WEEKLY column of Fairford and Lechlade news by Chris Roberts MBE. 

1. Local adventurer reaches summit of Mount Everest for 18th time 

Local adventurer and mountaineer, Kenton Cool has summited Mt Everest for the eighteenth time.

He reached the summit of the world’s highest mountain at 08.30am on Sunday May 12 alongside Dorjee Gyaljen and twins Chris and Graham Parrot with Sherpas Pasang Chepal and Fursona also in the team.

Kenton’s achievement of 18 summits has now broken his own record for the most Mt Everest summits by any foreign climber. Dorjee also achieved a record-breaking 22 expeditions to the top of Everest.

Confirmation is now awaited to find out if Chris and Graham Parrot will take the record to become the first British twins to stand on the summit of Mt Everest.

It took just three weeks from leaving the UK to reaching the summit of the highest mountain in the Himalyas to complete this achievement.

Kenton said: “It may not have been the weather we wanted – thick cloud and no views – but Dorjee, Pasang, the Twins and I stood on top of the world on Sunday morning. This fulfilled an ambition of Chris and Graham aka The Twins, who performed like legends on the day.”

Kenton (51) also holds the record for being the first British mountaineer to climb Mt Nuptse, Mt Everest and Mt Lhotse in one season in 2013.

2. New mayor and deputy mayor for Fairford 

At the Annual Meeting of Fairford Town Council on Tuesday May 14, Cllr Marcus Stroud was elected by his fellow Councillors to be the new Fairford Town Mayor and Cllr Colin Foxall was elected to the position of Deputy Mayor.

Both positions are usually held for a two-year term.

The town councillors also agreed on the Councillors who would represent the Town Council on the committees of various Fairford organisations and groups. To find out more, please contact the Town Clerks on 01285 712344 or clerks@fairfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

3. Concert in aid of St Mary's Church 

The Hope Concert is in aid of St Mary’s Church ‘Help Our People Enterprise’ bringing hope and help for Fairford families experiencing life-changing circumstances. Taking place on Saturday May 25 at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Fairford.

Wine and light snacks available. No ticket required. Retiring donations. Details of who will be performing to be released soon.

4. Day of frolics on Bank Holiday Monday 

Come and enjoy a day of frolics on Monday May 27 from 11.30am at Eastleach Playing Field. There will be Children’s Football; Children’s and Adults’ Touch Rugby; Adults’ Football (Married vs Unmarried); Children’s Sacks & Obstacle Course; Fun & Games then down to the river for Frolics Regatta plus the Legendary Tug of War! For more information, contact Dylan_jones93@hotmail.com.

5. New exciting proposal 

The Hub is a new and exciting proposal where you will discover The Lakes Bar & Kitchen and the proposed Boat House set within the established Lakes by yoo development. Come along and see the initial design.

The Public Consultation will available until Thursday June 6 from 9am-5pm at The Lakes Bar & Kitchen, near Lechlade GL77 3DT. Your feedback will help shape the vision to make The Hub a multi-functional and well-designed destination for residents and visitors at The Lakes by yoo.

6. Schools could benefit from extra funding 

Qualifying schools in Gloucestershire could benefit from funding towards getting pupils outdoors and connecting with nature, thanks to a UK charity. The educational charity, The Ernest Cook Trust based in Fairford, has opened a new funding round for its popular Outdoor Essentials Grant which, since it was launched in 2019, has now totalled more than £1million. Qualifying primary and special schools can apply for a £500 grant, with £1,000 available for secondary schools.

Priority is given to schools located in areas of high deprivation and/or with pupils living in challenging circumstances, as well as to schools which regard Outdoor Learning and environmental engagement as an important part of education. For more information about the Outdoor Essentials Grant. visit https://ernestcooktrust.org.uk/what-we-do/everything-outdoors/outdoor-essentials-grant/.

7. Event to support Project Inspire 

The next event to support Project Inspire is Lechlade Open Gardens on Bank Holiday Monday May 27 from 2pm-5pm.

A variety of interesting gardens in three clusters around the town, varying in size and design. Tea and cake will be served in the Church, which will also have impressive floral displays. Tickets are £10 to include tea and cakes.

Available from The Health Box, on the day in the Market Place or online at www.stlawrencelechlade.org.uk. All proceeds will go towards Project Inspire which is restoring and re-ordering the church for future generations.