There’s lots happening at the awardwinning Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway - and families will benefit from a ‘Kids for a Quid’ promotion which runs until 31st August.
Up to three children (under fifteen) can travel with a fair-paying adult (or two) for just £1 each.
Steam and heritage diesel trains will be running all summer, and there are events for youngsters including Teddy Bear Picnic Thursdays, holiday fun and crafts and a Trainmaster Activity Weekend. For tickets and full details see www.gwsr.com
On Saturday 1st August Northway Parish Council is holding a Picnic in the
if you wish.
The Roses Theatre’s Garden Festival will be in full swing over the first weekend of the month too.
Activities, live music and entertainment are all taking place in Tewkesbury’s Victoria Gardens - with live theatre performances as well.
Saturday 1st August brings The Railway Children, and on Sunday 2nd it’s the turn of Bin Rat! Full details and tickets from www.rosestheatre.org.
If the play’s your thing, then put Sunday 23rd August in your diary. The Festival Players will be returning to Ripple to perform Shakespeare’s A Comedy of Errors in the Lessex Field at 6pm. See the Railway Inn’s advert on Page 31 for more information.
Continued on Page 3
Park from 2pm until 6pm. The free event will feature fairground rides, Mr Whippy ice creams, Tewkesbury Spud Hub, entertainment and disco music. Take your own picnic
Every day, Sybil Van Antwerp sits at her desk and writes letters. She writes letters to her friends, her neighbours, to famous authors, to the local university - they are “the correspondence that is her manner of living”.
We discover that Sybil had an illustrious legal career, while also reading anonymous letters from someone in her past with a grudge.
With each letter Sybil’s character gradually unfolds to the reader - she is an intelligent, spiky, brilliant woman, but surrounded by emotional armour of her own making.
Sybil returns frequently to one long, unfinished letter to ‘Colt’, whom she updates on her activities, her backstory, and her health - she has a degenerative eye condition and one day soon will be blind, no longer able to read or write as she always has.
The novel spans ten years, with Sybil’s urgency and introspection increasing as time tugs her inexorably closer to blindness.
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As we learn more about Sybil’s character, we see a woman who appears unshakeable, but who within herself doubts everything.
She is loved by many people but has by habit pushed them away; the letters show her gradual softening and growth, as she begins to step outside the comfort zone she is in denial about inhabiting.
Her letters represent simultaneously her search for real human contact and the barriers she erects against itwhile yearning to be understood and accepted, she cannot allow anyone to get close.
The Correspondent is a nod to the classic epistolary novel with a modern feel. Writing by hand might feel deliberately archaic in the day of ubiquitous electronic communication, but Sybil drafts and edits every letter with care because handwritten words are precious, and because precision is to be valued. In many letters she or her correspondents mention the current book they are reading, and (as I did!) you may find yourself making a list of new books to read based on this one.
As we join Sybil over ten years, and as details about her past and background are gradually revealed, we see Sybil start to connect with those around her, showing the magic that can happen when we simply allow others in.
Selected by: Catherine Robertson Alison’s Bookshop High Street Tewkesbury GL20 5JR
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TUESDAY 9.00am and 10.30am Tewkesbury Boys Brigade GL20 8BP with Ross 07525 065034
TUESDAY 5.30pm and 7.00pm Wheatpieces Community Centre GL20 7SP with Ross 07525 065034
TUESDAY 7.00pm Upton Memorial Hall WR8 0HA with Cath 07701 378917
WEDNESDAY 5.30pm and 7.00pm Tewkesbury School Sixth Form Centre GL20 8DF with Jayne 07904 432257
THURSDAY 5.30pm and 7.00pm
Northway Community Hub GL20 8QG with Liz 07717 281322
FRIDAY 9.30am
Northway Community Hub GL20 8QG with Sue 07760 668956
Continued from the front page:
Jack Walker previews events happening in the great outdoors in his column on page 29, and on page 55 you can check out which beautiful gardens are open this month in aid of the National Gardens Scheme charity.
Stanway’s Jacobean Manor House and Water Gardens are open to the public from 2pm until 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in August.
The garden is famous for having the tallest gravity-fed fountain in the world - and after your visit you can enjoy a cream tea or locallyproduced ice cream too. More details from www.stanwayfountain. co.uk
There are music happenings aplenty too. One of the fastest growing family festivals, Lakefest, returns to Eastnor Park from Wednesday 5th until Sunday 9th August.
Top bands performing this year include Madness, Bananarama, Charlatans and the Lightning Seeds. For
FAMILY FUN IN AUGUST
the full line-up and tickets see the website www.lakefest.co.uk
Classical music fans are well provided for too. An array of five and ten piece brass chamber music, with guest soloists from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales comes to Kemerton Village Hall on Saturday 29th August (6pm). There are also refreshments and a barbecue after the concert, which is presented by the Montpellier Brass Ensemble. All proceeds go to charity. Tickets from www.buytickets.at/ montpellierbrassensemble
Oktoberfest comes early to the Lower Lode Inn over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The riverside inn at Forthampton(GL19 4RE) celebrates late summer with a German theme, featuring a bier keller serving a range of lagers, German food and live music.
Nothing But Dust take the stage on Friday 28th, with Keller Schunklers Oompah Band and Low IQ providing the sounds on Saturday 29th. Funky Junk Monkeys and a 90s disco close the proceedings on Sunday 30th August.
Camping is available: for more information call 01684 293224.
Bredon’s annual Boat Races take place on Saturday 22nd August this year, at a new venue: the Croft Farm Waterpark in Bredon’s Hardwick. The charity fundraising event will
also feature an after party in the club house from 5pm. There’s so much more happening in the area this month too: further on in the magazine you can read about Deerhurst Flower Festival, events at the John Moore Museum, and festivities in Twyning. Have fun!
Madness
The Lower Lode
Bredon Boat Races
Bredon Boat Races are taking place again this year, but we have a new venue - Croft Farm Water Park, Bredon’s Hardwick, GL20 7EE.
This year all profits are being split between St Richard’s Hospice and Midlands Air Ambulance, two local charities. We have more children’s stalls and activities this year, as we have asked local clubs to run children friendly stalls and all profits from those stalls will remain with the club.
Also new for this year is an after party! From 5pm in the Clubhouse will be an Ibiza Sunset party! Lots of music, food and drink.
More Than Just a Trade Frame
Local entrepreneur Charlotte Phillips has launched a new door and window supply business, More Doors & Windows, aimed at self builders, competent DIYers and local tradespeople.
Charlotte explains:
“Having worked in the window and door industry for a number of years I realised that there is a gap in the market for discerning homeowners who want something
better than a trade frame.
“High end manufacturers generally only deal with the trade. This means that self builders and DIYers don't always have access to choice,
quality and value.
“Indeed some professionals can find it difficult to easily access the very best in doors and windows for their clients.
“We can help with this by speaking to homeowners on their behalf and guiding them through the many options available.”
“We have teamed up with the very best manufacturers of PVCu and aluminium doors and windows and, in a unique arrangement, offer delivery direct from the factory. More Doors & Windows is an online business without the overheads of large trade outlets which enables us to give true value and deliver a very personal service.
Continued on page 9
Created from a genuine passion for driving, precision set-up and real world vehicle behaviour, AGP Motorsport is the new go-to centre for drivers who want to maximise performance on the track or the road.
Talk to AGP Motorsport first about:
Performance Brake Upgrades
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Suspension Setup
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See full our list of services on our website or tell us how we can help by dropping an email to: hello@agpmotorsport.co.uk
Unit 4, Croft Farm, Bredon’s Hardwick Tewkesbury GL20 7EE
WE ARE NOW RECRUITING VEHICLE TECHNICIANS
Are you a qualified motor mechanic or a petrol head with a good deal of hands-on experience in vehicle technology?
Then you could be just the person we are looking for at AGP Autoservice.
Established in 2012, AGP Autoservice is an expanding family-run business situated at Croft Farm in Bredon’s Hardwick, near Tewkesbury.
We pride ourselves in servicing and repairing cars and light commercial vehicles in our well-equipped modern workshops.
Our small, enthusiastic team prides itself on delivering excellent customer service and carrying out all work to the highest possible standards.
As well as routine car maintenance, we also offer diagnostics and supply and fit tyres, batteries and exhausts. We also have a small parts and accessory store, and are a recognised MOT Testing Centre for cars and commercial vehicles up to 3000 DGW.
We are fully equipped to handle petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles.
Do you think you have the necessary skills to join our team? Then email your CV to ali@agpautoservice.co.uk (or drop it in the post) with a covering letter telling us about your experience in the trade.
Charlotte Phillips
SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST at
Picnic in the Park
Picnic in the park takes place at Northway Playing Field on Saturday 1st August. There will be plenty to see and do, including a
disco, fairground rides, police bike marking, Boxing Clever demonstrations, performances from the GSTG Static Display Corps of Drums,
and much more. Food and refreshments will be available from The Tewkesbury Spud Hub and Mr Whippy Gloucester, or feel
FRIDAY 7TH AUGUST 12:30PM – 3:30PM at Cleeve Common
free to bring your own picnic. Come along with family and friends and enjoy an afternoon of community fun.
STREAM DIPPING & MINI RAFT RACING
A chance to investigate the Cleeve Common stream in Watery Bottom.
A summer holiday classic! A chance to investigate the Cleeve Common stream in Watery Bottom. Follow the trail from Quarry car park down to the Wash pool where we will meet you with stream dip-
ping equipment. Wellies recommended – closed shoes are essential for entering the water. We will provide some mini raft making equipment, but why not bring your own scissors, string and accessories and you can collect sticks on your walk down. Booking essential. You only need to book for the children
in your group. Aimed at primary school aged children, but younger siblings welcome. All children must be supervised at all times.
Cole Stacey
Thursday 1st October from 7.30pm at Old Baptist Chapel, Tewkesbury
Performing his acclaimed and unique debut album, Postcards From Lost Places, and recent top 10 chart single. ‘A magnificent sound’ BBC Radio 5 Live
‘Breathtaking, that incredible voice’ TradFold
SweetPea’s Doggy Deli brings fun & frolics to Lakefest 2026
SweetPea’s
Offering their services to the four legged festival goers!
SweetPea’s Doggy Den is a safe space for fun and enrichment. Festival dogs can
come and make friends, cool down, chill and unwind, to have some fun play time away from the busy crowds and loud music.
Splash zone with cooling stations set up with paddling pools, ball pits and fresh water bowls.
Enrichment area with toys, balls, ropes, tuggers, tunnels, fun agility and more!
Zoomies are allowed, in fact they are actively encouraged!
SweetPea’s will also bring along their amazing Doggy Deli, packed full of natural healthy dog food, chews, treats and more!
GARDENING MONTHLY - with Tim Hoskins
Mitigación del fenómeno de El Niňo
It’s all very well talking about planning for hotter summers, but when extreme heat is already here, gardeners need practical solutions, writes Tim Hoskins.
Start by providing shade wherever possible.
FLEA, LICE & TICK TREATMENTS
Protect your pet and your home from biting insects and lice
Full range available for dogs and cats -preventions and treatments, household sprays etc
Animals Only, Unit B, The Northway Centre Northway Lane, Tewkesbury GL20 8TW 01684 273050
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Shade netting over vegetable beds, borders, greenhouses and polytunnels can significantly reduce temperatures and help prevent scorching. Nets are available that reduce light by varying percentages, including reflective alumnet.
If a heatwave is forecast, water thoroughly in the days beforehand so both plants and soil are fully hydrated before temperatures peak. Increasing deep water availability will help you in the short to medium term.
Continue watering once the heat has passed to help plants recover and prepare for the next hot spell. Stress management is the key here.
After watering, apply a generous mulch to lock moisture into the soil. Different mulches have different benefits, but for pure drought resistance, bark is one of the
most effective and readily available options. Don't forget containers –pots dry out far more quickly than garden soil and benefit from mulching too.
Water in the late evening, allowing moisture to soak slowly into the ground overnight before the sun returns. Deep, infrequent watering is far more effective than little-and-often, encouraging plants to develop deeper, more resilient root systems. Always water the base of the plant rather than the crown or foliage.
For container plants, group pots together in a shady spot and stand them on trays lined with capillary matting to reduce water loss.
For particularly drought-sensitive specimens, consider installing small water reservoirs under the soil to provide a steady supply of moisture.
Commercial growers
and turf managers often use plant sunscreen products to reduce heat stress. Organic formulations are also available, and some can have the added benefit of discouraging certain pests.
Stress reducing products based on seaweed are also a good addition, if applied in cooler temperatures before sunscreen is applied.
Lawns also need a different approach during hot weather.
Raise the mower height before a heatwave and then stop mowing until rain is forecast.
A slightly scruffy lawn is far better than a brown, stressed one that may struggle to recover.
Tim Hoskins
SPECIAL READER DISCOUNT
Continued from page 5
“More than that we are not just a bland online quoting operation. We prefer to discuss every project personally and offer expert advice to make sure that our customers can make informed decisions.
“We can even visit you in your home or at your business to show you product samples and really understand your vision.
“So if you would like to talk about your project or have a door or window related problem to discuss please get in touch via our website or call us on 07467 789278. Our team are here to help and all advice is free.”
Charlotte is offering TD readers a 10% discount off already competitive prices for orders placed during August. Visit moredw.co.uk or scan the QR code.
Once again Tewkesbury’s Black Bear is offering free craft sessions for children this summer.
The daytime sessions (10.30am-4pm) are open to all at Gloucestershire oldest inn, and will be held on 30th and 31st July - then August 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th.
An added attraction on Friday 7th August will be free boat trips organised by SARA between 12 noon and 3pm for children accompanied by an adult. Places will be limited so contact the Black Bear in advance for details.
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SELL YOUR CAR TO SHAUN TAYLOR, THE TRUSTED, LOCAL BUYER
If you’re looking for a local car buyer you can trust in the Tewkesbury area, choose Approved Car Buying Centre. I offer a straightforward step-by-step service that combines the convenience of the mainstream car buying sites with the personal touch of a local business.
Start by filling out our online contact form, or, if you’d prefer, pick up the phone to speak to me, approved buyer, Shaun. I Will just need a few basic details about your vehicle so I can do some research and get back to you with an accurate quote. Then you can arrange an appoint-
ment to come and see your vehicle and complete the sale. I will come to you, offering free collections, no admin fees and instant payments via bank transfer!
I have been buying cars from our site at Coombe Hill for 26 years now, offering instant valuations, a car
collection service, and same-day payments. So, if you’re looking for a reliable, local business to take your car or van off your hands, you can count on us. Fill out our online contact form or call and I will get back to you with an accurate valuation based on detailed
research and decades of experience.
“ Great Service - Shaun was brilliant to deal with. Came over while I was away at work, next day we agreed a pickup and price. No messing around and fuss free. Would recommend.
“ If you are thinking about selling your car but you don't want to get involved in dealing with dealers, then try contacting Shaun at Approved Car Buying Centre - I did and the whole process was very straight forward from start to finish. Shaun is very personable, fair and honest in his assessment of the value of the car. The process was completed in one visit, no awkward haggling just a sensible adult discussion. We agreed a price and Shaun then took care of the necessary admin, transferred the money to my bank account and took the car away - It really couldn't have been easier.
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The Romance of the Cotswolds
The Cotswold area often features as the setting for romantic novels, being both a favourite for authors to live in and write about.
Many of these authors produce ‘stand alone’ books which make ideal summer reading.
Katie Fforde has lived in the area near Stroud for over 40 years and her latest release, ‘A Cottage in the Country’, covers the adventures encountered by the main character finding an idyllic new home.
Hattie is a professional house hunter, finding the perfect properties for wealthy clients in their ideal locations, but she seems unable to find her own dream house.
Even though she is viewing many properties during her working days, and also experiencing living in various homes as she hops from house-sit to house-sit, she doesn’t find that perfect place.
The time for her to, possibly, put down her own roots comes when she is captivated by a beautiful house owned by a very old lady. A relationship develops between the two of them, leading to the property being left to Hattie in the lady’s will - but relatives have different ideas.
Reflecting modern day England, this is a scenario with themes that will resonate with many people.
Katie Fforde has written many books since her first ‘Living Dangerously’, which was published in 1995, with 30 or 40 of those available being individual stories.
Katie spent her formative years in London and often draws on her life experiences which lend a deep understanding of country vs city life to her writings. Her stories are comforting and uplifting but they are also delivered with wit and can explore themes such as strong female relationships.
Other titles include ventures outside the Cotswolds, including ‘A French Affair’, with a surprise romance developing when sister who have inherited an antiques stall experience challenges with the grumpy owner, prompting a trip to France and ‘From Scotland with Love’. If you are looking for an escape from this summer’s heat, this title sees Daisy travelling to Scotland for a confrontation with an author, only to become snowed in!
Bookworm, Tewkesbury
Bredon Cricket Club beaten in the final of the Carter Cup
Bredon CC 2nd X1 lost to Hagley CC 3rd X1 in the final of The Carter Cup on Thursday 2nd July. Bredon scored 129/9 in their 20 overs, Hagley scored 132/3 for victory in 18 overs.
As we approach the final weeks of the season, both Saturday teams are pushing for promotion.
Bredon CC 1st X1 sit currently in third place in Division Two of the Worcestershire County League and Bredon 2nd X1 are second in Division Seven.
Saturday 20th June
– First X1 beat Lye CC 2nd X1 by nine wickets. Lye were all out for 118 runs with Kev Wilkins taking 7 wickets for just 31 runs. Mark Jones was 73 not out and Kev Hall 25 not out. Second X1 won without playing as Luctonians CC 1st X1 conceded the match.
Saturday 27th June –First X1 match against Enville CC Staffs 1st X1 ended in a draw. Martin Hill took 3 wickets and Seb Soukup 2 wickets.
Will Gregory and Barney Cooper scored 48 and 43 runs respectively. Second X1 ended their winning run with defeat against Challengers Hereford CC 1st X1. Highlights for Bredon were Dominic Fenney taking 5 wickets for 55 runs and Luke Plane scoring 49 runs.
Saturday 4th July – First X1 had a comfortable win against Chaddesley Corbett CC 1st X1. Kev Hall scored 60, Joe Tagg 72, and Seb Soukup 55. Seb also took 4 wickets for 29 runs, Fin Burford took 3 wickets for 33 runs. Second X1 consecutive defeats, losing narrowly to Old Elizabethans CC 4th X1. Clive Fenney was 48 not out and top scored for Bredon. Luke Plane and Manoj Nair
both took 3 wickets.
Saturday 11thJuly – First X1 lost to Rushwick CC 1st X, Gary Weekes top scored for Bredon hitting 42 runs. Hayden Howard was the top wicket taker for Bredon, finishing with 4 for 27 runs. Second X1 got back to winning and bowled out Worcester Nomads 3rd X1 for 160 runs. Manoj Nair was top wicket taker with 4 for 24 runs. Barney Cooper hit 61 runs for Bredon.
Bredon Under 15’s – Play in the Cotswold Hills Junior League and are currently in ninth place having won and lost five their games.
Bredon Under 13’s – Also play in the Cotswold Hills Junior League and are currently in seventh place
having won two and lost five of their games.
Bredon CC Women’s team in Women’s Soft Ball Division 2 (Central) and are currently in second place having won three of their four games.
The All Stars and Dynamos training sessions on a Friday evening finished at the end of July. Once again this proved to be a massive attraction to the local community and bodes well for the future.
Dragon Vets Tewkesbury is fully equipped with a sterile operating theatre, digital radiography, ultrasonography and laboratory equipment. Drop in and have a look around. You will see many of the same friendly faces from our main surgery at Dragon Vets Cheltenham.
You can book your visits and pick up pet supplies, food or medications at either surgery if it’s more convenient.
OPEN
“We are hugely grateful to Tom, Wendy and the whole team at Engall Castle for their help in our recent move. They gave realistic advice throughout the process and reassurance when certain aspects were more challenging. It was such a pleasure to have them overseeing our move. Thank you!” BS
Successful Launch for New Book Celebrating Tewkesbury Cricket Club’s History
Friday 19th June saw the launch of local author Tom Brown’s debut book, A History of Tewkesbury Cricket Club, at the club’s historic grounds. Blessed with beautiful summer weather, Tom spent the evening meeting supporters, signing copies, and sharing stories with visitors in the sunshine.
Many of Tom’s fellow players, friends, family members and longtime supporters of the club attended the event. The launch provided a wonderful opportunity for people to reminisce about memorable matches and characters from the club’s past, with many eager to discover whether they featured in the book’s pages.
For generations, cricket has been at the heart of the Tewkesbury community, and the timing of the launch—following the club’s junior training session—highlighted the continuing strength of the game locally. Young players, coaches and parents were all present, demonstrating how the club continues to bring people together across the generations.
Drawing on extensive research, historical records dating back to 1840, scorebooks, match statistics and personal accounts, Tom has brought together the stories, characters and defining moments that have shaped the club’s rich and fascinating history.
A History of Tewkes-
bury Cricket Club is available to purchase from Allisons Bookshop, Amazon and Kindle. Whether you are a cricket enthusiast, a local history lover, or simply interested in the people and events that have helped shape Tewkesbury, this book offers a unique insight
into one of the town’s most treasured sporting institutions.
Get your copy today and discover the remarkable story of Tewkesbury Cricket Club.
Austen In The Abbey: New Collaboration with Roses Theatre sees classic production
arrive in Tewkesbury
A timeless tale by Jane Austen is arriving in hilarious style at Tewkesbury this autumn – thanks to a new collaboration between acclaimed actors, The Roses Theatre, and the town’s historic abbey church.
The production of beloved favourite Pride & Prejudice will be performed by actors from national touring company The Production Garden, whose work has previously been described as “heart-warming” (British Theatre Guide) and “joyful” (The Bath Magazine).
It’s all part of a fresh partnership between The Roses and Tewkesbury Abbey, with organisers saying the production is part of a push to bring more theatre to all corners of the Gloucestershire town.
“A Real Corker!”
“We’re always looking for ways to present amazing productions from all over the country here in Tewkesbury – both inside The Roses but also in as many other venues as we can,” explains the theatre’s Artistic Director, Derek Bond.
“We are so excited that our first production is such a corker!”
The play will be performed amid the glorious architecture and magical atmosphere of one of Tewkesbury’s
most iconic spaces. And it will also be presented “in the round” – meaning the audience will surround the actors and feel like a real part of the action.
The production has previously been performed in a sold-out run at Bath Abbey, a place Jane Austen herself knew well. The show’s director, Matt Emeny, says a beautiful setting makes all the difference to a performance.
Four actors will tell the famous story of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy, bringing a sense of fun to the classic while also delivering all the romance, suspense and laughter for which
Austen’s novel is so famous.
“A Great Place To Be”
The five nights of performances are a real coup for Tewkesbury, says Will Jones, Chief Operating Officer of Tewkesbury Abbey.
The Roses and the Abbey hope that Pride & Prejudice will be only the first of regular productions like it, in a move for the town which will see its cultural sector expand – with benefits for the local economy, too.
Classics in the Abbey: Pride & Prejudice will be performed Tue 29 September-Sat 3 October at Tewkesbury Abbey. Tickets are available via The Roses Theatre.
SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST 5.30 PM at Tewkesbury Abbey
A nationally acclaimed ensemble of young singers will return to Tewkesbury Abbey this summer for an evening celebrating some of Britain’s finest choral music.
The Tallis Choral Foundation, a UK-registered charity supporting exceptional young musicians at the beginning of their professional careers, will present The Lark Ascending at Tewkesbury Abbey on
21ST - 23RD
AUGUST at Three Counties Showground, Malvern
The Western Motorhome & Campervan Show
Experience the Spirit of the West in Malvern!
It’s time to dust off your cowboy boots, grab your hat, and saddle up for one of the most iconic weekends of the Warners Shows season
— The Western Motorhome & Campervan Show! Taking place at the breathtaking Three Counties Showground from 21–23 August 2026, this Country & Western spectacular is a firm favourite for thousands of campers and day visitors alike.
Expect four nights of incredible live music, a vibrant Western-themed atmosphere, and the biggest outdoor exhibition area of the year. With shopping, dancing, entertainment and friendship all wrapped into one unforgettable weekend, it’s the ultimate celebration of the great outdoors.
Show Highlights:
• 50+ dealers with new & used motorhomes and campervans for sale
• 500+ vehicles to explore and compare on-site
• 250+ exhibitors offering everything from accessories to outdoor gear
• Four nights of live country music and entertainment
• 19th-century living history displays and re-enactments
• Line dancing tuition and authentic Western performances
• Six free talks daily in the Advice Centre
• Live cookery demos from Vanlife Eats
• Optional extras: EHU, Saturday headline show & coach trips
• Day tickets include 3 months’ access to the What Motorhome digital archive Camping sold out last year — book early to secure your pitch!
The Lark Ascending
Saturday 29 August at 5:30pm.
The concert features music spanning five centuries of British musical heritage, from Thomas Tallis, William Byrd and Robert Parsons through to Charles Villiers Stanford, Gustav Holst, William Harris and John Rutter.
A particular highlight
will be Ralph Vaughan Williams’ beloved The Lark Ascending in Paul Drayton’s acclaimed arrangement for violin and choir, performed by Jenny Wells, scholarship holder at the Royal Academy of Music.
Performed by a small, handpicked group of outstanding young singers from across the UK,
the programme showcases the richness of Britain’s choral tradition within the magnificent surroundings of Tewkesbury Abbey.
The Foundation is particularly proud to offer free admission to audience members under the age of 30 as part of its mission to support young musicians and encourage wider engagement with live classical music.
Volunteer with St John Ambulance
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Distance: approx. 4 miles, mostly flat.
Car Parking: free car park at Eckington Wharf.
Refreshments: The Swan Inn, Birlingham. There is also a small picnic area at Eckington Wharf.
Sketch map not to scale: OS Sheet OL190 (The Malverns & Bredon Hill) is recommended. Important: do NOT attempt this walk when flood warnings are in place.
ECKINGTON TO BIRLINGHAM
This ‘there and back walk’ is a lovely flat stroll along the River Avon, beginning
sandstone bridge and winding through the village
The starting point is Eckington Wharf Car Park (on the B4080) where there is also a riverside picnic area.
Leave the car park and cross the red sandstone Eckington bridge, and go through a kissing gate on the right (1)
You are now on common land known as Asham Meadow; the most picturesque route is to follow the path along the Avon until you come to a bend known as the Swan’s Neck.
As the river loops round, look for a lane at the edge of some trees (2) and turn right along it. The lane bears left and reaches a T junction (3). Turn right here and follow the lane until it passes some houses on the right and emerges on to a road in the village of Birlingham.
Turn right (4) and follow the road as it skirts around a paddock
and reaches some houses.
Turn right (5) into Grange Road and continue to the junction with Berwick Lane (6). Bear right along this lane, passing a farm on your right.
Eventually the lane becomes a rough track, which can be susceptible to flooding after heavy rain.
At the end of the lane you will reach a small fishermen’s car park, and the entrance to the Gwen Finch Nature Reserve (7). This is now a haven for wildlife, (not normally open to the public), and consists of large wetland areas. As well as a variety of water birds, otters can be spot-
ted here when it’s quiet. Follow the lane along the edge of a wood and over the fast flowing Berwick Brook. To visit the John Bennett Reserve follow look out for the trail and information boards on the left)
path ahead until you reach Nafford Lock (9)
For a view of the 20 hectare Gwen Finch nature reserve, cross the swing bridge over the lock and then follow the footpath over another weir and up the bank towards the road (V). You can see the scrapes and reed beds opposite you (even better if you have remembered to bring binoculars!).
Retrace your steps to Birlingham: on reaching Asham Meadow there is a shorter route diagonally across the centre of the field which you can take if you wish.
Otherwise, keep straight on and look for another bridge on your right (8) which goes over a weir. Cross with care. You are now on an island in the middle of the Avon. Follow the
To visit the Swan Inn at Birlingham, which serves good food and has a very pleasant garden, when you get back to point (4) walk straight up the road towards the church. The pub is along Church Street (the second lane on the right)
at Eckington’s ancient
of Birlngham to Nafford Lock, writes Jack B. Walker.
Eckington Bridge
River Avon at Eckington Wharf
Weir at Nafford
Birlngham Church
A WARM WELCOME FOR ALL AT THE GERRY CAN
A brand new coffee shop with a difference is now open for business on the A38 between Tewkesbury and Upton-upon-Severn.
Joint proprietors Ayesha and Mark have established the business in memory of Mark’s father, Gerry, who sadly passed away in 2024.
“He left us some money and we had the choice to either buy a house or take a leap of faith and establish a coffee shop in his honour,” Ayesha explains.
“We decided upon the leap of faith and opened ‘The Gerry Can’ - a biker friendly destination coffee shop with proper coffee, delicious cakes and toasties and handmade savouries.
“We have tried to source coffee, savouries, cakes and even art work locally to support other small businesses on the way too. Although biker themed, it is a welcoming space for everyonewhether petrol heads, dog lovers (we’re super dog friendly!) or people just passing by.
“We've added all the little touches we think people will love. There are Charging points at each table for people to charge sat nav, phones, headsets etc - or even to work away from home.
“There’s an enclosed safe car park and beautiful garden with lots of unique touches too.
“Everyone was welcome in Gerry's home and we want everyone to feel welcome here.
“We have a mental health motorbike charity join us on the first Sunday of every month, offering support to the community and we’ll be running charity events and meets very soon too.
“This whole thing is totally new to us and we are immensely proud of
what we have achieved so far, considering my partner has only ever known engineering and now he's a pro with a coffee machine!”
The Gerry Can is at Stratford Bridge (A38) near Ripple - GL20 6HB.
THURSDAYS 10:00AM – 5:00PM at
Teddy Bear Thursdays in August
Join us for a magical day out as our Teddy Bear Picnic Trains return to the GWSR! Bring your favourite cuddly friend and enjoy a relaxed steamtrain journey with beautiful views across the Cotswolds — perfect for our younger travellers and their families.
For more information, please visit the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway website.
We are here to listen and learn about you and your business and help to make the complicated understandable. We will give you professional advice, and ensure you meet your accountancy and taxation compliance needs.
Looking for your next car or expert vehicle care? V-Hub Ltd in Tewkesbury is your trusted independent specialist for Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda, SEAT and CUPRA vehicles.
As a family-run business with over 60 years of combined motor trade experience, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service, quality vehicles and professional aftercare.
WE OFFER:
• Quality approved used cars
• Vehicle servicing and MOTs
• Dealer-level diagnostics
• Vehicle repairs and maintenance
• Competitive finance options (subject to status)
• Part exchange welcome
• Extended warranties available
• Minimum 3-month warranty
• 12 months RAC breakdown cover
• Comprehensive workshop inspection
• Professional valet and preparation
• Nationwide delivery available EVERY APPROVED VEHICLE INCLUDES:
Visit
New Stock Arriving Weekly
Prune wisteria to keep size and growth under control
Dead head flowering plants regularly | Keep containers and baskets well watered
Pot up rooted strawberry runners | Top up ponds and water features Improve soil by adding green manure
Everythng you need for your garden right here in Tewkesbury
• Hardy Herbaceous Perennials
• Alpines, Trees and Shrubs
• Seasonal Pots and Baskets
• Pond Plants • Herbs ....and so much more!
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9.00am-5.30pm Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday 10.00am-4.00pm
WILD - Huge thanks to everyone who hosted an event for Tewkesbury Goes Wild, and special thanks to our deputy town clerk who helped me organise the whole month of nature based events. Our picture shows three year old H helping to build another rain garden, which was one of our Tewkesbury Goes Wild events.
DAYTIME DANCESCate and George are having a break in August - back at the Watson Hall on Friday 18th September.
TEWKESBURY REPAIR CAFÉ - Held monthly in Tewkesbury Baptist Church. 2-5pm. Next session Saturday 15th August. Bring electrical appliances, clothes, curtains, furniture, lamps, radios, computers, jewellery, electronics, vacuum cleaners, clocks, vases, printers, ornaments, dolls, small kitchen appliances. Kitchen utensils and tools can also be sharpened. Please note that phone screens cannot be replaced, nor alterations to clothing, curtains or soft furnishings. Repairs only.
Please ensure that all items are clean, eg empty hoovers, wash clothes and make sure strimmers and lawn mowers are free of grass. Repairs are free, (there may be charges for spares, consumables etc). Donations are welcome. More information from tewkesbury repaircafe.co.uk
NATIONAL EMERGENCY BRIEFING UK wide. For details please see the map at www.nebriefing.org/ screening-map
TEWKESBURY NATURE RESERVEVolunteering opportunities and free activities. See their website www. tewkesburynaturereserve .org.uk or email info@tewkesburynature reserve.org.uk
GDASS(Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service) Contact the help desk on 01452 726570 or email support@gdass.org.uk. Website www.gdass.org. uk also has information and resources if you are concerned that you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic abuse.
Tewkesbury Goes Wild Rain Garden
Function room now available to hire!
Fully private function room, own bar, dance floor, toilet facilities and outside courtyard
SOAK UP THE SUN IN OUR LARGE GARDEN AREA
THURS 30th JULY -
SUNDAY 2nd AUG:
App-Fest 2026 with Natalie Imbruglia, Pixie Lott, Boyzlife, Vanessa Carlton, Dodgy, TopLoader, The Real Thing and many more. Hillworth Farm, Longdon GL20 6AX www.app-fest.co.uk
WEDNESDAY 5thSUNDAY 9th AUG: Lakefest with headliners Madness, Bananarama, Example, Charlatans EMF, The Undertones, Scouting for Girls, Chesney Hawkes, Reef, Lightning Seeds etc. Eastnor Castle Deer Park near Ledbury HR8 1EN www.lakefest.co.uk
WED 12th AUG:
Open Celtic Folk Music Session. Royal Oak, Main Road, Bredon GL20 7LW Music starts 8pm.
THURS 13th AUG: Hugh Cornwell. The Sub Rooms, George Street, Stroud GL5 1AE thesubrooms.co.uk
SAT 15th AUG: Grey Wolf. Number 8 Arts Centre, High Street, Pershore WR10 1BG www.number8.org
FRI 21st AUG: Taynee Lord. Isbourne Arts,
QUIZ NIGHT
Wednesday 12th August
In aid of Alzheimer’s. £10 per team of 4. Booking required.
Thursday 27th August
From 8.00pm
The Festival Players Present William Shakespeare’s ‘A COMEDY OF ERRORS’ Sunday 23rd August 2026 Tickets
Test your powers of recall with this month’s Tewkesbury Direct Pub Quiz.
1: What was the colour of goalkeeper Gordon Banks’ shirt when England won the football World Cup in 1966?
2: Which birds of prey have been nesting on Tewkesbury Abbey’s bell tower this spring and summer?
High Street, Winchcombe GL54 5LJ www.winchcombe.co.uk
WED 26th AUG:
Open Mixed Folk Music Session. Royal Oak, Main Road, Bredon GL20 7LW Music starts 8pm.
WED 9th SEPT: Open Celtic Folk Music Session. Royal Oak, Main Road, Bredon GL20 7LW Music starts 8pm.
Cross House, Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5AB www.crosshousetavern.pub
Yellow.
Peregrine lcons.Fa
The Beach Boys.
The River Tay.
Sir Michael Caine. 6. Liz Truss.
A taste of Worcestershire
The Pershore Plum, which is celebrated this month with a festival in the town from which it takes its name, was first discovered growing locally in the early nineteenth century.
Favoured for jam making or baking in crumbles or pies, the Pershore Plum is a firm-fleshed fruit that normally ripens in mid-August. It was also used to make the alcoholic drink ‘plum jerkum’ which has declined in popularity over the years, but can still be found in local farm shops.
If you want to grow your own Pershore Plums, trees are available from specialised growers in the Vale of Evesham. They are all believed to descend from those found growing in Tiddesley Wood, near Pershore, in 1827.
This year’s Pershore Plum Festival culminates with a series of events over the Bank Holiday Weekend. For more information visit the website www.pershoreplumfestival.org.uk
Tiddesley Wood
BATTLE OF EVESHAM FESTIVAL: Saturday 1st - Sunday 2nd August. Re-enactment of the 13th century battle at the Crown and Corporation Meadows by the River Avon. Plus lectures, falconry demonstrations, living history camps, trebuchet firing, archery, and a medieval fashion show. Grand parade to the abbey on Saturday, music and stalls etc. More details from battleofevesham.co.uk
TEWKESBURY
BATTLEFIELD GUIDED
WALK: Thursday 6th
August, 7.00pm-9.00pm Meet at the Abbey Lawn Car Park in Gander Lane, Tewkesbury (GL20 5PG) for a guided walk around the Tewkesbury Battlefield, lasting around two hours. The walks are free but donations to the Tewkesbury Battlefield Society are welcome. www.tewkesbury.org.uk
TEWKESBURY
FINE FOOD & CRAFTS
MARKET: Sundays
16th August and 20th
September A wide range of local produce, artwork crafts and fine foods from further afield with over 70 stalls lining the High
Street (GL20 5AW) visittewkesbury.co.uk
EASTNOR CASTLE EVENTS: Eastnor near Ledbury, HR8 1RL. Award-winning visitor attraction with castle, lake, arboretum and deer park. Special events coming up include Wildplay Week (2nd-6th August) and Animal Encounters (16th-2th August). Tickets and more information available from eastnorcastle.com
PERSHORE PLUM
FESTIVAL: A month-long festival of events culminating in the ‘Big Plum Weekend’ and Festival Day on Monday 31st August. Food, entertainment and attractions in the town, parks and
riverside gardens. Exhibitors, live music, classic car show, open air cinema. quiz nights, cider festival and family fun. For the full programme see the website www.pershoreplum festival.org.uk
ELMORE FESTIVAL: Wednesday 5thSaturday 8th August. Music and community festival centred on the church of St John the Baptist and surrounding fields in this lovely village south of Gloucester. Classical music, jazz nights and festival bar. Full information and tickets available from www.elmorefestival.com
August. Three day premier fishing competition and free festival in the Crown Meadow by the River Avon. Tackle stalls, craft and countryside vendors, street food stalls, refreshments and the ‘hook line and drinker’ bar. More details from the website eveshamfestival.com
FOOTBALL IN THE WINDRUSH: Monday 31st August, Bourtonon-the-Water. The annual tradition of local
football team Bourton Rovers playing in the shallow waters of the River Windrush at the heart of the village returns! The free event, which dates back 100 years, starts at 2pm and attracts hundreds of spectators - so arrive early to bag your place!
JOUSTING AT BERKELEY CASTLE: Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August, at 12.30pm and 2.30pm. See the legendary knights jousting in the grounds of the castle. A variety of other events also takes place over the summer at Berkeley Castle, GL13 9PJ. More details at berkeley-castle.com
MORETON SHOW: Saturday 5th September. Huge one day agricultural and country show on the outskirts of Moreton-in-Marsh established n 1949 - probably the largest of its kind in the country. Livestock and equestrian competitions, produce shows, farming exhibitions, food and craft marquees, arena events including showjumping, heavy horses and family activities. Moreton Show ground GL56 9NT - see moretonshow.co.uk
CATTLE COUNTRY: Open from 10am at weekends and weekdays during the school holidays. Farm park with rare breeds of cattle, indoor and outdoor play
areas and other attractions. Café. Berkeley Heath Farm, Berkeley GL13 9EW. See website cattlecountry.co.uk Continued on page 55
Dressing
• Overseeding
• Turfing
• Seasonal Treatments
• Mowing
• Pesticide Application
• Complete Lawn Care
• General Garden Care and Maintenance
DEERHURST FLOWER FESTIVAL
The villagers of Deerhurst and Apperley warmly invite you to our biennial flower festival happening on the August Bank Holiday from Saturday 29th to Monday 31st inclusive from 10am until 5pm. This spectacular event takes place in one of England’s oldest and most delightful Saxon churches – The Priory Church of St. Mary, nestling by the River Severn in the village of Deerhurst. The historic church will be transformed with vibrant floral displays with this year’s theme of “100 Years of TV”.
We are aiming to be more sustainable with villagers hoping to grow many of their own flowers and use less oasis,
with the biodegradable type being used when needed. We are sure it will be an exceptional display as always.
The event provides a good day out, with refreshments served all day on the Priory lawns along with some local entertainment, craft and plant stalls etc.
There will also be a BBQ and bar. Close by with free access is Odda’s Chapel where local artists will be exhibiting and selling their works.
There is always the option for a pleasant walk by the river if you have enough time and energy left after enjoying all the above activities.
This event brings the villagers of Apperley and Deerhurst together and
provides essential funding for the upkeep of the churches.
Please come and support us whilst enjoying a
SEVERN UNIT MVS ON DUTY AT PERSHORE
RIVER FESTIVAL
Tewkesbury based Severn Unit of the Maritime Volunteer Service was pleased to receive an invitation to attend the Pershore River Festival again this year.
Head of Unit Nic Price said “In addition to providing safety boat cover for the event which incorporated the popular Wychavon Games Bellboat Regatta the Unit also did several official “Flypasts”.
Pershore’s Town Mayor Julie Hemming
and Thrapston Town Council Mayor Craig Willcox took the salute from Severn Unit members who lined the decks of MVS Minerva immediately after they signed the “Sister Rivers Declaration” which formally “Twinned” our River Avon at Pershore with the River Nene at Thrapston in Northamptonshire which was an important historical event. Later on in the afternoon MVS Minerva displayed
the sculpture of water sprite “Ondine” from her deck and paraded this in front of the audience on the river bank accompanied by her producer Virginia Wollaston. “Ondine” is beautifully made from willow and other sustainable materials which captures the spirit of the river and is designed to raise awareness of the current health of the River Avon, environmental issues and generate action to prevent further pollution.”
Virginia Wollaston - Producer of Ondine - with MVS members Chris Adcock, Head of Unit Nic Price, Mike Cocker and David Wilson on the deck of Minerva
Mark your calendars for the ultimate summer weekend of nostalgia, mechanical wonder, and family fun. The highly anticipated Severn Vale Vintage Club Annual Show is officially returning on the 8th and 9th of August 2026. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Fiddington showground near Tewkesbury (GL20 7BJ), this two-day spectacular promises an unforgettable experience for vintage enthusiasts and families alike.
Whether you are vintage machinery buff or simply looking for a fantastic weekend outing, this years spectacular lineup has something to capture everyones imagination.
Unmissable Highlights & Attractions
From the huge array of vintage machinery to traditional countryside crafts, the showground will be packed with an incredible variety of live entertainment: Magnificent Machinery: Marvel at a stunning collection of vintage tractors, Lorries, military vehicles, motorbikes, and classic tractors. The Power of Steam: Experience the majestic presence of a full-sized steam engine alongside intricate miniature steam engines and scale models. Living History: Watch heritage come alive with a static working engine display and authentic farm and harvesting demonstrations that showcase early agricultural life. Rural Crafts & Parades: Enjoy skilled live woodsman and carving displays, alongside action-packed arena displays and vibrant vehicle parades. Fun for the Whole Family (Including Four-Legged Friends!)
The excitement doesn’t stop with the machinery. The event proudly features a popular Dog Show running across both days. With multiple classes available and all dogs welcome to enter, it is the perfect excuse to bring your four-legged companion along.
When it is time to refuel, visitors can sample a delicious array of food and enjoy refreshing beverages while soaking in the vibrant, community festival atmosphere.
Plan Your Visit - When: Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th August 2026 - Where: The Show Ground, Fiddington, Nr Tewkesbury, GL20 7BJ
Don’t miss your chance to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of yesteryear. Gather the family, pack up the dog, and join us for a magnificent weekend celebrating history, heritage, and community spirit. We will see you at the showground!
Gloucestershire Vintage & Country
Extravaganza Returns in 2026 for Another Spectacular Summer Show
The beloved Gloucestershire Vintage & Country Extravaganza is set to return in grand style this summer. Taking place from 31 July – 2 August 2026 at South Cerney Airfield, near Cirencester, the much-anticipated event promises another spectacular edition featuring thousands of vintage transport exhibits, three live arenas and a rich variety of countryside attractions.
Hosted by the Stroud Vintage Transport & Engine Club, the Extravaganza has become a much-loved fixture on the national events calendar, drawing in enthusiasts, families, and collectors from across the UK. Over three funfilled days, visitors can enjoy a nostalgic celebration of transport history, countryside traditions and all things vintage.
Recognised as one of the UK’s leading heritage vehicle festivals, the event showcases an extraordinary variety of vintage transport including steam engines, stationary engines, classic cars, military transport, vintage commercials, trucks, historic buses, tractors, motorcycles, classic plant and machinery, vintage caravans and much more!
But the show offers far more than just motors. Visitors can enjoy
a vibrant lineup of live music, retro fashion shows, free dance lessons, and interactive vintage entertainment.
The popular Animal & Countryside Arena also returns, featuring a charity dog show, falconry demonstrations, rare breeds, and rural skills displays offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Visit www.glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk
AUGUST EVENTS At John Moore Museum
To reserve your place at these events please call 01684 297174 or email education@johnmooremuseum.org
■ TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC WITH STORY & TEXTILE TEDDY SILHOUETTES
Join us on the abbey lawn as we bring our teddies and have a picnic. There will be a story followed by decorating a teddy silhouette with textiles. Bring your own picnic and favourite teddy for this new event.
Date and Time: Wednesday 12th August at 11.30am to 1pm.
Location: Abbey lawn, Off Church Street, Tewkesbury (Come to the John Moore Museum first).
Tickets: £1 per child (no charge for teddies) – donations appreciated.
■ HOLIDAY CRAFTS
– CREATING A BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY
Butterflies are symbolic of summertime and we will be creating our own with this simple crafting session, which will involve cutting out, colouring and gluing decorations on our beautiful creations.
Date and Time: Wednesday 19th August at 10am to 11.30am.
Location: Old Baptist Chapel
Tickets: £1 per child –donations appreciated.
■ BIRDS OF PREY DAY – LIVE ANIMAL EVENT
The majestic Birds of Prey are flying in for a visit, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to see a Barn Owl, an Eagle Owl, a Scops Owl and more! Our expert falconer will also be able to answer all of your questions
regarding these beautiful birds, from how to train a bird of prey to what they like to eat for dinner.
Date and Times: Saturday 22nd August, 10am to 11.15am, 11.30am to 12.45pm, 14.30pm to 15.45pm.
■ TREASURE HUNT ON THE ABBEY LAWN & MUSEUM GARDENS
We will be hosting a treasure hunt on the abbey lawn and museum gardens. Why not come along and enjoy this outdoor event before returning to school.
Date and Time:
Wednesday 26th August, 10-11.30am
Location: Abbey Lawn and Museum Gardens
Tickets: £1 per child –donations appreciated.
■ TWO QUEENS IN ONE ISLE
The lives of Elizabeth I, born 1533, queen of England from 1558, and her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, 9 years her junior, although they never met, had been intertwined. Each of these women had endured careers of remarkable peril before one killed the other. Small wonder then that, despite the serious inconvenience for devising a gripping dramatic plot that these two women never actually met, so many playwrights, operatic composers and film-makers, have been drawn to the linked and tragic careers of Elizabeth Tudor and Mary Stuart.
Broadway Car Show 2026 - supercars, classic & vintage sports cars
15TH & 16TH AUGUST at High Street, Broadway
Broadway Car Show is biennial (held every two years). Saturday is devoted to modern supercars so look out for a display of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Morgans & Aston Martins. Sunday is devoted to classic sports cars & prestige marques with lots more going on, car parade through the village, food on the green, music & much more. For more details including online application to exhibit a car at the show please visit www.broadwaycarshow.co.uk
Join the Fun in Twyning This August Bank Holiday Weekend!
Mark your calendars! The August Bank Holiday weekend is fast approaching, and Twyning has an action-packed programme with something for everyone to enjoy.
Saturday 29th August:
The celebrations kick off with a Live Music Event from 2:00pm to 10:30pm.
Enjoy fantastic performances from five brilliant local acts:
• Chimp on a Bike
• The Breeze Band
• Jodie Lauren
• Too Young to Know, Too Old to Care
• The Donnies
Tickets: £12 per adult
FREE for children under 14
Early Bird Offer: Buy your tickets before the end of July for just £8 per adult.
Bring your friends, family and your dancing shoes for what promises to be a fantastic afternoon and evening of live entertainment.
Sunday 30th August
The day begins at 10:00am with the annual Church in the Chapel service in the marquee. Everyone is warmly welcome.
From 10:30am, vis-
it the Twyning Motor Show, featuring an impressive display of classic cars and motorcycles on the Village Green. Enjoy a delicious bacon bap for breakfast while admiring the vehicles.
Better still, if you own a classic car or bike, why not bring it along and join the display?
Back by Popular Demand…
Our Twyning Soapbox Derby returns from 12:00 noon.
Come and cheer on the brave (and perhaps slightly mad!) competitors as they race from the top of Goodiers Lane down to the Village Green. Expect thrills, spills and plenty of laughs!
If you’d like to enter a kart, please get in touch – we’d love to have you.
Monday 31st August – Bank Holiday Monday
Join us for the Twyning Village Fête & Car Boot Sale, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
There’ll be something
for everyone, including:
• Barbecue lunch
• Afternoon teas
• Licensed bar
• Stalls and sideshows
• Live entertainment from local groups
The Car Boot Sale is always hugely popular, offering a great opportunity to pick up a bargain or clear out those unwanted items.
The much-loved Dog Show also returns this year (weather permitting), with plenty of fun classes for your four-legged friends.
With lots to see and do throughout the afternoon, it’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, enjoy the summer and support your local community.
Your support is greatly appreciated, whether you’re attending, volunteering, entering an event or simply buying a raffle ticket.
For all enquiries, please contact: 294292.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Twyning this August – it’s going to be a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend!
SEVERN UNIT TAKE PART IN ARMED FORCES DAY COMMEMORATION
Severn Unit Maritime Volunteer Service was pleased to accept an invitation from the Tewkesbury Branch of the Royal British Legion to take part in their Armed Forces Day Commemoration. Head of Severn Unit Nic Price said “This year it was held outside the Town Hall on Sunday 21st June and members of Severn Unit attended the service along with their Standard Bearer Mike Seaman.”
Prescott Speed Hill Climb –
Vintage Prescott
The only event now held on the historic short course. This event has become a
for automotive enthusiasts.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Gloucestershire’s rolling hills, Vintage Prescott offers a weekend brimming with family fun, vintage vehicles and diverse trade stands ensuring there’s something to delight everyone.
The weekend’s excitement unfolds with practice sessions on Saturday, followed by timed competition runs on Sunday, showcasing the skill and precision of drivers as they navigate the challenging course.
Whether you’re a long-time member or a newcomer, Vintage Prescott promises an unforgettable experience, celebrating the rich heritage of vintage motorsport in a truly stunning setting.
For more information, and to book tickets, please visit the Prescott Speed Hill Climb website.
Colourful Cottage Garden Plants In Stock Now
• Bulbs for Autumn planting arriving August
• Autumn planting seed potatoes
• Roses, shrubs, hedging plants & trees
• Plant, lawn & garden care products
• Specialist composts & decorative gravels
• Terracotta, glazed & plastic pots
• Specialist bird care products
Celebrating our 35th Anniversary
Gretton Road, Gotherington GL52 9QY
Open - Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-4pm 01242 676722 www.gotheringtonnurseries.co.uk
Probus Club: Coping with Motor Neurone Disease
There are many terrible diseases that affect human beings, but few are as cruel as Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Hazel Carter gave Tewkesbury and Bredon Hill Probus Club a deeply moving account of her husband Alan’s journey from being a fit and active man to his diagnosis with MND, and of how together they faced the challenges of the disease until his death at the age of just 62.
Given the seriousness of the subject, one might have expected the presentation to be a sombre experience. Instead, Hazel’s warm and engaging presentation style made it both uplifting and inspiring. The title of her talk, “Life’s Good – It’s the Disease That’s the Problem,” perfectly reflected her positive outlook. Rather than seeking sympathy, she focused on accepting the reality of MND and making the very best of life despite its devastating consequences.
At the time of Alan’s diagnosis, Hazel was at the height of her career as a board director of a national financial planning business. Once the initial shock had passed, she made the life-changing decision to leave her career and devote herself to ensuring that Alan received the very best care and enjoyed the highest possible quality of life throughout the inevitable progression of the disease.
Hazel’s presentation was a deeply personal account of one of life’s greatest challenges. Club members learned about the symptoms of MND, the difficulties of diagnosis and the relentless progression of the illness. Equally inspiring was hearing how Hazel and Alan developed practical strategies to cope with each new obstacle and still managed to enjoy a number of adventures together despite the increasing physical limitations.
Following Alan’s death, Hazel has found a renewed sense of
■ Hazel Carter
purpose. She is now a highly regarded public speaker, serves as a trustee of the MND Association and volunteers at a Marie Curie Hospice, using her experiences to support and inspire others facing similar challenges.
Hazel’s presentation was an unforgettable experience for our members. It was informative, thought-provoking and profoundly moving, leaving everyone with enormous admiration for the courage, resilience and positivity shown by both Hazel and Alan in the face of an unimaginably difficult disease.
By
Chris Brown for Tewkesbury and Bredon Hill Probus Club
www.probusclub.net/ tewkesbredon
Stimulate Your Retirement At Tewkesbury & Bredon Hill Probus Club
Probus Club offers retired and semi-retired professional and business men the opportunity to enrich retirement by joining likeminded people for congenial conversation, sharing experiences, listening to a wide variety of interesting speakers and occasional visits to places of interest.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN AUGUST:
4 AUG - KATHERINE PARR - GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S QUEEN (WITH MIKE BOTTOMLEY)
11 AUG - THE WORK OF OVERBURY ENTERPRISES (WITH LIAM AGGETT)
18 AUG - H.H.MARTYN: GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S FABULOUS COMPANY (WITH JAMES RENDELL)
25 AUG - DIEGO RIVERA’S MURALS IN MEXICO CITY (WITH MALCOLM POLLOCK)
Meetings are held at 10.15 a.m. in Bredon Village Hall. Every interested person will receive a very warm welcome. Please contact our Secretary, Steve Tucker on 07803 907243 for further information or visit our website at: www.probusclub.net/tewkesbredon/
SADDLE UP FOR A NIGHT OF HIGH-OCTANE COUNTRY
FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST. 7:30PM at Isbourne Arts Centre, High Street, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5LJ
Taynee Lord brings her powerhouse live show to Isbourne Arts. Blending anthemic hooks with commanding, heartfelt lyrics, Taynee creates music made for sunsets and open highways from Bristol to Nashville … and now Winchcombe.
Tickets available from the Isbourne Arts website.
Stand up paddle boarding for all ages and abilities
Individuals and groups, all abilities
Instruction sessions daily, Boat hire, Dragon & Swan Pedal Boats 2 & 3 seat sit on top Kayaks, Catamaran Team Canoes Sailing Boats and Windsurfers
Book online at www.croftfarmwaterpark.com
Email tom@croftfarmleisure.co.uk or call 01684 772321 (ext. 2) to book tuition
The UK’s largest flea fair is a must for anyone selling or buying pre-loved goods. With up to 300 indoor stalls and hundreds more outside (weather dependent).
A busy trading fair for exhibitors and a bustling fair for buyers with an interest in salvage hunting, interior design, up-cycling, crafting, and thrift seeking.
Shot Blasting & Powder Coating
High quality metalwork preparation and tough protection
• Fabrications • Automotive
Restoration
Upcycling
• Industrial & Commercial Contract Work Powder coating offers durability, resists chipping, scratching and wear.
MB Finishings, Unit 7, Alpha, Toddington, Cheltenham GL54 5EB
Reach New Heights with Tewkesbury Abbey’s Tower Tours
From August, one of Tewkesbury Abbey’s most popular visitor experiences returns in full as Tower Tours once again climb all the way to the top of the Abbey’s magnificent Norman tower.
Following the end of the peregrine falcon nesting season, visitors can once again make the ascent to the tower summit, where breathtaking 360-degree views stretch across Tewkesbury, the Severn Vale, the Malvern Hills and, on a clear day, as far as the Cotswolds and the Black Mountains.
Along the way, expert volunteer guides reveal fascinating stories hidden within the Abbey’s ancient walls, taking visitors through medieval staircases, historic chambers and centuries of architectural history before reaching the spectacular rooftop viewing platform.
For those looking to discover more of the Abbey’s rich heritage at ground level, the popular Tombs, Trees and Tributes exterior tour also returns this August. This guided walk explores the Abbey precincts, uncovering remarkable monuments, memorials, historic trees and the stories of the people who have shaped the Abbey and its sur-
roundings over nearly 900 years.
The Hidden Spaces Tower Tour will also continue on selected dates, as well as the popular Highlights Tour, offering an introduction to the Abbey’s rich history and remarkable ar-
chitecture.
Whether you’re climbing to the top for unforgettable views or discovering stories you’ve never heard before, there’s never been a better time to see the Abbey from a fresh perspective.
Please come along to our Speaker mornings at
Tewkesbury and District
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday 10th August 2026
My solo walk through Africa, from the Skeleton Coast to Zanzibar (Fran Sandham)
Monday September 14th 2026
UK heists and the guys who done ‘em (Barry Faulkner)
Monday October 12th 2026
Sailing to the Falkland Isles and South Georgia (Our own Ken Whitaker)
Enjoy a free coffee/tea from 10.am www.tewkesburyu3a.org
Threads through the Cross: A Stunning
Textile Journey at Tewkesbury Abbey
This summer, Tewkesbury Abbey is home to Threads through the Cross, a remarkable exhibition by acclaimed British textile artist Jacqui Parkinson, transforming the Abbey with monumental works of art that are both visually stunning and deeply thought-provoking.
The exhibition features 18 textile panels, each nearly three metres high, charting the story of Jesus’s life, death, resurrection and ascension through vibrant colour, rich textures and extraordinary craftsmanship. Combining silk, paint, metallic leather and gold leaf, Jacqui’s distinctive style creates artworks full of movement, symbolism and intricate detail that reward repeat viewing.
There’s plenty to enjoy alongside the exhibition. Make your mark in our collaborative woven artwork that will later be made into a cross and displayed in the Abbey.
Families can enjoy children’s story sessions every Thursday afternoon and a free children’s trail encourages younger visitors to explore the exhibition and discover its stories. And guided meditations inspired by the artwork will take place at 4pm on Sundays 16 and 23 August, combining the ex-
Popular Indian restaurant, Mezbaan, in Church Street, have reached the finals in the English Curry Awards
This prestigious event to be held on the 10th August celebrates the finest talents from the English Curry industry, recognising outstanding restaurants and chefs across the UK.
Good luck to manager Mac and his team.
Late Summer
Afternoon Tea Party
Saturday 29th August from 2pm at Tudor House Hotel High St , central Tewkesbury
£30.95 per person
• Live Music
• 4 x Teapot Cocktails
• Afternoon on the Terrace
To book call 01684 297755
hibition with Taizé-style prayer and music. Admission to Threads through the Cross is by voluntary donation, making it the perfect opportunity to rediscover the Abbey through the lens of exceptional contemporary textile art.
Our Signature procedures include:
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Newtown WI hear Poetry in Emotion
Whatever the occasion, or subject, the extrovert and very colourful Dalziel Ellis will write you a poem. She [yes, she] came to her poetry-presenting job via paramedic work, illness, stress, working as a mental first-aider [new to me!] and motorbikes, and also through old childhood habits of both showing off and also writing ditties for every occasion. Limericks for a hen party won her a vibrator, and whilst she was telling us about the first time she switched it on [not to use it, but out of curiosity ...] the air-con in our meeting room kicked in with a loud buzz, provoking hoots of laughter. Several funny tales and poems later, she finished with a join-me singsong on the banjolele. After a break for tea and chat, we found that JeanS had won first prize yet again! in our “D” Competition, with a double-D Duck Doorstop.
On display were some beautifully made cards
from the Craft Group, and a bead necklace, made from scratch at a one-day Workshop held by the local WI Federation. The hot July raffle made a bit of money and several toiletries were donated [for the hospital to give to unexpected patients]. And we have adopted a proposed Resolution to put forward to the whole of WI in the UK - Stop Pill Confusion.
Changing the colour, feel, size and shape is recognised as dangerous by the National Poison Control Centre. The picture makes the pointtwo pills changed in one weekend. Wish us luck.
At our previous meeting, in flaming June, we tried to repeat last year’s lovely picnic in the Abbey grounds. And yes, it was a beautifully sunny day, exactly as predicted; but in time-honoured British style it poured down, just at the start, driving us indoors
to the back room of the Abbey refectory, where we had tea’n’scones and lotsa hilarious games, very noisily. And they say that boys never grow up!
SarahW won the sash for most pop-culture
Sudeley Castle – “Romeo & Juliet”
knowledge in the quiz.
Some of us watched the national WI Annual Meeting in June, on the telly at Bredon Cricket Club. The best bit was the fish’n’chips!
Next month is a trip to Pershore - and for many of us, a visit to one of the best Thai eateries in the area. We shall still hold our Knit’n’Natter, Craft, Book Club and Coffee-with-Julie get-togethers, between our main meetings.
If you fancy joining our vibrant WI, do come along to the Wheatpiec-
es Community Centre, on Wednesday 9th September 2026 at 2pm.
Or, contact Julie at PullenJ53@Sky.com, or ring 01684 301237.
m Dalziel Ellis
m Julie and Chris Mac
m Sarah
The area around
breaks all the conventions which define
Tewkesbury’s alleys. The court ‘front house’ is No 73, now the Abbot’s Table restaurant. Two doors away, at 75, there is another court entrance, no longer named but once Mayalls Court. The building in between, No 74, seems never to have had a plot of its own. It is very narrow and looks as if it was formed out of the Mayalls Court burgage plot many years ago, but not allocated any of the land behind it.
By the mid nineteenth century, through access to St Mary’s Lane had been lost to a terrace of buildings along the lane. There were seven cottag-
es in Smiths Court and six in Mayalls. Although they faced each other they were separated by a wall. The occupants of the cottages had a huge variety of occupations, representing the trade and commerce of the town. Some were skilled craftsmen with families, some were elderly widows, paupers, taking in several lodgers. Smiths Court cottages were always described a ‘brick built’, which set them above many wattle and daub alley homes. In 1900, one was sold for £65.
Sanitation was a problem, here as everywhere. At the back of No 94 there was a well and pump for general use, the remnants of which are still there, one of the last of what was a very common alley feature. As late as 1903, long after piped water had been laid on, the Public Health Inspector was testing and reporting on the quality of the pumped water. Other sanitary facilities, toilets and wash-houses, had long been provided by the council, and many houses had even built their own. Inadequate drains were a recurring problem, and getting reluctant landlords to repair them was difficult.
The biggest dramas were caused by the front houses in Church Street. In 1932, No 73 caught fire and was very badly damaged. Luckily, the firemen stopped it spreading into Smiths Court, but the roof suffered a lot. It was the home of Harry Hewett, a fine art dealer and the biggest loss was caused by water damage to his stock of paintings. In 1967, a tall chimney stack on No 74 blew down, breaking the windows of 75 and frightening the whole neighbourhood. It needed a high-reach ‘Snorkel’ appliance from Cheltenham to make it safe, and raised concerns about the safety of old chimney stacks generally.
hard labour for stealing three pet rabbits from Mr Rice and selling them in the Farriers Arms.
Two juveniles, brothers, started their own crime wave in the 1920s, starting with a conviction for letting off fireworks in the street, It got more serious, with the theft of ten eggs, followed by a penknife then some field glasses from Collins and Godfrey’s offices. This last led to committal to borstal.
Though there were so few houses, the courts suffered badly during the First World War. Ernest Williams, William Hodges, George Mann and Arthur Sallis were all killed in action.
There were positive things. In 1938 Jack Sollis dived into the Avon at King Johns Island and saved two-year-old Mar-
garet Matty, who had fallen in whilst picking flowers. The cottages in Smith Court survived, and today there is a row of three on the footprint of the original seven. Mayalls Court was not so lucky. By 1938 there was only one resident, who was re-housed to allow the demolition of the cottages. This left a large open space behind Nos 74 and 75. When the properties along St Mary’s Lane were replaced by Abbey Court, a block of flats, the area was opened to traffic from the lane and allowed the construction of garages. Today it is an example of the unfortunate town planning legacy of the 1960s, further scarred by a proliferation of wheelie bins.
Harry Hewett made a convincing claim that his house, now the Abbot’s Table, was Dinah Craik’s model for Sally Watkins’ cottage in ‘John Halifax, Gentleman’ and that the Abbey Lawn House, opposite, was the Mayors House. There were alternative claims, but the press seemed convinced.
There was the inevitable petty crime, but noticeably less than in other alleys. In 1885 George Williams got six months
Smiths Court, in Church Street,
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HIGHNAM COURT: Highnam, Gloucester GL2 8DP. Sun 2nd Aug 11am-4.30pm. 40 acres of magnificent garden surrounding a Grade 1 17th century house (not open). Lakes, rose gardens, shrubberies, wildflower meadow, knot garden and white garden. Home-made teas.
Adult £6, child free. www.ngs.org.uk
NIMROD: 35 Alexander Road, Malvern WR14 1HE. Sat 8th & Sun 9th Aug, 10.30am-4.pm. Two level garden in the shadow of the Malvern Hills. Shady woodland, pond, cottage garden, Japanese garden, rock garden, small wildflower meadow. Home-made teas. Adult £5, child free. www.ngs.org.uk
COTSWOLD GARDEN FLOWERS: Sands Lane, Badsey, Evesham WR11 7EZ Wed 12th Aug and 19th September. 11.00am-6.00pm. Thousands of plants including unusual and rare varieties in this working nursery. One acre of stockbeds. Guided tours available. Adult £5, child free. www.ngs.org.uk
ALL THINGS WILD:
Year-round family attraction, open from 10am-5pm every day. Animals, dinosaur experience, train rides, soft play, indoor and outdoor activities. Adventure experiences for those aged over 8. Located at Station Road, Honeybourne, Evesham WR11 7QZ. www. allthingswild.co.uk
COTSWOLD
WILDLIFE PARK:
Open every day from 10am until 6pm (last admission 4pm). Cotswold Wildlife Park is now one of the UK’s largest zoological collections set in beautiful parkland Near Burford OX18 4JP. cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
FOREST OF DEAN
SCULPTURE TRAIL: Follow waymarked routes from Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean where there is ample parking (charge), a café and refreshment facilities as well as a picnic area. Choice of
STANWAY FOUNTAIN AND WATER GARDEN: Stanway GL54 5PQ. Sun 16th Aug. 2pm5pm. 20 acres of formal 18th century style gardens, restored canal, upper pond and the world’s highest (300’) fountain. Teas in Stanway tea room. Adult £7, child £3. www.ngs.org.uk
RICHMOND VILLAGES: Stroud Road, Painswick GL6 6UL. Thursday 13th August. 10.00am-3.00pm. Landscaped gardens open at this four acre retirement village on the southern slopes of Painswick. Fruit trees, herbaceous perennials and shrubs, herbs, formal lawns and a wildflower meadow. Refreshments available in café. Meals may be booked in advance. Adult £5.00, child free. Please note: cash only. www.ngs.org.uk
trails with up to 16 sculptures to see. Off the B4226 Cinderford to Coleford road. More details forestofdeansculpture.org.uk
CROCODILES OF THE WORLD: Open daily, 10am-5pm. The UK’s only Crocodile Zoo with species from around the world. Underwater viewing, plus meerkats, Galapagos tortoises and one of only four Komodo dragons in the UK. Burford Road, Brize Norton OX18 3NX. crocodilesoftheworld. co.uk
BIRDLAND PARK & GARDENS: Open 10am4pm. Over 500 birds including rare species, penguins, flamingos and pelicans in nine acres of gardens and woodland next to the River Windrush. Life-sized dinosaur models in the ‘Jurassic Journey’ area. Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2AY. Details at www.birdland.co.uk
CHEDWORTH
ROMAN VILLA: Open daily in July, 10am-5pm (café closes 4.30pm). Located in a secluded valley in the Cotswolds, this is one of the grandest Roman villas in England. Museum, shop and café. Yanworth, near Chedworth, GL54 3LJ.
OUT AND ABOUT with Jack B. Walker
EXHAUSTS & BRAKES
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www.twyninggarage.co.uk
email: enquiries@twyninggarage.co.uk Main A38, Shuthonger, Tewkesbury GL20 6EH
