Tribute to one of Tetbury's 'favourite sons'

1. Warm tribute to Tetbury's Brian Ashley Kimber

Tetbury once again had to be still to pay tribute and give thanks to one of her favourite sons Brian Ashley Kimber who passed away on 18th March 2024.

Rev Pauline Setterfield who beautifully led the service of thanksgiving on Monday, said he lived and worked faithfully to serve the community, gave thinks for his life.

Brian was born on March 6, 1935 on Ash Wednesday hence his middle name of Ashley which was shared with his son and both grand sons and great grand daughter.

And a truly wonderful eulogy read by his good friend Michèle Maund or do use his description his good Pew buddy!

Reminded us insight into what a wonderful full life he led his first date with his wife to be Joan was typical Brian, he arranged to meet at Swindon town hall both waited at opposite sides for a while although undeterred Brian eventually caught up with Joan at her home who after a courtship and engagement they eventually got married.

He gave up being a printer and moved from Wroughton to Tetbury and opened an antique shop and became part of our community bringing up his family his son Ashley and daughter Lynn with his wife Joan.

Brian joined Tetbury Town Council in the 1970s and became Mayor in 1980 to 1982 he spearheaded the police Museum  and was instrumental in the opening of the visitor information centre. 

It was during this time as Mayor that this quite spoken, true statesman was thrust into the media spotlight as Tetbury became one of the focal points of the royal engagement of the then HRH Prince Charles to Lady Diana, and the purchase of Highgrove House, for their Country home and latter the birth of William, He never spoke of his position or conversations although he kept the letter from His Royal Highness addressed to the Mayor thanking him and the good Townsfolk for the gift of the gates for Highgrove.

It is Brian's devotion to the church. Most of us will remember him being churchwarden, a member of the PCC, a long-standing church attendee and member of the congregation, he was truly surprised when he was given a large key when he stood down after six years being a churchwarden that was the token of affection for the work that he done.

He was also passionate about the upkeep of St Saviours Church and was one of the campaigners to extend the churchyard.

Used to attend to the Flag in St Mary's church which is why it was really appropriate it was at half mast for his service. Even when he was no longer on the council he was still very active with the civic society.

Brian would always greet me with cheery how's things on the council and always complement of my ties which is why I wore a bright tie in honour of him at the service.

I like many saw in Brian an idealist determined to do all he could to improve our Town and our lives what higher goals could there be, thank you Brian, you will be missed. Dream on old friend you now belong to our simpler Times.

Of course, our thoughts are with his family and close friend As Michèle said in her Eulogy ''We could do with another Brian not afraid to get things done!’'

2. Cello Sonates at the Goods Shed 

On Saturday April 27th This Saturday 27th April Tetbury Goods Shed are delighted to present Cello Sonatas with Alice Neary and Viv McLean performing Beethoven, Faure, Debussy starting at 7.30pm.

Alice Neary, cello, enjoys a varied performing career as a chamber musician, soloist and principal cellist of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (BBC NOW). Familiar to listeners of BBC Radio 3, her festival performances include BBC Proms chamber series, Marlboro (USA), Bath International, Santa Fe (USA) and Lofoten (Oslo, Norway). Recent concerto performances include Honegger and Cheryl Frances-Hoade Concertos with BBC NOW.

A former member of the Gould Piano Trio, her career highlights include the complete piano trios of Beethoven, Schubert and Dvorak at the Wigmore Hall, the commissioning of new works from Sir James MacMillan and Mark Simpson, regular tours of USA and over 25 CD releases.

Viv Mclean, piano, has been described by Le Monde as “possessing the genius one finds in those who know how to forget themselves”. Since winning First Prize at the Maria Canals Piano Competition in Barcelona, he has performed in all the major UK venues as well as throughout Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA.

His concerto work includes appearances with the RPO, Philharmonia, LPO, Hallé, English Chamber Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Sinfonia Viva, Orchestra of the Swan, Orchestra of St John’s, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Concert Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Viv made his BBC Radio 3 recital debut through the BBC Radio 3 Young Artists Forum scheme and has also recorded for Classic FM, WDR Radio in Germany, Radio France, ABC Radio in Australia, NRK Radio in Norway, and for Sky Arts television channel. His commercial releases include recordings for Sony, Signum Classics, Naxos, Nimbus, Lyrita, RPO Records, ICSM Records, and his most recent albums are a Chopin recital and a selection of live recordings for Stone Records.For more information or to book you ticket, please visit the website:www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk tickets advance £20.00-£15.00 or on the door £24.00 or £18.00

3. New folk series 

On Sun 28 Apr 2024 Tetbury Goods Shed are delighted to present The first two sessions of the new Goods Sheds Sunday Folk series.

Starting at 3.00pm so you can enjoy a relaxed Sunday afternoons of music with some of the finest folk acts around.

Jim Causley is a folk-singer, award winning songwriter, musician, proud Devonian and all-round entertainer.

He grew up in a wassailing village not far from Sidmouth Folk Festival and sang with Wren Music before heading to Newcastle University to study on their brand new degree course in Folk and Traditional Music.

He rose to prominence singing with The Devil’s Interval and Mawkin:Causley as well as touring with Waterson:Carthy and David Rotheray.

In recent years his work has focused on his musical settings of poems by his relative Charles Causley, penning his own songs and reviving lost gems from his home county.

Jon Loomes is an English traditional singer and guitarist. A highly experienced performer, Jon is well known for his work with BBC Folk Award Nominees Pilgrims’ Way and notorious Belgian surrealists Heretique.

Passionate about folksong, his solo album ‘Fearful Symmetry’ quickly became a cult classic. As a multi-instrumentalist and recording engineer, he has featured on many recordings, and has worked with some of the biggest names in British folk music. As a soloist, he has appeared at all the major British folk festivals and played at folk clubs and concert venues nationally and internationally.

Drawing from the English folk song tradition, he engages with audiences, encouraging them to join in with a chorus, before hitting them between the eyes with an energised delivery of an epic ballad Recognised primarily for his accomplishments as a guitarist, Jon weaves magical, sensitive accompaniments in the finest traditions of Martin Carthy and Nic Jones.

For more information or to book your ticket, please visit the new website:www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk . Tickets cost Adults 10.00 Under-16s £2.00. There will be a selection of tables and chairs set out in the hall for you to choose from on arrival.

4. Afternoon music with Westonbirt School 

On Wednesday May 1st. Tetbury Goods Shed are delighted to present Afternoon Music with Westonbirt School Join pupils from Westonbirt School with their Musical Director, Nicola Atwell for a wonderful afternoon of music. Starting at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Please do come along – maybe meeting friends or making new ones whilst enjoying some lovely music. Advance tickets are just £3.50 (plus booking fee) Tickets on the door cost £4.00.

5. Nice cup of tea and coffee with a cake 

The Whistle Stop Café will be open if you fancy a nice cup of tea (or coffee) and perhaps one of Sasha’s delicious cakes.

For more information or to book you ticket, please visit the new website:www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk

There will be a selection of tables and chairs set out in the hall for you to choose from on arrival.

6. Free, friendly postnatal group is back 

Home start cotswolds have some exciting news, the FREE, friendly postnatal group, 'Baby & Me', is back!

If your baby is 0-6 months, this is a great opportuity for you to build your confidence as a parent, share experiences and learn more about your baby's development.

There will be 8 weekly sessions, covering new topics each week, including : Feeding, Baby massage, Play and communication, Sleep, and First Aid.

This will be at Christ Church, Tetbury, starting Thursday 2nd May to Thursday, 27 June, from 10.30am-12.00pm.

Please get in touch for more information, or to book your place. Email: groups@home-start-cotswolds.org.uk or Tel 01285 885391

7.  Brand new spring exhibition 

The Tetbury Art Society are excited to invite you to their Spring Exhibition, hosted at the superb historic Market House in Tetbury.

Join them from Saturday 4th May to Monday, 6th May 2024, between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm.

The event promises as always to showcase a diverse array of artwork from the talented members.

8. Welcome return of the Moscow Drug Club 

On Saturday May 4 Tetbury Good shed Art Centre are pleased to welcome the return of The Moscow Drug Club!

Who provide an intoxicating & intimate musical experience.

Within a curious musical place where certain elements of 1930’s Berlin Cabaret, Hot Club de France, Nuevo Tango & Gypsy Campfire meet, have a few to drink and stagger arm in arm into the darkness of some eastern European cobbled street on a mission to find the bar where Django Reinhardt & Tom Waits are having an after hours jam with the local Tziganes. 

Combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits & Eartha Kitt.

Moscow Drug Club provide an intoxicating & intimate musical experience.They have played some great venues and festivals of note including: WOMAD, National Theatre London, International Gypsy Guitar Festival,Royal Albert Hall, Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival,to name just a few. You are cordially invited to share a wry smile with us as you enter the darkly comic world of Moscow Drug Club…..this way please and mind your step!

To book a ticket or for further information, please visit www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk Tickets prices are Individual Seat – £15.00 - £10.00. Group ticket price £70.00-£35.00 On the door on the night tickets will cost £18 and £13 respectively.

9. New way of worship 

On May 5th experience something new! 'Heart & Soul!’ A new worship service exploring different ways of worshipping God together.

This will be at St Mary's Church Tetbury, on the 1st Sunday of every month starting at 5.15pm Free Tea/Coffee/Cake. Then at 6.00pm the Service begins. All Welcome. For more information email office@tetburychurch.co.uk or ring 01666500088.

10. Hospital hike next month 

The Tetbury Hospital Hike will take place on Sunday 19th May 2024. This will be a very rare opportunity to see glorious Estcourt Park (By kind permission of Juddmonte Farms) by either running or walking through their beautiful private grounds.

The Start/Finish will be in the field near the St. John the Baptist. church, Church Lane, Shipton Moyne, GL8 8PW.

This will be a great day out for all the family with live entertainment by Route 44, Bar open 12.00pm onwards to purchase wine and beer plus tea/coffee and homemade cakes, Well behaved dogs on leads, are welcome too. Walkers and runners to start between 10am and 11am. Entry fee which includes on hog roast and all accompaniments are, 20 Pound per adult. 15 Pound per child 16 and under.

Numbers are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment there are 2 Route options available - 5 miles and 7 miles. Proceeds will go towards medical equipment and upgrades to the hospital facilities.

To book or for more information Please Visit www.friendsoftetburyhospital.co.uk Something lovely and meaningful is Mindsong, music for dementia every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Kingsley house from 2:00-3:00 pm.

Mindsong is a Gloucestershire charity reaching people with dementia through music and song. Mindsong's singing groups, courses and music therapy sessions offer hope, inspire joy, unlock memories, enhance quality of life, and enable participants and their families to live well.

Anyone can join in with them! For more information or to book call Kingsley House on 01666503333 Tetbury mourns “ not afraid to get things done ”