Seasonal success (From Stroud News and Journal)

Seasonal success

FESTIVE cheer was in the crisp Friday night air as residents and visitors turned out for the annual Minchinhampton Goodwill Evening on Friday.

Braced against the chilly cold snap that hit the region last week, families and friends spanning the generations perused the shops and stalls, warmed themselves with mulled wine and let children loose on a selection of fairground rides.

Co-organiser Rose Newbury, landlady of the Crown Inn, said: "The stalls and shops are open. People are meeting one another. The bonhomie is good. It's good for community spirit just before Christmas for everyone to meet and enjoy the festivities."

Among newcomers to the annual evening get together was coffee and tearoom The Kitchen, doing a roaring trade as visitors took refuge from the cold.

Proprietor Sally David said: "It's a good thing. It has got all the traders together and it gets everyone out and about which is important otherwise a small place like this would probably fall down."

The event exceeded expectations, according to Rose Newbury raising an estimated £200 for Stroud Hospital League of Friends.

"It all turned out very well in the end. I didn't think many people were there but all the shops and stall holders were thrilled to bits." A final total will be announced next month.