Parish News

🚲 Bike Ramp Re-Build – Closure from 21 September
Our bike ramps will be closed from Monday 21 September while professional re-build works are carried out.
The work is expected to take up to 3 weeks, subject to weather, ground conditions and final safety checks before the ramps can safely reopen.
We are delighted that funding has been secured from the National Lottery Community Fund, Gloucestershire County Council and Ecotricity, helping make this much-needed improvement possible.
The re-build will update the existing ramps, improve their layout and incorporate drainage, helping to provide a safer and more enjoyable facility for the community.
Please do not enter the bike ramp area while the works are taking place. We appreciate everyone’s patience while the improvements are carried out.

🏛️ Parish Council Update – Councillor Resignation
Kris Atkins has resigned as a member of Whiteshill & Ruscombe Parish Council.
The notice is displayed below
If an election is not called, the Parish Council will be able to proceed with the co-option of a new councillor to fill the vacancy.
Further information will be provided once the process has been confirmed.
If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor and having a say in your community, please get in touch with the Parish Clerk

💷 Parish Council Grant Applications
The Parish Council’s grant application window is now open.
Local community groups and organisations wishing to apply for financial support are invited to submit their applications.
📅 Deadline: Friday 25 September 2026
If your organisation has a project or activity that benefits the local community, please make sure your application is submitted by the deadline.

Two Village Market – Saturday 20th September.

🎅 Save the Date!
🎄 Santa’s Grotto 🎄
It’s time to start getting excited for Christmas!
Sunday 6 December 2026
📍 The Guide Hut
Come along and enjoy our community Santa’s Grotto.
More details about times, bookings and activities will be announced nearer the date, so put the date in your diary now!

Good afternoon,

Two Village Market day
The Two Villages Festival annual Market Day is taking place in the Whiteshill Playing Field car park from Noon until 4pm on Sunday, 20th September. There will be a variety of stalls selling plants, cakes, books, aromatherapy products and a raffle. No entry fee. The stalls will be under cover, so please come and join us.
For further information or to book a stall please email: 2vfest@gmail.com.

Bike ramp re-build
Exciting news. The Parish Council has now secured funding to re-build the bike ramps. This has come from the National Lottery Community Fund (£20,000), Gloucestershire County Council Grassroots fund through Cllr John Patient (£3,000) and Ecotricity (£1,000). Works are due to start on 21st September, so please be aware the ramps will be out of use until the works have been completed and construction activity will be taking place during this time, so please abide by aby signs and restrictions put up and around the playing field. We will post regular updates on the works and plan an opening event once all complete.

Police speeding information
PCSO Amy Webb and the Enforcement team have been out on Friday last week with the following speeds identified:
The Plain – 6 x speeding (highest being 31mph)
Main Road – 1 x speeding
Farmhill lane -1 x speeding
Whiteshill towards Edge – O x speeders
Please remember it is a 20mph limit

Composting at home information 
Can we encourage you to start making compost at home? More people making compost from their garden &/or food waste has many benefits including:

• reduced carbon emissions due to fewer journeys transporting waste to council tips and incinerators
• no need to buy commercially produced compost i.e. less plastic bags & less £££
• healthier and more drought resistant soil and plants in our gardens
• more carbon locked into soil
• no need for bonfires
• less pressure on Council resources

Composting helps people to feel they are doing something proactive to combat climate change by closing the ‘waste loop’ in their home.
Gloucestershire County Council want to support residents to start composting.  They are offering:

• £15 off your first compost bin at: Composting | Gloucestershire Recycles
• Learn how to compost via this FREE Garden Organic online course at: https://gardenorganic.mylearningapp.com/enrol/index.php?id=44

Sign in as a guest using this password: GloucesterCompost.  The course takes about 45-60 minutes

• Get composting advice from a local Master Composter by emailing: MCgloucestershire@gardenorganic.org.uk.  For more info about the Master Composters see: Garden Organic | Gloucestershire Master Composters

Want to invite one of the Glos Master Composters to deliver a composting workshop in your parish for your residents?  Then contact kphimister@gardenorganic.org.uk to arrange a date.

Road works
Gloucestershire County Council, as traffic authority intend to make an order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) to temporarily close part of the Lightwood Lane at a point between the properties known as ‘Lightwood House’ and ‘Inglewood’ for a distance of approximately 198 metres. The reason for the closure is for gas pipe installation works. The road is expected to be closed from 5th October 2026 until 30th October 2026. However, if the said works are not completed by this date the Order may remain in force for up to eighteen months or until the said works have been completed, whichever is sooner. For further information, please contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 or visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk. Alternative Route – as signed on site Pedestrian access to premises on or next to the road and Emergency access will be maintained.
M5 slip road closures
National Highways will start work in October to demolish two public rights of way for pedestrians over the M5 near Gloucester.
The Grove Court and Uphill Court bridges, between junctions 11 and 12 of the M5, have served as pedestrian footpaths for the past 64 years but have deteriorated beyond repair and are now in need of replacing. The bridges were closed in March and both structures will be demolished over the weekend of 16-19 October, with new, modern standard bridges being constructed in their place in future years.

Caption: The Grove Court footbridge spanning the M5 and, below, a close-up of the deteriorated edge beams.
To create a construction compound, the Junction 11A northbound exit slip road will be closed for a week from Sunday, 11 October, ahead of the weekend demolition, and for a week following.
To enable the demolition work, the M5 will be fully closed between junction 11 (Cheltenham) and junction 12 (Gloucester) from 11pm on Friday, 16 October until 6am on Monday, 19 October.
The weekend diversion routes have been carefully planned to lessen conflict with the A40 bridge works at Over, and a later Friday closure of 11pm has been arranged to allow for Gloucester Rugby’s European Champions Cup match with Bordeaux-Begles.
Over the weekend, southbound and northbound traffic will be diverted via the A38 through Gloucester, the A40 Cheltenham to Gloucester Road and the A417.
Ahead of the October weekend closure, further scheme information and diversion route details can be found on the scheme web page, with information on the other ongoing schemes available on the company website.
And over the weekend, people can gain up-to-the-minute updates on National Highways’ travel alerts web page.

Parish News

Toddler Group at St Paul’s
A Toddler Group has started up in the Lady Chapel of St Paul’s at 11 am on Mondays. Anyone is welcome. It’s pay as you go (£3 per family), drinks provided but bring snack for your toddler if they have special dietary needs.  Toddlers are also invited to bring their own wheely toy as the nave makes a great circuit. All very casual.

Bike ramp skills day

People’s Emergency Briefing film showing
Randwick, Whiteshill & Ruscombe – People’s Emergency Briefing
Wed 9 Sep 2026 7:00 PM – 9:00PM 
Randwick Village Hall, GL6 6HS
Book tickets
The UK is facing a growing climate and nature emergency, yet few of us have been given a clear picture of what this means for our communities, our economy and our future.
The People’s Emergency Briefing, produced by the National Emergency Briefing, presents an accessible and evidence-based overview of the challenges facing the UK, alongside credible and positive responses that can help build resilience and create a better future.
Join us at Randwick Village Hall on Wednesday 9 September for a screening of this thought-provoking film. Following the screening, we will host a facilitated discussion exploring local impacts, opportunities and practical actions that can strengthen our community’s response to climate and environmental challenges.
Come along, learn more, share your perspectives, and explore how we can create positive change together.
The film will commence at 7.15pm prompt.

20mph petition to extend up to the Bird in Hand
Dear residents of Whiteshill and Bird in Hand.
We are putting together a petition calling for a 20mph speed limit and associated traffic calming on the road above Whiteshill and past the left hand turning to Randwick. This follows a general increase in traffic and speed and a number of dangerous incidents, collisions and near misses. We think it will offer benefits to the wider community in terms of safety and general traffic management. Please contact me if you have any examples of how the existing speed limits have impacted your road use and if you have any specific incidents that you can tell us about, also if you would like to sign the petition.
Thank you
Peter Williams – peter@cadmusrock.co.uk   07557 111 558

You may have noticed road closure signs appearing for 24–28 August on The Plain and Main Road. The Parish Clerk has spoken with Highways and the following information has been given:

The closure is to allow contractors to carry out Roadmender surface treatment works, which will help tackle potholes, depressions and low trenches in the road. The works will take place between junctions.

Access will be allowed when it is safe to do so. We appreciate that the temporary restrictions may cause some inconvenience, so please be patient and work with the contractors. They will allow access whenever it is safe and appropriate during the works.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation while these much-needed road improvements are carried out.

Parish News

The sunny weather continue and we hope you are all enjoying it. The playing field continues to be well used, with the bike ramps, play area and open spaces providing somewhere for everyone to get outside, stay active and enjoy time with family and friends.

We are currently awaiting confirmation of funding for the redevelopment of the bike ramps and hope to be able to share positive news soon. We are also obtaining quotations for new entrance fencing and ground matting at the playing field to help improve both the appearance and accessibility of the site.

With the recent warm, dry weather, we would ask everyone to take extra care if lighting bonfires. Dry grass and vegetation can allow fires to spread quickly, so please consider the conditions before burning garden waste.

At this time of year, hedges and vegetation can quickly become overgrown. If you have hedges bordering footpaths or roads, please cut them back where it is safe to do so to help keep routes clear for pedestrians and road users. Before carrying out any work, please check carefully for active bird nests, as nesting birds are protected by law.

A reminder that the playing field car park is provided for parishioners and visitors using the local facilities. Commercial vehicles, motorhomes, large vans or being used for overnight accommodation, are not permitted. Please park considerately so that everyone can continue to enjoy the facilities safely.

Finally, Stroud District Council are preparing their new Local Plan and your input would be welcomed. Please visit New Local Plan 2026 to respond at this stage, and sign up to receive information as to how to continue to be involved. The consultation is open until August 9th. They are consulting on The main priorities for the District; The key issues and challenges; The overall approach to future growth; Different ways growth could be distributed; Infrastructure and local services. At this stage they are not consulting on specific sites, this will come later.

Parish News

The WaRbler Magazine
We are currently looking for stimulating articles, appetizing recipes, impactful photographs, and advertising placements, for the Autumn Edition. Deadline date Friday 24th July
Where possible, please email your submission (or advertising order) in advance of the deadline date. This will greatly assist the editor.
Articles: Please email your article (max 450 words) or recipe, and accompanying photo if available, to Dilys Warren, Editor of The WaRbler: editwarbler@aol.com and Helen Dunn clerk@whiteshillandruscombe-pc.gov.uk
Photographs: High Resolution photographs wanted. Please email an attached jpg or pdf image and send to above addresses
Advertising: Please email details of your order to: Helen Dunn, Parish Clerk – clerk@whiteshillandruscombe-pc.gov.uk and attach a jpg or pdf layout of your artwork as per our specification size 65mm W X 85 mm H. Remember to include details of your “invoice address”. An invoice will then be sent to you detailing the charges that apply, together with information concerning payment made payable to Whiteshill & Ruscombe Parish Council via BACS.
Single Advert: 1/4 page size – (65mm W x 85 mm H) @ £25.00
2 X individual placements (65mm x 85 mm) block-booked and pre-paid @ £42.50
3 X individual placements (65mm x 85 mm) block-booked and pre-paid @ £60.00
4 X individual placements (65mm x 85 mm) block-booked and pre-paid @ £75.00

Many thanks for your continued support.

Whiteshill Playgroup – Trustees wanted
A message from Whiteshill Playgroup committee
We are looking for new trustees to join the Whiteshill Playgroup committee, and are particularly keen to recruit some local residents to join us.
It’s an extremely rewarding role, but it’s often difficult to recruit trustees from the parent cohort, due to family/work commitments and the short time that people’s children are enrolled at the setting before moving on to school. As such, we believe the support of some local residents joining the committee would significantly strengthen the playgroup’s prospects.
We are particularly keen to hear from people with some accounting or financial experience who could help us with our treasurer and vice-treasurer roles, which includes general bookkeeping, budget planning and management, and ensuring the committee meets regulatory obligations. However, we would welcome applications from anyone with some spare time and a willingness to get involved.
The playgroup has gone from strength to strength in the last few years under Play Leader Anna Morgan’s leadership. It continues to attract new starters from Whiteshill and beyond, due to its growing reputation as a quality childcare setting, and the children in our care are happy, flourishing, and very well looked after.
If you’re able to help and would like to find out more, please speak to Anna at the playgroup or email Tom Irwin at chair@whiteshillplaygroup.co.uk

Animal proof food recycle bins
A resident has advised that Stroud District Council now has animal proof food recycling bins available. It has been suggested that they would prevent the sort of mess that can occur when animals get in the containers. It was reported that a fox has been a problem for quite some time in the Upper Kitesnest area. Some residents put rocks on top of their bins – which does not always work as the fox is clever and just tips the bin over. Some residents have bins that don’t even have a handle.

Stroud croquet club
This may be of interest to some of you:

Parish News

Good morning,

Party in the Park plans are in full swing with all the wonderful volunteers getting everything organised. The party starts on Saturday 20th June from 2-6pm and continues after at The Star Inn. There is lots going on with numerous community stalls, reptiles, bubbles and raffle. And the famous Whiteshill V Ruscombe Tug of War! The Parish Council will have a Biodiversity stall with lots of information on butterflies and a quiz, you can also sign up to the colour run from here, and (providing they arrive in time) collect a 20mph sticker for your wheelie bin. The bike ramp users are fundraising for the rebuild of the ramps – please go and see their amazing bike display and support their inflatable axe throwing activity to raise valuable funds. The weather is looking good, so have a fabulous day.

Parish News

St Pauls Church
Just letting parishioners know that the conservation charity Caring for God’s Acre is organizing a “Love your burial ground week” from Saturday 6^th – 14^th June. As part of this the biodiversity group will be doing a bat and moth count one evening. St Paul’s churchyard is looking particularly lovely at the moment after its month of rest from mowing. The orchids are out in abundance. Do try and pop in some time. It is a lovely safe area for little ones to explore and play in the outdoors with a huge variety of wild flowers and bugs of various sorts. My two youngest grandchildren had a great morning playing there on Monday, just making nests with the grass cuttings, looking for insects and filling in holes with rubble from the pile by the village hall and it would be lovely to see other families in there. Please just beware that children do not climb on the graves or the wall (particularly to the left of the entrance gate) as they are quite unstable and are on the list to be repaired as soon as we can find someone to do the work. Our churchyard was described this week by Rev James Turk, the team rector, as one of the most beautiful in the area and it belongs to you, the parishioners of Whiteshill and Ruscombe so please enjoy it.
Also on the subject of the church, when it is hot outside, the church always remains cool. It is unlocked by volunteers but it should be open between about 9 am- 5pm so do feel free to sit in there if you need to cool off. Cold drinks are provided at the back of the church and there is a toilet with nappy changing facilities available”
Heather Bayly, PCC member

Party in the Playing Field
everything is going to plan for the event, with a number of stalls on site and a variety of activities. It all starts at 2pm, finishing at 6pm on Saturday 20th June. Please walk to the event if you can as there is no parking on the playing field car park that day. And don’t forget if you can spare an hour or two to help out at any point, do drop Cllr Nickie Webster a message cllr.nickie.webster@whiteshillandruscombe-pc.gov.uk

Parish Council news
At the May Annual Council meeting, Cllr Rebecca Charley was voted back in as Chairman and Cllr Chris Brian remains as Vice Chair. We are now waiting to hear back from two grants we have applied for to do the works on the bike ramps. Hanging baskets have been put up at the bus stop by the church, thanks to Cllr Karon Vizor-Beard.

Parish News and WaRbler deadline

Good afternoon

The WaRbler Magazine
We are currently looking for stimulating articles, appetizing recipes, impactful photographs, and advertising placements, for the Summer Edition. Deadline date Friday 24th April. Where possible, please email your submission (or advertising order) in advance of the deadline date. This will greatly assist the editor.

Articles: Please email your article (max 450 words) or recipe, and accompanying photo if available, to Dilys Warren, Editor of The WaRbler: editwarbler@aol.com and Helen Dunn clerk@whiteshillandruscombe-pc.gov.uk Photographs: High Resolution photographs wanted. Please email an attached jpg or pdf image and send to above addresses

Advertising: Please email details of your order to: Helen Dunn, Parish Clerk – clerk@whiteshillandruscombe-pc.gov.uk and attach a jpg or pdf layout of your artwork as per our specification size 65mm W X 85 mm H. Remember to include details of your “invoice address”. An invoice will then be sent to you detailing the charges that apply, together with information concerning payment options, either via cheque made payable to Whiteshill & Ruscombe Parish Council, or BACS.

Single Advert: 1/4 page size – (65mm W x 85 mm H) @ £25.00
2 X individual placements (65mm x 85 mm) block-booked and pre-paid @ £42.50
3 X individual placements (65mm x 85 mm) block-booked and pre-paid @ £60.00
4 X individual placements (65mm x 85 mm) block-booked and pre-paid @ £75.00

Many thanks for your continued support.

St Paul’s AGM
Please do try to attend this. This is an important stage for St Paul’s. We have been working hard to make a warm space in the church for those who meet there regularly and to investigate the restoration of the interesting wall paintings in the chancel but now we need to appeal to the community for support to create a useful space in the main part of the church for everyone to benefit from.

Road works
Highways have been updating their information regarding the Road Closure signs coming up Paganhill and Farmhill. The parish Council have been advised that this is not a closure but the works due at the end of the month will be managed by traffic lights. Hope this helps any confusion.

Parish Council News
Party in the Playing Field – after much deliberation, the Council have resolved to go ahead with the party in the playing field on Saturday 20th June, but it will be on a scaled down version this year due to limited volunteers. We will have the tug of war, a BBQ, and hopefully the colour run too. If anyone wishes to play some music, then please get in touch to do this but we are not arranging bands this year and won’t be able to have numerous activities. We still aim for it to be a community event and time to be with family and friends enjoying these traditions. Look out for more information in the coming weeks. The table tennis table and basketball relocation is due to take place at the end of April, and then we will continue with the works on the bike ramps and slope by the shop to make it a bit safer. The war memorial also requires some works to the names and cleaning them up, so we are also going to apply for funding to help this too. Our maintenance person will also be revamping the red telephone box in Ruscombe which is in need for some care and attention. A new memorial bench has also been installed at the top of Zion Hill steps and has some lovely views from this location – thanks to the working party who have got this up in this location.
As a reminder to everyone who uses the playing field for whatever activity, please do use the litter bins provided or take your litter home with you. Thank you
The swift boxes have all gone up and now we wait to see if they are successful in attracting more swifts to the area. The Biodiversity Group’s next plans could be around hedgehogs in the parish, so watch out for further information on this.