Hello everyone, We are sending out the newsletter a little earlier this month and do wish you all the happiest of Easter holidays and hope that April will see the weather improve and allow everyone more opportunities to enjoy seeing all the glorious blossom and the Spring flowers. It actually snowed on Wednesday and the rain seems to be neverending. Annual Parish Meeting Residents have their chance to hear what Minchinhampton Parish Council has been working on, and to offer suggestions for future projects, at the Annual Parish Meeting. All residents are invited to come along to their yearly chance to hear a progress report from parish council chair Cllr Nick Hurst when the meeting takes place on Monday, 22nd April at 7pm, at the Market House, Minchinhampton. The occasion, when questions and comments from local people will be welcomed, will also see the presentation of the annual Jim Gregory Award. There will also be a presentation by MinchLife. Minchinhampton School – Governor recruitment There are two vacancies for co-opted Governors to join the dedicated and skilled team of volunteers. To find out more please email Kimberley Downton on chair@minchgovs.net. A tribute written by Trudi Powderly and Mrs Savage to Karin Ayers who was a teacher at Minchinhampton Primary from 1994 – 2011, and was loved by so many children and parents alike. She died in February after battling breast cancer for several years. “It really was incredible to watch the children thrive under her care and teaching, except to them, they were just having fun! She made every day exciting and was just wonderful to work alongside. We had so many laughs. Watching the children as their little faces lit up, they adored being in her class. Every child wanted to be in Miss Ayres’ class. She became a popular and valued member of staff. Never a dull moment when Karin was in the Staff room. In the playground before registration, Wake & Shake was an active start to each school day. Miss Ayres would lead the whole school in a high energy dance routine to disco music! She also taught swimming and took children to compete in Swimming Galas. Supporting colleagues through ups and downs. Showing what true friendship is, we will never forget her. Karin had a way of making every friend feel like they were her best friend, quite amazing when you see how many friends there are! We will miss you beautiful friend and colleague. We’re so sorry you are not here anymore doing all the things you loved. Karin was a breath of fresh air, a beautiful soul and she genuinely cared about everyone, she was such a special person and friend. She was amazing with the children, parents and staff. She always had a smile on her face and a beautiful sunny personality, there is certainly one more bright star in the sky, and the world is a much sadder place without her” Move the Memorial Appeal Fund – launched by Minchinhampton Local History Group. As many of you know, an elaborate 17th century memorial to a child, Anne Baynham, who died in 1632, was revealed when the organ in Holy Trinity was dismantled. The Baynham Memorial has been covered up for over 125 years and will disappear from view again when the restored organ returns to the Church in December. This must not be allowed to happen! The Appeal aims to raise the funds to enable this beautiful and historically important memorial to be removed from the wall and repositioned in the body of the Church. Around £4,000 is required. Various fund-raising events will take place but in the meantime, if you would like to help financially, please contact MLHG president, Gary Atkinson on gamlhg@outlook.com. Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship This is a gathering of ladies (and some men) who currently meet on the first Tuesday afternoon of each month at 2.30 pm, in Box Village Hall for a short informal time of worship and prayer, with different speakers and topics, followed by tea. We will happily organise transport if you need it. Please note that from May this group will be meeting at the Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. A warm welcome awaits you. For more information please contact Gillian Warren on 07399 515775. The Long Table Many of you will have heard that Brimscombe Mill, a beacon of community spirit, social enterprise and collaboration, faces a pivotal moment. Home to The Long Table, Kids Stuff, Furniture Bank, Bike Drop, and the pioneering Grace Network Team, this hopeful hub of local innovation and support needs to find a new home following a recent, secretive sale of the property to a local business. The site has to be vacated on 25th August but new options are being explored. In the meantime do keep visiting and using the site as much as possible. For more information or to sign up to the email newsletter do contact https:/www.brimscombe-mill.org.uk/news. In particular, please click here for updates. There is a community call for action – with a Community Planning Session being held on Wednesday 10th April 6-8pm at the Sanctuary space at Brimscombe Mill. 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. Thursday 25th April, 7:00pm – 10:00pm Pub 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 April: Friday, 5th April, 5.00-6.15pm Small Talk, an Audience with Sabrina Pace-Humphreys Saturday, 6th April 6.00-10.30pm Max La Manna x The Long Table (a vegan feast) Saturday, 13th April 6.00-10.30pm Just the Two of Us, an evening of live music Saturday, 27th April 6.00-8.30pm Live music from Lo-hi-lo More details of these events can be found here. Burleigh Court Hotel, Burleigh Wednesday, 10th April 10.00am-2.00pm “You are enough!” Self Care for Anxiety Workshop Thursday, 11th April 6.30-9.00pm Burleigh Supper Club, featuring a sensational 7-course tasting menu Friday, 26th April 9.30am-2.30pm Wild Food Foraging Experience More details of these events, and bookings, can be made here. Forthcoming Events for your Diary Minchinhampton Surgery Patient Participation Group (PPG) AGM, Wednesday, 1st May, at 7-00 pm in the Porch Room, Holy Trinity Parish Church, Minchinhampton. Speaker: David Rawlings, Stroud District Council, Children & Young People Development Officer. The AGM will include updates on the new surgery building, patient transport, etc. Meeting for all patients of Minchinhampton Surgery. Please email Ian McPherson (secretary) if you are planning to attend iandsmcp@gmail.com Amberley Cow Hunt, Saturday, 4th & Sunday, 5th May 1.00-5.00pm “A Life in Song” Concert (Tetbury Choir) in aid of Longfield Hospice, Saturday, 25th May at 7.00pm, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton Wednesday, 5th June. Coach tour with Ian Jarvis to the Newt in Somerset. Private garden tour, group lunch, cyder tour and tasting. Friday, 7th and Saturday, 8th June, Stuart Singers’ Concert, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton Sunday, 9th June, Horsfall Charity Walk – 10miles or 4 miles with access to Gatcombe Park Woods and Avening Court. Thursday, Friday 13th/14th and Saturday, 15th June. “The Lady Killers” by Minchinhampton Players in the Market House, Minchinhampton. Sunday, 23rd June Open Gardens in Minchinhampton to raise money for the Fayre in 2025. Several gardens will be open in Minchinhampton from 2pm – 6pm. Teas and cakes will be available. Anyone wishing to volunteer to help on the day or who would wish to open their gardens please email info@minchlife.com Sunday, 23rd June 4.00-7.30pm “The Importance of Being Earnest” (Rain or Shine Theatre Company) at Manor House, Amberley. In aid of Stroud Women’s Refuge. Thursday, 4th July. 7pm – 9pm. “The Tempest” Festival Players at Horsfall House open air theatre. Doors open 6pm. Tickets £15 or £14 concessions available now from Susan Staniforth susanstaniforth@hotmail.co.uk or ring 07891 436917. Also sold at Market Stores and Shiny Goodness. Further Afield What’s on at the Cotswold Playhouse: Thursday, 18th to Saturday, 20th April at 7.30pm Educating Rita. Tickets £15 This moving iconic comedy by Willy Russell, made famous in the film starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters, explores the changing relationship between Frank, a cynical alcoholic professor, and Rita, a working class hairdresser who enrols on an open university course in English Literature. This production is by the Bonzo Productions theatre company. Thursday 25th to Saturday 27th April at 7.30pm God of Carnage. Tickets £14 What happens when two sets of parents meet up to deal with the unruly behaviour of their children? A calm, rational debate between grown-ups about the need to teach kids how to behave properly? Or a hysterical night of name-calling, tantrums and tears before bedtime? Presented by the Hexagon Theatre Company. Tickets available here or the box office on 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. Saturday, 30th March 7.45-10.00pm (Book sales 7.15pm) Wendy’s Cash Bingo. Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. £15 (chance of winning a free drink at the half-time interval as usual). Members and guests welcome. Sunday, 31st March 6.30am Churches Together Dawn Service Tom Long’s Post Gather at dawn to celebrate the resurrection. Sunday, 31st March 7.30-10.00pm Race Night Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Wednesday, 3rd April 7.00-10.00pm Minchinhampton Surgery Patient Participation Group (PPG) Committee Meeting Cotswold Club, High Street Minchinhampton. Speaker: Louise Wilson, Longfield Community Hospice, Minchinhampton. Meeting open to all patients of Minchinhampton Surgery. Please email Ian McPherson at iandsmcp@gmail.com (secretary) if you are planning to attend. Wednesday, 3rd April 2.30-4.00pm Minchinhampton Women’s Institute: Goats of the Gorge Coronation Scout Hut, Dr Browns Road. Speaker: Nick King. All welcome to come along. Thursday, 4th April – Friday, 5th April 9.30am-3.30pm Multi-Sports Camp Minchinhampton Community Hub, Tobacconist Road. Ball and Movement skills for children aged 6-12 years. £30 per day. Contact Steve Perkins on 07925 930260 or email thecatchacademy@gmail.com for further information. Thursday, 4th April 10.30am-12.00noon Hampton Probus: The Magic and Mystery of Glen Miller Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk Thursday, 4th April 2.00-4.00pm Easter Craft Session Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. Suitable for children aged 3+ . Children to be accompanied by an adult. Friday, 5th April 7.00-9.00pm Box Bar Box Village Hall Saturday, 6th April 10.00am–12.00noon Coffee Morning, Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church Minchinhampton. All welcome. If you require a lift please call 01453 88900 Saturday, 6th April 4.30-5.30pm Teatime Concert: Old King Cole and his Fiddlers Three Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Warwick Cole’s illustrious forebear famously called for his ‘fiddlers three’. In a renactment of this historic occasion we explore C17th and C18th music that they might have played. Pipe and bowl might also be in attendance. Free admission and refreshments. Retiring collection in aid of the Organ Fund. Further information from Warwick@corelliconcerts.co.uk Saturday, 6th April 7.30-10.00pm Sophie’s Fundraising Quiz for the Scout Jamboree. Market House, Minchinhampton. Teams of 4-6 people, £6.00 per person. Please contact sophiesquiznight@gmail.com to purchase tickets or if you have any questions. Sunday, 7th April 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. Monday, 8th April 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, 8th April 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. Monday, 8th April 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 Wednesday, 10th April 11.00am-3.00pm Textile Conservation Studio Visit with Cotteswold Naturalists A guided tour of Alison Lister’s studio in Bristol. Maximum of 16 places, divided into 2 sessions at 11.00 am or 1.30 pm. Cost per person £12. Self-drive. Lifts available. Queries to the organiser Susan Bennett, tel. 07767 014 957, email: susan.bennett4722@yahoo.co.uk Wednesday, 10th April 6.00-8.00pm Community Planning Session Sanctuary Space, Brimscombe Mill. See main newsletter above for more information and here. Thursday, 11th April 10.00am-12.00noon. Minchinhampton Probus: Concorde Glass Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Meeting starts 10.30am. New members and guests welcome. Contact John Collinson john.ipp.uk@gmail.com Thursday, 11th April 7.30-9.30pm Amberley Gardening Club: Plants of the Season Amberley Parish Rooms. For further details about joining Amberley Gardening Club, please contact Christopher Bailey at christo.p.bailey@outlook.com Friday, 12th April 7.30-9.30pm This Music Business – an Evening with Richard Smith Market House, Minchinhampton. Alan Vaughan and Richard Smith have put together a presentation which includes recordings, contemporary pictures and videos. It starts with Beethoven and goes up to the present day with A.I. but also explains the things RS did while working in pop music for EMI Records in the 1970s. Tickets £10 available from the Market Stores or online here. Saturday, 13th April 7.00-10.00pm Songs of Rejoicing and Reflection – Standish Consort Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. A selection of works by Europe’s best Renaissance and Baroque composers by the choir from the University of Oxford. Tickets: £15 in advance or £17 on the door. Children 12-17 £5, under 12s free. Bookings here. Monday, 15th April 7.30-9.30pm Minchinhampton Gardening Club: Gardening Season by Season 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, 16th April 2.30-4.00pm Cotteswold Naturalists Field Club: Gloucestershire Orchard Trust Box Village Hall. Contribution of £2 from members and £5 from visitors is requested. Followed by refreshments at no additional charge. Tuesday, 16th April 7.00-9.00pm Minch Book Club The Crown, High Street. Book of the month: Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason. For further information contact: Rachel Montgomery at rachel@monty.one or 07715 303707 Tuesday, 16th April 7.30-9.30pm Box Gardening Club: Hidcote, a Garden created by Lawrence Johnson Box Village Hall. Visitors welcome £4 per talk. Contact: Email BoxGarden@box-village.com . For more information regarding Membership contact Gill Ogle 01453 839041 Wednesday, 17th April 10.30am-12.00noon. Social Book Club Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road. “Country in Asia” will be the topic for this month’s book discussion. This can be interpreted however you want. Thursday, 18th April 10.30am-12.00noon Hampton Probus: Jerry Lee Lewis Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk Thursday, 18th April 12.00noon-3.30pm Minchinhampton Ladies Lunch Club: Working with Refugees and Asylum Seekers. The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton Common. Speakers Alice Banks and Anna Ray. New members welcome but it is important to contact Biddy Hadfield before attending the lunch. bthadfield@btinternet.com Thursday, 18th April 7.00-9.00pm The Bereavement Journey Course: A Place to Talk (first Session) Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Presented jointly by Holy Trinity & Minchinhampton Baptist Church. A seven-session programme which assists people who have experienced bereavement of any kind to process their loss. For more details contact 01453 889004 or 01453 886997 or email course@minchbc.org.uk Friday, 19th April 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, 19th April 6.30-10.00pm Bingo Night in aid of Horsfall House Market House, Minchinhampton. Includes amazing auction. £15 to include buffet supper and a free drink available from Market Stores (cash only) or order tickets by 1st April by emailing sales@fordloveday.co.uk Friday, 19th April 7.00-9.00pm Box Bar Box Village Hall Saturday, 20th April 10.00am-4.00pm Art in the Attic Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. An affordable art sale (enjoy someone’s once loved pieces) raising funds for the restoration of the historic stained glass rose window. Paintings, prints, drawings & photographs. Tea, coffee and delicious homemade cakes. Admission free. Saturday, 20th April 7.30-11.00pm Kevin Paul as Elvis Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. Members £10, Guests £15. Tickets on sale from behind the bar. Monday, 22nd April 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. Monday, 22nd April 7.00-10.00pm Annual Parish Meeting Market House, Minchinhampton. All residents are invited to attend. Meet your councillors, find out about parish council activities, ask questions. Presentation by MinchLife. Wednesday, 24th April 9.15am-4.00pm Coach Trip with Ian Jarvis to William Morris’s Kelmscott Manor Cost £20 Manor entrance and lunch £29 – Total £49 per person. Contact bus@abbeyhall.info or telephone Ian (& Katie) Jarvis Tel: 01453 833131, 07403 899599 or 07802 357478 Wednesday, 24th April 7.30-10.00pm Minchtalks: An introduction to public speaking, with help from Aristotle & Mark Twain by Howard Scott. Minchinhampton Baptist Church, Tetbury Street. Discover how to start, how to finish and what to do in between using the natural communication skills you already have. Free admission Thursday, 25th April 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, 25th April 10.00am-12.00noon. Minchinhampton Probus: Brilliant Brunel Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton. Meeting starts 10.30am. New members and guests welcome. Contact John Collinson john.ipp.uk@gmail.com Thursday, 25th April 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, 26th April 7.00-10.00pm NSPCC Quiz Night & Supper Amberley Parish Rooms, Amberley Tickets £15 to include supper. Tickets available from Jane Fearnley (014153 872296) or fearnley@globalnet.co.uk All proceeds to NSPCC. Friday, 26th April 7.30-10.00pm The Magnificent AKs Market House, Minchinhampton. The Hilarious Singing blokes from Ashton Keynes. Tickets £10 from Market Stores or online here. Sunday, 28th April 10.30am-1.00pm Minchinhampton Walking and Wildlife Group. Please contact karencolebourn@gmail.com for more details. Sunday, 28th April 3.00-5.00pm Guided Tour of Medieval Buildings of Frocester (with Cotteswold Naturalists) Fully booked. Contact: Peter Cornish, tel: 01453 823 286, email: peter.cornish@yahoo.co.uk Monday, 29th April 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 Wednesday, 1st May Minchinhampton Surgery Patient Participation Group (PPG) AGM Porch Room, Holy Trinity Parish Church, Minchinhampton. Speaker: David Rawlings, Stroud District Council, Children & Young People Development Officer. The AGM will include updates on the new surgery building, patient transport, etc. Meeting for all patients of Minchinhampton Surgery. Please email Ian McPherson (secretary) if you are planning to attend <iandsmcp@gmail.com 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 |
