Stonehouse community news with Lesley Williams

v. Wycliffe Choral Society has resumed rehearsals and new members are welcome on all four parts, especially sopranos, tenors and basses. The choir, about 100 members, is noted for its friendliness. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening from 7.45pm to 9.30pm during term time in Wycliffe College Chapel, Stonehouse, and newcomers can attend rehearsals in September to see how they get on before committing themselves to join. There are no auditions and copies of the music are provided. The programme for the year comprises Elgar's The Music Makers and Give unto the Lord, Bach's St John Passion and a variety of music for Evensong in Gloucester Cathedral.

For further details visit www.wycliffechoralsociety.org or telephone secretary Angela Scrivin on 01452 722875 or conductor Chris Swain on 01453 822998.

v. Stonehouse Gardening Club meets tonight, Wednesday, in the Community Centre at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Don Everitt who will give a talk with slides on ponds and marginal plants. He will also have plants for sale.

v. Stonehouse History Group's next meeting is a quiz night on Wednesday, September 11 at 7.30pm in the town hall and everyone is welcome. See www.stonehousehistorygroup.org.uk for details.

v. King's Stanley Community Market will be back in the village hall on Friday, September 13 from 3pm to 7pm. This market combines a lovely mixture of local produce, including Days cider and juices, Stroud Brewery, Popes sausages, local cheeses, cakes, fruit and veg, jams pickles and speciality eggs and also craft stalls, jewellery, collectables and memorabilia and hand painted furniture. This is the last market of the summer so please come along.

v. Cotswold AONB Wardens' Walks around the Stroud area. Monday, September 16 the walk starts at Rodmarton parish church and then on to the Tunnel House Inn. Join us for this six mile walk lasting three hours at 10am. More information about the walks can be found on the AONB website at www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/?page=GettingOut

v. King's Stanley village hall - future dates; September 27 - Oktoberfest, 7.30pm with a band, beer and bratwurst; October 25 - Halloween rock-out, three bands and a spooky evening for all the family.

v. Did you know that there is a Senior Cinema Club for Savvy Seniors? (That is anyone over the age of 60.) It is held on Monday mornings at 11am at The Apollo in Stroud and for just £3.05 you will get a film plus a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Monday, September 2, go and see The Great Gatsby. Use your bus pass to get you there and back. If you need more details contact Jean Edwards on 01453 825276. For opera lovers Turandot will be screened live from the Royal Opera House on September 17 - curtains back at 7pm.

v. Do you have a question for the police? A weekly drop in is held every Tuesday in Stonehouse town hall between 11am to noon. v. King's Stanley village hall hosts regular live music events to cover all tastes. The committee would like to hear from you, whatever your favourite type of music is - email Tony Partridge at tony.partridge@virgin.net or call 01453 822451.

v. APT Central - debt management and advice is available at APT Central every Monday from 10am to noon or you can book a slot between 1pm and 3pm. Cooking up a Change - now taking bookings for the next course. Call in and reserve your place. Drop in sessions for tenants to discuss housing issues are held on Thursday mornings from 10am. Did you know that you can come in and use the facilities to research jobs and write or update your CV? Citizen Advice Bureau - an advice worker is available every Thursday from 1pm to 3pm and finally why not pop in for a coffee and give your ideas for community activities in the year ahead?

v. If you have recently had a baby did you know that the library in Elm Road holds Baby Bounce and Rhyme sessions on Wednesdays from 10.30am to 11am and story time on Mondays at 10.30am. Come and join in and meet other new parents.

v. Zumba classes are now being held in Stonehouse Community Centre every Thursday evening from 7.15pm to 8pm.

v. WEA classes at the Community Centre, Stonehouse. Learning Circle once a month on a Tuesday afternoon. Also French classes at the Community Centre on Monday mornings 10am to noon.

v. Keeping fit in Stonehouse couldn't be easier. Did you know that Stonehouse has its own Sports and Dance Centre open to the public Monday to Friday 6pm to 10pm and on Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Special introductory gym offer. New users pay just £24 for a full induction and one month gym membership. Pay as you go or join a month at a time. Come and have a look. There is a fully equipped gym with air conditioning. Exercises classes include fitball, aerobics, circuits, studio cycle, pilates and zumba. Concession scheme gives 40 per cent off selected activities. Find out more on the website: www.stroud.gov.uk/sportcentres

v. Mindful Yoga for men and women on Wednesdays, 7pm to 8.30pm, Park Infant School, Elm Road, Stonehouse. Contact Kevin on 01453 762838 or email yogakevin@hotmail.com

v. Walking is considered by many to be the best way to keep fit. Stonehouse Health Walks take place every Tuesday morning. Meet at the Community Centre to start walking at 10.15am. Walks last up to one hour.

v. Stroud Valleys Credit Union, (Stonehouse Community Bank) offers people an alternative to doorstep lenders. An advisor is now available at the Children's Centre in Stonehouse. The Credit Union (Save'n'borrow) now has new premises in the Brunel Mall in Stroud. It is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am to noon.

v. The Citizens Advice Bureau is at the town hall every Thursday from 10am to 1pm. No need for an appointment - just drop-in. An advice worker is also available in the APT community shop on the Park Estate on Thursday afternoons from 1pm.