TETBURY: Church meeting held with new rector on the way

1. THE annual parochial church meeting for the parish of St Mary’s Tetbury (APCM), held last Tuesday, April 29, was led by the Revd Pauline Setterfield.

It began with opening prayers, then Liz Angell was appointed clerk for the meeting.

The meeting continued with reports of committees, including positive yet cautious financial figures from the treasurer.

There was an update on the electoral roll, which had fallen from 165 to 113.

Then it was time for the election for the PCC, which this year included the Revd Pauline Setterfield, the Revd Dr Steve Bullock, Richard Mattick, who was appointed new vice-chair, Sue Thomas (churchwarden), Mike Hardwick (treasurer), Rosemary Bailey (deanery synod rep), Sarah Williams (deanery synod rep), Diana Challis, Michele Maund, Heather Woodcock, Dan Fletcher, Mary Hinton, Alison Hesketh, Kevin Painter and Darren Baker.

PCC secretary Liz Angell and Pauline said it is an exciting time with the new rector, the Revd Sarah Heywood and her husband Harry and three sons joining us later in the year, and she thanked the entire team for all the hard work being done to continue church life without having a rector.

A member of the public raised the point that many people were very disappointed that Revd Steve Bullock had not been chosen or even offered the position of rector by the diocese, especially in light of all the amazing work he has done with outreach and initiatives and the fact that this was the wish of many of the congregation and members of the public.

This was then confirmed by an overwhelming standing ovation for Steve.

A truly modest Steve said he was merely part of a great team.

2. On Sunday, May 11, Tetbury Town Council will be sponsoring The Sound Bath Experience.

Join Rosie of Rose Seeds Alchemy for a deeply restorative sound bath experience.

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.

Tickets cost £25 plus booking fees.

Doors open at 7.15pm and it will run from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

To book or find out more, please visit www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk

This is part of Wild Wellness Tetbury, sponsored by Tetbury Town Council.

3. Thursday, May 8 is VE Day. And Tetbury is set to join the nationwide celebrations for VE Day, commemorating the end of World War II in Europe. The town has organised a series of events to honour this significant day in history. The day will begin at 9am with the raising of the peace flag at Tetbury Town Council. This symbolic act will mark the start of the celebrations, reflecting the town's commitment to peace and remembrance.  

At 10am, a proclamation will be made at Market House. This historic location will serve as the backdrop for a speech that will remind the community of the importance of VE Day and the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom. From 10am to 4pm, Market House will host a special VE Day display curated by History of Tetbury Society. This exhibit will provide visitors with a glimpse into the history of Tetbury during the war years, showcasing artifacts, photographs and stories from the local community. At 6.30pm, the bells of Tetbury will ring out in celebration. This joyous sound will echo through the town, symbolising the relief and happiness that swept through Europe on VE Day in 1945.  The festivities will continue at 8.30pm with a performance by the Nailsworth Silver Band at Tetbury Goods Shed. The band will play a selection of wartime favourites, bringing the spirit of the 1940s to life. Following the band performance, a celebration service will be held at 9pm. This service will offer a moment of reflection and gratitude for the peace and freedom enjoyed today. The day's events will culminate at 9.30pm with the lighting of the beacon at Tetbury Goods Shed. This act of illumination will serve as a powerful reminder of the light that emerged from the darkness of war. Tetbury's VE Day celebrations promise to be a heartfelt tribute to the past and a hopeful look towards the future. The community is invited to join in these events and honour the legacy of those who fought for peace. We will never forget. Please note the location of the event as some people were confused by the town council poster with a picture of St Mary's Church on it, thinking that was the location.

4. Tetbury Goods Shed Arts are delighted to welcome back on Saturday, May 10 the most extraordinary baroque quartet that is Red Priest. Following their last, sold-out appearance at the Goods Shed in 2023 with their Truly, Madly, Baroque evening, be prepared for another stunning programme of classics, arranged and performed with their trademark flair and virtuosity. The programme is part of the Rococo Rocks! Festival, in collaboration with Painswick Rococo Garden, Spencer House Gallery and Watch This Space Collective. Red Priest is the brainchild of recorder virtuoso Piers Adams and violinist Julia Bishop, and named after the original 'red priest’ Antonio Vivaldi, the quartet has developed a truly unique style. Combining high-energy performance, boundary crossing arrangements and theatrical presentation, the quartet has delighted audiences across the globe. Red Priest’s discography includes an iconic take on Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, hailed by Gramophone Magazine as one of the all-time best recordings of the work, and The Baroque Bohemians, which surprised the major labels by reaching number one in the UK classical charts. For more information or to book you ticket, please visit the website: www.tetburygoodsshed.co.uk  Tickets in advance £24. On the door tickets will be £28.

5. On Monday, May 12 the annual town meeting for Tetbury will be held at St Mary’s C of E Primary School, St Mary’s Road, Tetbury, commencing at 6.30pm.  This meeting will be open to the public and Local Government electors registered in the town of Tetbury. Any Tetbury resident is entitled to ask a question at this meeting, if you are unable to attend and wish to ask a question, could you please email reception@tetbury.gov.uk before Friday, May 9.

6. Tetbury Good Shed present Afternoon Music on Wednesday, May 14. Entertaining you this week is singer Peter Schnabl who is planning a mix of sacred music, opera, lieder and some American standards. He will be again be accompanied on the piano by Jonathan Adkins, senior organist at St Marys’ Church, Tetbury. 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.  The Whistle Stop Café will be open. For more information or to book you ticket, please visit the 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.

7. Are you looking for a rewarding way to give back to your community? Then you are  invited to be part of a much needed mission to brighten the lives of the elderly in our community. People for you Cotswolds are a caring group, fighting loneliness through our befriending service. Can you dedicate just one hour a week to visit someone experiencing loneliness and social isolation? A friendly chat and a cuppa can make a world of difference. They are looking for volunteers who would love to get involved not just in Tetbury but throughout the Cotswolds. You choose the day and time that works for you! It's as easy as fitting an hour of friendly conversation into your week. 

8. They also need of some volunteer drivers to enable people to attend their monthly art group in Tetbury. The art group is hosted monthly on a Wednesday and helps those who are feeling lonely and socially isolated.  So Could you spare a Wednesday morning to help? If you're ready to make a positive impact and brighten someone's day, then please contact Melanie to find out more on 07810 630167 or email  peopleforyoucotswolds@gmail.com 

9. Well done and Congratulations to the new county councillor for Tetbury division Cllr Ian Watson. And also Cllr Laura Hall-Wilson as the new district councillor for Tetbury with Upton. And I'm sure we will have lots of stories from them soon.