Contact Lesley with your community news on 01453 822684 or email lesley.williams@gloucestershire.gov.uk


v.  Stonehouse WI - Dr Kenny Lynch, lecturer at Gloucestershire University, will be joining us this evening, Wednesday, June 19, to talk about his experiences on the Libyan/Tunisian border and ‘Feeding the Thousands’.  We meet in the Community Centre at 7.30pm and always welcome new members. The monthly competition theme is ‘Flower of the Month’ and the bring and buy table will have books, CDs and DVDs.

v.  The Stanley Singers are giving a fundraising concert on Friday, June 21 (the longest day) at the Church Of The Immaculate Conception in Beeches Green, Stroud at 7.30pm. The programme will be a mixture of songs including a selection from Oliver! and Mamma Mia. Money raised will be given to Cancer Research. Ample parking.

v.  Cotswold AONB Warden’s Walks. Rain or shine we have a number of walks planned. This Saturday, June 22, the walk leaves Stratford Leisure Centre car park to head off to Randwick and King’s Stanley. This is an 11 mile walk lasting seven hours. On Monday, June 24, meet at Minchinhampton parich church to go to Besbury Common – a six mile walk taking three hours and on Tuesday, June 25 meet at the Cam Peak car park (free) for a five mile walk lasting three hours to Uley Bury. Walks start at 10am and for additional information visit www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/?page=GettingOut

v.  Stonehouse Horticulture Show is on Sunday, August 18. Schedules available from the town hall or online at www.stonehousetowncouncil.com. Start planning your entries now.

v.  APT Central - debt management and advice is available at APT Central every Monday from 10am to noon or you can book a slot between 1pm and 3pm. Cooking up a Change – now taking bookings for the next course. Call in and reserve your place. Drop in sessions for tenants to discuss housing issues are held on Thursday mornings from 10am. Did you know that you can come in and use the facilities to research jobs and write or update your CV? Citizen Advice Bureau – an advice worker is available every Thursday from 1pm-3pm and finally why not pop in for a coffee and give your ideas for community activities in the year ahead?

v.  WEA classes at the Community Centre, Stonehouse.  Learning Circle once a month on a Tuesday afternoon, next one June 25, Custer’s last stand; July 23, 1903 Ford Motor first car sold. All these learning circles are on the anniversary of date of birth or event. Also French classes are being held at the Community Centre on Monday mornings 10am-noon. All fascinating topics so put the dates in your diary.

v.  If you have recently had a baby did you know that the library in Elm Road hold Baby Bounce and Rhyme sessions on Wednesdays from 10.30am to 11am and story time on Mondays at 10.30am.  Come and join in and meet other new parents.

v.  Zumba classes are now being held in Stonehouse Community Centre every Thursday evening from 7.15pm to 8pm.

v. Keeping fit in Stonehouse couldn’t be easier. Did you know that Stonehouse has its own Sports and Dance Centre open to the public Monday to Friday 6pm to 10pm and on Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Special introductory gym offer. New users pay just £24 for a full induction and one month gym membership. Pay as you go or join a month at a time. Come and have a look. There is a fully equipped gym with air conditioning. Exercises classes include fitball, aerobics, circuits, studio cycle, pilates and zumba. Concession scheme gives 40 per cent off selected activities. Find out more on the website: www.stroud.gov.uk/sportcentres

v.  Boost your immune system and increase your energy levels with yoga, all abilities welcome, £6 in advance, drop-in is £7.50. Tuesdays, 9.30am, Leonard Stanley Village Hall; Wednesdays, 8pm, Leonard Stanley Primary School; Thursdays, 8pm, Eastington Community Centre; Fridays, 9.30am, Leonard Stanley Village Hall. Contact Carol Maguire  on 01453 791484 / 07814 341092 or email caroline.maguire2@btinternet.com

v.  Tai chi health class. Learn the gentle and nourishing art of chi kung energy exercise every Thursday at the Stonehouse Community Centre, 10.30am to 11.30am. For more information call 0781 3921 336.

v. Walking is considered by many to be the best way to keep fit. Stonehouse Health Walks take place every Tuesday morning. Meet at the Community Centre to start walking at 10.15am. Walks last up to one hour.

Dates for your diary.

v.  Language Exchange Group - we are organising a group of people who are learning languages to get together, find language exchange partners and exchange their language-learning tips and experiences. Come along if you are learning a foreign language and want to find a native speaker to practise with or if youa re not a native speaker of English and want a relaxed and informal way to improve your language skills. The first meeting is on Thursday, June 27 from 7pm in The Black Book Cafe, Nelson Street, Stroud. Need further info - call Lynda Morgan on 01453 825527.

v.  Stonehouse Methodist Church summer fayre, Saturday, June 29 from 2pm. Plenty to see and do - birds of prey, barbecue, facepainting, bric-a-brac, books and games, ice creams, cakes and raffle.

v.  Leonard Stanley Primary School summer fair, Saturday, June 29 from 11.30am. Please come along to our beach themed summer fair. There will be many stalls, games and refreshments including hot food. For more information contact Jo 0779 306 6771.

v.  The Save’n’borrow Credit Union will be officially opened by Katie Fforde on Saturday, June 29. There new premises in Brunel Mall, London Road, Stroud.

v.  Companion Dog Show with Obedience, Sunday, July 7, Laburnum recreation ground Stonehouse, junior handling classes. In aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Entries from 10am. Judging - obedience 11am, pedigree -  noon, novelty classes - not before 2pm. For more information contact Lyn 01453 823431 or Sandra 0794 088 8456.

v.  Bingo is back every Friday night. 7pm in Stonehouse Community Centre.