mind? This period of life can be a catalyst for some major changes but while many plan their pensions or dream about a house by the sea, do we as commonly think about the impact it may have on our romantic relationship? All of a sudden children may fly the nest, retirement begins and couples are suddenly off work together and alone for the first time in decades. In the Hollywood film, Hope Springs, Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee-Jones portray the couple whose relationship has diminished over the years who have now found themselves with no children at home and are running out of other distractions to conceal their unhappy reality. Their sex life has been nonexistent for years, but most importantly they’ve forgotten how to be intimate in any way; talking, laughing or sharing quality time together. They decide (against the husband’s wishes), to try couple counselling as a last resort to save their marriage. The journey isn’t easy – they have years of habits that need challenging but they decide to work towards a solution. Do you recognise

this scenario within your own relationship? Do you and your partner feel ‘alone together? Maybe there are other issues or challenges that your relationship is facing? Health problems as we get older can affect our ability to be intimate or may change our role within the relationship. In some cases we may feel we have become our partner’s carer more than their soulmate. What happens if your partner has decided to move on and instead of negotiating retirement together you face the future alone? Finding new love in later life can seem daunting. Whatever situation you find yourself in, I’m here to listen. Why not send me an email on office@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk and I’ll answer as many letters in my column as I can. Alternatively you, or you and your partner, could try the Hope Springs method and talk through an issue face to face with a Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon counsellor instead (charges apply); please call 01242 523215 for more information or to book an appointment. Most importantly please don’t struggle in silence.

“staying unique and giving you something different every time you visit”.

The introduction of the “Style Pod” is their latest show of this uniqueness, a personal styling booth designed to advise clients on clothing and hair styles by analysing every aspect of their natural features. In the pod, Michelle herself can use techniques such as comparing skin tone with their “colour fan”, and enjoys “talking to you personally, applying the person to the hair colour”.

The event was enhanced by glamorous models showcasing a vast range of hair colours and styles, all courtesy of the Blushes staff. The models ranged dramatically in age and featured the young and pixie-faced but also an elegant appreciation for the greys.

Michelle said, “You can be glam at any age, just embrace it”, and proved that if styling is done right, there is something for everyone.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 OCTOBER 2014

BUSINESS High flying females

Editor’sDESK

T

HE Literature Festival is well under way.

Offering a mindboggling maelstrom of book-driven activity, it’s fair to say it’s the biggest single event that we have in the town centre every year.

Formed in 1949, it’s now established as one of the country's principal literary events. And it’s also one of the longest-running literature festivals in the world. Currently sponsored by The Times and The Sunday Times, the tenday event engulfs the Town Hall, Imperial Square and Montpellier Gardens. Cheltenham over this period welcomes tens of thousands of visitors to the town, swelling the bars, restaurants and hotels. The event also hosts a range of talks, workshops, debates, and other amazing events, such as themed meals in its spectacular Spiegel tent. Most of the great names in modern literature have appeared at the festival at some time during its history. The Festival also attracts the biggest names in culture, politics and sport. And it annually welcomes The Booker Prize Finalists for a special Booker event. So if you love the written word or a good old debate then this really is the place for you. There’s no doubt that it’s a huge success story and one we should all applaud with gusto. However, there is a slightly sinister side to all of the festivals that doesn’t in my opinion get

By Jo Betteridge a look. I’m on about some of the resident’s who live right on both Imperial Square and Montpellier Gardens. I love the circus, I like pubs and I just adore good restaurants, but I wouldn’t want to live opposite any of them. It seems to me that the venerable residents living directly within sight or earshot of the tented towns that pop up don’t have much choice in the matter. There is a ground swell of them that are not happy that the festivals turn up four times a year to swamp both Imperial Square and Montpellier Gardens. You and I might call them ‘enthusiasm hoovers’ or the ‘fun police’. However there is I fear an unheard cry that wails into the deaf ears of the Borough Council and Cheltenham Festivals. Like a pestering, malevolent child it’s a cry that nobody wants to hear. Their point is that as residents they are denied the use of these green places during the set-up, the event and the pull down.

Their (some of the residents) view is that they receive neither apology nor recompense for putting with this activity four times a year, or indeed any reduction in their Council Tax. We all love the festivals, as they enhance an already vibrant and elegant town. However perhaps it’s about time that both the Borough Council and the ‘bods’ at Cheltenham Festivals ramped-up their communication efforts and engaged in some dialogue with the unheard residents of both garden areas?

Got a comment?

Contact us at editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

THE Cheltenham Standard are partnering up with the Women’s Business Club for the Maximise Women’s Business Conference on 14th November at The Cheltenham Chase Hotel.

The Women's Business Club are holding the event during Global Entrepreneurship Week to support and champion women in business, whilst celebrating their achievements and successes. A full programme of events, which has been 18months in the planning, features guest speakers, workshops, and even a fashion show, and promises to deliver a valuable experience for businesses of all shapes and sizes, whether as exhibitors or delegates.

Workshops include ‘Why most small businesses don't work’, ‘Branding and communications’ and ‘Why excellence is not enough, be remarkable’. Four separate zones will showcase exhibitors’ business wares, and there are a limited number of stands still available - it isn’t necessary to be a member (or indeed a woman!) to exhibit. There’s even a Dragon’s Den, with a prize package of £3600 up for grabs for the winning business idea. And for that allimportant wind down and de-stress, delegates can purchase a day pass for the venue’s luxury health spa for just £6.

The event will close with a huge

acknowledgement of the accomplishments of women in business in the form of the Business Woman of the Year Awards. The 2014 Business Woman of the Year will be joined by winners of the Excellence in Business, Employer of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year honours (amongst others), whilst an injection of fun will be provided in the form of more lighthearted gongs such as The Loch Ness Award for the most invisible club member, the Carpe Diem Award for making the most of every day and the Compulsive Blogger Award for being the most likely to blog about winning this award.

Come and join us and the Women‘s Business Club for what promises to be a enlightening, informative and fun event.

Tickets are just £25, to register and for more information www.maximiseconference.co.uk/exhibitors

Cheltenham Standard is published weekly by Paul.Bates Publishing 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, 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

Employment conciliation success still uncertain THE success of attempts to encourage conciliation ahead of employment tribunal cases is hanging in the balance, according to Lodders Solicitors in Cheltenham.

Lawyers in the dispute resolution department say new measures introduced in April appear unlikely to produce results.

These effectively stop the clock on all claims for a month while ACAS explores the possibility of a settlement.

But Michael Wakeling, dispute resolution partner, warned: “The one month stay is not effective as employers are reluctant to pay anything until they see the basis for a claim via the employment tribunal application.”

And dispute resolution solicitor Sonia

Mangat questioned: “How effective – or not as the case may be - has early conciliation been since its introduction?

“My last two cases have settled rather successfully through conciliation but before that the month long ‘stay’ was quite ineffective.”

Employment tribunal claims have plummeted – according to Ministry of Justice statistics for April to June 3,792 were received, 70 per cent fewer than in the same period in 2013 and a third lower than January to March this year.

However this is thought primarily to relate to the requirement to pay fees to bring tribunal cases forward, and it is unclear what effect, if any, the early

conciliation rules – introduced in April – have had.

The claimant must send basic information regarding their claim to ACAS and will be given a chance to proceed to conciliation. But either party can decline to participate.

Mrs Mangat noted: “Conciliation is not mandatory so many employers are likely to hold back and see how serious the claimant is – are they prepared to put up the issue fee. Only then are most employers likely to consider their position and the possibility of settling.”

She added: “I believe conciliation could have a real part to play in employment tribunal actions, but I am unconvinced

that this new system is going to work.

“It is relatively early days – just six months since being brought in – but it looks as if it will probably need a re-think.”

Early conciliation was designed to help resolve unfair dismissal claims, workplace discrimination, redundancy payments or disputes around selection procedures, deductions from wages or unpaid notice/holiday pay, rights to time off or flexible working, and equal pay.

Cheltenham Low Carbon Partnership Event Thursday 13th November 1:00-2:45 pm University of Gloucestershire Park Campus, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH Room FW013

9 OCTOBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

9

BUSINESS ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Shopping around for a higher income at retirement – Why it’s so important FOR most of us, buying an annuity has been and still is the most common way of turning your pension savings, into an income that will last you for the rest of your life.

Earlier this year, the Government introduced arrangements to give savers greater access to their pensions.

From April 2015 onwards you'll be able to withdraw as much of the money as you want when you reach 55, although it will be taxed as income.

For those of you who want to guarantee an income for life an annuity may still be the right option for you, however with all the changes and all the various options available in the market, it is imperative to seek advice. Arranging an annuity can be a complicated process, so it's important to know what you need to do at each

stage, and it's vital that you shop around to get the best rate, as you could miss out on a boost to your income if you fail to do so.

Not many people are aware that they can buy their income from any provider. It doesn’t have to be with the company you had your pension with. Shopping around can increase your retirement income by up to 30% .

Each year people throw way £1bn in pension income through not shopping around, so it’s important to read the advice on shopping around included in your retirement options pack.

Rather than simply taking the annuity offered by your provider, involving a financial adviser at this stage will almost always give you a higher income in retirement . Using a Financial adviser to help you shop

around By involving a financial adviser, you can be walked through this complicated process and given guidance and advice on the best possible option for you and your circumstances. There are lots of different retirement products and lots of different ways to take your money.

We can talk you through all of them.

For more information on the above or just for a general chat about how you can enhance your income at retirement then please contact Charlotte at Montpellier Asset Management on 01242-530999 or email charlotte@montpellierasset.com This is based on an average LV= customer and the increase you receive may be higher or lower depending on your personal circumstances.

Shopping around may not be the best option for a few people. If your annuity operates a guaranteed annuity rate (GAR), then it may offer a higher rate than you could find on the open market.

Anaerobic Digestion Presentation for businesses THE Cheltenham Low Carbon Partnership was established in October 2008. Its aim is to reduce Gloucestershire’s carbon emissions and its priority is to create sustainable workplaces.

On the behalf of the partnership, Vision 21 has organised a presentation for businesses on the commercial aspect of Anaerobic Digestion.

At first glance, this may not seem the most exciting of topics, but companies looking for a way to reduce their waste stream, cut their carbon footprint and possibly provide them with a new income stream need to have someone attend this free presentation.

Methane is 20 times worse than Carbon Dioxide as a greenhouse gas. An AD plant can dramatically reduce methane from entering the atmosphere and could be used to fuel a vehicle and provide heating for buildings, as well as producing fertiliser for crops and gardens.

The event takes place on Thursday 13th November 1:00-2:45 pm, at University of Gloucestershire Park Campus, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH. Room FW013 and is targeted at any organisation with a staff canteen, catering businesses, CSR managers and environmental managers, farm and estate managers.

10

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 OCTOBER 2014

HEALTH&LIFESTYLE I CANNOT believe she actually did it!

Yes indeed, Caitlin Moran got her farfrom-flat mummy tummy out in front of a packed audience at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, squashed it up and made it look like a big wobbly grin. After revealing her white bra featuring black-drawn on eyes and pointing out that her navel made the ‘nose’, of course. That, she explained, was the ‘feminist smile’ as demonstrated to her publishers, she wanted featuring on the front of her new novel How to Build a Girl. Gotta love her, especially given Natalie Neale and I have been discussing a feature on the possibility of actually ridding oneself of a mummy tummy, and the exact extent and nature of hardcore diet and exercise that it would actually take.

Hurrah for Ms Moran then, who has saved us the bother by creating a world in which mummies have no need to be mortally embarrassed or shamed by our blancmange for abs. And oh good Lord above, that reminds I’m actually having mine photographed tomorrow, but that’s a story for another day…

So no, Caitlin didn’t disappoint, but, I

ThePulse

By JO BETTERIDGE

jo@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

Musings of a Caitlin Wannabe have to say, the wit was more sparkling and the sarcasm more self-effacing that the ascerbic, caustic observations I was expecting. The insights into her life and career were exactly as expected though, hilarious and fascinating in equal measure.

And it was rather entertaining watching her make her fellow Times columnist Hugo Rifkind squirm with embarrassment at the recounting of risqué anecdotes, and she had the audience in stitches with her animated recital of a rather rude passage from the book.

Best of all, perhaps, was watching her engage with ‘her public’ at the book

SLIP SLIDING AWAY SO the heating’s on, the winter boots are out, and the summer clothes are back, unironed, in the wardrobe. Yes, Autumn is here. Though judging by the number of layers I’m wearing autumn has bypassed us and winter has arrived early.

But I do think that for once the Americans have got it right; we should actually call it ‘fall’. For autumn is a dangerous beast. Yes, the fallen trees that gridlocked Montpellier and Bishop’s Cleeve were freak events caused by high winds, but autumn also brings slipperywhen-wet shopping centre floors and car park stairs to negotiate, as well as treacherous leaves that’ll have you sliding across the (uneven) pavement, arms wind-milling as you try to prevent an embarrassing crash landing.

And these dangers are very real, for we arrived at school to actual screams from some of the kids yesterday. Having been pelted by painfully hard rain, most of the poor darlings had also run through puddles and had soaking wet feet, others had slipped and fallen and had soggy bottoms, whilst one poor child had been drenched by a passing car. I can’t think of anything more misery-making that being sat freezing cold in wet clothes. My sevenyear-old matter-of-factly commented ‘of course, they’ll cancel assembly now’.

What? Because it rained? The floor was

Surging through the veins of Cheltenham Life

wet, you see. Thankfully it turned out that assembly was not missed due to inclement weather, but I do recall being most indignant last year when the Year 1 castle trip was cancelled because of expected rain. I was rather piqued at the ‘namby-pambyness’ of it all at the time.

Now, however, I quite understand. Rain is a dangerous thing, and further health and safety precautions will surely be implemented as a result.

So, people of the ‘Nam, beware the advent of Autumn. There is even a ‘Cheltenham Warnings or Dangers Tip’ online to that effect: ‘like many other towns and cities the high street is open to the bad weather.’ Yes, really. And before you wonder at me actually bothering to write about the weather myself, I will point out that I’m British. I like moaning about the weather.

signing afterwards – she has clearly done what she says she always intended, and has stayed grounded, and a champion of the ‘ordinary’ folk despite enjoying such fame and success.

Fame, and success, I might add, derived from having actual talent, and not, like some, simply appearing like another flavour of wannabe on a reality TV show.

And in keeping with the ‘wannabe’ theme, Caitlin admitted that on being signed as an author as teenager, and on taking her first column as a reviewer for the NME at the tender age of 16, she had absolutely no idea what she was doing, so she just faked it by pretending

she was a person who did know what they were doing. And it clearly worked in spades for her. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not insinuating that I’m ‘faking it’ at all; absolutely not, I’m as genuine as all the other ‘Cheltenhamshire columnists’ I know.

But the point she made is an interesting one – self confidence really can be manufactured by just pretending you have got what it takes. So next time I’m feeling a bit wobbly and under confident, I’ll just pretend I’m the totes hilair and über effervescent Caitlin Moran. This will actually come in very handy tomorrow when I have to get my mummy tummy out.

Head lice horror ONCE head lice are in circulation they are an absolute ‘pest’ to get rid of. I’m experiencing our second infestation in as many weeks. The term ‘nit’ refers to the egg that is left stuck to hair once the head lice has hatched, and contrary to popular belief head lice cannot jump. They walk from head to head and are passed on rapidly when in close contact with another.

Head lice and eggs cannot survive away from body heat. They feed by biting the scalp and feeding on human blood and can’t be passed onto or survive on animals.

The eggs hatch within 7-10 days, and the lice have a life span of approximately 30 days. It’s thought that they can survive no longer than 24 hours off the host. Given the fact that even if you treat your children using many of the products on the market your child can be re-infested straight away by any other child that has head lice and has not been treated. What a waste of time and money! One thing I’ve learnt is that it’s not about waiting to treat an infestation; it’s about taking steps to prevent the little critters from infesting in the first place.

Combing using a special ‘nit’ comb daily is key, as once the eggs are damaged they cannot hatch. You will also be able to remove any live head lice using this method. If your children have very fine hair, coating dry hair with a cheap conditioner prior to combing helps in the removal of eggs that are stuck to the root of the hair. A friend of mine made the

By NATALIE NEALE

suggestion that hair straighteners were an effective way of killing both eggs and lice; however I am in no way advising the use of these hot irons on children. Once you’re certain all heads are lice free, using a regular spray that deters them is advised.

The lice have an apparent dislike to tea tree, so‘leave-in’ spray containing tea tree oil could spare your children recurrent infestations. I’m currently using Hedrins ‘Protect and Go’ (about £10.00) that’s smells of citrus fruits which I spray and leave in twice a week. I fear that despite my best efforts, unless all parents check and treat their children the problem never really goes away and this started me wondering why Head lice aren’t considered a Public Health issue? Why aren’t there national programmes in place to screen and treat within schools? There haven’t been ‘Nit Nurses’ since the early 1980’s which may explain the increase in cases over the last 20 years. Can it really be good to have our children scratching until they bleed? (Yes they do). Surely it’s about time there was some research as to whether these human parasites could potentially be transmitters of disease? Congratulations if you’ve managed to read this without scratching at least once and my final words on this matter; Parents please check your children’s hair regularly and to the powers that be; bring back Nit Nurses!

More information www.headlice.org/faq/questions.htm

9 OCTOBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

11

HEALTH&LIFESTYLE I WANT a healthier fitter me. After years of faddy diets and half-hearted attempts at exercising and a failed marriage I want to look yummy again. I’m 38 years old, have two children and feel that this is my last chance before I hit the big four zero. But there’s a problem. I hate exercise. By that I mean I hate exercise that hurts and makes me feel sick! My diet has been all wrong.

I’m tired, always in a rush, reaching for the naughty carbs and skipping meals or binging. So, drastic action is required if I’m going to get the body I’m desperate for.

My diet has been addressed and now its time to tackle exercise and acknowledge what I want to change most about my body. I’m sure most of you women out there can relate to body image issues post childbirth? Add in a marriage breakdown and the body image issues are exacerbated.

So ladies this is my quest. The “mummy tummy” has to go. hasta la vista baby! (the “baby “in that causes a certain amount of irony). For the duration “my body is a temple”. I’ve turned to personal trainer Matt Coulthard because such were my body image issues I didn’t have the confidence to

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

By NATALIE NEALE

THE MUMMY TUMMY join a class. I don’t feel intimidated by Matt, in fact I feel comfortable with him to the point I’ve already grabbed the “Mummy Tummy” and screamed at him “Just get rid of it!’’ He’s not frightened to push me to my absolute limits whilst knowing that when the limits have been met, he needs to back off. Matt knows that I suffer with migraines, and coeliac disease, both of which affect my exercise and diet. He also knows I am an exercise-phobic. So PT Matt

I’m yours. I’ve had to vow an abstinence of wine, curry and everything else that made me happy over recent years. I want my new happiness to be in health and you’re very welcome to join the ride!

I want the women of Chelts to join me on this journey. I’ll be updating you weekly and you can follow me on Twitter. Make use of my guinea pig status and do what I do.

See if it works for you? Matt says it’s important to have goals; therefore, my

short term goal is for a friend’s 40th in six weeks time. My mid-term goal is Christmas. I want to feel fit and healthy for the party season, and the long term goal is that I will wear a bikini for the first time in years next summer.

It is not ok to carry extra weight because you’ve had children. It’s an excuse and one that I have used for too many years now.

Twitter @NatCheltStand

12

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 OCTOBER 2014

QUIRKY NEWS

Something a bit different...

BRA CAMERA SPOTS Dunking dilemma solved SNEAKY PEEKERS A BRA cam set up to monitor how many men and women - can't resist a sneaky peek at a cleavage is proving a huge viral hit.

Nestle Fitness fitted a hidden camera to a woman's bra in London to discover how often strangers were attracted to her cleavage.

Displaying in an eyecatching pink bra through a virtually unzipped top, the volunteer wastes no time racking up the views in coffee shops, at work and on the tube.

And the resulting video has, perhaps unsurprisingly, has proved a massive hit on YouTube, attracting more than 2.6million views.

Surprisingly the new breast cancer campaign shows men aren't the only ones partial to taking a sneaky peek when cleavage is on show.

The bra-cam recorded 37 glances in one day, with men and women, young and old, seemingly helpless to escape the lure.

Of all those caught on camera, it's the

A Watford father of two has come up with an invention to solve the age-old problem of biscuits collapsing when dunked in tea.

Andrew Tinsley's creation is a mesh pouch that sits inside the mug and catches any biscuit bits which may float off during dunking.

He said: “Anyone who has ever dunked a biscuit in tea will understand what this product is all about. It's a British solution to a very British problem.”

Once the drinker has finished dunking they can lift the pouch out using an attached string and continue drinking the tea as normal.

His £2 Cookie Catcher is made out of nylon so can be used again and again.

Mr Tinsley, 49, added: “The idea came to

me when after a big lunch my family were all sat around drinking tea and tucking into a selection box of biscuits.

“My brother had drunk a bit much at lunch and kept over-dunking his biscuits in his tea. Every time he left them in the tea too long and they would break off.

“We all said that someone should invent a device that catches the crumbs and stops your tea being full of bits.

“It got me thinking. I've always been entrepreneurial so I took the idea away and came up with this little mesh sack that sits inside your tea cup and catches all the bits.

“When you're done dunking you whip it out of the mug using the attached string and you can enjoy the rest of your tea with no bits in.”

Worlds happiest mugshot women who seem to make the least effort to conceal their stares.

Even a young child and a dog are filmed admiring the woman's breasts, but the majority of culprits are undoubtedly men.

The #CheckYourSelfie experiment is part of a Nestle campaign to encourage women to check for breast cancer.

It says: “Your breasts are checked out every day. So, when was the last time you checked your own?”

A US police photograph of a man arrested after he allegedly fled a bank robbery has been described as “the world's happiest mugshot”.

The beaming picture of 45-year-old Michael Whitington quickly went viral on social media where it was also dubbed “mugshot of the year”.

The Denver Police mugshot features

Whitington with a broad, toothy grin and his eyes open wide in apparent delight.

Police say Whitington robbed a bank on a pedestrian mall on September 23rd and then tried to get away on a train.

Officers stopped the train and arrested him. He has been charged with one count of robbery and is due to appear in court this week.

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

A

NYONE else bored stiff by the Cheltenham Literature Festival?

Never have I seen so many middle class pretenders walk up and down Montpellier. Yeh go on, you grasp that Waterstones bag; I bet you’re well clever. Quite simply they’re an eyesore and I really shouldn’t have to look at them.

This exclusive part of town should be reserved for the real Cheltonians. I’m talking about the kind that drink at 131 on a weekday evening, the people that walk into Savilles to buy their next townhouse, or even the residents that peruse Kitchener’s for a chopping board.

Some of these people at the festival wouldn’t know money if it looked at them square in the face.

They book themselves tickets to one event, broadcast it all over Facebook and then they strut about Cheltenham like they’re

royalty. In reality I bet most of them caught the bus in from Hatherley. Makes you sick right?

But onwards and upwards my loyal flock. There is one bit of goodness us guys can squeeze from this wannabe fest.

The festival does draw a lot of yummy mummies. To my mind it’s actually a bit of a goldmine for pulling sexually frustrated women.

Women (especially the kind that have kids at St Ed’s or Dean Close) feel the pressure to take their little boppers to the most spectacularly boring book talks going. Whilst the men work to pay their children’s extortionate school fees, the women take little Timmy to drool over the

latest Peppa Pig installment.

This is the ideal time to pounce.

Whilst the kids are engrossed by the author, you can make a quick witted jibe at the author’s expense to the mother sitting next to you.

And you can attempt to engage in a light hearted (but flirty) conversation about how liberal you both are and how gutted that the festival is only giving out copies of The Times and not The Guardian which you so loyally read. Charm her with some crap about how student accommodation is ruining the tranquility of your street or talk about your fears of Ebola spreading to the UK. For God’s sake just sound educated.

But then when you feel the time’s right, up the pace and offer some banter and suggestive remark about what you two should really be doing. Now’s the time to frisk her up! She has no choice but to consider your proposition. She’s glued to her seat thanks to her duty as chaperone for her snotty little kid; and she’d rather listen to you, no matter how keen you sound, rather than listen anymore to the adult at the front of the room preaching about the cartoon pig they wrote about.

The Festival is brimming with hundreds of middle-aged, impatient mothers desperate for a bit of excitement in their lives.

And I’ve rooted out the best times and place to find them.

The only date and place you need to put in your diary chaps is Saturday 11th October at the Queen’s Hotel. This day will be the crème de le crème

of lady hunting.

At 10am we start the day with an event titled ‘Topsy and Tim Go Camping’. This is followed at 11:30am with what I’m sure will be a yummy-mummy-tastic filled ‘Peppa Pig’. 12:45pm sees ‘Zeraffa Giraffa’ take centre stage with ‘The Fairytale Hairdresser’ coming in at 3:45pm. And for any men still without a hookup, you can try your luck at the 5:15pm event, ‘Animal Fun with Holly Webb’.

Gentlemen, let’s make this Literature Festival your most productive yet. Nobody really cares what book you buy in the Waterstones tent or which author you just tweeted. Just tell us which children’s book attracted the hottest women and tell us that you pulled one.

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

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

9 OCTOBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

13

CoffeeBreak Your Weekly HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 20 – April 18): Hold your head high when you’re the center of controversy. A sheepish grin will only invites sticks and stones.

Banksy artwork rated as racist by council A COUNCIL has inadvertently painted over a Banksy mural following a complaint that it was “offensive and racist”.

The artwork showed a group of pigeons holding anti-immigration placards in front of a swallow.

It appeared on a wall in Clacton-on-Sea after local Tory MP Douglas Carswell defected to UKIP. The signs included “Migrants Not Welcome”, “Go Back To Africa” and “Keep Off Our Worms”.

Tendring District Council, which removed the work, said it did not know the piece was by the guerilla artist.

Nigel Brown, communications manager for the council, said it had been inundated

TAURUS (April 19 – May 19): A client or suitor asked you to be patient while s/he got things together.

After many delays, the moment of truth arrives.

with complaints slamming the removal of the mural.

However, he said it was council policy to remove anything deemed “offensive and racist” within 48 hours.

He told Sky News: “I have personally had emails from all over the country calling for my resignation, and how I got it wrong. “It was the wording on the banners that a person found offensive and contacted us. “Had we known it was a Banksy, I am not saying we wouldn't have done the same thing, however, we do appreciate the social comment. “We would obviously welcome an appropriate Banksy original on any of our seafronts and would be delighted if he returned in the future.”

GEMINI (May 20 – June 20): Are you being manipulated? You could easily beat this person at his own game, however it could prove more interesting to see what he’s up to.

CANCER (June 21 – July 21): Life at work suddenly becomes provocative and exciting. Is this a passing trend or are you really going somewhere? You’ll find out in the next two weeks.

LEO (July 22 – Aug 21): Many regrettable things will be said over the next few days, but don’t get drawn

Italians claiming to live in UK mailbox A JUDGE has overturned 179 divorces after it was discovered that the Italian citizens involved were pretending to live in the UK. It is reported that they pretended to live in the Berkshire town of Maidenhead in order to get a quick divorce and that the address they had claimed to live at were all for a mailbox.

The fraudulent divorces were arranged by

StandOKU!

Word Ladder

Dr Frederica Russo, who charged Italian couples up to £3,600.

The judge said that the address was found by Thames Valley police to be a mailbox, at a non-residential address.

“Given the dimensions of the mailbox it is clear that not even a single individual, however small, could possibly reside in it,” the judge quipped.

1

2

3

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

5

6

Difficulty rating: Moderate

4 9 8

5 7 1 6

1 7 8 3 6 5 6 2

9 4 2 1 8 3

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

TARGET

I T E A B M U M L

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

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

Target: 20 words good; 30 very good; 40+ excellent.

7

8 9

10

11

12

13 14

15

17 19 22

24

16

18

20

21 23

25

Last week’s solutions (2nd October 2014): Across: 1 Daddy; 4 Fragile; 8 Upwards; 9 Lapse; 10 Last; 11 Redolent; 13 Soon; 14 Onus; 16 Leave out; 17 Fall; 20 India; 21 Fencing; 22 Galleon; 23 Wheat. Down: 1 Double helping; 2 Downs; 3 Yard; 4 Fasten; 5 All-round; 6 Impress; 7 Electric light; 12 Coverage; 13 Scandal; 15 Puffin; 18 Arise; 19 Anew.

back into settling old scores. What’s done is done. Leave it alone.

VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21): Weigh recent efforts in the balance. If you feel like you’re getting somewhere: continue. If not, cut your losses.

LIBRA (Sept 22 – Oct 22): It hasn’t been easy to discern who’s for you and who’s against. In the next month, you’ll separate the true friends from the false.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21): An annoying acquaintance unintentionally hits a raw nerve. You’ll want to respond, but don’t.

Retaliating will only let him know that he got under your skin.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 20): You’re your best advertising campaign so don’t let others speak for you. If you’re in a position to talk face-to-face, then work it for all it’s worth.

CAPRICORN (Dec 21 – Jan 18): You’re in better shape than you thought.

Although it’s never wise to rest on your laurels, reclining for a moment can’t hurt.

AQUARIUS (Jan 19 – Feb 17): Adversity may introduce you to your strengths, but it does the same for an opponent as well.

Someone who shied away before is back to challenge you again.

PISCES (Feb 18 – March 19): Sometimes being under the gun for a while is the best relief for anxiety. It doesn’t leave much time for angst and worry.

HAND

BATH

FOOT

TUBS

CRYPTIC Crossword ACROSS 7. Sightscreen? (6) 8. About two to mend (6) 10. False claim about you and me being tuneful (7) 11. Supports defenders (5) 12. Court dunderhead in the trees (4) 13. Father may avail himself of temporary cessation (5) 17. A foot problem for a potential tree? (5) 18. The doctor again gives extra (4) 22. Very warm in the post office?

Snap out of it! (5) 23. Time for smoothing things over? (7) 24. Amongst them all, one lying on its own (6) 25. The peril of the garden (6)

DOWN 1. Gulls making a mess we have to tidy up (3-4) 2. Sounds rising round solicitors’ leader during sitting (7) 3. Fastener proves to be snag (5) 4. Observe to be wordy (7) 5 and 6Dn. Deny scarf's not normal wear (5,5) 6. See 5 Dn. 9. Everybody in favour of large deal (3,6) 14. In which young whales show their class? (7) 15. Leaves, making a file go astray (7) 16. Churchmen always on edge?

(7) 19. Temptation that bore fruit? (5) 20. Meat in a meeting place (5) 21. Started to ask for article (5)

9 OCTOBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

A

LICENSING application seeking to open a lap dancing club on Bath Road last year caused huge controversy. Whilst one local resident told me they were fine with this club opening, everyone else in the area I have spoken to is opposed to it.

I worked closely with local residents to campaign against the club opening. My arguments against the application were solely based on the unsuitability of the location rather than any negative views about the applicants or the girls who would work there. The premises are very close to the entrance to Sandford Park and next to Vernon Place, a badly lit side road where people live just metres away. I feel women in particular may feel uncomfortable or unsafe walking in that area with a lap dancing club nearby.

It happens that I also have concerns about the harmful impact lap dancing clubs have reinforcing outdated but sadly still prevalent views that the worth of women is in their attractiveness or sex appeal rather than any of the other many qualities we have to offer society. But I concede such places are a legal activity and ‘moral’ objections don’t count, according to the national government. Since the

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Soapbox

By COUNCILLOR KLARA SUDBURY licensing application was approved earlier this year, Cheltenham Borough Council has asked people for their views on setting a zero limit on the number of Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs) in the town.

Councils are legally able to impose a limit on the number of SEVs in an area and that limit could be zero. Currently there is no such limit and applications are dealt with on an individual basis. In terms of the Bath Road club there were a number of strong licensing grounds on which the application could have been refused. However, after extensive and repeated arguments from the applicant’s lawyers the licensing committee chose to grant permission. The result of the council’s recent consultation showed that the majority of people who responded supported a zero limit for the whole of our town.

Cheltenham Borough Council will be debating the result of the consultation and reviewing its Sexual Entertainment Venue policy at its next meeting on Monday 13th October at 2.30pm in the council chamber. The papers for the meeting have now been published and council is recommended to approve a change to the policy. This will see no limits to the number of SEVs in the town centre but a zero limit outside of that, the existing lap dancing club on Bath Road would not be affected.

Councillors who support the existence of lap dancing clubs claim they are well run and mean the working conditions of the dancers can be better controlled. Such clubs, they say, cause no nuisance to local residents, do not reduce safety in an area and are not harmful to society by

reinforcing the sexual objectification of women (or much simpler words to that effect).

However, they don’t want them in the leafy suburbs of Cheltenham to protect residents there. Industrial parts of Cheltenham are excluded too in the recommendations; presumably because it would be much worse to set up a lap dancing club there rather than metres from where people call home.

Residents living near this club who have already a lot to contend with from the night time economy have been let down by this consultation and what it’s recommended. Personally I favour a town-wide zero limit but think a more pragmatic approach would be to consider each area in Cheltenham on a ward by ward basis to see if a zero limit would be appropriate.

It may well be that the councillors who have no problem with lap dancing clubs in our town reflect the views of their constituents who in turn would be delighted to see such a venue open near to their homes. I doubt it. Dear colleagues, if lap dancing clubs are such good things please feel free to encourage one to open near to the people you represent.

TheVIBE A snapshot of student life in Cheltenham

Sinister side of student housing

BY FRANCESCA COBY AS a student nothing is more exciting than looking for your first student house, but do you always get what you bargained for?

With ‘freshers’ having come to a close, and the new pack of students not looking quite so bright eyed and bushy tailed, they might not realise it but soon, it will be time to face their next challenge and I don’t mean the mind-boggling task of getting up for a 9.15. The exciting and incredibly nerve wracking search for the second year house, you start looking in November with a bunch of cronies you’ve known for 2 months and just blindly hope it will all go to plan.

Most students from all three campuses in the town end up in Cheltenham’s, St Pauls. An area known by the now savvy second years as the place to avoid, but when looking for a house in the throngs of the Christmas term, there is not a whisper from the university about where to avoid, the question I pose is this; should they?

Naomi Powell, a second year

Alternative nights out in Cheltenham... ...for those looking to venture a bit further than the local haunts

studying at the Francis Close Hall campus recently moved in to her house in St Pauls, on arriving, there was broken glass left over from a break in the year before, information the landlord had failed to bring up.

Although a security system had been installed; the only one of the landlord’s twenty-seven houses to have it, it doesn’t even work. The streets aren’t well lit, there are certain streets you avoid and apparently mugging is common. One month in and she’s

been asking everyone where is safer to live? A search fuelled by the police raid that took place on her road last week.

To many students, especially country bumpkins like me, Cheltenham is the step up from the shire. It’s a medium-sized town surrounded by countryside, which seems like a metropolitan hub to many of us. Leaving home is a scary experience and Cheltenham comes across as the perfect safety blanket, but is it?

STUDENTS go to university to study right? Well that’s part of it I suppose, but university culture and the ‘party’ scene is a huge part of it. However not everyone wants to go to the same clubs, that consistently play the chart toppers or to the dreaded society sport nights. Although Cheltenham is a small regency town, there are still a number of places you can go for a night out, not just student events.

Next time you think ‘dear god not moo moo’s again’, there are more low-key places you can try. If you like something a bit more alternative, and relish in the idea of not brushing your hair or wearing trainers out, 2 Pigs is a good option. Although it’s a fiver to get in on a Saturday night, the ice cold Jaeger is worth it.

If your not into clubbing go up to Bath Road, do a good old fashioned pub crawl, and if you don’t want to spend half your student loan on one cocktail try somewhere independent like Number 81 on the Promenade, tucked into one of the lower floors of the buildings on the right. It’s hard to break out of the student nightlife bubble, but it’s worth it- you’ll be surprised by what you can find.

16

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 OCTOBER 2014

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

9 OCTOBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 OCTOBER 2014

CULTURE Wilson Gallery showcasing emerging Chinese artists THIS autumn, The Wilson, Cheltenham’s art gallery and museum, will welcome Ahead of the Curve: new china from China – a unique international exhibition of contemporary ceramic and glass from emerging and established Chinese artists.

The exhibition will run from 11 October – 30 November 2014 and is an exciting opportunity to see this fascinating, unusual and imaginative work.

Organised in partnership with The Wilson, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and two cities Gallery in Shanghai, the touring exhibition will feature over 45 pieces of exquisitely crafted ceramics and glass. The objects selected for the exhibition have been chosen to demonstrate current trends and practices from the traditional porcelain city of Jingdezhen and other artistic centres across China. The works on display will illustrate the breadth of technique, creativity and aesthetic of the artists. From pieces referencing Chinese landscape, to abstract work, to figurative pieces, this collection is an intriguing fusion between traditional and new directions and practices.

Jane Lillystone, Museum, Arts and Tourism Manager, is keen for the exhibition to open, “we are really pleased with this collection of exciting new pieces, and delighted to be hosting work on an

BookReview

By EVE SEYMOUR

VAGABOND

By GERALD SEYMOUR

international scale.”

Joanna Stringer, Chairman of The Cheltenham Trust, said “welcoming this work to Cheltenham from China is a great example of how the rejuvenated offering at The Wilson is contributing to Cheltenham’s reputation as a cultural centre of the UK.” A number of accompanying events will run at the same time as the exhibition, including an introductory talk exploring the work in the exhibition, a ceramic workshop, two poetry events and a children’s workshop exploring Chinese culture.

The exhibition is funded by Arts Council England through Grants for the Arts.

Ahead of the Curve will run from 11 October – 30 November, and entry is free.

FRANK SKINNER AT THE TOWN HALL FRANK Skinner will be performing his standup show Man in a Suit at Cheltenham Town Hall as part of his UK tour on 7th November 2014.

Frank Skinners live career began in 1987 when he spent £400 of his last £435 booking a room at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Four years later in 1991 he returned to the city and beat fellow nominees Jack Dee and Eddie Izzard to take home comedy’s most prestigious prize, The Perrier Award. He last toured the UK in 2007 with the twice-extended, totally soldout Frank Skinner Live which included three homecoming gigs at Birmingham’s NIA. He will also be hosting a new series of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, a new series of Room 101 and will guest star in the new series of Doctor Who over the coming weeks.

FRANK SKINNER’S MAN IN SUIT Cheltenham Town Hall 7th November 2014 Tickets 0844 576 2210

IN spite of the peace agreement, the hard men of Northern Ireland have never really gone away. Keen to establish a new supply line of weapons to resurrect war, they turn to Ralph Exton, small-time crook, out of his depth with debt, who happens to know a Russian, Timofey Simonov, based in Prague. Simonov, an ‘untouchable’ gangster with a formidable reputation for fuelling bloodshed and providing a brisk trade in coffins, is only too keen to do business with his old friend. What neither the Irish nor the Russian knows: Exton works for MI5 and MI5 have Malachy Riordan and Simonov in their sights. To this end, Danny Curnow, once known as ‘Desperate’ and now known as ‘Vagabond’ is wheeled out. Having once walked away from the killing game, he is tasked to take down MI5’s central target. The novel is vintage Seymour. Anyone who is familiar with his books will recognise his trademark prologue, which details the death of Malachy’s father at the hands of British intelligence, his stark, complex prose, his magnificent insights into tradecraft, and core cast of characters. As ever, there is the grey-suited shadowy man at the top, handlers, agents and multiple layers of bad guys, each introduced with, initially, no discernible connection between them. I’m not doing Seymour a disservice to say that his stories require a modicum of mental agility. This is a story that, like a rich meal, needs to be consumed slowly and savoured. Overall, there is a dread sense of desolation in Seymour’s work. You get the impression that this is how espionage really works. It’s dirty, unfair and many people involved are expendable. Vagabond/Curnow is not simply a killing machine however. He also sees targets as human with families, lives, desires, obsessions and hang-ups. In this regard, Seymour’s characters are riven with moral ambiguity and this is what gives them that special authenticity. Exton, squeezed on all sides by the various masters he serves, is a pawn in a game that you know will end badly for some, less so for others. Again, Seymour’s classic up/down ending.

A few years ago, at the Cheltenham Literary Festival, I asked Stella Rimington former head of MI5 a question: from where is the biggest threat? Russia, she said. Read this novel and you’ll understand.

‘Vagabond’ is published by Hodder & Stoughton.

COMPETITION To have the chance of winning one of two pairs of tickets to see Frank Skinner – Man in a Suit at the Town Hall simply answer the following question:

Where was Frank Skinner born?

A. Birmingham B. Glasgow C. West Bromwich Answers to editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk Competition entry closes Monday 27th October

9 OCTOBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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CULTURE DAME FELICITY LOTT returns to Cheltenham CHELTENHAM once again welcomes world-renowned soprano, Dame Felicity Lott, when she returns to Christ Church, Malvern Road on Saturday 18th October 2014.

She will perform in a Gala Charity Concert with Christ Church Choir, directed by Timothy Ingold.

Dame Felicity, or ‘Flott’, was born in Cheltenham into a family of amateur musicians and sang in Christ Church Choir during the mid-sixties whilst a pupil at Pate’s Grammar School for Girls. She has always maintained her strong links with the town.

From an early age she learnt piano and violin, and whilst at school took her first singing lessons with Ursula Hughes before studying at Royal Holloway College, University of London and Royal Academy of Music, where she spent four years, leaving in 1973 with the Principal’s Prize. Then she launched into a successful career as an international artiste on the concert platform and operatic stage.

The programme will contain songs in French and English, including work by Benjamin Britten as well as the Vivaldi Gloria and Schubert’s Mass in G. Dame Felicity will also sing a duet with local soprano, Melissa Friessner-Day. Her accompanist for the concert will be

Sebastian Whybrew, a graduate scholar of the Royal College of Music who has been described by the Telegraph as being ‘out of the top drawer of young musicians’.

Tickets are priced at £20 and £15 (some with restricted view) and can be purchased from: Showcase, Montpellier Street, The Wilson Tourist Information Centre, Clarence Street and Musical Instruments, Winchcombe Street from August 2014. A limited number of tickets will be available on the door.

Proceeds from the concert will be equally divided between three charities: the Cobalt Health 50th Anniversary Appeal, Music in Hospitals (of which Dame Felicity is Patron) and the Christ Church Fabric and Maintenance Fund.

Edge of seat chills at Everyman Award-winning theatre company Box Tale Soup return to Everyman with a classic tale from the master of British horror FOLLOWING on from the success of their Northanger Abbey and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland – both brought to life with just two performers, a vintage trunk and a troupe of puppets – award winning Box Tale Soup want to chill your heart this time, not warm it, as they turn their imaginative eye to the

classic ghost stories of English author M.R. James. Their new show, Casting the Runes, is a fresh take on the writer's most famous story, following scholar and sceptic Edward Dunning, whose life becomes a waking nightmare when he crosses paths with the enigmatic Mr. Karswell. In a desperate race for survival, Dunning must uncover the truth before Karswell's mysterious powers claim another victim.

Casting the Runes is a brand new adaptation written by the company, featuring an original soundtrack created for the show and Box Tale Soup's signature blend of handmade props, puppetry and innovative theatre.

Performers Noel and Antonia have appeared in shows such as Doctor Who, HBO's Game of Thrones, BBC's The Hour and CBBC's Mission 2110, and are now very proud to return to the Everyman with their company's new work.

CASTING THE RUNES 8th – 11th October, 7.45pm Everyman Studio Theatre Tickets are £10.50 / £9 Box Office: Tel: 01242 572573

The Dock Brief THE DOCK BRIEF marks the acting debut of Alan Digweed – better known as Tweedy the Clown from Giffords Circus and Everyman pantomimes.

Alan plays Fowle, a cuckolded husband awaiting trial for murdering his wife.

Another Everyman favourite, Mark Hyde who has appeared in the last six pantomimes, plays Fowle’s inept barrister, Morganhall, as they try to piece together the case for the defence in the cells beneath the courtroom. The play is set in 1957 when the death penalty was still enforced in England. Sound a bit serious? Not at all, this is a broad, hilarious comedy for which both actors are perfectly cast. Alan “Tweedy”

Digweed will be just as funny in a suit as he is with baggy trousers and red quiff.

Barrister Mark Smith, Head of Chambers at the recently established Cotswold Barristers in Cheltenham, will be acting as technical/legal adviser to the production and will be taking part in a post performance discussion/Q&A on Wednesday 15th October.

EVERYMAN THEATRE STUDIO Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ Box Office: 01242 572573 Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th October Evenings at 7.45 Matinees at 2.00pm on Thurs and Sat Extra late show at 9.30pm on Thurs 16th Tickets: £10.50 Concessions: £9 This play is not suitable for children under 15 years-old.

David Evans Director in

call:01242 222292 online: www.kingsleyevans.co.uk email: info@kingsleyevans.co.uk

Park Place New Price £1,100,000 AN EXQUISITE AND ELEGANT TONWHOUSE IN THE HEART OF THE PARK, WITH ITS OWN TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT This beautifully presented home is set over three floors, the spacious and elegant accommodation comprises: Drawing room Dining room Kitchen/breakfast room Family room Master suite with en suite Two further bedrooms Bathroom Hooke House further benefits om a two bedroom apartment which is currently let generating an income Beautiful courtyard garden Off road parking for two cars.

Queen Anne Cottage, Cheltenham £850,000 A BEAUTIFUL AND IMPOSING HOME OVERLOOKING A VILLAGE GREEN. Queen Anne Cottage is charming and spacious family home, the beautifully presented and flexible accommodation comprises Reception hall Drawing room Sitting/morning room Dining room Kitchen Two bedroom suites with en-suite facility Two further bedrooms Family bathroom Beautiful walled garden Off road parking Garage.

SPECIALISTS IN PRIME PROPERTY

visit: 115 The Promenade, Cheltenham, Gloucester, GL50 1NW

David Evans Director in

call:01242 222292 online: www.kingsleyevans.co.uk email: info@kingsleyevans.co.uk

Heathfield House, All Saints Road £785,000

The Park

AN ELEGANT VICTORIAN HOME WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO THE TOWN CENTRE

A BEAUTIFUL HOME IN ONE OF CHELTENHAM’S MOST DESIRABLE RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Sited on a sought aer tree lined road, close to town, Heathfield House is a charming semi-detached home offering spacious accommodation comprising: Reception Hall Drawing room Dining room Kitchen/breakfast room Four/Five Bedrooms Two Bathrooms Lower ground room ideal for a study or bedroom Lovely garden laid to lawn Carport.

This charming and spacious family home is sited on the edge of a quiet backwater.

The flexible accommodation is set over three floors comprising Reception hall Sitting room Dining room Kitchen/Breakfast room Utility Cloakroom Five bedrooms Two with En-Suites Family Bathroom Double garage Lovely gardens.

Town Centre

Charlton Drive, Charlton Kings

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£695,000

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AN ELEGANT AND SUBSTANTIAL REGENCY TOWNHOUSE IN THE HEART OF CHELTENHAM

A CHARMING CHALET STYLE BUNGALOW IN AN EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE ROAD IN THE HEART OF CHARLTON KINGS

This beautiful residence has undergone a meticulous and sympathetic refurbishment and further benefits om a one bedroom self-contained apartment Grand reception hall Drawing room Sitting/dining room Modern kitchen/Breakfast room Five Bedrooms Two Bathrooms One bedroom selfcontained apartment Garden Off road parking for two cars.

Sited in a glorious plot on this sought aer quiet and private road, the charming accommodation is set over two floors Reception hall Sitting room Breakfast room Kitchen Garden room Three bedrooms Two bathrooms Garage/utility area Beautiful gardens surrounding the home Off road parking.

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Rotunda Terrace, Cheltenham

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE A PART RESIDENTIAL/PART COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Commercial: Ground floor & basement with A1 commercial use.

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01242 548000 Savills The Quadrangle, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1PZ

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A CONTEMPORARY TOWN HOUSE 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 2 further bedrooms, 2 shower rooms. 3 terraces, secure gated entrance, carport providing parking for 2 cars. EPC=C.

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01242 548000 Savills The Quadrangle, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1PZ

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9 OCTOBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

29

SPORT

Local Rugby

Depleted Cheltenham made to suffer at Valley Chew Valley 54 Cheltenham 21 CHELTENHAM were well beaten at Chew Valley with a much-depleted squad of only 16 men.

Their cause was debilitated further when they lost wing Will Scott with a nasty rib injury and debutant Zac Atallah with a nose and eye injury inside the opening 10 minutes.

They felt the force of a tough Chew Valley side and with only 14 men on the park fell behind in the 12th minute when left wing Rory Quoi outstripped the defensive cover for the first try, with Sam Cameron kicking the conversion.

Four minutes later Cheltenham’s defence was unable to deal with Simon Cox scoring a unconverted try in the corner for a 12-0 lead.

The coaching staff at Cheltenham have instilled a spirit never to give up and in the 32nd minute wing Rich Morris darted through a gap in the defence for a try, with hooker Josh Herbert adding the extras.

Cheltenham’s overworked physiotherapist Steph McNally was called into action for the umpteenth occasion just before the half-time whistle and while down to 13 men, Chew Valley’s full back Tom Bryan raced over for a try, with Cameron converting for a comfortable 19-7 lead at the break.

Cheltenham took the field for the second half with Atallah back on the field despite a nose injury and a swollen left eye.

Sadly for the travelling Cheltenham faithful Chew Valley increased their lead to

Tigers edge thriller against Ledbury CHELTENHAM Tigers Under-16s claimed their second win of the season, defeating Ledbury 22-21 thanks to Morgan Churchill’s dramatic late penalty.

Dan Clayton produced a scintillating 40-metre run before some determined drives culminated in Elliott Richards-Good crashing over for Cheltenham's first try.

The second score started with a clever chip kick by Will Powell to pin Ledbury in their left corner for a fivemetre line out.

This was turned over by Louis Earl-Davis for the ball to be spread wide to centre Matt Coles, who forced his way over the try line and Churchill converted.

Cheltenham’s third try was scored just before half-time when Ledbury had been faced with immense pressure from a determined

28-7, with Mark Cox crashing over from a ruck with the boot of Cameron converting.

After 46 minutes Chew Valley replacement Mick Curtis went over for a try with Cheltenham’s defence in disarray Cameron yet again on target with the extra two points.

With Chew Valley dominating it was unsurprising when Bryan strolled over for his second try, but on this occasion Cameron’s conversion hit the upright.

Cheltenham’s never-say-die attitude came to the fore again in the 57th minute when a quick tap penalty from Ryan Hill brought a deserved try, with Herbert converting to reduce the arrears to 40-14.

But this brief revival was curtailed in the 69th minute with Chew Valley running in

a seventh try by way of Martin Sparkes with Cameron back on target for a 47-14 lead.

McNally was again called upon to treat Cheltenham wing Morris, who gamely carried on with a nasty eye injury, but the visitors were further encouraged when referee Andy Miller showed a card to Chew Valley’s Mark Cox for stamping.

Cheltenham had a man advantage for the first time and it was fitting that new boy Atallah crossed for a fine team try despite only having one eye open. Herbert converted to narrow the deficit to 47-21.

But with the last play of the match centre Stu Harcross rounded a tired Cheltenham backline for a eighth try, with Cameron adding a further two points.

Super start for Saracens youngsters

Cheltenham pack, releasing Churchill to cut a line, side step two players and run in under the posts before converting again.

Leading 19-0 at the interval, Cheltenham started the second half assuming they had an easy win in the bag, but after many periods of scrappy play Ledbury scored two converted tries to get them back into the contest.

The game turned when Cheltenham failed to score a try in the corner due to a forward pass and then found themselves defending their own line and an intercepted pass put Ledbury two points ahead.

But with seconds to play Ledbury were penalised for not releasing in a tackle just inside their own half and Churchill struck a fine kick to secure a victory by the narrowest of margins.

Cheltenham Saracens 40 Cirencester 22 CHELTENHAM Saracens took a break from league action to face local rivals Cirencester in the Senior Vase Cup. Early indiscipline proved costly and a well-practiced driving maul saw the home side 7-0 down after as many minutes, but a solo break from fly-half Bradley Harris from within his own half levelled.

Further penalties saw Cirencester fall back on their trusted catch and drive, which earned an extra 10 points before half-time.

Saracens had much more possession in the second half, allowing Harris to dictate play, unleashing Jonah Manu into midfield and it was only one minute into the

half before the Fijian scored.

Nine minutes later, a slightly wayward pass from Harris allowed wing Jack Lawrenson to step inside and walk over his opposite number for a try.

Another two tries in the space of 10 minutes gave Harris his hat-trick, along with a perfectly weighted crossfield kick allowing right wing and debutant Jake Townsend to gather and outpace the defenders to go under the posts.

Not even a last ditch try from the Cirencester fly-half could dampen Saracens’ spirits. * Saracens II enjoyed a 35-32 victory over Old Pats III.

CHELTENHAM Saracens Under-12s earned a hardfought victory over Hucclecote in their inaugural match.

The final score was 30-25 and it was a special occasion for a club that has never had a minis age group at this level before, with most of the boys only touching a rugby ball for the first time around eight weeks ago.

With a healthy crowd of around 120 at King George V, Saracens made a dream start from kick-off, with Harvey

Gillot scoring after just 17 seconds.

Once the celebrations died down some reality was restored as Hucclecote equalised.

There then followed a tryfor-try trade off with some excellent Saracens running and aggressive play from Joe Efthymiou who had three-try haul on the day during a near faultless performance, along with Harry Collier who scored a brace.

Admittedly, savvy play from

Joel Birchmore, Keane Mazowiec and Noah Bews was key to keeping possession - these boys had played rugby previously - but the mainly rookie pack secured good ball for them.

Exceptional tackling play was witnessed by Sam Said, Riley Foley, Tom Jackman and the formidable Toby Riley.

Saracens’ well disciplined and practised drills paid off and they scored in the final minutes for a memorable and deserved win.

30

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 OCTOBER

SPORT CHELTENHAM-based personal trainer and aspiring fitness model Leah Collins shares her exercise and nutrition tips every week in the Cheltenham Standard EXERCISE OF THE WEEK NUMBER ONE: SUMO SQUATS holding these by your chest close into your body or holding them with straight arms as pictured.

Squats are excellent fat burners and will help you get those nice toned legs.

PHOTOS: ALAN FRANKLIN

Sumo squats will help you sculpt your legs and target the inner thighs.

Instead of having your feet hip width apart like a standard squat, place your feet slightly wider with your feet facing slightly outwards.

Keeping your back up straight, squat down as low as you can without your heels coming off the ground, then return to starting position.

To make it more difficult you can add weight by using kettle bells or medicine balls,

NUTRITION TIP OF THE WEEK: Drink plenty of water. There are so many benefits and in order for the food you eat to be converted into energy, a supply of water is needed to function efficiently.

If you don't drink enough this will slow down the fat burning process.

BISHOP’S Cleeve shipped another four goals at home as their miserable start to the season continued against Swindon Supermarine on Tuesday night.

A one-sided affair nearly had to be postponed due to a floodlight failure at Kayte Lane, but electricians quickly repaired the fault and the Southern League Division One South and West clash kicked off half an hour late.

The Mitres were caught cold by Supermarine, who opened the scoring through Harry Etheridge’s free header in the 11th minute.

Chris Taylor hit the bar for the visitors with a free-kick three minutes later, but Luke Hopper made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after a reckless challenge from Craig Hopkins on Ryan Stanners midway through the first half.

Harlie Price almost pulled one back for PHOTO: ALAN FRANKLIN

HEALTH&FITNESS

Mitres’ misery continues at home

Ed Major

winless Cleeve, but his header from Ed Major’s cross was off target and Major was forced off with a wrist injury before halftime.

Supermarine added two more quick goals in the second period, with Josh Morse finishing well from the edge of the box in the 61st minute.

A miserable night for Steve Cleal’s men was completed two minutes later when Adam Millard turned a cross into his own box.

Cleeve: G Jones; C Preece (J Vercesi), N Rhodes, A Millard, C Hopkins; K Ngoma, J Dodd, M Sholly, E Major (E Antonio); J Tustain, H Price. Sub not used: H Beaumont.

Attendance: 99. * Bottom-of-the-table Cleeve play Sholing at home on Saturday (3pm)

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9 OCTOBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

31

SPORT

Local Football FC LAKESIDE moved top of Division One of the Cheltenham League, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Cheltenham Ford with a 3-1 victory over Gala Wilton Reserves on Saturday.

The win means Lakeside maintain a 100 per cent start to the new season having won their first four games.

Whaddon United have also made a perfect opening, winning three out of three.

RSG had an opportunity to draw level on points with Lakeside having playing a game more, but they were held to a 22 draw by AC Olympia and saw the chance slip away.

Division Two teams go from County Cup action last week to Charities Cup ties this Saturday.

The lack of league games means that Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves will remain at the top of the table for the third week running.

Like Division Two, the teams in Division Three were in County Cup action last weekend, however they return to league action this weekend.

Three teams opened their league account with victories, following the Charities Cup games which kicked off the season, and two of the teams meet as Falcon Reserves host Fintan at The Beeches.

Falcons opened their account with a 2-1 win at Shurdington Rovers courtesy of goals from Ryan Godwin and Greg Hallam but go into this weekend’s game off the a back of a 2-1 County Cup defeat.

Cheltenham Football League, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Ford Cheltenham

PLAYER PROFILE OF THE WEEK

PHOTO: ALAN FRANKLIN

Cheltenham League round-up

Adam Loveridge of Lakeside (Blue) and Zak Nutting of Gala Wilton Reserves.

Fintan also opened their account with a 2-1 win with goals from Jack Daniels and Lee Hitchman.

They were not in action last weekend so go into the game fresh from their opening league win.

Leckhampton Rovers, the other team to start their season with a victory, travel to Agg Gardners to face Pittville United.

United started the season with a 2-2 draw at Brockworth Albion Reserves with goals from Dominic Curnock and Daniel Metcalfe and will be looking to get their first Division Three victory on

This week we feature Stuart Innes, who plays for Pittville United in Division Three.

United play their home games at Agg Gardner's and will be looking to build on the success of recent seasons which has seen them achieve three consecutive promotions.

Name: Stuart Innes Nickname: Stu Position: Midfield Clubs played for: Cleeve Colts Rovers, Cleeveonians, Pittville United FC Most Memorable match: Cup semi-final versus AC Olympia Worst match: Away to Newlands, a 7-1 defeat Toughest opposition: Newlands Best player at club: Dan Pudrycki Team supported: Liverpool Favourite player in world: Steven Gerrard

the board having been promoted last season.

Star FC Reserves were the big winners in Division Four, hammering Winchcombe Town Reserves 10-1.

After withdrawing one of their senior teams at the end of September, Star’s squad proved too strong for a Town team whose start to life in Division Four is far from ideal after being relegated last season.

Northway also made a strong start to life in Division Four. Last season’s Division Five champions beat Cheltenham Civil Service III 6-2 with Steven Allsopp finding the back of the net four times.

This Saturday Star face Smiths Athletic Reserves who are another of the newly promoted teams. They started off their season last weekend with a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Southside Reserves and will be hoping to get off the mark.

FC Barometrics III hit Sherborne Harriers for seven in Division Five as they opened their account in ominous fashion. Andoversford Reserves were the only other team to take all three points following their 3-1 win over Hatherley FC. This weekend sees Barometrics travel to Cheltenham Civil Service IV. Service go into the game off the back of a 1-1 draw with FC Lakeside Reserves.

Fintan Reserves inflicted a heavy defeat on Andoversford III last weekend, putting 10 past their opposition as they started their Division Six season in emphatic fashion.

They face Cheltenham Saracens III this weekend, who go into the match off the back of a 7-1 defeat at the hands of Charlton Rovers III.

Southmead CS Athletic 0 Cheltenham Civil Service 2 LEADERS Cheltenham Civil Service extended their winning run in the Gloucestershire County League with a 2-0 success at Southmead CS Athletic.

They took the lead against the run of play after half-time when leading goal scorer Jack Sklenar’s shot beat goalkeeper Nick Bowering from 14 yards.

Service added an opportunist goal in time added after the 90 minutes was up when the ball fell kindly to Sklenar, who had the confidence to drive the ball past Bowering.

At the other end of the table, Bishop’s Cleeve Reserves are still rooted to the bottom after yet another defeat, this time at the hands of King’s Stanley.

Stanley went ahead after two minutes with a strike from Liam Gale, but Harry Beaumont made it 1-1 two minutes before the break.

A double from Danny Chandler on 55 and 80 minutes sandwiched by a goal from Jake Davies on the hour gave the visitors a comfortable 4-1 win.

Moreton Rangers 2 FC Barometrics 3 FC Barometrics maintained their unbeaten record in Northern Senior League Division One with a fine victory at Moreton Rangers.

Three new signings were included for boss Mike Rhodes’ team, with Jack Watts (pictured), Carl Griffiths and Lee Bolger all making their first starts of the season.

An attacking line-up reaped immediate rewards, with Bolger brought down in the box after eight minutes and Ben Maguire converting from the spot.

The lead was doubled on 16 minutes when Watts skipped past several challenges before crossing to Griffiths, who finished from close range.

Moreton pulled one back on the half hour mark, with a well taken goal following a quick counter attack.

Yet as half-time approached the visiting side extended their lead with arguably the goal of the game.

A corner was only half-cleared to Watts who controlled and fired into the top corner from 20 yards.

The tempo of the game dropped in the second half as Baros looked to see the game out.

Moreton got back into the game with 15 minutes to go, picking up on a loose ball in midfield and firing home from the edge of the box.

Sonnie Burrows was close to adding a fourth for Baros, who stood firm to move up to second in the table ahead of Saturday's home match against Brockworth Albion.

32

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 9 OCTOBER 2014

SPORT

with JON PALMER, SPORTS EDITOR jon@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA

Wimbledon’s equalising goal, scored by Adam Barrett.

Yates: It’s far too early to panic M

ARK Yates says it is far too early to panic after Cheltenham Town’s winless run in League Two stretched to six matches against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

Skipper Matt Taylor put them in front early on, but Adam Barrett levelled for the Dons before half-time and Cheltenham were second best after the break as it finished 1-1 at Whaddon Road.

Briefly top of the table early in September after their best start to a season for 20 years, the goals have dried up, but boss Yates believes the overall signs remain encouraging.

“After a really good start to the season, we’ve had a little dip and that happens sometimes, but we are not fretting about it,” Yates said.

“The performances don’t worry me, but if we were hanging on in games or getting battered then I’d be worried.

“We are still a work in progress, but we’ll

keep picking up points, giving ourselves a chance in games and we’ll be okay.”

Yates was content with a share of the spoils against a Wimbledon team containing two of the division’s most dangerous forwards in Adebayo Akinfenwa and Matt Tubbs.

“I am satisfied with a point and I thought it was a decent game overall,” Yates said.

“In the first half I thought we were the better team, creating better chances, but they were always a threat with their front two when they got the ball in and around our box.

“We could have been a few goals ahead, but I was disappointed to concede before half-time and we couldn’t quite match the quality in the second half.

“We are finding it hard to score the goals we’d really like, but we’ll keep working at it and our movement in the first half was outstanding.

“We couldn’t get Raffa (De Vita) back into

the game in the second half or any real momentum so it became scrappy.”

Yates handed a Football League debut to former Birmingham City youngster Jack Deaman, who was named man of the match for an impressive display against such feared front men.

“Akinfenwa was always going to be a problem and he was a real threat, but we dealt with him well on the whole and I thought Jack Deaman was outstanding,” Yates said.

“He was one of our stand-out players, knocking some quality long passes forward on his League debut and playing up against those two strikers, he can be pleased with it.”

Summer signing Taylor’s first goal for Cheltenham came after Lee Vaughan’s low cross was spilled by goalkeeper James Shea under pressure from John Marquis, presenting him with a tap-in.

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goalkeeper lost his bearings,” Taylor said.

“He sat up to see where the ball was and just left it there, I couldn’t believe it, but we needed that bit of luck.

“It’s just disappointing we didn’t go on from there as we started so well.

“The stats are incredible, showing we are creating so many chances, but it's about time defenders started chipping in too.

“I know I need to score more and we are a threat on set pieces, but it was a freak goal really.

“If it happens for our forwards great, because they are maybe lacking that cutting edge confidence at the moment.

“It’s good from a defender’s point of view that we are a solid team, but I'd rather we scored more and threw caution to the wind.

We sometimes have to go for it as a whole team.”

Cheltenham visit Shrewsbury Town on Saturday (3pm).

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