Gloucestershire: Visual Highlights Amidst Storm Darragh and Festive Preparations

A collection of images from Gloucestershire this week features a picturesque view at Bourton-on-the-Water and enjoyable moments aboard the ‘Santa Plane’ at Cotswold Airport. Even with the disturbances caused by Storm Darragh earlier in the week, various areas of Gloucestershire present a striking appearance as the Christmas season approaches. A Christmas reflection image highlights exceptionally vibrant colours. David Hanks posted this image on social media, prompting its inclusion in this feature. As the Christmas period draws nearer, such vistas serve as a reminder of the unique appeal of residing in Gloucestershire, particularly during the festive season. Gloucester Quays appeared remarkably deserted last weekend during the impact of Storm Darragh. Numerous events throughout Gloucestershire, including the Christmas Market in Gloucester, were called off because of the powerful winds. An aerial photograph depicts a road where over 20 trees were toppled by Storm Darragh. This section of the A436, situated between Notgrove and Bourton-on-the-Water, remains closed for ongoing clearance operations. A unique tea party, hosted at Shurdington Community Centre, was organized exclusively for dachshunds and their owners. The gathering aimed to collect funds for charity, offering abundant tea, cake, and various enjoyments for the canine attendees. Proceeds from the event are designated for donation to The Dog Meat Trade Dachshund Rescue and Support Group. Annually, The Salvation Army conducts a Christmas present appeal, ensuring that every child receives a gift on Christmas Day. Volunteers, supported by church officers, are preparing to wrap and sort approximately 580 donated toys for families in need across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, in addition to 630 food hampers for individuals facing difficulties providing meals this Christmas. Children from Kingswood Primary School in Wotton-under-Edge participated in music lessons within an unconventional setting this week. Adjacent to the school premises is a well-preserved Abbey Gatehouse, originating from the 15th Century, which has remained undisturbed for an extended period. An ‘elf’ character at Cotswold Airport ensures that patrons participating in the ‘Flight before Christmas’ experience meet the boarding criteria. The ‘Flight Before Christmas’ constitutes a performance-oriented event conducted on an aircraft at the airport, with a duration of no less than ninety minutes, encompassing a storytelling session with Father Christmas. A picturesque landscape photograph from Nympsfield was captured by Weather Watcher ‘Space Walker’. The accompanying dog appears to be enjoying the outing as well. BBC Gloucestershire can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s policy on external linking is available.