Good news! It appears that the Cheltenham Trust has reversed its recent decision to make visits to the Pump Room “by appointment only”.
Friends of Pittville lobbied the Cheltenham Trust, together with other organisations and individuals, to ensure that public access to this iconic landmark was not lost.
As a result, the Pump Room is now open to the general public as before – from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. These opening times are subject to bookings for private events and may also vary on Bank Holidays.
Our priority now is to work with the Cheltenham Trust to improve the way in which the history of the Pump Room – and its setting in Pittville Park – is preserved, developed, communicated and shared, both with the local community and with visitors.
Author: David Page 18 of 24
Another successful quiz night was organised on 5 February 2018 by Friends of Pittville member Amanda Slayton-Joslin. Once again it was hosted by Andy at the Feathered Fish with their Quizmaster Paul.
The winning team
The quiz has become an annual event with the numbers attending growing every year. This year there were 61 quizzers in total including Friends of Pittville members, their families and friends. We also welcomed residents from the National Star College at Bradbury Gardens.
Quizzers hard at work
£347.50 was raised from entry fees and raffle ticket sales. This will support our latest project with Cheltenham Borough Council for additional improvements to Pittville Park, including the reinstatement of some historical features.
Des Marshall leading a walk around Clarence and Wellington Squares during Heritage Open Days
Friends of Pittville and Pittville History Works Group made a major contribution to this year’s Heritage Open Days in Cheltenham. Des Marshall and Steve Blake both led walks around Clarence Square and Wellington Square, focusing on the buildings and their inhabitants, while Gloria and Peter Jones welcomed visitors to take the waters at the Pump Room on Tour of Britain day (9 September). On 10 September a steady stream of visitors visited three of Pittville’s hidden places: the vaulted Victorian wine cellars below Costantinou’s in Winchcombe Street, the mysterious chamber below Pittville Gates, and the kitchen and housekeeper’s room at 48 Clarence Square with its original stone flagged floor, bread oven, pantry and cooking range.
Our garden party held on 30 July raised £370 for Friends of Pittville funds. Over 50 people came along to enjoy the garden at Pittville Crescent Lane and the splendid selection of cakes baked by members of the committee. Although we were well prepared for the very changeable English summer weather, the rain held off. Our Queen’s Award and the accompanying certificate signed by Her Majesty (presented at the ceremony the preceding day) were also on display for all to see.
You can see a selection of photos from the event here:
Judie Hodsdon receiving the award from the Lord Lieutenant
Friends of Pittville received their prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service from the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Dame Janet Trotter, at a ceremony in Pittville Park on 29 July. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Bernard Fisher, spoke on behalf of Cheltenham Borough Council, who nominated the Friends for the award. Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk and local councillor Dennis Parsons were also present, along with last year’s mayor Councillor Chris Ryder. Judie Hodsdon, Chairman, accepted the award on behalf of the Friends and a number of individual volunteers were given official badges.
