Daisybank, from the Crown + Sceptre car park queue

Helena and I often refer to our wonderful local pub, The Crown and Sceptre which is owned by renowned publican Rodda Thomas. After more than a decade here he has completely established this inn at the heart of the local community on Horns Road in the old eastern side of Stroud town.

I came early to queue for home cooked take-away Indian meals that are today's offering. Since the lockdown closed the bars, he has transformed the pub into a community shop supplying more than essentials to our wide range of residents. Beer is of course also on offer.

When I was a town councillor for ten years I represented this Trinity ward of the parish and one key moment for me was helping to set up the 'Friends of Daisybank' group to improve the facilities of that small park and play area. Daisybank is the green area on the hillside seen behind the pub. The first meeting was of course held in the public bar.

Daisybank is a very old public area situated beside two essential trackways: Horns Road running behind the pub from left to right as seen here, and Spider Lane which crosses it at right angles, and ascends the hillside to join the old Bisley Road. We live about two hundred yards away to the right off Horns Road.

Today the queue for the shop was only me, when it opened at 3pm. As I waited for the opening, I snapped this picture showing the lovely blue ceanothus bush as well as Rodda's iconic cow sign. He is a very keen sports follower (and motorbike rider) and certain football fans might be amused by the replica sign at the top of the building, above the pub sign. The sign says 'Goodison Road', which resonates widely to followers of teams in a certain northern port, where there is enormous rivalry with the other team that plays at another illustrious ground called 'Anfield'!

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