Kevin Painter

cotswolds451@btinternet.com

07745 516547

  • TETBURY is still reeling from the news of the closure of the Priory nursing home which is at the heart of town in many ways.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the residents and staff who have only been given until March 31 to find new homes and new jobs.

Could more have been done to keep it open?

The answer is YES. Perhaps asking another company to take over or even set up a co-operative or trust.

Although the owners of the building, the National Benevolent Charity stated they will be selling the building as a nursing home when Somerset Care move out, surely something could have been done.

I urge you to write letters, use the media, lobby MPs and councillors to give these people a voice.

  • TOMORROW there will be blood donation sessions at the Dolphins Hall. There are two scheduled sessions, the first between 1.25-3.30pm and the second from 4.30 -7.15pm.

This is an opportunity to do something amazing and help save a life by giving blood.

It is advisable to phone 0300 123 23 23 and register to become a new blood donor.

  • THE next open police point/surgery will be on Thursday, January 28, with a local officer available from 11am until noon at The Old Courthouse, 63 Long Street.

The friendly local officers are keen to hear from any member of the public about any matter that might be bothering them, and are also on hand to give advice.

If you can never make one of these surgeries/open po - lice point you can always leave a message with the council staff working there, however please remember that council staff cannot give any advice or take any responsibility for police matters.

  • THE Friends of Tetbury Hospital and Tetbury Film Society present Mr Holmes, starring Sir Ian McKellen at the Dolphins Hall on Wednesday, March 9.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets £10 per person, includes a glass of wine available from Tetbury Hospital reception on 01666 502336 or call 01666 504039.

All profits will be donated to the Friends of Tetbury Hospital and it is advised to book early for this popular event.

TICKETS are now on sale in the Tetbury tourist office for the Rudimental Concert at Westonbirt Arboretum on June 16, as part of the Forest Live Concert Series. Tickets will be on sale from tomorrow for Kaiser Chiefs .

  • THERE is still a position for new Councillor on Tetbury Town Council. Selection process has not begun yet so there is time to consider and visit the town council offices for an informal chat with Natalie Haines, Tetbury Town Council Clerk, or call her on 01666 504670.

No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm for the Town.

All town councillors are volunteers and receive no remuneration.

  • THERE will be a special service for Christian unity on Saturday, January 24, at 6pm, in St Mary’s Church.

Organised by Tetbury Area Churches Together, it is an ideal service to attend if you are not a regular churchgoer to share in Christian unity.

  • TETBURY will be hosting the regional Town Crier competition on July 2.

15 town criers/applicants have shown an interest in the event already, which makes for a colourful and loud event, as each Town Crier outfit is unique to their town.

If you would like to get involved then contact Deputy Clerk, Jenny Hunt, via administrator@Tetbury.gov.uk or call 01666 504670.

Tetbury Town Council Heritage and Regeneration committee would like to thank Peter Dauntsey, Tetbury’s Town Crier for bringing this event to the town.

  • THE next Tetbury Town Full Council meeting will be on Monday, January 25, beginning at 7pm.

Prior to this, at 6.30pm, there will be an S101 planning meeting.

As always the Council meetings are open to the public and press and at the start, 15 minutes is allowed for public questions or statements.

Each person must state their name and are allowed three minutes, with questions answered briefly, but not debated, although issues may be referred for response if necessary.

This is an ideal opportunity to raise any issues, concerns, or suggestions you may have.