After months of grey skies and rain-soaked days, the March Cotswolds Huddle at Stratton House in Cirencester felt like the true arrival of spring. The beautiful country house and its grounds provided a glowing, uplifting backdrop as 85ish Huddlers gathered for a morning of connection, conversation and community.
A real lift for everyone
After the slower, greyer months at the start of the year, the March Cotswolds Huddle at Stratton House in Cirencester felt like a real lift for everyone in the room. As 85 Huddlers gathered, there was an unmistakable sense of momentum building for the year ahead, a morning centred on meaningful conversations, fresh introductions and the kind of connections that set the tone for months to come. A Huddle at this time of year is a ray of sunshine in itself.
Exceptional hosts
From the moment we arrived, the Stratton House team proved exceptional hosts in every sense. Welcoming, attentive and warm, nothing was too much trouble, creating an atmosphere that instantly put everyone at ease in true Huddle spirit. Huddlers were treated to a delicious selection of beautifully presented canapés, generous and full of flavour, perfectly complementing the relaxed elegance of the surroundings.
A Cotswolds setting made for gathering
Set in a peaceful Cirencester location, Stratton House quietly impresses in the most fabulously understated way. From its characterful interiors and inviting bedrooms to its tranquil spa and flexible event spaces, it offers the charm and versatility to host everything from weddings and private celebrations to corporate events and networking mornings. As we experienced first-hand, it is a superb setting for bringing people together, where attentive service and thoughtful hospitality allow conversations and ideas to flow naturally.
A Huddle first as the police arrived… and a lesson in popularity
We also experienced a real Huddle first. Partway through the morning, the local police arrived to let us know we were causing a little parking chaos. It turns out that when 85 enthusiastic networkers descend on one lovely Cirencester hotel, the surrounding streets notice. All handled with good humour and swift reshuffling of cars, it was perhaps the most unexpected endorsement of how vibrant and well-attended our community has become.
A Huddle that set the tone for the year
There was a particular energy at this Huddle, driven not by the weather but by the optimism of early-year ambition and the joy of reconnecting. Familiar faces and first-time guests mingled with ease, the room alive with introductions, laughter and shared plans. It was one of those gatherings that perfectly captures why the Huddle community continues to grow and thrive.
A bright spark
A heartfelt thank you to Stratton House for hosting us with such generosity and care. This was a Huddle that felt like a bright spark at the start of the year, a reminder that even in the greyest months, great connections bring their own sunshine.
…and of course, thank you Rupert
As always, our enormous thanks go to Rupert Marlow of Three Pin Media, whose eye for natural, unposed moments captures the spirit of each Huddle so beautifully. From sunlit conversations to warm smiles and the atmosphere of the morning, his images allow us to revisit the connections and energy of the event long after the final goodbye.
