We love the Stroud Valleys

We, Catherine and Andy, know we’re very lucky to live and work in the wonderful Stroud Valleys with our children. Catherine grew up near Cirencester and Andy, originally a Norfolk boy, has lived in the area for over 20 years. It’s an amazingly inspirational area with an interesting history and we’re very conscious of playing our little part with Woodmancote Retro.

Stroud itself is a great, independently minded town with a strong sense of community. The Farmers’ Market is one of the best anywhere and there’s lots to explore both in the town and surrounding countryside, whether you’re local or visiting. Each of the five Stroud Valleys orientates around a water course, with beautiful rural landscapes and old stone villages. We regularly go walking around the Valleys, sometimes for a bit of well-needed exercise and a blast of fresh air, but often for quality ‘thinking time’ away from a desk and the hub bub of life. High above Stroud the local commons (Minchinhampton, Rodborough and Selsey) are special spots where we like to take a breath and appreciate the wide, astonishing views. We really do feel so enthused and inspired when we’re out on our wanders.

The history of this area and how it’s changed over the years is also very close to our heart. Along with agriculture, there’s been industry here for centuries. Once it was a key centre for the wool trade and all sorts of engineering and manufacturing have come and gone too. These days Stroud and the Valleys are well known for creativity and as a home for many artists and crafters. As present day occupants of the Valleys we feel quite proud to be here running a business that combines creative thinking and manufacturing. We often reflect on days past and how we’re the next step in tradition, yet driven by a contemporary and clear dedication to sustainable practices and the circular economy. For us, it’s just the right place to be.

We’ll share more about life in the Stroud Valleys and what inspires us in future blogs. Meanwhile you can read more and the Woodmancote Retro story so far here.