Miranda Norris

Cotswold Lakes Trust has received a £3,000 grant from the Gloucestershire Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund to buy volunteer equipment and clothing and provide training. Its volunteers contributed 3,700 hours last year, supporting conservation, visitor services, events and strategic governance. The trust is seeking more volunteers aged 18 and over, while businesses can arrange staff volunteering days and members of the public can donate.

Lindt is offering free servings of its Crema Gelata ice cream at its Cotswolds Designer Outlet store on July 18 and 19 to mark National Ice Cream Day, alongside launching several new products including the Dubai Style sundae and Mango Milkshake. Additional beverages and future product updates are promoted through Lindt’s social media channels.

A planning application proposes a temporary ice cream kiosk at Bibury Trout Farm to operate until a new café opens next spring. A separate application from Discover Bikes seeks temporary use of Shoecroft Barn for a staffed bike hire centre with an initial fleet of 20 bicycles, including e-bikes and children’s models. Both proposals have been submitted to Cotswold District Council for consideration.

A wellness day in Chipping Campden is being organised by Earth Yoga to raise funds for breast cancer, offering yoga sessions, a talk by Karen Boswell OBE, afternoon tea and a sound bath. Led by instructors Veronica Winter and Laxmi, the event takes place at Norton Grounds with all profits going to charity and tickets priced at £60.

An additional £10,000 has been added to the Cotswold Food Network Small Grants Programme, increasing the total funding to £30,000 to support community food projects across the Cotswold district. The programme assists small and informal groups working to improve food equity, offering grants between £100 and £2,000 and support for organisations lacking formal structures or insurance. Councillor Paul Evans highlighted the value of grassroots initiatives and the council’s commitment to local wellbeing. Applications are currently open through the programme’s webpage.

Cotswolds Distillery is partnering with Black Chalk to feature the Wild Spritz as its July signature drink, combining the distillery’s English aperitivo with Black Chalk Classic 2022. The collaboration includes a complimentary tasting led by Black Chalk’s sales director Neil Irvine on July 18 and forms part of the distillery’s English Sparkling Wine Residency series.

A beginners sewing workshop will be held at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester on July 17, led by designer Lauren Holloway. Participants will learn machine operation and basic techniques, completing projects such as a drawstring bag and zipped pouch. The session runs from 10:15am to 3:45pm and costs £100.

Coles the Jewellers celebrates its 50th year in Chipping Norton, highlighting its origins as a family‑run business founded in 1976 and its continued role serving generations of local customers. Current owners Stuart Hindley and Martyn Hanks emphasize the shop’s growth, expanded repair services and commitment to community support, including personalised assistance for care‑home residents. Special anniversary promotions will run throughout July as the business reaffirms its focus on personal service and jewellery repairs.

A Cotswolds-based youth theatre group, Sparkhouse Ensemble, has been selected to perform its original production The Anatomy of Evil at Birmingham Rep’s Rep Rising 26 Festival. The play is a contemporary reimagining of Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde and will be staged on July 9. Founded in 2025 by young actors and graduates, the group secured the slot after responding to an open call and receiving approval from the Rep. Cast and mentors expressed excitement about showcasing their work at a significant UK theatre venue, with tickets priced at £5.

Two Liberal Democrat candidates, Naomi Bloomer and Andrea Pellegram, won by‑elections in the Cotswolds following the resignation of councillor Joe Harris. Bloomer will represent St Michael’s ward on the district council, while Pellegram joins Gloucestershire County Council for Cirencester Park. Turnout ranged from 28 to 32 percent. The results maintain Liberal Democrat control of the Cotswold District Council, now composed of 22 Liberal Democrats, 10 Conservatives, one Green councillor and one Independent. Jane Portman, the district’s chief executive, thanked participants and welcomed the new councillors.