Gloucestershire Echo, The

Pupils Ready to Rock

PREMIERING on April 1, We Will Rock You is the 2011 musical that Pittville students have been recreating! It is going to be the best ever performance, with drama teacher Miss Oakes saying: 'It's sure to beat even our unique display of talent in Bugsy Malone!" The plot is enthralling: Pop rebels Scaramouch and Galileo set out to defeat the age of GaGa with the only weapon possible - Rock n' Roll baby!

Spring Fashions Warm yet Cool

THE sun is beginning to peek through and shine... but wait, so are the new fashions. Being born especially for this era, we open our eyes for the first time after our sleep of winter clothes. The shoppers are hopping into shops as fast as the Easter bunnies, eager for the fabulous, fresh fashions. With aspects of flowers, energetic tones and that pinch of bouncing styles it's a hillside scene, well, except for the price tags.

Team Living Up to Promises in Battle for Title

IF you follow rugby, we expect you've seen the England national rugby team. They have been playing amazingly well in the Six Nations so far. They started off the tournament by winning a close and intense match against Wales, followed by another success at Twickenham against Italy - an astounding win of 59-16.

All-Star Film Is Top Introduction to Shakespeare

THIS retelling of the classic romance Romeo and Juliet has everything from pointy hats to fishing rods (although it may not be as you like it!) Gnomeo and Juliet is a CGI film that entertains the whole family. It cleverly brings humour to both adults and children within Shakespeare's masterpiece. The re-take of this tale shows the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets, using red and blue gnomes to represent the rival families. This gives kids an early insight into this Shakespearean fav...

Appeal for Motoring Safety After Three Crashes On Road

A SERIOUS accident near Cheltenham has prompted campaigners to call for renewed vigilance among the drivers. Salterley Action Force to Enhance our Road (Safer) is asking motorists to take extra care on Leckhampton Hill.

Sport Students Have a Ball for Diabetes Cause

SPORTS students at the University of Gloucestershire are hoping to move mountains for diabetes patients. Girls from the university's American football team will join dance students in hosting a masquerade ball at Moo Moo's nightclub on March 28 to raise cash for Diabetes UK.

Minister: You Don't Need Pounds 9,000 Uni Fee

THE University of Gloucestershire should not need to charge students Pounds 9,000 a year to fill a funding gap left by Government cuts, a minister has said. David Willetts, Universities Minister, insisted institutions should only charge the maximum tuition fees allowed under the Government's reforms under "exceptional" circumstances.

Scenery, Snow and Skiing Made a Magical Holiday

IN the quest of gaining knowledge for this article, I travelled all the way to France for "research". Upon arrival the first thing I smelt was... snow, as I had fallen over and landed in a big pile of the stuff ! A great start to our family holiday and a sign to me that maybe I would be falling over quite a lot in my time at Courchevel.

Hartpury March On Towards the Title

EXMOUTH 12 HARTPURY COLLEGE 65 TOP-side Hartpury College began their final five game charge towards the title with a nine-try victory over at Exmouth, writes Geoff Berkeley Facing three away games on the bounce, Allan Lewis's side, who lead the way at the top of the National Three South West by six points, knew that they needed to be at their superb best. And they did not disappoint as they carried on their try scoring form following last week's 70-7 mauling of Bridgewater and Albion.

Pats Lay Down the Law to Win

CLEVE 24 OLD PATESIANS 29 AN injury time try from Tom Law saved Old Pats blushes and salvaged a bonus point win. Cleve were the better side for almost three-quarters of the game and Pats owed their win to a six-minute period late in the first half when they plundered 19 unanswered points.

Season's Best for Positive Cheltenham

CHELTENHAM 34 REDINGENSIANS 22 CHELTENHAM produced a show of fresh belief and determination to record their best win of the season, writes Derek Clifford. They were awarded an early penalty with Mike Wilcox opening the account.

Ancient Stone Could Block Royal Scheme

A ROYAL plan to build an animal shelter could be scuppered - by a prehistoric stone. Princess Anne is hoping to build the livestock shelter between the Gatcombe Park estate and a planned new rugby ground.

Batter Bath Matters for Charity Total

WEIRD and wacky feats were taken on by Echo readers across Gloucestershire to raise money for Comic Relief. But, to our knowledge, Cheltenham's Jodie Green was the only person to plunge herself into a bath full of batter.

Have a Say On Police Station's Future

Town 'Exposed to Floods' After Funding Is Axed

FLOOD-HIT residents say they have been left "totally exposed" following funding cutbacks. Moreton-in-Marsh householders who suffered in the July 2007 floods say the heart of the town has been left completely vulnerable.

Orchard Planned for Queen's Jubilee

PICKING free pears and apples could soon be a pastime for Moreton- in-Marsh residents. The town council wants to create a community orchard at Blenheim Farm public open space to mark the Queen's diamond jubilee.

40 Jobs May Be Created As Pub Nears Relaunch

ONE of the Tewkesbury area's best-known historic pubs is to reopen after a Pounds 750,000 revamp. The Fleet, at Twyning, will open its doors again on April 21. It follows a major refurbishment carried out by owner Enterprise Inns and its new tenants, Scoff & Quaff Holdings Ltd.

Plaque Planned for Centuries-Old Mill

PLANS aimed at increasing public awareness of Tewkesbury's historic Abbey Mill building have been submitted to the borough council. The town's civic society intends to place information plaques on a number of buildings of interest, two of which have already been granted permission - at an old stocking factory in East Street and the former sheep auction house in Oldbury Road.

New Date Set for Half-Marathon

THE date of this year's Tewkesbury half-marathon has been changed to avoid a clash. The popular event, which also comprises a five-mile fun run, has been moved to May 22 because the Stratford Marathon is scheduled to take place on its traditional date earlier in the month.

Children Make a Splash to Help Minibus Appeal

YOUNGSTERS from Tewkesbury's Alderman Knight School made waves as they raised cash for a new minibus. Pupils at the special needs school, in Ashchurch Road, swam lengths of Cascades pool in a sponsored event.