Rodborough’s most famous resident, Tweedy the Clown, delighted crowds as he officially reopened Rodborough Community Hall following months of extensive redevelopment.
Arriving in his signature style on a disco unicycle, sporting a bowler hat and a “biscuit” mayoral chain, Tweedy cut the ceremonial red ribbon with an oversized pair of scissors to cheers from hundreds of local residents. He then spent the afternoon entertaining children and signing autographs, bringing laughter and joy to the occasion.
Also in attendance were Dr Simon Opher, MP for Stroud, District Councillor Katy Hofmann, and the many volunteers who deliver The Commoner parish magazine to every home in Rodborough. Volunteers were each presented with a commemorative cup, celebrating over 100 years of the Parish Council’s service to the community.
The reopening marks the culmination of a seven-year journey — from early ideas and fundraising to design and completion — to transform the old 1980s sports pavilion into a modern, accessible, and carbon-neutral community hub.
Closed since January 2025, the building project was completed on time and on budget thanks to the skilled work of Midlands Building & Maintenance Ltd, under the direction of architects Mitchell Eley Gould.
The bold new design pays tribute to Stroud’s textile heritage — particularly its world-famous Stroud Scarlet — while looking ahead to a sustainable future. The hall is fully solar-powered, fossil-fuel free, and highly insulated, setting a benchmark for local climate-friendly redevelopment.
Rodborough Parish Council (RPC) also used the event to launch its latest environmental initiative — an e-bike loan scheme in partnership with Transition Stroud, The Bike Drop, and Stroud District Council. The Benno 46er e-bike can be booked for a week (or a month in winter) at a small fee, giving residents a chance to experience low-carbon transport firsthand.
Bookings can be made online at https://pedal-power.bike.
Cllr Stephen Ponting, Chair of Rodborough Parish Council, said: “Rodborough Parish Council would like to thank everyone who has been involved — from architects, builders, quantity surveyors and project managers, to our Parish clerks Mark and Joy, and the many councillors past and present who helped guide the process.
We give special thanks to our former Clerk, Hannah Bowden, for her considerable work in the project’s early days.”
Cllr Helen Elliott-Boult, Chair of the Environment & Amenities Committee, added: “With the divisions happening across the country and in our town, it’s more important than ever to have a welcoming community space where people can gather, connect and grow.
“From choirs to bridge clubs, art classes to exercise groups, this hall isn’t just for hobbies — it’s for friendship and belonging. We’re thrilled to announce that Sunday Social will return on Sunday, November 16, inviting everyone to bring a neighbour, a game, and something to share — all for free.”
Cllr Robin Layfield, Vice-Chair of the Environment & Amenities Committee, said: “We’ve taken a tired old sports pavilion and transformed it into a warm, accessible, and modern building with beautiful views and space for all. This is your hall — come and use it, make it yours.”
Booking and Facilities
The new community hall features two versatile rooms:
- A large main hall with an adjoining kitchen, and
- A smaller meeting room with a coffee station and fridge.
Both can be booked independently via the Rodborough Parish Council website at https://www.rodborough.gov.uk/bookable/community-hall-main-hall.
Rodborough residents receive a discounted booking rate.
