Bishop’s Castle

SURVEY SHOWS PATIENT SATISFACTION IS GROWING - A survey of patient satisfaction in Bishop’s Castle Medical Practice has shown consistent and significant improvement. Top research company Ipsos Mori reveals the news as part of an England-wide independent survey for the NHS. The evidence is based on a survey conducted in January to March this year and last autumn. The surgery’s nursing staff achieved a 100 percent patient score. The doctors were not far behind with a 96 percent rating for time spent listening to patients and explaining tests and results. Reception staff also increased their performance with 95 percent of patients stating they found receptionists helpful or very helpful. Across more than 20 measures the Bishop’s Castle surgery performed above the Shropshire average. The recruitment of new doctors and nursing staff and all round staff commitment in Bishop’s Castle has resulted in patient satisfaction levels improving consistently and significantly.

Nick Hutchins, chair of the Bishop’s Castle Patient Group said: “We are delighted to read this independent evidence of high levels of patient satisfaction. We see ourselves as the critical friends of the surgery. At each of our monthly meetings we question and support the surgery’s clinical staff in meeting patients’ needs and priorities. These results, combined with the uniformly very strong performance across all medical practices in south west Shropshire, reinforce the importance we attach for the region’s GPs playing a leading role in a new Rural Urgent Care Centre.” Dr Paul Gardner who joined the Bishop’s Castle surgery just over a year ago said: “I want to congratulate all staff on the marked improvement in patient satisfaction. We are totally committed to moving forward with a fourth doctor joining us shortly, as well as a practice manager and a community pharmacist, to help patients better manage their treatment.” The full survey for this and other practices can be found at gp- patient.co.uk. Bishop’s Castle Patients Group can be contacted via their website at bcpg.org.uk.

CASTLE LAND BOOK SALE - The trustees of the Old Castle Land Trust in Bishop’s Castle are holding a big book sale from 10am on Saturday in the former premises of Whittall’s shop in Church Street, by kind permission of Carol Whittall. The trust owns and maintains the House on Crutches Museum at The Cobbles, together with the Castle Land in Castle Street, which covers part of the foundations of the original castle. It is now an open space with lawns and seating and has a wonderful view of the town and the countryside beyond. Funds raised will be used to offset the rising costs of maintaining the two properties. If you have any books to donate please call Joyce Millard on 01588 638295 or David Jones on 01588 638269 who will arrange for them to be collected. The sale will also include plants, homemade cakes and CDs.

BUSINESS NETWORK - Bishop’s Castle Business Network, based at Enterprise House in the town is looking to increase its coverage of businesses in the South West of the county. The business manager is Mike Ashwell and he explains: “We think we should be able to reach more than 200 local businesses and get them on to our mailing list with its useful information. We think that small business websites don’t get enough exposure so if you know someone who might benefit from signing up to the bishopscastle.biz listings please let them know about us.” Mike adds that Bishop’s Castle Business Network is about to embark on a large scale survey of local businesses for Bishop’s Castle and District Community Land Trust and Mike Ashwell wants to reach as many businesses as possible. Look on the business network website or call 01588 638038.

TOWN HALL BOOK SALE - Book sales have been a very reliable fundraiser for Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Since Gill Lucas organised the first sale, four years ago they have contributed significantly to the local match funding effort for the Heritage Lottery Fund grant to renovate the Town Hall. Within the next month trustees expect to complete the Target 250 total of £62,500 and this means the great book sale on October 24 and October 25 will directly support the Bishop’s Castle Town Hall Trust. The trust is now solely responsible for staffing and managing the programme of events at the Town Hall. Evelyn Bowles, who is one of the trustees adds: “I hope that many people in the town have enjoyed at least one event in the town hall since it re- opened and will feel it is worthwhile to maintain its new role. Any suggestions for new things to try would be most welcome. Does anyone know a good stand-up comedian, for instance? Donations of books for the sale are also very welcome.

WORKHOUSE MEMORIES - Bishop’s Castle WI held their July meeting in the Methodist Hall, Bishop’s Castle. Mary Linder gave the talk entitles ‘born and bred in the workhouse’ which included many photographs and magazine articles about her mother’s life and how Mary herself grew up in the workhouse to become a nurse like her mother. Mary said that in many ways it was a hard life but young mothers and children were greatly helped by the staff. The evening finished with supper prepared by all the members. The next Bishop’s Castle WI meeting in the Methodist Hall is on September 15 at 7.30pm when there will be a talk by a representative of the charity Marie Curie Cancer Care. Everyone is welcome.

GARDEN CLUB ANNUAL SHOW - Members of SW Shropshire Gardening Club are getting ready for their annual garden and produce show on September 5. Open to both members and non-members, the show is in Lydbury North Village Hall from 2pm. There are classes for flowers, fruit, vegetables, floral display, photographs, crafts, preserves and home baking and you can pick up a schedule in Lydbury North Community Shop or call Sandy Burton on 01588 680454. The club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm in Lydbury North at a cost of £12 a year, guests £3. The SW Shropshire Gardening Club was set up 27 years ago for everyone interested in gardening and related topics. Talks by invited speakers, outings and meals out, together with the annual show and a chance to swop seeds, plants and produce make the club one of the most successful in the area.

GARDEN MEETING FOR NORBURY WI - Norbury and District WI met at The Glebe, Ratlinghope for their summer garden meeting. Luckily, the evening sun was shining very brightly as the president, Rita Preston welcomed everyone. Business began with news of past and forthcoming events for the institute. As usual there were many interesting things to sign up to - a reminder to support Norbury WI at Shrewsbury flower show August 14-15; experience a day out at Cheshire polo club September 13; enjoy a ramble in Snailbeach October 4 and the WI Centennial fair at Harrogate September 5.

The first garden meeting speaker was one Norbury WI member Jo Mitton-Gore who had been chosen by ballot to represent Norbury and District WI at the WI Centenary Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

She recounted her experience of this special day and had dressed for the evening meeting in her palace finery. She also showed off her posh invitation - a wonderful keepsake for her.

The second speaker was Janet Brandon BEM Norbury WI members were very proud when Janet was given her award last year for her services to the local community. Janet told of her experience of meeting royalty at a Buckingham Palace garden party she had been invited to in celebration of her award. Thanks were given to both Janet and Jo for their tales of memorable days.

Members then explored Janet and Vicky’s lovely garden. Round each corner members the results of their hard work were evident in producing fine vegetable plots, a pig-sty area complete with a massive sow and baby piglets, together with chickens and ducks. The evening ended with 30 members invading Janet’s kitchen/house for a supper prepared by Margaret Cooke, Brenda Jones and June Pinches. There was much chatter and laughter while the fun garden quiz competition was won by Trish Lowe. Norbury WI will be going to Walcot Hall in Lydbury North on August 20 for a summer walk. Their next meeting is on September 10, when the speaker is Rachael Hopkins of White Cottage Interiors.

The venue is the new village hall and the meeting begins at 7.30pm.

BISHOP’S CASTLE DIARY August 27-September 2

TODAY: Bishop’s Castle Town Football Club soccer camp. SpArC Astroturf. Age seven-15. £10 day. 10am-3pm. 007983 460877.

  • Footpath Walking Group. Wentnor and Linley, six and a half miles. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishop’s Castle 9.30am. 01588 650451.
  • Pony Club day. Walcot Stables, Lydbury North. 10am-4pm. 01588 680514.

TOMORROW: Bishops’ Castle Town Football Club soccer camp, as above.

  • Scrap modelling workshop with Liz Still. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £1.50. Under nine with adult. 10am.

SATURDAY: Big book sale in aid of the Castle Land Trust. Whittall’s, Church St, Bishop’s Castle. 10am. 01588 638295 to donate books.

  • Auction. Bishop’s Castle Public Hall. 8.30am. Bids 10am. 01743 233629/07974 118467.

MONDAY: Wentnor fete, fun dog show and annual draw. Old Rectory, Wentnor. Hog roast 1pm.

TUESDAY: Music for Fun for young people. Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle. 10.30am.

  • Talk. ‘ Shropshire Place Names’ – Dr Paul Cavill. In aid of Bishop’s Castle Heritage Resource Centre. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £3.50. 8pm. 01588 630556.
  • Film. Kingsman: The Secret Service (15). Lydbury North Village Hall. £4/ £2.50. 7.30pm. 01588 680302.
  • Pony Club day. Walcot Stables, Lydbury North 10am-4pm. 01588 680514.

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

 

Bockleton

BOCKLETON WI - The August meeting was held at the Parish Hall when the guest speaker was Dave Smith who has many years knowledge of wood burning stoves. He gave lots of tips on how best to look after your stove and chimney also the legal requirements. Then a question and answer session for the problems we encounter with our own fires. We then enjoyed supper before finishing our meeting with the business. Next meeting will be a Ten Pin Bowling evening and a meal afterwards.

 

Clun

CLUN BOWLING CLUB - Dorothy and Richard Gough are kindly opening their home at Jubilee House, High Street, Clun for a coffee morning on Saturday 10.30am to noon. It is a fundraiser for Clun Bowling Club.

BENEFICE SERVICE - At St George’s Church, Clun, 11am Sunday, there will be a whole benefice service.

GRAND PLANT AND BOOK SALE - Be sure to get along to the sale on Bank Holiday Monday at Clun Methodist Church in aid of Clun Methodist Church and the Alzheimer’s Research Trust. Pam and David Pittwood always have a great range of books from non-fiction on almost every subject under the sun, novels for all tastes including classics and recent publications, children’s books, maps and sheet music.

Plants include a wide range of hardy perennials including phlox, hostas, geums, potentilla, scabious, primulas and other lovers of wet ground, herbs, shrubs, acres, and alpines. Plants from £1, books from 50p. 10am to 4.30pm. Organised by Pam and David with much help from friends. Plenty of roadside parking.

PURSLOW SHOW - The 68th Purslow show and gymkhana is on Bank Holiday Monday at Purslow Farm by kind permission of Mr and Mrs J Croxton. It starts with the mounted fancy dress parade show at 1.30pm, followed by the band, Anything Goes at 2pm, children’s races at 2.15pm, novelty dog show at 3pm (entries taken from 2pm). The hill run starts at 3.30pm, hill run (sponsored by Mr and Mrs A J Whitehead). Anything Goes plays again at 4pm. The exhibitors’ marquee is open from 1.30 - 5.30pm with prize giving at 4.30pm. There will be a circus workshop going on all day. The horse section includes mounted fancy dress parade, entry fee £1.

Adams Mounted Fancy Dress Challenge Cup. Rosettes for all competitors, tack and turnout class, entry fee £1. Raymond Childs Challenge Cup, best family pony - may be on or off leading rein entry fee £1. George Brereton Challenge Cup, handy pony -all ages, entry fee £1, pay at ringside. Dolfawr Perpetual Challenge Cup; Classes five to eight group A leading rein (eight years and under - not eligible to enter groups B and C), group B (11 years and under), group C (16 years and under) entry fee £4 for all classes, bending race, potato race, sack race, musical sacks. Jumping entry fee £2 per class.

Prizes: 1st - £5; 2nd - £3; 3rd - £2 ponies not exceeding 13.2 and ridden by a child 11 years and under. (starts at 2.30pm) Mrs A L Briscoe Perpetual Challenge Cup. Ponies not exceeding 14.2 and ridden by a child 14 years and under. Messrs Orr and Wright Challenge Cup. Open Jumping Linton Challenge Cup clear round jumping £1 (1.30pm - 2.30pm) Protective headwear must be worn in all gymkhana and jumping events. Four rosettes for all classes. Miniatures with challenge cups. Participants take part at their own risk.

Dog show 1. Best puppy six- 12months, 2. Best sporting dog, 3. Best non-sporting dog, 4. Open class Best in show classes 1 - 4, Novelty classes - see list at registration desk.

Enquiries for show tent call Eirlys Ellams 01588 660625. Admission on the day - £5 (to include lucky programme number draw) Children under 14 free.

CLUN WI - Stuart Coulson, head of Oak Farm Day Centre for adults, is the speaker at the Clun WI meeting on Tuesday at Haslehurst Community Centre. A speaker not to be missed, Stuart is passionate about the place, the people and their achievements. New members and guests are always most welcome. Guests £3, includes light refreshments. Starts at 7.30pm.

CLUN RAMBLERS - Clun Ramblers’ next walk is on Wednesday setting off from Clun Memorial Hall car park at 9.30am. Sorry no dogs.

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE - The Beau Stratagem, George Farquhar’s wild comedy of love and cash is the National Theatre Live production at Aston on Clun village hall next Thursday, September 3. The ‘Beaux’ are Mr Aimwell and Mr Archer, two charming, dissolute young men who have blown their fortunes in giddy London. Shamed and debt-ridden they flee to provincial Lichfield. Their ‘stratagem’ is to marry for money. Lodged at the local inn, they encounter a teeming variety of human obstacles; a crooked landlord, a fearsome highwayman, a fervent French count, a maid on the make, a drunken husband, a furious butler, a natural healer and a strange turbulent priest.

Doors open at 6.30pm and the performance starts at 7pm. Tickets are £10 (£6 for under 18s). Easy access, warm welcome and ambience, quality refreshments at reasonable prices. For tickets and information contact David Jones 01588 660493 or Jeff Else 01588 660893.

NEWCASTLE VILLAGE SHOW - Newcastle village show is on September 5, in the Community Centre and on the Millennium Green from 12.30 to 5pm. All the usual popular activities including family fun dog show, garden and produce show, live music, children’s games and activities, raffle, craft, books, cakes and local produce stalls, vintage tractors and Clun Forest sheep, bar and hot food on the Green and tea and cakes in the Community Centre.

CORRESPONDENT - Elisabeth Taylor et@myphone.coop 01981 540893. The deadline is the Wednesday of the week before publication.

 

Ludlow

CHEESE AND WINE - The Mayor of Ludlow, Councillor Paul Draper would like to invite local business owners and residents of Ludlow to join him at the mayor’s charity ‘go crackers with cheese and wine’ at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms, on September 19, from 6.30 pm. The evening will be filled with good food, good company and good wine! Tickets are £4 each and are available now from Ludlow Town Council, The Guildhall, Mill Street, Ludlow, SY8 1AZ. Please make cheques payable to ‘Ludlow Town Council’. All proceeds will be going to the mayor’s charity, League of Friends of Ludlow Hospital. Come and join us for a delicious selection of crackers and local cheese, olives, pate and local delicacies to support the mayor’s charity. If you would like to donate edible items, or gift items for the raffle, please contact Naomi Brotherton at Ludlow Town Council, details below, 01584 871970 or email assistant@ ludlow.gov.uk.

CHURCH CRICKET MATCH - There will be a charity cricket match at Downton Hall near Ludlow on August Bank Holiday Monday on behalf of Bitterley and Middleton churches. Gates open at 10am and play starts at 10.30am. Traditional teas will be served from 3pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the stunning views from this private cricket ground which is rarely open to the public. Only £5 entry per person, free parking and children under 12 are free.

The four teams will represent St Mary’s Bitterley, Holy Trinity Middleton, “All Saints” and The Ashfords and the play will be fast and furious: minimum six bowlers per team and no player bowling more than two overs. Come and enjoy the beauty of the classic game of a traditional English summer in glorious surroundings and good company. The post code for Downton Hall is SY8 3DX. For directions or further information call Ludlow 878888.

FUN AQUAFIT SESSION - There is a fun aquafit session on September 5, at Ludlow Leisure Centre 2-3pm. It is in aid of Macmillan and the entry fee is only £5 (plus sponsors/ extra donations if they wish). Contact Lisa on 07967 346192 to book a space or book at the Leisure Centre.

 

Mamble

MAMBLE CUM BAYTON WI - A most enjoyable afternoon was spent in Pauline Blumer’s garden in August, when we enjoyed a cream tea, with delicious scones topped with jam and cream. A cake stall raised funds for the Institute and the afternoon ended with a game of quoits, Joan Popham being the winner!

Due to many members taking holidays or being unable to attend for other reasons, it has been decided to cancel the meeting due to be held on September 14. Bob Barber, the speaker, has been re-booked for early next year. So the next meeting in Mamble Village Hall will be on October 12, starting at 2pm, the first of our winter afternoon meetings. The work of a private detective is the talk and the competition is an item starting with ‘R’.

 

Tenbury

CHURCH SERVICE - There will be no service at Tenbury Methodist Church on Sunday. Normal services will resume from September 6, at 11am, with our new minister Rev James Eaton-Challinor.

WELCOME TEA PARTY - Tenbury Methodist Church are holding a ‘welcome tea party’ for Rev James Eaton- Challinor, our new minister, on September 5, 3pm-5pm in the Church Hall. All are welcome.

FIREFIGHTERS CHARITY BARBECUE AND BAR - Tenbury Wells Fire Station is having an open day with barbecue and bar to raise funds for the Firefighters Charity, September 5 from 4.30pm till late. All welcome.

VOLUNTEER VACANCIES – KYREBROOK DAY CENTRE CIC - Daycare assistant, activity co-ordinator, driver, fundraiser, admin assistance, 2 Clarkes Meadow, Bromyard Road, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8FA. Tel 01584 318030, email: contact@kyrebrook.org.uk, kyrebrook.org.uk.

TENBURY HISTORY SOCIETY - The Leominster Canal. Martin Hudson tells why it was the canal from nowhere to nowhere, next Thursday, September 3, 7.30pm, the Pump Rooms, Tenbury Wells. More details M Watkins 01584 711425.

IT COULD BE YOU? - Where: Tenbury stay and play at the Pump Rooms When: every Monday afternoon between 12.30pm-3.30pm How: support our staff who run the toddler activity group. Can you spare a few hours to support our team? We work with parents and toddlers to develop skills through play and creative activity. We need you! If you think you can help us with this local group in Tenbury, contact Terry Holland at Action for Children. We will help complete safeguarding process and provide support and training to enable you to do this task. Phone 07585 967182 or 01905 622354, email: terry.holland@actionforchildren.or.uk.

TENBURY WELLS U3A - The U3A coffee and chat takes place as usual in the Pump Rooms only on the 1st Friday of the month and not weekly as advised in the August 20 edition of The Tenbury Advertiser. Hope to see you there on September 4.

IN STITCHES - In Stiches sewing and quilting group restart next Thursday, September 3, between 2pm and 4pm in Tenbury Library after a summer break. Bring your sewing project and come and join us for friendly chat and advice. Tel Sally 01584 810404 or Maureen 01584 811330 for more information. All welcome.

 

The Strettons

FRIDAY MARKET – Open for business at Mayfair Community Centre from 8.30am to noon is the Friday market selling cakes, craft, garden and craft items. Additional suppliers would be welcome.

IRISH MUSIC – Traditional Irish music evenings are held at the Yew Tree Inn, All Stretton, on the last Friday of every month up until November, with next one tomorrow from 8.30pm to 11pm.

SKITTLES NIGHT – A skittles night at the District Social Club is planned for tomorrow starting at 8pm. Entry is £5 per team of two to four players and all entry money is paid out in prizes. All ages and non-members welcome.

GARDEN SHOW – The Gardening Club summer show takes place at the Silvester Horne Institute on Saturday at 2.30pm, with refreshments, raffle and plant and produce stall. Classes include fruit and vegetables, flowers, floral art, together with cookery, handicraft, photography and art classes. Class 61 is a men-only class, where they are invited to follow the fruit cake recipe in the catalogue. Admission is by donation.

RECTORY WOOD AND FIELD – A guided walk and creative writing workshop takes place on Saturday from 10am to 3pm with Paul Evans and then on September 5, there will be a wildlife discovery day from 10am onwards. There will be two more events in October.

TEAS TO PLEASE – Over this weekend – Saturday, Sunday and Monday – teas to please will be served at All Saints Church in Little Stretton from 2.30pm to 6pm each day. The event raises money for charity, with half of the money going to the church and the remainder to the local branch of Parkinson’s Society and to Mayfair Community Centre.

NETWORK – The new season of meetings for the Network Group begins on Wednesday, at 2.30pm in the Methodist Hall, when the speaker will be the Rev Hazel Ratcliffe. The following week, September 9, there will be a talk by Steven Dalton on Operation Christmas Child. All welcome.

GREEN PARTY – An extraordinary general meeting of the Green Party will take place at the Ludlow Assembly rooms on September 5, from 2pm to 4pm.

CAMERA CLUB – The Long Mynd Camera Club starts its new season on September 9, at 7.30pm in the URC Hall, when members will be showing their pictures taken at Powys Castle and during the summer break under the heading ‘gardens and flowers’. The club welcomes photographers with all levels of experience as members or visitors. Annual membership is £20 and admission to meetings is £2 for members and £3 for visitors.

 

Westhope

CLOVER CLUB – The Clover Club has enjoyed a summer party. Forty-four members all met up at Affcott Lodge on August 13, and enjoyed a ploughman’s lunch, choice of sweets followed by tea and coffee. We all had a good chat and caught up with the latest news from the Corvedale. Next Thursday, September 3, we are meeting at the Plough Inn, Wistanstow for a cream tea. This will be 2.30pm for 3pm. If you would like to join us, ring Mary on 01584 861286. There will be a raffle.

VILLAGE LOTTERY – Winners in the August draw. First prize of £30.90 Daniel Shaw, Munslow. Other prize winners Beth Small, Nigel Bate, Wendy Edwards and Daniel Shaw – yes, he won two prizes!

WESTHOPE WHIST – There are two whist drives on September 7 and 21. September 21 is a partner whist. Don’t worry if you don’t have a partner, we will soon find you one. Admission £1.50 and refreshments.

DIDDLEBURY AND WESTHOPE WI – We met at the home of Jane Coburn for a garden meeting. Jane made us very welcome – a gazebo to sit under, refreshing drinks and delicious refreshments. We talked over forthcoming events and enjoyed a quiz. Next meeting is ‘sex and the single pearl’, all are welcome.