WEEKLY column of Tetbury news by Kevin Painter

1. Christmas show opening at art gallery 

Tetbury’s popular Town centre art gallery, Spencer House Gallery, takes a walk on the wild side for its third Christmas show, opening on 22 November.

Wild Things is the theme of the exhibition, which features the work of more than 75 regional artists producing art of many styles and media – paintings, prints, drawings, ceramics, glass, textiles, wood and papier mâché among them.

Owner and curator, Chris Woodcock, is thrilled with the scope of the work she will be showing: “As ever, our themes are hooks, not straitjackets – and our artists are free to interpret the theme in any way they like. Wonderful wild animals, wild landscapes and seascapes, wild emotions and wildlife of all kinds feature this time. It’s also a natural fit for expressive use of materials and really uplifting concepts.”

Most of the artists at the gallery are from the Cotswolds region and surrounding counties - and Chris ensures the work on show covers a range of price points so there is something for everyone, whether they are looking for a large statement piece of art for a room scheme or a special gift for a loved one or friend.

The exhibition takes many weeks to assemble: you can catch an early-bird glimpse of some of the work now.

It opens officially – with the final hang on show - with a Private View on Friday 22 November at 6.30pm at the venue, on Long Street. 22 November 2024 - 11 January 2025 The Gallery opening times are Thursday to Saturday 10.30am - 1.00pm & 2.00 - 4.00pm.and some Sundays closer to Christmas, till 11 January. 10.30am - 2.00pm The gallery will also be open for late night shopping, till 8pm, on Thursday 28, and for the Friday evening, with the Tetbury Christmas Lights switch-on event. on Friday 29 November, and the new Tetbury Christmas Market Pop up late night Shopping experience on Thursday 5 December.

Alison Vickery one of the artists said 'Thank you to Spencer House Gallery for exhibiting a wall of my seascapes in their Wild Things exhibition. Spencer House is a brilliant friendly gallery in Tetbury packed with creativity.'

2. Traditional Christmas fayre this Saturday 

The traditional St Marys' Church Christmas Fayre will take place this 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.

St Mary's Church will also be offering this Saturday November 23, Tours of the Church Tower, from 11:00am – 2:00pm (last tour commences at 1:20 pm) you will be able to, learn about bell ringing. Visit the belfry, and of course be able to see Tetbury and Highgrove from “above” with the most stunning and breathtaking view.

The cost is a nominal, Adults : £5.00, and 16 and Under : £1.00 (All children must be accompanied by an adult

3. Intimate acoustic tribute to 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.

4. Clothing Swaps shops 

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.

5. Next gathering of 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.

6. Next Shed Talk about Elgar's Mother 

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

7. Puss in Boots in Tetbury 

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

8. The countdown to Christmas is on 

The countdown for Christmas has started as there will be three exciting opportunities for late night Christmas shopping in Tetbury The first one is on November 28, is the get ahead of Christmas and join the pushback against Black Friday.

Support our local shops with our Shop Early, Shop Small, Shop Tetbury campaign kickoff event. They will be championing our amazing high street independents this night. Most shops are open and will be hosting mini events, offering glasses of fizz

The second is the November 29 Christmas light switch on traditionally viewed as the start of the Tetbury Christmas and chance for the whole family to enjoy some fun, a family event etc etc, with street vendors etc and some shops open late for shopping.

And as always thanks must go to the Feoffees and The Thirteen, who work tirelessly to light the magnificent Town Hall/ Market House showcasing its own and indeed the Towns splendour.

The third is the New Special Tetbury Christmas Market with late night shopping extravaganza on December 5, with the added bonus of Free after Three car parking in the two main CDC car parks, will give visitors and shoppers the relaxing ability to meander around Tetbury’s unique shops and soak up the true festive spirit.

Adding a very 21st-century spin on the ethos of the traditional market Town, there will be the unique opportunity to meet our local Business owners/creators in St Mary's Church in a pop-up shop environment. This will be the perfect opportunity for those businesses who do not have a storefront in the town to get that very unique gift.

Thanks to St Mary's Church who will open their doors of the beautiful church for our Town's businesses to share, showcase and complement our Town shops free. A classic example of one very unique business that will be on offer is the fabulous Tetbury Larkhill vineyard, which is already becoming a major tourist attraction, Simon the proprietor, welcomes the initiative of giving businesses and customers a choice. Coreen, Chamber secretary, said This event is certainly going to take the stress out on my own Christmas shopping.

So please Enjoy a festive visit to Tetbury, soak up the seasonal atmosphere and after all who would not want a unique gift to give or share at Christmas. A great opportunity for shopping in some lovely independent shops, meeting unique individual businesses.

And of course there are plenty of eateries too - from cafes to pubs and restaurants. we would like to thank St Mary's Church for the use of the church, uniting all business and people together.' The Church event will be open from 3.00pm-8.00pm. Coinciding and maximising the free CDC car parking.

9. Inviting businesses to be part of Tetbury Christmas Pop up Market

Tetbury Chamber are inviting local businesses that may work remotely or offer bespoke services the opportunity to be able and be part of the Tetbury Christmas Pop Up Market late night shopping event especially which is totally free for admission and even stallholders/exhibitors.

If you feel your business might be able to compliment this unique event there are only a few spaces left.

It has been suggested we have an expo in the New Year for Tetbury and District businesses please If you would like to find out more or get involved with any future initiatives, or even have a suggestion yourself, then please contact Coreen the secretary on 07918255772 or email her at tetburychambercom@gmail.com Thanks must go to St Mary's PCC for graciously letting this event be completely free. As always any donations to the church would always be greatly received

10. Local opticians set sights on community charity  

A fundraising bonanza took place at a Tetbury opticians on Saturday 19 October in aid of Tetbury Area Youth & Community Trust (TAYCT), raising more than £100.Having been chosen by the local community as the nominated charity for Specsavers on Long Street to support, customers were treated to a host of exciting things to get involved with in return for a small donation.

Colouring templates were available for children as part of a competition to win an art set, while customers were able to ‘guess the number of frames in the store’ in return for a £1 donation, raising an impressive £175 overall.

‘TAYCT was the overwhelming winner when we asked the local community to choose who they thought we should support and so the team wanted the first fundraising event to be full of fun activities,’ says Jake Henderson, store director at Specsavers Tetbury.

‘We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who got involved on the day to help us kick start our fundraising and congratulations to the winners of the competitions as well! ‘We also had representatives from TAYCT on hand in store to chat to customers on the day.

The charity does really important work to help young people in the community and the whole team at Specsavers Tetbury is committed to supporting them as much as we can.

We’ll be organising some more events, so keep your eyes peeled for the details.TAYCT was set up to replace the council youth service which was closed in 2011.

They offer three weekly drop-in youth sessions, mentoring, holiday activities and a variety of short-term projects. The charity also works to raise awareness of the mental health needs of children and young people.