Gloucester Rugby: Rob Cook thrilled to be named Player of the Season

May 5, 2014, 7:42 am

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ROB Cook was overawed after completing a fairy tale transition to Premiership rugby by being named Gloucester's player of the season. The full-back was the Cornish Pirates' top scorer during three consecutive campaigns at the Mennaye Field and was named their player of the season before joining the Cherry and Whites in 2012. Cook has featured in 30 matches and scored 99 points in a sensational season and fought off competition from Billy Twelvetrees and Dan Robson to scoop the award. And after filling Olly Morgan's boots with aplomb, the 29-year-old was thrilled to repeat the feat at Kingsholm. He said: "All I wanted when I joined Gloucester was an opportunity and I got that quite early on. "I like to think I took it but if you said I would be win this award two years ago I would have told you to shut up and to stop being so silly. "It's a bit of a surprise but it's always nice to get recognised and I'm very grateful for it. The supporters are fantastic, they come week in week out regardless of results, so to get it from them is even better. "When I first signed for the Pirates I was more than happy to be there and it was the same here with Gloucester. "But you have to dream and all I wanted was an opportunity. I that and have been able to show what I can do. "The difference in standards isn't that big. You are playing with better players, guys who are that little bit quicker and stronger but if you if you are playing week in week out you will also improve. "I won the same award down with Pirates but doing it here has not really sunk in yet." The award ceremony on Saturday was the culmination of an emotional day at Kingsholm, with Gloucester determined to finish their season on home soil on a high and desperate to give departing players the perfect send-off. They bagged five tries against the Exiles but were equally porous in defence with Marland Yarde running riot to enhance his England credentials. Cook reckons the erratic encounter was typical of their entire season but he was relieved to complete the double with a bonus-point win. He said: "It summed up our season. We get into a lead, do some really good stuff and then make silly mistakes to let a side back in and any team in the Premiership can feed on that just like Irish did. "They scored some really good tries but if you look back a lot of them came from our errors. You give someone like Yarde space and he will punish you, he was exceptional. "He scored a hat-trick but they weren't easy finishes. He was a different gravy but we let him do that. "We have to improve on that and learn to be ruthless because when you go 17-5 up you should go on to win by 40-odd points. "But that last try at the end and Freddie's kick that made it safe was the icing on the cake. We wanted to not only do it for the players leaving but for the fans as well. "It was great to finish with five points, obviously we would have liked to have made it more emphatic but it was a summary of the season." Gloucester face Worcester Warriors, who have already been relegated, in the final encounter of their season on Saturday. There is nothing to play for in terms of league positions but Cook insists pride alone will ensure it is a hotly contested West Country derby. He added: "Worcester will probably be the same, it will be very open, high-scoring game and they will come out firing with nothing to lose. "They are not the nicest games to play in but it will be a spectacle. There's still a lot of pride to play for. "We can't go out and throw stupid passes, I did that against Irish and they scored a try, we have to play our normal game but have a go from everywhere."

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Young Sport: Gloucestershire Under-14s bowl out Millfield for 39

May 5, 2014, 7:49 am

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GLOUCESTERSHIRE Under-14s made a convincing start to the 2014 season with a 136-run win over Millfield School in a friendly. The visitors bowled their hosts out for just 39 runs having earlier posted a commanding total of 175 for eight from their 45 overs. A half-century on debut from Poulton batsman Jack Morris (51) proved the decisive contribution of the Gloucestershire innings after they had been put in to bat on a slow, low wicket. Openers Will Helmke and Chad Trainor (both Frocester) got their side off to a solid start before Helmke nicked one behind off Diamond for 18. Ed Webb (Thornbury) hit a four first ball and looked in fine touch until a leading edge to mid-off from an Eastfield delivery brought about his downfall for 11. Trainor and Will Sharp (Dumbleton) consolidated the innings but the scoring rate slowed under the pressure of some tight bowling from the hosts. Trainor looked to take the attack to the opposition but became Eastfield's second victim when was caught at cover for 18. This brought Morris to the crease and in his first game for the county he looked like he had been part of the team for years, batting with confidence and composure. Running hard between the wickets and punishing any wayward deliveries, Morris accelerated the scoring eventually making 51 in just 52 balls. And he was ably supported by 22 from Sharp before both players fell to the off-spin of Bevan. As Gloucestershire looked to improve the scoring rate in the final overs so wickets began to tumble on a difficult wicket to bat on. The visitors eventually finished on 175 for eight with Diamond picking up four for 35. In reply Millfield struggled to get going and were soon in trouble with both openers dismissed without scoring. First Diamond was caught at mid-on off George Stone (Hanham) before Ethan Organ (Long Ashton) clean bowled Berder. Millfield showed some signs of resistance but were reduced to 18 for three when Organ picked up his second, trapping Matthews leg before for five. Organ then added further misery by running out Bevan from cover point for eight with the score on 27. From here Millfield crumbled, losing their last six wickets for just 12 runs. First change bowlers Ed Wilson (Long Ashton) (2-5) and Nick Robson (Chipping Sodbury) (2-9) ripped through the middle order before spinners Alex Allen (Thornbury) (1-1) and captain Ben Parker (Winterbourne) (1-4) finished the job. Gloucestershire coach Luke Sellers said: "This was an excellent all-round performance and a really positive start to the season. "On a difficult wicket the batsmen applied themselves well, with Jack Morris playing a particularly accomplished innings on debut. "The bowlers all impressed, bowling really tight lines and never allowing the pressure to ease. "We will face stronger opposition this season but we can take real confidence from this display." Gloucestershire U14 175-8 (45 overs). Millfield School U14 39 all out (23.2 overs). Gloucestershire won by 136 runs

Gloucester Rugby: Nigel Davies pays tribute to Freddie Burns

May 5, 2014, 7:53 am

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NIGEL Davies has paid tribute to Freddie Burns after the much maligned fly-half surpassed 1,000 career points for Gloucester. The Leicester Tigers-bound 23-year-old has come under fire this season following a loss of form and confidence that saw him left on the sidelines on several occasions. But following an agonising final wait, Burns booted 11 points against London Irish to reach 1,009 in cherry and white. Davies was thrilled to see those departing at the end of the season finish their Kingsholm careers on a high and he reckons Burns will benefit from his recent difficulties in the long run. Davies said: "It was great for Freddie. It's been a very tough year for him overall but he's finished on a positive and that's the sign of a quality player. "As I have told him on many occasions, and particularly as a 10, you are there to be shot at. It hasn't been a great one for him this year but the whole experience will make him a better player." Shane Monahan completed a hat-trick from the bench and Sione Kalamafoni also touched down in a fast and furious encounter at Kingsholm. The performance was enough to secure the bonus-point victory required to have any chance of finishing seventh, but the door was slammed shut after London Wasps fought back against Newcastle. Davies was disappointed with the final outcome but knows full well Gloucester have only themselves to blame for their failure to qualify for the Rugby Champions Cup. He said: "That was a must-win game for us at home, there was fantastic support once again for us at Kingsholm. It just shows what it means to the supporters and we wanted to show what it means to play for Gloucester. "We're nowhere near where we want to be technically or tactically but in terms of effort and endeavour there was plenty. "It's a disappointment that we didn't finish seventh for that play-off but it wasn't in our hands and that's the most disappointing thing. "We did everything we could with that bonus-point win but everything else was outside our control. We can only look at ourselves for that." Meanwhile, Gloucester remain in negotiations with veteran centre Mike Tindal. The England World Cup winner tweeted following the triumph at Kingsholm that it was his final appearance at Kingsholm. It is understood Tindall has been offered a full-time role as the club's backs coach and that would not allow him to continue playing. Earlier this season Gloucester replaced Tony Windo as scrum coach due to his other commitments and his inability to dedicate the sufficient time to the role, and it is a similar scenario with Tindall. Billy Twelvetrees will also undergo scans on his injured left ankle today. The England centre limped out of Saturday's success early in the first half but has not yet been scanned due to the Bank Holiday weekend.

Newent rugby player celebrates Twickenham win with proposal to girlfriend

May 5, 2014, 10:01 am

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RUGBY player Chris Steward put the prop into proposal when he asked his girlfriend to marry him at Twickenham on Sunday. It was a double win for Chris, 26, when Emma Shepherd said 'yes' on the pitch because minutes earlier he had helped Newent Rugby Club storm to victory in the RFU Senior Vase final. Chris, who has been playing for the club for six years, popped the question in front of hundreds of fans, his fellow players and club officials. Emma, 24, said: "I wasn't expecting it at all. It came as a complete shock. I was already so happy that they had won so when he proposed I just couldn't stop crying with happiness. "Everyone at the club and all of my friends knew weeks before that he was going to do it and they helped him to plan it all." The club's secretary John Moore looked after the ring while Chris was on the pitch and the pair would like to thank the club for the money they have given towards the wedding. "Chris is obsessed with rugby so to propose at Twickenham on that occasion was massive for him," said Emma, who met Chris through friends after they both attended Newent Community School. "Chris said he would still have done it if they lost but luckily it just added to an already amazing day. It was a massive day for the club and the town and I am so glad we got to share our special moment with everyone." Chris, a builder, and Emma, an accountant, started dating around Christmas 2011 and recently bought their first house in Newent together. They have yet to set a date for their wedding.

Baroness Royall talks cost of living, utility bills and immigration ahead of elections

May 5, 2014, 10:10 am

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SHE might be the Forest of Dean's baroness, but there's nothing grand about Janet Royall. She calls in to The Citizen office, stylish in jeans and a leather jacket, and tells me that she's been busy knocking on doors. Baroness Royall might be the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords, but she's also active at the coalface of politics. And she's not afraid to describe herself as a class warrior. With local and European elections imminent and a General Election next year, that means door knocking. It's the cost of living, including utility bills, and immigration that the Labour peer says are the top talking points on Gloucestershire doorsteps, particularly in Stroud and Gloucester, where local elections will be held in three weeks' time. "The cost of living is raised time and again. People have huge outgoings and even people in work are struggling," she said. "While I'm of course delighted that the employment statistics have improved, I worry greatly about the quality of jobs. It seems to me a lot are part-time and a lot are so poorly paid that people still need things like housing benefit to make ends meet," she said. "That some people are forced to go to foodbanks is a disgrace in the 21st Century. The number of people needing help at Gloucester Foodbank has doubled in the last year." "People go to foodbanks because they are in crisis," she said, adding that no one can simply walk into a foodbank, they have to be referred by a professional, such as a social worker. "Their wages might simply not be enough to sustain their families. When there's an unexpected bill, they suddenly don't have enough to make ends meet." She doesn't believe that our benefits system should be 'soft'. "If there are jobs and people are able to work, they must work," she said. But she has seen people harshly treated by the benefits system, with payments stopped for the slightest reason. Immigration is the other 'doorstep' issue. "UKIP has skewed our whole values to think all immigration is bad and think 'why is he getting more than me'," she said. "People are understandably worried about jobs and wages have been undermined. But that's the fault of unscrupulous employers using cheap labour, and that should not be allowed." She believes that the previous Labour government made mistakes about immigration. "We didn't talk about it, which was ridiculous. "When people started coming to this country from central and Eastern Europe in 2004, we should have done it in a staggered way. "We underestimated the number of people who would come to our country and didn't support the communities where they came enough. "But UKIP is playing to people's fears and exacerbating fears makes for an unhealthy society. "For young people who have grown up with the freedoms offered by the EU, it's a fact of life which gives freedom and advantages. "We live in a globalised world. UKIP is harking back to a rose-tinted view of the 1950s and 60s and the Empire. "I want us to be a strong country, but to be strong we have to be part of the EU. It does need reform, but the best way to achieve that is to work with our colleagues in the EU to get reform." As Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords, she's proud of its record of holding the Government to account, although is unsurprisingly critical of the LibDems: "The fragmentation of the NHS could not have happened without support of LibDems. Then there's the bedroom tax, which appalls me." She clearly has been playing close attention to the impact of the bedroom tax, or spare room subsidy, locally. "In the Forest we have a fantastic housing association, Two Rivers, with 3,800 homes. About 290 have been affected by the bedroom tax. "Two Rivers has been able to rehouse just 19 of those. That's not because there are no smaller homes. So 230 homes are now in arrears and will ultimately face the risk of eviction. It simply makes no economic sense whatsoever. "It seems to be punitive rather than socially just." It's one of the issues that will be at the forefront of the election debates. "It will be a nasty election.This is the first election in years that nobody knows what the result is going to be," she added. Politicians might "look the same", largely white men in suits, but says Baroness Royall, the political parties all stand for very different policies. She described Ed Miliband as "a very warm person who cares deeply about the people of this country". "He would be a terrific prime minister. He has a deep sense of fairness and justice and understands the economy and global issues." Baroness Royall has been at the forefront of the rise of women in public life. While the number of women in Parliament has risen dramatically, she believes far more needs to be done to increase the diversity of representation in Westminster. "How many people from Gloucester went to Eton? Or Oxbridge for that matter. "We've still got a class system in this country. "I think it's outrageous that your birth gives you such an advantage. "That's one of the principal reasons I'm in Labour. The system is so deeply unfair." How would the baroness define her 'class'? "I was born working class. My parents ran a small shop in Newnham. Now I'm middle class. "I was fortunate to be one of the people born 10 years after the war and all the advantages of the welfare state and free education. If I hadn't had a grant I wouldn't have been able to go to university." She spent her early childhood in Hucclecote, grew up in Newnham-on-Severn and has lived in her home in the Forest since 1966. "I'm absolutely rooted here. It's my community, I'm proud of them and the Forest of Dean is a fantastic place." While she's been listening keenly to the concerns of the electorate, her main hope is that they actually vote in the local, European and general elections. "My real passion is that people should vote. How they vote is up to them," she said. Baroness Royall was critical of an education system which left many people with a poor understanding of how local government works and its role. "Local government is hugely important for the wellbeing of our citizens. "Labour's policy has now changed. "One of our big policies will be to devolve more power and crucially more resources to local government. "I don't think that a lot of people are aware of the power of their vote" She's just returned from Afghanistan where she met women campaigning for democracy who arrived late to a meeting because their office had been targeted by a Taliban suicide bomber. "They believed that democracy was so fundamentally important to the future of their society that they were prepared to face that danger. "And here people only need to put a cross on a piece of paper."

Prime Minister David Cameron answers plea by Gloucester widow over death driver sentences

May 5, 2014, 10:53 pm

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Brave widow Mandy Stock was determined not to let her husband Paul's death be in vain. And now she has brought about a change in the law to punish disqualified drivers like the man who caused her husband's death. Motorcyclist Graham Godwin was sentenced to just 18 months for causing the death of Paul Stock in Tredworth in 2012. After two years of relentless campaigning, Mandy has succeeded in changing the law so that there are tougher sentences in such cases. She launched an e-petition which said: "The current maximum sentence for this charge is two years' imprisonment. If the offender pleads guilty he will get this reduced to 18 months. This is a totally unacceptable sentence for taking someone's life. "No term is long enough to reflect the fact someone has died but at least it will feel like some form of justice has been done." Judges will soon be able to impose a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on disqualified drivers who case death, and four years for causing serious injury, Prime Minister David Cameron will announce today. The law currently allows for a maximum sentence of two years. Mandy is delighted by the news and has thanked everyone for their support. "None of this will bring Paul back but it is excellent news which is long overdue," said Mandy, from Tredworth. "The current penalty simply does not reflect the face that someone has been killed as a direct result of deliberate and repeated disregard for the law. "We now need to follow up on the need for an effective deterrent, to deter or prevent these deaths and injuries occurring in the first place." Godwin was described as "an absolute menace on the roads" by sentencing Judge Jamie Tabor. But even though Godwin, of Winnycroft Lane, Matson, was banned and uninsured, he was jailed for just 18 months – no more than a driver who has a licence. The maximum sentence is two years but the judge had to take off six months because Godwin pleaded guilty. Gloucester Crown Court heard that Godwin had 12 previous convictions for driving without insurance, nine for driving while disqualified – and another three for drink-driving. Mandy launched her e-petition to change the law, which attracted more than 2,000 signatures, and MP Richard Graham took up her cause in parliament. Mandy and her sister Sue Braithwaite met David Cameron closely followed by Justice Minister Chris Grayling and they were sympathetic to her plea. Mr Cameron said: "The extraordinary campaigning efforts of Mandy and Richard have meant that in future the law will be much tougher on those who risk the lives of others on our roads. "One determined widow, along with a hardworking constituency MP and a government willing to act, can make a difference." Graham Godwin was described as an "absolute menace on the roads" when he was imprisoned for 18 months in January last year. Godwin was disqualified from driving, as well as speeding and carrying a passenger on his one-seated Shineray motorcycle, when it collided with Paul Stock on March 3, 2012. The 36-year-old pleaded guilty to causing death while driving when disqualified, causing death while not being insured and using a false name to obtain insurance. Gloucester Crown Court heard Godwin had 12 previous convictions for driving without insurance, nine for driving while disqualified and three for drink driving. Judge Jamie Tabor QC described the case as the "worst of its type imaginable". "You are a menace, an absolute menace on the roads," he said. "Nothing I can do can possibly reflect the value of the life of Mr Stock." He said the maximum allowed by law for the driving offences was two years – but he was legally bound to reduce it to 18 months to give Godwin credit for his guilty plea. Prosecutor Julian Kesner said Mr Stock stepped into the path of the motorcycle in Tredworth Road. He said Godwin, of Winnycroft Lane, Matson, could have been travelling at up to 43mph on the 30mph road. Moments before the crash, Godwin had overtaken another driver on speed bumps while his passenger stuck up her middle finger. Mr Stock died in hospital a week later.THE LAW BANNED drivers who cause death or serious injuries on the roads will face longer jail sentences, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling announced today. Motorists will face up to 10 years in prison if they cause death and up to four years imprisonment if they cause serious injury. The current maximum sentence faced by a driver who causes death while driving when disqualified is two years and there is no specific offence of causing serious injury by driving while disqualified. Changes in the law are due to be implemented in early 2015. The Justice Secretary also announced his intention to launch a review of all driving offences and penalties to ensure people who endanger lives and public safety are properly punished. This will include reviewing offences committed by uninsured and unlicensed drivers.PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON When I met Mandy Stock and discussed the story of Paul's tragic death with Richard Graham it was clear we needed to act. As I said at the time, Richard spoke for the whole House in deploring the sentence of only two years given to the man who caused Paul's death – even though he was disqualified and uninsured. Within just 18 months the extraordinary campaigning efforts of Mandy and Richard have meant that in future the law will be much tougher on those who risk the lives of others on our roads. When people say MPs have no influence, the government doesn't listen and that changing the law takes forever, this announcement shows that one determined widow, along with a hardworking constituency MP and a government that is willing to act, can make a difference.JUSTICE SECRETARY CHRIS GRAYLING When I met Mandy Stock last year I was shocked and appalled when I heard her tragic story – just as I am sure many others were too. Her husband Paul was killed after being hit by a motorcyclist who should have been nowhere near a vehicle. He was already banned, had nine convictions for driving while disqualified and a long criminal record including drink-driving and speeding. Yet, disgracefully, the law meant he could only be sentenced for a maximum of two years – and six months was taken off because he pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to just 18 months. I resolved there and then that this situation must not continue, and today I have announced proposed law changes which will make sure no-one else has to go through what Mandy did. The maximum sentence for killing someone by driving while disqualified will be increased from two years to 10 years – the single largest increase in sentencing powers under this Government. These changes can never bring back Paul Stock but I hope they bring some comfort to Mandy. Her brave campaigning on this issue, strongly supported by her MP Richard Graham, means that in future justice will be done for victims of terrible tragedies like these.

All aboard Cafe on the Cut at Gloucester Docks

May 5, 2014, 11:08 pm

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Last year Vanessa Radwell floated the idea of setting up a cafe in a narrowboat at Gloucester Docks. Now, her vision has become a reality after she opened the Cafe on the Cut at the Barge Arm mooring on Thursday. Based in a specially converted 60ft canal narrowboat called Amber, the cafe provides seating for 11 customers who can enjoy breakfast, sandwiches, tapas, cream teas, hot drinks and cakes. Owner Vanessa, 41, who also lives on the boat, said: "I have been living on narrowboats for the past 10 years, travelling all over the place. "My family live in Stroud and I loved visiting the Docks. The area has such a buzz about it. "There is so much history. When you walk in it feels like you are on holiday and I hope my cafe adds to that." Vanessa runs it with manager Debbie Smith. Cafe on the Cut has an environmentally friendly ethos and it runs largely from solar power. It uses free-range meats from Over Farm Market and the menu changes with the seasons and can differ from week to week. All cakes are made locally from free-range eggs and Vanessa recycles all packaging such as tins and cardboard. Family and friends have helped to renovate the boat which included creating tables from 100-year-old wood. pitch pike There will also be outdoor seating in the square which is currently home to the Barge Arm restaurant. "Some customers notice the slight rocking but I don't as I have been on a boat for so many years," said Vanessa, who was a self-employed dog trainer and has worked for animal charities for most of her life. "I have had a mooring at Gloucester Docks for 18 months now and this is permanent for me. "I have been used to just going around and mooring up where ever I stop but this is permanent. Of course, I can still go off in the boat when the cafe is closed." Cafe on the Cut is open for breakfast and lunch from Tuesday to Sunday. Vanessa is hoping to open on Friday and Saturday evenings in the future. She will also be opening the cafe on Wednesday evenings for charities to hold their meetings.

Gloucestershire weather: Are we heading for a heat wave

May 5, 2014, 11:17 pm

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IT will be a dry and bright start for many parts of Gloucestershire today. There will be some scattered showers this afternoon but with plenty of sunshine. This evening will see heavier showers with slight winds. Maximum temperatures will reach 16 °C. However it seems Britain is heading for a heat wave later this month with temperatures set to soar to 27C. Forecasters believe we could soon be soaking up the sunshine for at least two weeks after enjoying a balmy May Bank Holiday.

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Revealed: The top and bottom 10 cars for MOT failures

May 5, 2014, 11:29 pm

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THE top 10 cars likely to pass and fail their MOT have been revealed today by a report from honestjohn.co.uk. It is one of the most important and interesting top 10s among the MOT Files as it shows how a car performs in the first MOT, the first time in its life that it comes under outside scrutiny. It's also the time when many new car warranties run out (there are exceptions such as Hyundai, Toyota or Kia), so it's likely that owners will on their own when it comes to picking up the bill for any repairs. 1. Honda Jazz 90 per cent pass rate 2. Honda CR-V 90 per cent pass rate 3. Toyota Yaris 90 per cent pass rate 4. Land Rover Freelander 89 per cent pass rate 5. Mazda3 88 per cent pass rate 6. Toyota Auris 87 per cent pass rate 7. Mercedes-Benz E-Class 87 per cent pass rate 8. Hyundai i20 86 per cent pass rate 9. Kia Rio 86 per cent pass rate 10. Renault Scenic 86 per cent pass rate At the bottom of the table for cars passing their MOT first time there's a definite trend towards French brands. 1. Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 63 per cent pass rate 2. Volkswagen Touran 76 per cent pass rate 3. Volkswagen Passat 76 per cent pass rate 4. Ford Galaxy 77 per cent pass rate 5. SEAT Ibiza 77 per cent pass rate 6. Citroen C3 Picasso 77 per cent pass rate 7. Renault Megane 77 per cent pass rate 8. Peugeot 308 77 per cent pass rate 9. Volkswagen Polo 78 per cent pass rate 10. Fiat 500 80 per cent pass rate

Teenager Charlie Meadows loses luscious locks in memory of her mum

May 6, 2014, 12:00 am

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Teenager Charlie Meadows has had her luscious locks lopped off in memory of her mum. Caroline Meadows lost her fight against ovarian cancer three years ago when she was just 47. Now Charlie, 16, has had her long blonde hair cut off to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Friends and family watched as hairdressers clipped off her locks on Sunday on what would have been her mum's 50th birthday. "My hair is very important to me and I wanted to do something drastic," said Charlie, who lives in Eastern Avenue with her dad Royston and eight brothers and sisters, including her twin Carolynne. "It was an important day for us as mum would have been 50 so I thought it would be a good idea to do something positive on her birthday." Charlie's hair was cut by Danielle Gillespie at Danniee Gees Hair Salon in Tredworth Road. The teenager's friends and family have been sponsoring her fundraising stunt. She is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for the charity. "I wasn't nervous before I had it done," said Charlie. "Afterwards it kicked in and I feel quite lost without my hair now to be honest but I don't regret it." Before Caroline died she made it clear she wanted all women over 40 to be offered a blood test which detects proteins produced by the cancer. She also wanted women to see a doctor if they displayed symptoms related to the disease. Charlie hopes her challenge will raise awareness about ovarian cancer. "Anything that raises awareness about the disease is a good thing and may prevent other families from going through this," said Charlie.

Jet Age museum takes a rare delivery

May 6, 2014, 12:11 am

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DURING its official opening celebrations next weekend, Jet Age Museum will take delivery of a very rare exhibit, charting a lesser known part of the County's engineering history, 94 years after it left the Sunningend factory. With aircraft production in the doldrums after the end of the First World War, the Gloucestershire Aircraft Company set about diversifying its products. Designed by Harold Boultbee and marketed as the car on two wheels, the Unibus motor scooter was a feat of engineering. Incorporating new innovations and technology, it was decades ahead of its time but the complexity led to an eye-watering price of 95 guineas, equivalent to around £25 000 at today's prices. Sales never materialised and less than 100 were produced. Motorcycle enthusiast Mike Webster from Romney acquired what is thought to be one of only three Unibuses in existence and has fully restored the rare vehicle to roadworthy condition. On Saturday, it will make a ceremonial journey from the Lansdown Trading Estate, formerly H H Martyn's Sunningend Works to the new museum at Gloucestershire Airport, flanked by more than twenty vintage scooters. Museum volunteer, Trevor Davies, who researched the Unibus and was instrumental in bringing it to the new museum, said: "Most people might think of the 1960's Vespas as the beginnings of the scooter revolution but GAC were producing these machines many years beforehand. The Unibus is a very rare machine and it'll be a great addition to the museum's collection.< The museum's gala weekend will take place on Saturday and Sunday. The all-volunteer, registered charity occupies a purpose-built hangar, located on Gloucestershire Airport's Meteor Business Park, Cheltenham Road East and will be open both days from10am until 4pm.

Gloucestershire All Golds search for new head coach

May 6, 2014, 9:19 am

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GLOUCESTERSHIRE All Golds have received an "avalanche" of inquiries for the vacant position of head coach following Brad Hepi's departure. Club president Lionel Hurst said those expressing an interest in the full-time job included ex-Great Britain internationals. Dan Garbutt, a former Gloucestershire Warrior, has been placed in caretaker charge and oversaw the 19-18 defeat at home to Hemel Stags in Kingstone Press Championship 1 on Sunday. "There's no rush to make a new appointment. It could happen soon or it could happen at the end of the season," said Hurst. "We're very happy with Dan and he is very much in the frame. "What is important is that we get the right person. We want somebody who will not only look after the first team but also the BUCS team, academy and scholarships. "We want someone who can look at the club as whole and come up with a plan to keep moving forward. "We're very optimistic about the future and we've already had an avalanche of inquiries from people all over the world." Hepi, who helped launch the All Golds, stood down as head coach last week, saying he had taken the club as far as he could and felt that it was time for a change. "It's been a pleasure to be involved with such an exciting new entity from the outset and I'll miss not only the exciting times but also the tough times we encountered as a team these past 20 months," said Hepi. "There are a lot of exciting things happening out there in the world of sport at the moment so watch this space."

Cinderford St John bowled out for 90

May 6, 2014, 9:23 am

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CINDERFORD St John made a disappointing return to Division One of the Gloucestershire County Cricket League after a stint in the West of England Premier League as they were bowled out for 90 at Cheltenham Civil Service. Fine bowling from Chandu Patel (3-13) ensured that the Civil Service's total of 219 all out was never in danger of being overhauled. Ashley Jones was the star of the Service batting effort, hitting 96 while Robbie Baker weighed in with 55. Charlton Kings claimed victory in their first game back in Division One with a four-wicket success against Oldlands. The Ryeworth club won the toss, elected to field first and bowled the visitors out for 144, before chalking off the runs for the loss of six wickets. Cirencester enjoyed a fine start to the season, beating Division Two champions Birdlip and Brimpsfield by 99 runs. Ross Jeffels was the star of the show for Cirencester with outstanding figures of six for 12 as Birdlip were bowled out for 114 in response to Cirencester's 213 for six. Kingsholm battled past Poulton by four wickets in a low scoring affair that saw the Gloucester side edge to their target of 130 six wickets down. Battling performances from Shaun Uthup (39) and an unbeaten 34 from James Markey saw Kingsholm home. James Holland and Ollie Norman inspired Redmarley to a fine opening day victory against Frampton on Severn. Holland claimed figures of four for 12 and Norman three for eight as Frampton were skittled for a 100. Redmarley eased to their target for the loss of three wickets. In Division Two, Eddie Rendell starred for Cam in their big win at Stone as his figures of four for five were key as Stone were bowled out for just 46. That was in reply to Cam's 188 in which Stuart Newman (68) and Pete Hall (53) both hit half centuries. Game of the day came at Shurdington where the hosts edged to a one-wicket win against Frocester III. Lee Baldwin starred with both bat and ball taking three for 35 in Frocester's 159 for six and hitting 53 as his side edged home in a thrilling finale. The Cockburns were key as Woodpeckers beat Newent as Rob Cockburn's figures of four for 42 helped bowl Newent out for 166. Dave Cockburn then hit an unbeaten 52 as Woodpeckers romped home with six wickets to spare. Some fine bowling from Abdulhaque Chana (4-34) and Owaise Channa (3-36) helped Gloucester Crescent Pakistanis defend their total of 240 for seven against Slaughters United. Performance of the day in Division Three came at Cranham where the Pocketts played a key role in a 110 run win against Aston Ingham. James Pockett hit 84 in his side's 180 all out before Ben Pockett's fine figures of five for 12 helped bowl Aston Ingham out for just 70. Performance of the day in Division Four saw Matt Dallow hit 105 and then take two for 11 as his side completed a 38 run win over Cirencester II.

Deacs' Week: I want to stay at Cinderford

May 6, 2014, 9:25 am

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IT WAS a surprise to hear Cinderford are undertaking a overhaul of the coaching set-up and I have to reapply for a new role of 'Professional Rugby Manager. But the committee have their priorities and what they see as the best way forward for the club. They are the employers and it is very much their right to do that. They see the job I do as redundant and want me to reapply for the PRM job, which looks interesting. I have been looking at the job specification over the past couple of days and I will definitely apply. It's essentially a management role responsible for everyone who gets paid at the club, including the coaching unit and players. I will miss the on-field part of it and the selection debates, as I have been involved in rugby my whole life. But the job specification motivates me. I want the job, I have the ability and I'm confident I can do a good job. I will put a strong case forward. Things are always evolving and changing and I understand that. I have attributes that the club can hopefully see and think can work for the continued improvement and progression at Cinderford – if that is as the PRM then that's great. Moving to matters on the pitch and I was delighted to finish the season on a high in a respectful 11th place in National One, with such a commanding win over Wharfedale. We didn't actually think we would have to play the game so we only trained once in the week. Wharfedale had already booked their travel and accommodation so the game was on. But there was a real buzz in that training session because of United's Forest of Dean Combination Cup final and on match-day the pressure of the last few weeks was off and the boys really opened up with a freedom to play. They played with ball in hand and scored some outstanding tries to win 55-26, which was massive. United and the Stags won their respective Senior and Junior cup finals, so it was a brilliant weekend all round for the club. We always train with United and it is a great side with a mixture of players who have enjoyed a lot of first-team action, guys who are in and out and youngsters who are just starting out. Paul Morris has done a great job, they have come fourth in their league and won a cup so that is a brilliant end to the season. Playing for United can be tough because everyone wants to play for the first team but it's brilliant that they have got this success and exposure. Numbers in training have been great all year with 35 plus regularly in attendance and that allows us to have intense and competitive sessions and then turn out two competitive teams on the weekend.What a great weekend for Newent and Longlevens I HAD a fantastic weekend with Longlevens at Twickenham, seeing the boys lift the RFU Junior Vase and then Newent win the Senior Vase, was just brilliant. I was lucky enough to go to the Levens team hotel on Saturday night and the boys all looked very smart, they were a credit to the club all weekend. You just didn't know how they would react to the occasion and all the emotion that comes with it playing at Twickenham but they handled it really well. They came flying out of the blocks and really fronted up. They took most of their chances but could have even scored a few more. They were up against it at times and really under the pump but they stuck at it and their pace and edge saw them through. It was just the perfect day. I had a great time watching it in the stands and got really animated at times, although as soon as they scored the first try I knew they would go on to win. There was a bit of a former Gloucester player reunion with myself and Laurie Beck, watching our boys Oliver and Jack, and also Steve Ojomoh was there as coach of Trowbridge. Trowbridge beat Leek 22-19 and are National Intermediate Champions, so well done to these guys too. It was brilliant to be sat in the crowd with all the other supporters and there was some great banter. A lot of fans were coming up to me and asking for a mention in the column which I promised but now I can't remember their names! So it's a collective shout out to these guys! I am also thrilled for Club President Richard Yorke and his management team, who are all so deserving of this trophy. I was also sat behind Rugby Lions tight-head David Nurse's family, who Ollie was propping against, so that was great fun. Watching Newent win the Senior Vase made the day all the better. It took a bit longer and they had to grind Yarnbury down but both sides played well and it was a typical cup final. It's an amazing achievement to get to Twickenham, let alone twice in consecutive years and then win on both occasions. Andy Addis has done a superb job and it got quite emotional when we bumped into each other in the car park before I headed back to Longlevens for a night of celebrations. It was great to see the boys return to the club. They got off the bus all suited and booted and walked along Longford Lane with the cars stopping and beeping, people waving flags and then there were hundreds of people at the club who formed a tunnel into clubhouse singing 'We are the Champions'. There have been some fantastic photos of the whole day, it was just amazing. The RFU get a lot of stick but this is one competition that they have got absolutely spot on.Mike Tindall has been an amazing servant for Gloucester IT WAS great to see Gloucester finish the season at home with a really positive result against London Irish. There were 14,915 in attendance so it was a great way for the likes of Will James and Mike Tindall to finish. If Tindall is indeed retiring, it will be the end of a fantastic career. Leaving England aside he has been an amazing servant to Gloucester. The calibre of player he is, the level he has reached and just having someone like him raises the profile of the club. He has been an absolute credit to the club and if he does become their full-time backs coach I am sure he will be a huge success. He has been doing it on a player-coach level so he knows how things are done and how Gloucester work – it makes perfect sense. Gloucester finish the season against their M5 rivals Worcester on Saturday and I can tell you now that the Warriors will be in no mood to roll over. It's a derby and for a lot of players on both sides it will be their final game for their club, there will be plenty of motivation and hopefully Gloucester can finish the season with a nice double.

Gloucester Rugby: Yann Thomas pays tribute to Trevor Woodman's impact

May 6, 2014, 9:28 am

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YANN Thomas has hailed Trevor Woodman's no nonsense approach to the scrum at Gloucester. The England World Cup winner became the Cherry and Whites scrum coach in March, replacing fellow former Cherry and White Tony Windo, who could no longer commit the necessary time due to his role at Bromsgrove School. Woodman made an almost immediate impact in solidifying the scrum and Thomas, who has packed down on either side of the set-piece, admits he delivered some home truths in a "brutal" assessment. Thomas said: "With Trevor Woodman coming in and bringing his input, the scrums have started showing a bit more improvement in the last couple of weeks. "The scrums went well against London Irish, we put them under pressure and the only bad one was right at the end. "Then if you look at the Bath game, it pains me to say they have one of the best scrums in the Premiership but the boys fronted up. "Trevor has come in and put his own stamp on things. "The first day he came in he put on a presentation which was brutally honest with the boys. "We probably haven't had that this season, someone telling us it's not good enough. It was a bit comfortable over the last few months but he's freshened things up. "He's got a lot of respect from the boys, it goes without saying as World Cup winner you have a massive presence and he's just freshened things up and given the boys more of an edge against each other." Gloucester face Worcester Warriors next, in the final game of the season, and Thomas expects a typically fierce local derby. Worcester are already down and out of the Premiership, consigned to a season in the Championship, but Thomas knows there will be plenty of pride to play for. He added: "You always look at the last couple of games and if you're not in the top four or fighting to stay up you might see it as a bit of a dead duck. "But the boys fronted up again and there was more improvement and we have to take that on to Worcester and into next season. "It's still a big derby match, they will be fired up for it and we will as well. "Worcester-Gloucester is never a dead game, it's 30 minutes up the M5, it's always a fierce game because a lot of the boys know each other and there will always be that edge. We're expecting a tough battle."

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Gloucester City Council Elections 2014: Grange ward

May 6, 2014, 9:32 am

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VIDEO: MEET THE CANDIDATES POLITICAL lines are being drawn in Grange as the Conservatives and Labour fight for the close seat. Councillor Nigel Hanman is hoping his 300-strong majority in 2010 will see him re-elected on May 22 – but Labour are fighting to take the seat off him, buoyed by their win in the ward in 2012 when Chris Chatterton, the mayor of Gloucester, was elected with just a 27 vote majority. Mr Hanman, who had intended to stand as an independent after he was originally de-selected by his party before being reappointed, said: "I am passionate about my community and I want to do the best for it. "Having personally suffered the misery of flooding from Daniels Brook in 2007, I am determined that my community should not see a repeat of that, so flood alleviation schemes and regular maintenance are vital. "I also want to see the facilities at Tuffley Community Centre improved and I am currently working with the committee to secure funding for a new kitchen. "I am pleased that the council housing stock in the area has been improved and the recent Government announcement means that they can be properly maintained and new homes built into the future." But Pat Juby, who is standing as a Labour and Co-operative Party candidate, said: "Grange is a lovely place to live. However, there are some issues that have been identified when talking to residents. These include paving across muddy areas and around dog poo bins, the state of some of the paths and the state of lighting in the Granges parks. I have also been working to address the issues of potholes and road improvements." Anthony Gowing, for the Liberal Democrats, said: "My priorities for Grange are better recycling facilities, more play areas and public open space, and fixing the potholes and poor road surfaces. "I will push for more public open space and play areas for Grange's young people. I will also campaign to get the potholes filled in and keep pushing for more roads to be resurfaced in Grange, as well as monitoring the ongoing resurfacing of roads like Bodiam Avenue." Rosemarie Marchmont, for UKIP, said: "I am very much a 'people person'. I cannot promise to put things right overnight but if elected, as a resident of Grange, I do promise to listen to everyone in the ward no matter what political party they support. I will work hard to sort out their everyday and long term issues. Grange is a good place to live and together we can make it a great place to live."SWING-OMETER

• Conservative Nigel Hanman had a majority of 312 over Labour's Andy Jones in 2010.
• But Labour's Chris Chatterton, who is the mayor of Gloucester, won in the ward in 2012 with a 27 vote lead.
• In 2012 UKIP got 10 per cent of the votes.

MEET THE CANDIDATESANTHONY GOWING, Liberal Democrats Anthony Gowing is a freelance musician and organist. He has served as assistant organist in Sheffield and Gloucester Cathedrals. He is now forging a new career as a teacher and freelance musician. Anthony enjoys football, particularly the ups and downs of Ipswich Town FC, Alan Partridge and old movies. He has improvised accompaniments to silent films on the organ to critical acclaim. If elected, Anthony will be a hard-working, dedicated councillor for Grange ward. Anthony has been a Liberal Democrat for many years and is proud of the party's record in national and local government.NIGEL HANMAN, Conservatives I have lived in the area for many years and am the only city councillor to live locally in the ward. I live on Bodiam Avenue with my wife Joy. We have two grown-up daughters and a grandson. I have served Grange as its city councillor for 12 years and was previously a county councillor for the area as well. I have run my own sign-making business for many years. My daughter my runs the company but I maintain an involvement. I am a regular at the Tuffley Community Centre.PAT JUBY, Labour and Co-Operative Party I have been involved in the community since moving to Gloucester in 2008. I am currently a Trust governor at Grange School and company secretary to the South Gloucester Learning trust. I am also an elected member of Midcounties and am Chair of the Membership Strategy Committee as well as chair of the local Co-operative Party. I am seeking election, as a Labour representative to the city council and am determined to make a difference to the residents of Grange. ROSEMARIE MARCHMONT, UKIP Rosemarie was born and bred in Gloucester and lives in the Grange Ward with her husband. She has two grown up sons and two grandchildren. She has worked in several big supermarkets and as a Care Assistant.

"Winning in New Zealand can be a key to World Cup success" - Tindall

May 6, 2014, 9:33 am

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MIKE Tindall reckons any win in New Zealand this summer will set England up for World Cup glory. The former Red Rose centre lifted the William Webb Ellis trophy in 2003, having conquered both the All Blacks and Australia on their home patch. England jet Down Under for a three Test tour of the Land of the Long White Cloud this summer and Tindall insists any success will act as a springboard towards the global showpiece. Speaking at Kingsholm yesterday, with just 500 days until the big kick-off, Tindall said: "Winning in New Zealand was massive in terms of our preparation for the 2003 World Cup. "The year of the World Cup we beat New Zealand and Australia in games down there and it's just a reaffirmation that you are in the right place and looking good. "It's going to be a tough tour, three games is it too much? Possibly when you look how long the year is going to be but it gives them a real marker. "The form they showed in the Six Nations, they look like a tough team to beat and they are hungry. "If they can win one or two games they will be in a very strong place and teams will really start worrying about them." Stuart Lancaster will be without a host of stars for the first Test, which is held in Dunedin just seven days after the Premiership final. He is also sweating on the fitness of Gloucester centre Billy Twelvetrees, who limped out of Saturday's victory over London Irish and underwent scans yesterday (Tues). But Tindall reckons the opportunity to blood youngsters is in New Zealand is a golden one, despite the might of the All Blacks. Manu Tuilagi is likely to come back into the centre at some stage but there are questions whether a partnership with Luther Burrell would be too one dimensional and Tindall believes that opens the door. He added: "With the injuries they had in the Six Nations they had to make changes and that's improved the team. "You have a bigger player pool Stuart can trust and that will only improve them. "And when you look at the first Test, what else can they do? With the Premiership final they're going to have to bring players in and give chances. "The only way people can respond in high level sport is if they are given an opportunity. A lot of kids are going to get that chance and they have to step up. "If Billy is out it gives them that option of bringing Tuilagi back in but whether you can play him and Luther Burrell together I'm not sure. "You could get George Ford involved with Owen Farrell because what they like with Billy is his ability to be a second ball player, which he has had from playing 10. "He has good handling and those basic skills which gives them options to play. "If you bring Manu back in you have to find a player that can complement him. "Kyle Eastmond could be another, it opens a lot of doors but that will just benefit the squad in the long run." England have not beat the All Blacks on their own patch since 2003 and all the subsequent matches have been lost by more than 17 points. But Tindall expects three closely fought contests. He added: "You won't see that with the mentality they have developed. Just looking at the breakdown, they are just fantastic and will give New Zealand a tough time in an area they are really proud of. "They are continuing to develop that attacking game. Everything is positive and you just hope they can continue that."

2 in 5 Brits struggle to make it to payday

May 6, 2014, 9:40 am

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SOME 38 per cent of people in the South West say they are in financial difficulty. Sophy Gardner, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Gloucester, has spoken out against what she says is a 'growing personal debt crisis gripping Britain' as research shows two in five Brits struggle to make it to payday and that millions are now taking out payday loans and debt management plans to cope with the cost of living and debt repayment. Ms Gardner said: "Sophy Gardner said: "It's vital that we tackle the cowboys making money out of providing debt management advice and the legal loan sharks still profiting from these pressures. "I'm backing plans to get tough on debt management companies, to make sure people have access to good debt advice and alternative affordable finance." County councillor Lesley Williams, leader of the Labour group, added: "Many people are getting into debt or spending all their rainy day money as a result. "People often struggle to get to payday and that this is due to household bills like energy or rent, or repaying credit cards and payday loans." She fears some are becoming 'zombie-debtors' who can only afford to pay interest on their debts rather than pay off the debt itself.

Cheese chasers face exclusion zone around Cooper's Hill slope

May 6, 2014, 10:00 pm

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CHEESE chasers face an uphill battle to tumble with tradition after authorities imposed an exclusion zone up to two-and-a-half miles wide around the famous Cooper's Hill slope. The Citizen can reveal that all roads leading to the unofficial cheeserolling on Bank Holiday Monday – May 26 – will be closed and parking restrictions imposed. After Gloucestershire Constabulary enraged chasers last year by advising Birdwood cheese maker Diana Smart not to supply a Double Gloucester for the ancient event, the force and Gloucestershire County Council has tried a new approach. Thirteen-time race winner Chris Anderson said road closures on the A46 from Ermin Street to Buckholt Road were uncalled for. "It seems a bit much for all that," said Chris, who won't be competing, due to a leg injury. "They didn't stop it happening last year and I don't expect they will this year." That closure is the longest at just under two-and-a-half miles. Other closures are Green Street at the A46 junction to Cooper's Hill Lane, the whole of Cooper's Hill Lane and Nut Hill in Upton St Leonards. No parking will be allowed on Ermin Street from Vicarage Road in Brockworth to the A46 Shurdington Road, on Cirencester Road between the A46 Shurdington Road to Birdlip and Shurdington Road to Ermin Street. Daniel Tiffney, highways manager at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "The cheeserolling on Coopers Hill is an unofficial event organised independently from the county council. "However, based on experience from previous years, and after discussions with Gloucestershire police, there will be some temporary road closures and parking restrictions on May 26 to manage additional traffic and minimise disruption to local residents." A police spokesman said: "We support this measure, which will enable emergency vehicles to access the location if necessary and increase safety for pedestrians and road users." A council spokesman said businesses and residents will still be able to access closed roads and buses along the A46 will run as normal.

Prince Charles closes Gloucestershire egg business after 24 hens were killed by foxes

May 6, 2014, 11:22 pm

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PRINCE Charles has shut down his Gloucestershire egg business after 24 hens were recently slaughtered by foxes. His Royal Highness is now unable to sell eggs following the attack on his chicken coop at Close Farm, near his Highgrove Estate. Some of the birds survived the attack on his land in Tetbury but have been moved to other premises to keep them safe from the preying foxes. He owns other farm shops in Bath, Windsor and London. Yesterday customers were met with this notice: "Dear Customers, The fox killed 24 of our chickens now the rest of the surviving chickens have been brought to a more secure location. This will mean no more eggs to sell, sorry, regards." Despite the Prince's passion for organic products, he has had misfortune in recent years with the business side of things. His Duchy Originals brand reported a loss of more than £3.3 million for the 2009 financial year and was taken over by Waitrose in the autumn of that year. Meanwhile the prince's hopes of resurrecting his Veg Shed home delivery business of his vegetables to the locals in Gloucestershire have been sunk. According to a farm worker, Charles wanted to revive the delivery business last summer, but that never happened and plans have now been permanently abandoned. The Prince did maintain a roadside, unstaffed shop, with an honesty box for public buyers of a limited range of produce. The Duchy Originals brand after being rescued by a Waitrose takeover now encompasses 230 products, sold in 30 countries, from Japan to America. In partnership with Waitrose since 2009, it boasts annual profits of £2.8 million and has raised £11 million for charitable causes.