The Feoffees and Thirteen of Tetbury 

When I wrote this article in February 2020, I mentioned how the start of a new year and new decade was exciting, little did I know how our lives would change both here in our Market Town and around the World with the arrival of COVID-19 and the lockdowns which have endeavoured to keep us all safe and reduce transmission.

I would like to start this year by not only wishing you all a Happy New Year but to also thank the NHS staff, keyworkers, volunteers and local traders, who are providing essential services to us all during this difficult time.  News of the vaccination programme is welcomed and by the time that you read this, I hope that good progress is being made to help protect our residents and community.

One of the inspiring things which appears to have happened during this time is the support of local shops and businesses, with the shop local campaign.  The businesses have provided us with support over the last 12 months and in turn, by using their services we can support them.  Whist many shops may not be open, if you can, check them online, as many are offering click and collect services, this will support our local economy and jobs.

Many of you will have noticed that The Market Hall remains closed at this time, however, the outside Wednesday and Saturday markets continue, according to Government guidance – currently essential services only, although this is subject to change. I would like to once again thank those volunteers who, within Government guidance, managed to ensure that The Market Hall was decorated so beautifully for the Christmas period and it has been wonderful to see this beautiful building still adorned with lights throughout the winter evenings. I would also like to thank Thirteen member Darby Law and our Clerk Alison McKay for arranging to decorate the Feoffee Christmas Tree in the St Saviours Christmas Tree Festival and Thirteen member David Smith and his family for decorating the pair of Christmas Trees which flanked the Market Hall steps over the Christmas period.

Sadly, I have to report that someone has recently fly tipped wood chippings along Herd Lane, could I please ask residents to keep their eyes open when taking their daily exercise and should any fly tipping be witnessed to report accordingly – many thanks.

Finally, during this time we have supported the local Foodbank in their work to ensure that no one in our town goes hungry and 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