Paul: The Fish logo is transparent. If you place any picture, make certain it has been converted to CMYK. The fish logo master link is on the disk separately. Sent picture to the back and it will appear behind the strapline. The straplines etc are in their correct positions. Stretton Focus Community Voice of the Strettons December 2004 70p Photo: Rachael Photo: Sankey © Operation Child

Cover December 2004 1 12/11/04, 12:03 pm STRETTON FOCUS Contents (founded 1967) News Tourism Group ...... 5 Average monthly sales: 1,450 copies. Round Table – Rainbow Walk ...... 6 (About 65% of households in Church Stretton) Love in a Box (cover article) ...... 9 Mayfair Double Launch ...... 12 Chairman David Jandrell . . . . .724531 Shropshire Wildlife Trust ...... 14 Co-Editors Norma Taylor ...... 723617 Civil Service Retirement Fellowship ...... 17 Pat Oxtoby ...... 723199 All Saints’ Church – car lifts ...... 18 Bill Forsythe ...... 724100 A49 Safety Group ...... 28 Cover Design Rachael Sankey . . . . .720024 Church Stretton Library ...... 33 Computer Production Barrie Raynor ...... 723928 Food Fayre AGM ...... 33 Rowland Jackson . . . .722390 Household Rubbish ...... 40 Paul Miller ...... 724596 Distribution Jon Cooke ...... 723205 Forthcoming events Advertising Len Bolton ...... 724579 Royal British Legion ...... 3 Treasurer John Wainwright . . .722823 Morning-after Fun Run/Walk ...... 5 Secretary Janet Peak ...... 722994 Round Table – Santa in Church Stretton ...... 6 Christmas Services ...... 26 email address: [email protected] More Singers ...... 30 Stretton Choral Society ...... 36 Advertisements. Rates for block and occasional RNLI ...... 39 advertisements may be obtained (send s.a.e.) from the Rotary – Tree of Light ...... 40 Advertising Manager, Len Bolton, ‘Oakhurst’, Hazler Mayfair Party ...... 42 Road, Church Stretton, SY6 7AQ, Tel: 01694 724579 to Regular Features whom copy should be sent. Anglican Voice ...... 18 Catholic Voice ...... 40 The Stretton Focus Management Board cannot accept Focus on Faith ...... 9 responsibility for any product or service advertised. Herbary ...... 28 Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply any form Letters ...... 39 of approval or recommendation. Advertisers are required to Mayfair Lottery Result ...... 42 comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. Methodist Voice ...... 14 Out and About ...... 42 Submission of articles. Material on 31⁄2˝ disks or CDs, and Recipe ...... 30 typed or handwritten copy together with good quality glossy Thank you ...... 36 colour or monochrome photographs should be handed Town Council Minutes ...... 35 directly to Stretton Focus c/o Wrights, Estate Agent, Trivia Corner 13 ...... 6 Sandford Avenue by noon on the date below. Material may Trivia Answers ...... 42 also be sent by e-mail to [email protected] as an URC Voice ...... 30 attachment by the same copy date. Weather ...... 11 What’s On ...... 3 Disclaimer. Stretton Focus prints a wide range of articles and letters. The views expressed by signed articles are Other Items those of their authors and not necessarily those of the Clippings from Cambodia ...... 7 Management Board. Dominoes ...... 11 Air Ambulance Service ...... 12 Copy day is normally the first Monday of the month. Forthe Fresh Fields and Pastures New ...... 17 January issue it is Monday 29th November 2004 (12.00 noon). Memories of the Flower ...... 18 Percy’s Memories ...... 39 The January Stretton Focus will be distributed on Friday Reg’s Ramblings ...... 42 31st December. Advertising Manager – Focus ...... 42

Outlets. Stretton Focus may be purchased by annual subscription (delivered) or directly from Newsworld (Sandford Avenue), All Stretton Stores, Coop, Longmynd Filling Station (A49) and the Churches.

© 2004 Stretton Focus ISSN 1479-7356

Stretton Focus is printed by WPG, Welshpool The Official Church Stretton web site is at www.churchstretton.co.uk.

Stretton Focus - 2 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 1 12/11/04, 11:59 am What’s On in the Strettons ♦ Saturday - 18th December If you wish to know the times of regular meetings of Farmers’ societies and groups, please consult the list of societies and 9am – 1pm Church Stretton Square their contacts in our central ‘yellow pages’. Mayfair ‘Bring and Share’ Party ♦ Saturday - 4th December 7.30pm Mayfair Community Centre Stretton Choral Society Christmas Concert See page 42 7.30pm Church Stretton School Contact: 01694 723294 Tickets: Burway Books Country Dancing See page 36 8pm Ticklerton Village Hall Contact: 01694 722418 ♦ Sunday - 5th December Readings and Music for ♦ Monday - 20th December 3.30pm St Andrews, Hope Bowdler Round Table – Santa’s travels 6pm – 9pm around Church Stretton ♦ Monday - 6th December See page 6 Coffee Morning All Stretton Village Hall ♦ Tuesday - 21st December Round Table – Santa’s travels ♦ Tuesday - 7th December 6pm – 9pm around Church Stretton Church Stretton & District Flower Club See page 6 A Joyful Christmas by Mrs Margaret Ecclestone 7.30pm Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton ♦ Friday - 24th December Carols in the Square ♦ Wednesday - 8th December 6.30pm Church Stretton Square Flicks in the Sticks Very Annie Mary ♦ Sunday - 26th December 7.30pm Hope Bowdler, Village Hall Carols for All Contact: 01694 723648 3.30pm St Andrews, Hope Bowdler ♦ Friday - 10th December ♦ Friday - 31st December Farmers’ Market Church Stretton Library 9am – 1pm Church Stretton Square 2.15pm – 3.15pm, reading Favourites Craven Arms Men’s Chorus with Knighton Town Silver All ages welcome, parents as well as children. Band See page 33 Christmas Concert 7.30pm Church Stretton School ♦ Saturday - 1st January Contact: 01694 771306 ‘Morning after’ Fun Walk see below 11am Church Stretton Social Club, Essex Road See page 5 ♦ Saturday - 11th December Edited by Bill Forsythe Stretton Cancer Care 2pm Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton Grand Christmas Bazaar including Refreshments

More Singers Christmas Concert 7.30pm Methodist Church, Church Stretton see page 30 ♦ Tuesday - 14th December Royal British Legion – Poppy Appeal Concert Countrywomen’s Guild embers of the Church Stretton Branch of the 2.15pm Parish Centre Royal British Legion thank residents of Church Montford Bridge Bell Ringers MStretton and district for their generous support during the ‘Poppy Appeal’ in November. Church Stretton Women’s Institute 7.15pm Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton Continuing the Appeal the local branch have arranged a Corners Christmas Concert by the Craven Arms Men’s Chorus and the Knighton Town Silver Band at the Church Stretton All Stretton Women’s Institute School Theatre on Friday 10th December at 7.30pm. 7.30pm All Stretton Village Hall Tickets price £6 to include light refreshments are available A Christmas Full of Surprises by Ann Lloyd from Burway Books and Wrights the Estate Agents

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December 2004 mag 2 12/11/04, 11:59 am Church Stretton Area Tourism Group News opefully many residents may have noticed the recent • not yet quite ready, but nearly complete are new town Hadditions to the town’s street furniture: and area maps that will, we feel, prove welcome additions for the new information points and the various local • the three black planters in The Square were made by map sites that presently house old and rather out of date S.F. Vehicle Builders Ltd in Crossways and beautifully historical maps. planted up by Lower Springs Nursery. We think they have added much needed colour and brightness to this important Our Town Council has helped make initial payments for part of town. all these items before reclaiming the sums from the South • the two metal ‘Welcome to Church Stretton’ signs were Shropshire Tourism District Council. In short, European money has funded all these items and local ratepayers have made no direct contribution. We are grateful to SSDC, the European Regional Development Fund, Objective 2 programme & Advantage West Midlands for this funding, and our Town Council for its help.

Other tasks recently undertaken by our Group have included: the supply of two large raised beds on the railway station platforms, now planted up with hundreds of daffodil bulbs, and low maintenance plants will soon be added; the eleven concrete planters in Beaumont Court and Road

photos: Brian Pegg photos: Brian - maintained throughout the summer and shortly to be replanted with low maintenance perennials; litter-picking and sweeping the main streets and car parks; raking up and disposing of leaves from central areas; brightening up also made by S.F.V.B, painted in the town livery of green various areas such as the bus shelter, railings and planters and gold, and form a restrained but quite effective welcome with fresh paint and the organisation of the Christmas to visitors from the A49 gateway. Fayre on Sunday 28th November, in partnership with the • the new tourist finger post outside Entertaining Christmas Lights Committee. Elephants by the Easthope car park The CSATG is made up entirely of volunteers with no advertises the Tourist paid employees, no offices, no rates or rent. We work hard Information Centre, to earn what money we spend on the area for we feel that the National Trust and if we can help keep Church Stretton tidy then this will be Cardingmill Valley, of benefit not only to tourists but to all the local residents. Church Stretton Golf Our sincere hope is that other groups may eventually Club, Stretton Antiques join us in wanting to make the Strettons as clean, tidy Market, and Rectory and attractive as possible. Until then we will continue to Wood & Field – all the welcome more volunteers and supporters who share our places most tourists aims and aspirations. May I take this opportunity to thank eventually visit. our hard-working volunteers most sincerely for all the work • the new trilateral information post in Beaumont Court was completed this year and John & Lynwen Gott at Berry’s erected after permission was obtained from the South Shropshire for their marvellous hospitality after our working Sunday Housing Association and local residents. South Shropshire mornings. District Council workmen kindly erected both posts. John Woolmer

The 2005 ‘Morning After’ in Church Stretton – Sat 1st Jan ollowing the last six years successful event to welcome This event, now in its seventh year and becoming a local in the new year, fun runners and family walkers are tradition, is the brainchild of local runner Terry Davies. It Finvited to join like-minded people in this local challenge is a drastic method of clearing the head after the previous to complete a three to five mile fun run/trek/stroll over the night’s celebrations, but enjoyed by all 200 plus who took Longmynd returning for a cup of hot soup in Church Stretton. part last year and in previous years. So popular in fact, that Registration starts at 9.00am at Church Stretton Social Club in the organisers are expecting more walkers/runners to enter Essex Road, and the start time is 11.00am. this year. So get into training now and we will see you at the 11.00am start on Saturday 1st January 2005!!!! The event sponsored by local businesses, is in aid of local charities. Entry fees are £3.00 for individual runners/ If you would like any further information then please walkers, juniors £1 and £5.00 for families. All successful contact Terry Davies on 01694 723477 or Chris participants will receive a commemorative certificate to Richards on 0776 017 4493 record their achievement.

Stretton Focus - 5- December 2004

December 2004 mag 3 12/11/04, 11:59 am Church Stretton & District Round Table Support for the local Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at Santa Is On His Way the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital anta will be checking out all the good places to visit nce again, the Church Stretton & on . He and his sleigh, complete with District Round Table and their SChristmas carols and, of course, his band of merry Ofamilies have been in action. A Santa’s Little Helpers (actually the great guys from the number of them took part in the sponsored Church Stretton & Rainbow walk which covered 6 miles across District Round Table) the Long Mynd in Shropshire. The Round Table families will be visiting a place raised £250 which was matched by the Round Table from near you. Keep an eye out their hard earned fundraising to give a total donation of as Santa needs to know £500 to the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at the Royal where all the children Shrewsbury Hospital. live for his important deliveries on Christmas Chairman Ian Beaver said, “This is a fabulous achievement Eve!! Santa will be for the children, some of whom were as young as 4, who visiting Church Stretton walked the 6 miles over the tough terrain and steep slopes on Monday 20th and of the Long Mynd to raise the money. The Church Stretton Tuesday 21st December. & District Round Table is delighted to match the amount Look out for him and to support local good causes such as this appeal”. He between 6pm and 9pm went on to say, “The guys from the Round Table work and make sure he knows hard throughout the year at their fundraising which derives where to come!! from various activities and fun events, including Christmas collections with their Santa and Sleigh, Summer Bar B Qs As usual, Church Stretton and The Fireworks spectacular in Church Stretton”. & District Round Table will be collecting for lots of local charities. We always Accepting the donation from the Round Table was Anita welcome new members and especially collectors to help White, Area Co-ordinator for the Lingen Davies Cancer out at this busy time of year. For further information please Centre Appeal. “This donation is gratefully received and look at www.churchstrettontable.co.uk or contact Ian will go towards the new building which will provide a new Beaver on 07970 980906. clinic for the Haematology Department, new wards for the Richard Mulford Head & Neck Unit and extend the existing Chemotherapy Day Unit. We need to raise in excess of £3m to build these facilities which are vital for the diagnosis and treatment of Festive Trivia Corner No 13 cancer.” by Ken Willis

For further information about how you can help please 1. Which of the gifts from the three Wise Men was a telephone 01743 492396 or email [email protected] sign of divinity? or have a look at our website www.lingendavies.org.uk 2. What was the weather like on the night that Rudolph helped to guide Santa’s Richard Mulford sleigh? 3. In which of the first four books of the New Testament is the story ‘No room at the Inn’? 4. What is the Christmas item that a Tom Smith was first responsible for in the 1800s? 5. Which British monarch was the first to broadcast a Christmas message on TV? 6. In which year did the Post Office first issue special Christmas stamps 1962, 64, 66? 7. In which 1946 film did Jimmy Stewart try to commit suicide at Christmas? 8. Who wrote the book on which the smash hit 2000 Christmas film ‘The ’ was based? 9. Who wrote the seasonal favourite ‘White Christmas’? 10. What was the best selling game at Christmas 1984? L to R: Charles Beaumont, Peter Beaman, Anita White, Joe Mapp, Paul Stephens, and two of the junior walkers Answers on page 42 Robyn and Martin Beaumont.

Stretton Focus - 6 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 4 12/11/04, 11:59 am Clippings from Cambodia Annette Jandrell, whose parents live in Little Stretton, has bumper harvest. It is hoped that their success will encourage recently returned to Cambodia after a few weeks back in the other people to find out what many farmers across the UK. She has lived and worked in a remote part of Cambodia country have already discovered – that taking a risk and (some 12 hours from Phnom Penh, mostly by boat) for trying something new sometimes pays off! four years, managing a Community Health Development Programme. (It’s very different from our very own Healthy It takes time for new initiatives to become accepted and Living Centre at Mayfair!). Annette, who is sponsored by the established in communities. It all depends on ‘risk-takers’ Christian organisation ‘Youth With A Mission’ (YWAM), will making the first brave moves and leading the way to be in Cambodia until at least 2006. She has sent us this brief development and better health. Whether in improved insight into her adopted country. agriculture, sanitation, or clean water technologies, YWAM is actively working with community-selected ‘model lowing carpets of leaves, hints of wood smoke in households’ who will be examples in their communities in the air, and a touch of frostiness in the morning these and other technologies / activities. Gair….many things have reminded us of autumn and that another year is drawing to a close. While has been experiencing and Bonfire night and is now enjoying the run-up to Christmas, Seasons in England are uniquely defined and beautiful, but in Cambodia there have also been some major . it isn’t true that other, hotter lands don’t also have dramatic seasonal changes through the year. October in Cambodia, for example, is marked by cessation of the monsoon rains and the prospect of a wonderful period of hot, dry days and comfortable nights. These soothe memories of sweltering through the hot and muggy days of April and May, months of negotiating muddy roads and swollen rivers and avoiding increased numbers of mosquitoes through the rainy season. November to January is the time to visit Cambodia!

It’s also the time for people to sit back and watch their rice fields mature and pray they will be ready for harvest in November or December, depending on whether the rainy season has provided the right amount of rain, for long enough.

In recent years, both droughts and floods have seriously affected the rice harvest in Cambodia leading to food shortages and hardship. So, in order to improve food There have been the days-long festival in October, held security in Siem Pang District where YWAM works, we to invite back and feed the spirits of the ancestors, and have been encouraging the introduction of a new rice- an exciting rowing festival in November. This latter is to growing technique which increases the yield. celebrate the waters of the Tonle Sap River in central / western Cambodia reverting to a normal downhill flow after Time will tell whether the fifteen or so farmers who months of being forced uphill by the force of the bloated volunteered to trial the technique in some fields this year rainy season Mekong River – check it out! will have followed the technique correctly and have a The flooding of the Tonle Sap region results in greater fertility in the area, and there is a huge rise in the numbers of fish there and in rivers throughout Cambodia. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for families to catch fish, the main source of dietary protein in Cambodia, year- round. Rivers can be too strong-flowing to fish when rivers are high, the fish disappear during the low waters of the dry season and a there is a general reduction in fish stocks as a result of over-fishing and the use of illegal methods such as electrocution or poisoning.

YWAM is therefore encouraging families to build fish tanks which can stock fish year-round, and hope eventually to breed fish in the locality to provide fingerlings (baby fish) to these families at low cost. People are also being taught to raise fish in their rice fields and to grow vegetables around the edges of the fields to provide a good rounded diet! Annette Jandrell

Stretton Focus - 7 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 5 12/11/04, 11:59 am Samaritan’s Purse International Focus on Faith Operation Christmas Child – Shoebox Appeal t one church’s annual bazaar, Keith is always . Love in a Box. What Christmas is ANot the Father Christmas, you really all about …. understand. Keith simply dons bright red coat and hood, shiny black wellies was asked to write something and cotton wool beard to look like about the work of Samaritan’s Father Christmas. But as pretend Father IPurse International and the true go, Keith is rather special, spirit of Christmas but I couldn’t come for he is totally blind! up with any better words than these two people, to express the true spirit of The children love Keith and few ever Christmas and tell you what the shoe realise that although they can see him, he box distribution is all about. can’t see them. Though he once told me, laughingly, of one child who caught him The first is Roger Lloyd, writing about (SPI helped make that village more out, a little boy who joined the queue the time he spent with SPI in Armenia. habitable, installing a shower block again having sat on his knee ten minutes He was at the abandoned water project and a classroom) earlier. When Keith asked him the outside Yerevan, home for hundreds second time, ‘What would you like for of refugees. The metal shells of the The second is about Operation Christmas?’ the little boy replied, with temporary dwellings were boiling hot Christmas Child from another point some impatience, ‘I’ve already told you!’ in the summer and bitterly cold in of view. winter. Virtually all the families had When a national newspaper lost fathers or sons, killed in action “Hello my unknown Friend, commissioned a survey to discover what I was very happy to get your Christmas 5-12 year olds would like for Christmas, gifts. I am 9 years old. not for themselves but for the world, I have a small brother they found almost all wanted ‘peace and who also got presents, happiness’. The same kind of ‘peace on and he was very pleased earth and goodwill to all’ that we adults with that. We have want for the world. Except that we not father…….And don’t really expect it to have come about because God looked at by Christmas! me, He sent presents to me. And I got a hope ut why not! Is it because we’re and began to pray in more down-to-earth than order He send such a Bchildren? Or is it that we have person who would help lost our childlike hope? Maybe, like me with treatment for the little boy sitting for a second time my eyes… I am losing on the knee of Father Christmas Keith, my eye-sight. we’ve said to God (or at least thought), ‘We were in the ‘Water Tank Village’ and I have a wish, while I am not blind yet, ‘I’ve already told you!’ And in our I was hanging back from where the shoe I could see people who gifted such joy for impatience concluded he’s both deaf to boxes were given out, taking it all in I me…….. our voice and blind to our need. suppose. A little lad came up and stood While I am writing this letter my smaller in front of me. He didn’t say anything; he brother is staying by me. And he asks I The message of Christmas is that it’s just looked at me. write you that he also loves you………. the other way round: God has seen our I am writing this letter with a pen you need and heard our prayer, and done Then he reached out and pulled my arm sent to me. I kiss you all many many something about it! Been born among across him and hugged me. He held me times.” us in : lived and died for us, and there for five seconds or so and let go. now risen and present with us. It is we And then he ran off. He just wanted Extracts from a letter from who have been blind and deaf to him: someone to love him. This little lad Nino Kakhishvili -Telavi, Georgia too wrapped up with ourselves to see, didn’t have a shoebox, he just wanted too preoccupied with our demands a hug. It has nothing to do with the Linda Salisbury to listen. We must stop behaving like material bits inside the box, but just precocious children and allow him that somebody is showing them love. to work through us: to humanise That’s the essence of the campaign, (Our cover photograph shows local our attitudes and harmonise our the focus is on the boxes, but really it’s children packing toys into shoeboxes relationships. In short, be born in us! about love. That small incident was the as part of Operation Christmas Child Then there will be peace on earth and best bit about working with Operation – Shoebox Appeal) goodwill to all. And everyday will be a Christmas Child – it made me realise day for praising and glorifying God. why I was doing it.’ Peter Loveitt

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December 2004 mag 6 12/11/04, 11:59 am Dead Man’s Hole or the Madhouse f you play dominoes, you could well find yourself in the With the games underway, the natural friendliness and Iabove situation. Read on! camaraderie amongst the players gave way to intense concentration as each player’s memory was pitted against The Church Stretton Dominoes League includes 16 teams their opponent’s to skate around the board as fast as this season that are based in pubs and clubs within a 10 possible. Lesley Bright of the ‘A’ team came from way miles radius of Church Stretton. behind to pip Tim Powell in one ‘ding dong’ battle. At the halfway stage of four matches, the ‘A’ team had taken a 3-1 Domino league matches are for teams of eight players, lead. During the sausages and sandwiches interval, (also the each of whom plays one match against a player from the time to recharge the glasses), the ‘B’ team had reflected with opposition. 28 dominoes are available for selection with their captain and set forth for the second half determined each player limited to selecting nine, which means that ten to catch up and overhaul. However, it was not to be and dominoes are set aside. As each player lays a domino, the the clinching game for the ‘A’ team was when Kath Jones, aim is to score points by making the two end dominoes after being stuck in ‘dead man’s hole’ for what seemed like divisible by five or three. For example, two end dominoes an age, finally floored her opponent with a winning domino of a six and a three add up to nine and therefore a player that secured victory for her team. However, the ‘B’ team scores 3 points. The scoring boards allow for each player threatened the ‘A’ team with a complete reversal of fortunes to accumulate exactly 121 points to win the game. A game when they meet again in Spring 2005! averages between 45 and 60 minutes and four games are in operation concurrently.

Alan Brooks, the League Chairman says “Anybody can play a good hand but the real skill is to win with a bad hand”. Facial expression can play a part in the game, used as a tactic to try to influence the opponent. Players with poker- straight faces can be seen at most matches – nobody wants to give any indication of the sort of hand they have. Alan maintains that the real advantage is to know your opponent and his/her style of play. In the case of some teams, that should not be difficult as there are some very long-serving members of domino teams in the Church Stretton area!

This autumn there was a local derby domino league match between Church Stretton ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams at the Church Corfield John Photo: Stretton Club, which is their home location. It promised ‘Dead man’s hole’ or the ‘madhouse’ is the last hole on the to be a match of fierce but friendly rivalry and we were not 121-hole board where the player needs only one point to disappointed. More than one member from four Church win the game. It is a bit like needing a finish of double one Stretton families were in the two teams – the Kestertons, at darts when you continue to overshoot and the opposition Jones, Brooks were all there and the Bartl family had three comes up from behind and takes the game. Tim Powell was competitors with a fourth standing by in reserve. frustrated by it but Kath Jones overcame it! Man on the Spot Weather – October 2004 ust in case you hadn’t noticed it rained in October! No 28.4F last year. We had our first, and only ground it wasn’t a record but it was very close to being one. The frost on the 26th. Ground frosts are fairly common Jrainfall for the month totalled 6.01 inches compared in October though not the rule. We had ten in with 3.09 inches last year. The record is held by 1998 1982, so this year has been quite mild. Strange to when we had 6.76 inches so it wasn’t as bad as that but,now, relate, we have never had an air frost in October 2004 will stand as second in the tables. To add to our during the 40 years I have kept records. The sun troubles we had a heavy thunderstorm on the night of shone on 18 days (on the twelve dry days and six of the the 22/23rd which deposited 1.07 inches of rain upon showery days). us. Thunder is rare in October. The last time we had an October storm here was back in 1998 again and, before Here is an interesting statistic - 0.1 inch of rain equates to that, in 1993 and in each case there was just the one storm. 10 tons of water per acre or 2,262 gallons. The Long Mynd It rained on eighteen days altogether in October. There were is roughly about 7,000 acres, (of which the National Trust eleven really wet days when fronts passed over and seven owns 5,500). So if we multiply 7,000 acres by 10 we get a days with showers. We also had a hail shower on the 2nd. rainfall of 70,000 tons or 15,834,000 gallons (2,262 gallons x 7,000 acres) for every 0.1 inch. Then if we multiply that Being so wet meant that we had above average temperatures by 60 because the October total was 6 inches in round because we had more cloud about and thus warmer nights. figures, we find that 4,200,000 tons of rain fell on the The mean temperature was 52.33F compared with 50.63F last hill in October or 950,040,000 gallons. I wonder why we year and 49.93F the year before. The maximum temperature haven’t developed webbed feet? was 67F, against 68F last year, and the minimum 34.7F against Robert Smart

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December 2004 mag 7 12/11/04, 11:59 am The Air Ambulance Service contributions! Not a penny comes from government here’s a name to conjure with – The Air Ambulance. so fundraising is taken very seriously and the dedicated Hand up if you recall those chopper dramas fundraisers currently provide a staggering £4.2 million Tloaded with despair, apprehension and relief as the pounds a year. handsome Doc summoned on the radio by plucky little Timmy (or was it the kangaroo?) arrives with the serum There are 15 Air Ambulance Services covering the UK and in the nick of time to save cuddly Mom. See? Everybody all but one are voluntary, the exception being Scotland remembers. The drama was melodrama and the Outback which, for fairly obvious reasons, needs to be funded by the depicted was out the back of Shepperton Studios but we Scottish Parliament. The fleet of helicopters is notowned all surrendered disbelief to the powerful image of the flying by the CAA but is leased from Bond Air Services near medic. Gloucester, who provide the pilots and the servicing at an annual cost of £2.4 million. As I drove out to the RAF Base at Cosford to meet Paul Weir and Martin Powell of the County Air Ambulance The crew of a helicopter consists of the pilot and two (to give it its proper title), I wondered how well the image paramedics and there is room for two stretchers, or one and would survive a close inspection. As you will see, the image an extra doctor if the case demands it. became three- or rather four-dimensional and was much A complex system such as this needs to be carefully and enhanced thereby. efficiently controlled if it is to function properly, and the Control Centre for the CAA at Cosford is certainly that. A The CAA was launched in 1991 with one helicopter 999 call for an ambulance or medical assistance is routed to stationed centrally at Halfpenny Green, where the Police the Ambulance Service who decide, on the merits of the case helicopters are still stationed, but subsequently moved (urgency, terrain, availability of a land ambulance), whether to the present site at Cosford, courtesy of the RAF (with or not to call in the CAA; if they do, the Centre at Cosford whom it actually has nothing to do). Two more helicopters is consulted, and the nearest available helicopter is deployed. were acquired and stations opened to take them at the Once the decision to go is taken, the helicopter will be East Midlands Airport, by the M1, and at Strensham in airborne within 2 minutes and, with an airspeed of 140mph, Worcestershire, on the M5. With these three bases the should be able to reach the accident inside 19 minutes. CAA covers 11 counties ranging from Derbyshire to The victim is then taken aboard and whisked off to the Gloucestershire, and Leicestershire to Powys. This is an appropriate trauma centre where the relevant medical staff are area of 8000 square miles holding almost 8 million people awaiting their arrival. Thus it is the aim of CAA to get every and the whole thing is supported entirely by voluntary patient to hospital within the so-called ‘golden hour’.

Mayfair Alison’s Double Launch about nutrition, exercise and growing your own food. There here was a double launch at Mayfair on Saturday, were displays all week about vitamins, minerals, food miles, 23rd October. Alison Williamson, the Olympic dietary related diseases, food additives, salt, sugar, fats etc. TArchery Bronze Medallist, launched the new Church Stretton Ring & Ride service as well as Mayfair`s half-term When launching the event, Alison Williamson gave a short ‘Eat Yourself Fitter’ event. speech highlighting the importance of diet and exercise to good health and fitness. We were delighted on that Saturday Ring & Ride. This is a community run, door-to-door, to have some local food producers present enabling visitors bus service for you if you need transport and can`t get to appreciate what is available in and around Church around any other way. There are two vehicles available, Stretton. The Mayfair café was also serving a delicious both of which accommodate wheelchair users – the familiar healthy menu cooked by Jennifer Bridge. people carrier called ‘Snowdrop’ and a brand new mini bus called ‘Iris’. The following week`s activities included mini fitness assessments and half hour therapy taster sessions in remedial massage, Anyone wishing to use the Ring & Ride service needs to Aromatherapy massage, Kinesiology, Shiatsu and acupuncture. register as a member, for a small charge. This can be done There were guided walks and talks on growing your own by returning a membership form, obtainable from Mayfair food, medicinal herbs, ‘Diet and Diabetes’ and ‘Diet and the or please ring 01694 720025 to request a copy. All trips Menopause’ as well as a rather alarming session in which an allergy must be pre-booked. This is done by ringing the above specialist explained what the supermarkets are doing to our food. number, at least 48 hours in advance of your journey. Charges vary according to where you live and fares are There was much more, including a family day when children collected by the driver of the vehicle. To find out more, prepared and enjoyed some tasty health snacks, smoothies including details of charges, please contact Alan Wilson at and juices. The progress was monitored of a couple who had Mayfair on 01694 720025. volunteered, five weeks before the event, to follow a healthy eating plan (suggested by Alison Benbow). They had both lost Mayfair’s ‘Eat Yourself Fitter’ Week. The event weight and found their energy improved. Matthew Green MP organisers, Meg Bacon, Mayfair’s development manager had also joined in our ‘Eat Yourself Fitter’ week and managed to and Alison Benbow, Nutritional Therapist, put together lose half a stone in the three weeks he joined in, so well done to a week packed with activity to enable people to find out Matthew. Alison Benbow M.Sc. Dip.C Nut

Stretton Focus - 12 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 8 12/11/04, 11:59 am In order that the helicopter can take to the air at all, flying The CAA helicopters are the ones you see in a red livery, between 800ft and 2000ft, Air Traffic Control has to be alerted while the armed services Training School at Shawbury and they will clear a passage through the relevant airspace as far sports the famous bulls-eye with a blue(i.e. sky-coloured) as that is possible. livery, and the Police fly in black. Even the SAS sometimes appear here from Hereford, so should an unfamiliar Each of the 11 counties involved nominates 4 paramedics helicopter descend on your back garden, if you want my from their Ambulance Service to work with the CAA for one advice, you’ll play it safe, and go out slowly with your hands week each in rotation, and in addition there are two full time up. paramedics at each base to ensure continuity. The posting to the CAA is much sought Two of the fleet of three after among the staff of the helicopters are the most up- Ambulance Service, so only to-date available: Eurocopters the very best can hope for the – manufactured, as the name opportunity to fly. implies, all over the place, while the third is an older Over the Midlands as a whole Messerschmitt, shortly to there are about 5000 incidents be replaced. The cost of a a year, about a tenth of them Eurocopter fully equipped in Shropshire, i.e. one or two with the latest electronic calls every day. The types of wizardry is about £2.5 million call are interesting. By far the so the indefatigable fund largest category is Road Traffic raisers do need to keep on Accidents (nearly 50%), then raising those funds, meaning people falling off things (10%), that we need to keep putting horse riding accidents (7.5%) our hands in our pockets. £4 and sporting injuries ( 5%). million raised each year from CAA helicopters are equipped only to land, embark the injured perhaps 2 million households in the Midlands means that and take off again, they don’t have a winch or any under- each family contributes about £2 p.a. For such a wonderful slung capability, but they work closely with other groups like service that has to be the best value ever. Mountain Rescue whose mode of transport is strictly terrestrial, Bill Forsythe and in coastal regions with Air Sea Rescue if need be.

Alison Williamson gives the Ring & Ride minibus keys to Clr James Gibson L to R: Alison Williamson, Alan Wilson, Clr James Gibson, Mike Hymas (from SCC). Photo: John Corfield

Alison Williamson and John Buckley show Rebecca Dorran ‘Iris’ the benefits of an exercise cycle. Photo: John Corfield Photo: Alan Wilson

Stretton Focus - 13 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 9 12/11/04, 11:59 am Methodist Voice Away Days Sunday 19th December at 4.00pm) nineteen specific areas in the wenty-one folk from the gives an opportunity for the children life of the church have been Methodist Church have particularly to use their many musical identified and prioritised. recently had their first and acting talents to help celebrate the T best “Good News” of all, the coming There was much praise for the ‘away-day’ to Lindors in the Wye Valley. It was a wonderful time of into the world of our Saviour, Jesus work of the Junior Church, the fellowship and we looked in depth at Christ. We shall be digging out our warmth of fellowship and pastoral the theme of ‘Forgiveness’. Nativity wardrobe and singing our support – but equally there were hearts out in praise of the Lord! Do areas identified where there was come and join us. room for improvement. How as a church should we respond to the Christmas and New Year Greeting changing needs of society, how do May I, on behalf of our Minister we attract new members, how should Revd Joan Warner, the Stewards and we be communicating to the wider members of the church, offer all Focus community in the 21st Century and readers our best wishes for Christmas telling the good news of Jesus Christ? and the New Year. Harry Clarke The detailed results of the survey have The Way Ahead Group been widely circulated and the Way arlier in the year it was reported Ahead Group is now busy developing an Led by Revd Joan Warner (our that the Methodist Church ‘action plan’. Top of the list is a simple, Minister) and her husband Royce (our ECouncil had appointed a small clear mission statement, followed closely very own agricultural chaplain) we group of church members to develop by a hard look at the spiritual and prayer spent time in groups both large and some recommendations for helping the life of the church. Each of the church small considering many aspects of church to plan ahead for the coming committees has been asked to review forgiveness. years, existing schemes having been their areas of responsibility and report considered and rejected. back in the new year. It wasn’t all work – the food was superb and the surroundings Over the past few months the Way Already we are producing a newsletter magnificent. There was time to relax, Ahead Group has been very busy. A to improve communication, especially time to talk, time to pray and time to survey amongst everyone connected to those who are not so easily able to play (we had a hilarious game evening) with our church has been undertaken, regularly attend Sunday worship and a and we all agreed we had a chance seeking their views on a wide variety comprehensive ‘directory’ of who does to really get to know each other in of aspects of the life of the church. what has been issued. Some of our tasks Christian fellowship. The response rate was excellent and are easily achieved, others will take analysis of the returns helped provide many months and require some hard Junior Church a comprehensive view of our strengths decisions but one thing was quite clear During the next few weeks our and perceived weaknesses. – as a church we cannot stand still, God thoughts and energies will be centred provides the harvest and we as God’s on preparing for the Christmas The results of the survey have now gardeners must be ready to respond to celebrations. As happens each year, been reported to a general church the changing needs of the garden! the Carol Service (taking place on meeting and working in small groups The Way Ahead Group.

Shropshire Wildlife Trust - Strettons Branch he Strettons’ Branch of the Shropshire Wildlife the warty-skinned Trust held its AGM. in the URC Hall, Church toad and the TStretton in October. The chairman, John Dalton, smooth, moist- officers and committee were re-elected. A successful start to skinned frog and our Wildlife Habitat Survey was reported and the branch between three was pleased to have been represented on Coppice Leasowes species of newts, the common newt, the palmate newt and Management Committee and Rectory Wood Management the rare and protected great crested newt. Group. As it was a Friday night, a number of children had come Afterwards, a talk on ‘Amphibians in Shropshire’ was with parents or friends and cheerfully gathered round a given by Viv Green of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust HQ. video showing underwater life in streams and ponds. The five amphibians native to Shropshire were beautifully illustrated on screen. We learned to distinguish between Margot Daniel

Stretton Focus - 14 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 10 12/11/04, 11:59 am Fresh Fields and Pastures New started farming soon after the last war in Pembrokeshire. delivered to the local goods yard (now Polymer Laboratory). Although a man of Kent, the price of farms in that Icounty was far higher than in Pembrokeshire. After Jane, who was heavily pregnant, could have a passenger several years and marriage, we were not only firmly coach added to the train. However Jane’s father, a doctor, established, but had built up a good dairy herd and a suggested that she had best go to her home in Liverpool where productive and profitable flock of sheep. We decided, arrangements had been made. It was a pity there was no coach, because of the forthcoming arrival of our first child, that it as my travelling provision was a little rough. By the appointed would be much better to move to where there were more day, all the machinery was down at the local goods yard. The and better amenities, besides being closer to our families. livestock lorries came for the sheep and young stock in the After much looking, we bought a farm at Rushbury. We afternoon. I milked the cows and they were then taken down. I were then faced with the dilemma of either selling our live picked up my suitcase and I too was taken down. and dead stock or moving them to our fresh farm. At the station, there was the train – 32 wagons long plus You can sell a good the engine with steam up. The stationmaster handed me animal and buy a fresh a second class ticket to Church Stretton, shook my hand one, but the one you and following a toot on the whistle we were off – a farm buy is never as good on the move. We were shunted into the siding at Church as the one you sell, Stretton at 2am. At 6 o’clock prompt, Mr Owen, the Church so I enquired about Stretton Stationmaster, knocked on my wagon door and said the practicability of “Welcome to Church Stretton”. Cattle lorries were waiting. moving lock, stock The sheep and young stock were unloaded first to be taken and barrel. British to fresh fields; next, the cows were unloaded in the yard. I Road Services as they were then, were not really interested milked them and turned them out to pastures new. or helpful, although I did manage to get some sort of estimate. British Rail, however, were very interested and Bit by bit I fetched the machinery from the goods yard – a would be pleased to come out and assess the situation. novel and satisfactory move. Next morning the first lamb had arrived. Soon afterwards, our son The officials duly came. During their assessment, I let drop was born. The whole move had that British Road Services had made a quote. A little later cost less than the auctioneer’s fees they asked if I would care to divulge that quote. My memory supposing I had sold everything sometimes becomes a little hazy – as then. Next morning, in Pembrokeshire. We now feel British Rail’s quotation came. It was well below British Salopians, having lived around Road Services’ quotation! The terms were: livestock to be Church Stretton for 45 years or so. transported from farmyard to farmyard; machinery to be John Coleman Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Church Stretton Group he October meeting of the Fellowship was held at Due to the Data Protection Act civil servants who retire to the Parish Centre on 12th of the month when Dick the district cannot be referred to the local Group as they TDoyle spoke and brought with him no fewer than six had been previously. Any retired civil servants who wish to of the local heroes who took part in the D-Day operation join our activities – or indeed anybody who would like to on 6th June 1944. This year being the sixtieth anniversary join as Social Members - will be made welcome. Please get of operation Overlord it was a fitting time to hold this in touch with the secretary, John Davies on 01694-724703. meeting. After Dick outlined the history of the landings and the part played by the visitors, we were fascinated to hear the stories directly from the men who had taken part in the epic battle. Dick also reported on the visit to Normandy in June when he and four veterans paid tribute to their comrades who had not returned. The audience was then able to talk to the visitors and get a first-hand account of their experiences.

On 23rd October the Fellowship held a Book Fair at the Silvester Horne Institute. The combined efforts of Fellowship From left: Dick Doyle: Les Wadsworth, RASC, 6th Airborne Division: members, Tony Crowe, who organised the Ron Cross, RN, MTB 60K: Doug Evans DCM KSLI Herefords, 11th Armoured book sale, Mayfair staff and volunteers Division: Les Egerton, RASC, 2nd Canadian Division: Tom Humphreys, RAF raised a sum of £1110 for the Mayfair Regt., 2nd Tactical Air Force: Arnold Price, Royal Signals, 8th Field Regt. RA Community Centre. Stretton Focus - 17 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 11 12/11/04, 11:59 am Anglican Voice Dear Friends God’s dealings with his people. The one born in obscurity and weakness and vulnerability is here to reveal the way to Counting the days! the Father. God made us for himself, and Jesus – God’s own Son, yet born as man – came to draw us to himself. ike many others I am sure, I was shocked the other day to be told ‘only seven weeks to Christmas’ and, O Holy Child of Lby the time you read this, it will be a good deal closer! Descend to us we pray; It is the insistence on logging the number of shopping days Cast out our sin, and enter in, before Christmas that reminds us forcibly of the passing of Be born in us today! time. Someone once wrote ‘Time is too slow, swift, long, short… but for those who Time is too slow for those who wait, love, time is eternity.’ In the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s too swift for those who fear, patient and eternal love breaks into our time and space. too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, May you know the eternal peace and joy of the Christ-child but for those who love, time is eternity. this Christmas.

It has also been said that to be without the marking of Yours in Christ, time is to lose our identity; which is probably why those The Revd Graham Stones held prisoner are sometimes kept in conditions to make it impossible to mark time’s passing. Memories of the Festival

Somehow our story, our history, is woven into the fabric of here will shortly be available, in a strictly limited our lives and we only discover our (true) identity by telling edition, both a CD and a VHS tape containing our story, the story that is ours alone to tell. Our stories take Tmany photographs and other memories of the recent on shape and significance by the way in which they interact ‘Songs of Praise’ with others. Flower and Music Festival Each year the Christian community tells the story of a birth at St. Laurence’s – the birth of Jesus. Each of us may be moved by one or other Church, set to part of that story as we find in it a resonance with part of our run in sequence own experience. Yet at times the details of this momentous to music in a birth may be obscured somewhat by the commercial froth simple audio that seem to have become the modern reason for the visual show. celebration, or by misplaced political correctness. Either will be a memento to A few years ago my newspaper carried the headline: be treasured of ‘Christmas is coming but not as we know it’. The story a very special beneath the headline concerned how the event. Cost will City Council had decided to rename the festive season be £5 plus £1.50 ‘Winterval’. The new word, coined by the City Council’s p.& p. for either entertainment section was intended to apply to 42 days CD or videotape of festivities around Christmas and the New Year. The and copies can intention was to avoid offending those of other faiths by the be reserved by celebration of a Christian festival. Suffice to say, other faith telephoning Roy leaders were quoted as saying that they did not find talk of Coad on 01694 Christmas the least bit embarrassing! 723858.

In fact Jesus’ birth has a deep, even cosmic, significance. Jesus’ birth is the defining moment of time from which we measure the millennium. And within that story we measure All Saints Church, Little Stretton our own days – because the story of that birth helps give meaning to our own lives. For God chose to appear within here may be people living in Church Stretton who time and to experience his creation from the inside, so to would like to attend traditional Church services at speak. He chose to be born as we are born; to enter our world TAll Saints Church, Little Stretton, on Sundays but ‘not in a royal house or hall’, but in the dung and mess of who have no transport of their own. If this is the case, there a stable. What possible motive can God have for doing so? are already several people who go there by car and who Surely – in order that he could fully identify with us. would be very willing to offer lifts. Tony Richardson has agreed to act as contact and would endeavour to arrange The truth that gradually unfolds in the pages of the New lifts for people. Please phone 01694 723183 Testament is that Jesus’ birth was a defining moment in Stretton Focus - 18 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 12 12/11/04, 11:59 am Churches Together in the Strettons wish you a blessed and peaceful Christmas and invite you to any of the services shown below and to any of our regular services St Laurence’s, Church Stretton Sunday 19 10.30am All-age Nativity Service 6.00pm Christmas Eve 5.30pm Children’s Christmas Special Parish Centre 11.30pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 10.00am Family Service followed by shortened Communion Sunday 26 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Morning Worship St Michael’s, All Stretton Sunday 12 10.30am Nativity Service Sunday 19 6.00pm Carol Service Christmas Day 9.30am Holy Communion All Saints, Little Stretton Sunday 19 2.30pm Carol Service Christmas Day 11.00am Holy Communion Sunday 26 11.00am Holy Communion United Reformed Church Sunday 19 10.30am The Christmas Story Christmas Day 10.00am Short Family Service Sunday 26 10.30am Lessons and Carols Methodist Church Sunday 19 4.00pm Carol Service Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 10.00am Short Christmas Day Service Sunday 26 10.30am Morning Worship (No evening services on Sundays December 26 and January 2) St Milburga’s Roman Catholic Church Christmas Eve 11.40pm Carols followed by Christmas Day 9.15am Mass Sunday 26 9.15am Mass St Walburga’s, Plowden Christmas Eve 9.00pm Mass Society of Friends Sunday 26 10.30am Regular Sunday Meeting

So Much More Than Just the Birth of a Baby Come and Celebrate

Stretton Focus - 26 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 13 12/11/04, 12:00 pm The Herbary wo of the most popular plants often chosen to plant was held in great magical awe by that Celtic / Gallic decorate the house at Christmastime couldn’t be priesthood. It was believed to protect a person from evil Tmore different – for a variety of different reasons. and act as an antidote to poisons. The Druids are said to have used it to ‘announce’ the POINSETTIA, or Euphorbia pulcherrima to give it its New Year and this particular rite Latin plant name hails from Mexico. It was introduced may be one of the reasons that into America round about 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett. A mistletoe became attached to keen amateur botanist, he discovered the plant while he was Christmas as a Christmas plant. serving as the first United States Ambassador to Mexico. The most pleasant custom Poinsettias are long-lived, quite tall shrubs (8-12 feet by associated with mistletoe is that of 5-8 feet across) in their homeland of Mexico, but here in the ‘Kissing Bough’. The earliest England they are specially bred by growers to produce short known date it was linked in this manageable plants specifically to give of their best with their way was in the 16th century brightly coloured bracts (coloured leaves) for the Christmas – maybe it was good old Henry VIII trying to get the girl of period. Along with the Christmas fir they seem to have his dreams (the ill-fated Anne Boleyn)? It is just as likely that become a newer, but equally welcome, and cheerful addition a link was formed years before because there existed a strong to the centuries old traditions of Log, Holly and Ivy, and belief in mistletoe regarding the beneficial effects on fertility Mistletoe with which houses are decorated at Christmastime. and conception. Another legend says it shows a promise to marry together with a prediction of happiness and a long-life. Unlike some of the older and more well known plants The ‘Golden Bough’ mentioned by the Greek hero Aeneas of Christmas, Poinsettia was mistletoe. On a visit to hell Aeneas had to pass through hasn’t had time to build up a vast and gloomy forest. Two doves guided him to a tree a tradition of legend about where he found branches of mistletoe. By its flickering light itself. I only know of one. he was able to travel through the forest and arrive safely at It concerns a poor little the river Styx. When he showed the ferryman there what he Mexican peasant girl on carried both of them were transported to hell. her way to a Christmas Eve service to welcome the Christ Child. Being so poor and As a protection plant it had many legends attached to it. having nothing else to offer Him she picked some of the Hung over stable doors it was said to protect horses and weeds which grew profusely by the roadside. As she gazed cattle against witchcraft. In Sweden it was kept in houses woefully at the proposed gift her cousin tried to reassure her to protect them from fire. In Italy it was held to have the by saying that he felt sure that any gift given in love would capacity to extinguish fire! be received gratefully by the Christ Child. As she entered the church and made her way to the altar her spirits began In Wales it was said that if a branch was placed under a to lift and as she gently placed her gift at the foot of the pillow it would induce dreams and here I think is a good manger the leaves of the weeds burst into a magnificent place to end – with a wish that all your dreams are good red brilliance. The miraculous event was named ‘Flores de over the period of and beyond into 2005… Noche Buena’ – Flowers of the Holy Night. Happy Christmas Margaret Smith The Aztecs are known to have used Poinsettias for medicinal purposes and as a dye. Exhaustive tests have concluded that Poinsettias are not poisonous. However, in common with all other plant members of the Euphorbia family they do exude A49 Safety Campaign Group a milky fluid and this sometimes acts as a strong irritant on t the latest meeting of the A49 Safety Campaign the skin of some people. Group, it was reported that a device called a ‘mova’ was to be introduced at the traffic lights at the MISTLETOE - (Viscum album is the European variety A Sandford Avenue, A49 most often seen in Britain at Christmastime). crossroads. This would Mistletoe needs a host plant in order to live out its life. The allow traffic movements trees most often seen adorned with mistletoe are; apple to be recorded and the and oak, though mistletoe quite happily grabs a living lights to respond more piggy-back on lime and other deciduous trees. One of its efficiently. There was also most favoured ‘growing’ areas is just over the border in going to be improved maintenance and further white lining Herefordshire and also other parts of the south and south- measurements. However, the cost of a roundabout could east down into Kent. It is sparse in Northern England and not be justified. virtually unknown in Scotland. It was also reported that the proposed increase in the speed Mention mistletoe and you almost certainly have to limit on the A49 south of Church Stretton would not take mention Druid in the same breath because of course the place and the speed limit would remain at 30mph. Stretton Focus - 28 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 14 12/11/04, 12:00 pm URC Voice

once took the part of Joseph in a church It wouldn’t have been much fun for her either. My “Yes” meant nativity tableau. The minister himself an uncomfortable hour as Joseph; Mary’s “Yes” meant total I asked me. Personally! He would provide commitment. And the cost was high! Pregnancy outside marriage the necessary costume: a patterned blanket would bring the humiliation of being an unmarried mother, the to tie round my waist, another to drape over my shoulders and likelihood that Joseph would break their engagement, and the a square of material for my headdress; I already had a pair possibility of being stoned to death, for such was the punishment of sandals that would do. I’d have no words to memorise, no laid down by the Law of Moses for a girl in her condition. Yet actions to perform. But I was sixteen at the time, and very shy. against these odds, Mary still said: “I am the Lord’s servant: as Very reluctant too - until he told me who was going to be Mary. you have spoken, so let it be” (Lk.1:38). So when looking for It was a girl I rather fancied, so I said, ‘Yes’! that ‘ideal ’, I say (with Norman Habel*):

It didn’t turn out to be the thrill I’d hoped for. The straw Away with the manger, round the manger was too prickly for my sandaled feet. And the stable, the tinsel, I had to stand like a wax dummy right through the service. the pretty round halo, Mary was alright: she had a box to sit on. I found it draughty the shed full of twinkles, too, wearing a skirt. Not really a skirt of course, just the the virgin’s blue bonnet, blanket; but the draught went up it just the same. And I didn’t and the sweet smell of shepherds, know where to look. I was too nervous to look at the sea of if these are the stories familiar faces, and the baby in the manger was just a doll, old that muffl e the meaning of Christmas and plastic. I wanted to look at Mary, but was too bashful. and take the bite out of birth, With the entire congregation looking on, this wasn’t a very the crisis from Christmas private affair. and the greatness of God.

But afterwards, all the people at church said how nice it had God needed Mary’s humble “Yes” to fulfi l his promise. looked, Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger. The Through her ‘the Word became fl esh’ (Jn.1:14): Jesus was ideal nativity scene, they said. born! And in him we see the glory of God. Now God seeks your ‘Yes’ and mine, so how do we respond – “I am the Lord’s Ideal? I wonder! I wonder how true to life such scenes really servant: as you have spoken, so let it be”? are. Not very, I think, even from my short experience of being in Joseph’s sandals! Probably it would have been draughty May we have the grace and the faith to do so, for then Christ for him and for Mary too; and smelly around the manger, will be born again. In us! especially if there were all those animals we see depicted. And Peter Loveitt I doubt if Mary would have looked quite as serene as the girl in church when I was Joseph, or the manger as sterile as those * From ‘Interrobang’, published by Lutterworth Press and used with their kind permission. portrayed on Christmas cards. Baked Egg and Mushrooms his recipe is a favourite of mine. Easy to make and lovely if served with some toasted Tgranary bread. Serves two people for a cosy winter’s evening snack.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil. 6oz sliced mushrooms 1⁄2 a clove of garlic.(chopped) 2 large eggs. 2 tablespoons double or single cream. Chopped fresh thyme (to garnish)

Preheat oven to 180C (350F)(Gas 4). Boil a kettle. Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the garlic and mushrooms. Cook for three minutes until soft. Divide the mixture between two ramekin dishes (or similar). Make a well and crack an egg in the centre of each. Spoon the cream over the top of each. Stand the dishes in a baking tray and pour the hot water from the kettle to come halfway up the outside of each dish. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the egg has just set. Go on ....spoil yourselves! “Her Ladyship”

The More Singers Christmas Concert– “Hodie” 11th December at 7.30 p.m. at the Methodist Church, Church Stretton

Everyone is welcome to the More Singers’ Christmas recital “Hodie” which once again takes place in the Methodist Church in Church Stretton on Saturday 11th December at 7.30 pm.

The programme will include old favourites and also music from France and Italy, culminating in Palestrina’s magnifi cent eight-part setting of “Hodie Christus natus est”.The retiring collection will be in aid of the Mayfair Centre.

Stretton Focus - 30 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 15 12/11/04, 12:00 pm Church Stretton Food Fayre - AGM he Chairman was pleased to report to the second Wrights Estate Agents, Annual General Meeting of the Food Fayre John Thomas or Burway TCommittee on 1st November that this year’s Fayre Books or phone Joan on had been another resounding success with increased 723540). participation in all of the events, including the Guided Walks and Ale Trail as well as the main Fayre. The feedback At next year’s event from those attending was very positive, as it was from the from 8th – 10th July, local traders and stall-holders, the great majority of whom the Committee wants reported significantly increased takings. It is particularly to make its marquees in gratifying that an increasing number of local organisations Russell’s Meadow available on the Friday and Saturday for and businesses are seeing the Fayre as an opportunity to community organisations and/or private individuals (e.g. showcase their work; the developing partnership with the for family celebrations) at very competitive rates to help Chamber of Trade is evidence of that growing collaboration. cover overall costs. Anyone interested, please phone Bob Welch on 722998. The one area of disappointment was that the event made a small financial loss. This was attributed to two main factors; This year’s event raised nearly £2,000 for local charities and the substantial drop in public grant aid after the first year the Committee wishes to build up this aspect of its work. and the number of those attending who either refused or To this end, two local charities will be selected each year avoided paying the small admission charge to Russell’s to benefit from the fund-raising. If anyone would like to Meadow. In response, the Committee is redoubling its nominate a local charity for consideration, please put your efforts to secure more commercial sponsorship and making nomination in writing to the Food Fayre Committee and plans to tighten admission arrangements for next year’s hand it in to Wrights Estate Agents before 31st December. event. Fund-raising events have already been planned for the New Year, including a 60s/70s Night at the Longmynd Bob Welch, Chairman, Church Stretton Food Fayre Committee Hotel on 21st January (tickets £7 from Newsworld,

Visit the New Look Church Stretton Library t last the alterations at Church Stretton Library are cross-over story your type of reading? If so, try the library for complete. Do visit the library to see if you agree that your favourite author. Naturally we don’t hold every book in Athe new layout of the counter and computer room is Church Stretton, but we are able to obtain most of the titles very modern and friendly. quickly for a modest 25p. Remember the County Council web site, www.shropshireonline.gov.uk enables you to order from the In response to requests for a Library Reading Group. county catalogue at home (ask for your pin number, next time The first meeting was held on Wednesday 24th November. you visit the library), or again ring us. Naturally you can also If you missed it, please ring (01694 722535) or call in to order books on a visit to the library. find out which book the group has decided to read. The second meeting will be on Wednesday 22nd December, The public computers are housed 2.00pm to 3.30pm. If Christmas preparations make this in their own room making the date difficult, we would be pleased to hear from you to use of the computers a little register your interest for the New Year meetings. more private than previously. It is advisable to ring to book a We are continuing our Storytimes for the under fives on computer, as this free service is Fridays, from 2.15pm to 2.45pm. I am always excited by very well used. the range of lovely books which the readers share with the children. On Friday 31st December, we will be reading One of our more popular services Winter Favourites, when all ages will be welcome - parents is the Events Diary. This is kept on the counter and as well - from 2.15pm to 3.15pm. organisations are encouraged to enter their events, enabling people to check if there is a clash on the date they wished to Looking ahead to 2nd February 2005 at 7.30pm, book a meeting etc. It is freely available to all and it is not Karen Wilson from the County Council’s Countryside computerised! Having said that there is a County Diary on Department will be giving a talk on ‘Wider Access to the the web, which is for public use. Countryside (than the 2005 Crow Act allows for)’. Pencil this in your diary as some potentially important issues Make a date to visit the library, to use its many facilities and will be discussed and indeed argued, an exciting talk with see how the alterations have made the best use of a lovely relevant maps and documents is promised. building. Pam Holbourn-Williams Throughout 2004 we have had lots of new books and this will Tel: 01694 711535 continue. Is ‘chick lit’, the newest adventure story or the latest Email: [email protected]

Stretton Focus - 33 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 16 12/11/04, 12:00 pm Church Stretton Town Council Abstract of minutes of the Town Council Meeting held • Overdale, Clive Avenue. Conversion of existing dwelling on Monday 18th October 2004 Into 2 dwellings; erection of 8 dwellings; landscaping; construction of estate roads; formation of vehicular access. PLANNING MATTERS: District Decisions Councillors were pleased to see that this magnificent • Erection of a dwelling, 89 Ludlow Road. Withdrawn. house was intended to be retained, however, the Council • Conversion of Nursing Home to provide 6 residential objects to the proposal on several grounds: the scale units, Hillside Nursing Home, Shrewsbury Road, and density of the proposed dwellings; safety in that the All Stretton. Refused. additional vehicles on this unadopted road would have • Erection of extension, The Shieling, All Stretton. access very close to an almost blind bend; the loss of Approved, subject to a condition. green space/tree cover and the large, landscaped garden, • Erection of porch, 114 Watling Street South. Approved. which are very prominent features of the landscape from • Erection of extension, 2 Crossways. Approved. the west side of the valley; the view of Overdale itself, a • Thinning out of upper branches of Oak tree, Clivedon, very prominent and significant feature of the landscape, Clive Avenue. Approved. would be partly obscured. There are concerns over • Erection of extension and a conservatory, Minton House, potential drainage problems in the town, which would be Minton. Approved subject to a condition. exacerbated. • Lopping of 2 Lime trees, 7 Oakland Park. Approved. • Erection of extension, 41 Ludlow Road. Approved SSDC is to be strongly urged to hold a site visit so that • Erection of conservatory, 9 Chartwell Close. Approved officers and members could appreciate the importance of this site and the impact this development would have on PLANNING : Town Council Responses to District the visual amenities of the town. • Erection of extension, 41 Ludlow Road. No objection. . • Erection of conservatory, Highgrove, Cunnery Road. Scaffolding around shop in Sandford Avenue (previously No objection. Picture Frame shop) • Erection of dormer extension to dwelling, 77 Shrewsbury Concern was expressed about the length of time the Road. Supported. scaffolding had been around this shop. However it was • Erection of 17 dwellings; (existing dwellings to be reported that work was about to recommence on site. demolished), no’s 61 and 63 Shrewsbury Road. Application withdrawn. Doctors’ Surgery – Closure on Saturdays • Erection of conservatory, 8 Stretton Farm Road. No reply had been received from the Primary Care Trust Supported. but the local Practice has replied, expressing disappointment • Erection of dwelling, plot at rear of 66 Watling Street that this Council wrote to the PCT on this matter rather South. No objection. than discussing this with them. A doctor from the local • Erection of 3 dwellings (existing dwellings to be Practice is to be invited to attend the November meeting of demolished), 23 and 25 Ludlow Road. No objection, but this Council. concern expressed to SSDC about possible site problems. Town Mayor • Erection of 2 dwellings and garages; erection of a garage It was agreed to canvass public opinion on the possibility to existing dwelling, 59 Shrewsbury Road. No objection, of having a mayor with a view to making a decision at the concern expressed about the seemingly ever-increasing November meeting of this Council. trend of development in gardens which is changing the character of the town. However, the Council cannot see Twinning with Doué la Fontaine any planning reason in planning law which exists to The Chairman reported that she had attended functions enable it to object to this particular application. at the school to welcome and say goodbye to the French • Erection of 4 dwellings and a shop, and demolition of an exchange students. It was agreed to investigate holding a existing dwelling and outbuildings, Park House Cottage. Civic Reception at the Silvester Horne Institute next year to Supported. celebrate the 25th Anniversary of French exchange students • Felling of 6 Pine trees and a Fir tree, Old Rectory Wood. visiting the town. Supported. • Erection of a replacement dwelling, Willow Batch, The idea of twinning has been discussed by the CSAP Cardingmill Valley. Object. Whilst there is no objection Steering Group and it was thought that a joint meeting to the demolition of the present dwelling to replace it, the between the Town Council, Partnership, School, Chamber plans submitted show a design which is out of keeping. of Trade and Tourism Group needs to be held. The building is too high and the design is unsympathetic to its surroundings. The property is in an extremely Risk Assessment on Lime Trees, Sandford Avenue sensitive area and should complement its surroundings SCC has carried out a survey of these roadside trees to and blend in. A sketch outline of a suggested amendment identify any significant defects which would become a to the application was shown to the meeting, but hazard for pedestrians and vehicles. All trees have been concerns remained. As a result SSDC will be asked inspected and recommendations made. to ensure that any amended plans are forwarded to this Council. Continued on next page

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December 2004 mag 17 12/11/04, 12:00 pm C S Town Council continued from previous page Allotments The Ludlow Town Council in order to provide allotments had to acquire land. They were able to lease some land at a peppercorn rent. An Allotment Association was set up to RNLI Church Stretton Branch of the RNLI made £238 manage, maintain and run the allotments, with the Town at a Cheese & Wine Evening on Friday 22nd October Council maintaining the hedges and fences. In return at Mayfair Community Centre. Proceeds went towards their Allotment Association pay the Town Council £600 equipment for Barmouth Lifeboat Station. We thank per year.In Church Stretton, another possible area, by the everyone for their support and we are sorry that only 40 cemetery, which is not in the ownership of this Council, was people could attend an enjoyable event. suggested as a possible location for allotments and will be looked into further. Mayfair All at Mayfair would like to thank those who donated to or helped at the Book Sale on 23rd October. Watling Street North - Traffic Calming Special thanks to Tony and Phyllis Crowe and the Civil No reply from SCC or the Inspectorate. Police have carried Service Retirement Fellowship who organised such an out a speed check and the highest speed detected was 22 excellent event raising £1110 for the Community Centre. mph. They feel that because of the road width etc. people Thank you all for your support. do perceive the speed of traffic to be higher than it actually Sue Wood (Chair of Fundraising) is, but agreed that 30 mph is too high. It was resolved to ask for a mandatory 15 mph limit. The Children’s Society Thanks to all who have patronised The Children’s Society garden stall on Burway Road. The Russells Meadow Pavilion total raised since May is approaching £250. The Town Council wished to thank Pat Middleton and his son publicly for the many hours of work they have The Stroke Association On the Saturday of Stroke put into refurbishing the pavilion. Serious concern was Awareness Week, which ran from October 9th to 15th expressed about the future of the Pavilion Committee, this year, my gallant band of relatives, friends, charitable and the availability of the pitches for use by all the clubs. organisations and stroke victims were out in force on a Serious consideration needed to be given to the future cold brisk day at various strategically placed points around running/letting/maintenance of both the fields and Church Stretton and the surrounding district. We raised pavilion in order to regain some control and ensure the a magnificent £712.84. I would like to thank everyone facilities are being properly used. The Town Council has involved for their time and effort and hope that you all bent over backwards to accommodate all views on this recovered enough to offer your service for next year! matter but even though a priority list had been agreed, this seems to be floundering. Chris Kolvin

Disability Discrimination Act The Act requires that car park areas be smooth, marked out Stretton Choral Society (incl. disabled bays) and well lit. The entrance to Russells Meadow obviously does not comply with this and it was agreed to alert SSDC to this requirement.

Elms Lane, Little Stretton - Water and access problems SCC has carried out preliminary investigations and a new drainage system will be designed. SCC confirms that planning permission is not required for an additional access on to an unclassified road. ll are welcome to listen to and join in ‘Christmas A site meeting is to be held with SCC representatives. Glory’, the Society’s Concert, with Musical Director ADavid Hart and accompanist David Goodall, on CHURCH STRETTON AREA PARTNERSHIP Saturday 4th December at 7.30pm in Church Stretton School. The first bid for money from the 2nd Homes Council tax is to be made – the Website project at a cost of £8,000. Soloists Lorna Cross and Joan Longmore join the choir The Website Management Group and individuals who have to sing the Vivaldi ‘Gloria’, with movements from Italian put a lot of time into working up this scheme were thanked solo concertos played by Ensemble Musicale. for their efforts. Approval will be sought for earmarking £15,000 of the 2nd Homes Council Tax for a Community After traditional punch and mince pies, the second half of Chest, with bids of up to £1,000 from the ‘Community the programme will be Christmas carols with the ever- Chest’ being sought. This will leave approx. £15,000 from important and popular audience participation. Tickets at this year’s 2nd Homes Council Tax for other projects, such £8 (adult) and £3 (children) can be obtained from Burway as the refurbishment of the Lutwyche Road toilets for which Books or choir members, or at the door on the evening. the Town Council will be submitting an application shortly. Pam Cole It was hoped that All Stretton would be able to bid for funding from the Community Chest to cover the cost of printing their Village Design Statement. Don Clow

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December 2004 mag 18 12/11/04, 12:00 pm Percy’s Memories Dear Editor … Christmas - Home and Abroad ay I take this opportunity, hristmas is and will forever be the most important event in our Christian Mthrough calendar. Families, whenever possible, endeavour to unite and spend the Focus, to congratulate Cfestive occasion together and with worldwide communication so readily and thank the very small available we can now keep in touch with our loved ones wherever they are. I band of helpers from expect many readers will have spent their Christmases far from home, not always the Christmas Lights in favourable circumstances (ie as POWs or political prisoners). Committee for once again providing us with the enchanting World War 2 scattered many of us to far off locations, but the spirit and nostalgia string of lights that help lift the gloom of for home stayed with us. I was to spend my last home Christmas in 1938 never early darkness. Rather like the increasing dreaming that it would be nine long years before I spent the next one with my numbers of colourful hanging baskets family in 1947. Christmas 1939 was celebrated in Singapore sunshine. We that adorn our main streets in summer, sweated while Britain shivered. It was a joyous occasion with no thoughts of the these decorations do so much to make devastation to come. By tradition the officers waited on the airmen (I still have Church Stretton a welcoming and the menu!) and joined in the festivities that followed. We made our way down to attractive place to live in – and to visit. the swimming pool and chucked each other in regardless! A lasting memory is of Joan Cowan our fearless and popular Flt. Commander, Sqd. Leader John Scarf (a posthumous award of the Victoria Cross for his exploits in December 1941 was a reflection Fish and of his skill and daring). He rode off the top diving board on a bike with his two crew members balanced on the handle bars and bar. Chip Supper Christmas 1940 was spent in Alor Star, a remote airfield some 400 miles up in Northern Malay. In 1941, after a disastrous retreat down the mainland, I ur first event of 2005 will be was again back to a city devastated by the daily Japanese air attacks, the only a Fish & Chip Supper to be exception, for whatever reason, being Christmas Day, when we were left in peace. Oheld on Friday 5th March in Many sea and land miles were covered before I found myself on the Burma front the Silvester Horne Institute starting at and Christmas Day 1942 was marked by a trip to Calcutta, a memorable and 7.30 p.m. Our Area Manager Patrick enjoyable day with my Indian friend and his family and a night in their cellar Cheshire will tell us about recent sheltering from a Japanese air raid. developments in the RNLI and will show us the latest video. Christmas 1943 was spent in Karachi where Tickets £6-00 from Mrs. Muriel Taylor I was fortunate to meet 722805 or Mrs. Brenda Pogson 722912 up with Don Harris or Jill & Richard Turner Jones 724371 from Little Stretton. Don had left England Remember to bring your own drink in 1942 and was able to give me some welcome Whitewater Rafting news of home. It was in Brussels that my last he RNLI is running a rafting Christmas abroad came competition at the National to a wonderful climax Whitewater Rafting Centre at T th on Christmas Day Bala on Sunday 6 June 2005. This in 1944. Some three will be an exciting and damp event for months previously we teams (?crews) of 4 to 7 people who had received a rapturous Getting browned off in Karachi. Don Harris and should be aged 18 to 40. The RLNI welcome by the whole Percy Tarbuck thinking of home! provides boats, waterproof clothing population of Brussels, who poured out onto the streets proclaiming us as their and helmets. In return each team pays ‘Liberators’. I was introduced to Jean Lamquet, a surgeon dentist and a leading £50 to enter and must raise £100 per member of the Belgian Resistance. On Christmas Day he took me to watch person in sponsorship. The teams have a football game between a representative British team and their own national a practice run, a timed run and a third side. Afterwards I joined them all in a giant party in the palatial reception area run for more fun and more wetting. beneath the stadium. There was an unlimited supply of the finest champagne from bottles marked ‘Reserve a la Wehrmacht’. The Stretton Sharks plan to represent Church Stretton for a third time and I feel certain that these memories will stir up nostalgic interest among our we hope that a second team will join readers. Have you spent Christmas under unusual circumstances? How good that them. Please look out for notices of we in Church Stretton can celebrate this year in peace and harmony. their fund-raising events and give them your support. Percy Edward Tarbuck Stretton Focus - 39 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 19 12/11/04, 12:00 pm Catholic Voice Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall…. So we all prepare for that big event on December 25th. For some it is the preparation which is all nce upon a time Jesus was born in a stable important, because it all leads to themselves. After all at Bethlehem. Before he could speak he was that preparation they owe it to themselves to relax, Odescribed as, ‘a sign which shall be spoken against’- enjoy and feed themselves with what they like most. - not a good omen for Mary and Joseph. It was as if some nurse Perhaps this is why some people find it strange that the feast today had told the parents of a newly born baby, “Seriously of Christmas continues to be celebrated by some Christians now, this child of yours will be a real troublemaker”. We don’t for several weeks after the event, still singing Christmas know what the reaction of Mary and Joseph was, but we know carols when all the rest of the world is thinking about Easter how modern parents would have reacted. Yet that is how it bunnies and summer holidays. When we are thinking only turned out to be. Even today, two thousand years later, he is about ourselves, joys are soon over. still causing trouble. Why is this? How can we change this for the world into which Jesus Perhaps it is because his very existence, even before he opens came? How can we stop ourselves from being sucked his mouth or does anything at all, is like a mirror held up into conformity with what Jesus described as ‘the world’, before each one of us. He came because we were sinners. stop ourselves from becoming uncomfortable with the We find it hard to accept that fact about ourselves. We find troublesome nature of Jesus? it so hard even to say, “Sorry”. He came because WE were making God into OUR OWN image and likeness. We find Advent, in the early days of the Christian church was always it almost impossible to acknowledge that. Yet we often feel thought of as a time of prayer and penance. It was a time that we could do some things better or blame him when for self-examination, when Christians asked themselves who things go wrong for us or those we love. they were and what they stood for. Like Lent, it is a time for seeking identity. He came to show us how to love our neighbour as ourselves. We often fool ourselves that we do. Like in a mirror, we We describe Jesus as ‘the light of the world’. Perhaps it is our look at ourselves and try to see the person we would like responsibility as ‘other Christs’ to shine our light, even if the to be. This is why, as soon as Jesus opens his mouth, there result is that we ourselves become a sign which men reject. are thousands of interpretations of what he means. And religious stances are not just confined to those who call Then we WOULD be where we want to be ..... themselves religious. Many people forget that complete .... in good company. rejection of everything Jesus is and says is a religious stance. No human being is exempt, or excluded. Father Joseph Donlan Rotary Club. Launch of Church Stretton Tree of Light 2004 to Remember our Loved Ones

ach year, the Christmas Lights Committee organises local charities. This year contributions will be made again an array of Christmas trees and lights outside shops to Severn Hospice, Air Ambulance, Lingen Davies Cancer Eand businesses throughout the town. It is helped Centre and other Rotary charities by the Beaver family of Shropshire Building Supplies who collect and haul a beautiful into place in the Contributors are sent a thank you letter and a hanging Square which, as well as decorating the town, also becomes memorial decoration for their own Christmas Tree. Leo the Rotary Tree of Light. Williams, the organiser, launching this year’s scheme, said, “Many people have let us know how this helps them to Very many people have the names of relatives, friends concentrate their thoughts on loved ones at this family and causes that they wish to remember. These names are time. They tell us that it helps to remember people in a displayed on the Tree and read out at the celebrations round community act, and that it is pleasing to think of local it on Christmas Eve. The Rotary Club of Church Stretton good works being supported by this.” We certainly feel it is organises this and asks people to make a contribution of worthwhile and we ask those who would like to participate £5 or over and the proceeds are donated to local charities. to fill up the enclosed form or to go into Chamberlaines Last year funds were given to the Shropshire and Mid Wales and Stephens who kindly take in names or phone 723659. Hospice, to the Lingen Davies Cancer Appeal and to other Roger Stokes Household Rubbish Collection Arrangements over Christmas and the New Year Normal Collection Day Revised Collection Day Wed - Fri 29th - 31st December No Change Monday 3rd January Tuesday 4th January Tuesday 4th January Wednesday 5th January Wednesday 5th January Thursday 6th January Thursday 6th January Friday 7th January Friday 7th January Saturday 8th January

Stretton Focus - 40- December 2004

December 2004 mag 20 12/11/04, 12:00 pm Why not join our Focus team? Out & About e reckon that you are one of some 3000 Focus s we are into the season of long nights, short days readers this month. That’s a lot of readers. and Christmas, the offerings ‘out and about’ show WTo bring this Focus to you has involved over Aa bias towards the children, and have perhaps 100 people, starting with those who sent us words and rather less variety than usual. For instance, The Grand in pictures (usually by email or on disk these days) regularly, Wolverhampton (01902 429212) and The Music Hall in occasionally or as a letter to the Editor. The cover had Shrewsbury (01743 281281) are both presenting Cinderella, been designed and approved, and our editorial team in the latter case, for the whole month. If you are a devotee then registered, sifted and organised those words and of the panto but this time would like something slightly pictures to lay out the pages which you are reading. Our different, the Assembly Rooms in Ludlow (01584 878141) clever production boffins put the magazine into our could be the place for you with MacBeth – the Odd Sock’s computer system and sent it to Welshpool for printing. On Panto, but only on December 29th and 30th, note. Still distribution day the heavy packages of printed magazines thinking of the kids (I think Pantos are for kids), the were collected, assembled into bundles, and delivered Assembly Rooms are offering a and Magic to collection points by mid-day. From there some 75 Show on Sunday December 19th, and the Severn Valley distributors picked up their bundles, and dropped your Railway (01299 403816) is running a Santa Special every copy through your letter-box. Or maybe you bought weekend in December. More educational fare is to be found your Focus at a retailer - we are grateful for the support of at Dudmaston (01746 780866) where they are running Newsworld, the Co-op, Longmynd Service Station and All a children’s Workshop (painting etc), and at Ironbridge Stretton Stores. (01952 432166) where Enginuity is on offer and is truly

Then there those who take good care of the vital support fascinating for both adults and children. jobs - our Advertising Manager responsible for our valued In general terms, many of the Grand Houses in the region advertisers, our Treasurer who looks after the money, and are acknowledging the season by putting on Christmas our Secretary who keeps the records. lunches, Berrington Hall (01568 615721) for example, on December 18th and 19th, while Wightwick Manor (01902 We always like to hear from anyone who is interested in 760100) is being a little more imaginative, giving a house joining the Focus team. Right now we are looking for an tour with supper on Wednesday December 8th. Advertising Manager to take over from Len Bolton, and Jon The Old Market Hall in Shrewsbury is a fascinating Cooke would welcome some backup support for Distribution building and worth checking out for that reason alone and to have a few names on his reserve list of distributors. (it is administratively part of the Music Hall and is Do call me on (01694) 724531 David Jandrell. located outside it in The Square). As well as having an attractive Café Bar it boasts a small film theatre with a full programme that you might like to take a look at (tel Reg’s Ramblings as above). Much the same things can be said about the Assembly Rooms in Ludlow, so if cinema is one of your Bonnie Scotland interests you should keep an eye on their programme too (tel above). ecently I watched a ‘Songs Of Praise’ programme on television which featured a trip through the RCa1edonian Cana1 and I was entranced, not only Mayfair Party by, the glorious scenery, but also by the character and warmth of the ‘natives’. Conversely, I have been saddened ayfair are holding a ‘Bring and Share’ Party at by quite frequent letters to the press, mainly from the 7.30pm on Saturday 18th December to thank Greater London area, denigrating the Scots on the basis of Meveryone who has supported the work of Mayfair having to subsidise them from English taxes. – Trustees, staff, volunteers, customers and ‘Friends’. Please bring food to share and don’t forget a bottle! Presumably, the writers have forgotten the immense contribution of Scottish soldiers, sailors, explorers, inventors and engineers to making Britain great! I came to appreciate Mayfair Lottery Result for October Scotland and its fascinating folk during and after World War Two when, in the course of my Army service, I made 121 £100 friends with many Scots, including my lifetime best friend. 58 £50 I found them to be loyal, warm hearted and generous folk 148 £20 who were full of character and could be relied on in any circumstance. Apart from this, their scenery and landscapes 61 £10 are inspiring and breathtaking in their beauty and grandeur. Answers to Trivia Corner – No 13 Moreover, two of my in-laws spent a fortnight touring Scotland earlier this year and were deeply impressed by the 1. Frankincense; 2. Foggy; 3. Luke; 4. Crackers; warmth, courtesy and friendliness of their reception. So let 5. Elizabeth 11; 6. 1966; 7. It’s a Wonderful life; us have cheers, not criticism for Scotland the Brave! 8. Dr. Seuss 9. Irving Berlin; 10. Trivial Pursuit Reg Heiron

Stretton Focus - 42- December 2004

December 2004 mag 21 12/11/04, 12:00 pm Occasional Advertisements POSTCARDS WANTED. OLD AND NEW Family Profession for over 200 Years Singles, Collections or Accumulations Required. Instant offer made with payment by cash or cheque. AIRBOURNE Please contact Peter Robards on 01952 727520 or write to me at: The Bungalow, Vineyard Road, TREE SPECIALISTS Ltd Homer, Near Much Wenlock, Shropshire TY13 6NG Based in Church Stretton and Clun All Types of Tree Surgery Undertaken. CONRAD GUEST HOUSE Little Stretton Hedge Cutting and Fencing Phone Sid 01588 640183 Proprietor - Joan Hole Mobile 07814 517849 www.conradguesthouse.co.uk Tel 01694 720197 or Caspar Mobile 07929 893325 KANGAROO KIDS BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE A & B SMITH Make your Kids Party go with a Bounce Corgi Reg No 197466 Choice of Brand New Bouncy Castles Domestic Appliance Warehouse (Est. over 20 years) Friendly Efficient Service - Great Prices Specialising in New/Factory Seconds Full Public Liability Insurance. Member BIHA Electric & Gas Cookers, Ranges, Hobs, Fires 01694 724661 Fridges, Freezers, Washing Machines Tumble Driers, Microwave Ovens INDEPENDENT destini Built-in Appliances FINANCIAL ADVICE Applewood (Over 200 appliances on display) MAIN CALOR GAS STOCKIST & LPG SPECIALISTS  INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING* FREE LOCAL DELIVERY  RETIREMENT PLANNING 01588 673647  INVESTMENT ADVICE Long Lane Industrial Estate, Craven Arms *not all of these products are regulated by the Financial Services Authority To arrange an informal meeting contact Nick Partington: TEL: 01691 671903 | MOB: 07790 009330 EMAIL: [email protected] E. B. JONES Destini Applewood Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative Painter & Decorator of Destini Graham Scott Financial Planning Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority 35 Years Experience Good Neighbours. Local people Interior & Exterior providing help to local people All Work Guaranteed We exist to help the elderly in the Strettons & Tel: Church Stretton 01694 724010 surrounding district. This is just some of what we do: Transport by car for medical care. Daily delivery of Meals on Wheels. Thursday Day Centre. Support for bereavement and volunteer home visiting. Specialist Cooker Services For more details please call us on 01694 724242 - Cast Iron Service - Oil and Solid Fuel Specialists Aga Service & Maintenance

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Seasons Greetings to friends and GREAT LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS customers both old and new Shropshire Hills Calendars from Newsworld from Peter Tipton Signed and Mounted Photos of Local Scenes from local Galleries, or phone Robin at Peter Tip’s Tipper - Tel 01694 - 771461 Shropshire Hills Photography 01694 724024

For 2005 the prices of occasional adverts in Focus are being held at £7 a month per column inch (maximum 2 ins)

Stretton Focus - 43 - December 2004

December 2004 mag 22 12/11/04, 12:00 pm