Bishops Castle

VOLUNTEERS WELCOME AT TOWN HALL – Following formal re-opening of a renovated Bishops Castle town hall today there will be an open session at the town hall 3.30pm-6.30pm to find out about the new volunteering opportunities there. These are many and varied, and can range from occasional help setting up, or hosting, events like talks, family activities or exhibitions, to regular slots helping on the inquiries desk or talking to visiting groups about the history of the building and town. There are behind-the-scenes roles too for people who prefer these. Training will be provided in further sessions, in a relaxed and informal way, as appropriate to each role. New faces will be very welcome today to meet the project team and the new town hall staff. “We are looking forward to re-establishing all the old uses of the building alongside many exciting new ones”, said Evelyn Bowles, one of the Bishops Castle town hall trustees. “Above all we are looking forward to welcoming all sections of the community into the building, especially those who could not previously imagine getting into it at all, or who thought it had nothing to offer them.” The major renovation funded, primarily by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has created a multi-purpose, light, comfortable building with lift access to all floors.

FUNDRAISING AT STONE HOUSE – A coffee morning at Coverage Care Stone House raised £500 for Breast Cancer Awareness Week, with a prize bingo night bringing in another £510. Earlier in the week 25 staff and supporters walked from Bishops Castle to the Inn on the Green at Wentnor, walkers are still collecting their sponsor money before announcing the total. Edna Jones, assistant manager at Stone House, said: “It poured with rain the first hour or so but that didn’t stop people. Colin Tomkins and Les Morris drove their vintage tractors at the front and back of the line, which added to the occasion, and we thank everyone at the Inn on the Green for welcoming us with sausage and chips on arrival.”

CONVENT TALES – A former nun was guest speaker at the May meeting of Bishops Castle WI, held in the Methodist hall. Judy Arliss gave a light-hearted look at her life and described how she had always had an interest in religion, becoming an RE teacher in a Roman Catholic school. To the dismay of her mother she became a nun but soon found the life monotonous and boring. After two years she left the convent and soon married and had a family. Her mother never referred to her daughter’s time as a nun ever again. The next WI meeting is July 15 at 7.30pm, when Mary Linder will give a talk called ‘Born and Bred in the Workhouse’.

DEEP BLUE SEA – ‘Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea’ is the title of an art exhibition in the Three Tuns, Bishops Castle, on Saturday. Six Shropshire painters have got together to show work based on the theme of the sea as one of their number. Robert Cunning explains: “We are a group of painters and printmakers who, though we live in landlocked Shropshire, have been inspired by the sea.” Derek James has made prints of sea creatures while William Fielden has painted views of Pulpit Rock, on the south coast, as well as lighthouses. There are a great variety of images and Simon Jameson has painted a seascape with no sea. Other painters with work on show are Martin Eldridge and Tim Phillips. Exhibition runs 11am- 10pm.

STRAWBERRY TEA – Abbeyfield strawberry tea is back on Saturday from 2pm until 4.30pm in the gardens of Abbeyfield House, Bishops Castle. There will be plants and produce, bric- a-brac and cake stalls, together with raffles and prize draws and of course, the famous strawberry tea. The friends of Abbeyfield are looking for donations of plants, cakes etc, so if you can get these to Abbeyfield House, Oak Meadow, Bishops Castle, they will be most gratefully received. Please no books though. For more details call Abbeyfield House on 01588 630000.

PLASTIC BOTTLE TOPS – There is no longer a plastic bottle top collection point in Bishops Castle pharmacy. The collection facility in Shrewsbury has been discontinued and tops for recycling should now be placed in the plastic kerbside collection box. Thanks to everyone who has supported the pharmacy scheme.

LOCAL PEOPLE WELCOME AT WALK FEST – Bishops Castle walking festival will run from Tuesday to next Thursday, June 12, with a varied programme of walks to suit all abilities every day. Local people are very welcome to take part, and the bravest of you could try a walk combined with an optional wild swim in the Teme at Leintwardine, followed by fish and chips at the famous Sun Inn. Another option is to explore the remote ridges and valleys between Newcastle-on- Clun and Bishops Castle. There are always evening events organised for guests, and this year the festival will be using the newly refurbished Bishops Castle town hall as a venue on Tuesday for an entertaining evening of Shropshire stories, monologues, songs and dances. This will be the first public event in the hall and includes a two-course buffet. Artists taking part in the entertainment include musician Richard Beaumond, Val Littlehales, the story teller, dancer and singer Terry Tandler and local farmer and author Roger Evans. Tickets for the evening cost £13. The final day of the festival ends with an evening hog roast at the Three Tuns next Thursday, June 12. Vegetarian dishes are also on offer together with salads and desserts. Local swing band Anything Goes will be there too, tickets cost £14. For more information on the rest of the walks included in Bishops Castle walking festival and to make a booking see walkingfestival.co.uk.To book an event call 01588 630531.

CIVIC SOCIETY AGM – Colin Richards, retired conservation officer for Shropshire council, is guest speaker at the AGM of Bishops Castle Civic Society. Meeting is today in the Methodist hall, Station Street, starting 7.30pm. Mr Richards will talk about historic lead mining in the Shelve district.

VISIT TO WATER GARDENS – Members and guests of the SW Shropshire gardening club will visit Westonbury Mill Water Gardens in Pembridge on June 25. The three- and-a-half-acre garden has many attractive features, including a wild flower meadow, streams and pools and several ornamental follies. Other unusual creations range from a sparkling grotto made out of wine bottles to a giant cuckoo clock which has been featured on TV. The afternoon visit will be followed by a meal at The Boot in Orleton and the whole trip costs £20 for members and £22 for guests. Call 01588 660753 to book a place.

GARDEN IN THE HILLS – Marehay Farm at The Gatten, Ratlinghope, is open to visitors on Sunday, from 11am until 6pm as part of National Gardens Scheme. Admission £3 for adults, plants and afternoon teas will be on sale. The one-and-a-half-acre garden features pools and waterfalls, and stands in a very remote part of the county, beneath the Stiperstones at 1,100 feet above sea level. Call 01588 650289 for details.

BISHOPS CASTLE TOWN HALL CELEBRATION ARCH – Celebrate the opening of the renovated Bishops Castle town hall by helping to decorate an arch outside the main entrance. People are invited to contribute something they have made to decorate an arch to stand outside the main entrance for the weekend of June 21-22. Plan is to keep or return decorative items to the makers, so labels are available to write the name and organisation on and a message or a wish for the town hall. Say if you want your item back. Willow whips and ideas for shapes can be supplied. It may be possible to supply a ready-made framework, but availability is limited. Contact Evelyn Bowles 01588 638 851 or evelynbowles@ decorich.plus.com.

BISHOPS CASTLE DIARY, June 5-11.

THURSDAY – Bishops Castle Town Hall volunteers’ fair. Town Hall. 3.30pm-6.30pm.

  • Hatha yoga – Marj Cook. Bishops Castle Town Hall. Weekly. 6pm. Call 07713 621586.
  • Fit Steps fitness class – Ruth Morriss. Bishops Castle Town Hall. Weekly. 7.15pm. Call 01743 891561.
  • Bishops Castle Civic Society AGM. Speaker Colin Richards – Shelve Lead Mines.

Methodist Hall, Bishops Castle. 7.30pm.

  • Presentation evening for Dr Adrian Fairbanks, Dr Sue Lambert and Nurse Eleri Fairbanks. Inn on the Green, Wentnor. 7.30pm.
  • Film. 12 Years a Slave (15). SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle. £4.50/£3. 7pm. Call 01588 630321 or 638038.
  • Bishops Castle Walking Group. Sandstone trail. Ten miles. Bookings only on 01588 650451.

FRIDAY – Folk dance musicians’ workshop. Lydham village hall. £25. 10am. Folk dance. £5. 4.30pm. Call 01743 891117.

  • Opera. Madame Butterfly - Puccini. Walcot Hall ballroom, Lydbury North. £55/ £90. Reception 6.30pm, opera 7.30pm. Call 01588 680570.

SATURDAY – Strawberry tea and stalls. Abbeyfield House, Oak Meadow, Bishops Castle. 2pm. Call 01588 630000.

  • Flea market. Bishops Castle Town Hall. First Saturday of the month. 9am.
  • Auction sale. Public Hall, Bishops Castle. Call 01743 462763.
  • Exhibition of paintings. The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea . Three Tuns, Bishops Castle. 11am-10pm.
  • Opera. Madame Butterfly - Puccini. Walcot Hall ballroom, Lydbury North. 01588 680570 n Supper and music for Christian Aid. Music by Invoice. Upper Bent Farm. £10.
  • Norbury School PTA. Batch Burner 48km. Cycle challenge. Norbury village hall10am.

TUESDAY – AGM. Bishops Castle Patients Group. Public Hall, Bishops Castle. 7pm.

  • Bishops Castle Walking Festival, until next Thursday, June 12. Call 01588 630531.
  • Bishops Castle Walking Festival. Shropshire Food and Entertainment. Bishops Castle Town Hall. £13. 7.30pm. Tickets from Lissi Swales 01588 630531.
  • Mainstone WI. Foraging Wild Plants for Medicinal Use –Rob Rowe. Village hall. 7.30pm.

WEDNESDAY – Bishops Castle cricket club. Junior Kwik cricket and barbecue. Lydham Manor Ground, Bishops Castle. 6pm, 07779 844613.

If you have any news for the paper, or a coming event to promote, please hand a note addressed to Julia Parker over the counter at Bishops Castle Post Office. She sends news to the paper every week. Her phone number is 01588 680445.The email address is jparker228@btinternet.com.

 

Clun

JENNY WATTS – The sweet sound of Jenny Watts accordion will no longer be heard in Clun. Well known and well loved in the town, Jenny had come here as a young bride and lived here until her death on May 19. Many people will remember her playing Christmas carols in Davies newsagents every year to raise money for Hope Children’s Hospice. Born into a musical family, Jenny learnt to play the organ and played at services in Clun Chapel. Her great love was the accordion and she was in many bands over the years, accompanied carol singers round streets of Clun and played at many local events. In interview with Elizabeth Wilkins for Clun Courier in 2000 she said of her accordion “next to my family, it’s what I treasure most in life.”

OPEN FARM SUNDAY – Brynmawr Farm near Newcastle will be opening its gates to visitors on Open Farm Sunday, and promises a fascinating and enjoyable day out for the family. Open Farm Sunday is organized by Leaf, a national organisation promoting sustainable farming and is an annual event with hundreds of farms across the country joining in to give people opportunity of finding out how food is grown and produced sustainably and talk to the farmers. Brynmawr Farm is an organic hill farm that maintains biodiversity by breeding native sheep and cattle and grows organic vegetables and cereals for animal food. It has hay meadows, water meadows, designated Shropshire Wildlife sites and native breeds graze two Shropshire Nature Reserves close by. There will be lots to see and do including a farm tour, sheep shearing, nature walks and refreshments. Admission is free. Find Brynmawr Farm, Newcastle on Clun SY7 8QU on Google/Satnav. This is ninth Open Farm Sunday. Find more about LEAF at www.farmsunday.org, www.leafuk.org, or 02476 413911.

FILM - Much Ado About Nothing (12A) showing at Clun Memorial Hall Saturday. Starts 7.30pm, tickets on door, adult £4.50, under 16 £2.50; disabled access inc hearing loop, interval refreshments.

CHURCH SERVICES - Pentecost Services on Sunday start with holy communion at St George’s Church Clun at 8am, followed by a joint service at Clun Methodist Church. On Tuesday there is a 10am service at Trinity Chapel, Clun.

WALKING FOR HEALTH - Every Tuesday at 10.30am a group meet at the Maltings Café in Clun for a short walk of 30-60 minutes round Clun town. Walks are led by a trained leader and are friendly and welcoming. If you would enjoy a short, gentle walk with company come along and join in. Walk leaders are also needed. Free training is provided and the next training day is June 30, at the Discovery Centre, Craven Arms. If interested contact Helen d’Albert 01743 255059 or email helen.d’albert@shropshire.gov.uk CLUN RAMBLERS – Clun Ramblers’ next walk is on Wednesday, led by Clarissa and Clivek. Meet at Clun Memorial Hall car park at 9.30am. Sorry no dogs.

YOUTH CLUB AGM – Clun Youth Club AGM is on Wednesday at 6.45pm. Please contact Ruth Forshaw on 01588 640152 for confirmation of venue if you would like to attend.

NEWCASTLE GARDEN SOCIETY OUTING – Newcastle Garden Society are visiting Birmingham Botanical Gardens next Thursday, June 12. These 15 acres of gardens were designed in 1829 by JC Loudon and include four glasshouses with tropical, sub tropical, Mediterranean and arid plants and they also house the British Bonzai collection. The many gardens include a grass garden, bog garden, azalea walk, rose garden, Alpine yard and the Jekyll walk to the herbaceous borders. Cost including coach is £15. Leaves Newcastle at 8.45am, Clun 9am and returns at about 5.30pm. Contact Carol Gurney 01588 640163 or Stan Wild 01588 640241.

SENIOR CITIZENS OUTING – Clun senior citizens off to Welshpool Station for lunch and ride on Welshpool Llanfair railway next Thursday, June 12. Everyone welcome to join them, Margaret Jones 01588 640595.

If you have any news or events in Clun Valley, contact Elisabeth Taylor, email: elisabeth777@btinternet.com 01981 540893. Deadline is Thursday of the week before publication.

 

Richards Castle

JEAN MARTYN CONCERT – Jean Martyn (finalist on Britain’s Got Talent) will be giving a recital in the village hall Wednesday 7.30pm. The programme will include classical, traditional, jazz and pop music, played on piano, organ and keyboard. Tickets £8 from 07811 266454, or email: bookings@rcvh.co.uk.

 

Stoke Bliss and Kyre

QUIZ NIGHT AND SUPPER – Stoke Bliss and Kyre new village hall, Saturday, 7pm for 7.30pm. Veggie option and raffle. Bring your own drink. £8 per person. Come as a team of four, or be sorted on arrival. Contact Jan Kelly 01885 429588 or Jan Powell 01885 410598. All proceeds to village hall funds.

 

Tenbury

TENBURY LIBRARY CHOIR – ‘Sing for You – Songs from Around the World’, at Tenbury Methodist Church next Thursday, June 12 at 7.30pm. Refreshments will be available, and tickets are £5 on the door. Proceeds will be shared between Cafe 27 and church funds. All are welcome!

TENBURY WEEBLES – Are you interested in starting a group where your wobbles are accepted and understood, where you know you are not alone, whether your own wobbles or living with a wobbly one - for encouragement, social events, support, whatever you choose to make it.

Contact Helen 01584 819649 or helen_goolwahotmail.com.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – Next meeting of the Tenbury Wells branch will be held at first floor of the Royal Oak June 18 commencing at 8pm.

LEGAL ADVICE AND INFORMATION SESSION – For parents and carers. In association with Tenbury LD Carers Group. Tuesday, 10am- 12noon, Cornwall Community Centre, Cornwall Gardens, Tenbury. An opportunity to hear Annabel Kay, solicitor, talk about: wills, trusts, lasting powers of attorney and information about statutory duties for local authorities and NHS in regard to care and support.

Carer and parent focused information about making wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts, tax planning and home ownership to protect estates of carers and those they care for and legal duties of statutory bodies. For more details: Worcestershire Association of Carers on 03000 124272 or referrals@carersworcs.org.uk or Sylvia Lacy, group facilitator, lacy388@btinternet.com. Places limited, please let members know you are coming as soon as possible.

TENBURY QUILTERS - Present an extravaganza of colour. Quilts and wall hangings in dazzling south sea colours on display in gallery at Tenbury Library during June.

TENBURY LIBRARY CHOIR – Will be singing for songs from around the world at Tenbury Methodist Church, next Thursday, June 12, 7.30pm. There will be a £5 entry on the door, which includes refreshments after the concert. Funds raised will be divided between Cafe 27 Tenbury, and church funds. All are very welcome.

SUMMER FETE – Tenbury Primary School tomorrow (Friday) at 5.30pm. Everyone welcome.

 

The Strettons

MARKETS – An enlarged charter market will take place in and around the square today (Thursday), when part of the high street will be closed. The country market at Mayfair Community Centre will also be open for business from 8.30am-12noon tomorrow (Friday).

MEETING – A meeting at Church Stretton School today (Thursday), at 6pm is for organisations working with young people in Church Stretton and surrounding area.

WALKING FESTIVAL – This year’s walking festival takes place from today (Thursday)-Sunday, offering walks of six-12 miles for all abilities. Chance to enjoy pub meal at the weekend is also available. Entry fee for walks is £6 and returnable deposit of £5 reserves a place at the meal. Ring 01694 724268 to find out more.

OFFICIAL OPENING – Local primary school children have been helping with some of the planting of the newly cleaned Rectory Field pond, and tomorrow (Friday), at 3.30pm when there will be an official opening by Sir Neil and Lady Cussons and the Wildlife Trust to mark the event. Members of the public are invited to attend, tea will be available in parish hall afterwards for those who wish but please let the caterers know you are going by ringing 01694 722361.

CYCLING FESTIVAL – The Longmynd cycling festival starts on Saturday until June 14, offering various activities for the whole family. On June 14, there will be learn to ride sessions which must be pre-booked by visiting www.travelshropshire.co.uk/long-mynd where further information about the event is also available.

COFFEE MORNING – Coffee morning and June fair takes place in the Methodist Hall Saturday, 10am- 12noon arranged by the Wives and Friends group. On sale will be cakes and produce, gifts and bric-a-brac and proceeds of the event will go to the Wellbeing Centre. Donations of items for any of the stalls welcome.

TICKLERTON FETE – Ticklerton fete will be held at the Orchards, Ticklerton Hall Saturday starting at 2.30pm, parking available at village hall. During the afternoon there will be afternoon teas, barbecue, stalls, tombola and a bran tub and there will be entertainment in the form of exotic eastern dancing and belly dancing.

RUGBY BARBECUE - Samurai rugby club offers pre-season training and
barbecue evening at Church Stretton School Saturday 5pm, and welcomes anyone interested in playing in a new under 17 team in September. The club is recruiting players of all abilities and experience, so go along if you would like to be part of the team.

OPEN MEETING - The Million Women Study is the subject of talk by Anna Brown, senior analyst programmer with the study, at Mayfair Community Centre, Monday promptly at 7.30pm. The study is population-based looking at factors which affect health of women in the UK in middle age and beyond. Meeting has been arranged by Strettons and Shropshire Cancer Care Group and is an open meeting to all who wish to attend.

INTERFAITH FORUM - SSIF will host a round table discussion at the Pilgrim Centre in Craven Arms SY7 9PB next Thursday, June 12, at 12.15pm. The subject of this discussion will be What price Democracy? and will be introduced by Rizvan Khalid. The discussions last for about one hour and those attending are invited to take their sandwiches if they wish as drinks are provided.

SWIFTS - The Stretton Area Community Wildlife Group is holding a series of meetings to look at how the swifts are using the built environment as there has been a decline in numbers breeding in the area, and during June and July it is possible to look for Swifts feeding young, going to rest in the evening and other activities. Please meet in the Market Square on Wednesdays during June and July at around 8.45pm, although meeting times may vary according to the time of sunset. To find out more please ring 01694 724170.

MAYFAIR - The lucky numbers in the May lottery were 477, 51, 509 and 401 each winning £100, £50, £20 and £10 respectively. To be in the lottery for the coming year sign up before the end of this month. There is a thank you from Mayfair Community Centre to all who supported the recent May Fair which raised £2,304.

LJC MEETING - At the recent LJC meeting held at Longnor village hall there were discussions on highways issues, flooding concerns, and the update of Church Stretton town plan, together with news from the parishes. A drive to reduce amount of litter from lorries is on council’s agenda.

CONCERT - The More Singers will be in concert at Church Stretton School June 14, with a programme called Reflections of Summer . Tickets £10 being sold through Burway Books, John Thomas Florists and some may be available at the door. Proceeds of the evening to the Pazapa charity.

COUNTRY SHENANIGANS - Frodesley Hall farm is the venue for summer country shenanigans June 15, by kind permission of Graham and Kath Davies. On offer, will be fun, food and music with supper. Ring 01694 731237 to find out more.

GUIDED WALK - Next guided walk in Rectory Wood and Field will take place June 17, from 2pm-4pm with the theme of History. Please meet at Rectory field entrance in Church Street by the Scout HQ.

SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB - Busy Bees pre-school will be offering summer holiday club for five weeks from July 23 until August 21, open Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am- 3pm, catering for children up to eight years of age. Call in to reserve a place or contact by email.

 

Border Marches Early Music Forum

MUSIC - June 15, music from Restoration Church and Court - BMEMF workshop for singers and instrumentalists. Tutors Steven Devine and Kate Semmens explore themes of love and death in music for the 17th century church and stage by Purcell, Croft and Blow, followed by evening recital given by the tutors. June 15, at Stockenny, New Radnor. Workshop, 10am to 5pm. £16 for Early Music Fora members, £18 for non-members, £5 for students. Recital 6.30-7.30pm, £5 (£4 for workshop participants), students free. Tel Marna Gowan 01684 565 707 email marna.gowan@btinternet.com. Further details www.bmemf.org.uk.