







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 April 2024
Issue is Thursday 14th March 2024
Delivery - 30th/31st March 2024
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
2nd Mar Badminton House
Royal Iced Biscuits with Grace and Clover.
6th Mar Tetbury Lions Club Monthly meeting, 7.30 pm at the Priory Inn. ALL WELCOME
7th Mar History of Tetbury Society 40th Anniversary meeting along with their AGM. See article for details.
9th Mar Badminton House
Mother’s Day: Arm Knitting with cream tea and prosecco with The Chunky Needle.
9th Mar Tetbury Lions’ March Hare Quiz
7.00 pm at the Great Tythe Barn. See advert on page 5 for details.
11th Mar Tetbury WI
Monthly talk from Sally Gillespie of Gloucestershire Young Carers. 7.30 pm at The Goods Shed. See article for details.
13th Mar Tetbury Film Society
‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ (Cert. 12A). See article for details.
18th Mar Tetbury and District u3a host a monthly talk by Chris O’ Grady. 10.30 am at The Goods Shed. See article for details.
23rd Mar Tetbury Film Society
‘Olga’ (Cert. 15). See article for details.
24th Mar Badminton House
PLEASE QUOTE YOUR INVOICE NUMBER IN PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS
Prices shown do not include VAT charged at 20%.
Produced by The Tetbury Advertiser Limited (VAT number 338322801), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tetbury Lions Trust; Charity number 1152090. www.tetburyadvertiser.co.uk
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
Introduction to Bread Making with The Loaf Shack
Friends of Tetbury Community Transport
0330324
March trips: To book 0345 680 5029
donationVoluntary only
Sat 9th HIGHFIELD GARDEN CENTRE 10:30 am - 3:00 pm
Sat 16th WITNEY 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sat 23rd GLOUCESTER 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
DOLPHINS HALL COMMUNITY CENTRE Bookings can be made at www.dolphinshall.org or email: contact@dolphinshall.org
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.
TETBURY SHOPMOBILITY BOOKINGS
Monday-Friday 9.00-3.00 Tetbury Town Council Offices 01666 504670. Saturday 10.00-4.00
Tetbury Tourist Information Centre.
Tel: 01666 503552
The Friends of Tetbury Community Transport Roger Bellairs, 07759 142577
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
33 Church Street.
tourism@tetbury.gov.uk Tel: 01666 503552
As part of my research for a new novel, I finally get round to revisiting the Corinium Museum in Cirencester. I’ve been meaning to do this since it had a major refit twenty years ago. Still, better late than never, and I’m glad my current project has given me the nudge I needed. Cheerful staff give us a warm welcome and invite us to travel back in time to experience the history of the Cotswolds since the earliest days of human settlement.
For the purposes of my novel, I’m particularly keen to see the museum’s extensive display of Roman mosaics, formed from tiny handcut tesserae (tiles) of stone and clay and set into intricate patterns by highly skilled craftsmen. Retaining the natural colours of these raw materials, the mosaics are still as bright as they must have been two millennia ago, and as pleasing to modern eyes as to those of the Ancient Romans. Most of the mosaics are either wallmounted or roped off to prevent visitors
traipsing across them, but there’s one small mosaic square that visitors are encouraged to walk on.
“Just think,” says an eager museum volunteer as we stroll across the Meander Maze, “you’re treading exactly where Roman feet once trod.”
Her enthusiasm is infectious. In fact, we’re
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so buoyed up by our close encounter with Cirencester’s ancient forerunner, the city of Corinium Dobunnorum, that on our way home we follow the brown sign off the ring road to the Roman amphitheatre – another local sight I’ve never seen before. Driving past the sign, I’ve always thought, ‘I really must go there some day”. Approaching the historic monument via a pleasant waterside trail, I’m glad I’ve followed through at last.
The amphitheatre, unlike the mosaics, is unprotected from the elements. Although the stonework is no longer in evidence, the giant grassy bowl, slick with mud in the half-term drizzle, is remarkably atmospheric, especially when the younger members of our party decide to play gladiators in the arena. I return home wishing I hadn’t left it so long before visiting either attraction. On the other hand, a couple of decades is the blink of an eye compared to the time it took for Corinium Dobunnorum to evolve into modern-day Cirencester. And the revamped Corinium Museum still looks and feels as fresh and vibrant as it must have done twenty years ago. I just wish the same could be said for me.
Debbie Young
www.authordebbieyoung.com
Debbie Young will be chairing the next Hawkesbury Upton Literature Festival on the theme of “A Sense of Place” on Saturday the 27th of April, where speakers will include Tetbury’s Sophie Ashe, author of Ride Like a Gaucho. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.hulitfest.com.
This month we made our regular donation of £200 to the Foodbank…
…as well as making other donations to a budding gymnast at Tetbury Gymnastics and TAYCT (Tetbury Area Youth and Community Trust).
Early in January we assisted Longfield Hospice by collecting used trees for their Christmas Tree appeal. Longfield gathered more than three thousand five hundred trees and raised over £68,000.
Request for funding from the Lions comes
in from many sources and we are keen to receive requests. It is worth remembering that we need to follow a process, in order to satisfy our charitable status, so it is best if requests can be made early in any given calendar month, please contact tetbury@tetburylions.com
Lions’ Big Quiz at the Great Tythe Barn before Christmas was such a success, both as an enjoyable community event and as a fundraiser, that we are running another at
the Great Tythe Barn on the 9th of March at 7.00 pm. This will be called the “March Hare” Quiz: £10pp to include tasty pizza. There will also be a quick raffle held on the night. It is profits from these events which go towards the donations mentioned, so please book your team in now by calling Maggie Heaven on 07747608990.
Lions’ 200 Club is another fundraising activity. This month’s winners were A Walsh, M J Holloway, E Massey and R Levin. Congratulations to them.
This month we badged up our newest Lion Jodi Pastorino, see picture. Welcome Jodi. Our monthly meetings are at 7.30 pm on the first Wednesday of the month at the Priory. Come along and see what goes on. Your ideas and energy could help support and benefit the people and organisations of Tetbury whilst at the same time you will have some enjoyable social times.
We have small teams who look into the applications for grants, who plan the fundraising and social events and of course the fabulous Tetbury Advertiser – roles for whatever your experience and talent.
Derek Harvey, Lions PresidentI don’t know about you, but I am still trying to beat the bulge from overindulging at Christmas, which brings me on nicely to talk about these two exciting technologies which are taking our industry by storm and were all the rage at the last aesthetics show I attended.
One of the reasons I love being in the beauty and aesthetics industry is, we never rest on our laurels, the technologies are always advancing, the products just keep getting better and the education is second to none.
There are two technologies, Cryolipolysis and Cavitation, that are definitely making waves and turning heads this winter.
Cryolipolysis, also known as “Fat Freezing” and Cavitation ‘the fat melter’, are both talked about lots in our industry.
But what sets them apart?
Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis involves the targeted freezing of fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated from the body over time.
It is ideal for targeting those stubborn pockets of fat in areas like the lower tummy, flanks, hips, thighs, upper arms, or back fat – the kind that seems impossible to eliminate, no matter what you try!
A specialised device is applied to the targeted area, using a vacuum to ensure the area of concern is reached. It then gently cools the fat cells to a point where they undergo apoptosis (cell death). This all happens without affecting any of the other surrounding tissues, before the body, then naturally flushes out these damaged cells.
It is classed as a one-off treatment; however, I personally think for best results you should have three treatments, eight weeks apart.
Results are clinically proven to give a 2040% reduction of fat cells in the treated area. The body then processes them through the lymphatic system over the coming weeks, so it is perfect for someone who may be worried about a specific area but doesn’t want to go under the knife.
Cavitation
Cavitation on the other hand, delivers focused ultrasound waves to the fat layer. The vibration created by these waves builds up pressure in the fat cells. This pressure keeps increasing and increasing
until the fat cell can’t handle it anymore. This causes the fat cell wall to break down, and its contents to be expelled through the urinary system
It is a soothing procedure where the therapist uses a special handpiece to direct the ultrasound waves to targeted areas, dedicating five minutes to each small region and progressing over the area of concern for a total of forty minutes.
You will feel a gentle warming sensation and subtle vibrations are felt in the fat layer. There is also a slight ringing in the ears caused by the ultrasound waves passing through the tissues - this is completely safe, normal and stops as soon as the cavitation head is removed.
Just like cryolipolysis this is an incredibly relaxing and effective treatment.
Michelle Stead Beauty TherapistThe 20’s Plenty Tetbury group are proposing a 20mph zone for Tetbury town.
Slower vehicle speeds will make our streets safer, pleasant, clean and quiet.
Working with the town council, we’d like to make an application to the county highways authority. We need input from as many Tetbury residents, workers and regular visitors as possible, to make sure the zone area is right for the people set to benefit from it and to demonstrate to
the highways authority that that it is well supported by our community. Please visit our website to view our proposed zone, to complete a (very) short survey and to feedback on the design of the zone. This can be done any time in March. If you would prefer to complete a paper survey, these are available throughout March at the Goods Shed (Wed - Sun 10.00 am - 4.00
All manner of clothing alterations undertaken to the highest standard
Michelle Motti
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contact@michellemotti.co.uk
pm) and town council offices (Mon - Fri 9.30 am -2.30 pm ). You can also come and speak to us and view the map at our stand in the Goods Shed on Sun the 10th and 24th of March 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm.
Following the consultation period, we will use your feedback to finalise the zone area and use the survey results to support our application.
Please help us by asking friends, family and colleagues to complete the survey. If you feel you can help us in other ways, get in touch on tetbury@20splentyforus.org.uk
20’s Plenty Tetbury
https://tetbury20plenty.commonplace.is
What a busy start we’ve had to 2024…. here are some of the highlights….
Victoria Wright from Melcourt spoke at our first meeting of the year, about the new generation of composts being produced to accommodate the proposed legislation to ban the use of peat in compost. Melcourt is the UK’s leading supplier of mulches and growing media which are sustainable, environmentally acceptable, recyclable and have a low carbon footprint.
Victoria is a very enthusiastic member of the company’s in-house research and development team and we learnt lots about peat free gardening during her very interesting and informative talk.
On the 30th of January twenty two members of Avening WI visited the Javelin Park Incinerator.
Plans for the visit began in 2022 and we were warmly welcomed for a pretour talk by our guide, Mel. She gave us a very detailed introduction to the history, development and running of the facility. The site processes black bin waste from the whole of Gloucestershire, one
hundred and ninety thousand tons per year! The collected waste is burned at more than eight hundred and fifty degrees and then all the residue is sorted. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals are removed and recycled, the ash is riddled and the different aggregates are used for a variety of purposes. Turbines produce electricity for heating twenty five thousand homes and every process is carefully monitored by the Environment Agency. It was a fascinating and very educational visit, which we thoroughly enjoyed, followed by a lovely lunch at La Campagna in Stonehouse afterwards.
To try and improve our performance in the County Skittles Competition, we had a very
enjoyable practice evening at the Social Club in Avening on the 31st of January. It was lots of fun but more practice is definitely needed and another evening has been planned for March!
The topic for our February meeting was ‘In the steps of Scott and Shackleton’, presented by Sue Davies. She described how her long held interest in the adventures of the Antarctic explorers had led her to undertake a thirty day trip to visit the area where they worked and lived. She showed a film taken by the guide for the journey, which was incredible. She spoke from the heart about her experience which made for a very inspirational evening for us all.
Soo Rolfe, Avening WIWe
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People are often surprised when I explain the breadth of services that this Council provides for the town. Examples include:
We support the Tetbury Area Youth Community Trust, contributing to the provision of youth services and holiday provision.
We initiated and support the Community Fridge, which has proven very popular and is successfully reducing food waste. Regular contributors include Hobbs House Bakery, the Co-op and Bennetts Farm Shop. Thank you to them and our amazing volunteers who collect the donations. We encourage continued support whether through donations, volunteering or simply ‘spreading the word’.
We supported the Wellbeing Day on the Recreation Ground on the 30th of July 2023 and are investigating the feasibility of a Volunteer Day to help match people to local organisations who would welcome the support.
We work with the District Council to champion projects which can benefit from S106 funding, that is funding for projects that can be demonstrated to be required because of the new development or need in the locality of the development. In recent years this has included £508,022 towards the Dolphins Hall rebuild.
We secured a grant of £40,000 from Gloucestershire County Council to assist with funding the Well-being Coordinator role, which included setting up the Friendship Café.
We have funded the purchase of the rail lands and contributed £361,665 to the refurbishment of the Goods Shed.
We provide twenty seven allotments at Picket Harp off Cornwall Close and eighteen at the Highfield Farm development. For details go to our website at tetbury.gov.uk.
We maintain the burial ground, the closed churchyards at Saint Saviours and St Mary’s, “the Tetbury Trail”, the rail-lands and the verges. We provide additional litter picking in the town centre and are poised to enact our winter snow clearance plan, keeping footpaths to essential services, such as the doctors surgery, hospital, schools and supermarkets, clear.
We support Tetbury in Bloom who also keep the town looking beautiful.
We maintain eight public defibrillators around the town. I am reliably informed that this is more per household than Birmingham! For a map of locations go to our website www.tetbury.gov.uk and look under ‘services’.
We fund the honorarium for the Town Crier, Tony, whose presence adds a sense of ceremony to every occasion.
I am a member of the newly created scheme to improve information flows and communication between the Police, the Commissioner’s Office and Councillors throughout Gloucestershire. It’s early days but I think it is already helping to bring about a better understanding of the issues faced by residents and businesses.
Tetbury Town Council is also supportive of the Tetbury ‘20 is plenty’ campaign to encourage people to drive no faster than 20mph in towns and residential areas. The group is holding the public consultation on the 20mph zone from the 1st to the 31st March. Look out for the details and have your say.
People have expressed surprise that 55% of our budget is for staff costs. Why? It is our people (the office staff, the grounds maintenance team, the wellbeing coordinator, the Visitor Information staff and the museum curator) that do most work of this Council. They are the people who serve you on a daily basis.
Councillor Liz Farnham
Mayor of Tetbury and Chair of Tetbury Town Council liz.farnham@tetbury.gov.uk
A paid-for feature
This time next year, the current Tetbury in Bloom organisation will be celebrating its 20th anniversary!!
Everyone involved with Tetbury in Bloom over the years has always worked extremely hard to achieve the aim of making Tetbury look attractive and well cared for. In the early years between 2005 and 2011, we competed in the regional and national Britain in Bloom competitions and were very successful in achieving six gold awards
£37
For your choice of easycare, self -deadheading, drought resistant trailing begonias in red, pink and apricot shades OR trailing geraniums in a mixture of vibrant
and were judged the Overall Winner in the 2010 regional campaign. In 2013 the large roundabout on London Road received national acclaim by being featured in a two-page spread in the gardening section of the Saturday Telegraph and our planting style, using shrubs, was featured in the BBC’s television series: ‘The Great British Garden Revival.
Although we no longer choose to compete, we are still committed to working each Tuesday and Thursday morning, all year round, to keep the beds and floral displays that we are responsible for, looking their best. Our busiest time of year is the month of June when we work both mornings and evenings to prepare and plant up the beds and floral displays for summer. Also in June, we supply our hanging baskets. This is our main fund-raising initiative, with all profits going directly towards the work we do. If you would like to support us by purchasing one or more of them, please see our adjacent advert and let me know 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 in a mixture of vibrant colours. For those living
in Tetbury, they will be delivered to your door by arrangement during the first two weeks in June. To place an order, simply contact me as soon as possible by emailing: sue@tetburyinbloom.org.uk or ring me on 504213. They are already selling fast - so don’t delay!
To learn more about all the work that we do around the town, please visit www. tetburyinbloom.org.uk
My sons gave us a puppy for Christmas we have named Rufus,
who has taken a fetish to devouring papers. He has a first-rate criminal mind and as he grows his reach increases. This has brought about a change in my working practices because original deeds and wills feature heavily in my daily work. He has been seen with a copy will in his mouth, which was harmless enough, but vigilance is the key.
In the meantime, fresh challenges emerge. One client called to say she has swapped a third of an acre of land for a houseboat. The houseboat was apparently worth £150,000 and it was supposed to be equality of exchange. The seller of the houseboat had already registered it in her name. One firm of solicitors had refused to act because no cash was changing hands and said it could not be done. My view was that we had to find another solicitor prepared to act for the other party and obtain proper valuations of the assets concerned as stamp duty and capital gains tax issues arise. The tax officials hate any transaction that has the scent of artificiality. It makes life interesting but cannot be considered as a simple transaction which one would do for a low fee.
Brides in Thailand frequently feature in my work. The marriage is over, but the client calls in to say he has not seen his wife for several years and does not have a clue where she is. English law courts are pretty strict on the issue of service of divorce papers. If you want to dispense with service of papers you have to try every method. Judges are sometimes happy if something is posted in a local paper that will come to the attention of the other party. We were able to make progress with the last Thai bride by putting a message on Facebook and got the divorce through that way.
Another old favourite is the challenging of a will. There are a multitude of weapons that can be utilised by the challenger and many defences. As a practitioner one has to assess whether or not the challenger is serious or not. There are solicitors who advertise on a basis of “No win/no fee” who can make a nuisance of themselves. We have had trouble enough with delays at the courts as it is, but a disgruntled person can lodge with the court a caveat which puts a stop on proceedings until it is warned off by
the other party. This can lead to a hearing which all creates extra expense. Caveats run out after six months but if you are trying to sell a house this can be a nightmare. In such situations a solicitor can be called upon to make a Larke v Nugus statement which involves the solicitor who made the will making a detailed statement giving a history of will making. It won’t be a question of brotherly love but unwanted expense.
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Our annual general meeting was held this year on the 26th of January, 7.00 pm at St Mary’s School.
Committee Officers: Helen Price, Chairperson: Diana Challis, Membership Secretary: Linda Stokes, Treasurer. Helen Price steered a brisk and never-boring course through a short meeting. She reviewed all the performances we had enjoyed over the past year, ranging from ‘42nd Street’ at The Hippodrome Bristol, ‘The Beekeeper of Aleppo’, ‘Farm Hall’ at Bath, ‘Anna Karenina’ at the Bristol Old Vic,
‘The Mouse Trap’ at Malvern and many more. Helen concluded by explaining that the annual membership fee was raised to £10 to cover the extra cost of third party insurance. Diana Challis presented the financial report, approved by the independent examiner. At the end of business, refreshments were enjoyed by all present creating a relaxed and sociable end to the proceedings.
Professional bespoke picture framing advice in the comfort of your home.
I have 35 years’ experience of working with individuals and interior designers. I frame watercolours, oil paintings, embroidery, jigsaws, mirrors, rugby shirts, three dimensional items - in fact almost anything you can imagine.
To save you the trouble of loading the car, parking and carrying items, I visit people’s homes for a free 30 minute consultation within a five mile radius of Tetbury, bringing samples from which you can choose, then re-deliver the finished item.
I have a wide range of frame mouldings at all prices including bare wood which I finish by hand-painting or gilding to personalise your artwork to your own taste.
Do telephone 07764 302 683 for further information and advice
On Wednesday the 20th of March we travel to The New Theatre, Cardiff to see Agatha Christie’s ‘And Then There Were None’ This is a tense mystery thriller which follows ten strangers who find themselves stranded in a house on Soldier’s Island as one by one they meet a sticky end and it seems the only one left will be the killer. All-day trip. Invitations to members already sent out.
On Thursday the 18th of April at the Millennium Centre on the waterfront, Cardiff, ‘An Officer and a Gentleman - The Musical’. When Zack, a trainee US naval officer, meets Paula, his first true girlfriend during his training, he also comes into conflict with a tough Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant. Heightened emotions and sparks will fly! All-day trip. Invitations to members already sent out.
On Wednesday the 22nd of May Bristol Hippodrome to see ‘Hamilton’. The modern musical with rap music follows the remarkable life story of half-Scottish Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Booking for this event through Tetbury Theatre Group is now closed but you may be able to get tickets by contacting the theatre booking office direct. There are seats still available on the coach. Please contact Helen Price, details below*.
…and many more performances to come! As you can see, we get about quite a bit! The coaches are extremely comfortable with a lavatory for longer journeys. We are dropped off close to the theatre entrance and picked up there afterwards. Time for lunch and a spot of shopping or a pre-theatre supper. With no parking or traffic woes, these trips offer a lovely carefree day out.
If you would like to join the Tetbury Theatre Group, please contact Diana Challis (Membership Secretary) 01666 502768 or Helen Price (Chairperson) 01666 503187.
Girlguiding Tetbury recently came together to celebrate Thinking Day… …when we remember that we are part of a worldwide organisation and have friends all over the world! Over forty Rainbows, Brownies and Guides decorated biscuits, made swap pins, decorated candles and had a campfire.
Rainbows have been exploring music and have made instruments, learnt some new songs, performed a stick dance and tried tap dancing. They also had a whole evening when every activity was about laughing!
Guides have been working for the investigator interest badge and tried scientific experiments, been forensic detectives and journalists. Making pancakes one night was a great hit!
We are looking for one-off visitors to come and run activity sessions for us after Easter. Perhaps you could you teach us self-defence or run a dance session? Or do you have another skill that you would be willing to share?
The Rangers would love to have some new members so if you have a daughter who is nearly fourteen, please get in touch if they are interested in joining them on a Thursday evening. As always, we would love some more adult volunteers to help keep our units running. We are very flexible so if you would like to find out how you could help get in touch.
For the first time in many years Girlguiding are changing all our uniforms at the same time and we all have a chance to have our say. Hopefully as many members as possible will send their feedback.
Sue Doidge, TetburyDistrict Commissioner, tetbury@ girlguidingglos.org.uk
Malmesbury
Introducing this stunning modern detached house located in a soughtafter town, offering a delightful blend of contemporary design and comfortable living.
Detached family home
• Well-proportioned accommodation
• Convenient location for the town centre
• Open plan kitchen/dining room with access to the garden
• Dual aspect sitting room
• Off road parking
• Single detached garage
• Non estate location of three similar properties
• Mature wrap around garden £775,000
£700,000
Visit our Tetbury Office
3 Church Street, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8JG
4 bedrooms
Enjoy the sounds of the church bells, whilst a short stroll from the town centre, this is a property which deserves to be viewed.
£300,000
Property Sales & Valuations
01666 504418 tetbury@perrybishop.co.uk
2 bedroom
A very conveniently situated two-bedroom modern end terrace house. The property enjoys a small cul de sac setting within an easy level walking distance of Tesco, schools and the town centre.
Lettings and Management
01666 504418 (option 2) tetburylettings@perrybishop.co.uk
The Feoffees and the Thirteen
• Tree Surgery/reduction
• Tree felling/removal
• Stump grinding
• Planting
• Council applications completed
• Fully qualified and insured
Free quotations and advice
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Ben King
T: 01666 500216
M: 07976 262829
E: ben@kingstrees.co.uk
W: www.kingstrees.co.uk
Philip
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Spring has arrived with gardens bursting back into life and the daylight extending after the winter months.
This year we would like to encourage our residents, if they can, to shop locally and I wanted to highlight the variety of regular market stall holders who visit Tetbury and can be found underneath The Market House or upstairs – of course, these are subject to change and we do also have ad hoc markets and exhibitions throughout the year.
Tuesday
Basket wares
Wednesday
Fresh Fish
Fruit and Vegetables
Plants and Shrubs
Saturday
Fruit and Vegetables
Plants and Shrubs
Books
Gifts, Jewellery and Home Accessories
Artisan Crafts
Sheepskins, Slippers and Leather goods –additional weekdays too
Sunday
Teak Furniture – additional weekdays too Sheepskin and Leather goods – additional weekdays too
There are spaces available on Wednesday and occasionally on a Saturday – to book a stall please ring Jo at Scentiments on 01666 503195.
Finally, we have been pleased to support the following groups and individuals with financial assistance this month:
St Mary’s Monday Club
St Mary’s Church
Sir William Romney’s
A local student towards their studies
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, ChairmanIt is tradition that Tetbury Film Society screens two films in March.
On Wednesday the 13th of March we will be showing ‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ (Cert. 12A). This film stars Jim Broadbent as a pensioner who travels the length of the UK to visit a friend in a hospice. Along the way, he encounters a variety of people who show an interest in his hiking achievement. It is based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Rachel Joyce.
On Wednesday the 23rd of March we will be showing ‘Olga’ (15). Set in 2014, this film tells the moving story of a Ukrainian gymnast, sent to Switzerland to continue her training whilst back home her mother, friends and country fight for their freedom. In my opinion, the courage and determination of those involved, the wonderful gymnastic displays by real-life Ukrainian gymnast Anastasia Budiashkina, and the reminder of the recent history of this remarkable country make this a must see film.
Doors open at the Dolphins Hall at 7.00 pm; the film begins at 7.30 pm prompt. Visitors are always welcome and tickets can be purchased on the door.
The committee is busy planning the
programme for next season. A committee member attended the Independent Cinema Office screening in November and we also plan to attend their spring screening days in March (the programme for which is still being finalised). Between us we have watched very many hours of film in order to bring to Tetbury those which are interesting and typically, not be shown in mainstream cinemas.
To complete this season, we have added the drama ‘The Lesson’ (Cert. 15) as the final film of this season.
We will soon be advertising for members for our next season, which begins on the 18th of September 2024. Do make a note of the date in your diaries!
Liz Farnham
Chair Tetbury Film Society
Member of Cinema for All
Accounts prepared at very competitive rates. Rental accounts from £130. Small business accounts from £220. Call me to discuss your requirements. Available 9 am until 9 pm.
96 Cirencester Road, Tetbury, Glos GL8 8GJ
Telephone: 01666 505324 email: alanc.sanders1@gmail.com
0050720
CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNERS
www.cotswoldwealth.co.uk
The 5th April close brings with it a clear “use it or lose it” deadline on annual allowances.
Six planning tips to consider before tax year end:-
• Maximise your ISA
• Save for your grand children
• Top up your pension
• Take dividends
• Utilise your Capital Gains Tax allowance
• Make gifts
If you have not considered the above and want to make sure you have the right strategy, it’s often worth talking to a local chartered financial planner.
We offer a complete range of financial advice services; from retirement and investment planning to long term care planning in the Tetbury area. We have been awarded Chartered Financial Planner status, the financial industry’s ‘Gold Standard’ for best practice and code of conduct.
The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.
The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief is generally dependent on individual circumstances.
Book a meeting now to discuss your options - Please contact us to find out more.
Cotswold Wealth Chartered Financial Planners
01666 503751
13 Market Place, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8DA • www.cotswoldwealth.co.uk
• cotswold.wealth@sjpp.co.uk
L i k e m a n y p e o p l e , w e h a d b e e n thinking about getting solar panels for a while and we finally took the plunge in January.
It felt like the right time, not only because of the latest upgrades in both panel and hybrid inverter technology, but also the advent and refinement of the time-of-use and export tariffs from the electricity suppliers would allow us to maximise our revenue by grid trading.
C h o o s i n g a n i n s t a l l e r l o o k e d l i k e a minefield but thankfully we came across Rob from Green Team One. Whilst he was c l e a r l y ve r y k n o w l e d ge a b l e , w h at we really liked was his ability and patience to explain it all in a clear and understandable way. Together, we were able to design a system which best suited our needs, and w h i c h a l s o m a x i m i s e d o u r re t u r n o n investment. We didn't make it easy for him either, asking for a non-Chinese panel with traceable fair-trade origin (having read about the wo rking conditions of some manufacturing plants). We were absolutely delighted with the effort and diligence that Rob put into sourcing the right product for us and so pleased with the result.
We finally specified 6kWp of solar panels, a 5kW Generation 3 hybrid inverter and a 9 . 5 k W h b a t t e r y. T h e w h o l e i n s t a l l , including all the compliance paperwork, training and support came to less than £11,000.
S u r p r i s i n g l y, w e w e r e n ' t a s ke d fo r a deposit straight away. Green Team One h ave a ve r y t h o ro u g h i n s p e c t i o n a n d compliance programme before the order is taken. Liz, from the admin team, did all the necessary checks on the development
a n d p l a n n i n g f o r m a l i t i e s a n d a l s o submitted the application for permission to connect to the grid; whilst Tom, the technical engineer, did a comprehensive site survey which included a structural report and established the location of the inverter, battery and cables.
The installation team were tidy, polite and p r o m p t ; f r o m t h e s c a f f o l d e r s t o t h e roofers (Ryan and his brother Nigel) and the electrical team lead by Amy, who, as it t u r n e d o u t , i s a ve r y h i g h l y re ga rd e d electrician in this area.
The whole process took four weeks from first meeting Rob to the commissioning of the system, and it all went very smoothly i n d e e d w i t h exc e l l e n t c o m m u n i c a t i o n throughout.
T h e re a l wo n d e r a n d va l u e o f t h i s system became apparent when Green Team One began training us on the monitoring portal.
Yo u c a n g e t a n i n s t a n t a n d e a s y t o understand overview of what the system is doing or delve as deep as you like into the current and historic performance and activity of the system. The inverter even l e a r n s y o u r u s a g e h a b i t s a n d d o e s a weather forecast so that it knows how much power to store and reserve in the battery for future use.
We are both thrilled with the addition of t h i s s y s t e m , w h i c h g i v e s u s u l t i m a t e control over the power flow in our home and satisfaction in the knowledge that we are making a difference. But we are also excited as we take the next step and allow o u r s u p p l i e r, O c t o p u s , t o t a l k t o o u r inverter so that it can automatically read the highs and lows of the grid demand and charge or discharge the battery according to the spot price of electricity thereby m i n i m i s i n g o u r r u n n i n g c o s t s a n d maximising our payments for export.
Warren and Audrey Hateley in Tetbury
both of which include a wide spectrum of belief. In 2016 and 2021 respectively our denominations voted, after many years of prayerfully considering questions of marriage and relationships, to allow local churches to register for Equal Marriages if they voted to do so – Ministers are also able to preside at these marriages if they wish. We recognise that some within our church feel uncomfortable about this
decision and we will continue to ‘live with contradictory convictions,’ as the Methodist Church describes it, with grace and respect - Christians have done this since the beginning on many issues.
LGBTQ+ History Month was last month, but it’s prompted us to let people know something about Christ Church - did you know that our church welcomes both
opposite and same sex couples to celebrate their marriages?
We’d love to help you celebrate your special day if you would like to be married in church. We believe marriage is a wonderful gift from God and a real celebration of a couple’s commitment to one another. We strive to be an inclusive church and all couples are welcome to be married at Christ Church, whether you’re an attendee or not.
You may know that Christians have varying views and beliefs about marriage – as do those of no faith. The journey to this point has been long and sometimes challenging, but we believe God’s love is for all people – regardless of their sexuality or gender identity – and this is supported by our understanding of the Bible that guides our faith. Jesus said that he came to bring ‘life in all its fullness’; the celebration of a faithful committed relationship between two people of the same sex in the marriage ceremony is just one aspect of this.
If you would like to talk to us about a wedding, please email us on cctetbury@ gmail.com
God bless Wendy
Rev. Wendy Tucker, MinisterOur first meeting of 2024 was held on Wednesday the 7th of February…
…when we welcomed Sarah Howard who discussed Landscape Photography. Sarah has always been interested in photography following in the footsteps of her father, also a talented amateur photographer. Sarah spoke of using the right camera to take photos of the natural landscape and to see the beauty of the surroundings.
Sarah is currently working on her second book; ‘Photographing the Cotswolds’. Sarah’s website shows some beautiful and inspiring images. This was the last meeting of TAS at the Library in Tetbury as from April our meetings will be held at The Priory Inn.
Our Annual General Meeting is on
Wednesday the 20th of March at 7.00 pm at The Goods Shed in Tetbury after which Joyce Pince, a well-known local artist from Stinchcombe who has taught art and design at local secondary schools and the University of the West of England, will talk about her work. Joyce is well known for her depiction of natural objects such as
nests, seed heads, skulls, pebbles etc or fruits and vegetables found both at home and abroad. Her work has been arranged headings of Harvest, Ornithology, Seashore and Objects. There will be a Spring Social for those attending after Joyce has made her presentation.
Work is well in hand with Members of the society busy working on entries for ‘EQUINOX’ the first ‘Open’ Exhibition of Tetbury Art Society hosted by Spencer House Gallery which will be held on the 23rd and the 24th of March 2024 from 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Members and non-members are welcome to enter with submissions in any media. There will be prizes and certificates, in five categories, presented by the Gallery. Entry fee proceeds to the ‘Restoring Hope’ campaign for women in Afghanistan, via Women for Women International.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to join us. Guests are always welcome at our monthly meetings held on the first Wednesday of the month from 7.30 pm.
Please see our web site for further details of our meetings and exhibitions tetburyartsociety.org.uk and our Facebook page Tetbury Art Society. New 2023.
Tetbury Art Society Team email: tetburyart.media@outlook.com
“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, others build windmills.”
Chinese Proverb
Firstly, we welcome a new member of staff to the Tetbury Library team, Adele, who will be joining us shortly. She is a friendly and experienced Library Assistant and we wish her all the very best!
Centre in Nailsworth as well as the continued support of the local community who have been overwhelmingly positive about our greening projects. This March we will be receiving another generous donation of native sapling trees from the Woodland Trust to complete our hedging around the library.
and how to help nature. Tetbury Library has already achieved the Bronze Green Impact Award and will be achieving Silver this year – next year we’re going for Gold! As well as paper and cardboard, we also recycle items like batteries, and we still have a seed swap box for budding gardeners and growers!
Our ‘Hedging & Wildflower Project’ continues to grow with the support of the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the Woodland Trust, Glorious Cotswolds Landscapes, local charities Greening Tetbury, local businesses such as Melcourt, Wildlife World & Blue Diamond Gardening
All Gloucestershire Libraries have been striving for the Green Impact Award, where we endeavour to ‘green up’ our libraries and library sites, recycle more, waste less, conserve resources, use less plastics and plant more trees. Tetbury Library’s ‘Hedging & Wildflower’ project is a big part of this.
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Tetbury Library also has a Greener Together selection of books to support customers wanting to learn more about how to help the environment, tackle climate change and tips on how to live more sustainably
Garden & Agricultural Gates & Fencing
Rose Arches & Gazebos Field Shelters & Stables
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
Please to try to 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 12 years. We can deliver items locally subject to value.
It’s not too late to get a 2024 Diary we still have a few available. Try us first before you travel.
Pet Products: Most major brands of Pet Foods can be obtained for you. We have a wide range of treats, bedding, toys and other pet items. Come and browse.
Garden Care: A full range of 2024 Mr Fothergills Seeds available. Get a 10% discount during March (Min 3 packets to qualify). We stock most fertilisers, chemicals and composts. If you have any special needs for your garden just ask.
We are your local suppliers of DIY products, spring cleaning products, electrical goods as well as fuels. We can also get your videos etc moved to DVD, as well as key cutting.
Planting native hedges around the library which are rich in berries for birds in autumn and blossom for pollinators in spring is vital as is the creation of a small patch of wildflower meadow that we are trying to develop on the land we own at the back of the library. We do ask that people please refrain from climbing over the fences not just to prevent risk of slipping and harming themselves, but also to prevent the trampling of the many seedlings and saplings we have planted
A HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported us and the wildlife and green initiatives we are doing with a special mention to members of Greening Tetbury for all their continued hard work!
Dates for the Diary:
Lego Club Every Friday 4.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Storytime and Craft Saturday the 2nd of March 11.00 am - 12.00 pm
Saturday Club Saturday the 2nd of March 11.30 am - 12.30 pm
Baby Bounce and Rhyme Every Wednesday 2.15 pm - 2.45 pm
Paper Crafter’s Group Saturday the 9th of March 10.30 am - 12.00 pm
Knit and Natter Tuesday the 12th of March 2.00 pm - 3.30 pm
Nature Club Saturday the 16th of March 11.00 am - 12.00 pm
Scrabble Club Wednesday the 20th of March 1.30 pm - 3.00 pm
Library Club
Friday the 22nd of March 10.30 am - 12.00 pm
A reminder, Tetbury Library will be closed over the Easter weekend, from Good Friday (Friday 29th March) up to and including Easter Monday (Bank Holiday Monday 1st April).
Sophie, Linda, Adele, Fran and Sam, Tetbury Library
On the 21st of December our members were educated about Solitary Bees by Jo
When asked how many types of bees we have in the UK, most people say twohoneybees and bumblebees. However, there is another, much bigger group of bees - the solitary bees. There are approximately two hundred and fifty species of solitary bees in the UK and most of them go about their business unseen even by the most avid of gardeners. They vary in size from as big as the top of a thumb to a grain of rice depending on the species.
Unlike honeybees and bumblebees, solitary bees do not form a colony. Solitary bees nest in a variety of places - holes in wood and walls, hollow plant stems or in the ground and each species will use the same type of nesting place. The male of the species’ only role is to mate, after which he dies. The mated females, having found
a suitable nesting site, start to make and provision individual cells for their offspring.
One species uses mud to make the cells and cap over the end of a cane or hollow stem with mud. Other species use leaves, resin or a cellophane type of material extracted from their abdomen.
The females collect a lot of pollen to provision the cell into which they lay a single egg. If the egg has already been fertilised on laying it will become a female; unfertilised eggs become males. The pollen is collected on various parts of the body such as the abdomen, unlike honeybees and bumblebees that collect it in baskets on their hind legs.
Due to the amount of pollen the female needs to collect to provision a cell for her offspring, solitary bees are very important fruit and crop pollinators, responsible for approximately 70% of all pollination.
A “Tutorial on Internet Banking and using Apps” was given by Lawrence Moss at the Priory Hotel on the 4th of January.
Lawrence dealt with the Apple system while another of our members, David Smith covered the Android system.
The audience obviously comprised a mix of people from raw beginners to experienced users wondering whether there were nuggets of information they were not aware of.
A steep learning curve for some, but Lawrence and David are now giving one to one coaching for those that need it.
On the 18th of January we held our AGM when Philip Jefferson was elected Chairman for the next two years.
Bob Burnett, our outgoing Chairman gave thanks to all the speakers who had entertained and educated us during 2023.
It was with great sadness that we learnt that one of our oldest and longest serving members, Ray Peer had died at the age of 95. Ray was still attending most of our meetings up to two weeks before his death.
Tetbury Probus now has a website, tetburyprobusclub.co.uk. Our email address is, tetburyprobus@gmail.com. We hope that aspiring new members will find these details helpful.
Tetbury Probus
The Hollies Nursing Care Home
Holly Oak Dementia Care Home Apartments by the Hollies
The Hollies, renowned for its excellence in nursing, dementia and residential care provides the ultimate in state-of-the-art accommodation. Spacious, beautifully designed rooms, suites and living areas along with pretty gardens provide residents with a high quality of living. Exceptional dining caters for the most discerning preferences and needs.
At the Hollies, care is not just something we offer, it’s at the core of who we are. We treat every resident as an individual and work hard to tailor our person-centred services and activities to support their every need.
Community living connecting families and friends in a welcoming environment
Bessys Tea Room for special treats and parties
The Old English Pub for social gatherings
Kayes Hair & Nails for beauty and wellbeing
The Terrace for outdoor events and entertainment Call Lara or Jo on: 01453 541400
info@thehollies.co.uk
We welcome immediate and planned admissions.
Call 01453 541400 • Email info@thehollies.co.uk
thehollies.co.uk • Drake Lane, Dursley GL11 5HA
We never say no to a day out, so at the end
of January, by invitation, we set off for the Men’s Shed at Calne in Wiltshire. Established in 2018 and with forty three members, the Calne Shed is more advanced than ours and has already attracted lady members. You may be surprised to learn that the ladies are every bit as proficient with the tools as the men and were busy on the scroll saws making wooden children’s toys. We were made very welcome by Gus Gooch, the Wiltshire Ambassador for UKMSA who gave us a master class in building memorial benches. Sheds are mainly ‘grassroots’ community activities that come about in response to shared needs. These have mostly been for men to access tools, workbenches, skills, and opportunities to make and mend in the company of others. Gardening, pyrography, electronics, and other activities have been included according to members’ interests. The UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA)
regards a Shed as a group, whether or not it has a base for activity. Tetbury’s Shed is one of the latest of nearly one thousand across the UK. We hope to improve wellbeing by providing an enjoyable way to stay socially integrated in local communities, by being creative and by learning or passing on skills. Whilst most Sheds are for men, about a third involve women.
An estimated thirteen thousand seven hundred and twenty eight families are currently benefiting from the great work Men’s Sheds does across the UK. To enable us to continue this work in Tetbury, please consider a small donation via our crowdfunding page. You can help us by
visiting JustGiving.com and searching for Tetbury Men’s Shed.
A Shed is not the building or location, but the connections and relationships between its members. If you would like to join us, we are open every Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon. You do not have to book or even let us know you are coming, just turn up on Wednesdays between 9.30 am - 2.00 pm or Thursdays between 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm Find out more, contact us on 01666 504715 or email alang196@gmail. com.
…. And from the allotment
Available from the greenhouse are healthy looking garlic and broad bean plants with leeks just beginning to show. By the time you read this tomato, both cherry (Minibell)
and conventional (Akran & Gardeners Delight) together with Chilli (tabasco) and cabbage will be underway, all can be obtained from the Herd Lane allotment for a donation to Men’s Sheds. Soon we will have courgettes, runner beans, lettuce, chard and pumpkins. If we can start these off for you in our greenhouse, or indeed any other vegetable, please contact Ken on 07923 44568.
Alan Greenway, Tetbury Men’s Sheds
For further details: www.menssheds.org.uk
www.tetburymensshed.co.uk
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
Telephone 07469 187004 info@tetburychiropractic.co.uk www.tetburychiropractic.co.uk
Tetbury Chiropractic Clinic, 2 Silk Mill studios, 2 Charlton road, Tetbury GL8 8DY
Our initial walks this year have been well attended and we have welcomed some new faces to our walking group.
We have done a couple of walks around Whiteshill. Nigel took us on a walk on the eastern side of the hill with lovely views over the Painswick valley. The view below is from the old Catsbrain quarry towards Painswick. We’d like to know if anyone knows the origin of the strange name Catsbrain?
Rob took us on a walk on the western side of Whiteshill starting from Westrip near Randwick, another beautiful walk which goes up through Standish beech wood. After our exertions through the warren of back alleys in Randwick, we finished with a pub lunch at the Carpenters Arms. Our hosts there gave wonderful fare and we feasted and drank most of the rest of the afternoon away and very convivial it was too.
Our walks are all on our website, just click on the Tuesday you want to walk with us on the calendar to see the details and contact the leader to say you are coming. We love
to see new people. If you want to walk independently, you can download a PDF copy with a GPX file for our favourite walks, also on our website tetburywalkers.co.uk,
which you can use to navigate using your mobile phone app.
Tetbury and District Footpath Group www.tetburywalkers.co.uk
“we have all the time we always had...”BY NICK PAYNE DIRECTED
BY
JESSICA DANIELSEveryone knows what happened to Pompeii on the afternoon of the 24th of August 79 AD. This book, spread over four days, describes the build-up and effects of the eruption. Reading at times more like a docu-drama than a novel, the scene is set around three main characters: an engineer tasked with maintaining the great aqueduct that brings water to the region, the nouveau-riche businessman always looking for the next opportunity and the aristocrat – nominally admiral of the fleet, but more of a scientist, fascinated by the natural world. These three allow us to glimpse the workings of a Roman town, its structure, politics and petty jealousies.
The engineer explores the area around Vesuvius and discovers the warning signs that something is amiss beneath the mountain. The businessman gives us an insight into the hierarchy and class divisions that rule the day to day lives of the people, and the aristocrat Pliny, the only real person in the tale, tries to make sense of what is happening and record it for history.
The Spring term is such a lovely time at St. Mary’s Primary School.
The children are enjoying being on the field and exploring our wonderful Forest School area as we see signs of new life in the natural world.
Over the Spring Term children have been participating in so many exciting events and opportunities. Our Young Voices choir joined other choirs from all over the country to participate in the Young Voices event in Birmingham. The children said it was the best event ever and the parents who attended had a great time too. Some of the comments from children included, ‘The atmosphere was electric!’ ‘The drummer was brilliant!’ and ‘Best night of my life, I can’t wait to do it again!’ Definitely inspirational.
Year 6 have been designing and making their own adventure playgrounds in their design and technology lessons. They have really worked well together in teams to produce some amazing work. It is great to see how well our pupils collaborate and support each other and how some take the lead.
Forest school continues to be very popular. The children have been identifying trees, finding funky fungi, learning to tie knots, making silver foil leaf prints and eating s’mores!
Year 5 children have been showing great resilience and courage in their ‘Bikeability’ lessons. (Many of you will remember this as cycling proficiency!) All of the Year 5 pupils have been learning how to ride safely of the roads.
The Forge, Trull Farm, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8SQ Telephone (01285) 841773
Specialists in custom made Metalwork for Industrial & Domestic use
Other members of the school have participated in a gymnastics festival in Cirencester. One of the children said, ‘It was amazing, we got to do so many different activities!’
Reception children have also welcomed our everyday superheroes into school. They have been dressing up as police officers, fire fighters and paramedics whilst learning all about how they help us from our real everyday superheroes.
If you are interested in a place at St. Mary’s School, please contact the school office on admin@st-marys-tetbury.gloucs.sch.uk for further information.
Mrs Woolley, Headteacher
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‘1 man, 1 horse, 2700 miles and 30 cathedrals’…
…was the intriguing title for the presentation at our February meeting. Despite the chilly evening it was enough to tempt out a large number of our membership and as it turned out, we were not disappointed.
In 2006, William Reddaway decided that he wanted to do something to raise funds for his two favourite charities: the Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, a Riding for the Disabled branch and The Family Holiday Charity, which helps families with days, and weeks out.
The planning took seven years and a lot of maps to create a trip on horseback in 2013 around England – with a very brief foray across Hadrian’s Wall – to visit thirty cathedrals starting and finishing at Gloucester.
His companion in the venture, Strider, was, for the most part, a steady ride, although he baulked at Sheffield’s trams and wasn’t happy with wheelie bins. When he
developed saddle sores part way through the journey, Mr Reddaway was forced to lead him, often as much as thirty miles in a day, until they healed.
At each Cathedral they were welcomed [and Strider blessed] by a member of the
clergy and often welcomed into the nave. When they completed the journey, which took them from early May to December, he decided to take one last trip to Tewkesbury Abbey, where not to be outdone by thirty cathedrals, they were invited into the Abbey and Strider received another blessing.
To date, William and Strider have raised just under £100k,for the two charities.
And we have more activities planned. The Garden Group is looking forward to visiting Cotswold Farms at Duntisbourne Abbots to see snowdrops in February and plan to see Hellebores in March near Bath.
The Book Group is currently reading ’Still Life’ by Sarah Winman and have chosen ‘Paternoster’ by Kim Fleet as their ‘good read’. The Gloucester Federation of WIs had already arranged a ‘Tea with Kim Fleet’, so readers will have a chance to put questions to this local author.
The Craft Group have had two meetings recently, one to explore Diamond painting, which provided some dazzling results, and the second to try the Japanese craft of Sashiko.
We are exploring the opportunity to meet for Sunday lunch occasionally, which we hope will appeal to those members who rarely do a ‘roast’ and the first is being planned for the end of March in Tetbury. If the initiative proves popular, we may well venture further afield.
The next monthly coffee morning at The Snooty Fox is on Monday the 25th March at 10.30 am.
Our March meeting at The Goods Shed is on Monday 11th of March at 7.30 pm, when we are looking forward to a talk from Sally Gillespie of Gloucestershire Young Carers. We welcome members from Tetbury and surrounding villages, we would love to meet you.
Rowena Palser, Tetbury WI www.tetbury-wi.org.ukWith only six weeks to go before the season begins, we are…
… pushing to finish many of the necessary tasks needed to help the clubhouse look its best. One of those tasks last month was the installation of a new fire shutter in the hatch between our kitchen and the main room. We would like to say a big thank you to the Lions, the Feoffees, a legacy from Harry ‘Chappie’ Sparrow, and donations from current members for their financial support; it meant that we could purchase the shutter earlier than anticipated. We look forward to making use of the hatch over the summer, serving refreshments to our visitors, opponents, and spectators.
Our next major task is to complete the new supporting wall and spectator area. The new cement accessible ramp is ready, the rails are up, and there are just a few little jobs left to finish that area off. Once the weather is drier (hopefully soon), the new wall will be painted, and the plant pots and seating set out around the green. In early April, members will be spring cleaning throughout the clubhouse, restocking the bar, checking diaries to see which friendly fixtures they can play in, and pondering which club competitions to enter. And our greenkeepers Vic and Vincent will be installing the new ditch mats, and visiting the club almost daily to ensure the green is in top condition for our opening gala on the 14th of April.
For those of you not familiar with us, Tetbury Bowls Club has been integral to the community for over a century. Our 6-rink green is a wonderful setting to enjoy a leisurely roll up with family or friends, or for pitting your skills in friendly competition. The game of bowls has something to offer for everyone. Regardless of age or ability, from a beginner eager to learn to seasoned bowlers seeking camaraderie and competition, bowls is a sport for all. Our clubhouse, with its cozy bar and wellequipped kitchen, allows members to gather to share stories, celebrate victories,
and forge lasting friendships. The outdoor bowls season runs from April through September. And, during these months, the club is buzzing with laughter, friendly banter, and spirited matches. But it’s not all about competition—we host a variety of fun social events throughout the year. There’s always something happening.
If you’re interested in learning how to play lawn bowls, our initial open days will be
on the 27th and 28th of April (more info is available on www.tetburybowlsclub. co.uk/playbowls-juniordayevents. New players who join will be given four free coaching sessions and plenty of support and guidance. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned bowler, we invite you to contact us at 07414 274375 with any questions about membership.
Susanne KnausTetbury Bowls Club
At Leighterton, we are really fortunate to be able to take part in a huge range of sporting activities.
My favourite hobby is running and every Tuesday before school begins, we have a cross-country club that we can sign up for to run. Each Tuesday about ten of the Key Stage Two children meet up before school, with Mrs Walker to go for a run. Usually, we run inside the school grounds but on the last run of the term, we run around the village and some of our parents join us.
Every morning in Leighterton, everyone (children and adults) participate in the daily mile. We bring out a speaker and music is played as we all run together. It is great fun. It does not matter what year group you are in because the older children encourage the younger children to keep going. The older children are fabulous role models for the younger children and the younger children really look up to us.
Already this year, the Leighterton crosscountry team have taken part in many events. The first one was at Dursley Rugby
Club and I really pushed myself to try my hardest to run as fast as I could and I felt extremely proud of myself when I came first. Only yesterday, many of the Key Stage Two children were invited to take part in the Westonbirt cross-country event and we ran against schools from Gloucestershire and much further afield. There was an amazing team atmosphere because the Leighterton team supported each other and many of our parents came along to cheer us on too. As always, everyone tried their hardest to improve on their previous result and there were a lot of celebrations as our team came to the finish line in each race.
We feel very lucky to be given so many opportunities at Leighterton and we know that our teachers and sports coach help us to get better at running by teaching us
skills. Our parents are great too as they always give us lifts to events.
By LillyWe do have some spaces in just a few of our year groups and if you would like to find out more, please have a look at our website at: www.leighterton.com or contact Claire, in our school office (01666 890273), to arrange a convenient time to come and look round.
There’s plenty going on with our u3a,
which goes from strength to strength, with new groups being set up including a Quiz group.
Our next monthly talk will take place at 10.30 am on Monday the 18th of March at the Goods Shed, when Chris O’Grady will share his experience of ‘Travelling Around Japan on a Couch’. Chris spoke to us once before about his walk to Rome and the kindness of strangers.This was entertaining, instructive and inspiring. This is another walk set off in hope and a firm belief in people.
Our monthly meetings take place on alternate Mondays and Tuesdays to allow more time for chatting afterwards over a coffee or tea, at the Goods Shed. This is a most important aspect of the u3a.
If you would be interested in joining the u3a, take a look at our website www. tetburyu3a.org.uk to see the range of activities we offer, our monthly newsletter, and details of how to join.
Tetbury and District u3a Team
We have been getting ready for spring in the museum.
The volunteers have been busy behind the scenes cleaning around the museum and working at the many jobs that needed doing here before we re-opened on Valentines Day. We even have been moving things around and we received a donated display case that we are arranging in a new display in the cell area. It is all very exciting around the museum.
We are privileged to have a couple work experience students this spring. The
volunteers are always coming up with ideas to try. Keep an eye out for our next event a talk in April and any special opening for Easter.
If you would like to find out more about what we do please get in touch.
Maria Marsh, Curator, Tetbury Police Museum and Courtroom museum@tetbury.gov.uk
We offer a wide range of landscaping services including; Garden offices | Outdoor Kitchens
I have always had a passion for music and performing. As a young adult, I loved being on stage and entertaining a crowd but began to realise I was not going to be able to do that for a living. I’ll never forget thinking to myself, ‘What can I do where I get to stand up in front of people and perform every day?’ Before I knew it, I was a primary school teacher!
I spent the first ten years of my career teaching in Central London where I met my wife Jenna, also a teacher. I loved my time there; living and working in the community felt special. Jenna and I both worked in the closest primary school to Grenfell Tower. Everyone in the community lost someone they knew in that awful disaster and almost
half of our school were placed in temporary accommodation. During this time, we did not close the school for a single day. It was a unique time that I look back on with great
sadness, but also immense pride, knowing that the work we did for those children and families made a huge difference.
Please ring, text or leave a message for an appointment to keep you up and running throughout the pandemic. Covid-19 risk assessed and following Government Guidelines.
Specialising
Jenna and I left London in 2018 and decided to move to Tetbury, close to family. I became deputy head of a prep school in Cricklade. Working with children is one of the most rewarding things you can do; they bring a magic and innocence back into adult life. Despite this, Jenna and I were certain we didn’t want children of our own. Why would we when we spent all day with children? Skip to November 2021 and our identical twin boys, Rafferty and Ramy, were born! Their birth, coupled with the passing of my father, led me to re-evaluate my life. I always knew I wanted to work in a village primary school and spotted the job advert for the headship in Sherston Primary around Christmas 2022. It took just one visit for me to realise that this was the school for me.
Jenna and I knew we wanted to be part of the community and, before we knew it, we’d sold our house in Tetbury and had had an offer accepted on our new home in Sherston.
The children, staff, parents and wider community have all been open to my vision of how a school should look and feel. The ‘modern’ child’s life is very busy, particularly at weekends. Therefore, it is crucial that school is an antidote to that. The vision for Sherston Primary is a calm, peaceful environment, where clutter is minimised, surfaces are utilised for display and colours are not overstimulating, enabling us to realise our whole school vision: ‘Learning, Caring and Achieving Together’.
I am now into my third term and I am loving it. It’s a remarkable school, with incredible children and hardworking, committed staff. I feel honoured to be part of something so special and am truly excited for the future of the school.
Tommy Towers
You can read the full version here on the school website: www.sherstonprimary.co.uk/ welcome/
which means live rugby is back on the TV at the clubhouse. We are fortunate that two of England’s fixtures coincide with Saturdays where we’re hosting touch rugby sessions at the Rec. The first session of 2024 took place on the 10th of February, with the sun shining on the eighteen adults who took place on a surprisingly sound pitch at the Rec, after several days of heavy rain. Before play, we also ran an hour of beginners’ training, where a handful of players were introduced to rugby for the first time. This gave them an understanding of the core values and laws of the game, as well as chance to practice passing, touch tackling
and making decisions in small-sided games.
We will run more of these beginner sessions in the coming months, so please keep an eye on our website. If you’re interested in touch rugby, our next session is on Saturday the 9th of March, when we’ll also aim to put on a walking rugby session – a perfect way for people of all ages to get into the game. As ever, the England vs Ireland match will mean the clubhouse bar is busy afterwards! Register your interest at http://bit.ly/trfc-touch.
The U12 girls started 2024 with a great performance against Trowbridge, running in thirteen tries against a side also made up from clubs as far apart as Royal Wootton Bassett and Marlborough. The U14s themselves faced a combined Trowbridge and Chippenham side and scored thirty
eight points without response. The two age group teams feature a combined fifty registered players, meaning that despite our size we are able to field competitive teams without having to join forces with other clubs. A huge thanks has to go to the girls themselves, who have encouraged friends and family to join in and that rugby is playable by everyone.
The coaches are doing everything they can to promote the girls’ game. We’re aiming to hold a whole club girls’ day on Sunday the 24th of March ahead of a home fixture for the two sides against Drybrook. This will see us invite all the younger girls currently in the club, plus any other girls in the local area who might be interested, to have a training session at the Rec. If you know a girl in Year 1 and above, we’d love to introduce them to rugby and give them a flavour of the game. Afterwards, we’ll be showing the England Women’s Six Nations match against Italy in the clubhouse, with all club members and their guests welcome.
This time of year also sees the governing body of the game, the RFU, start to publish dates for training courses ahead of the summer break. If you’re interested in becoming a qualified rugby coach, referee or first aider, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our website – http://trfc. leaguerepublic.com.
Rob Hoult, Tetbury RFC TeamSixty years ago, Tetbury lost its railway. The last public service was on 4th April 1964 and within a couple of years the railway lines, the station and the engine shed were all gone. Tetbury lost its handy link to the mainline railway at Kemble and hence to Cirencester, but there were compensations. Tetbury now has a vibrant arts centre that has been created out of the old goods shed, a beautiful nature walk along the old track bed and a pleasant area of parkland for children and dog walkers.
On the 30th of March this year to commemorate the “end of the line” for the Tetbury branch there will be a free exhibition at the Goods Shed which will comprise a talk by Stephen Randolph, who wrote the definitive book on the line, an “O” gauge model railway of the station and yard, films, a display of photos and memorabilia, and guided tours of the rail lands. In the evening there will be a performance of railway stories comprising specially composed musical piano pieces interleaved with dramatised scenes of important events in the branch line’s history.
In October 1959 Ernest Marples was appointed Minister of Transport. He had founded a construction company, Marples-
Ridgway and also reined in the British Transport Commission, which was driving a major railway modernisation, and set up an independent advisory panel to report on the railways. Among the panel’s members was a physicist, engineer and board member of ICI, Dr Richard Beeching. There was obviously consternation among many that Beeching was a businessman with no practical railway experience.
Beeching was given the job of making the railways economic, specifically to make its operating profit “not less than sufficient” for meeting the running costs. On the 27th of March 1963 Beeching published his shock report, The Reshaping of British Railways, calling for a third of the network to be closed and ripped up.
Despite a brief upsurge in passenger numbers when diesel railbuses were introduced to the Tetbury branch line in February 1959, by 1962 the annual number of passengers was only 12,500 so both the Tetbury and Cirencester branches closed.
On Saturday the 4th of April 1964 the last public passenger service, an AC Cars railcar, number W79978, left Tetbury. Its passage was obstructed by bales of burning straw which had been laid across the rails. Then a coffin covered with inscriptions, filled with empty whisky bottles and addressed to Dr Beeching, was loaded by mourners in bowler hats at Trouble House Halt. There it was transferred to the London train for
delivery to the doctor. On the following day a special steam train, worked by Collett 14xx 0-4-2T No 1472, ran over both the Tetbury and Cirencester branches. As it rolled towards Cirencester the passengers were treated to free rolls and beer. An attempt was then made to burn a 6ft effigy of the Minister of Transport but the railway police intervened and so the demonstrators set it alight on the pavement outside the terminus.
SAT 2
SAT 9
SAT 9
WED 13
SAT 16
SAT 23
SAT 23
Back by popular demand! This multi-award winning folk duo continues to impress audiences up and down the country with their innovative and captivating take on the folk tradition.
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM
A hopeful adventure story about two very different creatures that must learn to work together. Visual theatre with original music and delightful puppetry. Suitable for 4 to 104.
International star Louise Alder accompanied by acclaimed Tetbury born, pianist, Joseph Middleton perform a selection of classic love songs incl. composers Faure, Boulanger, Copeland & Mahler.
Sidney & Tristan from The Last Baguette bring you Ratty and her friends for a fun, relaxed participatory theatre session. There’ll be silliness, play-acting, games and music.
COMEDY CLUB
Spring-time comedy goodness at The Goods Shed Comedy Club! This month features the hilarious talents of Susan Murray, Eva Bindeman and Mike Cox!
MUSIC FOR MINIATURES BABY-FRIENDLY CONCERTS
Featuring cello and flute. No need to sit still, dancing is encouraged and everyone is welcome. 45 minutes of live classical music for you to enjoy with your little one.
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
START 7.30PM TICKET
£16.50 / U25 £10
Door £20 / £13
START 11:30AM TICKET £8
START 7.30PM TICKET
£22 / U25 £15
Door £26 / £18
START 10AM TICKET £5
U18M FREE
START 8PM TICKET
£13.50 / U25 £10
Door £17 / £13
START 10:30AM TICKET ADULT £6 CHILD £4
Family ticket (4 incl. one resp. adult) £15
Come set sail with Cardiff Opera who are making their Tetbury debut with a swashbuckling production of Gilbert and Sullivan‘s perennial favourite, the Pirates of Penzance.
WED 6
WED 13
RODBOROUGH FOLK ORCHESTRA
RUTH SANDIFORD & SPOOTISKERRY
START 7:30PM TICKET £12.60 Door £16
2PM / £3.50
VOICES IN THE ROUND WED 20 PIANO CLUB WED 27
COMMEMORATIVE EXHIBITION - SATURDAY 30 MARCH
To mark the 60th Anniversary of the last passenger service from Tetbury Station on 4th April 1964, this free exhibition will include displays about the history of the Tetbury Branch Line, a model railway layout of Tetbury Station, films and a talk from Stephen Randolph.
An evening of music and drama featuring a performance of local composer and railway enthusiast Richard George’s ‘Train Stories’ and theatrical re-enactments of Tetbury railway events.
THUR 7 SCREENINGS
21 FEB - 31 MAR
BOX
OPEN 10AM - 4PM
START 7:30PM TICKET £10 / U25 £8
Door £13/£11
THUR 21
THE OLD OAK (15)
BLUE HUES WITH CHLOE PINHEIRO AND LAURA RICHARD
An exhibition by two artists inspired by the natural elements. Painting in a harmonious, intuitive flow, they depict both the peace and power of the coastal forces. Colourful, textural, layered painting filled with light, reflection and wonderment.
Box
In Tetbury we are not short of water in the winter and our chalk streams run clear and cool. We shouldn’t take water for granted though. Our local stream, the Tetbury Avon all too soon disappears underground in the spring as rainfall decreases and abstraction increases. Elsewhere, the same story leads to hose pipe bans and water shortages becoming more common as the globe warms. Some countries like Jordan are counting down the decades before their aquifers dry up.
We don’t just need to protect how much water we have; we need to keep it clean. A recent citizen science project showed how many UK rivers are polluted by toxins from road run-off. Exhaust particles, arsenic,
carcinogens, rubber particles, oil and engine fuel all combine to form a deathly cocktail when it rains heavily. I’m sure you’ve seen it happen here in Tetbury too.
nurdles - micro-plastic particles. Way back in 2016, an Ellen Macarthur Foundation study suggested that there could be more plastic in the oceans than fish (by weight) by 2050 if plastic waste didn’t reduce. We’re still washing clothes made from plastic fibres, flushing plastic items down the loo, and dropping litter. Nurdles will be polluting creatures in our rivers and seas long after we’ve gone.
This month the UN is encouraging us to mark World Water Day on the 22nd of March. The theme is Water for Peace, acknowledging how water connects us all. It is a day to raise awareness of just over 2 billion people without access to safe water and the three billion who depend on water that crosses national boundaries. While conflict for water is unlikely to directly affect us in Tetbury, we should still look after our water. The Tetbury Avon rises in
Thanks to great campaigning groups like Surfers against Sewage, we all know that water companies have been too lax on protecting our waterways from raw sewage. And then there is the scourge of
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the town at the Wor Well before it joins other Avon tributaries and flows towards the Bristol Channel. The sea literally starts here, and we can all play our part, keeping plastic and other pollution out of our rivers and the sea.
Join us for our next meeting on the 4th of March at 7.30 pm in Christ Church Hall, The Chippings, a change from the advertised venue. All are welcome, but please email greeningtetbury@gmail.com first if you’re not already a member. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date information about the charity.
Dan Fletcher
Treasurer, Greening Tetbury www.greeningtetbury.org
Whilst the evenings have been cold and dark, we have been enjoying…
…lots of cooking at Tetbury Youth Club including making curries, chilies, homemade pasta as well as pancakes and pizzas. It has been wonderful to see how motivated and confident some of our young people are with cooking and how willing they are to try something new. We have some young people who are really stepping up and taking the lead with the cooking and preparing of food. Please look forward to some Ready-Steady-Cook competitions coming soon!
Alongside this we have been offering our usual space for games, activities, crafts, music and a safe space for young people to meet friends and access trusted adults if they want to.
At Easter we will be running two drop in youth sessions on the Rec, an outdoor family play session, a supported trip to Cirencester on the bus for young people, cookery workshops for children and families and we will be funding fifty passes for families eligible for Free School Meals to
visit Westonbirt Arboretum over the Easter break. These passes will include a lunch pack for all children.
Don’t say there isn’t anything to do in Tetbury!
Follow us on social media for timings and details of all sessions and activities being offered, on Instagram, tetbury_youth_club or on Facebook, tetbury youth club .
The TAYCT Team
Our February meeting was the evening when members bring their treasures and tell us about them.
Paul brought medals awarded to Pilot H. S. Woodrow, flight logbook and photograph of the crew of the RAF Liberator Bomber, which destroyed the Bridge on the River Kwai, Thailand, on the 24th of June 1945.
Richard told us about Phillip’s Bakery. It started in 1870 and his family members ran it until 2005, making it the longest operating family business in Tetbury. The shop was in Church Street in the1920s, where Hobbs bakery is today.
Joan brought Dorothy Long’s clock. It is one of two identical clocks of St Mary’s Church spire made for her by Ray Casterton in 1990-92. Dorothy kept one and shipped the other to her sister.
Peter and Richard thought gales had moved the weathercock’s post on the church
spire. After taking many photographs and carefully aligning them, they agreed that the 1893 post is upright and the cockerel straight. The cockerel was repaired, gilded and its red comb and wattle restored in 2004.
Di has completed the history of St Mary’s Church bells using churchwardens’ accounts starting in 1626 and has donated her research to HOTS archive.
She told us about the sad loss of three cherry trees that she considered her special town landmarks: two from the churchyard and one from The Chipping. All three were planted over one hundred years ago.
Maria, curator of the police museum, brought seven architect’s plans of the new police station and petty courtroom built in 1884.
They were rescued from a skip in Gloucester years ago and recently donated to the museum, where they will go on display.
Christina brought a thick jacket, embroidered with silk to a 700-year-old pattern, purchased while travelling the Silk Road. The network of trade routes, mainly across desert, carried much more than silk. The wealth of those times shows in the buildings, though today people seem poor. Better economic times may be coming with exports of gas, uranium and lithium.
Phil told us about another town landmark that has gone: the cedar of Lebanon from The Ferns. It was 69% dead and considered a danger to the public. It was felled in July and Phil made a photographic record of the process. When the tree was down, he counted over two hundred tree rings.
Nigel had a collection of Gough’s crested china. Copeland’s china factory in Stokeon-Trent made large busts and big scale models, which lost their popularity. Day trips by train were popular, so Copeland’s had an opening for much smaller models as mementos. With a town crest added, these sold in large numbers. Gough later took over the trade.
At the end of the evening Jane left documents relating to 25 Long Street, once a publisher’s, on the table along with these treasures.
The next meeting is on the 7th of March at 7.30 pm in Christ Church. It is the AGM and we will also be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of HOTS.
The History of Tetbury Society Team
The season of Lent has provided a rich canvas for choral composers over the centuries and the Avebury Vocal Ensemble (AVE) will be making much of the musical opportunities at their concert in St. Mary’s church, Tetbury on Saturday the 16th of March at 7.00 pm.
The two main works make musical use of the chanting that was common in liturgical settings in times past. Allegri’s Miserere is a Latin setting of Psalm 51 written for the papal choir in Rome around 1638 and alternates choral verses with verses of
monophonic Gregorian chanting for the exclusive use of the Sistine Chapel during Holy Week.
The second main work is Bairstow’s Lamentation. It is an English setting of the poetic Lamentations of Jeremiah for the destruction of the city of Jerusalem. The work makes use of the Anglican style of chanting and is also used in Western Christianity at services during Holy Week.
There are many other choral works for the season of Lent in the concert including
movements from John Stainer’s much loved oratorio Crucifixion, Anton Bruckner’s Christus Factus Est, Antonio Lotti’s eight part Crucifixus and Max Reger’s Unser Lieben Frauen Traum (Our Lady’s Dream). It promises to be an excellent evening’s musical enlightenment for Lent.
Avebury Ensemble
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.
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.
Are you looking for a new interest to begin and brighten up these dark days?
Have you considered floral art or flower arranging as it is commonly known.
North Wiltshire Villages Flower Club meets at Crudwell Village Hall, SN16 9HB on the third Wednesday of the month, 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm. This friendly group enjoys demonstrations, workshops, talks and visits. If you enjoy gardening too then this is the place to learn about all the best plants to grow to enhance your flowers and so much more economical than purchasing. We are affiliated to NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangers) and through them we have the availability of top-class demonstrators, competitions and international floral events. The world show is in Australia in 2025.
In January we enjoyed a fun workshop with Coral Gardiner, National Demonstrator and learned to make spheres in various mediums, a fashionable accessory to add to arrangements, we are also very conscious of the environment and choosing/learning to arrange without using non-biodegradable foam.
Janet Bentley, ChairmanAs I walk around the village listening to the Birds singing their evening song,
I can hear the Combine a few fields away gathering the final harvest.
Someone somewhere has a fire going, probably burning grass cuttings, as that familiar smell takes me back to when I was younger.
A dog barks in the distance and a balloon is drifting over Malmesbury way.
The trees are bearing their fruits, soon to be picked by eager hands... and ready mouths, for apple and pear pies.
The Village is familiar to me now, but soon like the summer I will be gone and take my leave of this quiet idyllic corner of England.
Memories of love, kisses and walks to Tetbury during hot summer days will live in my heart forever and when I am gone, the dogs will still bark, the birds will still sing, the fields will still be harvested and another summer will come and go.
Sitting on the bench in the churchyard, I look across at the church entrance and see you pulling me aside for a stolen kiss on Christmas eve.
That moment will always be there….A trace left by us forever !
Steve WilliamsThe Cat & Custard Pot Inn is a traditional pub with eight lovely en-suite bedrooms.
It is a stone’s throw from Tetbury, Malmesbury, the Beaufort polo club and the Westonbirt Arboretum.
Sitting in the centre of a lovely village, Shipton Moyne, the Cat has a bustling bar which serves great local beers as well as classic pub food with a modern twist. Relax and unwind next to the cosy log burner or keep up to date with the latest sport, the Cat caters for all!
Our new Pizza terrace is open Wednesday to Sunday and serves authentic Italian pizza produced by our traditionally trained pizza chef.
To book a room or table visit our website or call us 01666 880249
The Cat & Custard Pot Inn
The Street . Shipton Moyne
Tetbury . GL8 8PN
www.catandcustard.co.uk