The Cheltenham Post Newspaper 27/02/2026

Cheltenham Post

ELECTIONS BACK ON!

High Court challenge loomed as Government ministers reverse decision to cancel

IN another dramatic U-turn from the UK Government, the previously cancelled May local elections have been revivedjust three days before Reform UK were due to challenge the decision in the High Court. The announcement means voters in 30 councils across the country, including Cheltenham, will now go to the polls as originally planned. Ministers had moved to cancel the

elections earlier this year, prompting fierce criticism from opposition parties and campaigners who argued the decision undermined democratic accountability.

Leader of the Council Rowena Hay spoke to the Cheltenham Post, she said: “All 40 councillors in Cheltenham were elected in May 2024 following a mandatory boundary review. Every councillor stood in that

election knowing they could serve a four-year term.

“We had no idea during our boundary review process just before 2024 that Labour were planning to scrap and reorganise councils. They’d not talked about it or put it in their election manifesto so we agreed to continue electing the chamber in halves following the all-out boundary review.”

Continued on page 3

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Woman sentenced after causing collision which killed two people AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire

A WOMAN has been jailed after pleading guilty to overtaking on the wrong side of the road and causing a collision which killed two people and seriously injured three others.

Liberty Mitchell, aged 21 and of Chipping Norton, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday 13th February where she was sentenced to six years and eight months imprisonment.

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Where

You can pick up your copy of the Cheltenham Post in many shops and leisure places throughout the town.

We also have stands at your local supermarkets listed below; Arle Court Transport Hub

Asda Superstore, Hatherley Lane

Tesco Superstore, Collets Drive

Tesco, Church Road Bishops Cleeve

Morrisons, Caernarvon Road Up Hatherley

Sainsburys, Gallagher Retail Park

Sainsburys, Priors Road Oakley

Co-Op, Leckhampton Road

Co-Op, Bath Road, Leckhampton

Co-Op, Salisbury Avenue

East End Garage, Charlton Kings

Cheltenham General Hospital

We are also at selected other Co-Op stores as well as many 1000s delivered door-to-door on a rotation basis every two weeks.

As well as being jailed, Mitchell was disqualified from driving for eight years and four months upon her release from prison, has to undertake an extended driving test to regain her licence and was ordered to pay a statuatory surcharge.

Mitchell was due to stand trial but instead pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and two counts of causing death by driving whilst uninsured during a hearing on Thursday 18th December 2025.

The court heard how police had been called to the B4425 at Riversmeet North near Aldsworth shortly after 12.45pm on Friday 2 December 2022 with a report of a serious collision which involved multiple vehicles.

The collision, which took place between the Coln St Aldwyns and Eastington turnings, involved a Mini Cooper being driven by Mitchell, an Audi A3, a Polestar 2 and a Seat Leon taxi.

Emergency services attended and the driver of the taxi, Octavian Codreanu, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His passenger, school teacher Moyra Whelan, was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for treatment and died later that day from her injuries.

Several other people were taken to hospital for treatment, and many are now living with a daily reminder of the collision

after sustaining serious and life changing injuries.

Mitchell was arrested at the scene and later charged in connection with the collision.

Police investigations found that Mitchell had regularly been speeding and driving whilst using her mobile phone, despite passing her driving test less than three weeks before the collision happened.

An analysis of Mitchell’s social media found that she had been filming Snapchat videos whilst behind the wheel.

These videos showed Mitchell’s lack of care for driving safely, with one showing her driving at 100 miles per hour on a county road and another showing her veering onto the

opposite side of the road towards an oncoming car as friends shouted for her to stop.

In mitigation Mitchell’s lawyer said her overtaking manoeuvre on the day was a momentary lapse of judgement by a young and inexperienced driver.

He went on to say that Mitchell was unable to appreciate the risks and dangers that were involved in the manoeuvre due to her lack of driving experience.

Sergeant Williams from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said: "This case was due to go to trial, and I’m pleased that Mitchell pleaded guilty and has now been sentenced.

“Her actions tragically killed taxi

CCTV appeal following burglary in Gloucester

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police investigating a burglary in Gloucester have released CCTV images of a man they would like to identify in connection with the incident.

An unknown man is reported to have gained entry to a property on Underhill Road, opened a safe, placed items into a bag and left the address.

The burglary is believed to have taken place between 5.30am and 5.50am on Sunday 14th December. Officers from the Gloucester Response Team attended the scene and have carried out a number of enquiries. However, they have not yet identified the man pictured and are now appealing for information. Anyone who recognises the man is asked to complete the following

online form, quoting incident 171 of 14 December: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/t ell-us-about/cor/tell-us-aboutexisting-case-report/ Information can also be reported anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org/giveinformation/forms/give-information -anonymously

driver Octavian Codreanu and his passenger, school teacher Moyra Whelan, as well as seriously injuring three others.

“Friday 2nd December 2022 is a day that will be ingrained in not only the minds of the families who lost a loved one, but also the numerous victims who have suffered horrendous injuries and who are still recovering today, as well as the large number of witnesses who stopped to help and whose lives have also been affected.

“Our thoughts remain with those who have suffered loss and injuries, and I’d like to thank the families of everyone involved in the collision for their patience and bravery during what has been a lengthy process.”

Shoplifter jailed after targeting shops across Cheltenham

A repeat offender who

ignored a court order

banning her from most town centre shops has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison

A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been jailed after CCTV footage showed her repeatedly targeting shops across Cheltenham.

Kayleigh McConnon, 37, of no fixed address, appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 11th February, where she was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to a string of shoplifting offences.

Officers from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team had issued McConnon with a Criminal Behaviour Order in October 2025 after she admitted stealing perfume sets worth £387 from a shop.

Under the terms of the order, McConnon was banned from entering any retail premises in Cheltenham, with the exception of five locations: Tesco Superstore on Colletts

Drive; Jhoots Pharmacy on Edinburgh Place; Tewkesbury Road Post Office; News Agent on Tennyson Road; and Primark on Cheltenham High Street.

Despite the order, McConnon continued to enter shops and steal items including food, drinks and clothing.

Reports detailed how she entered Tesco Express on Hewlett Road on three separate occasions, stealing several hundred pounds’ worth of food.

McConnon also entered Superdry and left with a bag full of clothing valued at several hundred pounds.

Officers carried out enquiries and arrested McConnon in connection with the incidents on Tuesday 10th February.

She was subsequently charged with five counts of theft from a shop, five

counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order, breach of a suspended sentence and three outstanding warrants for her arrest.

McConnon pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed the same day.

PC Louis Gilbert from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team said:

“McConnon has been a real problem for local shops and ensuring she was arrested and charged was a priority for the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team.

“I am pleased that she has been jailed and hope this sentence shows that retail crime is something we will not tolerate.

“This court outcome was a team effort and I would like to thank my colleagues for their support and hard work over recent weeks.”

Elections back on in another Government U-turn

Continued from front page

Council Leader Rowena Hay continued: “Had we known their plans then we’d have stayed with a four-year term.

“Here in Cheltenham We’ve had 10 elections in two decades to this council and I’ve stood in pretty much all of them, so trust me, I’m not shying away from the ballot box. But I’d also like to think our voters want common sense from our local politicians.

“The Government’s decision to do such a complete U-turn, it’s on, it’s off, it’s on, in such a short space of time is spectacularly indecisive and makes the job of our Council’s amazing elections team harder in the shortened timescales that

are now available to them.”

Local Reform UK Chair Matt Podmore claimed the reversal as a major victory. He said: “Rather than face defeat this week in the High Court, the Government has once again done a U-turn allowing elections to go ahead. This is a huge moment for democracy in the UK.”

Support for reinstating the elections has not been limited to Reform. Other political parties across Cheltenham have also welcomed the decision.

Councillor Ashleigh Davies of the Green Party of England and Wales said: “We maintained at the outset of the news of cancelled elections, this was an egregious decision at the time and we welcome its

reversal, even if it was conceded under duress.”

The Government has not formally admitted that legal pressure prompted the change of course, but the timing - just days before proceedings were due to begin - has raised questions both nationally and locally.

For Cheltenham residents, however, the immediate impact is clear: ballots will be printed, campaigns will intensify, and voters will have their say this May after all.

With trust in national politics under scrutiny, the reinstated elections now take on added significance - not only as a test for Labour, but as a wider measure of public confidence in the democratic process.

Cheltenham

YOUR ALL-DAY CELEBRATION, COVERED.

Fuel up with breakfast in The Brewery Quarter from 9am - 12pm before heading to the track.

Spin the Flight Club Wheel of Fortune for a chance to win festival week prizes.

After the races, gallop back for Social Darts (darts, but like you've never played before), DJs, cocktails and sharing plates.

Sandfields care home, Cheltenham

Wills & POA

Thursday 19th March, 2pm - 4pm

Listen to Amanda Attrall from BPE solicitors explain the importance of wills and having a Power of Attorney in place for your loved one.

Fitness and mobility in later life

Tuesday 21st April, From 1.30pm

Join us for an interactive session with Nicky Copper, Health and Exercise Practitioner to learn practical insights and advice on maintaining fitness and mobility in older age.

To attend please call 01242

Newly qualified physiotherapists struggle to find NHS jobs as recruitment freezes bite

NEWLY qualified physiotherapists across the UK are facing unprecedented difficulty in securing their first NHS roles, with recent graduates finding far fewer opportunities than in previous years

Despite thousands completing professional training each year, the number of entry-level positions has failed to match demand.

According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), there are currently only around 20 entry-level NHS jobs across England suitable for newly qualified clinicians, even as an estimated 3,000 graduates enter the workforce. In Gloucestershire, there are approximately 77 physiotherapy roles advertised, but only a small number are true Band 5 positions realistically open to new graduates. Many of the

By Nicholas Clarke editor@cheltenhampost.co.uk

local posts are part-time, temporary, require prior experience, or are combined Band 5/6 roles, making competition fierce.

The Cheltenham Post recently reached out to Shadow Health Secretary Dr Luke Evans MP, who raised the question with Health and Social Secretary Karin Smyth. The question asked was: “What is the competition ratio for newly qualified physiotherapists?” The minister’s response was: “The requested data is not held”offering little clarity for graduates seeking guidance on their prospects.

Dr Evans added: “I am quite concerned at the level of this response on these issues, so I will be following up with

some further targeted questions to push Ministers on reviewing data collection and how this fits with their workforce planning.”

The bottleneck is felt most keenly by new graduates. Helen, 46, a newly qualified physiotherapist, described the experience: “We recently had our graduation ceremony which should have been one of the happiest days of our lives. However, this was a bittersweet day as the majority of my cohort are struggling to find work. There are thousands of graduates applying for Band 5 roles, but they are few and far between. Many have even applied for Band 4 physiotherapy jobs just to be told we are overqualified. I recently applied for a Band 4 physiotherapy assistant role. “I was given an interview date, only for it to be cancelled the day before, informing me I was overqualified. Then ironically, a

week later, I received an email saying, 'We are sorry you weren't successful this time. You interviewed well but unfortunately there were stronger candidates.' I wasn't even interviewed, so that whole process was heartbreaking.”

This situation will be compounded further come July, when another 3,000 newly qualified physiotherapists enter the profession - only to find there aren’t enough NHS jobs available.

The shortage comes at a time when demand for physiotherapy remains high. Long waiting lists for musculoskeletal care and rehabilitation have been widely reported, creating a paradox in which services urgently need more physiotherapists but cannot convert new graduates into frontline clinicians quickly.

The CSP has urged

government and NHS leaders to review workforce planning and ensure that newly qualified clinicians can access the roles they have trained for, both to support patients and maintain morale within the profession. Are you a new graduate within the NHS and struggling to find employment?

If so please email with your story to editor@cheltenhampost.co.uk

Conservative Party

Rob Garnham - Cheltenham

TIME for some blunt speaking. I was a Councillor on Cheltenham Borough Council for 18 years and in all that time, and especially when the Conservatives ran the Council, we never reached a state of budget crisis that we now have.

The Lib Dems run the Council. They are responsible for the budget, for spending, for saving, and for the accounts. Last week the Audit Committee met to discuss the Council’s Audit 2024/25. That report is available on the Council website for all to read and highlights significant longstanding issues. As a former Mayor of Cheltenham points out in her recent open letter to the council

“The external auditors could not sign off the accounts for 2022/23, 2023/24, or 2024/25 because too much information was missing, incomplete, or unreliable.

Large parts of the Housing Revenue Account, property valuations, and capital assets could not be audited at all.”

Let’s be clear. Officers at the Council do a marvellous job, I know that from my own experience. However, the leadership, policy setting and how the council is run lies solely and squarely with the Lib Dem politicians who dominate the council. So, what is going on at the Muni? Despite numerous deadlines the Airport remains unsold, overspends are everywhere, the council are wrestling with a

Chairman

possible budget shortfall of over £1million and costs are being deferred into the future. With a neighbouring Gloucester City Lib Dem Council effectively declaring bankruptcy, I fear for the Borough and wonder what extra costs the Lib Dems will heap upon the Cheltenham taxpayers in the future.

Is this why they wrote to the Government begging for May’s elections to be cancelled?

Is this why a former Lib Dem MP for the town says the best outcome for local government reorganisation is to split the county into two. You should know that it is only the Lib Dems in Cheltenham who wanted to cancel the elections, and it is they alone who want to split our county into East and West rather than keeping “One Gloucestershire”, a Conservative pledge that strangely enough, is shared by many other Lib Dems in the county!

I said I would speak as I find. In my last column I said that potholes were the talk of the town. Now I find the real talk is about lack of Lib Dem leadership and financial incompetency. Bring on those May elections I say!

In the dock!

The following cases have all been heard recently at Cheltenham Magistrates Court:

Rikki Berryman, 40, of Gainsborough Road, Tewkesbury, had a community order revoked by Cheltenham Magistrates on the grounds that it had become unworkable. He had previously been convicted on 10th April 2025 of an offence committed on 25th March 2025 at Gloucester, of failing to provide a breathalyser sample when suspected of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. He was fined £120.

John Anthony Delaney, 46, of Somme Road, Cheltenham, was made subject to a warrant for arrest without bail for breaching the terms of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 17th September 2025. He had failed to attend two unpaid work appointments in September and December 2025.

Adam Mills, 45, of Thames Road, Cheltenham, had a community order issued by Guildford Magistrates on 27th February 2025 revoked on the grounds that the unpaid work requirements had become unworkable. He was dealt with for the original offence, namely that on 30th July 2024 he drove a ford Fiesta on the M25 motorway near Egham, Surrey, with more than the legal specified limit of cocaine in his system. He was fined £200, to be deducted from benefits at the rate of £20 per month.

Kieron Ryder, 29, of Cornflower Close, Tewkesbury, was made subject to a warrant for arrest without bail for failing to comply with the

requirements of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 10th September 2025 by failing to attend two unpaid work appointments in October and December of last year.

Kye Tyler Williams, 19, of Dinas Close, Warden Hill, Cheltenham, admitted breaching the terms of a suspended sentence order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 20th March 2025, by failing to attend an unpaid work appointment on 11th May 2025, and being sent home from an unpaid work appointment on 3rd November 2025 for unacceptable behaviour. He was dealt with for the original offence, that on 14th January 2023 he had in his possession a firearm, namely an unknown handgun, with intent to threaten a named person. The original suspended sentence of 26 weeks’ imprisonment was implemented and he was jailed for 23 weeks.

James Anthony Hawkins, 31, of Lynworth Place, Cheltenham, admitted breaching the community requirements of a suspended sentence made by Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 15th August 2025 by failing to attend an office appointment in August 2025 and failing to attend an unpaid work appointment in October 2025. The suspended sentence was imposed in respect of the original offence of making indecent images of children. The terms of the sentence were varied such that he is now subject to an 8-month jail term suspended for 24 months, during which time he must maintain monitored alcohol

abstinence, partake in mental health treatment and rehabilitation activity, and complete 240 hours of unpaid work, which includes 40 extra hours added in respect of breaching the original order. He was also fined £60 costs.

Logan Jason Raymond Field, 25, of Richards Road, Cheltenham, had the terms of a community order amended after he failed to attend unpaid work appointments in October and December of 2025. Magistrates added an extra 40 hours of unpaid work to the original order, bringing the total up to 140 hours, and he was ordered to pay £60 costs.

Leon McMeechan, 23, of Wenlock Road, Tewkesbury, admitted breaching the community requirement of a suspended sentence made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 2nd July 2025, by missing unpaid work appointments in October and December of last year. The original sentence in respect of two drug-driving offences was amended to comprise a 10week prison sentence suspended for 18 months, 20 hours of unpaid work, and he must take part in rehabilitation activity. He was also ordered to pay £60 costs.

Kian Pockett, 21, of Princess Elizabeth Way, Cheltenham, admitted breaching the terms of a community order made by Cheltenham Magistrates on 22nd April 2025, by failing to attend an unpaid work appointment and a probation appointment. He was fined £60 and ordered to pay £60 costs.

Ian Alan Brisland, 39, of Whaddon Road, Cheltenham, admitted failing to attend probation appointments in May and June of 2025. He was fined £60.

Clayton John Beale, 54, of Clyde Crescent, Cheltenham, was made subject to an enforcement warrant issued without bail for non-payment of a fine of £1151.35 imposed by Magistrates on 31st March 2021.

Bailey George Johnson, 26, of Despenser Road, Tewkesbury, was made subject to an enforcement warrant issued without bail for non-payment of a fine of £199 imposed on 6th May 2025.

Henry Jame Higgins, 22, of Cheltenham Road, Bishop’s Cleeve, was made subject to an enforcement warrant issued without bail for nonpayment of a fine of £558 imposed on 2nd May 2025.

Oliver Millar, 27, of Lansdown Place, Cheltenham, was made subject to an enforcement warrant issued without bail for non-payment of a fine of £1215 imposed on 19th March 2025.

Anthony Kevin Osborne, 66, of Pullars Court, Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham, was found to have been the registered keeper of a untaxed Kawasaki ZR750 motorcycle which was unlicensed, and the previous license had expired 10 months previously. He was fined £220, ordered to pay costs of £90 and vehicle excise back duty of £29.25.

Golden Valley backs Cyber First initiative at Cleeve School

NEW funding will support Cleeve School’s Cyber First Distribution Hub, helping pupils across Gloucestershire develop vital digital skills.

Golden Valley is building early momentum across its social value programme, with new funding announced to support Cleeve School’s Distribution Hub - a key part of the Cyber First initiative.

The hub loans specialist cyber education equipment to primary and secondary schools, helping young people across Gloucestershire develop digital skills and confidence.

The funding will allow the school to continue loaning its popular “crates”, which contain full class sets of devices including iPads, laptops, Ohbots (programmable robot heads), Spheros used to teach coding and robotics, and Raspberry Pis - credit card-sized singleboard computers.

The support reflects Golden Valley’s commitment to

delivering benefits across five key priorities: employment and skills; a thriving and innovative economy; cultural enrichment; health and wellbeing; and biodiversity and environmental protection in Cheltenham.

Golden Valley will also continue its partnership with Jam Coding throughout 2026, delivering workshops in areas such as computer game design, stop-motion animation and robotics coding for primary school pupils.

Other initiatives include a food pantry collection point at the town centre MX building supporting West Cheltenham Food Pantry, as well as the use of event and meeting spaces for local organisations to collaborate.

Hamer Boot, Interim Managing Director at HBD, said: “Supporting digital skills and future talent is a core priority for Golden Valley, so we are pleased to be backing Cleeve School’s Distribution Hub. Our social value strategy is focused on creating long-

term benefits for Cheltenham, and our team is delivering a range of initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to meaningful and lasting impact.”

Cllr Rowena Hay, Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “Golden Valley is a landmark development for Cheltenham, and this latest funding highlights the project’s commitment to delivering long-term social value. Initiatives like Cleeve School’s Distribution Hub and Jam Coding are helping to build the skills pipeline for our future economy while delivering real benefits for residents, schools and community organisations across the borough.”

Alwyn Richards, Executive Head of Cleeve School, said: “Cleeve School is delighted to be working in partnership with the digital community and Golden Valley in particular. The UK is reliant on its schools to nurture digital talent and help shape the future workforce. Cleeve does this

exceptionally well, having won national awards for its cyber work. We are still in the foothills, however, and would welcome even bigger conversations about connecting the cyber industry with our flourishing classrooms.”

Golden Valley is being delivered in partnership by HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Cheltenham Borough Council. Located adjacent to the GCHQ building, the development has been described as vital to the UK’s national security strategy. It aims to support national security, advance emerging technologies, strengthen collaboration and help shape the skills needed for the future.

HBD, part of Henry Boot, is one of the UK’s most established property developers, operating from six offices nationwide. With a £1.3 billion development pipeline, the company focuses on industrial and logistics, urban development and residential projects.

Max Wilkinson MP

IT’S a huge relief that, as I write this column, the A40 through Charlton Kings has finally been reopened. There are lessons to learn in how that project was delivered (not least the long delay in starting work). But for now, let’s hope residents have easier lives and that business picks up at Sixways too. We should also breathe a sigh of relief that the work has been completed before race week – as promised after local Lib Dems lobbied Shire Hall.

A40 aside, we are seeing some important progress locally. Our town is on the cusp of spades hitting the ground for the first part of the Golden Valley development – a great effort spanning the town’s public and private sectors, as well as government (they do get things right sometimes). The longawaited upgrade of Junction 10 of the M5 has secured funding (finally, after a lot of lobbying –another top team effort).

Our cyber security sector continues to grow, bringing good jobs. That’s all good news.

But we must remain vigilant. That’s why I’m continuing to ask questions about a number of issues. If there’s one issue that reminds us on a day-to-day basis of the failure in the way this country has been run for years, it’s the state of road maintenance.

It’s the time of year when the subject reaches the top of my inbox. After weeks of cold weather and rain,

our roads have deteriorated. It’s not a new problem. Cheltenham’s roads have been substandard for many years. It’s not unique to Gloucestershire, but the county council, which has responsibility for road maintenance, has struggled for a long time – dating back to the Conservatives’ administration many years ago.

After the local elections in 2025, the new political administration inherited roads that aren’t as good as they should be. They’ve inherited a difficult financial settlement too, with central government applying a further squeeze to council budgets at a time when spending on essentials like care and special needs education is spiralling.

What’s the solution to the perpetual pothole problem?

That’s a question I’ve asked. A senior county council figure has agreed to come to Cheltenham to answer questions from local people later this spring.

Of course, there are some really big challenges facing our nation. We have health service waiting times, the cost-of-living crisis, huge environmental challenges, and the need to get our housing market working for all. But for many of us, the failures of successive governments are felt every day in the state of our roads.

I hope that by bringing together the county council and local people, we’ll be able to make progress.

Green Party

WE in Cheltenham Greens are suffering from whiplash, and its highly likely we are not alone. As you may have already guessed I am of course referring to the elections that weren’t, and then suddenly were again. We have not changed the position we maintained at the outset of the news of cancelled elections; this was an egregious decision at the time and we welcome its reversal, even if it was conceded under duress.

So much of this saga is indicative of the necessity for change. From a far too comfortable Liberal Democrat council requesting the election be cancelled in the first place, to the ongoing arrogance of the current Government and its attitude to us in the provinces, all we see is complacency. The Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, even used the terms ‘zombie councils’ as he dismissed the value of democratic participation in Cheltenham and many other places.

From a cynical point of view, we can see why the Liberal Democrats in Cheltenham and the Labour Government, to the observer a continuation of its disastrous predecessor, made the initial decision they did.

Their continued reliance on an economic model that prioritises external investors, allowing much of the wealth generated in towns and cities to flow out of them, rather than investing in local people and services, is a key driver

FIRSTLY, I want to acknowledge what Reform considers to be a significant victory over the Government regarding local elections. Rather than contesting the matter in the High Court, the Government reversed its position and elections will now go ahead. Reform has consistently argued that residents should have the opportunity to vote.

of the disenfranchisement experienced by many communities. This is something we have seen unfold in real time in Cheltenham with the Golden Valley Development, a singular egg in the Liberal Democrat’s basket.

This is reflected in the rapidly changing political landscape we can all observe, and its one which threatens both complacent politicians and the outdated systems they rely on. The polls across the country show that change is at the top of the list for an increasing number of voters.

As always with high levels of disenfranchisement, we also have the danger of snake oil salesmen seeking to demonise whole groups and divide communities. But there is a genuine alternative, and it is one we are quickly pivoting to make to Cheltenham. It is a message of prioritising people and the environment we need to survive, of belief in community and its power. In other words, it is not a choice between the same old and the far right, hope is on the ballot, and hope is here.

Get your blood pressure checked at Tesco pharmacy

PEOPLE in Gloucestershire are being urged to prioritise their heart health by getting a free blood pressure test when they shop.

Tesco has partnered with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to encourage people in Gloucestershire to take a moment for their wellbeing this Heart Month by visiting a Tesco pharmacy for a quick and friendly blood pressure check.

Latest information from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities estimates that 1 in 11 people in Gloucestershire are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. However, because high blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms, the only way to know is to get tested. When identified early, high blood pressure can be effectively managed, helping to protect long term health.

Tom Lye, Category Director for Health & Wellness at Tesco, said: “We want looking after your health to feel as simple as going into Tesco to do a shop. Our pharmacy teams are here to offer a quick, friendly blood pressure check – no fuss, no appointment needed. A few minutes in store can help to give peace of mind or get you

Reform UK

The Conservative administration in some councils had sought to postpone elections for a second consecutive year, a move we strongly opposed. Here in Cheltenham, the Liberal Democrat-led council also supported postponement. With elections now scheduled for 7 May, voters will have their say. Looking ahead, what could residents expect from Reform councillors in Cheltenham after May’s elections? One indication comes from Reform councillors on Gloucestershire County Council, who recently set out their response to the

Liberal Democrat administration’s proposed county budget.

In their statement, they argued that the budget lacked focus and failed to prioritise the everyday concerns of residents. They criticised proposals relating to public health funding, transport costs, flood response measures and parking charges for carers. Reform councillors say they have put forward what they describe as a costed and practical alternative, aimed at protecting frontline services while identifying savings elsewhere.

One example concerns the

support early if it’s needed.”

Tesco pharmacy at the Colletts Drive store offer the free walk-in and prebooked 10 minute blood pressure check, carried out in private consultation rooms. They will explain the results clearly and, if a raised reading is detected, guide customers towards the appropriate next steps or support. All Tesco pharmacists and pharmacy staff undergo specialist Let’s Talk training to help them speak to the public with sensitivity about heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

The latest campaign, which has launched during Heart Month, builds on the partnership between Tesco and the British Heart

proposed allocation of £2 million from the Public Health grant towards road safety initiatives. Reform councillors argue that this funding should remain directed towards traditional public health priorities such as tackling childhood obesity and substance misuse.

Flooding is another key issue across the county. Reform representatives say the current proposals rely too heavily on reviews and long-term strategies, and they are calling for more immediate practical measures. These include reinstating countywide dredging based on existing drainage maps and carrying out emergency gully clearing after major storms.

Another debated proposal

Foundation, encouraging the public to fit a blood pressure check into their everyday routine. As well as the free in store checks, Tesco Magazine and the Tesco Real Food website are featuring heart healthy recipes including dishes with low salt and low saturated fat to help customers cook confidently at home.

The wider Tesco Health Charity Partnership with the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK was launched in 2018 and is built on the simple belief that Every Little Help can make a big difference. Until 1st March, customers can also choose to round up their shop to the nearest £1, to

involved parking charges for carers. Reform councillors opposed the introduction of a carers’ parking permit fee and proposed funding the removal of that charge through reductions in other areas of spending, including parts of the council’s ecology and environmental staffing budget. They argue that carers should not face additional costs while supporting vulnerable residents.

While these examples relate to Gloucestershire County Council, Reform says they illustrate the approach its councillors would take in Cheltenham: prioritising core services, challenging budget allocations and focusing on what they see as practical delivery.

raise money for the Health Charity Partnership.

Professor Bryan Williams OBE, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, said: “High blood pressure affects roughly one in three adults, yet many people remain unaware they have it because it usually presents no obvious signs. When it goes undetected, it can significantly raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes, which is why it’s so important for as many people as possible to get their blood pressure checked.

“Although high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems if ignored, the positive news is that it can be managed. Small lifestyle changes like being more active and reducing foods high in fat, salt and sugar can have a real impact - medication is also available when needed.

“Getting your blood pressure checked at a community location like your local Tesco is quick, straightforward and could be one of the most vital steps you take to protect your heart and overall health. Know your numbers this Heart Month.”

A free blood pressure test at your nearest Tesco pharmacy takes about 10 minutes, and Tesco colleagues will guide you through what the numbers mean.

Road conditions in Cheltenham remain a frequent concern raised by residents. Potholes and surface deterioration are widely reported. Reform attributes part of the problem to the increasing average weight of modern vehicles, including electric and hybrid models, and argues that road maintenance funding and vehicle taxation should reflect changing vehicle use and infrastructure pressures. Others, however, point to a range of factors including long-term funding constraints and weather-related damage.

Ultimately, the forthcoming elections will allow residents to decide which approach they believe best serves Cheltenham.

No Child Left Behind to launch Youth Cafe pilot in Cheltenham town centre

YOUNG people are already benefiting from new weekly sessions at Smokey Joe’s aimed at providing a safe and welcoming space in the heart of Cheltenham.

A new Youth Cafe pilot is now running at Smokey Joe’s on Bennington Street in Cheltenham town centre, giving young people a safe and enjoyable place to meet and take part in activities.

The sessions are being held every Thursday between 3.30pm and 6.30pm and will continue until 2nd April 2026.

The project follows last year’s No Child Left Behind Year of Youth Action, which included outreach youth work by The Rock Cheltenham, as well as consultation carried out by Springbank Community Group CIC at the Cambray

Carnival in September 2025. Young people highlighted a lack of affordable, dedicated spaces in the town centre where they could gather safely.

In response, the Youth Cafe pilot is being delivered at Smokey Joe’s in partnership with The Music Works through its existing project. The sessions offer activities and support in a

relaxed and informal setting. The initiative has been made possible thanks to funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Problem Solving Fund, secured by Cheltenham’s Community Safety Partnership and No Child Left Behind.

Councillor Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities,

said: “I am extremely pleased to see this youth space project up and running in the heart of Cheltenham’s town centre, offering the right vibe and access to free activities, food and drink. We listened to the voices of young people and, thanks to funding and partnership collaboration, have been able to turn their suggestion into a real opportunity. It is fantastic to see young people already benefiting.

“The kind owners at Smokey Joe’s have their retro games on free play, and every young person receives a voucher for their first drink and food item. This pilot shows what is possible when like-minded local partners come together to make a real difference for our young people.”

Nick

Evans, Deputy

Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “This space is offering a supportive environment for young people, with access to qualified youth workers and positive activities, right in the centre of Cheltenham.

“The Minster and Cheltenham’s Lower High Street have been identified as hotspot locations for antisocial behaviour due to drug dealing, drug use and alcohol consumption, as well as concerns for young people.

“We are taking a direct, preventative approach by putting support in the right place at the right time for vulnerable people. The OPCC is pleased to support innovative preventative projects that help solve problems.

“We have invested almost £10,000 in Cheltenham’s

young people through this cafe pilot.”

The Music Works delivered four weeks of outreach sessions on the High Street to engage young people and raise awareness of the new space. The sessions have now moved into the cafe for the sevenweek pilot, with youth workers from The Rock Cheltenham and Springbank Community Group CIC managing the weekly programme.

Cheltenham Police’s neighbourhood team is also supporting the Youth Cafe, helping to ensure safety around the venue during sessions and providing positive engagement.

Monitoring and evaluation will take place throughout the pilot to help shape future youth provision in the town centre.

A CHARITY partnering with a local primary school to help children facing anxiety, grief and other challenges, is inviting more schools to join the scheme.

Mentor Link, a children’s charity, is reaching out to all schools in Cheltenham to offer trained Mentors who support children struggling with life’s challenges such as anxiety, grief, attending school, participating in education, and forming relationships.

The charity is delighted to announce a new partnership with Greatfield Park Primary, where Mentors will soon begin working with children. They hope many more Cheltenham schools will join this valuable service.

CEO Andrea Maddocks said: “Our trained Volunteer Mentors are DBS vetted and carefully matched to each child. They receive introductory and safeguarding training, ongoing professional development with educational psychologists, and full support from the Mentor Link team. They are brilliant at helping children overcome life’s difficulties.

“We are expanding all the time and would like to help even more children throughout Gloucestershire!”

With over 24 years of experience, Mentor Link has built a strong reputation for supporting children back into learning. The charity currently works in partnership with more than 80 schools across the Midlands.

Mentor Link provides oneto-one mentoring and therapeutic support to children in schools facing social or emotional issues. The charity’s aim is to offer regular one-to-one support from professionally recruited and trained mentors to

improve children’s self-esteem and engagement in learning. Additionally, Mentor Link works with two Educational Psychologists to deliver an EBSA (Emotional Based School Avoidance) project that supports children returning to learning after periods of absence.

Founded in 2002, the charity operates across the Midlands. Parents or schools interested in learning more can contact Mentor Link at enquiries@mentorlink.org.uk or call 01299 822336.

County Council all set for Cheltenham Festival with upgraded transport hub

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

County Council is taking action to rein in congestion ahead of the iconic Cheltenham Festival, taking place from 10th – 13th March 2026. The council and its partners are preparing for the Festival, which attracts around a quarter of a million visitors each year.

Arle Court Transport Hub will run a park and ride bus service every 15 minutes to the racecourse in partnership with Cheltenham Racecourse and Stagecoach. Conveniently located near the A40, the hub offers state-of-the-art facilities, including a new multi-storey car park with 1,000 spaces, 100 sevenkilowatt EV charge points, and an expanded bus terminal with indoor and outdoor waiting areas. Real-

car park will close at 10pm each day. Tickets cost £15 per car per day, covering all

passengers in a vehicle up to five people.

The council encourages car-sharing to reduce congestion and urges groups to have a nominated driver for safe and responsible journeys.

Gloucestershire County Council’s Highways teams have been working with local agencies to manage the influx of visitors. All planned roadworks in the area, including minor repairs and major projects such as the A435 cycleway, will be postponed. Any urgent works that cannot be delayed will be coordinated with utility companies to minimise disruption.

Extensive repairs at the A40 Hambrook Spring Bridge are nearly complete, and the council is working to reopen the road ahead of the races.

New Slimming World consultant brings inspiring story to Tewkesbury Group

SUPER-SLIMMER Liz Walker has been appointed as the new Slimming World Consultant at Northway Community Hub in Tewkesbury, with sessions taking place every Thursday at 5.30pm and 7pm from 19th March.

Liz takes on the role after her own remarkable weight loss journey, having lost 6st 11.5lbs and coming within 6lbs of her target weight.

She has struggled with her weight since childhood and previously underwent both gastric band and gastric sleeve surgery. While she initially lost weight, she found that without long-term changes to her eating habits, the weight returned. At her heaviest, Liz relied on an electric wheelchair and was unable to walk more than a few steps comfortably.

Determined to regain her independence, she joined Slimming World with a friend and committed to attending weekly group sessions for support and accountability.

“I needed the support of the group and the accountability for my weight loss journey, and the group gave me exactly that,” she said.

Liz says the programme helped her build healthier

habits while still enjoying satisfying meals and family favourites. As her confidence grew, she gradually increased her activity levels and now attends aqua aerobics twice a week. She is now looking forward to supporting others in the community as they begin their own journeys. Slimming World meets at Northway Community Hub every Thursday from 19th March. For more information, contact Liz on 07717 281322.

Planning approved for new homes on former Monkscroft School site

PLANNING permission has been granted for 70 new affordable, energyefficient homes on the former Monkscroft School site.

Cheltenham is set to benefit from the development after Cheltenham Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously approved proposals for the redevelopment on Thursday 19th February 2026. Designed to help meet growing demand for housing in the area, the scheme will provide a mix of homes for social rent and shared ownership. It aims to create opportunities for first-time buyers as well as those most in need of secure, highquality housing.

The development will include a range of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom properties. All homes will be built in line with the anticipated Future Homes Standard, ensuring modern energy performance and lower living costs for residents.

The plans have been shaped by public feedback following last year’s consultation, with a strong focus on wellbeing and community connection. At the heart of the design is an eco-friendly landscape featuring natural habitats, wildflower areas, new and

retained trees and hedgerows, and accessible public open spaces.

The site will also include a green promenade, a community growing area and a central green space for recreation and relaxation.

Councillor Alisha Lewis, Cabinet Member for Major Developments and Housing Delivery, welcomed the decision.

She said: “This is great news for the people of Cheltenham. This development is not just about building much-needed homes. The site has been designed to revitalise the area by providing accessible green spaces for the

community and local residents to enjoy.

“Harnessing the benefits of climate-friendly technology, these new homes will help keep living costs low and improve the lives of those who live in them. The plans have been designed as a direct response to housing need in the area, with a range of sizes from one-bedroom flats to five-bedroom houses.

“We are also making sure we build the right homes for those who need them most. This includes accessible flats to address shortages on our housing waiting list.

“We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the scheme. It will

transform this area and I look forward to seeing the positive impact and wider benefits it will bring to the local community.”

The development will be accessed via Shelley Road and Shakespeare Road, with detailed traffic modelling undertaken in partnership with the Highways Authority. Dedicated parking has been incorporated to support residents and minimise local impact.

The approval marks a significant step towards delivering high-quality, affordable housing and creating a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood for Cheltenham’s future.

SO the elections in Cheltenham are going ahead in May after all! It’s perfectly understandable that people should want to have their say in who runs local services. However, the question of how frequently we have local elections isn’t set in stone. In 2024 the Borough Council could have decided, like all the local councils in Gloucestershire, to have elections every four years. If it had, we wouldn’t have been having elections in Cheltenham this year anyway. So why did the LibDems decide in 2024 that it was a splendid idea to have elections in 2026, only to change their minds two years later? I have my suspicions, which I’ll come to in a moment.

Bearing in mind that, with the forthcoming reorganisation of local government, Cheltenham Borough Council will only exist for two more years, what are the main election issues going to be?

No doubt complaints about potholes and cycle paths will feature; not very helpful since these are a County Council, not Borough Council, responsibility. The Swindon Road Recycling Centre will probably also get an airing. However, there’s a potentially serious issue looming, which is the state of the Borough Council finances and the lack of transparency about them. And here I must agree with former mayor Wendy Flynn (even though she’s in a different Party) that there are some serious questions to answer in relation to audit and the future financial viability of the Council. But the LibDems, with 36 of the 40 seats on the Council, have easily fobbed them off,

which I think will come back to bite them.

In addition, Council meetings are often held in secret, barring the press and the public from listening, on the grounds of ‘commercial confidentiality’. This applies particularly to four high profile developments where much of the financial information is withheld from the public: the Golden Valley Cyber Park; The Minster Exchange project; the sale of the Municipal Offices and the sale of Gloucestershire Airport.

The worry is that that, with the imminent demise of the Borough Council and the opportunity to transfer any debts to a new Unitary Council, financial scrutiny in the meantime will become even more lax. And here, I suspect, lies the real reason why the LibDems wanted to postpone the elections this year – in order to avoid having to face an electorate asking questions about the Council’s finances. And it may explain why the costs of holding these elections figured prominently in the Council’s reasons for requesting a delay.

So the upcoming elections are important. The Labour Party candidates will be asking these awkward questions of the ruling LibDems, to try to get some clarity and certainty for the people of Cheltenham.

Racing legends captured in style as Festival fever builds

AS anticipation builds for the Cheltenham Festival and the roar that will greet the Gold Cup runners, one of the town’s most recognisable fashion houses is celebrating the personalities who define British racing.

As the Official Luxury Fashion Partner of The Jockey Club, Holland Cooper has unveiled Racing Legends - a striking editorial portrait series honouring the figures at the heart of the sport.

Shot in the lead-up to the Cheltenham Festival, the series moves racing’s biggest names away from the racecourse and into a more intimate, stylised setting. Founder Jade Holland Cooper welcomed an array of celebrated jockeys and broadcasters to the brand’s new 70,000 sq ft headquarters in Cheltenham, capturing them in an unexpected light that reveals character, authority and individuality beyond the track.

The portraits culminate in a powerful group image bringing together generations and disciplines of the sport.

Featured are legendary jockeys Ruby Walsh, Harry Cobden, Daryl Jacob, Richard Johnson, Nico de Boinville and Jonjo O’Neill, alongside leading broadcasters Alice Plunkett, Aly Vance, Luke Harvey and Ed Chamberlin. They are joined by the youngest Shetland Pony-winning star, Olivia Eglise-Freud, completing a modern portrait of British racing.

With its headquarters rooted firmly in Cheltenham, the brand’s connection to National Hunt racing runs deep.

Speaking about the project, Jade Holland Cooper said: “With Holland Cooper’s headquarters rooted in

Cheltenham, I will always have an affinity with National Hunt racing and the Cheltenham Festival. Racing Legends cements our relationship with the people at the heart of the sport and with The Jockey Club, while continuing our tradition of capturing distinctive personalities in British-made tailoring.”

Long associated with Festival style, Holland Cooper has become a familiar presence during race week. Through Racing Legends, however, the brand moves beyond fashion to celebrate the strength of character that defines British racing - capturing the individuals who bring the sport to life, not just the spectacle on the course.

Founded by Jade Holland

Cooper, the luxury fashion house is known for its heritage tailoring and modern design, with strong ties to British sporting culture. Renowned for British-made suits crafted from Scottish-woven wools, alongside elevated knitwear and refined outerwear, the brand has built an international following while remaining proudly based in the Cotswolds.

As the town prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for Festival week and the Gold Cup, Racing Legends offers a timely reminder that Cheltenham is not only the home of jump racing’s greatest stage - but also a place where sport, style and heritage meet. For further information visit www.hollandcooper.com.

Nominations Open for 2026 Cheltenham Medal of Honour

NOMINATIONS are now being sought for Cheltenham residents who give their time to help others or work to make the town a better place to live.

The 2026

Cheltenham Medal of Honour recognises the voluntary contributions that local residents have made to their communities.

Nominations are considered by an independent panel, and all information is treated confidentially. The award is presented during the Inauguration of the Mayor

ceremony, which will be held on 18th May 2026 at the Town Hall, starting at 6.30 pm. The 2025 Medal of Honour recipient was Brenda Booker, recognised for her voluntary work with the Cheltenham Mental Health Carers Support Group.

Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor David Willingham, said: “Our community is blessed with incredible individuals who generously invest their time in uplifting others and enhancing

our quality of life in Cheltenham. The Medal of Honour is a vital tribute to those who make a real difference. Please be sure to nominate those in our community who make positive change.”

For more information and a nomination form, contact Jennie Ingram, Cheltenham Medal of Honour Committee, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 9SA, or call 01242 264108. Nominations can also be submitted by visiting www.cheltenham.gov.uk/medalof-honour-nomination-form

The closing date for nominations is 13th March 2026.

Understanding Anti-Social Behaviour case reviews

EVER since I became Police and Crime Commissioner, I have held a zero-tolerance approach to Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB). It can seriously affect people’s daily lives, often leaving victims feeling unsafe, unsupported, or unsure where to turn next.

It can eat into your sense of safety and community, and especially when the behaviour continues despite repeated calls for help, it can feel as though nothing is changing.

In an attempt to prevent people getting stuck in this cycle, the ASB Case Review process was created.

An ASB Case Review gives victims, or someone representing them, the right to request a formal multi-agency review of how their previous ASB reports have been handled. These reviews are managed by my Office.

It is designed as a safety net, bringing the relevant organisations together to look again at what has happened and identify what further actions could help. But an ASB Case Review is not a complaints’

By Chris Nelson Police & Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire

procedure about a particular agency or officer. Instead, it concentrates on solutions and whether the right steps have been taken to address the ongoing behaviour and what more could be done.

Because ASB often involves several agencies, the review brings together the organisations best placed to help. These can include councils, police, health services, social housing providers, Solace, fire and rescue services, youth services, probation and social care teams. The purpose is to build a clearer picture of what has happened and agree practical next steps.

Any victim of ASB can apply, and a representative (such as a family member, carer or councillor) can make the request on their behalf, provided there is written consent. This helps ensure that vulnerable individuals or those struggling to navigate public

services are still able to access the process.

A review can be requested when the local threshold is met. In Gloucestershire, this means:

• At least three reported incidents of ASB or hate incidents

• These incidents occurred within six months

• Each one was reported within a month of it taking place

• The ASB is ongoing

ASB Case Reviews ensure victims are not left navigating the system alone when behaviour persists. We have seen some real successes pushed through by my team. They promote joined-up working, highlight opportunities for earlier intervention and make sure agencies remain accountable for tackling ongoing problems. Often, people just want to feel heard and supported, and this process helps that to happen.

Cheltenham Camera Club showcases ‘Encounters with the Severn’ Exhibition

CHELTENHAM Camera

Club, the largest photographic club in Gloucestershire, continues to welcome members of all abilities, from international award-winners to complete beginners. Established in 1865, the club has built a reputation for excellence while maintaining a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Its simple aim is to help people enjoy photography and take better pictures, whatever their experience.

The club runs a varied programme, including regular Thursday evening meetings from September to May, monthly technique sessions, critique groups, studio shoots and trips to local, national and international venues. Summer outings combine sociability with creative exploration.

Its latest exhibition, ‘Encounters with the Severn’, explores Britain’s longest river along its 220-mile journey from source to estuary. Through images of landscapes, communities and working life, the exhibition reflects moments of industry and quiet stretches where history and modern life meet.

On display at National Waterways Museum Gloucester, 5th February –11th April 2026.

Gallimores Kitchen set for return at new Bayshill Road home

AFTER a challenging six months that saw a number of independent restaurants close their doors, there is some welcome good news for Cheltenham’s dining scene.

Gallimores Kitchen is set to make its return this March, relocating to One Bayshill Road and reopening just in time for Mother’s Day.

The much-loved restaurant will once again serve its popular Sunday roasts and indulgent seafood platters, dishes that helped build its loyal following before its previous closure. Its comeback will be warmly received by regular customers and supporters of

Cheltenham’s independent hospitality sector.

Owner and head chef Lee Gallimore is well known within the town’s food community. Over the years, he has led kitchens at several respected local establishments, including Lower Slaughter Manor, Chelsea Square, Monty’s, The Greenway, Montpellier Brasserie, No. 131 and Cowley Manor.

During his time at Cowley Manor, Lee worked alongside renowned development chef Mark Hix and also trained at Hix’s Chop House in Farringdon, London. The experience played a key role in shaping his creative, ingredient-led approach to cooking, which has become a hallmark of his menus.

With a menu designed to offer something for everyone, the reopening of

Kitchen represents a positive step for Cheltenham’s independent restaurant scene. As the doors prepare to open at the new Bayshill Road location, diners will be looking forward to revisiting familiar favourites in a fresh new setting.

For more information on the restaurant opening times and their latest menus please visit Gallimoreskitchen.co.uk

Are air source heat pumps the money-saving solution they’re claimed to be?

I HAVE concerns about the way air source heat pumps are being promoted, including by the Government. The publicity gives the impression that you can simply swap your old gas- or oil-fired boiler for a heat pump and you’ll save both the environment and money. This is often not the case and can be problematic.

To understand how a heat pump works we need to make a comparison with a fossil fuel boiler. You need a given number of units of energy to heat your home; for our purposes, let’s say 10,000kWh every year. We can get this from several sources, and each source has a cost; electricity is around 28p per unit, oil 14p, gas 7p. The sun’s energy is free. We can see that the cost of heating your home with electricity is around four times the cost of gas; oil is double. An air source heat pump, on the other hand, extracts the sun’s energy from the air, just like a

By Ian Williams

fridge, which is cold inside, but dissipates heat at the back.

The energy you get ‘out’ of a heat pump is free, but you put energy ‘in’ to get it. Typically, for every unit of electricity you put in, you get three units of heat out; so if a unit of electricity costs 28p, every unit out costs a third of this, around 9p. So still 2p more than a unit of gas, although you can save money by getting free electricity from solar panels, or by switching to a time-of-use electricity tariff for off-peak prices. But here’s the challenge; water circulating in your fossil fuel heating system is around 70°C, hot to the touch. For a heat pump to be financially efficient, the water circulates at around 40°C; barely warm. This presents us with two problems: if your radiators were correctly sized for your fossil fuel boiler, they’ll be

too small to be effective with a heat pump. And unless your house is extremely well insulated, that heat will simply leach away.

If your home wasn’t designed for a heat pump, you’ll likely have to change your radiators – ideally you need underfloor heating –and probably upgrade the insulation too; the cost of these measures – which an unscrupulous installer won’t tell you about – can run to many thousands of pounds. And even then, if you want your house toasty-warm, you’ll probably have to augment the heat by installing a log burner, which defeats the object of switching to a heat pump. None of this is to say air source heat pumps aren’t the way forward, but make sure you use a reputable installer, and ideally begin by commissioning an independent energy assessment of your property, so you’re aware of any additional costs.

Recipes Steph Williams

Follow Steph’s blogThis Plate Is Pretty stephnicw.wixsite.com /thisplateispretty

Frozen Lemon Mousse

This low carb dessert is light and refreshing, perfect for a summer’s evening, with its zesty sharpness and sherbert like taste, perfect for dinner guests or just when you fancy a little indulgence. Generally, most keto desserts involve Cream Cheese or alternative Flours, so this is something different and of course delicious! Time taken is around 20 minutes plus fridge/freezer time. Each serving contains only 0.5g of net carbohydrate as we have used artificial sweetener rather than sugar.

Ingredients

5 puddings

• 4 tablespoons unsalted room temperature Butter

• 3 tablespoons Sweetener / 1 tablespoon Sweetener (split use)

• 2 whole large Eggs

• 2 large Egg Yolks

• 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest

• 150ml Double Cream

• 150ml Lemon Juice

Instructions

l Start by making a Lemon Curd - Add the Butter and 3 tablespoons Sweetener to a bowl and using an electric whisk, combine until fluffy and light, approximately 90 seconds. Add in the whole

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Eggs and combine. Add in the Yolks and Zest and combine.

Slowly then beat in the Lemon Juice. At this stage it may look a bit curdled, but it isn't.

l Cook the Curd - In a small saucepan, add the mixture and apply a low heat. Whilst stirring, cook for around 5-6 minutes, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Be mindful not to overcook or apply too much heat, or you'll have scrambled Eggs.

l Chill the Curd completely in the fridge.

l Meanwhile, beat the Cream and final tablespoon of Sweetener together, forming soft peaks.

l Fold in the cooled Curd evenly.

l Divide evenly into silicone moulds and freeze for 3+ hours, or overnight.

l Thaw for 20-30 minutes before enjoying.

Recipe notes

Garnish ideas include Lemon Zest grated or curled, Mint Leaves, Chopped Nuts, crystallised Ginger.

I've used semi-circular silicone moulds here. If you don't have silicone moulds, oil

2 small 6-ounce ramekins, and then line them with several layers of cling film, leaving plenty of overhang for lifting the mousse out later.

Roasted Red Pepper and Chorizo Soup

An intensely flavoursome Soup made with Tomatoes, roasted Red Peppers & fried Chorizo. Experience a symphony of smokey and spicy flavours. This hearty Soup combines the sweetness of roasted Peppers with the robustness of the Chorizo, creating a balance that’s simply satisfying. The Peppers, roasted to perfection, infuse the Soup with a depth of flavour that’s both comforting and vibrant. Super simple, great to make in bulk to freeze, takes around 30 minutes to prepare and contains only 13g net carbs per servings.

Ingredients

4 servings

• Drizzle of Olive Oil

• 180g Spicy Chorizo

• 1 Onion - see Recipe Notes

• 3 cloves Garlic

• 2 Red Bell Peppers

• 400g Tin of Tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin

• 500ml Chicken Stock

• Salt to taste - about 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

l Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

l Cut the Peppers into quarters, and sprinkle with Salt and drizzle with the Oil on a baking tray and roast until slightly charred - about 12 minutes.

l In the meantime, chop the Chorizo into small half bitesize pieces and finely chop the Garlic and Onion.

l Fry the Chorizo on a medium heat in a pan for around 4 minutes - See Recipe Notes.

l Remove the meat and add in

the Onion and fry in the meat oil for around 8 minutes, then add the Garlic and cook for a further 90 seconds.

l Add the Cumin, a pinch of Salt and Smoked Paprika and cook for a further minute. At this point you may want to turn the heat to a low/medium temperature as the spices will easily burn.

l Add the roasted Peppers, tinned Tomatoes and Stock. Bring to a boil by turning the heat to high. Simmer for one minute.

l Add the Chorizo, but save a bit for the end to garnish.

l Blend until smooth.

l Garnish ideas include extra Chorizo, Basil, Chives, Spring Onion.

Recipe notes I used a Red Onion here as it is all I had in the house but white onion or shallots will be just fine also. This Soup works as a great sauce too, for example with Pasta.

No need for Oil when cooking Chorizo. It has a high fat content which allows it to release its own oils when heat is applied.

Fulltone Orchestra to perform

Verdi’s Requiem in Cheltenham

THE Fulltone Orchestra returns to the South West this spring for another spectacular orchestral performance, bringing Verdi’s Requiem to life at Cheltenham Ladies’ College on Sunday 15 March at 3pm.

A work of breathtaking drama and transcendent beauty, the Requiem takes audiences on an emotional journey from terror and turmoil to hope, light and ultimate peace.

The afternoon’s programme is packed with unforgettable moments, from the thunderous and electrifying impact of the explosive Dies Irae to the full force of eight trumpets in the mighty Tuba Mirum. A dazzling double fugue of triumphant

praise in the jubilant Sanctus follows, alongside the luminous Agnus Dei, which begins with an exquisite unaccompanied soprano and mezzo-soprano duet.

The Fulltone Orchestra’s ensemble of outstanding musicians, conducted by Anthony Brown, will perform alongside the remarkable vocal talents of the concert’s soloists: Fiona Harrison-Wolfe (soprano), Mae Heydorn (mezzo-soprano), Gareth Dafydd Morris (tenor) and William Stevens (bass/baritone). They will be joined by the Fulltone Chorus.

Anthony Brown said: “Verdi’s Requiem is one of the most powerful and emotionally

charged works in the entire orchestral repertoire. To perform it with the Fulltone Orchestra and the Fulltone Chorus is a profound privilege. This music pushes performers to their limits and creates an extraordinary shared experience with the audience – moments like this are why live music matters so deeply.”

With soaring melodies, moments of hushed intimacy and an extraordinary emotional scale, Verdi’s Requiem remains one of the greatest choral masterpieces ever written - an orchestral event not to be missed.

For further information or to book tickets, visit www.fto.org.uk.

Barn Theatre unveils two major comedies for 2026

THE Barn Theatre has announced two further productions for its 2026 Built by Barn season, bringing a classic psychological comedy and a sharp political satire to the Cirencester stage.

First up is a revival of Double Double, written by Rick Elice and Roger Rees, running from Tuesday 28 April to Saturday 30 May, with a national press night on Thursday 30 April. Originally debuting at London’s Fortune Theatre in 1986, the play celebrates its 40th anniversary with this new staging.

Described as “Two Strangers. One Big Lie.”, the story follows Philippa, whose husband Richard dies weeks before his 37th birthday - a crucial date in the terms of his £2million inheritance.

Facing the loss of the fortune, she devises a daring plan to find a lookalike to impersonate him. Enter Duncan: homeless, rough around the edges and sporting a broad Scots accent. What unfolds is a witty psychological duel as the pair attempt to outmanoeuvre one another in a high-stakes deception.

Later in the season comes Yes, Prime Minister, by

Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, playing from Friday 28 August to Saturday 3 October. The production marks the Barn’s return to the world of Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey following the success of I’m Sorry, Prime Minister, which is currently transferring to the West End.

Set during a tense weekend at Chequers, the comedy sees Prime Minister Jim Hacker battling economic crisis, political infighting and the formidable Sir Humphrey Appleby. Packed with razorsharp wit, the play promises topical humour tackling financial turmoil, Europe and government dysfunction.

Tickets are on sale now via the Barn Theatre box office. Please visit www.barntheatre.org.uk for more information.

CONDUCTOR: Anthony Brown

Child safety around dogs

From classroom talks on dog safety to rehoming small pets, Cheltenham Animal Shelter is working across the community to promote responsible ownership and better animal welfare.

IN the UK there are over 10 million pet dogs, making them one of the nation’s most beloved companions.

However, dog ownership comes with important responsibilities, especially when children are involved.

Current pet bite statistics highlight the need for owners to prioritise child safety around dogs, with a striking 90% of reported dog bites to children occurring in the home and involving a dog they know. Children are among the most at-risk groups for dog bite injuries, often because of their size, excitable behaviours, and difficulty in analysing canine body language. This raises an important question: what can we do to help reduce this stat?

At Cheltenham Animal Shelter, education is a key part of prevention. The Shelter believes that teaching children of all ages the skills they need to better understand dogs is vital in reducing incidents and improving animal welfare. To tackle this issue, the Shelter aims to visit schools and varied children’s groups across the community, delivering informative and engaging talks to large audiences of children. These sessions focus on helping

By Erica Landon

young people recognise dog body language, understand dogs’ comfort zones, and learn how best to interact safely and respectfully. From identifying when a dog may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed, to understanding why dogs need their own space, the talks equip children with practical knowledge they can use in everyday life. By working together with families, schools, and caregivers, the team hopes to reduce dog bite incidents and foster safer, happier relationships between children and dogs, benefitting both the community and animal welfare alike.

Schools and educational settings interested in booking a dog safety talk, arranging a bespoke pet care session, or accessing free educational activities and resources can find more information at www.gawa.org.uk/education al-talks.

Animals seeking a new home

Alongside its educational outreach, Cheltenham Animal Shelter continues to

care for a variety of animals waiting for their forever homes.

Roy and Noah, a one-yearold pair of gerbils, were signed over into the Shelter’s care in October last year after their owner’s circumstances changed and they could no longer keep them.

Roy is the more inquisitive of the two and will venture out of his burrows towards the front of the tank to investigate, meanwhile, Noah tends to tuck himself away under his bedding, observing the world from a safe and cosy spot.

Throughout the day and night, potential adopters can enjoy watching them burrowing enthusiastically and flinging their bedding around as they create intricate tunnels.

Roy and Noah will need a large tank to call home together, with plenty of depth to allow for lots of bedding to burrow into, an essential part of natural gerbil behaviour.

Also searching for a loving home is Seymour, a one-year-old crossbreed rabbit who arrived at the Shelter in November 2025 after being found as a stray. Seymour is a sweet and gentle bunny who loves

nothing more than hopping up onto the highest platform in his enclosure to watch the world go by.

He has firmly established his love of vegetables and treats, and he clearly enjoys spending time with anyone that comes into his pen.

Seymour could suit either an indoor or outdoor home but will need a large enclosure and, importantly, the companionship of a neutered female rabbit.

Rabbits are social animals who thrive in bonded pairs or small groups, and the

Shelter is keen to see him matched with a suitable partner.

Anyone interested in adopting Roy and Noah, or Seymour please email our Small Animal rehomer at smallanimals@gawa.org.uk for more information.

Money talks Fanny Snaith

When money feels unsettled, start here

AT various points in the year, we feel the urge to sort our lives out.

Sometimes it’s triggered by January. Sometimes it’s a birthday. A pay rise. A wobble in the economy. Or simply that low-level, nagging feeling that something isn’t quite sitting right.

So we reach for a plan. Budgets are opened. Savings targets recalculated. Spreadsheets dusted off. We promise ourselves we’ll “be better with money”. And yet, for many people, money still feels unsettled. Not catastrophic. Just quietly uncomfortable. Even when income has increased, the ease people expect often doesn’t follow.

That usually isn’t because they’re careless, lazy, or incapable.

More often, it’s because they’ve skipped a more fundamental question. Before budgets, goals, spreadsheets, or plans, ask this:

What actually matters most to me?

Not what ought to matter at this stage of life.

Not what sounds responsible. Not what your parents prioritised.

Not what social media says you should be chasing.

What genuinely matters to you?

Whether we realise it or not, every one of us is already living by a set of priorities. They quietly and consistently shape our decisions. What we spend money on without hesitation. What we put off. What we tolerate. What we avoid.

Money follows those priorities with remarkable accuracy, even when the results frustrate us.

This is why someone can say they value security yet live with constant financial stress. Why someone who craves freedom can feel trapped by commitments they normalised years ago. We sign up to annual

memberships because they look like a saving. We fix mortgages for five years because it feels safe. We take cars on finance because it spreads the cost. All perfectly rational decisions at the time.

But later, when income shifts or life changes, those same commitments can feel like concrete around our ankles.

This is also why people who care deeply about family still find themselves too busy, too stretched, or too preoccupied to enjoy time with them. Or why those who long for peace of mind avoid looking at their bank balance altogether.

None of this is a personal failing.

It is drift.

Life applies pressure.

Expectations accumulate.

Circumstances change. And gradually, often without us noticing, the gap between what matters to us and how we live begins to widen.

Money is usually where that gap becomes visible.

This is where traditional financial advice often falls short. We’re told to budget more carefully, save harder, and set clearer goals. Those tools can be useful. I use them with clients all the time.

But without alignment, they rarely stick. They feel restrictive. Effortful. Easy to abandon the moment life becomes demanding again.

If the direction is wrong,

more effort does not help. It just creates exhaustion. Money works like most things in life. Clarity comes before change. When financial decisions are aligned with genuine priorities, choices feel cleaner. Trade-offs make sense. Guilt reduces. Avoidance softens. Progress becomes steadier, not because life is easier, but because actions are coherent.

If money feels tense or confusing right now, a dramatic financial overhaul may not be the answer. A pause might be more powerful. It can help to reflect on a few simple questions: Where does money flow easily for me?

Where does it feel resistant? What do my everyday money habits say really matters to me?

If my finances were fully aligned with what matters most, what would look different?

Those questions do not demand immediate answers. Awareness alone often begins to shift direction. Budgets, Money Maps, spending plans, and goals all have their place. But without clarity about what they are in service of, they rarely deliver what people hope for.

Money is most supportive when it is aligned. Not perfect. Not flawless. Just honest.

If any of this feels uncomfortably familiar, you are not alone. Most people do not need more discipline. They need more clarity. You can explore more about values, money, and self leadership on my website at fannysnaith.com.

And if you’re curious about discovering your own patterns in a more experiential way, keep an eye out for The Financial Adventure Game. It reveals more about your relationship with money than most spreadsheets ever will. Thank you for reading.

Should entrepreneurs invest differently? Seven key considerations

Entrepreneurs may need to think differently when planning an investment strategy

ENTREPRENEURS are

often comfortable taking risks - it is usually what drives their success.

However, when a large proportion of personal wealth, income and future security is tied to one business, the financial landscape becomes far more complex than that of a salaried investor.

This concentration creates unique challenges. Managing entrepreneurial wealth effectively requires a careful balance between pursuing growth and protecting longterm financial stability.

Why entrepreneurial wealth creates unique risks

Entrepreneurs face a unique financial landscape because a large portion of their net worth, future income, and personal financial risk is tied to one asset: their business.

This is very different from salaried employees, whose income and wealth streams are usually more stable.

Recognise that comfort level with investment risk may not match capacity

This means an entrepreneur’s

investment strategy may need to look very different from that of salaried investors.

While entrepreneurs may feel emotionally comfortable with investment risk, their capacity for risk can be lower.

Build an investment portfolio that counterbalances business risk

Since the business already acts as a large, sector specific, illiquid equity position, the external investment portfolio should act as a stabiliser rather than amplify exposure to the same risks. Key strategies to achieve this could include diversification to reduce reliance on a single sector or geography or investments in assets with low correlation to the entrepreneur’s own industry.

Stress test financial resilience

Entrepreneurs should examine how a downturn in their business would affect their entire financial picture. A chartered financial planner, such as JM Finn’s can use modelling tools to stress test different scenarios.

Implement liquidity planning

Cashflow for entrepreneurs can be unpredictable – tax payments or unexpected operational demands may create liquidity (cashflow) challenges. Because business wealth is typically illiquid, maintaining cashflow outside the company becomes essential to ensures financial stability during periods of business turbulence. Practical tools include larger emergency reserves and keeping a portion of wealth in

Don’t let care fees take your home

FOR thousands of families every year, it comes as a devastating shock: the family home is sold to pay for care fees. After a lifetime of hard work, many homeowners are unaware that if they need residential or nursing care, their property could be included in a financial assessment - potentially wiping out the inheritance they hoped to leave behind.

In England, anyone with assets above £23,250 is generally expected to fund the full cost of their care. That calculation can include the value of the family home, forcing many families into difficult and distressing decisions.

Planning Ahead Can Make a Difference

Timing Is Crucial

readily sellable assets.

Manage concentration risk over time

Reducing reliance on a single asset can be challenging when that asset is the entrepreneur’s life’s work. Nonetheless, there are ways to mitigate concentration risk gradually, including, diversification into new asset classes and tax efficient strategies as the business matures or if the founder is thinking about selling the business.

Align investments with personal life goals

Entrepreneurs often overlook the importance of separating business risk from personal priorities. Creating distinct investment portfolios for retirement, education costs or long term family security helps ensure these goals are met regardless of business performance. These portfolios should use risk profiles distinct from the business –and chosen risk strategies must reflect personal objectives and capacity for loss.

Consider using a discretionary wealth manager

Entrepreneurs’ financial lives are inherently complex – and often times poor. Keeping track of market movements is a full-time job for our investment professionals, so opting to outsource investment decision-making to a discretionary wealth manager such as JM Finn could often be the best approach. We combine investment expertise with an award-winning financial planning service to devise a

comprehensive plan to help you manage liquidity planning and long term wealth structuring alongside an investment portfolio that is suited to both your attitude to and capacity to take investment risk.

Whatever stage you are at in your investment journey as an entrepreneur or business owner, JM Finn can helpcontact your local Cheltenham office to learn more: 01242 502 808

The information provided in this article is of a general nature and is not a substitute for specific advice with regard to your own circumstances. You are recommended to obtain specific advice from a qualified professional before you take any action or refrain from action. The value of securities and the income from them can fall as well as rise. Past performance should not be seen as an indicator of future returns. All views expressed are those of the author and should not be considered a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any products or securities.

“Many homeowners simply don’t realise how exposed their property can be if they need care. Planning ahead, for genuine reasons, can provide reassurance and help families avoid unnecessary stress.”

What Homeowners Should Do Next

Local authorities can challenge asset transfers made too late. If a trust is set up purely to avoid care costs, the property may still be taken into account. That is why experts stress the importance of acting early and taking proper advice, rather than waiting until care is already needed.

Expert Insight

Specialists say early estate planning can help protect families from the worst outcomes. One option increasingly considered is placing a home into a trust as part of a broader estate plan. When arranged properly and well in advance, this may reduce the likelihood of the property being counted in a future care fees assessment.

An estate planning specialist explains:

With care costs continuing to rise, understanding your options has never been more important. Homeowners concerned about protecting their property are advised to seek professional advice sooner rather than later.

Appointments are now available, with no obligation, for those wishing to understand how the rules may affect them. For more advice or to make an appointment, call us on 0333 335 5875

TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER Puzzles

1. A Russian Blue is a variety of which type of domestic animal?

2. In which year did the Soviet spacecraft Luna 3 reach the Moon?

3. What is the capital city of Papua New Guinea?

4. The 2025 film The Thursday Murder Club, starring Helen Mirren, is based on the novel by which TV presenter and writer?

5. Environmentalist and singer Feargal Sharkey first found fame with which band?

6. The famous Cresta Run natural ice track is located in which winter sports town?

7. Which US pop art painter specialised in enlarged comic strip frames with words in balloons?

8. The 1971 chart hit My Sweet Lord was by which former member of The Beatles?

9. What is the chemical symbol for the element bromine?

10. St Agnes, St Mary’s and St Martin’s belong to which British island group?

1. Sitting tenant who pays no rent (8)

6. An old friar found at the school shop (4)

8. Mail redirected to the South American city (4)

9. Taken ill with tense red affliction (8)

10. Complaint spotted on the continent? (6,7)

11. Utterly distressed? (4)

13. Bird adopts new colour (4)

17. Restriction on one’s ability to do the job (13)

20. Poor clot upset by code of behaviour (8)

21. Wrestle successfully with garment (4)

22. Rhino about to lose his one attacking weapon! (4)

23. Is such a remark really doubly sharp? (3-5)

2. Case of the shakes for 6 Across’s friends? (6)

3. By no means a full-blooded complaint (7)

4. I turn off for the Italian city (5)

5. Perhaps sceptre may inspire it (7)

6. Large cask is in north Africa (5)

7. Beastly sounding yarn (6)

12. Fed up with Italian going round in charge during a shortage (7)

14. Saw it had thawed out (7)

15. Measure nothing more than the size of paper (6)

16. Pair left in the car (6)

18. Students decline to learn it (5)

19. Cleo, about 50, played in the band (5)

1. Beating (8)

8. Astounded (6)

9. Printer’s blue (4)

10.

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines: Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

word found in the Concise

(Tenth

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

SUDOKU

Scilly. achy; acyl; ahoy; airy; archly; aryl; cagily; cagy; charily; chary; clary; clay; cloy; coaly; coly; gaily; girly; glairy; glary; glory; gorily; gory; gray; gyral; gyro; hairy; hiya; hoarily; hoary; holy; hoya; lacy; lairy; lory; lyric; ochry; oily; OLIGARCHY; oracy; orgy; racily; racy; richly; riyal; roily; royal; yoga; yogh; yogi; yogic.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Flogging; 8 Amazed; 9 Cyan; 10 Sir; 11 Remiss; 12 Cashmere; 15 Unload; 16 T-shirt; 20 Tatter; 24 Desire; 27 Acidosis; 28 Walrus; 29 Hid; 30 Drop; 31 Silage; 32 Ruminate. Down – 2 Layman; 3 Gung-ho; 4 Issued; 5 Garret; 6 Warmth; 7 Censor; 12 Curt; 13 Slit; 14 Make; 17 Shed; 18 Iris; 19 Ties; 21 Adagio; 22 Threat; 23 Rasher; 24 Diadem; 25 Sodden; 26 Rig out. Across – 1 Squatter; 6 Tuck; 8 Lima; 9 Resented; 10 German measles; 11 Bald; 13 Tint; 17 Qualification; 20 Protocol; 21 Cope; 22 Horn; 23 Two-edged. Down – 2 Quiver; 3 Anaemia; 4 Turin; 5 Respect; 6

EQUALISER:

l

l

l

l

RENOVATION

Sport

Festival Preview

with local tipster Richard Hannis

HERE we go then, folks –the greatest show on turf is just around the corner: the Cheltenham Festival is back!

The biggest question this year will be the ground. I know the course drains well, but it seems we’ve had endless rain so far, so I’m going to go with the softer side of good to soft.

So, the Festival itself: 28 races over four days with only one thing in mind –WINNING!

It all kicks off with The Supreme, but I’m going to sidetrack that race and concentrate on The Arkle, the Juvenile Hurdle, and The Ultimate Chase.

The Arkle: I only see one winner in this race, and that’s Kopek Des Bordes. He jumps well and performs on any ground. For a lively outsider, I’ll throw in July Flower because she gets the mares’ weight allowance.

Juvenile Hurdle: One of my bets of the Festival is Saratoga. This is a perfect race for this horse, and if the ground is soft, even better. An outsider to watch is Highland Crystal.

The Ultimate Chase: I’m going for Jagwar, who loves Cheltenham and has never finished outside the top three, so definitely worth an each-way bet. However, Headstand and Croak Park can also run

well at big prices. As we move onto Wednesday, it’s all about one horse for me: Marine National. This horse hasn’t run well so far this season, but he comes alive at Cheltenham. If he gets into a rhythm over the jumps, I can’t see him being beaten. If Sixmilebridge runs in The Brown Advisory on this day, then look out for him at a nice price. Romeo Coolio is another horse to keep an eye on in this race. Thursday is also St Patrick’s Day, the day you’ll normally see my ugly mug up at the racecourse. So if you do see me, mine’s a pint – cheers! It’s normally a good day for me, so I’m hoping history repeats itself.

I’m not going to go through every race, but keep an eye out for Bob Olinger, Fact To File, Bambino Flyer, Lossiemouth, and Hewick.

Remember:

- Never change your bet; - Only bet what you can afford;

- Most of all – enjoy yourself. Good luck!

My Festival best bets:

1. Saratoga

2. Marine National

3. Bambino Flyer

4. Nurse Susan

Catch my Gold Cup selections in the next issue, out Thursday, March 12th.

Football legend Redknapp going for Gold Cup glory

EX-FOOTBALL manager

Harry Redknapp has insisted his Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup contender The Jukebox Man is “not for sale at any price”, as he prepares for his biggest day as a racehorse owner.

Redknapp cheered the eightyear-old gelding to victory in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, alongside wife Sandra and other members of his family.

Now the 78-year-old is dreaming of landing the most prestigious prize in jumps racing on Friday 13th March at Cheltenham.

Speaking after seeing The Jukebox Man at the yard of trainer Ben Pauling during a media morning arranged by The Jockey Club to promote the Cheltenham Festival, Redknapp said: “It's a dream to have a horse to run in the Gold Cup and go there with a chance.

“I've had an awful lot of horses, still got an awful lot, but this one has taken us to places that you only dream about as a racehorse owner. He's my dream, he's not for sale and he wouldn't be for sale at any price.

“I'm not saying we're going to win it; we've got a serious horse, it's an open race and I think we've got as good a chance as anything.”

Redknapp admitted that despite being involved in professional football for 52 years, most people now want to talk to him about horseracing.

A regular on Q&A circuits in theatres and halls, he explained: “People ask me

about The Jukebox Man more than football! I've been to those theatres for Q&As and they all come up to me afterwards.

“They've not actually come to see me, they've just come to ask me about The Jukebox Man! When I was at Cheltenham I wasn’t interested in talking about football or whatever.

“If I see the boys who used to play for me, they all talk about it. Whenever I've bashed into any of the lads who I've managed or whatever, they always ask about it!”

Redknapp could end up coming face to face with former footballing rival Sir Alex Ferguson at the Cheltenham Festival, as he has many times before on a racecourse.

And he went on: “Alex is great and he loves the game as well. He's a top man, a top football manager and a top bloke really. He loves his racing and I've had a few nice days with him and his pals –they are all great.”

Asked if the feeling on Gold Cup day will be like the morning of a cup final, he went on: “It’ll be very similar. I’ll obviously be very nervous and probably more nervous watching a race than I am even at football on the touchline.

You get nervous every jump.

“I hold my breath, you know. It's a nerve-wracking experience. I think when you're stood there, nothing you can do, you're in their hands and you just pray that they come back safe and sound, most importantly.

“You know what you can do. Ben (Pauling, trainer) has done all the work and the staff with

the horse. You're just relying on the jockey and the horse doing the job.”

Redknapp has owned horses with Pauling for more than seven years and achieved an ambition of owning a Festival winner when Shakem Up’arry won in 2024.

He said: “I've been there a long time now, and we've had some good days with Ben. I had Shakem Up’arry winning at The Festival for me. It was a dream to have a Festival winner, and then we could have had two. Ben fancied both of them. He was confident about this boy, as much as he was probably more than Shakem Up’arry. And I thought The Jukebox Man couldn’t win.

“He was like a 20-1 shot, or whatever he was at. But Ben was so bullish, and when he went clear, you were cantering still two out. You thought, Oh, my God, this is unreal. Two out, two winners. We got chinned on the line.

“For the King George, I'm a pessimist. I'm thinking, ‘Oh, he can't win a King George. Ben's talking rubbish - he can't win a King George’. But he was so bullish about it and confident.

“In the race I keep thinking he's beat, and then he comes.

The funny thing was, next day I went to Newbury, and as I was walking in, Sean Bowen was checking in, getting his ticket, coming in with me. And I said, ‘Hi, Sean’. He said, ‘When we went past the post Ben Jones said, ‘Yes, yes’ and I shouted across at him, ‘What are you doing? You ain't won!’

He thought he'd won. Sean thought he'd won!” Next month’s Boodles

Cheltenham Gold Cup is a far cry from Redknapp’s first ownership experience, with friends while managing Bournemouth FC.

He explained: “I started off with my first syndicate when I was manager of Bournemouth. We bought what was called Slick Cherry because Bournemouth are The Cherries. I think there was seven of us in it.

“I think we gave £6,000 for it and we all chipped in with David Elsworth. They were great days. Elsie got a couple of wins out of it and that's when I really sort of got real. I've always been interested from eight years of age. My nan was a bookies’ runner in the East End of London.

“I grew up with it, you know, listening to the Grand National around the radio and going back to my mum winning the sweep at the cake factory she worked in with Foinavon. I've always loved it.

“I went to West Ham as a player at 15 and it was full of punters – they all loved a bet and The Sporting Life would be in the dressing room.”

Trainer Pauling is delighted to have a Gold Cup contender for Redknapp, who he describes as “a national treasure”.

He explained: “We do talk a lot. Not always about horses. Whether it be football, or where Harry is, or what he's up to, or how the other horses are going. We have a good relationship and so having a horse of his calibre in the form, that he seems to be in at the moment going into the Gold Cup, is an exceptionally exciting for the whole team here.”

Langworthy’s late double fires Cleeve into Play-Off places on emotional charity day

BISHOPS Cleeve faced Winchester City in a huge play-off clash in the Southern League Division One South on Saturdaybut the occasion was about more than just football.

The Mitres welcomed the Hollie Gazzard Trust to Kayte Lane, raising awareness and funds for the charity’s vital work. Wearing a special purple kit in the Trust’s colours, Cleeve marked the day in perfect fashion with a dramatic 2-1 victory over fourth-placed Winchester City F.C. to climb back into the playoff places.

The Trust was founded in memory of Hollie Gazzard, who was murdered at her workplace in 2014. Since then, it has delivered safety training to thousands of people across more than 70 schools, colleges, universities and local authorities. Its Hollie Guard app has become the UK’s leading personal safety app, with more than 500,000 users and involvement in over 60 police investigations nationwide. The fixture came just three days after the 12th anniversary of Hollie’s death,

By Billy Taylor

adding further poignancy to the afternoon.

On the pitch, it was a fiercely competitive and often ill-tempered encounter. Winchester’s game plan became clear early on, with Josh Nelmes requiring lengthy treatment after being caught by a high boot to the face — an incident that resulted in only a yellow card, much to the frustration of the home support. Cleeve created the first real openings, Nelmes heading goalwards before Harry Williams saw a close-range effort blocked, while Toby Holland threatened down the left. At the other end, Lewis Clayton was called into action during a frantic spell in which the visitors struck the bar before eventually taking the lead. From the resulting corner, Connor Whiteley fired in off the bar just before the halfhour mark.

Tempers continued to flare, and further controversial

decisions did little to calm proceedings. Cleeve pushed for an equaliser before the break, with Tommy Scott producing an outstanding save to tip a deflected effort around the post, but Paul Collicutt’s side went in trailing.

The hosts improved after the interval. Reegan Messenger fired narrowly over, while sustained

pressure saw Williams denied by a superb last-ditch clearance. Winchester almost doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute when Alfy Whittingham struck the posta miss that would prove crucial.

Captain Ross Langworthy was introduced moments later and changed the game. In the 85th minute, he capitalised on a defensive

Bishops Cleeve Development claim 4-0 win over Hanham

BISHOPS Cleeve

Development ended their mammoth run of six consecutive home games with a resounding four-goal win over strugglers Hanham Athletic. Cleeve were looking to make a statement against a side fighting to stay in the Gloucestershire County League, especially after their slip-up against Ruardean Hill Rangers not too long ago. They made the perfect start as, within a minute, Cleeve had a sight of goal, a wellsaved close-range effort. In the third minute, Cleeve had the opener. Solomon Osinuga broke through on the right, driving towards goal and curling the ball into the far corner. 1-0 to the Mitres! This didn’t mean much, however, as the away side quickly took control.

First, they came close from a corner in the 10th minute, heading just wide at the near post. Then they fired a mean

By Ben Ware

dipping effort from the edge of the box, moving and swerving, forcing Noah Sunter into a solid save to get down and parry it away from danger. Between these attacks, Cleeve had chances of their own.

Monty New was denied in the 12th minute by two strong hands at the top right corner, before a brilliant sliding interception prevented his tap-in just under ten minutes later. A superb solo run from the visitors just after the halfhour mark was deserving of an equaliser. Taking it 20 yards and beating four, the striker was only able to hit the shot straight at Sunter. Three minutes later, Hanham had another huge chance, a low cross to the penalty spot sliced wide under little pressure. Somehow, Cleeve entered the

break ahead but could easily have found themselves behind. They almost had an instant goal again, New breaking down the left before cutting in and bending a shot just wide of the far post.

The second half began with a quick goal, as a mix-up at the back provided Cleeve’s second in the 49th minute. It looked to be a harmless pass, beyond Toby Moss and away from danger. Hanham’s captain left it to roll through to the keeper, unaware that New was waiting to pounce, latching onto the loose ball and slotting it home.

The 58th minute brought the third, New picking the ball up in the Hanham box, turning his man and firing it through the keeper from a tight angle. Suddenly, Cleeve were three goals to the good, with a much-improved second-half display. Callum Debonis looked to get in on the action just after the hour,

hoping to add to his goal for the A Team earlier, spotting the keeper off his line and attempting to bend it around. An outstretched, last-gasp leg cleared the danger.

Sam Smith came close again in the 74th minute, bending it just wide of the far post, before Hanham went down the other end and forced another good save from an imperious Sunter. With ten minutes left to play, Cleeve had their fourth. A scramble from a free kick, half cleared and kept in excellently by Ben Hun, saw the ball played back across goal, where it was kept alive and finally slid home by George Ellerton from close range.

An unsavoury end brought a poor, late, and unnecessary tackle on Henry DanterWelch, leading to a bit of a bust-up between the sides and a red card for each. A good win soured.

mix-up to prod home the equaliser after a poor goal kick caused chaos on the edge of the box.

Winchester had one final golden opportunity in stoppage time, but Gerson Da Costa Ramos chipped agonisingly wide with only Clayton to beat. Cleeve made them pay.

Deep into added time, great work from Noah Rubio

inside the box saw his shot blocked, only for the loose ball to fall perfectly for Langworthy, who fired home his 20th goal of the seasonand 90th for the club - to seal a memorable comeback. The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes as the Mitres faithful celebrated three vital points on an emotional and meaningful afternoon at Kayte Lane.

Bishops Cleeve purple side shine in round-robin win over Cheltenham Tigers

BISHOPS Cleeve welcomed near neighbours Cheltenham Tigers for an open-aged round-robin tournament at Kayte Lane on Sunday morning. Both sides fielded two teams, with Cleeve’s Purple side winning all three matches, beating both Tigers teams 1-0 before defeating their fellow Mitres 3-1 in the final game

to make it a perfect morning. The Orange Cleeve side drew their opening game 1-1 before losing 2-0 in their second. Cleeve’s Walking Football side is open to anyone interested, with sessions on Tuesday and Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings, with age-group matches also taking place.

— Cheltenham football league round-up with Rob Morrison

WITH the worst of the recent rain finally easing, fixtures in the Cheltenham League were able to resume across much of the region, though clubs in Worcester continued to feel the effects of the disruption. As a result, just ten matches were played over the weekend schedule.

Action began on Friday evening under the floodlights at Winchcombe School, where Montpellier hosted Shortwood United Reserves in the County Cup. In a tightly contested encounter, neither side could find a breakthrough during normal time. The tie was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, with United holding their nerve to secure progression to the next round.

Four further fixtures involving Premier Division sides took place in the Junior Charities Cup group stage. While defeat at this stage does not end a team’s hopes, positive results can offer a valuable psychological lift for both cup and league campaigns. Nowhere was that more evident than at Tewkesbury School, where Tewkesbury Town Reserves entertained FC Wickhamford. Town sit three points clear at the top of the league, albeit having played three games more than second-placed Wickhamford, and therefore are not fully in control of the title race. However, they sent out a statement of intent with an

impressive 4–3 victory over their closest challengers.

In the early kick-off, Bishops Cleeve’s inconsistent run continued as they were held to a 2–2 draw at Kings. Elsewhere, Southside Star claimed a 4–2 win away at Cheltenham Civil Service Reserves, while Whaddon United Reserves secured a convincing 4–1 victory over Charlton Rovers.

Only three matches involving Division One sides survived the weather disruptions. After back-toback league defeats against fellow title contenders, Cheltenham United returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion. A dominant 7–0 victory over Winchcombe Town Reserves moved them to within two points of leaders Mickleton Rangers. Despite the win for Rangers’ rivals, the leaders remain firmly in control with two games in hand.

In the division’s other league fixture, goals from the Bradleys, Edwards and Simms guided FC Lakeside Reserves to a 2–1 win against Prestbury Rovers. Rovers have not tasted victory since October and, without a swift upturn in form, a bottom-two finish appears increasingly likely.

The final match of the weekend was a Minor Charities Cup tie featuring the in-form Tewkesbury Town III. All ten of their league points have come

CELEBRATION: Bishops Cleeve Ladies celebrate their 4-1 win over Southmead.

from their last four outings, and their momentum continued with a 4–2 triumph over Leckhampton Rovers. The win books their place in the semifinals, where they will face Mickleton Rangers.

In Division Two, Montpellier Reserves’ winless run stretched on as they were beaten 3–2 by

Match reports with Pat Cox

Whaddon United Reserves. The result leaves the bottom club without a point after 12 matches. With eight games remaining and a seven-point gap to make up, survival is still mathematically possible, but time is running short.

The weekend concluded with a Primary Charities Cup clash between Bredon

Reserves and Bibury Reserves. League standings suggested a home victory, and Bredon duly delivered,

running out 4–1 winners to advance to the semi-finals, where they will meet Whaddon United III.

Saturday 21 February 2026 - Cheltenham Town 3 – Salford City 2

The Robins recovered from a lacklustre first-half performance to twice come from behind and beat promotionchasing Salford, who struck as early as the sixth minute when Jorge Grant smashed a shot past a helpless Joe Day from 12 yards. For the next 20 minutes, Salford had all the time they wanted to knock the ball around in midfield.

A rare Cheltenham attack

deflected for a corner in the minute, Day

well at the Hutchinson, who struck it well, but his shot hit Robbie

Half-time saw the Robins one down, with few complaints, as Salford had been the better side.

The turning point of the match came five minutes into the second half when a good Cheltenham attack was abruptly ended as former Robin and Salford captain Luke Garbutt dragged Jake Bickerstaff down. Abigail Byrne awarded a penalty and sent Garbutt off.

Isaac Hutchinson continued his scoring streak by converting the spot-kick to level the scores.

This seemed to energise the Robins, who used the

ball better and stretched Salford when substitute Arkell Jude-Boyd burst into the penalty area in the 67th minute and was brought down. Byrne did not award a second penalty.

Completely against the run of play, Salford went in front for the second time in the 76th minute with a wellstruck effort from Zach Awe finding the back of Day’s net.

Steve Cotterill reacted by bringing on Harry Ashfield and, five minutes later, he scored a goal that would grace any stadium, cutting in from the right and smashing a shot into the

bottom-left corner. Some goal!

With 10 minutes of added time, it was Cheltenham on the front foot. Substitute Cole Deeming’s free-kick just eluded George Miller in the 92nd minute, and a double save from Matthew Young kept Salford level.

But Cheltenham were on fire and were not to be denied when Ashfield turned provider, crossing a perfect ball which Miller met and headed firmly past Young to send the home crowd wild.

A complete turnaround from the first half and three valuable points.

Coxy’s Man of the Match

Harry Ashfield

Cotterill delighted with late win as football legends look on

Continued from back page

Cheltenham boss Steve Cotterill spoke of how important the victory was. He said: “Lots of excitement today. Tough week for us. Incredibly tough week. Lads have been incredible this week, absolutely incredible. First half we struggled a little bit to get any rhythm. Strong wind again, pinned us in. I want to know why the wind always blows that way at 3pm, then at 3.45pm it starts dying down – honestly that was so difficult. It's a real tough one to take when you are in your third game of the week and being blown back there. That's what happens. Of course, they get an early goal and you wonder, with the way the goals came about, whether it's going to be our day. That's the character of them. We look stronger now. We had that bench to call upon today, which was really important. Big congratulations to them and I just thanked all of them for their efforts. That was a big three points today. It was important we got to that 35 mark. I talked to the lads about pivotal weekends, and this was one of them.”

Two goals came from January loan signings, as Hutchinson returned from Bristol Rovers and Ashfield

wanted to bring the subs on when we’d got into rhythm rather than start afresh at halftime.”

Terrace talk with Will Alder

DESPITE a significant upturn in both form and results since the return of Steve Cotterill, we recently found ourselves in the middle of a four-game losing run in EFL League Two. That run allowed other sides around us to try to drag us back into a battle at the wrong end of the table. However, a resolute defensive display away at play-off-chasing Barnet F.C. brought an end to that poor spell.

Town F.C. in January for a reported £400,000 underlined that intent.

By contrast, we have been signing a striker on loan who was not getting a game for Tranmere Rovers F.C., which highlights the different pools we are still fishing in, despite our new ownership.

got his first goal since his move from Wrexham. Cotterill praised both, especially Hutchinson for keeping his cool to slot home the penalty. He continued: “Yes, great penalty. He was fouled on that one, the second ball. I did toy with the idea of taking him off after that skirmish because what we didn't need in that game was a red card, and suddenly that would carry over to next week. Thankfully, I repositioned him in a 4-4-2 and got him out wide, away from all of that nonsense in the middle. Then when we scored, we went back to 4-3-3 because we know what we are doing in that formation.

“The two young lads might have thought they would start. It's difficult when you come out of a bigger club; their

parent clubs will be watching. When they are not playing, they don’t know quite how to act because they are so young. Ashy came on, cut inside and scored – to be honest, I was thinking ‘go on son’ and he kept going. It was brilliant. To be part of moments like that for young players gives you such a buzz when you’re older. For Cole, an incredible ball into the box. He has a superb left foot. Those two are going to have good careers. They will have ups and downs, in and out of the team, but I like to think they feel they are learning. They get coached to within an inch of their life every day. Brilliant for them, and for the rest of the lads too. I could have made changes at half-time, but the others were in rhythm. I

Cotterill reflected on the emotional intensity of the match: “Highly emotional game, yes. It’s hard when you are trying to tweak this and that but also watch what’s happening. That’s probably where 1,000-odd games allows me to switch off and get a clear head for those two minutes. Nine times out of ten, that’s why I sit back down to clear my head and write a few things down. It can be mayhem sometimes, trying to make subs and get to where you want. Thankfully, it all worked out today.

“Yes, incredible really, and the fans again – they've been brilliant. They went a little quiet at one moment, but it's really important we stay in this division. It's what I came back here for. To make sure we didn't go through the trap door. So much effort has been put into it. The support from the stands has been incredible. I desperately want to do well for them. When we lose, it really hurts me. I am not a good loser anyway, but when we lose, I feel as though I've let the whole of Cheltenham down. It’s personal: this club, this job, this season, this afternoon.”

We have not kept many clean sheets this season, and Joe Day has been one of the busiest goalkeepers in the division. On this occasion, though, we managed to hold firm. In a game lacking attacking quality, we earned a hardfought point on Valentine’s Day, bringing it back from The Hive to Gloucestershire. Things did not get any easier for Cheltenham Town F.C., as next we travelled to London again to face league leaders Bromley F.C. on a cold Tuesday night. Our frustrating habit of conceding early continued, as Andy Woodman’s side, unbeaten at home in the league for nearly a year, opened the scoring through former Northampton man Mitchell Pinnock. The winger’s early strike stood despite what looked like a clear high boot in the build-up.

We responded well to going behind. Isaac Hutchinson calmly slotted home his 10th Robins goal of the season after a direct run and well-placed cross from Jordan Thomas. The equaliser earned us a welldeserved draw - one that anyone associated with Cheltenham Town would certainly have taken before kick-off.

Next up for the Robins was the visit of bigspending Salford City F.C. to Whaddon Road. The Ammies, now managed by Karl Robinson - who has enjoyed success in the lower leagues with Milton Keynes Dons F.C. and others - are a prime example of the financial gap between some of the division’s top sides and ourselves. Gary Neville and the rest of the Class of ’92 have made no secret of their ambition to propel the club up the leagues as quickly as possible. The statement signing of Ryan Graydon from Fleetwood

Yet another early goal, following some poor defending, made life difficult for Cheltenham. However, former Robins loanee Luke Garbutt’s clear red card early in the second half turned the tide in favour of the hosts. The farcical scenes that followed - with the former Everton man initially refusing to leave the pitch - could yet earn him a lengthier suspension.

Nevertheless, Hutchinson was unfazed and calmly converted the resulting penalty to level the scores. His impact this season has been immense, and one almost expects him to unveil Jude Bellingham’s infamous “Who else?” celebration, such has been his importance as our main source of goals.

At that stage, the game looked to be heading only one way. However, more poor defending allowed Salford to retake the lead and gave them something to hold on to. I have spoken before about ensuring that loan players make a tangible impact on the first team, and both Harry Ashfield and Cole Deeming certainly did just that after being introduced in the second half. Despite being taken off at halftime the previous week against Barnet, they responded superbly to that disappointment.

Wrexham A.F.C. loanee Ashfield ran the show after coming on, and it was his first EFL goal that made it 2–2. It was a superb individual effort from the 19-year-old, following a jinking run into the box. We continued to press against ten men, and West Bromwich Albion F.C. loanee Deeming produced a moment of real quality, delivering a superb leftfooted cross onto the head of fellow substitute George Miller, who powered home a lastminute winner.

The victory ended a sixgame winless run in League Two for the Robins and sent the home fans away happy for the first time in a while.

Cheltenham Post

Friday 27th February 2026

Late drama as Robins defeat Salford

A 97th-minute George Miller goal secured all three points against 10man Salford after a thrilling game at Whaddon Road.

Miller netted a muchneeded goal deep into stoppage time to hand Cheltenham Town victory in a match packed with goals, red cards, and a penalty.

It was Salford who dominated early on, going

By George Didcote Chief Football Writer

1-0 up within the first few minutes and looking comfortable. That was until former Robin and Salford captain Luke Garbutt saw red, and Isaac Hutchinson levelled from the spot.

The 10-man visitors struck again, taking the lead late in the second half.

Cheltenham equalised with five minutes to go through Harry Ashfield, before late drama saw Miller win it in the seventh of 10 added minutes.

Salford manager Karl Robinson was left unhappy with both the penalty and the lengthy injury time, despite his side’s best efforts to manage the clock throughout the game.

Continued on page 31