As memories of a damp summer begin to fade away and the first flashes of seasonal colour show their face up and down the Five Valleys, there’s no hiding the fact that autumn is upon us, writes Tom Jones.
But October is one of the best times to get out and about and enjoy Stroud’s rich tapestry of community events, from pub quizzes to woodland walks and harvest festivals.
To mark the season we kick off the first of a weekly look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district.
Regular and one off events
- Marinades Caribbean takeover at Stroud Brewery – Tuesday, October 8, 6pm
Wendy and the team bring their tried-and-tested Caribbean cuisine to Stroud Brewery for a special pop-up evening.
- Prince Albert Quiz – Wednesday, October 9, 7pm
Join the team at the Albert for the best pub quiz you’re likely to find at the top of a fairly steep hill. Reserve a table to avoid disappointment at this popular monthly event.
- Listen to poetry at the Museum in the Park – Thursday, October 10th, 7:30pm
The Museum in the Park’s poetry evenings return, with a readings from Jonathan Davidson, Adam Horovitz and Caroline Shaw, introduced by Philip Rush from Stroud’s own poetry publisher Yew Tree Press.
- Eat momos at the Fresh Standard – Friday, October 11, from 5pm
Head down the cycle path to Merretts Mill to sample the finest Tibetan dumplings in the Stroud area, as part of the Fresh Standard Brewery’s regular programme of pop ups
- Uplands Primary School Autumn Nature Trail – Saturday, October 12, 10am – 2pm
Pick up a map from Uplands Primary School and join the first ever Uplands Autumn Nature Trail, a family-friendly wander into nature through Hawkwood woods. A barbecue and refreshments will be available at the school throughout the event.
- Stroud Community Agriculture Harvest Festival – Sunday, October 13, 4pm – 7pm
Book your free ticket and head up the hill to the Stroud Community Agriculture roundhouse for a harvest festival with cooking on the fire, a harvest meal, storytelling with the Somali Kitchen and the Growing Places Project, shared singing and a bread and cake bake off.
Continuing this week
- The Late Show at Pangolin Gallery – Continues until November 16, Mon – Sat
Chalford’s sculpture gallery continues to punch above its weight with a collection of works from sculptors such as Kenneth Armitage Lynn Chadwick, Geoffrey Clarke, Robert Clatworthy and Elisabeth Frink, focussing on the latter end of their careers.
Further afield
- Cheltenham Literature Festival – Continues until October 13
The world’s longest-running literature festival celebrates 75 years with plenty of events around the town and in the pop-up festival village in Montpellier Gardens. Expect talks from everyone from Simon Armitage to Miriam Margolyes, via Max Hastings and Rick Astley.
- 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.