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

Stonehouse WI next meet at 7.30pm this evening, Wednesday, at the Community Centre. Jean Jefferies will be joining us to talk about the History of Cheese Rolling in Gloucestershire. We always welcome non members so do join us if this is a topic of interest. Our monthly competition is 'Flower of the Month’ and on the bring & buy table there will be scarves. If you need any more information about the WI contact the secretary on 01453 823109.

Stonehouse Celebration Day takes place this Saturday between 10am and 3pm. The them is ‘investigating Stonehouse'. Dress up as your favourite detective and enjoy music, food, vintage cars and much else to keep all the family amused.

Take part in a dry-stone walling competition on Saturday, September 20. This open event will be held on Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park and is organised by the Cotswolds Conservation Board. For more information call 01451 862002 or 07817 826852.

A mini country fair is taking place at King's Stanley Village Hall on Saturday. Competitions for baking, jam, wine, vegetables and flowers. Get your entry forms from Yew Tree Stores in the village.

Cotswold AONB Warden’s Walks – there is still time to join us today, Wednesday, for a five-mile walk from Painswick Walkers car park on the Golf Course to Painswick Beacon. Then join us on Saturday for a ten-mile walk from Birdlip School to Miserden. All walks start at 10am. More information about all walks can be found at the Cotswold Lion or at www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/walking/guided-walks/

Savvy Seniors – don’t forget that there are screenings on every Monday at 11am at the Vue cinema in Stroud. Join us next Monday, September 22 for 'Mrs Brown's Boys D’movie’. Use your bus pass to travel and for just £3.05 you’ll enjoy a film and a cuppa and biscuit. Contact Jean Edwards on 01453 825276.

GL Communities Money Advice Services - sessions are held at APT Central in Park Parade, Stonehouse. Drop in on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm or call the Advice Line on 01452 306581 on Fridays from 10am to 12noon.

Stonehouse Friendly Circle always welcomes new members. There is always good company, entertainment and of course tea and biscuits and a raffle. We meet on alternate Fridays in the Stonehouse Community Centre so ring Ruth Biddle on 01453 828917 for more information.

Stonehouse now has a Boules court on the Laburnum Recreation Ground. If you would like to hire the court contact the town council for details on 01453 822070.

Royal British Legion – we are now holding meetings in The Globe at 7pm on the first Tuesday of the month. All are welcome. Call Dave Talbot on 01453 826302 for more information.

Stroud Valleys Credit Union (Stonehouse Community Bank) is a co-operative run by volunteer members. They now offer Stonehouse people an alternative to doorstep lenders. Loans at only two per cent interest a month are available. This compares with 250 per cent APR charged by doorstep lenders. Credit Unions are independently audited and are similar to banks. Your money is completely safe and monitored by the PRA and FCA. An advisor is now available at the Children’s Centre in Stonehouse. Did you know that the Credit Union (Save’n’borrow) now has new premises in the Brunel Mall in Stroud? It is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am to12noon. Why not call in and have a look.

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 and this is an excellent way to keep fit and make new friends. The Pop In is open for coffee at the end of the walk. There are a number of walks around Stonehouse and leaflets giving details are available from the Town Council.

Coming up:

The Stroud Valleys Music Club next meets at 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 24 in St Joseph’s Church Hall Stonehouse. ‘A Trip down Memory Lane’ is the title of our first Autumn meeting and Bob Everett will present music and songs from musicals of the last 60 years. Contact Robert Crockford on 01453 826676.

Macmillan Coffee Morning at Park Junior School on Friday, September 26 from 10.30am to 12noon. Everyone is very welcome so do come and bring as many people as possible.

Oktoberfest at King's Stanley Village Hall on Friday, September 26. After last years sell out and by popular request why not join us this year? Tickets just £10 to include a Bratwurst Platter. Music by Karl’s Bavarian Brass and the Oompah Band. Tickets available from Yew Tree Stores call 01453 821153.

Stonehouse Ladies’ Choir will hold their first meeting at 7pm on Wednesday, October 1 in the Town Hall. Do come along if you are interested.

Don’t forget to send me information about forthcoming events please.