Weekly column of the latest Tetbury news by Kevin Painter

1. A HUGE thank you and well done to the Feoffees and the Thirteen of Tetbury for once again bringing the community together for their annual free barbecue on the Millennium Green at Gumstool Hill.

And what a lovely evening it was!

From 5pm, people began arriving with chairs, blankets, friends and family and, most importantly, healthy appetites!

The Feoffees and the Thirteen were soon busy serving up a very impressive selection of burgers and hot dogs, helping to keep the hungry crowds happy.

It was one of those wonderfully simple Tetbury evenings where people could sit back, enjoy the warm evening, have a chat with neighbours and friends, and simply enjoy being part of the community.

Chairman of the Feoffees, Lance Vick, praised the tremendous effort by his fellow Feoffees and the work of the Thirteen that went into organising the event, and he thanked everyone who came along and helped make the evening such a success.

Events like this are a great reminder of what makes Tetbury special: people coming together, looking out for one another and making time to enjoy each other’s company.

The Feoffees have been part of Tetbury’s story since 1633, when they were appointed as Lords of the Manor in trust for the town.

Through their charitable funds, they have supported generations of Tetbury and Tetbury Upton residents with education, apprentice and training grants.

The barbecue is just one of the many ways the Feoffees continue to quietly work for the good of Tetbury – and judging by the happy faces and empty burger trays, they certainly know how to throw a good community party!

1. On Sunday, September 20, Tetbury Good Shed presents Jeneba Kanneh-Mason – Piano.

   The third of the Kanneh-Mason clan to establish herself as a soloist.

   Jeneba’s BBC Proms debut with the Chineke! Orchestra, performing the Florence Price Concerto, was heralded by the press as 'demonstrating musical insight, technical acuity and an engaging performing persona'.

   Now an exclusive Sony Classical Artist, Jeneba’s debut solo album Fantasie was released in March 2025, to wide acclaim.

   It was named Classic FM’s album of the week while Gramophone praised Jeneba as 'a pianist of enormous technical resources in service of an uncommonly rich and versatile musical imagination'.

   The album was notably nominated for a prestigious Edison Award.

   Concert programme: Scarlatti: Sonata E minor Kk.98; Mozart: Sonata no.10 C major, followed by the interval, then Chopin: Four Ballades.

   Tickets, advance £32 / £36 on the door. Licensed bar. Doors open 6.15pm. Concert starts at 7pm.

   For more information or to book your tickets, visit the Tetbury Goods Shed website.

2. Tetbury Goods Shed is delighted to present Paintings by Charlotte Aiken. This amazing free exhibition that started Wednesday, September 16, will run till Sunday, October 25. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am-4pm. (Sometimes the main hall may be closed for other events. Please check before travelling especially). Charlotte Aiken’s work centres on the notion of infinity, as exemplified by her representations of clouds. A prizewinning 2017 graduate of the London Metropolitan School of Art, Architecture and Design, she bases the composition of her paintings on the structure of the cloud formations she photographs. Her latest work reflects her ongoing interest in Renaissance and Baroque ceiling frescoes and the use of colour within them. And there's a chance to meet the artist herself when the Goods Shed presents an open evening on Wednesday, September 23, 6pm-7.30pm. All are welcome.
3. This Saturday, September 19, the Feoffees and the Thirteen of Tetbury are pleased to invite you all to the annual Beating of the Bounds. Gathering under Bath Bridge at 9.30am, the Beating of the Bounds of Tetbury is a historic leisurely but enjoyable circular tour of the original town boundaries, that gives people the chance to take in some of the often overlooked gems of the town. Your guide will give a witty and insightful look at Tetbury’s history. This will be followed by refreshments and will conclude with the presentation of the Feoffees of Tetbury accounts at the magnificent Town Hall/Market House. All are welcome, including dogs.
4. On Saturday, September 19, Tetbury Goods Shed presents tribute band Very Santana. Join them for a musical time travel experience, where you can enjoy the beautiful guitar melodies and creatively diverse, challenging songs of Carlos Santana. The band consists of highly skilled and musically educated musicians who perform these pieces with excellence. As hundreds of independent reviews have confirmed, it is an absolute delight to witness these virtuoso, Very Santana musicians playing their hearts out. The band performs live concert versions of the songs with a lot of extra improvisation. This ensures that each one stays fresh and delivers surprises, gig after gig, to those who return to their concerts every year. This live experience spans the entire musical Carlos Santana legacy, including the early era songs from the Abraxas album such as Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, and Samba Pa Ti, through to the late 70s hits such as Europa and She’s Not There, to the modern era multi Grammy-awarded songs such as Smooth and Maria Maria. Very Santana recreates the guitar master and his band’s live experience, with all the authenticity and uniqueness that made Carlos Santana a living legend musician and composer. The all-analogue, warm, valve-driven guitar sound (PRS, Gibson, Fibenare guitars + Mesa Boogie Mark I King Snake Carlos Santana Signature and Two-Rock amps), the drums, bass, Hammond organ and plenty of percussion offer a truly unique music experience. The icing on the cake is their singer Amera’s vocals and dance moves. Tickets £26 advance / £28 on the door. Doors open at 6.45pm. Licensed bar. Concert starts at 7.30pm. For more information or to book your tickets, visit the Tetbury Goods Shed website.

5. On Sunday, September 20, you are all invited to Messy Church at Christchurch, from 4pm until 5.30pm. All are welcome, as this is run by Tetbury Area Churches Together: St Mary's, Christ Church, Five Valleys Christian Fellowship and Saint Michaels Catholic Church.

   You are invited to St Mary's Church, Tetbury on Sunday, September 27, at 10am for a very special Coffee Church harvest breakfast. Tea, coffee and croissant will be provided. A collection of non-perishable foods will be made in support of the South Cotswold's food bank. All donations gratefully received.

6. Tetbury Goods Shed presents Afternoon Music on Wednesday, September 23, at 2pm with The Tivoli Trio. Alan 'Oggie' Hogg on piano and friends, playing favourite tunes from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Do come and join them. You can enjoy some super music, meet your friends, as well as maybe make new ones. And the fabulous Whistle Stop Café will be open if you fancy a nice cup of tea (or coffee) and Sasha’s cakes are more than delicious. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon. There will be a selection of tables and chairs set out in the hall for you to choose from on arrival. Advance tickets are just £5 (plus booking fee). Please note that on the door they cost £6. For more information or to book your ticket, visit the Tetbury Goods Shed website.
7. On Friday, August 25, join Rosie of Rose Seeds Alchemy for a deeply restorative sound bath experience at Tetbury Goods Shed Arts. Sound healing is a great way to help switch off those busy minds. You’ll be guided into a deep state of relaxation and experience the powerful vibrations of the gong, accompanied by crystal singing bowls, drums and chimes. As you lie comfortably, a guided meditation will transport you to a state of profound relaxation and renewal. You will then feel the rich, resonant tones of the gong wash over you, clearing stagnant energy and promoting deep release. Whether you are new to sound healing or regularly attend, this experience offers a powerful reset for your body and mind. What do you need to bring? A yoga mat, roll mat or something comfy to lie on, blanket or sleeping bag, pillow, and anything else to make yourself as comfortable as possible. A question often asked is, are there any medical conditions that would make a sound bath unsuitable? Gong baths are not recommended for pregnancies in the first trimester, individuals with pacemakers/metal implants, epilepsy or any form of a serious mental health condition. For more information or to book your tickets, visit the Tetbury Goods Shed website. Tickets £25. Doors open at 7.15pm. The experience starts from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.