Weekend starts on Friday with a tribute to the Blues Brothers, then continues all weekend with a massive tribute show on Sunday night, and our annual Cider festival, which this year shall be bigger than ever!
The fundraiser has been arranged by Paula Ryder who's little sister has spent most of her time in hospital. Paula is raising money for the charities who have supported them so that they can help more families.
'I am selling raffle tickets across a number of events to raise money, and will do the draw on the last weekend in August. I have raised £140 to date but want to raise much more, to make a real difference.
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paulas-Fundraising-Page/683079305108009?ref_type=bookmark
The draw will be taking place on Sunday 24th August. Tickets can be bought online, see my FB Page to get in touch and buy tickets. I will also be selling tickets in the Beachwood Arcade on Friday 22nd August and in the Double Gloucester.'
The charities are:
· Martha Care - Registered Charity 1119249
Martha Care offers help and support for families when their very sick children are admitted to hospital in an emergency or in crisis, supporting them with practical advice and emotional support on the wards when they need it. Martha Care provides a specialist “Martha Care” Family Support Worker to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Our biggest aim is to provide Martha Care workers to hospitals across the South West so all families in our area receive the support they need to be able to care for their sick child.
· Little Princess Trust - Registered Charity No. 1113172
As a result of treatment for cancer, most children will suffer hair loss as a side effect. Some boys and girls cope remarkably well but for others this can be very upsetting.
They provide real-hair wigs, free of charge, to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland that have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.
The wigs are provided free to children. However, the cost to the charity to purchase one wig is on average £350.
Sunday, 10 August 2014
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
Barnwood Medical Centre: “Out with the Old in with the New”
It will be all change at the Barnwood Medical Practice with the relocation of the practice and its patients to the new Aspen Centre in Horton road which opens on 4th August. The Barnwood road site will close on the 1st August after 70 years of caring for patients at this location.
The modern, high–tech and eco-friendly Aspen Centre will meet the needs of the 6000 patients by offering the same caring and ultimately improved levels of service to all the patients from the Barnwood Practice.
Unlike the current site, there is ample car parking available in newly designated and controlled parking areas. An upgraded computer system will provide an immediate response with Patient information, whilst significantly ensuring that Patient confidentiality is always maintained.
As with any major project, the transition from one location to the other is always a very difficult period and the staff have worked diligently to make the transition as seamless as possible. However, Emily Abrahams, the Practice Manager is asking all patients for a little patience at this time and allow the new facility to get fully established. The installation of new equipment, furniture and the new ways of working for both staff and patient’s needs to be coordinated effectively. Inevitably, there will be “teething” troubles, however every effort has been made to alleviate the impact the move could have on certain patients including, the canvassing of the local bus company to provide a more frequent bus stopping point on Horton road for patients using the Aspen Centre.
Let’s wish Emily and everyone at the “new” Barnwood Medical Practice every success in their new environment. For more information about the relocation please call 01452 523362 or check the NHS Websites on www.barnwoodmedicalpractice.nhs.uk and www.aspencentre.co.uk.
The modern, high–tech and eco-friendly Aspen Centre will meet the needs of the 6000 patients by offering the same caring and ultimately improved levels of service to all the patients from the Barnwood Practice.
Unlike the current site, there is ample car parking available in newly designated and controlled parking areas. An upgraded computer system will provide an immediate response with Patient information, whilst significantly ensuring that Patient confidentiality is always maintained.
As with any major project, the transition from one location to the other is always a very difficult period and the staff have worked diligently to make the transition as seamless as possible. However, Emily Abrahams, the Practice Manager is asking all patients for a little patience at this time and allow the new facility to get fully established. The installation of new equipment, furniture and the new ways of working for both staff and patient’s needs to be coordinated effectively. Inevitably, there will be “teething” troubles, however every effort has been made to alleviate the impact the move could have on certain patients including, the canvassing of the local bus company to provide a more frequent bus stopping point on Horton road for patients using the Aspen Centre.
Let’s wish Emily and everyone at the “new” Barnwood Medical Practice every success in their new environment. For more information about the relocation please call 01452 523362 or check the NHS Websites on www.barnwoodmedicalpractice.nhs.uk and www.aspencentre.co.uk.
Whittington Park Housing Development & Horsbere Drive
There is an obvious amount of development ongoing in Longford lane with new roads and construction sites springing up virtually overnight. The initial roadways and traffic systems accessing Horsebere Drive are already in place, presumably ready for the construction of the proposed new school. With this in mind I took the opportunity to review the Whittington Park Housing development with the Project Manager Martyn Brooks of Barratt Homes.
Martyn advises me that there will be a total of 291 dwellings on the site; a mix of 1, 2. 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes. 191 will be constructed by Barratts with the balance built by David Wilson Homes, a sister company of Barratts. Of these about 60 will be homes built for a Housing Association, which will provide the opportunity for shared ownership
This Project will take about four years to complete and sign off with a target date for completion of June 2018. The entrance to the site is established and there will be an ongoing programme of roadwork and sewerage development throughout 2014 and the first phase of 40 houses which has commenced with the laying of the initial foundations in late July and is expected to be completed by June next year. The Sales team are expected to be in place by late December this year or early 2015 at the latest.
As regards the emotive issue of flooding, Martyn has confirmed that considerable design efforts have been made to recognise this issue and as a result the development has been engineered to raise the site to appropriate levels. The surface water is to be drained via an extensive combination of piped sewers, swales, an attenuation pond and an associated outfall channel into Horsebere Brook.
Martyn is keen to foster relationships with the Longlevens Community and has offered to field any questions or concerns we may have about this development. Obviously, within a construction environment it is not advisable to visit him on site, however, he is contactable by personal phone or email, and the details are: 07500 034039 or his email address is: martyn.brooks@barratthomes.co.uk.
It is worth noting that Barratt’s form part of a “Considerate Constructors Scheme” which is a system that is in place, to promote the Contractor‘s presence within the Community, whilst simultaneously enhancing the image of the Contractor.
At this stage the contribution of David Wilson is fairly minimal; however, as the project develops their impact will be monitored also.
I do hope that this has given you an idea of what is happening on the Longford lane site, which will become a huge development in Longlevens, and will inevitably, have an impact on the whole community. We will continue to monitor the development of this project as it progresses.
This Project will take about four years to complete and sign off with a target date for completion of June 2018. The entrance to the site is established and there will be an ongoing programme of roadwork and sewerage development throughout 2014 and the first phase of 40 houses which has commenced with the laying of the initial foundations in late July and is expected to be completed by June next year. The Sales team are expected to be in place by late December this year or early 2015 at the latest.
As regards the emotive issue of flooding, Martyn has confirmed that considerable design efforts have been made to recognise this issue and as a result the development has been engineered to raise the site to appropriate levels. The surface water is to be drained via an extensive combination of piped sewers, swales, an attenuation pond and an associated outfall channel into Horsebere Brook.
Martyn is keen to foster relationships with the Longlevens Community and has offered to field any questions or concerns we may have about this development. Obviously, within a construction environment it is not advisable to visit him on site, however, he is contactable by personal phone or email, and the details are: 07500 034039 or his email address is: martyn.brooks@barratthomes.co.uk.
It is worth noting that Barratt’s form part of a “Considerate Constructors Scheme” which is a system that is in place, to promote the Contractor‘s presence within the Community, whilst simultaneously enhancing the image of the Contractor.
At this stage the contribution of David Wilson is fairly minimal; however, as the project develops their impact will be monitored also.
I do hope that this has given you an idea of what is happening on the Longford lane site, which will become a huge development in Longlevens, and will inevitably, have an impact on the whole community. We will continue to monitor the development of this project as it progresses.
Monday, 21 July 2014
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.
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:
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.
Thursday, 22 May 2014
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.
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.
Thursday, 24 April 2014
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 7th 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 7th
June and the 1,000th 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 7th June from 12 noon to 5pm.
For more information and a list of attendees
booked to date, check www.safergloucester.co.uk
Monday, 24 March 2014
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.
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.
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