Leader's blog - w/c 18 May 2026

At the weekend I visited the Museum in the Park for the launch of Home From Home: Our Migration Stories: a powerful and thought‑provoking new display that captures the lived experience of migration across Stroud district.

Created with local contributors, the exhibition brings together objects and stories connected to journeys from 11 different countries. From Windrush Generation voyages to post-war settlement in Stroud, it explores what “home” and “belonging” really mean across generations. The display is free to visit and includes historic items from the museum’s collection, contemporary work by local artists, and objects of significance donated by members of the community.

This week marks an exciting milestone with the official opening of the new 3G pitch at Archway School. Part-funded through £150,000 of Community Infrastructure Levy from the Council, this much-needed facility will help address the shortage of playing pitches locally, supporting people of all ages to stay active.

Another top priority for us is providing more affordable housing for local people. Last week we completed the purchase of another 13 new homes, this time at Lister Gardens in Cam. Alongside building our own, acquisitions like these help us increase the supply of council homes more quickly.

Full council this week (Thursday 21 May) – there are no public questions this time, as our Annual General Meeting is just a procedural one, appointing councillors to a variety of internal and external roles for the new civic year.

Looking ahead, a date for the diary: a free Armed Forces Day event at Stratford Park on Saturday 27 June, celebrating our armed forces community.

Finally, please drive carefully across our commons with the cows now out, and keep your dog on a short lead to protect ground-nesting birds.

Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council