Bishop’s Castle

BUSINESS WOMEN ON THE MOVE - Two successful Bishop’s Castle women are each moving their businesses to larger premises. Castle Brides has a temporary address for the next few months while work is completed on a new bridal showroom at Lower Aston Farm, just outside the town. Owner Angela Davies is now welcoming brides and ladies looking for the perfect party dress to Number 1 The Cobbles, next to Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Angela has outgrown her former shop in Market Square, which has been taken by another enterprising local businesswoman Emma West as a hair and beauty salon. Emma is trading up from a smaller salon in the High Street to 10 Market Square. The new salon has opened, with a launch night on Saturday at Bishop’s Castle Christmas Lights when Castle Brides will also be open.Call Castle Brides on 01588 638332/07814 022358 and Emma West Hair on 01588 638118/07870 446670.

FIRST TEENS BOOK CLUB IN COUNTY - Teenagers in Bishop’s Castle now have their own book club which meets in the town’s library in Enterprise House. Librarian Tara Lewis welcomed five young people to the first meeting and each suggested a title to read and discuss on the first Friday of the month at 5.30pm. Tara thinks the new venture is the first teen book club in Shropshire libraries and if so, this follows a tradition of library innovation in Bishop’s Castle. The very first friends of the library group in Shropshire was the Bishop’s Castle Ginger Group which campaigned in the 1990s for a new town library. The group changed its name to the Friends of Bishop’s Castle Library in 2000 when their mission was accomplished. The first book group in the county was set up in the mid-eighties when women signed up to a Women and Literature course at the Community College decided to continue meeting in each other’s houses. This book group is still going strong. Call Bishop’s Castle Library on 01588 638215 for more details.

REAL REINDEER - A pair of real reindeer, a Snow Queen procession led by the Bang On Samba Band, Santa’s Christmas grotto, a hog roast, street stalls, craft fair, late night shopping until 8pm, dressing up in pantomime costumes, live bands and choirs. It’s all happening at Bishop’s Castle Christmas Lights on Saturday. The procession starts at 6pm from the Six Bells and anyone can join in. Why not dress up, carry a lantern and have some fun? With so much going on, more help is needed on the day, so call Mandy Green now on 07971 213728. Even an hour or so would be very welcome. More Christmas lights news next week.

£100 IN CRAFT FAIR DRAW - As part of the Christmas Lights Festival, Bishop’s Castle Church hosts a Christmas craft fair on Saturday. With over 30 stalls, refreshments and a warm welcome, the fair runs from 2pm to 6pm. Tickets for the grand craft fair draw are on sale at Mrs Burd’s Mace store with prizes of £100, £50 and £25. The winning tickets will be picked out during the afternoon.

ART EXHIBITION AT LIGHTS FEST - Castle Artists and the Marches Book Arts Group have a three day exhibition as part of the Bishops Castle Christmas Lights Festival. It runs from tomorrow to Sunday, 11am to 5pm in Bishop’s Castle Public Hall. A variety of watercolour paintings, photographs, linocuts, prints, boxes, cards and unique handmade artists’ books will be on sale at reasonable prices. Entry is free with plenty of parking. The Creative Café will be serving tea, homemade cakes and savouries on Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm. Call 01588 638762 for more details.

FIREMEN’S CHEQUE - Residents and staff at Coverage Care Stone House in Bishop’s Castle have thanked Clun fireman for a cheque received for the Comforts Fund. Edna Jones is assistant manager at the home and she said, “The firemen have worked hard at fund raising in their spare time and gave money to a lot of local charities. Well done Clun fireman and thanks also for the lovely buffet at the Sun Inn in Clun.”

PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS - The Friends of Bishop’s Castle Primary School held a jumble sale recently which raised £230 for their funds. Pupils at the school have collected £200 for Children in Need and an open afternoon was held on November 26 for prospective families to find out about the school. Don’t miss the Friends Christmas Fair at the school today at 6pm.

RAILWAY ARCHIVE FILM - Bishop Castle Railway Society meets today at 7.30pm in Bishop’s Castle Methodist Hall. There will be a showing of a recent film called Bygone Ways – The Land of Lost Content. The 90 minutes includes archive colour cine film and still photographs as well as shots of the railway scene today. A number of Shropshire and Borders railway lines feature, including the old Bishops Castle Railway, interlaced with readings from AE Houseman’s poems and some modern landscape video. Guests are welcome to come along to enjoy the evening. Call 01694 722473 to find out more.

BISHOPS CASTLE DIARY December 4 - 10 December TODAY: Christmas fayre. Bishop’s Castle Primary School. 6pm.

  • Amnesty International letter writing. 11 Copall Paddock, Bishop's Castle. 10.15am. Call 01588 630271
  • Christmas fayre in aid of Lydbury North Primary School, 6pm. Call 088 680 297.

TOMORROW: How to Train Your Dragon (PG). SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. £4.50/£3. 6.30pm. Call 01588 630321.

  • Bishop's Castle Railway Society. Film Bygone Ways . Methodist Hall, Bishop’s Castle. 7.30pm. Call 01694 722473.
  • Quiz in aid of Ebola Appeal. Lydbury North Village Hall. £5. 7.30pm. Call 01588 680450.

SATURDAY: Bishop’s Castle Christmas Lights. From 3pm.

  • Santa's grotto. Kings Head, Bishop's Castle.
  • Craft Fair. Bishop's Castle Church. 2pm- 6.30pm.
  • Christmas Fair. Stone House, Bishop's Castle. 2.30pm.
  • Festive flea market. Bishop's Castle Town Hall. 10am - 7pm. Call 01588 630023.
  • Big Topp. Live ska band. The Vaults, Bishop's Castle.
  • Exhibition by artist Eliza Glapinska. Bishop's Castle Town Hall. 10.30am - 3pm. Until January 3. Call 01588 630200.

SUNDAY: Irish folk duo. Bouzatina. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £10. 7.30pm. Call 01588 630023.

MONDAY: Footpath Walking Group. Stretton Hills. Eight miles. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishop’s Castle. 9.30am. Call 01694 198477.

TUESDAY: NTLive. DV8 Physical Theatre ‘John’ SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. £11. Adults only. 8pm. Book on 01588 630321/ 638038.

  • Bishop's Castle WI Christmas party. Entertainer Norman Jones. Methodist Hall, Bishop's Castle. 7.30pm.
  • SWSHAS. 'If These Stones Could Speak' – Heather Williams. 7.30pm.
  • Mainstone WI. Christmas music with harp playing – Chris Norton. Village Hall. 7.30pm.

WEDNESDAY: ‘How to Feed Garden Birds in Winter’- Martin George. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £3.50. 7.30pm. Call 01588 630023.

CORRESPONDENT - 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, phone 01588 680445 or email jparker228@btinternet.com.

 

Tenbury

COFFEE AND CHAT - A warm welcome awaits you tomorrow and the first Friday of each month, from 10am until 12 noon at The Pump Rooms. Organised by the Tenbury Branch of the U3A this is a great way to find out what we have to offer that might interest you – our activities range from garden visits to German (via Book Club) and table tennis and lots of other interests. So do drop in for a coffee and friendly chat, make some new friends and maybe discover a new talent or interest.

SOUP AND ROLL LUNCHES - With pudding, will be held today at Tenbury Methodist Church Hall, at 12.30pm. All are welcome.

BOOKS BOOZE BANTER BOOK GROUP - Ghost Stories, Wednesday, 7.30pm, Tenbury Library. All welcome, if you dare......

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - A short meeting of the Tenbury Wells and District Branch will be held on December 17 at the first floor, Royal Oak, Tenbury Wells, at 7.30pm. At 8pm the branch meeting will close. There will then be a Christmas social for all members, who are invited to bring along their spouses/partners. Entertainment will be provided by Roger Champkin, so we are looking forward to a good evening. For any members unable to attend, the officers and committee would like to take this opportunity of wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful new year.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT - Little Hereford Voices Community Choir, December 13 at 7.30pm, Little Hereford village hall. Raffle. Tickets £6 to include a glass of wine and a mince pie from Peter Sandall 01584 711114 and the Roebuck Village shop.

CRAFT AND VINTAGE FAIR - Saturday, 11am to 5pm, The Kings Head, WR15 8EG. Stalls selling organic and handmade crafts, jewellery, foods, complimentary health products, vintage goods and clothing. Great for unusual and unique Christmas gifts. Relax and browse with a coffee or mulled wine and nibbles – newspapers and bar available for bored partners. Free entry. Tel: 07721 581766. At 11.30am we will have a children’s storyteller – free entry. At 7.30pm we have a night of music and stories from Chloe the Midnight Storyteller with live music by Celtic-inspired acoustic duo Tinkerscuss. Spellbinding yarns and dark humour, yule and midwinter stories, with otherworldly creatures and vengeful magic, while a legendary striptease saves the world from eternal ice. Contains adult themes. Tickets £15 from tenburymistletoe.org/festival.html or Harlequins, 43 Teme St, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8AE, tel 01584 810336. Free car parking for visitors at rear (via Cornwall Gardens).

CHRISTMAS BINGO - At Tenbury Primary School, December 11. Doors open 7pm. Eyes down 7.30pm. Fantastic prizes to be won.

 

The Strettons

CHARTER MARKET - An extended charter market will take place today in the Square so access from High Street will be closed from 7am-6pm.

SSIF - The South Shropshire Interfaith forum meets for a round table discussion today at the Pilgrim Centre in Craven Arms (SY7 9PB). On this occasion Pam Thompson will lead the talk asking ‘Can we save the planet?’ The discussion will start at 12.15pm and last for about an hour. The meeting is open to all and everyone is welcome to take their sandwiches if they wish. Moving to Saturday, the Ladies of the Forum will meet at the Pilgrim Centre to celebrate the meaning of Christmas from 2pm-4pm.

FRIDAY MARKET - The usual Friday market will be open for business at Mayfair Community Centre from 8.30am-12 noon with homemade cakes and produce, together with craft items on sale.

SCHOOL CONCERT - Church Stretton School will present its Christmas concert at the school tomorrow at 7pm. Tickets on sale at the school, and some may be available at the door.

SCRAPPIES - Santa comes to Scrappies Coffee Morning on Saturday when the store is open from 10am-2pm. The event is open to all so call in for a hot drink and a cake and explore this Aladdin’s cave of craft items and the recycling centre and learn about the work of the charity in the community. Children may visit Santa for just £1.

CHRISTMAS PARTY - A Christmas party night at the District Social Club on Saturday is planned with entertainment by Paul Ray and music by Robbie T Disco. Tickets cost £12 which includes a Christmas buffet. Enquiries can be made by ringing 01694 723193.

CHORAL SOCIETY - The Christmas concert presented by the Stretton Choral Society takes place on Saturday at Church Stretton School starting at 7.30pm under the heading ‘ Stella Natalis ’ by Karl Jenkins with carols for the choir and audience included in the programme. Tickets cost £10 and are being sold through Burway Books, John Thomas Florists and choir members. Some may be available at the door.

POSTAL SCAM - The Royal Mail and Trading Standards Office has raised concerns about a parcel delivery scam by a company called PDS and warns anyone who receives a card from the company not to ring the number printed on it as it will leave you with a hefty telephone bill. Instead you are advised to ring Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655.

SCHOOL NEWS - When St Lawrence’s Primary School’s U11tag rugby team became national champions they played an exhibition match in front of 82,000 spectators before the England v Australia match. Their opponents were Balfour School, Kent, the runner-up team. Wearing their new kit, they also provided a guard of honour for the professional teams. This is the third time in six years that the school has had the honour of playing at Twickenham and the school is extremely proud of the effort and commitment the team has given over the year in the run-up to becoming National Champions. The school thanks parents for their support of Children in Need which raised a total of £286.76 on the day.

A group of qualified outdoor activity instructors from Condover Hall will be visiting the school in the coming weeks to gain school experience by helping in class and also leading some workshops such as circus skills and problem solving. Pupils are also following the Mitchell’s South American adventure learning more about the countries in the Americas that they will be visiting.

Church Stretton School presents its Christmas music concert on Friday at 7pm with refreshments provided by the PTA. The PTA is now collecting in names for the 200 Club draw which is soon to take place.

There will be a presentation evening on Wednesday when the Y11 leavers return to collect their certificates and former student, Justin Pearson, will be a guest speaker on his career as a TV and film stuntman.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS - The Tree of Light was lit up at the the Christmas lights event in the Square. The event was well attended and provided a Christmas atmosphere in the town with Berry’s serving mulled wine and the Jazzmynd Santas Band. In the background was the popular fairground organ providing music. There was also a chance to meet the rugby team and the first responders. Mayfair’s belly dancers escorted Santa to the square for the switch-on where he handed out sweets to the children and the scene was completed by those who had attended the Christingle service in the church and a pleasant occasion ensued. The town had allowed free parking from 3pm for the event. As the shops had stayed open it was nice to see the decorated windows entered in the competition where first place went to Hillside Pharmacy and second place to Appleby and Shaw. Thanks to the judges David and Sheila Pepper, and to those businesses which had donated prizes for the event.

MAYFAIR LOTTERY - The winning numbers in the November lottery were 222, 177, 88 and 374 winning £100, £50, £20 and £10, respectively.

COFFEE MORNING - A coffee morning at Mayfair Community Centre will take place on Thursday, December 11 from 10am-12 noon for Day Care.

AT THE HORNE - Friday night at the Horne on December 12, will feature the Budapest Café Orchestra, at the Silvester Horne Institute starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 and are being sold through Burway Books, John Thomas Florists and the Town Council Offices. For enquiries ring 01694 720132.

COMMUNITY CINEMA - The film to be shown at Acton Scott village hall on December 16 will be The Grand Budapest Hotel (15).

SING AND SIGN - A sing and sign session is on offer for parents and carers of babies aged 5 months to 20 months with older siblings welcome. The session runs from 10.45am-11.30am on December 15, and features Christmas songs and signs to communicate with baby and a chance to meet Jessie Cat Santa. The event takes place at the Parish Centre and costs £5, refreshments included. To reserve a place ring 07411 474430.

 

Westhope

CLOVER CLUB BINGO - Thanks to all who supported Clover Club bingo. Over £400 was raised for the Christmas party.

WI - Diddlebury and Westhope WI’s AGM started with a short business meeting. The main aim was arranging the Christmas party. There were lots of ideas on the AGM where a new president was elected, Kath Woodhouse of Upper House Farm, Middlehope. Mary Hall, who has been president for some time is having a rest. Mary Holland is still secretary, and Julie McNally treasurer. The evening closed with a delicious supper, served and supplied by Sheila Good. Ladies, why not come and join us in 2015?

VILLAGE HALL LOTTERY - Winners in the November draw: 1st prize £32.10 Nicky Ray, Craven Arms. Four prize winners of £5.35 Rob Carpenter, Walls Butchers; Anne Dyer, Westhope; Gwen Mason, Church Stretton and Mrs Cartwright, Wors.

BONFIRE PARTY - Hundreds gathered at the Hollow Meadow for November 5. We were lucky it was a dry evening, with bright moonlight. Many thanks to all who helped on the night. The naming of a small lion which was won by Sue Austin.