Bishops Castle

GLOBALISATION MEETING - A discussion group in Bishop’s Castle meets at the Six Bells on Tuesday to look at the future of mankind in the light of an expected announcement by Pope Francis.

Their spokesman is Mike Plunkett and he explains: “The Protestant based group is called Explorers and it has decided that as the future of the human race depends on the complete destruction of the present economic system, (as Pope Francis advocates) then it’s vital for all the churches to be ready for his message. Churches need to work together and build an explosive grass roots bandwagon that will sweep away globalisation and the 1% who “own” the world. Many Christians are beginning to work on this, and if any people living near Bishop’s Castle are interested, please come to the Six Bells at 7.30pm.”

POETRY PLEASURE - Poets’ Corner will be at the Castle Hotel, Bishop’s Castle tonight. The theme for the evening is “pleasure” and readings and music begin at 8pm. If you want to book a meal at 7pm, call 01588 620541.

FIRST WIN OF THE YEAR - Cathy Owen won £18.25 in the January draw for the House on Crutches Museum Collection Trust 100 Club. Maggie Bleszynska won £10.95 and Sue Hill won £7.30.

TRIP TO BREWERY - Longmynd Vintage Vehicle Club held a quiz and supper at the Inn on the Green on January 23. The winners were The Sleuths, comprising Michael and Trish Clarke and Rita and Barry Preston who were only four points in front of their closest rivals. The club raised £150 which will be added to money already raised at the Christmas road run and prize draws and given to local charities at the end of the year. The club would like to thank Andrew and Jane Semple for organising the quiz and the pound in the pot question. The next LVVC meeting is a visit to Ludlow Brewery tonight, starting at 7pm. Lifts can be organised from Bishops Castle, call Karen on 07967 100903.

CHILDREN OF THE MAYFLOWER - Phil Revell gave a lively talk to the SW Shropshire Historical and Archaeological Society on the subject of The More Children and the Mayflower. He related how in 1611 a marriage contract was sealed between Samuel More of Shipton Hall in Corvedale, Shropshire and his cousin Katharine More of nearby Larden Hall. It was a marriage to consolidate family property rather than a love affair, but Katharine bore four children. However, it turned out that she had been having an extra-marital relationship with a local yeoman-farmer, Jacob Blakeway of Brockton. Samuel tried to disown the children and removed them first to Linley Hall, another More property near Bishop’s Castle.

Finally, in spite of vigorous campaigning by Katharine in the courts, he obtained a judicial separation on the grounds of adultery, giving him the right to decide on the children’s future. In 1620 he paid for their passage with two nurses on the Mayflower – the ship carrying the Pilgrim Fathers to a new life in America. Three of the four children, died within a year. Only Richard survived to enjoy a colourful life as a sea-captain, fighting in battles against the Dutch and the French. He died in 1695. Katharine, having failed to win back her children, virtually disappears from the archives, probably to continue her life with Jacob Blakeway. The More children are commemorated on a plaque in Shipton Church.

WISHING WELL - A wishing well set up at Edgton Farm, near Lydbury North in December has raised £517 in donations for the Severn Hospice. Margaret Whittall and her family sold Christmas trees at the farm and created a magical Christmas grotto and wishing well which attracted people from all over the area. Margaret says “We have been able to send a fantastic amount to the hospice and thank everyone for their generosity.”

BISHOPS CASTLE DIARY February 12-18

THURSDAY: Poets’ Corner. Castle Hotel, Bishop’s Castle. 8pm. To book meal at 7pm call 01588 620541.

  • Longmynd Vintage Vehicle Club visit Ludlow Brewery. 7pm. Call 07967 100903 for lift.
  • Norbury and Distr. WI. Running a Food Bank – Douglas Ogram. Norbury village hall. 7.30pm. Call 01588 650671.

FRIDAY: NT Live. Treasure Island Family. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle/ £11/£3. 7pm. Call 01588 630321/638038.

  • Alphabet Dancers. English folk dancing. Lydham village hall. £2.50. 8pm. Call 01743 891117.

SATURDAY: Shim Sham swing dance workshop. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £5. 11am. Call 01588 630023.

  • Wires Vintage Collection. Music, fashion, dancing. Bishop's Castle Town Hall. £12 inc tea. 3pm. Call 01588 630023.
  • Art exhibition. Josie Crompton. Bishop's Castle Town Hall. 10.30- 3pm. Call 01588 630200.

SUNDAY: Tea dance. Music by Anything Goes. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £8/£10 on door. 3pm. Call 01588 630023.

MONDAY: Bishop’s Castle and District Carers Group. Nikki Pugh and Julie Griffiths from PCB Solicitors. Boars Head, Bishop’s Castle. 2-4pm. Call 01694 722024.

  • Footpath Walking Group. Shelve to Bishop's Castle via Nind Meet Boars Head. Bishop's Castle. 9.40am bus. Call 01588 630446.

TUESDAY: Christian discussion group on climate change. Six Bells, Bishop’s Castle. 7.30pm.

  • Bishop's Castle WI. 40 Years On – David and Janet Preshous. Methodist Hall, Bishop's Castle.

7.30pm. Call 01588 638650303.

WEDNESDAY: Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival. Five days of arts events.

  • Exhibition. Bishop's Castle Arts Society. 10am-4pm. Until February 22.
  • Bishop's Castle Film Society. Time of the Gypsies (15). Three Tuns. 8pm. Call 01588 680445.
  • Shakespeare Still Rules – Pat Townsend. Bishop's Castle Library. Donations to Friends of the Library. 2pm.
  • Poetry supper. Nigel Sustins and guest poets. Chai Shop, Bishop's Castle. £7. 6pm. 01588 650590.
  • Bouzatina. Six Bells, Bishop's Castle. 8.30pm.
  • Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Church Barn, Bishop's Castle. 7.30pm.
  • Mothers Union. A Saint for the 21st Century – Janet Burn. Church Barn, Bishop's Castle. 2pm.

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 address is jparker228@btinternet.com.

 

Clun

HIDDEN GARDENS OF HEREFORDSHIRE - Nursery owners, Alun and Jill Whitehead, also holders of the Iris Sibirica national collection, will talk about hidden gardens of Herefordshire at the next meeting of Newcastle and District Garden Society tonight at Newcastle Community Centre, starting at 7.30pm. New members and visitors are always welcome. £3 per meeting, membership £15 per year. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month. There is usually a plant stall, and raffle and always refreshments.

CLUN FILLING STATION - Right Rev Alistair Magowan, Bishop of Ludlow, is the speaker at Clun Valley Filling Station tomorrow. He will speak on 2015 – facing the challenges. The talk is taking place at Newcastle Community Centre at 7.30pm, refreshments from 7.15pm. A warm welcome to all. For more information contact Brian Angell 01588 640029 clunvalleyfs@gmail.com.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - Grow Your Own (PG) is showing at Clun Memorial Hall on Saturday.  Grow Your Own is a warm-hearted British comedy with a host of well-known British stars. A refugee family is given a plot to help rehabilitate their traumatised father. At first they are met with suspicion by the men who have worked the gardens for years. Reaction is mixed among the allotment holders, ruled with a rod of iron by committee chairman and ex-cop Big John, who bullies his son, known as Little John but eventually they are accepted by their united love of making things grow. Starts at 7.30pm at Clun Memorial Hall – tickets on the door adult £4.50, under 16 £2.50. Large car park, disabled access and facilities. Interval refreshments including choc ices.

TIM’S TRAVELS - Tim Wood has organised a trip to see the highly acclaimed winner of seven 2013 Olivier Awards, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Wednesday. An afternoon performance with exceptionally good seats in the stalls. The coach leaves Newcastle at 9.15, calling at Whitcott, Clun, Clunton, Aston, Craven Arms and the Clive on the A49. Theatre and coach tickets £35. Bookings and enquiries to Tim Wood at the Old Surgery Gallery in Clun or phone 01588 640506.

CLUN RAMBLERS - Clun Ramblers next walk is on Wednesday, led by Jayne and John. Meet at Clun Memorial Hall car park at 9.30am. Sorry no dogs.

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING - Next Thursday, February 19, at 7.30pm.

CLUN PRODUCE MARKET - Clun produce market will have lots of delicious home-made and home-baked food on February 21 from 10am to 12 noon in Hightown Community Room. Raffle, teas and coffee. If you would like a stall get in touch with Trish Munn 01588 641145.

If you have any news in the Clun Valley, contact Elisabeth Taylor, email: et@myphone.coop 01981 540893. Deadline is the Wednesday of the week before publication.

 

Ludlow

MYRIAD SPINNING GROUP - A new weekly spinning group is being launched in February by keen spinners Anthony Rowland and Sue Thornley. The South Shropshire group aims to promote the pleasure of spinning and working with fleece with a social group of friends. Beginners are welcome as well as those who already enjoy these crafts and we have a spare wheel to get beginners started. We also have access to fleeces for spinners. The first meeting was on February 9, 10.30am-12.30pm, at the Rural Skills Centre at Myriad Organics in Corve Street, Ludlow. There is a small charge of £2.50 to cover logs and refreshments. Contact Anthony on 01568 770601 or 07815 450599 or Sue on 01584 872292.

Anthony started spinning six years ago and has been teaching spinning at Myriad Organics for three years. He also repairs wheels that need some TLC. Sue started spinning about five years ago when she and her husband were farming in Scotland but they have recently retired to Ludlow and she is keen to keep up with the craft. The group will be self-help, so we hope that it will attract spinners of all abilities.

The Rural Skills Centre is part of Myriad Organics, and a wide range of crafters meet to enjoy social crafting sessions around the log burning stove.

 

Tenbury

HAND SEWING AND QUILTING - Five week course at Tenbury Library beginning February 25, 10am to 12.30pm, £68 for the course. It is a useful course for the beginner who would like to try hand sewing.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - Five week course at Tenbury Library beginning February 27, 2pm to 4pm, £48 for the five week course. An introduction to getting the best from your camera and how to store the photos easily.

GIRLGUIDING JUMBLE SALE - Cakes, teas, tombola, raffle, Saturday, 10am – 12pm, Tenbury Scout and Guide hut.

THE WOMEN’S SECTION OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - A women’s organisation worth joining, are you a member? If not, how about joining the Tenbury Wells Branch. For more details please contact Sue Perry 01584 819390 or email: sue.perry45@hotmail.co.uk. Funds towards RBL Women’s Section/Poppy Appeal.

TABLE TOP SALE - Regal Community Centre, February 21, 10am-12 noon. Tea, coffee and biscuits.

Tables £5. To book a table, please contact Sue Perry 01584 819390 or 07908 025041. Funds towards RBL Women’s Section/Poppy Appeal.

SNOWDROP WEEKENDS - The snowdrops are in full bloom at St Mary’s Burford and St Mary Magdalene, Little Hereford. So why not come and join us on Saturday and Sunday, 12.30pm- 3.30pm. At St Mary’s Burford there will be refreshments served in the Bell Tower, also a sales table.

TENBURY READERS’ GROUP - North and South v Pride and Prejudice. Who does it better? Join the debate at Tenbury Library on Wednesday at 7.30pm.

80s DISCO NIGHT - Burford village hall, March 28, 7.30pm till midnight. Hewett Recruitment has secured a major contract with local Tenbury firm Orchard Valley Foods £6 a ticket, please contact Lynda Jordan 01584 819711. Barbecue, bar, raffle. In aid of Endometriosis UK.

MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT - Lindridge School is once again busy fundraising to raise money for new computers, hoping to raise £30,000 which is no mean feat for such a small village school. The school desperately needs to change all of the computers that the children use for ICT and also the interactive whiteboards and projectors used by the teaching staff. The school regularly has textile collections, raffles, cake sales and larger events such as fetes, pudding clubs and treasure hunts.  The next event is a murder mystery night. Please come along on March 14, 7pm- 7.30pm, at Knighton on Teme parish rooms for an Italian-themed five- course meal, a welcome drink, where a murder will be committed and you and your table will have the task of finding out who did it (actors will be provided). This will be a great evening, with nice food, wine, company and entertainment. Tickets are £25 each and can be purchased from Lindridge School 01584 881466, or, for information please email starkeys@hotmail.co.uk.

If you are able to support with any of the fundraising please contact the school, which is always looking for old clothes and shoes for textile collections, or donations for raffles including unwanted Christmas gifts. The school hopes you can join it for the murder night. Why not get a group of you together? eight people can be seated per table.

 

The Strettons

SSIF - The South Shropshire Interfaith Forum will be hosting a round table discussion at the Pilgrim Centre in Craven Arms today, starting at noon and lasting around an hour. Take a packed lunch with you if you wish, drinks are provided. The topic under discussion on this occasion is “immigration for good or ill?” and will be led by Canon Noel Beattie. All welcome, admission by donation.

FAMILY HISTORY - Family History Advice sessions are again available at the library every Thursday where volunteers are available to help guide your research from 1pm-4pm.

BRIDGE - If you would like to try your hand at Bridge this afternoon visit All Stretton village hall at 1.30pm-5pm or sign up for a course. Ring Dom on 01694 723 128 to find out more.

LJC - The Strettondale Local Joint Committee will be meeting at Rushbury village hall tonight starting at 7pm. Visitors welcome to go along to hear about local matters.

SMALLHOLDERS - Shropshire Smallholders will be meeting at Leebotwood village hall tonight at 7.30pm and will hear a talk about horses by Nicola Fitter. She previously gave a talk about the history of horses and this time she will be speaking about keeping horses. The usual smallholder stalls and exchange opportunities will be available.  The January AGM saw some new members on the committee but still in need of a chairman, and everyone was thanked for their work during the past year. It was agreed that the subs for 2015 would remain the same. The evening ended with presentations by some of the members and the Big Farmland Bird Count from February 7-15 was discussed.

CRAFT CLUB - Scrappies drop in Craft Club for the over fives takes place on Saturday mornings from 10am-noon. Scrappies will also be running school holiday workshops on Wednesday and next Thursday, February 19, from 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm for the fives and over with a theme of birds, bees and butterflies. The cost is £3.50 per session and booking is essential.

ARTS ALIVE - All Stretton village hall is the venue for Romeo and Juliet retold live by Debs Newbold on Saturday starting at 7.30pm. Reserve your ticket by ringing 01694 723378.

VALENTINE PARTY - A Valentine’s party night will take place at the District Social Club on from 8.30pm-late for 18s and over, with no admittance after 10.30pm. There will be live music with Mark Anthony playing music from the 60s to the present day and supported by Robbie T Disco. Tickets include a buffet and cost £6 from the club.

iPAD - An iPad course will be held at Mayfair Community Centre on Monday from 1pm-3pm. Please book in by ringing 01694 722077.

AGM - The annual general meeting of the Friday Country Market will take place at Mayfair Community Centre at 2pm on Monday. Anyone interested in joining in and helping provide cooking, garden produce or craft items should get in touch as the market will start up again on March 6, 8.30am-noon. All welcome at the AGM.

GREEN PARTY - The Green Party will be screening a film about the NHS crisis in the town on Monday, offering discussion and a chance to meet Janet, the local Green Party Candidate. So look out for details.

PANCAKE RACE - The regular pancake race and lunch will be held on Tuesday, arranged by St Laurence’s Church.

ENGAGING ISSUES - The next talk in the series of engaging issues will be on Tuesday at the URC at 7.30pm. On this occasion the subject will be Childhood Spirituality and the speaker will be Steve Dixon, the children’s officer for the Diocese of Manchester, who is also a Quaker and an Anglican Priest. As a former primary school teacher he is also the author of a number of children’s novels. All welcome, admission is £3. This is the last in the current series.

COMMUNITY CINEMA - What We Did On Our Holiday (12A), is the film to be screened at Acton Scott village hall on Tuesday. This is from the creators of the popular TV series Outnumbered. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Interval refreshments will be available. A foreign language film can be seen at All Stretton Village Hall also on Tuesday starting at 8pm. Tickets to see The Rocket (12A) cost £6.

NETWORK - The Methodist Network meeting on Wednesday is at 2.30pm in the Methodist Hall and on this occasion the speaker will be Sarah Hamlin on the subject Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. Everyone welcome.

CAMERA CLUB - On Wednesday Judy Mainwairing will be on hand to present Off the Cuff which will be a practical evening to share photographic problems and experience on various topics. This is a change to the original programme. Visitors are always welcome at the URC Hall for the club’s meetings which start at 7.30pm. The presentation at the previous meeting was a programme of pictures from Shrewsbury competition entries which took the place of the published programme as Irene Froy was unable to attend due to family reasons. She will be invited to return at a future date.

SCHOOL NEWS - Students at Church Stretton School took part in the Faraday Engineering Challenge against six other schools and became first runners-up. There were wins for the year eight football team, the KS3 and 4 Dodgeball team and the under 14 boys football team has made it to the semi-final of the County Cup.

FOOD BANK - The Food Bank is now in need of tins of rice pudding and custard and also jars of jam. Thanks to everyone who contributes by popping items into the receptacle at the Co-Op.

CONSULTATIONS - The consultations on the Cemetary Road Housing runs until next Thursday, February 19, the New House Farm application to March 10, and for the library to March 16.

EXHIBITION - Some of Church Stretton’s artists are exhibiting at SpArc in Bishop’s Castle up until February 26. The venue is open late afternoons daily, Monday to Friday, and on Sunday mornings.

PANTOMIME - All Stretton Amateur dramatic and Social Society will be staging Cinderella at the village hall from next Thursday, February 19 to February 21 at 7.30pm, and with a matinee performance on February 21 at 2.30pm. Ticket sales are through Burway Books, John Thomas Florists or can be reserved by ringing 01694 723283.

SHROPSHIRE RAINBOW FILM FESTIVAL - (out of area event) The LGBT History Month Screening of The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister (15), will be shown at The Hive, 5, Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE on Wednesday at 8pm. Entry is free.