Stretton

FJuly  OCUSCommunity Voice of the Strettons .

July 2009 mag.indd 1 15/6/09 10:37:19 Stretton Focus 2 (founded 1967) In Focus Average monthly sales 1,500 copies (About 65% of households in Church Stretton) News What’s On in the Strettons in July Chairman 17 New Bridge Club If you wish to know the times of regular meetings of societies and groups, please consult the list of societies and their contacts in the yellow pages. Mike Edmunds 723961 Editors 17 Community Grants Barbara Vickery 724179 21 Housmans JUNE 29 MONDAY . Gay Walker 722257 22 ATW Award Stretton Climate Care Nigel and Liz Strachan 724442 Hilary Jones 781459 22 Rail Users Newsletter The fi lm ‘The Age of Stupid’ starring Pete Cover Editor 23 Church Stretton Walking Festival Postlewhwaite. Tickets, £3.00 from John Yvonne Beaumont 722533 27 Gardening Club Summer Show Thomas and Burway Books. Under 18’s Computer Production Barrie Raynor 723928 27 More About Wool bringing an adult get in free Rowland Jackson 722390 29 St Lawrence School News 7.30pm CS School Paul Miller 724596 29 Busy Bees New Building Distribution Richard Carter 724106 35 Harry Potter In Ludlow 1 WEDNESDAY Advertising 38 Mayfair News CS Methodist Network Group 42 Douglas Grounds’ Book Aston Munslow Section Service Treasurer Robert Woodier 720016 42 Air Ambulance Fundraising Revd Nancy Cleaton. Bring and Buy Secretary 7.00pm Methodist Hall Gloria Carter 724106 Directors Forthcoming Events Mike Edmunds (Chmn), Gloria Carter (Sec), 4 Arts Festival News Dorrington Players Sandie Johnson, Pat Oxtoby, Barrie Raynor (V Chmn), Peter Relph, Lesley Richards, Robert Woodier 11 Stretton Climate Care Playreading for Fun (Treas), Peter Wright 17 Ale Trail 7.30pm All Stretton Village Hall. email address 18 Rushbury Primary School Open Day See Page 24➤ [email protected] 23 Acton Scott Heritage Project Advertisements 23 Local Joint Committee 3-4 FRIDAY AND SATURDAY Rates for block and occasional 24 Dorrington Players Play Reading C S and South Shropshire Ale Trail advertisements may be obtained from [email protected] 24 Tread Lightly Tickets available from all participating pubs to whom copy should be sent. 27 Swap Shop £10. See Page 17➤

The Stretton Focus Management Board cannot 34 NT Events accept responsibility for any product or service 34 NT Summer Holiday Activities RIDAY advertised. Acceptance of an advertisement does 3 F not imply any form of approval or recommendation. 35 Sponsored Walk for Diabetes UK Country Market Advertisers are required to comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. 38 Mayfair barbecue 8.45am Mayfair Submission of articles 41 RSPB If possible, please submit material ATURDAY electronically to 4 S [email protected] as an Regular Features RNLI attachment with a pertinent title, not 2 What’s On Flag Day, Church Stretton simply ‘Focus Article’. Typed or legible handwritten copy, discs, CDs with 7 Parents’ Corner original unimproved digital photographs 8 Trivia Corner Stretton Climate Care or good quality glossy photographs may Green Fayre Day. Wide range of exhibitions be left at Wrights, Estate Agent, Sandford 11 Town Council Matters Avenue clearly labelled ‘Stretton Focus’. 18 Thank Yous and stalls. 10.00 – 4.00pm The Square All copy must be received by noon on the 18 Quaker Voice date below. Disclaimer 21 Methodist Voice Stretton Climate Care Stretton Focus prints a wide range of articles 21 Recipe Seize the Day – internationally acclaimed folk and letters. The views expressed by signed articles are those of their authors and not necessarily those of the 24 Catholic Voice group Tickets £8.00 (inc refreshments) from Management Board. 24 Weather For May John Thomas and Burway Books. Copy day 29 Gardening in July 7.30pm Rushbury Village Hall is normally the fi rst Monday of the month. 34 Focus On Faith For the August issue it is Monday 6th 35 Letters 5 SUNDAY July (12 noon). 35 Anglican Voice Diabetes UK For the September issue it will be Monday 3rd August. 38 Mayfair Lottery Walk the extra mile for Diabetes UK 41 Book of the Month Registration Free. 10.30am from CMV The August Stretton Focus will be distributed on Friday 31st July 42 Where is it? Photo Quiz See Page 35➤ JuLY 2009 JuLY Outlets 42 Trivia Answers Stretton Focus may be purchased Stretton by annual subscription (delivered) or Other directly from Newsworld (Sandford FJuly 209 OCUSCommunity Voice of the Strettons £1.00 Avenue), Co-op, Spar, Longmynd Filling 8 Skate Park Station (A49), Visitor Information Centre 21 Age Concern Day Centre (Church St) and the Churches. 37 Climatic Health Resort of C S 41 All About Focus – The Final Link by John Green This month’s cover This month’s

Arts Festival © 2009 Stretton Focus Limited 18th July - 1st August 2009 Yvonne Beaumont Work: Art

Registration No. 6237590 Inc in England Photographs of Shoo Baby Registered Offi ce: 49 Ludlow Road, Church Stretton, SY6 6AD ISSN 1479–7356 StRETTON FOCuS StRETTON Printed by WPG, Welshpool

July 2009 mag.indd 2 12/6/09 12:15:00 What’s On in the Strettons in July 3 If you wish to know the times of regular meetings of societies and groups, please consult the list of societies and their contacts in the yellow pages.

Community Swap Shop All Stretton Women’s Institute Tread Lightly - event for all ages 10.30am-1.00pm CS School 7.30pm AS Village Hall Cost £1 See Page 27➤ 3.00pm - 6.30pm St Laurence’s Parish 16 THURSDAY Centre. National Trust Acton Scott Heritage Project See Page 24➤ History of the Hills Walk ‘Finds from the Fields’ Speaker: Peter Reavill Leader Alan Brisbourne 7.30-9.00pm AS Village Hall 20 MONDAY 1.00pm CS Station or 2.00pm at CMV Chalet See Page 23➤ Quiz Night Pavilion – 4.00pm for Rose Cottage Cat Sanctuary – Ken Willis See Page 34➤ 17 FRIDAY 7.30pm Church Stretton & District Club Country Market 7 TUESDAY 8.45am Mayfair 21 TUESDAY Rushbury School Open Day Countrywomen’s Guild 1.00 to 3.00 pm and 3.30 to 7.00 pm 18-19 SATURDAY -SUNDAY PDSA Speaker: Paula Duff See Page 18➤ National Trust Parish Centre at 2.15 pm ‘John Sankey’s “Marshall” agricultural steam 9 THURSDAY engine display’ 11.00am – 3.00pm CMV All Stretton Women’s Institute National Trust See Page 34➤ ‘The Tales Trees Tell’ John Tucker ‘Flowers on the Long Mynd’ – a guided walk. 7.30pm AS Village Hall 10.00am – 12.30pm Chalet Pavilion CMV 18 JULY – 1 AUGUST See Page 34➤ CS Arts Festival 24 FRIDAY Full Programme Country Market Strettons area Local Joint See Page 4-5➤ 8.45am Mayfair Committee First public meeting 18 SATURDAY 25 SATURDAY 7.00pm SHI RSPB Craven Arms Branch National Trust See Page 23➤ Wildlife walk at Lake Vyrnwy (RSPB Reserve) ‘Getting involved – summer’ 11.00am at the RSPB Visitor Centre Drop in between 10.00am and 1.00pm 10 FRIDAY See Page 41➤ See Page 34➤ Country Market 8.45am Mayfair Inner Wheel 28 TUESDAY Courtyard Sale. Proceeds to Hope House and CS and District Flower Club Senior Citizens Group other Inner Wheel charities ‘Come Walk with Me’ Brigette Manton Lunch provided by Committee £5 10am-12 noon 2 Shrewsbury Road (by kind 7.30pm AS Village Hall 12.30 for 1.00pm. URC Hall. Usual transport permission of Mrs Marlene Rutter) available. AUGUST 2 SUNDAY National Trust National Trust Little Stretton Village Hall Shropshire Bedlams and Martha Rhoden’s History of the Hills Walk Summer Supper with magic by Sonny. Tickets Tuppenny Dish!’ – a display of Border Morris Leader Alan Brisbourne £6.00 from Village Shop or call 723627. dancing 1.00pm CS Station or 2.00pm at CMV Please bring your own wine. 3.00pm CMV Chalet Pavilion – 4.00pm 7.30pm LS Village Hall See Page 34➤ See Page 34➤ JuLY 2009 11 SATURDAY National Trust Mayfair Community Centre Event ‘Rocks make the Landscape Barbecue with 60s music by “60s Revisited”. the Geology of the Batch Valley’ – a guided Ticket only £10 walk. Booking essential

7.00 for 7.30pm National Trust CMV 10.00am – 1.00pm Batch Valley StRETTON FOCuS See Page 38➤ See Page 34➤

14 TUESDAY Ticklerton Folk Dance Methodist Wives and Friends 8pm till late Ticklerton Village Hall Garden Visit Meet 7.00pm Methodist Hall 19 SUNDAY RSPB Craven Arms Branch Church Stretton Women’s Institute Wildlife walk at the Stiperstones (NNR) Except yellow pages ‘Antiques – bring your treasures’ 10.00am in NNR car park Mary Smith See Page 41➤ 7.15pm SHI

July 2009 mag.indd 3 12/6/09 12:15:00 4 Arts Festival News Free Concerts at the Arts Festival More Good News s usual, the Arts Festival is promoting several free In the film, Lisa Minelli sings “What Coffee Concerts and Organ Recitals in addition to use is sitting at home in your room? the main ticketed events: Come to the Cabaret”. Well, you can ACoffee Concerts at 10.15am do just that, with ShooShoo Baby, a Daily Monday 20th – Saturday 25th July at St Laurence’s sophisticated and witty two woman show, and it’s right Parish Church here in Church Stretton. It’s an easy choice; you could After each concert, Berry’s Coffee House offer coffee and be queueing in a home-made biscuits at very reasonable prices. crowded Heathrow, Monday: Gay and Richard Walker enduring the present a concert aimed at our younger security checks supporters: the centrepiece will be the or you could story of Babar the Elephant set to music enjoy a fortnight by Poulenc, and this will be supported of wonderful by movements from Saint-Saëns Image Courtesy of entertainment, even Carnival of the Animals. Hachette Jeunesse with free transport Tuesday: Baritone David Lewis will give a if you would like concert of songs both serious and light-hearted. it. Then there’s Wednesday: the Midlands Brass Group Bevere will play Emma Johnson, the music from Gabrieli to Gershwin country’s favourite Thursday: a piano recital with music by Bach, Haydn and clarinettist or, for Chopin, played by our local professional pianist Susie Allan jazz lovers, Kenny Friday: once again we are delighted to welcome Laura Colins Ball. How about a and her vocal jazz group. candle-lit evening Saturday: Shrewsbury-based vocal quartet Colla voce end in St. Laurence’s Farrington Ensemble this year’s series with a concert of music to suit all tastes. Church, with 4 Girls Organ Recitals at Noon 4 harps, or an illustrated talk on Thomas Telford, with a Thursday 30th July at All Saints’ Church, Little Stretton: coach tour to see some of David Leeke, Director of Music at St Chad’s, Shrewsbury, his work? Families with will give a popular programme including music by Bach and children aren’t forgotten, a world première! The Ragleth Inn will be open before the with an afternoon based on recital, and both the Ragleth Inn and the Green Dragon will Kipling’s famous Mowgli be serving lunches afterwards. stories and an evening Friday 31st July at St Margaret’s Church, Acton Scott: with Indian musicians Richard Walker, of Church Stretton, will be playing the and a narrator spinning organ featured in recent issue of Focus, and seen (played intriguing stories, with Indian food in the interval. There’s lots more – you’ll find a copy of our poster in Focus and full details on our website. So, ladies and gentlemen, here’s your choice:- drive off and get stuck in a motorway Emma Johnson traffic jam, fly off and endure Photo: Joe Bangay airport misery, or stay in our lovely scenery and come to the Festival. You’ll have a lovely time and save lots of money and hassle. We Acton Scott Church. Photo: Richard Walker Richard Photo: Scott Church. Acton look forward to meeting

JuLY 2009 JuLY by Mr Tom Acton) in the BBC TV series The Victorian you. Farm. There will be splendid coffee and cakes available in the Village Hall from 10.45am (parking and toilet facilities George Roby available) together with an exhibition concerning the making 01694 722159 of the TV series. The Station Inn at Marshbrook will be www.strettonfestival.org.uk serving lunches afterwards. Saturday 1st August at All Saints’ Church, Little Stretton: Francis Murton, Director of Music at Wrekin College, will continued on Page 5 play another popular programme. The Ragleth Inn and the Green Dragon again will be open as above. Please come and support your local musicians! Jaroslaw Nadrzycki Richard Walker StRETTON FOCuS StRETTON

July 2009 mag.indd 4 12/6/09 12:15:05 Church Stretton Arts Festival 5 5 18th July - 1st August 2009

Events at Concord College Thur 23rd July 3.00pm at the Parish Centre th Opening Concert Saturday 18 July 7.30pm Thomas Telford in Shropshire Illustrated talk by Richard Bifield Emma Johnson - clarinet in conjunction with Emma will open our 43rd Festival with a programme Tues 28th July 12.30pm including music by Schumann, Weber and Leonard Bernstein Coach tour of Thomas Telford sites led by Richard Bifield Final Concert Saturday 1st August 7.30pm Mon 27th July 7.30pm at St Laurence’s Church Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen Harp music by Candlelight played by We are delighted to have enticed them to Shropshire 4 Girls 4 Harps to close our 2009 festival Four award winning harpists

th The following events are at Church Stretton School Wed 29 July 3.00pm at the Methodist Church Teatime Concert Mon 20th July 7.30pm Victorian Echoes Art & Crafts Exhibition - Reception and Opening Catherine Benson (soprano) then daily 11.00am - 6.00pm Barrie Mackay (piano)

Tues 21st July 7.30pm Farrington Ensemble Varied chamber music and light music arrangements FREE CONCERTS (Retiring collections) Wed 22nd July 7.30pm Shoo Shoo Baby Coffee Concerts Dry humour, rich harmonies, pulse-racing costume changes Each morning at 10.15am with witty new arrangements of familiar songs Mon 20th - Sat 25th July at St Laurence’s Church Fri 24th July 7.30pm Violin recital by Jaroslaw Nadrzycki Winner of the 2008 Haverhill Sinfonia Soloist Competition Organ Recitals Come and hear one of the stars of the future Noon - 12.45pm Thur 30th July & Sat 1st Aug Sat 25th July 7.30pm at All Saints’ Church, Little Stretton Patricia Hartshorne in ‘Alternative Medicine’ If you like Alan Bennett you’ll love this Friday 31st July at St Margaret’s Church, Acton Scott JuLY 2009 Wed 29th July 7.30pm The Thousand-Petalled Lotus Flower Story Entrancing Indian stories and music for the whole family For full details

Thur 30th July 3.00pm see our website StRETTON FOCuS The Mowgli Stories from The Jungle Books www.strettonfestival.org.uk by Rudyard Kipling Brochure with booking form Fri 31st July 7.30pm available from Bold as Brass - Brass Quintet Visitor Information Centres Some of Scotland’s top brass musicians playing classical and light music from 30th March

Amendment to date in last month’s Focus! The concert in which Babar the Elephant will be performed will take place on Monday 20th July at 10.15 in St Laurence’s church

July 2009 mag.indd 5 12/6/09 12:15:06 Parents’ Corner 7 he school holidays are swiftly approaching and the Marine fun day - Saturday 25th July concept of keeping the young ones entertained for Mini-monster hunt and clay model making - 29th July seven weeks can quite daunting for some parents and Friday 31st July Wobbly willow – all ages. grandparents.T Our advice is not to feel pressured into providing an ‘Monkey Puzzle’ by Julia Donaldson intense schedule of day trips: car rides can be arduous and Illustrated by exhausting for both parents and children alike. Children Axel Scheffler need some time to ‘chill out’, and it is important that This is a they learn at an early age the importance of entertaining charming themselves, rather than constantly relying on adults to story about provide the excitement for them. a lost We are all feeling the financial pinch in some way or another monkey and and here are a few activities that we love doing with our a butterfly’s children that won’t cost the earth. attempts to • Picnics in Ashes Hollow or Batch Valley help him find • Den building in Rectory Wood his mum. The • Pond dipping in Carding Mill Valley mistakes she • Play-dough and cookie baking parties at a friend’s house makes along • A wander round the Sculpture Trail at the Longmynd the way are Hotel funny and • A game of mini golf in the Town Park - sweet. They • Craft activities at Scrappies - see website for details encourage www.scrappies.org pre-school • Story time at the Library on Friday lunchtime children to join in with the story and discuss the features of different animals. The rhythmic rhyming couplets and repeated scenarios will hook the interest of a young audience who will relate well to the familiar plot line. Clever twists at the end provide little surprises to ensure the story is read again and again. The superb illustrations are a winner with my own kids. Malachy, 3, says, “I like the creatures in it”. Reviewed by Helen Byrne

Parents’ Corner Recipe Easy Choc Chip Cookies 200g butter(soft) Below are some exciting July events that we hope might be 300g soft brown sugar useful for you and your family 2 tsp vanilla essence 2 eggs Shrewsbury Tortoise / Hummingbird Trail as part of the 300g self raising flour Darwin festival throughout July - see website for details 80g cocoa powder www.darwinshrewsbury.org 1 tsp baking powder JuLY 2009 300g chocolate chips Visit Snailbeach Lead Mine - 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th Method July. See inside the Locomotive Shed, Blacksmith’s Shop 1. Pre-heat oven to 180C / gas 4 and Visitor Centre, walk around the site with a self-led 2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat trail leaflet and go underground into Day Level with in vanilla extract and eggs. StRETTON FOC U S an experienced guide. 12.00-16.00 approx. Free, but 3. Mix flour, cocoa and baking powder together in a donations welcome. separate bowl. 4. Add flour mix to the creamed mix gradually and mix Meet Ivor at the Llangollen railway – 18th July well. Fold in choc chips until just combined. www.llangollen-railway.co.uk 5. Spoon a tablespoon of the mixture on to a non-stick baking tray and let it drop off the spoon, repeat this Workshops at the Shropshire Wildlife Trust Visitor until you have used up all the cookie mixture. Centre, 6. Cook for 12 minutes, when you remove the cookies Abbey Foregate, from the oven they will still be soft, leave to cool Telephone for details 01743 284280 on the baking tray, where they will continue to cook Weave a marine scene - 22nd July slightly, when completely cold move to a cooling rack – scrummy!!!!!!

July 2009 mag.indd 6 12/6/09 12:15:07 8 Skatepark Bikers and Boarders A New Facility was also mentioned as a venue. Some boys had travelled to The Grand Opening of the Church Stretton Skatepark Corby in Northamptonshire and the cost and time involved in the Town Park took place on SummerFest Day, Saturday, were considerable. The Skatepark is now starting to attract 20th June. Quite rightly, the event formed an integral part users from far and wide because of its location adjacent to of the day’s celebrations. The Skatepark is special for many the A49. Drivers get a glimpse of the Skatepark and riders reasons. It provides an opportunity for young people to as they pass in their vehicles after pulling away from the develop skills, confidence in riding or skateboarding ability traffic lights. The BMX earth track, alongside the Skatepark and to share in truly exciting and thrilling experiences that structure, drains badly and the young people were hoping are a severe test of nerve. However, when watching the for some fine weather this summer so that the track could be performances on bikes of over a dozen boys between the ages used more frequently. of 12 and 16 years, it was evident that there is a much more Here To Stay subtle aspect to what is going on. There is no doubt the Skatepark is now an established The Boys Run it! facility in the Town Park. Opportunity is provided for For a start, the boys supervise themselves. There is no talented riders and skateboarders to practise their sport and adult figure like a teacher or a referee in a soccer match. enjoy each other’s company. It is estimated the average cost The older boys set the standard and are very keen to coach of the bikes owned by the boys was about £500 but Tom and help the younger boys to improve their capability. It is very impressive to watch boys respond to the instruction and encouragement of those who may only be a couple of years older, without any teaching qualifications, but a desire to help their mates. A team spirit existed amongst the riders that showed a willingness to try out new antics where the bike spins, leaps and swerves and to enjoy each other’s success. George Madeley had tried a bit of everything on a skateboard and bike. When asked why he liked biking on the Skatepark structure, he said “Bikers just push themselves to find out what they can really do. It is scary really when you first start but amazing what happens”. Tom Cowell said “you are always learning new things and I suppose you could really hurt yourself but no more than many other sports”. James Lowther contended “You get a ‘rush’ from Cowell reckoned it was possible for a ‘new rider’ to acquire biking and the older ones really look after you” a beginner’s BMX for £230. E-bay was thought to be a good Parental Involvement source for bikes and spare parts. Exhilaration and the risk The special and versatile structure for skateboarding, of being hurt is all part of a scenario that has the adrenalin bike riding and rollerblading is the work of parent flowing. Local residents finding the time to visit the volunteers, (for a total cost of £8,000, with £2,000 donated Skatepark are likely to be amazed at the skills and capabilities by the Town Council), volunteers including Dave Madeley, of committed young people who sometimes appear to push Gee Coles, Mark Woolley, Moira Gardner and Tim themselves to the limit and in the process threaten to defy Chambers are appreciated by all users of the Skatepark. Their gravity! collective efforts achieved an approved standard that would Man on Board JuLY 2009 JuLY have cost £35,000 if bought brand new from a supplier. Chris Gardner, one of the young bikers, mentioned that the Skatepark is used by 40 to 50 riders and has been designed Trivia Corner No 68 by Ken Willis and built by people who have been riders themselves. The adults knew what was wanted. RoSPA inspected the 1. Who cleaned at the Old Crossroads Motel? Skatepark recently and, overall, were impressed by the 2. In which film did Hugh Grant play opposite Julia structure. Minor recommendations for improvement were Roberts? suggested and are being implemented. 3. What is Ozzie Osborne’s real Christian name, Jack or No More Travel John? Before this facility became available in Church 4. What two words precede Nurse, Teacher, Cabby, Cleo Stretton, young people would have a fair distance to travel. and Regardless? Birmingham was probably the nearest facility and Chester 5. How many months of the year have 28 days? StRETTON FOC U S StRETTON

July 2009 mag.indd 7 12/6/09 12:15:07 Church Stretton Town Council - Community Matters 11

Town Marketing Railway Station Gardens short while ago, a presentation was held in the SHI Please see the article elsewhere in this edition of Focus on in respect to the ‘Retail Community and Related this subject, with CSTC adding its congratulations to the Issues’ in Church Stretton. This was part of ongoing team on the recent award by Arriva. Aresearch into the economic development in the area and Affordable Housing what improvements could be made. Street Meadow: All 19 units released for rent have now As one can imagine, many ideas were presented, which, been occupied, with the remaining seven units now being of course, in turn required money, but certain issues were designated for shared ownership. feasible, and we will report on these, as and when they Lutwyche Road: All housing units will be released in July materialise. 2009, for immediate occupation. However, the ‘buzz’ has started in Church Stretton in Watling Street North: The first phase of six housing units developing its reputation for an excellent ‘eating-out’ will be released in July 2009 for immediate occupation; the centre. There have been several recent awards. An article remaining 15 units to be completed for release in early 2010. in The Independent newspaper, by ‘John Walsh, Reporter’ Security fencing and construction of the remaining 15 units gave a glowing report on the Church Stretton area and, in has now started. For further details or application forms, particular, Victoria House B&B and tearooms. Previously in please enquire to SSHA, Craven Arms. the Sunday observer, Jessica Hopkins mentioned an ‘award’ Fresh new look to railings for Berry’s Coffee House. Then there was the ‘Platinum Following the very successful clean-up of the town, to gain Award’ to Acorn Tearooms for ‘Healthy Foods’ in the West the overall country Bronze Award – which is still ongoing – Midlands area and The Studio Restaurant, again with a further areas have now been designated. further Rosette award, and of course in the Michelin Guide. The metal railings on Sandford Avenue bridge over the Please see the separate article in this issue of Focus on the railway, and the railings to the approach road to the station, new Tapas/Wine Bar, called ‘Housmans’, in the High Street will be painted. This is once again to be done by a volunteer – to be opened July 2009. force, and all necessary approval has been obtained from New Additional Toilets – Lutwyche Road Highways, with a start date this summer. Well, with all this eating and drinking, it is pleasing to Signage announce the new user-friendly toilets, owned and operated New signage is to be installed throughout the town, to assist by Church Stretton Town Council – to be operational from both residents and visitors alike, including innovative large July 2009. Signs will be placed in appropriate positions in stones in Cardingmill Valley to direct visitors to the town. the town, to give directions, with a sign by the toilets with Market Square opening times and information. This is a much-needed The re-development of the Market Square, and a possible facility to the rather limited ones installed by SSDC in one-way system in the town, is presently being investigated Easthope Road. and full details will be published, when finalised, on a trial New Parking Facilities scheme to be operated for a period of six months. Following the completion and occupation of the new SSHA Planning Issues housing units in Lutwyche Road in July 2009, there will Full details of decisions and current planning applications be parking areas for 19 cars (including two disabled spaces) can be viewed in the Council Office window at 60 which will be operated by CSTC. Initially this will be ‘Pay High Street and on the Town Council website (www. and Display’ tickets from a machine, with the opportunity churchstretton.co.uk) or at www.shropshire.gov.uk for traders or residents of Church Stretton to reserve spaces Mrs Christine Harvey, Town Clerk payable on a yearly season ticket basis. Cllr Tom Beaumont, Town Councillor

Stretton Climate Care JuLY 2009 Green Fayre tretton Climate Care have a great week coming up at the beginning of July focusing on all things green, with something of interest for everyone. StRETTON FOCuS SSaturday 4th July brings the Green Fayre from 10am to 4pm in the Market Square in Church Stretton, with stalls Come and be entertained, invigorated and enlivened! Bar. on renewable technologies, wood stoves, electric transport “The authentic voice of protest in Britain today;” says for the future, innovative ideas, recycling and competitions, George Monbiot. With such a range of stall holders, you are bound to find The supporting group will be Emma and the Professor. some useful information. Tickets (which include refreshments) cost £8.00 from That evening (4th July) brings a wonderful night’s John Thomas, florist and Burway Books, Church Stretton entertainment with the acoustic folk group Seize the Day, or order from 0752 849 3181. Rushbury Village Hall is near playing in Rushbury Village Hall, Sat at 7.30pm Wall-under-Heywood, Church Stretton. Seize the Day are a nationally acclaimed acoustic folk More information about these events is available on our group with a strong political and environmental theme. website: www.strettonclimatecare.org.uk

July 2009 mag.indd 8 12/6/09 12:15:07 17 Church Stretton and South Shropshire Ale Trail A Taste Of South Shropshire received lots of enquiries about the Ale Trail, so once again ail the Ale trail!’ Tickets are now on sale for what it looks like being a runaway success! Anyone requiring promises to be the best-ever Ale Trail being held additional information may visit our website: www.aletrail. in Church Stretton and surrounding villages org or email me on [email protected]. Why not join the in‘H South Shropshire on Friday 3rd and 2009 Ale Trail Party!” Saturday 4th July. Geoff Lucas, organiser of the 2009 Ale Trail said “We are already receiving lots of enquiries for this highly popular event which this year takes in eight hostelries in six local villages. We have organised a regular mini-bus service to ensure safety issues are dealt with adequately and also to provide a comfortable experience for visitors to what I believe are the best hospitality venues in South Shropshire. The Ale Trail has proved to be a real success story and we have raised considerable sums for local charities, with £2600 being raised in 2008. “A superb variety of special ales will be available for people to sample including everything from Shropshire Lass, Shropshire Lad, Hobson’s Best, Proud Salopian and Wye Valley Ales. People wishing to take part Steve Oldham (Royal Oak); Wendy Davies (Ragleth Inn), Geoff Lucas, Ale Trail need to purchase a special Ale Trail Passport Organiser, Brian Tomlins (Travellers Rest Inn), Mick Davies (Church Stretton and and get it stamped at each venue (without District Club) and Gary Medlicott (Green Dragon). necessarily drinking in each pub!) in order to qualify for an engraved commemorative Ale Trail glass and certificate which I am sure will become Ale Trail Charitable activities: collector’s items. Each year the Ale Trail makes a donation to local charities Remaining tickets priced £10 are on sale from from ticket proceeds and also from collection buckets located participating pubs, which include the Ragleth Inn, on each pub bar. In 2008 we raised £2600 for charitable Little Stretton; Green Dragon, Little Stretton; Plough at causes. The County Air Ambulance received £1000; Mayfair Wistanstow; Royal Oak, Cardington, Longville Arms at Community Centre in Church Stretton received £800, Good Longville-in-the-Dale, the Travellers Rest Inn, Upper Affcot Neighbours received £300, and we donated £500 to the and in the town centre the Old Coppers Malt House; and Church Stretton Christmas Lights display. Church Stretton & District Club. Tickets are also available Geoff Lucas: (0790 550 4065) from Burway Books in Church Stretton. We have already e-mail [email protected] New Bridge Club

new Bridge Club JuLY 2009 Looking for Funding of up to £500 for Community Projects? opened in Craven arches Housing and Charitable Trust has a ‘community purse’ which can fund Arms in June, meeting small projects that help people to be socially or economically active. Aon Thursday afternoons. Only If you have an idea that you believe will help make your community a Chicago Bridge will be played,

Mbetter place, MHCT will consider giving your project up to £500. Please note MHCT which is less competitive StRETTON FOCuS prefers to help fund activities rather than help to purchase equipment. than Duplicate, and does not If your project requires more funding than £500, we may be able to help you fund require long term partners. raise. If you have some experience Marches Housing and Charitable Trust works in association with South Shropshire of playing Bridge (formal Housing Association. It has funded a range of things from community centres to cycling tuition will not be provided) support groups. you would be welcome to If you have an idea for a local community project please contact Helen Vaughan on attend on a trial basis. 01588 676235 or email [email protected]. The application process is If you are interested, straight forward and applications are considered by the Board of Trustees every two months. please ring Dorrell Bragg for Helen Vaughan,Regeneration & Community Development Officer more in formation on 01588 South Shropshire Housing Association 673198.

July 2009 mag.indd 9 12/6/09 12:15:08 18 Quaker Voice ollective nouns intrigue me. Church Stretton and District Chamber of Trade Some I can understand - ‘a college of cardinals’ for SummerFest - 20th June 2009 Cexample: others are a mystery. What’s he Chamber of Trade welcomed the opportunity to hold the the collective noun for a group of Quakers? Just SummerFest on Saturday 20th June, the aim being to showcase ‘meeting’. It’s a word that gets overworked by the town and provide a fun day for residents and visitors alike. Quakers. It can describe getting together for a WeT had enormous support from numerous organisations and groups particular purpose, like ‘Meeting for Worship’, and within and around Church Stretton, and I appreciate this opportunity it can be used to describe a group of people who to thank those who gave their help. meet - I’m a member of Church Stretton Meeting. The Town Council were extremely supportive, whilst traders and But in recent years we’ve also started using the local businesses gave very generous sponsorship which, considering word ‘gathering’. A ‘gathering’ is less formal than a the current economic climate, was very encouraging and greatly ‘meeting’, one of its main functions is a forum to appreciated. chat, to get to know one another, to network. I would like to mention just some of the people who worked hard Nationally, there has always been Yearly to make the event a success. The ‘behind the scenes teams’ included Meeting, which was an annual business meeting. our Planning Committee; Martin Musker, Stuart Wright, Martin Every fourth year this was a residential event. Huszak, Don Rogers (logistics, road closures, signage and town In between the residential Yearly Meetings were decorations); Richard Pepper (sponsorship); Jackie and staff, Imprint Summer Gatherings, more informal with no (our eye-catching posters, flyers and programmes); Yvonne Beaumont business. Then someone came up with the bright and Editorial Team for the Focus front cover and double page spread); idea of combining the two. What do you call Paul Stephens, Richard Davies and Round Table (manned the bar); a collection of Quakers that is a mix of Yearly Edward Wood (produced SummerFest Ale); Lee Chapman (drink and Meeting and Summer Gathering? A Yearly entertainment licences); Peter Relph (Health and Safety); Guy Sjogren Meeting Gathering of course (well, it’s obvious with Brian Faulkner, John Tearle and Scouts (car parking etc); Rick to me, because I’m on the committee planning Corfield and other Magpie footballers (soccer games and BBQ food); it, but it is odd to use two collective nouns to Harvey Morgan and Shropshire Council (free use of both car parks and name one event). I can’t tell you what one is like, Rectory Field). because it’s a first. There are those who say it will We are hugely grateful to our ever-growing team of volunteers be an undisciplined Yearly Meeting, there are who generously pledged their time and expertise. Their support was those who think it will ruin a Summer Gathering; invaluable! but 1,500 Quakers of all ages from across Britain My final thanks go to the organisers of our main themes. are booked into York University in July to try Eileen Woolmer and Caroline Blount (Children’s Entertainment); it out. You could see it as the biggest Quaker David and Madelaine Haigh (Dance); Chris Bolton and her school networking event ever held in Britain. musicians (Music); Martin Huszak, John Chambers-Ross and Lesley Networking is important for Quakers. Having Shephard (Evening Entertainment); Eric and Lesley Brown (General no separated priesthood, it is the Quaker on Entertainment); Eileen Roberts (Secretary, Stalls and whatever else the bench who has the responsibility to develop cropped up); John Woolmer (Advisor, Publicity and Planner). individual and collective thinking and doing. It The response and level of enthusiasm was fantastic and the is through networking that ideas get exchanged, Chamber of Trade sincerely hopes everyone enjoyed our first tested, challenged, developed and dispersed. Some SummerFest. of the ideas will be religious, but others will be We will submit a full report with photographs for publication in social, ethical, professional or just relating to next month’s issue. hobbies. Quakers recognize no divide between the Jane van Doesburg, Chairman, Chamber of Trade sacred and the secular; all is relevant to faith. Lesley Richards RNLI ur house-to house collection in April raised Rushbury CE Primary School - £1417.39. We are very grateful to those who helped with the Open Day collection and we thank everybody for their generous support. or past, present and future pupils (and O Richard M Turner Jones their parents and grandparents!) on Tuesday, 7th July at Rushbury School JuLY 2009 JuLY Amnesty International F1.00 to 3.00 pm and 3.30 to 7.00 pm n behalf of Amnesty International, we would like to say thank • Come and meet the staff you to the residents of Church Stretton who contributed so • Refreshments provided in the Sycamores by generously to our street collection on Saturday 23rd May. In the school governors Ototal, we collected £357.46p. • See displays of work from across the school All of this money will go towards working for human rights year across the world, in particular for those who are imprisoned or abused • This event is open to anyone who would like because of who they are or what they believe. Our group meets once a to come along and is not restricted to existing month. If you would like to join us, or would like to know more about or former pupils of Rushbury School. the work of Amnesty International, please contact David Owen on 722525. For further information please contact the David Howard (Treasurer) school office 01694 771233 StRETTON FOCuS StRETTON

July 2009 mag.indd 10 12/6/09 12:15:08 Methodist Voice Housmans - A phoenix from 21 Why Me? What Did I Do? the ashes e are having a reunion’. fter a somewhat chequered final few years and a succession Normally those words, be of tenants, the brewery finally decided to call ‘time’ and close they leaping off the page of a letter or the doors of Wine Vaults, High Street in June 2008. an‘W email, would strike terror in my heart. Not that AThe freehold premises, dating back to 1841, were purchased by I am not interested (or just plain nosy) at what has the father and son partnership of Ian and Mark Barrett and it has happened to old so and so over the past years, but taken almost a year to completely gut, renovate, alter and extend I always find it difficult to think of things to talk the entire property. Additional ground floor space, a second floor at about after the initial ritual reminiscences of past the rear, a spacious, fully equipped kitchen, and to install new WC times and shared experiences. facilities for the disabled have also been added. However, a few years ago it was a little different. Housmans is an exciting new venture, offering a different My old church youth club friends decided to meet concept to Church Stretton that enhances and augments the many up again and a list was circulated of who had said and varied existing hostelries and general food venues in and around they would attend. The name David, an old boy the town. As a wine bar concept, it will offer a casual European friend leapt off the page and I decided to attend to dining experience, with ever-changing lunchtime and evening find out if all the stories that had filtered through ‘specials’ and will be a venue to completely relax in with friends, about his glittering career were true. As I entered family and colleagues. the room at the appointed place he was there in The official opening date is still to be confirmed but it is the centre getting lots of attention, as tall and has expected to reopen its carefully restored and original frontage doors handsome as ever, glowing with health and sporting later this month. a lovely tan. We did have a chance during the Mark Barrett evening to talk together and it was lovely to see him again - and he said the same about me! It was true about his career: he had joined the Foreign Office after university, then the Diplomatic Service, and Sweet and Spicy Chicken Th ighs after postings to exotic sounding places had become one of Her Majesty’s Ambassadors no less. I am regularly being asked to do another He had ‘married well’, still quite a beautiful lady chicken recipe. This is an unusual one but very from a photograph he showed me, he had a lovely tasty and very easy. home near Windsor, lots of good and important Ingredients: friends and he still had access to the ‘corridors of 2 teaspoons chilli powder. power’. Unfortunately despite all his success it was 2 tablespoons honey obvious he was not a happy man. Indeed as our 1 tablespoon lemon juice conversation progressed it became obvious he was 6 chicken thighs. (They are available in supermarkets boned and quite a bitter man. He and his wife were childless. A skinned) child had been born but the boy died at birth and the Method: doctors did not encourage the hope of another child. Pre-heat oven 200C (400F) (Gas Mark 6) Line a shallow “What have I done to deserve this, I hate God… baking pan with foil and set a metal rack in the pan. Combine if he exists.” chilli powder, honey, lemon juice and salt and pepper in a bowl. I was very sympathetic and could understand his Brush the mixture over the chicken thighs and place on a bitterness. I thought about David quite a bit over the rack in the baking pan. Turn the thighs to coat completely. Bake, next few days and it was my husband who invited turning once, for about 45 minutes. me to twist his phrase in another direction. Lovely with new potatoes and green beans! “You say he was handsome and charismatic. Her Ladyship What had he done to deserve that? The love of a beautiful woman; quite rich due to her father’s JuLY 2009 generosity; what did he do to deserve that? Despite the tragic loss of the child, he was healthy, had lots of friends and a keen mind: and for all those things The Tuesday Age Concern he had done very little at all.” In his understandable bitterness he had Day Centre StRETTON FOCuS overlooked the gifts he had received, barely noticed The Tuesday Day Centre meets each week in the URC Hall. in amongst his accusations about a God who had Affiliated to Age Concern, it has been in existence since 1982 messed up his world. and cares for the elderly, frail and lonely, and also anyone who It is true we get so much we don’t deserve. Why finds it difficult to get out and about. didn’t I think of that when talking to David? Why The centre gives them a good day out once a week, with didn’t I suggest to David he should take another look transport provided. They have coffee or tea and biscuits on at Jesus, who when hanging on the cross and feeling arrival and a first class meal, rounding off the day with tea and deserted by God, didn’t end up by saying “Why scones or a birthday cake. me?” Instead he holds out the invitation to all folk We have places for more members at the moment, and with desperate feelings of desertion “Come unto me anyone who is interested can call Jean Morgan, the organiser, on and I will give you rest.” 01694 723826

July 2009 mag.indd 11 12/6/09 12:15:08 22Arriva Trains Wales Adopt a Station Awards Best Station Garden n 2004, Arriva Trains Wales introduced a scheme for many past and present gardeners, part of mainly un-manned stations entitled, “Adopt a Station”, the Church Stretton Area Tourism Group’s the idea being that someone local would become the ‘Pride of Place’ volunteers, the garden does I indeed look very good. Local residents have donated plants and money, and employees in the industrial units have willingly helped, whether it be to inflate the tyre of the wheelbarrow or loan tools. Finally, credit must be given to everyone who passes through the station who use the litter bins when on their way to the shops, work or school, thus helping the station to remain clean and tidy. If anyone would like to come to the station on a Monday morning to join the volunteer gardeners you will be made welcome. Please ring Paul on 01694-723022. A photograph of the trophy, together with some views of the garden, will be shown in various shop windows before the trophy is finally displayed at the Town Council offices. Church Stretton Area Tourism Group

Station Adoptee with the role of reporting to Arriva any problems that may occur, such as lights not working or signage or posters being out of date. On 16th May, Arriva held their annual Station Adoptee Conference in Chester which was attended by Church Stretton Station’s Adoptee, Paul Godwin, accompanied by his wife, Lesley. Unbeknown to them, Ms. Shelley Hall, the Station Master at Shrewsbury, had nominated Church Stretton for an award and Paul and Lesley were staggered to be told that Church Stretton had won the 2009 Best Station Garden Award and they were duly presented with the trophy. Work began on the garden in August 2006, and thanks to the Church Stretton and District Rail Users’ Association News rriva Trains Wales need to remember that they won attempt to kill off Wrexham & Shropshire services before their franchise on the promise of providing a regular Virgin’s anti-competition agreement between Birmingham interval service with trains calling at stations at the and London expires in 2012. Fortunately all the negative Asame minute past each hour, with Shrewsbury the hub of publicity generated caused Virgin to withdraw its bid. interconnecting services. We at Church Stretton have long Memories of Virgin’s withdrawal of the previous Shrewsbury- complained about those so-called ‘same minute past’ trains London service quoting ‘no demand’ are still fresh in the fluctuating throughout the day together with train stops minds of many people. which have completely disappeared from here leaving a two- Help, trains on line hour gap in the service, but spare a thought for some of the If you need help with online train tickets or train other stations along the line. Stations between Shrewsbury information on the Internet, you may be interested to know and Crewe still only have a basic two-hourly service that the Mayfair Centre runs drop-in computer help sessions throughout the day, with one or two additional trains, on Mondays from 11 :00 - 13:00 and Wednesdays from 9:00 and this stretch includes such large towns as Nantwich - 13:00. and Whitchurch. Similarly, the Cambrian line between A team of knowledgeable staff and volunteers are on Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth serving the likes of Welshpool hand to help with most computer issues, and would be more JuLY 2009 JuLY and Newtown still has a two-hourly interval service despite than pleased to help with train related information, all for a being promised an hourly service ten years ago. small voluntary donation to the centre. Direct Shrewsbury-London Services If you’re already online or want to check a few websites, Wrexham & Shropshire have cut one train a day other than the train companies’ own, you may wish to try from their Monday - Friday timetable, departures from the following links: Shrewsbury now being at 05:52, 08:07, 12:07 and 16:07 - The Man in Seat 61 at http://seat61.com/ with returns from Marylebone at 06:45, 12:17, 16:33 and - Chester-le-Track at http://www.chester-le-track.co.uk/ 20:03. Their standard walk-on full return fare to London - General steam & other train tour info at http://www. available on any train with no restrictions costs £40. Their uksteam.info/tours/ telephone number for enquiries is 0845 260 5233. Ludlow SID Travel: 01584-877090 Virgin trains put in a bid to run 3 trains a day from Llandrindod Stn Travel: 01597-822053 Shrewsbury to London Euston. This was seen as a cynical Brian Stone StRETTON FOC U S StRETTON

July 2009 mag.indd 12 12/6/09 12:15:09 Walking Festival Goes From Strength to Strength 23 even years ago, and as part of Church Stretton’s recovery from Foot and Mouth, an annual Walking Festival started. Initially under the management of the Food Fayre, this festival, held from June 4th to June 7th, has now completed it’s seventh year, with record numbers of walkers from all over Britain enjoying our beautiful Shropshire Hills. SThis year, after the cessation of the Food Fayre, an independent organisation, comprising local walkers under the Chairmanship of Alan Garner, have organised the most successful festival yet. The Festival is affiliated to The Church Stretton Area Tourism Group. “ We have been magnificently supported by local walk leaders, who created routes specially for the festival. Sponsorship from Spike Outdoors, Secret Hills Walking Holidays, Church Stretton Ring and Ride and the SHAONB, plus tremendous backing from the National Trust have ensured the financial viability of the Festival, whilst Trevor Halsey and Barbara Vickery’s administrative skills made the organisational aspects run like clockwork. We have entertained more than 120 walkers, many of them new to the Shropshire Hills, with 40 staying for all the four days of walks. We ended the week with a meal, quiz and social at the Church Stretton Social Club, enjoyed by all, and, yes, people still had energy to dance the night away.” The organising committee now look forward to even better festivals in the future, as we continue to showcase Church Stretton and the Shropshire Hills – there’s even a suggestion of an autumn sister to June’s festival – watch this space. Alan Garner

Local issues – County concerns Church Stretton and District Rail Users’ Association News Do you want to have a say about your local area?

new committee has been set up to allow people to influence local priorities and the recently established Shropshire ACouncil. The first public meeting of the Church Stretton, Rushbury and Eaton - under - Heywood & Hope Bowdler Local Joint JuLY 2009 Committee (LJC) is on Thursday July 9 at 7.00 pm in the Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton. The LJC will be led by the three local Shropshire Councillors whose wards include the area, and one representative each from the three StRETTON FOCuS parish and town councils. As well as attracting resources to take forward local priorities the LJC can seek responses from Shropshire Council about its actions and also distribute £22,000 a year in the form of grants or specially commissioned services. For further information please contact Peter Dunhill Community Regeneration Officer for the Strettons area. 01746 713230/07837 718556 or [email protected]

July 2009 mag.indd 13 12/6/09 12:15:12 24 Tread Lightly Catholic Voice hat is it?” Mum asked. St Laurence’s Mission Group “It’s a Velvet Scoter” he impact of climate change on the world which replied the man, holding today’s children will inherit is something we are a“W perfect specimen of a black duck, often asked to consider. Children are sometimes unfortunately very dead, though fresh and moreT aware of the issues than adults. A six year old in seemingly unmarked. our church commented; “God made our world pretty I was a young lad at the time and was developing an with nature and insects and sunshine. If we don’t save interest in birds, encouraged by my mother, who had electricity we won’t have lights in the dark”. However, in stopped the car at Aberlady Bay in Scotland. We were on our parts of the world, especially in the developing world, this way to visit my great aunt, who lived nearby. impact is already a fact of life. For example, Lake Chad in While knowing little, I knew enough about birds West Africa, which provides drinking water for 30 million to realise that this lovely black duck, in almost perfect people, has lost 90% of its size due to the changing condition, was something special. This was not a creature to climate. In a sobering new report - the ‘Human Impact be found on your local park pond to be fed with bread and Report’ from the Global Humanitarian Forum, Kofi scraps, nor was it a bird of the larger lake or reservoir. No, Annan, the Forum’s President, says that Climate Change to me, this was a bird far more romantic, living its life at sea is already responsible for 300,000 deaths a year. and only really coming ashore to breed and then, not here, The World Mission Group at St Laurence’s – which but in lands far to the north. exists to strengthen our links with partners in many parts I believe there is a romanticism in watching birds and of the world – wants to respond to the issue of climate marvelling at their freedom in flight, but conditioned too by change and help us understand more about the impact migration and behaviour. There is so much still to observe already being experienced by some of our partners as they and learn. For instance, the lovely house martin, arriving in deal with floods, unpredictable weather patterns or longer spring to nest in the eaves of our homes and yet we still do droughts. not know where in Africa it’s main wintering grounds are. So we have pleasure in inviting you to join us So, it is with our faith. We continually need to learn at ‘Tread Lightly’; an enjoyable time of learning, and develop it and, through prayer, we can seek help to involvement, fun and food focused on the impact of strengthen it. Today many say that faith undermines the climate change around the world on Sunday 19th July in well-being of society and leads to intolerance. But surely the St Laurence’s Parish Centre. It will be suitable for all ages. real intolerance is to deny the religious nature of the human What effect do our lives have on other people around person and the reality of sin. the world? How can we understand a bit more about And while, to me, that little black duck was something issues that seem to be in the press every day; and how special in developing my interest in birds, I now realise much do they really matter? that all species have a special place in our world and, We are planning an event that will be enjoyable unless we are careful, we can lose even what we consider and appeal to all ages. It will include quizzes, photos the commonplace. So also each one of us is important and and stories from around the world, trying out skills valued by our Lord and in knowing this, we should see that in origami, building a huge mural for the artistically our neighbour too is important and valued. minded, painting feet for those so inclined, a competitive Jock Smith board game, discussion and winding up with a shared meal. Dorrington Players We begin at 3.00pm on July 19th in St Laurence’s Parish Centre and plan to end around 6.30pm. All Playreading for Fun are very welcome but you will need a ticket (to help Dorrington Players will be holding their next Playreading us plan catering), which will cost the huge sum of £1 on Wednesday 1st July at All Stretton Village Hall. All are per head. Please ring Adele Grounds (722017), Moriel welcome to come along at 7.30pm. Refreshments will be Gidney (723157) or Isabel Carter (722296) for more available and there is no charge for this event. information. Tickets are available from St Laurence’s Parish Office and Newsworld. May Weather

JuLY 2009 JuLY he TV weather man did say we were in for a “barbecue” summer so is this it, has it arrived early? The last week certainly has all the appearance of a sweltering summer. Apart from a passing front which gave us some rain, (0.28 of an inch, on the 27th), we had a run of 10 warmT to hot days with temperatures in the 70s and ending on 80.6F (27C) on the 31st. This wasn’t a record by any means, last year, for example, we had 83.3F which was a new record and even the mean temperature was lower than last year at 49.69F compared to 50.06F yet it seemed that this May was a really pleasant month. Rainfall was lower than last year, 1.79 inches compared to 2.07 last year, the lowest though was 0.50 (half-an-inch) in 1991 which was a really dry start to the summer. Rain fell on eight occasions of which six days were showers and we had a thunderstorm on the 16th – well, there was a very loud clap of thunder and a lighting stroke to earth somewhere north of us during a very heavy shower. The wettest day was the 14th when 0.41 of an inch fell. Earlier in the month we had a week or so of gale force winds but with temperatures in the 60s it didn’t feel cold but was, at times, unpleasant for walking even in the valley and on the Mynd it was almost impossible. StRETTON FOCuS StRETTON

July 2009 mag.indd 14 12/6/09 12:15:12 Gardening Club More about Wool 27 Wool Day at the Parish Centre, Summer Show Church Stretton, Saturday 22nd August 2009. he Church Stretton and District Gardening Club United Nations Year of Natural will be holding its Summer Fibres ShowT at the Silvester Horne im Booth (Product Institute on Saturday 29th August. Some Class exhibits Development Manager British Wool Marketing Board) can be enhanced by ‘advance warning’ so we propose to will be joined by a speaker from Shrewsbury Drapers have the following classes: CompanyT (established in 1444) on the dramatic history of the Floral Art Classes wool trade around Shrewsbury in the Middle Ages, and from 63 ‘Wedding Day – An exhibit not exceeding 24” x Shrewsbury Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, who are 24” (60cm x 60cm). celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, as well as flock 64 ‘Glory of the Hedgerows’ –.An exhibit not owners’ direct hands on expertise and experiences. exceeding 24” x 24” (60cm x 60cm). If you have any interesting pieces of wool textile, or ‘wool- 65 ‘Cup and Saucer’ – An exhibit not exceeding 7” x 7” related’ stories, I should be very interested to hear from you. (18cm x 18cm) in a cup and saucer. During June, most sheep will be shorn, the mountain sheep 66 Novice Class open to exhibitor who has not possibly slightly later. The fleeces are ‘wrapped’ (folded in a previously won first class, secure way) and put into ‘wool sheets’ (bags the size of a sofa) An exhibit in a Vase not exceeding 16” x 16” and taken, ultimately, to the depot at Newtown, Powys, where (41cm x 41cm). each fleece will be graded by hand. The depot handles five and a half million kilograms of wool each year from this and the Cookery Classes (all food items must be covered with surrounding areas. ‘Woolpack’ is an old word (ME) for what we cling film) now call locally the ‘wool sheet’, but is also an old name for a Jars used should be plain without any trademarks on ‘fleecy cumulus cloud’ which you might see as you gaze into the the glass or lids. A cellophane top with waxed disc, or summer skies. a plain screw top with no waxed disc to be used. Cakes Thelma Thompson 01694 722821 are better shown on a paper plate Wool Producer and Organiser of the day. 67 Jar of marmalade. 68 Jar of jelly. 69 Jar of jam. Community Swap Shop 70 Sausage Rolls – plate of 3. 71 Victoria sponge. 72 Fruit Scones – plate of 5. 73 Rich Fruit cake – see recipe. 74 Small white loaf. 75 Pineapple upside down cake. The next Community Swap Shop will be held in Church Stret- Children’s Classes (state age) ton Senior School - Sunday 5th July- 10.30am-1.00pm. Refresh- 76 Vegetable animal. ments will be available. 77 Flowers in a jam jar. Our last Swap Shop proved successful for one little girl who 78 Birthday card. had a lovely bike, the Acton Scott group who were able to find 79 Potato Man. many items for their decoration theme, and other visitors who 80 Totem pole. left with golf clubs, shoes and pull-along suitcases. Handicraft Class It may be difficult to understand the free concept of the 81 Any item of craft produced since the 2008 Show. swap shop - why anything could be free these days - but in fact

you only have to bring a re-usable item (which you might have JuLY 2009 Photography Class - Photographs must be original, been going to throw away) and then take away any other item unmanipulated work, by the entrant. you can make use of - FREE. The only expense is 50p entry 82 A coloured picture depicting “Heritage”. Picture needed to cover costs of the venture. not to exceed A4 size (21cm x 30cm). Acceptable items have to be genuinely re-usable and non- 83 A coloured scene of a Landscape. Picture not to

hazardous, toys, bric a brac, sports equipment, tools, CD’s, StRETTON FOCuS exceed A4 size (21cm x 30cm). musical instruments, books, etc. Items we cannot accept include Art Class furniture (for the time being), electrical, faulty or illegal items, 84 A painting not previously exhibited of any subject. underwear and broken items which are not re-usable. Picture size to be not more than 22” x 18” (56cm x Any leftover items will be given to Scrappies (the ONLY scrap 46cm). scheme in South Shropshire). Scrappies is based in Lutwyche Road - open Wednesday and Saturday - and everyone is welcome Closing date for all entries to the Summer Show will be to call in, when a member of staff will be pleased to explain how 27th August. the store operates. One person’s scrap is another person’s treasure! John Bricknell, So do come along - support the Swap Shop and Scrappies - Show Secretary. prevent items from going into landfill - and take away something you need for FREE. Eileen Roberts 01694 720086

July 2009 mag.indd 15 12/6/09 12:15:13 New Building for Busy Bees Pre-School 29 t the end of May Busy Bees Pre-School moved into their fabulous new building on the Shrewsbury Road next to the primary school. Following the plans for the leisure Acentre project, it was necessary for Busy Bees to be relocated and Shropshire County Council approached us to discuss a potential venue. After much discussion it was decided that the former caretaker’s bungalow, located between the primary and secondary schools, would be converted and extended to accommodate Busy Bees. Prior to the move we had an Ofsted inspection, at the same time as the primary school, and were delighted to be judged as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas. To celebrate both the Ofsted report and our move to the new building we will be holding an Open Morning on Saturday 4th July between 10.30am - 12.30pm. Please come along, have a look at the new building and meet the staff and committee. Refreshments will be available and there will also be a raffle. Everyone is welcome! Kate Matthews Administrator St Lawrence School News ll our children have talents to contribute to school life. We have had wonderful success with various school teams. Both the U10 girls’ and boys’ football teams are now county champions. Our U11 girls’ team cameA second in their year group. It is a significant achievement considering the large number of schools involved. Our tag rugby team are progressing well in the ‘Tag to Twickenham’ competition, winning the regional round in Worcester to progress to the national quarterfinals. Our quiz team were recently runners up in the quarterfinal of a national quiz contest. Congratulations to all of them! Only 2,700 people in the world have ever climbed to the summit of Everest. This month we were very pleased to welcome one of them to school for a special assembly. Mark Procter talked to the children about his successful Everest expedition last year and showed some inspiring images of the trip. He also brought in some of his equipment for the children to see which included crampons, ice axe, oxygen mask and special boots. He talked about the importance of having goals and challenging yourself to reach them. Finally we have held a ‘loud shirt’ day to continue raising money for the African school we support in Chihangu in Tanzania, Africa. Our ‘Friends’ Everest climber Mark Procter with Oscar parents group continue to support the school wonderfully well, recently raising Mclaren and Layla Faulkner, together with over £300 for our own school fund with a plant sale. special coat, ice axe and crampons R Langford

Gardening in July his month’s tasks are similar to June’s, temperature. Open windows and the door except watering is more crucial now, and during the day (a temporary mesh frame the harvesting of vegetables increases. Pests fitted over the door will keep out birds). andT diseases are prevalent with the warmer weather: Train tomatoes up their supports as they powdery mildew occurs in dry weather, blight grow and pinch out sideshoots on cordon JuLY 2009 arrives in warm damp conditions, aphids quickly varieties while they are still small. Feed colonise the young shoots of most plants (not just tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers weekly vegetables), and caterpillars eat everything else! with tomato fertilizer. Vegetables: New potatoes, peas and salading are now at their Ponds: Keep ponds and water features topped up as best. Clear the ground as crops finish and apply fertilizer evaporation occurs. Remove dead leaves from plants where StRETTON FOCuS before sowing with late salad crops. Marrows and squashes possible to help the water clear, and remove blanket weed will be growing fast, keep them watered and protected from regularly. the soil with a piece of plastic or one of their larger leaves. Lawns: New lawns may still need watering, and if we have Fruit: Cover raspberries and currants if you have trouble drought conditions set the mower back to a higher cut. with garden birds (but check regularly in case any Flowers: Water, feed, and dead-head plants in containers. find themselves trapped). Most soft fruits, especially Established plants in borders shouldn’t need watering but blackcurrants, need to ripen on the plant to allow the flavour will benefit from dead-heading and feeding. Dig out large and sweetness to develop. Apples can be thinned if too many perennial weeds such as dock and thistle before they die remain on the tree after the ‘June drop’, ensuring fewer but back and are forgotten. Semi-ripe cuttings from shrubs can better sized fruit. be taken now (erica, helianthemum, hydrangea etc) and Greenhouse: Regular watering is very important now, rooted in a coldframe. and damping down the floor will help to lower the Advice from Church Stretton and District Gardening Club

July 2009 mag.indd 16 12/6/09 12:15:14 34 National Trust Events for July Summer Holiday Activities Sunday 5th July & Sunday 2nd August isit Carding Mill Valley every Wednesday during the 1.00pm – 4.00pm ‘History of the Hills’ school summer holidays and you are sure to have - guided walk to reveal the history of some fun! The National Trust in Carding Mill Carding Mill Valley and the surrounding ValleyV has arranged activities suitable for children, but also great for adults. area. Meet at Church Stretton railway Put them in your diary now! station (shop side) at 1pm or join the walk Wednesday 29th July: ‘Getting involved – summer’ at Chalet Pavilion, Carding Mill Valley at A chance to find out how we look after the Long Mynd with the wardens. 2pm. Cost £3. Come and have a ride in the mule and look at the tractor! Drop in Booking not needed between 10.00am and 1.00pm. Meet at the lower car park in Carding Mill Thursday 9th July Valley. 10.00am – 12.30pm ‘Flowers on the Long Wednesday 5th August: ‘Pond dipping’ Mynd’ – a guided walk led by National Dip into the stream to find out what’s lurking under the rocks. You Trust ecologist, Caroline Uff. Some steep can make whatever you find 20 times as big by looking at it under a ground. Meet at the Chalet Pavilion, microscope!! Pond dipping and other fun activities. 11.00am or 2.00pm. Carding Mill Valley. Cost £3. Booking Each session lasts about 1½ hours. Cost £1. Bring your wellies! not needed Wednesday 12th August: ‘Whinberry picking and Mounting Saturday 18th July Mountain Mysteries!’ 3.00pm ‘Shropshire Bedlams and Martha Follow in the footsteps of author Malcolm Saville whose 11 Lone Pine Rhoden’s Tuppenny Dish!’ – a display of Border Gang books were set in these here hills! We shall walk past Lightspout Morris dancing in Carding Mill Valley waterfall and up onto the top of the Long Mynd to relish a sea of purple Saturday 18th / Sunday 19th July flowering heather. Whilst on the top, we shall hunt for and eat whinberries! 11.00am – 3.00pm ‘John Sankey’s Our return takes us over Cow Ridge with superb views of New Pool “Marshall” agricultural steam engine Hollow and Carding Mill Valley. 11.00am – 3.00pm. Cost £2. Please display’ in Carding Mill Valley wear suitable footwear and outdoor clothing for hill walking. Some steep ground. Bring a picnic. Saturday 18th July 10.00am – 1.00pm ‘Rocks make the Wednesday 19th August: ‘Whinberry picking and Pacing the Pike!’ Landscape - the Geology of the Batch Valley’ Join us for an exhilarating walk along this steep narrow ridge to explore – a guided walk up the Batch Valley to Bodbury Bronze Age hill fort where we can rest for a picnic and then Jinlye and down to Gogbatch, led by Keith attempt the ‘big climb’ up onto Haddon Hill where you can get purple Hotchkiss and Dr. Peter Toghill. Some fingers hunting for and eating whinberries. 11.00am – 3.00pm. Cost £2. steep ground Please wear suitable footwear and outdoor clothing for hill walking. Some Meet at Batch Valley Car Park. Cost £4. steep ground. Bring a picnic. Booking essential – phone 01694 722631 Wednesday 26th August: ‘Pond dipping’ Wednesday 29th July Dip into the stream to find out what’s lurking under the rocks. You Drop in between 10.00am and 1.00pm can make whatever you find 20 times as big by looking at it under a ‘Getting involved – summer’ - a chance to microscope!! Pond dipping and other fun activities. 11.00am or 2.00pm. find out how we look after the Long Mynd Each session lasts about 1½ hours. Cost £1. Bring your wellies! with the wardens. Come and have a ride in The small print for all activities: the mule and look at the tractor! One of a Children must be accompanied by an adult series of summer holiday activities. Meet at Unaccompanied adults welcome! the lower car park in Carding Mill Valley. Booking not needed Booking not needed. Meet at Chalet Pavilion, Carding Mill Valley unless stated otherwise What’s in a Name? e all have a name that we are known by. That name is God is concerned with who we are, not with what name we important to us, for it represents our identity and our may be called. The first followers of Jesus were who they were,

JuLY 2009 JuLY security. Barack Obama in his book ‘The Audacity of before they were called Christians. It was other people who Hope’W tells that he was advised to change his name if he wanted called them Christians as a kind of nickname. Being a Christian to make any headway as a politician in America. is not about what you are called; it’s about being who you are: He was told that anyone with a name which sounded even what kind of a person you are. remotely like Osama bin Laden, would never get anywhere. In the Jewish/Christian tradition, I AM is the name of Obama refused to change his name. That name was who he was, God. It’s a translation of the Hebrew word JEHOVA. So and who he was going to stay. He was not so much defending when we affirm our true identity and say ‘I am’ we have an the name, as affirming his personal integrity - that’s who I am! opportunity to be aligning ourselves with God. William Shakespeare in his play Romeo and Juliet tells us that We could be saying that our true identity is to be found in “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” and paradoxically God, and then we would be striving to fulfill that potential in this is pointing to the same truth. The essence of a rose does not the lives we live. If you are aiming to be the best ‘I am’ that you lie in its name, but in its nature. The nature of Barack Obama was can be, you will be as close to God as you can get in this life; shown in his refusal to deny his past by changing his name. and you can leave the rest in God’s hands. Donald Horsefield StRETTON FOCuS StRETTON

July 2009 mag.indd 17 12/6/09 12:15:14 Letters Go the Extra Mile 35 Is Feminism to Blame? ublic opinion describes for Diabetes UK the young as lazy, eading health charity Diabetes UK violent, drugged or is calling on all walkers to help raise Pdrunk. Youngsters derive their crucial funds for people with diabetes philosophy of life from the media byL joining its Walk the Extra Mile event on and their naughty friends who Sunday 5th July 2009 at the Carding Mill feel rejected and have a grudge Valley in Church Stretton. against society. They get little Walk the Extra Mile is a fun event for help from their families in terms all the family. There is a choice of two routes on the day, 5 miles of example and advice. and 2 miles. The 2 mile route will be a guided excursion across Too many modern women have little time for the Long Mynd which will be made interesting and interactive their children and aged parents: they are too busy for younger walkers with the opportunity for pond dipping making money and having fun. They leave the young along the way. Walkers are asked to register between 10.30am and the old in the care of professionals who can and 11.00am on the day. Registered walkers will each receive a provide everything except love and moral values. medal on completion of the walk. I wonder how much of this attitude can be Since it began in 1999, Diabetes UK sponsored walks have traced to feminism? Feminists despise the feminine raised more than £1.3 million! This money is vital to help fund qualities of selflessness, gentleness and compassion. research projects. They would like all women to be as self-centred Joanna Oldfield, Regional Fundraising Manager comments “It and aggressive as men. They should not be blamed is really important that we get as many people along to the walk as for their opinions which are probably due to their possible this year. It is a super, family day out to support such an heredity, upbringing or metabolism. But they important cause. Living a healthy lifestyle is important for good should refrain from telling other women to focus on diabetes control and walking is a great way to become more active. I themselves rather than others. would urge anyone who is available on the day to come and join us.” Family life and social life should be based on love. Registration is FREE and to get involved and receive your The best definition of love is putting the happiness sponsorship pack, please contact Diabetes UK West Midlands on and interest of others before one’s own. Duty may be 01922 614500 or email [email protected]. irksome, but living for others is a pleasure when it is For further information contact Joanna Oldfield, Regional done for love. Women are experts in that field. Fundraising Manager for the West Midlands on joanna.oldfield@ Simone Crawley diabetes.org.uk or 01922 614500 / 07834 Anglican Voice et him who is without greed cast the first stone” has been afraid to say we are actually all - I wonder if that is what Jesus would say if He wrongdoers, but there is a solution. Jesus has were around today. First the bankers, then MPs, died in our place to pay the punishment for “Land now calls to look at MEPs and the failure to sign off the our wrongs. He claimed to have the final moral accounts for the European Parliament for many years now. authority to say what is right or wrong and offers His Spirit I wonder who will be next! The controversy has certainly to live in each of us to begin to work within us to meet our provided an interesting window into our society. inmost needs, including for contentment, and to help us Firstly, the idea that if something is within the rules it is become more like Him than we were before. morally justifiable. In this case, we must ask who made the In some of our prayer events, we have been repenting rules, who was meant to enforce them, and what pressures on behalf of ourselves, the church and the nation, asking were they under to enforce them in certain ways. Where has for God’s forgiveness and strength to be better. And we have been the sense that some things are right and some things are sought God’s blessing once again to restore us and to give wrong? The public has this but not our ruling masters. And our society that sense of well-being, which seems to be so JuLY 2009 surely laws cannot deal with every form of wrongdoing? lacking under the new morality. Jesus said He came to give Then there is the idea that if I have done wrong I can us a secure foundation for life by basing our lives on Him just pay back. Yet the public is calling for punishment, and His words. Is that not a timely promise to consider?! even prosecution. Interestingly, punishments in the Bible Richard Hill speak of restoration and 20% extra. Then it must be asked how many of us would have done the same or are totally StRETTON FOCuS free of any form of greed ourselves. Are we not so keen to condemn others because they reflect what we don’t like Harry Potter in Ludlow about ourselves? The church must share part of the blame for Friday 17th July – Thursday 13th August undermining the idea of right and wrong. It is part of our Judeo-Christian heritage and we are surely paying Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (certificate tbc) the consequences for allowing each person to ‘judge for We’re showing the most eagerly awaited film of the year themselves’, as if this is somehow more advanced. as soon as it’s released on 17th July, for three weeks, two The church has also been preaching sentimental love screenings per day. Please check with Assembly rooms for (which just overlooks wrong) rather than holy love, which details of showing times. says injustice and wrong must be punished. And the church

July 2009 mag.indd 18 12/6/09 12:15:14 The Climatic Health Resort of Church Stretton 37

ecently, the holiday resort of Bournemouth took In addition, it was recommended that the town manage its the Met Office to task for forecasting weather own weather station on the Longhills, much as seaside resorts conditions which appeared to have adversely affected still operate today. theR number of visitors coming to their town. A century A hospital too far and … ago, despite the fact that daily weather forecasting had yet An understanding of meteorological conditions to be developed, Strettonians would have identified closely had implications. One of the more interesting sagas of with Bournemouth’s concerns. Stretton businessmen and bureaucratic delay ever to be witnessed in a town was that councillors were alert to any threat which may have affected in Stretton. This course of action was brought about by the the number of visitors staying Shropshire county directive to the Unions in their area. Church Stretton (workhouses) that each area should make was a superior climatic resort provision for an isolation hospital to contain and visitors who came for a outbreaks of smallpox and other diseases. change stayed because of the Smallpox was a deadly disease which flared positive benefits of the climate occasionally. With the creation of Church and environs. Referring to the Stretton Urban District Council (UDC) in miraculous cures experienced 1899, the idea that an isolation hospital should by some, Campbell-Hyslop said be situated within the boundaries of Stretton that he had known people who health resort saw procrastination on a grand had arrived at the railway station scale. For the best part of a decade, residents who could hardly walk across the would repeat the mantra that ‘the health of platform yet in a month they had Church Stretton must be the wealth of Church climbed to the top of Caradoc. Stretton.’ A site was eventually identified at In Victorian times air and High Park, high on the Long Mynd, well out of waters were considered essential town. But an understanding of the prevailing to the recovery of invalids. The westerly air flow would mean that the South Victorians did not have recourse Shropshire medic Dr Gepp, would experience to antibiotics, medical procedures further years of frustration in commissioning and aftercare which we now take this site. Eventually, Dr Gepp identified a new for granted. When the Reverend site in the meadow to the east of Hazler Hill, Sandford set about planting the a safer proposition and more acceptable to the linden trees of what would later Strettons. Needless to say, Hope Bowdler Parish become Sandford Avenue (1884), Council understood what was happening and one of the benefits he hoped to accrue would be an increase would vent their opposition to this proposal. in oxygen in the atmosphere of the Strettons. We may scoff A hospital not far enough. but this oxygenation of the atmosphere is not very far away Just when the Stretton UDC thought that the isolation from attempts today, to remove carbon dioxide from the hospital proposal had been kicked into the long grass of atmosphere. In many ways, these Stretton Victorians were Hazler, SCC agreed to a county sanatorium for phthisis (TB). ahead of their time. 25 years later, when the plans for the At first, its location was to be Sharpstones outside Shrewsbury new lake in Stretton were at an advanced stage, fears were but Lyth Hill was offered and considered to be more suitable. expressed of the effect that this body of water might have It must be left to the reader to imagine the dread that this upon the local climate. caused in Church Stretton only 9 miles away. One letter of Weather recording protest which alluded to the microbes drifting in the winds In order for Victorian and Edwardian doctors to over Stretton recommended that such a facility should be at recommend a resort for recovery of patients, they needed least 40 miles from the nearest house. This buffer zone would to be aware of the climatic conditions which prevailed. be greater than that around the early nuclear power stations!

When Doctor Horatio Barnett became one of the medics in Eventually, Lord Forester at Willey Park offered a site which JuLY 2009 Church Stretton (and who would later become chair of the was only one mile from his home outside Much Wenlock. council) he brought with him technical skills which served This was to the east of Stretton and importantly, downwind. to assist in the advancement of the town. Dr Barnett was the While daily weather forecasts were not available a century meteorological referee for the Caradoc Field Club, a serious ago, the consequences of an inclement day were keenly felt in

scientific body which met in Shrewsbury. The doctor moved Church Stretton. There were repeated calls for more public StRETTON FOC U S into Burway House where he collected daily weather records shelters on the hills and indoor entertainment in the town and from 1898 onwards, had these published weekly in in order that visitors left with a positive experience. Sadly the Church Stretton Advertiser as part of the information for Stretton, few of these facilities were ever built. Today, available for visitors. At the end of each month, he would the short term weather forecast is sufficient information for provide a general summary of the weather for that month, most visitors to Stretton and as witnessed in Bournemouth, much as Mr Robert Smart has continued to record a century decisions are made upon the basis of the forecast. Improved later. When Dr Barnett moved to manage the Stretton all-weather clothing compensates for the vagaries of the daily House Asylum, Reverend Dansey, curate at St Laurence weather conditions. In addition, boarding house residents would continue the daily weather recording. In 1909 at are now allowed indoors during daytime and public houses a meeting of the CSAA (Church Stretton Advancement remain open all day. Association), it was suggested that these daily weather continued on next page records be made available in the London daily newspapers.

July 2009 mag.indd 19 12/6/09 12:15:15 38 Mayfair News

May Fayre who would appreciate an hour or two he May Fayre, held on 4th May, raised £2,428.65 for yourself, remember the flexible child towards the continuing work of Mayfair Community care offered at the Mayfair crèche. You Centre. The weather was not wonderful but that did can book for a ‘one-off’ from half an notT deter us from having a good day. The Church Preen hour or up to four hours knowing that your youngster (aged School Maypole Dancers, a fairground organ, circus skills, up to eight years) will be looked after by trained staff with belly dancers and many interesting stalls all made our annual lots of activities to enjoy. The crèche is open on Monday, event very enjoyable. Also, thanks to the generosity of our Wednesday and Friday 9am-1pm and on Tuesday and supporters, we raised this magnificent sum of money. Thank Thursday 9am-3pm and only costs £3.00 an hour. For more you to everyone on behalf of Mayfair. information ring Sarah or Julie at 01694 722077. Sue Wood Green Fingered Volunteers wanted If you are interested in joining Mayfair’s volunteer Mayfair Barbecue gardening team, you would be most welcome. Please ring Thanks to the National Trust, Mayfair will be holding a Angela on 01694 722077 for more information. BBQ at the Chalet Pavilion in Carding Mill Valley, in aid of the Community Centre, on Saturday 11th July at 7.30pm. Other Fund Raising Events So, why not take an early evening stroll up the valley on Many of our volunteers donate their time in various that day for a nice meaty barbecue with salads, followed by ways. Some direct their time to the task of raising the pudding. Veggie options will be available if you give advance very necessary extra money needed to help the Mayfair notice. There will also be a bar, selling wine and beer at Community Centre provide services and activities that many sensible prices. Join friends and, during your meal, listen of us, young and old, may need and enjoy. to a little light music and watch a slideshow of this year’s During the year events are organised by members of the activities, events and personalities at Mayfair. Who knows, community who deserve our thanks. Tony and Phyllis Crowe you may even spot yourself among the pictures! and many helpers run the regular Book Fairs, and Ken Willis Tickets costing £10 per person are available at the reception compiles questions and organises the Quiz Nights. In April in the Mayfair Community Centre. Entry will be by ticket only. we enjoyed two evenings of the reading of Dylan Thomas’ And don’t worry about the weather! There will be cover to keep Under Milk Wood by the Cardington Poetry Reading Group you dry if we are not favoured with a fine evening. and recently this year there has been the last Winter Talk, a Wine Tasting and a Sculpture Evening. Thanks are due to all ‘Monday Madness’ in the volunteers who help Mayfair’s café to put these, and other Did you know that you events, together. can have a delicious two course But there is more lunch for £5 on Mondays to come! As well as the between 12 noon and 2pm in BBQ in Carding Mill Mayfair’s café (as well as a long Valley mentioned above, chat with friends)? watch out for the ‘Poems, Paté and Puddings’ at Good News – Mayfair’s crèche All Stretton Village is open all summer! Hall on the evening of Unlike some child 10th October. Also, care facilities, the crèche at in the autumn we will Mayfair is open throughout be arranging a series of the summer holidays. If you three Tea Concerts in the are a busy parent struggling Jubilee Room at Mayfair, during the school holidays or when you can enjoy a a grandparent helping out, but special afternoon tea accompanied by chamber The Climatic Health Resort of Church Stretton - continued music. Details of these will be announced later. Anyone considering a suitable project for raising

JuLY 2009 JuLY Visitors now care little about the long term funds on behalf of Mayfair will be given support by the climate although the local relief is responsible for the Fundraising Committee. So please get in touch on 722077. establishment of gliding on the hill and the cold valley Ian Whittaker, Acting Chair of Fundraising. winds which drain down the batches. When snow does linger, Stretton once again witnesses the invasions of visitors reminiscent of earlier times. However, with cheap air travel now available, the former long term visitor seeking recovery or a change of air, journeys to sunnier climes in the Med, the high mountains of the Alps or May 2009 even simpler, switches on the air-con or the sun-bed while £100 499 £50 454 sipping their bottle of Stretton Hills water. £20 211 £10 553 Alan Brisbourne StRETTON FOCuS StRETTON

July 2009 mag.indd 20 12/6/09 12:15:15 Book of the Month All about Focus 41 Great British Wit by Rosemarie Jarski The Final Link his gem of a book is filled with typical British ne of the things which make Stretton Focus unique humour, for example from the enduringly popular for a publication of its size is the army of people ‘Fawlty Towers’: who bring it to you each month. Last time we MrT Johnson: “Is there anywhere they do French Food?” Omentioned that 75 Distributors are involved each month Basil Fawlty: “Yes, France I believe. They seem to like it there.” in popping it through your letter box. This they do in all weathers to make sure you get your copy as soon as possible. The size of the ‘round’ that each Distributor delivers varies enormously, currently the smallest is 4 and the largest is 41! Often, of course, the ‘round’ is in the Distributor’s own street, but in many cases people have volunteered to deliver in an area quite different from where they live. The net result is that this amazing group of volunteers ensure each month that more than 1100 copies are delivered throughout the Strettons. If you currently have your copy of Stretton Focus delivered in this way you could help your Distributor by having your annual subscription ready for collection when they come calling each December/January

If you are looking for something to lighten the doom and gloom that seems to pervade the media at the moment this book could be the perfect antidote. Crammed with light-hearted quotes about the British or by the British, it covers a wide range of topics from class to science and technology – something to tickle everyone’s tastebuds. It is a book that you can happily dip into whenever you feel the need to be cheered up and it provides a handy source of reference if you’re trying to find just the right caption to put in a card or letter. Winston Churchill is frequently quoted, and one remark seems particularly appropriate at the moment: “The problem with committing political suicide is that you live to regret it”. Hilary Jones The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds he Craven Arms branch of the RSPB has a JuLY 2009 programme of talks and walks throughout 2009. Events are 50p to Local Group Members and £2 toT non-members. Coming up: 18th July – Wildlife walk at Lake StRETTON FOC U S Vyrnwy (RSPB Reserve) 11.00am. Meet at the RSPB Visitor Centre. (Grid reference: SJ 016 192) Day walk. Bring picnic. Leader: Trevor Halsey 01694-723270 There are no events in August. Indoor meetings and walks recommence in September. For further information visit our website Pictured are Chris Kolvin who currently delivers our www.rspbsouthshropshire.co.uk largest round and Phyllis Thomas who recently retired as a Distributor after a fantastic 32 years service.

July 2009 mag.indd 21 12/6/09 12:15:16 42 Fundraising for the Air Ambulance ince February 2006, Ian and Hilary Templeton have Madeira, visit the cells of Alcatraz, thrill to the sights and been raising money for the Air Ambulance - to date sounds of the Spitfire, before returning to the Shropshire of some £4,000. A E Housman, taking in a vintage ploughing match on the SThey can be found, several times a week, entertaining way. WIs, Rotary Clubs, Church Groups etc with their state-of- Ian and Hilary normally present eight to ten topics within the-art audio-visual show called “Pictures in Harmony”, each show. Many organisations invite them back regularly as donating their fee to the Air Ambulance. Feedback from they now have a vast range of topics and can give a different their shows has been excellent: “Stunningly Professional” ‘performance’ each time. They normally operate anywhere - Clee St Margaret WI; “It was wonderful, everyone said between Shrewsbury and Leominster. Anyone looking for how much they enjoyed it” - U3A Bridgnorth speakers for their club or group, and thus contributing Each show contains a wide variety of topics, for further to Air Ambulance Funds, can contact them on example, the audience can be whisked off to Venice or 01694 781470 or [email protected].

Bishop Launches Local Author’s Latest Book ore than 60 people gathered in Longnor Village Hall to witness the launch by the Bishop of Ludlow, The Right Reverend Michael Hooper, Mof the third book written by local author Douglas Grounds – a historical biography of Archdeacon Joseph (Plymley) Corbett, a ‘Son and Servant of Shropshire’. Tim Corbett, a direct family descendant of the Archdeacon, who lives today in what was his forefather’s home, The Bank (now called the Dower House), introduced the launch, which took place on 17th May, the 250th Anniversary of Archdeacon Corbett’s birth. In his foreword Bishop Michael writes, “So many of the Joseph Corbett was Archdeacon of Salop, now known issues with which the Archdeacon wrestled – local ministry, as Archdeacon of Ludlow. Douglas first became aware of banks, financial situation, agriculture – are all issues with him, his work as a magistrate, his efforts to help the poor which I have dealt in my time as Archdeacon of Ludlow and his anti-slavery campaigning, when he was researching over the last seven years. The historical text of this book his book, ‘A history of The Church of St Laurence, Church comes alive as you read it with the eyes of today.” Stretton’ which was published six years ago. The book is available from the author (agrounds677@ Bishop Michael, declaring he was a “direct spiritual btinternet.com) and from Burway Books. After costs have descendant” of the Archdeacon said he had “been delighted been met, all proceeds will be given to the local Bible and privileged to be asked to write the foreword” to Society. Tony West JuLY 2009 JuLY Douglas’s book. He spoke of how the book gave the reader a snapshot of life at the end of the 18th century and how that resonated very much with what we were facing today Photo Quiz - Where is it? – rural poverty, concern over the viability of the banks and Last Month’s Photo the ‘credit crunch’.

Trivia Answers 1. Amy Turtle 2. Notting Hill 3. John 4. Carry On 5. All of them! Answer in next month’s Focus Church Street StRETTON FOC U S StRETTON

July 2009 mag.indd 22 12/6/09 12:15:21 43 Occasional Advertisements

Run by the Richardson family from Church Stretton Carys Cakes – A Cake for all Occasions. We offer a reliable and friendly service that includes: • All Plumbing and Heating tasks (including emergency) Special Occasion coming up? Need a Cake? • Bathroom refi ts a speciality Wedding, Anniversary, Christening, Birthday • Oil Boiler Servicing and Repair Whatever the Occasion, we can supply your need. • Painting • Plastering and Tiling All cakes are freshly made to order, using Locally • Solid Fuel Installation Sourced ingredients. Fruit or Sponge, you choose. We liaise with you to arrange guaranteed work Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Vegan also available. dates whatever the nature of the work. To organise a free estimate please call Vanessa Ring Carys on 01588 640985 or 07778 397599. on 01743 891530. Alternatively please e-mail caryscakes.com homefi [email protected] Electrical Contractors PLUMBING & BATHROOMS We carry out all Electrical work, from a new socket or Call PETER FLOYD light to complete rewires. All work carried out by a qualifi ed Electrician and guaranteed for 6 years. 07885 585849 mobile Free quotes. Free safety inspections. 01694 724779 home 10% discount for OAPs PLUMBING Tel: 01588 672093 or mobile 07956 563430

Dog Grooming TBC PLUMBING & HEATING All breeds, specialist in ALL Terrier Breeds For all boiler installation and and Cocker Spaniels. servicing requirements Home visits possible. Also, HOME from HOME dog care. Efficient, friendly service from a Personal 1 to 1 care in my home. Guarantee your pet enjoys your holiday. Gas Safe Engineer Many years’ experience in animal care Tel: 01952 728700 or and training. Tel: Lyn 01584 890383 or 07949 100586 07817 429666

DAVE TIPTON NORMAN JONES PAINTER AND DECORATOR REPAIRS to COOKERS, WASHERS, etc Same Day---Next Day Service---Guaranteed Work Tel: 01694 723862 Mob: 07946 323819 Tel: 07971 252069 01588 638677

KELSALL SERVICES Simon Brown - Building Design JuLY 2009 Plans drawn for all aspects of building. New houses, Help is at hand for General Maintenance, extensions, alterations. Planning and Building Reg’s Kitchens, Bathrooms, Tiling and Plumbing. approval. And smaller jobs too. 4 Burnside Close, Craven Arms, SY7 9QW Contact Ivan Kelsall 01588 672166 07973 919554 [email protected] Home: 01694 771659 Mob: 07779 051180 StRETTON FOCuS Set Up for View cheryl-anns TV and Audio Installation Services cleaning service Home Tuition also Available hoovering, dusting www.setupforview.co.uk interior windows, light gardening Tel: 07595 931314 reasonable rates, friendly service [email protected] call: 07875 102837

July 2009 mag.indd 23 12/6/09 12:15:21