HISTORICAL FUN – Historical reenactors will teach youngsters to ‘stand and deliver’ at Stokesay Castle on Thursday, August 23. Bosses at the English Heritage site will host a ‘highwayman school’ for children to learn how 17th century bandits got money, jewels and ransoms off their wealthy victims. The event will demonstrate the skills and tell the stories of both the law breakers and makers. Children will be able to learn dragon-battling skills with junior jousting for young knights and sit at the Round Table for tales of the gallant knights.

This follows Stokesay Castle’s ‘myths and legends day’ which will take place today (Thursday) and has been inspired by legendary characters from British mythology such as St George and King Arthur. Charlie Evans, English Heritage’s events manager, said: “Our costumed time travellers are fantastically skilled at making stories of the past come to life.

When they are working with such intriguing characters as highwaymen and smugglers, and even more so with our legendary knights, it sets the imagination racing and really engages children with different aspects of this country’s colourful history. With swords, shields and knights tabards available on site, our young visitors can dress the part to fully embrace the medieval lifestyle.” Each event runs from 11am to 5pm and the castle will be open from 10am. Admission prices are £6 for adults £5.40 for concessions, £3.60 for children and £15.60 for a family ticket. There is an additional £1 charge per child to help fund the activities. For more details, call 01588 672544 or visit englishheritage.

org.uk/stokesaycastle.

BOOT SALE – At the Gateway car park on Saturday from 10am in aid of Pre- School group.

CHOIR SEEKS NEW SINGERS – People are being encouraged to attend fortnightly rehearsals held by members of Corvedale Choir at Culmington Village Hall, near Craven Arms. This is a mixed voice choir. For details, call Ros Crouch on 01584 841053.

OLYMPIC LINK FOR TOWN’S BMX TRACK – The company responsible for building the Olympic BMX track in London is set to construct another set of ramps, jumps and bumps in Craven Arms. Market Drayton-based Clark and Kent has built the London 2012 BMX venue and Craven Arms Town Council has confirmed the specialist contractor will help transform Craven Arms playing fields as part of Project Onion. The £50,000 project will include the £25,000 Clark and Kent BMX track, a £20,000 play area, re-marking the sports court for netball and improving the quality of the cricket pitch. All the different aspects of developing the playing fields have been brought together under the umbrella of Project Onion – so called as the plan has many layers. Grants have been secured from various sources, including Severn Trent Water, which dismantled the previous play area to upgrade a pumping station. It is hoped that when completed, Project Onion will provide top facilities for local youngsters and give them somewhere to gather and play safely.

CHURCH FETE – At Aston Munslow, near Craven Arms, St Michael’s Church is holding its fete on Saturday from 2.30pm to 5pm. There will be a number of stalls, including plants, books, bric-abrac and skittles. Also raffle, tombola and games. Entrance free. Refreshments will be on sale.

SHOW– Culmington Village Hall, annual show is on Saturday from 2pm, where there will be displays of flowers and produce.

SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB – A programme of exciting activities for children aged two to 11 at Craven Arms Community Centre. All day or half-day.

For details, call Wendy on 07891 106339.

TEA DANCE – The next tea dance at the community centre will be held from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday, August 22.

Admission £2.50 to include tea and cookies. Call 01588 672847 for information.

FLOWER FESTIVAL – At Stokesay, St John the Baptist Church is holding its annual festival daily from 10am to 5pm over the Bank Holiday. This year’s theme is Shropshire Heritage and there will also be the sale of home-made cakes and refreshments, books, plants, crafts and gifts and a Songs of Praise on Sunday at 10am. Admission free with donations for the church and the Severn Hospice.

EXTEND – Gentle exercise classes.

Community centre, Tuesdays at 2pm, cost £3. For details, call 01588 672847.

MODERN JIVE – Classes at the community centre from 8pm to 10pm, every Thursday. All welcome. Admission £5 per person, includes refreshments, call 07800 634071 or 07579 000765.