This week the SNJ summarises the last 11 weeks of the We’re Backing Stroud campaign.
OVER the past 11 weeks we have looked at everything that is great about Stroud, from the green rolling hills and beautiful views that make it such a stunning location, to the work done by the district council to provide affordable and comfortable living.
The business sector is thriving across the Five Valleys, led by green energy powerhouse Ecotricity, who with their new plans for the old tax office and proposed Eco Park will continue to provide jobs for the district.
While the quirky vintage shops that line the streets of Stroud give the town dynamism and edge, attracting shoppers from all over the south west.
It is a vibrant place to live with something different and exciting always taking place – art studios, music festivals, nature weeks and other alternative entertainment is the norm during a busy Stroud summer.
Fringe Festival is perhaps the highlight of many people’s year locally, with a whole host of bands and alternative music taking over the streets of Stroud.
However, it is not alone and others enjoy the vibrant colour and artistry of the Painswick Arts Couture or the Stroud Country Show, which takes people back to Victorian times with a touch of agriculture.
With famous names such as Damien Hirst gracing the studios of Stroud, it is certainly a district where there is a powerful art culture. The Lansdown Hall & Art Gallery showcases weekly exhibitions, from work by local amateurs to well established professionals.
Furthermore, contemporary arts, SITE Festival, provides a dynamic programme of visual arts, performance, music, screenings, open studios, artist talks and workshops to the Stroud Valley.
The open studios event brings 102 artists to 48 locations in and around the area, attracting collectors from Bristol, London and all over the world.
The subject of regeneration is hot in Stroud right now and the district council is heavily involved with some of the biggest projects in the area, with the restoration of the canal and Brimscombe Port just two examples.
The council has recently announced a further £3million investment in restoring the canal between Stonehouse and Saul, which will be the subject of a Heritage Lottery Funding bid in November.
Brimscombe Port is set for regeneration with the creation of around 200 waterside properties, a new community centre, cafes, bars, shops and a reworked canal and quayside.
Sport is also a massive part of life in the Stroud Valley with Forest Green Rovers, based in Nailsworth, recently gaining promotion to the football league for the first time.
This will bring more travelling fans to the area, pumping money back into the local economy.
There is also Frocester Cricket Club, who play in the West of England Premier League and have developed their youth set up, encouraging hundreds of juniors to participate in the sport.
Quite simply, the location of Stroud makes the district an incredibly popular place to live or even visit on a day out.
The stunning views and enchanting old properties have attracted Hollywood film makers to the area on numerous occasions, with Oscar winner Daniel Day Lewis rumoured to have filmed part of a new film at Owlpen Manor in Uley.
We hope you, our readers, have enjoyed our We’re Backing Stroud campaign as we sought to promote all that is good about the district we call home.
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