Bishop’s Castle

ALIEN ATTACK - Rob Rowe from the Upper Onny Wildlife Group is scouring the river banks for a beautiful but treacherous plant invader. Himalayan balsam with its large bright pink flowers can grow up to three metres tall and catapult its seeds as far as seven metres, spreading over large sections of riverbank. It then spreads out into fields pushing out the native plants and leaving the river bank bare and liable to erosion. Rob explains what his group is doing to combat the Himalayan Balsam menace. He says: “The upper Onny river is relatively clear at the moment and with everyone’s help we are hoping to keep it that way. This project is being funded by the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Conservation Fund. If you spot Himalayan balsam or Japanese knotweed in the area between the Long Mynd and Corndon, please call me on 01588 630648 email rob@ robrowe.co.uk.

FAMILY TREASURE HUNT - Show your support for the Friends of Bishop’s Castle Primary School at a family treasure hunt tomorrow. The fun starts at 6.30pm in the Six Bells yard and it costs £3 for a team of up to five people to enter. As well as a treasure hunt there’s a raffle and a window spotting competition for children under nine. The Friends held their summer fair on July 11 and raised £1,235 for the school playground project.

TURN OF THE PEDAL - A group of 18 amateur cyclists met at Bishop’s Castle cricket ground recently to cycle 56 miles to Aberdovey to raise money for the charity Leukaemia Research Some of the more enthusiastic riders got there in less than three hours, others took six hours but everyone arrived safely. Thanks to the generous support of family, friends and work colleagues the total raised was £2,420. Organisers of the event were sisters Helen and Rowena Griffiths and they thanked everyone for their donations. Helen said: “Many of us know someone who has, or is affected by, leukaemia; this money will help go towards finding a cure. The enthusiasm and good will on the ride was also much appreciated, with people shouting encouragement from the roadside. Every turn of the pedal was made to feel worthwhile.”

HOUSE RENOVATIONS - A recent talk by Robert Gwyther in the Public Hall, Bishop’s Castle raised £510 for the Haematology Unit at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Mr Gwyther spoke about how he had bought and renovated 40 houses in the town in the 1960s and he showed pictures to illustrate the properties at different stages of their renovation. He thanks everyone for their support.

TRACTOR RUN AT MAINSTONE - The David Hudson Memorial Tractor Run will be on Sunday, leaving Mainstone House at 10am. Proceeds will go once again to the Midlands Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation. Please call Eileen on 01588 638378 for more details.

JUNE WINNERS - Ron Davies won £50 in the June draw for the Bishop’s Castle Church 100 Club. Diana Morris won £15 and Helen Griffiths won £10.

CLIMATE CHANGE MEETING - A group from Bishop’s Castle Church, backed by local Christian Aid members are meeting in the Six Bells, Bishop’s Castle on Monday, 7.30pm. Mike Plunkett is one of those involved and says: “The Social Responsibility Group wants to organise an event in the town on the subject of climate change to increase understanding and concern before the Bishop’s Castle Town Plan is put together. We want to encourage support for local action, and interest in the Town Plan Sustainability Group led by Mike Watkins. Everyone is welcome to come along.” A few days before the meeting, on Saturday there is an Eco Fair in Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, starting at 10am. Exhibitors include Lightfoot, the Household Energy Service, AONB, Shropshire Shuttle Bus, South Shropshire Furniture Scheme, ESP Energy, Veolia, Shropshire Hardwoods and The Food Garden. There will also be an electric car and an electric bike on show. Free entrance. Call 01588 630018.

KEEP THE LAST BANK IN TOWN - Since Barclays Bank closed in Bishop’s Castle in 2012, HSBC is the only bank in the town. Now it is feared this too might shut, following an announcement from HSBC that hundreds of branches are under threat. “There was a voluntary agreement that the last bank in town would keep open if the nearest bank was more than six miles away,” said Bishop’s Castle councillor, Charlotte Barnes.

“But this was relinquished in February. HSBC has already closed its Stretton and Craven Arms branches. When Barclays went, it had a significant impact on activity in town and presented inconvenience to businesses. The loss of our last bank will seriously damage the commercial offer of the town.”

“The Board of Enterprise South West is writing to HSBC to stress the importance of their presence in the town. Petitions and phone calls to Barclays had no effect at all,” said chairman, Peter Phillips. “But I hope that HSBC will be more responsive given that they are our last branch and that their next nearest is a very long way away.”

“It’s a pity that the banks cannot co- operate,” said Cllr Barnes. “While the footfall of an individual bank may be light, there must surely be enough for a combined,co-operating branch serving customers of a number of banks. Not so long ago, a Clearing Banks scheme operated, whereby one could pay in and withdraw at branches of any banks. We had Vince Cable’s office try to restore this in 2012 but they refused. Yet such an operation would satisfy both commercial and community requirements.” Charlotte Barnes 01588 638 040.

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

 

Bockleton

WI - The July meeting was held in the parish hall, it was a busy night with lots of events coming up to discuss, stonefruit preserve making, gardening workshop, a trip to Blenheim Palace, the ACM at Malvern to name a few.

Then we were treated to a Pimm’s and pudding evening with a quiz to keep our minds active while we slurped and chomped our way through the selection of goodies supplied by Denise and others.

The top scorers of the quiz were Rosemary and Angela. The competition of a homemade drink was won by Thelma, Ingrid, Rosemary.

We will again be entering at Tenbury Show on August 1, this year the category is 100 years of the WI so here goes.

 

Clun

CLUN CARNIVAL AND SHOW - The fun begins this week with a variety of events in the town leading up to Clun Carnival and Show on August 1.

CLUN CARNIVAL ART AND CRAFT SHOW - Clun carnival and show may only be on for one day, but you have the whole week beforehand to visit the Clun art and craft show at Hightown Community Room.

There is a lot of local talent in the Clun Valley and you can see it at this excellent annual exhibition, which starts with a grand coffee morning on Saturday at 10am. Everyone is invited. The show will run daily from 10am to 6pm all week and closes at noon on August 2. Entry is free, catalogue 50p. Further information from Joan and Nigel Kerry 01588 640401.

OPEN STUDIOS - Clun holds a concentrated pool of creative people ranging from woodworkers and blacksmiths, through sculptors, ceramic artists and video artists, to watercolour painters and cartoonists.

From Saturday until Monday you can follow the studio trail around Clun, starting at the art and craft show and taking you to eight studios where you will have a class to talk to these local artists, Russell Morris, Pauline Kiteley, Tom Barker, Josie Compton, Gordon Yapp, Vic Butt, Paul Bradley, Juliet Asher, Bronwyn Thomas and Gary Price-Hunt. Look out for the signs and posters. Studios will be open from noon to 5pm on Saturday, and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday and Monday.

CARNIVAL CREAM TEAS - Enjoy a delicious cream tea at Castle Farmhouse, 9 Church Street Clun, on Sunday from 3pm to 5pm, by kind invitation of Sue Dowell.

OPEN GARDEN - The Hollies, Rockhill, Clun will be open on Sunday from 2pm to 6pm. The Hollies is a still developing young garden of about two acres at 1,000ft. It has a kitchen garden, large island beds and borders with perennials, shrubs and grasses, specimen trees and a wildlife dingle with a stream and a large badger sett. It is open as part of the NGS gardens open for charity and all proceeds go to NGS charities. Entry £3, (accompanied children free) homemade teas.

CARNIVAL QUIZ - The White Horse Inn, Clun, is hosting a prize carnival quiz on Sunday at 9pm.

SHROPSHIRE TALES - Renowned Shropshire storyteller, Val Littlehales will to talking about Shropshire Tales at Clun Methodist Church on Tuesday at 7.30pm. Tea and cake and a draw. Proceeds to Clun Show funds.

CLUN RAMBLERS - Clun Ramblers’ next walk will be on Wednesday, led by Val. Meet at the Memorial Hall, Clun at 9.30am. Sorry no dogs.

FUN IN CLUN - As part of the Clun Carnival celebrations the Sun Inn are holding a Fun Event on Wednesday at 7.30pm. 01588 640910 for more details.

CLUN COMEDY CLUB - Clun Comedy Club is at the White Horse Inn on Wednesday at 9pm.

HANGING BASKETS - Hanging baskets and tubs around the town will be judged next Thursday, July 30, in the afternoon.

FOLK NIGHT AT THE SUN - Rapsquillion are playing at the Sun Inn, Clun next Thursday, July 30, at 8.30pm.

CARNIVAL CANTER - The Clun carnival canter is a route just over five miles, starting from the White Horse Inn, Clun at 7.30pm on July 31.

Phone 01588 640910 for details.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE WHITE HORSE - Poobahs are playing from 9pm on July 31, at the White Horse Inn.

CLUN CARNIVAL AND SHOW - August 1. See next week for details.

CORRESPONDENT - Elisabeth Taylor, et@myphone.coop 01981 540893. Deadline is the Wednesday of the week before publication.

 

Orleton

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING - You are invited to a Macmillan Renton Unit coffee morning. Join us in a little bit of pink. Wednesday 10am to noon at Orleton village hall. Usual stalls. Donations gratefully received, everyone welcome.  Organised by friends of Orleton Coffee Shop.

 

Tenbury

FAREWELL PARTY - At Tenbury Methodist Church Hall, tomorrow from 7pm, for Rev Helen Roberts, as she leaves our church in August, and moves to another Methodist Circuit. This will be a bring and share supper. All are welcome!

STRAWBERRY TEA - The Old Rectory, Church St, Tenbury Wells, Saturday between 2pm and 4pm. Strawberries and cream, cake stall, tombola, raffle, refreshments. In aid of the residents fund.

CAFÉ 27 - Teme St, Tenbury Wells. Summer opening times: Monday/ Tuesday and Friday 3.45pm-6.30pm. NB: Not open August Bank Holiday Monday.

TEA AND SCONES - And scrumptious cakes! Also gift and plant sale. Sunday 3pm-5pm, at the Malt House, Church St, Tenbury Wells. Parking available at the rear. £5 per person, proceeds to St Mary’s Church, Tenbury Wells, funds.

TENBURY COUNTRYSIDE SHOW - Amazing value, great family day out! August 1, 9am-6pm. A456 Worcester Road, Burford, Tenbury Wells WR15 8AR. Cattle, sheep, horse classes, vintage tractors, horticultural, food fayre, arts and rural crafts, countryside ring, 31st National Show of Hereford Cattle.

Agricultural Olympics, inter-hunt relay, NFYFC tug-of-war finals, lawn-mower racing, tractor pulling, national Ryeland sheep show.

Free shuttle bus service from Tenbury Wells town-noon onwards. Free car parking. Assistance and participating dogs only allowed on the showground.

Admission adults and senior citizens £10, children £3 (under fives free), concessionary tickets available. Tel 01584 810818. tenbury-countryside- show.co.uk, e-mail: tenbury.show@btopenworld.com.

CELEBRATE STITCH - Teme Valley Branch – based in Tenbury Wells – of the Embroiderers’ Guild. Come and visit our exhibition in the arts and rural crafts marquee. At the Tenbury Countryside Show on August 1. Please visit tenbury-countryside-show.co.uk. For more information on the Embroiderers’ Guild: embroiderersguild.com or call on 01932 260738.

 

The Strettons

BUTTERFLIES - An introduction to Long Mynd butterflies is planned for today from 10am-2pm at Carding Mill Valley. Contact Kate.Price@nationaltrust.org.uk to find out more.

HISTORY - Local and family history can be researched at the library Thursday afternoons 1pm-4pm. Free access to Ancestry is available and volunteers are on hand to assist if needed.

SSIF - The South Shropshire Interfaith Forum hosts a talk by Janet Longstaff tonight at 7.30pm in the URC Hall. The title of the talk is The Muslim Jesus. Admission is £3 and £2 for members . All welcome.

FRIDAY MARKET - The Friday market is now selling plants as well as home- made cakes, produce and craft items at Mayfair Community Centre from 8.30am-noon each week.

DISCOVERY - A wildlife discovery day at Rectory Wood and field on Saturday from 10am, local experts and members of Stretton Area Community Wildlife Group will be leading the discovery. Meet at gate by the Scout HQ in Church Street.

PENTABUS - Pentabus Rural Theatre Company will be presenting The Lone Pine Club , adapted from Malcolm Saville’s books by Alice Birch, at Carding Mill Valley at 3pm until Sunday when there will be an extra show at noon. Tickets £15 and £7.50 on 08442 491895.

CRAFT SESSIONS - Craft Club at Scrappies is held on Saturday mornings, there are craft sessions at the library 2.30pm-3.30pm for all ages.

WINE TASTING - A bit further afield at Church Preen there is a home- made wine tasting and supper planned for Saturday at 7pm in the village hall. Tickets cost £8 including supper and enquiries should be made by ringing 01746 785250 or 01694 771258 and proceeds will go to MS and Easthope Church.

ARTS FESTIVAL - Tickets go on sale for the Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival on Saturday at John Thomas Florists, through the web site or by telephone at 01694 724106. The first event takes place on Monday at Church Stretton School and is the opening of the art exhibition at 7.30pm with guest artists Shannon Donovan and Andrew Eastwood. The art exhibition remains open daily throughout the festival which closes on August 8. Tuesday evening The Aquarelle Guitar Quartet and Wednesday the Works of Dylan Thomas will be presented by Guy Masterson. August 1 will be Jane Austen’s Emma presented by Heartbreak Productions. Art exhibition remains open until just before the start of each evening event.

FRINGE EVENTS - A series of free coffee concerts will take place from Monday to August 1, at 10.15am each day in St Laurence’s Church as part of the arts festival fringe. The programme on Monday is music for flute, marimba and piano, Tuesday music for saxophone duo, Wednesday music for violin, clarinet and piano, next Thursday, July 30, will be music for flute and violin, July 31, will feature Spohr’s Nonet for nine instruments, and August 1 will feature piano duets. Berry’s Coffee Hopuse will provide tea, coffee and home-made biscuits in the church after each concert with proceeds going to Mayfair Community Centre.

VINTAGE TEA - A vintage tea party and exhibition of local interest will be held at Rushbury Village Hall on Sunday 2pm-5.30pm raising funds for the village hall and Alzheimer’s Society. Admission £5, ticket enquiries should be made by ringing 01694 771405 or 771253.

RHYMETIME - The regular Rhymetime sessions continue at the library on Tuesdays from 10.30am- 11am offering fun, songs and rhymes for children under three years. On August 1 the library is open from 10am-4pm for people to take along family stories, records, documents and photographs under the heading ‘What did your grandparents tell you about the First World War?’ PRAYERS - The Methodist Church offers prayers for a summer evening at 6.30pm Tuesday, all are welcome.

REFLECTIONS - Reflections on the Book of Revelations in painting, pots and poetry by Valerie Morris will be on show at the Parish Centre from Wednesday to August 1, open from 10am-2pm and 4pm-6pm.

RUGBY NEWS - Samurai Rugby Club enjoyed a successful first season reaching the finals in the North Midlands plate vase and the Colts and under 17s teams were also final cup winners.

LONGMYND HIKE - Entries for the next Longmynd Hike in October have now been filled. The committee is now looking at some extra safety ideas, tallies and route issues. The sale of buffs will be offered this year and for the 50th Longmynd Hike in two year’s time souvenir maps will be available. A donation towards the costs of cub camp has been offered, and it was decided that the Longmynd Hike would always consider supporting the Scout group when approached. The next committee meeting will be September 6, 7pm in the District Social Club. All welcome.

EMPATHY - Continuing her year of fundraising for Empathy Charity Sam Goddard tackles a cycle ride around Lake Vrnwy this month. To find out more ring 01584 841618.

HOUSEHOLD BATTERIES - Veolia is taking on the recycling of household batteries and would like everyone to place the used batteries in a clear plastic bag so that the collection crew can see them, and put them out with the regular kerbside collection on recycling day. Scrappies is no longer able to take used batteries. The new collection service begins the last week of July.

SCHOOL NEWS - Rounding off the end of term we learn that a Year 9 student at Church Stretton School has gained a Black Belt 1st Dan in Karate, the Zeeshan Ahmad Cup memorial cricket match has taken place and a summer finale concert of music and dancing was also held. During the holidays KS3 students had the chance to attend an art academy and new Year 7s were invited to attend a summer school. The new term begins on September 8. Two former students will be playing music for flute and violin at the Arts Festival Fringe next Thursday, July 30, at 10.15am.

MUSIC - Traditional Irish music will be played at the Yew Tree Inn, All Stretton, on the last Friday of the month, July 31, and each month until November from 8.30pm-11pm.

ORGAN RECITALS - Continuing with free concerts as part of the Festival Fringe will be organ recitals at noon with the first one on August 3 would be at All Saints Church, Little Stretton, the next one will be held at St Margaret’s Church, Acton Scott on Wednesday, August 5, and the final one will be on August 7 at St Laurence’s Church, Church Stretton.