F EATURE IN THE COMMUNITY
In times with darkness unseen in a lifetime, there has been a constant, enduring light… Abeaconof hope T he spirit of community has offered hope. Individuals coming together to make something hard a little easier, to work a little better, to feel a little happier. Cheltenham is
football club, Cheltenham Saracens. Affiliated to the Gloucestershire County FA, and currently members of the Hellenic League Division One West, the team plays at nearby Petersfield Park. Like Cheltenham Racecourse, the Club is a central part of the local community and leads the way with local engagement. Triple jumper Joel Townley was a standalone athlete without the backing of a high-profile club or industry, so we were delighted to give him our support. His kit is provided by us, and we work with him to raise his profile and drive awareness of his position in this challenging sport. In February 2020, Joel won gold at the Midland Championships in both long jump and triple jump. We look forward with great anticipation to see what this young sportsman will achieve next. We recently welcomed the challenge of assisting the Pittville community with their plan to enhance the area’s floral displays. We embraced the opportunity to support them with practical assistance and advice. Ben Hastie, our head Groundsman and local resident is working with the Cheltenham team to share their horticultural experience and expertise. The equine world is at the very heart of Cheltenham Racecourse, so we are always keen to find ways to support different areas of this vast community. None is more deserving than the Riding for the Disabled
honoured to be part of many communities, and we are proud to support each of them in any way we can. Our involvement is wide ranging. From offering tickets to local charities’ fundraising to channelling efforts into more complex initiatives, we ensure that we always work to support as many individuals and causes as we can. The unique circumstances of the pandemic have put unprecedented strain on the need for safe outdoor space. Our land has provided sanctuary for those walking dogs, exercising or simply being outdoors; the Racecourse is the perfect backdrop for a moment’s solace. At the other end of the spectrum, the high energy of Battle Bootcamp’s need for sufficient space has been equally well served. We provided a suitable environment, ending the uphill struggle for organisers to secure safe space. Diversifying like this, using the Racecourse and its buildings in ways never considered before has been a silver lining to the cloud of Covid. As a proud sporting venue, we are committed to supporting other institutions, clubs and athletes. We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of our local
48 THE F E S T I VAL TM SUPPORT I NG WE L LCH I LD PREV I EW MAGAZ I NE
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