The Citizen Gloucestershire

Have a Ball at Textile Fest

ARTISTS came together to hear a stout defence of contemporary crafts at the launch of the Stroud International Textile Festival. VIP guest Sir Christopher Frayling, former chairman of the Arts Council and trustee of the Victoria and Albert Museum, highlighted the town's historic place at the centre of art and crafts.

Deadly Disease Threat to Oaks

FORESTRY chiefs are drawing up a plan to try to protect Dean oaks from a deadly new disease. Pressure groups are warning that Acute Oak Decline could prove more deadly than Dutch elm disease and decimate the British landscape.

Naked Man Turned to Face Passers-By

A FLASHER offended passers-by when he sat naked below the waist at his window, a court heard. Stroud resident Matthew Dullea, 33, was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register after magistrates heard he "deeply offended" people who saw him.

Auction to Create a Buzz

AN AUCTION of new and old beekeeping equipment is being held in Hempsted Meadows today. Gloucestershire Beekeeping Association is opening the event at 9am, with the auction starting at noon.

Event in Forest

Cannabis Teen Rode Moped Like Maniac

A TEENAGER rode "like a maniac" around Gloucester on a stolen moped after drinking and smoking cannabis, a court heard. Luke Birchley, 18, was jailed for 12 months after injuring a policeman who bravely brought his crazy escapade to a halt.

Chance to Meet Bbc Wildlife Team

WILDLIFE experts are coming to Slimbridge later this month. Visiting wildlife experts, from the BBC, include Mike Dilger, Danny Green, David Lindo, Dominic Couzens, and Jonathan Scott.

Walk Explores City's History

VISTORS can go on a famous ghost walk in Gloucester this week. The walk, led by Lyn Cindery, will be held on Wednesday at 8pm.

Chat with Dog Warden

DOG owners in Upton St Leonards will be able to visit their dog warden next week. Stroud District Council's dog warden, which covers the area, will be at Upton St Leonards Parish Council offices at 11 Broadstone Close, in Barnwood, on Tuesday.

Tom Kicks in with Heart Kit

GLOUCESTER rugby player Tom Voyce put his safe hands to good use when he handed over a piece of life-saving equipment. The Cherry and Whites player inaugurated the placement of an automated external defibrillator and oxygen therapy equipment at Winchcombe School in Cheltenham.

Walk This Way to Aid School Sports Hall

HUNDREDS of pupils and parents in Whaddon took to the hills to raise money for their school hall. More than 400 people took part in Wynstones School's walkathon last week.

Girl Gang Pair Battered Teen

TWO teenage girls who beat up and robbed another girl in Gloucester city centre have walked free from court. Ellen Roberts was alone in the city's Westgate Street when a gang of girls set upon her, Gloucester Crown Court was told.

Picnic Bench Site Decision

NEWS on new picnic benches for Matson is expected soon. At the last Matson and Robinswood Community Partnership annual general meeting it was decided that five picnic tables would be purchased for local parks.

Warriors Dogs Await Redpath

GLOUCESTER head coach Bryan Redpath expects Worcester to come out and 'fight like dogs' despite already being relegated from the Guinness Premiership. The Scot has been reminding his squad this week that the Cherry and Whites have not beaten their closest rivals in four league games since September 29, 2007 when Gloucester won 29-7 at Kingsholm.

Model Spectacle

ACTRESS Kelly Brook is eyeing up budding models in Stroud. She is launching Specsavers' nationwide search for the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2010.

Well-Oiled Lydney Take Home the Forest Senior

LYDNEY UNITED 20 ROSS-ON-WYE 3 LYDNEY United shook off the rustiness to lift the Forest of Dean Senior Combination Cup after convincingly beating Ross-on-Wye. The Severnsiders' second string managed to get through to the final at Drybrook RFC without even kicking a ball.

Laugh and Sing Through Summer

HIGH-PROFILE comics and international pop stars are all making their way to Cheltenham Town Hall throughout the summer. Some of the comedians who will be dropping by include Paul Merton, who is back with his Improv Chums show on June 4, Reginald D Hunter, pictured, who has already sold out, and Jason Manford: Live!, which is on two nights in September.

Luke Out to Heal Wounds

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Under-20s centre Luke Plummer is hoping to end a painful season on a high with victory at Twickenham today. The Cinderford man made a good start to his first year at Dockham Road, playing the first nine fixtures in National One before a hamstring tear ruined his campaign.

Centenary of Art Society

Get in a Spin Over Wool