The 'Over the Rainbow, Tewkesbury back in business' initiative began as an idea that was discussed between Ian Mean (Editor-in-Chief, Gloucestershire Media), Cllr Phil Awford (then Mayor of Tewkesbury Borough) and Paul Williams (Vicar of Tewkesbury) earlier this year. Local businesses
...were keen to get involved and offer their support and services. Individual support came from the Mayor of Tewkesbury Borough Cllr Brian Calway, Claire Redstone, Philippa Shaw and Janet Davies (Tewkesbury Abbey) and PC Mark Smith.An organising committee was formed!
The aim of the Over the Rainbow is to encourage local people to get involved. We hope it will generate national and international media interest to put Tewkesbury back on the map for positive reasons rather than simply being known as one of the worst affected victims of the floods of 2007.
We know that Tewkesbury is a prosperous market town that's a great place to live, work and visit and we want to get this message across to everyone!
Over the Rainbow is an event to mark the year anniversary of the floods. A week-long series of events will culminate on Sunday 20th July 2008 with a day of activities for all the family.
One of the most significant moments of the day will be the 'Hugging of the Abbey' when a helicopter will fly over and take photographs of everyone surrounding the Abbey - in contrast to the flood water that was there last year.