The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is working closely with Primary schools in Gloucestershire within their Learning and Performance Network. All the schools taking part are committed to the introduction of pupils to the works of William Shakespeare at an early age.
Each year the Primary Schools Shakespeare Festival is firmly set in the school calendar, with nearly 20 schools participating this year and the number is increasing annually. This year, our Community was well represented by Barnwood and Hillview Primary schools and the Juniors & Infants from Dinglewell.
The selected play this year was the Comedy of Errors and I was fortunate to attend one of the performances. The actual number of pupils taking part from each school really surprised me and I was fascinated by quality of the “actors” performances. In a format where each school performs a different act from the play the continuity was excellent and the changeovers seamless!
To their schools credit, the effort of the Teachers and the enthusiasm of the Pupils created a memorable experience for everyone. This was a fantastic opportunity for those involved and undoubtedly, they and perhaps many of their friends will want to be participate in Next Year’s Performance?
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Saturday, 21 March 2015
More Cup Finals for Longlevens Rugby Club
As we go to press Longlevens RFC are preparing for the semi-final of the National Junior Vase, the trophy they won at Twickenham last year. Ironically, as defending champions, they now meet Battersea, the team they beat at the same stage last season’s competition. Twickenham is clearly in the Club’s sights, however, it also takes the team a step closer to a dream double of winning both the Vase and League championship, which at this time is a real possibility. It certainly looks as if there is going to be a really exciting climax to the First Team’s season.
However, it is not just the adults who are in contention for trophies. The Longlevens U14’s have again reached the Gloucestershire County Cup Final for the second year running, whilst the U17’s play in the final of the South West Counties Tournament on 29th March at Cleeve RFC. The U14’s travelled to Clifton, whom they beat in the final last year, and again came away as convincing victors in winning by 22 points to 5.
This U14’s team is coached by Simon and Gill Barton, who between them have been coaching this team since they were U8’s! They have seen the boys grow into a squad, with a strong team ethic and believe that they are more than capable of lifting the cup once more. Gill and Simon think that the Development Player Programme (DPP); which was introduced by Gloucester RFC some four years ago is a significant factor in the improvement of not only the individual players but the team as a whole. The scheme is used to identify young players with potential and offers them the opportunity to develop within the Gloucester Academy framework at Harpbury. Longlevens RFC, benefits from this situation as it has a nucleus of their young players on the scheme, with 6 DPP Players, currently in the U14’s squad! Therefore it is not surprising that in Simon’s opinion at least 4 of their players will be playing in the First team in about 4 years’ time.
The U17 team have shown that they have fully recovered from their defeat in the County Cup Final last season. As Runners Up the team was automatically entered into this seasons South West Plate Competition, in which they are have achieved some notable victories. In the Quarter final they scored over 40 points to beat Salisbury and scored a further 50 points to beat Bradford on Avon in the semi-final. They now meet Cullompton, who are winners of the Cornish section of the Competition, in the final. A tough match is expected but the Longlevens lads are very confident of going all the way. There is an added incentive as the winning team then progresses to a match against the winners of the South East Plate, before competing in a National final.
This season the team has been involved in some tough matches whilst playing against U18’s teams, who take a more physical approach. However, they have coped well and benefit most from this experience, when they revert back to playing against opponents in the U17 age category in Cup competitions. Tom Barton and George Evans are key members of the squad. George is a Prop with a sound scrummaging technique, whilst Tom is a talented Full Back who has scored 18 tries already this season. So look out you First team players as both Tom, George and other members of the squad will be seeking First team opportunities once they reach the age of 18.
The Rugby club at Longlevens is obviously getting the right balance between the development of players at all levels and the achievement of success in Competitions. No wonder there can be as many as 200 children of all ages enjoying and developing their rugby skills on Sunday mornings at the club. The Club as a whole certainly deserves it’s success!
However, it is not just the adults who are in contention for trophies. The Longlevens U14’s have again reached the Gloucestershire County Cup Final for the second year running, whilst the U17’s play in the final of the South West Counties Tournament on 29th March at Cleeve RFC. The U14’s travelled to Clifton, whom they beat in the final last year, and again came away as convincing victors in winning by 22 points to 5.
This U14’s team is coached by Simon and Gill Barton, who between them have been coaching this team since they were U8’s! They have seen the boys grow into a squad, with a strong team ethic and believe that they are more than capable of lifting the cup once more. Gill and Simon think that the Development Player Programme (DPP); which was introduced by Gloucester RFC some four years ago is a significant factor in the improvement of not only the individual players but the team as a whole. The scheme is used to identify young players with potential and offers them the opportunity to develop within the Gloucester Academy framework at Harpbury. Longlevens RFC, benefits from this situation as it has a nucleus of their young players on the scheme, with 6 DPP Players, currently in the U14’s squad! Therefore it is not surprising that in Simon’s opinion at least 4 of their players will be playing in the First team in about 4 years’ time.
The U17 team have shown that they have fully recovered from their defeat in the County Cup Final last season. As Runners Up the team was automatically entered into this seasons South West Plate Competition, in which they are have achieved some notable victories. In the Quarter final they scored over 40 points to beat Salisbury and scored a further 50 points to beat Bradford on Avon in the semi-final. They now meet Cullompton, who are winners of the Cornish section of the Competition, in the final. A tough match is expected but the Longlevens lads are very confident of going all the way. There is an added incentive as the winning team then progresses to a match against the winners of the South East Plate, before competing in a National final.
This season the team has been involved in some tough matches whilst playing against U18’s teams, who take a more physical approach. However, they have coped well and benefit most from this experience, when they revert back to playing against opponents in the U17 age category in Cup competitions. Tom Barton and George Evans are key members of the squad. George is a Prop with a sound scrummaging technique, whilst Tom is a talented Full Back who has scored 18 tries already this season. So look out you First team players as both Tom, George and other members of the squad will be seeking First team opportunities once they reach the age of 18.
The Rugby club at Longlevens is obviously getting the right balance between the development of players at all levels and the achievement of success in Competitions. No wonder there can be as many as 200 children of all ages enjoying and developing their rugby skills on Sunday mornings at the club. The Club as a whole certainly deserves it’s success!
Sunday, 25 January 2015
Longlevens in Bygone Days
As the development of housing and schools continues in Longlevens, it is a timely opportunity to take a nostalgic look at some of the developments that have contributed to the evolution of Longlevens from a village to becoming a suburban extension of Gloucester City.
What better way to do this other than by recording the recollections of the many residents, who have lived for all or most of their lives in Longlevens, and can vividly remember how the landscape has changed over the years.
Such a group of people are regulars at the Greyhound Pub, most have been born and bred in Longlevens community and are considered to be “Lifers”! Their chat, quite often revolve around the community and invariably leads to comparisons between the past and present. It was during a conversation about the current housing developments with Gerry and Brian Lewis that their background knowledge of Longlevens became evident and initiated the idea of recording some of their memories.
The Greyhound Pub is perhaps a suitable starting point as this Longlevens Pub was actually built on the site of the old Greyhound Stadium ,which was demolished around 1983. It was replaced by the pub, the adjacent housing estate and a garage which subsequently made way in 1997 for Maple Court, which is situated just along Cheltenham road.
The Stadium was built in 1933 and for 50 years held Greyhound Racing Meetings on Thursdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays and always proved to be a very popular attraction. Opposite the Greyhound stadium stood the Gloucester City Football Ground; long before it moved to Horton Road, Meadow Park and more recently to Cheltenham. Supporters would travel by bus from all over Gloucester to watch a match in the afternoon and then make a day of it by staying on to enjoy an evening at the “Dogs”.
In 1964, after almost 30 years in Longlevens, the City football ground was flattened, to make way for the construction of the Manor Park Housing estate. The current infant’s school field on Paygrove lane was the location of Longlevens Primary School, before the junior school section transferred in 1969 to its current location in Church road. In this area too was the Longlevens Secondary / Senior School, known locally as the LSS, until 1988, when it became the College of Arts and Technology.
The ever popular King Edward VII (The Teddy) Pub on Old Cheltenham road was and probably, still is recognised as the village pub, however, going back many years, there was another hostelry directly across the road called the Globe which held that accolade previously.
It is fascinating to imagine some of the small businesses that have made way for the transition to the modern day Longlevens. For example at the junction of Church road and Innsworth was the Cross General Store which sold anything and everything! It also had a maze of hedges outside which were ideal for playing “hide and seek”! Local Butcher Nick Brown and the Post Office-Store now retail from this site.
In the Old Cheltenham road area a terrace row of buildings included : Hunts the Newsagent (now Tesco), Duffty the Cobbler (now Goodwins Funeral Directors), the “ little Wool shop” (now Alistair Bone, estate agent) and a Fish and Chip shop which has retained its status to this day in the form of Ruddy’s.
Whereas, the current Co-op store situated on Cheltenham road as always had a presence. However, at one time it had serious competition from the Sunnydale General Stores, which was located adjacent the Co-op and next the Melton Hairdressing Salon which only closed, following retirement in recent years.
Significant housing construction in Longlevens commenced with the vast Leazes Council estate in 1949, followed over the next decade by Housing projects, off Nine Elms road, Oxstalls Drive and Oxstalls Way, Beechcroft road and Paygrove lane. From the 1960’s onwards several larger housing complexes were constructed in the Little Normans, Brionne Way and at the point where we started this review - the Greyhound Area in 1984.
In future editions we will continue the nostalgic theme by looking at the role of the Holy Trinity Parish Church and the development of Sporting Clubs in our Community.
I hope this trip into some of the Longlevens archives has given you an insight into the overall development of Longlevens over the years. However, should anyone have any significant memories of note, that they would like to share with our Community, please let me know. Contact: Dennis - barnsleyd@aol.com or 07880 784596
What better way to do this other than by recording the recollections of the many residents, who have lived for all or most of their lives in Longlevens, and can vividly remember how the landscape has changed over the years.
Such a group of people are regulars at the Greyhound Pub, most have been born and bred in Longlevens community and are considered to be “Lifers”! Their chat, quite often revolve around the community and invariably leads to comparisons between the past and present. It was during a conversation about the current housing developments with Gerry and Brian Lewis that their background knowledge of Longlevens became evident and initiated the idea of recording some of their memories.
The Greyhound Pub is perhaps a suitable starting point as this Longlevens Pub was actually built on the site of the old Greyhound Stadium ,which was demolished around 1983. It was replaced by the pub, the adjacent housing estate and a garage which subsequently made way in 1997 for Maple Court, which is situated just along Cheltenham road.
The Stadium was built in 1933 and for 50 years held Greyhound Racing Meetings on Thursdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays and always proved to be a very popular attraction. Opposite the Greyhound stadium stood the Gloucester City Football Ground; long before it moved to Horton Road, Meadow Park and more recently to Cheltenham. Supporters would travel by bus from all over Gloucester to watch a match in the afternoon and then make a day of it by staying on to enjoy an evening at the “Dogs”.
In 1964, after almost 30 years in Longlevens, the City football ground was flattened, to make way for the construction of the Manor Park Housing estate. The current infant’s school field on Paygrove lane was the location of Longlevens Primary School, before the junior school section transferred in 1969 to its current location in Church road. In this area too was the Longlevens Secondary / Senior School, known locally as the LSS, until 1988, when it became the College of Arts and Technology.
The ever popular King Edward VII (The Teddy) Pub on Old Cheltenham road was and probably, still is recognised as the village pub, however, going back many years, there was another hostelry directly across the road called the Globe which held that accolade previously.
It is fascinating to imagine some of the small businesses that have made way for the transition to the modern day Longlevens. For example at the junction of Church road and Innsworth was the Cross General Store which sold anything and everything! It also had a maze of hedges outside which were ideal for playing “hide and seek”! Local Butcher Nick Brown and the Post Office-Store now retail from this site.
In the Old Cheltenham road area a terrace row of buildings included : Hunts the Newsagent (now Tesco), Duffty the Cobbler (now Goodwins Funeral Directors), the “ little Wool shop” (now Alistair Bone, estate agent) and a Fish and Chip shop which has retained its status to this day in the form of Ruddy’s.
Whereas, the current Co-op store situated on Cheltenham road as always had a presence. However, at one time it had serious competition from the Sunnydale General Stores, which was located adjacent the Co-op and next the Melton Hairdressing Salon which only closed, following retirement in recent years.
Significant housing construction in Longlevens commenced with the vast Leazes Council estate in 1949, followed over the next decade by Housing projects, off Nine Elms road, Oxstalls Drive and Oxstalls Way, Beechcroft road and Paygrove lane. From the 1960’s onwards several larger housing complexes were constructed in the Little Normans, Brionne Way and at the point where we started this review - the Greyhound Area in 1984.
In future editions we will continue the nostalgic theme by looking at the role of the Holy Trinity Parish Church and the development of Sporting Clubs in our Community.
I hope this trip into some of the Longlevens archives has given you an insight into the overall development of Longlevens over the years. However, should anyone have any significant memories of note, that they would like to share with our Community, please let me know. Contact: Dennis - barnsleyd@aol.com or 07880 784596
Barnwood & Hucclecote Community Policing
Hucclecote Police Station is no longer in operation.
Our Local Policing Team is now based at
Gloucester Central Police Station,
223 Barton Street, Gloucester GL1 4HT.
With the transfer of our local Policing Team from Hucclecote Police Station to Barton Street, it is perhaps an opportune time to review our Local Policing Team (LPT), Contacts, Current Initiatives and some of the different ways that we can help to safeguard both the community and ourselves.
Let’s start by re introducing our Barnwood & Hucclecote Community Local Policing Team (LPT). The Community Policing Teams covering our areas are headed by Police Sergeant Karen Horsley, supported by Police Constable Andy Plant. The Community Police Officers designated to each Community are Kate Beck and Claire Long who look after Barnwood and Coney Hill, whilst Khim and Adam are responsible for the Communities in Hucclecote, Abbeydale and Upton St Leonards. You can see them patrolling your area and remember they are there to help safeguard both people and property, so don’t be afraid to approach them for advice or to pass on information as they are always receptive.
Despite what seems to be an ever changing policing force, our local Policing team remains in place and is undoubtedly committed to our communities, by focusing on priorities and implementing initiatives.
Current & Ongoing Initiatives
An example of a current initiative involved road speed checks on Barnwood road, working in conjunction with two civilians in the form of local Councilors Lisa Noakes and Taren Randall. The objective was to monitor vehicle speeds along a specific section of the road. During the check, several vehicle owners were warned for driving over 35mph in the 30 mph limit, even on this busy road! Therefore please note that further checks are planned in both the Barnwood and Abbeymead areas in the very near future.
Ongoing Initiatives Include: “Lock It or Lose It”! Following a spate of burglaries during last year the Gloucestershire Policing Teams promoted the “Lock It or Lose It” campaign. However, as we start a new year and to avoid any complacency, it is worth reiterating this critical message.
As the Police explained the problem has meant opportunist burglars, who have become very wise to it, have simply been trying doors in a number of areas across the city until they come across an insecure door. It was found that many of the burglars got in through unlocked front doors when occupants have been in bed asleep! Of course the impact can be devastating and cause huge disruption to people's lives. Insecure doors can also of course void your home insurance. Although the Police have caught a number of offenders, they still need us to be vigilant and “help ourselves”. By routinely checking doors and windows when going out or going to bed is a simple but effective deterrent in itself.
Here are a few useful tips to help us focus on security:
It only takes a minute to lock your doors and windows; to hide valuables and keep out of view, remembering to dispose of packaging for expensive items properly.
Being a victim of sneak-in burglary can have both emotional and financial effects. High value goods are costly to replace if stolen, and items such as phones and cameras often hold information with sentimental value such as photos, which cannot be replaced. Remember that many insurance companies will not pay out if your home has been burgled while insecure and finally don’t forget to lock up your garden furniture and tools.
More advice can be found at the crime reduction pages of www.gloucestershire.police.uk.
Neighbourhood Watch forms part of a safeguarding action for the whole community and is a partnership where people come together to make their communities safer. It involves your local Policing Team, Community Safety departments of local authorities, other voluntary organisations and, above all, individuals and families who want to make their neighbourhoods better places to live. It aims to help people protect themselves and their properties and to reduce the fear of crime by means of improved home security, greater vigilance, accurate reporting of suspicious incidents to the police and by fostering a community spirit.
If you are interested in getting involved with the Neighbourhood watch or meeting personally with the Policing team, there are opportunities every month, either at the Barnwood Police Information Point, held on 2nd Monday of every month, at St Lawrence Church 1000-1100hrs. Or at the Hucclecote Library Police Information Point on the First Saturday of every month Police Information Point, Hucclecote Library - 11am - 12noon.
All members of our local community are welcome to the Meetings.
With the transfer of our local Policing Team from Hucclecote Police Station to Barton Street, it is perhaps an opportune time to review our Local Policing Team (LPT), Contacts, Current Initiatives and some of the different ways that we can help to safeguard both the community and ourselves.
Let’s start by re introducing our Barnwood & Hucclecote Community Local Policing Team (LPT). The Community Policing Teams covering our areas are headed by Police Sergeant Karen Horsley, supported by Police Constable Andy Plant. The Community Police Officers designated to each Community are Kate Beck and Claire Long who look after Barnwood and Coney Hill, whilst Khim and Adam are responsible for the Communities in Hucclecote, Abbeydale and Upton St Leonards. You can see them patrolling your area and remember they are there to help safeguard both people and property, so don’t be afraid to approach them for advice or to pass on information as they are always receptive.
Despite what seems to be an ever changing policing force, our local Policing team remains in place and is undoubtedly committed to our communities, by focusing on priorities and implementing initiatives.
Current & Ongoing Initiatives
An example of a current initiative involved road speed checks on Barnwood road, working in conjunction with two civilians in the form of local Councilors Lisa Noakes and Taren Randall. The objective was to monitor vehicle speeds along a specific section of the road. During the check, several vehicle owners were warned for driving over 35mph in the 30 mph limit, even on this busy road! Therefore please note that further checks are planned in both the Barnwood and Abbeymead areas in the very near future.
Ongoing Initiatives Include: “Lock It or Lose It”! Following a spate of burglaries during last year the Gloucestershire Policing Teams promoted the “Lock It or Lose It” campaign. However, as we start a new year and to avoid any complacency, it is worth reiterating this critical message.
As the Police explained the problem has meant opportunist burglars, who have become very wise to it, have simply been trying doors in a number of areas across the city until they come across an insecure door. It was found that many of the burglars got in through unlocked front doors when occupants have been in bed asleep! Of course the impact can be devastating and cause huge disruption to people's lives. Insecure doors can also of course void your home insurance. Although the Police have caught a number of offenders, they still need us to be vigilant and “help ourselves”. By routinely checking doors and windows when going out or going to bed is a simple but effective deterrent in itself.
Here are a few useful tips to help us focus on security:
It only takes a minute to lock your doors and windows; to hide valuables and keep out of view, remembering to dispose of packaging for expensive items properly.
Being a victim of sneak-in burglary can have both emotional and financial effects. High value goods are costly to replace if stolen, and items such as phones and cameras often hold information with sentimental value such as photos, which cannot be replaced. Remember that many insurance companies will not pay out if your home has been burgled while insecure and finally don’t forget to lock up your garden furniture and tools.
More advice can be found at the crime reduction pages of www.gloucestershire.police.uk.
Neighbourhood Watch forms part of a safeguarding action for the whole community and is a partnership where people come together to make their communities safer. It involves your local Policing Team, Community Safety departments of local authorities, other voluntary organisations and, above all, individuals and families who want to make their neighbourhoods better places to live. It aims to help people protect themselves and their properties and to reduce the fear of crime by means of improved home security, greater vigilance, accurate reporting of suspicious incidents to the police and by fostering a community spirit.
If you are interested in getting involved with the Neighbourhood watch or meeting personally with the Policing team, there are opportunities every month, either at the Barnwood Police Information Point, held on 2nd Monday of every month, at St Lawrence Church 1000-1100hrs. Or at the Hucclecote Library Police Information Point on the First Saturday of every month Police Information Point, Hucclecote Library - 11am - 12noon.
All members of our local community are welcome to the Meetings.
Sunday, 23 November 2014
The Secret Garden and Young Gloucestershire Connection
The Young Gloucestershire (YG) Organisation is a Lottery funded drop in Centre for Young Adults and is dedicated to helping them to get a start in life on leaving school. They offer training, development, advice and support too, whilst providing a haven to attend when help or guidance is needed. Volunteer Mentors or Counsellors, an essential part of the operation at the YG find their roles Enjoyable, Taxing and spiritually rewarding!
It is at this point that I can introduce Charles Perkins, a relatively new Mentor and Counsellor at YG, who is committed to helping young and vulnerable adults. Having been and still is a successful businessman, he feels it is the right time in his life “to give something back” to the Community. He is passionate about helping the current youth of Gloucester and even after a short discussion with him you get a feeling that he generates an infectious enthusiasm.
It was during his induction at the YG that Charles first heard that the YG premises in Southgate street was under threat from the Landlords who , having alternative plans for the building ,wanted to evict YG at the end of their lease. Charles was appalled at this idea and in Charles’ words “ I, immediately saw that this facility could not be lost as its help is so invaluable in keeping so many young people off the streets permanently and away from drug addiction”. At that point he decided to use the successful renovation and launch of the Secret Garden Nursery to persuade the bank that Gloucester City was “going places” and to co fund the purchase of the Southgate street building. Once completed Charles then offered the YG a long term lease for 10 years so that they could the maintain their great work with the certainty of continuity for the future.
Charles is the MD and co-owner of the Secret Garden Nursery in Eastgate Street, which was his first investment venture into Gloucester. The Nursery opened some 6 months ago and since it has flourished into an accomplished Nursery which to date has almost 100 infants and toddlers on its register. The nursery rooms are described as very spacious with an incredible amount of natural light. The regency feature makes this a special place for children to spend their day and the large walled garden is the icing on the cake!
Charles is married to wife Katie and has three children of their own. Katie draws on her past experience as a Social Worker and is delighted to be part of a Nursery team, dedicated to enriching the lives of the children in their care. She is delighted when she can pass on her professional experience to assist Parents and carers with any queries they might have. The link between the Secret Garden and the Young Gloucestershire Centre will become stronger as Charles has a renovation plan for the internal parts of the Centre which will improve the quality of the facilities. It will follow the Nursery ethos by making the area suitable for babies and parents also. Additionally, access to the fabulous garden facilities at the Nursery will be offered to young parents from the YG to enjoy.
Charles is keen to give back to the Community and although he hails from Cheltenham , he has identified the potential for successful development in Gloucester City. For this initiative alone he is a most welcomed addition to our City businesses, particularly when it results in creating and helping worthwhile causes. Perhaps the staffs at the Nursery and at the YG are right when they describe Charles as a local hero?
It is at this point that I can introduce Charles Perkins, a relatively new Mentor and Counsellor at YG, who is committed to helping young and vulnerable adults. Having been and still is a successful businessman, he feels it is the right time in his life “to give something back” to the Community. He is passionate about helping the current youth of Gloucester and even after a short discussion with him you get a feeling that he generates an infectious enthusiasm.
It was during his induction at the YG that Charles first heard that the YG premises in Southgate street was under threat from the Landlords who , having alternative plans for the building ,wanted to evict YG at the end of their lease. Charles was appalled at this idea and in Charles’ words “ I, immediately saw that this facility could not be lost as its help is so invaluable in keeping so many young people off the streets permanently and away from drug addiction”. At that point he decided to use the successful renovation and launch of the Secret Garden Nursery to persuade the bank that Gloucester City was “going places” and to co fund the purchase of the Southgate street building. Once completed Charles then offered the YG a long term lease for 10 years so that they could the maintain their great work with the certainty of continuity for the future.
Charles is the MD and co-owner of the Secret Garden Nursery in Eastgate Street, which was his first investment venture into Gloucester. The Nursery opened some 6 months ago and since it has flourished into an accomplished Nursery which to date has almost 100 infants and toddlers on its register. The nursery rooms are described as very spacious with an incredible amount of natural light. The regency feature makes this a special place for children to spend their day and the large walled garden is the icing on the cake!
Charles is married to wife Katie and has three children of their own. Katie draws on her past experience as a Social Worker and is delighted to be part of a Nursery team, dedicated to enriching the lives of the children in their care. She is delighted when she can pass on her professional experience to assist Parents and carers with any queries they might have. The link between the Secret Garden and the Young Gloucestershire Centre will become stronger as Charles has a renovation plan for the internal parts of the Centre which will improve the quality of the facilities. It will follow the Nursery ethos by making the area suitable for babies and parents also. Additionally, access to the fabulous garden facilities at the Nursery will be offered to young parents from the YG to enjoy.
Charles is keen to give back to the Community and although he hails from Cheltenham , he has identified the potential for successful development in Gloucester City. For this initiative alone he is a most welcomed addition to our City businesses, particularly when it results in creating and helping worthwhile causes. Perhaps the staffs at the Nursery and at the YG are right when they describe Charles as a local hero?
Saturday, 22 November 2014
Dinglewell Junior School Developments
In this edition we catch up with an important development at Dinglwell Junior School. Following the departure of Head Teacher, Lisa Hartford ,there has been a re organisation of the School Staff with Miss Geraldine Brogan being initially appointed Acting Head Teacher before taking over the reins completely in mid- November.
Geraldine has been at Dinglewell School for over 4 years and is looking forward to the many challenges she can expect on a daily basis in her new role. However, she will always be grateful to Lisa Hartford for the opportunities and the guidance she provided as a trusted mentor and friend.
Already Geraldine is relishing the additional responsibilities of this new role and although those responsibilities are obviously very demanding they are also both rewarding and fulfilling.
I took the opportunity to call in on Geraldine early one morning and within minutes began to realise the importance of the role she has now acquired. Scheduled meetings, unscheduled meetings with Parents, Admin and Timetable queries and Greeting the Children – all this took place before 9am!! Geraldine feels that with such a hectic schedule, getting the time management balance is a key factor, whilst never losing sight of the Children’s needs both in the short and the long term.
The seamless transition process from Deputy to Acting Head to Head teacher has been managed most effectively by both Geraldine and the Governing body. In keeping with the schools philosophy of which Geraldine is completely immersed; her personal goal will be to ensure that each child is given the opportunity to develop to their full potential .
Geraldine is keen to point out that there are some very talented pupils at her school in all areas of the curriculum. A prime demonstration of this will take place in the very near future as part of the Christmas Festivities. Many of the Children will have auditioned for the annual Christmas Concert; a very “professional” production, which this year will have a Robin Hood theme. With the full support of Staff, Pupils and Parents, it is should be an undoubted success!
Geraldine is also aware of the contribution being made by her Acting Deputy Head, Tanya Naylor, a long serving member of staff, whose experience and support is invaluable.
It certainly looks like a sound combination which can progressively take the school forward. Therefore, let us as a Community wish Geraldine, Tanya , All the Staff and Pupils every success for the future at Dinglewell Junior School in 2015.
Geraldine has been at Dinglewell School for over 4 years and is looking forward to the many challenges she can expect on a daily basis in her new role. However, she will always be grateful to Lisa Hartford for the opportunities and the guidance she provided as a trusted mentor and friend.
Already Geraldine is relishing the additional responsibilities of this new role and although those responsibilities are obviously very demanding they are also both rewarding and fulfilling.
I took the opportunity to call in on Geraldine early one morning and within minutes began to realise the importance of the role she has now acquired. Scheduled meetings, unscheduled meetings with Parents, Admin and Timetable queries and Greeting the Children – all this took place before 9am!! Geraldine feels that with such a hectic schedule, getting the time management balance is a key factor, whilst never losing sight of the Children’s needs both in the short and the long term.
The seamless transition process from Deputy to Acting Head to Head teacher has been managed most effectively by both Geraldine and the Governing body. In keeping with the schools philosophy of which Geraldine is completely immersed; her personal goal will be to ensure that each child is given the opportunity to develop to their full potential .
Geraldine is keen to point out that there are some very talented pupils at her school in all areas of the curriculum. A prime demonstration of this will take place in the very near future as part of the Christmas Festivities. Many of the Children will have auditioned for the annual Christmas Concert; a very “professional” production, which this year will have a Robin Hood theme. With the full support of Staff, Pupils and Parents, it is should be an undoubted success!
Geraldine is also aware of the contribution being made by her Acting Deputy Head, Tanya Naylor, a long serving member of staff, whose experience and support is invaluable.
It certainly looks like a sound combination which can progressively take the school forward. Therefore, let us as a Community wish Geraldine, Tanya , All the Staff and Pupils every success for the future at Dinglewell Junior School in 2015.
Future Olympic Hopefuls from the Community
Recently, I was fortunate to attend the Primary School Cross Country Championships held at PlockCourt and witnessed outstanding performances from three of the children from our Community.
Finlay Hawkins aged 10 and Sisters Victoria and Katherine Barnsley-Sutton, aged 10 and 9 respectively are all from the Barnwood. Although, they were representing St Mary’s Junior School in Churchdown, Victoria and Katherine live in Armscroft whilst Finlay lives on Barnwood road.
Between them, they won 3 of the 6 races on the programme. Katherine won the year 4 & 5 Girls race, before Victoria and Finlay each won their respective year 6 races.
It was a unique achievement, for each one of them, led their races from Start to Finish. There were over 130 competitors in each race and with wet and muddy conditions to contend with, it must have taken great stamina and determination for each one to achieve their victories. These were tremendous performances for which they should be highly commended. All received medals for their efforts with a certificate and the opportunity to represent Gloucester City Primary Schools at the County Championships in March next year.
We are always looking to promote achievement in the Community and this a particular instance which clearly demonstrates just how talented and gifted our Community children are.
Finally, when questions are being asked about the legacy from last year’s successful Olympics, look at this outstanding example of achievement; surely, these young athletes are ample proof that the Olympic legacy is still alive and running!
Finlay Hawkins aged 10 and Sisters Victoria and Katherine Barnsley-Sutton, aged 10 and 9 respectively are all from the Barnwood. Although, they were representing St Mary’s Junior School in Churchdown, Victoria and Katherine live in Armscroft whilst Finlay lives on Barnwood road.
Between them, they won 3 of the 6 races on the programme. Katherine won the year 4 & 5 Girls race, before Victoria and Finlay each won their respective year 6 races.
It was a unique achievement, for each one of them, led their races from Start to Finish. There were over 130 competitors in each race and with wet and muddy conditions to contend with, it must have taken great stamina and determination for each one to achieve their victories. These were tremendous performances for which they should be highly commended. All received medals for their efforts with a certificate and the opportunity to represent Gloucester City Primary Schools at the County Championships in March next year.
We are always looking to promote achievement in the Community and this a particular instance which clearly demonstrates just how talented and gifted our Community children are.
Finally, when questions are being asked about the legacy from last year’s successful Olympics, look at this outstanding example of achievement; surely, these young athletes are ample proof that the Olympic legacy is still alive and running!
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