Bayton

FLOWER AND DOG SHOW - Eastham’s 46th annual flower and dog show is being held on the Millennium green and in the memorial hall. It will be opened by Gruffalo at 1.30pm on August 17. There will be a barbecue and bar so come along and have lunch. Afternoon teas with home-made cakes, and ice creams will be available all afternoon. All the usual stalls and games, this year the dog show will take centre stage in the middle of the green. All welcome, WR15 8NP will get you there.

 

Bishops Castle

VIGIL TO REMEMBER WAR - The Bishops Castle branch of the Royal British Legion will lead a vigil at the town’s war memorial on Monday, from 10pm-11pm. Both the men’s and women’s sections of the RBL will take part to remember those who gave their lives in the First World War.

The vigil will be followed by an outdoor service at the war memorial which is in the churchyard of Bishops Castle. Candles will be lit during the service, with the last one extinguished at 11pm, marking exactly 100 years since the moment ‘the lamps went out over Europe’ as Britain went to war with Germany in 1914. British Legion members hope local people will join them at 10pm to take part in what will be a nationwide event to mark outbreak of war 100 years ago.

WORLD WAR ONE EXHIBITION - An exhibition looking at life in Bishops Castle during the First World War opens in Bishops Castle town hall on August 9. The SW Shropshire Historical and Archaeological Society, Bishops Castle Church and Bishops Castle Heritage Resource Centre have got together to display objects, photographs and documents relating to the countdown to the war, the first battles, early war poetry and illustrations of life in the town from 1914-18. In addition, preliminary results of research work on the biographies of Bishops Castle men who fought in the war and did not return will also be on show. The exhibition costs £3 to enter and is open on August 9, 10.30am-5pm and on August 10, 10.30am-4pm. Proceeds will go to Bishops Castle town hall funds.

TEME SPARC - Teme SpArC in Bishops Castle is offering an active programme of multi activity days for children aged six-12 in the month of August. Staff have lined up football, netball, indoor rounders, badminton, basketball and lots more with each session lasting five hours. The cost is £10 a day and the dates are August 5, 8, 19 and 22. Children will need to bring a packed lunch.

To book a place call 01588 630243 or call in at Teme SpArC. Don’t forget the swimming pool is open too, with extended holiday opening hours.

NEW LEAFLETS - Three new leaflets about Bishops Castle have been published and are available free at the town hall. The first is a picture map of the town designed by Wistanstow artist Katy Alston and produced by the Bishops Castle Christmas lights committee. The reverse features a map of the country around Bishops Castle together with advertisements for local businesses and shops. The other two publications are a handy guide to where to stay and where to eat in Bishops Castle, both produced by the Bishops Castle and Clun Tourism Interest Company, a not for profit group that promotes tourism in the immediate area.

LETTERS LINK WITH WAR - A one woman performance based on letters from the First World War comes to Bishops Castle town hall on Sunday, with performances at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

My Dearest Girls, Helen’s Story is based on a unique set of letters sent between six Shropshire women from 1917-1920. The show’s writer and performer, Francesca Millican Slater, has developed a short piece, Helen’s Story , focusing on one of the six women.

Commissioned by Arts Alive and Shropshire Archives and funded through the Shropshire First World War Community Consortium the show will tour locally and nationally over the next four years. Sam Hine from Bishops Castle town hall said, “To make this a really good day we are offering guided tours of the house on Crutches Museum and vintage teas within the ticket price.” Tickets £7, children 16 and under and students £3.50. Book on 01588 630023 and online at www.bishopscastletownhall.co.uk.

100 CLUB DRAW - Peter and Carol Griffiths have won £18.75 in the 100 club draw for June in aid of Lydham Church. David Jones won £11.25 and Rosemary Farr won £7.50. There were 75 tickets in the draw this month. if you want to join call Jimmy Garnier on 01588 638379.

MEMORIAL TRACTOR RUN - The annual David Hudson memorial tractor run took place on July 27, leaving from Mainstone House near Bishops Castle. This was the seventh such event, set up by relatives to remember David who died suddenly in 2007. Tractors followed a 25-mile route that took in a coffee break at Brunslow Farm near Lydbury North and supper at the Crown Inn at Wentnor. Last year’s run raised almost £1000, shared between the British Heart Foundation and the Midlands Air Ambulance.

FORAGING WILD PLANTS - Mainstone WI held their June meeting in the village hall with Sandra Davies presiding. Sheila Leeke gave her report on the AGM held in Leeds and members heard about an invitation from Churchstoke WI to join them for their meeting on July 2, when cartoonist Michael Whittall will be the guest speaker. Churchstoke have also asked Mainstone members to go on their trip to the Electric Mountain on September 30.

The speaker for the evening was Rob Rowe who described Foraging Wild Plants for Medicinal Use . Members went outside to discover and taste various leaves and stalks for themselves. The competition for a collection of wild flowers was won by Emma Richards, 2nd Annette Owen, 3rd Fiona Glover and Ceinwen Richards. On June 26, Sheila Leeke, Margaret Adams, Olwen Watkins and Cynthia Jones followed the Shropshire Way from Bishops Castle to Mainstone as part of the County Walk Shropshire Way.

BISHOPS CASTLE DIARY - July 31-August 6.

THURSDAY: NT Live.

  • Skylight by David Hare. Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy. SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle. 7pm. Book on 01588 630321 or 638038.
  • Open variety night with Fuzz Townshend. The Bridges, Ratlinghope. Free. 7.30pm.
  • Pony day. Walcot Stables, Lydbury North. Open to all children. 10am-4pm. Call 01588 680514.

SATURDAY: Flea market. Bishops Castle town hall. First Saturday of the month. 9am.

  • Auction sale. Public hall, Bishops Castle. Call 01743 462763.

SUNDAY: Play. My Dearest Girls. Stories of First World War. Bishops Castle town hall. £7. 11.30am and 2.30pm. Call 01588 630023.

MONDAY: RBL Great War vigil. Bishops Castle war memorial. 10pm- 11pm. Service 10.30pm.

  • Citizens Advice. Enterprise House, Bishops Castle, 10am-12 noon.
  • Tai Chi class. Lydbury North village hall. Weekly. 11am. No class Aug 25.
  • Great War commemoration candle procession from Lydbury North war memorial. 9pm.

TUESDAY: Multi activity sports day, ages six-12. Teme SpArC, Bishops Castle. £10. 10am-3pm 01588 630243.

WEDNESDAY: Bishops Castle walking group. Leominster. 12 miles. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishops Castle. 9.30am. Call 01588 650451.

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. Call 01588 680445, email: jparker228@btinternet.com.

 

Clun

GREEN PARTY LEADER VISITS CLUN - Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green Party is visiting the Food Bank in Clun tomorrow at 4.30pm to meet staff and volunteers and discuss the Green Party approach to creating a fair and just society where everyone can earn a living wage.

“The South Shropshire Green Party is to be congratulated on its efforts to bring green policies to the forefront in Shropshire,” said Natalie Bennett.

“The distinctive green offer of social justice, living wage, reducing inequalities, abolition of bedroom tax, environmental improvements and ban on fracking has great deal to offer Shropshire and I am very pleased to support these efforts.”

Janet Phillips, Green Party host for Natalie’s visit, is delighted that Natalie has chosen to visit Shropshire. “She brings a wealth of experience around the key principles of green politics and we are looking forward to hearing her strong messages.” The Green Party is working hard to give voters the chance to vote green in the 2015 general election and in the Shropshire Council election 2017 and Natalie is keen to give her support to green policies in Shropshire and the election of green politicians at all levels. In the by-election in Leominster on July 17, Green Party candidate, Jennifer Bartlett, was elected to serve on Herefordshire Council. Currently there are 140 Green Party councillors in principal authorities in England. Green Party also has one MP, Caroline Lucas in Brighton, three members of the European Parliament, one member of the House of Lords, Jenny Jones and two members of London Assembly.

CLUN CARNIVAL AND SHOW - On Saturday, the carnival procession begins at 1pm and includes Knighton Town Silver Band, floats and historic vehicles. The crowning of the carnival queen, Alicia Morris, takes place at 1.30pm in the Square. The carnival queen is accompanied by her attendant, Rachel Lewis and flower girls, Cerys Marpole and Molly Wheeler. The show begins at 2pm and includes the show marquee with displays of flowers, produce, preserves and crafts, a jazz band, birds of prey, stalls, Knighton Silver Band, Zumba dancing, children’s entertainers, back to basics, bouncy castle, obstacle course, tea tent and bar. There is also the dog show - entry on the day.

CLUN ART AND CRAFT SHOW - Clun art and craft show on Saturday from 10am-6pm and on Sunday from 10am-12 noon at Hightown community room - lots of work by the Clun Valley’s many talented artists and crafts people.

LIVE MUSIC - Carnival music in Clun includes folk night with Rapsquillion at the Sun Inn today from 8.30pm and Texas Dust at the White Horse Inn tomorrow from 9pm.

Saturday there will be a barbecue at the White Horse Inn from 6pm with music.

CLUN BOWLING CLUB - Final of the Tom Beardsley Cup takes place at Clun bowling club at 7pm Saturday.

CARNIVAL PRAISE - Clun Methodist Church and St George’s welcome everyone to carnival praise on showground bandstand 11am Sunday.

WALKING FOR HEALTH - Short walk around the town every Tuesday. Meet at the Maltings Café at 10.30am.

CLUN RAMBLERS - Clun ramblers’ next walk is on Wednesday. Meet at Clun memorial hall car park at 9.30am. Sorry no dogs.

 

Far Forest

BINGO - Tomorrow at Far Forest village hall, 8pm. Friendly welcome.

POPPY APPEAL FOR OUR HERO’S - Barbecue August 16, 1pm start, at Far Forest village hall. Money raised goes to the Armed Forces and their families. Contact Helen 01299 266864, to hire hall call Pauline 01299 878581.

 

Richards Castle

FIRST WORLD WAR COMMEMORATION - There will be a civic service in All Saints’ church Sunday at 10.45am. After the service there will be a picnic on the church lawn, with commemorative cakes provided by the two parish councils. There will also be a display of the First World War memorabilia in the church, along with the unique poppy wreath, knitted and crocheted across the country by the readers of Women’s Weekly magazine and assembled in the village.

 

Tenbury

BOOKS, BOOZE AND BANTER GROUP - H E Bates appreciation evening from Pa Larkin to Uncle Silas , August 20, as this is an outside meeting can everyone please be at Tenbury Library by 7.15pm.

LITLE HEREFORD FÊTE - Easton Court A456, August 9, 2pm. £1 adults, children free. Birds of prey, novelty dog show 2.15pm, Tenbury Town Band, Jimmy Yuke, line dancing, stalls, activities, teas, etc.

PLAY CRICKET FOR TENBURY - Stumped for something to do this weekend? The group is looking fo players from 13 years of age to play on Saturdays and/or Sundays. Enjoy the view from the players’ balcony and a refreshing drink at the end of play in the Penlu Sports Club Bar. Get in touch via the Facebook page, just search for Tenbury cricket club, or call Tom Pugh on 07971 378306.

 

The Strettons

LIBRARY EVENTS - The local history advice session at the library allows access to research today and there are volunteers there to guide you 1pm- 4pm, and 2pm-3.30pm Alison Donald, education officer from the dog’s trust, will be bringing her dog Bertie along and she will be telling dog stories and giving advice about how to look after your dog. This is a drop-in session.

Next Thursday, August 7, there will be mythical craft sessions for children over five years from 2.30pm-3.30pm, with further mythical maze event on August 14.

WHERE’S WALLY? - Today is the last day for searching for Wally hiding in ten businesses around the town. The search lists are available at Burway Books. The grand draw of entries takes place on Saturday.

ARTS FESTIVAL - The arts festival continues today with an Oboe trio Pipers T hree at Church Stretton School at 7.30pm and follows on tomorrow with An Audience with Jenni Murray , at 7.30pm in Church Stretton School. Saturday there will be an illustrated talk on The Lost World of Bletchley Park with Sinclair McKay and this talk partners the publication of the first official illustrated history of the Second World War Code-breaking Centre at 7.30pm at Church Stretton School. The arts and crafts exhibition will remain open from 11am until the start of the evening programme. Tickets sales are through John R Thomas Florist and the Visitor Information Centre, and some may be available at the door.

FRIDAY MARKET - Friday market at Mayfair continues to be open from 8.30am-12 noon selling home-made cakes, preserves and craft items.

SERVICE - A commemorative service for First World War takes place on Sunday at St Laurence’s Church at 3pm. A parade to the church arranged by the Church Stretton branch of the British Legion will leave the District Social Club at 2.15pm.

DISCOVERY WALK - A discovery guided walk has been arranged by the AONB committee for Sunday under the heading Preparing for War in the Air and on the Rails . Further details on Twitter and Facebook.

YOUTH FORUM - Free play day for all south Shropshire youngsters has been arranged for Monday at Craven Arms.

FLAXMILL VISIT - The Church Stretton Area Local History group is planning a visit to the Shrewsbury Flaxmill on Monday at 7pm. To find out more ring 01694 720040 as car sharing has to be arranged.

YOGA - A Yoga summer school is planned for Thursday mornings in August at Leebotwood village hall from 10.30am-12 noon. £6 per session pay-as-you-go. To find out more ring 01694 724317.

FESTIVAL - Continues on Monday with a Cello Octet Cellophony at Church Stretton School, then moves to St Laurence’s Church Tuesday for an evening of piano music by Mark Bebbington at 7.30pm, Wednesday, Holding Up the Sky will provide a magical blend of myths and music of South East Asia with mischievous tales of a faraway world where anything can happen and probably will, 7.30pm in Church Stretton School, on this occasion interval refreshments will be of a South East Asian flavour. Next Thursday, August 7, offers a tea time concert at the Methodist Church at 3pm, when Manus Noble will be on guitar followed by tea in the hall. School’s Out will be presented at Church Stretton School at 7.30pm when the local youngsters will show off their performing arts talents following their workshops under the guidance of their coaches who will then present their own showcase. The arts and crafts exhibition will be open 11am- 6pm and later when there is an evening show at Church Stretton School.

JAZZ - August 8, the festival will present a jazz week-end with Tim Kliphuis Trio celebrating Stephane Grappelli at Church Stretton School, 7.30pm. On August 9, the Big Chris Barber Band is in concert at Concord College at 7.30pm as the festival finale. Arts and crafts exhibition will stay open daily 11am-6pm each day of the festival and remain open later when there is an evening performance at Church Stretton School. Ticket from Information Centre and John Thomas Florists and some may be available at the door for certain events. Free local transport may be arranged by ringing 01694 720025 during office hours.

FRINGE EVENTS - There will be an organ recital at St Laurence’s Church on Wednesday and at All Saints Church, Little Stretton on Monday and August 8.

PRAYERS - Prayers for a summer evening take place every Tuesday evening at 7pm during August at the Methodist Church. All welcome.

AUGUST WORKSHOPS - Scrappies is hosting school holiday workshops on Thursdays starting next Thursday, August 7, when the theme will be marvellous marble runs. Workshops will be from 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm. Booking is essential so ring 01694 7822511 or call in at the store. There will also be workshops on August 14, 21 and 28, each with a different theme.

SUMMER SCHOOLS - Rushbury School offers summer school days for ages two-11 on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am-3pm on August 11, 12, 18 and 19. Children need to take a packed lunch. Book in by ringing 07453 268154 or 07890 248627. Busy Bees pre-school in Church Stretton offers holiday summer school from 9am-3pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays up to August 21, and caters for youngsters up to eight years of age. Call in or email busybeespreschool@live.co.uk GARDENING CLUB - The Church Stretton and District gardening club is planning an outing to Abbeywood Gardens, Delamere, Cheshire, on August 13. To enquire for seats on the coach ring 01694 720131. The club will be presenting its summer show on August 30.

MUSIC FESTIVAL - Farmer Phil’s music festival at Near Gatten Farm, Ratlinghope, takes place from August 8-10. Camping is available and included in the ticket price and the event offers a main stage and acoustic stage each day, workshops, children’s area and variety stage, a fancy dress competition and more entertainment. Ring 01588 650 632.

SHROPSHIRE SMALLHOLDERS - The Shropshire smallholders will be out and about this month with a stand at Burwarton Show next Thursday, August 7, and at Minsterly show on August 9. Their regular monthly meetings will begin again in September.

 

Bockleton WI

THE July meeting was held in the parish hall with secretary Rosemary starting the meeting by reading the poem The Satnav by Pam Ayres which made everyone smile.

All members present made a material owl which will be entered into the August 20 biannual produce show, which will be held in the parish hall on Roamers Common, Bockleton.

Everyone is welcome to come along at 7.30pm when the doors open after judging. There is no charge and it is always interesting to look around the exhibits which range from produce, cookery and handmade items.

Afterwards you are welcome to join in for refreshments.

If you would like any information phone Rosemary on 01584 811066.

 

Ludlow Parish Wives

LUDLOW Parish Wives have had a very busy year raising money for The Severn Hospice.

At a recent well attended annual general meeting members watched proudly as Chris Cole, their treasurer, presented a cheque for £1,220 to Zoe Laurence who was representing the hospice.

This amount has been raised during the year as a result of members holding coffee mornings in their homes, selling raffle tickets and doing walks and many other events. Ludlow Parish Wives meet on Monday evenings, fortnightly between September and June. They meet at The Ludlow Christadelphian Hall and meetings start at 7.45pm. Membership is just £10 per year and meetings are £2 after membership. Anyone is welcome to come to two meetings to see what it’s like, they will cost £2.50 each time. All are welcome along to their first meeting on September 8.

For more information give their leader Jayne a call on 01584 873094.

 

Mamble Cum Bayton WI

PRESIDENT Val Evans welcomed members to the July meeting and thanked Pauline Blumer for organising the outing to the Elgar Centre.

The NFWI has asked members to share a moment of reflection on Monday, 100 years after the start of the First World War. “Lights Out”

asks that all house lights are turned off, with the exception of one candle or light, between 10pm and 11pm.

Final arrangements are being made for the visit to Worcestershire of the NFWI centenary baton. The institute will be part of the celebrations taking place at St Mary’s Church Tenbury Wells. The baton will be transported in one of three vintage cars from Tenbury Wells to the Wyre Forest Education Centre on September 13 and members are being encouraged to take part in some way.

From Wagons to Wheelbiers was an apt title for Alf Jenkins’s talk. He was born and grew up on Clee Hill and members enjoyed his amusing tales of his upbringing in the country pub, his childhood and school days. Alf was fortunate to pass the 11 plus and attend Ludlow Grammar School, where, initially, he found it difficult to understand his fellow pupils – and for them to understand him – as he spoke in the dialect of Clee Hill. This was formed over the years by the people who travelled to work in the quarries and mines. In the early 1900s, over 2000 men would be working in the three quarries on the hill. Alf has written many books on the countryside of South Staffordshire and Herefordshire, and has received an MBE for his work.

There is no meeting in Mamble village hall in August, but an informal visit to Stockton Bury gardens on August 13 for afternoon tea is being arranged. The next meeting is on September 8, at 7.30pm. Mrs Louise Hackney from Ludlow Fish House will be the speaker. The competition is a G related item and items are required for the trading stall.