HubStroud

Where hubstroud.org.uk What is it? A hub, for information in Stroud. At present, mainly a really easy way to get an overview of upcoming events around the Stroud District - but we've got big plans for the future too. When   Any time you can access the internet - you can view hubStroud on your smartphone or tablet as well as from a desktop or laptop computer. Why not check it on Sunday night or Monday morning to see what is happening in the week ahead or on Friday afternoon to see what's happening over the weekend? Or you could make the site your homepage so you'll be reminded of what's happening in Stroud every time you log onto the internet?

Transition Stroud is all about using the power of strong local communities to develop practical responses to climate change and resource depletion. Transition Stroud is hoping hubStroud will become the website people use to find out what is happening in the local area, and can become a hub to connect communities and help us to share information and resources. If you're organising a workshop, exhibition, gig, film screening or - well - anything in the Stroud District - get in touch about listing it on the site via hubstroud@gmail.com, or by sending a tweet to @hubstroud (if you're on twitter, follow us for regular reminders about upcoming events and to help share local information. If you're not on twitter, but are interested in using it, or have only just started using it, we can offer introductory training).

Stroud Events

Here’s the current list of things we know about that are happening in the near future.  Where relevant, we’re also listing events a bit further afield that you might be interested in, too.

If you are aware of other talks, events, workshops or other community activities in the coming week or so, please do mention them in the comments. If there’s an event you would like our support in promoting, please email the details to brynnethnimue (at) gmail (dot) com.

TODAY! STAND (Severnside Development Against Nuclear Development) – www.nuclearsevernside.co.uk – is specifically campaigning against the proposed nuke at Oldbury.  Wrong place, wrong technology etc., there is every chance that it can be seen off, but, of course, we have to keep the door firmly shut. The STAND roadshow on 1^st February is the follow-on to a similar event that brought Stroud Calling Forest-side. There will be 5 speakers each speaking for 10-15 mins – health, flooding, latest developments regarding Horizon, alternatives etc. etc. – and then some music.  And stands and more information on Fukushima Day on March 11^th.  And I hope a really good opportunity for people from both sides of the Severn to meet and catch-up. I hope that you will all be able to come – please let all your friends, family, groups and connections know.  Everyone welcome.

TODAY! 1st February, 10.00 – 4.00, Merrywalks Centre, Stroud
Once again Transition Stroud and Down to Earth will be organising their annual Stroud Potato Day.

Amanda Godber from Down to Earth said, “this is such an exciting time of year with the promise of many a happy hour getting your seed packets sorted and ready to sow. Now you can buy your selection of seed potatoes to plant and have a delicious variety on your table throughout the summer.”

Come and join us at the Merrywalks shopping centre between 10.00 and 4.00 and you might even be able to taste a delicious lemon drizzle cake made with mashed potato.

You don't need a big garden or allotment to grow potatoes, you can grow them in containers even on a patio or by your back door!
Varieties available will include:

1st Earlies:  SWIFT, INTERNATIONAL KIDNEY, CASABLANCA,  ROCKET, ARAN PILOT, COLLEEN

2nd Earlies: CHARLOTTE, KESTREL, NADINA, MARFONA, VIVALDI, NOVELLA, ORLA

Main:  KING EDWARD, DESIREE, PINK FIR APPLE, SARPO MIRA, ROBINTA

You can read some interesting stories about potatoes as well as pick up some lovely recipe ideas on the Stroud Potato Day blog.

Your Green Future is being held on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 February at Stratford Park Leisure Centre in Stroud. This event will see industry thinkers and experts offer advice and inspiration to over 400 secondary school students from across Gloucestershire on developing a low carbon, sustainable future.

Any businesses wishing to find out more or schools who may also wish to attend should call  01452 835076 or email cecilye@severnwye.org.uk Further information is available at www.yourgreenfuture.org.uk

Monday evening the 17th February 7.15 for 7 30pm at Open House-Next to "Star Anise" at the bottom of Gloucester St.  Stroud There will be a Public Meeting entitled, "The increasing power of Corporations , implications for democracy and what can be done about It"   Speakers will be Nick Dearden -World Development  Movement- Gloucestershire Molly Scott Cato  Stroud District Green Party. This is a crucial issue for the World

Sunday 23rd February, Cake and Conservation, Westley Farm, Chalford 10am-3pm
Enjoy being outside? Want to learn new skills, have fun and meet like-minded people? Then come along to our conservation taster day to see the kind of conservation work we do. We’ll be cutting and burning scrub to recreate links between two wildflower-rich areas, to encourage more butterflies and surveying for marsh fritillary caterpillars. Westley Farm will be providing a delicious home-cooked lunch. May not be suitable for young children under 8 due to nature of the work, parental discretion advised.

Ellen Winter (Stroud Community Wildlife Officer) writes: "I really hope you'll be able to join me, and please do pass this on to your friends and family, the more the merrier! If you'd like to book on any of these events, simply contact the office on info@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk or 01452 383333.  Full details and directions are sent to everyone booked shortly before the event."

Thur 27 Feb Subscription Rooms Stroud How to Occupy an oil Rig,  How to blend in on a march. How to crash a boardroom meeting. How to avoid becoming romantically attached to an undercover police officer. That sort of thing. In this playful and provocative show about protest, you'll learn how to do all of this and more. Funny, surprising, and not a little sad, How to Occupy an Oil Rig is for everyone who ever wanted to change anything. And that's everyone. You get to play with plasticine too. Written by Daniel Bye and the company

Stroud events

Here’s the current list of things we know about that are happening in the near future.  Where relevant, we’re also listing events a bit further afield that you might be interested in, too.

If you are aware of other talks, events, workshops or other community activities in the coming week or so, please do mention them in the comments. If there’s an event you would like our support in promoting, please email the details to brynnethnimue (at) gmail (dot) com.

January Hopeless Maine: Made in Stroud. For the first time, original art from Hopeless Maine vol 2 is now on display! All of the pages of illustration from Hopeless Maine: Inheritance are now at Made in Stroud, many adorning the walls and other available for browsing. It’s a rare opportunity to see how these graphic novels develop from paper to final, print edition. As the originals are for sale, this is the only time the whole book will be available for viewing in original form.

Sunday 26th January Public meeting at Lansdown Hall at 7.30pm entitled: Frack Free Five Valleys?

There will be films, speakers, Q&A plus discussion concerning the new threat of fracking to Stroud and the Five Valleys.  Admission FREE.  See the enclosed poster for further details.  The meeting is organised by FRACK FREE FIVE VALLEYS and supported by NO FIBS and National Campaign Group FRACK OFF.

Thursday 30th January, New Toad Patroller Training, Richmond Painswick, 7-9pm
If you are interested in being a life saver this spring become a Toad Patroller at one of many local Toads on Roads crossings. Patrollers work at dusk on mild nights when toads will be migrating to their breeding ponds. Patrollers look along pavements and verges at known sites to collect toads, frogs and newts and bucket them safely across the road.  This training session is to introduce new patrollers to existing patrols and teach them how to patrol and survey.

STAND (Severnside Development Against Nuclear Development) – www.nuclearsevernside.co.uk – is specifically campaigning against the proposed nuke at Oldbury.  Wrong place, wrong technology etc., there is every chance that it can be seen off, but, of course, we have to keep the door firmly shut. The STAND roadshow on 1^st February is the follow-on to a similar event that brought Stroud Calling Forest-side. There will be 5 speakers each speaking for 10-15 mins – health, flooding, latest developments regarding Horizon, alternatives etc.

Saturday 1st February, 10.00 – 4.00, Merrywalks Centre, Stroud
Once again Transition Stroud and Down to Earth will be organising their annual Stroud Potato Day.

Amanda Godber from Down to Earth said, “this is such an exciting time of year with the promise of many a happy hour getting your seed packets sorted and ready to sow. Now you can buy your selection of seed potatoes to plant and have a delicious variety on your table throughout the summer.”

Come and join us at the Merrywalks shopping centre between 10.00 and 4.00 and you might even be able to taste a delicious lemon drizzle cake made with mashed potato.

You don't need a big garden or allotment to grow potatoes, you can grow them in containers even on a patio or by your back door!
Varieties available will include:

1st Earlies:  SWIFT, INTERNATIONAL KIDNEY, CASABLANCA,  ROCKET, ARAN PILOT, COLLEEN

2nd Earlies: CHARLOTTE, KESTREL, NADINA, MARFONA, VIVALDI, NOVELLA, ORLA

Main:  KING EDWARD, DESIREE, PINK FIR APPLE, SARPO MIRA, ROBINTA

You can read some interesting stories about potatoes as well as pick up some lovely recipe ideas on the Stroud Potato Day blog.

Your Green Future is being held on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 February at Stratford Park Leisure Centre in Stroud. This event will see industry thinkers and experts offer advice and inspiration to over 400 secondary school students from across Gloucestershire on developing a low carbon, sustainable future.

Any businesses wishing to find out more or schools who may also wish to attend should call  01452 835076 or email cecilye@severnwye.org.uk Further information is available at www.yourgreenfuture.org.uk

December events and action





David Le Page

Saturday 30^th November, And Sunday 1^st December, Gillian Keightley and Grizelda Holderness, Paintings, Pastel Drawings, Prints, Photos  &  cards for Christmas, Unit 3, Tanhouse Farm, FRAMPTON-ON-SEVERN,  Between St Mary’s Church and Splatt  Bridge, Sat & Sun  11am to 5pm               

1^st December

More Hall Residential Home Winter Fair. The residents, staff and friends of More Hall are holding their annual Winter Fair on Sunday, 1^st December from 2 pm. Following last year’s success, there will be an International Cake stall selling unusual specialities from all over the world including the renowned More Hall samosas. Of course, Father Christmas, accompanied by his Elf, will be there to distribute presents for younger children.

During the afternoon tea, cakes and Mince Pies will be served and, in the residents’ lounge, there will be seasonal music from local artists and a choir.

Hand made Christmas decorations, soft toys, gifts and preserves will be for sale and there will be the customary raffle for a Christmas Hamper and other prizes.

More Hall, Townsend, is at the top of Randwick Road and the Fair will be open from 2 pm to 5 pm on Sunday, 1^stDecember.

For further information please call 01453 764486

Wednesday 4^th DECEMBER: Make Cakes out of Vegetables! Time: 7.00 to 9.00pm. Venue: TBC, in Stroud Tutor: Helen Patrick Cost: £5 or 4 Stroud Pounds
Carrot cake is everywhere - but did you know that there are lots of other vegetables that can produce delicious and nutritious cakes – and without the usual heavy calorie burden! In this workshop we can explore how to use a wide variety of vegetables in baking and will together bake something to take home. So... don't keep all those glorious vegetables just for dinner.
To book a place: e-mail Erik or phone 07725 900666.

 

7^th December The Ignition/Door Youth Project concert : St Matthews Church, Cainscross, Stroud, GL5 4JE/.  The amazing, internationally-acclaimed Mary-Jess (https://www.facebook.com/MaryJessMusic) will be performing. Venue. Mary-Jess will be joined by a Stroud ensemble conducted by Jonathan Trim and some amazing young people from the Door will also be performing. You will also have a chance to sing your favourite Christmas Carols. All proceeds to The Door. A great event to bring your family and friends too. Tickets only £4 in advance (£3 concession & Family ticket £12) available from the Tranzform Charity Shop at the top of the High Street or on-line from http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-presence-tickets-8240137473 — in Stroud.

12^th December  Fight the Gagging Laws! The Old Town Hall, The Shambles, High Street, Stroud, Glos. GL5 1AP  7:15pm
Neil Carmichael has the power to put pressure on the government to make big changes to the gagging law. He’s failed to vote against it so far, but the gagging law just keeps coming under criticism. Last week the government actually conceded a 6 week pause to the law, so now is the perfect time to ramp up the campaign on our MPs. The law is already being heavily criticised by the Lords who could fix it, or even scrap it completely. Neil Carmichael could play a crucial role in pressuring the government to make changes to the law in the Lords. Everyone is welcome to come along, so please bring your friends and family. Even if you don’t want to ask a question, it will be interesting to hear what Neil Carmichael, the speakers and the rest of your community have to say on the gagging law.

Visit our facebook event page and let us know if you can come, we need to show that as many people are planning to attend as possible, so please RSVP - and invite your friends too:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/Neil-Carmichael-Public-Meeting If you don’t have facebook, you can email emailtheteam@38degrees.org.uk or RSVP on our blog:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/come-to-a-meeting-with-neil-carmichael

19^th December “CHRISTMAS MUSIC!” “Your Musical Memories” concert at Stroud’s Subscription Rooms at 2.30 pm on December 19th is offering traditional Christmas musical fare; joyous carols and songs which always touch the heart at this time of year. Wynstones’ Phoenix Choir will be returning again this year to sing carols old and new, some of which they will have sung at the Wynstones’ Carol Concert in Gloucester Cathedral earlier in the month which has become one of the musical highlights at the Cathedral. They will be joined again this year by the Gannicox Ensemble, Stroud’s own bell ringing troupe, who will also share some of their favourite Christmas songs and Christopher Hudson will play a fantasia on the favourite carol “Away in a Manger” composed for violin and piano. So come and enjoy your Christmas and a mince pie or two at the Stroud Subscription Rooms at 2.30 pm on December 19th. Tickets are only £5.00 (which includes refreshments) and can be booked at the Subscription Rooms’ Box Office, telephone number 01453 760900. (When booking, please mention if you use a wheelchair as the number of wheelchairs allowed in the Ballroom are restricted due to fire regulations.)

         “Enjoy your music live!”

23^rd December A Winter's Tale

The popular Le Page Ensemble (featuring Yehudi Menuhin protege David Le Page on violin and Stroud born cellist Christopher Allan) return to St Laurence Church in Stroud on Monday 23rd December at 7.30 pm. This classical music ensemble bring a rich and exciting blend of music
and word: collaborating with vibrant young folk duo Jack Mcniell (guitar and voice) and Charlie Heys (fiddle), as well as local actor Trevor T Smith, they present "A Winter's Tale", featuring music from
JS Bach, Palestrina, Jeff Buckley, Mozart, Arcangelo Corelli and Astor Piazzolla, and folk carols from around the world, as well as seasonal poems.

Tickets (£13, under 18's free of charge) are available from the Stroud Tourist Information box office (01453 760900), the Star Anise Arts Cafe or on the door.

"Our Christmas concert has become something of an event for us, and also for the audience. This year Stroud's very own Trevor T Smith will once again recite poems in his wonderful way, and I am particularly looking forward to working with the folk duo Jack Mcniell and Charlie Heys who are names to watch.

Meanwhile David Le Page (who is unquestionably one of the UK's most talented and interesting violinists) and the ensemble will play music from around the world. Come and let us serenade you into Christmas!"



Sales, events, films and more

Stroud events

 

Here’s the current list of things we know about that are happening in the near future.  Where relevant, we’re also listing events a bit further afield that you might be interested in, too.

If you are aware of other talks, events, workshops or other community activities in the coming week or so, please do mention them in the comments. If there’s an event you would like our support in promoting, please email the details to brynnethnimue (at) gmail (dot) com.

Saturday 2^nd November Book sale, 11am or so onwards, outside the Sub rooms (weather permitting!)

4th November 9.30–12, 11th November 9.30-2.30 How to Make A Wildlife Garden Adult Education Course Severnview School, Bisley Old Road. Would you like to know how to make your garden more wildlife friendly?  Subsidised cost £25 (total) Concessions are available. The course will be very practical and we will hold your hand in each step of this process. It will cover:- Wildflowers. Planting three different seed mixes that are suitable for this area and how to care for them afterwards. Ponds and safe water in a garden How to measure for a pond liner and exploring options for safe water in a garden. Compost (if time allows).  Do feel free to pass this information on to your contacts.

To register to take part, contact Julie at Stroud Valleys Project on 01453 753358 or email julie@stroudvalleysproject.org.

Wednesday, November 6th.  Ukrainian choir/dance group, in a free concert (with a retiring collection in aid of orphanages in the Ukraine), at Stroud Baptist Church at 7pm.

And

Wednesday November 6^th, Stroud STOP meeting at Thanet House at 7.30pm, for anyone interested in helping reduce plastic bag use, and waste in Stroud.

Sunday 9^th November Fracking: Cheap Gas or Hot Air? Transition Stroud is screening a number of shorts films about the controversial process of fracking at the Lansdown Hall in Stroud on Sunday, November 10. Free event, starts at 7pm and will be followed by a discussion. What is hydraulic fracturing? Where is it proposed? Why is it being introduced to the UK? Why is there opposition? What's this got to do with climate change?

 

12^th NOVEMBER:
Seed Saving run by Transition Stroud Date: Tuesday 12th November. Time: 7.00 to 9. 00 pm. Venue: TBC, in Stroud.Tutor: Jane Brown
Cost: £5 or 4 Stroud Pounds
Saving your own seed gives you fresh seeds that are more adapted to your garden for the following growing season and saves you money as well! Learn which plants give you fertile seeds and simple methods of seed extraction for some common vegetables, flowers and herbs. Also learn about the need to save our seed diversity and heritage for the future. This is not just a hobby!
To book a place: email Jane  or phone 01453 764853

 

Friday 15^th November, The Green Party presents Uranium: The real cost of nuclear power. Roger Moody will give a talk on the ecological and social consequences of uranium mining at the British School  (opposite Star Anise) 15 November at 7pm followed by the film Yellow Fever: Uncovering the Navaho  Uranium Legacy

Saturday 16th November, Maypole Hall, Paganhill, Stroud, 2pm - 3.30pm Green Party fundraiser, Jumble and Nearly New.  People with jumble to donate should call Nicola Hillary on 07976 771309 or email nicolacdavies@hotmail.com and she will collect.  Clothes, shoes, linens, bric-a-brac, toys, books.  Or bring it to the hall on the day from 10am.

October Events

There's so much going on over the next few days. If you know of something good I've missed, please add it to the comments or drop me a line.

Friday October 18th in The Old Town Hall in the Shambles 7pm The meeting will be about the harmful effects of Mobile and Cordless Phones and Smart Meter Radiation.

From 7.00 pm until 8.15 pm groups will share information and action on:  Protecting our children from Wi-Fi in Schools. Protecting our family health and homes. Impact on bees, birds and our food. Campaigning to lower mobile mast radiation to align with the EU and stop smart meters.

At 8.15 pm there will be a talk by Dr. Andrew Tresidder on The Dangers and Symptoms of Microwave Radiation.

For more information phone 01453 840175 or 01453 752751.

 
Sunday 20th October. Time: 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Venue: Lockkeepers Cafe, Walbridge, Stroud.
Cost: Just buy a cup of coffee!

Fix It For Free run by Transition Stroud.
This is a different kind of workshop. Based on the Café Repair Movement in Holland, the aim is to fix or repair any garment, electrical or mechanical device you can get to the café. Hosted by Debbie James of the 2ii’s Café there will be engineers and sewing/machining experts from Transition Stroud to try to fix whatever you bring. You get it fixed (hopefully) - and for free, the planet benefits as you don’t have to buy a new one - and we all have a relaxing time over a coffee at your local café.
To book a place: e-mail Erik or phone 07725 900666. 

Monday 21st October 3pm – 6pm Family Apple Afternoon in Cam – free, run by Stroud Five Valleys Project.

A fun after school activity - all ages welcome. Juice some apples and have a free drink of apple juice from the trees in the orchard. You will also get to hear about what has been happening at this important local site. There will be a treasure hunt so if you want to take part – please bring 50p to enter. There will also be some other games which will cost only 20p for three goes – pocket money fun.

The orchard can be found between Willow Close, Maple Close and Bramble Drive, Cam which is just of the A4135 (Kingshill Road).

25^th October  'An Evening with Dementia' A play written and performed by Trevor T. Smith at 8.00 pm at the Cotswold Playhouse. Discover the highs and lows of living with dementia - from the sufferers point of view. This play gives a portrait of an ageing actor living in a care home who 'accepts' rather than 'suffers' from his condition. The wryly intelligent text allows the audience to empathise with the state of being called dementia. When it was played in London Trevor T. Smith was nominated as the Best Male Performance in the The Off West End Theatre Awards and the British Medical Journal stated, "The play enlightens, inspires and, most importantly, teaches what the individual with advanced dementia might want others to understand if he could be the teacher." The Daily Express called it, "A love-letter to a life well-lived.....Insightful and undercut with a surprisingly upbeat sense of humour"

Tickets £10 For more information visit www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk 

 

Sunday 27th October – Stratford Park, Stroud - free Pumpkins and Apples in the Park – run by Stroud Five Valleys Project

Another opportunity to try apple pressing to make your own juice. There will be workshops from 11-12.30pm and between 2-3pm. Apple cake and warm apple juice will also be on sale.

Join the Pumpkin Lantern Trail. Get busy at home carving your home grown pumpkins – there will be carving). Entries should be dropped off in the museum courtyard no later than 3.30pm on Sunday 27th October. From 5.30 the twilight Pumpkin Lantern Trail starts and this is when judging will take place. Good luck everyone.

Stroud Against Supermarket Saturation

Stroud Against Supermarket Saturation formed in July 2013 to protest against the proposal to build two new supermarkets in Stroud. You can find them on twitter - https://twitter.com/sasscampaign their website is here - http://sasscampaign.wordpress.com/

 

The proposed new Asda site is in part derelict, which would suggest that appropriate redevelopment would be a good idea. What does Stroud actually need? We already have a number of supermarkets. Yes, Asda will create new jobs, but it will undoubtedly cost jobs in other places. Many of the new jobs will be low paid and part time, which is not a great asset to the town. Edge of town stores with big car parks encourage people to drive, and to stay out of the town centre. Neither of these are things the Green Party feels are in Stroud’s interests. We have enough traffic flow problems as it is, especially at peak times. We have a town centre that needs our support, not further competition. We need good jobs that pay a living wage and offer opportunities for full time work, so that local people can thrive. A new supermarket would not seem to answer those needs.

 

If you object to the idea of new supermarkets in Stroud, you can sign the petition here -

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/stop-further-out-of-town-supermarket-developments-in-stroud

 

Then there is the issue of Asda itself. Asda is part of Wal-mart. If you take any interest in international issues (and I bet you do if you’re reading this) you probably have some idea already that Wal-mart does not have a great reputation. If you’d like to know more about Wal-mart/Asda there is a free film showing on Sunday the 15^th September, 7.30pm in Landsdown Hall. This is part of Transition Stroud’s bi-monthly film screenings, and there will be a debate afterwards. Stroud Against Supermarket Saturation and Stroud Community TV are also involved.

 

 (This is not an event organised by the Green Party. We are always glad to support local community projects, to encourage debate and political engagement and the like. If you have an event, campaign or activity that we could helpfully support, do get in touch by emailing brynnethnimue@gmail.com)