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REVIEW OF SECOND COMMUNITY CRAFT & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Starting with a gusty early Saturday morning, when the tents refused
to stay up and the display boards were crashing to the ground with a domino effect, the outlook for the second Cheltenham Connect Community Craft and Music Festival did not look good! But all that was forgotten as the local craft people arrived to set up their stalls at the Norwood Arms and a procession of musicians took to the stage both at the Norwood and Exmouth Arms.
 | | Bubonic Wind Band |
And, when the sun came out, the scene was set for a beautiful
weekend for local people to come and experience what it is truly like
to be part of a vibrant local community. With everything from cupcakes to earrings and pottery plates to aprons, the craftspeople of the area offered the visitors a real treat whilst the children that came along were entertained by a very artistic face painter and bouncy
castle.
On the music and entertainment side, there was also a wide range from rock to jazz and choirs to belly dancing. You can see the gallery images from the festival here or feel free to post yours to our Facebook page.
On the more serious side of public information, there was a stand that gave locals a chance to learn all about the history of Cheltenham Connect and the projects we are involved in that attracted a lot of interest.
 | | Wendy discussing Cheltenham Connect achievements with locals |
BATH ROAD CONNECT STREETS PROJECT
We held an exhibition about the project at our summer festival (as part of the overall stand above) and it is now on show at the shop Cook in the Bath Road. Do pop in to see what we are planning. You will be able to watch our progress, share your own ideas or offer to be a sponsor via our website www.connectmystreet.org
 | | Close up of Connect Streets exhibition boards |
Lots of people signed up at the festival to the new Friends of the Bath Road group and we hope that this will be a group of people who will then meet regularly to look after and maintain the planters once they have been created. You can join this through the website or by emailing lizzie@cheltenhamconnect.co.uk .
 | | The Bath Road Traders in action |
The Bath Road Traders have now had their own very eye-catching red t-shirts made and are already meeting monthly to help keep the street looking good.
They have also taken over the running of the toilet in the Bath Road Car Park from the council so watch out for some fun improvements that they hope to make.
ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
On the 23rd of June Richard Pate and Nauton Park Primary schools came together for a fascinating history morning where, in front of an audience of 120 children) nominated children interviewed 15 older residents about how shopping and food production has changed over the last 80 years. We hope to complete the Leckhampton and St James' Primary school sessions before the end of the school term and the full recordings of the sessions will then be made available on our history website www.cheltenhamsouthtown.org
If you are a local trader or resident (or have someone in your family) who would like to be involved in this please contact wendy@cheltenhamconnect.co.uk
COMING UP: CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Make a date in your diary for the Christmas Craft Fair that will be open on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December 10-6 and Sunday 4th December 11-4. If you are interested to exhibit, please contact scarlett@cheltenhamconnect.co.uk for an application form.
The closing date for entries is Monday 17th October.
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