Kate Jones

Thornbury Town Council is exploring whether the Bakery Annexe could become a larger, more sustainable home for Thornbury & District Museum, which has faced uncertainty despite serving the community since 1986. Feasibility work will assess the building’s suitability and the requirements for relocation. The museum’s heritage trust and Mayor Helen Ball support the proposal, which is intended to protect the museum’s future, attract visitors and advance Thornbury’s cultural ambitions after its unsuccessful UK Town of Culture bid.

Lovehoney’s UK Sex Map 2026 ranks Gloucestershire locations by adult-product purchases. Cirencester ranks highest in the county at 19th nationally, followed by Lydney, Tewkesbury, Cinderford and Dursley, while Cheltenham and Gloucester rank lowest. Lovehoney expert Annabelle Knight says smaller communities often show strong engagement with sexual wellness because of the privacy, choice and convenience of online shopping.

Household recycling centres in Gloucestershire will temporarily stop accepting fridges, freezers and other cooling appliances from Saturday, August 8, because appliances are arriving faster than contractors can collect and process them. Gloucestershire County Council says the suspension is necessary for safety and is part of a wider national waste-industry problem. Residents are advised to use retailer take-back schemes, licensed bulky-waste services, reuse platforms such as Freegle or Freecycle, or store appliances safely until acceptance resumes. Council leader Lisa Spivey plans to seek support and action from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

Sainsbury’s has agreed to sell its entire Argos business to Swift Partners for £120 million, including 201 standalone stores, 466 outlets inside Sainsbury’s supermarkets, 450 collection points, the Habitat brand, logistics facilities and overseas sourcing offices. The transaction covers Argos locations in Dursley, Yate and Cribbs Causeway. Around 1,400 Argos employees will transfer to Swift Partners, with operations expected to continue normally and Nectar points retained. Swift Partners, founded by former retail executives Richard Pennycook and Trevor Strain, says it plans to invest in Argos, while Sainsbury’s says the sale will enable greater focus on food. Usdaw has warned of uncertainty for staff and pledged support during the transition; completion is expected by February, with full separation targeted for February 2029.

Two masked men broke into a property in Berkeley's Berrycroft area after an initial attempted entry, stole keys to a Volkswagen Golf and a watch, and drove away in the car. The vehicle was later found abandoned and damaged. Gloucestershire Constabulary is seeking information, including footage or sightings of the suspects and the vehicle used to reach the area.

Former Cirencester Antiques Centre owner Mark O’Neill, 61, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court to 19 years in prison for sexual offences committed in the 1990s. He pleaded guilty to eight counts of indecent assault on a male and four counts of indecency with a child, while being convicted of four counts of buggery after pleading not guilty. He will be eligible for parole after serving two-thirds of his sentence and will face four years on licence. O’Neill resigned as a director of Cirencester Antiques Centre in May, with Nathan Hanafin-Smith taking over.

Grace Care Centre in Thornbury was named one of the UK’s top 100 care homes in the 2026 Lottie Awards, recognised for strong resident care and not‑for‑profit operation under the Orders of St John Care Trust. Managers highlighted staff dedication, while Lottie praised the centre for excellence among more than 14,000 evaluated homes. The trust, continuing historic charitable traditions, operates over 70 services across several counties, reinvesting all surpluses for resident benefit.

Police are seeking a woman with three dogs after the animals repeatedly chased horses in fields near Cattle Country Farm Park in Berkeley. Gloucestershire Constabulary issued an appeal for information, noting the incidents have occurred more than once, and encouraged the public to provide details via an online form or through Crimestoppers.

A Thornbury resident, Michael Fear, was fined after pleading guilty to breaching an enforcement notice requiring the removal of hardstanding from his property. South Gloucestershire Council issued the notice in November, but the work was not completed by the February deadline. Bristol Magistrates Court imposed a £120 fine along with additional charges, bringing the total to £253, payable in monthly installments.

Visitors to the RHS Badminton Flower Show reported severe traffic delays, with some experiencing waits of up to two hours due to poor signage, limited stewards and chaotic parking. Local residents were also affected by congestion around the event. The RHS said it had implemented a traffic management plan and highlighted the wider attractions offered at the show.

The new RHS Badminton Flower Show debuts at Badminton Estate with a wide selection of themed gardens, floral displays and retail stands. Highlights include gardens supporting charitable causes, award‑winning designs and interactive educational spaces. Designers such as Rachael Austin and Abi Stoyle are featured for their contributions. The show also offers lakeside views, a floral marquee with specialist plant displays and well‑known retail brands. Visitors are encouraged to attend for its diverse attractions and strong horticultural showcase.

Olbas is sponsoring a specially designed Electuary garden at the inaugural RHS Badminton Flower Show, reflecting the brand’s botanical heritage and emphasis on natural wellbeing. Created by designer Joshua Fenton, the garden incorporates aromatic plants, traditional crafts and nods to historic herbal remedies. Leaders from Lanes Health and Fenton Gardens highlight the shared ethos behind the collaboration. The event also features other regionally connected displays, including a garden by Tetbury designer Megan Dodd, recently awarded at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival.