October saw Newnham residents Richard and Zerbanoo Gifford were invited to a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, recognising decades of legal work supporting the Chagossian people.

Mr Gifford has acted as a lawyer for the Chagos Refugee Group for more than 30 years, campaigning for their right to return to their homeland after they were forcibly removed to allow for the construction of a US airbase on Diego Garcia.

During the audience, the Pope spoke of the injustice suffered by the Chagossians, as the issue continued to make headlines following changes to the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Back in Newnham, Sanctuary Studio and Gallery launched a new midwinter exhibition celebrating storytelling through art.

Featuring painters, illustrators and printmakers, the exhibition brought together imagined landscapes, portraits, still life and handmade prints, offering visitors a sense of warmth and wonder during the darker months of the year.

The month also saw Forest of Dean District Council praised by the Local Government Association, following a Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review.

The council was recognised for completing or making progress on all actions in its improvement plan, with the review highlighting a strong sense of community, positive organisational culture and a clear commitment to learning and delivery.

Drybrook RFC announced the appointment of Andy Ford in November as their new backs coach, joining head coach Chris Fortey ahead of the new season.

Ford arrived with an impressive coaching pedigree, having led Hartpury University to a third successive BUCS Super Rugby title and supported Gloucester-Hartpury to further success in the women’s game. The club said the appointment marked an exciting new chapter for the Green Army.

In Highnam, residents were invited to comment on proposals for a large-scale solar farm capable of powering up to 18,000 homes. Developer Voltis outlined plans for a 36-megawatt scheme designed to minimise visual impact and protect heritage assets, while also proposing a community benefit fund and environmental enhancements.

Meanwhile in Bream, new business owners Sophie Smith and Phoebe Dickinson spoke about the positive impact of launching Spirit and Stone Oddities.

The alternative shop, offering handmade and ethically sourced products inspired by nature and art, was described as a confidence-building venture that had also supported the pair’s mental wellbeing.

The year came to a close when Gloucestershire County Council launched a new domestic abuse strategy covering 2025 to 2028, responding to rising demand and data showing domestic abuse accounts for a significant proportion of crime in the county.

Terry Piper broke his own British Blind Sports record, scoring 509 in a Portsmouth round competition.

A world champion and coach at Bowmen of the Deans Archery Club, Piper said the achievement was deeply satisfying and reflected years of dedication, while continuing to inspire others through inclusive sport.

On the roads, Forest of Dean Police launched Operation Limit, carrying out drink and drug driving checks throughout the festive period. Officers conducted roadside stops across the district, seizing untaxed and unroadworthy vehicles and reminding motorists of the importance of driving responsibly.