Lanterns

Aren't these lanterns lovely? They represent one of the things I like about the run up to Christmas, little stalls and Christmas gift shops that spring up out of nowhere. These mosaic lanterns were on a stall that has appeared under the escalator in the Regent Arcade. The stall has all sorts of candles, lamps and glassware gifts. The lanterns are an absolute bargain, the long ones and the large round ones are just £10 each and the small round ones (like the multi-coloured one at the top of the photo) are £5 each or three for £12! I know it sounds like I work for their advertising department, but at these prices they're a steal! The problem was I couldn't think of anyone to buy one for. I'll have to go back and get one for myself...or maybe three for £12!

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Spice Of Life

The Indus restaurant is one of my favourites in town. It serves delicious Indian food, their Naan bread is the best! The front of the building stands out from all those around it, what with its columns and mosaic tiles. And inside it is alive with colour, paintings, bright fabrics and fantastic smells. The staff are friendly and give great service and it isn't that expensive to eat there. And when you leave the ladies are given a flower. Ideal for a night out when you've forgotten to get flowers for your date!

Check out the menu to get your taste buds going!

Elephant Rampage

Last weekend I posted a teaser for today's post. The photos below show five tiled mosaic murals in a small alleyway off of the High Street. The murals tell the story of the day the Circus visited town and the Elephants went on the rampage!

In March 1934 Chapman's Great London Z00-Circus came to Cheltenham. The Circus boasted 28 of the finest acts never before seen in England. They also had lions, tigers, polar bears, comedy black bears, boxing kangaroos and elephants. Could you imagine that being allowed today?! As the advertising parade went through town some of the elephants broke free and headed for the seed merchant and pet shop, Bloodworths. One of the elephants entered the shop and started to have his fill of seed and pet food, another elephant got stuck in the doorway! Little damage was done, some people said it was part of a publicity stunt. Did they do that back then?! Bloodworths Pet Shop is still open in Cheltenham, though elephants are now banned!

The Circus parade begins to work its way through town.

The Ringmaster advertises the Circus.

One of the Elephants breaks free and heads for the goodies.

A keeper struggles to remove one of the Elephants.

The police and locals look on aghast.

And here is a photo taken on the day.

Hope you enjoyed this tale!

On a different note - I have added word verification to my comment box due to all the 'see hear' 'click here' spam comments I am receiving. I don't really like this but I've got no choice. Hope this doesn't stop you commenting.

Elephant Tease

I'm short of photos, so this one is a shot of something to come! It is one of several photographs that I'm holding onto until I get the story and the history right. It is part of a mosaic mural, in an alleyway in town, that tells the story of the day the circus came to Cheltenaham. And the day it all went a bit wrong! I'll post the full story next week.

I know. I'm a tease!

Designer Mosaic

This impressive mosaic tile covered shop front belongs to ladies designer clothes shop Beatrice Von Tresckow Designs. The shop, situated on the corner of Bath Road and Sandford Street, used to be a pub (though I can't find anything about it as yet) and changed its frontage dramatically when Beatrice moved in. Cheltenham Borough Council are notorious for being very restrained in allowing people to change the exterior of buildings but they passed this application. The many shades of blue and gold tiles stretch all the way across the double fronted shop, under the first floor windows, and on the corner shown go from the ground to the roof. The elaborate design and colours reflect the clothes and accessories within. Beatrice Von Tresckow takes influence for her designs from Asia, Africa and the Far East and uses beads, jewels and embroidery to great effect. The designer look does come with a designer price tag but, as they say, you get what you pay for!

The building in the background on the right hand side of the photo is Eagle Tower, Cheltenhams tallest building - all 12 storeys!