Hello everyone,
July looks to be very busy in Minchinhampton with two circuses making an appearance. Giffords will be back on the Great Park which is always a highlight for the town. Tequila’s Circus too will be near the Rugby Club. Please note the change of dates – their visit has been delayed by a week. Horsfall’s walk on Sunday, 7th June was a huge success as you can see below and do support their Shakespeare in the Garden on Thursday, 9th July. This year it is “Comedy of Errors” – bring a picnic and sit back and enjoy it all.
Thank you to everyone who came to the Open Gardens last weekend; over 400 people turned out on this thankfully slightly cooler Sunday afternoon. It was wonderful to see such a wide range of gardens, from the larger and wonderfully kept; to those which are a plantsman’s paradise, crammed with plants; to the smaller but completely lovely plots. All the garden owners were on hand to talk about the story of their garden, and to identify the more unusual plants. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this a delightful afternoon, and the bakers and tea-makers who kept us all well fed. Even the cows staged a brief photo-call in the middle of town! MinchLife have raised over £2,500 from this event, which will help to fund the next Country Fayre in September 2027.
Minchinhampton Flower and Produce Show
In the School Hall on Saturday 5th September. Do enter! Schedule can be found here.
Horsfall House Community Walk raises over £9,000
Horsfall House’s community walk on Sunday, 7th June was a fantastic success, raising more than £9,000 to support our elderly care services. We were incredibly moved by this year’s turnout, with 285 adults and children and 46 dogs taking part – many proudly wearing our new Horsfall House bandanas! The day would not have been possible without our 31 amazing volunteers, including staff, trustees and dedicated community fundraisers, who gave their time so generously.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who walked, volunteered, donated or supported us, including the local businesses and organisations who helped make the event so special.
This year’s new finish line at Horsfall House created a wonderful celebratory atmosphere, bringing our community right to the heart of our home. It was a truly memorable day, and one we look forward to building on in June 2027!
Trip to the National Memorial Arboretum
The Minchinhampton History Group is organising a day trip to the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield in Staffordshire. A beautiful and inspiring place, the 150 acres of the Arboretum include more than 400 memorials commemorating not just the Armed Forces and the Emergency Services, but also the many civilian organisations that supported our Nation in times of need. It’s well worth a visit!
The proposed date is Wednesday, 23rd September and tickets will cost £25 per head. If you would like to join this outing, please drop an email to jch.mounsey@gmail.com as soon as possible as we need to confirm our booking with the coach company and we’re still trying to get the numbers to make this a viable outing. Look forward to hearing from anyone interested!
John Mounsey
Extreme weather/economic disruption/national security
Chris Packham has created a petition asking the government to hold a UK wide briefing on climate and nature risks. Whether you have had the chance to see the People’s Emergency Briefing or not you are probably aware that the UK is at high risk of extreme weather, economic disruption and national security threats. This is our chance to ask the government to hold a national briefing from independent experts that would give people clear guidance on what these risks mean and what we can do – both together and individually – to prepare and respond.
For a bit of gamification we’d like to get Stroud to the top of the list of communities who are supporting this initiative. Around 62 more signatures could put Stroud into second place.
Around 150 more could take Stroud past South Devon and into first in the country. Of course, the main aim is to gather more signatures and strengthen the call to action. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/767687
Cotswold Crafters Club
Looking for something creative and fun for your child on a Sunday morning? Cotswold Crafters Club is a brand-new Sunday morning club for children aged 6–12, run by Hannah Daulton, a qualified local teacher. Sessions include a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, sweet treat making, stories and reading, nature walks, games and creative activities in a friendly, small-group environment. Initially, the club will be held from 9.30am-12.30pm on 13th, 20th and 27th September and the cost will be £35 per session or £90 for all three sessions. All materials are provided, the club is fully DBS checked, and places will be limited to ensure every child enjoys a high-quality experience. To find out more or book a place, please contact Hannah on 07496 818205 via WhatsApp.
Cheap peak travel from Stroud-London
From £30 a day return. New coach to West Drayton to link with the Elizabeth line. Wifi, USB-charging and toilet. Artisan coffee and pastries, snacks and drinks. Book now at https://gostroud.club
Hope Cafe in Avening
This is for all chronic pain/symptom sufferers. Run by physio Cas and retired GP Anne Marie Marlow. This will not be held in July and August.
Burleigh Court Hotel, The Roundabouts, Brimscombe
Friday and Saturday evenings – Fireside dining is back. Discover the Burleigh Garden Bothy. Watch our chefs at work, grilling prime local meats, seasonal vegetables and sourdough pizzas over oak and cherry-wood flames.
Sunday, 5th July and then weekly. (12th, 19th and 26th) at 5pm. New weekly Sound Bath. Grace from Grace & Glow is working with Burleigh Court. A calming journey designed to ease tension.
Sunday, 19th July. Jazz lunch. 1.00-3.00pm. Enjoy the sound of Utrillo playing live from the lounge, with grand piano and bass.
More details https://burleighcourtcotswolds.co.uk or telephone 01453 883804
The Crown, High Street, Minchinhampton
The garden Charcuterie bar is officially open for the summer.
Summer spritz season Monday to Friday 11.00am – 10.30pm until Friday, 31st July.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Wimbledon and Commonwealth Games. All live on our screens.
Wednesday, 1st July – 6.00-9.00pm. Locals’ night. A special set menu of 2 courses for £23 and 3 courses for £27.
Thursday, 30th July – 7.30-11.00pm. Monthly Quiz night. £2 per person (cash only) to join and there is a surprise voucher for the winning team (6 max per team). 7.00pm start.
Bookings and more information online or telephone 01453 608010
Amberley Shop and Café, Holy Trinity Church, Amberley
Tuesday, 21st and 28th July – 10.00-10.30am Storytelling and Colouring for Children aged 2+
https://www.amberleyshopandcafe.co.uk 01453 616061
Amberley Inn, Culver Hill
Sunday, 5th July – 2.30-5.00pm Amberley Inn Scrufts Dog Show on the Village Green. 9 categories, £1.00 per category. Enter on the day.
Thursday, 30th July – 7.30-10.00pm Amberley Inn Quiz Night £2.00 per person
Bookings and more information online or tel 01453 872565 or email enquiries@theamberleyinn.co.uk
The Long Table and Brimscombe Mill
The Long Table
Friday, 3rd July – 6.00pm – 8.00pm. Steve Ferbrache. Resident musician and summer barbecue.
Saturday 4th July – 10.30am – 9.00pm. Still Point: Festival of Ambient Music. A day-long festival celebrating experimental and immersive sound. Tickets required.
Friday, 10th July – 7.00pm – 8.00pm. Some Voices Choir
Friday, 10th July – 8.00pm – 10.00pm. Sanctum/The Sleeves + Arcai. A night of sonic explorations. Tickets required.
Friday, 17th July – 6.00-8.00pm. Mansfield Smith An acoustic and electric roots music duo.
Friday, 17th July – 8.00-10.30pm. Mesadorm + Mara Simpson. All rock quintet on release of third album Comfort and Lies supported by Mara Simpson. Tickets required.
Friday, 24th July – 6.00pm – 8.00pm. Feast of Fools – a cappella folk quartet.
For more information and tickets check the Long Table website here.
Brimscombe Mill
Tuesday, 7th July – 10.30-11.30am. Kids Stuff Messy Play
Thursday, 9th July – 6.00–9.00pm. Brimscombe Mill Pre Loved Clothes sale
Saturday, 11th July – 10.00am–2.00pm. Wear Next Gear Amnesty and Pop Up Shop
Monday, 20th July – Saturday 29th August Summer holidays at Brimscombe Mill. Circus skills to cooking, craft sessions, quiz nights. More information here. Some tickets required.
Tuesday, 28th July – 10.30am-2.30pm. NHS Community Health Check. Just turn up.
Thursday, 30th July – 7.00-9.30pm Yellow Lighted Bookshop Event – Anthea Lawson: How Not to Save the World. More information and tickets here
For more information and tickets check the Brimscombe Mill website here
Further Afield
Saturday, 4th July – 11.00am–3.00pm. Longfield Run the Rainbow. Frampton Court Estate.
Saturday, 4th July – 2.00-4.00pm. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Stroud Area Wind Orchestra at Egypt Mill, Nailsworth. Free event. Music includes some of the band’s favourite repertoire from the last ten years.
Saturday, 11th July Thames Head Singers “Glorious Gloucestershire” St Mary’s, Painswick. Music by Parry, Holst and Vaughan Williams and new works from talented local composers including Helen Terry. Tickets £25 0333 666 3366. Music, wine and cheese.
Barn Theatre, Cirencester
Until 22nd August. Million Dollar Quartet. A musical inspired by Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. They entered a recording studio in 1956 and made rock’n’roll history.
Also events at the Barn Cinema and Cirencester Comedy Club monthly – Friday 10th July. 7.30pm.
More information and booking here. Box Office 01285 648255.
Cotswold Playhouse, Stroud
Friday, 10th July – 7.30pm. Tickets £8. Film night Priscilla – Queen of the Desert. (Cert 15).
Friday, 17th July – 7.30pm. Tickets £17. Lady Windermere’s Fan. An evening of scandal, elegance and laughter by DOT Productions.
Saturday, 25th July – 7.30pm. Tickets £15 (£12 under 25) Two Sisters – Shakespeare’s Daughters. A new play performed by Stratford Theatre Company.
Bookings and more information here or Box Office 0333 666 3366
Dates for your diaries
Saturday, 22nd August -12.00noon-4.00pm. Cream teas/lunches at Holy Trinity Minchinhampton.
Tuesday, 25th August. A trip to Chippenham town centre and Ilford Manor. 2 Course lunch, Peto and walled gardens with Ian and Katie Jarvis.
Saturday, 5th September – 12.00noon-4.00pm. Minchinhampton Flower and Produce show.
Friday, 11th September. 7.30pm. NT Live “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” Market House.
Saturday, 12th September – 12.00noon-5.00pm. MinchLife Street Party
Tuesday, 15th – Sunday, 20th September. 10.00am-4.00pm. Art Exhibition at Three Storeys, Nailsworth, featuring paintings and sketches by a group of Stroud artists working under Alison Vickery.
Friday, 25th September. A trip to RHS Autumn Show with Ian and Katie Jarvis.
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.
Wednesday, 1st July – 2.30-4.30pm Minchinhampton Women’s Institute: The Adventurous Life of Amelia Edwards Egyptologist and Traveller Coronation Scout Hut, Dr Browns Road, Minchinhampton For more information, contact Sandy (President) emery31@btinternet.com, Christina (Secretary) gooch764@btinternet.com or Joy (Minch Life liaison rep) joyburr005@gmail.com
Thursday, 2nd July – 10.30am-12.00noon Hampton Probus: The end of an era? Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk
Friday, 3rd July – 6.30-9.00pm Box Bar Box Village Hall An enjoyable social hub for the village.
Friday, 3rd July – 6.45-9.00pm Cotswold Sessions Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Friendly folk tune and song session. For all abilities.
Saturday, 4th July – 10.00am-12.00noon Repair Café Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Free monthly service organised by Eco Church and Minch Can. For further information contact canminch@gmail.com
Saturday, 4th July – 10.00am -12.00noon Coffee Morning Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church Minchinhampton. All welcome. If you require a lift please call 01453 889004
Saturday, 4th July – 10.30-11.30am Free Children’s Author/Poet Visit Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. John Dougherty will be providing an exciting line-up of songs, poetry, jokes and stories to kick off the “Read to the Beat” Summer Reading Challenge.
Saturday, 4th July – 7.30-10.00pm Auction Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton Featuring a diverse array of items, ranging from rare collectibles to exquisite art pieces, ensuring there’s something for every enthusiast. Bidders can expect a lively atmosphere.
Sunday, 5th July – 8.45-10.00am Parish Breakfast Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Join everyone for breakfast with a selection of cereals, croissants, bacon rolls, juice, tea and coffee.
Sunday, 5th July – 12.00noon – 4.00pm Summer Fair, Brimscombe Primary School, Brimscombe Hill A fantastic afternoon of fun, games & excitement, plus a special performance from Tweedy the Clown. Everyone welcome. There will be lots to see and do. Prebook your tickets now here (suggested minimum donation £3 per ticket – this includes entry to the fair and all performances, including Tweedy’s show). We are expecting it to be a very popular event and tickets are limited due to maximum capacity.
Monday, 6th July – 12.30-2.00pm Poetry & Words (Minchinhampton Folk Club), Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. This meeting is subsidised by the Folk Club so there will be no entry charge but please support the Cotswold Club by using the coffee machine or the bar for drinks.
Monday, 6th July – 8.00-9.30pm Pints and Perspectives Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. A friendly discussion exploring life’s big questions – this month ‘Loneliness, social isolation and connections’. All welcome.
Tuesday, 7th July – 2.30-4.30pm Afternoon Fellowship Group – Summer Tea Party 6 Ollney Road, Minchinhampton All welcome. More information from Sue Fairley on 01453 873139
Wednesday, 8th July 2.30-4.00pm Just Sing! Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road For those who enjoy singing but do not wish to join a choir. Newcomers welcome. For more information call David on 07557 640687
Thursday, 9th July Amberley Gardening Club – Visit to Avebury Manor and Hookshouse Pottery For precise details of timing of this event, and details about membership, please contact christo.p.bailey@outlook.com
Thursday, 9th July 9.00am-5.00pm Trip to RHS Flower show at Badminton with Katie and Ian Jarvis Coach £20 + RHS Entrance £35, total: £55 (NB if 50 attend, then ticket rate drops to £30pp) Contact: Ian (& Katie) Jarvis 01453 833131, Mobile: 07403 899599, Mobile: 07802 357478
Thursday, 9th July 10.00am-12.00noon Minchinhampton Probus: A Members’ Meeting Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Meeting starts 10.30am. New members and guests welcome. For further information please contact Steve Hoskin on 07511 324088
Thursday, 9th July 7.00-9.00pm Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors” Horsfall House, Windmill Road, Minchinhampton Outdoor performance by Festival Players. Gates open at 6.00pm. Pack a picnic, bring a chair. Tickets: £18 adult, Concession (over 60s, under 16s or parties of 10+) £16 each. Available online here, Horsfall House reception or at the gate, subject to availability.
Thursday, 9th July 7.23-10.45pm Poker Night Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton One table of dealers choice. £30 max chips. 1 buy in. Keith Allen will be hosting and in his words ‘keeping it friendly’
Saturday, 11th July 10.00am-2.00pm Tabletop Sale Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton Find treasures, grab a bargain, refreshments. Turn unwanted goods into cash – to book a table (£20) contact 07946 250022
Saturday, 11th July 7.30pm start Call my Bluff Wine Tasting Evening Box Village Hall All profits to Alzheimer’s Research. Teams of up to 6 people. Tasting different wines and guessing from the 2 descriptions which one it is), with cheeseboard at the break. Tickets: £25 per person. Contact: Julia 07787 795911, Carolyn 07707 768440, or Andy 07764 565539
Sunday, 12th July – 7.45-10.00pm Arkie’s Quiz Night Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. £4.00 per team of four.
Monday, 13th July – 10.30am-12.00noon Poems in the Porch Room Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Welcomes all, but especially people who are living with memory problems. Contact Jo Smith on 01453 834714 for further information.
Monday, 13th July – 6.00-7.00pm Minch Safer Streets: Community Meeting Back Room, The Crown Inn, High Street, Minchinhampton. Should more be done to reduce traffic speeds?
Monday, 13th July – 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 clerk to confirm details. Email: clerk@minchinhampton-pc.gov.uk
Tuesday, 14th July – 10.15am-12.15pm Scrabble Group Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road Newcomers welcome.
Tuesday, 14th July – 3.30-5.00pm Messy Church Olympics Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton Bring the whole family for a fun-filled afternoon and join us for a family-friendly mini Olympics, including: Hoop Challenge, Balloon Racing, Sweet Chasing and much more! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Wednesday, 15th July – 10.30am-12.00noon. Social Book Club Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. This month’s topic will be “August is Colour” by William Boyd.
Thursday, 16th July – 10.30am-12.00noon Hampton Probus: The work of the National Trust Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk
Thursday, 16th July – 7.45-10.00pm Minchinhampton Folk Club: Guest Night with James Slater Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton James likes to sing Americana, the musical ethos of the US, blending folk, country, blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, gospel, and other external influences.
Friday, 17th July – 10.00am-12.30pm George Pearce House Tabletop Sale George Pearce House, The Glebe, Minchinhampton. Lots of nice items to buy and great gifts on the tombola stall. Tea, coffee, squash, cakes and biscuits for refreshments. All welcome
Friday, 17th July – 12.00noon-2.30pm Friday Lunch The Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. All welcome to a two-course hot lunch with coffee, or tea. Sign–up sheet at the back of the Church to help with planning, and if you have particular dietary needs. Donations accepted on the day. For further information contact: Linda or Stephen Jarvis 884545.
Friday, 17th July – 6.30-9.00pm Box Bar Box Village Hall An enjoyable social hub for the village.
Friday, 17th July – 6.45-9.00pm Cotswold Sessions Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Friendly folk tune and song session. For all abilities.
Monday, 20th July- 7.00-9.30pm Minchinhampton Parish Council Finance Committee The Trap House, West End. Members of the public wishing to join the meeting should email the clerk to confirm details. Email: clerk@minchinhampton-pc.gov.uk
Monday, 20th July – 7.30-9.30pm (Doors open 7.00pm) Minchinhampton Gardening Club: Useful, Beautiful but Unloved Minchinhampton School, School Road. An alternative look at weeds by Roger Umpleby. Visitors are always welcome.
Tuesday, 21st July – 7.30-9.30pm Minch Book Club The Crown, High Street. Book for discussion: “When the cranes fly south” by Lisa Ridzen. For further information please contact: Rachel Montgomery at rachel@monty.one or 07715 303707
Wednesday, 22nd July – 2.30-4.00pm Just Sing! Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road For those who enjoy singing but do not wish to join a choir. Newcomers welcome. For more information call David on 07557 640687
Thursday, 23rd July – 10.00am-12.00noon. Minchinhampton Probus: The Knights’ Templar (Speaker Gil Gibbons) Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Meeting starts 10.30am. New members and guests welcome. For further information please contact Steve Hoskin on 07511 324088
Thursday, 23rd July – 7.23-10.45pm Poker Night Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton One table of dealers choice. £30 max chips. 1 buy in. Keith Allen will be hosting and in his words ‘keeping it friendly’
Friday, 24th July – 5.00-9.00pm Woodfired Pizza in the Undercroft Market House, Minchinhampton. Bookings in advance would be useful (but not essential) – please contact: email: hello@midnightpizza.co.uk, tel 07800 742798 or click here
Saturday, 25th July – 7.15-10.00pm Wendy’s Cash Bingo Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Book Sales 7:15pm, Eyes Down 7:30pm Members and Guests are welcome (Guests must be signed in)
Sunday, 26th July – 10.30am-1.00pm Walking and Wildlife Group: Swells Hill Butterflies Meet at the Reservoir car park. An informal group who enjoy walking, wildlife, good company and the occasional trip to the pub. Dogs welcome. Please contact karencolebourn@gmail.com to be added to the circulation list.
Sunday, 26th July – – 7.45-10.00pm Arkie’s Quiz Night Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. £4.00 per team of four.
Monday, 27th July – 7.00-9.30pm Minchinhampton Parish Council Full Council Meeting. The Trap House, West End. (Note change of address) Members of the public wishing to join the meeting should email the clerk to confirm details. Email: clerk@minchinhampton-pc.gov.uk
Tuesday, 28th July 7.00-10.00pm Theatre in the Garden – Sherlock Holmes The Bear of Rodborough Adults £21.60, Children (under 12) £10.80. More information and bookings online here.
Wednesday, 29th July – Sunday, 2nd August – Tequila Circus Minchinhampton Rugby Club, Hampton Fields All seats £9.00. Wed 29th 7.00pm only, Thurs 30th 5.00pm and 7.30pm, Fri 31st 5.00pm and 7.30pm, Sat 1st Aug 2.00pm and 5.00pm, Sun, 2nd Aug 2.00pm only. More details/booking here.
Thursday, 30th July – 9.30-11.00am Stroud Businesswomen’s Network Meeting – featuring mini training sessionfrom Alison Pollecut of Excel Confident Minchinhampton New Golf Course, off Hampton Hill. Non-members who would like a free introductory meeting please email enquiries@stroudbusinesswomen.org.ukSt
Thursday, 30th July – Monday, 10th August – Giffords Circus, Minchinhampton Common Brand-new show, “Waterfield”, is inspired by the beauty of the English countryside and the creatures that call it home. For details of prices and times, and booking, look online here or telephone 01453 800200
Friday, 31st July – 7.30pm – 11pm. Blues Night Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Hosted by Keith Allen. Local talent and renowned musicians.
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