Hello everyone,
As we write this the weather seems brighter and Spring flowers are beginning to appear. As you will see below, Horsfall House will again have their Snowdrop Festival at Hyde on two Sundays in February – 9th and 16th. The Hyde Giant Snowdrop Company has a fascinating history and, in addition to the wonderful carpets of snowdrops, there will be some archive images and information on display (courtesy of the Stroud Museum in the Park). Lots of Valentine’s Day celebrations too this month – not to mention the Five Nations’ Rugby.
Minchinhampton Surgery
From 10 February onwards, please attend any in-person appointment at our new address – where there is enough parking for everyone. Our main reception telephone number (01453 883793) will remain unchanged after the move. We will be available for any patient queries as usual and aim to provide usual clinical care without any interruptions. Don’t forget to call the PPG Transport if you need help to get to the new surgery (01453 887314).
Minchinhampton History Trail
Minchinhampton has a rich and diverse history that we want to celebrate. Sadly, with nowhere to display items, many artefacts remain boxed up in storage. We think this is a real shame. Minchinhampton’s new history trail will bring the past back to life. The family friendly, accessible route will weave around the town centre using ten local businesses as stops along the way. At each location there will be large display boards and key artefacts, depicting a key theme from Minchinhampton’s past. We love the idea of creating a trail through Minchinhampton’s beautiful town centre. It will become a valuable cultural asset that will bring together many different strands of the community. What a fantastic way to shout out about how amazing our town is. The exciting news is that this project has received over 49 backers and have reached and even exceeded their target. Watch this space!
New notice board
Many of you will have noticed the new Visitors’ Notice Board in the Bell Lane Car park. It has been funded through the Market Town Vitality Fund run by Stroud District Council and sited by agreement from the National Trust.
Amberley Shop on the Common
Monday 3rd February and every Monday – Scrabble 2pm-3pm.
Monday 3rd February – *NEW* – Crafternoon every Monday from 2-3.30pm
Friday, 7th February and every Friday – Friday Cuppa 13am -12 noon
Monday 17th February – Digihub 2pm-3pm
Sunday 23rd February – Musical Sunday, 2.30pm-3.30pm, Rodborough Folk Orchestra.
Longfield Hospice
22nd February Love rugby? Don’t miss the Ale Amble. Enjoy a 4-mile countryside walk with pub stops, big-screen England vs Scotland Six Nations action, a free pint, and a T-shirt. Start/finish: Stroud Brewery
Adults: £15, Under 18s: £10 Dogs welcome.
Tickets available here.
Minchinhampton Community Library
The library is now offering many community activities – Lego Club, Croc n Roll, Knit & Natter, and Digi-Champion, and is also acting as host for Repair Shop, and Community Litter pick. During half-term, on Thursday, 20 February, there will be a Craft afternoon for children aged 3+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. A new Scrabble group will be starting on Tuesday 11 February from 10.15-12.15. From 12 February, a new social singing group Just Sing, will meet every month on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays (when the library is closed). Please contact David on 07557 640687 for further information regarding this group.
The library is now publishing a monthly planner online showing when all the activities take place to enable everyone to know what is going on, and allow those who wish to visit the library during dedicated quieter periods. Planning is also underway for opening for a monthly evening session on a Wednesday. Look out for more information as soon as this is agreed.
Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton
will be showing all of the Guinness Six Nations Rugby matches and to support this they are delighted to offer a promotion on Guinness and Guinness Zero in conjunction with their suppliers (£4.50 per pint of draught, or £4.00 per can of Guinness Zero) – only valid from 30 minutes before kick off until 30 minutes after the match has finished. Members and Guests are welcome (Guests must be signed in).
There is also a lot more going on in the Club, with snooker, bingo, skittles, darts, table tennis, bridge, folk club, quizzes, coffee mornings and so on. There’s a head shave and Race Night scheduled, and Keith Allen is holding a special Karaoke evening – more details in the events listing below.
Cucina Di Amalfi, High St. Minchinhampton
Open for hot drinks, snacks and lunches and on 13th and 14th February there will be a special menu and they will be open for supper. 9am – 9pm. 01453 882655. https://amalfi-italian.co.uk/
The Crown, High Street, Minchinhampton
Every Sunday from 12pm – 8pm. Delicious roasts. We’ve decided to extend our popular Prix Fix menu through to the end of February 12:00pm – 9:00pm 2 courses £18; £22 for 3 courses.
Saturday 1st February – 2:15pm – 7:00pm Six Nations. Scotland v. Italy; 2.15pm Ireland versus England 4.45pm
Wednesday 5th February 6pm – 9pm. Locals’ night. £20 for two courses; £25 for three courses.
Saturday 8th February 2.15pm – 7pm. Six Nations. Italy vs Wales 2.15pm; England vs France 4.45pm.
Sunday 9th February 3pm – 6pm. Six Nations. Scotland vs Ireland 3pm.
Friday 14th February 9am – 11pm. Valentine’s Day. Treat your special someone to a memorable dining experience at The Crown with a romantic breakfast, delightful lunch or intimate dinner.
Saturday 22nd February. 2.15pm – 7pm. Six Nations. Wales vs Ireland 2.15pm and England vs Scotland 4.45 pm.
Sunday 23rd February. Six Nations 3pm – 6pm. Italy vs France 3pm.
Thursday 27th February. 7.30 pm – 11pm. Monthly Quiz night. The quiz is £2 per person (cash only)
Bookings: 01453 608010, email crownminchinhampton@youngs.co.uk or online here.
The Ragged Cot, Cirencester Road
Starting this month we have a 2-4-1 deal every Friday (You can have two Pie or two Fish & Chips for the price of one)
12pm – 7pm. Live piano music with Sunday lunch (pianist stops playing at 3pm).
Thursday, 6th February 7pm. Wine tasting/six-course meal – £65 per person, (including the 6-course dinner and a glass of wines paired with the courses).
Friday, 14th February. Special Sharing menu designed for 2! With romantic background live piano music
For more information contact 01453 884643 or click here.
The Long Table – Brimscombe
Working to change the world through food. They provide frozen ready meals to people who need them. Open Tuesday – Saturday serving up coffee and cakes along with local seasonal pay as you can meals. No booking necessary.
Thursdays are Family Night at the Mill 5pm – 6pm. Tasty family friendly food and children’s entertainment. 5pm – 9pm. Kitchen and bar open.
Saturday, 1st February. 5pm – 11pm. Good on Paper 10th Anniversary party/fundraiser. Now sold out.
Saturday, 22nd February. 6pm – 10pm. Pip & the Bad Seed. A mashup of popular tunes, killer vocals and captivating acoustic/electric rhythms.
Friday 28th February 6pm – 9pm. Steve Ferbrache – resident musician and delicious Friday night curry.
More information here.
Burleigh Court Hotel, Burleigh
Burleigh Court is a 4-star boutique Manor House hotel and restaurant nestled in four acres of gardens with a wellness garden and stunning views.
14th – 16th February This Valentine’s, treat yourself and your partner to a truly romantic dinner or a relaxing mini-break at one of the most charming destinations in the Cotswolds. Booking and more info here or telephone 01453 883804.
Dates for your Diaries
Saturday 8th March. 7.30 pm Wotton Concert Series – “Divine Music for Trumpets and Voices,” a programme devised by Ben Hoffnung and David Blackadder. With actor Douggie McMeekin playing the part of the elderly Handel, we learn about the composer’s early childhood, his time spent as a young man in Germany, his love of Italy and his triumphant arrival in Georgian London, where he received the full endorsement of no less than three monarchs. More information here.
Wednesday 21st July 2.30 pm. – Nailsworth Society’s trip to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in Cardiff at the Millennium Centre – Booking required by 22nd March.
Tickets cost £31 for Nailsworth Society members and £33 for non-members. Transport will be arranged with a pick up point at Minchinhampton Scout Hut. There will be a small charge for this. For further information and to book, please contact Susan Staniforth at susanstaniforth@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 07891 436917.
Cotswold Playhouse
Sunset Boulevard Friday 14th March 7.30pm Tickets £8
The bar and lounge at the Cotswold Playhouse will be open to welcome you to this 75th anniversary showing of the iconic film, nominated for 11 and winner of three academy awards. This is the story of the ageing Norma Desmond’s obsession with making her ‘return’ to the Hollywood big screen.
The History Boys Tuesday 25th – Saturday 29th March 7.30pm Tickets £16
An unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university. A maverick English teacher at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher. A headmaster obsessed with results; a history teacher who thinks he’s a fool. Alan Bennet’s classic drama of staff room rivalry and adolescent anarchy provokes insistent questions about history and how you teach it; about education and its purpose.
Bookings here or Box Office 0333 666 3366
Further afield
Cotswold Playhouse, Stroud
Sunday 16th February 3pm and 7pm. Tickets £7.50 – £9.50. The Family Magic Show – The Great Baldini is a magical legend and a hugely entertaining stage magician. Baldwin, the magical dog, is his faithful companion. Family Magic Show tells the story of their magical partnership, from their first trick to the height of their careers – attempting Houdini’s greatest and deadliest escape. The show is packed with magic, sweets, puppetry, and escapology.
Barn Theatre, Cirencester
30th January – 15th March – ‘A Role to die for’
Deborah has a problem. She’s responsible for casting the world’s most famous spy and it’s no laughing matter especially when the actor she chooses suddenly withdraws the day before shooting. What does she do? A Role to Die for is a rip-roaring, wickedly funny comedy.
Events
For further information of these events and details on how to book, please go to our website https://minchlife.com
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.
Saturday, 1 February and Sunday, 2 February 10.00am-4.00pm Bridal Gowns Sale (Brand New) Longfield Hospice, Burleigh Lane Quality, brand-new dresses at 75% off RRP prices. More information here.
Saturday, 1 February 10.00am -12.00noon Coffee Morning Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church Minchinhampton. All welcome. If you require a lift please call 01453 88900
Saturday, 1 February 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, 1 February 10.00am-4.00pm Carpet Sale The Undercroft, Market House, Minchinhampton
Saturday, 1 February 4.30-5.30pm Teatime Concert: Four Cellos with Hannah Davey Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton Two singers and four cellists. Music from Bach and Brazilian Villa Lobos. Admission is free with retiring collection. Tea and cakes are served from 4.00pm.
Sunday, 2 February 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, 2 February 10.00am-1.00pm Timber and Firewood Clearout Voltaires Wood, Minchinhampton, GL6 9AL Pick up firewood in your car. Or choose some beautiful homegrown boards for your shelves or tables or furniture projects.
Wednesday, 5 February 2.30-4.30pm Minchinhampton Women’s Institute: “Women’s Refuge” Coronation Scout Hut, Dr Browns Road. For further information please contact Joy Burrows at joyburr005@gmail.com
Thursday, 6 February 10.30am-12.00noon Hampton Probus: WW3 Cuban Missile Crisis Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk
Thursday, 6 February 7.00-9.00pm Criminal Justice? Inside and Out Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Join Guest speakers Bishop Rachel, with Criminal Law Barrister Tom Godfrey and Richard Ocone Assistant Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary. Debate will be held under Chatham House rule. Free event with refreshments available.
Friday, 7 February 6.30-9.00pm Box Bar Box Village Hall An enjoyable social hub for the village.
Saturday, 8 February 10.00am – 3.00pm A Taste of Home: El Salvador Hill House, Amberley A culinary journey with refugees. 10.00-1.00pm Cooking Class experience, 1.30-3.00pm Eating experience. More details/prices here. Bookings sanctuarybreaks@gmail.com
Sunday, 9 February 1.00-4.00pm Snowdrops at Hyde (in aid of Horsfall House) Hyde House, Hyde End, Hyde House Cottage, Ivy Cottage and the Walled Garden Entry to the event is by voluntary donation, Refreshments will be available at Hyde End. For more information click here.
Sunday, 9 February 7.45-10.00pm Arkie’s Quiz Night Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Teams of 4, £1.00 per person.
Monday, 10 February 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, 10 February 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, 10 February 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, 11 February 10.15am-12.15pm **New** Scrabble Group Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Free event. Just come along.
Wednesday, 12 February 9.50am-4.00pm A visit to Tewkesbury and Park Hotel Cream Tea with Ian Jarvis Coach £23, Tewkesbury Park Hotel Cream Tea £30, total £53. Contact bus@abbeyhall.info or telephone Ian (& Katie) Jarvis Tel: 01453 833131, 07403 899599 or 07802 357478.
Wednesday, 12 February 2.30-4.00pm **New** Just Sing Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. A new social singing group. For further information contact David 07557 640687.
Thursday, 13 February all day Trip to Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Birmingham Hippodrome Pick-ups in Minchinhampton. Amendments to bookings contact susanstaniforth@hotmail.co.uk/07891 436917
Thursday, 13 February 10.00am-12.00noon. Minchinhampton Probus: Sword Swallowing (Speaker Brian Witcombe) 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, 13 February 7.30-9.30pm Amberley Gardening Club: Rosamundi the Story of the Rose Amberley Parish Rooms. Speaker: Katherine Kear. Guests are welcome at a charge of £4. For more information please contact christo.p.bailey@outlook.com
Friday, 14 February 2.00-4.30pm 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, 14 February 7.00-10.30pm Head Shave in aid of Prince’s Trust/Race Night Cotswold Club, High Street. Members and guests welcome.
Saturday, 15 February 7.30-10.00pm Fundraising Quiz in aid of Local History Trail Cotswold Club, High Street. 7.45 pm start. £10 per table of 4 (if unable to make a team, come along and you will be buddied up with others) Members and guests welcome.
Saturday, 15 February 7.30-11.00pm Valentine’s Disco Market House, Minchinhampton. Tickets £10.00 available from the Market Stores, or online here.
Sunday, 16 February 1.00-4.00pm Snowdrops at Hyde (in aid of Horsfall House) Hyde House, Hyde End, Hyde House Cottage, Ivy Cottage and the Walled Garden Entry to the event is by voluntary donation, Refreshments will be available at Hyde End. For more information click here.
Monday, 17 February 7.30-9.00pm Minchinhampton Gardening Club: Wildlife from my Garden Minchinhampton School Hall, School Road. New members welcome. For more information please contact the Secretary John Fivash tel: 01453 764956 email: johnfivash@btinternet.com
Tuesday, 18 February 2.30-4.00pm Cotteswold Naturalists: A Gloucestershire Odyssey (The County’s History and Traditions) (rescheduled from last month) Box Village Hall Contribution of £5 from visitors is requested. Followed by refreshments at no additional charge. For more information contact cnfcmemberschipsec@outlook.com or on the website here.
Tuesday, 18 February 7.30-9.30pm Minch Book Club The Crown, High Street. Book of the month: “Wellness” by Nathan Hill. For further information contact: Rachel Montgomery at rachel@monty.one or 07715 303707
Tuesday, 18 February 7,00-9.00pm Box Gardening Club: Garden Visiting, a very British Tradition Box Village Hall. 7.00 for 7.30pm For further information contact: BoxGarden@box-village.com
Wednesday, 19 February 10.30am-12.00noon. Social Book Club Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. “Love” will be the topic for this month’s book discussion. This can be interpreted however you want.
Thursday, 20 February 10.30am-12.00noon Hampton Probus: The Lost Caravaggio Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk
Thursday, 20 February 12.00-3.30pm Minchinhampton Ladies Lunch Club: Westonbirt School – History of the Garden Speaker: Margie Hoffnung. The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton Common. New members welcome but it is important to contact Biddy Hadfield before attending the lunch. bthadfield@btinternet.com
Thursday, 20 February 2.00-4.00pm Half-term Craft Session for Children aged 3+ Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Free event, just turn up. All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Friday, 21 February 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. 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, 21 February 6.30-9.00pm Box Bar Box Village Hall An enjoyable social hub for the village.
Saturday, 22 February 10.00am-12.00noon Community Litter Pick Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Litter picking equipment will be provided.
Saturday, 22 February 10.00am-12.30pm Stained Glass Windows Project Explained Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton Exhibition, talk and refreshments. Come and hear all about the magnificent collection of stained glass windows in Holy Trinity, their history, their art and the work needed to repair and restore them.
Saturday, 22 February 7.00-10.00pm MBC Quiz Night in aid of Horsfall House Minchinhampton Baptist Church, Tetbury Street. Tables of 6, minimum donation £5.00 per head. More information here.
Saturday, 22 February 7.15-10.00pm Wendy’s Cash Bingo Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. 7-15pm Book Sales, 7-45pm Eyes Down. Members and Guests are welcome (Guests must be signed in)
Sunday, 23 February 10.30am-1.00pm MinchLife Walking and Wildlife Group – to Uley For more information please contact karencolebourn@gmail.com.
Sunday, 23 February 7.45-10.00pm Arkie’s Quiz Night Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Teams of 4, £1.00 per person.
Monday, 24 February 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
Wednesday, 26 February 2.30-4.00pm **New** Just Sing Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. A new social singing group. For further information contact David 07557 640687.
Thursday, 27 February 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
Thursday, 27 February Minchinhampton Probus: The Amazing Honeybee (Speaker Richard Rickitt) 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, 27 February 8.00-10.00pm Amberley Quiz Night Amberley Inn £2.00 entry. Booking advisable.
Friday, 28 February 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, 28 February 6.00-9.00pm 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, 28 February 8.00-10.30pm Karaoke Night hosted by Keith Allen Cotswold Club, High Street. Bring your pizza over from the undercroft – on this occasion – for a fun evening.
More details from the club. Members and guests welcome.
Saturday, 1 March 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, 1 March 10.00am -12.00noon Coffee Morning Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church Minchinhampton. All welcome. If you require a lift please call 01453 88900
Saturday, 1 March 4.30-5.30pm Teatime Concert: Enigma Duo Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton Harp and violin duo of Katherine Thomas and Laurence Kempton with a celebratory programme for St David’s day. Admission is free with retiring collection. Tea and cakes are served from 4.00pm.
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