Cheltenham Standard 29th May 2014

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Urban gull control Say Cheese!

Thousands gathered just outside Cheltenham for the traditional cheese-rolling races on Cooper’s Hill See page 2 for full story

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HELTENHAM Borough Council’s environmental health team has completed its two week annual egg oiling programme in order to help control the urban gull population in the town. This year 447 eggs in nests around the borough were oiled.

Many Cheltenham businesses and residents are affected by urban gulls and although the council has no statutory duty to provide this service it is fortunate to have an annual budget of £5,000 to spend on the egg oiling programme. This method is the most effective use of the budget and is a tried and tested method of preventing gull eggs from hatching. Eggs are treated over a period of the laying season, but they are purposefully left in the nest. Adult birds will continue to sit on the eggs, but due to the treatment, they don’t hatch. The egg oiling usually begins in May or June, depending on how the weather affects the mating, nesting and laying. The team visit the properties of people who have complained about problems with gulls throughout the year such as noise, aggression, faeces or damage to property. Sarah Clark, public and environmental health team leader, said, “We do our best to control the urban gull population with the budget that we have. The only long term and sustainable solution is for residents and businesses to unite in their own action by gull proofing their own properties, reducing the amount of food litter and raising awareness.

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“The main advantage of egg oiling is a reduction in the number of hatchlings. Nesting gull parents can become aggressive and have sometimes been known to attack nearby members of the public.

With egg oiling the problems of

aggressive parent gulls and noisy chicks are abolished, due to the eggs not hatching, and therefore no young being raised. However, there is nothing we can do about live birds; we can only intervene with the eggs.”

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 29 MAY

And he doesn’t even like cheese...

THIS years’ unofficial event was organised by rebel cheese rollers, after plans for an official event were shelved in 2010. An estimated 5,000 people turned out to watch daredevils chase a 3.5kg (8lb) wheel of double Gloucester cheese down the 1:2 gradient hill. The winner of the first race, Josh Shepherd, said he was “really happy” but “doesn't really like cheese” In total, four 3.5kg (8lb) and three smaller 1.5kg (3lb) cheeses are used made by Diana Smart, 87, who has been producing them for the event for more than 25 years. Last year, in a bid to make the race safer, revellers had to chase a foam imitation of a double Gloucester 200m (656ft) down the hill at Brockworth. But this year, the fake fromage was dumped in favour of a real wheel of cheese. The winner of the first race, unemployed Josh Shepherd, 19, from Brockworth, Gloucester said that he was “really proud” of himself.

“I've run quite a few times before but it is the first time I've won,” he said. “My tactic was to stay on my feet and go as fast as I can and roll with the flow.

This year real cheese was back on the menu. Josh also commented “I don't know what I'm going to do with the cheese. I don't really like cheese unless it's melted on toast.” The second race was won by another local man, Ryan Fairley, 24, from Brockworth, who said his tactic was “just to go”. “I didn't do the first race this year but it's absolutely brilliant to have won,” he said. “I also won a cheese last year.” The women's race was won for the third year running by Lucy Townsend, 17, from Brockworth. The tradition dates back to at least the early 19th Century. In 2009, the official event was axed after more than 15,000 people turned up, sparking safety fears over numbers at the site. Every year since then unofficial races have been organised during the late spring bank holiday by local enthusiasts. This year, Gloucestershire County Council closed roads up to 2.5 miles around the slope to keep disruption to a minimum.

Spanish nurses to help our hospitals this Summer NHS bosses are about to fly out to Spain in an effort to try and find approximately 60 nurses to come and work in both Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General hospitals. An extra 30 patients a day came into Accident and Emergency this month compared to last year. It transpires that six months ago around 40 Portuguese nurses were taken on.

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats keep a majority rule THE leader of Cheltenham's Conservatives, Rob Garnham, narrowly lost his seat to the Liberal Democrats, in a result that required a recount. Rob Garnham, lost the Park ward seat to Max Wilkinson of the Liberal Democrats, in a result which needed a recount. The recount was needed for the Park ward before it

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UKIP send slight shockwaves through main parties Nigel Farage MP

UKIP leader Nigel Farage has said his party will be “serious players” at the 2015 general election and in with a chance of securing representation in the House of Commons for the first time. As results came in last week from England's local elections, showing gains for UKIP across the country, he commented, “The UKIP fox is in the Westminster hen house.” Despite its gains, the party does not yet have control any local authorities. Labour also made gains with Tories and Lib

Dems both losing councillors. The turnout overall was about 36%. which was up 4% on the previous year. The surge in support for UKIP has sent shockwaves through the main parties at Westminster, with just a year to go before the next general election.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg reflected on poor results after his party suffered heavy losses in council and European elections. The Lib Dem leader said he would not be resigning and said a “very strong anti-politics mood” was behind the results.

Martin Horwood MP on popular vote THE Liberal Democrats bucked the national trend to win 13 out of 19 seats contested on the council and maintain majority rule with 24 seats.

Council leader Steve Jordan said: “We have a good, well-known, hardworking local MP who stands up for Cheltenham.” Market research company YouGov described the result as “remarkable”. Nationally the Liberal Democrats lost 250 council seats, and all but one MEP in the European elections. Laurence Lipinski from YouGov's political and social research team said the

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was announced that Rob Garnham had actually lost his seat. Overall it was a good result for the Liberal Democrats who gained one seat and now have 24.

The Conservatives remain with 12 seats, People Against Bureaucracy remain with four seats, and one Independent seat was lost. The turnout in Cheltenham was 37%.

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Cheltenham result was “even more remarkable” given that the party did badly even in areas where they normally had strong local support.

“For Cheltenham to buck the trend to do well there was a really strong result for them,” he added. Mr Jordan also paid tribute to the 19 candidates Lib Dem candidates who stood in the election. They gained one seat, with Max Wilkinson ousting Conservative group leader Rob Garnham. Some Liberal Democrats have called on party leader Nick Clegg to stand down following the national results.

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But Mr Jordan said: “I can't see any point suddenly changing leader now because we've taken all the tough decisions, so over the next 12 months we need to explain to people what we've been doing and what we've been trying to achieve.” He added that Mr Clegg “would only do what was best for the party”. “History shows if you are the leader of the minor party in a coalition, you carry the can for a lot of stuff,” added Mr Jordan. The Conservatives secured 12 seats on the borough council and the People Against Bureaucracy four.

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29 MAY CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Council increases recycling Plans underway to recycle more types of plastics at 12 of Cheltenham’s recycling sites

• Caernarvon Road, Morrisons • Priors Road, Sainsbury's • Manor Road, Sainsbury's • Bath Terrace car park • Hatherley Lane, Asda • Church Piece car park • Edinburgh Place car park

costly for the council to run.

These four sites, combined, account for just 1% of the total recycling collected from all recycling sites.

• Tommy Taylor’s Lane • QE II playing fields • St Marks Community Centre • Sandford Lido car park

• St James Street car park • Sixways car park • Everest Road, Old Patesians • Swindon Road recycling centre • Whaddon Road, CTFC If the results of the trial are positive and cost effective,

Lib Dem MEP is one of South West’s electoral casualties given “distinguished, A LIBERAL Democrat MEP competent, able and was one of the South West's professional service for 20 highest profile casualties in years”. The Conservatives the European elections. Sir lost one seat and now have Graham Watson, who first two MEPs in the region, won a seat in the European while Labour say their Parliament in 1994, failed to recovery in the South West be re-elected as one of six is well on the way But the MEPs for the region. UKIP biggest cheer of the night topped the poll, winning two went to Molly Scott Cato. seats. The Conservatives also Sir Graham Watson The keen ‘bee keeper’ took two, with Labour and created a buzz of her own as she became the Green Party each taking one seat. It the Green Party's first South West MEP. is the first time the Greens have won a The Liberal Democrats and the seat in the South West. Five years ago, Conservatives had taken a beating as voters chose three Tories, two UKIP and UKIP topped the poll in 24 of the 38 one Lib Dem MEP. This year the Lib Dems only came top in one council area, districts in the region. William winning Gibraltar, and failed to collect a Dartmouth, elected for the party along with Julia Reid said: “This is a massive single second place. Despite UKIP wake-up call to the establishment topping the poll, the demise of the Lib politicians and media, there are a lot of Dems in their traditional power-base people dissatisfied and feel their was the big story in the South West. Sir concerns are not properly responded to.”

Graham Watson has been a Lib Dem Conservatives Ashley Fox and Julie MEP for 20 years and few would have Girling retained their seats, but double predicted his rejection at the ballot box.

Olympic gold medal winning rower Speaking without any trace of bitterness James Cracknell missed out as the party he said it had been “an honour and a saw its seats slip from three to two. Dr privilege to serve the South West”.

Molly Scott Cato is the first Green MEP UKIP's victorious William Dartmouth to represent the south west. led the tributes, saying Sir Graham had

then it is likely that this service will be implemented permanently. Research, which has been completed in planning this initiative, has highlighted four other sites (listed below) around the town that are particularly under-used and are, therefore, extremely

In order for collection crews to manage the expanded plastics recycling service, if mixed plastics are permanently introduced then it is planned that these sites will close. This will free-up valuable resources which can then be used on servicing the more wellused sites, especially with the expected increase in demand as a result of the potential expansion of plastics recycling. Cllr Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainability,

said: “Every tonne of waste which isn’t land-filled saves the taxpayer £80/tonne so we are very pleased to be able to introduce this step forward, especially as it is in response to clear public demand. “Cheltenham has always striven to be in the forefront of moves to divert recyclable waste away from landfill and so, as well as expanding the range of plastics recycled from ‘bring bank sites’, we are also researching the possibility of collecting these kinds of mixed plastics from the kerbside.

At present, council budgets are limited, so this initiative is something which we hope to be able to implement in the future when it is more financially viable. However, residents will continue to be able to recycle plastic bottles at the kerbside.”

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Boris Johnson sweeps boldly into Cheltenham

TANDING outside the Town Hall with his shock of blonde hair billowing in the gusting wind, Mr Johnson outlined his commitment and support for the forthcoming local elections and his outspoken support for the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Alex Chalk. In a brutal side-swipe at the local MP, Martin Horwood, Boris Johnson was extremely vocal in is his negative comments about the incumbent MP for Cheltenham. In a scathing attack which boiled over into some real venom, Mr Johnson likened Mr Horwood to a lapdog that had absolutely no affect on the town.

He told The Cheltenham Standard, ‘’The Liberal Democrats in this town are nothing short of spineless and are great at wasting taxpayers money on utterly useless projects’’. He went to say, ‘It’s we Conservatives who are actually listening to people, not the Liberals’’. He continued, ‘’I’m here to give my support to Alex Chalk the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cheltenham’’.

Mr Johnson further said, ‘’As you know Alex is a local chap and Boris Johnson with local Conservatives is very well-entrenched in the Cheltenham community. He’s a making the right decision for your natural choice to represent this town is crucial. I firmly believe great town of yours’’. Posing for that choosing the conservative photographs with Alex Chalk and path is the only way of ensuring a host of local Tories, Boris the taxes aren’t wasted and that Johnson further said, ‘’These local spending is kept under control’’. elections are hugely important and The photo call at the Town Hall

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The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson swept into Cheltenham on Tuesday this week amidst a flurry of media and local reporters

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going on to say,’ Alex Chalk is a great candidate and will I’m sure represent this town in a way befitting of a local caring politician who actually wants to see things get done’’. The crowded press briefing was on occasion both laughing and gasping as Mr Johnson went on the attack again saying, ’’The local MP here is clueless and we know even up in London and at Westminster how important the A417 Loop is.

The road is a killer. To sit on the fence about this as Mr Horwood has, is as I said before, lapdog behaviour.

He reminds me of some sort of prophylactic’’. Strong words indeed. The Major of London is no stranger to outspoken and sometimes out of place comments that have on many occasions, riled both his colleagues at County Hall and his political foes at Westminster.

PHOTO: DAN HICKS

bottles have always been part of the core group of materials that are recycled by the council but other ‘mixed plastic’ previously went to landfill. But from 2 June 2014, a trial, running a minimum of threemonths, will begin to determine if these types of plastics can also be recycled at Cheltenham recycling sites in the future.

Residents who are keen to recycle this type of plastic and help the result of the trial will be able to take them to any of the following recycling sites from 2 June 2014:

PHOTO: ROB WHEATMAN

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HELTENHAM Borough Council will be conducting a trial starting on 2nd June which will run over the summer to establish if it can permanently expand the range of plastics that can be recycled at 12 of its most popular ‘Bring Bank’ recycling sites around the town. Because of its light and bulky nature, recycling plastics are more expensive than recycling other types of materials, but the council recognises that there is a clear public demand for this service. The plastics being trialed are ‘mixed plastics’.

This refers to items such as; yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, ice cream tubs, readymeal trays and plastic fruit punnets. However, this does not include any blackcoloured plastic, plastic bags or cling film (or any other kind of film). Plastic

swiftly relocated to local estate agents, Knight Frank on the Prom who hosted a luncheon in conjunction with the Cheltenham Conservatives. Boris Johnson further expanded his support and views for all things conservative

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 29 MAY

Hundreds of police officers fail fitness tests O

N HUNDREDS of police officers have failed new fitness tests which are due to become mandatory later this year, official figures show.

Interim results submitted by 39 forces to the College of Policing showed that 851 officers fell short, with 3% failing overall in more than 30,000 tests.

After taking part in the 15-metre “bleep” shuttle run test, some 253 of the 22,078 male officers who took part (an average of 1%) and 598 of 7,969 female officers (an average of 8%) were unsuccessful.

The new fitness testing, which will become compulsory in September, was brought in after recommendations made by Chief Inspector of Constabulary Tom Winsor.

The worst failure rates were seen in Suffolk (7%), West Midlands (5.8%), West Mercia/Warwickshire (5.6%) and Gwent (5.5%).

Humberside and Northumbria Police were the only two forces out of a total of 43 in England and Wales who boasted a 100% pass rates for both male and female officers. Data is still not available for the Metropolitan Police, the

country's largest force, Lancashire, Gloucestershire and Cumbria.

The Winsor recommendations stated that all officers should be made to take a “bleep” test annually , with participants having to complete a 15metre shuttle run in shorter and shorter periods, reaching level 5.4 four shuttles at level 5.

Officers with special units are expected to perform at higher levels, with dog handlers required to complete level 5.7 and firearms officers able to do level 7.6. Mr Winsor also

recommended that from 2018 the tests should be made harder, using challenges based on the type of things an officer might face on duty, but this is being considered by the College of Policing in case it negatively impacts on

Lee Evans announces warm up gig at Racecourse ON SUNDAY 20th July The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse will play host to the brilliantly entertaining and

engaging Lee Evans, who will perform his warm up act ‘Work in Progress’.

Presented by Off The Kerb productions, the show will

give Lee the chance to test out his new gags and famous physical observational comedy, ahead of the Monsters tour, his most ambitious tour yet, scheduled to play for more than 50 dates at the biggest arenas across the UK and Ireland. Winner of the highly prestigious Perrier comedy award, and more recently recognised with a British Comedy award for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to Comedy’, Lee was nominated for an Olivier award for his part in The Producers. He also received the London Theatregoers’ Choice Award, performing in the Harold Pinter play, The

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Dumb Waiter. His Hollywood Blockbuster appearances include The Fifth Element, Mouse Hunt and comedy classic There’s Something About Mary. There will be no supporting act and being a ‘work in progress’ Evans will be referring to notes.

Tickets are priced at £32 and a maximum of six tickets per customer can be purchased at www.cheltenham.co.uk.

All ticket sales are to be completed online. Any children aged 15 or below must be accompanied by an adult. The Cheltenham office number is 01242 539538 to answer any queries.

women. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Price said: “The results to date are encouraging and show the vast majority of officers tested are fit. “Police forces are sending their results to the College on a quarterly basis and an equality

impact assessment is being carried out on those results.

“New guidance will be issued to forces later this year with a strong emphasis on providing supportive measures to help officers pass the test.”

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Highest speeds in County clocked THE top highest 5 speeds were clocked via a speed camera that was set up by Gloucestershire Police in the last year have recently been released. They were all on the A417 Dartley Bottom and a mind- boggling 126mph was recorded as the highest captured speed. The figures were obtained by The Institute of Advanced Motorists.

29 MAY CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Volunteers needed to help with popular Midsummer Fiesta CHELTENHAM’S largest free fiesta is returning to Montpellier Gardens on Saturday 5 July. The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors and the Midsummer Fiesta organisers are calling for more volunteers to help on the day. As they play such a crucial role in making the event a success, volunteers are needed for setting up the venue, helping with children’s activities and marshalling vehicles on and off site. Volunteers will be invited to a briefing session before hand where they will receive a Midsummer Fiesta t-shirt and meal vouchers.

Snacks and drinks will also be available throughout the day. There are also stalls available for hire. Due to the thousands of people that have attended in previous years, local businesses, charities and public sector organisations have found the event a great way to reach out to the people of Cheltenham. The Midsummer Fiesta has new attractions to showcase this year, including a tethered

17th Century shipwreck dive delayed

hot air balloon which will be giving rides throughout the day. Other attractions include: • A children’s village • Circus skills • Go-karting • Face painting • A petting zoo • Classic and vintage cars • Football and tennis training

• Fairground rides • Free running Helen Down, participation and engagement team leader says: “There is always a great atmosphere and team spirit at the Fiesta. We are reliant on our volunteer team to make the event happen and past volunteers of all ages have always enjoyed the day.” For anyone

able to spare a couple of hours to volunteer between the times of 8am and 10pm on Saturday 5 July, contact Helen by email: Helen.down@cheltenham.g ov.uk or telephone 01242 774960. People wanting to volunteer can also find out more information on the Midsummer Fiesta website: www.midsummerfiesta.com

English Heritage has begun a two-year exploration of the London, a warship which sank off the Essex coast in 1665. But high winds last week prevented the archaeologists from exploring the seabed off the coast of Southendon-Sea for three of the planned six days. The aim of the excavation is to recover artefacts from the “rapidly deteriorating” wreck. English Heritage's marine archaeologist Mark Dunkley said: “We are hoping to recover some rare and well-preserved items which will provide a great insight into the English Navy during an unsettled time when Britain was emerging as a global power.” Test dives have so far recovered personal items such as leather shoes and navigational dividers, buckets, pots and cooking utensils, as well as ship fixtures and fittings. The London was on its way from Chatham to The Hope, near Gravesend, Kent, when it blew up and sunk. In 2005, it was rediscovered during works ahead of the London Gateway Port development in Thurrock, Essex. It is on English Heritage's at risk register because its fragile remains were being exposed by shifting sediment levels on the seabed. Archaeologists from Cotswold Archaeology have been commissioned to undertake the excavation.

They are scheduled to dive again in June and July and are hoping to make up for last week's lost time with a further series of dives in August. Finds recovered from the site will eventually be put on permanent display by Southend Museums Service.

Local charity to benefit from ITV’s Text Santa appeal this Christmas TEXT Santa, ITV’s annual charity fundraiser, will return in December 2014 to raise money and awareness for another six UK based charities. And Cheltenham based charity Wellchild is amongst the chosen six. The appeal has raised £15 million for charities since it started in 2011. Ant & Dec, Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Christine Bleakley and Paddy McGuinness hosted the 2013 live show, which was broadcast on 20th December and was

watched by a peak audience of 6.1 million people. A number of UK based charities were invited to apply to become a Text Santa beneficiary earlier this year for 2014’s appeal and following a stringent selection process Wellchild was selected as one of the lucky six.

Wellchild supports thousands of children and young people in the UK

living with a long-term or complex health condition.

WellChild is the national charity working to ensure the best possible care and support for all these children and their families wherever they are and whenever they need it.

They aim to help children out of long-term hospital care, and into their own

Ant and Dec

homes through the care and attention of their UKwide team of WellChild Nurses who provide practical and emotional

support. They give these families the tools and support they need to deal with their child’s illness both in the hospital and back at home once they've returned. Text Santa is an important part of ITV's Corporate Responsibility programming, using its reach to millions of people to help inspire, engage and empower viewers to make a difference.

ITV does not make any

profit from the appeal and is proud that, with investment from ITV and support from Text Santa's official partners, 100% of donations made by viewers go directly to the charities Text Santa supports. ITV use their combined influence in programming, online platforms and celebrity talent, to highlight causes and make a difference. Text Santa, is the penultimate appeal raising over £5.1 million for six UK charities last year For more information visit www.textsanta.co.uk

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 29 MAY

Prince Charles in first public appearance since Russian comments

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RINCE Charles has attended a concert in Gloucestershire, his first public engagement since he was linked to controversial comments about Russia.

The classical music event took place at the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Northleach last Saturday. The prince is the patron of Music in Country Churches which helps churches raise money for the maintenance.

He said he hoped that his visit would highlight the cultural role played by rural churches. Speaking prior to the visit, Bishop David Jennings said people were “thrilled” about the prince’s attendance. “We're absolutely delighted that the patron of Music in Country Churches is coming to Northleach,” the interim minister of the Northleach Benefice added. “It's a splendid programme and I think that he will enjoy it very

much indeed.” Mr Jennings said the Prince of Wales last visited six years ago. On Wednesday, a former Polish war refugee who met Prince Charles in Canada said he had likened some Nazi actions in Europe to those of Russia's Vladimir Putin. At the time Clarence House said it would not comment on a private conversation.

In response, the Russian embassy said the comments attributed to the prince were “outrageous”.

Whychwood notches up ten years…

WHILE Wychwood already boasts a fantastic array of acts, this year including The Stranglers. The Levellers and The Boomtown Rats. The 10th anniversary event is set to be the biggest yet as they also revealed the return of the BBC Stage, alongside the widest variety of children's activities to date.

The dedicated BBC Stage will once again welcome a selection of the freshest bands, solo artists and emerging talent from the surrounding counties of Gloucestershire, Hereford & Worcester and Coventry & Warwickshire. The festival also welcomes back the Booktrust Children's Reading Fund with its biggest programme to date.

The Reading Fund aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children around the UK through literature. Also Wychwood reveals the widest selection of children's activities to date, which includes Bhangra dance classes, circus acts and mime

PHOTO: MARTIN REYNOLDS

Whychwood continues on its quest to support local talent with the return of the ever- popular BBC Stage

performance to name a few.

With a selection of over 50 unique activities for adults and children alike and a festival atmosphere unrivalled elsewhere, Wychwood truly offers one of the best value weekends of the festival season.

Taking pace at Cheltenham Racecourse from 30th May - 1st June, weekend. Day tickets are on sale now and more information is available from Wychwood is also proud to support and partner with World Vision, the world's largest

children's charity bringing real hope to millions of children in the world's hardest places. Their dedicated 'Hope House' will allow festival-goers to take part in ‘Calabash’ and be transported to Sierra Leone and hear remarkable and inspirational stories of children living from these areas. Wychwood festival also partners with Toybox for the first year, a charity on a mission to end the injustice of street children, one of the world's most vulnerable groups.

Presenting a marquee packed with fun activities for the whole family, creative muscles will be flexed and pop up piano played out with a tree of life, story telling, workshops and entertainment. Anyone who has been to Wychwood before will know that the festival offers an unrivalled selection of activities for children, and this year is no exception. As former National Street Theatre champions and regulars of Jools Hollands' yearly Hootenanny celebration,

Electric Cabaret will bring their always exciting, and often surreal mime performance to the Cheltenham Racecourse.

Utilising anything that they can get their hands on, Stomp-inspired SoundSketch create high energy and exhilarating pieces of music using brooms, kitchen sinks and dustbin lids, with their own imaginations being the only limitation. While young and old alike can learn the basics of Bhangra dancing, become a 'bubbleologist'

with SamSam the Bubbleman and join the Brazilian/tribal inspired 'Glamba' drumming band, Wychwood really offers something truly memorable for the entire family.

Festival revelers are invited to visit the healing and sculpture areas to relax with a soothing hot stone massage or reflexology session. Superspa DJ will also return to Wychwood this year, allowing festivalgoers the chance to catch their favourite acts from the comfort of their own hot tub located directly opposite the main stage. It’s the best seat in the house.

Tickets are now available from www.whychwoodfestival.com including day tickets starting from just £40 for adults, £30 for concession and £8 for children, plus kids under five go free but still must register for a ticket. Weekend adult tickets are £125, concessions £100, kids tickets aged 10-15 for £60 and kids tickets aged 5-9 for £20.

THAT’LL BE THE DAY 6 – 7 June The nation’s favourite rock n’ roll variety show is back

BLACK COFFEE 9 – 14 June Bill Kenwright and the Agatha Christie Theatre Company present the dramatic debut of Hercule Poirot

BEYOND THE BARRICADE 8 June The biggest hits from the biggest musicals.

UNDER MILKWOOD 24 – 28 June Owen Teale (Game of Thrones) stars in the acclaimed adaptation of Dylan Thomas’ unforgettable poem

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29 MAY CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Joint working expected to save over £55m

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N innovative four-council partnership is announcing its vision for transforming the way its services run in order to deliver more efficiency savings and protect public services. Leaders at Cotswold, Forest of Dean and West Oxfordshire District Councils and Cheltenham Borough Council have set out their ‘2020 Vision for Joint Working’ for consideration by each Council’s Cabinet. They are proposing: “Four Independent Councils determining their own policies, priorities and decisions supported by a small number of expert advisors who commission and monitor services, either from the private and voluntary sectors or from local authority-owned service delivery companies” If approved, the four authorities would establish a jointlyowned local authority company to provide the services required by each individual council. The move is expected to save in excess of £55m over 10 years, and it comes in response to continued financial pressures that local authorities face. The proposition enables the councils to protect valued frontline services, whilst they will each remain as independent authorities with their own elected councillors representing local people. Cllr Lynden Stowe, Leader of Cotswold District Council, said: “The proposition set out in this report represents perhaps the most radical joint working approach in local government today. It is a proper, considered response to a challenge not only of how to best use a smaller and reducing public subsidy but also how to make best use of technology, how to encourage and use a competitive market, and how to make smart use of managerial and other expertise. “However, our proposals should also be seen as a natural and logical progression along an innovative transformational agenda which the councils have been delivering

over recent years. We should take great encouragement from what has already been achieved.” Cllr Patrick Molyneux, Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, added: “In simple terms amalgamating the support services of four councils would see a reduction in operating costs and an increase in efficiencies. By reducing the administration and running costs of the councils we can spend a bigger proportion of our budget on delivering the frontline services our communities need, while keeping the democratic decision making of local councillors intact. Local services, local democracy, lower costs … with the additional benefit of greater resilience.” Cllr Barry Norton, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, commented: “The councils already have a track record of developing innovative arrangements irrespective of traditional district, county or regional boundaries. This approach builds on that firm foundation and provides a very strong basis to support a new model for local government. It will provide efficient collective shared officer support arrangements, able to provide distinct and bespoke advice to a cluster of independent councils focused around existing district council localities without the need to consider political mergers. This model is scalable both in terms of numbers of partners but also in the scope of services.”

Cllr Steve Jordan Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council concluded, “The development of our current shared services has enabled a strong degree of trust and confidence between the four partners at a member level. It seems both timely and logical to build on these strong foundations and plan for further joint working arrangements with existing partners. Importantly, these arrangements would ensure councils retain independent decision making that reflects local needs’’.

GOT A NEWS STORY? Contact the news desk at editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

Budding actresses needed AN EXCITING opportunity has arisen for two talented young actresses (aged around 8 or 9 years) to play the daughter of Winston Smith’s colleague Parsons in a stage adaptation of the George Orwell novel 1984. The production of 1984 takes place at the Everyman Theatre on 23rd – 27th September 2014 and the girls need to be available for technical and dress rehearsals and all evenings and matinees throughout the run and have previous stage experience. They will play the same character on alternating days.The character

has several lines to deliver and the youngsters will need to be confident and able to hold their own with the professional adult actors on stage and be able to sing live in the production. The character is quite demanding and a lot of time on stage is spent silently watching, so good focus is essential. Auditions are by appointment only and will take place at the Everyman Theatre on 14th June. For more information and to apply, please email geoffrey.rowe@everymantheatre.org.uk

by Friday 6th June.

Petrol head heaven The Gloucestershire Motor Show is upon us again next month and a local security company has offered its services free of charge to protect the prize vehicles at next month’s event ROMAN Co (Gloucester Ltd) launched earlier this year, providing security and hospitality staff along with protective equipment and workwear. Now founder Stuart Clark is determined the new firm will make a difference in the county – particularly to Pied Piper, the children’s charity the motor show is supporting. He said: “We’re 30 people strong at present and growing all the time. “Although we’re sort of an expansion from a smaller company, our current team is still pretty fresh as we’ve only been going properly since January.” The company, based in Gloucester’s Daventry Terrace, recently won the contract to provide security to the Gloucester Quays Food Festival. And with two young children, Stuart’s focus is on the work Pied Piper does with sick and life-limited youngsters across Gloucestershire. “It’s nice that the

proceeds are going towards a good local cause,” he said. “I think it’s important to support local charities and businesses and to establish a solid local base.” The 2014 Gloucestershire Motor Show takes place at Highnam Court, near Gloucester, on June 7 and 8. Gates are open from 10.30am-5pm. Visitors can expect an array of classic cars, motor dealerships from across the county, a celebrity cookoff between Bond girl Fiona Fullerton, Ellenborough Park’s head chef David Kelman and ex-England and Gloucester rugby star Phil Vickery. There will be an engineering zone, organised by Renishaw, sports car rides, a Pimm’s tent, beer from Prescott Brewery and family entertainment. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £3.50 for five to 16s.

Visit www.gloucestershiremotorshow.co.uk for details

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8

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 29 MAY

BUSINESS EditorsDESK

Thunderbirds are go!

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Cheltenham Racecourse to host inaugural business breakfast with daughter of Thunderbirds creators

HE NHS is going to Spain to source nursing staff for both the Gloucester and Cheltenham Hospitals. It’s a sorry state of affairs to be in when we can’t entice young people into the nursing profession. Every one of us is at some time going to be touched by either ill health or a loved one who is suffering. And who does the care?

Nurses. The mortality rate in this country has decreased significantly; we are no longer the sick man of Europe. Death rates in England and Wales are at their lowest-ever recorded levels. Deaths from heart disease and cancer have also fallen sharply in the last decade. So, back to my point. More of us are living longer and will need nursing care as we shuffle into our dotage. It astonishes me that these NHS individuals are seeking nursing professionals from abroad Six months ago it was reported that the NHS had hired more foreign nurses to stave off a crisis. Our nurses have been warning us that Britain’s hospitals face a future staffing crisis as it emerged that more Portuguese recruits had been parachuted in to plug the gaps. From last December, 35 qualified Portuguese nurses started work at Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals. About 60 more newlyqualified nurses showed interest in working in the UK from January and 20 more were apparently short-listed. The Gloucestershire trust paid out nearly £1.4million on hiring extra agency staff to cope with absence and an increased workload. Yes, you read that correctly £1.4 Million.

Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust chief executive Frank Harsent was quoted as saying that if we didn’t change our approach from last winter, we will end up with the same results. So is his point that we just keep on hiring outside help? Maggie Arnold, director of nursing at the trust also chimed in, “The nurse training in Portugal seems more thorough than in Britain and they are certainly very well qualified’’.Talk about lack of vision. The Royal College of Nursing’s South West Regional Director Jeannette Martin coughed up some sense, “Effective long-term workforce planning is essential to ensure that the UK has the right level of nursing staff without having to recruit from overseas.”

These NHS bods are not part of the solution; they’re part of the problem. I’ll bet most MP’s and Cabinet Ministers have private health plans and can look forward to being cared for a by an army of nursing staff as they wallow in their private facilities. This doesn’t really help the man or .woman on the street though does it? Get these nurses funded from day one or we’ll all be eating paella in hospital.

Eric Barton, Editor

Got a comment?

Contact us at editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

Standard Cheltenham

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Dee Anderson

Cheltenham Racecourse

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AUGHTER of the cult Thunderbirds creators and successful jazz singer, Dee Anderson, will be talking brands and future plans during the inaugural Cheltenham Racecourse Business Breakfast networking event. The Racecourse is launching a brand new series of networking events for Gloucestershire businesses, with the first Business Breakfast featuring a guest appearance by Dee Anderson. On Wednesday 18 June 2014, local business people can get together over a fabulous full English in the prestigious Panoramic Restaurant, before the daughter of the famous husbandand-wife team behind cult series Thunderbirds delivers a fascinating talk. Incredibly successful, Dee has appeared in several television and theatre productions, together with launching a lucrative jazz singing career.

During this first Business Breakfast, she will be sharing her vision and development plans for taking Thunderbirds and the brand into 2015 and beyond, including ideas for television, music and online. She is currently working on a new series with her mother; developing opportunities created by the association with Thunderbirds to build a brand for the 21st century. Clare Reader, Cheltenham Racecourse commented,

“Cheltenham Racecourse have decided to start our own networking event to reconnect with local businesses, providing them with a excellent location for networking in the heart of Cheltenham and as Cheltenham is so well known for racing we wanted to also showcase our fabulous facilities for conferencing & events.” Following Dee’s talk, there will be another chance to network with like-minded businesses, before the business card prize draw gets underway and the morning comes to a close at 9.45am.

Times: From 7.45am to 9.45am Admission: Tickets cost £15 plus VAT Telephone: (01242) 539538

Cheltenham business community show how to be greener THE Big Green Bundle (BGB) is a free to use web based tool created by the Cheltenham Low Carbon Partnership, which comprises some of Gloucestershire’s leading businesses and services. Since its launch in March 2012, the BGB is proving a great success in helping businesses throughout the county and across the country, with 85 businesses and services registering with Vision 21 to use it. The package itself uses disarming graphics to help give people a better

understanding of various environmental issues and it also offers best practice examples to help companies become greener. An important feature of the package is a questionnaire, based on DEFRA research. This provides each participant with their own personal environmental summary and the employer with anonymous cumulative data. This data allows employers to address specific environmental issues and to engage their staff in a more cost effective

manner, hopefully resulting in a greener and more economically efficient organisation. Businesses wishing to make use of the BGB need to go to www.biggreenbundle.org and register with Vision 21. It’s free to use and could be a win-win option.

29 MAY CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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BUSINESS CHALKTALK Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cheltenham gets vocal....

Summer isn’t so easy for everybody SUMMER time, so the song goes, and the living is easy. Maybe so, but for hundreds of students in Cheltenham there is something far less relaxing on their minds – exams. This is the time of year when young fingernails are chewed and sleep is disturbed. The delights of guiding my own children through school age exams are still a few years away. Our daughter is currently having a great time at nursery in Leckhampton, oblivious to the exam fever yet to come. First of all, to everyone sitting exams over the next few weeks, the very best of luck.

Benjamin Disraeli said “Upon the education of the people of this country the fate of this country depends.” I couldn’t agree more. We’re incredibly lucky to have so many great schools in Cheltenham. They’re recognised as some of the very best in the country. I have had the privilege of visiting many of them, and it’s a tribute to our local teachers and governors that, year after year, Cheltenham students do so well.

Cheltenham’s educational heritage stretches deep into our history. Pate’s, often described as Cheltenham’s first school, was first established back in 1574 when Elizabeth I was on the throne. At that time the Church was the major large-scale provider of education.

They provided buildings and paid for staff. And in 1902, when the Conservative Government introduced universal support, there were still 14,000 church schools educating roughly one third of the country’s young people. Over a century later, the Church continues to play a key role.

Here in Gloucestershire there are 115 faith-linked schools, both maintained

and academy. Churches are the biggest sponsor of academies in England, with the Church of England teaching one million pupils across the country. A truly successful modern example is the All Saints Academy, which opened in Springbank in September 2011 and which I visited earlier this year. All Saints was formed by the Anglican Diocese of Gloucester and Catholic Diocese of Clifton.Recently All Saints was singled out for criticism by the Liberal Democrats. Martin Horwood MP argues that Cheltenham’s church schools ‘impose’ Christianity on its pupils and could make non-believers feel like ‘second class citizens’. I fundamentally disagree. As the Principal of All Saints pointed out, 90 per cent of the academy's students join the school with no formal link to the sponsors. Second, the Academy welcomes students and families of all faiths and none. It is this inclusive and welcoming approach that will shape the students and give them the best possible chance, not just for exams, but for adult life. I also believe you don't need to sign up to every last religious tenet to recognise the positive impact that Christianity has on our culture. It is felt in our language, music, art, and philosophy. It contributes to the fabric of our national life. There is nothing wrong in reflecting that ethos in education. Church schools won’t suit everyone and it is important that our education system retains choice. But to undermine their very existence is wrong. Apart from anything else, it risk leading to the very thing critics claim to be campaigning against – intolerance.

Everyman awards Chamber of Commerce Sponsorship Cup to Crowe Clark Whitehill GEOFFREY Rowe, Chief Executive of the Everyman Theatre presented Guy Biggin and Mark Hunt, partners of local accountants, Crowe Clark Whitehill with the Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce (CCC) Sponsorship Cup. Presented at the CCC’s Annual General Meeting the Everyman awards the cup each year to one of its sponsors. This year, the theatre has chosen to nominate Crowe Clark Whitehill to acknowledge the support they have given over the past year. Crowe Clark Whitehill is a leading national audit, tax and advisory firm. The recent 'Accounting trends' report from the Financial Reporting Council ranked Crowe Clark Whitehill as the 10th largest audit firm in the UK. The firm which has a local Cheltenham branch offers pragmatic, insightful advice and support to businesses, private clients, pension funds,

professional practices and the not for profit sector.Geoffrey Rowe, Chief Executive of the theatre commented “We are delighted to present the Sponsor Cup this year to Crowe Clark Whitehill. We rely on additional funding from our corporate members. It is an essential stream of income, without which we could not afford to continue providing the wealth of first-class theatre and entertainment which the Everyman is known for. We are grateful for their support and hope that this will continue to be an ongoing mutually beneficial partnership.” Guy Biggin from Crowe Clark Whitehill commented: “The team at the Everyman looks after us fantastically well and we are already planning more events with them later in the year. We are delighted to receive this acknowledgement of our support”

Movers&Shakers…

Local law firm gets second pair of muddy boots WILLANS LLP, a leading Rupert Burchett Gloucestershire law firm, is delighted to announce that due to team expansion, Rupert Burchett has relocated to join its agriculture and estates department. Rupert trained at London firm Clifford Chance LLP before moving to a principal law practice in Oxford, where he specialised in agricultural and property work. He has wide experience in agricultural property and advises clients on agricultural tenancies, sporting rights, farm partnership agreements and first registrations which also includes large estates. An enthusiastic supporter of country pursuits, Rupert is a member of the Agricultural Law Association and will help partner Frank Smith to develop the department which was established when Frank joined the firm in January 2012.

Frank acts for many regional landowners and several large estates, is rated by Legal 500, and is an enthusiastic ambassador for

the rural community. He is also on the judging panel of Taste of Gloucestershire Food & Farming Awards.

Frank Smith, partner and head of the agriculture & estates team at Willans, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rupert to Willans. As we expand the department his experience of agricultural matters and background in country sports will add depth to, and increase, the firm’s services to existing farmer and landowner clients, and to the wider rural community in general.” Rupert Burchett, commenting on his role, said, “I am really looking forward to starting at Willans, working with Frank and helping him to expand the agricultural and estates team.

Willans is a first-class law firm, and Frank is extremely well regarded as an agricultural practitioner, and I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join them.”

10

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 29 MAY

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 29 MAY

Willans Solicitors Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot

Over 70 people attended the clay pigeon shoot organised by Willans LLP solicitors in aid of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

Sponsors included Crowe Clark Whitehill, Brewin Dolphin, Strutt & Parker, Barclays and Cowley Manor.

Run by a local professional shooting school, the event was held at Miserden Estate and raised over £1,000 for the local charity.

Cotswold Style

Be part of C2S and make the best connections to grow Gloucestershire businesses.

To find out more about how we can work together contact: Suzanne Hall-Gibbins Mob: 07971148787 or Email: suzanne.hall-gibbins@circle2success.co.uk

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29 MAY CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 29 MAY

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29 MAY CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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QUIRKY NEWS

Something a bit different...

Fondue footwear by Japanese A JAPANESE designer inspired by watching people dipping vegetables into melted cheese has created fondue footwear. Satsuki Ohata, who unveiled his new footwear creations this year, said he was hoping to shake up the shoe industry. The basic idea is that anybody who wants to create their own fondue shoe, has to dip their foot into melted PVC to create an exact replica around the foot that can then be worn once it is dried. He said: “I advise people to fold the heel down at the back if they want to use it as a slipper, or they can let the plastic go over the heel for a shoe to be used outside. “Once it is dry it is pretty durable, and it is practical as well because it can be easily washed in the sink and dried with a cloth.” The design however is mostly recommended for indoor use as Ohata has not yet managed to find a way to make the sole thick enough to be comfortable outdoors. He is confident however that he will soon come up with a solution to solve this, meaning that users will be able to show their foot-shaped shoes in public, in various colours.

YOUR WEEKLY HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 20 – April 18): The tide is definitely out when it comes to cashflow so tread water for a couple of weeks and wait for the money to come rolling back in.

TAURUS (April 19 – May 19): It’s difficult being in a vulnerable position. It feels like everyone knows. But don’t underestimate the power of their self-absorption. Keep cool and no one will be the wiser.

GEMINI (May 20 – June 20): This isn’t the time to bend a rule.

The Moon in Taurus opposite Saturn in Scorpio means that it would only snap back and hit you in the face.

CANCER (June 21 – July 21): Someone you were banking on just isn’t ready so go ahead and tend to other obligations. This will give you something to do until the other party gets his act together.

LEO (July 22 – Aug 21): A plan falls through today, but don’t be discouraged. Everyone believes in you and your vision; it’s just that their resources are severely strained.

VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21): One of the pluses to being a Virgo is your attention to detail. What others overlook will soon prove significant to you.

LIBRA (Sept 22 – Oct 22): That white lie isn’t worth it. It will only snowball into something you can’t explain. Just come clean with the truth.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21): Things may not have turned out well for you, but they’re worse for the other side. Not exactly reason to celebrate, but it’s still cause for relief.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 20): It looks like you’re being kept in the dark about a situation at work. Rather than try to make sense of it, see what emerges on its own. It could be a pleasant surprise.

CAPRICORN (Dec 21 – Jan 18): You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. There’s no way out of this bind so do what makes you happy.

AQUARIUS (Jan 19 – Feb 17): Don’t’ bend. Draw a firmer line instead. There’s nothing to gain by accommodating outrageous demands.

PISCES (Feb 18 – March 19): Usually your easygoing nature is a plus, but not today. Nail down details or you’ll be left emptyhanded.

Russian women goes swimming with car A RUSSIAN woman went for a cooling swim in her private pool - only to end up sharing her dip with a car. Svetlana Mournova, 34, was enjoying an evening swim in her backyard pool in a town near Volgograd when the out-of-control car smashed through the wall circling her property and plunged into the water. She was grazed on the head by the vehicle driven by Vitali Modenko, 36, who had his wife Lena, 36, and two-year-old son Sasha inside.

Seeing that the woman he hit was lying face down in the water, Modenko told local media he had struggled out of the car shouting for his wife to take care of their child. In a TV interview he said: “I just climbed out through my open window as the car began to fill up and swam across to the woman.

“Igot hold of her and dragged her out. I could see she was breathing so I left her to help my wife and son. “My car is a total wreck but that doesn’t matter.

At least no-one died.” Mrs Mournova was treated for slight head injuries in the local hospital but later released. She said: “I had had a long and tiring day and had only been in the water for a couple of minutes when I was joined by the car.”I don’t really remember much at all except thinking ‘Can this really be happening?’ I was lucky it was only a glancing blow. I could have been crushed.”

Couple having sex halt court trial A JUDGE suspended a murder trial in Italy after spotting two court staff in an office beside the court having sex. Anna Ivaldi asked the prosecutor to stop talking after she heard strange noises and looked up to see the pair in a passionate embrace. Prosecutor Sabrina Monteverde had just begun summing up when judge Ivaldi silenced her and had the love-

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making session brought to an abrupt end. The Daily Mail quoted a court source as saying: “When everyone looked it was quite clear what was going on - they were having sex.

“They obviously thought because the glass was dark they would not be seen. “They are both court admin

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staff but they have not been named. It’s a bit delicate as one of them is married.”

A spokesperson for the Genoa court said the matter had been dealt with. “An investigation has been launched so as a result it would not be appropriate to comment further,” he said.

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Weekly Crossword 8

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ACROSS 1. Large house (7) 5. Pieces of information (5) 8. Profits (5) 9. Gruesome (7) 10. Retaliated (7) 11. Form of transport (5) 12. Hostility (6) 14. Stick (6) 18. Permit (5) 20. Sincere (7) 22. Creatures (7) 23. Doctrine (5) 24. Ledge (5) 25. Sweet (7)

DOWN 1. Tycoon (7) 2. Dissonance (5) 3. Perceptiveness (7) 4. Wanderers (6) 5. Aspect (5) 6. Vegetable (7) 7. Austere (5) 13. Discomfort (7) 15. Mocks (7) 16. Pull out (7) 17. Stopped (6) 18. Accumulate (5) 19. Dock (5) 21. Bird of prey (5)

ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD: Across: 1. Cabaret 4. Eerie 7. Radar 9. Upright 10. Inertia 11. Ruler 12. Despot 14. Cleric 18. Ample 20. Haggard 22. Sporran 23. Crown 24. Entry 25. Echidna. Down: 1. Carried 2. Badge 3. Toucan 4. Error 5. Regular 6. Enter 8. Ratio 13. Support 15. Logic 16. Cadenza 17. Chance 18. Aisle 19. Early 21. Avoid

16

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 29 MAY

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29 MAY CHELTENHAM STANDARD

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Something a bit different...

QUIRKY NEWS

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

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VERY week I’m going to use my ‘star power’ in this town to report my thoughts on the shenanigans in this town. I’ll try to be opinionated and I’ll probably annoy lots of people along the way. If I don’t, nobody will read my columns will they?

Obviously there will be a drove of readers scratching their heads asking who the hell I am? Well, I’m the guy that’s masterminding the new reality show The Cheltonians and I’m also the chap who created the controversial student sex site, ShagAtUni.com. I now spend my days perusing around Cheltenham, dining in our finest eateries and drinking myself silly with

all the hot students. I live the life! So for my debut column I want to put my oar into the Fiona Fullerton tree gate issue. The sexy exBond actress chops down a tree on her property and appears to have unsettled the battle axes of the Cheltenham Bridge Club on Tivoli Road. Peter Swales who holds the honourary title as Chairman of the club barked, “Felling these trees basically amounts to vandalism” “It’s just property developers making some cash without a care for the community.” Sarah Knightly Brown, another local resident who has allegedly lived on Tivoli Road for 30 years also got her knickers in a real twist.

She reckons it’s the greenery

of the area which makes it so special. “If you look at this road, the old trees are so important to the way it looks. Felling them will change the whole atmosphere. “A lot of residents feel very strongly about this. We don’t want these trees to go. They are iconic and have been there ever since I moved in.” Blah blah. It’s a bloody tree.

Miss Fullerton has even stated she is replacing the old trees with two ‘lovely evergreen trees’.

She really is a babe.

Personally I wouldn’t bother pleasing the nuisance neighbours Fiona.

I’d erect something tacky and opulent in your sweeping driveway. Perhaps a bronze statue of Kim Kardashian flanked by two IKEA flamingos either side? Your neighbours in Tivoli should be showing much, much more appreciation to be living near your fine self.

You’re a successful lady. If you had put an application in to the council to have my own mother put down, I’d probably go along with it, thinking you had good reason to do so. And a message for Peter Swales: Fiona Fullerton is very welcome in this town (since moving up from Swindon) and we should be doing everything in our power to welcome more affluent individuals into regency Cheltenham. Fiona has already and will continue to contribute a lot to our town and she’s probably most people’s dream neighbour.

Mr. Swales on the other hand is probably the type of neighbour that will moan if your lawn’s overgrown a couple of centimeters one

weekend and scrawl a pesky note ripped from the top of his Daily Telegraph reminding you of ‘your responsibility’. Do us a favour Fiona, start a petition to have the Cheltenham Bridge Club re-homed out of Tivoli.

I’ll sign it.

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

Topless holiday snaps

Moggy loses weight A RUSSIAN fat cat is a lot slimmer now thanks to an exercise regime of intense cycling. Morda - Mush in English - rides along on the neck of his owner Vladimir Ilivanov in Krasnoyarsk Krai, central Russia.

And Mr Ilivanov says his pet has lost two kilogrammes from the effort of clinging on to his owner. He bought Morda six years ago and the pair have been inseparable ever since.

They have spent the last six years riding through Russian cities and taking part in cycling tournaments. “He doesn't do much during the winter, but when the spring comes he always rides on the back of my neck. For him it's like horse riding,” jokes Mr Ilivanov.

“He is very sensitive and knows that he can cling on with his legs around my neck but he never sinks his sharp claws into my flesh. We are now building up to training for a marathon in Siberia this year.” Morda obtains special paperwork from the organisers of the bike races. He is registered as 'Feline 1`and recognised by racing marshals across the country. A spokesman for the Russian Cycling Federation said: “Morda is as well known as any of the top cyclists. “Although he doesn't push the pedals himself he is known fondly everywhere as 'the cycling cat' and always brings a smile to the faces of those who see him.”

Cheltenham Showroom: Unit 800 Ashville Business Park, (Behind Mercedes Benz), Commerce Road, Cheltenham Road East, Staverton, Glos GL2 9QJ Tel: 01452 554 455

THREE adventurous Londoners have sparked a new global craze - for topless holiday snaps. Brits Olivia Edginton, 20, Lydia Buckler, 21, and Norwegian Ingvild Marstein Olsen, 20, have won thousands of fans across the world with their Topless Tour project. And now scores of people around the world are following their lead by shedding their tops for the camera and posting the photographs online. Ms Edginton, originally from Manchester, said: "The Topless Tour is the opening of your bare chest and heart to the world. "Everyone is very proud of the message, our parents think it's really refreshing for young women to be embracing who they are and love for their body." The girls, who live together in Greenwich and study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, have so far posed topless in Oslo, New York, Manchester, Berlin and London. They have 4,000 followers on their Instagram account

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and their Facebook page has received thousands of likes and hundreds of picture submissions from 28 countries.

Ms Buckler, who comes from Stratfordupon-Avon, added: "The Topless Tour isn't just our story anymore, it's becoming a part of so many adventures and lives." The Topless Tour started in 2012 while the girls visited Ms Olsen's hometown of Brumunddal and went for a walk around nearby Lake Mjosa. Ms Olsen said: "We had been for a walk around the lake and very spontaneously decided to see how cold we could really feel - it was then we lost our topless virginity. "So far we haven't got in too much trouble, we get the occasional tut and shake of the head, but generally the response is surprisingly more positive.

We still always seem make people smile and laugh - especially when we're on skis."The Topless Tour is now planning to visit Italy, Croatia and Sweden this summer to further spread the word.

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Something to tuck into....

FOOD&DRINK

Strawberry & Elderflower Cheesecake This week food writer, Shelle Duffin, tantilises our tastebuds with the fruit of the summer...

Serves 8

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

To make the base…

• Put the biscuits into a sealed plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin to achieve a breadcrumb consistency. Tip them into a bowl and stir in the melted butter so all the crumbs are coated. Pour the mixture into the cake tin and press down using the back of a spoon to produce an even surface. Chill the base in the fridge for an hour to firm up whilst you make the filling.

For the base 300g digestive biscuits 100g unsalted butter, melted For the filling 300g full-fat soft cheese 300ml double cream 100g golden caster sugar 300g strawberries (extra for decoration), stalks removed 3 sheets of gelatine 4tbsp elderflower cordial 25cm/10inch cake tin with removable bottom

To make the filling…

• Soak the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes to allow them to soften.

Pour half of the cream into a saucepan and gently bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the gelatine leaves, one at a time, shaking off any excess water beforehand. Stir until all the gelatine has dissolved and set to one side to cool.

• Combine the cream cheese and sugar together in a bowl and beat until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency.

Chop the strawberries into chunky pieces and stir them into the cream cheese mixture along with the cream and gelatine.

• In a separate bowl, gently whip together the remaining cream with the elderflower cordial to form soft peaks.

Gently fold this into the strawberry mixture.

Pour the filling into the cake tin and smooth over the surface to create a clean, even finish. Return the cake tin to the fridge and chill for at least 3 hours.

To serve…

• Dip a knife into water and run it around the edge, between the tin and the cheesecake to loosen it. Remove it from the tin and gently remove the base using either a palette knife or a cake slice. Place on a serving plate and decorate with strawberries. Serve with a strawberry coulis and cream, accompanied with an iced cold elderflower pressé.

For more recipe ideas and articles, follow Shelle on Twitter – @Shelle_Duffin or Facebook – Shelle Duffin – Food Writer/Cook, plus check out my blog –myboiledeggsandsoldiers@blogspot.com

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Exceeding Expectations Tell us a bit of background about Nick Griffith Estate Agents; when did you open, why Cheltenham?

Nick Griffith Estate Agents opened at the beginning of April this year. Previously I had been working with a well-known estate agents in Cheltenham for 15 years and it had always been my ambition to, one day, run my own estate agency in Cheltenham.

What services do you offer your customers, can you assist them through the entire process of buying a home?

My intention is to provide a first class service working closely with each client from the point of valuation through to handing over the keys on completion.

Clients will be treated as individuals with their own unique set of requests and requirements, as such I have the flexibility and experience to tailor the service I provide to suit accordingly.

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We can be contacted is the usual ways, phone, email and via our website (please see below for details). Also, we

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SPORT Kent wicketkeeper joins Gloucestershire on loan

CRICKET

NatWest T20 Blast, Bristol Gloucestershire 113-5 (17.3 ovs) beat Middlesex Panthers (20 ovs) 111-8 by five wickets

CRICKET

Gloucestershire blast off GLOUCESTERSHIRE got their T20 Blast campaign off and running at the second attempt as they beat Middlesex by five wickets at Nevil Road.

But, for the Championship leaders, it was a third straight Twenty20 defeat. Seamers James Fuller and Liam Norwell took three wickets each, but Graeme McCarter and Tom Smith were the most economical Gloucestershire bowlers as Middlesex were limited to 111-8. Chris Dent and Hamish Marshall both made 24 as the home side made 113-5. Victory was achieved in the 18th over, Cameron Herring hitting the winning run

with 16 balls to spare. Having lost their opening game against Somerset, that cancelled out the two-point penalty with which Gloucestershire began this year's competition, for the poor state of the Cheltenham pitch in last summer'sFLt20 defeat by Warwickshire. Middlesex, who lost to both Sussex and Essex at Lord's last weekend, are back in Twenty20 action this Sunday with a home match against Hampshire at Merchant Taylor's School, Northwood (14:30 BST. Gloucestershire's next game is at Canterbury against Kent next Friday night (30 May, 19:00 BST).

KENT wicketkeeper Geraint Jones has joined Gloucestershire on a two-month loan as cover for Gareth Roderick. Former England gloveman Jones, 37, is second choice at Canterbury as Sam Billings has been preferred this term.

Gloucestershire lost 22-year-old Roderick for six weeks after he broke his finger in Wednesday's County Championship win over Kent. Jones will be available for 13 T20 Blast and six Championship games. The Papua New Guineaborn man, who played 34 Test matches for England but now represents the country of his birth, is yet to play this summer. His last competitive action came in a 50-over match against Hong Kong in January. Born in Papua New Guinea to Welsh parents, Jones grew up in Australia where he stayed until he was 22, before moving to England to play for Lydney Cricket Club. His impressive form while playing for the Swan Road club alerted a host of county scouts and he was eventually picked up by Kent in time for the 2001 season. His breakthrough came in

2003 when he smashed 1,000 first-class to earn the attention of the England selectors as they looked to replace the retired Alec Stewart. Jones toured the West Indies in 2004, initially as backup wicketkeeper to former Gloucestershire man Chris Read. But Jones' superior skills with the bat saw him usurp Read for the fourth and final matches of that tour and he was a virtual everpresent behind the stumps for the next two years.

He played a key role in the unforgettable Ashes victory against Australia in the summer of 2005, taking the crucial catch in England's two-run victory in the second Test at Edgbaston.

Gloucestershire must beat Middlesex at Bristol this evening if they are to maintain a realistic chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals as they are already six points behind the group leaders, Similarly, Middlesex are under pressure after losing back-to-back games against Essex and Sussex last weekend. The visitors are expected to include Australian all-rounder Dan Christian in their line-up. He is well-known to Gloucestershire's players having spent last summer playing T20 cricket in Bristol.

Seventh Rugby Festival a big hit The seventh Cheltenham Rugby Festival took place on at the Folley last Thursday featuring 38 teams from 14 schools from across the county in one of the country’s largest rugby league festivals RUGBY UNION

T

HERE was the welcome addition of St Bartholomew’s in the boys’ tournament and Ribston Hall fielded three teams in the girls’ competition.

There was also a guest school from Oxfordshire taking part in Millbrook School. Ribston Hall’s U13 girls team topped their pool after four wins and a draw from their six matches and were crowned champions. Their two U15s sides had mixed fortunes with the A side drawing three of their four games in finishing bottom of their pool while the B side narrowly missed out on qualification for the final being edged out by Tewkesbury’s B side who were beaten in the final by Churchdown. Chosen Hill were the most successful school in the boys’ competition, reaching the final of three of the four Year groups and carrying off the trophy in two of

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them. The Year 7 and Year 10 titles were secured with wins over Beaufort and Archway respectively. The 7-1 victory at Year 7 was closer than the score would suggest, but Hill lifted the trophy having won all their games. It was the same story at Year 10 with Chosen Hill completing the maximum four wins in their group. This Year group is always a high quality competition and this year was no exception with Chosen Hill’s superb defence helping them to a 6-0 win. The trophies did not all go Chosen Hill’s way as, in the Year 8 competition, they were bested by St Peters. After both schools had won all their pool games it was a real battle for supremacy as they met in the final and St Peters ran out winners by 8 tries to two. The Year 9 Boys pool B was a tight affair with Tewkesbury edging Chosen Hill by three scores after each side had defeated the other and finished level at the top. Tewkesbury could not triumph in the final going

down 4-3 to Bournside in a thriller. Bournside justified their better record in the pool stages and remained unbeaten in the competition. The individual honours for players of the tournament at the various age groups were spread across several schools. The Arthur Smith Award at Year 7 went to Tyson Ryland of Beaufort while Reece Sarson of St Peters was honoured for his performances in the Year 8 competition.

Ollie Aherne of Bournside picked up the award at Year 9, while Luca Carloni of Archway took home the Year 10 trophy. The Empress award for player of the tournament in the girls’ competition went to Jasmine Ford of Churchdown at U15 and Grace Rigler of U13 runners-up St Peters.

Cheltenham’s MP, Martin Horwood, and Roger Jackson, the Sports editor of Gloucestershire Media were on hand to present the prizes to end a very successful day.

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 29 MAY

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SPORT McIlroy finds form and solace at Wentworth Double-major winner Rory McIlroy found peace on the golf course after the heartache of his recent split with fiancée Caroline Wozniacki by winning the PGA Championship. The 25-year-old came from seven shots behind 54-hole Wentworth leader Thomas Bjorn to card a six-under-par 66 and win by one GOLF

B

JORN blew a six-stroke lead early on to finish two back with Luke Donald.

McIlroy's good friend Shane Lowry finished outright second. “When I was inside the ropes it was a little bit of a release. I was on my own, doing what I do best and it gave me four or five hours of serenity or sanctuary, whatever you call it,” said McIlroy whose first win on European soil lifts him four places to sixth in the world rankings. McIlroy and former world number one tennis player Wozniacki, 23, had been in a relationship since 2011 and the golfer proposed to the Dane on New Year's Eve. McIlroy, who experienced a form slump in 2013 following his multi-million dollar Nike deal, last tasted success at the Australian Open at the end of

last year. The Northern Irishman said the past few days had been bizarre ahead of a busy June, which includes the US Open. “I can't explain it. It's obviously a week of mixed emotions,” he added. “I am looking at the trophy saying 'How the hell did it happen?'.

“I was asked in an interview how I feel and I don't know. I feel happy that I've won but it's been a weird week. “I really wanted to win before going into the second major of the season. I couldn't have asked for a better way to prepare.” Donald, who like McIlroy has reached the summit of the world rankings, said he thought the world might again see the best of his Ryder Cup team-mate.

He said: “I'm happy for Rory. We all know what he's been going through and sometimes making those tough decisions maybe takes a weight off your mind in a way and he can

engulf himself in the golf.” McIlroy, who equalled Simon Khan's 2010 tournament record for the largest final-round comeback, began the day with plenty of ground to make up on 15-time tour winner Bjorn, 43.

However Lowry showed McIlroy the way by closing the gap with an eagle at the fourth and in the space of 15 minutes Bjorn's huge advantage had evaporated, the Dane bogeying the fifth and then racking up a horrible seven at the following hole. Lowry moved into a three-shot lead before a costly doubly bogey six at the 13th, while McIlroy was producing a stunning par save at the par-three 14th. McIlroy then birdied the closing two par fives, the long 17th and treacherous 18th, to leave his rivals in his wake and become the first Northern Irish winner of the European Tour's flagship event.

Cheltenham Town invite all supporters to an open day FOOTBALL

THE open day will take place on Saturday 19th July and will run between 11am and 4pm. The first hour of the event will be exclusive to 2014-15 season ticket holders with interaction with the players and management as well as question and answer sessions. From 12pm the doors shall be open for all Cheltenham Town supporters to enjoy a hog roast in the beautiful surroundings of the club’s training ground. An open training session will run for an hour from 12.30pm with Mark Yates and his squad before the 2014-15 home kit is revealed by the players and Miss Cheltenham. Plenty of other events will be run on the day including the Hot Shot Challenge, a ‘beat the goalkeeper’ competition for the Junior Robins

as well as stalls advertising other great ways of getting involved at Whaddon Road. Steven Burge, Cheltenham Town Commercial Sales Executive, said: “Player and fan engagement, and the relationships between the two, are top of our agenda and this open day should go a long way to help bring supporters and the players together. “We hope the event goes down well with all the supporters but especially our season ticket holders who will have an exclusive hour at the start of the day to meet the players and management. “We are proud to be a family club and we hope the Open Day will prove to be a good start to the new season.” If any local businesses would like to get involved in the Cheltenham Town open day then please get in touch with Steven Burge via email (steven.burge@ctfc.com) or on the phone (01242 588107).

Rory McIlroy

Jacob Rowan

Gloucester sign Leeds Carnegie captain Jacob Rowan RUGBY UNION

GLOUCESTER have signed Leeds Carnegie flanker Jacob Rowan, but haven’t disclosed the length of the contract.

The 24-year-old flanker made his Leeds debut six years ago and became their youngest-ever Captain in 2012.

Premiership Gloucester, whose director of rugby Nigel Davies left earlier this month ended the season ninth, while Carnegie lost in the Championship play-offs. Rowan commented, “The opportunity arose to have a shot at a higher level and I felt I had to take it,” He also said.

“It was a tough decision as I've been at Leeds for 10 years and was honoured to be captain. “But Gloucester are an established Premiership club and I'm looking forward to playing for them.”

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CHELTENHAM STANDARD 29 MAY

SPORT MOTOR RACING

Mercedes handling very sticky situation between drivers Hamilton and Rosberg

James Hook

Wales international James Hook looks set to join Gloucester RUGBY UNION

W

ALES back James Hook seems set to join Gloucester from Perpignan, BBC Wales Sport understands. The 28year-old, who can play fly-half, full-back or centre, had held talks with former team Ospreys. But it now seems that English Premiership side Gloucester will sign the 75times capped Wales player.

Hook signed a four-year

contract extension with Perpignan in September, 2013, but has a get-out clause after the French club's Top 14 relegation.

The former Neath player left the Liberty Stadium to join Perpignan in July 2011, citing the wish to play regularly at flyhalf as a major reason.

Hook impressed for Perpignan, earning many admirers in France and becoming the Catalan club's captain. But as at Ospreys and

with Wales, his versatility ensured he has also played much of his rugby in the French Top 14 at full-back. However, with Freddie Burns leaving Gloucester to join Leicester the Cherry and Whites are in need of more experience at fly-half.

Hook, who was a call-up to the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, had also been linked with newly promoted French side Lyon, as well as English outfit London Irish.

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JAMES HOOK FACTFILE DoB: 27/6/1985 Positions: Fly-half, full-back, centre Clubs: Neath, Ospreys, Perpignan International honours: 75 Wales caps; call-up to 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa

THERE is clearly a problem between Hamilton and Rosberg and it came to a head at the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend. But Mercedes are very openly managing the media's expectations and desires to see something blow up. The team are saying that they do what they can, which is ask them not to crash into each other, but for the rest the drivers are racers, and so are the team, and they will let them race. They know it will cause them problems, but you would much rather face that than trying to make the car go faster. In that sense, it is a good problem to have to manage. Non-executive chairman Niki Lauda is a no-nonsense sort of guy who has seen it all before - and been there, too, in his own battle with Alain Prost in 1984. And team bosses Toto Wolff and Paddy Lowe know that they have two choices. They can either try to micro-manage the situation and tell people the drivers are not doing this or that, when we all know they are. Or they can hold their hands up and say, look, they're competitive guys, they're paid to race, they have to respect the team and not crash into each other, but for the rest they can go for it.

After the race in Monaco, Hamilton was very clear that he was going to go to Montreal for the next race and let his speed do the talking. I'm sure Mercedes will just let the drivers get on with it in Canada. If a team is well managed, this sort of thing does not divide them.

David Coulthard was quoted as saying that the biggest management job the team have is the media, not the two drivers, because neither of them is going to come to heel. As for the rest of us he said‌ we should just enjoy it.