Dowty Slot Car Racing Club December Updates

Dowty Slot Car Racing Club is a friendly bunch of people who enjoy racing followed by a chat over a pint. If you would like to join them give a ring to Dave Coward on 01452 421311.
December updates are now available, including results from all the latest races (1/32 scale, 1/24 scale and the Cotswold Challenge - race against Swindon's slot car racing club), as well as report from the Christmas Fun Run.

For more information about Dowty Slot Car Racing Club and other Cheltenham clubs and societies please 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.

January Gig at Xposed Club

23 January 2009, Xposed Club, Pittville Studios, Albert Road, 8pm

Friday, 23 January 2009 will bring to Xposed Club SIRR (featuring NIK TURNER, PAT THOMAS, STEVE NOBLE & CHRIS CUNDY).

Nik Turner (saxophones) was a founder member of the pivotal 1970’s British counter-culture, space rock group Hawkwind penning some of their most influential songs including ‘Brainstorm’ and ‘Master of the Universe’. During the 80’s he then went on to form the post-punk anarcho-political group Inner City Unit famous for their perverse homemade videos and their self proclaimed gambits towards the demons of the music industry. Turner has also made occasional guest appearances with, amongst others, The Damned and Sham 69.

Chris Cundy (bass clarinet) tours regularly with Mercury Music Award nominated orchestral/pop band Guillemots. He also appears on both of their recent albums under Polydor. Cundy is also involved with many other experimental and improvised groups where he frequently works with Guillemots lead singer Fyfe Dangerfield as well as many other musicians. He has made appearances at numerous experimental music festivals including Venn and Supersonic.

Pat Thomas (electronics + piano) is known for his innovations within urban dub and jungle/electro music. He has recorded a number of solo projects including ‘New Jazz Jungle’ and the mystic Sufi inspired ‘Jungle Sufi’. Collaborations have encompassed projects alongside influential sound artists such as Joe Gallivan and Rhys Chatham. As a major figure within the improvisation scene he has appeared with Lol Coxhill and Tony Oxley amongst many many others over the years. He recently released ‘Pat Thomas Plays the Music of Derek Bailey and Thelonious Monk’ for the independent FMR label.

Steve Noble (drums) is a leading exponent of improvised and new jazz drumming and recent projects include an exciting new trio with Ingrid Laubrock and John Edwards. During the 1980’s he was a member of the band Rip Rig and Panic with Neneh Cherry. Noble has also worked very closely with the composer Simon H Fell on various projects involving improvised and compositional cross over. His powerful approach to rhythm sets him apart as a player whose music is enriched by the beat, the swing and the shuffle in a very contemporary way.

For a full calendar of 2008 Cheltenham gigs please visit our MySpace page. For other Cheltenham events visit our Cheltenham events guide.

Recycling Christmas Trees in Cheltenham

The festive season wouldn’t be the same without a decorated tree and when it comes to choosing one, more and more 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 5ft 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. Anything larger than this can be chopped up and placed in the council’s green waste bags.

You can also deposit your tree in January 2009 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

Christmas and New Year waste collection dates:
Normal collection day - Revised collection day
22/12 Monday normal collections
23/12 Tuesday normal collections
24/12 Wednesday normal collections
25/12 Thursday (xmas day) - 27/12 Saturday
26/12 Friday (boxing day) - 29/12 Monday

29/12 Monday - 30/12 Tuesday
30/12 Tuesday - 31/12 Wednesday
31/12 Wednesday - 02/01 Friday
01/01 Thursday (bank holiday) - 03/01 Saturday
02/01 Friday - 05/01 Monday

05/01 Monday - 06/01 Tuesday
06/01 Tuesday - 07/01 Wednesday
07/01 Wednesday - 08/01 Thursday
08/01 Thursday - 09/01 Friday
09/01 Friday - 10/01 Saturday

12/01 Monday normal collections resume

Cheltenham Council Tax to Rise by 3.5%

Cheltenham Borough Council’s draft budget proposes a council tax increase in of 3.5%. For a D band property this is an increase £6.20 per year or 12p per week, bringing the borough’s share of council tax to £183.44 in 2009/10.

The total budget for borough council services for 2009/10 will be £16.5 million. A Government grant of £1.646 million and redistributed business rates of £7.1 million make up just over half that figure, leaving £7.6 million to be raised from council tax payers.

The budget proposes £708,800 of efficiency savings, including staff restructuring in several departments. £327,300 will be raised through a review of fees and charges for services, and a further £85,000 through better management of the council’s assets. The council’s fees and charges will generally rise by about 3.5%. Council tenants will face an increase of 5.47 per cent in rents.

Other features of the budget include a new part-time post of Homelessness Prevention Officer to help people in housing need, as more people are expected to be at risk of homelessness during the economic downturn. The council will continue to invest in reducing flood risk. This includes constructing a protective band around Cheltenham Leisure Centre which was devastated in the July 2007 floods, contributing £100,000 to the Prestbury Flood Prevention Scheme, and spending £90,000 over three years on maintenance of our watercourses, streams and ditches.

The budget will be presented to the council's cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday and then go for public consultation until January.

Cheltenham Sport & Leisure

A new section has been added to our Cheltenham4u website introducing Cheltenham's sport and leisure facilities.

Cheltenham has excellent sport and leisure facilities. Cheltenham Leisure Centre, reopened after 2007 floods, provides new, top of the range equipment for the gym, while the Prince of Wales stadium offers an excellent running track. Cheltenham's beloved outdoor heated swimming pool, Sandford Park Lido, is a popular destination for families during the summer season.

Whether you are a serious rambler or just like to relax in a beautiful countryside, Cheltenham, surrounded by walker's trails with stunning views, has a lot to offer - the famous Cotswold Way passes through Cleeve Hill and Leckhampton Hill.

Football fans will appreciate the award winning ground at Whaddon Road, home of the Robins - Cheltenham Town FC, whilst horse racing enthusiasts flock to Cheltenham Racecourse, with its exciting calendar of races, the most famous of which is the Gold Cup.

For more information please visit our website at http://www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/.

Christmas Tree Festival at Oxenton Church

13 -14 December 2008

Twenty seven decorated Christmas trees, decorated by village organisation and families, will be on display in the beautiful old church at Oxenton near Bishop's Cleeve. Refreshments will be available in the village hall. The church will be open this weekend from 10am until 3pm. Programmes cost £1 on the door. Oxenton is located 6 miles north of Cheltenham, off the A435, just north of Bishops Cleeve.

Cheltenham Rock School for Adults

21 - 22 February 2009, Dean Close School

Following on from the phenomenal success of the Cheltenham Rock School – a week of workshops and seminars aimed at aspiring and serious musicians aged between 11 and 19, run by Beyond Eternity Promotions under the guidance of local musician Peter Gill – comes the ‘For Adults Only’ Cheltenham Rock School. For a weekend in February (21 & 22), at Prince Michael Hall, Dean Close School, those that are ‘old enough to know better but young enough to not care’ can take part in an exciting round of workshops, jams and seminars aimed at reigniting old passions, increasing confidence and blowing some of the cobwebs away.

Unlike the summer rock school there is no upper age limit. If you can hold a guitar, a pair of drum sticks or sit yourself at a keyboard then you can take part.

In the light of the doom and gloom of the economic situation this is an opportunity for people to kick back and have some fun – escape from the real world for a weekend. Top local musicians and tutors will be guiding participants throughout the weekend which will culminate in a mini performance open to friends and relatives.

For further information on the course or to make bookings, contact Peter Gill at Beyond Eternity Promotions on 01242 587776.

Cheltenham HMRC Offices Could Close

In a last ditch attempt to protect the services of the HM Revenue & Custom offices for the people of Cheltenham, Martin Horwood MP met today with Stephen Timms MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury. The government will tomorrow be announcing intentions to cut the number of offices in the south west in an attempt to make the service more efficient. Martin is concerned that this will result in a poorer service for local taxpayers.

Martin Horwood also raised concerns about the impact of planned relocation of many functions to Stroud or Gloucester. He commented “I am very concerned about the impact on staff and their families if HMRC workers are forced to commute to Stroud or Gloucester. When families have child care commitments, these will have to be taken into account.”

Stephen Timms did commit to keeping an enquiry centre in Cheltenham, either at Parabola Road, or within walking distance. He also assured Martin that these changes would not be implemented immediately and made clear that the government are committed to maintaining the enquiry centre service that exists at the moment.

However, the minister could not give any assurances that the opening hours of the enquiry centre that would remain in Cheltenham would stay the same, nor could he guarantee the availability of expert staff to deal with complex problems. Martin said “It will be disappointing for the people of Cheltenham if the excellent service currently offered by the staff in Parabola Road is not maintained.”

The decision on HMRC office closures is due to be made on Thursday, 4 December 2008.

December Gigs in Cheltenham

In December Beyond Eternity Promotions have prepared some exciting gigs for Cheltenham and surrounding areas.

Wednesday, 3 December 2008
JB Jazz and Blues Band, The Daffodil, 8pm, Jazz and Blues

Thursday, 4 December 2008
Paul Newman's Blues Jam Night, Subtone, 117 Promenade, Cheltenham. Band 9-11pm, FREE Entry, Drinks promotions.
Tom McNair, Apple Tree, Woodmancote

Friday, 5 December 2008
King Earl Boogie Band, Delta Flood. The Tubby Blues Club, The United Services Club, 7 North Place, Chleltenham GL50 4DW Jazz and Blues
Touch of Blue, Royal Oak, Hucclecote Jazz

Saturday, 6 December 2008
Tom Jurgens, Berkley Arms Tewkesbury Acoustic folk and pop

Sunday, 7 December 2008
Bryn Thomas Solo (Sax & Axe) Rising Sun Hotel, Cleeve Hill

Wednesday, 10 December 2008
JB Jazz and Blues Band, The Daffodil, 8pm Jazz and Blues

Thursday, 11 December 2008
Jim Ramsay, Apple Tree, Woodmancote Jazz

Friday, 12 December 2008
Als Allstars, Old Pats Club, Cheltenham
One Way Street, Merryfellow Inn, Charlton Kings

Saturday, 13 December 2008
Touch of Blue, Bayshill Inn Jazz

Sunday, 14 December 2008
Bryan McCabe, Royal George, Birdlip
Jazz2Go Big Band, Sax Express, Metz Big Band Jazz Christmas Party! Gupsill Manor, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury. 7.30pm, FREE admission (donations welcome) call Sara Espley- 07947676112 Jazz
JB 2, The Kilkeney, Andoversford, Lunchtime Jazz Jazz

Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Joined at the Hip, The VENUE Jazz Club, Wheatsheaf Inn, Old Bath Road, GL53 9AJ. Doors open 8 p.m. music starts 9 p.m. Jazz

Wednesday, 17 December 2008
JB Jazz and Blues Band, The Daffodil, 8pm Jazz and Blues

Thursday, 18 December 2008
Lav Richardson, Apple Tree, Woodmancote

Saturday, 20 December 2008
Paul Jolley, Rising Sun Hotel, Cleeve Hill

Sunday, 21 December 2008
JB Jazz and Blues Band, Malvern Jazz Club, Malvern Rugby Club, Spring Lane Jazz and Blues

Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Paul Newman's Blues Jam Night, The Royal Oak, Hucclecote 9 p.m.

Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Tom Jurgens, Crown and Trumpet, Broadway
JB Jazz and Blues Band, The Daffodil, 8pm Jazz and Blues

Sunday, 28 December 2008
Aspen, Rising Sun Hotel, Cleeve Hill
The Jazz Jam, The VENUE Jazz Club, Wheatsheaf Inn, Old Bath Road, GL53 9AJ. Doors open 8 p.m. music starts 9 p.m. Jazz

Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Paul Newman's Blues Jam Night, The VENUE @ The Wheatsheaf Inn, Old Bath Road, GL53 9AJ.

Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Tom Jurgens, Crown and Trumpet, Broadway
Sax and Axe, Grapevine Hotel, Stow on the Wold, 8.30 - 1.30, booking needed.
One Way Street, The Merryfellow Inn, Jazz
JB Jazz and Blues Band, with guest drummer Tim Ward, The Daffodil, 8pm Jazz

For a full calendar of 2008 Cheltenham gigs please visit our MySpace page. For other Cheltenham events visit our Cheltenham events guide.

Free Parking in Cheltenham This Christmas

Christmas shoppers in Cheltenham will be able to park at Arle Court Park and Ride car park for free as long as they spend £15 or more in any of the stores in the Regent Arcade. From now until Christmas Eve Mondays to Thursdays, Regent Arcade promised to reimburse shoppers the cost of park and ride tickets if they spend £15 or more in its stores. Simply take your £2 ticket to customer services on the ground floor at BHS and get a full refund. The value of £15 can be combined from multiple purchases in the shops or restaurants in the arcade but the purchases have to be made on the same date as it states on the park and ride ticket.

The Christmas Park & Ride timetable was launched with the Christmas Lights Festival on Saturday and now includes regular Sunday and late night shopping services. You can download the timetable at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/utilities/action/act_download.cfm?mediaid=27110.

Furthermore, one of Cheltenham's town centre car parks will be offering free Sunday parking for Christmas shoppers, from 21 December up to and including 11 January. Grosvenor Terrace car park above Lidl supermarket, which has recently benefited from new lifts, will be available for free on Sunday 21 December, 28 December, 4 January and 11 January.

Cheltenham MP Supports Warm Homes Campaign

Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood received a warm welcome today when he met Jessie Smith as part of a national campaign to highlight how energy efficiency measures are helping people stay warm and healthy in their homes, and how to get help from the Government.

The visit took place as part of the annual Warm Homes Campaign, an annual drive organised by energy efficiency charity National Energy Action (NEA), and sponsored by Warm Front scheme managers eaga and the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the effect that increasingly high energy bills are having on householders, and the range of energy efficiency grant schemes and other assistance that is available for those struggling to heat their homes affordably.

An estimated 1 in 5 households are now living in fuel poverty in the UK, 433,950 in the South West alone. Cold weather and high energy prices result in increased illness and mortality rates. During the winter of 2006-2007 there were 2800 cold-related deaths in the region. Cold and damp conditions can exacerbate a number of serious respiratory and circulatory illnesses, which can, in some cases lead to death. The elderly and disabled are most at high risk during the winter months.

Martin Horwood is one of 70 MPs, Members of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly Members around the UK supporting the annual Campaign by visiting constituents to learn first hand how energy efficiency measures provided through a Government scheme can deliver affordable warmth this winter.

80-year old Jessie Smith from Cheltenham received a grant through the Government’s Warm Front Scheme. The funding enabled Mrs Smith to have her boiler replaced with a newer, more energy efficient one. As a result, Jessie’s home is both healthier and cheaper to heat. She also received free energy saving lightbulbs and advice on how to make her home more energy efficient.

Martin Horwood said, “I am delighted to be able to support the Warm Homes Campaign. High energy prices are putting millions of households under significant financial pressure this winter. Improving energy efficiency goes a long way to help those struggling to heat their homes. I urge everyone to contact the Warm Front team on 0800 408 2095 to find out if they are eligible for the scheme.”

Jenny Saunders, Chief Executive at NEA, said, “Over 5 million households this winter could face ill health, isolation, debt and worry due to the high cost of their energy bills. Making people aware of the support they can receive, and the measures they can take to stay warm and healthy, is vital.

“In this year’s Warm Homes Campaign we will be campaigning harder than ever to ensure that the Governments and Assemblies of the UK recognise the importance of adequately resourcing schemes to help those who are vulnerable.”

Paul Varley, Divisional Managing Director at eaga, said, “Warm Homes Campaign provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of fuel poverty whilst also making people aware of the help that is out there. For low income households help is at hand through a range of measures. For example, making sure they’re claiming the benefits they’re entitled to through Benefit Entitlement Checks, making their homes more energy efficient, and there’s lots of cheap and even free ways of doing this, and of course, by maximising grant availability through Government Schemes such as Warm Front.”

NEA is a registered charity dedicated to ending fuel poverty. If you would like to support NEA, you can do so at http://www.nea.org.uk/donate/

Photos from Cheltenham Christmas Lights Switch On 2008

Cheltenham Christmas lights were switched on this Saturday, with the help of Spongebob & Patrick, Bob the Builder, panto characters, the r'n'b girl band The Honeyz and, of course, the man with the white beard himself, Santa.

Children were able to visit Santa's grotto in the Brewery and stroke his reindeers. There were many street performers in the High Street and Spongebob and Bob the Builder were greeting children in the shopping arcades.

The procession with Santa's train included characters from pantos by Cheltenham's various dramatic groups, girls' dance troupes and traditional Indian drummers and dancers. Crowds gathered along the Promenade to greet Santa, who was heading to Imperial Gardens, where The Honeyz were on stage, for the big switch-on.


PHOTOS FROM CHELTENHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

Meet Your MP Martin Horwood in Cheltenham

Martin Horwood is the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Cheltenham. If you need to discuss any matters with your local MP, you can drop in at his advice surgeries on Friday lunchtimes or evenings. You can also meet Martin at various events taking place in and around Cheltenham.

Friday, 21 November
11:00am
Martin will be speaking and cutting the ribbon at the re-launch of Cheltenham 1st Stop at 301 High Street, Cheltenham. Please see http://www.ccprojects.org.uk/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=34 for more information about this important service.
7:00pm
Cheltenham Liberal Democrats are holding their annual dinner at Renaissance Restaurant at Gloucestershire College. The guest speaker is Lord Rennard, Chief Executive of the Liberal Democrats.

Saturday, 22 November
2:30pm
Martin will be a guest speaker at the regional Liberal Democrat conference. The other guest speaker will be Lorely Burt MP.

Monday, 24 November
9:30am
Martin will be visiting the home of one of his constituents who has benefited from the NEA Warm Homes campaign.

Thursday 27 November
7:30pm
Cheltenham Liberal Democrats are holding their AGM at the Municipal Offices. Martin will be speaking.

Monday, 1 December
10:00am
Martin will be attending the opening of the new offices of Plexus Technology in Rodney Road. 4:30pm
Martin will be attending the Senior Citizens’ Tea Party at the Town Hall.

Tuesday, 2 December
11:30am
Martin will be speaking at the open day of Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre (CHAC). CHAC are struggling to raise enough funds to stay open at the moment.


To keep up-to-date with Martin's Horwood's appearances in parliament please visit our website.

Cheltenham Indoor Cricket Centre Set for Full Refurbishment

Cheltenham indoor cricket centre which was situated on the land adjacent to Cheltenham Leisure Centre is going to be fully refurbished, the council announced. Built in 1984 the indoor cricket hall is the County’s only purpose built indoor cricket facility.

The centre was severely damaged in the floods of 2007 and remained closed since. Before it closed, the centre was used extensively by the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, as well as by 8 -10 local cricket clubs for indoor pre-season training.

The centre will be refurbished using money from the insurance settlement as well as additional £35,000 allocated by the council. This good news hopefully also means that the popular Indoor 6-a-side cricket completions will recommence next October following the two year enforced break.

Unfortunately, the option to include a gymnastics facility was dismissed for financial reasons.

December Gig at Xposed Club

5 December 2008, Xposed Club, Pittville Studios, Albert Road

Friday 5th December a Christmas Special sees the legend Lol Coxhill join the great Veryan Weston and the very very special duo of Mike Adcock and Clive Bell make it a night of two duos. Come along to Xposed Club and be prepared for a night of outstanding music making.

Lol Coxhill and Veryan Weston have been playing with together since 1974. They made their first public recordings together (Joy of Paranoia and Digswell Duets) and also collaborated with various visual artists on performance projects. They also co-composed for Derek Jarman's film – Carravaggio, as well as stuff on Granada television with Lol's group – Standard Conversions.

Mike Adcock and Clive Bell have been playing together, on and off, for over twenty years. In the mid-80's they formed the band Accordions Go Crazy, recording three albums for the Trikont label in Germany. Since then they have been involved separately in various solo and group projects as well as continuing to work together in a number of ways. Clive Bell has played for several years in Jah Wobble's band Invaders of the heart and has worked with Paul Schütze, Bill Laswell and Jeff Beck.

Mike Adcock, as well as playing with blues/swing band The Cadillac Kings, has developed a long standing interest in Norwegian music through a number of collaborations with Norwegian musicians, including Nils Økland, Karl Seglem and Terje Isungset. In 2002 the CD Sleep It Off by Adcock and Bell received wide acclaim, including being voted one of the The Wire magazine's albums of the year. More recently they have both been performing with the German-based improvising group Paper Factory, along with Sylvia Hallett, Hans Joachim Irmler (from Faust) and Mike Svoboda from the USA, releasing a CD Schlachtfest-Session 1.

For a full calendar of 2008 Cheltenham gigs please visit our MySpace page. For other Cheltenham events visit our Cheltenham events guide.

Belly Dance Classes in Prestbury and Bishop's Cleeve

If you would like to take up a new hobby why not try Belly Dance with Claire. Classes for beginners take place in Prestbury Hall, Prestbury, Wednesdays from 8.15pm to 9.30pm, and for Improvers/Intermediates Thursdays also from 8.15pm to 9.30 pm in St. Michael's Hall, Bishop's Cleeve.

Claire has been dancing traditional Egyptian belly dance for 7 years, originally inspired by her London teacher, Melissa Abraham. She attends workshops given by top Cairo visiting dancers/tutors whenever possible. She is insured with Mosaic Arabic Dance Network.

Members of Claire's Improvers' classes have performed Claire's choreographies as amateur troupe: 'Cleo's Sisters' at fetes, charity balls and various other events. You may remember them from this year's Bishop's Cleeve Street Fair.

To enquire about the classes call Claire on 01242 602241 or email danceinfo@bellydance-tortoises.me.uk.

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.

Philomusica at Tewkesbury Abbey

29 November 2008, Tewkesbury Abbey

The well-known local choir, Philomusica will pay a return visit to Tewkesbury Abbey on Saturday 29 November. Partnered by their orchestra, they’ll be performing choral music by two popular English composers under the direction of their conductor, Linda Parsons.

Philomusica chairman, John Quinn, commented: “We always enjoy our visits to Tewkesbury Abbey, which is such an inspiring building. Our programme this time includes two twentieth-century English choral works. John Rutter’s Requiem and Andrew Carter’s Laudate Dominum are both splendid pieces.” John says that the Philomusica singers are really looking forward to this concert. “Both the choral works are colourful and packed with memorable tunes and it’s no surprise that they’ve become hugely popular with choirs and with audiences. It should be a really enjoyable evening.”

In between the two choral pieces clarinettist Wes Duggan will perform Mozart’s ever-popular Clarinet Concerto. “This concerto by Mozart is one of his finest pieces”, said John. “In Wes Duggan we have a superb soloist and we’re really looking forward to hearing him play this wonderful work.”

The concert begins at 7.30pm at Tewkesbury Abbey on Saturday November 29. Tickets cost £12 (with accompanied children aged under 16 admitted free) and can be obtained from The Abbey Shop, from John Quinn on 01452 506417, or on the door.

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

The Coady Crew at Bacon Theatre

15 - 16 November 2008, Bacon Theatre

Nikki Coady and her Coady Crew would like to invite everybody to their performance at Bacon Theatre at Dean Close School. It promises to be an evening of great family entertainment featuring Street dance, Breakin, Singing, Chilled. If you like funky dancing or if you are interested in joining The Coady Crew, come along to see what they can do.

Performances start at 7pm both days and there is also an afternoon performance on Sunday which starts at 2pm. Tickets cost £9 adults and £7 children and seniors. You can pay at the door (cash only) or pop into the Coady Dance Studios at High Street, Cheltenham and pre-order your tickets.

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

Cheltenham Christmas Events

Cheltenham will soon be getting into the festive spirit as the Christmas season closes in. Our guide to Cheltenham Christmas highlights the best of Cheltenham Christmas Events.

CHELTENHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET

14 - 30 November 2008

The Christmas Season in Cheltenham starts on the 14 November as Cheltenham Christmas Market with its decorated wooden chalets opens in the Promenade.

CHELTENHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
22 November 2008
There will be fun for all the family on Saturday 22 November as Father Christmas aided by pantomime characters Aladdin, Widow Twankey and Abanazer join the Mayor of Cheltenham to turn on the Christmas Lights in Imperial Gardens.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS GROTTO IN THE BREWERY
22 November 2008 onwards
From 12pm to 4pm on 22 November the Brewery shopping centre are getting into the Christmas spirit with a Christmas Grotto and real live reindeer. The Magical Christmas grotto will remain open until Christmas every Saturday 11am – 5pm, every Sunday 12pm – 4pm, then Friday 19th December 11am – 3pm, Monday 22nd and Wednesday 24th December 11am – 3pm.

ICE SKATING IN MONTPELLIER GARDENS
22 November 2008 - 4 January 2008

A skating rink will be installed in the grounds of Montpellier Gardens under cover of a huge marquee giving skaters complete protection from the weather.

PANTOMIME AT THE EVERYMAN THEATRE
28 November 2008 - 10 January 2009

The Everyman's annual family friendly pantomime is back, complete with a fantastic flying carpet, magic tricks, good clean fun and frolics with Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey and, of course, wishful thinking with the Genie of the Lamp.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN THE STREETS OF THE SUFFOLKS
3 December 2008, 6.30pm
Cheltenham Bach Choir and the Cheltenham College Junior School Choir will be signing Christmas Carols in the Suffolks. There will be stalls with mulled wine and mince pies and Santa will also appear.

CHRISTMAS CHARITY MARKET
6 December 2008, 9.00am – 4.00pm
Cards, gifts, holly, mistletoe and much more will be on sale at Cheltenham’s Christmas Charity market in the Promenade and local choirs will be singing everybody's favourite carols. Shoppers will be able to buy all the important Christmas accessories, as well as support their favourite local charities at Christmas time.

FESTIVE FARMERS' MARKETS
12 and 19 December 2008, 9.00am – 3.00pm
Christmas Farmers’ Markets take place on Friday 12 and Friday 19 December, where you can buy delicious festive treats from local food producers.

SANTAS ON THE RUN AT PITTVILLE PARK
13 December 2008
Join the fancy dress fun run around Pittville Park in support of Acorns Children’s Hospice. Anyone can take part, running, walking or jogging the 2km route. 10.30am warm-up and race starts at 11.00am.

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT CHELTENHAM ART GALLERY

14 December 2008

Celebrate Christmas Victorian style in Cheltenham Art Gallery. Look at a Victorian Christmas tree and gifts from the past and make a tree decoration to take home. A free event for all ages. Also as part of the Victorian Christmas event we see the return of Professor Heard’s Magic Lantern Show. Discover the enchantment of comical stories, pictorial curiosities and magical transformations of this Victorian entertainment. A must see for all ages! Timed half hour sessions at 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.30pm and 2.45pm. Tickets £2 from the Museum Shop on the day, subject to availability.

CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE CENTAUR
16 – 17 December 2008
Back by popular demand, this exciting event at The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse has brought together tribute acts for Robbie Williams and Abba along with the well known local band The Chip Shop Boys, who have performed at several celebrity weddings in the area. There will then be a disco and DJ to end the night in style! £45.00 per person
• Two Course Buffet Dinner
• Bars open for Pre-Dinner Drinks at 7.00pm, Dinner at 8.00pm
• Bars open till 1.00am with Carriages at 1.30am
• Black Tie Optional
• Tribute bands – Robbie Williams and Abba
• Band – Chip Shop Boys
• Disco and DJ

ARTS AND CRAFTS MARKET
20 December 2008, 9.00am – 5.00pm
Arts and Crafts Market gives you the opportunity to buy something local and original for the festive season.

CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM AT SANDFORD LIDO
25 December 2008
Gates open at 11.00am, but please note this isn't for the faint hearted and is for adults only. All participants must sign a waiver form prior to entering the very cold water and attempting to swim a width or even a length. Last swim entry will be at 11.45am.

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

Cheltenham Remembrance Day 2008

9 November 2008, Long Garden

Cheltenham’s remembrance service and parade to honour sacrifice of armed services in war will take place at 11am on Sunday, 9 November at the war memorial in Cheltenham’s Long Garden. The service will begin at 10.55am, and will be opened by the Reverend Paul Wilkinson, chaplain to the Mayor. A lone trumpeter will play The Last Post before two minutes silence at 11am. After the Reveille, the service will continue with prayers, hymns and the national anthem, played by Gloucestershire Police Band. Cheltenham Silver Band will also perform.
Taking part will be the Cheltenham Branch of the Royal British Legion, Cheltenham Royal Naval Association, Cheltenham old Comrades Association, Joint Services Support Unit, British Red Cross Society, Gloucestershire College Army Cadet Force and St. John Ambulance Brigade. Also attending will be detachments from the naval, army and RAF cadets, and patrols from local scouts and guides groups.

Meet Your MP Martin Horwood

Martin Horwood is the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Cheltenham. If you need to discuss any matters with your local MP, you can drop in at his advice surgeries on Friday lunchtimes or evenings. You can also meet Martin at various events taking place in and around Cheltenham.

Thursday, 6 November
2:00pm
Martin will be attending the AGM of Cheltenham Open Door. This is being held at 39 Grosvenor Street, Cheltenham (see http://www.cheltenhamopendoor.org.uk/index.html for more details about Cheltenham Open Door).

Friday, 7 November
1:30pm
Martin will be guest chair at the first meeting of Pate’s Grammar School’s school council.
5:00pm
Martin will be holding a surgery at his Hewlett Road office with Cheltenham’s MYP Dan Sunderlin, for local young people to discuss any problems or issues that they might have. There is a limited number of appointments that can be booked by calling the office on 01242 224889 or e-mailing wilsonce@parliament.uk.

Sunday, 9 November
During the morning Martin will be taking part in the Remembrance Sunday parade being held in Cheltenham.
7pm
Martin will be attending the Festival of Remembrance at Cheltenham Town Hall.

Wednesday, 12 November
7pm
Pate’s Grammar School will be putting on a production of Jesus Christ Superstar this week, and Martin has been invited to watch the Wednesday performance.

Saturday, 15 November
7:15pm
Martin is going to be attending a charity auction for Rapid UK at Cheltenham College. Please see http://www.rapiduknews.org.uk/?q=node/272 for more details about the event and the sort of items that have been offered for the auction.

To keep up-to-date with Martin's Horwood's appearances in parliament please visit our website.

November Gigs in Cheltenham

In November Beyond Eternity Promotions have prepared some exciting gigs for Cheltenham and surrounding areas.

Monday, 3 November 2008
Krush, Fifty Lounge Bar, Cheltenham, Jazz/Funk/Pop

Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Two's Company, The VENUE Jazz Club, Wheatsheaf Inn, Old Bath Road, GL53 9AJ. Doors open 8 p.m. music starts 9 p.m., jazz

Thursday, 6 November 2008
Paul Newmans Jam Band, Subtone, 117 Promenade, Cheltenham. Band 9-11pm, FREE Entry, Drinks promotions. Blues
Karmacoma & Ben Ferri, Seventeen Black, Cirencester, Acoustic
Gordon Wood & Phil Bird, Cross Keys, Cross Keys Lane, Gloucester 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock'n'Roll, Bues and Country

Friday, 7 November 2008
Mike Sanchez, Blue Touch, Otis Mack. The Tubby Blues Club *New Venue* The VENUE @ The Wheatsheaf Inn, Old Bath Road. Doors 7.30pm, Show 8.25pm. 01242 691998 Tickets: £10, Jazz, Boogie Woogie
Tom Jurgens, House in Tree, Acoustic Folk and Pop
Dave Harper Band, Brown Jug, Bath Road, Cheltenham, Blues

Saturday, 8 November 2008
Dave Miles, Cotswold Club, Cirencester, Pop & Rock
Tom Jurgens, Crown and Trumpet, Broadway, Acoustic Folk and Pop
Dave Harper Band, Cotswold Inn, Portland Street, Cheltenham, Blues
Touch of Blue, The Bayshill, Royal Well, Cheltenham, Blues

Sunday, 9 November 2008
Dave Miles ,White Bear, 8-11, Tewkesbury, Pop & Rock
Clare Jordan, Rising Sun Hotel, Cleeve Hill , Cheltenham, Pop & Rock

Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Dave Harper Band, The Norwood, Leckhampton, 9 p.m. Blues

Thursday, 13 November 2008
One Way Street, The Apple Tree, Stockwell Lane, Woodmancote 9 p.m. Pop & Rock

Friday, 14 November 2008
Alex Chapman, The Strand, High Street, Cheltenham 9 p.m.
Tom Jurgens, The Bell Inn, Shurdington 9 p.m.. Acoustic, Folk & Pop

Saturday, 15 November 2008
Hambling & Lloyd, Cotswold Inn, Portland Street, Cheltenham Pop & Rock

Sunday, 16 November 2008
Alex Chapman, Nottingham Arms, Tewkesbury
Bryan McCabe, Rising Sun Hotel, Cleeve Hill , Cheltenham Pop & Rock

Tuesday, 18 November 2008
The Hot Fingers Trio, The VENUE Jazz Club, Wheatsheaf Inn, Old Bath Road, GL53 9AJ. Doors open 8 p.m. music starts 9 p.m., Jazz
Gordon Wood & Phil Bird, Porter Cellar Bar, George Street, Bath 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock'n'roll, Blues and Country
Paul Newman's Blues Jam Night, The Royal Oak, Hucclecote 9 p.m., Blues

Thurdsday, 20 November 2008
Twice Nightly, The Apple Tree, Stockwell Lane, Woodmancote 9 p.m., Pop & Rock

Friday, 21 November 2008
The Kim Cypher Band, The Strand, High Street Cheltenham 9 p.m., Jazz, Funk
One Way Street, The Merryfellow, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham 9 p.m., Pop & Rock

Saturday, 22 November 2008
Touch of Blue, The Suffolk Arms, Suffolk Road 9 p.m., Blues

Sunday, 23 November 2008
Dave Beale, The Rising Sun, Cleeve Hill 9 p.m., Pop & Rock

Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Paul Newman's Blues Jam Night, The VENUE @ The Wheatsheaf Inn, Old Bath Road, GL53 9AJ.

Thursday, 27 November 2008
Peter Gill, The Apple Tree, Stockwell Lane, Woodmancote, 9 p.m., Boogie and Blues
Krush, Seventeen Black, Cirencester, Jazz/Funk/Pop

Friday, 28 November 2008
Slowburner, The Alleyrats Blues Club, Somerset Arms, Cheltenham, Blues
Tom Jurgens Trio, The Royal George, Birdlip, 9 p.m., Pop & Rock
Steamroller, The Anchor Inn, Tewkesbury, 9 p.m., Rock and Blues

Saturday, 29 November 2008
Dick Gaughan, Exmouth Arms, Bath Road, Cheltenham

Sunday, 30 November 2008
The Jazz Jam, The VENUE Jazz Club, Wheatsheaf Inn, Old Bath Road, GL53 9AJ. Doors open 8 p.m. music starts 9 p.m., Jazz
Dave Miles, Three Kings Inn, Hanley Castle
Louise James, The Rising Sun, Cleeve Hill 9 p.m., Pop & Rock

For a full calendar of 2008 Cheltenham gigs please visit our MySpace page. For other Cheltenham events visit our Cheltenham events guide.

Campaign to Double Swindon to Kemble Railway Line Update

Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood has today congratulated fellow MPs and local councils who supported the campaign for the vital redoubling of the Swindon to Kemble line – an improvement that would have sharply improved services for passengers travelling from Cheltenham Spa. But he regretted the decision today by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) not to include the project in their list of ‘funded enhancement schemes’ for Network Rail. He has already contacted ORR this morning to express his disappointment and has been told the door is not finally closed if new funding can be found. He will call on government to fund it as part of their anti-recession strategy.

“After all the effort we all put into this campaign, this comes a bitter disappointment. The Swindon to Kemble redoubling would have allowed more direct services from Cheltenham to Reading and London and a more reliable service generally. As a regular rail user myself, I know what Cheltenham Spa rail users are going through and it’s very discouraging to think we might now have to wait until 2014 before the service improves significantly. The Office of Rail Regulation told me this morning that in theory the scheme could still go ahead if a better business case was made and if other funding could be found. I think we made a very good business case this time – this was one of the quickest and most cost-efficient schemes proposed – so the key is government funding.

If the government are looking for public schemes to invest in that will oil the wheels of the economy as we go into recession, this has to be a strong candidate. It would be good for business and good for rail users over a wide area because of the widespread benefits a more reliable network would bring.

I’d like to thank Gloucestershire County Council for their efforts on this campaign as the lead council for the county and also Gloucestershire First and the other MPs who made submissions to ORR. I’m particularly grateful that my Lib Dem MP colleague from Bristol, Stephen Williams was one of the few non-Gloucestershire MPs to lobby ORR. It’s a shame our efforts weren’t successful.”

The full ORR determination document can be found at the ORR website at www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/383.pdf

Cheltenham MP Defends Cheltenham's Green Spaces

Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood was speaking at the planning inquiry into development of green space near Leckhampton. He has released his detailed submission to the South West Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) he made before the deadline for the consultation on the final stage of the RSS - the Secretary of State’s proposed changes to the draft RSS - closed on 24 October 2008.

The Regional Spatial Strategy was originally drawn up on behalf of the government by the South West Regional Assembly, a body made up of local councillors from across the south west of England and some appointed representatives. After years of consultation, their final draft RSS included 8,500 houses for Cheltenham borough and a total 12,500 for Cheltenham and neighbouring areas of green space in Tewkesbury borough. 4,000 were specifically earmarked for an urban extension to the north-west of Cheltenham.

The draft RSS was then subjected to an ‘Examination in Public’ by three government inspectors. The panel of inspectors made their recommendations in December 2007. They reduced the number of houses for Cheltenham borough to 8,100 but increased the total for Cheltenham and neighbouring areas in Tewkesbury borough to 13,800, sharply increasing the pressure on green field sites. The north-west urban extension was increased to 5,000 and a new urban extension to the south of Cheltenham next to Leckhampton was identified for 1,300 homes.

In his sumbission Martin Horwood spelled out why the Secretary of State was weakening the environmental policies in the RSS and why the urban extensions to the north and south of Cheltenham should not go ahead.

“The 360 homes being debated at this week’s inquiry are just the tip of the iceberg. The RSS earmarks more than a thousand for this area and five thousand more for the north of Cheltenham next to Swindon village. We have to fight these proposals tooth and nail.

We’re not NIMBYs. All parties locally have accepted 8,000 houses over twenty years for the urban area of Cheltenham. That’s a huge amount of new housing. But we absolutely draw the line at nearly 14,000 which is what is now proposed and would certainly mean development spoiling out over much loved and valued countryside next to Leckhampton, Hatherley and Swindon Village.

The threat to Leckhampton is personally very important to me. I live in Leckhampton, my children go to school along the roads that all these new cars would have to use and my father spent the last years of his life campaigning with the Leckhampton Green Land Action Group [Leglag] to save these fields. I’d be letting down his memory if I didn’t do everything in my power to try to stop the developers. And I know that the green fields to the north of Cheltenham matter every bit as much to people living there.”

In my submission to the RSS I’ve tried to spell out in detail how sustainability criteria are weakened in the proposed changes by the Secretary of State, why the policy of urban extensions is misguided and why the housing market and economic downturn now mean the government’s housing number projections are now hopelessly out of date. I’ve also criticised the two urban extensions to Cheltenham in a lot of detail.”

The Secretary of State’s final announcements are expected late this year or early next year.

You can read the Martin's response to RSS proposed changes in full here.

New Search Facility for Our Website

Cheltenham4u.co.uk has been growing steadily and has now hundreds of pages filled with information about Cheltenham. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can now use our new search facility to find relevant pages within our website.

At Cheltenham4u.co.uk you can keep up-to-date with all the local news from Cheltenham, Gloucester and surrounding areas. You can also catch up on all national and world news, all under one roof. If you need to know how Robins are getting on visit our Cheltenham Town FC news. You can also check what's on the box with our TV listings. And most importantly, to find out about events taking place in and around Cheltenham, visit our Cheltenham Events Guide.

Cheltenham Christmas Lights Switch-On 2008

22 November 2008, Imperial Gardens

Cheltenham Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on 22 November in Imperial Gardens. Helping with the switch on will this year be the RnB girl band The Honeyz who will perform live some of their hits.

From 3pm onwards there will be live entertainment throughout the town centre. Shoppers will be entertained by an array of street performers including jugglers, stiltwalkers The Dapper Chaps, musician Wynndebagge with his one-man street show and Victorian style characters Lady Margot and Artful Dodger.

Other activities on the day will include Christmas Lantern Making Workshops from 10.30am – 2.15pm at YMCA (free tickets are available from the Town Hall). From 12pm to 4pm there will be a Christmas Grotto and a real live reindeer in The Brewery shopping centre. From 5pm – 6.30pm the All-Star Christmas Party bursts onto the stage in the Imperial Gardens. Star 107.5FM DJs play all your favourite festive tunes alongside live entertainment.

SWITCH ON SCHEDULE
5.15pm - Christmas lights will be switched on in Regent Arcade
5.30pm - Christmas lights will be switched on in Beechwood Shopping Centre
5.35pm - 6pm Catch the Dhol Blasters as they join Santa in the Christmas parade from the Beechwood Shopping Centre along the High Street and up the Promenade to Imperial Gardens. Santa will be travelling aboard Trigger the Train, joined by SpongeBob SquarePants & Patrick, in the parade of colour and sound.
6.30pm Live on stage in the Imperial Gardens, assisted by the Mayor of Cheltenham and panto characters, Santa will switch on Cheltenham Christmas lights

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

Cheltenham Christmas Market 2008

14 -30 November 2008, the Promenade

The annual German-style Christmas Market is coming to the Promenade on 14 November. It will feature 60 decorated wooden challets, selling a wide range of festive crafts and gifts. 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.

TIMES:
10am – 6pm Monday – Wednesday
10am – 8pm Thursday – Saturday
11am – 5pm Sundays

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

Halloween Party in Naunton Park

31 October 2008, Naunton Park, 6pm - 8.30pm

Halloween Party, aimed at children from 5 to 13, is to be held in Naunton Park. There will be arts and crafts, face painting, and prizes for the best fancy dress costumes. Later on in the evening, one of the scariest story tellers in Gloucestershire will be telling ghost stories, under the large weeping beech in the rose garden. Other activities will include creating some scary Halloween food, treasure trail and much more.

SCHEDULE:

6pm - Meet at Naunton Park pavilion
6.30pm – 6.50pm – First spooky stories in the Rose Garden
7.15pm – 7.35pm and 8pm - 8.20pm – Further spooky stories
8.20pm – 8.30 pm – Fancy dress competition results
Throughout the evening: treasure hunt, arts and crafts, Halloween food creations and more

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

Half Term Activities for Children in Cheltenham

27 - 31 October 2008

PLAY RANGERS
The Play Rangers will be out and about in Community venues throughout Cheltenham, offering various activities, such as Wii games including Wii fit, arts and crafts, and relaxing in chill out areas watching DVDs, toys, games, play and sport equipment, and many more. These activities will take place at various youth centres or parks in Cheltenham from 10.30am to 3.30pm during half term week (27 to 31 October). Play Ranger activities are free and open access. All children aged 0-8 years should be accompanied by an adult.

VENUES:
Monday, 27 October 2008: St Barnabas Church Hall, Cheltenham Leisure Centre and Balcarras Sports Centre
Tuesday, 28 October 2008: Swindon Village Hall, Whaddon Youth Centre and Naunton Park
Wednesday, 29 October 2008: St Silas Church Hall, Cheltenham Leisure Centre and Leckhampton Village Hall
Thursday, 30 October 2008: St Nicholas Church Hall, Whaddon Youth Centre and Balcarras Sports Centre
Friday, 31 October 2008: Swindon Village Hall, Cheltenham Leisure Centre and St. Margaret’s Church Hall


OTHER HALF TERM ACTIVITIES
A range of fun family events have been arranged at community centres, church halls, and children’s centres in Cheltenham during half term week. The activities include art and craft, a children’s fancy dress competition and a guess the weight of the pumpkin competition, with great prizes to be won. The events run for two hours every day during half term week, at various venues throughout the town.

VENUES:
Monday 27 October 2008 from 1.30-3.30pm: St Aidans, Hester’s Way
Tuesday 28 October 2008 from 1pm-3pm: Clyde Crescent litter pick followed by family fun at Oakley Community Resource Centre
Wednesday 29 October 2008 from 2pm-4pm: Family fun at Springbank Community Resource Centre
Thursday 30 October 2008 from 1.30pm-3.30pm: St Peters Church Hall
Friday 31 October 2008 from 1.30pm-3.30pm: Rowanfield Children’s Centre

COMMUNITY ACTION DAY
Wednesday 29 October 2008
Residents and community groups will be holding a Community Action Day in their neighbourhood. Events have been arranged for the Arle Farm, Cavendish Park, Springfields, Springbank and Hester's Way. Local residents and organisations are encouraged to get involved in the action which will start at 11am at the Springbank Community Resource Centre, Springbank Way, Cheltenham.

A free family fun afternoon will follow, from 2pm to 4pm, at the Springbank Community Resource Centre, with activities including a climbing wall, mask making and arts and crafts. A community artist will record the day and art work will be displayed in the Community Resource Centre. Everyone who takes part in the day will be entered into a free prize draw with some great prizes to be won. Refreshments, hot soup and rolls will be available.

Ice Skating Rink in Cheltenham

22 November 2008 - 4 January 2009, Montpellier Gardens

A skating rink will be installed in the grounds of Montpellier Gardens under cover of a huge marquee giving skaters complete protection from the weather. The rink will measure 50ft x 80ft and is suitable for all ages, novices and experienced skaters. There will be Skate Café alongside the rink serving warming drinks and festive snacks for those wishing to relax after their skate or whilst watching others take to the skate’s.

OPENING HOURS:
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 12pm -6pm
Thursdays 10am - 8pm
Fridays 10am -7pm
Saturday 10am - 8pm
Sunday 10am -7pm
2 hour sessions in operation on Sat & Sun

ADMISSION:
Children £5
Adults £6
Family ticket £15 = 2 adults + 2 children
School groups £4 (teachers and assistants Free)
Charges include skate hire. Tickets can be purchased on the door on the day.

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

Cheltenham Literature Festival 2008 Photos

Cheltenham Literature Festival 2008 ended on Sunday, and as every year brought to Cheltenham many stars. Writers, comedians, actors, directors, poets, journalists, musicians and politicians, have flocked to the Festival, which this year offered over 350 events with over 450 guest speakers.

What were your favourite events at this year's Festival? Were they stars of the silver screen such as Roger Moore, Tony Curtis or Julie Walters, or acclaimed writers, such as Graham Swift, Ian Rankin or Jilly Cooper, journalists, such as Andrew Marr or Kate Adie, or comedians, such as Frank Skinner, Dawn French, Alistair McGowan or Dave Gorman, or perhaps TV personalities, such as Michael Parkinson or Jonathan Dimbleby?

CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL 2008 PHOTOS

Meet Your MP Martin Horwood

Martin Horwood is the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Cheltenham. If you need to discuss any matters with your local MP, you can drop in at his advice surgeries on Friday lunchtimes or evenings. You can also meet Martin at various events taking place in and around Cheltenham.

Wednesday 15 October
12:00pm
There will be a memorial service for Lord Holme of Cheltenham, who died in May this year. The service will be held at St Margaret’s Church in Westminster. Martin will be attending the memorial service.
2:30pm
A Westminster Hall debate is taking place, about Treatment for people with learning difficulties in the NHS. This is linked to the ‘Death by Indifference’ report by Mencap (see http://www.mencap.org.uk/case.asp?id=52&menuId=53&pageno=). One of the case studies in the report, Tom, was from Cheltenham, so Martin will be attending this debate.

Thursday 16 October
1:15pm
Martin will be a judge at a debate being held in connection with Cheltenham Literature Festival. There are several debates happening at this event, and the one Martin is judging will be entitled ‘The London Congestion Charge model should be adopted by all major cities’. This event is taking place in a marquee at the Town Hall.
6:00pm
Cheltenham’s MAD Youth Council will be hosting a launch event at Cheltenham Town Football Club, at which Martin will be speaking.

To keep up-to-date with Martin's Horwood's appearances in parliament please visit our website.

Cirque Surreal at Cheltenham Racecourse

22 October - 26 October 2008, Cheltenham Racecourse

Cirque Surreal, Europe's largest new circus, is coming to Cheltenham Racecourse this October with their show Voyagers. On the cutting edge of innovation, Voyagers is a dynamic fusion of traditional circus skills, modern dance, drama and humour. Leading performance artistes from 10 countries have come together for the first time to combine their unique talents and extraordinary skills for this internationally acclaimed production.

PERFORMANCES:

Wednesday 4.45pm, 7.30pm

Thursday 4.45pm, 7.30pm

Friday 4.45pm, 7.30pm

Saturday 2.30pm, 7.30pm

Sunday 12pm, 2.30pm

Ticket office open on site Tuesday 21st October.

ADMISSION:

Ringside: Adults £32, Concessions £24, Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) £64

Grandstand: Adults £24, Concessions £18, Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) £48

Side circle: Adults £18, Concessions £14, Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) £36

Rear circle: Adults £12, Concessions £8

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

Cheltenham MP Supports University Tuition Fees Fightback

Over 9000 stickered £1 coins are to go into circulation across the UK this week, highlighting the cost of tuition fees being paid by students in England and Northern Ireland over the course of a degree. Martin Horwood MP is lending support to the campaign by circulating the coins in the House of Commons and in Cheltenham.

The initiative, part of a UK Youth Parliament campaign to abolish university tuition fees, is being launched as thousands of students prepare to start university. According to a UK Youth Parliament survey of 6000 young people, one in three young people wanting to go to university say they can’t afford to go.

James Greenhalgh, 18, Member of Youth Parliament, said:

“There seems to be no end in sight as the cost of university spirals out of control. Young people are being asked to play Russian roulette with their financial future as they incur mounting debts.

“Education should be free for all young people and we will not stop until the injustices this flawed tuition fees system have created are brought to an end.”

Tuition fees have now been set at up to £3145 per year in England and Northern Ireland. Fees in Wales are capped at £1255 and there are no tuition fees in Scotland.

2008 - 2009 Horse Racing Fixtures at Cheltenham Racecourse

17 October - 18 October 2008 – The Showcase
The Showcase offers a stunning start to the new season at Cheltenham Racecourse with a two day meeting. Seven races each day, with almost every category of horse catered for, will allow you to get some early season pointers for the forthcoming fixtures at Cheltenham and elsewhere. Plenty of stars of the 2007/08 season were on display at this meeting last year, including Knowhere, Joe Lively, Maljimar and Marodima. Tickets from £9. Gates open 11.30am, first race 2.20pm.

14 November - 16 November 2008 – The Open
The Open represents three days of the best that racing has to offer and is the biggest and most important meeting of the first half of the Jumps season, with £750,000 in prize money up for grabs. It provides thrilling competition between many of the best Jump horses in Europe, large and enthusiastic crowds creating a special atmosphere and even the opportunity to spend your winnings in the tented village. The highlight of the meeting is Saturday's Paddy Power Gold Cup, a race that has been a high point of the Autumn racing calendar since 1960. The gates open at 10am, first race is on at 12.50pm and last race runs at 4pm. Tickets start from £9.


12 December - 13 December 2008 – Boylesports International
Boylesports International features two days of the highest class action, with many emerging and established equine stars on display. Saturday's card includes the £200,000 boylesports.com International, one of the most valuable hurdle races of the entire season in Britain or Ireland and the ultra competitive boylesports.com Gold Cup, a superb race in its own right and one of the series of 2 mile 5 furlong handicap chases that never fail to illuminate the season at Cheltenham. On Friday, take your second chance of the season to experience Cross Country Steeplechasing, along with the £100,000 boylepoker.com Handicap Chase, as a secong highlight on another outstanding card. In the evening on Friday, The Centaur hosts the Brightwells Bloodstock Sale, to which everyone is welcome.

1 January 2009 – New Year’s Day Racing
2009 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.

24 January 2009 – 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.

10 March – 13 March 2009 – 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.

15 April – 17 April 2009 – The April Meeting
Since 2008 April Meeting, 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, which in 2008 produced a staggering £2.3 million in aggregate turnover.

6 May 2009 – Hunter Chase Evening
Hunter Chase Evening is a fixture where amateur jockeys take centre stage on the racecourse. Off the track, this ever-popular meeting provides an outstanding atmosphere in which to enjoy the last meeting of our season.

Cheltenham Fireworks 2008

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.

1 November 2008 - Cheltenham Racecourse Fireworks Display
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 are open at 5.00pm and the display is scheduled to start at 7.00pm. Tickets: £3 Children (Under 14 Years) and £5 Adults

1 November 2008 - The Big Family Bonfire Night
Leckhampton Scouts HQ, Leckhampton Road
A Bonfire Night is being held at Leckhampton Scouts HQ, Leckhampton Road with fireworks, hot food, licensed bar and lots more. Admission: One large firework or £10 per family. Start at 6pm.

7 November 2008 - Bishop's Cleeve Primary School Fireworks
Bishops Cleeve Primary School is holding a fireworks display and bonfire on its playing fields. Gates open at 6.30pm, bonfire to be officially lit at 7.15pm. Admission: £3 adults, £1 children.

7 November 2008 - Winchcombe Abbey Primary School Fireworks
Winchcombe School plays host to a spectacular firework display which is orgainised by the Winchcombe School Association and the Friends of Winchcombe Abbey Primary School. There will be BBQ and Bar. Gates open 6pm , display starts at 7pm Tickets: Adults £3.50, children £2.50, pre-school age free, family £10. Location: Winchcombe School Field, Greet Road, Winchcombe, GL54 5LB

7 November 2008 - Birdlip Fireworks
Firework display and bonfire will be held at Birdlip Primary School, Birdlip. Refreshments available. Gates open 6pm, Bonfire lit at 7pm. Tickets: Adults £4, children £2 (under 5's free), family ticket £10

8 November 2008 - Burley Fields Fireworks Display
A large firework extravaganza in Leckhampton, Cheltenham with lots of entertainment for the whole family, including disco & live music, small fun fair, fast food serving mouth watering pork baps, burgers, hotdogs and chips with a licensed bar. The fireworks are professionally lit by Sandling Fireworks. Bonfire lit at 7pm, Kids Firework display at 8.15pm with main display at 9.45pm. Tickets: £4 in advance or £6 on the night (limited tickets available) available from Burley Fields Farm shop (Friday 10 am - 1 pm & Sat 10am - 4pm), Leckhampton convenience store and Shurdington Post Office or by Phoning Pam on 07769700067 or Steve on 07831734683.

8 November 2008 - St. Edward's School Fireworks Display
As every year, St. Edward's School in Charlton Kings is organising a grand fireworks display. The evening will include bonfire, refreshments and hotdogs, stalls and rides for small children. Gates open 6pm display at 7pm, tickets are available from the school or on the gates.






More dates to follow soon.





Is your local community or group organizing a bonfire/fireworks night? Do you know of fireworks display near where you are? Please let us know and we’ll include it in our list.

October Gigs in Cheltenham

In October Beyond Eternity Promotions have prepared some exciting gigs for Cheltenham and surrounding areas.

Tuesday, 7 October 2008
The APO Band, The VENUE Jazz Club, Wheatsheaf Inn, Old Bath Road, GL53 9AJ. Doors open 8 p.m. music starts 9 p.m. Jazz

Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Paul Newmans Jam Band, Subtone, 117 Promenade, Cheltenham. Band 9-11pm, FREE Entry, Drinks promotions. Jazz

Sunday, 12 October 2008
JB 2 The Kilkeney, Andoversford, Lunchtime Jazz

Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Paul Newmans Jam Band Subtone, 117 Promenade, Cheltenham. Band 9-11pm, FREE Entry, Drinks promotions. Jazz

Friday, 17 October 2008
Talbot House - A Home from Home, The Kings Theatre, Gloucester. 7.30pm, £10. BOX OFFICE : 01452 396572 / 01242 587776 Theatre
JB Jazz and Blues Band, The White Horse, Sandhurst, 8pm Jazz

Sunday, 19 October 2008
Antonio Forcione, An intimate evening with the jazz guitar virtuoso. Cheltenham Chase Hotel, Shurdington Road. Food from 7pm, music 8.30pm. £18. LIMITED TICKETS 01242 587776 Jazz
JB Jazz and Blues Band / Abbey Jazz / Bridget and the Big Girls Blues, Whitminster Jazz and Ale Festival, Whitminster Inn, All Day Jazz

Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Ipso Facto, The VENUE Jazz Club, Wheatsheaf Inn, Old Bath Road, GL53 9AJ. Doors open 8 p.m. music starts 9 p.m. Jazz

Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Paul Newmans Jam Band, Subtone, 117 Promenade, Cheltenham. Band 9-11pm, FREE Entry, Drinks promotions. Jazz

Thursday, 23 October 2008
JB Jazz and Blues Band Three Choirs Vinyard, Newent, 8pm Jazz

Sunday, 26 October 2008
Jazz Jam, The VENUE Jazz Club, Wheatsheaf Inn, Old Bath Road, GL53 9AJ. 8.30pm, £3 Jazz
JB Jazz and Blues Band, The Harp Jazz Club, Albrighton, 12.30pm Jazz

Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Jam Night/Open Mic, PA, Amps, Drums, Keyboards, supplied The VENUE @ The Wheatsheaf Inn, Old Bath Road, GL53 9AJ.

Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Paul Newmans Jam Band, Subtone, 117 Promenade, Cheltenham. Band 9-11pm, FREE Entry, Drinks promotions. Jazz

For a full calendar of 2008 Cheltenham gigs please visit our MySpace page. For other Cheltenham events visit our Cheltenham events guide.