v. Stonehouse History Group. This evening, John Loosley will be talking about The History of Allotments in Gloucestershire at 7.30pm in Stonehouse town hall today Wednesday, October 13. All are welcome. Members £1, non-members £2. This should be a particularly interesting evening as the demand for allotments has never been greater.

v. Stroud Valleys Music Club meets this evening, Wednesday, October 13, starting at 7.30pm at St Joseph's Church Hall, Oldend Lane, Stonehouse to hear Edward Elgar's less well-known works with Jon Goldswain of The Elgar Society. Contact 01452 302249 for more information.

v. Leonard Stanley Apple Day is this Saturday, October 16 at Church Farm from noon. Free entry. Local food market, pig roast, mulled apple juice, teas, coffees and cakes. Bring your own apples, if you don't have any they can supply some donated by farmers so you can join in the fun of creating delicious apple juice - please bring containers to take your juice home. Re-used plastic milk containers are ideal. For further information contact David Newton on 01453 792172 or email cole-newton@tiscali.co.uk v. Quiz Night, Saturday, October 16 starting at 7.30pm in Stonehouse Methodist Church. Tickets £2.50 including refreshments.

v. Stonehouse and the environs are becoming known as excellent walking country. Stonehouse Health Walks take place every Tuesday morning, meet at the Community Centre at 10.15am for a walking lasting up to an hour. Contact John Little, the walks co-ordinator on 07842 201 243. Make new friends and build up your fitness.

v. In need of some quiet time? Visit the Methodist Church for Thursday Pray Fellowship. This is held in the side chapel from 10am every Thursday. Everyone is most welcome. Contact Keith Flemington on 01453 824450 for information.

v. A big thank you to all the knitters who have and continue to support the various projects that have been adopted in the last couple of years. I have recently had a thank you from the Seafarers Centre for hats which are so appreciated. If there are any knitters interested in knitting a hat, patterns are kept in Office Stop in Stonehouse High Street.

v. Operation Christmas Child. Leaflets giving information about this charity will be available from Office Stop in the High Street shortly. Knitters might be interested in making a glove puppet or hat to go into a shoe box and patterns are available on the Samaritans Purse web site or contact me.

v. Stroud Valleys Credit Union, a co-operative run by volunteer members, is now offering 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 Financial Services Authority.

v. Stonehouse Pensions Club meets in the Community Centre on Wednesday afternoons to enjoy a wide range of entertainment and activities and visits to various venues. If you are new to the area and looking to make new friends why not contact Bert on 01453 822154 for more information.

V The Rotary Club of Stonehouse meets every Wednesday at The George, Frocester. Have you ever thought of joining this organisation? Apart from the social activities they are dedicated to helping others by supporting both local and international community projects. If you are interested in finding out more contact Jeremy Warner on 01453 825851.

V Looking for something to do on a Friday Afternoon? Then why not think about joining the Friendly Circle? They meet in the Stonehouse Community Centre from 2pm-4pm every Friday. Make new friends and experience a range of entertainment. New members are always welcome. Feeling a bit shy and would like more information then call 01453 828917.

V A New Spiritual Awareness Group meets every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9pm. If you are interested in finding out more please contact Kay Morton on 0795 1493318.

V Stroud Club for the visually impaired. This club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Hazelwood, Paddock Rise, Stonehouse from 2pm to 4pm. More information about this group is available from John Beard on 01452 813594 or 01453 755345. Transport to the venue can be provided through Stroud Volunteer Bureau.

v Tap dance sessions for hoofers with some experience are held every Monday night in Stonehouse Community Centre from 7.15pm. If Strictly Come Dancing has made you want to have a go tap is great fun and an excellent way to keep fit. If you need more information contact Alistair Bull on 01453 835098.

v Looking Ahead - dates for the diary: v. Stonehouse WI. Liz Godsell will be talking about Godsell Cheese on Wednesday, October 20 starting at 7.30pm in the Community Centre. Members and would be members are always welcome.

V. Remembrance Sunday always gets excellent support - Sunday, November 14. More information to follow.

v. Stonehouse Goodwill Evening. Saturday, November 26 starting at 4pm. More information to follow.

v. This information can also be found at http://lesleywilliams.blogspot.com/