⏩ The Gloucester Start: Thursday January 8th

Yellow weather warning coming | A417 stretch opens in weeks | New gym arrives

Jan 08, 2026

Good morning, welcome to Thursday’s Start. Here’s everything I’ve found for today’s edition.

🌧️ Today’s weather: A weather warning for snow comes into force from 5pm (see below) but the forecast for Gloucester suggests rain and temperatures around 5C.

⚠️ A yellow weather warning for snow comes into force from 5pm today, covering much of the south west including Gloucester. It’s part of Storm Goretti, with warnings about travel disruption being issued. - Gloucestershire Live | Met Office

🛣️ The first stretch of the new A417 Missing Link will be open to motorists next month. From February 2nd, a short part of the new £460million project will see drivers taking a new route from the A46 towards the Air Balloon roundabout. - Gloucestershire Live

🐁 The owner of the Good Wok takeaway used glue to trap mice before beating them to death, magistrates heard. As covered in yesterday’s Start, the Bristol Road Chinese was found to have a major mouse infestation - more details have since been published from the court hearing about exactly what inspectors found. - Mail Online

🏋️ A state-of-the-art new gym has opened in Eastern Avenue. JD Gyms has unveiled its new site, in the old Office Outlet unit, including the latest equipment. - SoGlos

🤝 A long-standing volunteer received a coveted award during a Christmas Carols service last month. Roger Wilson has been serving the Armed Forces Charity SSAFA for 16 years and was given the prestigious Chief of Staff Commendation for outstanding service from Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC). - Gloucester News Centre

💔 Tributes have been paid to man who died after a collision in Churchdown. Peter Bate, 75, died on Christmas Day, 11 days after being struck by a car on Cheltenham Road East on December 14th. - Gloucester News Centre

🏉 Gloucester Rugby boss George Skivington has said his side’s current slump in form is the hardest spell of his decade-long coaching career. They’ve lost eight of nine Prem games this season, as he shared the impact it’s having on his family life too. - BBC Sport and 👇

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📌 Join Mindful Clay Club for a series of relaxed ceramics sessions at Longlevens Library. Whether you're new to clay or have previous experience, this series of four workshops offers a welcoming space to slow down and enjoy something new. A fifth social wrap-up session will be held for you to collect your final finished piece. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions run on Thursdays from January 15th until February 16th from 2.45pm. Details here.

📌 First event of the year: JOLT CO-LAB Free Creative Networking Night. Looking to meet other creatives in Gloucester this year ? Whether you’re an artist, maker, or just curious, JOLT CO-LAB is for you! Materials will be provided and as always join us for free food & drinks. Thursday January 16th, 6.30pm–8.30pm at Jolt Studios, Gloucester.

📅 Things to do

I’d love to hear about any new events, clubs, group meetings or other interesting things to do for this section. Get in touch via the submission form or email thegloucesterstart@gmail.com

🎤 Acoostic Cafe Open Mic Night at Roots | Thursday, 6.30pm | Donations welcome | Details

❓ Quiz Night at Saintbridge Sport Centre | Thursday, 8pm | £1 | Details

🎸 Cowabunga! Live at Cafe Rene | Friday, 9pm | Free | Details

🧱 Lego Club at Gloucester Library | Saturdays, 11am | Free | Details

🔮 Children’s Crystal and Mindfullness Workshop at The Folk | Saturday, 3.15pm | £5 | Details

🤘 DragonEye Live at England’s Glory | Saturday, 9pm | Free | Details

🎵 Ukulele Band The B Flats at Saintbridge Sport Centre | Sunday, 12.30pm | Free | Details

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