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December
Gloucestershire 2004 reviewed! As we enter 2005, we take a look back at the top stories of 2004 on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire website...
Asia quake disaster Following the disaster, fund-raisers in Gloucestershire are hard at work already. Plus an eye witness account and your messages...
Hounded Henry Berkeley is confident that fox hunting has a future.
Christmas at the Castle Christmas is a time for fun, memories and responsibilities for Charles.
Ever taken a really rubbish photo? Why not send it to us and we'll put in in our online gallery of shame.
Gloucester Cathedral was the venue for a very special concert of carols, seasonal music and festive readings. Listen again online.
Here's your chance to dedicate a song on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Gloucestershire, and have it heard anywhere in the world on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
Want to know which pharmacy will be open at Christmas? Check out our SOS pages in our Xmas survival guide.
Listen to what happened when Gloucestershire rally driver Claire Tippet got behind the wheel with our middle-aged motoring man Zog Ziegler.
Postman returns from Everest trek Chris Kerrigan normally gets up very early to deliver mail in the Cotswolds. But that was all replaced by howling winds and freezing temperatures.
Shape up with the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Shake off the festive flab in January with expert help as the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Big Challenge roadshow and Feelgood Friday come to Gloucester
The vikings have landed Gloucester craftsmen are restoring the longship Hugin to its former fearsome glory.
Arrive safely this Christmas period With the risk of bad weather this Christmas period, Gloucestershire Constabulary are offering the following travel advice for motorists.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Gloucestershire's Richard Atkins has been learning how to cook Christmas sherry cake or Painswick Pudding for Advent and Christmas.
Over 900 people attended ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucesteshire's Christmas Celebration at Gloucester Cathedral.
Christmas Sparklers Decorated your house with festive illuminations? See if you can spot it in our gallery...
Reg Moule answers your latest batch of green fingered problems.
Mike's back again Mike's beginning to get to grips with the back-pain which has until now taken over his life.
Little Car's last journey ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire's Anna Pidgeon mourns the death of her car, and wonders what to do with his squashed remains.
White Christmas? ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Weatherman Richard Angwin gives his verdict on whether or not we'll get snow on Christmas Day.
Taking on the Mountain of Moonlight A group of Gloucestershire adventurers are about to set off on an adventure of a lifetime - to scale an active volcano in South America.
Martin's historic journey - Part Three Martin Evans is tracing his family tree. Find out how he's getting on in the final part of his online detective diary...
Someone Else's Baby Carol's expecting her seventh baby but she only has three children of her own!
Nikki is a model student University of Gloucestershire student, Nikki Chislett, is celebrating after winning a national cover girl competition...
Rutles on tour Neil Innes and the Rutles kicked off their tour in Gloucester. See the exclusive pics.
Dirty Dancing Down Under Steve Kitchen was at the world premiere of the new Dirty Dancing stage show in Australia.
Trombone Extravaganza Dozens of schools kids will be On the Slide in a special trombone orchestra at Cheltenham Town Hall. The story of the bears of Ruardean is one of Gloucestershire's most enduring folk tales. Now a villager believes he may have found the beasts' burial place.
One hell of an extreme challenge Commando Joe's campaign manager Adrian Bell tells us about the three extreme challenges the group are going to take on over the next three years.

November
Big Turn On Check out the interviews and pictures from when Melinda Messenger came to the Cotswolds to switch on the Christmas lights.
'Action Man' Charlie interviewed We talk to Charlie Martell, who is planning to take on some really tough challenges over the next three years.
Listen online to ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Gloucestershire Now you can hear your favourite programmes and presenters live on the internet anywhere in the world. Here's all you need to know.
Recycling tips from India Pupils from Whitecross School in the Forest of Dean are to get recycling tips from India.
Laurie Lee's Rosie Rosie from Cider With Rosie is alive and well and living in Cheltenham.
Moving to Gloucestershire helped Paul Moss to put his alcoholic past behind him.
A new forest for Gloucestershire Ecotricity, a renewable energy company based in Gloucestershire, are planting 20,000 trees near the site of their first wind turbine at Lynch Knoll near Stroud.
Pioneering postman Gloucestershire postman Chris Kerrigan is heading off to Mount Everest on a charity trek.
Party for Pudsey See our picture galleries from Gloucester's giant Children in Need concert, starring Brian McFadden.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire's Martin Evans has been set a challenge to research his roots as part of the Learning Centre Family History Festival. Here's part one of his "detective diary"...
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire online user Claire makes her point on the controversial topic of fox hunting, and whether or not it should be banned.
There were smiles all round for the University of Gloucestershire's graduates. Check out our photo galleries.
In a bizarre twist of fate ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Gloucestershire's John Rockley met up with his co-star almost twenty years after an appearance on "Jim'll Fix It".
It's your chance to donate to Children In Need and to get your hands on a signed Gloucester rugby shirt!
It's the 25th anniversary of Children in Need. All you need to know about the fundraising spectacle.
Gloucester: chav town? Gloucester has been listed on a website devoted to 'chav towns'. Fair comment or a cruel snipe? And what exactly is a 'chav', anyway?
The Ancient Ram Inn is perhaps Gloucestershire's most famous haunted pub. Read one visitor's account of eerie events which took place there almost thirty years ago.
Chart-topper Brian McFadden will be in Gloucester on Children In Need night at a special ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ concert.
In a competition with a difference your local community could have a full-blown day of fun next summer, and the whole thing will be organised for you!
Status Quo rockin' in Gloucester The Quo came to the GL1 leisure centre in Gloucester and proved they still rock, writes Paul Furley.
The spirit of Tommy Cooper lives on in the critically acclaimed play "Jus' Like That" based on the routines and life of the comic genius. It stars Jerome Flynn and is heading to Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre. When Dave Bull from Gloucestershire took a photo while on holiday in Copenhagen he never dreamt that the snap would be so significant...

October
Gloucestershire dance - Asian style! Dipisha Patel has been chosen as Gloucestershire's representative to encourage more people to make, watch and take part in dance activities.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire's Emma Cook digests "Where Am I and Who's Winning? by Andrew Baker.
The show must go on Kenny Savage went along to see One Night of Queen Live! at the Stroud Subscription Rooms...
Jamie Oliver The original 'Cheeky Chappie' came to Cheltenham to talk about children's nutrition.
The Severn Rail Bridge Disaster Monday 25th October marked the 44th anniversary of the Severn Rail Bridge disaster.
The Ancient Ram in Wotton-Under-Edge is reputedly one of the country's most notorious haunted houses. Take a look for yourself with our picture gallery.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire's Simon Cartwright attended a 'Fright Night' at Woodchester Mansion. The event certainly lived up to its name...
He's well known for his popular romantic paintings which capture dreamy, enigmatic moments between men and women. We met up with him at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.
Getting ready for the game ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Gloucestershire's sport guru Ian Randall joins Emma and Kat in Paris for the big game
A busy day in Paris Cookie and Kat race around Paris to prepare for the important Heineken Cup clash between Gloucester and Stade Francais.
Gloucestershire Business Awards 2004 The seventh annual awards ceremony saw a number of local companies recognised for their successful and innovative business practices in 2004.
Cookie and Kat in Paris The girls prepare for the match between Stade Francais and Gloucester... and they manage to get a little sightseeing in as well!
The Journey to Paris Emma and Kat travel over to France to cover Gloucester's game against Stade Francais
Cookie and Kat go to Paris! It's a tough job but somebody's got to do it - ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Gloucestershire's Emma Cook and Kat Brown are off to Paris to cover Gloucester's game against Stade Francais
The Black Prince rides again David Shepherd's steam locomotive The Black Prince rides again in the Gloucestershire countryside.
Cheltenham Festival of Literature 2004 The 55th Cheltenham Festival of Literature has proved a tremendous success, smashing previous box office records in the process.
The King of Prankster TV Dom Joly, star of the prankster comedy series Trigger Happy TV, was at the Cheltenham Festival of Literature to promote his new book and forthcoming ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ series.
The art of adaptation Renowned director Anthony Minghella is taking one of Liz Jensen's novels and turning it into a movie. Together they talk about the process of adapting fiction for the screen.
A personal journalistic journey Jon Snow, presenter of the Channel 4 news, has had a long and distinguished career as a journalist. He was talking about his life at the Cheltenham Literature Festival in 2004.
William Hague William Hague, former leader of the Conservative Party, was at the Cheltenham Festival of Literature to promote his book on Pitt the Younger.
Rob Brydon Rob Brydon came to the Cheltenham Festival of Literature to talk about the inspiration behind his comic creations.
Pudsey's Gloucester concert Gloucester has been chosen as one of three venues across the country to host a special Children In Need 25th anniversary party.
Get snapping with Pudsey! Pudsey Bear has launched the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Children In Need Photo Competition! Find out how to enter...
Pudsey drops in for some fossil fun People of all ages packed the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Learning Centre for the Natural History Family Fun Day - and they could 'bearly' believe their eyes when a surprise visitor popped in!
Gardening guru Reg Moule solves more of your gardening problems.
Teenager Lou Parkinson suffered from panic attacks. She now tells her inside story and offers advice to others.
Watch the videos, view the pictures, and listen to the interview as we take a tour round a a hidden relic of the Cold War in Ullenwood near Cheltenham.
The great hunting debate 19-year-old Abbee Pratten examines the arguments for and against the controversial ban on fox hunting...
The 2004 ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Gloucestershire Mela took place on Sunday 10th October at the Guildhall in Gloucester. Check out our photo galleries.
Is there somewhere in Gloucestershire that has a special place in your heart? Nominate your Seven Natural Wonders of the West.
On Friday October 8th 2004 Jamie Victory will play his 400th game for Cheltenham Town.
. From Newcastle United to Whaddney the Robin... More sporting book reviews from Peter Matthews.
Help make a difference – and design a garden Join the CSV Action Desk campaign to make the "Gateway to Gloucester" a more welcoming sight by entering your flower bed designs in a local competition.
My visit to Chisamba in Zambia Sue Liptrot and her husband, John, spent a challenging four weeks helping to establish a teaching centre in Zambia. She talks about her experiences in the African country.
. The FA Cup was on display at Bishop's Cleeve FC after Kevin Slack won the 'Player of the Round' award.

September
Around 4,000 people turned up at GL1 in Gloucester to discover more about the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ at a special event. Check out our photo galleries of Daleks, Only Fools and Horses, and much more!
From Mike Tyson to Subbuteo - another round of book reviews from Peter Matthews.
GloucestershireÂ’s very own 'Action Man' Charlie Martell is planning to take on some really tough challenges over the next three years...
Bishop's Cleeve FC's Kevin Slack has been named FA Cup 'Player of the Round' after winning an online vote.
Jongleurs comedy club took to the road - and arrived in Stroud. Read our review...
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Weatherman Richard Angwin looks at what we can expect to happen with the weather, now that we're saying goodbye to summer...
Amateur Gloucestershire footballer Kevin Slack who plays for Bishop's Cleeve is in line for a top FA Cup award.
Gardening guru Reg Moule answers more of your gardening questions from Gloucestershire and across the world!
New look Corinium opens to the public The Corinium Museum reopened its doors on September 15 2004 after a £5m transformation which has made it one of the top visitor attractions of the Cotswolds.
Vandalism is ruining my area Teenager Fay Daniels is unhappy that a new public space project has been vandalised only a short time after it was unveiled to the public.
A calendar with a difference A group of women from the small village of Horsley in Gloucestershire have created a naked calendar with a difference to raise cash for a worthy cause.
Does individuality exist? 17-year-old Emily Smith talks about teen fashion and wonders whether there's such a thing as an individual...
Fancy a good read? Peter Matthews casts his eye over the latest sporting books to be published...
Gloucester Festival Celebration Gloucester's City Centre Harvest has changed its name this year to reflect the wider group of people who'll be attending...
Running Away with the Circus Teenagers Max Williams and Mary Bruce spent to weeks training with Gifford's Circus. Read their diaries.

Find out how YOU and your family can eat, think and exercise your way to a healthier future and have fun at the same time - with the help of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire.
How can we improve healthcare services for Gloucester's elderly people by working together? That's the question a special event in October hopes to answer by bringing together health professionals with the people they are there to serve.

August
Is there a Doctor (Who) in the house? As everyone's favourite time lord prepares to return to our screens, a Gloucestershire group are bringing him to the stage.

If you've ever wanted to know the stamina secrets of Gloucester's rugby stars all is revealed if you sign up for a new course that could change your life!
Of bass and men Gloucestershire County Cricket Club has a new mascot - a sea bass.
An episode of the popular TV archaeology programme began filming at a secret location near Stonehouse in August 2004.
Thousands of visitors flocked to Fairford Park in Gloucestershire on the weekend of August 21 - 22 for the annual Fairford Steam Rally.
Be an Ambassador for the Arts Are you passionate about the arts, but arenÂ’t quite sure how you can get involved? Would you like to get the most out of the arts scene in Gloucestershire? If you're interested, read on!
Get ready for a feast of literature October's literature festival in Cheltenham is set to be a cracker with a host of famous names in attendance including Terry Jones, Jamie Oliver, Joanna Lumley and Michael Palin...
Teams from ethnic backgrounds took part in the first ever Community 6-a-side tournament in Gloucester.
Some of the world's top wood carvers are preparing to start slicing up bits of tree at Westonbirt Arboretum's Festival of Wood and Sculptree this August Bank Holiday Weekend.
Free moped for rural students Gloucestershire Rural Community Council is offering young people between the ages of 16 and 19 the loan of a brand new 50cc moped...
Gloucestershire college lecturer Genevieve Broad has been causing a bit of a flap among ornithologists, with the discovery of a brand new species of bird...
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire's motoring correspondent Zog Ziegler test drives the Citroën Berlingo Multispace.
The artist who placed a mysterious scrap metal face at a county beauty spot has been identified at last...
The exhilarating sport of kiteboarding is becoming more popular in the windier parts of Gloucestershire.
Gloucestershire TA gear up for Iraq Territorial Army soldiers from Gloucestershire have joined fellow Reservists from The Royal Wessex Yeomanry in training for peacekeeping duties in Iraq later this year.

Cheltenham born diver Leon Taylor has become the first member of the British Olympic team to win a medal at the Athens Olympics. Read the full story

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire's Peter Matthews reviews some of the latest sporting publications...

The unusual medieval game of Bandyball was recreated outside the appropriate setting of Gloucester Cathedral.

The August night sky is made all the more interesting by the presence of several meteor showers, the main one being the Perseids.
Reg solves your August gardening questions Reg Moule has been solving gardening problems for years. Now he's answering your gardening questions from across the world!
Waiting for GCSE results Don't worry too much, says sixth-former Julia McCall offers some advice on coping with the stress of waiting for GCSE results.
Selsley's metal mystery A metal face has appeared unannounced at a local beauty spot. Who put it there, and why?
Local shops for local people? Twenty-something Sarah Bickenson ponders whether or not to start shopping in her local high street.
Digital distress 17-year-old Lou Parkinson wonders whether we are becoming too dependent on computer technology.
A life all at sea Sea Cadets got the chance to climb aboard two university training ships at Gloucester docks.
Summer at Sudeley Sudeley Castle may have some of the answers for young children looking for something to do this summer.
The greatest show on earth The legendary and fabulously entertaining Gifford’s circus amazed audiences when it travelled to Frampton–on–Severn last week, writes Nicky Hendy.
Avoid a wedding speech disaster Wedding speeches can be a daunting prospect for both the speakers and the guests but fear not! We talk to a local banqueting manager who offers some very useful tips indeed
Bat webcam goes live at Woodchester A ruined Gothic mansion in a secluded Gloucestershire valley is proving to be the perfect location for what is probably BritainÂ’s first bat webcam.
Salvation Army Summer School 14 year old Tom Elliott is a member of the Salvation Army fellowship in Gloucester and he's just been away at Summer School.
Seven Down the Severn charity appeal ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio Gloucestershire's John Rockley is embarking upon an epic journey along the River Severn to raise cash for local charities...
Meet the stars at the BBC Experience On one day last year more than 3,000 people turned up at GL1 in Gloucester to discover more about the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ at a special event. That event will be repeated again in September!
Hugo Johnson exposed! ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire Blast reporter Sophie Bonner talks to Hugo Johnson, a young photographer from Gloucestershire...

July

The summer hols can be a demanding time for mums and dads so read our expert advice and useful top tips to help you cope with the long, long, school break. And yes, it's official, it IS OK for kids to get bored! Sandra Sings Single mother Sandra loves God and singing. In future she hopes to combine her two loves to spread God's message. Meanwhile her other great love, her son Manasseh (7), looks on and observes!

Stressed out by parenthood? A Stroud-based charity is here to help mums and dads with a range of offspring issues, from surly stepchildren to temperamental toddlers. for details of Parentline Plus autumn 2004 parenting courses.
Sophie's diary: Week One Over the summer, Sophie will be keeping a record of her thoughts and achievements as Gloucestershire's Blast reporter.
There's something about Sophie Sophie Bonner from Gloucester is Gloucestershire's very own Blast reporter. Read all about her!
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Secretary visits Gloucester The Muslim community of Gloucester had the opportunity to talk to ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Secretary David Blunkett when he paid a visit to the city on Thursday 29th July 2004...
Let battle commence The first day of Joust, the country's biggest medieval festival, saw the crowds turn out in force to enjoy a banquet of swordplay and chivalry at Berkeley Castle.
Distinguished figures honoured Over 2,000 students will be graduating from the University of Gloucestershire and some famous names, who will be receiving Honorary Doctorates, will be joining them.
A day in the life: Stroud FM Nicky Hendy, from Gloucestershire, talks about her experiences at community radio station Stroud FM.
Conquering the three peaks Conquering Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just 24 hours is a tough endeavour and three teams from the University of Gloucestershire took up the challenge to raise cash for a good cause.
Bahnstorming Resident motoring journalist Zog Ziegler tests drive the BMW 5 Series.
The Great Orpheus Pavement A replica of the Woodchester Roman Orpheus Pavement is now on permanent display at Prinknash Abbey in Gloucestershire.
Conversion at Kingsholm Building work on the new East Stand at Gloucester Rugby Club's Kingsholm ground is now well underway.
The sound of Indonesian music An Indonesian orhestra has arrived in Cheltenham. Apparently it sounds like "metal butterflies".
Is Gospel the new rock'n'roll? Music talent spotters are queuing up to get front row seats for the GEM Awards.
Royal International Air Tattoo Tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts turned out at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford. Includes picture galleries.
Forty years of the Arrows The Red Arrows display team continue their 40th anniversary celebrations with an appearance at Fairford's RIAT.
Flying with the Falcons ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire's Nic Baddeley hitched a ride with the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team as they prepared to jump at the Fairford Royal International Air Tattoo.
Become a volunteer Becoming a volunteer could be the most rewarded thing you ever do, according to 17-year-old Lou Parkinson.
Your Wicca questions answered Our resident witch, Theresa Moorey, answers more of your questions on witchcraft and Wicca.
Concert hits a high note Gloucestershire's Youth Makes Music event was a hit, says fifteen-year-old Ed Leighton.
Zog Ziegler test drives the Chrysler Grand Voyager ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire's motoring guru parks his compact rear behind the wheel of the Chrysler Grand Voyager CRD and takes it for a spin.
Cotswold Food Awards Old Spot pork, Blaisdon plums, Cotswold honey and Double Gloucester cheese. They were all on the menu at the Cotswold Life Food and Drink Awards...
Fatter or fitter? With a little expert help, Ann and Ron Bennett are winning their battle to lose weight.
Dog Days are here again! You may have thought the term 'Dog Days' referred our four-legged friends, but instead, the "dog" refers to Sirius, the Dog Star, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major...
On the "write" track Martin Evans has spent two years working on his lifetime dream of writing a book. The result of his efforts is a motivational story called "Day Trip".
Night sky in July The short nights of July are usually compensated for by some pleasant observing conditions with clear skies and high temperatures.
Cheltenham International Festival of Music Music lovers are in for treat in Cheltenham over the next couple of weeks at the International Festival of Music, and Fringe Festival.
June
The spirit of Tommy Cooper lives on in a critically acclaimed play based on the routines and life of the comic genius. It stars Jerome Flynn and is heading to Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre.
Is politics boring? 17-year-old Lou Parkinson thinks many teenagers don't care about current affairs and politics - but she says it's not all their fault...
Dance Dynamite Dancers from a leading Caribbean dance company are to teach and perform in Gloucestershire.
In Praise of Jesus Sarah Ryan was impressed by the Cheltenham Operatic and Dramatic Society's Jesus Christ Superstar.
Westonbirt Festival of the Garden 2004 The third Westonbirt Festival of the Garden is now on at the National Arboretum in Gloucestershire.
From Zero to Hero Orcs, goblins and cave trolls are all in a day's work for Mark Roberts, whose job is "turning ordinary people into heroes" with Heroquest.
A Midsummer Night's Dream Bill Hughes, a visitor to the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Learning Centre in Gloucester, reviews A Midsummer Night's Dream, an open-air picnic play at Berkeley Castle.
Time to go home? If you feel tired and stressed, it may be time to sort out your work/life balance.
Cheltenham Festival of Science 2004 Mutants, robots and aliens were just some of the topics on the agenda at this year's Cheltenham Festival of Science.
Mo Smith's Summer sizzlers Gloucestershire cook Mo Smith brings us some seriously delicious dishes to tempt our taste buds during the Summer months.
Taking off with the RAF Falcons The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team is world famous for its spectacular aerial displays. We pay the team a flying visit.
Julia's Euro 2004 adventure While most of us were watching England take on the Swiss from the comfort of our sofas, lucky Julia Causton managed to win a trip to see the game live in Portugal.
Ozzy Osbourne tribute band to play in Cirencester It's the next best thing to seeing the Prince of Darkness himself - Local Ozzy Osbourne tribute band Wizards of Oz are to appear on stage in Cirencester.
Reg solves your June gardening questions Reg Moule has been solving gardening problems for years. Now he's answering your gardening questions from across the world!
Christian magician to perform in Gloucestershire Magician and escapologist Peter McCahon brings his controversial and highly unusual act to Gloucestershire.
Test Drive of the Audi A8 ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire's motoring expert Zog Ziegler is among the first to test drive the Audi A8 3.0 TDI quattro.
Preview of RAF Fairford Air Tattoo We take a look at what aviation enthusiasts can expect to see at the 2004 Royal International Air Tattoo.
Chocks away for Kemble Air Day We preview this year's Kemble Air Day, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the world-famous Red Arrows display team.
Award-winning design Cheltenham designer and silversmith David Hayward has won an international award in New York.
The secret life of the Church - Part 2 We continue our look at what goes on behind the scenes of a Gloucestershire church.
Harry Potter photo gallery Put yourself in the picture with a bit of web magic at Hogwarts.
Ships of the desert come to the Forest The Forest of Dean boasts many creatures but the addition of golden camels is surely one of the most bizarre. Intrepid ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ journalist Naomi Wordley finds out more.
Tetbury Woolsack races The annual event involves running up a steep hill carrying a large sack of wool, and attracted dozens of competitors.
Cheltenham Balloon Festival Cheltenham Racecourse was the venue for the town's first ever Hot Air Balloon Festival. Includes pictures and video.
The secret life of the Church We look at what goes on behind the scenes of a Gloucestershire church and meet vicar Mike Burke.
Harry Potter's county Discover Gloucestershire's hidden links with the boy wizard.
Being Muslim Leyla Khan provides an insight into what it's like being Muslim in Gloucestershire.
Being Muslim Ahmad Nabi provides an insight into what it's like being Muslim in Gloucestershire.
Public enemy number one? A decision to cull Stroud's pigeon population has resulted in angry debate over the whole issue of culling as a method of controlling numbers of the bird.
Astronaut to talk at Science Festival An astronaut with NASA is to give a talk at the Cheltenham Science Festival.
New Bishop of Gloucester is enthroned The new Bishop of Gloucester, Michael Perham, was enthroned at a special ceremony at Gloucester Cathedral.
Being Muslim Haroon provides an insight into what it's like being Muslim in Gloucestershire.
The Transit of Venus The highlight of the month, indeed the whole year, for weatherman Richard Angwin was the Transit of Venus, an event which last occurred in 1882 and which will not happen again until 2012.

May
Chasing the big cheese Fine weather greeted competitors and spectators from across the globe at the 2004 Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling festival. Includes pictures and video footage!
England mascot for the evening A Gloucestershire schoolboy is getting a chance to rub shoulders with the likes of David Beckham, Paul scholes, and Michael Owen.
Pottermania: Good or bad for books?The Harry Potter craze has given a major boost to book sales, but are other books being forgotten, and are our libraries going the same way? Student Ed Leighton considers the situation.
Wheelie good fun It's something we all take for granted - having our wheelie bins emptied once a week. But have you ever thought about what goes into making it happen?
Young people turn on to jazz More and more young people in Gloucestershire are getting into jazz music, writes teenager Ed Leighton.
The night sky in June The highlight of the month, indeed the whole year, has got to be the transit of Venus, an event which last occurred in 1882 and which will not happen again until 2012.
How to draw Dennis the Menace Children at a Gloucestershire School have been getting an art lesson with a difference - how to draw comic strips!
Get ready to roll that cheese! Gloucestershire's craziest event returns this year and there are plenty of daring souls who are willing to risk life and limb to chase after a big Double Gloucester cheese at Cooper's Hill.
Rebecca's big adventure Gloucestershire teenager Rebecca Crowther is flying out to China this summer for what promises to be the adventure of a lifetime.
A unique Forest voice This year sees the tenth anniversary of the death of playwright Dennis Potter, whose life and achievements are celebrated at the Voices in the Forest festival.
Hot air ballooning comes to Cheltenham A hot air balloon festival is coming to Cheltenham Racecourse in May and it's going to be hot stuff!
Earthworks Underground They're a specially formed collaboration that came together for the 2004 Cheltenham International Jazz Festival.
Brazilian jazz pioneer visits Cheltenham Brazilian composer and musician Hermeto Pascoal put on a worderfully eccentric latin jazz show at the 2004 Cheltenham International Jazz Festival.
Major waste disposal crisis looming According to the Wildlife Trust, Gloucestershire is facing a major waste disposal crisis in less than a decade.
Turner & Hooch - Gloucestershire style! A Gloucestershire police dog handler and his canine companion have taken a top 10 position in the National Police Dog Trials, hosted by the Metropolitan Police.
Silje steals the show Norwegian jazz songstress Silje Nergaard and her band put on an awesome show at the 2004 Cheltenham International Jazz Festival.
Jamie Cullum jazzes up Cheltenham The UK's biggest-selling jazz musician came to Cheltenham Town Hall for the 2004 International Jazz Festival and proved exactly why he's such a popular performer.
Courtney Pine kick starts the jazz Virtuoso saxophonist Courtney Pine made a welcome return to open this year's Cheltenham International Jazz Festival.
An interview with Courtney Pine Saxophonist Courtney Pine spoke to us in an exclusive interviewed before he took to the stage at the 2004 Cheltenham International Jazz Festival.

April
Cheltenham man Brian Wronski and his friend Matthew Evans recently set off on an intrepid charity 1500 mile bike ride to Portugal.
On the trail of big cats Gloucester's Frank Tunbridge has set up a hotline for sightings of big cats.
Air Tattoo celebrates pact 2004's Fairford Air Tattoo will commemorate the signing of the Entente Cordiale.
Appeal over son's death A family are appealing for information regarding their son's death on the A417.
Charity China Trek A Cheltenham PC will soon be swapping the beat for an exotic charity adventure.
Dealing With Danger Gloucester director and martial artist Scott Clifford has made an explosive action thriller.
Remember St George's Day? Should the Patron Saint of England's day be a public holiday?
Fancy becoming a Blast reporter? We are looking for local students who are willing to take part in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s Blast Young Reporter project.
Karin Blak is undertaking the challenge of a lifetime by trekking to the summit of Mount Olympus.
Family website is a hit Two Gloucestershire mums have launched a successful website for young parents.
Ninjas head East Nine local men and women are set to go on a trip of a lifetime to train with Dr Masaaki Hatsumi - the only Grand Master still living and training in the martial art of Ninjutsu.
A feast of literature for all The fifth mini-festival of literature in Cheltenham was a cracker, and our reviewer Nic Baddeley went along to see what was on offer.
Achievement of a lifetime for disabled rower Disabled oarsman Stuart Boreham was the first person with cerebral palsy to row the Atlantic alone and unaided. He told ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire what inspired him to make the journey.
Saintbridge Pond transformed! What was an eyesore dumping ground in Gloucester has been miraculously transformed into a beautiful nature reserve thanks to the efforts of a local community group.
Turn on to learning fun with the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½! ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire is opening a new centre which aims to get more people to switch on - to the life-changing possibilities of lifelong learning.

March
Appeal over son's death The family of a teenager found dying on the A417 dual carriageway are appealing for information.
A hidden affliction Katie Foulser explains to ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Gloucestershire what life is like for a self harmer.
Spring bundles of joy Spring is all about new beginnings and first time mother Rachel Evans tells us about her new arrival.
Come fly with me... Helen Tempest has been wing-walking for 22 years and says her love of aerobatics is in her blood.
Raising the awareness of nursing Garrett Bright from Gloucester is determined to raise the awareness of nursing and nurses in the county.
That's the wonder of Whittle Gloucestershire has been celebrating the pioneering work of Sir Frank Whittle.
Gloucestershire's Winter wonderland Snow was predicted for Thursday 12th March 2004, and the weather didn't disappoint! Residents of Gloucestershire sent in their pictures of the snow covered county.
More funds needed The Pied Piper Appeal needs £800,000 to finish a special children's centre, and they need your help!
New developments at Cheltenham Racecourse Cheltenham Racecourse now boasts some brand new multi million pound state-of-the-art facilities for racegoers and non-racegoers alike.
England U21 27-19 Ireland U21 A crowd of over seven thousand watched England's stars of the future take on Ireland in the Under 21 Six Nations Championship at Kingsholm last night. With pictures!
A trek to Mount Olympus Karin Blak is undertaking the challenge of a lifetime by trekking to the summit of Mount Olympus is Greece.
Life as a surrogate Carol O'Reilly, from Newent in Gloucester, has had three children for childless couples, making her an experienced surrogate mother.
The Marathon Man from Tewkesbury Neil Hall, from Tewkesbury, is going to tackle this year's London Marathon to raise cash for a Cancer charity.
The life of rugby referee Chris White Cheltenham born and bred International rugby referee Chris White arrived home from Australia last November, having taken part in the greatest Rugby tournament in the World.
Savour the flavour with the 'Fairford Recipe' Different generations in a Cotswold town are learning more about each other through an interest they both share - food!
South West photo challenge Calling all budding David Baileys! The search is on to find the best photo to promote South West England in a multi-million pound marketing campaign.

February
'Why did they butcher my dead son?' Maureen Thomas Powell was devastated twice over when she lost her teenage son after a road accident - then found 12 years later that his body parts had been removed and kept without her permission.
Lessons learned from a nightmare The Cromwell Street murders sent shockwaves through Gloucester and round the world. But 10 years on, the tragedy has brought improved services for vulnerable young people.
Stylist to the stars goes back to his roots! What do Robbie Williams, Mariah Carey, Josh Hartnett and Billy Zane have in common? Well, they've all been dressed by Cheltenham fashion stylist Stuart Weir.
Has spring sprung? These frogs think so! If the recent topsy-turvy weather has got you confused, you're not the only one. Gloucester's frogs reckon it's spring already!
Keeping the weight off! It's week four of Ann and Ron Bennett's slimming diary. Even after going on two holidays they've managed to lose a few pounds!
What's happening to City Bank? A park in Watermoor, Cirencester is now a dirty place to visit and is full of dog mess. Kelly Archer puts forwards her thoughts on the matter...
Growing up in foster care! Charles Welsh from Gloucester became an orphan at the age of 10 years old. He tells us what life was like growing up in a foster home.
Why does Cirencester ignore the young? Cirencester is a busy town but with so many young people there is just nothing for them to do, says Kelly Archer. Here the 21-year-old outlines the scale of the problem.
An email from America Student Kelly Archer highlighted the issues of living in a rural community and many of you agreed. Michelle Schrup emailed us with her comments...
The drug addict's 'friend' Probation officer Mike Arch explains why jail is no longer the sole destination for convicted drug users who steal to feed their habit.
Drug support services in Gloucestershire Find out where to get help in Gloucestershire for drug related problems.
From Shakespeare to Chagall! Tewkesbury resident Lyn Ede is an ex-English teacher turned successful artist. Take a look at some of her contemporary work below...
£800,000 needed to finish Royal Hospital Children's Centre Over the last decade the Pied Piper Appeal have been raising funds to build a special children's centre at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. But they need to raise another £800,000 to finish the job.
Pittville's road to hell Jason Simmonds, from Cheltenham, despairs at the state of the approach road to the town's landmark Pittville Pump Room.
Taking Care: Could you foster? As the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s Taking Care season explores what it is like to grow up in care, Gloucestershire County Council is appealing to more families to offer a loving home to young people.
Taking Care: Keeping families together As the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s Taking Care season explores what it is like to grow up in care, Gloucestershire County Council is playing its part in keeping children out of care.
Taking Care: Help for troubled teens As the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s Taking Care season explores what it's like to grow up in care, Gloucestershire County Council launches a new support service for teenagers in care.

January
2003: Gloucestershire's year in pictures 2003 has been an unforgettable year in Gloucestershire in all sorts of ways. Take a look back at the year in pictures.

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