Column by Stroud mayor Tony Davey

Where did that week go? It least we have been able to enjoy some better weather.

Last Saturday I managed to quickly whizz along to Stroud Pride, taking place in Bank Gardens.

The crowds certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves and the organisers have done a sterling job again.

There was food, drink, entertainment, information and it was great to see the stall run by our Neighbourhood Policing Team too.

On Sunday the vintage bus rally was held in SGS Stroud car park. I almost avoided using the term “vintage” as I went to school on buses the age that were there! Again, they put on an excellent show and those who come and offer free rides are brilliant. I took a ride on a Bristol VR out to Stonehouse and back - it brought back some memories.

These events don’t happen by mandate, of course.

Behind every event is usually a small team of very hard-working volunteers and I know from my own experiences how exhausting putting on events can be; coordinating everything, covering off insurance and risk assessments, and all the contingency plans.

Without volunteers like these we’d not be able to enjoy such diverse events that reach out to so many.

If you can spare some time, please do offer to help where you can. The more the workload can be shared, the more manageable and fun it can be for everyone. Also, before exclaiming “why isn’t someone putting on a …” think if you could, or if you could help others.

We’re just 6 months away from Christmas and Christmas events are so important to our communities - making memories with our children and families, uniting communities, breaking down barriers of isolation… can you help your local organisers make this year extra special?

On Tuesday I was delighted to be able to attend the Community Safety Partnership at Ebley Mill.

Very often their meetings clash with work, but this time I was able to make it. There are so many groups working together to improve our District, collaborating to deliver better and safer outcomes for our communities.

Unless you are fortunate enough to be involved, you’d likely not know much about them. That’s one of the reasons I want to share my experiences with you regularly, so everyone can gain an insight if they wish.

The Community Safety Partnership brings together statutory agencies (County, District and Town Councils, Police, Fire Service and others) and organisations (such as agencies that help the homeless and vulnerable, schools, domestic abuse support organisations, to name just a few).

We discuss our actions and concerns, discuss challenges and better understand how we can work together. Sometimes there’s simply no answers or solutions, but to share gives the opportunity to inform and prepare.

These meetings are quarterly (if I remember correctly) and I have now seen first hand just how vital they are to get the right people in the room together, all with a positive, common aim.

Sue Fenton is our Deputy Mayor and I very much value her support in sharing the workload. On Wednesday she was delighted to attend the Sustainability and Environmental Education (SEEd) presentations from local secondary students who have participated in Young Changemakers putting “Learning at the heart of Sustainability and Sustainability at the heart of Learning”. Held at the Sub Rooms in town, I have heard so many positive accounts of the presentations.

Thursday saw the opening of The Secret Garden at The Stroud next to the railway station. I was honoured to be asked to cut the ribbon to open this beautiful space, an important visual at a gateway into the town. To have the former site of The Imperial fully in use is important in so many ways. Accommodation in our town centre helps to bring a boost to the local economy.

Choice of venues to eat at, drink at and relax are essential in a balanced hospitality mix in a town.

It brings job opportunities and has delivered a brilliant refurbishment of a landmark building. I was fortunate to have a good look around the inside whilst there and see how the space has been brought back to life in a sympathetic yet contemporary way. It is an asset to the town and I hope many will enjoy this new outdoor oasis in the summer months to come. Another opening also means more investment in the town.

We’ve seen three more shop units reopen in recent days, bringing our vacancy rate below the national average again - once more a positive sign, but there is still more to do and achieve.

So a mixed week of festivals, shows, meetings and new opportunities - not a bad week at all

I hope you all have a good weekend and I look forward to sharing my next update with you.