[kj] Mrs Coleman's Gloucestershire uprising

[Paul Rangecroft]

does she know about the lovely antique table her son and his boozy mates 
broke in the e'g boardroom? jc's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy! 
he should write a song about this and call it "the door's concerto". isn't 
his dad a trained architect or summat? damn those middle classes and their 
petty meddling - haven't they got anything better to do like read the daily 
mail or go to bridge club?

>From: "nicholas fitzpatrick" <gasw30 at hotmail.com>
>
>Sorry to throw you into the spotlight of the gathering Mrs Coleman, but we 
>will all admire your anti-corporate stance.
>
>>From LexisNexus:
>
>>>>>Copyright 2004 Gloucestershire Echo
>Gloucestershire Echo
>
>July 1, 2004
>
>SECTION: News; Other; Others; Pg. 7
>
>LENGTH: 539 words
>
>HEADLINE: Plan for jewellery shop is a disgrace
>
>BODY:
>Gloria Coleman said proposals by fashion and jewellery chain Accessorize 
>for the former Scott Cooper building would mean a loss to the town's 
>heritage. The frontage includes period curved glass, brass mouldings and a 
>unique glass door.
>
>Accessorize plan to expand into the now empty shop next to their existing 
>store and want to replace the art nouveau door, remove a staircase and 
>create openings between the two properties.
>
>Their application for listed building consent says the existing store would 
>be modified to match the former Scott Cooper building.
>
>The jewellery dealership was opened in 1906 by W Scott Cooper and was run 
>by four generations of the family until last year, when they said the 
>industry had become dominated by designer labels.
>
>Its collection of remaining jewellery was sold for £85,000 at auction last 
>month. Phone bidders from as far afield as Hong Kong, Russia, the US and 
>Australia competed with those present at the auction, held at the Tithe 
>Barn in Southam, for hundreds of pieces of Russian and art nouveau 
>jewellery, silverware and furniture.
>
>Some of the most sought-after items, a Faberge egg and jade puppy, went for 
>£2,500 and £1,500 respectively.
>
>Mrs Coleman, who lives in Charlton Kings, said: "It's a jewel in the crown 
>- one of the last remaining original frontages.
>
>"The brass mouldings and entrance are pure art nouveau." Mrs Coleman, 72, 
>added: "I was here 50 years ago and fell in love with it.
>
>"I still get a kick walking down the Prom but many of the unique features 
>have gone and this is one of the last ones.
>
>"I'm a committed Cheltonian. I really love this town and when I see 
>something being taken away from it, it makes me very angry.
>
>"I ask all those who are proud of our Promenade to write to Cheltenham 
>Borough Council and protest before it is too late." Mrs Coleman, although 
>retired, still works as a supply teacher at Lakeside Primary School in 
>Hatherley.
>
>She was named Teacher of the Year in 1994 and is the mother of Jaz Coleman 
>from the acclaimed metal band Killing Joke.
>
>Accessorize's application has also been criticised by Cheltenham Civic 
>Society, which strongly recommends refusal.
>
>The society's comments on the application read: "The shop front of number 
>52 is the last remaining from an earlier time - an historic curiosity - and 
>as such, must remain intact.
>
>"The removal of the door opening, with its radiused glass recess, would 
>reduce much of its charm and be a significant loss to the Promenade." 
>Society chairman John Henry said there was no objection to Accessorize 
>taking over the property, just to their plans for the front.
>
>"One can see the windows being used as a nice display for Accessorize," he 
>said.
>
>"It's very nice and there's no better example in Cheltenham. It would be a 
>great pity to lose it." Store manager Donna McMeekin said: "The front of 
>the building isn't going to be touched.
>
>"The Accessorize that's currently here will look more in keeping with the 
>shop next door, rather than do anything with the Scott Cooper building." 
>Cheltenham Borough Council's planning department will consider the 
>application, and all representation from the public, over the coming weeks.

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