Hello everyone,
Summer has arrived and the Easter holidays. Hopefully the strong wind will be in the past and everyone can enjoy the fine weather….
Revitalising Minchinhampton Town Centre
As many of you may know a consultation took place about revitalising Minchinhampton Town Centre at the Cotswold Club on 24th March. Arrangements were finalised after our March newsletter was published so full details are now available online and readers have until the end of April to submit their views.
Originating from the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) and in consultation with transport consultants, Minchinhampton Parish Council have developed concept drawings relating to revitalising Minchinhampton Town Centre. Our hope is the future of our town will be a sustainable, safe, inclusive and a people-centric environment enhancing our rich heritage and our feeling of community. To read more please visit the Neighbourhood Development Plan on the Parish Council website here. There are also links to the survey and presentation.
Easter School Holiday Activities
Various schemes have been set up in the area including:
Easter Tennis Camp for children aged 5-14; Easter Football Camp for school years 2-7, Multi Sport Camp for children aged 5-13 and Drama workshop for children aged 5-13. Contact details and dates can be found on the MinchLife events calendar here.
News from the Cotswold Club
Keith Allen is now head of Entertainment and following his successful Karaoke nights is now planning to hold regular Poker and Blues evenings. The first Poker night will be on Thursday, 16th April at 7.30pm and the Blues evenings will be monthly – the first being on Friday, 17th April. More information can be obtained if you call into the Club and speak to the bar staff, or keep an eye on the Cotswold Club website here or Facebook page.
Minchinhampton Folk Club
The Folk Club meets every Thursday with music from 7.45-10.30pm at the Cotswold Club in the High Street, Minchinhampton. We request a small donation of £2.00 which allows us to book guest artists. In April we have two guest nights. Walking River Trunk (Portuguese folk/blues musicians) are coming on Thurs, 9th Apr and Hilary Pavey and Jim Reynolds are booked for Thursday, 23rd Apr. There will be plenty of floor spots for other performers so do come along. Performers and audience all welcome
Hope Cafe, Avening
The next session will be Tuesday, 21st Apr at 10.00am. It is always on the third Tuesday. Run by a GP and a Physio the Hope Cafe is free to attend for anyone suffering from chronic pain. Further details 07900 472999.
Valuation by Chorley’s in Nailsworth
Chorley’s is holding two valuation days at Vinotopia, The Wine Barn, Nailsworth Mills Estate (by the Garden Centre) on Friday, 10th Apr and Saturday, 23rd May, all from 10.30am – 2.30pm. No appointment needed, just turn up on the day with your items (from jewellery, silver and paintings to furniture, ceramics, clocks & watches, rugs, books etc…) or with images on your phone if easier. If you would prefer an earlier valuation or a home visit please contact us on 01452 344499 or email info@chorleys.com
For more information about Chorley’s Auctioneers please visit www.chorleys.com
Amberley Shop and Cafe Holy Trinity Church, Amberley
Closed Good Friday
Tuesday, 7th Apr – 10.00-10.30am Storytelling and Colouring
www.amberleyshopandcafe.co.uk
Burleigh Court Hotel, The Roundabouts, Brimscombe
Thursday, 16th Apr 6.30 pm Hidden Gems of the Old World; a five course tasting menu through Europe’s interesting vineyards.
Booking and more information here or telephone 01453 883804.
The Crown, High Street, Minchinhampton
Wednesday, 1st Apr 6.00–9.00pm. Locals’ Night 2 courses for £20.
Friday, 3rd Apr 9.00–11.00am Easter Egg Hunt Breakfast £10.
Thursday, 30th Apr 7.30–11.00pm Monthly quiz night. £2 per person
Bookings and more information here or telephone 01453 608010
Halfway Cafe, Common Road, Box
The Lunchbox cafe is closed for the Easter holidays but will open during term time Mondays to Fridays from 10.00am – 3.00pm.
Amberley Inn, Culver Hill
Easter Special: Kids eat for just £4 with any 2 adult meals.
Thursday, 30th Apr 7.30-10.00pm Amberley Inn Quiz Night £2.00 per person
The Inn is also asking “what daytime events/classes/gatherings would folk like hosted at The Amberley Inn? Please contact Marcia Ramotar at the inn with suggestions.
Bookings and more information here or tel 01453 872565 or email enquiries@theamberleyinn.co.uk
The Long Table, and Brimscombe Mill, Brimscombe
Long Table:
Thursday, 9th Apr 10.30am-12.00noon Kids Kitchen Decorate an Easter biscuit. No need to book.
Friday, 10th Apr 6.00- 8.00pm Just the Two of us Jo and co are back with a mix of classic covers.
Friday, 17th Apr 6.00–8.00pm Goldfinches A rousing 4 piece Bristol Based Indie folk group.
Friday, 24th Apr 6.00-8.00pm. Ordinary Folk Contemporary and traditional Irish American and Scottish tunes.
Brimscombe Mill:
Saturday, 4th Apr 8.00-11.00pm. Sanctum – Alice Brookes, Manon McCoy and Emmy Lambert +Aellin. A night of sonic explorations!
Saturday, 11th Apr 10.00am-12.00noon Let’s create for all ages
Saturday, 11th Apr 6.00-10.00pm. Farm Table Talks with Good Small Farms
Saturday, 18th Apr 10.00-2.00pm Teen Stuff Sale in Sanctuary space
Tuesday, 21st Apr 10.30-11.30am Messy Play under 5s
Saturday, 25th Apr 11.00am-1.00pm. Mini Makers Market
For more information and tickets click here for Long Table and here for Brimscombe Mill.
Further afield
The Barn Theatre, Cirencester
Up to 19th Apr Ottilie – The story of the Queen of the Blues. Prices are one third cheaper for performances up to 10th April.
28th Apr – 30th May. Double Double. A romantic thriller. Daniel Brocklebank and Faye Brooker.
Bookings and more information here or 01285 648255.
Cotswold Playhouse, Stroud
Wednesday 1st Apr 7.30pm The Complete Works of Jane Austen, abridged. Tickets £16. A fun, funny and fast-paced romp through the masterpieces of Jane Austen.
Saturday 4th Apr 7.30pm. The Pirates of Penzance. Tickets £22. Concessions £20. Opera Anywhere presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta with ingenious characters and some of the best known songs in opera.
Thursday, 16th Apr 7.30pm Film Night – Alien (18). Tickets £8. Science fiction/horror.
Friday, 17th Apr 7.30pm Bottom Between the Sheets. £15. An evening of words, music and musings inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
Saturday, 18th Apr 7.30pm Murder at the Opera: A Night to Die for Cardiff Cotswold Opera Tickets £15 (£10 concessions)
Wednesday 22nd – Saturday 25th Apr. Tell me on a Sunday. 7.30pm. Tickets £20. Grace Hawker stars in Andrew LW’s one-woman musical.
Bookings and more information here or Box Office 0333 666 3366
Meningitis Fundraiser at Stroud Brewery
Thursday 23rd Apr 7.00-11.00pm. Tickets £5. Featuring local bands and artists from the Stroud area including Jonathan Brough and the Broo Crew. Jonathan is our local resident who was paralysed from the neck down over 30 years ago having suffered meningitis but is such an example to us all. Now playing in a band!
Try Bowls for free!
Through the spring and summer anyone is welcome to come to Nailsworth Mills Bowls Club on Friday evenings where you can learn the basics in a friendly environment or just have a go – you’ll be sure of a warm welcome. All you need is flat footwear, and we’ll show you the rest – coaching is available if you like what you find and want to learn more. You can find us on the Nailsworth Mills estate near the garden centre. There are several current and prospective members from Minch. More information here.
Stroud Outdoor Pool
There is a new website to keep everyone up to date on the future of Stroud Lido and what you can do to help. Https://savestroudlido.org/
Dates for your diaries
Sunday, 10th May 7.00 pm. Verdi Requiem Wycliffe College Chapel, Stonehouse. Wycliffe Choral Society and Orchestra. Tickets £18 Available here. Phone 0333 666 4466
Wednesday, 13th May Cows return to the Common.
Wednesday, 13th May Coach Trip to Stourhead with Ian and Katie Jarvis. Coach £29. Entrance fee £19 for non-National Trust members. Ian (& Katie) Jarvis 01453 833131, Mobile: 07403 899599, Mobile: 07802 357478
Saturday, 16th May National Theatre Live “All my Sons” at the Market House
Sunday 7th Jun 9.30am – 4.00pm Community Walk in aid of Horsfall House. Registration is now open online here.
Sunday, 28th Jun 2.00-5.00pm Minch Life Open Gardens
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 Apr – 2.30-4.30pm Minchinhampton Women’s Institute: Great Western Air Ambulance 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
Wednesday, 1st Apr – 7.30-8.30pm Box Village Hall AGM Box Village Hall All Box residents are most welcome to attend and to contribute suggestions and ideas for using the hall for the benefit of the whole community.
Thursday, 2nd Apr – 10.30am-12.00noon Hampton Probus: Death of a King Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk
Thursday, 2nd Apr – 2.00-4.00pm Craft Session for children aged 3+ Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road Free event, all children to be accompanied by an adult
Good Friday, 3rd Apr – 9.00am-1.00pm Spring Bake Sale Market House, Minchinhampton. Sugar cookies, rocky road, carrot cake, brownies and more. Everything 50p-£1.50. Raising money for school Spanish trip, spare money to charity.
Good Friday, 3rd Apr – 10.30-11.45am Messy Church Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton Easter Garden construction, Easter crosses, Decorating Easter biscuits and more. Hot cross buns and drinks for all. All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Good Friday, 3rd Apr – 6.30-9.00pm Cotswold Folk Session Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Friendly folk tune and song session. For all abilities.
Saturday, 4th Apr – 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 Apr – 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 Apr – 2.00-4.00pm Box Village Dragon Trail Box Village Hall The bunnies of Box have invited some unusual friends to stay over Easter. Can you identify all the rare species that have come to nest in Box village? £1 entry. Trail maps and quiz sheets available from the hall on the day.
Saturday, 4th Apr – all day Chairman’s Day and Easter Raffle Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton Members of the club have the chance to win cash prizes ranging from £20 to £150, just for being present.
Easter Sunday, 5th Apr – 6.30-7.30am Churches Together Dawn Service Tom Long’s Post, Minchinhampton Gather at dawn to celebrate the resurrection.
Easter Sunday, 5th Apr – 7.45-10.00pm Arkie’s Easter Quiz Night Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. £4.00 per team of four.
Tuesday, 7th Apr – 2.30-4.30pm Afternoon Fellowship Group – Easter with Mrs Gillian Howarth Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton All welcome. More information from Sue Fairley on 01453 873139.
Wednesday, 8th Apr – 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 Apr – 10.00am-12.00noon. Minchinhampton Probus: Matter, Matters – advancing our understanding of Physics Speaker: Gerald South 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 Apr – 7.30-9.30pm Amberley Gardening Club: Pots for Hot Spots and Shady Characters Amberley Parish Rooms, Guests welcome. For more information about Amberley Gardening Club please contact christo.p.bailey@outlook.com
Friday, 10th Apr – 10.00am-12.30pm Free Digital Support: Personalised 1-2-1 Appointments with Digi-champion Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Book your space in advance by calling 01453 885497, email secretary@mclt.org.uk, or call into the library during opening hours
Friday, 10th Apr – 6.30-8.30pm Painting Class Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton For artists of all levels. £16 per person to include all materials. Booking essential as places limited.
Friday, 10th Apr – 6.30-9.00pm Box Bar Box Village Hall An enjoyable social hub for the village.
Sunday, 12th Apr – 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.
Monday, 13th Apr – 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 Apr – 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, 13th Apr – 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
Monday, 13th Apr – 8.00-9.30pm MinchCan Meeting Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton New members welcome to discuss new Community Orchard and other projects in the area
Tuesday, 14th Apr – 9.30am-5.00pm Coach Trip to Corsham centre and Corsham Court with Ian and Katie Jarvis Coach £22, per person and entrance to Corsham Court £12.50 (optional) Contact: Ian (& Katie) Jarvis 01453 833131, Mobile: 07403 899599, Mobile: 07802 357478
Tuesday, 14th Apr – 10.15am-12.15pm Scrabble Group Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road Newcomers welcome.
Wednesday, 15th Apr – 10.30am-12.00noon. Social Book Club Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. This month’s topic will be Biography or Autobiography.
Wednesday, 15th Apr – 7.30-9.30pm Royal British Legion Meeting Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton New members are urgently required. You do not need to be ex-services to join. If the Branch ceases to exist, then we will have to lay up our Branch Standard which means that we will not be able to formally parade at the Cross to celebrate Remembrance Day. For more information contact Roger Sims 07807278004 or Simon Ritter 07562214833.
Thursday, 16th Apr – 10.30am-12.00noon Hampton Probus: The Work of Longfield Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk
Thursday, 16th Apr 12.00-3.30pm Minchinhampton Ladies Lunch Club: History of Women in Gloucester Constabulary (Sue Webb) The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton Common. New members welcome but it is important to contact Sandy Emery before attending the lunch. emery31@btinternet.com
Thursday, 16th Apr – 7.30-10.45pm NEW: Poker Night Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton Contact the club for more information or check their website here or facebook pages.
Friday, 17th Apr – 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 Apr – 4.30-6.00pm Three Little Pig Tails (Air in G Event) Puppet Show Box Village Hall Classic story of the three little pigs set in Paris. Tickets (£10 plus booking fee) online here: or from Roger Ogle 01453 839041 or rogerogle@compuserve.com
Friday, 17th Apr – 6.30-9.00pm Cotswold Folk Session Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Friendly folk tune and song session. For all abilities.
Friday, 17th Apr – 7.30-9.30pm (doors open 6.45pm) Minchinhampton History Society Wool, Water and Wealth” Market House, Minchinhampton Life and Times at Longford Mills and Ham Mills. Tickets £5 (£4 for members of MLHG) from Market Stores (cash only), or payment on door (cash or card).
Friday, 17th Apr – 7.30-11.00pm (times to be confirmed) Blues Night with Will Killeen, Pete G and the Magnitones Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton Hosted by Keith Allen. Contact the club for more information or check their website here or facebook pages.
Saturday, 18th Apr – 11.00am-12.00noon Hazel Beanpoles & Peasticks for sale Minchinhampton Allotments, Tobacconist Road More information/prices here. Produced as a result of the coppice restoration project at Westonbirt. If you cannot make that time and date, contact Naomi to arrange collection/delivery/payment. 07449 337082. westonbirtcoppiceproducts@gmail.com
Saturday, 18th Apr – 8.30-11.00pm The Usual Suspects Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton The band is set to deliver electrifying covers of iconic hits from Queen, Simple Minds, Stereophonics, U2, The Cult, The Moody Blues, The Beatles, and many more.
Sunday, 19th Apr – 7.45-10.00pm Arkie’s Quiz Night Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. £4.00 per team of four.
Monday, 20th Apr – 7.00-9.30pm Annual Parish Meeting The Market House, Minchinhampton Meet the Chair of the Parish Council and the local councillors. An opportunity to come and have your say.
Monday, 20th Apr – 7.30-9.00pm Minchinhampton Gardening Club: Climbing Plants Minchinhampton School Hall, School Road. New members welcome. For more information please contact John Goodwin at johngoodwin99@outlook.com
Tuesday, 21st Apr – 2.30-4.00pm Cotteswold Naturalists: The Geology and Landscape of Gloucestershire Box Village Hall Contribution of £5 from visitors is requested. Followed by refreshments at no additional charge. For more information contact cnfcmembershipsec@outlook.com or on the website here.
Tuesday, 21st Apr – 7.30-9.30pm Box Gardening Club: Seasonal Colours in the Garden Box Village Hall Visitors welcome £4 per talk. Contact: Email BoxGarden@box-village.com. For more information regarding Membership contact Gill Ogle 01453 839041
Tuesday, 21st Apr – 7.30-9.30pm Minch Book Club The Crown, High Street. Book for discussion: “Home Going” by Yaa Gyasi. For further information please contact: Rachel Montgomery at rachel@monty.one or 07715 303707
Wednesday, 22nd Apr – 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 Apr – 10.00am-12.00noon. Minchinhampton Probus: Thomas Telford, the engineer who built Britain Peter Petrie 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
Friday, 24th Apr – 10.00am-12.30pm Free Digital Support: Personalised 1-2-1 Appointments with Digi-champion Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Book your space in advance by calling 01453 885497, email secretary@mclt.org.uk, or call into the library during opening hours
Friday, 24th Apr – 6.30-9.00pm Box Bar Box Village Hall An enjoyable social hub for the village.
Friday, 24th Apr – 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)
Friday, 24th Apr – 7.30-10.00pm Minchinhampton Movie Night: Choral Market House, Minchinhampton. Doors open at 7pm. Written and directed by Alan Bennett and Nick Hytner who made ‘The Lady in the Van’ and ‘History Boys.’ – a choral society attempts to perform The Dream of Gerontius for their community against the backdrop of World War I. Tickets available from the Market Stores £7 (cash only please). Licensed bar available.
Saturday, 25th Apr – 10.00am-12.30pm Amberley Gardening Club Plant Sale Forecourt of Holy Trinity Church/Amberley Shop on the Common Variety of plants including edibles, ornamentals, annuals, perennials and small shrubs mostly grown by Club members. Refreshments from the Amberley shop and cafe. Plant Sale and Bric-a-Brac Stall (proceeds to Women’s Refuge).
Saturday, 25th Apr – 11.30am-12.30pm Minchinhampton Market House AGM Market House, Minchinhampton Email Secretary@minchinhamptonmarkethouse.co.uk by 13th Apr with agenda items or if you wish to become a trustee or volunteer. Refreshments.
Saturday, 25th Apr – 4.00-6.00pm “Songs for Spring” – Concert with the Stuart Singers and the Wyndham Singers Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton The local Minchinhampton choir will be joined by a Devon male voice choir to present a varied programme of popular light music sung in 4-part harmony, raising funds for Gloucester and District Samaritans. Tickets £12.50 (Under 16s free) Online here or Market Stores or on the door
Saturday, 25th Apr – 7.00-10.00pm “The Audience” Live National Theatre Market House Minchinhampton Helen Mirren plays Queen Elizabeth II in the Olivier and Tony Award -winning hit production, directed by Stephen Daldry. Tickets £12.00 available from the Market Stores (cash) or online here.
Sunday, 26th Apr – 10.00am-2.00pm Walking & Wildlife Group – Box Woods Please contact karencolebourn@gmail.com for more information and to be added to the circulation list.
Sunday, 26th Apr – 2.00-4.00pm Women’s Institute Pop Up Sale Coronation Scout Hut, Dr Browns Road, Minchinhampton Refreshments will be available and entry is free. Any good quality donations for the sale can be brought to the Scout Hut between 1.00– 2.00pm. No electrical items. Any unsold items will be donated to Horsfall House.
Sunday, 26th Apr –3.00-5.00pm People’s Emergency Briefing Market House Minchinhampton A new public information film based on footage shown to MPs in Westminster, about climate and nature breakdown. Join Cllr Chloe Turner and MinchCan to watch the film and discuss what we can do to make our community more resilient. The tickets (free, over 16s only) can be booked here:
Monday, 27th Apr – 7.00-9.30pm Minchinhampton Parish Council Full Council Meeting. The 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
Monday, 27th Apr – 7.00-9.00pm Annual Parochial Meeting Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton This is an important event in the year when the Annual Report and Accounts are approved and reports received from all the various groups and activities in which the church is involved. Key appointments are also made.
Thursday, 30th Apr – 9.30-11.00am Stroud Businesswomen’s Network Meeting Minchinhampton New Golf Course, off Hampton Hill. Non-members who would like a free introductory meeting please email enquiries@stroudbusinesswomen.org.uk
Friday, 1st May – 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
Friday, 1st May – 6.30-9.00pm Cotswold Folk Session Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Friendly folk tune and song session. For all abilities.
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