6.30 Ratlinghope's Special Carol Service, Prepared and Led by A

Home , Purslow, Ratlinghope

ONNYCAMLAD PARISHES (Dec 2016 Jan 2017) (Vacant) Contact: Rev Stephanie Fountain Rural Dean 01588 630324 for Christenings, Weddings & Funerals at Wentnor, Ratlinghope, Norbury, Myndtown, Lydham, More, Snead, & Hyssington Rev. Carol Whittock Mission Priest at Churchstoke 01588 620693 David Jelves, Reader 01588 620434 Mette Wardle, Reader 01694 751466

SUNDAY SERVICES & OTHER WORSHIP: (Please support the visiting Ministers, and our local people, who are taking services during the vacancy)

SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER 8.30 Holy Communion, Lydham. Revd Joe Evans 9.45 Holy Communion, Hyssington. Revd Joe Evans 10.30 Morning Praise, Churchstoke. Revd Carol Whittock St Nicholas is our Patron Saint – the saint after whom our church is named. This service will include remembrance of St Nicholas. 11.15 Holy Communion, Norbury. Revd Preb Michael Whittock 2.30 Afternoon Service, Kinnerton Methodist Chapel

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER 8.30 Holy Communion, Ratlinghope. Revd D Vickers 9.45 Holy Communion, Wentnor. Revd Robert Payne 4.00 Christmas Tree Festival Carol Service, Churchstoke. Revd Carol Whittock 6.30 Evening Prayer, Norbury. Nigel Hirst 7.00 Carol Service (United Hunt), More. Revd Robert Payne

FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER 6.30 Ratlinghope’s Special Carol service, prepared and led by a group of dedicated young people. ‘Child friendly’. Ample refreshments after the service!

SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER 8.30 Holy Communion (BCP), Wentnor. Revd Graham Lloyd 10.30 Holy Communion with Carols, Churchstoke. Rev Carol & Rev Michael 2.30 Carol Service, Kinnerton Methodist Chapel 6.30 Benefice Carol Service, More. Led by Local Ministry Group

SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER 4.00 Carols around the Crib, Churchstoke, with Rev Carol & David Jelves 6.30 Carol Service in candlelight, Hyssington. Lay led.

SUNDAY 25 DECEMBER 10.00 Benefice Holy Communion, Norbury Church. Bishop Alistair

10.30 Family Christmas Holy Communion, with ‘Show and Tell’, at Churchstoke, with Rev Carol.

SUNDAY 1 JANUARY 8.30 Holy Communion, Lydham. Revd Mike Plunkett 10.30 Morning Praise, Churchstoke. Revd Carol Whittock 11.15 Holy Communion, Norbury. Revd Mike Plunkett 2.30 Afternoon Service, Kinnerton Methodist Chapel 6.30 Evening Prayer, Wentnor. Barry Preston

SUNDAY 8 JANUARY 9.45 Holy Communion, Ratlinghope. Revd Preb Michael Whittock 10.30 Holy Communion, Churchstoke, Revd Carol Whittock 11.15 Holy Communion, More. Revd J. Evans 6.30 Evening Prayer, Norbury, Nigel Hirst

SUNDAY 15 JANUARY 8.30 Holy Communion, Ratlinghope. Revd M Plunkett 10.30 Sunday Central, Churchstoke, Revd C Whittock 11.15 Morning Praise, Lydham. Mette Wardle 6.30 Evening Prayer, Wentnor. Nigel Hirst

SUNDAY 22 JANUARY 8.30 Holy Communion, Norbury. Revd Joe Evans 9.45. Morning Praise, Ratlinghope. Mette Wardle 10.30 Holy Communion, Churchstoke. Revd Carol Whittock 11.15 Morning Praise, More. David Jelves 2.30 United Service Hyssington

SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 10.00 BENEFICE Communion service, at Churchstoke; but it is for all of the nine parishes in OnnyCamlad; with Revd Carol Whittock

2.30 Afternoon Service, Kinnerton Methodist Chapel

ONNYCAMLAD VACANCY

There was a Vacancy Consultation meeting on Saturday 8 October in the Village Hall at Norbury. It was an open meeting, facilitated by Revd Dr John Daniels, who explained that three priorities of the Diocese today are:

(1) Spiritual and numerical growth (2) Contributing to the common good (3) Re-imagining ministry

People attended from all of our nine parishes and contributed to discussions about the benefits and concerns of living in our area; and about aspects of our current worship; and about the challenges facing each of our churches. John has collected all the comments at that meeting, and the comments written on the questionnaires that were completed by each parish. He prepared a summary which has been sent to Church Wardens and other interested persons. Now it’s up to us to prepare a ‘Benefice Profile’ and a ‘Statement of Needs’, which are the basic documents that have to be prepared before advertising for a new priest. A small working party of about 4 people is currently being called out, and they will begin to prepare whatever is necessary without delay. By the time you read this article the working party will be well ahead.

‘Interregnum Prayer’ (from Revd Norman Morris)...

Father God, you have given us a goodly heritage and your hand has guided your flock from age to age. Guide us now with your Holy Spirit; bless the people of Wentnor, Ratlinghope, Norbury, Myndtown, Churchstoke, Hyssington, Lydham, More and Snead; give us wisdom, generosity, and courage in finding and following your will for us, that your Kingdom may come on earth as in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The Follow! Inspire! evening at Craven Arms on Monday 14 November was well attended: standing room only at the main gathering where the Bishop spoke about ‘One degree shifts’ – small things that even the smallest of churches can do to inspire each generation to follow Jesus Christ. The rest of the evening had informative workshops, ample coffee and cake, and lots of inspiring stands in the Sports Hall. There were many people from our Welsh parishes in the OnnyCamlad group and a one supporter who carried the flag for our 6 English parishes. It is a pity that few were able to go (apart from Wales!) because serious spiritual and secular issues are affecting our communities – including the removal of Government funding for local authorities by 2020, at the same time as our population becomes older. One of the workshops focused on loneliness, which is one of the biggest social stigmas of our time because no one wants to admit they have no friends. There is a group called ‘Places of Welcome’ whose primary aim is that, “Every neighbourhood has places where all people feel safe to belong, connect and contribute”. It is not an exclusively Christian outreach – but remember that Jesus was not a Christian and none of his massive outreach in Palestine was to Christians, as they weren’t ‘invented’ then! Places of Welcome is ecumenical and multi-faith ... providing places where people can meet and listen to each other. A good example of a ‘One degree shift’ that brings the principles of Christ-ianity into practical, loving action. For more info on ‘Places of Welcome’ contact Chrissie Pepler, 01584 871077 [email protected]

NORBURY & DISTRICT WI: Thursday 8 December: - Brad Fitt, Pantomime Dame. Competition: A pair of bloomers to be worn in a fashion show. Hostesses: The Committee. Flowers: Margaret Cooke.

Thurs 12 January 2017: ‘Policing London on horseback’ by Nick Earnshaw. Competition: A picture of yourself, taken in London. Hostesses: Pauline Phillips, Wendy Oakley and one other. Flowers: Jane Pugh.

Thurs 9 February 2017: Paul Richards, ‘Diary of a Show Garden’. Competition: Miniature Garden in a cereal bowl. Hostesses: Jane Pugh, Jayne Godsman and Sue Pinches; Flowers: Christine Williams.

LYDHAM, MORE & SNEAD WI

Thursday 15 December Christmas Lunch at Lakeside Golf Club

Thursday 19 January: Visit to ‘Transform’ in Bishop’s Castle to hear about beauty therapy. New members & visitors are always welcome (at £4 per meeting). Secretary: Christine Finigan 01588 650775; President: Caroline Babb 650443.

Community Larder & Advice Centre at Clun (CLAC@CLUN):

If anyone in our area is in need and cannot afford to buy food, and other supplies, they can contact a doctor, head teacher, priest, or someone from the Local Ministry Group, or another similar person, for help to obtain food etc. or advice from CLAC@CLUN. All cases are treated in total confidence

Just Credit Union Anyone who needs financial help can ask the Credit Union for quick loans, with no arrangement fee, from £300 to £1,000. Credit Union is a People's Bank, to stop the payday loan-sharks who charge very high interest. £300 loans for the really needy are available within 48 hours; repayable over 30 to 52 weeks; no arrangement fee, no early repayment penalty. Free life insurance available. Far cheaper than other sources. Confidential calls can be made: 01743-252325. Graham Hemmings can help Monday mornings in the Church Barn, by Bishop’s Castle church.

Want a Magazine? Know someone who would like one? Please encourage sales & distribution. Contact Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 (Shropshire & Snead parishes) or Jo Jelves 620434 (Churchstoke & Hyssington)

Bishop’s Castle Dial-a-Ride and Community Car scheme: For individuals or groups regardless of age or disability. All journeys must be pre-booked. Volunteer drivers and escorts urgently required Contact: Adrian Varcoe or ring 01588 638350

Bus enquiries: 08702 412216 National Rail Enquires: 08457 484950

Hall Bookings: Village Hall at Norbury: bookings: Anita Bright, 01588 650660 Lydham Hall: 638737. Hyssington Village Hall: 01588 620197 Churchstoke Community Centre: Ann Kinsey 01588 620110

COPY DATE for February Magazine is 14 January. Send contributions to the Compiler for your Parishes. David Hardham ( [email protected] ) is the Compiler for Wentnor, Lydham, More, Myndtown, Norbury, Ratlinghope & Snead. Jo Jelves for Churchstoke; ([email protected]) 01588 620434.

ONNYCAMLAD PARISHES (Vacant) Contact: Rev Stephanie Fountain Rural Dean 01588 630324 for Christenings, Weddings & Funerals at Wentnor, Ratlinghope, Norbury, Myndtown, Lydham, More, Snead, & Hyssington Rev. Carol Whittock Mission Priest at Churchstoke 01588 620693 David Jelves, Reader 01588 620434 Mette Wardle, Reader 01694 751466

SUNDAY SERVICES: (Please support our Churches and their services, taken by the home team, and by visiting Ministers during the vacancy)

SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER 8.30 Holy Communion, Lydham. Revd Joe Evans 9.45 Holy Communion, Hyssington. Revd Mike Plunkett 10.30 Morning Praise, Churchstoke. David Jelves 11.15 Holy Communion, Norbury. Revd Michael Whittock

SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER. REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 9.45 Holy Communion, Wentnor. Revd Michael Whittock 10.50 for 11.00 Remembrance Service, Churchstoke. Revd Carol Whittock 11.15 Holy Communion, More. Revd Michael Whittock 2.30 Afternoon service, Kinnerton Methodist Chapel 6.30 Evening Prayer, Norbury. Nigel Hirst

SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER 10.30 Sunday Central, Churchstoke. Rev Carol Whittock 6.30 Evening Prayer, Ratlinghope. Mette Wardle

SUNDAY 27 NOVEMBER. ADVENT SUNDAY 10.00 United Service at Hyssington 10.30 Churchstoke, Holy Communion. Rev Carol Whittock 10.30 The Village Hall at Norbury. Holy Communion A combined service for all the 7 churches in the original Wentnor Group It will led by the Local Ministry Group and Revd Michael Whittock. It is hoped this will be well supported as there will be no other (Anglican) services in the ‘Wentnor Group’, so people can be freer to attend this combined service.

2.30 Afternoon Service, Kinnerton Methodist Chapel

Don’t miss the pop-up Diocesan Follow! Inspire! evening… YOU are invited: Monday evening 14 November at Craven Arms Community Centre (or Thursday evening 24 November if you prefer Hereford Cathedral)

Open evening between 6.30 & 9.30; pop in when you can, for as long as you can.

One year on from last autumn’s Diocesan Follow! Events, these two “pop-up” evenings are a chance to share with each other and give thanks for what’s been happening across the diocese in the last year – and pray for our next steps together as we seek to inspire our generation to follow Jesus Christ.

Pop-up Kingdom café ... Mini workshops.

Meet and make useful contacts to help you move your ideas and plans forward in your parish.

Advice and encouragement: Little steps and one degree shifts that make a difference even in the smallest churches.

Mix and share with people and parishes across the Diocese . Stands, displays, activities. Quiet spaces to pray, to share, to listen to God.

Whether you are feeling inspired and have inspiration to share, or are in need of prayer and inspiration, these evenings are for all of us as followers of Jesus, together, in the Hereford Diocese. There’s a good poster and full programme on the front page of the diocesan website: www.hereford.anglican.org

How YOU can help the “pop up” Follow! Inspire! events on 14 or 24 Nov.

The two evenings are taking shape really well – and there are lots of ways you can help to make them pop!

 Plan which event you will come to – and the car full you will bring with you!  Personally invite people you would like to encourage and inspire – you can download invitations and programmes from the diocesan website  Offer to “pop up” and staff a stand or display on a topic that will inspire and encourage other parishes under our shared diocesan priorities  Make a cake or a tray of cupcakes! Follow! events have a tradition of great hospitality! Help us keep that up!  PRAY daily for the planning and preparation of the events and for those just considering coming along Please ring Jo or Jane with offers of help or queries on 01584 871089/6

AGE UK Lunches for those 60 & over at the Crown Inn, Wentnor, 12.30pm Normally SECOND WEDNESDAY and THIRD TUESDAY in the month. Next Wednesday Lunch is 9 November. Next Tuesday Lunch is 15 November. To book please ring Rachel Bright 01588 650242 (Wednesday lunches) or Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 (Tuesday lunches). Mrs. Janet Brandon on 01588 650232 – is your Age UK Parish Link.

ONNYCAMLAD VACANCY

There was a Vacancy Consultation meeting on Saturday 8 October in the Village Hall at Norbury. It was an open meeting which was facilitated by Revd Preb Dr John Daniels. About 25 people attended from all parishes in the OnnyCamlad group. John asked the meeting to consider 5 questions: (1) What are the 3 things people value most about living here? (2) What are the 3 main concerns? (3) Which aspects of current worship and church life might attract a newcomer to join you? (4) What might put them off? (5) What is the single biggest challenge facing your church?

The discussions were done in three small groups; then each group gave their answers in an open discussion, and John explained that the Benefice is guided by the three shared priorities of the Diocese:

(1) Spiritual and numerical growth (2) Contributing to the common good (3) Re-imagining ministry

The answers from the 3 small groups are being collated by John, after which a small working party will have regard to them when preparing a ‘Benefice Profile’ and a ‘Statement of Needs’, which are the basic documents that have to be prepared before advertising for a new priest.

‘Interregnum Prayer’ (from Revd Norman Morris)...

NORBURY & DISTRICT WI: Thursday 10 November: 7.30: AGM followed by a Beetle Drive. The Village Hall at Norbury. Competition: Last bloom of summer. Hostesses: Jane Pugh, Trish Lowe, Liv Goode Flowers: Mary Atkins.

LYDHAM, MORE & SNEAD WI: Thursday 17 November 2.15 at Lydham Village Hall. Annual General Meeting; then "Making Shropshire Garlands" a talk by Catherine Murphy New members & visitors are always welcome (at £4 per meeting). Secretary: Christine Finigan 01588 650775; President: Caroline Babb 650443.

Myndtown Combined Parish Council: Parish Clerk Mrs. L Thomas

650509.Wentnor Stores: The Post Office OUTREACH service is OPEN on TUESDAY 9.30AM – 11.30am - offering personal banking, Car Tax & Euros- please support our village shop WENTNOR STORES as much as possible.

Community Larder & Advice Centre at Clun (CLAC@CLUN):

******************************************************************** Find out what is going on across the Hereford diocese at the website at www.hereford.anglican.org For details of service times at the Cathedral, please telephone 01432 374212 or visit the cathedral website www.herefordcathedral.org.

Bus enquiries: 08702 412216 National Rail Enquires: 08457 484950 Hall Bookings: Village Hall at Norbury: bookings: Anita Bright, 01588 650660 Lydham Hall: 638737. Hyssington Village Hall: 01588 620197 Churchstoke Community Centre: Ann Kinsey 01588 620110

COPY DATE for OCTOBER Magazine is 14 November. Send contributions to the compiler for your Parishes. David Hardham ([email protected] ) is the compiler for Wentnor, Lydham, More, Myndtown, Norbury, Ratlinghope & Snead. Jo Jelves for Churchstoke; ([email protected]) 01588 620434. PLEASE do not copy to the Magazine Editor.

PRAYER: Norman has given us this prayer during our search for a new priest. This is our ‘Interregnum Prayer’ ...

SUNDAY SERVICES and Other Worship: (Please support our Churches and their services, taken by the home team and visiting Ministers during the vacancy.)

SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER 1.00 WEDDING; WILLIAM BERRY & TARRYN ROBSON NORBURY

SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER TRINITY 19 10.30 Harvest Praise, Churchstoke Revd Carol Whittock 11.15 HARVEST FESTIVAL MORE Rev Neil Patterson Diocesan Director of Vocations & Ordinands 2.30 Kinnerton Chapel; afternoon service. 3.00 HARVEST FESTIVAL; HYSSINGTON Rev Preb Michael Whittock 6.30 HARVEST FESTIVAL; RATLINGHOPE Rt Rev Michael Bourke

FRIDAY 7 OCTOBER 6.30 MYNDTOWN HARVEST FESTIVAL FOLLOWED BY HARVEST SUPPER IN VILLAGE HALL AT NORBURY. PREACHER: Revd Prebendary Brian Chave

SUNDAY 9 OCTOBER TRINITY 20 8.30 Holy Communion, Ratlinghope: Revd Preb John Daniels 9.45 Holy Communion, Wentnor: Revd Preb John Daniels 10.30 Holy Communion, Churchstoke: Revd Michael Pollit 6.30 Evening Prayer, Norbury: Nigel Hirst

SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER TRINITY 21 8.30 Holy Communion BCP, Wentnor: Revd PrebJohn Daniels 10.30 Sunday Central, Churchstoke: Revd Carol Whittock 11.15 Morning Praise, Lydham: Mrs Mette Wardle 2.30 HARVEST FESTIVAL; KINNERTON CHAPEL. 6.30 Evening Prayer, Ratlinghope: Revd Graham Lloyd

SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER TRINITY 22 9.45 Morning Praise, Layled; Ratlinghope: David Hardham 10.30 Morning Praise, Churchstoke: Cathy Owen 11.15 Holy Communion, More: Bishop Alistair 2.30 Hyssington United services 6.30 HARVEST FESTIVAL; NORBURY Preacher: Rev Michael Plunket

SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER TRINITY 23 CLOCKS GO BACK 10.30 BENEFICE HOLY COMMUNION, Churchstoke: Revd Carol Whittock

2.30 Kinnerton Chapel; afternoon service.

(Weekday Morning Prayer at 8.30am, on Fridays, is suspended temporarily).

ONNYCAMLAD VACANCY

Rev John Daniels (The Local Ministry Officer for the Diocese) has confirmed that there is an Open Meeting at the Village Hall at Norbury on Saturday 8 October. It will be from 9.30am to 12.30.

The meeting is to encourage discussion about the kinds of communities we live in; the needs of those communities; and what sort of church God is calling us all to be.

It is emphasised that this meeting is for everyone not just people who happen to be on the Parish Councils and PCCs. It will be facilitated by John Daniels and will mainly be 'small group work' looking at what our nine parishes have to offer.

He has sent a letter to all church wardens who are discussing it within their parishes.

From this meeting on 8th Oct people will be selected to draft the ‘Benefice Profile’. John will not be writing it for us.

PARISH OFFER scheme

There was a long article about this scheme in the last magazine. I have not yet heard anything about what will happen if the current shortfall is not resolved in the Clun Forest Deanery. At the time of writing the next Deanery Synod is in the future, on 22 Sept. It will be discussed then. Maybe, by the time this magazine is distributed, the parish treasurers will know more about the current situation.

LOCAL MINISTRY NEWS: Our Local Ministry Group assists with pastoral visiting and Home Communions across the parishes, meeting on the second Tuesday afternoon of every month to share concerns and pray for those who are in any kind of need. Members are Anita Bright, Trish Macmullan, Margaret Wallsgrove, Shirley Jones, Bob Berry (Convenor), Mette Wardle, & Rev Carol Whittock. All concerns and prayers are made in total confidence. Please be in touch with any member if you know anyone who would like to be visited. If anyone wishes to receive Home Communion please be in touch with the Rev Carol Whittock 01588 620693

Community Larder & Advice Centre at Clun (CLAC@CLUN): Ollie Holder, from the Community Larder and Advice Centre, writes:

“We are short of items that families regularly need and use. If you are thinking of donating any items, the following will be particularly appreciated. “UHT milk, granulated sugar; tins of ham, custard, carrots, garden peas and fruit (especially apricots, pears and fruit cocktail); sweet and savoury biscuits; coffee; jams; marmalade and shampoo. “The larder is already well stocked with items that are not in huge demand e.g. Tins of spaghetti, baked beans, fish and soups. “Thank you, Ollie Holder.”

PLEASE NOTE that if anyone in our area is in need and cannot afford to buy food, and other supplies, they can contact a doctor, head teacher, priest, or someone from the Local Ministry Group, or another similar person, for help to obtain food etc., and advice, from CLAC@CLUN. All cases are treated with total confidence.

NORBURY & DISTRICT WI: Thursday 13 October ‘An evening of Kurling’. Competition: A stunning stone. Hostesses: Liz Goodison, Dilys Owen, Jenny Burdett. Flowers: Wendy Oakley.

LYDHAM, MORE & SNEAD WI: Thursday 20 October: ‘Project Linus’ Lynn Anthill. New members and visitors are always welcome (at £4 per meeting). Secretary: Christine Finigan 01588 650775; President: Caroline Babb 650443.

AGE UK Lunches for those 60 & over at the Crown Inn, Wentnor, 12.30pm NEXT WEDNESDAY LUNCH: 12 October. NEXT TUESDAY LUNCH: 18 October. To book please ring Rachel Bright 01588 650242 (Wednesday lunches) or Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 (Tuesday lunches). Mrs. Janet Brandon on 01588 650232 – is your Age UK Parish Link.

Myndtown Combined Parish Council: Parish Clerk Mrs. L Thomas

Bus enquiries: 0870 241 2 216 National Rail Enquires: 08457 484950 Find out what is going on across the Hereford diocese at the website at www.hereford.anglican.org For details of service times at the Cathedral, please telephone 01432 374212 or visit the cathedral website www.herefordcathedral.org

Hall Bookings: Village Hall at Norbury: bookings: Anita Bright, 01588 650660 Lydham Hall: 638737. Hyssington Village Hall: 01588 620197 Churchstoke Community Centre: Ann Kinsey 01588 620110

Want a Magazine? Know someone who would like one? Please encourage sales & distribution. Contact Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 (Shropshire & Snead parishes) Jo Jelves 620434 (Churchstoke & Hyssington)

COPY DATE for N OVEMBER Magazine is 14 October. Send contributions to the compiler for your Parishes. David Hardham ([email protected] ) is the compiler for Wentnor, Lydham, More, Myndtown, Norbury, Ratlinghope & Snead. Jo Jelves for Churchstoke; 620434. PLEASE do not copy to the Magazine Editor

Message from Rev Norman “Many thanks indeed to everyone for farewell cards, gifts and good wishes over the past month! Every church congregation has been immensely kind and I've been quite overwhelmed! The final occasion at the Village Hall at Norbury will ever live in my memory with so many gathered there. Thank you so much and for your generosity! “The Monday following I attended a School assembly at Norbury and I was rather moved by the pictures and letters which children read out to me and which featured in bound volumes. That was something special! “I have been very fortunate to have followed fifteen years as Monmouth School Chaplain, which I hugely valued, with sixteen years here in these wonderful hill parishes. Yes there have inevitably been challenges, bereavements, times of illness within many families and the demands the care of nine churches and their churchyards bring, but they're far outweighed by the sense of joy and fulfilment that comes from being a parish priest serving in country parishes and all the activities and life that's going on! “Inevitably, there has to be a change at some point and I'm only retiring as I've reached a certain age but I hope and pray there'll be a successor to me who will feel called to serve here for a good number of years. The "Wentnor parishes" have only had three incumbents in over 50 years! In the meantime, please support the Churchwardens and PCCs through the vacancy, the visiting ministers who will take services, the Wentnor Fete and other events, so we keep our parishes in good heart. “I'm not going too far away. I’m taking on three country parishes near Newtown – and I'm hoping to use some of the generous gift you've given me on a Steam Engine Driver's course at the Severn Valley Railway, as well as buying a keyboard to start playing some music again.”

PRAYER: Meanwhile, back in our hills, Norman has given us this prayer for when we are seeking a new priest. This will be our ‘Interregnum Prayer’ ...

SUNDAY SERVICES and Other Worship: Please support our Churches and their services, taken by the home team and visiting Ministers during the vacancy.

SATURDAY 6 AUGUST CHRISTENING WENTNOR 1.00pm Christening (Dilks). Rev Preb John Daniel

SUNDAY 7 AUGUST TRINITY 11 Tuffins’ Fun Day No Churchstoke or Hyssington services 11.15 Holy Communion Norbury Rev Mike Plunkett BANNS (1) WILLIAM BERRY & TARRYN ROBSON 6.30 Evening Prayer Wentnor Mette Wardle

SUNDAY 14 AUGUST TRINITY 12 9.45 Holy Communion Hyssington Rev J Evans 9.45 Holy Communion Wentnor Rev Robert Payne 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke Rev Michael Pollit 11.15 Holy Communion More Rev J Evans

SATURDAY 20 AUGUST WEDDING NORBURY 2.00pm Rev J Evans. MATTHEW PERIAM & EMILY WARING

SUNDAY 21 AUGUST TRINITY 13 8.30 Holy Communion Wentnor Rev Mike Plunkett 10.30 Sunday Central Churchstoke – Rev Carol Whittock 11.15 Morning Praise Lydham Mette Wardle 6.30 Songs of Praise Snead Mette Wardle

SUNDAY 28 AUGUST TRINITY 14 8.30 Holy Communion Norbury Rev J Evans BANNS (2) WILLIAM BERRY & TARRYN ROBSON 9.45 Morning Praise Ratlinghope Mette Wardle 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke Rev Carol Whittock 2.30 Hyssington United Service 6.30 Evening Prayer More Mette Wardle

SUNDAY 4 SEPTEMBER TRINITY 15 9.45 Holy Communion Hyssington Rev Carol Whittock 10.30 Morning Praise Churchstoke David Jelves 11.15 Holy Communion Norbury Rev Mike Plunkett BANNS (3) WILLIAM BERRY & TARRYN ROBSON

SUNDAY 11 SEPTEMBER TRINITY 16 8.30 Holy Communion Ratlinghope Rev J Evans 9.45 Holy Communion Wentnor Rev Robert Payne 10.00 SNEAD HARVEST FESTIVAL Rev J Evans 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke Rev Michael Whittock 11.15 Holy Communion More Rev Mike Plunkett 6.30 Evening Prayer Norbury Nigel Hirst

SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER TRINITY 17 8.30 Holy Communion (BCP ) Wentnor Rev Mike Plunkett 10.30 Sunday Central Churchstoke Rev Carol Whittock 11.15 LYDHAM HARVEST FESTIVAL & HARVEST LUNCH at LYDHAM VILLAGE HALL at 1.00PM Preacher: Alistair, Bishop of Ludlow (To book lunch please ring 01588 638737) 6.30 Evening Prayer Ratlinghope Rev Preb John Daniels

SUNDAY 25 SEPTEMBER TRINITY 18 8.30 Holy Communion Norbury Rev Preb John Daniels 9.45 Morning Prayer Ratlinghope Rev Graham Lloyd 10.00 United Service Hyssington 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke Rev Carol Whittock 11.15 Morning Praise More Rev Graham Lloyd 6.30 WENTNOR HARVEST FESTIVAL Preacher: Rev Stephanie Fountain Rural Dean

SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER, WEDDING, NORBURY 1.00pm WEDDING: WILLIAM BERRY & TARRYN ROBSON

SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER TRINITY 19 10.30 Harvest Praise Churchstoke Rev Carol Whittock 11.15 MORE HARVEST FESTIVAL Rev Neil Patterson, Diocesan Director of Vocations & Ordinands 3.00 HYSSINGTON HARVEST FESTIVAL Rev Preb Michael Whittock 6.30 RATLINGHOPE HARVEST FESTIVAL Rt Rev Michael Bourke

FRIDAY 7 OCTOBER 6.30 MYNDTOWN HARVEST FESTIVAL followed by HARVEST SUPPER in VILLAGE HALL AT NORBURY. Preacher: Rev Keith Crouch

Weekday Morning Prayer at 8.30am, on Fridays, is suspended temporarily. Please have a look at the request by Trish Macmullan about this – in the section about our Local Ministry News.

FROM THE REGISTERS: Wedding: Thomas Edward Pugh & Ceri Jayne Llewellyn; 18 June, Hyssington. Jonathan Sharpe and Katie Goodwin Self; 2 July, More.

Funeral: Anne Taghavi (formerly Ross) 23 June, Committal at More: following her funeral at Braintree. Phyllis Daphne France (93) 28 June, Committal at Snead followed by a Thanksgiving Service at Churchstoke. ONNYCAMLAD VACANCY As is normal practice at the beginning of a vacancy, Bishop Alistair and Revd Stephanie Fountain ( Rural Dean) had a meeting with the Churchwardens of the OnnyCamlad group of parishes, and members of the Local Ministry Development Group, on Thursday 28th July, at 7.30pm in Lydham church. At this meeting the process of selecting a new priest was explained. It will be followed in September by a Vacancy Consultation Meeting to which all parishioners in the OnnyCamlad Group will be invited.

PARISH OFFER scheme It was explained in previous magazines that The Diocese of Hereford is changing the way it pays for Church ministry in the entire Diocese, including the Clun Forest Deanery, which includes our nine parishes in a group of churches that we call the ‘OnnyCamlad group’. In previous years the Diocese has prepared a careful budget of all costs, including stipends, vicarages, and clergy pensions. Then it has divided the total cost between the 13 Deaneries in Hereford Diocese, including Clun Forest. Then we have divided up our contribution between all our parishes and asked each parish to pay a ‘parish share’. This is rather a ‘top down’ approach, which can cause resentment at being asked to pay what seems to be something like a tax or levy. From next year, this will change: Instead of being told how much to give towards the Church’s expenses we have been asked to make generous offers of what we feel is correct to pay, having regard our own circumstances, and to the fact that the Church does valuable ministry in poor areas that cannot afford to pay all their costs themselves. The Diocese wishes to establish a common fund so that all current Ministry can be properly financed by a spirit of generosity. At the Diocesan Synod in June our representatives were told that the parishes had made their offers, but the total that has been offered is about £361,000 LESS than they are paying this year. Unless something changes the Diocese will have a shortfall of some £450,000. It has some reserves, but sufficient to cover only two years if generous giving does not increase to the level that was expected.

In our Clun Forest Deanery the total of all the parish shares that we have been asked to pay this year (2016) is £209,500. The total that Clun Forest has offered for next year (2017) under the ‘generous offer’ scheme is £190,600 – a 9% reduction. Our Deanery representatives were not told how the nine parishes in OnnyCamlad have responded individually. There are no league tables! At the Synod we were asked to, ‘Facilitate more collaborative discussions across parishes to achieve sustainable increases in the levels of contribution towards parish ministry in 2017 and beyond’. Maybe the treasurers will be consulted in due course.

Friday Morning Prayer: We are hoping to continue the Friday Morning Prayer around the parishes during the interregnum. Over the summer months Trish will be in touch with churchwardens to ask their opinions about possible alternative times to keep this circle of prayer around the benefice. The leaflet showing the readings will be in each church. Please find time to read and pray and, together, we shall retain the circle of prayer. Trish Macmullan. 01588620275

AROUND THE PARISHES: Future events and News Updates:

Bank Holiday Monday 29 August from 1.00pm at The Village Hall at Norbury... NEW VENUE!

The “Wentnor Fete, Fun Dog Show” & Annual Draw In aid of the new Village Hall and the parishes of Wentnor, Ratlinghope, Norbury & Myndtown.

Bouncy Castle, Garden Games, Teas with home-made sandwiches & cakes, Children’s Corner etc. – Beginning with a Hog Roast from 1.00pm. Offers of homemade cakes, new items for the NEW STALL, tombola prizes, garden produce, plants, raffle prizes, and help on the day are most welcome. Plants, vegetables, & homemade cakes are popular so offers will be gratefully received. Rose Jones & Lorna Middleton need tombola prizes – please leave at Wentnor Shop. Further details; please contact the Churchwardens. Good quality second-hand books, including children’s books, likely to sell, are wanted please. We especially need homemade cakes – please respond to the flyers going round the parishes in August. PLEASE SUPPORT THE DRAW!

CHURCHSTOKE ‘OVER-SIXTIES’: Meet alternative Wednesdays 3.00pm. The next meeting: Wednesday 3 August in Churchstoke Community Hall. This is a small group, meeting sometimes at the Hall for a chat and tea, but sometimes we go out on trips. Contact: Margaret Chislett 01588 620310.

ONNY VALLEY SOCIAL CLUB: Weds 17 August. Trip to Beaumaris/Puffin Island. Tues 6 Sept. 2.30pm Meeting in the Village Hall at Norbury. Weds 21 September. Trip to Gloucester & Warwicks Railway/Cheltenham. Tues 4 October: 2.30pm AGM. The Village Hall at Norbury. Weds 19 October. Westonbirt Arboretum. Club leader: Eileen Ashley 07530 687497. To book trips: contact Richard Edwards 01588 650607 or 07702 757019.

Thursday 25 August: 7.30pm. ‘Thursday Social Evenings’; Village Hall at Norbury. Meet us at the Hall on the fourth Thursday of each month for an evening of socialising and playing games like Table Tennis, Cards, Dominoes, & Scrabble. Admission is now reduced to £2.50 at the door, including refreshments.

Friday 9 September at 7:30 pm. ‘FILLING STATION’: CHANGE OF VENUE. Meet at CLUN MEMORIAL HALL SY7 8NY. (Just for September). Speaker: Rev. Nick Crawley. For more details, please see article near front of magazine.

Thursday 22 September: 7.30pm Social evening, Village Hall at Norbury. £2.50

Saturday 1 October. 7.00pm QUIZ evening in Ratlinghope Church. It will be beautifully decorated for Harvest Festival, including tins of ham, stew, carrots, soup etc (for the Food Bank). This will be a fun evening in aid of Ratlinghope Church.

Tuesday 4 October: 'Talks at the Hall' at Norbury on the first Tuesday of every month (but not in August or September). Next talk is Tuesday 4th October when our speaker will tell us about the work of the charity, Médecins Sans Frontières. Doors open 7.15pm; admission £3.50 at the door, including refreshments.

Saturday 15 October: 7.30. The Little Big Band – in concert at The Village Hall at Norbury. . In aid of Médecins Sans Frontières. £7 incl light refreshments.

A Fundraising Event In Aid of Médecins Sans Frontières – (Doctors Without Borders)

THE LITTLE BIG BAND In Concert Swinging Big Band Classics – from the Golden Era of the 20th Century

Saturday 15th October - 7.30pm Village Hall at Norbury SY9 5DX

Tickets £7.00 incl light refreshments With Cash Bar and Dancing

Tickets from: Sue Oakley on 01588 650840

Tuesday 18 October: Rev Michael Tavinor, the Dean of Hereford Cathedral, invites you to a major ‘Day of Healing’ at the Cathedral. Please see his letter of explanation and invitation at the front of this magazine.

Community Larder & Advice Centre at Clun (CLAC@CLUN): Ollie Holder, from the Community Larder and Advice Centre, writes: “Many thanks for the response to the last request for items in short supply. We are short now of coffee, sugar, tins of ham, tinned carrots and pet food. If therefore you are thinking of donations of produce, any of the above will be particularly appreciated. Many Thanks.” If anyone in our area is in need and cannot afford to buy food, and other supplies, they can contact a doctor, head teacher, priest, or someone from our Local Ministry Group, or another similar person, for help to obtain food etc., and advice, from CLAC@CLUN. All cases are treated with total confidence.

Lydham News: On Sunday 17th June, Rev Norman Morris thanked Joyce and Corwen Yapp for their 38 years loyal service as Verger and Sexton to Lydham Church. In that time they had organised excellent fund-raising Flower festivals, Christmas Fayres and raffles. Joyce has been connected with Lydham Church for all her life. Corwen's yew puddings, church yard fritillaries and sweet-peas will be long remembered. They were given a gift of garden vouchers to assist them with their garden at their new home to be built on their son, Alan's, farm.

This was Norman Morris's last service in Lydham, after over 16 years as Rector. Mrs Anthea Jones thanked Norman for all he had done for the Lydham community and for the church, including the campaign to save its beautiful Georgian east window. She made a presentation to Norman and wished him a happy ‘retirement’ just over the border. This was followed by an excellent lunch at The Croft. Lydham 100 Club Application forms for next season are available from Richard Semple or Diana Newcombe. Tickets are £1 per month. Richard Semple: 01588 63066 or Diana Newcombe: 01588 630195

Ratlinghope 200 Club: May £20 Jim Jarrett; £10 Emma Brandon; £5. Peter Iles June £20 Linda Rhodes; £10 Jo Mitton –Gore; £5 Duncan Simpson. Thank you to everyone who supported our draw this year.

NORBURY & DISTRICT WI: Thursday 11 August. Walk with Kath Hughes and Jo Mitton-Gore: ‘The Darnford Walk’: Meet at the Bridges, Ratlinghope at 6pm. After the walk we will adjourn to ‘The Bridges’ where we can buy food and drink. Thursday Sept 8th: ‘The adventures of a Mum-trepreneur’ by Suzie Drew. Competition: Recipe for a healthy snack. Hostesses: Sally Anne Jones, Kath Hughes, Jo Mitton-Gore. Flowers: Margaret Rowson

LYDHAM, MORE & SNEAD WI: No meeting in August. Thursday 15 September: ‘Tips on Photography’. Graham Lloyd. New members and visitors are always welcome (at £4 per meeting). Secretary: Christine Finigan 01588 650775; President: Caroline Babb 650443.

AGE UK Lunches for those 60 & over at the Crown Inn, Wentnor, 12.30pm NEXT TUESDAY LUNCHES: 16 August and 20 September. NEXT WEDNESDAY LUNCHES: 10 August and 14 September. To book please ring Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 (Tuesday lunches) and Rachel Bright 01588 650242 (Wednesday lunches) Mrs. Janet Brandon on 01588 650232 – is your Age UK Parish Link. TABLE TENNIS: Every Monday at the Village Hall at Norbury 2.15–4.15pm. £2 Myndtown Combined Parish Council: Parish Clerk Mrs. L Thomas 650509. Wentnor Stores: The Post Office OUTREACH service is OPEN on TUESDAY 9.30AM – 11.30am - offering personal banking, Car Tax & Euros- please support our village shop WENTNOR STORES as much as possible. Bus enquiries: 0870 241 2 216 National Rail Enquires: 08457 484950 ************************************************************ CHURCHSTOKE NOTES Intention What’s your intention as a disciple of Jesus Christ? Let me put it another way: When you meet Jesus in Paradise at the end of your life how many people will you be bringing with you? Many of us seem to think that being a Christian is trying to do the best we can in this life – but that’s no different from many people who do not call themselves Christians. Many of us think that church is there to meet our needs; we live in a culture where we’re constantly told that our preferences are the ones that matter. BUT for the disciple of Jesus – it’s what He thinks that counts. We are followers of the living God, Jesus, who is so amazing and powerful and loving and dynamic – it’s joy to be in His presence. AND He tells us very clearly to ‘Go and make disciples’. (Matt 28:19) So how can we not? So the big question is HOW to make disciples. Firstly of course we have to be disciples ourselves, not just ‘churchgoers’. Secondly we have to tell the Gospel in words as well as actions. The reality is that although some of us find that difficult at first: the more we do it, the easier it becomes; the more we do it the more God blesses us; the more we do it, the more other people come to know the wonderful Saviour who loves them. So …… we need to be intentional about telling the Gospel of Jesus Christ, intentional about making disciples. ‘Other people’ are the only thing we can take with us into heaven.

Sunday Central Family Church

Activities for all ages: songs, prayers, craft and big construction, drama, thoughts, fun.

10.30am 3rd Sunday every month

Next Sunday Central – 21st August and 18th September St Nicholas’ Churchstoke

Come and join us – we’d love to see you. We are running our second Alpha course beginning on Tuesday 20th September at 7.30pm at Churchstoke Vicarage - starting with a choice of puddings!

Bringing a friend to the Alpha course is a good way of introducing them to ‘real Christianity’, a good way of ‘telling the Gospel’.

‘Come and see’ was what Philip said to Nathanael to encourage him to come and meet Jesus. (John 1:46) ‘Come and see’ is a good way to invite someone to Alpha. Revd Carol If you wish to know more please get in touch. 01588 620693

Tuffin’s Fun Day is on 7th August and we will be holding our usual stall. We will be grateful for donations of cakes, jams and pickles, or any other NEW items which you think we could sell. We have some craft items already which have been kindly donated by the CoffeeCraft ladies. We would also be grateful for any help you could give on the day. If lots of people volunteer to spend an hour on the stall it would be a lot less work for the usual people. If you haven’t been to a Fun Day before do come along. It’s exactly what it says – a ‘fun day’. With many stalls, games & exhibitions, and well worth a visit to help local charities. If you can help please see any of the church wardens.

Giswu Giswu is on holiday for the summer but will restart in September..

CoffeeCraft CoffeeCraft will continue to meet throughout the summer on Thursday mornings from 10.30 to 12.30 in Tuffin’s Conference room at the back of the store. It may be a good idea to check that the group will be there as they do like to go out on visits occasionally. Ring Jo on 01588 620 434 to check and for further details.

Powerhouse Powerhouse is held in church every Weds afternoon from 2.00 to 3.00 and is a time for worship, prayer and tea. Everyone is welcome.

Ignite Ignite for young teenagers has a summer break but will restart in September.

Jon Price As most of you know, Jon Price was ordained deacon at a beautiful service in Bangor Cathedral on June 25th. David and Jo went to this moving occasion. It was lovely to see Jon and his family, who were all so proud of him. Jon sends his very best wishes to everyone in Churchstoke and says a big ‘thank you’ for the messages of congratulations he has received. He has sent the following message: “I would like to say thank you to all who sent cards, gifts and well wishes on the occasion of my ordination. Your support and encouragement has meant so much, and both Sally and I continue to value the friendships that we enjoyed during our time in Churchstoke. We are currently preparing to move to Trefeglwys as I take up the new role of pioneer minister in the Bro Arwystli ministry area which covers Llangurig to Carno. Thanks again. Jon, Sally & Ffion.”

Harvest: On Sunday 2nd October. The Harvest Festival at Churchstoke will be followed by a 3 course roast beef lunch in the village hall. Tickets will be available from members of the PCC and churchwardens.

200 Club July: 1st: 157-Nicholas D Evans; 2nd 2-Kate Sedgley; 3rd 131-Doreen Lees

Appeal! Now the old churchyard has been cleared, it needs to be kept tidy and this is a big job. We are so grateful to those who give their time to help maintain our church grounds but with the added work in the old churchyard we really need more people – ‘many hands make light work’! If you feel you can help in any way we would love to hear from you. Please contact Brenda Rowley on 01588 620444.

Churchstoke W.I There will be no meeting of WI in August. Instead the group will be going to Churchstoke’s Kerry Vale Vineyard. On Friday, 12th August the WI is holding another day trip. This will be to the Grosvenor Garden Centre, Chester. There is also a Farmer’s Market at the Grosvenor on that day. This trip is open to everyone, both men and women, and the cost is £10 for the coach. Contact Carol Gittins, 01588 620 650 for further details and to book. September, Weds 7th at 7.30 in the village hall. Speaker is John Parkinson whose talk is entitled ‘It’s not fine art – but!’ We would love to welcome new members.

********************************************************* HYSSINGTON NEWS Friendship Club next meeting is August 8th Sunday 28 August: Social club walk & picnic meet at 11am in Hyssington car park. Friendship Club September 12th Outing to Daniels Mill Bridgnorth. Thursday 22nd September Social Club "Cartoonist” Part 2 @ 7.30pm *********************************************************** Find out what is going on across the Hereford diocese at the website at www.hereford.anglican.org For details of service times at the Cathedral, please telephone 01432 374212 or visit the cathedral website www.herefordcathedral.org.

Want a Magazine? Know someone who would like one? Please encourage sales & distribution. Contact Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 (Shropshire & Snead parishes) Jo Jelves 620434 (Churchstoke & Hyssington)

Hall Bookings: Village Hall at Norbury: bookings: Anita Bright, 01588 650660 Lydham Hall: 638737. Hyssington Village Hall: 01588 620197 Churchstoke Community Centre: Ann Kinsey 01588 620110

COPY DATE for OCTOBER Magazine is 13 September. Send contributions to the compiler for your Parishes. David Hardham ([email protected] ) is the compiler for Wentnor, Lydham, More, Myndtown, Norbury, Ratlinghope & Snead. Jo Jelves for Churchstoke; 620434. PLEASE do not copy to the Magazine Editor.

ONNYCAMLAD PARISHES Rev. Prebendary Norman Morris, Rector of Wentnor with Ratlinghope, Norbury, Myndtown, Lydham, More & Snead, & Priest in charge of Churchstoke & Hyssington 01588 650244 Rev. Carol Whittock Mission Priest at Churchstoke 01588 620693 David Jelves, Reader 01588 620434 Mette Wardle, Reader 01694 751466

The Benefice Service on 26 June at The Village Hall at Norbury, 11 am, will be NORMAN'S LAST SERVICE after over 16 years of ministry with us. Following the service there will be a 'Bring and Share' lunch in theVillage Hall.

It is hoped that many of us will be able to join in, using this opportunity to thank Norman for all the work he has done for us and wish him well for his future move.

The Rector writes...... The Rector writes.....This month the UK votes whether to stay in the European Community or leave? It's a tremendously important decision to make and whichever way the vote goes will have a profound effect on our all our lives. It may be felt that it's not the place for this monthly message to raise the subject and indeed over the years I've only rarely made references to controversial national issues. I don't subscribe to the view the Church should keep out of the polities which is nonsensical and flies in the face of gospel imperatives about justice and fairness and meeting the needs of the poor and powerless. Equally, the Church cannot tell people how to vote - what it can do is apply these gospel imperatives and ask if the least well off in our society, the struggling farming community, the low paid in all the four nations that make up our United Kingdom, are likely to benefit from withdrawal? Not just those in England, particularly the south east. Tiresome though the EU has often seemed to be, yet legislation and grants over the years have benefited less advantaged groups and areas of the UK. One other point weighs with me: teaching History as I did, so much of Europe’s history involved endless wars between European nations. Broadly since 1945 mainland Europe has enjoyed peace for an unprecedented period of time. It's easy to take that for granted. Whether due to NATO or the EU or just good fortune, I'll leave that for you to judge as you must decide on how you wish to vote? We pray for our Nation and the well being of all our people as we decide whether to stay in the EU or withdraw?

SUNDAY SERVICES and Other Worship:

SUNDAY 29 MAY TRINITY 1 10.30 Churchstoke Benefice Service Preacher & Celebrant : Rt Rev Richard Frith, Bishop of Hereford 3.30 Hereford Cathedral Evensong Preacher: Rev Preb. Norman Morris

SATURDAY 4 JUNE NORBURY WEDDING: MATTHEW TORTORIELLO & JODIE ANN MORRIS 2.00pm

SUNDAY 5 JUNE TRINITY 2 8.30 Holy Communion Lydham 9.45 Holy Communion extended Ratlinghope Mette Wardle 9.45 Holy Communion Hyssington 10.30 Morning Praise Churchstoke 11.15 Holy Communion Norbury BANNS (1) MATTHEW PERIAM & EMILY WARING 6.30 Evening Prayer Wentnor

FRIDAY 10 JUNE NORBURY WEDDING: RYAN MICKLEWRIGHT & POLLY GODFREY SNEAD 3.00pm

SUNDAY 12 JUNE TRINITY 3 9.45 Morning Praise Hyssington Canon Julia Francis 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 11.15 MORE FESTIVAL SERVICE: CELEBRATING THE 90th BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN BANNS (3) JONATHAN SHARPE & KATIE GOODWIN SELF 6.30 Songs Of Praise Ratlinghope “Norman’s Songs of Praise”. Rev Norman will be moving away at the end of June. This is a special service to thank him for all he has done for us.

SATURDAY 18 JUNE HYSSINGTON WEDDING: THOMAS PUGH & CERI LLEWELLYN 12 Noon

SUNDAY 19 JUNE TRINITY 4 8.30 Holy Communion Wentnor 10.00 Holy Communion Snead 11.15 Morning Praise Lydham 3.00 HYSSINGTON SERVICE: OPEN CHURCH & CHURCHYARD ANNUAL EVENT

SUNDAY 26 JUNE TRINTY 5 11.00 Benefice Service with Holy Communion: Village Hall at Norbury This Benefice Service on 26 June will be Norman's last service after over 16 years of ministry with us. Following the service there will be a 'Bring and Share' lunch in The Village Hall at Norbury.

2.30 United Service Hyssington Methodist Chapel

SATURDAY 2 JULY MORE WEDDING: JONATHAN SHARPE & KATIE GOODWIN SELF. 3.00pm

Weekday Morning Prayer at 8.30am on Fridays Join us for a short service at our parish churches; 3 June Churchstoke; 10 June Wentnor; 17 June Myndtown; 24 June Snead.

FROM THE REGISTERS: Baptism: Emilia Eva Betton Sunday 8 May Wentnor.

AROUND THE PARISHES: Future events and News Updates

ONNY VALLEY SOCIAL CLUB: This Club usually meets on the first Tuesday afternoon in the month at The Village Hall at Norbury. Club leader Eileen Ashley 07530 687497. To book trips: contact Richard Edwards 01588 650607 or 07702 757019. Tuesday 7 June: Visit to the Derwen Centre, Gobowen with Afternoon Tea; Sunday 12 June: The Village Hall at Norbury, in the afternoon, a Celebration Tea for the Queen’s 90th birthday. This is for Onny Valley Social Club members and anyone wishing to join as a member. Wednesday 15 June: Trip to Weston Super Mare; Wednesday 20 July Gaydon Motor Museum/Stratford on Avon (provisional)

Tuesday 7 June: 7.15pm. Village Hall at Norbury. Wine tasting talk; by Valerie Woodmansey. Talks at the Hall on the first Tuesday of every other month, but not August. Next talk is first Tuesday in October. Admission £3.50 at the door including refreshments.

Sunday 12 June at 11.15am there will be a MORE FESTIVAL SERVICE CELEBRATING THE 90th BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN. All are welcome.

Sunday 12 June, from 2.30pm. At Snead Church to celebrate ‘Cherishing Churchyards Week’: short guided tours of the beautiful flower-rich churchyard, which should be looking its best. Also guided tours of the ancient church of St Mary the Virgin, which is the site of a former Augustinian Priory. Tours will finish at 5pm.

Sunday 12 June: 6.30pm. A special service at Ratlinghope: “Norman’s Songs of Praise”. Norman will be moving away at the end of June. This is a special service to thank him for all he has done for us, and for the whole Deanery, for so many years. You know how much he loves to sing! Let’s all go and give him a really rousing send off – let’s raise high the roof-beams with our praise!

Friday 24 June 11am till 2pm: ‘Brew with a View’ Norbury School children, year 6, are preparing and selling good, tasty, nourishing lunches at the Village Hall at Norbury All welcome! See FB page ‘Long Mynd Community Noticeboard’ for more details and menu.

Village Hall at Norbury: Thursday Social Evenings. Meet us at the Hall on the fourth Thursday of each month for an evening of socialising & playing games. These will include: Table Tennis, Cards, Dominoes, Scrabble. Admission £3.50 at the door including refreshments. Doors open 7.30pm.

CHURCHSTOKE “OVER-SIXTIES”: Meet alternative Wednesdays 3.00pm Churchstoke Community Hall contact: Margaret Chislett 01588 620310

Lydham News: Lydham Church 100 club. Subscribers for this 2016/2017 worthwhile monthly draw please contact Jimmy Garnier 01588-638486; Diana Newcombe 01588-630195 or church wardens Tony Martin 01588 630313 and Joyce Yapp.

Ratlinghope 200 Club Draw: Thank you to everyone who has supported our draw over the last year - it is very much appreciated. We hope you will continue to support us again. Tickets available from Margaret Cooke 650280 and Janet Brandon 650232 at £5 each to cover the year.

More News: March Monthly Draw Winners: 1st Wendy Perks 2nd Gareth Purslow 3rd Nancy Beamond April Monthly Draw Winners: 1st James Evans (Jack) 2nd M W Hamer 3rd Chris Evans Monthly Draw Many thanks to everyone who supports our More Church monthly draw. Contact 01588 650360

NORBURY & DISTRICT WI: THURSDAY 9 JUNE VILLAGE HALL AT NORBURY 7.30pm Speaker: Sally Perch “Sheep-ish” VISITORS WELCOME Hostesses: Janet Brandon, Ros Payne, Margaret Rowson, Flowers; Gilly Bachelor; Competition: Knitted/Crochetitem made by a member.

LYDHAM, MORE & SNEAD WI: THURSDAY 16 JUNE 2.15pm Garden Meeting at 3 Glebe Meadow “Gardening” Gill Martin &Patti Wrench New members are particularly welcome at the meetings, and visitors also, at £4 per meeting. Contact Secretary Christine Finigan 01588 650775 or President Caroline Babb 650443.

FILLING STATION. Friday 10 June, 7.30pm at Newcastle Community Centre. For more details contact Brian Angell on 07790 325007 email [email protected] and on Face Book: The Filling Station Clun Valley.

LOCAL MINISTRY NEWS: Our Local Ministry Group assists with pastoral visiting and Home Communions across the parishes, meeting monthly to share concerns and pray for those who are in any kind of need. Members of the Local Ministry Group are Anita Bright, Trish Macmullan, Margaret Wallsgrove, Shirley Jones, Bob Berry (Convenor), Mette Wardle, Rev Carol Whittock, & Rev Preb. Norman Morris; meeting second Wednesday afternoon of the month. All concerns and prayers are made in total confidence. Please be in touch with any member if you know of anyone who would like to be visited. Anyone wishing to receive Home Communion please be in touch with the Rector 10588 650244

AGE UK Lunches for those 60 & over at the Crown Inn, Wentnor, 12.30pm Normally SECOND WEDNESDAY and THIRD TUESDAY IN THE MONTH NEXT WEDNESDAY LUNCH is 8 JUNE; to book, please ring Rachel Bright 01588 650242. NEXT TUESDAY LUNCH is 21 JUNE; to book please ring Margaret Cooke 01588 650280. Mrs. Janet Brandon on 01588 650232 – is your Age UK Parish Link – who will be pleased to help you.

A special Service of Commemoration for Second Lieutenant John Gurth Morgan Owen of the South Wales Borderers was held at St Mary the Virgin Snead on the 100th Anniversary of his death at Sanna-i-Yat in Mesopotamia on Saturday 9 April 2016. It was one of the two battles that took place to try and relieve Anglo- Indian forces besieged at Kut. Snead Church is just inside Wales in the county of Powys though only one mile from Bishop’s Castle. The afternoon featured a short service of commemoration, led by the Rector, Rev Prebendary Norman Morris, an exhibition, detailed talk by a descendent Timothy Morgan Owen, and Tea. Thanks to God were given for all those took part and gave their lives for their country in that far off Mesopotamian campaign in modern day Iraq, especially remembering John Gurth, described as "heroic Gurth" on the Memorial. John Gurth was an officer in the South Wales Borderers Regiment and his family the Morgan-Owens were a Montgomeryshire family who lived at Penbryn, Churchstoke and Owlbury and Plas Madoc in the tiny Welsh parish of Snead. The Morgan-Owen family regularly worshiped in the church until the 1920's. There are a number of Morgan-Owen graves and memorials at the church. Ancestors of the Morgan-Owens were Welsh princes and they have lived in Mid-Wales and in the parish of Snead for centuries. The Bidding Prayer exhorted that “Today we have gathered around this memorial at St Mary the Virgin, Snead to Second Lieutenant John Gurth Morgan Owen of the South Wales Borderers on the actual 100th Anniversary of his death at Sanna-i-Yat in Mesopotamia and to remember all those from his generation who were caught up in the courageous but tragic events of the First World War. We remember him and all those who were killed in action, or by disease, the bereaved, the lost, the families which were shattered, the wounded, maimed and injured, and those who held in silence unspeakable memories of warfare. As we remember those who fought, we remember those who remained anxiously at home, especially his Morgan Owen family.” The hymns were “Now thank we all out God” and “Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer”, the Reading: David’s Lament for Saul & Jonathan 2 Samuel 1: 17 -27, and Prayers of Remembrance. For more details; Facebook ‘Snead Church, Powys’

FROM THE JUNE MAGAZINE 2009 Bishop Michael Hooper, Bishop of Ludlow since 2002 was retiring and wrote of his 44 years as a Priest – all his ministry had been spent in the diocese of Hereford. He particularly recalled 1976 when the diocese celebrated 1300 years and a medieval Cross went round from deanery to deanery; A week of Free the Spirit was due to be held in Lydbury North in July; Rev Eileen Francis had left the Bucknell group of parishes and thanked everyone for her time there; A “Vivaldi Concert had taken place at Clungunford; Clun Young Farmers celebrated their Diamond Jubilee; More Church was about to have major work re-plastering and re- decorating; Ratlinghope had a Corndon Singers Concert; Hyssington was looking to secure Village Green status for its Green.

TABLE TENNIS! Now in action! Open to all! Anyone wanting a good game! Taking place Mondays at The Village Hall at Norbury 2.15–4.15pm. £2 per session - for details contact The Rector 01588 650244 BIBLE STUDY GROUP: New members always welcome! Contact: The Rector 01588 650244 FLOWERS/CLEANING: (From now on notification will be through the churches)

Find out what is going on across the Hereford diocese at the website at www.hereford.anglican.org - have a look at the Notice board. For details of service times at the Cathedral, please telephone 01432 374212 or visit the cathedral website www.herefordcathedral.org.

Want a Magazine? Know someone who would like one? Please encourage sales & distribution! Please contact Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 (Shropshire & Snead parishes)

COPY DATE for July 2016 Magazine is TUESDAY 14 JUNE Send contributions to the Compiler for your Parishes. PLEASE do not copy to the Magazine Editor. David Hardham ([email protected] ) is the ‘Compiler’ for Wentnor, Lydham, More, Myndtown, Norbury, Ratlinghope & Snead.

Hall Bookings: Village Hall at Norbury: bookings: Anita Bright, 01588 650660 (or if need be Rev Norman Morris 650244). Also tables, chairs, hostess trolley, crockery, & boiler available for hire. Lydham Hall: 638737. Hyssington Village Hall: 01588 620197 - do use our halls!

Bishop’s Castle Dial-a-Ride and Community Car scheme: Available for individuals or groups regardless of age or disability. All journeys must be pre-booked. Volunteer drivers and escorts urgently required for this worthwhile community service. Contact: Adrian Varcoe or ring 01588 638350.

ONNYCAMLAD PARISHES0 Rev. Prebendary Norman Morris, Rector of Wentnor with Ratlinghope, Norbury, Myndtown, Lydham, More & Snead, & Priest in charge of Churchstoke & Hyssington 01588 650244 Rev. Carol Whittock Mission Priest at Churchstoke 01588 620693 David Jelves, Reader 01588 620434 Mette Wardle, Reader 01694 751466

The Rector writes...... The wonderful month of May is upon us and despite those cautionary words about "cast not a clout till May is out" its generally a month when the winter is past and the summer begins to loom up with all its promise of warm, sunny weather! Well let's hope so! Easter was very early this year so we're hardly in May before it's Ascension Day, that great but rather neglected and misunderstood festival? It's in the week 40 days on from Easter so tends to get rather passed over, even in the Church itself. Surprisingly, in the New Testament it only features at the end of Luke's Gospel and the beginning of Acts so it's due to Luke we have the Festival at all (in Matthew there’s a different Galilean tradition).....its grown up in the calendar of the Church, marking the time when the disciples gathered to say farewell to Jesus as he ascends to heaven. He leaves them with promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit which will happen ten days later which we call the Feast of Pentecost. So the time of Jesus' time on earth has drawn to a close and the disciples are on their own...scary prospect...but they're to receive the Holy Spirit to guide them into a future which will see the Church emerge to carry forward the Gospel to the world. For us, the faithful in our own time, it's where we've come from and should make us aware that we are all disciples, with a calling to follow Jesus and do what we can to extend God's Kingdom of love in our lives and the world around us.

SUNDAY SERVICES and Other Worship

SUNDAY 1 MAY; EASTER 5; ROGATION SUNDAY 8.30 Holy Communion Lydham 9.45 Holy Communion Hyssington BANNS (3) THOMAS PUGH & CERI LLEWELLYN 9.45 Holy Communion, extended, Ratlinghope Mette Wardle 10.30 Morning Praise Churchstoke 11.15 Rogation Service Norbury (to include Blessing of local Norbury farms if weather fair) BANNS (3) MATTHEW TORTORIELLO & JODIE ANN MORRIS BANNS (2) RYAN MICLKEWRIGHT & POLLY GODFREY 6.30 Rogation Service Wentnor

THURSDAY 5 MAY. ASCENSION DAY 6.00pm Hyssington Ascension Day Prayer Walk (meet Hyssington church 6.00pm) & 6.30pm Holy Communion All welcome.

SUNDAY 8 MAY. SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY 8.30 Holy Communion Wentnor 11.00 ROGATION SERVICE Ratlinghope followed by 11.30am ROGATION “BEATING THE BOUNDS” 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 11.15 Holy Communion More BANNS (1) JONATHAN SHARPE & KATIE GOODWIN SELF 2.00 CHRISTENING (Emilia Betton) Wentnor 6.30 Evening Prayer Norbury

SATURDAY 14 MAY CHRISTIAN AID WEEK COFFEE MORNING 10.30 – 12 NOON ROBURY RING, WENTNOR - ALL ARE WELCOME TO COME

SUNDAY 15 MAY. WHITSUNDAY (PENTECOST) CHRSITIAN AID WEEK BEGINS 8.30 Holy Communion Ratlinghope 10.00 Holy Communion Snead BANNS (3) RYAN MICKLEWRIGHT & POLLY GODFREY 10.30 Morning Praise Churchstoke 11.15 Christian Aid Service Lydham 3.00 CHRISTENING (Isla Owen) Wentnor 6.30 Christian Aid Service Wentnor

SATURDAY 21 MAY 12 Noon CHRISTENING (Freddie Wright) Wentnor

SUNDAY 22 MAY. TRINITY SUNDAY 8.30 Holy Communion Norbury 9.45 Holy Communion Myndtown 9.45 Lay Led Morning Prayer Ratlinghope 10.00 United Service Hyssington 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 6.30 Evening Prayer More BANNS (2) JONATHAN SHARPE & KATIE GOODWIN SELF

SUNDAY 29 MAY. TRINITY 1 10.30 Churchstoke Benefice Service Preacher & Celebrant: Rt Rev Richard Frith, Bishop of Hereford 3.30 Hereford Cathedral Evensong Preacher: Rev Preb. Norman Morris

SATURDAY 4 JUNE WEDDING MATTHEW TORTORIELLO & JODIE ANN MORRIS. NORBURY 2.00pm

SUNDAY 5 JUNE: TRINITY 2 8.30 Holy Communion Lydham 9.45 Holy Communion extended Ratlinghope 9.45 Holy Communion Hyssington 10.30 Morning Praise Churchstoke 11.15 Holy Communion Norbury 6.30 Evening Prayer Wentnor (Barry Preston)

Weekday Morning Prayer at 8.30am on Fridays Join us for a short service at our parish churches; 6 May Hyssington; 13 May Norbury; 20 May Lydham; 27 May More; 3 June Churchstoke.

AROUND THE PARISHES: Future events and News Updates

Wednesday 4 May 7.30pm; at Norbury Hall: Norbury Church APCM All welcome

Saturday 7 MAY from 2pm: At Lydham Village Hall. JUMBLE SALE with Bric-a-bac, tombola, toys, raffle and cake stall and teas. Proceeds for More, Lydham and Snead Churches.

Wednesday 11 May 7.00pm at Pontesbury Church: Archdeacon Visitation for Churchwardens

Saturday 14 May CHRISTIAN AID WEEK COFFEE MORNING 10.30 – 12 NOON ROBURY RING, WENTNOR ALL ARE WELCOME TO COME

Saturday 14 May 2-4pm BOTANICAL WALK AT SNEAD. Join a walk with the Camlad Wildlife Group exploring the Snead churchyard, and surrounding woods, fields and verges. Parking in the layby on the A489. Wellies advisable for crossing the stream. Further information from Pam Blaxland: 01588 638145 or [email protected]

Monday 16 May 7.30pm: Wentnor Fete 2016 meeting – all are welcome! Venue for the fete on Bank Holiday Monday, 29 August from 1pm, will be the Village Hall at Norbury.

Friday 20 May 11am till 2pm: ‘Brew with a View’ Norbury School children, year 6, are preparing and selling good, tasty, nourishing lunches at the Village Hall at Norbury All welcome! See FB page ‘Long Mynd Community Noticeboard’ for more detail and menu.

ONNY VALLEY SOCIAL CLUB: This Club usually meets on the first Tuesday afternoon in the month at The Village Hall at Norbury. Club leader Eileen Ashley 07530 687497. To book trips: contact Richard Edwards 01588 650607 or 07702 757019. Wednesday 18 May: Trip to Salford Quays, Manchester. Friday 20 May: 7.30pm Skittles match with Norbury WI Tuesday 7 June: Visit to the Derwen Centre, Gobowen with Afternoon Tea Wednesday 15 June: Weston Super Mare

Sunday 12 June at 11.15am there will be a MORE FESTIVAL SERVICE CELEBRATING THE 90th BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN All are welcome – and at The Village Hall at Norbury, in the afternoon, a Celebration Tea is planned. Why not combine a tour at Snead (see below) with a tea at Lydham?

Sunday 12 June, from 2.30pm. At Snead Church to celebrate ‘Cherishing Churchyards Week’: Guided tours of the beautiful flower-rich churchyard, which should be looking its best. Also guided tours of the ancient church of St Mary the Virgin, which is the site of a former Augustian Priory. Tours will finish at 5pm.

Village Hall at Norbury: Talks at the Hall on the first Tuesday of every other month Admission £3.50 at the door including refreshments. Doors open 7.15pm. Next talk will be 7 June.

CHURCHSTOKE “OVER-SIXTIES”: Meet alternative Wednesdays 3.00pm Churchstoke Community Hall contact: Margaret Chislett 01588 620310

Lydham News: Lydham Church 100 club March draw. Congratulations to winners: 1st Annie Morris £21.50, 2nd Joy Chisholm £12.90 3rd Millie Garnier £8.60. Subscribers for this 2016/2017 worthwhile monthly draw please contact Jimmy Garnier 01588-638486; Diana Newcombe 01588-630195 or church wardens Tony Martin 01588 630313 and Joyce Yapp. Please make A NOTE IN YOUR DIARIES TO SUPPORT our wonderful jumble sale, with cakes and teas, on Saturday 7 May. (See above)

More News: Monthly Draw Many thanks to everyone who supports our More Church monthly draw. Contact 01588 650360

NORBURY & DISTRICT WI: THURSDAY 12 MAY VILLAGE HALL AT NORBURY 7.30pm Speaker: Andrew Fusek Peters “In the Wilderness is Paradise now, Words, Wildlife & Wonders from the Shropshire Borderlands” VISITORS WELCOME Hostesses: Wendy Oakley, Charlotte Earnshaw, Gilly Batchelor Flowers; Krystyna Lawson; Competition: Short poem about something local. LYDHAM, MORE & SNEAD WI: THURSDAY 19 MAY 2.15pm “Knitted Jewellery” Karen Van Hoff; Lydham Village Hall; Refreshments Barbara & Daphne. New members are particularly welcome at the meetings. Contact Secretary Christine Finigan 01588 650775 or President Caroline Babb 650443.

OUR CHURCHYARDS: We have nine churchyards to look after and in most cases we have to pay considerable sums to maintain them, which is another commitment to be met. We are fortunate still to have, in some cases, generous volunteer help. At other ones, where we have to pay for maintenance, family members have sometimes contributed towards the cost of upkeep of churchyards; and this is very welcome. There has been a tradition of doing this, particularly at Wentnor. Contributions towards Wentnor Churchyard please see Sylvia Kingsbury. Help at other churches please be in touch with a Churchwarden thank you.

FILLING STATION. Friday 13 May at 7.30 at Newcastle Community Centre: Rt. Revd. Richard Frith, Bishop of Hereford, will be our speaker. This will be the weekend of Pentecost, and we look forward to hearing him teach about ‘The Go-Between God’. This is an excellent chance to meet him and hear what he has to say on this intriguing topic. He has been supportive of the vision for ‘Filling Stations’ in the Diocese and we are delighted that he is coming to see for himself something of this exciting movement drawing together rural Christians from all denominations for encouragement and renewal. For more details contact Brian Angell on 07790 325007 email [email protected] and on Face Book: The Filling Station Clun Valley.

AGE UK Lunches for those 60 & over at the Crown Inn, Wentnor, 12.30pm Normally SECOND WEDNESDAY and THIRD TUESDAY IN THE MONTH NEXT WEDNESDAY LUNCH is 11 MAY; to book, please ring Rachel Bright 01588 650242. NEXT TUESDAY LUNCH is 17 MAY; to book please ring Margaret Cooke 01588 650280. Mrs. Janet Brandon on 01588 650232 – is your Age UK Parish Link – who will be pleased to help you.

FROM THE MAY MAGAZINE 2005: The Rural Dean Richard Shaw highlighted the Diocesan Swanwick Conference taking place later in the month with the theme “Changing World...Emerging Church”; a Deanery Eucharist would be taking place at Walcot Hall at which the recently retired Archdeacon of Hereford john Tiller would be the Preacher; Clun Methodist Chapel was hosting an Art Exhibition from the Hereford Fringe Festival “Jesus Laughing and Loving”; Rev Norman Morris wrote of the achievements of Pope John Paul who had just died; More PCC began a link with the Bosano parishes of Uganda; Churchstoke had completed having its steeple re-clad and renewing the church electrics was underway; Hidden Gardens of Hyssington were due to be open to visitors over the Mat Bank Holiday weekend.

TABLE TENNIS! Now in action! Open to all! Anyone wanting a good game! Taking place Mondays at The Village Hall at Norbury 2.15–4.15pm. £2 per session - for details contact The Rector 01588 650244

BENEFICE BOOK GROUP: Contact: The Rector BIBLE STUDY GROUP: New members always welcome! Contact: The Rector 01588 650244 FLOWERS/CLEANING: (From now on notification will be through the churches)

Want a Magazine? Know someone who would like one? Please encourage sales & distribution! Please contact Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 (Shropshire & Snead parishes) COPY DATE for June 2016 Magazine is Sunday 15 May Send contributions to the Compiler for your Parishes. PLEASE do not copy to the Magazine Editor. David Hardham ([email protected] ) is the ‘Compiler’ for Wentnor, Lydham, More, Myndtown, Norbury, Ratlinghope & Snead.

Office Hour: Saturday morning at The Rectory 9-10am. Tel: 01588 650244. The Rector is always available to discuss Wedding and Christening dates at any time

The Rector writes..... The Rector writes.....Predictions and Prophecies what's the difference? I was thinking recently how pretty hopeless our media pundits are at predicting future events, not much better than the Romans were peering into the entrails of birds before battles! No one predicted the rise of Islam, religion was expected to wither away, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of Communism came as a surprise, even the success of Leicester City in the Premiership was unforeseen! Early Christians, however, believed there were plenty of prophesies in the Jewish scriptures about God sending someone special as Saviour and that was fulfilled by the coming of Jesus - they got that right; though his arrest, trial and crucifixion hardly seemed the script for the Messiah and Saviour of the world! Prophesies coming out slightly ahead of predictions! Our Easter season celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus and the eventual conversion of the Roman Empire in large measure to Christianity, especially when Constantine became Emperor - people were convinced that God really had acted in history to send into our world His Son and, looking back, it did seem to be prophesied, but not exactly predicted in the way it happened. God can always surprise us in our lives, not forcing himself upon us, but endlessly patient and always ready to be welcomed into our lives!

SUNDAY SERVICES and Other Worship

HOLY SATURDAY EASTER EVE 26 MARCH 8.00pm Easter Vigil Hyssington Preb Michael Pollit

EASTER SUNDAY 27 MARCH 8.30 Holy Communion Norbury 9.45 Holy Communion Myndtown 10.00 Easter Praise Hyssington 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 11.30 Holy Communion More George Baker plays 2.30 United Service Hyssington 6.30 “Easter Praise” & Holy Communion Wentnor 6.30 “Easter Praise”& Holy Communion Ratlinghope Rev Jo Evans

LOW SUNDAY 3 APRIL EASTER 1 8.30 Holy Communion Lydham 9.45 Holy Communion (extended) Ratlinghope Mette Wardle 9.45 Holy Communion Hyssington BANNS (1) THOMAS PUGH & CERI LLEWELLYN 10.30 Morning Praise Churchstoke 11.15 Holy Communion Norbury BANNS (1) MATTHEW TORTORIELLO & JODIE ANN MORRIS BANNS (1) RYAN MICLKEWRIGHT & POLLY GODFREY 6.30 Evening Prayer Wentnor

SATURDAY 9 APRIL MESOPOTAMIA WW1 100th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION “John Gurth Morgan Owen” at SNEAD CHURCH 2.00pm

SUNDAY 10 APRIL EASTER 2 8.30 Holy Communion Ratlinghope 9.45 Holy Communion Wentnor 9.45 Morning Praise Hyssington Canon Julia Francis BANNS (2) THOMAS PUGH & CERI LLEWELLYN 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 11.15 Holy Communion More George Baker plays 6.30 “Songs of Praise Norbury BANNS (2) MATTHEW TORTORIELLO & JODIE ANN MORRIS

SATURDAY 16 APRIL MARCHES COMMUNITY CHOIR CONCERT “MOZART REQUIEM” BISHOP’S CASTLE CHURCH 7.30pm

SUNDAY 17 APRIL EASTER 3 8.30 Holy Communion Norbury 9.45 Holy Communion Wentnor 10.30 Morning Praise Churchstoke 11. 15 “ST GEORGE SERVICE” Lydham 4.00 READERFEST “Celebrating 150 years of Reader Ministry” Church Stretton Church 6.30 Evening Prayer Ratlinghope Rev Jo Evans

SUNDAY 24 APRIL EASTER 4 9.45 Morning Praise Myndtown Nigel Hirst 9.45 Morning Praise Lay led Ratlinghope Mette Wardle 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 2.30 Hyssington United Services 6.30 Evening Prayer More David Jelves

SUNDAY 1 MAY EASTER 5 ROGATION SUNDAY 8.30 Holy Communion Lydham 9.45 Holy Communion Hyssington BANNS (3) THOMAS PUGH & CERI LLEWELLYN 9.45 Holy Communion (extended) Ratlinghope Mette Wardle 10.30 Morning Praise Churchstoke 11.15 Rogation Service Norbury (to include Blessing of local Norbury farms if weather fair) ) BANNS (3) MATTHEW TORTORIELLO & JODIE ANN MORRIS BANNS (2) RYAN MICLKEWRIGHT & POLLY GODFREY 6.30 Rogation Service Wentnor

Weekday Morning Prayer at 8.30am on Fridays Join us for a short service at our parish churches; 25 March GOOD FRIDAY; 1 April Churchstoke; 8 April Wentnor; 15 April Myndtown; 22 April Snead; 29 April Ratlinghope; 6 May Hyssington.

LIVING GENEROUSLY: THE NEW FREE-WILL OFFER SCHEME FOR PARISHES.

The ‘Parish Offer Scheme’ was mentioned in the OnnyCamlad section last month, ending with’ ‘Watch this space – The Hereford Diocese synod will vote on this on 5 March’; or words to that effect ... Well, the vote was easily in favour of a change to a new, Free-will Parish Offer scheme. Parishes will decide, after prayerful consideration, how much they can generously give to the Diocese in order to fund all the work that the Church does in all parts of the Diocese, and among all age groups and communities, including among the most needy people in our diverse area. The pragmatic approach, as explained by the chair of the Parish Offer working group, is: Existing Parish share, plus inflation, plus generosity – having regard to other commitments and other giving. The Rural Dean, Revd Stephanie Fountain, has written about this ‘Parish Offer scheme’ in her letter this month, near the front of this magazine.

AROUND THE PARISHES: Future events and News Updates

Village Hall at Norbury: Talk Time Talks at the Hall on the first Tuesday of every other month On Tuesday 5thApril: “The Future of Christianity” In 2046 will Westminster Abbey be a National Museum of a now vanished Christian Religion in Britain or the National Centre for British Islam? When did Britain cease to be a Christian country? Rev Norman Morris will introduce a discussion about where we're going in the light of a recent Report on Religion in Public Life today. Admission £3.50 at the door including refreshments. Doors open 7.15pm.

Saturday 9th April 2016– Commemoration for Second Lieutenant John Gurth Morgan Owen of the South Wales Borderers – Snead Church (SY15 6EB) Saturday 9 April 2016 will be 100 years after the death of Second Lieutenant John Gurth Morgan Owen of the South Wales Borderers at Sanna-i-Yat in Mesopotamia, one of the two battles that took place to try and relieve Anglo-Indian forces besieged at Kut. The afternoon will feature an exhibition, talk, tea and a short service to give thanks to God for all those took part and gave their lives for their country in that far off Mesopotamian campaign in modern day Iraq, especially remembering John Gurth, described as "Heroic Gurth" on the Memorial. Everyone is welcomed to what should be an extremely interesting afternoon. John Gurth was an officer in the South Wales Borderers Regiment and his family the Morgan-Owens were a Montgomeryshire family who lived at Penbryn, Churchstoke and Owlbury and Plas Madoc in the tiny Welsh parish of Snead. The Morgan-Owen family regularly worshiped in the church until the 1920's. There are a number of Morgan-Owen graves and memorials at the church. Ancestors of the Morgan-Owens were Welsh princes and they have lived in Mid-Wales and in the parish of Snead for centuries. For more details; Facebook ‘Snead Church, Powys’ or email [email protected] or Tel 01588 640626.

SATURDAY 16 APRIL - from 2.00pm. Norbury JUMBLE SALE at The Village Hall at Norbury –Stalls, wonderful Teas – All Welcome!

ONNY VALLEY SOCIAL CLUB: This Club usually meets on the first Tuesday afternoon in the month at The Village Hall at Norbury Club leader Eileen Ashley 07530 687497 TUESDAY 5 APRIL at 2.30pm: The Village Hall at Norbury: ‘Exotic Zoo’, from Telford: bringing meercats, reptiles and small animals WEDNESDAY 20 APRIL: Trip to Chester: Shopping, or the Zoo. Depart 9am Bishop’s Castle & 9.15 Norbury. FRIDAY 6 MAY at 7.30 pm: The Village Hall at Norbury: Skittles amongst members WEDNESDAY 18 MAY: Trip to Salford Quays, Manchester To book trips: contact Richard Edwards 01588 650607 or 07702 757019.

SATURDAY 7 MAY from 2pm. JUMBLE SALE with cake stall and teas. At Lydham Village Hall. Proceeds for More, Lydham and Snead Churches.

Village Hall at Norbury Thursday Social Evenings. Meet us at the Hall on the fourth Thursday of each month for an evening of socialising & playing games. These will include: Table Tennis, Cards, Dominoes, Scrabble. Admission £3.50 at the door including refreshments. Doors open 7.30pm.

CHURCHSTOKE “OVER-SIXTIES”: Meet alternative Wednesdays 3.00pm Churchstoke Community Hall contact: Margaret Chislett 01588 620310

Curry and Quiz Evening - A big 'thank you' to everyone who contributed to making the evening such a success on 5 February. £854 was raised for the Village Hall fund. Thanks go to the organisers, helpers and, of course, the teams themselves for making it possible. We promise the next quiz event will not be quite so long. Also it is hoped that the PA system will be installed. For those who missed out on the curry, Tara apologises and hopes you will take up her offer at the Chai Shop.

Lydham News: Lydham Church 100 club monthly draw: 'Congratulations February draw winners 1st prize - Doris Wright, £21.50; 2nd prize - Barrie Geddes, £12.90; 3rd prize - Pete Griffiths -£8.60. Subscribers to this worthwhile monthly draw now sought for 2016 . Please contact Jimmy Garnier -01588 638486; Neil Hird -01588-638379; Tony Martin -01588-630313 or Joyce Yapp'. Thank you

Ratlinghope 200 Club Draw: December: £20 Ellie McNamara, £10 Bill Winnal, £5 Jean Jones. January: £20 John and Vanessa Brandon, £10 June Pinches, £5 Mary Hardham. February: £20 Margaret Davies, £10 Kate Robinson, £5 Gilly Bachelor. Thank you to everyone who has supported our draw over the last year - it is very much appreciated. We hope you will continue to support us again. Tickets available from Margaret Cooke 650280 and Janet Brandon 650232 at £5 each to cover the year.

More News: February Monthly Draw Winners: 1st H Forsyth; 2nd Pat Oldsworth; 3rd George Parks. Many thanks to everyone who supports our More Church monthly draw. Contact 01588 650360

REMAINING ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING DATES Snead APCM 7.30pm Lower Snead TBA Thursday 7 April Norbury APCM Norbury Hall 7.00pm Wednesday 13 April More APCM Wentnor Rectory 7.30pm Friday 15 April Myndtown APCM Myndtown Hall Farm 7.30pm TO BE CONFIRMED?

FILLING STATION. The Clun Valley branch of ‘Filling Station’ is meeting on Friday 8 April 7.30pm at The Village Hall, Newcastle. We are pleased to welcome Guy Chevereau as our guest speaker. . He has a doctorate in historical theology and served as church pastor for 13 years. Now an internationally known speaker at many gatherings and conferences, worldwide, Guy has also written 9 books the most recent of which is called ‘It’s Not Fair - Grace that both offends and befriends’. This developed from a meditation on Romans 2.4: “God’s kindness is meant to lead to repentance.” and is part of the great themes of renewal, restoration and the amazing goodness of God. We look forward to hearing what God brings Guy to share with us in the Clun valley. It will be an evening of lively worship and an uplifting speaker. (And excellent refreshments). For more details contact Brian Angell on 07790325007 email [email protected] and on Face Book The Filling Station Clun Valley.

AGE UK Lunches for those 60 & over at the Crown Inn, Wentnor, 12.30pm Normally SECOND WEDNESDAY and THIRD TUESDAY IN THE MONTH NEXT WEDNESDAY LUNCH is 13 APRIL; to book, please ring Rachel Bright 01588 650242. NEXT TUESDAY LUNCH is 19 APRIL; to book please ring Margaret Cooke 01588 650280. Mrs. Janet Brandon on 01588 650232 – is your Age UK Parish Link – who will be pleased to help you.

NORBURY & DISTRICT WI: THURSDAY 14 APRIL VILLAGE HALL AT NORBURY 7.30pm Speaker: Claire Walton “Come and potter about” Hostesses: Krystyna Lawson, Valerie Woodmansey; Chrsitine Williams Flowers; June Pinches ; Competition: A favourite Jug. LYDHAM, MORE & SNEAD WI: THURSDAY 21 APRIL 2.15pm “Kurling” Members Afternoon ; Lydham Village Hall; Refreshments Jane & Janet.

DEANERY MAGAZINE APRIL 2010 Lucy Monk gave a talk on her work in Afghanistan where she had been engaged in relief work since 1995; Lydbury North Vicarage had been painted and decorated ready for letting; Vision Days had begun at Bucknell; LanfairWaterdine was planning a Midsummer Arts Weekend; Hopesay was engaged in a Foot Path Project; Clun LMDG was due told a Pentecost weekend; Marches Community Choir Tenth Anniversary Concert would include Mozart Requiem; a new Shropshire Tourism Group was being formed; a Country Show was planned for the Upper Onny in July; Jon Price at Churchstoke was holding Activity Trailer sessions; an Activity Day with Egg Rolling was planned for children at Norbury; a Showing of Mel Gibson’s The Passion on Christ was due to be shown at Norbury Village Hall.

TABLE TENNIS! Now in action! Open to all! Anyone wanting a good game! Taking place Mondays at The Village Hall at Norbury 2.15 – 4.15pm £2 per session - for details contact The Rector 01588 650244

BENEFICE BOOK GROUP: Contact: The Rector BIBLE STUDY GROUP: New members always welcome! Contact: The Rector 01588 650244 FLOWERS/CLEANING: (From now on notification will be through the churches)

Want a Magazine? Know someone who would like one? Please encourage sales & distribution! Please contact Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 (Shropshire & Snead parishes) COPY DATE for May 2016 Magazine is Friday 15 April. Send contributions to the Compiler for your Parishes. PLEASE do not copy to the Magazine Editor. David Hardham ([email protected] ) is the ‘Compiler’ for Wentnor, Lydham, More, Myndtown, Norbury, Ratlinghope & Snead.

Office Hour: Saturday morning at The Rectory 9-10am. Tel: 01588 650244. The Rector is always available to discuss Wedding and Christening dates at any time

House Communion is available to anyone who cannot easily get to Church. Photocopying at The Rectory: 5p per sheet – reductions for longer runs. Bishop’s Castle Dial-a-Ride and Community Car scheme: Available for individuals or groups regardless of age or disability. All journeys must be pre-booked. Volunteer drivers and escorts urgently required for this worthwhile community service. Contact: Adrian Varcoe or ring 01588 638350. ONNYCAMLAD PARISHES Rev. Prebendary Norman Morris, Rector of Wentnor with Ratlinghope, Norbury, Myndtown, Lydham, More & Snead, & Priest in charge of Churchstoke & Hyssington 01588 650244 Rev. Carol Whittock, Mission Priest at Churchstoke 01588 620693 David Jelves, Reader 01588 620434 Mette Wardle, Reader 01694 751466

ALL CHANGE: We have been used to Norman’s cheerful presence for so long that it’s hard to believe he will be leaving this summer. The first change is that I am writing the opening paragraphs this month. For those who don’t know me, I’m not a perfect, holy person – just an ordinary person who tries to be good, friendly and helpful, and is often trying. I have volunteered to compile the ‘Wentnor’ section of the Magazine – one of the many jobs that Norman has been doing.

Our group of Parishes will be coping with far greater changes than my becoming compiler. There was a meeting on 27 January to begin preparations for a priest to replace Norman. This is a long process involving ‘Statements of Needs’ and other such stuff. The gap between Norman leaving, and another priest moving in, is called an ‘interregnum’ All parishes will be dealing with this for the next few months. We are greatly helped by the fact that there have been 3 iterregnums (or ‘interregna’) in Clun Forest Deanery recently, so we can crib from their examples of Statements of Need, etc.

Yet another change is weaving its way around the Diocese. ‘The Parish Offer Scheme’. Parish Treasurers went to a meeting on 11 February to hear more about this. Basically, we currently have a system where Hereford Diocese makes a budget for a year, then divides the total cost between all the 13 Deaneries, asking them to pay. Then there is a complicated system to divide it between parishes, so each parish is asked to pay a ‘Parish Share’.

This is ‘top-down’, like taxation. Also it’s not unknown to have arguments about who can pay what! Bishop Richard wishes to introduce a new approach. Gifts instead of quotas. Hi aim is for each parish to give careful, prayerful, consideration to what they can truly afford to give, generously, towards God’s work, not only in Clun Forest, but also in very poor parts of the Diocese – and even outside our Diocese. A generous gift from local people. Not a quota imposed by the Diocese

As Bishop Richard said in his address to Diocese Synod:

“Our giving can only increase through a serious outbreak of generosity, in response to God’s generosity to us.” “At the Bible study on 2 Corinthians 9: it shouted at me off the page: “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Bottom line: a little church with 5 elderly folk who already give what they can afford – no change! A little church with support from many families who are well-blessed with education, jobs, and, maybe, ‘gold plated pensions’ – ??? We were advised on 11 February that a pragmatic starting point would be: the existing parish share, plus a bit for inflation, plus ‘generosity’, depending on other gifts & commitments.

As Rev Richard Jones (the Chair of the Parish Offer working group) says:

“How generous?” I hear you ask. How much should we be giving? One wise person has suggested we can each ask the question: “If my giving was returned to me each week or month, would it make any real difference to me?” If the answer is no, perhaps we need to think again about our giving. Or, to ask a different question, “what would my regular giving to my church buy if I spent it on myself?” Again, if the answer is 'not so much', perhaps we need to think again. As King David said, “I will not offer a sacrifice that costs me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24).

The Diocese Synod is deciding on 5th March if this Parish Offer scheme will be implemented this year, ready for gifts to the Diocese from 1st Jan 2017 ... Watch this space!

Happy Easter to everyone, from David Hardham SUNDAY SERVICES and Other Worship

FRIDAY 4 MARCH: WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER.

SUNDAY 6 MARCH, LENT 4 MOTHERING SUNDAY 8.30 Holy Communion Lydham 9.45 Mothering Sunday Service Ratlinghope. Rev Norman & Mette 10.00 Mothering Sunday Service Hyssington. Afrianne Jones 10.30 Mothering Sunday Service Churchstoke 11.15 Mothering Sunday Service Norbury. Rev Norman & Nigel 6.30 Evening Prayer Wentnor

SUNDAY 13 MARCH, LENT 5 PASSION SUNDAY 8.30 Holy Communion Wentnor 9.45 Holy Communion Hyssington 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 11.15 Holy Communion More. George Baker plays 6.30 “Songs of Praise” Norbury

SUNDAY 20 MARCH, PALM SUNDAY 8.30 Holy Communion with Palms Ratlinghope 9.45 Holy Communion with Palms Norbury 10.30 Holy Communion with Palms Churchstoke 11.15 Holy Communion with Palms Lydham 6.30 “Palm Praise” Wentnor

MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK 12.00 Noon Stations of the Cross Churchstoke TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK 12.00 Noon Stations of the Cross Churchstoke WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK 12.00 Noon Stations of the Cross Churchstoke MAUNDY THURSDAY 24 MARCH 10.30 “Chrism Eucharist” Hereford Cathedral 6.30 Benefice Maundy Thursday Eucharist, Wentnor GOOD FRIDAY 25 MARCH 10.30am Good Friday Meditation, Churchstoke. Rev Carol Whittock. HOLY SATURDAY EASTER EVE 26 MARCH 8.00pm Easter Vigil, Hyssington. Preb Michael Pollit

EASTER SUNDAY, 27 MARCH 8.30 Holy Communion Norbury 9.45 Holy Communion Myndtown 10.00 United Easter Morning Service Hyssington, St Etheldreda’s 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 11.30 Holy Communion More. George Baker plays 6.30 “Easter Praise” & Holy Communion Wentnor 6.30 “Easter Praise” & Holy Communion Ratlinghope. Rev Jo Evans

Weekday Morning Prayer at 8.30am on Fridays. Join us for a short service at our parish churches; 4 March Norbury; 11 March Lydham; 18 March More; 25 March GOOD FRIDAY; 1 April Churchstoke.

COPY DATE FOR THE APRIL 2016 MAGAZINE is Wednesday 9 MARCH 2016 (EARLY DATE BECAUSE OF EASTER HOLIDAY WEEKEND) Send contributions to the Compiler for your Parishes. PLEASE do not copy to the Magazine Editor. David Hardham ([email protected] ) is the ‘Compiler’ for Wentnor, More, Myndtown, Norbury, Ratlinghope & Snead, with effect from 1 Feb 2016.

AROUND THE PARISHES: NEWS UPDATES:

“Talk Time”: at The Village Hall (at Norbury) on the first Tuesday of every other month. From 2nd of February 2016, there will be guest speakers. Talks include (subject to confirmation): Story of the Blues (with Music); The Aztecs; Buddhism; Managing the Stiperstones; Bee Keeping; Military History. Doors open 7.15pm. Admission is £3.50 at the door, including refreshments. .

Tues 5 April “Talk Time” at The Village Hall: ‘The Future of Christianity’: Westminster Abbey in 2046; will it be a National Museum of a vanished Christian Religion in Britain? Or the National Centre for British Islam? When did Britain cease to be a Christian country? Rev Norman Morris will introduce a discussion about where we're going in the light of a recent Report on Religion in Public Life today. Doors open 7.15pm. £3.50 at the door, including refreshments

Thursday Social Evenings: at The Village Hall (at Norbury). Meet on the fourth Thursday of each month. Thurs 24 March, doors open 7.30pm for an evening of socialising & playing games, including: Table Tennis, Cards, Dominoes, Scrabble. Admission £3.50 at the door, including refreshments.

ONNY VALLEY SOCIAL CLUB: This Club usually meets on the first Tuesday afternoon in the month at The Village Hall at Norbury Club leader Eileen Ashley 07530 687497 Tuesday 1 March, at 2.30pm: Viv, who has many tales to tell about her time in the theatre, as a dance instructor and even as costume designer for Pantomimes in Shrewsbury, is coming to entertain us. Trips: Book with Richard & Wendy Edwards 01588 650607. Weds 20 April, Chester Zoo/Chester shopping.

CHURCHSTOKE “OVER-SIXTIES”: Meet alternative Wednesdays 3.00pm Churchstoke Community Hall contact: Margaret Chislett 01588 620310

LENT GROUPS: Lent began on Ash Wednesday 10 February. There will be a Lent Group as usual at Wentnor Rectory, taking place on Friday afternoons at 4.00pm for about 90 minutes including refreshments! Five sessions: Friday 4 March, Friday 11 March, Friday 18 March, Wednesday 23 March, & a Friday TBA. We will be doing the new York course on the “The Psalms” which looks really interesting! These sessions will be excellent and will take our faith further so do think of joining in even if you can’t make all five. There is a Lent course at Churchstoke – please see Churchstoke Notes

FILLING STATION. The Clun Valley branch of ‘Filling Station’ is meeting on Friday 11 March 7.30pm at The Village Hall, Newcastle, for lively worship including an uplifting talk from a guest speaker. (And excellent refreshments). Mr Adrian Williams who is a Methodist lay preacher from Ludlow will be giving the talk. He began his ministry in 1979 and has a great love for the Bible and a gift for applying its truth, teaching in a simple practical way which has really blessed those who have head him preach in recent months. There are about 70 other ‘Filling Stations' in the UK and more abroad. It is a fast-growing ministry that aims to provide spiritual refreshment so we can go home, refreshed, to our local churches. (See 'thefillingstation.org').

Local Ministry Development Group (LMDG) The group assists with pastoral visiting and Home Communions across the parishes, meeting monthly to share concerns and pray for those who are in any kind of need. Members of the Local Ministry Group are Anita Bright, Trish Macmullan; Margaret Wallsgrove, Shirley Jones, Bob Berry (Convenor), Mette Wardle, Rev Carol Whittock, & Rev Preb. Norman Morris. All concerns and prayers are made in total confidence. Please feel free to invite a member of the group to visit you, to pray in confidence, or bring Home Communion if you are unwell or can’t get to Church easily. Requests can be made through Rev. Norman (01588 650244) or Rev. Carol (01588 620693) or any other member of the LMDG.

Lydham News: Lydham Church 100 club monthly draw: congratulations to January's draw winners - 1st (ticket 3) Mrs Diana Newcombe £21.50; 2nd (ticket 82) Mr Norman Jones £12.90; 3rd (ticket 42) Mrs Janet Preshous £8.60. Anybody wishing to join this worthwhile monthly draw, contact Jimmy Garnier, 01588- 638486; Neil Hird 01588-638379 or Joyce Yapp or Tony Martin, Church Wardens. Lydham, More and Snead: A very successful quiz night for was held on 29 Jan. in Lydham Village Hall with 50 competitors from the parishes. Competent quiz master Andrew Semple and excellent refreshments provided by the ladies of the parishes. £514 was raised, and was divided equally amongst the three churches.

Ratlinghope 200 Club: please continue to support or join by contacting Margaret 650280 or Janet 650232 to renew tickets for the forthcoming year

Many thanks to everyone who supports our More Church monthly draw. Contact 01588 650360 Curry and Quiz Evening - A big 'thank you' to everyone who contributed to making the evening such a success on 5 February. £854 was raised for the Village Hall fund. Thanks go to the organisers, helpers and, of course, the teams themselves for making it possible. We promise the next quiz event will not be quite so long. Also it is hoped that the PA system will be installed. For those who missed out on the curry, Tara apologises and hopes you will take up her offer at the Chai Shop.

Just Credit Union is now at Castle Gate, Shrewsbury. Phone 01743-252325. Located next to the Shrewsbury Library Records & Research Centre, just past the main Library walking towards the Railway Station. Anyone who needs financial help can ask the Credit Union for quick loans, with no arrangement fee, from £300 to £1,000. Credit Union is a People's Bank, to stop the payday loan-sharks who charge very high interest. £300 loans for the really needy are available within 48 hours; repayable over 30 to 52 weeks; no arrangement fee, no early repayment penalty. If repaid over 30 weeks, the repayment is £11.11 per week and total sum repaid is £333.26p. Free life insurance available. Far more attractive and cheaper than other sources. Loans can go up to £1,000. If a £1,000 loan is repaid over 52 weeks, it would cost the borrower £1,194.15. Confidential calls can be made: 01743-252325. Graham Hemmings can help Monday mornings in the Church Barn

AGE UK Lunches for those 60 & over at the Crown Inn, Wentnor, 12.30pm Normally SECOND WEDNESDAY AND THIRD TUESDAY IN THE MONTH NEXT WEDNESDAY LUNCH is WEDS 9 MARCH. To book, please ring Rachel Bright 01588 650242. NEXT TUESDAY LUNCH IS TUES 15 MARCH. To book, please ring Margaret Cooke 01588 650280. Mrs. Janet Brandon on 01588 650232 – is your Age UK Parish Link – who will be pleased to help you.

NORBURY & DISTRICT WI: THURSDAY 10 MARCH VILLAGE HALL AT NORBURY 7.30pm Speaker: Valerie Woodmansey “Heading for Relaxation” Hostesses: Shirley Betton, Rose Jones, Maggie Griffiths; Flowers Sally Anne Jones; Competition: Create and wear an Easter Bonnet LYDHAM, MORE & SNEAD WI: THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2.15pm “Deep Sea diving Nick Le Gras; Lydham Village Hall; Refreshments Betty & Shirley.

FROM THE REGISTERS: From THE STOKESAY MAGAZINE OCTOBER 1946 (Someone gave the Rector a copy....he was 3 months old then!) At that time the Deanery was called Stokesay and took in the parishes of Acton Scott; Bishop’s Castle, Mainstone & Snead; Myndtown with Norbury; Sibden Carwood with Halford & Dinchope; Hyssington; Eaton-under-Heywood; Lydbury North; More with Lydham; Wentnor & Ratlinghope; Wistanstow. Acton Scott’s Vicar Rev Matthews was retiring and praised for guiding the parish through the war years; Myndtown recorded the wettest August for twenty years and the farmers were having a terrible time getting the harvest in! Homes were flooded and livestock was perishing in the sodden fields; The Norbury PCC was very active arranging a Whist Drive and a Concert at Norbury School...no Village Hall yet not till 1950: Churches were supporting War Service Candidates Fund as 5000 men had offered themselves for Ordination; Bendware Works advertised ...buyers of growing timber, and children’s cough mixture & Lavender Skin Cream, not sticky or greasy, could be obtained from RA Breffitt, Chemists at BC. The magazine cost tuppence halfpenny a copy!

TABLE TENNIS Now in action! Open to all! Anyone wanting a good game! Taking place Mondays at The Village Hall at Norbury; 2.15 – 4.15pm. £2 per session - for details contact The Rector 01588 650244.

BENEFICE BOOK GROUP: Contact: The Rector BIBLE STUDY GROUP: New members always welcome! Contact: The Rector 01588 650244 FLOWERS/CLEANING: (From now on notification will be through the churches)

Want a Magazine? Know someone who would like one? Please encourage sales & distribution! Please contact Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 (Shropshire & Snead parishes)

Myndtown Combined Parish Council Contact: Parish Clerk Mrs. L Thomas 01588 650509. Wentnor Stores: The Post Office OUTREACH service is OPEN on TUESDAY 9.30AM – 11.30am - offering personal banking, Car Tax & Euros- please support our village shop WENTNOR STORES as much as possible! Bus enquiries: 0870 241 2 216 National Rail Enquires: 08457 484950 Hall Bookings: Village Hall at Norbury: bookings: Anita Bright, 01588 650660 (or if need be Rev Norman Morris 650244). Also tables, chairs, hostess trolley, crockery, & boiler available for hire. Lydham Hall: 638737. Hyssington Village Hall: 01588 620197 - do use our halls!

Office Hour: Saturday morning at The Rectory 9-10am. Tel: 01588 650244. The Rector is always available to discuss Wedding and Christening dates at any time

The Rector writes...... Anniversaries how we or rather the media love them! I suppose they provide a focus for innumerable programmes and endless conversations! Royal ones are very popular and we've had thus century the remarkable Golden and Diamond Jubilees of her Majesty the Queen and this coming year we have her 90th birthday which will surely be a good occasion to celebrate. We must have a few good tea parties and a celebratory service, as the Queen is Supreme Governor of the Church of England and makes clear in her Christmas broadcasts how much her faith means to her. But during the year we also have the 90th anniversary of the General Strike of 1926 which is bound to lead to some reassessment of the place of Trade Unions in our country and then on 1 July it will be the centenary of the start of the Battle of the Somme of World War One which saw the largest loss of life on any day of conflict in British history - 50, 000 casualties – puts into perspective today when our entire Army only has less than 100,000 soldiers! Quite a year ahead, reminding us of the highs and lows of life which the challenge of living itself. As I reflect on my time here as Rector, it's extraordinary how many families I've been associated with, sharing life's Joys and Sorrows - for me, and I know for many others, the constant presence of faith has been sustaining, especially at difficult times. Our country churches, so important and so worthwhile for our lives, are for me a constant and reassuring presence in our communities - places to celebrate happy times and places to find support when life is full of loss and it's hard to carry on.

SUNDAY SERVICES SUNDAY 31 JANUARY EPIPHANY 10.30 BENEFICE Holy Communion Village Hall at Norbury

SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY EPIPHANY 5 9.45 Holy Communion Hyssington Chapel Rev Carol Whittock 9.45 Holy Communion Common Worship Ratlinghope Rev Jo Evans 10.30 Morning Praise Churchstoke David Jelves 11.15 Morning Praise Norbury Nigel Hirst 6.30 Evening Prayer Wentnor Barry Preston

ASH WEDNESDAY 10 FEBRUARY 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke

SUNDAY 14 FEBRUARY LENT 1 9.45 Morning Praise Hyssington Julia Francis 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 11.15 Holy Communion More (Common Worship) Rev Jo Evans George Baker plays 6.30 Evening Prayer Norbury Mette Wardle & Nigel Hirst

SUNDAY 21 FEBRUARY LENT 2 9.45 Holy Communion Wentnor (Common Worship) Rev Jo Evans 10.30 Morning Praise Churchstoke 11.15 Morning Praise Lydham Mette Wardle 6.30 Evening Prayer Ratlinghope David Jelves

SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY LENT 3 8.30 Holy Communion (Common Worship) Norbury Rev Jo Evans 9.45 Holy Communion Myndtown (Common Worship ) Rev Jo Evans 9.45 Morning Praise Ratlinghope Mette Wardle 10.00 United Service Hyssington Chapel 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 6.30 Evening Prayer More Mette Wardle

SUNDAY 6 MARCH LENT 4 MOTHERING SUNDAY 8.30 Holy Communion Lydham 10.00 Mothering Sunday Service Hyssington Afrianne Jones 9.45 Mothering Sunday Service Ratlinghope 10.30 Mothering Sunday Service Churchstoke 11.15 Mothering Sunday Service Norbury 6.30 Evening Prayer Wentnor

Weekday Morning Prayer at 8.30am on Fridays Join us for a short service at our parish churches 5 Feb Churchstoke; 12 February Wentnor; 19 Febraury Lower Snead; 26 February Ratlinghope; 4 March Norbury.

AROUND THE PARISHES: NEWS UPDATES: Thanks for all those who decorated our churches and made them so welcoming over the Christmas season!

The MARCH copy for the magazine from the “Wentnor parishes” is being prepared by David Hardham. Please email him with any material, please david hardham

Lydham News; Lydham Church 100 Club Draw Congratulations to the winners- 1st Sara Ellison ticket 40 - £32.25; 2nd John Brayford ticket 19 -£19.35; 3rd Chris Semple ticket 85- £12.90 Cash prizes increased by 50% over previous months for December. Anybody wishing to join this worthwhile monthly draw contact Jimmy Garnier 638486, Neil Hird 638379 ,Joyce Yapp,Tony Martin or Paula Brayford “ The Three Parish December Mince Pie Contest “ was pronounced a tremendous success, many folk enjoyed the afternoon and £168 raised for Lydham church' More December Draw ; 1st Steve Freeman; 2nd J Morrish; 3rd Rev N Morris

Ratlinghope 200 Club: please continue to support or join by contacting Margaret 650280 or Janet 650232 to renew tickets for the forthcoming year.

Many thanks to everyone who supports our More Church monthly draw Contact 01588 650360

FUTURE EVENTS Joint Snead/Lydham/More Parishes Quiz evening Friday, 29th January 2016 at 7.00p.m. Lydham Village Hall. Four member teams invited at £8 per person, food included and Bar available. Bookings through 638379, 620275 and 650360

Curry and Quiz night Friday 5th February 2016 at the Village Hall, Norbury Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on sale Quiz teams of up to 6 people - arrange your own or we can sort you out on the night! Raffle - the evening is a fund-raising event for the village hall organised by the new local arts and social group Ticket for one £8.00 and available from Valerie 01588 650940 and Christine 01588 650869 For more information please email Valerie on [email protected] Look forward to seeing you on the 5th February

Village Hall at Norbury “Talk Time” Talks at the Hall on the first Tuesday of every other month beginning 2ndFebruary 2016 Talks include: (subject to confirmation) Story of the Blues (with Music); The Aztecs; Buddhism; Managing the StiperStones; Bee Keeping; Military History Admission £3.50 at the door including refreshments Doors open 19.15

Village Hall at Norbury Thursday Social Evenings Meet us at the Hall on the fourth Thursday of each month beginning 28thth January 2016 for an evening of socialising & playing games. These will include: Table Tennis Cards Dominoes Scrabble Admission £3.50 at the door including refreshments Doors open 19.30

LENT GROUPS: FORWARD NOTICE Lent begins on Ash Wednesday 10 February . There will be a Lent Group as usual at Wentnor Rectory, taking place on the following Friday afternoons in MARCH at 4.00pm for about 90 minutes including refreshments! Five sessions Friday 4 March, Friday 11 March, Friday 18 March, Wednesday 23 March, & a Friday TBA. 2.30pm We will be doing the new York course on the“The Psalms” which looks really interesting! These sessions will be excellent and will take our faith further so do think of joining in even if you can’t make all five. There will be a Lent course at Churchstoke details to follow.

Local Ministry Development Group The group meets monthly to support one another and pray for the concerns of any who are in need. Please feel free to invite a member of the team to visit you, to pray in confidence, or bring Home Communion if you are unwell or can’t get to Church easily. Requests can be made through Rev. Norman (01588 650244) or Rev. Carol (01588 620693). May God richly bless you in 2016.

“Filling Station” The opening evening for this “Fresh Expression” – exploring the Christian Faith” - was at Newcastle, in the Clun Valley. There are many other 'Filling Stations' in the UK (about 40 according to their literature and website 'thefillingstation.org'). Meetings are on the 2nd Friday of the month from 7.30-9.30. Please contact Rev Robert Payne 01588 661008 for details

AGE UK Lunches for those 60 & over at the Crown Inn, Wentnor, 12 Noon for 12.30pm Normally SECOND WEDNESDAY AND THIRD TUESDAY IN THE MONTH NEXT WEDNESDAY LUNCH is WEDNESDAY 10 FEBRUARY to book this meal please ring Rachel Bright 01588 650242. NEXT TUESDAY LUNCH is TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY - to book please ring Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 Mrs. Janet Brandon on 01588 650232 – is your Age UK Parish Link – who will be pleased to help you.

NORBURY & DISTRICT WI: VILLAGE HALL AT NORBURY THURSDAY 11 FEBRUARY 7.30pm Speaker: “Veg Patch Kitchen” by Kathleen Corfield; Competition An unusual bread bin/or butter dish Hostesses: Mary Atkins, Jayne Godsman, Sue Pinches. Flowers: Kath Hughes.

LYDHAM, MORE & SNEAD WI: LYDHAM VILLAGE HALL THURSDAY 18 FEBUARY 2.15pm Speaker: Sarah Hare “How I came here”; Refreshments: Gill & Marion.

ONNY VALLEY SOCIAL CLUB: This Club usually meets on the first Tuesday afternoon in the month at the New Village Hall at Norbury Club leader Eileen Ashley 07530 687497 Tuesday 2 February Quiz Village Hall at Norbury 2.30pm Trips: Book with Richard & Wendy Edwards 01588 650607 Wednesday 20 April Chester Zoo/Chester shopping; Wednesday 18 May Manchester/ Salford Quays.

FROM THE REGISTERS FUNERALS: Joan Evelyn Bew (101) Shrewsbury Crematorium 5 December Monica Collins (88) Wentnor 19 December Alan Davies (84) Shrewsbury Crematorium

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO - FROM THE 2001 FEBRUARY DEANERY MAGAZINE: Rural Dean wrote of the challenge of finding Parish Share of £150,000 (now over £200, 000); an Activities for Older People Day was planned at BC for March; Bishop’s Castle was due to have a Pancakes & Pudding Shrove Tuesday evening and Re-pitching the Tent had a target of raising £47,000 for a new heating, lighting & Sound System; Chernobyl Children Lifeline was due to hold a Chopin Piano Recital at the Community College; a talk was being held at Kempton about recent excavations at Wigmore Castle; Rev Norman Morris wrote of the effects of heavy snowfalls after Christmas cancelling the Myndtown Carol Service; a genuine schoolboy howler was reported “ Samson was a strong man who let himself be led astray by a Jezebel like Delilah and Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles; Kaffe Fassett was due to hold a Workshop at More in June.

TABLE TENNIS! Now in action! Open to all! Anyone wanting a good game! Taking place Mondays at The Village Hall at Norbury 2.15 – 4.15pm £2 per session - for details contact The Rector 01588 650244 BENEFICE BOOK GROUP: Contact: The Rector BIBLE STUDY GROUP: New members always welcome! Contact: The Rector 01588 650244 FLOWERS/CLEANING: (From now on notification will be through the churches) Find out what is going on across the Hereford diocese at the website at www.hereford.anglican.org - have a look at the Notice board. For details of service times at the Cathedral, please telephone 01432 374212 or visit the cathedral website www.herefordcathedral.org. Want a Magazine? Know someone who would like one? Please encourage sales & distribution! Please contact Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 (Shropshire & Snead parishes) Myndtown Combined Parish Council Contact: Parish Clerk Mrs. L Thomas 01588 650509. Wentnor Stores: The Post Office OUTREACH service is OPEN on TUESDAY 9.30AM – 11.30am - offering personal banking, Car Tax & Euros- please support our village shop WENTNOR STORES as much as possible! Bus enquiries: 0870 241 2 216 National Rail Enquires: 08457 484950 Hall Bookings: Norbury 650660 Anita (or if need be Rev Norman Morris 650244) – Lydham 638737 – Hyssington Village Hall: 01588 620197 - do use our halls! Norbury Village Hall: Tables, chairs, hostess trolley, crockery, & boiler available for hire 01588 650660 The Rector is always available to discuss Wedding and Christening dates at any time Office Hour: Saturday morning at The Rectory 9-10am. Tel: 01588 650244. House Communion is available to anyone who cannot easily get to Church. Photocopying at The Rectory: 5p per sheet – reductions for longer runs. Bishop’s Castle Dial-a-Ride and Community Car scheme: Available for individuals or groups regardless of age or disability. All journeys must be pre-booked. Volunteer drivers and escorts urgently required for this worthwhile community service. Contact: Adrian Varcoe or ring 01588 638350.

An edited Tribute to Henry Owen whose funeral took place at Wentnor recently. We have gathered here today to say “Farewell” and to pay our last respects to a highly thought of and much loved character of this area which is the Stiperstones and the Longmynd. Henry was born in 1918 at the end of the First World War when times were desperately hard. Henry’s parents farmed at The Knolls in Frogs Gutter and it was here he grew up. He went to school at The Bog and left when he was 14, also at school, though a bit younger, was a lovely girl called Eleanor. Henry worked on the family’s farm at The Knolls. Though work was hard, the only power being horses. He married Eleanor and was blessed with four children, Cyril, Mervyn, Carol and Merle. When first married, family lore has it that they earned the money to buy their first cow by picking whimberries. In 1948 they moved down the valley a bit to a bigger and better farm, the Great Woodhouse .He always loved shooting and got involved as much as time would permit, particularly the grouse shooting on the Long Mynd. He adored that range of hills. He loved nature and knew where rare plants and birds were to be found. As well as his love of shooting, while at The Woodhouse he liked to see a bit of hunting. He had been quite helpful to Mr Yeoward in his early years as Master and Huntsman of the United Pack. In the early 70’s the National Trust took over the management of the Long Mynd and offered Henry the job as Warden. How wise they were – they couldn’t have chosen a better man. Not only did he know the hill like the back of his hand, he would have been polite but firm with anyone misbehaving in any way. As much as Henry loved his farming, the temptation to take the job was great and in 1972 he had a farm sale at The Woodhouse and went to live at Brockhurst between Church Stretton and Little Stretton. Though he enjoyed his new way of life I know he had pangs of regret about leaving the old one. I remember him saying that when farmers were discussing the trade on lambs after market he felt out of it. He visited Merv and Dylis at the Cold Hill whenever he could, keeping in touch with farming. He always wanted to know what price livestock was. However, he enjoyed his time with the Trust, he did a good job, and they were lucky to have him. He still carried on with his part-time grouse keepering until the shoot finished. After 11 years with the National Trust he reached the age of 65 and, according to their policy he retired. Brockhurst had a few acres with it and together with Mrs Owen, they kept busy with a few sheep and gardening. Then 20 years ago they sold Brockhurst and moved to their nice bungalow in Church Stretton. Sadly three years ago Mrs Owen passed away and left a great void in his life. More important than anything else in Henry’s life was his family. He adored them all and they him. He had four children, seven grand-children, 11 great grand children and 2 great great grand children. How wonderful! In the last few years as Henry became frailer, Carol and Merle and carers did all they could to look after him and he was able to stay at his home. . We have lost Henry but the legend will live on and his friends and neighbours around these hills will talk of him for many years to come.

John Truscott Church consultant and trainer in creative organisation for effective christian ministry Web: www.john-truscott.co.uk offers us ‘An MOT for disciples of Jesus’ These notes take the principle of review or appraisal and apply it to Christian discipleship. There are fourteen tests, each with sample Bible verses followed by four questions. The idea is for this to act as a challenging review within a prayer triplet or similar group. These are the tests: Following; learning; love; character; temptation; community; service; witness; disciple-making; time; generosity; suffering; marriage; singleness

LUDLOW LIFE & LEARNING Happy New Year - and a reminder as you update your 2016 diary that the current Life & Learning programme continues with: - on 28 January 'Putting Jesus in His (Rightful) Place: The Gospels in the light of recent research' - a lecture being given by the Revd Dr Chris Moore - on 11, 18, 25 February and 3 March 'Pilgrimage' - a series of talks which explores the theme of pilgrimage both spiritual and physical as viewed by the three Abrahamic faiths - on 14 April 'The Bishop's Ludlow Lecture' - Bishop Richard Frith reflects on some of the challenges facing the church both nationally and locally Further details and a booking form are available at www.stlaurences.org.uk/lifeandlearning With all good wishes for the New Year Barry Forrester

ONNYCAMLAD PARISHES Rev. Prebendary Norman Morris, Rector of Wentnor with Ratlinghope, Norbury, Myndtown, Lydham, More & Snead, & Priest in charge of Churchstoke & Hyssington & Rural Dean 01588 650244 Rev. Carol Whittock Mission Priest at Churchstoke 01588 620693 David Jelves, Reader 01588 620434 Mette Wardle, Reader 01694 751466

The Rector writes...... At the end of the month our greeting on Advent Sunday will be Happy New Year! Yes another new year in the life of the Church will be upon us! Inevitably we'll all be caught up in Christmas preparations as there's much to do! It’s always a wonderful season celebrating the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ and I know that can be lost in the commercial tinsel, buried under mountains of wrapping paper , as it were! But Christmas does give us marvellous and unique opportunities to speak to the world around us of the joy, fulfilment and indeed inner resolve that belief in the person of Jesus can bring. Every year brings for all of us massive challenges along with the joys of living a life - life for some at Christmas can be difficult but our message is that 2000 years ago a very special person was born who came to know our sorrows and weaknesses but who also came to offer us good things and wonderful friendship by following him in this world and who will be welcoming us in the world to come. Happy Christmas to everyone!

SUNDAY SERVICES SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER ADVENT 2 8.30 Holy Communion Lydham 9.45 Holy Communion Ratlinghope 10.30 “CELEBRATING ST NICHOLAS “ CHURCHSTOKE 11.15 Holy Communion Norbury 3.00 HYSSINGTON ADVENT PARTY Hyssington Village Hall

SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER ADVENT 3 8.30 Holy Communion Ratlinghope 9.45 Holy Communion Wentnor 11. 15 Morning Praise Norbury Nigel Hirst 4.00 CHURCHSTOKE CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 6.30 HUNT CAROL SERVICE More

FRIDAY 18 DECEMBER 6.30 RATLINGHOPE CAROL SERVICE

SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER ADVENT 4 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 6.30 BENEFICE CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT More

THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS EVE 4.00 CRIB SERVICE Churchstoke 6.30 CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Hyssington 11.00 MIDNIGHT COMMUNION Norbury

FRIDAY 25 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS DAY 9.30 CHRISTMAS COMMUNION & CAROLS Ratlinghope 9.45 CHRISTMAS COMMUNION & CAROLS Wentnor Rev Graham Lloyd 10.30 CHRISTMAS COMMUNION & CAROLS Churchstoke 11.00 CHRISTMAS COMMUNION & CAROLS Lydham

SUNDAY 27 DECEMBER 8.30 Holy Communion Wentnor 6.00 MYNDTOWN CAROL SERVICE

SUNDAY 3 JANUARY CHRISTMAS 8.30 Holy Communion Lydham 9.45 Holy Communion Hyssington Chapel 10.30 Morning Praise Churchstoke 11.15 BENEFICE COVENANT NEW YEAR SERVICE Norbury 6.30 BENEFICE COVENANT NEW YEAR SERVICE Wentnor

SUNDAY 10 JANUARY EPIPHANY 1 8.30 Holy Communion Wentnor 9.45 Holy Communion Ratlinghope 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 11.15 Holy Communion More 6.30 Evening Prayer Norbury

SUNDAY 17 JANUARY EPIPHANY 2 WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY (from Monday18 January) 8.30 Holy Communion Ratlinghope 10.30 Morning Praise Churchstoke 11.15 Morning Praise Lydham 6.30 Songs of Praise Wentnor

SUNDAY 24 JANUARY EPIPHANY 3 8.30 Holy Communion Norbury 9.45 Morning Praise Lay led Ratlinghope 9.45 Holy Communion Myndtown 10.30 Holy Communion Churchstoke 11.15 Morning Praise More 2.30 United Service Hyssington

SUNDAY 31 JANUARY EPIPHANY 10.30 Benefice Holy Communion Village Hall at Norbury

Weekday Morning Prayer at 8.30am on Fridays Join us for a short service at our parish churches 4 Dec Wentnor; 11 Dec Myndtown;18 De Lower Snead; 8 Jan Ratlinghope; 15 Jan Norbury; 22 Jan Lydham; 29 Jan More; 2 Feb Churchstoke

AROUND THE PARISHES: NEWS UPDATES:

VILLAGE HALL AT NORBURY APPEAL Most readers will have received a letter with last month’s magazine from the Village Hall Management Committee explaining the need for additional funds at the hall to complete the car park, its lighting and the blinds and inviting donations to assist with completing the outstanding work. Chairman Rev Norman writes “It is hoped that after Christmas the car park will be surfaced, funds have been raised for this thanks! A good start has been made since the hall opened and bookings are sound. We're on top of the issues, though there's quite a number, but I guess that's inevitable with a large new building. But I am very grateful to many people all volunteers who have made the first six months of the new Hall such a success”

The Committee would appreciate your donation which can be made easily online by visiting Givey at:- www.givey.com/villagehallnorbury (please do not forget to check the ‘Gift Aid’ box if you are a taxpayer), or, please forward your donation direct to: Mr A. Brandon, Glebe House, Ratlinghope, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 0SN. (Gift Aid forms can be provided on request).

Please keep in touch with all the things that will be going on at the New Hall. Please visit www.villagehallnorbury.co.uk , enter your email address to subscribe to future newsletters and email us on [email protected] .

Lots of hard work preparing for the restoration of Myndtown Church has been taking place and the PCC are grateful for all those who contributed to the raising of £7000 for the “Raising the Roof” Appeal which helped greatly to securing the magnificent Heritage Lottery Award of £225,000 for a full restoration. Myndtown has certainly been “put on the map” thanks to recent publicity! If you don’t know the Church, do pay a visit or attend on SUNDAY 27 DECEMBER the MYNDTOWN CAROL SERVICE at 6.00pm!

Lydham News; Lydham Church 100 club monthly draw: Anybody wishing to join this worthwhile monthly draw contact Jimmy Garnier, 01588-638486; Neil Hird 01588-638379 or Joyce Yapp, Tony Martin or Paula Brayford

Ratlinghope 200 Club: please continue to support or join by contacting Margaret 650280 or Janet 650232 to renew tickets for the forthcoming year. September Winners. £20 Penny Marshall £10 J.A Brisbourne £5 Joan Evans.

Many thanks to everyone who supports our More Church monthly draw Contact 01588 650360 October Monthly Draw; 1st Richard & Karina Semple; 2nd Sally-Ann Jones; 3rd Brenda Jones November Monthly Draw; 1st Colin & Marion Middleton; 2nd Sean Whitehead; 3rd Rob Carlos

FUTURE EVENTS

A mince pie bake off & Xmas fair at Lydham Village Hall Sat 5th Dec 2-5 pm in aid of St Etheldredas, Hyssington ALL ARE WELCOME!

BENEFICE ” CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT” takes place on SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER at 6.30pm at MORE CHURCH Benefice Coir rehearsals take place at Marion Denwood’s home at Lydham on Wednesday afternoons at 2.30pm for an hour on 2 December, 9 December & 16 December. All are welcome to join in! Further details ring 01588 630 350.

NEW YEAR’S DAY FRIDAY 1 JANUARY: Annual New Year’s Day Walk will take place as usual. Please meet at Lydham Village Hall 11.00am Bring wet weather clothing & packed lunch. Dogs on leads. Local walk. Return c. 2.30 – 3.00pm. £1 person for Lydham Church All welcome.

Joint Snead/Lydham/More Parishes Quiz evening Friday, 29th January 2016 at 7.00p.m. Lydham Village Hall. Four member teams invited at £8 per person, food included and Bar available. Bookings through 638379, 620275 and 650360

LENT GROUPS: FORWARD NOTICE Lent begins on Ash Wednesday 10 February . There will be a Lent Group as usual at Wentnor Rectory, taking place on the following Friday afternoons at 4.00pm for about 90 minutes including refreshments! Five sessions Friday 4 March, Friday 11 March, Friday 18 March, Wednesday 23 March, & a Friday TBA. We will be doing the new York course on the“The Psalms” which looks really interesting! These sessions will be excellent and will take our faith further so do think of joining in even if you can’t make all five. There will be a Lent course at Churchstoke details to follow.

LOCAL MINISTRY NEWS:

Local Ministry Development Group Annual Review The members of the Onnycamlad LMDG cover a wide range of ministries as they seek to serve all who live within the area of the benefice as well as those beyond its physical boundaries: Rev. Preb. Norman Morris continues in his role as Rector and Priest in charge of the nine parishes as well as acting as Rural Dean for all twenty seven parishes of the Deanery, he has seen the two vacancies in the Deanery filled, as well as the recent completion of the new Norbury Village Hall and an amazing fund-raising effort to secure the roof of Myndtown Church; Rev. Carol Whittock has completed her first full year as Mission Priest at Churchstoke and there is a great feeling of anticipation as she leads and teaches about the Kingdom of God and how it can break through into our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit, she is also Chaplain to Tuffins in Churchstoke; Margaret Wallsgrove has begun the Chaplaincy at the Sunday Market and can be seen out and about on a Sunday morning meeting, chatting, listening and praying for the concerns, hopes and dreams of the people there; Anita Bright is the booking secretary for the Norbury Village hall as well as continuing to run the playgroup; Trish Macmullan is church warden at Snead, benefice contact for new and renewal of DBS forms and concerns about safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults; Bob Berry is our Convenor as well as Chairman of Abbeyfield in Bishop’s Castle, an independent sheltered home for the elderly that supports people from our benefice as well as the wider area; Mette Wardle has recently qualified as a Reader and provides spiritual guidance and experience particularly in the area around Ratlinghope; Shirley Jones is central to the running of the Church and Chapel in Hyssington and plays the organ in both. The group meets monthly to support one another and pray for the concerns of any who are in need. Please feel free to invite a member of the team to visit you, to pray in confidence, or bring Home Communion if you are unwell or can’t get to Church easily. Requests can be made through Rev. Norman (01588 650244) or Rev. Carol (01588 620693). May God richly bless you in 2016.

AGE UK Lunches for those 60 & over at the Crown Inn, Wentnor, 12 Noon for 12.30pm Normally SECOND WEDNESDAY AND THIRD TUESDAY IN THE MONTH NEXT WEDNESDAY LUNCHES are WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER & 13 JANUARY to book this meal please ring Rachel Bright 01588 650242. NEXT TUESDAY LUNCHES are TUESDAY 15 DECEMBER & 19 JANUARY - to book please ring Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 Mrs. Janet Brandon on 01588 650232 – is your Age UK Parish Link – who will be pleased to help you.

NORBURY & DISTRICT WI: WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER VILLAGE HALL AT NORBURY Christmas Party Speaker: Chiefly ourselves Hostesses: The Committee Flowers Mary Atkins Flowers & Competition: Christmas decorations any format THURSDAY 14 JANUARY Speaker Krystyna Lawson “The Language of feet” Hostesses: Janet Brandon + help Flowers June Pinches Competition Jazzy pair of socks.

LYDHAM, MORE & SNEAD WI: TBA

ONNY VALLEY SOCIAL CLUB: This Club usually meets on the first Tuesday afternoon in the month at the New Village Hall at Norbury Club leader Eileen Ashley 07530 687497 Tuesday 5 January Soup & Pudding Village Hall at Norbury 12.30pm followed by entertainment. Trips: Book with Richard & Wendy Edwards 01588 650607 Saturday 9 January Shrewsbury Pantomime “Dick Whittington”.

CHURCHSTOKE “OVER-SIXTIES”: Meet alternative Wednesdays 3.00pm Churchstoke Community Hall contact: Margaret Chislett 01588 620310

FROM THE REGISTERS CHRISTENING Ravi Albert Mason Myndtown Saturday 31October FUNERALS: Roby Delves (75) Churchstoke Wednesday 21 October Henry Owen (96) Wentnor 24 October Pamela Puckle Shrewsbury Crematorium 27 October

NOVEMBER 2000 DEANERY MAGAZINE From 2000 December Bishop Oliver was impressed with Millennium year and its many achievements, village parties and rejoicings! The November deanery Synod was cancelled owing to flooded roads; the Up and Coming church process was in full swing challenging us, Kathy Collins, the Vicar of BC, said to see ourselves as the people of God in the 2 1st century which included pastoral reorganisation and local ministry; an auction for BC Re-Pitching the tent raised £3000; Christians in Contact spoke of south Korea where 30% of the population was Christian; Rev Norman wrote of following the Shepherds at Christmas when life went from ordinary to extraordinary when the infant Jesus was encountered; Common Worship was replacing the Alternative Service Book ASB in use since 1980; sadly Foot and Mouth disease was breaking out. TABLE TENNIS! Now in action! Open to all! Anyone wanting a good game! Taking place Mondays at The Village Hall at Norbury 2.15 – 4.15pm £2 per session - for details contact The Rector 01588 650244 BENEFICE BOOK GROUP: Contact: The Rector BIBLE STUDY GROUP: New members always welcome! Contact: The Rector 01588 650244 FLOWERS/CLEANING: (From now on notification will be through the churches) Find out what is going on across the Hereford diocese at the website at www.hereford.anglican.org - have a look at the Notice board. For details of service times at the Cathedral, please telephone 01432 374212 or visit the cathedral website www.herefordcathedral.org. Want a Magazine? Know someone who would like one? Please encourage sales & distribution! Please contact Margaret Cooke 01588 650280 (Shropshire & Snead parishes) Myndtown Combined Parish Council Contact: Parish Clerk Mrs. L Thomas 01588 650509. Wentnor Stores: The Post Office OUTREACH service is OPEN on TUESDAY 9.30AM – 11.30am - offering personal banking, Car Tax & Euros- please support our village shop WENTNOR STORES as much as possible! Bus enquiries: 0870 241 2 216 National Rail Enquires: 08457 484950 Hall Bookings: Norbury 650660 Anita (or if need be Rev Norman Morris 650244) – Lydham 638737 – Hyssington Village Hall: 01588 620197 - do use our halls! Norbury Village Hall: Tables, chairs, hostess trolley, crockery, & boiler available for hire 01588 650660 The Rector is always available to discuss Wedding and Christening dates at any time Office Hour: Saturday morning at The Rectory 9-10am. Tel: 01588 650244. House Communion is available to anyone who cannot easily get to Church. Photocopying at The Rectory: 5p per sheet – reductions for longer runs. Bishop’s Castle Dial-a-Ride and Community Car scheme: Available for individuals or groups regardless of age or disability. All journeys must be pre-booked. Volunteer drivers and escorts urgently required for this worthwhile community service. Contact: Adrian Varcoe or ring 01588 638350.