Good news, this week
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26/04 GOOD NEWS ROUND-UP THIS WEEK
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19/04 Good news ROUND-UP this weeK
There’s often very little space for the good things happening around us. The loudest, sensationalist stories tend to take centre stage, whilst quieter, positive news can go unseen. Our Good News Round-Ups are a small attempt to fix that by pulling a few of those stories back into view each week, because there’s always something in our city worth feeling good about.
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Image credits:
Top row from left to right = 1. Gloucestershire College | 2. @Gloucester City Council | 3. @gloucestershireculturetrust.
Bottom row from left to right = 1. @thepottingshedglos | 2. @emilyingloucester | 3. https://www.environmentbank.com
Gloucestershire College (GC) secures £175m funding share
GC will recieve a share of £175 million in government funding to support students entering key sectors such as defence, clean energy, digital, and manufacturing. This funding has been allocated to 19 centres across the country, to deliver training in sectors deemed important for the future of the UK. GC has been selected as a specialist centre for digital and technologies training.
Source: @BBCNews article by Chris Lockyer.
Update on Merlin the missing pony
For those following Merlin’s adventures, there’s a happy update. He is now being very well cared for by Blue Cross UK in Burford and will be looking for a forever home when he is ready.
Merlin was originally abandoned near the City Centre and cared for by council staff before escaping, prompting a search party. He was found in a local resident’s garden near Robinswood Hill, who even let him in their house. He was also featured on BBC Gloucestershire, a local celebrity!
Visit @Blue Cross UK via their website here for rehoming information in the future.
Source: @Gloucester City Council and @BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook
£1.3m investment into arts and culture
£1.3 million will be invested into arts and culture across Gloucestershire, with communities playing a central role in shaping projects for the city. The programme ‘That’s an Idea’ will give local people a significant say in creative initiatives happening across the city
Source: @gloucestershireculturetrust on instagram
The Potting Shed opens its doors
The Potting Shed, a new community plant nursery and shop by Project Grow, officially opened this week.
Located in Kingsholm at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub Community Garden, the site restores the historic Wheelers Plant Nursery, which dates back to the 1800s and once supplied fruit trees to Queen Victoria’s Isle of Wight home.
The shop sells plants, produce, and products, with all profits supporting social and therapeutic horticulture sessions held every Tuesday and Friday morning.
Open: Tuesdays, Fridays, and the third Saturday of each month.
Sources: @thepottingshedglos @weareprojectgrow @gloucestershireheritagehub on instagram
Grammar School entry exams to become more accessible
A new process is being introduced to make grammar school entry exams more accessible.
From 2028 entry, the seven Gloucestershire grammar schools will use a new provider, Future Stories Community Enterprise. The updated test will focus on the national curriculum and encourage natural curiosity and critical thinking, rather than intensive private tutoring.
Source: @BBCNews article by Matty Edward’s and Sarah Turnnidge
️ Waterside Heritage Weekend is coming up soon
A Weekend by the Water will take place on 25th–26th at Gloucester Docks, celebrating the city’s waterside heritage.
The weekend will include guided walks, open days, and activities from organisations such as the Canal & River Trust and Llanthony Secunda Priory, alongside visits to the tall ship Kathleen and May, talks, paddleboarding, and more.
Most activities are free or under £10.
Sources: @emilyingloucester and @gloucester_bid on instagram
£9.4m boost for SEND provision
Gloucestershire County Council has been awarded £9.4 million to expand support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The funding will go towards creating more specialist school places, inclusion bases, and improving accessibility in mainstream schools. This will help to build a system where every child can thrive.
It forms part of wider investment in SEND provision, including a new specialist school currently being built in Abbeydale.
Source: @Alex McIntyre
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