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Become a national numeracy champion, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/multiply for more info.
Become a national numeracy champion, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/multiply for more info.
Contact 01452 583800 or email multiply@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Contact 01452 583800 or email multiply@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Breaking Boundaries

Develop your confidence with numbers that relate to everyday life and covering some key number skills to support your child with their numeracy homework, running at Coopers Edge School, Gloucester: GL3 4DY

Every Wednesday from: 8th January- 12th February 2025

12:30pm-14:30pm

Breaking Boundaries

Develop your confidence with numbers that relate to everyday life and covering some key number skills to support your child with their numeracy homework, running at Hatherley Infant School and Nursury: GL1 4PW

Every Thursday from: 9th January- 13th February 2025

13:30pm-15:00pm

Breaking Boundaries

Develop your confidence with numbers that relate to everyday life and covering some key number skills to support your child with their numeracy homework, running at Cheltenham Road East: GL3 1HU

Every Thursday from: 16th January- 13th February 2025

09:10am-11:45am

Language of Maths

For ESOL learners, an opportunity to introduce and expand your mathematics vocabulary and develop confidence in numeracy skills, running at Adult Education in Gloucestershire.

Every Friday from: 10th January- 14th February 2025

10:00am-12:00pm or 12:30pm-14:30pm

NumberFiT 

Gain confidence by using numeracy to track your fitness, running at Leisure at Cheltenham: GL50 4RN

Every Tuesday from: 7th January- 11th February 2025

12:30pm-14:30pm

NumberFiT 

Gain confidence by using numeracy to track your fitness, running at GL1

Every Wednesday from: 8th January- 12th February 2025

12:30pm-14:30pm

NumberFiT 

Gain confidence by using numeracy to track your fitness, running at Tewkesbury Leisure Centre: GL20 5SX

Every Friday from: 10th January- 14th February 2025

12:45pm-14:45pm

Shop and Save

Come and explore our ‘real-life’ virtual shopping environment and practice your budgeting skills as you move through the aisles. This highly interactive experience will give you the opportunity to check prices and quantities as you collect items from your shopping list. Learn about unit price and find the best deals to suit your budget, running at Oakley Community Resource Centre: GL52 5QJ

Friday 31st January-28th February 2025

10:00am- 12:15pm

The Sum of Maths online

Fill in the gaps in your numeracy knowledge and skills through a personalised programme and take a step closer towards taking Functional Skills, ONLINE COURSE

Every Wednesday from: 8th January- 12th February 2025

19:30pm-21:00pm

Wealth 4 Health

Save money whilst making better lifestyle choices, running at Leisure at Cheltenham: GL50 4RN

Every Tuesday from: 7th January- 11th February 2025

10:00am-12:00pm

Wealth 4 Health

Save money whilst making better lifestyle choices, running at Hester's Way Community Centre: GL51 7RU

Every Wednesday from: 8th January- 12th February 2025

10:00am-12:00pm

Wealth 4 Health

Save money whilst making better lifestyle choices, running at Oakwood Children's and Family Centre: GL52 5QH

Every Thursday from: 9th January- 13th February 2025

09:15am-11:15am

Work It Out

Improve your confidence whilst using numbers, running at Hesters Way Community Resource Centre: GL51 7SU

Every Wednesday from: 15th January- 12th February 2025

13:00pm-15:00pm

Work It Out-Retail

Improve your confidence whilst using numbers in retail, running at Adult Education in Gloucestershire

Friday 17th January 2025- 1 Day Workshop

10:00am- 16:00pm

Work It Out-Cleaning Jobs

Improve your confidence whilst using numbers in cleaning, running at Adult Education in Gloucestershire

Friday 24th January 2025- 1 Day Workshop

10:00am- 16:00pm

Email Multiply@gloucestershire.gov.uk to find out more information about our upcoming courses.

Forest of Dean District News

Energy saving tips that could help you this winter

A rise to the energy price cap in January means the amount suppliers can charge per unit of electricity and gas will increase by 1.2%. If you are worried about how this will affect you, Severn Wye Energy Agency, which runs our free Warm and Well service, can help.

The service can help with:

  • Liaising with your energy supplier to help manage any debts
  • Advice on making your home more energy efficient
  • Accessing support when times are hard
  • Grant funding to help with the cost of home improvements such as boilers, insulation and central or low-carbon heating

Contact the FREE advice line today on 0800 500 3076 or visit the Warm and Well website.

Forest of Dean District News. Keep you warm.
Forest of Dean District News. Keep you warm.
Forest of Dean District News. Local Businesses
Forest of Dean District News. Local Businesses

Forest of Dean District News

Listening to businesses across the district

As part of our Listening to Business initiative, we took a trip to businesses in Newent, Cinderford and Coleford to discover what’s going well and to understand some of the challenges they face.

We spent time with Greenhills Coffee House, Forest Tailoring, Scoff's Coffee House and the Dog House in Coleford, as well as The Museum of Board Games in Newent.

If you are part of a business and interested in meeting officers and councillors to discuss business in the Forest of Dean, please get in touch by emailing: regeneration@fdean.gov.uk

Forest of Dean District News

Support for victims of domestic abuse

As part of the 16 Days of Action campaign that started on the 25th November 2024, we've been working to publicise the support that is available for victims of domestic abuse across the district.

Officers have been working with local businesses, including pubs, cafes and restaurants to promote the 'It happens here too...' initiative. This includes putting up posters on their premises to highlight the different forms of domestic abuse and the help and support that is available.

We've also been working with partners from the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) to highlight the training and advice that is available for both residents and businesses.

Click here for more information

Forest of Dean District News. Domestic Abuse
Forest of Dean District News. Domestic Abuse
Forest of Dean District. Flood Support.
Forest of Dean District. Flood Support.

Forest of Dean District News

Help available for those affected by flooding

If you're a resident who has been affected by the recent flooding, we will assist with freecollections of bulky household items, including sofas, white goods e.g. fridges, freezers, washing machines. We cannot collect bricks, tiling, flooring or DIY waste.

The full list of items that can be collected can be found here.

Remember that if you've been affected by flooding, please report it on the Gloucestershire County Council website. This will help with preventative measures moving forward.

For highways updates, please check the Gloucestershire Roads page on Facebook, or at the by clicking here.

For more advice, see our dedicated flooding webpage

Forest of Dean District News

As one of our key council priorities, we want to ensure that businesses have the chance to develop in a thriving and sustainable local economy.

To do this, we’ve been working alongside businesses to give you a great opportunity to not only support your high street, but also have the chance to win a fantastic prize hamper full of Christmas goodies!

As part of the Shop Local campaign, we have put together three prize hampers that can be won by residents who provide a copy of their receipt to show that they Shop Local, Support Local this festive season.

Find out more and get involved

Forest of Dean shop local competition, see www.fdean.gov.uk/shoplocal
Forest of Dean shop local competition, see www.fdean.gov.uk/shoplocal
Beezee Families, Healthy Habits. The Main Place, Coleford on 5th February at 4.30pm. Ring 01452 717262 or email BZBinfo@maximusuk.co.uk
Beezee Families, Healthy Habits. The Main Place, Coleford on 5th February at 4.30pm. Ring 01452 717262 or email BZBinfo@maximusuk.co.uk
Carols around the Christmas Tree, Coleford Clock Tower. Sunday 22nd December 5.30-7pm.
Carols around the Christmas Tree, Coleford Clock Tower. Sunday 22nd December 5.30-7pm.
Dementia Awareness. 13th January 2024 1.15-2.45pm. Lydney Library. Visit www.gloucestershire.spydus.co.uk or visit a library.
Dementia Awareness. 13th January 2024 1.15-2.45pm. Lydney Library. Visit www.gloucestershire.spydus.co.uk or visit a library.



Last Thursday 
Sat 28th December 7-30pm
From 1 year into the next 'Comfy Cabaret
Evergreen hall Broadwell GL16 7BN
Open Mic / songs / spoken word / Darren 'Crankie' Hoskins / Oh Crumbs / trad veggie dancing


Last Thursday 
30th January 'The Bookshop Band'
Beth Porter & Ben Please - write songs inspired by books - several years ago they played long-lost Coleford Bookshop


'They have worked with hundreds of authors..'.Not just good but achingly good' NEW YORK TIMES

'It reminded me of my days listening to Sandy Denny & The incredible String Band' Pete Townsend

Evergreen Hall Broadwell GL16 7BN

adv tickets £10 ticketsource.co.uk / £13 on the door from 7-30pm/ music from 8pm

Home Start Mothers in Mind peer support group, go to www.homestartnwglos.org.uk/referral for more information.
Home Start Mothers in Mind peer support group, go to www.homestartnwglos.org.uk/referral for more information.
Home Start Mothers in Mind peer support group contact information. Mondays in Cinderford, Tuesday in Newent and Wednesdays in Lydney.
Home Start Mothers in Mind peer support group contact information. Mondays in Cinderford, Tuesday in Newent and Wednesdays in Lydney.
Pedal Eazy e-bike rental scheme through GCC. Please visit their website for further information
Pedal Eazy e-bike rental scheme through GCC. Please visit their website for further information
Better Housing, Better Health Service. Contact 0800 107 0044 or visit www.bhbh.org.uk for more information and support
Better Housing, Better Health Service. Contact 0800 107 0044 or visit www.bhbh.org.uk for more information and support
Coleford Welcome Walkers general meeting held at Coleford Town Council. 9th January at 6pm.
Coleford Welcome Walkers general meeting held at Coleford Town Council. 9th January at 6pm.
Greener Gloucester tree warden flyer. Scan to join as a tree warden.
Greener Gloucester tree warden flyer. Scan to join as a tree warden.

Free winter fun for families this Christmas

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is back to help keep children in Gloucestershire happy, healthy, and entertained with free activities and nutritious food.

Families eligible for benefits-related free school meals can register now for the winter HAF. Thanks to grant funding, the county council is pleased to extend these fun, enriching holiday activities to all children and young people through the Holiday Activities Programme (HAP).

Most activities will be taking place between 21 December and 5 January. Families are encouraged to check their local district HAF webpages to see information about what’s happening near where they live.

Booking opens at midday on Monday 2 December, but families can browse activities from midday on Monday 18 November to plan which ones they would like to attend.

Since HAF began, the programme has provided more than 170,000 activity sessions for children and young people across the county, helping to create memorable experiences for thousands of families who have shared how much they greatly value the opportunities it offers.

  • “They’ve got circus skills, forest school, Little Monsters rugby and football which my son has really enjoyed, and the art gallery, they’ve enjoyed it all.”
  • “My girls like the arts and crafts, painting and making beads, my son likes the climbing wall and football, it covers something that they all enjoy.”
  • “I’ve been to other things, but this is the best. We know and trust the staff. The children are safe, they meet new friends, learn new things, and bring things they have made home with them.”

This winter there are lots of great options to choose from including drama and science workshops, sports and games, art and crafts, music and dance, indoor and outdoor activities, as well as the very popular ticketed attractions such as ice skating and pantomimes. More information about the programme is available at:www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/haf.

If they haven’t done so already, families are encouraged to:

· Register for the Children’s Activities Booking System (CABS) now to be ready to view and select activities

· Follow their district lead on social media to stay updated on local events.

Families needing extra support to choose, book, or attend HAF activities can get help from sixHAF Community Connectors, one for each district. This winter, there’s also a Specialist SEND Community Connector to improve support for children and young people with additional needs.

Cllr Paul McLain cabinet member for children at Gloucestershire County Council said: “Families have told us just how much they value the Holiday Activities and Food programme, so I’m delighted that it’s back again this winter to provide free, fun activities for children and young people.

“It’s a great way to stay active, learn new things, and make wonderful memories. I’d encourage families who haven’t registered yet to do so now, so they’re ready when booking opens. HAF Community Connectors can provide support if anyone needs help with choosing, booking, or attending activities.”

ENDS

Issued by – Communications team, Gloucestershire County Council, 01452 427554,communications@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Notes to editors

HAF district partners

Now in its fourth year, HAF continues to go from strength to strength, thanks to strong and successful partnerships with local partners who help make it all possible. They are:

  • Gloucester – The Venture White City Ltd
  • Cheltenham – Cheltenham Borough Council
  • Tewkesbury – Young Gloucestershire
  • Stroud – Stroud District Council
  • Cotswolds – Cotswold District Council
  • Forest of Dean – Forest Voluntary Action Forum

A selection of photos from our summer HAF Festival event can be found here

Art Journaling for Wellbeing at The Main Place, Coleford. Week commencing 28/01/25 at 12-2pm. email Donna@artspace.co.uk
Art Journaling for Wellbeing at The Main Place, Coleford. Week commencing 28/01/25 at 12-2pm. email Donna@artspace.co.uk
Mental Health are support groups in gloucestershire. Forest of Dean - fourth Thursday of the month between 1pm and 3pm. Contact Linda 01989 730951
Mental Health are support groups in gloucestershire. Forest of Dean - fourth Thursday of the month between 1pm and 3pm. Contact Linda 01989 730951
How to access Healthy Start vitamins in Gloucestershire. www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply/
How to access Healthy Start vitamins in Gloucestershire. www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply/
New Year's Eve Party 31st December 2024. 6:30pm - 1:00am. 3 course meal, DJ / disco. £49.50. Contact Debbie 01594 811910 or email: debbie.hutchinson@great-oaks.org.uk
New Year's Eve Party 31st December 2024. 6:30pm - 1:00am. 3 course meal, DJ / disco. £49.50. Contact Debbie 01594 811910 or email: debbie.hutchinson@great-oaks.org.uk

Appeal Launched for Imjin Memorial to Honour Brave Glorious Glosters from the Forest of Dean

Coleford, 21 October 2024: An appeal has been launched to raise funds for a memorial to commemorate local veterans who fought with 1st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment (Glorious Glosters) in the famousBattle of the Imjin River in Korea, 22 – 25 April 1951. The Imjin Veterans’ Memorial will honour fifteen men associated with the Forest of Dean to recognise their bravery in battle and unwavering camaraderie and spirit to survive over two and a half years in the inhumane conditions of the prisoner of war camps in North Korea. The list of names will include Roy Mills from Cinderford, who sadly, passed away this month, and veterans from Coalway, Coleford, Dymock, Littledean, Mitcheldean, Newnham, Ruardean and Ruspidge.

The Battle of the Imjin River is widely recognised as one of the most fierce and intense military actions involving British Forces and is revered to this day in the Republic of Korea for saving Seoul, the country’s capital, from communist occupation.

The memorial is being overseen by the Imjin Veterans’ Memorial Steering Group, which was formed following aForest of Dean District Council motion on the 70th Anniversary of the battle. The group comprises Cllr Julia Gooch, Chair; Roger Deeks DL Vice Lord-Lieutenant; Anny Reid, Royal British Legion Trustee and National Memorial Trustees Chair; and Andrew Gardiner, author and veteran engagement representative.

“Following the70th Anniversary of the Battle of the Imjin River, it became clear that we need a place where the actions and bravery of our veterans - who were just young national servicemen in April 1951 - can be remembered for future generations,” said Roger Deeks DL Vice Lord-Lieutenant. “Sadly, the recent loss of Roy, whom we all remember with so much respect and fondness, has added an extra degree of poignancy to the Imjin Veterans’ Memorial Appeal.”

Julia Gooch, Chair of the group and District Councillor, “I hope everyone who loves the Forest, and its rich history will dig as deep as they can into their pockets and help raise the £18,000, we need to make this brilliant and much-deserved memorial a reality.”

The walk-through memorial, which has been designed by Andrew Gardiner, will be built by local company,Grail Engineering, and installed in theCyril Hart Arboretum, near Speech House, Coleford. The design was inspired by the ‘freedom archway’ through which the veterans passed when they were released from captivity in 1953. Also featured are three plaques to bear the names of the veterans, commemorate Forest of Dean freedoms and rights, and honour the special relationship between Gloucestershire and the Republic of Korea. It is hoped the location of the memorial will make it a popular place for remembrance and an excellent option for school educational visits.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the appeal can do so by visiting theImjin Veterans’ Memorial page on the Forest of Dean District Council website fdean.gov.uk/ImjinVeteranMemorial orJustGivingjustgiving.com/crowdfunding/Imjinmemorial.The names of all donors will be recorded.

Forest of Dean national servicemen on their way to Korea in 1951
Forest of Dean national servicemen on their way to Korea in 1951
Mock-up of the Imjin Memorial, designed by Andrew Gardiner, brother of Imjin veteran
Mock-up of the Imjin Memorial, designed by Andrew Gardiner, brother of Imjin veteran
Event cinema listings on at Studio Cinema in Coleford. Visit www.merlincinemas.co.uk
Event cinema listings on at Studio Cinema in Coleford. Visit www.merlincinemas.co.uk
Stage to Screen listing. Visit merlincinemas.co.uk for more info
Stage to Screen listing. Visit merlincinemas.co.uk for more info
Coleford's Studio Cinema Christmas family film listings. Visit www.merlincinemas.co.uk
Coleford's Studio Cinema Christmas family film listings. Visit www.merlincinemas.co.uk
Stage to screen at Studio Cinema, including theatre, ballet and opera. Visit merlincinemas.co.uk for more info
Stage to screen at Studio Cinema, including theatre, ballet and opera. Visit merlincinemas.co.uk for more info
Art Space Cinderford, The Orchard Project. Starts 20/01/25 for 10 weeks. Call 01594 825111 or email coursebooking@artspacecinderford.org
Art Space Cinderford, The Orchard Project. Starts 20/01/25 for 10 weeks. Call 01594 825111 or email coursebooking@artspacecinderford.org
Great Oaks Christmas Party nights. Call 01594 811910 or email events@great-oaks.org.uk for more info
Great Oaks Christmas Party nights. Call 01594 811910 or email events@great-oaks.org.uk for more info
Gift cards for Studio Cinema. Visit merlincinemas.co.uk for more info
Gift cards for Studio Cinema. Visit merlincinemas.co.uk for more info
Digital Skills Course. Contact 01594 801009 or email info@accxel.co.uk for more info
Digital Skills Course. Contact 01594 801009 or email info@accxel.co.uk for more info
Understanding Autism Level 2 course. Call 01226 958888 or email info@wefindanylearner.co.uk for more info
Understanding Autism Level 2 course. Call 01226 958888 or email info@wefindanylearner.co.uk for more info
Mental Health First Aid Level 2 course. Call 01226 958888 or email info@wefindanylearner.co.uk for more info
Mental Health First Aid Level 2 course. Call 01226 958888 or email info@wefindanylearner.co.uk for more info
Counselling Skills Level 2 course. Call 01226 958888 or email info@wefindanylearner.co.uk for more info
Counselling Skills Level 2 course. Call 01226 958888 or email info@wefindanylearner.co.uk for more info
Green skills course. Pictures of man laying solar panels and a wind turbine. Email skills.bootcamps@sgscol.ac.uk for more info
Green skills course. Pictures of man laying solar panels and a wind turbine. Email skills.bootcamps@sgscol.ac.uk for more info