July marked a dramatic political shift in the Forest of Dean as Labour's Matt Bishop ousted Conservative Mark Harper from his parliamentary seat.

By a slim margin of just 278 votes, Bishop became only the third MP for the constituency since its creation in 1997.

A Cinderford District Councillor and former police officer, Bishop highlighted the challenges ahead as he prepares to represent the Forest in Sir Keir Starmer’s government. Harper’s defeat signals a major change in a traditionally Conservative stronghold.

In Coleford, a new community choir for over-60s launched at the town library, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme.

The group welcomes participants from all backgrounds, including those living with dementia and their carers, offering weekly sessions every Monday from 2:30 to 4:00 PM. With no auditions or prior experience required, the choir focuses on fun and social connection, with breaks for refreshments adding to the inclusive atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Forestry England introduced new rules at the Cyril Hart Arboretum to address rising concerns about dog-related incidents. Issues such as uncollected waste and dog attacks had led to a decline in visitor numbers.

Under the new guidelines, dogs must now be kept on leads while at the arboretum. Recreation Manager Emily Ferguson emphasized, “Dogs are still very much welcome, but we ask that owners respect this decision to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.”

The month also saw political debate flare up as a Forest of Dean District Council motion to crack down on vandalism by groups like Just Stop Oil was voted down.

Councillor Julia Gooch introduced the proposal after Stonehenge was sprayed with powder paint in June, but the Green-led council rejected the motion, which called for tougher deterrents and greater transparency regarding councillors’ affiliations with activist groups.

August brought big news for the Forest of Dean as the Government announced a sharp increase in local housing targets. The district must now deliver 597 new homes annually, up from 330, as part of Labour’s national goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2029.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner described the move as “decisive reform” to address the housing crisis, while also promising more social and affordable housing. The new targets have sparked local discussions about balancing development with the Forest’s unique character.

In Coleford, Alison Roberts celebrated the release of The Grief That Doesn’t Count, co-authored with eight others. Published by Welford Publishing, the book explores overlooked forms of grief through personal stories.

Roberts’s chapter recounts the emotional toll of unmet family expectations, a journey she described as “healing.” The book highlights the therapeutic power of writing for both authors and readers.

Elsewhere, firefighters were called to Tidenham’s Windmill Field woods after teenagers lit an unsafe bonfire. Witnesses reported the group fled as the fire escalated, leaving behind cans and bottles.

Thomas Edwards, whose family owns the land, expressed frustration over recurring issues with litter and unsafe behavior. Local bushcraft expert Paul Jones has since offered to teach fire safety skills to prevent similar incidents.

Cinderford's Dean Radio celebrated its sixth anniversary with balloons, cake, and celebrations on the Dean Magazine Show. Broadcasting from the Miners’ Hall, the station continues to connect the Forest community through a unique mix of stories, local successes, and music.

Fourteen-year-old Woody, the youngest presenter, entertains listeners every Sunday afternoon alongside his mum, Lois. Reflecting on the milestone, Director Clive Southerton said, “This is all thanks to our amazing volunteers, interviewees, and listeners. Here’s to our seventh year!”

In Newnham, The Sanctuary Studio and Gallery unveiled The Essence, an exhibition by renowned painter Alice Sheridan. Sheridan’s abstract landscapes capture the energy and emotion of nature, with the show also featuring ceramics and jewelry inspired by the South West’s ancient landscapes.

The exhibition, which runs until November 1, has been well-received, with Sheridan explaining, “I aim to balance chaos and control, responding to movement and sound to capture life’s essence.”

Finally, Newent Town announced Romayne Thomas as their new First Team Manager. A former Stevenage professional and Premier League agency consultant, Thomas impressed during his interim period.

The club praised his leadership and vision, expressing confidence in a promising future under his guidance.