Bishop’s Castle

MARKET TRADERS DONATE CHEQUE - Stallholders at Lydham Friday market have donated £200 to Church Stretton Community First Responders. Every year the traders choose a charity to support and this time it is the CFR. Warren Prosser is the market manager and he also runs Mr Bun’s bread stall at Lydham. His wife Tracy Prosser is a community first responder at Church Stretton and she received the cheque recently on behalf of her colleagues.

PUPILS’ CAFÉ BACK - Last term pupils at Bishop’s Castle Primary School ran a café in the town hall and they are set to continue this popular innovation in 2016. Their first date is next Thursday, February 4, to coincide with the Thursday market and the children will be serving refreshments 10am-2pm. A new class will be taking charge this time, with Class 3 and their teacher Andrea Faulkner getting ready to welcome customers. A school spokesman said: “The children are going to provide beverages and cakes and it is a great way for people in the town to meet up and support their primary school, as all the money raised goes directly to school funds. The children will be learning useful skills such as using maths and English in practical situations. Most importantly they will be relating to adults and learning how to operate in the catering department.”

NEW YEAR ROAD RUN - A varied collection of some 40 vehicles gathered at The Inn on The Green, Wentnor, for the new year road run on January 2, organised by Pete Griffiths and Steve Owen from the Longmynd Vintage Vehicle Club. Once again, the weather was not kind, but despite the rain there was 100 per cent turnout and people travelled from as far afield as Bewdley and Hereford to take part. The 20-mile run covered beautiful Shropshire countryside around Medlicott, Ratlinghope, Habberley, Pulverbatch and The Gatten with those taking part enjoying refreshments halfway at Pulverbatch and finishing back at The Inn on The Green with a carvery. The organisers are very grateful to the people who helped serve coffee, donated draw prizes and who sold draw tickets. The run, enjoyed by so many, together with the draw and donations, raised £500, which will be given to local charities. To find out more about the Longmynd Vintage Vehicle group call 01588 638610.

LIB DEM PEER PRAISES CHARLOTTE - A leading Liberal Democrat peer has praised Bishop’s Castle Cllr Charlotte Barnes as “a winner”. Lord Storey said: “In the General Election Charlotte scored twice the average vote for Liberal Democrat candidates, she was 26th highest out of 650 candidates. I very much look forward to meeting someone with her terrific record.”

Lord Storey visited Church Stretton and Bishop’s Castle on January 22 to hear the concerns around local leisure centres and to build up a broad view of the issues.

“It’s very nice of Mike to say this about me,” said Cllr Barnes. “I am looking forward to meeting him and getting any advice he can offer for our rural sports centres. It’s really not about politics; it is all about getting the matters sorted out. In our area we are blessed with fiercely energetic community activists, of all persuasions and none.” Cllr Barnes added that one of her top priorities was supporting the SOS campaign to save the SpArC Centre. “This is a fantastic facility,” she said. “The money it saves on the care and health budgets by helping physical and mental well- being is incalculable.”

BISHOP’S CASTLE DIARY, January 28-February 3

TODAY

  • Exhibition. Enduring Spirit and Haiku – Ellesmere Watercolourists. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, until February 6, 01588 630023.
  • Footpath Walking Group Clun, 12 miles, meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishop’s Castle 9am 01588 650451.
  • Make do and mend. New drop-in for knit and stitch. Lydbury North Village Hall £3. 10am 01588 640792.
  • Thursday social and indoor games night. Norbury Village Hall. £3.50. 7.30pm 01588 650244.

TOMORROW

  • Polymer clay workshop – Pamela Breakwell. Sheepish, 1 Market Steps, Bishop’s Castle. £45. 10am-3.30pm 01588 630421.
  • Quiz in aid of Snead, Lydham and More parishes. Lydham Village Hall. £8 inc food. 7pm 01588 638379.

MONDAY

  • Michaelmas Fair AGM. Six Bells, Bishop’s Castle 7.30pm.
  • Citizens Advice. Enterprise House, Bishop’s Castle 10am-noon 08444 991100.
  • Footpath Walking Group. Leighton. Four to six miles. Meet Harley Jenkins St car park, Bishop’s Castle 9.30am 01588 620422.
  • Meditation. 15 Bowling Green Close, Bishop’s Castle. 7pm 01588 638819.

TUESDAY

  • Pilates. Lydbury North Village Hall. Weekly £6. 9am 01743 891561.

WEDNESDAY

  • Bishops Castle Film Society. Leviathan (15). Russia. 2014. Three Tuns. 8pm 01588 630778.
  • Lecture. Story of Cleopatra – David Preshous. Fletcher Room, Bishop’s Castle Community College. £6. 2pm 01588 638363.

CORRESPONDENT - J Parker 01588 680445 jparker228@btinternet.com.

 

Bitterley

WI - What a start to the new year!

Bitterley WI January meeting was a magazine evening, which proved to be a great success, Sue Marsh our president introduced the pages.

Todd was dazzling as our cover girl in the outfit she wore for her daughter’s wedding in September, Freda read an extract from Jam Busters written by Julie Summers. We were all fascinated with Jenny’s spinning wheels, and the garments she had made from the fleeces she had spun.

Jennifer read a poem called Just in Case – which started “I’m going to the sea for the weekend” – which we could all relate to. Todd then talked about her love for knitting on four needles, showing examples of her work. Janet had us enthralled with tales of her life in the WI from Bitterley to county and national level.

Jean was next with a surprise “goody bag” of skin care samples for everyone, Carol told us an amusing story about something that a happened to her, which had us all laughing.

Rosalie handed out a quiz to keep us occupied during refreshments. It was then time for business. The table-top sale, the Christmas party and the outing to the panto were discussed.

We had our vote on the resolutions to be put forward for debate at the annual meeting later in the year, not an easy choice, we will know in due course which has been chosen. It was a lovely evening, with a wonderful atmosphere, plus we welcomed Miranda as a new member.

Winner of the quiz Shelagh Lewis.

Competition: 1st Ruth Bootman, 2nd Jean Childe, 3rd Shelagh Lewis.

Flower of the month: 1st Sue Marsh, 2nd Kate Watkins, 3rd Sheila Lewis.

 

Bockleton

WI - The Bockleton WI January meeting was the annual dinner. This year held at The Ship in Tenbury Wells.

All members gathered on a cold and foggy night for a lovely warming meal and good company. Afterwards our president Angela shared out the presents we all brought.

The competition cup was handed out to Angela for the most points collected throughout 2015.

The evenings raffle was won by Denise, Jan, Sue, Louise and Caroline. The competition of a souvenir tea towel was awarded to Thelma, Rosemary and Ingrid.

Dates of 2016 meetings: February 17, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, November 20, December 7.

 

Clows Top

GARDENING CLUB - Clows Top and District Gardening Club for January, new year, new start!

Start making plans for the coming year ahead. Flicking through seed catalogues and making notes about changes to your garden on the plants and layout to improve to look. If you are lucky to have workable ground you can still plant bare root roses, trees, fruit bushes and hedges.

It’s time to harvest your winter vegetables this month. If you’ve over- indulged with them over the Christmas season, use your vegetables to make wonderfully thick warm soups. When the weather allows prune deciduous trees, shrubs and fruit trees. it must be done before the first signs of spring. In the colder spells don’t forget our garden birds.

Food is in short supply this time of the year and they need our feeding stations to survive the cold.

Garden tools are often taken for granted. Now is the time to get them cleaned, sharpened and oiled ready for use in the spring.

Gardening is one of the few hobbies that are relaxing, enjoyable and very rewarding. Our garden club has a very friendly atmosphere, everyone is welcome. It’s a great way for exchanging gardening knowledge, learning new ways of doing things and sharing tips. Non-members welcome to any monthly meeting. The annual subscriptions are now due for the coming year, Membership £10.

First meeting of the year was yesterday, speaker for the evening was Jo Roche on Abberley Clock Tower.

Diary Dates: February 24, nature of Wyre, Rosemary Winnel; March 23, spring show and gardeners’ questions with Derek Walker.

Don’t be afraid to come along, we are a garden club not a horticulture society. Great programme of speakers and evening visits to local gardens.

Clows Top and District Gardening Club meet the fourth Wednesday in the calendar month at Clows Top Victory Hall. Doors open 7.30pm, for the speaker at 8pm. Admission: members £2, non-members £4. Free refreshments. Further details Marion Wilson 01299 270475 clowstopdistrictgardeningclub@hotmail.co.uk.

 

Clun

LIVE MUSIC - Huckworm, The White Horse, Clun, SY7 8JA, tomorrow, 9pm-11.30pm. Funk drumming and bone-crunching guitar! This band are storming it at local gigs, and now take on a new audience in the White Horse. Don’t miss out!

FILM - Far from the Madding Crowd (12A), at Clungunford Parish Hall, SY7 0PP, tomorrow, 8pm.

The story of independent, beautiful and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), an heiress who attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), a sheep farmer who is captivated by her; Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), a handsome and reckless soldier; and William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), a prosperous and mature bachelor.

This timeless story of Bathsheba’s choices and passions explores the nature of relationships and love – as well as the ability to overcome hardships through perseverance. Licensed bar, ice-creams available. Good car parking, raffle.

Enquiries and box office: Ann 01588 660727, or Maureen 01588 660781 maureenrooney2012@gmail.com.

SOUP AND PUD LUNCH - Hightown Community Room, Clun, Saturday, 12.30pm-2pm. Come along and enjoy delicious home-made soups and a pudding. There will also be stalls selling recycled Christmas presents and, of course, cakes. All funds raised will go to Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Bring along your cakes and gifts to sell on the day, or contact Joan Kerry on 01588 640401 to arrange collection.

QUIZ NIGHT - Hightown Community Room, Clun, on Saturday. Doors open 7pm, quiz starts 7.30pm. Organised by St George’s School PTA, all funds raised are for the school. Teams of four or less; £5 per person including a bowl of home-made chilli (vegetarian option available). Bring your own bottle. Call 01588 640898 to book a table.

WI MEETING - Clun WI meeting is at Haslehurst Community Centre, Clun, on Tuesday, 7.30pm. New members and guests always welcome.

 

Hayton

WI - The Hayton and District WI report of the January 14 meeting.

Eileen welcomed the members and three guests to the first meeting of 2016 and despite a few flurries of snow there was a very good turnout.

The Christmas party in December had been most enjoyable with delicious food and good company.

We collected £95 for the charity Smile Train in lieu of exchanging Christmas cards; Eileen distributed secret Santa gifts and the prizes for the year’s competitions with Gill Parker taking the honours.

On a more sombre note, Janet Allwood died on Boxing Day; she had been a staunch member of our WI for over 50 years, holding most of the official positions and being remembered especially for her contribution to the WI dramatic productions.

She was a keen gardener and very knowledgeable about the local natural environment, both flora and fauna which she shared with the readers of the Ripples magazine via her monthly articles; we observed a minute’s silence in her memory.

Eileen then introduced our speaker for the evening, Mr Peter Carty, a nature reserve warden operating in the Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge areas of Shropshire.

He told us how his first interest in birds began by identifying those in his garden with The Observer Books and developed from then to having seen or heard over a third of the world’s bird population.

He gave a computer presentation of native birds and their songs, saying that it was often easier to identify birds by sound rather than sight, and described the differences between song birds – thrushes, blackbirds and tits, with those which advertised their presence to rivals by other means such as woodpeckers which drum.

He then answered our questions – increase of numbers of red kites, why do crows attach our windows, and many more until we had to stop for refreshments and peep outside to see if the snow had stopped.

Mrs Parker thanked him for a most interesting evening.

We look forward to our post-Christmas dinner and lunch at the catering college in Shrewsbury before meeting again on February 11 when Jo Carter will give a talk and demonstration entitled “top to toe”.

Competition results: Flower of the month: 1st Hellebore, Sue Parker, 2nd Kaffir Lily, Joyce Randle, joint 3rd viburnum Annie Jones and Gill Parker.

Object beginning with ‘n’: 1st needlepoint picture, Sue Parker, 2nd nutcrackers, Joyce Randle, 3rd nutcrackers, Gill Parker.

If you would like more details of the WI please contact Eileen on 01584 876437.

 

Tenbury

TALK - Tenbury Wells History Society welcomes members and non members to their first talk of the 2016 season to hear Pete Weston tell the story of the Herefordshire Regiment at the Somme in September 1916 and the battle on Redan Ridge. Next Thursday, February 4, at 7.30pm in the Pump Rooms Tenbury, for more information call Mike on 01584 711425.

SONGS OF PRAISE - An afternoon Songs of Praise will be held at Tenbury Methodist Church on Sunday at 3pm. This special service will be led by the Rev James Eaton-Challinor, so some along and have a good sing! All are welcome!

SOUP AND ROLL LUNCHES - (with pudding) will be held next Thursday, February 4, at Tenbury Methodist Church Hall at 12.30pm. Please come along and have delicious food and good company! All are welcome.

 

The Strettons

WORK PARTY - A volunteer work party will be helping with work at Rectory Wood and Field today, meeting at the Scout HQ at 10am. Please take waterproof clothing and stout footwear.

TRAIDCRAFT - Traidcraft items are on sale at Mayfair Community Centre on Thursdays from 10.30am-1pm.

HISTORY - Local and family history can be researched at the library on Thursday afternoons from 1pm-4pm when free access to Ancestry is available and volunteers on hand to assist if needed. Knit and natter sessions take place on Saturday from 10am-12.30pm and also on Tuesday evenings from 5pm- 7pm.

DORRINGTON PLAYERS - Our local drama group, Dorrington Players will present an evening of light-hearted music and entertainment at Mayfair Community Centre on Saturday evening at 7.30pm.

ENGAGING ISSUES - The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, at the URC at 7.30pm.

On this occasion Professor John Whitelegg has called his talk “leaving our cars behind”.

He is an environmentalist, interested in growing food on his allotment, hill walking and being involved with community campaigns.

He has held the position of professor of geography, environmental studies and sustainable development at various universities and an associate of the Stockholm Environment Institute.

He has also been a Green Party councillor in Lancaster and the managing director of Eco-Logica Ltd.

LANDSCAPE PROJECT - If you should be interested in hedgerow restoration and habitat creation contact The Stiperstones and Corndon Hill Landscape Project as it offers grants towards these projects.

SCHOOL NEWS - At St Lawrence’s Primary School pupils will be welcoming Lt Col Stuart Hill from Walking with the Wounded on Tuesday when their cheque will be presented to him during assembly.

The under 11 girls’ football team won through to the second round of the SSCFA County Cup, with a large group of parents and other supporters on hand to cheer them on, but eventually missed out on the next round while playing on astroturf.

At Church Stretton School students will be visiting Berlin.

There have been some successes with the Year 11 boys’ football in the National Cup and some in the Year 11 girls’ netball.

The school held its Holocaust Memorial Day and invited a survivor of the holocaust to tell her story of how events unfolded during that time in her life as a young Jewish girl.

COMMUNITY CINEMA - Woman in Gold (12A) is the film to be screened at Church Stretton School Monday, starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds in this film based on a real story. Doors will open at 7pm and interval refreshments will be available.

CAMERA CLUB - Clive Haynes FRPS will give a presentation which he has called “Pandora’s photo-box of creativity, image and imagination” at the meeting of Longmynd Camera Club on Wednesday, 3at the URC Hall starting at 7.30pm. Visitors always welcome, admission is £3.

OPERA - Streamed live to Church Stretton School next Thursday, February 4, at 7pm is the opera La Traviata direct from the Royal Opera House.

Then moving to February 25, the live showing will be As you like it , when a pre-theatre meal can be booked beforehand. Ring the school on 01694 722209 to enquire further.

FELL RACE - A Shropshire Hills fell race is planned for February 7, in the Longmynd valleys starting at Carding Mill Valley, and is an 18.3km event.

COMMUNITY GAMES - Church Stretton School is proposing a Church Stretton Community Games event on July 9, which offers a chance to celebrate and showcase the wealth of clubs and organisations in the Church Stretton area.

There will be taster sessions for the public to have a go and enjoy sport, arts and leisure.

The event is open to all sports, arts, cultural and leisure providers and to all members of the community whatever the level of ability.

The event is free for clubs and organisations to participate and admission for the public is free, it will be based at Church Stretton School in the sports and leisure facilities and in the outdoor areas as necessary.

The organisers are grateful to Teme Leisure for making the leisure facilities available.

Early indications are that the event will be well supported and possibly oversubscribed so please book early by contacting Alan on 01694 725588, or 07977060303, or by e-mailing alandavidfox@live.co.uk.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS - Scrappies will be holding two ‘spring madness, workshops during half term on February 15 and 16, 10.30am- 12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm. They are intended for youngsters seven years and over and cost £3.50 per session although Krafty Kids Club members pay just £2. Early booking advised as space is limited.