Minchinhampton is feeling more and more normal as events are taking place locally. Amongst other things Cogfest, Henry Vth in the gardens of Horsfall House and Open Gardens around the town all attracted a good attendance. Hopefully as from 19th July there will be an end to all restrictions although Covid 19 will not be far from anyone’s minds.
Save the date! Minch Life will be hosting a street party on Saturday, 18th September. We will close the High Street and groups will be able to reserve pitches. These will be socially distanced and for up to six people. The idea will be for people to bring their own chairs, picnic table and food. Entertainment will be provided – a children’s entertainer, bands, choirs and stalls from “Made in Minch” under the Market House. As numbers will be limited to 500 people, it will be on a first-come first-served basis. We will announce the release date in the next newsletter and on the Facebook site.
Community news
Stroud District Local Plan – Land east of Tobacconist Road (PS05 allocation)
On Saturday, 26th June, there was a very successful public drop-in consultation on plans to include Glebe Farm as a potential site for 80 new houses in the Stroud District Local Plan. Land at Tobacconist Farm has been designated as safeguarded land for development in the future if needed. The site is situated within our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with access via the very narrow roads of Summersfield Road, The Glebe, The Bulwarks and Farm Close. The impact on the whole of the centre of Minchinhampton would make the current traffic and parking issues even worse and the infrastructure could not support this scale of development. The Parish Council, Local Neighbourhood Planning Group and Campaign for Rural England will write to object and are encouraging many local residents to add to these objections. The deadline for objections is midnight on 21st July 2021.
If you want to know more, please contact ourminchinhampton@gmail.com or go to https://www.minchinhamptonndp.org/.
Long Table News:
Closure of Keith the Freezer: The organisers and everyone at The Long Table, would like to thank everyone who has supported Keith – the Freezer of Love – in Minchinhampton. With the easing of COVID restrictions, and the arrival of Freddie the Freezer at school, Keith is being temporarily retired and they are working alongside The Long Table to hatch a plan for his evolution … If you’d like to be involved with any ongoing projects, please do get in touch. Keith was one of the most successful freezers, in the family of freezer love, which is testament to our wonderful community up here. So many people enjoyed and benefitted from the delicious meals cooked by the amazing chefs at The Long Table, as well as bread from Hobbs House Bakery and Fat Toni’s pizzas.
The work in the community doesn’t stop there though, and Freddie the Freezer, based at school, will be open to everyone in due course. There are many people working tirelessly and voluntarily in the background on a new community project so watch this space! The Long Table also have various projects in which people can get involved, including being a “Friend of The Long Table” – see the website for details: https://www.thelongtableonline.com/
Minchinhampton Community Library
Minchinhampton Community Library Trust are very excited to announce that the Summer Reading Challenge will take place from 17th July until 4th September. This year the library is launching their very own bespoke “Minchinhampton Reading Warriors” which hopefully the children will enjoy taking part in. It will be open to all school aged children as well as those starting school this September. Children can sign up for free at the community library during the summer holidays – there is even an option for parents to get involved too!
Throughout the challenge, library volunteers support children, helping them to explore a wide range of different types of books and enjoy a range of creative activities and events. 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).
The Library is now open as follows: Monday: 2 – 4.30pm, Tuesday and Friday: 10am – 12 noon, 2 – 4.30pm, and Saturday: 10am – 12 noon.
Whats On news
Dunkirk Mill Museum and the Weaving Shed at Gigg Mill, Nailsworth, are open for booked visits. Details of dates and arrangements for visiting are on the website www.stroudtextiletrust.org.uk .
Minchinhampton Rangers YFC are looking for new players from school years 7,8 and 9. They train on Sunday mornings from 11am – 12pm and Wednesday evenings from 7pm – 8pm at the polo ground on the Cirencester Road. Do feel free to come along for a taster session. For further information contact Simon Thomas at sbthomas1@sky.com. Www.minchinhampton Rangers.com
Theatre Coach Trip
Anne Brookes is starting her theatre trips by coach again on 4th August to see Absurd Person Singular at the Everyman in Cheltenham. If you are interested in going she needs to know by 4th July 2021 please. Inclusive price £42.00. Please ring Anne on 01453 882639.
Forthcoming events:
For further information of these events, and details of how to book, please click on the event or look at the Events calendar on our website https//:minchlife.com
Saturday, 3rd July. 10am – 2.30pm. Minchinhampton Makers’ Market, Minchinhampton Market House.
Saturday, 3rd July. 11am – 12.30pm. Choir of Gonville and Caius College – Music at Minch. Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton
Sunday, 4th July. 2pm – 5pm. Open Gardens in aid of cancer relief. 4 adjacent gardens in Lower Littleworth, Amberley.
Thursday 8th July and 22nd July. 3.30pm – 4.45pm. Thursday Club, The Hub, Tobacconist Road, Minchinhampton
Friday, 9th July. 5.30pm – 7pm. Organ Recital and Presentation at Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.
Saturday, 10th July 10am – 12.30 pm. Amberley Shop on the Common pop-up café.
Sunday, 11th July 2pm – 6 pm. Open Gardens in aid of Pancreatic cancer. 6 Highcroft, Minchinhampton.
Monday 12th July, 7pm – 9pm. Minchinhampton Parish Council Planning Committee
Wednesday 14th July. Coach trip to Waddeson Manor House with the Jarvis’s.
Friday, 16th July. 1.00pm – 2.00pm Madhus Rasoi Indian Takeaway. Box Village Hall.
Friday, 16th July. 7.30 – 10pm. Ladies’ dance evening at Minchinhampton Youth Centre, Tobacconist Road.
Saturday, 17th July. 9.00 – 12noon. Book and Plant Sale, Minchinhampton Market House Undercroft.
Sunday, 18th July 8am – 5pm. Family day at the Cricket Club. Stuart playing fields, Tobacconist Road.
Thursday, 22nd July 9.30am – 2.30 pm Foraging Course with lunch. Burleigh Court Hotel, Burleigh.
Sunday, 25th July. 10.30 am – 1pm. Walking and Wildlife Group – Chalkhill Butterflies at Swells Hill.
Monday 26th July. 7pm – 9pm. Minchinhampton Parish Council Full meeting.
Friday 30th July – 1st August. Food and Drink Festival at Gatcombe Park. Day session 11 – 6pm and evening session 6pm – 11.30 pm (Friday and Saturday)
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 this summer and autumn, following the easing of restrictions.