From TETBURY, with LOVE

Tracy Spiers falls in love with the Cotswold market town

Frank Sinatra, one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century, once said that “a simple I love you means more than money.” Yet something compels us to express this love for our loved ones in a physical gift. As February 14 approaches, my precious Mum and I decide to go on a hunt for a few suggestions in finding that perfect something. We discover our treasures in Tetbury, a quintessential elegant Cotswold town not far from the famous Westonbirt Arboretum and Royal household of HRH Prince of Wales. It’s in Tetbury where we fall in love with a long-haired Jack Russell called Tilly.

Our journey starts in The Tetbury Taylor in Chipping Court, where we meet little Tilly, a 13-year-old bundle of joy, who greets us on her hind legs, a gesture she repeats three times, much to the amazement of her owner.

This gesture of unconditional love, illustrated by a loveable canine epitomises all that Valentine’s Day is intended to be. This shop is the ideal place to find a gift particularly for the men, although I particularly love the collection of funky cufflinks which include hearts and a red miniature Mini Cooper complete with Union Jack roof. As both Mum and I have this iconic vehicle, we can easily buy these for our retrospective husbands, but really we want them for ourselves. The brightly-coloured fun socks, be they spotty or striped, are also a fun way to say I love you. I ask Keith Leaver, owner of The Tetbury Tailor what his personal Valentine wish is.

“Love your High Street otherwise there will be no more shops in future,” he replies. “The best gift this Valentine’s Day is to love local shops. Don’t buy online; support your local traders.”