Events & Activities
Please also see our upcoming events, weekly activities and Sunday services pages for regular church activities.
Benefice Pilgrimage
Event:
‘Benefice Pilgrimage’ - a Sunday walk round the three churches in our Benefice
Date & Time:
Sunday 30th August
Background & Information
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 refreshments.
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.
Please have a look at the proposed route, timings and events below. We hope that many people who don’t want to (or cannot) walk with us will nevertheless join us at the different staging points, and for the picnic meal in Woodchester at the end.
In particular, it will be really helpful to have people come with cars to Brimscombe, and then be able to give lifts to walkers back to Woodchester for their picnic lunch!
ALL AGES AND ABILITIES ARE VERY WELCOME!
Final Route and approx timings:
08:30 Walkers arrive and park up cars
08:45 Walkers depart Woodchester Green (after short prayer outdoors)
09:45 Walkers arrive at Rodborough Church (met by Rodborough worshippers)
09:45 Refreshments and short Morning Worship service at Rodborough Church
10:15 Walkers depart Rodborough Church
11:45 Walkers arrive at Brimscombe Church (met by Brimscombe worshippers)
12:00 short Communion Service at Brimscombe
12:30 Cars from Brimscombe to Woodchester for……
13:00 Picnic Lunch in Woodchester Churchyard, followed by a Songs of Praise service at St.Mary’s Woodchester to end the day.
Worshippers:
If you want to worship at Rodborough Church, be there by 9:45
If you want to worship at Brimscombe Church, be there by 11:45
If you want to join us at Woodchester Church for a picnic lunch, followed by Songs of Praise worship, be there for 1pm.
Picnic Lunch:
This is a bit different from usual. Please bring your own picnic including all you want to eat, but please also bring a treat to offer round to everyone else. Tables and chairs, cutlery and plates, tea and coffee will be provided.
Locations:
Start 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
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
Raffle & Pay Bar
Tickets:
In advance £18 per person from Sally Bull (see contact details below)
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Sally Bull - 07788 782051 - sallyb@woodchesterstmarys.org
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
Thanksgiving Service for the life of Anne Lancaster (followed by bring and share reception)
Event:
Thanksgiving Service for the life of Anne Lancaster
Followed by a bring and share reception
All Welcome
Date & Time:
Monday 10th August
11:00am - 12:00pm (service)
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
ellicaster@gmail.com 07834 228464
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:
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:
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
Special Sunday Service with Annual Church Meeting (APCM) and Hot Lunch
Event:
‘Sunday Service’, Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) & Hot Lunch
This will be a normal Sunday Service followed by a short meeting and then……a delicious Hot Lunch!
Please come along and join us!
Further Information
The Spring APCM service (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) is always really important and we are making the most of this year’s event by getting an update on the church’s vision across Stroud deanery and seeing how those ideas might benefit our Woodchester community – We want to play our part.
Starting at the normal time of 11.00, this morning’s short service of morning worship will be centred around the new strategy and vision coming out of recent cross-deanery discussions. This will be followed by a welcome cup of coffee before we canter through essential APCM business – electing church wardens, PCC members, etc – finishing with a delicious hot lunch – a chance to relax, spend time together as a church family and discuss any & all ideas for putting the deanery’s ideas into practice in Woodchester.
Our hot lunch will be coordinated by some of the Lunch with Friends organisers but we will have sign-up sheets for you in church – to make sure we know who is coming and to share the cooking as much as we can.
Expected close: 1.30pm approx
PLEASE COME AND JOIN US ON THIS IMPORTANT SUNDAY
Date & Time:
Sunday Morning
11am - 12pm - extended to 1:30pm approx for the APCM and Hot Lunch
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
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
Sunday Service - Holy Trinity, Brimscombe - ‘Light in the Darkness’
Event:
‘Sunday Service’ - ‘Light in the Darkness’
Acknowledging the darkness of grief, pain and loss and praying for our communities, this will be our last Christmas Service this season.
There will also be opportunities for time in quiet setting and to leave messages and prayers.
Date & Time:
Sunday Morning
11am - 12pm
Location:
Open daily, 8am-6pm
Holy Trinity, The Roundabouts, Brimscombe, Stroud, GL5 2PA
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:
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
Thanksgiving Service for the life of John Hale
Event:
Thanksgiving Service for the life of John Hale
All Wellcome
Date & Time:
Thurs 20th November
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Further Information:
A service to celebrate the life of John Hale. There will be family flowers only and donations will be gratefully received for 'The Brain Tumour Charity'.
All are welcome to come and give thanks for the life of this lovely man who did so much for our church and who will be so very much missed.
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
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
‘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:
Experiential Quiet Day of Prayer at the Sanctuary, Brimscombe Mills
Event:
The focus for the Day is Three ways to pray:
Lectio Divina
Ignatian Prayer
Creative Journaling Prayer
Further Info:
Materials Provided
No Prior experience necessary
Pay as you can lunch available on-site
Date & Time:
Thursday 14th August 2025
10:00am to 4:00pm
Location:
The Sanctuary, Brimscombe Mills GL5 2QN
Find us on Google maps
Contact:
Rector Peter Francis - 01453 759680; email
Sunday Service - Guest speaker and shared lunch
Event:
‘Sunday Service’ - Holy Communion service with guest speaker followed by fellowship lunch
Dave Cooling, a speaker from Tearfund, will be sharing about the exciting Community Transformation work that their local churches are supporting in different communities and countries across Africa (and that we are helping to fund)
There will be a shared lunch immediately following the service
Date & Time:
Sunday Morning
11am - 12pm
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact:
Bee Trail - Woodchester Churchyard - school summer holidays
Event:
This interactive outdoor trail is ideal for children to explore St.Mary’s Churchyard. It is made up of 9 stations, the Bee Trail shares amazing bee facts, Bible verses, & activities. Some of the activities celebrate our God-given gifts, while others invite us to care for God's creation, but each one is faith-focused, child-centred & fun.
The activity sheet is super simple & designed for children 4-10yrs, but all ages can explore it with a little help if needed.
Tools: Pick up your ‘Bee activity trail sheet’ and ‘Bee Certificate’ in the church porch
Date & Time:
From Monday 21st July on
Anytime during daylight hours
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps
Contact:
Summer Concert Nailsworth Silver Band (National Brass Band Finalists 2025)
Event:
‘Nailsworth Silver Band concert’
Click Here for Concert Flyer
Date & Time:
Saturday 12th July 2025
7:00pm - 9:00pm approx
Entry £7; under 16’s FREE; Payment at the door
Refreshments & Raffle
Location:
St. Mary’s Church, Church Road, North Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5PD
Find us on Google maps, Streetmap or what3words
Contact: