Hucclecote Community Library Mythical Maze

As the schools enjoy a well- earned break Hucclecote library has launched its Summer Reading Challenge for 2014 - Mythical Maze, which is available to all children aged from 4 to 11 and will run from mid-July through to early September. The challenge is an ideal way for children to enhance their reading skills whilst embarking on a mythical adventure.

Children will a-mazed at what is going down at the library during the summer. Hopefully they will explore their imagination through a range of books available at the library and they will love finding their way around the Mythical Maze. As they read, they will encounter some larger than life characters from myths and legends. Fold Up posters are issued to allow the children to keep track and eventually complete their mazes with stickers from the library.

So why not join in, it’s all free, but hurry as you wouldn’t want to myth out on all the fun!

Also, a series of events is scheduled at the library throughout the holiday which you may want to take advantage of. These include:

Friday 8th August: Dragons and Mazes. Check with Library as numbers are limited.

Tuesday 12th August : Guide Dogs Event

Wednesday 13th August : Teddy Bears Picnic ( 0-4Year Olds)

Friday 22nd August: Where’s Wally – Lost in the maze. Come in fancy Dress –You could win a Prize.

• Thursday 28th August: Shrek Returns

Saturday 6th September: Last Day of Summer Reading Challenge. Medals and Certificates presented. - Don’t miss out!

Don’t forget it’s free to join the library and the books and resources not only provide a wealth of imagination but can offer an alternative interest for the children during the holidays.

The Changing Face of the Our Community- Barnwood

The constant reminders that the economy is on the upturn is well supported when you travel along Barnwood Road. Construction, Buildings Works and Civil Engineering projects are emerging rapidly, with an apparent urgency to get these projects completed as soon as possible.

The major re- construction of the Wall Roundabout and its arterial road systems is well underway and work remains on target to be completed by the end of July 2014. This will be followed by the second phase of the works at C&G Roundabout; which is programmed to be completed by the end of October 2014. Work started in earnest in late February 2014 and has moved on quickly, despite the intricate planning involved in co-ordinating the Utility services of Gas, Electricity and Water to complete their individual installations. Traffic Management, is the other critical factor in the project, this is being successfully managed at this stage also!

There has been a conscious effort for work to continue with the minimum of disturbance to vehicle users and local residents. The Contractor Hewlett Construction Ltd and Gloucestershire County Council, with support from Amey have agreed a timetable for traffic management to be fixed for a period between 09:00 and 15:00hours from Monday to Friday; this allows journeys to work and school to move freely without any lane disruption.

Along Barnwood road; the old Barnwood Builders yard is being replaced by a new Morrison’s Shopping Outlet, which will also, incorporate twelve apartments. Behind the barriers that have been erected, there is a hive of activity, operating in a very safety conscious environment. Consequently the project is progressing to plan and the development is due for completion in time for Christmas. It is reassuring that Barnwood Construction is managing this project with the minimum of disturbance to traffic flow and the local residents around the site. Directly across the road at the Wotton Hall Club, the newly appointed “Spice House” Indian Restaurant and Takeaway seems to have appeared overnight? This is quite a coup for this ambitious and progressive club which is never afraid to work in partnership with other business. This alliance is a similar in many ways to the Club’ s agreement with the Post Office in 2010, which has proven a really successful venture. Early indications are that the Spice House food is a very good too!

Moving along the Barnwood road towards the City; the Cross Keys Public House which has been closed for about a year is undergoing a complete make–over. It is to be re-opened as the Queens Fish & Chip Restaurant and Bar. There will be ample parking and the Beer Garden and Children’s Play Area will be retained. Work is well underway and the opening date of Mid July is on target to be met!

At the junction of Barnwood road and Elmbridge road is the Barnwood Medical Practice. This long established Centre, which has been a focal point for the Community, will be closing, with all Patients being transferred to the new Medical Centre in Horton road. My understanding is that the new Centre will be responsible for the patients, not only, from Barnwood road, but from the practices at Heathville road and London road too. It will be interesting to see how this new Centre meets its obligations for this extensive number of patients?

The results of this redevelopment will undoubtedly impact on our Environment, however this will hopefully be for the benefit of our Community and will ultimately provide a range of quality services that our Community quite rightly expects.

Safer Gloucester Presents Paws on Patrol and EVEN MORE…..

Safer Gloucester is back in Gloucester Park with a bigger and better Paws on Patrol fun afternoon in Gloucester Park on Saturday 7^th June 2014.

The event, for all the family, “Safer Gloucester Presents Paws on Patrol and EVEN MORE…”, will have demonstrations from the Police dog handlers including Paws on Patrol mascots Ace and Holly, a Dog Agility Demonstration, a Display of Heelwork to Music and a Novelty Dog Show.

This year we are delighted to welcome demonstrations and “have a go” flyball to the city as well the “have a go” dog agility and many other doggy attractions like  grooming, training and healthchecks and we are very pleased that the Dog’s Trust will provide free microchipping for dogs who accompany their owners!

There are also many attractions for the families who are not keen on dogs, including bouncy castles, a roundabout, archery, face painting and Avon and Somerset Police will be bringing along some of their mounted section.

The partners of Safer Gloucester will be demonstrating how they help to keep you safe in Gloucester including Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Gloucestershire Trading Standards will provide information about scams and rogue traders.

For more details of the event visit www.safergloucester.co.uk .

Safer Gloucester invites dog owners to join Paws on Patrol to be the eyes and ears of their community whilst walking their dogs. We have had enormous success to date with Patrollers reporting incidents of crime and anti social behaviour, responding to requests to be on the alert for items like abandoned shopping trolleys, and criminal damage to allotments as well as requests to ‘look out for’ vulnerable or elderly neighbours in the atrocious weather in January and the floods in February, but we do need more members. There will be an opportunity for registering at the event on 7^th June and the 1,000^th dog to be registered will receive a fantastic prize. There will also be a free prize draw for current members who show their membership cards at the Safer Gloucester marquee. Members receive quarterly newsletters from Safer Gloucester as well as dedicated members newsletters from time to time and information about local crime issues.

Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Chief Inspector Neil Smith said “We are very keen to encourage more residents to sign up to Paws on Patrol. The more members we have, reporting issues in our neighbourhoods gives a strong message to “would be” offenders that it is not just the Police and City Council who are in the area checking on crime and environmental issues but a whole raft of residents who care about where they live. “

Safer Gloucester Presents Paws on Patrol and MORE… will be held in Gloucester Park on Saturday 7^th June from 12 noon to 5pm. 

For more information and a list of attendees booked to date, check www.safergloucester.co.uk

Longlevens AFC: Potential Champions?

After a weather induced lay of over two months, our local football teams were are back in action in late February and what better way to resume hostilities than a Local Derby between Longlevens AFC and Gala Wilton. Both Clubs are competing to become County League champions this season. The “derby” was expected to be a thrilling encounter; however, on the day it was the Longlevens team that rose to the occasion and the match resulted in a resounding 6-0 thrashing of their closest rivals. Craig Martin scored the opening goal, before Brother Brad, a Former Gala Youth player and striker, Shaun O’Connor added 2 more goals each, before a late goal from substitute and Player-Manager James French, completed the rout.

Although, there is a back log of fixtures, and therefore, nothing can be taken for granted, Longlevens, have the added incentive of a place in the Hellenic league if they win the league. They are determined to go all the way! Gala Wilton too, will not be giving up the title chase, however, for the “neutrals” in the Community, what a tremendous position for these clubs to be in and what a tremendous advertisement for the standard of football being played in the Longlevens. As we go to press all the Longlevens Men’s teams are enjoying successful seasons too, each team is currently, in the running for promotion either as Champions or as Runners Up.

Further growth of the Youth section continues, with 2 -3 Youth teams being welcomed to Longford lane from the Infants football academy for next season. The Youth section is thriving and with the help of funding from the Gloucester City Council for equipment there is a regular monthly Youth Club Night, which allows both Players and Parents to enjoy a night out in the club house. The Club is developing strong links with the University of Gloucester through several, separate initiatives which include: Student Coaches assisting with the Youth teams; The players from the University Ladies Team having the option to play for Longlevens Ladies at week- ends and the Longlevens Youth Coaches in conjunction with the University will offer a weekly Football “Mash Up “ event probably at the University Campus. Basically, the “Mash Up” encourages boys and girls, in the 14 -16 years age group, to come along and enjoy an organised “kick about”.

This activity is due to commence after Easter once arrangements are finalised. It is proposed to canvas local schools to take part also. For more details contact: Dennis Barnsley 01452 611694 or 07880 784596.

Longlevens RFC: Off to Twickenham?

At the Longlevens Rugby Club we have a similar story for the 1st XV team are through to the semi- finals of the National Junior Vase; a competition open to the leading teams, representing each County in England. Longlevens became Gloucestershire County Champions back in October last year and since then they have beaten the representative Club teams from Somerset, Cornwall and Wiltshire to become champions and representatives of the South West Area.

On Easter Saturday, April 19th, the Club is to play away at the London Area champions, Battersea in the semi- final. The match is expected to be an epic encounter with both teams playing for the opportunity to play in the final at Twickenham in May. Over 200 supporters will make the journey, all with the same aim: to see their team reach the Vase final!

The squad has a good blend of youth and experience, and is made up predominantly of players who have progressed through the club’s junior ranks to the senior squad. Of these, there are 6 young players who are in the 17 -19 years of age group; including Team Captain Jed Jones, who leads the team, both by example and authority. Jack Beck, Ross Preedy and Oliver Deacon are tremendous young players, whose fathers have also, represented Longlevens RFC. Club President Rich Yorke has sons Mike and Harrison in the team, whilst in Tom Griffiths; they have an England International at U16 level. These players certainly endorse the success of the clubs Youth policy!

Richard Rudge, the 1st team Player Coach, U14 Coach and Club Chairman has been associated with the rugby club for over 30 years, since joining as a junior at 12 years old. Richard is tremendously proud of their achievement, but he too would love his team to play at Twickenham and allow this team to demonstrate just some of its potential. I’m sure we all (footballers included) wish everyone at Longlevens RFC every success in their Semi Final and hope that they achieve their ambition and reach the Twickenham final.

Finally, how fortunate we are as a community, to have such successful sporting teams in Longlevens. With both Football and Rugby Clubs enjoying success, and demonstrating that they can each provide a platform for all budding players to achieve their full potential within the sport of their choice under the Supervision of Qualified and Experienced coaches.

Hucclecote Netball Club: A National League Team!

In line with our aim to promote local clubs in our Community, in this edition we focus on the Hucclecote Ladies Netball Club (HNC). The club is unique in that from its humble beginnings as a village team it has developed into an “elite” Netball club now recognised both regionally and nationally, as a Netball hub for any players with the ambition to succeed at Netball.

The club has been in existence for over 30 years and now boasts 7 senior ladies teams, 5 teams for girls from U12 to U16 and for the younger ones between 7 and 10years old Fun games and friendlies are organised.
The 1st team are in the National Premiere League 1 which involves travelling to play teams in London, Bath, Leeds, Oldham and as far away as Hartlepool! The squad are currently in 4th place in the league and expected to finish there with one game to go! They always “hold their own” in what is a very competitive environment. The squad has a blend of youth and experience, including players who have represented their country at International level. These include: Paige Reed, An England U17 player and Rosie Allinson who is the U21 Shooter for England!

Premier First Team Manager and current Chairperson is Sue Wainwright who helped to start the club back in the early 1980’s, she was instrumental in initiating Hucclecote’s success, by encouraging the club to grow and open its doors to the many talented younger players at the club today. Sue and Coach Chrissie Weaver, have a very talented and well organised squad.

In line with the club’s ambition and continuous improvement policy, Chrissie was recruited before the start of this season on the basis she was best equipped to take the club forward. Her previous role as a Welsh Junior Coach gave her the credentials Hucclecote were looking for! Chrissie is from Cardiff and travels each week to attend Coaching sessions in Cheltenham and matches wherever the location may be, whilst being paid travelling expenses only! Apparently, this is typical of the Netball players and officials at the Hucclecote club. Although local players are involved, there are also several players who travel from Cardiff, Bath, Marlborough, Swindon and Worcester to train and play at HNC.

The HNC Youth policy is certainly paying dividends. Weekly training sessions are held at Cheltenham Ladies College as there are no suitable facilities in Gloucester. All age groups are always well attended, as ambitious players and parents devote both time and expense to ensure that these young players get the best coaching and playing opportunities that are available. The junior section is particularly strong with over a 100 players attending the Coaching sessions every week. That is quite a commitment, but it is a standard expected of netball players with the ambition and potential to become Internationals and that in itself epitomises exactly what the Hucclecote Netball Club can offer!

To put this clubs achievements into perspective, consider this: HNC is recognised as a feeder club and stepping stone to the England National Team! The Super League teams of Bath and Loughborough will gladly send players to Hucclecote to gain experience before they move to Super League and England duty! Despite their success in this sport, HNC have considerable expenses to meet each year and without any current sponsorship, self-funding is essential. Players, Coaches and Officials contribute extensively to meet costs of playing, coaching and providing their own personal kit!

HNC, is undoubtedly, a Community treasure, but, does any business in the Gloucestershire area realise what a hidden gem we have in our midst? Perhaps someone may recognise the sponsorship opportunity on offer by HNC, who are already are established in the Top National Netball league, just one level below the Super League which is now being televised on Sky sports! Surely, it cannot be long before the coverage is extended to National Premier League 1 which of course will include HNC.

Before meeting with Sue, I did not realise the status of the Hucclecote Netball Club in the National Netball arena. However, we should all recognise the important role that this club plays in our Community and the high esteem and recognition placed on the club by the National governing body – England Netball.

Finally, potential sponsors, why not take the plunge and contact Sue Wainwright on: 01452 619106 / 07760 491703 to discuss this sponsorship opportunity!

Holy Trinity Church: Fund Raising event

Since locating to Longlevens in July last year, the reverend Gwyneth Gibbens , the vicar at the Holy Trinity Parish church has been delighted at the generous contributions, made by her parishioners towards the upkeep of the church. The latest Charity event is planned for Saturday evening 26th April when a Family night is planned in the church hall. There will be professional entertainers in the form of a singing duo: Turquoise Nights and Phoenix, a local belly dancing troupe that will ensure the evening caters for everyone. Peter Braun, Chairman of the Neighbourhood Partnership, is organising this event for the parish and is hoping to add a significant donation to the Church Electrical Fund. So put the date in your diary and contact Peter via the Holy Trinity Church for more details.