Matty Airey

Cirencester Swimming Club member Jacob Snow won the under-10s 50m backstroke at the IAPS Swimming Finals at London Aquatics Centre on June 6, representing Cheltenham College. After winning the South West regional event, he was seeded first in the national heats and final. The victory follows a successful year in which he reached Britain’s top four for his age group in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke.

Gloucestershire reablement workers have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action over plans to transfer service delivery to specialist external providers from September 1. UNISON says staff are concerned about job security, the loss of experienced workers and continuity of care. The action is scheduled for selected days or shifts between August 17 and 31. Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust say contingency plans are in place to minimize disruption, while the council argues that the redesigned partnership model will expand community support and reduce hospital admissions and residential-care placements.

The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers will hold its 2026 annual exhibition at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester from October 24 to November 2, marking the first time the event has taken place outside London. More than 500 miniature artworks will be displayed as part of the Cirencester History Festival, with an optional King Arthur theme. The exhibition will be opened by RAU pro vice-chancellor Professor Mark Horton, who will also give a lecture linking Roman Corinium with Arthurian legends. Artists can submit work until August 28.

Ten-year-old Florence Wright progressed from being nervous about putting her face in the water to representing Gloucestershire at a county swimming gala. After beginning Puddle Ducks lessons in Cirencester at age two, she developed confidence and swimming skills before joining Cirencester Swimming Club, where she now trains four times a week. Puddle Ducks franchise owner Beccy Stenson said Florence’s progress demonstrates the benefits of early support and water-confidence training.

Solar Flares, a 15-member cheerleading squad from Cirencester Elite Cheer and Dance Academy, achieved the highest score among more than 50 teams at a national competition and earned an invitation to compete in the United States Grand National Competition in Orlando in May 2027. The athletes, aged 10 to 12, have trained together for just 90 minutes per week during term time. Coach Chrissie Smith praised their achievement, while the academy plans to organize travel and accommodation and launch fundraising efforts to support the team’s participation.

Students undertaking land-based training with the Ernest Cook Trust exhibited sculptures and practical conservation projects at a fringe event during Quenington’s final Fresh Air Sculpture Show. Their work included a foot-operated blacksmith’s hammer, a restored charcoal oven, furniture, metalwork, and wildlife habitats such as bird boxes and hedgehog houses. The exhibition gave students public recognition and increased confidence, while the trust paid tribute to the show’s founders and community contribution. Although Fairford Park is being redeveloped for housing and commercial space, land-based training and grounds maintenance work will continue there.

Malmesbury held a civic reception to mark 50 years of its official twinning relationship with the German town of Niebüll. Mayor Robert Hastings and Mayoress Barbara Firth welcomed a delegation led by Niebüll Bürgermeister Thomas Uerschels, alongside representatives of the two town-twinning associations and local councillors. The mayor received a limited-edition ceramic artwork, Guardian Angel, created by the Nolde Foundation and inspired by Emil Nolde’s painting of the same name.

Cotswold Airport in Kemble will open to the public on July 4–5 for an aviation weekend featuring tours of a Boeing 747 and VIP Boeing 727, Buccaneer taxi runs, historic military aircraft, helicopter rides, displays and family entertainment. More than 50 visiting aircraft are expected, while the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity will showcase its work. Tickets are available through Ticket Tailor.

WOMAD’s first festival at Wiltshire’s Neston Park was widely regarded as a success, attracting performances from more than 460 artists representing 38 countries over four days. Highlights included sets by Barrington Levy, Greentea Peng, Daniela Mercury, Noura Mint Seymali and Oumou Sangaré, alongside international acts from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. The programme also featured food, literature, poetry, wellness and a new teen-focused Launch Pod offering workshops and mentoring. Tickets for the 2027 festival at Neston Park are due to go on sale on July 31.

Planning applications submitted to Cotswold District Council propose a major expansion of Cowley Manor near Cheltenham. The plans include 39 additional bedrooms across seven locations, restoration of historic park features, expanded spa facilities, event and meeting spaces, a rebuilt cricket pavilion, parking for up to 148 vehicles, replacement bridges, and new energy infrastructure. The article also lists other applications across the district, including listed-building repairs, barn conversions, solar panels, changes of use and new residential development.

Several roads in the Cotswold district are scheduled to close temporarily for pressure-monitoring equipment installation, fibre installation, carriageway resurfacing and a Thames Water repair scheme. Closures affect roads in Ewen, Meysey Hampton, Chedworth and Cirencester, with works taking place mainly from July 30 through August 14. Pedestrian and emergency access will be maintained, diversions will be signed, and residents are advised to allow extra travel time and check local notices because dates may change.