The Fred Winter Centre opens in Stratford Town Centre this September!

The Fred Winter Centre (FWC) is a Housing Plus Centre drawing on best practice to address under one roof all the needs of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

Located at 41 Guild Street, the Fred Winter Centre and its board are keen to work closely with local businesses, professional organisations and community groups. They aim to create voluntary and paid work experience opportunities for the residents and clients, and to be part of the economic development of the town and support the future well-being of local people affected by the pandemic.  

The centre will offer affordable, high quality and self-contained apartments and on site professional services to support Stratford people who otherwise face the prospect of being without a home.  
Rents for the apartments will be kept at affordable rates, and the 'housing plus' services will provided will include money advice, physical and mental health, substance misuse, skills training and access to work experience.

The Fred Winter Centre and its services will be available to tenants, people visiting or referred to the centre, and people at risk of homelessness within the local community. It will be the new home of the Stratford Foodbank and the centre plans to house a community café and bakery. 
 
The Fred Winter Centre is funded by all the local authorities and by government, and is led by Spring Housing Association who have a track record of tackling homelessness in the Midlands. A strategic board of funders and delivery partners has been established to support and guide the development of the centre.
 

Conversion of department store into homeless centre set for summer completion - Spring Housing

For further information contact info@springhousing.org.uk 

June Update 
- things are looking up! Whats new? Whats on? Special offers?  Let's have a look see!

The format is a little strange so if easier, just click on the link.

What’s new in Stratford town centre this Summer? In this newsletter New Businesses Offers What's On Welcome to Entourage and its owner Jonsel, which has opened on Greenhill Street. A lifestyle clothing and gift store selling independent leading bands and also vintage clothing. Welcome to The Spotted Treehouse Art Studio run by Lorraine and Jodie. This Ceramic painting and Arts Studio has opened in Old Red Lion Court. They also offer regular children's art courses and are holding a special Father's Day workshop on the 13 June. Book in for one of their craft workshops: watercolour painting, patchwork & quilting, flower arranging, upholstery, card making….  Welcome to Design 44 has opened in Bell Court.  A lifestyle and handmade gifts store supporting over 50 local designer and makers.   They also source and select the very best UK and Scandinavian products which have been carefully selected to inspire and transform you and your home and they also have a large ECO and zero waste area instore. Kate Robbins Therapy   Providing therapeutic massage to improve health and well-being. Kate has moved from the Crowne Plaza to 36 Greenhill Street.  🎈🎉 IT'S GEMINI'S BIRTHDAY! 🎉🎈 36 years since the opening of Gemini! They can't believe how fast the time has gone since opening for the first time at their first shop in Banbury. Now located in Stratford-upon-Avon they have made some super memories and thoroughly enjoyed what they do best, helping their customers shop! Here's to the next 36 years! 🥂 Celebrate with us and enjoy 15% off full price items using code: BDAY36⁣ Arden House Friends & Family discount A “Friends and Family” discount is available for  BID members,for a stay at Arden House. This boutique hotel in the heart of Stratford is due to reopen on 1st July.  To get a 15% discount on the usual Bed & Breakfast rate call 01789 298682 and quote “BID Friend & Family”.  Accommodation can be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours prior to arrival. Children's art courses are also available The Spotted Treehouse Art Studio Red Lion Court 01789 621355   Reopens to the public on Monday 28 June   Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall is hoping that the fascinating story of one of Stratford-upon-Avon’s most famous fathers will inspire heritage lovers to choose its newly launched Scholars of Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall membership as a Father’s Day (20 June 2021) gift this year.  Much like the plotlines that would flow from his son’s imagination, John Shakespeare’s life went through many different dramatic twists and turns, all of which will be revealed with a visit to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall when it reopens to the public on Monday 28 June.   Live events are back on at the Playhouse in Rother Street. Including Gerry Colvin in concert, Horrible Histories - Gorgeous Georgians & Vile Victorians, Kettle On - a monthly meetup of the 60+ and the monthly Comedy Club Visit the website for more information Box Brownie Henley Street   Cocktail- Jazzy nights at The Fourteas! The Fourteas have just started every Friday and Saturday, Cocktails and Jazzy entertainment, 6pm until 10:30 pm. The 1940s theme will continue after sundown, providing a unique and cheerful ambiance you will not find anywhere else in town. Over the past year, we have been locked down together as a Nation, but now it is time to enjoy once again the company of family and friends with our exotic cocktails and some British Hearty Food. They, therefore, invite you to dress up smartly, swing and sway to jazz music and enjoy live performances too! The Fourteas Sheep Street 01789 293908   Who fancies a night of Motown & Soul at the weekend? Midsummer Garden on Sheep Street does!! Join them on Saturday night (12th June) at 7pm when they will be having Gemma sing the ultimate collection of your favourite Motown and soul tracks! The kitchen will be open, and of course, the licenced bar!  Check out their website for updates on new events. @midsummergarden Sunday 19th September 2021 Dragon boating is a fun-filled, adrenaline pumping, water sports activity. Teams compete in Dragon Boats, which are large canoe-like vessels fitted with ornately carved dragon's heads and tails. This Dragon Boat Race is ideal for corporate teams providing the ultimate team building platform to boost morale whilst promoting key abilities essential in a work environment. Dragon Boat Racing is an exhilarating and addictive sport that requires communication and team work to be successful. No experience is required - teams will have crew briefings and training and all equipment is supplied including life jackets. Each team will compete in a minimum of 3 races and are aiming to set the fastest time each round. Download your Information Pack including your Booking form Book online for these RSC events. Henry VI Open Rehearsal is available to view online and The Comedy of Errors is in person at the new outdoor Lydia & Manfred Gorvy Garden Theatre

After the success of their Christmas Panto, Tread the Boards are going out on the road again with their latest production of Robin Hood. This production is suitable for all the family, but is outdoors, so dress for the weather! Until June 20th they will be performing at Tiddington Home Guard Club and Ettington Park Hotel. Book tickets on the Attic Theatre website Funny Festival Live at the Bear Pit Theatre 23rd to 26th June. Different acts each night  Find out more

Hunt for a New Leader for Stratforward BID

A change of leadership is is underway at Stratforward as director Joe Baconnet left his role.

Mr Baconnet who was appointed in 2016, announced his departure to BID Members on Friday, saying, the time was right to seek a new challenge.

He said: "With lockdown restrictions finally lifting and after five years at Stratforward, I feel it is the right time to hand the baton over to someone else.
Having the helm of Stratforward during some of the most challenging times ever faced by the high street - firstly because of changing shopping habits and other economic pressures and then latterly due to Covid - it is time for a new challenge.

Stratford town centre is going to be a very different place going forward and Stratfoward is going to be crucial in helping to shape its economic recovery. This will require fresh and innovative ideas from all stakeholders in the town, as well as the business community, so now seems the best time for a change.

I know I am leaving the organisation in safe hands. The Stratforward team is amazing. They know the businesses that they work so hard on behalf of and they understand the town and the needs, not just of the businesses, but also the local residents and visitors that use the town on a daily basis.
I will be sad to leave Stratford but I believe it is the right thing for the company, the town and for me. The Stratforward board has been very accommodating in this and will be working alongside British BIDs to ensure continuity of service until a new executive director is in post."

In a message to businesses, Mr Baconnet added

"I wish every one of you the very best of luck for the coming weeks and months as you face the challenges of rebuilding after the traumas of the last year. Remember you are strong, you are resilient and you are not alone."

Stratforward BID will now begin the process of appointing a new manager.  

Many thanks to Joe for all his support and hard work.

Read our May newsletter which contains information on.....

As our businesses re-open many are looking for staff especially in hospitality, so if you know someone who is looking for work please let them know about our vacancies page. Information on volunteer opportunities are also available on our website.

The new Music Cafe can be found at 3 Windsor Court, Greenhill Street CV37 6GG Combining West End Theatre, Film, Event and Cheffing experience, day and night Carl Walker and Ian Meeson bring you beautiful homemade food, amazing coffee alongside intimate live performances of Jazz, Classical, Folk music or Talks and Play Readings, in a unique setting full of signed memorabilia. You can get a 10% discount on all food and soft drinks if you show your BID Card. Find out more at themusiccafestratforduponavon.com

Much a Shoe about Nothing is a fabulous new shoe shop at 30 Bridge Street CV37 6AB They stock many high quality mainstream ladies footwear brands with many variations including colourways and width sizes. Their ranges are mostly season coordinated to provide the most suitable variety and choice for our customers. Visit the instore or on line at much-a-shoe.com

Subway at 10 Henley Street CV37 6PT has new owners. You can get a massive 30% discount on food  including meal deals when you show your BID Card instore.

Jaqueline Louise Bridal is a beautiful new bridal shop in Old Red Lion court, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6AB, where you will find a gorgeous array of gowns to suit all budgets and bridal styles. Alongside their fabulous hand picked, made to order designer gowns, they also have a wide selection of sample gowns available to purchase off the peg from different designers such as Pronovias, Willowby, Enzoani and others.  To make an appointment call on 07403 647007 or visit jaquelinelouisebridal.com

Stratford Literary Festival is available online until the 22nd May 2021 52 events to choose from, some online some in person. From Jay Blades, The Repair Shops host to The Yorkshire Vet Julian Norton, to The BBC's North America reporter Nick Bryant or Sir Michael Morpurgo. There is something for everyone. View the full itinerary here For just £30, you can access almost all of the online Spring Festival events until 21st May. Events covered by the Season Pass are listed here on the Festival website. Please note the Season Pass does not include workshops, quizzes and family events. It includes VAT and is subject to a booking fee. Purchase a Season Pass at ticketsource.co.uk

On Monday 17 May Shakespeare's Birthplace will once again be open to the public, with Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Shakespeare's New Place to reopen a month later on Monday 14 June.  Explore the fascinating stories behind Shakespeare the boy, husband, family man and businessman right where it all began in Stratford-upon-Avon. Book before your visit on the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website  as prebooking is essential.  The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said 'To keep our visitors and staff safe we will be reopening at a reduced capacity. We have introduced a timed ticket system and all tickets will need to be booked in advance.' The Shakespeare's Birthplace Shop on Henley Street is now open, 7 days a week, 10am-4pm, they'd love to see you. If you are unable to visit them in Stratford-upon-Avon, you can still shop in their online shop and here's a 15% discount code to say thank you for your continued support. Use HELLO15 at checkout.

The RSC have announced their Summer 2021 programme including the re-opening of the Riverside Café and Rooftop Restaurant. A series of free family activities including pop-up and outdoor performances as well as interactive workshops on the Bancroft Terrace. For the first time in their history, they are also inviting audiences to see the rehearsal room process online in a bid to re-open the theatre doors in a creative and surprising way. The RSC also plans to build a temporary outdoor theatre space, the Lydia & Manfred Gorvy Garden Theatre.  This Garden Theatre will be situated in the Swan Theatre gardens and will offer them a home until they can re-open the Royal Shakespeare Theatre ready for their family show, The Magician’s Elephant, in the Autumn. They have submitted our planning and licensing applications to the Council and await news.

The Escape Live rooms on Greenhill Street will reopen on Monday 17th May 😍  The Chalice of the Champions and Shakespeare's Script games will be open to play in person. Working in a team, you will have just 60 minutes to escape from a locked room before it is too late. With the clock ticking, there is no time to argue. Everyone must work together to find the clues and solve the puzzles so you all make your way out in time. Book your tickets on the Escape Live website

The MAD Museum on Henley Street are planning to reopen on May 17th, tickets can now be booked for weekends and half term.  “MAD” stands for Mechanical Art and Design. If you’re not quite sure what mechanical art is all about, think of the machines and gizmos used in Wallace and Gromit, Scrapheap Challenge and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In a nutshell, mechanical art is usually beautifully crafted, moving sculptures either made to have an exaggerated purpose or made simply for the fun of it. Get more info on this amazing attraction which offers something for all the family.

The South Warwickshire Local Plan Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils are working together to produce a new South Warwickshire Local Plan to cover our combined geographic area. Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils are currently undertaking a Scoping and Call for Sites consultation, which runs from Monday 10 May until Monday 21 June 2021. This is the first stage in a long process and they want to hear your views. The consultation asks a series of questions about what issues the new Local Plan should cover, and seeks your views on how they should tackle these issues. In particular, it seeks your views on where in South Warwickshire new development should be located and how best to accommodate growth. At the same time, they are also running a 'Call for Sites' inviting suggestions for potential sites to be allocated for a variety of land uses. Find out more on the dedicated website First quiz is on the 17th May and then monthly from June. Check Boston Tea Party's instagram for details After the success of their Christmas Panto, Tread the Boards are going out on the road again with their latest production of Robin Hood. This production is suitable for all the family, but is outdoors, so dress for the weather! Between May 29th and June 20th they will be performing at Wethele Manor, Tiddington Home Guard Club and Ettington Park Hotel and just added Aston Hall near Birmingham. Book tickets on the Attic Theatre website Classes are re-starting at the Stratford School of Jewellery This new jewellery school in the heart of Stratford upon Avon offers a variety of classes, courses and creative sessions.   Find them at The Sara Preisler Gallery, 30 Henley Street CV37 6QW We all love a gin cocktail, but wouldn’t you like to learn how to make them for yourself and impress your friends and family? Book on for a fun Cocktail Masterclass at Boston Tea Party on Henley Street in Stratford, learning from the Shakespeare Distillery's very own master mixologist!  Book onto cocktail fun with @shakespearedistillery shakespearedistillery.com/cocktail-masterclass Funny Festival Live at the Bear Pit Theatre 23rd to 26th June. Different acts each night  Find out more

Whilst most kids went back to school in March,

popular attraction, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall, will reopen in June

One of the world’s most influential locations in the story of William Shakespeare’s life will give a warm welcome to visitors from Monday 28 June 2021 - another great sign

Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall is renowned for being where the world’s greatest playwright attended school, but it also played an influential role in the life of his father and William’s own writing, all of which is revealed as part of the visitor experience.

Located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall has been central to the fabric of town life for over 600 years.  It still operates for part of its life today as a school, but since its restoration in 2016 has also been welcoming visitors from across the globe to discover its fascination for themselves.  Standing in the very space where William Shakespeare went to school is a unique, spine tingling experience, as is the thought of the legacy that he would go on to create from this humble setting.

This will also be the first time that people have been able to visit Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall since the publication of All the Sonnets of Shakespeare edited by Paul Edmondson and Stanley Wells. In the book Shakespeare’s works are presented in chronological order and with this the distinct possibility that sonnets 153 and 154 were written whilst William was at school.  It was also a setting that was to prove inspirational to his plays, with Master Thomas Jenkins said to be represented by the character of Sir Hugh Evans in The Merry Wives of Windsor, mocked in the drama by a student called William.  These are just some of the stories to be discovered in the immersive and authentic atmosphere of this medieval building, now known as Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall.

Lindsey Armstrong, General Manager of Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall, says, 

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors once again to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall.  This has always been a building that has brought people together and there is no better way of stepping back through the chapters of history to discover the Stratford-upon-Avon of Tudor times.  Our team of guides are here to help bring alive enthralling stories, that alsoinclude Theatre at the Guildhall and the Court of Record, as well as revealing the rare medieval painting that was discovered during the building’s restoration.”

Tickets to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall go on sale from Monday 10 May 2021 and are priced at adult £10; concession £8; child (5-16) £6.50; family (2 adults and 2 children) £27; additional child with family ticket £4.50; under 5s free.  Included in the price is an interactive lesson in the Tudor schoolroom where William Shakespeare was taught.

Book your tickets at shakespearesschoolroom.org

Thank you to Warwickshire Whats On

Events are gradually returning and its not long to Stratford Literary Festival which runs from 8th to 22nd May. Yes!

Watch out for these Stratford Literary Festival stickers popping up around town at bookshops.

Largely taking place online but there are in-person workshops and events.  There’s a huge range of events and this year there's a £30 season pass that is ridiculously good value.

There is some exceptional children’s entertainment including the Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell, the creator of the much loved , ‘How to Train Your Dragon’! 🐉

To see what is on offer go to Stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

Follow them at @stratfordlitfest 

Great coverage in the Stratford Herald as ever. It was included this week as their number one in  'Things to do' - book now.

#stratforduponavon #stratfordliteraryfestival #lovestratforduponavon 

   

Can you spot the lovely kindness rocks hidden in shop windows in town?

The love flows on with rocks with  kind messages, hidden in shop windows in town, though the RSC's Kindness Shop in Bell Court's is no longer open.

Check out the photos to see the rocks and pick up a few clues on their locations.  Let us know where you spot them. 😃  And if you need a clue or two just say!

There are 11 rocks to find in total.  

The Kindness Shop was sponsored by Bell Court and Stratford Town Trust.   See their brilliant window display in Bell Court, near Lush, until the end of May.

‘ART WARMING - by the RSC - Creativity and Kindness will get us through this

Join us as we collect stories of kindness and generosity with our local community. We want to remember all the little things that have seen us through a difficult year, and to turn this into a joyful artistic celebration in Stratford town centre. So come and visit artist Saadia Hipkiss, who will transform your message of hope and love into beautifully painted rocks to feature in our Kindness Shop.’

#stratforduponavon #kindnessrocks #kindnessrocksstratford #kindnessrocksproject #whatsonwarwickshire #lovestratforduponavon #thekindnessshop #shakespearesbirthday 

Open for business! Please come on in and enjoy shopping and hospitality outdoors.

There is a relaxed buoyant atmosphere as people gradually return to town.  All venues are carefully reopening using social distancing measures so we all can feel safe.

Wonderful to see many familiar faces - you've been missed so much. Do Tag us in with #lovestratforduponavon for a share

#shoplocal #lovelocal #lovestratforduponavon

Friday Updates - And we are on the up! 

Shops, indoor hospitality, indoor leisure and personal care will begin to open from Monday! YES!

And YES this will be the last Friday without the pub!

The Arts are Restarting

Car Parking 

Keep in the know!

Official Covid Advice