Cheltenham Borough Council is going to develop the semi-derelict site to the east of the Art Gallery & Museum to provide additional space for Art exhibitions. There will also be a large education space for schoolchildren, a bigger shop and ground-floor cafe which will be spreading out on to St Mary's churchyard.
78 architects have entered a competition to develop the shopfronts to the east of the gallery. The design should be environmentally–friendly, using construction from quality natural and reclaimed materials, together with a combination of on–site and off–site sustainable energy sources. The architects were encouraged to design the new extension in a way to create a ‘presence on the street’, to redefine the current street façade, but at the same time to complement the scale of the neighbouring buildings.
A shortlist of four designs will be announced late next month and final judging will be completed by mid-December.
You can view paper versions of the designs in A3 format, at the Art Gallery & Museum (from 19 September to 17 October) during regular opening hours ( Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.20pm, 11am opening on 1st Thursday of each month).
They can also be seen in full size (A1 format) in the 1st floor meeting room on the following dates / times:
20 Sept – pm only (from 2.00)
21 Sept– all day
22 Sept – all day
24 Sept – all day
27 Sept – am only (until 1pm)
29 Sept – all day
1 Oct – all day
4 Oct – all day
5 Oct – am only (until 2pm)
8 Oct – all day
9 Oct – am only (until 1pm)
10 Oct – all day
13 Oct – all day (part of the Big Draw Event)
15 Oct – all day
16 Oct – all day
17 Oct – all day
You can also see the submissions online on Cheltenham Borough Council Flickr page.
Friday, 28 September 2007
Cheltenham Art Gallery to get £5 million extension
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Danter's Funfair in Cheltenham
Friday, 21 September 2007
Outbreak of a rare disease in Cheltenham
Throughout the summer months, Cheltenham has witnessed an outbreak of a rare illness called Q Fever, which is caught from infected livestock. A total of 28 cases have been identified in Cheltenham, while there are usually only a dozen incidents across the whole of the UK in a year. Most people infected in Cheltenham required hospital treatment. Victims were located in a south-west to north-east cross section of the town, from Hatherley to Bishop's Cleeve.
Victims can suffer severe pneumonia while others show no ill effects. Some people recover without treatment. The infection is often caught by close contact with farm animals but it can be also blown in the air, which may have been the case as none of the Cheltenham victims had any direct contact with farm animals. The evidence so far points to the period of risk being more than three months ago. The hot dry weather in April and May may have helped in spreading the disease.
The outbreak is now considered to be over, as the highest risk of infection is in the spring.
Thursday, 13 September 2007
Leckhampton Court Autumn Fayre 2007
Sunday, 9 September 2007
BBC Radio 4 - After the Floods
After the Floods
Tuesday 11 September 2007 20:00-20:40 (Radio 4 FM)
This BBC Radio 4 programme may be an interest to the residents of Cheltenham. After the wettest summer in England for over 240 years, the Government remains committed to providing millions of new homes and refuses to rule out building on flood plains. Are we just storing up trouble?
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
Heritage Open Days
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Train Rides Event
Cheltenham Society of Model Engineering opens its grounds to the general public between 2 pm and 5 pm for Steam or Diesel locomotive hauled Train Rides. Model Boats will be on the lake and refreshments will be available. Entrance is free.
The grounds are situated in Hatherley Lane, near Cheltenham Film Studios.
Thursday, 23 August 2007
The Rolling Stones Tour of Cheltenham
Cheltenham claims its part in the history of Rock’n’Roll as the birthplace of the founding member of The Rolling Stones Brian Jones. This blog shows some of the places in Cheltenham associated with Brian Jones and the Rolling Stones.
‘Rosemead’ 17 Eldorado Road, Lansdown
Brian Jones’ family lived there when Brian was born on 28 February, 1942 . His parents, Louis and Louisa Jones, encouraged him from early age to take up music. There is a blue plaque at the entrance to ‘Rosemead’ paid for by the Brian Jones fan club.
335 Hatherley Rd, Up Hatherley
Dean Close Preparatory School, Lansdown
In Dean Close Preparatory School Brian got his primary education. He took piano lessons and his teachers very quickly discovered his rare musical talent. He eventually took up the clarinet and played it at the school orchestra.
Pate’s Grammar School
After passing his eleven-plus in 1953 Brian went to Cheltenham Grammar School for Boys. His exam results were excellent, but his refusal to conform to the authority brought the anger of the teachers upon him. At the time Brian attended the school, the building was situated in the lower part of the High Street. Since then the site has long been given over to the shops and the school is now located on the western side of the town in a modern building.
Former Odeon Cinema, Pittville
The Rolling Stones performed 2 sell out shows in Cheltenham Odeon on 8th October 1963 and then again 10th February and 10th September 1964, as well as 27th September 1965. The September performance in 1964 was compered by Don Spencer and the evening was started by The Innocents, Mike Berry and the Mojos. The Gloucestershire Echo reported: “Police officers, security men, commissionaires and first aid men linked arms last night to prevent screaming fans from rushing the stage at both perfomances by the Rolling Stones at the Odeon Cinema. One girl managed to clamber onto the platform, but was quickly hauled down. During their lively act the Stones were pelted with sweets and other objects as tokens of affection … After the show crowds of fans waited outside in front of the cinema, but the Rolling Stones slipped out the back way with a police escort and went off in their own car.”
St. Mary’s Church
Cheltenham Cemetary and Crematorium, Prestbury
Beechwood Shopping Arcade, High Street
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Leckhampton
16-year-old Brian visited every week in the 1950s the Wheatsheaf Inn’s skittle alley, today the pub has plans for permanent display of Brian Jones memorabilia, which will include pictures of Brian, paintings and even a replica of the musician's Teardrop guitar. Wheatsheaf Inn’s skittle alley was once known as Club 66 and was a starting point for Brian's musical career. When it is complete, the museum will be a permanent tribute to the rock legend. The museum is due to be opened in October by 60s star PJ Proby.
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
Leckhampton Court Autumn Fayre
As every year, Leckhampton Court’s Autumn Fayre is a great family day out. Leckhampton Court, one of Gloucestershire’s oldest country house which since 1981 serves as a Sue Ryder Care Centre, provides beautiful surroundings for afternoon filled with family fun. Last year’s event was attended by over 1,500 visitors. Money raised are used towards providing specialist care to those living with life shortening illnesses in Gloucestershire.
The Fayre, which will be spread out over the hospice grounds and surrounding fields will start at 11am and finish at approximately 4pm. This year’s programme offers live music, demonstration and readings by a psychic, performances by several local community groups including the ‘Coady Crew’, Morris Men, ‘Just Latin’ Salsa Dancers, Samurai Marshal Arts Acadamy and Cheltenham Square Dancing Club. A Magician and a Clown will amuse the youngsters and children’s play area and a bouncy castle will provide entertainment for them throughout the day. There will be a large marquee with various arts and crafts stalls. Weather permitting, a flyover by a vintage Stampe biplane will provide the highlight of the day.
For more information about the Autumn Fayre, including holding a stall, please contact Lisa Cowen, Events Fundraiser on 01242 246293 or Leckhampton.events@suerydercare.org
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
Cheltenham Literature Festival Line-up
August is here and for Cheltenham book lovers that means the tickets for Cheltenham Literature Festival are on sale. Eagerly flicking through the pages of the Festival programme they are working out which events to see this year. 2007 brings to Cheltenham yet again a fine selection of world renown writers, comedians, actors, directors, poets, journalists, musicians and politicians, offering over 230 events with over 400 guest speakers. There is certainly something for everyone.
The first day of the Festival, Friday, 5th October presents Eric Hobsbawm, world-famous historian, author of more than 500 books, articles and reviews in numerous languages, who will be discussing his life and pursuit of happiness and peace. Peter Jones, the famous dragon from BBC’s Dragon’s Den, will be giving a lecture on how to turn ideas in successful business while all fans of the series M*A*S*H will be pleased to hear that Alan Alda, the famous Hawkeye from 4077, will be appearing in the Centaur talking about his autobiography. History enthusiasts can also rejoice as David Dimbleby, and Peter and Dan Snow will be on hand to give their talks on the historical subjects – the former on Britain’s architecture and the latter on 20th century battlefields. In the evening Jools Holland will give festival goers insight into his life and music. Alastair Campbell also comes to Cheltenham to talk about The Blair Years and his personal experience of life in Number 10.
For early birds Saturday offers Michael Wood, historian and TV presenter, who will be talking about India, its history, architecture and landscape. And if that isn’t enough to give you the traveller’s bug, Michael Palin is there to show you the gems of New Europe, 20 countries previously hidden behind the Iron Curtain. Tony Benn finds time to come to Cheltenham every year and this time he is joining a discussion with Oona King. For Private Eye and Have I Got News for you fans Saturday brings a talk with Ian Hislop who will discuss his remarkable career of the most sued man in English legal history. Another cup of comedy is waiting in the form of Jo Brand who will be talking about her work as a stand-up comedian.Later in the evening, Sebastian Faulks revisits Cheltenham to discuss his new novel.
On Sunday and Monday festival goers can enjoy a talk from William Hague about the life and career of William Wilberforce, who led the parliamentary campaign to abolish the transatlantic slave trade. Fans of TV sitcoms can meet the cast and director of the award winning comedy The Thick of It as well as Liz Smith, the best-loved nana from the Royle Family. Film lovers will join Simon Callow for his discussion of the life and work of the Hollywood legend Orson Welles and then aim for the Town Hall to enjoy a talk by Ken Loach, one of Britain’s most renowned directors.
Tuesday and Wednesday bring talks from historian Max Hastings, gardening guru Carol Klein, food critic A A Gill, explorer Ranulph Fiennes and actor Keith Allen. Andrew Marr will come to talk about history of modern Britain and Julian Clary will introduce his debut novel. On Thursday, the former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown will investigate successes and failures of building peace in 21st century Europe and on Friday, John Simpson will discuss his latest book. Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond will be talking about his life and his remarkable recovery from his recent accident. Top Gear fans will be heading delighted to see James May joining him at the Festival on Saturday. However Saturday is devoted to comedy – trickster and comedian Dom Joly, GP-turned-comedian Harry Hill and pub landlord Al Murray will entertain Cheltenham audience. Sunday offers a historical talk by David Starky on the subject of monarchy, insight into the research in the field of fertility by Robert Winston, as well as Jackie Stewart’s account of the world of Formula 1. Griff Rhys Jones will then explore Britain’s highest places with his discussion of his new book on British mountains.
2007 Cheltenham Literature Festival promises to be as interesting and engaging as all previous years. Tickets will surely get snapped up as quickly as last year so please if you are considering seeing some of the events do not hesitate and get your tickets as soon as possible. Still, if you miss some of your favourite authors, you can catch up with them at The Times Online where podcasts of events will be available for free.
Thursday, 26 July 2007
Life with and without water
For Gloucestershire, July was unlike any other months and unlike any other Julys. It was marked by several waves of extremely stormy weather which caused serious flooding of Gloucestershire’s rivers. The river Chelt, which in normal circumstances takes the form of a small stream running through Cheltenham parks, burst its banks twice within two weeks, submerging various parts of Cheltenham. Friday, 20th July, Cheltenham witnessed some of the worst weather in years, when rain poured down from the sky non-stop for over 24 hours. Within that time more rain fell on Gloucestershire than usually does at this time of the year over 3 months. Sandford Park and the bottom of the Old Bath Road, Whaddon, Hester’s Way, Charlton Kings and many other areas in the river Chelt’s path, have been affected.
For Gloucester and Tewkesbury, the situation was even worse. The river Severn flooded large areas around Gloucester Docks as well as most of the historical town of Tewkesbury, where the flood water contaminated the water treatment plant, which supplied drinking water to Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. As a result of that, residents of these towns as well as nearby villages had to do without tap water, which had been cut off. Many Cheltenham areas were without tap water since Monday, 23rd July.
The greatest fear though was that Walham power station on the outskirts of Gloucester could have been flooded which would have meant that hundreds of thousands of Gloucestershire’s residents would have been left without power. The emergency services and armed forces fought for three days to save the substation. As the Severn peaked, the waters stopped 2in short of breaching the flood defences. Cheltenham Racecourse became the army headquarters which moved in to help with the distribution of bottled water.
Most of Gloucestershire’s events, including many taking place in Cheltenham, had to be cancelled or postponed. Cheltenham Cricket Festival, first staged in 1872, had to be cancelled, as well as The Open Air Art Exhibition in the Imperial Gardens. The Everyman Theatre also cancelled its performances and closed, as well as the Cineworld cinema in The Brewery, and the library. Pubs and nightclubs have had to close due to health and safety reasons, and many shops and services stayed closed as without water or even power they were unable to operate.
More bad weather for Cheltenham came today, just as residents of Cheltenham were trying to come to terms with life without running water. Bowsers had been distributed in residential areas, however they were unable to satisfy the demand for drinking water. But there was some good news for Cheltenham residents today: better weather is on the way and with that the prospect of reconnecting the running water.
Saturday, 21 July 2007
Get involved and submit your photos and articles
Cheltenham4u is preparing a guide to Cheltenham community. We would like to display your photos of Cheltenham, photos from Cheltenham events, simply any images relating to Cheltenham that you have taken. You can also submit a report of an event you've attended or let us know about a forthcoming event near you. We would like also to offer the internet presence to Cheltenham clubs, societies and local communities giving the opportunity to submit their details, photos and reports from events and promote their activities. To find out how please visit our website www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/admin_getinvolved.asp
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Modern public art in Cheltenham
Cheltenham Promenade is well known for its statue of Minotaur and Hare, which was created by Sophie Ryder in 1995 and acquired by public subscription in 1998. Although causing contraversy at the time the sculpture has become a much photographed feature of Cheltenham. Innitially, only a 
part of temporary exhibition of Sophie Ryder's art at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, the overwhelming public response to the exhibition fuelled the campaign to retain one of Sophie Ryder's sculptures in town.
Sophie Ryder is an internationally recognized English sculptor who is known for her larger than life minotaurs, lady-hares, and dogmen. From the early 1980s, when the hare first made its appearance in her work, she has delighted in using the supple form of the animal to express energy, both coiled and released. Living since 1986 in a remote part of the Cotswolds, she has derived much inspiration from her immediate surroundings and from daily contact with animals, both domestic and wild. She defined the hare's sex as female by standing or sitting her next to that creature of myth who is half man and half bull, the minotaur.
Another example of Cheltenham modern public art is the Wishing Clock situated in the Regent Arcade. It was designed by Cotswold artist-craftsman Kit Williams, author of the book "Masquerade", and built by Cheltenham clockmakers, Sinclair Harding & Co. The 45 foot high clock was unveiled in January of 1987, costing £80,000. It is believed to be the worlds tallest mechanical clock, weighing in, just over 3 tonnes.
Minotaur and Hare and The Wishing Clock in the Regents Arcade are not the only modern sculptures in the town. To mention just some of them - Sandford Park offers the Friendship Circle, a set of shell-like sculptures cast iron by Neville Gabie, Elephant Mural, five mosaic panels by Turton and Robertson, can be seen outside Woolworth's, Drinking fountain and mosaic plinth by Emily Lawler is situated in the Winston Churchill Memorial Gardens and in Hester's Way Park a public art project, which consists of large granite boulders engraved with a language theme, ranging from government codes and baby talk to text messaging and extracts from the bible, lead by an internationally acclaimed artist Gordon Young has been installed.
There are a number of sculptures in Cheltenham which perhaps do not get the publicity they deserve. One such sculpture is Man with Ball, a bronze statue by Giles Penny, which was put up at Regency Mews, Winchcombe Street in 1999. Another example is a sculpture of a lying man in Sandford Park.
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Sunday, 15 July 2007
First post
In our blog we would like to bring to your attention various aspects of life in Cheltenham, topics relating to its history, buildings, art, its areas and community. Please feel free to comment and add suggestions for new topics for our blog.
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