⏩ The Gloucester Start: Monday June 2nd
Swing bridge delayed | Airport claims quashed | Things to do
Good morning, welcome to Monday’s Start - and thanks for hanging on while I took last week out. Thanks too to those of you who have kindly filled out my reader survey with some really encouraging, thoughtful responses. It’s given me lots of optimism for the Start’s future and some great suggestions for a couple of improvements. The survey’s still live, please do drop your thoughts through if you haven’t already. Onto today’s bulletin.
⛅ Today’s weather: Some cloud cover this morning, brighter later on and warm throughout.
🚧 The full reopening of the Netheridge Swing Bridge, due over the weekend, has been delayed until tomorrow. Resurfacing works started on May 27th and have caused lengthy traffic jams. - Gloucestershire Live
🛫 Claims that Gloucestershire Airport is trying to drive out small operators so the site can be sold for housing have been dismissed as ‘mischief making’. The council-owned airport is for sale, with a decision on its future due at the end of the month. - BBC Gloucestershire, via the Local Democracy Reporting Service
🚆 New rail services through Gloucester and a boost to new housing are possible offshoots of the £1.75billion Midlands Rail Hub project. - Punchline Gloucester
🗣️ Fred and Rose West’s horrific crimes are a story ‘we need to keep hearing’ to remind communities to stay vigilant and make safeguarding ‘everybody’s business’, a councillor has said. Rebecca Trimnell wants to raise awareness of the signs of exploitation and how to report concerns. - Gloucestershire Live, via LDRS
🚨 Murder accused Kane Kotwica will appear at Bristol Crown Court today after the death of a man, and alleged attempted murders of two others, in Bedford Street on Wednesday. Matthew Cainey, 53, died from his injuries. - BBC Gloucestershire
↪️ Police have written a letter to the community in the wake of the incident, reassuring people and reminding them too not to share pictures or information that might harm future court proceedings. - Your Community Alerts
🧀 Fancy your chances in next year’s Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling? Record-holding champion Chris Anderson has shared his top tips for success after this year’s event, which attracted attention around the globe. - The Guardian
🖌️ Brockworth illustrator Sherina Steele is the creative force behind a new exhibition and travel map highlighting LGBTQ+ stories. It’s been developed alongside Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership and features 13 original portraits. - BBC Gloucestershire
🕵️ People are being encouraged to set up or join Neighbourhood Watch schemes to help deter crime in their communities. The chairman of Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Watch also says the stereotype of them being ‘curtain twitchers and busybodies’ is ‘unfair’. - Gloucestershire Live, via LDRS
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📌 The Rotary Club of Gloucester Severn are holding their Annual Charity Sporting Dinner in the King’s School grounds on Thursday July 10th. Funds raised principally for Young Lives vs Cancer and Gloucester City Mission. Guests will enjoy listening to ex-world boxing champion Barry McGuigan MBE in conversation with Jill Douglas MBE, the well known TV sports presenter. A fun evening with 4-course fine dining included - ticket £75 available in pairs - tables available. Enquiries: sportingdinner@mail.uk - Thanks to subscriber Mike for this submission
📌 Adopt an Artist 2025 Art Competition. City centre shops, cafes and businesses are displaying original art by local professional artists in their windows until the end of June. The artworks form an art trail from the Folk in Westgate Street to the Museum of Gloucester. Gloucester Contemporary Artists invites any non-professional artist to create their own work using one of the exhibited artworks as inspiration, and enter our free competition. Winners will receive generous cash prizes. Entries must be received by 5pm on June 14th 2025. More details here. - Thanks to subscriber John for this submission
📅 Things to do
Got an event coming up you want to shout about? Send listings through at least a couple of days in advance if possible, via this form. It’s completely free.
Today and tomorrow
🏉 Walking rugby at Gloucester Cathedral | Today, 9.30am | Free | Details
🏹 Children’s archery lessons at The Friendship Cafe | Mondays, 7pm-8pm | £2 | Details
📽️ Lilo & Stitch, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning at Sherborne Cinema | Various times | £6/£7 | Details
🤝 Love Gloucestershire networking event at Spago, Gloucester Docks | Today, 7.30pm | £10 | Details
Further ahead
😆 Comedy with Scott Bennett: Blood Sugar Baby at Gloucester Guildhall | Thursday, 7pm | £18 | Details
🤸 Your Next Move: Gloucester’s Breaking Community Past & Present at Gloucester Guildhall | Friday, 7.45pm | Free | Details
🦖 Dino-ROAR Weekend in King’s Square | Saturday and Sunday, 11am-3pm | Free | Details
🛍️ Orchard Street Market at Gloucester Quays | Saturday and Sunday, 10am | Free | Details