Don't forget to put your clocks forward by one hour tonight to mark the start of British summertime.
It is now 114 years since the first 'Spring Forward' clock change.
The idea of British Summer Time (BST), also known as Daylight Saving Time, was first proposed in Britain by a keen horse-rider, William Willett, who was incensed at the 'waste' of useful daylight first thing in the morning, during summer.
Though the sun had been up for hours during his rides through the local woods in Chislehurst and Petts Wood, people were still asleep in bed.
Willett published a pamphlet in 1907 called 'The Waste of Daylight' in which he hatched his plan to get people out of bed earlier in the summer by putting the clocks forward by an hour.
He spent the rest of his life fighting for his time-shifting scheme but he died in 1915 with the Government still refusing to back BST.
However, the following year Germany introduced the system and Britain followed in May 1916.Find out all about the clocks going forward from the Royal Museums, Greenwich
Meanwhile as the clocks go forward, fire chiefs at Gloucestershire County Council are issuing a reminder to people to check their smoke alarms.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging residents to ensure their families are safe and all the alarms are working as British Summer Time starts on Sunday.
A total of 211 people across the country died in fires in the home last year, and more than 70 per cent of those were not alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm – so it's vital to test they are working regularly.
A working smoke alarm can buy families the time they need to get out, stay out and call 999, chief fire officer Stewart Edgar said.
He added: "Anyone can spot when a clock stops ticking, but it's not so easy to be sure that your smoke alarm is still in working order.
"And as more than half of the people who died in home fires last year were 65 years old or above, this is also a perfect opportunity to test alarms for older relatives who might find it hard to reach their alarms but are at greater risk."
Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: "There's no excuse not to have your smoke alarm tested regularly, and this is the opportunity to make sure your family is safe."
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Put the clocks forward - and find out why a horse rider is behind the spring time change
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Guide to gay weddings in Gloucestershire
As the nation celebrates the first gay marriages, the Bishop of Gloucester, Michael Perham, has been praised for his support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
The first same-sex weddings have taken place after gay marriage became legal in England and Wales at midnight.
Some 34 gay couples in Gloucestershire have registered their intention to marry, with one of the first expected to be in Cheltenham on Sunday.
It comes just days after Bishop Michael became a Freeman of Gloucester on Thursday night at a ceremony at Gloucester City Council's offices. During the ceremony he was praised for his liberal views and support for the LGBT community.
Councillor Kate Haigh, leader of the Labour group, said: "He is known for his liberal views on sexuality and has been a strong advocate in allowing women in the church as priests and bishops. He has been a champion on LGBT issues."
He is the first of Gloucester's 40 bishops over 450 years to be awarded the Freedom of the City.
But it is the events of today that will go down in history as politicians and campaigners praised the change in the law that now affords equal marriage rights to all couples.
Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said: "Love and commitment are universal human traits, regardless of sexual orientation or nationality. No ignorance or prejudice can hold back the triumph of love."
It is expected that many more couples will follow suit in preparing for marriage here in Gloucestershire. It is one of the most highly sought after counties when it comes to stunning wedding ceremonies.
Here are some ideas to get the celebrations started if you are planning a ceremony in Gloucestershire:
1. Rococo Garden, Painswick
This 18th century pleasure ground could be the perfect wedding venue. This description from the Roco Garden website says it all: "Situated outside the beautiful Cotswold town of Painswick, and famous for its snowdrop display, the Rococo Garden is a fascinating step back to a flamboyant and sensual period of English Garden Design, when gardens were almost theatrical sets used as a backdrop to decadent garden parties. This gem of a garden, which was originally laid out in the early 18th century, is set in a hidden Cotswold valley with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside."
2. The Westgate bar, Gloucester
This is now Gloucestershire's only gay venue, but you are in for a treat when you get there. It is run by a friendly bunch who will make you feel right at home. The Westgate is situated in the heart of Gloucester and is just a stone's throw from the stunning Gloucester Cathedral.
3. Cripps Barn
Another wedding venue to revel in. Back in the 1990′s Tewkesbury Park sits high above the historic town of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. Looking across to the Malvern Hills, with views stretching out across the Cotswolds and the Severn Valley, Tewkesbury Park has an unrivalled position. An extended 19th century manor house, Tewkesbury Park is a classically elegant hotel, and provides the perfect backdrop for those once-in-a-lifetime photographs.
5. David Jenkins Photography
Need a gay-friendly wedding photographer? Cheltenham-based David Jenkins, with experience from a fine art background and a BA Hons in photography, has built up a reputation as a great, natural photographer of people and someone with a passion for what he does. To prove it, his own stunningly atmospheric work is regularly shown in exhibitions across the country and he brings the same stylish flare to weddings. His journalistic approach allows him to blend into the proceedings and photograph the couple, friends and family relaxing and enjoying the day. The packages combine online proofing and the most beautifully sleek, hand-made, reportage albums.
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Gloucestershire weather: County to bask in warm weather
Gloucestershire will bask in warm weather this weekend.
It feels notably warmer this morning after a recent cold and wet snap.
The weekend will be free of rain and there will be many sunny spells to enjoy.
Top temperatures will be 17C on both Saturday and Sunday.
Tonight will be largely cloudy which will keep temperatures at a mild 12C.
Some rain is expected to move in on Monday which will bring temperatures down to around 15C.
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'Jaw-dropping' production will mark return of Strike A Light Festival to Gloucester
An 'amazing, jaw-dropping' production like no other will feature in the next Strike A Light Festival in Gloucester.
The popular contemporary arts festival will make a return to the city in September.
The festival came to a close earlier this month and organiser Sarah Blowers has heralded it a major success. Now she is putting her best foot forward with planning the next, even bigger festival later this year. It will run from September 26 to 29.
It will return with a performance of Ballad of the Burning Star by Theatre Ad Infinitum on September 28 and 29.VIDEO: TRAILER FOR BALLAD OF THE BURNING STAR
Sarah said: "It is an astonishing show; big, brave, loud, challenging and we can't wait to bring it to Gloucester.
"We will drip feed you some more tasty morsels over the next few months. Rest assured there will be something for everyone so book those dates in your diary and do let us know if you would like to get involved in any way.
"A huge thank you to all who attended this year's festival and helped make it such a success. We are so proud of the quality of the work that we programmed; over 50% of the work that was part of the the Festival was made by local artists.
"It's hard to pinpoint highlights as it all felt very special."
To get in touch with the festival email strikealightfestival@gmail.com.
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Gloucestershire's growing fat pet problem
THE weight of cats and dogs across Gloucestershire is ballooning as owners are feeding them take-aways, chips and other fatty treats despite knowing it is bad for their health.
Giving pets with chocolate, biscuits and even alcohol is fuelling an animal obesity crisis and one in three dogs nationally are overweight, says a national charity.
Jason Burgess, a partner at Wood Veterinary Hospital in Quedgeley, says he sees fat animals on a daily basis and his free weight check clinic aims to tackle the problem.
He said: "We have seen some that are almost double the weight they should one cat was 12.5kg and the average is about four to five, so there are big problems.
"A biscuit for them is equivalent to us eating a burger."
He said many of the overweight animals he has encountered suffer from conditions like heart disease, arthritis and diabetes and those which suffer from bone and joint conditions cannot walk as far.
"It is a downward spiral," Mr Burgess said.
Research by the PDSA has found that 58 per cent of pet owners in the South West give their animals fatty treats, despite the fact that nationally more than 90 per cent realise the resulting obesity can reduce their pet's lifespan.
Around two and a half million dogs, one in three, and more than two million cats, one in four, across the country are classed as being overweight.
Richard Aspinall, director at AAS Vets Group in Abbeydale, said this is a common problem and has stressed the need that animals should be given exercise and a balanced diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle – just like a human.
Mr Aspinall said: "Quite a lot of these are fed inappropriate things. They are peoples' pets and they are loved and when a dog puts a head on somebody's knees and looks up at them, they can't resist.
"We constantly say to people, your cat or dog should have a balanced diet and obviously one that is low in calories."
To help tackle the problem, the charity is launching the fat-fighting PDSA Pet Fit Club. Over the last eight years, it says the contest has transformed the lives of some of the country's fattest pets.
Elaine Pendlebury, senior vet for the PDSA, said: "Morbidly obese pets is now an everyday occurrence in vet practices across the UK - it one of our biggest welfare concerns.
"It is effectively a silent killer leading to long-term health issues which can cut their lifespan by up to two years."
Visit: PDSA healthy pet advice
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Sizzling sunny start to Gloucester's Residents Weekend: Your guide to what's on
Stunning summer-like weather has got the Gloucester Residents Weekend off to a cracking start.
Eastgate Street is today thronging with people who are being entertained by the sounds of Jamaica.VIDEO: Lively atmosphere in Eastgate Street
Hundreds of people are basking in warm sunshine as they soak up the atmosphere in the city centre.
Today and tomorrow is Residents Weekend, an action-packed, bumper weekend celebrating the good people of Gloucester.
Dozens of businesses all across the city are opening their doors and offering massive discounts on their products and services to people who call Gloucester their home.
Foodies can enjoy generous discounts in eateries such as Cafe Rene, Aroma, Chimichanga, the Dick Whittington, Gloucester Cathedral's coffee shop, the team rooms at the Folk Museum and restaurants such as the Tiger's Eye and Zizzi.
. @GloucesterMayor#Gloucester#residentsweekendpic.twitter.com/eTZQ1AIVbY
— Jason I J Smith (@JasonIJSmith) March 29, 2014
For shoppers, traders in the Eastgate Market are offering generous savings on many stalls. Other retailers to offer discounts include Chez Rose, Miss Silver and Kara Hair and Beauty.
Those looking for a new experience could try a tour of the Eastgate Chamber from the City Museum at 2pm and 3pm both days, or go into a hidden air raid shelter under the museum.
There are a whole host of tours of the city by the Civic Trust, with information from the Tourist Information Centre.
For those hoping to keep fit, GL1 leisure centre is offering free taster sessions for many of its classes.View the full list of offers and events↧
My Gloucester - tell us why you love the city and see your views in the Citizen
Gloucester is a fantastic place to live and do business - but what is special about the city for you?
We regularly feature a column in the Citizen in which a reader tells us what they like about Gloucester.
Please take a few minutes to fill in the form and have a picture of yourself ready to attach as well.
We will publish your 'My Gloucester' in the Citizen soon.
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Two Gloucester city centre pubs reopen
Two Gloucester city centre pubs have reopened their doors.
Voltage, in Brunswick Road, and The Union, in Westgate Street, both shut in recent weeks.
But both venues have reopened.
Molly's Bar is the new name for The Union. Landlady Jackie Nesbitt, whose nickname is Molly, said: "I wanted a new challenge and I didn't want to see this pub closed. It is in a great location and it will make a fantastic Irish pub.
"Molly's Bar seemed like a fitting name because it is my nickname and it was my grandmother's name too."
She is planning to start serving food from Easter and is looking to turn it into a live music venue too.
Voltage reopened last Saturday under licensee Lewis Taylor. His bar manager Kelly Owen said today that they were considering changing the name back to Sloanes.
"Everybody still calls it Sloanes," she said. "We might go back to that name although not for a bit. Obviously it costs a lot of money to change the signs so we will see how things go first.
"We are planning to bring it back to doing food both day and night. There are very few places in Gloucester for families to come for a meal together."
They too are looking to put on a live band at least once a month.
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Anger over pay and display car park at The Turmot Hoer pub in Abbeymead
PAY and display car parking at an Abbeymead is driving away trade from local businesses and forcing people to park dangerously, according to residents and businesses.
Bosses at The Turmut Hoer pub say they installed the pay and display system because of a number of people not visiting the pub but still filling up their car park, stopping customers from visiting.
But local businesses say that visitors are not noticing the difference between the privately owned pub car park and the spaces outside their premises, and this is affecting trade.
The manager of Level One Hairdressers, which is opposite The Turmut Hoer, said: "None of our customers seem to understand the new parking system, and because of that we've had a really quiet week.
"People are just driving in then driving straight out again. It needs to be made clear that you don't need to pay to park in the spaces in front of our businesses."Parents picking up their children from the nearby Abbeymead School add to the number of cars in the area during peak times. The pub says it will continue to let parents use the car park as a pick up and drop off point for short periods.
Jim Beeley, Councillor for Hucclecote, said: "Car parking is a massive issue for people in this area, so I regret that the pub has done this.
"I can understand why The Turmut Hoer has done this, so the council is going to await the impact of the changes."
The pub says the manager spoke to local businesses in advance to let them know of the changes and put up notices in the car park.
A spokesman for Turmut Hoer said: "The pay and display charges were introduced last week due to the number of people not visiting the pub using the car park.
"Unfortunately our customers were having difficulty parking in the car park because it was full, even though the pub wasn't."
The charge is £1.00 for three hours, which is refunded to customers who use the pub.
Richard Angell, Owner of nearby business Angell Pets, said: "It's stopping customers getting to the shop and it's affecting our trade. We've also had difficulties with our delivery companies having access to the shop."
Robin Raab-Watts, local resident, said: "By making part of the car park to The Turmot Hoer a pay and display which was free up until now will force the primary school parents and secondary education children drop offs for the various school buses to block Mead Road.
"What bird brain thought this one up?"
Brad Lewis, Manager of nearby Abbeymead Fish Bar, said: "It needs to be made clear that the spaces outside our businesses are different to those in the car park.
"I can understand why the pub has done this if loads of people were taking up their spaces without going in."
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Cinderford RFC fight back to defeat Loughborough Students 22-19
BATTLING Cinderford secured a great escape at Dockham Road, edging Loughborough Students out 22-19 despite a 19-3 deficit at half-time.
Cinderford came into this game with the weight of relegation pressure on their shoulders.
The Foresters were sitting in 15th place in National One and though they have two games in hand, the threat of the drop is very real.
Loughborough beat Cinderford 36-28 in the reverse fixture but have had a season of mixed fortunes, and are currently in 11th only five points clear of danger.
Starting slowly has been Cinderford's achilles heel this season and so it was again.
Lethargy in defence allowed the visitors to twice cross the whitewash, while simultaneously squandering every chance they got in the Loughborough 22.
Wing and kicker Alex Davis has a blistering start, scoring two tries in quick succession. He dived over under the posts in the eighth minute after a run-in from the 22 and kicked the simple conversion.
And in the 11th minute, a superb kick to touch set up the second try. The students stole possession at the line-out and clever passing and cute offloads spread Cinderford defence thin before Davis squirmed over in the corner.
The difficult conversion was expertly taken and Loughborough had earned a 14-0 lead.
Cinderford's efforts to reduce the arrears were fruitless as each foray into the Loughborough 22 was a wasted chance.
Winger Sam Baker came close after squirming out of several tackles but Cinderford were penalised for crossing and Loughborough cleared their lines.
Tom Hicks was superb in the line-out, twice stealing the ball from Loughborough hands and it was from one of these efforts that Cinderford attacked from, until centre Robbie Winchle fired a pass into touch.
Jack Adams' run to the line came inches short but he had the overlap and should have passed. Cinderford then lost possession and the chance was gone.
Loughborough were pinged for holding on and Wilcox kicked into the 22, but again possession was spilled in what was fast becoming the story of the half.
An Adams' knock-on squandered promising territory but all was not lost. Cinderford got their first points on the board with a Wilcox penalty right in front of the posts.
But Loughborough would have the final say; from a scrum in the middle of the pitch, Davis made a scintillating run down the wing. Wilcox's covering tackle would not bring him down and he dragged the full-back-cum-fly-half behind him before offloading to fly-half Sam Katz to cross the whitewash. Loughborough missed a penalty just before the break but went into the changing rooms with a 19-3 advantage.
Cinderford came out fighting for their lives.
Winchle made a blistering run into the Students' 22 and after several phases, flanker Roger Birkin crashed over in the corner. Wilcox's conversion sailed wide and the Foresters still had work to do.
Flanker Will Keenan made a stunning break into the Students' 22 but he made the wrong decision under pressure. Instead of running in, his panicked offload was intercepted. Loughborough's counter-attack was knocked on and Cinderford capitalised.
With Loughborough scrum-half Tommy Pointer out cold, referee David Procter allowed play to continue and Adams finally secured a try in the corner.
After a lengthy pause as an ambulance was called for Pointer, Wilcox kicked the conversion and Cinderford had reduced the deficit to just four points.
Winchle was binned for a dangerous tackle on Eoin Cremen, but Loughborough prop Jay Rudland-Thomas also saw yellow for straying offside in the red zone.
With time running out, Cinderford pounced. A barraging driving maul inched towards the line and a penalty try was awarded to the vociferous home support's delight. Wilcox slotted the simple conversion in front of the posts and Cinderford led for the first time in the game 22-19.
A nervy two minutes ensued but Cinderford held out the driving Students to secure a miraculous escape and secure a vital four points.
CINDERFORD: S Hawley, N Codlin, J Adams, R Winchle, S Baker, M Wilcox, C Stuart-Smith (D Pointon, 40), W Davis, T Bozzard, E Booley (T Heard, 66), T Hicks, E King (L Randall, 48), R Birkin, W Keenan, G Mills (c)
REPLACEMENTS: R Charles, S Hanks
LOUGHBOROUGH: J Pons, C Dowsett, R Owen, G Eastwell (H Elrington, 72) A Davis, S Katz, T Pointer (T James, 53), H Rudkin, J Fields, A Alo (J Rudland-Thomas, 44), E Taylor, J Albon, J Freeman (c), E Cremen, B Pons (G Messum, 74)
REPLACEMENTS: C Surman
REFEREE: David Procter
ATTENDANCE: 351
STAR MAN: Tom Hicks
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Football legend David Beckham spotted in Stroud
FOOTBALL legend David Beckham has reportedly been spotted in Stroud.
Fans have posted on Twitter and Facebook saying he was seen at Dudbridge garage this afternoon, Saturday.
However, disappointed staff at the garage said the former England captain and Manchester United star did not buy petrol or enter their shop.
Alex Kibble posted a picture of Becks on Twitter and said: "I have just spoke to David Beckham in Stroud and had a chat with him. Wow never been this starstruck #legend"
Adam Harley posted a picture of a black Range Rover parked at the garage and said: "I'm pulling out of the garage in Stroud and who do I see… David Beckham."
Meanwhile Sophie Davies said: "David Beckham cannot be in Stroud because if he is I will have a panic attack."
Jess Carman added: "Not every day you get your brother ringing the family to say I've just met David Beckham in the car around Stroud."
Did you see Becks in Stroud? Contact our reporter Hayley Mortimer on hayley.mortimer@glosmedia.co.uk
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Prince George pictured with William and Kate ahead of tour to New Zealand and Australia
Prince George of Cambridge shows how much he has grown in a touching new official family photograph released on Mother's Day.
The eight-month old, who is third in line to the throne, is the centre of attention in a blue jumper emblazoned with his name in the informal shot taken at Kensington Palace.
Looking like he is growing fast as he is held by a smiling Duchess of Cambridge, the future king only seems to have eyes for the family's pet cocker spaniel, Lupo, who is held by the Duke.
William and Kate have chosen to release the happy and laid-back image ahead of their forthcoming tour to New Zealand and Australia which begins next month.
The photograph shows the Cambridges casually dressed as they lean on the sill of an open window at their apartment in London.
The couple moved into the property, which had been the home of Princess Margaret, late last year after it had been refurbished.
Celebrity portrait photographer Jason Bell took the picture and was also the official photographer for George's christening last October.
Bell is renowned for his images of Hollywood stars and rock and pop legends like Sir Paul McCartney, actress Scarlett Johansson and former England footballer David Beckham.
But he has captured a relaxed image of the Cambridges during the photo session held a few weeks ago.
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Review: Poetry Slam, Cheltenham Poetry Festival 2014
Put a load of poets in a room and set them the challenge of entertaining a group of poetry lovers with their work no more than three minutes, and you know you are going to have an entertaining evening.
Poetry Slam, from the Cheltenham Poetry Festival, is back and what a fun night it was.
Just about the wackiest topics you can think of became subject matter for this band of writers – ranging from the downright filthy 'My vagina is a toilet' to a protest about the £40million cost of the Royal family to the taxpayer. Other topics included one about nature vs mankind from the obligatory leftie poet to a hilarious history of the world in just three minutes.
It was the history of the world piece by Longlevens poet Peter Wyton that won the X-Factor style competition, in which selected audience members scored each entry on the quality of the writing, performance and audience reaction.
The 69-year-old is a pro, having performed at hundreds of slams all over the country since he first took to the stage in 1996. Peter was also due to feature in a number of other events at this year's festival and it is hardly surprising. Slams, by his own admission, are quite a different kettle of fish to more traditional work. They tend to be a bit more raw, a bit naughty, or provocative – after all you don't have long to impress the judges. But having read some of his other work since seeing him perform on Friday night, this is a man of pure poetic talent and a well-deserved winner.Michael Wilkinson
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Voting for your Gloucester city councillors will be every FOUR years
Sweeping political change in Gloucester could happen after radical plans to alter the way city councillors are voted in were backed.
Voting for your Gloucester city councillors will now only happen every four years instead of once every year for three consecutive years.
It is hoped that it will simplify the voting system and encourage more people to go to the ballot box.HANDY GUIDE TO ELECTIONS2014– City council / European elections2015– City council / Parliamentary elections2016– Whole city council / Police & crime commissioner elections2017– County council elections2018– No elections2019– Parliamentary elections2020– Whole city council electionVIDEO: How your councillor voted
Side effects of the change could even mean the city's Conservative administration wiped out in one swoop if there is a sea change in the fortunes of rival parties.
The change, which comes into effect from May 2016, will also save taxpayers £195,000 over the next six years.
Some 28 councillors approved the changes at a meeting last Thursday, with seven Conservative backbenchers refusing to support the measure.
Councillor Mary Smith (L, Robinswood) said: "Any councillor who is worth their salt is going to be out walking the streets meeting people regardless of whether there is an election or not. If they don't then they frankly deserve to be thrown out after four years."
Voters were consulted on the proposed change in January but city council bosses received just 36 responses – 33 of which supported the idea of all-out.
But councillor Gordon Taylor (C, Abbey) warned: "We need to have continuity in the council chamber. It is difficult for the council to do its business if everyone is new."
And councillor Andrew Gravells (C, Abbey) added: "Just 36 people bothered to express a view. That is a shocking level of apathy. What happened to the other thousands of people in Gloucester?"
He argued that reducing the number of elections could add to voter apathy.
One voter spoke to councillors claiming that she had only found out about the consultation 'by mistake' and that a lack of publicity for the proposal was to blame for the low response.
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Partial closures on the M5 Gloucestershire junctions this evening due to bridge work
DRIVERS should find alternative routes this evening, if they are planning to use the M5 motorway.
The southbound carriageway will shut between junctions 11a and 12 from 10pm until 6am tomorrow as part of bridge safety work.
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Driver is rescued following a collision on Elmbridge Court Roundabout
A DRIVER was trapped in their car, following a road traffic collision on the Elmbridge Court Roundabout, near Churchdown yesterday.
One appliance from the nearby Gloucester North fire station attended the incident with a crew of five fire-fighters at 4.40pm.
The incident involved three motor vehicles with one female driver trapped.
Crews extricated the female who had sustained slight injuries. She was then conveyed to hospital by county ambulance.
Crews remained at the scene making the area and vehicle safe.
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Shortage of clowns in Gloucester
It is no joke - there is a shortage of clowns in Gloucester.
In fact, the lack of red-nosed comedians is actually becoming a national problem.
Clowns are no longer seen as 'cool' by many young people and numbers of the performers have plummeted.
Alfredo the Magical Clown, from Abbeydale, has been entertaining children all over the country for 27 years but he admits there is a growing problem.
"There are not as many of us as there used to be," the 62-year-old funny man said. "We've had about four clowns and magicians in Gloucester retire in the last year and they just aren't being replaced. New ones just aren't coming in."
Alfredo took up his clowning ways after watching a clown act with his daughter when she was just three years old. He said: "I thought, 'I can do that', and I gave it a try. I love what I do because all the children are different and they all blossom in their own ways. They have a laugh and they enjoy themselves. The parents really like it too.
"But things are up and down at the moment. Clowns are having to double up as magicians too. That is something that I do."
Alfredo has performed his act all over Gloucester and has travelled to other locations such as Somerset, Nottingham and London. He has also appeared on BBC television.OUR FAVOURITE CLOWN JOKES
Why did the clown go to the doctor?
(Because he was feeling a little funny!)
Why did the clown throw his clock out of the window?
(He wanted to see time fly!)
What should you do if you're attacked by a group of clowns?
(Go for the juggler/jugular!)
Why did the clown wear loud socks?
(So his feet wouldn't fall asleep!)
Why was the clown sad?
(She broke her funny bone!)
Why don't cannibals eat clowns?
(Because they taste funny!)
Why material do you use to make a clown outfit?
(Poly-jester!)View Alfredo the Magical Clown's website
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City council chief Julian Wain will not be replaced
Two Gloucester City Council directors will share the role of former chief executive Julian Wain, who departed the authority recently.
City councillors have decided not appoint a new chief in a bid to save around £110,000 per year.
They will run a six month trial of not having a chief executive, something which is already tried and tested by Wiltshire Council, after that council's former chief executive Andrew Kerr departed.
Corporate directors Peter Gillett, head of resources, and Martin Shields, head of services and neighbourhoods, will take the helm. Mr Gillett will also be responsible for running the city's elections as the returning officer.
Councillor Fred Wood, cabinet member for performance and resources, said: "This administration looked at other options too such as sharing a chief executive with other local authorities. We never shy away from make difficult decisions."
Councillor Kate Haigh, leader of the Labour group, said: "It is really important that this is for six months so that we can have a proper review to see if it works."
Concerns were raised at a meeting of councillors last week on Thursday that it may be too much to ask two people to take on another person's job between them.
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Paul James: Longlevens veterans home home 'won't have detrimental impact' on area
Longlevens councillor Paul James, who is also leader of Gloucester City Council, says he 'understands' his residents' concerns about a home for ex-servicemen and women.
Vital support for vulnerable ex-servicemen and women could be offered in Longlevens if planners agree to charity Alabare's plans to open a new eight bed shelter in Church Road.
Some residents say they are worried about the effect the plans could have on the area.
Mr James has found himself caught in the middle of appeasing residents whilst not being seen to be knocking a facility of veterans. He told fellow councillors last week: "I am a supporter of what Alabare are trying to do. I was chairing a meeting of residents in my ward last Wednesday. The concerns that residents expressed are understandable.
"I don't believe there will be any detrimental impact on the area. I understand their concerns but I believe their fears will be allayed."
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Hartpury lose to title rivals Canterbury
Canterbury 44 Hartpury 29
CANTERBURY closed the gap at the top of the National Two South table to just three points after an enthralling victory over 14-man leaders Hartpury at Merton Lane.
The hosts made the most of three Hartpury yellow cards in the first half to establish an 11-point advantage at the break.
Craig Jackson was dismissed shortly after the interval following his second yellow, and Canterbury held off a spirited Hartpury fight-back to seal a win that sets up a thrilling climax to the season.
Two Tom Best penalties gave Canterbury an early six-point lead either side of Will Waldron's sin-binning for Hartpury.
Gareth Thompson's boot halved the deficit before Mike Luxton finished a superb team effort to edge the visitors in front.
With Waldron poised to return to the field, referee Veryan Boscawen handed Jackson his first set of marching orders.
Matters worsened for the College when Terry Fanolua joined Jackson for taking out Best off the ball, an offence that Boscawen also deemed worthy of a penalty try.
Thompson kicked a second penalty to keep Hartpury in touch, only for Martyn Beaumont's sublime break to release Tom Rogers for a seven-pointer.
For all of Canterbury's superiority, the away side's scrum was dominant and a penalty at the set-piece granted Thompson three more points.
Hartpury looked in trouble when Best wriggled over in the corner on half-time, but quick-fire tries after the restart from Waldron and Steve Leonard hauled them back into contention. Jackson swiftly saw red, however, and Best improved Mark Livesey's effort to take the hosts eight points clear.
Hartpury, carrying some tired legs after their BUCS Championship triumph at Twickenham on Friday night, surprisingly had almost all the ball for the remaining half-an-hour as they fought bravely to salvage an unlikely result.
They struggled to break down a resolute Canterbury defence even after Tom Sherson's yellow card for a high tackle, but Will Tanner eventually barged over for an all-important fourth try that reduced the arrears to a single point.
There was to be no miraculous comeback, though, as Kwaku Asiedu drifted in off his wing to run an excellent angle and glide over under the posts with five minutes remaining. Still Hartpury piled forward, desperate to reposition themselves in losing bonus point territory, but the City Club added insult to injury when Beaumont intercepted 10 metres from his own try line to run the length in the final act.
CANTERBURY: M Beaumont; A Moss, T Guest (R Mackintosh 67), A Veale, K Asiedu; T Best, G Kay; M Livesey (A Wake-Smith 52), T Rogers (S Rogers 57), M Pinnick; R Cadman, B Massey (T Burns 46); T Sherson, B Cowan, G Micans. Not used: R Meares
HARTPURY: C Jackson; R Haile, S Leonard, T Fanolua (S Rodwell 68), J Carter; G Thompson (B Vellacott 60), A Williams; J Gibbons, C Fortey, W Thompson (J Litchfield 78); W Waldron, D McKee (W Tanner 41); R Moriarty, M Luxton (T MacDonald 20), N Thomas
REFEREE: Veryan Boscawen (RFU)
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