Leader's blog - 28 October 2024

"During the October holidays, there are lots of exciting local activities for families, which are free-of-charge or low-cost, in the council’s half term guide. From pumpkin carving, to crafts, conservation, dance, sports, stories, parks, fireworks, films, trails and dragons, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. 

Final preparations are underway this week for the new Active Lifestyles leisure service for Stroud district. Once the council takes over management of Stratford Park Leisure Centre, the facilities will close from 1 November, to allow for the installation of a new café, IT systems, improvement works and redecoration. It will reopen as ‘Active Lifestyles Stroud’ on 9 November. We’re very grateful to all the staff at Everyone Active who have been running the centre for the past thirteen years.

Many people got in touch with me last week to say how much they value the centre’s health suite, comprising a sauna and steam room, and I am pleased to confirm that it will be reopening at the same time as the other centre services.

Improvements are also planned for The Pulse Leisure Centre in Dursley which will be closed from 4 November, to upgrade the poolside changing rooms and reception area, and reopens as ‘Active Lifestyles Dursley’ on 14 November. 

Final applications for Stroud Funding, our new community crowdfunding programme for Stroud district must be submitted this week, ahead of the round one deadline on 30 October. There’s £100,000 available to contribute towards community projects, so if you have a good idea, take a look at the Stroud Funding site. 

Although Black History Month is drawing to a close this week, the Museum in the Park’s foyer display of Stroud’s Black History remains open until 15 December. It’s a fascinating intergenerational insight about the Windrush families and their descendants, containing original artworks."

Cllr Catherine Braun, Leader of Stroud District Council