The George Community Hub in Newnham on Severn
We are friendly and welcoming community hub in the Forest of Dean in the thriving Severnside village of Newnham on Severn. Following a fundraising campaign, our historic building was secured by the community in 2021. A team of dedicated volunteers worked together to bring The George back to life for the whole community to enjoy.
Welcome to The George
We want everyone in the community to benefit from our social hub which includes a café, a gallery and a second hand shop. We host talks, music events, art exhibitions, workshops and lots of creative activities for all ages. We’re lucky to have a prime spot on the beautiful heritage high street and we enjoy being part of an emerging creative scene in Newnham.
Cafe
We offer a fantastic range of artisan teas and coffees, cold drinks and alcohol. Our talented volunteer bakers provide a delicious selection of cakes for our cafe. We’re passionate about food and sourcing local produce and it’s important to us to be sustainable and affordable where possible.
Our environment
We are a volunteer-led organisation and our vision is to help others learn new skills, build confidence and collaborate in a supportive environment. We’re a family-friendly space and we also welcome well-behaved four-legged friends.
Latest Events
‘GROUNDBREAKERS – The Return of The Boar’, an Illustrated Talk by CHANTAL LYONS, Thursday 18 September, 7.30pm
Seven hundred years ago they were hunted to the brink of extinction. Now wild boar are back in the Forest of Dean and elsewhere in the UK. But are they a threat to people, property and landscape, or should we be actively encouraging and protecting them?
For years, Chantal Lyons has immersed herself in the world of the boar and those who live alongside them. In this fascinating talk, she shares her experiences and explores the issues raised by the presence of these idiosyncratic, highly intelligent creatures in our midst.
For further details click on the event title above.
POETRY PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP with Zoe Brooks, Saturday 20 September, 2.00-4.00pm
Explore your voice, gain practical tips on how to perform/read poetry and boost your confidence with help from seasoned poet and performer Zoe Brooks.
Tickets £12.50 available online. For further details click on the event title above.
POETRY NIGHT: SECRET ROOMS & UNTOLD STORIES – Tess Biddington & Sally Jenkinson, Saturday 20 September, 7.30pm
In the second of our regular poetry nights, acclaimed local poets Tess Biddington and Sally Jenkinson share the stage, followed by an Open Mic when it's YOUR chance to perform your own original work in front of a live audience.
Bar and snacks available. This is a Pay As You Feel event, and donations are welcome to help cover our running costs. For full details, including how to book, please click on the event title.
The River Wye – Heritage and Threats, Tuesday 30 September to Saturday 4 October, daily 10.30 am to 4.00pm
The River Wye, one of our most beautiful waterways, is dying as a direct result of agricultural pollution and raw sewage outflows. In this exhibition, seventeen display panels explore the rich heritage of the Wye and the threats it faces. Learn about its extraordinary history, geology and wildlife – and don't miss the accompanying talk on Friday 3 October, 3.30pm, when Celine O'Donovan from leading environmental lawyers Leigh Day will explain how YOU can join the legal battle to save The Wye.
Admission Free. All welcome. To find out more, click on the event title above.
‘PINOT & PAINT’ with Jenny Jop, Tuesday 30 September, 7.00-9.00pm
Join Jenny Jop for a fun-filled 'sip and paint' evening – and take home your own canvas. No special skills or materials needed – just bring yourselves! £30 per session, places limited. Tickets from The George Cafe or email jennyjop@live.co.uk.
For more details click on the event title above.
Stay in Touch
If you're interested in what we're doing and you'd like to be kept up to date please keep in touch!
Gallery
Our unique gallery is an affordable space which is one of a kind in the Forest of Dean. We want to celebrate emerging and established talent so that our local community can benefit from the diverse array of arts and crafts we are showcasing.
Beyond exhibitions we are a hive of artistic events and gatherings. In order to ensure that exhibiting artists get paid fairly we offer competitive rates and discounts.