February 2024

I would like to start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year and I hope that 2024 is kind to us all.

Whilst Christmas seems a long time ago now, I am sure you will all have noticed the new lights on The Market House, which means that we now have the old ones available to donate in the community. Are you a group or organisation who would like these? They are on long strings but could be altered by an electrician. If you are interested in any of these please send us a message via the Contact Page on our website.

Our grateful thanks go to Geoff Turbott, for his recent clearing of the pathways through Berkeley Wood and along the Tetbury Trail, his hard work and commitment to helping us keep Preston Park and this wonderful recreation area for our residents and community in good order is greatly appreciated.

Would you like to learn more about the Feoffees and Thirteen, our history and the work we do in the town? If so, Thirteen member Dr Tony Walsh arranges talks for groups and organisations, please contact us if you would like to arrange one this year.

Finally, we have been pleased to support Tetbury Bowls Club with financial assistance towards their kitchen renovation works.

If you think we may be able to help you or if you are a member of a group who could be helped with a grant, please visit our website - www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk – where you can also find out more about the work we do in our town. Finally, if you would like to volunteer to help us, please get in touch or speak to one of our members.

Lance Vick – Chairman

December 2023

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all residents and traders in Tetbury a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2024.

My thanks go to members of the Feoffee and Thirteen and Tetbury Plumbing & Heating, who decorated the Market House with our new Christmas Lights and also the two beautiful trees, kindly donated by the Lowsley-Williams family at Chavenage. The Market House is the jewel in the crown at Christmas and the focal point for the Light Up Tetbury event on 1st December – well done to all those, led by Tetbury Town Council, involved in creating a wonderful, seasonal community event for us all.

Don’t forget that the Christmas Tree Festival at St Saviour’s Church will be taking place from Friday 1st December – Tuesday 2nd January, where groups and organisations will display their trees and on Saturday 2nd December at 5pm in St Saviour’s there will be the annual Christmas Tree Festival Carol Service – please do go along, wrap up warm and enjoy community carols followed by a mince pie and mulled wine.

If you are a small business who would like a stall at the Market House occasionally, please call in to Jo at Scentiments and let her have your contact details, as we do have free slots pop up, which we would be glad to fill.

Finally, we are pleased to have supported the following groups and residents with financial grants this month:

Tetbury Area Youth and Community Trust - £5,000 to sponsor holiday provision activities for children in Tetbury. 

Foodbank - annual donation of £1200 - Tetbury is now a Foodbank Plus Centre, this grant will also help them engage with the Tetbury community as part of their outreach programme. 

Tetbury Library - £1,000 Feoffee sponsorship of the Nature Club for the community.

Tetbury Town Football Club - £1,000 to support with equipment.  

Club 77 - £200 - towards the running this voluntary group, helping people with additional physical needs and learning disabilities.

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal - £150

Historical Annual Advowsan grants - £75 - Tetbury Town Council for maintenance of pavements and£30 - Rev. Poppy Hughes for lecturers’ grant.

Local student - £250 - support for an educational trip to Ghana.

If you think we may be able to help you or if you are a member of a group who could be helped with a grant, please visit our website - www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk – where you can also find out more about the work we do in our town. Finally, if you would like to volunteer to help us, please get in touch or speak to one of our members.

Lance Vick – Chairman

November 2023

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome another new member to the Thirteen, Megan Trowell, we all look forward to working with her in the coming years and this now fills the current membership of our colleagues in the Thirteen, who support us in the important work we undertake in the town and community.

As we enter winter, our allotment holders have been busy tidying up their allotments at the end of a difficult growing season, with the ever-changing weather causing problems and as the darker nights arrive, we are looking forward to the Christmas season and the new lights which we have purchased to decorate the Market House, which becomes the centre of the town’s Christmas celebrations.

Dates for your Diary

·       Friday 1st December – Light Up Tetbury

·       Sunday 10th December – Tetbury Hospital Santa Dash – starting under the Market House

Finally, we are pleased to have supported the following residents and groups with financial grants this month:

·       Three local students with further education

·       A carpentry apprentice

·       Tetbury in Bloom - £1500

·       St Mary’s Primary School – resources to support Open the Book Bible stories

If you think we may be able to help you or if you are a member of a group who could be helped with a grant, please visit our website - www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk – where you can also find out more about the work we do in our town. Finally, if you would like to volunteer to help us, please get in touch or speak to one of our members.

Lance Vick – Chairman

September 2023

Firstly, I would like to extend our grateful thanks to Jesse Smiths for the loan of the Big Pan and to Eagle Plant for the provision of the portable toilet at our Community BBQ on the Millennium Green in June – your generosity enabled us to hold this successful annual event.

In July, I was proud to visit St Mary’s Primary School, where I presented Feoffee Medallions to the Year 6 School pupils, as they headed to Senior School – good luck and best wishes to you all. I was also pleased to receive a clock donated to the Feoffees by local resident Julian Pearce. This clock was made by Will Mills of Tetbury and will be sited in the Feoffee Meeting Room at the end of The Market House. Members of the public will be able to see this clock and other Feoffee items during Heritage Weekend on Saturday 9th September, when Thirteen Member Tony Walsh will give a talk on the History of the Feoffees and Thirteen at 12 noon.

I would also like to remind you that the Beating of the Bounds will take place on Saturday 16th September. This annual event is the traditional beating of the boundaries of Tetbury starting at 9.30am under Bath Bridge and finishing at The Market House for refreshments and the presentation of the Charity’s accounts. Please come along with good walking shoes, coats (weather dependant) and your family, including dogs. If you have never done this before or are new to Tetbury, please come along and learn about the history of the town.

Finally, I am pleased to confirm that we have recently made an educational grant to a local resident who is re-training as a Counsellor.

Dates for your Diary

·       Saturday 9th September Only - Heritage Weekend - The Market House will be open with an exhibition and at 12 noon Thirteen Member Tony Walsh will be giving a talk on the History of the Feoffees

·       16th September - The Annual Beating of the Bounds

If you think we may be able to help you or if you are a member of a group who could be helped with a grant, please visit our website - www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk – where you can also find out more about the work we do in our town. Finally, if you would like volunteer to help us, please get in touch or speak to one of our members.

Lance Vick – Chairman

July 2023

The Feoffees and Thirteen of Tetbury

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Feoffee and Thirteen members who worked so hard at the Community BBQ held on 16th June. It was lovely to see so many of our residents enjoying the summer sunshine and taking the opportunity to catch up with old friends and new.

You will have noticed that outside the Market House our beautiful hanging baskets are now on display, thanks to Tetbury Plumbing & Heating for putting these up for us and for those of you who use the main hall itself, you will notice that we have continued to improve the facilities with the purchase of a new set of tables. Hopefully these will be lighter and much easier to move around and put up when you are using the Market House for events.

As there is no Advertiser in August, please check out the September events below and pop them in the diary, particularly the Beating of the Bounds – this annual event is the traditional beating of the boundaries of Tetbury starting at 9.30am under Bath Bridge and finishing at The Market House for refreshments and the presentation of the Charity’s accounts.  Please come along with good walking shoes, coats (weather dependant) and your family including dogs.  If you have never done this before or are new to Tetbury, please come along and learn about the history of the town.

Dates for your Diary

·       30th July – Celebration of Tetbury Event on the Recreation Ground starting with Carnival Procession through the town at 1pm

·       Saturday 9th September Only - Heritage Weekend - The Market House will be open with an exhibition and at 12 noon Thirteen Member Tony Walsh will be giving a talk on the History of the Feoffees

·       16th September - The Annual Beating of the Bounds

If you think we may be able to help you or if you are a member of a group who could be helped with a grant, please visit our website - www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk – where you can also find out more about the work we do in our town. Finally, if you would like volunteer to help us, please get in touch or speak to one of our members.

Lance Vick – Chairman

June 2023

The Feoffees and Thirteen of Tetbury

Firstly, I would like to congratulate His Majesty the King on his Coronation, we celebrated and marked this occasion by purchasing a new Union Jack Flag and ropes, which were flown from The Market House.

I cannot believe that we are already halfway through the year and we are all looking forward to being able to bring back our Annual Community BBQ on Friday 16th June at 6pm. This community event is held on the Millennium Green and free to our residents – please come along to meet old and new friends – all you need to do is bring a chair or picnic blanket and your own drinks – we look forward to welcoming you. Any donations on this evening will go towards Millennium Green projects.

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome new Thirteen Member Mike Hewitt and we look forward to working with him in the future.

Looking forward to the summer, I was pleased to see that a group of residents have planned the resurrection of the Carnival Procession, which will conclude at the Recreation Ground for a traditional Show afternoon and Celebration of Tetbury – where in conjunction with Tetbury Town Council and with the theme of Health & Wellbeing, residents can see clubs, groups and organisations showcasing the work they do in Tetbury. There will also be a Car Boot Sale, Skate Competition and Show Competitions – craft, cooking & hobby in the Dolphins Hall. I would like to wish the organisers all the best for a successful Community Day.

Dates for your Diary

·       16th June – 6pm Community BBQ on the Millennium Green

·       30th July – Celebration of Tetbury Event on the Recreation Ground starting with Carnival Procession through the town at 1pm

·       9th – 10th September - Heritage Weekend - The Market House will be open with an exhibition on Saturday

·       16th September - The Annual Beating of the Bounds

If you think we may be able to help you or if you are a member of a group who could be helped with a grant, please visit our website - www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk – where you can also find out more about the work we do in our town. Finally, if you would like volunteer to help us, please get in touch or speak to one of our members.

Lance Vick – Chairman

May 2023

By the time you read this, you will either be looking forward to or may have attended the Tetbury Wacky Races and I do hope that the first community event of the year is a great success.

I start my article this month with some sad news. We were all sorry to hear of the passing of David Lowsley-Williams, who was such a supporter of our community and as a mark of respect the Feoffee flag on the Market House has been flown at ½ mast. Our thoughts are with his wife Rona and the family at this difficult time.

Last month, I advised you of a potential pollution incident at the Millennium Green Pond and I am pleased to confirm that the Environment Agency has advised that this was a harmless dye used by the water companies whilst undertaking recent works at both London and Cirencester Roads.  For those of you who don’t know the pond is man made and contains the surface water coming along drains from the direction of London Road, Cirencester Road and Northfield. We look forward to the vegetation growing back as the weather improves.

For Centuries markets have been held under the Grade 1 Listed Market House, the hub of the Town and today,

there are two weekly markets held in Tetbury. Plants and produce such as vegetables, cheese, pies and fish can be found there on a Wednesday, whilst on Saturday you can find plants, vegetables, bric a brac, old books and jewellery. On other days you may also see traders selling anything from garden furniture to dog beds!

In addition, craft fairs and art exhibitions often occupy the upstairs room of the Market House. If you would be interested in being part of the market or would like to hire the upstairs room, please contact us via our website.

Dates for your Diary

·       1st May – Wacky Races

·       16th June – 6pm Community BBQ on the Millennium Green

·       9th – 10th September - Heritage Weekend - The Market House will be open with an exhibition on Saturday

·       16th September - The Annual Beating of the Bounds

If you think we may be able to help you or if you are a member of a group who could be helped with a grant, please visit our website - www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk – where you can also find out more about the work we do in our town. Finally, if you would like volunteer to help us, please get in touch or speak to one of our members.

Lance Vick – Chairman

April 2023

The time is flying by and I can hardly believe that we are in April already.  Over the last month I am pleased to report that Feoffee Will Cook was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Tetbury Town Council, along with his great friend Grayham Cleaver, this included their work over the winter months, planting the new hedging and trees in Preston Park.  We really appreciate the time and commitment that Will and Grayham give to Preston Park and our community.

I am sorry to advise that the pond at the Millennium Green has suffered from a pollution incident, we have provided water samples to the Environment Agency and await the results. Our thanks go to Thirteen member Ben Scrivens for his work in maintaining the pond, including keeping the grills clear and we look forward to the pond being restored to its former ecosystem. 

The good news is - we are currently updating the tables in The Market House and I am pleased to confirm that we will be bringing back the Feoffee & Thirteen Community BBQ on Friday 16th June at 6pm.  This BBQ is provided by the Feoffee free of charge to residents and it is an opportunity for us to meet up with new friends and old on the Millennium Green – please bring your own picnic rugs, chairs and drinks – we look forward to seeing you there.

Dates for your Diary

·         1st May – Wacky Races

·         16th June – 6pm Community BBQ on the Millennium Green

·         9th – 10th September - Heritage Weekend - The Market House will be open with an exhibition on Saturday

·         16th September - The Annual Beating of the Bounds

If you think we may be able to help you or if you are a member of a group who could be help with a grant, please visit our website - www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk – where you can also find out more about the work we do in our town. Finally, if you would like volunteer to help us, please get in touch or speak to one of our members.

Lance Vick – Chairman

March 2023

Spring is on its way with displays of late snowdrops, spring bulbs and buds appearing as the weather warms up and we can start to think about putting our hats, scarves and gloves away.  Thoughts will be turning to planting up our gardens and allotments and for those of you who are not aware The Feoffees own the allotments along Herd Lane and whilst we have a waiting list, please let us know via the contact form on our website if you would be interested in joining it.

I do hope that many of you managed to enjoy the Winter Wanderland event, which took place throughout the town, including The Market House in February.  It was a lovely event which brightened up the dark February evenings.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Geoff Turbot for his work levelling out the railway line and improving this footpath for all users.

Dates for your Diary

·         1st May – Wacky Races

·         9th – 10th September - Heritage Weekend - The Market House will be open with an exhibition on Saturday

·         16th September - The Annual Beating of the Bounds

I am pleased to advise that we have recently agreed 2 grants to support young people going on to study at University and if you think we may be able to help you or if you are a member of a group who could be helped with a grant, please visit our website - www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk – where you can also find out more about the work we do in our town. Finally, if you would like volunteer to help us, please get in touch or speak to one of our members.                       

Lance Vick – Chairman

February 2023

The Feoffees and Thirteen of Tetbury

May I start by wishing everyone a very Happy New Year and a wish that 2023 is kind to us all.

Maintenance work has continued on our community and open spaces over the winter months and following the planting the new hedgerow in Preston Park, Will Cook and his team of volunteers have planted 24 oak trees – 20 around the hedgerow and a further 4 throughout the Park. 

In addition, we have planted two cherry trees on our land in The Chipping – one as a memorial to the Holborow family and the other to commemorate the work of the Trefoil Guild in Girlguiding – our thanks go to Thirteen Emeritus John Latter and to Feoffee Dave Norris for their work arranging this. Finally, Feoffee Jim Pearce and his volunteer team have completed a tidy up of The John Phillips Millennium Green and Market Place area – thank you to everyone involved.

Following my thanks in December’s article, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Feoffee and Thirteen members, along with EESI and Tetbury Plumbing for their support in the removal of the Christmas Trees and Market House lights in January, during such dreadful weather conditions.

I am pleased to advise that we have recently agreed a grant to the Girl Guide Unit in Tetbury, supporting 3 planned trips.

Dates for your Diary

·         9th – 12th February – The Market House will be taking part in the Window Wanderland Event

If you think we may be able to help you or if you are a member of a group who could be helped with a grant, please visit our website - www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk – where you can also find out more about the work we do in our town. Finally, if you would like volunteer to help us, please get in touch or speak to one of our members.

Lance Vick – Chairman

Hedgerow Planting November

Between Preston Park and the football pitch on Saturday 26th November and Saturday 3rd December at 9:30. Bring your whole family with trowels and wellies ready to plant a metre of hedging.  Once established the hedge will provide a wildlife haven and help the planet. There will be free refreshments. You can either arrive from Herd Lane or from the side of the football pitch on Cirencester Road.

Please Ring Will on 01666 502877 for info

September 2002

I would like to start this month’s article by thanking Feoffee Richard Cooper for his 26 years of service to both the Feoffees and Thirteen of Tetbury. Over the years Richard has been instrumental in the work that has taken place in the town and in the last 5 years as a Feoffee, he has looked after the old Market Place/Lower Gumstool Hill and Millennium Green area on behalf of our charity. On behalf of all our members, I would like to wish Richard and his wife Carol a wonderful retirement together and following Richard’s retirement, we are pleased to welcome Jim Pearce as the new Feoffee. In addition, we would like to welcome Andy Howell, as the newest member of the Thirteen and we all look forward to working with Andy in the future.

We are pleased to have had the opportunity recently to support Tetbury Town Football Club with a grant of £1500 for a set of new goal posts, which are adjustable, allowing them to be used for all age groups and as advised last month, we have also continued our financial support of the Foodbank and we have been advised that they can also assist now with fuel vouchers for families. We have also supported Tetbury Cricket Club with a donation of £500 towards their new cricket nets.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members and volunteers who have been working hard to strim the Community Orchard, ensuring that this area is maintained for us all to enjoy and to Feoffee John Hugginson and Tetbury Plumbing & Heating for putting up the hanging baskets on The Market House and for their commitment to water them throughout the summer.

2022 Dates for your Diary

• 3rd September – Beating of the Bounds and Presentation of the Feoffee Accounts

• 10th/11th September – Heritage Weekend

• 2nd December – Christmas in Tetbury – we will be ensuring that The Market House is lit up for the Town and our residents

If you think we may be able to help you or if you are a member of a group who could be helped with a grant, please visit our website - www.thefeoffeesoftetbury.co.uk – where you can also find out more about the work we do in our town. Finally, if you would like volunteer to help us, please get in touch or speak to one of our members.

Lance Vick – Chairman