'I'll march for fallen on my own if I have to,' says ex-soldier

August 1, 2014, 9:13 am

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FORMER soldier Raymond Lever is committed to paying his respects to those who fought in the First World War – even if he ends up marching by himself. The ex-Army trainee will march from the Cathedral tomorrow at 11.30am to Argos in St Michael's Square and is appealing for veterans, serving forces personnel and civvies to join him. He has been sending appeals on social media for the past month for people to join the walk but, so far, no-one has shown interest. Raymond said he would have joined the official march organised by the Royal British Legion in Gloucester on Monday but he has other plans. That has not stopped his determination to pay his respects. He said: "We owe the people who fought in the First World War a great debt and it's important to remember the sacrifices they made for us. "I just hope someone turns up to march with me." Raymond's military career was cut short by an injury to his leg, which caused him to drop out of his training at Whittington Barracks in Staffordshire after just a year.

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Brockworth wine company worker, who landed her colleague in court by lying to police about driving offences, jailed

August 1, 2014, 9:13 am

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WINE company worker who gave a colleague's name and address to police when she was caught driving without insurance has been jailed. Anastassia Tepljakova sobbed as she was sentenced to four months in prison at Gloucester Crown Court. The 27-year-old had admitted perverting the course of justice by providing false details. As a result of her lie, her colleague Olga Jelcova was convicted of driving without insurance and had a long battle, including four court appearances, to prove her innocence. Luckily for her, the policeman who first booked Tepljakova had taken her photograph at the scene – and that ultimately cleared Ms Jelcova's name. Jailing Estonian-born Tepljakova, Judge Jamie Tabor QC told her it was bad enough she had decided to drive without insurance and then to lie to the police. But what made it far worse was that she had not owned up when she saw her colleague at Laithwaite's Wines in Brockworth suffering as a result of her dishonesty, he said. "The unfortunate lady had to make four court appearances having been found guilty in her absence," he said. "It was only because the officer who had stopped you took a photo of you that what you had done came to light. "Not only did you pretend to be this lady, but you sat back and watched her suffer – and suffer she did, going to court again and again and with all that stress. "She suffered exactly the stress you are now suffering, except she knew she was innocent and you knew you were guilty." As well as the four-month jail term, the judge banned Tepljakova, of Redding Park in Cheltenham, from driving for a year and ordered her to pay £100 costs and an £80 surcharge. During sentencing, prosecutor Janine Wood told the court Tepljakova was driving an Alfa Romeo when she ran out of petrol at the Elmbridge Court roundabout in Gloucester. A police sergeant booked her for driving without insurance and she gave Ms Jelcova's details. Ms Jelcova was prosecuted and she was convicted when the case was tried in her absence. When she received notice of her conviction, she launched an appeal. Following several court appearances, a re-hearing was set down and when the sergeant turned up to give evidence, he realised from the photo he had taken that she was not the driver he had booked. In a statement, Ms Jelcova said it had taken 15 months to clear her name and it had been "extemely stressful". "I cannot believe someone would do this to me," she said. "It is not right that someone can do this and get away with it." Defence solicitor Sabhia Pathan said Tepljakova had driven that day only because her sister had rung her in a very distressed state and she wanted to be with her. She took her boyfriend's car without asking him first and did not realise it was almost out of fuel. When police approached she panicked and lied because she knew she was not insured.

Restaurant review: You are certainly welcome at new TGI Friday's

August 1, 2014, 9:16 am

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YOU are certainly welcome at the new TGI Friday's at Gloucester Quays. Every member of the young team I encountered seemed pleased to see me, keen to help and well briefed on the menu when I visited the restaurant on the opening day. Housed inside a stunning red-bricked, glass-fronted, waterside building, the restaurant features a superb 'island kitchen' – allowing guests to sit at the grill and see their food cooked to perfection before their eyes. It is decorated in an industrial style using wood reclaimed from the docks and everywhere you look there is something different to catch your eye. I went on a Friday but as a big sign on the wall informed me, "In here, it's always Friday." The best way to start any visit is to sample a cocktail while sitting at the 'shotgun' bar, entertained by the glass and bottle juggling bar staff. I was shown to my table and given the extensive menu which centres on all-American food with lots of dishes made for sharing. The staff were always effervescent, dressed in the iconic striped braces covered in their own quirky collage of badges. Whether it's burgers, steaks, ribs, chicken, pasta, fish or salads, there is a lot to choose from the TGI Friday's menu. My waitress recommended the golden crispy breaded mozzarella dippers with tomato and basil marinara sauce which were a perfect appetizer. TGI Friday's is famous for its Jack Daniel's sauce so I ordered the "chef's fave" Double Glazed Jack Daniel's burger, accompanied with a huge portion of chips. It didn't disappoint. The 7oz flame-grilled burger was tender and juicy, served in a nice, softly toasted bun with melty Monterey Jack, candied bacon pieces, a tomato slice, sliver of onion and a little bowl of "our legendary" Jack Daniel's sweet 'n' smoky glaze on the side. I didn't manage to finish it but only because I was worried that I wouldn't have room for a dessert. I finished with a chocolate lover's dream – a moist brownie with hot fudge topping with vanilla ice cream covered with caramel and chocolate drizzle. For me what stood out from my visit was the passion and enthusiasm shown by staff. You can get a burger and chips at a number of restaurants in Gloucester but TGI Friday's offers a trendy, relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff who provide a special dining experience.

Meeting burglar helped settle fears, says Ruth, 62

August 1, 2014, 9:31 am

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MANY would say being woken up in the middle of the night by a burglar downstairs is among their worst nightmares. That is exactly what happened to Ruth Lambert, 62 – a policeman's widow who was alone in the house with her seven-year-old granddaughter. When she raised the alarm, police caught the thief red-handed. With the help of Restorative Gloucestershire, an organisation which aims to rehabilitate offenders in the county, Ruth met the intruder who broke into her home to help her come to terms with what happened. Ruth, from Barnwood, said: "It was about two o'clock in the morning when I first heard banging. "Everything outside the house was quiet so it had to be indoors and it seemed to be getting louder and louder. I had no idea what it was and went to investigate. "As I crept down the stairs, the louder it became. It was horrendous. I could see that the patio door was smashed, the locks had gone and he'd got in through the downstairs toilet window. He'd been through a back room and now he was in the kitchen going through drawers and cupboards with a crow bar." She added: "I was terrified, especially as I couldn't use the phone. My husband had recently died and so too had my six-month old grandson, a victim of cot death. "I took the phone back upstairs, shut the door to the bedroom where my granddaughter was still asleep, locked myself in the en-suite bathroom and called my brother. I also dialled 999. The next thing I heard was a scream. The police had tazered him before arresting him on the spot." "It was obvious he was on drugs and I told him to his face what I thought of him. "Surprisingly, he said he wasn't a bad man and that because of the drugs he had no idea what he was doing." But Ruth said it was not until later she found the intruder had only started taking drugs after coming home one day to find his mother hanged in the garage having committed suicide. She said that through Restorative Gloucestershire her daughter and sister-in-law met him before she was sent a letter in which he said he never wanted to harm her or do what he did. She said the pair have now met. "Straight after the break-in I was going to move," she said. "I had the house valued and knew where I would go but after our meeting I was able to settle down again so it definitely helped me. "I think it also helped him come to terms with what he had done. "He is actually a nice lad with a child of his own now and is so full of remorse he keeps apologising. "I am all in favour of restorative justice and my husband would have been too."

"Thank you for service to your country Lance Corporal Sam Davies"

August 1, 2014, 9:35 am

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TRIBUTES have been paid to brave soldier Sam Davies who lost his battle with cancer last month. The popular 24-year-old father, who served with the with the Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, survived a bomb blast and tackled a Taliban fighter while serving in Afghanistan. He died from a rare blood disorder on July 8. Dozens of heartfelt tributes have been left on the Citizen's Facebook page. Tracy Morgan described Mr Davies as "a great fun loving lad who was so caring". Selina Maher said he was "a great friend who will never be forgotten." Amy Camm added: "Truly an inspirational character. Rest in peace Sam, I still can't believe your gone." Former Churchdown School pupil, Sam joined the Army Cadets in Gloucester as a teenager before signing up to The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 2007. He completed a six-month tour of Afghanistan in 2012 and was attached to 21st Signal Regiment (Air Support) Light Aid Detachment (LAD). During his tour he suffered serious shrapnel wounds when the vehicle he was in drove over an IED. Lance Corporal Davies, from Down Hatherley, also tackled to the ground and arrested a member of the Taliban. He recovered from his injuries but was diagnosed with blood cancer a year later, in April 2013, while on an Army training course in the UK. Mr Davies, who has a four-year-old son called Charlie, underwent chemotherapy to treat the multiple myeloma, went into remission and planned to take his fitness test to get back to serving his country. But he contracted rare blood disorder thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) after having a stem cell transplant to give him the best chance of surviving the cancer long-term. Karen Griffiths said: "This is just so very sad. Life is just so cruel. "Rest in peace you wonderful man. Your family and all of us are so very proud of you." Sarah Tong added: "Rest in peace Sam. Thank you for your service to our country, my thoughts are with his family and friends." Amy Dickman said: "Terribly sad news. Love and thoughts to the family. Thank you for your service." The keen rugby player, who played for Longlevens RFC, died at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea on July 8, with his mother Lucy and father George at his bedside. Hundreds of friends, family and service personnel attended a full military funeral to honour Lance Corporal Davies at St Mary and Corpus Christi Church in Down Hatherley.

Former soldier on 11,000 mile fundraising mission around Britain on 8mph mobility scooter stops at Minsterworth

August 1, 2014, 10:22 am

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HE has become famous for touring Britain on his mobility scooter, hitting top speeds of 8mph while raising money for a host of charities with his two cats Smudge and Missy for company. And now Mark Newton has reached Gloucestershire, stopping off at The Severn Bore Inn in Minsterworth tonight for some much need respite as his 11,000 mile journey continues. The former soldier's epic fundraiser started after he was made redundant in 2010 when he started planning a trip around Wales for the following year. After raising more than £9,000, he decided to take on a greater challenge around the British Isles and is on his 481st day after starting in April 2013. Landlord of the Severn Bore, Mark Fox, said: "It was really nice that he decided to stop off at us. It's really touching that he is doing so much to raise money for charity. "He's done something I have never heard of before with his two cats in tow." Mr Newton used to serve with the 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards and was on duty with the United Nations in Cyprus when he injured his knee in 1991. Despite several operations, the damage to the former tank driver's knee meant his condition deteriorated to the point where he now needs to use a mobility scooter, which he has used since 2009. His trek has so far raised more than £31,000 for the RNLI, SSAFA, Help For Heroes, Royal British Legion and 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards Regimental Association. However, he does not sleep in luxury every night, often choosing to instead spend the night in a trailer he tows along behind him. The fundraiser from Swansea will spend tomorrow in Lydney before heading on to Wales as his journey continues. Visit roundwales.co.uk for more information, or to donate.

Former HGV mechanic Tanya Ashford reaches semi-final of Miss Pin-up UK competition

August 3, 2014, 1:32 am

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FORMER mechanic Tanya Ashford has made it to the semi-final of this year's Miss Pin-up UK competition. The mum-of two has swapped her HGV mechanic overalls for burlesque costumes to become her alter ego Vega La Vamp. After appealing for help from Citizen readers in a public vote, 36-year-old Tanya has reached the next stage of the competition. She will now join 14 other women at the semi-final in London, including Emma Mason, 32, from Charlton Kings, in Cheltenham who has entered the competition under the name Lady Allure. "Thank you so much to everyone that voted, shared and wished me luck. Bring it on," said Tanya, who lives with her husband George and their two sons in Brockworth. "I spent most of my life up to my neck in grease, which wasn't the most glamorous of jobs. "After I had my boys I adopted a 1950s rockabilly look which was a million miles away from overalls and oil." Tanya started burlesque lessons with Kitty Ribbons a year ago and she has performed in several shows at the Cherries on a Cloud Revue, in Gloucester. Friends suggested she enter the pin-up competition so she submitted three pictures of herself and a video of her special talent - burlesque. The public then voted for their favourite. "Burlesque has been amazing for my self esteem," said Tanya, who also models for 50s inspired clothing shop Katherine's Closet in Tewkesbury. The final will be held over three days at the London Tattoo Convention in September. The finalists will have to show their special talent and take part in various modelling competition in front of an audience and a judging panel.

Romanian trio jailed for cashpoint frauds in Gloucester

August 3, 2014, 1:49 am

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THREE Romanian men involved in a plot to steal from cashpoint users in Gloucester and the Cotswolds have been jailed for a total of almost seven years between them.

The trio were convicted by a jury at Gloucester Crown Court in May of conspiracy to steal by using cash trapping devices on ATMs in Gloucester and Stow-on-the-Wold.

Jailing them, Judge Jamie Tabor QC said they were clearly part of an organised gang which had targeted Gloucestershire for repeated raids on bank machines for ten months ending in July 2012.

Flavius Novac, Costel Procopkiuc and Gheorghe Bechian had all denied conspiracy to steal between October 2011 and July 2012 but were convicted by the jury after a four day trial.

Prosecutor Paul Cook had told the jury at the start of the trial that the scam involved sticking a fake debit card slot onto a cash machine.

A customer would put in a debit card, key in a PIN – but then get no money because the notes would remain hidden in the device.

Only after a customer had left the scene would a gang member recover the device and grab the money.

Novac, 23, of no fixed abode was jailed for 14 months. Procopkiuc, 23, from Middlesex, received two years nine months and Bechian, 35 of Alma Road in Banbury, who was said by the judge to be the leader of the gang, was jaild for three years.

Judge Tabor told the trio he believed at least two other men – one of whom is on the run – had also been involved in the persistent defrauding of cashpoints.

"This was organised crime over a lengthy period by a group of at least five of you," said Judge Tabor. "This type of offence has been prevalent in Gloucestershire and one piece of evidence given during your trial shows just how much of it has been going on.

"Nowadays bank staff who attend to ATMs in the mornings to fill and service them routinely wear gloves in order not to smudge any fingerprints lefgt behind by those who have been interfering with them overnight.

"As far as I can tell none of you have shown the slightest remorse at all for what you have done."

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Campaigners fight to save church hall from demolition

August 3, 2014, 1:52 am

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CAMPAIGNERS are calling on people in White City to have their say on plans to demolish a church hall and vicarage to make way for new houses. A planning application has recently been submitted to Gloucester City Council to demolish St Aldate's church hall and vicarage to allow developer Roof Top Housing to build 16 flats and houses. White City Community Action Group is against the plans and is fighting to get the building listed as a community asset. Dawn Adams, of the group, said: "The church hall has huge historical value for the local community. "Since the early 1960s the building has been a community resource that has provided religious activities, leisure and recreational opportunities and environmental and educational resources for both the local and neighbouring communities. "Slowly activities and opportunities that were once provided disappeared. "This is having a detrimental effect on the community as they do not have the facilities and resources that they need to flourish and develop." The action group is calling for the church hall to be transformed into a community hub. Members are encouraging people to comment on the planning application on the city council's website. "We would ask anyone who understands the importance of communities having spaces that bring them together and that provides opportunities for growth and development to comment on the plans," said Ms Adams. St Aldate's has seen congregation numbers fall over the past few years and is to stop holding the 9am Sunday morning communion service from November. The Reverend Canon Mike Parsons recently told the Citizen that there are plans to turn the main church building into the St Aldate's Centre as a community hub for the neighbourhood. "We have to find an appropriate use for this Grade II listed building and serving the White City community is what it was built for," he said. "To enable this there is a proposal to redevelop the vicarage and church hall site to provide desperately needed affordable housing, using the profit to the church from this to part-fund the redevelopment work." To view the application see planning reference 14/00449/FUL on Gloucester City Council's planning website.

Man killed in A48 crash after being thrown from van near Lydney

August 3, 2014, 1:59 am

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More details have been released on the fatal crash on the A48 in the Forest of Dean yesterday. At about 11:11am a white Ford Transit van travelling towards Lydney lost control and veered off the road, crashing with several trees and causing the passenger, a 33 year old man from the Blakeney area, to be thrown out. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by an Air Ambulance doctor. The driver of the van also sustained major injuries and was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol. His condition is described as stable. Police yesterday closed the A48 at the scene of the accident between Lydney and the Nibley crossroads while investigations took place. The road has now re-opened. The van had a blue rear flatbed body. Police are appealing for witnesses to either the collision or the vehicle before the crash to call 101 quoting incident number 155 of August 2 2014.

64 new affordable homes for Forest of Dean with £7.8m cash pot

August 3, 2014, 2:10 am

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NEARLY £8million is being splashed out to build 64 new energy efficient homes in the Forest of Dean.

They will be built over the next three years and will be afforadble homes from housing provider Two Rivers.

£6million of will be made by Two Rivers and the remaining £1.8million comes from the Government, secured after the not-for-profit housing association bid for the money, with the backing of Forest of Dean District Council.

Two Rivers put forward a proposal for schemes totalling £9.7million across Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. The Homes and Communities Agency approved them all, and agreed to provide gap funding of £2.1million. This will provide 76 affordable homes for a combined total of 235 people across the two counties.

The majority of homes will be built in the Forest of Dean before the end of March 2018.

They will be predominantly one-bedroom flats and two-bedroom houses.

Most will be available for affordable rent, but a proportion will be offered under the part-rent, part-mortgage shared ownership scheme.

Two Rivers will also be selling 32 of its exisiting properties to help fund the programme.

The organisation said it was "responding to the Government's wish for housing associations to make best use of their assets".

Those to be sold will be three-bedroom homes with poor levels of energy efficiency.

"This is an excellent result for people looking for a home they can afford in the Forest of Dean," said Matt Hunt, director of development and asset management at Two Rivers, who led the bid.

"There is huge demand for one and two-bedroom properties from families, young people who want to live independently and older people looking to down-size. Changes to the benefits system has increased the demand for smaller homes."

Councillor Patrick Molyneux, leader of the district council, said: "The approved bid follows a number of other successful funding bids by Two Rivers in recent years, and is great news for the Forest."

Gloucestershire police commissioner relives night he was mown down by burglar on return to rehab centre

August 3, 2014, 3:04 am

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CHASING down a suspected burglar and being injured in the process has left its mark on Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl.

Although not seriously injured during his pursuit more than 30 years ago in his time as a young police officer, he has always appreciated the support he received during his recovery.

He will always have a respect and appreciation for the work done by specialist staff at the Police Rehabilitation Centre.

Then his convalescence took place at the Seaside Home in hove, near Brighton. Today, that facility has moved with the times, and moved to a state-of-the-art centre at Flint House in Goring-on-Thames, Oxon.

Martin recalled the night in 1982 when he was mown down by a car driven by a suspected burglar.

"I was on nights and in Albion Street in Cheltenham there was a report of suspicious behaviour," he said.

"I saw a car and the driver put his foot down, drove straight at me and took me out. He had just done a burglary. He was arrested for attempted murder and later charged for wounding with intent.

"The driver completely took me out. I was knocked out and covered in cuts and bruises. I was very young at the time and thought I was invincible. It took a bit of time to accept that someone was prepared to cause me serious injury. I came back to work too early, after about a week. But I bounced back pretty quickly after that.

"My recovery at Brighton was a chance to reflect on things. I got back on with business after that."

Martin was invited to visit Flint House last week and has been seeing at first hand the work it does.

"It's quite different from the time I was undergoing treatment at the seaside home, but the principle is the same, helping officers to get better after illness or injury," he said.

"Where in my day, it was generally bed-rest and physiotherapy, the rehabilitation programme here is tailored to the individual and these days can include a wide variety of treatments, from acupuncture to psychological support. Facilities at Flint House are tremendous. They have the latest equipment and a great ration of rehabilitation staff to officers. It is state of the art with reduced gravity treadmills. hydro pools and a fantastic gym.

"The equipment deals with the physical injuries, but it is important for officers to understand what has happened to deal with potential trauma.

"People there want to get fit and want to get back to work."

Last year, Flint House treated 49 Gloucestershire police officers for mainly muscular and skeletal injuries. It is run by a charitable trust that has been in existence for more then a century.

In Gloucestershire, 74 per cent of officers are signed up to support the project with subscriptions supporting the service.

Stroud MP Neil Carmichael "heartbroken" following death of 18-year-old niece

August 3, 2014, 4:12 am

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STROUD MP Neil Carmichael is "heartbroken" following the tragic death of his 18-year-old niece. Rachel Blaylock, from Newcastle, was killed in a car accident on Saturday night. The Conservative MP said: "My niece Rachel Blaylock, just 18, was a lovely, lively girl. We are all heartbroken. "I must support my sister, her husband and Anna, their older daughter."

Liberty X star Michelle Heaton signs up as ambassador for Stroud's Meningitis Now

August 3, 2014, 4:17 am

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POP star Michelle Heaton is urging everyone to put the kettle on and bake a cake to help beat meningitis.

The Liberty X singer and mum has become an ambassador for Meningitis Now, the UK's largest meningitis charity and based in Stroud.

She is backing its annual Time 4 Tea event after her eight-week old son Aaron Jay contracted the disease earlier this year. Fortunately he has recovered well, but the experience has motivated Michelle to get more involved in fighting the killer disease.

Time 4 Tea is a "quintessentially British-themed" fundraising event, which asks people to gather friends, family and colleagues, put on a brew and make a cake or two to help Meningitis Now continue its work.

"As a young mum having experienced the fear of meningitis myself, I'm thrilled to become an ambassador for Meningitis Now, and help promote their fantastic Time 4 Tea event," Michelle said.

"It was so frightening when Aaron was ill, but the charity supported me through the difficult time, explaining what was happening and easing my fears.

"Baking cakes is something I've gotten involved with since having the kids, but I'm no expert. If I can do it, anyone can.

"It's easy – invite your friends and family round for a cuppa and a piece of cake and support a wonderful cause at the same time.

"It's such an important charity, and I urge everyone to put the kettle on and help Meningitis Now carry on its lifesaving work."

People can host a variety of events, from tea dances and coffee mornings, to teddy bears picnics and cake-baking competitions. Or they can organise a fundraising day at their workplaces and get colleagues involved.

Everyone who registers to hold a Time 4 Tea event will receive one of Michelle's cake recipes to entice them to get creative in the kitchen.

They will also receive a free party pack featuring colourful balloons, bunting, posters, invitations, sponsor forms, a collection box and a selection of Clipper Teas.

Time 4 Tea event manager Liz Gough said: "We are overjoyed that Michelle is backing our campaign, and that Clipper has been so generous in its support.

"Time 4 Tea is for anyone, whether experienced tea party hosts or amateur cooks.

"Alternatively, those pressed for time can still get involved, buy some tasty treats and invite their friends over – all the while helping us tackle this dreaded disease.

"We've got a fantastic fundraising pack, jam-packed with tips and ideas to get people started."

Money raised will help Meningitis Now continue to fight the disease on all fronts funding pioneering research, raising awareness and providing support to people living with the impact of meningitis.

The charity was formed in 2013 after the merger of Meningitis Trust and Meningitis UK, founders of the meningitis movement in the UK.

To sign up for Time 4 Tea, or for more information on the event, visit www.time-4-tea.org, or call Liz on 0845 120 4530.

Gloucester Paint Jam: Meet the artists

August 3, 2014, 5:32 am

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ARTISTS have travelled from across the country and as far as Spain, Poland and Japan to take part in Gloucester's first street art festival. Around 40 artists are currently leaving their mark on giant hoardings which have been put up in King's Square as part of the Paint Jam festival. Shoppers are able to walk around the hoardings to watch the art work take shape and talk to artists. Street artists are also transforming buildings around the city including H20 nightclub, the Brunswick pub and the former Fusion pub.

Bristol-based group Lost Souls are putting the finishing touches to their giant piece based on The Three Little Pigs and The Big Bad Wolf tale. One member said: "A lot of people have been coming up to us saying they thought street art was messy but now we are showing them it is an art form. "We are just so impressed that these boards have been put up especially and that people in Gloucester are embracing street art."

Leila from Portsmouth is creating a stencil piece of a bear wearing a hat. "My work is always animals with accessories," she said. "Usually my pieces are quite small so it has been a challenge to fill the size of the board. "I spent four hours on it yesterday but then had to stop because of the rain so I have a bit of catching up to do today. "This festival is amazing. It is so well organised and the public seem to love it."Established Gloucester street artist Flava is thrilled that the festival is on his doorstep. "Usually I have to travel to bigger cities for festivals like this," he said. "I only live down the road so this is great. "It has brought all the artists together."Meanwhile Hannah Adamaszek has travelled from Crawley to create her stunning piece. "I have just been on a beach holiday for the first time in 15 years and was inspired by the serenity of the sea. "My friend is a jewellery designer and the woman in the piece is wearing one of her bracelets. "I paint on canvasses but they keep getting bigger and bigger and now I can't fit them through the door. "So going out into the street was the only way to get even bigger."Tankpetrol, from Poland, is finishing off his impressive stencil art work. "I always paint women and it is dark and gothic," he said. "I have painted lots of women who are heavily tattooed or women in typically men's jobs such as a soldier or miner. "I was inspired growing up with illegal graffiti in Poland. "I moved to Manchester and began experimenting with stencils. I taught myself and gradually started doing more difficult pieces. "This festival is a great opportunity to meet other artists and share experiences." Paint Jam continues today.

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"We should not forget what men like my dad endured in the First World War"

August 3, 2014, 7:06 am

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THE daughter of a soldier who fought in the First World War has spoken of her pride after finding diary extracts of his experiences. Sidney Tarplee, from Gloucester, enlisted with the the fifth Glosters in 1914, aged just 16, and fought on the Western Front. He was not posted until March 1918 and during the war he was the victim of a German gas attack in which four men died and 29 were wounded. He was taken to hospital and was later sent home to England to recover. Sidney survived the war and returned home to become a well-known personality in the city with his work with the army Cadets. His daughter, Christine Mayall from Brookthorpe, pictured, said her father did not talk about the war but she has found out about his experiences through a diary he kept after he was posted. She said: "Reading through this diary makes me feel very proud, and he would have been pleased as punch to have his story featured in the paper. "It's important that stories about the First World War are resurrected, especially in this centenary year. because we need to educate the younger generation. "What soldiers like my father had to go through was horrific and they just wanted to get home. The younger generation don't have to go through things like that nowadays." Extracts from Sidney's diary tell of enemy shelling and bombardments and everyday life in the trenches. On Friday April 12, 1918, he wrote: "We are now between shell fires, shrapnel falling thick." On Sunday April 14, 1918, he wrote: "Afternoon Jerry continued to shell our village rather heavy, three Glosters killed by shell at 4.30pm. From now, until 10pm, both sides are shelling, nothing but one continual roar of guns." Sidney died in 1956 at Gloucester Hospital aged 57. Christine said: "He never spoke about the war, and we never asked. He was popular around Gloucester and loved a practical joke."

Interest grows in 'compassionate' 'Forest of Dean war poet FW Harvey

August 3, 2014, 7:14 am

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HIS bravery during the First World War earned him a Distinguished Conduct Medal and his poetry earned him the title of 'The Laureate of Gloucestershire'. And now poet and soldier Frederick William Harvey, pictured, has been immortalised once again with a new passage about his life after the war. Frances Boo Townsend, who is the author of The Laureate of Gloucestershire, a book on the life and works of the Forest of Dean poet, has written F W Harvey 1888-1957, The Slow Rise From Obscurity. Harvey grew up in Minsterworth after being born in Hartpury in 1888. He was a pupil at The King's School in Gloucester, where he formed a close friendship with Ivor Gurney, who would go on to become one of the great First World War poets. He joined the Gloucestershire Regiment as soon as the war broke out and served in France, and his bravery won him his DCM in 1915. Harvey's poems tell of the deep effect war had on him, and his longing for Gloucestershire. In F W Harvey 1888-1957, the Slow Rise from Obscurity, Mrs Townsend writes that his life was very different when he returned home. She says: "In his practice he became a champion of the underdog as he sympathised with people in their plight. He soon became known in the Forest for his generosity and compassion and people would walk miles to consult him. "He was more interested in poetry, in people and in nature than in making money or a name for himself. Now, 57 years after his death, interest in his work is growing and there is a flourishing society named after him."

Business is booming at new TGI Friday's at Gloucester Quays

August 3, 2014, 7:16 am

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BUSINESS is booming during the opening weekend of the new TGI Friday's restaurant at Gloucester Quays. Around 1,500 happy diners have already poured through the doors to sample the menu which centres on all-American food. General manager Chris Ponsford is over the moon and is looking forward to making his mark in the city. "This weekend has been absolutely mental," he said. "It has been so busy which obviously shows the demand for a restaurant like this in Gloucester." The popular family chain opened its new Gloucester Quays eatery on Friday. The company, which already has a restaurant in Cheltenham, now occupies the huge unit beneath the Gloucester Antiques Centre. Chris said he has had nothing but good feedback from customers since the doors opened. "I have been blown away by the response," he said. "I have been going from table to table all weekend taking compliments from customers. "They all love the decor of the restaurant and the steaks are getting great reviews." Housed inside a stunning red-bricked, glass-fronted, waterside building, the restaurant features a superb 'island kitchen' – allowing guests to sit at the grill and see their food cooked to perfection before their eyes. The 160-seat restaurant has been decorated in an industrial style, using wood reclaimed from the docks and cocktails come courtesy of a 'shotgun' style bar. "We have seen a 50/50 split in customers coming for food and customers coming for just a drink," said Chris. The new TGI Friday's, which boasts an extensive menu of burgers, steaks, ribs, chicken, pasta, fish and salads, has created 74 new jobs. "It has been a dream working with the new team," said Chris. "It is inspiring to see how much they have taken on. "I have heard so many positive comments about the great service." Dozens of TGI Friday's fans took to the Citizen's Facebook page to express their delight that a restaurant had opened in Gloucester. Andrew Harris said it was "good news" while Kayleigh Clayson said she couldn't wait to try the new restaurant. Nathan Williams said: "It's about time Gloucester got one." Samantha Owen added: "This is going to be my second home. The Jack Daniel's sauce is to die for." The move has been welcomed by other traders at the Quays. Emma Joyce, general manager of Portivo Lounge, said: "We are absolutely loving having TGI Friday's here. "As far as we are concerned the more the merrier. The more restaurants and bars, the more people it brings to the Quays. It can only be a good thing. "It hasn't affected trade for us this weekend and I think people will stick around after their dinner and come for a drink." TGI Friday's is open 11am to 10.30pm Monday to Thursday and 11am to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Staff will start taking bookings towards the end of August.

How the Citizen reported Britain's declaration of war on Germany 100 years ago

August 3, 2014, 7:26 am

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WHEN the First World War was declared 100 years ago The Citizen covered it very differently than it would today. The declaration and latest news on the conflict made it nowhere near the front page, instead opting to include extracts from A Fortune At Stake by Ray Gould. Instead, details of the war dominated the second page, with official Government statements on German actions and proposals, articles on British mobilisation and how the declaration would affect food supplies. The style of writing is not as snappy or concise as newspaper articles you may find today, as the paper relied heavily on lengthy paragraphs. No photographs featured in The Citizen 100 years ago, and the pages were laid out as column after column of text.

Cinderford Town sink Cirencester Town in pre-season friendly

August 3, 2014, 7:58 am

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Cinderford Town 2 Cirencester Town 1 CINDERFORD Town claimed a deserved win against last season's Southern League Division One South and West champions Cirencester Town. In a terrific first-half display, the Foresters out-passed their county rivals and took a deserved lead when Brad Martin's deft flick released Garyn Preen. Preen surged into the box and finished coolly past former Wales international goalkeeper Glyn Garner to give Cinderford the lead. Preen, as usual, was at the heart of Cinderford's attacking plan and produced a neat cross which Josh Emery headed over the bar. Cirencester wasted several good chances with former Cheltenham Town professional Ed Williams and Gloucester City loanee Nat Jarvis were especially culpable. John Brough's Foresters made them pay for their profligacy with a second goal before the break, with Preen this time the provider. His corner was met by a firm header from Danny Haile and the ball sped past a helpless Garner for a two-goal lead. Finally spurred into action, Cirencester threatened young goalkeeper Harvey Rivers in the Cinderford goal. Gethin Jones fed Jarvis to fire over the top and Williams broke free but his former Cheltenham Town teammate was equal to his effort. Cirencester struggled to establish a foothold in the game seemingly short on ideas and innovation in the second half. So it was somewhat galling for Cinderford to concede a soft penalty which Brad Hooper emphatically dispatched past Rivers. Cinderford lost some of their cohesion and were guilty of giving the ball away cheaply but the skilfull Preen was always a danger on the break. Preen went close for Cinderford and Cirencester's problems in front of goal were highlighted by Jones and Jamie Reid both squandering excellent chances to equalise. Cinderford Town: @H Rivers, K Thomas, E Keightley, L Sheeran, D Haile, J Nelmes, J Emery, J Donaghue, B Martin, G Lloyd G Preen Subs used J Sheen, J Morgan, J Turley, D Bonella. Not used K Fellow, J Merry Cirencester Town:@ G Garner, G Jones, B Prictor, M Pritchett, B Hooper, L Henry, J Edge, B Wells, N Jarvis, E Williams, M Liddiard. Subs used J Reid, S Anson, R Elliott, S Wimble.