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NEWS, INFORMATION AND EVENTS FROM STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL
A big shout-out to our brilliant poppy sellers, who are giving their time to support this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. You'll find them selling poppies and a range of other items at locations across the district in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.
Remembrance Sunday services and parades will be taking place in towns and villages across the district, offering the opportunity to come together and remember those who have served and sacrificed.
If you're a veteran, currently serving in the Armed Forces, or a family member, there's information on our website about local support available, including details of social groups and organisations that can help you stay connected.
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If you're looking for things to do in the Stroud district this November, there's plenty on offer. From bonfires and fireworks to live music, theatre, exhibitions, markets and creative workshops, there are events taking place across the district throughout the month.
As autumn gives way to winter, the calendar is packed with seasonal activities, including Christmas markets, craft fairs, wreath-making workshops, festive lights switch-ons and family days out. Many events are free or low cost, making it easy to enjoy everything the district has to offer in the run-up to Christmas.
To receive monthly events by email, change your subscription to include Events and What's On
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 Seven new affordable homes for social rent have been completed at Queens Drive in Cashes Green, transforming a long-unused brownfield site into modern, energy-efficient housing.
The development includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes, all built to high environmental standards with features such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.
The scheme also includes wildlife-friendly features such as swift boxes, bat boxes and hedgehog habitats.
Supported by £118,993 from the Government's Brownfield Land Release Fund, the project is helping to meet local housing needs while bringing previously developed land back into use.
Work is continuing on further affordable housing developments across the district, including a 23-home scheme at Glebelands, Cam.
A new digital zine inspired by the landscapes and wildlife of the Stroud district is now available to download for free.
Commissioned by Stroud District Council and created by local artist Joe Magee and writer Fiona McClymont, Nature Knows combines storytelling and artwork with recognisable local scenes to explore our relationship with nature and the environment.
Schools, colleges and other education providers can also request free posters to help promote the graphic novel to students by emailing climate@stroud.gov.uk
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Running for Autism – and a Cleaner District!
In October, I took on the Run for Autism challenge, organised by Autism Initiatives, combining fundraising and autism awareness with my passion for tackling litter.
The suggested distance was 40km, but I decided to go a little further, running 250km while litter-picking along the way. My challenge culminated in the Stroud Half Marathon, where I collected 2,435 pieces of rubbish.
Across the month, I removed 32,022 pieces of litter, filling 165 bags from 250km of local roads.
To put those figures into perspective, applying the same litter density across Gloucestershire’s 6,096km of roads would suggest approximately 780,000 pieces of litter. Across England’s 304,000km road network, that rises to an estimated 39 million pieces.
The activity raised over £700 for Autism Initiatives and Child Bereavement UK and helped shine a light on the gap in knowledge about how autistic children process bereavement.
It is also a stark reminder of why litter prevention matters.
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Cllr Gill Thomas is SDC's Member Champion for Litter and Clean Environment.
Volunteers at Cashes Green Community Allotments Association have been busy improving facilities across the site thanks to our £1,500 Climate and Nature Grant.
The funding has helped provide interconnected water butts, rainwater harvesting equipment, guttering and materials for new communal compost bays and signage. Previously, there was just one composting area at one end of the allotments and watering relied on a makeshift rainwater collection system and mains water. The improvements will make better use of natural rainfall, reduce pressure on mains water supplies and make growing easier for plot holders across the site.
The project is also helping volunteers bring new areas of the allotments into use, with one currently overgrown patch earmarked for future development. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of local volunteers, the allotments continue to thrive as a place where people can grow food, share knowledge and work together to improve their local environment.
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If your Hallowe'en pumpkin is starting to go soggy and you don't have a compost bin, you can recycle it in your food waste caddy.
Pop your pumpkin into your food waste caddy or compost bin. If it doesn't fit inside, leave it on top. It will be turned into renewable energy and nutrient-rich compost!
FREE COMPOSTING DEMO
If you'd like to learn how to make your own compost, Rodborough Parish Council is hosting a free composting demo and workshop:
- Wednesday 18 November, 6pm
- Rodborough Community Hall
- To book a place email deputyclerk@rodborough.gov.uk
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Looking to reduce your energy bills, make your home more comfortable or create a greener garden?
The Transition Stroud Eco Homes Show brings together more than 20 specialists in home energy improvements, solar power and eco-friendly gardening to help you explore your options.
The event is free to attend and features a programme of free drop-in talks throughout the day, offering practical advice on making your home more energy efficient and resilient for the future.
- Tuesday 10 November
- 10am - 4pm
- The Subscription Rooms, Stroud
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Businesses, charities, community groups and education providers can apply for grants of up to £5,000 from Stroud District Council's Sustainable Economy Fund.
The fund supports projects that boost the local economy while delivering community and environmental benefits.
A wide range of projects may be eligible, including training and skills initiatives, business development, equipment purchases, digital innovation, accessibility improvements, environmental projects and tourism opportunities.
Round 1 applications close on 22 November 2026.
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Residents, businesses and organisations are being invited to share their views on a new Spatial Development Strategy for Gloucestershire. The consultation runs from 2 November to 14 December 2026.
The strategy will consider long-term issues across the county, including homes, jobs, transport, infrastructure, the environment and investment.
Unlike Local Plans, which focus on individual council areas, the strategy will look at Gloucestershire as a whole and help shape future growth and major infrastructure. As work is still at an early stage, this is an opportunity to help influence the priorities for Gloucestershire's future.
Visit the Gloucestershire Spatial Development Strategy team at a drop in event:
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Friday 4 December, 3.30pm–6pm: Stroud Library
Looking for your next opportunity? Take a look at our current vacancies below - pay awards pending for all positions. Closing dates are listed for each job.
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Evaluation Consultant (Cotswold Canals Connected) - invitation to tender (09 November)
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Senior Asset Surveyor, £45,579 (15 November)
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Museum Volunteer Co-ordinator (part time), £29,542 (16 November)
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Housing Solutions Strategic Lead, £60,794 (29 November)
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Casual Swimming Teacher, £25,219 - £26,847 pro rata. (30 November).
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Cleaning Officer (part time), £25,949. (30 November)
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Senior Recreation Officer, £26,847. (2 December).
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Parish Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer for Hillesley and Tresham Parish Council. £15.56-£16.61 per hour. Find out more here.
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Rural Affordable Housing Project Officer for Gloucestershire Rural Community Council, part time, £30,000-£35,000. (27 November). Find out more here.
We've partnered with the Department for Work and Pensions to host monthly Jobs Fairs at our headquarters in Ebley Mill.
These events bring together a wide range of local employers, alongside employment support and practical advice, to help people explore job opportunities, training, and next steps into work.
Whether you’re looking for a new role, a career change, or guidance to get started, the Jobs Fairs offer a welcoming space to connect and learn.
Next Jobs Fair: Wednesday 25 November, 10:15am – 12:30pm
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CONSULTATIONS
UPCOMING MEETINGS - read the agenda, submit a question, attend or watch online:
- Development Control Committee - 17 November
- Audit & Standards Committee - 24 November
- Strategy & Resources Committee - 26 November
- Environment Committee - 3 December
- Housing Committee - 8 December
- Community Services & Licensing Committee - 10 December
- Development Control Committee - 15 December
- Full Council - 17 December
RECENT MEETINGS - available to watch on our YouTube channel.
- Development Control Committee - 20 October
- Full Council - 15 October
- Audit & Standards Committee - 27 October
- Strategy & Resources - 8 October
- Environment Committee - 17 September
- Extraordinary Council, 10 June
- Housing Committee - 15 September
- Community Services & Licensing Committee - 10 September
The Government has announced that it is "minded" to confirm a single unitary authority for Gloucestershire before Christmas.
In the event the decision is confirmed, elections to the new unitary authority would take place in May 2028, ahead of vesting* in April 2029.
*Vesting Day is the date when a new local authority officially comes into existence and assumes its legal powers and responsibilities. This is a key milestone in the process of local government reorganisation, marking the transition from the old structure to the new one.
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