Three Choirs Festival 7-15 August

The Three Choirs Festival, held each year since the early eighteenth century, and rotating between the three great cathedral cities of Gloucester, Worcester and Hereford is one of the world’s oldest classical choral music festivals. This heritage has long established the Festival as a firm fixture in the British music calendar and a must-visit for lovers of the great choral works from across Britain, Europe, America and Australasia.

The festival returns to Gloucester this August with an excellent line up. Each festival provides an attached Festival Club, traditionally run by the “Friends” of the home festival, which provides a central social venue for audience and performers alike, as well as food and drink in a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere.

For more details see http://www.3choirs.org/

Don't miss your chance to be Gloucestershire's Vibrant Village!

Gloucestershire Rural Community Council recently launched Gloucestershire Vibrant Village of the Year 2010 with entry forms and letters sent out to all rural parishes in the county. This competition is an opportunity for villages to showcase the important and innovative work they do and GRCC is looking for communities that are balanced, proactive, caring and, irrespective of size, making the best of local opportunities to sustain or enhance the quality of life for all their residents. The competition is open to villages with a parish council or parish meeting and a total population of less than 3,500. Parishes will be judged on four categories: Best Community Facility, Best Community Project/Initiative, Most Resilient Community and Healthy & Active Community and the deadline for return is Tuesday 4th May 2010.

After the judging visits have taken place in May and June, entrants will be invited to the awards ceremony at the beautiful Rococo Gardens in Painswick, Stroud on 15th July 2010, where the achievements of those who have taken part will be celebrated and the winners announced. A cheque for £500 together with a framed commemorative certificate will be awarded to the overall winner as well as to each of the individual category winners. Runners up will each receive a cheque for £100 and other awards may be presented at the judges' discretion. All entries will also be entered into the Grand Prize Draw with the chance to win a gift voucher kindly donated by B&Q in Gloucester.

We are fortunate this year to be able to enjoy the continued additional sponsorship of NHS Gloucestershire, together with Gloucestershire's Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership and are also pleased to welcome a new sponsor, The Honourable Company of Gloucestershire.

GRCC's Chief Executive, Lesley Archer said, "We are hoping that this year, communities who may not have entered in the past, make the most of the shorter, simplified form and tell us about the great things they are doing for their community." She added, "We are also thrilled to welcome the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire as new sponsors."

For more information on the competition or to obtain an entry form and a copy of the insights document giving hints and tips from previous winners, please contact Naomi McMahon at GRCC on 01452 528491 or follow the link.

Computer Information Day for the over 50's

Computer Information Day

for the over 50's

Friday 21st May 2010

Are you interested in learning to use the computer but have little or no experience?
Would you like to keep in touch with friends and family using e-mail or Skype?
Have you thought about using the internet to do your supermarket shop, book a holiday, pay your bills or order your favourite book of CD?
Did you know that you can research your family tree, find about local services or even check bus timetables online?
Why not come along to our FREE computer 'taster' session on Friday 21st May

Demonstrations will last approximately 30 minutes. This will be followed by refreshments and the chance to chat with other older people who have successfully learnt to use a computer and our computer tutors who can tell you all about the Age Concern Gloucestershire computer course.

This is a free event but you will need to book a place

Age Concern Gloucestershire, Bleak House, 26 Station Road, Gloucester, GL1 1EW

This event is part of the Silver Surfers' Day 2010

To book your place telephone 01452 422660

Free Gloucestershire information event for older people - Tuesday 9th February 2010

Live your life your way

Changes to social care will help you build a support network of trusted people, places and services

FREE information event for older people

10.30am - 2.30pm

Tuesday 9th February 2010

The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE

Discover how you can stay healthy and get the most out of life:

* Informative talks
* Exhibition stands
* Tai Chi demonstration
* Free refreshments and buffet lunch

For more information or help with transport call Vicki Hewlett or Barbara Piranty on 01452 528491

FREE information event for older people in Gloucestershire

Live your life your way

Changes to social care will help you build a support network of trusted people, places and services

10.30am - 2.30pm
Thursday 28th January 2010
Forest Hills Golf Club, Mile End Road, Coleford, GLOS GL16 7QD

Discover how you can stay healthy and get the most out of life:
Informative talks
Exhibition stands
Tai Chi demonstration
Free refreshments and buffet lunch

For more information or help with transport call Vicki Hewlett or Barbara Piranty on 01452 528491

Vacancies for Community Agents for older people (Urban Pilot)

Community Agents for older people

10 hours per week

Gloucestershire County Council in partnership with GRCC is interested in testing whether the successful Village and Community Agents scheme can be transferred to urban communities. Looking to recruit 6 new Community Agents to work in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury, Cinderford and Cam and Dursely, applicants should have a keen interest in issues involving older people, be proactive, self motivated with excellent communication and networking skills.

Contact Naomi McMahon at Gloucestershire Rural Community Council on 01452 528491 or naomim@grcc.org.uk for more information and an application form. For more information, click the title heading 'Vacancies for Community Agents...' above.

Closing date: Monday 11th January 2010

Interview date: Wednesday 27th January 2010

Gloucestershire LINk public event - 8th December

Have your say on health and social care services in Cotswold district

Residents and community organisations in the Cotswold district are encourage to attend a free event at the Westwood Centre, bassett Road, Northleach on Tuesday 8th December 2009 from 12 noon to 2pm. he event, organisaed by Gloucestershire Local Involvement Network (LINKk), is designed to give local people the chance to findout what specific task groups, and provide an opportunity for the public to have their say on health and social care matters that are important to Cotswold district.

The Chair and local LINK members will be in attendance to answer questions from the staff. Staff will also be on hand to explain the benefits of being involved and how they can help influence, improve or change the way local health and social care services are planned and delivered in Cotswold district. Refreshments and a buffet will be available on the day and we really welcome the opportunity to listen and take forward your views.

If you are unable to make the Berkeley event, LINk is holding further public events as listed below:

Hesters Way, Cheltenham, Tuesday 12th January 2010, 6pm - 8pm

Conference Room, Hesters Way, Neighbourhood Project, Community Resourse Centre, Cassin Drive, Cheltenham, GL51 7SU

Matson, Gloucester, Wednesday 17th February 2010, 6pm - 8pm

The Baptist Church Centre, Matson Evenue, Matson, GL4 1LA

Brockworth, Tuesday 2nd March 2010, 12 noon - 2pm

Main Hall, Brockworth Community Cente, Court Rod, Brockworth, GL4 4ET

For further information about this event or others, please contact Pamela Dewick at Gloucester LINK on 01452 528491 or email pamelad@grcc.org.uk

GRCC Plumes Project

‘Plumes’ Project

GRCC’s In Touch project is joining forces with Gloucestershire Care Providers Association to link people in care homes with those out in the community by way of letter writing.

Most care homes today are places where everything is on hand to enjoy life to the full, yet even in these excellent conditions people who live in care can be lonely if they don’t have any relatives or friends nearby. These individuals would really value a letter from someone on a regular basis, just saying what generally has been going on and passing the time of day. Unfortunately the excitement of receiving a letter has all but disappeared, and the piles of paper that come through the letterbox each day are usually advertisements, bills or junk mail.

If you live in Gloucestershire and think you, or someone you know could spend ten minutes or so writing a letter to someone who would really appreciate it, can you please contact either Barbara Piranty or Vicki Hewlett on 01452 528491. We can then match you with someone nearby or further afield if you would like. In return, you will of course receive a reply! This link would mean so much to someone who has everything else except someone to keep in contact with.

Gloucestershire Village of the Year competition 2009

Villages throughout Gloucestershire with a population of 5,000 and under are being called to action as the Calor Gloucestershire Village of the Year competition 2009 gets underway.

Villages entering will be judged across 5 new categories - Children and Young People, Economic Development and Enterprise, Healthier Communities and Older People, Natural Built Environment and Safer and Stronger Communities. The competition is about recognising, rewarding and encouraging vibrant and sustainable village communities which pull together to make the best of local opportunities through both good times and bad. The Gloucestershire judging panel has again amended the entry form to make it easier for communities to complete and participate. This is reflected in the reduction of 8 categories to 5 and the prize pot has increased too, to £500 for the winner of a category and £100 for the runner up. All entries will automatically be put into the Grand Prize Draw with the chance of winning environmentally friendly prizes of a composter, shredder and strimmer, courtesy of B & Q in Gloucester. All winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, this year held at the prestigious Campden House in Chipping Campden on Friday 17th July 2009 at 7pm.

The deadline for entries is Friday 8th May 2009 and entry forms can be requested from Naomi McMahon at GRCC on 01452 528491, email naomim@grcc.org.uk or downloaded from the GRCC website at http://www.grcc.org.uk/.

For further information in relation to the county competition, please contact Barbara Piranty or Naomi McMahon at GRCC on 01452 528491.

Winchcombe Country Show

WINCHCOMBE COUNTRY SHOW
MONDAY 25 AUGUST 2008
WINCHCOMBE SCHOOL FIELD, GREET ROAD
GATE OPENS 12 NOON


Programme of events for the day


See also the Flower Show Schedule for full details of the competitive exhibits
(held in the marquee)


In addition to the traditional Flower Show which includes flower, vegetable, fruit, cookery handicraft and junior competitions there are activities to suit all tastes during the day.


Attractions this year include:
(see over for further details on events marked *)
Main ring events
Vintage Tractors
Human Scarecrow Competition*
Dog racing*
Parade of Hounds
Human Mummy Competition*
Kick boxing display
Tug of War
Presentation of junior Flower Show awards
Other attractions around the field
Fortune teller
Guess the name of the lamb (under 12s)
Street Entertainers
Guess the weight of the lamb
Winchcombe Town Brass Band
Snail racing
Winchcombe Community Choir
Fun Run*
Dry Stone Walling
Sumo Wrestling
Childrens’ Corner
Milk the cow
Beat the Goalie
Clay Pigeon Shoot*
Beer Tent
Bouncy Castle
Afternoon tea and home-made cakes
Valuation Roadshow*
Companion Dog Show - contact Bob Smith 01386 852921
Raffle – lots of fabulous prizes to be won

Unless otherwise indicated please contact the Show Secretary if you have any questions: Sarah Day, 01242 602395

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU

www.winchcombe.co.uk/countryshow

Cotswold Midnight Walk - Friday 26th June

Wanted!

2,000 women for the girls’ event of the year

Girl power will be the order of the night when the Cotswold Midnight Walk sets off at midnight on Friday June 26th in Cirencester. Last year 1,200 women took part and raised £120,000 for Cotswold Care Hospice. This year the charity is aiming for 2,000 women to make it the biggest Midnight Walk in Gloucestershire. Scores of men are also needed to act as volunteers and marshals on the night.

Entry is £10 and details are available from events manager Vicki Hayward on 01453 886868 or email vicki.hayward@cotswoldcare.org.uk or log on to www.fancyagirlsnightout.com.

Women must register in advance of the event.

Winchcombe Info

If you live in or around Winchcombe and would like to receive information on events and news in the area, subscribe to winchcombe-info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Message from Winchcombe Info email list

Everyone, thanks for signing up to this Winchcombe Info email list and especially to the early adopters who posted messages.

I was hoping that by now there would be sufficient members to start generating more activity but, to date, we have just 10 subscribers! Clearly I need to be a bit more proactive and I'm hoping to deliver leaflets around Winchcombe in the near future to try to persuade local traders - not one of whom have signed up! - that it might be in their best interest.

Meanwhile if you know of people on your contacts lists who might be interested - anyone in Winchcombe and surroundings - please ask them to subscribe free of charge be sending a blank email to winchcombe-info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Thanks and best wishes,
Chris Etchells

Village of the Year 2009 launch

CALL TO ACTION FOR VILLAGES IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Villages throughout Gloucestershire with a population of 5,000 and under are being called to action as the Calor Gloucestershire Village of the Year competition 2009 was launched at Fairford today – last year’s competition winners.

Villages entering will be judged across 5 new categories - Children and Young People, Economic Development and Enterprise, Healthier Communities and Older People, Natural Built Environment and Safer and Stronger Communities. The competition is about recognising, rewarding and encouraging vibrant and sustainable village communities which pull together to make the best of local opportunities through both good times and bad. The Gloucestershire judging panel has again amended the entry form to make it easier for communities to complete and participate. This is reflected in the reduction of 8 categories to 5 and the prize pot has increased too, to £500 for the winner of a category and £100 for the runner up. All entries will automatically be put into the Grand Prize Draw with the chance of winning environmentally friendly prizes of a composter, shredder and strimmer, courtesy of B & Q in Gloucester. All winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, this year held at the prestigious Campden House in Chipping Campden on Friday 17th July 2009 at 7pm.

The deadline for entries to the 2009 Calor Gloucestershire Village of the Year competition is Friday 8th May 2009 and entry forms can be requested from Naomi McMahon at GRCC on 01452 528491, email naomim@grcc.org.uk or downloaded from the GRCC website at www.grcc.org.uk

“When you take part in something like this you learn so much about your own village. And at the end of the day, it’s the people who really make a place special.”

New Gloucestershire website

Visit aroundgloucester.co.uk - a new website for the county with an online community forum - http://www.aroundgloucester.co.uk/gloucester-forum/register.html

Viewfinder Film Festival

The fifth Viewfinder Film Festival will be taking place in March 2009 celebrating great cinema, with screenings and events taking place throughout Gloucestershire. The Festival is inviting submission of films made by a student, amateur or professional filmmaker who currently lives in Gloucestershire and the film must be either produced or shot within Gloucestershire.

The deadline for submitting work will be Monday 2nd February 2009 and a full Submission Form is available on the Festival web site www.viewfinderfilm.info

Since the Festival was launched in Gloucestershire in 2004, hundreds of short films have been sent in from primary school pupils, community groups, university students and professionals.

Films can be up to 15 minutes in length and fit into the categories of drama, animation, documentary, experimental or music video. Submissions are invited in a number of categories: ages 7-14, 15-18, 18 and over and in education, non-professional and professional.

During the 2007 run of the Festival screenings took place in 12 venues in the last two weeks of March hi-lighting films from the three county region of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. The screening attendance was in excess of 1000 and the Festival received in 2007 close to 150 submissions.

Viewfinder aims to nurture countywide media education and support media projects across our many communities, forging links between film-makers, schools, councils, venues, colleges, universities and the media industry.

The Viewfinder Film Festival Submissions OfficePittville Studios, The University of Gloucestershire, Albert Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 2JGwww.viewfinderfilm.info

Cheltenham Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 2

Cheltenham Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 2
1st – 7th May 2007
Box Office 01242 227979
http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com
Tickets for this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival are now on sale!

If you haven’t already booked yours make sure you visit www.cheltenhamfestivals.com to read about all the events, order your very own copy of our gorgeous brochure and, of course, to book your tickets.
Our stellar line up offers an eclectic mix of music crammed into seven days. We don’t expect everyone to like all of it – after all, jazz means lots of different things to different people! – but if you’re a music fan and you enjoy great live events, we’re sure you’ll discover plenty of your own highlights. Here are just a sprinkling of ours…

Madeleine Peyroux The festival opens with the smoky voice and poignant tones of Madeleine Peyroux, the French-American singer who took the world by storm last year with her million-selling album, Careless Love.
Charles Lloyd Described by Carlos Santana as an "international treasure", the legendary American saxophonist and free spirit Charles Lloyd joins us with his new quartet and for an exclusive interview.
Marti Pellow The Wet Wet Wet front man turns his honey-toned vocal talents to jazz for a spine-tingling conclusion to the festival.
Koop The kitsch Swedish electronica duo that shot to fame with their albums Waltz For Koop and Koop Islands join us to turn their studio albums into a live experience with the BBC Big Band and guest stars.
The Michael Parkinson Show presents… Presented by the legendary host Michael Parkinson, the weekend kicks off with a live Radio 2 broadcast of classic jazz from special guests including Curtis Stigers, Jane Monheit and Jamie Davis.

Bob Brookmeyer & Eliane Elias Composer, trombonist and all round New York jazz legend Bob Brookmeyer is our artist in residence throughout the festival. For his opening concert, he joins the wonderful Brazilian singer and pianist Eliane Elias for an evening of big band music.

Jerwood Jazz Generation Our rising stars – the young British artists you have seen cutting their teeth at Cheltenham over the last five years – join us for electrifying performances and brand new music. Seb Rochford, Ingrid Laubrock and Gwilym Simcock are just some of the musicians we can’t wait to hear.

How to book tickets
Call the Box Office 01242 227979

To request a brochure call 01242 237377
We look forward to seeing you in May!
The Jazz Festival team