COLUMN BY Chloe Turner, chair of Environment Committee at Stroud District Council. 

With the school holidays drawing to a close, there are lots of great autumn events to look forward to.

The Stonehouse Walking Festival (6-15 September) has a brilliant programme, many events involving the canal in some way. We’re pleased to be sponsoring Ghost Hunters on 7th and 8th September – immersive history walks along the towpath, suitable for all the family – more details and tickets www.stroud.gov.uk/ghosthunters

On the subject of the canal, tempting as it might look in the sun, please don’t take the plunge! Canal water is dangerous for swimming - it doesn’t flow, so pollutants from boat traffic and litter can linger, and there are risks for swimmers from working boats, canal machinery and underwater obstacles.

Do you have a local project which needs funding to get off the ground? Great news - local groups can get help to list and promote their project on our brand new fundraising platform, Stroudfunding to raise funds from the local community, businesses and other supporters. Eligible projects will also be able to pitch for a share of £100,000 of match-funding from the Council to make the community’s contribution go even further.

We’re holding in-person workshops in Dursley and Stroud to launch Stroudfunding, and our delivery partner Spacehive has a dedicated minisite with all the details: https://www.spacehive.com/movement/stroud. Similar schemes elsewhere are funding arts festivals, school nature projects, community sports facilities, repair cafes and well-being trails, to name just a few. We’re really excited to see what projects our communities bring forward!

Finally, a call out on behalf of the Royal British Legion for a new organiser for the Stroud Poppy Appeal. If you’re a great organiser and might be interested in this important role, please contact the local Poppy Appeal Manager Sarah Mills on smills@britishlegion.org.uk or by phone 07919 881131.”