Christmas in Gloucester 2021
This Christmas is different to last year but with some caution still around.
My key message is for each constituent to decide what is best and safest for your family which includes getting your vaccines and boosters. I’d also encourage everybody to continue testing regularly.
Meanwhile there is lots to enjoy in our City from city centre festive shop windows, the Quays Christmas Market, Blackfriars Bright Nights, Cathedral Christmas Experience and carol concerts by community organisations.
Now schools have broken up here's a short summary of links to useful info of activities, services and support:
Christmas Faith Services
Gloucester Cathedral: Gloucester Cathedral | Online Christmas Services & Events
St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church: St Peter's Church - Services & Times (stpetersgloucester.org.uk)
Ryecroft Mosque: Masjid E Noor Gloucester UK
Dioceses of Gloucester: https://www.gloucester.anglican.org/2021/christmas-activities-round-up/
Sporting Fixtures
Gloucester Rugby: Gloucester Rugby
Gloucester AFC: Fixtures (gloucestercityafc.com)
Gloucester Hockey: Welcome :: Gloucester City Hockey Club
GL1 and Oxstalls Bookings: Select centre and activity - Aspire Sports and Cultural Trust (bookaspire.org.uk)
Something special - Wildlife in Winter on Robinswood Hill, 11:00-15:00 on Saturday 8th January. Do find details at: https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2022-01-08-wildlife-winter
Local businesses - shops across the city have extended opening hours over Christmas – do check their websites: & free City Centre car parking on Thursdays in City Council car parks
Emergencies
Police call 101, health issues NHS 111 and if life threatening emergency dial 999.
Samaritans give 24 hour telephone support on 01452 116 123
Please only go to the Gloucester Royal if you’re a genuine A&E patient. If you have COVID19 symptoms then follow the advice here: COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). For usual issues – eg children’s colds - do use your local pharmacy or for worse problems the Gloucester Health Access Centre and Matson Lane Surgery (ghac.co.uk) in Eastgate St is open every day 0800-2000 – ring them on 336020 at 0800 sharp for a same day appointment. If your GP is closed see emergencies above.
Food support
If you need help with food or support over Christmas, do contact the HelpHub https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gloucestershires-community-help-hub/get-help/
Mental health/Domestic Abuse
See details of services on my website: opening times may vary: https://www.richardgraham.org/domestic-violence-and-mental-health
Gloucester Mental Health Crisis Team 0800 169 0398
Waste Collection
Waste collection timings are affected by public holidays; for more information please visit www.gloucester.gov.uk
Citizens Advice
For help with benefits, debt and general advice: https://gloscab.org.uk/
Lastly, my office won’t be physically manned after 5pm on Thursday 23rd December and will re-open fully on Tuesday 4th January. However, we'll check emails and telephone calls on normal working days and reply to any urgent issues as soon as possible.
Thank you for what so many of you are doing to help families, neighbours, communities and those in need especially over Christmas. I hope you all get some time with your own family..
Best regards
Richard
