Bishop’s Castle

BRING OUT YOUR BOOKS - Donate your unwanted books to a spring book sale organised by the Friends of Bishop’s Castle Library. Books of any kind, in any condition will be very welcome and you can bring them to the library now, ready for the sale in April, at a date to be announced.

PUDDING HEAVEN - Bishop’s Castle Town Hall is offering a new concept in indulgence for Valentine’s Day. It is staging pudding heaven. Participants have the chance to sample five from an array of romantic puddings and vote to rank them in order of delight. Pudding with the highest score at the end of the evening will earn its maker the title of king or queen of puddings, a bottle of sparkling wine and £25. Sunday 7.30pm, all are welcome – partnered or single – just bring a pencil to mark your score sheet. Tickets £10 in advance, £12 on the door, includes five portions of pudding and a glass of sparkling wine. Call 01588 630023 or pop into Bishop’s Castle Town Hall between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

JANUARY WINNERS - Mary Wolfe won £20.50 for the House on Crutches Museum Collection Trust, Mike Say £12.30 and Trevor Chalkley £8.20. 82 numbers were entered in the draw. Call 01588 638851 to find out how you can join.

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

GOLDEN HAIR GOLDEN HEART - Ten -year-old Leela Owen, a year- six pupil at Bishop’s Castle Primary School, had her hair cut for charity. She raised £85 for Hope House and £80 for the Little Princess Trust, who supply wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. She also sent the trust 10 inches of hair that she had had cut off. This is the third time she has donated her hair and Leela and her mum Julie Owen would like to thank Joanna Evans at The Worx hair salon, as well as everyone who sponsored her.

MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE A SELL-OUT - Places on this year’s Long Mynd Batch Burner mountain bike challenge have sold out in record time.

The annual 48-kilometre event is organised by Norbury Primary School PTA and over 100 local volunteers are needed to ensure it runs smoothly and safely. This year’s Burner will be on June 11 and Norbury PTA chairman Nesta Hill said that she hoped it would raise as much money as in 2015. “Last year we made over £9,000 for PTA funds,”

she said. “Achieved in just one day, although the planning and organisation took up a lot of time before that.

Because Norbury School is in such a rural area, we wanted to have a fundraiser that drew in money from much further afield. The Batch Burner does this in a big way. They stay in local accommodation, use local pubs and restaurants, which benefits the whole community, not just the school.”

STAR MAN - Lydbury North WI met on January 21 in the village hall when members heard about arrangements for their annual lunch to be held at Inn on the green. The president gave the results of votes on the proposed resolutions to go forward to County and then to the National WI AGM.

The speaker for the evening was John Haydon who gave an illustrated talk on “astronomy for all”. He introduced the audience to some of the easiest-to-see constellations beginning with Orion and the Plough. He explained that many stars can be seen with the naked eye but one has to let one’s eyes become accustomed to the darkness. On a clear night 4,000 stars are visible. Members saw pictures of the planets, Haley’s comet and Hale Bopp, and the moon. John also had pictures of Earth taken from space.

Next meeting will be next Thursday, February 18, at 7.15pm. The speakers Hilary and Ian Templeton, will give an audio visual tour of unusual aspects of some European destinations. New members are very welcome.

FEET FIRST AT NORBURY WI - Norbury and District WI met for the first time this year on January 14. The new village hall continues to be very popular and members find it a delight to enjoy the fellowship of their lively group in such pleasant surroundings.

President, Rita Preston wished everyone a very Happy New Year and hoped 2016 will be as enjoyable as last year. The meeting began with a few moments’ silence to remember a much-loved member, Monica Collins.

Rita, on behalf of the WI had conveyed our heartfelt condolences to Monica’s loved ones. Three new members were then welcomed with warm and friendly greetings. The main topic was the NFWI resolution vote. The National WI magazine had provided an insight into each resolution for which each member could vote on their favourite choice. The voting slips will be checked by county office and sent to NFWI. The meeting continued with news from the WI darts teams who practice each Monday at the Crown Inn, Wentnor. Everyone wished them luck and hope they continue their success throughout 2016. The next topic was a reminder for the Origins Lunch. Each year county office arranges a series of lunches for Shropshire WIs to support the students at Radbrook College. For a small charge the students provide diners with a three-course lunch. It helps the trainees to become familiar with restaurant service etc and 13 ladies will be going from Norbury WI.

Speaker for the evening was member, Krystyna Lawson whose topic was “the language of feet”. She guided her listeners through various aspects of toes, heels, bunions and other foot matters. Members were generally intrigued to look more closely at the problems many endure and brave Krystyna even took a peek at a few members’ feet. The evening ended with supper provided by Valerie and Mary and a large number of members took part in the competition for a jazzy pair of socks. Next meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in Norbury Village Hall. All ladies are welcome, please come along.

BISHOP’S CASTLE DIARY February 11-17

TODAY

  • Poets Corner. Castle Hotel, Bishop’s Castle. 8pm. To book a meal for 7pm 01588 620541.
  • Opera National de Paris live broadcast. Il Travatore . SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. £12/£8. 6.20pm. 01588 630321/638038.
  • Norbury and District WI. Veg patch kitchen – Kathleen Corfield. Norbury Village Hall. 7.30pm. 01588 650671.

TOMORROW

  • Storytelling, the dawn of music- Jem Dick. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £3.50. 7.30pm. 01588 630023.
  • Lent soup lunch. Methodist Hall, Bishop’s Castle. Donations to Christian Aid. Weekly until Easter. Noon. 01588 630387.
  • Live music. Rackhouse Pilfer. SpArC Theatre. £10/£7. 7.30pm. 01588 630321/638038.

SATURDAY

  • Art exhibition – Keith Noble. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Until March 12. 01588 630023.
  • Songs of Leonard Cohen. Keith James. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £14. 8pm. 01588 630023.
  • Nick Jonah and C Joynes. Solo acoustic and electric guitar. Six Bells, Bishop’s Castle. Free. 7.30pm.

SUNDAY

  • Pudding Heaven, Town Hall £10/£12 door 7.30pm 01588 630023.

MONDAY

  • Citizens Advice. Enterprise House 10am-noon. 08444 991100.
  • Talk, Joy beyond grief -Janice Thompson. Church Barn. Free 7pm 07989 183191.
  • Pony Play Club for ages four-10. Walcot Stables, Lydbury North. £10/£20. 10am. 01588 680514.

TUESDAY

  • Bishop’s Castle WI. Setting up an orphanage in Romania – Sue Blower. Methodist Hall, Bishop’s Castle 7.30pm 01588 638507.
  • Pony Club day, open to all. Walcot Stables, Lydbury North. £40/£35. 10am-4pm. 01588 680514.

WEDNESDAY

  • Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival until Sunday 01588 630023.
  • Bishop’s Castle Film Society. Finding Vivi an Maier USA 2013 (12). Three Tuns. 8pm. 01588 630778.
  • Talk. Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Free. 2.30pm.
  • The Land of Forgotten Books – Ali, Kate and Tara. Bishop’s Castle Library. Free. 10.30am.
  • Footpath Walking Group. Vron Wood 17 miles. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishop’s Castle. 9.30am 01588 630238.
  • Bishop’s Castle Arts Society exhibition, Poppy House 10am-4pm until Sunday.
  • Exhibition. Ellesmere Watercolourists, Gallery 18 until Sunday. 10am.
  • Exhibition. The Art of Upholstery – Tom Clough. Bank House 11am til Sunday.
  • Pony Play Club for ages four-10. Walcot Stables, Lydbury North. £10/£20. 10am. 01588 680514.

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

 

Bockleton

JUMBLE SALE - Bockleton WI are holding this year’s annual jumble sale on March 5, 2pm at Bockleton Parish Hall. Lots of items at reasonable prices so come along and get yourself a bargain. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with cakes to revive you.

 

Clun

LIVE MUSIC - The White Horse, Clun, tomorrow, 9am-11.30pm. The Troy Redfern Band will be playing their signature blend of straight-ahead and progressive blues – live and loud.

CLUN VALLEY FILLING STATION - Newcastle Community Centre, 7pm.

Filling Station is not designed to be an alternative to existing churches, but rather a monthly celebration for people from all church backgrounds and none to explore the Christian faith in an informal and friendly atmosphere. Around 50 people come along each month. This month, guest speaker Michael Whitlock, who has served 42 years as a parish priest, will ask “are you praying for revival?” All are welcome. Call Brian Angell 01588 640029 or 07790 325007.

FILM: Flicks in the Sticks presents Ex Machina (15), Chapel Lawn Village Hall, SY7 0BW, Saturday, 7.30pm. Adult £4.50, under 18s £2. Starring Domnhall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac and Alicia Vikander. Call 01547 530530.

QUIZ NIGHT - Saturday, Hightown Community Room, Clun, 7pm. Organised by the United Pack Supporters’ Club. £8 per head, sausage and mash supper included. £40 voucher for meal at the Powis Arms, Lydbury North for winning team. All welcome. Enquiries: Robert Adams, 01588 640417 or 07812 687583.

CLUNBURY CAFÉ - Next Thursday, February 18, Clunbury Village Hall, 10am-11.30am. This popular pop-up cafe is happening once again.

DERBY THEATRE - Tim Wood, proprietor of The Old Surgery Gallery at Clun and organiser of Tim’s Travels, is taking bookings for a visit to Derby Theatre on March 17, to see a performance of John Osborne’s, Look Back in Anger . John Osborne lived the last ten years of his life in Clun and it is sixty years since the play was first produced at the Royal Court Theatre in London. The theatre is staging the play to commemorate the anniversary. The play, which is set in Derby, was to have a radical effect on British theatre and introduced The Angry Young Man to the world of theatre.

ANYONE FOR CRICKET? - Clun Cricket Club is re-forming and looking for players. If interested, please contact Brian Baker 01588 660191 or 07711 068210 or Jack Limond at The White Horse 01588 640305.

 

Ludlow

LENT SOUP LUNCHES - Will be held every Wednesday, from February 17 until March 16, at Tenbury Methodist Church Hall, noon till 1.30pm. Come along and enjoy good soup and company, with donations accepted for Christian Aid. All are welcome.

BLACK TIE EVENT - Tickets are now selling for the mayor’s charity black tie event on March 19 at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm until midnight. The evening consists of a three-course dinner, music, magic, dancing, raffle and charity auction.

Please see the poster for some of the charity auction lots. Tickets are £30 each in advance and are available from the Guildhall on 01584 871970 or e-mail assistant@ludlow.gov.uk. All proceeds going to the mayor’s charity – Ludlow Hospital League of Friends. It’s a great night out, see you there.

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR QUEEN’S 90TH BIRTHDAY - Ludlow Town Council would like to invite organisations to apply for funding for projects celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016. There is small window of opportunity for funding being awarded.

Organisations should contact Town Clerk, The Guildhall, Mill Street, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1AZ, 01584 871970, townclerk@ludlow.gov.uk, or download a form at ludlow.gov.uk. Closing date for applications is midday March 8, applications will be considered at full council March 14.

CHARGING AT CASTLE STREET TOILETS - In 2011, Ludlow Town Council took ownership, maintenance and cleaning responsibilities for the public toilets from Shropshire Council. Councillors have recently reviewed the maintenance and cleaning of Castle Street toilets; and also the toilets at Smithfield and the Linney Riverside Park.

The review confirmed that the quality of cleanliness and maintenance was very good but more frequent cleaning was required. Increasing the frequency of cleaning potentially increases the costs to the tax payer, although this can be avoided if there is a charge of point of use.

Ludlow Town Council has decided that the fairest way to provide the quality of experience that visitors deserve is to install coin boxes at Castle Street toilets and levy a charge of 20p at the point of use.

 

Tenbury

QUIZ NIGHT - Knighton-on-Teme Parish Room, March 5, 7.30pm start.

David Marsh has again agreed to treat us to a light-hearted evening of head-scratching and satisfaction with his unique range of questions. Teams of up to six people. Bar with real ale and a hot supper. Tickets (limited to a total of 84) from David Marsh 01584 781449. Proceeds to Parish Room and Christian Blind Mission.

THE BIG TIDY UP - Litter pick, March 13, meet at Knighton-on-Teme Parish Rooms at 10am. Bags and tabards supplied. Bring a pair of strong gloves. Everyone welcome. If you cannot make it on the day, it can be done before or after, just let us know. Meeting at the Talbot afterwards for a drink. “Let’s tidy up our village”. Contact clerk to parish council: Karen Yates 01584 810817 or kdyates10@gmail.com.

LINDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL - Is conducting a survey of local residents’ views regarding the current speed of traffic that travels through the village of Eardiston. Do you think there is a problem? Are you experiencing near misses? Have you witnessed dangerous driving? Or any other concerns regarding this matter? Please let us know by e-mail to lindridge@parishclerk.co.uk or by post to: The Parish Clerk, Whiteleys, Frith Common, Tenbury Wells, Worcs, WR15 8JX.

THE LINDRIDGE PLAYERS - Are preparing to stage their version of Androcles and the Lion . All aspiring young actors (year five and upwards) are invited to a preliminary meeting on February 27, 3.30pm at Lindridge Parish Hall, Eardiston. Help with costumes, back-stage, etc most welcome.

Please come along to the meeting. For more information: Sherry Round 01584 881424, Pamela Marsh 01584 881417, Marjorie Workman 01584 781094.

KEEP ACTIVE IN EASTHAM - Eastham Memorial Hall has some funding to run exercise classes and several people have expressed an interest. There will be two classes on Thursday mornings.

Aimed at everyone over 50 who are really encouraged to do an hour’s exercise each week. Strength and balance class 10am-11am. This session is mostly chair based. Designed to build both confidence and muscles to help your general movements. If you’ve had a fall, or illness and need a bit of help to get moving again, this is for you. Over 50s stay fit 11.30am-12.30pm. This class is for people who are a bit more active and want to stay that way. This class includes stretching and using resistance bands to help build up muscles and keep you active. There is some floor work, but you can work on a chair instead. There is a nominal charge of £2 per class.

Interested? More information from the trainer Kim Bayliss, who has eleven years’ experience specialising in over 50s fitness: 01584 781255 or easthammemrialhall@gmail.com.

 

The Strettons

ROUND TABLE - South Shropshire Interfaith Forum meets at the Pilgrim Centre in Craven Arms today for a discussion on religion, race and culture led by Mark Michaels, noon- 1.30pm. This is an open event so take your sandwiches with you as drinks are provided. Pay at the door.

PANTO TIME - Cardington Capers A Christmas Carol by David Mcgillivray and Walter Zerlin Jnr Once upon a Beanstalk will be at Cardington Village Hall, tonight until Saturday. Tickets 01694 771270. All Stretton’s pantomime Red Riding Hood is next Thursday, February 18 to February 20.

MARMALADIES - The Marmaladies WI will be meeting at the District Social Club at 7.30pm tonight, and all are welcome to hear a talk by the West Midlands Search and Rescue.

LIBRARY EVENTS - Local and family history research is available Thursday afternoons 1pm-4pm when there is free access to Ancestry. A poetry writing workshop will be at the library tomorrow 7pm-9pm, and a sit and knit session will be on Saturday.

Rhymetimes with fun, songs and rhymes for children under three years meet on Tuesday 10.30am- 11am followed by a time to listen at “booktime” for adults 11am-noon and this month’s theme is family. Another knit and natter session is open to all at 5pm-7pm also on Tuesday.

WINTER CRICKET - Winter cricket nets and coaching is available at the Leisure Centre Friday evenings for juniors 5pm-6pm £4 per session and seniors 7pm-8pm £5 per session.

COMMUNITY CINEMA - Suite Francais (15) can be seen at All Stretton Village Hall tomorrow, a film featuring drama, romance and war. Acton Scott Village Hall willscreen The Walk (PG), at 7.30pm on Tuesday.

BREAKFAST - Saturday morning breakfasts are served at Mayfair Community Centre 9am-11.30am, last orders 11am. To continue until February 27. A ring and rider service from Ashbrook Court, Ley Gardens and Denehurst Court is available if booked the preceding Wednesday.

CRAFTS - Scrappies holds a Valentine’s craft day on Saturday with sessions 10am-noon which will feature “love bugs” and noon-2pm there will be a Valentine’s craft demonstration. Teas and coffees will be available. During the week there will themes of spring madness Monday and Tuesday during half term. Check availability as space is limited.

AGM - The Green Party annual general meeting takes place Saturday at 2pm in the Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

NETWORK GROUP - Meets in the Methodist Hall on Wednesday to hear a talk about the Longmynd Hike by Terry Davies 2.30pm. All welcome.

CAMERA CLUB - At The Longmynd Camera Club meeting on February 4, Clive Haynes, FRPS, opened his Pandora’s Photo-Box of Creativity, Image and Imagination taking his audience into the world of mirror images, double and triple exposures and the use of infra red, creating interesting effects of everyday items found in unlikely places and often taken from unusual angles. The use of a separate lens had created interesting patterns which caught the light and gave colourful images. He encouraged everyone to play about with images on the computer. With the use of special glasses, everyone was able to enjoy seeing a video in 3D which rounded off the evening’s presentation. The club’s next meeting on Wednesday will feature a talk by Dave Johnston EFIAP/p 7.30pm in the URC Hall. Visitors always welcome, admission £3.

MAYFAIR LOTTERY - Lucky numbers in the January lottery were 278, 246, 577 and 341 winning £100, £50, £20 and £10 respectively.

LONGMYND HIKE - The annual general meeting of the Longmynd Hike was held recently. Four new members were welcomed, and the officers were all re-appointed. It had been a satisfactory year financially and the accounts were approved. A vote of thanks was recorded for the work of the secretary and treasurer. There were also thanks to two longstanding supporters of the Longmynd Hike each of whom were presented with framed pictures. During the business of the meeting a new kit check process was outlined which would speed up the process for the hikers.

There is still much thought about how best to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Longmynd Hike and this will be further discussed at March 6 meeting.

SCHOOL NEWS - Church Stretton School’s two badminton teams, already South Shropshire Champions, have taken silver in the county finals. Girl’s year seven/eight footballers have won their recent game. Year 10 and 11 Spanish groups went to Concord College to see a theatre performance of Don Quixote , and year seven and eight took part in a walk on the wildside workshop following a presentation in assembly. A fashion show by The Boutique will take place at the school March 3 7pm, and raise funds for the PTA. Tickets on sale during February will include refreshment. St Lawrence’s Primary School basketball team will be representing South Shropshire in the youth games March 1, and will be out to defend its 2015 title as Shropshire Champions. The girls’ football team is through to the county cup semi-final. Vacancy for parent governor at St Lawrence’s. Contact the school to find out more.

DORRINGTON PLAYERS - Our local drama group put on an evening of music and entertainment at Mayfair Community Centre recently which took the form of a cabaret style evening, and the group would like to know if the general public who support them would like this to become a regular event. The next stage production will be a mystery play, April 14-16, at the Silvester Horne Institute.

A TALK - About China and Mongolia by Joan Liebrecht will take place at Mayfair Community Centre next Thursday, February 18, 7pm for 7.30pm. Admission is £4 including refreshments. Tickets from Mayfair.

LIVE THEATRE - As You Like It will be streamed live from the National Theatre to Church Stretton School theatre on February 25, at 7pm.

Admission £11 adults, £5 children, can be paid at the door if not pre- booked. There is also the opportunity to dine beforehand if booked one week in advance. A choice of menu including vegetarian, with wine or soft drink, coffee and chocolates, £13.50 per meal, served about 5pm.

PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS - Two workshops will take place at Karuna during March. On March 6 an apple tree grafting workshop and participants will be able to take home two. The weekend of March 12-13 will be practical hedge laying workshops, with the option of attending on either or both days. Cost of the workshops is £50 per day. To book for either of these ring 01694 751374.