The Feoffees and Thirteen of Tetbury
When I wrote the last article for the April edition, I never imagined that that it would end up in an online version of the magazine and that our lives would have changed so much.
I hope that you and your families have stayed well during the lockdown and as we move to the next phase during the pandemic of re-opening our town and businesses, we are going to notice changes which will be with us for a while – not least Social Distancing and queuing outside premises at 2m distance from each other. The Market House will remain closed during this time, however, the market underneath will remain open on Wednesday and Saturday – it has been so good to see our stall holders returning during lockdown and providing valuable services to our town and residents.
During the lockdown period The Chipping Car Park had the car parking charges suspended, but as we start to get back to the ‘new normal’ these charges, along with the District Council Car Parks have restarted. Many of you may not be aware that, whilst this car park is managed by Cotswold District Council, this Car Park is owned by the Feoffee and all profits are put back into our community in the form of grants. We have been asked by many people about the CDC ‘Free after 3pm’ scheme and why we do not take part in this – the reason is that the loss of income would mean approx. £6k not being received by the Charity and therefore unable to be given out as grants
Sadly, prior to the Coronavirus crisis we were experiencing episodes of fly tipping along Herd Lane, can I respectfully request that you arrange to dispose of your rubbish responsibly and remove to the tip or arrange appropriate collection. Many of you will have also seen the reports that toddler den seats in Berkeley Wood were taken, however, following appeals these have been returned. On the Millennium Green the Bird Cherry Tree was damaged during heavy wind and rain, thanks to Richard Cooper, John Latter, John Hugginson, Danny Bristow and Mark Elliott who ensured that this area was made safe. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Tetbury Heating and Plumbing for their assistance in putting the hanging baskets on The Market House and for ensuring that they will be watered over the summer months.
Whilst we have been unable to hold our Free Community BBQ on the Millennium Green this year, due to the restrictions of public gatherings, we have not yet cancelled the following planned events – we await further changes to restrictions and advice, but please note that these could be cancelled at short notice:
5th September – Beating of the Bounds – 9.30am under Bath Bridge
12th/13th September – Heritage Weekend – The Market House will be open to the public
Grants applications have continued to be received during this time and I am pleased to report the following support has been given:
Support for a young father terminally ill and his family - £500
Tetbury Foodbank - £2,000
If you think we may be able to help you or your group with an education or training grant or would like to know more about the work we do in our town, please visit our website – www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk - or speak to one of our members.
Lance Vick – Chairman