CHIMING WITH THE PAST - Bishop’s Castle bell ringers have looked back to their past by ringing a peal of bells that lasted almost two-and-a-half-hours. Their achievement celebrates the rehanging of the bells last summer and John Geach, the Tower Captain was delighted his team was able to recreate an event from the early 20th century. In 1912 the town’s ringers marked an earlier rehanging of the bells with a peal of 5,040 grand sire doubles. This feat was replicated in almost every detail last week, when a peal of 5,040 bob doubles was rung, starting at 5.51pm and ending at 8.34pm. The 21st century team - six people in all - echoed the team of 1912 in that three of their number came from the Hereford diocese Guild of Bellringers. The three Bishop’s Castle ringers – Jude Crighton, Hugh Gaspar and John Geach – rang exactly the same bells as their local counterparts 97 years ago. Another interesting fact is that in both 1912 and 2009 it was the first time the three Bishop’s Castle ringers had rung a full peal.

Speaking after the historic achievement John Geach said: “This successful event would not have been possible without the help and inspiration of John Turney of the Marches Training Belfry in Hopton Heath, who conducted the peal. We must also thank his colleagues from the Guild of Bellringers, Fran and Andrew Watkins.”

TRACTORS JOIN MEMORIAL RUN - Tractor lovers from as far afield as Hereford and Telford met to take part in the David Hudson Memorial Tractor Run at Mainstone. 34 tractors were revved up for the 35- mile scenic drive through the Welsh Borders and more than £800 was raised for the British Heart Foundation and Midlands Air Ambulance. Speaking on behalf of the Hudson family, Sheila Hudson said: “We would like to thank everybody for their fantastic support and generosity throughout the day. Special thanks must go to Martin Watkins for all his help with the planning and organisation.”

DRUSILLA IS GUEST - Drusilla Cole, fabric print designer and textile tutor, will be inspiring the Marches Embroiderers Guild with A Short Trip Through My Textiles on September 3. The group meets for the new term at 7.30pm in the Fletcher Room of Bishop’s Castle Community College. Everyone is welcome to join this friendly, creative group. Call Sue Daborn on 01568 780220 for more information.

DIARY - Tomorrow (Friday), Shropshire Council office open.

Enterprise House. Weekly, plus Monday & Tuesday. 9.30am-3pm.

Tomorrow until August 20: Art exhibition –Tara Lewis. SpArC, Bishop’s Castle. Call 01588 620818.

Saturday: Dances of Universal Peace –Sandra Sunfire. Karuna, Picklescott, near Church Stretton.

£35 two days. 10am – 5pm. Call 01694 751374. Continues Sunday.

Wednesday: Bishop’s Castle Police surgery. Tuffins Supermarket. 1pm.

August 27: Footpath Walking Group, Bircher Common, Eight miles. Meet Old Brick Guest House, Bishops Castle, 9.30am. Call 01588 638214.

August 28: Footpath Walking Group planning meeting. Old Brick Guest House, Bishops Castle, 10.30am.

Call 01588 650451 August 29: Flea and collectors’ market, Town Hall, Bishops Castle, 9am-4pm. Call 01588 630009.

NEWS - 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 Bishop’s Castle Post Office, phone 01588 680445 or email jparker228@btinternet.com.

PROJECTIONIST WANTED - Bishop’s Castle Film Society is offering free membership to anyone willing to project six of the forthcoming season’s 15 films at the Three Tuns. There are four Wednesdays between September and December and two next March.

If you’re technically-minded and free for some or all of these occasions please call either Paul Binding on 01588 638117 or Alix Nathan on 01588630068. The new season of films begins of September 23, with Revolutionary Road starring Kate Winslett and Leonardo di Caprio.

CREAM TEA - Graham and Meg Hemmings hosted a cream tea and open garden afternoon at the Old Vicarage in Bishop’s Castle. The sun shone and Bishop's Castle Mothers’ Union served teas in the garden. The raffle was won by Sylvia Taylor and a game run by Mary Auty and Pat Prettyman helped bring the total sum raised to £312 which will be forwarded to Hereford Diocese MU. This will go to the Away From It All holiday scheme, which provides muchneeded holidays for families recommended by health care professionals. The next MU event will be an open meeting in the Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, on September 9, at 7.30pm. Dr St John Penney and Dr Nick Howell have been invited to reminisce about their careers as GPs.