March 28, 2026

Cheltenham News & Events | All Things Cheltenham with Archie (Lifesaver Power) & Eddie & Nikki (Not a Cult)

Cheltenham News & Events | All Things Cheltenham with Archie (Lifesaver Power) & Eddie & Nikki (Not a Cult)
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Your phone dies. Your train’s delayed. Your ticket’s on an app. You need a taxi. That tiny red battery icon becomes a real problem fast. So I sit down with Archie from LifeSaver Power, the team behind the portable charging stations you may have seen at the Cheltenham Festival. We chat about how the rent-swap-return system works, what it costs, why unlimited swaps matter at big events, and how they’re building a more sustainable, circular model using renewable energy.

Before that, we run through the stories shaping Cheltenham right now: a local mum taking on a huge endurance fundraiser for Sue Ryder by running the London Marathon and then 100 miles back to Cheltenham; reminders to register to vote before the deadline; drink cartons now accepted in kerbside recycling; and a major win for local heritage as Cheltenham Lido is secured until 2120. We also touch on safety concerns, recent incidents, and a positive step with new zero-emission buses across Gloucestershire.

Then we lighten things up with Nikki and Eddie from Not A Cult, Cheltenham’s improvised comedy group. They explain how improv works, why audience prompts can be chaos in the best way, and what to expect at their upcoming shows.

Cheltenham Mum Just giving Page

Registar to Vote

Cheltenham Coucil Elections

Women Cheltenham FC Tickets

Free Blood Pressure Checks

Cheltenham Town FC - Groundsman Job

Springbank Choir

Not A Cult - Tickets

Not A Cult Website

The Ivy Cheltenham Easter

Cheltenham Poetry Festival

YMCA Sleep Easy

Jazz Festival

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00:00 - Welcome to All Things Cheltenham

00:30 - Cheltenham Local News

11:02 - Cheltenham Sport

15:59 - Cheltenham Community NoticeBoard

18:39 - Guest - Archie from Lifesaver Power

38:57 - Have Your Say

41:04 - Guests : Eddie and Nikki from Not A Cult

01:07:59 - Cheltenham Events

WEBVTT

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Hello, I'm Red, your host, and this is All Things Cheltenham, your weekly roundup of local news, events, sports and community stories, with your views and voices from across Cheltenham.

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Today is Sunday, the 29th of March 2026.

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So let's get started.

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Now coming up on this week's episodes, we have guests, and I've been chatting with Archie from Lifesaver Power.

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Also speaking with Eddie and Nikki from Not the Cult Comedy Act.

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But first off, as always, we start with some local news.

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Now we've got a Cheltenham Mum is taking an incredible endurance challenge in memory of a close friend combining one of the UK's biggest races with an extraordinary journey home.

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Jane Shortin will first run the London Marathon on Sunday the 26th of April before immediately setting off on a 100 mile run back to Cheltenham over the following days.

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The challenge is being done in support of Sue Ryder after her friend received care at Lakehampton Court Hospice, making this a deeply personal fundraiser.

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Jane is expected to run around 30 to 35 miles a day, aiming to complete the journey in just three days, finishing back in Cheltenham where friends, family and supporters are expected to join her for the final stretch.

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She's no strange at the fundraising, having previously raised thousands of pounds for the charity alongside her husband, but says this will be her toughest challenge yet, but physically and emotionally.

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The story has already gained strong support across the local community with many people expected to follow her progress and cheer her along the route.

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It is a remarkable effort, not just of endurance, but of determination and tribute, highlighting the impact local charities like Sue Ryder continue to have on families across Cheltenham.

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Now, if you wish to support this amazing lady, then use the link in the description to go to her Just Giving page and they say every penny counts.

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Now Cheltenham residents are being reminded not to miss their chance to vote in upcoming elections.

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Cheltenham Borough Council is urging anyone who is not registered to make sure they sign up before the deadline on Monday the 20th of April.

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Registration to vote is quick and can be done online, and ensures you'll be able to have your say in local and national elections.

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If your recently moved house, changed your name or haven't voted before, it's especially important to check you're registered.

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For Vaulty, full details and to register, um head to the Council Borough Cheltenham website.

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So in this case, head to the description.

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I'll have two links there so you can register and find out what elections are coming up.

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Now, also, Cheltenham residents can now recycle drink cartons as part of their regular curbside collection.

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Cheltenham Borough Council has confirmed that items such as juice cartons, milk cartons, and other similar packaging can now be placed in recycle bins at home.

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Excuse me.

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This update makes it easier for households to recycle more of their everyday waste, helping to reduce what goes into general rubbish.

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Residents are being encouraged to rinse cartons before recycling and place them in the correct bin as part of their usual collection routine.

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It's another small change that can make a big difference to recycling rates across Sheltenham.

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A popular free family event is returning this summer.

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Cheltenham Borough Council No hang on, yeah.

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Cheltenham Borough Council has announced that the No Child Left Behind Party in the Park will be back for a third year at Pittville Park.

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The event takes place on Wednesday the 5th of August and promises a full day of free activities for children and young people of all ages.

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There'll be everything from sport and creative activities like live music, dance and theatre performances, all run by local organisations across different zones in the park.

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A quiet hour will also take place at 10 a.m., offering a calmer environment before the main activities begin from 11am through till 4, with performances continuing into the afternoon.

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Families are encouraged to come along and enjoy what's become one of Cheltenham's biggest free summer events.

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Now there has been a call for urgent action to improve the condition of the trees along Cheltenham's Promenade.

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A local trader has raised concerns about a potential dangerous limb on one of the trees, warning it could pose a risk to pedestrians if not dealt with.

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They're now calling for the council to step up and carry out maintenance work to make the area safer.

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The promenade is one of Cheltenham's busiest and most well-known locations, so any safety concerns like this are likely to be taken seriously.

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It also raises a wider question about how regular trees in high football areas are inspected and maintained.

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We'll keep an eye on this one and see if any action is taken.

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Now, comedian Don Jolly has shared footage, which you may have seen, that he described as crazy night in Cheltenham after filming a tent fire in the town.

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The video, which has been circulating online, showed a tent engulfing flames, drawing attention from passers by and sparking reaction on social media.

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Reports suggest emergency services were called to deal with the incident, although there have been no confirmed reports of injuries.

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The footage has prompted concern among some residents, particularly around safety and behaviour in public spaces.

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It's another incident that highlights the ongoing issue being raised locally, especially following busy periods and large events in the town.

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Now, a shoplifter has been banned from entering a number of stores here in Cheltenham after a series of thefts.

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The individual admitted stealing more than£650 worth of goods from shops across the town, leading to action being taken through the courts.

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As part of the ruling, there now have been he's now been banned from several retail premises in an effort to prevent further offences and protect local businesses.

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Orders like this one are often used to tackle repeat offending and help support retailers who have been affected by shoplifting.

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It comes as concerns around retail crime continue to be raised both locally and across the wider region.

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I mean we all hear about thefts from shops.

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It's a common thing these days, isn't it?

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A Cheltenham man has been jailed after carrying out a series of burglaries across the three counties.

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A 23-year-old admitted multiple offences that took place across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire, targeting a number of properties over several months.

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He appeared at Worcester Crown Court where he was sentenced for three years in prison.

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Police say the crimes cause significant distress to victims and disruption with local communities, highlighting the serious impact burglary can have.

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Officers have welcomed the sentence saying it sends a clear message that the type of offending will be dealt with firmly.

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Now a new zero emissions buses are being rolled out across Gloucestershire as part of a major investment in greener transport.

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Stagecoach has begun introducing a fleet of electric buses across Cheltenham, Gloucester and Chewesbury, replacing a number of existing diesel vehicles.

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The project forms part of a multi-million pound investment supported by local and national funding aimed at creating a cleaner and more modern transport network.

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Passengers can expect quieter journeys and improved air quality, with the new buses helping to significantly reduce carbon emissions across the county.

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More electric buses are expected to be introduced over time, with the long-term aim of moving towards a fully zero emission fleet in the region.

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It is seen a major step forward in making public transport more environmentally friendly across Cheltenham and beyond.

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Now we have a popular no-phone zone event is returning to Mulligans in Cheltenham this Easter.

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The initiative encourages people to put their phones away and enjoy a more social, screen-free experience, focusing on face-to-face interaction, games and live entertainment.

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The event has proved popular in the past, offering a different kind of night out where the emphasis is on conversation and connecting rather than scrolling.

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Organizers say it's all about people talking again and creating a more relaxed social atmosphere.

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With the Easter break approaching, it's expected to attract a mix of locals looking for something a little different to do.

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So if you do go to that, let me know.

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It'd be really interesting what you think of it.

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I'd really like to know.

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Now we've got some fantastic news here for Cheltenham.

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The future of the Lido, the popular swimming pool here in Cheltenham, has officially been secured for generations to come.

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Cheltenham Borough Council has agreed a major lease extension for the Cheltenham Lido, which will now run all the way through to the year 2120.

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A new agreement means that once the current lease ends in 2056, a further long-term lease will automatically begin, protecting the site for almost 100 years.

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The Lido, which first opened back in 1935, is one of Chotner's most loved landmarks, used by thousands of residents and visitors every year.

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Leaders say the move ensures the Lido can continue to grow, improve, and attract funding for future developments.

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And to mark the occasion, they actually reopened the season with the 2P entry.

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That's the same price they charged on opening 90 years ago.

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So it's a big moment for one of Cheltenham's most iconic places.

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Now, tributes are being paid for one of Cheltenham's most dedicated community figures, known locally as litter picking legend, who has sadly passed away at the age of 92.

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The Great Grandfather became a familiar and much-loved site around the town, spending years volunteering, collecting rubbish, and helping to keep Cheltenham clean and tidy.

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His efforts didn't go unnoticed.

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He was widely praised by residents and even received recognition for his contribution to the community.

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Friends and locals have described him as a true hero, someone who quietly made a big difference through simple acts of kindness and care for the town.

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Even after his passing, many say his legacy will live on.

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Not just in cleaner streets he helped maintain, but in the example he set for others to take pride in their community.

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So that's a lovely final story.

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And we now move on to Cheltenham Sports.

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Now there's no men's game, they're not playing until next week.

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So we're going to go straight in for the Cheltenham Women's Football Club.

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Now, as I say, I was there last week and it was a dramatic afternoon at Katia Lane where Cheltenham Town women showed real character to fight back and earn a 2-2 draw against AFC Wimbledon.

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Now it didn't start the way Cheltenham would have wanted.

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Despite a bright opening, they had a lot of possession.

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They found themselves behind inside the first ten minutes.

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Ashley Hinks broke through, went one on one, and calmly slotted past Poppy Irving to give Wimbledon the lead.

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Cheltenham responded well enough, they kept pushing.

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Emily Curtis tested Rosie Kite, who was equal to it.

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And then skipper Emily Owen came up close with a glancing header that just drifted wide.

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There were a few more half chances too.

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India Power doing well down the left, picking out Bella Hall, but her effort on the turn couldn't find the target.

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And at the other end though, Wimbledon looked dangerous.

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They had a couple of big opportunities to double their lead, and Hinks in particular was causing problems, but Cheltenham just about held on, thanks in part to some solid defending and a bit of fortune.

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So at the break, it was 1-0 to the visitors.

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Into the second half, and things got tougher for Cheltenham.

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Wimbledon were awarded a penalty after Irving was judged to have been brought down.

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Taylor Bell in the box.

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Up stepped Hinks again and she made, no mistake, tucking it away in the bottom corner for the second of the game.

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At 2-0, it looked a long way back.

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Cheltenham nearly pulled one back just after the hour.

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Courtney Jones was a clever lob, but looked destined to go in, but somehow Rose Kite recovered brilliantly to claw it off the line.

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But the game weren't over.

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Not by a long shot.

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With about ten minutes to go, Cheltenham were given a lifeline, a penalty of their own after Millie Pullin was brought down.

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Captain Emily Owen stepped up, kept her composure, and coolly sent the keeper the wrong way.

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Game on, 2-1.

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And then there was late drama.

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Deep in the added time, Bella Hall rose highest and looped ahead over the advancing keeper to level things up at 2-2.

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And here's how that moment sounded with commentary by Owen Mason.

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Wimbledon just trying to defend with their life here.

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It'd be a crucial three points for them to get up their relegations.

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An incredible comeback from Cheltenham Town women who snatch a vital point right at the death.

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We're just two games left in the season.

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Here is Libby Bell, what she had to say after that match.

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Yeah, I think it was a good comeback.

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Obviously, a bit of a stressful game.

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We didn't want it to go that way, but I think it just shows the fight and desire this team have, like in the last 10 minutes, like to get two goals back.

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I think was really impressive.

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So yeah, happy with that.

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Yeah, you're in the lead up to another thing for you the Paris Marathon.

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First of all, how nice is it to be able to do things like that in the season?

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And it's quite a quite a big city to do it in as well.

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Yeah, I think it's definitely helped this season with my fitness.

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I feel really fit on the pitch, which is nice.

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So I think that's something I've struggled with in the past, and now this season that's not holding me back.

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So yeah, I'm really happy with how it's going.

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And yeah, three weeks to go, so fingers crossed.

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So full time, Cheltenham Town 2, AFC Wimbledon 2, and plenty of fight shown when it mattered most.

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Now, Cheltenham Town women are back in action today as they take on Bristol City women under 21s at Catia Lane.

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Kickoff is at 2 pm with gates opening at 12.30.

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Now the tickets are six pounds for adults and just a pound for under 18s.

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And it's a great chance to get down and support the Robins in a Gloucestershire Gloucester FA Women's Senior Cup game.

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But that's not the big one.

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The big one to look out for is the final home game of the season, which is on Sunday, the 5th of April.

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Cheltenham take on hashtag UnitedWomen in what promises to be a fantastic occasional match, which has been moved from the 12th of April due to the Cheltenham women team's players, some of them, I think about three or four of them, out on international duty.

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It's a high-level women's football.

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It's been going to be fast, physical, and exciting.

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All in a really welcoming, family-friendly environment, and there's a chance to meet the players after the game for some photos and autographs.

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So the club are hoping for their biggest crowd of the season.

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So if you're thinking about going, this is the one to pick.

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So you get your tickets, the link will be in the description.

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I'm hoping I will be able to get down there as well.

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And if you if I do and you see me, come and say hello.

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Okay, now for some Cheltenham community notice boards, after I've had a sip of tea.

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So bear with me a second.

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Right.

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Now there are free blood pressure checks are available now across Cheltenham throughout a number of local community organisations.

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The initiative is backed by£45,000 of funding from the NHS Gloucestershire and is being delivered by Springback Community Group with around 1,600 people expected to benefit by the end of the year.

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You can get a free check at places you may already visit, including community centres, food banks, and supports groups such as the YMCA, the Cheltenham Food Bank, and Cornerstone Centre.

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The idea is to make testing easier and more accessible, especially for people who might not regularly visit the GP.

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Staff and volunteers will be on hand to offer support, reassurance and advice if anything needs following up.

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Health experts say around one in three adults has high blood pressure.

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I'm one of them.

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With no symptoms.

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So a quick check like this could make a real difference.

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No appointment is needed, just pop along with when you're visiting one of the participating community venues, and you can find details and locations from the link in the description.

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Now heading back to football, briefly, because Cheltenham Town Football Club are currently looking for a head groundsman to oversee the pitches at both the stadium and their training ground.

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The role involves managing pitch maintenance to Football League standards, leading a small team and planning work throughout the season.

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They're looking for someone with at least five years' experience in sports turf and relevant qualifications.

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If that sounds like you and you want to apply, you can send the CV and covering letter.

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Full details, you guess it, are in the link in the description.

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Now, this one's a bit of fun.

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There's a free community choir is starting at the Springbank Community Resource Centre in West Sheltenham.

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It's open to anyone aged 18 and over, and no experience is needed.

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Just bring your voice.

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The sessions are friendly and informal, running on Wednesdays from 11 till 12 pm, starting from April 22nd and continuing through to early July.

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It's a great way to meet people, build confidence, and just enjoy a bit of singing in a relaxed environment.

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The choir is funded by a community grant and developed in partnership not developed, delivered in partnership with Every Voice Choirs at the Everyman Theatre.

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If you're interested, and you can find booking DLs and links in the description.

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Now it's time for our first guests of the week, and we're going to start off with a chat I had earlier in the week with Archie from LifeSaver Power.

00:18:50.480 --> 00:18:53.119
So I do hope you enjoy what he has to say.

00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:59.839
This is actually really interesting if you've not gone to the race course and you'll find out why.

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Well, joining me now is Archie from LifeSaver Power, the company behind those portable charging stations.

00:19:07.279 --> 00:19:13.359
And to explain how the system works and why services like this are becoming more common at major events.

00:19:13.599 --> 00:19:16.160
So welcome, Archie, to All Things Cheltenham.

00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:16.960
Thank you.

00:19:17.039 --> 00:19:18.480
Thank you very much for having me.

00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:21.440
No, that's my pleasure, and thank you for getting in touch.

00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:35.680
Okay, now for people who might have seen the lifesaver power machines around the Cheltenham Festival here, or who have no idea what I'm talking about, would you like to explain a little bit more about what lifesaver power is and how it works?

00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:37.359
Yep, of course.

00:19:37.680 --> 00:19:44.960
So we provide phone charging across live events like Cheltenham and venues.

00:19:45.279 --> 00:19:52.880
So people are out and about, they're using their phones more and more for payments, messaging, taxis, transport, etc.

00:19:53.519 --> 00:20:04.559
And we're seeing a growing use in this, and the the devices we use are not substantial enough to be able to sort of keep you going all day.

00:20:04.720 --> 00:20:12.400
So um we're there to help people stay connected and powered at times of need, and we do that using machines.

00:20:12.640 --> 00:20:23.680
So at at Cheltenham um last week we had our machines dotted around the racetrack, um, and people come up to them and they've got three options.

00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:26.160
They can rent them, swap, or return.

00:20:26.559 --> 00:20:36.000
They press rent, they play a rental fee plus a deposit, and a power bank comes out, it's got all the cables built in, um, lightning, USB-C, and USB-A.

00:20:36.240 --> 00:20:39.200
You can also recharge it if you took it home that evening.

00:20:39.440 --> 00:20:42.240
And then they come back the next day, they can swap it for another one.

00:20:42.400 --> 00:20:47.200
So we're all about value and service and being able to keep you going all day.

00:20:47.440 --> 00:20:56.720
And then at the end of the week on Friday, um, after the gold cut race, people could come back and they could um tap the same card they use and they get their deposit back.

00:20:57.119 --> 00:20:58.240
That's brilliant.

00:20:58.480 --> 00:21:01.440
So what kind of cost is it?

00:21:01.519 --> 00:21:03.359
I mean, that's what people want to want to know, really.

00:21:03.440 --> 00:21:11.039
I mean, if I if I was there, my phone, my Apple phone started going, help me, what sort of charge is it gonna what sort of cost is it gonna set me back?

00:21:11.359 --> 00:21:14.720
So it's 11 pounds to rent it plus a 15 pound deposit.

00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:20.400
So you'd have paid uh initially 26 pounds, um, but then you can swap it for free every day.

00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:29.279
So, you know, if you pick if you're there on the on the Tuesday and Wednesday actually saw the biggest number of swaps, you know, um uh uh over the course of the four days.

00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:32.480
Um and then when you bring it back, you get 15 pounds back.

00:21:32.559 --> 00:21:34.880
So effectively, and you can also share it with a friend.

00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:42.240
So between the two of you, over two days, five pounds fifty, you know, split over two days is a couple of quid less than a less than a pint of Guinness.

00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:44.960
Yeah, I mean, you know, that that's that's really nothing.

00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:50.160
Yeah, it's it's nothing in the sense of keeping your phone alive because I mean that's the important thing.

00:21:50.319 --> 00:21:52.559
And I mean, Wednesday was the busiest day.

00:21:52.640 --> 00:21:57.599
Now I really don't want to say this, but the people know I'm very naughty and very cheeky, so I'm going to.

00:21:57.759 --> 00:21:59.839
It was Ladies' Day at the race course on Wednesday.

00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:01.599
So what do you expect?

00:22:01.759 --> 00:22:03.759
I mean, do I need to say any more?

00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:04.319
Yeah.

00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:07.599
Well then Wednesday was the busiest for swaps.

00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:08.640
For swaps.

00:22:09.839 --> 00:22:12.160
So the Gold Cup day well Friday was the busiest.

00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:17.200
But you know, we we dispensed some pound over a thousand people last week.

00:22:17.359 --> 00:22:22.160
So it's uh it's a service that that that people need and they they love it.

00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:30.480
And our power banks are colourful, bright colours, uh, and they're all filled with renewable energy, and we're we're a B Corp, so we we strive ourselves on sustainability.

00:22:30.960 --> 00:22:38.319
That's funny you should say that because I was just about to say your company talks about sustainability as a part of an idea behind lifesaver power.

00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:44.799
So, how does a system help reduce waste compared with people buying disposable power banks?

00:22:46.400 --> 00:22:47.759
Well, very much so.

00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:50.480
So, you know, batteries are bad for the environment.

00:22:50.559 --> 00:23:08.079
And when I when back in in 2018 when we set this business up, I remember seeing a um a talk on the ethical batteries, and Amnesty International had done some research on batteries, and there are what call are are called artisanal small-scale miners.

00:23:08.240 --> 00:23:20.000
So there's around 220,000 of these people in the Congo, they could be children, and they are digging out their back garden, they're in tunnels, and a lot of people die from this.

00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:35.920
It's sort of it's not it's the kind of wild west, and um I didn't realise how bad it was, and so much so that sort of 52% of babies, according to Amazon International, are born with some defect because of the pollution it then has into the water stream.

00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:46.079
Um, so it's it's it's a really bad thing, and we we strive ourselves, and that really I just had a child at the time, and so I was like, right, we've got to really put this at the heart of everything we do.

00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:50.240
So sustainability and our sort of North Star internally is power for good.

00:23:50.559 --> 00:23:54.960
It's actually on the front of every power bank, and so we do that in three ways.

00:23:55.119 --> 00:23:57.359
So we fairer, cleaner, circular.

00:23:57.599 --> 00:24:05.680
So fairer, so we then supported something called the Fair Cobalt Alliance, and we're name checked in the FT, um, alongside Glencore and Volvo and Tesla.

00:24:05.759 --> 00:24:11.519
And that's all around eradicating child labour and trying to build these mines so they're more sustainable.

00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:16.240
Um, and then we obviously pay above the fair living wage for people that work for us.

00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:18.799
Then the second thing is cleaner.

00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:25.920
So all of our power banks, I know this sounds silly, but that they are cleaned and checked by a human before they go out into circulation.

00:24:26.160 --> 00:24:29.440
So there are other solutions that you could get one back and it'd be the same one.

00:24:29.519 --> 00:24:36.720
So ours are all clean um and ready to go, and they're all uh charged with renewable energy.

00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:44.079
So we charge them in a central hub where where we're in our headquarters, and and that building is paired um with renewable energy.

00:24:44.559 --> 00:24:46.640
Then the third thing is circular.

00:24:47.200 --> 00:24:59.200
So the whole model of of to your question is you know, disposable batteries are bad, one-time use, and then you know, like vapes used to be, you know, and the government have just legislated that um in the UK now.

00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:02.960
Um and so they can be rechargeable.

00:25:03.359 --> 00:25:07.359
So our power banks can be reused, they can be recharged by the person, but also by us.

00:25:07.440 --> 00:25:12.960
And because of the deposit, we encourage the batteries to come back, and generally around three-quarters do, which is good.

00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:15.839
So then we can reuse them, recharge them, a bit like the milkman.

00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:21.119
You know, you get your milk three times a week, and and but it's you know, the bottle is used about 50 times.

00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:31.279
Um so so this is the same model, but the the the the milk is actually energy and juice for your phone rather than than than milk for your cornflakes.

00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:36.079
So um and then we are zero waste as a business.

00:25:36.160 --> 00:25:55.680
So so if a battery is battered or bruised or your listeners have got uh an old battery they don't want, they can literally pop it in an envelope to us, free post lifesaver, put it in a um letterbox, and we'll then send it to a company called TESSAM in in Scotland, and then it goes on a boat to Singapore and gets returned, recycled and returned back into the um supply chain.

00:25:55.920 --> 00:25:59.839
So we really sort of um push ourselves on on sustainability.

00:25:59.920 --> 00:26:04.319
We probably don't talk about it enough, but um because you've asked, I've given you a an answer.

00:26:05.119 --> 00:26:06.000
A full breakdown.

00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:07.680
That is absolutely amazing.

00:26:07.839 --> 00:26:08.480
It's amazing.

00:26:08.720 --> 00:26:10.000
It's surprising what you can do.

00:26:10.079 --> 00:26:13.359
So when you say people can return batteries, do you don't mean necessarily your batteries?

00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:21.440
Do you mean can they return do you mean just yours or can they return the double A battery, for example, that was that they didn't want, or a few triple A's and double A's?

00:26:21.519 --> 00:26:27.359
Could they return those or I I mean we don't really advertise that, but we would we can also recycle those.

00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:34.799
But um, you know, that you're probably your local supermarket probably has a a battery recycling area, so probably direct them to there.

00:26:35.039 --> 00:26:50.720
Um but yeah, we that's something we probably want to probably do for one month of the year, is probably launch a bigger campaign around that, um, and and so that anyone can recycle and we'll we'll you know get certificates for it to show that it is you know being being done sustainably and ethically.

00:26:51.039 --> 00:27:01.519
Yeah, well it's like that double thing that it one it gets rid of any double A batteries or whatever batteries hanging around causing problems rather than going in the bin, and also promotes your company at the same time, doesn't it?

00:27:01.680 --> 00:27:03.519
So it's too too too too far.

00:27:03.920 --> 00:27:06.720
Um just thinking about recharging and so on.

00:27:06.880 --> 00:27:11.599
If I don't know how I mean how I don't know how many batteries are in uh in uh you know in one of your machines.

00:27:11.680 --> 00:27:13.839
I mean, I wasn't at the races, so I'd not seen it.

00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:17.119
But I I'm I'll say there's 20 for just a rough figure.

00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:19.680
But ten times that.

00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:21.599
Oh, right, okay, there's a load.

00:27:22.079 --> 00:27:34.079
I was gonna say, you know, when people return them, do they automatically sort of go and get recharged in the bank, in the system, no in the machine, or do you have that many that you really don't come across that problem?

00:27:34.880 --> 00:27:38.559
No, so we don't recharge them in the machine um for a number of reasons.

00:27:38.640 --> 00:27:40.799
Um, one is so we can make sure they're clean.

00:27:40.960 --> 00:27:50.000
If someone's spilt a pint of beer on them or some you know, some slushy drink or something and it's all sticky, um, then they go into an empty chamber in the bottom.

00:27:50.079 --> 00:27:55.359
They're also designed in COVID, so we have clean and sterilised ones in the top, and then dirty, empty ones in the bottom.

00:27:55.599 --> 00:28:04.960
Um, it also allows us to quality control every power bank as well, from a from a um quality control perspective, and means that we can do it.

00:28:05.200 --> 00:28:12.480
And the and the bigger thing is our machines then run on 12 volts, so not 230, so they step down, so they're a lot safer.

00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:24.880
Um and we don't we're not moving the irons in the machine, so that the batteries aren't, there's no, there's a lot less risk of of um of thermal runway, which venues and events do get worried about.

00:28:25.200 --> 00:28:32.640
Yeah, I mean, once a battery catches fire, especially those type, regardless, that's not a good sign because it's uh it really doesn't go out very easy.

00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:33.920
Touch wood, and that's not a good thing.

00:28:34.079 --> 00:28:39.519
Touch wood, no, but I was thinking of even a phone battery, regardless of what you do, but I mean the principle's the same thing.

00:28:39.920 --> 00:28:42.960
And what sort of sorry, go on, what was you gonna say?

00:28:43.200 --> 00:28:51.279
Yeah, it's a it's a chemical fire, so it's not an oxygen fire like you would have a bomb fire, so that's why it's different and harder to control.

00:28:51.920 --> 00:28:52.480
Yeah.

00:28:52.640 --> 00:29:00.880
Um, and in regards to your power banks, um, I've got like uh the latest iPhone 17, I think, and my brain's gone blank.

00:29:01.119 --> 00:29:04.640
Um, if that needed recharging, obviously I plug it in, it recharges.

00:29:04.720 --> 00:29:07.920
I mean, how many times can your power banks recharge a phone?

00:29:08.079 --> 00:29:11.599
Is it two or three times, or is it like you know, once and that's your lot?

00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:15.839
So it it depends how much you're posting on social media is really.

00:29:16.160 --> 00:29:20.480
Um there's so there's there's that's the honest truth about how many bets you're putting last week at Chatham.

00:29:20.799 --> 00:29:22.960
So it really depends on the usage.

00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:26.160
Um our battery is five thousand milliamp.

00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:31.119
Um I think the average uh uh the average phone is around three and a half thousand now.

00:29:31.279 --> 00:29:46.160
But then if you if you if you add on an influencer who's on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, using it all the time, you know, then then it's obviously not going to give you as much as someone who's just there just to text a friend to say where you are and then have a beer with them.

00:29:46.400 --> 00:29:53.039
Um so so it it varies really, but around one charge, you know, I'd say on average.

00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:56.559
Well you'd certainly get probably one and a half, you know, if you've got a 5,000 out.

00:29:56.640 --> 00:30:04.559
I mean, you know, I think even I'm not sure whether the the Google phones are a bit or Samsung's are bigger than the Apple, but then all give or take about the same.

00:30:04.640 --> 00:30:07.200
So if they're around 3,000, you're gonna get one and a half times.

00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:11.119
So if you're a really heavy user, you're gonna get a pretty good day's worth.

00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:12.240
You'd have to use that a lot.

00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:18.000
But the great thing, the great thing, you can just come back to machine and and swap it at any of the machines for another one, you see.

00:30:18.079 --> 00:30:24.319
So if it does, if any if it does run out, you go, oh, you give it to your mate, you go, Oh, we'll swap it for another one, we'll get another one to share.

00:30:24.559 --> 00:30:28.400
So so that's and that's just included in your your your rented price.

00:30:28.799 --> 00:30:31.920
Oh wow, so that's so really you've got unlimited phone power.

00:30:33.039 --> 00:30:33.759
Yes, yeah.

00:30:34.079 --> 00:30:34.720
Oh, that makes that.

00:30:36.240 --> 00:30:48.160
We do charge in certain events where there is like a camping festival, there'll be a small fee to swap it, but that's purely, you know, just to sort of manage that demand for a little bit.

00:30:48.480 --> 00:30:53.200
Yeah, I was gonna say, I mean, the rate the races here in Cheltenham is a big event.

00:30:53.279 --> 00:30:57.119
I mean, there are sort of you know, over the week there was like something like 200,000 people.

00:30:57.440 --> 00:31:01.279
Um, I mean, have is this one of your biggest events you've put these in?

00:31:01.440 --> 00:31:09.839
Because obviously, if you've been going a few years, have you done sort of you know any big, big events that or what kind of events do you generally use?

00:31:10.240 --> 00:31:14.720
Yeah, we do we have them in football stadiums, a couple of London Premier League football clubs.

00:31:14.960 --> 00:31:15.440
Oh wow.

00:31:15.599 --> 00:31:21.440
Um we have them uh in in in zoos, London Zoo, Pepper Pig World, Edinburgh Zoo.

00:31:21.599 --> 00:31:25.119
Um we have them in every O2 Academy now in the UK.

00:31:25.200 --> 00:31:31.519
So if you're on O2, you can actually go up to the machine and get a free power bank, so you just pay um the rental fee.

00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:35.200
So for any any of your listeners on O2 priority.

00:31:35.680 --> 00:31:55.839
Um there's a little perk for them, and then um yeah, some of the festivals um surely due to the volumes of people, um, they do a lot more um but then those festivals aren't trading today, so it was you know, so where is it where is London Zoo or or the O2 is, you know, so it really varies.

00:31:56.000 --> 00:31:58.799
Um we're quite busy at Taylor Swift in Wembley.

00:31:59.200 --> 00:32:06.240
Um and you know, we got Harry we got 12 nights of Harry Stars this year, Coldplay and Oasis last year.

00:32:06.480 --> 00:32:09.039
Yeah, so it's um it's busy, it's fun.

00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:10.720
You yeah, you really have.

00:32:10.880 --> 00:32:14.720
So um what inspired the idea?

00:32:14.880 --> 00:32:16.640
What was the inspiration behind the idea?

00:32:16.799 --> 00:32:24.160
Was it just watching that photo that video on the that you said about the seeing the the the uh people digging out the stuff?

00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:25.119
Yeah, no, no, no.

00:32:25.279 --> 00:32:26.079
Was there something else?

00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:27.359
Yeah, there was something else.

00:32:27.440 --> 00:32:36.240
So I I ran the marathon in 2018 in London um and got to the finish line and and my parents had been tracking me on the app.

00:32:36.319 --> 00:32:43.279
I lived in Amsterdam and I had a train boat later the day, but I couldn't find them in time because their phones had died.

00:32:43.519 --> 00:32:45.920
And so um we had to get an app.

00:32:46.160 --> 00:32:51.359
Uh we had to, you know, get a um had to find them, we had to get a flight the next day.

00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:56.319
Um and then Stephen, the other co-founder, he was at the football, he's like, why can't we just Uber for power?

00:32:56.480 --> 00:33:03.200
You know, and that was kind of we came from it this from different experiences really, and that's kind of how it all started, really.

00:33:03.359 --> 00:33:06.400
Um That's brilliant, you know.

00:33:06.559 --> 00:33:17.279
Literally, you sort of finish your marathon knackered, and and you want to sort of speak to your parents and their phones had gone and yeah, couldn't have my passport and couldn't get home, so I had to get a phone the next day.

00:33:17.920 --> 00:33:20.559
That must have been I I think it's pre-COVID.

00:33:20.720 --> 00:33:21.440
That's pre-COVID.

00:33:21.599 --> 00:33:36.799
So it's that's yeah, I mean it's it's one of those sort of things that you don't think about, but ironically, in a slightly different way, I've had a situation where my my camera has let me down, but not you know, purely on battery, but it was one of those silly things.

00:33:36.880 --> 00:33:42.400
I was in London at the Oxford and Boat Oxford Cambridge boat race, and I want all I want to do is get a photograph of the start.

00:33:42.480 --> 00:33:44.960
And my phone, my my camera takes double-A batteries.

00:33:45.200 --> 00:33:49.519
I weren't looking at it, I was waiting, and the boats were moving, there was a bit of a wind, so they were delayed.

00:33:49.839 --> 00:33:59.839
As the gun man, as the starter went bang with his starter pistol, my camera went clunk, and the woman behind me literally collapsed like a five-year-old, laughing her head off.

00:33:59.920 --> 00:34:01.680
She said it was the funniest thing she'd ever seen.

00:34:01.759 --> 00:34:03.359
My camera went off like it chopped it.

00:34:03.599 --> 00:34:07.039
It was of course, the time you get your batteries in, you're gone.

00:34:07.279 --> 00:34:10.239
So I know how annoying batteries can be.

00:34:10.480 --> 00:34:12.639
So your idea is genius.

00:34:12.800 --> 00:34:14.639
Do you have you ever done Glastonbury?

00:34:14.880 --> 00:34:18.079
Is that something you've done, or is that sort of not possible?

00:34:18.400 --> 00:34:19.039
No, it's possible.

00:34:19.119 --> 00:34:20.400
I mean, could you put your things there?

00:34:21.119 --> 00:34:23.119
Yes, it's possible.

00:34:23.599 --> 00:34:26.159
Um, so yeah.

00:34:26.880 --> 00:34:27.679
That's a challenge.

00:34:27.840 --> 00:34:30.480
That the would that be one of the biggest sort of to be at hand.

00:34:30.960 --> 00:34:33.360
That would be yeah, that would probably be up there, yeah.

00:34:33.440 --> 00:34:33.599
Yeah.

00:34:33.920 --> 00:34:39.679
That would be up there as a challenge and a half because then a lot of people are using a lot of phones.

00:34:39.920 --> 00:34:40.480
Yeah.

00:34:40.719 --> 00:34:43.360
Um that's that's brilliant.

00:34:43.519 --> 00:34:45.920
So um where is it?

00:34:46.000 --> 00:34:47.840
I was gonna say, what was I gonna say?

00:34:48.079 --> 00:34:52.079
Yeah, we've asked about the the venues and the big ones and so on.

00:34:52.239 --> 00:34:54.639
So I I think we've we've covered most of it.

00:34:54.960 --> 00:35:01.119
Um where's your next big have you got a big bigger have you got any other event?

00:35:01.360 --> 00:35:06.000
Have you got any other events sort of local to Cheltenham that you're going to be using at?

00:35:06.159 --> 00:35:07.760
Or are they all based on the other?

00:35:08.320 --> 00:35:14.320
So well no, well, so you've got the machines in in Oxford, we've got big feestival um this summer.

00:35:14.480 --> 00:35:18.239
So I don't think that's that far away from from Cheltenham as a pro flies.

00:35:18.400 --> 00:35:27.519
Um obviously they're in all the O2 Academy venues, so um there are there some of the Birmingham and and Oxford there and and Bristol.

00:35:28.079 --> 00:35:37.760
Um and yeah, you know, any of the listeners going to Harry Styles this year at Wembley, they can look out for the machines um or the O2, you know.

00:35:37.840 --> 00:35:43.519
So if they're seeing Olivia Dean at uh uh the O2 or co-op live, um they'll they'll come across us there.

00:35:43.679 --> 00:35:53.280
Um yeah, and and and most of the and and zoos, you know, um there's a number of zoos, Zenema Zoo, Marlowe Zoo, London Zoo, Whipsney Zoo, so yeah, look out for our machines.

00:35:54.239 --> 00:35:57.599
I thought I just had a sort of weird a weird thought.

00:35:57.760 --> 00:36:03.679
Um I don't know if it's something you thought about or whether it's just not possible, but I would imagine wouldn't train stations be a useful place?

00:36:04.000 --> 00:36:05.199
Yes, yes, they would.

00:36:05.360 --> 00:36:08.400
And that's actually one of the first places we started in.

00:36:08.559 --> 00:36:32.320
Um and we wanted to get yeah, we do want to get back in there and we had a kiosk in there, but we had to take it out because of COVID, and we we knew it's funny because we were about to run out of stock, and I um I I knew um I remember the the the we were aware of COVID in January, and they because the factory said, no, no one's allowed in the factory, and I thought, what do you mean no one's allowed in a factory?

00:36:32.480 --> 00:36:34.159
There's some virus going on.

00:36:34.239 --> 00:36:35.360
I thought that'd be ridiculous.

00:36:35.440 --> 00:36:38.559
Like they can they can you know get out, I'm sure it's fine.

00:36:38.719 --> 00:36:40.400
But obviously we know what then happened.

00:36:40.559 --> 00:36:50.559
So um uh you know, the rest is history as they say, but um, yeah, so train stations very much, you know, and and transport hubs we know there's there's good demand for that.

00:36:50.800 --> 00:36:59.840
Yeah, because I mean that's you know, if you get delayed or whatever, the last year, especially with trains, because if your phone goes, that's your ticket gone in most cases these days.

00:37:00.239 --> 00:37:00.559
I know.

00:37:00.800 --> 00:37:02.239
So, you know, that's made.

00:37:02.400 --> 00:37:09.679
So finally, are we likely to see lifesaver power appearing um back at this shot with the races?

00:37:09.760 --> 00:37:12.400
I mean, did it go well enough that yes, yeah, yeah, yeah.

00:37:12.480 --> 00:37:13.679
Or have you already booked to be back?

00:37:13.920 --> 00:37:14.480
Yeah, we are.

00:37:14.559 --> 00:37:16.079
We will be coming back next year.

00:37:16.239 --> 00:37:22.239
We've been there probably every year since this is our fifth year, I think.

00:37:22.480 --> 00:37:25.760
Um we've we've evolved quite a lot since then.

00:37:25.840 --> 00:37:27.519
We started with a with a trailer.

00:37:27.760 --> 00:37:39.920
This is before we had machines, um, so we had people, um, and so we've evolved as a business to sort of automate and and add more value to to to to festival goers as they can have more points to swap them.

00:37:40.239 --> 00:37:43.599
So definitely, definitely look out for us next year.

00:37:43.920 --> 00:37:44.800
Yeah, definitely.

00:37:44.960 --> 00:37:50.079
Okay, if people um are interested and would love to find you online, where can they find you?

00:37:50.320 --> 00:37:54.000
Yeah, so we're our website is lifesaverpower.com.

00:37:54.079 --> 00:37:57.920
Um we're also on Instagram and TikTok, Lifesaver Power.

00:37:58.079 --> 00:38:00.800
Um, so they can find us there.

00:38:01.119 --> 00:38:01.599
Wonderful.

00:38:01.679 --> 00:38:10.320
I will, as always, folks, you know, I will put links to the website, etc., on the description so you'll be able to just go down and check there for them.

00:38:10.480 --> 00:38:12.719
So thank you so much, Archie, for coming on.

00:38:12.960 --> 00:38:14.079
It's wonderful talking to you.

00:38:14.480 --> 00:38:17.679
And I've been having great fun watching the lifts go up and down behind you, wherever you are.

00:38:17.760 --> 00:38:21.119
I think you're at some station somewhere, but the lifts have gone up and down behind you.

00:38:21.360 --> 00:38:25.920
Um so thank you so much, and good luck with your lifesaver power.

00:38:26.239 --> 00:38:26.960
Yeah, brilliant.

00:38:27.039 --> 00:38:27.920
Thank you so much.

00:38:28.079 --> 00:38:29.440
Thank you for thank you.

00:38:29.760 --> 00:38:33.360
Okay, that really was fascinating to talk about.

00:38:33.440 --> 00:38:35.039
Um it's a brilliant idea.

00:38:35.280 --> 00:38:41.760
I mean, if your battery on your phone runs down, I mean, there's so many places that could be useful, isn't there?

00:38:41.920 --> 00:38:42.639
I mean, it really is.

00:38:42.800 --> 00:38:54.559
I mean, how many times have you had your phone at a train station, an airport, whatever, and you're like, I want to I need to charge it even for half power, would be something, that solves the problem, doesn't it?

00:38:54.639 --> 00:38:55.840
It's absolutely brilliant.

00:38:56.159 --> 00:39:05.920
Now, if you have an opinion on anything I have said so far in this show, or you just have an opinion, why not have your say?

00:39:06.320 --> 00:39:11.360
You can now message the podcast directly, if you've not seen the social media, on WhatsApp.

00:39:11.599 --> 00:39:12.000
That's right.

00:39:12.079 --> 00:39:13.679
I've set up WhatsApp.

00:39:13.920 --> 00:39:17.920
Um, and you can find links in the show notes.

00:39:18.000 --> 00:39:21.679
At the very top, there'll be a link to messaging WhatsApp.

00:39:22.000 --> 00:39:26.800
Um, you can leave a text or you can send a voice voice note, voicemail, I want to call it.

00:39:26.960 --> 00:39:28.320
It's completely up to you.

00:39:28.559 --> 00:39:31.920
Or if you prefer, you don't want to use the link, no problem.

00:39:32.159 --> 00:39:38.800
You can message or voicemail the show on 0746 855738.

00:39:39.199 --> 00:39:44.000
That's 0746-855738.

00:39:44.559 --> 00:39:49.199
Send something in and you might hear it featured in a future podcast.

00:39:49.440 --> 00:39:56.480
You of course can also email me, old school, at have your say at all thingscheltenham.co.uk.

00:39:57.039 --> 00:40:05.119
So get in touch through social media, leave a voice message using the have your say voicemail on all things cheltenham website.

00:40:05.199 --> 00:40:08.079
I need to check that out actually, because I think there's a glitch.

00:40:08.159 --> 00:40:10.559
But use the WhatsApp, that's what I'd rather you use.

00:40:10.639 --> 00:40:13.039
I want to get people used to that instead.

00:40:13.280 --> 00:40:28.079
Um, now if you've got a local event, community notice, something happening around Cheltenham, or if you run a business, charity organization, or a sports club and would like to come on the podcast as a guest, share news, press releases, announcements, feel free to get in touch.

00:40:28.159 --> 00:40:38.320
You can send your information to info at all thingscheltenham.co.uk, or get in touch via social media, the website, WhatsApp, however you like.

00:40:38.559 --> 00:40:44.239
So I do hope you will contact me for things you've heard or things you want to talk about.

00:40:44.320 --> 00:40:50.639
It can be the the roads, the potholes, it can be the buses, it can be anything at all.

00:40:50.800 --> 00:40:59.920
It can be the state, the the cleanliness of the streets, whatever you want to talk about, or if you want to thank a business because they gave you great service, you get the idea.

00:41:00.079 --> 00:41:03.199
It's your community podcast, so have your say.

00:41:03.360 --> 00:41:11.119
Now, earlier in the week, again, I caught up with two lovely people, Nikki and Eddie from Not A Cult.

00:41:11.519 --> 00:41:19.599
And um, they are a comedy improv team or part of it, and here's what they had to say regarding that.

00:41:21.039 --> 00:41:26.079
Welcome, Nikki and Eddie from Not A Cult to All Things Cheltenham.

00:41:26.320 --> 00:41:29.519
Thank you so much for giving up your time and joining us here today.

00:41:30.000 --> 00:41:30.880
Hello, Ranch.

00:41:31.760 --> 00:41:32.400
Hello.

00:41:32.880 --> 00:41:37.440
Now, obviously, not a cult sounds rather ominous.

00:41:37.760 --> 00:41:45.519
So, do uh would one of you like to explain, or between you explain, what exactly is not a cult for the listeners?

00:41:45.840 --> 00:41:47.679
Well, it's definitely not a cult.

00:41:47.920 --> 00:41:49.599
That's the most important thing.

00:41:49.920 --> 00:41:55.360
Um Not A Cult is an improvised comedy group based in Cheltenham.

00:41:56.159 --> 00:41:56.800
Wonderful.

00:41:56.880 --> 00:41:57.280
I like that.

00:41:57.360 --> 00:41:58.800
Do you want to add anything to that, Nikki?

00:41:58.880 --> 00:42:01.599
Is that or is that basically all in a nutshell?

00:42:01.920 --> 00:42:03.519
That's it in a nutshell.

00:42:03.760 --> 00:42:11.679
We are um performing improvised comedy around venues, Cheltenham, and actually further afield as well.

00:42:12.000 --> 00:42:13.360
Oh, brilliant, brilliant.

00:42:13.599 --> 00:42:16.800
So, how did the group come together in the first place?

00:42:16.960 --> 00:42:20.239
And is there more than two of you, or is it just you two lovely people?

00:42:20.559 --> 00:42:23.360
Well, it's just us two, nothing we're getting done.

00:42:24.800 --> 00:42:25.920
Uh two troops.

00:42:26.400 --> 00:42:28.559
All together there's 11 of us, I think.

00:42:28.800 --> 00:42:29.280
Wow.

00:42:29.440 --> 00:42:32.079
Um, which is quite big for a comedy troop.

00:42:32.239 --> 00:42:41.760
Um how did not a cold uh so we I've been doing improv for oh god 11, 12 years now.

00:42:42.320 --> 00:42:42.719
Right.

00:42:42.880 --> 00:42:51.360
Um and I was in America a couple of years ago watching some improv after taking a break from it, and it wasn't very good.

00:42:52.400 --> 00:42:55.840
And I remember watching it thinking, oh god, I could do better than this.

00:42:56.000 --> 00:42:58.800
And then I really got the itch to do improv again.

00:42:59.039 --> 00:43:09.440
Uh joined a group called Comic Sanscript, who was still going in Cheltenham, um, and started teaching improv to newer students there, which included Nikki.

00:43:09.760 --> 00:43:18.400
Um, and then I don't know what it was about that teaching group, but everyone just clicked and we all realized, oh, there is something here.

00:43:18.559 --> 00:43:21.840
Um, so from there we spun off into not a cult.

00:43:22.320 --> 00:43:23.199
Oh, wonderful.

00:43:23.280 --> 00:43:26.000
So you're the sort of father figure of the group, then I'm guessing.

00:43:26.239 --> 00:43:26.480
Yeah.

00:43:26.639 --> 00:43:29.679
Some would say that the leader, which is incorrect because it's not a cult.

00:43:30.000 --> 00:43:32.320
Because we're not a cult, so we don't have a leader.

00:43:32.559 --> 00:43:34.079
Yeah, you don't want to go down that route.

00:43:34.159 --> 00:43:35.440
Yeah, that would give the wrong impression.

00:43:35.519 --> 00:43:37.039
You know, I'm the leader of not a cult.

00:43:37.119 --> 00:43:37.840
No, that's not good.

00:43:38.000 --> 00:43:38.960
That's not good.

00:43:39.199 --> 00:43:40.960
So, um, one for Nikki.

00:43:41.039 --> 00:43:41.360
Here we go.

00:43:41.440 --> 00:43:42.639
We'll have Nikki over this one.

00:43:42.800 --> 00:43:49.199
So um, for people who have never seen improv before, how does it exactly work or actually work?

00:43:49.840 --> 00:44:03.119
Um well, we perform um a number of scenes, some of which are in the form of what we call games, which will have Very specific rules to be followed.

00:44:03.519 --> 00:44:07.440
Sometimes they will be very open scenes with no rules.

00:44:07.679 --> 00:44:13.920
But the catch to it is that everything is made up on the spot, completely improvised.

00:44:14.079 --> 00:44:17.599
There's no scripts, there's no pre-planning.

00:44:17.760 --> 00:44:21.280
And we take all of our prompts from the audience.

00:44:21.519 --> 00:44:31.440
So we may ask the audience to give us a location, for example, or a relationship between those two characters that are on stage.

00:44:31.599 --> 00:44:42.239
And we go from there and we completely off the cuff, unrehearsed, make up a sketch for you to watch on the spot.

00:44:42.480 --> 00:44:44.719
Hopefully, as funny as we can.

00:44:45.199 --> 00:44:45.840
Yeah.

00:44:46.639 --> 00:44:49.760
Oh, that sounds absolute chaotic at times.

00:44:49.920 --> 00:44:50.159
Oh, yeah.

00:44:52.639 --> 00:44:53.679
Yeah, I bet it can.

00:44:53.840 --> 00:45:00.719
So I'm assuming, and I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm sure I'm a right that basically a majority of the show is basically audience-led.

00:45:00.960 --> 00:45:02.800
They're the ones that shape the show, then.

00:45:04.079 --> 00:45:11.679
Um certainly in what we call short form comedy, the games that we play, yes, very much audience-led.

00:45:12.000 --> 00:45:14.400
We take our prompts from the audience.

00:45:14.639 --> 00:45:18.800
Um, so you know, we like the the chaos.

00:45:19.119 --> 00:45:23.519
The crazier the suggestion, the better it is for us.

00:45:24.480 --> 00:45:28.639
I'm so glad you said that because my next question flows on beautifully from that.

00:45:28.880 --> 00:45:30.239
You're gonna wish you never asked.

00:45:30.719 --> 00:45:34.559
So, what is the most random suggestion you've ever had from an audience?

00:45:34.800 --> 00:45:35.599
Oh, Jesus.

00:45:35.920 --> 00:45:36.480
Oh, God.

00:45:37.920 --> 00:45:42.239
This was from when I was in my very first improv group, knowing Smirk.

00:45:42.480 --> 00:45:48.239
Someone shouted out for as a location, um, Nigel Farage's mustard factory.

00:45:50.239 --> 00:45:58.800
Which was just like, okay, neither of us are gonna play Nigel Farage, so we just just just happened to be in this mustard factory.

00:45:59.199 --> 00:46:03.039
Um, cheese comes up a lot for some reason.

00:46:03.280 --> 00:46:08.239
Cheese and regular one people thrill at you, and spatula which is really weird.

00:46:08.320 --> 00:46:12.079
Every time we ask for an item, every someone will say spatula, and we don't know why.

00:46:12.400 --> 00:46:13.360
That's weird, isn't it?

00:46:13.599 --> 00:46:14.320
It's so strange.

00:46:14.559 --> 00:46:17.280
There's only so much comedy you can get out of a spatula.

00:46:18.159 --> 00:46:21.199
And you've you've probably used it, oh I imagine by now.

00:46:21.599 --> 00:46:23.280
It's it's very small.

00:46:25.760 --> 00:46:35.840
So have you ever been thrown something that's gone completely wrong on stage where part of you have got it and the other has looked at each other and gone, okay, yeah, no, you've lost this.

00:46:36.960 --> 00:46:44.159
Um I think there's always the element of oh god, I know nothing about this.

00:46:44.400 --> 00:46:50.639
Um, a couple of us have our blind spots in pop culture or just general life.

00:46:50.800 --> 00:46:58.800
Um, for me, for some reason, anything that's like downtown Abbey or period drama is a complete blind spot and I panic.

00:46:59.199 --> 00:47:07.280
Um which is can be really funny, but at times you can see the audience are like, oh god, he's lost.

00:47:07.519 --> 00:47:10.159
Um but there are there are tricks of getting around that.

00:47:10.400 --> 00:47:19.920
Just find a single trope, find uh the one thing you know about it and milk it to death and hope your scene partner leads you through the scene properly.

00:47:20.159 --> 00:47:27.920
Um don't do what I did and just start eating baked beans and being like this or doesn't work.

00:47:29.599 --> 00:47:31.280
I've got to ask a follow-up question there.

00:47:31.519 --> 00:47:33.920
What were you doing with the tenner baked beans on stage?

00:47:34.400 --> 00:47:39.199
It was all it was all improvised baked beans, but I just thought I just started I just started miming eating.

00:47:39.280 --> 00:47:40.960
I went, mmm, baked beans.

00:47:41.119 --> 00:47:44.079
And that was that was me going, I'm sorry, I have nothing.

00:47:44.480 --> 00:47:46.480
Um which does happen.

00:47:46.639 --> 00:47:49.440
Um yes, it's it's an odd one.

00:47:49.920 --> 00:47:51.199
That's that's true.

00:47:51.360 --> 00:47:56.000
So so um you say you perform in Cheltenham and other places.

00:47:56.159 --> 00:47:57.599
Where where are you?

00:47:57.679 --> 00:48:03.519
Do you have a sort of set place you perform in Cheltenham, or do you visit all the different bars and clubs around Cheltenham?

00:48:04.239 --> 00:48:06.079
Uh Nikki, you can take this one if you want.

00:48:06.400 --> 00:48:14.079
Yeah, um so we we kind of have two unofficial homes, I suppose, within Cheltenham.

00:48:14.320 --> 00:48:22.800
Um, we do all of our rehearsals and workshopping at the Strand, who have been lovely to us.

00:48:22.960 --> 00:48:29.760
And we actually have our first show at the Strand coming up um very shortly.

00:48:30.000 --> 00:48:36.480
Um we are performing home within Cheltenham has been at Smokey Joe's.

00:48:36.559 --> 00:48:42.000
We've done four, correct me, Eddie, four shows at Smokey Joe's shows.

00:48:42.559 --> 00:48:45.039
And three, I have to mention it, three sellouts.

00:48:45.519 --> 00:48:46.880
Three sellouts, yeah.

00:48:47.039 --> 00:48:55.199
Four shows at Smokey Joe's, and we have um regular shows booked with them now uh for the rest of the year.

00:48:55.920 --> 00:49:00.639
Um we are always open to other venues around as well.

00:49:00.800 --> 00:49:13.199
Um and as I say, we've we've done some shows further afield, uh in Bath, in Birmingham, and we have one booked in Western Superman coming up in 1st of May.

00:49:13.679 --> 00:49:14.000
Wow.

00:49:14.159 --> 00:49:17.039
So you're you're you're getting you're getting established, as they say.

00:49:17.199 --> 00:49:20.719
I'm sure you've been doing it for a while, but you're getting well established now.

00:49:21.119 --> 00:49:35.280
It's it's crazy how quickly we have grown from just a couple of shows in Sheltenham to we're now doing like other shows and other venues, and people are starting to know who we are, which is quite nice.

00:49:35.519 --> 00:49:44.239
Um one of the biggest drawbacks from my first improv group was after three years we should have been doing some touring and we just didn't.

00:49:44.400 --> 00:49:56.239
Um and it's nice that after six months we're at a level to be like, yes, we're good enough to do other venues and see are we actually funny, or is it just the Cheltenham audience who now have been following every one of our shows?

00:49:56.400 --> 00:49:59.280
But it's thankfully we are good.

00:50:00.000 --> 00:50:00.800
So that's nice.

00:50:01.199 --> 00:50:03.840
Yeah, that's been yes.

00:50:04.159 --> 00:50:09.360
You say there's there was eleven of you um from from when you were teaching.

00:50:09.599 --> 00:50:13.360
Uh are still all eleven you together, and do you do all eleven go to the shows?

00:50:13.440 --> 00:50:15.280
Because that, as you say, is quite a lot of people.

00:50:15.519 --> 00:50:19.039
Yeah, so there was it was originally there was more than eleven in the class.

00:50:19.199 --> 00:50:25.119
People just drop out over time, as is the nature of any kind of um class like this.

00:50:25.440 --> 00:50:32.400
Um and then there was some people from Comic Sanskrit who were still in this still in CSS but wanted to join us as well.

00:50:32.480 --> 00:50:41.679
Um, the nice thing about improv troops is you can join more than one, it's not frowned upon at all, and it's actually encouraged to get more experience and play different styles.

00:50:42.000 --> 00:50:46.800
Um we tend to have maybe nine to ten in a show.

00:50:46.960 --> 00:50:52.480
We've not done a show of the full cast yet, um, because it would just be a lot to manage.

00:50:52.639 --> 00:51:07.360
Um and there is difficulties with having such a big cast because people are free to play, and it is a case of well, if you're free to play, I don't want to say no, but oh god, you're it is a lot of people to juggle.

00:51:07.519 --> 00:51:15.599
Um and then you want to make sure people are playing the right games, and people are playing games they haven't played for a little while and want to play, so not everyone's hogging the same games.

00:51:15.840 --> 00:51:21.760
So it is a bit of a juggling act, and it is my least favourite part about the whole process is that that little bit of admin.

00:51:22.159 --> 00:51:33.360
Um, but everyone seems to be fairly happy, and I think everyone knows that it if you don't get to do one thing, one show, next year you probably will be able to.

00:51:33.519 --> 00:51:41.360
Um, and we'll all we all want to make sure the show is as good as it can be, and everyone is performing at their best, more so than anything else, I think.

00:51:41.760 --> 00:51:43.440
Yes, yeah, I would say with that.

00:51:45.119 --> 00:52:01.039
One of the other lovely things about having um a group as large as we do is that there's no sort of pressure because obviously we all have full-time jobs and families and lives as well.

00:52:01.440 --> 00:52:03.119
Um, there's no pressure.

00:52:03.199 --> 00:52:11.519
If you say, I can't make this show, you know that we've got enough cast members that we can still put on a good quality show.

00:52:11.679 --> 00:52:17.679
Yes and nobody has to worry about, oh, I have to come out when I'm not feeling at my best.

00:52:17.920 --> 00:52:27.360
So the cast kind of rotates a bit from show to show, but um we we always put on a good quality show because we've got great players.

00:52:27.599 --> 00:52:28.320
Yeah, yeah.

00:52:28.400 --> 00:52:40.719
It's uh is there is there a I mean, obviously there's two of you here on on here today, but I mean, is there like a minimum you'd sort of hope to have regarding a show like the one you're gonna come up, you've got coming up in the strand, I think you said.

00:52:41.199 --> 00:52:44.559
You know, how many would you sort of like as a minimum, you know?

00:52:45.119 --> 00:52:46.320
It's a good question.

00:52:46.480 --> 00:52:52.880
For what we're doing for the our next show, it's the first time we're trying long-form improv as not a cult.

00:52:53.199 --> 00:52:58.000
Um for that, really, a minimum of four is perfect.

00:52:58.159 --> 00:53:07.119
Um, ideally, five or six, maybe seven, um, would be like the the um golden number to try our different long form types.

00:53:07.280 --> 00:53:14.000
With the amount of people we have wanting to do the show, it's probably we're probably quite limited in what long form we can do.

00:53:14.159 --> 00:53:20.559
Um, but we have found a game which we absolutely love and has been going down really well in rehearsals.

00:53:20.719 --> 00:53:22.559
Um, so that's very exciting as well.

00:53:22.639 --> 00:53:28.159
There's like there's the nice thing about improv is there is always an answer for how much cast you have.

00:53:28.400 --> 00:53:32.960
Um, and it's just about finding what's going to fit us and what's going to fit our style.

00:53:33.119 --> 00:53:35.039
Um and we're very, very excited.

00:53:35.119 --> 00:53:53.840
We're also really happy because this is our first um experimental show where we're trying out a couple of new games, a couple of new short form things, and also getting people who are not in Not a Cult to play and get some stage experience and stage time because that's the that's the best way to improve as an improviser, is just to do some shows.

00:53:53.920 --> 00:54:00.079
Um so we're very excited to be able to give that opportunity to people who haven't been able to do shows before.

00:54:00.400 --> 00:54:01.760
That sounds amazing.

00:54:01.920 --> 00:54:09.119
And to say, without pardoning the pun, if you end up with one or two less or one or two more, you have to improvise on who's there, don't you really?

00:54:09.360 --> 00:54:09.840
Exactly.

00:54:10.639 --> 00:54:11.039
Yeah.

00:54:11.280 --> 00:54:12.960
Sorry, I had to put that in.

00:54:13.360 --> 00:54:24.880
Um again, the nice thing is because there are so many different improv games, and the most of them are very easy to explain, and once you get the mechanics of improv, you can basically slot into anywhere.

00:54:25.039 --> 00:54:32.639
So if, for example, Nikki last minute can't do the show, whilst it's very sad, it's not going to be like, oh god, the show's ruined, we can't do it.

00:54:32.880 --> 00:54:34.559
But sorry, someone else can slob it in.

00:54:34.639 --> 00:54:35.679
That's absolutely lovely.

00:54:35.840 --> 00:54:40.320
Um so it's it's nice to have that safety net constantly, I think.

00:54:40.639 --> 00:54:48.320
Yeah, it must be because I mean I've done show business professionally, um, and most of my stuff has been like proper shows.

00:54:48.480 --> 00:54:54.719
So if someone's not there, you're in trouble because there's a hole in the yeah, yeah, you're in trouble, you know.

00:54:54.800 --> 00:55:02.320
Um, I bash my head in the snow in a pantomime and you know, the the pharmacy who I happen to be outside of said, You want a hospital?

00:55:02.400 --> 00:55:02.880
I said, I can't.

00:55:02.960 --> 00:55:06.559
I'm playing a fry attack in pantomime and I haven't got an understudy, I have no choice.

00:55:06.800 --> 00:55:08.880
Yes, I used to say that's the problem.

00:55:09.280 --> 00:55:19.360
I used to book a stand-up night, and again, dropouts happen, it's very normal, it's absolutely fine, but it is always a pain in the arse when it's like on the day of, oh, I can't do it.

00:55:19.840 --> 00:55:21.599
Great, that's fine.

00:55:21.679 --> 00:55:31.440
I'll find someone very last minute to sort of 10-minute slot, and it's just an extra layer of oh god, I have to do work first and then do more work before I can enjoy the show.

00:55:31.679 --> 00:55:36.400
Yeah, but with improv, it's much more like I hope you feel hope you feel okay.

00:55:36.639 --> 00:55:42.320
If you manage to come to the show, still watch it, but be good, be healthy, be nice, be safe.

00:55:42.559 --> 00:55:43.199
Yeah, yeah.

00:55:43.519 --> 00:55:44.639
That that's that's the night.

00:55:44.800 --> 00:55:48.320
It sounds like it's really relaxed and you should just have fun, you know.

00:55:48.400 --> 00:55:57.760
And I was like, you don't know what's gonna be like you may have the games and so on, which you know, but nearly every show is probably gonna be different because you don't know what the audience are gonna say.

00:55:57.920 --> 00:56:01.039
No slide spatula, and exactly, and cheese.

00:56:02.000 --> 00:56:04.239
I think me and Nikki have found this quite often.

00:56:04.480 --> 00:56:09.760
Sometimes there's the temptation to be like, ah, this prompt has come up vaguely before.

00:56:09.920 --> 00:56:14.320
I'll do the same joke I did at a couple a couple of shows ago, and it never lands the same.

00:56:14.960 --> 00:56:18.480
No, yeah, no, no, I bet that happens.

00:56:18.719 --> 00:56:20.559
Um now come on, Nikki.

00:56:20.639 --> 00:56:21.280
This one's for you.

00:56:21.360 --> 00:56:22.000
This one's for you.

00:56:22.159 --> 00:56:26.159
So be honest, has anyone actually turned up thinking you are a cult?

00:56:28.719 --> 00:56:36.079
Um well at our bath gig, we did have someone offer their friend as a sacrifice for us.

00:56:37.519 --> 00:56:40.480
I I'm not sure whether I want to know what game that was.

00:56:43.119 --> 00:56:45.280
Um no, obviously.

00:56:45.440 --> 00:56:51.039
Um everybody comes out expecting expecting a good fun night, I think.

00:56:51.199 --> 00:56:55.039
Um we've had great audiences everywhere that we've performed.

00:56:55.199 --> 00:57:05.760
Um they come out ready to laugh, and that is such an immense help to us on stage when the audience are receptive and they're laughing.

00:57:06.079 --> 00:57:09.599
That gives us, you know, more incentive to go.

00:57:09.920 --> 00:57:13.199
And uh yeah, we always have a good night.

00:57:13.599 --> 00:57:14.079
Yeah.

00:57:14.719 --> 00:57:16.000
It sounds like you do have fun.

00:57:16.079 --> 00:57:17.280
I mean, I can hear it in your voices.

00:57:17.440 --> 00:57:19.519
You enjoy what you do, which is the important thing.

00:57:19.760 --> 00:57:21.519
You know, if you don't enjoy it, you don't want to do it.

00:57:21.599 --> 00:57:36.239
So no, and there's there's so many little tips and tricks with improv, um, where it is like sometimes you s mess something up, and honestly, it doesn't matter because if you do it with confidently, then everyone forgets about it the next second because something else is happening.

00:57:36.480 --> 00:57:55.280
Um and we're also, I think Nikki will probably agree, we're at the point now where we know each other's weaknesses and strengths as a group, and sometimes we'll play into that and Nikki will endow me with something in a scene that is purposely going to trip me up because it's funny.

00:57:56.719 --> 00:57:59.199
Yeah, I was doing that.

00:58:00.559 --> 00:58:04.159
Well I've I've I've well, probably.

00:58:04.719 --> 00:58:21.280
Um it's actually funny because that leads into the next question I had for you, which is who's is there at the group, is there who's the most likely to completely lose it on stage, i.e., go blank, or one of you pull that stunt where you know you're gonna catch them and you get them every time.

00:58:22.400 --> 00:58:23.679
That's a good question.

00:58:23.840 --> 00:58:25.679
Oh, that's a good question.

00:58:25.920 --> 00:58:30.880
There's always somebody in a group like that that gets gets the giggles or throws completely.

00:58:31.599 --> 00:58:39.840
I think we've gotten pretty good at not breaking unless something like Steve, as an example.

00:58:40.400 --> 00:58:45.519
He is, I call him a walking wild card because you never know what the hell he's gonna say.

00:58:45.679 --> 00:58:50.880
Um, and it doesn't always make sense, it isn't always appropriate for the scene at all.

00:58:51.119 --> 00:58:56.400
Um but Steve has a way of just like tickling my funny bone.

00:58:56.639 --> 00:59:05.199
Um, and I find it very hard to do a scene with Steve and not at some point in the scene just laugh in his face because he's baffled me.

00:59:05.440 --> 00:59:16.800
Um he is uh I think he is like a secret genius with just how random, yes, random and insane he is.

00:59:17.039 --> 00:59:32.000
Um, and because Steve is uh late 60s, early 70s, um and the stuff and he will move like he's 30, he's suddenly just explosive and will run around, and it shocks me every single time.

00:59:33.039 --> 00:59:44.480
It's really lovely that we do have quite um a dynamic range of ages uh in our group because then that like in the most cheesiest way, there is kind of something for everybody.

00:59:44.639 --> 00:59:56.239
Um, there's someone everyone in the audience could be like, Oh, I can relate to this person, this person's joke, how they're telling it, and then Steve comes along and will just point at me and say, I'm a squid, and I'm like, I guess I'm a squid now.

00:59:58.559 --> 01:00:01.199
Completely sort of sidetracks everything, yeah.

01:00:01.440 --> 01:00:02.880
Yeah, that that that's good.

01:00:03.119 --> 01:00:04.239
That that always is fun.

01:00:04.400 --> 01:00:07.119
You know, there's always something of tones for sure.

01:00:07.360 --> 01:00:11.280
Yeah, yeah, I bet it I bet he does, but it sounds like he does anyway.

01:00:11.519 --> 01:00:16.320
Now, you say you've got um an upcoming event, I think we say at the strand.

01:00:16.480 --> 01:00:23.440
So if anyone fancies coming along, um what date, what date and day and time, and is it ticketed?

01:00:23.679 --> 01:00:24.400
That's got you.

01:00:25.280 --> 01:00:26.159
Yes, it is ticketed.

01:00:26.320 --> 01:00:30.559
Tickets are only five pounds, so it's probably the cheapest night out you can get in Cheltenham currently.

01:00:30.800 --> 01:00:37.199
Um our strand show is no joke, April the 1st um at 8 pm.

01:00:37.519 --> 01:00:42.639
Uh tickets are available at notacult.uk because we genuinely could not afford the co.

01:00:43.199 --> 01:00:46.559
Um it's just notacult.uk.

01:00:46.880 --> 01:00:49.760
Um and we also have our Smokey Joe show, May the 1st.

01:00:49.840 --> 01:00:54.400
So if you can't make the strand one, do come along to our Smoky Show on May the 1st.

01:00:54.800 --> 01:00:56.159
Wonderful, wonderful.

01:00:56.480 --> 01:00:56.800
Okay.

01:00:57.440 --> 01:00:58.559
Now come on in.

01:00:58.719 --> 01:01:00.079
I'm gonna test you both.

01:01:00.159 --> 01:01:02.400
All right, I'm gonna throw a bit of improv at you.

01:01:02.559 --> 01:01:03.119
Here we go.

01:01:03.360 --> 01:01:03.760
Here we go.

01:01:03.920 --> 01:01:04.639
You're both ready.

01:01:06.000 --> 01:01:06.719
Fire away.

01:01:07.039 --> 01:01:07.920
Okay, okay.

01:01:08.079 --> 01:01:11.760
I have uh a new feature on my podcast, which is have your say.

01:01:12.079 --> 01:01:16.079
So people can contact me via message or leave a voicemail and so on.

01:01:16.320 --> 01:01:18.559
So I've got one for you.

01:01:18.719 --> 01:01:27.119
So someone would do a sort of juice for people leaving a dramatic voicemail on have your say about the potholes in the road in Cheltenham.

01:01:29.440 --> 01:01:31.920
You've got plenty to go with that, that's for sure.

01:01:32.159 --> 01:01:34.480
Oh Eddie, I think this is up your street.

01:01:39.599 --> 01:01:46.239
Well, let me tell you about how I feel about the potholes in Cheltenham.

01:01:47.199 --> 01:01:50.239
Personally, I adore them.

01:01:50.719 --> 01:01:54.800
The potholes in Cheltenham bring me such joy.

01:01:55.119 --> 01:02:02.000
I lost my license over 30 years ago down a pothole, and I've never recovered it.

01:02:02.239 --> 01:02:09.679
So it brings me such joy to see how many people damage their cars in the potholes.

01:02:09.840 --> 01:02:14.639
The potholes that some have accused me of planting myself.

01:02:14.800 --> 01:02:20.239
Yes, I do go out into the street at night and I do smash up the road with a hammer.

01:02:20.400 --> 01:02:25.519
Yes, it was my family who built these awful roads way back yen.

01:02:25.760 --> 01:02:30.480
And yes, I did make sure that they used the wrong materials.

01:02:30.719 --> 01:02:33.760
And yes, I am an awful human being.

01:02:33.920 --> 01:02:44.960
However, these potholes bring me joy, and is not one white old man's joy worth the misery of so many others in Cheltenham.

01:02:45.840 --> 01:02:50.960
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant, because I promise you folks, he had no idea what I was gonna say.

01:02:51.199 --> 01:02:52.159
No, I promise you that.

01:02:52.239 --> 01:02:55.280
I was no prompting them before we started talking.

01:02:55.519 --> 01:02:58.159
So, do you fancy I'm gonna go at one, Nikki?

01:02:58.480 --> 01:02:59.039
Go on.

01:02:59.440 --> 01:03:00.400
Oh well, that depends.

01:03:00.559 --> 01:03:04.159
This one you may you may be able to do, but it depends how well you know Cheltenham.

01:03:04.239 --> 01:03:05.039
So we'll we'll see.

01:03:05.199 --> 01:03:11.760
But uh it's a tourist asking for directions in Cheltenham, but getting completely the wrong advice.

01:03:12.880 --> 01:03:13.920
Oh, well.

01:03:18.000 --> 01:03:18.800
Right out.

01:03:18.960 --> 01:03:21.360
Am I the tourist or am I giving the advice?

01:03:21.440 --> 01:03:22.239
That'd be the question.

01:03:22.639 --> 01:03:25.119
Um I'd say what you could I could be the tourist if you want.

01:03:25.360 --> 01:03:26.559
You want to be the tourist, Eddie.

01:03:26.719 --> 01:03:26.880
All right.

01:03:27.360 --> 01:03:27.679
There we go.

01:03:27.760 --> 01:03:29.360
We'll get you both involved.

01:03:30.079 --> 01:03:32.400
Oh my god, do you live here?

01:03:33.119 --> 01:03:34.320
Yes, yes, I do.

01:03:34.480 --> 01:03:35.199
How can I help you?

01:03:35.440 --> 01:03:37.519
Oh my god, your accent is just like mine.

01:03:37.679 --> 01:03:39.280
Are you American too?

01:03:40.639 --> 01:03:42.320
No, I'm Canadian.

01:03:42.480 --> 01:03:44.079
How can I help you?

01:03:45.039 --> 01:03:50.960
Oh my god, look, I was just trying to find the Winston Churchill Memorial Gardens.

01:03:51.280 --> 01:03:54.480
I'm such a huge fan of Memorial Gardens.

01:03:55.199 --> 01:03:58.639
The Winston Churchill Memorial Gardens.

01:03:58.960 --> 01:04:08.320
Well, now I could tell you how to get there, but are you sure you really want to go there?

01:04:08.639 --> 01:04:11.039
Yeah, I need to bury my dad.

01:04:12.559 --> 01:04:15.039
Oh my god, can I help?

01:04:15.440 --> 01:04:18.079
That was an absolute blast.

01:04:18.400 --> 01:04:25.599
And I think that we we could bury him there, and then actually, oh, actually, I've got a better idea.

01:04:25.760 --> 01:04:28.960
Why don't we bury him over at Pitville Park?

01:04:29.119 --> 01:04:30.719
That's really lovely.

01:04:30.960 --> 01:04:34.480
Um my god, Pitville Park sounds like such a nice place.

01:04:34.559 --> 01:04:36.480
Are you sure you must be from America?

01:04:36.559 --> 01:04:40.559
That's the only good ideas that come from Americans, clearly.

01:04:42.000 --> 01:04:46.239
Yeah, well, you got me.

01:04:46.320 --> 01:04:47.360
I'm from Boston.

01:04:47.519 --> 01:04:48.320
What can I say?

01:04:49.199 --> 01:04:52.320
Oh my god, I'm also from Boston.

01:04:53.840 --> 01:04:55.119
Oh my god.

01:04:56.400 --> 01:04:57.119
Oh my god.

01:04:58.800 --> 01:05:01.679
Let's get a coffee and bury my dad.

01:05:03.679 --> 01:05:08.800
Okay, I'm gonna stop you in your tracks because I think this could go on for a lot longer, or we can get in real trouble.

01:05:11.440 --> 01:05:13.360
That was brilliant, well done.

01:05:13.440 --> 01:05:17.039
That was really brilliant because I really didn't I didn't know that was coming.

01:05:17.440 --> 01:05:19.280
No, so that's wonderful.

01:05:19.440 --> 01:05:20.320
That was wonderful.

01:05:20.559 --> 01:05:26.639
Thank you so much, Nikki and uh Eddie for joining us today.

01:05:26.800 --> 01:05:29.440
That was great fun, and uh all being well.

01:05:29.519 --> 01:05:34.079
I say I have trouble getting out of an evenings to a degree, but I think I'm gonna have to make my way down to the strand.

01:05:34.239 --> 01:05:47.119
It's only just literally two minutes down the road from where I live to come and see you on the 1st of April, assuming it is no joke, and um and meet you in person, as they say, rather than over the internet.

01:05:47.679 --> 01:05:49.920
So thank you so much.

01:05:50.320 --> 01:05:59.519
And um, do you want to say anything to the listeners regarding the show at the Strand to get them all teased up and wanting to come?

01:06:00.239 --> 01:06:00.719
Yes.

01:06:00.880 --> 01:06:15.760
Uh so the first half of the show is going to be short form games similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway, featuring um people who haven't done the as many shows as we have and are getting their some people, their very first shows under their belt.

01:06:15.920 --> 01:06:22.000
So it's a really, really good way to support new people, uh give them a little boost and to keep supporting improv comedy.

01:06:22.159 --> 01:06:26.000
And the second half is us as another cult doing a brand new format.

01:06:26.159 --> 01:06:27.840
We've never done a long form before.

01:06:28.000 --> 01:06:36.000
Um so it's a nice way to basically give your feedback, let us know if it's if it works, if it doesn't work, um, and just help us get better.

01:06:36.079 --> 01:06:42.960
And then our Smoky Joe show will be our very, very classic, not a cult, uh for two hours.

01:06:43.119 --> 01:06:44.719
Uh really, really good fun.

01:06:45.119 --> 01:06:49.119
Um and yes, it's just a lovely, lovely time.

01:06:49.840 --> 01:06:50.880
Brilliant, brilliant.

01:06:51.039 --> 01:06:52.719
So I must say I will try my best.

01:06:52.800 --> 01:06:55.119
It depends on how well my wife is and how she's feeling.

01:06:55.199 --> 01:06:57.440
I'm I'm constructed by her, basically.

01:06:58.320 --> 01:07:02.400
Um, so yeah, she's disabled, so if she has a bad, a bad day, I've got to be around.

01:07:02.719 --> 01:07:07.920
So thank you so much once again to Nikki and Eddie for coming on to All Things Sheltenham.

01:07:08.159 --> 01:07:14.159
It's been great fun, and uh good luck with your improv shows with not a cult.

01:07:14.480 --> 01:07:14.719
Thank you.

01:07:15.039 --> 01:07:15.679
Thank you so much.

01:07:15.920 --> 01:07:16.719
Thanks, Fred.

01:07:18.079 --> 01:07:20.880
Now it really was great fun chatting with them.

01:07:21.039 --> 01:07:22.880
It it really was, I promise.

01:07:23.039 --> 01:07:31.119
Um, so don't forget, you can actually watch them live at the Strand on Wednesday, the 1st of April, start at 8 o'clock.

01:07:31.440 --> 01:07:32.880
You do need to book tickets.

01:07:32.960 --> 01:07:39.199
Now I spoke to I messed they messaged me on Saturday, and half the tickets have gone.

01:07:39.280 --> 01:07:45.360
So if you do want to not miss out on this um great evening, you need to get the tickets booked.

01:07:45.440 --> 01:07:49.039
I've got mine, um, so I hope to be there.

01:07:49.280 --> 01:07:54.320
So the link is in the description, plus a link to their website I'm putting on as well.

01:07:54.559 --> 01:07:58.320
So uh that should be a great bit of fun.

01:07:58.800 --> 01:08:10.000
Now, if you're looking for something a little bit different to do in Cheltenham, there's a brand new splatter room is opening, or it is open actually, because it opened on third the 31st of March.

01:08:10.320 --> 01:08:12.639
Oh no, it's open on Tuesday the 31st of March.

01:08:12.719 --> 01:08:14.000
My dates are all wrong.

01:08:14.159 --> 01:08:27.199
Um, it's a fun, messy paint experience where you can throw spray and splat paint on the walls, canvases, and of course, on each other, all while wearing protective gear.

01:08:27.520 --> 01:08:38.640
See, sessions last around an hour, it's suitable for ages seven and over, and it could be a fun idea for families, friends, birthdays, or just something a little different to try locally.

01:08:38.720 --> 01:08:44.399
Now the price is start at£40 for two people or£60 for up to four.

01:08:44.640 --> 01:08:51.279
It's being launched by the team behind the Escape Rooms Cheltenham and booking is already available on their website.

01:08:52.079 --> 01:09:01.039
Now, if you're looking for something to do a little bit special at Easter, the Ivy is in Cheltenham is hosting an Easter bunny breakfast in April.

01:09:01.279 --> 01:09:11.119
The Ivy Montpellier will be welcoming families for the themed breakfast experience where children can enjoy meeting the Easter bunny alongside a morning meal.

01:09:11.279 --> 01:09:19.520
The event's been designed as fun, family-friendly outing during the Easter holidays, combining food, entertainment, and a bit of seasonal magic.

01:09:19.760 --> 01:09:26.560
Spaces are expected to be very popular, so booking in advance is recommended if you're planning to attend.

01:09:26.720 --> 01:09:31.039
I wouldn't just turn up because you might find they've sold out and there's no tables.

01:09:31.119 --> 01:09:34.079
So do use the link in the description.

01:09:34.880 --> 01:09:43.439
Now there's an exciting art exhibition currently taking place and is still on in Cheltenham, showcasing talents from across the forest of Dean.

01:09:43.840 --> 01:09:53.199
The Far Open Art Collective has brought its spring exhibition to the 16 Gallery, featuring a wide range of contemporary artwork from local artists.

01:09:53.439 --> 01:10:02.560
Visitors can explore everything from paint and sculpture to ceramics, textiles, jewellery and photography, highlighting the depth of creative talent in the region.

01:10:02.800 --> 01:10:11.119
The exhibition is open daily from 10 till 4 and runs until Tuesday the 1st of April, where free entries for anyone who would like to attend.

01:10:11.279 --> 01:10:17.840
And it's a great opportunity to support local artists and enjoy a varied collection of work right in the heart of Cheltenham.

01:10:18.319 --> 01:10:20.479
Now, this is a new feature I've added.

01:10:20.640 --> 01:10:22.960
It's on the last Sunday of each month.

01:10:23.119 --> 01:10:29.680
I will do a new section on this day for the upcoming month ahead.

01:10:30.000 --> 01:10:36.000
So these are for April, and then the last Sunday of April for May, you get the idea.

01:10:36.239 --> 01:10:38.000
So now we are heading into April.

01:10:38.159 --> 01:10:41.359
Cheltenham Festival season starts to come alive.

01:10:41.520 --> 01:10:44.880
So one of Cheltenham's big cultural highlights is returning.

01:10:44.960 --> 01:10:52.720
That's the Cheltenham Poetry Festival, which is back from the 9th to the 18th of April, taking place at venues across the town.

01:10:52.880 --> 01:11:03.760
It's a 10-day celebration of live literature featuring a wide range of events, including poetry readings, spoken word performances, workshops, talks, and even open mic sessions.

01:11:03.920 --> 01:11:14.239
The festival brings together established poets and existing and exciting new voices, creating a mix of inspiring, creative, and thought-provoking events for all audiences.

01:11:14.560 --> 01:11:24.239
There is also opportunities to get involved yourself, whether that's taking part in a workshop, performing an open mic, or simply enjoying the performances.

01:11:24.479 --> 01:11:36.319
So if you're looking for something a bit different this April, something creative, inspiring, and maybe even a little bit unexpected, keep an eye out for the full programme and events happening across Cheltenham.

01:11:36.479 --> 01:11:42.880
And with all that all of these events, as best I can, there are of course links in the description.

01:11:43.039 --> 01:11:44.960
I think you're getting to know that now, aren't you?

01:11:45.359 --> 01:11:50.560
Now, here's a really important community event happening in April, and it is important.

01:11:50.720 --> 01:11:56.960
It's the YMCA Cheltenham, which are hosting their sleep easy 2026 fundraiser.

01:11:57.119 --> 01:12:01.840
It's on the 24th of April, a Friday, at the YMCA Sports Centre.

01:12:02.079 --> 01:12:13.119
Participants give up their beds for one night and sleep outside in the cardboard shelters, all to raise awareness and vital funds for people facing homelessness in our local community.

01:12:13.359 --> 01:12:23.680
It's a powerful event that brings people together to understand, even in a small way, what it's like to sleep rough, while helping support the life-changing work of the YMCA.

01:12:24.319 --> 01:12:28.239
If you'd like to take part or support the cause, you can register online.

01:12:28.479 --> 01:12:32.399
And of course, you know what I'm going to say, the links in the description.

01:12:32.560 --> 01:12:36.000
And trust me, one night can make a real difference.

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Now, towards the end of April, this is where the Cheltenham Festival season really kicks in a gear.

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It's the Cheltenham Jazz Festival that returns from the 29th of April until the 4th of May, taking places all across the venues here in town.

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The Sixth Day Festival brings together international acclaimed artists, rising stars, and a wide mix of live performances from jazz and soul to blues and beyond.

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There'll be headlining acts, smaller intimate gigs, and plenty happening around town, including free performances and pop-up events.

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So whether you're a big jazz fan or just fancy soaking up the atmosphere, there is always one of the highlights of Chottenham's cultural calendar.

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And of course, there is a link to the events, the Chottenham Jazz Festival, in the description.

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And a bit of a heads up if you've listened all the way at this far, thank you.

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I actually have a chat, I don't think it's next week, I think it's the week after, but keep checking with one of the artists that is going to perform at this year's Jazz Festival.

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So if you want to listen to that, keep tuning in.

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It's either next week or the week after.

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I genuinely cannot remember.

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Planet Caravan in Cheltenham is hosting its very first sour beer festival from the 1st to the 5th of April.

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Expect a huge selection of around 25 sour beers and some of the best breweries in the world, including rare imports and UK favourites.

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There'll be everything from thick, dessert style sours to fruity and experimental flavours, plus frozen sour beers served from a slushy machine.

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Beers start pouring from 4 pm on Wednesday and will be available throughout the bank holiday weekend or until they sell out.

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If you're a fan of sour beers or just fancy trying something a bit different, this sounds like a really fun one to check out here in Cheltenham.

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Now if you're looking for something a bit different in Cheltenham next week, Love Gloucestershire Singles are hosting a speed dating event on Wednesday the 2nd of April at Mr.

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Cambry's Curiosity, right in the centre of town.

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It's aimed for people aged 28 to 45 and is a great chance to meet new people in a relaxed and fun setting.

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The event takes place at 30 Canberra Place, and tickets are available now via Eventbrite and the Love Gloucestershire events page.

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So if you're single or know someone who is and fancies trying something a little bit different, this could be the one check out.

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I don't need to tell you, but you know where the link is.

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Now there's a great community event coming up for families in Cheltenham this April.

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It's a free kids swap shop.

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It's taking place at Stanton Hall in Charlton Kings on Sunday, the 19th of April from 9.30 till 11.30.

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And the idea is simple.

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You bring along good quality secondhand children's clothes, books or toys and swap them for things you need.

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It's all about saving money, reducing waste, and helping out other local families.

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Organisers are asking people to bring no more than two bags per family and no bulky items.

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So if there's if you've got kids and a few things that are out they've outgrown and could really be useful one.

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You can find more details and check out the link in the description.

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And finally, folks, here is a selection of shows coming up in Cheltenham in April in the theatres from around Cheltenham.

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So at the Everyman Theatre, there's Barnum, the musical that's running from the 7th to the 11th of April, followed by The Spy Who Came In from the Cold, and later in the month, Glorious rounds off with a lighter comedic feel.

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Over at the Cheltenham Town Hall, there's a strong lineup of one-night shows and live performances, including The Legend of Barry White, Northern Live bringing the sound of Motown, and a range of talks and special guest evenings throughout the month.

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Now the Playhouse Theatre continues with a mix of local productions and visiting performances with the Fleetwood Mac experience on the 11th of April.

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The Bacon also has a varied programme of theatre and live entertainment, including the Dolly Show on the 16th of April.

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And venues like the Parabella Arts Center at Cheltenham's Lady College are also hosting music talks and performances as part of a pack month across the town with the music of John Williams versus Hans Zimmer on the 8th of April.

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That's a one-night show.

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So there is plenty to choose from here in April.

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And as always, you'll find listings and full details in links in the description below.

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So there we go.

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That's it, folks.

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That's it for this week.

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If you have any comments, any thoughts, anything you want to say, please use the new WhatsApp system I have done, and you can have your say on the show, and it could be mentioned in a future episode.

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So that's it for this week's folks.

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For all things Chottenham, I do hope you've enjoyed this podcast.

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Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen, and I'll be back again next week for another episode of All Things Chottenham Community Podcast.