Description

Although formed in 1885, Chalford Band is a modern, forward looking organisation and flourishing as never before with three thriving competitive ensembles.

The senior band currently competes in the first section in the West of England region, although they are due to be promoted to the Championship section in 2019.

The all-age Academy Brass (previously known as the training band) competes in the fourth section and has also climbed the ladder, coming seventh in the 2012 regional championships.

Chalford Band is also proud of its enthusiastic youngsters in the Youth Band, which has won several silver and gold awards in the National Youth Brass Championships. Dreams came true when the young players won the coveted title of National Junior Champions for 2012, a feat they repeated in 2016.

Chalford Band is proud of its independence. The band retains its village title, free of sponsorship, relying for its finance on member subscriptions, fundraising and fees from engagements.

Chalford is justifiably proud to have one of the best bandrooms in the country – particularly as it was purpose built ‘by members and community goodwill.

Description

Stratford Park is a 56 acre park located just outside the centre of Stroud, with a great range of facilities to suit all kinds of recreation.

As well as the Bandstand, the park includes a leisure centre (including an outdoor pool and tennis courts), museum, play area, skate park, lawn bowling green, children's nursery, miniature railway, arboretum/woodland, lake, and free parking.

Stratford Park has a large and varied children's play area for children between 4-11 years. Set on the large grass area at the rear of the centre, the area has climbing frames, slides, swings, runways, activity frames and springers. The play area is complimented with seating for adults and children, which makes the area ideal for family picnics. The area is managed in accordance with the European play safety guidelines and is maintained by the on-site ground staff.

The park has one of the finest collection of mature trees in the area and rivals the nearby Westonbirt Arboretum.

In April 1935 the Stratford Park estate, including the grounds and mansion house was purchased by the then Stroud Urban District Council (one of the predecessors of Stroud District Council).

The bowling green and tennis courts were developed first, followed by the outdoor pool (lido) in 1937. The first head groundsman took up residence in the mansion house (now the Museum in the Park which opened in 2001).

In 1975 the Leisure Centre building was opened within the grounds of the park to provide a whole new range of leisure provisions for the people of Stroud.

Stratford Park,

Stroud,

Gloucestershire,

England,

GL5 4AJ.