Cornhill marketplace, the home of Stroud farmers’ market, is staging a weekly meeting place for people to enjoy coffee, music, knitting circles and much more.
The brainchild of Ruth Schamroth and Farmhill & Paganhill town councillor Adrian Oldman, the public are invited to enjoy takeaway food and drink from local shops and to listen to live music or to take part in hobbies every Wednesday from 11am until 2pm.
Ruth said: “Cornhill is an attractive and historic space, enclosed yet spacious and with pretty views over the valley. We thought it was sad that it was used only once a week. It’s the ideal location for shoppers and people who work in the town centre to relax, read, drink coffee or eat takeaway lunches.”
Local acoustic musicians – including an Irish folk group, a ukulele band, and well-known Stroud busker Clover will be in attendance and more musicians are invited to book slots.
The marketplace s also available for artists, book groups, knitting circles, mums’ groups, or anyone else who might need an outdoor space to meet, talk, work or carry out their hobbies.
“There are plenty of tables and chairs for people to sit and chat in a relaxed and quiet environment, and there are covered areas for when the weather isn’t so good,” she said.
“It’s an ideal meeting space, especially for anyone who’s uncomfortable about meeting indoors because of Covid. If this really takes off, as we hope it will, I’d love to see the marketplace open more days a week. This is a real community asset and could bring more life to the town centre on what would otherwise be a quiet day.
“We’ve had positive feedback and support from Kardien Gerbrands, who runs the farmers’ market, Nigel Crofts, landlord of The Ale House, Tony Davey, chairman of the Chamber of Trade, and Stroud Town Council.”
For more information or to book slots to play or rehearse music, contact Ruth on ruth@schamroth.com
