Road closure on St Oswald's Road following a serious accident

May 1, 2014, 9:36 am

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A CAR passenger has been seriously injured in a crash in Gloucester this afternoon. The emergency services were called to a three vehicle collision involving a blue Ford Focus, blue Nissan Micra and a Volkswagen Polo on St Oswald's Road at 4.20pm. A 37-year-old man from Gloucester who was a passenger in the Focus, has suffered a serious back injury and was cut out of the vehicle by the fire service and taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Currently his injuries are not believed to be life threatening. No one else has been seriously injured. The road will be closed for several hours to allow a full collision investigation and recovery of the vehicles. Anyone who witnessed the crash and hasn't come forward should ring 101 and quote incident 264 of May 1.

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Excitement building for Twickenham clash

May 1, 2014, 10:37 am

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EXCITEMENT is building as two Gloucestershire rugby clubs prepare for a big day at Twickenham on Sunday. Newent Rugby Club will return to the iconic home of English rugby for the second year running after reaching the final of the Senior Vase against Yarnbury. Meanwhile, Longlevens Rugby Club will play in the Junior Vase final against Rugby Lions. Coach Richard Rudge said: "We are very excited, it is going to be an amazing day. "We have had so much support from the community and Newent Rugby Club, with many of their fans coming early to watch our game." Newent won the Junior Vase last year. Coach Andy Addis said: "It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we have managed to do it twice. We are very, very lucky. "But, at the end of the day, it comes down to the hard work by players on the pitch and the coaching staff and support staff off the pitch. "It is a massive team effort by everybody involved. "The boys are positive and are mad keen to go out and play at Twickenham. It is a dream come true for them and for me." Hundreds of fans will travel to watch the teams. Buses have been organised by the clubs, pubs and other organisations in the area. Dozens of businesses in Newent have created window displays to support the team and children have been proudly wearing T-shirts backing the Green Army. Julia Gooch, of Gooch Sports, said: "When they came back from the Junior Vase last year the buzz in the town was phenomenal. "Now, people are on a high again. Who would have expected this to happen for a second time? Everybody is talking about the club and how well the lads are doing. "It is a real feel-good factor for the town and the community. We are all behind the club." It has been a great season for Newent, who were promoted from the Gloucester Premier to the Western Counties North in April. Andy said: "We have done remarkably well to go up a league and be champions, let alone get this far in a national competition. "I have said to the boys that we just have to go out and give it our all. "It is going to be a fantastic day whatever the outcome."

VIDEO: Newent RFC ready for second successive Vase final at Twickenham

May 1, 2014, 3:31 pm

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NEWENT will play Yarnbury in the RFU Junior Vase at Twickenham on Sunday (1pm). Coach Andy Addis and captain Tristan Veale talk about the support the club have received as well as the preparations ahead of their second successive Vase final at HQ, after winning the Junior Vase last year.

VIDEO: Longlevens RFC want to savour Twickenham experience

May 1, 2014, 3:47 pm

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LONGLEVENS will contest the Junior Vase against Rugby Lions on Sunday (1pm) at Twickenham. Though it is a historic day for the club, coach Richard Rudge wants to ensure his side do not let the occasion get the better of them.

Racing comment: Why Sam and Willy Twiston-Davies deserve plaudits

May 2, 2014, 4:08 am

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Becoming a stable jockey with any of the top trainers in Britain isn't easy, writes racing editor Jonathan Herbert. Competition for the few places that become available is fierce and generally they don't come up very often. Just ask the long list of skilled and experienced riders who have applied but been overlooked for high-profile posts. So for the Twiston-Davies brothers – Sam and Willy – to have become stable jockeys to Paul Nicholls and Mick Channon respectively at such an early stage in their careers is an extraordinary achievement. Both are natural horsemen, but not only do their appointments reflect well on their riding talents, with the potential for further improvement, their new bosses must haved identified vital leadership qualities in them. In December, Channon announced that Willy, still only 19, would be his number one rider at his mainly Flat-based yard. "He's a good lad with a strong family background," said Channon. "He's also done time under Richard Hannon and all of that makes for a hard working, disciplined and conscientious character, able to work with a team." Four months later, but less surprisingly, champion trainer Paul Nicholls revealed that Sam had been appointed as his stable jockey. Over the past three seasons the 21-year-old has done a cracking job as stable jockey to his dad Nigel, who made it clear in November that he wouldn't stand in his way if an even bigger job came up. Tongues had been wagging throughout the winter that it was only a matter of time before Nicholls would want to formalise his working relationship after Daryl Jacob, his then number one, surprisingly turned down the chance to ride Big Buck's at Cheltenham in January. It was a decision that almost certainly cost Jacob any chance of remaining as the stable's first-choice rider this season and handed Sam an opening to further impress Nicholls having already ridden Tidal Bay and a host of other horses in the yard. In contrast to the reluctant Jacob, Sam embraced the unexpected opportunity to ride Big Buck's and, though beaten on the two occasions he rode the legendary hurdler at Cheltenham, it is understood that the positive vibes he gave off went down well with Nicholls. As the eight-time champion trainer, Nicholls demands high standards and it may be no coincidence that he has had a raft of number one riders in the past decade but, apart from Ruby Walsh, few have lasted long in the post. Though he may have thought hard and long about Nicholls' offer, it would have been surprising if Sam had turned down this potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially as the terms of the agreement will still allow him to ride his dad's best horse The New One. Justifiably, Sam has backed himself to succeed in a high-pressure environment, just as he did when he rode Big Buck's. Though he probably still only has an outside chance of beating AP McCoy in the jockeys' championship, his willingness to accept a fresh challenge away from home that has opened up more opportunities to ride high-class horses in top races. Likewise, Willy can expect to ride for Channon in top Flat races through the summer at the likes of Royal Ascot, York and Goodwood. It promises to be a life-changing year for both highly likeable brothers. We wish them well.

Gloucester Rugby: Tom Savage named on the bench for London Irish clash

May 2, 2014, 4:21 am

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GLOUCESTER captain Tom Savage returns to the bench today as he makes his comeback following more than five months on the sidelines. Savage has been out of action since tearing a pectoral muscle against Leicester Tigers in November but is named in the match-day squad for the Kingsholm clash with London Irish. Billy Twelvetrees continues to captain the side in an unchanged back-line to the one stung by London Wasps on their last outing. There are two changes in the pack with Yann Thomas and Sila Puafisi coming in to replace Nick Wood and Shaun Knight in the front-row. Will James, who will make his final appearance at Kingsholm before retiring, partners Elliott Stooke in the second-row. Seventh place is still up for grabs, albeit virtually mathematically, and Gloucester must complete the double over London Irish, who out-scored them three tries to one at the Madejski Stadium, to maintain their hopes, while hoping London Wasps and Exeter Chiefs lose. Gloucester Rugby: Rob Cook; Charlie Sharples, Mike Tindall, Billy Twelvetrees (capt), Jonny May; Freddie Burns, Jimmy Cowan; Yann Thomas, Huia Edmonds, Sila Puafisi; Elliott Stooke, Will James; Sione Kalamafoni, Matt Kvesic, Ben Morgan Replacements: Dan George, Dan Murphy, Shaun Knight, Tom Savage, Tom Young, Dan Robson, Billy Meakes, Shane Monahan

Gloucester City Council Elections 2014: Elmbridge ward

May 2, 2014, 4:50 am

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TWO very different pictures of Elmbridge are being painted by rival candidates in the Gloucester City Council elections. Sitting Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Witts, who is fighting to be re-elected, says his residents enjoy 'peace and tranquility' in the area. But Conservative rival Joe McAleer warned: "I know that crime can be an issue in some parts of the ward and I am determined to work with the police and the community to tackle this. "I also want to see improvements to the precious green spaces in the ward. I will work to ensure the new Park and Ride planned for Elmbridge Court doesn't have a detrimental impact on the area." But Mr Witts said: "My priority as the councillor for Elmbridge is to maintain what is a very pleasant area of Gloucester in which to live. Elmbridge is a quiet suburb of Gloucester, being mainly residential with a mixed age of residents, who enjoy living close to the city centre, but far enough away to enjoy peace and tranquillity. I work hard to make sure that my constituents continue to enjoy this current lifestyle." But Labour's candidate in the May 22 election, Roger Martin, said: "I am concerned that Elmbridge's current councillors do not understand or represent the concerns of the people of Elmbridge. It worries me that they could not vote the same way on the vital Joint Core Strategy and that they supported massive cuts in grants to the voluntary sector." Frances Griffiths, from the Green Party, said: "My priorities are democracy and sustainability through openness, transparency and working for greater understanding of the issues we face. "Whatever is sacrificed to spending cuts, it should not be the environment, on which we all ultimately depend." Chris Wallin will also stand for UKIP.SWING-OMETER

• Strong Liberal Democrat support in Elmbridge means Chris Witts had a 645 vote majority over the Conservatives back in 2010.
• In 2012, his wife Susan Witts secured an even stronger vote share at 52%.

MEET THE CANDIDATESFRANCES GRIFFITHS, Green Party I began my working life in Sunderland as a teacher, before retraining as a nurse and then a midwife. I spend my time looking after grandchildren, reading, singing in a choir and campaigning on sustainability issues. I am a member of Gloucestershire's Positive Money Reform group.ROGER MARTIN, Labour My wife and I have lived in Elmbridge since 1992. We have between us four grown up married children and four grandchildren. I had a long career as a professional engineer and then took my expertise into Further Education. When the colleges in Gloucester and Cheltenham combined to form Gloscat, I became Head of the School of Engineering until I retired. Since retirement in 1994 I trained as a counsellor and have been both a volunteer bereavement counsellor and a supervisor for Cruse Bereavement Care. For 10 years, an important part of my work has taken place in Gloucester prison involved with prisoners and staff. JOSEPH McALEER, Conservatives I grew up in Elmbridge going to the local infant and junior school and was part of the local scout group from the age of 4 to the present day. I left the area to go to university and, having completed my degree and qualified, I work as a junior doctor in hospital. Despite having worked in hospitals around the country, my heart and home are in Gloucester and specifically the Elmbridge and Armscroft area that I grew up in. I'd like to give something back to the area that I have always had fond memories of.CHRIS WALLIN, UKIP No profile was submitted.CHRIS WITTS, Liberal Democrats I have been a councillor for fourteen years and now consider myself very experienced in my role. During this period I have been a Cabinet Member, the Sheriff of Gloucester and the Mayor of Gloucester. I think I can truly say that I am very knowledgeable about city life. In my private life I am well known for my passion about the River Severn and the numerous books I have written about it. I am fortunate to have worked on the Severn as a young man and again for a decade at the end of my working life. In between that period I had an exciting career in the Fire Service.

Aston Robinson, 18 charged with murder of Kayleigh-Anne Palmer, 16

May 2, 2014, 5:55 am

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Police have charged a man with murder in connection with the death of 16-year-old Cheltenham girl Kayleigh-Anne Palmer last month. Aston Robinson, 18 and of Humber Road in Cheltenham, had been charged with attempted murder prior to Kayleigh-Anne's death. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised the charges to be changed and Mr Robinson has now been visited in prison to formally charge him with the new offence. The victim's next of kin have also been informed. Kayleigh-Anne died in hospital after being attacked at an address in Humber Road on Wednesday April 2. Consideration is still be given to whether Robinson should face any charges in relation to Kayleigh-Anne's unborn child, who also died following the attack. CPS District Crown Prosecutor Allie Longhorn said: "Having examined the file of evidence presented to us by Gloucestershire Constabulary, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge Aston Robinson with the murder of Kayleigh Palmer and that it is in the public interest to do so. "Aston Robinson now stands charged with an extremely serious criminal offences and has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be published which could prejudice that trial."

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A secret garden opens for pre-school children in Gloucester

May 2, 2014, 6:44 am

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A BEAUTIFUL garden in the centre of Gloucester is no secret for dozens of pre-school children. The Secret Garden Day Nursery opened it's bright doors on Thursday, April 24. Children are already enjoying the large walled garden at the Grade 2 listen Annandale House in Eastgate Street. Nursery manager Amy Hook said: "We couldn't believe the size of the garden in such a location. "This meant we could provide something very special in this space and the name just had to be The Secret Garden." The garden has been landscaped with seasonal flower beds, a woodland area, mud kitchen, pet corner and an organic vegetable garden. Children will be able to learn about nature and will eat what their garden grows. Annandale House, the former home to a long established dentist, has been brought back into use after a complete refurbishment after having been left empty for many years. The very large building provides bright, airy and spacious themed rooms for the children to enjoy. Co-owner Katie Perkins said: "As a parent of young children myself, I know how important it is for children to have a wonderful space to thrive in. "We saw many buildings in the area and when we found this location we knew we could meet our ambitions to provide Gloucester parents with a special and exceptional place for their children to attend and thrive in." The nursery can cater for up to 70 pre-school children under five years old. Ms Perkins said: "We allow city workers essential and valuable family time by avoiding extra commutes. "The nursery's flexibility of the day care hours has been thoughtfully scheduled to accommodate the demands of working parents." See www.secretgardennursery.org.uk

Bishop of Gloucester discusses the Church of England's attitude towards homosexuality

May 2, 2014, 6:56 am

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THE Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Revd Michael Perham, addressed the Church of England's attitude towards homosexuality at last night's Gloucester Diocesan Synod. In his presidential sermon he reflected on the House of Bishops' Statement in January on same-sex marriage. He said: "We are where we are. Same-sex marriage is here, here to stay. "It will fast become part of the fabric of our society. "The weekend of the first such marriages I wanted to rejoice with those who were rejoicing, recognising what a wonderful moment it was for them, and to weep with those who wept, recognising how for them a deeply held belief about marriage was being undermined. "The House of Bishops' January statement, when the first same-sex marriages were taking place did recognise that there needed to be room for conscience, that some gay or lesbian Christians would enter such a marriage and that the Church would continue to honour and accept them as members of the body of Christ. "What it also said was that it could not extend that freedom to its authorised ministers or allow those who had contracted such a marriage to become one of its authorised ministers. "There were those who, taking a more conservative position, felt that the statement went too far in its accommodation to same-sex marriage. "But there were rather more who felt the statement struck an unnecessarily harsh and negative tone. "The House of Bishops, producing a statement under some pressure, underestimated how uncompromising and hurtful the statement felt to some. "The tone was harsh - there was not much sense of welcome to all as children of God. "I am sorry for that and for the hurt I know it has engendered. "I have tried to have pastoral conversations and correspondence with a number of people most affected by the statement. "My own view is that what is needed in the Church at present is gracious restraint. "We need a cool and calm period in which to explore the issues. "To those among clergy and ordinands contemplating entering a same-sex marriage I would say, 'Might you hold back while the Church reflects?'. "Gracious restraint. To those who might make a complaint against a priest who, despite that, does enter such a marriage I would say, 'Might you hold back while the Church reflects?' "Gracious restraint. To those who contemplate leaving the Church of England because of its perceived position I would say, 'Might you hold back while the Church reflects?' "Gracious restraint. To those who condemn the Church of England from other parts of the Anglican Communion I would say, 'Might you hold back while the Church of England reflects?' "Gracious restraint to give us space. "The next steps for the Church of England are to have facilitated conversations at a national and diocesan level. "This should involve profound reflection on the interpretation and application of Scripture. "The outcomes that are hoped for, certainly what I will pray for are of two sorts. "One sort is that we seek to listen together with sufficient commitment that we lift the issue out of its present situation where people of entrenched views fail to hear one another or respect one another's integrity. We need to listen very carefully to the beliefs and opinions that come out of a profound change of attitudes in our society to gender, sexuality and marriage. "We need to listen very carefully to the experience of gay and lesbian people, both those who are celibate and those who are in sexual relationships, including gay and lesbian clergy. "We need to listen, in some cases, to their pain, and we need also to listen to their sense of joy, love and blessing in a faithful partnership. "We need to listen very carefully to what the world and medicine and science can tell us about homosexuality. "We need to listen very carefully to those who believe we are sitting light to the teaching of Jesus and the authority of the scriptures. "We need to listen to one another and we need to listen to what the Spirit may be saying to the churches. And each and every one of us needs to participate in that listening with a humility that recognises that we have things to learn and may be some opinions to revise and that the Church's teaching in this area of life may need to be expressed in a new language. "I say "may", for we must also allow for the possibility that what emerges, at the end of profound reflection, is a clear restatement of a traditional view. "The other sort of outcome is that we learn afresh how to live in a broad church where there is a variety of understanding on matters that people hold to be important. To that extent a facilitated conversation is a version of what we have called the indaba process. "We know a lot about that in the Diocese of Gloucester, for we have participated in it with our partners in Western Tanganyika and El Camino Real for the last five years. "What I have learned from that indaba process is that its purpose is not so much to change minds (though that can happen) and not even to fully understand one another's opinion or belief (though that can happen too), but to be able to say, 'Though you have not changed my mind and though I still do not understand how you come to the view you hold, still I recognise you as a Christian brother or sister, with whom I want to go on walking and talking, enjoying communion and determined not to break it, even though what divides us is painful to us both.' "Of course in that process some people may discover that they cannot say that. "They have to walk away and the outcome of the proposed facilitated conversations could be that some recognise the view they hold is simply incompatible with continuing to be in communion. "But, for most, I hope that it will be a process that confirms a deep unity that even a highly contentious issue cannot destroy. "I commend the Pilling Report to you and ask you to pray that the process it has initiated will bear good fruit. "My hope and prayer is that the conversations, when they come, will be theological, respectful and compassionate, always remembering that every man and woman, straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender is made in the image of a God who loves all he has made and knows it to be good."

Churches across Gloucester vote in favour of female bishops

May 2, 2014, 7:21 am

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REPRESENTATIVES from churches across the Diocese of Gloucester voted 'yes' to the introduction of female bishops to the Church of England last night. Every diocese in the country is currently voting one way or another to support the proposals from the General Synod of the Church of England to enable women to become bishops. The new proposals need to be approved by the majority of Diocesan Synods (the governing body for each Diocese), before it can be debated finally at the General Synod meeting in July. In the Diocese of Gloucester the proposals were overwhelmingly supported, with just one vote against and one abstention, both in the House of Laity. The Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Michael Perham, said: "It was no surprise that the Diocese of Gloucester, which has consistently expressed support for the ordination of women, should once again vote so overwhelmingly for women to become bishops. "No surprises, but a moment of pleasure for many."

Longlevens must soak up the atmosphere of their Junior Vase final at Twickenham

May 2, 2014, 7:41 am

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A JUNIOR Vase final may be the biggest day in the club's history but Longlevens will make sure they savour the occasion at Twickenham. The Longford Lane club face Rugby Lions in the RFU Junior Vase final on Sunday (11am) and coach Richard Rudge has told his side they must soak up the atmosphere at HQ before it is all over. And Rudge has looked to Newent coach Andy Addis for advice on what to expect when his side run out of the tunnel at the home of England rugby. Newent won the Junior Vase last season and will contest the Senior Vase against Yarnbury on Sunday (1pm). Rudge said: "Andy has said we must go out there and enjoy it. "That's what I'm trying to do with the boys now, to make sure we get there and take the atmosphere and the day in. "We will get to Twickenham early on Sunday and soak up everything about it so they have a day to remember. "We would like to win, that's what we're there for. But some of these boys might never get there again so that's the main thing, to focus – to really enjoy it and take it as a special day. "We are feeling really excited, really keen to get there now. All the boys are looking forward to it and the whole club too. The whole area is really buzzing for it." Longlevens missed out on promotion to Bream and Cheltenham Saracens after finishing third in Gloucester One by just one point but finished their season a high, coming from behind to defeat Saracens 45-38 in the final game of the term. Rudge believes the side must hold on to this winning mentality if they are to overcome Lions at HQ. He said: "We were disappointed with the league in the end, we had a bit of a bad patch just after chistmas with a few injuries and lost a few games. "We came back strongly and that is the main focus going into Sunday. Rugby Lions aren't going to be much different from what we play on Saturdays. "And the Cheltenham Saracens game gives us huge confidence going into this game. "We know we can be down and fight back. This is a young side but they don't think they are ever beaten, they can get back on the front foot and take anyone." Captain Jed Holman-Jones vows that this cup final will "define the club's season". Though the ever-strengthening club have enjoyed some league success this term, the 21-year-old believes they will not have achieved anything if they lose. The second row said: "We've done well, but we haven't achieved anything if we lose tomorrow. "There is pressure there - we promised ourselves last season we would do this. We would finish in the top four and have a good cup run. "We're a bit nervous but getting to Twickenham is the hard bit. We are confident we've got the best side possible playing and it's going to be a great experience. "We are calm now, we realise we've done the hard bit, we have good coaching staff who have been there and done it on the big stage and they will calm us down in the changing rooms before. "We have the best side we've got out there, we can't do any more than that. This team is like a family, and that will help us at Twickenham." Over half of the cohesive side have been playing together for the club since they were juniors. Rudge believes should they return to Gloucester with the Junior Vase in hand, the victory will galvanise the club and inspire the youngsters rising through the ranks. He said: "It would be a great boost to the club, as the junior section is thriving. "We have over 350 members in the junior section. So this is something that could feed down to them, they can see that this is something they could achieve coming through local rugby and not having to play professionally. "This is still something that can be achieved at amateur status." Longlevens have been bowled over by the support from the local area and rugby clubs all over Gloucestershire, and nine coach loads of supporters will make the journey to south-west London.

Newent ready to secure an "unbelievable" Twickenham Vase double

May 2, 2014, 7:45 am

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FOR many clubs, a cup final at Twickenham is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but Newent have managed to do it twice in as many years. After winning the Junior Vase final last season they are now one day away from potentially securing the Senior Vase when they face Yarnbury at HQ on Sunday(1pm). Silverware would cap a superb season for Newent, who were crowned Gloucester Premier champions and secured promotion to Western Counties North. As the cup final nerves begin to set in, coach Andy Addis still finds it hard to believe this Gloucestershire town is off to Twickenham again. Addis said: "We are anxious, we are nervous, but we just want to make sure we get down there and give a good account of ourselves. "The boys are over the moon, absolutely chuffed to bits . They are all keen to go there and do their best. "Winning two years in a row would be unbelievable – it's unbelievable enough winning once let alone going there twice. "We said to the boys last year, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and they believed us. And now we're going again this year. I said 'look, this is a once in a lifetime...' and they told me to shut up. "It's hard to believe it. I was born just down that road, lived down there for most of my childhood, and to take a team from here to London, to the heart of the RFU and represent your town, your county, your half of England – it's unbelievable." Nine coach-loads of supporters are making the trip to London, with the football club, golf club and George Hotel joining the crowd. Addis paid tribute to the Green Army, who have been "the 16th man" for the club all season and emphasised that their supporters would also be cheering for Longlevens, who face Rugby Lions in the Junior Vase final. He said: "The support has been unbelievable. "The town has gone rugby mad with the amount of people around who are supporting us. Kids are coming down here to play rugby, the footballs are being left on the side. "It's humbling really, for what we have, which isn't much. "To get this support is unbelievable.We have amazing supporters – they have been there all the time throughout the season and you can always hear them. "It's a great confidence booster for the boys when they can hear someone on the side who they know and they can relate to. "It's going to be hard in that arena again, there are a lot voices in a place like that, but they are all positive. "Our supporters are going down to support those Longlevens boys too. I spoke to Rudgy (Richard Rudge, Longlevens coach) and tried to help, tell them what to expect, told them our fans are going to support them too. "There will be a lot of "Gloucester" shouted on Sunday but it will be for the two teams. It's brilliant for the county and it's just a great experience for everyone." Captain Tristan Veale, who has been at the helm for the past three seasons, cannot bear to think about returning to Newent without a win under their belts. The success of last season is providing an extra dose of motivation. Veale said: "Last year was brilliant, the lads are just as fired up, if not more fired up, than they were last year to do the job again. "I don't think there will be anything worse than coming back and not winning. "We are feeling good, we are relaxed, excited and keen to get going and get stuck into it. A few nerves is a good thing. The key thing about our success is that we have a tight core in the club. The boys are all close mates, which helps massively because everyone digs that little bit more. "We have good coaching and people committed to helping the club out behind the scenes, which goes a long way. "The support is absolutely fantastic. We weren't sure we would get the same sort of support second time around, but it's even better. "It's brilliant, it's going to help a lot to give us that extra little bit in the game."

Gloucester Rugby: Elliott Stooke can climb to the top

May 2, 2014, 7:49 am

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WHILE Will James is getting ready to call time on his career, Elliott Stooke's is going from strength to strength with a nomination for the Premiership Land Rover Discovery of the season award. At the beginning of the season the 20-year-old was set the target of breaking into the first-team match-day squad by Christmas – but he has by far surpassed that. Stooke has already made 28 appearances for the Cherry and Whites this season and has become the enforcer up front. That has seen James, who has also battled injuries, spend more time than he would have liked on the sidelines, but he reckons it is proof that Gloucester's future is in good hands. James said: "He's done fantastically well, he had a particularly good pre-season and put his hand up. "That's what these young guys have got to do and really give the coaches a selection dilemma. "The squad needs to be a competitive environment, with a good academy system and young players coming in and putting their hands up at the highest level. "I'm very assured that the production of talent Gloucester have in their academy, their recruitment process and the way they look after players is very good. "It's a case of getting the right mix on the field but also selecting and developing young players that are on field leaders. "It's very difficult for a young player to come into a first-team environment at Kingsholm, in a Premiership game in front of 16,000 and doing anything more than their own job." James and Stooke will pack down in the boiler-house once again on Saturday, in an immensely sizeable and physical second-row partnership. And while standing at 6ft 6in and tipping the scales at almost 18st, James insists Stooke has all the necessary physical attributes but it is his lineout calling ability that sets him apart. He added "Stookey has the ability to call lineouts. "He needs to work on it but that's a skill every second-row really works on and if he does that it will ease his development. "How many second-rows with his physical prowess are actually calling lineouts? They don't come along often." Stooke admits the old master has been a major influence on his career and he has endeavoured to impart as much knowledge and experience from the veteran lock. Stooke said: "It's been quite a good season for me in that respect. "I broke through quite early on mainly down to the coaches giving me an opportunity in a tough position. "Will has been so influential. He's such a character and will be a great loss not only as a player but a person. "He's a really positive member of the squad. I have learnt a great deal from him and will be really sad to see him go." But Stooke's immediate focus is on finishing the Premiership with a flurry against two of the bottom three. They must triumph over London Irish today, with every point available valuable, and hope London Wasps and Exeter Chiefs slip up in their pursuit of seventh. Finishing in lucky number seven will lead to a play-off for the final spot in the Rugby Champions Cup but Wasps, who face Newcastle Falcons, remain very much in the driving seat. Stooke admits it is a tall order but he insists Gloucester must do all they can against a dangerous London Irish team, who can throw off the shackles with nothing but pride to play for. He added: "There's still a chance, we need things to go our way but we have a job in hand and have to go out and get a maximum points to keep us in the mix and in with a sniff. "London Irish play a lot of attacking rugby so our defence has to be up to scratch. "They don't have a huge amount to play for so they will be dangerous and they have a lot of quality. "Our defence hasn't been that good in recent games and we have to look at ourselves personally but hopefully the hard work will pay off and you will see a difference. "We know we have not performed to our best this season, especially at home and we want to give the fans something to cheer about." Stooke capped his Premiership debut with a try against Northampton Saints, in Round One at Kingsholm, and while he insists the team performance comes first, he would gladly accept an end of season gift. He quipped: "First things first we have to win the match but if we can manage to keep hold of the ball and I can pop up for my second try I will be very glad!"

Passenger injured in St Oswald's Road accident is discharged from hospital

May 2, 2014, 7:51 am

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A CAR passenger who was injured in a collision in St Oswald's Road, in Gloucester, has been discharged from hospital. The emergency services were called to a three vehicle collision involving a blue Ford Focus, blue Nissan Micra and a Volkswagen Polo on St Oswald's Road at 4.20pm on Thursday. A 37-year-old man from Gloucester who was a passenger in the Focus, suffered a back injury and had to be cut out of the vehicle by the fire service before he was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. A police spokesman said that his injuries were not as serious as originally thought and he was discharged from hospital later that evening. The road was closed to allow a full collision investigation and recovery of the vehicles and reopened around 8.30pm. Anyone who witnessed the crash and hasn't come forward should call Gloucestershire Police on 101 quoting incident 264 of May 1.

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Gloucester City Council Elections 2014: Hucclecote ward

May 2, 2014, 7:53 am

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STRONG Liberal Democrat support in Hucclecote has left councillor Jim Beeley riding high. Support for the party has increased year on year, enjoying a 55 per cent share of the vote in 2010 and increasing that to 59 per cent in 2012, while Conservative support has slumped to 26 per cent during the same period. Mr Beeley, from Fieldcote Drive, said his focus if he is re-elected will be on pedestrian safety and road repairs. He said: "I am concerned with pedestrian safety at Glenville Parade crossing and I am working towards it becoming a controlled crossing. "I am also demanding that Gloucestershire Highways does more to repair the roads in Hucclecote. "I am also keeping in close contact with developers and other ward councillors over developer plans for the Hucclecote Centre, in Churchdown Lane." The ward has two other Liberal Democrat councillors Declan Wilson and former Gloucester mayor David Brown. Chris Etheridge, from Gilpin Avenue, is standing for the Conservatives. He said: "I am passionate about Hucclecote and know it and many of the residents well, having lived here for so long. "A lot of people say to me that there are many issues in Hucclecote which don't get addressed while other parts of the city are looked after. If elected I will ensure that Hucclecote doesn't miss out but is always taken care of. "I will continue my campaign for the elderly and disabled in the area, to get dropped kerbs put in where access is difficult." Labour's candidate Tom Coole, who does not live in the ward, said: "From speaking to residents in Hucclecote, it was made clear to me that people are disappointed with the way things are and feel their representatives aren't delivering. "Concerns were raised about the cleanliness of the streets and dog fouling and this is something I would like to address. "Recently, the county Labour group was instrumental in granting free bus travel to those on apprenticeships, which will help many people in Hucclecote – and we can do much more. "Gloucester Labour's 'Free after Three' pledge would allow people to park free of charge in city centre car parks after 3pm and this would allow residents to access the city centre and support local businesses."SWING-OMETER

• Jim Beeley enjoyed a 1,234 majority over Conservative rival Luke Hindhaugh in 2010. Mr Hindhaugh is now UKIP's parliamentary candidate for Gloucester.
• Lib Dem Declan Wilson increase his party's vote share from 55% to 57% in 2011 and David Brown pushed it to 59% in 2011.
• Conservative support has dropped from 31% in 2010 to 26% in 2012, while Labour supported has nudge upwards from 14% to 15% during that time.

MEET THE CANDIDATESJIM BEELEY, Liberal Democrats Jim has been a Liberal Democrat councillor for Hucclecote for the past four years and lives in the heart of the ward. Jim worked for Gloucestershire College for many years and still does some part time work with them. As a result, Jim is passionate about ensuring that young people get good training and advice to help equip them for work. He was in the RAF and served in Cyprus. Jim is a board member of Gloucester City Homes and fully supports the plans to allow GCH to invest more in council homes and indeed build more council homes.TOM COOLE, Labour I am a final year politics student and I have lived in Gloucester all of my life. I have been active within local politics and the Labour party for a number of years and I am really excited about having the chance to stand for election. In an age of political apathy, where many people feel let down by their representatives, I believe myself, and the Labour Party, offer a fresh alternative, and new solutions to old problems. CHRIS ETHERIDGE, Conservatives I was born in Gloucester and have lived here all my life. I have lived with my wife Jenny in Hucclecote for the past 25 years. Between us we have two sons, a daughter and four grandchildren. I was employed by the Ministry of Defence for 34 years. On reaching the age of 60 I had to take compulsory retirement from the MoD. I then joined Stagecoach Gloucester as a driver and still work there today. I have been part of the Conservative team in Hucclecote for some time now and we work to make it an even better place to live.

Gloucester Rugby: Holm Truths with Will James

May 2, 2014, 8:00 am

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WILL James will take his final steps onto the hallowed Kingsholm turf today (3.00pm) in the penultimate game of his Gloucester career. The 37-year-old second-row has spent the last eight seasons in cherry and white and has made a colossal 169 appearances for the club. But the selfless veteran insists there is little time for personal platitudes and fond farewells to The Shed. He is instead focused, with steely determination, on finishing the season on a collective high, beginning with London Irish. He said: "It is all about the team performance and with where we are in the league London Irish are going to bring a stiff challenge. A team effort is definitely needed, it's my last game at Kingsholm and I want to finish on a positive note. "But I don't think I will be thinking about that any more at the end of the game than the beginning. "It needs the same focus across the board when it comes to preparing for the game and going through the same things as I always do. "I'm determined to enjoy it but first and foremost it's about the win. "No one likes losing. It's just another stepping stone in the progression of the team, the development of the squad and we want to finish in as high a position as we can." There will be a host of other players making their final appearance as a home player at Castle Grim with the likes of Freddie Burns, Jimmy Cowan and Huia Edmonds all moving on to pastures new. But James insists that scenarios such as Saturday are part and parcel of life as a professional sportsman and the players must put their own situations aside for the collective good. He said: "It's a professional game so you will always have situations at the end of the season where there are players moving on, retiring and out of contract but you're paid to play and the only people you are letting down if you don't perform is your teammates and yourself. "That's just the nature of the beast, we step out onto Kingsholm, I imagine it will be a pretty full house, and it's the last bit of rugby here for a few months so we expect a performance." It could be argued that James was already approaching the twilight of his career when he put pen to paper for the Cherry and Whites in 2006. But having previously played for Pontypool, Pontypridd and Cornish Pirates he took full advantage of his second bite of the cherry and was rewarded with a call-up to the Wales squad for the 2007 World Cup. While his international career was short lived, James has been a model professional on and off the pitch and that is the reason he has prolonged his career in the elite game for so long.has even been hailed by Andrew Stanley as a "new school" professional. Playing for Wales and winning silverware with Gloucester are among his highs and while James admits there have been plenty of lows, he has little doubt the time is right to begin the next chapter. He said: "I was 29 when I signed in 2006 and it was a fantastic opportunity at that point of my career to come here and try my hand at the Premiership. "It's been an enjoyable part of my life and journey, there have been some highs and lows and I've played with a lot of good players "Obviously 2007 was a fantastic year for me, I was playing in the Championship and 12 months later a World Cup – it was unbelievable. "You get those rewards if you are playing well for your club and if they are going well it also helps. I was slightly disappointed I couldn't add to those four caps but that's the way the cookie crumbles and you get on with it. "At the time you always want more. But whatever you feel personally you have to get your head down and make it an issue for the selectors. "Whether I wasn't playing well enough or consistent enough I don't know. "But it's all been a positive experience which I will miss but every rugby player knows when the time is right to retire. "Physically and mentally I could probably play on for another season but it's about knowing what you are going to do after and realising what is next." After what seems like a lifetime in the professional game James' attention will turn to development when he finally hangs up his boots. He will take up a dual role at Ampleforth College, an independent day and boarding school in north Yorkshire. James has always had one eye on a future in coaching but he is relishing a break from the results driven business to focus on bringing through talent. But he admits he could one day return to the top. He added: "I'm heading up their rugby programme and taking on a new role as head of sports development, looking at their whole sporting culture, facilities, player identification and driving it using my experience . "It's a big change, a big relocation but it's going to be a fantastic challenge and something I can really get my teeth into. "I've done quite a bit of coaching in the past with youth rugby, schools and adult coaching. "I'm a level three coach and it's always been enjoyable but if you look at the elite game it is real results driven pressure. "You can do with a break from that pressure cooker environment. "If you look at directors of rugby across the Premiership it is a stressful job – financially the rewards are fantastic but it's success driven and you're judged on your performances. "I would never say never but this role at Ampleford is absolutely perfect for me at this moment."

Pensioners' 'lives ruined' when driving menace Barry Chambers stole their car

May 2, 2014, 8:24 am

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PENSIONERS said their lives had been ruined and they had lost their independence after driving menace, Barry Chambers, stole their car and went on a police chase before writing it off. The 35-year-old who has committed more than 100 offences drove their 20-year-old Mitsubishi Galant with such vigour after pinching it, he wore the engine out. Gloucester Crown Court heard 80-year-old Kyson Anderson was helping his frail and disabled wife into their home, when opportunist Chambers saw the keys and took the vehicle. Prosecutor Julian Kesner said officers saw Chambers driving the vehicle he stole from Tredworth High Street on Thursday, March 27, at around 4pm that afternoon and a police chase ensued. Chambers jumped two red lights, mounted a pavement and drove at speeds of 58 mph in a 30 zone, where there were traffic calming measures and a primary school. PC Andrew Wood reported seeing smoke coming from the car while he was in pursuit of Chambers, before it finally broke down in Park End Road. Mr Kesner said Chambers of Brook Street, Gloucester, jumped from the car, while it was still moving and ran. The Galant then hit two other vehicles. In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Anderson, who had owned the vehicle for 15 years, he said: "I cannot afford a new car. This man has not only stolen my car, he has stolen the independence of my wife and I. "I am so angry and frustrated. He has ruined my life. I am absolutely devastated." The court heard Chambers, who was famously fed Kentucky Fried Chicken and fizzy pop by police when he staged a rooftop siege in the city in June 2006, had previously committed 103 offences – with 22 of them being driving related. The court heard the temptation had proved too much for Chambers, who was a fantasist when it came to cars. Chambers pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. Recorder Rufus Taylor jailed him for 14 months and banned him from driving for two years and until he had sat an extended driving test. He told Chambers his record could be described as "horrendous" and said it had a devastating impact on the victims. Defending James Tucker said: "He accepts any distress he has caused the victim. He says 'I have children now and due to my past I have not been there for them. I am fed up with crime and want to be there for my family'." The rooftop siege in 2006 began after Chambers took a car in Cheltenham and was pursued by police to Gloucester. He climbed onto the roof of a building in Midland Road and threw bricks and slates onto the street damaging homes and cars. Police negotiators gave in to Chambers' demand for a KFC meal, a two-litre bottle of Coke and a pack of cigarettes during the 20 hour ordeal. His latest jail sentence is the sixth for Chambers since 2006. The dad-of-two had six previous convictions for aggravated vehicle taking, one for taking a vehicle without consent, two for being carried in a stolen vehicle, one for motor vehicle interference, 10 convictions for driving a vehicle without, one for dangerous driving and one for failure to provide a specimen.

Gloucestershire v Somerset. 16 May -T20 Tickets on Sale!

May 2, 2014, 8:45 am

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Fast paced, big hitting, all-round entertainment and a fantastic night out. The Natwest T20 Blast is coming to Bristol and it all begins with a local derby.

The 2014 season will see the launch of the NatWest T20 Blast on Friday May 16. Gloucestershire's campaign begins against local rivals Somerset on Friday May 16 in an all action derby day clash at The Bristol County Ground.
Click here for tickets.

This summer at the Bristol County Ground we have four Friday night fixtures and also a Sunday Family Special day on Sunday, June 8. The first T20 Friday night fixture against Somerset is one of the highlights of the cricket season. With entertainment off the field and an all-action match on it, Friday nights at the Bristol County Ground will be the perfect start to the weekend. With Michael Klinger leading the Gloucestershire team infront of a full house at the Bristol County Ground, the team will be looking to get of to a winning start in the derby.

Due to T20 matches being sold-out prior to the match-day in 2013, supporters are being advised to purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Click here to get your tickets.

Gloucester City Council Elections 2014: Kingsholm and Wotton ward

May 2, 2014, 8:49 am

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ALL eyes will be on Kingsholm next year as the Rugby World Cup comes to the home of the Cherry and Whites – any every candidate in the city council elections is talking about it. Sitting Liberal Democrat councillor Jeremy Hilton is campaigning for Kingsholm Road to be resurfaced before the Rugby World Cup. He said: "I am also pressing Gloucestershire Highways to include both Henry Road and Edwy Parade in the programme too." In the last year, Jeremy says that he has succeeded getting Denmark Road resurfaced and having the pedestrian crossing outside the England's Glory made safer for people to use. He added: "The other big issue affecting Kingsholm is the future of the former Civil Service Club sports ground. I have given strong support to residents who want to see the ground retained for sport and recreation." He is opposed to plans for the ground to be developed for housing citing a shortage of open space in the Kingsholm and Wotton ward. Conservative candidate Matthew Stevens said: "The Rugby World Cup coming to Gloucester in 2015 is a huge opportunity for the city, but we must ensure that Kingsholm benefits from it and residents don't just suffer from inconvenience. "I know that match day parking, and parking in general, can be a problem." He added that he wants to encourage groups such as the Friends of Hillfield Gardens to carry on improving the area. Jonathan Hoad, standing for Labour, said that Kingsholm is often 'overlooked'. He said: "Kingsholm is a key part of the city which needs a strong voice and new ideas." His ideas include a campaign to turn all residential streets into 20mph zones, more prosecutions for dog fouling and fly-tipping and calling for a review of all the empty and neglected sites in Kingsholm. Jonathan Ingleby, who is standing for the Green Party, said: "Roads need to be maintained, rubbish collected and recycled, parks beautified, health and safety guarded, and much else of this sort. But is this all? The ward also deserves a distinctive voice on the city council, a voice which speaks not only for it but for the wider community. "The tired old demand for 'improvements' would then give way to a search for a life-changing dynamic society. Somehow we have got to turn 'not in my back yard' into 'all for one and one for all'."SWING-OMETER

• Lib Dem Jeremy Hilton was elected in 2010 with a majority of 554 votes and a 46% share of the vote.
• The Conservatives came second with 27% of the vote in 2010, but in 2011 they were pushed into third place by Labour, who beat them by just six votes.
• Jonathan Ingleby, for the Green Party, increased his vote share from 4% to 6% in that period, but his number of votes actually decreased from 132 to 108.

MEET OUR CANDIDATESJEREMY HILTON, Liberal Democrats Jeremy is the current Liberal Democrat city councillor for Kingsholm and Wotton. He has represented the area as a local councillor for 22 years. Residents of Kingsholm and Wotton are kept informed of the work that Jeremy does in the ward and on the council through regular editions of the Spotlight newsletter that he started many years ago. He works closely with ward colleague, councillor Sebastian Field. JONATHAN HOAD, Labour I have lived in Kingsholm for 24 years and brought my sons up here. They both attended Kingsholm Primary School. I spend my leisure time at Kingsholm watching the Cherry and Whites, out with friends in local pubs and restaurants and wrestling with the garden. In the ward, the city and the country, Labour is the only sensible alternative to a coalition that introduced the wicked bedroom tax, sold off our Royal Mail cheaply and slashed our public services. As chair of governors at the outstanding Kingsholm Primary School and a civil servant, I fully understand how vital top quality public services are to us all.JONATHAN INGLEBY, Green Party Jonathan Ingleby has been living in Gloucester since 1995 where, until his retirement, he was involved in higher education. The courses he most enjoyed teaching were about inter-cultural living, globalisation and postcolonialism. He thinks of himself as an 'ideas man' and would like to suggest (as modestly as possible) that he has some new ideas about local government. Jonathan is married with two grown up children and three grandchildren. He enjoys reading, walking in the countryside, and watching football. He likes food, but not cooking, gardens but not gardening. He hates shopping and overcrowded roads. He is worried about the environment and thinks that the nation's growing inequality is a disgrace. MATTHEW STEVENS, Conservatives I have lived in Gloucester all my life and have run businesses in the city centre for the last 20 years. I am married to Jane and we have three daughters. My children have been educated at Kingsholm Primary School. As a trader in the city centre, I am keen to see the regeneration of Gloucester continue. Seeing the demolition of the Golden Egg has been an important symbolic step, as has securing funding for a new bus station. I will bring a small business perspective to running the city council.