APPLE PRESSING WEEKEND - Residents of The Wintles in Bishops Castle are getting together with the Kemp Valley Group for two apple pressing days at The Wintles on October 19 and 20. If you have an apple crop to process you will need to book an appointment on 01588 680203 as space and time is limited. The Wintles Barn is also the venue for a table top sale on October 20 in aid of local charities. Tables will be provided for £5 and the sale runs from 11am to 4pm. Call 01588 638978.

BISHOPS CASTLE WI NEWS - Bishops Castle WI met in the Methodist hall recently when Polly Smith gave a talk on vegetarian cookery. Although the majority of ladies were not vegetarian, everyone agreed the food was very tasty. The evening was rounded off with desserts made by members. On September 24 the group meeting for all the local WIs was held in the public hall, Bishops Castle. The evening was organised by Bishops Castle WI and the speaker was Malcolm Castle an ex fire-fighter from Shrewsbury. He has written several books on the subject and is now involved with Casualty on the TV. He proved to be a most entertaining speaker, telling the audience very funny stories about different aspects of his job as a fire fighter - attending road accidents and fires as well as rescuing animals, especially cats from trees and chimneys. Supper had been prepared by Lyn Habgood and her family who are members of Bishops Castle WI. The next meeting is on October 15 in the Methodist hall at 7.30pm when Cecil Hayward will talk about Brass Tubes and Pipes. Everyone is welcome.

MICHAELMAS FAIR RAFFLE - Jane Pugh, owner of Jane’s Petals and Gifts in Bishops Castle and Sheila Morris would like to thank visitors, family, friends and supporters for supporting the raffle held outside the shop on Michaelmas Fair day. The raffle, together with knitted items made by Shelia raised £200 for the Midlands Air Ambulance.

SEPTEMBER WINNERS - The winners of the September draw for the Bishops Castle Heritage Resource Centre 100 Club were Shirley Gould - £17.50; Brian Wells - £10.50 and Jane Carroll - £7.

LOCAL GOOD CAUSES TO BENEFIT - Bishops Castle church welcomed a large congregation to the harvest festival on October 6. Two good causes benefited from the harvest gifts donated by the congregation. Nonperishable goods were given to Clun Community Larder, while fresh goods were auctioned after the service in aid of Rural Stress, which supports farming families in need, and Christian Aid.

After the auction, led by Edward Owen and David Preshous, there was a bring and share harvest lunch at the back of church.

SCHOOL OPEN DAY - Norbury Primary School has an open day on Wednesday from 10am to 3pm. Call 01588 650207 for more details.

GRAND BAZAAR AT WALCOT - The main hall and ballroom of Walcot Hall in Lydbury North will become a treasure trove of beautiful things at a grand bazaar gift fair on Tuesday. The fair runs from 12 noon to 7pm, with the £5 entrance fee going to support Marie Curie Cancer Care. High quality gifts, clothing, cards, interiors, children’s gifts, food and jewellery will all be on sale, giving you a chance to do some Christmas shopping and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Walcot Hall and also the rare chance to see the main house and ballroom in all its glory.There will be a pop up cafe in the anteroom run by A2Zest serving home made food and refreshments all day.

For more information call Walcot Hall on 01588 680570 or email Julia@walcothall.com.

BISHOPS CASTLE DIARY, October 10 - 16 THURSDAY: Norbury and District WI.

Astronomy with John Haydon.

Norbury village hall at 7.30pm.

FRIDAY: Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston. SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle, £10/ £6, 7.30pm. Call 01588 630321/638038 to book.

• Alphabet Dancers. English country dance, Lydham village hall, 8pm. Call 01743 891117.

SATURDAY: Russet ramble, 12 mile sponsored walk. Call 01588 638818.

• Auction at Bishops Castle public hall.

Call 01743 462763.

SUNDAY: Harvest festival and roast dinner at Edgton Church and village hall, 11am. Call 01588 680208.

MONDAY: Bishops Castle Snooker Club. Underground public hall, Bishops Castle, 7.30pm. Call 01588 680643.

• Basic Computing course. First of eight sessions at Enterprise House, Bishops Castle, £45, 10am. Call 01588 638038.

WEDNESDAY: Bishops Castle Film Society presents Winged Migration at the Three Tuns, Bishops Castle. £40/ £5/£2.50 guests, 8pm. Call 01588 680445.

• Talk entitled From Tory to Conservative by Alison Webb. Fletcher Room, community college, Bishops Castle, £10, 10am. Call 01588 640092.

• Onny Valley Social Club, trip to Port Sunlight. Call 01588 650607.

CORRESPONDENT - 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 Bishops Castle Post Office, call 01588 680445 or email jparker228@btinternet.com.