Village ViewsMay 2021

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF ACTON BURNELL, PITCHFORD, FRODESLEY, RUCKLEY AND LANGLEY

WELCOME ACTON BURNELL As we head into summer 2021, we are cookery rather than grabbing a ready all getting used to the ‘new normal’. meal from the supermarket; supporting FETE AND BASH Wearing masks, a ban on hugging local businesses through takeaways Due to Covid restrictions we were and kissing, frequent hand washing from pubs and purchases from farm not able to hold the fete and bash and regular testing seem likely to be shops; keeping in touch with distant last year and it will, at least, have to part of our daily life for some time to family and friends through Zoom and be delayed this year. It is normally come. But with the sun shining, pubs, Facetime; and even getting to know our help in early June, but that is not cafes and restaurants opening up, and local delivery drivers, who kept us going possible and it could be that we hold vaccinations rolling out to younger age with packages to our doors when the something along those lines later in groups, most people will begin to feel a shops were closed! the summer. So, watch this space and if we are able to hold a fete later little more optimistic about the future. So thank you (again) to all the frontline and get it organised we will advertise Some of the changes we saw during workers, from NHS staff and carers to it as widely as possible. the periods of lockdown will, hopefully, school staff, firefighters, shop assistants, become fixtures – or at least linger for delivery drivers, posties and refuse The same will go for the Harvest a while. An increased appreciation of collectors who have helped us through Supper and we do not know if that the natural world and of the pleasures the last year – and here’s to a happier will be able to go ahead in the usual of a country walk (something which we future for everyone! way, but if it does and we can get are luckily in a position to really enjoy); it organised, we will advertise it as Chris Harrison, Karen Fisher and John Glover widely as possible. the time to indulge in some creative Rev. Geoff Garrett

ACTON BURNELL CHURCH: CAN YOU HELP? FRODESLEY BRIDLEWAYS Is there anyone local who would be Riders and walkers might like to know Repairing/replacing altar rail kneelers: that the bridleway running inside the interested in helping to either re-cover or, preferably, renew the kneelers at boundary of the Forestry Commission (FC) the altar rail. They look to be well beyond their ‘use by’ date and we would like land on Lodge Hill is once again suitable to have something which is locally made rather than buying in a generic set of for riding. The FC have undertaken some kneelers. So if there is a craft minded person out there who would like to have a refurbishment work after their clearance talk about what we can do, please get in touch. operations and, although by no means perfect, it is negotiable with care - and, if on Church cleaner: We are looking out for someone to keep clean the church on a foot, wellingtons! regular basis so that it is ready in good shape for the many visitors who come in and for our church services. If you are interested or know someone who would The bridleways running across farmland to the north of Frodesley Lodge and extending be interested, please get in touch. east and west from there have finally been Churchyard clear-up: We are planning a church yard clear-up on 22nd May re-instated after many years of being closed. and would welcome any help that you are able to give for whatever length of New signs are in place to guide walkers and time you can through the day. Once again please get in touch if you are able to riders, but care should be exercised when help. One problem we have is that there is nowhere for the used grave flowers passing over planted fields where crops are growing (using the ‘tramlines’ left by and associated packaging etc to be thrown away. We find that a lot of it is tractors is recommended) and when passing thrown down the old coal hole by the boiler room and this causes a lot of work through Bentley Ford Farm, which is a and expense to clear out every so often. We are in the process of hopefully working farm. getting some council bins which can be collected on a regular basis, but in the meantime, if you are tending a grave, please take all rubbish away with you and dispose of it safely. Thank you for your consideration. Geoff Garrett, Rector 01743 872251 | [email protected] Gareth Ball, Churchwarden 01694 731636 Jeanette Plant, Churchwarden01694 731294

The closing date for contributions to the next edition will be 17th July 2021 Would you like to advertise your business in Village Views? Contact us on [email protected] for more information. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL CHARITIES DEFIBRILLATORS AND Local charities are playing a vital role during these difficult times, but lockdowns, social HOW TO USE THEM! distancing and other restrictions have made it difficult for them to raise vital funds. We now have four defibrillators available If you can spare a little cash to make a donation, or if you have a covid-safe idea for for use in the Parish. They can be found at fundraising, then please consider these local charities: the following locations: Severn Hospice www.severnhospice.org.uk/support-us/donate/ On the side wall of Acton Burnell Lingen Davies Cancer Fund www.lingendavies.co.uk/make-a-donation/ Post Office Shrewsbury Ark (support for the vulnerable and homeless) In the telephone kiosk at Frodesley www.shrewsburyark.co.uk/support-us To the left of the main door to the Village Shropshire Larder (foodbank charity that accepts financial donations as well as Hall in Pitchford donations of food and essentials) www.shropshirelarder.org.uk/donatetoyourfoodbank At Ruckley Home Farm Shropshire Mind www.shropshiremind.org/donate/ The defibrillators are designed to be used Cuan Wildlife Rescue www.cuanwildliferescue.org.uk/donate-to-cuan-wildlife-rescue/ by members of the public without any training, and can be used if someone is unconscious and you think or suspect they HOME TESTS FOR COVID may have had a cardiac arrest or heart In order to keep Covid-19 infection rates COMMUNITY LOCATIONS attack. They can be used on people of any down, the Government has suggested that Theatre Severn, Frankwell Quay, age, and picture guides take you step by everyone should take two Lateral Flow Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8FT step through the process. Tests (LFT) each week. These tests, which Shrewsbury Central Library, Castle Gates, The defibrillators are set up to ensure that are also known as Rapid Antigen Tests, Shrewsbury SY1 2AS can be administered at home, with results they work ONLY if someone is in cardiac available within 30 minutes. They are The Lantern, Meadow Farm arrest, so there is no risk of causing harm designed to be used by people who have Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury SY1 4NG to someone. no Covid symptoms (research suggests that Much Wenlock Leisure Centre, Farley For a more detailed description of how around a third of people who test positive Road, Much Wenlock TF13 6NB to use a defibrillator, please read the for Covid-19 have no symptoms, but are still Church Stretton Leisure Centre, item in the Village Directory (delivered to able to pass on the virus to other people). Shrewsbury Road, Church Stretton your door alongside this edition of Village If you have symptoms, then please arrange Church Stretton Library, Church Street, Views). Keep the Directory to hand so for a PCR test by calling 119 or by going to Church Stretton that you always know where your nearest www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. defibrillator is to be found. TESTING CENTRES Kits can be collected free of charge Shrewsbury Testing Site, Shirehall Overflow The defibrillators are checked regularly, but and without an appointment from the Car Park (opposite the White Horse pub), if you notice that any of the defibrillators following locations: London Road, Shrewsbury have been damaged, please contact the Parish Clerk, CHEMISTS You can check out alternative collection Anna Morris, on 07842 324809 , Pride Hill, Shrewsbury Boots points by using the NHS test and trace or by email at Boots, Meole Brace Retail Park website at maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk [email protected] MSN Pharmacy, 28 Claremont Hill, If you test positive, you must self-isolate Shrewsbury and book a PCR test to confirm the L Rowlands, Severn Fields Health Centre, result. You must also report the result of Shrewsbury SY1 4RQ your home test to the NHS following the L Rowlands, Marsden Medical Practice instructions in the test kit. You can do this Tesco, Cattle Market, Shrewsbury on-line or by telephone.

shelf life (it was clearly not built to modern fundraising event, the Grand Onion News from standards and was itself a second hand Competition and good luck to all who Pitchford Village Hall building re-erected on its current site have purchased one of Alan Hotchkiss’s With the gradual releasing of ‘lockdown’ when it first arrived in 1926!) but several donations which will be judged sometime we are looking forward to re-opening factors need to be resolved before there is in the autumn (we hope!). Yet again, we the Village Hall for Pub nights and other any chance that this may happen. In the are very grateful to Alan for his effort and events including private hire. However, meantime, we have been in receipt of a generosity! this cannot be immediate even with the number of grants from the County Council As usual, if you have any other queries, feel possible dropping of all restrictions at the and we are now looking to use these to free to contact the following: end of June. take remedial action to shore up the parts of the Hall which are the worse for wear Mike Price, Chairman As has been well reported, the Hall is PVH Management Committee suffering from significant heave of the and at the same time looking to spruce up the interior with better heating, furniture email: [email protected] concrete beams which the wooden base of mobile: 07740 067955 the Hall sits on and this has had a number and decoration. As such, the very earliest , Secretary of distorting effects on the building itself. we anticipate any form of use by the public Chris Jones PVH Management Committee Another insurance claim in April regarding will be late in the autumn (although it will email: [email protected] this has just been turned down. be open for specific events such as local elections). We will keep you posted. mobile: 07538 744807 In the long term, there is no doubt that Jeanette Reaney, Tote Organiser funding will have to be found to rectify the In the meantime, many thanks to all of you who have supported our annual email: [email protected] building which is already well beyond its mobile: 07971 780963 What’s on

Please note: all dates and information small charities (including Macmillan and 17th July are correct at the time of going to press, Marie Curie) with over 72p from each The annual County Agricultural Show but events may be cancelled, postponed £1 raised going to their beneficiaries. is scheduled to take place at the West or re-arranged at short notice. Please Shrewsbury is playing host to a Midlands Showground. Go to check details before travelling. range of events over the next few www.shropshirecountyshow.com for Despite the gradual removal of Covid months, including: more information and to order tickets. restrictions, it is likely that many of us will be looking for outdoor 6th June 27th to 30th August takes place The is a entertainment this summer. Here are The River Festival Shrewsbury Folk Festival at the Quarry Park, with races four day celebration of folk music some suggestions for local days out. and demonstrations on the river, at the West Midlands Showground National Garden Scheme local independent craft stalls and Information and tickets are Although many major flower and competitions. Pirate fancy dress available by going to garden shows (including the Shrewsbury encouraged on and off the river. Free www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk. Flower Show) have been postponed or and open to all. Church Stretton hopes to host its annual cancelled, a number of local gardens Arts Festival this summer, but in a will still be opening their gates to 19th June kicks off a revised, Covid- safe form. For updates visitors as part of the National Garden Shrewsbury Carnival 10.00am in the Quarry with stalls, arena on the planned programme, please go Scheme this summer. entertainment and a funfair. The town to www.strettonfestival.org.uk Two gardens in Plealey – ‘Avocet’ and parade will begin at 1.30pm. ‘ ’ will be welcoming the public 26th to 2nd August Cheriton Free coffee concerts. on Friday 2nd July. Both are offering 19th June plant sales and light refreshments. The Tess of the d’Urbervilles will be coming 2nd to 9th August entry fee (£6 for adults, with children to Pitchford Hall when Hotbuckle Organ recitals by visiting performers in free) gets you into both gardens. Please Productions will be presenting an local churches. note that pre-booking may be required. outdoor performance of the famous 31st July, 1st and 3rd August Tickets can be obtained by going to story by Thomas Hardy. Doors will open at 5.30pm and the play will begin Outdoor performances in Rectory Field, ngs.org.uk/view-garden/31618 where Church Stretton you can also find directions and more at 6.30. Tickets can be obtained from information about both gardens. www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/ And closer to home, Longnor School Preen Manor will be hosting an open pitchford/pitchford-hall-and-treehouse/ is planning a School Fete to be held afternoon on 23rd May. Again, pre- tess-of-the-durbervilles-at-pitchford- on 14th July from 2.00pm to 5.00pm booking is required on hall/2020-06-06/18:30/t-kxqooo?direct- (Covid restrictions permitting). There ngs.org.uk/view-garden/7758. booking will be stalls and entertainments along with refreshments throughout The National Garden Scheme raises the afternoon. money for a wide range of large and RIGHTS OF WAY Rights of Way can be footpaths, bridleways or byways (open to Ref. 111 (2013): Bridleway/footpath addition from Pitchford to all traffic or restricted). There are also permissive footpaths and Golding. Contact: Tracy Johnson [email protected] or bridleways which are not rights of way but are ways which the 07974 952645 landowner (usually a body allowing public access, e.g. a local Ref. 152 (2020): Bridleway addition from the end of the road authority or the National Trust) has designated for public use. south of Frodesley to the bridleway by Frodesley Lodge. The landowner can alter or close these without legal process. Contact: Sally-Anne Robinson [email protected] Rights of way are recorded on the 'Definitive Map' and To be successful, applications for new ways to be recognised information from it for Shropshire can be accessed here: need to be accompanied by historical evidence and evidence shropshire.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index. statements from users demonstrating regular public use over html?id=00a0e03e79ee453ab6b787961ab192ec the years before the application was submitted. If you have The map was established in the early 1950s but is under constant supporting information for any of the above applications please review by local councils and is regularly updated to include use the appropriate contact shown above. routes which were missed during initial information gathering Lastly and importantly, the government has decided that any or to upgrade existing ways, e.g. from footpath to bridleway. rights of way which are not identified or are subject to an Applications to modify the Definitive Map can be made to application by January 1st 2026 will no longer be considered. Shropshire Council. Details and forms are available here: If you are aware of any paths in regular use which are not www.shropshire.gov.uk/outdoor-partnerships/countryside- currently recorded on the Definitive Map then please consider access-and-public-rights-of-way/register-of-formal-applications/ reporting this and making an application. Further information There are currently some 200 applications outstanding for and assistance can be obtained from Open Spaces Society, the Shropshire with three in our locality: British Horse Society, and The Ramblers, who all have volunteers Ref. 94 (2009): Bridleway addition from Cound along Church with expert knowledge. Lane to Upper Cound. Contact: Cound Parish Council We all value the countryside but our access to it is not [email protected] necessarily guaranteed and your support is important. MESSAGE FROM COUNCILLOR DAN MORRIS SHROPSHIRE COUNCILLOR FOR BURNELL I have been a member of the Shropshire • Develops a standardised process for • Ensures that this function operates during Council Place Overview Committee over checking and refilling grit bins. the winter period, in particular during the past 4 years, and recently volunteered • Builds into its winter service plan a gulley periods of cold or wet weather that is to be a member of a working group to cleansing programme that takes into likely to result in flooded or freezing examine the Shropshire Roads Winter account the higher risk of prolonged wet conditions. Maintenance Program, and come up with weather during the winter period. • Ensures that existing routine reporting recommendations to improve how the • Recruits sufficient staff to support the tools, such as MyShropshire, are service responds from winter 2021/22. flood risk manager in their work. monitored and actioned upon. To inform the group’s work, the overview • Uses the new flood risk staff to work with • Strengthens it communications plan to and scrutiny officers also conducted a rapid agricultural businesses to minimise silt include closer communication with town survey of district, town and parish councils runoff from fields. and parish councils, as well as community and councillors. In total, 23 town and parish • Liaises with farmers and other and third sector organisations. councils and three district councillors organisations through its agricultural • Ensures that any communications plan responded to the survey. vehicles group to minimise mud and includes residents who do not use the The group recommended that other debris left on the highway. internet. Shropshire Council: • Works with its highways partners to As ever if there are any issues you feel I can • Undertakes a new register of its existing develop a new snow warden scheme help on, please do not hesitate to contact grit bins. and aims to have this scheme in place by me by email ([email protected]), • Includes grit bins in its risk-assessed winter 2021-2022. on twitter @dan4burnell( ), on Facebook review of the defined network. • Incorporates the afore-mentioned snow (dan4burnell) or by phone (07902408400). • Works with town and parish council to warden scheme into its revised winter For now please stay safe, stay at home and identify locations for new grit bins. service plan. save lives. • Explores opportunities to co-fund grit bins • Specifies an effective customer service Dan Morris in settlements with town and function within its winter plan. parish councils.

9th May Condover Church at 10am three-yearly cycle. At Acton Burnell we will CHURCH NEWS 16th May Acton Burnell Church at 10am continue with evensong on the 3rd Sunday This time last year when I was putting 23rd May Ryton Chapel at 9am and of the month at 6.30pm and a decision is together an article for Village Views from Condover Church at 10am still to be made about the best time for a the churches, I concluded with the following Communion service on the 2nd Sunday of 30th May at 10am sentence: ‘Keep yourselves safe and well Frodesley Church the month. Please be in touch with me if you and we look forward to the day when 6th June Pitchford Church at 11.30am have any thoughts or ideas when the best our churches can be open again and our 13th June Condover Church at 10am time for people might be. It would also be communities are restored to life in what will 20th June Acton Burnell Church at 10am really good if we could set up a 3 village ‘All- Age’ style service/event, but it would need a probably be a very different world’. 27th June Ryton Chapel at 9am and good support from the village communities Well, we have certainly done our best to Condover Church at 10am for it to go ahead. Please get in touch with keep safe, probably easier to do in our rural The service at Frodesley on 30th May will be communities than in the towns and cities me if you have any thoughts, ideas or would one of the ‘Festival’ Services which we hold like to be involved in this. around us, and over the last year we seem at Frodesley throughout the year. to have yo-yoed from lockdown to opening One thing this whole Covid situation has up, beck to lockdown and opening up and From July onwards as we hope restrictions given us is time to think and reflect so that we back again to lockdown and now a gradual are removed, we expect to go back to a can reassess where we are, what we should opening up. Little did we realise, at the normal pattern of Services, but with a be doing and how we can go about it. couple of tweaks. Pitchford will continue beginning, how long all this would take. Our And my message this spring is exactly the churches have followed the same pattern with a Communion Service on the first Sunday of the month at 11.30am. Frodesley same as last spring, but with one vital of yo-yoing of holding services or not as the addition: ‘Keep yourselves safe and well case may be. will continue with a rota of Festival services as advertised taking in the usual festivals of and we look forward to the day when our We are now in the position until the end of Easter, Harvest and Christmas but adding in churches can be fully open again and our June where we are holding one service in special rural services such as Plough Sunday, communities are restored to life in what will a church each Sunday, except for the last Rogation Sundays (blessing the crops and probably be a very different world’ and don’t Sunday of the month when we put on an the rural communities), Lammas in August forget to go and get your jab! extra service at Ryton. (or ‘loaf’ mass, a kind of precursor for Geoff Garrett, This is the pattern for May and June: Harvest) and one or two others on a Rector 01743 872251 2nd May Pitchford Church at 11.30am [email protected]

CRESSAGE FOOD SHARE PROJECT The Food Share Project continues to offer local households who welcome to purchase a range of items such as vegetables, biscuits, may be struggling in the current difficult times the opportunity to squash and frozen foods, all at very cheap prices. stock up on bread, fruit, vegetables and fridge and freezer goods The Food Share Project was originally set up to fight food waste, so for a donation of £2 per person in the household. What is on many of the items have passed or are near their ‘best before’ date, offer changes weekly, but staples are always included. No proof of but are still within their ‘use by date’, and absolutely safe to enjoy. circumstances is needed – just head along to Cressage Village Hall So please pop along to Cressage and see what is on offer! between 1.00pm and 2.00pm every Wednesday where the Food For more information on the project, their aims and history, take a Share Van will be waiting. look at their Facebook page at If you are looking for a few extra items for your larder or fridge, the www.facebook.com/foodshareproject. Project now also brings along a pop-up shop, where anyone is very Lucy Blair GODOLPHIN EDWARDS built on Lodge Hill, presumably to create on such properties to persuade owners I have had a request to write about Godolphin the new deer park, although the park only to upgrade them. The charity lacked the Edwards for this issue. It is my intention to set existed in the legal sense for 20 years. This necessary funds to pay for the work and the the scene by writing about him and his family activity must have created much needed cottages were sold. The allotments were and then end by writing about the charity employment for the local population. amalgamated, grassed down and are still let which he set up back in 1750. Godolphin was concerned about the poor by the charity. Wise investment resulted in and specially those in squatter cottages the charity having more funds than the few Godolphin`s father, Samuel Edwards, was who would have had hardly any garden. The needy folk of Frodesley required so the reach born in 1668 and became a government remains of these cottages were still to be of the charity was extended to include Acton official at the Exchequer. In 1699 he married seen on the road between Frodesley and Burnell, Pitchford and the parish of Ruckley Rebecca Godolphin which would explain Condover Industrial estate until recently. and Langley. their eldest son`s Christian name. In 1722 Below what was the Swan Pub, now Swan What constitutes need has changed through Samuel was elected to parliament as a Whig House, was a long narrow strip of land politician for Much Wenlock. He retained his time. In the early days of the charity it known as the Butts. It is probably fanciful enabled the poor to have a more adequate seat in 1734 and served till 1738. Early in the to think that this was where the local men century Samuel purchased Frodesley Manor diet when the corn laws were putting practiced their archery in medieval times, the price of a loaf of bread beyond their as well as some land on Wenlock Edge. As it is more likely that it was given that name Lord of the Manor he would have owned means. In the 19th century it enabled the because the strip abutted a bigger field old to have a roof over their heads and a most of the parish and the farmers were his beside it. In 1750 the Butts was divided on tenants. Samuel died in 1738 at the age of better diet when there were no pensions. the instructions of Godolphin into a number Until recently there was still genuine need 70 and Godolphin, who had been Mayor of of allotments for the poor to grow their Shrewsbury in 1730, inherited the estate. amongst many of the retired living on basic vegetables on. On Godolphin`s death his state pensions in the parishes. Now retired The hall close to the church had been built only daughter Elizabeth inherited the estate people moving into our parishes often have in 1594 for Edward Scriven whose family had but had to sell it to defray her grandfather good pensions and would feel embarrassed owned the manor for several hundred years. Samuel`s debts. Sir Edward Smythe bought to receive a food hamper from the charity The Scrivens had created a walled deer park the estate in 1784 and it became joined to at Christmas, and in fact need may now to the south of Lodge Hill, surrounding it the Acton Burnell estate until most was sold not be confined to the old. Parents may with a stone wall, parts of which still exist. off in the early 1920s. be struggling to meet all the educational To this day a farm in the area is called Park expectations of their children with regard to Farm and in the 1840s a couple of fields The Godolphin Edwards Relief in Need Charity school trips, clothes or equipment. Students were known as Big and Little Deer Leasow. may be finding the cost of further education A member of the Scriven family who was an Godolphin`s charity was originally set up to administer the allotment plots on the Butts, difficult to deal with. Covid may have caused M.P. wrote in his diary about often having financial problems for others. had venison from Frodesley delivered to each let for an annual peppercorn rent to Westminster. Frodesley Lodge was built as a the poor and administered by the Frodesley If you or someone you know within our hunting lodge by the Scriven family in 1590 rector and his two church wardens. In the group of parishes is in need you can apply to and the top of the tower would have given early 1800s two cottages were built on the the trustees for help. Apply in writing to the the ladies watching a deer hunt a great view two Butts plots nearest the Swan and let secretary to the trustees: over the park below. to the poor by the charity, it is not known Michael McElhenney, Arbre House, Ruckley, Acton Burnell, SY5 7HR. It would appear that the hall was in a bad who paid to build the cottages. By the 1970s there was less demand for the vegetable Ron Repath state of repair when Godolphin inherited the Ron’s next ‘Great Life’ will feature an 18th century estate and he chose to live in the lodge and plots and the ‘two up two down’ cottages woman who lived locally and was a diarist, traveller, had it extended by having a new wing built were in need of modernisation. The local painter and naturalist specialising in entomology who on the western side in 1750. Walls were also authority would put demolition orders met with, was treated on equal terms by and wrote about many of the great reformers of her day. THINGS TO BE DOING IN YOUR GARDEN RIGHT NOW (EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT A GARDENER) by Chris Harrison The Chelsea Flower Show may have been accumulate large numbers of small plastic on the plant when it is transferred to the postponed until September, but late May is pots and trays. The advice is to re-use these garden – making them a rather expensive still the time to consider the ‘Chelsea Chop’. wherever possible, rather than discarding option. Terracotta is also expensive to buy, This is a way to encourage perennial plants them, but if you are like me, then all those but will last for years if properly cared for. (plants which die back every winter and impulse buys of young plants at the garden Alternatively, try to avoid buying any pots grow back every spring) to make bushier, centre and the market mean that you end at all! The insides of toilet rolls make stronger growth, and to prevent the leggy, up with a teetering pile of tiny black plant great pots for long rooted seedlings such sparse and occasionally floppy look which pots in the shed, none of which can go in as sweet peas. Transparent plastic food some plants develop. Good candidates for the council recycling bin. The good news containers from the supermarket (such as the ‘chop’ are achilleas, asters, campanulas, is that many garden centres now offer a those containing berries and grapes) can be nepeta (catmint), echinaceas (coneflowers), recycling service, so you can get rid of those used to start off seeds, and the tray can be hardy geraniums and heleniums. You can unwanted black pots, knowing they will be recycled when you’ve finished with it. Large either cut all the stems on the plant back dealt with responsibly. Dobbies Garden yoghurt pots can also be handy for growing by around 50%, which will result in a more Centre in Shrewsbury now offers this service on young plants. Or try making your own compact plant, but will also delay flowering to all its customers. seed trays from wood offcuts. for a week or two, or you can choose to To avoid creating more plastic waste in Take a little time to think about other shorten only some of the stems, which will the future, you might want to consider alternatives to plastics in the garden – try give you a longer flowering period. The alternatives to plastic when buying new using wooden lolly sticks instead of plastic untouched stems are likely to flower before pots. Bamboo is a popular choice for a plant labels, and natural twine or hemp the shortened stems. reasonably durable pot and breaks down instead of plastic string. While we are all increasingly trying to in landfill within five years. Single use pots And as the weather warms up, take the avoid using plastics in our houses and are also on the market, made from fibre and time to sit in the sun and enjoy your garden gardens, most people will still find they waste cardboard, and designed to remain as spring turns to summer! LONGNOR CE SCHOOL NEWS Outdoor Learning Sponsored Walk We are continually looking for ways to From the February half term to the Easter improve our wonderful school grounds. The holiday, we ran a whole school sponsored Longnor’s Little Owls Preschool is part gardening club has been working hard to tidy walk. Every child recorded the miles they of Longnor CE Primary School based in up our sensory garden and establish more walked, ran, scooted or cycled each week Longnor village, just off the A49. plants that smell, feel, look and taste good, and we collated them to see if, as a school, they have also planted many vegetables, we could travel from Land’s End to John We place a high value on developing fruits and flowers in the new raised beds at O’Groats. We reached our target two weeks children’s independence and self- the front of the school. We have re-fenced before the Easter holiday, so we continued confidence through learning though the Forest School area in the school grounds recording the miles covered to see how far play and interactions with others and so that it is a cosy place to have campfires back down the country we could travel. The the environment. and run Forest School sessions. The younger children are asking for sponsorship towards We are committed to providing our children are currently having their Forest this challenge so we can buy some more children with a broad and balanced School lessons in the school grounds, whilst iPads for the whole school to use curriculum that is rich in cultural capital the older children are now able to go to our Early Years Play Area and awe and wonder. Our curriculum is recently developed forest school woods for The new early years play area to the front of rooted in child development, providing their sessions. the school has now been completed with a each unique child with what they need Eco Schools sandpit, mud kitchen, mark making facilities, in the here and now. We have established a new Eco-Committee picnic benches and water play area. The We wish to offer new parents a time who are leading our work towards renewing children are really enjoying using the new to chat with the Early Years Teacher the Eco-School Green Flag Award. They are equipment. carrying out a review of how environmentally where we can discuss our ethos and The website www.longnorschool.org.uk intentions and answer any questions or friendly we are as a school which will feed is continually updated and tells you about all into an action plan to ensure the whole queries parents may have. Please call the exciting and inspiring things we get up to the school office on 01743 718493 or school is working in a way that is improving at Longnor C.E. Primary School. To contact the environment. email [email protected] to the school please email book a mutually convenient time. [email protected] or phone Rachel Reynolds or Louise Childs on 01743 718493.

BOYS AND GIRLS COME OUT TO PLAY…. The first meeting of the new Acton CHANGES AT CONCORD COLLEGE Burnell and Pitchford Playgroup took place on 22nd April and was a great In September, the current Principal of school in the North East, and I am truly success. Nine parents with twelve Concord College, Neil Hawkins, will be delighted to be coming to Concord as its children came along and it turned out moving on to become Global Principal of next Principal. to be a beautifully sunny morning. The Concord College International. His place The whole family – my wife, Suzanne and children went on a pinecone hunt in will be taken by Dr Michael Truss, who two boys, Theo (16) and Joseph Robin (13) the woods by Acton Burnell castle and introduces himself below: - are also very excited about the move. We played ‘what’s in the bag’ investigating “I’m looking forward so much to joining all love the outdoors: travelling as widely as their forest finds with the babies and Concord: it’s an exciting, vibrant place in possible, hiking, canoeing and gardening, toddlers while the pre-schoolers played an absolutely beautiful part of the country. and all share a passion for cricket. hide and seek in the castle. It will feel rather like coming home for We feel extremely fortunate to have the Organiser Katie Davies said, “It was me after having moved around quite a bit chance to come to Concord to work and wonderful to get to know the other throughout my career: I was born in the study, and to Acton Burnell to live and to be local mums and talk about our West Midlands and my grandfather grew up part of a lovely community. We’re all looking lockdown experiences together. Plans not too far from Acton Burnell, forward to meeting everyone and can’t wait are now in place for a weekly get in Montgomeryshire. to move in. We hope to see you soon!” together at 10.30am on Thursdays. We I studied Physics at Balliol College, will continue to use the castle grounds Oxford before completing a doctorate in while groups are restricted to outdoor Theoretical Astrophysics at the University meetings only, but if restrictions ease of Leicester. I continued in academia with later in the year we hope we can move a postdoctoral fellowship at St Andrews, into a permanent indoor location.” followed by roles in Australia and Durham. Due to Covid rules, the playgroup I made the switch to school teaching in is restricted to 15 adults, so please 2007, joining Bedales School in Hampshire, contact Katie in advance if you wish to firstly as a teacher of Maths and Physics, attend by emailing but then as Head of Maths and Head of [email protected] or Academic Enrichment. Since 2015, I have via Facebook page ‘Acton Burnell & been Deputy Head (Academic) at Barnard Pitchford playgroup’ (www.facebook. Castle School: an independent boarding com/groups/4267094310009317) Blue from Pitchford NOT FORGETTING OUR 4-LEGGED FRIENDS As the weather warms up, more and more of us will be venturing out into the fields and lanes around our homes, often with the family dog alongside us. Although there is nothing more dogs love than a run in the countryside, please bear in mind a few rules to make walks safe for you, your dog, livestock, and even growing crops. The Kennel Club and the NFU (National Farmers Union) advise: • Keep your dog on a lead whenever you are around livestock (and remember an apparently empty field may have sheep or cattle just out of sight). Make sure your dog is under control and within sight whenever you are walking in the countryside. • Cattle may be inquisitive – stay calm and walk quickly and quietly around the herd, taking care not to walk between cows and their calves. It is extremely unlikely that cattle will become agitated, but if you feel the situation has become unsafe, then release your dog so you can both get to safety. Most dogs will take themselves out of harm’s way, and will be able to outrun any cattle, leaving you free to make your own way out of danger. • Dog poo can spread diseases to farm livestock and contaminate crops. Keep your dog close and off growing crops, and What’s that bug: Tussock moths always pick up after them. Tussock moth caterpillars belong to How do the adults find each other? the Erebidae, family formerly known as Even though the female does not fly away • Make sure you dispose of your dog’s Lymantriidae, and to the Lymantriinae from where it emerged, it can still find a poo in a bin, or take it home with you. subfamily. Like other Lepidopterans, mate. The female can emit an irresistible Dog poo bags left in hedges and along they undergo complete metamorphosis smell called sex pheromone that the footpaths create a hazard for livestock and developing from an egg, larva, pupa, males can detect from a distance and for wildlife. and imago (adult). There are at least 11 fly in search of them. Sex pheromones • For the health of your pet and farm known species that live in the UK. are of interest to scientist because these animals, prevent your dog from getting compounds can be used to produce into water troughs and follow your vet’s When and where can they be spotted? volatiles that are released into the The caterpillars (larval stage) can be usually advice on regular worming. atmosphere in a controlled manner. It can spotted on a range of trees and bushes be deployed to disrupt mating processes • Leave gates as you find them and always from April to August. The adults can be and in turn control numbers when there follow any directions on signs. seen flying between June and September is a risk of causing significant economic in gardens, scrubs and woodlands. Usually, damage. the males are the ones that can be seen flying because the females are unable What do they feed on? to fly with their reduced wings (they They can feed on various types of are brachypterous). The females will lay tree (broadleaved but also including their eggs on cocoon remains and some evergreens) and bush and scrub foliage. species will protect them with a silk and an It is uncommon that caterpillar numbers abdominal hair casing. The egg masses are are sufficient to be considered pests. quite distinguishable, and they can be used Thus, of economic importance that could to help with taxonomically identifying the lead to considerable damage. females. Ana Natalio and Nick Antill Tussock Moth caterpillars (Left: freshly emerged. Right: fully developed) ADVERTISING FEATURE

OAK APPLE FARM SHOP Our new ‘Oak Apple Farm Shop’ has moved into New Premises. During this last lockdown we decided to move into a larger In September last year due to the Covid pandemic our business premises, (set back from the Road) and stock more items etc. dramatically changed overnight. Therefore, we had to diversify We will be providing Take Away Teas and Coffee and a slice of in many ways, from delivering Fruit and Vegetable and Ready homemade cake and/or Cream Teas on the lawn. Meals during lockdown to those who were self-isolating and not At the end of April, we closed the ‘Pop up’ shop and opened the wanting to mix with the crowds. ‘Oak Apple Farm Shop’ at Oak Tree Farm, Frodesley, Longnor, As the year progressed and more people were venturing out, we Shrewsbury SY5 7QQ (for SAT NAV purposes). decided to open our ‘Pop-up’ shop with the fruit and vegetables Spring / Summer Opening times are as follows: and ready meals etc. This we found to be a popular destination Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm. to visit, with many customers saying how then enjoyed visiting Sunday: 10am - 4pm Parking available. the shop without having to queue. Please do come and visit to see what Shropshire products will For Christmas and the second lockdown we expanded the site to be available. include the horsebox with Christmas Gifts, Crafts and Goodies.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! The Village Views and Directory editorial team are in dire need of some assistance to help identify and contact possible advertisers. While we are largely funded by the Parish Council, we also rely on income from adverts from local businesses to help us keep ticking over. The job needs someone who is well organised and has some local knowledge. This voluntary post need not take up much of your time – a day or two every three months is all that is needed. We can provide you with a Hotmail account to use for contact with potential advertisers, if you wish. You Are you worried about how the may also need to telephone advertisers from time to time. current situation is affecting your pension, savings or investments? If you are looking for a volunteer role you can do from the comfort of your own home, then this may be for you! If you would like to get involved, please drop me Why not book a free initial socially an email at [email protected]. distanced or remote consultation with a locally based Independent Financial Adviser with over 25 years experience. Please contact Keith Croft on 07815 075793 or email SUPPLIERS OF COAL, LOGS Agricultural Merchants and Garden Machinery Sales, Service and Repair AND GAS BOTTLES [email protected] Husqvarna Automower® • Specialist Animal feed to arrange your appointment. Garden Tools and Compost • Calor Gas Cylinders COAL AVAILABLE IN OPEN TOP SACKS Animal Health Products • Fencing Materials AND PRE PACK BAGS www.croftandoakes.co.uk Equine Supplies • Shavings • Coal and much much more ALL FUELS AVAILABLE INC SMOKELESS Free local Delivery Service | Open to the Public FREE DELIVERY Registered office Unit 85, Condover Ind. Estate, Shrewsbury SY5 7NH Suite 7 Business Development Centre, Tel: 01743 718955 | Fax: 01743 718966 RING US ON 01743 241122 Stafford Park 4, Telford, TF3 3BA OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT Email: [email protected] www.ridgefuels.co.uk Mon-Fri 8.00am – 5.00pm | Sat 8.00am – 12 noon CHIMNEY SWEEP

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