News
Win a Pi Guitar
7 October 2025
We are raffling off another Pi Guitar!
There will only be 150 tickets available, and they will cost just £10.00 each.
All proceeds will go towards supporting the Pi Guitars project.
Tickets sold out very quickly last time. Act soon to avoid disappointment.
Above is a picture of 2024 winner, Ben Parker, holding his winning Pi Guitar.
Tickets available by visiting our workshop or by emailing Pam@practicalintelligence.org.uk
The draw will take place early next year.
Pi in the Sky Festival: A Day of Music and Community
16 September 2025
On August 2nd, the Pi in the Sky Festival brought together around 200 attendees for a day filled with music, community spirit, and celebration at Ruggers Green Barn in Nailsworth. The event, showcased a variety of talented performers and highlighted the importance of our community engagement.
The festival kicked off with an inspiring performance by Conor, also known as DJ Back in Time, who is a regular at our Men's Shed sessions. His carefully curated list of 80s banger, set the tone for a day of inclusivity and creativity. Following him, Freddie, a young participant from our home education mornings, took the stage with his band, captivating the audience with their energy.
One of the highlights of the day was an intimate solo performance by Kat Abel, a cherished guest at the workshop. Gavin, also entertained the crowd with a set of crowd-pleasing covers alongside his band, ensuring that everyone was engaged and enjoying the music.
The festival culminated with a performance from our headlining act, The Undercover Hippy, whose infectious reggae beats and socially conscious lyrics resonated with the audience, leaving them dancing and reflecting on the day’s themes.
We were honoured to have Dr. Simon Opher, our local MP, make a brief appearance in the morning to wish us well and catch some of DJ Back in Time's set. The support from our community was palpable, with generous donations, including beer from Stroud Brewery and our neighbours at The Village Inn, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly. Mark managed the lighting, Reuben handled the sound, and Jacob oversaw stage setup, among countless others who contributed their time and effort. In particular, we're hugely grateful to Luke Stewart; who donated the use of Ruggers Green Barn, provided electricity and all the other infrastructure we needed. We couldn't have done any of this without his generous support!
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their enjoyment of the day and the sense of community it fostered. As we reflect on this successful event, we are excited to announce our intention to host the Pi in the Sky Festival again next year, with plans to make it even better.
Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported us in making this festival a memorable experience. We're already planning next year's Festival, which will be on Saturday August 1st We look forward to seeing you all again!
Guitar sale and thank you letter
8 July 2025
Last month David bought a guitar from us He wanted a new guitar and wanted to buy local so came to see what we had. He is so happy with the guitar he chose that he sent us the following thank you letter -
Gavin and Pam,
Pi Guitars
Nailsworth
Stroud
6 July 2025
Gavin and Pam,
I am absolutely in love with my new Pi guitar, hand made by your craftsmen. What a gorgeous beast you have made for me. The Bare Knuckle pickups sound great, lotsa grit when needed with a good range of tones. Sometimes I just look at its natural beauty and think of the work put in to make such an amazing instrument from an old workbench, a doorframe and some lovely ripple Sycamore.
I’m so glad I could buy my next guitar locally and contribute to your very worthy cause and not feed the fat cat corporations. Please pass on my gratitude to all the hands that have worked on this masterpiece. I can’t put it down - it’s such a delight to play.
Thank you Gavin and all your amazing craftsmen and craftswomen. It will be making an appearance at the open mic very soon.
With gratitude,
David Skyman.
Newmarket, Nailsworth, Stroud.
DJ Back-in-Time opening the Pi in the Sky Festival
2 August 2025
Conor has been a regular visitor to our Men's Shed for 6 months. He's currently building a sound amplifying stand for his phone.
When we found out he was a DJ, we simply had to invite Conor to play at Pi in the Sky; a one-day music festival, raising funds for our workshop. Playing as DJ Back-in-Time, he will now be our opening act.
At Practical Intelligence, we strongly believe that disabilities should not be a barrier to doing what you love. We're very much looking forward to set!
Pi in the Sky is happening on August 2nd at Ruggers Green Barn in Nailsworth. Joining DJ Back-in-Time are many other acts, including headliners The Undercover Hippy
Tickets are available by visiting our events page
Two guitars sold after Bristol Guitar show
April 2025
Following a wonderful day at the Bristol guitar show on 6th April we sold two guitars. Ollie had first seen our guitars three years ago and had been saving up for it since. It was a joy to finally be able to present him with it. And the other was bought by John. John played this guitar at the Bristol Guitar show. He loved it so much his fiance bought it for him as an engagement present. We at Pi-Guitars think this should be the a new standard engagement, a diamond for the lady a Pi Guitar for the Man !!! or vice versa. Thanks John and good luck with the marriage and the Guitar.
Two into one
April 2025
We recently had an unusual request to combine two wedding rings into one. We are always so happy when we can help people. And excited to be challenged by something new. In the words of Gavin - "I had a beautiful afternoon today. I was asked if I could combine two wedding rings into one ,by a lady whose husband had passed away. I always feel privileged to do such things."
Guitar Stand donated to Eastwood Park Prison
April 2025
We have been making a guitar stand with the pupils from a local school. The stand will be donated to Eastwood Park ladies prison for their music room. I’m very proud of what the boys have achieved. They have worked really hard and done a great job on this extremely worthwhile project. Remember prisons are not for bad people they are for people who have done bad things and we need to help them make better decisions in the future. Gavin
Guitar Donation to Heart Heroes
19 March 2025
We recently asked Barnwood Trust to help us identify charities that could benefit from being receiving a sponsored Pi Guitar. They put us in touch with Heart Heroes, a charity that supports both children and families affected by lifelong heart conditions through inclusive projects, subsidised trips and events, family support in hospital, mental health and well-being support.
When we spoke with Kelly from Heart Heroes, it was immediately clear that they were an ideal organisation for us to donate a guitar to. So, on March 19th Pam visited Heart Heroes to present them a newly finished guitar, as well as a small amplifier that were able to pass on to accompany the guitar.
Kelly and George were on hand to receive the donation, and show Pam around their new centre. Les and Judith Haines – sponsors of the guitar, were delighted to accompany Pam, and learn firsthand, how their sponsorship was being put to use.
We're really happy to support Heart Heroes in the wonderful work they do. To learn more, please visit the Heart Heroes website
Personal guitar made for Andrew
March 2025
Last year we made a guitar for Andrew using wood left him by his father Ernie Cocks. Ernie had worked with wood all his life coming originally from three generations of Funeral Directors. He went on to set up Hampton Mouldings Limited building boats and industrial pieces. He also made his own furniture and the image shows the guitar we made for Andrew in front of some of his fathers furniture. If you have wood with sentimental value to you that you would like to live on as a guitar please contact us and we will transform it for you. Here follows a message from Andrew showing how pleased he is with the guitar -
Pam,
I am sooooo pleased with it! It’s lovely to look at and lovely to play.
In fact, I just put it down a few minutes ago.
Please say thank you to everyone who had a hand in it.
Back soon. Best wishes,
Andrew
Ps I attached a picture of it in front of some of the furniture my dad made. You’ll see why I love it!
Happy Travels Reuben and Jim
10 March 2025
Reuben and Jim, two of our volunteers, popped in this morning to say goodbye, as they set off to cycle to Turkey.
Reuben joined our home education classes over 10 years ago. After graduating from university he returned to volunteer with us, bringing Jim along with him.
We wish them both well, and look forward to seeing them again in the Summer.
Latest guitar donation to Gloucester Music Works
25 February 2025
On 12th February we met up with Gloucester Music Works - https://themusicworks.org.uk/make-music-in-the-forest/ - in their new centre in The Forest of Dean for our latest guitar donation. The guitar was sponsored by Barnwood Builders from Gloucester - https://barnwood.co.uk/ - and will hopefully be enjoyed by many youngsters. The Music Works is providing music opportunities for youngsters from the age of 8.
Guitar raffle winner
30 January 2025
Ben Parker - holder of ticket number 31 - with the winning guitar in the workshop
Raffle draw
24 February 2025
Gavin, Woody Manninen and Keith Thompson getting ready to draw the guitar raffle at the gig in the workshop on Friday - a wonderful evening in a packed workshop. Thank you to all who came along. The winning ticket was number 31. We are planning to make the raffle a bi annual event and hold another one in the Summer then one at Christmas - more opportunities to win a beautiful guitar for just £10.50. We will keep you posted when the tickets are available.
Guitar Raffle
December 2024
We are holding a raffle for one of our Pi Guitars. There will only be 100 tickets available and they will cost just £10.50. The photograph shows Billy Bragg holding the guitar that is being raffled. Tickets available from the workshop or by emailing Pam@practicalintelligence.org.uk
Patsy Gamble, Muddy Manninen and Keith Thompson
24 January 2025
We are delighted to continue our small music events in the workshop with an evening with Patsy Gamble, Muddy Manninen and Keith Thompson The doors open at 7.30pm and there will be a licensed bar. Tickets cost £10 in advance from Pam in the workshop or email Pam@practicalintelligene.org.uk We will also be drawing our first guitar raffle this evening so there will be a lucky winner of one of our Pi Guitars. We have 10 tickets left so still time to enter. Again contact Pam for a ticket.
DUG gig in the workshop
3 November 2024
Lorkin O'Reilly is coming to the workshop with his latest band DUG on Sunday 3 November. Doors open at 7 and the band will pay at 7.30 Tickets cost £10 and can be got from pam@practicalintelligence.org.uk. Its going to be a great evening
