Barnwood Bowling Club, as one of the oldest and most established Clubs in our Community has completed the re-development of its Club House in time for the start of the Bowling season on the 11thin April.
A brand new extension to the current building has been erected to enhance the facilities of the club and includes: a Ladies changing room, Disabled, Male and Female Toilets and a Bar Store / Cellar. As a result the whole building has doubled in size and is a tremendous credit to the many volunteers (club members), who have helped to make this project such a success!
Following a successful bid for a Lottery grant, the club was awarded £48,000 by Inspired Facilities, as part of the National Lottery Fund. Building costs totalled £81,000; therefore, the Club was expected to find, a further £33,000, to satisfy their benefactors. However, as the Bowling club is a non- profit making organisation, additional funding was an essential factor in completing this objective. A Building Fund was established and the target sum was achieved by organising Club Activities and Functions which were supported by some generous donations from the Club Members themselves. Although the main frame of the building was erected by Broadview Timber Contractors, all of the internal work has been completed entirely by members.
Chairman Clive Worrall is delighted with the results and feels, justifiably; proud of the fantastic effort made by the Club Membership in creating and completing a development that starts a further chapter in the history of Barnwood Bowling Club.
It should be remembered how the club originated , as it was in after the First World War in 1922, that the grounds and pavilion were purchased from the War Office and that in fact, the first pavilion was fabricated from two Army huts which had been used as Hospital Wards! From those humble beginnings, the club was totally re-built in 1977, from which, a sound club foundation has been firmly established.
Today, the Bowling club play both league and friendly matches during the week from April through to the end of September with teams for Men and Ladies and a mixed team also. Players of all abilities are included and junior players are beginning to feature in the club teams also. In–House tournaments open to all members; supplement the season’s fixture list. And over the winter months and regular sessions of Carpet Bowls are organised for players to maintain their touch. This together with several social events maintains club interest and provides a Social outlet for its members.
There are significant events held annually and include: A Gala Bowls Tournament held in May, which has been running for 20 years and attracts a total of 96 entrants from all over the South West and as far away as Humberside!
On the 30th May, the Club hosts the prestigious Ladies Johns Trophy, on behalf of the Warwickshire and Somerset Bowling Associations. This will be the fourth consecutive year that this event has been staged at Barnwood, which is testimony not only to the Club’s hospitality, but also the excellent Bowling Green, considered by many to be the “best green in the county! Perhaps, this is not surprising as the green is cut on 6 days of each week during the season!
Barnstable in North Devon is the location for the Clubs Annual tour which takes place in September, a Club outing that always proves to be an enjoyable and successful venture.
The Club Lounge is a most welcoming feature and although the bar is the main source of income for the club, none the less, very reasonable drink prices are always maintained.
At this time there is mixed membership of around 90, however, the new partnership with Inspired Facilities, means not only does membership need to be maintained –it is expected to increase.
The Club will start this new membership initiative on the 10th May, commencing at 10am when a
” Come and Try” day is planned. This Bowls Taster Session will allow newcomers to play the game of bowls and also experience the club’s enhanced facilities. Already invitations have been circulated to the residents surrounding the club including the new estate at Sawmills. A warm and friendly welcome awaits everyone. So don’t miss this opportunity, as it could provide that new activity or experience you may be looking for?
Finally, let’s congratulate Clive, the Committee and the Members whose drive energy and commitment has resulted in a Bowling Club to be proud of in Barnwood!
For further details contact: 01452 618589 or visit the web site on www.barnwoodbowlingclub.co.uk
Friday, 27 March 2015
Thursday, 26 March 2015
Kendal Road Baptist Church
Sandwiched in the middle of the Community is the Kendal Road Baptist Church, which offers a variety of activities for both young and old alike or anyone who is looking for a social outlet and friendship.
For Children during term time, the Mid-Week Children’s Klubs are organised according to age group. Each club provides a safe environment where children can relax, make friends and enjoy activities, games and discussions suited to their age grouping. The weekly programme includes: Babies and Toddlers start the join in on Tuesday morning, whilst early Wednesday evening, there is a club for the reception to year 2s, closely followed by a session for years 6-8. For the year 3-5s and 9 -13s there are separate gatherings on Thursday evening.
The more senior members of the Community there is a Luncheon club, held fortnightly on a Wednesday. Every Thursday there is a Tea, Coffee and Friendship morning, from 10am and is open to everyone. For a Family evening out you can try the Longlevens Community Cinema which show films suitable for all the family on a Saturday during the month. If you are interested in the programme of activities or would like more information, please contact: 01452 520752 or www.krbc.org.uk.
Finally, a regular source of activity and fun is organised by Sarah Coleby, who provides a number of aerobic sessions each week. Sarah always gears the activity to the age group of the participants and has a personal objective of getting her class members to reach and exceed their expectations! Sarah, originally, from Suffolk has been involved in the parish for 10 years settling in to the area after a “nomadic” existence as a Military (RAF) wife. She is a qualified swimming instructor, who also plays the flute and enjoys singing in the Military Wives Choir. Sarah can be found helping at Take a break on a Tuesday and at Quest on a Thursday. Please contact Sarah directly on 01452 730826 or on Facebook at Sarobics
For Children during term time, the Mid-Week Children’s Klubs are organised according to age group. Each club provides a safe environment where children can relax, make friends and enjoy activities, games and discussions suited to their age grouping. The weekly programme includes: Babies and Toddlers start the join in on Tuesday morning, whilst early Wednesday evening, there is a club for the reception to year 2s, closely followed by a session for years 6-8. For the year 3-5s and 9 -13s there are separate gatherings on Thursday evening.
The more senior members of the Community there is a Luncheon club, held fortnightly on a Wednesday. Every Thursday there is a Tea, Coffee and Friendship morning, from 10am and is open to everyone. For a Family evening out you can try the Longlevens Community Cinema which show films suitable for all the family on a Saturday during the month. If you are interested in the programme of activities or would like more information, please contact: 01452 520752 or www.krbc.org.uk.
Finally, a regular source of activity and fun is organised by Sarah Coleby, who provides a number of aerobic sessions each week. Sarah always gears the activity to the age group of the participants and has a personal objective of getting her class members to reach and exceed their expectations! Sarah, originally, from Suffolk has been involved in the parish for 10 years settling in to the area after a “nomadic” existence as a Military (RAF) wife. She is a qualified swimming instructor, who also plays the flute and enjoys singing in the Military Wives Choir. Sarah can be found helping at Take a break on a Tuesday and at Quest on a Thursday. Please contact Sarah directly on 01452 730826 or on Facebook at Sarobics
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Our Community Schools Perform Shakespeare
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?
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?
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?
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