Bishop’s Castle

SCHOOL CAFÉ AT TOWN HALL – Class 5 pupils of Bishop’s Castle Primary School held their first café and craft stall at the market in the Town Hall on October 21. The pupils got together to produce a “spooky” selection of sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and crafts for their Hallowe’en- themed café which raised £123. The school has received some very positive reports from customers. Class 5 now plan a Christmas-themed café and craft stall at the Bishop’s Castle Town Hall market, next Thursday November 26. The Friends of Bishop’s Castle Primary School have their Christmas fair in the school hall, December 3, at 6pm. Father Christmas promises to be there.

METHODIST TABLE TOP SALE – Bishop’s Castle Methodist Church has a coffee morning and table top sale at their hall on Saturday. The event is in aid of church funds and runs from 10am to noon. Call Heather Holt on on 01588 630055 if you would like a table at a cost of £5.

BATTLE OF MONTGOMERY – Dr Jonathan Worton was the guest speaker at the October meeting of the South West Shropshire Historical and Archaeological Society in the Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle. Over 60 people heard him talk about the Battle of Montgomery and assess its importance in the Civil War in the Marches. On November 10, Glynn Barratt spoke about Titterstone Clee. In 2006 he was instrumental in setting up the Titterstone Clee Heritage Trust. The hill has a long history, starting before the building of the Iron Age hillfort still visible round its summit and now capped with its white dome. For more information about SWSHAS call 01588 650610.

SALLY WINS – 78 numbers were entered in the October draw for the House on Crutches Museum Collection Trust 100 club. Sally Chappell won £19.50, Ann MacDonald £11.70 and Pauline Thomson £7.80.

COFFEE MORNING – Today sees the last coffee morning of the year at Abbeyfield House in Oak Meadow, Bishop’s Castle. Starting at 10.30am, it promises all the usual stalls and raffle and all the funds raised go towards outings for the residents and a chosen charity. In the last few months the coffee mornings raised funds for days out at the Severn Valley Railway and a Christmas outing.

ELEGANT BALL – The elegance of the 18th century returned to Bishop’s Castle Town Hall on October 31 with a visit from the Alphabet Dancers and their band. The costumed ball was the final event in a year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Town Hall and the dancers, their leader Paul Davis and accompanying musicians dressed in period costume and enjoyed a dance programme of refinement and gaiety. The Alphabet Dancers were joined by Georgian enthusiasts from a wide area including a party who frequent the Assembly Rooms in Bath. Refreshments for the evening were provided by Tahira Paul and her daughters from the nearby Chai Shop.

“We were delighted to host this event to close our 250 years celebrations,” said Patricia Theobald a Town Hall trustee. “The dancers brought history to life and we hope to host similar ‘period’ events in future. We are very fortunate to have the Alphabet Dancers in the district – they meet at Lydham Village Hall and several of their dancers and musicians are from Bishop’s Castle. We very much look forward to further joint ventures.” The Alphabet Dancers can be contacted on alphabetdancers@gmail.com or by phoning Paul Davis on 01743 891117. The Town Hall is available for private hire, contact: info@bishopscastletownhall.co.uk 01588 630023.

REMEMBRANCE PARADE – The Bishop’s Castle Branch of the Royal British Legion would like to thank all those who participated in or supported the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service on November 8. Bishop’s Castle Drum and Bugle Band, the Royal British Legion Men’s Section and Standard, the Army Cadet Force and Standard, Women’s Institute, Fire Service, Cubs and Beavers and Bishop’s Castle Town Council marched from the Town Hall to the War Memorial where under the rousing peal of the bells they joined the mayor, the ladies’ section of the Royal British Legion, the rector, vicar, church warden and choir of St John the Baptist Church for the laying of wreaths and the two-minute silence. A large congregation filled the church for the Service of Remembrance.

ICON PAINTING WORKSHOP – A rare opportunity to paint your own religious icon is on offer later this month in Lydbury North. The workshop runs from November 28 to December 5 in the Old Schoolroom above Lydbury North Church. The eight days will be led by the Rev Regan O’Callaghan, an artist whose studio is in the Old Deanery of St Paul’s Cathedral. Originally from a Maori family, Regan moved to the UK in 1993 where he studied art and religious studies including the technique of icon painting. In 2001 Regan was ordained into the Church of England and he combines his ministry with his art, carrying out a number of important commissions, including an icon for St Paul’s Cathedral. The cost of the workshop is £250 to include materials. Students will learn all the classical techniques, from preparing a board with gesso, to applying gold leaf to the finished work of art. To find out more call the Ridgeway Benefice office on 01588 630610.

MORE WINNERS AT MORE CHURCH – Colin and Marion Middleton were the top prize winners in the November monthly draw in aid of More Church. Sean Whitehead was second and Rob Carlos third.

BISHOP’S CASTLE DIARY November 19-25

TODAY

  • Coffee morning in aid of residents’ fund. Abbeyfield House, Oak Meadow, Bishop’s Castle. 10.30am.
  • AGM. Friends of Bishop’s Castle Library. 7.30pm. 01588 638215.
  • NT Live. Of Mice and Men SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. £11/£7. 7pm. 01588 630321/638038.
  • Autumn Church Council, Bishop’s Castle Methodist Church 2.30pm.
  • Footpath Walking Group. Aston on Clun to Bishop’s Castle. 10 miles. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishop’s Castle. 9.30am. Book on 01588 630446.
  • Live music. Flip Flop Rock. The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.
  • Lydham, More and Snead WI. AGM. The Courses of My Life – Joy Martin. Lydham Village Hall. 2.15pm.
  • 01588 650315.
  • Lydbury North WI AGM and members’ activity evening. Lydbury North Village Hall. Visitors £3. 7.15pm.

TOMORROW

  • Storytelling night – Sharon Jacksties. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £7. 8pm. 01588 630023.
  • Open morning. Lydbury North Primary School and nursery. 9.30am-11.30am. 01588 680277.
  • Film. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (PG). Lydbury North Village Hall. £4/£2.50. 7.30pm. 01588 680302.

SATURDAY

  • Exhibition of paintings by Robert Bates. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Until December 12. 10am-4pm. 01588 630023.
  • Coffee morning and table top sale in aid of church funds. Methodist Hall, Bishop’s Castle. 10am. 01588 630055 to book table.
  • Marches Choir. Celebrating St Cecilia’ Bishop’s Castle Church. 7.30pm. 01588 650448.
  • Farmers market. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. 9am.
  • Live music. Black Rapids. The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle n Auction. Bishop’s Castle Public Hall. 8.30am. Bids 10am. 01743 233629/07974 118467.
  • Christmas tea at the Ritz, carols and songs. Edgton Village Hall. £7. 2pm. 01588 680366.

SUNDAY

  • Jonny Keeley solo. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. 7.30pm.
  • Talk. The Nature of Meadows, Ian Trueman. Norbury Village Hall. 11am. 01938 561741.

TUESDAY

  • Bishop’s Castle Civic Society. Annual Awards Meeting. Medicinal Plants, Dr Henry F Oakley. Methodist Hall, Bishops Castle. 7.30pm.
  • Bishop’s Castle Community Care and Hospital Group. AGM. Church Barn, Bishops Castle. 7pm.

WEDNESDAY

  • Bishop’s Castle Film Society. Oranges and Sunshine (15), director Jim Loach. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle. 8pm. 01588 630778.
  • Friends of Bishop’s Castle Library AGM. Speaker Alan Cheeseman, local jeweller. Library. 7.30pm. 01588 638215.
  • Cash bingo for Bishop’s Castle Royal British Legion Women’s Section. Kings Head, Bishop’s Castle. Eyes down 8pm. Over 16s only. 07816 6127402.
  • Footpath Walking Group. Todleth. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishop’s Castle 9.30am. 01588 620470.
  • SW Shropshire Gardening Club. Raised Beds and No Dig Cultivation – Mick Poultney. Lydbury North Village Hall. 7.30pm. 01588 660753.

CORRESPONDENT – Julia Parker 01588 680445, jparker228@btinternet.com.

 

Clun

ARTS ALIVE PRESENTS – Of Mice and Men (recorded live). At Aston on Clun Village Hall, tonight, 7pm. The hit Broadway production Of Mice and Men , filmed on stage in New York by National Theatre Live.

Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee James Franco ( 127 Hours , Milk ) and Tony Award nominee Chris O’Dowd ( Bridesmaids , Girls ) star in the highly-anticipated screenings of this “riveting, powerful production” ( Independent ). This landmark revival of Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck’s play is a powerful portrait of the American spirit and a heart-breaking testament to the bonds of friendship.

Of Mice and Men features Leighton Meester ( Country Strong , Gossip Girl ) and Tony Award winner Jim Norton ( The Seafarer ). Adults £10 children £6. Enquiries 01588 660493 or 01588 660893.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT – Paul Parker and All the Right Friends at The White Horse Inn, tomorrow. Live entertainment, an open mic evening hosted by Paul Parker. Bring your musical instrument or just your vocal chords and join in, your chance to shine. Information: The White Horse Inn 01588 418829.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS – Presents: Breakfast at Tiffany’s (PG) at Lydbury North Village Hall, SY7 8AU, tomorrow at 7.30pm. Celebrating love and romance with a classic romantic comedy – candlelit cabaret seating, free glass of sparkling wine and chocolates. Dress to impress – prize for the best dressed couple. This event is supported by Film Hub North West Central, part of the Film Audience Network, awarding funds from the National Lottery. Adults £4, children £2.50, call 01588 680302.

Boyhood (15) at Clungunford Parish Hall near Craven Arms, SY7 0PP, tomorrow at 8pm. Licensed bar, ice- creams available. Car parking. Adult £4.50, child £2, call 01588 660159.

Interstellar (12A) at Chapel Lawn Village Hall SY7 0BW, next Thursday November 26, at 7.30pm. Adults £4.50, children £2, 01547 530530.

COFFEE MORNING – Hightown Community Room, Clun, Saturday, 10am. £1 entry fee gains admission, coffee and biscuits. Then there are the stalls to buy lovely things from. All are welcome. In aid of St George’s Church funds.

SCHOOL CHRISTMAS MARKET – Local people please note: St George’s School in Clun would like as many people as possible to come along to buy, sell and get involved with their annual school Christmas market, taking place December 11.

Head teacher Kay Miller says: “We would like to encourage more local people to come as it’s always great fun. We have lovely cakes, hot snacks and drinks (including mulled wine), and lots of local crafts/designer makers/food. As part of their design and technology and business education, our children are really involved and make goods to sell.”

More information from: Fiona Pidduck, St George’s Primary and Nursery School, sbm@clun.shropshire.sch.uk or call 01588 640229.

CORRESPONDENT – Ros Patching at clunpatch@btinternet.com or 01588 640772. The deadline is Thursday of the week before publication (or at least two weeks in advance).

 

Ludlow

SUBTERRANEAN LUDLOW – A talk by Leon Bracelin – The archaeology of a secret and hidden landscape of the medieval town – Discover Leon’s explosive find which will mean the rewriting of history books – Presentation 8pm tonight at The Baker’s Arms Orleton.

 

Stoke Bliss and Kyre

RACE NIGHT – Come along to an evening of horse racing at the new Stoke Bliss and Kyre Village Hall on Saturday. First race starts at 7.30pm with a full programme of runners. Just pick a horse, place your bet, then cheer your horse to victory. Entry £10 which includes cottage pie, fruit crumble and cream supper or £5 (food not included). Ring 01885 410598 to book food by tomorrow. Bar open from 6.30pm. In aid of village hall equipment fund.

 

Tenbury

THE FILLING STATION – thefillingstation.org.uk. Curious about Christianity or could you use a spiritual top-up? Then you are invited to The Filling Station. It’s an exciting monthly get-together to share a fun evening and make new friends, with a warm welcome, lots of coffee and cake, lively music and interesting speakers. The Filling Station is not a new church movement, rather a way of existing churches working togeth2014 Tenbury Mistletoe Queen, Rebekah Morris er to bring a deeper spiritual life to our area. We would love to see you there, everyone is welcome. Entry free, meeting tonight, 7.30pm, at Penlu Sports Club (next to Tenbury hospital), then every third Thursday of the month. Not December. January 21, Feb 18, March 17, etc. As endorsed by Alister Magowan Bishop of Ludlow, like to know more? terrystokes47.ts@gmail.com or Sue after 6pm 01584 781384.

AGM – Tenbury and District Museum Society notice of annual general meeting. As one of the Mayor, Cllr Mark Willis’ chosen charities, the society’s AGM will be held in the Pump Rooms next Thursday, November 26, commencing at 7.30pm. (Meeting open to all, but only members may vote) The invited guest speaker is Mr Mike Watkins, chairman of Tenbury Wells and District History Society whose presentation will be Titanic – Things You Didn’t Know. Society members and visitors are all welcome. Refreshments will be served.

WINTER FAYRE – Do come to St Mary’s Church on Saturday, at 11am. Cakes, books, bottle tombola, themed gift stall, white elephant, face painting and lucky dip. Refreshments.

CHRISTMAS MARKET – St Mary’s Church, Tenbury Wells, December 5, 2pm-7pm. Mulled wine, sausage sizzle, garlands, wreaths, table decorations, children’s activities, handcrafted sweets, mince pies, gifts and cards.

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT – Tenbury Town Band charity Christmas concert at Tenbury Regal, December 12, starts 7pm. Tickets £7, £6 concessions from Regal Box Office. This year proceeds to Hammer Out-Brain Tumour Charity. Tickets selling fast, book now to avoid disappointment.

 

The Strettons

MARKETS – Indoor market at the Scout HQ today 9am-2pm selling locally made goods and the usual Friday market held at Mayfair opens 8.30am-noon. Home-made cakes, produce, craft items, garden ideas.

DRAMA – The local drama group, Dorrington Players, will be on stage tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at the Silvester Horne Institute to present two short plays of contrasting style. One is The Browning Version and the other is Interior Design. Tickets for tonight’s performance cost £7 and for the other two evenings £8 and are being sold through Burway Books, John Thomas Florists and some may be available at the door. Performances begin at 7.30pm.

STRETTONDALE LJC – Strettondale Local Joint Committee meets at Leebotwood, 7.30pm tonight, with an agenda on transport and community responses to emergencies.

CHRISTINGLE – A Christingle making workshop will take place at the Parish Centre tomorrow, 3.30pm- 4.30pm in readiness for the Christingle Service in St Laurence’s Church at 4pm on Saturday. After the service there will be a parade to The Square for the switching on of the Christmas lights at 5pm.

ARTS ALIVE – Presentation of The Red Chair is planned for tomorrow night at All Stretton Village Hall. Tickets £8, £5 for 14-18s or £28 family ticket, 01694 723378 to reserve.

FROST FAIR – Saturday offers lots to see and do at the Festive Frost Fair in Mayfair, open 10.30am-4.30pm with Father Christmas in attendance. There will be morris dancing and Mayfair belly dancers adding to the entertainment and the café will be open celebrating 100 years of the WI and a Mayfair bake-off. Ring 01694 722077 to find out more.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – Switching on will be Saturday, 5pm in The Square.

CHOIR – The local branch of the Royal British Legion is hosting a visit by the Shrewsbury Police Male Voice Choir at Church Stretton School on Saturday at 7.30pm directed by Jim Edmunds. Tickets £8 from Burway Books, John Thomas Florists and Wrights Estate Agents. Some may be available at door. Wearing 40s dress is optional, as it’s 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

FOLK DANCE – The monthly folk dance at Tickerton Village Hall will take place on Saturday 8pm-late. No experience of this type of dance is necessary as Ron and Dot will be on hand to show the way. Ring 01694 722148 to know more.

MAYFAIR EVENTS – The Parkinson’s support group will be meeting 2.30pm Monday, in Mayfair when Jean Huff will be giving a talk about Alpacas and spinning. November 27, there will be a coach trip leaving Mayfair at 10am to Trentham Gardens returning at 4pm. Ticket sales through Daycare are £10. A Christmas flower decoration demonstration November 28, will be followed by lunch. Cost of the day is £15, further details are available from Mayfair on 01694 722077. Recent book fair organised by the Rotary Club and Mayfair volunteers raised around £1200 for Mayfair thanks to those who supported the event.

BIRDS – The Church Stretton Branch of Shropshire Ornithological Society will be meeting at the Methodist Hall on Monday at 7.30pm. The speaker for the evening will be John Tucker on The History of Ornithology in Shropshire. All welcome, admission for non-members is £2.

LIBRARY EVENTS – Tuesday offers rhyme time with fun, songs and rhymes for children under three years from 10.30am-11am, and later in the day there will be a knit and natter session from 5pm-7pm. Moving to Wednesday local author, Professor John Whitelegg, will give a talk on Future Mobility: Bringing World Class Road Safety, Public Transport, Zero Carbon and Zero Air Pollution to Shropshire. Tickets cost £3 for the talk which starts at 7pm. Every Thursday afternoon local and family history can be researched from 1pm- 4pm with volunteers on hand to assist if required. Free internet access to Ancestry is available.

GARDENING CLUB – This month the speaker at the Church Stretton and District Gardening Club will be Martin Page on the subject of How to Create a Wild Flower Garden. Doors open at 7pm in the Silvester Horne Institute for tea and coffee served before the talk at 7.30pm on Tuesday.

ENGAGING ISSUES – The subject under discussion on Tuesday at the URC will be Challenging Power – Human Rights and Politics, which is the theme of Dr David Howard’s talk at 7.30pm. Admission is £3. David Howard is a long-standing member of Amnesty International and continues to promote and defend human rights and you will note that our local Amnesty Group will be inviting everyone to take part in the annual Write for Rights campaign and send a personal message to a selection of individuals and communities that have suffered human rights abuses, at the URC Hall on November 28. Cards and stamps will be provided.

FRESh – FRESh stands for Fairness, Respect, Equality, Shropshire, and is a community co-operative set up to promote equality, diversity and the elimination of unfair treatment and discrimination for people in Shropshire and beyond. It is felt that hate incidents are under-reported.

NETWORK – The Network group meets at the Methodist Church hall on Wednesday at 2.30pm and will hear all about the editing, printing and distribution of Stretton Focus.

SCHOOL NEWS – A group of Year 6 pupils from St Lawrence’s watched a video about life during the war and then war veterans and war civilians spoke of their experiences during that time. Afterwards there was a walk to the war memorial to raise flags and remember those whose names were engraved and a visit to the cemetery to plant flags beside some of the graves. On the sporting front the under-10 and under-11 teams play in the county cup and the tag rugby team also plays at Ludlow. The Friends of St Lawrence’s plan a fashion show at the school on November 27, at 7pm. Tickets cost £5 and are sold through the school and the Outdoor Depot in Church Stretton.