Where to begin but with the torrential rainfall we experienced in September which, sadly, led to the cancellation of two events – the Charlton Kings Autumn Fayre and the Holst 150th Birthday Celebration. Such a shame for all those who worked so hard to put these events on for our benefit and enjoyment.

Next Door Nature Project / Hub Gardening Group
Nevertheless, I’m pleased to say a number of events did go ahead and I enjoyed a lovely time in St. Paul’s to celebrate the Next Door Nature Project and Hub Gardening Group run in association with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Cheltenham Borough Council’s community investment team. The project has enjoyed huge success promoting nature and gardening, a twice-monthly gardening group, a family after-school club and school holiday activities. The highlight must be residents learning to grow their own fruit and vegetables and then going on to cook with them – what could be more satisfying?

Big Space Cancer Appeal – Lions at Large
A really ambitious project to raise £17.5m for the Big Space Cancer Appeal was officially launched at The Queens Hotel. I was delighted to attend and hear about this exciting scheme for a new oncology unit for our hospital. It was a hugely positive launch and, with £8.3m already secured, I am confident they will reach their target. And look out for the ‘Lions at Large’ sculpture trail coming soon. You can sponsor a lion for £7,000 and receive some great publicity as you support a fantastic project. The new oncology unit will further Cheltenham’s reputation as a centre of excellence for cancer care – for details visit lionsatlarge.co.uk.

The Indian Association
I was delighted to receive an invitation from The Indian Association to meet their trustees who have done such an amazing job looking after and improving their Hindu Community Centre in Swindon Road. I was also able to visit their fabulous Hindu Temple – the only one in Gloucestershire. Later I spoke to members, encouraging some to consider putting their names forward to stand for election as local Councillors –­­ our Councils would benefit from having more diverse representation.

WWI Battlefield Crosses
And finally, given world events, how poignant it was to attend the opening of Cheltenham’s latest museum featuring restored WW1 Battlefield Crosses. Located at the town’s crematorium in the beautifully restored gravediggers shed, it is well worth a visit. Congratulations to all those involved, notably Cheltenham Civic Society and their members (especially Freddie Gick and Neela Mann), Pittville School whose pupils did much of the research, and Cheltenham Borough Council.

Best wishes,
Paul