Parish News

Bike marking by Gloucestershire Police – PCSO Amy Webb
On the 10th of April 2026 Stroud NPT  will be at Whiteshill Bike Ramps  between 14:00-15:00 holding a free bike marking event and registering on the Bike register .
If you’re unable to join us, you can find plenty of crime prevention advice on our website: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/For more information about what’s happening in your area, enter your postcode here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/

Community Events
Nickie Webster has written a heart-felt plea on Facebook asking for help with the Party in the Park. She has said that anyone who can offer help will make a difference. Without the support needed for an event of this size it will either be scaled down or cancelled. Please pass the word round as it would be such a shame if this popular annual community event isn’t able to go ahead because of lack of helpers. cllr.nickie.webster@whiteshillandruscombe-pc.gov.uk

Angie Mason is also looking for people to come forward and take part in the Open Garden’s weekend event. This was a huge success last time but lots of gardens are needed to make up a varied trail down to Farmhill and round to Ruscombe Farm. warniemason@hotmail.com

Heather Bayly is also looking for support. The church has bought a CD listing grant-givers and their particular areas of interest. She hopes there is someone locally who would take on the role of checking through these details to identify possible funders and if possible apply to appropriate grant-making trusts. heather@bayly.org

Road closures
Ruscombe Road, Ruscombe
This road will be closed (as per the attached plan) from 30/04/2026 to 01/05/2026 to allow for kerbing works by Gloucestershire Highways.
Emergency and pedestrian access will be maintained.
If you should require further information please email streetworks@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Closure map

Parish News

Good morning all,

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Village Hall AGM
Thursday 19th March, 6pm at the Village Hall, all welcome

Party in the Playing Field – Volunteers Needed
The date has been set for Saturday 20th June, but it can only go ahead with all the wonderful volunteers that help make it happen, without you it just can’t go ahead. Cllr Nickie Webster would love to hear from anyone who can spare a few hours helping with any part of the event over the weekend. Please contact Nickie direct on cllr.nickie.webster@whiteshillandruscombe-pc.gov.uk

Playing field Table Tennis Table. 
With the recent damage that occurred, the Parish Council are now having to go through the insurance to get a new table as the current one is beyond repair. This is a shame that this has happened and now causing more expense to the Parish Council. the works will hopefully be done at the end of April along with the basketball relocation too.

Parish News

Good afternoon

Local Government Reorganisation
The government has launched a consultation on how councils in the county could be organised in future, asking for your views on three options, including one countywide unitary council or two new councils covering different areas.
This is a significant opportunity for residents, businesses and community groups to shape how services are run across Gloucestershire for years to come.
You can take part by heading to the government website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/local-government-reorganisation-in-gloucestershire
To learn more about the three proposals submitted to government late last year and for full background information, visit the Future Gloucestershire website: https://futuregloucestershire.org.uk/

Ruscombe and Whiteshill Village Shop AGM

Road works
TEMPORARY CLOSURE  FIELD ROAD
Gloucestershire County Council, as traffic authority, has made an Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) to temporarily close part of Field Road from its junction with Main Road to outside the property known as ‘Hendras’ for a distance of approximately 130 metres.
The reason for the said closure is for works on behalf of Severn Trent Water
The said road is expected to be closed on from 08:00hrs on 28th February 2026 until 16:00hrs on 1st March 2026 only.
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 said road, and emergency access, will be maintained.

Good afternoon.

WaRbler deadline
Just a reminder for the WaRbler deadline this Friday if you are sending in anything.

Community Events update 
This month’s Lunch Club in the Chapel Schoolroom is Thursday 5th February at 12.30. Curry is the order of the day followed by Apple Crumble, sounds delicious. On the following Thursdays there’s the weekly Coffee Morning from 10.00am – Noon.
The Two Villages Festival will be running a Bunny Trail starting Saturday 28th March until Sunday 5th April.
St Paul’s will once again be serving afternoon teas over a weekend to celebrate the Primroses which by March, if not before, will be making a stunning display in the churchyard.  The date for the Primrose Teas will be advertised when the primroses look their best.
Complimentary food is available at The Star on Saturdays for the Six Nations Rugby matches. 1st round starts – Thursday 5th February. Please support our village pub whether it’s to watch rugby or simply enjoy a drink and good company.

Upcoming roadworks
Please be advised of the following closure:
•           Field Road, Whiteshill
This road will be closed (as per the attached plan) from 28/02/2026 to 01/03/2026 to allow for boundary box and meter installation by Severn Trent Water.
Emergency and pedestrian access will be maintained.
Closure Plan
If you should require further information please email streetworks@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Parish News

Police alert
We’re appealing for information/CCTV following a report of a theft in your area .
Police have received a report  of theft of a stepladder from a property on the Main Road , Whiteshill Stroud at approx 12:30 on the 2nd of December 2025 .The Unknown persons have left in a white estate vehicle .
If you have any further information about this incident, we’d like to hear from you. Please complete the following online form quoting incident 300 of the 2nd of December 2025: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/Alternatively, you can give information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or reporting online: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
You can find plenty of crime prevention advice on our website: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

St Laurence Tree Festival
For the rest of this week the Tree festival is at St Laurence Church where you can see Whiteshill and Ruscombe Biodiversity tree with many others. If you have time, please do go down to take a look

Santa’s Grotto

Santa will be visiting this weekend on Sunday 7th December at Whiteshill Guide hut from 10am – 2pm. There will be lots of activities and refreshments for all.

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Choir event
Please note the venue advertised in the WaRbler is now incorrect due to requiring a change. Please see details in the poster below for the event on Sunday 14th December at Ruscombe Chapel

Carols Across the Valley
Monday 15th December, Village shop opens at 5.00pm, 6.00pm – 7.00pm – Carol Singing
The  annual get-together to sing carols across the valley from the village car park will, as usual be led by Revd. Simon Howell. Leon Mustoe, with help from John Nicolle plan to light the whole top area with a myriad of festive lights and the village shop will be serving mince pies, a range of cold drinks and of course mulled wine, from 5.00pm.
Musical accompaniment will be provided by members of the Stroud Area Wind Orchestra and no doubt between the carols there will be the usual banter from the two comperes. Please bring some change or notes for the bucket collection in support of Longfield Hospice or make a donation using the QR code displayed at each of the volunteer’s tables.
If the weather isn’t on our side we will sing in the Guide Hut so don’t be put off if it’s raining or if the Whiteshill wind is whipping round, we will still go ahead.
Carols Across the Valley launches a busy week of Festive Activities across the Parish, please support as many of the events as you can.
NB: The Village Car Park will be closed to cars from 4.15 apart from blue-badge holders and re-open at 7.30pm. See you there.

Festival of Light
The Festival of Light at St Paul’s Church – Bigger, Brighter, and more spectacular – it’s going to be our best yet!
Join us on Thursday18^th December.
To set the scene, Leon, our village lighting expert, will transform the church into a rainbow of colours, inside and out with a stunning technicolour display.
Revd. Simon Howell will host the Festival and Becca, our organist for the evening will keep us all in tune.
At 6:00pm, the lights in the Nave will be dimmed as the Festival begins with an opening carol, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and a candlelit procession by children from Whiteshill Primary School.
The programme will feature:

• Solo performers
• Children from Whiteshill Primary School
• Whiteshill and Ruscombe Community Choir.
• Carol Singing for everyone
• Announcement of the winner of the Light Trail.

And of course, a few surprises before the Grand Finale — it’s going to be amazing!
Donations to support the church are very welcome via QR code, card reader, or cash.
Please note: the church will be chilly, so wrap up warm …gloves a blanket and a woolly hat.
Come early — the Church is sure to be full to bursting!

Hopefully you can attend some or all of the above events

Kind regards
Helen Dunn, Parish Clerk
07941 171805

Parish News

House burglaries in Ruscombe
These are the incidents that have happened in your area from 0800 hours on the 19th November 2025 to 0800 hours on the 21st November 2025. If you wish to update us on an incident or to tell us about an existing case visit https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

• A burglary was reported at a house in Ruscombe, It is not known what has been stolen. Entry to the house was via the side door. It is believed to have occurred between 0930 hours and 1852 hours on the 19th November. Anyone with any information please quote Incident number
  242 19/11/25-
• On Wednesday 19th of November 2025  Police were contacted after a report that a property  on Upper Kitesnest in Whiteshill had been found with a rear door smashed, suspects have conducted a messy search and jewellery has been stolen. The incident is believed to have taken place between 18:00 hrs & 20:30 hrs on the 19th of November 2025. If you have any further information about these incident, we’d like to hear from you. Please complete the following online form quoting incident 460 of the 19th of November 2025

Please don’t hesitate to call the police if you witness suspicious activity and always dial 999 if you believe a crime is taking place. 
You can also report any information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800555111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information
For crime prevention advice please visit https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention

Driving Safely in Winter – Highways Special
Message from Nigel Lloyd-Jones, Lead Older Driver Workstream, Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership
After a mild autumn the Met Office December forecast for Gloucestershire reports average daytime temperatures dropping to 7C with night-time temperatures between 1 to 2C. For drivers this makes it even more important to check weather reports and road conditions.
At 10am on 29 November the Older Drivers Forum offer a free webinar with advice for drivers on how to sharpen driving skills, prepare their car and plan journeys for winter driving. 
This will include reviews of information available on Highways website and the recent Transport Research Laboratories report to the Department for Transport on ‘Glare from Vehicle Lighting on UK Roads’.
To register for this event, click on this link https://tinyurl.com/j4fdbaxp

Warm Homes Local Grant
The Warm Homes Local Grant scheme, run by Severn Wye’s Warm and Well service. This scheme helps low-income households in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire access free energy-efficiency home upgrades to reduce energy bills over winter.
We are working on behalf of the Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire local authorities and have £5.25 million in government funding available. It is open to residents who:

• Own or privately rent a property with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G
• Have a total household income of under £36,000 per year

Households in your area could qualify for fully-funded energy-saving home improvements which is why I’m getting in touch so that you can share this with your community.
We’ve received great feedback from those already benefiting from the scheme – “I’m very grateful to have received the grant and I hope others will take advantage’’.
Find out more and apply here: severnwye.org.uk/upgrade
Please find attached a flyer, and social media materials to help share this opportunity, so that we can reach as many residents as possible that will qualify for this opportunity to take the first step to a warmer, more energy-efficient home.
If you would like any further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Parish News

Good morning

Two Villages Festival Market Day
The Two Villages Festival (Ruscombe & Whiteshill) are having a Market Day on Sunday, 21st September in the Whiteshill playing field car park from noon until 4pm. There will be craft stalls and cream teas in the Guide Hut. Please come along and support our community. We are keeping our fingers firmly crossed for better weather!
For further information please email: 2vfest@gmail.com

Please note the car park will be closed from Saturday midday and throughout Sunday. Please ensure your cars are moved out by Saturday morning. Thank you for your co-operation

Parish Council Grants
Every year the Parish Council has a small pot of money to give away to local groups for projects within the parish. Information can be found on the website, with the deadline for applications to be received being 26th September 2025, to be considered at the October Parish Council meeting.

Road Closures
Gloucestershire County Council, as traffic authority, has made an Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) to temporarily close part of the Ruscombe Road from its junction with Zion Hill to its junction with “The Throat” for a distance of approximately 100 metres. The reason for the said closure is for works on behalf of BT Openreach. The said road is expected to be closed between 09:30hrs and 14:30hrs on 18th September 2025 only or until the said works have been completed. 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.

Parish News 4th September 2025

Good afternoon

Play area
The Parish Council now have a further meeting with Play Company Sovereign next week with regards t installation issues on the new play equipment. We will continue to keep you updated once we have more information.

Grants and Donations
Every year the Parish Council have a small pot of money they are able to give out to local community groups carrying out projects or activities. If you would like to apply please complete the forms available on the website, with the deadline of Friday 26th September. Donations and Grants – Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Council
The applications will be considered at the October Parish Council meeting.

Road works and closures for September
Please be advised of the following closure: Highfield Road, Whiteshill
This road will be closed (as per the attached plan) from 11/09/2025 to 12/09/2025 to allow for boundary box installation work by Severn Trent Water.
Emergency and pedestrian access will be maintained.
If you should require further information please email streetworks@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Closure map

TEMPORARY CLOSURE RUSCOMBE ROAD
Gloucestershire County Council, as traffic authority, intends to make an Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) to temporarily close part of the C213 Ruscombe Road from its junction with Zion Hill to its junction with “The Throat” for a distance of approximately 100 metres. The reason for the said closure is for works on behalf of BT Openreach The said road is expected to be closed between 09:30hrs and 14:30hrs on 18th September 2025 only or until the said works have been completed. 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.
Closure map

Parish News

Good afternoon

Play area
The Parish Council are disappointed to still be waiting to open the play area. There have been some issues with the installation and we are now waiting for a further site meeting with Sovereign. I will update everyone as we have more information.

St Pauls working party
It’s coming round to that time of year when we need to think about the annual clear-up of the churchyard. The new part on the south side is looking good this year thanks to the Community Payback and our trusty volunteers. The dry weather has slowed down growth as well which has helped!
We do need help with the “Space for Nature” on the north side (nearest the bus stop). There is a churchyard plan now (displayed in the porch of the church). All areas on that side of the church are left to nature until August at the earliest, but preferably September. My problem with organizing a working party is that I can’t do the first three weeks of August and then there is a Bank Holiday and the Five Valleys Walk in late August. I can’t do anything in September. I’m going to call a working party on 30^th August but if it is wet we’ll have to delay until the start of October.
You may see a bit of activity by individuals before that and if you would like to be involved do please get in touch. Otherwise if you are free to help on 30^th August it would be great.
Heather Bayly
heather@bayly.org

Biodiversity Action
The group have successfully applied for a grant to carry out a swift project which will involve 12 swift boxes and callers being installed around the parish. Look out for more information on this as the project progresses.

Road works and closures for September
TEMPORARY CLOSURE RUSCOMBE ROAD
Gloucestershire County Council, as traffic authority, intends to make an Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) to temporarily close part of the C213 Ruscombe Road from its junction with Zion Hill to its junction with “The Throat” for a distance of approximately 100 metres. The reason for the said closure is for works on behalf of BT Openreach The said road is expected to be closed between 09:30hrs and 14:30hrs on 18th September 2025 only or until the said works have been completed. 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.
Closure map

Please be advised of the following closure: Highfield Road, Whiteshill
This road will be closed (as per the attached plan) from 11/09/2025 to 12/09/2025 to allow for boundary box installation work by Severn Trent Water.
Emergency and pedestrian access will be maintained.
If you should require further information please email streetworks@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Closure map

Parish News