WEEKLY COLUMN of Tetbury news by Kevin Painter. 

1. Comic-con this weekend 

 BAZINGA!  If you know what that word means then you will be fully aware of what a comic con is and the pure fun and enjoyment that it brings and if you do not then we would like to share with you this popular modern cultural phenomenon as the third Tetbury Comic-con opens its doors on October 13 at Tetbury Goods Shed at 10.30 am this year even bigger than before as the smash hit of last Two year's  event proved, It will be jam-packed full of fabulous fun. 

Complimented by a real cornucopia colourful costume characters there will be plenty for the collector of comics, collectibles, and toys! 

And now with extra space of a  marquee. We have managed to get the most successful and critically acclaimed British artist Mr Brian Bolland who will be joining our other guests, who to many is the definitely definitive judge Dread artist, consummate Wonder Woman cover artist and of course redefined the Joker with the now classic Killing Joke graphic novel with Alan Moore. But you probably have your own favourite work of his amazing catalogue.  Convention favourite Kev F Sutherland. Who has been writing and drawing comics for everyone from Beano to Marvel, Doctor Who to Viz, Red Dwarf to The Dandy.  And if Comics are  not your bag then there is still plenty of fun and enjoyment for all the family  as we are joined with again with Tetbury's own professional princess Gwen Bruist-Hobson  who will be overseeing the cosplay ( the activity or practice of dressing up as a character from a work of fiction) and again back for a second year-end open to all ages, all characters. 

The Gloucestershire Geek Society who will have there Retro console Arcade set up with some great games from yesterday all the way up to modern day! And something totally new for this year VRXPerience The ultimate immersive experience in Virtual Reality. Convention as an enthusiastic character from the 60s would say ‘Holy great day out Batman!’  This really is a love letter to this underrated genre to thank it!  And to thank you.

To find out more to check times or book your ticket please Visit visit the new website:www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk If you would like to find out more or have any questions and please contact Kevin on (07745) 716547 or email comics451@icloud.com 

2. Afternoon music on Wednesday 

Tetbury Good Shed present,  Afternoon Music On Wed 16 Oct, starting at 2.00pm.  This week they welcome Matinée Musicale, featuring Helen Hill (voice, flute, Welsh harp); Chris Hall (voice) and John Merrick (piano). Who will be presenting a very eclectic mixture of heart-warming music, from folk songs featuring flute and Welsh harp to opera 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. Screening of The Fall Guy 

 Tetbury Goods Shed Cinema are pleased to be screening the film The Fall Guy (12A)On Thursday Oct 17 Running time:2hr 6mins. Action.

Comedy Romance. Drama. Doors open at 7.00pm. Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), a top-notch stunt professional sidelined after a harrowing on-set injury, is tempted out of retirement when a desperate plea pulls him back into the spotlight, but now Colt faces a heart-pounding new challenge in the name of art: he must embark on a high-stakes mission to save a film in crisis.

After all, the project’s superstar protagonist has gone missing, threatening the fate of a crucial directorial debut for Colt’s ex-girlfriend (Emily Blunt).As a result, it’s up to Colt to put his skills to the ultimate test and make sure the show goes on. However, with danger lurking at every turn, can the Fall Guy pull off his finest stunt to save the day–and maybe even find love again?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

4. Musical concert at church

Holy Trinity Church Long Newnton are hosting a Community Musical Concert on Friday 18th October 7.00pm Join them  for a night of music and community spirit at the beautiful Holy Trinity Church.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy performances by talented local musicians including Tutti Flutti and Tetbury Community Choir.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate music, and support the community. Tickets are just  £10.00 each including  refreshments. This will be a lovely evening out for a very good cause as the proceeds are going to the Beautiful exquisite Holy Trinity Church in Long Newnton.For more information or to get your tickets please visit https://buytickets.at/longnewntonpcc Or email: h.z.witchell@gmail.com or ring  Heather 07979595374          

4. Jazz Quartet at Goods Shed 

On October 18 Tetbury Goods Shed Arts are delighted to present the TJ Johnson Quartet with an evening of jazz blues and swing with effortless intonation and soul, TJ transcends the genres of jazz, blues and country, convincing the audience that any one of timeless songs were actually written for him. TJ Johnson is widely considered to be one of the UK’s most charismatic highly revered jazz and blues singers.

He is also a hot piano player and respected bandleader. He was presented with Best Blues Singer by Jools Holland at the 2018 Boisdale music awards. TJ sings songs of the night, songs of hope and despair, taking you on a musical trail from the jazz dives of New Orleans and foot-tapping honky tonks of Texas to the hip speakeasies of New York. Drawing from a rich eclectic mix of influences such as Dr John, Ray Charles, Jimmy Witherspoon, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and Willie Nelson, TJ shapes the music into his own individual style with a professional yet relaxed stage manner.

He sprang on to the jazz scene in the late 80s as a jazz singer with Max Collie at the age of 17 and since forming his own band in 1990 has performed extensively for over thirty years now at many theatres, festivals and jazz clubs both in the UK and overseas. For more information or  to book you ticket, please visit the new  website :www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk Tickets cost advance £15 under 25s £10 Doors open at 7pm. Licensed bar. Performance begins at 7:30pm.Please note that on the night tickets will cost £18.00 and ​£13.00 respectively              

5. Storytelling and magic at police museum 

Friday 18 October The  Tetbury Police Museum is excited to welcome back the amazing Dr Grimoire with his captivating storytelling and mesmerising magic. With an evening of tales and entertainment in the Victorian courtroom. 

Your host Nick Brunger, Magician & Storyteller said It's getting colder. Darker. Stranger. Just the time of year for more chilling tales inspired by my Cabinet of Curiosities. Meet Gloucestershire's profane gambler, dabble if you dare with Blackbeard's skull and discover the fatal attraction that murderers have for their companions in crime. All this and more,  much more  Tickets cost £16.96  and available now at curiosities.eventbrite.co.uk.

6. First ever Tetbury Wool Fair 

              Do you remember the old children's tale of the sleeping beauty? Where she pricks her finger from the spindle of a spinning machine and falls asleep for 100 years? Well the first ever Tetbury Wool Fair is happy to provide the direct opposite of that experience. The Tetbury Wool Fair, first ever for Tetbury, is being held at the Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre on Sunday October 20th  from 10.00am till 4.00pm and best of all, entry is absolutely free. So you won't be fleeced!

Marian Beales, an expert on the spinning wheel, is adept at explaining how her skill on the wheel will keep you wide awake and concentrating fiercely, unlike the Beauty. Watch the yarn grow under her expert fingers. 

And while you are focussing on the diversity of yarn ranged around the Tetbury Good Shed the children will be fascinated by the adventures of Shaun the Sheep on the screen and the very real live sheep assembled outside in the old station yard.There are 16 individual exhibitors showing a range of skills, including spinning, dying, felting and amigurumi.

And if you don't know what the last is, come along and find out. And of course If you love to knit or crochet, expect plenty of stands to browse with independent yarn manufacturers, spinners, dyers, eco-friendly dyers using only naturally sourced colours and more.There will be a knitting table where you can seek advice on your latest project and a knitting pattern exclusive to the Fair. Additionally there are two Workshops:  The first at 11.00am with The Makerss and the second with local Sheep Farmer, Sophia Ashe takes place at 2.00pm Entry is free - donations would be appreciated. See 'ewe' there!

7. Next iSing Pop Celebrate 

              The next fantastic and fun  iSing Pop Celebrate will be on Sunday October 20  starting at 4:00 pm and continuing until 5:30 pm. At the St Mary’s School Hall St Mary's CE VA Primary School,St Mary’s Road, Tetbury, GL8 8BW.

This is for all the Family where are you will be exploring the best of bible stories and ask questions big and little, and enjoy time together with Christ, chatting and sharing icing pop song and prayers. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

All are welcome as this is run by Churches in Tetbury: Saint Mary's, Christ Church, Five Valleys Christian Fellowship and Saint Michaels Catholic Church. This is for all the family to enjoy  on Sunday afternoon. And please bring your own cup            

8. Business come together to discuss Christmas plans 

Christmas cheer and goodwill came early to Tetbury as last week many businesses gathered together to discuss their plans for celebrating Christmas in Tetbury To complement the always successful Christmas light switch on for the town of Tetbury everyone at the meeting agreed that it would be a good idea to return to the old days of having a late night shopping evening extravaganza the only question is when?

The general consensus is that it should be on Thursday or Friday at the time of writing the logistics of this explored obviously do not want to clash with the community Christmas light switch on but compliment it.

The fact that parking is free after 6 o'clock is a real big incentive to help local businesses and customers. Several suggestions came forward including having a  meet the maker, Christmas theme workshops, a special Christmas trail something that would be completely new and unique would be inviting local businesses that do not have a shop front, the chance to use either the market house/town and or the St Mary's Church,  to be able to share their specialties, an example of this is the fabulous Tetbury Larkhill vineyard which is already becoming a major tourist attraction, Simon  the proprietor thought this was an excellent idea would back it so long as correct licensing laws were implemented.

Already a few specialised bespoke local businesses have expressed an interest and if you have your own business like to take part in something unique then please contact Coreen by phone  07780143160,or Email admin@tetburychamber.org, A further suggestion of meet the maker, with some exhibitions and workshops showing what some businesses do as one person said it's almost like a Christmas business expo. There will be fantastic competitions, window displays and even a Tetbury shopping trail. We are putting the finishing touches to special Tetbury Christmas cards and calendars showcasing everything Tetbury.

Alison former owner of Lamas in pajamas put forward a suggestion as well about an initiative called, Colour Friday Alison said ''Colour Friday is all about choosing to shop small. Small businesses can't afford crazy offers, but they can make your Christmas shopping colourful, joyful and personal. So, this Black Friday (or any day for that matter), help keep these little dreams alive and shop small!''  

Coreen Tetbury Chamber secretary concluded '‘As you can see there's a lot going on and lots of work to do and with the help of our fantastic unique businesses we will put Tetbury once again at the top of everyone's shopping list. We will be releasing further information soon. And of course to use Malcs’ classic phrase Try Tetbury first!  And special thanks must go to Jake from Specsavers who hosted the gathering.''