Bayton

JUMBLE SALE - Is being held at 2.30pm on Saturday, in Bayton Village Hall. Home-made cakes on offer with hot and cold drinks, come and find a bargain. Further details Sue Burrows on 01299 832722 email bayton_pc08@btinternet.com.

 

Bishops Castle

NEW LEADER FOR CASTLE VOICES - Bishops Castle based singing group Castle Voices has a new leader. Sue Harris says she is delighted to be back in the town to continue the work of her friend Anne Loughran who led the group for almost 20 years. Since Anne’s untimely death in 2014, the singers have continued to meet and they are pleased to welcome Sue Harris to guide and inspire them anew. Castle Voices sing unaccompanied songs from all over the world and the group welcomes men and women who enjoy learning music by ear in an informal and happy atmosphere. The singers meet in the Cadet Hall, New Street, Bishops Castle on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 8.30pm and Sue Harris says this is proving to be an excellent venue, with good acoustics. It costs £5 a week to sing with Castle Voices; to find out more call 01547 550158. Castle Voices also held a celebration singing workshop to remember Anne Loughran on October 4 in Newcastle on Clun Community Centre. ‘Sing for Anne’ was led by Sue Harris, proceeds went to the Stroke Awareness and the Landirani Trust, Malawi charities.

TALK ON MAGNA CARTA - Heather Williams, the chairman of SWSHAS (South West Shropshire Historical and Archaeological Society) welcomed a large audience to the first meeting of the season in Bishops Castle Church Barn. She paid tribute to the contributions made to local history research by two founder members of the society who had died recently – Michael Macturk and Ivy Evans. Angela Martin outlined plans for a John Osborne ‘Look Back’ festival in Clun in 2016. The speaker was Canon Chris Pullin, whose subject was ‘Magna Carta and Hereford Cathedral’. Canon Pullin focussed upon the significant roles played by successive Hereford Bishops, Giles de Briouze, Peter d’Aigueblanche and Thomas Cantilupe, in the intrigues between the king and the barons, which resulted in two ‘Barons’ Wars’. The cathedral is fortunate to possess an original copy of the 1217 (revised) version of Magna Carta and other important documents relating to the event which paved the way for a democratic system of government. The society’s next meeting is at 7.30pm on Tuesday when Dr Jonathan Worton will speak on ‘The Battle of Montgomery’ guests are welcome at a fee of £5.

FAIRGROUNDS AND CIRCUSES - Bishops Castle artist Drusilla Cole has an exhibition of linocuts at the SpArC Theatre Gallery in Bishops Castle that runs until October 31. Drusilla is fascinated by quirky and unusual architecture, with fairground and circus scenes another interest.

These images frequently find their way into her work, based on her own sketches and photographs. Drusilla says, “Currently I am exploring linocuts, and in particular reduction linocuts. The lino is gradually cut away as each colour is printed, which essentially destroys the lino during the process, meaning a reduction print can never be reprinted. Printmaking processes are especially exciting to me because they create so many variables, presenting a challenge to achieve a desired end.” Call 01588 630321 for SpArC opening times.

MARIE CURIE SPEAKERS AT WI - Bishops Castle WI held their September meeting in the Methodist Hall. The speaker was Rob Rosson and his wife Gwyneth, both of whom are volunteers for the cancer charity Marie Curie. Rob is also a community ambassador for Shropshire and Wales. The charity was formed in 1948 and is the second largest carer in the UK after the NHS. Rob gave a very informative talk and answered many questions. As the WI is celebrating its 100 years anniversary members decorated the hall with bunting they had made and everyone enjoyed a buffet supper provided by the Habgood family; Anna Habgood had also made a beautiful anniversary cake. The majority of members also enjoyed afternoon tea at the Derwen College near Oswestry on September 12. The next meeting is at 7.30pm on October 20 when Marian Baldwin will talk about ‘Christmas scenes and Christmas characters’.SUGAR SKULLS AND LOVE SPOONS - ‘Sugar Skulls and Love Spoons’ is the fascinating title of a storytelling session in Bishop’s Castle Town Hall tomorrow. This will be a magical evening of tales about memory and identity, death and rebirth, love and knitting, told by June Peters.

June said, “This new show interweaves traditional tales from Africa, Mexico and Wales with personal stories about my life.” The performance starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £7 or £20 for a party of four. Call 01588 630023.

TOWN HALL WEDDING FAIR - Bishops Castle Town Hall is the setting for a wedding fair on Saturday. Both floors of the elegant building will feature displays of dresses, hats and other wedding attire, information and help with hair styles and beauty products for a wedding. Help with wedding planning is also part of the event. Entry is free and the fair is 10am to 4pm. Call 01588 630023.

MACMILLAN COFFEE SUCCESS - Gerry Barwell, owner of the Bank House guest house in Bishops Castle welcomed old and new friends to a Macmillan coffee morning on September 25. The event raised £3338 for the charity. A few miles away, a Macmillan coffee morning in Lydbury North Village Hall on September 24 raised £870 for the charity.

NORBURY WI IN NEW HALL - Norbury and District WI gathered in the new village hall for their September meeting to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the WI movement. The first ever meeting in the UK was at Anglesey in 1915; Norbury WI was founded later, in 1954. President, Rita Preston welcomed members and invited guests to the new hall with its wonderful views toward The Long Mynd and surrounding countryside. The meeting began with the singing of ‘Jerusalem’ and thanks were given to Wendy Oakley and helpers who arranged a visit to Walcot Hall and gardens in August. It was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed. A last minute change of speaker meant a welcome for Carole Dowding ‘Whirly Bird’ who agreed to give a talk on her own experiences of learning to fly a helicopter. Carole described her issues relating to her over protective father and her talk and slide show proved funny and enjoyable. Founder member Doris Roberts cut the Centenary cake (made and crafted by Wendy Oakley) and members and invited guests enjoyed a supper prepared by Dilys Owen, Jayne Godsman and Pauline Phillips, with help from committee members. The next is tonight at 7.30pm in Norbury Village Hall. The speaker is Lesley Yeoward, who will be asking ‘Can you Canape?’.

BISHOPS CASTLE DIARY October 8-14

TODAY: Relax and revive. Seated fitness and yoga for all. Grange Community Centre, Bishops Castle. Alternate weeks £1.50 inc refreshments 3.30pm.

  • Flu clinic. Bishops Castle Medical Practice. Weekly. 5pm-6pm. No appointment necessary. 01588 638285.
  • Live from Vaudeville Theatre, London. 'The Importance of Being Earnest' SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle. £12/£8. 7.15pm. 01588 630321/638038.
  • BC/DC. The Vaults, Bishops Castle.
  • Norbury and Dist WI. 'Can You Canapé?'- Lesley Yeoward + bring and buy stall. Norbury Village Hall. 7.30pm. 01588 650671.
  • Art exhibition. Drusilla Cole linocuts. SpArC Gallery, Bishops Castle. Until Oct 31. 01588 630321.

TOMORROW: 'Sugar Skulls and Love Spoons'- June Peters. Bishops Castle Town Hall. £7. 8pm. 01588 630023.

  • Learn 18th century dances. Alphabet Dancers. Lydham Village Hall. £2.50. 8pm. 01743 891117.

SATURDAY: Wedding Fair. Bishops Castle Town Hall. Free + goody bag. 10am. 01588 630023.

  • 12 miles Russet Ramble in aid of Bishops Castle Bowling Club.
  • Auction. Bishop's Castle Public Hall. 8.30am. Bids 10am. 01743 233629/07974 118467.
  • Five o' Clock Hero. Live music. The Vaults, Bishops Castle.
  • Live music. Wild Willy Barrett's French Connection. Lydbury North Village Hall. £10/£5. 7.30pm. 01588 680302.

SUNDAY: Harvest festival. Bishops Castle Church. 11am.

  • Harvest festival. Edgton Church. 11am.

MONDAY: Flu clinic. Bishops Castle Medical Practice. Weekly. 5pm-6pm. No appointment necessary. 01588 638285.

  • Footpath Walking Group. West of Wigmore. Nine miles. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishop's Castle. 9.30am. 01588 638704.

TUESDAY: SWSHAS. 'Battle of Montgomery 1644' –Dr Jonathan Worton Church Barn, Bishops Castle. 7.30pm. 01588 650610.

  • Illustrated talk. '50 Years Renovating Houses in Bishops Castle' – Robert Gwyther. In aid of Haemotology Dept. RSH. Public Hall, Bishops Castle. £4.50. 7.30pm.
  • North Country Theatre. 'The Gift of Stones'. Edgton Village Hall. £10/£7. 01588 680302.

WEDNESDAY: Cash bingo in aid of AMP. Kings Head, Bishops Castle. Eyes down 8pm. Over 16s only. 07816 6127402.

  • Bishop's Castle Film Society. Love is Strange dir. Ira Sachs. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle. 8pm. 01588 630778.
  • Talk. 'Forgotten Naturalists of the Welsh Marches' – Mark Lawley. Bishops Castle Town Hall. £3.50. 8pm. 01588 630023.
  • Tai Chi with Alan. Bishops Castle Town Hall. Weekly. £7/ £24 for 4. 10.30am. 07976 321345.
  • Mainstone WI. Visit to Knighton Planetarium.

CORRESPONDENT - Julia Parker 01588 680445, email jparker228@ btinternet.com.

 

Cleeton St Mary

PRIZE BINGO - AT Cleeton St Mary Village Hall, tomorrow, eyes down 8pm. In aid of Cleeton St Mary Village Hall funds.

 

Clows Top

BINGO - A bingo session is being held at Clows Top Village Hall tomorrow, eyes down at 7.30pm prompt.

 

Clun

Many of the events in the Clun Valley are taking on colours and flavours that reflect the turning season. The harvest is in and the fields are replanted, looking rosy and amber between the lengthening shadows.

There are still plenty of outdoor activities to choose... but the lure of the fireside and staying cosy indoors grows stronger with shortening days and chillier evenings. Take your pick from the autumn riches on offer here.

NEW EXHIBITION - Just opened at The Old Surgery Art Gallery in Clun is its annual Tim Nash and Friends’ Exhibition which is always popular. This year nearly all of Tim’s work comprises scenes of Clun and the surrounding area. Supporting Tim is work by Royal Academy Summer Exhibition exhibitor, Paul Hipkiss, and artists Brian Fletcher and Ann- Monique Stellinga. The gallery is open 10am-4pm Thursday to Tuesday including Sundays, but closed Wednesdays.

FILLING STATION - 7.30pm-9.30pm tomorrow at Newcastle Community Centre. Daphne Godwin from Ffald-y- Brenin Retreat Centre in West Wales will be the speaker. She and her husband Roy have written a best-selling book, The Grace Outpouring , concerned with transforming lives and communities through prayer. Daphne is originally from Shropshire, and her message is especially relevant for the communities of the Clun Valley. All welcome. For more information call Brian Angell 01588 640029 or email clunvalleyfs@gmail.com.

RUSSET RAMBLE - Saturday, starting from 9.30am-10.30am. A gorgeous 12-mile waymarked walk starting at Bishop’s Castle, organised by BC Bowling Club. £13 entrance fee, with refreshments (soup and cake.) provided. For more information email russetramble@gmail.com or call 01588 638284.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - Presents: Dark Horse (PG): The incredible true story of dream alliance. Showing on Saturday at 7.30pm at Chapel Lawn Village Hall. “Funny, inspiring – with a round of applause at the end.” Tickets: Adults £4.50 children £3.50. Bar open, ice cream, popcorn and snacks.

SLEEPOVER WEEKEND - Designed for young people of secondary school age, here is a weekend where you can sleep over in Clun Methodist Chapel, have fun, ‘build’ your own sleeping quarters and learn about the work of various charities. This year the charity is Vision Aid Overseas, which sets up eye clinics in some of the world’s poorest communities. It all begins on Saturday at 6pm through till Sunday, including the service at 11am on Sunday morning in the Chapel, and there may possibly be some sleep in between. Sleepover enquiries and registration forms from Jan Freeman 01588 640849; Helen Davies 01588 640490 or Elisabeth Newman 01588 640776.

NB - On Saturday morning there is an authorised street collection in the Square and in the Bridge Carpark, Clun, to boost funds for Vision Aid Overseas. There are boxes in Clun Surgery and Suzanne Floyd Opticians in Craven Arms where your unwanted glasses can be donated for use by VAO.

RAMBLERS AND PERAMBLERS - New people always welcome at these walking groups. Ramblers go on longer walks and meet at Clun Memorial Hall at 9.30am each Wednesday. Peramblers also walk around seven miles or so every week and meet at 10am. No dogs on either of these. More information from Peter James (ramblers) 01588 640027 or Mandy Newton (peramblers) 01588 640195.

POP-UP CRAFTS - Why not ‘pop up’ to the Hightown Community Rooms in Clun, and get crafting? On Wednesday, 2pm-4.30pm. If you fancy getting together once a month to knit, draw, sew or even learn a new skill, then come along to this drop-in session, the first of three. Bring along your own your own craft projects and enjoy a friendly natter, with tea and homemade cakes provided, for a small donation. Two further sessions are planned for November 18 and December 9.

AGM - Clun Valley Good Neighbours Scheme is holding its AGM at Clun Methodist Church Rooms, Wednesday. Refreshments 7pm and meeting begins 7.30pm. The guest speaker will be David Latcham of the Alzheimer’s Society. All are welcome.

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE - Beamed live via satellite from London, ‘ Hamlet ’ comes to Aston on Clun Village Hall (SY7 8EH) next Thursday, October 15. Doors open 6.30pm, performance starts at 7pm. Benedict Cumberbatch takes the title role in a new production of Shakespeare’s great tragedy, directed by Lyndsey Turner. Easy parking, advance booking or pay-on-the-door, admission £10 for adults £6 for under 18s. Bar, refreshments, tea, coffee and local ice creams. Tickets or further details 01588 660893 or jeff.else80@gmail.com.

OPEN DAY - An early notification for an important date for those considering St George’s CE Primary and Nursery School in Clun for children in their care. St George’s are holding an open day for prospective parents and carers 10am-2.30pm, November 4. Tea and coffee will be served. St George’s is proud of its inspiring and experienced teachers. It is newly refurbished and well-resourced, has long been an eco-school, has particular strengths in sports and music teaching and has both a breakfast club and a variety of after school activities. Come and meet the staff and see for yourself the happy learning environment that has been created here. For more information, call the school on 01588 640229, or visit the website: clunprimaryschool.org.uk.

 

Ludlow

MAYOR’S MOTOWN EVENING WITH DJ ANDY VASS - Mayor of Ludlow, Cllr Paul Draper is inviting residents of Ludlow to the Mayor’s Motown Evening with DJ Andy Vass at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms, on November 21, from 8.30pm. All proceeds from the evening will support the mayor’s charity, League of Friends of Ludlow Hospital. Tickets are £7.50 each in advance only, and are available from Ludlow Town Council, The Guildhall, Mill Street, Ludlow, SY8 1AZ. Please make cheques payable to ‘Ludlow Town Council’.

Prize draw raffle tickets will be on sale on the night. Have a great night out – buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Contact Gina Wilding, town clerk, Ludlow Town Council, The Guildhall, Mill Street, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1AZ – telephone 01584 871970. ludlow.gov.uk.

 

Tenbury

TABLE SALE JUMBLE - At Tenbury Methodist Church on Saturday from 10am. Tables are available now at £5 each - so please book your space and sell all your unwanted goods. Contact Donna on 01584 781462.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - The next main meeting of the Tenbury Wells Branch of the RBL will now be held at the Fountain Inn, Oldwood Road, Tenbury Wells 8pm on October 21.

CHATTERBOOKS SMARTIES - For Smarties over six free. Enid Blyton’s Famous Five in the Library. 11am, Saturday, Tenbury Library.

POETRY IN TENBURY WELLS - Are you interested in poets and poetry or maybe writing your own verse? If so, we would love to hear from you. Please ring 01584 709484, after 6pm Mon – Wed or leave a message. We would love to hear from you.

THE BEV PEGG BLACK COUNTRY FUN NIGHT - Featuring Bev and his band with their unique brand of Black Country humour, Combining stories, songs and observations together with music from the 50s/60s that everyone knows makes it an evening to remember. Brimfield and Little Hereford Sports Club, October 16, 7pm for 7.15pm prompt start. Faggots and peas supper (sausage/vegetarian alternative available). Dessert, bar and raffle. Tickets £14 from: Barry Gutteridge 01584 781365 or Phil Gibbs 01584 811011. Lodge of St Michael 1097. Come and enjoy a bostin evening.

 

The Strettons

SMALLHOLDERS - The Shropshire Smallholders will again be meeting at Leebotwood Village Hall today after their summer outside visits. To find out more about the programme and group’s activities call 01588 640538.

FRIDAY MARKET - The weekly Friday market is held at Mayfair Community Centre and sells home-made cakes, produce and craft items and garden items. It is open 8.30am-noon.

CEILDH - Tomorrow at the Silvester Horne Institute, will raise funds for Pazapa School and Medical facility for disabled children in Haiti. The event opens 7.30pm-11pm, will have a bar, raffle and light refreshment. Ticket sales through John Thomas Florists and Burway Books and cost £10 or £5 for under 16s, some may be available at the door. Music will be provided by John Ceilidh Band.

GREEN PARTY - On Friday the Green Party will be showing the film How to change the world at Ludlow Assembly Rooms at 7.30pm which charts the earliest days of Greenpeace, and following the recent EGM a photograph of party members also spelled out a ‘refugees welcome’ message. Since then members have held ballots at the Ludlow Green Fair and Bishop’s Castle Michaelmas Fair to gauge the public’s views about the NHS, farming policies, animal welfare and wildlife conservation.

QUIZ NIGHT - A quiz night on Saturday at 7.30pm at the District Social Club will raise funds for the Carers ‘Support Group, the unsung heroes of our community. This fun evening of trivia will have national lottery ticket prizes, and also a raffle.

COMPUTER COURSE - A computer maintenance course with essential PC Upkeep is on offer at Mayfair Community Centre on Monday, 1pm- 3pm at a cost of £10 per person. The course will include ways to speed up and maintain PC or laptop, installing programs, using antivirus software; deleting history, cookies and data; clearing memory files; deleting viruses; toolbars and much more.

CANCER CARE GROUP - The Stretton and Shropshire Cancer Care group will be meeting at Mayfair Community Centre on Monday at 12.30pm for a get active, feel good, approach by Miranda Ashwell. Living with and beyond cancer is Miranda’s theme. She is a public health programme lead for Shropshire Public Health and has specialised in health improvement for over 12 years and her current work focuses on helping people with chronic disease. She also has a special interest in ageing well, falls prevention and exercise for cancer survivorship. Miranda’s talk will look at the role physical activity plays in the quality of our lives, with particular reference to people living with and beyond cancer.

CLIMATE CHANGE - The autumn lecture arranged by Stretton Climate Care is Monday, 7.30pm at the Methodist Church when the speaker will be Professor Matthew Williams on the subject heading ‘climate change and our responsibility – key steps in decarbonising.’ Mat Williams is professor of global change ecology at Edinburgh University and an internationally acclaimed expert on the subject. The talk will be preceded by the AGM at 7pm. The recent electric car day on September 12, gave another successful demonstration of the future of motoring thanks to the suppliers, Entertaining Elephants and the Co-Op.

WIVES AND FRIENDS - The next meeting will be on Tuesday at the Methodist Hall starting at 7.30pm and on this occasion it will be an evening with Chris George who has called his talk ‘three high passes’. All welcome, admission for non-members is £3. The previous meeting had been the annual general meeting and the secretary spoke about the many interesting meetings the group had enjoyed last year including the medieval fair talk and demonstrations, the talk on the Stretton Health and Well-being Centre, and the charity fundraising evening for Classrooms in the Clouds held at Mayfair. The treasurer’s report showed that £159.50 went to Classrooms in the Clouds and £300 went to the Well-being Centre following the spring fair coffee morning. A donation of £20 also went to the Homefarm Trust in memory of former member Janet Hart. The officers and committee were all re-elected en bloc, and it was proposed that the title of President should be changed to chairman, and this was agreed. The meeting ended with a selection of light refreshments to enjoy.

FILM - Local supporters of Amnesty International meet on Wednesday, 7.30pm in the Silvester Horne Institute and will be showing a film To Light a Candle, a powerful documentary about the fate of Bahai’s, a religious minority in Iran. All welcome.

BUSINESS WOMEN’S CLUB - A meeting of the Church Stretton Business Women’s Club for the self- employed will be held at Mayfair Community Centre from 9am-11am on Wednesday and has the title ‘How can you manage time?’ Guests are very welcome to attend.

LUCKY NUMBERS - Lucky numbers in the September lottery in aid of Mayfair Community Centre were 550, 602, 404, and 617 winning £100, £50, £20 and £10 respectively.

SCHOOL NEWS - Another set of Stretton Focus Journalists has been appointed from amongst the students at Church Stretton School and each will be writing articles for Focus during the year. There is also a competition for the community on offer which other students may wish to enter.

INCA MELODIES - An evening of Inca melodies will be held at the Silvester Horne Institute on next Thursday, October 15 at 7.30pm. Ticket sales are through Burway Books, John Thomas Florists and Church Stretton Town Council Offices and cost £10. Some may be available at the door.

OPEN HOMES - Eight energy efficient homes will be open 10am-4pm, October 17. Check out the information hub at URC Hall. Expert advice will be available from renewable energy specialists EZ, ESP, and Salop Energy.

CREATIVE WRITING - A second creative writing workshop with local author, Paul Evans, is on offer on October 17 from 10am-3pm. Place reservations should be made through Church Stretton Town Council Offices, telephone 01694 722113, and speak to Rachel. The event includes a guided walk and wildlife survey of Rectory Wood and Field. No charge for the day.

MEMORIAL CONCERT - Will be held at St Laurence’s Church October 17, at 3pm, for Glyn Davies.

BOOK FAIR - Anyone has books, DVDs or CDs they would like to donate to the book fair for Mayfair Community Centre planned for October 30 and 31, 10am-3.30pm, at the URC Hall, take them to Mayfair or call 01694 722077 if the items need to be a collected. Organised by the Rotary Club, proceeds to Mayfair.