Bishops Castle

RAILWAY SOCIETY MARKS 150 YEARS OF LINE - 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Bishop’s Castle Railway which ran from Craven Arms to Bishop’s Castle. Bishops Castle Railway Society marked the exact anniversary day on October 24, by erecting two commemorative plaques at each end of the route. One was placed near the site of the station in Bishop’s Castle; the other erected at Craven Arms Station from where trains to Bishop’s Castle departed. The plaque at Craven Arms Station was unveiled by David Mills, chair-man of Craven Arms Town Council, followed by a celebratory lunch at the Castle Hotel in Bishops Castle. The unveiling of a second plaque in Station Street Bishop’s Castle was carried out by the mayor of Bishop’s Castle, Karen Bavastock. John Corfield is the press officer of Bishops Castle Railways Society and he said: “As well as the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Bishops Castle Railway, 2015 is also the 80th anniversary of its closure in 1935. So it has been closed longer than it was open! The railway had a chequered history: within two years it was put into administration and remained there for another 68 years before it closed. Surprisingly, much of its infrastructure still remains. The station houses at Plowden, Eaton and Horderley are still occupied; the weighbridge office at Bishop’s Castle is extant and much of the route of the line can be seen from the A489 between Bishop’s Castle and Craven Arms. Call the society chairman John Rimmer for more information on 01588 638998 or John Corfield on 01694 722473.

CHRISTMAS CRACKER - This year’s Christmas festival in Bishops Castle will be called ‘Christmas cracker’ instead of ‘Christmas lights’. Organisers of the event on December 5 say they cannot meet new rules and regulations on putting Christmas lights across the streets, so decorations will be the same as last year with properties buying trees and the existing lights put up on buildings in the town. This year’s theme is ‘fairies and elves’ and the samba band has been booked ready for the occasion. Donations of unwanted gifts will be welcome to help the fundraising, please leave them in the box at The Porch House.

MORE MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNINGS - Staff at Coverage Care Stone House in Bishops Castle held a coffee morning recently in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care and raised £180.

BINGO - There is also a bingo night on November 9 at the Inn on the Green, Wentnor at 7.30pm to support the Stone House Comforts Fund.

COMMUNITY AUCTION - On November 14, the Town Hall in Bishop’s Castle will host its second community auction. The first, held in 2013 made a significant contribution to local fundraising for the Town Hall renovation and this year’s auction will raise funds for the Town Hall Trust. The trust now manages the Town Hall on behalf of Bishops Castle Town Council, for the benefit of the community and it does not receive any income from public funds at all. Town Hall trustee Evelyn Bowles said: “Thanks to the voluntary services of hall’s professional auctioneer, David Bryan Jones, the trust is able to extend the opportunity to members of the public to submit items for auction at a flat rate fee of £5 (non-returnable). This represents a useful opportunity to reach a wide market for good quality second-hand and antique items in a well-publicised event through which all participants will be helping to support a valuable community asset. At our first auction we had many very happy sellers and buyers and we are confident that in the renovated Town Hall we can do just as well.” The seller will receive the full final bid price for their items and can protect the value of their goods by setting a reserve. There will be a catalogue of items sub-mitted for potential bidders and lots will be listed in sections covering various categories of goods such as antiques; arts and crafts; furniture; furnishings; equipment such as house-hold or sports equipment; boxes of small items. Acceptance of any items will be at the organisers’ discretion. Buyers will pay the hammer price plus a commission of 15 per cent which will go to the Town Hall Trust. For more information please contact Evelyn Bowles on 01588 638 851.

 

DIARY DATES October 29-November 4

TODAY

  • Hallowe’en party with Picklelilly Circus. Bishops Castle Library. £2.50. 6pm. Book on 01588 638215.
  • Gravy Train. The Vaults, Bishops Castle.
  • Flu clinic. Bishops Castle Medical Practice. Weekly. 5pm-6pm. No appointment necessary. 01588 638285.
  • ‘Language of Art’. Six European artists. Bishops Castle Town Hall. Free. Until November 14. 01588 630023.

SATURDAY

  • Costumed 18th century dance to celebrate hall opening in 1765. Alphabet Band. Bishops Castle Town Hall. £10. 7.15pm. Call 01743 891117.
  • Norbury Football Club 25th anniversary. Black tie dinner dance. Village Hall, Norbury. £22.50pp. 01588 650509.

MONDAY

  • Meditation led by David Corbett. Mainstone Church. 7.30pm. Music from 7pm. 01588 638819.

TUESDAY

  • Bishop’s Castle Town Council meeting. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. 7.30pm. 01588 638141.
  • Footpath Walking Group. Pillocksgreen. Four-six miles. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishop’s Castle. 9.30am. Call 01588 680261.
  • Film. Tin (12A). Lydbury North Village Hall. 7.30pm. 01588 680302.

CORRESPONDENT - Julia Parker 01588 680445, jparker228@btinter-net.com.

 

Bockleton

WI - The October meeting was held in the Parish Hall. Bockleton WI members have had a busy month with an exciting visit to London, members attending courses, playing skittles matches and others representing Bockleton at the annual council meeting in Malvern. This is also a busy time of year with details of next year’s programme and also the bi annual produce show to be finalised. The entertainment for the evening were a group of Scottish Country Dancers called U3A from Tenbury who meet every Thursday morning from 10am-noon in the Methodist Rooms. They gave members a very enthusiastic demonstration of several of their dances, then they bravely asked the WI ladies to join in for some of the simpler dances. Members then all enjoyed a lovely supper supplied by members Liz and Claire. The competition of a item of Scottish clothing was won by Angela, Ingrid and Rosemary, with raffle prizes won equally between members and dancers.

 

Clun

EXHIBITION - A reminder that a new exhibition has just opened today at The Old Surgery Gallery, Clun, featuring four renowned and popular Clun and Clunton local artists. Those showing include Noel Shepherdson, Keith Noble, Jacqueline Fletcher and Gordon Yapp. The gallery opens Thursday to Tuesday, (closed Wednesday), from 10am to 4pm.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - Presents Hallowe’en Horror Movie: Island Claws(PG) in Clun Memorial Hall, Saturday at 7.30pm.Prepare to be very mildly terrified: a biological experiment in Florida goes awry, resulting in eight-foot long crabs which roar a lot and kill everything. From original stories by a local author, Guy N Smith. Guy will be coming along to the screening for a question and answer session. Tickets on the door: adult £4.50 and under 16s £2.50. Refreshments served; disabled facilities. Any enquiries to Dilys Thorpe – 01588 640254.

CHURCH - Two services in Clun for this All Hallows day, Sunday: United Communion Service at Clun Methodist Chapel, 10am.All Souls-tide memorial service in St George’s Church, Clun at 6pm on Tuesday.

WI - Meeting in Hightown Community Rooms at 7.30pm. New members always welcome.

OPEN DAY - A final call for an important date for those considering St George’s CE Primary and Nursery School in Clun for children in their care. St George’s will be holding an open day on Wednesday, for prospective parents and carers, from 10am to 2.30pm. Tea and coffee will be served. St George’s is proud of its inspiring and experienced teachers. It is newly refurbished and well-resourced, has long been an Eco-School, has particular strengths in sports and music teaching and has both a breakfast club and a variety of after school activities. Come along to meet the staff and see for yourself the happy learning environment that has been created here. For more information, call the school on 01588 640229, or visit the web-site: clunprimaryschool.org.uk.

 

Rock

ROCK PATHFINDERS - Free guided walks along the footpaths and bridle-ways taking two-three hours, off the roads and into the countryside. The November walks will be on Thursdays at 10.30am. Next Thursday, 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 rockpath-finders.webspace.virginmedia.com or rockvillagehall.co.uk or ring Alan on 01299 400304 or Jan on 01299 832571.

 

Tenbury

FIRST AID - Emergency First Aid in the Workplace Level 2. Six hours accredited course covering responsibilities of the first aider, recovery position including seizures, cardio pulmonary resuscitation, choking, external bleeds, shock and minor injuries. Tenbury Library, November 11, 10am-4.30pm. Cost £52.

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY - Join in at the Dementia Café in Tenbury. If you have dementia, or are caring for someone with dementia, come along to your local café. Meet on the fourth Thursday of each month from 10.30am-noon at Tenbury library, 24 Teme Street, Tenbury, WR15 8AA. For more information contact Alzheimer’s Society’s local office in Worcestershire on 01905 621887 or worcesterhire@alzheimers.org.uk. Look forward to seeing you soon.

HISTORY SOCIETY AGM AND MEMBERS NIGHT - The War Diary of one Canadian soldier 1915-1919 Wilma Hayes tells what she found while researching the First World War history. Pump Rooms next Thursday, November 5, 7.30pm. More details from M Watkins 01584 711425.

KNIT AND NATTER - Enjoy a morning with a friendly group who knit, crochet...and natter! Every Tuesday 10.30am-noon, Tenbury Library. Tea, coffee, biscuits – small charge.

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP - Now open at 19 Market Street (Ruffles), Tenbury Wells. Open 10am to 4pm for all your cards, wrapping and gifts. If you would like to be a volunteer please call 01584 811330.

JUMBLE SALE - On November 14, at the Tenbury Methodist Church Hall, in aid of Shrewsbury Leukaemia Unit 10am-noon. Everyone welcome. Clothes, books, toys, bric-a-brac, raffle and teas.

 

The Strettons

BRIDGE CLUB - On Thursday afternoons from 1.30pm-5pm bridge club meets at All Stretton Village Hall, and lifts from Church Stretton can be arranged. Tuition is also available. Ring Dom on 01694 723128 to find out more.

HISTORY SESSIONS - Local and family history sessions are held at the library on Thursday afternoons from 1pm-4pm when free access to Ancestry is available and volunteers on hand to assist if required.

AUTUMN TALK - The Rail Users’ Association autumn talk takes place at the Methodist Church tonight at 7.30pm, when the speaker will be Barry Oates, strategic railway operations manager of Network Rail who will talk about the large scale engineering work currently being under-taken as part of the West of England and South Wales Route modernisation, the benefits of which will extend to local rail users joining the Great Western route at Newport.

COFFEE MORNING - The Day Care group at Mayfair hosts an autumn coffee morning tomorrow, from 10am-noon with a quiz, plants, small gifts and a raffle. All welcome.

FRIDAY MARKET - Visit Mayfair Community Centre Fridays 8.30am-noon for home-made cakes, produce and craft items and garden ideas.

IRISH MUSIC - An evening of traditional Irish Music is planned for tomorrow at the Yew Tree Inn, All Stretton from 8.30pm-11pm.

BOOK SALE - A book sale will be held at The URC Hall both tomorrow and Saturday, from 10am-3.30pm. The event is organised by the local Rotarians and Mayfair volunteers, with all proceeds going to Mayfair.

QUIZ NIGHT - At The Plough Inn at Wistanstow, hosted by the local Rotary Club tomorrow, to provide funds for the tree of light and other Rotary charities. Entry £2 per person.

SKITTLES NIGHT - The District Social Club hosts a skittles night tomorrow for all ages, starting at 8pm and with prizes. Entry is £5 per team of two or four members.

SEWING MACHINES - A sewing machine course for beginners is on offer at Mayfair on Saturday being the first of three which continue on November 7 and 14. The cost is £100 for the three sessions and each will be open from 10am-4pm. The course is offered by Pat Philpott.

HALLOWE’EN EVENTS - Hallowe’en craft sessions at Scrappies, and a Hallowe’en party night at the District Social Club on Saturday, admission is £3 for adults, £2 for children or £8 for a family ticket. The National Trust has two Hallowe’en walks on offer with one on Saturday afternoon and one during the evening, both at Wenlock Edge. The afternoon walk is 3-6pm with a spooky walk at 5pm and fancy dress is encouraged! £2 per child for this one. Later in the evening the walk from 7pm-9pm costs £5 to take part. For both events the advice is to dress warmly and for the evening event to take a torch. To book in or find out more call 07972 115725.At the Parish Centre on Saturday there will be a Noah’s Ark party with crafts, games, drama and food. Telephone 01694 722588 to book in.

COMMUNITY CINEMA - The film to be screened at Church Stretton School on Monday, will be The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel(PG) with Richard Gere joining Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy and Dev Patel. On November 17, Acton Scott Village Hall will show Suite Francaise (15) and on November 20. The Red Chairwill be the film at All Stretton Village Hall. All films start at 7.30pm and refreshments are available in the interval.

BAKED ALASKA - Church Stretton School will be the venue for Baked Alaska, presented by the Riding Lights professional theatre company and is a high energy, seriously funny drama about the realities of climate change and will be staged on Tuesday at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12, £9 concessions, and £7.50 for under 19s in groups of at least eight per-sons, and may be reserved by ringing 01694 722296.

CAMERA CLUB - The Longmynd Camera Club meeting on Wednesday will include an illustrated presentation by Geoff Taylor BA, MA, ARPS, ABIPP, based on ‘The Literary Landscape of Shropshire’ published in 2013 under the heading’ The nearest earthly place to paradise’ and features many images from the book and many captured along the way. The meetings are held at the URC Hall at 7.30pm and visitors are always welcome, admission is £3.

UNA EVENT - Shropshire United Nations Association hosted a meeting at Church Stretton School recently under the heading Creating a World that Works for All and Shropshire’s part in it. The meeting was well attended and opened with a brief introduction about the United Nations new Development Goals before everyone was given a chance to take part in separate discussions on the subjects of mass migration and refugee status, the elimination of poverty and hunger, sustainable development, food security, health and waste, empowerment of women to influence policies about families, health, education and economy, and also What does it mean to be human on a world that consistently leaves many behind? Everyone was invited to add their suggestions on each topic. After the discussions everyone reassembled in the main hall where each discussion leader gave a short round up about the topic discussed. The UNA group was delighted to take away the many comments and suggestions put forward during these discussions and is considering bringing these back to the community at a future date.

BONFIRE NIGHTS - Acton Scott lights its bonfire at 7pm next Thursday, November 5. The £2 adult charge and 50p children’s charge includes hot soup and a roll. Bonfire night in Church Stretton is November 7, in Rectory Field. Gates open 5pm, the bonfire is lit at 6.15pm and the firework display starts at 7pm. The Friends of St Lawrence’s Primary School will be serving refreshments at the event and there will be other stalls available.

CRAFT FAIRS - A coffee morning and sale of hand-knitted items will be held at Ley Gardens on November 7 from 10.30am. Admission is £1.50 to include coffee, tea and cakes, with proceeds going to local charities. Church Stretton School’s PTA hosts a craft fair on November 14, open 10am-4pm at the school. Freshly cooked food available all day.

THEATRE LIVE - Beamed live to Church Stretton School on November 19, at 7pm from the National Theatre will be Of Mice and Menstarring James Franco and Chris O’Dowd. To enjoy a pre-theatre gourmet meal served before the show a booking must be made in advance when a seat in the auditorium can also be reserved. To make a booking or find out more please ring the school on 01694 7222