Hello everyone
Summer has arrived in full force and Giffords Circus will be with us in the next week bringing life and fun to Minchinhampton. The Street party and Moo Race organised by Minch Life is coming up soon on Saturday, 14th September and the bunting and banners are going up now. Several teams have already gone to the website here to register for the race at 3pm. As well as teams from our local clubs and organisations we thought it might be fun if roads in Minchinhampton competed against one another, i.e. Well Hill against West End or the Glebe against Butt Street! Also for areas in the parish to enter – Hampton Green versus Box, etc. Do give it some thought and talk it over with neighbours and friends … Bring a picnic and come along to enjoy the fun!
Minchinhampton Community Library
Have lots going on for the children this summer. There are two library challenges – the Gloucestershire Library Challenge which is based on Sport and Minchinhampton‘s bespoke Bookstack Challenge. In addition, every child can enter into a weekly draw for a £10 book voucher every time they visit the library and borrow some books. There is a Teddy Bear’s Book picnic on Saturday 3rd August, Summer Lego Club every Thursday morning from 10.30-11.30 and Summer Craft Sessions on Thursdays, 8th, 15th and 22nd August from 2.00-4.00pm. All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Would you like to know how to keep your kids safe online, set limits on phones or tablets, or set up a new device for a child? Or do you need help getting online, sharing photos and connecting with others? The library’s Digi-Champion is coming on Friday, 23rd August. Contact the library to book your personalised appointment.
For the older readers the library has recently purchased a lovely selection of brand new large-print books, both general fiction and crime. The regular stock of large-print books has also been changed.
Amberley Storytelling Club
Storytelling is back for the summer holidays at Amberley Shop and Cafe. Keep your little ones entertained for free while you enjoy a well-earned coffee. Tuesdays, 10.00-10.30am. Age 2-5 years (but all welcome).
Men! Your choir needs you!
The Stuart Singers is a 45 voice choir based in Minchinhampton and they are recruiting more male singers for both the tenor and bass sections. They would also welcome more sopranos. Not sure which section you would belong to? Come along for a sing and find out. Rehearsals are at Minchinhampton Primary school on Thursday evening from 7.15 to 9.30 pm. There is no need to read music, just bring along a sense of enthusiasm and a love of singing. If you want to see the Stuart Singers perform, their next two concerts are on 6th September with the Magnificent AKs at Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton (to raise funds for Parkinsons UK), and on 12th October at St George’s Church in Nailsworth (to raise funds for the church reordering). More information here, Facebook or contact Vic for an informal chat at stuartsingers@hotmail.com.
A message from Ian and Katie Jarvis
Booking needed asap for Ian Jarvis outings as Ian and Katie have their ticket allocation on a short hold. Adam Kay at Malvern Theatre on 18th October and The Red Shoes at RSC Stratford on 23rd December. Please book now info@abbeyhall.info. 01453 833131.
Friday,13th September – David Austin roses and Garden Centre for lunch.
Friday 18th October. Dr Adam Kay Undoctored, Malvern Theatre.
Saturday 16th November. Stroud Choral Society, Tewkesbury Abbey.
Wednesday 20th November. Cardiff City Centre and Christmas Market.
Monday 23rd December, 2024. The Red Shoes, RSC Stratford on Avon.
Summer Exhibition in aid of The Long Table, Brimscombe
This exhibition features work from local artists raising funds for The Long Table. 40% of every sale will be donated to the Long Table. More details here.
Dates: 6th July – 25th August
Location: Aleph Contemporary, Station Road, Stroud, GL5 3AR.
Opening Hours: Fridays & Saturdays, 10am – 4pm, and by appointment.
Gliding Club
In the afternoon and evening of Saturday 3rd August Cotswold Gliding Club will be celebrating its 60th Anniversary at its base on Aston Down Airfield near Minchinhampton. During the afternoon, depending on the weather, some of the types of gliders which were flown by the members 60 years ago, such as the 2-seater Slingsby T21 which was used for training pilots at that time, will be flying alongside the modern gliders such the 2-seater Schleicher ASK21 which is now used for training pilots. Founder member Larry Bleaken is planning to join the members for the celebrations. At about 5pm the members will assemble for a group photograph after which they will get together to enjoy a buffet meal.
The Crown Inn, Minchinhampton
News from our local:
Wednesday 7th August 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Locals Night Come down for a special set menu created by our talented head chef Luka. 2 courses for £20 and 3 courses for £25.
Wednesday, 21st August 4.00-5.00pm Kids Cookie Decorating Hour Luka our head chef is going to make some cookies in advance and then your child can decorate them however they want and then take them home. While the children are busy decorating you can enjoy a drink from the bar. The price for this event is £10 per child which includes 3 large cookies and decorating ingredients and a squash. This is for charity and £7.50 of every child ticket will be donated to the Wooden Spoon charity.
Thursday 29th August 7:30pm – 11:00pm Monthly Quiz night
Test out your general knowledge with a pint and some proper pub grub. Round up your team and join us for a fun evening. Why not make an evening of it and have food with us before the start of the quiz? The quiz is £2 per person (cash only) to join and there is a £50 bar tab to grab for the winning team (6 max per team). 8pm start. All entry money for quiz will be donated to the Wooden Spoon charity.
Don’t forget we have our popular steak night every Thursday evening (apart from the last Thursday of the month). Bookings on 01453 608010 or here
The Long Table, Brimscombe
Works to change the world through food. They provide frozen ready-meals to people who need them and so much more. Delicious hot food is served and is always pay as you can.
Throughout the school summer holidays, you can go down to Brimscombe Mill and get a packed lunch for your kids. Every Tuesday-Friday, 11am-1pm, you can head down to the mill and ask for a packed lunch. They have no idea how many are going to be needed, so please bear with the organisers. If they have run out by the time you get there, they will do their best to sort something out.
Special events in August:
Saturday, 3rd August – 6.00-10.30pm Summer Sessions with DJ Mendoza
Tuesday, 6th August – 6.00-9.30pm Taco Tuesday Evrythng x The Long Table
Saturday, 10th August – 6.00-10.30pm Malena Zavala (with special guest Benjamín Walker ) + Arborist
Friday, 16th August – 6.00-9.00pm Steve Ferbrache & Friday Night Curry
Saturday, 17th August – 10.00am-1.00pm Mini Makers Market (showcasing artists, makers, and crafters aged 16 and under)
More details of these events can be found here.
Burleigh Court Hotel, Burleigh
Burleigh Court is continuing the popular Friday Pizza Nights again on the back patio.
Wednesday, 28th August Paint, Sip & Swim A beginner-friendly evening of creativity with local artist Maria Smith
Booking and more info here
The Ragged Cot, Cirencester Road
The terrace is now open and live music is now back on stage.
Kids now eat for only £1.00. (If your child is aged 12 or under and you order at least one adult main meal). Bookings on 01453 884643 or here.
Friday, 2nd August – Three Bop
Sunday, 4th August – Ragged Garden Party, BBQ, Live Music, Bouncy Castle
Friday, 9th August – live band
Friday, 16th August – Cygnet Duo
Friday, 23rd August – Three Bop
Friday, 30th August – Gilmore n Jaz
More details of these events can be found here.
Forthcoming Events for your Diary
Saturday, 7th September. Horsfall House Summer Fayre.
Saturday, 7th September. Minchinhampton Garden Club’s Annual Flower & Produce Show
Saturday, 14th September. MinchLife Street party and Moo race.
Saturday, 14th September (after street party) Minchinhampton Folk Club are hosting a concert at the Market House from 7.30pm. Carmina – Tickets £10 available on the Market House website here or Market Stores nearer the event. All welcome.
Wednesday, 18th September – Horsfall House Charity Golf Day. Calling all golfers (and have-a-go golfers). Limited spaces remain this time at the wonderful and quirky Minchinhampton Golf Club Old Course. Entry is £60 for existing MGC members, and £75 for non-members. To reserve your space, or indeed to Sponsor a Hole with your company’s logo please visit here.
Saturday, 21st September from 12.00 until 10.00pm – Minchinhampton Folk Club mini festival with live music in the Undercroft and upstairs in the Market Hall. Free event – all welcome including performers.
Autumn Fair at Beaudesert Park School – Saturday 12th October. 8.30am – 3pm.
Start your Christmas shopping early with stalls and food and coffee available in the Courtyard. Entry £3.50 for adults.
Nailsworth Society Theatregoers Group – Christmas Reception and Concert at Berkeley Castle Sunday 15th December at 5pm. Booking needed by Friday 18th October.
The concert in the magnificent Great Hall will be preceded by a reception in the elegant Long Drawing Room where wine and a selection of Christmas nibbles will be served both before the concert and during the interval. The programme will be a mix of music from Baroque through to the 20th century. The Orchestra Pro Anima, directed from the violin by Michael Bochmann MBE, will be joined by celebrated clarinettist Robert Plane in the much-loved Mozart Clarinet Concerto. The programme will also include Vivaldi ‘Winter’ from the Four Seasons, music from The Messiah by Handel, Brandenburg Concerto No 6 and Christmas music cost £48 for Nailsworth Society members and £50 for non-members. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment. Transport will be provided at a small cost and there will be pick-ups in Minchinhampton, Rooksmoor Mills and Nailsworth Bus Station. For further information and to book tickets please contact: Susan Staniforth at susanstaniforth@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 07891 436917
Further Afield
Cotswolds Wellness Hub hosts a unique blend of outdoor adventures and wellness activities within a supportive, friendly community that encourages living life to the fullest. For more information and to check out their upcoming events, see www.cotswoldswellnesshub.co.uk.
Cotswold Playhouse:
Friday, 20th September, 2024. 7.30 pm £15. Strange Tales from the Darker Side
Cabaret style seating in the Theatre Lounge. Dr Nicolas Grimoire’s unique performance of strange and Gothic magic combining psychological illusion, mind manipulation and spooky storytelling. With your help the doctor uncovers some unsettling stories from the past. Hear the terrifying story of Gloucestershire’s most unusual murder and much more.
Bookings here or telephone 01453 488040.
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.
Thursday, 1st- Saturday, 3rd August 10.00am-4.00pm Carpet Exhibition Minchinhampton Market House. For further information contact the Rug Room in Cirencester (07707 838793)
Thursday, 1st August 10.30am-12.00noon Hampton Probus: Making of the English Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk
Thursday, 1st August 10.30-11.30am Summer Holidays Lego Club Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, 3rd August 9.00-5.00pm Ice Walk Longfield Hospice, Burleigh Lane, Minchinhampton. More information here about this challenge – walking over razor sharp glass. Full training beforehand.
Saturday, 3rd August 10.00am -12.00noon Coffee Morning Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church Minchinhampton. All welcome. If you require a lift please call 01453 88900
Saturday, 3rd August 10.30-11.30am Teddy Bears’ Book Picnic Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Bring your teddy and show them round the library. All children to be accompanied.
Saturday, 3rd August 12.00noon-4.00pm Longfield Summer Fete Longfield Hospice, Burleigh Lane, Minchinhampton. Array of stalls offering everything from homemade crafts to mouthwatering cakes as the sounds of live music as talented local performers take to the stage.
Sunday, 4th August 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.
Tuesday, 6th August 10.00-10.30am Storytelling Club Amberley Shop on the Common, Holy Trinity Church, Amberley. Ages 2-5 (but all welcome)
Wednesday, 7th August 12.00noon Women’s Institute Summer Lunch For further details/timings etc please contact Pam at pam439@btinternet.com
Thursday, 8th – Monday, 19th August Giffords Circus: Avalon Minchinhampton Common. For more information/bookings click here.
Thursday, 8th August Amberley Gardening Club: Visit to Tyntesfield House and Gardens. For more information please contact christo.p.bailey@outlook.com
Thursday, 8th August 10.00am-12.00noon. Minchinhampton Probus: Tudor Manners Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Speaker Kirstie Bingham. Meeting starts 10.30am. New members and guests welcome. Contact John Collinson john.ipp.uk@gmail.com
Thursday, 8th August 10.30-11.30am Summer Holidays Lego Club Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Thursday, 8th August 2.00-4.00pm Summer Craft Session for children aged 3+ Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Free event, all children to be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, 11th August 1.00-5.00pm Amberley Summer Bonanza Amberley Parish Rooms. Hog Roast, Live music, Bar, Raffle, Sports Day, Crafts and Painting, Silent Disco. In aid of Sunflowers Suicide Support. Tickets here.
Monday, 12th August 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, 12th August 12.30-2.00pm Poetry & Words (Minchinhampton Folk Club), Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. This meeting will be 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. Cake will be provided!
Monday, 12th August 7.00-9.30pm Minchinhampton Parish Council Planning Committee. 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, 13th August 10.00-10.30am Storytelling Club Amberley Shop on the Common, Holy Trinity Church, Amberley. Ages 2-5 (but all welcome)
Tuesday, 13th August 7.30-10.00pm Opera in the Garden: Carmen The Bear at Rodborough. Rogue Opera brings Carmen to life for a modern audience, sung in French with a new English script. Tickets £20. Bookings here.
Thursday, 15th August 10.30am-12.00noon Hampton Probus: Matter Matters Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk
Thursday, 15th August 10.30-11.30am Summer Holidays Lego Club Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Thursday, 15th August 2.00-4.00pm Summer Craft Session for children aged 3+ Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Free event, all children to be accompanied by an adult.
Friday, 16th August 12.00-2.30pm Friday Lunch The Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. All welcome to a two-course hot lunch with coffee, or tea, and all donations will support a a new project working with the Bishop of Masasi. Sign–up sheet at the back of the church to help with planning, and if you have particular dietary needs. For further information contact: Linda or Stephen Jarvis 884545.
Friday, 16th August 6.00-9.00pm Woodfired Pizza in the Undercroft Market House, Minchinhampton. A new venture by Midnight Pizza. Bookings in advance would be useful (but not essential) – please contact: email: hello@midnightpizza.co.uk, tel 07800 742798 or click here
Sunday, 18th August 9.00-10.00am Big Top Service Minchinhampton Common, Join the churches of Minchinhampton, Box and Amberley for the Big Top Service. With breakfast for all at Holy Trinity Church afterwards.
Monday, 19th August 6.30-10.00pm Minchinhampton Gardening Club: Annual Summer Social Gathering & Quiz Market House, Minchinhampton. Fish & Chip supper. £15.00. Bookings by 12 August. Contact johngoodwin99@outlook.com for more information.
Monday, 19th August 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
Tuesday, 20th August 10.00-10.30am Storytelling Club Amberley Shop on the Common, Holy Trinity Church, Amberley. Ages 2-5 (but all welcome)
Wednesday, 21st August 10.30am-12.00noon Social Book Club Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. This month’s theme is “A book from your shelf”.
Thursday, 22nd August 10.00am-12.00noon. Minchinhampton Probus: WH Davies We have no time to stand and stare Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Speaker John Roberts. Meeting starts 10.30am. New members and guests welcome. Contact John Collinson john.ipp.uk@gmail.com
Thursday, 22nd August 10.30-11.30am Summer Holidays Lego Club Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Thursday, 22nd August 2.00-4.00pm Summer Craft Session for children aged 3+ Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Free event, all children to be accompanied by an adult.
Friday, 23rd – Sunday, 25th August MinchFest (festival of Sacred Music) Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Each service will feature the music of one composer as it was intended; as an aid to reflections, prayer and praise. All events are free of charge and include a congregational hymn. More details here.
Friday, 23rd August 10.00am-12.30pm and 2.00-4.30pm Digi-Champion Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Free digital support. Call 01453 885497 or pop into the library to book your slot.
Sunday, 25th August 10.30am-1.00pm Walking & Wildlife Group – Neu Lindsay, St Chloe. For more information/meeting point contact karencolebourn@gmail.com.
Tuesday, 27th August 10.00-10.30am Storytelling Club Amberley Shop on the Common, Holy Trinity Church, Amberley. Ages 2-5 (but all welcome)
Friday, 30th August 6.00-9.00pm Woodfired Pizza in the Undercroft Market House, Minchinhampton. A new venture by Midnight Pizza. Bookings in advance would be useful (but not essential) – please contact: email: hello@midnightpizza.co.uk, tel 07800 742798 or click here
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