Traders' online project links past to the future
A PLAN to create an interactive history of Cheltenham traders should be up and running by July.
Cheltenham Connect is setting up a website which uses a map of the town to provide brief histories of each shop and a link to their own websites.
The volunteer group, which was set up to help businesses in Tivoli, The Park, the Suffolks and at the southern end of Bath Road, hit problems last month when the company it had lined up to produce the map pulled out. But the project is now back on track and organisers say it should be online within two months.
A spokesman said: "The website is in development and we have started to input material. We hope the site will be ready enough to show by the beginning of July. If you or family members have any old photos or memories of our local shops please let us know.
"On each page we hope to show not only the history of the existing site but also 150 words about the current site and linking to the web page."
For more information, visit www.cheltenhamconnect.co.uk.
Police set for Q&A session
A QUESTION and answers session with police in Cheltenham will be held this week.
Officers are holding a meeting at the YMCA in Vittoria Walk on Thursday to discuss their latest priorities for the area.
Crime reduction officer Damon Blandford will also give a presentation on how residents can make their homes burglar-proof.
A police spokesman said: "This is a chance for residents to raise any concerns."
The meeting will run from 7pm, for more information call 01242 268916.
Stephen's fresh take on church
GROUND-BREAKING ideas look set to stir congregations at Chedworth.
New vicar the Rev Stephen Goundrey-Smith says he has some surprises in store for the hill and valley villages.
The Priest-in-Charge of Chedworth, Yanworth, with Stowell and Coln St Denys with Coln Rogers, said: "As well as regular services, I have pioneered a range of special events and services to bring God's message of love in Jesus Christ to as many people as possible.
"I have an interest in music and the use of new media in worship."
The 43-year-old, who takes over from the Rev Canon George Mitchell, has served parishes in Norfolk and Northamptonshire.
He grew up in Banbury, Oxfordshire, and qualified as a pharmacist, working in a hospital and in the international pharmaceutical industry.
He was ordained 11 years ago and has combined his ministry with running a business in pharmaceutical industry marketing, medical writing and pharmacy IT. He added: "I first visited Chedworth when I was 13 – little did I know I would be coming there to be the vicar 30 years later."
Traders rapped for using war memorial
Moreton Town Council raps market stallholders for overstepping the mark and putting wares on the war memorial and rubbish in the tree gardens
Park opens gates
STOWELL Park will open its gates for charity.
The stately home will raise funds for Chedworth and District Royal British Legion and Yanworth and Stowell churches, as well as the National Gardens Scheme. It is open from 2pm to 5pm on May 16 and June 20.
