Dear all,
It is so good to see sunshine after all the rain in the last month. Hopefully June 21st will see more freedom from lockdown. Many clubs and activities are opening normally now, whilst always being aware of Covid restrictions. Do look at the website for the weekly classes going on in the Minchinhampton area – weekly classes are at the top of the Calendar. Please remember to get in touch to tell us more about any activities you know of so we do not miss anything.
News
Minchinhampton Community Hub
The Hub and the Youth Centre have been combined to form Minchinhampton Community Hub. It is hoped this site will serve the community in the best way possible. It is born from discussions between the leaders of Minch Youth Club (MYC) and the trustees that hold the land (that was originally bought as a site for a church hall). The Parish church is not receiving any proceeds from running this site, and both the Baptist Church and Parish Church in Minchinhampton are putting a great deal of their resources into the site. Andrew Brooks has confirmed that he is happy to be retiring. This is the last term that the present Youth Club will run. (Wednesdays 6—7.30pm for juniors 8–11/12).
1. A new gym will be opening in the next few weeks, three days a week, in The Hub. This will offer classes and facilities for all to utilise (young and old, keen and reluctant!). This will help finance the site so organisations like MYC and The Coigne Nursery can continue to function well.
2. Playground equipment is being researched, and charities are beginning to come forward who are interested in funding the installation.
3. The options for opening a kiosk/café on the site for parents at activities to meet together are being explored.
4. A group to oversee youthwork on site is being started. Volunteers (both existing and new) are required.
Patient Transport Service starting again 1st June!
Do you, or someone you know, need transport to get to the Surgery or to a local hospital? If so, why not use the Patient Transport Service, run by the Minchinhampton PPG? For further information or to book a driver, please call the service on: 01453 887314. Please note this service is available for Minchinhampton surgery patients only.
Horsfall House activities
The Dr Booth Day Centre has been fully used throughout the pandemic for visiting relatives when guidance allowed and, more latterly, as a satellite vaccination centre to support local surgeries. It is now open again three days a week. Please apply to be put on the waiting list.
Home Care has seen a marked increase in activity as we move towards normality. New staff are being recruited. Respite activities are in full flow and bookings are being taken for respite and full residency. It is worth getting on the waiting list even if you are not certain of when you might like a bed. Margaret Greaves and her team have shown remarkable resilience and stamina throughout these extraordinary times and a great deal of gratitude is owed for their dedication in caring for everybody in the Home. Full report here.
Minchinhampton Annual Parish Meeting
Each year an Annual Parish Meeting is held at which residents can have their say on anything they consider is important to the people of the Parish. The 126th annual Parish assembly took place on 17 May by Zoom. Click here for a transcript of the Chairman’s address, and the draft minutes of the meeting.
Minchinhampton Market House
Just before the first Covid lockdown in 2020 the Market House management committee had arranged for a set of historical posters and images to be put on display in the building. They aim to be both decorative and informative on the history of the Market House. Owing to the curtailment of use of the Market House over the last 14 months, not many of the regular visitors to shows, plays,
films, music, markets, exhibitions and other functions have been inside the place to take a look at the display. This should be something of local interest to catch up with when ‘normality’ returns.
One of the images in the display, showing influential people through history involved with the Market House, is that of Fenning Parke, who was Master of a school at the Market House from the age of 17 until his retirement in 1863. He was also involved with the Improvement Association, engaging demonstrations and speakers, generally to full houses. A selection of the Improvement
Association posters form the main part of the permanent display. For more information/photographs please click here.
Animals on the Common
A request please for members of the public to stop feeding the horses on the common – this is so dangerous, not only for the person doing the feeding but also for other people who may be carrying a bag and then find that they are being pursued by a herd of horses. Anyone who knows about horses will be aware that they can kick, bite or knock you over – the horses on the common are not domesticated and even if they were – you should still not feed other people’s animals.
Beaudesert appoints new Head of Pre-Prep
Mrs Anna Packman will be joining Beaudesert Park School in September 2021. Anna has been a teacher of Pre-prep aged children for almost 20 years and has spent the last six years as Headmistress of the Pre School and Prep School at Bromsgrove School, Mission Hills in Shenzhen. Anna and her family will be returning to the UK after 11 years in China.
Stafford Cottage, High Street
The shop is now open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm. Do pop in and support the shop. Many bargains available.
Henry’s, Market Square – now selling fresh flowers on Fridays.
Events
Artisan Pop up Fair
On Saturday, 12 June nine local artists and makers will be hosting an Artisan Pop Up Fair at the Market House Undercroft from 10am-4pm. There will be a wide variety of original art, handmade prints and greeting cards as well as ceramics, textiles, organic clothing and apparel, handmade candles and gifts. Artisans include: artists Galina Gardiner, Stephen Baxter, Jemma Jones & Gemma Pitman, printmaker Carol Honess, ceramics by Starling Pots, textiles & homeware by Sarah Hardaker, clothing & apparel by Hughug UK and candles & gifts by CandleCo. Covid safe guidelines will be in place.
Crown Pub
Live music every Friday night. Now fully open to eat and drink.
Cotswold Club
Are now open with new draught ales now available. Members only, no guests. No clubs will be using the facilities until later in the month.
Mondays-Thursdays 12.00-2.30pm, 6.00-10.00pm; Fridays 12.00-3.00pm, 6.00-11.00pm;
Saturdays 12.00 – 11.00pm and Sundays 12.00 – 4.00pm
Minch Community Choir
Every Monday 7.30 – 9pm. Meeting in the Market House Undercroft. £2 to cover venue costs. Please bring a chair and drink. All welcome. More information email Chair@minchlife.com
Stuart Singers
The latest Recording by the Stuart Singers is “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen to reflect our feelings of joy at the gradual re-opening of our society. Click here to listen.
Bellringing
The bellringers are hoping to resume ringing after 21 June and their first practice will be on Friday, 25 June. If you are interested in knowing more come on a Friday evening (the tower door is at the north-east corner of Minchinhampton Holy Trinity church), or telephone 01453 884203.
Amberley Gardening Club
The club have recently sent us an article on what their club has been doing and what they plan in the next few months – for further details click here. The Clubwould be delighted to welcome new members or visitors – Contact: christo.p.bailey@outlook.com
Events diary
Wednesday, 2 June. 2.15-4.00pm Cotteswold Naturalists’ Field Club – Gardening with and for Wildlife. 2.15 – 4pm. Zoom lecture for members only.
Thursday, 3 June. 6.00-7.00pm. Girls Rugby. (Age 8+) Minchinhampton Rugby Club. Newcomers welcome.
7–11 June. Ian and Katie Jarvis’ Coach trip to Kent.
Saturday, 12 June. 10.00am-4.00pm Artisan Pop up Fair. Market House Undercroft.
Monday, 14 June. 7.00-9.30pm Minchinhampton Parish Council Planning Committee. Contact clerk@minchinhampton-pc.gov.uk for details.
Wednesday, 16 June. 6.00–9.30pm. Outdoor Shakespeare: Henry Vth. Festival Players at Horsfall House. Tickets: The Market Stores, Shiny Goodness (Nailsworth), on the night at Horsfall House or online here.
Friday, 18 June. 1.00-2.00pm. Madhus Rasoi Indian Takeaway. Box Village Hall. For menu and booking details click here.
Saturday, 19 June. 9.00-1.00pm. Pop up Pocket Money shop. Market House Undercroft. Kids’ crafts, dressing up items etc. (Dazzle)
Sunday, 20 June. 2.00-5.00pm. Horsfall House Open Gardens in Minchinhampton and Hyde. Tickets available from The Market Stores, on the day at Bell Lane, 63 Windmill Road and online closer to the day here.
Monday, 21 June. 6.00-8.30pm Minchinhampton Parish Council Finance Committee. Contact clerk@minchinhampton-pc.gov.uk for details.
Sunday, 27 June. 8.00am-5.00pm. Cogfest. Starts at Minchinhampton Primary Academy. For more information, and booking details, see here
Sunday, 27 June. 10.30am-1,00pm. Walking and Wildlife Group. Large blues on Rodborough Common. Details on how to join here.
Monday, 28 June. 7.00-9.30pm. Minchinhampton Full Parish Council Meeting. Contact clerk@minchinhampton-pc.gov.uk for details.
Further details of these events can be found on our website, in the Events Calendar – https://minchlife.com/events. Also, please remember a list of regular weekly events can be found on this page – for example, if you click on “Wednesday” at the top of the calendar you will see that the Market is taking place in the undercroft, and on “Thursday” you will find that Pete the Fish visits the Market Square. In this section regular exercise classes can also be found.
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. We are particularly keen to hear from all Clubs and Groups regarding their plans for the next few months.