Tetbury news by Kevin Painter

Fantastic news. In line with government guidelines St Mary’s Church will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm and on Sunday from 12pm until 4pm.

As this is all very new, they will keep everything under review and, if they encounter any difficulties, they hope people will understand if they need to reduce the frequency or length of opening times.

Of course, they are asking people to maintain social distancing of 2m while in the building, and to use the hand sanitiser provided when they arrive and leave.

Because of the need to clean regularly, and because there is work continuing at the west end, only the “blue chairs” area in front of the altar is open for the time being, with access via the door on the north-east corner (by the kitchen).

They are so sorry that this means there is no wheel-chair access but, again, hope people will understand.

Now they have permission to conduct funerals in church.

However they will need to discuss this possibility with each family concerned.

And follow government restrictions on attendance.

Unfortunately they do not currently have permission to conduct weddings or baptisms, or any other acts of public worship in the church building.

You can still join the worship on Zoom each Sunday.

If you or someone you know would like to attend the virtual worship online please contact Diana to be added to the mailing list for an invitation - office@tetburychurch.co.uk.

Jonny Williamson, local antique dealer, decided to say thank you for the local Co-op workers.

Jonny said: “We are eternally grateful for the extraordinary efforts of the NHS, emergency services, front line staff and key workers who are working tirelessly to combat this virus.

"From a very local perspective, I’m noticing more and more how the staff at the Co-op in Tetbury, my local shop, are facing these tough conditions head on, keeping the shop open long hours over seven days with the same positivity, cheer and helpfulness that I’ve grown to love over the past four years I’ve lived in the town.

"I decided to start a JustGiving page for them.

"One day when all this is over and the bars, restaurants and cafes are back open, they can take this pot and go and have meal and a glass on the people of Tetbury.

"Their efforts and commitment have shown no signs of slowing whilst they serve Tetbury and the surrounding area during these unprecedented times.’

’He has already managed to raise £355 of the £500 total.

Jonny is asking for an extra push to reach the target. For more information please visit bit.ly/2B9enOW.

What a great idea and well done for showing our community spirit, and saying thank you.

It was nice to catch up with former mayor of Tetbury Pam Sims, who is known and loved and respected by all who know her.

An exceptionally active member of the Tetbury community, Pat has decided to celebrate the opening of the shops by writing a poem that can be reworded to the classic Tom Jones hit ‘The green green grass of home’.

Perhaps as a bit of fun this could be sung and recorded by various people on social media.

A very proud daughter Clare told me: “I am amazed at her three funding streams! 40 strings of bunting for NHS, cards on sale in the Coventry for Tetbury Hospital and numerous other things she makes to sell for Longfield hospice.’’

Pam added that she has been making all-purpose bunting in 8ft 1/2 long lengths and has been selling them for £5 to friends, who she knows will then be donating to the Cheltenham and Gloucester NHS Covid appeal.

Pam has been a regular loyal reader since 1956.

Tetbury Art Society have managed to keep running.

Michael told me: “We are planning to put more paintings on our website too.

"We have even managed an outdoor socially-distanced committee meeting with just six members and expect to do some outdoor painting in July and August in small groups of well-spaced artists whilst staying within the government’s guidelines.

"We are able to share painting ideas and news of online demonstrations and workshops.”

More information on the society can be found via the website - www.tetburyartsociety.org.uk.

You can also call Michael on 01666 502909 or Barry Barnes on 01666 503926.

Michael added: “In better times, we meet on the first Wednesday of most months in St. Michael’s Hall, Silver Street, Tetbury at 7.30pm.

"We are a friendly group welcoming those interested in art whatever level they have reached. This could be the ideal time to try something new.”

It’s always good to see Tony Evans our town crier who was in town celebrating Prince Philip’s birthday.

And in a typically Tetbury fashion, as a few of us were under the Market House purchasing vegetables, we discovered it was one lady’s birthday, to which Dr Tony Walsh and his wife went over to the town crier and had a quiet word in his ear.

Then suddenly, the town crier was shouting happy birthday to another popular Tetbury resident and former teacher, Miss Wildsmith, who is still held in such reverence by all her former pupils who I am sure would join in wishing her a happy birthday.