The Cheltenham Post newspaper 31st July 2026

A SERIAL offender who threatened shop workers, carried a knife and broke into businesses across Cheltenham has been jailed for six years.

Jake Ahmed, 25, of no fixed address, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on 10th June, where he was sentenced to six years in prison. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Ahmed had previously pleaded guilty to robbery, racially aggravated harassment, possession of a knife in a public place, shop theft and two counts of burglary.

The offences formed part of a crime spree spanning several months between November 2025 and May 2026, during which Ahmed targeted businesses across Cheltenham and left a trail of intimidation and damage in his wake.

Police first became aware of Ahmed while investigating a number of burglaries and public order incidents across the town.

Continued on page

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AROUND THE COUNTY news from Gloucestershire

Motorists to face prosecution after driving on M5 hard shoulder during collision response

TWENTY motorists are set to be prosecuted after driving illegally on the hard shoulder while emergency services responded to a collision on the M5 in Gloucestershire.

According to Gloucestershire Police, officers were dealing with a single-vehicle collision at Junction 12 of the M5 on 5th July when several drivers bypassed queuing traffic by using the hard shoulder.

The collision involved a motorhome which suffered a tyre blowout before overturning. The occupants required medical treatment.

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Where to find us

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

Co-Op, Leckhampton Road

Co-Op, Bath Road, Leckhampton

Co-Op, Salisbury Avenue

Cheltenham General Hospital

Cheltenham Spa Train Station

East End Garage, Charlton Kings

Morrisons, Caernarvon Road Up Hatherley

Sainsburys, Gallagher Retail Park

Sainsburys, Priors Road, Oakley

Tesco Superstore, Collets Drive

Tesco, Church Road Bishops Cleeve

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.

Police said the motorway was brought to a complete stop when officers first arrived to secure the scene and clear debris from the carriageway.

While emergency services were responding, numerous motorists drove along the hard shoulder. Some later told officers they believed it had been opened as a traffic lane, others said they were following vehicles in front, while some admitted they wanted to leave the motorway at the next junction and decided to queue on the hard shoulder.

Gloucestershire Police said the actions of those drivers delayed ambulances and National Highways vehicles from reaching the scene.

The force reminded motorists that the hard shoulder is reserved for emergencies, including vehicle breakdowns and access for emergency services. Misusing it during an incident can endanger emergency responders, other road users and pedestrians, while also increasing the risk of further collisions.

Twenty motorists will now be

prosecuted for driving on the hard shoulder. An additional motorist will also be prosecuted after allegedly filming the collision on a mobile phone while driving past.

Acting Sergeant Mike Turnbull, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Using the hard shoulder to avoid traffic is not only selfish – it’s illegal and

drivers using the hard shoulder inappropriately will be prosecuted.

“The Highway Code clearly states the hard shoulder must not be used for overtaking or avoiding congestion. Offenders can face fines, penalty points, and prosecution for the offence of driving or stopping on the hard shoulder.”

Man jailed for breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Restraining Order

A REGISTERED sex offender from Wotton-Under-Edge has been jailed for multiple breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and for breaching a Restraining Order against a vulnerable woman.

Glenn Richards (pictured), aged 48, was sentenced to five-and-ahalf years in prison at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday 3rd July after previously pleading guilty to five counts of breaching the requirements of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and breaching a Restraining Order.

The court heard how the case against Richards centred around his use of multiple internet-enabled devices and use of social media platforms and chat rooms, which was in contravention of his SHPO. Richards had used the devices to contact and groom vulnerable females, including children.

The court also heard how

Richards had breached a restraining order by communicating with a vulnerable woman via Whatsapp and video messages.

Prior to being sentenced, the court heard a statement written by the woman which explained the impact of Richards' actions: “Glenn

has caused me significant emotional harm. He made me believe I could trust him, only for the trust to be abused. He also assaulted me.

“At the time I did not understand that I was being groomed by Glenn. It was only later that I recognised the extent of his manipulation and the impact it had on me. For a time, Glenn put himself in a position where he was the only person I could trust, so I turned to him when I was upset or needed help.

“As a result of Glenn's actions, I have experienced fear, anxiety, and a constant sense of unease. I often feel as though I have to look over my shoulder, worrying about what might happen to me next or to others.”

Judge Lawrie KC handed Richards a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the SHPO breaches and a 12-month sentence for the breach of restraining order. These

will run consecutively.

Gloucestershire Constabulary's Head of Public Protection, Detective Superintendent Sue Fereday said: “Richards is a dangerous predator who is now behind bars, where he belongs.

“He is a manipulative man who has shown a complete disregard for the numerous court orders that have been served on him.

“We are determined to protect those who are most vulnerable in our society from offenders like Richards and we will not hesitate to pursue offenders who breach the terms of their Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and bring them to justice.

“The whole Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team has worked hard throughout this investigation to uncover his lies and bring a dangerous registered sex offender to justice.”

Ahmed, 25, jailed following crime-spree

Continued from front page

One of the earliest incidents took place on 29th November, 2025, when staff at a Cheltenham supermarket spotted a man shoplifting bottles of whiskey.

CCTV footage showed Ahmed selecting three bottles before concealing them inside his trousers. He walked past the tills and security scanners before being challenged by staff and security personnel in the store's entrance area.

After being told to hand over the stolen items and leave the premises, Ahmed threatened to kill members of staff and made racially abusive remarks towards them.

Several months later, on 28th April this year, Ahmed entered a shop on Cheltenham High Street and selected a large quantity of steaks worth around £100.

A member of staff, who recognised Ahmed due to previous shoplifting incidents, approached him and asked him to return the items.

At that point Ahmed produced a silver knife, estimated to be between 10 and 12 inches long, and began waving it around.

Fearing for his safety, the employee fled. Ahmed then

left the store carrying the stolen steaks.

The following week, on 6th May, Ahmed carried out two burglaries within hours of each other.

Police were first called after the owner of a boutique shop was woken during the night by loud banging noises coming from inside the premises.

Investigations found that Ahmed had used a plant pot to smash the front glass door before repeatedly kicking it until he gained entry.

Once inside, he searched the premises before being disturbed by the owner and fleeing the scene.

Only hours later, police received another report of a burglary at a nearby tattoo parlour.

CCTV footage from the premises showed Ahmed using a brick to smash part of the front door before kicking his way inside.

After entering the building, he stole a thermal tattoo copier valued at approximately £900 before leaving.

Officers reviewing the footage quickly identified Ahmed as the offender responsible for both burglaries.

He was arrested the following day and taken into police custody for questioning.

During interview, Ahmed's solicitor said his client fully

admitted the offences and claimed he could not remember committing many of them because he had likely taken Xanax and was under the influence of drugs.

Ahmed also admitted that he had no genuine reason for stealing from shops and had simply done so because he could.

He accepted that he had no intention of paying for any of the items he took.

Following his arrest, Ahmed was charged with multiple offences and later entered guilty pleas.

Investigating officer PC Josh Govier, from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team, welcomed the sentence.

He said: “I am pleased that Ahmed has been jailed as he's shown no remorse for his actions and the impact on those targeted.

“During interview Ahmed appeared to find his behaviour funny, without really showing any signs of realising the seriousness of his actions.”

Police said the sentence reflects the seriousness of Ahmed's offending, which included violence, threats, burglary and the use of a weapon, and brings to an end a series of incidents that affected businesses and workers across Cheltenham.

Man charged in connection with stabbing

A CHELTENHAM man has been charged in connection with an alleged stabbing in the town centre which left a man seriously injured.

William Keeling, aged 22, of Springbank, Cheltenham, has been charged with Section 18 wounding, possession of a bladed article and Section 39 common assault.

The charges follow an incident in a car park on Rodney Road shortly after 6am on Thursday, 16th July, when police received a report that a man had been stabbed.

Gloucestershire Police said

the victim, a man in his 20s from Gloucester, suffered three wounds to his back and was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where he remained in a serious but stable condition.

Police previously said a man had approached a group of people, some of whom were known to him, on Regent Street before allegedly chasing one of the men towards the car park, where the stabbing was reported to have taken place.

Following a search of the area, officers arrested a 22year-old man from Cheltenham. He has since

CCTV images released following booze theft in Cheltenham

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Police have issued CCTV images of two men they would like to identify following a theft from a shop in Cheltenham.

It was reported that two men had entered a shop at Gallagher Retail Park before stealing 12 bottles of champagne and wine which

were valued at £900.

The incident took place at around 2pm on Tuesday 2nd June and was reported to police the following day.

Officers have conducted a number of enquiries since the incident, but are yet to identify the men pictured, and are now asking for information from the

public.

Anyone who recognises the men or has information about what happened is asked to complete the following online form quoting occurrence 53260042619: www.gloucestershire.police.u

k/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-usabout-existing-case-report/

been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court.

The case remains before the courts.

Anyone with information about the incident and who has not already spoken to officers is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police through the website, quoting reference 53260059693: www.gloucestershire.police. uk/contact/af/contactus/us/a-crime-that-has-alread y-been-reported/ Alternatively you can call police on 101, quoting the same incident number.

Love to Move

First

Free family festival returns to Pittville Park with more than 60 activities

FAMILIES are being invited to enjoy a day of free activities, entertainment and live performances when No Child Left Behind's (NCLB) Party in the Park returns to Cheltenham next month.

The annual event will take place on Wednesday, 5th August, across Pittville Park and the Prince of Wales Stadium from 11am to 4pm, with performances on the main stage continuing until 5pm.

music, dance and theatre performances by children and young people.

Families whose children would benefit from a quieter environment can book a dedicated quiet hour from 10am to 11am, offering a calmer start to the day with suitable activities.

Organisers say more than 60 free activities will be available, delivered by local organisations, alongside

Those booking the quiet hour do not need to register separately, although preregistration is available to speed up entry on the day. Walk-up visitors will also be welcome.

The event, which celebrates Cheltenham's children and young people and the organisations that

Join us for a free, fun-filled afternoon for all of the family:

• 2pm - Live Entertainment

• BBQ

• Rae

• Craft Stalls

• Outside Games

• Tour our facilities

support them, is partly funded through Gloucestershire County Council's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, helping to provide healthy lunches for attendees.

Activities will be spread across four themed zones on either side of Evesham Road.

The Festival Field, at AggGardners' Recreation Ground, will feature inflatables, a circus skills tent, therapy dogs and costume-making workshops led by the Everyman Theatre.

At the Prince of Wales Stadium, the Move More Arena will offer a climbing wall, Mr Mulligan's crazy golf, Zumba sessions, miniOlympics and a range of other sporting activities.

The Urban Playground, based around the tennis

courts and skatepark, will include skateboarding sessions and demonstrations by Friends of Montpellier Skatepark, The Music Works bus and a rodeo inflatable surfboard.

The NCLB Lawn and Advice Village, outside Pittville Pump Room, will host family activities including art, drama and a family advice village, as well as a talent show organised in partnership with KAM Performing Arts and Gloucestershire Libraries.

The lawn will also be home to the main stage, hosted by entertainers Kishi, Maria Allebone and Camilla Lewington, featuring music, dance and drama performances throughout the day.

Councillor Jamie Jamieson, Cheltenham

Borough Council's cabinet member for safety and communities, said: "Party in the Park offers a great free day out for families, with over 60 providers running free activities. There's something for children of all ages to enjoy, from a climbing wall, inflatables, skateboarding and archery to creative activities like costume workshops and giant puppet making, as well

Summer Fete

Saturday 15th August | 11.30 - 3.30pm

as live performances on the main stage. I'd encourage residents to come along and make the most of what's on offer."

The event is supported by sponsors Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Golden Valley HBD, Active Impact and Renishaw, together with partners and volunteers including Move More, The Children's Society and The Cheltenham Trust.

In the dock!

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

Phillip Collins, 46, of Barbridge Road, Cheltenham, was remanded in custody to await Crown Court trial on charges of strangling a woman, subjecting her to controlling and coercive behaviour, and threatening her with a knife. The charges allege that he exerted controlling behaviour over the woman for four years, from June 2022 to 20th June this year. The alleged strangling was in April 2025 and he is accused of putting the woman at serious risk of physical harm by threatening her with a knife at Bishop’s Cleeve on 19th June 2026.

Kenneth Potter, 62, of Hesters Way Road, Cheltenham, pleaded not guilty to two charges of assaulting a woman on 4th October last year. He also denied criminally damaging the woman’s phone on the same date. He was bailed to await trial on 1st December. It is a condition of bail that he does not contact the woman or two other named witnesses.

Carolyn Lacey, 51, of Bude Street, Appledore, Devon, was found guilty of assaulting a Cheltenham woman by beating her. She was also convicted of a common assault of a man. Both offences were on 27th June 2024. She had denied the offences. She was sentenced to an 18-month community order with requirements to do 180 hours of unpaid work and attend up to 15 rehabilitation activity days. She was also ordered to pay £200 compensation. A two-year restraining order banning her from contacting her victims was imposed.

Harry Regan, 23, of Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, was remanded in custody to await Crown Court trial on three charges of burglary involving properties close to his home and one charge of aggravated vehicle taking. He is alleged to have broken into two neighbouring premises in Gloucester Road on 6th June this year and stolen car keys and a PlayStation 5 from one, and then to have entered one of the same properties again on 18th June with intent to steal. He is also accused of taking a Mercedes car without consent on 18th June and causing damage while driving it.

Lianna D’Addario, 42, of Stilchester Road, Brockworth, admitted stealing alcohol worth a total of £395 from three stores, Waitrose and Tesco in Cheltenham, and Aldi in Gloucester, between 27th April and 9th October last year. The magistrates stated that they were ordering her to pay only a discounted amount of compensation because of her “low income and outstanding debts”.

Robert Orton, 70, of Malet Close, Longlevens, admitted breaching a sexual harm prevention order by talking to a child aged under 18 in Cheltenham between 1st September and 6th October last year. The order had been imposed on him at Gloucester Crown Court on 12th February 2021. Orton was placed on a one-year community order with up to 20 days of rehabilitation activities and was fined £200, plus £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.

Erick Firmino, 36, of Princess Elizabeth Way, Cheltenham, was convicted of causing serious injury to a female person by riding a Honda 125cc motorbike without due care and attention on Cirencester Road, Cheltenham, on 4th September 2024. He was banned from driving for a year and placed on a 12month community order with a requirement to take part in up to 12 rehabilitation activity days. He must also do 120 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £500 costs, but the magistrates made no order for compensation. They said any claim for compensation should be heard in the civil courts.

Callum Hennessey, 23, of Centurion Road, Innsworth, denied assaulting a woman by beating her in Twigworth on 5th October last year. He was unconditionally bailed to await trial on 13th January 2027.

Sam Clark, 34, of High Bank, Shipton Oliffe, is to stand trial on 14th December this year on four motoring charges, all allegedly committed on separate dates last year. He is accused of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a BMW M4 on Hewlett Road,

Cheltenham, on 4th July; having no third-party insurance for the car while driving on Bennington Street, Cheltenham, on 11th August; speeding above 50mph in a Ford Focus on the A4019 at Boddington on 16th October; and exceeding a temporary 40mph limit on the A417 at Crickley Hill on 25th October. He also faces three charges of failing to tell police who was driving the vehicles on three of those occasions.

Andrew Alexander, 65, of Dane Close, Gloucester, was committed for trial at Gloucester Crown Court on charges of causing serious injury to two people by driving dangerously in the Cotswolds more than two years ago. His driving of a Ford Kuga on the B4425 at Bibury on 24th April 2024 is alleged to have caused injury to a male and a female. He was granted unconditional bail pending trial.

Vishant Vishant, 23, of St George’s Street, Cheltenham, was found guilty in his absence of driving a Toyota Aygo in St James Square on 8th April last year without insurance or a valid licence. He was fined £660, ordered to pay £620 costs and a £264 surcharge, and had six penalty points endorsed on his licence.

Mario Ferenc, 43, of Bristol Road, Gloucester, admitted stealing £778.60 worth of flooring and underlay from B&Q Cheltenham on 19th October last year. He was ordered to pay full compensation and £40 costs. No other penalty was imposed.

Matthew Thomas, 24, of Linnet Close, Abbeydale, Gloucester, admitted driving a Vauxhall Corsa on Bath Road, Cheltenham, on 20th November last year when he had excess alcohol on his breath. He gave a reading of 47mcg, the legal limit being 35mcg. He was bailed until 10th August when the court will consider whether there are special reasons not to disqualify him or endorse his licence.

Joe Tilley Loughrey, 21, of Didbrook Fields, Toddington, pleaded not guilty to using threatening or abusive behaviour towards a woman

in Cheltenham on 19th September 2025 and also to assaulting a police constable in the execution of his duty in Cheltenham on the same date. He was bailed until 24th July on condition he does not contact the woman or go to a specified address in the Cotswolds.

Philip Pawsey, 46, of Plasnewydd Walk, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a woman by beating her at Cheltenham Railway Station on 27th November last year. He was unconditionally bailed to await a five-hour trial listed for 21st January next year.

Abbigayle Cutts, 45, of Sherborne Place, Cheltenham, admitted outraging public decency by urinating in the street in Cheltenham in full view of passing members of the public on 17th October last year. She also admitted that on the same date she assaulted a woman by beating her. She was placed on a oneyear community order with a requirement to receive mental health treatment. She must also attend up to 10 rehabilitation activity days. Additionally, she was fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.

Robert May, 80, of Selkirk Gardens, Cheltenham, is charged with assaulting a woman by beating her in Cheltenham on 3rd December last year. The case was adjourned until 25th August at the prosecution’s request so that the file can be reviewed before a plea hearing.

Aston Gyde, 24, of Monkscroft, Cheltenham, admitted two house burglaries and an offence of possessing cannabis resin. He entered neighbouring houses in Hudson Close, Gloucester, on 7th March last year and stole a £500 scooter from one and a PlayStation, drill and other property from the other. He was caught in possession of cannabis resin on 9th April 2025. Gyde was sentenced to an 18-month community order with drug rehabilitation requirement and mental health treatment.

Kyle Perkins, 32, of Lapwing Drive, Bishop’s Cleeve, admitted driving a

Transit van while disqualified and without insurance in Warden Hill Road, Cheltenham, on 16th November last year. He was sentenced to a one-year community order requiring him to do 120 hours of unpaid work. His driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points and he was ordered to pay £85 costs and £114 surcharge.

Tia Collins, 24, of Valley Park, Bamfurlong Lane, Cheltenham, admitted five shoplifting offences, two breaches of a criminal behaviour order, a failure to surrender to bail and a breach of a police closure notice at Mauds Elm House in Cheltenham. She was bailed until 31st July for a presentence report to be prepared. The thefts, some allegedly committed jointly with a man, were of food and household goods from Morrisons Daily in Coronation Square, the Coop in Hesters Way Road, Greggs in Coronation Square and Spar Food Market in Caernarvon Road. She breached her criminal behaviour order by entering the Co-op and John Lewis, from which she was barred.

Stephen Smith, 52, of Mersey Road, Cheltenham, was bailed to await sentence after admitting he was in charge of a Collie dog which was dangerously out of control in Bath Road on 6th July last year and injured a woman. The court ordered a pre-sentence report on Smith and told him to return for sentence on 26th August.

John O’Reilly, 58, of Sun Street, Cheltenham, admitted assaulting a woman by beating her on 23rd June this year but denied intentionally strangling her on the same date. He was bailed to await trial on the strangling charge on 17th August. While on bail, he must not contact the woman or go to the Monkscroft area of Cheltenham.

Barry Johnsey, 62, of Bridge Street, Swindon Village, Cheltenham, denied driving without reasonable consideration for others, permitting a vehicle to be used by an unknown person without third-party insurance, and failing to notify police who was

driving at the time of a suspected offence. He is alleged to have committed the speeding and insurance offences when driving a Ford Focus on Britannia Way, Woodmancote, on 8th August last year. Trial will take place on 29th October this year.

Benjamin Tregartha, 24, of Poplars Grove, Newent, denied assaulting a woman causing her actual bodily harm in Cheltenham on two occasions between 1st November and 1st December 2025. He was bailed pending a hearing on 7th September followed by a trial on 16th November. While on bail, he will be electronically tagged and subject to an 11pm-6am home curfew. He must not contact the alleged victim in any way nor go to the Shurdington area.

Lewis Watts, 22, of Marches Close, Cheltenham, admitted assaulting a police constable, a sergeant and a detention officer at the Compass House custody suite in Quedgeley on 1st May this year. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a requirement to abstain from alcohol for 120 days. He must also participate in any activity required by his supervising officer for up to five days. He was ordered to pay compensation of £60.

Ben McConnon, 33, of no fixed address, admitted having a machete in a public place in Moors Ave, Cheltenham, on 25th July 2024 and threatening a person with a baseball bat on the same occasion. He was unconditionally bailed until 6th August for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Thomas Jones, 40, of Vittoria Walk, Cheltenham, admitted stealing two bottles of Hermes fragrance worth £204 from John Lewis in Cheltenham on 13th September last year. He was ordered to pay full compensation but no other penalty was imposed.

Steven Charewa, 33, of Thames Road, Cheltenham, is accused of driving a Ford Fusion while disqualified and without insurance at Hampden Way car park, Gloucester, on 7th December last year. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Over 900 people share views on future of Cheltenham High Street and Promenade

Residents, businesses and visitors have helped shape plans to improve Cheltenham’s High Street and Promenade, with calls for better maintenance, more greenery and a more vibrant town centre

PUBLIC engagement has revealed a strong appetite for improvements to the town centre, with residents and businesses calling for better maintenance, more greenery and a more vibrant public space.

More than 900 people have shared their views on plans to revitalise Cheltenham’s High Street and Promenade, helping shape a vision for a more attractive, accessible and vibrant town centre.

A total of 945 responses were received during a sixweek public engagement exercise led by Cheltenham BID, Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council, which closed on Monday, 20th July 2026.

The consultation asked residents, visitors, businesses and organisations for their views on a range of issues affecting the town centre, including street design, paving, lighting, trees and planting, signage, seating, accessibility, shopfronts and highways maintenance.

The key themes emerging from the feedback were calls to “fix the basics” by improving paving, cleanliness and maintenance, improve the visual quality of the area through more greenery and consistency, and help restore vitality through increased activity and vibrancy.

Alex Rose, chair of Cheltenham BID, said the response showed how much people cared about the future of the town centre. He said: “The strength of this

response, with more than 900 people taking the time to have their say, demonstrates just how much residents and businesses care about the future of our town centre.

“People are passionate about Cheltenham, its High Street and Promenade, its heritage and its future. It's fantastic to see our community coming together behind a clear, shared ambition for Cheltenham’s public realm. “Our job now is to turn that ambition into action. The BID, the councils and our

partners are committed to delivering meaningful improvements at the heart of the town and bringing this vision to life. It will take time, but this is exactly where the journey should begin.”

Businesses still have an opportunity to share their views at a briefing and engagement event at Hub8 MX, Chester Walk, The Minster, on Tuesday, 11th August 2026, from 5pm to 7pm.

Councillor Izaac Tailford,

Cheltenham Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic development, culture, wellbeing and the public realm, said the feedback showed people wanted improvements to the look and feel of the town centre.

Councillor Mark Harris, Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said the responses would help shape future proposals and strengthen funding bids for improvements.

Max Wilkinson MP

IT is now official:

Cheltenham Borough Council will be abolished in 2028. While this has been on the cards for some time, the Government confirmed the decision earlier this month. There will no doubt continue to be debate about whether a single unitary council is the right model, whether two councils split along east-west lines would have been preferable, or whether alternatives such as the Greater Gloucester “doughnut” should have been pursued. However, that debate is now in the past –whether we agree with it or not. The decision has been made, and our focus must turn to what comes next.

Throughout this process, my priority has been clear: ensuring that Cheltenham’s historic identity, character and voice are not lost. I did not favour a single unitary council, because I believe smaller councils are closer to communities. But that argument is in the past.

Under the new arrangements, a single council will be responsible for delivering all local government services in our town, including planning, licensing, highways maintenance, adult social care, major infrastructure projects, waste and recycling, economic development, and much more.

I understand the arguments in favour of replacing the current twotier system with a single authority. In principle, a simpler structure could bring benefits. However, I remain concerned about whether a new council, which will be one of the largest in the country, will be able to manage the immense financial pressures it will inherit. From day one, it is highly likely that additional government support will be required. Rising costs in adult social care and SEND provision

will continue to place enormous pressure on local budgets, leaving less funding available for other vital services.

Cheltenham residents currently help support a wide range of valued community assets through our council tax, including the Pump Room, the Town Hall, The Wilson, Leisure at Cheltenham and the Prince of Wales Stadium. Our award-winning parks and gardens also require significant ongoing investment and care.

Importantly, many of these facilities are used not only by Cheltenham residents but by visitors from across Gloucestershire and beyond. That is something we should be proud of.

Cheltenham plays a central role in the wider county, and we are always pleased to welcome people to our town.

What this means is that the new unitary council must recognise Cheltenham’s importance from the outset. It cannot simply look to sell off or mothball Cheltenham facilities, scale back services, or allow standards in our parks and public spaces to decline. Nor can it afford to overlook the challenges facing our town centre. Failure to recognise Cheltenham’s contribution would not only disadvantage local residents. It would also have consequences for the wider county as well.

Cheltenham already contributes enormously to Gloucestershire’s economy, culture and quality of life. We want to continue playing that role in the years ahead. The challenge will be ensuring that the new arrangements give our town a fair share of investment and support. As Cheltenham’s MP, I will continue to make that case and fight for the fair deal that Cheltenham deserves.

Labour Party

SO now we know what the future of local government in Gloucestershire is going to look like. The Government has chosen the option favoured by most of the local councils in Gloucestershire, which is to create a single council covering the whole of Gloucestershire. Elections will be next May and the new council will take over in May 2028. Cheltenham Labour Party has long supported this way forward, and we said so to the Government in the public consultation earlier this year.

The decision will not be welcomed in some quarters.

Our LibDem MP and Borough Council both favoured splitting the county into two, as did the three Labour MPs in Gloucestershire, demonstrating that this has been an issue that has divided political parties in the county. A bit like Brexit in reverse, really!

It’s really worth reading the letter from the Government minister which says why they have chosen this option. A strong theme running through the letter is the economic and social benefits from having the whole county, and in particular having Gloucester and Cheltenham, in the same local authority. The single authority was judged to be the only option which enables growth across cyber, digital, security and manufacturing industries in the Cheltenham-Gloucester corridor. As the minister points out, Gloucester and Cheltenham are physically close – only eight miles apart.

It is also the only option assessed as being able to ensure vital public services are provided consistently to all citizens of the county –

ONCE again, there is so much to talk about this week.

I will focus, if I may, on Ann Widdecombe. I won’t talk about the details, as the case is ongoing, but I would like to offer my opinion on the

Mike Farmer

services like children’s services, fire & rescue, adult care, public health, transport, and so on. The idea of splitting up these services (and the teams of staff who run them) made no sense at all.

I was quite disappointed when our Borough took a ‘Cheltenham first’ approach when it decided it wanted the county to be split apart. ‘We must do what is best for Cheltenham’ was the cry. It reminded me strongly of Trump’s ‘America First’ doctrine. The Government by contrast has had to decide on what is best for the whole of Gloucestershire, and I’m sure they’ve made the right choice.

I’ve lived most of my life in Gloucestershire. I grew up in Gloucester, went to school there, and worked there for a couple of decades. I lived for a few years in Stroud and have some strong connections there. But I’ve lived in Cheltenham for over 50 years, and worked here for quite a long time, so I’m familiar with the close links between the that need to be maintained and enhanced all different parts of Gloucestershire.

We must all now work to make the new local government set-up work for the benefit of everyone in Gloucestershire.

Free family events at The Brewery Quarter in August

ADVENTURE, creativity and everyone's favourite rescue pups, plus a dinosaur are coming to Cheltenham this August, as The Brewery Quarter hosts two exciting free family events during the school holidays.

Families looking for ways to keep children entertained this summer can enjoy two actionpacked days at The Brewery Quarter, with activities designed to inspire adventure, creativity and plenty of memorable moments.

Climb & Create

Friday 14th August

Children can put their skills to the test on a spectacular climbing tower from 270 Climbing, before unleashing their creativity with renowned Cheltenham street artist Andy 'Dice' Davies.

Reform UK

Matt Podmore, Reform UK Cheltenham

personal consequences as a Reform politician, albeit a very minor one.

I will start with my past. I was very hesitant to get involved in politics to start with. Like most people, I was highly sceptical of politicians and felt they were all hot air and no action. But, to be fair, at one time there did seem to be some who actually believed in something, and there were clear differences between the parties in many areas.

However, post-Blair, the

Chair

Conservatives moved to the centre-left and this essentially meant people no longer had a choice between two very different world views, but really just different-coloured ties on politicians spouting identical policies. This, I think, was part of why I got involved in politics, but the final straw for me was the Government’s response to Covid. Whether it was the Rule of 6, where it was safe for six people to sit together but not seven, or the ruling that a Scotch egg constituted

Aimed at, but not exclusive to older kids, the free event invites adventurers to conquer the climbing wall before taking part in a hands-on spray art workshop, where they'll create their very own stencil artwork on a vinyl record to take home as a unique souvenir. Whether they're reaching new heights or discovering their artistic side, Climb & Create promises an unforgettable day packed with excitement. The day starts at 10am for spray painting and from midday for the climbing tower, until 4pm.

PAW Patrol and Dino Adventure

Saturday 22nd August

The fun continues the following week as Chase, Marshall and Skye from PAW Patrol make four special appearances at The Brewery Quarter.

a substantial meal so you were allowed not to wear a mask in a pub, that finally made me think: “These people are idiots, even I could do better!”

Consequently, I was looking for a party that reflected my frustration at the poor quality of policy and leadership in the country, and Reform was that party. They seemed to take a pragmatic and logical approach to politics, they weren’t ideological, they could see the major issues and weren’t afraid to have difficult conversations.

I joined Reform, and I stress that I had never previously been a member of

Celebrating Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie showing at Cineworld from 6th August, young fans will have the chance to watch three of Adventure Bay's most-loved pups attempt to tame a large TRex, during a series of free shows throughout the day. Families are encouraged to bring their cameras for plenty of photo opportunities, while enjoying everything The Brewery Quarter has to offer, from family-friendly dining to entertainment and shopping. The event is expected to be hugely popular with preschool and primary-aged children, making it the perfect summer holiday treat. Shows are at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Demelsa Coleman, Marketing & Communications Manager at The Brewery Quarter, said: “We’re delighted

any political party. I was a Labour-voting Remainer, then a reluctant Conservative voter and finally a Reformer. Now, this is important: Reform didn’t “radicalise” me, Reform didn’t recruit me or exploit my anger and frustration. I found Reform because of their policies, not their rhetoric. This is the mistake the Uniparty, and their media pals, make. Reform reflects the existing division, unhappiness, frustration and anger in the country; it’s not the cause of it.

So, when Ann was killed, it felt personal. All of us who put our heads above the parapet and support Reform

to be bringing two very different events to families this August. Climb & Create offers older children the chance to challenge themselves and get creative with an incredible local artist, while our PAW Patrol and Dino Day is guaranteed to put smiles on the faces of younger visitors. We hope families will make a day of it and enjoy everything The Brewery Quarter has to offer during the summer holidays.” Both events are free to attend, with activities taking place throughout the day. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as some activities will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Look out for venues such as Mulligans and Little Centurions, who will also be making outside appearances! For full event details, visit www.thebreweryquarter.com

publicly have what feels like a target painted on our backs by the Lib Dems, Labour and the Conservatives, with their accusations of far right, fascism and Nazism.

I had “lovely kind progressives” contact my place of work and try to get me sacked because of my political opinions. I have had multiple occasions of verbal abuse in the street, and even outside polling stations, by violently angry people, just because I wore the Reform rosette.

You may disagree with Reform policies, but please don’t forget we are human beings when you choose your words of criticism.

New car showroom opens brings global brand to Gloucestershire

Warners has expanded its Gloucestershire presence with a new Cheltenham showroom, following the success of its Omoda/Jaecoo dealership in Gloucester

FAMILY-OWNED

dealership group Warners launches new Chery showroom as Chinese automotive brand expands across the UK.

A new car showroom has opened in Cheltenham, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive brands to Gloucestershire.

Family-owned dealership group Warners has opened a new Chery showroom on Blaisdon Way, following the success of its Omoda | Jaecoo dealership in Gloucester.

The company said growing customer demand and the expansion of the wider Chery brand family had prompted the move to introduce Chery vehicles to motorists in Cheltenham.

Chery, which is the parent company behind Omoda and Jaecoo, is one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers and produces a range of petrol and hybrid SUVs.

The new showroom will display Chery’s latest models, featuring vehicles designed for the UK market with a focus on technology, safety features, practicality and affordability.

The opening comes as Chery continues to increase its presence in the UK, with recent industry recognition including Carwow’s Car of the Year and Hybrid Hero awards for the Chery Tiggo 8, as well as Auto Trader’s Drivers’ Choice 2026 Best

Value Brand award.

Mark Jones, managing director at Warners, said the success of its Omoda | Jaecoo dealership in Gloucester had shown strong local interest in newer automotive brands.

He said: “The response to

Cheltenham care home to host food festival

WITH festival season officially under way, a care home in Cheltenham is welcoming the local community for a fun-filled afternoon of food and celebration.

On Friday 7th August from 1pm-4pm, Care UK’s Sandfields will open its doors to families and neighbours for a food festival, inviting guests to tuck in and celebrate the nation’s shared love of great cuisine, community and connection.

Visitors to the St George’s Road home can look forward to a traditional British pub afternoon, including delicious pub classics and locally sourced drinks, with a snooker table and darts to keep everyone

entertained.

81-year-old Jacqueline Longbotham, resident at Sandfields, said: “I am looking forward to spending time with friends and my husband at the event; we always enjoy what's on offer! My best food memories are of liver and onions or sausage and mash, always hearty food.”

The event is part of the ‘A Taste of Home’ initiative, which will see Care UK homes across the country host foodie-themed celebrations and showcase what life in a care home is really like.

Each festival will offer sustainable, community-focused activities while championing the diversity and creativity within the homes, from residents’

favourite recipes to seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Malaika Charles, Home Manager at Sandfields, said:

“We’re delighted to be hosting our very own food festival!

“We are part of a strong community here in Cheltenham, and days like this are a wonderful way of bringing people together to celebrate our love of food while giving residents the opportunity to share their favourite recipes and traditions with younger generations.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors.”

To find out more about A Taste of Home, please visit careuk.com/a-taste-of-home.

Conservative Party

Rob Garnham - Cheltenham Chairman

Omoda | Jaecoo in Gloucester has exceeded our expectations and demonstrated that customers are actively looking for innovative, technology-rich vehicles that deliver exceptional value.

“The success of those brands gave us real confidence in the strength of the wider Chery Group. We believe the brand has enormous potential in the UK market and we're proud to be part of its continued growth.”

Warners, which has operated in Gloucestershire since 1920, said the new showroom reflected its continued evolution alongside changing customer needs.

Guy Warner said: “As a family business, we have spent more than 100 years adapting to the changing needs of motorists while staying true to the values that have always defined Warners.

“Bringing Chery to Cheltenham was a natural next step, and we're delighted to give customers across the county access to a brand that is already making a significant impact around the world.”

SOME questions. Andy Burnham comes in unchallenged as predicted, and starts announcing some early changes. All well and good, and thank you Andy for reinstating the £2 cap on bus fares introduced by the last Conservative government, but then increased to £3 by Keir. The cutting of VAT on fuel bills is also good news. But where is the money coming from? And does everyone else feel like me, that from what has already been previewed, we are in for a bigger state, more intervention, higher welfare bills and more borrowing? True socialism making a return. Why do Nigel Farage and Donald Trump blame everything on what they call “the establishment”?

Is it because when the majority don’t like their dirty tactics, and misrepresentation of the truth, these two simply don’t get their own way?

And acting like children, they decide that everyone, i.e. the so called “establishment”, is against them and it’s not fair!

Nigel, privately educated, former stockbroker, with friends who give him £5m, and who says he is a “man of the people”, cries foul over this and how the media treat him. Question is, if you wanted more privacy and less intrusion, would you call a byelection and put yourself under even more scrutiny?

Crocodile tears perhaps?

Cheltenham Borough Council met earlier this month and once again your Conservative Campaigners

posed “on the record” questions. These covered the state of the Town Centre, grass cutting and green spaces, how the sale of the Municipal Offices is going, the Cheltenham Lido and window displays in Cav House. Conservatives in action holding the Lib Dems to account on your behalf. In response to our, “What services might be cut to cover the Council’s £1m shortfall?” they told us that money will come from “in-year savings”. Sounds a bit like No 10 really.

Another question. Who, apart from FIFA, Donald Trump and the large American Corporations thought it was a good idea to have re-hydration breaks and extend the halftime interval in the World Cup? No doubt millions of dollars were raised from extra advertising, so was that the real reason? But seriously, football is football, not soccer; there are two halves not four quarters; and half-time is 15 minutes. If you’re unsure pop along to the home game on Saturday to see the Robins play MK Dons. My last question, is this Cheltenham’s promotion year? Fingers crossed!

Council Corner

THIS week we finally had a decision from the Government in Westminster about what kind of council will serve Cheltenham after borough council is dissolved in 2028. After months of speculation and uncertainty we now know that the minister responsible has chosen the creation of one large unitary authority to cover the entire county. Since the announcement, the focus has moved to preparing for the reality of implementation.

While I remain disappointed that the Government did not choose the model supported by Cheltenham, we now have a responsibility to work constructively and positively to secure the best possible outcome for our residents, businesses and communities. There will be no immediate change to council services. Residents should continue to access services in the normal way, and our officers will continue to deliver the essential services people rely on every day, but behind the scenes, there is now a great deal of important work to do.

The next crucial stage is the legal creation of the new arrangements through what is known as the Structural Changes Order, which will set out the formal framework for reorganisation, including governance arrangements, elections, the transfer of functions, staffing, assets, liabilities and the transition process. Following that, elections are due to take place on 6th May 2027 for the Shadow Authority. This is one of the most important parts of the whole process. The Shadow Authority will be responsible for making key decisions about how the new council is created. It will shape governance, budgets, policies, service design, staffing arrangements and democratic representation before the new authority formally takes over on 1st April 2028. That is why Cheltenham must be fully engaged from the outset. We must make sure our voice is heard clearly and consistently. We must argue for strong democratic accountability, protection of local identity,

I SIT down to write as we emerge from serial ‘heatwaves’ into what looks to be a long stretch of unusually

Cheltenham Lido swim scheme extended after early success

Free

proper recognition of Cheltenham’s economic and cultural importance, and services that remain connected to the communities they serve. At the same time, work continues on the Strategic Local Plan, which remains one of the most important pieces of work shaping the future of our area. Recent discussions have focused on housing delivery, employment land, infrastructure, transport, schools, healthcare and how we plan for sustainable communities. These are not easy conversations, growth brings challenges, and people will rightly want to scrutinise the detail carefully. But if we want to retain local influence over development, avoid speculative and unplanned growth, and ensure future development is matched by the infrastructure communities need, then we have to engage seriously with the Strategic Local Plan. Cheltenham faces major change, but we are not standing still. We are preparing for the Shadow Authority and the future of local government in Gloucestershire.

We are planning responsibly for future growth through the Strategic Local Plan and we are improving housing services and continuing to support residents, communities and businesses.

Above all, we will continue to champion our residents. We will continue to defend our borough’s identity, ambition and interests. And throughout the changes ahead, we will make sure Cheltenham’s voice remains strong, respected and influential.

sessions at Cheltenham Lido have helped people with disabilities and health challenges get back in the water, prompting the council to add two extra weeks to the pilot project

A FREE swimming scheme run by Cheltenham Borough Council has proved so popular that it is being extended by two weeks, after helping more a number of people with physical disabilities, mental health challenges and learning difficulties.

The four-week project, trialled in partnership with Cheltenham Lido at Sandford Park, forms part of the council's five-year strategy to improve residents' health and wellbeing, with the community investment team having worked on the scheme for the past three years. It was launched after evidence suggested swimming is one of the most inclusive and therapeutic forms of exercise, offering a complete body workout.

The council points to figures showing 61% of households in the UK's social rented sector contain at least one member with a long-term illness or disability. Data from Sport England's Active Lives survey also shows that 39.3% of disabled people are entirely inactive, compared with 19.7% of non-disabled adults.

Councillor Izaac Tailford, cabinet member for economic development, wellbeing, culture and public realm, said the project reflected the council's wider ambitions for inclusion. "Initiatives like this are vital in creating a more inclusive community where

Green Party

hot weather, even for the middle of July. We are receiving ever more frequent updates from Severn Trent to be cautious with our water usage and this long lack of rain means I must echo their plea.

This ongoing reminder of the climate crisis we are so clearly living under informs my updates this week, sadly. I was sorry, but not surprised, to be one of only three

councillors who this week voted against a planning application that will mean the removal of dozens of mature, carbon-offsetting trees. Local planning authorities unfortunately have their hands tied when it comes to protecting green spaces. National rules say that if there is not a five-year housing land supply the balance must be tilted towards granting planning permission. Failure

everyone can benefit from activities that enhance both physical and mental health, while also having fun!" he said. "Through these efforts, we aim to build a community where each person feels valued and supported, knowing they have a place where they can thrive. Thank you to everyone involved, including the fabulous team at Cheltenham Lido."

Clare Davies, community investment officer for Cheltenham Borough Council,

to comply can result in a costly appeal. It’s a fine balance between saving money and saving green space!

We did, however, put forward a motion to curb the problems of car-spreading in Cheltenham. While SUVs cause a disproportionate impact not only on our air but in our car parks, it seems only fair that this is reflected in differentiated car parking charges. This is not a punitive measure; SUVs have genuine use in agriculture, but their size can be problematic in certain contexts. When that

described the impact on individual participants. "It has been such a joy to give participants this experience," she said. "One of the beneficiaries has cerebral palsy and is partially sighted and was so excited when he got into the water. He experienced a real sense of freedom and independence."

She added that another participant living with ME had seen their fitness and wellbeing improve significantly through swimming several times a

context is a historic town centre with many parking bays suitable only for standard cars, then an additional charge seems only fair.

Car spreading is not just an issue that impacts Cheltenham. Indeed, several European cities have implemented similar policies, including Lyon, Cardiff and Paris, in recognition of the fact that the consumer choices of a few are causing growing problems for all residents.

Friends of the Earth Local Environment data states that every neighbourhood in Cheltenham has pollution that

week, and that many taking part had not been in a pool for years before joining the project.

Ian Mason, a local resident from Monkscroft, said the difference the project had made was clear to see. "You just need to see the faces of the people who are involved in the project to see that it has been very successful and an exciting opportunity," he said. "People who would never normally get this opportunity are getting up early and attending the project every week. A number of the participants have never been to the lido before and we have seen a real change of people's physical health."

Cheltenham Lido also runs a weekly Sunflower accessibility swim on Monday mornings, which people with disabilities can join. The lido's chief executive, Julie, is currently seeking funding for a new lift to further improve accessibility, and participants in the swimming project with physical disabilities have contributed feedback on the equipment needed to support that funding bid.

exceeds World Health Organisation’s recommended levels. We are encouraged that the Liberal Democrats engaged with the motion enough to table an amendment we could all agree on, but the principle must not be watered down as we progress.

Pollution, climate and water use are all both future threats and clear and present challenges. One need only walk to their nearest park or ‘green’ space to see with their own eyes what is happening this summer. We are proud as Cheltenham Greens to be addressing this directly.

News

Cracking down on countryside criminals – hare coursers

WHEN I talk to people across our diverse county, I come away with the impression that those who live in the far ends of Gloucestershire, in our rural communities, can sometimes feel left out of policing, that our towns and city get all the attention and investment - when in fact we are a predominantly rural county. That is why I welcome the tougher sentencing guidance for hare coursing offences that came into force on 1st June 2026.

Hare coursing, if you didn’t already know, is when criminals release dogs, typically sighthounds such as greyhounds, whippets, or crossbreeds like lurchers, to chase hares by sight rather than scent. The activity can be competitive, where dogs are judged on their ability to run, overtake, and turn a hare, rather than simply capturing it. Often these brutal activities are filmed or live streamed and people

By Chris Nelson Police & Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire

online can bet on the dogs. It is cruel, barbaric and very much illegal, but we still see a fair amount of it taking place seasonally in our county.

Hare coursing is serious criminal behaviour that causes significant harm to our rural communities.

Too often in the past, hare coursing is dismissed simply as a rural nuisance. In reality, it damages property, harms wildlife, intimidates farmers and landowners, and is frequently linked to organised criminality and extreme violence. The impact on those living and working in our countryside can be profound. The new framework gives courts clearer direction when sentencing offenders, taking into account both the level of harm caused and the offender’s culpability. Greater weight is now given

to factors such as planning, intimidation, threats, financial motivation, damage to land and crops, and harm caused to people and animals. In the most serious cases, this can result in custodial sentences that better reflect the true impact of these offences.

The guidance properly reflects what rural communities have been telling us for years: that organised groups travel into our counties, causing damage, distress and fear, often for financial gain. It is right that courts now have a framework that recognises both the level of planning involved and the real harm caused.

These guidelines will only deliver the change our rural communities need if they are consistently understood and applied across the justice system. Everyone involved, from policing and

Young fundraisers help animals in need

TWO kind-hearted children took it upon themselves to raise money for the Cheltenham Animal Shelter after setting up their own fundraiser on the green in Shurdington.

Olivia Durrant, aged 9, who attends St James, and Mason Perkins aged 10, who goes to Greatfield School, organised the effort off their own backs because they wanted to help animals in

need by selling cup cakes to locals.

The pair spent time on the green raising awareness and collecting money for the shelter, showing real community spirit and compassion at such a young age. Their thoughtful idea has already inspired them to plan another fundraiser. Olivia and Mason hoping are considering a rubber duck

prosecution through to the courts must be aware of the full range of powers available and confident in using them.

By combining stronger legal tools with effective enforcement and partnership

Steam railway offers £1 tickets for youngsters this summer

FAMILIES looking for an affordable day out this summer can take advantage of an offer from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR), which is letting youngsters travel for just £1 throughout August.

The promotion runs until the end of August, allowing up to three children aged under 15 to ride for £1 each, as long as they're accompanied by at least one fare-paying adult.

The heritage line runs for 14 miles through the Cotswolds, connecting Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway, and the railway has put together a free activities pack to keep young passengers entertained along the way.

race at Pitville park lake this time for Sue Ryder. Family and friends say the children were proud of what they achieved and are excited to continue supporting the animal shelter.

The fundraiser is a lovely example of young people making a difference in their local community - and proving that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

Fiona Tarbet, GWSR Marketing Officer, said the offer was designed with stretched family budgets in mind. "We know times are tough with many families having to draw the pursestrings tight, so we hope this will make it easier to give children a fun day out," she said. "That's not all, we have some special days coming up just for youngsters this summer too, and the £1 youngsters' tickets give entry to all of them!"

Those special events include: Trainmaster Kids' Playtime, continuing until 9th August at the Tim Mitchell Building,

Winchcombe Station. A standard train ticket includes free entry to the hands-on railway-themed activities, which proved a hit when they launched last year. "Think train sets, tracks, tunnels, and endless interactive activities – kids' imaginations will run wild for hours!" said Fiona.

Thursday Teddy Bear Picnic

Trains, held on 6th, 13th and 20th August, invite children to bring their teddies or other soft toys along for the ride. The days include free craft activities and the chance for a picnic in the grounds of Winchcombe station, alongside a steam-train journey through the Cotswolds.

Summer Holiday Family Fun & Crafts, running from Tuesday 11th August to Sunday 23rd August at the Tim Mitchell Building, Winchcombe Station, offers a different themed activity each week, from

colouring and model-making to locomotive-inspired crafts. Entry is free with a train ticket, including those booked under the £1 offer.

Train times and full details are available on the GWSR website. Tickets for the "Kids go for £1" offer can be booked at gwsr.vticket.co.uk, and are also valid for the Teddy Bear Thursdays and Summer Fun and Crafts events, details of which can be found at gwsr.com.

Free parking is available at Cheltenham Racecourse station, accessed via the main racecourse entrance off the Evesham Road roundabout, and at Toddington station, near the roundabout on the B4632 Broadway road and B4077 Stow road. Broadway station has a council-run Pay and Display car park with electric vehicle chargers, while parking at Winchcombe station is described as extremely limited.

www.cheltenhampost.co.uk

Recipes Steph Williams

Coronation Chickpea Salad

Classic Coronation salad, usually served with Chicken, is super easy to prepare and great for sandwiches & salads. The original dish is basically cooked Chicken with a simple curried mayonnaise dressing. The original recipe actually doesn't include Sultanas as most people know it now but diced dried Peaches or Apricots. With meat being very dear these days, I've opted to share more ideas for vegetarian dishes. No boring salads here! A food goal of mine for this year is to get creative with colour. This dish will take around 10 minutes to create and contains 26g of net carbs.

Ingredients

1 serving

• 150g washed Chickpeas

• Handful of shredded Lettuce

• 10 CurrantsSultanas/Raisins

• 1 teaspoon Pomegranate Seeds

• 1/2 sliced Avocado

• 1 sliced Radish

• Pinch of flaked Almonds

• 1/2 tablespoon Mango or Apricot Chutney

• 1/16 - 1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise

• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon mild Curry Powder

• Pinch of Salt & Pepper

Instructions

l Slice and shred your ingredients as above.

l Mix together the Mayo, Curry Powder, Salt, Pepper, Chutney and Cinnamon to make the dressing.

l Combine all of the ingredients with the dressing and add to your bowl.

l Add a little garnish of your choice and serve!

Recipe notes

This is dish is best eaten cold.

This dish is very nutrition dense, containing much fibre and protein from the chickpeas, making it also more of a medium carb meal, rather than low. For added texture I have mixed through the flaked almond and pomegranate seed, rather than use it purely as a garnish. I've also chopped the currants too, again to add some further texture.

Burger Bowl Salad

The burger bowl salad has been rather popular in 2026. This dish gives you a lot of creative freedom with all the choices of sides and sauces available to us. It can be very nutrition dense, possibly containing much fibre, protein and fresh, crisp veggies for the perfect bowl... AND ready in less time than it takes to order a takeaway, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep, setting you back only 15 minutes and 9.5g of net carbs.

Ingredients

1 Bowl

Chipotle Mayo

• 3 tablespoon mayonnaise

• 1.5 tablespoon chipotle sauce

• 1/4 teaspoon sweetener or low carb sugar substitute

The Bowl

• 150-200g Beef Mince

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 1/2 avocado - sliced

• Handful of shredded lettuce

• Salt & Pepper

• 1 clove of garlic - minced

• 80g tomato - Diced

• 30g cheese - grated (any kind)

• 20g gherkin - finely diced

Instructions

l Add the oil, garlic, salt, pepper and mince to a pan and apply a medium/high heat and cook until the mince has browned through - around 5-6 minutes.

l Dice, chop, mince your

chosen accompaniments as above.

l Once the beef has cooked through and your veggies chopped, start to build your bowl up. I tend to start with the main event, the burger meat, then add the sides to it.

l Garnish with your chosen toppings and sauce. Here I have chosen chipotle mayo, black sesame seeds and sliced spring onion.

Recipe notes

Garnish ideas include sesame seeds, spring onion, crispy salad onion, red onion. As there are so many variations of this dish when it comes to the meat, sides and sauces, the nutritional info can widely differ.

Dice/chop things how you want, include whatever colourful ingredients you want, as there is a huge variety to choose from.

Animal Shelter

Animals in need of a forever home

CHELTENHAM Animal

Shelter rehomes hundreds of animals every year. This week we are shining a spotlight on three adorable animals waiting to be adopted.

Among them is ten-year-old Seff, who was surrendered into our care due to a change in his owner’s circumstances.

A wonderfully easy-going boy, Seff strikes the perfect balance between enjoying time with his people and valuing his independence. He loves affection but is just as happy settling down for a snooze. In his previous home, he was comfortable being left alone for a few hours, making him an ideal companion.

Although Seff is now enjoying his senior years, he still loves getting out for gentle walks, especially

By Katie Bevan

when there are lots of interesting scents to explore along the way. He also travels well in the car and would happily accompany his family on relaxing outings and countryside strolls.

Seff would benefit from access to a secure garden, providing him with the freedom to potter around, stretch his legs, and enjoy some fresh air on days when he prefers to take life at a slower pace.

Seff is searching for a calm home and would be best suited to living with older teenagers aged 16 and over. Seff is also sensitive around other dogs, so he would love to be the only dog in the household. However, he has

previously lived successfully with cats and could potentially share his home with a calm, dog-savvy feline companion.

Also searching for a new home is four-year-old Little Rolo, who arrived at the Shelter in February. Rolo is a searching for a very special home where he can feel safe, understood, and loved for exactly who he is. While he may take a little time to warm up to new people, those who earn his trust are rewarded with the sweetest, most loyal companion you could hope to meet.

With his favourite people, Rolo’s playful and affectionate personality truly shines. He loves snuggling up for cuddles, enjoys playing with his toys, and delights in spending quality time with those he trusts.

Once he forms a bond, he becomes a devoted companion who will happily follow his special person wherever they go.

Rolo would be happiest in a calm, adult-only home where he is the only pet. He would prefer to live in a quiet rural location, where he can enjoy peaceful field walks. The wider world can sometimes feel a little overwhelming for him, and unfamiliar noises, sudden movements, or new people may make him feel uneasy. Because of this, he needs a patient and understanding owner who will allow him the time and space he needs to build confidence. If you have the patience,

kindness, and commitment to build a meaningful bond, Rolo could be your perfect companion.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Pebbles, is hoping to spend her retirement years in comfort after she was signed over to the Shelter in May due to family illness.

Pebbles is a sweet senior lady looking for a loving retirement home. Despite her age, she is in great health and enjoys plenty of affection and attention. She loves nothing more than relaxing on a cosy lap, sofa, or blanket, or watching the world go by from a sunny windowsill.

Pebbles would be happiest as the only pet in the home and would benefit from having someone around for most of the day to keep her company. She is a true sun worshipper, she adores snoozing in warm sunny spots and would love access to a safe garden where she can relax and enjoy the outdoors.

As she prefers a calm

environment, Pebbles is looking for a home with children in their teens or older. In return, she will make a wonderful, affectionate companion for her lucky new family.

Those interested in offering a home to Seff or Little Rolo please contact the Shelter via dogs@gawa.org.uk. For Pebbles, enquiries can be made by emailing cats@gawa.org.uk.

Places to Stay

by Mark Hopkins

Dumbleton Hall:

A Cotswolds escape that redefines country house luxury

Dumbleton Hall: A Cotswolds escape that redefines country house luxury

LET’S talk about the word “escape”.

Not simply getting away from home for a night or two, but truly disconnecting from the relentless pace of modern life and immersing yourself somewhere that feels entirely different. An escape should calm the mind, lift the spirit and leave you wondering why you don’t do it more often. It should replace the sound of traffic with birdsong, endless notifications with peaceful silence and hurried routines with unhurried moments. Dumbleton Hall delivers exactly that.

Nestled within 19 acres of beautifully maintained grounds beneath the rolling Cotswold Hills, Dumbleton Hall is one of those rare places that immediately slows your pace the moment you arrive. The sweeping driveway, the grandeur of the manor house and the idyllic countryside setting create a sense of occasion before you have even stepped through the front door. It feels less like checking into a hotel and more like arriving at a magnificent private country estate.

This elegant country house hotel blends historic character with modern comfort effortlessly. While many heritage hotels rely solely on their past to impress, Dumbleton Hall has achieved the perfect balance between preserving its history and providing the standards today’s guests rightly expect. The result is luxurious without being pretentious, grand without feeling intimidating and welcoming from the very first moment.

The estate has a fascinating

history stretching back centuries. The present house was built during the nineteenth century on the site of an earlier manor and has welcomed generations of distinguished visitors. Among its most famous guests were Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens, two of Britain’s greatest minds. It is wonderful to imagine Darwin admiring the surrounding landscape and wildlife while Dickens absorbed the atmosphere that so often inspired his remarkable writing. Their visits are a reminder that Dumbleton Hall has long attracted those seeking beauty, inspiration and tranquillity.

First impressions matter and Dumbleton Hall excels. The honey-coloured stone façade, framed by immaculate gardens and mature trees, is every bit as impressive as the photographs suggest. Seasonal flower beds provide colour throughout the year, while the surrounding parkland creates an unmistakable feeling of peace.

Inside, elegant lounges, rich furnishings and sweeping staircases continue the sense of timeless charm. Comfortable

armchairs beside large windows invite guests to relax with coffee, afternoon tea or perhaps a pre-dinner drink. During the colder months, roaring fires transform these spaces into wonderfully cosy retreats where time seems to slow.

What truly sets Dumbleton Hall apart, however, is the atmosphere. Luxury can sometimes feel overly formal, but here there is genuine warmth. Our stay began with a lovely welcome from Jess on reception, whose friendly professionalism immediately set the tone. Every member of staff seemed genuinely pleased to see their guests rather than simply performing a role. That authenticity cannot be taught, and it makes an enormous difference.

The bedrooms continue the same theme. Spacious, peaceful and beautifully furnished, they provide the perfect sanctuary after a day exploring the surrounding countryside. Many overlook the gardens and rolling hills beyond, offering everchanging views with the seasons. Comfort has clearly been given equal importance to

style, with large beds, quality furnishings and an atmosphere that encourages complete relaxation.

Of course, staying at a country house hotel is about much more than the bedroom. The grounds themselves are one of Dumbleton Hall’s greatest assets. Manicured lawns give way to woodland walks, hidden corners and spectacular views across the Gloucestershire countryside. Rabbits dart across the grass, birds provide a constant soundtrack and mature trees offer welcome shade during warmer months.

Whether enjoying an early morning stroll before breakfast or simply sitting quietly with a good book, the estate encourages guests to slow down and appreciate life’s simpler pleasures. In an age when we constantly feel compelled to be busy, that opportunity feels increasingly valuable.

Its location is another major attraction. Situated within easy reach of Cheltenham, Broadway and Winchcombe, Dumbleton Hall provides the ideal base for exploring some of the Cotswolds’ most beautiful towns and villages. Visitors can browse independent shops, discover historic streets or enjoy countless walking routes across rolling countryside and ancient woodland.

Despite being so conveniently located, the hotel still feels wonderfully secluded. You remain close enough to enjoy everything the Cotswolds has to offer while feeling completely removed from the pressures of everyday life. That balance is one of its greatest achievements. Dining is another highlight.

Places to Stay

The restaurant focuses on quality British ingredients and seasonal produce, allowing flavour rather than fashion to take centre stage. Every dish reflects careful preparation, thoughtful presentation and genuine respect for excellent local ingredients.

Our evening meal was made even more enjoyable by the attentive yet relaxed service from Chris in the restaurant, while Finn in the bar ensured pre-dinner drinks and evening refreshments were every bit as memorable as the meal itself. Service throughout was consistently friendly, professional and perfectly judged.

Breakfast deserves special mention too. There is something particularly satisfying about starting the day overlooking immaculate gardens while enjoying excellent coffee and a freshly prepared breakfast. It reminds us that true luxury often

lies not in extravagance but in simple things done exceptionally well.

Afternoon tea also feels perfectly at home in these surroundings. Freshly baked scones, delicate sandwiches and homemade cakes served in elegant lounges capture everything people love about the traditional English country house experience.

One of Dumbleton Hall’s most appealing qualities is the way it encourages genuine relaxation. There is no pressure to fill every hour with activity. Instead, guests naturally find themselves reading uninterrupted, taking leisurely walks, enjoying long conversations or simply sitting quietly beneath the trees. The peaceful surroundings and fresh country air make it remarkably easy to switch off from modern life.

Perhaps that is the hotel’s greatest success. It reminds us that slowing down is not

wasting time but enjoying it properly.

Throughout the changing seasons, Dumbleton Hall reveals different personalities. Spring brings blossom and fresh colour, summer encourages long evenings in the gardens, autumn paints the surrounding hills in rich shades of gold and copper, while winter transforms the house into a cosy retreat where roaring fires become the heart of the building. There is never really a wrong time to visit, only different reasons.

What also makes Dumbleton Hall special is that it never feels disconnected from its surroundings. Some luxury hotels could be located almost anywhere, but this one feels inseparable from the Cotswolds themselves. The architecture, the landscape, the pace of life and the warm hospitality combine to create something genuinely authentic.

The hotel appeals equally to

couples seeking a romantic break, families looking for space to explore, business guests wanting somewhere peaceful after a demanding day, and those celebrating weddings or special occasions. Whatever brings people here, Dumbleton Hall has an effortless ability to make every stay feel memorable.

In a world increasingly dominated by deadlines, technology and constant distractions, places like this have never felt more important. They remind us to pause, breathe and appreciate beautiful surroundings, good food, meaningful conversation and genuine hospitality.

So let us return to that simple word - escape. A true escape should leave you feeling refreshed long after you have returned home. Dumbleton Hall achieves exactly that.

Combining historic grandeur, beautiful surroundings and

outstanding hospitality, it stands proudly among the finest country house hotels in the Cotswolds..

Whether you are planning a romantic retreat, celebrating a special occasion, exploring Gloucestershire or simply rewarding yourself with a wellearned break, Dumbleton Hall offers an experience that feels both indulgent and wonderfully relaxed. History lingers within its walls, where Darwin and Dickens once found welcome, while today’s guests enjoy the same sense of peace and timeless charm. Special credit should also go to Laura in marketing, whose enthusiasm and professionalism help showcase everything that makes Dumbleton Hall such a remarkable destination. Long after you leave the driveway behind, it remains a place that stays with you - and that is perhaps the greatest compliment any hotel can receive.

MONEY TALKS

More tax again - and this time it affects everyone

WHETHER you own a rental property or you live in one, what is coming in April 2027 is worth knowing about. Because this one lands on both sides of the front door.

I am a landlord of two properties. And when I read the small print of what is heading our way, my first thought was not particularly printable.

From April 2027, the Government is introducing higher tax rates on rental income - sitting two percentage points above what you pay on a salary. The stated reason is fairness. Rental income does not pay National Insurance the way earned income does, so they want to close that gap. On the surface, reasonable. In practice, it lands on top of a decade of changes that have already made life significantly harder for small landlords.

Meet Claire. She has one rental property. She bought it in her forties as a way of building something towards retirement. Her tenant Sophie has lived there for three years and considers it home. Claire is not a property tycoon. She has a mortgage on the flat, she manages it herself, and the monthly profit, once the mortgage is paid, is modest.

When landlords cannot make the numbers work, they either sell up or they raise rents. Either way, tenants feel it! “ ”

frozen until 2031. The Renters Rights Act, which came into force this year, has introduced important new protections for tenants alongside new responsibilities for landlords. Taken together with the stamp duty surcharge introduced years ago and the mortgage interest changes, the picture for small landlords is considerably less attractive than it was even five years ago.

Here is the part that matters if you are a tenant. The Office for Budget Responsibility has estimated that the new tax rates could push rents up by around £20 to £25 a month on a typical tenancy in England. When landlords cannot make the numbers work, they either sell up or they raise rents. Either way, tenants feel it. A policy sold as fairness has a way of passing its costs down the chain.

So what should you do?

Scan or go to https://fannysnaith.com/my-

Under tax rules introduced in 2017, Claire is already taxed on her full rental income before her mortgage costs are taken into account. What this means in plain terms is that she pays tax on money that goes straight to the bank, not into her pocket. The new 2027 rates push that bill higher still. Claire does the sums one evening and realises the flat is no longer returning what she planned for. She is not sure what to do. Sophie does not know any of this yet.

Then there is David. He is a teacher with one flat and a tenant called Marcus. David's situation is more exposed than Claire's because his salary already puts him near the higher

rate tax band. The way rental income is currently calculated pushes him over that threshold, and from 2027 the higher rate goes up to 42%. The flat David bought to supplement his pension is now costing him considerably more than he expected. Marcus gets a letter about his rent.

These are not unusual stories. Nearly half of all landlords in the UK declared rental income of £10,000 or less last year.

This is not, mostly, wealthy investors with portfolios and accountants on speed dial. It is ordinary people with one or two properties and a mortgage, trying to make sensible long-term financial decisions in a landscape that keeps shifting.

And it is shifting again. The personal allowance is

If you are a landlord, do not wait until 2027. Talk to an accountant who understands property now, while you still have time to make calm, considered decisions rather than reactive ones. Look honestly at what each property is returning. Ask the right questions before the deadline is upon you. If you are a tenant, this is worth knowing as context for what may be coming. It does not make a rent increase easier to absorb. It does mean that if one arrives, you will understand why, and you will know your rights under the Renters Rights Act when it does.

Sophie and Marcus did not create this situation. Neither, really, did Claire and David. What is happening in the private rental market right now is the result of years of policy decisions landing all at once on people who were simply trying to make reasonable choices with their money. More tax. Less return. Higher rents. The same homes, working harder, for everyone.

What do the World Cup and investing have in common?

As the football World Cup draws to a close, Ian Posgate, Investment Director and Head of Cheltenham Office at JM Finn, argues that while global investors have focused on the market favourites, the UK's overlooked stock market could be emerging as this year's investment underdog

AS the dust settles on the football World Cup in the USA, I thought it might be useful to undertake an analysis of markets.

Index returns have been positive year to date, with the S&P500 rising by around 8% and the FTSE100 by just over 5%.

The dominance of technology as a theme remains in place though, with the Nasdaq Composite Index up 10%, although this is dwarfed by the near doubling of the South Korean Kospi Index thanks to its exposure to the likes of Samsung Electronics and other beneficiaries of the booming semi-conductor chip market.

Despite this, certain areas of the UK stock market still look a bit like the unfancied side: not flashy, not universally loved, but awkwardly effective. While global investors have spent years backing the same star names elsewhere, certain parts of London’s market have been left on the wrong side of the tournament hype, trading on modest expectations and, in many cases, modest valuations too.

The UK market’s discount has of course persisted for years, but investor neglect seems finally to be creating opportunities and in recent months we have seen a

number of approaches both for businesses that you will recognise such as Tate& Lyle, EasyJet and Schroders and for others that aren’t maybe such

household names such as Segro and Intertek. What do these companies have in common? They are all are being targeted by overseas investors.

So, in tournament terms, there is increasing evidence that the UK is not short of talent. Whilst longer term this may be bad news for the overall

breadth of the UK market, if the bids keep coming, investors may finally discover that being an underdog can certainly have its advantages.

About JM Finn

Since opening JM Finn’s Cheltenham office in January of this year, we’ve gone from strength to strength. We offer the best of both worlds – a highly experienced and friendly local-based team with the backing of an 80-year-old stable firm. We pride ourselves on meeting regularly with clients – and this has resulted in two-outof-three of JM Finn’s clients recommending us to their friends and family. Whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned investor looking for a highly reputable wealth manager, we can manage your wealth on your behalf – leaving you free to focus on what matters to you. Our services include investing, JISAs and ISAs, Selfinvested personal pension (SIPP) management, retirement planning, estate planning and inheritance tax mitigation.

To learn more, please give our team a call on 01242 502 808. 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.

The night we came closer than you think

After Britain's electricity grid came under unexpected pressure during June's heatwave, Ian Williams of Forever Green explains what happened, why it matters for homeowners, and how solar and battery storage can help protect against rising costs and future disruptions

ON a hot Monday evening this June, Britain's electricity grid came nearer to the edge than almost anyone watching television that night realised.

At around eight o'clock on 23rd June, with the country sweltering under a heat dome, the frequency of the grid sagged to 49.66 hertz, its lowest point all year. That number won't mean much on its own, so let me translate it, because it's my trade.

The grid runs at 50 hertz, and that figure is really a balance gauge. When there's plenty of electricity about, it sits at 50, and when demand starts to outrun supply, it droops. The operators are meant to hold it inside a narrow band and never let it fall below 49.5. That evening, it spent the better part

of an hour below the normal floor of 49.8. It didn't cross the legal red line, but it got closer than it has in a long while.

Here's the part I find telling, because every single cause was a supply that didn't turn up. The heat had slowed the wind to a crawl. It was quietly robbing the gas power stations of their efficiency. Even the French nuclear plants that normally sell us power were throttling back in the heat. And at the very same time, millions of us had fans and air conditioning running flat out. Supply down, demand up, on the same sweltering afternoon. So the grid did what it increasingly has to do: it leaned on other people. It called on the nation's battery fleet, and some of those batteries, having

already sold their charge into the evening peak, ran dry before the peak was even over. Then it picked up the phone to France and asked for help through the interconnectors. France sent power back across the Channel, and the moment passed.

Now, I'll be straight with you, because frightening people into buying solar isn't my style. The lights stayed on. The Government says the system had the tools it needed, and it may well be right. But the independent analysts who've since combed through the data are uneasy. One of them put it plainly: there was essentially no reserve left that night. And that's the bit that matters at your kitchen table.

A grid running with no margin

to spare is a grid that gets both more expensive and more jumpy. You're already feeling the first part. Electricity sits at around 26p a unit, up 13% since July, largely because our prices are chained to a nervous global gas market. Evenings like 23rd June are what that looks like from the inside.

There's one detail from that day I'd point any homeowner to. At lunchtime, the country's solar panels were quietly carrying almost half of all demand. The squeeze arrived as the sun went down and that solar generation vanished, right as everyone got home and switched everything on. Which is the whole argument for storage in a single day: catch the sun while it's there, and hold it for the evening, when

the grid is at its most stretched. And here's one honest thing most people are never told: a standard solar system actually switches itself off in a real power cut, for the safety of anyone working on the lines. Only a properly designed battery with backup keeps your house running when the grid can't. That's the difference

between a system that merely saves you money and one that's also your insurance. I can't fix the national grid from a rooftop in Gloucestershire. But I can tell you exactly how exposed your own house is, and what it would take to stand on your own two feet on a night like that one.

Gardening

August in the Garden – The reward for all those summer hours

By Mark Hopkins

THERE is something especially satisfying about stepping into the garden in August. The frantic rush of spring planting has passed, borders are bursting with colour, hanging baskets are overflowing, vegetables are being harvested almost daily, and for many of us the garden has become another room of the house during the warmer weather.

Of course, August isn’t simply a month to sit back and admire the view - tempting though that may be with a cold drink in hand. A little time spent now will keep everything looking its best well into autumn and lay the foundations for another successful year. One of the biggest jobs this month is deadheading. It may seem repetitive, but removing faded flowers from bedding plants, roses, dahlias, cosmos and other summer favourites encourages them to keep producing blooms instead of putting their energy into seed production. Just a few minutes

every couple of days can make the difference between a tiredlooking display and one that continues until the first frosts. Keep watering wisely too. August sunshine can be deceptive, and pots, hanging baskets and newly planted shrubs dry out surprisingly quickly. Water thoroughly rather than little and often, aiming for the base of the plant rather than the leaves. Early morning or late evening remains the best time, allowing moisture to soak into the soil before the day’s heat evaporates it.

Lawns can struggle during hot, dry spells. Resist the temptation to cut the grass too short, as a slightly longer lawn

copes far better with drought and stays greener for longer. If the rain returns - as it usually does in Britain - the lawn will soon recover, despite any temporary brown patches. August is also one of the busiest months in the vegetable garden. Runner beans, French beans, courgettes, cucumbers, tomatoes and sweetcorn all reward regular picking. In fact, the more you harvest, the more many crops continue producing. It’s one of gardening’s simplest pleasures. If you’re growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, pinch out the growing tips of cordon varieties once several trusses have formed. This encourages the plant to ripen the fruit already

growing rather than producing new shoots that won’t mature before autumn.

Gladioli should now be putting on a magnificent display across Gloucestershire. Their tall, colourful flower spikes bring real drama to borders and make excellent cut flowers. Don’t hesitate to bring a few indoors - they often last longer in a vase than they do outside.

Lavender will also be coming to the end of its display. Once the flowers begin to fade, give plants a light trim by removing the spent flower stems and a little of the fresh green growth. Avoid cutting into old woody stems, as lavender rarely recovers well from hard pruning. A gentle annual trim keeps plants neat and compact. This is also a good time to tidy borders. Early-flowering perennials that have finished can be cut back, and some may even reward you with a second flush of flowers if given a trim and a feed.

Speaking of feeding, hanging baskets and containers will benefit from a weekly liquid fertiliser throughout August. After months of flowering they have exhausted much of the goodness in the compost, and regular feeding will help keep displays colourful until autumn. Although summer still feels in

full swing, it’s also worth thinking ahead. Garden centres will soon be filling their shelves with spring-flowering bulbs. Daffodils, crocuses, alliums and tulips may seem a long way off, but successful gardening has always been about planning for the next season as much as enjoying the current one.

Keep an eye out for pests and diseases too. Aphids, caterpillars, mildew and black spot are common at this time of year. Often the simplest solution is the best - remove affected leaves and encourage natural predators such as ladybirds into the garden. A healthy garden usually finds its own balance.

Wildlife will also appreciate a helping hand during dry weather. Fresh water for drinking and bathing is every bit as important as food. A shallow dish topped up each day will quickly attract robins, blackbirds, sparrows and, if you’re lucky, the occasional hedgehog.

Perhaps the greatest pleasure of August, however, is simply spending time outside. After months of sowing, planting, feeding and weeding, this is when the garden truly begins to repay all the effort. Sit with a cup of tea, enjoy the scent of sweet peas drifting on the breeze, listen to the bees

working the flowers and watch butterflies dancing across the borders.

Gardening has always been about far more than growing plants. It slows us down, gets us outdoors and reminds us that the seasons continue their gentle rhythm regardless of how busy life becomes.

So whether you’re harvesting your first home-grown tomato, deadheading the roses or simply enjoying a warm evening in the garden, make the most of August. Before long autumn will come knocking, but for now, summer is still very much in full bloom.

TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER Puzzles

1. The Leonardo da VinciFiumicino Airport serves which European city?

2. What does the old nautical term ‘avast’ mean?

3. Which actor has a statue of his character The Tramp in Leicester Square, London?

4. What name is given to the unit of length used to measure the height of a horse?

5. The 2026 Grammy Awards’ biggest prize – album of the year – was clinched by which Puerto Rican star?

6. What was the county town of Cornwall before Truro?

7. Which boxing weight category shares its name with a variety of chicken?

8. Politician Andy Burnham is the mayor of which city area?

9. The children’s fictional character Thomas the Tank Engine is which colour?

10. Lauren Bacall famously said: ‘You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve?’ in which film?

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

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.

1. Bird about now’s taking the flags (4,7)

7. Does one need these to see what one is about to eat? (3,5)

8. Singe arch badly (4)

9. Nurse some of the contenders (4)

11. Two birds sounding at daybreak (4-4)

13. Next a new American (5)

14. Little Joanna first on the beam (5)

16. Dora and Rita removed heater (8)

18. Height on pole of frost (4)

21. Damage part of car’s bodywork (4)

22. Come near to a very quiet fish (8)

23. Broke silver medallist took a very short time (5,6)

QUICK CROSSWORD

biro; birth; biter; bore; bort; bother; boxer; boxier; brio; broth; EXHIBITOR; exhort; heir; herb; heriot; hero; hire; hoer; obiter; orbit; oribi; other; oxer; oxter; riot; rite; robe; rote; roti; throb; tier; tire; tiro; tore; torii; tribe; trio.

1. Witness cops treat badly (9)

2. Location of capsized canoe? (5)

3. Benjamin holds right gun (4)

4. Off about one? That’s the idea (6)

5. Embrace cheerleader who is reluctant to have a cravat (9)

6. Circle overhead (4)

10. Stopping a picture before it’s finished? (7,2)

12. Draw sheet revising line on map perhaps (9)

15. Fiery jar of stew (6)

17. Eager for help about five (4)

19. Go to a revolutionary part of New Zealand (5)

20. Gunners live outside on hillside (4)

NONAGRAM

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

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:

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

EQUALISER: CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Permeate; 5 Hilt; 7 Hoarfrost; 9 Plan; 10 Town; 11 Pasta; 14 Bills; 15 Nudge; 16 Acorn; 17 Natal; 18 Ovary; 19 Manly; 22 Mini; 24 Deep; 26 Escalator; 27 Loge; 28 Landmass. Down – 1 Pomp; 2 Moon; 3 Aorta; 4 Egret; 5 Host; 6 Thundery; 7 Hailstone; 8 Top drawer; 11 Psalm; 12 Swoon; 13 Annoy; 14 Bonemeal; 20 Avail; 21 Learn; 23 Isle; 24

– 1 Snow bunting; 7 Eye teeth; 8 Char; 9 Tend; 11 Cock-crow; 13 Texan; 14 Joist; 16 Radiator; 18 Hoar; 21 Wing; 22 Approach; 23 Split second.

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Why many couples overlook this important

FOR many couples, buying a home represents longterm security and stability.

Once the purchase is complete, the legal paperwork is rarely looked at again.

However, one detail - how the property is legally owned - can become increasingly important later in life.

Many people assume their wishes will automatically be carried out, but this is not always the case.

The outcome can depend heavily on the ownership structure already in place.

Without reviewing this, families can sometimes face unexpected complications when dealing with inheritance matters or future arrangements.

It is a situation advisers say they encounter regularly.

“We thought everything was already in place.”

In many cases, a simple review earlier on could have helped provide greater certainty and clearer instructions for loved ones.

Owning a property as tenants in common can help create a more organised approach, allowing individuals to set out their wishes more clearly within their will.

Professionals say these discussions are becoming increasingly common as homeowners become more aware of the importance of having clear arrangements in place.

For many people, the process itself is straightforward and simply offers reassurance that everything has been properly considered.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Many couples never review how their home is owned

• Ownership can influence later decisions

• Early planning can help reduce uncertainty

A SMALL REVIEW CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Taking time to understand your position now may help reduce complications later To arrange a confidential discussion call 0333 335 5875

We have some of the leading manufacturers of artificial grass and Millboard decking laid to show our maintenance free options! All available to order in, or from stock, with our crane delivery to your address. With parking adjacent to the display and our resident landscaping expert available to walk you around, why not call in to find inspiration for your garden?

Bence Builders Merchants 41-47 Fairview Road, Cheltenham, GL52 2EJ 01242 237 241 sales@bence.co.uk www.bencelandscaping.co.uk

The launch of the www.glos.info offices, 2017.

From left: Martin Horwood now Mayor of Cheltenham, Geoff Birch local author and business guru, Belinda Wilson, ex-director of www.glos.info and www.GlosJobs.co.uk, former Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk, Dominic Cotter, BBC journalist.

Cheltenham Colts RFC 1961/62.

Back row: Nelmes (ref) Keys, Capaldi, Lawrence, Tullell, Hunt, Taylor, Ainge.

Front row: Jones, Farmer, Counsell, Phillips (c), Elliott, Squires, Long.

Old Boys

Back row:Tombs, Tucker, Ballinger, Hart, Coltman, Fowles, Pennington, Gater. Front row: Johnstone, Addis, England, Pick, Gould, Langston, Robinson.

Cheltenham Colts, Oxfordshire Cup 1962 winners.

Back row: P.Todd, B.Jones, C. Elliott, P. Counsell, N.Rees.

Front row: R.Squires,C. Phillips, R.Hall, D.Ainge.

Bulls bettered by brilliant Bishops Cleeve

HEREFORD had dominated previous meetings between the two clubs, but Friday night saw Bishops Cleeve claim an impressive victory courtesy of goals from the outstanding Adulai Sambu and the dominant Reegan Messenger.

The Bulls ran out 4-0 winners when their travelling support played a key role in setting the club's record crowd back in December 2016, but this time the almost 400 supporters in attendance were treated to a superb Bishops Cleeve performance.

The early action was all in Cleeve's favour, with Sambu the standout performer, starting in style as a makeshift false nine in the absence of Ross Langworthy and Jamal Lawrence. He won a free-kick just four minutes in, which Charlie Holliday sent just over the bar, before Messenger fired wide three minutes later.

By Ben Ware

continued to combine well on the quarter-hour mark, with Sambu stealing the ball from a defender out wide, beating another player and cutting it back for Messenger, who was denied by a heroic close-range block.

A break in play for an injury, followed almost immediately by a drinks break, meant there was little action until the 33rd minute, when Matt Bower was called into action to make a block on the edge of the penalty area. Cleeve came close again in the 35th minute as another superb Evans-Harriott corner required a vital intervention from the visitors to deny Lee a free header on goal.

The sides went into the break goalless, with Hereford perhaps the more relieved of the two.

A pinpoint Aaron EvansHarriott corner saw Jake Lee head just over in the 12th minute before Hereford finally fashioned an attack, only to send their effort narrowly wide a minute later.

Sambu and Messenger

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Cleeve continuing to look the more likely side to break the deadlock. Sambu's long throw and a flicked header brought a routine save before another header drifted wide from a free-kick.

New faces at Kayte Lane

BISHOPS Cleeve have made a number of new additions over the summer with five players signing on the dotted line.

Jack Carter, Jamal Lawrence and Charlie Holliday join from Melksham Town and Fairford Town while Matt Bower and Aaron EvansHarriott (pictured) also return to the club after time away last season.

Carter, the latest addition, is a young right back already boasting 100 Southern League appearances. A former Forest Green and Melksham Town man, Carter came in to replace Joe Jeremiah and impressed in his first game, a 2-0 win over National League North side Hereford FC. Lawrence, the second recruit from Melksham, is a man they’d been after for a

while. He bagged 13 goals for Melksham Town last season, finishing as the club’s top scorer. He also played six times on loan for Cleeve during the 2014/15 season. Holliday was part of Frome Town’s title-winning squad last season, but ended the campaign with Fairford Town and was a keen target of Head Coach Liam Harding. He’s previously been on the books of Gloucester City and Longlevens.

A mainstay during the 2024/25 season, Bower headed off to Australia for a year but came back to the club upon his return. A 6’+ left back with a monster throw and a rocket of a shot, Bower was professional at Cheltenham Town with spells at Cirencester Town, WestonSuper-Mare, Bath City,

The home side's best chance yet fell to Ben McLean after a scramble in the penalty area saw the ball break kindly to the in-form midfielder. His powerful effort forced an excellent save to keep the scores level.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 69th minute.

Pressing high, Sambu

pounced on a poor touch from Kam Kandola just inside the Hereford half before racing through on goal, rounding Ollie Lewis and calmly slotting home a thoroughly deserved opener.

Cleeve continued to threaten five minutes later as McLean evaded four Hereford players on the

Stratford Town, Cinderford Town and Yate Town. Evans-Harriott was a Welsh youth international who earned a high-profile move to Coventry City as a youngster. He was also once Cheltenham Town’s youngest-ever Football League player after making his debut against West Ham in the EFL Trophy. A key

man in the 2024/25 season who departed for more game time last campaign, returns with a Hellenic Premier Division title to his name.

Bishops Cleeve are not held to transfer windows like clubs in the EFL and can sign players at any point up to the end of March.

right before finding Holliday, whose effort drifted just wide of the bottom corner.

A superb run from Devanti McInerney won a corner, and the resulting set-piece sealed the game. Messenger capped an outstanding display by rising highest to head home Cleeve's second

and secure the victory. There could have been more. Strong penalty appeals were waved away after another excellent run from McInerney ended with him being brought down from behind, but the referee was unmoved and blew for full-time after two minutes of added time.

Bishops Cleeve to kick off the season at Cockrams

BISHOPS Cleeve’s 2026/7 campaign will begin at Cockrams, home of last season’s losing play-off finalists Shaftesbury AFC.

The year’s surprise package, Shaftesbury moved up 12 places from five points off the drop to 12 points safely in the playoffs, losing a tight affair to Malvern Town in the promotion final. Last season brought a win for each side as Paul Collicutt’s Mitres came back from 2-0 down to win at Kayte Lane but fell to a 3-0 loss in Dorset. It will be a good early test for both sides and a difficult opening day, though this was expected with many of the lowerranked teams and clubs new to the division having to compete in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary

Qualifying Round instead.

The match will take place at 15:00 on Saturday 8th of August, with Cleeve’s first home game seeing them welcome new boys Worcester Raiders on Tuesday the 11th. An early change to the schedule also sees Cleeve’s trip to Barnstaple Town postponed due to their opponents playing AFC Stoneham in the FA Trophy instead. Their pre-season ended with games against Chippenham Town of the Southern League Premier Division, in which a weakened Cleeve side only fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat, before a final home game against Hellenic Premier Division side Highworth Town and a derby day trip to Evesham United on Friday the 31st.

Gloucestershire beat Kent in One Day match

Gloucestershire beat Kent in One Day match

CAMERON Bancroft and James Bracey scored half-centuries as Gloucestershire beat Kent by six wickets in the Metro Bank One Day Cup at Bristol’s Seat Unique Stadium.

Chasing 209 to win, Gloucestershire’s openers staged a partnership of 148, Bancroft top-scoring with an unbeaten 89 and Bracey making 83 as the home side cruised to victory with 13.5 overs to spare.

Gloucestershire’s success owed much to a superblydisciplined performance in the field, seamers Will Williams and Luke Charlesworth returning figures of 3-33 and 3-42 respectively as Kent were dismissed for 208 in 48.4 overs. Sam Northeast topscored with 84, and Ekansh Singh contributed 42, but the visitors never recovered from the loss of early wickets.

Gloucestershire's decision to field was backed up by disciplined spells from Williams and Charlesworth, who bowled straight to remove Daniel Bell-Drummond and Ben Dawkins, respectively, as Kent slipped to 26-2.

Change bowlers Aman Rao and Daz Ahmed then afforded few opportunities to drive as the seamers continued to exert a

stranglehold, the latter bowling Harry Finch with a straight one.

Far from his fluent best, Northeast scarcely raised his bat in acknowledgement when registering a 79-ball halfcentury as the visitors limped to 76-3 at halfway. When Chris Benjamin slashed at a wide-ish delivery from Charlesworth and was brilliantly caught behind by the diving Bracey, Kent were 83-4 and under duress.

Gloucestershire bowled to their field effectively to keep boundaries to a minimum, and Kent's attempts to build momentum were undermined by the regular fall of wickets, Jaydn Denly slog-sweeping Ollie Price to Jack Taylor with the score 115-5.

Northeast and Singh targeted the spinners in a sixth-wicket alliance of 47 from 39 balls, but that was as good as it got for the visitors. Amon Rao's first List-A wicket was a meaningful one, Northeast driving straight to extra cover.

Striking the ball cleanly, Singh hit three sixes and two fours, only to fall to the returning Williams, who then accounted for Grant Stewart as the Kent tail fell away. Joey Evison

succumbed to Charlesworth, and Ahmed removed Matt Milnes to wrap up a stuttering innings inside the distance. Needing to attack early on, Kent came up against Bracey in a forthright mood, the Bristolian pulling Stewart over square for six to afford the innings crucial early momentum. With Bancroft adopting a supporting role, Bracey went to a 58-ball 50 with a straight-driven four at the expense of Stewart.

If Kent were relying on spin to turn the tide, they were sorely disappointed, Matt Parkinson's first four overs going for 39 as the opening partnership realised three figures inside 21 overs.

Content to wait for the bad ball, Bancroft raised his half-century from 65 deliveries as the home side moved inexorably towards their target. Bracey fell immediately after the interval, pulling Singh to deep backward square, having accrued eight fours and four sixes in a matchwinning innings that spanned 82 balls.

Bancroft was still there at the end, having faced 98 deliveries, struck 10 fours and deployed all of his considerable experience to anchor the chase.

New Cheltenham Town MD outlines ambitions for the club

Cheltenham Town's new Managing Director, James Watts, has shared his vision for the club, outlining plans to grow revenue, enhance the matchday experience and maximise the potential of the EV Charger Points Stadium as a year-round venue

CHELTENHAM Town

Managing Director James Watts has outlined his ambitions in his first interview with the club's media team.

Having previously held a role at Swindon Town, Watts explained why the opportunity at the Robins appealed to him.

“I’ve worked for three clubs close to the area, Newport County, Hereford and Swindon Town,” he said.

“There have been opportunities for me previously in commercial roles in the Championship and League One, but I’ve always wanted to get back into a senior position, which Cheltenham fits perfectly.

“There were other opportunities for me, but this was the one I wanted after I met Mike Garlick and the board.”

Watts also discussed some of the areas he is keen to develop, highlighting new revenue opportunities,

By Will Bannister

improvements to the matchday experience and plans to make the stadium a more active venue throughout the year.

“I’ve come in and had a look at things that can generate extra revenue,” he continued.

“I think we can generate more for the women’s team and I’d like to bring back the matchday programme because, over the last few years since COVID, people have moved away from digital media. People like to have something physical printed in their hand.

“From my point of view, we need to generate revenue across every revenue stream we can.

“Then it’s going to be about improving the matchday experience and the day-to-day operations of the football club.

“Then I’m going to start to look at additional revenue we

can bring in through events and functions around the fan zone, whether we do concerts here or one-off events around Christmas.

“This site is premium. There’s no reason why the stadium cannot be a facility that is used for more than 23 to 30 football matches a year.”

Looking ahead, the new Managing Director said his immediate priority is to build on the work already taking place at the club while laying the foundations for future growth.

“I think, in the short term, the goal is to maximise the amount of revenue possible,” he said.

“I can see the work that’s being done already, but I want to support that.

“The short-term aim is to get things moving as quickly as possible and then we want to take things to the next level.

“There are short, medium and long-term plans in place, but it’s just about getting the ball rolling, to be honest.”

Cheltenham Town continue pre-season friendlies with win at Slimbridge

Continued from back page

The Swans threatened again down the left as Olly Sully found the full-back Charlie Matthews, whose whipped cross was easily claimed by the Robins goalkeeper.

Clear-cut chances were scarce, but it was Cheltenham who broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute.

McCann played the ball into McWilliams on the halfway line, who sent Miller through on goal, with the forward brilliantly lobbing the goalkeeper to give Town the lead.

A minute later, after Jake Bickerstaff had seen an effort cleared off the line following a smart move around the goalkeeper, Cheltenham doubled their advantage as the game began to open up.

Miller played Bickerstaff through down the right, with the forward picking out

McCann in space at the back post, allowing him to tap into an empty net in the 25th minute.

The third would go on to arrive just before the halfhour mark.

McCann calmly rolled the ball past the Slimbridge goalkeeper and into the back of the net to grab his second of the afternoon,

The Robins continued to dominate the play and a few moments later, Ben Stevenson slipped Bickerstaff through, only for Hart to produce a smart save with his foot.

However, the hosts came close twice in quick succession towards the end of the first half.

Firstly, Jonathan Tomkinson’s back pass bobbled awkwardly in front of Day, forcing the Town goalkeeper to clear the danger, before Joe Stokes

rattled the left post with a drive from just outside the area. The final opportunity

The first opening in the

reduced the deficit. Smith fired a strike from 20 yards out into the bottom left corner, beating Day at his front post.

After a quiet period following the Swans’ goal, Cheltenham would score their fourth at Thornhill Park on the hour mark.

Ryan Broom was fed through down the right and picked out Shipley in the area who turned and found the top right corner from inside the box with a superb finish.

In the 72nd minute, Stanway made an impact on his debut with a pinpoint pass that sent Miller through on goal, and he smashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range for five.

In the latter stages of the match, substitute Barber scored the sixth when his cross from a tight angle squeezed past Hart in the Slimbridge net.

Cheltenham Post

Positive start for Robins

2026/27 pre-season preparations with a 6-1 win away against Slimbridge AFC at Thornhill Park.

The Robins got the first goal of the afternoon in the 23rd minute through George Miller, who lifted the ball over Sam Hart, before Charlie McCann netted the second with a calmy taken finish into an empty net moments later.

McCann got his brace just before the 30th minute when he received the ball at the back post and rolled an effort past opposition goalkeeper.

The Swans pulled a goal back through Jack Smith just after the break when he picked out the bottom corner from range, but Cheltenham restored their three-goal cushion with Jordan Shipley’s fine finish in the 60th minute.

The fifth arrived in the 72nd minute through Miller, who made no mistake from close range following a superb Wyll Stanway pass, Mark Barber scored the sixth just before full-time to cap off a confident victory away from home.

In the sixth minute, Town enjoyed the first spell of pressure in the final third as Shaun McWilliams collected a loose ball, drove forward and squared it across the box, only for a Slimbridge defender to clear.

Moments later, Slimbridge threatened for the first time on the counter as midfielder Jack Smith tried his luck from distance.

The effort caught Joe Day slightly off guard, but the goalkeeper reacted well to gather the loose ball.

Continued on page 31