2008 Horse Racing Fixtures at Cheltenham Racecourse

1 January 2008 – New Year’s Day Racing
2008 horse racing at Cheltenham Racecourse starts with New Year's Day Racing. The New Year is kick started with some of the best horses, jockeys and trainers in the land. Gates open at 10.00am, first race is on at 12.25pm, last race at 3.55pm.

26 January 2008 – Festival Trials Day
This is arguably the best one day Jumps meeting of the entire season anywhere. Seven races give some final clues as to the destination of the big prizes at The Festival (Five Festival winners ran on this day last season), but this is a day of sporting drama that is far more than a prelude to four days in March. Highlights include the Letheby & Christopher Chase, Byrne Bros Cleeve Hurdle and the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase. Gates open at 10.30am, first race is on at 12.55pm, last race at 4.20pm.

11 March – 14 March 2008 – The Festival
The National Hunt Festival is the highlight of Cheltenham's horse racing calendar, with its importance in British racing, comparable to the World Cup in football. It features the famous Cheltenham Gold Cup, the tradition of which goes back to 1819 and which had its present form since 1924. The four-days of the best steeplechase and hurdle racing attracts thousands of visitors from Ireland, with a strong line-up of Irish horses challenging for the prizes on offer. The 20 races offer in excess of £2 million in prize money.

16 April – 18 April 2008 – The April Meeting
For 2008, a Friday evening fixture has been added to the traditional two days. There is also another top class National Hunt sale organised by Brightwells in the Centaur on the evening following the first day of the meeting. At the April Meeting in 2007 Paul Nicholls broke Martin Pipe's record for the most prize money ever won in a Jump season.

7 May 2008 – Hunter Chase Evening
Hunter Chase Evening is a fixture where amateur jockeys take centre stage on the racecourse. There is a party after the last race to end the 2007/2008 horse racing season, with live entertainment in the Centaur and an outstanding atmosphere throughout the evening.

Where to recycle Christmas trees in Cheltenham

The festive season wouldn’t be the same without a decorated tree and when it comes to choosing one, more than 76,000 Gloucestershire residents opt for the real tree. If you have got this winter your Christmas presents under a cut tree, you'll need to know where to recycle it when the festive season is over.

If you live in Cheltenham you can take your Christmas trees to be recycled at Swindon Road recycling centre. The centre is opened:

Monday – Friday 7.30am ~ 6.30pm
Saturday 7.30am ~ 4.00pm
Sunday and bank holidays 9.00am ~ 1.00pm

For residents whose households are part of the kerb side garden waste collection scheme, trees 6ft and under can be left (whole) next to your garden bag on your collection day and they will be taken as part of this service.

You can also deposit your tree between 3rd and 21st January 2008 at:
Blooms, Evesham Road, Bishops Cleeve
Dawn Nurseries, Main Road, Little Shurdington
Dundry Nurseries, Bamfurlong Lane, Staverton
Gotherington Nurseries, Gretton Road, Gotherington
Greenway Nurseries, Main Road, Shurdington
Hurrans Garden Centre, Cheltenham Road East, Churchdown

Cheltenham January and February Events

Christmas is just round the corner and New Year will soon take over - time to think about what to do in the New Year.

Cheltenham4u is bringing you a round-up of Cheltenham January and February events. There is plenty of things to choose from – you can spend the time at the races at Cheltenham racecourse or cheer on Cheltenham Ladies Rugby Club at their last home match at the Prince of Wales Stadium. If sport is not your thing but you still like to race, you can join in a frog race, which takes place at St. Luke’s church hall. Music lovers can listen to selection of great musicians at Tubby Blues Festival or Playhouse Jazz, however this time of year is devoted to folk as Cheltenham Folk Festival hits the stage of Cheltenham Town Hall. You can also learn about Gloucestershire folk traditions at the Park Campus of Gloucestershire University. Leckhampton Players are staging their this-year’s pantomime Alibaba and the Forty Thieves and theatre workshops for children are held at the Playhouse Theatre.

For more information about these and other Cheltenham events please visit our Cheltenham events guide.

Cheltenham Folk Festival

15 – 17 February 2008

Following a record-breaking year in 2007, the 12th Cheltenham Folk Festival features headliners Show Of Hands, one of the finest acoustic roots duo in England, Brass Monkey and Three Magpies. Three Magpies consist of Nancy Kerr, James Fagan and multiinstrumentalist and composer Robert Harbron, playing both traditional and contemporary folk music.

The stage of Cheltenham Town Hall will host many more performers, including Belshazzar`s Feast, Benji Kirkpatrick, Emily & Hazel Askew, Issy & David Emeney with Kate Riaz, John Kirkpatrick, John Tams & Barry Coope, Jon Loomes & Paul Scourfield, Last Orders, Malthouse Passage, Martin & Shan Graebe, Megson, Mike & Ali Vass, Phill Beer, Random, Spiers & Boden and Steve Turner.

2008 also features special performances by Jo Freya who accompanied by Jim Boyes, Fi Fraser, Jude Abbott, Neil Ferguson, Harry Hammer and Mary McMaster play the beautiful songs of the late Lal Waterson on the tenth anniversary of her death, and Down The Lawson Track featuring songs and music of the great Australian outback.

As last year, the Festival has many instrument, voice and dance workshops which take place at the YMCA. ‘An Hour or So With…’ offers a great chance to meet some of the Festival performers close up in a warm and informal atmosphere. The Kids Place gives the youngest visitors to the festival the opportunity to enjoy some creative fun on Saturday and Sunday.

Dance teams from around the country will be performing on the streets of Cheltenham Saturday and Sunday afternoon and free unplugged sessions will take place at the Music Library on Saturday giving you the opportunity to enjoy some great acoustic performances.

Tickets are available at Cheltenham Town Hall. If you purchase your weekend tickets by 31 December, they are £60 adult, £50 students and unwaged and £30 11-16 year olds, under 11 go free. You can also buy tickets for certain individual events.

For more information on Cheltenham Folk Festival and other Cheltenham festivals please visit our Events & Festivals section.

Cheltenham Gym Centre

Cheltenham has a wide range of sporting and physical activity opportunities, whether you are looking for a local sports team to play for at weekends, try a new exercise class. If gymnastics is your favourite sport, then why not join Cheltenham Gym Centre.

Cheltenham Gym Centre provides a balanced and comprehensive programme for everyone, from Pre-School Children upwards, from complete beginners to National level Gymnasts. Whether you wish to just increase your fitness and stamina or would like to take up gymnastics at a competitive level, Cheltenham Gym Centre has classes for you. With their ABC Gymtots programme structured programme is available even for the youngest.

For more information about Cheltenham Gym Centre visit our Sport Clubs section, you can find information about ABC Gymtots in our Clubs and Societies section.


If you are a member of Cheltenham sport club and would like to get your club's profile featured to promote its activities please get in touch. To find out how please visit our website www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/community/sportclubs.asp.

Cheltenham Town FC Family Fun Day

22 December 2007 - Whaddon Road Stadium

Come and cheer on the Robins against Huddersfield and enjoy an action packed, fun filled afternoon of entertainment including official sky sports dancers & performers, Christmas choir, face painters, balloon modeler, juggler & stilt walker, magician, side shows and much more. And if that’s not enough you can watch what promises to be a great game of football.

Ticket Prices:
2 Adults & 2 Children (U'16) - £28,
1 Adult & 1 Child (U'16) - £15,
Additional Child - £5.

All tickets must be purchased from the ticket office in advance of the game. Tickets available from the Ticket Office or call 01242 573558 or visit http://www.ctfc.com/. Game kicks off at 3pm.

For more Cheltenham events please visit our Cheltenham events guide.

Cheltenham Sport Clubs

Cheltenham has a wide range of sporting and physical activity opportunities, whether you are looking for a local sports team to play for at weekends, try a new exercise class, or use the sports facilities of one of Cheltenham’s parks, playing fields, or sports centres.

Cheltenham4u is bringing to you a comprehensive guide to Sport clubs in Cheltenham where you can find information, contacts and results for your favourite sport.

If you enjoy playing football, you can join one of Cheltenham's numerous football teams and play in Saturday or Sunday League. Other sports you can take up include rugby, cricket, netball and hockey. If you are a racket ball enthusiast, Cheltenham's badminton, squash, tennis and table tennis clubs will offer you a warm welcome. You can either play competitively or socially.

At Cheltenham4u, you can find information about many other sports you can take up in Cheltenham, such as fencing, diving or martial arts.


If you are a member of Cheltenham sport club and would like to get your club's profile featured to promote its activities please get in touch. To find out how please visit our website www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/community/sportclubs.asp.

Cheltenham Ghosts

Gloucestershire belongs among one of the most haunted counties and Cheltenham has its fair share of ghosts.

Cheltenham boasts to be the location of the best authenticated ghost story on the files of the Society for Psychical Research. The so-called “Cheltenham ghost” was first investigated by Frederic Myers. In April, 1882, Captain Despard with his invalid wife and six children moved into a house known as Garden Reach (also known as St. Anne’s in Pittville Circus Road). The house had been empty for years, and there were reports of its being haunted. The house was built by Henry Swinhoe in 1860. Rose, the captain's daughter, saw the ghost first -a figure of a tall lady, dressed in black. Altogether 17 people saw the ghost - members of the family, friends, or staff within the house. It tended to follow the same route, going down the stairs, into the drawing room, standing behind the couch for a while, then moving along the corridor to the garden door, and disappearing.

The haunting was at its height between 1884 and 1886. After that, the figure was seen less often and it gradually became less distinct in outline. The figure was believed to be Mrs Imogen Swinhoe, Henry Swinhoe’s second wife, who was reputedly driven to alcoholism by her alcoholic husband. The apparition of a woman resembling St. Anne’s ghost was seen in 1958 and 1961 in now demolished Cotswold Lodge, situated opposite St. Anne’s in Pittville Circus Road and also in 1970 outside St. Anne’s by a passing motorist. In 1985 the figure was seen at the back of the building.

Another haunted building in Cheltenham is the Everyman Theatre. Music can be heard from on the stage. This has been reported by several people including one of the theatres longest inhabitants; a technician who’s been there for over 20 years. The music is most often heard by people near the main auditorium doors in the Foyer. A figure has been seen standing in the circle/upper circle of the auditorium.

The house of Captain Thomas Hardy in Victoria Walk is reputedly haunted, though by who it is unclear. Tapping can be heard at the cellar of Suffolks Arms public house and in Hotel de la Bere in Southam which used to be a girls’ school a nanny who worked for the school hanged herself in her bedroom, and now walks along the corridors checking rooms to ensure her charges are asleep.

Leckhampton Inn had a haunting manifestation in 1997 when an old man and his terrier dog who frequented this old coaching inn appeared to landlord Andy Hobbs so clearly that he asked the man what he wanted to drink. The landlord was later shown a picture of a man long dead, who he identified as the disappearing customer.

Prestbury in the north west Cheltenham has a number of resident ghosts and it actually is the most haunted village in Gloucestershire, haunted by ghosts such as the Headless Horseman, The White Lady and the Black Abbot, who roams the local churchyard. You can find more information on Prestbury ghosts in the article on our website.

Have you ever seen any ghosts in Cheltenham? Have you heard any unusual noises which you were sure were out of ordinary? Let us know on community@cheltenham4u.co.uk or leave a comment on our blog. If you are interested in the paranormal, ghosts, hauntings, UFOs and related phenomena, why don’t you come along to the meetings of The Myers Paranormal Society, which meets every second Tuesday of the month in the Cotswold Inn, Portland Street.

Bishop's Cleeve Seniors Club

There are a number of over 60s in Cheltenham area but Bishop's Cleeve Seniors Club is one of those which stand out.
The Club, which has over 300 members, has its own club house for the sole use of senior citizens. Membership is open for the over 60s resident in Bishop's Cleeve, Woodmancote, and surrounding areas. The Club is open 6 and sometimes 7 days a week for various Social Events and Activities.

Bishop's Cleeve Seniors Club is a friendly and caring club so if you are over 60 and need to make new friends and enjoy new interests come along to a Coffee Morning on Wednesdays or Saturdays between 10.00am and 11.00am, and you'll be made feel very welcome. For more information on Bishop's Cleeve Seniors Club visit our Community section at www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/community.


If you are a member of Cheltenham club or society and would like to get your club's profile featured to promote its activities please get in touch. To find out how please visit our website www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/community.

Cheltenham Family History

Family history research has become an increasingly popular pastime in recent years. Millions of people are searching for their roots and devote hours of their free time to this fascinating hobby.

Cheltenham4u created a Cheltenham Family History guide to help you with your research. It contains general advice on how to start, reviews of popular family history software, as well as Gloucestershire and Cheltenham specific information, such as historical information about Cheltenham, information about family history research in Cheltenham Reference Library and Gloucestershire archives, details of Cheltenham local and family history societies and links to many useful websites covering Gloucestershire genealogy.

In addition, you can connect with other Cheltenham researchers by leaving a message on our Cheltenham family history message board and share the results of your research with others by submitting your family history stories.

Cheltenham Christmas Lights Photos

Cheltenham’s landmarks getting a facelift

Many of Cheltenham’s public buildings are going to get a major revamp during the next few months.

Pittville Pump Room is going to get a green makeover with a solar panel fitted on the roof, angled to the south facing orientation on the car park side.

Cheltenham Library in Clarence Street is going to undergo a major revamp at a cost of £100,000.

Cheltenham General Hospital will get a £16 million extension with state-of-the-art critical care, rehabilitation and stroke facilities. A dozen intensive care and high dependency beds will be provided as well as 24 beds for stroke patients and 40 rehabilitation beds. The project is expected to be completed by March 2009. In addition to that Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal hospitals are set to benefit from £715,000 of improvement works, which should include new flooring and curtains for the wards, and redecorating bathrooms and toilets.

In addition, a new £5 million breast cancer clinic is going to be built from April next year at the site at Thirlestaine Court to be opened in June, 2009. It will replace existing breast cancer services at Cobalt's Linton House and the general hospital.

Cavendish House at the Promenade is another building to undergo a major transformation - third of the space is to be leased out to two new shops: Zara and H&M. Plans are to pedestrianise Regent Street to create another shopping area in Cheltenham town centre.

Cheltenham Art Gallery is one of the buildings which is going to change its face completely. 78 architects have entered a competition to develop the shopfronts to the east of the gallery. A shortlist of four designs have been announced. The four designs that reached this stage promise a completely new look to Clarence Street.
You can view paper versions of the final four – until Friday 21 December at the Art Gallery & Museum, Clarence Street (during regular opening times) and at the Municipal Offices, Cheltenham Borough Council, Promenade, (on Monday / Tuesday / Thursday and Friday from 9am until 5pm and on Wednesdays from 9.30am until 5pm).

There will also be a series of mini-roadshows throughout the town in December, and a travelling exhibition will call at:
3 December to 6 December: Hesters Way Community Resource Centre and Springbank Resource Centre
6 December (6pm to 8pm): Late night opening at the Art Gallery & Museum
7 December (10am to 12.30pm): Regents Arcade
14 December (1pm to 4.30pm): At the Brewery Centre
19 December (4pm to 7.30pm): At the Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School

Ice Skating at the Brewery

A 29sq ft open-air ice rink which can take up to 20 skaters for a 20-minute skate opened at the Brewery yesterday as Cheltenham Christmas lights were switched on.

The Brewery rink will then be opened today, November 25, Saturday and Sunday, December 8 and 9, and later from December 15 to 23 between midday and 8pm. Tickets cost £4 for adults and £3 for children. A family ticket, which allows entrance for two adults and two children is £11. Tickets include the hire of skates.

You can find out more about this and other Cheltenham Christmas events in our Cheltenham Christmas Events Guide.

Tubby Blues Festival

7 December 2007 - Newlands Park Club
future dates: 4 January 2008, 1 February 2008, 7 March 2008, 4 April 2008, 2 May 2008

Tubby Blues Festival comes back to Cheltenham, well this year to Bishop's Cleeve. Tubby Blues Club takes place on the first Friday at Newlands Park Club, Southam Lane, just two minutes from Cheltenham Racecourse. For any enquiries please contact 01242 691998 or 07796 034206 or email tubbyblues@blueyonder.co.uk

In aid of Gloucestershire's hospitals, next Tubby Blues Show, will take place at Newlands Park Club in Bishop's Cleeve on Friday, 7 December. Bands booked to play include the Dr Teeth Big Band and Slowburner. Gloucestershire blues performer Otis Mack will compere the show. Tickets cost £10 each. Tables can be reserved by calling 01242 691998 or 07796 034206. Doors open at 7pm and the show will run from 8.25pm to midnight.

On January 4th blues fans will be able to see The Mustangs and The Paul Poulton Project and the next event on 1st February will feature Keith Thompson Touring Band and Texas Medicine. Both events will be compered by Otis Mack.

7 March 2008 - The Ian Parker Band, Pete Mitchell's Drive
4 April 2008 - Lee Wilson & The Mighty House Rockers, The Blind Lemmons
2 May 2008 - Split Whiskers, Blue Touch

For more information on this and other Cheltenham events please visit our Cheltenham Events Guide.

iTuesday in Cheltenham Cineworld

In Cheltenham, the last Tuesday of each month is an "iTuesday" which brings art and independent film to the heart of Cheltenham, more specifically to Cheltenham Cineworld. iTuesday is hosted and organised by the University of Gloucestershire in partnership with Cheltenham Cineworld. Tickets cost £4.00 and are open to all film lovers in Gloucestershire. Tickets are available on the night at Cheltenham Cineworld.

November Event takes place on Tuesday 27 November and includes the screening of the film Confetti, followed by a "meet the director" session afterwards with Debbie Issitt. 7pm arrival for 7.30 screening.


December Event on Tuesday 11 December includes a special sneak preview of the much awaited film Lust, Caution!!!, a new film from Ang Lee, the Academy Award-winning director of “Brokeback Mountain” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. As this is a special preview screening there is no charge for this event, however free tickets must be collected from the box office before the screening to get entry. Please allow time to get tickets before 7.30pm kick off.

For more Cheltenham events please visit our Cheltenham Events Guide.

Cheltenham Swedish Group

Do you enjoy learning languages and exploring new countries? In Cheltenham you can do it without leaving the town. The Spanish, German, French and Italian Societies offer you the chance to learn more about the culture of these European countries. The most recent addition to the countries to be appreciated in Cheltenham is Sweden.
Cheltenham Swedish Group was set up in October 2007 year to celebrate the culture and the language of Sweden. It is a fun informal group which meets every 2-4 weeks, usually in a cafe or pub for an informal social gathering and some Swedish conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.

The next meeting is on Tuesday, 20 November at 7.30pm at The Swan so why not come along and find out more. For more information on Cheltenham Swedish group visit our Community section at www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/community.


If you are a member of Cheltenham club or society and would like to get your club's profile featured to promote its activities please get in touch. To find out how please visit our website www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/community.

Cheltenham Christmas Market

The annual German-style Christmas Market is coming to the Promenade this Friday. It will feature 50 retailers. Since 2003 when it first appeared in the Promenade, Cheltenham Christmas Market has become a popular Christmas attraction in the region.
Stalls will include hand blown, hand painted glass Christmas decorations and baubles, wooden carved animals and ornaments, and Hungarian and German puppets. You'll be able to buy traditional wooden toys as well as Russian crafts and dolls. There will be musical instruments from around the world, jewellery made from cones and flowers. Refreshments will include mulled wine and bratwurst which should keep shoppers warm.

For more information about Cheltenham Christmas Market and other Cheltenham Christmas Events visit our Cheltenham Christmas Guide.

Dowty Slot Car Racing Club

Deep inside every man is a little boy’s soul and racing cars must be one of those things that a man of any age can’t resist. How many Scaletrix Christmas presents end up being the favourite past time activity of Dads.

So if you fancy a ‘hell of a ride’ why don’t you come along to Dowty Sport & Social Club, Staverton, on any Friday to check out Dowty Slot Car Racing Club’s brand new track, which is over 152’ long! Their cars are capable of 60mph on the straights.

Dowty Slot Car Racing Club is a friendly bunch of people who enjoy racing followed by a chat over a pint. To join them give a ring to Dave Coward 01452 421311. For more information about Dowty Slot Car Racing Club visit our Community section at www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/community.


If you are a member of Cheltenham club or society and would like to get your club's profile featured to promote its activities please get in touch. To find out how please visit our website www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/community.

Cheltenham Christmas Events

For many Christmas Season has started already. Shops are stocking Christmas goodies and soon enough they will be playing Christmas songs. To get you into the festive spirit Cheltenham4u.co.uk created the ultimate guide to Cheltenham Christmas events.

The Christmas Season in Cheltenham starts on 10 November with Christmas Fair in Emmanuel Church and opening of very special Prestbury Chocolate Grotto. November run-up to Christmas culminates with the official Cheltenham Christmas Lights Switch-On on 24 November, when Father Christmas walks through the town centre and lights the Christmas lights in both the shopping arcades. Christmas party then follows in Imperial Gardens. Cheltenham's Panto starts on 30 November in The Everyman and throughout December Christmas Fairs and Fetes are held in all areas of Cheltenham, not to forget Christmas party at the Centaur. Traditionally New Year's Eve Celebrations lead everybody to the Town Hall, in addition this year Pittville Pump Room offers the opportunity to celebrate New Year in style.



For more please visit our Cheltenham Events Guide.

If your group / club / community would like to advertise your Christmas events in our events guide, or if you know of any Christmas events happening near you which are missing in our Christmas guide please go to www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/admin_forthcomingevents.asp.

Cheltenham November Events

As the sound of fireworks is quietening down, there are still plenty of events to go to in Cheltenham - from table top sales to music concerts, balls, film nights and family fun days.

Cheltenham4u.co.uk brings you a round-up of November events in Cheltenham.


HIGHLIGHTS

15 - 25 November 2007 - Americanos Famous Circus, A435 Bishop's Cleeve

18 November 2007 - Family Fun Day at Hatherley and Reddings Cricket Club, Shurdington Road


For more please visit our Cheltenham Events Guide.


If your group / club / community would like to advertise your events in our events guide, or if you know of any events happening near you which are missing in our guide please go to www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/admin_forthcomingevents.asp.

Cheltenham Canine Society Dog Show

10 November 2007, Malvern Showground
Love dogs? Why don't you come to Malvern Showground on 10 November to watch Cheltenham Canine Society Dog Show. The Show is held at The Avon Hall, Three Counties Showground. Entry is through the Blue Gate. Show opens 8.30am to 5pm and judging starts at 9am. Car Parking and entry is free - however unentered dogs are not admitted inside the show.

If you are a member of Cheltenham club or society and would like to get your club's profile featured to promote its activities please get in touch. To find out how please visit our website www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/community.

Charlton Kings Remembrance Sunday Service

11 November 2007 - St. Mary’s Church, Charlton Kings

Service at Charlton Kings War Memorial to remember the fallen of the world wars is held on Remembrance Sunday, 11 November, at 9:45am. War veterans have been invited to come along and free bus after the service will take them to the Municipal Offices in the Promenade. Poppies and crosses will be available from 9.30am at the war memorial. Borough and county councillors accompanied by Air Cadets will also attend.

Cheltenham Warchiefs

Cheltenham4u now provides a guide to Cheltenham Clubs & Societies. At www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/community you can find almost 300 Cheltenham clubs, societies and local community groups.

SPOTLIGHT - Cheltenham Warchiefs

Table top wargaming is a hobby aimed at people of any age. Although it might take you some time to learn the rules and work your way round different types of games, once you get the grip of it you find yourself in a boundless and slightly addictive world of fantasy.

Wargaming helps you build new friendships and lets your creativity run wild. It can actually increase your problem solving skills, and can at times be used as a tool for teaching and/or problem resolution.

If you like the fantasy worlds of PC games, table top wargaming is certainly something you’ll enjoy. If you live in Cheltenham area the best way to find like-minded gamers is to join Cheltenham Warchiefs.

Cheltenham Warchiefs are a group of friendly war gamers who were originally playing Warhammer Fantasy Battle, but now its members play lots of different games including 40K, Mordheim, Blood Bowl, Flames of War, Napoleonics, Warmachine, Blitzkrieg Commander, Warmaster Ancients and more.

For more information please visit their profile at Cheltenham4u.


If you are a member of Cheltenham club or society and would like to get your club's profile featured to promote its activities please get in touch. To find out how please visit our website www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/community.

Cheltenham Fireworks

Autumn is well on its way and November Guy Fawkes fireworks extravaganza is fast approaching. There is a number of great fireworks displays and bonfire nights taking place in and around Cheltenham.



2 November, Churchdown Park

A firework display will take place at Churchdown Park on November 2, gates open at 5.30pm for a 7pm start, adults £2.50, children £1.50. Tickets are on sale from the parish council offices, Rays Hardware, Blacksmith Lane, the dry cleaners at St John's and local schools. Tickets bought on the night will be £3 adults and £2 for a child.


2 November, Bishop’s Cleeve Primary School

Bishop’s Cleeve Primary School in Tobyfield Road will host a Dr. Who-themed bonfire night. The event takes place on November 2 and will include a firework display, refreshments and a range of stalls. Gates open at 6.30pm and the bonfire will be lit at 7pm. Tickets are available from the school at £3 for adults and £1 for children.


3 November 2007, Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltenham Racecourse will traditionally host a dazzling evening of musical entertainment, fun packed fairground and one of the largest firework displays coordinated to themed music in the South West of England. The gates open at 5pm on Saturday the 3rd November and the fireworks display is planned to start at 7:15pm. The entry price has been kept at last year’s price of £5.00 for adults and £2.50 for children.


4 November 2007, Cheltenham Area Civil Service Clubhouse, Tewkesbury Road

The fireworks display starts at 6:30. Entry is in advance: £3 for members, guests £4, on the night £5. Tickets are available from the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse is fully licensed. No sparkles allowed. Parking at ALDI and Sainsbury's only.


10 November 2007, Burley Field Lakes, Leckhampton

There will again be a grand bonfire and fireworks display at Burley Fields Lakes off Leckhampton Lane on Saturday, November 10. Tickets in advance are £4, and £6 on the night, and can be purchased from Lanes Butcher in Bath Road, Leckhampton Mace Convenience store, Tivoli Store and Shurdington Post Office. There will be live music, disco and small fun fair. Refreshments include pig roast, burgers and chips. No alcohol or fireworks can be taken in. The bonfire is lit at 7pm, the kids' show starts at 8.15pm and the evening will culminate with grand finale at 9.45pm.


10 November 2007, St. Edward's Junior School

Family fireworks night is held at St. Edward's Junior School on 10 November. Children's rides and sideshows, as well as food and refreshments will be available at the site. Admission: £3.50 in advance, £4 at the gate, under 4 go free. Tickets are available from Lyefield DIY store, Charlton Kings, The Forge Newsagent, Church Street and Leckhampton Mace. Gates open at 5.30pm, bonfire lit at 6.30pm.

Is your local community or group organizing a bonfire/fireworks night? Let us know and we’ll include it in our list.

Cheltenham Leisure Centre - Its Future After Floods

Cheltenham Leisure Centre at Tommy Taylor's Lane has been damaged in July's floods, as its ground floor was submerged 1.5m under water, and its fate is at the moment uncertain.


One of the options considered for this recently refurbished facility is its complete closure as it's not compulsory for Cheltenham Borough Council to provide leisure facilities for the town.

There have been suggestions for building a completely new facility outside the boundaries of Cheltenham, which would be on much grander scale, however reinstating the centre as it was or with some cuts to its facilities is also considered as in case of closure the council would have to pay back some of the Lottery Sport Fund money they received for its refurbishment in 2003.

The leisure centre had 1,600 members and 650,000 visitors a year and has been closed since the July floods. How do you feel about the future of Cheltenham Leisure Centre?

Cheltenham Art Gallery to get £5 million extension

Cheltenham Borough Council is going to develop the semi-derelict site to the east of the Art Gallery & Museum to provide additional space for Art exhibitions. There will also be a large education space for schoolchildren, a bigger shop and ground-floor cafe which will be spreading out on to St Mary's churchyard.

78 architects have entered a competition to develop the shopfronts to the east of the gallery. The design should be environmentally–friendly, using construction from quality natural and reclaimed materials, together with a combination of on–site and off–site sustainable energy sources. The architects were encouraged to design the new extension in a way to create a ‘presence on the street’, to redefine the current street façade, but at the same time to complement the scale of the neighbouring buildings.

A shortlist of four designs will be announced late next month and final judging will be completed by mid-December.

You can view paper versions of the designs in A3 format, at the Art Gallery & Museum (from 19 September to 17 October) during regular opening hours ( Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.20pm, 11am opening on 1st Thursday of each month).

They can also be seen in full size (A1 format) in the 1st floor meeting room on the following dates / times:
20 Sept – pm only (from 2.00)
21 Sept– all day
22 Sept – all day
24 Sept – all day
27 Sept – am only (until 1pm)
29 Sept – all day
1 Oct – all day
4 Oct – all day
5 Oct – am only (until 2pm)
8 Oct – all day
9 Oct – am only (until 1pm)
10 Oct – all day
13 Oct – all day (part of the Big Draw Event)
15 Oct – all day
16 Oct – all day
17 Oct – all day

You can also see the submissions online on Cheltenham Borough Council Flickr page.

Danter's Funfair in Cheltenham

Thu 27 September - Sun 30 September, Cheltenham Racecourse

Yet again Danter's Funfair visits Cheltenham. All rides are £1 on Thursday - from 6pm you can take advantage of this special offer and have an evening of fun.

Thursday, Friday from 6pm

Saturday, Sunday from 2pm

Outbreak of a rare disease in Cheltenham

Throughout the summer months, Cheltenham has witnessed an outbreak of a rare illness called Q Fever, which is caught from infected livestock. A total of 28 cases have been identified in Cheltenham, while there are usually only a dozen incidents across the whole of the UK in a year. Most people infected in Cheltenham required hospital treatment. Victims were located in a south-west to north-east cross section of the town, from Hatherley to Bishop's Cleeve.

Victims can suffer severe pneumonia while others show no ill effects. Some people recover without treatment. The infection is often caught by close contact with farm animals but it can be also blown in the air, which may have been the case as none of the Cheltenham victims had any direct contact with farm animals. The evidence so far points to the period of risk being more than three months ago. The hot dry weather in April and May may have helped in spreading the disease.

The outbreak is now considered to be over, as the highest risk of infection is in the spring.

Leckhampton Court Autumn Fayre 2007

9th September 2007, Leckhampton Court Sue Ryder Care Centre

As every year, this year’s Leckhampton Court Autumn Fayre was a great day of family fun. It included craft and food stalls, fun fair, tarot readings, refreshment and bar, raffle, live jazz band performance, music, dance and artwork display.

The Fayre was officially opened at 11 am by the Mayor, Cllr John Rawson, who was introduced by the Town Crier, Ken Brightwell. After the opening came the performance by Cheltenham Swinging Squares Dance Club, followed by intriguing magical tricks of Mr Jinks the Magician. At the refreshment bar situated in front of the Day Hospice Brickhouse Jazz Band & Kevin O’Brien entertained the visitors.

At the rear of the Day Hospice, wood sculptor Tom Harvey armed with his chain saw was creating yet another great tree sculpture giving visitors the insight into the creative process of wood carving. At 12.30 pm Whisper and Shout Puppett Show entertained children with their stories from African mythology. The Coady Crew gave a great performance of street dancing followed by Fillipo the Clown. Other performances included Salsa dancing, martial arts and morris dancing. The weather turned sunny in the afternoon and everybody enjoyed the great day.

BBC Radio 4 - After the Floods

After the Floods
Tuesday 11 September 2007 20:00-20:40 (Radio 4 FM)

This BBC Radio 4 programme may be an interest to the residents of Cheltenham. After the wettest summer in England for over 240 years, the Government remains committed to providing millions of new homes and refuses to rule out building on flood plains. Are we just storing up trouble?

Heritage Open Days

6 - 9 September 2007

This year's Heritage Open Days events in Cheltenham offer free admission to several Cheltenham's buildings, some of which are not normally open to the public.

All Saint's Church Sat 8th Sept, 1030-1300

Sun 9th Sept, 1230-1530 Service 1830

Cheltenham Synagogue Sun 9th Sept, 1000-1300 & 1700-1900

Holst Birthplace Museum Sun 9th Sept, 1000-1600

St. Mary's Church, Prestbury Thur 6th Sept, 1300-1700

Fri 7th Sept, 1300-1700

Sat 8th Sept, 1300-1700

Sun 9th Sept, 1400-1700

St. Mary', Cheltenham Thur 6th Sept, 1100-1500

Fri 7th Sept, 1100-1500

Sat 8th Sept, 1000-1600 Talk & Tour 1430

Sun 9th Sept, 1000-1500 Service 0900

Cheltenham Ladies’ College Fri 7th Sept, 0900-1200

Sat 8th Sept, 0900-1200

St. Gregory's Church Fri 7th Sept, 1100-1600

Sat 8th Sept, 1130-1600

Heritage Open Days give Cheltenham visitors and Cheltenham residents the opportunity to visit buildings they normally would not be able to see.

Train Rides Event

Sunday, 9 September 2007 - Hatherley Lane, near Arle Court Roundabout

Cheltenham Society of Model Engineering opens its grounds to the general public between 2 pm and 5 pm for Steam or Diesel locomotive hauled Train Rides. Model Boats will be on the lake and refreshments will be available. Entrance is free.

The grounds are situated in Hatherley Lane, near Cheltenham Film Studios.

For map please click here

The Rolling Stones Tour of Cheltenham

Cheltenham claims its part in the history of Rock’n’Roll as the birthplace of the founding member of The Rolling Stones Brian Jones. This blog shows some of the places in Cheltenham associated with Brian Jones and the Rolling Stones.

Brian Jones (1942-1969)

‘Rosemead’ 17 Eldorado Road, Lansdown

Brian Jones’ family lived there when Brian was born on 28 February, 1942 . His parents, Louis and Louisa Jones, encouraged him from early age to take up music. There is a blue plaque at the entrance to ‘Rosemead’ paid for by the Brian Jones fan club.


335 Hatherley Rd, Up Hatherley

Brian Jones spent his childhood in this house, where the family moved after Rosemead.

Dean Close Preparatory School, Lansdown

In Dean Close Preparatory School Brian got his primary education. He took piano lessons and his teachers very quickly discovered his rare musical talent. He eventually took up the clarinet and played it at the school orchestra.

Pate’s Grammar School

After passing his eleven-plus in 1953 Brian went to Cheltenham Grammar School for Boys. His exam results were excellent, but his refusal to conform to the authority brought the anger of the teachers upon him. At the time Brian attended the school, the building was situated in the lower part of the High Street. Since then the site has long been given over to the shops and the school is now located on the western side of the town in a modern building.

Former Odeon Cinema, Pittville

The Rolling Stones performed 2 sell out shows in Cheltenham Odeon on 8th October 1963 and then again 10th February and 10th September 1964, as well as 27th September 1965. The September performance in 1964 was compered by Don Spencer and the evening was started by The Innocents, Mike Berry and the Mojos. The Gloucestershire Echo reported: “Police officers, security men, commissionaires and first aid men linked arms last night to prevent screaming fans from rushing the stage at both perfomances by the Rolling Stones at the Odeon Cinema. One girl managed to clamber onto the platform, but was quickly hauled down. During their lively act the Stones were pelted with sweets and other objects as tokens of affection … After the show crowds of fans waited outside in front of the cinema, but the Rolling Stones slipped out the back way with a police escort and went off in their own car.”


St. Mary’s Church

Cheltenham parish church was the place of Brian Jones’ funeral.


Cheltenham Cemetary and Crematorium, Prestbury

Brian Jones’ grave in Cheltenham Crematorium has become a place of pilgrimage of many of his fans.


Beechwood Shopping Arcade, High Street

Cheltenham commemorated its famous son on 15th November 2005 when The “Golden Boy” Bronze Bust of Brian Jones was unveiled in Cheltenham's Beechwood Shopping Centre. It was designed by local sculptor Maurice Juggins, and was cast into a bronze by Castle Fine Arts Foundry Ltd.


The Wheatsheaf Inn, Leckhampton

16-year-old Brian visited every week in the 1950s the Wheatsheaf Inn’s skittle alley, today the pub has plans for permanent display of Brian Jones memorabilia, which will include pictures of Brian, paintings and even a replica of the musician's Teardrop guitar. Wheatsheaf Inn’s skittle alley was once known as Club 66 and was a starting point for Brian's musical career. When it is complete, the museum will be a permanent tribute to the rock legend. The museum is due to be opened in October by 60s star PJ Proby.

Leckhampton Court Autumn Fayre

08 September 2007 11 am – 16 pm

As every year, Leckhampton Court’s Autumn Fayre is a great family day out. Leckhampton Court, one of Gloucestershire’s oldest country house which since 1981 serves as a Sue Ryder Care Centre, provides beautiful surroundings for afternoon filled with family fun. Last year’s event was attended by over 1,500 visitors. Money raised are used towards providing specialist care to those living with life shortening illnesses in Gloucestershire.


The Fayre, which will be spread out over the hospice grounds and surrounding fields will start at 11am and finish at approximately 4pm. This year’s programme offers live music, demonstration and readings by a psychic, performances by several local community groups including the ‘Coady Crew’, Morris Men, ‘Just Latin’ Salsa Dancers, Samurai Marshal Arts Acadamy and Cheltenham Square Dancing Club. A Magician and a Clown will amuse the youngsters and children’s play area and a bouncy castle will provide entertainment for them throughout the day. There will be a large marquee with various arts and crafts stalls. Weather permitting, a flyover by a vintage Stampe biplane will provide the highlight of the day.

Come along and have a great day of family fun!

For address and map please click here

For more information about the Autumn Fayre, including holding a stall, please contact Lisa Cowen, Events Fundraiser on 01242 246293 or Leckhampton.events@suerydercare.org

Cheltenham Literature Festival Line-up

August is here and for Cheltenham book lovers that means the tickets for Cheltenham Literature Festival are on sale. Eagerly flicking through the pages of the Festival programme they are working out which events to see this year. 2007 brings to Cheltenham yet again a fine selection of world renown writers, comedians, actors, directors, poets, journalists, musicians and politicians, offering over 230 events with over 400 guest speakers. There is certainly something for everyone.

The first day of the Festival, Friday, 5th October presents Eric Hobsbawm, world-famous historian, author of more than 500 books, articles and reviews in numerous languages, who will be discussing his life and pursuit of happiness and peace. Peter Jones, the famous dragon from BBC’s Dragon’s Den, will be giving a lecture on how to turn ideas in successful business while all fans of the series M*A*S*H will be pleased to hear that Alan Alda, the famous Hawkeye from 4077, will be appearing in the Centaur talking about his autobiography. History enthusiasts can also rejoice as David Dimbleby, and Peter and Dan Snow will be on hand to give their talks on the historical subjects – the former on Britain’s architecture and the latter on 20th century battlefields. In the evening Jools Holland will give festival goers insight into his life and music. Alastair Campbell also comes to Cheltenham to talk about The Blair Years and his personal experience of life in Number 10.

For early birds Saturday offers Michael Wood, historian and TV presenter, who will be talking about India, its history, architecture and landscape. And if that isn’t enough to give you the traveller’s bug, Michael Palin is there to show you the gems of New Europe, 20 countries previously hidden behind the Iron Curtain. Tony Benn finds time to come to Cheltenham every year and this time he is joining a discussion with Oona King. For Private Eye and Have I Got News for you fans Saturday brings a talk with Ian Hislop who will discuss his remarkable career of the most sued man in English legal history. Another cup of comedy is waiting in the form of Jo Brand who will be talking about her work as a stand-up comedian.Later in the evening, Sebastian Faulks revisits Cheltenham to discuss his new novel.

On Sunday and Monday festival goers can enjoy a talk from William Hague about the life and career of William Wilberforce, who led the parliamentary campaign to abolish the transatlantic slave trade. Fans of TV sitcoms can meet the cast and director of the award winning comedy The Thick of It as well as Liz Smith, the best-loved nana from the Royle Family. Film lovers will join Simon Callow for his discussion of the life and work of the Hollywood legend Orson Welles and then aim for the Town Hall to enjoy a talk by Ken Loach, one of Britain’s most renowned directors.

Tuesday and Wednesday bring talks from historian Max Hastings, gardening guru Carol Klein, food critic A A Gill, explorer Ranulph Fiennes and actor Keith Allen. Andrew Marr will come to talk about history of modern Britain and Julian Clary will introduce his debut novel. On Thursday, the former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown will investigate successes and failures of building peace in 21st century Europe and on Friday, John Simpson will discuss his latest book. Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond will be talking about his life and his remarkable recovery from his recent accident. Top Gear fans will be heading delighted to see James May joining him at the Festival on Saturday. However Saturday is devoted to comedy – trickster and comedian Dom Joly, GP-turned-comedian Harry Hill and pub landlord Al Murray will entertain Cheltenham audience. Sunday offers a historical talk by David Starky on the subject of monarchy, insight into the research in the field of fertility by Robert Winston, as well as Jackie Stewart’s account of the world of Formula 1. Griff Rhys Jones will then explore Britain’s highest places with his discussion of his new book on British mountains.

2007 Cheltenham Literature Festival promises to be as interesting and engaging as all previous years. Tickets will surely get snapped up as quickly as last year so please if you are considering seeing some of the events do not hesitate and get your tickets as soon as possible. Still, if you miss some of your favourite authors, you can catch up with them at The Times Online where podcasts of events will be available for free.

Life with and without water

For Gloucestershire, July was unlike any other months and unlike any other Julys. It was marked by several waves of extremely stormy weather which caused serious flooding of Gloucestershire’s rivers. The river Chelt, which in normal circumstances takes the form of a small stream running through Cheltenham parks, burst its banks twice within two weeks, submerging various parts of Cheltenham. Friday, 20th July, Cheltenham witnessed some of the worst weather in years, when rain poured down from the sky non-stop for over 24 hours. Within that time more rain fell on Gloucestershire than usually does at this time of the year over 3 months. Sandford Park and the bottom of the Old Bath Road, Whaddon, Hester’s Way, Charlton Kings and many other areas in the river Chelt’s path, have been affected.

For Gloucester and Tewkesbury, the situation was even worse. The river Severn flooded large areas around Gloucester Docks as well as most of the historical town of Tewkesbury, where the flood water contaminated the water treatment plant, which supplied drinking water to Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. As a result of that, residents of these towns as well as nearby villages had to do without tap water, which had been cut off. Many Cheltenham areas were without tap water since Monday, 23rd July.

The greatest fear though was that Walham power station on the outskirts of Gloucester could have been flooded which would have meant that hundreds of thousands of Gloucestershire’s residents would have been left without power. The emergency services and armed forces fought for three days to save the substation. As the Severn peaked, the waters stopped 2in short of breaching the flood defences. Cheltenham Racecourse became the army headquarters which moved in to help with the distribution of bottled water.

Most of Gloucestershire’s events, including many taking place in Cheltenham, had to be cancelled or postponed. Cheltenham Cricket Festival, first staged in 1872, had to be cancelled, as well as The Open Air Art Exhibition in the Imperial Gardens. The Everyman Theatre also cancelled its performances and closed, as well as the Cineworld cinema in The Brewery, and the library. Pubs and nightclubs have had to close due to health and safety reasons, and many shops and services stayed closed as without water or even power they were unable to operate.

More bad weather for Cheltenham came today, just as residents of Cheltenham were trying to come to terms with life without running water. Bowsers had been distributed in residential areas, however they were unable to satisfy the demand for drinking water. But there was some good news for Cheltenham residents today: better weather is on the way and with that the prospect of reconnecting the running water.

Get involved and submit your photos and articles

Cheltenham4u is preparing a guide to Cheltenham community. We would like to display your photos of Cheltenham, photos from Cheltenham events, simply any images relating to Cheltenham that you have taken. You can also submit a report of an event you've attended or let us know about a forthcoming event near you. We would like also to offer the internet presence to Cheltenham clubs, societies and local communities giving the opportunity to submit their details, photos and reports from events and promote their activities. To find out how please visit our website www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/admin_getinvolved.asp

Modern public art in Cheltenham

Cheltenham Promenade is well known for its statue of Minotaur and Hare, which was created by Sophie Ryder in 1995 and acquired by public subscription in 1998. Although causing contraversy at the time the sculpture has become a much photographed feature of Cheltenham. Innitially, only a part of temporary exhibition of Sophie Ryder's art at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, the overwhelming public response to the exhibition fuelled the campaign to retain one of Sophie Ryder's sculptures in town.

Sophie Ryder is an internationally recognized English sculptor who is known for her larger than life minotaurs, lady-hares, and dogmen. From the early 1980s, when the hare first made its appearance in her work, she has delighted in using the supple form of the animal to express energy, both coiled and released. Living since 1986 in a remote part of the Cotswolds, she has derived much inspiration from her immediate surroundings and from daily contact with animals, both domestic and wild. She defined the hare's sex as female by standing or sitting her next to that creature of myth who is half man and half bull, the minotaur.

Another example of Cheltenham modern public art is the Wishing Clock situated in the Regent Arcade. It was designed by Cotswold artist-craftsman Kit Williams, author of the book "Masquerade", and built by Cheltenham clockmakers, Sinclair Harding & Co. The 45 foot high clock was unveiled in January of 1987, costing £80,000. It is believed to be the worlds tallest mechanical clock, weighing in, just over 3 tonnes.

Minotaur and Hare and The Wishing Clock in the Regents Arcade are not the only modern sculptures in the town. To mention just some of them - Sandford Park offers the Friendship Circle, a set of shell-like sculptures cast iron by Neville Gabie, Elephant Mural, five mosaic panels by Turton and Robertson, can be seen outside Woolworth's, Drinking fountain and mosaic plinth by Emily Lawler is situated in the Winston Churchill Memorial Gardens and in Hester's Way Park a public art project, which consists of large granite boulders engraved with a language theme, ranging from government codes and baby talk to text messaging and extracts from the bible, lead by an internationally acclaimed artist Gordon Young has been installed.

There are a number of sculptures in Cheltenham which perhaps do not get the publicity they deserve. One such sculpture is Man with Ball, a bronze statue by Giles Penny, which was put up at Regency Mews, Winchcombe Street in 1999. Another example is a sculpture of a lying man in Sandford Park.