Weekly column of Tetbury news by Kevin Painter    

1. Sparkle and Swing 

On 24 February, Tetbury Good Shed  are delighted to invite you join them for an evening of Sparkle and Swing with the Big Brunch Band playing a mixture of big band swing, latin, film themes and pop.

Formed in 2005, The Big Brunch band are a 20+ explosion of sound from Ashton Keynes, playing a mixture of big band jazz, film themes, and funk. Tap-tap rhythms, velvet vocals and horns as bold as brassTo book a ticket or for further information, please visit  www.shed-arts.co.uk. Advance tickets are Individual Seat, Adults £15.00 Under 25 years £10.00 on the door on the night tickets will cost £18.00 and £13.00 respectively. There will also be a licensed bar and the doors open at 7.00pm The performance starts at 7.30 pm - 9.45 pm. If you are looking to ease your way in to Big Band sounds and can already play trombone or trumpet, then the Big Brunch Band want to hear from you! The Big Brunch Band practises weekly on a Tuesday evening between 7:30 and 9:00 at the Ashton Keynes Village Hall, SN6 6NT.  You are welcome to join in for one or two taster sessions or just come in and listen to us! For more information please contact Richard Dodd, the chairman, for more information: chairman@bigbrunchband.co.uk. 

2. Popular clothes swap 

Greening Tetbury are delighted to present on Sunday 25 February 2024, another of their highly popular clothes swap. 

From 7.00pm - 9.00pm this will take place at the fantastic location of Amy Perry Antiques, 21 Long Street, Tetbury.

The aim is simple Swap clothes you don't want for something you do! Clothes to be dropped off between 6.00-7.00pm. Please bring hangers if you can. For more information please visit www.greeningtetbury.orgOr email  greeningtetbury@gmail.com

3. Shed Piano Club's latest gathering 

The Shed Piano Club at The Goods Shed Tetbury, are pleased to announce  their latest gathering will take place on Wednesday 28 February from 2:00-4:00pm. Offering a wonderful opportunity for talented amateur musicians who have worked hard at their craft to be able to play to their peers and others.

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.  offering the opportunity to enjoy some beautiful music from accomplished performers whilst enjoying a little light refreshment from The Whistle Stop Café that will also be open from lunchtime and during the afternoon offering a range of refreshments.

Anyone wanting to be amongst the performers are asked to contact Maggie Dyson on 01666 837358 (email maggie.dyson@btinternet.com) before booking your ticket
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: £3.00) 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. On the website  www.shed-arts.co.uk 

4. The next Shed Talk 

Tetbury Goods Shed are delighted to present on February 28 the next Shed Talk with Sophia Ashe this one entitled What do Supermarket labels really mean?

There is such a huge selection of food available, all with different labels and accreditation. But what does it all mean?Consumers are urged to buy the most ethically produced foods in order to care for the planet, their own health, and ensure high animal welfare.

However, this often comes at a price not everyone can afford.
This Talk will help you understand food labelling, provenance, and guide you on how to shop healthily and affordably.

Sophia Ashe graduated from the Royal Agricultural University in 2019 with a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture and now works full time on a farm.  She has a particular interest in genetic, climate and global food production systems

.She also spent a few months working in Australia and Argentina to gain a greater knowledge of global food production, and has been been selected as one of the NFU Young Ambassadors for 2024.To book a ticket or for further information, please visit  www.shed-arts.co.uk Tickets: Individual Adults £8.50. Under 18 years £6.50 the talk begins at 7:30pm and will conclude at 9:30 pm

5. World day of Prayer 2024 

On Friday 1 March as part of World Day of Prayer 2024 there will be A Service for Everyone at St Marys Church Tetbury, at 2.00pm. 'I beg you, bear with one another in love'

Informed Prayer, Prayerful Action 24-7 365 Days a year  

Prayer movement Ecumenical International Women-led for more information please visit wwdp.org.uk

6. 20mph consultation 

Good news as the 20 is plenty team are going live with the 20mph zone consultation from 1 March - 31 March and they need your help to encourage everyone to complete a simple questionnaire (preferably online, but there will be paper copies).  

We've got permission to have a stand at various locations and dates throughout March.

They need as many volunteers as possible so they are really visible at each location and to show that the campaign is well supported. 20's Plenty stickers are available to identify us so all will be really obvious.

The times and locations are: Tesco forecourt
10am-1pm Saturday 2nd and 16th March. The Goods Shed
1pm-3pm Sunday 10th and 24th March. Long Street 11am-1pm Wednesday  6th, 13th, 20th and 27th March. If you would like to find out more or even want to get involved possibly helping out for just an hour then please
 text on 07793 210111 or via email mary@marygoode.plus.com 
Before 1st March. 

7. Hear and Soul 

Something new 'Heart & Soul!' Exploring different ways of worshipping God together. This will be at St Mary's Church Tetbury, on the 1st Sunday of every month from March 3rd starting at 5.15pm Free Tea/Coffee/Cake. Then at 6.00pm the  Service begins.

All Welcome. For more information email office@tetburychurch.co.uk or ring 01666500088.

8. Phase one of new Tetbury chamber launched 

Great news if you have your own business as a phase one of the new Tetbury Chamber has been launched.

The new chamber has come about after listening to many many businesses and will be driven organically by the very people that need it.

First there will be a WhatsApp group for all businesses. Many businesses have stated it would be good to have a forum where businesses can network raise concerns or put forward ideas, that simplistically that will be the aim of the Chamber whatApp group.

The Chamber will launch its new website that will have the
definitive directory of businesses both High Street and specialised, and be populated with positive news about the Town it will be shared with various media outlets, to attract more people to the Town.

And ensuring your voice is heard in policy-making and decision-making processes. If you would like to find out more even register or advertise/promote your business then please in the first instance WhatsApp Cornelia on 07780143160. Of course leaving the best for last it's entirely free, no subscriptions, no paid advertisements.

9. Results of Tetbury Town Council elections

The results of the recent Tetbury Town Council election are
Macutay-Malloch, Xyza Aura, known as Xam. Independent 813 Elected.
Figueiredo, Alison. Independent- To Change Tetbury Town Council 545 Elected. Barnard, Calypso Independent- To Change Tetbury Town Council  495 Elected. Twells, Christopher Charles   Independent- To Change Tetbury Town Council  364 Not Elected.

A thrilled Xam said afterwards: "Securing the number 1 seat as a Town Councillor in the recent By-Election of Tetbury Parish is an honour beyond words.

"The overwhelming support and trust bestowed upon me by the residents of our town are truly humbling.

This journey has been nothing short of amazing, filled with heartfelt encouragement and unwavering solidarity from our community.
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to serve, and I want to assure every resident that I am fully committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of this position with diligence and dedication.

"Your faith in me will not go unappreciated, and I pledge to work tirelessly to make Tetbury an even more vibrant and prosperous place to live. Together, let us continue to build upon the foundation of our wonderful community, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every concern addressed. With your support, I am confident that we can achieve great things for Tetbury Parish."

Alison said: "It’s a privilege to have been elected to Tetbury TC. Thank you to everyone who voted. In this digital world, where everything is increasingly remote and distant and mass produced, our precious high street is the real beating heart of the community.

"Independent businesses serve as a place of community and collaboration; a place to meet our neighbours, keep us all connected and help our local economy to thrive. They make our high street unique with their individual creativity and local flair. Independent and small businesses are now up against so many challenges to survive.  

"We can do so much more to support them. So in addition to cost efficiencies within the council and addressing local people’s concerns I really hope to focus on this particular area and find out ways our important town Council can play a more vital role."
Calypso said: “I’m deeply honoured and excited to have been elected as a town councillor for Tetbury. This opportunity to serve our community is one I take with great responsibility and enthusiasm. I look forward to contributing however I can.”

Candidate Chris Twells said: “Huge congratulations to Xam, Alison and Calypso.

"It takes a lot of courage to stand for election and I know these three incredible Tetbury women will do a brilliant job for the town.”

10.  Jubilant joyous morning as congregation returns

It was a jubilant joyous morning as the congregation returned to St Mary's Church after its short break away, and it was a real celebration

As Bishop Rachel, Bishop of Gloucester  presided over the baptism and confirmation of three candidates:  Peter Leech, Darren Baker and Henry Mercer. Baptism often shows us the Church at its best. It’s all here: history, tradition, ritual, prayer, symbolism, praise thanksgiving and of course love! And of course many dress up in their Sunday best, literally! 

The three candidates gave various description on the journey of faith that brought them to this day, from their various life experiences. Peters' story was poignant yet positive.

''As a child of 10 years old and visiting my grandma in Lewisham the local priest would visit her at home. My auntie  Jean would be keeping a look out for him and when sighted would run to the house waving her arms and saying 'quick into the other room Batman is coming!’  This was the closest I got to the Church.

Fast forward 45 years, and my first dealing with the church was around two years ago when I met this gentleman from the church called Steve Bullock whilst volunteering at the Friendship café. The first thing I realised about Steve was he was normal!! I had known Steve for about a year when I was taken quite ill and ended up in hospital for 3 months.

When I returned home Steve told me about new Sharing Faith group being set up called 'Being With' I started so on the fence I had splinters! But then as the weeks went on my Faith began to grow, then just after Christmas 2023 I had a stroke and ended up in hospital but this time unlike before I felt calm and watched over the only difference I can put this down to is my faith in God.’'

Bishop Rachel said that she was delighted to be back at St Mary's for such a special occasion, and share not only the stories but the joy and love of the beautiful church and congregation.