Christopher Mace

A Grade II-listed World War One memorial on Ham Hill near Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Somerset, was vandalised with profanities scratched into its stone. Avon and Somerset Police believe the damage occurred overnight between Saturday and Sunday. The incident has angered local residents, the parish council and the Royal British Legion, while the council is seeking expert advice on repairing the memorial and expects to bear the cost.

A Cheltenham-based WhatsApp group created in 2021 to support men’s mental health has expanded into a UK-wide Community Interest Company with about 90 active members and hundreds assisted over five years. Founded by Kelvin Farmer, Brotherhood in Arms now includes interest-based sub-chats, regular wellbeing check-ins and in-person meet-ups. Executive chairman Gareth Blackburn credits the group with helping him overcome mental health and substance abuse challenges. The network continues to grow, including a newly launched Scotland branch.

A Cheltenham mother is petitioning the High Court to reopen the inquest into her 14‑year‑old son's 2022 death, arguing new powers under recent UK legislation now allow access to his previously unavailable social media data. She believes he died during an online challenge and seeks a fresh inquest that could set a precedent for other families. Parents affected by similar cases, including one whose daughter died following cyberbullying, are supporting the effort. The campaign follows broader moves to regulate children's social media use, including a UK ban for under‑16s and ongoing legal action against TikTok over alleged harmful challenges.

A Cheltenham mother is petitioning the High Court to reopen the inquest into her 14‑year‑old son's 2022 death, arguing new evidence from his social media accounts could now be accessed under updated legislation. She believes he died attempting an online challenge and hopes a new inquest will set a precedent for other bereaved parents. Supporters including another parent who lost a child to suspected cyber‑bullying plan to attend. The case is linked to broader efforts to hold social media companies accountable, including a lawsuit against TikTok and campaigns for laws permitting parental access to deceased children's accounts.