 Stroud District Council is backing the Longfield Community Hospice Christmas Tree Recycling campaign. For a suggested minimum donation of £10, real Christmas trees will be collected at the end of the festive period and recycled. This year, the Minchinhampton-based charity hopes to collect and recycle more trees than ever and raise more than £50,000, which could help fund more than 900 hours of Hospice at Home Care. In previous years, as many as 2,900 households from across Stroud district, Cirencester and Gloucester have taken part in the scheme. Last year, Longfield raised nearly £50,000 for essential hospice care. This year, they’re aiming to beat last year’s record to provide free hospice care for life-limited people and their families, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The trees will be collected and taken to recycling sites across Gloucestershire, including Painswick Rococo Garden and Highfield Garden Centre, where they will be chipped and scattered on pathways and car parks, making it an eco-friendly way to dispose of your tree. Cllr Chloe Turner, Chair of Stroud District Council Environment Committee said: “I’m delighted that Stroud District Council is supporting this project once again, providing a useful service to residents while benefiting the brilliant work carried out by Longfield Hospice…” “..One of the priorities in our Council Plan is Environment and Climate Change. We have pledged to reduce the quantity of resources discarded as waste and minimise its environmental impact across the district. The Longfield Christmas Tree Recycling Campaign will contribute to those aims.” Cllr Robin Layfield, Vice Chair of Stroud District Council Environment Committee said: “We have a commitment in our Council Plan to increase recycling rates across the district and encourage local initiatives to ‘reduce, repair and recycle’. This is a fantastic project which supports our goals. Please register your tree for collection – it’s a convenient and charitable way of disposing of your tree sustainably and ensuring it doesn’t end up in landfill.” All money raised helps to fund the hospice’s vital work supporting patients, families and carers across Gloucestershire. To arrange collection of your tree, visit www.just-helping.org.uk/register-tree The booking system for 2023/24 collections is open until midnight 9 January 2024. Alternatively, trees can be taken to the household waste and recycling centre. To book a slot visit www.gloucestershirerecycles.com The fundraising team are also looking for volunteers, vans to collect Christmas trees, or tree chippers. To volunteer either with your time or if you have a van or chipper, then please contact the events team on 01483 886868 or email events@longfield.org.uk. Find out more about Longfield at www.longfield.org.uk |
News
Christmas Waste & Recycling
Residents in the Stroud district are being asked to check their waste and recycling schedules over the Christmas period as some collections will change.
There will be no collection on Boxing Day, so waste and recycling that would normally be collected on Tuesday 26 December will be taken on Saturday 30 December.
All other collection days remain the same.
Containers and bins should be put out by 6am on collection days, and people are urged to recycle as much Christmas waste as possible.
Environment Committee Chair, Councillor Chloe Turner said: “There will be more waste and recycling than normal over the holiday period, so please spare a thought for the recycling crews who will be out working hard in the cold weather.
“Large pieces of cardboard should be folded and flattened and kept dry, and bins and recycling bags should be taken back in as soon as possible after collection, especially during windy weather.”
Vice Chair Cllr Robin Layfield added: “On a personal note, I would like to say thanks to our Ubico waste disposal crews who have gone above and beyond, time and again to ensure we have a predictable, reliable, and effective service that is the envy of many other councils. Please take a moment to thank your bin crew this Christmas when you see them.”
Only wrapping paper that passes the `scrunch test’ can be recycled: remove foil, tape, bows and ribbons then scrunch the paper info a ball. If it keeps its shape it can be recycled in your green recycling box. If it springs back out it can’t be recycled and should be placed in your general waste bin or beige sack.
If your waste or recycling is not collected due to snow or icy conditions, please leave it at the kerbside for two days (including Saturdays but not Sundays). If it is not collected within this period, please take it back in and wait until your next scheduled collection.
Here’s a guide to what can and can’t be recycled:
| Christmas cards | Can be placed in your household recycling box. Some supermarkets and charity shops accept them. | Remove foil, bows and ribbons. Cards containing glitter can’t be recycled. |
| Wrapping paper | Can be placed in your household recycling box if it passes the scrunch test. | Remove foil, tape, bows & ribbons first which can’t be recycled |
| Glass, cans, plastic and foil | Can be placed in your household recycling bin or green sack. Please don’t put them in plastic bags which can be recycled at most supermarkets. | Make more space by squashing soft plastic. Please remove the clear plastic film from food containers which can’t be recycled. |
| Food | Can be placed in your household food recycling caddy. | See Love Food Hate Waste for tips to help you reduce food waste. |
| Paper and cardboard | Can be placed in your household recycling box | Flatten, cut or fold large pieces to the approximate size of your recycling box |
| Real Christmas trees | You can arrange a collection by Longfield Hospice which will recycle your tree.Alternatively, you can make an appointment at the Household Recycling Centre. | Longfield Household Recycling Centre |
The Waste Wizard search on the SDC website will tell you which household items can be recycled, or if they can be given a new life through repair and reuse.
Residents can check their waste and recycling dates on the SDC website, or download a printable 2024 waste collection calendar, with the option of an easy- to-read accessible version via the My House function on the SDC website. Anyone who doesn’t have online access or who cannot download the calendar can call the council on 01453 766321 for a copy.
Road Closure
What: Full 24/7 Road Closure for Installation of Anchoring System ( Phase 2 ).
Where: Daneway Lane, Near Sapperton.
When: 8th to 26th January 2024 for 24/7 closure.
Fix My Street!
Gloucestershire County Council switches to FixMyStreet Pro
Not-for-profit organisation SocietyWorks has launched a new, dedicated installation of its FixMyStreet Pro software for Gloucestershire County Council, through which residents can report local street, highway and environmental problems.
Gloucestershire County Council joins more than 30 other local authorities, highways agencies and other public bodies in using FixMyStreet Pro for managing inbound reports of local problems such as potholes, broken street lights and problems with highway drains.
Integrated with the Council’s asset management system Confirm, FixMyStreet Pro’s intelligent, map-based interface will make it much easier for residents to accurately report a problem and stay updated on its resolution.
With all reports and their statuses displayed on the map, the ability to subscribe to existing reports and the automatic, nationwide diversion of reports that are the responsibility of another authority, FixMyStreet Pro will improve things for customers and help Gloucestershire County Council to better manage expectations, eliminate duplication of effort and reduce avoidable customer contact, freeing up staff time for urgent cases or to help residents who need additional support.
Designed as a progressive web app, residents can choose to use Gloucestershire County Council’s branded version of FixMyStreet Pro as a website or as an app, with no obligation either way.
Cllr Dom Morris, cabinet member responsible for highways and flooding at Gloucestershire County Council said: “I am pleased to say it is now easier for people to report issues and keep updated on repair work. We are always looking for ways to be proactive and improve our highways services.
“This summer we have been trialling new methods to speed-up repairs and engineers have been working day and night to strengthen the road network. Fix My Street is another innovation that will improve things for our customers and boost efficiency. Keeping Gloucestershire moving is a top priority and the council are investing heavily in better roads for residents.”
Angela Dixon, Managing Director at SocietyWorks said: “Since its launch in 2012, every feature of FixMyStreet Pro has been built to meet the needs of councils and their residents. No two integrations of the solution are the same, because no two councils are the same, but they all benefit from its incredible ability to create an end-to-end reporting process that’s as intuitive as possible. We look forward to seeing the impact the solution has for Gloucestershire County Council and its residents.”
Try it now! Click here to be taken to Gloucestershire Highways portal to FixMyStreet where you can search the interactive map to pinpoint exactly where the problem is.
You’ll have an opportunity to upload photos (and according to their website, reports with photos are fixed more quickly) describe the problem, and enter your contact details to be kept updated with the progress of your report. You’ll also be able to see where others have reported issues and uploaded their photos.
Gloucestershire County Council latest news update
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| Views wanted on ambitious proposed 2024/25 budget for Gloucestershire 07-12-2023 01:19 PM GMT Gloucestershire County Council wants to hear your views on its ambitious proposed 2024/25 budget. Gloucestershire Libraries launch first choir to help combat loneliness 07-12-2023 09:21 AM GMT Gloucestershire Libraries have launched their first choir to help combat loneliness and isolation among the over-65s. Twist on festive songs to discourage drink and drug driving 06-12-2023 04:59 PM GMT The Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) is today launching their annual anti drink and drug driving festive campaign by trying something new this year. The partnership has taken Christmas songs and changed the lyrics weaving in hard hitting messages aiming to discourage people from drinking or taking drugs when they drive. |
Fireworks at Miserden
SATURDAY 4TH NOVEMBER
GATES OPEN 4.30PM. FIREWORKS DISPLAY 7PM
We hope you can join us for a family friendly fun evening.
All proceeds go to Miserden School. Remember, remember the fifth of November…wrap up warm and head over to Miserden for a fantastic fireworks display and bonfire spectacular on Saturday 4th November. Just follow the signs for Miserden Fireworks with free parking in the field.
Enjoy our selection of food options, meet family and friends for a mulled wine, beer, cider, or hot chocolate, and watch the huge bonfire burn whilst waiting for the wonderful professional Firework display presented by the Skyburst Firework Company! Don’t forget to bust a move with the kids at our glow in the dark disco!
To book tickets, please click here.
Top spook-tacular things to do in the Stroud district this half term!
Press Release: 24 October 2023  Half term is almost here, so Stroud District Council has compiled a list of 15 seasonal low-cost activities for families to enjoy during this period. Join a friendly canal ghost hunt For a spooky start to half term, step back in time to join the family-friendly interactive Ghost Hunters event along the Stroudwater Canal. You’ll set off with a map, discovering the stories of people who lived nearby. Storytellers and actors will bring the event to life, but we promise it’s suitable for primary school children! Choose a time to suit you on Sunday 29 October. Tickets are £1 each and must be booked in advance. The event is suitable for people with accessibility issues, please see the separate booking section on the website. Find out more and book your tickets here. Museum in the Park Pick up an i-spy quiz sheet throughout half term and hunt for items relating to Stroud’s woollen history throughout the museum galleries. Enjoy an afternoon of Autumn Adventures with the Museum in the Park and Stroud Valleys Project. Try Hallowe’en crafts, listen to storytelling, follow a pumpkin trail and take part in a carved pumpkin competition. Sunday 29 October from 1pm-6pm. Entry to the museum, the I-spy quiz and Autumn Adventures are all free-of-charge and there is plenty of free-of-charge parking and an accessible route for visitors. More information can be found here. Selsley Common If there is an autumnal breeze blowing then why not fly a kite on Selsley Common? It boasts panoramic views out towards the River Severn; just make sure you hold onto your kite tightly. Look out for The Toots long barrow – a scheduled ancient monument that dates back to the Bronze Age. The soil on the common is very special being formed 180 million years ago and contains fossils of coral, shellfish and snails. Please keep dogs on a short lead to protect wildlife and grazing livestock and remember to take any rubbish home with you. Find out more about the district’s commons here. See the changing colours at Stratford Park in Stroud Explore the spectacular colours at Stratford Park’s arboretum. Don’t forget to visit Stroud Valleys Project Sensory Garden too. Admission and parking are free of-charge. If you’re visiting by bus, there is a bus stop near the park. There are accessible routes around the site and there are also some buggy-friendly paths. Bicycle parking is available too. Hallowe’en activities in Dursley Get your Hallowe’en groove on and join in the fun with a Hallowe’en Dance Workshop. Make new friends, have a ‘wicked’ time, and learn a new, spooky dance routine. Parents and guardians will be invited to come along and see the final performance before the children go home. A fun-packed, 90-minute dance workshop with a Halloween twist from 10:45am-12.45pm on 30 October. £8.50 per child. The Pulse Hallowe’en Activity Days are jam-packed with sports challenges and Hallowe’en-themed activities and crafts. £20 per child. Suitable for children aged 5-11. The swimming pool at The Pulse will be closed during half-term for the installation of a new renewable heating system so all activities will take place at the nearby Chantry Centre. The pool at Stratford Park will be open during half term (see no 8 below). Woodchester Mansion The unfinished, Gothic Woodchester Mansion in a wooded valley is open from 11am-5pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and also bank holidays, until 5th November. £9 per adult ticket and children go free-of-charge. Join some scary spectres of all shapes and sizes in the Spooky Cellars. Find out who is watching the spookily glowing pumpkins, witness some rattly skeletons, find the Mummy, and what will you see floating in the swamp this year? Don’t forget to view The Golden Pumpkin Trail which takes you around the Mansion. And if that isn’t scary enough, then this is your last chance to see one of the largest colonies of rare horseshoe bats – they’ll go off to hibernate from late autumn until spring. State-of-the-art bat cams in The Roger Ransome Bat Observatory allow visitors to take a peek at the nocturnal creatures. The Scary Spectre trail will take place from 11am-4pm on Friday 27 October, Saturday 28 October and from 10.30am-3:30pm on Sunday 29 October to Sunday 5 November. There will be a separate charge for the Scary Spectre trail; £5 for children under 16 and normal adult admission prices. Parking is free-of-charge for National Trust members or £3 for non-members. The walk down and back up from the mansion is steep so please wear appropriate footwear. Woodchester Park With lakes and dazzling Autumn colours, Woodchester Park is a gem. There is a nature play trail, the remains of an 18 and 19-century “lost landscape” and a boat house. The car park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Parking is free-of-charge for National Trust members or £3 for non-members. Paths are steep and undulating in places so please bring suitable footwear. Remember to check out Tinkley Gate; a new countryside car park, café and trail at Woodchester Park (and has baby changing facilities). Please remember that swimming is strictly prohibited in the lakes. Find out more here. Stratford Park Leisure Centre Get your goggles at the ready, brush down those roller skates, and get yourselves to Stratford Park Leisure Centre in Stroud. There’s a roller disco every Saturday from 2-3.30pm, family swimming sessions, adult and child swimming lessons for 19-36 month olds, and supervised gym sessions for 11-15 year olds. There is plenty of free-of-charge parking and bicycle parking, and a bus route that stops nearby. There is accessible access from the car park to the leisure centre. To find out more information and to book visit everyoneactive.com or download the Everyone Active app. Kingshill House Bring your creative flare and join in the spooks at a Homemade Magic Workshop at Kingshill House in Dursley. Create broomsticks, googly eyes and wands, and let the magic commence. The workshop will be held from 11.30am – 1pm on Friday 3 November. £10 per person. Pre-booking essential. Book here. Festive Dursley’s Halloween Hunts Can you find all the spooky items in Twinberrow Woods? How many broomsticks and pumpkins will you find around the town? Join in the spooky fun at Dursley Sculpture & Play Trail and town. From October 23. Pick up a free-of-charge hunt at Dursley library, Jacob’s House or here. Costume swap at Dursley Library Find your perfect, scary Halloween costume at Dursley library. Swap costume clothes and turn into a mysterious black cat, a spooky ghost, or an orange pumpkin. Visit Dursley Library from the 9 October – 1 November. Hallowe’en Fun in Dursley Market Place Bring your decorated pumpkins and enter the competition to see if your creative, scary delight will be a winner. Watch Amy Addle’s dancers and listen to some super spooky stories. Head to Dursley Market Place from 2pm-4pm on Saturday, October 28 and join the fun with Festive Dursley. Pick your own pumpkin There’s only one thing better than buying your own pumpkin; picking your own pumpkin! From carving your finest scary creation, to creating a delicious pie, there are so many ways that families can enjoy these homegrown delights. Cattle Country is hosting an annual pumpkin bonanza and reports a bumper crop for 2023. There’ll be plenty of family photo opportunities on the farm and there is also a ‘find the hats’ trail to keep everyone busy along the way. Pick your own, starting at £1 including free pumpkin carving and decorating. Book you tickets here. Priory Farm, in Leonard Stanley, has a pumpkin patch open from 28-31 October. No booking is required, cash and card payments will be accepted and well-behaved dogs are welcome. There will be free-of-charge parking onsite. For more information, please visit the Priory Farm Facebook page. Nature Detectives Trail Get your (woolly) thinking caps on, your winter boots ready, and head to Stroud Old Cemetery to discover the Nature Detectives audio trail. You’ll be able to find out all about the headstones, become a lichen detective and listen to some super spooky sounds. All you’ll need is an inquisitive mind and a smart phone that can scan the 10 QR codes dotted around the site. To find out more about the free-of-charge trail, please visit Stroud Town Council’s website. Local Libraries Join in the Halloween activities at your local library. In a fun outdoor session, you’ll learn how to light a campfire at Quedgeley Library and make a cute, spikey hedgehog friend using clay and other natural materials at Dursley Library. Suitable for ages 3 and above. To find out more visit the Gloucestershire Libraries Facebook page. Stroud District Council Leader, Catherine Braun said: “Many of the activities listed are low-cost or free-of-charge and it’s great to see such a wide range of exciting things to do in the Stroud district.” Deputy Council Leader, Natalie Bennett added: “The local area has some wonderful places to visit over autumn, from a spooky canal trail to picking your own Hallowe’en pumpkin; there’s plenty to get involved with during October.” For regular social media updates from the District Council, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. |