STOKESAY CASTLE - The Castle is open for business, in spite of a good deal of scaffolding erected to carry out urgent repairs to the weathered woodwork and the leaking roof.

The gatehouse part of the 13th century fortified manor house, managed by English Heritage, is currently undergoing major restoration work. This should be completed by the end of November, at a cost of £50,000.

FESTIVAL - The Muslim Festival of Eid Ul Fitr, the end of Ramadan, was celebrated in Craven Arms by 150 townsfolk who had been invited to take part at the Community Centre. There were, among other activities, cooking, henna handpainting and craft demonstrations and workshops The event was almost entirely funded by the women taking part and their families, in a successful effort to promote goodwill in the town.

BINGO - Craven Arms Pre-school has prize bingo at the Community Centre on Wednesday. Doors open 7.30pm for eyes down 8pm. There will also be a car boot sale in the playing fields on Sunday, gates opening 8am, for £5 per car, £10 trade For information call Marie on 07966 065527. Both are for the preschool, a charity that relies on fund-raising.

JUNIOR GYMNASTICS - Community Centre classes on Thursdays, ages four to seven at 4pm, £2.50 per class; seven to 10, 4.45pm, £2.50; 10-plus, 5.30pm, £3.

Call 01588 672847 PILATES - At the Community Centre on Tuesdays, 9.30am- 10.30am, £3.50 per session. Call 01588 672847. Mats provided.

INDOOR FLEAMARKET - On Saturday at the Methodist Hall, all manner of items are for sale in support of Rose Cottage Cat Rescue. Stalls may be available; call Catherine on 01588 672478.

SECRET HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE - Every Wednesday from 1.45pm-2.45pm accompanied under-fives meet for Meadow Fun, a programme of outdoor exploration and activities. An alternative programme is available for wet days. Admission is free.

There are refreshments afterwards at the Children’s Centre. Call 01588 672190 for details.

GOOD NEIGHBOURS - Volunteers are needed, especially drivers.

Please ring Ian on 01588 672847.

AGE CONCERN DAY CENTRE - At the Methodist Hall on Thursdays, volunteers are urgently needed for various activities including cooking and serving meals. Pop in and see them if you can help in any way.

There is full support from Age Concern staff. Ring 01584 876039.

COUNCIL - The next meeting of Craven Arms Town Council is on October 27 at 7.30pm. The first 15 minutes will be reserved for questions and comments from the public.

RSPB CRAVEN ARMS LOCAL GROUP - There will be a wildlife walk on Saturday in the Mortimer Forest (SO 474732) with Trevor, starting at 10am. Call 01694 723270.

Everyone is welcome – you do not have to be a member.

CRAVEN ARMS AND DISTRICT HISTORY GROUP - Following discussions with Lydbury Field Group, an archaeological section is being formed to develop field activities in numerous areas in and around Craven Arms where historic remains have never been fully researched and risk being lost with future developments. We need many more active members for this project which will be of particular interest to local schools, higher education students, adults and pensioners alike. Training in the use of specialised scanning equipment and field activities will be given Anyone interested can obtain further details from The History Centre at The Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, at the regular meetings on the first Wednesday of every month, or every Friday morning from 10am.

CHURCH DIARY - At the Pilgrim Centre, Dale Street: First and third Mondays, Stokesay Stitchers; first Saturdays, 10am-noon coffee mornings.

CRAVEN ARMS WI - Meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 2.30pm, always with interesting speakers, and non-members are welcome.

HEARING OR SIGHT LOSS - Today (Thursday) from 10.30am-noon, come and get information, advice and equipment demonstrations The SVAB See and Hear van will be at Craven Arms Day Centre at the Methodist Hall. For more information, contact Christina on 01743 355966.