Bishop’s Castle

DIGITAL WORLD THEME FOR ART SHOW - An exciting art competition for children and young people in the Bishop’s Castle area has been launched at the town hall. Entitled Byte Back: My Digital World, it is open to anyone between the ages of four and 16 who attends the Community College or a feeder primary school, or who lives within a 10-mile radius of Bishop’s Castle.

The exhibition curator is Esther Thorpe and she says: “The exhibition will be open during the Christmas holidays. Artwork in any form – painting, drawing, photography, video, animation – can be submitted and should have some link to the digital, either in content or by using digital media in its creation. The aim with this broad theme is to tap into young people’s interests and skills and show how they are imaginatively engaged by the digital world. Andrew Logan, an internationally acclaimed artist and sculptor will be judging the competition and awarding a prize of £100 to the winner.” Young people should bring their entry to Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, or give it to their art teacher by tomorrow and to find out more ring Esther Thorpe on 07790 140806 or e-mail estington@gmail.com. The exhibition will be open in the town hall from December 19 to January 2, with a preview for the artists and their families on December 18.

CHRISTMAS BELLS AND FLOWERS - Bishop’s Castle florist Jane Pugh was the speaker at the November meeting of Bishop’s Castle WI. She demonstrated how to make Christmas table decorations and members enjoyed making their own, under Jane’s expert eye. The evening finished with supper provided by members. As an extra to the programme, a group travelled by minibus to Abbey-Cwm-Hir on November 21 where they had a tour of the house and then lunch in the village hall. The outing was arranged by the Habgood family. The meeting on December 8 was the Christmas party when the Shrewsbury handbell ringers entertained members and guests. Bishop’s Castle WI is looking forward to welcoming new members in 2016. Please call 01588 638507 if you are interested.

TWO THOUSAND NAMES ON PETITION - A petition in support of the swimming pool at SpArC in Bishop’s Castle has collected over 2,000 signatures and local activists plan to present it in person to a meeting of Shropshire councillors on December 17. Spokesman Kate Evans said: “We have collected well over 2,000 signatures protesting at the loss of funding and possible closure of the SpArC leisure centre and swimming pool. This number is equal to the population of the town, but since many of these are children, it must also include the many people from surrounding villages who also depend on the pool for fitness and social activities. If you are a user of SpArC, please write to MP Phillip Dunne to express your concern for the future of the centre and send a copy to Steve Charmley, the councillor in charge of leisure services at Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury. SY2 6ND.

STONE HOUSE CHRISTMAS FAIR - Staff and friends of Coverage Care Stone House raised £465 at a bingo night at The Inn on the Green for the Residents’ Comforts Fund. They also held a Christmas fair at the home December 5 with stalls, mulled wine and mince pies.

COLLEGE CHRISTMAS FAIR - The Community College PTA in Bishop’s Castle is holding a Christmas fair tomorrow from 6-8pm in the college hall. Stalls on the night will include jewellery, hampers, wine, flowers, cakes, Christmas wreaths and many more. Father Christmas will also make an appearance during the evening. A raffle will be held on the night and prizes included a two course Sunday lunch, fish and chip supper, tea and cake for two, vouchers from various shops and more. Call 01588 638257 for more details.

BIG CHRISTMAS SING AT CHURCH - Following the success of their recent French choral concert in Bishop’s Castle Church, the Marches Choir welcomes everyone to a Big Christmas Sing at the same venue on Saturday at 7.30pm. The choir of Bishop’s Castle Primary School will also be there and entrance costs £5, children free. Rehearsals start on January 4 for Mozart’s Requiem, and if you are interested in joining the Marches Choir come along to the Community College at 7pm for a free taster session. You will be very welcome.

CIVIC SOCIETY AWARDS NIGHT - Jim and Gill Lawler of 8 Brick Meadow were presented with the Shropshire Star Cup for the best wayside garden in Bishop’s Castle at a recent awards evening organised by Bishop’s Castle Civic Society. Jock and Carol Wright of Yarborough House won the Dr and Mrs Penney Rose Bowl for the best hanging baskets and Sally Chappell and Bernard Edwards of The Tan House won the Kenneth Lewis Cup for the best kept private premises. Carol Naden who runs the New Deli won the Robert Gwyther Cup for the best kept business premises while Gerry Barwell of Bank House won the Mawdsley Cup for the best new work or renovation in the town.

BISHOP’S CASTLE DIARY, December 10-16

TODAY

  • Exhibition. Kate Evans painted tiles and china. Happy Bap, by Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Until December 24.
  • Exhibition of paintings by Robert Bates. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Until Saturday. 10am-4pm. Call 01588 630023.
  • Lydham, More and Snead WI. Christmas lunch. Call 01588 650315.
  • Table tennis. Lydbury North Village Hall. 7.45pm. Call 01588 680590.

TOMORROW

  • Storytelling for adults. The Golden Keys . Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £7/£20 for four. 8pm. Call 01588 630023.
  • Christmas fair. Bishop’s Castle Community College PTA. 6pm-8pm. Call 07890 210353.
  • Teen Book club. Film night Mockingjay Part 1 (12). Bishop’s Castle Library. Free. 6.30pm. Call 01588 638215.
  • Christmas Miscellany. Lydbury North Village Hall. 7.30pm.

SATURDAY

  • Castle Artists exhibition. Bishop’s Castle Public Hall. 10.30am-5pm. Continues Sunday.
  • Flea and antiques market. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Free. 9am-4pm. Call 01588 630023.
  • Sing carols with the Marches Choir. Bishop’s Castle Church. £5. 7.30pm. Call 01588 650448.
  • Quiz in aid of Lydbury North School PTA. Inn on the Green, Wentnor. 8pm. Teams of up to six. £6. Book on 01588 680459.

SUNDAY

  • Carol service. Methodist Church, Bishop’s Castle. 3pm.
  • Castle Artists exhibition. Bishop’s Castle Public Hall. 10.30am-5pm.
  • Christmas garlands workshop. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £5. 11am- 3pm. Call 01588 630023.
  • Traditional Irish music. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle. 8pm.

TUESDAY

  • Sock Club. Knit and tea. Chai shop, Bishop’s Castle. 2pm. Call 01588 630435.

WEDNESDAY

  • Talk. Two Years in Seychelles Paradise – Peter Carty. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £3.50. 8pm. Call 01588 630023.
  • SW Shropshire Gardening Club. Fordhall Organic Farm – Charlotte Hollins. Buffet supper. Call 01588 660753.

CORRESPONDENT - If you have any news for the paper, or an upcoming event to promote, please hand a note addressed to Julia Parker over the counter at Bishop’s Castle Post Office. She sends news to the paper every week. Her phone number is 01588 680445. The e-mail address is jparker228@btinternet.com.

 

Clifton-on-Teme

HUNT AGM - January 7 at 7.30pm at the Upper Sapey Golf Club.

 

Clun

CHRISTMAS MARKET - St George’s Primary School, Clun, tomorrow at 3pm. Now Clun’s lights are up and sparkling, it’s time for some seasonal shopping! There will be a Christmas café with mulled wine, roast chestnuts and mince pies, carolling from the children and wassailing by The Men from Off. Also traditional games to play and lots of crafts and gifts from over 22 local makers and traders to browse and buy. Everyone welcome. Enquiries: Fiona 01588 640229 sbm@clun.shropshire.sch.uk.

CLUN FILLING STATION - Newcastle Community Centre tomorrow at 7pm. Time for the Filling Station’s festive party, to which all are welcomed. Bring and share buffet – but don’t worry if you can’t contribute a plate – come anyway! Special guest speaker is Fane Conant, recovered gambling addict whose life changed dramatically when he found his faith. A former newspaper journalist, he now shares a different kind of (good) news. Enquiries: Brian Angell, 01588 640029 or 07790 325007 clunvalleyfs@gmail.com.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - Presents: Paddington (PG) at Clungunford Village Hall, SY7 0PP, tomorrow at 8pm. Running time: 95 minutes.

Based on the stories written by Michael Bond, Paddington gets his big screen debut in this tale of hope, discovery and family. When Paddington leaves darkest Peru and heads to England to look for the geographer that visited his home many years ago, he encounters a world very different to the one he expected. But when the Brown family offer to take him in temporarily, it seems as though their involvement in Paddington’s quest may be just what the family needs.

Mince pies will be served during the interval. Licensed bar. Ice-creams available. Good car parking, and a raffle. Tickets: £4 adults, £2 children. Tickets and enquiries: Ann 01588 660727, or Maureen 01588 660781 maureenrooney2012@gmail.com.

LOOK BACK: Osborne and After – Exhibition and fifties fun at Clun Memorial Hall, 3pm-7pm at Saturday. Kicking off the Osborne and After festival osborneandafter.org which has received Heritage Lottery funding. This is a free event. Come along to browse through a vibrant display of photographs, original documents and memorabilia of Clun in the 1950s and of John Osborne’s (later) time here. Very little has been previously displayed together about this decade in Clun, so this is a fascinating glimpse into the town’s post-war past. You can also join in with a 50s-style jive, and the emergency poet (Deborah Alma) will be on hand emergencypoet.com in her amazing vintage ambulance to administer poetic cures to people with every ailment and none. At 5pm the event will conclude with the film Flash Gordon (U) (this is also free) which somewhat unexpectedly features John Osborne in a cameo role as the Arborian Priest. Also starring Timothy Dalton and Brian Blessed. All are welcome to the event; under 16s must bring an adult with them. Bar and refreshments served. More information and enquiries: Angela Martin 07977 907982.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - Presents: Spy (15) at Chapel Lawn Village Hall, Saturday at 7.30. Running time: 120 minutes. Film starring Melissa McCarty as a backroom operative who catapults herself into the field as a fully-fledged CIA agent. “Smart, endearing and hilarious”; “Full of laughs and loads of Bond-worthy action”. Tickets: £4.50. Bar, ice-creams and popcorn.

FESTIVAL OF CAROLS – Launch at St George’s Church, Clun on Sunday, at 9.45am. The church will be filled with displays representing over 30 Christmas carols, each one chosen and created by different groups and members of the community. The display will be launched at this special service, followed by refreshments. Even if church is not “your thing”, you are invited afterwards to enjoy the celebration and raise a glass to this brilliant community event. Everyone is welcome.

CAROL SERVICE - St John’s Church, Newcastle on Clun on Sunday, 6.30pm. A carol service for everyone to welcome in the Christmas season with song.

CHRISTMAS BINGO - The Sun Inn, Clun on Monday, 7.30pm. Join in for bingo (of course), but also fantastic Christmas fare and over 20 prizes in a special Christmas raffle. An appeal: Tim is putting together a festive hamper as star prize. Home-made preserves and chutneys are particularly welcome – can you spare a jar from your pantry? Please get in touch with Tim. Enquiries and contributions to: Tim Wood, The Old Surgery Gallery 01588 640506.

CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION - The Old Surgery Gallery, Clun. A reminder that the Christmas exhibition is now open, featuring artists Tom Barker, Jacqueline Fletcher, Janis Goodman, David Harban, Paul Hipkiss, Jemima Jameson, Lynn Jeffery, Pauline Kiteley, Wendy Lantos, Tim Nash, Keith Noble, Keith Pointon, Noel Shepherdson, Judy Osborne, Peter Shread, Ann-Monique Stellinga, Jacque Wakely and Gordon Yapp. During December the gallery is open 10am-4pm, closing at 2pm on Christmas Eve. Reopening on December 29.

CORRESPONDENT - If you have any news about or events taking place in the Clun Valley, contact Ros Patching at clunpatch@btinternet.com or telephone 01588 640772, at least two weeks ahead of your event.

 

Tenbury

MID-WEEK CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS - You are invited to join in for an afternoon of Christmas poems, readings and music, followed by refreshments in Lindridge Parish Hall, Wednesday, 2pm-4pm. For more information please contact: Carol Bristow 01584 881378 or Kate Harley 01584 881194. All are welcome. (In conjunction with Menithwood WI).

DEFIBRILLATORS - On Sunday at Freemasons Hall, 9 Market Square, Tenbury Wells, demonstrations will be held to show members of the public how to operate a defibrillator. Times are 10am-11.30am and 2pm- 3.30pm. If you would like to attend please book on 07803 501458.

CAROL SERVICE - An afternoon carol service will be held at Tenbury Methodist Church on December 20, at 3pm with Rev James Eaton-Chaillinor. All are welcome to join us at this special time of the year.

 

The Strettons

MARKETS - The indoor market will be held at the Scout HQ in Church Street today from 9am-2pm and a further one next Thursday, December 17. The Friday market at Mayfair Community Centre is open from 8.30am-noon up until December 18, selling festive delights, home-made cakes, puddings, Yule logs, mince pies and savouries, jams, chutneys and unusual craft items, for which orders can be taken for collection on December 18, by ringing 01694 722970 or 07889 143057. Church Stretton town centre orders may be delivered by arrangement.

MARMALADIES - The Marmaladies WI will be meeting at the District Social Club tonight for a Christmas party featuring pantomime dame, Brad Fitt. The meeting starts at 7.30pm and visitors and new members are welcome. Please note the new venue.

CARNIVAL BAND - The Carnival Band will be entertaining at the Silvester Horne Institute tomorrow at 7.30pm from Medieval England to “le jazz cool” via Latin Rhythm and Cajun Beats on Flemish bagpipes, electric guitar and double bass. Tickets cost £12.50 and are being sold through the usual outlets and also the Town Council offices.

COMMUNITY CINEMA - Tomorrow All Stretton Village Hall will be screening Lad: A Yorkshire Story (12), and following this with Timbuktu (12), foreign language film on Tuesday. Tuesday is also the date when Acton Scott Village Hall will be screening The Second Best Marigold Hotel (PG). All films start at 7.30pm and refreshments are available.

CHRISTMAS FAIR - Field House in Sandford Avenue is hosting a Christmas fair and coffee morning tomorrow from 10.30am-12.30pm with bring and buy and craft stalls, mince pies and mulled wine and other light refreshments and also a raffle. All welcome.

PRIZE BINGO - Church Stretton Golf Club is the venue for a prize bingo and raffle on Saturday in aid of Church Stretton men’s football club. Fantastic prizes are on offer at this event which opens at 6pm for eyes down at 7pm.

QUIZ NIGHT - A quiz party night at Mayfair on Saturday has Ken Willis as question-master at 7.30pm on Saturday. Entry fee is £4 per head and all are invited to take their own refreshments. Another Christmas quiz night with Ken Willis will be held at the District Social Club on December 19, at 7.30pm when entry fee is also £4.

ORATORIO - Bach’s Christmas Oratorio sung by the Pheonix Singers will be conducted by Richard Walker of Church Stretton at 7.30pm on Saturday in St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury. Tickets cost £12 and may be reserved by ringing 01743 245950.

CAROL SERVICE - All Saints Church in Little Stretton holds its annual carol service at 3pm preceded by a Christmas lunch in the Village Hall on Sunday.

LIBRARY EVENTS - Rhymetime with fun, songs and rhymes for children under three years will be held on Tuesday from 10.30am-11am and there will be a knit and natter get together during the same evening from 5pm-7pm with a further knit and natter on December 19, from 5pm- 7pm open to beginners.

CONCERT - On Tuesday The More Singers will present a Christmas concert at the Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 to include drinks and mince pies , and are being sold through Burway Books, John Thomas Florists and choir members. Some may be available at the door. Proceeds of the event will go to Mayfair.

NETWORK - The Network Group will meet at the Methodist Hall at 2.30pm on Wednesday and will feature Christmas carols and readings with Pam Rush. This is the last meeting of 2015.

CAMERA CLUB - The Longmynd Camera Club rounds off 2015 with a meeting on Wednesday when there will be a chance to see the recording of the Shropshire County Clubs Competition with images and the judge’s comments, followed by Christmas refreshments. The meeting starts at 7.30pm in the URC Hall.

SCHOOL NEWS - St Lawrence’s Primary School under 11 girls have gone through to the next round of the SSFA competition. KS1 pupils will see Dick Whittington pantomime and KS2 pupils will see Cinderella at Birmingham. The school will then be putting on its own Christmas performances and will end the term with a Christmas service in St Laurence’s Church.

A Christmas jumper day will raise funds for Talking Books for the Blind and end the day with a Christmas disco.

At Church Stretton School Year 10s have visited Birmingham as part of a project on urban regeneration while others have been part of a takeover challenge for Shropshire young health champions which features NHS projects.

Students organised a collection of a number of items for children aged between four and 10 years to be sent to the school in Tanzania which students visited and helped build.

The Year 11 presentation evening and also the Christmas concert have taken place and preparations for the pre-Christmas ski trip have been set in place.

SMALLHOLDERS - The Shropshire Smallholders met in November for a talk by Harper Adams Lecturer, Kate Phillips who has a small flock of pedigree Lleyn Sheep. The talk was very informative and began with a focus on nutrition in general, followed by a reference to the particular needs of ewes during pregnancy. The latest bulletin from the group covered the keeping of Boer Goats for the table and advice on checking DEFRA’s guidance about the slaughtering of animals on the farm. The Shropshire Smallholders rounds off the year with a Christmas meal and get-together, and will look ahead to the annual general meeting in January when nominations for the position of chairman and committee will be welcomed together with ideas for speakers in the new year. Following the business of the meeting there will be a bring and share buffet and members are invited to give a talk or presentation on some aspect of their livelihood on the farm.

FOOD BANK - The Food Bank welcomes any in-date food items which can be placed in the receptacle at the Co-Op, with many thanks to all who donate this way.

MINCE PIES AND MERRIMENT - An evening of mince-pies and merriment with festive food and entertainment will take place at Little Stretton Village Hall on December 18, at 7.30pm. Everyone is invited to take along their own wine. A raffle will raise funds for the Severn Hospice. Tickets cost £7.50 and reservations may be made by ringing 01694 724796.

GARAGE PRAISE - The Christmas garage praise event will be held on December 19, at Carding Mill Valley, starting at 7.30pm. All welcome.

FOLK DANCE - The monthly folk dance at Ticklerton Village Hall takes place on December 19, from 8pm. To find out more ring 01694 722148.

CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS - Scrappies will be holding Christmas workshops as an introduction to creative arts and crafts for children aged five years and over at the premises in Sherratt Court on December 21and December 22. As space is limited advance booking should be made by ringing 01694 328508.