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MinchLife Newsletter – 1st September 2024

Hello everyone

How can it be September?   August has sped past as I’m sure those returning to school shortly also feel.  We had so much excitement with the fun of the Circus – it is always amazing how quickly they come and go and leave so little trace of being here – apart from special memories.

This month will be equally busy with Box Village Show today, Magnificent AKs and Stuart Singers performing in Minchinhampton Church on the evening of 6th;  the 41st Minchinhampton Annual Gardening Show on 7th (Wednesday 4th September is the deadline for entries);  Horsfall Bi-Annual Fayre also on 7th and so much more –  see list of events below.   Special mention of course to the Minch Life Street Party and Moo Race on Saturday 14th.  This is held to celebrate our wonderful town and bring the community together with live music playing from 12 noon until 5pm.  Everyone is welcome to bring their picnics and furniture to enjoy all the festivities completely free of charge.   It is not too late to enter for the Moo Race – just go to the website here to sign up.

We are very grateful to our sponsors – The Crown, Henry’s and Josh Ford Loveday.   The Cotswold Club and the Crown will be open and serving drinks and snacks and Jake from Midnight Pizza has very kindly offered to serve his pizzas free of charge – with voluntary donations towards the next Fayre. A fantastic offer –  he says to thank the people of Minchinhampton for their support – as you know he is regularly serving his delicious pizzas under the Undercroft.  

Minchinhampton Flower and Produce Show will be celebrating its 41st Year on September 7th. The show is open to all residents in the Parish of Minchinhampton whether you are a novice, experienced gardeners or an allotment holder. We are hoping like us, you will support this wonderful event held in the School Hall, so pick up a show schedule from Minchinhampton retailers or the library to find out how and what you can enter.
 
Experience Harvest

Come and see the displays in Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton, celebrating harvest.  Open everyday, from Monday, September 30th to Sunday October 13th.  Come along and bring the family.

Minchinhampton Folk Club
On Saturday, 21st September are running a day of music at the Market House as the last event of this year’s Minchinhampton Folk Club Festival, starting at 12.00 with an open mic session down in the Undercroft which will run until 5.00pm and an all day concert in the Market House upstairs running from 12.00 until 10.00pm.  The events are free however the donations box will be available if you would like to contribute to the cost of running the festival.  Other festival events include a special Poetry & Words session on Monday 16th September with Elle Rustell at the Cotswold Club, and Carmina in concert with special guest Diarmaid Moynihan on Saturday, 14th September at the Market House.

Minchinhampton Community Library
The Library Challenge and Bookstack Challenge continue until Saturday, 14th September so there is still plenty of time to reach the final stage.  Children can also enter into the weekly draw for a £10 book voucher every time they visit the library and borrow some books.  On Friday, 6th September 11.00-11.30am there is a new activity Croc n Roll, suitable for pre-school children – stories, music sessions, bubbles.  Lego Club will be returning to its usual term-time time, Thursdays 3.15-4.15pm on 5th September.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Do you need help getting online, sharing photos and connecting with others?  Our new Digi-Champion, Emma, will be calling monthly.  The next session is Friday, 27th September.  Call into the library, email secretary@mclt.org.uk or telephone 885497 to book your personalised slot.

Local Development Guide Consultation Document
Gloucestershire County Council’s (GCC) Local Development Guide (LDG) provides information to Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), developers, and all stakeholders on the types of infrastructure that may be necessary to mitigate the impacts of development.  Public consultation is open from Monday 8 July until Sunday 29 September, at 5pm and a copy of the document can be found in Minchinhampton Community Library.

Cotswold Club
Have new opening hours:
Mondays – 12.00-3.00pm, 6.00-10.30pm
Tuesdays-Thursdays 12.00-3.00pm. 6.00-11.00pm
Fridays – 12.00-3.30pm, 6.00-11.00pm
Saturdays – 12.00-11.00pm
Sundays – 12.00-3.00pm, 7.00-10.30pm
As a thank you to all their members, the club has introduced a point system on the membership cards.  For every product purchased from the bar you will receive a number of points on your gold card that can be redeemed by yourselves for a future purchase at the club.  Please bring your cards with you and hand it to the bar staff before ordering in order to get the points added on your card.  5% of the total bill will be added to your account.   Points cannot be added on your account without the card. 

Box Art Group
Box Art Group recommences tutored session Thursday, 5th September, at Box Village Hall.  They have room for new members.
Check their new website here at http://boxartgroup.uk where you will find further information and contact details.

Dazzle
Have four brand new exciting and unique Dazzle classes starting this September at Minchinhampton Market House for ALL ages.

RISE MOVE STRETCH – perfect for early risers who want to seize the day:  Tuesdays & Thursdays 7.30am-8am. Mixed class.  Early morning 30 minute mat based workout session combining stretch, movement, cardio and relaxation.

FAMILY BOOGIE – For all the family (age 5+) to have fun dancing together. Tuesdays 4pm-5pm Achievable, fun routines every week to feel good music including disco, Bhangra, musical theatre, cheer, street, funk, jive, 20’s and videos after to continue the dancing at home.

DAZZLE TOTS – Creative, themed pre-school courses for ages 3-5 Mondays & Tuesdays 1.30pm-2.15pm Explore super fun themes through movement, storytelling, treasure hunts, yoga, song, improvisation, music, craft and silly fun. The first term is ‘Roarsome Fun’!  Get ready to jump into the amazing world of dinosaurs, search for tracks, create Dino Yoga poses, dance to the Dino stomp, create Jurassic sculptures and play with the dinosaur sensory tray.

GOLDEN GIRLS – Movement & Coordination class for ladies 65+ Tuesdays 11am-12pm A fun class to train minds and bodies for physical longevity. Each exercise is grounded in scientific research with the aim of improving the four pillars of longevity (balance, strength, range of motion, aerobic fitness).

Christmas Reception and Concert at Berkeley Castle on Sunday, 15th December 2024.
Tickets cost £48 for Nailsworth Society members and £50 for non-members.  Deadline for booking is Friday 6th September, 2024.  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.

The Crown Inn, Minchinhampton
News from our local:
Locals night – first Wednesday of the month
We are so happy to hear the amazing feedback from the locals evening and it is proving extremely popular.  We are now fully booked for the September evening but taking bookings for Wednesday, 2nd October.
Minch Street Party- Saturday, 14th September
We cannot wait to celebrate with everyone.  We will be having a bar out the front of the pub from 12.00noon-5.00pm so you can all party with your favourite tipple.
Cinema night and Young’s Day – Thursday, 19th September
Help us raise a glass to 193 years of Youngs this Young’s Day.  To celebrate our birthday and the installation of our new projector and screen in the barn, today marks the first of hopefully many monthly cinema nights. To kick us off we are doing two showings :
For the kids we are showing Despicable Me at 4.00pm and for the later night movie-goers we are showing Hot Fuzz at 8pm.  Due to Hot Fuzz having a rating of 15 we are unable to allow under 15s in for viewing.  Our cinema tickets are £7.50 per person which includes a bowl of popcorn per person.  Bookings are essential.
Cocktail Masterclass – Tuesday, 24th September 7pm-9pm
Come on down and learn how to make the perfect cocktail with the talented Jayden. You will be able to make two cocktails and take a gift home as well!  The perfect time to get your flair on!  £35 per person.
Monthly Quiz night – Thursday, 26th September
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). 7.30pm start.  All entry money for quiz will be donated to Dogs for Good.
Don’t forget we have our popular Steak Night every Thursday evening (apart from the last Thursday of the month)
Contact 01453 608010 or email bookings.crownminchinhampton@youngs.co.uk

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 September:
Friday, 20th September – Ceilidh with Live Band  Hootin’ Whoopin’ Dobunni!  6.00-10.00pm
Saturday, 28th September – Jazz Trio by the River 6.00-10.00pm
More details of these events can be found here or email carina@thelongtableonline.com

Burleigh Court Hotel, Burleigh
Burleigh Court Cotswolds is a 4-star boutique manor house hotel & restaurant with Wellness Garden offering an outdoor spa with jacuzzi, sauna and historic plunge pool. 
Sunday 1st September – Sunday Jazz lunch
Friday 6th September – Pizza night.
Sunday 15th September – Sunday Jazz Lunch
Wednesday 18th September – Paint, sip and swim (6.00- 9.00pm)
Friday, 20th September – Yoga, Wellness Garden and Pizza (6.00- 9.00pm)
Friday, 20th September – Pizza night
Friday, 27th September –  Wild Food Foraging – Experience (10.00am – 2.30pm)
Friday, 27th September – Pizza night.
Booking and more info here or telephone 01453 883804.

The Ragged Cot, Cirencester Road
Having stood proudly since the 17th Century the coaching house has an intriguing past filled with highwaymen and pilferage.  Live music Fridays on the Terrace from 6.30pm.
6th September – Tom Hall
13th September – Cygnet Duo
20th September – Three Bop
22nd September –   Bike Meet with the Midlands Motorbikers – Cocktails, BBQ, Bouncy Castle and DJ
27th September – Gilmore n’ Jaz
More details of these events can be found here or telephone 01453 884643

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

Stroud Arts Festival – Saturday, 19th – Sunday, 27th October
Bringing the best of music, poetry, drama, art and dance to Stroud and the Five Valleys.
Tickets are now on sale.  For more information click here.  

Royal British Legion Minchinhampton Branch Annual General Meeting will be at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 9th October in the Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  It is not a requirement be ex-forces to attend the meeting or to join the Royal British Legion.   http://www.britishlegion.org.uk “

Autumn fair at Beaudesert Park School. Saturday, 12th October from 8.30am  – 3pm.

Swing from Paris at the Market House. Saturday, 12th October 7.30 pm – 10.30pm. Inspired by swing bands of the 30s and 40s.

Quiz night at Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Saturday, 19th October 7pm – 10pm.

Does He Really Do More of That?  Short stories by Philip Douch.  Market House.  Saturday, 19th October 7.30pm

Folk Concert with Johnny Coppin and Paul Burgess.  Market House.  Friday, 25th October 7.30pm – 10.30 pm.

Further Afield

St Mary’s Mill: Heritage Open Days. Free tours 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday 14th/15th September.  Details and booking stroudtextiletrust.org.uk.  Only disabled parking at the mill.

Cotswold Playhouse: 

Strange Tales from the Darker Side
Friday 20th September @ 7.30pm   Tickets £15
Dr Nicolas Grimoire takes you on a trip to the Darker Side for a unique performance of strange and Gothic magic combining psychological illusion, mind manipulation and spooky storytelling.

Consent
Wednesday, 1st–Saturday 5th October @ 7.30pm  Tickets £16
Consent deftly combines domestic drama with insightful explorations into our cultural concepts of consent. It’s a thought-provoking play that examines our legal system alongside marriage and the ways we lie and cover, betray and forgive.

Deaths At Sea
Friday, 11th October @ 7.30pm. Tickets £15 (£13 concessions)
A small theatre company are performing their new murder-mystery play ‘Death at Sea’, but despite their best efforts, everything goes wrong!

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Friday 18th and Saturday 19th October @ 7.30 pm.  Tickets £22 (Concessions £18)
Following on from their critically acclaimed run of Macbeth, Grove Productions bring you Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Bookings here  or telephone Box Office 0333 666 3366

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. 

Sunday, 1st September  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, 1st September 1.00-4.00pm  Pre-loved Clothing Kilo Sale  Longfield Hospice, Burleigh Lane  For just £3 per kilo, you can seek out a completely new style or find some items that will give your current wardrobe a new lease of life or a new twist in your styling.

Sunday, 1st September  3.00-5.00pm  Box Village Show  Box Village Hall

Wednesday, 4th September  2.30-4.00pm  Women’s Institute:  Hilarious Hats   For further information please contact Pam at pam439@btinternet.com

Wednesday, 4th September  7.00-9.00pm  Patient Participation Group Committee Meeting  Day Centre, Horsfall House, Windmill Road,  Minchinhampton  All Minchinhampton Surgery patients are welcome to attend.

Thursday, 5th September  10.30am-12.00noon  Hampton Probus: Fakes & Fortunes (Speaker Chris O’Grady) Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk

Friday, 6th September  11.00-11.30am  Croc n Roll  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  Music, stories, bubbles.  For pre-school children accompanied by adult.  Free, donations welcome.  First session, will be weekly termtime event.

Friday, 6th September 6.30-9.00pm  Box Bar  Box Village Hall

Friday, 6th September  7.15-10.00pm  Wendy’s Charity Bingo  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  in aid of the Crisis Homelessness Charity.   7-15pm Book Sales, 7-45pm Eyes Down.  Members and Guests are welcome (Guests must be signed in)

Friday, 6th September  7.30-10.00pm  The Magnificent AKs and Stuart Singers Concert  Holy  Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.    In aid of Parkinson UK.  Tickets £12.00 (under 18s £10).  Available from M & B Stores, Minchinhampton or online here

Saturday, 7th September  9.00am-3.45pm  Dazzle Taster Day  Market House, Minchinhampton  Meet the teachers and check if Dazzle Dance is the right fit for you.  Limited places, all welcome.  £5.00 per class.  Must be booked on-line here

Saturday, 7th September  10.00am -12.00noon  Coffee Morning  Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church Minchinhampton.  All welcome.  If you require a lift please call 01453 88900

Saturday, 7th September  12.00noon-5.00pm  Minchinhampton Gardening Club Annual Flower and Produce Show   Minchinhampton School, School Road.  Cups presented at 4.00pm  Drinks, delicious home-made cakes and plants will be on sale as well as a display of produce and crafts. For more information click here or contact our Secretary John Fivash tel: 01453 764956

Saturday, 7th September  12.00-5.00pm  Horsfall House Summer Fayre  Horsfall House, Windmill Road,  Minchinhampton.  Bouncy Castle, games, face painting, cakes, BBQ, and sales
All proceeds from the Summer Fayre will go towards Horsfall House and help support the elderly in Minchinhampton and its surrounding villages

Monday, 9th September  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, 9th September  2.00-3.00pm  Digi-hub:  Cyber Security  Amberley Shop on the Common, Holy Trinity Church, Amberley.  Helen Elliot-Boult from Creative Sustainability will be talking about cyber security.

Monday, 9th September  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

Thursday, 12th September  10.00am-12.00noon.  Minchinhampton Probus:  Hitting the Headlines (Speaker John Butterworth)  Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  Meeting starts 10.30am.  New members and guests welcome. Contact John Collinson  john.ipp.uk@gmail.com

Friday, 13th September  8.50am-5.30pm  David Austin Roses and Garden Centre for lunch with Ian Jarvis  (coach trip)  Coach £28.  Contact bus@abbeyhall.info or telephone Ian (& Katie) Jarvis Tel: 01453 833131, 07403 899599 or 07802 357478

Saturday, 14th September  all day  Ride & Stride (sponsored bike ride or walk between churches in Gloucestershire and North Bristol) to raise funds for the restoration and preservation of local historic churches and chapels.  Minchinhampton Holy Trinity Church will be open for refreshments from 10.00 am-3.00pm  To take part register here

**Saturday, 14th September  12.00noon-5.00pm  Minchlife Bi-annual Street Party and Moo Race  High Street, Minchinhampton  Bring tables, chairs and picnics to enjoy the live music and a fabulous community event.  If you would like to participate in the MinchLife Moo Relay Race – which will take place at 3pm – click here.  **

Saturday, 14th September  6.00-10.00pm  “The Shed” live music  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton  The Shed, a local band, will play an hour of pop/rock, then return after a break to play an Elvis tribute set and then return again after another break to play another hour of pop/rock.  Free for all Members and Guests (Guests must be signed in as usual).

Saturday, 14th September  7.30-10.00pm  “Carmina” (hosted by Minchinhampton Folk Club)  Market House, Minchinhampton.  Folk, jazz and Celtic themes in powerful original songs.  Tickets £10.00 from M & B Stores or online here (https://minchinhamptonmarkethouse.co.uk/carmina/)

Saturday, 14th September  7.30-10.00pm  Quiz Night  Box Village Hall  Contact: Ben Lodge 07751 834699 or Andrew Pettit on 834766 for further information.

Monday, 16th September  12.30-2.00pm  Poetry & Words (Minchinhampton Folk Club), Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  As part of the Minchinhampton Folk Club Festival 2024 there will be a special guest, Elle Rustell, who will be the spotlight act (a very funny lady having a way with words)   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, 16th September  7.00-9.30pm  Minchinhampton Parish Council Finance 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, 17th September  7.00-9.00pm  Minch Book Club  The Crown, High Street.  Book of the month:   ‘Politics on the Edge’ by Rory Stewart (or one of last summer’s books that you didn’t read then).    For further information contact:  Rachel Montgomery at rachel@monty.one  or 07715 303707

Tuesday, 17th September  7.30-9.30pm  Amberley Gardening Club/Box Gardening Club:  Plants that have recently grabbed my attention  Box Village Hall  A return visit from the very entertaining Bob Brown of Cotswold Garden Flowers.  Contact  christo.p.bailey@outlook.com – for further information regarding Amberley Gardening Club or  BoxGarden@box-village.com for further information regarding Box Gardening Club.

Wednesday, 18th September 7.30am-3.00pm  Horsfall House Charity Golf Day  Minchinhampton Golf Club, the Old Course  7.30am arrival for registration and breakfast. Shotgun start at 9.00am.  Green fee for existing MGC members – £60pp, Non-members – £75pp.  For more information, to enter your team and reserve your space click here

Wednesday, 18th September  10.30am-12.00noon.  Social Book Club  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.   The author Philippa Gregory will be the topic for this month’s book discussion.   This can be interpreted however you want.

Thursday, 19th September  10.30am-12.00noon  Hampton Probus: The Knights Templar  (Speaker Gil Gibbons)  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk

Thursday, 19th September  12.00-3.30pm  Minchinhampton Ladies Lunch Club:  10th Anniversary Celebration Lunch  The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton Common.  New members welcome but it is important to contact Biddy Hadfield before attending the lunch. bthadfield@btinternet.com

Thursday, 19th September  3.30-7.30pm  Pre-loved Clothing Kilo Sale  Longfield Hospice, Burleigh Lane  For just £3 per kilo, you can seek out a completely new style or find some items that will give your current wardrobe a new lease of life or a new twist in your styling.

Friday, 20th September  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, 20th September  6.30-9.00pm  Box Bar  Box Village Hall

Saturday, 21st September  12.00noon-10.00pm  Minchinhampton Folk Club Mini Festival  Market House and Undercroft, Minchinhampton  An all day free event.  All welcome including performers.  Click here for programme and more information.

Sunday, 22nd September  3.00-9.00pm  Devil’s Nutting Day Celebration  Voltaires Wood, Minchinhampton  This event is for ages 5+ Tickets:  £25 (adult)  £12.50 (under 18s)  More information here

Thursday, 26th September  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, 26h September 10.00am-12.00noon.  Minchinhampton Probus: “The RNLI” (Speaker Fraser Gunn)  Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  Meeting starts 10.30am.  New members and guests welcome. Contact John Collinson  john.ipp.uk@gmail.com

Thursday, 26th September  1.00-3.00pm  Big Information Day  Longfield Hospice, Burleigh Lane.  An open day for anyone in Gloucestershire that wants to learn about services within the community.
More information here.

Friday, 27th September  10.00am-12.00noon  MacMillan Charity Coffee Morning  Amberley Shop on the Common, Holy Trinity Church, Amberley

Friday, 27th September  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

Saturday, 28th September  4.30-5.30pm  Teatime Concert  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  No detailed information at present.

Sunday, 29th September  10.30-1.00pm  MinchLife Walking and Wildlife Group Meet at Bell Lane car park for walk down to the canal towpath. There will be a car at the bottom of the valley to bring up those who don’t fancy the walk up.  For more information please contact karencolebourn@gmail.com.

Monday, 30th September  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

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

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