Local News - Gloucestershire Echo

Cheltenham's Performing Arts Festival under threat after funding bombshell

The much-loved festival is under threat after a bombshell announcement to pull vital funding.

Speech and drama fans flock to Cheltenham

Youngsters raised their voices in the latest section of Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts.

Hop on board the bus to school leavers' prom

A Routemaster bus took Bourneside students to their prom at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Cheltenham couple's work will feature in Hollywood move Robin Hood

Textile experts from Cheltenham provide material for Ridley Scott's new film

Women stride through the night

Hundreds of women braved cold temperatures to take part in the town's third Midnight Walk.

CCTV pictures released after diamond ring heist on Cheltenham High Street

Brazen ring thieves who targeted a leading jewellers store in Cheltenham are being hunted by police.

Blessing work on new Academy

A TURF-cutting ceremony has been held at the site of the new All Saints' Academy in Cheltenham.

All Saints' will replace Christ College, which is due to close on August 31 next year, and will specialise in science, sport and religious education.

It is sponsored by the Anglican Diocese of Gloucester and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton.

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Reverend Michael Perham, and the Bishop of Clifton, the Right Reverend Declan Lang, led a ceremony to bless the beginning of construction work on the new academy.

They were joined by Jackie Hall, county council cabinet member for schools, as well as county and borough councillors.

The Academy will have a multi-use, all-weather, synthetic sports pitch, fitness suite and a chapel.

Two Cheltenham residents toast their MBEs

Community stalwarts from Cheltenham have been honoured by the Queen for their services to others

A 'high standard' of music and dancing

THERE was plenty of toe-tapping at Cheltenham's Town Hall at the weekend as day four of the Performing Arts Festival got under way.

A host of music and dancing classes took place throughout the day as delighted family and friends watched performances including ballet duets and classical dancing.

The night ended with a piano duet.

Festival chairman Chris Lammiman said: "It's been a fantastic day for all concerned.

"The standard has been exceptionally high and many of the adjudicators have pointed this out which is pleasing."

Finn Smith, 17, Rachel Davies, 15, and Alice Rodger, 16, from Cheltenham, were delighted to clinch first place in the classical trio category.

The girls, who attend Corraine Collins Dance studio in the town, choreographed the piece themselves.

Finn said: "We started it last year and developed it for the festival, it's just really nice to win."

Lottie Fisher, 17, a student at the Beauregard Academy in Cheltenham, also scooped first place in Songs From The Shows with her rendition of Heaven Help My Heart from the musical Chess.

She said: "I didn't think I could win it because everyone else was so good.

"I'd love to make a career of singing and performing arts if I can."

Her delighted teacher Vicki Beauregard, said: "I'm so proud of her – she really deserves it."

Cheltenham man faces ram raid charge

A HESTER'S Way man will appear at Gloucester Crown Court charged with stealing a car and ploughing it into a Winchcombe filling station.

Callum Smith, 21, of Gloucester Road, is alleged to have committed the offences on January 29 this year.

Smith will also face two charges of breaching his Asbo.

He will appear at Gloucester Crown Court on June 4.

Call for members for thyroid illness support group

The hypothyroid group, which is based in Cheltenham, has gone from strength to strength since it was set up by Geraldine Davis in February.

'Cowardly' Cheltenham drug addict loses appeal

An addict who terrorised a pensioner in her own home with a claw hammer failed to convince judges his sentence was too tough.

Man wanted for Cheltenham crime spree

A man suspected of embarking on a "horrendous" racist rampage in a 45-minute Cheltenham town centre in being hunted by police.

Parties clash over election posters

Political rivals in Cheltenham clashed on General Election day - over allegations of tearing down election posters and campaign material.

Andrew's pride at film showing

Cheltenham-raised Andrew Shortell is celebrating finally getting his first film shown at the cinema.

How wild is Hester's Way?

Youngsters are being encouraged to discover the huge variety wildlife on their doorstep.

What should be first for police?

HESTER'S residents can voice their views on policing where they live at two upcoming meetings.

Neighbourhood Coordination Meetings give people a chance to have a say on policing priorities.

A police spokesperson said: "They provide the opportunity to meet members of the Safer Community Team as well as local councillors and other agencies involved in setting the community priorities."

The next meeting for the Hester's Way and Springbank area takes place on Tuesday at St Silas Church, Hester's Way Road, from 11am to 1pm.

A get-together covering the St Mark's area will happen at Oasis Youth Centre, Coronation Square, on the same day from 2pm to 4pm.

Parents urged to take care parking

PARENTS in Hester's Way are being urged to park safely.

Police say they have had several complaints from schools about parents parking dangerously at peak school times.

A police spokesperson said: "It is an offence to park within 10 metres of a junction and an obstruction to park on the pavement forcing pedestrians into the road or to park on the zig zags.

"Fixed Penalty Notices will be issued, where necessary, for children's and the public's safety."

Have your alloys gone missing?

POLICE want to hear from anyone who is missing some alloy wheels.

Twelve wheels were found by officers at the back of flats in Lygon Walk, Hester's Way, in the early hours on Tuesday.

Police have been unable to trace the owners and are appealing to anyone who knows who owns them to come forward.

If you have any information please call 0845 090 1234 quoting incident 18 of May 4.

Join community

COMMUNITY spirited residents have the chance to play an important role in Springbank at an annual meeting this month.

The Friends of Springbank will re-elect their chairman and vice chairman at the AGM on May 13.

The meeting will be held at Springbank Community Resource Centre from 4pm.

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