We’re deep into November now, it’s dark after work, the final leaves are tumbling from the trees and almost all our community events have retreated indoors for the winter.
However, you can rely on Stroud to continue to make an effort to entertain in any season as the selection of art, storytelling, music, lectures and community events on offer this week in the Five Valleys demonstrates.
Find out more in our weekly look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district.
Regular and one off events
- Swing the Lantern at the Prince Albert – Wed 20 Nov, 7:30pm
Local writer Alun Hughes hosts an evening of up to ten true stories from ten members of the public, each telling a true tale from their own life. This time stories are based around the theme of ‘tales of the unexpected…altered realities’.
- See Ruth Batham’s To Each Her Own exhibition – Wed 20 to Sat 24 Nov, 10am – 4pm
Black-County-born Stroudie painter Ruth Batham brings a special solo exhibition exploring the journey into motherhood to the Lansdown Gallery. Alongside the main exhibition a series of special events will also be taking place within the gallery space, including sessions from Ellie Shipman, Athene Greig, Hewing Wittare and Sam Marsh.
- Learn about the Purton Hulks at the Museum in the Park – Thu 21 Nov, 2pm
Maritime historian and author Paul Barnett explains the story of the Purton Hulks, historic barges which still lie slumbering on the banks of the Severn between Purton and Sharpness. Bringing together 25 years of research, Paul shares a range of discoveries from this maritime time capsule, which contains some more than eighty vessels.
- Watch Skerryvore at the Sub Rooms – Fri 22 Nov, 7:30pm
Three time winners of the Scots Trad Music Awards’ ‘Live Act of the Year’ Skerryvore arrive at the Sub Rooms as part of an autumn and winter tour that takes them to the USA, Canada, Germany, Denmark and Stroud. We are told to expect bagpipes, fiddles, accordions, whistles, guitar, driving bass, drums and keys.
- Attend the Stroud Symphony Orchestra’s autumn concert – Sat 23 Nov, 7:30pm
Stroud Symphony Orchestra return to Holy Trinity Church – just around the corner from the hospital – for one of their three annual concerts. Expect music from composers including composer Hamish MacCunn, Sergei Prokofiev and Antonín Dvořák, and a host of accomplished musicians conducted by Jonathan Trim.
- Pick up a bargain at the Friends of Gastrell’s Pre-Loved Sale – Sun 24 Nov, 10:30am
Head up to Gastrell’s School on Kingscourt Lane in Rodborough for a pre-loved clothes sale organised by the Friends of Gastrells Primary School. Refreshments will be available during the event and we are told that most items will be just £1.
Continuing this week
- Eat lunch at the Trinity Rooms – Weekly on Fridays, 12:30pm
The Trinity Rooms’ increasingly popular Friday lunchtime cafe offers great food and great company made using surplus food from the farmers market, alongside staple ingredients. Expect hearty, healthy meals on a pay-as-you-can basis, and great conversation with a host of interesting Stroudies.
Further afield
- Browse Joy! at New Brewery Arts – continues until 25 December
Cirencester’s local art centre makes an early start on the time of year we’re all trying to avoid mentioning with a special event featuring items handpicked for sale from craftspeople from around the country. Expect textiles, ceramics, prints, jewellery, and other items that may come in useful at any point later in the year when you have to give someone a present.
For a full month of art, music, theatre, literature, film and comedy events, pick up a copy of Stroud’s popular listings magazine, Good on Paper.
