Stroud Subscription Rooms: a credit to the Town and District Council, trustees and volunteers

 As an incomer to Stroud and a supporter of co-operative/community ventures, the writer was interested in the story of the Subscription Rooms. She read more after visiting and being deeply impressed by its volunteers and the sparklingly clean and bright interior.

The Grade II Listed building (above), originally built by public subscription, ls well placed in the centre of the town. In July 2017 Stroud District Council announced plans to sell it and in 2019 the building was transferred from Stroud District Council to Stroud Town Council.

On Thursday, 28 March, 2019 the SDC announced that it had handed over Stroud Subscription Rooms to new owners and operators and the Town Council and Trust signed a lease which would allow the Stroud Subscription Rooms Trust to start running the Sub Room. The business and staff were transferred direct to the Trust with fixtures and fittings valued at around £20,000. Below: some early supporters.SDC also undertook to invest up to £125,000 in to roof repairs and a one-off grant of £230,000 to help the Trust get off to a sound start. The Town Council earmarked £83,000 for costs around the transfer and new equipment. The Subscription Rooms offers a programme of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, spoken word, exhibitions and workshops – ‘an enhanced and varied programme of arts events and experiences that take place in a community-focused accessible venue with well-appointed flexible performance spaces and welcoming bar and cafe facilities’.Numbers fluctuate: though there are often over 45 volunteers, more help is needed to support events, exhibitions and performances, providing a warm, friendly welcome to all the visitors.

Simon Guy (left), the Operations Manager of the Stroud Subscription Rooms, works alongside the Director, Hugh Phillimore.

There are around 40 casual staff, who work with the events and keep the cafe running. 60 volunteers help out with maintenance to front of house and distributing our brochures. But more help is needed to support events, exhibitions and performances, providing a warm, friendly welcome to all the visitors. and there are vacancies – see https://thesubrooms.co.uk/work-with-us – with zero hour contract opportunities in marketing and publicity, in the bar, front of house & box office, ideal for students, parents or anyone looking for part time work to fit around their schedule.

Some people join the Sub Rooms as a Member, Patron or Champion and hear of upcoming shows before anyone else, getting priority booking, discount ticket offers, exclusive previews, café offers and venue rental discounts. With more shows selling out music fans will want the opportunity to book early.

Maintaining and acknowledging a sense of community ownership is key to the Subscription Rooms’ success – and everyone is invited to come and be part of its journey.

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Please note that Simon Guy is no longer the Operations Manager. For up to date information please visit the Sub Rooms website.

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Silver Voices speak to local and national government

During lunch near Stroud recently, after several service failures had been discussed, one of those present asked: ”Isn’t there a group speaking for older people?’ A few murmured ‘Age UK’ but in tones lacking conviction. Then – by chance – the writer heard a reference to ‘Silver Voices’ on the radio and found details online. Extracts follow:

Silver Voices is a web-based membership organisation for the over sixties who want a platform for campaigning on current issues  to be channelled to the political parties and so influence national and local policies. It  is a non-profit making company limited by guarantee (registration number 12883349). We have deliberately not applied to be a charity as we want to be free to campaign on political issues.

We have no allegiance to any political party. All subscription income and donations are invested in website, marketing, campaign and office costs.

The Silver Voices Office is run by Dennis Reed who was Chief Executive of the local government think tank the LGIU for eleven years. Before that he was a senior official with the trade union UNISON.

The Director is responsible for all organisational and financial matters, but policy positions and priorities are determined through regular membership polls and surveys, conducted by an independent survey company. Silver Voices is the only independent national membership organisation for senior citizens in the UK.

We have reviewed our systems to ensure we are compliant with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): we will never provide individual data to any third party organisation. We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

The more members we have the more we can influence the political debate. We already have well over 6500 members even though we are a relatively new organisation.

 RECENT BRIEFINGS (EXAMPLES)

NB Silver Voices Members can obtain back copies of specific briefings by e-mailing info@silvervoices.co.uk

THREATENED RISES IN THE STATE PENSION AGE

Briefing 8/24, dated 13 February 2024, covered fresh threats to raise the state pension age beyond 66 and Silver Voices’ opposition 

ONLINE ONLY GP APPOINTMENT PROCESSES

Briefing 4/24, dated 19 January 2024, asked for information about GP practices adopting online only appointment systems, in breach of GP contracts

AUTOMATIC CANCER SCREENING

Briefing 3/24, dated 13 January 2024, confirmed that Silver Voices had registered a formal complaint with the EHRC, arguing that the Department of Health and Social Care was in breach of equalities legislation by putting age limits on automatic cancer screening services.

SAVE OUR LANDLINES

Briefing 1/24, dated 2 January 2024, provides advice to members on what they should do to prevent the forced switchover of traditional landlines to an internet-based system

About 200 MPs from all political parties receive our regular policy briefings and we try to work closely with other senior citizen organisations. We are now members of the Care and Support Alliance with 80 leading charities campaigning on social care and Silver Voices is also affiliated to Health Campaigns Together. We argue passionately for self-representation by senior citizens at all levels of society.

The subscription is £8 per year and you can join using the form below. However if you rely solely on the state pension and benefits you qualify for free membership. Simply e-mail your details to info@silvervoices.co.uk. 

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Seating urgently needed in Russell Street by 67 and 66 bus users. Cllr Oldman’s interest is welcomed

On 30th August, the Stroud News and Journal published Alice Knight’s article about a campaign encouraging more people to travel by bus across the Stroud District. Though environmentally preferable, currently the bus service poses problems.  

Some residents who use buses are being compelled to shop nearby or online rather than in the centre of Stroud; James Felton reported concerns over Stagecoach buses in Stroud in 2022 (SNJ) and the service is still far from reliable. Other deterrents include: 

• users often have to stand there for half an hour or longer – very difficult for those with mobility problems,
• usually there is no seating and no shelter from the rain,
• Stagecoach’s unreliability often entails long waiting times
• and passengers cannot rely on getting to work on time or keep an appointment unless they set out an hour earlier than necessary.

Understandably, those who own cars decide to use them. 

It was good to see one of these issues raised in July by Carmelo Garcia, who reported that when town councillor Adrian Oldman raised concerns about the type of  seating in Merrywalks at a Gloucestershire County Council meeting, Shire Hall chiefs pledged to install benches there. As the photograph (above) shows, at present, on the right, there are three Merrywalks shelters with Perch seats, which users lean against.  There are also three shelters on the left.

Some time ago 67 and 66 buses were rerouted and passengers could no longer board outside Lloyd’s bank; they were directed to wait outside Peacocks in Russell Street.  Those with mobility issues or other health problems are now reluctant to use the service.

Though space is limited and shelters could not be installed at the Peacock’s stop, bus passengers would greatly appreciate the type of seating provided in King Street outside Lloyds Bank (right).

Bus transport cabinet member Philip Robinson (Mitcheldean) said he does not see why it would be a problem to upgrade seating in Merrywalks.

Will he and Cllr Oldman actively support some provision in Russell Street as well?

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Once again, Merrywalks bus passengers with leg injuries or other problems cannot reach Stroud’s shopping centres

A barrier has been erected in front of the Five Valleys Shopping Centre lift to warn visitors that they are no longer working.

Bus passengers with health or mobility problems alighting at Merrywalks are again compelled to use five flights of stairs in order to reach the indoor shopping centre and walk through it to the town centre. They have found this very difficult – and for some it has been impossible.

In May the lift, which had been unusable following vandalism, was repaired by Orona, a Spanish manufacturer, and CCTV fitted to deter future acts of vandalism.

All hope that the lift will soon be restored so that residents, whatever their age or health level will be able to get to the Five Valleys shopping centre and thence to Stroud town centre shops and services.

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Widely appreciated: SDC’s acquisition of the Ship Inn

The Ship Inn was built on Brimscombe Hill c. 1750 on the route of the Thames & Severn Canal which had an inland port dating back to the 1780s. Following the advent of rail, Brimscombe Port became redundant and was filled in after the Second World War.

In December 2017 the inn was sold and it was feared that the new owner might redevelop the building. Many in the village, led by district councillor Martin Whiteside, campaigned for the inn to stay open as a thriving part of the local community.

It was bought by Stroud District Council in February 2017 in order to enhance the redevelopment of Brimscombe Port and the Cotswold Canals restoration which will retain the heritage buildings, including the listed stone-built Port Mill and Salt Warehouse.

In 2021 Wesley Birch (left) leased the Ship Inn from SDC, He trained at William’s Kitchen in Nailsworth and runs Birch Restaurant in Stroud town centre, now for sale. (Read on here)

The writer visited the inn last week for the first time with two visitors from Mumbai. All were deeply appreciative of the airy and attractive premises, the warm welcome and the food which was of an exceptionally high standard. Weekend visitors hoping for a meal are advised to book two or three weeks ahead

The website describes its large traditional bar, spacious dining room and large garden, which enables the Ship to support a number of local community events, as well providing regular pop ups, an occasional brunch club and an annual beer festival. 

Though the canal was filled in more than 100 years ago, the Ship Inn and all its visitors look forward to its restoration as a waterside inn at the entrance to Brimscombe Port, when the canal between the port and Gateway Bridge in the Cotswold Water Park is reopened.

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Stroud lifts: all Merrywalks bus passengers will soon be able to visit the shopping centres

The lift at the shopping centre has been unusable for several months following vandalism, meaning that access to Five Valleys and the town centre has been challenging for some customers. 

Bus passengers with health or mobility problems alighting at Merrywalks have been compelled to use five flights of stairs in order to reach the indoor shopping centre and walk through it to the town centre. They have found this very difficult – and for some it has been impossible.

Craig Bromley (left) is the Head of Facilities for Sheffield-based Dransfield Properties, who  developed the Five Valleys Shopping Centre, said: “We have been subjected to a series of pre-mediated acts of vandalism on our centre lift causing our shoppers a great deal of difficulty and frustration, which we have shared. . . We know how much impact this has on our shoppers and visitors”.

James Felton reports in the SNJ that the centre has now appointed new contractors to oversee repairs and maintenance. Orona is a Spanish manufacturer which specialises in the design, manufacture, installation, maintenance and modernisation of lifts, escalators, ramps and walkways.

 

Repairs to the current lift are to be completed by the end of May and additional CCTV has been fitted to deter future acts of vandalism. The Five Valleys Centre is to invest £80k into a second lift, which will be installed later this summer.

 

 

 

 

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Welcoming SDC’s bid to address Stroud’s faltering economy

Six years ago, an empty shop was something to be remarked on in Stroud, but many residents have become increasingly concerned about the number of vacant premises, formerly shops, banks, cafes and other businesses in the town centre.

In March a resident wrote at length to the Stroud News and Journal, After referring to the ‘horrific business rates and rents’ he continued:

The decline started with McDonald’s; followed shortly by Costas; Greggs; Subways and Starbucks. And to finish the town completely off; some people at the council now actually contemplate giving planning permission for another huge Costas and a KFC next to McDonald’s.

This is insane!! Is it not obvious in which terrible state of health this nation already is? The highest obesity rate in Europe and nobody makes the junk food connection. No, they give them even more rubbish to eat . . .

The wisdom of adding another shopping centre, now renamed and refurbished at great expense, is being questioned.  Though popular at the weekend this centre is very quiet during the week and many of its eating stalls are closed.

However, a Stroud District Council press release reports that leaders from across the business sector have joined a new venture – The Natural Place – to help to stimulate more investment in Stroud district.

The Natural Place was launched at Stroud Brewery on Thursday 27 April. Led by Stroud District Council, the online prospectus aims to stimulate investment in the district by helping people find out what makes Stroud’s place, people and   businesses so special.

It will help enterprises which want to establish themselves in the Stroud district, as well as existing businesses which want to expand or diversify.

The online prospectus showcases the district’s green economy, innovation, workforce, work-life balance, infrastructure, investment opportunities, tourism, climate and ecology commitments, culture and heritage, and case studies featuring some of the great businesses and projects already based here.

It also explains more about green and agricultural technologies, advanced manufacturing, distribution and logistics, microbusinesses and SME, and creative industries.

Council Leader Catherine Braun (right), at the launch of The Natural Place, said:

“Stroud district has an energy unlike any other place. It’s green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, rural and urban, and ambitious. We know that and The Natural Place aims to showcase this to the rest of the world.”

Deputy Council Leader Natalie Bennett, added: “This project pulls together some of Stroud district’s most well-known businesses who, in their own words, have become amazing ambassadors. Through these partnerships, we can realise the true potential of our district.”

The Natural Place also highlights The Great Eight – the local areas each with their own identity, and signposts business premises available.

Ian Mean, Business West’s director for Gloucestershire, opened his column by saying that Stroud and the places around it are great places to live but that there had been a lack of encouragement for business to invest in the area.

He believes that Stroud District Council’s levelling up bid was inadequate and welcomes The Natural Place, the council’s new venture to encourage business investment in the area, launched at the Stroud Brewery.

After commending the council for taking the first step, he ended by saying that its attractive website should be backed up by ‘an active development programme, setting out the available opportunities and sites available for development (May 3 SNJ).

The critical resident, and many others, would welcome the arrival of the retail and manufacturing of socially beneficial and environmentally friendly products; some community benefit enterprises, such as Stroud Community Supported Agriculture, might welcome central premises – reinstating the long-lost greengrocer and butcher selling wholesome, moderately priced produce.

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A litany of neglect: as the elderly shiver in SDC housing, only Councillor Sutton acts

In 2020. the welcome news that double-glazed doors and windows were being fitted to the Walter Preston Court flats was reported. However gaps in some internal doors are letting in icy cold air which is very uncomfortable for these residents with this problem and will add to their heating costs.

People in private housing would not accept and pay for such an outcome: should the elderly and infirm just accept second class citizen status?

On 11 February a number of SDC councillors received this information and only one replied. Cllr. Rebecca Aldam (Brimscombe, Thrupp and Butterow) wrote. four days later to say:

“Many thanks for your email. I hope you received a satisfactory response from a councillor who is in the Housing Committee, or from your local councillors”.

Following her lead, the councillors representing Cashes Green, the ward in which WPC is located, were contacted:

On 17^th February, after reading about the Physical and emotional discomfort at Walter Preston Court, Cllr Aldam asked whether a satisfactory response from a councillor on the Housing Committee, or from the local councillors had been received.

Cashes Green councillors were contacted again, separately, to ask if they were  taking steps to address the two issues raised, ending that if no action was being taken, the Chair of the Housing Committee would be contacted.

Cashes Green Cllrs., Katrina Davis, Jessie Hoskin and Jenny Miles did not reply or take any action

On 2^nd March, Social Housing’s editor wrote to Cllr Mattie Ross Chair of the Housing Committee (right), informing her that only one councillor replied to the message below and the three councillors representing Cashes Green had not even replied, continuing:

“One of the residents, elderly and disabled, told me last week that no action had been taken. She still suffers icy blasts through the ill-fitting door. She has given up hope of any action and no longer phones or writes to the council.

“If no action is taken there seems to be no other option but recourse to the public press. This should not be necessary”.

A ‘can do’ attitude

Because SDC councillor Haydn Sutton (left) will soon be standing down from SDC, he had not been sent the initial message. In desperation (last chance saloon) he was contacted, replied by return and immediately acted.

On March 6^th he sent a detailed message to Housing Management and on 21st March one tenant mentioned that people from the housing team had visited some time after Cllr Sutton’s message was sent. They said that nothing could be done about the gap under the door without interfering with the locking mechanism.

Cllr Sutton points out that a draught excluder such as the one pictured below, could be fitted without affecting the locking mechanism. Will the housing team take this simple and inexpensive action?

And what will happen when Haydn Sutton retires: who then will respond and take action?

 

 

 

 

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Stroud will lose custom unless ground level lifts for bus and train passengers are installed

Bus users in poor health and/or with mobility problems, who cannot walk up the steep paths into the town centre, are being treated as second class residents.

Travellers dismounting in Merrywalks once used the shopping centre lifts. These are no longer in service. One was recently delighted to discover a fine lift near the Santander bank in the Five Valleys Shopping Centre and wondered why this news had not been posted near the disused lifts.

She then found that it is designed only for car drivers and has no access to Merrywalks at ground level. Provision should also be made for those using public transport.

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Stroud’s railway station is not complying with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Equality Act 2010

A film made by Stroud Town Council in 2020 showed the problems of ‘access for all’ at Stroud Station. Town councillor Camilla Hale said she was ashamed of the station’s ‘offer’ to disabled people. She pointed out that land for a lift is available on both sides.

A Disability Access Assessment team, one in a wheelchair, were filmed taking the round trip from one side of the station via the town centre, to the platform on the other side. But frail or people with heavy luggage physical disabilities, impaired hearts and lungs or mobility problems would find the route difficult or impossible. Another wheelchair user explained:

We don’t have a straight through train to Bristol or a ticket machine on the other Platform, so if we have to go to Gloucester, we have to go out of the ticket office back into town, down Rowcroft under the railway bridge, then turn left and walk up the steep hill to the Cheapside carpark, through there just to get on the other Platform and I have missed the train in the past. At least they give me a ramp to drive up into the train.

That bridge could stay there and have the lifts built at the back so you come out opposite to the top of the stairs and it would only cost £30,000 for each lift tower, I’ve been on about it for years and years

Lack of lift access is also a problem for able-bodied people carrying heavy luggage or the healthy but encumbered like Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie

She told the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper: “I wish ministers could see me trying to drag a baby, a toddler and a buggy up and down the steps at Stroud station . . .’

On March 2^nd she asked the Secretary of State to meet her to discuss the Access for All scheme so that she could give Great Western Railway an update. To achieve accessibility improvements at Stroud station, GWR and Network Rail have made a joint bid to the Department for Transport 2024/2029 Access for All fund.

Two problems:

As the Institute for Government says, putting bids together is expensive. Local authorities have spent at least £27m, preparing bids for various levelling up funds. GWR and Network Rail may find that their competitors are better-resourced and can afford to spend more on compiling their bids.

And there is room for manoeuvre in the Equality Act: authorities are merely required to ‘take such steps as it is reasonable to have to take to avoid the disadvantage’.

Will the need for Stroud to be accessible to all comers be deemed unreasonable?

 

 

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Physical and emotional discomfort at Walter Preston Court

Walter Preston Court: older people in need of some support and those with disabilities need warmth and security

It was good to read that new double-glazed doors and windows were fitted to the Walter Preston Court flats in 2020. However not all internal doors fit well and gaps are letting in icy cold air which is very uncomfortable for these residents with this problem and will add to heating costs.

There is also growing concern about the selection of residents at this complex. Though described as being ‘sheltered accommodation’ which is ‘specifically designed for older or disabled people’(Which), some difficult to place people with behavioural problems are being admitted to the complex.

Stroud’s Neighbourhood Policing Team recently served one Walter Preston Court resident with an injunction because he had been making threats, invading the local residents’ privacy, peering through windows, approaching strangers and making alarming comments.

The fact that he had also been alarming other residents in the block was not mentioned but this is happening and must be extremely nerve-wracking for his neighbours.

All concerned hope there soon will be improved draught exclusion and that disturbing anti-social encounters will have ceased.

 

 

 

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