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People living in Brimscombe and Thrupp, Chalford, Frampton on Severn, Great Oldbury, Minchinhampton, Standish and Upton St Leonards are being invited to give their views on proposed changes to parish council arrangements in their area.

Stroud District Council has published draft recommendations as part of its Community Governance Review and is now seeking feedback from residents, parish councils, community groups and other organisations before any final decisions are made.

The review is looking at whether current parish council arrangements continue to reflect the communities they serve and whether changes may be needed. This could include parish boundaries, the number of parish councillors, parish wards and other local governance matters.

The draft recommendations have been developed following an initial consultation earlier this year, when residents and local organisations were asked for their views on parish council arrangements.

The consultation is open until 11.59pm on Sunday 15 November 2026.

Residents can take part in the consultation:

• Online at www.stroud.gov.uk/cgr
• By email at elections@stroud.gov.uk
• By post to Electoral Services (CGR), Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB
• By calling the Elections Team on 01453 766321 to request a paper copy of the consultation or discuss the review further

All responses received during the consultation will be considered before final recommendations are presented to Full Council in December 2026.

Sign up here to receive news and events from Stroud District Council here:  https://stroud.gov.uk/emailalerts

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The Museum in the Park is celebrating a double success after being shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious Cotswolds Awards 2026, as the museum marks its 25th anniversary year.

The popular attraction has been nominated for Best Museum in the Cotswolds 2026 and Best Free Attraction in the Cotswolds 2026, recognising its role as one of the district's leading cultural destinations and its commitment to making history, heritage and culture accessible to everyone.

Located in the grounds of Stratford Park, Museum in the Park is managed by Stroud District Council in collaboration with the Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Trust. It is home to more than 4,000 objects and artefacts on display, telling the story of the Stroud district and its people through centuries of local history.

Alongside its collections, the museum features an award-winning walled garden, a dedicated contemporary exhibition space, a shop showcasing work by local artists and makers, and a café serving drinks, snacks and ice creams. 

Entry to the museum, gardens and exhibitions is free.

Cllr Martin Brown, Chair of Stroud District Council’s Community Services and Licensing Committee, said:

"I’m thrilled to see Museum in the Park shortlisted in two Cotswolds Awards categories during its 25th anniversary year. The museum plays a vital role in preserving and celebrating our district's rich heritage while providing a welcoming space for residents and visitors of all ages to explore, learn and be inspired.

"This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters who help make the museum such a valued community asset."

The museum is joined by a number of other Stroud district businesses, attractions and organisations shortlisted across this year's awards. Categories include Best Hotel, Ice Cream Shop, Farm Shop, Garden, Green Business, Gift Shop and Shopping Destination, highlighting the breadth of talent, creativity and enterprise within the district.

The awards also recognise local artistic talent. Stroud-based artist Cleo Mussi, who has exhibited at the museum, designed the planting in the Museum in the Park's award-winning walled garden and has generously contributed many of the plants that help make it such a special space, has been nominated for Artist of the Year.

Over the past 25 years, Museum in the Park has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors through its doors, offering a diverse programme of exhibitions, events, education activities and community projects alongside its permanent collections.

The Cotswolds Awards celebrate the businesses, attractions and organisations that make the region a special place to live, work and visit. The museum's nominations highlight both the quality of its visitor experience and the importance of maintaining free access to culture and heritage.

Members of the public can vote for the Museum in the Park in both categories by visiting Homepage - The Cotswolds Awards

Voting is now open and closes on 30 November 2026, with winners due to be announced on 1 December 2026.

The museum offers a free membership scheme, providing updates on exhibitions and events, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes content. 

Find out more at http://www.museuminthepark.org.uk/membership.

“There are exciting plans in place for the historic Old Town Hall in Stroud, which will see the creation of a new Centre for Textile Arts to celebrate the textile heritage of the Stroud valleys. Following a council decision, the Grade II* listed property will be transferred to Stroud Valleys Artspace, to work with the Stroudwater Textiles Trust for development of a new cultural centre in the heart of the town, with creative workspaces for textile artists alongside a permanent home for the collections and activities of the Trust. I’m delighted that this transfer will help to protect the future of such a wonderful heritage asset, provide a new visitor attraction for the town and promote community access to arts and culture. 

For anyone looking for cultural and fun events for the school holidays this week, we’ve produced a huge list of activities which are either free-of-charge or low cost,  also shared via our email newsletter.

Annual fireworks events also start this week with the Rotary Five Valleys Fireworks at Marling School Playing Field in Stroud, which has been running for over 50 years and raises money for local charities.

Congratulations to everyone who ran in the 44th Stroud Half Marathon and 10K on October 25th, including my colleague Cllr Gill Thomas who managed to litter pick along the race, collecting 26 bags of rubbish!  A big thank you to all the volunteer organisers from Stroud and District Athletics Club who make this fixture in the Stroud district calendar such a great event for competitors and spectators.

Finally, if you have any views on the priorities for transport in Gloucestershire, please do take a moment to complete the survey on the draft Local Transport Plan which is open until 15 November.”

Cllr Catherine Braun, Deputy Leader, Stroud District Council