Update on 20mph zone and BBC expert in town

1. Update about 20mph zone in town 

The 20's Plenty team have certainly been busy this month with the 20mph zone consultation that began on 1st March and continues until the 31st March.

The purpose of the survey is to capture your views about a 20mph speed limit being proposed across all the residential areas of Tetbury.

Their ethos is 'Reduced traffic speeds will make Tetbury a safer, quieter and more pleasant place to live, work and play. Lower speed limits are key to reducing speeds.

A town-wide 20mph zone offers clarity for drivers, is cost-effective and benefits the whole community.’

Ben Jackson said ''Jo, Ant and Mary did a great job last week, with 73 people completing a survey. Of these 98% were in support of the proposal, so it's really worthwhile. We had 90 responses collectively from Long St on Wed and Goods Shed on Sun, with 89% in support and we've had 255 completed surveys online.

This is already a great response but it'd be amazing if we could get a thousand responses by the end of the month.’ For more information or to take part in the survey visit https://tetbury20plenty.commonplace.is .

Or if you'd rather have a chat/discussion in person than they still will be meeting the public in the following locations.

2. First ever open exhibition of Tetbury Art Society

On Sat 23-Sun 24 March The town centre's dedicated contemporary art space, Spencer House Gallery, on Long Street, will host the first ever open exhibition of Tetbury Art Society.

The title and theme is 'Equinox', to coincide with the start of spring. Creative new artworks by Cotswold and South-West amateur and professional artists, 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.” The gallery will be giving small prizes and certificates to winners in five categories – Best in Show, Best Idea, Best Figurative, Best Abstract, Best 3D.

3. Baby friendly concert 

Today, Saturday March 23 Tetbury Good shed arts Centre are delighted to present another baby friendly Concert, with Music for Miniatures, featuring cello and flute. The concert starts at 10:30am until 11:15am.

Music for Miniatures provides opportunities for children and their families to experience high quality live music, where there’s no need to sit still, dancing is encouraged, and everyone is welcome.

45 minutes of live classical music for you to enjoy with your little one. Although predominantly classical, they showcase a wide range of music – folk, world, classical, jazz, and have featured orchestral instruments, choirs and instruments from around the world.

They give regular family concerts across B&NES, Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire, and visit schools to inspire, educate, excite and connect children with live music. Suitable for ages 0 – 4 years and their grown ups. However please bring your own cushions.

Tickets: £6.00 Adults, £4.00 Children. Family ticket for 4 to include one responsible Adult £15.00 The Whistle Stop Cafe will be Open. For tickets and further information visit the website: www.shed-arts.co.uk.

4. Pirates of Penzance 

On March 23 2024 Cardiff Opera present The Pirates of Penzance, Come set sail with Cardiff Opera who are making their Tetbury debut at the Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre with a swashbuckling production of The Pirates of Penzance!

Cardiff Opera aims to bring you an evening of laughter through sublime music as only Gilbert and Sullivan can deliver. Combining Sullivan’s timeless music and Gilbert’s hilarious story of duty, piracy and legal technicalities.

Come watch our bashful tenor fall in love with every girl he sees. See the soprano fighting off the fearsome pirates. Hum along with the Major General’s famous patter song and listen to the lonely alto lamenting her advancing years as a woman of over 25!. The performance starts forward to us at sales at 7:30 and will continue until 9.30.

5. Services for Holy Week 

Here are the services for Holy Week for the Benefice of Tetbury Long Newnton and Shipton Moyne

PALM SUNDAY (Sunday 24th March) Tetbury     8.30am      Holy Communion (BCP)  10.00am     

Palm Sunday procession with TACT with all Tetbury Area Churches Together  assembling at the Town Hall under the Market House,this is a very moving and and open to everyone. Beverston 10.00am. Holy Communion. Long Newnton 11.15am   Holy Communion BCP. Shipton Moyne 11.15am   Palm Sunday procession followed by Holy Communion.

MONDAY (Monday 25th March) Beverston 7.00pm"Last Words of Love": music and readings to reflect on Jesus' final words from the cross.

TUESDAY (Tuesday 26th March) St Saviour’s, Tetbury 7.00pm    Tenebrae Service, readings and music reflecting on the coming darkness of the crucifixion.  WEDNESDAY (Wednesday 27th March) Tetbury 9.30am Holy Communion. Long Newnton  7.00pm Stations of the Cross MAUNDRY THURSDAY (Thursday 28th March) Tetbury         7.00pm  Maundy Thursday Benefice Service GOOD FRIDAY (Friday 29th March) Tetbury 11.00am  Walk of Witness assembling at St Mary's School, St Mary's Road, Tetbury.

Tetbury 2.00pm The Final Hour with Holy Communion. Shipton Moyne 7.00pm Evensong of The Burial of Christ HOLY SATURDAY (Saturday 30th March) Tetbury 9.00pm The Benefice Service of Light with Easter Fire and First Communion of Easter EASTER DAY (Sunday 31st March) Tetbury 10.00am Holy Communion Beverston 10.00am  Holy Communion (BCP) Long Newnton 11.15am  Holy Communion (BCP) Shipton Moyne  11.15am  Holy Communion

6. Fine art valuation day 

There will be a special antique fine art and jewellery valuation day on Wednesday, the 27th of March at the Priory Inn London Road, Tetbury, between 10 am and 3 pm and you're invited to join Wotton auction rooms auctioneer and valuer Joseph Trinder and BBC Antiques expert Izzie Balmer.

Everyone is welcome a no appointment is necessary so do come along and receive current market valuations in the opportunity to consign to sale through their global online auctions.

All areas of the wider antique market considered to include jewellery, wrist watches, coins medals, silver. porcelain, paintings, Asian art, collectables, clocks and much more.

All they ask that guests kindly provide a donation receipt for the valuations as they collect funds for Gloucestershire food banks. If you're unable to attend and you would prefer valuation visit then please contact Joseph Trinder Direct by email joseph@wottonauctionrooms.co.uk or telephone 01453 844733 07789979396 they can also arrange valuations by email, WhatsApp or video call.

7. Latest gathering of the piano club 

The Piano Club at The Goods Shed Tetbury, are pleased to announce their latest gathering will take place on Wednesday 27 March from 2:00-4:00pm.

The monthly Piano Club has grown out of the Goods Shed hugely successful and popular Wednesday afternoon musical concerts with local amateur musicians playing for an appreciative and interested audience.

As well as incorporating the warm social atmosphere of such gatherings the Piano Club provides a wonderful opportunity for talented amateur musicians who work so very hard at their craft to be able to play to their peers and others.

All are welcome to come along and listen to a diverse and ever-changing programme. If you would like to be one of the performers then they ask that you contact the Co Ordinator Maggie Dyson on 01666 837358 (email maggie.dyson@btinternet.com) before booking your ticket, and she will be able to confirm availability and performance time slot. They do hope you can come along and maybe bring a guest.

There is just a small charge (Tickets: £3.50) for all who attend, whether playing or listening and tickets can be booked by visiting the good shed website and clicking the TicketSource link on the description of the event. On the website www.shed-arts.co.uk The Whistle Stop Café will also be open from lunchtime and during the afternoon, offering a range of refreshments.

8. Film society's latest offering 

On Wednesday 27th March, Tetbury Film Society will be showing Olga (Cert. 15).

This film tells the moving story of a Ukrainian gymnast, sent to Switzerland to continue her training whilst, back home, her country is in great turmoil and her loved ones are in danger. The gymnastic displays are by real-life Ukrainian gymnast Anastasia Budiashkina.

It is a fascinating look into the behind-the-scenes training that these athletes put themselves through. Including documentary footage from the 2013 uprising, it is a poignant reminder of what is happening in Ukraine today.

Doors at the Dolphins Hall open at 7pm for a 7:30pm screening. Tickets for visiting guests cost £6 and can be purchased on the door.

9. Fundraiser in aid of Marie Curie 

There will be an afternoon tea fundraiser in aid of Marie Curie on Thursday, the 28th of March from 3.30pm located at the amazing setting of Upton Mill care home Mercer Way, Off Quercus Road, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. GL8 8FH.

And you'll be able to enjoy sumptuous cakes and tea made by award-winning chef for this worthwhile cause.

For further information or to RSVP please contact Sam McMurtrie client services manager on 01666 3366000r Email her CSM.UptonMill@porthaven.co.uk

10. Celebrating two years of business at farm shop 

Well done and congratulations must go to Simon and Tara Best, a charmingly enthusiastic farming and entrepreneurial husband and wife, who are pleased to announce they are throwing open the gates at Bennetts Farm Shop for an open day on Saturday the 30th of March to celebrate two years in business.

The event, which will take place from 12.00pm to 4.00pm, will also be the grand unveiling of their expanded premises, as Bennetts Farm Shop doubles in size to meet demand, and includes a fun Easter farm trail with a chocolate egg for every child.

There will also be free tasting samples, a raffle with the chance for people to win one of three hampers stuffed with Bennetts Farm Produce and a BBQ including burgers made from the Best’s own grass fed Aberdeen Angus beef.

Bennetts Farm Shop opened in March 2022 when Tara and Simon converted a barn on their farm just outside Leighterton, near Tetbury, into a shop. The focus was on selling their own grass-fed beef directly to consumers and showcasing a range of locally produced food and drink.

With the initial offering based on refrigerated and ambient self-service vending machines, the shop was an immediate success with both residents and tourists visiting the area.

Open from 8am to 6pm seven days a week, its popularity has seen Simon and Tara switch to a new self-service model that allows them to increase stock on the shelves at any given time.

With a wide product range including fresh milk, cheese, cream yoghurt and butter, meat, fruit and vegetables, baked goods, sauces, jams and other preserves and so much more, the shop has become a firm local favourite. Now, with the addition of a second converted barn, the farm shop’s floor space will double. The extra space will enable a wider range of produce and the introduction of a homewares, lifestyle and pet section, all still focused on local producers.

The open day is free to attend and open to all ages, and there’s ample free parking available on site. Bennetts Farm is located just outside the Cotswold village of Leighterton near Tetbury in Gloucestershire. It is 18 miles southwest of Cirencester and just eight miles west of Malmesbury. Use the postcode GL8 8UP or what3words – hires.durations.roof.

Please visit https://bennettsfarmshoptetbury.com/ to learn more.