Tetbury Advertiser September 2025

TETBURY ADVERTISER

Celebrating 50 years of the Tetbury Advertiser

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 October Issue is Thursday 11th September 2025

Delivery - 27th/28th September 2025

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

3rd Sept Tetbury Art Society Summer Exhibition. See article for details.

4th Sept History of Tetbury Society

Hosts talk by Roger Ashley on “The imagery of Elizabeth 1st”. See article for details.

5th Sept Tetbury Mens Shed

Informal meet up to discuss a dedicated Wome’s Shed. See article for details.

8th Sept Tetbury WI Hosts “Chair Yoga” event. See article for details.

10th Sept Tetbury Film Society Showing “September”. 7.00 pm

The Dolphins Hall. See article for details.

14th Sept Avening Village Hosts it’s “Pig Face Day”. See article for details.

16th Sept Tetbury and District u3a Hosts talk on “The life and works of Henry Purcell”. See article for details.

16th Sept Greening Tetbury Hosts talk on “Wild Hydrogen and a Carbon Negative journey for Tetbury”. See article for details.

19th Sept Tetbury Lions Hosts their “Big Autumn Quiz”. See advert for details.

20th Sept Tetbury Police Museum and Courtroom Hosts family event on Crime Detection. See article for details.

Friends

of Tetbury Community Transport

September trips: To book 0345 680 5029

Sat 13th WESTON SUPER MARE 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sat 20th TEWKESBURY OUTLETS 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Sat 27th YATE 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

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: 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.

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 33 Church Street. tourism@tetbury.gov.uk Tel: 01666 331222

Bear with me!

Tidying my study after the summer holidays, I declutter my desk, taking it down to bare essentials. There’s a pen tray and bottle of ink, a pencil pot, a shelf of project notebooks, and a stack of four intrays, one tray for each area of my workingfrom-home life. This orderly setup makes me feel in control when other evidence points to the contrary.

More important, though, are four tiny talismans. Not otherwise superstitious, I regard these talismans as essential tools of my trade.

A small piece of the Berlin Wall reminds me that no problem is insurmountable. And yes, the concrete fragment is genuine. I bought it from an official Berlin Wall merchandise shop in the heart of the reunified city.

A multifaceted plastic diamond, a gift from my daughter, helps me focus on what matters. One Christmas, as a small child, in Marks and Spencer she spotted a pack of a dozen of them, sold for a few quid as tree decorations. A keen bargain-hunter from an early age, she was delighted to realise she could afford to give everyone in the family a diamond for Christmas. I’d rather

have this plastic diamond given with her love than the real thing without it.

A more recent gift from her is a small wooden cube she’d painted with the words “writer’s block”. This quip helps me worry less about my workload. Last time I was stressing about meeting a writing deadline, she said to me, “But you always DO get it done, Mum”, and she’s right.

The fourth desktop mascot is a small wooden bear who fits perfectly into the

palm of my hand. It’s a reproduction of a piece of netsuke, the name given to the carved ornamental fasteners used in Edoera Japan to attach a pouch to a kimono. (Men’s kimonos, unlike the women’s, had no pockets – my pet hate in a garment.)

What’s a wooden bear done to earn a place on my minimalist desk? Well, each mystery in my Cotswold Curiosity Shop series revolves around an object for sale in Alice Carroll’s bric-a-brac emporium. In my new novel, Death at the Village Christmas Fair, a little netsuke bear in her shop is a vital clue to solving a murder at the local Santa Run. With every suspect in the race dressed as Father Christmas, finding the killer is never going to be easy – and Alice needs all the help she can get. Holding the bear in my left palm spurred me on to finish the book while I was puzzling over tricky plot points.

Death at the Village Christmas Fair was published on 16th August, and I’m already halfway through my next novel. But I’ve grown so fond of little Ursa Minor, as I like to call him, that I’m letting him stay on my desk – at least until he’s ready to hibernate.

Debbie Young www.authordebbieyoung.com

www.authordebbieyoung.com

Death at the Village Christmas Fair is now available from all good book shops, as a paperback, hardback, ebook, and audiobook.

(Quote ISBN 9781835185827 to order the paperback from The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop.)

eight other local authors at Hawkesbury Upton Literature

Meet Debbie and eight other local authors at Hawkesbury Upton Literature Festival’s “Strength of Character” event on Saturday 27th September, 11am4pm, at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Hawkesbury GL9 1BN, just a short drive from Tetbury. Tickets from Eventbrite at www.HULF10.eventbrite.co.uk, or visit the Festival website at www.hulitfest.com.

Having had a rest we are truly pleased to be returning to our duty of delivering our well received Tetbury Advertiser.

I do hope everyone including the young people of Tetbury have been able to enjoy the wonderful weather we are having, which is so rare for this country.

Tetbury Lions never stop working behind the scenes. The 1st of July, each and every year sees another President. Lion Peter Coleman relinquished his chain to Maggie Heaven.

When a new President is elected, we have what is officially a “Presidents Handover” it starts off being quite formal and then a jolly takes place with lots of food and booze which is paid for by the incoming President. Needless to say most people walk to this event!!! It’s a wonderful way for partners to join in and all get to know each other in a very relaxed environment.

In June, Jody and Maggie joined in the Bowls Club Corporate Day. We didn’t win, but neither did we expect too. it was fun and the Bowls Club put on a very enjoyable afternoon.

Several Lions helped with the car parking at Cherington Show.

In July Simon Tett was badged up to be

officially a Tetbury Lion. I can imagine most residents will wonder what badging up means? Well, to become a Lion you attend three meetings as a means of establishing whether it’s for you or not. This again is official when you are “Sworn In” and given a badge which you wear with pride and a yellow tabard which you should wear at all events. This takes place during the meeting which is held on the first Wednesday of each month.

Grants

We were delighted to donate a substantial amount of money to SWR to help furnish a new room which some of the pupils will enjoy. We were also delighted to assist a few pupils go on a school trip.

Tetbury Trail have now been able to complete the walk due to Tetbury Lions donating the last amount of money required to finish the project kindly managed by Paul Lockney.

It’s Quiz time again on the 19th of September at The Great Tythe Barn. This Quiz is in aid of Tetbury Hospital. We would like as many quizzers as possible because Tetbury Lions will match fund whatever we raise. To reserve a place or table please

phone Maggie on 07747608990 (Table a team of 8/10). The cost is £10 per person to include luxury ploughman’s supper. There will also be a small raffle. The ploughman’s supper is always donated by various members of the Lions Club.

We are running other events over the course of the year, which are detailed below. For further information regarding each of them please contact Keith Hodgson on 07770961773.

Car Treasure Hunt £10 to include tea at The Priory. Children under 16 free of charge.

A visit to the 417 Link. there is no charge for this but it is well worth joining us and I speak from experience.

A visit to Concorde Bristol, £20 per person . A visit to Renishaw, to be confirmed .

A visit to Gloucestershire Javelin Park Waste to be confirmed.

September Bucket Shake at Tesco’s to raise money for local charities.

December Christmas Raffle in aid of Local charities.

Our annual Charter Night which is to be held at The Great Tythe Barn on the 10th of October. . Dancing to the 60’s 70’s and 80’s band (They played at last year’s Christmas Light Switch on) It’s Lounge Suit or Black Tie. Three course dinner same caterers as last year, Birches who provide us with excellent food and service. Tickets are £55 per head to include wine on the table. This is not a profit making event, but it’s a very enjoyable annual event.

Occasionally we organise a fun day out with partners. Each couple/person pay for themselves.

Early August we took a three hour Barge cruise from Devizes to Horton and back. We organised food and drink between us.

We are always looking for new members and I would love to think that this information as to what we do for the community and socially, residents of Tetbury will consider joining us as a member. We have another gentleman joining in November. Why not come along and see for yourselves Our meetings take place at The Priory, 1st Wednesday of each month 7.30 pm.

Any questions please feel free to contact myself on 07747608990 I must stress we are all volunteers and work very much as a team.

Lion Maggie Heaven President, Tetbury Lions

Club

Tetbury Goods Shed

Hope you have been able to join us at one of our recent events.

We pride ourselves on putting on as wide a range of entertainment as possible from open air theatre, cinema, through music of all tastes and genres promoting up and coming artists such as well as hosting the more established “names”. Our comedy night with Alfie Moore was a sell out and our Off The Rails Festival offered something for all the family young and old.

As you can imagine, it takes a lot of planning and a lot of hard work pulling this all together and it wouldn’t be possible without the support and effort of our magnificent Volunteers who are prepared to turn their hands to almost anything and everything.

But we probably wouldn’t be here without the determination and innovation of our President and local hero – Will Cook. To learn more, make sure you book a ticket for his talk on the 10th of September when he describes how a derelict building was saved for the community. Tetbury Goods Shed from the beginning. Join Will Cook as he tells you how he led a group of amazing Tetbury Volunteers to come together and turn a rundown old goods

shed into one of the best loved art centre in the area. Advance tickets are just £5.00, and monies raised will be shared between the Goods Shed and History of Tetbury Society.

We are always trying to find ways to be greener, to re use, re cycle and re purpose and to that end we have been awarded a grant to install solar panels on the Goods Shed. But we still need to raise a further £6,400 to be able to complete these works. We are asking if there might be thirty two people or organisations who are able to donate £200 to sponsor “a panel”. Please

contact our Office Manager, Kathryn Limoi for further information.

But to help our cause the lovely ladies of the Coventry Building Society are walking 10k on Sunday the 14th of September to help raise funds for the panels – so if you are able please do sponsor them – we will all be very grateful for anything you are able to give. Sponsor forms can be found at the Coventry offices by the Market Hall or in our Foyer at the Goods Shed.

Thankyou in advance.

Tetbury Goods Shed Team

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New Players Welcome Boys and Girls, 5 - 18

Season starts Sunday 7th September

Every Sunday 10:30 – 12:00, Sept - April 2x free intro sessions

Qualified coaches with DBS First Aid support On-site café

U6 (5+, Y1) to Colts (17, Y12) Mixed teams up to 11 Girls and boys teams from 12+ All welcome, regardless of experience!

Sir William Romney School

Tetbury, GL8 8AE

Tetbury Rugby Club

£1,450,000

4 Bedrooms

Step inside this modern detached family home that exudes charm and sophistication. The property boasts a bright and inviting interior, perfect for luxurious living.

Shipton Moyne

Designed for busy family life, and set in a beautiful Cotswold village, this lovely house has so much to offer.

• An extended and upgraded home in the heart of this lovely village

• Large entrance hall

• Modern kitchen-diner with a walk in pantry

• Utility/boot room with shower room

• Sitting room with double doors to the wraparound garden

• All double bedrooms with principal having a dressing room and large bathroom

• Well thought out storage throughout Beautiful gardens wrap all around with delightful nooks and crannies

Double garage with electric doors

£525,000 Guide price £425,000

Tetbury

4 Bedrooms

A modern town house, settled in the popular Sherwood Road, within walking distance of the town centre but close enough to the edge to ensure lovely views and good walking close by.

The Guides have been to camp, always one of the best highlights of a Guiding year.

This year we joined forces with Stroud Valley Guides and spent five days at our county HQ and camp site now known as Cowley Adventure.

The girls went zip-lining, learnt archery and threw tomahawks. On the one wet day we caught the bus to Cheltenham for a day out on a lion hunt. The Lions at Large art trail has thirty two lions to find in Cheltenham and Gloucester, including two Girlguiding lions, and is supporting the hospitals charity. We

all met up for dinner at a restaurant which was a great treat when away at camp! As well as finding lions the girls enjoyed the freedom to visit popular shops whilst the leaders took the opportunity to sit and have a cup of tea! We took the theme of lions for the whole camp and enjoyed an afternoon crafting lion cake toppers for our afternoon tea. The girls also made lions from various craft items and tried pyrography with lion faces on wooden spoons.

Thank you to Ellie, Emma, Chloe and Sue for giving up time to enable the Guides to have such a memorable time away. We are already planning next year’s camp with our new friends from Stroud. Thanks to our recent grant from the Tesco Stronger Start scheme we were able to buy two new sleeping tents and they were put to good use.

Thank you to the five Guides who helped at Holiday @ Home for a day. They met the guests, served drinks and lunch, painted nails and chatted. This is the second year we have helped and the Guides enjoyed it as much as the elderly guests.

We have spaces in Guides so do get in touch if your daughter would like to come for a trial visit. Guides is for girls aged 1014 but we would also welcome visits from those in year 5 who will be 10 soon.

Rainbows (aged 4-7), Brownies (aged 7-10) and Rangers (aged 14+) are our other groups. Volunteers are always welcome and very much needed to help us run our weekly activities. Is this the year you decide to get involved? Why not give it a try and come and have fun with us!

Sue Doidge,

Girlguiding Tetbury District Commissioner tetbury@girlguidingglos.org.uk

LEE COOPER (TETBURY) LTD

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Specialists in custom made Metalwork for Industrial & Domestic use

History of Tetbury Society

Our July meeting was a visit to The Wilson Museum,

we were welcomed by Ann-Rachel, where artefacts relating to Edward Wilson’s fateful second Antarctic trip had been removed from the Archives for us to see, plus a Penguin chocolate bar (the original image on these were Edward Wilson’s own drawing of Emperor penguins). We were also shown much of his artwork from his early life as a boy in Cheltenham, plus some of his artwork from his Antarctic expeditions. After the deaths in March 1912, Edward’s widow distributed much of his estate to various institutions which have since grown and developed, one being The Scott Polar Institute, Cambridge, as Edward had studied in Cambridge, and of course to Cheltenham being his hometown.

We returned to the Learning room to be shown exact clothing replicas, made using the original bolts of cloth from the time. Scott’s legacy included the use of layers of clothing for the first time.

We had an amazingly interesting visit. August saw us in and around Tetbury for the ‘second half’ tour, carried over from 2021! Twenty-seven intrepid members met in The Chipping on a rainy evening to focus on the ‘other half’ of Tetbury. Crossing to Christ Church we looked at Skelton Close, Christ Church and the site where the circus elephant was stabled. Through Eccles Court to the back of the surgery, once the grammar and secondary schools and on to London Road, to see the champagne bottle wall and the site of the sad death of John Curtis Broom in the Gas Works pond, on his way home from The Plough or Greyhound. We next looked at Helena Court, originally a wool stapler’s factory before becoming the

Shell

brewery and up Long Street where races took place for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, and at other significant buildings along the way. Through the twizzle to Close Gardens and a dry and welcome sit down in St Saviour’s! The background to the building of this church was discussed and the beautiful stone carvings around the inside were looked at, in addition to the piscina, credence and sedilia, which all denote a fairly high church. Finally looking at the tank traps and walking up the second West Street, back to Church Street.

September’s meeting sees us going back inside on the 4th of September for ‘The

Imagery of Elizabeth I’, our speaker being Roger Ashley. As ever we meet in Christ Church, The Chipping beginning at 7.30 pm. Visitors are welcome for £3.00. On the 10th of September Will Cook will give a talk about ‘The Goods Shed’ in the Goods Shed, £5.00 per person, details on the Goods Shed website. Heritage Weekend takes place over the 13th and 14th of September, we will be holding our annual exhibition in The Market House from 10.00 am - 4.00 pm each day. We look forward to seeing you there. Details from Jane, please leave a message on the website tetburyhistory. com or on 01666 504196.

The History of Tetbury Team

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Edward Wilson at the Pole

Introducing Sarah Heywood

It’s that ‘new pencil case’ feeling I always get, as the summer starts to mellow into autumn. Night falls quicker, with darker skies and sparkly stars. There’s a crispness in the air of a morning that lets you know change is on the way. Back to school signs are everywhere now and even if you don’t live with a young person, September can often bring a sense of being on the edge of something new.

My name is Sarah Heywood, and I’m delighted to be moving into Gloucestershire to take up a new post.

At the time of writing, I’m preparing to leave the good burghers of Malmesbury and travel with my family that short but important distance, over the border to Tetbury. By the time you read this, I shall –God willing - have been licensed as Rector of Tetbury, Beverston, Long Newnton and Shipton Moyne.

It’s a move that is the culmination of a journey that started in 2014, when a conversation with my husband made me realise, I was being called to leave my job in the Ministry of Defence and train to be a

vicar. Quite the left turn at the traffic lights, as several people commented, although I found the civil service and the Church of England do have a surprising (or not surprising) amount in common.

I’m married to Harry, who works for the civil service, and we are outnumbered and outmanoeuvred by our three young boys and two British Blue cats, who may or may not all be working in league with each other.

It is an enormous privilege to come and serve in this beautiful place, with its rich traditions stretching back over centuries, and its sense of vibrant life reaching into the future. I am so looking forward to getting to know people, walking around every inch of my parishes and finding out all about what makes this place feel like home for you.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple once said that the church is the only organisation that exists for the benefit of those who are not its members. Whether you’ve been attending church for 50+ years, or are of a different faith to Christianity, or if you’re not religious at all, we’re here for you. I always tell children who ask why I wear a collar, that it means people can talk to me about anything, big or small – so with that in mind, if you see me out and about, do say hello.

New terms and new starts can be daunting as well as exciting. But Matthew’s gospel reminds us that we can be sure that God is with us wherever we go - Christ himself promised, ‘I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ So, if like me, you’re starting on something new this season, know that you’re not alone – the steps of the divine walk beside you. May God bless you this autumn and beyond.

Revd Sarah

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

Telephone 07469 187004 info@tetburychiropractic.co.uk www.tetburychiropractic.co.uk Tetbury Chiropractic Clinic, 2 Silk Mill studios, 2 Charlton road, Tetbury GL8 8DY

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Tetbury Art Society

It seems almost autumnal although we are still within summer.

By the time you read this we will have put together our Summer Exhibition at the Market Hall and be looking forward to our September meeting on the 3rd at St Michael’s Hall. All details on our website.

We organised another brilliant workshop with Catherine Beale, watching her ‘gravity watercolour’ method and trying for ourselves. It looks easier than it is I can assure you all but great fun. There are images of our paintings here.

We held our Summer Social at Shipton Moyne Village Hall with members and their families. A lot of fun with a Raffle and Quiz but mainly a chance to catch up with everyone.

We have another workshop with Mark Warner in October using acrylics to paint lively landscapes and meetings on the first Wednesday of each month now with artist demonstrations.

We will all be entering the Sherston Arts Festival Open Art Exhibition in November. Please see our websites for all details.

If you are interested in joining us, please look at our website www.tetburyartsociety.

Will we be one of the lucky recipients of a grant from Tesco as part of their Stronger Start blue token scheme?

There is just over a month left to post your blue tokens in Tetbury Tesco if you feel able to support us. Currently approximately one hundred and twenty five young people meet regularly in the Malt house as part of Guiding and Scouting groups.

The Trustees are looking for both a new treasurer and a secretary to help us run the Malt house efficiently. We have had great support from Crawford and Alison in these roles but unfortunately both are having to step down. If you would be interested in helping us out or just finding out more about what is involved please do get in touch on our email address. We meet approximately six times a year.

The Tetbury Malthouse Team

Try Tetbury Hardware First!! – Use it or Lose It!!

Please to try to support your local retailers, you will be surprised at the range of products and services they o er, often at very competitive prices. We at Tetbury Hardware have been your local store for over 13 years. We can deliver items locally just ask - subject to value.

Key Cutting

Our Yale keys are only £5.00, and Mortice £6.50 so please have a think before you go elsewhere in town. We can replace Car Key Batteries and get shoes repaired at very good prices. Ask us for details all at the lowest prices locally!

Garden Care

If you have any special needs for your garden just ask us in store.

We will order in any item you need to get your garden ready for Autumn.

Have you got any old videos that you haven’t seen for years? We can get videos and tapes moved to DVD or Memory Stick. It can be so emotional seeing old memories again.

The searing heat and dry conditions of June and July this year certainly took its toll on everything – including ourselves!

It didn’t help at all that we’d already had the driest spring on record, and then to experience three heatwaves in quick succession with temperatures reaching 30 degrees and more over several days, we just couldn’t keep up with the amount of watering that was required to keep all the plants alive, never mind looking their best. The geraniums we’d planted in the beds in June really struggled: they just couldn’t get going even when the cooler wetter weather arrived later in July. To then have another week of hot dry weather in midAugust, reaching 30 degrees again, was just about as much as they (and we) could cope with… and that’s not even considering the added problem of dealing with a widespread infestation of Box caterpillar!

We were disappointed to say the least when we had put so much time, effort and cost into trying to make the town look attractive for the summer months. At

least though the tubs and troughs in the town which we’d filled with vibrant colour fared better. These were so much easier to keep watered to the level they needed during the extremely hot dry conditions - especially those planted in the tubs and troughs that have inbuilt water sumps.

With the prospect of our summers becoming more and more like the one we’ve just experienced, our plan now is to add even more permanent planting to the beds. At least once established, they’ll have a better chance of surviving drought

conditions, although coping with the extremely high temperatures will still be an issue.

Once again, we can’t thank enough those residents and traders who have helped us this year by taking on the watering of some of the beds, tubs and troughs. We have really appreciated your assistance as it allowed us to focus on the other areas that were so desperate for water.

Now into September, our minds are turning to the autumn tasks of removing the geraniums, tidying the beds, and adding more spring bulbs and permanent planting - ready for next year and whatever that might bring!

Sue Hirst, Team Leader, Tetbury in Bloom

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Tetbury Men’s

Almost since the beginning of time, men and sheds have formed a perfect partnership.

A space that a man could make his own, usually at the end of the garden or tucked away on his allotment. The ethos remains: “Shoulder to shoulder, not face to face” — a nod to how men often connect best through shared activity rather than direct conversation.

But it’s not all about the men. Many women enjoy woodworking, DIY, gardening, and

tinkering just as much as men. Sheds offer tools, space, and camaraderie — so why should the men have all the fun? Absolutely — and it’s a conversation that’s evolving with the times. While the original Men’s Shed model was designed to support older men facing isolation, there’s a compelling case for welcoming women into these spaces too. Some sheds choose to remain male-only, while others evolve

into “Community Sheds” creating space for men, women, veterans, and people with disabilities — all working side by side.

Many visitors to the Tetbury Shed ask if women are welcome to take part in the activities and seem genuinely interested in the concept of a Community Shed. So is it time to expand our reach into the community? We’re inviting anyone curious

about founding a dedicated Women’s Shed to join us for an open discussion and informal meet-up on:

Friday the 5th of September from 2.00 pm at the workshop.

Our workshop is located at the Goods Shed next to the free car park and a few yards from disabled parking spaces.

Extension Update

Alan C. Sanders Book-keeping &

acountancy services

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

Despite the recent heatwave, our dedicated members have successfully fitted a new steel roof to the Tetbury Shed’s workshop extension. This much-needed expansion is made possible thanks to generous donations, primarily from local companies and organisations, but contributions from residents remain absolutely vital.. If you’d like to support us, please consider donating via JustGiving: www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/tetbury.

Find out more, contact me on 07955 088580. More details of our activities and where to find us are on our Tetbury Men’s Shed website www.tetburymensshed.co.uk

Alan Greenway TMS Workshop ….and from the allotment

Despite the lack of rain our allotment project has thrived due entirely to watering every other day, not weekly. Hard labour indeed but worth it given the number of vegetables we have produced all of which are either dug or picked to individual customer request; a service hard to find elsewhere. With some beds now cleared and weeded, we still have many of your favourites available, particularly green leaf varieties. The cleared beds have allowed us to put some energy into planning our winter crops which this year will feature potatoes ready for Christmas dinner. We will also be spending some considerable energy in the installation of a large cage, a much safer operating environment. Assistance will be required and together with increased planting and harvesting, we certainly need additional help. Willing hands will be welcome at the allotment behind the Royal Oak each Wednesday from 10.00 am, biscuits will be available.

Ken White TMS Allotment

Tetbury Film Society

On Wednesday the 10th of September, Tetbury Film Society begins its 2025/26 season.

Compiling the programme has been a collaborative effort by the committee members.

Between us we have watched many hours of film to select the best recent releases to compile a varied programme. From the more mainstream and touching ‘The Penguin Lessons,’ and the gentle and engaging ‘The Ballard of Wallis Island,’ to the whimsical and hard-hitting animation ‘Memoir of a Snail.’ From the real life gripping drama at the 1972 summer Olympics in our first film of the season ‘September 5’, to the fascinating yet forceful ‘Reality’. From the classroom of an inspirational teacher in Mexico in ‘Radical,’ to the home of a widow seeking love in modern-day Iran in ‘My Favourite Cake.’ There should be something to suit all tastes.

Members should have received their

membership cards and a copy of the programme.

If you’re not already a member, it’s not too late to join our society. For full details and an application form, visit our website www. tetburyfilm.org.uk, call our membership secretary Patricia on 01666 502085, or come early to the first night to complete the paperwork – or bring a completed form with you. (Sorry we can’t take card payments, but so please bring your along your cheque book or cash.) Membership costs £27 per person for all nine films. It includes a complementary glass of wine at our December and April screenings.

Alternatively, visiting guests are welcome to join us at anytime at the reasonable price of £6 per film.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Dolphins Hall on the second Wednesday of the autumn, winter and early spring months. Doors open at 7.00 pm and our films begin at 7.30 pm prompt.

Liz Farnham

Chair Tetbury Film Society

Member of Cinema for All

10th Sept 2025

8th Oct

September 5 (Cert 15)

A television crew broadcasting live at the 1972 Summer Olympics are faced with moral dilemmas and technical issues as the hostage crisis unfolds in front of them.

How To Make Millions Before Gramdma Dies (Cert 12A)

A college dropout decides to care for his ailing grandmother in the hopes of winning her affection and ultimately her fortune.

12th Nov Radical (Cert 12A)

The true story of an inspirational teacher, who was hired to transform the grades of students at an underperforming school.

The Penguin Lessons (Cert 12A)

10th Dec

14th Jan 2026

11th Feb

25th Feb

Steve Coogan as Tom Michell, a disillusioned teacher who, after moving to Argentina in 1976, finds himself responsible for a Magellanic penguin he rescued from an oil slick.

The Ballad of Wallis Island (Cert 12A)

Old tensions resurface when former band mates and lovers reunite for a private performance at the island home of an eccentric millionaire and ‘superfan’.

My Favourite Cake (Cert 12A)

This romantic tragicomedy follows the life of Mahin, a seventy year old widow, who decides to revive her love life in Iran, where women’s rights are heavily restricted.

Memoir of a Snail (Cert 15)

A dark and gritty antipodean fable about Grace Pudel, separated from her twin brother after her parent’s death. Award-winning animation.

11th Mar Reality (Cert 12A)

The gripping true story of whistleblower Reality Winner. Adapted from the 2019 stage play ‘Is This a Room’, with dialogue taken directly from the FBI interview.

** Longfield Hospice Fundraiser ** Mr Burton (Cert 12A)

25th Mar

8th Apr

The true story of how the poor son of a Welsh miner became one of the world’s greatest actors, with the help of an unlikely mentor.

The Marching Band (Cert 15) & AGM

Conductor Thibaut discovers he has leukaemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. Learning of his adoption, he finds his older brother who works in a factory. Their reunion leads to a musical journey as the community faces the factory’s closure.

All screenings are on Wednesdays at Dolphins Hall. Doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 7:30 pm. Membership is £27 per person, including free entry to all films except the charity fundraiser**. Alternatively, pay £6 on the night. For an application form and more details visit our website: www.tetburyfilm.org.uk

Greening Tetbury

…and heard from Fergus the chair about the work of the charity during the last year. In the coming year, we plan to continue to support local farmers to create wildlife corridors through planting hedges and trees. We will engage with the organisers of the new Western Forest and will continue to develop wildflower areas about the town.

The treasurer reported that the charity remains a going concern, and we have sufficient resources for our future plans for 2025-26. These include planning for next year’s Great Big Green Week promotion following the success of this year’s collaborative events.

The trustee board remains unchanged. Fergus Dignan had sought to stand down as chair but has agreed to the option of sharing the role of chair with the treasurer; both will be co-chairs for 2025-26 as a trial period.

Good environmental news

It’s not often that there is good environmental news at a national political level, but over the summer there have been two significant changes, both the result of public campaigning.

The first relates to the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill. Readers may remember that this was first introduced by Caroline Lucas MP in 2020, and was then revived by our local MP, Dr Roz Savage this February as a Private Members Bill. The Bill is the only proposed legislation before the UK Parliament that ensures a comprehensive and joined-up approach to the climate emergency and nature crisis.

In July 2025, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband MP, with the Environment Secretary, Steve Reed MP present, delivered the first annual Climate and Nature Statement in Parliament. The Statement was promised by the Government in the build up to the CAN Bill’s second reading in January. There is also this new report and a document

outlining actions on climate and nature agreed by the Government. These statements and reports go some way, but we still urge the Government to agree legally binding targets to deliver action and meet international commitments.

To maintain pressure, Zero Hour is launching a UK-wide Climate & Nature Lobby Week from the 13th-20th of September. Visit bit.ly/CAN13209 to sign up and connect with fellow campaigners.

No more Ofwat

A second piece of good news was that following the Cunliffe Review and widespread public dissatisfaction, the Government has agreed to abolish Ofwat, the water regulator. A replacement new watchdog will include a strong ombudsman, regional planning bodies, mandatory smart meters and a national social tariff. It proposes halving sewage pollution by 2030. This is a moment that has the potential to be a turning point for the health of our rivers and the natural world that depends on them.

Date for your diary

16th September 7.30pm GT Talks: “Wild Hydrogen and a carbon negative journey for Tetbury” at Refillable Bistro.

Email greeningtetbury@gmail.com to go onto our mailing list.

The Greening Tetbury Team

Fergus and Dan campaigning for July’s CAN Bill reading. Photo courtesy of Kevin Painter

In

my youth I was planted in the trust department of Charles

Russell in Lincoln’s Inn…

…in a subordinate role and continued to be in instructed in probate matters when I moved to the country in not such a subordinate position. It was difficult to be confident in dealing with clients who had more experience of life than I had. I had clients walking into the hall where we had our office suggesting that I was a slippery character when in fact one was just nervous. It was easier to gain the confidence of matrimonial clients because if an injunction was needed, they knew I had the ability to act quickly. One could be sitting in a town office when a female client would appear after being subjected to molestation. I recall on one occasion setting out for Bath for the registrar to settle an eviction order and then once settled having to rush to Bristol to find a judge who would grant the injunction which had to be sealed and served on the Respondent husband to get him out of

which undoubtedly led to unacceptable behaviour. On one occasion my wife was joining me on a shopping trip and ended up with me in court to be targeted by the Judge asking, “Is this the battered woman?” It is ok comforting matrimonial clients as a young man but when it comes to probate clients it helps to understand clients who have been widowed after 50 years of marriage when one’s own marriage has had similar longevity.

Managing probate cases has its own issues. You are distributing an estate between beneficiaries. You are told that one beneficiary lacks capacity and an attorney is managing his or her account. The attorney instructs you to place the funds in a new bank account. Do you question this? Since my company is now employed by Nexa we have had to undergo training in ethics. As solicitors the Solicitors Regulation Authority regulate us. The message from the ethics course was that the Solicitors Regulation Authority might have a different view of what you should do under the circumstances than you considered appropriate. Fortunately, under the new arrangements rather than making all decisions on my own account I can consult with the person responsible. The ethics of tax avoidance have altered recently.

Another issue arises when acting for executors from the outset. My preferred way of behaving is to be entirely open from the outset particularly to those who are

due to receive a share of residue. Should one make an issue when the Executors want to retain a degree of secrecy. I usually point out that anyone can find out about the contents of a will by ordering a copy from the probate registry. In those cases, I usually follow the wishes of the Executors although I must remember to include an additional paragraph in my client care letter to the executors.

Michael Hodge

The museum has been very busy over the summer.

One thing all the volunteers agree on it was really great to see so many children in the museum.

We have an exciting event coming up this month. On Saturday the 20th of September from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm we have a special family event at the Goods Shed all around Crime detection and forensics

Following our item last month on the museum’s outreach project with schools, we thought we would share with you some discoveries about our magistrates’ courtroom.

We were surprised to find that a separate children’s court was held here from 1910 until 1939. In the early 20th century, child crime was, for the first time, treated differently from adult crime. Educating children about right and wrong was thought to be far more important than harsh punishments. In 1910 the age of criminal responsibility was seven and the school leaving age was twelve. School groups visiting the museum are of a similar age, so will enjoy hearing about crime and punishment one hundred years ago. The old Tetbury newspapers are a good source of information and tell us that the youngest boy in court was seven and the youngest girl was ten. Their crimes included:shoplifting, theft, damaging property, begging in the street and being a nuisance to others by throwing stones, letting off fireworks in the street or playing football in the road. Would today’s schoolchildren class any of these as a crime?

One of the court cases in 1918 really caught our eye; ‘the case of the missing cake’. Three twelve year-old girls, were accused

of stealing a cake from a shop. On the witness stand the baker said he wrapped a fruit cake ready for collection and put it on the private side of the counter and later noticed it gone. His employee then told the court he put the cake on a table near the counter and covered it with a cloth, but a few minutes later he noticed it gone. They contacted the police. Sgt Woolford told the court he investigated the complaint and spoke to the girls. They gave their side of the story. Two of them said they went to the shop for postage stamps and admitted they took the cake and shared it with the

third girl, who had stayed outside. She maintained she did not take the cake, but agreed she ate some of it. The magistrates decided this was a serious charge and all three were bound over for six months, but could be recalled to court at any time during those six months. This was the most serious punishment the magistrates could give. Possibly they felt, as we did, that this was well planned, with one as look out, one to divert attention and one to take the cake. On top of which, they ate the evidence!

Tetbury Police Museum and Courtoom Team www.tetburypolicemuseum.org.uk

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Meet Head Chef James Edwards at The Ormond

The Ormond at Tetbury is steeped in history and Cotswold charm, “a charming 16th-century boutique hotel offering a warm welcome” in the heart of the countryside. From 1st August, The Ormond will have even more to celebrate as it welcomes James Edwards as its new Head Chef. Adrienne Bailey, owner of The Ormond, smiles on the news: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome James to The Ormond family. His innovative, bold approach to modern British cooking and commitment to local ingredients is exactly what we’ve been looking for,” she says. As Adrienne hints, James’s arrival comes alongside an exciting new lunch menu and bespoke event offerings designed to tempt locals and visitors alike.

Chef James Edwards: A Culinary Journey

Q: James, your résumé is incredibly impressive. Tell us about your culinary journey.

A: I’ve been very fortunate to train under some of Britain’s finest chefs. Early in my career I worked with Michael Caines (formerly of the Michelin-starred Gidleigh Park) and for two years in Gordon Ramsay’s flagship London restaurant – the one on Royal Hospital Road that has held three Michelin stars since 2001. I then spent two years under Tom Kerridge at The Hand & Flowers in Marlow (famously the first pub ever to earn two Michelin stars). Those experiences really shaped my cooking philosophy. From there I moved to Alderney’s boutique Blonde Hedgehog hotel, where I led a farm-to-table concept and earned rave reviews and awards. Most recently, I served as Executive Chef at the historic Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester – updating its menus with Cotswold and farm-to-plate influences. Each step has given me a deep

appreciation for top-quality ingredients and bold, imaginative cooking.

Bold Flavours & Local Sourcing

Q: How would you describe your cooking style and philosophy?

A: I love bold, flavour-packed dishes that celebrate the best seasonal produce. While training with those top chefs, I learned that great cooking starts with great ingredients – especially local ones. At the Kings Head, for example, our new menu was built on locally sourced meats and vegetables, reflecting a true “farm-toplate” ethos. As I often say, “the first thing you do when you travel is eat and drink local,” so I want our guests to have that same experience here. My style marries British classics with global inspiration, using fresh Cotswold vegetables and regional meats, but with spices or techniques that give each dish an exciting twist. Think seasonal risottos with wild foraged greens, or stout-braised Cotswold beef with Asian spice highlights. This philosophy – local ingredients cooked confidently – is at the heart of The Ormond’s new menu.

The New Prix Fixe Lunch Menu

Q: What can diners expect from the new lunch offerings at Bistro-23?

A: We’re very excited to be launching a three-course prix fixe lunch menu, Monday through Saturday. For just £21.95 you’ll enjoy a starter, main and dessert (and the option to add Cotswold cheese for a supplement). We’ve designed it to showcase the best of what’s in season right now – for example, a spring menu might feature asparagus tortelloni or wild mushroom fricassee starters. Guests can then choose a main such as a locally-reared lamb shank or pan-fried hake with pea purée. To finish, expect classics with a

twist – like elderflower pannacotta or mini sticky toffee pudding. In short, it’s great value for an elegant meal. We’re really proud of the variety and quality, and we think the £21.95 price point will surprise and delight our guests.

Bespoke Parties & Private Dining

Q: The Ormond also caters for parties and private events. What special offerings do you have for those celebrations?

A: We pride ourselves on creating truly bespoke dining experiences for any occasion. If you book our Private Dining Room, for instance, you can work with me to craft a tailored menu just for your group. Whether it’s a wedding anniversary, corporate dinner or birthday, we’ll design courses to match your tastes, and even arrange pairings with local Cotswold wines and ales. For larger gatherings (up to around 40 guests), we have semi-private spaces like the Top Courtyard and the marquee in our garden. The courtyard’s upper terrace is often used in summer for exclusive parties, and it can be dressed out for buffets or barbecue feast. In every case, the emphasis is on local touch: local cheeses on the cheese board, wines from Cotswolds vineyards, and flavours that reflect the Cotswold season. As our events team says on the website, we can even make the entire Bistro-23 or bar area exclusively yours – a true “venue hire” – should you want the place to yourself. The end result is a party that feels completely custom.

Booking Your Visit

Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch, an elegant dinner, or a special event, booking at The Ormond is easy. Contact the hotel to reserve your table or discuss a private event – call 01666 505 690 or visit www. bistro-23.com for more details. The Ormond is at 23 Long Street, Tetbury GL8 8AA We look forward to welcoming you (and your guests) to experience James Edwards’s exciting new cuisine – a true celebration of bold flavours, local ingredients and Cotswold hospitality.

Tetbury Trail

The work to put an all-weather surface on the second section of the Tetbury Trail was completed in August. This is the section of the Tetbury Trail that runs along the course of the old railway line from the end of Preston Park to the Newnton Hill road.

The second section of the Tetbury Trail had become severely eroded exposing a mass of tree roots and thick mud when wet. This made it very difficult to walk along the Trail with the continuous trip hazards caused by the roots resulting in at least one serious injury.

Decades of mud, dead tree roots and vegetation were removed from the surface

of the Trail and spread on the side of the path. Trees were left where possible and as a result the Trail winds round them instead of being dead straight. Stone was laid into any low areas of the railbed.

Lengths of geotextile membrane were then laid along the cleared railbed to supress the growth of vegetation. The mud and earth were replaced with limestone to restore the ground level and compacted to give a firm foundation for the Trail.

A crushed limestone surface was then laid on top of the stone and compacted as has been done on the first and third sections of the Tetbury Trail. This is a natural material

that will blend into the landscape over time and is suitable for all types of users.

Completing the all-weather surface right along the Tetbury Trail to the Trouble House means it can be used all year round by pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, parents with prams/buggies and the disabled who often find it difficult to access the countryside.

The surfacing work took about five weeks to complete and the second section of the Trail had to be closed while the work was carried out. We apologise for the inconvenience to users.

The Trail now looks stark following the surfacing work but will soon mellow as vegetation grows back in along the sides and leaf material falls on the surface during the winter.

The surfacing work cost £56,800 and our thanks for their generous donations go to:

Enovert Community Trust

Tetbury Town Council

Gloucestershire County Council

The Feoffees

The Rowlands Trust

The Tetbury Lions

The British Horse Society and a number of individual contributors

Our thanks also go to Frank Dorrington Ward, the local Public Rights of Way Officer, for facilitating the project.

The Tetbury Trail is free to use but doesn’t receive any income apart from voluntary contributions; Please donate via the collection boxes in the Goods Shed and the Trouble House or via the Tetbury Trail webpage at: https://tetburyraillands.org/ donations

The Tetbury Trail Team

PUPPY TRAINING

It

seems like a long time since our July meeting…

…when Jane Stewart from St John’s Ambulance gave us a demonstration on the use of defibrillators and a refresher on the basics of CPR. One of this year’s WI Resolutions (as well as a national movement) is a reminder of the need to make the knowledge needed to assist in an emergency more widespread and Jane’s talk went some way to familiarising and de-mystifying the use of the public defibrillators that are located around Tetbury should the need arise. Anyone who has had some first aid training is familiar with ‘Annie’, the CPR aid, but for those who aren’t (or not for some years) the meeting gave them the opportunity to get ‘hands on’ and practice chest compressions as well as being reminded of the recovery position and how straightforward the defibrillators are to use.

On a warm sunny day in August, we arrived at the beautiful Sudeley Castle for our summer outing. With its stately presence amidst wonderful gardens it must be one of the Cotswolds greatest gems. We strolled in the scented rose gardens, and were surprised to meet a very friendly hare!! There were more animals to be seen, weaving in and out of the gardens, but all were sculptures, mainly of life size elephants

- supporting the charity ‘CoExistence’. We visited the various exhibitions showing the changes that this castle had seen, but most interesting of all was the life of Catherine Parr, who was buried in the chapel. The day went too quickly, but all had enjoyed their visit, and the company.

By the time this edition of the Advertiser goes to print, we will have joined Avening and Kemble & Ewen WIs for our annual group meeting. This year it is Kemble & Ewen’s turn to host the meeting with a theme to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2. As usual, there will be some good natured rivalry between the three groups not least over whose WW2 recipe tea loaf is the best!

Our next meeting at 7.30 pm at The Goods Shed on Monday the 8th of September will be an introduction to Chair Yoga, so comfortable trousers or leggings are a must.

Our next coffee morning at 10.30 am at The Snooty Fox will be on Monday the 29th of September.

We welcome (new) members from Tetbury and the surrounding villages and if you’re interested in any of our meetings or coffee mornings as a ‘taster’ you will be very welcome as a visitor to decide if the WI is for you.

Rowena Palser, www.tetbury-wi.org.uk

During June and July

Probus members had the opportunity to… …listen to a fascinating variety of topics which were presented by excellent speakers.

‘Sword Swallowing’: - Brian Witcome a Consultant Radiologist became interested in the bizarre practice of sword swallowing when he was sent an x-ray of a sword swallower who had sustained an injury. This prompted him to research the subject in more detail. Discovering a lack of information, he contacted the CEO of the ‘Sword Swallowers Association’ and together they published a report in the medical literature. This research won the ‘IgNobel’ prize for Medicine which is awarded annually to the best obstruse piece of medical research which ‘first makes you laugh then makes you think’! None of the members present felt inclined to have go!

‘Alexander Hamilton;’ - One of America’s Founding Fathers was a brilliant politician who had risen from being an orphan to become one of the most important and influential politicians paving the way after the American Civil War to establish a sound and democratic stable government. Hamilton’s legacy is today perhaps unfortunately remembered more for the West End Musical ‘Hamilton’ than for his outstanding importance in the history of American politics.

‘A Case for a Ministry for Men’: - This title was puzzling but the speaker soon explained that, resulting from his own sad experience following a family breakdown and ending up homeless, he realised that there was a dearth of help for men whom he felt were too often vilified and left alone when crises occurred in their lives. Females have more care and sympathy yet domestic violence against men is surprisingly common. Male suicide is much more common than female suicide. Masculine

misogyny has always typecast the male sex as being the perpetrators and the support often given to women has been denied to men. Women are even represented in Parliament with more than one Minister for Women but there is no similar position for men. There are many political pressure groups supporting females but very few supporting males. This very profound talk stimulated much discussion and left the members thinking more about sex inequality in today’s society.

‘Monologues, Anecdotes and Recitations’ The final talk in July was given by a brilliant raconteur who told stories of his childhood including getting to know Lawrie Lee (‘Cider with Rosie’ fame). He continued with recitations of William Wordsworth’s ‘Daffodils,’ Michael Flanders and Donald Swan Humorous Songs including ‘It was on a Monday morning the Gas Man came to call, as well as Pam Ayres poems and Stanley Holloway’s ‘Pick up thee Musket Sam’! He also spoke of his love of Slimbridge and ended his talk with a wonderful poem about ‘Binder Twine’!

Members enjoyed much laughter and could have listened to a great deal more had time allowed.

Future meetings in September include Gustaf Eiffel, Steam Engines, and the Cotswolds Wool Trade

www.tetburyprobus.uk

Martin Hudson

allan@flatweaveinstall co uk 07966 665176 www flatweaveinstall co uk flatweaveinstall

Ingleburn Trefoil Guild

We have settled happily into our new meeting place, Christ Church in The Chipping, though we will not be there again until October. In July we enjoyed a picnic in the garden of one of our members, a time to chat and relax. At the time of writing, our August trip has yet to be confirmed, but in September we are going to The Barn Theatre in Cirencester to see ‘Haywire’. In October members have the opportunity to put forward ideas for next year’s programme, and they can exercise their artistic talents in November doing Christmas crafts. We have a Christmas meal out in December, which marks the end of an interesting and enjoyable year.

Some of us enjoyed a trip to Ireland in June to attend the National AGM, held this year in Belfast. Barnes coaches organised a nice trip including a visit to the Giant’s Causeway and Hillsborough Castle, as well as time in Dublin and Belfast. We were picked up and dropped off in Long Street, which made the journey very easy, and there were forty of us, from Wiltshire North and Gloucestershire Trefoil Guilds, so plenty of good company. We’ve come to the end of the AGM season at Guild, County and Region level – all very interesting and the excuse for a day out!

You do not need to have been a Guide or Brownie to join Trefoil Guild but just

support the ethos of Girlguiding to serve the community. If you’d like to know more, contact Liz, our chairman, on ingleburn@ wntrefoil.org.uk or 07773 190776. We usually

meet on the third Monday of the month at 7.30 pm at Christ Church, unless we are out and about, when lifts are always available. Helen Price. Ingleburn Trefoil Guild

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Avening’s Pig Face Day is a celebration that stretches back almost a thousand years,

to the time of the Norman Conquest.

William the Conqueror’s wife, Queen Matilda, provided the village with a church as a penance for the death of Brihtric, a Saxon lord who had spurned her advances

years previously when he was acting as the English ambassador to Flanders. She had her revenge by incarcerating him in a dungeon and confiscating his lands.

Once the church was completed it was

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All

Christina Ticehurst BTEC ITEC MFHT 07738 597436 www.tetburysportsmassage.co.uk info@tetburysportsmassage.co.uk

celebrated with a hog roast, which traditionally is now enjoyed by the villagers every other year. On Sunday the 14th of September this year, following a church service, the congregation will process to the Memorial Hall, where the Avening Singers and Silver Band will each perform, and the Primary School will put on a play explaining the origins of the celebration. Subsidised by the Parish Council, the WI produce pulled pork baps for the villagers, something so popular that not long ago coachloads used to visit from other local villages.

Children are encouraged to attend the celebration in medieval fancy dress and join the procession to the Hall, which is headed by one of the congregation carrying a pig’s head on a platter. The suggestion that Queen Matilda was only four feet tall and had a face like a pig, commonly bandied about, is quite untrue as she was a tall attractive lady who bore William ten children, two of whom subsequently becoming Kings of England.

This year, Queen Matilda resolves the 1068 small boats crisis by having the illegal immigrants fed on nothing but porridge, causing them to flee back to France for a decent meal. William the Conqueror makes an appearance in the play, being released from Hell (“Yes, it’s pretty hot, but you get to meet some interesting people”) in order to bring a special message to the menfolk of the village.

After the performances in the Hall, the Church, Playgroup and Social Club are putting on traditional games outside. So all the many and various Avening organisations are fully involved in this biannual celebration, once again bringing this vibrant village community together.

Roger Lindley

Avening Pig Face Day Team

Wow – we were absolutely blown away by the incredible support we received for our big 50th birthday celebration! So many families have come through our doors over the years, and it was truly heartwarming to see such a huge number of those coming together to mark this special occasion. We are always so grateful to the community surrounding St Mary’s Playgroup for being involved in all we do, come rain or shine!!

Thank you again to our sponsors who enabled us to provide a bouncy castle, delicious BBQ and other activities on the day. Also, to our wonderful fundraising team and volunteers who worked tirelessly to create this event. In total we raised an incredible £1,546.09 which will be put back into providing the rich learning environment at our setting.

What a fantastic year it’s been at St Mary’s

Playgroup and Toddlers! We’ve made so many wonderful memories, shared laughter with our friends, and loved having our families join us for fun. A highlight from this last term, was being joined by twenty enthusiastic students from Westonbirt School at our forest school site as part of their enrichment week. They spent a day with Jess, clearing, tidying, strimming and maintaining our outdoor environment for the children to explore, learn, and grow. The following day, they joined our pre-school session, getting involved with the children while they built dens, played games and splashed around with mud and water!! Thank you to the Westonbirt students, teachers and chefs who brought energy and joy to the session, along with a delicious feast for the grown-ups!! We loved having you!

For our preschool trip, the children had the pleasure of going on a real adventure, one that creates memories that last a lifetime! This began by taking a train from Kemble to Stroud, before walking to Stratford Park for a snack by the pond, lots of fun at

the playpark and a picnic and ice lollies in the Sensory Garden. The weather was extremely kind to us, which always helps, so 15 tired but happy children got back on the train to come home All the children showed us brilliant independence, stamina and of course how much they enjoy exploring life, including children who usually only attend Forest School. They came along with confidence and huge smiles on their faces, and we could not be prouder of each one of them.

All that is left is our leavers presentation where we celebrate each child before sending them off on their new adventure to school. Take the time over the summer to soak up all the fun, and we look forward to welcoming our new starters and returning children in September.

We’re so grateful for all the smiles, shared adventures, and special moments this year — and we can’t wait to see what the next one brings. Here’s to the next fifty years of our wonderful, outstanding playgroup!

St Mary’s Playgroup Team

Our Open Day on the 8th of July at the Tetbury Goods Shed went with a buzz!

The event was well attended, the sun was shining, and visitors were welcomed in by the T’UKEs Ukulele group who played outside all morning. We were delighted to showcase what we have to offer and encourage new members from the local community.

Our Group Leaders took the opportunity to engage with visitors about their interest

groups. These included History, Family History, Board Games, Golf, Historic Buildings, French, Spanish, Garden Visits, Art Appreciation, Photography, Book Clubs, Boules, Badminton, Playreading, Creative Writing, Wine, Tech Support, Pub Lunch, Quiz, Mah-Jong, Short Walks and Short Breaks. The ‘market stalls’ all looked really creative,

and it was lovely to see such a range of displays, from the slideshow, to display boards, books, board games, a quiz, pot plants, boules, and even (empty) bottles of wine. We were pleased to welcome Mayor Steve ‘Scotty’ Scott, who stayed for over an hour, chatting to many of the group leaders and their helpers. Most groups attracted a healthy interest, and we attracted a good number of new members on the day, with more joining afterwards.

Our u3a can give you the chance to share and develop your interests, make new friends and enjoy yourself. You can join our u3a if you’re no longer working fulltime or raising a family. If you would be interested in joining the u3a, take a look at our website Tetbury.u3asite.uk to find out more, and details of how to join, or come to one of our monthly talks.

Our next monthly talk on ’The Life and Works of Henry Purcell’ will take place on Tuesday the 16th of September 2025, 10.30 am – 12.00 pm, at the Tetbury Goods Shed. Dr Timothy Brain, former Chief Constable of Gloucestershire, shares his passion for the life and music of the 17th century English Barque composer.

Tetbury and District u3a Team

Tetbury Theatre Group

‘Moulin Rouge!’ at The Bristol Hippodrome on the 31st of August

‘The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return’.

Wow! A musical that promises the Bohemian ideals of ‘Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love’ as its central themes has a lot to deliver – and ‘Moulin Rouge!’ does just that!

The story is set during the ‘Belle Epoque’ towards the end of the 19th century. The Austro-Hungarian war has just ended and France, especially Paris, is experiencing a joyous burst of artistic creativity and optimism.

The real Moulin Rouge theatre opened in 1889 in the artists’ quarter of Montmartre, Paris. It was the most modern night club of its time. Toulouse Lautrec created the first posters, the daring cancan was performed, and the highest paid performer in the world, Mistinguett, sang popular songs and acted. Class barriers were loosened and the rich and aristocratic could mingle freely with Bohemian artists and ordinary

folk. The musical tells the poignant story of Christian, a young struggling composer and of Satine, a courtesan and dancer, the bright shining star of the show.

At The Bristol Hippodrome, the performance started very loud with a great live band, fantastic singing and sexually provocative dancing. We were plunged straight into the louche mood and feel of a 19th century cabaret in all its riotous immediacy. Some of us were not sure if we could stay the course! But, as the story developed, surprisingly and delightfully, we saw the unfolding of a real Hollywoodstyle musical of True Love set against the cold and calculating imperatives of money and power.

The cast played the love story between Christian and Satine with tenderness and total commitment, both authentic and moving. At the end the whole ensemble swooped back up to top gear and gave us a terrific reprise of a rowdy performance of cabaret artists with a cancan and a great

Tel: 0785 505 6769

burst of positive human spirit ready to conquer all! They sang chart-topping songs brilliantly and, with undimmed energy, expressed all the emotion of the musical with body and soul. It was exhilarating.

Coming out of the theatre into a drizzly, grey Bristol we felt lifted out of the dull ordinary by the heightened dimensions of colour, music, art and romance. For some of us, we lived again the 1960s when freedom, love and creativity were celebrated and we were optimistic, young and carefree! It was a lovely experience.

Coming up

‘Blood Brothers’ the 15th of October Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham. Waiting list only. Matinée

‘Charley’s Aunt’ the 13th of November Watermill Theatre, Newbury. Invitations sent. Matinée. Includes lunch

‘Death on the Nile’ the 5th of February 2026 Everyman Theatre Cheltenham Invitations not yet sent

‘Fawlty Towers’ the 25th of June 2026 The Millennium Theatre Cardiff. Invitations not yet sent

If you would like to join the Tetbury Theatre Group, please contact Diana Challis (Membership Secretary) 01666 502768 or Helen Price (Chairperson) 01666 503187, email: retreatcottage17@btinternet.com. Website: www.tetburytheatre group.co.uk

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Linda Goodhew for Tetbury Theatre Group

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Tetbury and District Footpath Group

Recent weather has given us the opportunity to walk in very favourable conditions.

Lovely to have the sun on our backs and keep our boots dry. Such good weather that we had to change the planned Picnic Walk due to concerns about the temperatures predicted. Nonetheless the Mill on the Fosse was a very enjoyable substitute. We also walked around Hawkesbury where several of us dined at the Beaumont Arms afterwards. We also walked around Bibury and Arlington, and most recently around

Ozleworth and Lasborough.

By the time you read this we will have had a circular walk around Nailsworth, a short walk to the west of Tetbury with a fundraising tea in aid of Breast Cancer Now. The following week will be the postponed Picnic Walk - weather permitting!

Details of our Walks Programme and other information can be found at https://www. tetburywalkers.co.uk. We always welcome new members - why not give us a try.

John Burton Chairperson Tetbury and District Footpath Group

Our WI walking group has finished the Cotswold Way which is one hundred and two miles…

…from Chipping Campden to Bath Abbey. We did it in seventeen stages over about eighteen months. A group of Avening WI members were at the Abbey to meet us with a fine banner and balloons. Everyone who took part thoroughly enjoyed it with magnificent views on each section and

passing through many attractive villages with stunning houses and gardens. We can’t wait to try another route next year.

Our County skittles competition ended after we lost to Stone WI. We have since had a fun filled afternoon with a friendly skittles

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•

•

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match against Stonehouse WI which ended in a draw.

On a beautiful sunny afternoon, a large group of our members visited Woodchester Park House gardens near Nympsfield. Dr and Mrs Bidwell, the owners, made us very welcome and showed us around their beautiful garden. We concluded the visit with tea and cakes. A very enjoyable afternoon.

At the end of June members of our theatre group thoroughly enjoyed the production of Educating Rita at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester. We are booked again for Haywire, also at the Barn, which is a take on the Archers. We have a number of Archers fans amongst our members so are very much looking forward to this.

We have no meeting in August but we are having a summer social get together with a musical theme. We are also attending the group meeting in late August which includes members from Kemble, who are hosting this year, Tetbury and Avening WIs. The theme is the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War Two and the competitions reflect that period.

On another sunny day, a small group of members walked from Nailsworth to Ruskin Mill and through their wonderful gardens with their several lakes. We saw three herons and a kingfisher which is such a rarity these days. After the walk we met up with other W.I. members for lunch at Egypt Mill.

On Sunday the 14th of September Avening is celebrating ‘Pig Face Day’ a tradition dating back to the 11th Century. Avening WI will be serving pulled pork rolls and other refreshments on the day. Visitors are very welcome especially if wearing medieval costumes!

Gwyneth Simpson Avening WI Team

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Tetfest brings music and fun to the heart of Tetbury

Tetfest, one of Tetbury’s most popular annual events, returned to Worwell Farm, in July bringing live music and fun to a crowd of more than three thousand people.

It was hot – in fact it was sweltering – but that didn’t deter the crowds who were queuing at the gate before the event even opened so that they could commandeer a prime patch of grass for their blankets, chairs and umbrellas. Once they were settled, many stayed until the very last performance, happy to soak up the magical atmosphere of Tetbury’s very own live music festival and family fun day.

Now in its eighth year, Tetfest is all about community and giving local people an affordable and memorable day out.

Organised by a tiny group of seven volunteers who take no payment for their efforts, this much-loved event relies on ticket sales and sponsorship from local businesses to cover its costs. The organisers deliberately keep ticket prices as low was possible to ensure that everyone can afford to attend. And for families that are really struggling there are always tickets available via the foodbank so that no one misses out.

This year, Tetfest was officially opened by South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage who also volunteered a couple of hours of her time to check tickets on the gate. Located on land owned by gentleman farmer Geoff Turbott, Tetfest delivered an amazing variety of music covering all genres, which guaranteed that there was something for

everyone to enjoy. This year the site rocked to the sounds of the Stereoholics, Diamond Dolly, Junior Jungle, Johnny Too Bad, Bootleggers Turn, Be Like Water and a Dua Lipa Tribute, plus a special performance by children from Sir William Romneys school. Topping the bill and bringing an Ibiza feel to this scorching Gloucestershire field were Bristol-based band Rhythm of the 90s, who stole the show with a banging set of epic 90s rave hits. Their high energy performance had the crowd screaming, dancing and singing along to every word.

Alongside music, Tetfest also offered subsidised fairground rides; a children’s entertainment zone filled with free rides and bouncy castles; face painting; hair braiding; a free circus skills tent where the kids could learn to spin plates, juggle, try acrobatics and ride silly bikes; a fully stocked bar organised by Tetbury Rugby Club; Bar Bros. cocktails; a silent disco featuring DJ Shippers, DJ Danny Toft and DJ Josh Elliot; food stalls and stalls selling trinkets, vintage clothes and other festival must haves.

“Tetfest just gets better and better every year, and this year was no exception,” says Tetfest organiser Mark Wood. “The weather was a challenge because it was incredibly hot, but we had plenty of water was available on site, and added extra shade tents to keep people cool. We try to cover every detail to make sure our guests have a great day and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

Wood adds that special thanks go to Geoff Turbott and all the volunteers, without whom the organisers wouldn’t be able to stage this event.

“It’s a real team effort, so we are very grateful to all of them,” he says.

The Tetfest

Team

I start my September article with a tribute to Campbell Higgins…

…who sadly passed away over the summer and was a devoted Clerk to the Feoffees for many years – his experience, contribution and knowledge was appreciated by us all. Our sympathies go to his wife Margaret and the family.

September is a busy month for the Feoffees and Thirteen as we hold two historic events:

Firstly, at 9.30 am on Saturday the 6th of September we have the Beating of the Bounds. We meet under Bath Bridge and around one hour or so later there is the presentation of the Feoffee annual accounts in The Market House with coffee and biscuits. This is an opportunity for members of the community to come to inspect the annual accounts and hear about the work that the charity has been undertaking over the year.

The following week on Saturday the 13th of September there will be a display of the Feoffee & Thirteen in the Committee Room in the Market House. This is part of the national heritage weekend which is taking place around the country.

Towards the end of the school year, we were delighted to provide the financial support for and open the new sensory room at Sir William Romney’s School –this was an important opportunity for our charity to support the education of young people in Tetbury.

As autumn approaches the trees in the community orchard at Herd Lane should be full of apples, you are welcome to help yourself to enough apples for you and your family to enjoy, but please ensure that you leave enough fruit for everyone. Please be careful if you visit the community orchard as the ground under foot is uneven.

Grants over the summer have included:

2 x grants to local students at University

£8,000 to St Mary’s Primary School for their new trim trail

£1,000 for equipment to Tetbury town football club.

Date for your Diary

Friday 5th December – Tetbury Christmas Light Switch On

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

BERTIE B’S HOME & LIFESTYLE

London Bridge is falling down!

LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN

your number of losers to your partner’s and deduct from 18.

If you, as opener, have 7 losers and assume that partner has 8 - i.e. 18-(7+8) = 3.

Maximum level is 3.

Count losing tricks only for the first three cards of each suit.(The 4th, 5th, 6th etc. cards in a suit are taken as winners.) With three or more cards in a suit count the A, K and Q as winners; anything lower is a loser. There are never more than three losers in a suit.

The Losing Trick Count can be used in response to partner’s Overcall. Overcalls are assumed to have 8 loser hands so partner can judge the appropriate raise based on this. This assumes that you are confident that your partner does not make overcalls on a very light hand.

Whilst it is to be hoped that no bridge player will feel that their game is falling down, there are times when a series of poor hands means just sitting and passing on bids with a feeling that no contribution is being made.

indicates a hand with 7 or fewer losers. This means that the hand should be able to win 6 tricks. Sometimes, a hand may not immediately look like an opening hand but, if you only have 7 losers, it may be worth opening with a bid of 1 of a suit.

Whilst it is to be hoped that no bridge player will feel that their game is falling down, there are times when a series of poor hands means just sitting and passing on bids with a feeling that no contribution is being made.

However, it is possible sometimes to turn losers into something more positive by concentrating on the losers and counting them.

However, it is possible sometimes to turn losers into something more positive by concentrating on the losers and counting them.

A standard opening bid of 1 of a suit

The Losing Trick Count (LTC) is a method used to stimate how many tricks your partnership can take in a trump contract. If you have fewer losers, then you can bid higher. The assumption is that your partner will have 8 losers. To calculate a bid, add

A standard opening bid of 1 of a suit indicates a hand with 7 or fewer losers. This means that the hand should be able to win 6 tricks. Sometimes, a hand may not immediately look like an opening hand but, if you only have 7 losers, it may be worth opening with a bid of 1 of a suit. The Losing Trick Count (LTC) is a method used to estimate how many tricks your partnership can take in a trump contract. If you have fewer losers, then you can bid higher. The assumption is that your partner will have 8 losers. To calculate a bid, add your number of losers to your partner’s and deduct from 18.

If you, as opener, have 7 losers and assume that partner has 8 - i.e. 18-(7+8) = 3. Maximum level is 3.

We cannot all be winners when playing bridge, but the more you learn, the greater chance you have of not being a loser. Playing regularly is the best way of improving your game, enhanced by lessons geared to your level or to refresh your understanding of a specific subject.

By joining South Cotswold Bridge Club, you can enhance your play and your life.

Anita Stride. www.southcotswoldbridgeclub.co.uk

Count losing tricks only for the first three cards of each suit.(The 4th, 5th, 6th etc. cards in a suit are taken as winners.) With three or more cards in a suit count the A, K and Q as winners; anything lower is a loser. There are never more than three losers in a suit.

to detail.

By Tim Stimpson

by Tim Stimpson

O’Malley

Directed By Joseph

Haywire story of born

We have had a busy and exciting year at Sir William Romney’s School,

as we continued to pursue our purpose of “Striving for Excellence Together” and work toward our vision of becoming a beacon of excellence in Gloucestershire and beyond.

We were delighted with the outcome of our Ofsted inspection in February. Inspectors recognised that the school has effectively maintained high standards since the previous inspection, highlighting our

strong community spirit, high expectations for behaviour and learning, and a wellsupported, inclusive curriculum. This success is a testament to the dedication of our staff, and the continued support of our students, families, and the wider community.

This year also saw the beginning of an exciting new development, the construction of our new 3G sports pitch, funded by the Football Foundation and The Athelstan Trust. This state-of-the-art facility will be a fantastic resource for both our students and the wider community, demonstrating our commitment to

promoting sport and physical activity at SWR. We are especially proud that the pitch will be available for community use, helping us further expand access to highquality sports provision.

In July, we celebrated our Year 11 Prom, marking the end of an important chapter for an exceptional year group. It was a wonderful evening, filled with joy and reflection, as staff and students celebrated five memorable years together.

If you are looking for a school place for your child, we are pleased to invite you to our upcoming Open Evening on Wednesday the 25th of September, as well as our Open Mornings on Monday the 29th and Tuesday the 30th of September, and Wednesday the 1st of October at 9.15 am, with an additional Open Morning on Saturday the 4th of October at 11.00 am. If you’re unable to attend these dates, feel free to contact us at admin@swr.gloucs.sch.uk – we’d be happy to arrange a visit.

Sir William Romney’s Team

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Crooked Heart

by Lissa Evans

When orphan Noel arrives in St Albans as an evacuee, he is unwanted, friendless and a misfit. Vera, takes him in, thinking she might be able to use his limp as a means to gain extra money. She is always in need of more money, scrambling and scraping for every penny to support her silent mother and listless son Donald.

Vera’s latest money-making scheme is to go house to house collecting for the needy – herself – and Noel sees it as a way to avoid the pointlessness of school. Initially wary, they gradually learn to tolerate each other and Vera realises that Noel is a bright boy with ideas that improve her takings.

Meanwhile, Donald is developing his own money-making scheme. Declared unfit for service due to a heart condition, he starts hiring himself out to those seeking to avoid the draught. Taking their place for the medical, he can prevent his clients from being enlisted – for a price.

As the war intensifies, however, both Noel and Donald come across those more ruthless than themselves. Noel’s sense of moral justice is thwarted in his attempts to help an old lady and as the bombs begin to fall it is only Vera who looks for him.

This is a story of those struggling to survive on the edges of society. Both Noel and Vera are trying to find a place for themselves in the world, walking the tightrope between what is legal and what is right. Neither are entirely loveable characters, but by the end of the story we are rooting for them both.

This is not a roller-coaster adventure, but a story that pulls you along, hoping for the best in a world that has little to offer.

Definitely worth a read.

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September

means a brand new term and new little faces.

The team at TNP; Karen, Linda, Anne, Caroline, Emma, Kelly, Laura and Sandra are really looking forward to welcoming our new children and their families, and welcoming back those who already attend our lovely playgroup. We’re also really pleased to have Cerys continuing with us as part of her studies at Cirencester college.

We will be spending the first few weeks helping our children settle in with lots of opportunities to get to know each other and the surroundings, and to explore the wide range of activities and areas available such as the garden, the mud kitchen, the book corner, home role-play, mark-making space and the numbers table. Starting playgroup is a big event in a young child’s life and can be the first time they’re away from their main caregivers for any length of time. We work closely with families to ensure children settle in the best way for them as an individual, sometimes that may involve a parent coming in and staying for a short while at drop off to start with, sometimes children need to do shorter periods first and then build up to a full session over a longer time, and sometimes they happily walk in and don’t look back.

Over the summer holidays the staff have been doing lots of cleaning, sorting and tidying, washing the cuddly toys and checking which felt tip pens still work. As a charity we apply for various grants and support from local organisations to top up what we receive from the government for the day to day running of the business, we don’t have additional funds for things like gardening or little DIY jobs. Therefore we would really appreciate any volunteers from around Tetbury who would be willing to come in to do a bit of gardening, wash the dressing up clothes, sort through some

Tetbury Nursery Playgroup

puzzles or even sharpen colouring pencils! If you ever have an hour to spare we’d love to hear from you, please drop us an email or give us a call (contact details below).

We also love visitors, at the end of last term we welcomed Linda and her trainee guide dog – Paige, the children loved meeting them and hearing about the important work they do. So if you do a job or role that the children would be interested in learning about please contact us.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the parents and carers of our pre-schoolers who graduated in July, we really appreciated all the wonderful ‘thank you’ cards and gifts. We hope all those who left us to start school this month settle in and have a wonderful time at primary school.

If you’re looking for a playgroup space for your child, you’re welcome to make an appointment to come in and look around, please email us at tetburynurseryplaygroup@ eygloucestershire.co.uk or give us a call on 01666 504855.

Tetbury Nursery Playgroup Team

TETBURY HOSPITAL

12-14 TH DECEMBER

Friday 12th December 2025

Visit us at our Christmas Stall under the Market House, Tetbury

Choose from homemade goodies, mistletoe, potted hyacinths plus lots more for sale in aid of your hospital.

Saturday 13th December 2025 10am – 1pm

7.30pm at St Marys’ Church, Tetbury

Performers confirmed so far are:

• Reading by Jason Durr, Actor

• Alis Huws, Harpist

• Poem by Mark Cummings, Writer for Cotswolds Life

• Jubilate Chamber Choir, Cheltenham

Adults: £15 pp to include mulled wine, mince pies and festive snacks

Children (16 and under): FREE

Tetbury’s Santa Dash!

Sunday 14th December 2025

11am registration for 11.30am start

Meet and finish at the Market House

A fantastic fun event for all the family!

Come along dressed in your favourite festive attire and choose whether to walk, run, hop, skip or jump the new extended route around the town wearing your complimentary Santa hat.

Mince pies and mulled wine on your return. Entry fee £5 and children under 5 FREE.

Sponsored by

Summer Sunshine!

We have certainly had our share this year. Here at Christ Church besides enjoying the weather back at the end of July beginning of August we hosted the Tetbury Area Churches Together (TACT) Holiday@Home. Each day providing food, activities and

entertainment. The theme this year was “Remembering Tetbury”. At the end of each session the guests of that day departed well fed and with a “goody bag” of small gifts to remember their “holiday”.

Thanks must go to the Feoffees who so generously donated funds to cover the cost

Free Delivery Local Lumley Garden & Pet Supplies

and, this year, Tetbury Fish and Chip Shop for the superb fish and chips (and mushy peas) absolutely free of charge.

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Both our regular church activities, Coffee Pot and Chippin’Chicks, along with the Playgroup and several other organisations that use the church took a break for August. Hopefully all will back and keen to go in September, where here at Christ Church we celebrate our Harvest Thanksgiving Service on the 21st of September. Donations will go, as in past years, to the Foodbank.

Having enjoyed the sunshine, especially if you had a holiday or attended a festival or outside activity, we can’t help hearing every day that dry, hot weather has a downside. Farmers having to use stored winter feed for their livestock, wildlife suffering and the dreadful wildfires on the continent.

If you trust in God He will bring sunlight into your life. This doesn’t mean that the Christian Life is all sunshine and roses. There will be down days, worrying days and days when life just seems black. However, God will always be there, just as on a cloudy night we know the stars are behind waiting to shine again, to help and support you.

Hope you have had a happy and relaxing summer. God Bless.

Christ Church Leadership Team

Mayor’s Report

Tetbury Town Council to Commission Specialist Consultancy for Burial Ground Site Searches

At a public meeting held on Wednesday the 4th of September 2024 the shortage of burial space within the town was discussed. The Council was urged to consider engaging with a consultancy specialising in Bereavement Design, Planning and Development. At the time the recommendation was not pursued.

At the Full Council meeting on Monday the 21st of July 2025, a request from the Heritage, Environment and Community Committee to reconsider the matter was debated and the Council resolved to engage with a specialist consultancy in order to try to find a way forward. The consultancy will now conduct comprehensive site searches within the Tetbury local authority area and up to one mile from the local authority area boundary to attempt to identify suitable locations for a new burial ground. These searches will begin shortly, and the findings will be presented to the Council for further discussion and decision-making. Tetbury Town Council remains committed to ensuring respectful and sustainable burial provision for the community and will continue to keep residents informed as the project progresses.

By-election

Cotswold District Council have received a request from twelve electors to hold an election. Below are the key dates for the election. The notice of election and nomination paper pack can be found on Cotswold District Council’s website www.cotswold.gov.uk/about-the-council/elections-and-voting/current-and-future-elections/ Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate must submit a nomination paper to the Returning Officer during the dates shown below and by 4pm on Friday 5 September at the latest. If anyone needs any help with the nomination process, please contact the Elections department at Cotswold District Council – 01285 623000.

Notice of Election

Submission of nomination papers by hand to Council Offices, Trinity Road, GL7 1PX

28 August 2025

Between 10am and 4pm, from 28 August to 5 September

Deadline for receipt of nomination papers 4pm, Friday 5 September

Publication of Statement of Persons Nominated Monday 8 September

Deadline to register as an elector Tuesday 16 September

Deadline to apply for a postal vote 5pm, Wednesday 17 September

Deadline to apply for a proxy vote or voter authority certificate 5pm, Wednesday 24 September

Election day Thursday 2 October

Upcoming meeting dates of Tetbury Town Council – All meetings will begin at 7pm except Planning which starts at 6.30pm, meetings are held in Tetbury Library, Close Gardens

Monday 1st September Heritage, Environment and Community

Monday 8th September Finance and Scrutiny

Monday 15th September Planning (6.30pm), Full Council

Monday 6th October Heritage, Environment and Community

Monday 13th October Finance and Scrutiny

Monday 20th October Planning (6.30pm), Full Council

Monday 3rd November Heritage, Environment and Community

Monday 10th November Finance and Scrutiny

Monday 17th November Planning (6.30pm), Full Council

Monday 15th December Planning (6.30pm), Full Council

Steve Scott, Mayor of Tetbury

Tetbury Community Choir has been performing again.

We sang for Holiday @ Home in Christ Church on both days – the 31st of July and the 1st of August. We sang a mixture of songs which included several wellknown folk songs in which the audience joined lustily. We were also able to perform numbers from The Greatest Showman and Sound of Music, which were well received. We love doing these events and feel that, like the carol singing that we do in the Nursing Homes at Christmas each year, it is very much one of the things that we can and should do for the Community.

There was a change of tone on the 7th of August when we sang at the service of thanksgiving in St Marys’ Church for the life of one of our much loved, but recently departed, members. Alison Hesketh had sung with the Community Choir for many, many years. She was a good and loyal friend who will be much missed. We sang God so Loved the World from Stainer’s Crucifixion, which we had sung in its entirety in St Marys’ on Palm Sunday this year. It was the last time that Alison was able to sing with us and all the more poignant for that. It was a very moving occasion and one at

which we were very gratified to be able to support the family and friends.

Now we are settling down to learn and polish our repertoire for our Autumn Cheer concert in the Goods Shed on Friday the 10th of October. We are singing for two charities – The Goods Shed and TAYCT – both local charities that do amazing work for our Community. We are happy to be able to support them with what promises to be a fun evening of mostly musical entertainment. The event is advertised here and on our website: www.

tetburycommunitychoir.co.uk, which has direct link for those wishing to buy tickets.

For anyone who would like to sing with us, again have a look at our website. We have no auditions or requirement to be able to read music. The idea is to have fun with friends under the patient leadership and tutelage of our gifted Music Director, David Kyle and our excellent accompanist, Jonathan Adkins. Most of our rehearsals are on a Thursday evening at Christ Church on The Chipping.

Tetbury Community Choir Team

QualityAlterations

A Fresh Chapter for The King’s Arms, Didmarton

Didmarton’s much-loved pub, The King’s Arms, has entered a new era under the new owners, bringing fresh energy to this historic 17th-century coaching inn. A sensitive refurbishment in the bar and restaurant has carefully balanced old and new, preserving the charm of the building while offering a warm, welcoming interior to those dining and drinking.

The pub’s new menus are already drawing attention, with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced produce. Traditional pub favourites sit alongside creative specials, with Badminton venison and fresh game featuring strongly. Throughout the week there’s a full calendar of themed evenings: Burger Night on Mondays, Fish Suppers on Tuesdays, Pie Night Wednesdays, Steak Evening on Thursdays and on Friday ad Saturday there are Pizza nights for relaxing into the weekend.

It’s not just about the food, though. The King’s Arms remains proudly dog-friendly: a welcome stop for walkers and their four-legged companions. When the sun shines, the spacious garden is the perfect spot for a pint or a plate and the addition of a boules pitch offers some light-hearted fun for families and friends.

The boutique bedrooms and cosy cottages are undergoing a programme of redecoration, with contemporary touches and thoughtful features, ready for visitors to this beautiful part of the Cotswolds.

With its blend of tradition, hospitality and a few fresh ideas, The King’s Arms is once again at the heart of village life and looking forward to providing a very warm welcome.

The King’s Arms The Street, Didmarton, Gloucestershire GL9 1DT T: 01454 238245 | E: info@kingsarmsdidmarton.com| W: www.kingsarmsdidmarton.com

Discover the charm of Didmarton’s historic 17th-century coaching inn, now beautifully refurbished and ready to welcome you.

At The King’s Arms, heritage meets hospitality, with roaring fires in winter, a sunny garden in summer and a true Cotswold welcome all year round.

With new seasonal menus that celebrate the best local produce, popular pub classics, daily specials and regular themed evenings, there plenty of reasons to pop in.

We’re proudly dog-friendly, with a boules pitch and spacious garden for long afternoons with friends, family and four-legged companions. Whether it’s dining, a weekend break or simply a pint in the sun, The King’s Arms is at the heart of village life once again.

From casual suppers to special occasions, we’re here with a very warm welcome.

• Monday - Burger Night

• Tuesday - Fish Supper

• Wednesday - Pie Night

• Thursday - Steak Evening

• Friday and Saturday - Pizza Nights

• Monday to Friday - Fixed Lunch and Plat du Jour

• Sunday - Hearty Roasts

• Every Day - Breakfast and Brunch

• First Wednesday Each Month - Free Morning Coffee

TETBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL

THE FINEST MUSIC IN THE COTSWOLDS

27 SEPTEMBER – 5 OCTOBER 2025

The London Tango Quintet Piazzolla, Scarlatti and Pärt

Steven Osborne, piano and Paul Lewis, piano Faure, Poulenc, Debussy, Ravel and Stravinsky

I Fagiolini, conducted by Robert Hollingworth Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas

Lawrence Power, viola and Tom Poster, piano Brahms, Joachim, Couperin, Schumann and Tchaikovsky

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Baroquebusters!