Stroud Town Council

30/10/2026

Stroud Town Council meetings in November 📅👇🏼

Everyone is welcome and they are a chance to hear updates, ask questions, and learn more about the council’s work across different areas. 💬

We publish meeting papers on our website a week in advance, and notes (minutes) are shared after each meeting so you can catch up on what’s been discussed. All STC documents can be found in the ‘documents’ section of our website. 🔍

📌Finance, Policy & Programme
Monday 2 November, 7:30pm
Council Chamber

📌Consultations
Monday 9 November, 7:30pm
Council Chamber

If you’d like to get involved, please come along. If you have any questions or any access or support needs which will help you to take part, please get in touch.

📞01453 762817
📩[email protected]

29/10/2026

Road closure notice 🚧

We've been advised of the following road closures:

📌 Horns Road
From its junction with Daisy Bank to Nursey Close.
5th November

📌 Bisley Road and footway
From its junction with Horns Road to 105 Bisley Road.
5th and 6th November

If we hear of any updates we will let you know. Please visit Gloucestershire Roads for up to date information on road closures.

28/10/2026

Could you be a NOSH Stroud trustee? Apply by 31st October!

26/10/2026

From the Mayor's blog...

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the launch of the Stroud and Cotswold Districts Citizens Advice 'Impact Report 2025-26' event. The evening gave attendees the chance to hear the difference that the support from Citizens Advice has made to people over the past year, and also to hear evidence of wider issues affecting our local communities.

For those that don't know, Citizens Advice provides free, independent, impartial and confidential support and advice on topics such as: Debt and money, housing, benefits, work, consumer issues and much more.

Citizens Advice Stroud and Cotswold Districts is both an independent local charity and still part of the National Citizens Advice Network that was originally founded in 1939. The two main offices locally are in Stroud and Cirencester, but they also deliver outreach work, attending Foodbanks across the district.

All of the volunteers and staff undergo extensive training to deal with, and to help identify, issues affecting local people. It was clear from the stories we heard throughout the evening from both the Foodbank Adviser, Zoe Rigden, and Advice First Aid Caseworker, Chris Bailey, that there is a high level of trust in the support they provide. We were told on the night how, from 2025-2026, 57 volunteers locally gave a whopping 19,000 hours of their time as advisers - equating to an extra 10 full-time staff!

The team regularly updates MPs covering Stroud, North Cotswolds and South Cotswolds with their extensive research and campaign work, and in 2025-2026, Citizens Advice research contributed to a number of positive changes nationally, including The Renters' Rights Act and the expansion of the Warm Home Discount to 3 million more households.

It can be easy to assume that in pretty market towns, with so much going on culturally and creatively, that perhaps there wouldn't be such a high need for services like this. However, Citizens Advice has shown that there are pockets of significant hardship and that living in rural areas often brings higher costs. They describe this as the 'Rural Paradox' - high housing costs, little social housing and a scarcity of affordable rental property.

According to their report, Citizens Advice Stroud and Cotswold Districts has helped people with 15,422 issues across 3,931 cases in the year 2025-2026, with 84% of people advising that they would not have been able to resolve their issue without this help. These facts and figures, among many others available on the night, show just how needed this service is locally and the broad scope of support that is offered.

I'd like to say a huge thank you to all those that work at Citizens Advice Bureau for the life changing work they do!

Stroud Citizens Advice is open Monday to Thursday 10:00am-4:00pm at 8 Brunel Mall on London Road. For more information, you can call on 0808 800 0510 or via email at citizensadvice-stroudandcotswold.org.uk

26/10/2026

Road Closures - Five Valleys Fireworks 🚧

We've been advised of the following road closures, taking place for the fireworks event this evening:

📌 A419 Cainscross Road:
closed from its junction with Dudbridge Road to its junction with Chestnut Lane

📌 47521 Chestnut Lane:
closed its entire length (150 metres).

📌 The canal footpath from Lidl to Chestnut Lane will also be closed.

For event details, please visit the Five Valleys Fireworks website. 🎆

23/10/2026

Need ideas for this half term holiday? There's lots happening across the district 👇🏼

🎃 October half term family fun 🤸

Looking for ways to keep the children entertained this half term? From spooky trails and Hallowe'en adventures to crafts, wildlife activities and family days out, there's plenty happening across the Stroud district over the school holidays. Many events are free or low cost, making it easy to enjoy a great half term without travelling far.

Families can follow trails, get creative with craft sessions, discover nature, enjoy themed Hallowe'en events and even take a ride on Stratford Park's miniature railway before it closes for the season. Highlights include free activities at The Museum in the Park, family trails at Woodchester Park and Newark Park, Hallowe'en fun at Berkeley Castle, and a packed programme of activities at Brimscombe Mill and Active Lifestyles Stroud District centres.

Pick your perfect pumpkin from one of our many farm shops and markets. Once Hallowe'en is over, don't bin it. Pop it in your food waste caddy, or place it on top if it's too big to fit, and we'll make sure it's recycled.

🎃 Throughout half term:
The Bunnies of Hoppity Hill free I Spy Trail, Museum in the Park (Tuesday – Sunday)
A Spooky Search: free family explorer trail, Museum in the Park (Tuesday – Sunday)
Daily drop-in activities at Brimscombe Mill including crafts, scavenger hunts, games, food and play area (Monday – Saturday)
Kings Stanley Playgroup Hallowe'en Adventure Trail
Become an Apprentice Dragon Keeper free family trail, Dursley Library
Brilliant Bats trail, Woodchester Park
Spooky Cellars, Woodchester Mansion
Children's craft activities and dressing-up opportunities at Brimscombe Mill
Family trails at Newark Park
Big Bat Trail at Painswick Rococo Garden
Let’s Play Fun Days, Active Lifestyles Stroud (Monday-Friday)
Private swimming tuition, Active Lifestyles Stroud (Monday-Friday)
Junior Gym Sessions, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Hallowe'en at Berkeley Castle
SUPER Natural October Half Term, WWT Slimbridge
Cattle Country Pumpkin Patch
The Ghosts of Button House (PG), Wotton Cinema
Various films at Stroud Vue

🎃 Daily activities: 25 October
Stratford park miniature railway (last session of the year)
Green Hallowe'en: Pumpkins in the Park, Museum in the Park with Stroud Valleys Project
Film show: Room on the Broom, Museum in the Park
Stratford Park Miniature Railway's final running day of the year
Buzz Club in the Walled Garden, Museum in the Park

🎃 26 October
Play Gloucestershire Play Rangers at Synwell Playing Fields, Wotton-under-Edge
Bouncy Castle & Soft Play, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Outdoor Cookery Workshop for 11-18 year olds, Common Soil Community Farm
Rotary Five Valleys Fireworks (Ebley Fireworks)

🎃 27 October
Play Gloucestershire Play Rangers at Kingswood Playing Field
Multi activities and food by World Jungle, 10am – 12 noon Woodfields Play Area, Cam and 2 – 4pm Stratford Park, Stroud
Games and activities by Sportily, Minchinhampton Primary School
Storytelling and colouring for ages 2-5 years, Amberley Shop & Café
K-Pop Demon Hunters dance workshop, Active Lifestyles Dursley
Activity Day, Active Lifestyles Dursley
Kids Kitchen at the Long Table, Brimscombe Mill

🎃 28 October
Hallowe'en Family Roller Skating, Active Lifestyles Stroud
K-Pop Demon Hunters dance workshop, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Hands on Reptile Experience, Brimscombe Mill (advance booking required)
Bat Box Making, Woodchester Park
Clay Sculpture Animals, Newark Park
Garden Stories free creative drop-in activities, Museum in the Park

🎃 29 October
Play Gloucestershire Play Rangers at Victory Park, Cainscross
Play Gloucestershire Play Rangers at Highfields Play Area, Dursley
Half Term Woolly Morning with Stroudwater Textile Trust at Museum in the Park
Crafternoon: Learn to Crochet, Brimscombe Mill (booking required)
Fancy Dress Family Disco, Brimscombe Mill
Kids Kitchen at the Long Table, Brimscombe Mill
Garden Stories free creative drop-in activities, Museum in the Park
Something Wicked This Way Comes!, Woodchester Mansion
Family group sessions with crafts and games at Longfield Hospice
Activity Day, Active Lifestyles Dursley

🎃 30 October
Crafty Creatures family drop-in workshop, Museum in the Park
Silly Science Workshop, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Scare Fair with crafts, games, face painting and bouncy castle, Active Lifestyles Dursley
Hallowe'en Craft Session, APT Stonehouse
Hallowe'en Pumpkin Painting, Stroud Brewery & Taproom
Swim Clinic, Active Lifestyles Dursley
Owl Pellet Exploration, Woodchester Park
Let's Create drop-in session, The Sanctuary, Brimscombe Mill
Children's Hallowe'en Disco, Chalford Sports & Social Club
The Cotswold Canals Trust Hallowe’en Cruise from the Bowbridge Arms

🎃 31 October
Spooky Songs & Folk Magic with Carnival of Cryptids, Museum in the Park
Spooky Stroll around Stratford Park, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Hallowe'en Hunt, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Hallowe'en Pool Party, Active Lifestyles Dursley
Let's Create drop-in crafts, Stroud Brewery
Hallowe'en Party, The Village Inn, Kings Stanley
Cotswold Canals Trust Hallowe'en boat trips
Dr Jenner's House Hallowe’en Spooktacular
Frampton Fright Night and Fireworks
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (U), Wotton Cinema

🎃 1 November
Hallowe'en Pool Party, Active Lifestyles Stroud
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (U), Wotton Cinema
King’s Stanley Playgroup Hallowe’en Funday

For a full list of half term activities and event details, see VisitStroud.uk

Please visit organisers' websites before travelling, as arrangements may change.

Have we missed any events? Post them below if so!

23/10/2026

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 🤩

The school is looking for new co-opted Governors to bring fresh skills, experience and perspectives to its Governing Board.

Governors work alongside the Headteacher and senior leaders to help set the strategic direction of the school. The role is not about managing the school day to day, but about asking thoughtful questions and helping the school make well-informed decisions that support every student to reach their potential.

You do not need previous experience of education or governance. Skills gained through work, volunteering, family life or community involvement are all valuable, and full training and support are provided.

Governors typically attend six Governing Board meetings each year, serve on a committee, and commit around two hours per week during term time.

If you'd like to make a positive difference to local young people and help shape the future of the school, find out more and apply via Go Volunteer Glos.

Visit the Go Volunteer Glos website and search "Archway School" to learn more. 👈🏼

22/10/2026

📣 𝗩𝗖𝗦𝗘 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗩𝗖𝗦𝗘 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻?

The latest bulletin is packed with opportunities to help local charities, community groups and social enterprises thrive, including upcoming training on:

🤝 Meet the Funder: Locality - 27 October 2026
📹 Using video for impact reporting - 29 October 2026
🤖 AI and fundraising - 3 November 2026
💜 Donor relationship building - 10 November 2026
💰 Grants and fundraising - 19 November 2026
📊 Measuring and demonstrating social value - 2 December 2026

Just to name a few!

You'll also find a wide range of local and national funding opportunities, sector news, fundraising resources and useful updates for charities, community groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises across Gloucestershire.

It's a really useful free resource for anyone looking to stay on top of funding, training and support opportunities in the VCSE sector.

Sign up via Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance 👈🏼

21/10/2026

Looking for a paid role that tackles food waste and supports the community? This might be for you! 👇🏼

We're looking for that special someone... ♻️🌍💚

Passionate about your local community, reducing food waste & tackling food poverty? Supporting your neighbourhood while prioritising food safety? Organised & efficient? Get in touch 🙏 👇😊

20/10/2026

From the Mayor's Blog...

Since I've started in this role, one of the main questions I get asked is "What does a Mayor do?" It's an excellent question and, being almost 3 weeks in, I can definitely confirm that it varies! Representing the town, and the interests of residents is at the forefront and, for me, this includes shining a spotlight on the people, organisations, initiatives and spaces that make Stroud the incredible place that it is.

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of being invited to the 'Mood-boosting Books 2026' event at Stroud Library, launched by the brilliant team at The Reading Agency. The event was to launch a nationally promoted collection of uplifting titles designed to help readers find comfort, hope, escape and even connection in books. The collection was curated by 18-25 year olds, with young adults helping to select the final titles. The launch also aptly landed on World Mental Health Day (10th October) as well as within National Reading Week 2026.

Alongside Simon Opher MP and The Reading Agency Team, we got to hear from the fabulous multi-million selling author, Amanda Prowse, about her career as a writer. Amanda shared her passion for reading, for encouraging other people to read, and her appreciation for libraries as a sanctuary and physical space for community and warmth. It doesn't matter what you like to read -- whether it's horror, romance, sci-fi, non-fiction or comics (or catalogues!) the main thing is that these spaces are made accessible for everyone. Regardless of reading ability, reading interest, from children to adults, everyone is welcome and included in the space.

I was struck by a similar theme when I had the opportunity to volunteer for a shift at Middle of the Hill Community Group last week. The team of volunteers there (and across all Stroud hubs) work really hard to make it a welcoming and supportive place for people to use, and I was honoured to be a small part of that for those few hours. It was really interesting to speak with not only the volunteers but people using the hub to hear what was going on for them and how important it was to have that physical space -- a place of community and connection.

It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from, we all need connection with our local network. With so much uncertainty in the world at the moment, and concern about everyday issues, whether it be the cost of food, fuel or provisions -- community spaces are needed more than ever.