Seeing the bright lights of opportunity
SECURING investment for Cheltenham communities like Hester’s Way was what drove me to go into politics. Talent is spread equally across Cheltenham, but opportunity should be, too. So last week I was delighted to be invited to see for myself the results of the latest £3 million Government investment into Gloucestershire College’s Hester’s Way campus.
The money has delivered a major engineering project to enable the college to become the first in the country to move to 100% renewable energy, slashing bills and emissions at the same time.
It has been possible thanks to a major technical project involving drilling 20 boreholes under the college car park. Those combine to create a colossal ground-source heat pump, harnessing the earth’s heat and operating like a fridge in reverse. To get a sense of the scale of the project, each hole is over double the depth of Cheltenham’s Eagle Tower.
This project follows a separate £3m investment by the Government into Hester’s Way’s Advanced Digital Academy at Gloscol. From the wall screens depicting in real time the source and target of global cyber attacks, to the ‘attack’ and ‘defend’ rooms for capturethe-flag competitions, the ADA is a state-of-the-art facility. It is also the base for the UK’S first-ever GCHQ/ Ncsc-accredited cyber skills course.
Meanwhile, upstairs in the very same Gloscol building, is Hub8, an office facility used by cyber start-ups to build their businesses, backed by a further £1m in Government grants.
I believe in a town where young people are able to walk around in our local community and see the bright lights of opportunity on our doorstep. Gloscol, working with Government and the cyber sector, can help provide that better future for all young people – including those who may not have had the easiest start in life, but are prepared to work hard to fulfil their potential.
Hester’s Way is on a better path. With focus, care and determination it will stay on it.
to be supportive of our Church’s mission and Christian ethos.
To see the adverts, please use the following links.
https://www.gloucester.anglican. org/2022/administration-lead-rectorsassistant-vacancy-bishops-cleeve/
https://www.gloucester.anglican. org/2022/office-administratorvacancy-bishops-cleeve/
Please email admin@stmichaels bishopscleeve.co.uk for detailed job descriptions, stating which position you are interested in.
Café Church is a relaxed, informal setting with a community twist, where all ages can creatively explore faith and life. Not sure about God and faith? you’re welcome to join us. Not sure about formal church worship? - this could be for you. First Sunday of the month at 11am in St Michael’s.
Church on the Hill meets at 10am on the second Sunday of the month up on Cleeve Hill to walk and worship together. Join the Church on the Hill Whatsapp Group for more information on our outdoor services.
Email the church office: parishchurch office@gmail.com for the link.
Out of the Ashes, the Christian Band, will be playing at St Michael’s Church on the evening of Saturday, October 1. They will also be with us for café church on Sunday October 2.
These are ticketed events, with tickets including refreshments. Tickets are not yet available, but please put the date in your diary and be prepared for an announcement about tickets.
If you want a preview, https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=8jmushzzeng
Volunteers are needed to support the Out of the Ashes Event. Can you help in any of the following areas, please?
Catering Team – to assist Anne Nixson on Saturday October 1.
Stewards/welcome Team – to assist on the night (Saturday October 1)
Prayer Ministry Team – on the night and the following morning. Only those already trained as part of the Prayer Ministry Team, please.
Co-ordinator – Are you someone who is really organised and gets things done? We need someone to take responsibility for ensuring everything happens and all runs smoothly.
Please contact admin@stmichaels bishopscleeve.co.uk
Gotherington, Woolstone and Oxenton WI, host monthly meetings on Wednesdays, in Gotherington Village Hall at 7.30 pm.
September 28, A Love Affair with Italian Cuisine by Pamela Holland.
October 26, Just Gems with Helen Plumb.
November 23, Craft Demonstration and Annual Meeting.
New members welcome. For more details contact 01242 317276
The Bishop’s Cleeve WI host meetings in the Tithe Barn on the third Tuesday of each month, 7.15pm - 9pm.
September 20, Stroud’s Women’s refuge. October 18, Hilarious hats. November 15, AGM, Auction and competition results.
For more information about meetings, contact www.bishops cleevewi.org.uk or 01242 676647.
WOODMANCOTE
Woodmancote WI, host meetings at Woodmancote Village Hall on Thursdays at 7.30 pm. September 15, Natural Willow Crafts. October 20, The Wonderful World of Latin America.
November 17, Annual Meeting, our 60th birthday.
Woodmancote Probus Club host meetings on Tuesdays at Woodmancote New Village Hall.
Meetings start at 9.30am, followed by the talk at 10.30am. September 6, Ukraine a History. September 13, The Battle of Tewkesbury.
For more information contact 01242 702573.
For information about Woodmancote Cricket Club, contact mikejrobinson55@gmail.com or 07946 378244.
For information about, Woodmancote Cricket Club junior team, email woodmancotecricketclub@outlook.com
Ann Lewis 01242 702573 maggieann1949@hotmail.com