Summer No. 2/2017

Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Council. Distributed FREE to 1800 homes in the area. Contributions ALWAYS welcome!

Your Council Members’ Contact Numbers Anthony Bird ...... 662895 Amy Britner ...... 07411 541741 Tony Broom ...... 650557 Sue Crow ...... 655385 Huw Ellis (Chairman) ...... 650450 Craig Emery ...... 661779 Nigel Harness...... 07791 240033 Michael Keeling ...... 654356 David Lloyd MBE ...... 661315 Robert Macey (Shropshire Unitary Councillor) ...... 662615 Michael McKenna MBE ...... 670441 Erica Morgan ...... 680277 Simon Westwood-Bate ...... [email protected] Steve West-Wynn (Vice Chairman) ...... 657762 Alison Whitelaw ...... 07527 936740

Parish Contact Details (office hours apply) Parish Clerk (including burial enquiries): Amy Gregory, Hawthorne Cottage, Porthywaen, SY10 8LX ...... 829571 E-mail: [email protected]...... www.selattyn-gobowenpc.org.uk Assistant to the Parish Clerk (Playing Field & Pavilion Bookings): Nigel Thomas ...... 07484 914597 E-mail: [email protected]

Advertisements If you would like to advertise in the next edition of the Parish Roundabout please send your information to Amy Gregory (contact details above) with a cheque made payable to ‘Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council’ by 1st August 2017. We accept written details, Word documents or jpeg format. It costs £50 for an eighth of a page, £75 for half a page and £100 for a full page a year. The Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Roundabout is published 4 times a year and distributed to 1700 homes in the area. Contributions We always welcome contributions from people living in the parish. If you’d like to air your views on a particular subject or have a photograph or piece of artwork on the cover then please get in touch with the Parish Clerk (see contact details above). Articles submitted as “Word” files should be formatted for XP software or earlier. The deadline for the next issue (Autumn) is 1st August 2017. Statutory Disclaimer All articles and advertisements are published in good faith. Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Council cannot check all details in the articles and any views expressed may not necessarily reflect those of the council. Neither can we be held responsible for the actions of any advertisers now or in the future. Parish Council Meetings Parish Council meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month except August when there is no meeting. Details of agendas and minutes of previous meetings can be viewed on the Council’s website www.selattyn-gobowenpc.org.uk. Current agendas are also posted on the parish notice boards in Selattyn bus shelter, outside the Library on St Martins Road, outside the Co-op on Station Road in Gobowen, and outside The Last Inn in Hengoed.

Cover image: Supported by

The newly refurbished Gobowen Central on St. Martin’s Road © Nigel Thomas

Reports & Information

Chairman’s Report knowledge base and his presence will be Our newly constituted council is without sorely missed. I am certain that all Selattyn some familiar names and faces. A number of parishioners would agree that he former councillors decided not to offer represented them admirably. themselves up for re election. Consequently we as a council and as a community have lost Many thanks indeed Ian for your service. the benefit of numerous decades of knowl- Huw Ellis edge, experience, expertise and wisdom. Gobowen Pavilion and Playing We would like to send our very best wishes Field Booking Details to Mr. John Davies, Mr. Ron Jones, Mr. Percy Gobowen Pavilion is ideal for a variety of Cherrington, Mr. Paul Drury, and Mrs. Linda events including meetings, childrens’ parties, Lindup. social gatherings, training sessions and sport- ing events. Features include padded folding As a council we are extremely grateful to chairs, folding tables, full Wi-Fi access, central them all for their invaluable contributions heating, a water boiler, a fridge/freezer, cups, and service to our community and would like plates and cutlery, an overhead projector, a to take this opportunity of thanking them wipe board, washing facilities. The building is most sincerely for their attendance over the wheelchair accessible, it has 4 showers, years. toilets, parking for 18 vehicles and the area is monitored by CCTV. A dark cloud descended upon Selattyn and the entire parish on April 24th; We lost from The cost for the main hall with kitchen and our midst Councillor Ian Bennett. His sudden access to toilets is just £10 per hour. For and premature departure was a shock to us further details and a booking form, please all and we send our condolences to his family contact either Amy Gregory, Parish Clerk or and friends. Nigel Thomas, Assistant to the Parish Clerk (details on page 2). Ian was a parish councillor of 20 years standing during which time he served as If you wish to use the playing field for an Chair of the Parish Council and of several sub activity / event, this is free of charge but you committees. He was a dedicated and do need to go through the booking process to conscientious member who always came to ensure it is not already booked on that day or meetings with something constructive to say that maintenance work is not due to take about agenda items. It was obvious that he place. If you wish to book the playing field, had read the meeting papers, always a sign of please use the contact details on page 2. a good councillor. Parking at the Gobowen He took a great interest in planning and Pavilion financial issues as well as Hengoed Cemetery. Please can we remind parishioners and visitors to the parish that there is ample He leaves a large void in our available parking available at the Gobowen Pavilion. 

Reports & Information

The Car Park is accessible at all times and is adopted by the parish council. Thank you to monitored by CCTV. Parking in and around all who responded to the article in the last Gobowen is limited so if you are attending an roundabout and put forward ideas for event at the school or maybe a club at the possible alternative uses. The most popular Church, please consider parking at the idea was a ‘Community Book Swap / Library’ Pavilion and utilising the space available. and the Parish Council is now looking for people to come forward to lead this and run Community Meals Project it as a ‘Community Led Scheme’. If you are Thanks to the support of a dedicated team of interested in supporting this, please contact volunteers, the Parish Council runs a the Parish Clerk. You may have also noticed successful Community Meals Project. Hot the area around the kiosk has had a much meals are delivered every Tuesday, Thursday needed ‘haircut’. This is thanks to parishioner and Friday for the cost of £4 (per meal) which Rob Mays of Evolution Arbtech, who has includes a main meal and a sweet. As the kindly offered to keep the area around the meals are provided by the hospital, a range of kiosk neat and tidy, making it easier for diets can be catered for. people to access.

There is no long term commitment and meals 2017 Parish Council Elections can be had for as little as a week at a time, The first meeting of the new council took perfect if you are a carer who wants to take a place on Wednesday 10th May 2017. The break or if you have just returned from new council is made up of 15 members with hospital. If you would know of anyone who some familiar and some new faces. All would benefit from this sort of service please members contact details can be found on the contact the Parish Clerk (details on page 2). inside front cover and on the Parish Council website. Streetlights If you see a streetlight that is not working or New Play Equipment burning during the day please report it to the The new item of play equipment was Parish Clerk and if it is owned by the Parish installed Mid-May and is proving to be very Council we will arrange to have it repaired as popular with the youngsters. soon as possible As we do not undertake routine patrols of streetlights we rely on the The new piece of play equipment was 100% public to report any issues. There are stickers funded through grants. Organisations who on each of the streetlights owned by the kindly contributed to the project were: Parish Council so, where possible, if you can quote the reference number on the ● Three Parishes Big Local streetlight when reporting it, it will help us to ● Hilton Jones Trust locate the light for repair. ● Gobowen Youth Opportunity Fund ● Big Lottery Hengoed Red Telephone Kiosk The Red Telephone Kiosk in Hengoed Grant for the Roundabout (opposite the Last Inn) has now been Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council

recently received the news that their grant achieves good practice in governance, application for £500 of funding to help community engagement and council towards the production of the Roundabout improvement. Moreover, Selattyn and Newsletter had been successful. This is the Gobowen Parish Council goes above and second time in 2 years the Parish Council beyond their legal obligations, leading their have been successful in obtaining this grant. communities and continuously seeking opportunities to improve and develop even The ‘Roundabout’ was a Parish Project set up further. in 2003 to improve communication in the Parish. The publication is printed and The Award Scheme report highlighted the distributed 4 times a year. The newsletter is council’s particular areas of strength, includ- produced solely by the Parish Council, who ing “its clarity of information and the work rely on Councillors and a team of actively that the Clerk has undertaken in the last year involved volunteers to distribute over 1800 or so in setting up the new website which was copies produced each quarter to every corner extremely impressive”. of the Parish. The Parish is continuing to grow with new houses which will mean longer Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council were delivery routes and more copies printed. The successful in achieving the Foundation Level Parish Council are keen to ensure that each of the Award, following a panel interview and every house in the Parish continue to attended by the Clerk and Chair. receive a copy of the newsletter as the Parish continues to grow and are therefore Walk to Celebrate 50 Years of extremely grateful to the Three Parishes Big Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Local for their support through the £500 The Parish Council, through the recently grant. formed Parish Paths Partnership, plans to hold a community walk on the morning Three Parishes Big Local Chairman, Nick of Sunday 16th July 2017. The event is being Heard, said "The biggest issue we found when held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the we did our original research was that people formation of Selattyn and Gobowen Parish. complained that they didn't know various events were happening so it is great to The walk will start at the Pavilion, Gobowen support the Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Playing Fields, and follow a 5 mile circular Roundabout in their efforts to keep everyone route on roads and public footpaths, arriving informed". back at the Pavilion. Start time will be 10 am and walkers can expect to return by 1 pm. Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Council receives Award in Those intending to walk on the day are asked National Scheme to pre-register with the walk leader, Mike Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council has McKenna, by Friday 7th July on 07565 received a prestigious award as part of the 528821 or by text, providing name and date Local Council Award Scheme. This of birth. Check-in for the walk will be at achievement recognises that the council the Pavilion at 9.30 am. Walkers under 18 

Reports & Information years must be accompanied by a responsible For further information, please contact me, adult and no dogs will be allowed. Mike McKenna on 07565 528821. Mike McKenna Further information will be provided nearer the day. A World of Reading Delivered Mike McKenna to the Door Imagine being stuck at home with nothing to Selattyn & Gobowen Parish read…If YOU could spare 2 hours per month Paths Partnership Up to be a Home Library Service volunteer for and Running Gobowen Central and pop books/DVDs/ As mentioned in the last issue of Round- audiobooks to local housebound readers, about, the Parish Paths Partnership (P3) is we’d love to hear from you. Call us on now in existence; volunteer membership has 01691 653388 or email gobo- grown to six. The Partnership, between [email protected] for more County, Parish Council and volunteers, aims details. to improve access to the many public footpaths and bridleways which criss- Bryn y Castell Coppice cross the 28 square kilometres of Selattyn Conservation Group and Gobowen Parish. The group has planted a large number of trees in the coppice. These are marked with The P3 team is now carrying out stakes and plastic tubes so they can be moni- monthly surveys across the whole Parish, to tored and weeds removed from around identify problem areas alongside is- them. Shortly after planting many of the sues previously reported. It is clear that tubes were removed and left elsewhere in much work needs to be done. Refurbishment the coppice. They have been replaced and of stiles or replacement with kissing gates, the group continues to monitor. will be done with the support of landowners and professionals. P3 members will receive training so that some tasks will become possible for volunteers alone.

The P3 group needs additional members now so that we can progress more quickly at this early stage. If you see a small team with a clipboard, out and about the Parish, please approach us and check what we are doing. We are authorised to make improve- ments wherever we can. We want to help (Above: Members of Bryn-y-Castell Coppice people get out and get moving, to enjoy our Conservation Group and Councillor strikingly varied countryside. Improving Robert Macey Tree Planting in March) footpaths is one way of doing that. Some trees fell during recent gales and the

group has removed tree trunks which would like one-to-one tuition, call me, Helen, blocked the entrance to the coppice. on 07505095852. Chris Jenkins Helen Beers

Yoga & Mindfulness Classes in New Saints FC Foundation Gobowen The New Saints FC Foundation is the Studies show that one very good way to work charitable arm of TNS Football Club, and its on our physical and mental fitness is to take aims are to take sports and physical activities up yoga and mindfulness. These together out in to the community – providing as many belong to an ancient Indian system of holistic people as possible with the opportunity to healthcare which boosts physical and mental benefit from physical activity no matter what wellbeing by focussing on building strength their age or ability. As part of this, the and flexibility through exercise and Foundation has provided free weekly school breath-control. Yoga and mindfulness benefit holiday activities in Gobowen, St Martins and all ages, right from childhood through to Weston Rhyn for the last two years - thanks those of very advanced years. to the support of 3 Parishes Big Local and St Martins/Gobowen/Weston Rhyn Local Joint You don’t have to be fit to get started either. Committee. This year, we are being You can join a mixed-ability yoga class, like supported again to run the activities, and are the one I run on a Tuesday evening at the delighted to also have been supported by Gobowen Pavilion. Or, even if you struggle to Gobowen Youth Opportunity Fund which has get up and down from the floor, you can join provided us with a grant to enable us to yoga classes that are chair-based, like my purchase ‘cool’ T-shirts and baseball caps to class for seniors on a Friday morning at All reward those attending the activities, as well Saints Parish Hall, Gobowen. as being able to offer an even wider range of fun activities – everything from street dance When we think of yoga, we tend to have to martial arts. mental images of people throwing pretzel- shapes with their bodies! This means that We would like to express our very sincere people are often afraid to join a yoga class thanks to all those who are supporting the because they feel inflexible and stiff. But, activities, and particularly this year Gobowen again, flexibility is not an essential starting Youth Opportunity Fund. We have already requirement. Yoga will improve your kicked off our 2017 programme with a very flexibility and help you go beyond your successful week of activities during the Easter present range of movement. holidays, when almost 100 children attended across the three villages. The activities are If you would like to learn more about yoga open for children and young people aged 4 – and mindfulness and what it can offer you, 16 years, and run for 3 hours (11am – 2pm) in visit my Facebook page for regular updates: each of the three villages during every week https://www.facebook.com/Listenful/. If you of the school holidays (Gobowen – Mondays; would like join one of my yoga classes or St Martins – Wednesdays; Weston Rhyn – Thursdays) - a light lunch and drink are 

Reports & Information also included. We will be back in the three FAVOURS – this is where you offer, for villages over the summer holiday period. For example, to do ironing or gardening which further information please contact helps to raise funds as another person pays [email protected] or phone for the offer. More information will be 01691 684840. available later in the year. I hear that there Gill Jones are some wonderful offers already. Foundation Officer – The New Saints FC Foundation Ltd More information can be found by searching face book – Ifton Colliery or contact Sue Ifton Miners Schofield, Chair by phone on 01691 777710 Commemorative Project or email: [email protected] Sue Schofield, completed her sponsored swim of 66 lengths of St Martins School pool Thank you to Sue (Schofield) for the update. in 42mins 32 secs. on her 66th Birthday. Sue Crow Congratulations! Well done Sue a great effort. Gobowen Scout Group It's 12 months since our last report so a short Terry Ellis and Ken Hinton two members of article of what we've been up to. the committee were there to support Sue and were instrumental in promoting the We have had a good year with numbers attempt which added a considerable sum to remaining steady all supported by a brilliant the total. team of Leaders.

They think that the event has raised at least 1. We attended Remembrance Service at All £1600. The money will go to towards the Saints bronze statue of a miner to commemorate 2. We held our Carol Service at Preeshenlle the 50th anniversary of the closure of Ifton 3. We took part in St George's Day Parade in Colliery in November 1968. An event that had Oswestry a great impact on the community at the time 4. We did car parking duties at Vintage and before the history gets lost we want to Machinery Show at Park Hall have something in place that will help to 5. We did bag packing at Stan’s Shop record the History and Heritage of the area for future generations. The last two events are normally our biggest fundraisers but unfortunately were not as If you would like to contribute to the fund in successful as usual. The reasons being lack of memory of a family member who worked at parental support and also our day at Stan’s Ifton or have any ideas for fund raising. I was not as close to Christmas as usual so know that many miners lived in Gobowen, customer numbers were well down. my own father being one of them. The Beaver Scout section of Scouting was 30 Look out for future events. Possible a years of age and we joined a Grand Party Summer Race Night in July and a raffle of with other Groups from the district.

The Cub Scout section of Scouting was 100 Qube’s Volunteer Centre will be years of age. The Cubs had a weekend camp Building Better Opportunities to celebrate this anniversary. through Volunteering We are excited to announce that Qube We also invited adults who had been Cubs to Volunteer Centre will be running a new renew their promise. This event was supported volunteering service for people synchronized with the whole of the UK. who are unemployed and looking to get back to work. This includes people who have We have also held a number of social events never worked or that have been out of work including quizzes, beetle drive and coffee and for a long period of time. mince pie evening. After our AGM we had parents versus Scouts at cricket and Beavers This new service will help people to find a and Cubs versus parents at rounders. suitable role that matches their interests and personal development goals. Additionally we All sections are working hard at their badge recognise that some organisations also need work aiming to get the relevant Chief Scout support to help them to find the right Award. The requirements have recently volunteer. Therefore, our centre will also become much more stringent and it's a real offer advice and guidance on how to support achievement to get the award. the volunteers that will be accessing the new service. Qube Volunteer Centre will continue Recent recipients are:- to provide advice to anyone who is interested in volunteering and interview those calling Bronze Award: Gethin Hughes into Qube. We will also have our new Silver Award: Alastair Clarke Volunteering in Shropshire Website launching Angharad Hughes very soon. If you feel that your organisation Carter Gibbons can offer a suitable opportunity then please George Edwards do not hesitate to contact Alex or Kim at Lowri Smith Qube. Additionally, if you feel that your Rosie Milford clients could benefit from accessing the Gold Award: Jessica Charmley programme to help them into work then please ask them to contact us to arrange an A group are going to Kandersteg International appointment. The Building Better Scout Centre in Switzerland this summer. It's Opportunities Programme is funded by the a great opportunity to meet fellow Scouts Big Lottery Fund and the European Social from around the world. Everyone is looking Fund. Building Better Opportunities will forward to the experience. support projects in England that tackle poverty and promote social inclusion. Finally we appealed once if anyone had stories or anecdotes about Gobowen Scouts We are looking forward to working with you in the past. We didn't have any replies so on this new project. would just like to ask again... Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry SY11 1RB David Reade

Clubs & Organisations

Mon 9.00-9.30am Gobowen Family Support Drop-In Gobowen Primary School 656513

Mon 9.00-11.00am Stay & Play Session Gobowen Primary School 655121

Mon 12.00pm Lunch Club (once every month) All Saint’s Church Hall 659674

Mon 1.45pm ‘Sparklers’ Pre-school All Saint’s Church Hall 672983 (2nd Mon of the month)

Mon 5.00-7.00pm Fusion Arts Gobowen Youth Sessions Gobowen Pavilion 677170

Mon 5.15-6.15pm Plastic Sword Fencing (for ages 8+) Gobowen Scout Hut 07773 454157

Mon 7.30pm Selattyn Woodturning Club (Every 2nd Mon Oaklands 661500 of month)

Tue 9.30-11.00am O.A.S.H.G. T'ai Chi Gobowen Scout Hall 656321

Tue 10.00am-4.00pm Oswestry Men's Shed Oswestry Showground 07821 357 356

Tue 10.00am-12.00pm Village Volunteering (2nd Tues of month) Gobowen Library 656882

Tue 10.30-11.30am Time to Listen Gobowen Library 653388

Tue 10.30-11.30am Extend Exercise for Men & Women All Saint’s Church Hall 07854 258 087

Tue 2.30pm Women’s Fellowship Preeshenlle United 658016 Reform Church

Tue 6.00-7.15pm Beavers Gobowen Scout Hall 658016

Tue 6.00-7.30pm 1st Gobowen Girls Brigade Christ Church, Oswestry 680708

Tue 7.00pm Women’s Institute All Saint’s Church Hall 656914 (1st Tue of month)

Tue 7.30-9.00pm Kempo Karate Gobowen Scout Hall 777463

Tue 7.30-9.00pm Yoga & Mindfulness Gobowen Pavilion 07505 095852

Wed 10.00am-4.00pm Oswestry Men's Shed Oswestry Showground 07821 357 356

Wed 2.00-5.00pm Indoor Bowls All Saint’s Church Hall 650736

Wed 7.15pm Karate All Saint’s Church Hall 652095

Thu Phoenix Group (formerly W.I.) The Cross Keys (2nd Thu of month) Function Room, Selattyn

Thu 10.00am-4.00pm Oswestry Men's Shed Oswestry Showground 07821 357 356

Thu 10.00am-12.00pm Gobowen I.T. Project (term time only) Gobowen Pavilion 655385

Thu 1.00-2.45pm Stay & Play Session Gobowen Primary School 655121

Thu 2.30pm Mothers’ Union (4th Thu of month) All Saint’s Church Hall 659674

Thu 4.00pm Gobowen Old Friends Association All Saint’s Church Hall 239709 (every 3rd Thu of month)

Thu 7.30pm Salsa Dancing Classes (fortnightly) The Last Inn, Hengoed 659747

Thu 7.30pm Ladies’ Guild (2nd Thu of month) All Saint’s Church Hall 650516

Fri 9.00-10.30am Little Badgers Selattyn School Hall 659744

Fri 10.30-11.30am Extend Exercise for Men and Women Meadowbrook 07854 258 087

Fri 5.45-7.30pm Cubs Gobowen Scout Hall 658016

Fri 7.30-9.00pm Selattyn Youth Club Selattyn School Hall 690511

Fri 7.45-9.30pm Scouts Gobowen Scout Hall 658016

Fri 8.00-9.30pm Explorer Scouts Gobowen Scout Hall 658016

Sun Contact the Elderly Various locations 0121 603 1331

If there are any changes to the arrangement of these Clubs & Organisations please contact the Assistant to the Parish Clerk via email (details on page 2) to keep the information printed here as up to date as possible. Diary of Events

12th Jul ‘17 7.00pm Parish Council Meeting The Pavilion, St. Martin’s Road, Gobowen 16th Jul ‘17 9.30am Parish Walk (seepages 5 & 6) The Pavilion, St. Martin’s Road, Gobowen

31st Jul ‘17 11.00am— TNS Multi-Sport Activities with Gobowen Playing Fields, St. Martin’s Road, 2.00pm Lunch (see pages 7 & 8) Gobowen 7th Aug ‘17 11.00am— TNS Multi-Sport Activities with Gobowen Playing Fields, St. Martin’s Road, 2.00pm Lunch (see pages 7 & 8) Gobowen 14th Aug ‘17 11.00am— TNS Multi-Sport Activities with Gobowen Playing Fields, St. Martin’s Road, 2.00pm Lunch (see pages 7 & 8) Gobowen 21st Aug ‘17 11.00am— TNS Multi-Sport Activities with Gobowen Playing Fields, St. Martin’s Road, 2.00pm Lunch (see pages 7 & 8) Gobowen 28th Aug ‘17 11.00am— TNS Multi-Sport Activities with Gobowen Playing Fields, St. Martin’s Road, 2.00pm Lunch (see pages 7 & 8) Gobowen 13th Sept ‘17 7.00pm Parish Council Meeting The Pavilion, St. Martin’s Road, Gobowen 11

General Information

The Chester Shrewsbury Rail involve specific trains or purchasing in Partnership advance? If you are going for a few of days in Your local booking office at Gobowen Station particular there is a Super Off Peak Return to can offer you some really good priced rail London Marylebone. This can be purchased tickets and here are some suggestions for on the day from Gobowen for £39.50 per days out over the next few months. adult (Senior and Family Railcard discounts can be applied). Earliest train that can be Ranger & Rover Tickets from Gobowen used is the 08.07 with an arrival in London Station Marylebone at 11.40. Return travel cannot take place between 16.00 and 19.00 hours as Ffestiniog Round Robin with this ticket you have to avoid the This is a day ticket giving a circular journey commuter time trains. If you wish to travel starting at Gobowen. Travel either via earlier on the 06.56 train (arrival Marylebone Chester and the North Wales coast or via at 10.40) or come back at any time during the Shrewsbury and the Cambrian Line. Both evening on this route, an Off Peak return is directions of travel include a single journey also available at a cost of £59 per adult again on the Ffestiniog Railway. Price for one Adult senior and family railcards would apply. £39. Rail Card discounts apply and child fares available. To book your tickets or for more details call in at the station. Cheshire Day Ranger This day ticket gives unlimited off peak travel Gobowen Playing Field for one day in the Cheshire, Merseyside and More people use the playing field during the Greater Manchester areas. From New summer months than at any other time of Brighton to Manchester and Buxton and year—especially if the weather is good. Stoke on Trent you can plan your journey as you wish. Prices £23 plus Gobowen to This year the New Saints will be running Chester return £8.80. Rail Card discounts multi-sports activities for children throughout apply and child fares available. the summer holidays - that’s why it’s more important than ever to respect the area. Heart of Wales Circular Day Ranger A one day circular ticket taking in the Heart of We ask visitors and parishioners to please Wales Line. Travel via Shrewsbury either via make use of the litter bins positioned at all of the Heart of Wales Line from Shrewsbury to the official access/exit points to the field. Swansea or via the mainline to Cardiff via Hereford and Newport. Return by the DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON LEADS AT ALL TIMES opposite route. Prices £39 plus Gobowen to and please clear up after it. Shrewsbury return £8.10. Rail Card discounts apply and child fares available. Above all, please respect the area and the other people who want to enjoy it. Many London Travel thanks. Looking for a low cost option that doesn’t Assistant to the Clerk

2016-2017 Parish Council Annual Report

Annual Meeting of the Parish Report 2016-17

Last year we as a council set ourselves some targets for this current year and I am pleased to confirm that they were achieved. Policies and activities which we pursue are required to represent value for money as well as value to the parish.

In the budget setting, we have followed through for a second year with a payment for the running of the library. It is important to have this as both a village and parish facility as so much can emanate from within this hub. It is still very much in the development stage and new initiatives are always welcomed for further discussion and inclusion.

The commitment to upgrade the streetlights to LED continues. The areas benefitting from this are determined by the condition of the existing lighting stock. The best will be left till last. When completed our power usage and hence cost will have seen a major reduction.

Remedial action has been taken to secure the boundary fence between The Pavilion Playing Field and St Martins Road. It is a major improvement and the supplanted hedging will add colour and diversity as they become established.

The long running saga to secure an acceptable solution to the repair of the Selattyn wall is getting closer with Shropshire Council eventually accepting responsibility for its maintenance. Its current condition is to be surveyed and monitored and appropriate action taken as and when required.

With so much talk nowadays focusing on obesity levels within our population and the budget busting NHS costs associated with various treatments, we decided to have an emphasis on the inclusion of as great a proportion of our community as possible in outside recreation. Where better to start than on the circumference path of the pavilion playing field. It is a most pleasant walk at any time of the year. Allied to this it was decided to replace an existing failing play structure with a newer more physically challenging one. This was installed in early May and hopefully it will generate endless hours of healthy calorie burning fun.

Such equipment does not come cheap and I am pleased to announce that the entire cost of its provision and installation has been met by outside funding. We are extremely grateful to all the providers for their generous support.

In order to provide a more diverse walking experience it was decided at our 2016 Annual Parish Meeting to establish a Parish Paths Partnership. This has now been done and at the helm we have the valued services of Mr. Mike McKenna who will be co-ordinating activities and events relating to this initiative. So please do contact him to render assistance and support where ever possible and to be included in all walking activities within our parish. 

With the disappearance of the red iconic phone boxes from both our street and landscapes we moved forward and adopted the one in Hengoed. In the 2017-18 budget Selattyn will benefit from the provision of a further planter bringing more colour and fragrance to the village.

Road safety issues are still of concern and we continue to make representations at all levels to bring about change, it is slow progress but we continue to beat the drums on your behalf.

Huw Ellis Chairman of the Parish Council

2015/16 2016/17 Balances Brought Forward 99285 88214 Precept 70429 77500 Other income 31651 45130 Staff costs 20725 24397 Loans 0 0 Other Payments 92426 81120 Balances carried forward 88214 105328 Fixed Assets 269027 285891

2016-17 Parish Council Annual Report Explanations of the variances can be found on the Parish Council website: www.selattyn-gobowen.org.uk

In 2016-17 Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council made grant awards to the following organisations:

Description Agreed Amount Gobowen Old Friends £50 Selattyn Produce and Craft Show £90 Gobowen Scout Group £90 Bryn-Y-Castell Coppice Conservation Group £90 Gobowen Library / Community Hub £5000 Defibrillator for the community £66.25

2016-2017 Parish Council Annual Report

Oswestry Area organisations Description Agreed Amount Ifton Colliery Project £90 Royal British Legion £50

County based organisations Description Agreed Amount West Mercia Search and Rescue £90 Macmillan Cancer Support £90 Revitalise £90 Marie Curie £90

Fees and charges 01.04.17 – 31.03.18

Hengoed Cemetery—Parishioners Fees The Parishioner Fees listed below apply where the person to be Interred or in respect of whom the right is granted is, or immediately before the Death was, an Inhabitant or a Parishioner of Selattyn and Gobowen Parish or within the last five years their last place of private residence was in Selattyn and Gobowen Parish.

2017/18 Administration Fee Fixed fee £140 Purchase of Plot at the time of burial Parishioner £290 Interment of Ashes in Garden of Remembrance Parishioner £130 Introduction of Headstones Cemetery £100 Garden of Remembrance £90 Inscription to Headstones Additional wording (complete) £40 Reduction for Children (at the time of burial) – only applicable to single depth plots Under 18 years 50% Under 5 years 75% Under 12 months provided interment is in a baby grave (if available) Free (if baby grave is available) 15

2016-2017 Parish Council Annual Report

Hengoed Cemetery—Non Parishoner Fees 2017/18 Administration Fee Fixed fee £150 Purchase of Plot at the time of burial Non-Parishioner £1100 Interment of Ashes in Garden of Remembrance Non-Parishioner £440

Introduction of Headstones Cemetery £100 Garden of Remembrance £90 Inscription to Headstones Additional wording (complete) £40

Pavilion Hire Room Hire – General Use Use of all rooms and toilets – without shower facilities £10 / hour Use of all rooms, toilets and showers (Parish organisations/clubs) Up to 2 hours in total £45 2hours to 4 hours in total £65 4 hours to 6 hours in total £90 Use of all rooms, toilets and showers (Non-Parish organisations/clubs) Up to 2 hours in total £65 2hours to 4 hours in total £85 4 hours to 6 hours in total £100 Changing Room Hire – Football Teams for duration of game period Including use of showers and toilets. Parish Teams £45 Other Teams £65

Gobowen Allotments Rents 2017/18 - £30 for a full plot £15 for a half plot per year.

Community Meals - Meals payments £4 per meal and volunteer mileage 0.35p.

Feature

Gobowen to Everest chance. For businesses there will be an Local author Dave Andrews, creator and opportunity to advertise too.’ writer of the Oswestry Round, is writing a new book whose title will be of interest to ‘Gobowen to Everest’ is the story of Dave’s our readers. It will be called ‘Gobowen to adventure in the Himalaya but it all started at Everest’ and is expected to be out in the our railway station here in Gobowen on one autumn. The book is based on a diary Dave cold September morning. ‘I can remember kept on a trek to Everest Base Camp as part sitting in the station in the early hours and of an expedition which included actor Brian wondering what on earth I was doing, going Blessed and an international team of off to Nepal and leaving my wife Jane behind. climbers. We had only just got married and yet here I was setting off without her. We’ve travelled Dave is writing ‘Gobowen to Everest’ to raise all over the world together, walking in the money for Cancer Research UK and Lingen mountains, but at that time she had work Davies Cancer Fund at commitments. the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital where cancer It was a once in a life- patients from Shrop- time experience of shire and Mid-Wales course and I kept a diary are treated. Dave was as I always do on my treated there himself travels. I met many won- in 2014. Dave wants to derful individuals among use this book to give the Sherpas people who other people an were our guides and opportunity to contrib- porters, as well as Brian ute too. Blessed and Fergie the Duchess of York. It was a ‘I’m raising part of the memorable time and I’ve publication costs enjoyed writing it all up through crowdfund- in book form knowing ing,’ Dave explains. that it will benefit the ‘Anyone contributing two charities I’m keen to £5 or more will be support.’ listed in the book as a subscriber (unless they If anyone is interested in want to remain anony- the chance to crowdfund mous) and anyone Dave’s book, he can be contributing £10 or more will also get an invi- contacted by email at [email protected] tation to the book launch and other publicity or by phone on 01691 650293. You can find events. I’ve had lots of interest already, out more about the Oswestry Round book mainly from friends and business people, but and the Oswestry Round Challenge at I’d also like to give other local people the www.oswestryround.co.uk

Three Parishes Big Local

Do you like to take photographs? Three Parishes Big Local are offering you the opportunity to have your photo of Gobowen, Weston Rhyn or St Martins area featured on the front cover of the Messenger. The Messenger is our fortnightly what’s on guide to events and activities in our area. There are copies available to pick up in various points in the three villages. In addition to a printed copy, it is also available electronically.

We are looking for photographs of buildings, places of local interest and the local countryside that show the beautiful places we live in. The competition is open to anyone who lives or works in Gobowen, St Martins or Weston Rhyn.

To be in with the chance of winning a £10 gift voucher and a framed copy of the Messenger that features your image: Entries should either be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at one of the collection points, clearly marked Messenger Photograph Competition, at: Gobowen Library Weston Rhyn Village Institute

Message from our Chair

Now the weather's brightening up thoughts turn to outdoor partying.....a great opportunity to get your local community together.

How about a community BBQ or street party?! This would be a great occasion to get the neighbours together and get to know one another.

Our Community Chest grants are ideal for funding this type of event and can be used for equipment, publicity and anything else that you might need, although we can't fund food and drink, unfortunately.

If this sounds like something you would like to follow up contact: Bridget or Paula on 01691 656882, email: [email protected] or at the Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry, Shropshire. SY11 1RB.

St Martins Centre or Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry, SY11 1RB  Digital image needs to be jpeg high resolution and landscape format (not portrait).  The printed photograph must be a minimum size 6” x 4” and in landscape.  Please remember to put your name, contact telephone number or email and your age (if under 18) on the back of your entry or in your email so that you can be contacted if you win one of the prizes. Closing date 31st July 2017.

Full terms and conditions for the competition are available on our website, www.big-local.org, our Facebook page: 3PBigLocal, or by contacting Paula at Qube on 01691 656882.

Got any ideas? Like to get involved? Want to keep up with 3 Parishes Big Local news? Contact Bridget, Paula, or the Three Parishes Big Local Partnership:

Mail: Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry, SY11 1RB Phone: 01691 656882 Email: [email protected] Website : www.big-local.org Follow us on twitter: 3PBigLocal Like our facebook page: 3PBigLocal

There are lots of exciting opportunities to volunteer right here in Gobowen. You can meet new people, improve your local community and get a real sense of achievement.

Come and have a chat at one of our drop in sessions. They are on the Second Tuesday of every month at Gobowen Central (Library). The upcoming dates are:

● 10am-12pm on Tuesday 13th June ● 10am-12pm on Tuesday 11th July ● 10am-12pm on Tuesday 8th August

There are also drop-ins in St Martins(1st Tues) and Weston Rhyn (3rd Tues).

For more information contact Alex Drury, Volunteering Officer at Qube tel: 01691 656882 or email [email protected].

We would also like to hear from you if you organise a local community group and use volunteers. We can help you find the volunteers you need and support you with issues such as recruitment, DBS and insurance. Get in touch on the details above – or feel free to pop in to one of our drop-in sessions.

Community Notices

Gobowen Old Friends Help at Home Association Help @ Home is a service The Old Friends continue to meet on the 3rd offered throughout Thursday of each month in Gobowen Church Shropshire, Telford & Hall. Membership is £5 per year. Most Wrekin by Age UK STW, to anyone over 50. months we enjoy tea at 4pm, with some People often need help and assistance to entertainment. We also run 5 coach trips a remain independent and ensure a good year open to non-members. We have quality of life. organised an all-day trip to Llandudno (July 20th), an all-day trip to Liverpool Docks We offer help with shopping, walking the dog (Sept. 21st), and a half-day visit to Bridgmere or light domestic duties around your home, Garden Centre, followed by pub meal stop. including laundry, ironing and gardening. (Oct. 19th). After an initial visit from one of our co- ordinators to discuss the help you require, Gobowen Old Friends is open to any and the cost, we offer a trained support Gobowen resident over 60 and enquiries can worker who will start visits on a regular basis. be made to the secretary, Heather Ryan, on 01691 239709. To discuss your needs with a member of our David Ryan (Chairman) staff call 01743 233788.

Wise & Well Information Days

Come along to our FREE information days, to include a series of short talks, a demonstration and a chance to ask questions that are relevant to you.

● Healthy Living Information Day: Wednesday, 28th June in the St Martins Centre from 10.00 am – 1.30 pm. There will be talks on Emergency and Future Planning, Healthy Eating (with demonstration), Falls Prevention and an Exercise Taster.

● Home Safety Information Day: Wednesday, 19th July in Whittington Senior Citizens’ Club from 10.00 am to 1.30 pm. There will be talks on Fire Safety, Avoiding Scams, Falls Prevention and an Exercise Taster.

At both Information Days there will also be an Exhibition of local charities and support services and a free lunch!

Everyone is welcome and the events are free of charge but we ask people to book their place in advance. Help with transport is available. To find out more and to book, please phone Lisa on 01743 342162 or email [email protected] . Don’t delay, book today!

Shropshire Royal Volunteers Wanted British Legion County Festival of Are you looking for Remembrance a new challenge? The Royal British Legion in Can you spare a few hours a Shropshire invites one and all week to make a real to join us for our Annual Difference to a family in the Festival of Remembrance on Local community? Tuesday 24 October 2017 at 7.30pm at Theatre Severn, Free training starts Shrewsbury. on Tuesday

Compered by Eric Smith (BBC 12th Sept 2017 Radio Shropshire) the programme includes the Shrewsbury Brass Band, Call us today to find out more 01743 241433 Jigsaw Sound Choir, singer Sadie-Beth and or email [email protected]

RAF Shawbury. The evening concludes with Home-Start Shropshire is a registered the formal Service of Remembrance. All charity in England & Wales (1139945) proceeds to The Poppy Appeal. Tickets £10 and a company limited by guarantee, available now from Theatre Severn box office registered in England & Wales. 01743 281281 o r e m a i l [email protected] Gobowen Youth Sessions Social Media Fusion Arts continue to deliver youth

Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Council have a sessions at Gobowen Pavilion on Monday website where you can find details of all nights from 5pm to 7pm (excluding Bank council meetings. Holidays).

Visit www.selattyn-gobowenpc.org.uk Like on facebook:/ There are a range of activities, including new www.facebook.comSelattynandGobowenPC gen consoles such as X box one and PS4 for And follow us on Twitter @SandGPC gaming sessions.

Fusion Arts Youth Sessions will continue Recycle Your Old Batteries Locally throughout the summer so everyone is You can now recycle your old batteries and welcome. The entry fee is £1 and inhalers at a collection point at the Day Lewis refreshments are available to those Pharmacy in who attend. Gobowen, located at the entrance car park to Gobowen Railway Station.

21 Useful Contact Information Medical Cambrian Medical Centre, Thomas Savin Road, Oswestry...... 652929 Cambrian Pharmacy, Oswald Road, Oswestry ...... 670292 Caxton Surgery, Oswald Road, Oswestry—Emergency & General Enquiries ...... 654646 Appointments...... 6536000 Dispensary...... 659250 Repeat Prescriptions ...... 658519 Chirk Surgery ...... 772434 Child Health Centre, Victoria Road, Oswestry ...... 653313 Day Lewis Pharmacy (Gobowen) ...... 652377 Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre, Middleton Road, Oswestry—Appointments & Enquiries ...... 655844 Repeat Prescriptions...... 655538 Shropdoc NHS Out of Hours ...... 08444 068888 Hospitals Chirk Community Hospital, John’s Street, Chirk ...... 772430 Princess Royal Hospital, Apley Castle, Telford ...... 01952 641222 Robert Johns & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital ...... 404000 Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Mytton Oak Road, Shrewsbury ...... 01743 26100 Shropshire Nuffield...... 01743 817144 Wrexham Maelor Hospital ...... 01978 291100 Schools, Playgroups and Colleges Gobowen All Rounders ...... 653147 Gobowen Primary School (Head Teacher: Mrs. L. Luke) ...... 661343 Marches School, Oswestry (Head Teacher: Mrs. S. Longville) ...... 664400 North Shropshire College, Oswestry ...... 688000 Selattyn School (Head Teacher: Ms. C. Morgan) ...... 659744 St. Martin’s School (Principal: Mrs. S. Lovecy) ...... 776500 St. Martin’s Arts Centre (Principal: Mrs. S. Lovecy)...... 776502 Sure Start Children’s Centre, Gobowen Family Support Drop-In, School Lane, Gobowen ...... 656513 Churches All Saints ...... 661226 Our Lady & Saint Oswald’s Catholic Church ...... 652248 Preeshenlle United Reformed Church ...... 658016 St. Mary’s Church, Selattyn ...... 661226 Police Local Police...... 101 PC Kate Le’Clere ...... 07792 774024 Reporting Crime Disorder (non-emergency) ...... 0300 333 3000 Crime Stoppers ...... 0800 555 111 (FREE CALL) Veterinary Surgeries Border Veterinary Centre, Maesbury Road, Oswestry ...... 670395 Park Issa Veterinary Hospital, Salop Road, Oswestry ...... 670067 Travel Arriva Midlands North, Oswestry Depot.....0871 200 2233 Community Rail Officer ...... 772784 Gobowen Railway Station ...... 681010 National Rail Enquiries for long distance travel (local call charge) ...... 08457 484950 Owens Coaches, Oswestry ...... 652126 Traveline (public transport information) ...... 0871 200 2233 Dial-a-Ride ...... 671571 General Age Concern ...... 01743 233123 Childline (FREE) ...... 0800 1111 Citizens Advice Bureau, 34 Arthur Street, Oswestry ...... 0344 499 1100 Community Meals...... 829571 Gobowen Allotments ...... 829571 Domestic Violence Helpline (FREE) ...... 0808 2000 247 Gobowen Library - Tues: 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm, Weds: 10am-1pm, 2pm-4pm (term time only), Thurs: 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm, Sat: 10am-1pm ...... 653388 Gobowen Post Office...... 658814 Helpmates ...... 656882 Oswestry Leisure Centre, Shrewsbury Road...... 677150 Qube ...... 656882 R.S.P.C.A...... 08705 555999 Shopmobility...... 656882 Signature Smiles Dental Practice...... 662719 Shropshire Council (General Enquires) ...... 0345 678 9000 Social Services Dept (North Area)...... 01743 253911 Volunteer Bureau ...... 670021