Leader's blog - w/c 26 October 2026

“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