Bishop’s Castle

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - At care home, hospital and in community.The Friends of Bishop’s Castle Community, Care Home and Hospital are looking for people to help as volunteers. The group is a registered charity and was set up to promote the health, well-being and safety of people in the town and immediate area, whether at home, in the community, in hospital or in Stone House care home. Its committee is headed by Pat Morrison and she explains: “Volunteers have an important part to play and we already have a very supportive team. However we do need more people to visit Stonehouse and the Community Hospital and shop locally for small items required by service users and patients. Another important service we offer is to issue library books to service users and patients from a Shropshire Libraries trolley.” Mrs Morrison adds that the commitment would be for no more than one day a month, at a time to suit the individual. “All volunteers will be required to have a DBS certificate and a short training session is provided for all volunteers working in hospitals.” If you want to help, call Pat Morrison on 01588 638338. Next meeting of the Friends of Bishop’s Castle Community, Care Home and Hospital is February 23.

SIGN UP FOR FRANCE TRIP - There’s still time to join in a four-day trip to France, organised by Bishop’s Castle Twinning Association. Leaving by coach from Bishop’s Castle on May 12 and returning on May 16, the party will travel by road and ferry to Bishop’s Castle’s twin town of St Marcel in Normandy where local people will offer their hospitality (with the option of a hotel if preferred, at your own cost). The visit is open to all and will cost about £130 for the coach and ferry transport. St Marcel is a small town in Normandy on the banks of the River Seine, about halfway between Rouen and Paris. It is also ideally placed for visiting popular attractions such as Monet’s house and garden at Giverny.

Twinning group committee member Maureen Wall says: “Our French friends offer excellent hospitality and are always keen to show us around the area. Several visits have been made over the years and we look forward to meeting old and new friends next year. We hope to have a day in Rouen and a visit to Giverny during our time in St Marcel and everyone would be included in any organised activities. You do not have to be able to speak French to take part.”

The association has about 20 regular associate members with other interested people joining in for fundraising and social events. In 2013 a party from France came to Bishop’s Castle at Michaelmas to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the twinning although the Community College had been conducting their own French exchange for a good few years before the towns were officially twinned. To find out more about the trip to France call Maureen 01588 638375 or Linda 01588 620557.

FOCUS ON ROBERT FROST - Work by the American poet Robert Frost is featured at the meeting of Poets’ Corner this evening. The group gets together every month in the Castle Hotel at 8pm, some people meet at 7pm to enjoy supper at the hotel’s restaurant first. Call Bryan Podmore 01588 620541 to book a meal.

MUSEUM 100 CLUB - Rosie Reid won £20.50 in the December draw of the 100 Club for the Bishop’s Castle House on Crutches Museum Collection Trust. Angela Pooley won £12.30 and Janet Goodman £8.20. 82 numbers were entered in the draw. Call 01588 638851 to join.

YOUNG MUSICIANS - Two pupils of Bishop’s Castle music teacher Sarah Dixon have been successful in their recent exams with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Megan Butler, a Bishop’s Castle Community College student, passed Grade 4 piano, and Ben Ellis, Hope Primary School student, passed Grade 3 violin. Call Sarah 01588 638105.

THANKS - Staff and residents at Abbeyfield House in Bishop’s Castle thank everyone who helped raise funds for residents and charities during 2015. Last year’s support from the community helped to fund a number of outings for residents and also raised £131 for Hope House Children’s Hospice. Today is the first Abbeyfield House coffee morning of the year. Everyone is welcome at 10.30am to enjoy stalls and a raffle. Paul Boult, the new regional director for Abbeyfield, will be there for people to meet.

PUDDING HEAVEN AT TOWN HALL - Bishop’s Castle Town Hall is offering a new concept in indulgence for Valentine’s Day – it is staging pudding heaven. Participants will have the chance to sample five from an array of deliciously romantic puddings and vote to rank them in order of delight. The pudding with the highest score at the end of the evening will earn its maker the title of King or Queen of puddings, a bottle of sparkling wine and £25. Starting at 7.30pm on February 14, all are welcome – partnered or single – just bring a pencil to mark your score sheet. Tickets cost £10 in advance, £12 on the door and will include five portions of pudding and a glass of sparkling wine. “We wonder whether this might launch a local “pudding club” and we’re interested to see if local professionals enter,” said Evelyn Bowles, a town hall trustee. “It could be a great promotional coup to win the ‘pudding crown’ after all.

Bishop’s Castle residents are well aware of the skills of local cooks, amateur and professional alike. If they give a favourite dish a romantic twist this could be the start of something rather special.” To find out more, call 01588 630023 or pop into Bishop’s Castle Town Hall between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

TWO QUIZ NIGHTS - Make a date in your new diary for two quiz evenings, one at Lydham Village Hall on January 29, the second February 5 in Norbury Village Hall. The Lydham quiz starts at 7pm in aid of Snead, Lydham and more parishes and teams of four are welcome at a fee of £8 each, to include food. Book your team now on 01588 638379. Second quiz night February 5 is a fundraiser for Norbury Village Hall and is organised by the new local arts and social group. They have planned a curry and quiz for their first event and tickets cost £8, including the food. Teams of up to six people can come along, or you can be put into a team on the night, 01588 650940 to book.

INDOOR FUN AT NEW HALL - Table tennis, cards, dominoes, Scrabble, social chat and refreshments will all be on the programme at the first monthly social and games night in Norbury Village Hall next Thursday, January 28. It costs £3.50 to get in, including refreshments and doors open at 7.30pm. The club will meet on the fourth Thursday of the month and everyone is very welcome.

BISHOP’S CASTLE DIARY, January 21-27

TODAY

  • Coffee morning. Abbeyfield House, Oak Meadow. 10.30am. 01588 630000.
  • Poets’ Corner. Castle Hotel, Bishop’s Castle. 8pm. To book meal for 7pm call on 01588 620541.
  • Exhibition. Enduring Spirit and Haiku - Ellesmere Watercolourists. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Until February 6. 01588 630023.

SATURDAY

  • Beginners’ Crochet – Nicola Knapton. Sheepish, 1 Market Steps, Bishop’s Castle. £15. 10am- 12.30pm. 01588 680181.

TUESDAY

  • Bishop’s Castle Town Council meeting Town Hall 7.30pm. 01588 638141.
  • Sock Club. Knit and drink tea. Chai Shop, Bishop’s Castle. 2pm. 01588 630435.
  • Pilates. Lydbury North Village Hall, weekly £6. 9am. 01743 891561.

WEDNESDAY

  • Play reading. The Trojan Women by Euripedes – David Preshous. Fletcher Room, Bishop’s Castle Community College. £6. 2pm. 01588 638363.
  • SW Shropshire Gardening Club. Alpines, Dwarf Bulbs and Hardy Cyclamens – Jim Almond. Lydbury North Village Hall, £3, 7.30pm. 01588 660753.

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

 

Clun

COFFEE MORNING - Hightown Community Room, Clun, Saturday at 10am. Coffee, cake, stalls and raffle. Come and meet friends over a coffee, in aid of hall funds.

FOOD AND FLICKS - Chapel Lawn Village Hall, Saturday. Burns Night themed supper. Haggis and tatties with delicious puddings. Veggie option for non-haggis eaters. Bar serving all usual drinks, plus whisky. Followed by the film Local Hero (PG).

An American oil company sends a representative to Scotland to buy up an entire village where they will build a refinery. Things don’t go according to corporate planning. Starring Burt Lancaster, Peter Riegert, Fulton Mackay, Denis Lawson, Norman Chancer. Bar and doors open 5.45pm, food 6pm, film 7.30pm. Please reserve your tickets in advance by contacting Di on 01547 530347 or Peter on 01588 530530.

Food: adults £6.50, children £3.50. Film: adults £4.50, children £3.50.

CAFÉ CHURCH - High Street Chapel, Clun, Sunday, 3-4.30pm. Relaxed and informal; come as you are. Free refreshments and all are welcome. For more information contact: Michael Newman on 01588 640776.

POP-UP CRAFTS - Hightown Community Room, Clun on Monday, at 2pm. An informal and friendly session for anyone wanting to be creative in convivial surroundings. Bring along your own craft project, or start a new one. Tea and cake provided. Organised by the Hightown Community Hall Committee.

BINGO IS BACK - The Maltings Café, Clun. Monday, at 7.30pm. Come along and play, everyone welcome. As always in aid of St George’s Church funds. These bingo sessions have raised in excess of an amazing £6,000 in four years, an amazing achievement. Its popularity shows no sign of faltering, so be sure to get there early. Any unwanted Christmas presents would be welcomed as prizes – Tim Wood will be happy to receive them in the Old Surgery Gallery, which is open every Saturday and Sunday, 10-4pm (closed on weekdays during January). Queries to Tim 01588 640506.

E-SAFETY FOR YOUR CHILD – a parents and carers guide (free event). St George’s CP and Nursery School, Clun, Wednesday, 6pm- 7.15pm. Speaker: Steve Compton, Shropshire Local Authority Adviser. Subjects covered will include: using the internet safely; supporting good research; social networking – keeping children safe as they grow older; safe gaming; mobile phones and texting; uploading photos and videos. To reserve your free place, please contact: Fiona Pidduck on 01588 640229 or e-mail sbm@clun.shropshire.sch.uk.

LIVE SCREENING – Les Liaisons Dangereuses (15), at Aston on Clun Village Hall, SY78EH, next Thursday, January 28, at 7.30pm. National Theatre Live brings the Donmar Warehouse’s highly anticipated new production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses to cinemas – broadcast live from the Donmar’s London home.

Directed by Josie Rourke ( Coriolanus ), the cast includes Michelle Dockery ( Downton Abbey ), Janet McTeer ( The White Queen ) and Dominic West ( The Wire ). In 1782, Choderlos de Laclos’ novel of sex, intrigue and betrayal in pre-revolutionary France scandalised the world. Former lovers, the Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont now compete in games of seduction and revenge. Merteuil incites Valmont to corrupt the innocent Cecile de Volanges before her wedding night but Valmont has targeted the peerlessly virtuous and beautiful Madame de Tourvel. While these merciless aristocrats toy with others’ hearts and reputations, their own may prove more fragile than they supposed. Tickets: £10. Enquiries: 01588 660493 or 01588 660893.

 

Ludlow

WEATHER GETTIN YOU DOWN? - Cheer yourself up and join the mayor at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms Saturday, for the mayor’s charity band evening featuring the Reggaelators, PigDaze and the Fabulous Bordellos. Tickets are in advance only and are available from the Guildhall Offices up until tomorrow at 3.30pm.

 

Mamble

MAMBLE CUM BAYTON WI - President Val Evans welcomed everyone, including several new members and two visitors, to the January meeting, the first in the Institute’s 98th year. Thanks were expressed to the committee and especially Carol Marsh and Pauline Blumer for arranging the Christmas lunch and entertainment held at the beautifully decorated Kateshill in Bewdley. Details were given of various workshops to be held at WI House in Worcester over the next few months and the proposed county visit to the National Space Centre in Leicester in the spring.

Our speaker was Sylvia Perkins from Rock, who was accompanied by her grand-daughter visiting from Australia.

She began her talk, for the benefit of our new members, by explaining how the Womens’ Institute organisation was founded in 1897 in Canada, to help women in house craft and childcare skills. In 1915, Mrs Alfred Watt came to the UK to spread the news and the first Institute was founded in Anglesey.

Sylvia then spoke about her mother, who, in later life, benefitted from the Wyre Forest Talking Newspaper, due to failing eyesight. One edition asked listeners to contact them to give their memories of childhood games, which Winifred, Sylvia’s mother, did. As a result, Mike Dicken from the local BBC visited her and Winifred made 32 short programmes which were broadcast on Mike George’s programmes on BBC Hereford and Worcester. Aged 91, she was thrilled that she was sharing her memories with the listeners. Sylvia played us the first tape Winifred made, talking about her childhood in Kings Heath, followed by her brother Ted making a cat’s whisker radio and Winifred and Ted experiencing the first moving pictures at the local picture house.

We look forward to inviting Sylvia back in the near future so we can hear more of Winifred’s memories.

The next meeting of the Institute will be held on February 8, at Mamble Village Hall, starting at 2pm. Mr Hoskins will talk about his Sahara Marathon, and the competition is an item beginning with “u”. Visitors will be warmly welcomed at this meeting.

 

Tenbury

BOSOM BUDDIES - Tenbury Wells Bosom Buddies meet every Wednesday, 1.30am-3pm at Café 27, Tenbury Wells. This free weekly group is for anyone who is breastfeeding, thinking about breastfeeding or would just like to find out more. It is supported by members of the Health Visiting Team and Local Children’s Centre. International board certified lactation consultant available most weeks. For further information please contact 01584 812468. Health visiting.

AN EVENING WITH PAUL RAY - Presented by Bockleton PCC. Comedy, magic and music at Bockleton Parish Hall, February 12, 7pm for 7.30pm. Adults £15, children (14 and under) £8. Tickets include buffet supper. Join us for an evening of fun, laughter and magic from top entertainer Paul Ray. Tickets Peter 01568 750615, Rosemary 01568 750235. Bring your own drinks.

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT - An evening of light musical entertainment at Stoke Court, Greete, SY8 3BX, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs John Nesbitt. February 4 at 7.30pm with Cathy Gasowski, Tom Durston-Smith and Jason Fisher (accompanist). Admission £10 (children £5) to include glass of wine or soft drink and light snacks. Please reserve your seats with Fran Nesbitt: fran@stokecourt.co.uk or Tom Durston-Smith: Lower House Farm, Sutton, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8RL, tel: 01885 410233. Proceeds in aid of the Air Ambulance.

IT COULD BE YOU - At Tenbury, Stay and Play at the Pump Rooms every Monday afternoon 12.30pm-3.30pm. 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 you complete the safeguarding process and provide training to enable you to do this task. Phone 07585 967182 or 01905 622354, e-mail terry.holland@actionforchildren.org.uk.

IN STITCHES - Patchwork, quilting and sewing group. Bring your own project. Thursdays 2pm-4pm, Upstairs Room, Tenbury Library. £3 per session includes tea, coffee, biscuits, room hire and friendly chat. Call Maureen 01584 811330.

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

POETRY IN TENBURY WELLS - Are you interested in poets and poetry or maybe writing your own verse? If so, we would love to hear from you. Ring 01568 709484 after 6pm, Monday- Wednesday or leave a message.

THE FILLING STATION - thefillingstation.org.uk. Curious about Christianity or could you use a spiritual top-up? Then you are invited to The Filling Station. It’s an exciting monthly get-together to share a fun evening and make new friends, with a warm welcome, lots of coffee and cake, lively music and interesting speakers. The Filling Station is not a new church movement, rather a way of existing churches working together to bring a deeper spiritual life to our area. We would love to see you there, everyone is welcome. Entry free. Meeting: 7.30pm Penlu Sports Club (next to Tenbury hospital) every 3rd Thursday of the month. Today, February 18, March 17, April 21, May 19, etc. (As endorsed by Alister Magowan Bishop of Ludlow). Like to know more? tenburyfillingstation@ gmail.com or ring Sue after 6pm 01584 781384.

 

The Strettons

TRAIDCRAFT - Fairtrade goods are for sale at Mayfair Community Centre, 10.30am-1pm, Thursday mornings.

BRIDGE - Bridge Club is held at All Stretton Village Hall 1.30pm-5pm, and lifts from Church Stretton can be arranged. More information Dom 01694 723128.

MARMALADIES - Marmaladies WI meet at District Social Club 7.30pm tonight, to hear about Masala Magic. Visitors and new members welcome.

RNLI - The local committee of the RNLI plan an evening of fun and singalong at the District Social Club tomorrow at 8pm with Hobson’s Choice Sea Shanty Singers. Tickets £6 from John Thomas Florists or may be reserved by ringing 01694 722138.

BREAKFASTS - Breakfasts will be served at Mayfair Community Centre on Saturday mornings from 9.30am- 11.30am up until February 27. The Ring and Ride service from Ashbrook Court, Ley Gardens and Denehurst Court can be booked in advance by the Wednesday before.

KNIT AND NATTER - A knit and natter session takes place at the Library on Saturday mornings 10am-12.30pm and also on Tuesdays 5pm-7pm.

AT THE HORNE - Saturday night at the Silvester Horne Institute offers entertainment by Wild Willy Barrett’s French Connection at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and are on sale through Burway Books, John Thomas Florists and the Town Council offices. For more information ring 01694 720132.

AGM - The annual general meeting of the Longmynd Hike Committee takes place at the District Social Club on Sunday starting at 7pm. Committee members are welcome to take along anyone who might have an interest in Longmynd Hike, would like to help or offer ideas as the Longmynd Hike continues to move forward to its 50th anniversary. Committee would like to thank everyone for their help and support in 2015.

WINTER WALK - The National Trust has arranged a winter walk for Monday, meeting at 10am in Carding Mill Valley. The walk will follow in the footsteps of the Rev Carr who got lost in the snow. This is a five-mile walk and costs £9 to take part. Booking is essential by ringing 01694 725006.

LIBRARY EVENTS - At the end of January there will be a chance to explore the practice and craft of poetry. Rhymetimes for children under three years offer fun, songs and rhymes from 10.30am-11am on Tuesday mornings. Local and family history can be researched on Thursday afternoons from 1pm-4pm when free access to Ancestry is available. Volunteers will be on hand to help if required.

PARKINSON’S - The Parkinson’s support group meets at Mayfair Community Centre at 2.30pm on Monday for a talk by Robin Bywater on Parkinson’s Drugs.

BIRDS - Church Stretton branch of Shropshire Ornithogical Society will hold a short AGM on Monday at 7.30pm in the Methodist Hall, followed by an illustrated talk by Michael Leach on The Complete Owl. Visitors welcome, admission £2.

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY - The annual Holocaust Memorial Day event arranged by South Shropshire Interfaith Forum will be at the Parish Centre, Tuesday 7pm for 7.30pm. All welcome. Church Stretton School held its own memorial event on January 19, with an invited speaker.

GARDENING CLUB - Church Stretton and District Gardening Club will meet at Silvester Horne Institute, Tuesday 7.30pm. Alun Whitehead will speak about Herefordshire gardens.

NETWORK - The Wednesday Network Group meets in the Methodist Hall at 2.30pm on Wednesdays and this week the speaker will be Maurice Wright on Porcelains of Shropshire.

SCHOOL NEWS - A new head teacher is in-post at St Lawrence’s primary school. Basketball team takes part in finals held at Church Stretton School, under-11 girls’ team plays in the County Cup. Church Stretton School’s PTA is planning a 26-mile walk on June 25, as part of the summer walking festival together with a shorter walk of 13 miles. Entry forms and details available in February.

VOLUNTEERS - Rectory Wood and Field group welcomes volunteers to help the work party next Thursday, January 28. Please take waterproofs and stout footwear and ring 01743 791984 for more information. Meet at the Scout HQ at 10am.

DORRINGTON PLAYERS - Church Stretton’s Drama Group, Dorrington Players, will be presenting an evening of light-hearted music and entertainment on January 30 at Mayfair Community Centre. Pay a small fee for admission and take your own refreshments if you wish.

COMMUNITY CINEMA - Film at Church Stretton School on February 1, is Woman in Gold (12A), starring Ryan Reynolds and Helen Mirren.

NATIONAL THEATRE - Streamed live from the National Theatre to Church Stretton School on February 4, will be the Opera La Traviata direct from the Royal Opera House. Later in the month on February 25, the live showing from the National Theatre will be As you like it . Both showings start at 7pm. Admission is £11 for adults and £5 for children. Seat reservations may be made by ringing the school on 01694 722209. Pre-theatre dining will be available for As you like it and should be booked in advance.

MUSIC FESTIVAL - The Music Festival will take place on May 7, 10am-5pm in Rectory Field together with other attractions in the Scout Hut, Parish Centre, Silvester Horne Institute and the URC Hall. Stalls will be available for those selling a wide range of crafts and services and can be booked by ringing 01694 751245. During the evening, 6pm-10pm, local musicians will be on stage to showcase their talents, together with professional groups and bands.