Gloucestershire Echo, The

Health Team Takes Two-Wheeled Tour

Not content with discussing Tewkesbury's new health pro- gramme in a boardroom, its leaders jumped into the saddle for a meeting on two wheels. The team of 12 experienced the town by bike to see at first hand what needs to be done to improve it for cyclists and how commuters can be helped out of their cars and onto their bikes.

Mike has Done a Corking Job As Town Clerk

Retiring Stow Town Council clerk Mike Corker compared his job to that of a centre-half in football. Mr Corker, 61, who is stepping down after nearly a decade's service, said he had relished being at the heart of the community.

Tools Sent to the Ukraine

Poverty-stricken res- idents in the Ukraine have been sent mechanical tools for the first time by a Cirencester aid worker. Bleddwyn Evans packed tools, which will help with constr- uction and repair projects, with household items for the 19th lorry sent by the Cotswold- Ukraine link.

Rail Users Facing Line Disruption

Roadshows are being run to tell rail users of impending temporary closures of the Cotswold Line. Passenger are set for delays as a long-awaited pounds72 million modernisation scheme is set to start.

Gp Wants to Mend Car Park Rift

A Doctor hopes a proposed new surgery could help heal a deep rift in Chipping Campden. Dr Giles Bointon is appealing to the community to support a bid for a desperately-needed medical centre at Wolds End Orchard.

Village Post Office to Close After 52 Years

The Remmer family will have to close Forthampton Post Office after more than half a century. The news has been greeted with sadness by Fred Remmer and his sons, Richard and Peter.

We'll Act On Speed Zone

Speed humps could be used to stop motorists flouting limits at Bourton-on-the-Water. The parish council has pledged to review traffic calming measures throughout the town.

Uni Embraces Social Networking Sites

Facebook and Twitter are just two of the ways the University of Gloucestershire is reaching out to students in the 21st century. University bosses have embraced the popular social networking sites as a way of engaging with students and applicants, using them to promote open days and events and fuelling open debate.

'Keep It Tidy' Appeal As Judges Plan Visit

Tewkesbury people are being asked to help make the town look tidy ahead of a visit by Heart of England in Bloom judges. Officials from the annual floral competition will inspect the town centre on the morning of July 28.

Staff Join Race Crowd

Employees from a Tewkesbury firm will be putting their best feet forward to help find a cure for cancer this weekend. Eight women from Thomson & Bancks solicitors will be taking part in the Race for Life.

Forces Link Up to Fight Leisure Bid

Opposition has grown to a proposed leisure development at an already contentious site near Chipping Campden. Fourteen parish and town councils have signed a letter objecting to developer St Modwen building 500 homes at Long Marston, where a separate 6,000-home eco town is also proposed.

Ale Should Make Festival Hearty

A Special beer has been brewed to mark this year's Tewkesbury Medieval Festival. Event spokeswoman Peggy Clatworthy said Winchcombe- based Goff's Brewery had agreed to produce the Tewkesbury Festivale for this year's event, off Lincoln Green Lane on July 11 and 12.

Help at Hand for Unruly Kids

Parents who fear their children could be excluded from school have a new lifeline. An informal parent support group has been set up at Moreton-in- Marsh.

Kate Sends a Cuddly Gift to Help Charity

Hollywood film star Kate Winslet (inset) has donated a cuddly prize to a teddy bear's picnic. The 33-year-old, who has a home at Nether Wescote in the Cotswolds, has given one of her teddy bears to be auctioned at the Chicks event.

Damien Turns Down Offer From Academy

Controversial artist Damien Hirst has turned down an offer to become a Royal Academician. The Royal Academy in London was founded in 1768 by King George III.

Blooms Are Creating a Colour Riot

The clematis are blooming at Sudeley Castle. The popular plants are in full flower at the stately home in Winchcombe and creating a riot of colour.

Bath Road Traders Blast Council Over a-Boards

A Publican in Bath Road has hit out at Cheltenham Borough Council's A-board policy. Mike Huysinga (pictured), landlord of the Exmouth Arms, said a council crackdown on illegal use of the advertising boards was too heavy-handed.

Make Flying Quieter, Says Tewkesbury Mp

Mp Laurence Robertson is hoping to get the Government to help make aviation quieter. The Conservative member for Tewkesbury, who has Gloucestershire Airport at Staverton in his constituency, raised a question in the House of Commons about what requirements there were for light aircraft landing at airports near housing developments to have silencers fitted.

Councillors to Hear Issues

Councillors will be on hand to talk to people about any problems they may have. Springbank councillors hold regular monthly surgeries at Springbank Community Resource Centre.

Celebration Goes with a Swing for Visitors at 60

Staff at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway are celebrating the "lady" engine's 60th birthday this weekend. They are offering all residents who were born in 1949 a free journey on the Foremarke Hall locomotive tomorrow and on Sunday along the Honeybourne line as part of the celebration.