Stretton

FSeptember 2018OCUSCommunity Voice of the Strettons £1

St James’ Cardington

56 September 2018.indd 1 17/08/2018 11:05 STRETTON FOCUS This Month Submission of in Focus articles, photographs, 54 A Grand Day Out 53 Acton Scott Gardening Club Show information and 33 Amnesty International Meeting 51 Anglican Voice queries of all kinds 55 Arthritis Support Group should be made to the editors by 22 Catholic Voice email at 50 Church Stretton WI 1918 21 Community Games [email protected] 12 CSTC Community Matters 54 Electric Car Day Please use this address even if 36 Evening of Renewal you are contacting an individual Founded 1967 24 Fancy a Weekly Swim? editor. 28 Flicks in the Sticks/Live Relays Average monthly sales 1,485 copies If you do not receive a response (About 63% of dwellings in Church Stretton) 8 ’Flu Clinics 8 Focus Distribution Manager Needed within 24 hours please check the Chairman Barrie Raynor 723928 41 Geology Morning at Burway Books address carefully and send your Editors 33 Healthwatch Shropshire Campaign email again. Graham Ogdon 20 Junior Badminton Patricia Thomas 10 Letters The editors will submit material Sandra Davies (Events Diary) David Lyons 18 Little Stretton Coffee Morning for uploading to the website at Cover Editor 38 Ludlow Rotary Cares www.strettonfocus.co.uk Geoff Taylor 723301 51 Marmaladies Need Your Help! Computer Production 50 Mayfair Lottery on your behalf. If you would Barrie Raynor 723928 rather your material only Rowland Jackson 722390 34 Mayfair News Ian Dormor 723456 54 Men’s Breakfast appeared in the printed Graham Cossins 51 Messy Church magazine, please tell us. Distribution 18 Methodist Voice The website editors may be Richard Carter 724106 42 National Trust Events Advertising (Business) contacted directly at Ian Midgley 722938 26 Photo: Summer’s Lease Ends [email protected] Finance Director 38 Quaker Voice, A Richard Fillenham 723119 22 Ragleth Gallery If you are unable to use email, Web Editors your material may be submitted Chris Moores 722940 53 Recipe of the Month Richard Fillenham 41 RSPB Talk and Walk to Wrights, Estate Agent, Jane Clinton 41 SACWG: Swifts and Crayfish 32 Sandford Avenue, Ed Frost 18 Saturday Morning Music Secretary Church Stretton, SY6 6BW, Chris Moores 722940 24 Scottish Country Dancing 16 Scrappies clearly labelled ‘Stretton Focus’. Directors 36 SHI Event: Lady Smock Barrie Raynor (Chairman), Richard Fillenham 30 SHI Event: Poobahs When are the deadlines? (Deputy Chairman), Tom Beaumont, Sandie Johnson, Lesley Richards, Richard Hickman, 11 Shropshire Chamber of Agriculture The deadline for receipt of Chris Moores, Graham Ogdon, Christine Harvey 38 Strettondale PPG Open Meeting all submissions to the print Advertisements (Business) 26 Stretton Choral Society magazine by all methods is Rates for block and occasional business 8 Stretton Pool Action: Leisure Centre advertisements may be obtained from the 8 Stretton Pool Concert: Whalebone Advertising Manager, Ian Midgley, 24 Oaks 12 NOON on the FIRST Road, Church Stretton, SY6 7AX , or email to 53 Sustainable Strettons MONDAY OF EACH MONTH [email protected] to whom copy 15 Thank You should be sent. 42 Tree Group for the following month’s edition. 50 Trivia Answers In the event that the Monday is The Stretton Focus Management 16 Trivia Corner Board cannot accept responsibility for any a Bank Holiday in England, the product or service advertised. Acceptance of 33 Tuesday Club: Marie Celebrates an advertisement does not imply any form of 16 URC Invitation deadline will be approval or recommendation. Advertisers are 16 URC Voice 12 NOON on the TUESDAY of required to comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. 30 Volunteer Cook Required that week. 21 Walking Football at Community Games No submissions will be accepted Disclaimer 2 What’s On after the deadline unless prior Stretton Focus prints a wide range 18 Where is it? Photo Quiz arrangements have been agreed of articles and letters. The views expressed 51 Where was it? in these are those of their authors and not with the editors. necessarily those of the Management Board. The Editors exercise their right to edit any For the October issue the articles, letters etc submitted for publication at their discretion without consulting the author. deadline is Monday 3rd September at 12 noon. Outlets Stretton Focus may be purchased by For the November issue the annual subscription (delivered) or directly from deadline is Monday 1st October Newsworld Sandford Avenue, Co-op, Family Shopper, Church Stretton Library, Mayfair and at 12 noon. the Churches. The October issue will be distributed on Friday 28th September © 2018 Stretton Focus Limited

Registration No. 6237590 Inc in England Cardington James’, St These deadlines do not apply if you Registered Offce: 8 High Street, Beaumont Yvonne Photo: Church Stretton, SY6 6BU send your work to the webeditor ISSN 1479–7356 for online publication only. Printed by WPG, Welshpool

2 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 2 17/08/2018 11:05 What’s On in the Strettons in September

If you wish to make contact with societies and groups, please see the list in the yellow pages

21 AUGUST – 15 SEPTEMBER Tuesday Club Walking Football (played indoors) Long Mynd Camera Club Exhibition Friendly group, offering door to door Community Project for over 50s During opening hours, CS Library transport, a hot meal, entertainment and New players always welcomed. companionship. Eileen: 720086 Contact Ken: 328514 1 SATURDAY 10.30am-3pm URC Hall 5-6pm CS Leisure Centre Strettons Table Tennis Group Cost: £3 adults, £1.50 under-16s U3A Writers Group 2 Long Mynd Camera Club Info from Bernard Colvin: 724084 2-4pm CS Library Guest speaker Scott Latham: 9.30-11.30am CS Leisure Centre ‘From Raw to Finish’ Sustainable Strettons Group www.longmyndcameraclub.co.uk Sit and Knit at CS Library Stretton Climate Care discussion group. 7.30pm URC Hall Friendly knit and natter session. Bring Cllr. Bob Welch will lead on the topic of needles and wool if you have them. economic development. Open to all. Info 6 THURSDAY 10am-12.30pm CS Library from David Howard: 722904 Scooter Awareness Day 2.30pm Housmans, High Street With talks at 10am and 2pm by Barbara Acton Scott Summer Show Newson from the Independent Living Classes for vegetables, flowers, floral art, Drop-In Craft Session Partnership. It is advisable to book a seat for produce. Schedules from John Thomas or Knit, crochet, felt, weave, spin etc. the talks. Ring: 722749. Bason’s in Craven Arms. Enjoy coffee and chat and get expert help if Other enquiries to Meg: 07765 903228 Entries accepted 10.30am-12 noon. you need it. Contact: 724041 10am-3pm HWBC Info from 781463 or email: actonscottgc@ 4.30-6.30pm Coco Shop, High St gmail.com Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice 3pm show opens Acton Scott VH Stitchin’ Time Drop-in session, every Thursday. Enjoy knitting, crochet, sewing etc? Come Info from Jon Cooke: 720353 3 MONDAY to our relaxed friendly handicraft group. All 10am-12 noon HWBC Swimming at Ludlow Leisure Centre abilities welcomed. Travel with Mayfair’s Ring & Ride. Enquiries to Margaret: 720348 Knit and Natter on Thursdays For information, contact Diane: 722306 or 5-7pm Housmans, High Street, CS All abilities welcomed by this long- Betty: 722717. Meet at Mayfair. established group. Liz: 07971 289273 All levels of ability welcomed. Southern Cross Line Dance Class 10.30am-12noon Berry’s Coffee House 10.30am start and 1pm return. No previous experience needed. Cost: £5. Contact: 07464 608747 Stretton Traidcraft Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group 7.30-9pm St Laurence’s Parish Centre Fairtrade goods for sale Would-be knitters welcomed. 10.30am-1pm Mayfair Details from: 722328 5 WEDNESDAY 2.30pm Ley Gardens, Lawley Close Strettons’ Classical Music Group Talks CS Bridge Club 1st Wednesday of the month (Sept to May). Info from Dom on 723128 or website: Flicks in the Sticks Church Stretton A small fee is requested to cover expenses. www.bridgewebs.com/churchstretton ‘Finding your Feet’ Contact: 724578 1-5pm All Stretton VH Cert 12. RT: 111 minutes 10.15am-12 noon Mayfair Tickets £4 adults, £2 under 18s Local & Family History Session Refreshments, ample parking. CS Library Reading Group Our history volunteers will guide you in your 7.30pm CS School 724330 Friendly, informal group, meets 1st Wed of research. Free access to Ancestry. the month. Felicity: 724657 1-4pm CS Library 4 TUESDAY 2-3pm CS Library Rhyme Time: fun, songs, stories and Interdenominational Communion Service rhymes C.A.M.E.O. meeting 1st Thursday. Local clergy take turns to For children under 3 years of age. Guest speaker Noel Beattie: conduct the service. All welcome. 10.30-11am CS Library ‘Pazapa Children’s Village, Haiti’ 1.45-2.15pm Jubilee Room, Mayfair Contact: Margaret Mercer: 720131 Stretton Focus 2.30pm Parish Centre Latin Study Group at CS Library Website Enquiries to: 724804 CS Methodist Network Group 2.15-3pm Level 1 Guest speaker Malcolm Loft: ‘Full of doubt 3.45-4.45pm Level 2 www.strettonfocus.co.uk but still believing’. 2.30pm CS Methodist Hall Continued overleaf... Stretton Focus September 2018 3

56 September 2018.indd 3 17/08/2018 11:05 What’s On continued Stretton Community Singers 10 MONDAY Yoga at the Library Open to all who love singing. Swimming at Ludlow Leisure Centre Booking required as space is limited: 07540 Cost: £5. Contact: Kate 720358 10.30am (see Mon 3rd for details) 299300. Please bring a yoga mat. 7-9pm Activity Room, Mayfair 7-8.30pm CS Library Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group Stretton Choral Society (SCS) 2.30pm (see Mon 3rd for details) RSPB South Shropshire Local Group SCS welcomes singers new and old. Illustrated talk by Megan from Cuan Wildlife Contact Ru Trew on 724297 or just come Stretton Cancer Care Support Group Rescue: ‘Caring for our Wildlife’. Members: along shortly before any rehearsal and This month’s guest speaker is Caroline £1.50, Visitors: £4 say hello. AGM precedes rehearsal on 6th Morris, Macmillan Welfare Rights Service Enquiries to Carol: 07807 068304 September Manager. www.rspbsouthshropshire.co.uk 7.30-9.30pm URC Followed by a social tea in the café. 7.30pm Culmington VH, SY8 2DA Contact Roger Wilson: 722123 7 FRIDAY 2.30pm Jubilee room, Mayfair Southern Cross Line Dance Class CS Country Market 7.30pm (see Tues 4th for details) Local fresh baking and produce, plus a wide Messy Church selection of hand crafted items. ‘God’s Promises to Moses’ Flicks in the Sticks All Stretton Info from Ann Lloyd: 07889 143057 Doors open at 3.30pm for snacks and Foreign Language Film: Email: [email protected] games. All welcome. ‘Even When I Fall’ 8.30am-12noon Mayfair 4-6pm Parish Centre Cert 12A. RT: 93 minutes. The story of Nepal’s first circus. Macmillan Coffee Morning 2nd Longmynd Scout Group Tickets £6. No interval Tea, coffee, homemade cakes, fundraising Scout Troop 8pm All Stretton VH games, quality ‘bring and buy’ plus greetings Boys and girls, aged 10½ – 14½ cards by local artist. 7-9pm Scout Hut, Church St 12 WEDNESDAY In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. CS & District Gardening Club 10.15-11.45am Little Stretton VH Eaton-under-H & Hope Bowdler W I Visit to Abbeywood Estate & Gardens, Guest speaker David Hart: Northwich. Open to all, priority given to club Christian Meditation Group ‘West Mercia Air Ambulance’ members. Info from 720131 Experience the practice of Christian Contact: Alex Freeland 722532 9.30am coach leaves CS Meditation in a small group. No charge. 7.30pm Hope Bowdler VH Contact John Dennison: 722599 P.A.C.T. Police Surgery 2.15pm Home of John Dennison 11 TUESDAY Subject to police duties/incidents Rhyme Time: fun, songs, stories and 2-3pm Mayfair Flicks in the Sticks All Stretton rhymes ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ 10.30am (see Tues 4th for details) CS Methodist Network Group Cert 12A. RT: 97 minutes Bible Text Challenge Tickets £4. Interval refreshments. Tuesday Club 2.30pm CS Methodist Hall 7.30pm All Stretton VH 10.30am (see Tues 4th for details) Walking Football (played indoors) Folk Group ‘Whalebone’ in Concert Mayfair Time to Listen 5pm (See Wed 5th for details) Fundraiser for Stretton Pool Action. Tickets: 1-2pm CS Library (tbc) £10/£6, from John Thomas Florist, Burway Junior Badminton Books, CS Town Council office and CS Yoga Class at SHI Sessions open to all abilities from age 7 Leisure Centre. £7 per session. Open to all. upwards. Info from Alan Fox: 725588 7.30-10pm SHI Call David Hedge: 07870 936889 6.30-8.30pm CS Leisure Centre 1-2.30pm SHI 8 SATURDAY 2nd Longmynd Cub Scout Pack (Wed) Strettons Table Tennis Group Drop-In Craft Session Boys and girls, aged 8 – 10½ 9.30am (see Sat 1st for details) 4.30pm (see Tues 4th for details) 6.30-8pm Scout Hut, Church St

Sit and Knit at CS Library Stitchin’ Time ‘Nutrition Fact and Fiction’ 10am-12.30pm (see Sat 1st for details) 5pm (see Tues 4th for details) CS Library event with Lucy Aphamor. In connection with Mayfair and Health. NT Talk: ‘Managing the Mynd’ 2nd Longmynd Cub Scout Pack (Tues) Please contact library for information. Area Ranger Patrick on maintaining the Boys and girls, aged 8 – 10½ 7-8.30pm CS Library upland heath ecosystem of the Mynd. 6.30-8pm Scout Hut, Church St Tickets: £9 (includes soup/roll). Booking essential: 03442 491895 6-8pm Carding Mill Valley tearooms

4 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 4 17/08/2018 11:05 What’s On continued Royal Shakespeare Company Live 14 FRIDAY 16 SUNDAY ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ CS Country Market Taize Worship Tickets: £12 adults, £8 juniors 8.30am (See Fri 7th for details) A 40 minute act of worship with Taize Pre-theatre meal available, £13.50 songs, readings, prayer and a time of quiet Enquiries: 722209 U3A Writers Group 1 reflection. All welcome. 7pm CS School 9.45am-12 noon CS Library (tbc) 6pm St Milburga’s Church

Amnesty International Group Meeting Christian Meditation Group 17 MONDAY Friendly group, campaigning for and 2.15pm (See Fri 7th for details) Swimming at Ludlow Leisure Centre supporting Human Rights worldwide. 10.30am (see Mon 3rd for details) Details from Barbara Parnell: 720040 or 15 SATURDAY email: [email protected] Men’s Breakfast CS Area Local History Group (CSALHG) 7.30pm SHI Guest speaker: Adrian Cullis: Judith Everard and Wendy Horton: ‘Victoria ‘Living with Uncertainty’ County History: Shropshire – Past, Present Flicks in the Sticks Hope Bowdler All men, sons and nephews welcome. and Future’. ‘Finding your Feet’ Free admission. Cooked breakfast. £1 members, £2 non-members Cert 12. RT: 111 minutes Enquiries to John Hughes 722582 Info: Janette Murray: 722465 Tickets: adults £4, students £2 7.30am Parish Centre 2pm URC Hall Home-made cakes during the interval. 7.30pm Hope Bowdler VH Strettons Table Tennis Group Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group 9.30am (see Sat 1st for details) 2.30pm (see Mon 3rd for details) 13 THURSDAY Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice Electric Car Day 2nd Longmynd Scout Group 10am (see Thurs 6th for details) Stretton Climate Care event, in the small car Beaver Scout Colony park by the co-op. Boys and girls, aged 6-8 Yoga Class at URC 10am-4pm 5.45-6.45pm Scout Hut, Church St £7 per session. Open to all. Call David Hedge: 07870 936889 RSPB South Shropshire Local Group 2nd Longmynd Scout Group 10-11.30am URC Hall Wildlife walk at Severn Valley Country Park, Scout Troop led by Carol Wood: 07807 068304. Lunch 7-9pm (see Mon 10th for details) Knit and Natter on Thursdays in café. 10.30am (see Thurs 6th for details) www.rspbsouthshropshire.co.uk Scottish Country Dancing 10am Meet at the visitor centre (SO 755 All Stretton Dancers invite you to join their Stretton Traidcraft 842) friendly Scottish dancing group. Fairtrade goods for sale Beginners welcome. You don’t need a 10.30am-1pm Mayfair Sit and Knit at CS Library partner. Bring soft soled shoes. 10am-12.30pm (see Sat 1st for details) Info: David Thomas 722107 CS Bridge Club 7.30pm All Stretton VH 1pm (see Thurs 6th for details) Burway Books Event: Geology Morning Local geologist Peter Toghill will be available 18 TUESDAY – 13 OCTOBER Local & Family History Session to answer your questions on all things Triple Perspective Exhibition 1-4pm (see Thurs 6th for details) geological! During opening hours, CS Library 10.30am-12.30pm Burway Books Latin Study Group at CS Library 18 TUESDAY 2.15/3.45pm (see Thurs 6th for details) Methodist Church Morning Concerts Rhyme Time: fun, songs, stories and The new season of the popular concerts rhymes Stretton Community Singers starts with Holly Teague (soprano) and Myles 10.30am (see Tues 7th for details) 7pm (see Thurs 6th for details) Payne (lute). Refreshments served in the hall after the concert, at 11.30am. Tuesday Club CS Marmaladies WI 10.30am Methodist Church 10.30am (see Tues 4th for details) This month’s guest is John Arnfield, who will give a presentation on bird-watching. Light Quiz Night with Ken Willis Yoga Class at SHI refreshments to follow. In aid of Mayfair 1pm (see Tues 11th for details) Visitors are very welcome. Cost: £5 per person 7.30pm Jubilee Room, Mayfair 7.30pm Activity Room, Mayfair CS Croquet Club Summer Cream Teas Third Tuesday of summer months. Stretton Choral Society (SCS) £3 charge to cover costs. All welcome to 7.30pm (see Thurs 6th for details) come and try the game of croquet. 2pm CS Park, Sandford Avenue

Continued overleaf... Stretton Focus September 2018 5

56 September 2018.indd 5 17/08/2018 11:05 What’s On continued U3A Writers Group 2 Long Mynd Camera Club 22 SATURDAY 2-4pm CS Library From our own members – Richard Greswell ’Flu Clinic and Peter and Jane Howsam present their Drop-in clinic for eligible patients Mothers’ Union Meeting photographic techniques. (Note: also a ’flu clinic on 20th Oct) Annual Service, with Rev. Richard Hill www.longmyndcameraclub.co.uk 9am-12noon Medical Centre Contact Jenny: 722216 7.30pm URC Hall 2.30pm Parish Centre Strettons Table Tennis Group 20 THURSDAY 9.30am (see Sat 1st for details) Drop-In Craft Session NT Event: ‘Meet the Grazers’ 4.30pm (see Tues 4th for details) Ranger-led walk and talk to learn about the Sit and Knit at CS Library Hebridean sheep that graze the Mynd. Meet 10am-12.30pm (see Sat 1st for details) Stitchin’ Time at Batch Valley car park. 5pm (see Tues 4th for details) Free event. Call 725000 for details. URC Invitation to Open Afternoon 10am Batch Valley, Long Mynd Groups and individuals are invited to see the 2nd Longmynd Cub Scout Pack (Tues) newly refurbished hall and garden. Members 6.30-8pm (see Tues 11th for details) Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice of the church will give a guided tour. 10am (see Thurs 6th for details) 2.30-4.30pm URC Hall Yoga at the Library 7pm (see Tues 11th for details) Yoga Class at URC 24 MONDAY 10am (see Thurs 13th for details) Stretton Cancer Care Support Group All Stretton Women’s Institute ‘Coffee and Chat’ – a new service. Open Meeting. Guest speaker Tom Kane: Knit and Natter on Thursdays If you are affected by cancer in any way and ‘Hearing Dogs’ 10.30am (see Thurs 6th for details) need to have a chat, do come and join us for 7.30pm All Stretton VH coffee at Mayfair Stretton Traidcraft 10.30am-12noon Jubilee room, Mayfair Southern Cross Line Dance Class Fairtrade goods for sale 7.30pm (see Tues 4th for details) 10.30am-1pm Mayfair Swimming at Ludlow Leisure Centre 10.30am (see Mon 3rd for details) 19 WEDNESDAY CS Bridge Club CS Methodist Network Group 1pm (see Thurs 6th for details) U3A Social and Family History Group David Moores – The Samaritans 2-4pm CS Library (tbc) 2.30pm CS Methodist Hall Local & Family History Session 1-4pm (see Thurs 6th for details) Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group CS Arthritis Support Group 2.30pm (see Mon 3rd for details) This month: Aids for Living. Latin Study Group at CS Library Affiliated to Arthritis Research and Arthritis 2.15/3.45pm (see Thurs 6th for details) Parkinson’s UK – CS Support Group Care. Information from: 724804 or email: John Mills Poetry. [email protected] Stretton Community Singers 2.30pm Jubilee Room Mayfair Note: moved to 3rd Wed of the month. 7pm (see Thurs 6th for details) 3pm Jubilee Room, Mayfair 2nd Longmynd Scout Group Stretton Choral Society (SCS) Beaver Scout Colony Walking Football (played indoors) 7.30pm (see Thurs 6th for details) Boys and girls, aged 6-8 5pm (See Wed 5th for details) 5.45-6.45pm Scout Hut, Church St 21 FRIDAY Junior Badminton CS Country Market 2nd Longmynd Scout Group 6.30pm (see Wed 12th for details) 8.30am (See Fri 7th for details) Scout Troop 7-9pm (see Mon 10th for details) 2nd Longmynd Cub Scout Pack (Wed) Christian Meditation Group 6.30-8pm (see Wed 12th for details) 2.15pm (See Fri 7th for details) Scottish Country Dancing: Ceilidh All Stretton Dancers invite you to a ceilidh Lady Smock: a Shropshire tale of the Friday Night at the Horne: The Poobahs taster session where you can see and try life and love of Mary Webb Tickets: £10 from Burway Books, John dances. You don’t need a partner, just bring ‘Owen Lewis Productions’ presentation with Thomas Florist, CS Council office or online: soft soled shoes. Info from David Thomas: music, song, poetry and story. www.silvesterhorneevents.co.uk 722107 Tickets: £8 (concs. £6) on the door. Enquiries to 720132 7.30pm All Stretton VH 7 for 7.30pm SHI 7.30pm SHI 25 TUESDAY Rhyme Time: fun, songs, stories and rhymes 10.30am (see Tues 7th for details)

6 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 6 17/08/2018 11:05 What’s On continued Tuesday Club 27 THURSDAY 30 SUNDAY 10.30am (see Tues 4th for details) Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice Evening of Renewal 10am (see Thurs 6th for details) Worship, testimony, prayer and fellowship. Yoga Class at SHI Rev Jonathan Couper will speak on ‘Making 1pm (see Tues 11th for details) Yoga Class at URC the Invisible Visible’. Everyone welcome. Info: 10am (see Thurs 13th for details) 722585 Mayfair Time to Listen 7.30pm Parish Centre 1-2pm CS Library (tbc) Knit and Natter on Thursdays 10.30am (see Thurs 6th for details) WHAT’S ON IN EARLY OCTOBER Drop-In Craft Session 4.30pm (see Tues 4th for details) Stretton Traidcraft 1 MONDAY Fairtrade goods for sale Flicks in the Sticks Church Stretton Stitchin’ Time 10.30am-1pm Mayfair ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie 5pm (see Tues 4th for details) Society’ CS Bridge Club Cert 12A. RT: 124 minutes 2nd Longmynd Cub Scout Pack (Tues) 1pm (see Thurs 6th for details) Tickets £4 adults, £2 under 18s 6.30-8pm (see Tues 11th for details) Refreshments, ample parking. Local & Family History Session 7.30pm CS School 724330 Yoga at the Library 1-4pm (see Thurs 6th for details) 7pm (see Tues 11th for details) 3 WEDNESDAY Carers Group Tree Group Talk and AGM CS & District Gardening Club 4th Thursday. Open to all carers. Short AGM, followed by a talk by Amanda Gordon Malt: ‘Herbaceous Plants’ 2-4pm Jubilee room, Mayfair Calvert from the Small Woods Assoc: Enquiries to 720131 ‘Pruning and Wood Burning’ 7.30pm SHI Healthy Living Event £1 for members, £3 for non-members. ‘Breathing for Health’ All welcome. Info from Hilary: 723208 Flicks in the Sticks Acton Scott 2-4pm HWBC 7.15 for 7.30pm Methodist Church Hall ‘The Post’ Cert 12A. RT: 116 minutes Latin Study Group at CS Library Tickets: adults £4, students £2 2.15/3.45pm (see Thurs 6th for details) Refreshments available, Info: 781260 Key to Abbreviations/Addresses: Ample parking and level access Stretton Community Singers CS – Church Stretton 7.30pm Acton Scott VH 7pm (see Thurs 6th for details) CS Library – Church Street, SY6 6DQ Tel: 722535 Southern Cross Line Dance Class Stretton Choral Society (SCS) CS School – Shrewsbury Rd, SY6 6EX 7.30pm (see Tues 4th for details) 7.30pm (see Thurs 6th for details) Tel: 722209 HWBC – Health and Well Being Centre, next 26 WEDNESDAY 28 FRIDAY to Mayfair, SY6 6BL U3A General Meeting CS Country Market Ley Gardens – Lawley Close, SY6 6GA. Tel: David Howard: ‘New Challenges to Human 8.30am (See Fri 7th for details) 722328 Rights’. As global power shifts and new Mayfair – Mayfair Community Centre, threats emerge, does the human rights U3A Writers Group 1 Easthope Rd, SY6 6BL. Tel: 722077 movement need a new direction and 9.45am-12 noon CS Library (tbc) Methodist Church – Watling St South, SY6 impetus? 7BG 2pm URC Hall Macmillan Coffee Morning St. Laurence’s Church/CS Parish Centre Hosted by Titanium Accountants. – Church St, SY6 6DQ CS Methodist Network Group Coffee and cakes available at the company’s SHI – Silvester Horne Institute, Guest speaker Barbara Oakley: office. All welcome. High St, SY6 6BY. Tel: 720132 ‘So you think you’re a good listener?’ 10am 47a High Street, CS URC – United Reformed Church, High St, 2.30pm CS Methodist Hall SY6 6BY Christian Meditation Group TBC – to be confirmed Walking Football (played indoors) 2.15pm (See Fri 7th for details) VH – Village Hall 5pm (See Wed 5th for details) Contact Numbers – only numbers OUTSIDE 29 SATURDAY the CS dialling code area (01694) will Junior Badminton Strettons Table Tennis Group include the full number. 6.30pm (see Wed 12th for details) 9.30am (see Sat 1st for details)

2nd Longmynd Cub Scout Pack (Wed) Sit and Knit at CS Library 6.30-8pm (see Wed 12th for details) 10am-12.30pm (see Sat 1st for details)

Stretton Focus September 2018 7

56 September 2018.indd 7 17/08/2018 11:05 Stretton Pool Action: Whalebone Concert

Still time to complete the Church Stretton Leisure Centre Community Survey!! ompleted forms have been flooding in through July and August, but there is still time to send yours in if you haven’t done so already. The future of the CLeisure Centre is still at risk. Shropshire Council and the Town Council need to know your views. Complete the Church Stretton Leisure Centre Community Survey online: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CSLSSurvey or get a paper copy from the library, Leisure Centre, Mayfair Centre, Health and Wellbeing Centre or Town Council Office. halebone, a folk group based in the Bridgnorth Surveys are to be returned no later than Friday 7th area, will be performing at the SHI on Friday 7th September. September. The 3-piece instrumental band plays Fill in the survey and help us shape a way forward! Wmusic from a number of different folk traditions as well as The future sustainability of Church Stretton Leisure their own compositions. A bar and snacks will be available Centre is at risk due to the phased withdrawal of financial in addition to a raffle. support from Shropshire Council and the redistribution Full details in the ‘What’s On’ listing. of educational joint-use funding to all schools. Key local Alison Phillips stakeholders, including Stretton Pool Action, are working together to find a sustainable future option for the facility. An important aspect of this work is to seek your views. Please complete the survey to help us find the best way for Church Stretton Medical Practice the future. Flu Clinics Winter 2018-19

This winter’s flu clinics will be held at the Medical Centre on Saturday 22nd September Saturday 20th October 9am until 12 midday If you are eligible (see list below) please come along to one of our friendly drop-in clinics. All those aged 65 years or over (including those who become 65 by 31 March 2019) All those pregnant (including those who become pregnant during the flu season) New Distribution Manager Anyone who is the main carer for an elderly or disabled person needed All those aged 18 and over who have one of the following medical conditions: his administrative position for Stretton Focus Chronic respiratory disease will become vacant soon because the current Chronic heart disease incumbent is retiring having been doing it for Chronic kidney disease tenT years. The job entails coordinating the work of the Chronic liver disease 65 or so volunteers who distribute Focus each month. Chronic neurological condition This interesting and satisfying job takes about 8-10 hours Diabetes each month. You need a very basic working knowledge of A weakened immune system, either due to a Microsoft WORD and EXCEL (or equivalent) and full condition or treatment training and support will be given. If you are interested, please contact the Focus Chairman by email on Eligible children will be invited once the child vaccine [email protected] has arrived.

8 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 8 17/08/2018 11:05 LEE BROWN PLUMBING AND HEATING GAS, NATURAL AND LPG, DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL CATERING ENGINEERS GAS AND BOILER SERVICING, INSTALLATIONS AND BREAKDOWNS COOKERS AND FIRES GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATES LANDLORD SAFETY CERTIFICATES SMALL PLUMBING WORK ALWAYS UNDERTAKEN UNVENTED CYLINDERS, POWER FLUSHING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND WATER REGULATIONS

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Stretton Focus September 2018 9

56 Adverts 2018.indd 1 17/08/2018 11:15 Churches Together in the Strettons Lest We Forget On Saturday 19th September we will welcome for a day It was so good returning to Church Stretton and seeing out a quite large group of refugees, mainly from Syria and Stretton’s silent soldier. The location is perfect. Afghanistan, who at the moment are being cared for at St In April 1916 my grandmother, Faith Mailes, organised Chad’s Sanctuary, Birmingham. We pay for their coach here a fund raising concert at the Garrick Theatre in Hereford and share a summer lunch in the URC hall. After lunch to provide treats/comforts to men of the Herefordshire members of the local Amnesty group meet them in Carding and Shropshire regiments serving in Gallipoli. There was Mill Valley and take groups on walks/rambles in the area. a cast of over 40 performers, mainly young daughters of After tea back in the hall they return to Birmingham. We servicemen. did this last year and everyone enjoyed the day very much. The final scene was a winter wonderland where children We would welcome help from other groups in the town were dressed in cotton wool costumes of eskimos and ice – one local business has already kindly given a very useful maidens – there was a mock snowball fight and confetti donation. If you would like to help, just ring Mary on snow fell from above. 01694 723328. The show finished, the curtain dropped and as the girls Thank you. were leaving the stage one of the little girls’ costumes caught Mary Smith fire and flames spread to others. Eight girls whose ages ranged from 5 years to 13 years died. Two others sustained Little Stretton Fencing terrible injuries. My grandmother lost her only daughter, I write with an issue that is causing a blot on this Winnie, aged 6. magnificent area of outstanding natural beauty. On At the inquest no fault could be found with the 19th July at around 11pm, a large tanker took a wrong electrical lighting equipment. The inquest jury returned turn heading to the sewage works, up Ashes Road. As he a verdict of “accidental death brought about through an passed Tan House he crashed into the fence that protects outbreak of fire, the origin of which the evidence did not pedestrians from falling into the brook. A large stretch of show”. The Garrick Theatre was completely destroyed. the fence is now in the brook having snapped off which After lengthy discussions over two years with the Dean leaves pedestrians at risk of Hereford Cathedral both Mrs Jean Watkins (whose of falling down into it. relative died in the fire) and myself have requested the The drop is high and sheer children be recognised as playing their part in the war enough to cause serious effort. This came to fruition on 13th April this year when a injury if this occurs. The dedication service was held in the Lady Arbour Gardens in police were called and the the grounds of Hereford Cathedral and a plaque unveiled tanker remained stuck for listing the names of the children affected by the fire. some time before managing The service was attended by relatives of the girls, Lord to drive away. The police Lieutenant of Herefordshire, the outgoing High Sheriff of did attend eventually Herefordshire, the Leader of Herefordshire Council and and are fully aware of the Group Commander of the Hereford & Worcester Fire the issue but the fence Service. as I understand it is the I had the honour of reading ‘words of dedication’ which responsibility of the Town actually was wording from Winnie’s funeral card. It’s a Council. touching poem by an unknown author. Whilst a ‘repair’ has Janet Baldock been completed, you can see by the photo that it is Long Mynd Hawthorn nowhere near the standard Last Friday, I went for a walk up Jonathan’s Hollow and one would hope for, with nearing the top I could hear a slight tinkling sound in the destroyed fence just having been left to rot in the the air, which I put down to bikes on the Mynd. Nearing currently nearly dry brook. However once water levels rise the old hawthorn tree at the top of the hollow, I was very again which is inevitable, the fencing will be washed away surprised to see the tree had been decorated in ribbons! I and has the potential to cause damage further downstream. have attached a picture because I doubted people would I understand a number of local people have contacted the believe me. I was quite appalled though because who ever council (Shropshire and Church Stretton Town Council) had done it really had not given any thought to what they about the issue but as yet [24th July 2018], the situation were doing. I removed over 90 coloured ribbons and a remains as per the attached photo. We thought you may dozen bells of various size and colour. There were ones on wish to report on this ‘sat nav error’ which in turn may the top of the tree which I couldn’t reach so later reported encourage the powers at be to resolve the matter!! them to the rangers as a ladder was needed to remove them Danny Pezzaioli without damaging the tree or the person climbing in the (This repair has gone one temporary stage further, with the tree. fence upright and more tape added. As of 7th August, it The ribbons and bells hadn’t long been there as there is still sadly both a danger and an eyesore amid beautiful were also a couple of sunflowers which were starting to wilt, surroundings. Ed.) and I can only guess that everything had been placed there because it is an old tree and it had been a full moon the

10 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 9 17/08/2018 11:05 night before. Which makes it more sad is I think that they Church Stretton School must be people who know the area well to have chosen that As a pupil at Church Stretton School in the 1960s, I can particular tree. I imagine that the people doing this felt that remember that there were four carved and painted wooden they were in some way showing respect to nature, but the shields that represented the school houses, Caradoc, reality was that they had tied over 100 nylon ribbons and Ragleth, Lawley and Longmynd. They were hung on the some bells that were the size of berries to the tree ready for wall above the entrance doors of the main hall. all the local wildlife to eat. The school house colours as I remember them were On the positive side I now have a large collection of Caradoc – red, Lawley – yellow, Ragleth – blue and ribbon and bells to do handicrafts with! Longmynd – green, but what were the symbols on the I’m sending you the pictures in the hope that you can in shields that represented the four hills? I seem to think that some way publicise what had happened and hopefully make the Longmynd shield had a representation of water because the people think about what they did. of the pools on the hill and the Lawley shield had a raven on Janette Murray it as it was said there were ravens on that hill but what was on the other two? My own house was Ragleth (we always seemed to come last in most things), but I can’t remember what the symbol on that shield was! Incidentally, some ex-pupils I have talked to can’t even remember what house they were in! Does anyone, pupil or other, remember these shields and what happened to them? Glyn Morgan

The Shropshire Chamber of Farmers' Union. One noteworthy milestone in the Shropshire Chamber’s Agriculture: long history is associated with the establishment of Harper Adams University near Newport. It was opened in 1901 as A Unique Organisation an agricultural college thanks to Thomas Harper Adams, a wealthy Shropshire gentleman farmer who, following griculture plays a vital role in Shropshire, one of the discussions with the Shropshire Chamber, bequeathed his most rural counties in the country. Agriculture is the estate ‘for the purpose of teaching practical and theoretical predominant land use in the county and according agriculture’. Today, ‘Harper’ is the UK’s leading provider Ato recent data, amounts to over 80% of the total land area. of specialist university education for sustainable food It is a significant employer of people – both directly and production. indirectly – and the activities of farmers and landowners have a major impact on the county’s landscape and ecology. Shropshire is well known for its rich and varied landscape, developed as a result of its diverse geological history and centuries of changing agricultural practices. It is however less well known for being home to England’s only Chamber of Agriculture. The Shropshire Chamber of Agriculture was formed in 1866 in response to the almost complete lack of unity in agriculture, at a time when Chambers of Agriculture were being formed in many counties. Spurred by the difficulties facing agriculture, landowners and tenants recognised the need for some coordination of effort, which led to a national movement. The Chambers were in fact the forerunners of the Visit to Harper Adams farming unions which were established in the early years of the 1900s. Over the following few decades the farming The Chamber’s annual programme is based on a series unions took up the political challenge and thus took of visits to farming, food and related businesses where over many of the original roles of the Chambers. County members can see and discuss agricultural innovations, Chambers then gradually reduced in number. technological developments and see examples of best The Shropshire Chamber is unique inasmuch as it is the practice. The Chamber also grants annual bursaries to sole surviving Chamber of Agriculture in England (there worthy members of the Shropshire County Federation of is one in Carmarthenshire). The Chamber is in good heart Young Farmers for personal development, and it supports a with over 320 members, most of whom are farmers drawn number of Charities, in particular Midlands Air Ambulance from all sections of agriculture and includes representatives and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution: all very from the agricultural supply and service sectors, show relevant to Shropshire farmers. societies, education establishments, and the National John Sumner

Stretton Focus September 2018 11

56 September 2018.indd 10 17/08/2018 11:05 Church Stretton Town Council Community Matters

Poppies Commemorative Poppies are adding a splash of colour in Burway Road to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Cllr Bob Welch is pictured on the Town Council stand at the Community Games Event Commemorative poppies in flower around the Silent Soldier at Burway Road, Church Stretton Keeping the Footpaths Clear It’s the time of year when hedges can have a tendency Church Stretton Town Council delivered this project in to overgrow and impede the footpath. This can be a conjunction with the Royal British Legion and the soldier real problem to anyone on a mobility scooter, with sight will be displayed until the end of the year. impairment, or with a child in pushchair. If you feel any hedge along a footpath needs a trim you can report this to Community Engagement at the Games Shropshire Council via their Customer Services number on Church Stretton Town Council engaged with residents at 0345 678 9016, or via their website using the ‘Report It’ the recent Community Games, holding a mini ‘Vox Pop’ function and inviting customers to indicate their priorities in respect of Council’s services. Services were divided into four groups Planning Issues and participants were asked to use a red token to vote for Full details of decisions and current planning applications their most important service and a blue token for the second can be viewed in the Council Office window at 60 most important. High Street and on the Town Council website (www. Addressing Community Needs was a clear winner, churchstretton.co.uk) or at www.shropshire.gov.uk. taking 48% of the red token vote, followed by Planning The Shropshire Council website includes all documents & Conservation matters, accounting for 30% of the blue submitted with a planning application, including previous token vote. The results will be used as we move forward in related applications. There is now a free to use touch screen our Community Planning process, more news of which will with a direct link to the Planning Portal at Shropshire be featured in the next Community Matters column. Council within the Town Council offices for your The Council stand also featured leaflets and information convenience. relating to services, events and sites around the Strettons and Danny Chetwood, Town Clerk Councillors enjoyed engaging with residents on the stand. Cllr Michael Braid, Chairman

12 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 11 17/08/2018 11:05 The Royal Oak is an ancient free house in a beautiful conservation village, nestling at the foot of idyllic South Shropshire Hills. We serve quality, homemade food lunch time and evening Tuesday to Sunday. Five miles from Church Stretton – closer if you walk! Dog friendly. 01694 771266 www.at-the-oak.com

Berry’s 17 High Street van doesburg’s Church Stretton 01694 724452 gourmet food shop www.berryscoffeehouse.co.uk Everything is home-made: breakfasts, hot ready meals delicatessen salads ptisserie and cold meals, snacks, cream teas, cakes, charcuterie cheeses sandwiches children's menu. Courtyard, fully licensed: Private room for High Street, Church Stretton up to 12 people by prior arrangement. Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00 Open every day from 9 am to 5 pm 01694 722867 www.vandoesburgs.co.uk Trip Advisor Certifcate of Excellence 2017

WILLOWBATCH CARDING MILL VALLEY Holiday Cottages A ground foor, centrally heated one bedroom self Quality Self Catering catering apartment, set in Ideal for your visiting the beautiful surroundings family and friends of Carding Mill Valley Ring for a brochure 100 yards past the or call in and see us National Trust Pavilion. Tim and Gill Bebbington Please contact Don Rogers Botvyle Farm, for rates and availability All Stretton, SY6 7JN on 01694 722358 or 01694 722869 [email protected] www.botvylefarm.co.uk www.willowbatch.co.uk

Stretton Focus September 2018 13

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14 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 Adverts 2018.indd 3 17/08/2018 11:15 Thank You

To the Staff and Trustees of the Mayfair and the Health the help of a generous award from the Stretton Focus and Wellbeing Centre Community Award Scheme. The previous board was I feel I must write to say how much I enjoyed Friday 20th installed in 2000 but some of the wood had rotted and the July when Princess Alexandra came to visit our Community headings had become dilapidated. The board is a popular Centre in Church Stretton. feature in the Church Stretton street scene and we are The atmosphere and organisation were excellent, delighted to be able to keep it going. nobody felt left out by the Princess’s visit. She came round Charles Simmonds, Chairman and shook hands with everybody, it all flowed so well. When it was time to leave, I felt uplifted by all that I had seen and partaken in. The afternoon tea, which was provided, was just right for the occasion. Thank you all again for a truly wonderful afternoon, an event which will stay with me for some time to come. Ethel Williams

RNLI Church Stretton Branch 11th July Coffee Morning at Ley Gardens: We are very grateful to the Social Committee for allowing us to use their lounge for this event, which raised £139.82. Many All Stretton Village Hall thanks to everyone who supported it in any way. It was All Stretton Village Hall is 65 years old this year. It was good to see people enjoying coffee, cake and company. built on land bought from the brewery, which then owned 14th July Annual Street Collection: This raised the Yew Tree Inn, for a little over £100 in 1947. It probably £486.82. Our sincere thanks go to all the collectors and to took a further six years to raise the money to build it and to everyone who contributed so generously. get access to materials, as they were hard to come by at that 31st July Open Garden: Ann and Denis Ashworth time. kindly held this event in their newly landscaped garden Today it is a popular facility for a wide variety of which was much admired by the visitors. Ann also produced activities for people from the Strettons and is a valuable a wonderful selection of delicious cakes. Many thanks to asset for the community. The Village Hall Committee has them, their helpers and to everyone who came and raised an important responsibility to ensure the building is well £360.75 for the RNLI. maintained, and repaired and improved when appropriate. Alison and Brian Bradley We recently became aware that redecoration of the outside of the building was overdue. A big event to Motor Neurone Disease (MND) commemorate the end of the Great War was planned First of all I must thank all the quizzers who helped make to happen in All Stretton in August. This was a further the MND quiz nights in March and July, so special. There incentive. were 90 people (16 teams) in the Mayfair Activity Room in To help us on our way we were given a grant by the July and considering the stifling heat I was surprised at the wonderful Stretton Focus Community Award Scheme. turnout. Thankfully I had aerated the room for almost an Thank you Focus for your financial assistance, hour beforehand, and thankfully the large turnout said that which enabled us to keep out the weather and improve they were ‘comfortable’. After all expenses were cleared, the our appearance. It helps us to continue to offer to our MND Association banked £648. community great facilities, and a comfortable environment MND kills approximately six people per day, and due to at an affordable cost. its so-called ‘rare disease’ tag, the Association needs as much The photograph shows All Stretton Village Hall in its finance as possible. new coat. Many of you already know that unfortunately my wife Colin McIntyre has the disease and the help and care that has come her way On behalf of the ASVH Committee has been almost unbelievable. The Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury is a very special place, and has a dedicated section for MND. The 10 days that my wife spent in there were very special. The care she received was second to none, so I must also give them thanks. I would like to kick start a local group to make people aware of MND, so if anyone is interested please give me a ring on 01694 328514. Ken Willis

New Civic Society Notice Board The Strettons Civic Society has been able to replace the public notice board outside the Family Shopper with

Stretton Focus September 2018 15

56 September 2018.indd 12 17/08/2018 11:05 URC Voice

Intervening God e proclaim to the world that we are “Open, going to an important meeting they Inclusive and Questioning”. Well, how about this may find a parking spot. Others observe for a question. that God did not intervene to prevent a tsunami which WHow does God intervene in the world today? killed 300,000 people or restrict the rise of an evil force Most people imagine an interventionist God to be like that killed six million of ‘his people’, so why should he be us. An individual being, up there, looking down on here bothered whether or not you have a parking place? and getting involved when needed or when requested. The image of God as someone to be pestered with our But only sometimes when requested, not always. And the prayers comes from our concept of ‘him’ as an individual rules of engagement are not clear. Does God’s involvement like us, only with an infinitely greater capacity – a super depend on the quality, intensity and support of the request computer amongst laptops. But should we not think of and the supplicant or does it depend on the quality of the ‘God’ as different in kind? Should we not think of God as cause? spirit, living, moving, having its being in all of us, and the In the Old Testament God intervenes all the time. He one of us who could absorb more of this spirit than anyone drowns armies, destroys cities and turns people to salt. He else was Jesus. For many, Jesus was the supreme example of changes his mind in the face of prophetic nagging. In the God’s intervention. A good many of the laws of nature went New Testament he is more restrained, generally punishing out of the window. A dead body was raised and wandered individuals for misbehaviour or in one case striking around sharing meals and explaining scripture before taking somebody blind to bring them to faith. off into space. In all his interventions God suspends the laws of nature. At 10.30am on Sunday 16th September, in the United For example he holds back the waves against the laws of Reformed Church, Noel Beattie and Roger Wilson are gravity. Some people say that since they are his laws he can going to discuss ‘the intervention of God’, explore what it do with them as he wishes and suspend them as seems fit. can really mean and why it is important to move away from Others say these laws are not for tampering with by anyone the traditional understandings towards deeper and more – gravity is gravity. Rain does not generally fall upwards, it inclusive ones today. always falls downwards and never but never falls up! Howard Bridge Some people say that God is involved in the detail of their individual lives. For example they pray that when URC: Invitation to an Open Afternoon

hurch Stretton United Reformed Church has invested in the refurbishment of its hall and has re-designed its garden. The Church, in the High Throughout the summer holidays Scrappies has been CStreet, was itself refurbished 12 years ago, creating a flexible busy running children’s craft workshops. These have space that is now widely used for concerts and lectures. The been a huge success, with everyone involved creating URC hall hosts regular groups and is also available for single marvellous creations whilst having lots of fun! events. The refurbished hall has a new and modernised toilet Why not drop by and say ‘hi’? block, new furniture with upholstered chairs, and AV Scrappies is a treasure trove of goodies, all at rock facilities including a digital projector. There is already an bottom prices, wonderful for creating your masterpiece. excellent kitchen. The hall has a car park and there is easy Limitless fun, and not just for the children. disabled access. Hall bookings are able to use the garden which has been re-designed by local RHS Gold Award Look out for our winter fabrics sale!! winner Mike Russell, with access for all in mind. Groups and individuals interested in the hall and garden are invited to come to an open afternoon on Saturday 22nd September between 2.30 and 4.30pm. Members of the church will give a guided tour of the refurbished facilities. Trivia Corner No 178 The cost of the hall refurbishment has been supported Alcoholic Drink Anagrams by Ken Willis by Awards for All and by a grant from the West Midlands URC Synod. The work on the garden has been funded by a 1. AL QUIET donor. For hall booking enquiries please call Howard Bridge 2. KINGPIN (4, 3) on 01694 722092. 3. RY RAID MINT (3, 7) Roger Wilson 4. ROOM FOR CHESTNUT (8, 7) 5. JAN SICK LEAD (4, 7)

16 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 13 17/08/2018 11:05 SELF STORAGE CONTAINERS

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Stretton Focus September 2018 17

56 Adverts 2018.indd 4 17/08/2018 11:15 Methodist Voice Saturday Morning Music at Travel Broadens the Mind … they say the Methodist Church t all depends on what you mean by travel. In these days when it is possible to traverse vast continents five or six he monthly Saturday concerts at Church Stretton miles up in the air, whilst seated or sleeping in relative Methodist Church have become an established and Icomfort, it is hardly comparable with the journeys of even valued part of the musical life of the town. They 100 years ago, when travelling was an arduous and difficult beginT again in September. experience involving some degree of hardship, time and some On 15th September the season begins with an unusual interaction with one’s environment and engagement with the event – soprano Holly Teague is joined by lutenist Myles people and their culture. Payne. Holly is one of the excellent singers studying at You may say, “We went to Spain for our holidays,” but Birmingham Conservatoire, and she has just been awarded what you might have meant is that you spent the time between a place to study at the Paris Conservatoire – so her career a hot beach, a warm sea and evenings in the nearest bar in a is really taking off! Myles is a leading expert and exponent resort which, in its setting and architecture, could be anywhere of all things to do with lutes, and you will be able to see in the Western world, without engaging in its culture, its a theorbo lute at close quarters. They are magnificent history or even its geography, let alone the ‘natives’, when the examples of craftsmanship as well as making a truly lovely hotel staff from a multitude of different countries are there for sound. the season. The concert on 20th October is given by Gill Styles and I have the feeling that for some people life is like that. Richard Walker, who will perform piano duets and songs. Their whole life may be spent between a tedious job and the And for the final event on 17th November, Leonie Minty family, without any real engagement with the world around us returns to play music for flute, accompanied by Richard (except via the TV or Facebook) and they leave it like a breath Walker on piano and organ. of smoke, without even leaving their footprints on the sands of As always, these are not just musical events. time. Refreshments will be served in the hall after each concert, In a sense the same is true of Christianity. It is one thing and the retiring collections are shared between the church to be religious, in other words to engage in the precepts and local charities. Our audiences are generous, and and the practices of a particular faith, to repeat its creed charities received £742 during the last season. Let’s try to and observe its practices, to go to church or temple and match or even overtake that this year! participate superficially with fellow believers. But to be a true Trish Howard Christian involves an interaction with a living God, a daily communication. God taught this to that nation of Israel, when he fed them daily with ‘manna’ which had to be collected every single day except the sabbath. Christianity in its primal form in the Old Testament was expressed symbolically, which tends to limit our understanding of a God who is so much greater than even inspired men and women could ever contemplate. One who is more infinite than infinity itself. A creator more wonderful than the vastness of the rolling spheres. In the New Testament Jesus spoke in parables but He warned (John 4) when speaking with the woman of Samaria who was prevaricating by advancing current religious issues, “The time is coming, and now is, when they Holly Teague and Myles Payne (15th September) who worship God will worship Him in spirit and truth;” which accentuates what He replied to the query of Nicodemus, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh but that which is born of the spirit is spirit.” (John 3) His creation having failed to engage with Him via the symbolism described in the Old Testament, He finally engages with humanity by becoming like one of us and in that form He becomes not only the reality behind Know your the symbolism but also an example of the enormous potential inherent in this creation, both in terms of love and compassion local history… but also as an example of God’s ultimate purpose. Ken Hathaway Where Is It? Little Stretton Village Hall Macmillan Coffee Morning Answer on page 51 Friday 7th September 10.15-11.45am Tea, coffee, home made cakes Fundraising games Quality bring and buy, plus beautiful greetings cards by village artist. All in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

18 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 14 17/08/2018 11:05 Paul Tinsley Builder

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Stretton Focus September 2018 19

56 Adverts 2018.indd 5 17/08/2018 11:15 Church Stretton Junior Badminton Season 2018/19 e look forward to another Badminton season The commitment of our young players does not stop with an 11-week Autumn Term commencing on at the badminton court. Often badminton is chosen as a 12th September 2018 at Church Stretton Leisure physical or community service element as part of the Duke WCentre from 6.30pm to 8.00pm. Sessions are open to all of Edinburgh Award Scheme. abilities from aged seven years onwards. Affiliated to Badminton England, the club offers Founded in the 1976/77 season the junior section was friendly yet competitive play with some coaching as created by Alan Fox as part of the original Church Stretton necessary. Badminton Club that had its roots in the 1930s. Badminton We are delighted that coaching this season will be has been a mainstream sport in the Strettons with a strong assisted by a returning junior member who has obtained a junior emphasis through all those years. badminton coaching award: a fitting example of how the club has developed juniors. Through the years the junior section has contributed to the sporting community of Church Stretton. From the Queen`s jubilee celebrations in 1977 to the celebration of the opening of our Leisure Centre in 2010 when the Badminton Club call was to 'bring it on' as set out in a Focus article in the August 2009 edition.

The Current Badminton Team Badminton has also continued to be a lead in the many sport and leisure initiatives in the town. From the initiation of Church Stretton Community Games to the more recent event represented as part of the Sustainable Development continued on next page

20 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 15 17/08/2018 11:05 Walking Football at the Another Successful Church Community Games Stretton Community Games hurch Stretton School, Teme Leisure and the Community of Church Stretton came together again on 14th July for another celebration of much Cthat is good about our community. Some 50 organisations participated in our 5th Community Games. The concept of the Games originates from our Community Celebration event we held at the opening of our Leisure Centre in 2010. Since then the Games have been held every two years. The aim of the Games was to: celebrate the sporting, arts and leisure identity of the Church Stretton Area – a chance to show the public what is available strengthen community relations – sharing ideas and building a better network and understanding of each other’s sport and leisure organisation celebrate and showcase the wealth of clubs and organisations in the Church Stretton Area – a chance to promote membership of clubs and the Leisure Centre provide taster sessions for the public – a programme of events for the public to ‘have a go’ and enjoy sport; Church Stretton Walking Footballers arts and leisure photo Anne Braddick The Games certainly lived up to those aims. A further aim was to aspire to the UN Sustainable e agreed to play a more mobile version of the Development Goals. Barrie Oxtoby who was the lead game, and Church Stretton were well beaten by on this aspect of the Games commented that, “A story our younger and more mobile opponents from of how the Community Games profiles Church Stretton Wthe mighty Burton Albion. However, we all had a good as a caring and sporting society has been produced. The time and enjoyed the fun of the game. Our thanks to John content covers how our sports assist humanitarian efforts Woolmer who refereed for us and the match sponsors, by local voluntary organisations. The 17 global Sustainable MND Association, Discount Trade Supplies and Titanium Development Goals are used as a basis to highlight how this Cloud Accounting. claim is substantiated. Copies are available on request.” After the official match, we were pleased to welcome This event was opened by Sharon Magrath. Sharon is two players trying the game out, and would always welcome one of the Atlantic Ladies. Together with Di Carrington new players over 50 to come and have a go on Wednesday at and Elaine Theaker they took on The Talisker Whisky 5pm in the Leisure Centre – please see the activities listing Atlantic Challenge in 2017. The challenge is the world's for contact details. All money raised will be supporting No 1 Ocean Endurance Race - 3,000 miles - a massive MNDA’s work. challenge which they met. Sharon`s opening talk enthused Toby Braddick and inspired visitors. We as a community have our own challenges. Many of our community facilities are under constant threat. It was Badminton Season - continued great therefore to see the support and enthusiasm shown by our community organisations - and enjoyed by over Goals, which were promoted at the 2018 Community 800 visitors throughout the day. We as a community need Games, the club has been at the forefront of the Church to support our facilities if we are to protect them for our Stretton sporting community. future generations. That is our challenge. Our aim is to raise wellbeing by promoting habits of We are now considering the feedback we have received Respect; Achievement; Inspiration; Skill and Enjoyment. so that any future Games can be planned with the Join us for the opportunity to enjoy the fastest racket knowledge of what went right and what can be improved. sport in the world*. For more information, please contact We would also welcome photographs that we can use in any Alan Fox on 01694 725588; 07977 060303; or by email future promotion. [email protected]. More importantly, we need to think of a succession *Most people do not recognise how fast the game of plan drawing on experience gained. The popularity of the Badminton can be. A shuttlecock, struck by one of the Games would ensure continuance of this very successful top players in the world with a modern racket, can travel up to event well into the future. Any ideas?? 200 mph. Alan Fox Alan Fox

Stretton Focus September 2018 21

56 September 2018.indd 16 17/08/2018 11:05 Shopping in the Strettons There are some quite magnificent photographs by two Ragleth Gallery local photographers, Rick Gresswell and David Randell, as well as striking prints and cards by Chris Snow featuring birds over Shropshire using Ordnance Survey maps and bird silhouettes. For pottery fans there are beautiful copper fumed raku pots by Pat Armstrong, and some very evocative ceramic pieces by Ruth Gibson of Shrewsbury which capture the spirit and geology of Shropshire in a very distinctive way. The gallery also sells cards: mostly made by the artists in the gallery of their own work, and eminently affordable. There is not space here to describe all the work, but it can be summed up in three words: original, quirky, uplifting. This is a gallery that Church Stretton can be proud of. Ian Hunter Catholic Voice n the Feast of the Assumption of the have a friend from University days who worked for Blessed Virgin Mary (15th August) I the British Council for his whole career. The British had the privilege of receiving into the Council (as an aside) is an organisation partly funded OCatholic Church two men and two women who Iby the Foreign Office but not part of it, which promotes felt called to become Roman Catholics. British culture around the world. A couple of years ago my It is a wonderful occasion, which prompts each member friend contacted me to say that one of his close colleagues of the Church to recall the roots of their own faith and their was hoping to move to the Strettons on retirement. Michael sense of belonging to the Church. This is true whether they White and Sue Pugh succeeded in finding a property in are ‘cradle Catholics’ – people who are born and raised in Church Stretton in 2016 and could give you an interesting the Church, or like me, a ‘convert’ to Catholicism, who chat on the difficulties of finding and buying somewhere here. made the deliberate choice to find out about the Catholic They have now decided to bring their collective Faith and be received into Full Communion. In either experience to Church Stretton by starting a new Gallery case, ‘cradle’ or ‘convert’, there is a profound sense that the called the Ragleth Gallery, and have a collection of paintings, Catholic Church is our ‘home’. sculpture, photography and various crafts which are Over 27 years ago, when I informed my family that I delightfully intriguing. Sue has a degree in three dimensional had converted to Catholicism (having been raised in both design and spent her career as a stop motion animator and the Anglican and Methodist traditions), my family were director and Michael worked for the British Council overseas puzzled; as far as they were aware they did not know any and managed lively arts programmes in Cuba, Yemen and Catholics, or were not aware of what ‘they’ (i.e. Catholics) Ireland. They are both passionate about arts and crafts. did. I can remember my grandmother getting worried about They have assembled work by more than 30 artists and attending her first Catholic funeral. She came to me and craft makers, the majority of them local, and many of them asked, “What do they do?” I assured her that it would all be inspired by the beauty of local landscapes and wildlife. fine, and advised her just to sit and stand when prompted The Gallery is located at 1 Sandford Place, on the and join in the prayers she knew. A few weeks later I asked corner of Sandford Avenue and Shrewsbury Road. It is an my grandmother how she found the funeral. She replied, arts and crafts gallery, occupying a space that was originally “Oh, it was fine. It was just like ours!” To which I responded the dining room of the old Hotel, and that for six years (very much with my tongue in cheek), “But grandma, where between 2006 and 2012 was also an art gallery (then called do you think you got ‘yours’ from?!” As I have mentioned Sandford Gallery). this was 27 years ago, and things have moved on since then. Dominating the gallery is a striking painting entitled However, every now and again, I come across the sense From Caradoc (rain) by All Stretton painter Peter Latchford, that Catholicism is somehow ‘foreign’ or ‘alien’ to many which captures perfectly the imposing view from Caer people in our country. We have forgotten that it was the norm Caradoc over Church Stretton towards the Long Mynd, and for a thousand years, before being practised underground with the ever changing weather. a few families keeping to the Catholic Faith until the Catholic There are two stunning bronze sculptures by Eddie emancipation of the 18th and 19th Centuries. Hallam, one of a curlew, and one of a lapwing with This September St Milburga’s will be offering sessions two chicks. These were chosen specifically because of about the Catholic Church for those who want to know the alarming decline in both these species; Michael and more about the Roman Catholic Faith – for those who Sue both participated in the 2017 survey organised by think they might be called to become a Catholic, for the Strettons Area Community Wildlife Group and the Catholics who want to know more about the faith they Shropshire Ornithological Society (Church Stretton profess, and for those who are simply curious about the Branch). Curlews are also represented in sculptures by Catholic Faith. All are welcome. Claudia Petley and John Shepherd, as well as prints by Josie Please see our website for details: www.stmilburgas.org Crompton and a quirky 3D card by Lucy Gell. Canon Jonathan Mitchell

22 September 2018 Stretton Focus

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Stretton Focus September 2018 23

56 Adverts 2018.indd 6 17/08/2018 11:15 Scottish Country Dancing cottish Country Dancing is alive and well and happening Scottish country dances. The Scottish Country Dance Society here in Church Stretton. There are two groups of dancers was formed in November 1923 and its first book of dances – one run under the auspices of the U3A on Wednesday was published the following year. Our present Queen has afternoonsS in the URC hall, and a long established one (20+ been patron of the society since 1946, and the title ‘Royal’ was years), the All Stretton Dancers, which meets on Monday conferred on the Society in 1951 by her father, King George evenings at All Stretton village hall. Both groups start in mid- VI. There are now branches and affiliated groups throughout September. the world. It is very popular in Japan. It is still an integral part Some of the earliest references to traditional dancing in of schools’ activities in many areas of Scotland. Scotland date back to the 17th century, when the main dance The Society publishes books of dances and the music to was the ‘reel’. Even in the late 19th century this was the most accompany them on a regular basis, and many non-society popular form of dance, particularly so in the more remote outer books of dances are available to those who wish to search for isles. John Playford’s English Dancing Master of 1651 includes them. Some dances are an instant success and last the test of dances and tunes with Scottish titles. time; others are less popular and make infrequent appearances on programmes. There is even a website that lists the thousands of ‘popular’ dances, and YouTube can give examples of some of the dances being performed. The dances themselves may appear daunting to the novice, especially when written down in the ‘shorthand’ that tends to be used, but they are only combinations of a few regular formations. Once those basic formations have been mastered, it only remains to join them together in the correct order for the particular dance. The formations are taught at the dance classes and used in the dances that are undertaken. The dances are all done to Scotland’s amazing music (not bagpipes!) and are great exercise for both body and mind. It’s very sociable, you’ll get fit, have fun and make new friends. There are regular Saturday dances in the area, to which you can go and develop a wider range of dances. Miss Milligan herself By the late 19th century it was common for dances to was emphatic about the aim of enjoying the dances, mistakes include not only the reels, but country dances, quadrilles and and all! couple dances. The First World War was a time when dancing You do not need to go with a partner – someone will as a whole underwent many changes and Scottish Country always ask you to dance (especially if you are a man). Both Dancing was no exception. One reason why the Scottish style groups can cater for beginners. The learning and the mistakes survived was its regular teaching in Scottish schools. Modern are part of the fun. You just need to bring a pair of soft-soled Scottish dancing dates from this period, although many dances shoes and a willingness to ‘have a go’! Kilts for the men are an see their roots in the 18th and early 19th century. option, not a requirement. We have members from all over the area, from Cleobury to Shrewsbury and from Longville to Minsterley. You are bound to know someone out of the group of twenty or so dancers. The All Stretton Dancers will start their dance evenings on Monday 17th September at 7.30pm in All Stretton Village Hall. There will be a Ceilidh taster session where you can both see and try dances at All Stretton village hall the following week, Monday 24th September. Come alone or bring a friend. You will be very welcome. Contact David Thomas for further details (see Focus list of clubs and societies). David Thomas

Fancy a Weekly Swim? Why not join us?

We are a friendly group who meet on Monday mornings at Mayfair Community Centre and are taken by Ring and Ride to Ludlow Leisure Centre to swim. Miss Jean Milligan of Jordonhill College, Glasgow, We leave at 10.30am and return at 1pm. began to include Scottish dances in her work as a lecturer in Swimmers needed to keep us going! Physical Training for student teachers. This was mirrored All levels of ability are welcome. by the work of Mrs Ysobel Stewart of Fasnacloich, who as For further information ring Diane Whaley on Guide Commissioner for Argyll, believed that the girls should 01694 722306 learn Scottish country dances. In 1923 these two formidable or Betty Maynard on 01694 722717 ladies met and from that meeting grew a plan to publish some

24 September 2018 Stretton Focus

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Stretton Focus September 2018 25

56 Adverts 2018.indd 7 17/08/2018 11:15 Stretton Choral Society Welcomes New Members ave you ever been moved by a piece of choral music run-through may not work first time! – but and wondered what it would be like to help to mostly in the best sense: Stretton Choral Society make such music for others to hear and be moved is extremely fortunate in being accompanied by?H Did you enjoy singing in a choir – at school, or at by, and performed for, in its concerts by the professional another time in your life – and have you wondered whether instrumentalists of Ensemble Musicale, led by David Joyce, you’d enjoy it again, one day? We at Stretton Choral Society and by generous and encouraging vocal soloists, such as invite you to join us next season, to help you find out. Sarah Westwood, Ed Harrisson and Paul Mocroft. On pre- People may be put off approaching a Choral Society concert afternoons, Sarah, Ed and Paul usually turn and face because they can’t read music. To allay that anxiety, I us when rehearsing their solos, so that the chorus hears the think it’s safe to say that many of us in Stretton Choral gorgeous voices which the audience will hear that evening. can’t either. Some singers can pick out a line of music on Singing live for a paying audience is thrilling. How often a piano or keyboard, but many of us learn our notes ‘by does it happen that the first time we get a tricky bit right is ear’ – singing along with CD, music download, or YouTube in the performance itself (Tonight! For One Night Only!)? performance – and manage very nicely. If you are a sight- How often is it that a phrase which sounded pretty ropey in singing musician – wonderful! rehearsal soars angelically heavenward on the night? How Another worry of those who haven’t sung for a while is often is it that the piece we decided, during rehearsals, we that they ‘can’t get the top notes any more’. One of the great didn’t like, becomes the one we (and the audience) enjoy things about singing is how much of it depends on muscles. most and whose music stays with us, after a concert? And, as with any muscles humans choose to exercise, those Stretton Choral Society performs two concerts per used for singing can be trained, toned, strengthened and year. On December 8th, we are singing Magnificat by restored to good use: the more we sing – especially given a Pachelbel, In Nativitatem by Charpentier and Five Mystical little training in warm-ups, posture, breathing and how to Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams, with Christmas Carols move our mouths – the stronger our voice and wider its range. for both audience and choir. Next April 19th, on Good The cheerful, encouraging approach of Stretton Choral Friday evening, we will be performing (in English) the St Society’s Musical Director, Paul Kelly, and the gifted John Passion of JS Bach in the parish church of St Laurence, enthusiasm of rehearsal accompanist NykkÖ Grégoire, Church Stretton. make Thursday evenings in the United Reformed Church The first rehearsal of the season is 6th September 2018 a great deal of fun for the singers. So, although there’s scant (after AGM 6.30-7.25pm). Are you interested? Please, time for socialising between 7.30 and 9.30pm, there are come and sing with us! For more information on how to usually many laughs; and the endorphin release persists long join Stretton Choral Society, contact Secretary, Ru Trew, by after home time. phone 01694 724297, or by email [email protected] Choral singing can be hard work, but we’re there And see our website: www.strettonchoral.org.uk because we – soprano, alto, tenor (any more tenors out Or, come to the United Reformed Church, High Street, there?) or bass – want to make a whole piece of music Church Stretton on any rehearsal night (Thursday evenings from its interweaving parts, and to do it as well as we can. from early September and from January to April) shortly When I get goose-pimples midway through a chorus we’re before 7.30pm and speak to the Musical Director, Paul Kelly, rehearsing, I know that, on the night, our choir should be or to Secretary, Ru Trew, or to any member of the choir. You able to move an audience with that music. would be welcome to stay for a full rehearsal on any Thursday Orchestral rehearsals on the afternoon prior to a to help you decide whether you would like to join us. performance are terrific experiences in both senses – a Joanna Clark

Summer's Lease Ends

Rainbow over Helmeth Hill Photo: Ben Warren

26 September 2018 Stretton Focus

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56 Adverts 2018.indd 8 17/08/2018 11:15 September Screenings Two rebels. One million Acton Scott hectares of untamed wilderness. Acton Scott Village Hall, Tuesday 25th September, 7.30pm: The hunt is on. Ricky is a defiant The Post (12A). Admission £4 (adults); £2 (students). young city kid who finds himself on the run with his cantankerous foster uncle in the wild New Zealand bush. Directed A national manhunt ensues, and the two are forced to put by Steven aside their differences and work together to survive in this Spielberg and hilarious and heartfelt adventure. starring Meryl Streep and All Stretton Village Hall, Tuesday 11th September, Tom Hanks, 8.00pm: Even When I Fall (12A). Running time 93mins. The Post is Tickets £6. based on a true story. It is a thrilling drama about the unlikely partnership between The Washington Post’s Katherine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and Ben Bradlee as they race to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover up of government that spanned three decades and four U.S. presidents. Sheetal and Saraswoti met as teenagers in a Kathmandu The two must overcome their differences as they risk refuge, both survivors of child trafficking to Indian circuses. their careers – and their freedom – to help bring long- They had been rescued and brought back across the border buried truths to light. to Nepal, but what does the future hold for these young Refreshments available. Ample parking at the Hall. women returning to a home they barely remember? Even Level access. Enquiries 01694 781260. When I Fall traces their journey over six years, as they reclaim their breath-taking skills as circus artists and begin All Stretton to build a future against all the odds. Along with 11 other All Stretton Village Hall, Friday 7th September, 7.30pm: young trafficking survivors, they form Circus Kathmandu Hunt for the Wilderpeople (12A). Running time 97mins. – Nepal’s first and only circus – creating a livelihood for Tickets £4. themselves and simultaneously working to educate and challenge the deep-seated stigma against trafficked women. This intimate, beautiful film harnesses the visual power of circus to give a unique perspective into the complex world of human trafficking.

Church Stretton Church Stretton School, Monday 3rd September, 7.30pm: Finding your Feet (12). Running time 111mins. Tickets £4 (adults); £2 (under 18s). On the eve of retirement a middle class, judgmental snob discovers her husband has been having an affair with her best friend and is forced into exile with her bohemian sister who lives on an impoverished inner-city council estate. Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie and Joanna Lumley star. Parking. Refreshments in the interval. Enquiries 01694 724330. Book online at www.artsalive.co.uk or pay at the door. For more information, reviews and trailers, see the Stretton Flicks Facebook page.

28 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 20 17/08/2018 11:05 Hope Bowdler Hope Bowdler Village Hall, Wednesday 12th September, 7.30pm: Finding Your Feet (12). Running time 111 This RSC screening is offered with a pre-theatre meal, minutes. Tickets £4 (adults); £2 students. prepared by our award-winning chef. These meal and For film information see Church Stretton, above. Cakes and theatre packages are very popular so you need to book early coffee available during the interval. to avoid disappointment (phone number for booking below). Served in The Place Restaurant in a lovely, often bubbly, pre-theatre atmosphere, our meals consist of two Live Relay Screenings at fabulous gastro-quality courses accompanied by wine or a soft drink – all for just £15 per person. All theatre tickets Church Stretton School can be pre-booked and we are also happy to reserve theatre seats for those with specific requirements. Book your meals and reserve seats in the theatre by telephone on 01694 722209. Coming Soon…

We are working hard to make the school Theatre and Church Stretton School Theatre is pleased to announce Cinema locally accessible and inclusive in Church Stretton. our Autumn and Winter productions. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT please! On 1st October Flicks will be showing The Guernsey Wednesday 12th September, Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (12A) 7.00pm: RSC Live – The The Royal Ballet then treats us to Mayerling on 15th Merry Wives of Windsor October at 7.15pm. Mayerling is a classic of the Royal Tickets: Adults £12; under Ballet repertory, with its emotional depth, haunting 18s £6. imagery, and one of the most demanding roles ever created for a male dancer. This is also is offered with a pre-theatre meal. Shakespeare’s delightful comedy of provincial English life. Down on his luck in the suburbs, John Falstaff plans Our November programme is packed with expectation. to hustle his way to a comfortable retirement by seducing On 1st November we are considering a National Theatre the wives of two wealthy men. Unknown to him, it’s the production of Allelujah! performed by the Bridge Theatre women of Windsor who really pull the strings, orchestrating Company. Alan Bennett’s sharp and witty new play is ‘just Falstaff’s comeuppance amidst a theatrical smorgasbord of what the doctor ordered’ (Daily Telegraph). Set in a local petty rivalries, jealousies and over-inflated egos. For a fat hospital facing closure as part of an efficiency drive, this Englishman, a Welshman and a Frenchman, the only way is state-of-the-nation piece is a ‘rousing chorus line for the Windsor… NHS’ (Observer). This is not a live showing but it will have Refreshments and ample parking. Enquiries and pre- booking: 01694 722209. continued on next page

Stretton Focus September 2018 29

56 September 2018.indd 21 17/08/2018 11:05 Coming Soon continued ... Volunteer Cook Required

been ‘filmed live in front of an audience’. for Craven Arms Day Centre This is followed by Flicks on 5th November when Edie (12A) will be showing. 13th November sees the return of The Royal Ballet with La Bayadere at 7.15pm. A fantasy set in legendary India, which tells the tale of a temple dancer and the prince who loves her but marries another. This is complemented with a Pre-Theatre meal. ge UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is looking to Our November programme then culminates on the recruit an experienced volunteer cook to prepare a 29th November with the possibility of showing a classic two-course hot meal for 25 members at its day centre Ain Craven Arms. musical as a live stream from the West End to our cinema screen. Look out in due course for posters, visit www. The volunteer would be required on the second churchstretton.shropshire.sch.uk ; or Facebook. Thursday of each month from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Food December sees the Christmas annual favourite from The preparation and cooking will be carried out at the venue Royal Ballet The Nutcracker, showing on 3rd December with other volunteer helpers serving the meal and washing at 7.15pm. The Nutcracker has long been one of the most up. Applicants should ideally hold a current Level 3 Food delightful ways to discover the enchantment of ballet – and Hygiene Certificate and have experience of cooking for a makes for a delicious seasonal treat for all the family. Again large number of people. this is offered with a pre-theatre meal. Please book early to The Craven Arms Day Centre at the Methodist Church be sure of reserving meals and theatre seats. Hall is just one of 39 day centres in Shropshire offering a We welcome Church Stretton Choral Society on 8th day out for older people, providing social contact, activities December with their Christmas concert, and end the year and a hot meal. with Flicks in the Sticks on 10th December with a showing Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK of the family movie Peter Rabbit [PG] . Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of local WATCH THIS SPACE! We have some exciting older people who are lonely and isolated, and to be part of a showings for January, February and March. dedicated team of volunteers.” For more information on booking any of the above Volunteers will receive support to get into their roles and productions and for pre theatre meals telephone 01694 agreed expenses will be reimbursed. 722209. If you would like to find out more please call Janice or Alan Fox Claire in Volunteer Recruitment on or 01743 588 570 or visit the website www.ageukshropshireandtelford.org.uk

SHI Event: The Poobahs Tickets £10 available from John Thomas Florist, Burway Books, or C.S. Town Council office or online at Friday 21st September 2018 at 7.30pm www.silvesterhorneevents.co.uk or for more information Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton please phone 01694 720132 Mike Walker e are all set for a good start for our Autumn Programme of Friday Night at the Horne and launch with The Poobahs. This is nothing to do Wwith Poo-Bah, the haughty and inflated character in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado, although the band tell us they chose the name with their collective tongue firmly in their cheek! They don’t want to change the world, they just want to play music they love in a variety of genres, ranging from Western Swing to Celtic fiddle tunes; from Tex-Mex to Dartford Delta Blues. The members of the band are certainly qualified to cover all those bases with John Hymas’s rich violin and lively accordion weaving between Dave Luke’s warm vocals and understated guitar, all underpinned by Clovis Phillips’s dextrous but tasteful bass-playing and George Jackson’s solid, subtle percussion. It’s toe-tapping, soul-soothing music with undeniable class and great versatility. We will be pleased to welcome you back with a glass of wine or beer or soft drink which is included in your ticket.

30 September 2018 Stretton Focus

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Stretton Focus September 2018 31

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32 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 Adverts 2018.indd 10 17/08/2018 11:15 #ItStartsWithYou Campaign launches in Shropshire

ealthwatch Shropshire is launching a campaign to experience to improve services for others, but if they contact encourage people across the county to share their Healthwatch Shropshire they will be able to discuss their experiences to help make health and care better for experience confidentially and we can help them while Htheir communities. setting out other options that may be available to them.” The #ItStartsWithYou campaign returns for a second People can let Healthwatch Shropshire know year. The campaign encourages people to have their say, and what they think about local health and care services highlights the difference that people are already making to by phone on 01743 237884, by post via ‘freepost health and social care services by sharing their experiences. HEALTHWATCH SHROPSHIRE’, by email through Over the last five years thousands of people have [email protected] or online at www. contacted Healthwatch Shropshire (HWS) and used their healthwatchshropshire.co.uk. The more comments received, voice to make a difference to the care of others. Thanks to the more influence Healthwatch Shropshire has to improve people telling HWS what they think about health and care services for local people. services, positive changes that benefit the people using them have been seen across hospital, General Practice, dental and care home services. Jane Randall-Smith, Chief Officer, said: “However big or small the issue, Healthwatch Shropshire wants to hear about it from you. If it’s important to one person, it’s very Healthwatch Shropshire is the independent consumer likely that it affects other people too. By sharing your story champion for health and social care in Shropshire. It gathers you can help doctors, dentists, hospitals and care homes the views and experiences of patients, service users, carers, understand what’s working well and what could be better. and the general public about services including hospitals, It might just feel like your story, but if it matters to you, it GPs, mental health services, community health services, matters to us, and it really can make a difference.” pharmacists, opticians, residential care and children’s Vanessa Barrett, the newly elected Chair of HWS, services. It also has statutory powers that it can use to said: “It continues to be shown that patient testimony can influence service provision by encouraging improvements. sometimes provide better insight into services than the Jane Randall-Smith hard statistical information collected by service providers. Chief Officer, Healthwatch Shropshire Service users can be unsure how they can best use their Tuesday Club – Marie celebrates Tuesday 31st July was a special day for the Tuesday Club period when the school is closed for summer holidays. Each when Marie celebrated her 90th birthday. Born in Enfield, week Berrys donate freshly made scones and John Thomas Middlesex, Marie has had homes in Harlow New Town, provides flowers for the tables. Maidenhead and Cambridge. She worked in Holland & The Tuesday Club, held in the URC hall, High Street, Barrett as a cashier and then as a nursery nurse caring for has moved into the Silvester Horne for a few weeks while children. the hall is being extensively refurbished. The Tuesday Club welcomes men and women of all ages; door-to-door transport is provided, along with all day refreshments, a hot meal, entertainment – and let’s not forget companionship – all for a very reasonable fee. Enquiries to Eileen on 01694 720086. Eileen Roberts

Amnesty International Group Meeting

Wednesday 12th September at 7.30pm in the Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton

Join our friendly group when we plan campaigning Blessed with six grandchildren and eight great activities and sign letters in support of Human Rights grandchildren, Marie settled in Church Stretton in 2016 worldwide. and is a valued member of the Tuesday Club. For details ring Barbara Parnell 01694 720040 or email Hot meals are provided by the Senior School and we are [email protected] very fortunate to have support from the Inner Wheel Ladies, who have drawn up a series of enticing menus to cover the

Stretton Focus September 2018 33

56 September 2018.indd 23 17/08/2018 11:05 Mayfair News

Royal Visit Friday July 20th was an exciting day for Mayfair as we were Shropshire Conference Centre (this is on the site of the visited by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra. Royal Shrewsbury Hospital) and there will be high calibre Over 200 volunteers, staff, trustees, centre users and speakers talking for around 30 minutes on a range of dignitaries were present for the arrival of the Princess during subjects (e.g. medical research, politics, natural history, the the afternoon. Shropshire economy). Afterwards there will be coffee and Greeted by flag waving children from St Lawrence’s the opportunity for discussion. As friendships develop, some Primary School, the Princess was met by the Lord may join others for lunch. In alternate months there will be Lieutenant of Shropshire, Sir Algernon Heber-Percy. Her opportunities for social activities at places connected to the Royal Highness was introduced to the High Sherriff of talks. Shropshire, Rhoderick Swire; Councillor Ann Hartley, Free entry. All welcome. Chair of Shropshire Council; Councillor David Evans from Shropshire Council; and Councillor Michael Braid, Mayor of Church Stretton. The line-up also included Mayfair’s chairman, Richard Elliott, Mayfair staff Chief Officer Nicola McPherson and Centre Co-ordinator, Sophie Eades. Princess Alexandra was given a guided tour of the two buildings by Nicola and introduced to the assembled volunteers, staff, trustees and centre users. The Princess was asked to unveil a slate plaque, to mark her visit and Mayfair’s 21st birthday.

Scooter Awareness Day at the Health & Wellbeing Her Royal Highness with Nicola McPherson Centre On Thursday 6th September from 10am-3pm, Barbara Healthy Living Event Newson from the Independent Living Partnership will be Breathing for Health, 27th September, from 2-4pm in the talking at 10am and 2pm on how to select a scooter for your Health and Wellbeing Centre. needs, the range of scooters available, pitfalls to be aware of, accessories etc. DSL will have a wide range of scooters and Monday September 10th 2-3pm - ‘PALZ UK’ accessories (plus a bit more!) for you to try. Liz Holdsworth, Chair of PALZ UK says “The purpose Our local community support police officers will be of our PALZ group is to provide people, who have held on hand to talk about scooters and the law and will also challenging and demanding jobs and who are now living property mark your scooter for you. with Alzheimer’s (or dementia from other causes), with a You don’t have to need/want a scooter to come along - social environment that relates to their previous working just come out of curiosity. environment of peer support and mental challenge. These It is advisable to book a seat for Barbara’s talks at 10am meetings aim to increase self - respect and confidence as well and 2pm. Book at the Health and Wellbeing Centre on as providing mental stimulation.” 01694 722749. All other enquiries or queries please ring The group will meet every two months at the Meg on 07765 903 228

34 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 24 17/08/2018 11:05 Be Active to Stay Healthy The triathlon includes a 400m swim, 27 km bike ride Mayfair has a number of preventative services, none more and a 6.25km run. so than Day Care. So often we find that people do not Nicola continued “I’ve still got a lot of training to do, consider our day service until they reach crisis point and by but your support would be a real boost!” If you would like then it is often too late. to sponsor Nicola, please call Mayfair’s reception on 01694 We all know that it is important to Be Active to Stay 722077 for more details, or have a look at Mayfair’s website Healthy and that is what Day Care is able to do. We at www.mayfaircentre.org.uk. Alternatively, the information provide social stimulation, the opportunity for friendships will be on Mayfair’s Facebook page too! and a way out of social isolation, but we also have a wide and varied activity programme to keep mind and body working. See ‘What’s On’ for events. Unless otherwise stated all events are open to visitors. We do not charge for visitors who come but we would always appreciate a donation towards the cost of the event. We have been trying out cooking sessions, gardening and more craft activities within our supportive day care environment. We are also open to new ideas for other activities which might interest people. Please contact Joy or Helen C on 01694 722077 for a chat.

Nicola and Lisa – the Triathlon Team!

Sunflower Competition Judging was fierce as Sunflowers were measured to ascertain the tallest, the shortest and finally the ‘better late than never’ in August. Meg Bacon, trustee and founder of Mayfair’s Sprint Triathlon team Mayfair Community Centre supplied sunflower seeds to On 30th September, Lisa Bedford (Shropshire Council’s the Mayfair’s Adults with Learning Difficulties Group, the Community Enablement Officer covering Church 44bs, in April. Seeds were also given to Mayfair’s Crèche Stretton) and Nicola McPherson (Mayfair’s Chief Officer) and Daycare departments. The competition was judged by will be taking part in the Ludlow Sprint Triathlon to raise Cath Thomas, owner of J.R. Thomas Florists, who said, “I money for Mayfair. Nicola said “Lisa inspired me to have a thought it was an excellent idea: fun and interesting for all go, I’ve never done anything like this before but it’s been a the participants. A great way to bring people together in a great incentive to get fitter”. friendly competitive way.”

Mayfair News continues on page 36

Stretton Focus September 2018 35

56 September 2018.indd 25 17/08/2018 11:05 Mayfair News – continued Lady Smock

The winner of the competition was the 44bs, whose Lady Smock is a brand new collaborative project telling the sunflower grew to 8'11'', while Daycare were awarded the tale of world-famous Shropshire authoress Mary Webb. ‘better late than never’ award as their Sunflower grew to Using the mediums of story, music, song and poetry; the 5'11''. Mayfair’s crèche’s sunflower managed to grow to 8'6''. tale of the humble modest girl, Gladys Mary Meredith, unfolds. It is the tale of how she became the much- celebrated local authoress Mary Webb. It tells how her work, written in Pontesbury, Bayston Hill, Meole Brace and London, became thrust upon the world stage. Mary, who died aged only 47 of a rare condition, left behind her a veritable library of novels, prose and poems. Stories like Precious Bane and Gone to Earth, both later turned to films, catapulted Mary into fame that she would have been happy not to have achieved at all. Lady Smock is a collaboration between genres and juxtaposes new work with Mary Webb’s original words, interwoven into a script by international playwright Owen Lewis, poet and lyricist Rowan Bartram and the beautiful folk musical directorship of Phoebe Rees. It is hoped to tour Lady Smock around the county initially with a goal to take it further afield in the near future. Written entirely in 2018, this is a must-see hot ticket show, which promises to be a delightful evening of theatre. Lady Smock, Silvester Horne Institute Church Stretton. Wednesday 19th September 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets on the door £8/£6. Cath Thomas holds 44b's sunflower, accompanied by Gaye Call Owen Lewis on 01743 600019/07593514024 Davies and Julie Price, Mayfair staff [email protected]

Evening of Renewal

Sunday 30th September 7.30pm St Laurence’s Church Parish Centre Everyone welcome With an extended time of sung worship, testimony, opportunity to receive from God, offer of prayer ministry and fellowship Rev Jonathan Couper former vicar of Christ Church, Bridlington, will be speaking on ‘Making the Invisible Visible’ For more informaton please contact Rev. Richard Hill 01694 722585

36 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 26 17/08/2018 11:05 Stretton Focus September 2018 37

56 Adverts 2018.indd 11 17/08/2018 11:15 A Quaker Voice one? Is there a single interpretation of what it means to be a Quaker around which we can all unite and say, “Ah, you are “No one person, or party or church has a right, I see it all now”? Or is Michael Mayne right to imply monopoly of the truth.” Michael Mayne that, just as one person’s viewpoint is only the view from one (former Anglican Dean of Westminster) point, we each see only a part of a wider truth. In that case “In the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) we our embrace of diversity will be a strength, provided that it is commit ourselves not to words but to a way.” So says our accompanied by dialogue. book of guidance and counsel Quaker Faith and Practice. Let me share with you an image from a recent Quaker It is important to know this. We don’t unite around a set publication God, words and us – Quakers in conversation about of ‘beliefs’ – we don’t have a creed. What unites us is our religious difference: manner of quiet, prayerful worship together and a way of “We’re a caravan moving through the desert. You can living which tries to speak of peace, equality, simplicity and see where the main body is. That’s also where you’ll find truthfulness. most of the supplies (and, of course, the baggage). That’s Not being defined by a creed is liberating. It means that where you’ll probably advise new or inexperienced travellers we can remain questioning and open to change, both as to stay initially until they’ve figured out what’s going on. individuals and as a religious community. Possibly because But then you’ve got groups and individuals somewhat at of this, Quakers have over the years become accepting of a a distance from the main body, while recognisably part of diversity of religious viewpoints. This is why an individual the same group movement. They might be exploring new Quaker will be a difficult person to typecast. It is why this directions; escaping the baggage train; insisting on their own piece is called ‘A’ Quaker Voice. pace; hanging back to check that the main party didn’t forget Now, however, as our religious society embarks on its anything that might be useful later; and so on.” once-in-a-generation review of guidance to its membership, I do like that image. It speaks of tolerance and mutual the question is being faced: what can Quakers today say as respect. John Dennison Ludlow Rotary Cares

ver the last three years the Rotary Club of Ludlow has been able to invest some £17,000 in a range of local community Annual Open Meeting Oprojects through the initiative ‘Ludlow Rotary Cares’. This year, following a very successful Ludlow Dog Day event at hurch Stretton Medical Practice is holding its Stokesay Court held in July, the Club is looking to invest Annual Open Meeting, hosted by the Patient again in our community. Participation Group. This event has been held for ‘Ludlow Rotary Cares’ is the name the Club has given to Cseveral years with the objective of giving doctors from the a scheme aimed at encouraging funding applications from Church Stretton Medical practice the opportunity to inform charities and other organisations supporting community life patients about the services they provide as part of Primary in and around Ludlow which could benefit from a modest Care within the NHS. grant of up to £500. This year Dr Digby The Club intends to be very open minded about the Bennett will talk about types of activities it will support so long as the project or two-way communication programme responds to a community need in or within 15 between patients and the miles of Ludlow and meets its criteria on the giving of grants. Practice; e-consultations What the Club will need to understand is exactly what the (consulting your GP money will be used for, who will benefit from it and how online); MJog, an improved much difference it will make. patient messaging system; Further information can be found on the website www. and will answer your ludlowrotaryclub.org.uk which includes details of the questions. criteria that will be applied and a simple application form. We will also hear about Organisations which meet the criteria will need to get their “Shropshire Care Closer applications in by 30th September. Those shortlisted will be to Home”, which will invited to an evening event at the Ludlow Mascall Centre enable people to receive the on 30th October at which they will be asked to explain their support and care they need at home or in the Community. project for a few minutes to a small panel. There will also be Several local patient support groups will also be in an opportunity to meet other applicants as well as members attendance to give out information about the services they of the Rotary Club. Cheques will be handed out very soon provide. There’ll be news from the Medical Practice and an afterwards. update from Mayfair and the Health and Wellbeing Centre. The Club is keen to hear from a wide range of Finally, the very short AGM of the Strettondale Patient organisations so if you are involved in, or are aware of, one Participation Group will be held. which might benefit, do take a look at the website and The meeting will be held on Tuesday 9th October 2018, follow the link to download an application form. For further 6:30pm at the Silvester Horne Institute information please email John at [email protected] Bill Ross Barry Forrester, Ludlow Rotary Club Chair of the Strettondale Patient Participation Group 38 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 27 17/08/2018 11:05 Promoting Well Being since 1982 THE Health & Beauty Clinic Treatments Available: • Make up for all occasions • Massage • Facials • Manicure/ Pedicure • Lycon Specialist Waxing • Lash & Brow tints • St. Tropez Ultimate Spray Tan Certifed Fitness Instructor Pam Allsop The Old Bakehouse, Churchway, Church Stretton Tel: 01694 723899, Email: [email protected]

'Sew' ciable sewing classes and workshops for beginners and advanced At our workshops: 11 High Street, Church Stretton White Hart Cottage, All Stretton Further details: www.shropshirecreativeworkshops.co.uk Marian 07507 747994 Liie 0797 42571

Stretton Focus September 2018 39

56 Adverts 2018.indd 12 17/08/2018 11:15 Marion H. Murdoch, M.C.S.P. Registered with the H.P.C.

PHYSIOTHERAPIST REFLEX THERAPIST

"Gleneldon", 94 Watling Street South, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 7BH Tel: (01694) 724152

Crown Podiatry Ltd & South Shropshire Chiropody under new management Full chiropody and podiatric services provided: nail cutting/nail deformities corns/callus and verrucas ingrowing toenails biomechanical assessments customised insoles neurovascular assessments Fully qualified years training and fully insured HCPC Registration No: CH162 Mr Pius Karena Tel: 07790 0867 Email: crownpodiatrygmail.com

Every Wednesday at Every Thursday at the Chapel House Therapy Centre, Ludlow Mayfair Community Centre, Church Stretton

CAROLINE CRUMP Stretton Fine Art S.R.Ch., D.Pod.M., M.Ch.S. Restoration Dis. Medicine & Medical Science Oils, Watercolours, STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST Prints etc Free quotations Private Consultations and Home Visits We have a comprehensive selection ESSEX LODGE of paintings for sale. FARM LANE Phone to view without ALL STRETTON obligation Telephone: 723283 01694 722057

40 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 Adverts 2018.indd 13 17/08/2018 11:15 Strettons Area Community Wildlife Group

Swifts in the Strettons Survey 2018 No records have yet been The Swifts in the Strettons survey season has had mixed found of crayfish in the Stretton results this year. In 2017 a total of 38 nest sites were Batches - otherwise it would be a recorded compared to just 21 nest sites this year, surveyed at real headache for visitors to hotspots known locations. A further five new sites were also recorded like Carding Mill Valley - but users at locations previously not surveyed. At this stage in the of the watercourses should remain season it is not possible to find explanations for the decrease vigilant. This watercourse flows from the Lightspout, in occupation of known sites, and time will tell if this is a Carding Mill Valley, and is also known locally as Ash Brook. countrywide phenomenon. To reduce the risk of spreading the plague, if you are visiting Early in the season the installation of nine swift the brook anywhere along its length, including the valley, boxes throughout the town was carried out to improve please ensure that you dry your footwear thoroughly for a their breeding opportunity. None of the boxes have been minimum of 48 hours before entering another watercourse. occupied but it can take a couple of years for swifts to Steve Butler investigate these new sites and take them up as nesting sites. If you would like to help swifts nest in the Church Stretton area next year, please get in touch and we can discuss the possibility of installing a nest box on your Geology Morning building. Contact: Julie Cowley, tel: 01694 722310, email: [email protected] at Burway Books On Saturday 15th September, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Crayfish Plague local geologist Peter Toghill will be available at Burway Notices have been put up about Crayfish Plague being Books to answer questions on all things geological. detected in the Cound Brook recently. This is a fungus Please come along with your questions about the spread mainly by the non-native American (signal) geology of Church Stretton, Shropshire and the UK. crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) which can remain in Peter’s publications will be on sale, including his new the watercourse and be passed on by anything or anyone guide to the Church Stretton area. Please also bring any entering the contaminated water and then later passing interesting specimens you would like advice on. through another watercourse. Our native (white-clawed) crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) are not immune to plague, which spreads rapidly, and whole populations have been wiped out across the country. It was first detected in Great Britain in 1981 and after 150 years of contact, no giving resistance has been discovered in native European crayfish. The Royal nature Society for the a home Protection of Birds

The South Shropshire Local Group of the RSPB has a programme of talks and walks throughout 2018. Left: American (signal) crayfish (showing red underside of Talks (including refreshments) are £1.50 to Local Group claws). Right: Native (white-clawed) crayfish, underside – Members and £4 to Visitors, with under 18s half price. plague victim Walks are free. The infected crayfish become uncoordinated, appear during daytime and the tail muscles show whitening (see Coming up: picture), but often the first sign is just a dead body! 11th September: Illustrated talk by Megan from Cuan Anglers, swimmers, canoeists and even ramblers can Wildlife Rescue: ‘Caring for our Wildlife’ spread it from streams, rivers or lakes, and spores have been 7.30pm Culmington Village Hall, SY8 2DA known to survive on wet equipment for up to 22 days. Enquiries to Carol Wood: 07807 068304 The advice is to check equipment for organisms and to thoroughly dry it afterwards, or put bait in a freezer before 15th September: Wildlife walk at Severn Valley Country use. Park It is illegal to catch crayfish knowingly. Any native 10.00am Meet at the visitor centre (SO 755 842) crayfish should be returned. However, it is illegal to return Lunch in café any non-native crayfish. As they are tasty, it is tempting Leader: Carol Wood: 07807 068304 to think that it would be good to hunt for the non-native crayfish and destroy them, but entering an infected water For further information visit our website www. body could potentially do more damage than killing rspbsouthshropshire.co.uk individuals would do good!

Stretton Focus September 2018 41

56 September 2018.indd 28 17/08/2018 11:05 Church Stretton Tree Group National Trust

Talk and AGM Ranger Revelations

Pruning Trees and Burning Issues This month offers people the chance to get a Amanda Calvert from the Small Woods Association will real insight into the work of National Trust rangers on the be coming to Church Stretton on Wednesday 3rd October Long Mynd. to give a talk on two issues which will be of interest to On Saturday 8th September: Managing the Mynd members and non-members alike. She will explain the Area Ranger Patrick will be hosting an evening talk correct methods and timing for undertaking work on trees explaining the work that goes into managing a huge area to include cutting back, pollarding and crown lifting. of upland heathland common for the benefit of wildlife, The guidance will apply to garden trees, street trees sheep and humans, including the reason for bracken and woodland trees and will cover how techniques and spraying and heather burning. The evening ticket also timing can differ for different tree species. There is a lot includes a bowl of homemade soup and a roll from of confusion about terms used and the consequences of Carding Mill Valley’s tea-rooms. If you are interested in inappropriate work on trees. The evening will provide an going then it is essential to book your space (£9) via the opportunity to question Amanda about specific tree issues National Trust website, the talk starts at 6pm. that are of concern to individuals.

Later in the month the rangers will be offering a chance to Meet the Grazers on a free guided stroll from The Batch car park. Meeting at 10am on Thursday 20th September, the ranger team will get you up close to their flock of Hebridean sheep to tell the tale of conservation grazing, with stories of the sheep on the Mynd. This is a free event. Tom Blackwell

How not to prune

Amanda has considerable experience in the use of wood as a fuel (including 10 years working in the biomass sector) and a separate part of her talk will provide clarification of the Government’s recently announced clean air strategy and its implications for burning wood. This will be relevant to anyone with a wood burning stove or those who use wood on an open fire, or considering installing a new wood burning stove. Amanda’s talk will be preceded by a short Tree Group AGM. The AGM will start at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall. All are welcome. Tea and coffee will be available from 7.15pm. The cost will be £1 for members of the Tree Group and £3 for non-members. Further details can be obtained from Hilary Hymas on 01694 723208. Hilary Hymas

42 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 29 17/08/2018 11:05 HILLSIDE PHARMACY HILARY'S CHILDCARE R.E. C.O. ALMAN MPS Church Stretton Nursery, after school and holiday club, 18 Sandford Avenue Children 0 - 12 years. OFSTED Church Stretton rated outstanding, qualified early 01694 722799 years teacher and forest school. For all your medicines, toiletries and Call 01694 724270 photographic requirements www.hilaryschildminders.co.uk

BURWAY BOOKS Our delightful bookshop stocks a huge variety of adult and children’s titles and if you can’t see what you want on the shelves we can normally get it for you within 24-48 hours. Our knowledgeable booksellers are here to help you. See our website for news of book groups and author events www.burwaybooks.co.uk (NB we do not stock second-hand books) 18 Beaumont Road, Church Stretton, SY6 6BN Tel: 01694 723388, email: [email protected]

Netley Boarding Kennels & Cattery at Dorrington Open all year, vaccinated pets only Heated kennels with outside runs Friendly Family run business Inspections welcomed Collection and delivery service available Practical, No-nonsense, Planning and Building Advice! Opening Hours: Call for a friendly initial discussion regarding your project Mon-Fri 9-10 am & 4-5 pm Sat-Sun 9-10 am Tel: 01694 720123 Den & Barb Oakley [email protected] Tel: 01743 718264 Mobile: 07803 240207 www.strataassociates.co.uk

Stretton Focus September 2018 43

56 Adverts 2018.indd 14 17/08/2018 11:15 44 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 Adverts 2018.indd 15 17/08/2018 11:15 Churches in the Strettons ANGLICAN CHURCH (The United Parish of St Laurence, Church Stretton, with St Michael & All Angels, All Stretton, and All Saints, Little Stretton) Rector: Rev’d Richard Hill (Tel: 722585) Website: www.strettonparish.org.uk

Sunday Services (services at St Laurence’s in the Parish Centre for the duration of the building works) Holy Communion a quiet reective service ...... 8.00 am Morning Worship Holy Communion every Sunday, except Morning Prayer on 4th Sunday ...... 9.30 am Refreshments in Parish Centre ...... 10.20 until 11.05 am Informal Service (Communion on 4th Sunday) ...... 11.05 am All ages 1st Sunday; children go out to groups other Sundays Crèche facilities provided with this service every Sunday Groups for children and youth groups on all but 1st Sunday, when all ages stay together Evening Worship. (On 4th Sunday Holy Communion with special prayers for Healing) ...... 6.00 pm Hot Chocolate Club - For all pupils in Church Stretton School...... Mondays 12.30 - 1.15 pm Oasis - For pupils in years 7-9 in Church Stretton School who would like to explore faith. Tuesdays 12.30 - 1.15 pm Youthzone - Sunday mornings during 11.05 service for 11-16yrs (except 1st Sunday in month); Meet in Church Young people (11+): Contact the Offce on 724224 or Sally Clilverd: sallystrettonparish.org.uk Weekday Activities: Many house groups and activities are held throughout the week. Contact the Parish Offce for details or see church notice boards or leaets in church. Thursdays: Holy Communion ...... 11.30 am

All Saints, Little Stretton. A traditional Sunday Service is held each Sunday Week 1: Evening Prayer ...... 3.00 pm Weeks 2, 4 and 5: Holy Communion ...... 11.00 am Week 3: Morning Prayer ...... 11.00 am

St Michael’s & All Angels, All Stretton (Local Ecumenical Partnership with URC) Contact: 724224 Sunday Services Week 1: Morning Worship 10.30 am Week 2: Holy Communion (Anglican) 10.30 am Week 3: Morning Worship 10.30 am Week 4: Holy Communion (URC) 10.30 am Week 5: Holy Communion (Traditional Anglican) 10.30 am

e aris Ofce is in the Parish Centre, Church St. (Tel: 724224). Open 9am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday Secretary: Jo Ae. Email: offcestrettonparish.org.uk

METHODIST CHURCH Minister: Rev’d Hazel Ratcliffe (Tel: 724923) Website: www.churchstretton-methodistchurch.org.uk Hall bookings: Carole Coles (Tel: 724958) Sunday Services Morning Service 10.30 am Weekday Activities: Craft and Conversation ...... 10.00am - 12.00noon 2nd Tuesday in month: Wives and Friends group ...... 7.30 pm Wednesdays: Prayer Group ...... 1.30 - 2.00pm Wednesdays: Network ...... 2.30 pm Wednesdays: Babies and toddlers ...... 10.00 am

RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS) Clerk: Sandy Fairhurst (Tel: 724287) Sundays: Meetings for worship in the Silvester Horne Committee Room; Children welcome ...... 10.30 am For details of home discussion groups which meet at 7.30 pm, please telephone the Clerk.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Priest: Canon Jonathan Mitchell (Tel: 01694 658091) St Milburga’s, Church Stretton Email: stmilburgagmail.com Sunday: Mass ...... 9.15 am Wednesday - Friday: Daily Mass ...... 9.30 am Saturday: Evening Mass ...... 6.30 pm Catholic Women’s League meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month following the morning Mass at 9.30.

St Walburga’s, Plowden Sunday Mass ...... 11.00 am

UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Minister: (vacant) Website: churchstretton.urc.org.uk Sunday Services Worship, with Activity Club for children, followed by refreshments in the church hall ...... 10.30 am (On the 1st Sunday in month worship includes Holy Communion) Weekday Activities Mondays: (Week 1) Ladies’ Group ...... 2.30 pm Wednesdays: (Week 1) Ladies’ Link ...... 7.30 pm Wednesdays: Half hour meeting for prayer and discussion ...... 9.30 am Church Contact: Tel: 72212 Email: urcchurchstrettongmail.com Room hire: Tel: 722092

Stretton Focus September 2018 45

52-56 Yellow pages 2016 New P123 Only.indd 1 17/08/2018 11:10 Clubs and Societies in Church Stretton with names of Secretary and contact details Adult Community Learning Pam Allsop 72899 pamallsopchurchway.plus.com Allotment Gardens Association Alan Mileson 72999 amilesonlineone.net All Stretton Village Hall Li Cinnamon 724278 asvhbookingsyahoo.com All Stretton History Society Ruth Grafton 72187 anegrawaitrose.com All Stretton Village Society David Williets 722112 d.willietsvirgin.net Alzheimers Carer’s Support (Mayfair) Jackie Pennington 722077 [Monthly, 2nd Friday, 2.00pm] www.mayfaircentre.org Amnesty, Church Stretton Group Barbara Parnell 720040 Archers, Long Mynd Sue Williamson 722767 suechelmickforge.co.uk Army Cadet Force, Longmynd Valley Sgt Grey Arthritis Support Group Ann Bednall 724804 gwab25gmail.com ArtsAlive Church Stretton Michael Walker 72012 fontenay1btinternet.com Arts Festival, Church Stretton South Shropshire Gloria Carter 724106 carter555f2s.com Badminton Club Monday 8-10pm Mike Rounsefell 724162 midibluetiscali.co.uk Badminton Club Junior and Adult, Wednesday Alan Fox 725588 alandavidfoxlive.co.uk Book Sales (Mayfair) Tony Crowe 723292 Bowling Club, Church Stretton Town Andrew Morton 72460 morton2btinternet.com Bowling Club, Church Stretton Probus David Tarr 720387 Bowling Club, Indoor Alan Mileson 72999 amilesonlineone.net Bowling Club, Ladies’ Mrs M Paine 722489 Bridge Club (Thursday 1-5pm, All Stretton Vlge Hall) Dom Wilson 723128 www.bridgewebs.com/churchstretton Bridleways Association, Long Mynd and District Lynn Townsend 722667 Brownies, Church Stretton Judy Russell 724056 daveudy1googlemail.com Busy Bees Preschool Lorna Hart 724812 busybeespreschoollive.co.uk Camera Club, Long Mynd Amanda Page secretarylongmyndcameraclub.co.uk Cancer Research UK Sue Toghill 72271 susantoghilloutlook.com Cancer Support Group, Stretton Lesley McIntyre 723427 Chamber of Trade, Church Stretton Alan Hyatt 723737 also Stuart Wright 722237 Chess Club, Church Stretton Tom Williamson 722767 tswilliamson7gmail.com Choral Society, Stretton Ru Trew 724297 strettonchoralgmail.com www.strettonchoral.org.uk Churches Together Lesley Richards 722068 Citizens Advice Bureau c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) [Thursdays] www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Civic Society, The Strettons Charles Simmonds 724117 candp.simmondsgooglemail.com Civil Service Retirement Fellowship, C S Group John Brewer 722965 Climate Care, Stretton David Howard 722904 Country Market (ex WI) Ann Lloyd 07889 143057 or (01694) 731274 Credit Union c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) [Wednesdays] www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Cricket Club Todd Cornehls 07807 160860 toddcornehlshotmail.com Croquet Club Fane Conant 722610 fanesueaol.com www.churchstrettoncroquet.org.uk Cub Scouts, Longmynd Tuesday Pack Mrs Jane Wrench 7292 anewrenchf2s.com Cub Scouts, Longmynd Wednesday Pack Terry Davies 72477 mrterrydavieshotmail.com Darts, Church Stretton and District League Mark Davies Verd 07588 517955 verddavies72gmail.com Dementia Carers’ Support Emma Wilde 01743 341800 Dominoes, Church Stretton and District League Martin Salisbury 723253 Dramatic Society, All Stretton Amateur Eric Huff 72706 mailplush-hill.co.uk Extend (Gentle Exercise) Mayfair Nicola McPherson 722077 [Thursday mornings] www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Fitness Classes Pam Allsop 72899 pamallsopchurchway.plus.com Flicks in the Sticks All Stretton Kate Latchford 7278 terriartsalive.co.uk Flicks in the Sticks Church Stretton Eric and Lesley Brown 7240 ec.brownbtinternet.com Football Club, Church Stretton Town Nick Cole 72462 nickeloc.eclipse.co.uk Football Club, Magpies 5-16 years old 07816 68619 enquiriescsmfc.co.uk Football Club, Stretton Red Rovers (6-15 years old) Martin Watts 7254 contactredrovers.org.uk Gardening Club, Acton Scott Julie Mitchell 07949 90487 actonscottgcgmail.com Gardening Club, Church Stretton District Evelyn Dapling 72648 evedaplingwaitrose.com Gliding, Midlands Gliding Club Ltd Offce 01588 650206 offcelongmynd.com Golf Club James Townsend 722281 secretarychurchstrettongolfclub.co.uk Good Neighbours Care Group Offce 724242 Good Neighbours Thursday Lunch Club Margaret Hamer 722407 (or Dawn Longmore 722328) Guiding, 2nd Church Stretton Jane Hurst 771622 anehurst77hotmail.co.uk Hockey Club, Stretton Juniors 5-15 years old Martin Watts 7254 mlwattsyahoo.co.uk Horse Show, Church Stretton Sarah Davies 77170 daviesblackhurstaol.com Interfaith Forum, South Shropshire Canon Noel Beattie 725530 Inner Wheel Club, Church Stretton Anne Tipper 771808 anne.tippergmail.com Judo, Junior Roger Houston 0174 58415 RogerHoustonJudoaol.com Karate Club Dave Shephard 724212 daveshepard179gmail.com Keep Fit, Stretton Lisa Ryan 751369 Lesbian & Bisexual Women, Border Women Social Group borderwomen.net Line Dancing Karen Hadley/Dave Bishop 07464 608747 southerncrossldcgmail.com Lions Club, Middlemarches Tricia Morris 01588 673525 Local History Group Janette Murray 722465 csalhgoutlook.com Long Mynd Adventure Camp Ian Price 722020 Martial Arts, Freestyle 07852 961675 freestylemartiaarts.com/stretton Masonic Lodge Caer Caradoc Chas Trendell 710 7a4c646gmail.com Masonic Lodge (Longmynd) Stephen Butler 723514 www.longmyndlodge.org.uk Maysi Proect Jenny Englefeld 722077 informationmayfaircentre.org.uk Methodist Church Network Group Stella Jandrell 72451 da1956scpbtinternet.com Mothers’ Union, Church Stretton Diana Coles 723548 Music: Strettons Classical Music Group Barbara Hall 724578 Neighbourhood Watch, Church Stretton Jeff Thomas 72255 effthomas7ehbtinternet.com Ornithological Society, Stretton Branch David John 724772 dalisonhotmail.co.uk Parish Paths Partnership John Goyne 72914 ohngoynebtinternet.com Parkinson’s UK Richard Broughton 0174 718174 parkytwood.net Photography, Marches Independent Geoff Taylor 7201 gtaylor.photobtinternet,com Pilates (exercise) c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) [Tuesdays am] www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Pilates exercise Sandra Liebrecht 781660 selenaormeyahoo.co.uk Pride of Place, Church Stretton Trevor Halsey trevorhalseybtinternet.com Probus, Strettondale Alan Stockbridge 72217 alan.stockbridgebtinternet.com Rail User’s Association, Church Stretton David Aston 722604 www.strettonrailusers.org.uk Railway Society, Strettons Ian Dormor 72456 i.dormordaelnet.co.uk Radio Control Model Club, Church Stretton Tim Goodwin 72092 tmgdwngmail.com RAF Roundel Club Al Ussher 724717 Rainbows, Church Stretton Mary Procter 72469 mgprocterbtinternet.com Ramblers, The South Shropshire Group Sue Jones 01588 67247 s.ones957btinternet.com Rangers Girl Guides Church Stretton Group Ana Ireland 7290 anaireland001gmail.com Readers Group at the Library Felicity 72255 churchstretton.libraryshropshire.gov.uk RNLI Brian Bradley 72218 b.glenmoargmail.com

46 September 2018 Stretton Focus

52-56 Yellow pages 2016 New P123 Only.indd 2 17/08/2018 11:10 Rotary Club of Church Stretton Preb David Crowhurst 0174 718049 d.crowhurstbtinternet.com Round Table, Church Stretton Paul Stephens 722288 paulwoodnall.co.uk Royal British Legion Les Mackey 724992 sulesmackeybtinternet.com Rugby Club, Church Stretton Samurai Martyn Longhurst martynlonghursthotmail.com Rushbury and Cardington WI Kaye Smith 771554 Save the Children Ann Hurst 771622 ann.hurst46gmail.com Scottish Dancers, Stretton David Thomas 722107 Scouts, 2nd Longmynd Group Brian Faulkner 72567 bandcfaulknertiscali.co.uk Scrappies - Shropshire Children’s Scrapstore 28508 infoscrappies.org Senior Citizens, Church Stretton Margaret Haywood 722454 Shropshire Strummers Adrian Thomas 724657 adrianukegooglemail.com Singers, The More Singers Deborah Croom-Johnson 07495 112795 Annturner512hotmail.com Singers, Stretton Community Kate Buttolph 07974 82989 kateplayonperformingarts.co.uk Skatepark Group c/o Mayfair 722077 www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Soaring Association, Long Mynd model gliders Tim Goodwin 72092 infolmsa.org.uk www.lmsa.org.uk Soaring Club, Long Mynd (Hangliding & paragliding) Tim Dunn 01588 672919 coachinglongmynd.org Stepping Stones Nursery Anne Arkwright 722341 Stretton Players Simon Cleaton 07510 90981 strettonplayersgmail.com Stroke Group, Church Stretton and District Breda Parish 723485 or Iris Edwards 723178 Swing Band, Stretton Jamie Wrench 7292 amie.wrenchlineone.net Table Tennis, Church Stretton Bernard Colvin 724084 bernardcolvinhotmail.com Table Tennis, Leebotwood Will Priestley 724223 Table Tennis, Rushbury Ian Pennington 771410 ianpennington1btinternet.com T’ai Chi Marc Lacey 722077 (Mayfair) www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Taiko Drumming James Barrow 720169 Jamestaikowest.com Taoist Tai Chi, Longmynd Jo Lendon 0174 69787 olendonhotmail.co.uk Tennis Club Claire Hatfeld 72012 mailstrataassociates.co.uk Theatre & Concert Group, Stretton Jenny or Graham Heath 722216 heathknollcrest.co.uk strettontheatreandconcert.net Traidcraft (fairly traded goods) Maureen Clow 722000 (Mayfair) [Thursdays, 10.30 - 1.00] Tree Group, Church Stretton Hilary Hymas 72208 hilaryhymas7gmail.com Tuesday Day Centre, Church Stretton Eileen Roberts 720086 United Nations Association, C S Branch Ruth Davies 72404 daviescsbtinternet.com University of the Third Age (U3A) Lesley Brown 724330 u3asites.org.uk/churchstretton/contact Visually Impaired Group (Mayfair) George Jones 722207 Walkers are Welcome John Woolmer 751245 ohnwoolmerfsmail.net Walking for Health Nicola McPherson 722077 (Mayfair) www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Walking Football Ken Willis 28514 gordonwillisgo-plus.net Wildlife Group, SACWG, Community Penny Bien 72485 sacwgshropscwgs.org.uk Wildlife Trust, Strettons Branch Wally Blake 724040 Women’s Group, Church Stretton 1990 Jaki Moores 722940 ganaxbtinternet.com Women’s Institute, CS Marmaladies WI Caroline Terrill 07771 922502 marmaladieswigmail.com Women’s Inst., Eaton u Heywood & Hope Bowdler Alex Freeland 72252 alexfreeelandhotmail.co.uk Women’s Inst., Rushbury and Cardington Kaye Smith 771554 kayerubetta.smithbtinternet.com Women’s Institute, All Stretton Kate Ratcliff 724422 allstrettonwigmail.com Yoga Andrea Ford 724317 Jane Hider 723468 Yoga (Mayfair) c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Youth Club (Mayfair) Nicola McPherson 722077 (Mayfair) www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Youth St Laurence’s Sally Clilverd 724224 sallystrettonparish.org.uk Additions and corrections to this list should be addressed to: The Editor, Stretton Focus, by email: [email protected] Church Stretton Town Councillors Town Clerk: Danny Chetwood RFO Christine M Harvey Offce Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00 - 4.0pm ouncil Ofce 60 High Street, Church Stretton SY6 6BY. Tel: 72211, Fax: 72608. email: secretarychurchstretton-tc.gov.uk South Ward North Ward Little Stretton Ward Mike Bugiel 720104 or 723690 David Wilks 723139 Mike Walker (Deputy Mayor) 720132 Mark Morris 722741 Michael Braid (Mayor) 723364 Linda Jay 07795 268643 Hilary Claytonsmith 781666 Bob Welch 722998 All Stretton Ward Lee Chapman 723965 or 07458 117559 Eileen Roberts 720086 Richard Hickman 722006 or 07944 505146 Hilary Luff 724270 Sandra Baker 724394 Shropshire (Unitary) Councillors for the Area David Evans 01588 672179 email: david.evansshropshire.gov.uk Lee Chapman 72965 or 07458 117559 email: Lee.chapmanshropshire.gov.uk, Leechapman.cstcgmail.com (for CS tc business) MP for Ludlow Constituency: Philip Dunne, 54 Broad St, Ludlow, SY8 1GP, 01584 872187. StrettonDale Area Partnership Chairman: Richard Hubbard, rhubbard05btinternet.com Deputy Chairman: John Sumner, 724678, ohnthesumners.info StettonDale Local Joint Comm, Lisa Bedford Community Working, Shrops Council, 07990 085656 lisa.bedfordshropshire.gov.uk Responsibilities for Public Services Domestic rubbish: Shropshire Council 0345 678 9007 Street cleaning: Shropshire Council 0345 678 9006 Electricity power failure: 105 Gas emergencies 0800 111999 Last collection at Family Shopper letter box Weekdays 6.00pm, Saturdays 12.00 noon, No collection Sundays and Bank Holidays Some useful numbers Medical Centre Church Stretton School 722209 appointments and general enquiries 722127 St Lawrences C of E Primary School 722682 Shropdoc 0333 222 6655 Sports and Leisure Centre (Teme Leisure) 720051 NHS Choices 111 Church Stretton Library 722535 Ring and Ride 720025 South Shropshire Furniture Scheme 01584 877751 Shropshire Council (Shrewsbury) 0345 678 9000 Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 783 1359 - 24hr support Visitor Information Centre and Shropshire Customer First Point: 723133 South Shropshire Housing Association: 0300 3031190 (Housing and Support) Police - Non emergency only 101, Emergency 999 Local Police Team Message Service not to be used for crime or emergencies: 0174 26477 or csca.sntwestmercia.pnn.police.uk CS Local Police Team: PS 1396 Adrian Woolley; PC 2148 Ingrid Tozer; PCSO 6064 Lisa Thomas; PCSO 6417 David Baron; PCSO 40002 Julia St John-Martin Neighbourhood Watch Crime stoppers: 0800 555 111. Twitter: SouthShropCops Police Station now closed, but there is a 24 hour telephone service there connected to another centre. Support at Mayfair Community Centre - run by the Community for the Community 722077 For activities and support groups at Mayfair, please refer to the entries under ‘Clubs and Societies’ and to their advertisement.

Stretton Focus September 2018 47

52-56 Yellow pages 2016 New P123 Only.indd 3 17/08/2018 11:10 Stretton Directory: Index to Advertisers Occasional Adverts not indexed

Accommodation Clocks and Fine Art Restoration Garden Services & Supplies Pet Food and Pet Care see Hotels, BB and Self Catering Adrian Donnelly Clock Repair.. 2 Ben Carter ...... 14 John R Thomas ...... 1 Stretton Fine Art Restoration ... 40 Carlo ...... 14 Whiffy's Dog Grooming ...... 4 Accountants and Bookkeeping Church Stretton Tree Surgery.. 14 Amy Paul Co ...... 56 Clothes Cyril Bason ...... 14 Pharmacy Caroline Salisbury ...... 56 Entertaining Elephants ...... 1 Door Knocker Company ...... 2 Hillside Pharmacy ...... 4 James, Holyoak Parker ...... 56 Farmer Plant Services ...... 25 RLW ...... 56 Coaches John Stephens...... 14 Physiotherapists Titanium Accountants ...... 56 Caradoc Coach Hire ...... 1 Keith Warrington ...... 14 Chris Turner ...... 40 Newington Garage...... 1 Marion Murdoch...... 40 Architects, Town Planning Community Centre Oak Garden Services ...... 14 Batch Valley Design ...... 19 Mayfair ...... 44 Peter Tip's Tipper ...... 14 Piano Tuner and Repairs Christopher Roscoe Assocs .... 19 Ring Ride Mayfair ...... 44 Tidy Garden ...... 14 Philip Hooper ...... 1 Simon R Brown...... 19 Trials and Tribulations ...... 1 Strata ...... 4 Computing, Graphic and Web Plumbers, Bathrooms, Kitchens Design Hairdressers, Health, Beauty & Heating Bathrooms Jason Gough ...... 2 Anthony's ...... 9 Chris Graham Kitchen Fitting .... 9 see Plumbers, Bathrooms, Kitchens Nic Sansom ...... 2 Health Beauty Clinic ...... 9 Gary Paris...... 25 Stretton Internet ...... 2 Middletons ...... 9 Homefx ...... 9 Beauty, Slimming Webbex Technical Services ..... 2 Rebecca Louise ...... 9 J Morris ...... 9 see Hairdressers, Health, Beauty Shampers ...... 9 Lee Brown ...... 9 Cycle Repairs Peter Floyd ...... 9 Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering Go Cycling ...... 2 Heating, Fires, Cookers SMM ...... 9 see Hotels, BB and Self Catering see also Plumbers, Bathrooms Heating Stretton Bathrooms...... 9 Decorators A B Smith ...... 49 Bookshop see Painters Decorators Continental Fireplaces ...... 27 Printing & Copying Burway Books...... 4 Homefx ...... 9 Craven Design Print ...... 7 DIY J Morris ...... 9 Marshbrook Print ...... 7 Builders, Plant & Equipment Cyril Bason ...... 14 Lee Brown ...... 9 Stretton Print Supplies ...... 7 A 2 Construction ...... 52 Mynd DIY ...... 4 Whiting Heating ...... 49 A Morgan ...... 52 Restaurants, Cafés, Pubs AP Property Services...... 25 Domestic Appliances & Repairs Health, Therapies, Keep Fit Berry's ...... 1 Ben Homden...... 14 A B Smith ...... 49 see also Physiotherapists The Royal Oak, Cardington ..... 1 Door Knocker Company ...... 2 Norman Jones ...... 49 Birch Tree Reexology ...... 40 EJ GJ Groom ...... 52 Cate Gowlett ...... 40 Sewing Classes Farmer Plant Services ...... 25 Driving School Marion Murdoch...... 40 Shropshire Creative Workshops 9 Joe Drury ...... 52 Campbell Wheatley ...... 1 Mayfair ...... 44 John Hammond ...... 25 Mobile Massage ...... 40 Solicitors Paul Tinsley ...... 19 Electrical Services, Lighting Will Southee ...... 40 L V Priestley Son ...... 56 Peter Tip's Tipper ...... 14 A B Smith ...... 49 Sherratt Builders ...... 52 Boxall's Electrician ...... 49 Home Furnishings Storage Town Country Roofng ...... 19 Charles Ephraim ...... 49 Abbey Carpets ...... 27 Craven Self Storage ...... 17 Window, Door Conserv. Co. . 25 Electraphase...... 49 Broseley Blinds ...... 9 Self Storage Containers ...... 17 Norman Jones ...... 49 Louise Watney ...... 9 Cafés Stephen Morgan ...... 49 Sweep see Restaurants, Cafés, Pubs Wheatley Electrical ...... 49 Home Maintenance Shropshire Sweep ...... 2 Odd Job Handyman Service 25 Cards and Gifts Estate Agents SMM ...... 9 Taxi Stretton Print Supplies ...... 7 Bluestone Wrights ...... 17 Church Stretton Taxis ...... 1 Miller Evans ...... 17 Hotels, B&B and Self Catering Care - Homes and At Home Samuel Wood ...... 17 Botvyle Farm Cottages ...... 1 Tree Surgery and Logs Barchester, Field House ...... 44 Wrights ...... 17 Eaton Manor ...... 1 Church Stretton Tree Surgery.. 14 Bluebird Care...... 44 Madeline Egan...... 1 Keith Warrington ...... 14 Morris Care, Stretton Hall ...... 44 Fencing Tregarthens ...... 1 Kevin Fryer ...... 14 Shropshire Fencing ...... 2 Willowbatch ...... 1 Peter Tip's Tipper ...... 14 Carpenters & Joiners John Hammond ...... 25 Financial Services & Insurance House and Garden Clearance Windows Mark Terry ...... 19 Caleb Roberts...... 7 Peter Tip's Tipper ...... 14 Window, Door Conserv. Co. . 25 Paul Forrester ...... 25 NFU Mutual ...... 7 Philippa Gee ...... 56 Insurance Wool Carpets See Financial Services Insurance Yarn in the Hills ...... 9 Abbey Carpets ...... 27 Floor and Carpet Cleaning In Depth ...... 27 Keep Fit Catering see Health, Therapies, Keep Fit Madeline Egan...... 1 Florist John R Thomas ...... 1 Kennels Cattery and Kennels see Cattery and Kennels see also Pet Food and Pet Care Food, Delicatessen Netley ...... 4 Entertaining Elephants ...... 1 Logs van Doesburg ...... 1 see Tree Surgery and Logs Child Care Hilary's Childcare ...... 4 Funeral Director Moles and other Pests A S Morris Son ...... 1 Chris Sansom ...... 2 Chiropodists Keith Warrington ...... 14 Caroline Crump ...... 40 Garage Services Crown Podiatry ...... 40 Burway Garage ...... 1 Outdoor Clothing and Equipment Central Garage ...... 1 The Outdoor Depot ...... 2 Cleaning and House Care MOT Clinic ...... 1 Cleanrite Services ...... 27 Newington Garage...... 1 Painters & Decorators Country Home Management ... 27 Andrew Webster ...... 2 In Depth ...... 27 Garden Design, Landscaping D R Tipton...... 2 Shaw Clean...... 27 Ben Carter ...... 14 E B Jones ...... 2 Stretton Cleaning ...... 27 Homden ...... 14 F J Roberts ...... 2 John Stephens ...... 14 G H Jones Son ...... 2 Keith Warrington ...... 14 Roger Lucas ...... 2 Kevin Fryer ...... 14 Town and Country Roofng ...... 19 Unique Landscapes ...... 14

48 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 Adverts 2018.indd 16 17/08/2018 11:15 WHEATLEY ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR INSPECTION & TEST PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING LANDLORD'S INSPECTION & CERTIFICATION NEW BUILD EXTENSIONS REWIRES UPDATING OF CONSUMER UNITS (FUSEBOARDS) SHOWERS EXTRA SOCKETS SECURITY LIGHTING NO JOB TOO SMALL 51 HIGH STREET, CHURCH STRETTON TEL: 01694 328305 MOBILE: 07939 571201 EMAIL: PETEWHEATLEY@ HOTMAIL.CO.UK ELECSA REG NO: EPP34178

Charles Ephraim Electrical Installations Est 1974 8 Wall Bank, Wall-under-Heywood

Tel: 01694 771381 [email protected]

Norman Jones Domestic Appliances REPAIRS & SALES WASHERS - DRYERS - DISHWASHERS COOKERS - OVENS - HOBS Built In/Freestanding Pete 07971 252069 07816 875233

Ansaphone 01588 638677

Stretton Focus September 2018 49

56 Adverts 2018.indd 17 17/08/2018 11:15 Church Stretton Women’s Monthly Meeting lectures In April, ideas for lectures were discussed: ‘It was decided Institute 1918 to have a demonstration of fruit canning,’ and after some discussion, a proposal was made by Mrs. Horne, and unanimously carried, that a Home Canner (for fruit and vegetables) should be purchased. In June Miss Leighton was to be asked to demonstrate the canning of fruit with a view to making immediate use of it. Other lectures for 1918 included the keeping of small stock, fruit bottling and drying, Simple Remedies and Home Nursing by Nurse Higley, a discussion on the Working Woman’s House, and a cobbling lesson. Suggestions for other talks were plumbing, soldering, hay box cookery with an exhibition of labour-saving devices brought by members, a Wartime Menu cookery demonstration, and an exhibition of meatless dishes. It’s interesting to note in this year of the commemoration of Women’s Suffrage, that the topic for the meeting in March 1919 was ‘Women and the Municipal Vote’.

Community and Wider Involvement It has always been a premise of the WI movement to be involved in the local and wider community. In April 1918, the Imperial War Office requested a copy of all the Institute’s publications, including the WI programme and any other printed matter. Having no documents at that time, the secretary was directed to reply that there was no printed matter and all reports would be sent at the end of six months. In June 1918, a letter was received from Lord Powis Canada Food Board poster from 1918. J. Salmon Ltd. concerning the recruitment of Women Land Workers. A committee member asked ‘if there would be a necessity for a uring the past four years, much research has been crèche to be provided for the land workers’ children – it was carried out into events of the First World War. agreed that there was no necessity,’ and the letter was to be On the Home Front, one of these events was the ‘placed before Mrs. Dunne at the Women’s Club.’ However, Dformation of the first Women’s Institute in Britain in June in September, the subject of the desirability of opening a rest 1915. One of the principles of the WI movement was room for market women to use was raised. A more positive to motivate women to improve life in rural areas. It gave outcome resulted this time as the rest room opened on women, many of them isolated, the opportunity to meet October 3rd, but with no information as to where. together, forge friendships, and widen their educational skills. Sadly, Church Stretton WI closed in 2015. Former On October 7th 1917, a group of ladies met at the members meet for coffee once a month and, in what would Silvester Horne Institute to form a committee and establish a have been the Institute’s 100th year, the occasion was marked WI in Church Stretton. Stored in Shropshire Archives is the in true WI style, with a celebration lunch. Committee Minute Book 1918-1928 which gives the details. Judith Randell, former member of Church Stretton WI. ‘The Hon. Mrs. Horne seconded the proposal that Mrs. Wood Acton, (of Acton Scott), should be president and this was carried unanimously.’ The formal date of the foundation of the institute was to be January 10th 1918. Meetings were Mayfair Lottery Results for to be held in the Silvester Horne Institute in the first week of the month on the first Wednesday and Thursday afternoon July alternately, ‘so as to be available for any shop people.’ £100 534 £50 480 At the committee meeting on 14th February, the members organised a recruitment drive to advertise ‘the £20 177 £10 226 object of the Women’s Institute.’ The list of organisations to receive this information gives an insight into activities with which the women of Church Stretton could be involved: the Monday Working Party, Mother’s Union, Women’s Club, Trivia Answers Girls’ Friendly Society, the Churches, and The Horticultural Society. Information was sent to the District Nurse, and the 1. TEQUILA Laundry Manageress, and with reference to wartime Church 2. PINK GIN Stretton, Miss A. Auden at the Hospital Supply Depot and 3. DRY MARTINI Mrs. Barnett at the Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospital. 4. SOUTHERN COMFORT 5. JACK DANIELS

50 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 30 17/08/2018 11:05 Marmaladies: Celebrating 100 Anglican Voice

years of the WI in Church All good things come to an end!

Stretton and we need your help! t is with mixed emotions that Elaine and I have announced to our church family that o celebrate 100 years of the WI in Church Stretton, I am retiring in November. We feel the time is right to the Marmaladies, the current WI group, would love Imove on and let a new leader take the Anglican Parish into to invite all former and current members of Church a new phase. Obviously we have prayed much about this StrettonT WI’s to a vintage afternoon tea in mid-November and had actually thought of going earlier, but a number (details to follow soon). of factors have pointed us to this time as being the right To make the most of this gathering we are asking time, under God, to take it a bit easier from the very full for any memories or memorabilia that you may have of challenges here, not least wanting to see the Roof Project previous years. Things like memories of parties, campaigns, through, seeing a pattern of church culture established that who was a member, memorable meetings etc. You may have will enable the churches to grow for the future, and having some memorabilia, such as banners, tablecloths (we might our house ready to retire to! like to copy the design!), documentation or even recipes. We will have been here 10 years in October, during Some of our current members have visited the WI which time we have seen the establishment of two new archives and found such gems as how many pounds of jam congregations at St Laurence’s (the 11.05 informal service they created in a year (around 3200, would you believe, sold and the now monthly Messy Church), many new people at a jam shop). joining, prayer at the heart of the life of the parish, good If you have more such gems then please contact us at ministry teams developed, the Food Bank set up and four [email protected] or phone Maggie on 01694 building projects! We have sought to strengthen the pastoral 328275. We would love to hear your memories and include care we offer by involving the home groups; in many ways, them in our special day. Carol Greswell not least through the current Scratch services, we have sought to help everyone discover and develop their gifts to the full; worldwide mission is in the lifeblood of the parish with each home group having a particular link they pray for regularly; and we have sought to ensure that all is undergirded with prayer. It has been a privilege to work with some outstanding, godly people and see a growing sense of working together across our three churches and all their various ministries. Elaine has been a very faithful participator in the prayer life of the parish, been a listener at Mayfair, and helped with most church events, not least by energetic washing up! Retiring should give her more time to resume her art, some of which has been on display at the annual Art Exhibition. For seven years I have had the privilege of being Rural Dean, which involves having oversight of the Condover Deanery and around 35 churches with over 35 clergy and readers (lay preachers), at a time when at least one parish or other has had a vacancy or long-term clergy sickness, as well as leading our three churches here! We have enjoyed the scenery and, belonging to a local walking group, I have led a number of walks (still not always finding the best path!), built a model railway, played cricket for Church Stretton, been involved in many of the major town festivals and been a trustee of the Consolidated Charities. Our final Sunday is planned to be 25th November when there is expected to be a Bring and Share lunch after the morning services, followed by a few words from a few people. We pray that the Lord will guide the three parishes Where was it? as they seek the right person to develop the ministry across The photo on page 16 is part of the entrance gateway to the Strettons in what are increasingly challenging days. We Rectory Field. Rectory Field together with Rectory Wood also pray that everyone will support the churchwardens, was part of the glebe land of the parish; that is, the land Barbara and Martin, and those currently licensed to the ‘owned’ by the rector which he farmed or leased out. parish, Louise and Robert, plus Hazel as URC minister at Income from glebe land belonged to the rector and was a St. Michael’s, and the rest of the Leadership Team, during major part of his living. The large amount of glebe land in the vacancy. Church Stretton was such that the rector had one of the Richard Hill richest livings in Shropshire, valued at £565 in 1851. Stretton Focus September 2018 51

56 September 2018.indd 31 17/08/2018 11:05 A. Morgan Builders

Local family business For all your maintenance needs. Extensions, alterations, roofing. UPVC windows, doors & conservatories. Garden walls and paving. No job too small or large Tel: 01694 751774 07930 332131

52 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 Adverts 2018.indd 18 17/08/2018 11:15 Recipe of the Month Method Put a pan of water on to boil for the pasta then cook according to instructions on packet – or better still use fresh pasta (in which case delay starting to cook it). While this cooks quickly rustle up the sauce: Heat oil in a large frying pan and fry onions over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add garlic to onions, season and continue to cook gently until onion is translucent but not browned (another 5-10 minutes). Add diced courgette to onion mixture and cook for around 5 minutes stirring occasionally. While this mixture cooks, heat courgette ribbons in a single layer in a dry frying pan over a moderate heat until they are lightly browned. Keep warm. Courgette and onion mixture should now be softened and cooked through. Transfer it to a measuring jug and blitz roughly with stick blender loosening the mixture with a couple of tablespoons of pasta water as required. Green Pasta Drain pasta and return to saucepan. Add blended courgette By the time you read this you could well be running out of mixture and stir through roughly. ideas for using up a courgette glut in the garden and if not Divide between serving dishes and add pine nuts (for then they are still readily available and reasonably priced. I texture), grated parmesan and olives if using. hope therefore this is a timely recipe. Decorate with courgette ribbons and enjoy.

As usual it is very quick and easy to make and the ... and whilst using up courgette mountains: ingredients and seasoning can be varied to suit your I like to add grated courgette when making bread pudding particular tastes. It can be readily scaled up or down as to improve moisture content, I’ve been known to include required and as the sauce is blitzed before stirring into the some in a carrot cake or two and a friend of mine has pasta it is also great for disguising the courgettes (or any recently admitted adding it to chocolate cake! other veg) for your less enthusiastic family members! Heidi

Serves 2 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large onion – peeled and chopped 1 clove garlic – peeled and crushed Acton Scott Gardening Club Pasta of choice – I used whole-wheat spaghetti. 2 medium courgettes (around 15-20cm long) – one and Summer Show 2018 – a half diced and the remainder sliced into very thin 2mm ribbons Get Growing! Handful of pine nuts Parmesan cheese – or other grated cheese of choice If you were inspired by the Great Pavilion at Chelsea Black olives (optional) Flower Show, why not have a go yourself and enter the Salt and freshly ground black pepper Acton Scott Gardening Club Summer Show? There will be classes for vegetables, flowers, floral art and produce. Schedules for the show are available from John Thomas Florists in Church Stretton and Basons in Craven Arms or e-mail [email protected] The show will take place on Saturday 1st September Sustainable at Acton Scott Village Hall SY6 6QN. Entries will be accepted between 10.30am and 12.00 noon; the show Strettons itself will open at 3pm. Everyone is welcome to enter exhibits (30p an entry) and there is free entrance to the The next meeting of the Sustainable Strettons group will show itself. be at 2.30pm at Housmans on Tuesday 4th September. Tea/coffee and the legendary Garden Club’s delicious Cllr. Bob Welch will be leading the discussion on cakes will be available! economic development. For more information call Julie Cheese on 01694 The group is open to all. 781463 or e-mail [email protected] If you are interested, and would like to know more, contact David Howard on 01694 722904 or by email: [email protected]

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56 September 2018.indd 32 17/08/2018 11:05 A Grand Day Out (by shuttle bus) Electric Car Day

ast year we explored some of the possibilities of the tretton Climate Care is Shropshire Hills shuttle bus by boarding in Church holding another electric Stretton, getting off at the Stiperstones car park, car day on Saturday 15th SSeptember in the small car park beside the Coop, 10am- walkingL via Snailbeach to Minsterley and getting the bus back again. It occurred to me as we passed all those pubs 4pm. This year there will be no dealers, simply enthusiastic that there might be the makings of — let’s call it a ‘pub owners with a wide range of makes and models who shuttle’. So with the 2018 shuttle bus timetable in hand, I are willing to give short demonstration rides and the made a plan. Last Saturday I implemented the plan along unvarnished truth about performance and range. with my wife and a few friends. This is how it turned out. Electric car sales are up 11% on last year, road tax is We caught the 10.10am bus from Carding Mill Valley zero and at long last the recharging infrastructure across as far as The Bog Visitor Centre which while not being the country is beginning to improve. There is even talk of a a pub, did do a nice cup of coffee and some delightful second charger being installed in Church Stretton! cakes of generous portion size. Thus refreshed we set out Air pollution from transport is responsible for 40,000 on the obligatory walk (in order to justify the pubs). So unnecessary deaths a year and if you recharge the battery we set off up Stiperstones into a cold, strong breeze and from renewable energy, electric cars are virtually pollution showers – such a contrast to the day before when the free and running costs can be as low as 2p per mile if temperature had been in the 30s. After about four miles we charged with off-peak electricity. Many of the major arrived at Stiperstones Inn for a pint of Station Bitter from manufacturers now offer a pure electric car and battery Stonehouse Brewery in Oswestry. We only had around 20 range with many now approaching 200 miles, some even minutes before the next bus so delayed any food till the next further. pub. The Strettons already have numerous EV owners, At 1.59pm the bus rolled up bang on time and we made perhaps more per head of population than anywhere else in the 22 minute journey to The Mytton Arms in Habberley. Shropshire. Yet again, our community is leading the way. If all went to plan, we now had an hour in each pub so Come and find out more. we felt that it was time for some food. Well, The Mytton Jon Cooke Arms does a great line in pork pies and paninis. And with Publicity Officer, Stretton Climate Care the addition of some crisps and a pint of Three Tuns XXX from Bishops Castle we were ready to investigate the ukulele festival which apparently had also made its home at The Mytton Arms. As a consequence, the place was buzzing. St Laurence Church – Parish Centre Too soon, we caught the 3.21pm bus for the short trip to The White Horse at Pulverbatch. By contrast this was much quieter and we relaxed with our pints in the peaceful Men’s Breakfast and comfortable lounge bar. Given the inclement weather we were glad to be inside, especially when just before the Saturday 15th September at 7.30am bus was due, the heavens opened. Water was gushing down the road outside but fortunately it eased at 4.29pm on the dot when the next bus came. This took us to Bridges which was fairly busy though pretty soon we were served pints of Three Tuns Rantipole. A band was setting up as we supped but sadly, before they started to play, we had to catch the last bus back to Church Stretton. So, soon after 6pm we were back and headed to the Kings Arms for a pint of Joule’s Pure Blonde and some food. Well, I must say that the experiment was an outstanding success. The buses were comfortable and the views stunning. The frequency of the buses was perfect to sample a good selection of beers and the pubs’ ambience. Moreover the Our Speaker is Adrian Cullis: timetable gives great flexibility in the way we could’ve approached this. If the weather had been a little kinder we “Living with Uncertainty” could have walked from Pulverbatch to The Bottle and Glass at Picklescott and from there to the route between All Men, Sons and Nephews Welcome Duckley Nap and Jinlye since you can hail a bus anywhere Free Admission on the route. So long may the shuttle bus continue to run. We’ll be Come enjoy a Full English Breakfast and hear Adrian planning another trip before the season is out. share a little of his life’s adventures and challenges. Dave Lyons Further Details from John Hughes Tel. 01694 722582. N.B. in the interests of balance, the Editors would like to point email: [email protected] out there are plenty of other wonderful pubs and cafés Dave and Carol could have visited, given the time – and the capacity! 54 September 2018 Stretton Focus

56 September 2018.indd 33 17/08/2018 11:05 Occasional adverts are Occasional Advertisements not indexed

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Church Stretton Arthritis Support Group

Everyone who is affected by Arthritis either personally or Next Meetings: as a Carer or who might have an interest in the subject is 19th September – Aids for Living welcome to come along to our friendly meetings usually 17th October – Fundraiser for Arthritis Research UK held at 3pm in the Jubilee Room at Mayfair. Refreshments ‘Pot Luck’ Lunch £5. Please let us know if you can bring are usually £1 and donations to Arthritis Research UK, along a tasty contribution. now merged with Arthritis Care, are welcome. We generally We hope to welcome Dr Ayman Askari, Consultant have a main theme but there is always the opportunity Rheumatologist at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt to share experiences and to learn from each other in our Orthopaedic Hospital, Gobowen, to our November self-supported management of various stages of arthritic Meeting. Details to follow if Dr Askari is able to join us. conditions. Contact: 01694 724804 or email [email protected]

Stretton Focus September 2018 55

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56 September 2018 Stretton Focus

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