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.