We’ve been rereading Litter Letters 1 and 2 and there’s one question that keeps niggling: ‘Why do people drop litter? Perhaps the most common excuse is “It will December 2020 rot away before long.” This is clearly not true Issue no. 270 of cans and bottles. What about cardboard? This is widely regarded as biodegradable Newsletter but is still unsightly when festooning the hedgerows. Add to this the problem that Christmas Message Derek Evans, 1948 – 2020 Christmas will soon be upon us and there is no doubt Derek was well-known in the village as part of the Plough most cardboard litter also contains plastic that no one would have foreseen this time last year, Garage family business. Together with his brothers as coatings (e.g. drinks containers) or as how the last ten months with the arrival of Covid-19, Terry and Geoff, he followed his father and grandfather inserts (e.g. sandwich/cake boxes). While has transformed so many aspects of our lives. Yet, as a in repairing vehicles all his working life. He enjoyed a the cardboard will eventually rot away, the community, we have come together with resilience and successful rallying career in the ’70s and ’80s becoming plastic won’t. determination and I am sure we are all looking forward Welsh Rally Champion and British runner up in 1981. It is the plastic that makes recycling of to next year with hope that at least some semblance of He will also be remembered for driving to the Gatten food containers difficult. Even pizza boxes normality will return to us. I know that you will join the and back, providing a school taxi run. He had great fun are a problem to recycle because of the parish council in thanking all of the local volunteers and entertaining the children on the regular journey with his grease from the cheese. Consider re-using agencies that have offered their help and all of you who “driving style”. your ‘cardboard’ cups – they make great have looked out for, and helped, your neighbours. Above all, he filled his life with any challenge. He loved plant-pots – and try cutting up your pizza When so many of the annual traditional events in the meeting people, talking and making people laugh. He boxes to put round the base of plants. The village have had to be postponed or cancelled, I am loved travelling and driving any car – anywhere. He loved cardboard will eventually rot into the soil sure we all welcome the Christmas tree trail (see below and lived in the village very happily all his life. but it can prevent the growth of weeds and and page 20) to raise our festive spirits! Many thanks to He was very proud of his four children, Dominic, protect against frost. Friends of Pontesbury Library, St George’s Church and Matthew, Becky and Katy; and grandchildren Mollie, Re-using cardboard boxes should be second all of the local businesses and organisations getting Charley, Martha and Theo. nature – there’s nothing like a cardboard box involved. Loved and adored forever by his wife, Sarah. for storage, children’s play or pets’ bed but if This Christmas will no doubt be different for many of Sarah and family you run out of ideas, good, clean cardboard us, but however you spend it, may I take this opportunity boxes are excellent recycling material. Don’t to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a healthy new year. worry about removing plastic tape as this Doorstep Carol Singing Let us continue to come together next year to celebrate BBC Radio is leading the way in a project comes away in the slurry part of the process our wonderful community and to work together to tackle to get the nation singing carols on our doorsteps at but do flatten your boxes and keep them dry any challenges that come our way. 6pm on Wednesday, 16 December. This would be the as this helps transport and processing. Cllr Duncan Fletcher wonderful Carols in the Square in under According to Greenpeace, four billion trees Chair Pontesbury Parish Council normal circumstances, but we can spread the music if are cut down each year for producing paper/ we all wrap up warm, turn up our radios and sing along card. 1 ton of virgin cardboard requires 3 with our neighbours, not venturing beyond our own tons of wood for its manufacture and at an Let’s Light Up Pontesbury! doorsteps. The music and words are available on the average of 24 trees to 1 ton, recycling saves FoPL in partnership with St George’s Church website and it would be great to have some instrumental a lot of trees. There has already been a massive amount of interest accompaniment, too. The village will already be lit up by During the pandemic the volume of parcels in this event so it looks as though Pontesbury will be the Christmas tree trail, and we can make it a night of being sent has hugely increased so recycling well and truly lit up. A lot of our local businesses and glorious music. Even if you’re rural and isolated, turn has become even more important. EVERY organisations have been contacted and many have up the volume and sing along. BOX COUNTS. already donated and committed to putting up a tree (or https://www.doorstepcarols.co.uk Walking along the lane, we came across a decorations) to be part of the Christmas Tree Trail. If whole bag of food boxes thrown from a car. you haven’t yet done so then please do so asap as we’re Wendy-Jane Walton We had to sing ‘The Takeaway Box Blues” keen to start planning the trail and publishing the guide. [any 12 bar blues will do!] The Christmas Tree Trail guide will list the businesses Make your Dog Happy! and organisations who have made donations and will I woke up this morning, babe provide details of ‘the trail’. The guides will be available Free dog walking I’ve got the Takeaway Box Blues to purchase from outside the library, and in Connections Would you like your dog to be walked for you? I would I said I woke up this morning and Hignett’s for £3.00 during the Christmas Tree Trail like a dog to accompany me on my daily walks. A small I’ve got the Takeaway Food Blues weekend. to medium sized dog preferred although a larger, docile My head is a-hurting Participants will be able to follow the trail and complete “Nigel” type dog would also be ok. Tel. 790762. And I don’t know what to do!! Continued on page 5 PS: Strictly no Huskies. From “The Cardboard Cut-Outs” on behalf Sheila Crowther of Pontesbury Climate Emergency Group SPREAD THE WORD, DON’T SPREAD LITTER Closing date for copy for the Jan edition is Dec 10th (please include a contact phone number) Email contributions to [email protected] or hand in at the Post Office. 20 Printed by New Era Printing, Shrewsbury Tel: 01743 295881 Advertisers – See inside for details of how to place your ad. Pontesbury Climate Emergency Action Group The group will be running some community Zoom talks over the winter months, beginning with a presentation from Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s Hedgehog officer (see below) about the fall in numbers of these well-loved creatures, and the challenges facing them in our countryside and gardens. We hope to start a community project for hedgehogs in the spring. Other planned talks include energy efficiency in your home from Marches Energy Agency, an illustration of some exciting new green engineering initiatives and an update on what is planned in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Watch out for dates in future Newsletters. Over the winter, we will be digging along the side of the new footpath from Hall Bank to the playground with a view to planting wild flowers along it in the spring. If you would like to help with this project please contact me. Social distancing rules will be observed! Ken is busy mapping small green spaces in the village to see where it may be possible to plant trees or wild flowers in the near future. Do you have any land, however small the area where you would like to see trees or wild flowers planted? Please get in touch if you do. Liz Knowles, [email protected]

Hedgehog Friendly Gardens The Pontesbury Climate Emergency Action Group would like to invite you to a virtual talk from Kathryn Jones (Shropshire Wildlife Trust), about helping hedgehogs in your garden, on Thursday, 10 December, 7–8pm (please contact the Parish Clerk clerk@ pontesburypc.org.uk for a zoom invite) If you want to know more on this subject ,here are a few tips (right) from Kathryn or visit the ‘Help a Hedgehog’ webpage at https://www. shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/help-hedgehog

Lost dog-headcollar If anyone has picked up a red dog-headcollar (Gentle Leader) on Earls Hill, probably the bulldozer track, or the cross footpath to the lower track and then along to the gate into the fields, please can you drop it off at Earls Hill Barn. It’s an essential piece of kit! Lost on afternoon of Monday, 16 November. Many thanks. INSURANCE THAT’S Christine Lawrie ON YOUR DOORSTEP Pontesbury Parish Council Our virtual meeting on 9 November was followed by the first of two sessions where councillors are working towards a three year strategy for Call our office in Shrewsbury on 01743 344 743 the parish and an associated financial strategy where we aim to ensure that all the essential projects and those requested by the community Newsletter online are realised. This is ahead of setting the budget and precept levels for 2021–22. One of the areas of development under consideration, where Pdf copies of the Newsletter we are working closely with the neighbouring parishes of are available at and , is looking at traffic calming measures along the A488. www.pontesburyparishcouncil.org.uk Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited. Linked to this is the work with Minsterley Parish Council looking at and increasing the lighting along the cycleway linking the two villages. We www.pontesburypavilion.co.uk are investigating solar lighting and better gritting for the path to help Specialist advisors to the pupils walking to Mary Webb. Look out soon for a new bench and the mature and retired market additional litter bins that are being put along the path. Please be aware that the layout There will be a virtual parish council meeting held on Monday, 14 is for the print version, • Later Life Planning • Retirement Advice December at 7pm. If you would like to attend, please contact the Clerk in double page spreads, • Long Term Care Planning • Saving & Investment Advice at [email protected] and she will email you a link to the and printing black only. • Inheritance Tax Planning meeting. The link will also be available on the parish council website, Call us for open honest advice along with the agenda at www.pontesburyparishcouncil.org.uk The text is interactive, If you wish to comment on a planning application, please use the 01743 365 813 planning portal at https://pa.shropshire.gov.uk/ however, so links are live Ben Walters DipFA MIFS [email protected] online-applications/ or pass your comments through Cllr A Hodges at wherever possible. Hannah Edwards DipFA LIBF [email protected] [email protected]. All new planning applications for the area are listed on the parish council website. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Debbie Marais, Parish Clerk www.portland-fp.co.uk 2 19 Advertisements FoPL News Thanks to everyone who attended the presentation by All advertisements have to be Ben Osborne at the beginning of November. It was an booked and paid for in advance. inspiring talk with some wonderful photographs and Booking forms from there was a real sense of community spirit – so often in The Clerk to the Parish Council evidence at FoPL events. 01691 661157 Our next fund-raising event is the Santa Fun Run or [email protected] which is taking place this year on Sunday, 8 December Cost starting at the old Library (on Bogey Lane). Entries from ‘Within parish’ ads individuals and teams, walkers and runners (dogs as £12 for smaller ads well!) are welcome and there will be prizes for the fastest and £20 for larger ads. ‘ team and individual. There are two routes, seasonal ‘Outside parish’ ads refreshments and a chance to meet Santa. £17 for smaller ads Festive fancy dress is particularly welcome (and there and £25 for larger ads. will be some special awards for the best outfits) so start – ◊ – getting organised now. We will also have some Santa hats available to buy on the day itself. Send your ads by e-mail to Entrants need to arrive and register from 1.15pm [email protected] onwards so as to be ready to begin the run at 2.00pm – it’s £5.00 for adults and £3.00 for children and is a Ads must be sent as jpeg or PDF great way to get into the Christmas spirit. or, if this is not possible, We’re starting to plan our fund-raising events for MS Word in which will be set 2021 and, of course, looking forward to moving into to a standard format The Pavilion early next year. Details about the moving-in (no design charge). Images separately as jpegs. Any arrangements will be published shortly necessary design work will be Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported, charged at £25 per hour. helped and attended the Friends of Pontesbury Library events during 2020. We’ve had a varied selection and Please note, I don’t have hope that there’s been something for everyone so that MS Publisher so will be unable you can be inspired, creative, entertained and exercised to read ads sent in this way. Editor all whilst helping to make sure that our local library can Tai Chi be sustained – and even better in its new home! Covid regulations permitting, the Tai Chii class will start Dedicated to providing Merry Christmas to all our friends and supporters. again in the new year on Tuesday, 12 January. FoPL you with a friendly, It is a very small class at the moment, and we could efficient and professional do with a few more people in the class and still be able to maintain a two-metre distance from each other. If the legal service current four-week lockdown is lifted at the beginning of December, there will also be a classes on 8 December Farmvention Civil & Commercial Mediation and 15 December, before the Christmas break. Create an invention, innovation or idea to help British Commercial & Agricultural farmers continue to care for the environment and Commercial & Civil Litigation I hope to see as many people as possible at 2.00 pm on the relevant dates. become Climate Super Heroes. Debt Recovery Farmvention (when farming meets invention) is a Elderly Client & Care Funding Jenny Alldridge national STEM competition run by NFU Education and Employment Family Arbitration aimed at children aged 5 – 14 (school years 1 – 9) in Rights of Way and Wales. Family Matters Because of Covid-19 and people not holidaying abroad, This year, the challenge is all about the problems that Family Mediation the footfall on our footpaths has increased enormously. Personal Injury climate change creates for British farmers and how they Most footpaths are over private land and we must Residential Property are fighting it to become Climate Superheroes. respect the crops and farm animals along the route by Social Housing & Development There are four themed inspiration hubs to get you keeping to paths and following the yellow arrows which Wills, Trusts, Tax Planning & Probate thinking and each one is full of investigations to complete are on the stiles and gates. Please close all gates when at home or school, alongside some exciting tours of our exiting. climate superheroes’ farms to inspire you. Land owners also have a legal duty to keep all footpaths You can enter the competition individually or as part open and free from obstruction. of a team or class and there is a host of amazing prizes If you find any equipment which needs attention, for the winning schools. Winners will present their ideas please contact the council Outdoor Team on 791984, at a prestigious event at the Houses of Parliament and (more information from S.C.C. website https://www. win £1000 for their school to spend on STEM or Outdoor shropshire.gov.uk/outdoor-partnerships/report-a-rights- Learning equipment! All entrants will become certified of-way-issue/). 21 St Mary's Street | Shrewsbury | SY1 1ED ‘farmventors’ and receive a reward pack including a There are folders of six circular walks around certificate and mini prize. Entries close on 31 May 2021. Pontesbury and Minsterley, they include information and 01743 280 100 More information at https://www.farmvention.com/ photos of the route and can be obtained from Pontesbury NFU Education www.wacemorgan.co.uk Post Office and Pontesbury Library. Richard Martinali and Charles Sandells 18 3 HIGNETT’S of KEITH PRICE: BUILDER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE PONTESBURY Ltd. FULLY INSURED Established 1919 ALL TYPES OF Retailers of Quality Foods BUILDING WORK Fresh meat, Fruit and Vegetables UNDERTAKEN Fresh Bread, Pies and Buns all baked on the premises A range of Sausages and Burgers made to our own recipes INCLUDING HARD Fresh Flowers and Plants LANDSCAPING Groceries at Competitive prices 01743 792847 or 07792939370 01743 790228 www.hignetts.co.uk

Age UK Shropshire & Wrekin celebrates 70th birthday Simplifying Computers  01743 790968 and Technology  07971 480036 On 11 November 2020, Age UK Shropshire Telford & • Reducing loneliness and isolation across Shropshire  [email protected] Wrekin will be celebrating 70 years of supporting local An estimated 10,000 older people in Shropshire older people. are desperately lonely. • Do you still need to upgrade from Windows 7 ? We can Last year the local charity launched its Platinum • Supporting people living with dementia help you upgrade your existing computer to Windows 10 or help you choose a newer one Appeal to fundraise over two years spanning Around 7,000 older people are living with • Computer repairs  No fix, no fee  Upgrades  SSDs  Security cameras its 70th birthday, the appeal was gathering dementia in Shropshire. •    momentum until the pandemic put a stop to • Providing information and advice Cloud Storage Data Recovery Backup Service Internet / WiFi problems fixed • nd fundraising events. In light of the lockdown An estimated £24m in benefits goes unclaimed We sell 3 grades of Electronics – “New”, “Open Box” or “2 User”, all min 1yr warranty restrictions, Age UK Shropshire Telford & across 10,400 Shropshire households. • Smart Phones, Tablets, Laptops, Desktops, TVs, Speakers  Backup Service Wrekin has launched the Platinum Challenge to Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Technology is registered with the ICO for the Data Protection Act 1998 – your data is safe with us encourage the local community to take up their Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: “We are calling own fundraising challenge in their own homes, on the community to get fundraising to ensure older gardens and local parks. people still receive the help and support they need, Chief Executive, Heather Osborne and Chair of particularly during this pandemic as older people Trustees, Sue Robson will be taking up their own have called on our staff and volunteers when they’ve Your Local Department Store Platinum Challenge to mark the birthday by walking had no-one else to turn to. We’d be delighted to hear Pets Corner Visit our NEW LOCAL ARTIST AREA up the Wrekin at 12.00 noon on the charity’s actual about your Platinum Challenge, please get behind Cards/Wrap Cards, Prints, Gifts and MORE. GLADRAGS birthday, Wednesday, 11 November 2020. us – you can make a difference to the lives of older Household Essentials Beautiful, bespoke and unique. Casual, Classic Older people have turned to Age UK Shropshire people on your doorstep.” Hardware/DIY and Everyday Clothing, Shoes Telford & Wrekin for help during the pandemic For more information about the Platinum Appeal, Dry Cleaning Should you wish to telephone the Post Office Gifts and Accessories. Call Sue: and needed the charity more than ever, the money visit the website and download a fundraising pack: directly the telephone number is 01743 790621 Gardening 07795592716 raised from the appeal will support older people https://www.ageuk.org.uk/shropshireandtelford/ in three key areas: get-involved/platinum-challenge/ Monday-Friday 9am –5.30 Saturday 9am—3pm (inc. Post Office) Shrewsbury Road, Pontesbury, SY5 0QD Tel: 01743 790600 Email: [email protected] Age UK www.connections-pontesbury.co.uk Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

4 17 Continued from front page Calling all Big Knitters the puzzles in the guide during Friday, Saturday and Henderson’s Auctions The Big Knit, which is now in its seventeenth year, Sunday 11, 12 and 13 December. Completed guides is working with Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin need to be handed in to the library by midnight on Antiques and Collectables and inviting everyone – whether a purling pro, crochet Tuesday, 15 December. All completed guides will go connoisseur or a knitting newbie – to pick up their & into a draw and the lucky winner will receive a lovely needles and join in the campaign. General Effects Christmas hamper – there’s a colouring competition, The local charity has a target Next Auction too, to win Christmas stockings. of 6580 hats to be knitted and Of course, you don’t have to be a business or sent to Innocent. The little hats TBA organisation to get involved in lighting up Pontesbury are then placed on the top of Minsterley Parish Hall – we’re keen for this to be a real community event and smoothie bottles and for every it would be lovely if lots of houses and gardens made smoothie sold the local charity Viewing - 4:00 pm a bit of extra Christmas effort this year to complement receives 25p. There are plenty of Sale commences - 6:30 pm the official trail. It doesn’t have to be a tree – a drawing knitting patterns, whatever your 01743 792727 / 07970 010148 in the window or some decorations in the garden – and, ability, including classic beginner even if you can’t join in with the trail itself, we’re happy bobble hats, crochet options and to accept donations for the charities involved. other fun characters – knitters can This Christmas will probably be one to remember for even create and design their own. Do you have a all sorts of reasons – so let’s make some good memories Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK STW said: and light up our village. “We can’t wait to see how the knitters of Shropshire let property? And then, when it’s all over . . . create their own little hats. Every year we love seeing all Our regular ‘Chip it for Charity’ event – this year on the different designs come in, from stripy bobble hats Saturday, 9 January – between 10.00am and 12.00pm to grizzly bears. We need everyone to join us and knit as We’re a multi-disciplined inde- in the area near The Trading Post on Station Road. If you many miniature hats as possible by 31 July to help us hit pendent firm of letting agents purchase your tree from Hignett’s there will be a label our 6580 target. It’s such a fun campaign to get behind and Chartered Surveyors, based to remind you of when and where to get it chipped but, and it does so much to help older people in our area.” in Hook-a-Gate, operating of course, we’re happy to chip your tree from wherever The pandemic has had a huge impact on how the you get it. Just save the date and we’ll see you then. local charity delivers vital services and the way it has throughout Shropshire, It’s been a strange year for all of us and like many other offering residential lettings supported older people during lockdown. The money charities FoPL has not been able to fund-raise as much raised from The Big Knit will make a big difference to services including: as we would like. We’ve had a few events nonetheless the lives of local older people by continuing the support and we’d like to send a big thank you to everyone who OFFER NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE and restart paused services in a new way. Fully Managed has got involved and made a donation. Your support has If you would like to get involved in the Big Knit, leave 10% of annual rent + VAT been very much appreciated. a message for Angela Goodman at Age UK Shropshire We send good wishes to all our ‘friends’ for as normal Telford & Wrekin on 01743 233123 or email: enquiries@ Letting only a Christmas as we can have – and look forward to a ageukstw.org.uk. £499 inc. VAT happy, healthy new year. Angela Goodman FoPL Letting only (without viewings) £399 inc. VAT Community Good Neighbours Since September, thirteen Community Good Neighbours Scheme volunteers have supported local people through T: 01743 404925 phone support and garden visits when possible. We have W: howiekentandco.com more volunteers just trained or about to train too. In E: [email protected] addition, we have a team of volunteers who have already been active supporting people with errands such as Welbatch Farm, Hook-a-Gate  medicine collection and light shopping. One of the women who is receiving a regular phone call has said “the regular phone calls from [her volunteer] has been most helpful and it makes such a real difference to me to be able to have this friendly contact’’. It has been so successful that she has increased the frequency of receiving calls. One of the Good Neighbour Scheme volunteers said: “As a volunteer, I get to talk to lovely people, share thoughts, concerns and lots of laughter! It’s both rewarding and enjoyable and feels good to give something back to the community”. For more information or if you would like to volunteer please get in touch with the scheme on 07944 891953.

16 5 News from the Library Just as the library was getting back into the G ET ENG LISH : T U IT ION swing of things, wham! Lockdown 2. I suppose WIT H CA T H ERINE Metal Recycling this might happen again, but the library service Recycle your old scrap metal was quick to reinstate our click and collect service of 〜 Ready Reads and promote our online services. The e-reads, ancestry and YouTube videos continue to grow The Pavilion Steering Group met again on 17 November. • Brass, copper, lead, The group has been set up to guide the development of in popularity. Check the Shropshire Council libraries Flexible, engaging, student-centred tuition Catherine Jones cable, batteries page for details. The Pavilion Community Hub and Library and to ensure in your home or online. • Cast, cars, vans, farm scrap, Being optimistic about opening up again in December, we that it reflects the needs of the community throughout Perfect for refining skills needed for KS2 07812 932468 have been preparing to join the Pontesbury Christmas Tree the Rea Valley. So far, members include representatives SATs tests, improving skills at KS3, and [email protected] old central heating systems success in KS4 GCSEs. Trail. We are expecting a joyous tree and light spectacular, from: the parish and Shropshire Councillors and staff, Pontesbury Hill, Shrewsbury 〜 with a few scenes around the Pavilion. Friends of Pontesbury Library, local businesses and a Great for working towards specific targets and improving confidence. Call: 07989 050276 As we are unable to have a children’s Christmas craft Good Neighbours Scheme representative. The building is or 01743 791493 event this year we have prepared a little bag with a craft open for now as a library and for some one to one sessions and goodies for children to take home after their visit to the with local support organisations such as the debt advice library. All they’ll need is a glue stick and scissors. sessions (more information elsewhere in the newsletter). Please note our new telephone number 01743 250610. We look forward to the time when we can open fully and Merry Christmas from: have lots of great events for all the community. A big The Library Owl thank you to the local group of gardeners and Friends of Pontesbury Library who have planted up the planters Current Library Opening Hours outside to bring joy to those visiting the library. Monday 10:00 – 12:00 We are getting requests to use the building for Tuesday 10:00 – 1:00 and 2:00 – 4:00 meetings and some exercise classes and we will review Thursday 2:00 – 4:00 the building use at the end of the year, depending on Saturday 10:00 – 12:00 Telephone: 01743 250610 FoPL: Pontesburylibrary.co.uk government guidance. In the meantime any ideas you have about how the building could be used in the future please send them to the parish clerk. Pavilion Steering Group

Feed the Birds Project Pontesbury and Minsterley Two happy recipients We’ve had some lovely comments from people who have of bird feeders and food. had bird feeders: “I am everso grateful for this kind donation. Birds are

something I take a great interest in and it has helped occupy me during lockdown as I’m unable to see my

friends and family.” “What a kind gesture. I have seen all kinds of birds coming to feed.” “Thank you to all involved. I love it, I have seen a few birds. What a lovely idea.” We are still collecting pictures, drawings and letters of all the lovely birds and other wildlife you can see outside your windows or in your gardens. We plan to share the Tel: 07908 205881 drawings and letters with the community, via social www.mrwasp.biz [email protected] media and a newsletter, so everyone can experience the joy of wildlife and connect through their shared experiences. If you would like to get involved and write about birdlife in your garden, take a photograph or draw/ paint a picture we would love to hear from you. Please bring any photos, drawings or letters and post them in the white post-box at The Pavilion, the new community building next to the Co-op. Many thanks. Feed the Birds, Pontesbury & Minsterley team This local project is part of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s ‘Feed the Birds project’ funded by the National Lottery Building Communities Fund

6 15 Mobilise carers support This article gives you Getting support in Pontesbury area A short blog on dealing with more information about the change and uncertainty: organisations featured on pages https://bit.ly/323TIX0 12 and 13. A guide to some of the routines that helped us get through Lockdown (Pt 1): About Big Energy Saving https://bit.ly/324iJS6 Network A basic ‘emergency plan’ to get Big Energy Saving Network is you started: a community outreach project https://bit.ly/382F4Dl which targets vulnerable energy James Townsend, CEO and Co-Founder, Mobilise consumers. It’s delivered by Energy [email protected] Champions in organisations 07816 779635 across England and Wales. It aims to help people with their energy bills by encouraging them to take Bereavement Support for actions, including: switching, Shropshire Residents – signing up for the Warm Home Call 0345 678 9028 Discount scheme, signing up for A new service has been launched the Priority Service Register and to support people who are taking measures to make their experiencing and suffering from homes more energy efficient. bereavement and loss. The offer is open to any Shropshire resident About Shropshire RCC who has been bereaved by either a recent death or previous loss. Shropshire Rural Communities Charity (RCC) is committed to The Bereavement Support Service is making life better for everyone operated by Shropshire Council living in the county. and community voluntary We help people improve their partners Samaritans, CRUSE, prospects with access to work Severn Hospice and Crane Quality Pontesbury Neighbourhood Plan Counselling. The service can be and volunteering opportunities, The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group thanks accessed through self-referral by the hundreds of residents who filled in the recent and give a helping hand to those calling 0345 678 9028. questionnaire. We were very pleased that a substantial in need through small grants. We support people to stay active and majority of you supported the proposed vision for Shropshire Larder: how to connected to their community how we would like to see our parish in 2038 and keep yourself fed the plan objectives. Please find the final survey and to maintain their health and independence so they live life to As the recession deepens, more people analysis report and much more information on www. are losing their jobs and facing hardship. pontesburyneighbourhoodplan.org.uk the full. It is vital that people in Shropshire The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group has just started to We work with local meeting know where to get help. The Shropshire draw up policies based on the recent questionnaire and earlier places and groups to build Food Poverty Alliance has created consultations. These policies will form the most important part thriving communities and we resources for people and organizations of the Plan in terms of influencing future development. partner with organisations and in Shropshire to find advice and support: We urgently need the help of people in any part of the Parish policy makers to make sure the Shropshire Larder (shropshirelarder. org.uk) is the most comprehensive with specialist knowledge, experience or interest in such matters people of Shropshire have a fair voice. directory of services for people living as housing design, farming diversification and environmental in Shropshire on a low budget. It has enhancement, footpath improvements and business development. For more information about Shropshire RCC, please visit www. information on how to access a foodbank Anyone with a knowledge and interest in maps will be most or community food project, and how to welcome as all policies need to be accompanied by large scale shropshire-rcc.org.uk eat well on a budget. It also covers how maps. Any help will be appreciated, it does not need to be a time- to get support with benefits, housing, and consuming commitment but could be just a one off meeting if debt. Please help us make sure this info desired. is reaching everyone who needs it. Please contact the Parish Clerk if you can help. Please follow and share. Debbie Marais, Parsh Clerk Facebook: @ShropshireLarder and @ShropFoodPov Twitter: @ShropLarder and @ShropFoodPov Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date on the situation and the support available. 14 7 Shropshire Hills Young Rangers – Starting Soon! Are you, or do you know, a young person aged 12–16 who is interested in the environment and would like to do practical conservation tasks outdoors, learn some new skills and make new like-minded friends? Are you aged 15–18 and interested in a career in the environment but need some relevant experience? The Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership and South Shropshire Youth Forum are jointly delivering the Shropshire Hills Young Rangers project for young people throughout South Shropshire. Four new groups will be running from the end of this year in the Bishops Castle/, /, Pontesbury/ and Clee Hill areas – but young people are welcome to join from anywhere in south Shropshire. Practical site-based sessions will run out of school at weekends or in the holidays, with some weekend courses such as hedgelaying/coppicing and occasional longer projects such as building a boardwalk or restoring a footpath. If you are aged 15–18 you might be interested in our Leadership Working Group which will sit alongside the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership and have a role in developing and influencing the work of the Partnership – we’re looking for young people who are passionate about this local area and want to help protect and enhance its natural beauty and special landscape. Interested? Please email Joy Howells joy.howells@ shropshire.gov.uk for groups in Bishops Castle/Clun and Pontesbury/Stiperstones areas and for the Leadership Group, and Rich Morley [email protected] for groups in Clee Hill and Craven Arms/Church Stretton areas. More info at https://www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/ our-work/projects/working-with-young-people Project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Stephanie Hayes, Promotions Officer, Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership The Shropshire Hills Conservation Fund is open for applications This is a small grant pot, administered by the Shropshire Hills AONB Trust, which can award up to £2,000 towards local projects that help to conserve, enhance and raise awareness of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Over the years, the Fund has supported many local conservation, community and educational projects. From habitat management for rare species such as the Wood White butterfly, whinchat, dormice and curlew, to creating pollinator gardens in community spaces, restoring village verges and enabling volunteers to monitor wildlife. The Fund has also helped lots of school children and young people to engage with their local landscape through various outdoor activities including using digital media. Please get in touch with us if you have a project in mind. Priority areas for projects are: • Conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, landscape, wildlife or heritage of the Shropshire Hills AONB. • Educational and awareness-raising activities relating to the AONB and its conservation, especially involving young people. Public, private, voluntary sector and community groups can apply, along with individuals and businesses, but in all cases the project must show a clear public benefit. Grants are generally awarded for activity within a particular Financial Year (April to the end of March). So, applications this autumn/winter would be assessed for projects starting on or after 1 April 2021. For starters, please email [email protected] to request a Project Ideas Form. This is a short (two sides of A4) form to briefly describe your project idea. Once you have filled it in and returned to us, we will get in touch with you to discuss your project in more detail and will be able to recommend whether your project should progress to a full application. • Deadline for receiving your project idea form is 22 February 2021 • Deadline for full applications is 8 March 2021 From more information about the Fund, the AONB Trust and the Shropshire Hills please take a look on our website at https://www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/a-special-place/shropshire-hills-aonb-trust/aonb-conservation-fund Stephanie Hayes, Promotions Officer, Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership 8 13 Shropshire charity goes digital in a bid Mistletoe Sitting under the mistletoe to help households (Pale-green, fairy mistletoe), keep warm One last candle burning low, A local charity is offering free All the sleepy dancers gone, virtual advice to help people keep Just one candle burning on, warm and save money this winter. Shadows lurking everywhere: (See poster right.) Some one came, and kissed me there. Shropshire Rural Communities Tired I was; my head would go Charity (RCC) is delivering the Nodding under the mistletoe sessions as part of the Big (Pale-green, fairy mistletoe), Energy Saving Network, a national No footsteps came, no voice, but only, programme to help people take Just as I sat there, sleepy, lonely, action to reduce their energy bills. Stooped in the still and shadowy air The charity would typically speak Lips unseen—and kissed me there. to people face-to-face at events around Shropshire, but is unable to Walter de La Mare do so this year due to the Covid-19 crisis. Sadly, there probably won’t be much Instead, people can book a free kissing under the mistletoe this Zoom or telephone session with Christmas, and some of us will be alone. I hope, however, you all have a an energy ‘champion’, where they peaceful time with as many of those will be able to find out information you love as possible. including switching suppliers, what Editor help is available through grants and benefits and how to sign up to the priority services register, a Friends of scheme run by energy suppliers to Pontesbury Library give people extra help. November Lottery winners:- Lizzy Thain, Project Officer for 1st Mike Fletcher Shropshire RCC, said: “This year 2nd Bill Sample the impact of Covid-19 has us 3rd Roger Challinor staying inside, working from home and potentially increasing our Pontesbury & Community Food Share/Volunteers Help still available A grant to help Shropshire residents energy use, so it’s more important When we started the foodbank in March ,at the height of the pandemic, none If you are still in need of some than ever that people take the of us knew what the future held. We were lucky enough to have a group of support, please either contact affected by COVID-19 (Coronavirus) opportunity to reduce their bills volunteers who wanted to help. We always knew it would be a temporary fix the Community Good Neighbours Shropshire Council has been allocated a ‘Local Authority Emergency and become more energy efficient. whilst people came to terms with the situation. However, nine months on Scheme (see details on page 5) or Assistance Grant for Food and Essential Supplies’ to support people who “We have lots of information we are continuing to support some families but, thankfully, nowhere near Shrewsbury Foodbank which offers are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to COVID-19. and advice for all different types as many as we did in April/May time. a wide range of support including If you or someone you know finds it difficult to pay for some of their of circumstances so please get in We have made the decision to close the foodbank on the 31 December. help with food. essential costs due to COVID-19, or you know someone who has become touch if you would like to book a Families that are still actively using the foodbank, if any by then, will be homeless or is concerned about losing their home, please call us 0345 session or are interested in finding given information to get the ongoing support they need. Anyone needing Shewsbury Foodbank at Barnabas is 678 9078. We will go through an initial application to establish your/their out more.” help can also ring The Community Good Neighbours on 07944 891953. open: Monday, Tuesday and Friday circumstances and will advise you/them of any other information we need People taking part are encouraged Helen and I have been overwhelmed with the generosity of people, and (not Bank Holidays) from 9.30am to to provide for us to consider your/their application. The request will then to have a recent energy bill available how people came together in a crisis and helped each other out. As a 12pm. Tel: 01743 343336 or 07421 be passed to a specialist adviser who will discuss the application with you/ to review so possible savings are community, we should all be proud of the help we have given to those who 745857. them. When the Council has all the information it needs, a decision will be identified during the advice session. have needed it. The volunteers at the height of the pandemic selflessly made on whether an award can be made and they will advise the person collected prescriptions, shopped and delivered food to those who were Food Bank PLUS is the umbrella for how the award will be made. They will also receive a free energy pack with an information shielding; they delivered food parcels to twenty families or more each week; the delivery of a range of individual Help is also available from the Local Support and Prevention Fund (LSPF). they manned the doors at the Co-op each weekend to ensure everyone’s toolkit after the call offering further initiatives: Shrewsbury Food Bank, This scheme is targeted at helping vulnerable people to meet their immediate safety; and they delivered shopping from the Co-op. Barnabas Money Advice and 360 guidance. short term needs in the event of a crisis and also to support vulnerable The volunteers were from Pontesbury, Minsterley and Habberley – 62 Platform for Life, which incorporates To book your advice session people to live independently in the community. All awards made are non- people who ‘just wanted to do something to help’. a range of services supporting please call 01743 342167 or repayable and may be made up of awards in kind such as food parcels, Thank you to all of you. clients on the journey back to work furniture or fuel credits. Phone 0345 678 9078 for more information or visit https://www.shropshire-rcc. Sharon and Helen and health with activities including They can download a printable form from the relevant council web page for org.uk/services/individuals/free- employability advice, cookery and Many thanks to Sharon and Helen and all of the volunteers who have worked LSPF https://new.shropshire.gov.uk/benefits/what-help-can-i-claim-from- energy-saving-advice/ walking. so hard over the past 9 months. the-council/local-support-and-prevention-fund/ Debbie Marais, Parish Clerk Debbie Marais, Parish Clerk 12 9 St George’s Church Notes from the Stiperstones Free online mental health www.st-george.org.uk Despite the difficult times we are all going through at support for 14-25 year olds Services for December: Subject to change due to Covid-19 the moment, the management of the hill continues, Whether it’s loss of routine, 6th 10.30am Holy Communion and as usual we are carrying out the annual task of increased anxiety, or stress at 13th (outside) 4.00pm Carols under the tree tree clearance on the heathland. Heathland, as I’m sure home, we’re supporting 20th 10.30am Morning Worship I’ve explained previously, is a very important habitat for young people through FREE video 24th 3.00pm Crib Service wildlife, but largely one that relies upon management therapy sessions (6pm – 12am). 11.30pm Midnight Mass to prevent it succeeding to woodland. In theory grazing

Email: [email protected] 25th 10.30am Family Service with animals should control the seeding trees, but in reality Tel: 0121 622 3603, Holy Communion it means walking the heath with a pair of loppers taking TEXT: 07395 629297 27th 10.30am Morning Worship the trees out before they get too large. The main trees twitter/facebook/instagram Everyone is welcome to join us for any of our services. that seed onto the heath are birch and rowan trees. Birch @lyfeproofUK seeds are blown by the wind and seedlings on the heath are most numerous downwind from woodland edges. Rowan trees are more scattered over the heath, probably due to berries having been dropped by feeding birds. New Rector at The odd holly and oak tree are also found on the heath which again are likely to be dropped or buried by birds. St. George’s Church, Pontesbury Away from the heath, rowans are very important trees At last, after over two years without our own Minister, in the upland landscape and Brook Vessons has some we can announce that St. George’s has a new Rector: of the oldest rowans in the country. The old holly trees Pick Up The Phone Revd. Greg Smith. Greg comes to us from the parish of at the Hollies is well known, but the old rowans, birches You Are Not Alone Eastern Green, Coventry, and he plans to move in to the and crab apples at Brook Vessons are less so. Deanery house, here in Pontesbury, next month. In early To help raise awareness of the range Rowans can live for up to 200 years and, like the best of February, Greg will be formally “installed” by the Bishop of support available to those who feel us, as they get older they develop character; often developing of Hereford and can then take charge of his flock. No suicidal, a new Suicide Prevention holes and crevasses which make good nest sites for birds like doubt he and his wife Fran will become familiar faces Zcard designed by the Shropshire redstarts and tits. The creamy-white flowers are produced in in our community. and Telford Suicide Prevention late spring when they attract a range of insects such as bees Meanwhile, St. George’s is keeping busy. The church is Network (with representation from that feed on their nectar, and a number of moth caterpillars, open every Wednesday morning for private prayer (and/ across health, social care, emergency such as the welsh wave and autumn green carpet, feed on or a chat) and we are running fund-raising activities. and blue light services, voluntary the trees leaves. Most notably though are the clusters of These include the “Christmas Tree Trail” which is services, experts by experience vivid red berries that are on show in the early autumn and organised jointly with Pontesbury Library (details on amongst others) has been launched. which attract a range of birds, particularly thrushes, both page 0). We will resume regular Sunday services as our resident ones and those visiting from Scandinavia, like The Zcard provides; soon as possible this month and we will do our best to • Brief advice and guidance on the redwing and fieldfare. celebrate Christmas in safety with special services in Superficially, the leaves of rowan look a bit like how to address concerns the traditional way, though much depends upon what • Contacts for a confidential, common ash, which presumably is why its alternative the Government will allow. name is the mountain ash. Luckily, unlike common ash, listening ear For details of this month’s services, please see above. rowans cannot be infected by Chalara – ash dieback, • Primary contacts to seek You can also keep up to date by checking our website: the disease that is threatening to wipe out our common immediate appropriate support www.st-george.org.uk. Enjoy the Christmas Tree Trail – ash trees. Useful Resources and Happy Christmas to all, from all at St. George’s! Rowan trees have a number of uses other than 1. Free online Suicide prevention Mary Worrall and Allen Marsden, Churchwardens being food and shelter for wildlife. The bark was once training (20 min video on see, say, used to dye wool red or brown, the wood is hard but signpost): www.zerosuicidealliance. not particularly durable and is used generally for its com/training Dementia Support decorative colour for turning or furniture. However, what This is a great resource on how is mostly used are the berries for making jelly or wine. to identify risk and how to have in Pontesbury The fruit is rich in vitamin C, although it should only be difficult conversations, it has When someone is diagnosed with dementia there eaten once cooked as they are a good laxative. been widely shared amongst our are questions, concerns and situations that arise Commonly referred to in mythology, the rowan tree networks about what to do, how to understand the condition, was known to keep witches from entering the house and 2. Help Is At Hand: national and where to find answers and support. The was often planted by the front door for that purpose. In resource for support after suicide Alzheimer’s Society have local Dementia Advisers parts of Wales it was planted in church yards to keep evil (physical cards available to order who provide personalised one-to-one support for away. Its Celtic name means wizard tree and in Norse direct from the website for free): those in Shropshire with a diagnosis of dementia, mythology the first woman was created from it, so it https://supportaftersuicide.org. their family and carers. If you want to talk with really is a special tree and indeed in some parts it is uk/support-guides/help-is-at-hand them and have their support then call the Dementia thought to be very bad luck to cut it down. I do hope this last bit isn’t true, as we regularly have to clear hundreds Suicide Prevention Action Group Connect Supportline on 0333 150 3456. of saplings off the hill every year. Unfortunately we have had to cancel the usual Christmas at the Cottages event this year. Hopefully our events will return to normal in 2021. Happy Christmas from: Simon Cooter and the Natural England staff at Rigmoreoak 10 11