Weekly column of the latest Tetbury news by Kevin Painter

1. On Friday, November 21, a truly historic ground-breaking ceremony was held to mark the beginning of the construction for the town's new state-of-the-art medical centre/surgery.

A proud Stonewood Homes announced the commencement of construction of Tetbury’s new GP surgery at our Worwell Rise development.

This milestone marks the culmination of extensive planning, collaboration and determination to deliver a facility that will significantly enhance healthcare provision for the local community.

The £5 million medical centre will provide modern, accessible services for more than 10,000 patients, featuring 16 consulting rooms and state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet future needs.

As James Petherick, land and planning director at Stonewood Homes, commented: "We are extremely pleased to commence work on this important new infrastructure project for the town.

"A huge amount of work has gone into reaching this milestone, and I would like to thank the Phoenix Health Group, Assura and NHS Gloucestershire as well as Geoff Turbott, the landowner.

"We look forward to progressing the build, alongside the development of 27 high-quality homes."

Dr Pete Hill, partner at Phoenix Health Group said, "It has been very exciting seeing the building work begin on the new surgery on Cirencester Road.

"This will be a great investment into Tetbury and we hope it will provide a much more comfortable experience for patients when visiting the surgery.

"There are currently very few new GP surgeries being built due to the current financial constraints, so we are lucky to have this new building in Tetbury.

"We would like to thank the Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, Stonewood Homes and everyone that supported us locally.

"Thank you to everyone involved for all the hard work that has gone on to ensure that our town keeps this needed much facility."

1. Why not take some time out and enjoy the completely free Christmas tree festival at the beautiful and exquisite St Saviours Church?

   You'll be able to visit the church throughout December until January 5, 2026, and see the vast range of beautifully decorated trees representing local organisations, schools and clubs.

   There is also the special memory tree, giving you the opportunity to leave your memories of loved ones, friends and family on the Christmas Memory Tree, by attaching special messages to ones who will be missed.

   You can drop in at any time the church is open.

   This is a town council initiative and, of course, totally free.

   If you wish to, you can leave a donation which will be gifted to the church's conservation trust in aid of St Saviours Church.

   The trees are spectacular and, of course, remind us of the many groups that we have in our wonderful town that you may know very well, and some might be new to you.

2. Tonight, Thursday, December 18, the Goods Shed Cinema present Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Ballet Company of the National Opera of Ukraine.
   On Christmas Eve, a young girl has a dream… Emotional awakening, physical transformation, childhood that slowly merges into adulthood… behind what seems to be a tale for children slowly emerges a danced initiatory journey. And while children revel in Drosselmeyer’s magic tricks and enjoy a good scare with the apparition of the Mouse King, the adults notice all the finesse that pervades this narrative and admire the virtuosity of the choreography. A first class company, the Ballet Company of the National Opera of Ukraine has toured all around the world: from the United States to Europe and Asia. 
   The company has managed to win the hearts of its audience thanks to its amazing technique and artistic maestria and, as in every good dance company, the whole is equal to the sum of its parts. The screening starts at 7pm
   Advance tickets: £7.50. On the door on the night, tickets will cost: £8.50.
   For more information or to book you ticket, please visit the website :www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk 
3. On Friday, December 19 there will be the fantastic community carols in The Goods Shed, a Tetbury tradition that for many in the town marks the beginning of Christmas holidays. Starting at 6.30pm at the Goods Shed, you are all invited to come and enjoy a variety of festive musical performances together with Avening Silver Band and Tetbury Community Choir – as well as joining in with the carol singing of course. Afterwards there will be mulled wine and mince pies for everyone to enjoy. An evening for all the family, young and old. We look forward to welcoming you. Free to everyone but donations welcomed. Doors open at 6pm. Concert starts at 6.30pm.
4. On Saturday, December 20, it's time to be a dancing queen, as the Good Shed's ever popular tribute nights continue with ABBA Fever. Join them for a night that’ll have you saying: 'Mamma Mia!' Be transported to an ABBA paradise, with sensational performances that’ll have you singing along and throwing some shapes in the aisles. ABBA Fever is a top-tier ABBA tribute act known for their live vocals, stunning musicianship and authentic costumes, delivering high-energy performances across the UK and Europe. Their attention to detail, from five-part harmonies to choreographed routines, creates an immersive experience that resonates with audiences of all ages.
   This is an all seated event but there is nothing to stop you dancing in the aisle!!
   For more information or to book your ticket, please visit the 
   website :www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk Advance tickets just £29.65. Licensed bar. Doors open 6.45pm. Concert starts at 7.30pm. On the door on the night tickets will cost £32.35.
5. One of the most joyous parts of the Christmas festivities is the simple gesture that encapsulates the real Tetbury Christmas spirit, which is when the always popular Christmas carol float that is brought round by the Tetbury fire crew. You still can have chance to meet them, on Saturday, December 20, at Tetbury Tesco, where  Santa and his Elves, with a watch manager and some firefighters will be playing Christmas music, eating Celebrations, drinking tea and generally being Christmassy outside. Do go and see them!
   The final tour will be taking place on the evening of Monday, December 22, the last outing of this festive season for Santa in Tetbury. He always enjoys the kids following the float through Conygar and loves to see all the effort that the families have made with their outside decorations!  They'll be singing, dancing and swinging their way along London Road, Conygar, Priory Way, Shepard's Mead estate and Northfield Road. There will be some mince pies eaten in the process.
6. Here are the Christmas services for St Mary's Church in Tetbury. Christmas Eve, 8.30am BCP Holy Communion; 10am Family Communion; 4pm is the family special Christmas Eve crib service. This is a lovely bring all the family service as they re-tell the story of Jesus' birth and the children can dress up, including as shepherds and sheep, kings and stars and angels and donkeys - what better way to get the family into the true Christmas spirit. Later at 11.30pm will be the candlelit Midnight Mass, this beautiful, joyous popular service to which everyone is welcome, celebrating the birth of Jesus and of course hope. Uniting us all to be the first ones to celebrate Christmas. In the stillness of this night, we remember the birth of Jesus into our world and discover or rediscover the Christmas message of joy, peace and hope, Silent night, Holy night. Other services in Tetbury Benefice for Christmas Eve are 6pm Long Newnton Carol Service. Christmas Eve, 4pm, Shipton Moyne Crib Service. The Christmas Day service, 10am, St Marys’ Tetbury.
   Other services in Tetbury Benefice for Christmas Day, 10am Beverston Holy Communion, Christmas Day, 11.15am, Long Newnton, Holy Communion, Christmas Day, 11.15am, Shipton Moyne, Holy Communion.
7. You still have time if you're fast to support the Tetbury Scout group Christmas post, delivering Christmas post within the Tetbury town area. They have done Christmas post for many years which is a major part of the fundraising for the Scout group, and they will deliver your cards to your friends in Tetbury for a small fee of 50p per card. They have collection boxes in the following locations, Tenovus, Tetbury Hardware, Scentiments, Premier Stores (Hampton Street), Tetbury Audi, Upton Mill.  If you would like to support your local Scout group by using the Christmas post then please take your cards to one of the shops listed and leave them with your payment on or before tomorrow Friday, December 19. Cards will be delivered over the weekend of December 20 and 21.