Bayton

JUMBLE SALE – A jumble sale is being held at Bayton village hall on Saturday from 2.30pm. As usual, organisers have a wide variety of good items. Refreshments with homemade cakes will be available all afternoon, so come along to meet friends old and new. For more information about the event, please contact Sue Burrows on 01299 832722.

 

Bishops Castle

ALLSKAS AND BELLAMONDA – One of Bishops Castle’s favourite bands the BC Allskas will be at the Three Tuns on Saturday for a dance in aid of the Bishops Castle Community Land Trust. Balkan ceilidh band Bellamonda will play at the start of the evening and you don’t need a partner to join in their lively circles dances. The Allskas are together again after a long absence while various members of the band have been travelling the world. The full band are looking forward to blasting out their usual mixture of great ska classics as well as their own home-grown ‘border ska’ tunes. The night is a fundraiser for the Bishops Castle Community Land Trust . The trust was established in 2007 as an Industrial and Provident Society, voluntarily run by a board of directors. The directors are residents of the area, sharing the view that issues as important as the use of land need to be represented by local views and influenced by local opinion. The aims include: to provide affordable housing to local people; to provide premises for small businesses; to make land available for allotments, market gardens, orchards and woodland; to acquire and hold land for any other use of benefit to the people of Bishops Castle and district. There will be a raffle and information stand as well as an opportunity to buy shares in the trust. Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets on the door at £6.

ROUND AND ABOUT WALK – There’s still time to register for the Bishops Castle Round and About Walk on May 10. The closing date for entries is May 7 and more than 130 people have already signed up for the 22 mile walk over the south Shropshire hills, with option of shorter 13 or nine mile routes. The event will raise money for the blood cancer charity Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. Now in its 23rd year, the Round and About Walk has contributed to a variety of charities and this year is dedicated to the memory of Bishops Castle resident Dave Shirley, who died of leukaemia in 2011. Dave’s wife, Jean said: “I am delighted that the walk will help us to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. We have already had a phenomenal response and hope that many more will sign up. It is a challenging route, but takes in some of the most beautiful views that Shropshire has to offer. “ The day starts at Sherbourne, Schoolhouse Lane, in Bishops Castle, between 8.30am and 10am and walkers can choose between the 22, 13 or nine-and-a-half mile routes. Entry costs just £16 and includes a vegetarian lunch and transport. To register, call Jean Shirley on 01588 638877 or look on the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research website to follow the links.

FILM SOCIETY TITLES – A film set in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War is the next showing at Bishops Castle Film Society on Wednesday. Lore (15), directed by Cate Shortland, features five destitute siblings who set out to travel 900 miles to their grandparents after their high-level Nazi parents disappear in the face of certain arrest by Allied Forces. Along the way, they encounter other Germans, some of whom are helpful, others antagonistic. Eventually, they meet up with a young man who joins their group and becomes their unofficial guardian. The film begins at 8pm. Please note the film on April 30 will be Nebraska (15) as Inside Llewyn Davies (15) is not yet available. Films begin at 8pm. Call 01588 680445 to find out more.

TEN YEARS IN BUSINESS – Bishops Castle florist Jane Pugh will celebrate ten years in business at Jane’s Petals and Gifts in the town’s High Street with an evening in Wistanstow village hall on April 30. Tickets cost £10, to include cheese, wine, a variety of stalls and a floral demonstration by Jane herself. The event will raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the Midlands Air Ambulance and Shrewsbury Hospital League of Friends and Jane promises a special guest will be coming along. Call 01588 638222 to book.

JUNIOR TENNIS COACHING – Junior tennis coaching starts again at Bishops Castle Tennis Club on April 29 for children aged six to 11. The six-week course will run from 4pm-5pm, led by Simon Willis, an LTA Level Two qualified coach. The £10 fee includes six lessons and junior membership of the club until March 2015. Parents who wish to play with their children can also join the club for a small fee, or receive some coaching themselves. Call Trevor Chalkley on 07948 305151 for more information.

BINGO NIGHTS – The bingo night held in Bishops Castle public hall on April 2 raised £445 for Wendy’s Cancer Breakaway. The next bingo in the hall will be in aid of Sea Shepherd, on Wednesday. Tickets are still on sale at £7 for the ‘80s fancy dress party in the Three Tuns on April 26. Call Julie Burgwin on 07816 127402.

EASTER BINGO – Staff at Coverage Care in Bishops Castle welcome everyone to an Easter bingo night at Stone House on April 18, with eyes down at 7.30pm.

DOCTORS’ FUND – There will be a prize bingo on April 23 at 8pm in the public hall, Bishops Castle. The proceeds are for the Doctors’ Retirement Fund. There are two books at the Dudley Building Society in Church Street, Bishops Castle, if you would like to leave a message for the Dr Sue Lambert, Dr Adrian Fairbanks and Nurse Eleri Fairbanks, who left the Bishops Castle Medical Practice earlier this year. If you choose, you can leave a donation. This fund closes on April 30 and there will be a presentation at a venue and date to be announced later.

BISHOPS CASTLE DIARY, April 10 - 16

THURSDAY: Coffee morning in aid of Jolly Jumpers in Malawi. Coverage Care Stone House, Bishops Castle. 10.30am.

  • Film, Mandela: the Long Walk to Freedom (12A). SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle. £4.50/£3. 7pm. Call 01588 630321 or 638038.
  • Live music. Captain Accident and the Disasters, Fight the Bear. Vaults, Bishops Castle.
  • Waffles and coffee. Methodist Chapel, The Green. 10am. Call 01588 638056.

FRIDAY: Lent lunch for Christian Aid. Methodist Hall, Bishops Castle. Noon.

  • Boccia. Grange Road Community Centre, Bishops Castle. 2pm. Call 07956 062454.

SATURDAY: Spring cleaning. Bishops Castle Church. 9.30am.

  • SWSHAS. Ritherdon Lecture entitled Steam Horse Power, with Oliver Pearcey. Church Barn, Bishops Castle. Guests £5.
  • Auction sale,public hall, Bishops Castle. Call 01743 462763.

TUESDAY: Bishops Castle WI, Hats Make the Character, with Mrs M Baldwin. Methodist hall, Bishops Castle. 7pm.

  • Onny Valley Social Club. Trip to Ledbury and Eastnor Castle. Pick-up Norbury and Bishops Castle. Open to all. Call 01588 650607.

WEDNESDAY: Castle Players AGM. Three Tuns, Bishops Castle. 7pm.

  • John, a dramatised reading of the Fourth Gospel. Bishops Castle Church. Donations to Severn Hospice. 7.30pm.
  • Bishops Castle Walking Group, Medlicott, 11 miles. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishops Castle. 9.30am. Call 07910 198477.

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.

 

Little Hereford

BINGO – At Little Hereford Parish Hall on Wednesday. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. In aid of Little Hereford church funds.

 

Tenbury

KNIGHTON FRIENDS – Art demonstration by local artist, Wednesday, 7.30pm at the parish room.

WALKING IN KNIGHTON-ON-TEME – Are you a walker who enjoys the wonderful footpaths in Knighton-on- Teme? Maybe you don’t walk the paths much but see them as a valuable asset to the community? Whatever your reasons, you may be interested in joining a small group to work with the footpath officer to keep the paths clearly way-marked and clear of vegetation. Once organisers have a group together, they can see what needs doing and decide when, where and how to start. Contact kotfootpaths@yahoo.co.uk or call 07583 098622 and leave a message.

EVENING CONCERT WITH DINNER – May 10, Chepstow Male Voice Choir at St Lawrence Church, Lindridge, with dinner in the grounds of Lindridge Priory. Tickets available now from Pauline Briggs 01584 881216 or pauline.briggs8@btinternet.com. £15 for concert or £25 for concert and dinner.

QUIZ AND CURRY NIGHT – Come and have fun with friends and family at the quiz night with great prizes and enjoy authentic Indian food and beer, vegetarian curry available. Full bar available. April 26 starting at 7.30pm, Eastham Memorial hall. Teams of four, at £6.50 per person, must be booked in advance. Book early: 01584 781335 or easthammemorialhall@gmail.com.

 

The Strettons

TABLE TOP SALE - There is a table top sale at Leebotwood village hall on Saturday from 10am - noon. Enquire for a space by ringing 01694 722170, the cost is £5 and all proceeds of the event will go to the church in Leebotwood.

GARAGE PRAISE - A chance to worship and sing songs of praise in an informal atmosphere takes place at Burway Garage, Crossways Industrial Estate, SY6 6PG at garage praise. Refreshments are available and everyone is welcome on Saturday, from 7pm.

RAMBLERS - There will be an easy stroll around Strettondale of three and a half miles on Sunday led by David Aston, starting from Easthope Road Car Park at 10.30am. To find out more ring 01694 722604.

EASTER CELEBRATIONS - St Laurence’s Church is holding an Easter story event on Sunday with crafts, games, fun, new songs using puppets to tell the Easter story, and a two course meal will be served. To enquire for places or book in ring 01694 722588.

CANCER CARE - Stretton and Shropshire Cancer Care Group holds a meeting at Mayfair community centre on Monday at 2.30pm and on this occasion there will be a talk by Jeff Thomas about his life as a seafarer. The group wants to reach out to all of its members and offer friendship and support to all who have been affected by cancer in many different ways as it supports people in the Strettons and Shropshire who have cancer or have been affected by cancer through friends and relatives. One way the group develops its role is the offer of a trained counsellor as a befriender and someone to talk to. Doreen is at Mayfair every third Thursday morning from 10am to lunchtime, and if any member would like to meet her, take the newsletter with you or a gold card so she can identify you. Ring 01694 751288 to check if she is in on a particular day. Macmillan has recently highlighted the many health benefits of walking and research also suggests that cancer patients who get regular exercise recover more quickly and may be at less risk of recurrence. Remember that Mayfair has a Walking for Health programme which could provide this benefit for everyone.

RAIL USERS - The 26th annual general meeting of the Rail Users’ Association will be held on Monday at 7.30pm in the parish centre. Doors open at 7.15pm. Emyr Evans, Osprey project manager with the Montgomery Wildlife Trust, will be on hand to talk about the Machynlleth Osprey Project supported by Network Rail in which a pair of nesting ospreys set up home atop the signalling equipment. There is now a Two Together Railcard available online or at a station which saves both participants one third off a wide range of tickets, except at morning peak times, and costs £30. By sharing the cost of the ticket and taking advantage of the reduced fares, the card is soon paid for.

CAMERA CLUB - The Longmynd Camera Club holds its AGM on Wednesday at 7.30pm in the URC hall. The final meeting for this season takes place on April 30 when the competition will be an open subject judged by Peter R Gennard. During the evening the Merit Award Winner, the League Winners and Photographer of the Year will be announced.

SCHOOL NEWS - On the rugby field the year nine rugby team at Church Stretton School won through at the semi final against Adams Grammar School, and the term will be rounded off with a house rugby competition. Students have taken part in a history trip to Coalbrookdale, and a talent show. A literacy conference has been held and the year ten D of E students have held a practice expedition. The students raised £885 for Sport Relief. At St Lawrence’s Primary School pupils have returned from Arthog and written about their experiences, and class two has visited Blist’s Hill. Head teacher, Mr Langford, leaves the school this week and there will be a display of the history of the school to acknowledge the school’s past and its future as it enters a new era with a new head teacher. Mrs Grafton has taken on the planning of the display and the school has invited members of the community to take along their memorabilia to use in the display. The Friends of the School are busy planning the spring fun day which will take place on May 10 and welcome tombola and raffle prizes, plants, and cakes and also anyone who could help on the day. There is a reminder that there are still some pitches available for car boots and craft stalls and if you would like to take up one of these please telephone Sara on 07782 259231.

FOOD BANK - The main items now needed by the food bank are sugar, drinking chocolate, sponge and rice puddings, and if you are able to donate any of these please leave them in the receptacle provided at the Co-Op.

EASTER CRAFTS - There will be an Easter craft event at the library on Tuesday from 2.30pm - 3.30pm making 3D Easter cards together with themed stories for children three to11 years. Tickets are free but places are limited. Scrappies is holding an Easter School Holiday Workshop for youngsters aged five and over on Thursday, April 17. There will be a morning session from 10.30am - 12.30pm and an afternoon session from 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Cost of each workshop is £3.50 per child and includes all materials and tuition. Booking is essential and can be made by ringing 01694 722511.

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL - The Round Tablers are hosting a charity wheelchair basketball event at the leisure centre on Wednesday from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. There is no need to have experience or a disability to take part and wheelchairs will be provided. To enter or find out more ring 07799 100885 or ask any Round Tabler. The event will raise funds for the Spokes Spitfires Wheelchair Basketball team.

PUBLIC MEETING - A public meeting will take place at the Silvester Horne Institute on Thursday, April 17, at 7pm to focus on the town plan 2014- 17, and all interested residents are invited to attend to help shape the future priorities for the community.

COMMUNITY CINEMA - Philomena (12A) will be screened at Acton Scott village hall on Tuesday at 7.30pm. Admission for adults is £4 and £2 for students. Interval refreshments will be available.

LUCKY NUMBERS - The lucky numbers in the Mayfair March lottery draw were 195, 556, 219 and 429 winning £100, £50, £20 and £10 respectively.

CLIMATE CARE - Stretton Climate Care recently welcomed environmentalist, Mark Lynas, again and this time he came with a slightly changed message and a challenge. Climate change is a fact and he has now changed his mind about nuclear power where the next generation of reactors offer the possibility of using existing nuclear waste while creating little new waste, as well as being much safer. As for GM technology he now sees this as not just safe but essential to feed the world’s population and cope with climate change. Stretton Climate Care is on hand to help households and businesses to see if they can reduce their energy consumption and their bills, as they have done for over 400 households already by providing a home energy survey, and if anyone would like to volunteer to help them in their work they should contact David Howard on 01694 722904.

COUNTRY MARKET - Don’t forget that the country market is open every Friday from 8.30am - noon at Mayfair community centre, selling homemade cakes, produce and craft items and is well worth a visit.

 

Bitterley WI

IT was hands on at the March meeting of Bitterley WI. After welcoming members, the president then discussed future events and outings with the meeting. Members are hosting the Ludlow South Group meeting to be held in September, when the county federation chairman, Sue Bradley will be arranging flowers. Recently Annie and Margaret attended the president and secretary meeting. Annie then introduced Helen Stevens who demonstrates sugarcraft. Members all had a go themselves and so using a Cadbury’s creme egg, some melted chocolate and coloured sugar paste they each made an Easter novelty. With Helen’s help, assisted by Mary Jane and Carol, members went home with some attractive designs. Shirley Clarke thanks Helen for a very enjoyable hands on evening. Hostesses were Shirley Clarke, Sheila Griffiths and Jean Hamer. Flower of the month: 1st S Griffiths, 2nd M Pritchard, 3rd K Watkins. Competition, something beginning with K: 1st K Watkins (knife), 2nd S Griffiths (knot), 3rd M Pritchard (kangaroo). The next meeting on Thursday, April 17 is the AGM.

 

Ludlow Gardening Club

MEMBERS of Ludlow Garden Club are looking forward to their summer outings programme and would give a warm welcome to non-members who would like to join them. Susannah Hall can give more information on 01584 711006 or shall529@btinternet.com. The future events are; May 14 evening visit to Wall End Nursery, Stoke Prior, Leominster (booking deadline April 23). June 11 afternoon visit to Ruthall Manor, Ditton Priors, Bridgnorth (booking deadline May 21). July 9 full day visit to Coughton Court, Alcester, Warwickshire (booking deadline June 11). August 6 full day visit to Broadway and Bourton House, Bourton on the Hill, Gloucester (booking deadline July 16). September 17 afternoon visit to Picton Nurseries, Colwall, Malvern (booking deadline August 27).

 

South West Shropshire Gardening Club

THE South West Shropshire Gardening Club returns to its original home in Lydbury North village hall on April 23. From now on all club meetings and the garden and produce show in August will in the new hall, which opened on March 29. Alan and Jill Whitehead are the speakers on April 23 and their subject is The Iris. In 1996 the couple created a beautiful garden from three bare acres around their home at Aulden Farm near Leominster. In 2007 they rescued a neglected collection of Siberian Iris which has been re-established with many additions, to form a new national collection. Jill is secretary of the British Iris Society and Alan has several posts in its Beardless Iris subgroup. They are also co-ordinators for Plant Heritage in Herefordshire. The evening begins at 7.30pm, tickets cost £3, including refreshments. The club will hold its garden and produce show on August 30 in the hall. The schedule will be available this month from Sandy Burton, on 01588 680454.