New comic book shop opening in Cheltenham launches competition

A new comic book shop will open in Cheltenham in March. It is called Proud Lion and it's located on the edge of the town centre at 40 Albion Street. Run by Ben Fardon, a keen comic collector himself, the shop will stock everything from American comics and graphic novels to Japanese manga along with toys, action figures, games, t-shirts and much more.

The shop has it’s own superhero team, which is also called Proud Lion. The four characters were designed by up-and-coming American artist Josh Howard. A competition to name the four characters is being launched giving the lucky winner(s) the chance to win up to £100 in Proud Lion gift vouchers.

Proud Lion will open on Saturday 22nd March 2008, a Grand Opening will then follow in April. To enter the Proud Lion competition please go to http://www.proudlion.co.uk/.

Earthquake felt in Cheltenham

Earthquake was felt in homes in Cheltenham just before 1 o’clock last night. A thud which shook the walls of houses was felt across the whole of Midlands and as far away as Newcastle in the north and Bournemouth in the south. It turned out to be the biggest earthquake in the UK for nearly 25 years. The British Geological Survey informed the public that the epicentre of the 5.3 magnitude quake was near Market Rasen in Lincolnshire.

The last earthquake which shook Cheltenham with even more power was in September 2002 when the epicentre of the quake with magnitude of 5.0 was in Dudley.

Centrum Business Park opened

New retail park off Tewkesbury Road, which comprises of 87,500sq ft of retail space, opened in February. Homebase was the first retailer to move into Centrum Business Park, which is located opposite the Moors Estate. Toys R Us had been asked to join Homebase on the park, however they were not granted the planning permission by Cheltenham Borough Council, and so at the moment the unit is still empty. The Homebase store is set to be joined by KFC and a Formula One Garage in the near future.

The new Homebase store features furniture showroom, bathroom showroom, kitchen installations, garden centre, board cutting and paint mixing.

Homebase Cheltenham
Centrum Park
Kingsditch Lane
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 9DT
Telephone: 0845 6407844

Opening hours:
Monday:8am - 8pm
Tuesday:8am - 8pm
Wednesday:8am - 8pm
Thursday:8am - 8pm
Friday:8am - 8pm
Saturday:8am - 8pm
Sunday:10am - 4pm

Cheltenham Art Gallery Extension update

The winner of the design competition for the extension of Cheltenham Art Gallery was announced. The winning design is by Berman Guedes Stretton, an Oxford-based firm of architects, with a branch in London, which has worked with the Universities of Warwick, Oxford, Birmingham and Imperial College, London.

The design features eco-friendly aspects, including use of reclaimed and self-finished materials, ground source heat pumps and natural ventilation. The new extension will house a large temporary exhibition gallery, additional space for collections (including accessible storage space which will benefit both the public and researchers), and, for the first time, dedicated space for the Art Gallery and Museum’s extensive education, outreach, life-long learning and arts development work. The design also includes improved and fully-accessible visitor facilities, including lifts, shop and café.

Jazz gigs at the Xposed Club

With its monthly gigs, the Xposed Club at Pittville Studios at the University of Gloucestershire, Albert Road, brings to Cheltenham jazz, alternative and experimental music.

In March we can look forward to Jon Corbett on trumpet with Nick Stephens (bass), Tony Marsh (drums) and Paul Dunmall (saxophones) which promises to be an evening of fine jazz and alternative music.

In April Xposed club presents Trio Tarana, led by percussionist / composer Ravish Momin who currently resides in New York City. He was born in India, and spent his childhood in Mumbai and Bahrain. Since he had also absorbed diverse influences growing up, he was not prepared to discard them, for one specific musical idiom. The trio primarily utilizes Indian and East-Asian rhythms as the foundation for a new creative musical experience; they also employ compositions that seamlessly blend written material with spontaneous group interaction. Tickets for the concert are £6 (students and concs £3).

CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL
Xposed Club also offers two events which are part of Cheltenham International Jazz Festival. On Friday, 2nd May 2008 at 8pm Han Bennink, Dutch drummer and multi-instrumentalist, whose abilities and interests span the music's entire spectrum, from Dixieland to free jazz, will be playing with local bands Longstone and Noose for Luke. Tickets £7 (students and concs £3).

Saturday, 3rd May 2008 will feature a tribute to Sun Ra big band with open workshop from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm and then performance from 6pm to 7pm. Tickets for Saturday, which brings the whole day of Fringe events music, film and art/design work, are free.

7 March 2008, 8pm - Jon Corbett/ Nick Stephens/ Tony Marsh/ Paul Dunmall
11 April 2008, 8pm – Trio Tarana
2 May 2008, 8pm - Han Bennink / Longstone / Noose for Luke
3 May 2008, all day - Cheltenham Jazz Festival fringe events

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

Cheltenham Leisure Centre update

Cheltenham Leisure Centre in Tommy Taylor's Lane, which was damaged in last year’s floods, should open again this summer. Temporary flood barriers will be installed to prevent any more flooding and the leisure centre will be restored by the end of August with new gym equipment, a sports hall and brand new swimming facilities. More permanent flood defences will be built later this year.

To find out about the opening of Cheltenham Leisure Centre please read our August blog.

Cheltenham International Jazz Festival 2008

29th April - 5th May 2008

This year’s Cheltenham International Jazz Festival is bringing Hollywood glamour to Cheltenham. Eartha Kitt, who is best known for her role as Catwoman in the 1960s TV series Batman, for her 1953 Christmas song Santa Baby and who also has her own star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will open the festival with a performance at The Centaur at Cheltenham racecourse on April 29. It will be her only performance in the UK for 2008.

Another act to headline 2008 Cheltenham Jazz Festival is Van Morrison, who will be performing in the Centaur on April 30 to promote his new album, Keep It Simple. Morrison's career, spanning some five decades, has influenced many popular musical artists. He had hits with his singles "Gloria", "Brown Eyed Girl", "Moondance" and many others.

Other acts confirmed are jazz funk maestro Maceo Parker, drum legend Jack DeJohnette, sultry songstress Gwyneth Herbert and guitar innovator Bill Frisell. BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Big Band will once again be participating at the Festival and as every year, the Jazz Festival Fringe will take place with various great events around the town centre.

Fringe events will include events at the Xposed Club. On Friday, 2nd May 2008 at 8pm Han Bennink, Dutch drummer and multi-instrumentalist, will be playing with local bands Longstone and Noose for Luke. Tickets £7 (students and concs £3). Saturday, 3rd May 2008 will feature a tribute to Sun Ra big band with open workshop from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm and then performance from 6pm to 7pm. Tickets for Saturday, which brings the whole day of Fringe events music, film and art/design work, are free.

Tickets are on sale now, available from the Town Hall on 01242 227979.

CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL 2008

Tuesday, 29 April 2008
7.00pm, Eartha Kitt, The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse
7.30pm, Carol Brewster, The Daffodil

Wednesday, 30 April 2008
7.00pm, Van Morrison, The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse
7.30pm, Sara Colman, The Daffodil
7.30pm, Courtney Pine, Town Hall Main Stage

Thursday, 1 May 2008
7.30pm, Maceo Parker with his band, featuring Dennis Rollins, Town Hall Main Stage
7.30pm, TG Collective, The Daffodil
10pm, Gwyneth Herbert, Town Hall Pillar Room

Friday, 2 May 2008
7:30pm, BBC Radio 2: Tribute to Billie Holiday, Town Hall Main Stage
7.30pm, Colin Salmon, The Daffodil
7.30pm, Jerry Dammers' Spatial AKA Orchestra, Everyman Theatre
8pm, Han Bennink, Xposed Club, University of Glos
9.30pm, Gilles Peterson with Jose James, Elan Mehler & Tawiah, Park Bar, University of Glos
10pm, Stefano Bollani & Enrico Rava, Town Hall Pillar Room
11.30pm, Jazz on 3, Everyman Theatre

Saturday, 3 May 2008
10am, Zoe Rahman Piano Masterclass, Town Hall Drawing Room
12noon, Phil Robson's Six Strings &The Beat, Town Hall Pillar Room
1.30pm, Outhouse Ruhabi, Everyman Theatre
2pm, Making Sense of Sound, St. Andrews Church
3pm, The Jerwood Interview with Soweto Kinch & lain Ballamy, Town Hall Drawing Room
3pm, Tim Berne's Science Friction, Town Hall Pillar Room
4.30pm, BBC Big Band with Nicola Conte, Everyman Theatre
5:30pm, Dave Stapleton Quintet, Town Hall Pillar Room
7pm, Imelda May, Town Hall Main Stage
7.30pm, Alias / The Jerwood Commission, Everyman Theatre
8pm, Gloucestershire Jazz Live Big Band, St. Andrews Church
10pm, Heritage Orchestra with Bonobo, Town Hall Main Stage
10.15pm, Soweto Kinch's Basement Fables, Everyman Theatre

Sunday, 4 May 2008
10am, The Breakfast Show / The Destroyers, Town Hall Main Stage
11am, Family Fun Day, Imperial Gardens
12noon, Dan Nicholls Band, Town Hall Pillar Room
1.30pm, Jack DeJohnette, Everyman Theatre
3pm, Bobby Previte's New Bump, Town Hall Pillar Room
4.30pm, Ralph Alessi with This Against That feat. Ravi Coltrane, Everyman Theatre
5.30pm, BBC Radio 3 Jazz Library, Town Hall Drawing Room
5:30pm, Pete Wareham:The Final Terror!, Town Hall Pillar Room
7pm, Ruby Turner, Town Hall Main Stage
7.30pm, Bill Frisell, Everyman Theatre
9.30pm, Mr Scruff, Town Hall Main Stage
10.30pm, Roberto Fonseca, Everyman Theatre

Monday, 5 May 2008
10am, Jack DeJohnette Drum Masterclass, Town Hall Main Stage
12noon, Dave Holland Prize Competition Winners, Town Hall Pillar Room
3pm, Andy Sheppard & The Lunatics featuring James Morton, Town Hall Pillar Room
6pm, Blink, Town Hall Pillar Room
8pm, Cleo Laine & John Dankworth, Town Hall Main Stage

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

Cheltenham Post Office set to move

Cheltenham main Post Office is set to move to WHSmith store in April this year. Cheltenham Post Office will be one of 76 branches transferred to nearby WHSmith stores nationwide.

The new post office will be located on the first floor of the store and it will offer the same services. The lifts for the disabled, people with walking difficulties and mothers with pushchairs is located at the back of the store.

Update: The existing branch in the lower High Street will close on April 23 and reopen in WHSmith at 9am the following day.

Puppet, Toy and Shadow Theatre Festival

20 February – 23 February 2008

Puppet, Toy and Shadow Theatre Festival is held this half term at Bayshill Unitarian Church Hall in Royal Well Lane. There will be three performances a day at 11am, 2pm and 3.30pm of three different plays and Puppet Making Workshops (Thursday to Saturday at 1pm).


Programme:

Cinderella and the Glass Slipper – presented by Colin Bailey & Gina Scarbro
Wednesday 20 Feb, 2pm
Thursday 21 Feb, 3.30pm
Friday 22 Feb, 11am
Saturday 23 Feb, 11am and 2pm

Elizabeth Fry, The Story of Newgate Gaol – A Toy Theatre Production, performed by Peter and Sylvia Peasgood
Friday 22 Feb, 2pm and 3.30pm

Stories from Aesop – A Shadow Puppet Production, presented by Pauline Venables
Thursday 20 Feb, 2pm

Marionette Cabaret
Wednesday 20 Feb, 3.30pm
Saturday 23 Feb, 3.30pm

Shadow Puppet Workshop
Thursday 21 Feb, 11.30am

Tickets are £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children, family with 2 adults and 2 children can get a family ticket for £10. Puppet making workshops are £2.50. Tickets can be obtained in advance on 01242 577656 (18 -23 February 01242 255820) or at the hall prior to each performance. Proceeds go in aid of N.S.P.C.C.

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

Open lectures at University of Gloucestershire

The University of Gloucestershire is holding a series of lectures with many famous figures appearing at Pittville Studios, Albert Road, to speak about art and media related subjects. All Lectures are held at 6.15pm — 7.15pm and are free to all to attend.

21st February 2008 - Sarah Jones

Sarah Jones will talk about her practice and her photographs made during her tenure as Fellow at The National Media Museum in Bradford (2006/7). She has had recent solo exhibitions at Maureen Paley Gallery; The National Media Museum, and, Anton Kern Gallery, New York.

28th February 2008 - Isabel Young

Living and working in London, Young was the winner of the Gilchrist Fisher Award 2006 and selected for Jerwood Contemporary Painters 2007. Current work includes a group show at Flowers East and a solo exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery, Tyne and Wear Museums, Newcastle for which she has been supported by the Arts Council of England.

6th March 2008 - Robin Elias

In his role as Managing Editor of ITV News, Elias manages camera crews, editors, and Presenters. At the end of 2007 he was appointed by ITN as launch editor of the Setanta Sports News Channel. He was programme editor of News at Ten for more than five years - and was in charge of Output during the death of the Princess of Wales, and the attacks on the Twin Towers. He will talk about the decision-making process in Television news, the changing pressures on journalists, and the challenges of an increasingly multi-media world.

10th April 2008 - Onya McCausland

Onya McCausland is the Artist-in-Residence at Gloucester Cathedral. She will discuss how her work has been informed by one year at the cathedral.

Viewfinder Film Festival

7 - 12 April 2008, Cineworld

Viewfinder Film Festival is a festival of short films which seeks to find regional audiences for locally made films by emerging film making talent.

In its 4th year, the festival will be hosting a range of activities including feedback schemes, filmmaking workshops and, most importantly, film screenings taking place in venues across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. In Cheltenham the screenings will take place in Cineworld Cinema at the Brewery. The programme for 2008 will include screenings of drama/fiction, animations, experimental films, documentaries and music videos, with a Gala Night at Cineworld scheduled for Saturday 12th April 2008.

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

Easter Weekend in Cheltenham

21, 22 and 24 March 2008

A three-day street party featuring some of the town's finest bands and acts will be taking place in Cheltenham town centre over the Easter weekend. Four stages will be set up in the town centre: at the Regent Arcade, Beechwood Arcade, the Promenade and the Brewery. Other acts will perform on the streets as Cheltenham town centre will be transformed into a menagerie of entertainment. Musicians and street performers confirmed include the Roy Kirby Paragon Jazz Band, Master of None, Thomas Trilby, Edmund Tahl and local dance group The Coady Crew.

The party will feature an Easter bonnet parade and an Easter egg hunt for youngsters. The event will run from 11am to 4pm on Good Friday, Saturday, 22, and Monday, 24 March.

Cheltenham Swedish Group update

Cheltenham Swedish Group was set up in October 2007 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 Swedish Group continues to grow steadily, and their next event is on Wednesday 20th February at The Swan pub, central Cheltenham, at 8pm. If you are interested in Swedish culture you are welcome to come along.

Future events will include:
- Music evening
- Pub evening in Winchcombe
- Cultural evening
- Scandinavian party

If you are a member of a 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 Sport Relief Mile

16 March 2008 - Pittville Park

Repeating the success of 2006 Sport Relief Mile, Cheltenham is holding another Sport Relief Mile event in 2008.

Sport Relief Mile runs are held at Pittville Park. Participants can choose to run one, three, or six miles. If you want to take part you need to register, as places are limited. Visit www.sportrelief.com/themile for the latest details of the event and to sign up. . The closing date for telephone or online advanced registrations is Wednesday 12 March.

The event starts at 10.30am and the end time is estimated to be at 1.00pm. There will be a range of entertainments on offer throughout the event including music and a group warm up with the fitness staff of Cheltenham Leisure Centre. The meeting point is at the main reception of Prince of Wales stadium. Three Gloucester Rugby Club players will be giving guest appearances.

UPDATE: The event has been rescheduled to Sunday 27 April 2008, 10.30am after it was cancelled because of rain.

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