WEEKLY COLUMN of Tetbury news by Kevin Painter 

1. Quartet at Tetbury Goods Shed today 

Tetbury Goods Shed are very pleased to present on Sat Nov16 The Tom Ball Quartet featuring Zoe Francis (vocals), Jim Mullen (guitar), Tom Ball (organ, piano), Tristan Mailliot (drums)

You are invited to join four outstanding performers for a fabulous night of jazz classics together with tunes from The Great American Songbook. Pianist Tom Ball has honed his skills over many years, backing and collaborating with a huge variety of musicians and recording two albums under his own name

His style is based on favourite pianists Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau and Jason Rebello but incorporates elements from many other great exponents of the instrument, as well as folk and classical influences from his musical upbringing. Zoe Francis is a true proponent of the Great American songbook as popularised by Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O’Day and those other great singers.

Her flawless delivery really tells the story of the song and, at home in London, she mixes with the best musicians (Jim, Tristan, Ross Stanley, Gareth Williams) as attested by her three albums. Jim Mullen has been around as long as anyone into jazz can remember, and can be said to be a true legend of the genre.

He rarely ventures this far west and we are excited to present him in tonight along with premier drummer, long time collaborator and friend, Tristan Mailliot. Tristan Mailliot is one of London’s top drummers and has played with everyone and anyone on the scene. Tristan leads his own bands including the Loire All Stars, a jazz funk band and a Chick Corea project. Doors open at 7.00pm.

The Concert starts at 7.30pm Tickets are Adult Advance £15.00 and Under-25 Advance £10 Tables (2/4people) £35.00/£70.00 For more information or to book your tickets, please visit the new website:www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk

2. Piano masterclass at the Goods Shed 

Tetbury Goods Shed are delighted to present on November 17 a Piano Masterclass with William Howard.

This will be an informal workshop day with one of Britain’s leading classical pianists, open to all piano enthusiasts.

Up to nine places are available for intermediate and advanced pianists who wish to perform prepared repertoire.

Non-playing observers are also very welcome.

The teaching sessions will be approximately 30 minutes long. Each will focus on interpretation, performance and technique although participants are welcome to offer other topics for discussion during the day Performing participants £75 (plus booking fee) to include tea and coffee.

Non-performing participants £40 (plus booking fee) for the whole day, or £20 per half day session (10am-1pm or 2pm to 5pm).To book your place please email office@tetburygoodsshed.co.uk or telephone the office on 01666 505496 directly. Please note places are extremely limited as we can only accept a maximum of nine participants for the day. When booking please give your age, approximate level of ability (e.g. Grade 6 to 8, Diploma, Professional) and the work that you would like to play (this can be done nearer the time if you have not yet decided). If you are under 18 years of age, an accompanying adult can attend the day free of charge.

3. Afternoon music at the Good Shed 

Tetbury Good Shed present, Afternoon Music with Between the Acts on Wed November 20 2024 at 2.00pm.

Between the Acts have been playing Irish and English folk music together for thirty years, including Irish tunes, quick ones and slow ones.

The percussion parts in the quick tunes are very important. They also play some folk songs, and add to these some more recent compositions with songs from records by artists such as Bob Dylan, Richard Thompson, Lucinda Williams and Patsy Cline.

Instruments include piano, guitars, oboe, congas, bodhran and violin. There are four in the group: John, Mandy, Philip & Caroline; and they also play as a ceilidh band. So do come along and y ou 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.

4. Traditional Christmas fayre 

The traditional St Marys' Church Christmas Fayre will take place on Saturday November 23 2024 Doors open at 11.00am - 2.30pm.

This year it will be set in the beautiful and appropriate setting of St Marys’ Church. The Church is fully accessible this is of course this is the start of the traditional Tetbury Christmas with festive favourites, non alcoholic mulled wine, crafts, Tombola, Toy Tombola, raffle, square games, books, Bailey’s Hamper, and of course Cake, coffee and cake, and much more. Do pop in and celebrate Christmas as it was and as it should be, stress free and fun for all family.

5. Intimate acoustic tribute to music of Joni Mitchell

On Sun Nov 23rd, Tetbury Goods Shed are thrilled to present Zervas & Pepper with an intimate acoustic tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell presented by a five piece band. Acclaimed singer songwriters Zervas & Pepper present ‘This Flight Tonight’, featuring songs such as California, Blue, Woodstock, Both Sides Now, Carey, Coyote, A Case Of You, and many more.

The show presents Mitchell’s music as it would have been performed in Joni’s early performances, and includes conga/bass, open tuned acoustic/electric guitars, harmonies, dulcimer, piano and voice front and centre. Joni Mitchell is one of the most influential artists of the modern age.

Rising to stardom in the late 1960s, her music and songwriting is the jewel in the crown of the Woodstock generation. Bursting onto the scene with a sound entirely her own, Joni earned the respect of her musical peers and the love of her audiences worldwide. Joni would go on to mine the depths of her emotive landscape and push the boundaries of songcraft and artistry for over five decades.

Her albums and songs are widely recognised as masterpieces: standards that would become the soundtrack to the lives of countless fans throughout the world and which continue to draw-in and inspire new generations of admirers.Welsh singer/songwriters Paul Zervas and Kathryn Pepper have been creating and performing original music for over a decade professionally.

Tickets are Advance £23.00 and For more information or to book your tickets, please visit the new website:www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk Please note that tickets on the door on the night will cost £27.00 Licensed bar. Doors open 7pm. Concert starts at 7:30pm.

6. Popular swaps shops event 

On Monday the 25th there will be one of the very popular clothing Swaps shops organised by Greening Tetbury this will take place at Christchurch for chipping from 6.30pm until 8.00pm pm you can swap clothes you don't want for what do you do you want close to be dropped off between six and 6.

Please bring hangers if you've got any and don't forget to bring any tokens from previous events.

7. Next gathering of the piano club 

The Shed Piano Club are happy to announce their next gathering will take place on Wednesday November 27.at The Goods Shed, Tetbury.

Offering a wonderful opportunity for amateur musicians who have worked hard at their music to finally be able to play for other people. Since acquiring the Steinway grand piano the Goods Shed has hosted hugely successful and popular Tea Concerts on Wednesday afternoons with local amateur musicians playing for an appreciative and interested audience.

It is hoped that Piano Club 21 will build on this and incorporate the warm social atmosphere of these gatherings with the opportunity to play for a group of peers. The Whistle Stop Café will also be open from lunchtime and during the afternoon offering a range of refreshments.

And they request that, for the time being at least, all participants book in advance.Anyone wanting to perform should contact Maggie Dyson. maggie.dyson@btinternet.com. or telephone 01666 837 358 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: £2.50) 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.

8. Next Shed Talk at Goods Shed 

Tetbury Goods Shed are glad to present on Wed November 27 the next Shed Talk with Michael Trott entitled Elgar’s Mother. At the height of his fame as a composer, Edward Elgar publicly admitted that he owed much of his success to the influence of his mother.

Author Michael Trott tells the story of that inspirational mother, Ann Greening, who gave her son love, security and understanding – the best possible start in life.Despite her poor background and basic education, her interests were wide-ranging – the natural world, literature and chivalry – and she had a strong religious faith and sense of fun.

She epitomised the Victorians’ enthusiasm for self-improvement, and, in spite of not being musical, she played a crucial role in nurturing her son’s genius. Her confidence and enthusiasm for learning enabled Elgar to turn what otherwise might have been seen as a distinct disadvantage in the lack of high-level music education to the creation of his own very individual style.The speaker for this evening is Michael Trott, a retired aeronautical engineer and Honorary Life Member of the Elgar Society. The talk is based on his book, Ann Greening – Mother of Edward Elgar, which he co-authored with Hilary Elgar and Dr Brenda Watson.

Retired teacher and keen amateur musician Hilary Elgar is Ann Greening’s great-granddaughter. The late Dr Brenda Watson was a former college lecturer and director of the Farmington Institute for Christian Studies. Doors open at 7.00pm. The Talk starts at 7.30pm Tickets are Advance ticket £8.50. Under 18/student/unwaged £6.50 For more information or to book your tickets, please visit the new website:www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk Please note that on the door on the night tickets will cost £9.50 and £7.50 respectively.

Licensed bar

9. This year's pantomime revealed 

It's that time of year again, oh no it's not! Oh yes it is ! As Dolphins dramatic society present this year's pantomime Puss in Boots By Ben Crocker Directed by Alex Ball at the Dolphins Hall, New Church Street, Tetbury on the 28th - 30th November 2024 performances start at 7:30 pm although there is a special Saturday matinee that commences at 2:30 pm.

For more information or to get your tickets please visit www.dolphinsdrama.uk tickets are also available from Tetbury Hardware, London Rd, Tetbury the cost is Adults £11.00, Children £7.00 pound (under 16) Concessions £10.00

10. Annual Service of Remembrance 

Last Sunday Nov 10 at 2:30pm was the Annual Service of Remembrance that began at St Mary’s Church, the service as always was a joint Tetbury Area Churches Together (TACT). The service was very moving giving us all the chance to remember and reflect and to thank the fallen who by their sacrifice gave us all the blanket of safety and freedom we all share and enjoy.

This year officiating minister Revd Dr Steve Bullock took the poem At a war grave by Kenneth Carveley aaith as a team with a moving sermon reminded us ''Nature is resilient, it’s amazing and demonstrates time and again, that new hope, life and renewal is possible. Over the years, nature has shown time and again, how it can change environments and unused relics of war into demonstrations of beauty, diversity and hope. Seventy years since the end of the Korean War, the 160-mile (257-kilometer) demilitarized zone (DMZ) dividing North and South Korea has remained a no-man’s land.

Once a centre of conflict, and still littered with former villages and military hardware, the lack of human interference has allowed the land to slowly become a wildlife haven.

The fruit of nature is truly amazing. After all, the reason we have so many poppies are that despite the carnage that occurred in the first world war, nature still did what it was created to do and many poppy seeds germinated and produced beautiful flowers and was taken on as a symbol of those who were lost and the hope for a better future. The fruit of this symbol is that so many members of the armed forces community are supported and helped year on year.

In this poem, the poet looks at the “sea of stone” before them i.e. the graves of the many who gave their lives in war/conflicts. And, as so many do, he wonders about the hopes and dreams that all the fallen had and wonders what fruit might come from their sacrifice. The harvest that the faithful fallen have sown for us is best summed up in the Kohima Epitaph.

After the service the congregation who were joined by many people afterwards with the official parade through the Town to St Saviours Church, home of the War Memorial. For the final act of remembrance.The wreath laying was led by Lt Col John Shepherd Poppies Wreaths were laid on behalf of Royal British Legion, Tetbury branch, Cotswold District Council, Tetbury Town Council, the Feoffees of Tetbury, Tetbury Chamber of Commerce Gloucester, Fire and rescue service Tetbury crew, 29 Regiment Royal Logistics, Air Training Corps, Tetbury Scout Group, Girl Guiding, St Mary’s School, Sir William Romney’s School, St Mary’s Church, St Michaels Church, Christ Church, Tetbury cricket club, the Dolphins Hall, Lions Club of Tetbury, Probus, , Royal Society of St George, Tetbury WI, United services club, OGRI motorcycle club.

And this year a new Wreath was laid by the Police. Lt Col John Shepherd along with Revd Dr Steve Bullock with Revd Pauline Setterfield The carried on with the short service concluded with the traditional The Last Post, as Standards are lowered, The Two Minute Silence was observed. Reveille was sounded. Then every one joined in with the National Anthem.

The Kohima Epitaph was recited with deep reverence 'When you go home, tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, we gave our today'. Afterwards people gathered for refreshments in the Dolphin Hall There are many volunteers who help not only for this day but the preparations as well who deserve our thanks, although everyone was united in Thanking Jane Haines for organising and coordinating as always, this time of remembrance.

“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” G.K. Chesterton The true legacy of peace. We will never forget.