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Newsletter – 1 August 2022

Hello everyone,

The Commons and Great Park are looking parched as this newsletter goes out.  The cattle and horses are struggling to find anything to eat.  At least there should be no risk of a mud-bound Common causing problems as Giffords’ Circus arrives this month!

Although Covid is still prevalent in the area it has been fun to see so many activities taking place in July.  A highlight was a musical evening in aid of the Organ Fund on 22nd July.  It was due to take place in the Jutsums’ garden at Little Acre but due to rain it was held in Holy Trinity.   The Church was packed and people ate their picnics there and thoroughly enjoyed the singing of the Church and Community Choirs as well as wonderful instrumental pieces from Warwick Cole and his friend.  A wonderful tribute to Neil Cooper.

Tom Long’s Post
The August 2022 issue of Tom Long’s Post will be available to read on Minchinhampton Parish Council’s website via this link:

If you would prefer to have it delivered directly to your inbox each month, please email deputyclerk@minchinhampton-pc.gov.uk to be added to the mailing list, or give staff a call on 01453 731186.
Would you rather read a printed version?   Please do pop into the Parish office at The Trap House, West End, Minchinhampton (the office is manned Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30am to 4.00pm).  Alternatively, collect your copy from the library.

Minchinhampton Community Library – Children’s activities    
Minchinhampton’s bespoke Summer Reading Challenge, Minchinhampton Reading Warriors – Flying High, is continuing during summer until the end September.  Children receive stickers each time they finish a book and there’s a £5.00 book token for everyone who completes the Challenge (limited to first 100 placed).

Library Summer Craft Sessions
There will be three afternoon craft sessions for children in the library during summer.  Drop in on Tuesdays 16th and 23rd August, or Thursday, 1st September between 2.00 and 4.00pm.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Minchinhampton Community Library – GCC Public Consultation (survey and feedback)
Gloucestershire Libraries are welcoming, safe places at the heart of our diverse communities, offering a high quality and constantly evolving service.  Have your say on Gloucestershire’s new library strategy which is set to replace the last one produced in 2012.  Public consultation on the draft strategy aims to ensure people can have their say on the future direction of library services in Gloucestershire, so the needs of all library users and communities are met.  The role of the library has developed significantly since 2012 and the strategy aims to address both basic needs as well as the ambition to provide a forward-thinking modern service. 
Hard copies of the strategy and the survey will soon be available inside our library.  Have your say before 23 September 2022
Or you can read the strategy, and complete the survey online here

Minchinhampton Community Library trustees are also keen to have feedback on what you would like from the library in Minchinhampton.  If you have any suggestions please drop them into the “Ideas Box” which will be on their front desk for the duration of the consultation, or email secretary@mclt.org.uk

Modern Art Sculpture at Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton
There is a very striking, spiritual and thought-provoking modern art sculpture now installed in church, created by Peter Barnes .   Who would have thought that 50,000 computer keyboard keys could be so magnificent!  It can be viewed between 9.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday–Saturday, and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sundays.  It is likely to be on loan to Minchinhampton for a few months.  Click here for more information. 

Cotswold Club Quiz
On Sundays there is now a regular weekly Arkwright’s 3-round Quiz Night being held at the Cotswold Club, High Street.  8.00pm approx. start time.  Teams of 2, 3 or 4 are accepted, members and guests welcome.

Minchinhampton Local History Group
Please note that the group is currently reforming and we hope to be able to provide further news in the near future.

A message from The Crown now owned by Youngs Brewery
Mark and Fiona have been in hospitality since 2000 and have worked in town centre businesses, hotels, wedding venues and also lovely community businesses like this one.

There are two new chefs coming on board so you can expect a completely revamped menu.  We are now offering sandwiches, salads and lighter bites at lunch times – Monday to Saturday, as well as lovely, interesting seasonal specials in the evening and weekends, to sit along our core menu of pub classics such as fish and chips, pies, burgers, etc.    We hope we will have something for everyone and intend to serve food all day shortly.

We are very community focused and believe that the pub should be the heart of the community, and we are looking forward to embracing all the community events in the coming months.  We are looking forward to meeting all the locals and can’t wait to make The Crown as successful as it possibly can be.  And of course we also have Kenny the pub dog who already thinks he is King of Minch!!!

Stroudwater Textile Trust
History Walk to St Marys Mill:  Sunday 28th August, meet 1.45pm at the Salt House, Brimscombe Port, for a short walk along the canal towpath to St Marys and illustrations of the landscape during the high point of industry. At the Mill see how the Trust’s stored equipment is being prepared for Heritage Open Days (10 & 11 September) and the steam engine will be demonstrated.  Return the same way.
Free for members of Stroudwater Textile Trust; £4 for visitors. Booking on the Trust website here is essential.
 

Advance Notice


Wednesday, 7th September.  A trip to Highnam Court Gardens with Ian Jarvis. Total £26 per person.  More info at bus@abbeyhall.info, email ian@abbeyhall.info, or telephone 01453 833131. This will be a very popular trip so book early!

Saturday, 10th September.  10.00am – 4.00pm.  Minchinhampton Flower and Produce Show at Minchinhampton Academy.

Cotswold Playhouse, Parliament Street, Stroud:
Saturday, 10 September.  £12.   Star Theatre Company proudly present the critically-acclaimed comedy, Sherlock’s Excellent Adventure!  Follow Sherlock Holmes and his incomparable sidekick Dr John Watson on this riveting, until now, unpublished case.  Book online here or phone 0333 666 3366.

Stroudwater Textile Trust
10/11th September Heritage Open Days.  This free event, The Cutting Edge, celebrates two local astounding inventions that continue to benefit us today. Visit Stroud Brewery, once the Phoenix Foundry, for an exhibition of how the transformation of shearing cloth led to the lawn mower and the transforming of the lawn. Walk along the canal to St Marys Mill and discover other machinery made at the same foundry, watch the large steam engine turn and enjoy a rare chance to visit this 200-year old mill.  Click here to book a tour of the mill.

17/18th September Heritage Open Days.  Visit Dunkirk Mill Museum and the Weaving Shed at Gigg Mill for free and learn more of the work of the Phoenix Foundry and Astounding Inventions in the weaving of cloth. Details of opening here.

Autumn Fair at Beaudesert Park School
Saturday, 15th October, 8:30am-3.00pm Autumn Fair at Beaudesert Park School.  Beaudesert Park’s highly anticipated Autumn Fair is returning this October.  Visit the school to start your Christmas shopping with stalls including Atelier18, Little Smartipants, Wovenology and Gasm Drinks.  Food and coffees are also on offer in the Courtyard.  Entry is £3 on the door for adults (children U16 go free), all proceeds will go to local charity Read for Good.

Ian Jarvis is organising a five-day holiday in Hampshire from 20th- 24th April 2023 staying at the Hampshire Court Hotel.  To secure a place, pay a deposit of £80 refundable until December. More details at bus@abbeyhall.info, email ian@abbeyhall.info, or telephone 01453 833131.


  Events  


For further information of these events and details on how to book, please go to our website here.  
Also, please remember a list of regular weekly events can be found at the top of the Events’ page – click on a day of the week and you will see what is taking place, where and at what time.  For instance, the weekly Community Coffee Morning (with weekly notices) is held every Monday from 10.00am-12.00 noon at the Cotswold Club, High Street. 

Monday, 1 August  10.30am – 12.00noon.  Poems in the Porch Room.  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  Welcomes all but especially people with memory problems.  For more information contact Jo Smith 01453 834714

Thursday, 4 August  10.30am – 12.00noon.  Hampton Probus:  A Career of Lucky Breaks (part 2).  Speaker Brian Witcombe.  Members with guests by Invitation.  For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk

Saturday, 6 August  10.00am – 3.00pm.  Makers’ Market.  Market House, Minchinhampton.  The cake stall is back along with flowers, jams, glasswork, cards, pottery, up-cycling, sewn goods etc

Saturday, 6 August  2.00-3.00pm.  Organ Recital:  Jed Hughes*.  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.

Saturday, 6 August 7.15-10.30pm.  Arkwright’s Cash Bingo.  Cotswold Club, High Street.  Eyes down 7:45pm.  All welcome, guests can be signed in.

Monday, 8 August 7.00-9.30pm.  Minchinhampton Parish Council Planning Committee.  The Trap House, West End.    Members of the public wishing to join the meeting should email the deputy clerk to confirm details.  Email: deputyclerk@minchinhampton-pc.gov.uk

Thursday, 11 August – Monday, 22 August.  Giffords’ Circus:  ¡Carpa!.  Minchinhampton Common.  For more information/bookings click here

Thursday, 11 August.  10.00am-12.00noon.  Minchinhampton Probus:  My Father’s Military Experiences.  Speaker:  Ray Stockall.  Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  Meeting starts 10.30am.  New members and guests welcome.  tony.e.simmonds@gmail.com

Sunday, 14 August.  2.00-4.30pm.  Cream Teas in the Porch Room.  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  There is a sheet on the notice board in the church for anyone wishing to come along or volunteer.  Price per person:  £7.50.  (fundraising for the organ)

Monday, 15 August – Wednesday, 17 August   The Catch Academy Summer Camp.  Minchinhampton Sports Hub.  For children aged 6-11, to develop hand eye coordination and movement skills.  For further information contact:  Steve Perkins on 07925 930260 or email thecatchacademy@gmail.com

Monday, 15 August 8.00am-5.00pm.  Coach Trip to St Fagans, Cardiff with Ian Jarvis.  Coach £25, Entrance free – Total £25.00.  Contact:   ian@abbeyhall.info, 01453 833131.

Monday, 15 August  6.30-9.30pm.  Minchinhampton Gardening Club:  Social and Quiz.  Minchinhampton Golf Club.  Includes 2 course meal.   Please email your menu choices to johnfivash@btinternet.com.  Payment preferably to any committee member or on the night.

Tuesday, 16 August  2.00-4.00pm.  Summer Craft Session.  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  Free, just drop in.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tuesday, 16 August  7.00-9.30pm.  Box Gardening Club.  Box Village Hall. 

Thursday, 18 August  9.30am-2.30pm.  Wild Food Foraging including lunch.  Burleigh Court Hotel, Burleigh.  £69 per person.  Bookings here.   

Thursday, 18 August  10.30am – 12.00noon.  Hampton Probus:  The Vale of Berkeley Railway.  Speaker Graham Sturgess.  Members with guests by Invitation.  For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk

Friday, 19 August  12.00-2.30pm.  Friday Lunch.  Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  This Friday lunch is different as all the cooks are away.  Fish and chips dinner, costing £10.  Sign–up sheet at the back of the church to help with planning.  For further information please contact: Linda or Stephen Jarvis 884545. (Please note that there will be no Friday lunch in September due to staff holidays.)

Friday, 19 August  7.30-10.00pm.  Minchinhampton Movie Night:  The Duke.  (comedy starring Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent)  Minchinhampton Market House.  Tickets from the Market Stores, £6.00 (Cash only).  Doors open 7.00pm.  Licensed bar.

Sunday, 21 August 7.30-10.00pm.  The Taming of the Shrew:  Shakespeare in the Garden.  The Bear of Rodborough.  Bookings here.: 

Monday, 22 August – Wednesday, 24 August   The Catch Academy Summer Camp.  Minchinhampton Sports Hub.  For children aged 6-11, to develop hand eye coordination and movement skills.  For further information contact:  Steve Perkins on 07925 930260 or email thecatchacademy@gmail.com

Monday, 22 August – Friday, 26 August.  10.00-11.00am and 6.00-7.00pm.  Summer Yoga on Rodborough Common.  (behind the Fort)  More details here.  or email kishoriyoga@gmail.com

Monday, 22 August  7.00-9.30pm.  Minchinhampton Full Parish Council.  Baptist Church, Tetbury Street.  Members of the public wishing to join the meeting should email the clerk to confirm details.  Email: clerk@minchinhampton-pc.gov.uk

Tuesday, 23 August  2.00-4.00pm.  Summer Craft Session.  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  Free, just drop in.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Thursday, 25 August  10.00am-12.00noon.  Minchinhampton Probus:  Reminiscences of a Concorde Test Pilot.  Speaker Alan Smith.   Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  Meeting starts 10.30am.  New members and guests welcome.  tony.e.simmonds@gmail.com

Thursday, 25 August  10.30-12.00noon.  Stroud Businesswomen’s Casual Network Meeting.  The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton Common.  Bring a friend.  All welcome!

Friday, 26 August  8.00-9.30pm.  Concert*.  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.

Saturday, 27 August  11.00am-12.30pm  Concert*.  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.

Saturday, 27 August  8.00-10.00pm.  JS Bach Cello Suites Concert*  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.

Sunday, 28 August  10.30am-2.00pm.  Minchinhampton Walking and Wildlife Group.  Contact karencolebourn@gmail.com to be added to the circulation list.

Sunday, 28 August 1.00-4.00pm.  Longfield Summer Fete.  Longfield Hospice, Burleigh Lane.  Entry is free, with a voluntary parking donation.  Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Thursday, 1 September  10.30am-12.00noon.  Hampton Probus:  The History of Policing in England and Wales.  Speaker Tim Brain.  Members with guests by Invitation.  For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk

Thursday, 1 September  2.00-4.00pm.  Summer Craft Session.  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  Free, just drop in.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

*  More information available from Holy Trinity Church office,  01453 889004.

As always, please do get in touch if you would like us to add anything to our newsletters or if you see any omissions or alterations.   If you know of any newcomers to the town, please do tell them about MinchLife and this newsletter.


Anne and Janet
info@minchlife.com

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