Cheltenham Standard 11th December 2014 by Cotswold Style Ltd

WEEKLY

www.cheltenhamstandard.co.uk 11 DECEMBER 2014 ISSUE 21 Your discerning local weekly newspaper

WIN ONE OF TEN

COUNTRYFILE ‘A CELEBRATION OF THE SEASONS’ DVD’S PAGE 10 >>

YOUR WEEKEND TV GUIDE

BAKER

PROPERTY & HOME

WE’LL BACK BUCKLE IN JANUARY

SHOWCASING THE VERY BEST HOUSES ON THE MARKET PAGE 17 >>

WHAT’S ON THE BOX? PAGE 16 >>

FREE

BACK PAGE >>

THE BIG COUNTDOWN: 3 WEEKS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS!

GYPSY SITE TO GO AHEAD

has arrived in Cheltenham

FIRMER, TIGHTER, LIFTED

Chin and jawline treatments Eyes and Lip Lines Neck treatments

Free consultation at Alison Taylor Medical Cosmetics

Hartley Lane Site in Leckhampton

3 DEEP Facial Tightening

Before treatment

After 1 treatment

Before treatment

After treatment

3 DEEP Fractional Skin Refsurfacing

LANS by Cotswold District Council and Cheltenham Borough Council to build a Gyspy site in Leckhampton have been approved for a temporary period of three years. The plan was vigorously opposed by local residents and farmers alike. An ‘action group’ had been formed by local residents frustrated by the recom-

mendation of Cotswold District Council Officers to approve an application for a gypsy and traveller site at Hartley Lane, Leckhampton Hill. The site is on the periphery of Cotswold District close to land owned by Cheltenham Borough Council at Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common. Most of the people affected by this de-

Spacious new showroom, lots of parking

cision will come from Cheltenham together with visitors walking the Cotswold Way. The Cotswold District Council Planning Committee, which sat on Wednesday 10th December, was advised by officers to give approval for three years for an application for two stable complexes, which will also include a washroom for people,

together with three mobile homes and three touring caravans. Neighbouring farmer Dan Powell said, “We suspected that Cotswold District Council might support the application because as part of the Local Plan it is obliged to provide pitches for gypsies, but we thought this site TURN TO PAGE TWO >

Alison Taylor Medical Cosmetics 18 Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HE Tel: 01242 234707 info@alison-taylor.com www.alison-taylor.com

Come and have a look! Call Sarah on:

07768 874 777 or Caroline on:

07775 556 103

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

Cheltenham WeatherWatch THURSDAY 11th Dec Min 6ºC Max 7ºC

Wilson museum and art gallery overspends by whopping £100,000

FRIDAY 12th Dec Min 0ºC Max 8ºC

REFURBISHMENT work on The Wilson was completed in October 2013 after a 30-month closure and it now transpires the re- furb’ has cost another extra £100,000 on top of the initial overspend estimate. In February Cheltenham Borough Council revealed the £6.3m project had cost £6.7m. A new audit has revealed yet another area of extra financial oversight. The extra cost is likely to be covered by next year’s council budget, due to be agreed in February 2015. Figures revealed by the council’s audit committee showed that the full extent of the initial £0.5m overspend was not revealed in a report to the council on 14th February of this year. Council chief executive Andrew North said it was “disappointing” and a breakdown in communication was to blame for

SATURDAY 13th Dec Min 2ºC Max 5ºC SUNDAY 14th Dec Min 5ºC Max 8ºC MONDAY 15th Dec Min 5ºC Max 8ºC TUESDAY 16th Dec Min 6ºC Max 9ºC WEDNESDAY 17th Dec Min 5ºC Max 9ºC

ADVERTISING gillkirkham@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk EDITOR editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk HEALTH & LIFESTYLE natalieneale@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk SPORTS sports@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk

GOT A STORY? EMAIL OR CALL US ON 01242 257019 www.cheltenhamstandard.co.uk Twitter: @CheltStandard

Patient care plans failing BED-BLOCKING at two Gloucestershire hospitals is being blamed on care services failing to get care plans into place quickly enough for patients. About 80 patients are unable to leave hospital and concern has been raised by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s health board. Chief executive Frank Harsent said: “We as a health and social care system are letting patients down.” Gloucestershire Care Services admitted there had been delays in some cases. Bed-blocking is when patients who are deemed “medically fit” to be discharged remain in a hospital bed. This can be due to delays in care packages being put in place to support people in their homes, or a lack of beds at community hospitals. Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust runs Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal hospitals. “We’re only at the start of winter and winter in the NHS goes on until April, so four or five months of this cannot be right,” said Mr Harsent. He said the bed-blocking had a knock-on effect, as it forced planned surgery appoint-

the discrepancy. “The people who were putting in the orders should have followed a process to make sure the information was being fed into the finance team, and the finance team were making sure it was being properly recorded’’. He went to add, “If all that had been done properly we’d have known exactly what position we were in financially, but because some of that information wasn’t flowing through like it should have done we were in the dark about the total expenditure.” Mr North also said that extra money “may well” have had to have been spent anyway. Work on the refurbishment took 12 months longer than originally planned due to unforeseen and unavoidable work. Problems included a structural engineering contractor going bust and mistakes with some concrete pouring which required removing and then replacing.

Traveller site gets green light CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

ments to be cancelled and caused delays in A&E. Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust has more than 200 beds across its seven community hospitals. It also said £3.9m had been invested in community teams and it was working closely with the hospitals trust on the issue. The care trust’s spokesman said: “The numbers of patients being deemed medically fit and ready to move to a different setting is monitored closely and changes throughout the day. “In a small number of instances the complexity of a patient’s needs are such that we cannot move them as quickly as we would like into a community setting. “Our emphasis and focus continues to be on providing highquality health and social care to people in their homes wherever possible, delivered by our integrated community teams and rapid response teams.”

was so inappropriate.’’ He added, “this news that the site is to go ahead is appalling.’’ The site is in open countryside and adjacent to the Cotswold Way National Trail, which is enjoyed by thousands of walkers every year. Nearby resident Mark Kildea said: “The National Policy for Travellers Sites makes it clear that local authorities strictly limit the development of traveller sites in the open countryside. This is an unspoilt rural lane surrounded by farmland. More than this, Hartley Lane is one of the few locations in our entire district where the Cotswold Way is shared by vehicles, walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This development decision will scar the Cotswold landscape and the increased traffic will be hazardous to the thousands of walkers who love and make use of the National trail.” The Cotswold Conservation Board, which looks after the Cotswold Way, and Coberley Parish Council also opposed the application.

HAVE YOUR SAY.... TWEET US @CheltStandard #LeckhamptonGypsySite

11 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

Incident Involving Teenage Girl GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses following an incident involving a 14-year-old-girl. The girl was walking to school along Gloucester Road, Cheltenham at 8.00am on the morning of 3rd December, 2014. She was followed by a man who tried to push her into the entrance to Lansdown Road Industrial Estate. The victim resisted and the male walked off towards the

Stagecoach Depot. The man is described as white, between 18-22 years of age, 5' 8" to 5' 10" tall, average build with short brown hair. He was clean shaven wearing a navy blue hooded top and jeans. Police are requesting that anybody who witnessed the incident or who has further information to call 101 quoting Incident No 78 of 3rd December 2014.

Burglary in Brooklyn Road POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a burglary at a property in Brooklyn Road, Cheltenham. The householders returned to their home at 6.45pm on Friday 5th December to find all the lights on in the house. When they entered they found that intruders had broken into their home. The intruders smashed a hole in the rear patio doors, then reached in removing the

key from the inside. They then used the key to unlock the patio doors. The offenders searched throughout the property, emptying drawers and cupboards. A quantity of gold and silver jewellery was stolen. The police would like to hear from anybody who saw or heard anything suspicious. Please call 101 quoting Incident Number 432 of 5th December 2014.

Happy hound saved from pound IT was a very happy ending for a locally abandoned dog left to die. Frightened, starving and riddled with mange, poor puppy Dylan was found abandoned by a roadside in July this year. Luckily, a kindly gent saved the young Saluki cross Lurcher and took him to a local dog pound. Horrified staff said it was the worst case of neglect they had seen; he had no fur, was covered with painful sores and had been so starved that his body was skeletal. In fact, Dylan was so poorly he wasn’t expected to make it through the night. However this brave dog defied the odds and, after being treated for the mange, Dylan became stronger and gained weight. He was taken on by rescue centre Hounds First and was placed in one of their foster homes, where he came to the attention of Cheltenham resident Jamie Birch, who spotted his photo on Facebook and fell in love with him. Jamie said: “He has touched the lives of many and has a legion of Facebook fans following his progress. “It’s amazing that Dylan survived what he went through, and he cer-

tainly shouldn't be as loving and gentle as he is, given his ordeal. We believe he is a real pet survivor.’’ Pet Survivor Judge Steve Leonard said: “It takes a long time to starve an animal so Dylan must have suffered terribly over a prolonged period. Many people would not have given him a chance so well done to Jamie and his carers for sticking by him.” PDSA Vet Elaine Pendlebury said: “Dylan was very lucky to

survive such an ordeal. It’s clear that he has a fighting spirit and, against all the odds, he’s battled back to health and is now enjoying life as a loving family pet.” And Dylan is now in the final 6 of the PDSA’s prestigious Pet Survivor Awards. So if you want to vote for him text ‘Vote Dylan’ to 70099. Paws crossed for him! Votes cost £2 (plus standard network rate). Entries close on Sunday 14th December.

Charlton Kings drugs raid CHELTENHAM Neighourhood Policing Team carried out a drugs warrant in Charlton Kings last Friday 5th December 2014 recovering a large amount of cash and Class B drugs, with an estimated street value of £60,000. Three local people, a 52-

yea-old-woman and two men aged 26 and 21 were arrested from the address and bailed after interview. Enquiries are on-going. Tim Waterhouse, Cheltenham Local Policing Area Inspector, said: “This was a superb example of the police working closely with

the local community to make Cheltenham a safer place. It goes to prove that the support of local people is invaluable in helping us in our work and achieving positive policing results both within Cheltenham and throughout the county.”

Lindsey Sandiford

Cheltenham Grandmother fails to get reprieve GRANDMOTHER Lindsay Sandiford who is currently on death row and who was jailed in Indonesia for drug smuggling will not be given a reprieve, according to the country’s new president. President Joko Widodo has recently announced that

no clemency will be given to inmates already incarcerated for drug offences, including the 58-year-old from Cheltenham. Sandiford has been sentenced to death by firing squad for smuggling 4.8kg of cocaine into Bali during

May 2012 despite vigorous appeals to the High Court and Supreme Court for British legal aid. She claims she transported the drug under duress in an attempt to protect her children from threats of violence.

6T TH H & 7TH TH 13 13TH T &1 14 4TH TH

FOOD&DRINK ARTS&CRAFTS GIFTS&TOYS 1 10AM 0A M  5 5.30PM .30PM F FREE R EE P PARKING AR K ING HIGH HIGH QUALITY, QUA LIT Y, FRESH FR ESH CUT, CUT, LOCAL LOC A L CHRISTMAS CHR ISTM A S TREES TR EES T TAURUS AURUS C CR RA AFTS, FTS, LYDNEY, LYDNEY Y, GLOS, GLOS, GL15 GL15 6BU 6BU W W W..T TAURUSCR AFTS.CO.UK AFTS.CO.UK  01594 01594 844841 844841 WWW.TAURUSCR F IND US US ON ON THE THE A48 A48 WEST WEST OF OF LYDNEY LYDNEY FIND

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

New custody complex to open in the New Year GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S new custody facility is a significant step closer to completion after the keys were handed over to the county’s police and crime commissioner (PCC). Exterior work on the state-of-the-art complex on the Waterwells Business Park at Quedgeley is now complete. The final phase includes the installation of IT and other equipment and training of staff. An official opening is pencilled in for January 14th 2015 and the building is scheduled to become operational later that month. Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl, who made replacing ageing cells in Gloucester and Cheltenham an early priority after the project had stalled under the old police authority said, “It’s a building the constabulary can be proud of. “In less than a couple of months we will be able to consign the cells in Gloucester and Cheltenham to the history books, something that should have happened many years ago. “Now we can look forward to the new premises meeting the needs of the constabulary and the wider justice system whilst the contemporary design will fit in well with the environment and the other buildings in the area”. Assistant Chief Constable Sally Crook said,

“It’s taken a while, and undoubtedly much longer than we would have liked, but this will be a great addition for the Constabulary. “We can now look forward to getting it up and running and fully operational early in the New Year.” The PCC began a review of the cost of the project after being asked to approve the custody suite scheme proposed under the old Police Authority on taking office. After clawing back nearly one and a half million pounds, cutting non-essential work and introducing tighter controls on finances, the project went ahead with the budget capped at £12,429,821.

70-72 High Street Cheltenham

135-137 Bath Road Cheltenham

We are looking for children (under 10) to make decorations to bring in and hang on our Christmas Tree in both our Cheltenham stores.

Abbeyfield launches local Coping at Christmas campaign for the elderly A NATIONAL housing and care charity is offering free festive meals and accommodation to the over 55’s in your area. Elderly people without family or friends to spend Christmas with can feel isolated and alone, which is why preparations are now underway at older people’s housing and care charity, The Abbeyfield Society, for its fifth annual Coping at Christmas campaign. Abbeyfield will be offering lonely older people festive fun, Christmas meals, overnight stays, and a chance to enjoy company to those aged over 55 and who are living independently during the extended festive period. The charity is already receiving a flood

Maggie’s Cheltenham and Prostate Cancer UK join forces MAGGIE’S Cheltenham and Prostate Cancer UK have joined forces to support men living with prostate cancer in Cheltenham and their families, with support from the Movember Foundation. The Living With and Beyond Prostate Cancer course will be delivered at Maggie’s Cheltenham to provide men and their families with information and practical support to help them adjust to living with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with 40,000 men diagnosed every year in the UK. Over 4,500 men in the South West alone are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and it results in nearly 1,200 deaths in the region annually. The new course, which has been made possible through funding from the Movember Foundation, was developed in a bid to help men and their loved ones through these issues. Men and their families will also have the opportunity to share advice and provide support to others who have been through similar experiences. Ann Ferguson, Associate Director of Community Services at Prostate Cancer

How to enter: Just bring the decorations with your name, age and contact details written on the back into your nearest store and we will hang them there and then. A winner will be picked from each store and will receive an extra Christmas present from us and The Cheltenham Standard. Any questions, call Graham on 01242 285 648

GOOD LUCK!

of calls from troubled older people who dread the prospect of spending Christmas alone. Abbeyfield chief executive Natasha Singarayer said: “It is incredibly sad that older people are already becoming distressed and worried about Christmas especially at a time that’s supposed to be about joy and happiness,” She went on to add “If you or a family member or friend are worried about being alone at Christmas please call our Coping at Christmas number on 01727 734 066 or email coping@abbeyfield.com and we can register you with your local Abbeyfield house.” The Abbeyfield House for Cheltenham is Heathercroft on St Lukes Road.

Maggies

UK said: ‘’All too often we hear from men struggling to come to terms with their diagnosis and many report that they receive little or no support to help them deal with their concerns. We’re delighted that with support from the Movember Foundation we are able to work with Maggie’s Cheltenham to fill the gap in support that men in the area so desperately need.” Maggie’s is the charity which provides free practical, emotional and social support for people with cancer and their family and friends across the UK. Jane Fide, Centre Head at Maggie’s Cheltenham said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK and local cancer teams to provide this course for men in Cheltenham and their families’.’ For more information on the Living With and Beyond Prostate Cancer course or to book a place please contact Maggie’s Cheltenham on 01242 250611 / cheltenham@maggiescentres.org or visit Maggie’s Cheltenham at The Lodge, College Baths Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7QB. The Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

11 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

Local MP gets a lesson in democracy

AgonyAunt Kimberley Wall CHRISTMAS is fast approaching but sometimes the festivities and good cheer can be accompanied by the worry or strain of potential family disagreements. It is not surprising that at a time of heightened emotions, expense, alcohol consumption and/or families spending more time together than usual; this can sometimes create tension within the family home. A new Relate survey which interviewed over 400 adults found that argument-free family time comes top of most people in the South of England’s Christmas list this year (conducted by YouGov). 89% of people in the South of England said that spending time with immediate family was important to them for a happy Christmas yet 86% also rated avoiding family arguments as important. In fact 19% of participants cited having different priorities than others as their biggest worry of all this Christmas and 16% claimed their biggest worry was not meeting other people’s expectations. So, Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon’s

have offered five top tips in managing the worry over Christmas in order to focus on the happier aspects of the festive season: *Start talking early. Encourage everyone to be honest about their festive hopes and fears. *Don’t overpromise. If something is impractical, or too expensive, it’s ok to explain why it can’t happen. *Try to compromise. For example, your partner might want to spend a cosy Christmas alone together, whereas you might want to be with your wider family. Compromise by waking up together and having a special breakfast before joining the family for Christmas dinner. *It’s ok to say ‘no’. If someone’s wishes can’t be accommodated, explain why and see if it’s possible to do something similar at a later date. *Enjoy yourself! Take a step back and try not to get too bogged down in the organisation. The survey also found that 15% of people in the South of England said they were worried about feeling lonely this Christmas so whilst it may seem like a struggle to include extended family and friends in your celebrations, just remember that with the right frame of mind you might be able to make a huge difference to someone who’s feeling lonely at this time of year. I am here to listen so please contact me on relateglosservices@hotmail.co.uk if you want to talk about something – I will not share your personal details with the newspaper but will answer as many letters in my column as I can. Alternatively if you would like to make an appointment with a Relate Counsellor (charges apply) please contact us on 01242 523215.

MARTIN Horwood MP got a lesson in democracy and heraldry last week, from Year 6 pupils at Gardner’s Lane Primary School. Harry, Ekata, Yonathan, Ryan, Destiny and Ansha had taken part in a national competition organised by parliament to celebrate two important anniversaries next year. 2015 marks the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta in 1215 and the 750th anniversary of the parliament convened by rebel baron Simon de Montfort in 1265. Both were landmarks in the struggle to win power from the monarch. To mark the anniversaries, parliament called on MPs to select one school in their constituency to produce flag designs representing their community. The winning flag in Cheltenham by 10-year-old Yonathan Ayenew has a chance of being displayed in parliament during the anniversary celebrations. “I chose Gardner’s Lane for a number of reasons,” said Mr Horwood. “I knew head teacher Charles Welsh and his team would

make the most of this chance to show off the talent in the school but Gardner’s Lane is also one of the most diverse schools in Cheltenham, representing every aspect of our Cheltenham community.” “I couldn’t believe how much thought they had put into each design,’’ said the MP, “just as real heraldic designers do. And they even obeyed the traditional heraldic rule of separating colours with white ‘metal’ borders, just as you see in the Union Jack.’’ Pupils also held a democratic vote on the four designs and Yonathan’s won with 94 votes. Mr Horwood went to say, “The Gardners after whom Gardners Lane is named were a prominent local brewing family and they supplied Cheltenham with its longestserving MP in the whole 180 year history of the town’s parliamentary representation. Sir James Agg-Gardner represented the town for a staggering total of 39 years, spread in four instalments over more than half a century. He was a student when he first contested the seat in 1868 and died in office at a ripe old age in 1928.”

To advertise your businesss in the Cheltenham Standard and appear in 12,000 copies call 01242 257019

BUY NO NOW W– P AY NEXT YEAR! PAY

% Finance 0

For F or a limited limited time only onlly

upp ttoo

35%

DISCOUNT DISCOUNT Act fast!

WINDOWS, WINDO WS, S, DOORS, O CONSERVATORIES CONSERV VATORIES

PRIOR PRODUCTS CTS Ltd Manufacturre Manufacturers errs and installers bespoke ins tallerrs of bespok e PVCu PV Cu windows, windows, doors doorrs and cconservatories. onservatories. A ffamily amilly run company company established es tablished 26 years. yearrs s.

Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

Manufacturers and Installers Installers BFRC Manufacturers Approved Installers Installers Planitherm Approved Coloured Grained Grained Windows Windows w available available Coloured PVCu Facias, Facias, Soffits and Guttering Guttering PVCu Repairss tto Repair o Windo Windows ws and Glas Glasss Replac Replacement ement Aluminium and Wooden Wooden Frames Frames available available Bi-fold Doors Doors and Orangeries Orangeries eries Bi-fold Garage Doors Doors Garage Quottation No Deposits & FREE Quotation Trade Frames Frames (supply (supplly only) onlly) also available available Trade

Visit V isit our our Showroom: Shhowroom: Cliff Clifford C ord Chamber Chambers, s,

Nr Stratford Stratford upon upo on Avon Avon CV37 CV37 8LW 8LW

CCall a ll uuss on 01242 0 220518

www.priorproducts.co.uk www .priorp products.co.uk Opening Times: Monday-F riday/Sunday 10am-4pm pm Monday-Friday/Sunday

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

PITTVILLE Park was festooned with all things Christmas last Sunday as more than 300 pre-registered Santa’s and Elves got together for an annual fun run organised by Cheltenham Sunrise Rotary Club in aid of Battledown Children’s Centre and Cancer Research.

Santas on the run

CHALKTALK Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cheltenham gets vocal...

A TALE OF TWO TOWNS

Christmas get-together

PHOTO: ROB WHEATMAN

THE partners of Harrison Clark Rickerbys held their sixth annual drinks party at the Daffodil to thank customers for their continued support of the firm which continues to grow from strength to strengh. HCR employ around 150 staff in their Cheltenham based offices at Ellenborough House. Pictured are the 200+ guests raising a glass to toast the festive season.

here are two Cheltenhams. The first adorns tourism brochures and coffee table books across the country and beyond. It is the Cheltenham of caryatids, Holst, stunning Georgian architecture and beautiful town squares. It’s the town that is the jewel of the Cotswolds, and which makes our spirits lift when the Prom heaves into view. But there’s another Cheltenham too. It’s a place that gets talked about far less. It’s a town where, according to the ONS, a whopping 17.4% of households have no one in work. That’s a staggering percentage. To put it in some sort of context, the corresponding figure for Gloucester is 14.4%. For Stroud it’s 7.6%. And what’s even more sobering is that in Cheltenham the figure has gone up since 2010, whilst for the SouthWest overall it has dropped dramatically. Meanwhile, life expectancy for men in the least affluent area is 9.6 years lower than the most affluent. What’s the explanation? Why are some areas of town missing out on the national economic recovery? I’m afraid a significant issue is the fact that Cheltenham doesn’t have a proper economic plan. Lib Dem Council bosses have admitted that the existing version is ‘outof-date’ and ‘not fit for purpose’. The

Council is now frantically scrabbling around to devise a new one, but it really should have been lined up before. It leaves us having to play catch-up with our neighbours. To ensure that the future recovery reaches all Cheltonians, we need a new laser-like focus on job opportunities, particularly for our young people. That’s why I have been promoting the idea of turning Cheltenham into a technology hub, and launched my vision earlier this year. And we need more apprentices for our young people. It’s not right that Cheltenham has generated only half the number of apprenticeships as Gloucester this year. We’ve also got to get more businesssavvy in the way we run our town. That means cutting the cost of politics (we really don’t need to be paying for 40 borough councillors) and embracing modern practices. I’d like to see our town adopting the parking flexibility trail-blazed elsewhere in Gloucestershire to attract shoppers to support local businesses. We all want Cheltenham to succeed in the future. But that success must reach every corner of our town. Do email me at alex@alexchalk.com. Let me know how we can make Cheltenham a town of opportunity.

11 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

THE SIMMONDS FILE Christina Simmonds – Ukip Cheltenham Parliamentary candidate for 2015

Tesco to move into Brewery TESCO supermarket has finally agreed to move out of its High Street store, allowing a £30 million redevelopment of the Brewery in Cheltenham to proceed. The Metro store had until Wednesday of this week to agree the move as a “last resort” compulsory purchase order (CPO) from Cheltenham Borough Council was looming which would have had the abulkity to evict the supermarket.

With the Brewery redevelopment project now underway, and demolition of the stores between Henrietta Street and Wilko complete, the site developers Martin Commercial Properties were facing trouble agreeing terms with Tesco. Retailers left in the front of the Brewery had agreed to move out prior to this agreement, all except Tesco.

THE recent Autumn Statement included a promise of spending on major infrastructure projects, which included £250,000 earmarked for the A417 missing link. Good news, apart from the three year delay in starting and the lack of commitment from Martin Horwood due to his concerns about ecological and visual impact. Raising the tax free allowance will give a small increase in disposable income to everyone in work, providing that they are earning more than £10,600, which for some of those on zero hours contracts, may not be a reality. The only true job is one that attracts tax and so helps fund those in our society who have no work or are unable to work. The failure to rationalise Overseas Aid was very disappointing, at least until the economy is providing the surplus to fund it. Why should so large a proportion (£3 billion since 2010) be directed through other international agencies, including the EU, for projects that the UK has no control

over? Money given in Overseas Aid is borrowed by the government, on which interest has to be paid, and adds to the already vast national debt. There are areas of our own society, which appear to be more in need of those charitable funds. If our Government is unwilling to use available EU funds, which we as a nation have created, to bolster the efforts of our food banks to feed those who cannot afford themselves, then divert at least some of this money they are so happy to borrow towards helping the less fortunate in our own society. We are not just talking about inner city deprivation, there are food banks in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and even rural Gloucestershire. The British are perhaps the most charitable individuals in the world, but this doesn’t seem to apply to those in power unless it is a matter of largesse to foreign nations. This is not right, it is not fair and it isn’t common sense. Christina Simmonds www.ukipcheltenham.org.uk chairman@ukipcheltenham.org.uk

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

BUSINESS Editor’sDESK

Chancellor makes air ambulance VAT cut

e don’t want pikeys round here I hear you all cry. It’s the, ‘not in my back yard’ malaise that pervades some parts of our society. ‘All fine and well if you move those travellers somewhere else, just as long as it’s not here’. Sound familiar? This week has seen frantic activity by some local residents in Leckampton as they vigorously opposed (in vain) the positioning of a traveller’s site right on their doorstep. The sentiments ran strong, as the ‘Action Group’ came head-tohead with Cotswold District Council (CDC) who in their wisdom thought that this area would be a good site to place this unwanted baggage of our society. And in fact did so. This may seem a cruel statement on my part, but they are what they are. Never the less they do deserve to have some where to park their caravans and assorted 4x4’s. Britain's traveller community has a long-standing, 500-year heritage. However the use of the terms Gypsy and traveller continues to stir strong emotion among members of settled communities like Leckhampton. Especially if they think it’s going to affect them! The UK's traveller community, estimated to have between 200,000 and 300,000 members, takes in several, distinct ethnic groups, such as Romany Gypsies and Scottish and Irish Travellers. It is a shortage of space to set up in which has led to these kind of proposed sites which cause tension between communities and has fuelled the bitter wrangle over the Leckhampton site. A local petition, raising over 600 signatures, opposing the designation of the allotted land failed to stop it going ahead. Ministers say the imposition of government targets on councils to accommodate traveller settlements, brought in by the previous government, has actually made things worse. I agree. CDC and Cheltenham Borough Council have knee-jerked on this issue. The government recognises the vast majority of travellers as law-abiding citizens. But it says central targets are forcing councils to encroach onto greenbelt land and causing an increase in illegal sites. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles now wants to give travellers on official sites the same protection against eviction as residents on other mobile home sites. At the same time, he would give councils more power to remove illegal traveller sites and place limitations on unauthorised traveller camps achieving legal status through retrospective planning applications. Councils it would appear are also eligible to share a pot of cash to create more official sites. This may have prompted CDC to try this recent off-loading of their problem onto the unhappy locals in Leckhampton. Local councils need to analyse this in much more detail and come up with solutions that suits everyone. Not an easy task, but that’s what we pay them for. Sort it out! Travellers say living together is an important part of their ethnic identity and in this PC world and all that nonsense the councils should at least do the liberal thing and address it. Would I like travellers in Tivoli? Not at all. But I do recognise they need somewhere to live and rest their weary bones. Perhaps I’m just part of the problem too?

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

Sue Daye

SUE DAY, tax partner in the Cheltenham office of national audit, tax and advisory firm Crowe Clark Whitehill, highlighted the Chancellor’s help for the life-saving services, he promised to refund VAT for search and rescue and air ambulance organisations across the UK. “It is a great charity, many people have cause to be thankful to air ambulances and this is a nice gesture.” Mrs Daye hailed the increase in R&D tax credit for small and medium companies to 230 percent and the credit for large firms to 11 percent. She noted: “The Chancellor has done much to help SME’s in this area in recent years but it is the first time in quite a while it has been extended to larger companies and this will be welcomed.” Daye also praised moves by HMRC to be more accommodating. Given companies taking advan-

tage of R&D tax credits is nowhere near the number eligible, small firms making a first claim will be offered more support. Meanwhile there will also be support for midsized businesses going through major change or launching new projects, with a dedicated tax person earmarked to advise. And there was an interesting take on banking changes; under current rules banks can offset all their losses from the financial crisis against tax on profits for years to come. The Chancellor is limiting the amount of profit in established banks that can be offset by losses carried forward to 50 percent and delaying relief on bad debts. Mrs Daye finally said: “A lot of countries have similar rules that apply to all tax losses, not just the banks. It will be interesting to see whether this is extended out to all companies in due course.”

Insurance claims on rise as festive season looms CHRISTMAS Day for many, is the greatest day of the year, but a Cheltenham insurance expert is warning that unfortunately it is also the worst day of the year for fire damage. Jim Stevenson of local Insurance Brokers Jelf cautions that even though our love of festive candles, fairy lights and flambéed Christmas pudding are all in keeping with Christmas tradition, they also contribute to a much higher fire risk and therefore increased claims. According to 10 years* worth of claims data, Christmas Day sees an increase in fire claims of 120% compared with an average day as kitchens go into overdrive to prepare the festive feast. Another festive flashpoint is New Year’s Eve when there is traditionally a sharp rise in burglaries as thieves are attracted by expensive presents left unguarded as people head out to celebrate. By contrast, Christmas day sees the lowest number of theft claims; 80% lower than the average day. Jim said: “Take care when cooking Christmas dinner; ovens will be

working over-time and it’s easy to leave gas hobs on when the house is busy and noisy. “Also, check fairy lights, don’t over load sockets and switch them off when you’re out and when you go to bed. “A common mistake is making your home look like a shop window for burglars by leaving presents under the tree; try and keep them out of sight until the big day. “And when the festivities are over, ensure all gift packaging is as unidentifiable as possible when you throw it out. It’s easy to just dump new TV or iPod boxes in or near your outside bin, but it’s a beacon for opportunistic burglars.” Meanwhile, in the week leading up

to Christmas, car accident claims see a 20% increase compared to the average day, probably due to the increase of cars on the road making last minute present dashes. However, between Christmas and New Year “all is calm, all is bright” – these are five safest days of the year for motor theft; it appears even car thieves take Christmas off! New Year’s Eve is also one of the worst for accidental damage claims in the home. A 25% increase is largely down to spills on carpets, cigarette burns and damage to mobile phones and cameras at parties. *Source: Aviva claims data from 2003 to 2012.

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

11 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

BUSINESS Mayor Supports Small Business Saturday

THE FSB Cheltenham Branch and Pitman Training Cheltenham were delighted that the Mayor of Cheltenham, Cllr Simon Wheeler, showed his support for Small Business Saturday. “It is important to support local small businesses because they are an essential part of the local community that creates jobs and wealth that stays in the local economy,” commented Cllr Simon Wheeler. “Whilst big businesses make an important contribution to the local economy they can, and do, move money out of the local economy to somewhere else in the UK or even abroad. This can have a detrimental impact because we need money generated locally, spent locally and invested locally,” Wheeler said. Tim Calway, Chairman of the FSB Cheltenham Branch said: “We are delighted that the Mayor of Cheltenham attended our Small Business Day event at Pitman Train-

ing Cheltenham. “Kath and Kevin Daws who run Pitman Training in Cheltenham, are a good example of a small business that has had to work hard to succeed. “We asked them to host this event because we wanted to recognise their achievements, including more than doubling their turnover in the last 12 months and also to highlight the fact that small businesses take many forms including training providers.” Kevin Daws, Training Manager said: “We would like to thank the Mayor for supporting Small Business Saturday which is very important to both ourselves and many other small businesses in Cheltenham. We are also grateful to the FSB for inviting us to host this event. We are achieving a 97% pass rate and virtually all of our Diploma Graduates have found work some in totally new careers. 2014 has been a good year and we hope that 2015 will be even better.”

Brewin Dolphin announce preliminary results for year end Ed Mawle

ED MAWLE, Head of Brewin Dolphin in Cheltenham said: “2014 has been an exceptionally busy year in Cheltenham, we are proud of our contribution to these creditable results and we have done much to improve our efficiency and our services for clients. We are mindful of the many changes to the landscape for investors, with new freedoms for pensions and a veritable savings revolution, with a succession of announcements from the Chancellor during the year. We are determined to be in a position to help fill the growing advice gap, of which we see continuing evidence in Cheltenham.”

Winter Wonderland

London Flyer (for Winter Wonderland too) | Dec 28th | £21 *Entry included. Children (15 and under) receive a discount of £5 on all our Day Trips.

2014/15 Theatre Trips & Shows Johann Strauss Gala Concert

Andre Rieu

Birmingham Thursday January 1st 2015 | £39

Andre Rieu Birmingham Wed Dec17th 2014 £75

Thriller – Live! – London Saturday January 10th 2015 | £59

Memphis – London Friday January 16th 2015 | £59 Dick Whittington – Bristol Hippodrome Sunday December 28th 2014 | £49

Strictly Come Dancing – NIA Birmingham Saturday January 17th 2015 | £69

*Children (15 and under) receive a discount of £10 on all our Theatre Trips.

WE ARE OPEN Monday to Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm

To book please call

01242 257714 61 Clarence Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3LB

www.marchants-coaches.com

Various local pick-up points available!

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

n ou sc Di

WIN...

Christmas in New York!

Christmas Parties! Celebrate Christmas with our exquisite menu, fine wines, and attentive staff. Whether you’re with friends, family or colleagues, this is the perfect environment to embrace the magic of the festive season.

Special offer! from £22.00 + VAT per person

Come and enjoy one of our New York themed parties. After arriving through our Christmas lit gardens and lake, prepare to be met at our Airport Lounge with a glass of bubbly.

Our flight crew will escort you through to our New York themed Winter Wonderland with trees, lights and a Broadway stage. We guarantee a fantastic night to remember!

Christmas Lunches! Why not relax and enjoy the run up to Christmas with a wonderful festive lunch in the Manor? Experience a treat that will please everyone - log fires, beautiful surroundings and delicious food. Our staff are eager to please.

Special offer! from

Special offer! from £22.00 + VAT per person

(Pre-booking required - selected dates)

COMPETITION

w ing Fe in s t ma La Re s te Da

THE Exmouth Arms in Bath Road are joining forces with Cheltenham Connect and the Lion’s Club of Cheltenham to bring a Christmas Market, Santa’s Grotto, live entertainment and festive foodie treats from their BBQ over the next two weekends. Their Christmas Market will be open throughout December on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday daytimes in the lead up to the big day. With market stalls selling festive fancies including handmade jewellery, stocking fillers and vintage delights, they might just solve all your Christmas shopping woes. The big man himself will even be making an appearance. Santa will be in residence every weekend. Visit him in his grotto from 46pm on Fridays and 24pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Plus look out for the Text Santa treasure hunt around Leckhampton with the chance to win an iPad Mini. They’ll be bringing the magic of Christmas to Bath Road with performances from Naunton Park School Choir, Cheltenham Prep School Chamber Choir and Cheltenham Operatic & Dramatic Society Choir. There will also be good old fashioned singalong carols with an Exmouth twist, the Ukeholics and their very own Ukulele Ensemble. With visits from your favourite panto characters courtesy of the Leckhampton Players and a performance from Cheltenham Mummers. They’ll also be serving delicious hot pork rolls with all the trimmings, bratwurst hotdogs; plus gallons of mulled wine and cider. Visit www.theexmouth.co.uk for a full schedule of events and more information.

Bath Road Bonanza

(Pre-booking required - selected dates only)

£14.45 + VAT per person (Pre-booking required - selected dates)

Limited Availability - Tel: 01242 245 071 Book online at www.manorbythelake.co.uk/Bookings Hatherley Lane • Cheltenham • Gloucestershire • GL51 6PN

To have the chance of winning one of ten special edition Countryfile ‘A celebration of the Seasons’ DVD’s featuring Adam Henson, simply answer the following question:

Q. Adam Henson’s family farm just outside Cheltenham is called… A. Cotswold Wild Life Farm? B. Cotswold Farm Park? C. The Cotswold Farm? Answers by email to: editor@cheltenhamstandard.co.uk First correct ten randomly drawn entries win one DVD each. Competition closes 17th Dec 2014 Countryfile: A Celebration of the Seasons is out now on Blu-ray and DVD

11 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

TheVIBE A snapshot of student life in Cheltenham

TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY’ …and poor, so so poor BY FRANCESCA COBY

THE Christmas term always ends with a resounding boom, after spending a solid week in the library trying to get all of your final assessments done. It’s almost time to go home for a solid month for all the comforts that home has to offer. For most students it’s all about food. By the time you get to December the well that you once thought was never ending containing your student loan has totally dried up, for the last two weeks you’ve been surviving off pot noodles and gone off bread and you genuinely cannot remember what meat tastes like. Your parents come to pick you up in their comfortable car and you feel like the Queen of Sheba, even

the KFC in the service station on your way home feels like a fine dining restaurant. However as you see your fully heated, comfortable house and its well-stocked fridge appearing in the distance it’s not the beginning of Christmas, it’s in fact the beginning of round two. Rewind four weeks, it’s late November and the majority of students, except the few scrooges are starting to feel the buzz of Christmas. Students flock to Pound Land to buy as much hideous Christmas orientated tat that they can for a fiver and deck the halls in it. This is no laughing matter this is serious business. There will of

course be a colour theme, and decorations will be put up while rip roaring drunk to hideous Christmas music booming out of whoever’s room has the best speakers. The general consensus being who cares if the selotape rips paints off the walls, it’s Christmas! Deposits don’t matter! Secret Santa’s are distributed and are consequently ruined by everyone telling each other who they have, three pounds is the limit and it must, of course be the most mind blowingly original and inappropriate present you’ve ever bought and at least one person will find it offensive and cry. You and your fellow housemates

decide you are the next Nigella Lawson that weekend and organise a Christmas meal, with all the trimmings. Iceland is basically wiped out once you’re finished, with your chicken (no student in their right mind could afford a turkey) takes pride of place on the table surrounded by the traditional side dishes, all of which came in frozen boxes. The cooking process itself feels like your hardest task at university to date. The chicken doesn’t fit in the oven, there isn’t

enough space for the stuffing and there is nowhere near enough roast potatoes. Once the drama had died down and the screaming has stopped dinner is served, presents are exchanged and merriment ensues. There really is nothing better than a student Christmas, except Christmas at home of course, at least there the pigs in blankets don’t taste like plastic. Now I’m off to enjoy all of the comforts of home, see you in January…

£30

CND Gel/Acrylic Nail Extensions

Two Beauty Treatments

40 Sunbed Minutes

Shellac, Spray Tan

£20

17 Pittville Street, Cheltenham

£35 & Last Extensions

01242 285888

/ExposureTanning

£55 /ExposureTanning

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

QUIRKY NEWS

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT...

A selection of the strangest stories from around the globe

IT’S THE GOTH ELEVEN!

Rollercoaster ride helps to sell house A HOUSE-SELLER in Holland came up with an ingenious way of attracting more viewers by installing a rollercoaster to take them around the property. The house, in the town of Ermelo, had been on sale for more than six months and failed to attract anyone prepared to meet the £500,000 price tag. So the owners decided they needed to come up with something special to create some interest in

BRITAIN'S only goth football team look scary in their all black kit, dyed hair, make-up and tattoos - but they have hearts of gold. Real Gothic FC raise thousands of pounds for charities such as The Willow Foundation and SOS Children's Villages. And they have won the support of Courtney Love, Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain's late wife and The Sophie Lancaster Foundation. Manager and occasional player

Pablo Thompson, 32, a restaurant manager from Liverpool, said: “When Gothic FC played their first match half the team were either drunk or hungover. “The other half played in big black Doc Marten boots - not football boots! “We've come a long way since then and it's a real occasion when we all get together to play. “Although people see Gothic FC as a fun team, our aims are serious.

their home. A roller-coaster was installed to show people around the house and grounds in record time. A video shows people whizzing through the living room, kitchen and bedrooms and around the outside of the property. And although the white knuckle ride might not have given them time to appreciate all of the finer points of the house, the owners hope many will come back to see it again on foot.

We want to raise awareness of the charities we work with and raise as much money as possible.” The players' wives and girlfriends call themselves The Sisters of Real and entertain the crowds with a penalty shootout at halftime. Mr Thompson's wife Louise, 35, a care worker, said: “We set up Sisters of Real to support our men. “Our job is to entertain the crowd but our main aim is to raise as much money as possible for charity.”

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

eaders, readers, readers, today (Thursday 11th December) is my 25th Birthday and I couldn’t be happier to rejoice about it with you fine lot. Just thinking about the things I have scheduled to celebrate twenty five years of living the Tom Thurlow life gives me the goose bumps. My first point of call has to be the best restaurant in Cheltenham, Nando’s. I want to thank all the staff there who continue to make this my alltime favourite (and I really do mean everyone). The sexy bigbreasted women they employ to carry over my dinner with such enthusiasm, so much glamour that I feel like I’m really being fed by some girls at Hooter’s. The management also (obviously) get a special shout-out. Rob, Will, Jess, and Nicky: although I’m a big deal, and my star keeps rising, you guys just treat me like a normal human being. It keeps

me humble! The chicken you cook just keeps getting better, which I didn’t even think was possible. Walking into your restaurant and sitting down to eat a dinner prepared by your team is like eating a slice of heaven, it really is. The celebrations will continue on to some of my favourite bars in Cheltenham. And the best place to avoid the hoi polloi is to march straight up to Montpellier and enjoy a copious supply of drinks at All Bar One. I’ll stagger down to 131 on the prom for some more triple vodka cokes, by which point I should be smashed up to enter VIP of the town’s biggest nightclub: MooMoos. The combination of several bottles of the club’s finest vodka,

walking up and down the ten steps to our roped off booth, it really will be a party worth filling my instagram with. A great big hearty virtual hug in advance goes to the club’s fine General Manager Ian and VIP hostess Jess for giving my groupies and me a scandalrammed night this weekend. On the note of nightclubs has everyone else read the disastrous news that V nightclub has unexpectedly and very suddenly closed its doors for the foreseeable future? I’m not being sarcastic

either when I say it’s a disaster. Consider the very worrying knock-on effect. With the fleapit shut for business, where are the scum of this town now going to buy their blue and yellow vodka pops? If they walk into MooMoos I’m going to have a seizure before I make 26. So as you’ve just read I have decided to play it low key with my celebrations this year. The truth of the matter is, I just haven’t had the time to really organize the big party I wanted for my 25th. Building an empire day-in day-out really takes it out of you. But its fine, I plan to hold a second ‘official’ party sometime early in the New Year. I will be holding it with my friends at Fantasy’s lap dancing club and it will be a debauched night of nakedness, vodka and more nakedness. I will invite my friends, my

readers (you!) and thirdly and most importantly the team at The Cheltenham Standard. Every week I have been gifted this space to write my column and it’s a gift I am incredibly grateful for. It’s become a newspaper that I not only feature in but I genuinely read and enjoy for its outspoken commentary and flair in reporting our town’s news. It’s a news outlet that’s different and not afraid, which I really respect. To those of you who enjoy reading my musings each week and take it in the humorous way its intended please feel free to pop into town over the weekend and drink with me. The Lord knows my liver can always make more room for another free drink. But to those of you who don’t, you’ve got the X Factor finals to look forward to you crazed animals!

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

11 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

CoffeeBreak PIG TRICK

Your Weekly HOROSCOPES

A BUTCHER horrified his customers by tricking them into thinking he was making their sausages out of live piglets. Nearly 400,000 people have watched a video, showing how the prank was done, posted on YouTube. It shows a butcher in a Brazilian supermarket encouraging customers to buy his freshly made sausages. It then shows shoppers' reactions as he

ARIES (March 20 – April 18): It’s hard to back off when you want to save the day, but loved ones will appreciate it more if you let them handle things on their own.

puts a live piglet into his sausage-making machine and appears to turn the porker into bangers. In reality, a woman inside the machine takes hold of the piglet before pushing ready-made sausages out of the other end. Most of the customers react with a look of sheer horror and one even attacks the butcher, leaving you wondering where they thought sausages come from...

TAURUS (April 19 – May 19): You hold the winning cards in a negotiation. Don't throw the game by being accommodating when you don't have to be. GEMINI (May 20 – June 20): No sooner do you receive a lump sum then you'll be handing it over to someone else. Don't delay. You won't know what's yours until debts are paid down.

Lego leg-up for tortoise A DISABLED tortoise is now rolling on four wheels after being fitted with a special Lego ‘wheelchair’. Blade lost the use of his legs due to a litany of woes, including worms and a growth disorder that caused his legs to weaken to the point he was unable to bear his own weight. Owner Iris Peste took the tiny tortoise to the vets after noticing that he was struggling to move around. And Dr Carsten Plischke came to the rescue with an unusual idea - a Lego ‘wheelchair!’ Borrowing from his son’s collection, he

CANCER (June 21 – July 21): People don't know how to wait for things to unfold nowadays, but you do. This is why you always get your prize while everyone else comes up empty handed.

fitted two sets of wheels to the underside of Blade’s shell so that he is now able to scoot around using his legs. Thankfully, the solution is not a permanent one as in time Blade should regain full use of his legs. Dr Plischke said: “For people there are walkers, rollators or prostheses but for animals there are no companies that produce something like that. “The size variation of animals means they can’t establish uniform products. So you have to come up with creative solutions; every animal needs its own treatment.”

StandOKU!

LEO (July 22 – Aug 21): Don't let one bad apple spoil the

Word Ladder 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 five letter word.

Difficulty rating: Moderate

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

TARGET

O S P D A L E Y T

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; 35 very good; 40+ excellent.

16 17

22 Last week’s solutions (4th December 2014): Across: 1 Last; 3 Flounder; 9 Forearm; 10 Enter; 11 The chance of a; 13 Mascot; 15 Stalks; 17 Brassfounder; 20 Idaho; 21 Solomon; 22 Camp-site; 23 Once. Down: 1 Lifetime; 2 Scree; 4 Lament; 5 Uneventfully; 6 Dutiful; 7 Rare; 8 Fashion shows; 12 Estrange; 14 Sarcasm; 16 Offset; 18 Demon; 19 Disc.

entire bushel. Why waste time polishing it up when you can just toss it? VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21): Drastic measures may not be necessary. Let things play out on their own and you'll arrive at an arrangement that everyone can live with. LIBRA (Sept 22 – Oct 22): A bully is counting on you to yield the field. Confound this person by standing your ground. He'll soon depart in search of easier prey. SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21): You receive good news regarding a property matter, joint holdings, or a speculative venture. You'll appreciate the hefty return on your investment of time and energy. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 20): Lead the conversation where you want it to go, but don't explain too much. People

absorb more when left to fill in the blanks themselves. CAPRICORN (Dec 21 – Jan 18): Just because others don't feel things as deeply, doesn't mean they don't care. You’re more intense than most. A little lightness in your seriousness isn't so bad. AQUARIUS (Jan 19 – Feb 17): Today you reap the results of a long struggle. It will be hard to believe that it’s over – and that you won – but you did. PISCES (Feb 18 – March 19): Careful. You're more psychic than usual today. You might want to keep certain people at arm’s length given the TMI factor.

HOLLY

SHOTS

BERRY

PARTY

CRYPTIC Crossword ACROSS 1. Rigidly laid down way to drive in a race? (4,3,4) 9. Mother keeping quiet? (3) 10. Anticipate tree-planting everywhere? (9) 11. Teacher at first request jobs to be done (5) 13. Get a letter and sleep it off (7) 14. Secretly stores twisted ash rod (6) 16. This file takes things one by one (6) 18. Sharp instruments are almost unnecessary (7) 19. Could be power (5) 20. Law and order broken by TNT menace (9) 21. Fuss at a social gathering? (3) 22. An aid to appreciation of light literature? (7-4)

DOWN 2. Try in the morning about one (3) 3. Removes dozens of frocks from shop initially (5) 4. It's irritating getting on them (6) 5. No, a fish shows style (7) 6. Begin with heather? Alarming! (9) 7. Having played all one’s cards? (5-6) 8. How taking turns can change people? (11) 12. Plenty of room for a speed contest? (5,4) 15. Laid out Edward, having grown (7) 17. A flower with no head behind the boat (6) 19. Doctor allowed back to accommodation for motorists (5) 21. Branch of the year, maybe (3)

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

A D V E R T I S E M E N T F E AT U R E

Christmas can be a tough time for the elderly EACH winter, one older person dies needlessly every seven minutes from the cold, that’s 200 deaths a day. People are more likely to die at Christmas than at any other time of the year, a study shows. Researchers examined death certificates and discovered that people have the highest chance of death on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. They found this to be true of people who died of natural causes including circulatory problems, respiratory disease and cancer. There are numerous theories; some believe it could be because people experience more stress and, sometimes, more sadness at Christmas. Andrew Meacham, an obituary writer said: “We are always getting a slew of obituaries this time of year. I noticed this happened pretty regularly so I did call around to funeral directors to see if they believed there was an increase too.’’ This trend could be caused by stress, cold weather or overindulgence, the report speculated. As we get older, our bodies respond differently to the cold, increasing the likelihood of a heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, and breathing difficulties. Of the winter deaths that happen every year, nine in ten are older people.

Caring at the right time

Death rates peak on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and at New Year

Age UK estimates that 1.7 million older people in the UK can’t afford to heat their homes, and over a third (36%) of older people in the UK say they live mainly in one room to save money.

Cold weather adds to the financial worries of older people. 30% say they avoid heating rooms like the bedroom, bathroom or living room because they are worried about the cost.

NO organisation knows more than Alexander Burn Funeral Directors how difficult a time Christmas can be. And no organisation is better placed to help when a family suffers a bereavement, at any time of the year. Alexander Burn Funeral Directors is an independent family company, owned and run by Alexander Burn with dedicated and experienced staff. They work out of three funeral homes, in Cheltenham’s Lower High Street, Bishop’s Cleeve and Winchcombe. As an organisation, they offer the highest levels of care and support for the families they serve, both in terms of all the practical arrangements and advice, but also by being a true friend, ally and support to these families. Alexander Burn Funeral Directors are HM Coroner’s Funeral Director for the whole of Gloucestershire, as well the NHS’s Funeral Director for the county too. They are proud to be a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors, and Charter Member of the Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors. Both organisations represent a gold standard within the industry. Despite these associations, the excellent reputation of the company is based on its unfailing commitment to always go the extra mile in helping and supporting so many families through their darkest days. So although it’s not something we like to think about, perhaps it’s good to know that in Alexander Burn Funeral Directors, caring professionals are there for us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to step up and help when we need them the most.

ALEXANDER BURN FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Alexander Burn is an independent family business with three offices in the Cheltenham area. COURTEOUS, EFFICIENT AND RESPECTFUL 24 hour personal service | Private chapels of rest HM Coroner and NHS Funeral Director for Gloucestershire

www.alexanderburn.com Bishops Cleeve 22 Church Road 01242 673300

Cheltenham 436 High Street 01242 245350

Winchcombe 11 North Street 01242 604888

11 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

CULTURE A STONE’S throw away from Cheltenham, Winchcombe may be known more for its steam railway than its live music scene. However, the next two weeks sees several events in this quaint part of the Cotswolds that will provide plenty of festive cheer for lovers of live music. First up on Friday 12th December is a somewhat secret show at the Funhouse in Winchcombe. Local rockers Erica support The Peckham Cowboys, a gloriously over the top rock ‘n’ roll outfit from London. The exact location of the gig is under wraps, but let’s just say that a farm and a barn are involved. If you can find out the who, what, where and when of it all, then you are guaranteed to have a great night out. Search for Erica and the Funhouse on Facebook and you might just find a few more details (I could tell you myself, but then I’d have to kill you). On Saturday 13th December, Radio Winchcombe broadcast a special live show from the Winds of Change Art Gallery. Located in the High Street, Winds of Change opened in 2001 and has since held regular exhibitions for local and national contemporary artists. But on Saturday from 10.00am the artists on show will be more familiar with guitars than paintbrushes, when three of the best local singer-songwriters showcase their talent at the gallery. Louise Latham, who recorded her recent EP at Modern World Studios in Tetbury, is a regular performer in Gloucestershire and last month played at Cirencester’s New Brewery Arts Club. As did rising folk star Hattie Briggs, who is based in Stroud and made a name for herself earlier this year as a BBC Young Folk Awards nominee. And finally

THE LIVE LINE-UPS Ethemia, a folk duo who did their bit for Children In Need this year by releasing the single ‘Don’t Let Them Down.’ If you can’t make it to the gallery itself (or struggle to get out of bed that early on a Saturday morning), then the 3 hour show will be broadcast live on Radio Winchcombe from 10.00am on 107.1 FM. The following week on Friday

December 19th, Texan folk-rocker Rodney Branigan takes to the stage at the White Hart in Winchcombe. Hailing from Amarillo, Branigan boasts that he can play 13 different instruments, including the harmonica, cello and mandolin (although not all at once). Influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan he delivers honest, self-penned

lyrics with soul and feeling. Branigan has performed all over the world, from Japan to Italy to Glastonbury Festival, so the chance to catch him on your doorstep is a rare opportunity indeed. For more local music news visit Behind The Scene Gloucestershire www.facebook.com/ behindthesceneglos

The first time we met By Pippa Croft Book REVIEW By EVE SEYMOUR US Senator’s daughter, drop-dead gorgeous Lauren Cusack, arrives at Oxford University to do a masters in the History of Art. Almost before her Louis Vuitton luggage is stowed, she encounters English aristocrat Alexander Hunt. A man in her life is the last thing she needs but Hunt, with his rebellious Darcy-like arrogance, smouldering good looks and firm ‘glutes,’ proves irresistible. However Alexander is a man with heavy emotional baggage that includes a pig of a father and a sexy Italian exfiancé, Valentina Di Cavinato who has designs on both Alexander and on becoming the next lady of Falconbury to which Alexander is heir. Lauren isn’t without complications in the form of hunky broad-shouldered and fellow American, Scott Schulze. As you

might imagine, sparks fly. I love the fresh and amusing take on the ‘Special Relationship’. Lauren, a bright, intelligent and principled young woman, is simply adorable. We’re batting for her all the way as she bumps up against the arcane rituals associated with an ancient university and the ‘class thing’ she encounters at Alexander’s stately home. Capturing the humiliation of the outsider perfectly, Croft sustains tension throughout the novel by piling on dilemmas. How does Alexander, a captain in the Parachute Regiment, resolve duty to his country with duty to his family? How does Lauren reconcile that she has fallen for a man who is more likely to settle with one of his ‘own kind’ than a foreigner. To misquote a saying, the path of true lust does not run smooth. I wasn’t kidding about sparks flying. At one point I thought the book might burst into flames! There are two options when writing sex scenes: turn off the lights

and draw a discreet veil over the act itself, or attempt a full-on, nuts and bolts account, risking ridicule. Not for nothing do we have the ‘Bad Sex in Writing’ awards. Not that this would concern Croft. Her prose positively sizzles. Indeed, I’ve rarely read such authentically erotic scenes. Just brilliant, frankly, and in this regard, Croft asks a big question with which many women struggle: why are we drawn towards unpredictable men who offer everything bar emotional security? The first in the Oxford Blue series, I’ll be sure to read the rest to find out what the answer to that question is. ‘The First Time We Met’ is published by Penguin Books. Eve Seymour is a freelance writing coach and the author of seven crime fiction novels. Beautiful Losers will be published by US publisher Midnight Ink early 2016. To see more details of her work visit www.evseymour.co.uk

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

TELEVISION Your one-stop guide to the best terrestrial tv over the weekend

11 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

PROPERTY&HOME

PROPERTY ADVICE

Dodgy DIY could cost you

HOMEOWNERS could be taking thousands off the value of their homes by doing their own shoddy DIY work. According to a new survey, nine out of 10 potential housebuyers would lower their offer if they spotted botched home improvements and more than half would be put off completely. The study, carried out by TrustMark, the Government-endorsed “find a tradesman” scheme, concludes that poorly executed DIY can lower the sale price of a property by an average of 11 per cent. This equates to a loss of £30,800 on the average English home. “While DIY projects can be immensely rewarding, homeowners should be wary of attempting DIY beyond their skill-set,” says Simon Ayers, chief executive of TrustMark. “Some of the most off-putting DIY flaws, like faulty wiring and ill-placed electrical

sockets are as dangerous as they are devaluing. Homeowners should never attempt to carry out electrical or rewiring work without a trained expert.” Amateur electricians are likely to have the worst effect on their properties. Forty per cent of the survey’s respondents finding visible wiring to be most off-putting, while a further 10 per cent are discouraged by badly placed electrical sockets. Phil Kent, an electrician in Bristol, is all too aware of the problem. “The worst DIY issue I’ve ever seen was by a customer who wasn’t qualified to do electrical work. He just used an on-site guide to electrical wiring from 2008 to rewire his whole house. He’d made quite a few errors, and wasn’t happy when I pointed these out to him. “The worst issues I find are usually in kitchens, where the old cables are badly

SALE NOW O N

It’s Northwood mummy - they say they can sell our house for half the fee!

joined in connectors, and then plastered into the wall and covered up with new tiles. There have been many occasions when I’ve had to rewire kitchens entirely, which involves removing units, cabinets and tiles, at great expense to the customer.”

SELL YOUR HOUSE WITH US

Instruct us now and get

50% discount on selling fees!

Other disconcerting DIY disasters identified in the survey include ill-fitting or unfinished kitchen units (18 percent) and squeaky floorboards (5 percent). Unless you know what you’re doing, DIY could stand for ‘devalue it yourself.’

SALE NOW ON SELL YOUR HOUSE WITH US

Instruct us now and get 50% discount on selling fees!

SOLD

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northwood mummy - they say they can sell our house for half the fee!

SOLD

Buy our stunning Apartment of the Month, now available at £174,950 with Shared Equity* Apartment 54, a one bedroom retirement apartment now available at £174,950 with Shared Equity.

JENNER COURT St George’s Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3ER Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am to 5pm Call us on 01242 571700 to find out more. Exclusively for the over 70s Visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/jennercourt *Ts&Cs apply. Example relates to plot 54 at Jenner Court with a list price of £249,950 meaning you pay £174,965 for a 70% share. Offer subject to legal completion on or before the 30th January 2015. Apartment is sold as seen, subject to availability. The 30% share can be paid to McCarthy & Stone at any time or on the earliest resale, death or after 50 years. We recommend you seek independent legal advice before buying an apartment under Shared Equity. Not available in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Written details available on request. Visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/offers for more details.

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR CHELTENHAM COUPLE In just the space of three weeks, Mr & Mrs Malcolm from Churchdown had given up their old life and started a new, vibrant one at McCarthy & Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jenner Court development in Cheltenham. Margaret (74) and her husband Gordon (82) had been living in their family home in Churchdown for over 31 years and due to ill health, they were struggling to manage the larger garden. After much consideration, the couple decided it was time to move on and enjoy their retirement in a more manageable property. Margaret explains: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We absolutely loved the bungalow but we were spending a fortune on hired help to keep the property maintained and there just came a point where we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it anymore. I heard about McCarthy & Stone before and had looked around several of their developments.

Restaurant

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We popped into Jenner Court one day as we were looking to stay within the Gloucestershire area and I fell in love with it straight away. The development was delightfully decorated and the apartments were spacious and well laid out, yet felt so warm and cosy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thank McCarthy & Stone enough for what they have done for us in such short period of time. We are really looking forward to our new life at Jenner Court and all the free time we are going to have together. I am currently volunteering for Age UK and give Ipad lessons to the elderly which I really enjoy. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m hoping I might even get some of our new neighbours involved and get everyone techsavvy!â&#x20AC;? McCarthy & Stone is currently selling 67 one and two bedroom Assisted Living apartments exclusively for the over 70s at Jenner Court. In addition to stylish, low maintenance properties, Jenner Court ILULĂ&#x201E;[Z MYVT JVTT\UHS MHJPSP[PLZ PUJS\KPUN H [HISL ZLY]PJL restaurant and homeownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lounge, plus personal care, domestic assistance and other support services all in a safe and secure environment that offers peace of mind and continued independence in a property they continue to own. Staff are on site 24 hours a day and can be called in an instant courtesy of the 24 hour emergency call system. Importantly for both homeowners and their family, Assisted Living offers the reassurance and peace of mind that their loved ones are in good OHUKZ (SS WYVWLY[PLZ HYL SV^ THPU[LUHUJL HUK LULYN` LMĂ&#x201E;JPLU[ 7R Ă°QG RXW PRUH DERXW 0F&DUWK\ 6WRQHĂ˘V GHYHORSPHQW LQ 6W *HRUJHĂ˘V 5RDG &KHOWHQKDP SOHDVH FDOO IRU DQ DSSRLQWPHQW WR YLHZ 7KH 6DOHV 2IĂ°FH LV RSHQ 7XHVGD\ WR 6DWXUGD\ IURP DP XQWLO SP $OWHUQDWLYHO\ SOHDVH ORJ RQ WR ZZZ PFFDUWK\DQGVWRQH FR XN

Typical loungeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

MOTORING

best wheels, best deals... MOTORING NEWS

Dragons Den head honcho plumps for BMW ENTREPRENEUR and TV 'dragon' Duncan Bannatyne is doing his bit for public health and not just through his gym network. The owner of the premium health club chain has just taken delivery of a £115,000 BMW i8 sports car, which uses a petrol-electric hybrid system to combine astonishing performance with exceptionally low exhaust emissions. At the same time, electric charging points have been installed at his headquarters in Darlington. An increasing number of his visitors are said to be using electric or plug-in hybrid cars. Duncan said: “I'm delighted with the new car, which combines outstanding, eyecatching design with an eco-friendly system that is just superb. “I am a great believer in technological progress and it's good to see the increasing number of mainstream cars that are available with hybrid or electric power systems. He is reportedly enjoying the head-turning styling of the car, which features gullwing doors, futuristic dashboard displays, a sleek outline and recyclable interior materials to further boost its green credentials. Duncan quipped: “This car certainly attracts attention and won't harm my pitch to be the next James Bond in any way!”

MINI COOPER S 1.6 £5,999

FIAT PUNTO EVO 1.4 £4,999

VAUXHALL ASTRA DESIGN 1.8 CITROEN C3 VTR 16V 1.4 SILVER £3,499 £4,699

Town Cars G L O U C E S T E R

KIA RIO 3 5DR 1.4 BLACK £8,999

RENAULT CLIO DYNAMIQUE TCE 1.1

FORD FOCUS SPORT 1.6

£5,699

£4,699

65-77 Cheltenham Road East Churchdown Gloucester GL3 1JN

www.town-cars.com

CITROEN C3 PICASSO 1.6 £6,999

TEL: 01452 856234 FAX: 01452 854066

DIESEL 08 58 SAAB 9-3 ESTATE; Blue Met, ½ Leather, PAS, CD, Aircon, Alloys, Tinted Windows ............................................£3995 04 54 MERCEDES E270 CDi AVANTGUARDE AUTOMATIC; Silver Met, ½ Leather, Aircon, Alloys ..................................£3995 06 56 PEUGEOT 207 1.6 Hdi 110 SE; 5 Door, 65,000rm grey met, PAS, CD, Skyroof, Aircon, ..............................£3999 58 08 FIAT MULTIPLA 1.9 MULTIJET 120 ELEGANZA MPV; 5 Door, 73,000rm, CD, Climate Control ...............................£4499 06 06 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0TDI SE ESTATE; 5d, Blue, Alloys, CD, PAS ..................................................................£4799 04 04 BMW 530 TOURING AUTOMATIC; Silver Met, PAS, CD, Leather, Air Con ..............................................................£4995 06 06 HONDA FRV 2.2I-CTDI SPORT MPV; 5 Door, Blue, Alloys, CD .............................................................................£4999 07 07 Volkswagen Golf 1.9 Tdi MATCH; 5 Door, grey met, PAS, Cd, Aircon, Alloys ..............................................£5999 08 58 Volkswagen Golf 1.9 Tdi BLUEMOTION; 5 Door, PAS, CD, Aircon, Alloys .....................................................£5999 07 57 BMW 1 Series 1.8; 3 Door, grey met, PAS, CD, front and rear parking, Aircon, Alloys, bluetooth ..............£6499 08 08 AUDI A6 2.0 Tdi S LINE AUTOMATIC; silver met, PAS, CD, ½ Leather, Airocon .............................................£6499 07 07 VOLVO V70 S AUTOMATIC ESTATE; 71,000 rm, Blue Met, PAS, CD, ABS, Aircon, Alloys ......................................£6495 06 06 AUDI A6 2.0 TDi SE SALOON; 71,000rm, Silver Met, PAS, CD, Climate A/c, Sat Nav............................................£6499 06 06 MERCEDES E220 CDi AVANTGARDE Auto ESTATE; Silver Met, PAS, CD, Aircon, ½ Leather ...............................£6995 09 09 BMW 320 CD M SPORT COUPE; grey met, PAS, CD, ABS, Alloys ................................................................£9295 09 09 BMW 520 SE AUTOMATIC ESTATE; grey met, FSH, PAS, CD, leather, Climate A/C, Sat Nav. ...............................£9495 EXECUTIVE 10 10 AUDI A5 1.8TFSI (160PS) COUPE; 3 Door 1798cc, 41,000rm, Red, CD/MP3, Climate Control, Alloys...................£11499 08 08 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Coupe 6.0; 21,800 rm, PAS, CD, Aircon, Leather - Stunner!! ....................................£27495 4x4 04 04 MITSUBISHI PINNIN ELEGANCE; 86,000 rm, Silver Met, PAS, Leather, CD, Alloys, Aircon ..................................£2695 05 05 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.0CRTD CDX STATION WAGON; 5 Door, Black, CD, Sunroof, 16in Alloys ............................£3999 05 05 Nissan X Trail 2.2 Dci DIESEL; 92,000rm , Aruba Blue, PAS, CD, Sunroof, A/C, Alloys ...............................£4499 06 06 AUDI A3 2.0 T QUATTRO; 3 Door, Black Pearl, PAS, CD, Leather, Heated Seats ...................................................£6499 04 54 MITSUBISHI SHOGUN 3.2 DI-D AUTOMATIC; 73,000rm, 7 SEAT, PAS, CD, Sav Nav, Drives superb......................£7499

07 07 AUDI A4 QUATTRO 4x4 ESTATE; 90,000 rm, Blue met, PAS, CD, Leather, Climate A/C, FSH ...............................£7995 07 57 LANDROVER DISCOVERY TD5 COMMERCIAL; Green met, PAS, CD, Aircon, Alloys, No Vat. ................................£7995

CONVERTIBLE 01 51 MAZDA MX-5; 1.8 77,000rm, light blue met, LEATHER, Alloys, Aircon ......................................................£2795 05 54 RENAULT MEGANE DYNAMIQUE; 72,142 rm, silver met, PAS, recently serviced, CD, Alloys, Aircon ....................£2995 CARS 03 53 MAZDA 323F SPORT 2.0; 5 Door, Blue Met, PAS, CD, Air Con, Alloys ...............................................................£1799 04 54 VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.4 ENJOY; 5 Door 69,000rm, red, PAS, Central locking, Elec windows .........................£1699 52 02 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0 S SALOON; 4 Door, Black, 67,000rm, CD, Climate Control..........................................£1995 04 54 FORD MONDEO 2.0 ZETEC AUTOMATIC; 5 door, silver met, PAS, CD, ABS, Aircon ......................................£1999 03 53 MERCEDES A140 Classic SE LWB; 60,845 rm, PAS, Central Locking, Elec Windows ........................................£2495 06 56 RENAULT MEGANE Dynamique; 5 Door, Blue Met, PAS, CD, Aircon, C/L ............................................................£2495 02 52 FORD FOCUS 2.0 ST 170; 5 Door 80,300 rm. Grey met, PAS, CD, V2 Leather, A/C ............................................. £2995 05 05 VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1.2 Twist; 3 Door, 81,000 rm, Blue Met, PAS, CD, Aircon, Elec Windows ..........................£2995 55 06 FORD FIESTA 1.25 STYLE; 3 Door, 78,000rm, Red, CD, Aircon, Heated front windscreen ..........................£2995 04 04 HONDA JAZZ 1.4I-DSI SE HATCHBACK; 5 Door, Blue, 100,000rm, Hatchback, CD, PAS ......................................£2999 05 05 TOYOTA COROLLA 1.4 T3; 5 Door, 75,000rm, Blue, CD, Climate Control ......................................................£3295 06 06 FORD FIESTA 1.25 ZETEC; 83,000 rm, Flame Red, PAS, CD, Alloys ...................................................................£3495 06 56 FORD FOCUS 1.6 LX; 5 Door, 67,591 rm, Blue Met, FSH, PAS, CD, Aircon, Elec Windows, Alloys ........................£3495 09 09 CHEVROLET LACETTI 1.8 AUTOMATIC ESTATE; 25,000 rm, Blue Met, PAS, CD, Aircon .......................................£3495 02 02 MINI ONE 1.6 ONE HATCHBACK; 3 Door, Black, 85,000rm, CD,...........................................................................£3499 07 07 VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.4 Sxi; 5 Door, 72,000rm, Silver met, PAS, CD, Aircon, Alloys .....................................£3699 05 05 HONDA CIVIC 1.6 AUTOMATIC; 54,000rm, silver met, PAS, CD, Aircon, LEATHER ......................................£3999 07 57 VAUXHALL CORSA 1.2 CLUB; 3 Door, 14,000rm, Silver met, PAS, CD, Aircon, Elec windows .....................£3999 53 04 MINI ONE 1.6 COOPER S HATCHBACK; 3 Door, Red, 100,000rm, Hatchback,16in Alloys .....................................£3999 06 06 BMW 1 SERIES 118 SPORT; 5 Door, black met, PAS, CD, Aircon, Alloys .....................................................£4999 07 57 VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1.2 S; 5 door 40,000rm, black met, PAS, CD, Aircon, Alloys ......................................£4999

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

MOTORING Audi A6 2.7 Quattro £2995 Full Service History, What a car!

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 1.8 C180 Compressor £3795 Automatic Low Mileage FSH

Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin Equippe 4X4 £2695 Full Service History

Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 Sport SE £4695 Automatic 4X4

STAVERTONCARS

Honda Civic 1.6 SE 5 Door £1895 Low Mileage

www.stavertoncars.co.uk | 07732 611211

Audi 1.8 SE. £9795 Full Audi Service History, Low Mileage.

Renault Clio Privilege Automatic £4995 Only 15,375 Miles

Nissan X-Trail 2.2 Diesel Sport £3995 Full Service History

Staverton Garage, Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 0TF

Part worn tyres take a battering A TYRE retailer is taking a bold stance on road safety by offering deferred finance to help drivers avoid using dangerous tyres in the crucial winter months. The ‘buy now pay later’ offer from blackcircles.com allows tyres to be bought on interest-free finance, with the balance becoming due after six months on top of a £30 settlement fee. Alternatively, after the balance becomes due buyers can then pay for their new rubber over 12 further months, at which point interest of 29.8% is applied. Blackcircles.com claims that as many as 37% of tyres on British cars could be illegal, either because the tread does not meet minimum safety limits or because they have other defects.

MOTORING NEWS

MOTORING ADVICE

Part-worn tyres are very frequently sold illegally, too, adding to the potential dangers for consumers looking to make their money stretch further. Mike Welch, founder and managing director of Blackcircles.com, said: “We have launched this finance offer as we understand how expensive this time of year can be and for many of our customers an unexpected bill can make or break their Christmas celebrations. “The reality is that driving on old worn tyres is not only illegal but potentially dangerous therefore replacing your tyres shouldn’t be something that you have to put off - hopefully this offer will allow customers to drive safely and enjoy Christmas.”

SUZUKI SIX MODEL SPREE SUZUKI has revealed a newcar offensive spanning six models and three years, with some surprises in the mix. Next year is due to bring the new Vitara compact SUV and Celerio city car, but following that will come a practical supermini with a bigger boot and more space than the Swift, while being 90kg lighter. Suzuki GB’s sales and marketing director, Dale Wyatt, told a handful of UK journalists about the company’s plans

BEN WOARING M OTORS F CHELTENHAM A family business since 1965

Get Your Car Ready for Winter!

running up to 2017. And while a return to 660cc turbocharged Kei-car engines has been ruled out, the British public should expect a style-led city car that hopes to shake up the status quo. “I think it will create a new segment,” said Wyatt. “Honestly, there’s nothing else like it on the market.” He was unable to confirm specific details for the model, which will arrive in 2016, but Suzuki will shortly bring a new 1.0litre three-cylinder engine to

the Swift, which will target 84g/km of CO2 and ‘towards 90mpg’. The next-generation Swift Sport, meanwhile, could be turbocharged to increase its mass-market appeal. “It will be lighter and more powerful,” said Wyatt, who refused to be drawn on turbocharging but did allude to increasing the torque-to-weight ratio. “I’ve driven the next generation of (Suzuki’s) ‘sports’ engines and there’s plenty to come there.”

FREE LOCAL COLLECTION & DELIVERY #milesbetter

Tel: 01242 573 022 www.benwaringmotors.com

11 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

Christmas CHEER I LOVE Christmas and all the positive sentiment that comes with it. Whatever one’s religious point of view there is a lot to be said for having a national period of ‘goodwill to all’. One of the best kept secrets of our town is the wonderful people who live here. We are blessed to have so many people who volunteer their time and goodwill day in day out, all year long. Granted we have a few troublemakers here, just as there are everywhere. And perhaps we have more than our fair share of self-obsessed wannabes. But in every corner of every community in Cheltenham, there are decent and kind people working quietly away to make a difference. One of the most heart-warming things I hear when knocking on doors is speaking with people who tell me how their neighbours look out for them and in some cases look after them. Community spirit is alive and well, as was shown recently when a local newsagent was robbed and people in the neighbourhood rushed to collect money to help him and his family. We also have so many local charities, community and voluntary organisations who contribute so much to the vitality of Cheltenham. From established groups like Friends of Pittville to new kids on the block

Soapbox By COUNCILLOR KLARA SUDBURY Friends of Sandford Park, there are people around our town who work to help improve and enhance what the Borough Council can do. Friends of Pittville pulled off a Herculean feat in getting Pittville Gates restored to their former glory. I am certain this would never have happened without them. And even though they are just setting out, Friends of Sandford Park have already achieved a lot and have their eye on the future. This year there will be a carol service in the park by the Sandford Park cafe on 17th December at 6pm. Members of the Friends committee will be there. Speaking of which, this year it’s taken me much longer than usual to get into the festive spirit. 2014 has gone so fast and until recently the weather has been so mild it doesn’t really feel like we are due for another visit from the big man in a red suit just yet. The beginning of this year’s orgy of consumerism has also been rather bewildering. ‘Black Friday’ saw the retailers discount their prices, bringing out the worst in some people with folk scrapping over cut price TVs. Having studiously ignored Cyber Monday, thrown a shrug at Manic Monday

I am wondering what ridiculous shopping opportunity will come next? My advice on surviving the shopping season; spend what you can afford and shop locally to support local traders as much as possible. We are so lucky to have shopping areas like Bath Rd, Montpellier, the Suffolks. Use them or lose them! Adding to this year’s general malaise Cheltenham’s Christmas lights are now on in all their Bah Humbug glory. I am now as sick of listening to myself moan about the

town’s Christmas lights as I am of the lights themselves. In order to avoid ‘carping’ about it I have set up an online petition to see if other people will support a positive change. My petition is asking for the lights to be made more cheerful, for a proper lights switch on ceremony and for the council to consider asking a charity or not for profit group to take over responsibility for the lights. If you want to see the petition or sign you can find out more on my blog http:/klara1967.blogspot.co.uk.

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

CALL THE EXPERTS WAXING BAR

To advertise your business call the sales team on 01242 257019

ROOFING & BUILDING SOLUTIONS

THE

The all new ‘go to’ directory for your local business needs.The opportunity to feature in 12,000 copies each week. Reaching an estimated 36,000 readers.

A laid back buzzing little salon stuff with highly skilled therapists

Our main aim is for you to recieve the most pain-free and effective waxing experience. You will be in and out of The Waxing Bar quicker than you can say ‘OUCH’ Opening times: Monday - Closed | Tuesday -10am - 7pm | Wednesday 10am - 7pm | Thursday 10am - 7pm | Friday 10am - 7pm | Saturday 9am - 4pm no appointments necessary before 4pm

8 Bennington Street, Cheltenham GL50 4ED

01242 244779

Stokes Locksmiths Security Specialists Established 1857

Locks & Safes Master Key Systems Telephone Entry Systems Access Control & CCTV

ALEXANDER BURN FUNERAL DIRECTORS Alexander Burn is an independent family business with three offices in the Cheltenham area. COURTEOUS, EFFICIENT AND RESPECTFUL 24 hour personal service | Private chapels of rest

www.alexanderburn.com Bishops Cleeve 22 Church Road 01242 673300

Cheltenham 436 High Street 01242 245350

REGISTERED INSTALLER Our range of services and installations include: G Replacement UPVC fascias, soffits and guttering G New roofs and repairs – tile, felt, lead and slate G Flat roofs (including Rubber) G Chimney repairs G Lead work G Gutter clearing G Dry verges All general maintenance and building work, including the small jobs around the house that you hate to do!

ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE – REFERENCES AVAILABLE To arrange a full survey and quotation please call 01242 809650 or 07918 798530 Office 269, 20 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham GL52 2LY

Installation Service To Insurance Specification BS3621

Key Cutting Free Surveys & Advice Grilles & Shutters & Steel Doors UPVC Lock Fitting & Repairs

www.locksmithsincheltenham.com stokeslocksmith@btconnect.com

Tel:01242 515465 AAAAAA Stokes & Sons The Security Centre, 1A Gloucester Place, Cheltenham GL52 2RJ

Winchcombe 11 North Street 01242 604888

for all your property needs

Out of Hours Service Call 01242 511471/680526 or 01452 713717

RECRUITMENT Home workers seen as shirking WORKERS in the UK still believe colleagues who work remotely are less productive than those who work from the office, according to a joint study by Dell and Intel. The Global Evolving Workforce report is compiled from a survey of almost 5,000 employees worldwide, around 500 of whom are based in the UK. It suggests that in the UK one-third of employees believe colleagues who work from home are less productive, compared to just 16% who think their output increases. Employees polled in developing markets, including India and Brazil, look more favourably on remote and home working colleagues. Just over one-third (34%) see them as more productive, compared to 32% who believe they get less done. Two-thirds of British employees say they spend at least 75% of their time in the office, and 65% say it’s where they do their best work, according to the survey. Almost all (98%) employees spend at least some time in the office. Steve Lalla, vice president and general manager of Cloud Client Computing at Dell, commented that the findings show the office is no longer “defined by a desk within the employer’s walls.” “With constant connectivity blurring the lines between professional and personal lives and devices, it's essential employees have access to data when at the office, at home and on the road so they can stay productive, and IT secures and manages the data and user wherever it goes,” he said.

Call Centre Collection Agents – up to £9 per hour Oriel Collections Limited are currently seeking call centre agents to work within our busy consumer collection team. The ideal applicants must be confident, self-motivated with excellent communications skills, able to work in a target driven environment. Immediate start

Up to £9 per hour Cheltenham

Henry John House, Northway Lane, Ashchurch, Cheltenham House Clarence St, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 8JH Gloucestershire Tel: 0844 854 6715 Fax: 0844 854 6716GL50 3JR | 0845 226 1816

To advertise your vacancy call the sales team on 01242 257019

PRESENTS

APRES-

SKI PAR TY FROM

£10 IN A DVANCE

APRÈS-SKI PARTY CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE 12/13 DEC

ENJOY A DAY’S RACING, THEN: ALPINE THEMED PARTY, SKI SIMULATOR, PHOTO BOOTH, HOT TUB, PIZZAS & CRÈPES, DJ & DANCING CLUB/TATTERSALLS TICKETS*

Friday 12th from £22 – Saturday 13th from £25 BUY YOURS NOW AT WWW.CHELTENHAM.CO.UK

Come racing at The International to enjoy the Après-Ski party. Open from 2.30-7.30pm. *You need a Club or Tattersalls ticket to access the Après-Ski party.

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

SPORT Italian job well done for Tunde

Pats return to form with deserved home success

FITNESS

Old Patesians Bournemouth PHOTOS: PETE WILLIAMSON

CROSSFIT Cheltenham athlete Tunde Okunniwa enjoyed success at the Italian Throwdown. The competition was open to everyone in Europe, with the top 20 male Masters (40+) athletes going through to the live event, alongside the top 60 male athletes and female athletes (under 40) in Europe. CrossFit Cheltenham was well represented with Will Kane, Steve Bunn, Sam Harvey, Aneta Saulichova and Samantha Cubbins all qualifying for the live event alongside Okunniwa. This competition was extremely challenging and had some of the best athletes in Europe competing for a podium finish. Kane placed sixth overall, Saulichova finished eighth overall, Bunn came in 13th

RUGBY UNION

and Harvey and Cubbins both finished in 20th position. It is an incredible achievement to get an athlete to a competition of this level, so to get six there and for them all to finish in the top 20 is extremely impressive. The biggest competition in Italy, and one of the biggest in Europe, really challenged the athletes and had a mixture of running, weightlifting, handstand walks and muscle ups among many other skills tested. Okunniwa took his category by storm and won every single event over the weekend, and was so far ahead of the

CHELTENHAM-based personal trainer and aspiring fitness model Leah Collins shares her exercise and nutrition tips every week in the Cheltenham Standard

other competitors by the final that none of them could catch him up and he had already won! Okunniwa dominated the Italian Throwdown and is hoping to have another podium finish at The Athlete Games in Manchester in January so watch this space. CrossFit Cheltenham currently offer free taster sessions and subsquently your first month free during December and January, so go along to try a class and see what it is all about. The gym caters for all abilities and ages and has a great community. To book a free taster class, please call Steve on 07811332381. CrossFit Cheltenham can be found at Unit 39, Cheltenham Trade Park, Central Way, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8LX. www.crossfitcheltenham.co.uk

HEALTH &FITNESS

PHOTO: ALAN FRANKLIN

Exercise of the week: Number Ten: Hanging leg raise Hang from bar with both arms extended using either a wide grip or a medium grip. The legs should be straight down with the pelvis rolled slightly backwards. This will be your starting position. Raise your legs until the torso makes a 90-degree angle with the legs. Exhale as you perform this movement and hold the contraction for a second or so. Go back slowly to the starting position as you breathe in. Repeat 8-12 times for three sets.

18 10

OLD Pats ground out a battling home victory over Bournemouth in National Three South West to end their disappointing run of results. Lifted by the return of skipper James Stickland, Pats took control early on, playing down the Everest Road slope. Full-back George Hughes claimed the first try after an impressive move, but his conversion was missed and Bournemouth hit back through a penalty from fly-half Lewis Dennett. Hughes kicked a penalty to make it 8-3 at the break and he touched down for his second try after Lucas Roy-Smith combined with George Angell to set him up. Nathan Riley for Pats and Jack Hennings for Bournemouth were sent the sin bin after after a brawl. With 10 minutes remaining a Ben Parker break sent in Hughes for his hat-trick try but Pats could not afford to relax. Sam Hardcastle scored a try for Bournemouth, which was converted by Jon Sanchez, but Pats saw out the remainder of the game safely to pick up a deserved victory. Old Patesians: C Thompson, C Dean, B Whyte, J Stickland, J Stevens, T Langton, G Angell, N Riley, L Roy-Smith, C Jones, D Burrows, B Parker, J Aherne, D Spurrier, G Hughes. Reps: J Frost, H Jennings, A Crombie.

COME AND TRY

CROSSFIT AND GET IN THE BEST SHAPE OF YOUR LIFE ‘I was worried that as a forty-something mother of three with no athletic background, I would not be welcome at a CrossFit box, and might find the whole thing beyond my abilities. Instead I've found an accepting and supportive community at CrossFit Cheltenham, where all abilities are encouraged to compete -- not against each other, but against ourselves, to be the best we each can be. In the seven months I've been CrossFitting, I've lost over 2 stone and not only can I now keep up with my kids – they need to run to catch me!’

Call 07811 332 381 to book your FREE TASTER session! CrossFit Cheltenham Unit 39 Cheltenham Trade Park Central Way, Cheltenham GL51 8LX

www.crossfitcheltenham.co.uk

11 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

SPORT

Local Rugby

Cheltenham suffer defeat ahead of big derby clash RUGBY UNION

Old Bristolians Cheltenham

29 11

CHELTENHAM’S mini revival came to a end at fellow strugglers Old Bristolians, despite being back to nearly full strength. The game started in near perfect conditions with Cheltenham playing up the slope. After two minutes they utilised turnover ball in midfield before working it out to the right wing where captain James Hillier popped up before handing off would be tacklers for a unconverted try in the corner for a 5-0 lead. From the restart Old Bristolians put together their first attack which came to a halt by referee Ian Smith’s whistle. After seven minutes Cheltenham gave away a soft penalty which Bristolians star man Jack Price kicked for a 5-3 score line. The game continued to be a disjoined affair until Cheltenham were again penalised with Price putting Bristolians into a narrow 6-5 lead. Buoyed by this, Bristolians created a move down the right wing with centre Alex Blackwell going over for a unconverted try and a 115 lead. Cheltenham regained their composure with backs and forwards combining well forcing Bristolians into give away a penalty which Zac Atallah kicked from some 28 metres.

Big Shu set to return HORSE RACING CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

before falling at the third fence in the Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree in April. He finished third behind the Edna Bolger-trained pair of Love Rory and Keep On Track on his first start of the current season in a cross-country race at Punchestown on November 15. Maher said: “As long the ground is no faster than good, then Big Shu will travel over to Cheltenham. He is a soft ground specialist but he is fine on good going over a longer trip. “He was sick a month before he ran at The Festival in March and I had Aintree on my mind at the time. I wanted to keep him fresh for the National and to keep his weight light for that race, so I didn’t want to run him in case he got lumbered with too much weight. “In the Grand National itself, he went out at the third after a horse backed off the fence and interfered with him. He didn’t have anywhere to go but shouldn’t have

Bristolians continued to use the slope with number eight Josh Riggins scooping up a loose ball from an attacking scrum for a unconverted try after 32 minutes to extend the Home lead to 16-8. Cheltenham had the last word of a stop start first half with Atallah landing his second penalty for a 16-11 score at half-time. Early in the second half Bristolians stretched their lead to 19-11 with Price kicking his third penalty after Cheltenham were penalised for not rolling away. From the restart Cheltenham gave away possession with the ball passed at speed along the line with Rob Nelson cutting a fine line for a good try with Price adding the extras to lead 26-11. With a lot of handling errors appearing the game became a error strewn affair. In the 54th minute Bristolians scored what was to be the last score with Price again kicking a penalty to lead 29-11. Cheltenham lost replacement wing Pat Hillier to an ankle injury as the game continued to be very scrappy. They will need to be on far better form this weekend if they are to gain bragging rights against local rivals Chosen Hill. Cheltenham: Griffiths, S Haskayne, Morrell, J Hillier capt, Compton, Acheson, J Haskayne, Lait, Beeney, Atallah, Morris, Brookes, Herbert, W Scott, Lockhart. Replacements: P Hillier, Whitfield.

been on the inside anyway - you want to be on the outside on the first circuit and then move in on the second lap. “The ground was a bit slippery when he ran last time at Punchestown because there was a lot of rain in the days beforehand. Big Shu jumped all the difficult fences well but made a few mistakes at the easier ones. I was happy enough with our horse because the first two home had been specifically aimed at that race. “I think Big Shu would have beaten Balthazar King at this year’s Festival if he had a couple of runs under his belt beforehand but I don’t think we saw the true Balthazar King that day because the ground was against him. “Balthazar King is the cross-country king of Britain and Big Shu is the cross-country king of Ireland. Balthazar King is a fast ground, out-in-front type of horse and a brilliant jumper. Big Shu is a soft-ground specialist and, while I would love to have another race between them, they are two completely different horses. “We will be looking at Aintree again this year because Big Shu ticks all of the boxes for the Grand National. Hopefully, he will run next week and at Punchestown in Feb-

Heroic win for North could prove turning point in season RUGBY UNION

Shipston-on-Stour 22 Cheltenham North 28 EVERY once in a while a defining moment occurs in a season: a game, or even an incident, which changes the mindset of a team. Cheltenham North might look back on this game at the end of the season and consider it just such a moment. Prior to their meeting, Shipston sat one point and one position lower than their visitors in the league. Like the North, their home record was good but they have struggled on the road. They have a big, aggressive, pack and two hard running centres, and their game is simple but effective. North started with their usual act of largesse, gifting the opposition an early score. Spotting the full back and wing caught in a ruck, and nobody at home out wide, Shipston's fly-half kicked across the park for their wing to collect and stroll over the line unopposed. This galvanised the visitors into action, they retained and recycled possession well and pressurised the Shipston line. When Dan Hewitt builds up a head of steam he takes some stopping and the task was beyond three defenders as he crashed over to level the scores. North were incurring the wrath of the

ruary, which he ran in last season, before coming back for The Festival and then we can make a decision about Aintree.” A total of 15 entries for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase also includes Uncle Junior (Willie Mullins IRE), Sire Collonges (Paul Nicholls), Any Currency (Martin Keighley) and Carruthers (Mark Bradstock), who were second, third, fourth and fifth behind Balthazar King in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at The Open on November 14. Duke Of Lucca (Philip Hobbs) was fourth in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at The Festival in March, while Roi Du Mee (Gordon Elliott IRE) and Rare Bob (Patrick Griffin IRE) have both won Grade One chases in Ireland. French challenger Pasquini Rouge (Patrice Quinton FR) could make a second consecutive appearance at The International, having finished third in this race 12 months ago. The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase is the final race of the Crystal Cup and presentations to the winning owner, trainer, jockey and horse of the 10-race Cross Country series will be made after the race. For more information about the Crystal Cup, please visit

referee at the breakdown and he yellow carded first Chris Bayliss and then Nathan Wakefield. Worse was to follow as Hewitt left the field following a kick to the head. Joel Randall went on for his first outing of the season after a lay-off due to work commitments. Even so, playing with 13 men North conceded two scores. Randall's first incursion onto the pitch was short lived when, after five minutes, he found himself back on the bench, along with the opposition number eight: they had been singled after an altercation that followed a late tackle on North winger Ian Parker. Now 14 played 12 and there was lots of room to run about. Heroic defence prevented further scores. When the sides were level at 14 each North started to take control and, following sustained pressure, Dave Johns sidestepped his way over the line, Clive Piff added the extras and then kicked a penalty to end the half 15-15. He kicked another one at the start of the second half to take the lead for the first time, and then Rich Hance rounded off another colossal performance with a try. Not to be outdone, Paul Scott followed suit and North were 28-15 up with 10 minutes to play. Now it was Shipston's turn to apply pressure and they scored, 28-22 . North were able to hang on to secure an heroic win.

www.crystalcup.org. Day one of The International also features the £45,000 Majordomo Hospitality Handicap Chase (2.10pm) over three and a quarter miles, which has attracted 17 entries including Hadrian’s Approach (Nicky Henderson), who could make his first appearance since winning the Grade Three bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown Park in April. King’s Palace (David Pipe), who made an impressive debut over fences at The Open, and Virak (Paul Nicholls), a facile winner at Haydock Park on his latest outing, head 13 contenders for the £20,000 Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business Club Novices’ Chase (12.30pm). A seven-race card also includes the £12,000 Shloer Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (1.05pm, 18 entries) and the £12,000 CF Roberts Electrical + Mechanical Services Handicap Hurdle (1.40pm, 22 entries). This year’s Crabbie’s Grand National hero Pineau De Re holds an entry in the £22,000 Citipost Handicap Hurdle (3.15pm, 22 entries) and racing concludes with the £12,000 British Stallion Studs EBF National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle (3.45pm, 19 entries).

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

SPORT

Local Football

Cheltenham League round-up

Morrissey provides spark for rampant Lions Duncan made it three with a left foot Churchdown Panthers 0 curler when the ball Southside Lions 5 was ricochet out to him after a Matty SOUTHSIDE Lions continued Hunt shot. their unbeaten run with a conAidan Jameson vincing win against Panthers made it four from the at Churchdown School. penalty spot after he Lions took the lead through was upended in the Callum Morrissey after a good box, and Morrissey rounded of the pass from Harry Duncan. Southside Lion’s scoring and comMorrissey’s second came Callum Morrissey when he was put through by pleted his hat-trick Micky Rewczuk and he finished clinically when he received a pass from Victor Jorpast the Panthers goalkeeper. danov in the box to turn and score. YOUTH FOOTBALL

CHELTENHAM LEAGUE FOOTBALL

IN DIVISION One of the Cheltenham League sponsored by Bristol Street Motors Ford Cheltenham, Whaddon United stayed in touch with leaders FC Lakeside with a tight win at AC Olympia. Lakeside enjoyed a convincing 6-0 win at RSG with all goals coming in the second half. Lowly Bishops Cleeve III will be pleased with their point at third placed Churchdown Panthers. Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves move to the top of Division Two with a home win against Southside. Whaddon and Gloucester Elmleaze were in the Junior County Cup and both lost to penalty shoot outs. Whaddon to Upton St Leonards and Elmleaze to Longlevens. There was success for two teams in Division Three in the Intermediate County Cup. Newlands beat Harrow Hill Reserves and Fintan won on penalties against Soudley Reserves.

In Division Three, Welland move into second place with a 3-0 win over Gala Wilton III. Northway stayed top of Division Four on goal difference with their 2-1 win at Star FC Reserves, but Cheltenham Civil Service III stay hard on their heels with their win at home to Southside Reserves. Most of Kings Reserves’ seven goals came in the second half as they registered a resounding win at home to Bourton Rovers. Leckhampton Rovers Reserves will be pleased with three points at home to Tewkesbury Town Reserves. Two goals from Ryan Gourley helped third placed FC Lakeside Reserves to a 5-0 win at Hatherley FC in Division Five. Both leaders Cheltenhan Athletic and second placed Staunton and Corse had convincing wins. In Division Six Andoversford III felt the power of Regency Town as they were battered by 13 goals with Jem Taylor bagging five of them. Lowly Apperley Reserves will be glad of their three points away at Charlton Rovers III.

We are not learning from mistakes, blasts Cleeve boss SOUTHERN LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Bishop’s Cleeve AFC Totton

1 2

BISHOP’S Cleeve are still waiting for their first league victory of the season after a narrow home defeat by AFC Totton made it 18 winless matches for the Mitres. Boss Steve Cleal was forced into two late changes with Allton Axton and Danny Sherry pulling out with injury and illness, resulting in recalls for fullbacks Kenna Ngoma and Matt Magee. After a slow start, the game sparked into life when on 16 minutes following a lapse in defence Totton found themselves through on goal, but skipper Steve Benbow made an excellent reflex save. The pace of Jack Watts was a big threat for Cleeve and the young forward made his first break on 29 minutes when he burst through the defence but could not apply the finish and his tame shot was easily saved. Benbow tipped another long range shot over the bar before keeping out the Totton forward in a one-on-one situation while at the other end Cleeve enjoyed spells of possession without threatening the goal.. The Hampshire side took the lead in added time at the end of the first half when Cleeve failed to clear their lines and James Jennings’ low shot from the edge of the area beat Benbow. Cleal sent his side out for the second half with his words still ringing in their ears and it seemed to work as they came out with more purpose and vigour. The Mitres were awarded a penalty when the lively Watts was played through and as he tapped the ball round the goalkeeper he was felled and the referee pointed to the spot. The goalkeeper escaped further punishment and then kept out Harlie Price’s tame spot kick. Cleeve then allowed their visitors to extend their lead when Totton centre-back Stuart Mott

was allowed a free header to power home from the corner on 67 minutes. Price nearly atoned for his penalty miss when he burst through and lobbed the ball over the goal keeper only to see a spectacular overhead clearance off the line. Cleal’s men pressed and on 71 minutes Sol Wheatley managed to wriggle his way into the box, working himself just enough space to get in a fierce shot from about 10 yards out that whistled just over the bar. The home side’s efforts were rewarded on 80 minutes when Price tricked his way through the defence to fire home from close range. Good work by Watts saw him work his way into the Totton box from the right, this time his cross was met by the head of Price but again his effort was straight at the goalkeeper. Price and Watts were causing the Totton defence problem after problem and following a Magee cross, a goalmouth scramble saw both forwards go close but neither could stab the ball home and the Totton defenders managed to scramble the ball clear. Cleal said: “People here will say we were unlucky but I’m not having that. Conceding a goal for the umpteenth time from a set piece free header and on the stroke of half-time doesn’t make us unlucky. “It means we aren’t learning and then to miss the number of chances and good chances we did in the second half we got what we deserved which was zero points. “One pleasing thing was the lads rallied and we created a lot of chances but it’s hard to stay upbeat when poor finishing at one end and decision making at the other mean we are still winless.” Bishop's Cleeve were beaten 4-2 at home by Gloucestershire rivals Shortwood United on Tuesday night, with goals from Harlie Price and Jack Watts not enough to stop them slipping to a 15th defeat in 18 games. They visit Sholing on Saturday (3pm).

Sklenar nets another hat-trick as leaders Service march on COUNTY LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Kingswood Cheltenham Civil Service

3 5

JACK Sklenar’s prolific season continued as he scored another treble in Cheltenham Civil Service’s 5-3 win at Kingswood. The home side raced into a 2-0 lead inside 10 minutes with goals from Ryan Mudd and Simon Clarke. Sklenar pulled one back on 20 minutes with a curling free-kick from 20 yards which nestled in the top right corner. Ryan Smith scored the leveller 10 minutes before half-time with another fine strike before Teejay Bick smashed in a free-kick from 30 yards to put Service in front. Kingswood made it 3-3 on 65 minutes a penalty from Clarke after Mudd had been felled in the box. Service then netted two more goals in the last 10 minutes, both coming from Sklenar. The first arrived on 80 minutes as he lobbed the goalkeeper after picking up a ball hit over the home defence by Smith.

Sklenar then completed his hattrick on 88 minutes when the ball was squared back to the edge of the box and he coolly dispatched it into the roof of the net. Frampton United dented Bishop’s Cleeve Reserves chances of moving up the table when they ran out 2-1 winners at the Bell Field. United took the lead on 34 minutes when Chris Fower was brought down in the box. Fower took the penalty that was saved by the keeper but the assistant referee indicated that the goalkeeper was well off his line and the penalty had to be retaken. Players manager Lee Driver-Dickerson took the second penalty and made no mistake. A second goal on 67 minutes for the home side came after a fine ball from Joe Wilton to Steve Jackson found the net. Cleeve picked up a late consolation goal when James Pickup converted from the penalty spot. Cleeve Reserves host Ellwood on Saturday, while leaders Civil Service play Thornbury Town at home.

Jack Sklenar (right)

11 DECEMBER 2014 CHELTENHAM STANDARD

SPORT

Local Football

Cheltenham Town 0

Dover Athletic 1

Robins crash out of Cup to leave non-leaguers Dover the moon C with 3-4-3 replacing 4-4-2 for the Robins. Wide man Braham-Barrett’s run and low shot from a tight angle was saved by Andrew Rafferty in the 24th minute. Cheltenham nearly opened the scoring in the 29th minute when Byron Harrison linked up with Kane Ferdinand, setting up Terry Gornell, whose shot was deflected against the right post. Gornell did have the ball in the net after 35 minutes, heading in Kane Ferdinand’s cross from the right, but the ball had gone out of play and the effort was ruled out, with a corner awarded instead. Dover’s Thomas Bonner blazed over the bar from a good position 10 minutes into the second half after a goalmouth scramble when Cheltenham could not clear their lines. Braham-Barrett set up Jason Taylor for a low shot which rolled wide of the left upright on the hour as Cheltenham searched for a breakthrough. Taylor was off target again in the 72nd minute after Harrison’s square ball before

NORTHERN SENIOR FOOTBALL

Cam Bulldogs FC Barometrics

Murphy’s powerful drive was parried by Carson at the other end. Tyrone Sterling hit the inside of the post in the 82nd minute as Dover were inches away from causing an upset. And they broke the deadlock from the resulting corner, with skipper Essam finding the bottom left corner to send the travelling fans behind the goal wild.

Cheltenham Town (3-4-3): Carson; Deaman, M Taylor, Brown; De Vita (Kotwica 88), J Taylor, Richards, BrahamBarrett; Ferdinand, Harrison, Gornell (Williams 88). Subs not used: Haworth, Gould, Hanks, Black, Sterling-James. Dover Athletic (5-3-2): Rafferty; Essam, Sterling, Bonner, Orlu, Francis, Kinnear, Davies (Wynter 39), Deverdics, Murphy, Payne. Subs not used: Bellamy, Cogan, Reid, Nanetti, Hook, Poole. Referee: Dean Whitestone. Attendance: 3,352 (587 away). Star man: Craig Braham-Barrett.

PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA

HELTENHAM Town were knocked out of the FA Cup by non-league opposition for the second year in succession as Dover Athletic caused an upset at Whaddon Road. Connor Essam’s 83rd minute strike was enough to take Chris Kinnear’s men through and deny the Robins a potentially lucrative tie in round three. Conference side Dover made the stronger start, forcing Trevor Carson into evasive action twice. First Nick Deverdics’ looping effort was touched over by the stretching goalkeeper in the 16th minute. And two minutes later Stefan Payne found Tom Murphy, who made room for a shot which was parried by the in-form Carson. Having struggled early on, Cheltenham grew into the game, with Craig BrahamBarrett a constant threat with his attacks down the left wing. Boss Paul Buckle had named the same starting line-up, but a different formation,

Baros do themselves proud against champions Cam 1 1

FC BAROMETRICS travelled to last seasons Northern Senior League Division One winners and more than matched the champions. They took an early lead when Carl Griffiths was brought down in the box with 17 minutes on the clock. Sonnie Burrows stepped up to clinically despatch the spot kick in off the post. The lead was to only last a few minutes though as a stray pass in midfield was picked up by Cam player and a quick break saw a foul committed on the edge of the box. The resulting free-kick was fired through the wall and into the bottom corner leaving Rob Sherwood with no chance. This was to be Cam’s only shot on target as the visitors took a hold of the game. As the half drew to a close Baros were denied twice by an excellent double save from the Cam goalkeeper. An in-swinging corner was headed towards his own goal by a defender, the keeper could only parry to Andy Varnam whose header from five yards was somehow turned onto the bar and away to safety. Baros continued to dominate in the second half and they created several chances to win the game. On the hour mark a Kurtis Burrows free-kick narrowly missed the target, before Danny Gittings saw his shot blocked. On 84 minutes manager Mike Rhodes had to replace his captain, David Lodge due to injury but there was still time for another Baros chance. A corner from the right was not dealt with and as the loose ball fell inside the box, Carl Griffiths was quickest to react firing towards goal and the ball seemed to strike a defenders hand on the line, but the referee waved away any penalty appeals.

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

CHELTENHAM STANDARD 11 DECEMBER 2014

PHOTO: THOUSAND WORD MEDIA

SPORT

XMAS CAMPS Mon 22nd – Tues 23rd December & Friday 2nd January 2015 All Saints’ Academy, Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham, GL51 0WH

www.shaneduffsoccer.co.uk

We’ll back Buckle in January – Baker FOOTBALL

HELTENHAM Town chairman Paul Baker says the playing squad will be strengthened in January, despite Sunday’s FA Cup second round defeat by Dover Athletic. The club missed out on £27,000 in prize money as well as a potentially lucrative tie in round three, with Connor Essam’s goal enough to take the part-timers through at a deflated Whaddon Road. “Obviously it was hugely disappointing and I was very down after the game,” Baker said. “I am sure my views mirrored those of everyone who came along and the Cheltenham fans made their views known.

“It was such a big opportunity to be in the hat for the third round and we all hoped we’d be looking forward to that.” The tie was new boss Paul Buckle’s second match in charge since taking over from Mark Yates, while it was Rob Edwards’ first match as assistant having taken over from Shaun North last week. “We have to accept, despite the disappointment, we’ve had two weeks of turmoil at the club, with the appointment of a new manager and assistant manager,” Baker said. “It’s been manic and to expect Paul Buckle to wave a magic wand and turn everything around immediately is expecting too much. “Football is a lot about confi-

dence and Dover came here 10 games unbeaten, with confidence high and our players are having a struggle at the moment. “It will take time to bed in the new personnel and while it’s hard to take a positive from the defeat, we still made between £50,000 and £60,000 from the FA Cup, which wasn’t budgeted for. “We have made tough decisions and we can now start making them work. I am comfortable we have made the right decisions and you can argue about the timing of them. “Some will say we should have made them earlier, some will say we should have made them last season, but we are where we are and I am encouraged and en-

HORSE RACING

thused by what’s happening behind the scenes already, but it’ll take time for them to change systems and work with the players. “The transfer window closing the day after Paul arrived didn’t help, but it’s where we are. The window opens again in January and we will be looking to strengthen the squad. “The FA Cup would have helped, but we’ll still be able to do something and we have to because we can’t expect a manager to come in and not give him some tools to do the job.” Cheltenham visit Mansfield Town on Saturday, with ticket prices reduced to £7, but none will be available on the day of the game.

We W eb buy ma many ny cars... cars.... ...and of offer ffer fe er more more money than n you know who. £5,000 to £50,0 £50,000 000 CASH - FINANCE SETTLED TLED - NO ADMIN FEE

4 Vernon on Court Meteor Mete eor Business Park Staverton Staverrton GL2 9QL

Big Shu set for Cross Country Cheltenham spin

01452 713123 713123

IRISH handler Peter Maher is looking forward to seeing his stable star Big Shu return to Cheltenham for the £35,000 Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase (2.40pm), one of the feature races at The International on Friday. The nine-year-old provided the County Kildare handler with his biggest victory to date with victory in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase, run over the same three miles and seven furlongs of Cheltenham’s Cross Country Course, at The Festival in March, 2013. Big Shu was third to fellow cross-country specialist Balthazar King in the same race at The Festival this year TURN TO PAGE 29 >

Gloucestershire’s Glo oucestershire’s

solar so lar powered powered used use ed car dealership

completely comp pletely motoring mo otoring www.completelymotoring.co.uk www .comp pletelymotoring.co.uk