Sandford Park — Attraction in Cheltenham

Sandford Park was built to commemorate the fifth century battle of Sandford Plain. The Angles, Saxons, Jutes, and Frisians were all vying for power at the time. It was originally planned for the four parties to fight each other on a home and away basis but the logistics proved problematic. It was decided, therefore, to meet at Sandford and battle it out on a head to head (to head to head) basis. The Frisians had problems from the start. Their coach driver actually took them to Sandford in Somerset, they failed to show, however they consoled themselves by partaking of the Sandford brewed Thatchers Cider. The Jutes had decided to travel by river but at the time the Chelt was only four inches deep and was difficult to navigate. The fact that it flows underground from Waitrose ended any chance of a Jute victory. The Angles parked up in the Lido car park and intended to walk into battle. They failed to bring enough change for the meters so had to trade swords and axes for parking spaces, thus depleting their armoury. The Saxons, on the other hand, were well prepared. They had stopped off at Wolfies sandwich shop in the Bath Road for a boost of protein based energy. They marched the short distance to go to war with the late arriving Angles, who were fighting with only one weapon between two. In a fairly short while it was all over. The Saxons were triumphant. A large silver cup and the head of the Angles leader mounted on a stick were presented in the...

Sandford Park is one Cheltenham's largest. Starting at the eastern end of the High Street, or via the ornamental Italian water garden off Bath Road. The northern side of the park is bordered in its entirety by the River Chelt which is fed by the nearby Cotswold Hills. The park is divided by a road, the town centre side of which is the horticultural side of the park. Well maintained this side holds several water features, ornamental beds and some fine tree specimens. The other side of the park is largely laid to grass and is very much the recreational part of the park. A large, superbly equipped childrens fills one corner near the big H of the Air Ambulance landing pad. The park borders the classic art deco Sandford lido...but is not accessible from the...but is from the adjacent road. However The Lido cafe is accessible from the park and has a good local reputation for good value food and drink...and delicious locally made ice cream. This side also hosts the public free to use...

This is exceptional This Park. In the morning sitting hearing bird song. Tranquil beyond belief. So difficult to understand that this beautiful Park, and beyond the park, something not so beautiful. The rising humanity that are tending to be more destructive to their own future. How and why I ask. Simply. Comes from the top expression. Government don't seem to be able to deal with organising services. But to sit, pause and reflect upon being a child. Children not being parented correctly. I was fortunate to have a mother that taught me life,love of the planet and respect. And, again. There is always ones in this park smashing glass. Breaking rules. I will not tolerate. More public should start to be responsible and make appropriate calls as its your future not being responsible as a citizen to stop trouble and wrecking your future by not taking...