WEEKLY COLUMN of Tetbury news by Kevin Painter 

1. Gentle stroll around town 

On Sunday, September 29 join Jane Haines of the History of Tetbury Society (HOTS) for a gentle stroll around the town and through its historical association with wool as a warm-up for our Wool Fair.

There is a reason why we celebrate with the Woolsack Races! There was a time when wool from Cotswold sheep was in demand around the world.

And will compliment t he first EVER Tetbury Wool Fair, later in the month Considering Tetbury is a Town famous for its foundations on the wool industry, its pretty surprising that the town haven't seen a Wool Fair here before.

This will be held at the Tetbury Goods Shed on Sunday October 20th.

Much of Tetbury’s wealth in those days came from sheep and wool. Many of the oldest houses in town had connections in one way or another to the trade: find out why these buildings have intriguing stories to tell.

The walk starts at The Goods Shed at 2pm. Tickets are £3. Proceeds will go to HOTS for more research into the town’s history. For more information or to book you ticket, please visit the new website :www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk

2. Afternoon music at Tetbury Good Shed 

 Tetbury Good Shed present, Afternoon Music with Anne Braley, Susan Coates and Nicholas Goodall ON OCT 2 Susan Coates (Soprano) and Anne Braley (Mezzo Soprano) of Opera Sulisare returning to the Goods Shed with a mix of light classical, opera and music theatre, accompanied by Nicholas Goodall.

Opera Sulis is a vocal ensemble of professionally-trained singers, who live in and around the World Heritage City of Bath.

It brings together like-minded, professional singers with a wealth of experience gained on major concert platforms and in leading professional companies, including English National Opera, Welsh National Opera, Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne, The West End and many others.

You can enjoy some super music, meet your friends as well as maybe making new ones. Advance tickets are just £3.50 (plus booking fee) Tickets on the door cost £4.00. 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.

3. Open meeting for businesses and traders 

On October 2nd 2024 at 6.00pm there will be an open meeting open to all local businesses and traders and hosted at the impressive New Specsavers store in Town located in the former Lloyds bank building at 6.00pm

.The aim to discuss plans for Christmas and what businesses would like and to have a combined approach to this event, so therefore it will be driven by the businesses themselves. Christmas in Tetbury is undoubtedly one of the most magical times you can experience and many of the businesses want to expand the great Christmas light switch on giving visitors and locals alike the chance to share with separate initiatives.

It would also give the chance to many businesses that do not have a Town centre presence the chance to showcase what they have

.Coreen, the Chamber secretary said 'Tetbury's local businesses are the heart of our Beautiful, exquisite market town. This will be our first informal get together to discuss the potential opportunities for a late-night shopping experience, will it be over various days or a single day/ evening?, The main thing is to get the all businesses on board in the run-up to Christmas.

What are the advantages of organising this. one is obviously car parking should be free after 6.00pm so you can peruse and shop hassle free in what is one of the prettiest, unique market towns in the Cotswold’s, giving everyone the chance to experience up the seasonal atmosphere

.With a great opportunity for shopping in some lovely independent shops. And sample the many eateries too from cafes to pubs and restaurants.’ So if you have any ideas or would like to get involved please contact Coreen,by phone 07780143160,or Email admin@tetburychamber.org, as this was one of the items brought up by the New relaunched Tetbury Chamber.

The idea is to have an event to complement the community Christmas light switch on. Coreen added with her always warm smile 'Whoever said money can't buy happiness, simply did not know where to go shopping' Gertrude Stein. 'Welcome to Tetbury, Home of Happiness.’

4. Screening of Romeo and Juliet 

Tetbury Goods Shed Cinema are pleased to be screening the film Romeo and Juliet (12A) Certificate 12A.

On Thursday Oct 3 Running time: 2hr 36mins. Drama. Doors open at 7pm What if your first true love was someone you’d been told to hate? Ripped apart by the bitter divisions of their parents, two young people will risk everything to be together.

The most famous story of love at first sight explodes with intense passion and an irresistible desire for change. Will this spark a revolution or will division continue to tear through generations? Bally Gill plays Romeo and Karen Fishwick Juliet in this film of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2018 production of the Bard’s timeless tale of two star-crossed lovers.

Doors and bar open at 7:00pm the film starts at 7:30pm-9:20pm tickets are £7.50 For more information or to book your tickets, please visit the website: www.shed-arts.co.uk 

5. Reflective breakfast for women 

You are invited to a reflective breakfast for women on Saturday Oct 5 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 if you can on the day would be appreciated.

This is a Tetbury Area Churches Together (TACT) initiative

6. Concert at Tetbury Goods Shed 

8 Tetbury Goods Shed are delighted to present Charlie Hooper Williams – Larkhall (Air in G) on Sunday Oct 6 Prizewinning former concert pianist Charlie Hooper-Williams, aka Larkhall, combines intricate, virtuosic textures with soaring, stirring melodies.

At the heart of his artistic innovation lies Otto, his computer co-performer. With the remarkable ability to decipher the intricate musical nuances within a song, Otto translates them into stunning visuals that dance in perfect harmony with the sound.

Weaving together music, art, and technology, Charlie offers a unique, unforgettable piano concert that pushes the boundaries of creativity Charlie originally from the pine woods of Minnesota’s Iron Range, he grew up near Chicago, studied at the University of Cambridge Centre for Music and Science, and now makes his home in Bath.

Don’t miss the chance to experience Charlie Hooper Williams (aka Larkhall) unique blend of music and technology. For more information or to book your ticket, please visit the new website:www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk . Tickets cost Adult Advance £13 PLEASE NOTE: On the door on the night tickets will cost £15.

7. The next heart and soul service

The next new 'Heart & Soul! Service will be on Sunday Oct 6 the doors open at 5:30 for a gathering and chat with free Tea/Coffee/Cake.

Then at 6.00pm the contemporary Service begins. Heart & Soul is a new modern worship service for this month will be at Christchurch the chippings and seeks to go on a journey of discovery exploring different ways of worshipping God.Each service may be different but we hope that they will offer something for all as we focus on what it means to worship God throughout each day of our lives.

All are welcome to share this journey. And will be in the different location of Christchurch, the Chippings. All Welcome. For more information email office@tetburychurch.co.uk or ring 01666500088.

8. New parish administrator 

Back in April Diana Sharp the St Mary’s Church Parish Administrator announced that she would like to step down after twelve and a half years of looking after the Church and its congregation so well.

 In fact I've been asked by many many people to say thank you to her as this quiet calm unflappable modest Lady who has maintained our Beautiful church. So you still have the opportunity to say thank you and she will continue in position through September until her replacement takes over in October and who can fill such large shoes!

Well stepping into her position will be none other than our own current chair of Cotswold District Council, Town and District Councillor Nikki Ind, bringing her wealth of experience to this position.

9. Flower show is 'blooming marvellous' 

The second Westonbirt flower show proved to be blooming marvellous! On every level.

A quite rightfully proud Head of Business Teacher at Westonbirt School, Naomi Catley, said: ‘My y13 students organise it with myself and my team’s support as part of their business course.

A huge well done to our Sixth Form business students for their fantastic work on this year’s Flower Show and congratulations to all the competition winners!

The event turned out to be a vibrant community celebration, with food trucks, local stalls, vintage classic cars, exciting CCF exercise demonstrations, and plenty of fun and games.

The day was made even more special by the amazing musical performances from our talented students. It was a wonderful day and thank you to all who joined us.

One of the amazing amazingly enthusiastic students said afterwards 'What a success!’ Westonbirt's annual Flower show was a day filled with fun and laughter.

It was so lovely having many small businesses join us with their incredible stalls and the live music was a lovely touch which allowed everyone to come together in front of all our impressive classic cars

.'The variety of food' meant that no one was left on an empty stomach and the 'welcoming and polite students worked effectively and efficiently as a team to run the event, which ended up being a day to remember! Some other glowing comments were 'Warm welcome can good set up.’ 'Everyone did their jobs with a smile.’ 'Lovely banners.'

''There was so much assistance from the team in helping traders with transferring equipment and goods’ Westonbirt School is a co-ed independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2 to 18 years, located in the Cotswolds, 90 minutes from London.

At Westonbirt you will find an inspired community, set within 210 acres of parkland grounds and a breathtaking mansion. With an ethos of greenhouse not hothouse, success is celebrated and talent is nurtured.

The School was recently voted ‘Co-educational Independent School of the Year’ at the 2023 Independent School of the Year awards and is also included in the Fortune ‘World’s Leading Boarding Schools’ 2023 report with a five star review.

''The flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today’’ Ancient Proverb.