Bishop’s Castle

PETITION - Threats to the future of the SpArC Centre in Bishop’s Castle have prompted declarations of support from local residents. A petition has been launched by Sara Walls with the hope of tabling it for discussion at Shropshire Council December 17. The centre has a variety of sports facilities, serves around 200 square miles of rural south west Shropshire and is used by a number of small primary schools as well as a Community College. Alan Doust, head teacher of the Community College, said: “SpArC is crucial to the Bishop’s Castle area, I hope the authorities respond favourably to our community concerns.” Shropshire Councillor for Bishop’s Castle Charlotte Barnes said: “SpArC provides for health and leisure of local residents of all ages and is an essential part of the local economy.

Our primary schools will be put in a very difficult position since by law they have to provide swimming lessons for pupils.” Kate Evans, regular user of SpArC swimming pool and volunteer at SpArC Theatre says: “Facilities at SpArC are a vital part of local culture. It probably saves the NHS a lot of money keeping people fit, healthy and happy. It is well used and we must make sure it stays.”

Peter Phillips, chairman of Enterprise SW Shropshire, the group that manages the SpArC Theatre is also concerned about the future. He says: “SpArC has been regarded as a beacon for providing services in rural areas. In a recent letter to Philip Dunne MP, Chris Edwards, the South Shropshire area commissioner for Shropshire Council said that the council ‘has not at any time stated they intend to withdraw financial support for leisure facilities.’ However the council has already started a withdrawal. Twenty five percent of joint- use funding went in April; twenty five percent will go next April. By then, or shortly after, many leisure centres will become unsustainable, especially the swimming pools. In South Shropshire the four leisure centres are operated by the well-regarded Teme Leisure.

They too have to cope with annual funding cuts. From 2017 all leisure support by Shropshire Council will cease. This has been stated both by the chief executive and Philip Dunne only two weeks ago. I have chaired a local action group in Bishop’s Castle and we understand that about £100,000 replacement funding and/ or reduction in running costs will be needed to keep SpArC running.”

JUNIOR HOCKEY AT SPARC - Bishop’s Castle Junior Hockey Academy has just started its eighth season with 36 children aged four to 10 turning up every week at the SpArC Leisure Centre. The club, run by Jim and Vanessa Campbell, have a waiting list of children waiting to join. “We can only manage the number we have,” said Vanessa. “The club is very popular, having links with Ludlow and Church Stretton, and Moor Park School. We play outside on the all-weather pitch and younger ones go to the indoor sports hall.”

TOWN HALL BOOK SALE - Good quality books, CDs and DVDs are needed to make a book sale at Bishop’s Castle Town Hall a success. It is October 24-25 with proceeds to the Town Hall Trust. Drop off your donations at the town hall, 18 Market Square or Decorative Antiques, Church Street or call 01588 638851.

TOP AWARD FOR NURSE - Paula Brayford, a nurse who lives in Bishop’s Castle, has been given a national award for her outstanding care of patients with bowel cancer. Paula, who was educated at the Community College, works as a colorectal clinical nurse with the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. The award has been given by the charity Beating Bowel Cancer. She was nominated by cancer patient Les McCrory from Shrewsbury who said: “I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014 and Paula was introduced to me then as my colorectal nurse specialist. She reassured and supported me throughout my surgery and continued to do so during my recovery. Her care was wonderful and her constant reassurance that things would get better became highlights of long days in hospital.” Nurse Brayford was presented with her award on September 21 at the National Colorectal Cancer Nurse Network Conference; her award included a £500 bursary which is to go towards her professional development.

XMAS LIGHTS - Following the success of the Michaelmas Fair, hopes are high in Bishop’s Castle for the Christmas lights festival, December 5. A group met in the town on October 7 to get the snowball rolling and Mandy Green from The Vaults said it had gone well. An important source of funding for the event is a pictorial map of Bishop’s Castle and surrounding areas. A second edition is now at the printers and Mandy Green explains: “The Christmas lights group produced 5,000 maps last year, and this time we are arranging a 10,000 print run. The map is given away free and we make money by selling advertising space on it. Also, the group owns the copyright to the illustrations and we have mugs, tea towels, place mats and wall plaques on sale with the pictorial map printed on it. Call 07971 213728 if you wish to order any or if you want to get involved with the Christmas lights.”

FLOWERS AND SONGS - Jane Pugh, who runs the flower shop Jane’s Petals, thanks everyone who donated money for the Midland Air Ambulance at the Michaelmas Fair. Jane sang outside her shop in the High Street and raised £285. Thanks also to Sheila Howells for her knitted items sold for the charity during the day.

JAZZ GUITAR AND CELTIC HARP - Lydbury North Village Hall is the venue for a Celtic harp and jazz guitar concert on October 25. Aberystwyth harpist Harriet Earis has played solo in the Royal Albert Hall and the 02 Arena, London. She tours regularly as a soloist in America and across Europe and has represented Wales in the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen. Guitarist Clovis Phillips has been playing folk music in bands since childhood, and released two solo records. He performs with a host of UK bands and toured with groups from the USA. Together they create a fun, vibrant fusion of Celtic harp music backed by jazz guitar. Concert begins 8pm, tickets £7.50 under 16s £5, 01588 680302.

MAINSTONE WI BAKE OFF - Mainstone WI met in the village hall for their September meeting with Sandra Davies presiding. Members sang Jerusalem in honour of the 100th birthday of the WI movement and this was followed by a minute’s silence to remember “Toot Huffer, a former member. A letter was read from Toot’s sons thanking the WI for catering after her funeral. The speaker for the evening was Nicky Simpson who demonstrated how to make tray bakes. The competition for four home-made biscuits was won by Olwyn Watkins, 2nd Caroline Pye, 3rd Ceinwen Richards. Mainstone WI had another treat this month when they visited Knighton Planetarium.

BISHOP’S CASTLE DIARY, Oct 15-21

TODAY: NT Live. Hamlet . SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. £11/£7. 7pm. 01588 630321/638038.

  • Joe le Taxi, The Vaults.
  • Flu clinic Bishop's Castle Medical Practice, weekly 5pm-6pm, no appointment needed 01588 638285.
  • Poets’ Corner. Tennyson . Castle Hotel, Bishop’s Castle. 8pm. To book meal for 7pm 01588 620541.
  • Art exhibition. Drusilla Cole linocuts. SpArC Gallery, Bishop's Castle. Until Oct 31. 01588 630321.
  • Lydbury North WI. Rag Rugs- Betty Perks. Lydbury North Village Hall. Visitors £3. 7.15pm.
  • Lydham, More and Snead WI. Collage a Card, Bee Allwood. Lydham Village Hall. 2.15pm. 01588 650315.

TOMORROW: James Hickman and Dan Cassidy in concert. Bishop's Castle Town Hall. £12. 8pm.

  • Mothers' Union. My Life as a Quaker –Mary Hopkins. Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle. 2.30pm.
  • Language of Art. S European artists. Bishop's Castle Town Hall. Free. Until November 14. 01588 630023.

SATURDAY: Beryl. West Yorkshire Playhouse live at SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. £10/£7. 7.30pm. 01588 630321/638038

  • The Language of Art. Exhibition by international artists. Bishop's Castle Town Hall. Free. Until November 14. 10am-4pm. 01588 630023.
  • Sean Gaffney album launch. Bishop's Castle Town Hall. £7 on door. 8pm. 01588 630023.
  • Black Heart Angels. The Vaults.
  • Bishop's Castle farmers' market. Town Hall. 9am. 01588 630023.
  • Jumble sale in aid of Norbury Church. Norbury Village Hall. 2pm.
  • Ballroom dancing demonstration, Edgton Village Hall 2pm, includes afternoon tea £7.50, 01588 680366.

SUNDAY: Private view. Language of Art. Six international artists. Town Hall, 3-5pm. 01588 630023.

  • Harvest festival, Lydbury North Village Hall, bring and share tea 4pm.

MONDAY: Monthly craft workshop. Bishop's Castle Town Hall. £5.

  • Shropshire Hills Artists 2016. Get- together, Bank House, High St, Bishop's Castle 6.30pm 0773 6381287.
  • Quest Group. Mike Barron sacred drumming. Grange Road Community Centre, Bishop's Castle. 7.30pm. 01588 630648.
  • Prize/cash bingo for Norbury Football Club. Inn on the Green, Wentnor. 8pm.

TUESDAY: Slim Chance and Kuschty Rye, Town Hall £10/£12 door 8pm 01588 630023.

  • Bishop’s Castle WI. Christmas scenes and characters – Marian Baldwin. Methodist Hall, Bishop’s Castle 7.30pm 01588 638507.
  • Harvest festival, Myndtown Church 6.30pm.

WEDNESDAY: Blunderbus Theatre. The Owl Who was Afraid of the Dark. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. £6/£4. 11am and 1.30pm.

  • RSC live broadcast. Henry V, SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle. £11/£7. 7pm. 01588 630321/638038.
  • Footpath Walking Group, Clun13 miles, meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishop’s Castle 9am 01588 640792.
  • Onny Valley Social Club outing to Blackpool Illuminations 07530 687497.

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

 

Clun

APPLE JUICING DAY AT CLUNTON - It has been another good year for apples in the Clun Valley, and on Saturday 9am-4pm, the Clunton Scrumpers will be hosting their juicing day. This is a really lovely community event where you can bring all your apples and get them pressed, and where you can also enjoy homemade soup and perhaps, that rarest of things in the Clun Valley – cake, and take in the apple harvest in all its varied and productive glory. You will need to book a juicing time slot. Call 01588 660309 for more information.

VERY FRIENDLY PRODUCE MARKET - Come to the Hightown Community Rooms in Clun Saturday, 10am-noon for this delightful produce market where there is a variety of fresh food and baked goods to buy, and where a £1 entrance fee will buy you coffee, tea and biscuits.

ELVIS TRIBUTE - Not to be missed – Saturday, Aston on Clun Village Hall at 6.15pm: Elvis is once again in the building. Elvis tribute act Andy Kelso (revelvis.co.uk) will be releasing his inner “pelvis”. Tickets include a hot supper; bring your own drinks. Tickets and details Wendy 01588 660218 or Gloria 01588 672184.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - On Saturday at 7.30 pm, The Imitation Game (12) will be showing in Clun Memorial Hall. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, the action focuses on the race against time to crack the German Enigma Code at Bletchley Park. An examination of the human and social attitudes that both helped and hindered the code-breaking race (and for fans of knitwear there are some enviable 1940s woollies on display). Mark Baldwin will bring his very own Enigma machine for people to try, and Flicks in the Sticks hopes that a local “Bletchley Girl” will also be attending.

UNITED SERVICE AT CLUN METHODIST CHAPEL - Sunday 10am. This service will celebrate One World Week. Led by the Rev Dr John Daniels who is involved in the Ludlow Fairtrade Group, and there will be a Fairtrade stall after the service.

RAMBLERS AND PERAMBLERS - New people always welcome at these weekly Wednesday walking groups. Ramblers go on longer walks and meet at Clun Memorial Hall at 9.30am each Wednesday. Peramblers also walk around seven miles or so every week and meet at 10am. No dogs on either of these. For information Peter James (ramblers) 01588 640027 or Mandy Newton (peramblers) 01588 640195.

TIM’S TRAVELS TO WOLVERHAMPTON - On Wednesday, put on your string of pearls and board (the Clun Valley version of) the Pennsylvania 65000 and head to the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton for the Glenn Miller Story , starring Tommy Steele. Featuring a live 16-piece orchestra, this tells the story of the world’s most famous bandleader and gives full rein to his irresistible music. Coach travel ticket and restaurant meal included in the price of £42.50. Only a few seats left. All enquiries and bookings to Tim at the Old Surgery gallery in Clun, 01588 640506. Gallery open seven days a week 10am-5pm.

SHROPSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST MEETING - (Clun and BC Branch). On Wednesday, at the Hightown Community Rooms, Clun, 7.30pm. Tom Wall, formerly the senior site manager of the Stiperstones, has distilled his lifelong knowledge and love of the Stiperstones and has written a sell-out book The Singular Stiperstones: Landscape, Reminiscence, Literature and Wildlife and he is coming to talk at this meeting. Copies of the book will be available. Entry £3 non-members and £2 members, Fairtrade refreshments included. Further information from Mary Eminson on 01588 640921 or meminson@btinterent.com.

COUNCIL PUBLIC CONSULTATION - In Clun Memorial Hall, Wednesday at 7.30pm. Clun Town Council with Chapel Lawn invites members of the parish, users of the cemetery and other interested parties to attend this public consultation, to express your wishes regarding how the cemetery is managed. It’s one of the things your council tax pays for.

CORRESPONDENT - If you have any news or events in the Clun Valley, contact Ros Patching at clunpatch@ btinternet.com or telephone 01588 640772. The deadline is the Wednesday of the week before publication.

 

Rock

ROCK PATHFINDERS - Free guided walks along the footpaths and bridleways taking two-three hours, off the roads and into the countryside. The November walks will be on Thursdays at 10.30am. November 5, layby alongside the A443, close to the turnings for Grimley and Sinton Green. WR2 6PD. OS reference 829604. November 19 from Dog Lane Riverside car park, Bewdley DY12 2EG. OS ref 785755. Everyone welcome. For the full programme visit rockpathfinders.webspace.virginmedia.com or rockvillagehall.co.uk or ring Alan on 01299 400304 or Jan on 01299 832571.

 

Stoke Bliss and Kyre

COMEDY - Shindig presents Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain , a rib tickling new comedy from Fol Espoir and The Real Macguffins. It’s 1942 and a horde of Yankee servicemen have just arrived in England, where the locals speak a strange dialect, boil all their food, and talk endlessly about the weather. Tomorrow 7.30pm, doors open 7pm. Bar and light refreshments available, tickets £8.50, under 16s £6.50. Contact Jan Kelly on 01985 410588; Jan Powell on 01885 410598; Andrew Yarnold on 01885 410386.

 

Tenbury

THE FILLING STATION - Newly opening in Tenbury. Come and join in a new and informal way of expressing the Christian faith in monthly celebration meetings to strengthen and help local Christians and their churches. Tonight at 7.30pm, in the Penlu Sport Club (next to the hospital). Then every third Thursday of the month (not December). For more information call Sue on 01584781384, thefillingstation.org.

AN AFTERNOON VARIETY SHOW - Will take place at Tenbury Methodist Church on October 24, at 3pm. Many talented local artistes, including A49ers and Tenbury Ukelele Band will be taking part, and there will be lots of “community singing” and flag waving. Come along and join in the fun. Tickets are £5 on the door which includes refreshments after the show.

2015 POPPY APPEAL CONCERT - Presented by the Tenbury RBL Choir at the Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, October 31 at 7.30pm. Featuring: The Tenbury RBL Choir and Ann Gray, West Midlands Fellowship Band, Margaret Peters. Compered by Mark Yarnold. Closing ceremony with a Drumhead service. Tickets £10 available from Regal Box Office, call 01584 811442.

BINGO - Eyes down for cash prizes at Bockleton Parish Hall tomorrow, 7.30pm. Half time refreshments will be on sale. You are welcome to bring your own alcoholic drinks. More info: George 01568 750522 or Peter 01568 750615.

JUMBLE SALE - At Bockleton Parish Hall. Saturday, 2pm, at St Mary’s Church, Bockelton. Raffle, white elephant, book stall, plant stall, cakes and produce. Refreshments.

 

The Strettons

INCA MELODIES - Inca is a five- piece group appearing at the Silvester Horne Institute tonight at 7.30pm. Admission is £10 and ticket sales are through Burway Books, John Thomas Florists and Town Council Offices. Some may be available at the door.

COMMUNITY CINEMA - Hope Bowdler Village Hall is the venue for the film Wild (15) starring Reese Witherspoon tonight, at 7.30p and Acton Scott Village Hall will be screening Testament of Youth (12) on Tuesday at 7.30pm.

FRIDAY MARKET - The market is open 8.30am-noon at Mayfair Community Centre for the sale of home-made cakes, produce, craft items and occasionally garden items.

WORKSHOP - On Saturday at Rectory Wood and Field there will be a guided walk and creative workshop from 10am-3pm. Book in at the Town Council Offices on 01694 722113.

OPEN HOUSES - A chance to visit some Green Open Homes is on offer for Saturday from 10am-4pm featuring eight energy efficient homes. An information hub will be available at the URC Hall and expert advice is offered from renewable energy specialists EZ, ESP and Salop Energy.

MEMORIAL CONCERT - The Glyn Davies Memorial Concert takes place at St Laurence’s Church for a special concert in celebration of the life and work of Glyn at 3pm on Saturday. For many years he was associated with the arts in Church Stretton and particularly with the early days of the festival fringe.

FOLK DANCE - Saturday night is folk dance night at Ticklerton Village Hall 8pm – late. For more information ring 01694 722148.

MUSIC NIGHT - A music night at the District Social Club on Saturday will raise funds for the Air Ambulance with live music by Nutcracker. Tickets cost £5 and include a light buffet. The event starts at 8.30pm and is for over 18s only.

UNA PUBLIC MEETING - The United Nations Association of Shropshire is presenting a programme of new development goals under the heading “creating a world that works for all, and Shropshire’s part in it” at Church Stretton School on Tuesday from 7pm-9pm. Admission is £3 and tickets and information are available by ringing 01694 725570 and 771808.

NETWORK - The meeting of the network group on Wednesday is a members’ afternoon and the subject will be “women of the bible”. Meetings take place at the Methodist Hall at 2.30pm.

CIVIC SOCIETY - The Strettons Civic Society is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, October 21 at 7pm in the Silvester Horne Institute when Peter Carty of the National Trust will be the speaker on “50 years on the Mynd”.

CAMERA CLUB - The Longmynd Camera Club meets on Wednesday in the URC Hall at 7.30pm and on this occasion Chris Longbridge will give a demonstration of mount cutting and presentation.

LONGMYND HIKE - The early finishers in the Longmynd Hike were presented with their awards by Graham Gummery, a member of the “sweep team” for many years and will able to tell a few anecdotes about it. The Longmynd staff went to Simon Adney of Shrewsbury for a time of eight hours 32 minutes and the Gill Harris Trophy for the second time went to Mel Price of Church Stretton for a time of eight hours 56 minutes, a new record for this ladies’ trophy completed in a time under nine hours. The Longmynd Scout staff was awarded to Nick Gallavin of Maidstone for a time of 12 hours 26 minutes. Phil Marshall of Banbury’s time of nine hours 59 minutes earned him the novice trophy and Helen Smith of London was awarded the West Mercia Police trophy also for a time of nine hours 59 minutes. The Swain Shield went to Paul Collier of Nottingham for the second year for a time of nine hours 37 minutes and the second Longmynd Scout staff went to Gareth Jones of Church Stretton for a time of 16 hours nine minutes. Sarah Butcher of the 1st Broughton Astley Beaver Colony in Leicester took the Raven trophy for the second time is 19 hours 54minutes. The Over the Hills trophy went to Michael Warrick of Llandrindod Wells for a time of 10 hours 29 minutes and Peggy’s Plate went to Biddy Cole of Telford for a time of 14 hours 28 minutes. The Mynd team prize was awarded to Mercia Fell Runners Simon Adney, Andy Davies, Virgil Barton, Mel Price and James Adney for a collective time of 26 hours one minute. There was a thank you for everyone who had taken part in the event, the volunteers and helpers and everyone who had seen that the 48th Longmynd Hike had run smoothly for another year.

LOCAL HISTORY GROUP - The Church Stretton Area Local History Group will meet at the URC Hall on Monday for a talk by Phil Revell at 2pm about the Mayflower Children. All welcome, non-members £2 entry.

LUNCH - On October 23, the Save the Children soup and apple pudding lunch will be held at the parish centre from noon-1.30pm. Admission is £6 at the door and there will be a raffle and cards for sale.

HARVEST SUPPER - Little Stretton Village Hall is the venue for a harvest supper on October 23, at 7.30pm. There will also be an auction to raise funds for Hope House Hospice. Tickets cost £7 and reservations should be made by ringing 01694 723627.

SALES - A Christmas card sale in the URC Hall on October 24, would raise funds for the RNLI, Severn Hospice, Save the Children, Cancer Research UK and Traidcraft from 10am-noon and Scrappies has a Hallowe’en and Christmas sale starting at 10am on the same day.

OUTING - The Gardening Club plans an outing to Arley Arboretum and Upper Arley, Worcestershire on October 28, leaving at 1pm and returning at 5pm. The gardens date back to the 1700s and feature an Italian garden and a wonderful collection of Acers with many special trees in the Arboretum which will be showing all their autumn colours. To enquire for places on the coach please ring 01694 720131.

BOOK SALE - Still looking for more books for a two-day sale at the URC Hall on October 30 and 31, in aid of Mayfair. Ring 01694 722077 if you need CDs, DVDs or books collected. The event is open from 10am-3.30pm each day.