Take notice

I think you can tell a lot about a town from the posters in shop windows and on noticeboards.

And this display offers a interesting taste of Stroud, in Gloucestershire.

There's someone looking to employ a 'warm-hearted granny', another advertising for a 'non-smoking pescatarian' to share a house and there's the opportunity to take a one-day workshop in loving relationships.

There's no end of 'inner healing' and meditation sessions, plus some reflexology and even taijiwuxigong - another 'healing system' that releases 'blocked energy or emotional stagnation'.

I'm not sure what 'Green Days of the Dancing Stillness' is all about, or 'Opening to the sun' your spirit.

Oh, but there's a bit of jazz and guided walks 'with politics and forages'.

In the not too distant future I'll be spending a lot less time in Stroud and, after growing to love the place while living here over the past 20 years, I'll definitely miss it.

It's quirky, it's green, it's close-knit, it's arty and crafty, it's in a beautiful setting... it's a special place.