MinchLife Newsletter – 1st May 2025

Hello everyone,
 
The countryside is looking particularly beautiful with all the wild garlic, bluebells, blossom and Spring flowers. 
 
Congratulations to Gary Atkinson from Minchinhampton History Group for being awarded the Jim Gregory Cup at the Annual Parish Meeting.   So well deserved – the History Group has gone from strength to strength.  As many of you know one of the reasons MinchLife was set up was to develop a website with the central calendar in the hope clashes could be kept to a minimum. These are inevitable of course with so much going on in the vicinity but 23rd May is a particularly difficult day.  The History Group have an illustrated talk on “Bound for Botany Bay” at the Market House and there is a Musical Picnic in the Church on the same night.   Many people will wish they could split themselves!
 
A note from Councillor Pippa Schwartz
The cows will be released onto the Commons for the summer from Tuesday, 13th May, Marking Day. They will be grazing until the end of October, doing their important job of keeping our commons beautiful for another year.  We can help them by driving slowly and carefully as they cross the roads frequently and often unexpectedly.  They are completely unschooled in the Highway Code so it is up to us to drive with caution whenever we are on the commons.  Another threat is from dog mess, which can carry a parasite that causes calves to be aborted, so please pick up after your dogs. And of course remember that the grazing animals are not pets so please don’t feed them. Thank you!’
 
Annual Parish Meeting
was held at the Market House on the evening of Monday, 14th April 2025.  For residents and local business owners who were unable to attend, a copy of the Chair’s report is available here.  There were also presentations on Improving Minchinhampton Town Centre, MinchLife, and Minchinhampton Youth Club.
 
A plea from Minchinhampton Academy
At Minchinhampton Primary School we have been very hard at work digging the vegetable garden site.  We are now ready to build some raised beds. To make this project a success, we need your support. We are seeking donations to help cover the costs of wood, soil and a shed, all resources needed for the garden. Your generosity can make a significant impact. Donations can be made in several ways. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will bring us closer to our goal.
Thank you for considering supporting our school vegetable garden. Together, we can cultivate a space that enriches our children’s education and well-being.   To donate, click here. 
 
Bike Stands
Do any of our readers know of any local businesses or community organisations that could benefit from some free, secure bike stands?   Life Cycle is a charity a charity that works in local communities to encourage and enable cycling.  They have partnered up with Stroud District Council to provide free, secure cycle parking and to help improve local cycling infrastructure.   There are 50 stands still available – 150 have already been set up.  They will supply, deliver, and install up to five Sheffield stands completely free of charge.  But with availability rapidly running out, it’s essential for places to apply while the stands last!   More information here.  
 
News from Minchinhampton Folk Club
A reminder that Minchinhampton Folk Club meets at the Cotswold Club every Thursday evening from 7.45pm. All welcome.   They also organise Poetry and Words which is held at the Cotswold Club on the 2nd Monday of every Month from 12.30-2.00pm.
Sat 14th June – Anna Ryder – Multi instrumentalist singer/songwriter at The Minchinhampton Cotswold Club. 7.30pm Tickets available here. 
Sat 30th Sep  Minchinhampton Folk Club’s Annual Music Festival at The Market House with music all day from 1.00pm and headliners A.D Scruffs. Free entry.  All welcome.
 
Winstones Icecream celebrates 100 years
Winstones state that they will be celebrating this momentous achievement, which is down to the continued support of all their amazing customers from across the world, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 16th, 17th, and 18th May.  You can expect a top secret Winstones book launch, a new 100 year flavour, guest activities, give-aways, FUN and more FUN.
 
Henry’s 
Minchinhampton Monday to Saturday 8.00am  – 5.00pm and Sunday 8.00am – 4.00pm
Now open at Woodchester.  Open 9.00am – 5.00pm. On Woodchester Mansion Open Days – Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays until 2nd November.  On other weekdays (Mon – Thurs) they will open 10.00am – 4.00pm.   Everyone visiting the Park is welcome at Henry’s – you don’t need to visit the Mansion to use the Cafe.
 
Cucina Di Amalfi
Minchinhampton.Reservations/Takeaway 01453 882655. For enquiries email reservations@amalfi-italian.co.uk
 
Ämberley Shop and Cafe on the Common
Amberley’s village shop and cafe has the community at its heart.  It is volunteer-run, community owned and all profits are reinvested back into local good causes.  Open every day 8.00am – 4.00pm. Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May The Cow Hunt. (Closes Sunday 10 – 11.30 am).
Salt Bakehouse are at Amberley Shop 10.30 – 11.30 am every Tuesday.
 
The Crown, High Street, Minchinhampton
Every Thursday is Pie Night from 5.00-9.00pm.
Friday, 2nd May – Monday, 5th May.  11.00am – 11.00pm.  Early May Bank Holiday.
Wednesday, 7th May. 6.00pm – 9.00pm. Locals’ night. 2 courses £20 and 3 courses £25.
Wednesday, 14th May. 12.00pm – 5.00pm. **NEW** Locals’ lunch. 2 courses £15; 3 courses £20.
Saturday, 17th May 11.00am – 10.00pm. World Whisky Day.
Saturday, 17th May. 11.00am – 11.00pm. FA Cup Final.
Friday, 23rd May – Monday 26th May. 11.00am – 11.00pm.  Spring Bank Holiday.
Thursday, 29th May. 7.30pm – 11pm. Monthly Quiz Night.
Bookings: 01453 608010, email crownminchinhampton@youngs.co.uk or online here
 
Burleigh Court Hotel, Burleigh
Burleigh Court is an intimate Manor House hotel set in 3 acres of beautiful grounds with views over the golden valley and an award winning restaurant.
Sunday 4th May. Sunday Jazz Lunches on the Patio. Featuring Utrillo. Lunch served from 12.30pm. Music from 1.00- 3.00pm.
Saturday, 10th May. Transformational Metabolic Reset Retreat – Fully Booked.
Sunday, 18th May. Sunday Jazz Lunches on the Patio (every other Sunday)
Booking and more info here or telephone 01453 883804.
 
The Ragged Cot, Cirencester Road
Country pub,restaurant and hotel.
Two for 1 meal Tuesday – Friday. 12.00noon-3.00pm.  2 for 1 Cocktails. Monday to Friday 12noon-7.00pm.  Take Away.  Collection Monday – Saturday. Delivery Wednesday – Saturday. 5.30-9.00pm.
Friday, 30th May. Live music Fridays on the terrace from May.  Os Grilos. Brazilian Bossa Novas, up-tempo Sambas, romantic French and Spanish tunes, popular Mexican singalongs, unique arrangements of American jazz standards and pop songs. For more information contact 01453 884643 or click here.
 
The Long Table, Brimscombe
The Long Table is open Tuesday – Saturday serving up coffee and cakes along with seasonal pay as you can meals.  No bookings accepted.
Thursdays are Family Night at the Mill 5.00-6.00pm. Tasty family friendly food and children’s entertainment 5.00- 9.00pm. Kitchen and bar open.
Wednesday 30th April. 6pm – 9pm.   Brimscombe Mill pre-loved Clothes sale.  The event is in support of Wiggly T.
Friday, 9th May. 6.00-9.00pm. Steve Ferbrache. Resident musician Steve and a delicious Friday night curry.
Thursday, 15th May. 5.00-9.30pm. Acapellies/Resonance. A vibrant community choir. – This is an intimate performance in the Sanctuary space and booking is essential.
Saturday, 17th May. 6.00-9.00pm. The Bob Porter Project. A six piece singer/songwriter Americana/Blues/Folk rock band.
Friday, 23rd May. 6.00- 10.00pm. Sanctum/Sealionwoman.  Vocalist Kitty Whitelaw and double bass player Tye McGivern. This is an intimate gig with limited spaces.  Bookings essential
Friday, 23rd May. 6.00- 9.00pm. Steve Ferbrache.
Friday, 30th May. 6.00-10.00pm. Truly Madlys. “Morcheeba meets Fleetwood Mac”. 
More information and bookings on Long Table website here.
 

Dates for your diaries

 
1st June.  12noon-6.00pm. Box Open Gardens    Tickets can be bought on the day from Box Village Hall (£6.00 per adult, children free. In exchange, you will be provided a map which includes all the gardens available to explore.
 
Horsfall House Summer Charity Walk 2025 – Sunday 8 June
Check in between 9.30am and 1.00pm at Minchinhampton Library.  The walk follows a 10-mile route around the beautiful scenery of Minchinhampton. The route includes rare public access to the stunning Gatcombe Park Woods and the historic Avening Court, opened especially for our event by kind permission of the owners.  Please note that the last entry to Avening Court is at 3pm.   Toilets, drink stations and refreshments will be available along the route.  We will have a shuttle bus service on standby for anyone requiring transport from Minchinhampton Library to Avening Court, and back via Avening Social Club.   For anyone preferring a shorter walk, there is an alternative return route after Avening Court.  Participants are required to register before they set off and if you pre-register online, it will help us manage the queues on the day. Support for this event is by donation only, either via our website or donations on the day. Thank you for your support – 100% of the monies raised directly support Horsfall House and those who use our services.  For more information, to register and donate, please visit Horsfall House website.   Email: Sarah Jackson, Fundraising and Engagement Officer, sjackson@horsfallhouse.co.uk
 
Friday, 13th June at 7.30pm and Saturday, 14th June at 4.00pm. Stuart Singers’ Summer Concert.   Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton Tickets £12.50.  Bookings here.
 
Sunday, 15th June 4.00pm  Open Air Comedy Theatre in Amberley.  The Rivals.  Tickets £16.  Bookings here.
 
Monday, 16th June   Coach Trip to National Botanic Gardens of Wales with Ian Jarvis.  Contact bus@abbeyhall.info or telephone Ian (& Katie) Jarvis Tel: 01453 833131, 07403 899599 or 07802 357478
 
28th June 5.30 pm. Music for a Summer’s Evening Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton
 
10th July.  Open Air Shakespeare at Horsfall House.  “As you Like It”.  Tickets from Festival Players Box Office Tel: 01209 312505 or from Shiny Goodness, Nailsworth and Market Stores, Minchinhampton nearer the time. £16.00, £15.00 concessions, 
 

Further afield

Cotswold Playhouse
Friday 9th May 7.30pm  Tickets £15. Much Ado About Falstaff
In this new comedy Falstaff, played by Giles Shenton, is in his bedroom in the Boars Head being nursed by Mistress Quickly.  The creditors arrive demanding payment. Will Falstaff resort to marrying Mistress Quickly in order to pay off his debts?   Will he turn teetotal?  Will he mellow in his old age?
 
Sunday 11th May  7.30pm  Tickets £12  Stroud Short Stories – Keep on Moving
Now in its fifteenth year, Stroud Short Stories 29th event will be an evening of extraordinary stories about journeys of all kinds.  As usual, ten stories will be selected to be read by their authors, who may be professional writers, skilled amateurs or even complete beginners, but all of whom are from Gloucestershire.  Proclaimed by the Cheltenham Literature Festival as ‘possibly the best short story event in the South West’.  Submissions will be judged by John Holland, and award-winning short story author/novelist Chloe Turner.
 
Thursday 15th & Friday 16th May 7.30pm, Tickets £22 (£18 concessions) The Mikado.
Professional G&S company Forbear! Theatre return to Stroud with their fantasy reimagining of The Mikado, after having presented HMS Pinafore and The Grand Duke last Autumn. 
 
Saturday 17th May 7.30pm Tickets £15 It’s a Musical Thing.
CODA is an award-winning touring company celebrated for its exceptional performances of the most beloved songs from both the West End and Broadway stages.   At the heart of CODA’s success are two extraordinary vocalists: Soprano Gemma Ashley and Baritone Mark ‘#ManInTheHat’ James.

Sunday 25th May . 6.30 p.m. Tickets £8.  Sunday Night Film – The Critic (15)
Ian McKellen, Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong and Lesley Manville star in a thrilling but deadly tale of desire, blackmail and betrayal set on 1930s Fleet Street and the West End.
 
Further information/bookings here  or Box Office 0333 666 3366
 
Barn Theatre, Cirencester
Until 10th May. In the Mouth of the Wolf  by Michael Morpurgo.
16th May – 28th June. Educating Rita by Willy Russell.
More information/bookings here. or tel 01285 648255.  
 
Sunday,  22nd June 2.00–6.00pm.  Tetbury Secret Gardens
A fundraising event organised by Friends of Tetbury Hospital for the new x-ray machine.  Plants for sale and refreshments.  Advance tickets can be purchased from Tetbury Hardware Store or online here.  Susie who lives in Minchinhampton has tickets available for Minchinhampton locals and she can be contacted on tetburygardens2025@gmail.com.
 

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. 

Thursday, 1st May 7.00am-10.00pm  Local Elections

Thursday, 1st May  10.30am-12.00noon  Hampton Probus:  Boeing adventures and woes  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk

Friday, 2nd May  6.30-9.00pm  Box Bar  Box Village Hall  An enjoyable social hub for the village.

Friday, 2nd May  8.30-10.30pm  Keith Allen’s Review  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton  Keith Allen hosting.  Special Guests : Terry Alderton , Dickie Beau & House band.  Arrive early for the best seats.  NOW SOLD OUT

Saturday, 3rd May  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, 3rd May  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 May  and Sunday, 4th May  The Amberley Cow Hunt  Starting point Amberley School.  Over 35 wooden cows hidden all around Amberley.  Face painting, ice lollies and, 𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓰𝓮 𝓽𝓮𝓪 𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓽 serving exceptional homemade cakes, teas and coffees.

Saturday, 3rd May  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, 4th May  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, 4th May  7.45-10.00pm  Arkie’s Quiz Night  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  Teams of 4, £1.00 per person.

Monday, 5th May  10.30am-4.30pm  Minchinhampton Local History Group 80th VE Day Anniversary Exhibition  Market House, Minchinhampton.  Also showing Working For Victory 1939 – 1945 11.am onwards, background Music from Songs that won the war.  Entry Free.

Tuesday, 6th May  9.15am-4.30pm  Coach Trip with Ian Jarvis:  Moreton in Marsh Market  am, New Batsford pm  Coach £25.50 and Entrance £9.50 (Total £35) per person.  Contact bus@abbeyhall.info or telephone Ian (& Katie) Jarvis Tel: 01453 833131, 07403 899599 or 07802 357478.

Tuesday, 6th May  2.30-4.30pm  Afternoon Fellowship Group  Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  Speaker:  Linda Richards, URC Local Church leader and Accredited Lay Preacher.  All welcome.  For further details contact:  Sue Fairley on 01453 873136

Tuesday, 6th May  7.30-9.00pm  Minchinhampton Nkokoto Link 2025 Annual General Meeting  Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  All welcome for discussion of ongoing projects, elections, refreshments and launch of Buy a Brick.

Wednesday, 7th May  2.00-4.00pm  End of Life Care & Planning – Open Afternoon  Longfield, Burleigh Lane   Free Event, but please book your place here. 

Wednesday, 7th May  2.30-4.30pm Minchinhampton Women’s Institute:  How bad are Bananas?  (about Climate Change)  Coronation Scout Hut, Dr Browns Road, Minchinhampton  You are welcome to attend some of our meetings as a visitor before joining.  For further information please contact Joy Burrows at  joyburr005@gmail.com

Thursday, 8th May  10.00am-12.00noon.  Minchinhampton Probus: The Lerner and Loewe Lewis Story  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, 8th May  10.00am-12.00noon VE day coffee morning  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton

Thursday, 8th May  11.00am-11.30noon  Service to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day  The War Memorial, High Street, Minchinhampton.  The service will be conducted by the Rector of Minchinhampton.  The Standard will be paraded and the Last Post sounded.

Friday, 9th May  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

Saturday, 10th May  10.00am-6.00pm  Come and Sing Opera Choruses with the Thames Head Singers  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton  An unforgettable day of singing led by Piers Maxim, renowned former Chorus Master at Scottish Opera, La Monnaie (Brussels), and National Opera Company of Belgium.  Tickets are available here priced £20 to include score hire if required (if you would like to bring your own score we will be using Oxford University Press, Opera Choruses by John Rutter).

Saturday, 10th May  12.00noon-23.00pm  Indoor Picnic/Films (Club open all day)  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton  VE day videos in daytime. 7.30pm “Hacksaw Ridge” movie.

Monday, 12th May  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 May  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, 12th May  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, 13th May  COWS RETURN TO THE COMMONS

Tuesday, 13th May  10.15am-12.15pm  Scrabble Group  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  Free event.  Just come along, newcomers welcome.

Tuesday, 13th May  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

Wednesday, 14th May  2.30-4.00pm  Just Sing  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  A new social singing group, newcomers welcome.  For further information contact David 07557 640687.

Wednesday, 14th May  6.30-8.00pm  Late Night Opening  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road   Browse the new books and see what the library can offer.  Refreshments.

Thursday, 15th May  10.30am-12.00noon  Hampton Probus:  AGM (no speaker) Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk

Thursday, 15th May  12.00-3.30pm  Minchinhampton Ladies Lunch Club:  The Music and Mystery of Glenn Miller (Speaker Bill King)  The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton Common.  New members welcome but it is important to contact Biddy Hadfield before attending the lunch. bthadfield@btinternet.com

Friday, 16th May  6.30-9.30pm  Cotswold Sessions  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  Trad folk tunes and songs.  All welcome to play or watch.

Friday, 16th May  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, 16th May  11.30am-5.30pm  Jewellery & Antiques Roadshow Valuations Market House, Minchinhampton.  More information here.  Contact roadshows@webuyvintage.co.uk or 0800 6696010.

Saturday, 17th May  11.00am-3.00pm  National Trust Marking Day Celebration  The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton Common.  Tours and activities for children.  More information here. 

Saturday, 17th May  3.00-5.30pm  La Mattina Vocal Ensemble  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton  Renaissance music contrasted with contemporary pieces.  Adults £15, Children £5.  Tickets and more information here. 

Saturday, 17th May  6.00-9.00pm  Your Church Newly Built  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton   Book Launch on fascinating history of Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  With a talk by the author Chiz Harward, updates on the stained glass windows project and refreshments.

Saturday, 17th May  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, 18th May  7.45-10.00pm  Arkie’s Quiz Night  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  Teams of 4, £1.00 per person.

Monday, 19th May  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, 19th May  7.30-9.00pm  Minchinhampton Gardening Club:  Benefits of an Organic Allotment   Minchinhampton School Hall, School Road.  New members welcome.  For more information please contact John Goodwin at johngoodwin99@outlook.com

Tuesday, 20th May  2.30-4.00pm  Cotteswold Naturalists: Lost the Plot, the History of Allotments  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, 20th May  7,00-9.00pm  Box Gardening Club:  Home Cut Flowers   Box Village Hall.  7.00 for 7.30pm  For further information contact:  BoxGarden@box-village.com

Tuesday, 20th May  7.30-9.30pm  Minch Book Club The Crown, High Street.  Book of the month Light over Liskeard by Louis de bernieres.  For further information please contact:  Rachel Montgomery at rachel@monty.one  or 07715 303707

Wednesday, 21st May  10.30am-12.00noon.  Social Book Club  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.   ‘Novel written by a Famous Person’ is the topic for this month’s book discussion.   This can be interpreted however you want.

Thursday, 22nd May  10.00am-12.00noon.  Minchinhampton Probus:  Peter Petrie:  All at Sea!  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, 23rd May  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, 23rd May  5.30 for 6.00pm  Picnic in the Church.  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  An indoor picnic concert of light classical music with local choirs and musicians, along with the Church Choir.  Bring a picnic, your drink & enjoy music within the wonderful surroundings of the church.  Tickets £10 from Market Stores.

Friday, 23rd May  7.30-9.30pm  Minchinhampton Local History Group:  Bound for Botany Bay  Market House, Minchinhampton  Illustrated talk by David Elder (the author of Secret Stroud).  The story of William (Long) Niblett of Stroud.  Tickets £5.00 from M & B Stores (£4.00 members) or on the door.   

Friday, 23rd May  8.00-10.30pm  Keith’s Karaoke Night  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  Hosted by Keith Allen.  Free for members & their guests, sadly we are unable to admit unaccompanied guests.  Drinks and bar snacks available as usual.  Doors open at 5pm for this popular event.

Saturday and Sunday, 24th and 25th May  from 9.00am  Two-Day Charcoal Burning Course: From Wood to Artisanal Charcoal  Voltaires Wood, Minchinhampton GL6 9AL.  £125 per person.   For further information/booking click here.

Saturday, 24th May  10.00am-1.00pm  Churchyard Clearing morning  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  Tasks to suit every age and level of energy, mobility or strength.  Bring own tools if possible.  Refreshments provided.

Saturday, 24th May  10.30am-1.30pm  Cultivating Nature:  How to enhance woodlands for diversity  Voltaires Wood, Minchinhampton, GL6 9AL  Join us this May for a walk and talk as we discuss how to enhance land, wood and field for the benefit of nature.  £45.00.   More information/booking here.

Sunday, 25th May  10.30am-1.00pm  Minchinhampton Walking and Wildlife Group: Skylark Survey with Glos Naturalists Society  Meet at the Reservoir Car park.  Please contact karencolebourn@gmail.com to be added to the circulation list.

Wednesday, 28th May   2.30-4.00pm  Just Sing  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  A new social singing group, newcomers welcome.  For further information contact David 07557 640687.

Thursday, 29th May  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, 29th May  2.00-4.00pm  Half-term Craft Session  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  Suitable for children aged 3+.  Children to be accompanied by an adult.  Free.

Thursday, 29th May   8.00-10.00pm  Amberley Quiz Night  Amberley Inn  £2.00 entry.  Booking advisable.  Tel 01453 872565.

Friday, 30th 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, 30th May  7.30-10.00pm  A Complete Unknown –  Minchinhampton Movie Night, Market House, Minchinhampton.  Biographical film about Bob Dylan.  Doors open 7.00pm  Licensed Bar. Tickets £7 from Market Stores. Cash only please.

Saturday, 31st May  10.00am-12.00noon  Community Litter Pick  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  Litter picking equipment will be provided.

Sunday, 1st June  12.00-6.00pm  Box Open Gardens  Tickets can be bought on the day from Box Village Hall (£6.00 per adult, children free. In exchange, you will be provided a map which includes all the gardens available to explore.

Sunday, 1st June 7.45-10.00pm  Arkie’s Quiz Night  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  Teams of 4, £1.00 per person.

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