Bishop’s Castle

URGENT CARE CENTRE PROPOSED FOR TOWN - Bishop’s Castle Patients Group has developed a proposition for a prototype Urgent Care Centre to be located at Bishop’s Castle Community Hospital. This would be part of a push for better patient care closer to home. The proposed changes will affect people east Montgomeryshire as well as those in southwest Shropshire. Information on the patients’ group ideas will be given at a public meeting on Tuesday at 7pm at the Public Hall, Station St, Bishop’s Castle, SY9 5AG. The meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about the wider proposed changes to hospital provision in the region from Dr Bill Gowans, vice chairman, Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group and chairman of the Future Fit Clinical Design Group (a group that has made the recommendations for change.) People from both sides of the border are welcome. A question and answer session will allow attendees the chance to find out more.

Representatives from Bishop’s Castle Patients Group, Bishop’s Castle Medical Practice, Healthwatch Shropshire, Future Fit, Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Shropshire Community Health Trust will be there to answer your questions. BCPG Steering Group may be contacted by email on BCPatientsGroup@gmail.com; by telephone on 07967 306615 (office hours M-F) or via the drop box at the surgery reception.

HOT AND HEARTY - Come to the Church Barn in Bishop’s Castle on Saturday to enjoy a ‘hot and hearty supper’. The event is in aid of church funds and begins at 7pm. Organiser Meg Hemmings promises an evening of fun for all the family with skittles, hot food and a raffle. Tickets cost £10, with a family ticket for £20. Call 01588 630546.

HEALTHY LIVING FAIR - A free event in Bishop’s Castle Town Hall on Saturday will help to get you healthier and happier in 2015. The Wellbeing and Healthy Living Fair opens at 10am with a wide variety of attractions to capture your interest. Those taking part include Teme Leisure, Jean Shirley representing local walking groups, Diane Millbury a holistic health practitioner, Maria Franklin - kinesiology, Emmett technique and nutrition, Anne Cummings - emotional therapy and handwriting analysis, Katie Lloyd - Forever Living Products (aloe vera and bee products), Morgan’s Brew tea, a Bowen technique specialist, a juice bar and meditation. Call 01588 630200 to find out more.

BISHOPS CASTLE DIARY DATES January 29-February 4.

THURSDAY: Royal Opera House Live. Andrea Chenier. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle/ £12/£8. 7.15pm. Call 01588 630321/638038.

  • SW Shropshire Gardening Club. ‘Right Plant, Wrong Place’ – Frank Hardy. Lydbury North village hall. Guests £3. 7.30pm. Call 01588 660753.

SATURDAY: Wellbeing and Healthy Living Fayre. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall. Free. 10am. Call 01588 630023.

  • ‘Hot and hearty’ supper in aid of Bishop’s Castle Church. Church Barn. £10/£20 family. 7pm. Call 01588 630546.

SUNDAY: Random Brass and Bishop’s Castle Primary School choir. Vintage tea room. Bishop’s Castle Church. £8/£3. Starts at 3pm.

MONDAY: Shropshire Credit Union. Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle. Weekly. 10am- 12 noon. Call 01588 630546.

  • Prize bingo in aid of Sea Shepherd and AMP. Inn on the Green, Wentnor. 8pm.

TUESDAY: Bishop’s Castle Patients Group public meeting. ‘Hospital Services in SW Shropshire and East Montgomeryshire’ - Dr Bill Gowans. Bishop’s Castle Public Hall. 7pm.

WEDNESDAY: Bishop’s Castle Film Society. Ilo Ilo. Three Tuns. 8pm. Call 01588 680445.

If you have any 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. She sends news to the paper every week. Her phone number is 01588 680445.The email address is jparker228@btinternet.com.

 

Bitterley

BITTERLEY WI - Although it was a cold, miserable, windy evening Bitterley WI members went travelling in comfort. Annie Jones presided over the January meeting with Rosalie Fish taking the minutes. During the business a link delegate was chosen to go to the Centenary AGM in London, to celebrate 100 years of WI. We are holding an autumn show in September. It will soon be 50 years since our institute was started, any ideas for celebrating this occasion? A table top sale is to be held on April 25, for further information and table bookings please contact Jennifer Shaw on 01584 823328.

Then Annie introduced Adrian Williams, who with a pile of travel books did ‘armchair travel’, remembering his travels in Europe with his family during his childhood, described in some of the books. But now he enjoys sitting by a warm fire reading a travel book which transports him to different places with vivid descriptions of the people, places and scenery in the comfort of his armchair. He was thanked by Carol Elwis for his very interesting talk. Hostesses for the evening were Carol Elwis, Sheila Hall, Dot Griffiths. Competition, something beginning with R: 1st Dot Griffiths, 2nd Freda Pugh, 3rd Ruth Bootman. Flower of month: 1st Annie Jones, 2nd Dot Griffiths, 3rd Sheila Griffiths. The next meeting is February 19, when Karen Van Hoff will give a talk ‘the knitted necklace, a hat and a tiara’. The competition will be something beginning with S.

 

Bockleton

Bockleton WI - Our January meeting was our annual meal, we held it at The Roebuck, Brimfield where an enjoyable evening of good food and conversation was had by all. The competition winners for a handmade brooch was, 1 Claire, 2 Chris, 3 Rosemary. The cup for the overall winner of the competitions for the year was given to Rosemary with 31 points and Angela, Thelma and Pam came in close runners up, well done to all who enter the monthly competitions. Next months meeting on February 18, held at Birchley Mill, will be a crochet master class led by Chris Parsons a tutor for WI.

 

Clun

SHROPSHIRE GREENS DOUBLED - Green Party membership has doubled in the last three months in Shropshire and membership of the national Green Party now totals 44,713 making it bigger than the Liberal Democrats. In one week (ending January 19) 700 new members joined the Green Parties in the West Midlands and the growth in Party membership is reflected in polls. On January 13, YouGov revealed that the Green Party of England and Wales polled 22% putting them comfortably ahead of both the Liberal Democrats and UKIP. The Greens are polling at their highest levels ahead of a General Election since 1989, a breakthrough year.

Clun resident and Green Party parliamentary candidate for the Ludlow constituency, Janet Helen Phillips, said: “I am delighted that support for the Green Party is surging ahead.

This reflects many years of hard work, a strong principled policy based on fairness, a commitment to strong public services and a rejection of budget cuts that are doing so much damage to vulnerable people in Shropshire. We are confident that we will continue to grow both nationally and in Shropshire and this will give us a much better chance of reversing the damage already done and creating a fair society for the benefit of everyone”

The ongoing membership surge and latest polling further calls into question Ofcom’s initial view (3) that the Green Party is not a ‘major party’. The suggestion that the Green Party should be excluded from a pre-election television debate has met with widespread opposition both within and outside the Party. It is clearly unfair and this has added to the surge of interest and support for the Green Party. The Green Party of England and Wales is standing candidates in at least 75% of seats in May 2015. That means 50% more people will be able to vote Green in 2015 than were able to do so five years ago.

SUSTAINABLE FUTURES FILM - A series of films on Environmental Matters is being held at the Methodist Church, Clun, starting today with Home . The film begins at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

FLICKS AT ASTON - The film Belle (12A) will be shown on Saturday at 7.30pm at Aston on Clun village hall. The story is inspired by the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Raised by her aristocratic great uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife, Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the colour of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, she falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England. Easy parking, pay on the door, admission £4 for adults £2 under 18, interval refreshments, details 01588 660545.

COFFEE MORNING - A coffee morning in aid of Hightown Community Room will be held on Saturday from 10-11.30am at Hightown Community Room. Cake and bric-a-brac stalls and a raffle.

CLUN RAMBLERS - Clun Ramblers next walk is on Wednesday, led by Sue and Ralph. Meet at Clun Memorial Hall car park at 9.30am. Sorry no dogs.

LIVE JAZZ AT THE MEMORIAL HALL - Jazz Night with Fumi Okiji’s Old Time Jazz Band is at the Memorial Hall, Clun on February 6 at 7.30 pm This is a joyous celebration of the great tradition of jazz song. The music is essentially lovingly crafted interpretations of repertoire from jazz’s inception, through the interwar years. The band takes in the blues, New Orleans, black vaudeville, Louis, Ella and Billie. While tackling the material with upmost reverence it does so with both feet firmly in the 21st century. Fumi Okiji says she discovered jazz song at the age of seven – and has been developing her love of the music ever since. Her Old Time Jazz Band is a joyous celebration of the great tradition of jazz song. The music is essentially lovingly crafted interpretations of repertoire from jazz’s inception, through the interwar years. The band takes in the blues, New Orleans, black vaudeville, Louis, Ella and Billie. While tackling the material with upmost reverence it does so with both feet firmly in the 21st century. Building up a faithful London following over the past couple of years, the band has played at many of the capital’s jazz clubs including the Vortex, St James Theatre, the Oxford, the Spice of Life and for the Crypt’s Camberwell Jazz Festival. The Old Time Jazz Band releases a debut album, Old Fashion, in January - so local audiences will be among the first to sample it live - and be able to buy it hot off the press! Cabaret style seating; dance, jive, jig to the music. Licensed bar. Ticket £10 available from Tim Wood, The Old Surgery Gallery or Dilys Thorpe, 27 High Street, tel 01588 640254 email dilysthorpe@clun.org.uk.

If you have any news or events in the Clun Valley, contact Elisabeth Taylor, email: elisabeth777@btinternet.com 01981 540893. The deadline is the Wednesday of the week before publiCation.

 

Ludlow

MEETING - Ludlow and District Flower Club’s first meeting of the year will be held on February 10, when local florist Richard Sharman of Garlands Flowers, Corve, St Ludlow comes to demonstrate. All Richards arrangements will be raffled and tea and coffee will be served. The demonstration will take place as usual at St Peter’s Parish Centre, Henley Road, Ludlow, SY8 1QZ, at 7.30pm. Members and non members are all welcome for what will be a most enjoyable evening. More details phone 877716.

 

Tenbury

IN STITCHES - Patchwork, quilting and sewing group. Bring your own project. Love Sewing, Tenbury Library Upstairs Room, Thursdays 2pm-4pm. For more information telephone Sally 01584 810404 or Maureen 01584 811330 £3 per session to include tea, coffee, biscuits, room hire and friendly chat.

TENBURY TRANSPORT TRUST - Needs your help! Do you have a small, unwanted fridge or a half dozen unwanted dining-type chairs? If they are cluttering up your garage or garden shed, Tenbury Transport would be very happy to take them from you and put them to good use. Pop into the office at 34 Teme St, Tenbury Wells between 9am an 1pm and let us know. Thank you for supporting your local community transport group.

NEW COMMUNITY CHOIR - You are invited to join us in a new Community Choir (even if you think you can’t sing!) Meeting at St Mary’s Church, Burford, every other Friday morning starting February 13, 11am-12.30pm. Sing, laugh, breath with choir leader Kate Jones. For more information contact Kate on 01584 890824 or email katejones@ naturalvoice.net.

HARRIETT BALDWIN MP - Member of Parliament for West Worcestershire. If you have any queries or concerns, contact Harriett: Write to: Harriett Baldwin MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A OAA. Email: harriett.baldwin.mp@parliament.uk. To book a surgery appointment call 01684 585165. Further details, including scheduled surgeries and FAQs, can be found at harriettbaldwin.com.

FAMILY QUIZ - At Tenbury Primary School, February 6 at 6.30pm. Mixed adult and child teams. Maximum six per team, £5 entry per team. Booking essential. Prizes for winning team. Please contact school on 01584 810234 or email office@tenbury-pri.worcs.sch.uk.

 

The Strettons

CLUBS - All Stretton village hall is the venue for the bridge club on Thursday afternoons from 1.15pm -5.15pm. Lifts are available from Church Stretton if required. Ring 01694 723128 to find out more about meetings and tuition. If chess is your game then pop into the District Social Club on Thursdays at 7.30pm or ring 01694 723724 to find out more.

IRISH MUSIC - Traditional Irish music will be played at the Yew Tree Inn, All Stretton, tomorrow from 8.30pm- 11pm.

BREAKFASTS - Mayfair Volunteers serve breakfasts on Saturday mornings until the end of February from 9.30am-11.30am with last orders at 11am.

COMMUNITY CINEMA - At All Stretton village hall the film to be screened tomorrow will be Tracks (12A) and on Monday Church Stretton School will be showing Pride (15). Doors open at 7pm and the films start at 7.30pm. Interval refreshments will be available. Admission is £4 for adults.

AT THE HORNE - The Houghton Weavers will be entertaining at the Silvester Horne Institute tomorrow at 7.30pm. Ticket sales are through the Town Council Offices, Burway Books and John Thomas Florists cost £10. Some may be available at the door.

RNLI - The local RNLI committee will be hosting an evening with the Strummers for a sing-along on Saturday at the District Social Club starting at 7.30pm. Ticket sales are through John Thomas Florists or enquire by ringing either 01694 722138 or 724371. Tickets cost £5 and include refreshments, drinks are available at the bar.

CRAFT CLUB - Scrappies run children’s Craft Clubs on Saturday mornings for the over fives from 10am-12 noon. These are drop-in sessions and cost 50p per session. There is a £3 joining fee for new members.

LONGMYND HIKE - The annual general meeting of the Longmynd Hike Committee will take place at the District Social Club on Sunday starting at 8pm. All members and helpers are invited to attend and provide feedback from the 2014 event.

ENGAGING ISSUES - The Engaging Issues topic for Tuesday at the URC reflects on changes in society’s views of homosexuality and Michael Hutchinson has called his talk ‘A Gay Life’ . Admission is £3 and all are welcome.

CAMERA CLUB - The Longmynd Camera Club meets on Wednesday for a presentation by Irene Froy MPAGB,EFIAP on the subject ‘Passion for Pastels’. The meeting takes place at the URC Hall starting at 7.30pm. Visitors are always welcome at every meeting.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - The Smallwoods Association which helps to protect ancient woodlands in the area is looking for volunteers to help with its work during the months January-June 2015. If interested in taking part please ring 01952 432769.

LIBRARY - A meeting has been called by the Town Library Support Group to take place at the Silvester Horne Institute on Wednesday starting at 6pm.

SCHOOL NEWS - Year 9 students at Church Stretton School commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day with the lighting of the special candle by one of the students. Later in the day students assembled to hear the invited speaker. The January principal’s afternoon tea was held to celebrate the achievements of another set of students both in and out of school. School attendance remains good.

St Lawrence’s Primary School is celebrating the success of the under 11 boys’ football team which has progressed to the next round. Both the boys’ team and the girls’ team are now due to play in their next rounds and netball and basketball finals are also due to take place. A music workshop has been arranged for Classes 1 and 2. The school has opted to have just one morning break when all of the pupils can play out together.

By the time you read this the school hopes to have its Forest School planted up and ready for use. The Friends of the School are now planning spring fundraising events.

ARTISTS - Local artists are exhibiting their work at SpArc in Bishop’s Castle up until February 26. The venue is open Monday-Friday late afternoon/evenings and on Sunday mornings.

RSPCA - The RSPCA at Gonsal farm has appealed for old bed linen and towels for use during the winter months as extra bedding and for drying off after outdoor exercise. If you are able to drop items in it would be much appreciated but if you need to have it collected please ring 01694 722896.

QUIZ NIGHT - Get your thinking caps on for a quiz night on February 7, at the District Social Club starting at 7.30pm. Ken Willis is the question master and entry fee is £4. Prizes will take the form of National Lottery tickets and there will be a raffle. Proceeds of the event will go to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

BUSINESS FORUM - The next business forum will be held at Church Stretton School on February 11, and on the agenda will be the Shropshire University and the opportunities for local businesses.