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Newsletter – November 2023


Dear all
 
The clocks having gone back we are all preparing for dark evenings.   A usual reminder please to take even more care whilst driving on the Common and also of how you park especially in the High Street where buses, in particular, have had difficulty manoeuvring around the bends as parked cars have caused obstructions.  There will be fireworks on both 3rd and 4th November at Beaudesert Park School and the Minchinhampton Academy so please watch out for frightened animals at home and outside.
 
We welcome two new businesses to Minchinhampton.  Cucina Di Amalfi is thriving.  Mario has taken over from Peter and Assumpta and will write more in the next newsletter to tell us of his plans.
 
House of Zhuzh will be opening later in November in Tetbury Street and offering beauty treatments and Emma will write more next month.
 
A big thank you to the community of Minchinhampton from Janet Payne & Sue Simmonds
Way back in August we asked the community if they would like to give contributions for Peter & Assumpta’s Farewell from The Kitchen.  You certainly didn’t disappoint, we were amazed at your response.  First of all may we thank everyone that helped us to put our plan into practice.  Thank you to John Mounsey, a brilliant wordsmith who helped us design our leaflet.  Thanks also to Alan Roe for his encouragement and delivery of leaflets.

The Shop Keepers, for displaying the posters and having information leaflets available.  Taylor’s The Butchers, The Market Stores, Freya Rose, Emma Hairdresser, Henry’s Coffee Shop, Horsfall House Charity Shop, Horsfall House Residential Care Home, The Crown, The Cotswold Club.  Holy Trinity Church, Revd Cannon Howard Gilbert. Minchinhampton Probus,  Chair Derek Norman, Hampton Probus, Chair Mel Drew. Thanks Also to Tim Mowat.  Minchinhampton WI Chair Diana Farn, Ladies Luncheon Club Chair Biddy Hatfield.  And also to Loose Women Dining Group. 

THANK YOU TO YOU ALL, OUR FANTASTIC COMMUNITY, WITH YOUR BRILLIANT GENEROSITY TOGETHER WE RAISED … £3,600

Special thanks to Alan Vaughan for designing the cards, which will contain the names of all who have donated.  Thank you, we know Peter & Assumpta are absolutely overwhelmed by your kindness.
 
The Royal British Legion Minchinhampton Branch will celebrate Armistice Day on Saturday 11th November at 11.00 gathering at the Cross for the Last Post followed by a short service of Remembrance. There will not be a road closure therefore attendees are advised to be cautious of traffic moving through the High Street.
On Remembrance Sunday 12th November, there will be a parade from the Parish Church to the Cross following the Church service. At 10.50 we will gather at the Cross for the Last Post at 11.00 followed by a service and wreath laying.  A road closure will be in force during the parade and service.
 
Amberley Shop and Cafe celebrates successful first three months – a note from them
Amberley Shop and Cafe opened at the end of June amidst a flurry of excitement.  A dedicated committee had spent six years raising funds, finding a venue, then designing and constructing the shop and cafe in, unusually, an active church – Holy Trinity Church in Amberley.  After three months trading and many thousands of coffees and cakes later, we are happy to report that the shop and café footfall has exceeded expectations. This means a general manager will soon be joining our team including nearly 80 volunteers.
 
In recognition of its high standards, in mid-September the café achieved a five-star food hygiene rating from Stroud District Council. 
Upcoming plans include the addition of hot food in the café, the opening of a meeting space upstairs, and new seasonal products in the shop. There will also be pop-up events – for instance a Xmas shopping event 4 to 8pm on Tuesday 14th November. 

The shop stocks everything from essentials like bread and milk to luxury ready meals and sauces. Popular items include Woodchester Valley wine, Plenty Pies from Woodchester, Amberley honey, cheese and meat from Taylors of Minchinhampton, and cards by local artists.  Chair of the Management Team, Helen Demuth said, “Whenever someone walks through the door for the first time there is a genuine look of surprise on their face when they see how a shop and café can complement a working church.  We have been overwhelmed by the goodwill from locals and tourists alike and look forward to seeing many familiar and new faces in the coming months.”
The shop and cafe are open from 8am to 4pm daily except during the main Sunday morning church services. www.amberleyshoponthecommon.co.uk
 
Minchinhampton Market – A note from Our Local Makers
Minchinhampton Market is the place to be every Wednesday morning, from 8.30 am to 12 noon!   As the seasons change, we are delighted to announce that the Market has moved upstairs into the Market House, to its cosy winter home.  We have all been working hard to stock our stalls for the upcoming months and have some lovely handmade gift and card ideas.  With of course some delicious baked goods and an array of plants and flowers to brighten your home.  Please come down for a warm welcome, and to browse and support us. We look forward to seeing you there!
 
News from the Market House
In October we held our very first disco with KC our resident DJ.  It was a very successful evening and saw our newly purchased disco lights being used. These are available to be hired for private parties.  Look out for our next disco which will be a Soul Night on 20th January 2024.  Also in October we had a theatrical production: Shakespeare’s Fool.
 
On 25th November we have a folk concert with Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne who is a brilliant singer and player of concertinas and melodeons. Many of you will remember him as one of Granny’s Attic who played at the Market House last year.
 
In the lead up to Christmas on 16th December is a one-man production of A Christmas Carol. This is by David Mynne, another returner to the Market House, who last time he was here performed his take on The Canterbury Tales.  Be prepared for another hilarious evening!
 
Thank you to those that responded to our request for volunteers. There is still room for more of you so If you feel you could help then please do contact us by email at events@minchinhamptonmarkethouse.co.uk The Market House is also a great venue for such things as dance classes, yoga, etc etc. If you would like to bring a class to Minchinhampton then contact enquiries@minchinhamptonmarkethouse.co.uk
 
The Crown, High Street, Minchinhampton
Steak night every Thursday
Tuesday, 7th November:  Crown Supper Club – three course menu for £35.
Tuesday, 21st November:  Wreath Making Workshop 6.30pm
Mulled Wine Mondays.
 
The Long Table, Brimscombe Mill, GL5 2QN
Christmas is fast approaching and the Long Table are launching the Longest Table for 2023 and would love to have you onboard this year.  Will you host a feast, large or small, so that people in your community can share the joy of eating together?  Last year over 60 feasts, big and small, made it possible for over 2000 to enjoy eating together.   As a benefit of joining in this year, if you’re able and desire or need it, COOK are offering a 30% discount on their delicious food if you are buying for a Longest Table feast, that is as close as you can get to home-made food!  Click here for further information and if you would like a copy of their new and updated pack that’ll help you to host a Longest Table feast.

Long Table November Events: 
Saturday, 4th November, 8.00-9.30pm:  The Old Oak, Film Screening.  Ken Loach’s moving drama.
Thursday, 9th November, 4.30-5.30pm:  Architectural Happy Hour
Friday, 10th November, 5.00-8pm  Ghana Eco Project
Saturday, 11th and Sunday, 12th November, 6.00-11.00pm  Circus Sauce Returns!  (Both nights now SOLD OUT)
Saturday, 18th November 6.00-11.00pm  Max La Manna (Guest Chef)
Friday, 24th November  5.00-6.15pm  Small Talk with Clare Honeyfield with Sabrina Pace-Humphries, author of Black Sheep
Saturday, 25th November 7.00-9.00pm  Black Dog Way  A film by Sam Pope.
Thursday, 30th November  7.00-8.30pm   Do/Hope:  Why you should never give up – An evening with Gail Muller (a chronic pain sufferer)
Friday night curries are back.  More information here.  Some events require tickets.
 
Burleigh Court Hotel, Burleigh
Thursday, 2nd November, 6.30-9.00pm  Thursday Music & Dinner night (Francis Sanville)
Thursday, 16th  November, 6.30-9.00pm  Thursday Music & Dinner night (Iris Mae)
Thursday, 23rd November, 6.30-9.30pm  An Autumn Night for Wine buffs & Food lovers
Saturday, 25th November, 1.00-4.00pm  Festive Wreath Making Workshop & Afternoon Tea  SOLD OUT
Thursday, 30th November, 6.30-9.00pm  The Burleigh Supper Club
More information and bookings here.  
 
The Ragged Cot, Cirencester Road
Live music events as follows.
Saturday, 4th November Bob Porter Project
Thursday, 9th November  Songbook Acoustic Jam Session (details below)
Saturday, 11th November  Gilmore ‘n Jaz
Friday, 17th  Tom Hall
Saturday, 25th  Cygnet Duo
Details of cocktail offers, Prosecco lunches, and more information here.
 
  Forthcoming Events for your Diary  

Horsfall House Christmas Market on Saturday, 2nd December from 10.00am – 2.00pm at the Day Centre, Horsfall House, Windmill Road.
Annual CPRE Gloucestershire Carol Concert at Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton on Tuesday 5th December at 6pm.  For tickets click here.
Stuart Singers Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton on 8th & 9th December.

Please see Market House news above for forthcoming events in December and January.

  Further Afield  

Stroud Book Festival – 8th – 12th November, 2023.   More details here
 
Nailsworth is starting a Junior Film Club.   The first film with be on 12th November at the Arkell Centre at 2.30pm. Under 11 years must be accompanied.  “Catch up with friends and neighbours whilst the children are entertained.  More info nailsworthjfclub@gmail.com.
 
The Cotswold Playhouse
Sunday 5th November at 7.30pm.  Stroud Short Stories – Love Is Strange
As usual, ten stories will be selected – from the hundred or so usually submitted – to be read by their authors, who may be professional writers, skilled amateurs or even complete beginners, but all of whom are from Gloucestershire. “Possibly the best short story event in the South West”. Tickets £10.
 
Tuesday 21st – Saturday 25th November at 7.30pm. The Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby Tickets £14
Left penniless after their father’s sudden death, the young Nicklebys must venture to London and seek help from their Uncle Ralph. However, Ralph has no desire to help and his only intentions are to separate and exploit them. Full of wonderful Dickensian characters, an amazing story of comedy and tragedy, embracing themes of class, cruelty, compassion, exploitation, and love, from the master of storytelling, Charles Dickens.
 
More information/tickets here:  or 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. 
 
Wednesday, 1st   2.30-5.00pm  Minchinhampton Womens Institute:  AGM  Coronation Scout Hut, Dr Browns Road.  Visitors are welcome to attend.  For further information, contact the Secretary on 884606.
 
Wednesday, 1st- Friday, 3rd   9.30am-3.30pm  Half Term Multi Sports Camp   Minchinhampton Community Hub, Tobacconist Road.  For children 6-13 years old.  £30 per day.  Booking/Further information contact Steve Perkins on 07925 930260 or email thecatchacademy@gmail.com
 
Thursday, 2nd  10.30am -12.00noon  Hampton Probus:  2023 Scout Jamboree South Korea  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk
 
Thursday, 2nd  2.00-4.00pm  Holiday Craft Session  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  No need to book, just turn up.  Children to be accompanied by an adult.  Activities suitable for age 3+.  Free.
 
Thursday, 2nd  7.00-9.00pm  Knit, Craft, Sew  Minchinhampton Market House, Market Square.  Friendly get together over tea and cake.  All welcome.  If possible, please let Joy Buxton (on Facebook) know if you are coming.
 
Friday, 3rd  10.30am-12.00noon  Half-term Lego Club  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  Suitable for aged 3+.  No need to book, just turn up.  All children to be accompanied by an adult.
 
Friday, 3rd  6.20-6.45pm  Fireworks at Beaudesert Park School, Minchinhampton Common.
 
Friday, 3rd  7.00-9.00pm  Box Bar  Box Village Hall
 
Saturday, 4th  10.00am-12.00noon  Coffee Morning, Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church Minchinhampton.  All welcome.  If you require a lift please call 01453 88900
 
Saturday, 4th  10.30am-1.00pm  Minchinhampton Walking Group/Cotswold Fungus Group outing  Minchinhampton & Rodborough Commons.  Meet at Reservoir carpark at 10.30am  Contact karencolebourn@gmail.com for further information.
 
Saturday, 4th  4.30-5.30pm  Teatime Concert   Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  Corelli Ensemble plays music for oboe, violin, viola da gamba and harpsichord by Vivaldi, Bach, Hayes and Couperin.  Admission free with a retiring collection.

Saturday, 4th  5.45-8.30pm  Minchinhampton Fireworks & Laser Light Show  Minchinhampton School Field, School Lane.  Gates open 4.30pm.  Laser Shows 5:45 and 7:00 pm.  Tickets £7.00 adult, £4.00 child.  £16 family (2 adults up to 3 children) – advance only here. 

Saturday, 4th   7.30-10.00pm  Royal British Legion Quiz  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton. 

Monday, 6th  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. 

Tuesday, 7th  2.15-4.00pm  Knit & Natter  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  Newcomers welcome, just bring knitting, crochet or sewing.  Email secretary@mclt.org.uk

Thursday, 9th  10.00am-12.00noon.  Minchinhampton Probus: The Early History of Penguin Books.  Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  Meeting starts 10.30am.  New members and guests welcome. Contact John Collinson  john.ipp.uk@gmail.com

Thursday, 9th  7.30-9.00pm  Amberley Gardening Club: NGS Gardens of Gloucestershire  Amberley Parish Rooms.  For further details about joining Amberley Gardening Club, please contact Christopher Bailey at christo.p.bailey@outlook.com
 
Thursday, 9th  8.00-10.30pm  Songbook Session:  Trevor Babajack Steger  Ragged Cot, Cirencester Road. Free Entry.  More information from  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088203616326
 
Friday, 10th  10.00am-12.00noon  Police Information Point,  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road,   Our local PCSO, Anca Preda, will be available to meet local residents providing crime prevention advice or discuss any community concerns they wish to raise.
 
Friday, 10th  7.30-10.00pm  Minchinhampton War Memories (Remembrance Event)  Minchinhampton Market House, Market Square.    Presented by Minchinhampton Local History Group.  Music, readings, films and photographs.  Tickets £15 from Market Stores (cash) or online here, or email minchsec@gmail.com
 
Saturday, 11th  10.50am  Royal British Legion gathering at the War Memorial Cross, Minchinihampton.  Last Post and short service of Remembrance.  (High Street will not be closed)
 
Sunday, 12th  10.50-11.30 am  Remembrance Sunday Royal British Legion Last Post  Parade from Holy Trinity Church to the War Memorial Cross, Minchinhampton.  Service & wreath laying.  (Note road will be closed)
 
Sunday, 12th  7.30-10.00pm  The Churchfitters  Box Village Hall.  A folk band like no other.  Tickets £15 plus booking fee online here, or telephone 839041 or 834766.
 
Monday, 13th  12.30-2.00pm  Poetry & Words (Minchinhampton Folk Club), the Cotswold Club, High Street.  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, 13th 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, 14th  4.00-8.00pm  Amberley Shop on the Common Xmas Shopping Event  Holy Trinity Church, Amberley
 
Wednesday, 15th  10.30am-12.00noon.  Social Book Club  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.   “Historical” will be the theme for this month’s book discussion.  This can be interpreted as you wish.
 
Thursday, 16th  10.30am-12.00noon  Hampton Probus:  How to Drive for Longer (update).   Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  Members with guests by invitation. For further information contact: webmaster@hamptonprobus.co.uk
 
Thursday, 16th  12.00noon-3.00pm  Minchinhampton Ladies Lunch Club:  Gloucester:  A City on the Up?  The Old Lodge, Minchinhampton Common.  Speaker Jon McGinty.  New members welcome but it is important to contact Biddy Hadfield before attending the lunch. bthadfield@btinternet.com
 
Friday, 17th  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, 17th  7.30-10.00pm   Pop Quiz  Cotswold Club, High Street, Minchinhampton.  £4.00 per team, teams of four.
 
Monday, 20th  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
 
Monday, 20th, 7.30-9.30pm  Minchinhampton Gardening Club:  A Complete Guide to Clematis. Minchinhampton Academy School Hall.  For more information please contact our
Secretary John Fivash tel: 01453 764956 email: johnfivash@btinternet.com
 
Tuesday, 21st   2.15-4.00pm  Cotteswold Naturalists Field Club:  Backstreet Bronze Casting (don’t try this at home).  Box Village Hall.  Contribution of £2 from members and £5 from visitors is requested. Followed by refreshments at no additional charge.
 
Tuesday, 21st  2.15-4.00pm  Knit & Natter  Minchinhampton Community Library, School Road.  Newcomers welcome, just bring knitting, crochet or sewing.  Email secretary@mclt.org.uk
 
Tuesday, 21st 7.00-9.30pm  Minch Book Club  The Crown, High Street.  Book of the month:   The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell.    For further information contact:  Rachel Montgomery at rachel@monty.one  or 07715 303707.
 
Wednesday, 22nd  9.00am-5.00pm  Cardiff Town Centre trip with Ian Jarvis.  Coach £26, per person.  For more information email bus@abbeyhall.info or telephone 01453 833131.
 
Thursday, 23rd  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, 23rd  10.00am-12.00noon  Minchinhampton Probus:  The Art of Persuasion.  Porch Room, Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  Meeting starts 10.30am.  New members and guests welcome. Contact John Collinson john.ipp.uk@gmail.com
 
Friday, 24th  9.30-11.00am  M.A.P.S. (Minchinhampton Additional Needs Parent Support Group)  Meeting  Minchinhampton Baptist Church, Tetbury Street.  Welcoming all parents & carers of children with additional needs diagnosed/undiagnosed from Minchinhampton & beyond.
 
Friday, 24th  7.30-10.00pm  Minchinhampton Movie Night:  Allelujah  Market House, Minchinhampton.  Written by Alan Bennett, directed by Sir Richard Eyre, starring Judi Dench, David Jacobi & Russell Tovey.  Doors open 7.00pm.  Tickets £6.00 (cash) available from Market Stores from 3 November.
 
Saturday, 25th  10.00am-3.30pm  Christmas Craft Fair  Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton.  Art, craft and gift stalls.   Refreshments and music.  Entry fee £2 per person.
 
Saturday, 25th  7.30-10.00pm  Cohen Braithwate-Kilcoyne  Minchinhampton Market House, Market Square.  Folk singer and a masterful player of the Anglo concertina and melodeon.  Tickets £15.00  from The Market Stores (cash)  or online here.
 
Monday, 27th  7.00-9.30pm.  Minchinhampton Parish Council Full Meeting.  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, 30th  7.30-10.00pm  The Crown Quiz  Crown Inn, High Street, Minchinhampton.  Only £1 per person entry.  Bookings:  email crownminchinhampton@youngs.co.uk or phone 01453 608010

Thursday, 30th November – Saturday, 2nd December   7.30-10.00pm (and matinee on Saturday 2.30-5.00pm)  Oliver!  Presented by Minchinhampton Players.  Minchinhampton Market House, Market Square.  Tickets £12 (cash) now available from the Market Stores, Minchinhampton

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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