The sharp-eyed amongst you will have noticed that MrsC & I have bought a car. The reason for this is that - despite our intention to stay in Spain - for a number of family reasons, we have to move back to the UK at the end of the year.
Due to one of the aforementioned reasons, we will need to be close to Cirencester and we both rather like the look of Stroud.
Are there any past or present residents of the town who can tell us anything about it?
I'm especially keen to hear from real people, rather than comparison websites, about broadband (which I need for my work) and which estate agents are good.

All info gratefully received...

Can't help with Stroud but good luck with the move.

Wikipedia says (so it must be true) Stroud is famous for its steep streets, independent spirit and cafe culture.

It is a lovely area Jim, I'm sure you can't go wrong with anywhere around Ciren.
What's happening with the place in Spain, selling up or renting?

At least it's not Stroud in Kent, Jim...

Forest Green Rovers and Purton Ships graveyard are about the only things I know of round there.

Thanks everyone. We know the area a bit, having spent a fair bit of time visiting Cirencester, but Stroud seems a little bit groovier, or at least less OAP.
We are renting in Spain, so it's just shipping stuff back (and we know what we have fits into an LDV Convoy...). This time we're letting a remover do it (don't think any of us could face another 1500 miles in a van!).
Then MrsC and I will waft (only slightly worrying about the mileage on the car) up to Bilbao in the Merc with the cats and take the ferry.
Bay of Biscay in early Jan? I should coco...

Mercs aren't a favourite of taxi drivers the world over for no reason, Jim. Since it has been properly serviced, I think you can be pretty confident. With that sort of mileage, I also doubt it has been doing short journeys.

I think you're right Richard. The total lack of wear on any but the driver's seat also suggests a long-distance rep/exec lifestyle. I'm so frustrated not having the car - or at least the service record so I can see what has and hasn't been done! It looked extensive (and expensive) and was ramped and stamped every 10k miles, but I'd like to check as much as possible. I believe it's the 5 speed box, which is supposed to be more robust than the 7, so here's hoping!

Good luck with it all Jim. A very nice part of the UK from what i saw many moons ago.
That Merc will do nicely i reckon mate.

So... the cycling holiday is off then?

Good question, Neil. I still really believe it's a great idea and I have excellent connections. I'm hoping I can come back over and run cycle tours, but at this stage, everything is up in the air.
Not how I wanted it.

Being a Glos lad, I have not lived in Stroud, but spent a bit of time as a young lad visiting school friends who lived there.
These days I drive through it quite often on the way back from Bath, recalling my cycling rides up and down the A4173/A46 which involved a step incline and rewarding cruise down the other side of Edge, each way.
Nowadays, the traffic is pretty busy at peak times, but lots of period/character property stock mostly situated on hilly but scenic streets. I think local parking is a bit of an issue, so you will want your own parking/driveway.
Probably not the best shopping facilities, but as you know, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bath and Cirencester all within relatively easy reach.
The main school in Stroud I think is Archway.
Have you thought of nearby Painswick? Highly recommended.

Blimey Jim, I was just getting used to your gloating about the cheap wine and great weather and now you're returning to Blighty!!


Can't help with Stroud, but should you require any information on Cheltenham and the surrounding area, happy to help.

Thanks bezzer! We're not coming back because we want to or because we've fallen out of love with Spain - it's a family responsibility thing.
I'm hoping the boot on the Merc will help maintain cheap wine gloatage for a while. But as I lay on my back in the sea yesterday in 28 degrees, I couldn't help shedding a tear...!

Hi Jim,
My Mum lives in Brimscombe which is on the outskirts of Stroud. I lived there for a couple of years in my late teens/early 20s (so about 25 years ago - how did that happen ! )
It certainly has an alternative vibe - a little bit hippy, but also a higher than average number of independent shops, business because of it. A very good farmers market. The Subscription Rooms hosts a surprisingly good amount of gigs etc for a smallish town.
My Mum has AOL (yes I know) bb delivered via the phone line, it's pretty terrible for speed, but she is in a village at the top of a hill, so probably the end of the line.
Stonehouse is to the west of Stroud, and pretty grotty, I believe it has quite a drug problem (which Stroud also has quite a bit of I believe - not that my Mum gets affected by it...), so I'd avoid there.
Painswick mentioned above tends to be very pricey for houses and hasn't got much going on. I'd look at Nailsworth over Painswick.
I can't help with Estate Agents I'm afraid.
As others have said, lots of steep streets around, need a better handbrake than the Coupe had, that's for sure. On the flip side it does mean some great views. Any of the roads leading into/out of the town or up onto the commons have lovely valley views.
Feel free to PM me for any specific info. I live in Cheltenham, so not too far away.

Thanks Boysie, that's all good info, especially that we should be ok to score our favourite class A! (Ho and indeed, ho).
We have family in Cheltenham and other points southwest, so I hope we should settle in well.

I'm keeping my broadband expectations well in check - as long as I can get 10meg or so, I'll be able to work (provided stepson minor isn't up to his usual trick of playing Xbox Live whilst Skyping his mates who are also playing and streaming music on his phone...).

Or even Strood Common mix-up!

Jim, it must get interesting for you when you complete applications which ask "time at current address/time at previous address"

Probably easier to say "no fixed abode"? (or "corridor of uncertainty", go on Jim, I dare you!)

You have no idea how much fun it is, Mark.

Since 2008, I have lived (permanently, as it were) at 9 addresses, none for longer than 15 months. This will be number 10.

Believe me, it's not because I like doing it!

An ex work colleague of mine always had new cars. It was a running joke he changed his car whenever his current one needed new tyres.

With you, it's more a case when a room needs a new lightbulb, you up sticks and look for a place with a full set of working lights

Well, assuming all goes well, you will see a new, sedentary Jim - stepson minor needs some stability before embarking on his GCSEs.

MrsC is flying over next week - hopefully to sign for a place...

I hope it all goes to plan Jim.

Yes indeed, good luck Jim.

I'm nipping over to Alhaurin el Grande next weekend, just for three days, but unfortunately it's about 450km from you so I won't be able to pop in for una cerveza.

That's a shame, Mark, it would have been great to see you. But I fear that a 900km round trip might not be the ideal first journey in the new wheels!

So you'll be around to vote for UKIP in next year's General Election?

Nice one.

Well, it's a thought.

But then there's this. Just to remind us who we're dealing with here...