Whether your enjoy music, art, activities or the great outdoorsthere’s a huge range of things to do right on your doorstep.
Tewkesbury’s John Moore Museum has a varied programme throughout the monthincluding crafts, talks, a free board games day and ‘tasting the tudors’ events. Find out more by turning to page 44.
A little further afield, it’s a packed month of fairs and events and the Three Counties Showground - including a dog show and Pony Society Festival. More details on page 19.
The free music festival ‘Tewkesbury Live’ is set for July, but in April there’s a ‘Spring Fringe’ taster at the Watson Hall on Saturday 19th April. Bands performing are the Vespas and Rave Against the Regime, with doors open at 7pm.
There’s music in Tewkesbury Abbey too.
On Saturday 5th April the Cheltenham Bach Choir will be performing ‘Glories of the Renaissance’ at 7.30pm. Our correspondent
Jack B. Walker has selected his recommendations of places to visit and enjoy the countryside this Easter. Jack’s choices include the Cotswold Farm Park, Sudeley Castle, Eastnor Castle and Over Farmwhere you’ll find lots of activities for all ages. See page 34 for full details.
Nature in Art, at Twig worth, between Tewkebury and Gloucester, has a series of exhibitions running throughout the month. For full details see their website -www. natureinart.org.uk continued on page 3
“Whenever
Northway Lane MOT are my first choice” Dom Joly, Comedian
KIDS TRAVEL FREE on late May Bank Holiday Monday at Cotswold Festival of Steam (see page 12)
BOOK OF THE MONTH with Alison’s Bookshop and Music Room
NJW Payroll Solutions Ltd 19 Stanford Road, Northway, Tewkesbury GL20 8QU Tel 01684 212042 • Mobile 07891 546235
This small but brilliant novel I selected as my Book of the Year for 2024, it is beautifully written and an inspiring read with many subtle themes.
The recurring core of the story in each section is love, be it the love between husband and wife or parent and child, more simply the power of love; but throughout the undercurrent is the futility of war making a strong anti-war statement.
It opens in 1917 on a battlefield near the River Escaut where John lies seriously injured, alone yet strangely comforted by his injured or dead fellow soldiers.
His story soon moves on to him having returned home to his artist wife Helena and his business as a photographer.
Their's is a love story; their chance meeting is recalled by John as he lies injured. However, he returns home with an artificial limb and a damaged soul in more than one sense.
The book continues to follow their family and acquaintances through the generations, sometimes traversing backwards, each chapter helpfully clearly defined with year and location.
There is not always a natural flow between the chapters but that works, the reader is challenged but never in an obtrusive or annoying way.
The author is demanding attention from her audience; she is a poet who uses her power of words very well, and in some way that reference to "demanding attention from her audience" is what makes this book and all the other characters within the pages, some of which reoccur, so pleasurable and rewarding.
These characters are diverse, Peter a widow and hat-maker, his daughter Mara, a medic and her late mother Anna.
Each have their own story of service to wartorn communities, a commitment honoured by her daughter in similar dangerous locations. So there is a theme started in the outset with the injured John in a battlefield, war and the suffering of humanity recurrent but not oppressive in this rewarding read.
This unusual novel, deservedly shortlisted for the 2024 Booker prize, was worthy of secondreading; something I do not normally do but was glad I did in this instance.
Anne Michaels won the Womens prize for Fiction with "Fugitive Pieces", back in 1997.
This is only her third work of fiction sitting alongside five volumes of poetry, so she is not prolific but she is a craftswoman and a pleasure to read. "Held" missed out to "Orbital" for the Booker but deservedly won the Canadian equivalent the Gilles prize - a highly recommended read and my latest book of the year.
Selected by:
Ian B. Nicholson Alison’s Bookshop High Street Tewkesbury GL20 5JR
The pretty Bredon Hill Village of Overbury will host a concert by the internationally acclaimed singer and musician Sumudu on Saturday 5th April.
Sumudu is a regular performer with Jools Holland, and has also worked with Van Morrison, Sting and Dionne Warwick. As part of The Overbury Sessions, in St Faith’s Church, she will be presenting her show ‘A Celebration of Songs’ at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from www.ticketeboo.co.uk/sumudu - and cost £16.00.
Overbury Court, next door to St Faith’s Church, will be opening its delightful grounds in aid of the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday 6th April, 10am-4pm. Admission is £5, with accompanied children free. Dogs on leads are welcome and refreshments will be available. More information from the website ngs.org.uk
There are more gardens open locally throughout the month - you can find details of these on page 8.
The Annual Fitzhammon Lecture - presented by the Friends of Tewkesbury Abbey - will be held in the Parish Hall at 7pm on Saturday 12th April. The subject is the survival and restoration of the stained glass in the presbytery of the abbey. For further details, see the abbey’s website - www.tewkesburyabbey.org.uk
If taking to the hills ticks your box, then you might enjoy a foraging walk on Cleeve Common on Tuesday
OUT AND ABOUT
8th April (6pm-8.30pm). Also at the highest point in the county on Good Friday (18th April) you can follow an Easter Trail between 1pm and 3pm. For more information, see www.cleevecommon.org.uk Aviation enthusiasts may like to visit the Jet Age
Museum at Staverton. Run by volunteers and only normally open at weekends, there’s an extra opening for the school holidays on Wednesday 16th April (10am-4pm). Find out more at jetagemuseum.org Looking ahead to May, one of the major events on our calendar - The Big Weekend - returns on 17th and 18th. There will be a 70s themed parade, a dog show, boat trips and races, fairground rides and more. Details at www.tewkesburybigweekend.co.uk
OVERBURY: a concert in the church on Saturday 5th April and Court Gardens open on Sunday 6th
Come and have some Fun this Spring / Summer at Croft Farm Water Park!
Sail and Paddle at Croft Farm Water Park (Tewkesbury) are pleased to announce that we are now open for the Spring / summer 7 days a week from 8:30am - 5pm for boat hire and tuition. Families and kids parties are welcome – we run some great structured sessions on the water for kids including instruction and kit for the water.
Why not try Windsurfing!, it is a sport that is great for all ages and abilities, you can book on line for these lessons and all boat hire through our web site or just email / call (individuals or groups are welcome, sessions run at regular intervals everyday).
If you just want to pop in to the centre to hire a boat, all general public are welcome during our opening times (entrance tickets can be purchased through our web site link also).
We have a big range of easy to use hire equipment including giant Dragon and Swan shaped pedal boats, slide pedal boats for all the family, single and 2/3 seater sit on top kayaks, stand up paddle boards / giant team stand up paddleboards, catamaran team canoes, sailing boats and
windsurfers.
Please see the water sports pages on our website for full details and price list at “www. croftfarmwaterpark.com” email activities@croftfarmwaterpark.com or call 01684 772321 (ext 2).
We hope to see you down at our lake soon for a water sports experience you and your family/ friends will not forget.
BUSHLEY NEWS by
Tim Perry
THE BUSHLEY BLUEBELL WALK
We are hosting our Bluebell Walk on Easter Monday (21st April) this year, writes Tim Perry
It starts from Bushley Cricket Club (GL20 6JB)
Goods Vehicle Operators Licence
S P F Lo g i s t i c s L t d o f
Wa l n u t Tr e e Fa r m
Corse Lawn, Gloucestershire GL19 4ND is applying for a licence
t o u s e Wa
L aw n , Gloucestershire GL19 4ND as an operating
2 g o o d s vehicles and 2 trailers Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operati n g c e n t r e ( s ) w h o believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written represent ations to the Traffic Commissioner a t H i l l c r e s t House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, st ating their reasons within 21 days of this n o t i c e Re p r e s e n t o r s must at the same time send a copy of their represent ations to the address given at the top of his notice A
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ava i l a b l e f r o m t h e Traffic Commissioner ’ s Office 01 04 25
at 2 00pm and follows farm tracks not usually open to the public for about a mile and a half t h r o u g h t h e w o o d s , returning to the pavilion for afternoon tea around 4.00pm.
The route can be wet with ruts in places so s t u r d y f o o
s essential Dogs are permitted if kept on leads on the private land
If our timing is right the bluebells are spectacular, more so on a sunny day when the fragrance can be an added bonus
It costs £6 per person, money raised goes into our new pavilion project fund
We are grateful to the Yorke family for permission to hold this walk again as it is a very popular event.
If you read this in time, we are welcoming
Reg Moule to the pavili
answers for Gardeners' Q
audience on Friday 4th April at 7.30pm. This is
with tea, coffee and cake in the interval included in the £5 entry fee
We will start playing cricket on the Green at the end of the month, w
course!
Our men's team play on Sunday afternoons, our women practise on
their matches are usual-
nings
More players of any
come, call Hannah on 07837 292003 or me on 0 7 8 1 2 1 7 9 0
2
details on any of the above.
Tim Perry
We offer a full range of vehicle maintenance and repair ser
at AGP Autoser vice
Established in 2012, AGP Autoser vice is an expanding family-run business situated at Croft Farm in Bredon’s Hardwick, near Tewkesbur y We pride ourselves in ser vicing and repairing cars and light commercial vehicles in our well-equipped modern workshops Our small, enthusiastic team prides itself on delivering excellent customer ser vice and carr ying out all work to the highest possible standards
As well as routine car maintenance, we also offer diagnostics and supply and fit tyres, batteries and exhausts We also have a small parts and accessor y store, and are a recognised MOT Testing Centre for cars and commercial vehicles up to 3000 DGW We are fully equipped to handle petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles
Do you think you have the necessar y skills to join our team? Then email your CV to ali@agpautoser vice co uk (or drop it in the post) with a covering letter telling us about your experience in the trade
GL20 7EE
Fitz & Giggles Cabaret Showcase
In June, the Watson Hall, Tewkesbury will be playing host to the first ever cabaret and burlesque event to be held at the venue!
‘Fitz & Giggles Cabaret Showcase’ will present their brand-new show ‘Hooray for Hollywood’ on Friday 27th June 2025, and it is set to be an absolute hoot! Fitz & Giggles was established in 2022 by Tewkesbury’s very own, Cleeco la Fizz, and has presented several smaller, private cabaret shows in those three years. Cleeco is now immensely proud to be bringing this fabulously extravagant, ticketed show to the 114-year-old Watson Hall.
Amongst the acts appearing at ‘Fitz & Giggles Hooray for Hollywood’ are Gloucester’s very own pocket burlesque rocket, professional dancer, musical theatre actor, and creator of the wildly successful Cherries on a Cloud show, Miss Kitty Ribbons. Comedy and magic will be provided by international renowned sideshow, variety and vaudeville act, the wonderful hands-as-fast-ashis-mouth, Mr Al Rudge.
There will be bump ‘n grind glamour from 22nd annual New York Burlesque Festival headliner, Miss Velvet Jones. Expect sparkle, glamour, laughs and elegance from acclaimed Marilyn Monroe lookalike and showgirl, the incomparable Miss Isabella Bliss.
And when you think there couldn’t possible be anymore to come, there will also be special appearances, a ‘Red Carpet Ready’ best dressed contest, audience participation games with your host Miss Cleeco La Fizz and a grand raffle in aid of Tewkesbury Foodbank (part of Trussell Trust).
You definitely do not want to miss out on this show! For more information and to purchase your tickets, go to the Facebook event page by scanning the QR code.
Over 18s only - ID required.
m Miss Velvet Jones
m Marilyn Monroe
m Mr Al Rudge
SCAN FOR TICKETS
Exclusive Exhibition at STUDIO 22
For just three days local fine artist, Ardyn Griffin, will be exhibiting her work at STUDIO 22 in Barton St. Ardyn specialises in oil painting and papier-mâché sculpture. She has lived and worked in an old rural cottage not far from Tewkesbury for over sixty years. Consequently, her cottage has become an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ filled with her stunning creations.
Much of Ardyn’s work is inspired by her garden and this influence can be found throughout her paintings and exquisitely painted boxes. Plant motifs, people and animal forms all interlock with a richness of detail and light, akin to a woven tapestry.
Andyn’s talent for story telling is evident in her playful papier-mâché sculptures and their humour and diverse, imaginative designs can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
The exhibition will be taking place Friday 11th and Saturday 12th of April from 10am to 4pm and then on Sunday 13th from 11am to 5pm at 22 Barton St in Tewkesbury. Visitors will have the
m Ardyn Griffin
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GARDENING MONTHLY - with Tim Hoskins Animals Only,
It’s spring again!
It’s spring again and time for some cliched life/garden comparisons about new beginnings etc, writes Tim Hoskins.
If you’ve been reading this column for a few years, we’ll be on the same page and your garden has never really slept and your gardening thoughts have never abated, irrespective of the season.
I hope your bulbs have come up but look at your beds for gaps now, for autumn planting later in the year.
Your lawns will need their spring renovation and there’s pruning to be done (roses, Cornus, Buddleja, Spirea and more)- if you’re not sure what needs doing, use a plant ID app, search engine, a book or a know-all friend to identify your shrub.
Then look up the pruning group and all the info you need will be there.
All shrubs are split into pruning groups which in themselves mean little, but once a plant is identified, they can be very helpful.
A simple design and maintenance tip is to limit the number of pruning groups in your garden to reduce thinking and planning for future.
Try and resist the urge to hit the garden centres too hard at this time of year.
Easter seems to mark the start of the busy
period, but remember that the florifically flamboyant plants you buy now, will be looking less colourful in a month or two.
You’ll probably be using your garden in the summer and it would be nice to have some colour and interest to accompany long drinks on the lawn. Pace your buying.
If you’ve always promised yourself a visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, plan that now too.
It’s eye-wateringly expensive and you’ll need to sell a kidney to buy a drink, but it’s a good day out and a chance to see some celebs with their carefully curated scruffy garden couture.
I go every year and enjoy it immensely, but remember that the show gardens are floristry and will never again look
like they do during your visit. For different reasons, RHS Malvern is as good, much cheaper and local.
Happy Easter to you all Tim Hoskins
GARDENS OPEN IN APRIL
A selection of gardens open this month on behalf of the National Gardens Scheme. More details on their website: ngs.org.uk
HIGHNAM COURT - Sun 6th April. Highnam, Gloucester, GL2 8DP. 11am-5pm. 40 acres of Victorian Landscape Gardens. Refreshments.
UPTON WOLD - Sun 13th April. Moreton-inMarsh, GL56 9TR. 10am-5pm. The hidden garden of the Cotswolds with magnificent views. 4.5 miles west of Moreton on the A44.
LORDS OF THE MANOR HOTEL - Wed 16th April. Upper Slaughter, GL54 2JD. 10am-3pm. Classic country garden and walled garden.
TRENCH HILL - Sun 20th and Mon 21st April. Sheepscombe, GL6 6TZ. 11am-6pm. 3 acres set in a small woodland with panoramic views.
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These are all treatments that we offer at Body2Soul including any of our combination massage treatments.
Heather’s hours in April will be: Tuesday 1st: 10am-8pm, Saturday 5th: 10am-4pm, Wednesday 9th: 4pm-8pm, Tuesday 15th: 10am-8pm, Wednesday 23rd: 4pm-8pm, Tuesday 29th: 10am-8pm,
WI Newtown amazed by Tewkesbury history
A fascinating dive into the town’s complicated background by the President of the Tewkesbury Historical Society. The Abbey [1100s], placed in a prime position by the clergy, was later bought by the townspeople to save it from destruction by Henry VIII. The builders of trade have continuously changed this intriguing town. The High Street burgage plots of terraced houses and gardens were infilled with new houses, creating the iconic alleys, then continually changed use.
Spinning and stocking-weaving; a malt factory, later owned by Dowty’s then sheltered living - The Maltings;
cattle market then Cascades swimming pool [also bought by the townspeople’s 5p weekly subscriptions] then market then Spring-Gardens car-park; an art-deco Sabrina cinema destroyed by fire in the 60s; flour mill - now rotting for nearly 20 years; and services for the rail-
way. John Dixon had several photos of locomotive engines illegally crossing the High Street - a big surprise to many who had wondered why the town has a Station Street.
The Civic Society sprang up as a reaction to the brick 60s precinct,
and may have slowed some later destruction. Recent pub changes have definitely been for the better - the Black Bear and the Hop Pole have both had their heritage preserved - though the Tudor still is covered in 1897 ersatz black/ white timber over the original stone, thanks
to John Moore’s father ... and we are left wondering what is going to happen to the flour mill and the former Girls High School, to be a gated development by the Crescent car park.
There have been two outbreaks of cholera in 1832 and 1849, caused by using water from the Mill Avon, which was contaminated by poor sanitation but which also had an old wash house.
Codrington Alley is named after a Tewkesbury MP who was a very rich slave-owner; he owned the alley. His tenants were required vote for him openly and would give his tenants and others were rewarded with his “half a guinea” to vote for him.
The new Leisure Centre pool, on Borough Council land out of town, was built to replace Cascades, but reputedly does not have the six lanes needed for competitions ...
Tewkesbury is still a nice place to live, though.
Does anyone know what happened to the stocks?
TEWKESBURY BLINDS & CURTAINS
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First visitors announced for Cotswold Festival of Steam
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) has announced the first of the locomotives to star at the railway’s flagship event, the Cotswold Festival of Steam.
The festival will take place over the late May Bank Holiday weekend (24th-26th) and this year takes as its theme ‘Celebrating Railway 200’.
Visiting locos include ex-Southern Railway ‘West Country’ class Pacific, no. 34092 City of Wells (subject to contract) - and Standard Class 4 no. 75069 which comes from the Severn Valley Railway.
This 1944-built City of Wells has visited the GWSR before, for the Festival in 2015. It visits by courtesy of owner the East Lancashire Railway.
It will be company for ‘big sister’, resident exSR ‘Merchant Navy’ class Pacific no. 35006 Peninsular & Oriental SN Co.
Both locomotives were residents of Salisbury locomotive depot in the 1960s and worked passenger services between London and the West Country until the mid-1960s.
The railway expects to announce further visitors over coming weeks which will run with the railways home-based fleet.
2025 marks the bicentenary of modern railways, beginning with the revolutionary opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in September 1825.
This pioneering line sparked a global transformation that continues to shape our world today.
Railway 200 is a nationwide, year-long celebration that aims to showcase rail’s role in Britain’s past, present and future and inspire the next generation of railway talent both on the national network and on heritage railways such as the Gloucestershire Warwickshire
Steam Railway.
The event will also see several traction engines in steam at Toddington railway station (GL54 5DT) as well as miniatures.
The Toddington Narrow Gauge Railway at Toddington also plans to run two steam locomotives on its delightful 2ft-gauge line. A bus service will connect Cheltenham Racecourse station with the Cheltenham Spa Network Rail. On the Bank Holiday Monday kids can go free (up to three with a fare paying adult).
Advance discounted tickets are now available at www.gwsr.com
34092 ‘City of Wells’ heads through Dixton cutting on its last visit to the GWSR in 2015 (Ian Crowder)
“We are hugely grateful to Tom, Wendy and the whole team at Engall Castle for their help in our recent move. They gave realistic advice throughout the process and reassurance when certain aspects were more challenging. It was such a pleasure to have them overseeing our move. Thank you!” BS
Lawn mower problems, repairs and servicing
By Bill O’Dell of Twyning Mens Sheds
Many of you will have motor mowers and petrol engine garden machinery. And jolly useful they are too! But we get a lot of them in the Shed each year, that haven’t been used for a while and won’t start. So here are a few tips to helping keep them in tip top condition:
1. When you finish using them, drain the fuel back into your can
2. Run the engine until the carburettor is empty
3. Leave the fuel cap off so any residue can evaporate
4. ONLY use E5 petrol – that’s super unleaded
5. Clean away and wet grass or hedge cuttings and give a spray of WD40 to help protect
6. Store until next time when you use Fresh E5 fuel.
E10 or normal unleaded fuel is hygroscopic and absorbs water from the atmosphere (it’s the alcohol content that causes this and the evaporation of more volatile compounds) and you end up with a jelly in the tank or more likely in the carburettor. This is why it won’t start or run properly. If yours does this we can fix it for you, of course we can! An engine service on a small engine will cost you
around £30 plus any parts used or £40 if a pressure wash is needed first. But if you are looking after your machine, it will mean the Men’s Shed has nothing to do
in March when you get them out for the first time! So we’ll be playing cards and finishing off the mince pies! Contact us via:
twyningmensshed.co.uk
TEWKESBURY FLOWER CLUB
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 8th April at Bushley Village Hall. Doors open at 1.30 and the demonstration starts at 2.00. No experience is necessary just a relaxing afternoon watching an expert arrange beautiful owers. Entrance for visitors is £6 payable on the door. Come and join us - we are very friendly!
• Fully trained technicians
• In house dealer standard equipment
• Full range of maintenance and repair services , MOT tests Haldex and DSG servicing
• Full access to Odis and Erwin VAG diagnostic systems
• The ability to up date digital service records
• ADAS camera recalibration
• Hunter 4 wheel Alignment
• Air conditioning Regas (R134A&R123YF)
• We also check tyre pressures ,tyre safety/integrity, battery condition and brake fluids
• Courtesy car or collection and delivery service available
• Timing belts replaced with Genuine parts only
• Whilst you wait appointments
We have our own main dealer trained VAG technicians so you can rest assured your vehicle is in safe hands. Our well-equipped workshop has six ramps to accommodate our dedicated team of highly skilled technicians! And our clean and bright facility offers more than just an enjoyable working environment – it’s also full of the latest professional tooling and equipment, for the very best value servicing and repairs on your VAG vehicle.
We are acting in the sale of the above property and have received an offer of £ 200,000 on the above property.
A well appointed three bedroom semi-detached family home, located in the sought after residential development of Northway.
Any interested parties must submit any higher offers in writing to the selling agent before exchange of contracts takes place. Sparrow Close £255,000
Pamington Fields £160,000
Three bedroom mid terrace family home, located in a cul-de--sac in the Walton Cardiff area of Tewkesbury.
Two bedroom ground floor apartment located in Ashchurch, conveniently near the M5 and various amenities.
THE DOWDESWELL ARMS: AN INN ON THE HAM
Where there’s an ancient river crossing, there’s likely to be an inn. Upper Lode was no exception, but the ferry there was rendered almost redundant in 1822, when the Mythe Bridge opened. The body blow to the inn there, the Dowdeswell
Arms, was dealt in 1858, though. That was the date of the opening of the Severn Lock and weir complex, which cut it off from the Ham and Tewkesbury, it’s only remaining source of trade.
The passage over the Severn at Upper Lode,
including the ferry, wharves and building, was owned by the Abbey until its dissolution, when it passed into the hands of the king. It was then leased to William Wyatt, who had been a Yeoman of the Chamber to Queen Elizabeth. Along with the right to
operate the ferry a license was granted to William and Elizabeth Wyatt to keep a tavern in their house. They sub-let to John Birche, as they had a life in London to pursue.
The unique location meant that the normal urban life of a landlord
didn’t apply at all. Whilst the inn, then known as the Ferry Inn, catered for travellers, by water and road, probably including accommodation and meals, the landlord had his fingers in many other pies. There was a wharf and storage, which was much used when water levels were low and trows couldn’t reach Tewkesbury Quay. There was a smallholding, with
few years, he suffered the repercussions of a bitter dispute between members of the Wyatt family, who were persistent in trying to seize the movable assets. Things settled down, and Richard Brush took the tenancy. He must have had extensive fishing rights, and his salmon trading was far more lucrative than selling beer. In one year he is reputed
m Ham 1808 plan detail
animals and fruit trees. There’s still a cider mill at the house and apple trees on the Ham. There was fishing. The salmon fishery was very valuable.
In 1669, Richard Dowdeswell of Pull Court, Bushley, bought the inn and ferry. In the first
to have earned the incredible sum of £800 by selling the fish at 1s (5p) a pound That’s at least 1,500 salmon caught in the Upper Lode area! After Richard Brush came John Woadley, then two generations of Mayalls. At the turn
LONG-CLOSED PUBS OF TEWKESBURY with Steve Goodchild
of the nineteenth century William Mann was landlord. By now, the premises were known as the Dowdeswell Arms. A great deal of trade came from travellers generated by the new turnpike roads. From Tewkesbury, though, travellers had to cross the Ham at the Abbey Mill or Quay Street. The ferry toll prices included coaches, post-chaises and wagons, so it must have been a sturdy ferry, and a substantial roadway.
The Mythe Bridge reduced trade to just local people, particularly farmers travelling to the market, and the attractions of the inn became more important. It must have been difficult to encourage people over the Ham on cold winter nights, but the summer was a different matter. The renowned horse race meetings were very good for business but otherwise it was mostly passing trade and the occasional auction or meeting of the Conservative Association or the Naturalists Club.
In 1851, as talk of the Severn Lock and weir was getting louder, William Mann moved to Oxhey Farm and Henry Treeton took over. He was the last landlord. There would have been plenty of business from the construction workers but the promise of constant fleets of barges passing through the lock, completed in 1858, never materialised and the weir had cut the inn off from its Tewkesbury customers. Trade plummeted. The inn was renamed the Upper Lode Inn, and even the lure of the annual rabbit and sparrow
WHAT’S ON at Three Counties Showground
m SUN 6TH APRIL Toy Collectors Fair
m SAT 12TH APRIL Alpine Garden Society Midland Event
m 12TH-13TH APRIL KICKBACK Motorcycle Show
m THU 17TH APRIL CountryTastic
m MON 21ST APRIL
Flea & Collectors Fair
m 25TH-28TH APRIL West of England Ladies Kennel Society Championship Dog Show
m SAT 26TH APRIL
The National Pony Society 21st Spring Festival
shooting matches didn’t attract customers. In 1860, Henry Treeton left to work as a butler at Pull Court and the licence, after 296 continuous years, was surrendered. The inn had offered hospitality for hundreds of years before that, under the Abbey’s ownership. Today, it is hard to imagine this quiet backwater as a busy inn, wharf and ferry, connected to the town.
We’re thrilled to share the fantastic news that our hard work and dedication have paid off once again! For the second year in a row, we’ve been honoured with the British Property Award for GL17-20 Tewkesbury, recognising our exceptional service and expertise in the local property market.
But that’s not all—we’re also proud to hold the 2020-2021 Gold Winner Letting Agent title in GL17-20 Tewkesbury, further solidifying our position as the go-to agency for all your property needs.
We couldn’t have achieved these incredible milestones without the unwavering support of our amazing clients and communitythank you! Of course, none of this would be possible without our outstanding team of professionals who consistently go above and beyond to deliver the highest level of service. Their passion, knowledge, and dedication are the driving force behind our success. We’re incredibly grateful to have such a talented and committed group of individuals working together to make a difference in the lives of our clients.
As we celebrate these achievements, we remain focused on continuing to raise the bar and exceed expectations. Here’s to many more years of success and serving our community with the utmost care and professionalism!
Tewkesbury Historical Society launches 34th bulletin
Tewkesbury Historical Society has pubished its 34th bulletin, covering a variety of topics revealing more about the town’s fascinating past.
Society president John Dixon looks at the story of the Raggatt family, of ‘aspirational artisans,’ while Sam Eedle takes up the story of ‘A London Fireman in Ashchurch.’
There are articles from Derek Benson on anti-slavery activism in Tewkesbury, while David Page traces the history of the local Sea Cadet Corps.
Bonnie Bell’s contribution is the story of
FINE FOOD AND CRAFT STREET MARKET IS BACK
Tewkesbury’s extremely popular street market returns to the town centre on Sunday 20th April.
From 10am until 4pm, the High Street will be lined with stalls selling beautifully hand-crafted items including pottery, jewellery, soap and candles, original artwork and photography.
Produce to take home will include preserves, chutneys, honey, oil, spices, interesting wines and flowers.
There will be tasty treats to enjoy around the market too - mouth-watering cheese, samosas and snacks, and for those with a sweet tooth, brownies, cookies and fudge.
Market dates for the summer are 29th June and 17th August, then two in autumn on 21st September and 19th October. More information from www.cotswoldmarkets.com
George Fouch SR and his roots in Tewkesbury.
There are also obituaries paying tribute to Malachy Cornwell Kelly, Joan Smith and Hazel Crisp.
The Bulletin is now available from Alison’s Bookshop in the High Street, or alternatively online from the website www.tewkesburyhistory. org/home
For all your electrical needs - Domestic, Commercial and Industrial
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The Cheltenham Model Railway Exhibition comes to St Margaret’s Hall in Hatherley over the weekend of 5th-6th April.
An enlarged venue (GL51 3NU) brings more steam and diesel layouts, model road vehicles, trade stands and refreshments.
Organised by the Cheltenham GWR Modellers Group, the event is being sponsored by Marchant’s Coaches, with charitable dona-
tions from the entry fees going to the James Hopkins Trust. The skill of the modellers will be appreciated by all - and children in particular will be delighted to have a go at driving Thomas! It is open 10am-5pm Sat 5th and 10am4.30pm Sun 6th.
CHELTENHAM, AND ALL THAT JAZZ
Cheltenham Jazz Festival, which takes place in a wide range of venues across the town from 30th April, has become one of the leading music events of its kind in Britain today.
It always attracts international jazz artists, but this year there are many names on the programme which will have high appeal to a wider audience.
Tickets are selling fast - with some concerts, including Jools Holland, already sold out.
Household names such as The Who’s front man Roger Daltrey, pop icon Lulu, Macy Gray, Lisa Stansfield, Tom Walker, Katie Melua, David Gray and Corinne Bailey Rae are all on the bill.
World renowned Jazz
are all going to be there too. Venues include the
and
the heart of the festival.
There will be free fringe events taking place throughout the town too. Cheltenham Jazz Festival runs from 30th April - 5th May. For a full programme and ticket information visit www.cheltenhamfestivals.org
vocalist Curtis Stigers, Amadou and Mariam, Claire Martin, Blind Boys of Alabama, Beverley Knight and Lady Nade
Town Hall, Parabola Arts Centre, Hotel du Vin, the Dunkerton’s Cider - plus the Big Top, Jazz Arena
Family Tent in Montpellier Gardens, now
Roger Daltrey
Pirton Sidings by the PW Gang
Alan Verrinder Eyecare celebrate 25 years in business
Alan and Georgie Verrinder are celebrating 25 years running their business, Alan Verrinder Eyecare (formerly known as Zeiss Opticians), situated in the High Street, Tewkesbury.
A family run independent Opticians where you will receive a warm and friendly welcome. The staff provide the best possible care from
Alan Verrinder Eyecare
Tewkesbury Independent family run Opticians Celebrating 25 years practising in Tewkesbury
We specialise in dispensing Zeiss lenses and have a comprehensive range of frames to suit all the family
Our staff aim to give the best possible care to all our patients from your NHS/private eye examination, to the dispensing and collection of your spectacles
New and existing customers are guaranteed a warm welcome please call to make an appointment
01684 292201
108 High Street Tewkesbury GL20 5JZ
your eye examination, to the dispensing and collection of your spectacles.
The Practice since 1989 has specialised dispensing lenses from Carl Zeiss. These lenses are at the forefront of technology providing their patients with the best possible vision that can be achieved.
Alan Verrinder started in Optics in 1968 working for Alfred Hawes & Sons an old established company of Dispensing Opticians in the City of London. On qualifying Alan went on to manage many Practices in and
around the South East of England. He moved with his family to Worcestershire in 1988 and eventually started working in Tewkesbury at Basil Barke’s business in 1996. This Practice was first started back in 1948 and is the longest established Opticians in Tewkesbury.
Alan and Georgie, and their staff, look forward to many more years of serving the people of Tewkesbury and surrounding district. They wish to thank customers past and present for their loyalty over the last 25 years.
EASTER TRAIL IN APPERLEY
Deerhurst and Apperley School PTFA have organised a Village Easter Trail on Saturday 5th April.
It will take place at Apperley Village Hall from 2pm-4pm. Maps will be on sale for £2.50 so participants can follow the trail around the village to find the hidden eggs. A chocolate treat will be given for each map returned.
There will be Easter activities, great prizes and homemade cake available to.
Apperley Village Hall is located in Sawpit Lane (GL19 4DP) next to the playing fields.
Verrinder family celebrate 25 years in business
THE ALLEYS
Interested in local history? Then why not step into the past and explore Tewkesbury’s fascinating social heritage?
Led by Project Alleycat, these guided walks leave Warder’s Alley in the High Street at 2.30pm and last about two hours. Next dates are Sundays 6th and 20th April, costing £2.50 per person.
Daytime & Evening Including Silver Swans Ballet in Malvern
ceciliahalldance@live.co.uk Text 07443 872188
New season gets underway at Bredon Cricket Club
The new season gets underway for Bredon Cricket Club when the first team visit Dumbleton on Saturday 12th April. This fixture is followed by a home match against Alvechurch & Hopwood on Saturday 19th April and then away at Kidderminster on Saturday 26th April. For all home games the bar will be open for refreshments and you are invited to join us.
We are currently carrying out building work to extend the Home dressing room, which is due to be completed in time for the first home fixture.
Our annual Tower Run takes place on Sunday 25th May (Bank holiday Weekend). All you need to do is scan the QR code on this page to make an entry. For the first time every runner will have a chip to record timing. The 10k run starts and ends at the Cricket Club and the fully marshalled route follows pretty country lanes, tracks and paths to the summit of Bredon Hill. Entry cost is just £20 and all entrants will receive a finishers medal as well as special award for various categories. After the run, participants and their friends and families can enjoy refreshments from the clubs fully licenced bar. There will also be live music. Numbers are limited so don’t miss out, scan the QR code and make your entry. You will need to be aged 16 or over.
Celebrating 6 months of SelfEmployment at Zeta!
days available depending on her schedule.
Clare has been a trusted hairdresser in Gloucestershire for years, bringing her expertise to salons and offering home visits to clients. Now, she is thrilled to mark a special milestone: 6 months of being self-employed at Zeta!
To celebrate, Clare is offering £5 off any service when you mention this article! Whether you’re a regular client of a new face, she’s excited to welcome you to Zeta for all your hair care needs.
Book your appointment today, Clare is mainly available on Mondays, with more
To book, just reach out through Zeta’s Instagram, website, or Clare’s personal socials.
Let’s make your hair dreams a reality with Zeta!
Meet Tiff - the creative soul behind Enchanted Nails Oasis!
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Tiff only uses the best products, including Glitterbels polishes, ensuring top-quality, long-lasting nails every time.
With an extensive collection of polishes, there’s a perfect shade for every style.
Tiff is also currently training in lashes and will soon be offering
lash lift and tint services, followed by classic lash extensions once she’s qualified.
Ready for a pamper session? To book with Tiff, simply message her on her socials today! @enchanted.oasis.
The LOWER LODE Inn
Springtime by the River
Come and enjoy our famous Sunday Carvery for just £14, a great treat for all the family.
■ Locally sourced traditional pub fayre
■ Riverside Beer Garden
■ Camping available for away days
Planning an event this year?
Our beautiful riverside function hall is the ideal venue for your very special occasion.
We are fully licensed with full bar and live music facility, it is the perfect canvas for those looking to make their special event truly unique.
Forthampton
GL19 4RE 01684 293224
Only ten minutes walk from Tewkesbury Town Centre. By road from Tewkesbury take the A438 to Ledbury and turn off to Forthampton. At the duck pond turn left and follow the road to the end.
TEWKESBURY CRICKET CLUB’S NEW PAVILION GETS UNDERWAY!
Tewkesbury Cricket Club has been an important part of the town’s history for more than 185 years and it continues to thrive with four men’s Saturday teams, a growing women’s section and more than 100 junior members.
As part of its ambitions to be a leading sporting club in the area, Tewkesbury CC has embarked
on a significant building project to bring the current pavilion in line with latest ECB and Sport
England requirements for players, members, and spectators.
“Our pavilion has served us well over the last 30 years, being a huge step up from the wooden structure that many of the town’s residents will remember. However, with successes on the field we feel the time is right to develop the facilities further,” explains Hilary Caudle,
ers as well as umpires and to make them more disability-friendly”, she explains.
In 2020, with the help of Westminster Project Services, we gained planning permission. Both the ECB and Sport England agreed the plans too which will be carried out in two phases:
Phase one to extend the balcony outwards
club president and driving force behind the exciting project.
“The aim is to increase the social areas for members and guests and to upgrade the changing facilities for male and female play-
Spring Colour for the Garden
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• Herbs, soft fruit & vegetable plants
• Home grown bedding plants & filled containers
• Cottage garden plants, roses, shrubs & trees
•
•
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Welcome to THE BARBER TANK! “Your hair is our command”
Our unique military-themed barbershop is located in Northway, GL20 8TW. We welcome everyone, whether you’re a veteran, active service member, or simply someone who appreciates a crisp and professional haircut.
We at The Barber Tank offer a unique atmosphere that welcomes all ages and backgrounds. We strive to deliver excellent service in a space where everyone feels welcome and valued. We bring a sense of discipline and precision which is mainly inspired by the military world. We understand the importance of a good haircut - it isn’t just about the way you look, it’s about the confidence that you carry with you. Both of our skilled barbers ensure that you will leave not only looking but feeling your best too.
Every single client is treated with respect and we aim to build long lasting relationships with all of our customers. From classic cuts to modern, we’re here to meet all of your needs with attention to detail. Located in the heart of Northway with free parking, our opening hours are chosen to fit into your busy schedule, as convenience is key!
We are open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Out of hours bookings are also available upon request via our social media pages listed below.
Contact Us: Instagram: TheBarberTank. WhatsApp: 07398727988. Facebook: The Barber Tank.
and across the full width of the pavilion is nearing completion ready for the forthcoming season. This will be followed, in due course, by phase two to extend the building and complete the internal alterations.
Hilary explains that while the club has been able to complete phase one thanks to an ECB loan, local 106 funding and events, there is still a long way to go, and significant further investment is required. The club is looking for financial investment whether from one off donations, fundraising or sponsorship from individuals and local businesses.
Think you can help?
Tewkesbury Cricket Club is offering several sponsorship and advertising options, from player sponsorship at just £60 to boards around the ground or even sponsoring match teas!
More details on joining the club as a player or to support the club’s pavilion project are available on the website www.tewkesbury. play-cricket.com/home or contact Stephanie Tompkins stephanie@ whitmorepr.co.uk
m THE BARBER TANK
Bathurst’s Boatbuilders
I
writes John Dixon.
I was successful – and even more delighted with the restoring of these photos by Nick Jones of The Photo Studio,Tewkesbury.
I think they were taken c1900 after the launching of the iconic River steamers, which were so popular with local organizations who hired them for excursions to Gloucester or Worcester. If only we could do that today! The railway to Malvern had been opened in 1864.
Bathursts opened the factory, building wooden-hulled boats after the family arrived from Coalbrookdale, Shropshire in the 1840s.
They built their home named Avondale - but which deserved the family name Noah’s Ark for the obvious reasons.
The family prospered and the Queen’s Jubilee of 1897 marked the climax, when Charles Bathurst designed these steam-powered yachts. The Queen was the smallest - but still superbly graceful.
Some of the boats were used for freight in
World War I, but the firm gradually declined after Charles death.
1938 was at the lowest point when it failed when put up for sale. World War II led to rescue when it was taken over by Robinsons from Norfolk, who famously built the naval vesselsas we saw last month.
In 1955 Bathurst receipts were still issued and former apprentices Durrant and Vickeridge were building elegant smaller river craft until another apprentice, Bill Shakespeare, revolutionised the industry with his fibre-glass boats.
In the 1980s Bathurst buildings were demolished and a public house/restaurant took their place under a variety of modern - but ephemeral - names until it was named, historically correct, the Boathouse.
The Boathouse then - with the elegant 1897 steampowered River King and Queen, in front of the factory and Avondale
The Boathouse now
The site of the Boathouse in the good times with the functioning railway bridge
The smallest, but equally elegant steamer, Queen
PIZZAS CALZONE BURGERS
FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY AT TEDDFEST
There’s fun for all the family at Teddington Hands over the weekend of 25th-27th April. Enthusiasts will gather to line their trucks up next to working and show vehicles, with trade stalls, live entertainment and childrens rides. Admission is £5and under 12s go free. Teddington Hands GL20 8NE
Opening Hours Monday-Saturday: Dinner 5.30pm-10.00pm (Mon-Thurs) and 5.30pm-11.00pm (Fri and Sat) Lunch 12 noon-3.00pm (Fri and Sat) Take away for collection only - Available to cater for private functions
QUIZ NIGHT
Wednesday
£10
Thursday
Six of the best questions set by our very own quiz inquisitor to test your general knowledge:
1: Which football team has the longest name in the English Football League/Premiership?
2: Which Oscar-winning British actress was a Member of Parliament for the constituency of Hampstead and Highgate?
TUES 1st APRIL: Ciderhouse Rebellion, The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX www.rosestheatre.org
WED 2nd APRIL: Rod Kelly Trio with singer Penny Powell, Fox & Hounds, Church Street, Bredon GL20 7LA foxandhoundsbredon.co.uk
THURS 3rd APRIL: John Power, The SubRooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE thesubrooms.co.uk
FRI 4th APRIL: Chris Bannister - The Music of John Denver. The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX www.rosestheatre.org
SUN 6th APRIL: The Shires, Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
WED 9th APRIL:
Open Mixed Folk Music Session, Royal Oak, Main Road, Bredon GL20 7LW (Music starts 8pm)
FRI 11th APRIL: The Overtones, The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX www.rosestheatre.org
FRI 11th APRIL: The Christians, The SubRooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE thesubrooms.co.uk
SAT 12th APRIL: Songs of the Folk, Number 8 Arts Centre, High Street, Pershore WR10 1BG www.number8.org
SAT 12th APRIL: Eddi Reader Band, The Huntingdon Hall, Crowngate, Worcester WR1 2ES worcestertheatres.co.uk
FRI 18th APRIL: Feast of Fiddles, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX www.rosestheatre.org
SAT 19th APRIL: Spring Fringe with The Vespas and Rave Against The Regime The Watson Hall, Barton Street, Tewkesbury GL20 tewkesburytowncouncil.gov.uk
3: Which Scottish city, on the River Tay, was capital of Scotland until 1454?
4: Which artist’s first major work was ‘The Potato Eaters’ painted in 1885?
5: The Oxfordshire village of Bampton was used as the filming location for which major TV drama (set in Yorkshire) that ran from
5: Which British brewer was famous for the beers Tankard, Trophy and Mackeson Stout?
WED 23rd APRIL:
Open Celtic Folk Music Session, Royal Oak, Main Road, Bredon GL20 7LW (Music starts 8pm)
SAT 26th APRIL: Whole Lotta ShakinShakin Stevens Story, The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX www.rosestheatre.org
SUN 27th APRIL: Eliza Carthy, The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX www.rosestheatre.org
SUN 27th APRIL: The Rock Choir Live, Cheltenham Town Hall, Cheltenham GL50 1QA cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
WED 7th MAY: Open Mixed Folk Music Session, Royal Oak, Main Road, Bredon GL20 7LW (Music starts 8pm)
TUES 6th MAY: The Black Feathers, The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5NX www.rosestheatre.org
WED 7th MAY: Dave Newton Trio with singer Penny Powell, Fox & Hounds, Bredon GL20 7LA foxandhoundsbredon.co.uk
Tewkesbury Methodist Church, The Cross, Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5PA at 7.45pm For more details visit tewkesburyhistory.org
TEWKESBURY
BATTLEFIELD WALKS: Sundays 6th April and 4th May.,10-12 noon. Meet at the Abbey Lawn Car Park in Gander Lane (GL20 5PG) for a guided walk around Tewkesbury Battlefield, lasting around two hours. Walks are free but donations to the Tewkesbury Battlefield Society are welcome. www.tewkesbury.org.uk
COTSWOLD
FARM PARK: Open every day from 9.30am to 5pm. Last entry 4.30pm. Guiting Power, GL54 5FL. Rare farm animals, attractions and activities to keep all ages entertained and amused. Lambing and Kidding in springtime. Easter activities and entertainment for children. Buy tickets in advance online at www.cotswoldfarmpark. co.uk
SUDELEY CASTLE
AND GARDENS:
Historic home and last resting place of Queen Katherine Parr near Winchcombe, GL54 5JD. Easter family fun from 5th-21st April. Events throughout the year. Open 10am-5pm. Get tickets and more information online at sudeleycastle.co.uk
GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE
STEAM RAILWAY: Children’s Easter Craft Experiences, 12th-20th April, 10am-4pm.
Award-winning 14-mile heritage line through the Cotswolds. Stations at Broadway, Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham Racecourse. Free Easter activities for children with purchase of regular travel tickets. Tickets and timetables www.gwsr.com
EASTNOR CASTLE AND PARK:
Code-cracking Easter Treasure Hunt, 13th27th April. Castle near Ledbury with delightful grounds, arboretum, woodland play area, playground, knight’s maze and junior obstacle course. Tea room and ice cream parlour. Eastnor Deer Park has extensive walks and its own Woodshed Café. Tickets and information from eastnorcastle.com
COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK:
Open every day from 10am until 6pm (last admission 4pm). Park sometimes closes in bad weather - check website before travelling. Cotswold Wildlife Park is now one of the UK’s
largest zoological collections set in the beautiful gardens and grounds of Bradwell Grove, just south of Burford - OX18 4JP. More details at www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
CROCODILES OF THE WORLD:
Open daily, 10am-4pm. The UK’s only Crocodile Zoo with species from around the world. Underwater viewing, plus meerkats, Galapagos tortoises and one of only four Komodo dragons in the UK. Burford Road, Brize Norton OX18 3NX. Book tickets online at crocodilesoftheworld. co.uk
PUZZLEWOOD:
Open daily April-end June, 10am-4pm.Café closes at 4.30pm. A magical natural wonderland in the Forest of Dean used as a film location (including scenes for Harry Potter movies). Near Coleford, GL16 8QB, Tickets and more details available from www.puzzlewood.net
NATIONAL TRUST
EASTER EGG HUNTS:
Lots of local National Trust parks and properties are running egg hunts and trails over the Easter period. Nearby are Croome Park, Charlecote Park, Woodchester Park, Hanbury Hall, Hidcote Manor Garden, Newark Park, The Weir Garden, Greyfriars House and Westbury Court Garden. For locations, opening times and tickets, please visit the website nationaltrust.org.uk
OVER FARM
SPRING SPECTACULAR: 12th-27th April. Spring themed live shows, a mystery trail, animals and tractor rides. Easter holidays event for children, near Glloucester.Details and tickets overfarm.co.uk
THE BIG BATSFORD BUNNY HUNT: Daily from 5th April until 5th May. The Easter Bunny’s helpers have escaped and they are hoping around the arboretumfind them to win a prize! Details batsarb.co.uk
Eastnor Park
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It is April, the weather is improving, the evenings are getting lighter, and the bowling season is soon to start.
The game of bowls has been played in Tewkesbury for nearly 200 years and Tewkesbury Bowling Club members will again be playing in the picturesque setting on the Vineyards with the Abbey overlooking the green. Have you ever walked past the
green and thought, I would like to play bowls? It is a relaxing game which does encourage gentle activity and exercise whilst being, at times, very competitive.
The club encourages new bowlers and runs a series of free coaching days when you can try your hand at the game under the direction of qualified coaches. These open days will be held on Friday 2nd May from
5-7pm and Saturday 3rd May from 1-6pm. Just drop in to see us and you can have the opportunity to bowl. You just need a pair of flat soled shoes. Further weekly coaching sessions will be held on Tuesdays in May. For more information contact the coaches on 07774 466209.
Tewkesbury Tigers Recruiting
by Toby Cotton
“I like rugby because it’s fun, there’s a lot more sportsmanship than other sports and
I like to take out all my energy out on the pitch”- Barney “My mum wanted me to get outside more and not just stay on my oculus I was a little worried I would get hurt, but I have fun and am being taught how to play rugby properly”-Isaac
So, are you in Year 7? Are you bored of the same hobbies?
Want to create some great memories and even better teammates?
Hi, my name is Toby, and I am 11 years old. I am writing this open letter to invite you or anyone you might think might want to join the Tewkesbury Tigers Rugby U12’s team. We are struggling with low numbers and don’t want to lose our team. Whether you have played rugby before or never picked up a rugby ball in your life we will make sure you feel 100% welcome. We are a group that loves having fun, working hard and learning together, rugby isn’t just about running round and scoring tries, it’s about teamwork, respect and supporting each other. I have made some great friends playing this game. Don’t just take it from me this is what some players have to say:
Then come over to Tewkesbury Rugby Club, The Moats, Gander Lane, GL20 5PG. Sundays 10:30-11:30 to try it out for free.
sales@allfasttewkesbury.co.uk
The Spotty Dog Place Expands: New Pottery Studio Coming to Tewkesbury!
Ever wanted to have a go at making a clay pot by throwing it on a wheel? Or are you a fan of ‘The Pottery Throw Down’ on Channel 4? Well, we have the prefect place for you - a new pottery studio is coming to Tewkesbury.
We are delighted to announce The Spotty Dog Place (already based in Tewkesbury) will be opening a second studio at 7 Church Street. This studio will be predominately a clay studio where will offer Paint Your Own Pottery sessions, baby and hand foot prints, Clay Hand Building workshops and Clay Wheel Throwing sessions. The current studio at 5 Barton Street will continue to be our gift shop and glass fusing studio.
Even more exciting is that Dave Short and Sophie Wootton from
The Great Pottery Throw Down 2024 will be offering a selection of fantastic workshops, including a weekly Clay Club run by Dave for pottery enthusiasts. Also, Thursdays to Saturdays we will have Paint Your Own Pottery sessions too, perfect relaxation therapy and a chance to
get creative.
Don’t forget our glass fused workshops will continue at Barton Street with in house artist Rachel Elizabeth.
We hope to open the second week in April but follow us on Face-
book or Instagram for updates. All session can be book via the website www.thespottydogplace. co.uk
We look forward to seeing you.
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Brand New Butcher’s shop opens,
meat now available to the public at trade prices
The friendly, hardworking team at Martin’s Meats are delighted to see this exciting project become a reality and are very much looking forward to serving many new and existing customers!
AUCTION
Enquiries 07779 088529
Think of the environment, reuse, is the accepted, best method to recycle.
Local Beef farmer and Butcher, Martin Gilder opens the door on the new Martins Meats outlet shop. Shop Manager, and qualified female Butcher, Natasha Hollinshead, explains, “We are open to all, sourcing great meat from our two farms and farms throughout Gloucestershire and the Cotswold’s. Customers will be able to purchase a full range of our dry aged Beef, Pork, and Lamb products. Bulk buy orders of whole /half pigs and lambs at trade price (butchered for free) are also available”.
Time to think about awesome Sunday or Easter Roasts and great barbecues ahead; all our beef is high welfare, assured food standard and grass fed.
Check out our opening offers for April in our advert on the opposite page.
Back British Farmers and buy from us!
Cut out the middleman and walk out with a deal that will leave a great taste in your mouth!
The new shop opens daily, Tuesday to Friday 9 till 5pm and Saturdays, 9 till 2pm at, Units 2 & 3, Orchard Industrial Estate, Toddington, Cheltenham, GL54 5EB. Tel 01242 621493 or 07742 065715, click on to www.martinsmeats. com
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. You can book your visits and pick up pet supplies, food or medications at either surgery if it’s more convenient.
MONDAY-FRIDAY 9am-6.30pm & SATURDAY 9am-10.30am
m Natasha Hollinshead, qualified female Butcher and manager of the new shop
Choose 6 items from the list:
x Chicken Drumsticks 6 x Gloucester Old Spot Sausages
6 x Lamb Koftas
4 x Longhorn Dry Aged Beef Burgers
4 x Pork Loin Steaks
500g Dry Aged Beef Mince
500g Back Bacon
2 x 10oz Gammon Steaks
1 x Whole Ham Hock (smoked or unsmoked)
Travelling the world with Probus Club
A rather intriguingly titled talk for Tewkesbury and Bredon Hill Probus Club was The Five Weirdest places on the Planet, presented by David Head and covering the history, myths and facts of each of the locations. In this talk David displayed some magnificent photographs of these places, four of which he had visited himself. The one that he hadn’t yet seen in person was the Rainbow Mountain in Peru which has only developed recently as a result of climate change. Originally the mountain known locally as Vinicunca, was covered with a glacier but with the climate having warmed in the region, the ice has melted leaving an incredible range of colours.
David has not yet visited the mountain – with an altitude of 16,500 feet and its inaccessibility requiring a two hour road journey from the nearest city followed by some arduous hiking across many kilometres of tracks is perhaps only for the young and determined explorer.
David’s other examples in his list of weird places includes the La Mano – the Desert Hand, Peru’s Lineas de Nazca (the prehistoric lines in the Nazca desert of southern Peru only visible from the air), China’s amazing Tianzi mountains and the weird geology associated with the Grand Canyon in the USA.
Later in the month, we were taken on another virtual trip by one of our own members, Ken Whittaker who had a long career in the Merchant Navy including
many years as a Captain. Towards the end of his career in the early 2000’s he spent several years in and around the Falklands in a fishing protection role.
His talk was primarily about South Georgia (the island invaded by Argentina which started the Falklands war in 1982). The island was a centre of the whaling business before the ban on that industry and when that
happened, the workers left the island leaving the plant, equipment, buildings and ships to rust and rot for many decades. Ken illustrated his talk with some stunning images taken by himself showing the many glaciers and icebergs and the native wildlife and plants indigenous to South Georgia.
By
Chris Brown for Tewkesbury and Bredon Hill Probus Club
Collection can be arranged. Volunteers also needed to help raise money for the local community & Cancer Research UK
Antiquarian and Rare Books 01684 438385
Open 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday
REUSE IS THE BEST WAY TO RECYCLE
APRIL EVENTS At John Moore Museum
m BEES AND ELEPHANTS TALK
This talk will be about the use of beehives to deter elephants from emerging from the forest in order to raid the adjacent farmer crops. Brian Durk has been a beekeeper for over 40 years, and he originally went to Africa to help set up a Beekeeping training centre in Cameroon, and has been involved in that sort of work ever since.
Date and Time: Saturday 5th April at 11am
Location: Old Baptist Chapel
Tickets: Adults £7.00, Concessions £5.50 and Children £3.00
m BOARD GAMES DAY (FREE)
Are you wanting an epic all-day clash, or perhaps just a quick game or two as you are passing by? Either way, why not join us for a fun and sociable day of board games of different difficulties and durations.
Date and Time: Saturday 12th April, 10am to 4.30pm
Location: Old Baptist Chapel
Tickets: Adults £7.00, Concessions £5.50 and Children £3.00.50 m EASTER SUNCATCHERS - HALFTERM HOLIDAY CRAFTS
This week for Easter, we will be making suncatchers in eggs, chicks and bunnies out of paper and tissue paper. Why not come along and catch some sun!
Ages 3 – 12. Drop in.
Date and Time: Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th April at 10am to 12pm
Starting Location: Old Baptist Chapel Tickets: £1 per child
m LIVING HISTORY: TUDOR TOURS
This living history tour will take you back in time to 1580, where Agnes, a Tudor housewife, will reveal her life and daily routines as you wander through the home she shares
with her husband, Thomas. Hear Agnes talk about her childhood on a tenant farm, and of how she came to live in Tewkesbury as a merchant’s wife. You will see where Agnes sleeps, learn about a curfew, a trencher, and you may even get to see a Tudor en-suite! Okay, a piss-pot but there is a story behind every object.
Date and Time: Thursday 24th April, 11.30am & 2.30pm
Location: Merchant’s House
Tickets: Adults £3.50, Concessions £3 & Children £1.50 m QUEEN BEE CROSS STITCH
Join us for a hand embroidery session, where we will be cross stitching the Queen Bee. She is not as difficult as she looks, and you just need to bring yourself as all materials are provided.
Date and Time: Saturday 26th April at 2.30pm to 4pm
Location: Old Baptist Chapel Tickets: £5 per person
Location: Old Baptist Chapel Tickets: Free event m EASTER WREATHS - HALFTERM HOLIDAY CRAFTS
Start getting into the Easter spirit, with these cute wreaths to decorate your home! So come along and bring your creativity to this fun craft. Ages 3 – 12. Drop in.
Date and Time: Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th April at 10am to 12pm
Location: Old Baptist Chapel Tickets: £1 per child m TASTING THE TUDORS TALK
Why shouldn’t you put your elbows on the table? Who had a better diet, the rich or the poor? Why might rotten teeth get you a husband? Find out about table etiquette in the past, what the Tudors ate and what this tells us about society at the time.
Date and Times: Saturday 19th April at 11am
Bredon Village Fish and Chip Bar Named One of the UK’s Top 50
The popular Bredon Village Fish and Chip Bar has been recognized as one of the top 50 fish and chip shops in the UK. The award comes from Fry Magazine, a national publication for fish fryers.
Local businessman Liam Jordon owns the shop, while his parents, Amanda and Jason, manage and run the business. The family is absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious award.
Since taking over in October 2024, they have made several important changes, including sourcing potatoes locally from DJ Perks & Sons, peeling and chipping them in-house, and regularly filtering and
changing the cooking oils to ensure consistent great taste.
Customers can enjoy a daily selection of MSC-certified cod from the North East Atlantic, line-caught haddock, plaice, and seabass. The takeaway menu also features a wide variety of options, including burgers, kebabs, vegetarian dishes, sides, and a range of milkshakes and drinks.
For those on the go, special lunch deals are
available, and customers can take advantage of convenient parking and an outdoor seating area.
The Fish Bar opens Monday to Saturday, 4.30pm till 8.45pm and lunchtimes Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11.45am till 2.00pm.
Orders can be placed by phone on 01684 773181 or on the App, Bredonfishandchips.online.
Located at Unit 1 Station Road Industrial estate, Bredon, GL20 7HH.
m Liam Jordan with parents Amanda and Jason
Get Ready to Scrump and Groove! The Cheltenham Cider Festival is Coming!
Get ready for a bank holiday weekend packed with cider, sausages, music, and games at the Cheltenham North Rugby Club! From May 24th-25th (Late May Bank Holiday weekend), the grounds will be buzzing with the sounds of live music and the clinking of cider glasses.
Headlining our fantastic lineup are the legendary Wurzels bringing their classic Scrumpy & Western sound, and the iconic Bez from the Happy Mondays, ready to get the party started! Cheltenham’s own Mark Warby will also be taking the stage, along with the incredible Siracuse, Ugly Duckling, Good Vibes Only, and Played Out Records.
But that’s not all! We’re showcasing the hottest up-and-coming talent with 18 Road to Lakefest hopefuls battling it out for your vote! Come discover your new favorite band and help
them on their way to the big stage. What’s in store for you:
• A huge selection of delicious ciders: Explore a wide range of traditional and modern ciders, from local favorites to exciting new discoveries.
• Sizzling sausages: Enjoy a mouthwatering array of sausages, perfectly complementing the crisp, refreshing cider.
• Live music all weekend: Dance the day and night away to a diverse lineup of incredible bands.
• Fun and games: Test your skills and enjoy some friendly competition with a variety of games and activities.
• The ultimate bank holiday atmosphere: Soak up the sunshine (fingers crossed!) and enjoy the lively festival vibe. Don’t miss out on the cider event of the year!
This is
Grab your tickets now for the Cheltenham Cider Festival at Cheltenham North Rugby Club, May 24th-25th.
the perfect way to spend your bank holiday weekend with friends and family. Tickets are selling fast - secure yours today!
m The Wurzels
m Bez
SCAN FOR TICKETS
We are pleased to welcome, Associate Dentist, Aleksandra Pop, to our practice.
Aleksandra, joins the team, bringing with her, 15 years of experience, in private dentistry.
General Dentistry
Detection of oral problems early with regular private examinations
Teeth Straightening
Invisalign is a clear alternative to braces, comfortable, removable and easy to wear
Tooth Whitening
A safe way to brighten the natural colour of your teeth
Hygiene Appointments
Remove plaque and calculus from behind the gum line and teeth
Cheltenham caravan owners club 75th Anniversary Rally
The Cheltenham Owners Club will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary at Tewkesbury Rugby Club from 27th to 31st May.
The club is the oldest one make caravan club in the world , and, as its name implies, the caravans were built in Cheltenham.
Around 1920, Arthur Gardner built a motor caravan based on an ex military vehicle, and ,after extensive testing voyages, he realised that the packing up and unpacking at every movement of the vehicle was less than desirable and turned his attention to producing a towable trailer caravan. In 1924, production was established at Maida Vale Works in Cheltenham, moving in 1938 to larger premises at Antelope Works on Leckhampton Road.
Initially the caravans were part of a hire fleet, but soon, after hiring a van, orders for vans for sale began to roll in. By 1934 the shape of the caravans was established, and the relationship in design from then to when the company ceased production in 1975 can clearly be seen. By the mid 1930s LPG was already being
used for heating, lighting and hot water. In 1936 the Caravan Clubs first National Rally was held at Leamington Spa and intense interest was shown in a Cheltenham which attended.
Rallies. It is quite likely that Arthur Gardner never dreamt that rallies would still be taking place 75 years later. Members still travel large distances through Europe, and there will be
THE
OWNERS CLUB.
This was formed by the makers of the caravans in 1950 as a shrewd marketing move, which grew into a club with 1500 members in 1966. 188 caravans attended that years National Rally at Southfield Farm Cheltenham. Owners travelled all over Europe and beyond to International Caravan
on the rally field a 1963 van which has covered over 10,000 miles in the last two years on extended European tours. The same van was used by the owners in winning the BBC 2 Caravanner of the year contest in 2015.
The public are invited to visit the Rally to view a wonderful selection of historic caravans.
Whether your fire is for warmth or a feature, traditional looking, modern or bespoke The Fireplace Gallery has a fire to suit your home.
With 2 large showrooms to visit for inspiration, and an experienced sales and installation team, we can supply and create exactly what you are looking for.
The new, Little Longhorn Bar and Grill
For busy people on the move and in need of a tasty bite to eat, can now pull in at the Little Longhorn Bar and Grill at Teddington Hands.
The bar is a natural extension of the popular Longhorn Bar and Grill which has built up a reputation for grilling the best steaks around.
Top quality hot food and drink is served Monday to Friday, the fast food menu includes, British Pork Sausages, Bacon Baps and The Littlehorn Burger, locally farmed native breed beef including Angus and Hereford stock from William Gilder.
Proper tea is served with a choice of five coffees and cold drinks and juices, the bar will be open 8.30am to 2.30pm, and with plenty of parking nearby it will be the ideal stop for those on the road.
OUR PHARMACY IN CHURCH ROAD, BISHOPS CLEEVE IS OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR
We offer a range of services including the new Minor Ailment Service. We can supply free of charge, subject to criteria, a range of treatments for coughs, colds, eye infection, constipation etc. Don’t suffer, pop in and see us.
Badham Pharmacy, 23 Church Road Bishops Cleeve Tel 01242 672653
m Georji, ser ves top quality food to go
INTRODUCING THE BRAND NEW RANGE OF WORCESTER BOSCH CLIMATE 3000I REVERSIBLE AIR CONDITIONING UNITS
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■ All engineers employed by company and all C.R.B. checked ■ Hundreds of Worcester boilers installed locally, both oil and gas
■ Approved insurance works carried out
■ Based in Tewkesbury with o ces in Northway
■ Many primary spare parts carried by engineers for boiler breakdowns
Antarctic Exploration and Severn Shipping
Tewkesbury Museum has two talks in April. Although both feature boats, it would be difficult to find more different settings.
On Tuesday 1st April, we welcome John Roberts with Footsteps of Courage, an account of one of the great polar adventures: Ernest
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Shackleton’s Endurance expedition of 19141916.
The expedition itself was a failure: the ship was trapped in ice and crushed leaving the crew stranded on the ice. What followed was one of the epic stories of survival as “the Boss” leads his men to the relative safety of Elephant Island. From there, Shackleton and five crew sail a small boat to South Georgia – over 800 miles away - to organise a rescue.
As Tewkesbury’s own Raymond Priestley, (who had sailed with both Scott and Shackleton), put it, comparing expedition leaders;
“Scott for scientif-
ic method, Amundsen for speed and efficiency ... but when disaster strikes and all hope is gone, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton”
In total contrast, on Tuesday 15 April, we are navigating quieter waters. Tony Conder, former curator of the National Waterways Museum, Gloucester, will be Going up Country, examining river and canal trade between the sea and the Midlands, when the Severn was a major trade route, and Tewkesbury a river port. Both talks are at Tewkesbury Baptist Church, Station Road. Start 7 PM (doors 6.40). Entry £4 per person in-
cluding tea/coffee and (seriously delicious) homemade cake. The talks are organised by volunteers. All profits go to Tewkesbury Museum.
NEW REGIONAL VOLUNTEER OFFICER VISITS SEVERN UNIT MVS
Tewkesbury based Severn Unit Maritime Volunteer Service was pleased to welcome Mike Angwin their new RVO for the Bristol Channel & South Wales Region to one of their recent training evenings. Head of Unit Nic Price said “This was Mike’s first visit to the unit since his new appointment and during the evening he joined the Unit in a Chartwork exercise which was organised by Admin. Officer Jane Thomas”. The Unit will shortly be resuming their weekly training evening afloat on the River Avon as the weather improves and the evenings become lighter and their first main event will be helping at Tewkesbury Big Weekend in May.
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 APRIL:
1 APR - THE RISE AND FALL OF THE ZULU NATION (WITH LEN EVANS)
8 APR - THE GAS INDUSTRY SEEN FROM THE INSIDE PART 2 (WITH PETER MARSDEN) 15 APR - A CONVERSATION WITH BRIAN LEY (WITH CHRIS BROWN) 22 APR - NO MEETING: BANK HOLIDAY 29 APR - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 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/
m Sailing ship Endurance trapped and crushed by ice in the Antarctic, 1915 (exbt-ice-LongNight)
Stimulate Your Retirement At Tewkesbury & Bredon Hill Probus Club
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THE AVON WATER MEADOWS
Pershore is a delightful market town with some fine Georgian architecture, and this month’s walk takes us along some elegant streets as well as footpaths and boardwalks of a unique wetland nature reserve, writes Jack B. Walker
Following the catastrophic floods in 2007, a collaborative project between Wychavon and Worcs County Councils, and the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, created the Avon Meadows.
This 24 hectare community wetland serves as haven for wildlife, reduces the impact of flooding, and is a pleasant spot to walk and study nature just five minutes away from the attractive town centre.
Avon Meadows car park is open Easter to October; best alternatives are by the Leisure Centre, or Abbey Park.
Our walk starts from Avon Meadows car park: head down to the bank of the Avon (1) and turn left along the tow path.
Keep the river to your right, and as it bends towards Wyre Mill follow the path across towards the corner of the field.(2). Turn left to the far corner (3), and then bear left, back towards the community wetland reserve. Upon entry, you can follow a variety of boardwalks and paths, and even view wildlife from a hide if you wish.
When you exit the reserve, follow the path
The Workshop, 69a Old Street, Upton upon Severn, Worcs. WR8 0HN www.uptonglassandglazing.co.uk RAMBLING AROUND with Jack B. Walker
back to the car park, (4) then turn right to reach the road. Pershore Market is opposite. Turn right, and follow the road around to its junction with the High Street (5), and turn left. Cross the road with care, and turn right into Church Street (6) to walk down to Pershore Abbey.
The great Norman church (7) fell victim to the dissolution of the
To advertise please call us on 01242 621346 send an email to tewkesburydirect@googlemail.com or visit our website for more information www.tewkesburydirect.co.uk
monasteries in the mid sixteenth century.
Further damage to the building occurred in the late seventeenth century, and a hundred years later the structure was damaged by a great storm. In 1864 it was restored under the architectural guidance of Gilbert Scott; then shortly before the first world war the flying buttresses at the main entrance were added.
Today you can trace the outline of the once mighty abbey - and its well-landscaped park is very pleasant to stroll through.
Walk around the abbey and exit onto road, turning right and then right again at the
bottom of Broad Street (8) - a fine wide square with a car park at its centre.
Walk along Defford Road, and look for a path on your left near Pershore Cricket and Sports Club, (9). Walk the full length of the alleyway, skirting around the cricket pitch and back gardens of houses to exit on to Bridge Street. (10). Cross over the road with care, and turn right.
Walk out of town and then bear left to cross over the original 15th century Pershore Bridge (11). Built by the monks from Pershore Abbety, legend has it that some of the stone to build it was taken from the ruined Elmley Castle, on Bredon Hill.
There is a small picnic area here by the river.
Walk back to point (11), then ahead along the street. Here are some of the finest red brick houses in Pershore.
Pass Broad Street, turn right into the ASDA entrance (12) then cross over the car park towards the Leisure Centre. Turn left by the football ground, then right to the car park.
Distance: 3 miles; flat, riverside walk. Can be muddy: appropriatefootwear recommended. Note: the walk is not possible when the river is in flood. Car Parking: Avon Meadows (Easter-October) or public car parks in Pershore town centre. Refreshments: plenty of options in Pershore town centre. Good choice of cafés, restaurants and pubs. Riverside benches behind the Leisure Centre. Sketch Map: not to scale - for guidance only. Not to scale: OS Sheet 190 recommended.
TEWKESBURY NATURE RESERVE -
Community Forum - Become a member of the Community Forum so you can have a say in the decision making and projects on the reserve. For more info, email Eve on access@tewkesbury naturereserve.org.uk
Volunteer dates in April on Sat 12th 10am12.30pm; Wed 16th 10am-3pm email Giles at volunteers@tewkesburynaturereserve.org.uk Free Wildlife Walk and Talk, 10.30am-12pm on Tues 15th, meet at the Compassion Café in Prior's Park. Email Sarah at 3w@tewkesburynaturereserve.org.uk to book.
JOHN MOORE MUSEUM, FREE BOARD
24 HR EMERGENCY BOARDING AND RE-GLAZING SERVICE
An efficient, friendly local business
• Glass cut to size in our workshop
• UPVC windows, doors and conservatories supplied and fitted • Greenhouse repairs
• Same day replacement of broken glass
• Shop fronts - same day replacement
• Mirrors and shelves supplied and fitted
• Replacement double glazed units
• Secondary glazing
• Police and insurance company approved FENSA approved
FOR ALL YOUR GLAZING REQUIREMENTS Tel: 01684 591138
24 Hour: 07974 783472
GAMES DAY - Are you wanting an epic all-day clash, or perhaps just a quick game or two as you are passing by? Either way, why not join us for a fun and sociable day of board games of different difficulties and durations. Perhaps you have a game at home that you would like to play, then why not bring it along! Saturday 12th April, 10am to 4.30pm at the Old Baptist Chapel, Old Baptist Chapel Court, Off Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5RZ
Free Museum Walk: The Battle of Ripple on Thurs 17th April. Join us for a guided tour of the battlefield site which has changed little since the 17th century. We will also be visiting St. Mary’s Church in Ripple. The walk is approximately 90 minutes –mostly on the flat. Additional time afterwards if you wish to see the Church too. Starting Location: St Mary’s Church, Ripple. Booking essential: Limited numbers - please call 01684 297174 or email education@johnmooremuseum.org to book. See more here: www.johnmooremuseum.org/events/museum-walkthe-battle-of-ripple-field-13th-april-1643-a-guidedtour/
TEKESBURY REPAIR CAFÉ - held monthly in Tewkesbury Baptist Church, 2-5 pm, next
session Sat 19th April. Please double check before travelling. Bring electricals, toys, clothes, costume jewellery, anything that needs fixing. Tools can also be sharpened. Tea and coffee available while you wait.
DAYTIME DANCE - with Cate and George; The next Daytime Dance date will be on Tues 22nd April at The Watson Hall, Barton Street, 1-4pm.
STONEHILLS COMMUNITY GROUPIf you live on the estate, please get in touch with catecody99@gmail.com
GLOUCESTERSHIRE RECYCLESFor information and useful tips on recycling,visit www.gloucestershirerecycles.com
TEWKESBURY FRIENDS OF THE EARTHFree 'Gardening for Wildlife' talk in the Library by talk by Margaret Lucas, at 7.30pm on Mon 28th April.
GDASS - (Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service) If you are experiencing any form of domestic abuse, please know that you are not alone. GDASS will help you to consider your options and, if you want to leave your relationship will support you in doing this safely. GDASS also offer recovery groups to enable people to rebuild their lives after domestic abuse, regardless of how long ago the abuse happened. All the services are free to anyone living in Gloucestershire who is experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse: they offer information, advice and support to people of any age, gender, sexuality, race or religion.
To find out more, please contact GDASS’s helpdesk on 01452 726570 or emailsupport@gdass.org.uk. Website www.gdass.org.uk also has information and resources if you are concerned that you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic abuse.
Avon Meadows Nature Reserve
River Avon, looking towards Wyre Mill
WHAT’S GREEN ON THE LOVAL SCENE by Cate Cody
View to the abbey
WHAT’S ON IN THE MIDLANDS
UTILITA ARENA, BIRMINGHAM
18 April: Central Cee 20 April: Ghost
8 May: Kevin Hart utilitaarenaham.co.uk
NEC BIRMINGHAM
11 April: Michael Ball and Alfie Boe 18 April: Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds Live 25-27 April: Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance www.thenec.co.uk
THE REGAL, EVESHAM
3 April: live on stage, Henning Wehn 10 April: Paul Merson www.theregal.ac
THE COURTYARD, HEREFORD
3 April: Lee Mead
6 April Pam Ayres 12 April: Mark Steel www.courtyard.org.uk
MALVERN
THEATRES 15-19 April: Little Women 17 April: The Hound of the Baskervilles malvern-theatres.co.uk
RSC STRATFORD
Until 5 April: Marlowe: Edward II Until 24 May: Much Ado About Nothing www.rsc.org.uk
SWAN THEATRE, WORCESTER
18 April: Sweeney Todd 15 May: Comedy Club worcestertheatres.co.uk
Centre, Natton Lane, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury GL20 7BG
