WEEKLY column of Tetbury news by Kevin Painter
1. Special service this weekend
There will be a very special Service of Evensong this Sunday, 8th September. Special as it will be held in the much loved exquisite St Saviours Church, New Church St, Tetbury.
The service will begin at 6:00pm this will be as always a heartwarming service, and even if not a regular churchgoer it gives a perfect opportunity to step back in time for you to enjoy this beautiful historic, unfortunately redundant church. St Saviour’s Church has a special place in the hearts of many Tetburians.
This is a real opportunity to not only reflect, but meet old friends and perhaps make new ones. All are welcome to this real community event/service. The very special Evensong is in remembrance of Father Charles Fuge Lowder who died on 9th September 1880 who is commemorated by the Church of England for his extraordinary dedication as a parish priest in London.
Known as the first “slum priest”, he worked with the poorest and most destitute people in the city. This is an annual service to celebrate him as it was the driving Spirit for the building of St Saviours which he oversaw.
2. One of the highlights of the classical season
On Sunday Sept 8 Tetbury Goods Shed Arts are delighted to welcome the highly acclaimed Melvyn Tan once again as one of the highlights of their 2024-25 season of special classical concerts.Exploration, insight and imagination are vital ingredients in Melvyn Tan’s blend of artistic attributes.
He established his international reputation in the 1980s with pioneering performances on fortepiano and continues to cast fresh light on music conceived for the piano’s early and modern forms.
Tan possesses a profound understanding of his instrument’s history, its technical evolution and musical development.
His performances of piano masterworks, whether on a late eighteenth-century fortepiano or today’s concert grand, penetrate the surface of interpretive traditions and received wisdom to reveal countless expressive nuances and rarely heard tonal contrasts.
Acclaimed for the wit and poetry of his playing, Tan has also received ovations for his bold programming and exceptional ability to switch from fortepiano and modern piano, even in the same recital.
Tan’s mature musicianship is informed by extensive knowledge of the piano from the time of its invention three centuries ago and of its historic development.
He has reached back in time to perform on everything from copies of early fortepianos to restored instruments associated with Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt and Brahms.
In addition he has applied lessons learned on pianos from the past to conjure subtle new colours, fine details of articulation and delicate shadings from the modern concert instrument.
Advance tickets are £15.00 Under-25 £15 Please note: on the door on the night tickets will cost £28 and £18 respectively For more information or to book your tickets, please visit the website:www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk
3. Afternoon music at the Goods Shed
Tetbury Goods Shed present, Afternoon Music with “The Peekies” On Wed Sept 11 at 2.00pm The Peekies are Chris Fry and Christina Snell, are a popular Stroud-based acoustic duo.
Their music features a mixture of their own modern folk compositions and uniquely arranged covers.
Comprising two guitars and two voices, they are best known for their sweet harmonies and polished performances. Their two albums of original music – “Smokin’ Fish” (2020) and “Brief Melodic Cheer” (2024) are available to buy or stream on all the major platforms, including Spotify, You Tube, Amazon Music and Apple Music.
Two of their songs, A Cold Wind Blows and Once More have recently been Highly Commended and awarded 5 star ratings in the UK Songwriting Contest. More information can be found on their website www.thepeekies.co.uk.Do come along and you can enjoy some super music, meet your friends as well as maybe making new ones.
Advance tickets are just £3.50 (plus booking fee) Tickets on the door cost £4.00. The Whistle Stop Café will be open if you fancy a nice cup of tea (or coffee) and perhaps one of Sasha’s delicious cakes.
For more information or to book you ticket, please visit the new website :www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk There will be a selection of tables and chairs set out in the hall for you to choose from on arrival.
4. Exploring Jack the Ripper
On Friday Sept 13 Tetbury Police Museum present 'Don’t go into the cellar'
In this theatrical shocker, award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin plays different characters as we explore the murders and the myths of the infamous Jack the Ripper. Even to this day, the identity of the serial killer remains unknown.
Although theories abound as to who he might have been, and what his motives were, it seems unlikely that the truth shall ever be known. This original theatre show includes an adaptation of The Lodger.
The perfect location for this year will be in the Police Museum in the The Old Court House,63 Long Street, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8AAThe show is scripted by Jonathan Goodwin.and runs from 19:30 - 21:30. Tickets cost £13.70 and available from Tickets at jacktheripper.eventbrite.co.uk
5. Fantastic book festival returns
The Fantastic Tetbury Book Festival returns from 13th - 15th September 2024.
On Friday 13th September at 7.00pm Meg Rosoff - Almost Nothing Happened The Carnegie winning author on her new book, and what young adults like to read-or not.
0n Saturday 14th September program begins at, 11.00am Richard Fortey - Close Encounters of the Fungal Kind: Remarkable MushroomsA journey through the bizarre and wonderful wold of mushrooms and toadstools.11.15am Sarah Corbett - A Gentle Craftivism Workshop. Make your own project and be a gentle, creative protester!
No experience necessary, but age 14+. 1.00pm Eleanor Barraclough - Embers of the Hands. Meet the Vikings hidden from history. 3.00pm Sarah Corbett and Katy Bevan: Craft, Community and Changing the World,Crafting is both ancient and modern - but can we use it to take back control over our lives?
Then at 7.00pm The Bookshop Band: Emerge, Return. Brilliant songs inspired by books we love.
On Sunday 15th September, 11.00am Daniel Light - The White LadderA history of climbing from the dawn of mountaineering to the ascent of Everest. 11.15am The Bookshop Band: A Musical Workshop, How to write a song - no previous experience necessary, and open to all ages and abilities.1.00pm Dai George: How to Think like a Poet, How to enjoy poetry more - from Sappho to Shakespeare and Donne to Plath.3.00pm Four Poets, Martha Sprackland, Declan Ryan, Chrissy Williams and Will Burns.
Give them a subject to write on. 5.00pm Rosanne Pike - A Little Trickerie, Meet Tibb. You will never forget her. The best novel of the summer. And then at 7.00pm Darren Freebury-Jones: Shakespeare's Borrowed Feathers, Why does Shakespeare still talk to us - and is it really his voice we hear?
On Wednesday 18th September It is the great The Book Quiz! At 7.00pmFiendish, fun, and prizes galore. For everyone, raising money for books for schools. Tickets : £8.50 or save when you buy 5 pay for 4. Workshops £16.00 Available online from Ticketsource, the Yellow-Lighted Bookshop and Tetbury Goods Shed.
6. Annual beating of the bounds
The Feoffees and the Thirteen of Tetbury are pleased to invite you all to the annual Beating of the Bounds on Saturday 14 September.
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 give people the chance to have a tour of the town’s boundaries and taking 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
7. Expo Day at Dolphins Hall
On Saturday, 14th September 2024 It is Tetbury Expo Day at Dolphins Hall, Tetbury, GL8 8DS from10am-2pm Local organisations and clubs will be showcasing their unique talents and services, offering you a chance to discover what makes our community special.
You can explore a variety of activities, meet passionate members, and find opportunities to get involved. Whether you are looing to volunteer, join a club, or simply connect with others, Tetbury Expo has something for everyone.Discover Tetbury's Spirit: Connect, Volunteer, Thrive Together! Free Admission this is a Tetbury Town council initiative
8. Last car boot sale
On Sunday 15 will be the last for this season Tetbury car boot sale at at Longfurlong lane, post code GL8 8TJ, Sellers can arrive at 9.00 pm and then open to buyers from 9.30 am.
The cost is Sellers £5, Vans £7. Admission is just 50p for Adults children are free. And please remember this is a cash only admission.
For more information or to book please email tetburycarboot@ gmail.com or ring or text (07900) 865535. Course weather permitting! There will be updates on Facebook Tetbury car boot. Please note the slightly earlier time for buyers to enter, to get that bargain!
9. Celebrating harvest together
Let’s Celebrate Harvest together On Sunday 15th of September St Mary's Church Tetbury, Will be celebrating with a special harvest festival Family Service at 10:00 am, which will be followed by a bring and share lunch.
Either bring your own lunch/picnic or a plate for sharing.
Please bring a glass, whatever you would like to drink and a plate, bowl and cutlery. Please do stay if you can - all are welcome and do bring your friends.
Sharing a meal together is a great way to establish and deepen relationships and is something Christ encourages us to do, and so our celebrations continue after the service with coffee and then a harvest bring and share lunch to which you are all invited. It will be a great opportunity to get together socially.
Harvest donations from St Marys' Tetbury will in aid of Cirencester Food Bank with fresh produce for the Community Fridge.
Also be celebrating on different days from the Tetbury benefice will be Holy Trinity Long Newnton on Sunday 22nd September at 11.15am. St Mary's Beverston on Sunday 6th October at10.00am. St John the Baptist Shipton Moyne on Sunday 13th October at 11.15
10. Film society begins season of screenings
On Wednesday 18th September, Tetbury Film Society will begin its New 2024/25 season by screening "Past Lives" (Cert. 12A).
This Academy Award-nominated film follows two childhood friends, Nora and Hae Sung, over the course of 24 years as they try to maintain their long-distance relationship. Everyone is welcome.
Doors at the Dolphins Hall open at 7pm for a 7:30pm start. Tickets for visiting guests cost £6 and can be purchased on the door. Membership for the entire season is also available, visitwww.tetburyfilm.org.uk.
11. One of the jewels in the crown of Tetbury restaurants
Tetbury, famous for its Antique shops and of course its Royal neighbour, is also home to a multitude of independent eateries spanning every cuisine one of the many jewels in the crown of the Tetbury restaurateurs, is the Priory Inn.
Although The Arkell’s Brewery own the 14-bedroom hotel the husband-and-wife team Matt and Natalie Starkey, with their two children, have certainly worked hard to make this a true family run destination.
Nat said Arkell’s have 'been tremendously supportive of all our suggestions and changes including the latest one of turning the former takeaway section into a fantastic light bright airy snug! Complementing the main restaurant bar and function/party room, and of course the outside Tetbury Terrace. ’She also wanted to thank her fantastic team and amazing customers for all their support, since arriving in Tetbury via Tasmania and Sussex in 2022."
They ran their own restaurant on the other side of the world before coming to the UK, where Matt is originally from, eight years ago to be closer to his parents. Matt In the last couple of years, has built an ardent cult following having his own restaurant before and doing his own butchery he really has a well-deserved reputation for superb food.
Matt said 'One of our great passions here at The Priory is our own kitchen garden and using as much locally sourced produce as we can.
This exciting journey has taken us to some amazing suppliers, right here on our doorstep, to create dishes and a menu we are genuinely very proud to serve everyone who visits us.
Our allotment, here, especially, although still maturing, is really bearing fruit, which, alongside the fresh herbs from our front garden makes it even more satisfying when we actually say: 'freshly grown in our garden’. Our new relationship with Plump Hill Farm is an especially exciting one.
Their ethically reared produce from the heart of the Forest of Dean provides us with flavoursome pork that's certainly some of the best I've ever cooked with and tasted myself. The incredible lamb & beef we source directly from the award-winning Artisan Jack, right here, in Tetbury, means you really can't get any more local.
And of course, Always superb quality and responsibly sourced, we know that New Wave's top-quality fish and shellfish comes direct to us from the British coast is always fresh."
Nat concluded in her usual warm welcoming manner by saying 'Join us for lunch, dinner, Sunday roasts & daily specials. Booking is advised, please, as we hate to disappoint when it's busy. We are also delighted to announce that we have electric car charging points operated by Fuuse."
So while your electric car is getting a boost, you can sit back and enjoy our food & drinks.' If you would like more information then please visit the website theprioryinn.co.uk
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