Bishops Castle

PRIMARY SCHOOL HILL CLIMB – Pupils at Bishops Castle primary school have raised £1,170 with a 12 mile sponsored walk in aid of UNICEF Day for Change. All 26 pupils in Year Six climbed to Pole Bank, at the summit of the Long Mynd, after walking from their school. Teacher Gareth Davies said: “We do alot of hill walking at the school, but even by our standards this was a big effort.” In addition to the Long Mynd hike, all the pupils at the school contributed by walking two miles around Bishops Castle. Mr Davies added: “The aim of this year’s UNICEF event is to provide education for children in areas of the world affected by natural disasters and by armed conflict. Everyone at the school is very proud to have raised so much money.

CARNIVAL NEWS – Now in its 117th year, Bishops Castle carnival will be on July 6. Every year it opens with a procession of decorated floats which can take over 30 minutes to pass through the town’s narrow streets. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes take part, comprising private entry floats, vintage cars, lorries and tractors. Entrants are encouraged to use their own initiative to “dress” a float however they choose and are judged in several different categories. There are certificates and cash prizes for the best turned out float, the best maintained vehicle and the best public house float. The best in show float wins the coveted Shropshire Star Trophy. “In 2013 we had 23 floats in the parade plus a variety of other lorries, vintage cars and tractors,” said Will Oakley, carnival chairman. “There were over 60 vehicles and it is a hugely popular part of the carnival day. We are hoping it will be even bigger in 2014 and if the weather is kind to us then we can expect a super event with lots of fun for everyone be they spectators or participants”. There is no formal entry requirement or charge to take part in the parade and for more details go to www.bishopscastlecarnival.co.uk. Call Martin Walter on 01588 620055.

PRESENTATION TO DOCTORS – Presentation evening for retiring doctors from Bishops Castle Medical Practice Dr Adrian Fairbanks, Dr Sue Lambert and nurse Eleri Fairbanks, will be at The Inn on the Green, Wentnor, next Thursday, June 5, 7.30pm. Light refreshments served.

ESSAY PRIZES – South West Shropshire Historical and Archaeological Society recently presented awards to winners of annual Christopher Train essay prize. The shields were presented by one of the competition judges, Dr John Leonard. Mike Greene won the adult competition with an essay on Excavations at Lower Down while Asa Peters and Theo Croom- Johnson were the winners of the junior competition. Families of Lydbury North and Theo Croom-Johnson, The Railway that Never Was , in the junior competitions. On June 14 SWSHAS will have its annual outing, this year to Wroxeter Roman City and the Victorian residence of Sunnycroft in Wellington.

BINGO FOR LOCAL CHARITIES – A recent local charity bingo night at Bishops Castle Public Hall raised £424 for the Royal British Legion Women’s Section, the Dogs Bodies Rescue, Severn Hospice and the Friends of Bishops Castle Community Hospital. Each will receive £106.

STABLES OPEN DAY – Walcot Stables in Lydbury North celebrates its tenth anniversary with a free open day on Sunday. Everyone is welcome to have a look around, meet the horses and the enthusiastic team who give riding lessons and look after the stables. The day runs from 1pm to 4pm, with tea and cake on offer and a chance to find out about the anniversary special offers lined up for the month of June when all lessons and hacks will be at June 2004 prices. Pony rides for £1 will be available, together with a scavenger hunt and a lucky dip. Information also available about forthcoming pony club activities and a dressage demonstration and lecture. Walcot Stables is run by Stuart Murray and he and his wife Steph and the couple hope to welcome any local people who would like to walk down the lane to meet them and see their horses. The stables is at the end of a narrow lane next to the old Lydbury North garage. Call 01588 680514 for details.

CLUB TO VISIT ICE CREAM FARM – The Longmynd Vintage Vehicle Club held a prize bingo at the Inn on the Green, Wentnor, on May 12. Organised by club vice-chairman and secretary Rosemary and Jodie Griffiths the evening raised £230 towards the club’s charities for 2014, the Grange Road Lunches for All and AMP (About Music Project). In June the club will be visiting the Dairy Dreams ice cream farm in Churchstoke. The club has changed the date of its annual road run to July 13 from the original date of June 8. Booking forms for will be available soon and the club hopes to cater for those with tractors and cars on a route which is being planned by the committee. After the run there will be a social event and a BBQ for all participants and guests. Call Karen Bavastock on 07967 100903 for details of all the club activities.

QUIZ FOR TWO CHURCHES – A recent quiz in Lydham village hall raised £600 to support Lydham and Snead churches. Andrew Semple was the quizmaster, while Shirley Rowson and Barbara Hird donated the supper. Thanks to everyone who took part and those who helped make the evening a success.

BISHOPS CASTLE DIARY, May 29-June 4.

THURSDAY – Globe on Screen. A Midsummer’s Night Dream . SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle. £10/£7. 7pm. Call 01588 630321 or 638038.

FRIDAY– Coverage Care Stone House quiz in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness. Inn on the Green, Wentnor. Teams of four. £7 including hot supper. Call 01588 650634 or 07896 970872.

  • Lunch Club. Grange Road Community Centre, Bishops Castle. Noon. Call 07956 062454.
  • Bishops Castle walking group planning meeting. The Gaer, Hazler Rd, Church Stretton. 10.30am. Call 01588 650451.

SATURDAY – Plant sale in aid of Marches Community Choir. Outside Bishops Castle Pharmacy. 10am. Call 01588 638877 SUNDAY – Bishops Castle mayor’s procession. Mayor’s Sunday service. Bishops Castle Church. 11am. Call 01588 638141.

  • Taize service. Bishops Castle Church. 4.30pm.
  • Open day. Walcot Stables, Lydbury North. Free, pony rides £1. 1pm-4pm. Call 01588 680514.
  • NGS open garden. Marehay Farm, Gatten, Ratlinghope. £3, children free11am-6pm.

TUESDAY - Onny Valley Social Club. Visit to Land of Lost Content, Craven Arms. 2.30pm. Own transport, meet in museum. Call 01588 638570.

If you have any news for the paper, or a coming event to promote, please hand a note addressed to Julia Parker over the counter at Bishops Castle Post Office. She sends news to the paper every week. Her phone number is 01588 680445.The email jparker228@btinternet.com

 

Clun

PARISH MEETING – Clun’s annual parish meeting is today at Clun memorial hall at 6.30pm, followed by the town council meeting at 7.30pm.

FARMHOUSE BREAKFASTS – Start your day the right way on Saturday with a farmhouse breakfast (veggie option available) from 9am to 11am in Chapel Lawn village hall. Cooks Christine and Patrick will cook to order. Booking preferred but not essential. Ring Chris on 01547 530585. £5 for a full breakfast with coffee and teas.

VOICES OF THE VALLEY CONCERT – Enjoy a concert and cream tea at St Mary’s Church, Chapel Lawn, on Sunday at 3pm. Tickets £5 includes a cream tea.

MEMORIAL HALL AGM – AGM is Monday, 7.30pm in the memorial hall.

BINGO AT THE SUN – Easter egg bingo made over £200 with forty Easter egg prizes all donated. Total raised so far for St George’s building fund is £4,087. There was no bingo in May, next session is Monday at the Sun Inn. Eyes down at 7.30pm. This will be the last before the summer break. Donations of prizes and money to sponsor a house or line prize always welcome. Drop them at the Old Surgery Gallery open every day except Wednesday. Contact Tim Wood 01588 640506.

CLUN WI – Next meeting of Clun WI is Tuesday at Haslehurst community centre, at 7.30pm.

CLUN RAMBLERS – Clun Ramblers’ next walk is on Wednesday. Meet at Clun memorial hall car park at 9.30am. Sorry no dogs.

Any news or events in the Clun Valley, contact Elisabeth Taylor, email elisabeth777@btinternet.com 01981 540893. Deadline is the Thursday of the week before publication.

 

Tenbury

SUMMER FETE – Tenbury Primary School annual summer fete on June 6. Starts at 5.30pm. Lots of stalls and things to do. Everyone welcome. Raising money for ICT equipment.

PROGRESSIVE SUPPER – July 5, presented by Tenbury Agricultural Society. Blue route: starter at Temple Farm, Little Hereford, by kind permission of David Hodges; main course at Netherwood Manor, by kind permission of Ivo and Peta Clifton. Red route: starter at Bramley House, Broombank, by kind permission of Mark and Katie Yarnold, main course at Commonwood Farm, Knighton-on- Teme, by kind permission of Bruce and Sarah Starkey; finale: Bockleton Farm, Bockleton, by kind permission of Jo and Jim Phillips. Tickets £20 from Chris Beamand 01568 750461 or Tenbury Farm Supplies or Nick Champion. Purchase tickets now to avoid disappointment. Cream teas, cakes, ice creams, plants, craft stalls, lucky dip, second hand toys, face painting and more. Proceeds to Kyre and Stoke Bliss churches and Megan House.

OLD TIME MUSIC HALL – Supper and cabaret, Little Hereford village hall, June 28. Supper from 7pm, show starts at 7.45pm. Featuring stars from far and near and a not to be missed return of the Archer Brothers. Licensed bar, raffle. It would be great to see people dress up in Victorian costume or even a hat from the period. All the artistes are giving their time for free and all proceeds will go to ECHO, which is a learning disability and mental health charity based in Leominster and Hereford. Tickets £12 each available from Lynda and Graham Archer on 01584 810702 or graham.archer7@btinternet.com or the ECHO office at 40 West Street, Leominster.

TENBURY RAMBLING CLUB WALKS FOR JUNE – June 9, meet 6pm at Tenbury swimming pool. Distance three and a half miles. Brimfield. A walk starting at the Roebuck, then refreshments at the pub. For details contact John Anderson 01584 810099. June 16, meet 10am at Tenbury swimming pool. Distance six miles. Bring a packed lunch. Bringsty Common and Bromyard Downs. Tea shop towards end of the walk. For details contact Derek or Jan Delaney 01584 811122.

 

The Strettons

COUNTRY MARKET – Don’t forget that the country market is open for business at Mayfair community centre from 8.30am-noon every Friday selling home-made cakes, produce and craft items. If you would like to help serve behind the counter or become a supplier please speak to the staff.

BOOK SALE - A book sale at the URC hall tomorrow and Saturday will raise funds for Mayfair community centre and is supported by the Rotary Club. The event is open from 10am-4pm.

DRAMA - Funny Money, a comedy by Ray Cooney, is the production Dorrington Players stage during the three-night run at the Silvester Horne Institute. The show continues tomorrow and Saturday, at 7.30pm. Ticket sales are through Burway Books and John Thomas Florists and some may be available at the door. Church Stretton School students will be presenting Wind in the Willows at the school from June18-20. Look out for more details in due course.

OUTING - The local gardening club has arranged an outing to Bryans Ground at Presteigne tomorrow, and there may just be time to enquire for places on the coach by ringing 01694 720131.

PLANT SALE - The local area Lib Dems annual plant sale takes place on Saturday from 10am at St Milburga’s car park offering home- grown quality and variety of plants at bargain prices.

BLUES’N’ROOTS - Saturday is the day of the Blues’n’ Roots festival held in Rectory Field from noon. Offering great music from Blues Boy Dan, Gary Hall and Polly Money and a host of others, ‘how-to’ musical workshops. Licensed bars and delicious food. Tickets online from www.BluesnRoots.co.uk and Macmillan Cancer Support is the charity to benefit.

GREEN PARTY - The South Shropshire Green party will be meeting at the Acorn Café on Monday, at 10.30am.

COMMUNITY CINEMA - Saving Mr Banks (U) is the film to be screened at Church Stretton School on Monday at 7.30pm and stars Tom Hanks. Admission is £4 and interval refreshments are available.

WALKING FESTIVAL - The walking festival is due to start next Thursday, June 5, until June 8, and is the 12th walking festival offering 12 walks of from six to thirteen miles to suit all abilities and with pub meals on Friday and Saturday evening. Entry fee is £6 together with a returnable £5 deposit to reserve a place for the evening meal. Ring 01694 724268 to find out more.

HOCKEY - There will be a new season of Stretton Sharks hockey sessions at the leisure centre for boys and girls aged five-11 after school each school Monday and new starters are welcome. Sessions are from 3.30pm-5pm so arrive when you can. The cost is £2 per session or £15 for ten sessions, some of which may be held outdoors. Participants need to take drinks, wear suitable clothing and shin pads. Sticks and balls are provided.

RUGBY - The Church Stretton Samurai rugby club ended the season with presentations and an end of season party at the Station Inn, Marshbrook. The club is starting to recruit players of all abilities and experience for a new under 17 team to play from September 2014. With this in mind there will be a pre- season training and barbecue evening at Church Stretton School on June 7, at 5pm.

NEPAL SCHOOLS - Shane from Kaboodle will be running in the Shrewsbury and Cardiff half marathons to continue raising funds for the Classrooms in the Clouds project and funding for a Nepalese teacher, Mani Kumar Rai, so if you would like to help sponsor Shane’s efforts pop into Kaboodle and put some money in the box.

SCHOOL NEWS - Church Stretton School students are looking forward to an expedition to Ghana in 2015 and have planned an itinerary. The year ten Duke of Edinburgh group take part in their final expedition. The PTA has appointed a new treasurer and secretary and will be seeking suggestions from parents to guide the PTA towards future fundraising events and use of funds. Currently funds have been raised for the new picnic patio area project and the cycle shelter, and two notice boards will be provided for the humanities department to display students’ work. One of the main fundraising events is the craft fair which this year will take place on November 15. At St Lawrence’s Primary School the under 11 boys football team has won the county cup, and the DanceXtra Club was invited to do maypole dancing at an event at Acton Scott. The school has arranged a bikeability course for year six pupils, and a visit to Stokesay Castle. A medieval workshop is also planned and pupils look forward to taking part in a cricket tournament.

CIVIC SOCIETY - The annual general meeting of the Civic Society took place at the Silvester Horne Institute. In his report the chairman spoke of the government’s new policy to reduce the amount of building in residential gardens under the new National Planning Policy Framework. The chairman passed on information from Bishops Castle Civic Society about its meeting next Thursday, June 5, to which Church Stretton members were invited. A copy of the unaudited accounts was presented by the treasurer and thanks were given for his work over many years as the society heard that he was now stepping down from the post. Another member had agreed to take on the role but leaving the society without a secretary and minute secretary, so new volunteers were invited to apply. There followed a discussion on the SAMDev, Shropshire Council’s final plan for housing and employment land in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty under the National Planning Policy Framework at the present time and looking to the future.

OFFICIAL OPENING - Sir Neil and Lady Cussons and the Wildlife Trust will be officially opening the newly cleaned and replanted Rectory Field pond on June 6, at 3.30pm. Local primary children have been helping with some of the planting and members of the public are invited to attend the event. There will be tea provided in the parish centre afterwards for those who wish. Please ring 01694 722361 to let the caterers know you are going.

JUNE FAIR - A June fair on June 7, at the Methodist hall to raise funds for the Stretton Wellbeing Centre has been arranged by the Wives and Friends group and will be open from 10am-noon. On sale will be cakes and produce, plants, gifts and bric-a-brac. Donations of items for the sale welcome.

TICKLERTON FETE - June 7, is the date of Ticklerton fete which will be held at The Orchards of Ticklerton Hall. Parking will be available at the village hall. The event opens at 2.30pm. There will be DVDs and CDs, bric-a-brac, plants, toys, bottle stall, tombola and bran tub.

CANCER CARE - The Stretton and Shropshire Cancer Care group is holding an evening open meeting on June 9, under the heading The Million Women Study which looks at factors that affect the health of women in the UK, in middle age and beyond, and offers a talk by senior analyst programmer for the study, Anna Brown. The talk at Mayfair community centre starts promptly at 7.30pm and is an open meeting for all the community as health issues affect all, and this is a unique opportunity to hear about an important healthcare research project.

MEDIEVAL FAIR - The medieval fair is due to take place from June 20-22, with medieval banquet on June 20, and celebrations on June 21 with processions, mummers, morris dancers and minstrels, street stalls and a full programme of events to appeal to adults and children alike from 10am- 5pm over June 21 and June 22. A ceilidh in Rectory Field with the Compost Band on June 21, starts at 7.15pm. With all of this going on the medieval fair committee is calling for some more volunteers to give a hand with a few of the tasks. So if you can spare an hour or two on either of the days please ring Alan on 01694 723737 and you will be rewarded with free refreshments and free entry to the fair throughout the weekend.

 

Westhope

VILLAGE HALL LOTTERY - Winners in the May draw: 1st prize £32.10 Dave Jordan, Craven Arms, four priz - es of £5.35 Nicki, Craven Arms PO; Frank Gardner, Westhope; Wendy Edwards, Westhope; Mrs Luscott, Diddlebury.

CLOVER CLUB - Members were well entertained at the May meeting. Twelve folk singers and musicians attended the meeting so a jolly time was had by all. Lots of the songs had choruses, which everyone joined in. Kath Woodhouse thanked them all and they all received a small gift. The lady helpers served tea and bis - cuits and a large raffle was drawn. Next Thursday, June 5, members are spending the afternoon at Stokesay Castle. Members meet on the castle car park at 2.15pm. If you want to come ring 01584 861282.

WHIST DRIVES - There are three whist drives in June, Monday, June 16 and 30, starting at 8pm. The whist drive on Monday is in aid of Hope House, £2 admission. June 16 is a progressive whist and June 30 a partner whist, so grab your partner and come along. If you come alone they will find you a partner.

 

Bockleton WI

The May meeting was held on a beautiful sunny evening at the parish hall, the president welcomed everyone and went on to discuss upcoming events which members are attending or may be of interest. On the same evening members also heard the AGM with reports from the secretary Rosemary and president An - gela. The financial report had been dis - cussed previously. Elections of all present serving officers was seconded with just one change of Ingrid being elected the new treasurer. The speakers for the evening were Joyce Marsden and Rosemary Adams, both serving for many years as a JP. Joyce started by outlining the history of the JP. Started in 1361 by King Edward III, it has always been a crown appointment with magistrates being nominated and unpaid. Then later Rosemary brought members more up to date with the changes the service is undergoing and a few lighter stories to end their interesting and informative talk. The evenings competition of a World War Two momento was won by Janet, Angela and Ingrid. Raffle winners were Pam, Thelma, Claire, Margaret, Angela. Next months meeting will be a bring and share summer picnic held at the home of member Thelma. Knowbury WI Meeting THE May meeting of Knowbury WI was their resolution meeting. The evening began with the singing of Jerusalem , after which the president handed out certificates to the two members who had attended a food hygiene course earlier in the year. The group event in July was discussed and names taken of those wishing to attend. Whilst the group was in a healthy financial position, it was recognised that a fundraising event would be needed to help pay for speakers over the coming months. Members were asked for suggestions. One fundraiser already organised is a meadow walk at the home of Brian and Wendy Eliott on Saturday, a chance to see the wild flowers and to relax with tea and cake. Annie gave details of the WI walk on May 28, when members would walk parts of the Shropshire Way to celebrate the 95th anniversary of Shropshire Federation. Linda gave details of Caynham plant sale on May 17 and details were also given of the Hope Bagot dog show on May 24. After the main meeting the resolution was discussed. This year it was a resolution calling on members to make their wishes regarding donation of their organs known to their families and to encourage family and friends to do likewise. After much animated discussion the resolution was unanimously given a yes vote and this vote advised to the South Ludlow delegate, who will attend show and tell session, where members brought along items with a story which they told to the members. There was also a produce stall and Jenny Bounds auctioned off the various donated items with the resulting funds being sent to ACWW. Next month’s meeting is June 12, when the speaker will be Dorothy Nicolle, who will talk about the history of Ludlow.

 

Tenbury Ladies Evening Guild

TENBURY Ladies Evening Guild met on May 12, to hear a very interesting talk by Alf Jenkins about his wartime experiences, as a boy, growing up on Clee Hill. He was very entertaining and everyone enjoyed it. He also brought along some interesting books and photographs for members to look at. The next meeting will be on Monday at 7pm in the Penlu lounge,when Mr and Mrs Wadsley will be giving a talk and showing slides of their trip to New Zealand. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Details from Shirley Edwards 01584 811354.