Tewkesbury Direct Magazine December 2022

THIS CHRISTMAS

It’s time to make merry in Tewkesbury! Whatever your age, or interests, there’s plenty to entertain you in our lovely town this festive season.

Father Christmas switched on the yuletide lights last month, and he’s staying in Tewkesbury for a few more weeks before his deliveries begin.

Children can enjoy a fantastic indoor softplay area at Bumpyland on Saturday 17th December, and receive a gift from Santa when he drops into the venue at Tewkesbury Business Park. More details and tickets via the website www.bumpyland softplay.co.uk

Santa can also be visited during his annual trip to Tewkesbury Museum in Barton Street. Several dates available - see page 55 for more details.

Snow White’s classic fairy tale is brought up to date at The Roses Theatre panto, which is showing until the end of December. Hansel and Gretel visit Twyning 1st-3rd December (tickets from The Village Inn) and there is a Serenity Winter Concert at St Nicholas, Ashchurch, on Saturday 17th December. Handel’s Messiah is also being performed in Tewkesbury Abbey on the same evening - tickets on sale at the Abbey Shop.

In the Watson Hall on Sunday 18th December, you can join the family extravaganza The Ice Princess with an afternoon tea, songs, activities and

games, with visits from special characters. The party runs from 2pm to 5pm.

For over 45 years, Pamington Farm Christmas Tree Centre has been selling locally-grown, fresh cut trees to the public. On Saturday 3rd December this year, The Black Farmer (Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE) will be having a stall at the farm too. For more details visit pamingtonfarmchristmastrees.co.uk

There’s something to get steamed up about over at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway in December. There’s a Carol Singing Special on Saturday 10th December, and the Mince Pie trains will be running December 27th-2nd January. Details www.gwsr.com. If railways are your thing, then pop over the Ashmolean Museum in Broadway where you’’ll enjoy the ‘journey through steam’ exhibition.

Our excellent wide range of restaurants, eateries and pubs has recently increased with the re-launch of the Teddington Hands inn. The great news is that the historic Black Bear’s opening is imminent, after a long period of careful and sensitive restoration.

See inside this issue for lots more events to enjoy. Happy Christmas!

Harvest

by Georgina Harding Paperback £9.99

This is the third title in an undeclared trilogy of books which the publishers refer to as "a cycle of novels on the themes of witness and memory." Maybe more are planned.

"Harvest" is set in Norfolk in the 1970s and partially features the same cast of characters that were in the two earlier books. Jonathan, the photographer in "The Gun Room" and his father Charlie from "The Land of the Living." Two well written interesting and intriguing stories as her readership would expect from Georgina Harding.

Jonathan, aka Jonny has returned home after his experiences in Vietnam and then time spent in Japan. He is on the family farm in Norfolk, run by his brother Richard. Their mother Claire is ever present throughout this book, and we learn a lot about her life, in particular the garden she established after her marriage. There is some in depth horticultural background, the garden itself becoming a "character" within the storyline. However the core theme is about the relationships of Jonny with his Japanese girlfriend, Kumiko, who comes to stay for the summer and then for the duration of the harvest; and of Jonny with his brother Richard.

Family secrets are gradually exposed as the rain delayed combine harvester eventually starts reaping the crops. Jonny has volunteered to stay to help Richard as a tractor driver, but the actual harvest and the events that unfold then are maybe only the last quarter of the book.

The scene having

the family history and how their father, Charlie had died when the brothers were boys.

The only other character of note is the odd job man and gardener, Billy, now long deceased. He was a powerful presence as the brothers grew up, and he features throughout the book, being a faithful help to the family and in particular to Claire.

I have read each of these books basically soon after they came out in hardback. A reader could gain much from reading the novels one after the other getting so much from having the events of the first two novels fresh in one's mind. This is however not essential as each volume stands alone, each story self contained.

Georgina Harding is a vey good novelist with these three books she accomplishes her thematic aim. Anyone discovering her for the first time should certainly look out for "The Painter of Silence", my book of the year back in 2012, and her first novel "The Solitude of Thomas Cave" which was a really unusual story of a lone sailor enduring an Arctic winter

Myria

Selected by: Ian B. Nicholson Alison’s Bookshop Tewkesbury GL20 5JR

BREDON VILLAGE HALL, TEWKESBURY

Tuesday 3rd January Next Step: 9.30am-10.30am, 10.30-11.30am, 6pm-7pm Beginners: 7pm-8pm

BUSHLEY VILLAGE HALL, TEWKESBURY

Wednesday 4th January Next Step: 9.30am-10.30am

APPERLEY VILLAGE HALL, TEWKESBURY

Wednesday 4th January Next Step: 6pm-7pm, 7pm-8pm

WHEATPIECES CENTRE, TEWKESBURY

Thursday 5th January Next Step: 9.30am-10.30am Beginners: 10.30am-11.30am.

Monday 9th January Beginners: 12.30pm-1.20pm

ST ANDREWS CHURCH, CHURCHDOWN

Monday 9th January Next Step: 9.30am-10.30am Beginners

Tony, who co-wrote worldwide hits such as Paranoid and performed in the band alongside Ozzy Osbourne, became interested in Vale Wildlife’s work after he rescued a wounded dove earlier this year.

The rock star, who has lived locally for a number of years, took the bird into the hospital for treatment.

Vale Wildlife’s Admin Manager Natalie Gould said: “Tony and his wife, Maria, brought an injured collared dove to us earlier in the year.

“Everyone was pretty starstruck, and it was so lovely knowing they would both care enough and take the time to bring an injured patient to us.”

Dramatic increases in

energy bills and the cost of living have seriously impacted the Vale Wildlife Charity, so founder Caroline Gould decided to reach out and

write a letter to Tony and Maria, asking if they would be interested to visit the hospital again and find out more about their work.

“To say we were excited when they agreed is an understatement,” said Natalie.

Tony and his Maria visited the hospital last

month and are already busy coming up with ways to raise money for the charity.

For more information, visit valewildlife.org.uk

Vale Wildlife Hospital at Beckford, near Tewkesbury.

Ashmolean Museum, Broadway, hosts new Great Western Railway Exhibition

The exhibition, running until May 2023 illustrates, perfectly, the connection between Broadway and its own railway station, which opened in 1904, and closed in 1960.

The Station was demolished and the railway line taken up, only to be completely rebuilt by the remarkable work by the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.

The new station is the gateway to the town, the heritage trains now bring passengers in their thousands, to enjoy the bustling beauty of Broadway.

The exhibition continues until May, at Tudor House, 65 High Street Broadway, WR12 7DP.

Open, weekly, Saturday to Thursday 10am - 4.30pm.

Photos ©Jack Boskett

A collaboration, between the Ashmolean Museum, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, the Restoration and Archiving Trust, and private railway collectors, who have assembled an exhibition of rare railway artefacts, many of which have not been on public display before.

The new Dobbies store is the first phase of a major development, brought together by Robert Hitchins which also includes the forthcoming Cotswolds Designer Outlet, expected to open in 2024, and over 1300 homes being built to the south.

The whole development is in a prime location by Junction 9 of the M5 and is close to Ashchurch for Tewkesbury Railway Station.

Spanning 70,000 square feet, the new store houses one of Dobbies’ biggest garden centres, and has created around 100 jobs for local and neighbouring communities.

It is expected to serve more than 750,000 customers each year –underlining the company’s ongoing growth across the UK.

The launch comes just in time for Christmas, with the new store featuring Dobbies’ full seasonal product range.

The purpose-built store features heating and lighting generated by efficient low carbon energy technologies, while rainwater harvesting has been incorporat-

ed for plant irrigation.

All timber used in the fit-out has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

The Tewkesbury store features Dobbies’ range of plants, houseplants, gardening products, seasonal items, pet range, cookshop, home décor, gifts and toys, as well as a Walter Smith butcher and Waitrose products in the foodhall.

The store also features a soft play area for children and a 10,000 sq ft restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “As our biggest store in the South West, the opening of Dobbies’ Tewkesbury is an important and exciting milestone.

“We also look forward to building on our work in the local community, having already started supporting Ashchurch Primary School with a new vision for their garden.”

A programme of festive events will take place at the new Dobbies’ store during the run up to Christmas.

Graeme Jenkins (Chief Executive of Dobbies), Jo Whiley, Daisy Payne (Presenter) and Sam Field,

Tewkesbury General Store Manager) with pupils from Ashchurch Primary School

Cotteswold Dairy scoop SoGlos Business of the Year Award

At a recent ceremony, Tewkesbury’s Cotteswold Dairy collected, not one, but two honours at the SoGlos Gloucestershire Business Awards evening held at the Gloucestershire Business School.

Cotteswold Dairy Director, Louise Woodward said; “The Dairy were finalists in the Family Business category and the large business category, much to our delight we were honoured to win the Family Business award, sponsored by Quolux. My father and Chairman, Roger Workman, attended too, I was really pleased that he was there to receive the award. At the end of the awards came the fi-

nal award for ‘Business of the year’ which was chosen by the headline co-sponsors, Willans LLP Solicitors and Hazlewoods Accountants, they awarded this to who they felt was the best Business of the Year from the list of winners across all the categories (there were 21 categories). We were so surprised to hear the announcement that we had won, it was so unexpected and is a real credit to

the whole team of staff at Cotteswold Dairy.”

SoGlos compere, Steve Knibbs said; “We had been chosen as they saw something special in us, increasing turnover during difficult times, branching out into new areas, increasing staff numbers and staying true to our position in Gloucestershire holding true to our traditional values.”

m Roger Workman (Chairman), George Workman (Managing Director), Chris Wills (Willans LLP Solicitors), Louise Woodward (Director), Rebecca Copping (Hazlewoods) and Justin Young (Operations Director)

The Christmas trees will be sparkling as Winchcombe’s shopkeepers, pubs, cafe-owners, stallholders and local people get into the festive spirit of Christmas as part of the amazing Winchcombe Christmas Festival.

Christmas time in the Cotswolds starts early in Winchcombe with a festival for all the family with lots to see and do. There are over 50 market stalls laden with gifts, festive food, shops open late, carol singing and live music to get you in the Christmas spirit.

The town is lit up with over 70 real Christmas trees, and street entertainers, Morris dancers, choirs, bands and community groups all add to the merriment. It’s a chance to ‘shop early’ for Christmas and choose from the unusual gifts which are on display.

Many shops and eateries give out Christmas cheer with mince pies, punch and sweets all adding to the cheery atmosphere.

Don’t miss this fabulous event; put a date in your diary for 6 December 5pm – 8pm, and start your Christmas off with a bang!

The first meeting will be at the Sea Cadet Hall in Trinity Walk, Oldbury Road, GL20 5NP, at 6.00pm.

A ten consecutive week course costs £30, payable on the night. For your money you get tuition from fully qualified and insured UK Athletics Coaches.

Runners also receive weekly information on what to wear, the health benefits of running, dietary and nutrition information, setting goals, breathing, pace and stretching exercises.

At the end of the course your receive your very own personalised ‘finishers’ T-shirt.

For more information, contact Kathy Lewis at kathy.adrian.lewis@gma il.com

NEW MANAGER FOR LOCAL FOODBANK

Michael Jones will become the fourth manager of Tewkesbury Foodbank. Outgoing Voluntary Project Manager Marion Badham said: “Michael is coming to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience from his time working with his local foodbank in Norfolk.

“Michael will be taking over at a very critical time for our country, and I know he will bring many new ideas and incentives to help our local families in crisis.”Marion has been project manager at the Foodbank for six years, and will now take a less demanding role, along with Sandra Ditchburn who has helped steer the Foodbank through many stages since it began at Holy Trinity Church Hall in 2013.

Tewkesbury Allrunners

If you are a regular reader of this column every month, you will know that Tewkesbury and Bredon Hill Probus Club invite a wide variety of speakers who educate, inform and entertain us every Tuesday morning. Our mission is to stimulate members’ retirement and to further this end and to add to the interest and enjoyment of members, we occasionally organise a visit to a place of interest.

Our latest outing was to the Transport Museum at Wythall in North Worcestershire which advertises itself as home to the finest collection

of classic Midlands buses. You can imagine the thrill as we entered the site and were immediately taken back to our early days of the 1950’s and 60’s when few families had cars and we all relied on buses of many different types to get to school or help Mum with the shopping.

The museum has a huge selection of both single and double-deckers with many from Birmingham Corporation in the familiar dark blue and cream, several from London Transport and an open topped seaside tourer from Southport.

Some of the buses featured go back 100 years to the early 1920’s but the majority came from the years that most of our members remember when we travelled on them almost every day. We were lucky to be al-

lowed to go inside some of the vehicles, climbing the narrow stairs to the upper deck where passengers in those days were allowed to smoke!

The museum is very proud of its 1930 double-decker AEC which is in totally immaculate and original condition after a painstaking restoration costing half a million pounds.

The museum also houses many vehicles other than buses, featuring a vintage fire-engine and even a large selection of electric milk floats and bread vans.

It was a wonderful and nostalgic day out for Probus Club members who also enjoyed an excellent lunch at a local restaurant.

If you are a retired professional or businessman looking for something new to stimulate your retirement in a friendly and social environment, you would be very welcome to join us as a guest at one of our Tuesday morning meetings. For more information, please visit our website at www.probusclub.net/tewkesbredon/ or contact our Secretary Steve Tucker on 07803 907243. Our event programme for the coming month is featured in this edition of Tewkesbury Direct.

By Chris Brown for Tewkesbury and Bredon Hill Probus Club

The Overbury Village Christmas Artisan Fair

Bringing together the very best local craftspeople for a bespoke and unique Christmas shopping experience on the edge of the Cotswolds.

On Sunday the 4th December the charming, Cotswold stone village of Overbury will host its inaugural Artisan Christmas Fair.

The village hall will be transformed into a destination shopping experience.

The Artisan Christmas Fair will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm, with 12 exhibitors showcasing unique artisan produce and Christmas gifts from the local area.

Stallholder highlights include Rob Churchill who in the past, Rob’s work has been selected by the The Royal Institute of Painters in Wa-

tercolour and The Royal West of England Academy. Toff Milway Pottery of Conderton who produces handmade saltglaze ceramics.

We are also keen that the Fair gives some exposure to those who are not as well established and therefore we are lucky to have found two Ukrainian Refugees, one of whom is Milena Kravchenko who is a Ukrainian refugee from the city of Kharkiv in the East of Ukraine and travelled to the UK with her mother, 15 year old daughter and miniature Russian terrier dog, to live with her sponsors in Bredon at the beginning of August.

She had been making

a variety of fabric dolls, rabbits and gnomes in Ukraine, and is very keen to sell her works in the UK, as a small way to contribute to supporting herself and her family.

Not only will the Artisan Christmas Market bring together the best local artists, craftsmen and businesses, but all profits will help to fund the new Overbury Playground.

This event will ensure visitors can shop safe in the knowledge that all of the produce is totally unique and handmade, you won’t see another item for sale anywhere else which is exactly the same.

By Laura Aggett, Event Organiser

Lakes, the leading manufacturer and supplier of showering spaces, has announced that it will be supporting local football club, Tewkesbury Athletic, for the fifth season running.

After five years of partnership with Tewkesbury Athletic Football Club, Lakes will continue to provide new training shirts for all of the teams at the club. Lakes’ continued support has helped Tewkesbury Athletic FC form a strong club identity, improving members confidence, whilst also giving the club the professionalism it deserves.

Furthermore, with the continuous support from Lakes, the club has grown despite tough times and is now home to three men’s teams with over 50 members. This growth has improved sportsmanship and built relationships within the community, helping tackle loneliness and improve mental health since Covid-19.

Mike Gahir, Managing Director of Lakes comments: “We have always understood the importance of supporting our local community so we are proud to announce that we will be continuing to support and sponsor Tewkesbury Athletic Football Club. The club means a lot to both our staff and local residents, and it is

great that we are able to give something back to the community, whilst also helping to promote health and wellbeing by encouraging people to get involved in local sport.”

With continued growth comes the aim to develop the club even further in 2023 with hopes to secure a new location that the club can call home, with space for two pitches and changing rooms.

Tewkesbury Athletic FC spokesperson and Lakes employee, Mike Holtham, outlines what the club is looking to achieve as it moves forward: “On the pitch and as a club, we have established an environment where everyone feels welcome, no matter if you’re new to football, returning after a break, or looking for a fresh challenge. We’re incredibly grateful to Lakes for its continued support over the years, and we hope this partnership continues into the future.”

For more information on Lakes showering spaces, please visit: www.lakesshoweringspaces.com

TWYNING £845,000

This is a large, executive styled detached home with large garden backing onto farmland. Separated detached home office, 4 double bedrooms, 2 ensuites, dual aspect lounge, separate dining room, 3rd reception room/snug, utility room, detached double garage. Tax Band G; EPC D.

Equestrian opportunity. Just over 3 acres; 3 stables; detached Grade II listed bungalow; ready

guest wc; integral single garage; gardens backing onto fields; far reaching views; Tax Band E: EPC D.

next meeting will be our Christmas get together and we have many interesting meetings already arranged for next year. Would you like to learn about Colour Therapy, bee keeping, the local railways around Tewkesbury or even how to Morris Dance. Mitton W.I. meets at Mitton Manor School every first Monday of the Month starting at 7.30pm, all welcome so please come along and join us. If you would like further information please ring 07846 453523 or MittonWI@gmail.com.

Step back in time at Tewkesbury’s Historic Old Baptist Chapel

Records show that a Baptist congregation has been in existence in the town since 1623 and continue to meet in a modern building in Station Road.

However, the fellow-

ship would however welcome any visitors as they step back in time for this occasion of wellknown carols and readings in this historic setting.

Tewkesbury Baptist’

Church, who are organising the event, express their thanks to the John Moore Museum, part of the Abbey Lawn Trust.

They have lovingly restored the building to be welcoming and com-

fortable for visitors.

Everyone who attends will be able to explore the chapel and learn about its history as they share in a cup of mulled wine and a mince pie following the service.

gaps. Thankfully enough new members came forward to fill the gaps to ensure we are able to carry on for the future and it is always good to have fresh ideas.

A wonderful display was put together showcasing the amazing quilts, crafts and paintings produced by some of our very talented members.

Jo Hiorns from ‘Simply Flowers’ demonstrated how to make a door wreath that can be completely composted after use. We expect to see wreaths hanging on our members’ doors.

We will be finishing 2022 with a Dickensian Christmas, followed by a bring and share on the 14th December.

We are a very friendly group and would love to welcome you to our meetings which take place on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Wheatpieces Community Centre starting at 2 pm.

If you are interested in joining us, just come along, we would love to see you, or you can contact Sally Cotton on 01684 293550 for further details.

Pseudo clearance for pseudoscorpions

Autumn is the time we put the garden to bed for the winter and it can be the last time we tidy certain areas and enjoy a change of schedule for a few months, writes Tim Hoskins.

For professionals, it’s hard to resist the urge to start as soon as the leaves start turning to save work in the coming months.

In formal gardens things are generally cut back close to ground level, leaves are picked off the beds and mulch is applied.

ping.

The invertebrates you’ll find are some of the most interesting you’ll see. I think pseudoscorpions rank alongside hawk moths as the most surprising creatures our country plays host to.A fun and lazy

approach to bed tidying is to use shears or a hedge trimmer to chop everything back and into small pieces, before applying mulch to cover it all up. Easy.

I’ve even been known to use a hedge trimmer for the autumn cut on

roses. This eliminates dithering and gets a nice even height across the bed, which I then tidy up using secateurs to remove dead stems and cut back to nodes. The fussy pruning can wait until spring shows the new buds.

This isn’t an absolute rule, however, because time and whims will come into play. Some beds do need that formal attention, particularly if the planting scheme is very structured and crisp or if the rotting foliage forms a big mound that will affect next years growth or ruin formal bulb displays. However, there is nearly always somewhere in the garden that you can get away with a less tidy approach, even if it’s just by blowing all the leaves and other detritus back out of sight.

I like to leave as much matter as I can get away with because otherwise you’re robbing the plants of their own recycled nutrition and some useful mulch. If you can, its worth getting a lens and looking closely at leaf litter – the terrestrial equivalent of pond dip-

Tim Hoskins

WARM AND WELCOME SPACESWarm and welcome spaces in Tewkesbury library provides somewhere warm to relax and free hot drinks (where possible), as well as the usual offer of free wi-fi, access to computers and free fun activities such as homework help and knit and natter.

GUIDEPOSTS

CONNECT AT TEWKESBURYMeet for a cuppa and conversation - For making friends, for

those with long term health conditions and/ or for carers. Make new friends, discover hobbies, learn skills. Get information and advice. Receive support if you’re a carer. Free sessions every other Wednesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Wheatpieces Community Centre, GL20 7SP. For further information, including volunteering opportunities, call 01452 529697 or email gloucestershire@guideposts.org.uk Tewkesbury Repair Café Next session due 10th December. Please double check before travelling. Held in Tewkesbury Baptist Church, 2-5 pm.

TEWKESBURY NATURE RESERVEIf you have ever been interested in volunteering with the reserve, we have a range of opportunities including, being involved with the reserve’s practical management, taking part in our citizen science monitoring, helping with our arts and craft events, or helping to deliver our Nature Guardians Forest school sessions. For more information visit our website at https://tewkesburynaturereserve.org.uk or look at our Facebook page (Tewkesbury Nature Reserve).

PRIOR’S PARK

NEIGHBOURHOOD PROJECT (PPNP)Creative sheds drop in every Tuesday and Friday 10am - 2pm. Just turn up and use existing skills or learn some new ones, all welcome including beginners.

BNATURAL REFILL SHOP - Save unnecessary plastic packaging whilst supporting local, independent traders. Barton Street, Tewkes bnaturaloil.co.uk/refill

FRIENDS OF THE EARTH - The next F.O.E meeting is Wednesday 14th December at 7.30pm upstairs in the Roses Theatre Bar (there is a lift).

TEWKESBURY REPAIR CAFÉNext session due 19th November. Please double check before travelling. Held in Tewkesbury Baptist Church, 2-5 pm.

STONEHILLS

COMMUNITY GROUPIf you live on the estate, and would like to receive emails, please contact catecody99@gmail.com

Always winter and never Christmas

The cast of the ‘Xact’ drama group of Holy Trinity Church, Tewkesbury take a bow after having performed ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’. This timeless story of the mythical world of Narnia, written by C S Lewis, captures the hearts and inspires the imaginations of one generation after another.

Accessed through a wardrobe into a wintry landscape held under siege by the White Witch where it is “Always winter and never Christmas’, the journey of the children and their encounters are rich with symbolism for our experience of life today.

Christian themes of love, forgiveness, sacrifice and redemption triumph over the wintry oppression of desolation, temptation, betrayal and loss. It’s a tale that climaxes in victory over evil and the restoration of Narnia to all that it was created to be.

For us, it holds out a message of Hope in the midst of our current wintry landscape. Christmas has come (2,000 years ago) and we will indeed soon celebrate it again, come what may. Jesus is our gift of Hope, (as represented by Lewis in Narnia by the mighty Aslan). He is ever present to sustain us in all the challenges we face.

Rev’d Stephen Walker, Vicar of Holy Trinity Church

The ‘Xact’ Drama Group from Holy Trinity Church

Baptist Church, Station Road

Sunday 4th 4:00pm Carols and Reading at the Old Baptist Chapel, Church Street

Thursday 8th 5:00pm “Jilly Rogers’ Christmas Adventure”—Forefront Theatre (Tickets available from church office)

Sunday 11th 10:30am Carol Service

Sunday 18th 10:30am Children ’s Church Christmas Service “Amazing Days”

Christmas Day 10:00am Christmas Day Service St Mary the Virgin, Tewkesbury Abbey

Tuesday 13th 6:30pm Scola Cantorum Carol Service

Sunday 18th 6:00pm Carol Service

Christmas Eve 4:00pm Christingle Christmas Eve 11:30pm Midnight Mass

Christmas Day 10:30am Eucharist Celebrate! (Abbey ’s Church on Priors Park)

Saturday 17th 3:00pm Nativity from Scratch plus buffet at Link Youth Centre (Call 07926 889549 for details or to let us know you’re coming) Feel free to come dressed as a Nativity character. Holy Trinity, Oldbury Road Sunday 18th 6:30pm Carols by Candlelight.

Christmas Eve 3:00pm Christingle Service with Puppets (especially for younger families)

Christmas Eve 4:30pm Christingle Service with Puppets.

Christmas Day 10:00am All Age Celebration

Priors Park Community Church , Queens Road

Sunday 4th 3:30pm Advent Special with Communion Sunday 11th 3:30pm Lighthouse Club Nativity Play “Stargazers” Sunday 18th 11:00am Christingle and Lunch

Christmas Eve 6:00pm Carols by Candlelight and Panto “Christmas Fluster” Christmas Day 1:00pm Communal Christmas Dinner (please call 07926 494365 to book your free place)

St Joseph, Chance Street Christmas Day 9:00am Roman Catholic Mass

Wednesday 28th 10:00am Mass Friday 30th 10:00am Mass

….Happiness is an inside job…? A quick glance on the internet shows dozens of books with this very title but is it true?

St Mary's Parish Church, Twyning:

Sunday 18th 11:00am Carol Service

Saturday 24th 5.00pm Christingle

Christmas Day 9.30am Service

St Nicholas Ashchurch

Sunday 18th 6:00pm Carol Service

Christmas Eve 4:00pm Christingle Service

St Nicholas Kemerton

Saturday 17th 6:00pm Carol Service

Christmas Day 10:30am Family Christmas Celebration with Holy Communion

Salvation Army, Station Road

Sunday 18th 11:00am Carol Service with Communion

Sycamore Chapel, Sycamore Road

Sunday 11th 3:00pm Family Fun Event

Sunday 18th 6:30pm Carol Service

Christmas Eve 5:00pm Christingle Service

Christmas Eve 11:30pm Midnight Service

Christmas Day 10:30am Christmas Day Service with Communion

Tewkesbury Methodist Church, The Cross

Wednesday 14th 6:30pm Town Carol Service

Sunday 18th 6:00pm Carols by Candlelight. Christmas Day 10:00am Family Service

Twyning Chapel, Hillview Lane

Sunday 18th 5:00pm Carols by candlelight with mulled wine and mince pies

Sunday 25th 10:30am Christmas Praise

Some years ago, I was living in Afghanistan and an Afghan friend became a Christian. He was arrested and detained in jail bec ause of his faith. The conditions were terrible. He was cold, hungry, and was repeatedly threatened. When he was eventually released, he said something that I’ll never forget. He said, “even though my very life was in danger in prison I knew that because I had Jesus in my heart, I was free”. That was amazing enough but then he went on, “as I thought about that it caused such joy to rise up in me that I just wanted to sing and rejoice all the time”. He was ‘inside’ but he was happy because of something inside him!

When the angel announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds in the field, He said “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people”. The “great joy” was the truth that God had come to us as a human. He was to be called “Immanuel,” which means “God with us”. Those who saw Him saw God, not just a human being. He had come to rescue, to save, to heal, and to make humankind right with God cause for great joy!

Christians believe that when we turn to Jesus and open our hearts to Him, He lives in us through His Spirit. Christmas ‘presents’ might be on our minds, but when we turn our minds continually to the ‘presence’ of Christ in us, when we receive him in, no matter what is going on around us, we, like my Afghan friend, will experience happiness inside. It seems that it might well be in an inside job!

This Christmas let us, like my Afghan friend, try to practise continually turning our minds to His presence in us saying “Christ in me, the hope of glory”. My Afghan friend is now doing that in America! Happy Christmas. Rev Dan Browne. Pastor: Sycamore Chapel

Fighting for Charity

The White Tiger Martial Arts academy based in Tewkesbury, have just donated over £1000 to the Midlands Air Ambulance. The money was raised after the chief instructor, Paul Wanklyn 6th Dan organised for the students to compete in 100 rounds of sparring.

The charity was chosen after one of the students, Mr Christopher Purnell suffered a cardiac arrest during training. He has thankfully gone on to make a speedy recovery thanks partly to the quick arrival

of the Midlands Air Ambulance where he received critical care after the instructors had performed CPR.

Mr Wanklyn praised all of the students taking part and also the parents who donated to the final amount. He said,

without the contributions from the public, the service would not be able to provide the critical care provided to those that need it when they are most vulnerable. We are pleased that we can make a small difference to the charity.

Pictured is Matthew Bourton who also assisted with the CPR of Mr Purnell.

Railways

In happier times the sign was heraldic from the Middle Ages, when it was paired with the Black Bear which possibly in the 19th century were both owned by Alexander John’s Brewery – the intervening estate is also “Twixt Bears” or that reason.

In this age, the pub has suffered just too many inundations, yet a local businessman wishes to learn from its history to restore it somehow to a viable future.

The White Bear was firstly named as a licenced inn in 1854 when local magistrates started to grant permission as is recorded by the late Brian Linnell in his invaluable History of Tewkesbury Pubs - he listed 127 establishments in the Town at different times.

The pub was sold in 1864 just after the Malvern railway was built which intruded on its land. As well as being a public house, it possessed the outbuildings of a farm some of which were demolished in World War II, sparing the barn which has done good service during and after lockdown.

Older readers will remember when it hosted meetings and dinners for local societies like

Darts teams, the “Buffs” and one of the last meetings was hosted Sir Raymond Priestley in 1954. There is possibly an apocryphal story of intrepid drinkers insisting on play “water-pool” during the devastating 2007 floods.

A local businessman reports: “At present a local brewer, Inferno Brewery, is managing to make some use of the premises, but only on a temporary and irregular basis under a short-term goodwill only arrangement.

“The site continues to require substantial refurbishment following the previous flood damage and then more regular use to generate the required revenue to recover the refurbishment expenditure and the future ongoing maintenance.“

Dixon

The History of our Two Forgotten

Tewkesbury’s

The White Bear Sign pre-2019

The sign after the floods in 2019 (Pic: Echo)

Slightly happier times: 2013 (Pic: John DIxon)

Sad times: abandoned October 2019-2022

Whoever designed and chose the present inn sign is linking the future of our White Bear with the possible fate of Polar Bears because of climate change, writes John Dixon.

WALKING IS EASY ON

Although

in wintertime - and there is something magical about a walk along the tranquil River Eye

of the year, writes Jack B. Walker.

This is also a particularly easy route to follow and is suitable for all abilities. It can be started from either Lower or Upper Slaughter, but this one sets off from Upper Slaughter, where there is some parking in the little square near the church.

Walk up to the lane to the right of St Peter’s, passing the old school on your left, descend to the ford, cross over the bridge (1) and turn right. Follow the lane until in meets a road, (2) and bear right for a short distance, looking for a waymarked footpath on your left (3)

Go down the path, which runs along the gardens of the Lords of the Manor Hotel, cross over the footbridge, and follow the Warden’s Way footpath to the right (4) traversing a field to reach the more famous village of Lower Slaughter (5). The River Eye is to your right.

On reaching Mill Lane in Lower Slaughter, walk ahead and slightly right into Malthus Lane (6)

which winds between cottages to reach a triangular green with the old well at its centre, on the banks of the river.

Bear left and walk to the road bridge. Cross over the bridge, and bear right to follow the river bank with the village hall to your left (7) The Slaughters Country Inn is near the end of the bridge.

The view to your right is one of the most photographed in the Cotswolds. Just past the road junction on the left, cross the footbridge and bear left to pass to reach the Old Mill, where there is now a museum and gift shop. Pass the museum and turn left back on to the Wardens Way, (6) retracing your steps to Upper Slaughter.

RAMBLING

The

at Upper Slaughter

Lower Slaughter

PLAYHOUSE, CHELTENHAM

THE GUILDHALL, GLOUCESTER

9 DEC GIGGLEBOX COMEDY 17 DEC AMPLI YULTIDE ALL-DAY EVENT www.gloucsterguildhall.co.uk

THE HENRICIAN, EVESHAM

11 DEC BRETFORTON SILVER BAND 18-22 JAN JACK & THE BEANSTALK www.henrician.org

THE COURTYARD, HEREFORD

15-16 DEC A CHRISTMAS CAROL 3-31 DEC SNOW WHITE UNTIL 7 JAN BEAUTY AND THE BEAST www.courtyard.org.uk

MARKET THEATRE, LEDBURY

17 DEC COMMUNITY BRASS CHRISTMAS CONCERT www.themarkettheatre.com

MALVERN THEATRES

8 DEC-1 JAN BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 20-30 DEC A CHRISTMAS CAROL www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

No.8 ARTS CENTRE, PERSHORE

5-10 DEC MAID MARIAN & THE MERRY MEN www.number8.org

RSC STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

UNTIL 1 JAN A CHRISTMAS CAROL 26 JAN-4 MARCH THE TEMPEST www.rsc.org.uk

THE BACON THEATRE, CHELTENHAM

SWAN THEATRE, WORCESTER

UNTIL 2 JAN CINDERELLA

14 JAN GARETH GATES: THE BEST OF FRANKIE VALLI www.worcestertheatres.co.uk

Brie wedges served with salad garnish and cranberry dip Homemade Chicken Liver Paté served with melba toast Homemade Sweet Potato and Parsnip Soup served with warm baguette Salt and Pepper Squid served with side salad and garlic aioli

Roast

Turkey with all the trimmings and a selection of seasonal veg

Test your powers of recall with in this month’s Tewkesbury Direct Pub Quiz.

1: Which artist or band has had the most Christmas Number One singles in the official UK charts?

2: Which woman footballer has made the most international appearances for England?

SAT 3rd DEC:

Tewkesbury Town Band Christmas Concert, The Roses Theatre. www.rosestheatre.org

WED 7th DEC: The Rod Kelly Trio, Fox & Hounds,Bredon.

FRI 9th DEC: The Budapest Café Orchestra, Ledbury Market Theatre. themarkettheatre.com

FRI 9th DEC: Fairytale of New York, The Roses Theatre. www.rosestheatre.org

FRI 9th DEC: Joanne Shaw Taylor, The Subscription Rooms, Stroud. thesubrooms.co.uk

SUN 11th DEC: Bretforton Silver Band Christmas Concert, The Henrician, Evesham. www.henrician.org

FRI 16th DEC: Spunge, 4ft Fingers and Johnny ClashThe Christmas Bash. The Watson Hall.

SAT 17th DEC: Julie July’s Festive Folk, No.8 Arts, Pershore. www.number8.org

FRI 30th DEC: Open Mic Night with The Future Set, The Watson Hall.

FRI 27th JAN: John Martyn Project, The Subscription Rooms, Stroud. thesubrooms.co.uk

city has gifted the Christmas Tree for Trafalgar Square since 1947?

WED 1st FEB:

Fairport ConventionWintour Concert. The Roses Theatre. www.rosestheatre.org

SAT 11th FEB: The Adele Songbook (tribute show), The Roses Theatre. www.rosestheatre.org

SAT 11th FEB: Abba Sensation, (tribute show), Market Theatre, Ledbury. themarkettheatre.com

FRI 17th FEB: Genesis Connected, (tribute show), The Roses Theatre. www.rosestheatre.org

FRI 24th FEB: Cara Dillon, The Roses Theatre. www.rosestheatre.org

4:

5:

6: Which British actor and screenplay writer of the film ‘Chariots of Fire’ featured in ‘Z Cars’ and ‘Kes’, and also spent time as a BBC Newsreader?

The Beatles (four)

raFa

Oslo

EastEnders (1986)

“I am retiring and would like to say a big thank you to all my customers for their support over the years.”

in

This, tranquil fantasy scene, for the Day Room at Tewkesbury Hospital, featuring Tewkesbury Abbey as the centrepiece, is the latest composition. It will be an uplifting sight for visitors and patients alike.

Featured too on this page is a recent commission, designed to put a smile on the faces of customers at the Berkeley Arms in the town.

For those who would like to add something quite unique to their home or place of work, Brandon has some availability in the New Year for new commissions, if readers would like to find out more, call Brandon on 07951 603417, or email Brandonsmuralsart@gmail.com.

MerryandChristmas Happy New Year

FROM 9 TO 39

Exciting news!

CHURCH STREET GIFTS are moving premises and look forward to serving you in a bigger shop a little further along Church Street. In fact, from the doorway of our current shop if you look towards the Abbey you will see the new building.

Number 39 is the old National Trust Shop next to the John Moore Museum. is new location gives room for expansion and car parking is much easier as the Lawn Abbey carpark is a short walk away. We will refund your 1st hours carpark fee when you shop with us.

We aim to open mid January 2023. 01684 437400 info@churchstreetgi s.co.uk

Snow White, the palace orphan, is horrified that the evil queen Malvinha is stripping Tewkesbury’s natural resources to fund her desperate bid to be the fairest in the land.

She sets out to save the county with the help of her buxom Nanny, the palace IT guy and some very strange small people. Little does she know that the queen is out to get her with a dodgy magic apple and a very talkative mirror…

The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury has brought the classic tale of Snow White bang up-to-date with a laugh-out-loud witty script, an inspiring female hero, and a blossoming bromance.

Adding to the mix some temperamental technology, a fabulous female baddie, lots of toe-tapping tunes and a very flirtatious Dame, this year Gloucestershire audiences are in for a

huge Christmas treat.

Roses Director Jessica Brewster says “In our Snow White, we ensure female characters have all the depth, courage and adventurousness traditionally given to the men, and wider storylines that reflect 21 st century issues and themes.

“You can expect all the fun, frolics, silliness and smut of a traditional panto, but with a big heart that challenges out-of-date social norms and celebrates the vibrant diversity of modern Britain in a way we know our audiences will love.”

Jolyon ‘Jon’ Dixon, is making his Tewkesbury debut in the role of the flamboyant, big-hearted dame, Nanny Mac.

Jon says, “Panto is so important as it’s the first experience most children have of the theatre - we can unlock the door to a whole world of culture

and delights and I take that responsibility very, very seriously!”

Jon will be joined by Georgia Mann as Snow White, Tracy Collier as Evil Queen Malvinha, Elliot Wooster playing Jim and Murray Andrews as Ted and Reflexa, the magical mirror.

The witty script has been penned by BAFTA-winning writer Maurice Gran and local playwright Nick Wilkes. Maurice along with his writing partner, Laurence Marks, has co-written some of the UK’s most-loved TV sitcoms including Birds of a Feather, Goodnight Sweetheart and The New Statesman.

Snow White runs between Saturday November 26th and Saturday, December 31st.

Tickets are available on The Roses website www.rosestheatre. org or calling on 01684 295074.

Snow White – The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX. Written by BAFTA-winner, Maurice Gran (Birds of a Feather) and Nick Wilkes (the Almost series).

The Roses serves up a traditional Christmas treat with a contemporary flavour

The Charity supports, children and young people under the age of 18 who provide regular or ongoing care and/ or emotional support to a family member. They may be involved in the care of an adult or child in their family affected by: • a physical disability or sensory impairment, • a long term illness, • mental ill health, • problematic substance misuse, • or a learning disability.

Simon is well known in and around Tewkesbury many know him through his numerous jobs, working as a recycling collector, takeaway delivery driver, and distributor, he supports local sports clubs and youth groups, including; Tewkesbury RFC, Tewkesbury Tigers, Tewkesbury Town Colts FC, 1st Tewkesbury Boys Brigade and as a parent through Tewkesbury School and Alderman Knight School.

For anyone who knows Simon they will know what a kind person he is, always willing

to help and support others in any way he can.

Simon said, “This was one of the most thrilling things I have done, the take off speed went from, zero to 80mph in under 10 seconds, it was an awesome event, I am so glad I did it.”

“If anyone wants to contribute to my challenge, they can still do so, just click on to www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/simon-magic-marfell.”

Skin Care

“Skin care” is a term often used in conjunction with beauty products. However, the skin is the largest organ in the body and is important for excreting water, urea, and salts via sweat. It is also our first barrier against viruses and bacterial infection.

In practice, I will often look at people’s skin to establish the underlying health of their tissues. Red, hot skin can indicate inflammation and dry skin can indicate poor blood flow and a chronic condition.

As we age our skin

changes in its texture and elasticity, however, it is constantly providing us with a level of protection which it is important to maintain.

By providing our body with good diet and building blocks to maintain the skin we can ensure a continued protection this essential organ delivers.

Vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, C, D, E, zinc, and selenium are all vital in maintaining the function of the skin. These vitamins are present in many vegetables and making sure you have a good variety of vegetables is important.

Vitamin E is present in wheatgerm and so eating wholemeal breads and flour products can help provide your body with this nutrition.

Vitamin D is synthesised in the skin when UV reaches the lower

levels of the epidermis. This is however an issue in the UK where, for many months, we keep our skin covered and don’t get much sun. Vitamin D can be taken as a supplement, but natural synthesis will always be better. The months in which you may not make enough vitamin D is from October to March. There are many online calculators which will estimate how much sun you need for your location and skin colour.

Water and hydration

are important for the skin so drinking is at the top of the list of importance of maintaining skin health. Many vegetables and fruit contain high levels of water and this can all be added to your total daily water consumption.

Although we have now reached the “other side” of the warmer weather, it is still important to protect our skin from UV. Always have you sun lotion near you and look after your skin, it holds you together!

Dragon Vets Tewkesbury is fully equipped with a sterile operating theatre, digital radiography, ultrasonography and laboratory equipment. Drop in and have a look around. You will see many of the same friendly faces from our main surgery at Dragon Vets Cheltenham.

OSTEOPATHY

with Katie Hogg, Two Rivers Osteopathy

m Katie Hogg

This year’s Trafalgar Night Dinner for Severn Unit Maritime Volunteer Service was attended by 28 people was an extremely successful event held at Brown’s Restaurant, Tewkesbury Garden Centre.

Head of Unit Nic Price said “Our principal guest was Councillor Kevin Cromwell and we were also very pleased to welcome visitors from Bristol and Cardiff Units. Everyone enjoyed celebrating Trafalgar Night in true Naval tradition”.

Renewable energy, the air to air heat pump, a local installation review

Savings in running costs, using latent heat from the outside atmosphere,have made the air to air heat pump a top choice for heating homes and businesses.

Tewkesbury heating company, County Boilers, specialists in heat pump technology, have just completed another local installation for Greg and Celia Wigg, using a top spec system from manufacturers, Daikin.

Air at any temperature above absolute zero contains some energy. An air source heat pump transfers some of this energy as heat from one place to another, for example between the outside and inside of a building. This can provide space heating and hot water. A single system can be designed to transfer heat in either direction, to heat or cool the interior of the building in winter and summer respectively.

The technology is similar to a refrigerator or freezer or air conditioning unit: the different effect is due to the physical location of the different system components. Just as the pipes on the back of a refrigerator become warm as the

interior cools, so the air source heat pump warms the inside of a building whilst cooling the outside air.

Air source heat pumps can provide fairly low cost space heating. A high efficiency heat pump can provide up to four times as much heat as an electric resistance heater using the same amount of electricity.

they can heat the whole house. Reliance on other sources of heating have now gone. Richard Lockwood of County Boilers brought in several installers to provide an impressive installation with the minimum of disruption, in a very short time.”

To find out more about this increasingly popular environmentally

Greg Wigg said “We are very impressed, this system provides lots of low cost warmth, our house has five air handler units, each in its own room, where

friendly method of home heating, County Boilers can tell you more, call 01684 293556.

Government grants are currently available on many installations.

merry christmas and happy new year

CHRISTMAS WILLOW WORKSHOP

Saturday 10th December

Join willow expert Susie Early (Gloucestershire Guilds of Craftsmen) for this fun and friendly workshop making beautiful Christmas willow.

Tickets £30 includes materials & refreshments. 2 sessions 10.00am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-4.00pm.

Try making your own Christmas trees, angels, hearts and stars to decorate your home this Christmas.

At Tewkesbury Heritage Centre

100 Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5AB Tel. 01684 855040 Email. tewkesburytic@tewkesbury.gov.uk

Stimulate Your Retirement At Tewkesbury & Bredon Hill Probus Club

Probus Club offers retired and semi-retired professional and business men the opportunity to enrich retirement by joining like-minded people for congenial conversation, sharing experiences, listening to a wide variety of interesting speakers and occasional visits to places of interest.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN DECEMBER

6 December - A study in left-handedness (with Peter Petrie)

13 December - The history of Punch and Judy (with Philip Collins)

20 December - Members’ Christmas Party

27 December - No meeting (Bank Holiday)

Meetings are held at 10.15 a.m. in Bredon Village Hall. Every interested person will receive a very warm welcome. Please contact our Secretary, Steve Tucker on 07803 907243 for further information or visit our website at: www.probusclub.net/tewkesbredon/

Following our very successful concert in May, Tewkesbury Choral Society with increased numbers, began rehearsals in September.

On Saturday 3rd December at 7.30pm we are celebrating Christmas with an offering of Christmas music, but with hardly a “Ding Dong Merrily on High” or a “Hallelujah” in sight.

Our programme of “Music for the Christmas

TEWKESBURY CHORAL SOCIETY

Season” in Tewkesbury Abbey consists of five works of the very highest quality from both the 18th and the 20th centuries.

The evening begins with works by Antonio Vivaldi and J S Bach.

At the start of the Christmas story, Mary is told by an angel that she will give birth to Je-

sus the son of God who will be the Saviour of the World. On a visit to her cousin, she sings her song of praise, known as the “Magnificat”. Many composers have set these words to music and Vivaldi was no exception. His “Gloria” is one of his most popular works in the choral repertoire and many in the

audience will be familiar with it. However this time we are singing his lesser known, but just as thrilling, “Magnificat”. In this lively and joyous piece Vivaldi uses similar melodic lines to those which he used in his “Gloria”.

We move on to Advent and the Cantata 140, “Wachet Auf!” or “Sleepers Awake!” This is Bach at his brilliant best! The theme of the text comes from the gospel of St Matthew, using the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, to urge the listeners to be prepared for the coming of the Messiah. The work is “book-ended” with two chorales and the inner movements are solos for tenor, bass and soprano, although the tenor solo will be sung by the choir on this occasion.

We arrive at the heart of the Christmas story itself with a less well known work, “In Terra Pax” by Gerald Finzi from the middle of the 20th Century. He imaginatively frames words from two verses of Robert Bridges’ fine poem “Noel: Christmas Eve 1913” with St Luke’s account of the angels’ visit to the shepherds so that the “wanderer” of the present day becomes a part of the Nativity narrative itself. It is a “miniature masterpiece” evoking a mystic atmos-

phere often experienced on Christmas Eve.

Before the final choral work, the orchestra will play the Christmas Concerto by Corelli which is full of joyful music for the festive season.

In the 150th anniver-

panied children of school age and carers for disabled ticket holders - free)

• from members of the Society

• from the Abbey Shop (01684 856148)

• from Alison’s Bookshop (01684 274600)

• on-line: www.ticketsource.co.uk/t-c-s

• at the door on the evening of the perfor-

sary of his birth, we close the concert with “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. A great collector of English folk songs, Vaughan Williams skilfully weaves the tunes of three English carols (with a fleeting reference to “The First Nowell”) to produce a romanticised and almost Dickensian version of Christmas. As it draws to its conclusion, the carollers leave “the ruler of the house”, wishing all “A Happy New Year” and then they vanish into the distant, snow-covered countryside.

Tickets £18 (accom-

mance

We pride ourselves on being a friendly choir and welcome new singers of any age and voice part.

We rehearse every Monday evening in term time from 7.30 until 9.30pm in Chance Street School, Tewkesbury.

If you are interested in joining us, to sing Italian music or to travel with us overseas, and would like more details, please go to our website www.tewkesburychoral. org.uk or contact us via email: tewkesburychoral@gmail.com

By Christine Bennett Chairman

All Electric, All Seasons Cars

area.

Founder, Adrian Leopard explains, the Go Green ethos behind the business, “Our first vehicle and all future vehicles will be electric and we are currently sporting a brand new Citroen 8 seater e-Spacetourer. I believe the only all elec-

tric private hire car in the area. We are licensed by Tewkesbury BC.

“We are also a bit like Uber in that we are a “members only” organisation which means simply you have to open an account which is free The general idea is that

we know our customers and they get to know us and hopefully we shall provide a smart reliable and professional service.

“We offer complete fare calculation transparency, based on Google Maps, each customer will get a calculation before completing the booking and a confirmatory invoice afterwards so no cash changes hands in the car - it is all done by card.

“For those who want to enjoy a night out, particularly on the run up to Christmas, we can take a group of up to seven customers sharing to the pub or venue

of choice, and then take them home again at closing time, with individual drop offs.”

To book a car, email booking@allseasonscars.co.uk or telephone 01684 230360.

A new, Twyning Parish based, private car hire business All Seasons Cars, has just launched an all electric Taxi service for the

m Adrian Leopard

Lost Causes Festival

Keeping great music live and local, two of the team behind Lakefest have brought together another extraordinary array of talent for the second ‘Lost Causes’ event, which takes place at Croft Farm Waterpark, on Saturday February 25th.

Featuring a headline performance from The Johnny Cash Roadshow, recognised as the world’s number one tribute to The Man in Black. With full endorsement from the Cash family, there is no better way to revisit Cash’s unique catalogue of iconic songs.

Also on the bill, having wowed audiences at The London Palladium,

Birmingham Symphony Hall and The Liverpool Philharmonic, Alex Lipinski will be putting his full band together to share music from his brand new album ‘For Everything Under the Sun’ described by ‘Louder than War’ as ‘A body of work with a quality and maturity which most artists can only aspire to: The stars are aligning for this great talent’.

Also on the bill, will be two brand new artists who both set lakefest alight, as winners of the 2022 emerging talent competition: ‘Donohue’ channelling Prince, James Brown, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers to create his own razor sharp sound in front of a

band who seem telepathically connected to his every finger-snap and hip-shake, and ‘Ruby Joyce’ who writes bittersweet pop, with heart on sleeve, and feels like a marriage between The Smiths, Everything but the Girl, and The Cranberries.

Playing us out on the night will be Glastonbury Festival’s favourite DJ ‘Joei Supernova’ so make sure you dust off your dancing shoes.

All of this takes place

indoors (well it is February) in the warmth of Croft Farm’s Oak Paneled clubhouse with a full bar, and food service at prices that will still allow you room to pay your electricity bill.

An incredible day of superb music starting at 2pm, and running until midnight, surely a perfect way to get into training for the 2023 festival season. Get one of the last remaining early-bird tickets from www.lostcauses.co.uk.

Twyning Christmas Parade

We are a group of volunteers that have built our own sleigh.

On the 17th December Father Christmas, his elves, reindeer’s, a live band and the Grinch set off from Twyning on their sleigh through the town and arrive at Morrisons, where they will help pack peoples bags, and collect much needed items for the food bank.

Then it’s back to the village, where Father Christmas will meet the children, all the money collected will be donated to local charities.

By Julie Irwin Twyning Community Parade Team.

Tewkesbury Flower Club

Our Christmas meeting is on Tuesday 13th December at Bushley Village Hall, doors open at 2.30pm and the meeting starts at 3.00pm.

This month the demonstrator is Beverley Short and her title is ‘A Christmas Wish’.

Visitors are very welcome to join us and entrance is £6.00. No experience is necessary, just join us for an enjoyable relaxing afternoon.

Tewkesbury

By Peter Godwin

This year on the 20 December the Tewkesbury Branch of the Royal British Legion will celebrate its centenary.

The British Legion was first established in 1921, the Tewkesbury branch was registered with the Legion on 20 December 1922. The branch used to meet above a pub in Quay Street until 1955 when Colonel Hadrell, a trustee of the Abbey Lawn Trust, offered a permanent location in Church Street. The room was next door to a pub and the members used to get their drinks through a hatch between meeting room and pub. Both the meeting room and the pub eventually merged,

RBL 100

and a Legion club was established. It is often misunderstood but club and branch are two separate organisations, so when the club unfortunately closed during the covid lockdown the branch continued to function, as it does today. The branch now meet in the back barn of the Berkeley Arms on the last Thursday of the month.

The branch remains active, and members can be seen at fundraising opportunities within the local community. We were are heavily involved with remembrance services in the town and organise the local poppy appeal. This includes talking with various groups,

most recently cubs and scouts. We have a short service at the Cartland Memorial at the front of the Abbey at the start of the remembrance fortnight, where a garden of remembrance is blessed, allowing people to place crosses. We also attend Marina Court on Armistice Day providing a short commemoration service.

The Legion is there for all serving and veterans, to keep this going in Tewkesbury we need new members, the Legion is open to all who wish to support this national institution.

We are holding a social event between 2-5pm on the 20 December in the Wat-

son Hall, all those interested in finding out more about the work of the Legion are welcome to attend as are veterans and those still serving. A buffet lunch will be provided, and a cash bar will be available. For further details and to register your attendance (for catering purposes) please contact tewkesburyrbl100@ outlook.com

COUNTRY MATTERS with Jack B.

Here’s a round-up of some special Christmas events at a few of our nearby attractions:

BATSFORD ARBORETUM: Beautiful arboretum with winter walks near Bourton-on-the Hill. Gift shop, plus new café now open. Santa’s Grotto and selected dates in December. Tickets may be booked in advance at www.batsarb.co.uk

CLEARWELL CAVES: In the Forest of Dean.A magical underground journey through the caves to meet Santa in his grotto.Christmas stalls selling decorations and gifts; pop-up subterranean café with hot chocolate. Follow the trail of Archie and the unicorn too!More information and tickets from clearwellcaves.com

CROOME PARK: Capability Brown’s stunning landscape park near

Pershore. Winter Waves wonderland walks in December, with Christmas shopping and festive treats in the café. www.nationaltrust.org.uk /croome

GLOS WARKS

STEAM RAILWAY: Santa Special trains running in December. Pre-booking essential at www.gwsr.com

SUDELEY CASTLE: Spectacle of Light: Now on until December 30th. A very special event at Winchcombe’s historic castle. Details from sudeleycastle.co.uk

WESTONBIRT: England’s national arboretum, near Tetbury. Westonbirt has over 2500 species of tree and covers 600 acres. Enchanted Christmas event on selected evenings until December 21st. Details and tickets from www.forestry england.uk/westonbirt

CONCERT SEASON FOR THE ROSES CHOIR

Tewkesburys Roses Choir are out and about singing live this month.

On Saturday 3rd December they ill be giving two performances in the lovely church at Croome (11-12 and 2-3pm), and on Saturday 10th Dec-ember they can be heard in Tewkesbury Library (11am-12pm).

The final show on the run up to Christmas will be in St Nicholas Church, Ash-church, from 6 until 7.30pm.

Santa at the Museum

Father Christmas will be taking time out of his busy schedule to greet children at Tewkesbury Museum.

He’ll be making his annual visit to the museum, in Barton Street, on Saturday 10th and 17th December, 11am-4pm each day.

Tickets to meet the great man are £5 per child, and all visits must be pre-booked. Call in to the museum to do so: Sat, Sun and Mon 11am to 3pm or Tues-Fri 12pm-3pm.

Christmas Music in the Abbey

Tewkesbury Choral Society will present music for the season in the Abbey on Saturday 3rd December (7.30pm).

At 6.30pm on Tuesday 13th Dec, Schola Cantorum will be the focal point of a Carol Service. Full details from www.tewkesburyabbey.org.uk or the Abbey Shop.

Walker

HOUSE TENT RETURNS TO LAKEFEST

The organisers of Lakefest at Eastnor Castle have announced the return of the Retrospective House Tent for 2023.

Jude Jules will lead the fantastic line-up of DJ, which includes Jeremy Healy, Seb Fontaine, Slipmatt - plus a whole host of dance music legends.

Line-ups for the other stages are yet to be revealed. The event will take place 10th-13th August next year. Early bird tickets are available online now from tickets@lakefest.co.uk

2022 Bird photographer of the year

An exhibition of the winning entries of the Bird Photographer of the year competition runs at Nature in Art until 15th January.

The museum is located off the A38 between Tewkesbury and Gloucester, at Twigworth.

For opening times and further details visit the organisation’s website natureinart.org.uk.