What’s on in Stroud this week: 16 – 22 March
Spring is definitely springing, and community events are popping up along the Five Valleys this week, with local history, community events, drum crafting, Thai food and music among the delights on offer.
Plus, further afield WWT Slimbridge kicks off a new trail to mark the publication of Julia Donaldson’s latest book, and Chepstow Castle hosts weekend soap-making workshops
Find out more in our regular look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district. To suggest an event for inclusion, use this form.
Regular and one off events
- Learn about the commons – Wed 18 Mar, 7pm
Join the Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee for an evening of talks about the internationally-important common land in Stroud. The event will include an opportunity to meet members of the committee and learn more about the role you can play in supporting the rich nature of the commons.
- Learn the legends of Tom Long’s Post – Thu 19 Mar, 7pm
In this special talk for Stroud Local History Society, historian Richard David presents new research exploring the many histories of Tom Long’s Post on Minchinhampton Common. Was Tom Long a notorious highwayman, a tragic local figure buried nearby or a character in a popular saying? Head along to St Laurence’s Hall to find out the latest theories.
- Eat Thai food at the Hog – Sat 21 Mar, 5pm
Phai’s Kitchen returns to the best pub in Horsley, cooking up a Saturday evening storm. Chef Phailin has been a Gloucestershire resident for 30 years, and has been feeding the Cotswold masses since 2019.
- See Ian Prowse at the Trinity Rooms – Sat 21 Mar, 8pm
Merseyside singer-songwriter Ian Prowse brings his live show to the Trinity Rooms for a special concert to mark the success of fundraising efforts to purchase the venue for the community. The event forms part of Prowse’s Radical Hope Tour, with support from Stroud musician and songwriter Amy Moore.
- Make a drum at Stroud Slad Farm – Sun 22 Mar, 9.30am
This special session offers the chance to learn how to make your own ceremonial drum using genuine deerskin rawhide and ash wood. The session is led by local crafter Jeannie Ireland, who has been hand-making frame drums for more than three decades.
- Join the Rodborough Egg Hunt – Sun 22 Mar, 10am – 4pm
The Friends of Rodborough School’s annual egg hunt sees a trail of more than thirty hand-crafted pun-themed eggs, beginning and ending at Rodborough Community Primary School. Those completing the trail will receive a chocolate egg to take away, and entertainment, food and drinks will be on hand at the school for participants.
Beginning this week
- Celebrate spring at WWT Slimbridge – Fri 20 Mar – Sun 31 May
WWT Slimbridge teams up with author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Sara Ogilvie for some springtime activities marking the publication of their new picture book, Gozzle. Pick up an activity pack and follow the interactive trail to discover the journey of the illustrated bird, from fuzzy gosling to grown-up goose.
Further afield
- Make soap at Chepstow Castle – Sat 21 – Sun 22 Mar, 11am – 4pm
Chepstow Castle offers the chance to learn about the history of soap and create your own traditional Tudor wash ball this weekend, in these fun and informative soap making workshops. The workshops offer a mix of family-friendly and adult-only sessions over the weekend, making sure everyone gets the chance to take part.
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.
