LATEST:
 

Thursday 30 October 2008

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

Wednesday 29 October 2008

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.

Monday 27 October 2008

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.

Friday 24 October 2008

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.

Thursday 23 October 2008

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.

Wednesday 22 October 2008

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.

Tuesday 21 October 2008

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 CafĂ© 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.

Monday 20 October 2008

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







Wednesday 15 October 2008

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.

Tuesday 14 October 2008

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.

Monday 13 October 2008

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.

Wednesday 8 October 2008

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.

Monday 6 October 2008

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.

Sunday 5 October 2008

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.

Friday 3 October 2008

Pittville Park Fun Day to Celebrate Citizen's Day

19 October 2008, 11am - 4pm

A Citizens' Day provides an opportunity to celebrate local achievements, to build and renew community cohesion, and to develop greater local engagement.

A free fun day to celebrate Citizen's Day in Cheltenham is being held at Pittville Pump Room and park on Sunday 19 October 2008. MP Martin Horwood, Deputy mayor, Cllr Lloyd Surgenor and Cheltenham Borough Council’s Chief Executive, Andrew North, will formally open the event at 12.30pm. From 11am to 4pm, a series of interesting and spectacular events will entertain visitors, from dance to story telling, music from local bands and a Wii room for good measure. Entrance is free and everyone is invited to come along.

The line up includes live music from Vince Freeman, Peter Gill and Friends and Explosive Nzakomba, as well as the Coady Crew, Chinese Lion dancing, capoeira, belly dancing, bangra dancing and a gamelan demonstration. Story tellers, insect man, a birds of prey demonstration, bouncy castles and circus skills provide just part of the entertainment for youngsters. Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day or bring a picnic.

Thursday 2 October 2008

Cheltenham October & November Events

October and November events in Cheltenham include not only Halloween ghost walks and train rides, Guy Fawkes fireworks displays, but of course the world famous Cheltenham Literature Festival, Steam and Vintage Rally, Circus performance and Hommage to Gustav Holst. November run-up to Christmas starts with Cheltenham Christmas Market and culminates with the official Cheltenham Christmas Lights Switch-On on 22 November, when Father Christmas walks through the town centre and lights the Christmas lights in both the shopping arcades. Christmas party then follows in Imperial Gardens.

HIGHLIGHTS
10 - 19 October 2008 - Cheltenham Literature Festival
11 - 12 October 2008 - Steam and Vintage Rally
1 November 2008 - Cheltenham Racecourse Fireworks Display
8 November 2008 - Burley Fields Fireworks Display
14 - 30 November 2008 - Cheltenham Christmas Market
22 November 2008 - Christmas Lights Switch-On

For more please visit our Cheltenham Events Guide.

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

Dowty Slot Car Racing Club Update

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.

The 2008 calendar of races is available on Dowty Slot Car Racing Club pages on Cheltenham4u. You can also read up about the different classes of slot cars they race every week, see the results and read the reports from their recent races.


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.