Bishop’s Castle

UGANDA VILLAGE UPDATE – Elisabeth and Michael Knight of Brocton, near Bishop’s Castle, invite everyone to a Uganda Evening in Bishop’s Castle Methodist Hall on Tuesday. Starting at 7.30pm, the couple will talk about the charity AGLM UK and its work at the Bulabakulu Children’s Village in Uganda. It’s a chance to ask questions, see pictures and hear about the village from four members of a team from Llandrindod Wells who went there in January. Elisabeth Knight says: “We were not able to go to Uganda this time but we’ll be able to share the experiences of those who did and get an update on what is happening there.” Tea, coffee and cakes will be served.

CREDIT UNION – The Bishop’s Castle information point for the Shropshire Credit Union will be closed for Bank Holiday Monday, May 25. It will be open as usual in the Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle on Monday between 10am and noon.

FIRE SAFETY TALK – The Bishop’s Castle and District Carers Group has its next meeting on May 18 at the Boars Head, Bishops Castle from 2pm to 4pm. The guest speaker is Sam Hamer from Shropshire Fire Service, who will be talking about different types of smoke alarms, escape plans and general fire safety. Everyone is welcome and if you are interested in finding out more about Bishops Castle and District Carers Group, ring 01694 722024 and ask for Jenny Englefield.

MEDIEVAL BOOK MARVELS – Members of the SW Shropshire Historical and Archaeological Society heard a talk recently on ‘The Making of the Medieval Book’ from Dr Brian Davies, an authority on the use of dyes and pigments in the production of medieval books and manuscripts. This was the society’s 15th annual Ritherdon Lecture. Dr Davies described the development of the techniques of printing and illustrating books and manuscripts. His eloquent and fascinating presentation was enhanced by brilliant computer imagery, enabling the audience to understand how, using quite simple implements and a limited choice of pigments, artists were able to produce breathtakingly beautiful illustrations. The lecture was highly informative, combining explanation of quite complex chemical processes with a strong historical framework. Everyone agreed that this had been an outstanding conclusion to a most enjoyable and varied season of lectures. The SWSHAS annual outing is to The Big Pit at Blaenavon (including a trip underground), and the Welsh National Mines Memorial, near Caerphilly, on June 13. There are still a few seats left on the coach, which leaves the Boar’s Head in Bishop’s Castle at 8.30am, returning about 6.30pm. There is no charge for the visit; the only expense is the cost of the coach, which is £10 per person. All are welcome; call 01588 650610 before Wednesday if you would like to come.

SCHOOL FAIR SUCCESS – The Friends of Bishops Castle Primary School held an extremely successful Easter fair on March 27. Michelle Jones, a member of the Friends committee said: “We had wonderful support from parents and members of the community and they helped us raise a total of £731.”

WALKS WITH A THEME – Bishop’s Castle Walking Festival began May 1, with three weeks of walks to suit local people and visitors alike. One of the organisers is Lesley Baddeley and she says: “The festival covers two Bank Holidays and there is a huge range of guided walks on offer, from one to 15 miles. As we are surrounded by the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s not surprising that all the walks are in beautiful places. But there’s even more; walks with a special theme include a wander around the village of Wentnor with a local geologist, exploring old lead mines sites and restored miners’ cottages, a wild flower walk and walks for children and for dogs.”

BISHOPS CASTLE DIARY May 7-9

THURSDAY: Wine tasting with Tanners Wine. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £15. 7pm. Call 01588 630023.

  • Live music. The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle.
  • Art exhibition ‘This Floating World’– Lin Brown. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Until May 23. Call 01588 630023.

FRIDAY: Live music. Cahalen Morrison and Eli West. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. £11/£7. 7.30.pm. Call 01588 630321/638038.

SATURDAY: Bishop’s Castle May Fair. Rides on Auction Yard. Continues Sunday.

  • Bishop’s Castle Round and About walk.
  • Live music. Thin Vision. The Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. Free. 9pm.

SUNDAY: ‘Bring and Share Memories.’ Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Call 01588 630023.

  • Christian Aid week. House collections.
  • Rev John Saxbee, former Bishop of Lincoln and Ludlow. Christian Aid service. Bishop’s Castle Church. 6.30pm.
  • M & J Travel day trip to Ralph Court Gardens. Call 01588 640273.

MONDAY: n Monthly craft workshop. Needle Felting – Clare Linford.Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £5 + materials. 6pm. Book 01588 630023.

TUESDAY: Film. The Theory of Everything (12A). SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle. £4.50/£3. 7pm. Call 01588 630321.

  • Mainstone WI. Four Corners (handicrafts). Mainstone village hall 7.30pm.

WEDNESDAY: Talk – Sex and the Single Pearl – Mike Kelly. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. £3.50. 7.30pm. Tel 01588 630023.

  • Cash bingo for charity. Bishop’s Castle Public Hall. 8pm.
  • Footpath Walking Group. Mellington. Four miles. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishop’s Castle. 9.30am. Call 01588 620668.
  • AGM. Lydbury North Community Shop Association. Lydbury North Village Hall. 7pm.
  • Bookworms. Dr Nick Mansfield. Lydbury North Village Hall. £3. 7.30pm. call 01588 680302.

CORRESPONDENT – Any news or coming event, please hand a note addressed to Julia Parker over the counter at Bishops Castle Post Office. Her phone number is 01588 680445, email jparker228@btinternet.com.

 

Clun

CAFE ON THE GREEN – The Cafe on the Green at Newcastle Community Centre reopened yesterday, and will be open every Wednesday from 10.30am to 4.30pm, serving delicious homemade soup, savouries, cakes and tea and coffee. All welcome.

VE DAY CELEBRATIONS - Tomorrow, it will be 70 years since peace was declared in Europe as the Second World War drew to its end. Here, in Clun, they will be celebrating that special day with a party at the Memorial Hall in Clun. The wonderful ‘( not so ) Little Big Band ‘ from Craven Arms will be playing music from the era and there will be a space to dance and a chance to sing along. A bar will operate all evening with hot drinks and cake available at the interval. Come along dressed from the 40s if you want, a prize will go to the best, but it is totally optional. It starts at 7.30pm and seating will be cabaret style. Tickets, costing £8, can be bought from Davies Newsagents or Brights Flowers in Clun or by contacting us on 01588640315. Do come along and join the party! Enjoyment is guaranteed! Any profits will go to the British Legion Poppy Appeal. Barry and Tricia Oldham ( Poppy Appeal Organisers ).

BIRD SONG WALK - Expert local ornithologist, John Tucker will lead an Early Morning Bird Song Walk at Clunton Coppice on Saturday. Up to thirty woodland species may be heard at this time of year when birdsong is particularly rich. Booking essential, john.tucker@lanius.org.uk or 01588 660380. £4 Shropshire Wildlife Trust members, £5 non members. Optional breakfast at The Crown at Clunton £7.

COFFEE MORNING - There will be a coffee morning at Clun Methodist Chapel on Saturday at 10am.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS - The Hundred Foot Journey (PG) is showing at Clun Memorial Hall on Saturday. Drifting through Europe after fleeing political violence in India that killed the family restaurant business and their mother, the Kadams arrive in France. Once there, a chance auto accident and the kindness of a young woman, Marguerite, in the village of Saint-Antonin-Noble- Val inspires Papa Kadam to set up a Indian restaurant there. Unfortunately, this puts the Kadams in direct competition with the snobbish Madame Mallory’s acclaimed haute cuisine establishment across the street where Marguerite also works as a sous-chef, resulting in an escalating rivalry that threatens to go too far. Starring Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal. Tickets adult: £4.50 child: £2.50, 7.30pm. Running time 122mins. Enquiries 01588 640254.

CLUN RAMBLERS - Clun Ramblers next walk is on Wednesday. Meet at Clun Memorial Hall car park at 9.30am. Sorry no dogs.

GARDEN SOCIETY - Newcastle Garden Society’s next meeting is next Thursday, May 14, at Newcastle Community Centre, starting at 7.30pm. All welcome.

PURSLOW HALL GARDEN PARTY - There will be a garden party at Purslow Hall on May 17, from 2.30pm to 5pm, by kind permission of James and Annabel Morris. Entrance to the garden and entertainment by Rapsquillion £3. Refreshments will also be available. Held in aid of Clun Good Friends, part of Clun Valley Good Neighbours Scheme. Further information from Carolyn Lewis 01588 640477.

ON YER BIKE FOR A SPORTING BARGAIN - Arts Alive and Rideventures are gearing up for the inaugural Tour d’ Arts Alive on June 28: two fantastic, non-competitive cycling ‘sportives’ based in the glorious – and challenging! – South Shropshire hills and accompanied by a host of free cycling-themed activities for families, friends and everyone else! April sunshine has brought a rush of interest; rates of booking have doubled in the last month. And experienced riders are noting that The Clun Sportive is a bargain at £20! Says one London-based entrant: ‘With the popularity of cycling at the moment entry fees are rising; for most rides they start at around £25. I’ve only seen one event cheaper than the Tour d’ Arts Alive – which has all the added value of fun for the non-cycling members of the family too.’ There are two rides, one of 100k with some serious hills and one rather less challenging of 50k. Rides start and finish in Clun, where all the fun events kick off at noon. Full details of the two sportives at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/123915/The- Clun-Sportive#about and more information about the day as a whole at www.artsalive.co.uk/tour. The Tour d’ Arts Alive is a fund raising event for Arts Alive, the charity that brings professional live theatre, music and dance, big screen films and live satellite screenings to communities all over Shropshire and Herefordshire. Enjoyed by thousands!

If you have any news or events in the Clun Valley, contact Elisabeth Taylor, email: et@myphone.coop 01981 540893. The deadline is the Wednesday of the week before publication.

 

Knowbury

ANTIQUES FUNDRAISER - There will be an antiques valuation event at 7pm tomorrow in Knowbury Memorial Hall in aid of hall funds. Tickets are £1 for audience only or £5 for a professional valuation of up to three items. Tea and biscuits are included in the price. Organisers are asking for only small items to be brought; please bring a photograph of anything big. For more information please call John Hughes on 810882 or George Williams on 890923.

 

Norbury

NORBURY WI NEWS - Norbury and District WI April 9. The evening meeting at the current venue will be the very last before the existing hall makes way for the new one. President, Rita Preston welcomed everyone including visitors and new members. Business was commenced with much news of many forthcoming events for Norbury and District WI, also county events which include AGM on May 6, held at Theatre Severn, please remember the Denman dip another chance to win by placing £1 in an envelope on the actual day! We have several ladies going to this all-day event. Reminder for darts, practice is each Monday evening at The Crown, Wentnor.

Rita Preston then introduced our speaker Ruby Jarrett, she entertained us with hula hooping which she makes herself in various sizes/ colours. Ruby, brought up in a circus performing acts of balance etc etc is incredibly agile, she told us of life in a touring circus. Ruby was a delight putting everyone at their ease and encouraging members all to have a go with a hoop! It is not easy to do but we were told our fitness would improve with practice. There was much laughter going on when some of the ladies ‘had a go’ some got it immediately others well, say no more! Thoughts of exercise were quickly ignored as members’ enjoyed a lovely supper produced by Margaret Rowson, Krystyna Lawson and helping hands from others, too.

The competition this month was to compose a limerick on hula-hooping - brilliant poets! 1st Christina Mansell, 2nd Rita Preston, 3rd Brenda Jones. Next meeting will be next Thursday, May 14, 7.30pm at The Crown Inn, Wentnor, SY9 5EE come along and join in. Visitors always welcome.

 

Tenbury

SOUP AND ROLL LUNCHES - with a pudding, will be held today at Tenbury Methodist Church Hall from 12.30pm. There will be a small charge of £2.50 per person. All are welcome to come along and share some good company.

TENBURY RAMBLING CLUB - Walks for May. Wednesday, meet 10am at Tenbury swimming pool car park. Distance five and a half miles. Bring packed lunch. Gentle hills, field tracks. Bluebell wood if we are lucky. For details contact Jim Allen 01568 750546. May 30, meet 10am at Eastham telephone box. Distance six miles. Bring packed lunch. For details contact Charlie Wilcock 01584 819722.

COMMEMORATION OF V E DAY - The Royal British Legion Tenbury Wells Branch have been offered the opportunity to have a short service of commemoration at St Mary’s Church, Tenbury Wells, at 2pm tomorrow to celebrate V E Day. On Saturday from 10am until noon the RBL Tenbury Wells Branch will be singing outside the Regal Cinema. Some members of the Tenbury Wells Band will also be taking part. Please come along and support us if you are able to spare the time.

KNIGHTON ON TEME FETE - Will take place again this year. It is kindly being hosted by Mr and Mrs J Moreton at Mathon, Newnham Bridge, and will start at 2pm, July 11. This year we are asking for any items suitable for either a White Elephant Store and items/pledges for a silent auction store. Can anyone wishing to donate or pledge any items please contact Kay on 01584 781910. I can collect any bulky items or you can leave smaller items in my porchway. Thank you. Kay Redfern, Knighton on Teme Events Committee.

FAMILY CAR TREASURE HUNT - Leaving the Nags Head car park on Saturday at 11am, finishing at Lindridge School for a barbecue. £5 per car to enter, please get tickets from Lindridge School office or email karen-k.aren@me.com.

LINDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL - The next meeting is the annual parish meeting and annual meeting on Wednesday at 7pm at Lindridge Parish Hall.

TEME VALLEY WILDLIFE GROUP - The next meeting of TVWG is next Thursday, May 14, when members welcome Peta Samms talking on Swifts. The meeting is at Rochford Village Hall at 7.30pm, and as always it is just £2 on the door where everybody is most welcome. For up-to-date information on what wildlife is being seen in the area, or to give us your sightings, visit us at: www.temevalleywildlife.com.

EASTHAM MEMORIAL HALL - Management Committee AGM, Tuesday, 7.30pm. This is an opportunity for the parish to hear what the committee has done over the last year and what we are hoping to achieve in the year ahead. We would be happy to hear your comments and views, and we would be happy to answer any questions.

EASTHAM’S MIDDLE EASTERN EVENING - Join in at Eastham Memorial Hall May 16, 7pm, for a belly dancing evening, promising to be full of fun and laughter. Authentic Middle Eastern menu: Cold Meze starters, Lamb Tajine served with Cous Cous and salad leaves (vegetarian option available), selection of deserts, tea/coffee, £15 per person. Bar and raffle. Book early to avoid disappointment. Call Rachel 01584 781335 or email easthammemorialhall@gmail.com.

 

The Strettons

FRIDAY MARKET - The Friday market continues at Mayfair Community Centre selling home-made cakes, produce and craft items and is open from 8.30am-noon.

SPONSORSHIP - While Shayne from Kaboodle is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as he tackles a half marathon at Hereford for Classrooms in the Clouds, Elaine from the Post Office is doing a tandem sky dive in June for the Blind so any donations for either will be welcome. Sam Goddard of Church Stretton’s PTA is climbing Snowdon in May for the charity Empathy which helps children with Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, and Dispraxia to enjoy fun filled recreation. Sam can be contacted on 01584 841618 and to sponsor her efforts visit www.goldengiving.com/ fundraising/madness.

CRICKET CLUB - The Cricket Club would like to hear from anyone interested in joining the club as all ages welcome. To find out more telephone 01743 872499.

DOG WALKERS - The Cinnamon Trust is looking for volunteers who are prepared to help elderly or terminally ill pet owners who are unable to walk their dogs, and even one walk a week would make all the difference. If anyone can help please ring 01736 757900 to offer.

RECYCLING - To help with the recycling of low-energy light bulbs Sandford Hardware now has a special recycling box but does not accept LED or tungsten bulbs.

RNLI - On Saturday, the local RNLI fundraisers are hosting a quiz night at the District Social Club starting at 7.30pm when Ken Willis will be the question-master.

SCHOOL NEWS - There is a visit planned to Ludlow Museum and Castle for class three. At Church Stretton School the under 13 boys were runners –up in the South Shropshire rugby final but the year 10 boys were successful in winning the football title. Head of PE Tom Ward took part in the London Marathon. A year nine student has been successful in gaining a place in the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain and has also passed grade seven trombone with merit. The school students have taken part in a talent show at the school judged by a panel of governors.

In the Much Wenlock Music and Arts Festival held just before Easter two students, members of the same local family, were successful with one winning a gold medal for acting and highly commended for musical theatre while the other one won silver for solo singing and a gold medal in the duet singing class.

CHORAL SOCIETY - The Choral Society will be presenting Messiah, the complete works by G F Handel on Saturday, at Church Stretton School at 7pm. The conductor will be Paul Kelly. Tickets sales are through Burway Books, John Thomas Florists and choir members and some may be available at the door.

GREEN PARTY - A Green Party meeting on Monday, will be held at the Bucks Head at 10.30am and will be a post- election semi-social meeting when all will be welcome.

SPRING FAIR - The Wives and Friends will be hosting a spring fair and coffee morning at the Methodist Hall on May 16, from 10am-noon,with cakes, produce, books and gifts on sale. Admission is £1 for adults, children free, and all proceeds will go to the Air Ambulance.

PLANT SALE - The Liberal Democrats host their annual plant sale in St Milburga’s Car Park on May 16, open from 10am with home grown quality plants of many varieties at bargain prices.

OUTING - The Gardening Club is arranging a visit to Hergest Croft, Kington, Herefordshire, on May 21, leaving at 10am-4pm. Hergest Croft features an old-fashioned kitchen garden, flower borders, an azalea garden, maple grove and Park Wood. In the house there is a gift shop, tea rooms, and also a plant nursery. The coach picks up at Sandford Nursing Home and Beaumont Road in Church Stretton. When travelling south there is a pick-up at the Old Post Office in Craven Arms by arrangement. To check this out and enquire for seats please ring 01694 720131.

 

Westhope

CLOVER CLUB - Thirty-five members and friends of Westhope Clover Club have just returned from a wonderful holiday in Eastbourne, staying at the Hadley Hotel. There were two day- trips, travelling through villages in Essex, Surrey and Suffolk, where all the cherry trees and magnolia trees were in bloom. Also visited Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and the market town on Arundel. Many thanks to Leyland and Bob who organised the holiday, and to Charlie who did the driving. The Grand National winners in the Clover Club sweepstake were: 1 Sheila Austin £20, 2 Dot Clinton £10, 3 Dennis Jubb £5, 4 Sarah Hall £5.