AgeUK and Wrekin ext.231 01743 233123 BINS - Waste Management Year 28 DecemberMARCH 2020 2021 0345 6789007 U [email protected] CAXTON SURGERY 01691 654646 S https://www.caxtonsurgery.co.uk/index.aspx Citizens Advice Bureau, Castle View 03444 991100 E CORBET SCHOOL www.corbetschool.net 01939 260296 DIAL-A-RIDE, Volunteer Bureau and Qube Arts centre 01691 656882 F (main switchboard Osw.Community Action) ELECTRICITY Scottish Power (Manweb as was) 0800 270072 U KNOCKIN Medical Practice 01691 682203 L Methodist Chapel: Revd Julie Skitt 07810 360778 SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES Methodist Hall (Bookings) 01691 610348 NHS Out of Hours Service 111 Orthopaedic Hospital 01691 404000 T Parish Council email: [email protected]

https://www.westfeltonparish.co.uk/ E POLICE, West Mercia Non-Emergency number 101 L Police Station 0300 333 3000 Safer Neighbourhood team—email: E [email protected] Pradoe Church: Chairman: Andrew Kenyon 01691 610218 P PUNCH BOWL 01691 610322 QUEENS HEAD RESTAURANT 01691 610255 H RAIL STATION, GOBOWEN 01691 681010 The census is coming Roman Catholic Church: Fr Philip O 01691 652248 Holy Mass Saturday 6:30 pm, Sunday 10 am Sunday 21 March RSPCA Shropshire Branch N 07703 567935 SAMARITANS 116 123 E SCHOOL – C E School 01691 610388 SHOP: West Felton Stores 01691 610863 It’s about us SHROPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 0345 6789000 Anti-Social Report Line 0345 6789020 N Your Shrops Councillor: Steve Charmley email: 01691 587958 U [email protected] St Michael’s Church: Revd Suzan Williams 01691 238658 M Revd Jassica Castillo-Burley 01691 611749 Church Warden: Dr Michael Davie 01691 610612 B St. Chad’s: Chapel Warden: Mrs A Hampson 01691 610845 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Secretary 01691 610357 See page: 11 E VILLAGE HALL Bookings 01691 610629 WASP Problems Emergency number 01691 831251 / 07779 81025 R WATER - Severn Trent Water Authority 0800 7834444 S WOMEN’S INSTITUTE: Yvette Openshaw 01691 611645 Eileen Hanmer 01691 610629

52 1

WHAT’S ON David Davies & Sons Parish Council Second Tuesday of the month at the slightly later time of "Serving the community for over 170 years" 8pm, via Zoom. West Felton Walkers SUSPENDED for the time being

Step by Step Dance Instruction FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Badminton ALL ACTIVITIES Felton Flexors Club : SUSPENDED An independent family business Pilates Class offering a complete service Table Tennis Rainbows SUSPENDED including pre-paid funeral plans Short Mat Bowls SUSPENDED for the season. More info September 2021 Children's Martial Arts SUSPENDED. More info January 2021 RBL Meetings SUSPENDED for the time being. 1 Upper Church Street, Oswestry SY11 2AA RBL Bingo SUSPENDED for the time being. 01691 653116 WI SUSPENDED for the time being

Post Office service available only one day a week for the duration of lockdown.

W. E. Price from Kate, Treasurer

Invoicing will recommence in April 2021 We provide the highest level of care, compassion and professionalism. for the coming 12 months. Available 24 hours a day. Pre-paid funeral plans available If any businesses are not intending to continue trading or advertising with us, can you please let the editor know at West Felton 01691 610975 [email protected] Oswestry 01691 652995

www.wepricefuneraldirectors.co.uk

Oakwood, Salop Road, Oswestry, SY11 2RN

Disclaimer Round and About West Felton Magazine is not responsible for any advertiser’s products, services or company, nor for any claims made by advertisers. The information, statements and opinions expressed in reports or articles published in Round and About West Felton Magazine are solely those of the authors and do not in any way reflect those of the magazine committee. 2 51

for Social events, Concerts, Weddings, Clubs, Sales, Children's parties

CHARGES Phone Eileen Hanmer 01691 610629

Hourly rate £8 Concerts £50 Morning or Afternoon £45 Children's Parties (max 3 hours) £35 Discos/parties £70 Weddings, all day £100

The Post Office will be located in the entrance lobby of the village hall on the following days: Monday 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

WF Methodist Church School Room (opp. playing field) is available for hire Suitable for Meetings, Children’s Parties, etc. £5.50 per hour To book contact Mrs D Barnes 01691 610348 SUSPENDED Round and About West Felton

Articles/advertisement amendments for inclusion in next issue to Editor by email (preferred) or phone

Last day for submission of copy: 15th February 2021

For articles and advertising Treasurer: Kate Gray space contact For further details 01691 610425

Editor: Colleen Hughes Advertising Rates Tel 01691 610300 annual subscription of: Quarter page £35 Half page £55 Full page £90

50 3

St Michael’s St Chad’s West Felton Haughton

Telephone - 01691 610863 Opening Hours 7.00 am - 8.00 pm Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 8 pm Saturday 7:30 am - 7 pm Sunday Hello West Felton, Parish of Whittington We are doing the delivery service again for and West Felton with Haughton those who are shielding at home. Rector: Reverend Suzan Williams, The Rectory, Please order Castle Street Whittington, 01691 238658. Curate at West Felton: Reverend Jassica Castillo-Burley, • between 9-12 on our telephone number (01691 610 863) The Rectory, West Felton 611749

• or Whatsapp your order on our business number Church services have moved back online for the time being. (+441691610863). Here is the link: Suzan Williams is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. We will deliver as soon as possible, Topic: Zoom church please leave your name and telephone number, Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime so we may contact you. Join Zoom Meeting Thank you. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89457221918? Essential items only please, pwd=RUh6ZFBDMnZ3RVR1bkFRYlJzU2RtZz09 the minimum spend is £10.00 Meeting ID: 894 5722 1918 (excluding alcohol, tobacco Passcode: 378117 and cigarettes). Dial by your location 0203 481 5237

People can ring in on a landline by ringing the number above Don’t forget and entering the Meeting ID and password. MOTHERING Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals:

SUNDAY Please arrange with The Rector, Rev’d Suzan Williams 01691 238658 14th March or the Churchwarden See back page for phone numbers

4 49

WEST FELTON PARISH COUNCIL https://www.westfeltonparish.co.uk/

s Clerk to West Felton Parish Council: Mrs Rosemary WOOD 01939 262 881 Parish Office: 5 Newtown Gardens ShrewsburySY4 2HF Welcome to Shropshire Landscapes a leading landscaping company with a Email: [email protected] Website: www.westfeltonparish.co.uk reputation for creating truly magnificent and unique gardens throughout Chairman Cllr Marian HESKETH 01691 610 441(Representative for Village Hall) Shropshire. As true landscaping specialists, we take pride in what we do, and Vice-Chairman Cllr David WALKER 01691 897 117 (Rep Helicopter Noise Group) work closely with each of our clients to develop inspired concepts, creating Cllr Dianne BARNES Tel: 0787 4867605 exciting, practical garden design. Our philosophy is simple reliability, Cllr Carole COLES 01691 610 225 combined with a professional service and value for money. Services we offer: Cllr David CURTIS 01691 610 665 (Rep for Village Hall, Primary School and LJC) Patios and all aspects of paving Decking Cllr Roger HAMPSON 01691 610 845(Representative for ABP Liaison Committee) Fencing and trellises Turf laying and artificial grass Cllr Chris JONES 01691 610 354 Driveways and paths Natural stone paving - Indian stone Cllr Kay KYNASTON 01691 610 368 Garden walls, brickwork, rendering Cllr Pat MABE 01691 610 400 (Representative for SALC Area Committee) Cllr Ed NICHOLAS 01691 610 230 Cllr Alison OLLIER Tel: 01691 610 878 "Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” Shropshire Councillor Cllr Steve CHARMLEY Tel: 01691 650 488 With us there are no ‘hidden costs’ – we set out the inclusive price. Quotations are free of charge and made at a time to suit you. We look forward to hearing from you. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – 9th February 2021 01691 611680 - 07400 821581 or [email protected] Nine councillors and County Councillor Steve Charmley attended this month's meeting. No members of the public were present.

Reports: ARRIDGE Steve Charmley reported that the flooding near to the Cefn-y-Wern junction has now been dealt with by Shropshire Council as has various other flooding prob- lems in the village, but the problem in Threadneedle street is proving more diffi- GARAGE DOORS cult to clear completely.

David Curtis had recently attended the School Governors' meeting and he report- ed on how well the school were handling both the high number of children attend- ing school and those being taught remotely. He gave an update on the progress being made on the school expansion project.

There was no report from the Police this month.

Parish matters:

Up and over Sectional Roller Side-hinged All three bus shelters have been power washed and sanitised. The section of the Willows that leads to the footbridge has now been cleared of leaf sludge.

All types supplied, fitted and repaired - Remote Controls Several residents have recently expressed concerns about the condition of the Prompt professional service - Quality guaranteed installations pavement along the Holyhead road towards the Weirbrook, the parking at Queens Head junction and dog fouling in the village. The Parish Council are aware of Est 1989 - Opening Hours these problems and the pavement issue has previously been reported to Highways www.arridgegaragedoors.co.uk Mon-Fri 9-5.30 and recently followed up on by Cllr Charmley. Dog fouling is another issue that is 68-70 Roft Street, Oswestry, SY11 2EP 01691 670394 (Continued on page 7)

48 5

Oswestry and Borders Foodbank Helping local people in crisis

For donations see https://oswestryandborders.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/

56 Beatrice Street, Oswestry, SY11 1QW 01691 671940

You can also donate food at Sainsbury’s, Morrison's & Tesco

6 47

(Continued from page 5) Parish Council report Roberts Refresh in our Action Plan where we aim to improve the number and location of bins, but unfortunately it is an ongoing problem. Your Local West Felton Cleaning Lady Queries have been raised about the strip of land between the Tedsmore Grange I cover Oswestry and Domestic Cleaning Service development and Tedsmore road. This land is officially designated as Public Open surrounding areas For your home or office Space and is therefore available for use by members of the public. Access can be Two years professional experience gained via the Playing Field or from the new development. Please call Kelly Roberts on: 07597 185297 References on request During this current lock down, in line with government recommendations the Or email: From £10.00 per hour Playing Field remains open, but users are asked to adhere to the government [email protected] Monday to Friday guidelines on distancing and hygiene.

Our next meeting will take place via Zoom on Tuesday 9th March 2021 at 8pm. The link will be available in the week prior to the meeting on our website: why not try OSWESTRY OSWESTRY LIBRARY from Oswestry Library Facebook page CABS We are happy to announce that we are able to continue with the #ReadyReads 01691 661663 click and collect service, our doors are open to pickup items and for returns. Don’t pay more for Get your order in here http://orlo.uk/flAN0.

door to door? Times to pickup and drop off items are:

West Felton to Oswestry Monday to Friday : 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm Saturday : 10am to 1pm £6.90 - 6 am till m/night £11.00 - m/night till 6 am Items can still be ordered from the online catalogue http://orlo.uk/UGLNC Oswestry to for a charge of 75p per item, except for junior and teenage items and conces- Manchester Airport £59.00 sionary members. 8 passenger minibus available - Oswestry to Wrexham £56 re- We are still here for you, get in touch by phone 01743 250351, turn email : [email protected] All our reasonable rates and through our social media channels. just a ‘phone call away

MOBILE LIBRARY

No mobile library until Alan Williams Carpenter/Joiner further notice All joinery considered. Fitted wardrobes, laminated and solid wood flooring, PVC facias, making and fitting doors and frames and fitting kitchens. No job too small. “A few decades ago we had Johnny Cash, Bob Hope and Steve Jobs. Over 40 years experience Now we have no Hope, no Cash and no Jobs. Please don’t let Kevin Bacon die!” – Bill Murray 46 7

RICHARDS GROUNDWORKS A Brief History of House Cats As every cat owner knows, nobody really owns a cat, cats just tolerate us living in Surfacing Contractor their homes, but scientists now say the popular pet has lived with people for 12,000 years. Drives - Tarmac - Block Paving - Slabs It has taken a while for scientists to piece together the riddle of just when and where Highways and Local Authority Approved Contractor cats first became domesticated. One would think that the archaeological record might References available answer the question easily, but wild cats and domesticated cats have remarkably simi- lar skeletons, complicating the matter. Some clues first came from the island of Cy- John Richards, Pentre, prus in 1983, when archaeologists found a cat's jawbone dating back 8,000 years. Telephone: 07958 156054 / 01743 741503 In 2004, the unearthing of an even older site at Cyprus, in which a cat had been delib- erately buried with a human, made it even more certain that the island's ancient cats were domesticated, and pushed the domestication date back at least another 1,500 Chris Orme years. While 12,000 years ago might seem a bold estimate, actually is a perfectly logical Painter & Decorator one, since that is precisely when the first agricultural societies began to flourish in the Free quotes - All work undertaken Middle East's Fertile Crescent. For more information call: When humans were predominantly hunters, dogs were of great use, and thus were domesticated long before cats. Cats, on the other hand, only became useful to people Home 01691 828298 - Mob: 07817 614 848 when we began to settle down, till the earth and—crucially—store surplus crops. With The Fields, Deytheur, Llansantffraid, Powys SY22 6TE grain stores came mice, and when the first wild cats wandered into town, the stage was set for what the scientists call "one of the more successful 'biological experi- ments' ever undertaken." The cats were delighted by the abundance of prey in the storehouses; people were delighted by the pest control. CLEANING SERVICES "We think what happened is that the cats sort of domesticated themselves," one of the MH study authors said. The cats invited themselves in, and over time, as people favoured cats with more docile traits, certain cats adapted to this new environment, producing Domestic- Commercial WINDOW CLEANING the dozens of breeds of house cat known today. No Job too Big or too Small ■ Outside Lighting • Conservatories Village Bobby’s ■ Periodic Testing and Inspection • Patios • All Glasswork Contact Details ■ General Electrical Work • Driveways • Solar Panels ■ Fuse Board Upgrades • Decking PC 3194 Mark Moth, South LPO (Local Police Officer) ■ Landlord Safety Checks Mob: 07816 172474 - Not to be used to report incidents or crimes ■ Free Quotations DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL : 0300 333 3000 Crimestoppers: 0800 555111 COMPETITIVE RATES ■ New Builds REFERENCES ON REQUEST New non emergency number 101 ■ Extensions - Re-wires All work is certificated & fully tested Contact us for a free no obligation quote

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8 45

Quality Day Care for Children Roger Belham, Census Engagement Manager Shropshire • Owned and managed by Mums Office for National Statistics 07452 928132 • Full day care from 12 weeks to pre-school [email protected] • Nursery Education Funding for 3 and 4 year olds • 24u funding accepted / All inclusive fees he census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate esti- • Open daily 51 weeks from 07.30 - 18.30 T mate of all the people and households in and . It has been car- • Set in acres of farmland with large outdoor garden ried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941. • Fresh home cooked food using locally sourced products It will be the first census run predominantly online, with households receiving a 01743 741554 - www.littlepixiesnursery.co.uk letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on Kinton Business Park, Kinton, Nr Nesscliffe, SY4 1AZ their computers, phones or tablets. Paper forms will be available for those people that are unable to complete the census online. Census day will be on March 21st, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people Specialists in Domestic and whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for Commercial Carpets and Vinyls those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. Also Specialists in Safety Flooring It may be useful to visit this link https://census.gov.uk/. Altro, Polyflor, Tarkett, Gerflor, etc

For wet rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and saunas The importance of the census in 2021 The census gives us information about house- FREE ESTIMATES holds across England and Wales.

01691 610003 or 07710 595221 At the Office for National Statistics (ONS), we’ve used past census information to help us understand how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected peo- We will bring the samples to you ple in different ways. or we can arrange a time to meet at our showroom Census 2021 will give us fresh information to improve our understanding of the pandemic. It will also help to make sure that the services you use meet the needs of our changing society. This could include hospitals, schools, uni-

versities and job centres. Census Day is Sunday 21 March 2021 and will continue to happen on that date. Business Support Programme Accounts Preparation Management Accounts Financial Services At the ONS, our main concern is the safety of the public and our staff. We want Tax Planning Payroll Services everyone to be safely counted during the census. To do this, we’re making sure SAGE software sales & support Auditing that our plans are always in line with the latest government safety guidelines. Business Start Ups Census 2021 is a digital-first census, which means that we will be encouraging people to respond online if they can. You will be able to complete the census us- Offices Ellesmere, Oswestry, Llangollen and Telford: at: ing any device, including your mobile phone or tablet. Telephone: 01691 622098 Chartered e-mail: [email protected] Accountants and If you need help, we’ve got it covered. We will have an online help area on our Business Advisers (Continued on page 11)

44 9

March This month’s by John Updike favourite joke

The sun is nervous A man says to his doctor, "I think my As a kite wife is going deaf, but I don't want to That can’t keep mention it. It'll be tactless and insensi- tive. Is there any way of checking, Its own string tight. without her knowing?"

Some days are fair, The doctor replies, "Choose a moment when she has her back to you. Say And some are raw. something in a normal voice and, if The timid earth she doesn't answer, move a little clos- Decides to thaw. er and say it again. Then you'll get an idea about her hearing." Shy budlets peep So, when he comes home from work, From twigs on trees, his wife is standing with her back to him in the kitchen. He asks, "What's And robins join for dinner, love?" but gets no answer. The chickadees. He moves in a little closer. "What's for dinner, love?" he repeats. Again, no Pale crocuses response. Poke through the ground He moves even closer. "What's for Like noses come dinner, love?" Nothing. To sniff around. By now, he's right behind her. He says again, "What's for dinner, The mud smells happy love?" She turns round and shouts, On our shoes BRICKLAYER & GROUNDWORK "For the fourth time - chicken!" We still wear mittens Which we lose. Bricklaying ■ Plastering Call to get quote Timber framework ■ Fencing OSWESTRY BASED Landscaping & Slabbing Drainage & JOSH - 07484 775590 Septic Tank emptying BEN - 07484 775612 Mini digger for hire [email protected]

ALL ASPECTS OF WORK UNDERTAKEN

10 43

Home is where theEducation and support in settling (Continued from page 9) Census care is your baby and infant massage website and offer help by phone, webchat, email, social media or text message. We’re also encouraging people to get help from friends and family to complete Enabling you to remain their census. independent Are you looking for local support with helping your baby or infant to settle or If it’s safe and within government guidelines, we will also be opening Census resettle? Support Centres to help people fill in their online questionnaire. Are you fed up with having broken or very little sleep? What to expect from our census field officers Do you feel the lack of sleep is affecting your health? Would you like to learn infant massage in either a group setting or one After Census Day, at the end of March and into April, our census field officers on one? will be visiting households from which we’ve not received a completed census I have just under twelve years of experience working closely with form. They will encourage people to complete the census and help you to access families on a daily basis in a residential setting, assisting with sleeping, further help if you need it. Our field officers will never need to enter your house. feeding and parenting concerns. I am a Registered Nurse, Child Our field officers will be working in the same way as a postal or food delivery Health Nurse (equivalent to UK health Visitor) and am a qualified In- visit. They will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and working in fant Massage Instructor and Baby Sleep Consultant. I am absolutely line with government guidance. dedicated to helping families and working towards achieving your To find out more about how we will be making sure Census 2021 is completed goals for the 0-3 year age group. safely during the coronavirus pandemic, please visit the ONS website. If you feel that you would like some personalised support and advice https://www.ons.gov.uk/news/statementsandletters/census2021andcoronavirus call Jackie, Phone: 07494 449 993 or 01691 611744 Email: [email protected]. Website: Babyserenityuk.com

Home is where the care is Enabling you to remain independent West Felton Walking for Health group Current COVID-19 restrictions permit exercising only with people you live with or, when on your own, with one person from another house- hold. Therefore Walking for Health groups are suspended. Any fur- ther official guidance or information from the Ramblers Walking for Health National Office will be notified when available.

Find out more information on Walk leaders:- our award winning home care Mike Bossen 01691 610623 service. Hilary Iles 01691 610707 Email the Bluebird Care team: John and Eileen Hanmer 01691 610629 [email protected] Liz and Dave Embrey 01691 658275 or call us on 01743 874343 or 01691 749128 “Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cosy, doesn’t try it on.” Billy Connolly

42 11

Friendly , Reliable, Local Service Free no obligation estimates Up the Garden Path High standard of work with Topiarius No mess left behind! Ready, steady, sow [email protected] March is when garden life starts again—after the first seeds are sown at the

Installation Repairs beginning of the month the flood gates open and its non-stop sowing for sev- Tel 07969 833 610 eral weeks. Everybody can plant garlic and shallots outside now, although Maintenance some people say garlic should be planted in the autumn—I have never been convinced. However, I do get problems with fungal disease so will try an ex- periment of planting the garlic in small pots and then burying the pots in the ground. It may or may not work but it is worth a try. Not everybody can sow radish and carrots yet because you really need a cold glasshouse for early March. However, if you can sow now the early crops are much appreciated in the kitchen. How early you can sow half hardy bedding and tender vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers depends on what heat and light you have. For many years I have operated a system of sowing in- doors in a temperature controlled room and then moving seedlings to a heated (but not very warm) glasshouse. Keeping a glasshouse at sowing temperature is for the very rich only, but seedlings have to have good light. Hence, the seedlings have to exist in a compromise between ideal temperature and rea- sonable cost. When using an electric heater in the glasshouse or to keep a room even, I have found the built in thermostat to be pretty useless. Hence, I suggest buying a decent thermostat and mounting it on a small wooden box together with a 13 amp socket. You need to be confident with electrics to wire the thermostat and socket to the mains as the requirements are not en- tirely intuitive. Also, make sure the thermostat is rated for the power of your heater. This year, the system will be a bit different because, for the first time, I have a double glazed conservatory that can be kept at a higher temperature than the glasshouse without breaking the bank, so things should be earlier. Neverthe- less, I shall remain cautious and start with lobelia and ageratum in the first week but hold back on tomatoes until the end of the month. I sow say 4 or 5 DAVID JAMES CARPENTRY types of seed each week largely because of limited space.

When you sow seeds outside or in a glasshouse bed, an interesting question is Internal and external property maintenance, gazebos, paving, "What do you use to form the seed drills?" I have tried various things but garden projects. Happy to discuss your requirements have usually come back the corner of a draw hoe. Currently, I am using a de- with no commitment vice I made out of oddments of wood that could best be described as a minia- References available / Contact David James ture plough on a stick. It does make for an even depth of drill but fails if the 07930 185106 / 01939 262449 ground is too hard. Incidentally, for marking the rows I have found pieces of aluminium angle very convenient with the name of the plant produced with a [email protected] label printing device and stuck on. They last for many years.

12 41

MESSAGE from David Clough

The Market is still operating but for “essential items “ only. So for ex- ample, the indoor market has the fish stall, the German deli and the Are you fed-up with doing the same old walks? pet food shop available and outside we have fresh fruit and vegeta- bles, bread and cheese. So not many but we are still open. Walking in Shropshire Many of the traders are still trading online and if you go to the web- www.walkinginshropshire.co.uk site their details are listed. They are also operating a click and collect is the website for you! service. We all look forward to trading as normal and wish all your With hundreds of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of readers the very best. walks, contact details for all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is Regards , David Clough there in one place. Retail Markets and Events Manager John Harris says ‘There is so much walking information on the web but it is Oswestry Town Council 01691680222 difficult to find. Walking in Shropshire (part of the Walking in England suite http://www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk of websites (www.walkinginengland.co.uk) – one for each county in England) http://twitter.com/oswestrymarkets has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’. www.oswestrymarket.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oswestry-Town-Market/ With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy. INDOOR MARKET: STREET MARKET: So home or away, check out the websites and get walking! Wednesday John Harris www.walkinginengland.co.uk Wednesday, email: [email protected] & Saturday Friday & Saturday 40 13

(Continued from page 37) Why go to Church? care was no longer viable. Has the parish priest concept become outmoded? Should deaneries expect their clergy to specialise: community activities, youth groups, provide succour for the bereaved, helping people understand what Christi- anity is all about, for example. Which brings us back to the original question: why go to church if you feel it is irrelevant, people think you’re weird and the clergy don’t care about you? Evan- gelicals sometimes regard church buildings as irrelevant, but they do provide somewhere for like-minded people to congregate, to worship, to chat and to an extent to support each other. People attending church are also more likely to give money which is an attribute not applicable to those attending a Zoom service. Re- search in this country and others suggest that as many as 20% of the congregations Rednal Garage will not return once the Covid restrictions have been removed – a statistic that will Unit 5 Rednal Aerodrome worry church treasurers.

Spring has sprung Specialising in German and Swedish cars from Rev Suzan Williams New and Second-hand Volvo Spares in Stock don’t know how a lot of you feel but the early signs of spring have lifted my spirits no end. Seeing the snow drops and then crocuses has given us a real I boost in seeing the visible signs of the change in the season. Only today I heard a quote that rings so true in this season ‘God has written the promise of the resurrection not in books alone but in every leaf of springtime.’ OIL BOILER SERVICING AND REPAIRS And that is certainly true for the season we find ourselves in at the moment. Who would have believed that nearly a year on we would still be living through the reali-

ties of a global pandemic, with our schools and businesses closed for a third time in Call Stuart for prompt and efficient response a matter of months. 01691 682480 However the early signs of hope are visibly there for us to see. Many of you will have already had your first dose of the vaccine and it was only a month ago that my 07940 757503 elder sister reminded me that’s it’s a miracle that a vaccine was formulated as quick- OFTEC qualified engineer - all works fully insured ly as it has been. But as in life when we detect the first signs of spring we still need to be patient as the season isn’t quite here for us to be getting those lighter clothes out. We’ve had some quite persistent snow although not very heavy in recent weeks almost remind- ing us that we’re not quite clear of the colder weather yet and its similar to our situ- ation with the virus the early indications are very positive but we still need to oper-

Covering all of North Shropshire and Welsh Border Counties ate in our daily lives with the same level of caution. Keeping our two metre distance and wearing our masks were appropriate and we hope and pray that in the not too Oil fired heating engineer for all types of work relating to oil fired heating distant future we will be able to spend time with those that we love and care for. systems including boiler servicing, installation, breakdowns, leakage As always we assure you of our continued prayers for you and our community as we problems and all types of maintenance. journey through these challenging times. All aspects of general plumbing work also undertaken And if you feel able to support St Michaels in anyway that would be very much ap- JIM PARKES preciated as we still have financial commitments that we need to fulfil in order to 01978 722598 / M maintain our church presence and building for the generations to come. Every Blessing, Suzan

14 39

Clean Chimneys are safe chimneys

Brush and Vacuum – Leakage testing – Nests removed – Cowls, Bird Guards and caps supplied and fitted. Open fire, multi fuel stoves, Aga, domestic and commercial. Fully Insured with NFU, Certificates given. For a Fast, Friendly and Clean Service or just help and advice.

Call 01939 768319 www.westfeltonmagazine.co.uk 24 The Wheatlands, Baschurch, Shropshire N.A.C.S. Member 12/05 For Family, Friends and ex-pats everywhere:

For many years BT as provided free com- S. Owen & Sons munity websites. In their wisdom they The Wharf House, Pant, Oswestry have now withdrawn this facility with effect from May 2021. For all your Coal and We now have a new, simple, one page web site which provides the outside world with access to Round and About West Felton each month. Heating Oil Supplies For those with family and friends in far flung places who have been using http://www.westfeltonmagazine.btck.co.uk/ to read the magazine each Phone your Local Supplier on: month, please tell them this will soon no longer work and give them the new address: 01691 www.westfeltonmagazine.co.uk

ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? is an American quiz game show, a maxi- 830315 mum cash prize of $1,000,000 can be won.

Host: "Which European country is Budapest the capital of?" Contestant: "This might be a stupid question. I thought Europe was a country? I know they speak French there, don't they? Is France a country?"

38 15

WHY GO TO CHURCH? From Michael Davie

Why go to church? The December 2020 item had some ideas about the role of the church, and one idea, namely that the Bishops and Archdeacons might give a sermon each week to be circulated to the churches, has actually been taken up, at least until Easter. That article dwelt on mission, but more urgently the question that should be bothering the Bishops is why people go to church at all. Much research about church attendance or non-attendance has been done in America. Church attendance is declining there at a rate that suggests that by 2070 there will be no congregations at all. Throughout the western world those in the 18-39 year age group are significantly less likely to have a religious affiliation than those over 40 years old. This is not because agnosticism or atheism is in- Visit our website at: www.the-queens-head-oswestry.co.uk creasing; rather it stems from people feeling that religion is irrelevant. Our full menu is available online We can cater for most dietary needs James Smith, an American professor of philosophy, believes that people come to Takeaway available on all our menus 10% discount church and have no clue why. They sing a few songs, listen to a sermon, and go back to their lives without any change. The problem is that they have no under- standing as to why they are doing what they are doing. This probably is more true than many clergy would care to admit. Churches undertake research about why people go to church – largely biased because they ask their congregations. Unsur- prisingly responses include coming closer to God, comfort in times of sorrow, finding sermons valuable whilst almost a third felt obliged to go. A short video put out by the Church of England is also of interest. There were 4 females 3 of whom were in their teens I suspect. One older man, a priest and 2 men their 20’s made up the cohort. Notable was the absence of a teenage boy. Community and Homely environment - Fully insured - Competitive Rates friendship were important to at least six. A poll from America studying people’s Cache Level 3 Certificate in Childminding Practice attitudes to church and religion echoed many of the characteristics noted above ‘pacey’ member. I have vacancies at present. but added another: people going to church are weird.

So the church has its problems: people go because of habit but don’t learn any- Please call Sharon 610767 thing; church is irrelevant; there’s more to do these days; churchgoers are weird. All suggest that the church is diverting from mainstream society. Yet there are some positive elements. Church is regarded as a place to meet other people, de- STEPHEN MORRIS MASTER CHIMNEY SWEEP LTD velop friendships and share interests. Community is regarded as important and the church made a mark here in being one of the contributors to food banks in the Fully insured - Est 1989 present Covid crisis. Churchgoing is often stated as giving greater meaning to our 01691 860616 or 07802 655145 lives. This may well be so for some people, but if the aforementioned philosophy Rotary Power Sweeping of Wood / Multi professor’s comment is true, the church is not doing its duty here. Fuel Stoves and Service and Maintenance At one time the vicar knew everyone in the parish, helped with their problems, HETAS Approved - NVQ Qualified / APICS Master Member especially if people could not read or write, and provided pastoral care as well as baptising, marrying and burying them. Ten years ago a priest told me that it was Registered with Safe Sweep Trading Standards Approved unrealistic for the vicar to know everyone in the parish and providing pastoral (Continued on page 39)

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GREEN HOLLOW VETERINARY SURGERY KENNETH GULL, Churchwarden D. W. THURSTON BVetMed MRCVS School Road, Ruyton-X1-Towns, Nr. It is with much sadness that St Michael’s church heard that Ken Gull had died at the end of January at the age of 91yr. Ken had been churchwarden for the last decade and had helped guide the church through difficult periods. DOMESTIC PET, HORSE AND FARM ANIMAL PRACTICE 24-hour Emergency Service - Consultation by appointment Ken first became acquainted with Oswestry when part of the family Morning, afternoon and evening surgeries business came to the town to replace a war damaged factory in Bir- mingham in 1946, although the family home remained in Four Oaks ALL NEW CLIENTS WELCOME for another eight years. Following army service and business training, Ken returned to the family firm and when in Oswestry stayed at the FARM ANIMAL SERVICES : SMALL ANIMAL SERVICES : Queens Head hotel. It had a lively bar and the Golf club was just ⚫ Routine Fertility work ⚫ Microchip Identity across the road. What could be better! Ken quickly took to country ⚫ Herd Health plans ⚫ Diagnostic X-ray & Ultrasound ⚫ Sheep and Goats… ⚫ In-house lab testing living. ⚫ Alpaca work ⚫ Pet food & accessories ⚫ Free Pet Health advice For some years he was a regular member of Streetly youth club and it was through friendships made there that he met the love of his life Barbara. They married in Rushall church and settled into married life HORSE WORK : ● Wormers (discounts on large quantity) in Lysways street, Walsall. In 1960, they, together with their three ● ‘Vetting’ pre-purchase/insurance small children, moved to Lysways Gwern-y-Brenin where they spent the rest of their lives surrounded by many friends and animals. Ken and Barbara originally went to Holy Trinity church, Oswestry, when Rev Canon John Edge was the incumbent. When John Edge left A & M Fencing And Landscaping to go to Malaysia, Ken and his family found less support from John Edge’s successor (he of the memorable Advertiser headline ‘Vicar “A Professional And Quality Job Every time” says castrate’em’). When John Edge returned in the late 1990’s to take up a ‘House for Duty’ post at West Felton, Ken and Barbara came to join the congregation at West Felton.

• All TYPES OF FENCING SUPPLIED AND Ken and Barbara became members of the PCC and Barbara was sec- retary for many years. Ken was a large man, both in stature and wis- INSTALLED dom. His grasp of church affairs was legendary and many a crisis was • All TYPES OF PATIO PAVING overcome by his quiet diplomacy. When anything required mainte- nance or repair at the church, Ken knew exactly whom to engage. He • ARTIFICAL GRASS INSTALLATION would never vilify anyone, but would quietly say ‘I think we might be • REFERENCES AND PHOTOS OF better with so and so’. He never let the church down. Ken was much COMPLETED WORK AVAILABLE loved by the congregation of all ages as testified by the messages of sympathy sent by its members. • FREE QUOTATIONS Under the present Covid arrangements a church service cannot be held at present. Later in the year it is hoped that the restrictions will Call Mark on : 07706424865 Email : be lifted and will allow a memorial service with interment of ashes to [email protected] or 01691 680767 be held.  Michael Davie, Churchwarden

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THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB REUPHOLSTERY by Richard Osman

In a peaceful retirement village near the south-east SUITES ANTIQUES - CONTRACT UPHOLSTERY coast of England, four friends have been meeting once Wide range of Fabrics - OLD BAKEHOUSE, QUEENS HEAD a week investigating unsolved murder cases. One of For Free Quotes call the original members was a retired inspector in the Kent police, and has kept various files when she re- 01691 610153 or 0780 1108860 tired. Now she was very ill in the retirement village hospital, and her friend Elizabeth had recruited other residents to continue helping with the investigations. A new resident, Joyce, replaced Penny, and she kept a SEPTIC TANK EMPTYING SERVICE diary of the club’s doings. When a real-time murder happened close to the retire- Registered Waste Carrier ment village, the four friends threw themselves into the Local Operator investigation, each contributing ideas resulting from their individual backgrounds – Elizabeth had been For a prompt and efficient service something in Intelligence; Ibrahim had been a psychia- trist; Ron had been a prominent trade union leader, and Contact Edward Scott Joyce was a retired nurse. The peaceful life at Coopers Chase (the retirement vil- on 01691 656256 or 07989881870 lage) had been unsettled by rumours of a new development, instigated by the owner of the village, concerning the old graveyard. The owner called a meeting to allow residents to have their say. The residents made their feelings known, and the meeting ended acrimoniously. The next day, the owner’s business partner was found dead at his home. The owner did not allow this event to upset his schedule of development and had arranged for diggers to move into the graveyard. Again, residents tried to stop the work and by the afternoon, surrounded the owner’s car to stop him leaving. His body was found shortly afterwards. The rest of the book deals with the efforts of the four friends, and the local police, to solve both murders. It is a well-written, clever story with good characterisation; it is also very funny, but with some poignant moments. The denouement is a sur- prise, and the whole experience is a triumph of age over prejudice.  Bookworm

have a great Hair Day West Felton Methodist Church Salon Style In Your Own Home Advanced Cutting Techniques / Colour Specialists Minister: Rev Julia Skitt 07810 360778 Secretary: Mrs Christine Curtis 01691 610665 Perming / Setting and Straightening Gents Grooming / Children Wedding Packages Until further notice all services and activities at www.NatashaValentine.co.uk West Felton Methodist Church are suspended. Freelance Hairdressing - 07967 620555

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This information is from the Council web site and any information or instruction included within it was correct at the time of publishing. Please note PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT and ADVICE that with the passing of time this may no longer be PAIN RELIEF the case. Shropshire Council, bears no responsibility for actions taken erroneous- ly as a result of following information held within these pages. The same caution back and neck problems ● sporting injuries ● arthritic conditions applies to Round and About West Felton magazine. muscle and ligament strains ● muscle imbalance problems ● tenosynovitis ● repetitive strain syndromes ● back care VACCINATION FAQS https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-the-public/vaccination- ● post surgical re-education ● education talks faqs/ Treatments available include: Appointments can be made direct Shropshire council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (option 0).  Joint mobilisations and or through your GP. Full information about what to expect and what you need to do is available at the manipulations above web site. Here is a brief resumé for those still waiting to be vaccinated, Appointments can be arranged at and those who have already had their first dose.  Exercises short notice.  Connective tissue mas- Treatment times can be arranged How soon will I be vaccinated? sage out of working hours. Vaccines are being given to the most vulnerable first, as set out in a list of nine high-  Postural Awareness priority groups, covering around 30 million people.  Electro-therapy hillside cottage, hopton, 1. Residents in care homes for older adults and their carers  nesscliffe, shrewsbury, sy4 1dg Ergonomic Advice 2. 80-year-olds and over and frontline health and social care workers  Tel: 01743 741544 Ultrasound 3. 75-year-olds and over 4. 70-year-olds and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals 5. 65-year-olds and over - THIS IS WHERE WE ARE NOW 6. 16- to 64-year-olds with serious underlying health conditions ●New PCs and Laptops fully installed at home 7. 60-year-olds and over ●Spyware Removal/Installation of Leading Edge Spyware Prevention 8. 55-year-olds and over ●Performance Tuning and Business PC Support 9. 50-year-olds and over ●Hardware/Software Installations and Training The aim in Shropshire is to have given the first vaccination to: ●Upgrades and Automated Backup • Every care home resident by the end of January ●Remote Support/Annual PC Health Check Also Available • Everyone over 80 by the end of January ●For low fixed Prices from £19.95 • Everyone over 70, anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable and PC/Laptop Stopped running or running slow or need a replacement? health and social care workers by mid-February Call Justin on (01691) 830822 or (07772) 596029 • The rest of the priority groups after that, possibly by Easter. The second phase of vaccination programme will focus on the rest of the population, mainly the under-50s, who are much less likely to become seriously ill with COVID- DG & HA SMITH 19.

How can I get a vaccine? You can now book a vaccination if you are:

Service and repair to all makes of • Over 70 (without an invitation letter), or oil fired boilers • You have received a letter from NHS to tell you that you are at high risk

Otherwise, the NHS will contact you and invite you to book an appointment when it’s 01691 657634 your turn. You may receive a phone call from your GP or local NHS service, but you 11 Artillery Road, Park Hall, Oswestry SY11 4AJ Email [email protected] (Continued on page 21)

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Stokes Tree Works West Mercia streets set to be safer NPTC Qualified Tree Surgeons with new Special Constables

DIFFICULT TREES OUR SPECIALITY Communities across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire are set to benefit from 24 new Special Constables joining their Patrol and Safer Neighbourhood Team colleagues for the Lopping * Felling * Pruning * Shaping first time in January 2021. to British Standard Specifications Special Constables are voluntary, part-time police officers who work in some of the most important areas of modern policing. They have full police powers and 01691 870300 or 07811 320982 wear a police uniform, and their duties are the same as regular officers, such as foot and vehicle patrols, roads policing, investigating crime, arresting suspects, taking statements from witnesses and tackling local issues, such as anti-social behaviour and harassment. The 24 specials marked the completion of their training with West Mercia Police at their COVID-compliant Passing Out Ceremony on Wednesday 13 January, and were available for accompanied patrols from their stations on the following day. Chief Superintendent Paul Moxley said: “I am delighted to be welcoming 24 new Special Constables across the whole of the West Mercia Police area, which gives us even more resources to help protect our communities, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The new intake has spent the last few months being fully trained, giving them the knowledge, skills and confidence to handle every situation they will encoun- ter, including their powers of arrest, the safe use of their personal protection equipment, problem solving and how to prepare evidence for court. “Following their Passing Out, they have successfully achieved Accompanied Pa- trol Status, meaning that they will be out and about under the supervision of an experienced officer, gaining valuable experience in keeping the public safe from harm.” The new intake includes six Special Constables to be based in Shrewsbury, six in Border Physiotherapy Telford and one in Amanda Coxhead MCSP Oswestry.

The force is not currently Stroke Rehabilitation / Paediatrics recruiting for more Special

Home Visits Constables, but keep an eye on the Careers page at www.westmercia.police.uk www.border-physiotherapy.co.uk for more information.

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(Continued from page 19) Vaccine FAQs Thinking of making a Will may also be contacted by letter. If your contact details have changed lately, now is a or Power of Attorney? good time to make sure your GP practice has the most up to date information. Wills £150 What do I need to do? Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) £150 If you are over 70 or have a letter from NHS to say you are at high risk, Sensibly priced and affordable Legal services and have not had your jab, you can now book online or by calling NHS on 119. Call Paul Humphreys today I’m worried about vaccine scams, what should I look out for? Tel: 01691 652233 There have been some reports of scams related to the coronavirus vaccine. The coronavirus vaccine in England will only be available via NHS England. You may www-.Asset-Wealth-Preservation.co.uk be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy to receive your vaccine; this may be over the phone, via letter, email or text message. The vaccine is free on the NHS, and no NHS organisation will ask for financial details Duncan Galliers A & J including bank account or card details and PIN or passwords relating to your finance and banking. Master Upholsterer and CATTERY Open all year round Here are some more tips to help keep you safe: Furniture Restorer • Cattery is fully heated You will never be asked for payment or bank details, asked to press a button on Upholstery your phone keypad or asked to send a text confirming the booking. Covered outside runs • The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine. Specialist in traditional • The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal techniques for antique and documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or payslips. modern furniture. Collection and Delivery • If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. Leather and spring repair, “Give your cat a holiday • Forward any suspicious emails to [email protected], where links to malicious foam cut to size - and sundries! while you enjoy yours” content are analysed and blocked. Sandstone Holdings, • Suspicious text messages can be forwarded free of charge to 7726. Call 01743 353981 or Dovaston, , • If you believe you’re the victim of fraud, please report to Action Fraud as soon as email possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.policy.uk. [email protected] Oswestry SY10 8DS Tel: 01691 682 606 Once I’ve had the vaccine do I still need to follow We are only 5 minutes from the restrictions and Government guidance? While the vaccines are a positive step in allowing current restrictions to West Felton be eased we’re not yet sure whether having the vaccine prevents you from passing coronavirus onto others, and so it’s very important that once you have either dose of the vaccine that you continue to follow social distancing rules and any Government guidance on restrictions. This includes: • Self-isolating if you are required to do so (for more information take a look at the 24 salop road Gov.UK website) oswestry • Maintaining social distancing measures from those not in your household or sup- 01691 655 655 SY11 2NU port bubble. • Booking a test and self-isolating if you have symptoms of coronavirus. • Wearing a face covering if you are able and where it is required to do so. • Following Government guidance on meeting with others in your area. [email protected] 32 21

SUPPLIERS OF COAL, LOGS AND GAS BOTTLES Hints on Pronunciation FLOWER/HERB QUIZ COAL AVAILABLE IN OPEN TOP SACKS AND 1. Has she been in a PRE PACK BAGS for Foreigners..... fight? ALL FUELS AVAILABLE INC SMOKELESS 2. I’m a noted rambler RING US ON 01743 241122 I take it you already know 3. Please remember me OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT Of tough and bough and cough and dough? www.ridgefuels.co.uk 4. A brand of milk? Others may stumble but not you PLEASE QUOTE REF 002 ON YOUR FIRST ORDER TO GET YOUR 5. Saffron supplier? On hiccough, thorough, laugh and through? NEW CUSTOMER PACK Well done! And now you wish, perhaps, 6. Wed precious metal To learn of less familiar traps? 7. Spring Month 8. Sad ringer? REDNAL ESTATE Beware of heard, a dreadful word 9. Is this where the money is? That looks like beard and sounds like bird, 10. Gillyflower in olden And dead: it’s said like bed, not bead – days? COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY For goodness sake don’t call it “deed”! 11. Bill sounds like a nice man? Watch out for meat and great and threat 12. Industrious Queen? They rhyme with suite and straight and debt 13. A vessel full of choles- terol? 14. Used in thickening Sites A & B Rednal Airfield:- Industrial units, A moth is not a moth in mother sauce? workshops, hardstanding, lockups, storage, offices Nor both in bother, broth in brother, 15. Mrs Bucket’s first And here is not a match for there name? 16. Where the prisoner All Enquiries Nor dear and fear for bear and pear, stands? And then there’s dose and rose and lose – 17. Vicious Welsh T: 01691 610303 emblem? Just look them up – and goose and choose, E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.rednal.net 18. Nice pad on the lake? And cork and work and card and ward, 19. A wise old herb? And font and front and word and sword, 20. The witch’s transport? Painter & Decorator And do and go and thwart and cart – 21. A ruminant’s petti- Come, come, I’ve hardly made a start! coat? All aspects of interior or exterior A dreadful language? Man alive! 22. Harlequin’s spouse? decoration undertaken I’d mastered it when I was five! 23. A sweet baby’s drink? Great Ness - Shropshire 01743 741172 mobile 07795 262629 24. I live in Alpine regions? [email protected] Answers … elsewhere in this magazine! 25. Sometimes lazy? 22 31

95% of callers satisfied with local out of hours palliative care provision in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin. Healthwatch Shropshire and Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin have just published a report about how palliative care is provided outside of normal GP hours in Shrop- shire, Telford & Wrekin. Following a call asking if people would be willing to share their experiences of out of hours palliative care they heard from patients, relatives and medical profes- sionals across the area. Since July 2018 all out of hours calls have been directed to NHS 111. In Shrop- shire, Telford & Wrekin this service is provided by Ambulance Service. In early March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic the number of calls to NHS 111 grew which led to some delays in calls from patients being answered. To offer additional support at this time ShropDoc introduced a dedicated Pallia- tive Care Helpline. The aim of the Healthwatch Survey was to understand the ex- perience of patients on a palliative care pathway, and those supporting them, in getting help when they needed it from NHS 111 and ShropDoc during the pan- demic. Some of the key findings are: Where patients couldn’t be helped on their first contact and needed a call back ShropDoc called 100% of those people back within 30 minutes. NHS 111 re- sponded to 44% of patients in 30 minutes. 95% of callers to ShropDoc reported being either ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with the time of the response against 40% of callers to NHS 111. All patients and carers were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with the service provid- ed during their contacts with ShropDoc as opposed to just over half with their contacts with NHS 111. Patient/Carers rated their overall experience as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ in 100% of contacts with ShropDoc as opposed to 36% of NHS 111 contacts. The full report can be found at www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk/news-and- reports. Lynn Cawley, Chief Officer of Healthwatch Shropshire, said: “As a person nears end of life, whether they are in hospital or being supported at home, there is only one chance for the providers of care to get it right. For patients at the end of their lives with distressing symptoms, any delay in receiving care is unacceptable. We are still keen to hear about people’s experiences, both good and not so good, as they are crucial in helping local services understand what is important to patients and their families and how things can be improved.” Barry Parnaby, Chair of Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin, said: “We are very grate- ful that families who have just been through, or were going through, one of the

(Continued on page 25)

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www.resinboundstonelandscapes.co.uk also find us on Facebook Remote Learning at West Felton CofE Primary School Specialists in Resin Bound Stone for On January 4th at 8pm, we found out...at the same time as the Let us increase the kerb appeal of your home • Driveways Domestic/Commercial/Full Landscaping rest of the nation...that we would not be welcoming all of our Charlie Jordan • Patios 01691 610 412 Mb: 077712 530 107 • Paths children back the following day. Email: [email protected] Very experienced, Quality, Fortunately, we had prepared a contingency list of key worker Professional Installations and vulnerable children and our parents were fantastic, as al- ways, with their prompt communication. We welcomed back just under 40% of the school community. Lockdown 1 taught us the importance of remote learning and our online learning platform—Seesaw— was soon up and run- ning. Again, with the majority of our families engaging whole- heartedly. We have based our remote learning approach on research-based evidence produced by the Education Endowment Foundation. Our children at home are following the same curriculum as our pupils in school and whilst approaches have to be adapted, with the help of technology—this works. Children are encouraged to complete a daily English and Maths activity and then have a se-

lection of foundation subject tasks throughout the week. With Masonry Repair Specialist this approach, we hope to provide our parents with some flexi- Brick and Stone Repointing / Damaged Masonry Replaced bility which will fit around their working day. We were provided ASSOCIATED SERVICES - ROOF REPAIRS-Slate-Tile-Flat Storm Damage/Insurance Claims/Guttering/New Build/Masonry Repainting with 6 additional laptops by the government which we were able Clear Masonry Sealants/Large and Small Works to distribute to our families at the end of January. Insured / References / FREE WRITTEN QUOTES Our biggest challenge has been to encourage peer interaction— Contact 01743 742052 - 07527 893044 - [email protected] this has a significant impact on motivation and emotional wellbe- SUMMER PRICES ALL YEAR ROUND / Shropshire and Mid Wales ing. We now have virtual celebration assemblies, worship led by Rev. Suzan and regular class meetings for the older pupils.

Our remote learning continues to evolve; with the collective responses from our team at school, our amazing children and our supportive parents, we are doing what we can to make remote learning a success.

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(Continued from page 23) Healthwatch Home Tutor| Does your child need a little extra support at home? most difficult times in their lives took the time to talk to us. We have shared the report with the local health services and the experiences that the families have I am an experienced primary teacher (literacy specialist) able to provide 1-1 private shared will be used to improve the services offered in future.” tutoring sessions in your own home either in the evenings, weekends or during holi- days. Lessons are individually tailored to meet your child’s needs to increase their Healthwatch Shropshire and Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin are the independent confidence, enjoyment of learning and accelerate progress. I offer support in read- consumer champions for health and social care in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin. They gather the views and experiences of patients, service users, carers, and the ing, writing, maths and any other subjects required. I am experienced in teaching general public about services including hospitals, GPs, mental health services, children for whom English is a second language and children with additional needs. community health services, pharmacists, opticians, residential care and children’s I have an up to date CRB and can provide references. services. They also have statutory powers that can be used to influence service For more information call Jean: on 01691 611625 / 07852 247799 provision by encouraging improvements. Contact - Healthwatch Shropshire Lynn Cawley, Chief Officer, Healthwatch Shropshire, 4 The Creative Quarter, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury SY2 6LG Tel: 01743 237884 Email [email protected] Website www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk

The WI Community Spirit Lives on through the Covid-19 Pandemic When a West Felton lady passed away suddenly, her son turned to West Felton WI to help him sort out her craft equipment and materials. Members went to the house to help him, and found a wonderful array of quality items that he and they recognised clearly had a value and should not be disposed of lightly. Much of the collection was displayed for sale at a subsequent WFWI meeting. The proceeds of the sale so far amount to £631.20. Many thanks go to the mem- bers who organised the sale and to the many members who contributed generously when buying the goods. A cheque for this amount was sent to Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service which relies heavily on charitable funding and donations from the wider community. The number of domestic abuse offences recorded by police in England and Wales has increased during the pandemic. A fulsome letter of appreciation was recently

received from

Garden Services and Paddock maintenance Wendy Bulman Lawn mowing and scarifying, strimming, hedge cutting, topping, Shropshire Domestic Violence Services Manager 0300 303 1191 wood chipping / Seasoned logs for sale 07816 546865 Fully insured, reliable, friendly service and advice given [email protected] Contact Tony on 07850 194933

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The WI Community Spirit Lives on through the Covid-19 Pandemic West Felton WI continue to hold their meetings via Zoom. At the last two meet- ings the full range of emotions was evident with the participants, on the one hand expressing sincere condolences to two members on their very sad bereavement DOMESTIC / INDUSTRIAL / COMMERCIAL / AGRICULTURAL and on the other, enjoying the companionship, the weirdness of the technology, and raising much laughter in response to some really good guest speakers. • Septic Tank Emptying • Interceptor Emptying Members expressed appreciation for the beautiful Christmas cards and gift vouch- • Blocked Drains • Flood Assistance er received and in turn were thanked for their hard work and donations of cakes • CCTV Camera Surveys • Sewer Jetting and craft gifts that were so popular on the very successful Pop up Christmas stall. • Gully Emptying • 24/7 Emergency Callout Comments were received on constitutional changes and resolution vote. It was noted that subscriptions are due in April this year due to the three months grace granted in light of the pandemic. Members were reminded they have until 31March to submit photos for the 2022 calendar ‘Shropshire’s looking up’. Claremont Club tickets are on sale at £5 each. please email if you would like some. The ‘Show the Love’ green heart campaign to raise awareness of climate change CALL SCOTT ON 07581 384345 had a February competition just for fun and SFWI hosted a ‘climate and health’ WWW.FREEFLOWDRAINAGELTD.CO.UK talk. [email protected] The WI is helping to support a research project by two WI members who served in the Wrens. They are looking for anyone with photos or memories of the Wrens who trained at HMS Dauntless Reading 1946 -1981. The Shropshire Way Challenge. A Shropshire Fed. trustee has initiated a chal- TAYLOR MAID lenge to knit/crochet scarves to cover the distance of 190 miles. It runs from Jan 2021 to Jan 2022. Neighbouring federations are also taking part and it is open to DO YOU REQUIRE A RELIABLE, HONEST PERSON TO HELP WITH: non WI members. Scarves will be donated to the homeless afterwards. They ■ General housework should be 6” by 60” and lots are needed. A really good way to use all those balls ■ C l e a ni ng of yarn hiding in bags and cupboards. ■ G a r d e ni n g The Queen’s Birthday card. Members are invited to enter the competition to design a card using calligraphy, watercolour and other techniques. Details on My ■ Dog walking WI web page or by emailing county office. ■ Trips to shops or Elisabeth Bell Challenge, WIs are invited to make a record of how they have d o c t o r s worked together to support members during 2021. The ups and downs as well as achievements. A collaborative recording with photos/writing. More information CRB checked. on MY WI or from county office. If interested in coordinating this please let a member of committee know. Three references available. Thank-you notes for cards and sunshine flowers were noted and birthdays 01 691 610 782 acknowledged. In January, Sarah Lott then gave a talk on preserving family mem- ories, in February Judy Theobald had them all in stitches talking about ‘Life and 07 484 140 470 other problems’ -30 odd years in the media. The March speaker will be Mildred £10 per hour Freeman, the Lady Historian talking about the naughty history of glorious gin.  26 27