In the second of a new monthly feature on Stroud stalwarts, SNJ reporter Jamie Wiseman caught up with arguably the biggest local legend in town – Edna Powell.

COMMUNITY, sewing, knitting and family – these are the four biggest passions in Edna’s life.

Known by hundreds as the owner of Cotswold Sewing and Knitting Machines in Lansdown, this Stroud stalwart has been an active member of the community and famous face in the town for more than 40 years.

From an avid member of the gardening club, head of various animal clubs and long-time chairman of Stroud Country Show, she is famed for at one point being involved in almost every aspect of community life.

“Stroud has been good to me and my children ever since we first moved here all those years ago,” said Edna, who lives in Wesley Court, Stroud.

“Owning a shop was the best way to get to know Stroud and the people who live here. Over the years I’ve met thousands of people. That’s probably why so many people know me.

“But it’s quite hard to pinpoint what exactly it is that made me stay here so long.

“One thing that I’ve always loved is the amazing community spirit we have – Stroud is unlike anywhere else I’ve lived in that regard.

“Sometimes I forget to appreciate just how beautiful this place as well. Everyone in Stroud occasionally has that moment when they realise just what a stunning landscape they live in.”

Born near Coventry during Second World War, Edna entered the world of work at just 15 – quickly moving through dozens of roles including a florist, chemist assistant and an upholstery teacher.

Edna married her husband Philip in 1961, and had four children – Michaela, Louise, Anthony and Anne-Marie.

The two grew up in the same street in Berkswell near Coventry and spent their early married life living happily in a beautiful little farm cottage in the countryside in Ledbury.

After her husband’s tragic death in 1971 in an agricultural accident, Edna and the children moved to Brimscombe, where they ran a small grocery store.

Settling down into the community, Edna taught upholstery and furnishings at Thomas Keble School and the former Stroud College, worked with children and teenagers, became a cook and at one point even owned a burger van in Thrupp.

During her four decades in Stroud, she has become involved in all matter of community events and groups.

Many will also recognise her smiling face from the check-outs at Tesco, where she has worked part-time for 15 years.

And perhaps most importantly, she took over as chairman of Stroud County Show and brought it back from the brink of financial collapse.

Thanks to her hard work and determination, the traditional country show is going from strength to strength, and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year.

As the icing on the cake, she fulfilled a life-long dream of owning her own knitting shop and took over the store 10 years ago, selling high quality knitting yarn to the community.

Stroud really does owe a lot to Edna – from her years of hard work on the Country Show to her tireless work in the community.

Perhaps her most endearing and engaging trait though is perhaps her positivity.

Not once have I seen her without a beaming smile on her face.

She is the epitome of a true local legend.