Bike Marking For Children In Quedgeley
By admin | June 10, 2008
Children in Quedgeley have the opportunity to get their bicycles security marked by Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).PCSOs Siobhan Limbrick and Andrew Baxter from the Gloucester South Community Safety Team will have a stall at the Beaufort School fete in Windsor Drive on Saturday June 21st.
They will be placing crime prevention stickers on bicycles and giving out leaflets, pens and balloons between 1.30 and 4pm.
This is also an opportunity for parents and children to speak to the PCSOs about any problems or concerns they have in their local area.
Topics: Gloucestershire, Quedgeley | No Comments »
Sensational live entertainment this summer
By admin | May 13, 2008
An eclectic mix of live entertainment is on offer in the gorgeous surroundings of Cheltenham’s favourite venues this summer. Celebrated names in comedy include Simon Amstell, Russell Howard and Paul Merton’s Impro Chums. Music lovers can look forward to Petula Clark, Boy George, Billy Ocean and The Stylistics to name but a few.
Derek Aldridge, Cheltenham Town Hall and Entertainment Manager said “Tickets are already selling fast and with visits to our website doubling in the last year, we are looking forward to a busy summer season”.
For a truly memorable night out live comedy is an excellent choice and there is an impressive line-up this summer such as Simon Amstell who originally made his name as presenter of Channel 4’s Popworld and currently presents Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Hot on the heels of 3 sell out tours in the space of a year Russell Howard is back with a brand new show. A regular on BBC2’s Mock the Week and BBC6 Music, Russell’s enthusiasm and humour are infectious. Anything could happen at Paul Merton’s Impro Chums show. Paul and his chums take audience suggestions and the laughter ensues. Be warned though there could be some swearing! A must-see is Frankie Boyle who has the accolades of appearing in every episode of BBC2’s Mock the Week and over one hundred sold-out tour dates.
Edinburgh Festival Preview is a rare opportunity to see exciting new material by up and coming comedians ahead of the famous Edinburgh Festival. Rob Deering and Danielle Ward join us in the Pillar Room at Cheltenham Town Hall in July.
The musical programme includes Petula Clark, a consummate entertainer with record sales of over 70 million. Petula continues to delight audiences worldwide with her beautiful vocals. Renowned for his unmistakable voice and presence Boy George comes to Cheltenham performing hits from Culture Club and his solo career. One of Britain’s biggest recording artists Billy Ocean will have audiences tapping their toes to When The Going Gets Tough, Love Really Hurts and many more. Soul legends The Stylistics bring us hits You Make Me Feel Brand New and Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love). An Evening with the OperaBabes will appeal to all music lovers. Enchanting music, sung beautifully and with their inimitable style of presentation and dazzling costumes, this will be a truly magical evening.
Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel perform hits from Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) through to their latest release The Quality of Mercy, tipped to be Steve’s best yet. 60’s icons The Animals, joined by Spencer Davis treat us to classics such as House of the Rising Sun and Keep on Running.
Continuing with the nostalgic mood Katy Setterfield as Dusty Springfield in Concert will be just the ticket. Katy won the BBC series The One and Only and is touring the UK fresh from Las Vegas’s Legends In Concert where she appeared with the world’s top tribute artists.
Or, of course 4 Poofs and a Piano may take your fancy, more hairdresser than barbershop, they were spotted performing at Soho’s Groucho Club by the producers of Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and have been with the show ever since.
We also bring you the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers, thundering rhythms on huge taiko drums will resound around the Town Hall – a feast for all the senses. For a girls’ night out The Vagina Monologues is both thought-provoking and hilarious.
Appearances by Tony Stockwell, star of Living TV’s Street Psychic and International spiritualist and medium Colin Fry from Most Haunted are two dates for the diary for anyone intrigued by the spirit world.
Get your dancing shoes on for the Summer Ballroom Dancing Festival in August. The weekend includes evening balls, cabaret and lectures hosted by professional dancers, including Andrew Cuerden and Hanna Haarala who will be well known to fans of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Cheltenham Concert Series offers a striking programme for the 2008–2009 season, including the Philharmonia Orchestra featuring outstanding Finnish conductor Leif Segerstam who makes his Cheltenham debut. They are joined by other leading orchestras such as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
With a selection of regular events such as the Sunday Showcase Concerts and Regency Concerts at the Pittville Pump Room, Howlers comedy nights, a range of Dance events, plus free Bands in the Park concerts held in Cheltenham’s beautiful parks, there is certainly plenty to entertain you. More detailed information on all of these events including dates, times, prices and venues can be found in the latest edition of the Cheltenham Town Hall and Pittville Pump Room brochure.
Topics: Cheltenham | No Comments »
Fun Events At Corinium Museum Over Half-Term Holidays
By admin | April 30, 2008
A trio of family fun activities will have children buzzing with excitement at the Corinium Museum during May half term.
The Park Street venue starts the series of sessions with an fun ‘Graffiti Workshop’ on Wednesday May 28th, aimed at the 9 to12 year old age group. In this workshop, children will learn about graffiti through the ages and they will create their own artwork to take home with them.
This workshop will run from 10am-11.30am and booking is essential for the event.
Another workshop will allow children to ‘Make a crown for a pound’, also on Wednesday May 28th (1pm-3pm). Using gold or silver-coloured card and sparkles, children can make a fabulous headdress fit for a king or queen, and even the smallest visitors can have a go.
Booking is not essential for this event – simply turn up and pay a pound to take part.
Finally, families should prepare to be puzzled on Thursday May 29th as the Museum runs an ‘Anglo-Saxon riddles workshop’. In this, parents and children from six and up get the chance to solve ancient riddles and create their own. Booking is essential and the workshop runs from 2pm-3.30pm.
For more information and to book a place on any of the events, please contact the Corinium Museum on 01285 655611
Topics: Cirencester, Corinium Museum | No Comments »
Stroud Town Centre Plans To Go On Show
By admin | April 29, 2008
Blueprints for the future of Stroud Town Centre go on show to the public next week.
The Stroud Public Realm Strategy will guide future investment in any space between buildings, such as roads, pavements, squares etc. It can include the paving and road surfaces, benches, cycle racks, lighting, public art, bollards and railings. The plans on view will cover key areas of the town centre and revised traffic flows.
The plans can be seen on Thursday 8th May (4.30pm - 8pm) in the Ball Room at the Subscription Rooms. This will be the public’s first chance to see the plans, ask questions and make comments.
“Public involvement in this whole process is absolutely essential,” says Caroline White, Stroud District Council’s Development Surveyor. “The town centre belongs to them. The plans on show are proposals - it’s up to the public to tell us whether we’ve got it right and if not, what we need to change. There will be more consultation before anything happens on the ground.”
The Public Realm Strategy project is led by the Stroud Concordat, a body comprising representatives of Stroud District and Town Councils, Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud Chamber of Trade & Commerce and Project Stroud.
The Concordat has commissioned Dorset-based NEW Masterplanning to draw up the Strategy. The company has a long history of working in Gloucestershire. Support will be provided by Hamilton Baillie traffic and shared space specialists. Before starting work, the firm examined the town in detail, collating key information to understand the town as it currently works, including pedestrian, cycle and vehicle traffic; development opportunities and plans for restoring the Cotswold Canals.
The project will be funded by Stroud District Council with some additional funding From Stroud Town Council.
Topics: Stroud | No Comments »
Stonehouse Police Reception To Temporarily Close
By admin | April 25, 2008
Residents of Stonehouse and surrounding areas will be unable to access the reception of Stonehouse police station for periods in May and June, due to building improvements being carried out at the premises.
The construction work at the station, which is based in the High Street, Stonehouse, will extensively refurbish the interior of the building and provide additional functionality to officers based there.
Unfortunately, the scale of the project means that the reception area will be closed to the public between Monday May 12 and Monday June 9.
While work is being done, alternative arrangements have been made to provide local people with the services normally provided by Stonehouse reception. Consequently, the Nailsworth Police post reception will be staffed between 8am and 4pm, from Monday to Friday.
As at any police reception, members of the public will be able to go to the post to report crimes, make enquiries, produce documents and claim and report items of lost property.
In addition Stonehouse Town Council has kindly offered to assist during the building work, by displaying the Police Information Point in their office in the High Street, Stonehouse. This resource will be available to the public between 9am and 2pm, from Monday to Friday. A member of Stonehouse Police staff will visit the office daily to check if any messages have been left for police attention.
Inspector Owen Hughes, of Stonehouse Inspector Neighbourhood Area, said: “We understand the concerns people may have as a result of this interruption to our normal reception services, and for that I apologise.
“However, we have made alternative arrangements and we hope these will reduce any disruption to a minimum. We would ask the public to be patient and bear with us while these very necessary building improvements are made.
“I would like to reassure Stonehouse residents that even though the reception of their local station will be closed while work is carried out, police officers will continue to work from the station.
“There will definitely be no interruption to the regular and efficient policing of Stonehouse INA.”
Topics: Stonehouse | No Comments »
Tewkesbury Police To Hold Recover Your Bike Day
By admin | April 25, 2008
Following the success of the recent Tewkesbury Police return your bike day, the Safer Community Team will be holding another event at their Barton Street Police Station in the town between 12.30 and 2.30pm on Saturday 17th May.The idea is for bicycles that have come into the possession of the Police, usually after they have been recovered having been stolen, can be reunited with their owners. At the same time officers can offer practical advice and hopefully prevent the same thing happening again.PCSO Emma Birch from the Safer Community Team said, “Several bikes which we believe have been stolen are recovered in our area every month, though unfortunately owners fail to record details of their cycles which makes it harder for us to reunite them with their machines. We ask that anyone who has had one stolen over the past few months attends with some documentation or, if they just want some practical advice regarding security together with having their cycle post-coded with an ultra-violet pen, then they can pop along with their cycle.”This time, anyone coming along to reclaim a lost or stolen bicycle, or just for advice, will be placed in a draw and three winners will receive a free quality cycle lock and chain.PCSO Birch continued, “Most of the cycles that are stolen in are area are left insecure which presents an opportune target to thieves. We urge anyone who uses a cycle to think about security and purchase a lock. Also, record its frame number and details about is as this makes it much easier for us should you be unfortunate enough to have it stolen”.
Topics: Tewkesbury | No Comments »
Stay Active And Able At Cross-Cotswold Courses
By admin | April 22, 2008
Firefighters have come to the rescue of Cotswold fitness instructors – by providing the perfect venue for a weekly Tai Chi class.Cotswold District Council’s Active and Able Team couldn’t find a suitable location for their classes in Tetbury – until Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service offered a solution. Now around 15 older people keep active each Wednesday at their Tai Chi session at the town’s New Church Street fire station.Under the Active and Able programme, daily sessions of both Tai Chi and Falls Prevention are held at 13 different venues across the District.The classes, which are designed for older people, are aimed at reducing the risk of falls, improving balance and can also help people who may be suffering from bone problems.All of the sessions, which are held at a variety of locations including Chipping Campden, Lechlade, South Cerney, Siddington and Pool Keynes, are hosted by trained fitness instructors Denise Nethercott and Monika Godfrey.Cotswold District Council’s Health Development Officer Jeanette Hughes said: “Although the location for the Tetbury Tai Chi class is certainly different, the message remains the same – wherever you are, these classes really do help you to keep a healthy body and mind.”If you think an Active and Able course could be for you, please contact Jeanette Hughes at Cotswold District Council on 01285 623450. Each class costs £2.50 per person, which includes health and fitness assessments.
Topics: Chipping Campden, Lechlade, Siddington, South Cerney, Tetbury | No Comments »
Tewkesbury Police Remind Drivers Not To Leave Sat Navs In Cars
By admin | April 22, 2008
‘Turn around when possible’ - those of us lucky enough to own a sat nav recall these words but the Tewkesbury Police Safer Community Team (SCT) want to remind owners to do just that when they leave their vehicle, following a spate of thefts of sat navs in the town over the last few weeks.The Tewkesbury SCT are telling drivers to turn around after they’ve locked their vehicles and check, then check again, that there is nothing on display that a thief could steal. PC Phil Groom from the SCT reminded drivers, “a Sat nav is an expensive piece of kit and easily stolen if left on display in a vehicle. It takes a couple of seconds to detach it and take it with you, which may save you a great deal of time and money. People may wrongly assume that this type of crime doesn’t happen in quieter areas, but it’s a sad fact that there have been recent reports of these items being stolen in Tewkesbury.Over the past eight weeks no less that fourteen vehicles have been entered and sat navs stolen in the Tewkesbury area alone.PC Groom continues, “Whilst our SCT are carrying our extensive enquiries into these thefts drivers can help us avoid them happening by looking after their property a bit more carefully. You wouldn’t leave your wallet or handbag on full display so why leave a £200 Sat nav attached to your windscreen? We suggest you take the cradle out too as this suggests that there might be a sat nav hidden away inside the vehicle, and rub off any telltale marks it has left.” Anyone with information about these thefts is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Topics: Tewkesbury | No Comments »
Lead Flashing Theft From School In Gloucester: Offenders Cause Extensive Damage
By admin | April 22, 2008
The incidents, which are believed to be linked, occurred some time between Friday April 4 and 1.00pm on Monday April 21, during the schools’ end of term holidays. Unknown offenders gained entry to the school grounds, and pulled down a significant quantity of lead flashing from two roofs, in one case leaving a gaping hole in their wake. Extensive damage was caused as a result. PC Andrew Cooper, the officer in charge of the incident, said: “This is a heartless act that has understandably angered the teachers at the school. Because the crime was committed in the school holidays and the time that elapsed between the theft and its discovery was greater as a result, the damage was even worse.” Anybody with any information is asked to contact police on 0845 090 1234, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident 227 of April 21.
Police in Gloucester are calling for information after thieves stole lead flashing from the roofs of Harewood Infant School and Harewood Junior School (part of the same complex) in Harewood Close.
Topics: Gloucester | No Comments »
No Money To Save The Environment - Stroud Valleys Project
By admin | April 22, 2008
Just as world leaders and all our political parties are finally facing up to global warning, funding to the groups delivering on green issues on the ground is drying up. That is why the Stroud Valleys Project, a registered charity which has been doing just that with public and private funding and the help of local volunteers for almost 20 years, is this week launching an appeal for £75,000 in order to stay alive.
Government rhetoric is saying one thing. But from the department in charge of the environment to its agencies to the national lottery, it seems the money is no longer there to save and nurture green spaces, wildlife or a sustainable countryside. Recent work in the Severn Vale neatly illustrates the contradictions between government words and action. SVP is working with 18 farmers there in a ground-breaking new project which is helping farmers, schools, parish councils and communities in twelve parishes to protect wildlife and its habitats. It is a direct contribution to the Environment Department policy to subsidise farmers who create wildlife-rich areas on their land.
Nature works slowly so it needs to be a ten-year project, but after four years the funding from environment agency, Natural England, has come to an end with no indication as to whether or not the grant fund will continue. Defra (Dept. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), which has seen its own cash-flow drained by floods, bird flu and a Euro farm subsidy mix-up, has cut Natural England’s funding so that it is having to make brutal cuts to its own staff - and to funding for environmental groups.
Just a couple of years ago there was a funding gap for six months while relevant Agencies were rethought, merged and their staffs reorganised; the funding rules keep changing; and then there is the question of whether National Lottery and other funds are being redirected towards the 2012 Olympics. And meanwhile all funders insist that they only want to fund the projects, not the core staff who are indispensable to any well-run charity. Funders also don’t want to fund existing projects, no matter how successful, preferring to fund new and ‘innovative’ ones.
Yet Stroud Valleys Project has been consistently delivering successful projects which regularly over-achieve on their targets, getting more and more people involved in saving the environment and turning more and more of the Stroud district environmentally-friendly.
With the help of Stroud Valleys Project:
- Volunteers are turning an area of land equivalent to 4 football pitches in size into refuges for wildlife
- nearly 1000 adults and children learnt about and helped the local environment during 2006 and 2007
- local people planted or restored 4 miles of hedgerow during 2006 and 2007
- local people planted over 1,500 trees during 2006 and 2007
- volunteers have discovered rare habitats and places where rare species are living that are unknown to conservationists
- 18 farmers in the Severn Vale are creating special wildlife places on their land as part of our ground breaking new project which is helping farmers, schools, parish councils and communities in 12 parishes to protect wildlife
- In 1999, Clare Gerbrands set up the Stroud Farmers Market
- the community radio station Cam FM was set up, which still broadcasting programmes every October to residents of Cam, Dursley and the surrounding parishes getting them involved in their local community and with helping the environment
- In 1997, we helped a group of local people to set up Energy 21, a charity which is now a national one campaigning for better use of renewable energy to combat climate change
- Students with learning disabilities, people recovering from mental health problems and visually impaired people have all been able to take an active part in learning about, and helping, the environment thanks to special schemes organised by Stroud Valleys Project.
Stroud Valleys Project wants to continue and expand on its successful work of 20 years, begun in a time when environmental concerns were low on most people’s agenda. But the organisation is now facing the paradox of closure at the very time when calls to save the environment are at their loudest. If the money isn’t raised, then the organisation will have to close at the end of the summer at the very time when its experience can help local people make a real difference.
Topics: Stroud, Uncategorized | No Comments »
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