Hello everyone,
MinchLife had a very positive meeting with the Parish Council recently with a view to working more closely together. It is hoped to have a get together with all the groups and organisations locally in the next few months so that we can encourage more involvement from the wider community in activities such as street parties and the Fayre. Watch this space but do email info@minchlife.com if you would like to be included.
A note from Assumpta and Peter:
To all the lovely and wonderful people of Minchinhampton and beyond. We would like to thank you all for all your support and kindness you have given us at the Kitchen for the past five and half years and for making us feel so welcome from day one. We would also like to thank you all for your generous gifts and kind words received. Many many thanks indeed. We are now living in Minchinhampton and will be around for some time. We wish Mario and Hannah all the best at Cucina Di Amalfi.
Holy Trinity Church Auction of Promises took place on Saturday, 27th January. Forty lots came under the hammer: after a delicious supper Philip Taubenheim, from Wotton Auction Rooms, expertly guided everyone through the evening as bids were made and Promises sold. £3,400 was raised towards the next and last stage of the 6ps appeal bringing the Church nearer to starting work on the beautiful C14th Lady Chapel Rose window which overlooks the High Street. Thank you to everyone who helped and to the participants and especially to the providers of the 40 Lots which included every business on the High Street, many beyond, as well as individual contributors and local organisations such as the gym, golf and tennis clubs. The magic Minchinhampton Community support network again!
Keep the date free for our next event: Cash in the Attic – dig out those paintings you love but have no room for and come and join us for a weekend’s festival of Art and Flowers and discover new delights for your walls 19th to 21st April: save the date. www.minchchurch.org.uk
Notes from the Market House
On the afternoon of Sunday, 28th January we were pleased to welcome Theatrix Arts who brought us a puppet theatre production of The Snow Queen. The show was thoroughly enjoyed by all and many of the children stayed behind after the show to make their own puppet as a memento to take home. February sees the new season of productions really taking off and there is no weekend without something happening which we hope will attract many of you to visit the Market House. There are four events: Three Men in a Boat, Out of the Ashes Jazz and Blues Music Group, Soul Night with KC our resident DJ and Mrs Baker’s Company theatre production. See the events listings below for details.
Then on Saturday, 2nd March Cecil Beaton’s Diaries theatre production.
Tickets for all events from The Market Stores or online here.
Minchinhampton Local History Group
is back in action and hoping to welcome past and new members who would like to become part of a dynamic, revived society that is raring to go under the aegis of their new president, Gary Atkinson. The Society’s AGM took place on Friday, 26th January. Prior to the AGM there was a meeting which was also open to members of the public and this featured fascinating talks by Chiz Harvard and Martyn Beaufort focusing on two monuments in Holy Trinity – the Buck monument and the newly rediscovered Baynham monument, both important memorials from the 17th Century.
The fee for membership is £12 for the year. More info here.
Minchinhampton Local History Group will be arranging displays ,walks, talks, and events in 2024. These will be advertised on posters, emails to members, MinchLife and also on Facebook sites.
The Bereavement Journey Course: a place to talk.
Presented jointly by Holy Trinity, Minchinhampton and Minchinhampton Baptist Church (MBC)
Working through grief and loss of a loved one takes a long time. The Bereavement Journey® is a seven-session programme which assists people who have experienced bereavement of any kind to process their loss. Each evening begins with a light supper where participants can get to know one another. Two informative videos are then used, interspersed by discussion in small groups facilitated by trained volunteers.
The next course starts on Thursday, 18th April from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm in The Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. The course costs £20 which is a contribution towards the course handbook and refreshments over the seven evenings. (Grants are available where this small charge would be challenging.) For more details please contact Holy Trinity, Tel: 01453 889004 or www.minchchurch.org.uk, or MBC Tel: 01453 886997 or www.minchbc.org.uk, or email courses@minchbc.org.uk. Application forms are available on both websites or directly from the church offices.
Theatre Groups
Sadly, Minchinhampton Theatre Group has not taken off as hoped although the forthcoming trip to Hamilton in May has proved very popular. MinchLife would like to thank Chris Stevens very much for all her hard work and effort. In view of this Nailsworth Society Performing Arts/Theatregoers’ Group have offered to open their programme to Minchinhampton and if sufficient people are interested they will include Minchinhampton as a pick-up point. Susan Staniforth is the contact, susanstaniforth@hotmail.co.uk or 07891 436917.
Their next trip is ‘The Glass Menagerie‘ at Malvern Theatre on Wednesday, 27th March at 2.30pm. The trip will leave the local area around 10.30am to allow free time for lunch, shopping or just a wander round Malvern. The Glass Menagerie is a poetic portrayal of a family on the brink of change. This production of Tennessee Williams’s semi- autobiographical masterpiece stars Geraldine Somerville (Gosford Park, Harry Potter) as Amanda. More info here. Tickets cost £26.50 for Nailsworth Society members and £28 for non-members. Deadline for booking is Monday, 19th February. Transport will be available at a small cost – more information nearer the time. Annual membership of The Nailsworth Society is £10.
Longfield Hospice
MinchLife had a tour of this building recently and were so impressed with the building, staff and facilities offered. MinchLife Events Calendar includes their local events and the Ale Amble is slightly out of our boundary but, as it is organised locally, we wanted to tell you about this. It is a four-mile circular walk from Stroud Brewery on 24th February from 11am – 3pm. It takes in the majestic hills of the Heavens surrounding the parishes of Thrupp and Lypiatt. It is from £10 a person and there is the opportunity to stop off to sample a tipple along the way (you pass two local pubs) and enjoy a free pint at Stroud Brewery on your return. A Six Nations’ rugby match can be watched at the end. Sign up here.
(Do remember that the Hospice care is free of charge and only 15% of their income comes from government sources – fundraising is needed for the remaining 85%)
Minchinhampton Gardening Club
This month’s meeting will be held in the school hall on Monday 19th February starting at 7:30pm. The talk is titled “Restoring a Victorian Walled Garden” by Will Scott. Will gave us a very entertaining talk on “Tool Sharpening for the Terrified” last year. He will no doubt be equally as engaging when he provides an illustrated outline of the restoration and development of his own Walled Garden in Worcester, including a brief history of the Kitchen Gardens and herbs. All club members and guests are welcome to attend – there is a small £3 fee for non-members.
The Minchinhampton School House Trust
A charitable trust located in the Minchinhampton, Box and Amberley ecclesiastical parish whose main objective is to give financial help for school leavers going into further education. School leavers who live in the parishes, or whose parents do, can apply for a generous grant. This grant is available for persons under the age of 23 years. Examples for which the grants have been used are the purchase of course text books, computers or laptops or to help people who are collecting funds to go overseas to do voluntary work. For more details and to get a short application form please contact Pat Swift – patjswift@yahoo.co.uk. 07771 717026. It is important to have the names and contact details of two people that can act as referees (once you have their permission).
Sportily Minchinhampton Fitness Club
The fully equipped gym in Tobacconist Road is proving very popular. You can turn up to work out and meet other like-minded people and be part of the growing community. One-to-one PT sessions, group activity, boxercise, yoga and youth classes. A new addition is a fully equipped therapy room and practitioners are warmly welcomed to find out more and consider renting the space. This can be flexible – hourly, daily or monthly.
Minchinhampton Community Library
Following two very successful visits by Digibus, it has been decided to arrange for them to visit the library on a regular basis. Their team trainers provide free-one hour personalised one-to-one sessions specific to your requirements – let the friendly staff resolve all your digital issues and problems, iphones, ipads, mobile phones, tablets all types of devices, all types of problems and issues. The next session is on Friday, 8th March and already there are just a few places left. Book your free session by calling into the library or ringing them on 01453 885497.
Six Nations Tournament
The Six Nations tournament kicks off on Friday, 2nd February with France playing Ireland at 8.00pm. All games are being shown at The Crown and the Cotswold Club.
At the Cotswold Club there will be 50p off all wines, beers and spirits (discount applies to members prices (gold card) and to non-member prices. The promotion runs throughout every game, from 30 minutes before kick-off to 30 minutes after the final whistle.
The Crown, Minchinhampton
Our local pub serves delicious seasonal food in a lively atmosphere and a bar team to be reckoned with. The Crown has become a local favourite as the place to eat, drink and celebrate with Steak Night every Thursday, Roasts every Sunday.
14th February – Walk in Wednesday Networking Morning and Valentines Supper Club
17th February – Dog Walk
29th February – Crown Quiz
More details in the events listing below.
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. Special events in February:
9th February – Halo Exhibition (artist Clair Sinclair) opens
10th February – Joe’s 50th with improvised jam session – all welcome
17th February – Stroud Micro Dairy Fundraiser BBQ
24th February – Stop Making Sense (Stroud Film Festival)
More details of these events can be found here.
The Ragged Cot, Cirencester Road
The 17th century former coaching house has an updated pub style menu and cocktails are available every day but from Monday – Thursday between 12.00 and 7.00pm you pay for one and get two! Special events in February:
10th February – Saturday Brunch Club with Gilmore n Jaz
24th February – Saturday Brunch Club with Cygnet Duo
More details of these events can be found here.
Burleigh Court Hotel, Burleigh
14th February – Valentines Night: The Burleigh Restaurant at Burleigh Court is one of the most romantic locations in the area with historic oak panelling, candles, log fires and stunning views over the Golden Valley. The two-rosette menu is locally sourced, full of quality and flavour the right fit for the occasion. Sample menu here: Book here
27th-28th February – Women’s Wellbeing Retreat focussing on holistic health including specific topics like the menopause. More information here.
29th February – Supper Club Led by Head Chef, Shaun Jones and featuring a sensational 7-course tasting menu. More information here.
Forthcoming Events for your Diary
Ian and Katie Jarvis coach trip to Abergavenny Centre and Market is on 19th March. Further information here. email bus@abbeyhall.info or tel 01453 833131 There are some great new coach trips planned in the coming months – towns, museums, etc. Check the events diary here for details.
Thomas Tallis Reimagined (Cantores Chamber Choir)
Saturday 23rd March at Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton (4pm). Tea and Cake available. Tickets online here.
Directed by Simon Harper. A programme centred around the music of one of England’s greatest composers Thomas Tallis, including many of his magnificent Latin motets, as well as his nine tunes for Archbishop Parker’s Psalter as the centrepiece of the programme. Tallis’ music will be interspersed with contemporary settings of some of the same texts, and pieces directly inspired by Tallis, including works by Cecilia McDowall, Bob Chilcott, David Bednall, and a new work specially composed for this programme by Esther Kay.
Further Afield
What’s on at the Cotswold Playhouse
1st, 2nd and 3rd February 7.30pm, 2.30 on 3rd February Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Tickets £17 (£9 under sixteen) Chase away those New Year blues by joining us in the quaint market town of Wingeinampton, to meet the heroine of our tale – the beautiful Snow White – together with a host of colourful characters, including the lovable Nurse Nettles and her appropriately named son, Muddles!
10th February. The Ringmaster at 2.30 pm. Tickets £10 (8 for under 16s). This unmissable adventure for all ages challenges love, friendship, and determination – all wrapped up within their childhood dreams.
16th February. Connections. 7.30pm. Tickets £14. The Uncaged Theatre Winter Showcase. Four new writing pieces, by female-identifying writers, each lasting 30 minutes with a 15-minute interval. The plays explore themes such as troubled relationships, blurred boundaries, contemporary challenges faced by women, and the comedic but poignant upheaval caused by a forgotten friend in an ordinary family.
Thursday, 19th – Saturday, 23rd March All My Sons 7.30pm. Tickets £15. Arthur Miller’s All My Sons is based upon a true story. His first major commercial success, the show confirmed him as one of the finest playwrights of the twentieth century. This play contains adult and suicide themes that may be distressing for some audience members.
To book visit cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk or phone 0333 666 3366
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 February 10.00am-12.00noon Police Information Point George Pearce House, The Glebe, Minchinhampton. Local residents are welcome to come along and get crime prevention advice or discuss any community concerns they wish to raise.
Thursday, 1st February 10.30am -12.00noon Hampton Probus: Iconography Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk
Friday, 2nd February 7.15-10.00pm Wendy’s Cash Bingo Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. 7-15pm book sales/7-45pm eyes down. £15 (chance of winning a free drink at the half time interval). Members and guests welcome.
Friday, 2nd February 6.30-9.00pm Box Bar Box Village Hall
Saturday, 3rd 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, 3rd February 7.30-10.00pm Three Men in a Boat Minchinhampton Market House. Giles Shenton expertly takes the helm and pilots you through the ridiculous tale of men behaving badly while messing about in boats. Tickets £15.00 from M & B Stores (cash only) or online here
Saturday, 3rd February 2.00-4.30pm Forest Church Winter Worship Walk Meet at Holy Trinity Church Minchinhampton at 2.00pm and walk across the common for tea at Amberley Church Cafe. Along the way there will be a few prayerful pauses at significant points. To give the cafe some idea of numbers please contact Gerald South 883456 or email gp.south@btopenworld.com
Monday, 5th 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.
Wednesday, 7th February 2.00-4.30pm Minchinhampton Women’s Institute: A Horse Ride Round England. Coronation Scout Hut, Dr Browns Road. All welcome to come along.
Thursday, 8th February 10.00am-12.00noon. Minchinhampton Probus: Seven Short Talks Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Meeting starts 10.30am. New members and guests welcome. Contact John Collinson john.ipp.uk@gmail.com
Thursday, 8th February 7.30-9.30pm Amberley Gardening Club AGM & Q & A with local Garden Designer, Diana White. Amberley Parish Rooms. For further details about joining Amberley Gardening Club, please contact Christopher Bailey at christo.p.bailey@outlook.com
Saturday, 10th February 4.30-5.30pm Tea time Concert Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. CBSO Baroque Ensemble. CBSO players playing their baroque instruments, together with Katherine Thomas on her triple harp. Music to include Handel’s harp concerto and a quartet by J C Bach. Free admission and refreshments. Retiring collection in aid of the Organ Fund. Further information from Warwick@corelliconcerts.co.uk
Saturday, 10th February 8.00-11.00pm Keri Hoffman Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. A classically trained Mezzo-Soprano, Keri has a voice that extends over four octaves. Tickets £2.50 for members, £5.00 guests.
Sunday, 11th February 1.00-4.00pm Snowdrop Festival (in aid of Horsfall House) The participating gardens so far are: Hyde End, Hyde House Cottage, Hyde Court, Ivy Cottage. Parking is very limited in Hyde so please walk or car share where possible. Entry is by voluntary donation; please give generously. Refreshments are available at Hyde End. The route map can be viewed here.
Sunday, 11th February 7.30-10.30pm Chasing Away the Winter Blues: Out of the Ashes (Jazz and Blues with Gospel Roots) Minchinhampton Market House. Tickets £15.00 from Market Stores or online here.
Monday, 12th February 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 February 2.30-4.00pm Special Half-term Lego Session Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Suitable for children aged 3+ . Children to be accompanied by an adult.
Monday, 12th 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, 13th February 9.00am – 5.00pm Ian Jarvis Coach Trip: Lunch at the Fox Inn, Great Barrington and time at Burford beforehand. Coach £20, Lunch £31 three courses (or £24 for two) – Total £51 (£44) per person. Contact bus@abbeyhall.info or telephone Ian (& Katie) Jarvis Tel: 01453 833131, 07403 899599 or 07802 357478
Tuesday, 13th February 10.00-10.30am Story Telling Club Amberley Shop & Café, Holy Trinity Church, Amberley. Suitable for children aged 2-5 but all welcome.
Tuesday, 13th February 10.00am-12.00noon Police Information Point Amberley Shop & Café, Holy Trinity Church, Amberley. Local residents are welcome to come along and get crime prevention advice or discuss any community concerns they wish to raise.
Tuesday, 13th February 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.
Wednesday, 14th February 11.00am-1.00pm Networking Coffee Morning The Crown Inn, High Street, Minchinhampton. Foster local business connections, enjoy tea, coffee, and cake as you mingle with fellow local professionals. Donations, with all proceeds supporting Minch School.
Thursday, 15th February 10.30am -12.00noon Hampton Probus: The Magic of Glass Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk
Thursday, 15th February 12.00noon-3.30pm Minchinhampton Ladies Lunch Club: Early Farmers on the Cotswolds. The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton Common. Speaker Timothy Darvill. New members welcome but it is important to contact Biddy Hadfield before attending the lunch. bthadfield@btinternet.com
Thursday, 15th February 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.
Friday, 16th 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, 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 February 6.30-9.00pm Box Bar Box Village Hall
Friday, 16th February 7.15-10.00pm Arkwright & Jane’s Cash Bingo Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Book sales from 7.15pm
Friday, 16th February 7.30-10.00pm Minchinhampton Classic Movie Night: The Ladykillers. Minchinhampton Market House. Doors open 7pm, show starts 7.30pm. Licensed bar – tickets from the Market Stores, £6.
Saturday, 17th February 10.00am-12.00noon Crown Dog Walk The Crown, High Street, Minchinhampton. Start with coffee, then enjoy a scenic local walk with your furry friends. Donations are welcome, benefiting a canine charity. Optional lunch available upon return.
Saturday, 17th February 7.30-11.00pm Soul Music Night featuring DJ KC Minchinhampton Market House Tickets £10.00 – from M & B Stores, Minchinhampton (Cash) or online here.
Saturday, 17th February 8.00-10.00pm Arkwright’s Quiz Cotswold Club, High Street. Teams of 4, £1.00 per person.
Sunday, 18th February 1.00-4.00pm Snowdrop Festival (in aid of Horsfall House) The participating gardens so far are: Hyde End, Hyde House Cottage, Hyde Court, Ivy Cottage. Parking is very limited in Hyde so please walk or car share where possible. Entry is by voluntary donation; please give generously. Refreshments are available at Hyde End. The route map can be viewed here
Sunday, 18th February 12.00noon-2.00pm Box Newcomers Party Box Village Hall
Monday, 19th February 7.30-9.30pm Minchinhampton Gardening Club: Restoring a Victorian Walled Garden and Living with Herbs 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, 20th February 2.30-4.00pm Cotteswold Naturalists Field Club: The Land Girls. Box Village Hall. Contribution of £2 from members and £5 from visitors is requested. Followed by refreshments at no additional charge.
Tuesday, 20th February 7.00-9.00pm Minch Book Club The Crown, High Street. Book of the month: Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson. For further information contact: Rachel Montgomery at rachel@monty.one or 07715 303707
Wednesday, 21st February 9.30-11.00am M.A.P.S. Meeting (Minchinhampton Additional Needs Parents Support Group. Minchinhampton Baptist Church, Tetbury Street. Welcoming all parents & carers of children with additional needs diagnosed/undiagnosed from Minchinhampton and beyond.
Wednesday, 21st February 10.30am-12.00noon. Social Book Club Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. “Families” will be the theme for this month’s book discussion. This can be interpreted as you wish.
Wednesday, 21st February 3.30-5.00pm Messy Church Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. A drink and cake. A story games and crafts. Children must bring an adult and there is something for everyone!
Thursday, 22nd February 10.00am-12.00noon. Minchinhampton Probus: This Music Business Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Meeting starts 10.30am. New members and guests welcome. Contact John Collinson john.ipp.uk@gmail.com
Saturday, 24th February 7.00-10.00pm Charity Quiz (in aid of Horsfall House) Minchinhampton Baptist Church. Tetbury Street. Nibbles provided, bring your own bottle. Maximum of 6 per team, £20 suggested minimum donation to Horsfall House in lieu of tickets. To enter your team please make a donation via the tickets link here, or email fundraising@horsfallhouse.co.uk
Saturday, 24th February 7.30-10.00pm Mrs Baker’s Company Minchinhampton Market House. Written and performed by Alison Neil. Tickets £12.50 from M & B Stores (Cash only) or online here. (Note there is a discount online if you wish to purchase tickets for Cecil Beaton’s Diaries as well.)
Sunday, 25th February 9.30am-1.00pm Walking & Wildlife Group: Identifying conifers at Cyril Hart (Speech House) Arboretum in the Forest of Dean. Meet at Bell Lane car park. Contact karencolebourn@gmail.com to be added to the circulation list.
Monday, 26th February 7.00-9.30pm Minchinhampton Parish Council Full Committee. Baptist Church Office Room, Tetbury Street, Minchinhampton. Members of the public wishing to join the meeting should email the clerk to confirm details. Email: clerk@minchinhampton-pc.gov.uk
Thursday, 29th 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, 29th February 7.00-10.00pm Crown Quiz The Crown, High Street, Minchinhampton Only £1 per person entry. Book a table now to avoid disappointment email crownminchinhampton@youngs.co.uk or phone 01453 608010
Friday, 1st March 2.00-3.00pm World Day of Prayer Holy Trinity Church, Amberley. Local service organised by church members from Amberley, Box, Brimscombe, Minchinhampton, Rodborough and Woodchester. Play corner for children, refreshments afterwards.
Saturday, 2nd March 7.30-10.00pm Cecil Beaton’s Diaries Minchinhampton Market House. The diaries are adapted and performed by Richard Stirling. Tickets: £12.50 from M & B Stores (Cash only) or online here. (Note there is a discount online if you wish to purchase tickets for Mrs Baker’s Company as well.)
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