Bishop’s Castle

TOP BANDS FOR CARNIVAL — Two local bands will be at Bishop’s Castle carnival on Sunday. Fight the Bear and Nuclear Weasels will be playing through the afternoon to the delight of the carnival committee. “Last year’s inclusion of these bands for the first time at the carnival really made it rock,”says Will Oakley, chairman of the carnival committee. As well as live rock music the carnival includes a dog show, It’s A Knockout competitions, children’s races and games, donkey rides, a hog roast, town bands, vintage tractors, cars and steam engines plus a wide range of refreshments from tea tents to a licensed bar. There are numerous sideshows that include tombola, greasy pole competition, crockery smash, darts, tin can alley and lots more. The carnival procession starts at 1pm and will parade through the streets to the playing fields for the crowning of the carnival queen. Call Martin Walter on 01588 620055 to find out more.

CARNIVAL VOLUNTEERS — With just a few days before carnival day, the call has gone out for more volunteers to help run the event on Sunday.

More than 70 people have signed up but more are needed and volunteer coordinator Anthony Jones says, “We have had a tremendous response but it would be good if we could attract more volunteers on the day. It would ease the pressure on all those good people who have already given up their time to help. We are looking for people who may be able to spare us a couple of hours on Sunday. We do not expect them to be on duty all day, because we realise that everyone has their own commitments.” If you can help, call Anthony on 07814215180 or visit bishopscastlecarnival.co.uk.

BRIDAL FASHION SHOW — Book now for a fashion show in Bishop’s Castle Town Hall on Tuesday. Castle Brides will be showing this season’s bridal and occasional wear in the newly renovated hall at an evening in aid of the Target 250 Town Hall renovation fund. Tickets cost £5 and include a glass of wine. Doors open at 6.30pm with the show at 7pm. Call at Castle Brides, Bubbles or Jane’s Petals for a ticket.

FIFTY PENCE JUMBLE SALE — There’s a rummage sale in aid of the Severn Hospice in Bishop’s Castle on Saturday, July 5, starting at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to come to the Grange Road Community Hall for tombola, a cake stall, teas and plenty of good quality jumble all priced at 50 pence per item.

FIRE SERVICE RECRUITMENT DAY — Bishop’s Castle fire station held an open morning on June 28. The watch manager at Bishop’s Castle is Tracy Magill and he said, “The event was a chance for men and women to find out what being in the fire service is all about and to get close up to state of the art firefighting and rescue equipment. A professional team of firefighters was on hand to demonstrate their skills and answer questions.” To find out more about being a firefighter, call Tracy Magill on 07968 233093 or fire and rescue reception on 01743 260200.

MEMORIAL BINGO - Bishop’s Castle sisters Julie Owen and Karen Bavastock are organising a prize bingo in memory of their mother Sue Bavastock on July 14, at the Inn on the Green, Wentnor, with eyes down at 8pm. Julie Owen said: “Our mum died on July 12, 1994 and was a big fan of playing bingo every week in Lydbury North, Bishop’s Castle public hall and Clungunford club. It seems fitting to remember her on the 20th anniversary of her death and raise some money for charity. Kate and Adrian at the Inn on the Green have offered the venue and Julie Burgwin, Jan Robertson and friends are organising the PA system and the calling.” Karen Bavastock added: “The proceeds from the evening will be split between the British Heart Foundation and Bishop’s Castle primary school. Our Mum never met her grandchildren but would be so proud of them. It seems appropriate to give some of the money to the primary school where her granddaughters currently study and where her grandson went.” If you have a bingo prize, draw prize or a donation, call 07967100903 or Julie on 01588 630583.

FACTS ABOUT FRACKING — Over 70 people met in Bishop’s Castle town hall on June 17 to hear a talk on ‘The Facts about Fracking’ from retired geology professor Michael Rosenbaum. There was a short presentation from Kate Evans on the Bishop’s Castle Community Energy co-operative, the group who organised the evening. BCCE hope to raise money to install a wood-fuelled heat hub system for the Community College and SpArC campus. They are appealing for local people to become members of their community cooperative. The evening ended with a presentation by Richard Priestley, (Global Problems, Global Solutions) on developments in renewable energy technology. He showed pictures of a number of energy co-operatives in Austria and Denmark that have transformed communities similar to Bishop’s Castle.

PROLLEY MOOR OPEN GARDEN — Heather Williams and Julian French will be opening their garden at Holly Cottage on Prolley Moor for the National Gardens scheme on Sunday. There is always something new to see in this garden which is not open every year and for the first time it is opening in July when the garden is coming into its full summer maturity. Julian French said “By this time there should be dragonflies, as well as damsel flies visible around the pond; the ox-eyed daisies and roses will be out in the meadow; the vegetables will all be growing well and mid-season perennials, such as day lilies will be full of flower.” As well as the wild flower meadow, allotment area and flower garden crowded with perennials, shrubs and trees, there is also an acre of woodland planted 11 years ago and a small orchard. Refreshments provided by Norbury village hall renewal committee members and helpers will be sold in aid of the new hall and there is also be a plant stall. The garden will be open from 2-6pm with an entry charge of £3 for adults, free for children. Dogs on leads welcome.

MAINSTONE EARLYBIRDS — Mainstone WI had an early start recently when they joined Pete Carty for a dawn chorus walk on Bury Ditches. They arrived at 6.30am and Pete helped members identify birds from their song. Members also visited the Kerry Vale vineyard near Churchstoke and saw vines from French and German stock before going indoors to sample and buy their own bottles. The vineyard is on the site of a Roman camp and the owners said they had dug up a number of artefacts. Later in the month Mainstone members enjoyed a meal at Ivy House in Montgomery.

MADAME BUTTERFLY — Opera A La Carte returned for their 11th visit to Walcot Hall with a production of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly directed by Nicholas Heath. Accompanied on the piano by music director Anthony Ingle, the cast was led by Elizabeth Roberts as Cio-Cio San, who captivated the audience with exquisite voice and acting. Alex Tsilogiannis played the American naval officer with a bronzed Italian vocal sound, perfectly embracing the arrogance of Pinkerton. Quentin Hayes also gave a complex interpretation of Sharpless, a strong tone reflecting his Royal Opera House roots. The star of the evening was Flora McIntosh who dominated the stage with her interpretation of Cio- Cio San’s handmaid Suzuki. Opera A La Carte performing productions that delight both the opera aficionado and novice alike. For details of next year’s production on June 5-6, 2015, and to be added to the mailing list, call Maria Higgs at Walcot Hall, 01588 680570 or email maria@walcothall.com.

BISHOP’S CASTLE DIARY, July 3-9.

THURSDAY

  • Carnival town treasure trail. All ages, lots of prizes. Meet Castle Hotel 6pm.
  • Film. The Invisible Woman (12A). SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. £4.50/£3. 7pm. Call 01588 630321 or 638038.
  • Hatha yoga with Marj Cook. Town hall. Weekly. 6pm. Call 07713 621586.
  • Open mic. The Vaults, Bishop's Castle.

FRIDAY

  • Film. Muppets Most Wanted (U). SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. £4.50/£3. 6pm. Book on 01588 630321 or 638038.

SATURDAY

  • Flea market. Town hall. First Saturday of the month. 9am.
  • Rummage sale in aid of Severn Hospice. Grange Rd community hall. 2pm.
  • Auction sale. Public hall, Bishop's Castle. Call 01743 462763 n Shropshire Strummers ukulele music. Edgton village hall. £10. 7.30pm. Call 01588 680366.

SUNDAY

  • Bishop's Castle carnival. Procession and fun on the playing fields. Procession 1pm.
  • NGS open garden. Holly Cottage, Prolley Moor. Teas in aid of new Norbury village hall. £3. 2-6pm. Call 01588 650610.

TUESDAY

  • Castle Brides fashion show in aid of Target 250. Town hall. £5. 7pm. Call 01588 630023.
  • Mainstone WI. Belly dancing with Cherie. Village hall. 7.30pm.
  • Pilates class. Lydbury North village hall. Weekly. 9am. Extendibility, 10.15am.

WEDNESDAY

  • Beer and quiz in aid of Target 250.Town hall. £10 team of four. Call 01588 630023.
  • Bingo in aid of First Responders and Ironbridge Donkey Sanctuary. Public hall, Bishop's Castle. 8pm.
  • Bookworms. Dip by Andrew Fusek Peters. Lydbury North village hall. £3. Book on 01588 680302.

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 Bishop’s Castle post office. She sends news to the paper every week. Her phone number is 01588 680445 and her email address is jparker228@btinternet.com.

 

Clun

ECO EVENTS — Clun Methodist Chapel is organising a series of Eco events, starting with a swap shop and coffee morning from 10am - noon on Saturday. Bring along good quality unwanted items and take home items that you need. No charge, donations appreciated. A DVD about the work of the charity, Christians Against Poverty, will be shown. The service on Sunday will focus on caring and sharing, need not greed. On Monday there will be a visit to Hopesay Glebe Farm at 2.30pm which will include a guided walk and tea, £3.50. On July 12, there is an opportunity to visit Bob’s hay meadows at Middle Spode at 2.30pm with teas served £2. All proceeds to Christians Against Poverty, a charity helping people out of debt.

WALKING FOR HEALTH — A short walk around the town every Tuesday. Meet at the Maltings Café at 10.30am.

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

PLAY AND FAREWELLS - Newcastle School PTA are holding A Midsummer Night’s Dream . The children of Newcastle School will perform an abridged version of Shakespeare’s play – A Thirty Minute Dream , followed by hog roast on July 11. The performance will start at 4.30pm with hog roast at 6pm. It will also be an opportunity for present and past pupils of Mr Langford and Mrs Jones to say thanks and farewell. Everyone is most welcome and if you would like food please ring the school on 01588 640260 to book your tickets.

GARDEN SOCIETY - Newcastle Garden Society meets next Thursday, July 10, at 7.30pm at Newcastle Community Centre. All welcome.

CLUN CARNIVAL AND SHOW – It will soon be show time again – August 2. There are still some pitches available. If you would like to book one, collect a form from Bright Flowers. Anyone who would like to bring their vintage or classic car or vintage tractor to the carnival procession contact Richard Bright 01588 640541. Show schedules are now available from Bright Flowers, Davies Newsagents and Clun garage. First show event is a performance by New Dynamic Choir and Bettws Ladies Choir, leader Ruth Gittins, July 19, 7.30pm, St George’s Church. Tickets £6 on the door, wine available. If you have any news or events in the Clun Valley, contact Elisabeth Taylor, email: elisabeth777@btinternet.com 01981 540893. The deadline is Wednesday of the week before publication.

 

Ludlow

HOPE14 – The Christian charity that seeks to bring hope in local areas by encouraging churches to work with other local community groups; has recently been able to present cheques for £200 each to three locally based charities. With the fire service assisting, £600 was raised and divided equally between The Fire Fighters charity, Home-start South Shropshire and The South Shropshire Youth Forum. Home-start South Shropshire is a befriending service to families with children under school age who are feeling stress for any number of reasons. It provides support to families through home visitation and sign-posting to professionals who can give the necessary help. Home-start uses carefully vetted volunteers who visit the families in their own homes for two to three hours a week, offering friendship, emotional and practical support for as long as necessary. The South Shropshire Youth Forum supports young people, helping them with personal issues such as health and debt problems as well as family conflict. They aim to encourage and motivate young people to become committed to their own development and to the communities in which they live, both in terms of their environment and their civic and social responsibility. Rev Tim Coles, the chairman of Ludlow HOPE14 said: “Both organisations do sterling work in our community often going above and beyond the call of duty, and putting in more hours than they should to ensure that both families and young people receive the best care and support possible. We wanted to say thank you for that and to encourage them with a small financial gift. I hope it helps to deliver more hope in our community.”

 

Tenbury

RAMBLING CLUB – Walks for July. Meet Wednesday, 10am at Tenbury swimming pool car park, the distance is eight miles. Bring a packed lunch. Bridge north to Highley along the Severn Path. A drink in a riverside pub before returning via steam train, fare £6.50. For details contact John Anderson 01584 810099. July 19, meet 10am at Tenbury swimming pool car park, the distance is six and a half miles, bring a packed lunch. Stottesdon Church, Simon Evans Way part two. For details contact Charlie Wilcock 01584 819722. July 28, meet 6pm at Tenbury swimming pool car park, the distance is four miles, with a drink afterwards at the Fountain Inn. For details contact Peter Bevis 01584 811719.

METHODIST CHURCH – Welcome Rev Jay Bissett, visiting minister from the USA, Sunday, 11am service. Please come and join us.

BO0KS BO0ZE AND BANTER GROUP – Coming Home by Sue Gee, Tenbury library, July 16, 7.30pm.

SUMMER FETE AND BARBECUE – Tenbury High School, Tomorrow, 5.30pm.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - The next meeting of the Tenbury Wells branch will be held at the New Inn at Clifton on Teme, July 16 commencing at 8pm. There will be a dinner provided by the New Inn which will commence between 6.30pm and 7pm, but numbers are restricted to 30 and must be notified by Wednesday. Contact Richard Norman, branch secretary, on 01568 750324 if you want to have dinner and he will give you details of the menu and price.

ROCHFORD VILLAGE FETE AND DOG SHOW – Hill Top Farm, Rochford, Sunday, 2.30pm. By kind permission of Mr and Mrs Roger Gough, opened by Rev Paul Lack. Fun dog show, line dancers, competitions for all, tombola, cakes and produce stalls, bric-a-brac, plant stall, raffle and grand draw, ice cream and teas.

KNIGHTON FRIENDS – A garden visit to Bowcastle Farm, Tanners Hill, Bewdley, July 16. For more information contact Sheila 01584 781190. Knighton Friends meet 3rd Wednesday of every month at the parish room.

MIDSUMMER PARTY – Bickley House Farm, Knighton-on-Teme, July 19, kicking off at 7.30pm. Entertained throughout the evening by the popular band – Hot Climate – interspersed with performances by singer Polly Edwards. A selection of drinks at the bar will include local Hobsons Beer and Robinsons cider. Don’t miss out on the delicious burgers and hot dogs, and try your luck at the tombola. Tickets £6.

SEWING MACHINES WANTED – For mission to Zambia. Hand operated machines only please – no electricity. Ring Liz 01584 781351.

LINDRIDGE PARISH HALL – Janet Marks would like to thank everyone who supported her through the difficult weeks following Derek’s death. The collections and video event raised almost £1,000 which will cover the cost of the much needed exterior facelift of the hall.

TEME VALLEY WILDLIFE GROUP – The beautiful and elusive dormouse is alive and well in the lovely dingle valleys of the river Teme. How lucky the group is to have them here. The next indoor meeting of the Teme Valley Wildlife Group is next Thursday, July 10, when members welcome Dr Peter Boardman talking on craneflies. The meeting is at Rochford village hall at 7.30pm and as always it is just £2 on the door where everybody is most welcome.

TENNIS COACHING FOR JUNIORS – Tenbury tennis club runs Saturday morning tennis coaching sessions on the Burgage courts with a fully trained and registered LTA coach. 9am-10am ,five-12 years, and 10am- 11am ,12 plus years. They learn while you shop. Details from Sue Salmon 01584 811407.

 

The Strettons

OPEN MORNINGS – Church Stretton School’s open mornings take place today and tomorrow for parents to see the school in action. Appointments can also be made at other times.

FRIDAY MARKET – The country market continues at Mayfair each week on Fridays from 8.30am-12 noon selling homemade cakes, produce and craft items. Additional suppliers and helpers always welcome.

PLANT SALE – A plant sale in aid of Cancer research UK will take place at 6, Ragleth Road by kind permission of Mr D Small, Saturday from 10am-12 noon.

FASHION SHOW – A fashion show and clothes sale will be held at Mayfair on Saturday starting at 2pm. Admission is £3. Ring 01694 722077 to find out more.

JUMBLE SALE – A jumble sale on Saturday will raise funds for Rose Cottage Cat Rescue and will take place at the parish centre from 2pm- 3.30pm, selling a wide range of goods from clothes to collectables, plants and garden equipment, toys, books CDs, DVDs, and kitchenware. Donations of items for the sale may be left at the parish centre between 9.30am-12noon on sale day.

SUMMER SHOW – Longnor School is hosting a summer show on Sunday from 2pm-5pm.

SUMMER FAIR – Fordhall Farm is hosting a Summer fair on Sunday and invites shareholders such as Shropshire smallholders, subscribers, donors, volunteers and visitors along to enjoy the family activities of tree climbing, donkey rides, tractor rides, Dan’s cannons and welly wanging, together with Francesca Millican-Slater telling the story of her latest piece of work My Dearest Girls: Helen’s Story , and there will be performances by the Shropshire Youth Theatre and Kaleidoscope Theatre. Admission is £3 or £10 for a family. Enquiries for Shropshire smallholders should be made by ringing 01588 640538.

MEETING – The Green Party meeting is scheduled for Monday at 10.30am in the Acorn Café but to find out more ring John on 01694 723143 GUIDED WALK – The next guided walk around Rectory Wood and field takes place on Tuesday from 6.30pm-8.30pm when the theme will be access and activities. Please meet at the entrance next to the Scout HQ in Church Street.

TREASURE HUNT – The wives and friends group is planning a car treasure hunt for Tuesday meeting at the Methodist hall, 6.45pm to arrange car sharing. Event is open to visitors.

OUTING – The tree group plans an outing to the Wyre Forest on Wednesday meeting at 9.15am at Cross Ways to arrange car sharing. The visit will take in information on the history, wildlife, management and time for walking through the mixed woodland and arboretum. Visitors will need to take a picnic although drinks and snacks may be available from the café. Car parking is £3 and entrance for non-members is £1. To enquire further call 01694 723208.

SWIFTS – There is still time to help with the survey on swifts in the built environment arranged by the Community Wildlife Group by meeting in the square at around 8.45pm on Wednesday .

GARDEN VISITS – The gardening club’s next outing is next Thursday, July 10, and is to Wilkins Pleck Garden at Newcastle-u-Lyne. The visit planned for July 22, is to Wollerton Old Hall Garden, near Market Drayton. To find out more and enquire for seats on the coach please ring 01694 720131.

SCHOOL NEWS – An exhibition of students’ design and art work has been held at Church Stretton School and the year eleven leavers have held their prom. Year six pupils have visited for their interviews and the principal has rounded off the term with another afternoon tea event to celebrate the achievements of a further set of students. Sports day and a sports presentation evening will take place and the summer concert will be held on July 15, when the PTA will be serving refreshments. The school has arranged for two open mornings for visitors today and tomorrow although appointments can be made at other times. St Lawrence’s Primary School has emerged the winners in an athletics event competing against four other schools, and will be competing against each other in an inter-house sports day, at which the Friends of the School will be serving strawberries and cream at the start and end of the event. The school has its open evening on Tuesday and there are visits to Carding Mill Valley and the Blue Planet. The School would like to invite parents, grandparents, pupils and their friends to the school in the summer holidays to help with work in the KS1 play area and garden. The two dates when this would take place are July 22, and August 21.

QUIZ AFTERNOON – Test your memory at a quiz afternoon next Thursday, July 10, at Ley Gardens and on the second Thursday of each month starting at 2.30pm. These quiz afternoons are open to all and admission is just £1. To find out more ring 01694 722328.

SUMMER DISCO – On July 11, there will be a summer disco and bar at the Silvester Horne Institute from 8pm- midnight. Ticket sales are through Newsworld and the King’s Arms, and cost £5 with proceeds going to MacMillan cancer support.

COFFEE MORNING – Mildred’s annual coffee morning and summer fair will take place on July 12, at the Methodist hall from 10am-12 noon with proceeds going to World Church. On sale will be cakes, gifts, books, cards and plants, a raffle will also be held. Admission is £1 including a refreshment. Everyone is welcome.

FUN RIDE – The United Pack Fun Ride will be held on July 13, at The Bow House, near Bishop’s Castle, SY6 5HY. The first ride starts at 10am and the last, at 1pm. Refreshments will be available during the morning. To find out more ring 07870 538740.

HOLIDAY CLUBS – Don’t forget to book in for St Laurence’s Holiday Club at the parish centre from July 23-25, by ringing 01694 771248, and Busy Bees pre-school club on Wednesdays and Thursdays from July 23 until August 21, from 9am- 3.30pm for children up to eight years of age, by calling in or emailing busybeespreschool@live.co.uk Diddlebury and Westhope WI THE speaker failed to turn up at the June meeting, luckily Tom Hall stepped in at the last minute and gave members a truly fascinating talk on bee keeping. He has kept bees for 65 years. The talk was enjoyed by all. There was a lot of entries into the competition, and a piece beginning with S. Kath Woodhouse was the competition winner.