Bolster Wotton Meeting Recap

13h April 2026

I went to a well attended meeting for Bolster Wotton last Monday evening at the Swan along with Cllr Braun. I took some very informal fat fingered notes on my phone so contact me if I've jotted anything down incorrectly, especially dates! There was talk of an official list that will be distributed but I thought I'd get this out quick so the dates can be noted.

(Check back for updates and I'll add a link to the official list when I get it.)

I had an interesting chat about the hospitality trade before the meeting got underway. It's clear that the current Government policy is causing all sorts of hardship for business. As a long time business owner I can empathise with this.

Andrea the Town Clerk kicked of the proceedings. She has done a great job over the last couple of years along with Stroud & District Chamber of Trade & commerce getting Bolster Wotton up and running. Join Stroud CoT if you can, it's only £25 and helps them engage, on our behalf, across the district and beyond.

Gideon York from Cotswold Bookroom talked about the Duck hunt. 20-30% increase year on year. A big draw across the town.

Town Cllr Becki put her Pride hat on to talk about the plans for this year's Wotton Pride event running 12th, 13th and 14th June. Parade at 1pm (road closed 12:45-1:30pm, I think) Music. Finishing with a blessing at St Mary's Church. Also the Big Pride Stitch. Coloured squares and get decorated to add to the collective pride flag which will be unveiled at the event.

Fred Hulls from Good Food Under the Edge and The Royal Oak talked about the Long Street Summer Social. It's on the 30th August again. Great numbers visiting the town over 4k supported by stats from SDC. But moving to Sunday this year so as not to impact regular trade following feedback. All the way up Long Street and including High Street. Need volunteers to act as marshals and other much more specific roles.

If you have events going on use Visit Stroud. Stroud CoT run this and it's so good SDC use it for Tourism. Thousands of hits. It's free too! But please join the CoT to show your support, if nothing else.

5th July there's a full athletics triathlon starting at Blue Coat school consisting of 20 lengths of Wotton Pool, followed by a 22km bike ride and concludes with a 5km run around the town. This event is aimed at novices, and is designed to be welcoming for those who are keen to undertake their first triathlon.

Town Hall teas continues to be successful and runs from April 26th through to October including bank holidays. Taking bookings for 2027 now. Contact Janet Walsh, maybe via the Heritage Centre?

The Lions have a 10k run on the 31st May. Multi-terrain course through the countryside beneath the Cotswold escarpment and through the grounds of Swinhay House.

Wotton Lions Secret Gardens Trail is running again on the 6th and 7th June 2026. Find them on Facebook or e-mail Jill Tebb jilltebbwotton@gmail.com

The Rotary Club have a Caribbean evening at Swinhay House on the 9th May. Tickets are limited but book here

Wotton Walking festival is back. Walks vary in length and interest so there should be something to tempt most walkers including children. Runs from Friday 5th June through Sunday 7th June.

27th Sept - The Lions are organising a 50km, 100km & 161km cycling event - Ride Over the Edge a non-competitive cycling sportive designed to showcase some of the very best road routes our region has to offer.

Wotton Blues Festival brings another weekend of high-quality music with a great community-based atmosphere.
September 18th, 19th & 20th.

Cllr Martin Tucker talked about Wotton in bloom £50. Extra money from council this year to keep costs down for traders. But £3500 already required for next year for Wotton Farm Shop to start growing. Baskets go up 21st May(ish). Will remain until just after Blues Festival finishes. Details on Facebook.

November 2nd is the Remembrance Day parade.

And finally Christmas under the Edge, I won't link because their website needs updating from 2025! 5th December this year. Set-up from 2pm, I think with the event starting proper at 4pm with the parade. Road closed. Fairground (maybe, maybe not) - stalls, but get in early, explain requirements and volunteer to get a prime spot, was that my understanding? ;)

Tourism - Stroud are producing a Business newsletter which I know nothing about! But they'll be asking for input by the sound of it. One more item on the to-do list!

All these events and activities are a testament to the hard-working volunteers in the town, many of whom run their own businesses too. From the Lions organising the 10k to the shop owners and businesses supporting the Blues Festival, it’s clear that Wotton’s vibrant calendar is powered by people who give their time freely to keep the community thriving.

As always, if you have any questions or just want a chat I'm easily contactable, phone numbers and e-mail on my home page. Use my contact info if you spot, errors or I've just got something completely wrong! Also, I'm not using Facebook much any more, but feel free to link and share these reports using whatever social media you fancy.

You can also find me on the Fediverse (social media without adverts, algorithms or outrage) here:- https://stroud.social/eco-g I've created another BlueSky as my last account was suspended on 'authenticity' grounds. tbh. I'm beyond caring about US Big Tech social media and would like them taxed out of existence.