BOLIVIA TALK – The local Christian Aid committee is holding a coffee morning on April 29 at the Methodist Hall in Bishop’s Castle from 10.30am to noon. Anna Burden, from the regional headquarters, will talk about Christian Aid’s work in Bolivia. This event is intended to provide information and support for Christian Aid Week. Collectors and anyone else who is interested in the work of the charity, or who is thinking of becoming a collector in the future, is most welcome. Call Kathy Royle on 01588 638658 for more information SCHOOL FAIR – Bishop’s Castle Primary School’s Easter fair raised £466. The Friends of the school would like to thank everyone who helped set up and run stalls, gave donations or who attended and supported their local school.

MAINSTONE SCHOOL – July 25 will be a very special day in Mainstone. The village school closed in 1956 but many former pupils still have fond memories and links with the area. Sheila Leeke, who now lives in Bishop’s Castle, has planned a school reunion, starting at 2.30pm in the school, now used as Mainstone Village Hall. Sheila said: “We want as many past pupils as possible to spread the word and make this a wonderful afternoon. If anyone has old photos or memorabilia, please bring them along for us all to enjoy.” For more details, call Sheila on 01588 638056 or Miriam Ellison on 638314.

SIN EATER CONCERT – There’s a real local flavour to a concert in Norbury Village Hall on May 8. A Shropshire Tapestry will raise money to help restore the unique funerary monument known as the ‘sin-eaters stone’ in Ratlinghope Churchyard. Local artists David Preshous, Val Littlehales, Richard Beamond, Bob and Marian Gatward, Peter Lockerman and Nigel Sustins will take part and the evening begins at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5. Call 01588 650244 for details.

SONG OF SONGS – The Corndon Singers, conducted by Fred Averis, will sing at Walcot Hall in Lydbury North on April 29 at 7.30pm. Admission is free with donations for Lydbury North Church funds. The theme is The Song of Songs from the Song of Solomon, with pieces ranging from the 8th to the 20th centuries. The singers will give the same programme at Clungunford Church on April 30 at 7.30pm.

ANNIVERSARY CONCERT – To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the Marches Community Choir have a concert in Bishop’s Castle Church on Saturday at 7.30pm. The programme includes work by Handel, Vivaldi and Mozart, conducted by Richard White and Ian Ward. Soloists are Emma Pierce, Oleksandra Turyanska, John Bowen and Stephen Garner. Tickets cost £10 on the door.

GARDEN SWAP SHOP – The Wasteless Society garden swap shop was a great success. Lots of people came with plants, seedlings, chitted spuds, mulch mats and tools. Much garden gossip went on and there was enthusiasm for the idea of making it a regular event, perhaps quarterly. The society plans to hold a summer swap shop later in the year to exchange garden produce and whatever else gardeners have to spare at that time. The WS is also producing a printed green guide to Bishop’s Castle which will be distributed free to all households in the town, along with a re-usable green bag. Call 01588 630683 for details.

BOWLS GREEN OPENS – Bishop’s Castle Civil Defence Bowling Club will open their green for the summer at the Six Bells on May 1 at 6pm. Light refreshments will be served. Call 01588 638315.