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HUIA Edmonds has made the most of his time in Gloucester – now he is relishing the opportunity to grace the jewel in the crown of English rugby today. The Australian hooker joined the Cherry and Whites in 2012 and was determined to see the sights across England and beyond. He has visited Twickenham once before but was forced to pull out of the Wallabies' starting line-up due to injury and was left in the stands. But he will pack down at Twickenham today as Gloucester take on London Wasps in the Premiership. Edmonds said: "I was picked to play England in 2010 but the week I played Wales I injured my hamstring and didn't pass the fitness test on the captain's run. "That was really frustrating because playing a Test at Twickenham in front of 86,000 would have been a massive achievement. "You get a bit of a buzz about where you are travelling and when you come to Europe the number one stadium that pops into your head is Twickenham because it has that tradition and everything about it with the fans singing 'Swing Low'. "It was in my head when I travelled with the Wallabies which was unfortunate but it will be great to play there this weekend." The 32-year-old is set to leave Gloucester at the end of the season and has offers on the table from several clubs both in England and overseas. He remains undecided over his future but insists he has loved every minute in Cherry and White and admits it will be a wrench to uproot from what has become his family home. He said: "I'm not too sure where I'll be next season and want to keep it quite close to my chest. I'm talking to a few clubs overseas and also in England. "I haven't actually made my mind up but at this stage I'm not in discussion with Gloucester but things can always change. "I've loved every minute of my time here, it's a great place to raise a family and I'm just trying to get through to my four-year-old daughter that we're possibly leaving in a few months." Edmonds has ticked off plenty of the major attractions on the continent, in particular in the South of France where his elder brother, former Perpignan star, Manny Edmonds, is now head coach of Pro D2 side Beziers. Any spare moment outside the rigours of professional rugby is spent taking his four children out and about in Gloucestershire but he regrets not venturing further afield in England. He said: "When I decided to come here, one thing I said to my wife was that we had to take the kids and travel around the place a bit because we might not get the chance again. I've just tried to make the most of it. "I'm not going to come to a place and sit in my house all day, I'm an outdoors person coming from a country where you live and breathe the outdoors. I really like my kids to get outside and have a good run around rather than play video games all day. Farms, parks, places like Bourton-on-the-Water, Birdland, anything that will get them out and about and active. Seeing a smile on their face puts a smile on my face. "I have travelled a lot around Europe but not much in England. Any time off I'm usually in the south of France or Italy just because I have family there. But if I do leave the country, one thing I will regret is not travelling around England and visiting a lot of the places here which is a shame." But before packing his bags ahead of the next chapter in his nomadic professional career, Edmonds is well aware what is at stake in the remainder of Gloucester's season. The battle for seventh remains very much alive and while Edmonds missed the Amlin Challenge Cup defeat to Wasps due to a knee injury, he insists they are very much beatable. He added: "It's good to be back on the pitch, getting the okay ahead of Bath was a big plus. "It was a grade one MCL, I lost my footing in training and my knee went in and my ankle the other way. But it's fine now and game on. "There's a lot of frustration but the boys are in good spirits and we know what we have to do to get those four or five points that we need. "We're going to go out there and play a really attacking game, it's an open pitch and with two attacking teams going at it there should be a really good atmosphere. "We have said with that consistency and how we play, look what can happen if we turn up. "It's very much winnable. We know the mentality we have to have and it will be a big one for us."

Gloucester Rugby: Holm Truths with Huia Edmonds

GLOUCESTER have been urged to bring the pain in 'The Stinger' but warned they must not let their anger boil over. The Cherry and Whites are still fraught with a double dose of frustration following their European exit at the hands of London Wasps and last weekend's West Country derby defeat to Bath. They received two red cards and lost two men to the sin-bin in a fiery encounter against their great rivals. And director of rugby Nigel Davies wants to see another reaction full of blood and thunder – providing it is channelled in the right manner – as Gloucester seek revenge for their defeat at Adams Park. Davies said: "We're still hurting from that loss, we saw a certain amount of that against Bath but it still hasn't gone away from me and I'm sure a lot of the players are still hurting from that as well. "We had a reaction against Bath, maybe it was an overreaction and that's where we need to be smarter. We want to be physical, we want to be confrontational but we have to be smarter. "It's not always about battering the opposition. It's about making sure we get things technically right like chop tackling the opposition to take the momentum away from them so we can be aggressive at the breakdown. "We're looking forward to playing at Twickenham, it's a good venue with a big pitch which suits us but the important thing is we take the hurt from the first performance and put that into the weekend. "That feeling of disappointment and anger in terms of our defeat to Wasps will not go away. Regardless of where we play it's about performance levels and making sure we turn up." Wasps have won just one of their last six matches at Twickenham and while Davies acknowledges that will be at the back their minds, he knows their major focus will be on their triumph over the Cherry and Whites at the beginning of the month. But he has every confidence that his side can match the physical onslaught providing they turn up, which wasn't the case in the Amlin Challenge Cup. He said: "It can play at the back of your mind but they will be looking at their performance the last time we met. They will rightly say they physically outmuscled us and bullied us and they will focus on that more than anything else. "But without doubt we can match them, we muscled up against Bath and haven't done that lots of times this season. We didn't turn up in that last display and now we just have to turn up." Davies has made four changes to the side that was defeated by Bath, with a reshuffle among the backs. Henry Trinder has failed to recover from a hamstring injury and is replaced by Rob Cook, with Martyn Thomas moving to the wing and Jonny May into the centre. Up front Ben Morgan replaces Gareth Evans who has suffered a serious knee injury, while Huia Edmonds and James Hudson start ahead of Dan George and Will James. Dan Robson also returns to the bench after a month out of action with a hamstring strain. Meanwhile Wasps welcome back star duo Tom Varndell and Ashley Johnson for the clash. London Wasps: Andrea Masi; Will Helu, Elliot Daly, Chris Bell (Capt.), Tom Varndell; Andy Goode, Joe Simpson; Matt Mullan, Carlo Festuccia, Jake Cooper-Woolley, Joe Launchbury, Kearnan Myall, Ashley Johnson, James Haskell, Nathan Hughes. Reps: Tom Lindsay, Simon McIntyre, Phil Swainston, Tom Palmer, Sam Jones, Charlie Davies, Joe Carlisle, Charlie Hayter. Gloucester: Rob Cook; Charlie Sharples, Jonny May, Mike Tindall, Martyn Thomas; Billy Twelvetrees (capt), Jimmy Cowan; Nick Wood, Huia Edmonds, Shaun Knight, Elliott Stooke, James Hudson, Sione Kalamafoni, Matt Kvesic, Ben Morgan. Reps: Dan George, Dan Murphy, Yann Thomas, Lua Lokotui, Ross Moriarty, Dan Robson, Freddie Burns, Bill Meakes. n Gloucester have been cleared by Premiership Rugby Ltd of any wrongdoing following the uncontested scrums controversy against Bath

HUNDREDS took to the streets of Gloucester yesterday to witness the epic story of the last hours of Jesus Christ. The sun shone as crowds gathered to see watch a powerful recreation of the events of Good Friday, from Jesus's sentencing by Pilate to his crucifixion. Performed by people from the Christian community, The Way of the Cross was a first for Gloucester Cathedral and the city's churches who have come together for the brand new telling of the Passion. Writer and director Rachel Murray said: "We had a fantastic crowd who were supportive and respectful and they seemed to be very much in the moment. "All the hard work over the past few weeks has paid off. "It is such an important act of witness." Dean of Gloucester, the Very Reverend Stephen Lake, added: "There were more people than we expected. "I am sure the event will grow from here." Crowds gathered at Gloucester Cathedral at 10am and followed the cast to the steps of Shire Hall where Jesus was sentenced. Shop staff came to their windows and passers-by stopped to watch as Jesus, played by Daniel Robinson, carried his cross through the city to the sound of a drum. Meanwhile the Salvation Army band played for crowds to sing hymns along the way. The story ended back at the Cathedral where Jesus was nailed to the cross. Rosie Button, from Kingsholm, said: "I absolutely loved it. Seeing a re-enactment like this has really brought the events to life. "I have been a Christian for many years and seeing it acted out on the streets of Gloucester was very powerful. "I hope it reminded people of the true meaning of Easter." Simon Carpenter, from Tuffley, added: "It was very well organised and I hope it continues. Taking it to the city centre made the story visible to everybody."

MICHAEL Wasley will be living a childhood dream when he steps out to make his bow in the World Snooker Championships on Sunday. The 24-year-old won a thrilling battle of Gloucester play-off with great mate and training partner Rob Milkins to earn a place at the Crucible for the first time. The two pals had to go through the drama of a re-spotted black in the final frame of their fourth qualifying round game, before Wasley won through. Having completed "the biggest win of his career", the former Beaufort Community School pupil will now face world number three Ding Junhui in his first Crucible clash. "It was a tough game with Rob being such a good friend, but you have to forget who you are playing and concentrate on the game," Wasley said. "And to go to the wire like that was incredible. It's the first re-spotted black I've had since turning pro, and what a time to get it! "The funny thing is that I thought I was out while Rob was at the table in that final frame and the nerves disappeared. "I got a lucky break and felt that if I got back to the table I would just go for it without thinking too much about it. "Rob put me in first on the re-spot I played a good safety and left Rob with a really difficult shot that gave me a chance of a long one and I potted it. "He was great afterwards, congratulated me on getting through even though he would have been massively disappointed not to have got through himself." Wasley drove back to Gloucester immediately after his qualifying win and will today and some of tomorrow practising at the South West Snooker Academy in Quedgeley. He will travel up to Sheffield tomorrow night: a trip that he often dreamed of making as a young lad playing at the Westgate Snooker Club in Gloucester. "The Crucible is where you want to be," Wasley said. "I used to watch the World Championships on the TV when I was growing up and thought I want to do that one day. "I have played Ding once before in a PTC event and lost 4-3 and I am looking forward to playing against him again. "I know I am a major underdog in the match and I know that he's going to have some pressure on him to win. "I have to try and enjoy it as well, but I am there to play a match and I will certainly enjoy it a lot more if I win!" Derek Ayland, president of the Gloucester Billiards and Snooker League, coached Wasley as a youngster for eight years at the Westgate Snooker Club. "I remember Michael standing on a box so that he could reach the table," said Ayland. "It's great news that he's got through to the last 32 and fully deserved. On behalf of the Gloucester Billiards and Snooker League, I congratulate Michael on his achievement." The best of 19 frame first-round clash will start at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon and play to a completion from 2.30pm on Monday.

Gloucester snooker star Michael Wasley set for Crucible debut

GLOUCESTER Rugby have unveiled their new state-of-the-art bus ahead of tomorrow's 'stinger' against London Wasps at Twickenham. The Cherry and Whites travelled to the capital in style after Bennetts Coaches supplied a fully branded bus. Rugby operations manager Alex Brown said: "We are very lucky that Bennetts chose us and it's great to work with a local company. They have invested heavily in this brand new bus and have agreed to put our branding on it which looks great. It has all the mod-cons, with all the wiring to allow the coaches and players to analyse games. There's also a lot more room which is really important for players' recoveries especially when travelling long distances."

Gloucester Rugby unveils new coach

LISTER Petter is leaving Dursley after 147 years - but 80 jobs are safe. Union leaders have been assured by a director of the new firm which owns it that a move to a former RAF base at Aston Down will secure a future for the 80 workers left after it went in to administration last month. It had already shed 77 jobs in just a few months before insolvency practitioners arrived at the diesel engine factory but those that are left appear to be safe. "The new owner has told us he wants everybody to go to Aston Down," said Trevor Hall, the Unite union's regional officer. "He is confident business will improve and he would look to take on more in future. "I will be meeting him against next week to find out more but this is encouraging news. "We have to take what's been said at face value but I am pleased the company has been saved and can go forward." Lister Petter has a global operations hub at Hardwicke and the move to Aston Down near Minchinhampton will mean the end of 147 years of a proud association with Dursley. It was founded in 1867 when Robert Aston Lister repaired farm machinery at a water mill in Dursley. It exported worldwide and the town's wealth throughout the 1960s and 70s was built on the firm, which in its heyday employed more than 5,000 people. The firm was bought by aircraft manufacturer Hawker Siddeley in the 1960s and merged with Petter Ltd in 1986. It went into administration earlier this year as it struggled with debt and falling sales. "Lister Petter Ltd is no longer," said head of business development Nigel Sankey. "It was bought from the administrator by the EGL Group and is being operated under one of its subsidiaries." It has been taken over by Birmingham-based EGL Group and it will run under an EGL subsidiary called Dorset Road One - it is expected to make diesel generators branded as Lister-Petter machines. Production line equipment is being moved out of Dursley to the former RAF base now.

Lister Petter leaves Dursley but 80 jobs are saved

'RIDICULOUS' council rules left a parish council out of pocket because planners didn't believe extending a Quedgeley cemetery meant that it would also be used as a burial ground. The cemetery at St James Church has been extended by Quedgeley Parish Council because the existing graveyard has run out of room. But when the parish council tried to use planning consent dating back to 1989 which gave permission for an extension to the cemetery, they were told by Gloucester City Council planners that they should pay for a new application to state that it would be used for burying bodies. New applications can cost up to £385 per 0.1 hectares. Parish councillor Steve Smith said: "It is quite frankly rubbish. I have never heard anything so ridiculous. What else would a cemetery be extended for other than to be a burial ground?" Fellow councillor Julian Powell added: "The cemetery is a burial ground. It is quite simple. But it is cheaper to apply for a second planning permission than to challenge this advice." Councillor Barry Kirby, who stepped down as a parish councillor last week, said: "If common sense had been applied by the city council this need never have happened." A city council spokeswoman said: "To use land as a burial site the correct consents must be given. The previous application made in 1989 to Stroud District Council (before the boundaries were reviewed) made no reference to burials taking place on the land. "Officers advised that the best course of action would be to submit a planning application to the city council which specified what the land would be used for, to ensure the correct consents had been sort. If however the parish council could demonstrate the use in the 1989 included burials, then this could be lawful." Parish councillors are eager to start using the site after a huge amount of interest from Quedgeley people who want to reserve a spot for themselves and their loved ones. Mr Smith, who has co-ordinated the parish council's cemetery plans, said: "We have got a number of applications from people in the community interested in buying graves. We agreed that we would sell no more than 25 per cent of them."

'Ridiculous' council rules blamed for Quedgeley cemetery extension fiasco

Youngsters in Quedgeley have been basking in the sunshine with their handmade Easter bonnets. The children made them earlier in the week at the Chatterbox parent and toddler group, which meets at St James Church, in Quedgeley. They will don them once again for this week's Easter Sunday service at the church.

Children bask in sunshine with their Easter bonnets

One of the two remaining top directors at Gloucester City Council has quit his job just weeks after chief executive Julian Wain departed. Peter Gillett, director of resources, had just taken on the role of sharing Mr Wain's job with Martin Shields, director of neighbourhoods and services, after councillors agreed not to replace the chief executive. But council staff were told in an e-mail last week that Mr Gillett himself is now leaving the local authority after being offered a top job at Bristol City Council. Council leader Paul James has sought to allay staff fears that the authority is becoming headless but admitted that the timing of the departure was not ideal. Mr James said: "In an ideal world, following recent events, we would not have wanted another change to the senior management team so soon. But I congratulate Peter Gillett on securing such an important role and I take pride that a major authority such as Bristol has recruited one of our officers into a senior position. "I am very conscious that senior management capacity at the council is stretched and we will be not be looking to take this post as a saving. "However, we will consider the most effective way we can use the resources available to contribute to the overall performance of the organisation and to the council's priorities." Family man Mr Gillett is thought to be departing the city council in mid-July as he relocates to Bristol with his wife and children. His relocation also leaves the council without a returning officer after the May 22 city and European elections, although it is like that Mr Shields will step into the breach. Councillors previously expressed concerns that not replacing Mr Wain, who left his £110,000 post in March, could put too much pressure on the top of the organisation. The council agreed to trial running the authority without a chief executive for six months, with Mr Gillett and Mr Shields effectively running the show together. But councillor Kate Haigh, leader of the Labour group, warned: "It is really important that this is for six months so that we can have a proper review to see if it works."

Second director quits at Gloucester City Council

There's nothing like good neighbours and residents of Copeland Park are planning to get to know each other a little bit better. The fast-growing estate near Kingsway now boasts almost 1,000 homes. But it is a new community and neighbours are itching for a way to get to know each other more. Now a new residents group is being founded by dad-of-one Stuart Mays, who has lived on the estate since 2006. The school teacher is hosting a first get-together on Thursday, April 24 with the help of county councillor Barry Kirby (L, Grange and Kingsway). Mr Mays, 34, said: "I want to bring the community together so we can organise events such as a family fun day in the summer. There are a lot of young families living here. "When we think there are things that could be improved it sounds better if we are one strong voice rather just individual residents. "It is not just about what could be improved but about coming up with ideas for the future. "It would be nice to know more of my neighbours so we are having a meeting next week for the first time. I've already had some really good responses to the idea." The meeting will take place at 7pm on April 24 at the SkillZONE centre on nearby Tuffley Lane. Mr Kirby said: "This is how we started in Kingsway and hopefully in Copeland Park we will be able to learn some lessons from what we did there to get it right for everyone. "It is easy to get hung up on what is wrong with somewhere, but this is not about that. This is a lovely community and it is about making it even better." John Gow, who is Kingsway's new community builder, tasked with knitting different community groups and leaders together, is extending the remit of his work to include Copeland Park. Mr Gow is tasked with helping people in the community set up new groups, work with like-minded people and encouraging people to do their bit to make it a better place to live.

'Let's bring Copeland Park community together' says resident

CHRISTIANS came together from across Stroud for a Procession of Easter Witness through the middle of the town. Bearing a large wooden cross, congregations of all denominations which make up Churches Together in Stroud, sang hymns and prayed around the streets. Young and old joined the Good Friday procession, marking Christ's crucifixion, from the top of the High Street and around the town centre before final worship in front of the Subscription Rooms. The annual Procession of Witness also took place in Cam and Dursley. Hundreds of people gathered for the ecumenical walk from the town centre up to Cam Peak.

Walks of Witness well supported in Stroud

Primary school teacher Laura Fields says she was in 'absolute awe' when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge rocked up on the beach she was sunbathing at yesterday whilst on her holiday in Australia. Laura, who teaches at Dinglewell Infants School, said: "I'm out in Australia for the Easter break visiting my brother Gavin, who lives in Coogee. He suggested we visit Manly Beach. When I found out the royals were visiting the same day I was determined to catch a glimpse. "There was a definite buzz in the air. When I first saw them I was in absolute awe. The duchess came over to my side looking breathtaking. "The prince kept to the other side. Just when I was happy to leave William headed over to where I was standing. As he got closer along the line of people it became a reality that I might get to meet him. He shook my hand and said to me and others around 'sorry to disturb your beach'. It took me a little while after to get over my experience as I moved up onto the road to wave them off in the car. A magical memory to make my day."

Gloucester teacher meets William and Kate on Australian beach

OLD Centralians kept alive their hopes of staying in National Three South West with a bonus-point 37-17 home win over Old Redcliffians today. Cents' win moved them out of the drop zone, one point and one place above Wanderers, who host Bracknell tomorrow. It took Centralians 70 minutes to overcome a stubborn Redcliffians side but in the final 10 minutes they finally powered through for the hard fought bonus-point win they needed. Despite dominating possession and territory in the first half and with their forwards shoving the visiting pack around, all they had to show were two penalties from centre Liam Hemming. Old Reds' backs, running hard from deep, scored twice through winger Henry Bird and centre Dave Harris with full back Jack Steer converting both. Cents' forwards drove number eight Rich Pinkney over to reduce the interval deficit to 14-11. Hemming struck twice with a penalty and two drop goals to nudge Cents in front 20-14 before Steer slotted a penalty as the final quarter began to set up a grandstand finish. Cents' persistence in running the ball from their 22 put them under unnecessary pressure as Reds' tackling closed them down. Cents forced their way downfield, at last using the trusty boots of Hemmimg and scrum half Connor Qwilliam and helped by Reds' hooker's sin binning for a foul tackle. It paid dividends as winger Ollie Townsend squeezed over from a five metre scrum and Rich Pinkney threaded through broken play, neither converted from wide out. With the last play of the match Cents' forwards bombarded Reds' line, releasing the ball for centre Rob Jones to dart over for the bonus try. Hemming added the extras for a handsome 37-17 victory. Centralians: L. May; O. Townsend; R. Jones; M. Mathers; J. Preece; L. Hemming; C. Gwilliam; J. Elliott; N. Stroud; S. Fritchley; D. Cook-West; P. Willetts; B. Slatter; D. Knapman; Rich Pinkney. Interchanges: M. Vye; Rob Pinkney; H. Preece. Redcliffians: J. Steer; H. Bird; C. Gervais; D. Harris; H. Goldson; A. Groves; R. Stevens; D. Allinson; C. McGrath; J. Morse; C. Pursall; M. Drew; A. Davis; M. Woodward; D. Fry. Interchanges: O. Coles; J. Hooper; J. Knight.

Old Centralians gain bonus-point win over Old Redcliffians

ROWING over reality TV show The Valleys in a lapdancing club landed one Gloucestershire man with a 10-week spell behind bars. Danny Butler was with his friend Fred Evans, who won a boxing silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics, when the attack happened, Birmingham magistrates heard. The court was told Butler teamed up with welterweight Evans to launch a "gratuitous and unprovoked" attack which left their victim unconscious. Butler, 20, of Gloucester Road, Corse, was jailed for 10 weeks for his part in the attack, and also ordered to serve four weeks of a previous suspended sentence imposed for a similar offence. Evans, 23, of Old St Mellons, Cardiff, was fined £435 and ordered to pay £250 costs for his "limited" role in the assault on Sam Robinson. Mr Robinson, thought to be aged in his 20s, was battered around the head and knocked to the floor on February 23 this year, moments after arguing with Butler about the merits of the MTV show. Both Evans and Butler, had pleaded not guilty at a previous hearing but admitted common assault after viewing CCTV footage of the attack prior to the hearing this week. Prosecutor Jim Mason told magistrates Mr Robinson had travelled to Birmingham's Legs 11 club from the Peterborough area with a group of friends. Mr Mason told the court: "Whilst at the bar, Mr Robinson began talking to two men who he quickly discovered were from Wales. "As he spoke to the two men he noticed one of the two seemed to get somewhat upset following a discussion about The Valleys television show. "To prevent the matter escalating, he decided to leave the scene and went to the toilet. "No sooner had he got into the toilet that he was struck to the back of the head and he fell to the floor. "He was then hit to his nose and jaw and says at that point he passed out." In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Robinson, who is facing dental surgery likely to cost around £3,000, said he felt his attackers had "behaved like animals" for a silly reason. Gavin Rofer, defending Evans, said the boxer was deeply remorseful and had consumed "quite a lot of alcohol" at the time of his "extremely limited" part in the assault. The solicitor claimed The Valleys did not paint the Welsh population in a particularly favourable light, and said the victim's comments about the programme had "not found favour" with either defendant. The court heard Evans had no previous convictions, and an "exemplary" record as a boxer, having taken up the sport aged four. During his mitigation to the court, Mr Rofer said: "He has never found himself before any court in relation to any sort of proceedings, he comes before you entirely of good character. Evans was ordered to pay a £43 victim surcharge and £500 in compensation to Mr Robinson.

Gloucestershire man jailed for attack after a row over The Valleys television show in a lapdancing club

Banning frilly socks at a Gloucester school was a 'bizarre misinterpretation' of health and safety rules, the Government has said. It has issued a new ruling blocking 'nonsense' health and safety rules such as the ban at Kingsholm Primary School last year, which was highlighted by the Citizen. Health and safety minister Mike Penning has called for a common sense approach from councils and schools after a spate of 'ridiculous excuses'. He picked up on the incident at the city school in which headteacher Jan Buckland banned children wearing the frilly socks made by mum-of-three Tracy Rudge for fear of them becoming a tripping hazard. She created them for her seven-year-old daughter Lily-Jo and her school friends. In the last two years, the Health and Safety Executive has received almost 300 complaints from people who claim they have been fobbed of with bogus excuses. Mike Penning said: "Enough is enough. Health and safety has long been used as a smoke screen by jobsworths who have little knowledge of the law and who want to fob people off with an easy excuse. "I want all councils and schools to take advantage of this advice to make sure we get the right balance in the future." Tracy, of Sebert Street, said: "They never did prove that frilly socks are dangerous. The schools these days try and tell parents what to do with their own kids. "I'm pleased that someone has had some common sense. I hope the school will actually listen because recently they even banned frilly hair bobbles. It's ridiculous." Judith Hackitt, chairman of the Health and Safety Executive, said: "I would urge all decision makers to take a step back and ask themselves whether a decision made in the name of health and safety, is actually just an excuse for something else. "Real health and safety is about protecting people in the workplace from life and health threatening risks. "Own up to the real reasons behind the decision, don't just reach for the easiest excuse." Other 'bizarre' bans from around the country have included a school preventing a pupil from bringing in a baby chick for his presentation due to concerns about spreading bird flu. In another area, small wooden canes protecting daffodil bulbs were ordered to be removed in case someone tripped and fell in the flowerbed and one council banned dog shows from being held in community halls.

'Bizarre' frilly socks ban at Gloucester school is overruled by Government

Derelict buildings near Gloucester Quays are in danger of being lost forever as their condition worsens. Falling masonry, collapsed walls and rooftops buckling under rainwater damage are just some of the problems at the complex of 19th century warehouses at the privately-owned Bakers Quay. Squatters have even created their own drug den in the Downing's Malthouse Extension. The Grade-II listed Provender Mill, the Malthouse Extension and a once-impressive timber-clad bridge between the two buildings are all on the 'buildings at risk' register kept by Gloucester City Council. The 'at risk' register warns: "There is considerable vegetation growth to the walls and high-level details due to defective rainwater goods. One bay of the vented roof ridge to the north range has collapsed. The timber-clad gallery bridge between the Malthouse and the Extension is in very poor condition." But owner Dick Bishop said the buildings are 'dry and water tight'. He added: "If you didn't maintain them the historic buildings lot would have me in court tomorrow morning. When you do try and repair the buildings they say you can't do this, can't do that." Mr Bishop said he had visited the site in the last week and regularly secures the buildings but they are repeatedly broken into by squatters. Asked if there was any sign that the site would be developed he vowed there would be an announcement in 'three or four weeks'. Mr Bishop said: "It is all going on at the moment behind the scenes. When it does happen it won't just be one customer, there will be 20 people on the table. "The area has been ripe for development for the last 20 years but the country has been in a state. We have had so many developers, even the big ones, who want a miracle but haven't got a ha'penny in their pockets. The customers are coming back now though." Mr Bishop previously revealed plans in March 2013 for a new Premier Inn hotel, a Costa coffee drive-thru and Brewers Fayre pub-restaurant along with apartments. Baker's Quay was constructed in the late 1830s by a group of businessmen led by Samuel Baker but the buildings fell into abandonment as industry at Gloucester Docks starting to wind up in the 1970s. For several years developers Peel, owner of Gloucester Quays, have been trying to buy Bakers Quay from the Bishop family so that it can be redeveloped as part of the Quays shopping and leisure complex. Jason Pullen, managing director of Peel Outlets, last night renewed his desire to see the site development by Peel. He said: "In June we will be seeking to renew the planning permission for the whole of the Gloucester Quays site which incorporates Bakers Quay and we still retain an interest in seeing a comprehensive development there." The eyesore site has even been criticised by the Queen during her visit to the city in 2009 to see the progress of Gloucester's regeneration. Her Majesty looked at Bakers Quay and said: "You've still got some work to do then." Frustration at the rate of progress, continues today. Gloucester City Council leader Paul James said: "They maybe water tight but they buildings are going to deteriorate if substantial repairs are not carried out and it detracts from the area where we have got the biggest regeneration scheme that Gloucester has ever seen. "The economy has improved and it will make getting a development started easier. There have been some lengthy discussions with Rokeby Developments so I have a renewed sense of optimism, although I have learnt not to count my chickens. I look forward to hearing an announcement in three or four weeks then."

Time for action at Gloucester's 'at risk' Bakers Quay

Early birds would have woken up to glorious sunshine today, but cloud has moved in for the rest of the day. Saturday's top temperatures will be just 12C. We may see some outbreaks of sunshine toward the end of the day and by 9pm it should be clear for the night. Sunday takes a turn for the worse, with heavier cloud throughout the day. Light rain will move in during the afternoon and this will become heavier by the end of the afternoon and into the evening. Monday looks like an improvement with top temperatures of 15C, sunny intervals and only a chance of rain in the evening.

Easter weekend: Weather for Gloucestershire

There is plenty going on in the Gloucester area today. Here are some ideas for you: 1. Gloucester Quays Home & Garden Festival continues. Day two features celebrity garden designer Joe Swift along with live music and some 80 market stalls. 2. Gloucester Docks Art and Craft Fair also continues, featuring a selection of stalls selling arts and crafts in the Main Basin. You may also catch some artists doing their work. 3. Campaigners will come out in force at noon today against the badger cull in Gloucestershire. They will launch a large scale protest at Gloucester Park. Among the speakers will be Dominic Dyer from Care for the Wild. 4. The Witcombe Cider Festival Spring Warm Up takes place from 3pm. Giving cider drinkers a taste of what to expect from the third annual Witcombe Cider Festival, being held over the August bank holiday weekend, the inaugural warm up event will be taking place at historic Gloucester venue, Blackfriars Priory. In addition to the huge range of local ciders flowing throughout the day, there will be a battle of the bands competition running well into the night, with seven Gloucestershire bands lined up to perform, including reggae purveyors King Solomon; blues, rock and skiffle outfit Solid Gone and more. Tickets are £10 but the capacity is just 300. 5. Join an Easter egg hunt with the Painswick Playgroup, this year taking place around St Mary's Church Yard and village centre from 1pm until 4pm.

Easter weekend: 5 things to do in Gloucester today

Here are some things to watch out for on the telly over the Easter weekend:SATURDAY Live Saturday Night Football, Sky Sports 1, 5pm. Chelsea v Sunderland (Kick-off 5.30pm). This evening's Premier League comes from Stamford Bridge, where the Blues will expect to record another home victory. Britain's Got Talent, ITV, 7pm. The annual search for a star continues with episode 2 as more auditionees try to win over Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon with their talents. Toy Story 2, BBC3, 8.20pm. This classic family film returns to our screens. Cowboy doll Woody is stolen by an unscrupulous toy collector, who knows he is worth a fortune as a collectible, prompting fearless Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear to lead a daring across-town mission to rescue him. However, Woody is tempted to spend his life languishing in the safety of a museum rather than face the prospect of his owner growing up. Animated sequel, featuring the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack and Kelsey Grammer.EASTER SUNDAY Quantum of Solace, ITV2, 9pm. James Bond sets out on a personal mission of vengeance as he pursues the secret criminal organisation Quantum. His search leads him to the head of an ecological corporation, who is plotting to orchestrate a coup in a Latin American country to get his hands on a precious natural resource. Spy thriller sequel, starring Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Judi Dench, Gemma Arterton and Mathieu Amalric. Hostage, ITV2, 11.10pm. A washed-up former hostage negotiator returns to regular police work, but later finds himself forced to draw on his old skills in a bid to save a crooked accountant's children, who have been taken prisoner in their own home by a gang of psychotic delinquents. Thriller, starring Bruce Willis, Kevin Pollak, Ben Foster and Jonathan Tucker.EASTER MONDAY WALL.E, BBC3, 7.30pm. In the far future, waste collection robot WALL.E is the only unit left to clean up a desolate and dilapidated Earth. But when a survey droid arrives to search for any signs of life, WALL.E is lovestruck and hitches a ride on the spaceship sent to collect her, embarking on a journey that could determine the future of the human race. Pixar animated sci-fi adventure, with the voices of Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard and Sigourney Weaver. Game Of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 3 of 10, Sky Atlantic, 9pm. Breaker of Chains In King's Landing, Tyrion is forced to consider his options after finding himself in a tight spot, while Tywin extends an olive branch. Sam realises that Castle Black is far from safe, prompting Jon to propose a bold plan, while across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys chooses her champion. Lessons are also learnt as Arya continues her road trip with unlikely travelling companion the Hound. One Born Every Minute, Season 5, Episode 9 of 10, Channel 4, 9pm. Stephanie, 21, was told she might never have children, so she was shocked when what she thought was a stomach bug turned out to be the early stages of pregnancy. She and her partner Tyrone, 22, are joined by her mother for the birth, who has come prepared with advice for the new parents. When Jo turned 30 she decided to donate her eggs to other women who were longing for children, but went on to have fertility problems herself. Now 39, she and Mark, who is 37, have had their first child and are back at Southmead for baby number two, but as the labour progresses, the child's heart rate begins to drop and Jo is rushed into theatre.

Easter Weekend: Your guide to the best TV

Young West Ham striker Dylan Tombides died yesterday after a three year battle with testicular cancer. The 20-year-old passed away with his family at his bedside. The footballer was first diagnosed with cancer while representing Australia during the 2011 Under 17 World Cup in Mexico. He fought the disease for three years but sadly lost his battle. Now young men are being urged to self-test and check their testicles for tell-tale signs of cancer. The testicular self exam is best performed after a warm bath or shower as heat relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to spot anything abnormal. Here is advice from the Testicular Cancer Resource Center on how to carry out the self exam:

If possible, stand in front of a mirror. Check for any swelling on the scrotal skin.
Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top. Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers -- you shouldn't feel any pain when doing the exam. Don't be alarmed if one testicle seems slightly larger than the other, that's normal.
Find the epididymis, the soft, tubelike structure behind the testicle that collects and carries sperm. If you are familiar with this structure, you won't mistake it for a suspicious lump. Cancerous lumps usually are found on the sides of the testicle but can also show up on the front. Lumps on or attached to the epididymis are not cancerous.
If you find a lump on your testicle or any of the other signs of testicular cancer listed below, see a doctor, preferably a urologist, right away. The abnormality may not be cancer, but if it is testicular cancer, it will spread if it is not stopped by treatment. Even if it is something else like an infection, you are still going to need to see a doctor. Waiting and hoping will not fix anything. Please note that free floating lumps in the scrotum that are not attached in any way to a testicle are not testicular cancer. When in doubt, get it checked out - if only for peace of mind!

Other signs of testicular cancer to keep in mind are: - Any enlargement of a testicle - A significant loss of size in one of the testicles - A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum - A dull ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin - A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum - Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum - Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts

Testicular cancer: how to spot the signs following death of West Ham striker Dylan Tombides