Tewkesbury Community Pulse: Church Welcomes All, Academy Rated ‘Good’, and a Packed 2025 Events Calendar
TEWKESBURY, 21 January 2026 – While a specific search for an individual named Amanda Wixon in Tewkesbury yielded no direct results, a review of local sources paints a vibrant picture of community life in this historic Gloucestershire town. From inclusive church initiatives and a top-rated academy to a bustling schedule of future events, Tewkesbury is a hub of activity and support.
Community and Faith: A Welcoming Church
Tewkesbury Methodist Church has announced several new initiatives to bolster community spirit and support. A new Mid-Week Ecumenical Communion service has begun, held on Wednesdays from 10am to 10.30am, followed by coffee and chat. The church has also been officially accepted onto the Inclusive Church Register, affirming its commitment to welcoming everyone unconditionally, regardless of disability, gender, sexuality, or social isolation.
Further community efforts include ongoing collections for the Cobalt Unit charity, a scheme for donating flowers in memory or celebration of loved ones, and a local collection point for donations—including clothing, toiletries, and small gifts—bound for Ukraine via regular lorry shipments from Pershore.
Education Excellence and Local Governance
Tewkesbury Academy has received a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted, with inspectors praising its leadership, behaviour, pupil development, sixth-form provision, and quality of education. The academy continues to promote a culture of reading and high attendance.
On the political front, the Tewkesbury Green Party reports growth, having increased its seats on Tewkesbury Borough Council from one to four since 2023. Councillors highlight achievements in declaring climate and ecological emergencies, securing funding for community projects like cycle storage and biodiversity officers, and running local initiatives such as a monthly Daytime Dance.
Tewkesbury Borough Council is currently spotlighting community warm spaces and has published a new Council Plan for 2025-2028. The council is also involved in the Strategic and Local Plan process alongside Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Key Facts & Forthcoming Events
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Local Media | The Tewkesbury Direct magazine delivers 9,860 copies monthly across the town and surrounding villages. |
| Major Development | The new Cotswolds Designer Outlet at Ashchurch (Junction 9, M5) is set to open in July 2026, with Marks & Spencer, Wagamama, and Puma among confirmed tenants. |
| Academy Success | Tewkesbury Academy’s ‘Good’ Ofsted rating was a milestone moment for the school and the wider town. |
| Green Initiatives | Council’s Climate Emergency Scorecard ranking has risen from 10% to 44% due to Green Party advocacy. |
A Glimpse at Tewkesbury’s 2025 Diary
The town and its surrounding areas have a full calendar of upcoming events for 2025, as listed in Tewkesbury Direct. Highlights include the Tewkesbury High Street Fine Food & Craft Market (20 April), the Cheltenham Cider Festival featuring The Wurzels (24-25 May), and the Cotswold Festival of Steam celebrating Railway 200 (24-26 May). Cultural offerings range from tribute acts at The Roses Theatre to guided battlefield walks and the return of the popular ‘Tewkesbury Goes Wild’ nature festival in July.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was any information found about Amanda Wixon in Tewkesbury?
No direct information or references to an individual named Amanda Wixon were found within the local community news, council updates, or event listings for Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.
What is the Inclusive Church Register?
It is a national register that lists churches which commit to offering an unconditional welcome to all people, particularly those who may feel excluded due to disability, gender, sexuality, or social isolation. Tewkesbury Methodist Church’s inclusion signals its active commitment to this principle.
When is the new Cotswolds Designer Outlet opening?
The major retail development at Ashchurch is scheduled to open in July 2026, bringing new shopping and dining options to the area near Junction 9 of the M5.