It’s been another busy month with some fabulous and inspirational visits to local charities, voluntary groups, and new business openings – which is always very encouraging for the economic prosperity of our town.

The Azalea Day Club
There are thousands of carers looking after friends and relatives – for many it is a full-time job, both day and night. So it was a pleasure to visit The Azalea Day Club at The Reddings Community Centre run by Crossroads Care – a charity which recognises and responds to the individual needs of both family carers and the people they support. Promoting wellbeing and reducing social isolation, this new day club provides carers with a welcome break, offering a range of activities delivered by a fabulous team. For details visit crossroadscareglos.org.uk.

Crofton Springs Care Home
The Mayoress and I attended the grand opening of Crofton Springs Care Home, a 66-bed state-of-the-art care home in Gloucester Road. Wow! It’s a 5-star care home with spacious rooms, thoughtful design, and superb décor. The facilities are also excellent. It was a joy to chat with the incredibly friendly team who look forward to welcoming their first residents – visit idealcarehomes.co.uk or call 0113 465 4092.

Cheltenham YMCA
I was pleased to be invited to say a few words at Cheltenham YMCA’s AGM and Celebration Evening which applauded another great year of achievement, including action to address the dreadful issues of homelessness in our town. What this charity does is quite incredible and heartwarming. They provide 70,000 nights of safe accommodation each year, and their new ‘Pathway’ approach sensitively supports and prepares residents for life after the YMCA, with a staggering 82% success rate. Their ‘Feed Cheltenham’ initiative has supported 317 families, 888 children and issued £15,300 in food vouchers. It was an honour to thank the dedicated trustees, staff and volunteers for helping to reduce inequality in our town.

Samaritans Beer Festival
And now for something completely different – a visit to the Samaritans Beer Festival at the fabulous St. Philip & St. James Church (otherwise known as Pip and Jim’s). The Friends of Cheltenham Samaritans have run the festival for many years, raising significant funds each time. At the event I met many friends including former Mayor Cllr Steve Harvey, along with committee members Nigel Bethel, Gary Newman and Chairman Leigh Norwood. Oh, and some great tasting beer too!
Local Rotary Club Awards

Finally, I was delighted to attend the annual gathering of local Rotary Clubs to celebrate their awards to small and local charities. The presentations from award winners were inspiring, as was chatting to them afterwards. Winners included Rowanfield School which has a wonderful ethos, the incredible Cotswold Riding for the Disabled, the newly-formed Stoke Orchard Youth Football Club, the fabulous Cheltenham Silver Band and the School Café – an inspiring community facility in St. Pauls.

Another inspirational month has flown by – being Mayor of our wonderful town is such an honour and a privilege.

Best wishes,

Paul