Events & Activities
Please also see our upcoming events, weekly activities and Sunday services pages for regular church activities.
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Main course - Coronation Chicken with new potatoes and salad
Dessert - brownies with cream and strawberries
There will be GF and vegetarian options available
Tea and coffee served after lunch as usual.
Date & Time:
Friday 21st August
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email
Benefice Pilgrimage
Event:
‘Benefice Pilgrimage’ - a Sunday walk round the three churches in our Benefice
Date & Time:
Sunday 30th August - full timings and details to follow
Location:
Start and Finish at St.Mary’s church, Woodchester - here on Google maps
Find St. Mary Magdelene Church, Rodborough here on Google maps
Find Holy Trinity Church, Brimscombe here on Google maps
Approx Route:
Follow this link here to show approximate route of the walk
Trip Details:
Please click on this link to view and download the full Event Flyer
This year we plan to celebrate the three parishes of our Benefice by having a special day, combining our congregations and moving round the Benefice for worship in all three churches.
Building on the centuries old tradition of Pilgrimage, we will walk together from one church to the other, learning from one another and praying with one another, for one another and for the parishes we pass through.
For those that cannot walk the full distance, we will be inviting you to join us by car at one or more of the churches for worship and food, and perhaps to offer a lift to those walkers who are tired out (see detailed location details for each of the three churches above).
We hope that many of you will want to walk and join us for all or part of the way but also that others will join us along the route for worship and refreshments.
ALL AGES AND ABILITIES ARE VERY WELCOME!
Further information
Contact David Pouncey on 07974 403449 or email davidp@woodchesterstmarys.org
‘Tea on the Green’
Event:
‘Tea on the Green’ - in aid of St.Mary’s Church funds
Date & Time:
Saturday 5th September
From 2.30pm on
What’s On:
Lots of great tea and beautiful cakes!
Rodborough Folk Orchestra https://www.roffo.co.uk/about
No Ticket required:
ENTRY FREE
Location:
The Green, outside St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
‘Harvest Supper’
Event:
‘Harvest Supper’
In aid of St.Mary’s Church funds
Date & Time:
Saturday 3d October
6:30pm for 7:00pm start
Details:
Delicious seasonal meal and live harp music
Pay Bar
Tickets:
In advance £16 per person (details TBA later)
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Autumn Wreath-Making Workshop
Event:
‘Autumn Wreath-Making Workshop’
In aid of St. Mary’s Church funds
Date & Time:
Saturday 10th October
9:30am to 12:00noon
9:30am welcome with workshop starting at 10:00am
Ticket Information:
£20 including refreshments - tea/coffee and delicious cake
Please email Helen Jackson to book your place: Email
SPACES ARE LIMITED
Further Information
We supply wreath base, scissors, selection of greenery, dried flowers and trimmings
Please bring other embellishments for your own use and/or to share with other participants
it would be helpful if you could bring secateurs
PLEASE NOTE…..DRIED FLOWERS FOR OUR AUTUMN WREATH MAKING EVENT!
As you are cutting back in your garden we would be very grateful if you could keep anything which is suitable for drying for us to use in our autumn wreath making workshop. You can dry them by hanging upside down in a cool place. Some ideas are sea holly, honesty, statice, gypsophila and globe thistles. Other ideas can be found online. Please let Christina Lewis, Gail Birch or Helen Jackson know if you think you could help.
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Helen Jackson 07471204221; email
‘Nourish’
Event:
‘Nourish’
Date & Time:
Every Monday
12:30pm - 2.30pm
Location:
Various home locations around Woodchester Village - call Gail Birch on 07875 028671
Contact:
Gail Birch - 07875 028671; email or Sue Pouncey 07866 487911; email
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Main course - Quiche Lorraine with potatoes and salad garnish
Dessert - black forest trifle with cream or cheese & biscuits
Tea and coffee served after lunch as usual.
Date & Time:
Friday 17th July 2026
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email
Nailsworth Music Society Summer Concert
Event:
Nailsworth Music Society Summer Concert
Nailsworth Academy Band
Nailsworth Brasshoppers
Date & Time:
Sunday 12th July 2025
4:00pm - 5.30pm approx
FREE entry
Refreshments & Raffle
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Main Course - chicken pie (or vegetarian alternative) with mash and vegetables
Dessert - rhubarb and strawberry cobbler
Tea or coffee
Date & Time:
Every 3rd Friday of the month
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Capriol Chamber Orchestra Concert
Event:
Capriol Chamber Orchestra Concert
Date & Time:
Saturday 13th June
7:30pm to 9:30 approx
Programme to include
Rossini Overture La Cenerentola
Neruda Trumpet Concerto, with soloist Stephanie Urquhart
Bizet Petite Suite ‘Jeux d’Enfants’
Beethoven Symphony No. 8
Further Information
Capriol Chamber Orchestra web site here
Stephanie Urquhart was a Wycliffe College music scholar and went on to study music at King's College, London, receiving her trumpet lessons at the Royal Academy of Music. Following this she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in orchestral training at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. She remained in London for a further 8 years doing a variety of music teaching & playing before returning to her home town of Nailsworth. Since then she has continued to perform regularly with a wide variety of orchestras, Choral societies & The Accidental Brass Collective.
Tickets
£14
Children under 16 FREE
£1 reduction on tickets purchased before the concert evening
Tickets available from Stroud sub rooms box office here. A booking fee of 0.50p per ticket is charged. Tel 01453 796880
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Five Valley Voices Summer Concert
Event:
Five Valleys Voices Summer Concert
Date & Time:
Friday 12th June
7:00pm to 9:00 approx
Programme
Ladies/High Voice Choir
I'm a Woman!
Swifter Than A Flame
To Sit And Dream
On Children
Don't Stop Me Now!
Just Give Me A Reason
Men/Low Voice Choir
Sea Fever
Evocation
Every Time I Look At You
Footloose
Final Countdown
Carry On Wayward Son
Full Choir
Songs From Stranger Things Vol 2
Sogno Di Voleri
How Far I'll Go
Water Fountain
Pompeii
Further Information
Five Valleys Voices web site here
Refreshments, snacks and a raffle
Tickets
Tickets - £5 - scan the QR Code above or go to TicketSource here (Tickets on TicketSource incur a small booking fee)
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Main Course - mild or medium meat chilli (or vegetarian chilli) with baked potato and peas (with a choice of toppings of bacon bits, cheese or sour cream)
Dessert - cheese cake or fruit salad with cream
Tea or coffee
Date & Time:
Every 3rd Friday of the month
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Women’s Weekend Away
Event:
‘Women’s Weekend Away’
Date & Time:
Friday 8th May (4:00pm TBC) to Sunday 10th May (3:00pm TBC)
Location:
Further Information:
We still have a couple of spaces for our weekend away to Kington. If you are interested then please speak to Sue Pouncey or Helen Jackson - see contact details below
It should be a wonderful time of fun and friendship with the option of going walking - or visiting the local area - with evenings of craft activities, games and much chat. All fuelled by delicious food and lots of cake! Please do consider joining us if you would like to.
Trip Details:
What a treat we have for you.
We have obtained exclusive use of Kington Accommodation, which is in west Herefordshire. In the past it has been a cottage hospital, and more recently a Youth Hostel. Since being bought by its owners, it has been upgraded, but still keeps the communal aspect. There is room to sleep 20, and also, (for those who wish it) several local B&Bs – so space for everyone, of all ages.
As previously, one of the activities this time will still be walking (for which the area is very well suited): but for those whose arthritis prevents it, more gentle activities will be organised too. There will be something for everyone!
Food will again feature strongly, which we will be cooking. It will be a chance to relax in good company. Even if you cannot join us for the whole weekend, you are welcome to come just for the Saturday.
Travel
Please email Sue Pouncey or Helen Jackson Pouncey (below) for further info….we aim to arrive at the venue by 4.00pm
We have to leave the venue by 3.00pm on the Sunday
Further information
Contact
Quiz Evening with Ploughman’s Supper
Event:
‘Quiz Evening with Ploughman’s Supper’
Date & Time:
Friday 24th April
6:30 for 7:00pm start …..until late
Ticket Information:
£15 including supper
Available in advance from Sally Bull on 07788 782051
Further Information
Come as a team of 6 or make a team when you arrive
Pay Bar
Raffle
Location:
Woodchester Village Hall, Church Road, North Woodchester, GL5 5PQ
Find on Google maps
Contact:
Sally Bull 07788 782051 | Email
Lent Course - ‘Nourish’
Event:
‘Nourish’
This week and throughout Lent we will be studying our Lent Course
Further Information on the Course is provided on the web site in the Church News Blog here
Date & Time:
Every Monday
12:30pm - 2.30pm
Location:
Various home locations around Woodchester Village - call Gail Birch on 07875 028671
Contact:
Gail Birch - 07875 028671; email or Sue Pouncey 07866 487911; email
Men’s Weekend Away
Event:
‘The 4th Men’s Weekend Away’
Date & Time:
Friday 27th March (4:00pm TBC) to Sunday 29th March (6:00pm TBC)
Location:
Kington Accomodation, 8 Victoria Road, Kington, England, HR5 3BX
Here on Google maps
Trip Details:
What a treat we have for you, following a long gap!
We have obtained exclusive use of Kington Accommodation, which is in west Herefordshire. In the past it has been a cottage hospital, and more recently a Youth Hostel. Since being bought by its owners, it has been upgraded, but still keeps the communal aspect. There is room to sleep 20, and also, (for those who wish it) several local B&Bs – so space for everyone, of all ages. (The ladies will be going to the same place in May.)
As previously, one of the activities this time will still be walking (for which the area is very well suited): but for those whose arthritis prevents it, more gentle activities will be organised too – such as a trip out to see nearby Hay on Wye, with its bookshops. There will be something for everyone!
Food will again feature strongly, which we men will be cooking. Uley Bitter (or alternative) will also be making a guest appearance. Amongst evening activities there will be a quiz and a wine tasting – but above all it will be a chance to relax in good company. Even if you cannot join us for the whole weekend, you are welcome to come just for the Saturday.
Travel
Please email David Pouncey (below) for further info….we aim to arrive at the venue by 4.00pm
We have to leave the venue by 3.00pm on the Sunday
Accommodation
Please email Mark Hudson at mark_j_hudson@hotmail.com or David Pouncey (below) for furher information
Further information
Contact David Pouncey on 07974 403 449 or email david@dacgp.plus.com
Alpha Course
Event:
‘Alpha Course’ - ‘How and why do I pray?’
for adults
with food, film & discussion
Date & Time:
Tuesday 20th Jan 2026
7:00pm to approx 9:00pm
Location:
To be advised - please see contact details below
Contact information:
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Lasagne (meat or veggie) with garlic bread and mixed vegetables
Bread and Butter Pudding with cream
Tea or coffee
Date & Time:
Every 3rd Friday of the month
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christina Lewis - 07968159779, email
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Creamy Chicken and Leek Casserole (GF) served with mashed potatoes and carrots (vegetarian casserole option available).
Cherry crumble with custard (or GF brownies or cheese & biscuits)
Tea or coffee
Date & Time:
Every 3rd Friday of the month
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Liz Cole - 07875028671; email
Christmas Day 10:00 am - Praise Service - for families and children, but everyone of any age is very welcome!
Event:
‘Christmas Day Morning Service for families and children’
Note - service starts at 10:00am
Date & Time:
Wednesday 24th December 2024
10:00am - 10:45 am approx
Further Information:
Please come along on Christmas morning for this short service of joy and happiness to celebrate the birth of Jesus
Children and adults of all ages are very welcome. There will be some activities etc for children at the back of the church
Please stay for a tea or coffee or soft drink, cake and a chat after the service if you can
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve Service - for families and children, but everyone of any age is very welcome!
Event:
‘Carols by Candlelight Service’
for both adults and children
Date & Time:
Wednesday 24th December 2024
6:30pm - 8:00pm approx
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christmas Crib Service - mainly for younger children and their families, but everyone of any age is very welcome!
Event:
‘Christmas Crib Service’
Date & Time:
Wednesday 24th December 2024
3pm - about 3:45pm
Further Information:
This will be a short service in which the last carol will be sung by candlelight.
We invite youngsters to dress up as shepherds, kings, angels or an animal.
We have lots of dressing up clothes in church.
Please stay for refreshments after the service
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Five Valley Voices Winter Concert
Event:
Five Valleys Voices Winter Concert
Date & Time:
Friday 12th December
7:00pm to 9:00 approx
Programme
Ladies/High Voice Choir
Alto's Lament, No Time to Diet, Time, Lady Marmalade, River, Winte
Men/Low Voice Choir
Bear Necessities, Bohemiam Rhapsody, When I Fall In Love, Ad Astra, Dance
Full Choir
City Called Heaven, I Want To Stare At My Phone With You!, Stars, Carol Of The Bells, What Were You Thinking and a couple of Christmas Favourites
Further Information
Five Valleys Voices web site here
Tickets
Tickets - £5 - scan the QR Code above or go to TicketSource here (Tickets on TicketSource incur a small booking fee)
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Lunch with Friends - Christmas Dinner
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - Annual Christmas Dinner - a two course home-cooked Christmas Dinner for local community
Menu:
Drinks - red or white wine or elderflower cordial on arrival
Cooked dinner of - turkey (or nut roast vegetarian dish), roast potatoes, sprouts, carrots & parsnips, stuffing, pigs in blankets
Christmas pudding with double cream or brandy cream (lactose free available) or trifle with cream
Cheese & biscuits
Tea or coffee
Date & Time:
Usually on every 3rd Friday of the month
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Sally Bull - Telephone; email
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email
Woodchester Christmas Fair
Event:
Woodchester Christmas Fair
Date & Time:
Saturday 6th December
!0:30 - 4:00pm approx
What to see & do:
Festive Stalls….Christmas Presents….Hot & Cold Snacks….Mulled Wine….Stalls……Toys…..Games..…Jigsaws..….Fabulous Raffle……Bulb Planters…..Children’s Activities and much more!
Please put it on your own calendar to come along and support it and invite your family and friends.
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Liz Cole - Telephone; 07974 911016; email
Helen Jackson - Telephone 07471204221; email
Christmas Craft Evening for the ladies - NOW FULLY BOOKED
Event:
‘Christmas Craft Evening’ for the ladies
Date & Time:
Saturday 29th November
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Ticket Information:
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED …SO SORRY!!
We would be grateful for ay donations of cakes for this event. Thank you.
Further Information
Last year our Christmas Craft evening was very successful
There is no better way to start the season than an evening in our lovely church with friends enjoying festive music, delicious food and beautiful crafts washed down with a glass of warming mulled wine.
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Helen Jackson 07471204221; email
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Sausages with mashed potato and vegetables followed by apple charlotte and cream.
There will be veggie sausages as an alternative. (The meat sausages will be gluten free),
A gluten free and sugar-free apple crumble will be available for guests with special diets
Date & Time:
Every 3rd Friday of the month
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email
Autumn Serenade - a concert by Copious Notes and the Mozaic Octet
Event:
Autumn Serenade - a concert by Copious Notes and the Mozaic Octet
A wide range of music and styles from Mozart to Gershwin and others
Date & Time:
Saturday 18th October 2025
7:30pm - 9:30pm approx
Doors open at 7:00pm
Entry £10 on the door or from Woodchester Post Office (cash only); under 12’s FREE
Further Information
Bar with light refreshments
Alongside the well-stocked bar we will be selling tempting hot snacks, straight from the oven, and homemade brownies and other goodies.
Our aim is to raise funds for the church.
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Please contact Liz Cole (Church Warden) or Andrew Pemberton (Treasurer) for further details using the details on our Team & Contacts page here
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Ham, chicken & leek pie with puff pastry top served with mashed potato and carrots (GF option of chicken, ham & leek casserole or vegetarian pie)
Fruit sponge with custard (diabetic option of fruit jelly)
Date & Time:
Every 3rd Friday of the month
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu:
Main course - Sausage casserole with fresh vegetables and new potatoes.
Dessert - apple crumble and custard.
There will be GF and vegetarian and low sugar options available.
Tea and coffee served after lunch as usual.
Date & Time:
Friday 19th September
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email
‘The Great Woodchester Village Tea Party’
Event:
‘The Great Woodchester Tea Party’ - Organised jointly by St.Mary’s Church & Woodchester WI
Date & Time:
Saturday 6th September
2:30 - 6:00pm approx
What to see & do:
Stalls….Cakes….Live Music….Fun Dog Show….Games….and much more!
Location:
The Green, outside St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Lunch with Friends
Event:
‘Lunch with Friends’ - two course home-cooked lunch for local community
Menu (TBC):
Cornish Pasties of different flavours (meat/veggie/GF) with crisp sliced apple
Selection of Fairy/Cup-cakes or Victoria Sponge with cream
Date & Time:
Every 3rd Friday of the month
12pm - 2pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Christina Lewis - 07968159779; email
Gail Birch - 07875028671; email
Liz Cole - (Church Warden) 07974911016; email