I wrote a piece about face masks back on 6th April, remember it? If not it’s here
At the time advice from The British Government was a NO, which now seems to have become YES, but only if you want to!! At the time I did comment about the lack of availability to buy and how to make them.

I recently had an email from New Zealand.. (Well SOMEONE reads the website!)

My name is Jen and I’m an Editor at Jen Reviews. I was doing research on DIY face masks and just finished reading your wonderful piece:
In that article, I noticed that you cited a solid post that I’ve read in the past:
We just published an updated, comprehensive guide on how to make five types of DIY face masks at home on our sister site, Happy DIY Home. It is completely free and you can find it here: https://happydiyhome.com/diy-face-mask/
If you like the piece we’d be humbled if you cited us in your article. Of course, we will also share your article with our 100k newsletter subscribers and followers across our social platforms.
Either way, keep up the great work!
Warmly,
Jen

So, I’m happy to share the link to Jen’s website in New Zealand, with this small caveat,

The current Government advice of YES, but only if you want to!! Like a lot of the advice from the Government seems to miss the point of wearing the face mask completely. The purpose of anyone wearing a non surgical N95 type mask is to protect others from you coughing when you are contagious. Wearing a mask will not protect you if no-one else does….It’s an everyone or no-one case..

Maybe these people in the SAGE group should see the WHO website!…or even the BBC!

Defibrillator at the Old School House

Did you know that there’s a new defibrillator in the village? It has been very kindly donated by Simon Packer and is situated on the garage of the Old School House (see picture) to serve the lower village. It’s not registered with SWAST  (ambulance service) as yet but is fully functional. 

For those who don’t know, there is currently a defibrillator at the Rugby club and plans are well in hand to install one at the Village Hall in the near future.

Although this year’s Parish Assembly and AGM have been cancelled, the Council is still meeting remotely and the next meeting is on Wednesday 27th May at 7.30. Meetings are open to all residents and if you would like to attend, please email clerk@stinchcombepc.co.uk and ask to be included on the Zoom invitation.

There is currently a vacancy for a Parish Councillor and this could be an excellent opportunity for anyone who is interested to find out what’s involved.

Pyke Quarry (Horsley) Household Recycling Centre

Pyke Quarry HRC (Horsley) is open for pre-booked visits only from Tuesday 26^th May 2020. For more information see here.

From Tuesday 26 May, the HRC at Pyke Quarry, Horsley will re-open ALL HRC VISITS MUST BE BOOKED ONLINE

Visitors to all Household Recycling Centres are required to prebook their visit in order to gain access to these sites. Social distancing is required on site, and in order to minimise queues and waiting times the number of booking slots available is limited. For more information click here.

What can I take to the centre?

Visit What can you recycle at our centres?to find out.

Plan your visit using the Pyke Quarry site map (PDF, 94.5 KB) .

What should I do if I want to bring a van, pick up or large trailer to the centre?

You need to book an appointment online using:

Please note:

• Proof of residency will be required when you visit
• Residents bringing small trailers with a load space of up to 6ft x 4ft do not need to book
• You cannot make an appointment by phoning the county or local councils

NOTICE OF VACANCY
IN OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR

PARISH OF Stinchcombe

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

Pursuant to Section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972, following a resignation from the above named Parish/Town Council, a vacancy now exists in the office of Councillor for the Stinchcombe Council .

If within 14 days after the date of this notice (i.e. no later than 12^th June 2020), a request for an election to fill the vacancy is received by the Returning Officer, either by email, elections@stroud.gov.uk, or by post, to Returning Officer, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB by TEN electors for the said Parish, an election will be held to fill the vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.

If an election is called, a poll will take place on the 6 May 2021 as a result of the Local Government and Police and Crime Commissioner (Coronavirus) (Postponement of Elections and Referendums) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 and the Coronavirus Act 2020.

The Government has indicated that the situation will be kept under review, and if safe to do so, further legislation will be laid that will permit casual vacancy elections and referendums sooner than the 6 May 2021.  If this is the case, we will publish a revised notice

Dated 22^nd May 2020

Signed N. Bradley

Clerk to the Parish Council of  Stinchcombe

Ready, set, snap!

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s annual wildlife photography competition is now open for entries, with new categories and bigger and better prizes.

GWT would love to see your images showcasing the stunning scenery and spectacular wildlife here in Gloucestershire. We appreciate that movement is currently restricted due to lockdown but we think the ‘on your doorstep’ category provides the perfect opportunity for capturing snaps of wildlife and wild places close to your home – either in your garden or whilst out enjoying your daily exercise.

In addition to the adult categories, there is also a juniors category for those aged 17 or under – a great excuse for a family photography session, and a fun activity for children to take part in.

“We’re looking forward to seeing your entries, whether it’s a photograph that’s been taken on a smartphone, compact camera or SLR.”

• To find out more about the categories and how to enter, head to www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/photocomp Entries close at midnight on 31 July 2020

• Coronavirus
• Great Migration of Stinchcombe

Sent in by a Stinchcombe resident.

Ideas for Converting the Telephone Box into an Information Centre

My objectives were something that would be eye-catching from the road, contain useful and/or interesting displays and offer opportunities for community involvement.  It would celebrate the history of the Stinchcombe and promote local walks, landmarks and places of interest. 

Transom Windows

The existing transoms would be replaced with opaque panels saying ‘STINCHCOMBE’ and ‘INFORMATION’ in black font as close to the original as possible.   Customised glass transoms are available from at least one source for about £30 per panel plus VAT.  Customised acrylic transoms or acrylic lettering attached to the existing glass would be cheaper options.

Graphics Panels

Only two sides of the box would be fitted with graphics panels to avoid cutting out too much light. Aluminium composite (Dibond) panels are suggested because they are strong, lightweight and suitable for printing with high quality, fade-resistant images. It is a competitive market and custom-sized panels with single or double-sided printing are readily available.  We should be able to get both panels for under £200 in total.   

I am assuming the panels could be mounted in snugly fitting wooden frames without need for permanent attachment to the fabric of the phone box.  Any carpenters out there who could say whether that is practicable?

1. Double-sided Panel

A life-size image of a person using a telephone is proposed for the road-facing side.  It is suggested that the image should be in keeping with the vintage of the box.   My iPad sketch of a woman in vaguely 1940s costume gives an idea how it might look.   Another possibility would be a doctored image of Evelyn Waugh, as perhaps our most famous resident.  Other ideas and more accomplished artwork very welcome!

For the inward-facing side of the same panel, the proposed theme is a History of Stinchcombe in Twenty Objects:  Pre-Roman to Pandemic.  A photograph/sketch and brief description for each object would be supplemented by further information via QR codes.  As a history buff, I have some ideas about objects that could be included, but it would be good to get suggestions from the community. 

2. Map Panel

The panel fitted to the back wall of the box would have an illustrated map of Stinchcombe Parish as the central image. Places of interest and landmarks would be marked, with sketches or photographs provided by local residents.  Important information e.g. the locations of debrillators would also be shown.  There would be reference to the Stinchcombe walks already published and possibly some new walks or bike rides residents may develop.  Personally, I am keen to design a history trail.  More information on the walks, including a QR code to access the full walk leaflet, could be given in the space above and below the map.  Space for local businesses to advertise could be incorporated if required.