Positioned on a private, exclusive development, a substantial family home with granted planning for an annexe and boot room.
• Generous, sociable and versatile living accommodation
• Five bedrooms; two with en -suite facilities
• Private rear garden with a detached home office
• Double garage and off-street parking for multiple cars
Presented immaculately throughout, this three bedroom home offers fantastic accommodation ready to move straight into.
• Situated on a peaceful, mature cul -de-sac
• Modern kitchen and bathroom
• Off-street parking and a single garage
• Great sized rear garden An attractive, modern Cotswold stone home offering truly beautiful turn-key accommodation.
• Built in 2020 with remaining
• Sociable open-plan kitchen and dining room
• Three double bedrooms; two bathrooms
• Tandem driveway and single
Conveniently position, a one bedroom ground floor retirement apartment just steps away from the local amenities.
• No onward chain
• Living for the over 55’s
• Generous communal gardens
• Well-presented accommodation throughout
The Team
Editorial/Advertising copy to:-
Mary Roberts - Editor
Tel: 07814 850464
email: mary@wilprintdesign.co.uk
Tony Sykes - Accounts Rockside, Fox Hill, Tetbury GL8 8XA.
Tel: 07813 091440
email: tony@tonysykes.com
Alan Greenway - Distribution Willowbank, Tetbury, GL8 8BT.
Tel: (h) 01666 504715 (m) 07955 088580
email: alang196@gmail.com
Copy date for the March Issue is Thursday 12th February 2026
Delivery - 28th February/1st March 2026
Please ensure that copy is submitted by the deadline. There is NO guarantee that late copy will be published. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage arising from any error, inaccuracies or omission from any copy or advertising in this publication. The Editor reserves the right to omit any item not considered suitable for printing. All reasonable efforts will be made to meet the wishes of our advertisers and contributors.
Media pack available from www.tetburyadvertiser.co.uk
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Produced by The Tetbury Advertiser Limited (VAT number 338322801), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tetbury Lions Trust; Charity number 1152090. www.tetburyadvertiser.co.uk
5th Feb Greening Tetbury Public meeting, 7.30 pm Christ Church meeting room. See article for details.
5th Feb History of Tetbury Society
Host a talk by Jonathan Holt, 7.30 pm. See article for details.
9th Feb
CHURCHES
Christ Church, The Chipping 01285 653655
St. Marys’ - C of E - Church St. 01666 500088
St. Michael’s - R.C. - The Green 01666 502367
COMMUNITY CONNEXIONS TRANSPORT
Suite 132, Corinium House, Corinium Avenue, Barnwood Point, Gloucester GL4 3HX
Tel: 0345 680 5029
COTSWOLD CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
TEL: 0808 800 0511
DOCTORS
Phoenix Tetbury, Long Street. Tel: 01666
502303 The Tolsey Surgery, High Street, Sherston. Tel: 01666 840270
HOSPITAL
Malmesbury Road. Tel: 01666 502336
OSTEOPATHS Tel: 01666 503599 & 01666 502214
DOLPHINS HALL COMMUNITY CENTRE
Bookings can be made at www.dolphinshall.org or email: admin@dolphinshall.org
Girlguiding Tetbury Fundraising Bingo night. See article for details.
9th Feb Tetbury WI Meeting ‘A time for tea’. See article for details.
10th Feb Tetbury U3A
Host their monthly talk, ‘The History of RAF Stoke Orchard’, 10.00 am at the Goods Shed. See article for details.
11th Feb Tetbury Film Society Show ‘My Favourite Cake’, 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm start at the Dolphins Hall.
19th Feb Tetbury Probus
Host their monthly meeting, talk entitled ‘Panama Wildlife Adventure’. See article for details.
23rd Feb Tetbury WI Coffee Morning, 10.30 am at the Snooty Fox. See article for details.
25th Feb Tetbury Film Society Show ‘Memoir of a Snail’, at the Dolphins Hall, 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm start.
27th Feb Tetbury WI Bingo, beats and bubbles, at the Goods Shed. See article for details.
Friends of Tetbury Community Transport
LIBRARY Close Gardens. Tel: 01666 502258
(Mon 10.00-1.00, Tue 10.00-5.00, Wed 10.00-5.00, Fri 10.00-6.00, Sat 10.00-1.00)
LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Tetbury Town Council, Old Courthouse, Long Street. Tel: 01666 504670 (Mon-Fri 9am - 2.30pm) Council Info. Services, in Council Office. Email: reception@tetbury.gov.uk
Cotswold District Council, Trinity Road, Cirencester. Tel: (01285) 623000
NATIONAL EXPRESS Bookings taken at the Visitor Information Centre. Daily return service from Cirencester to Heathrow. www. visittetbury.co.uk
POLICE STATION The Old Courthouse, Long Street Tel: Emergency - 999, Non-Emergency101 (note new number).
RAILWAY STATION Kemble - 6 miles Enquiries Tel: 0845 748 4950
SCHOOLS - Sir William Romney’s, Lowfield Road. Tel: 01666 502378 St. Mary’s Primary, St. Mary’s Road. Tel: 01666 502275.
The Friends of Tetbury Community Transport Roger Bellairs, 07759 142577
The Robin - Bookable Bus Service Tel: 0345 263 8139
TETBURY CARES, www.tetburycares.org
Website to signpost local health services
TETBURY LIONS, www.tetburylions.com
Tetbury Town Crier Tony Evans, 24 Box Crescent, Minchinhampton, Nr. Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 9DJ.
Tel: 01453 731355 Mob: 07969 302042
Email: tonyevanstowncrier@btinternet.com
VISITOR INFORMATION Police Museum, Long Street. tourism@tetbury.gov.uk
Tel: 01666 331222
It’s a Wilde, Wilde Life
“There is no sin except stupidity” is the provocative Oscar Wilde epigram I chose for my page in my high school yearbook. I’ve always loved Wilde’s way with words, so last year, when writing a murder mystery playscript about an amateur dramatic society, I set it around their rehearsals for Wilde’s comedy play, The Importance of Being Earnest. Cheekily, I named my playscript The Importance of Being Murdered, and later turned it into a novel, which will be published next month.
As I started writing my script, I heard that the National Theatre was reviving Wilde’s play, and I enjoyed the subsequent livestream. Later, I learned their production would transfer with a new cast to the Noel Coward Theatre, with Stephen Fry as Lady Bracknelll. Next came news of an operatic version to be staged at the 2026 Garsington Festival. Then last month on opening The Times’ property section I discovered a fullpage profile of the “real” home of Algernon Moncrieff, one of the play’s key characters.
Papua New Guinea Syndrome strikes again, I thought. That’s a phrase my first, late husband taught me, because once, when offered a job in Papua New Guinea, he started spotting references to that remote
country wherever he went. Subsequently, he used the term whenever a word or concept new to him became puzzlingly ubiquitous, and it never occurred to me to call this phenomenon anything else.
That’s what I’ll write about for the February issue of the Tetbury Advertiser, I decided this morning, but something told me to
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You can imagine my horror on discovering a different, darker meaning: a rare, degenerative and fatal disease caused by eating human brains. Abolished in 1960, this tradition was practised by Papua New Guinea’s Fore tribe, who believed it released the souls of the departed.
Further googling reassured me that my late husband wasn’t the only one to have coined an inappropriate phrase for what must be a universal occurrence. In 1994, one Terry Mullen wrote a letter to the St Paul Pilgrim Press in Minnesota, describing the same experience as the BaaderMeinhof Phenomenon. As you may know, Baader-Meinhof was a late-twentiethcentury terrorist organization named after its founders in 1970. Presumably news of their activities took a while to reach St Paul, Minnesota – and then seemed to pop up everywhere.
Thankfully, a Stanford academic eventually came up with a less emotive term: “frequency illusion”. Writing in 2006, Linguistics Professor Arnold Zwicky explained that our selectively attentive brains home in on what interests us, screening out irrelevance. Confirmation bias gives us the impression that our pet word, phrase or topic is cropping up more often than in reality.
What would Oscar Wilde have made of our earlier misappropriation of language? Returning to my opening quote, I’m rather afraid he might have thought it a sin.
Debbie Young www.authordebbieyoung.com
Debbie’s new comedy cosy mystery novel, The Importance of Being Murdered, will be published by Boldwood Books in paperback, hardback, ebook and audiobook on Thursday the 26th of March.
£10,000 Lions Donation Boosts Tetbury Hospital X Ray Appeal
For the past year, the Friends of Tetbury Hospital have been fundraising on behalf of Tetbury Hospital to support the purchase of a new X-ray machine at an estimated cost of £250,000. In December we were delighted to present a cheque for £10,000 on behalf of the Tetbury Lions to Friends of Tetbury Hospital. With the arrival of the new X-ray machine, our hospital is strengthening its ability to deliver clinical excellence and outstanding patient care for years to come.
We are only able to support local causes thanks to the generosity of the people of Tetbury and the local companies who back our popular magazine, the Tetbury Advertiser. We are equally grateful to our contributors, our advertisers, and - not least - the many volunteers across Tetbury and the surrounding villages who deliver 4,800 copies, ten months of the year.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports us
throughout the year — whether by coming along to our quiz nights, joining us for our annual Charter Night dinner, or buying our Easter and Christmas raffle tickets. Every penny of profit from these events goes straight back into the community, supporting local charities and providing Christmas and Easter grocery vouchers for families who could use a little extra help.
Our sincere thanks also go to the Great Tythe Barn for their invaluable and ongoing support, and to Steve from the Snooty Fox for drawing the raffles.
We continue our long standing support of the local food bank with monthly donations of £300 and were pleased to distribute Christmas food vouchers to families with the help of St. Mary’s and Sir William Romney Schools.
All the members of Tetbury Lions wish you a Happy and Prosperous 2026.
Maggie Heaven Tetbury Lions President
Now that February has arrived, the spring displays throughout the town have just started to come into flower.
In St Marys’ churchyard, a wide variety of spring flowering plants and bulbs have been planted in the grassy areas and beds over the years: cyclamen, snowdrops, primula, daffodils, crocus and hellebores, to name but a few. In 2020 we planted over one thousand Tete à Tete narcissus bulbs either side of the path leading from the main gates. These will soon come into their own during this month to create a wonderful welcoming display to the churchyard. Well worth a look if you’re passing by.
Last autumn, the six formal beds in the churchyard each underwent a makeover. Additional tulips were added to give more colour during April and May and having rearranged some of the other plants in the beds, we added small shrub roses
which will hopefully thrive and flower well throughout the summer months to come.
With the thoughts of summer on the distant horizon, we will once again be supplying our hanging baskets. This is our main fundraising initiative with all the profits being used to fund the work that we do throughout the town. If you would like to support us, please see our advert on the previous page and let me know
Tetbury in Bloom
your requirement as soon as possible. The 14” baskets comprise easy-care trailing begonias in pink, red and apricot shades OR you can choose trailing geraniums which come in a mixture of vibrant colours. If you live in Tetbury: they will be delivered to your door by arrangement during the first two weeks in June. If you live outside the town: Collection will be by arrangement. To order: Please email me on sue@tetburyinbloom.org.uk or give me a call on 504213.
In the meantime, weather permitting during these early months, the Tetbury in Bloom team continues to be out every Tuesday and Thursday morning to keep the flower displays looking their best. If you think that you would like to join the team on a regular weekly basis, please contact me for more information, using the details shown above.
Sue Hirst, Team Leader, Tetbury in Bloom
Greening Tetbury
As we start another year, at Greening Tetbury we’re looking forward to various initiatives. One of these stems from our focus on wildlife corridors.
Hedges
in gardens
Did you know that it is estimated that since the Second World War in the UK we have lost about one hundred and fifty thousand km of hedgerows? Planting a hedge in your garden is a wonderful way to help nature as well as helping to fight climate change through storing carbon.
How does a hedge assist nature? Here are some examples:
• As shelter for flora and fauna
• Food for insects and birds through the development of blossom, nuts and berries
• Nesting sites for birds and bumblebees, the latter at the base of the hedge
• Hedge’s root systems can encourage mycorrhizal fungi development in the soil, which enhances the quality of the soil in your garden
Hedges can reduce flooding risk, and act as a windbreak. And if you want a bit more privacy in your garden, they can help with this as well!
If you are interested in planting a hedge in your garden, then Greening Tetbury can help. We can cover the cost of purchasing whips for the hedgerow (up to a certain amount depending on the length of the hedge), help with the planting and give advice on maintaining the hedge. Email us at greeningtetbury@gmail.com if you are interested in taking up this offer. Please note that the planting season finishes at the end of March and restarts again in October.
Local wildlife
Tetbury has a good range of fauna and flora, and more hedges would only enhance its wildlife. We are starting a new, irregular feature about wildlife in our town. We want to hear about your own local finds and experiences. Please send reports and any photos to our email address.
In winter and early spring, Tetbury is home to migratory thrushes and finches,
including Redwing, Fieldfare, Siskin and Redpoll (see photo). In February 2024, two Waxwing visited and in February 2025 a Hawfinch was seen, possibly from Westonbirt Arboretum. February is also when early songbirds such as Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock and Blackbird are staking their territories ready for the new breeding season. Apps such as BirdTrack from the BTO or Merlin Bird ID from The Cornell Lab can be useful for recording your sightings and identifying what you’re listening to. The Gloucestershire Garden Bird Survey run by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is a great local citizen science project too. Logging what you see in your garden helps
build up an understanding of local natural history and can be good for your mental health as well.
Dates for your diary
5th February – our first public meeting of the year at 7.30 pm in Christ Church meeting room. All welcome.
26th April – Dawn Chorus walk from Tetbury Goodshed at 5.00 am.
6th-14th June – Great Big Green Week. We’re looking for partners to celebrate the week this year. greatbiggreenweek.com www.greeningtetbury.org
Like it or hate it or simply meet it with an eyeroll worthy of Angela Merkel, there’s no avoiding the invasion of red and pink and fluffiness – sometimes all three – that greets you in the nation’s shops this month. I do wonder if Saint Valentine might raise a 3rd century Roman eyebrow at his violent death being commemorated by a cuddly Cupid poodle holding a sign that says, ‘I’m mutts about you.’
One of the main candidates for our patron saint of lovers was a chap who believed so strongly in the celebration of love, that he defied a Roman emperor. Claudius II had insisted members of his army stayed
single to keep focused on fighting and was hugely annoyed to find your man Valentine marrying couples in secret. So annoyed in fact, he had his head cut off.
Not everyone is as fascinated by the lives of saints as me, so that’s probably enough of St. V’s rather truncated career of wedding minister. But what could celebrating love look like for someone who isn’t mad keen to participate in a day of prescribed romance and terrible puns? If you’re in that situation, what do we do with Valentine’s Day?
The gospel of St. John recounts Christ saying, ‘Greater love has no man than
this - that he lay down his life for a friend.’ Happily, in the UK in 2026 we are unlikely to be expected to reach quite this fullcommitment level of sacrifice for our besties, but it did get me thinking.
They say the real luxury in this day and age is time. The demands of modern life and the ubiquity of communication via technology can mean we feel rushed from one commitment to another. The now welldocumented dopamine addiction served up by our phones mean it can be hard for us to slow down and unplug.
What if laying our life down for a friend could look like putting aside all our usual devices and daily activities, for just one day, and hanging out with an old buddy in real life?
Leslie Knope, the eternally peppy heroine of the superb ‘Parks and Recreation’ TV series, went all-out and created Galentine’s Day – where she and all her female friends got together to celebrate with brunch on the 13th of February.
You don’t have to go that far, but I’m willing to bet that you have at least one great mate you haven’t seen in a while. The kind of friend who got you through a really grim time and out the other side. Who makes you laugh until you snort.
So, this February, how about laying your life down in the most low-stakes way, and getting in touch with a friend you miss, who deserves to be celebrated a little. I think Saint Valentine would approve.
Reverand Sarah, St Marys’ Church
Tetbury Film Society’s search for the best films for the next season continues.
In November, committee members took part in the Independent Cinema Office autumn screenings, watching back-toback films over four days! In March, we will attend the spring screenings. Also recently, Kevin and I attended Stroud Film Society to see what they are showing – we had a lovely evening, which reminded us of the importance of what we do.
This month Tetbury Film Society will be screening two films.
On Wednesday the 11th of February we will be screening the multi-award winning ‘My Favourite Cake’, Cert. 12A. Mahin, a lady in her 70’s is lonely but how to find companionship in Iran, a country with
strict rules and restrictions, especially when it comes to the rights and freedoms of women?
On Wednesday the 25th of February we will be showing “Memoir of a Snail”, the Australian adult stop-motion animated tragicomedy film written, produced and directed by Adam Elliot. The plot, which is loosely based on Adam’s own life, follows the trials and tribulations in the life of lonely misfit Grace Pudel. Patricia and I enjoyed this film when we saw it at the Cinema For All spring screening last year, but we recognise that it may not be to everyone’s taste. Oscar nominated for Best Animated Feature and Winner of Best Film at the BFI London Film Festival 2024.
On the 25th of March we will be showing the film ‘Mr Burton’ (Cert. 12A) to raise funds for Longfield Hospice. Tickets can be obtained from the Longfield charity shop or at one of our February screenings. This film tells the story of British acting legend, Richard Burton, from his humble beginnings as a schoolboy in a Welsh mining village, to becoming a formidable Shakespearean actor.
As usual, doors at the Dolphins Hall open at 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm screening. Everyone is welcome. Visitors can purchase tickets on the door.
Liz Farnham, Chair Tetbury Film Society Member of Cinema for All
Optimum Mobility
Genuine advice and best value from the local specialist
* Wheelchairs, manual and powered
* Scooters and portable scooters
* Powered rise/recline armchairs
* Household, bathroom and walking aids
* Large display with private test area
* Disabled facilities, easy parking
* Proper maintenance
* Part exchange, new & reconditioned
* Adaptations
We are a family business 0851216
Mobility assessments and tuition at home www.optimummobility.co.uk
The Old Dairy, Pinkney Park, Near Sherston, Malmesbury 01666 840060
TETBURY CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC
Just some of the symptoms that can be helped by treatment:
• Back pain and associated symptoms such as leg pain or Sciatica
• Mechanical Neck pain and associated headaches arising from the neck (cervicogenic)
• Migraine prevention
• Minor sports injuries and problems associated with shoulder, elbow, hands, knees, feet, ankle
• Elbow pain and tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck, but not isolated occurrences
• Joint pains, including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis
• Generalised aches and pains, Muscle spasms, Muscle tension
• Plantar fasciitis (short term management)
• Shoulder complaints, Rotator cuff injuries and disorders of the shoulder
Jwala Gurung Doctor of Chiropractic, Mchiro, CCEP, LRCC.
The Hollies
Afternoon cream tea and chat
Last Friday of each month, 2pm - 3pm
Join us for a delightful afternoon of homemade sandwiches, cakes, and treats, all freshly prepared by our Head Chef.
Holly Oak Dementia café
Last Wednesday of each month, 2pm - 4pm
Aimed at those living with dementia and their loved ones, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and share experiences with like-minded people in the local community.
Fish and chips Friday
3rd Friday of each month, 1pm - 2pm
Join us for traditional fish and chips prepared by our talented chefs in a relaxed setting. Enjoy the opportunity to meet our friendly team and take a look at our beautiful home.
To attend please call 01453 358 322, email virginia.peachey@careuk.com or visit our website.
Men’s Sheds have always been about more than making things.
Every day in workshops across the UK, friendships form shoulder to shoulder at the workbench — through shared purpose, quiet chats, and plenty of laughter. Each year we are given a challenging project to improve connectivity between people in the community, and this year it’s all about “Buddy Benches”. The challenge is to build one hundred Buddy Benches across the UK,
but we envisage far more will be produced by the end of the year.
Why Buddy Benches?
Buddy Benches may look like simple pieces of outdoor furniture, but their purpose is profound. They are invitations, gentle, visible signals that say “sit here if you’d like someone to talk to” and “join me if you’ve
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Tetbury Men’s Shed
got a moment to spare.” In a world where loneliness is increasingly recognised as a public health issue, these benches offer a small but powerful antidote. And who better to build them than the very people who understand the value of human connection.
Across the UK, benches are being built or restored by Men’s Sheds as part of Mission: Shoulder to Shoulder, appearing on village greens, gardens, cycle paths and community hubs. The great news for Tetbury is a cash grant from UKMSA towards the cost of our materials. Could you help us make Buddy Benches a feature of Tetbury’s public places? Contact me on the number below if you can help.
Our workshop extension is now receiving its final touches after keeping us all cheerfully occupied for much of 2025. A large proportion of the build has been crafted from timber rescued from a local demolition site and carefully adapted for our needs — a testament to both ingenuity and sustainability. We are deeply grateful to the local suppliers who supported the project by donating materials or offering generous discounts. Our sincere thanks go to Newland Homes, developers of The Limes on London Road, Eagle Plant Ltd., Cherington Forge, and County Building Supplies. Their contributions have made a real difference to our community space.
Our Community Workshop is open to all, fully wheelchair accessible, right next to the free car park and just a few steps from disabled parking.
If you would like to find out more about us, contact me on 07955 088580 or join our Facebook Group “Tetbury Men’s Shed Workshop” More details of upcoming activities and where to find us are on our website www.tetburymensshed.co.uk
Alan Greenway TMS Workshop
…..and from the allotment
For some strange reason at this time of year it is traditional to make promises that hopefully last beyond the end of January but often don’t. If one such promise is to maintain a healthy diet to assist in keeping weight (for example) under control, then growing your own vegetables will go a long way to achieving such a goal. Our allotment team in Herd Lane has all the expertise needed to enhance your ability to successfully grow a variety of vegetables whether your plot is large or small. We welcome all to join us, regardless of ability and promise very little digging will be necessary (we have a rotavator). The reward of course will be on your plate (and waist) in just a few months to impress both family and friends. We look forward to seeing you at 10.00 am each Wednesday. Please call Ken on 07923 445684 for further encouragement.
Ken White TMS Allotment
Tetbury Goods Shed
Our present chair of Trustees, Phillip Hodson, recently sent…
…a letter to our extremely valuable Volunteers, keeping them up to date with plans for the coming year and we thought it would be useful to share this information a little wider.
The Trust has set three main priorities for 2026 – continued solvency; targeted fundraising; and building a wider marketing reach.
Projects in hand include:
We’ve been granted full planning permission to extend the present café. It wasn’t easy but we got there and a bigger café opens up opportunities to increase the number and type of events we can host, whilst improving café customers experience. In order to take this forward, we will need to depend on bodies like The National Lottery and other charitable organisations to award us substantial funds.
Phase one of the refurbishment of our Mary Jane train carriage with a new toilet and dressing-room area for performers, which can also double as a meeting space has recently been completed. Next step will be to improve the appearance of the cafe section later this year. Our aim is to make
a more versatile use of the space including pop up dining and workshops.
Storage (or rather lack of) is an ongoing problem at the Shed so we are extremely grateful to have the Town’s Council permission to build a second shed near the rear of the main building to house the sections of our portable staging. This will free up much needed storage space in the container and means our volunteers don’t have to carry these sections so far – sometimes in some most unpleasant weather.
We have secured grants towards solar panels to be fitted to the roof of the main building – and we are just over halfway with our funding appeal to reach the desired target. The lovely ladies from Coventry Building Society raised enough for three panels with a sponsored walk, the
Lions of Tetbury have also covered the cost of two more. To sponsor a panel costs £200 – if other organisations or individuals are able to help us please contact our Office Manager Kathryn Limoi – 01666 505496 or email office@tetburygoodsshed.co.uk.
Other sponsorship and support opportunities include our Red Carpet Club and Angels donating anything from £100 through to £1,000. To learn more please contact Kathryn as above.
Finally, we have made inroads to improve our recycling and to reduce waste collection charges to include cardboard, glass and plastics. We’ve begun 2026 with some fabulous concerts and we want to continue to make The Goods Shed the Pride of the Cotswolds.
Tetbury Goods Shed Team
Avis
Domestic and Commercial Electrical Contractor
Try Tetbury Hardware First!! – Use it or Lose It!!
Please support your local retailers, you will be surprised at the range of products and services they offer, often at very competitive prices. We at Tetbury Hardware have been your local store for over 15 years. We can deliver items locally just ask - subject to value.
We know how difficult it is to fit housework into your busy life.
The Housekeeper has been created to offer a truly bespoke service to deal with any chores that take up too much of your valuable time.
We’ll do what you need, when you need it... we’re here to make your life easier.
‘Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop.’
Rumi
What a busy 2025 we had at Tetbury Library, packing up all the books and emptying the library to allow the numerous contractors to move in for our refurbishment. The staff were seconded to Nailsworth Library, what a special place that is. We were made so welcome by staff and volunteers at Nailsworth Library. We moved back to Tetbury Library early Summer and spent many weeks trying to find things we had put away safely! The summer was busy with the Library Reading Challenge for children and one of our young customers
won a prize – a fabulous book bag full of books and goodies! Our wonderful Knit and Natter group and other locals made beautiful poppies, in the photo below, to help us decorate the library for Remembrance Day.
Our local Building Society ran an informative well attended session on ‘Scam Awareness’. Look out for our next drop-in Scam Awareness sessions. Come along with a friend to spread the word as, unfortunately, scams are on the rise.
We have had lots of lovely compliments on the new Library, so if you haven’t already been in, do come and visit us. Membership is free and comes with a great offering including digital newspapers and
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magazines, computer use, printing and a relaxing place to spend an hour away from our busy popular high street. We are hoping to support a new Book Club in Tetbury as we have had a number of requests, so if you’re interested come and register your interest.
Our groups are proving popular too, Knit and Natter, Scrabble, Paper Crafters and Library Club. These are all run by volunteers and free to attend, so come and join one of the groups for a session and see if it’s for you. For children we have Nature Club, Lego Club, a new ‘Library Littles’ song and play session for pre-schoolers and ‘Storytime and Craft’. Check www. gloslibraries/events at Tetbury Library to see what’s going on and when. Booking ahead is recommended.
Forthcoming Events:
Baby Bounce and Rhyme Time
Every Wednesday 2.15 pm – 2.45 pm
Lego Club
Every Friday 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Story and Craft
Sat the 7th of February 11.00 am – 12 noon
Paper Crafters
Saturday the 14th of February
10.30 am to 12 noon
Knit and Natter
Tuesday the 10th of February 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
Scrabble Club
Wednesday the 18th of February 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm
Nature Club for Kids
Saturday the 21st of February 11.00 am – 12 noon
Library Club
Friday the 27th of February 10.30 am – 12 noon
Library Littles for Pre Schoolers
Saturday the 28th of February 10.30 am - 11.00 am
Adele, Sophie, Fran and Emma Tetbury Library Team
Tetbury and District
From 2025 into 2026 …
We’ve certainly had a mixed bag of weather over the past two months: rain (lots of it at times), wind, some sunshine, snow and frost. In general, though, we’ve managed to complete our walks without getting too wet.
Three walks were scheduled in December to see out 2025: a lovely circuit around Rodmarton and Tarlton, and a walk through Woodchester woods, passing the lakes and mansion. Unfortunately, the third had to be cancelled due to seriously unpleasant weather.
After our customary two week break over the festive period, we started 2026 with a local walk in ‘seasonal’ (i.e. snowy) weather across parkland to Shipton Moyne. The other three January walks were slightly further afield, the first a circular around Kilkenny (following the Cotswold Way in places), and the remaining two in the Stroud area. The first of these started at the Stroud Brewery, up through The Heavens to Lypiatt, then back down to the canal and River Frome (with lunch at the brewery). The second started along the canal, then up across Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons, descending to the disused railway line and back towards Stroud (lunch at the Clothier’s Arms).
Towards the end of January, we enjoyed our annual Winter Dinner at the Snooty Fox with thirty in attendance.
Four walks are scheduled for February. Firstly, a circular around Coates across pasture land and passing the closed Tunnel House Inn (hopefully to re-open soon?).
Then, a local walk past Highgrove returning via Westonbirt stables and Doughton Manor. Haresfield Beacon next, through woods and grassland, with (hopefully) superb views across the Severn estuary. Finally, a slightly longer walk through the
glorious countryside around Miserden (with lunch in the local pub).
Details of our Walks Programme and other information can be found at www. tetburywalkers.co.uk. We aim for a wide range of walks in terms of distance, difficulty and location. Some start from Tetbury itself, some are slightly further afield, almost always within 30 minutes’ drive (lift shares are always available), and occasionally we have lunch in a village pub. New members are always very welcome. Tetbury and District Footpath Group Team
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Rainbows, Brownies and Guides had the opportunity to try out Christmas crafts including making sweets, sock snowmen, felt decorations, button gift tags, origami angels, badges and yarn trees. With a break for chocolate cake and a drink it was a very successful afternoon. Thank you to the many leaders who ran the activities. Everyone went home with a bagful of crafts and the inevitable badge!
New badge books were issued last year and are proving very popular. Rainbows completed Guiding Sparkle finding out all about different sections in guiding and which of their relatives were members
when they were young. Brownies have completed the Games master badge playing and designing new games. Guides tried the Food Critic badge learning all about cooking potatoes, doing a blind test of sweet, sour and savoury foods and a Ready Steady Cook challenge after shopping only for convenience foods found in packets or tins. They are now choosing their next badge.
Dorothy raised just over £100 with her chocolate tombola before Christmas and her next fundraiser is a Bingo night on Monday the 9th of February. Please contact us for details if you would like to
come along and support her.
Later this year we are looking forward to the launch of our new uniform – we have no idea of the colours or items yet but can’t wait to see if any of our ideas have made the final designs. In the meantime if you have any uniform that has been outgrown or no longer needed please do consider donating it to us so that we can make use of it before it becomes obsolete. In particular we would love any of the light blue neckers returned as we are no longer able to buy new ones.
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When is a gift not a gift?
With continuing inflation, inheritance tax is inflicted more frequently on smaller estates. Elderly relatives like to pass down assets without tax being imposed on the recipient and there is the issue of care fees as well particularly if you “deliberately” diminish your assets to avoid them.
The main issue we confronted at Law School was the gift of the family home by a widow to a child which would fail for inheritance tax purposes if it the gift was classed as a gift with a reservation. Gifts of family farmhouses have involved many friendly chats with the trust department of HMRC in Edinburgh. In one case I was dealing with the parents who were in the family farmhouse and were paying their sons the market rent. We made sure that the land agent provided heads of terms with rent reviews every three to five years and the accountants provided a proper set of accounts for the rent to be paid before distribution of profits. It was important to get this right so that the working farm could be passed down to the next generation free of inheritance tax, which nowadays is more difficult, especially when the estate is worth over two million pounds.
A few weeks ago, I was approached by a client who wanted to give his son his
study and bedroom (“the son’s study and bedroom”) and provided an article from some very clever London solicitors explaining how this, if applied correctly, could save inheritance tax. “A gift of an undivided share” the article stated, “will avoid the gift with reservation of benefit provisions if the donor and donee occupy the land and the donor does not receive any benefit, other than a negligible one, which is provided by, or at the expense of the donee, for some reason connected with the gift”. The article makes it clear that the son must not give up occupation. He can have his flat in some city but must not overpay for his use of the property. Furthermore, the must be a deed of gift. The danger is that if the property is sold while the donor is still alive then the son’s share may be subject to capital gains tax as it would not
carry the main residence exemption. On death though the limited interest of the donor would have a diminished value.
There are five conditions to be adhered to. There must be a gift of a share. I will suggest that the share should be 50% as the study and bedroom is just proof of occupation. The property must be occupied by both parties. The arrangements must continue until death. Oddly the donor should continue to pay their share of the outgoings and the gift should not be in trust. The relevant section is section 102 B4 Finance Act 1986 which was before George Osbourne brought in the residence relief which enables parents to leave one million pounds to their descendants but could be helpful to richer people. Occupation is widely defined.
Michael Hodge
Love is in the air at The Cat and Custard
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Make it a proper escape by turning your evening into a full romantic getaway with a stay in one of our charming rooms. And for an extra-special touch, we’re happy to arrange local flowers or a bottle to share, making the night truly unforgettable.
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Tetbury Bowls Club
Things are fairly quiet at Tetbury Bowls Club during January and February.
The Christmas activities are over and outside the new edging is finished, bulbs are planted in the pots ready for spring and the green is treated and resting to be in great condition for the season.
The club house is still busy though with social events and work behind the scenes. January saw Dawn and Ang’s 65th birthday party with food by Chris and Laura’s fab birthday cake. Friday night bingo is still popular with the £250 jackpot still to be won and ‘Play Your Cards Right’ at the end of the evening is fun with rollover prize money currently at £40!
The ‘men in hats’ have no time to rest and the old kitchen has been taken out ready for the new flooring and units to be fitted. As I write this the walls are bare of tiles and the room is completely empty, waiting for the new units to be built and fixed in place. Big thanks to all the men in hats, especially Vic, Brian C and Rob O.
Shortly a message will go out to all members asking for volunteers to help make sure the club is in tip top condition by refreshing paintwork and completing any small repairs needed.
Whilst some of us are watching the competitive indoor bowls at Potters on the tv, a few of our bowlers are actually there watching the matches live and soaking up the atmosphere. I know that all of us are looking forward to the Opening Gala, which marks the start of the outdoor season, and there will be lots of opportunities for people to come and have a go themselves. There will be more information in future Advertisers and please feel free to check out our website tetburybowlsclub.co.uk.
Tetbury Bowls Team
Tetbury Art Society
Happy New Year!
Tetbury Art Society wishes you all a creative and productive 2026!
Our year begins on Wednesday the 18th of March with our AGM at Tetbury Goods Shed at 7.30 pm. This is open to all members and those who are interested in joining us this year. There will be refreshments and a presentation on the ‘Art of Framing’ by Sarah from Eight Bells Gallery and Framers in Tetbury.
Please look at our website for details of our monthly meetings and our exhibitions, one in the Spring and one in the summer held at the Market Hall in Tetbury.
Please refer to our website tetburyartsociety. org.uk for details of our exciting program for next year.
If you wish to join us a a member or visit our demos, which are the first Wednesday of each month, or as a guest please look at our website for all details. Any queries please email us at Tetburyart.media@ outlook.com
Jenny Riley Chair of Tetbury
Art Society
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I thought I’d start this month’s article where I usually finish;
‘we welcome members from Tetbury and the surrounding villages – we’d love to see you’. But you don’t have to be a member, you can come as a guest for a couple of months.
With that in mind, how about joining us on our regular Thursday morning walk along the Tetbury Trail to The Trouble House for coffee
on the 12th of February? Unlike many of the other walking groups around, we positively welcome your four-legged (canine) friend too - Algy will be there to meet and greet at The Goods Shed at 10.00 am and Dex will meet us part way along the route.
And if the great outdoors really isn’t to your taste, we will be hosting an open evening at The Goods Shed on Friday the 27th of February. ‘Bingo, beats and bubbles’ will be an opportunity to meet some of us, but with the additional benefit that you can bring your other half, your best friend, or
your neighbours, just not the dog on this occasion. Tickets will be available through our website. We recognise that there is a lot going on in Tetbury but this evening promises to be a lot of fun.
And then there’s our monthly meetings on the second Monday of the month. In January we looked at the world of precious gems. Sadly, there wasn’t a sales table (although perhaps it was a little soon after Christmas), but our speaker, gemmologist Helen Plumb, offered us the opportunity to have some of our jewellery assessed in the faint hope that there just might be an Antiques Roadshow moment!
Our next meeting on the 9th of February is entitled ‘A time for tea’ and yes there will be a cup of tea and cake, after all, we could hardly miss a chance for cake! Cake aside, I have already heard part of Ali Warren’s presentation and it is a fascinating exploration of something we tend to take for granted.
QualityAlterations
In March we’re taking a tour of the Blue Plaques around Gloucestershire (figuratively not literally), then in April we’re having a ‘taster evening’. The May meeting has to be dedicated to WI business, but then we propose to close the first half of the year with an evening of line dancing in June. Some of us are already picking out our pink cowboy boots and matching Stetsons – yee haw!
We do try to meet a wide range of interests and provide a range of activities through meetings, outings and the groups that are part of Tetbury WI. The committee is also currently exploring the possibility of a canal trip for our main outing in August. We hold a coffee morning at The Snooty Fox at the end of every month – the next one is at 10.30 am on the 23rd of February, but if you can’t make that you’d be very welcome to meet the walkers for coffee on any Thursday around 11.00 am, when we arrive at The Trouble House.
Rowena Palser www.tetbury-wi.org.uk
Chelworth Bookworms
Miss Benson’s Beetle
by Rachel Joyce
Margery Benson walks out of her teaching job one day and wonders what to do next. Middle-aged and lonely she can find no purpose in her life in post war Britain and wonders whether this is her chance to do the thing she has always dreamed of – leave England to search for an exotic golden beetle on the other side of the world. She knows she cannot do this alone and advertises for an assistant. She meets Edith Pretty at the station - a blonde bombshell in totally unsuitable clothes.
Edith is clearly not the right person for the job, but with her passage booked and time running out Margery has little time to think of an alternative and soon they are on a ship bound for Australia. Sharing a cabin is torture for Margery. Edith never stops talking and is totally focussed on having a baby. She gives no reason for leaving her
husband to join this expedition, but thenMargery has her own secrets.
On arrival in Australia and after six turbulent weeks together, they agree to part. But Margery finds she has grown accustomed to Edith and the sudden silence is uncomfortable. Reluctantly she has to admit that she needs Edith and so they continue their journey together, arriving on the small island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific.
Although Edith takes charge, finding transport and supplies so that they can start their expedition, it is obvious to the reader that these two women are totally out of their depth. But with Edith’s can-do attitude and Margery’s stoic efforts to keep
going they start to explore.
But this is not the whole of the story. Even though they seem ridiculous at times, these comic moments lighten the darkness that threatens to catch up with the two women. As the weeks pass, the burden of leadership passes backwards and forwards between Margery and Edith, each bringing different qualities as circumstances change. Their explorations are not just of the island, but also a journey of self-discovery, both women realising their hidden depths. Their growing friendship and trust in each other is the core of this book, and it is those qualities that come to the fore when they are most tested.
Ghilly Vincenti, Chelworth Bookworms
Since I last wrote, the children enjoyed all the exciting Christmas events and activities at playgroup.
Decorating a tree for the Tetbury Christmas Tree festival at St. Saviour’s Church, dressing up, lots of Christmas craft, role play making a sleigh out of our imagination cube, hanging their own made creations on our tree at playgroup, and having lots of fun at their Christmas party where they had
a special visit from none other than Father Christmas, who brought them all a new book! Thanks to Tetbury Trees for our lovely Christmas tree and to Matthew Swinburne for his starring role at the Christmas party.
Talking of books, coming up at the beginning of March is World Book Day,
TETBURY ADVERTISER
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The Tetbury Lions have been producing the Tetbury Advertiser since 1974. It helps publicise club activities and events in the town via editorial columns, and helps promote businesses and services in the town with cheap-rate advertising opportunities.
Everybody wins!
Unlike magazines run for profit, any surplus is ploughed back into local facilities, good causes, and to individuals in genuine need. If you advertise, you can be assured that you are also making a contribution to the locale. Why wait?
where we celebrate books and reading. Reading to young children regularly is so important, enhancing the bonding experience, supporting listening skills, helping with language development and increasing their vocabulary.
Playgroup age children haven’t usually learnt to read words, but giving them the opportunity to talk through the pictures and explain their interpretation of a story is the first step in their reading journey. When reading to very young children, expression and being able to see the reader’s mouth moving (as well as the pages and pictures) supports their initial basic understanding of language. For slightly older chlidren using your finger to point to the words as you read them, helps them start to see how words and sentences are formed and when the page gets turned. CBeebies have a good website and support to help your children as they start to learn to read.
At TNP we have a wide range of ways our children can access books. We have a book of the week which is read to them every day for that week, for which we share out props or characters for the children to hold or move, providing opportunities for them to play parts of the story. Young children enjoy the familiarity of reading the same book over and over again, this is completely normal. We also have a selection of books the children can take home and either swap them for a book they’ve finished with at home or just return when they’ve finished with it. The children have a basket of books they can look at or ask one of the team to read to them at any time during the day, which is updated and rotated every few weeks. In the warmer months we have a book box outside with a rug for the children to sit on, and we act out bits from books in the garden, we’re very often found going on a ‘bear hunt’ through imaginary woods, mud and rivers.
If you’re looking for a playgroup or pre-school space for your child, please get in contact with us, email us at tetburynurseryplaygroup@ eygloucestershire.co.uk or give us a call on 01666 504855 to arrange a look round.
Tetbury Nursery Playgroup Team
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Avening Primary School
New beginnings at Avening School
The New Year has brought with it, a new teacher. We said a fond farewell to our wonderful Mrs. Stafford at the end of last term and we welcomed Miss Yarham to the Owls class (y5/6) and our school community. We wish her a wonderful experience teaching at Avening School.
While the rest of the school visited the theatre before Christmas, the Owls class have their trip to look forward to at the end of January when they will travel to Stratford upon Avon to watch the RSC stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book, The BFG.
With a new term also comes new class topics. The Eagles are enjoying exploring traditional tales for their term topic, while the Kestrels are focusing on geography as well as history in their topic on Saints, Dragons and a Castle. Up in the Hawks, Rivers and Mountains is their focus for the term while the Owls will be travelling back in time in their exploration of the Mayan Civilisation.
After school clubs this term include Ukulele, Recorder, STEM and Art as well as Tag rugby and Football club. The year 6
pupils will also be completing their Bikeability cycle training.
It is time again for the annual Oracy competition where children are encouraged to write speeches about anything they choose. Each class will then select a Star Speaker who will deliver their speeches in celebration assembly in front of the whole school and also parents/carers, before going on to represent the school in the next stage of the competition.
Looking ahead, we are gearing up for World Book Day which takes place at the beginning of March. We also have our Young Voices concert to look forward to as it was rescheduled from the beginning of January due to heavy snow forecast for Birmingham. If you have a pre-school child at home,
join us on Friday afternoons in the school garden for our Fledgling’s outdoor session 2-3pm. Contact the school office for more details. Please note these sessions are for children aged 0-4 and their parents/ guardians.
For more information about this busy place of learning, please see our school website: www.avening.gloucs.sch.uk
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Some of our squad gymnasts who attended a recent external competition
Tetbury Gymnastics Club is a grass roots sports club in the heart of the Tetbury community.
It was set up in 1978, and has been running out of Sir William Romney School ever since. We currently have over two hundred young gymnasts aged from 5 to 17 years; one hundred and fifty of these are recreational gymnast and fifty are part of our development or squad groups who represent the club, and our town, at external competitions across the county and beyond. They proudly wear their club leotards, thanks to funding in 2024 from the Platinum Feather.
At the end of the summer term we held our annual club competition, allowing all our gymnasts to experience a friendly competition, no matter what their age or ability.
Even over the summer when the club is closed, our gymnasts have enjoyed sharing their gymnastics stretches and moves whilst on holiday which we’ve shared on our social media platforms.
Benefits of gymnastics: Gymnastics is considered a ‘foundation sport’ – a fantastic base for discovery and development in young people. It builds skills for life, supporting cognitive development, strength and conditioning, coordination and flexibility. The list of secondary benefits is just as long, from mental wellbeing, improved self-esteem to resilience and leadership skills.
Gymnastics develops children to explore fundamental movement patterns such as balance, locomotion, rotation and spring, which are important for a child’s development and the basis of all gymnastics disciplines.
Tetbury Gymnastics
But wider than this, gymnastics provides the development of core physical, wellbeing and social skills, as well as helping children to enjoy communicating, collaborating and competing with each other.
Not only is gymnastics excellent for physical fitness, but it is the perfect activity for creativity and self-expression, helping to serve both body and mind.
Our gymnastics programme: We’re very lucky that our club has been well established by the committee of the past. We are able to offer a variety of gymnastics disciplines, including bars, beam, floor and vault, for both boys and girls. This gives our gymnasts a well-rounded experience in our fast-paced sessions. These sessions are led by our dedicated, British Gymnastics qualified coaching staff, who add the fun and challenge to all our activities.
We follow the Rise Gymnastics programme from British Gymnastics, with whom we are affiliated. The gymnasts are really excited each week to look at one of the skills on their syllabus and give it a go. Whether they are ‘just getting started’, are ‘almost there’ or have ‘achieved’ the skill is recorded directly onto the database, thanks to technology provided by funding from the Feoffees. This system allows parents and carers to be kept up to date with their gymnast’s progress, and alerts coaches when gymnasts have successfully completed the medals in the ‘core skills’, ‘apparatus’ or ‘working together’ strands of the programme.
Join us: To grow our club even further, we’re looking for people to get involved. If you have a passion for sport, then why not consider joining our coaching team. We have volunteering opportunities available and offer training to help our team develop, as well as paid coaching positions on a range of British Gymnastics qualification levels. Whilst we have two hundred gymnasts enjoying the club, we also have around one hundred young people on our waiting list at any one time, about eighty of whom are old enough to join us already but who do not yet have a space.
There are other ways you can get involved too. Do you have business or management experience and could help guide our volunteer management committee? Or perhaps you could help us set up and pack away the gym hall before and after each session? It’s a great workout and cheaper than going to the gym!
If you have a young person who is interested in joining us as a gymnast then we recommend you put their name on our waiting list as soon as possible so that they have a space when they are old enough.
The Tetbury Gymnastics Club Team www.tetburygymnastics.com www.facebook.com/tetburygymnasticsclub
Our three top award winners at the annual club competition in July
the Phillips, and their bakery business in Church Street. His book is now available on our website. To whet our appetites he started at the beginning, when the family moved here from Herefordshire. The Phillips
made shoes, but Albert began to make bread. In 1870, when he was seventeen, he rented property in 10 Silver Street, possibly a small bake house, and founded a business that lasted one hundred and thirty five years. In 1875, he moved to a tiny cottage in Church Street, where he began to expand his business, property portfolio and family. By the 1890s, he had a wife, five children, a bakery, shop and neighbouring house, a seat on the Court Leet and a business that included cakes, deliveries and catering. Surprisingly, when he died in 1899, probate showed ‘Phillips and Sons’ to be insolvent. His widow and sons, Edward and Walter, kept the shop and worked to pay off all the debts. They managed to turn the business round
with hard work and by carefully watching the finances. Edward ran it until 1950, followed by his widow and son, John. John had no children and after his mother’s death, in the 1980s, took on a business partner. He enjoyed retirement in the 1990s and sold the business in 2005. It is now Hobbs.
Our January meeting was an evening when members brought their treasures to the table. Having been our last speaker in 2025, Richard was first in 2026. He brought a copy of Lee’s History of Tetbury published 1857 and owned at that time by Josiah Tippets Paul, solicitor, who had it rebound with a blank sheet of paper between each page. On these pages he added notes, newspaper cuttings and photographs of family and town buildings. A treasure of a scrap book!
Jane was loaned the piece of shrapnel that killed Moonlight, the cow, when the Luftwaffe offloaded bombs on Court Farm land along London Road in World War II.
From out of our archive, Jane and Kathleen brought a ledger from William Trooper Witchell’s ironmonger’s shop, 1857 to 1895, work done by pupils to celebrate the closure of St Mary’s Infants’ School and the opening of its replacement in 1994, articles on
History of Tetbury Society
Tetbury Cycle Club, Horse Racing in Tetbury, three songs and music written by G. J. Whyte Melville and a copy of Gloucestershire By Pen and Camera 1907, which included a section on Tetbury buildings.
Kathleen showed us an original photograph and an AI enhancement of Tetbury Mop Fair and pointed out that it was sharp and clear, but not actually the Mop! AI could be a useful tool in archives, but we need to be careful with it.
This was a very enjoyable evening.
Our next meeting is at 7.30 on the 5th of February, when Jonathan
Holt will tell us about ‘Architectural Follies of Gloucestershire’. For further information please see our website: www. tetburyhistory.com or contact Jane on 01666 504196
History of Tetbury Society Team
Albert Phillips 1853 – 1899
Josiah Tippetts Paul original owner of this ‘Lee’
We hope you all had a wonderful festive season.
Our children have returned excited and eager to learn and our sessions are filling up fast. Our Inclusion Champion Programme and training is in full swing and as a result we have made lots of subtle changes to our Playgroup and Forest School settings to create a more inclusive, calming environment in which our children can thrive and achieve their full potential. Muted colours on the walls, floors and tables have made such a difference to the overall ‘feel’ of the room’ along with warmer lighting. We are also seeing the difference that further reducing transitions within our routine is making. Our visual aids and timetables in Playgroup have been adapted to support our inclusive practice, and staff are coming up with creative ideas to extend this to our outside provision too.
Brian and Sue Cook, along with Christ Church have been incredibly accommodating with the practical alterations we have requested within the building, to ensure we can continue to offer sessions to all children, regardless of additional needs. They have also given us useful suggestions on what changes we can make and we cannot thank
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them enough for their support.
We have regular visits from our Inclusion Champion advisor, Steph Kirby, who supports and encourages us, not only with constructive criticism, but also lots of praise for what we’re already doing.
We have also had the opportunity to visit many settings and joined the stroud cluster as our support team during the program, we meet regularly allowing us to gain professional working relationships with local setting and share our ideas and work together to make changes for our
and how we can learn from them and also support them with our knowledge of early years.
Don’t forget, our Seedlings Stay and Play Session runs every Monday during term time. Join us between 9.00 am and 11.00am for a cuppa and a chat while your children explore the wide range of activities on offer.
St. Mary’s Playgroup
children. Faye has also visited settings as part of her SENCO special educational needs training; it is wonderful to see what other settings has to offer children
Our first events were two appearances at Highgrove to entertain diners at the charity lunches.
As usual, the surroundings were beautifully festive, and the staff, as always, looked after us extremely well with delicious Highgrove mince pies and tea. Many of the Highgrove visitors enthusiastically sang along with us as they entered and left the building, which made it a very jolly affair. We felt privileged to have made our contribution to the King’s charity.
Our next event was the first evening carol concert at Kingsley House. It is always a joy to go there, as the atmosphere is so festive and the residents and staff are keen to enjoy themselves and participate. Indeed,
it puts us to shame how well the elderly residents remember the words to all the carols, even without a carol sheet. Mince pies and a festive drink were enjoyed by all at the end of the concert, and some of the staff are even thinking of joining us this term as new choir members.
Our second evening event was the Upton Mill carol concert. Once again, the residents and staff sang lustily to swell our numbers, and much fun was had by us all singing The Twelve Days of Christmas with visual prompts. Again, we were spoiled
opportunity to sing carols as part of a group. The readings were both interesting and well delivered, and the illustrated poem written by our new musical director was fascinating, as it took us back to a childhood Christmas a generation ago.
Our final performance in December was the carol service at St Marys’. We are so lucky to have such a magnificent church, where the acoustics enhance the sound of any choral event. Our new rector, the Revd Sarah Heywood, led a beautiful service that was made all the more special by being candlelit. It was a wonderful way to end our busy month and prepare us for Christmas.
But perhaps the most momentous event of the month was confirmation of the appointment of our new Musical Director, Lizzie Adkins. Lizzie, whose husband, Jonathan, has been our accompanist for more than a year, has been working with us in the run-up to Christmas and we are delighted that she is going to be bringing her skills and enthusiasm to our choir. We celebrated her appointment just before Christmas, together with a retiring party for David and Glenys Kyle, our outgoing Musical Director and Chair, who have done so much to rebuild the choir after the pandemic. To both of them, we are extremely grateful and wish them every happiness in their new life in Cheshire.
Now we look forward to a new year. As always, our rehearsals are at 7.00 pm on the first Tuesday and subsequent Thursdays of each month at Christ Church Hall on the Chipping. No auditions are required; you simply join whichever group of singers best
130208 GLC Williams 22/2/08 22:03 Page 1
G.
L. C. & R. Williams
Garden & Agricultural Gates & Fencing
Rose Arches & Gazebos
Wrought Iron Work
Large Stock of Timber, Steel, Nuts & Bolts, Gate Fittings and Garden Tools
CHERINGTON LANE FORGE, CHERINGTON LANE, TETBURY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL8 8SE
TELEPHONE: (01666) 505040
01666 505692 07891 074878
066184 01666 311956
At Christmas, (with chocolates handed round on the coach) we went to Bristol Old Vic, founded in 1766 and the oldest, continuously running theatre in the world, to see a musical play inspired by R L Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’.
With serendipitous scene setting, the theatre is just yards from the same pubs and docks that were the inspiration for Stevenson’s story set in the Golden Age of Piracy. Across the road is ‘The Llandoger Trow’ pub, dating from 1664 and the inspiration for Stevenson’s ‘Admiral Benbow’ and part of Bristol’s pirating past. Blackbeard was said to be a regular. Daniel Defoe met Alexander Selkirk there, the inspiration behind ‘Robinson Crusoe’. On our arrival in King Street, seagulls dived and soared above Bristol harbour. With boats swinging at anchor and light reflecting off the water, we felt we were already in the play. We found our seats, which included the information ‘You are sitting on the site of the original 1766 Shakespere (sic )box’. How atmospheric is that!
We started in a present day ‘Bristol Story Telling Festival’ set in a pub. The eight talented actor-musicians sang the theme of Adventure and gradually morphed into the characters in Stevenson’s story. We were magically transported back to
the 18th century by a stunning stage set representing a four-masted schooner in full sail. ‘Jim’ was played by a girl, as was ‘Ben Gunn’ who became ‘Benita’. The actors sang and played eighteen instruments, the songs integrating seamlessly into the plot.
The performance was joyful, full of laughter, song and wit. There was a comical scene between Benita and the ‘Singing Coconuts’ and an eruption of laughter greeted the antics of a life-size parrot puppet. A fast moving sword fight added dramatic tension. It was a real family musical, quite brilliantly written, performed and produced and streets ahead of most modern pantos. The many young school children in the audience enjoyed it all immensely. We enjoyed it too and came out of the theatre, accompanied by still-singing children, in a fine salty, seafaring mood!
Before the play, some of us joined a
free tour of the building. We talked with technicians, walked around the set on stage and backstage and into the actors’ bar, then went up into the roof with its original timbers where we tried out the thunder, wind and rain machines. Highly recommended and good fun!
NB Members’ AGM on Friday, the 30th of January at St. Mary’s School Tetbury, 7.00 pm (prompt). The outside door will be locked when meeting begins.
Coming up
Midsomer Murders’ Wednesday 11th March
The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Operation Mincemeat’ Wednesday 1st April New Theatre, Oxford
The Constant Wife’ Wednesday 6th May Malvern Theatres
Fawlty Towers’ Thursday 25th June Millennium Theatre, Cardiff
All performances start at 2.30 pm
Please note: If you wish to join Tetbury Theatre Group, there will be a gap between applying and buying a ticket, unless we have a space on the coach. To join, please contact Diana Challis (Membership Secretary) 01666 502768 or Helen Price (Chairperson) 01666 503187, email: retreatcottage17@btinternet.com.
Website: www.tetburytheatre group.co.uk
We look forward to welcoming you!
Linda Goodhew, Tetbury Theatre Group
Christmas is now over but we had a really busy time in the run up to it.
Each year we have prepared and served a full Christmas lunch to the residents of the Beeches mobile home park. This year was extra special as unknown to them and the WI team we had a visit from Santa Claus secretly planned by our President, Jo.
At our own Christmas party we presented a cheque for £200 to a representative from Longfield Hospice and also welcomed a volunteer from the National Trust Newark Park who encouraged us to make knitted crocheted and fabric snowdrops for a display in the house during snowdrop season. We rose to the challenge enthusiastically and at the last count we
have produced fifty snowdrops.
We are shortly visiting WWT Slimbridge to have a guided tour and visit to Peter Scott’s house which is on the site. Wrapping up warmly will be the order of the day!
Our Avening WI book club is very popular and the members are having their own Christmas lunch soon.
Our next walk planned is a circular walk around Frampton on Severn and the canal. We will meet for lunch at the Bell on Frampton Green. Another day for wrapping up well.
We have not had much luck with our skittles efforts and were knocked out in the first round of the County competition. In an effort to get in some practice and to have a fun sociable evening we are having a friendly match with Nailsworth WI at the end of January at the Avening Social Club.
Our theatre group has tickets for the next play at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester. This is based on the TV sitcom Men Behaving Badly. We certainly enjoyed their last production of A Christmas Carol and so we are looking forward to this one.
Our speaker at our January meeting was one of our members, Mandy together with her husband Tony, who had been on an epic journey through Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. They had some very interesting stories to tell and had amazing photos which they projected onto the huge screen in the Village Hall. Our next speaker will be Andy Cole from Vinotopia talking about the World of Wines.
Gwyneth Simpson Avening WI
BERTIE B’S HOME & LIFESTYLE
One of the advantages of being a Probus member is…
…the opportunity to listen to talks on a wide range of subjects which are thought provoking and fascinating as well as extending the knowledge and experience of the listener.
In November and December members had the opportunity to learn about a broad spectrum of talks including one member’s frank and personal experience of a major ‘heart attack.’ This talk also had the benefit of giving sound advice to us all on the steps to be taken not only to help prevent such a lifethreatening condition but also what to do if such an emergency episode is witnessed.
A personal description of a ‘Round the World Trip in 23 days’ was given by a retired Aviation Medicine doctor who accompanied two hundred passengers in an Airbus 320 from Manchester to Cairo via America, Hawaii, Australia, Borneo, China, India, Dubai, Cape Town, and Cairo. Whilst enjoying this ‘busman’s holiday’ the doctor was nevertheless kept busy dealing with many minor illnesses and medical queries as well as one unfortunate passenger who suffered a major ‘heart attack’ requiring heart surgery in Dubai. Another passenger declared a ‘fear of flying’ on ‘day one’ of the trip but was fortunately ‘cured’ by the end of the holiday after a trip of thirty seven thousand miles! Two passengers left the trip
early as they were homesick for their cat!!
A fascinating description of the first crossing of the Atlantic from East to West in an Airship (the R 34) was the subject of the first talk in December. Built in 1918, this airship based on the German First World War Zeppelins, was constructed as an experiment to test the feasibility of using such devices to assist the British Forces in the First World War. After a hazardous, stressful, and cold journey battling the head-winds, the R34 eventually reached the East Coast of the USA without any major incident. The return journey was much more straightforward but the eventual outcome was a decision not to proceed with the use of airships in the war. The last talk in December was given by a
retired female RAF Air Traffic Controller who described her selection, training, and career as one of the only female controllers in what was largely a man’s world where female prejudice and male dominated banter was prevalent. With the strength of her personality and remarkable courage she overcame these difficulties and it was not long before her male colleagues realised that she was not to be intimidated and she won their respect and friendship. Though her job was stressful she emphasised how the excellent RAF training enabled her to cope and enjoy the demands of being an Air Traffic Controller during a long and rewarding career.
After celebrations of Tetbury Probus 50th Anniversary in February 2026, future talks will include ‘A Panama Wildlife Adventure’ and the ‘Life of Sir Bernard Lovell’ of Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope fame.
New members are always welcome and will find information about Tetbury Probus at our website.
Martin Hudson
www.tetburyprobusclub.uk
The Trustees are currently working behind the scenes…
…to improve how we communicate with users and manage bookings. We are updating our contact emails and reviewing our booking system to address some of the limitations of the current setup. Our aim is to introduce a system that reduces the need for repeated queries by automating payments and access arrangements where possible. We’ll share more details as this work progresses, so please watch this space.
The Recreation Ground continues to be a popular space for dog walkers, particularly during the winter months, and we’re pleased it’s so well used. We are grateful
to the many responsible dog owners who always clean up after their dogs - and, in some cases, after others too - thank you.
However, we do continue to experience issues with dog fouling, including on the sports pitches, which causes real problems for those using the facilities. We kindly ask all dog walkers to clean up after their dogs and to keep dogs on leads at all times while in the Rec. This is especially important when dark, when it can be difficult to see where dogs may have fouled. Your cooperation helps keep the space safe and enjoyable for everyone.
We are also focusing our attention on improving the car parking areas. We would like to remind everyone that, aside from the contracted paid spaces, the car parks at Dolphins Hall and Hampton Street are
Dolphins Hall and Recreation Centre
for the use of people attending activities in our buildings or on the Rec only. Please respect this, as misuse of the car parks may lead us to consider further measures. We are currently exploring the possibility of introducing pay-and-display parking for those who continue to use the spaces without using our facilities.
We are also concerned about vehicles parking alongside the wall of the Hall. This area is not part of the car park and poses a safety risk. Recently, an elderly user was nearly knocked over as a result of poor parking. We ask all drivers to park considerately and only in designated spaces.
We will shortly be announcing the date of our Annual General Meeting. We would warmly encourage anyone who is interested in becoming more involved to consider standing as a Trustee. We currently have two resident Trustee vacancies, and user groups are also welcome to nominate a representative. A strong and active committee is essential to the future of the Trust, particularly as we face some important decisions in the months ahead.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update, and for your continued support of the Dolphins Recreation Centre.
On behalf of the Trustees of the Dolphins Recreation Centre Team
Seasonal Affective Disorder
The beginning of the year, after all the festivities have finished can be the hardest part for some people
It’s completely natural to feel a little concerned about your mental health and wellbeing. You may have heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that tends to worsen during the autumn and winter months. Not everyone experiences SAD, but understanding what it is – and knowing how to look after yourself – can make the colder months feel more manageable.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that usually follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly beginning in autumn or winter. It’s thought that reduced daylight during these months can affect how we feel, as our bodies and brains respond to changes in light. Darker days may disrupt our internal body clock and influence hormones that regulate mood and sleep, such as serotonin and melatonin. You might also hear SAD referred to as seasonal depression or the “winter blues”.
What are the symptoms of SAD?
SAD can affect people in different ways, but common symptoms may include:
• difficulty waking up and sleeping more than usual
• feeling tired, heavy, or lacking energy
• changes in appetite, often craving carbohydrates
• weight gain
• withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities
• feeling low, anxious, or irritable
• trouble concentrating or making decisions
• moving or thinking more slowly
• feelings of hopelessness, or in some cases, suicidal thoughts
For many people, symptoms ease during the spring and summer months as daylight increases.
How can SAD be treated?
Researchers are still learning more about SAD, but there are treatments that many people find helpful. Light therapy, which uses a special lightbox to mimic natural daylight, can reduce symptoms for some individuals. If you’re considering this, it’s important to speak to your GP first for advice. Other treatments for SAD are
similar to those used for other forms of depression, including talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and, in some cases, antidepressant medication.
What can help with SAD?
There are also gentle, practical steps you can try yourself. Even if you don’t have SAD, these ideas can support your wellbeing through the winter months.
1. Spend time outside during daylight Try to make the most of daylight hours, even when it’s cloudy or cold. A short walk in the morning or at lunchtime can help your body get the light it needs. Wrap up warm and take things at your own pace.
2. Brighten your surroundings
If you’re indoors during the day, let in as much natural light as possible by opening curtains or blinds and sitting near a window. Adding indoor plants can also help bring a sense of the outdoors inside and lift your mood.
3. Nourish your body
Eating regular, balanced meals and staying hydrated can support your brain and energy levels. Try to eat little and often, and be kind to yourself around food choices. Limiting alcohol may also help, as it can sometimes worsen low mood.
4. Move your body – gently, if you need to Physical activity can help boost mood and improve sleep. If you can, try exercising outdoors, but remember it doesn’t have to be strenuous. A walk, gentle cycle, or light jog can all make a difference.
5. Keep a diary
Writing down how you’re feeling – whether in a notebook or an app – can help you spot patterns over time. This can make it easier to understand what supports you and what you may want to avoid during difficult periods.
6. Plan ahead with kindness
If you know certain days or weeks are harder, planning ahead can help reduce pressure. This might mean preparing meals in advance, rearranging commitments, or scheduling restful activities that give you something to look forward to.
Where to get help
If you think you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder, it’s important to reach out to your GP. They can listen to your concerns and help you explore the right support or treatment for you.
If your mood feels very low you don’t have to face this alone. You can contact the Samaritans helpline on 116 123 (UK and ROI) for immediate, confidential support at any time.
The Tetbury Advertiser Team
Whilst Christmas seems a long way away now,
I would like to firstly wish you all a very Happy New Year and I hope that 2026 brings us all peace, health, happiness and prosperity for our local businesses. I would also like to thank once again the Feoffees and Thirteen and Tetbury Plumbing and Heating team who put up and took down the beautiful Christmas lights which adorned the Market House and the trees kindly donated by the Lowsley-Williams family.
Over the years the Tetbury Trail and Preston Park have developed and become a wonderful community green space for all our residents – human and animal. Could I please take this opportunity to ask you to respect this area, take home any rubbish you may have and pick up any dog mess and place it in the appropriate bins - not in the hedgerow or trees, where bags are a danger to the wildlife. And if we are lucky enough to have snow, please remember
that you sledge the tempting hills at your own risk.
The weekly event along the Tetbury Trail and through Preston Park is the popular Saturday morning Tetbury Goods Shed Parkrun. Every Saturday morning runners, walkers and volunteer marshalls meet for the 9.00 am start – I noticed reports that three hundred and fifty eight people took part on Christmas Day and two hundred and nineteen people on New Years Day. You don’t need to be a runner; you can also walk the 5km route or become a volunteer marshall, please check them out if you are interested.
Finally, I am delighted to confirm that we gave the following grants this month:
• £300 to a local university student
• £6,500 to Tetbury Area Youth and Community Trust for holiday provision for the young people of Tetbury
If you think we may be able to help you or if you are a member of a group who could be helped with a grant, please visit our website - www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk – where you can also find out more about the work we do in our town.
Finally, if you would like to volunteer to help us, please get in touch or speak to one of our members.
Lance Vick, Chairman
Our next monthly talk on ‘The History of RAF Stoke Orchard’,
will take place on Tuesday the 10th of February at the Tetbury Goods Shed, from 10.00 am – 12 pm and will be provided by Richard Chatham. Richard will take us through the development of the World War II RAF Stoke Orchard base, from planning to the present day, introduce us to some of the amazing characters that trained there and share original photos from the Luftwaffe to secret documents now derestricted from the War Department.
We hold our monthly meetings at Tetbury Goods Shed on alternate Mondays and Tuesdays. The talks at our meetings are on a wide range of interesting topics, and are given by experts in their fields. We serve tea and coffee so that you can mingle before and after the talk with other members in an informal manner. Do come along and meet us there. The programme of talks for 2026 is available on our website tetbury.u3asite.uk
of activities and interests, provided by our members, for our members.
Our u3a can give you the chance to share and develop your interests, make new friends and enjoy yourself. Membership is open to all who are retired or semi-retired, and there is no age limit. We have over four hundred and twenty members, and more than thirty groups covering a wide range
If you would be interested in joining the u3a, take a look at our website tetbury. u3asite.uk to find out what we can offer, and details of how to join, or come to one of our monthly talks.
Tetbury and District u3a Team
Letters to the Editor…
My wife and I would like to thank both the Tetbury Lions Club and the Dolphins Dramatics Society for an excellent evenings entertainment on Wednesday the 26th of November. The show, Red Riding Hood was excellent with much audience participation. The cast worked hard as did all the backroom staff, a rainy evening enhanced for all Lion guests.
Of special note was Florence Farquharson, who when the music failed sang a very riskay song walking from the stage into the audience which caused massive applause. All the cast were exceptional.
David and Margaret Barson
Dear Editor,
Please will you pass my thanks on to the population of Tetbury and District for their continuing support of The Poppy Appeal, particularly in this financial climate. Many thanks must also go to the band of volunteers who go out for the ‘House to House’ collection and those collected at Tesco, the Co-op and the Post Office for the ‘Street Collection’. I would also like to thank all the businesses in and around the town who agreed to have a Poppy collecting box in their premises, plus the local schools who once again have made a magnificent contribution towards our total and also Tesco for allowing us to stand inside their shop and collect, plus the counting of their own boxes. Thank you also to the staff who supported us during our eight days collection in store.
So far, Tetbury and District’s collection stands at over £16,500 with Gift Aid still to be added, some contactless machine contributions, and QR code scans to be processed.
Regards
Jane Haines
Honorary Poppy
Appeal Organiser
U3a members enjoying a Christmas lunch in December
Fire Safety at Home: Simple Steps That Can Save Lives
Did you know that people are around eight times more likely to die in a house fire if they do not have a working smoke alarm? Many fires begin during everyday activities such as cooking, using candles or heaters, smoking, or through faulty electrical equipment. While these risks may sound worrying, the reassuring news is that most home fires can be prevented with a few simple precautions.
The most effective way to protect your home and the people in it is by having working smoke alarms. Every home should have at least one smoke alarm on each level, and they should be tested regularly to make sure they are working properly. Smoke alarms are inexpensive, easy to install, and widely available in DIY shops,
electrical stores, and supermarkets. Tenyear sealed battery alarms are a particularly good option, as they last longer and do not require regular battery changes. When choosing an alarm, look for recognised safety markings such as the British Standard Kitemark or LPCB symbol. If you are unsure which alarm is best for your home, your local fire and rescue service can offer friendly advice and, in some cases, help with installation.
Where alarms are fitted is also important they work best when placed on the ceiling, ideally in hallways and landings, where the sound can be heard throughout the home. Alarms should not be installed in or near kitchens and bathrooms, as steam or cooking fumes can cause them to sound unnecessarily. Looking after smoke alarms is just as important as fitting them. Testing them monthly, vacuuming them every six months to remove dust, and replacing batteries or alarms when needed will help ensure they are ready if ever required.
Many house fires start in the kitchen, so taking care while cooking can significantly reduce the risk. It’s important not to leave cooking unattended and to avoid cooking if you are tired or have been drinking alcohol. Saucepan handles should be turned inwards so they cannot be knocked, and tea towels and cloths should be kept well away from
Fire Safety at Home
the cooker. Always double-check that the hob and oven are switched off when you’ve finished cooking. If a pan does catch fire, it is safest to turn off the heat if you can do so safely and leave the room. Never throw water onto a burning pan.
Electrical safety also plays a key role in fire prevention. Overloading sockets, using damaged cables, or leaving appliances plugged in unnecessarily can all increase the risk of fire. Using the correct fuse, buying appliances with recognised safety markings, and keeping appliances clean and in good working order can help keep your home safe. Unplugging appliances when they are not in use, especially overnight, further reduces risk.
Candles and cigarettes are another common cause of fires in the home. Candles should always be placed in secure holders and kept well away from curtains or other flammable materials. They should be extinguished when leaving the room and fully put out before going to bed. Smoking in bed is particularly dangerous and should always be avoided. Cigarettes should be stubbed out properly using a suitable ashtray, and never left unattended.
Portable heaters, electric blankets, and furniture also require care. Heaters should be kept clear of furniture and never used for drying clothes. Electric blankets should be stored carefully and unplugged before sleeping unless they are designed for allnight use. Furniture should always carry a fire-resistant label.
Alongside prevention, it’s important to plan what you would do if a fire did break out. Having a clear escape plan and making sure everyone in the household knows how to get out quickly can save precious time. Keep exits clear, make sure keys are easy to find, and practise your escape plan occasionally. If a fire does occur, the priority is to get out as quickly as possible, stay out, and call 999 once you are safe. Do not try to tackle the fire yourself or go back inside for belongings.
Fires are particularly dangerous at night, so taking a few moments to check your home before bed is a sensible habit. Turning off and unplugging appliances, checking the cooker is off, extinguishing candles and cigarettes properly, and closing internal doors can all help reduce the risk.
Fire safety doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, everyday actions can make a big difference. By taking a little time to prepare and stay aware, you can help keep your home, your family, and your community safe.
