Stroud is renowned for its community spirit and at this time of year that spirit truly shines.
Supporting community action and initiatives is one of the Town Council’s lynchpins. By sharing resources – and ideas – the town has been able to pull together to help those people impacted by the rising cost of living, with higher food and fuel bills.
Working together with community partners and the District Council Stroud has a network of warm spaces, food hubs and places where people can seek support. As part of our commitment to this belief, the Town Council employs a Community Development Officer who has been key in this initiative.
We provided grant funding for Transition Stroud, who are providing slow cookers – and tips on how to use them – to families in need. We have, for several years, financially supported Citizens’ Advice Stroud, a charity which has seen demand for its services rocketing.
It is traditional at this time of year to pause in our hectic lives and give thanks for our blessings. How fortunate we are to live in a country where we have freedom of speech and the ability to democratically elect a government and where we are not ravaged by war and conflict. We have so much to celebrate. It is always a highlight of the council year to host the Stroud Town Awards which pays tribute to those individuals and groups which make a difference to our lives.
We live in a beautiful part of the country with countryside around us. This green environment is so important to our mental and physical wellbeing. Working in partnership with community organisations, we aim to support people to live sustainable, climate- and nature-friendlier lives, and to build stronger, fairer and greener communities. We are working hard to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint.
Stroud can achieve so much if we work together, listen to each other and value everyone’s opinions and thoughts.
On behalf of the councillors and staff of the Town Council may I wish you and your loved ones Season’s Greetings, and peace and prosperity in 2023.
Councillor Stella Parkes,
Stroud Mayor
