Community and Connection

What they do
Bring people together to enjoy crafting, learn new skills and build community connections.

Location
Ashton Keynes Village Hall

Categories
Creative arts • Community groups • Wellbeing

Overview
Ashton Keynes Craft Club is a friendly monthly group where people come together to work on craft projects, learn new techniques and enjoy good company. Led by community artist Kathryn Gray, the club welcomes all abilities in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Activities
- Monthly craft sessions
- Learning new creative skills
- Social crafting and conversation
- Supporting the local food bank through donations

What they do
Champion better local bus services and help people access public transport.

Location
Cirencester and surrounding communities

Categories
Transport • Advocacy • Accessibility • Community support

Overview
Cirencester Action on Buses is an independent group representing local bus passengers. They work with transport providers and decision-makers to improve public transport and support access to everyday services and opportunities.

Activities
- Bus passenger advocacy
- Campaigning for improved services
- Working with transport providers and councils
- Promoting accessible and inclusive transport
- Supporting access to local services and opportunities

What they do
Provide transport and practical support for older or vulnerable people to help them stay connected.

Location
Cotswolds

Categories
Older people support • Community transport • Wellbeing

Overview
Cotswold Friends aims to reduce loneliness and isolation by offering community transport, social activities and practical help. They support people who might struggle to attend appointments, social groups or community events.

Activities
- Community transport for social and medical journeys
- Wheelchair accessible vehicle services
- Social activities and outreach programmes

What they do
Maintain and improve St John Baptist Churchyard as a welcoming green space for people and wildlife.

Location
Cirencester

Categories
Environment • Heritage • Volunteering • Community support

Overview
Friends of St John Baptist Churchyard is a volunteer-led group caring for the churchyard in the heart of Cirencester. Through regular gardening and conservation work, they help create a peaceful and wildlife-friendly community space.

Activities
- Churchyard maintenance and gardening
- Tree, shrub and hedge management
- Wildlife habitat improvements
- Bird box installation
- Weekly volunteer sessions

What they do
Support girls and young women to build confidence, learn new skills and form friendships through fun activities and experiences.

Location
Purton

Categories
Young people • Skills and learning • Community groups

Overview
Girlguiding Purton District offers a range of groups for different ages, helping girls grow in confidence, develop life skills and build strong connections in a supportive environment.

Activities
- Regular meetings for Rainbows (ages 4–7), Brownies (7–10), Guides (10–14) and Rangers (14–18)
- Outdoor activities, creative projects and sports
- Learning practical life skills such as first aid and online safety.

What they do
Provide a friendly, welcoming space for people to come together, get creative and support one another.

Location
Hullavington (Village Hall, Hill Hayes Lane)

Categories
Wellbeing • Creative arts • Community groups

Overview
Hullavington Craft Group is a relaxed, non-profit group offering a supportive space to share crafts, conversation and companionship. Open to all, it brings people together to enjoy creativity while building friendships and supporting wellbeing.

Activities
- Bring-your-own craft sessions
- Social time and peer support
- Refreshments provided
- Low-cost weekly meet-ups

What they do
Provide free access to creative courses and studio time for people facing emotional, financial or social barriers, using creativity to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.

Location
Cirencester

Categories
Wellbeing • Creative arts • Community support

Overview
New Brewery Hearts, a programme from New Brewery Arts, offers free creative courses and studio access to people who need the wellbeing, purpose and friendship that creativity can bring.

Activities
- Free creative courses through bursaries
- Studio access and hands-on learning
- Partnerships with local charities
- Social connection and wellbeing support

What they do
Plant and maintain public gardens and planters to brighten Cirencester.

Location
Cirencester

Categories
Community gardening • Public spaces • Volunteering

Overview
Phoenix Gardeners is a volunteer group dedicated to enhancing public spaces in Cirencester, including tubs, hanging baskets and garden areas such as the Abbey Grounds.

Activities
- Planting and maintenance
- Public garden displays
- Seasonal gardening tasks

What they do
A volunteer-run community café serving affordable food and hosting social activities.

Location
Purton

Categories
Community café • Social hub • Food support

Overview
Pips Cafe welcomes people of all ages for homemade food, cakes and coffee. It runs games and craft clubs, a Thursday lunch club for older residents, and offers free toast options for those on tight budgets. Profits are donated to local causes.

Activities
- Café service Tue–Fri and Sat mornings
- Craft and games sessions
- Thursday Lunch Club

What they do
Run monthly club meetings with speakers and gardening trips.

Location
Sherston

Categories
Hobby gardening • Community learning • Social activities

Overview
Sherston Gardening Club meets monthly to hear guest speakers, learn plant identification, raffle plants and enjoy refreshments, with garden trips throughout the year.

Activities
- Monthly meetings and talks
- Garden visits
- Plant swaps and raffles

What they do
Preserve local policing history while creating opportunities for learning, volunteering and community engagement.

Location
Tetbury

Categories
Heritage • Volunteering • Learning • Community support

Overview
Tetbury Police Museum is a community-focused museum that provides opportunities for people to learn, socialise and get involved through volunteering. The museum is keen to build local partnerships and community networks, using heritage as a way to bring people together and increase community participation.

Activities
- Volunteer opportunities
- Heritage and local history learning
- Community engagement projects
- Partnership working with local organisations
- Social and educational activities

What they do
Showcase local art, creativity and community through a unique exhibition space.

Location
Ashton Keynes

Categories
Creative arts • Community groups • Heritage

Overview
The Telephone Gallery is a community art space housed in the iconic red telephone kiosk in the heart of Ashton Keynes. Curated by community artist Kathryn Gray, it hosts regular exhibitions celebrating the work of local artists, schools, community groups and craftspeople.

Activities

- Hosting rotating art exhibitions
- Showcasing local artists and makers
- Displaying work by schools and community groups
- Encouraging community creativity and participation