Cheltenham

On 12 June we left Yeoville for Cheltenham and arrived at the Cotswold Grange Hotel where we were to spend the next week.

The hotel was built in the 1830s and we had a room on the second floor with a view looking over the neighbouring houses to the nearby hills.

Cheltenham was one of the places to live or to visit, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. This is reflected in much of the architecture of the city.

Royal Crescent

There are also rows of smaller terraces in many of the streets.

Cheltenham was renowned for its spas. The Pittville Pump Room was a major attraction in the nineteenth century being built in the 1820s as part of Joseph Pitt's plan for an impressive housing development known as Pittville. The pump rooms are located at the top of Pittville Park.

The buildings are now used for weddings and other functions.

Many of the grand houses in what is now known as Pittville were part of the estate planned by Joseph Pitt. Pitt became bankrupt before the project was completed but his name and legacy continue in Pittville.

The Montpellier Rotunda, now a branch of Lloyds Bank, was also a pump room in the nineteenth century.

There are many impressive gardens in Cheltenham including the Imperial Gardens.

The composer, Gustav Holst, was born in Cheltenham and there is a statue of him in the Imperial Gardens. There is also a Gustav Holst Museum.

There are colourful displays of flowers throughout the city.

Central Cheltenham is a good place to walk through and explore.

Game 6 - against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham

This time we did not have long to travel as the ground was a short distance from the hotel.

Although located in the middle of the city this was another picturesque ground although surrounded by houses.

The Cheltenham Cricket Club has a long history as indicated on a plaque on the wall stating that the ground was opened on 21 June 1897 by Dr W G Grace who played in the opening match on the ground. Records show that cricket had been played in Cheltenham since, at least, the 1830s.

Once  again our flag was displayed, this time from the club room balcony.

Australia batted first and made 255 from the allotted 45 overs. Ian Petherick and Kevin Meikle both retired after each scored 52 runs. Robin went in to bat in the last over and contributed 6 runs.

Gloucestershire replied making 7 for 188. Robin opened the bowling on this occasion bowling seven overs, one maiden, one wicket for 25 runs. Neil King was the most successful bowler bowling four overs, one maiden, four for thirteen. Another successful game.