Stroud Town Council

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.

16/10/2026

𝗨𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀’ 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲! 📞➡️🌱

Last year, we took on several disused phone boxes across Stroud. Since then, we've been cleaning, repainting, replacing glass and restoring them ready for a new chapter.

The first refurbished phone box, on Folly Lane in Uplands, has been transformed into a community seed exchange.

The idea was developed by local residents Ruth Bowers and Sue Harker, with support from Uplands ward Cllr Andy McCulloch, Uplands Community Hub and the Uplands Allotment Group.

Ruth and Sue said:

"We're delighted to see the phone box ready for the seed exchange. We hope it will be used by everyone without the need to join a group and enjoy feeling connected to where they live - and give nature a little help too.”

Cllr Andy McCulloch said:

"It's great to see this disused phone box brought back to life for community benefit. I'm looking forward to seeing the seed exchange take off and become something local people use and enjoy."

How does it work?
🌻 Got spare seeds? Leave some behind.
🌱 Looking for something new to grow? Help yourself.
📩 Just leave seeds in a clearly labelled envelope.

If you spot any damage or maintenance issues with the phone box, simply scan the QR code inside to report them directly to Stroud Town Council.

Keep an eye out for more phone box revamps coming soon! 👀

16/10/2026

Looking to stop smoking or va**ng? 🚭

Healthy Lifestyles Gloucestershire (HLS Gloucestershire ) offers free, friendly and confidential support for young people aged 12-17 who want to quit va**ng, as well as stop smoking services for adults.

📱 1:1 phone and text support
✅ Personalised quit plans
✅ Free expert guidance

Find out more by visiting their website, or calling their hotline.

14/10/2026

Gloucestershire Roads has shared this update with us. Please check your route if you are travelling from Friday 16 October at 11pm to Monday 19 October at 6am 👇🏼

🚧 M5 J11-12 weekend closure by National Highways 🚧

🗓️ Friday 16 October 11pm to Monday 19 October 6am

National Highways: South-West will be closing the M5 near Gloucester J11-12 (including junction 11a) in both directions. This is for the safe demolition of two footbridges that span the motorway. The local diversion route is expected to be busy and National Highways asks that you please travel at a different time if you can. Gloucester City Council Tewkesbury Borough Stroud Town Council

🔗 For more info visit: https://orlo.uk/I6IHS

12/10/2026

Who Does What in Local Government?

It wasn't until I became a councillor almost four years ago that I began to realise how the different layers of council fit together. It really can seem like a confusing jigsaw puzzle.

Every week at Stroud Town Council, residents get in touch with us about a wide variety of issues. Sometimes they relate directly to services provided by the Town Council, but often they fall under the responsibility of either Stroud District Council or Gloucestershire County Council. We're always happy to help point people in the right direction and make sure they know who can help (residents can call, email or pop into our new offices at Locking Hill).

This week, a resident contacted us about a handrail on a steep pathway that had become overgrown. The vegetation was making access difficult, particularly for people with mobility issues. We were able to identify the correct team at Gloucestershire County Council, pass on the details and ensure the issue was dealt with. Helping residents navigate local services is an important part of the Town Council's role. We regularly receive enquiries about housing support, street lighting, abandoned vehicles, waste collections, planning matters and many other issues. Even though these don’t fall under our remit, we can often help people find the right department more quickly – so please do ask!

So where do the different councils fit in?

Stroud Town Council focuses on local community services and spaces. We manage a number of the town's green and open spaces, including gardens, play areas and the cemetery. Even so, our small team can’t spot everything so if you notice something that needs doing, we’re always grateful when you let us know. We also administer burial services and provide grants that support local organisations, community groups and projects that make a positive difference in Stroud.

Stroud District Council is responsible for services that many of us use every day, including rubbish and recycling collections, garden waste services, car parks, housing services and planning applications. The District Council also oversees community wardens, who help address issues such as anti-social behaviour, fly tipping, littering, graffiti and dog fouling.

Meanwhile, Gloucestershire County Council delivers some of the largest and most visible services. These include roads, pavements, potholes and many public footpaths, as well as education, social care, trading standards, registrations and a wide range of licensing responsibilities.

You can find a guide to what each council does on Stroud Town Council’s social media pages.

Sometimes helping residents means doing a little detective work. Last month, a resident contacted us after noticing that a section of Stroud's distinctive Victorian cast-iron kerb edging had disappeared following roadworks. They were understandably concerned, particularly because a similar section had vanished several years ago and had never been replaced. After making enquiries, we discovered that the ironwork had actually been removed deliberately. Gloucestershire County Council, working alongside Stroud District Council's heritage team, had taken the section away so that a mould could be made. This will allow additional pieces to be cast in the future and help preserve an important part of the town's historic character. We were pleased to be able to pass that information back to the resident and put their mind at rest.

Stories like these demonstrate the value of local knowledge and partnership working. Regardless of where the planned government reorganisation lands up, whether we're resolving an issue ourselves, helping residents report a problem or simply directing people to the right organisation, our aim is always the same: to help people get the answers and support they need.

So, if you're ever unsure who to contact about a local issue, please do get in touch with us. If we can't help directly, we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.

09/10/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁? 🤔

Knowing where to go when you have an issue can be confusing...

We've put together a quick guide explaining the different roles of Stroud Town Council, Stroud District Council and Gloucestershire County Council.

👉 Check each image to see which council is responsible for the service you need.

For issues such as potholes, damaged pavements, flooding and faulty streetlights, these can be reported directly through GCC's Fix My Street service.

Please note that this is a quick guide and not an exhaustive list. If you're still unsure who to contact, get in touch and we'll do our best to point you in the right direction!