The latest Tetbury news by Kevin Painter

1. Call for entries for show 

There is a call for entries for Tetbury’s debut open show. New artworks by South Cotswold amateur and professional artists are being invited for Tetbury's first 'open' art show this spring.

The town centre's dedicated contemporary art space, Spencer House Gallery, on Long Street, will host the inaugural open exhibition of Tetbury Art Society over the weekend before Easter – 23 & 24 March 2024. The title and theme is 'Equinox', to coincide with the start of spring. Organisers are hoping the event will attract artists creating in many media. They first announced the exhibition last year to give entrants plenty of time to conceive and create their work.

If successful, the exhibition may become an annual or bi-ennial event. Tetbury Art Society chair, Jenny Riley, said: “This is the first chance for our members to have their work assessed and shown by a professional gallery, so it's an important milestone. It's also an ideal way to introduce other regional artists to our Society and to encourage them to join and take part in our lively programme of events, talks and shows.” Chris Woodcock, owner and curator of Spencer House Gallery, added: “This March weekend was the closest we could choose to the spring equinox on the 20th of March.

It will be fascinating to see what artists create to reflect the Equinox theme – change, new starts, day and night, tipping points. It's a trigger for diverse, imaginative ideas.”

2. Nominate your Tetbury good person

Following on from the recent article that requested people to mention or even nominate anyone who goes that little bit further or just do even a simple act of kindness as a thank you it was delightful to already receive so many names ranging from tireless fundraisers to people rescuing animals or as in the first case a volunteer, we are blessed with having so many hard-working volunteers who keep the town the beautiful place we all love to live in.

In the interest of fairness I am now going to start thanking his people in the order of which they have been nominated by date.

Phillip Hudson member of the Goods Shed Board of Trustees wants me to cite one super-volunteer by name - David Walker of Northfield Road, “The Major”, the Shed’s Company Secretary and Treasurer. My source comments: “I know David will be slightly embarrassed by the praise but few people work harder to keep our buildings standing and our shows on the road.

Take a deserved bow, Sir”. Richard Warrington Chair of the Tetbury Good Shed said ‘’Thanks Phillip! Very Happy with the well deserved words’’ Please keep on informing me by email, phone, or even in person of anyone you would like to say a thank you to. This is what makes Tetbury great, her people

3. Beatles for Sale 

Tomorrow evening January 19 Tetbury Good Shed are delighted to present The Beatles for Sale (by arrangement with the Sounds that Saved History Agency) The Beatles for Sale pride themselves on replicating the Fab 4’s onstage image, sparing no expense with their equipment and outfits, the ultimate intention is to recreate the magic of the Beatles in their sixties heyday.

They have a full repertoire of all the Beatles’ most famous songs; from early tracks such as Please Please Me and Love Me Do through to Rubber Soul and Revolver classics like Nowhere Man and Paperback Writer and right up to the likes of the seminal Hey Jude. This ‘Fab 4’ have worked with artists such as Midge Ure (Live Aid, Ultravox), Tony Visconti (David Bowie / Marc Bolan), Neil Finn (Crowded House) and Mary Hopkin (as produced by Sir Paul McCartney himself!) not to mention Morrisey and Nancy Sinatra, amongst a host of others.

To book a ticket or for further information, please visit www.shed-arts. co.uk Tickets are Individual Seat £20.00 and booking fees apply. Or if you prefer you can pay on the door however on the door on the night tickets will cost £24.00

There will also be a licensed bar and the doors open at 7.00pm, the performance starts at 7.30 pm - 9.45 pm

4. Cancelled service taking place this weekend 

Many families and children were very disappointed when the aways popular Christingle service on Sunday 10th December had to be cancelled!

However fantastic news that the service will now take place at 4.00 pm on Sunday, the 21st of January 2004 at St Mary’s parish church and this will make next year even more special as you’re invited by the amazing iSING POP TEAM, who will bring their own fun and joy to this beautiful event Come along and make your own Christingle and enjoy some singing around the fire in the magnificent setting of Saint Mary’s parish church. Please if you’re able to bring a donation with you for the children’s Society. This means we get to celebrate Christmas twice and we can hold onto that Christmas spirit for longer

5. Performances at Tetbury Good Shed 

Tetbury Good shed are delighted to present Playtime with The Last Baguette on the 24 January 2024 with two performances at 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Brought to the Shed by Sidney and Tristan from The Last Baguette.

You’re invited to Join Ratty and her friends for fun and gentle introduction to heatre with play along story telling, original music puppetry, theatre games, movement, craft and lots of imaginative play, as they present The Magic Castle – can you find your way through the castle? Ratty has a lot of ideas but sometimes things dont go according to plan….. can you help her by playing along and working together?

There will be silliness, play acting, craft and music, expect to play, watch, laugh (lots) in this fun relaxed participatory theatre session. The sessions last one hour including a stay and play session, and is created for ages 2-6 and their grownups. Younger and older siblings welcome! For information or to book please visit www. shed-arts.co.uk Tickets just £5.00 Under 18 months are free Please choose from Show one at 10.00am or Show two at 11.00am

6. Cricket club's first ever Bingo Evening

It’s that time of year when after so much to look forward to, suddenly the festivities are over, you’re back and have at nothing in the diary to countdown the days to. well Tetbury Cricket Club have the answer!

Hosted by our ladies team on Friday 26th January, get ready for an evening of laughter and support Tetbury Cricket Club’s first ever Bingo Evening! Join them at the Dolphins Hall for a night filled with number-calling chaos and unexpected moments.

It’s not just about winning; it’s about the hilarious near misses and the camaraderie that comes with shouting “Bingo!” in unison only to be told you’ve got it wrong! Supporting the event will also help with the further expansion of our ladies and youth teams for the 2024 season. So, mark your calendars, bring your lucky charms, and let the daubing and laughter commence!

7. Reflect breakfast

You are invited to a reflective breakfast for women on Saturday, January 27th 2024 from 9:30 am until 11:00 am.

This will be at the tranquil location of Christchurch The Chipping.

This will be a special time to chat and time to be encouraged as you share simple craft activity and be able to listen to someone sharing their faith and enjoy breakfast which would include hot drinks, pastries, granola, fruit and yoghurt.

To book your place please email office@ tetburychurch.co.uk or ring 01666 500088 although free a suggestion of a £5 donation on the day would be appreciated. This is a Tetbury Area Churches Together (TACT) initiative