Weekly column of Fairford and Lechlade news in Standard

1. Lechlade's local hero 

Kelly Foreshew began holding fun tea dances in St Birinus Court, Lechlade for people living with dementia and their loved ones over three years ago.

The dances, which are held in memory of Sally Ann – a local lady that suffered with dementia and passed away in 2019, are held regularly on the first Thursday of every month offering a pleasant social event with good company, live music and light refreshments kindly donated by local businesses.

Kelly has now been hailed an Unsung Hero by Cotswold District Council that gives the award “to honour extraordinary individuals, who tirelessly work behind the scenes to make our communities better.”

Kelly's nomination said she was a shining example of compassionate care, emphasising the significant impact she has made as a carer in Lechlade.

It was noted that Kelly consistently goes above and beyond to provide elderly residents with support and companionship. Her presence has become a pillar of trust and reassurance for those she cares for, making their lives a little brighter every day.

“I was in total shock to receive a telephone call from Cotswold District Council to invite me to an Awards Ceremony,” said Kelly. “I didn’t even know that I’d been nominated or by whom. It really was an honour to receive this award and to be recognised but, really, I am just doing my job and all I want to do is help make a difference.”

Sally Ann’s Music for Memory tea dances are absolutely free to attend, but booking is recommended by calling Kelly on 07826 090023 or visiting ‘Sally Ann’s Music for Memory’ Facebook page.

2. Pam Ayres to announce poetry winners at re-opening of Lechlade library 

Pam Ayres MBE, British Poet, Writer, Broadcaster and Entertainer will officially re-open Lechlade Community Library following its much needed and extensive refurbishment made possible by the generosity and goodwill of the Lechlade community and beyond.

The Re-Opening will be on Thursday December 5 at 11am at the Library in Lechlade’s Market Square when the famous local poet will also announce the winners of the ‘Our Library’ poetry competition. All welcome to attend.

If you wish to enter the poetry competition, all you have to do is write a poem entitled ‘Our Library’ on an A4 sheet of paper and then write your name, age and contact phone number on the back. Please note that your name will be used on social media should you be a winner.

There are three categories of entry based on age: Adults (18+); Teenagers (12-17); and Children (11 and under). The Children’s Winner will receive a signed book by famous poet Pam Ayres, which will be presented by her at the Official Re-Opening.

The closing date for entries is Monday December 2. Please bring your completed entries into the Library or post through the Library letterbox.

3. New arrangements for making appointments at surgery in Fairford 

New arrangements for making appointments have been introduced by Fairford’s Hilary Cottage Surgery with a new Total Triage System.

You should now contact the surgery either by scanning a QR code online; using the NHS app; visiting https://fairfordsurgery.co.uk/ or calling 01285 712377. Emergency help remains the same – contact emergency services: 111 or 999.

5. Trip to farm by Working 4 Wellbeing 

There will be a trip to Milletts Farm organized by Working 4 Wellbeing taking place on Friday November 22. Cost £5. For details, contact Mary Ann: 07555 738138.

There will be an Advent Carol Service on Saturday November 23 at 6pm in St Mary’s Church, Fairford. On Sunday November 24, there will be a Family Service at 10am followed by a Healing Service on the same day at 6pm.

6. Children's Fair Selling pre-loved items 

A Children’s Fair selling pre-loved baby, toddler, children’s clothes, toys, books and more at bargain prices on Sunday November 24 from 1pm-4pm in the Palmer Hall, Fairford GL7 4AQ.

Come along and save yourself some money on your Christmas shopping. Many items like new. Teas, coffees and festive treats available.

Free unlimited parking in the Market Place or car park at the top of the High Street. Free admittance. Still time to book your own stall to sell your own unwanted, preloved items. For details, contact Sarah: 07702 249229, prelovedfairford@gmail.com.

7. Fairford's new mayor voted in 

Town Councillor Richard Harrison was voted in as Fairford’s new Mayor by fellow Councillors at the November Town Council meeting.

Cllr Harrison was elected to fill the vacancy following the resignation of former Mayor, Marcus Stroud due to family circumstances.

8. Fabulous festive event 

Come and enjoy a fabulous festive event at Hatherop Castle School GL7 3NB. Taking place on Saturday November 23 from 10am-4pm.

You can do your Christmas shopping supporting local and independent businesses. Featuring pop-up Lynwood & Co café. Admission £5.

8. Wonderful events in the area 

The Kempsford Gifts & More Craft Fair is on Saturday November 23 from 10.30am-3.30pm in Kempsford Village Hall. Festive variety of stalls and a Christmas Surprises Raffle. Raffle tickets available at the Kempsford Gifts & More Craft Fair or Ann O’Hara: 07760 272224; Jacqui Howlett: 01285 712268; The George, Kempsford; Rev’d Catie Watson: 01285 671490; Rosemary Andrews: 07765 258839 or Kempsford CofE Primary School Office. Draw takes place at 3.15pm. Organised by Kempsford and Whelford PCC raising funds to support St Mary’s Church, Kempsford and improve facilities to better serve the community.

The welcome return of Fleur Stevenson and her highly accomplished quartet for a delightful evening of relaxing Jazz music is on Saturday November 23 at 7.30pm in St Lawrence Church, Lechlade. All funds raised for the benefit of Project Inspire – the plan to restore and re-order the church of St Lawrence. Booking details: www.stlawrencelechlade.org.uk.

Enjoy a host of festive stalls, tea and cake, and the Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities’ Annual Raffle on Sunday November 24 from 10am-2pm in Lechlade Memorial Hall. Stalls are available to book now for £20. Please contact Val Harvey: 07540 798226 or transport@friendsoffairford.org.uk.

Lechlade’s Pop Up Library has now closed, but the newly refurbished Lechlade Community Library in the Market Square will re-open on Monday November 25 at 1pm.

Tickets are now available for the Fairford & District Choral Society’s next concert on Saturday November 30 at 7pm at St Mary’s Church, Fairford. Tickets cost £15, under 18s £5 and are available from Fairford Opticians, members of the choir or call 01285 713681 or available on the door on the night (cash only).