Frances Roden's weekly diary Wednesday July 28 – The Great Town Award, Stroud As reported in last week’s SNJ, judges from the Academy of Urbanism visited Stroud, which has been shortlisted for its Great Town Award 2011. They were given a number of presentations about the town during their visit, which included tours of Stroud College, Stratford Park, the museum, Stroud Valleys Artspace and Milliken’s woollen mill. That summary doesn’t do the visit justice, however I am told that a passer-by joined one of the tours after reading about it in the SNJ that morning and sang the towns praises. Many thanks to her and everyone else who worked so hard to inform and impress the judges - especially Stroud Chamber of Commerce and Trade for hosting the visit. The winner will be announced on Friday, November 19.

Wednesday July 28 – Green Flag award, Stratford Park, Stroud Another award for Stratford Park – in fact it’s the seventh year in a row that it has won the Green Flag award, classifying it as one of the country’s best parks. I’m sure I am not the only one who is grateful to the council officers, Stratford Park Management Group and Wyevale Grounds Maintenance for maintaining the park’s premier status for so many of us to enjoy.

Friday , July 30 – Local MPs, Ebley Mill Neil Carmichael and Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the district’s MPs, came over to the council offices. Whilst we covered the new local enterprise partnerships and reform of the council house financing system, we were particular keen to discuss the prospects for young people – especially since the Backing Young Britain initiative and the Future Jobs Fund have been cut by the Government. Young people need all the help and support they can get – particularly in the current economic climate.

Sunday, August 1 – Swimming, Stratford Park Leisure Centre & Dursley Pool Just a quick reminder from last week. Whilst government funding for free swimming for the over 60s ended on Saturday, to help soften the blow, Dursley Pool and Stratford Park Leisure Centre are offering a 25 per cent reduction on the annual swim pass for those aged 60 and over,. The offer is open until September 30, 2010.