Stretton

FJanuary 209OCUSCommunity Voice of the Strettons £1.00

The Old Tractor & Farm Yard

January 2009 mag.indd 1 12/12/08 15:29:18 Stretton Focus 2 (founded 1967) In Focus Average monthly sales 1,500 copies (About 65% of households in Church Stretton) News What’s On in the Strettons in January Chairman 4 Free Garden Courses If you wish to know the times of regular meetings of societies and groups, please consult the list of societies and their contacts in the yellow pages. Mike Edmunds 723961 Editors 4 C S Christmas Celebrations 2008 Barbara Vickery 724179 7 Amnesty International 1 tH u r S d a y Gay Walker 722257 8 Army Cadets Come to C S Morning-After Walk/Run Nigel and Liz Strachan 724442 Hilary Jones 781459 17 Church Stretton Bag Competition For more information contact CS Social Club Cover Editor 18 Prayers For Peace 01694 771674 Yvonne Beaumont 722533 21 United Nations Associations - AGM www.merciafellrunners.co.uk Computer Production Barrie Raynor 723928 22 Mayfair News Rowland Jackson 722390 23 CS Community History Group 4 Su n d a y Paul Miller 724596 23 Rail Users’ Association South Shropshire Ramblers Distribution Richard Carter 724106 29 Electric Bikes Come to The Strettons Two walks, one long, one shorter Advertising 34 Dorrington Players Review See Page 21 Graham Young 724647 35 Birdwatching For Beginners Treasurer Robert Woodier 720016 37 Poppy Day Appeal 5 Mo n d a y Secretary 37 Arts Festival News Flicks in the Sticks Gloria Carter 724106 37 Methodist Church Refurbishment ‘The Kite Runner’ Directors Mike Edmunds (Chmn), Gloria Carter (Sec), 41 Long Mynd Adventure Camp News Tickets £3.50, Under 16s £1.00 on the door Sandie Johnson, Pat Oxtoby, Barrie Raynor (V Chmn), Peter Relph, Lesley Richards, Robert Woodier 41 Magpies News 7.30pm CS School (Treas), Peter Wright 41 Annual Singles Darts Competition See Page 21 email address 42 Local Man Donates Wood [email protected] 6 tu e S d a y Advertisements Forthcoming Events Mothers’ Union Rates for block and occasional 5 Health in The Strettons AGM, readings and poems advertisements may be obtained (send s.a.e.) from the Advertising Manager, 11 RSPB Craven Arms 2.30pm Owen Room, Parish Centre Graham Young, 30 Alison Road, 17 Geology of Shropshire Church Stretton, SY6 7AT, 21 South Shropshire Rambles 7 We d n e S d ay Tel: 01694 724647 or email [email protected] 21 Flicks In The Sticks - C S Methodist Network Group to whom copy should be sent. 23 Scrappies January Sales Rev Joseph Gomez

The Stretton Focus Management Board cannot 27 Busy Bees Open Day 2.30pm Methodist Church Hall accept responsibility for any product or service 27 Swap Shop Comes To Town advertised. Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply any form of approval or recommendation. 29 Shropshire Wildlife Trust Long Mynd Camera Club Advertisers are required to comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. 34 Transport to Art Events Pictures on Permajet Papers Submission of articles 35 Tree Group - Veteran Trees Mrs Irene Froy, FRPS, MPAGB, If possible, please submit material 7.30pm URC Hall electronically to 42 American Dream [email protected] as an attachment with a pertinent title, not Regular Features Flicks in the Sticks simply ‘Focus Article’. Typed or legible handwritten copy, discs, CDs with 2 What’s On Mama Mia original unimproved digital photographs 5 Gardening in January 7.30pm Cardington Village Hall or good quality glossy photographs may be left at Wrights, Estate Agent, Sandford 11 CSTC Community Matters Avenue clearly labelled ‘Stretton Focus’. 17 November Weather 9 Fr i d a y All copy must be received by noon on the 18 Methodist Voice Prayers for Peace date below. Disclaimer 21 Trivia Corner St Laurence’s Church Stretton Focus prints a wide range of articles 22 Mayfair Lottery Prayers supplied by the Methodist Church and letters. The views expressed by signed articles are those of their authors and not necessarily those of the 24 Anglican Voice Drop In between 10.00am and 4.00pm Management Board. 24 Focus on Faith See Page 18 Copy day 29 Book of the Month is normally the fi rst Monday of the month. 34 Quaker Voice For the February 2009 issue it is 35 Trivia Answers Monday 5th January (12 noon). 38 Thank You For the March issue it will be Monday January 2009 January 2nd February. 38 Recipe 38 URC Voice The February Stretton Focus will be distributed on Friday 30th January 42 Letters Outlets Stretton Focus may be purchased Other by annual subscription (delivered) or 4 All About Focus directly from Newsworld (Sandford Avenue), Co-op, Spar, Longmynd Filling 7 Memories of a Land Girl

Station (A49), Visitor Information Centre 7 Civic Society cover This month’s (Church St) and the Churches. 18 Percy’s Memories Yvonne Beaumont Photo: 24 Let Me Tell You A Story © 2008 Stretton Focus Limited Registration No. 6237590 Inc in England 27 Reg’s Ramblings Registered Offi ce: 49 Ludlow Road, Church Stretton, SY6 6AD 27 Search for Kathleen Lawrence ISSN 1479–7356 35 Tree Group - Tree Surgery Made Plain StrETTOn FOCuS StrETTOn Printed by WPG, Welshpool

January 2009 mag.indd 2 12/12/08 15:29:19 What’s On in the Strettons in January 3 If you wish to know the times of regular meetings of societies and groups, please consult the list of societies and their contacts in the yellow pages.

10 Sa t u r d a y 17 Sa t u r d a y 25 Su n d a y RSPB Craven Arms Branch Scrappies Sale South Shropshire Ramblers Wildlife walk at Venus Pool (SOS Reserve) Specially discounted craft materials and supplies. Two walks, one long, one shorter Leader: Trevor Halsey 01694-723270 10.00am-2.00pm Scrappies shop See Page 21 10.00am in the Reserve Car Park See Page 23 See Page 11 26 Mo n d a y Coffee Morning and Bring and Buy Shropshire Literary Society 11 Su n d a y In aid of The Bible Society AGM followed by “I love Scrooge be- South Shropshire Ramblers 10.00-12.00am 52 Stretton Farm Road cause….” Choose a favourite literary Two walks, one long, one shorter Church Stretton character, good or bad, and say why he or See Page 11 she appeals. 18 Su n d a y .7.00pm (NB time) Church Stretton Library 13 Tu e s d a y South Shropshire Ramblers (rear entrance) Busy Bees Pre- School Open Day Two walks, one long, one shorter 9.30am-11.30am and 1.00pm –2.30pm. See Page 21 Ornithological Society The Nursery Centre, Shrewsbury Road, “Japan in Winter” Brayton Holt See Page 27 Swap Shop Non-members welcome, £2 including 10.00am until 2.00pm Church Stretton refreshments. CS Women’s Institute School 7.30pm Methodist Church, ‘Ten things I learned at M&S’ See Page 27 By Ian Templeton 27 Tu e s d a y 7.15pm SHI 19 Mo n d a y Church Stretton and District Gardening Club Rotary Club of Church Stretton Alpines, by Jim Almond Engaging Issues: Quiz Night 7.00pm SHI Doubt, Integrity, Belief. How do we find our 7.00 p.m. Church Stretton Social Club way? Shropshire Hills AONB Canon Noel Beattie - sociologist and practical 20 Tu e s d a y Bit of a Knees up’ with local fare and en- theologian AS Women’s Institute tertainment. £10 booking essential - Clare 7.25 for 7.30 - 9.30 pm The Bensons of Lutwyche Hall Fildes 01588 674094 URC, High Street, Church Stretton By Tony Crowe 7.00pm Cardingmill Valley Pavilion - Cour- 7.30 AS Village Hall tesy of National Trust 14 We d n e s d ay Scrappies Sale 21 We d n e s d ay Engaging Issues: Specially discounted craft materials and Scrappies Sale The Bible says? Who actually wrote the supplies. Specially discounted craft materials and supplies Bible? 11.00am-7.00pm Scrappies shop 11.00am-7.00pm Scrappies shop Revd. Donald Horsfield - URC Minister See Page 23 See Page 23 involved in theological re-education 7.25 for 7.30 - 9.30 pm URC High Street, Methodist Network Group Church Stretton Tree Group Church Stretton Life in Papua New Guinea by Haro Horsfield ‘Encounters with Veteran Trees’ January 2009 and Bring and Buy Illustrated Talk by Rob McBride 28 We d n e s d ay 2.30pm Methodist Church Hall Members £1.00 Non-members £2.00 Scrappies Sale 7.30pm Methodist Church Hall Specially discounted craft materials and RSPB Craven Arms Branch See Page 35 supplies. ‘More butterflies’ by David Brown 11.00am-7.00pm Scrappies shop 7.30pm at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Methodist Network Group See Page 23 Centre ‘Through the Lens’ Talk by John Corfield See Page 11 2.30pm Methodist Church Hall Methodist Network Group St R ETTO Acton Scott Farm, by Michael Turner Flicks in the Sticks Long Mynd Camera Club 2.30pm Methodist Church Hall On the Black Hill ‘The New World Symphony’ 7.30 HB Village Hall Illustrated talk by Danny Beath Amnesty International 7.30pm URC Hall Open Meeting

16 Fr i d a y 7.30pm Brook House, 4 Burway Road N FOC U S ‘Realising the American Dream’ 24 Sa t u r d a y Contact: David Owen 01694 722525 10 week course every Friday Scrappies Sale 3.00 - 4.30pm 20 Alison Rd Specially discounted craft materials and supplies See Page 42 10.00am-2.00pm Scrappies shop ‘What’s On’ continued on page 38 See Page 23

January 2009 mag.indd 3 12/12/08 15:29:19 4 Church Stretton Christmas Celebrations - 2008

espite the cold winter conditions the residents of The various volunteer groups that held events Church Stretton plus visitors turned out to make throughout the day, for example, Mayfair, Santa’s Grotto, this occasion a success. The atmosphere created by Parish Centre, Church Christingle and the Round Table theD variety of Christmas theme stalls gave a ‘Dickensian’ feel Sleigh, etc complemented the general crowd atmosphere to to the areas of High Street, Market Square and Churchway. the switching on of the lights. This was done by Anne Gee,

Stalls in High Street Oliver and Katie Barrett All about Focus his is the first of a short series of articles about how on by the team of editors, who come together a few days later Stretton Focus is compiled, printed and distributed. to decide what goes in the magazine and on which page. We hope that the information from them will help By this time everything is in electronic form and ready for ourT readers and contributors to understand how Focus works the Computer Team; during the following week they turn the and what the various personnel do each month. Each of the list of items and pages into the final layout of the magazine. articles, starting in February, will concentrate on one aspect Before the magazine goes to be printed, however, the Proof of production; what follows in this issue is a brief overview Reading Team swings into action, ensuring that errors are of the process as an introduction to the series. minimised and that everything looks as good as possible. The first thing that happens for each month’s Focus is Focus is now ready to be printed, and the electronic version of the selection of a photograph and caption for the cover by the magazine is emailed to the Printers, together with a disk as the Cover Editor, this selection is then confirmed with the backup. This electronic version is ready to be printed without Editors. any further work by the printers, thus saving costs. Next comes the compiling of the content of the The firm we use is based in Welshpool, and it takes magazine. This process starts with contributors and about a week to print and collate the finished magazine. advertisers, without whom there would be no magazine. The final stage in the process is for the Distribution Our advertisers, both regular and occasional, send their Manager to drive to Welshpool, collect the magazines, copy to the Advertising Manager, who fills the various bundle them up and distribute them to the various outlets pages with the advertisements which bring in much-needed and distribution points, from which the Distributors collect regular income. them and deliver to their allocated customers. Contributors provide the main content of the magazine, One final point – everyone who works for Focus does and this comes to the Editors either via the Focus email or as so entirely on a voluntary basis (apart from the printers, of paper copy to Wrights, where each month on the deadline date course). one of the editors collects it. The various items are then worked January 2009 January Free Gardening Courses ext spring we are offering free professional tuition at the Craven Arms Community Garden, Shropshire Hills Discovery NCentre. Courses will be available in the following: • Hedge laying

N FOC U S • Willow and hazel weaving • Growing, cooking, and eating vegetables If you are interested in taking part in any of these courses please send your name and contact details to Helen Vaughan, South Shropshire Housing Association, The Gateway, Craven Arms, SY7 9BW. Email: [email protected] tel. 01588 676235 NB Courses will only run if at least eight people want to take part, so apply now! St R ETTO

January 2009 mag.indd 4 12/12/08 15:29:21 Church Stretton Christmas Celebrations - 2008 5

High Sheriff of Shropshire at 5.15pm, who gave an excellent throughout the event to ensure stalls were covered with presentation of warmth and feeling to the Church Stretton lights, that there was variety, and supervised the eventual residents. clean-up operation. The gathering of some 500-plus adults and children in The many traders in the town rose to this occasion in the Market Square/High Street area then entered into the decorating their shop windows, with excellent and colourful

Bob Welch judging with Stuart Wright Crowd in High Street Photos: Yvonne Beaumont singing of carols, along with a background firework display in Rectory Field supplied by the Christmas Lights Group. displays, whereupon prizes were presented by the Chamber The work undertaken by the volunteer force of the Lighting of Trade, and judged by the Town Mayor. Committee to bring about this wonderful display of lights This regeneration of a co-ordinated approach to was much appreciated. A really special ‘thank you’ from Tom highlight the Town, brought about a wonderful community Beaumont, events co-ordinator to all the people who made spirit, and camaraderie which is now to continue for the next this event happen, and especially Steve Bownes, franchisee Christmas Celebration on Saturday 21st November 2009. for the Church Stretton Markets who worked continually Cllr Bob Welch, Town Mayor Health in the Strettons Gardening in January re you concerned about delays in getting GP new year and a new beginning for our gardens. appointments or the speed of ambulance responses? Bulbs will soon be pushing through the soil, promising Do you want to know more about the proposed colour and sunshine. Aprivate health clinic in Shrewsbury? AAs with last month, most work can be carried out inside. How can we all take more responsibility for our own Organise your seed packets according to their sowing times. It is health? quite frustrating to find an unopened packet well past its sowing The opportunity to ask such questions, and time! Seed Potatoes should be set out to ‘chit’, (egg boxes are many others besides, is being provided by the useful here), eyes uppermost. Keep them cool but frost-free in a Church Stretton Area Partnership, which is turning light room or greenhouse.

its next meeting into a Health Forum open to Greenhouse January 2009 everyone to attend. The meeting will be held on Early potatoes to be grown in pots can be planted now and Thursday January 29th at 7.00pm in Church kept in the greenhouse. Bring bags of seed compost inside for a Stretton School. Representatives from the strategic few days to warm the contents. Sow onion leek and brassica seeds NHS Primary Care Trust, the Ambulance Service in a propagator; also begonia and other bedding plants. Make sure and the local Health Centre will be on hand to they have plenty of light when they have germinated. Tomatoes answer your questions under the theme of ‘Health can also be sown now if they are to be grown under glass, leaving

Care and Health Promotion in the Church Stretton outdoor varieties until later. Inspect dahlia tubers and if they are St R ETTO Area over the next 10 Years’. too dry carefully spray them with tepid water. So as to ensure that the meeting focuses on what Fruit matters to you, the Partnership has arranged, during Finish pruning trees and soft fruit bushes. Autumn raspberries the first three weeks in January, for response slips to should be cut right down now - some new growth may already be be placed in the Health Centre, the Mayfair Centre showing. and the local chemists. This is to encourage people Vegetables to submit written questions in advance. These can be Cover areas of bare ground with black plastic sheet to help N FOC U S handed in at those locations or at the Town Council warm the soil ready for making a friable seed bed. office, no later than Friday January 23rd. For our next meeting on Tuesday 27th January (7pm for Come and participate in a debate that matters to us 7.30pm) we have Jim Almond, (Chairman of the Shropshire all. Group of the Alpine Garden Society). His subject will be Alpines. Bob Welch, Chairman, Church Stretton Area Partnership Church Stretton and District Gardening Club

January 2009 mag.indd 5 12/12/08 15:29:23 Memories of a Land Girl So, What Does 7 arie Evans came to the Strettons from Droylsden, Manchester in November 1941. The Civic Society Do? A friend who was a Land Girl in Leebotwood he question ‘So, what does the Civic Society do?’ has Mhad come home on leave enthusing about the area and been asked a number of times since the Focus kindly the work she was doing so much that Marie resolved to published our contribution entitled A Watchful Eye on give it a try. Her application was successful and her long theT essential character of the Strettons in the September 2008 association with Shropshire began at once. She recalls issue. The question is welcome as it suggests that those asking snow falling as the train neared Church Stretton and it are showing interest in the Society and its activities. the picture postcard aspect compared with the grey of A ‘watching brief’ wartime Manchester. The Society was formed in 1974 with the aim of ‘conserving Her first billet as a Land Girl was with Mr. George and where possible improving the area’s amenities and quality Preece of Manor Farm, Hope Bowdler where she was of life’. Although since then the town, its environs and treated with warmth and kindness, earned the princely its population have changed considerably, that aim is still sum of 10s 6d a week and lived with the family. As so relevant today. In delivering that aim, the Society attempts to many of the farm workers had enlisted, help on the farm get people interested in the care and protection of the area. was much needed. Having no previous experience of farm We want to see high standards of planning and architecture, work, Marie’s initiation was brief. “Here’s a bucket, here’s protection for natural beauty and enhancement of features of a stool, this is a cow – now get on with the milking!” An historic or public interest. apt and good-natured pupil, she learned fast and soon What we do turned her hand to mucking out cowsheds, milking, dairy In pursuit of its aims, the Society concerns itself with work and haymaking. the appearance of the town by examining every planning George Preece also bred Welsh mountain ponies, which application, contributing to the flower planters, tree planting, grazed on the slopes of the Long Mynd. Marie was required providing public benches and encouraging the removal to round them up and drive them down the Burway into of eyesores. It also helps to stimulate debate on matters of Church Stretton. As she says “never a dull day”. community concern by hosting public meetings, such as last After about 12 months, Marie moved to Fitz Farm, October on the new Town Plan at which the Mayor, Bob Bomere Heath which was owned by George Preece’s Welch, explained the options and answered questions. brother-in-law. There she learned the very demanding skills Information of caring for sheep and stayed until 1945 when she had to To keep members informed, the Society produces at least two return to Manchester for surgery. On recovery she came newsletters each year. back to Hope Bowdler and there, needs having changed, Involvement with other groups quickly learned to drive the tractor and the milk van. The Society’s all-embracing role inevitably overlaps the About this time a local man on leave from the army interests of more specialised groups in the town. The Society invited Marie to partner him to a dance in Baschurch. attaches great importance to working with these organisations. They would go on borrowed bikes. On arrival at the Thus, members of the small committee are currently involved hall, Jack disappeared and did not reappear until the end in Mayfair, CPRE, Coppice Leasowes and Rectory Field, of the evening. Apparently he did not dance at all, but the Tree Group, Rail Users’ Association, the Town Design wanted the pleasure of Marie’s company en-route. Her Statement Monitoring Group, the Strettons Partnership quiet charm must have been considerable as they married amongst others and we were actively involved in the recent after his next two-year stint overseas. They set up home in Transport and Environmental Enhancements exhibition. We a cottage in the lee of Hazler Hill and in 1948 moved to are conscious that our wide areas of interest strongly mirror one of the new houses being built in Hope Bowdler – and those of the Town Council and we hope to support and work 60 years later Marie is still there. with Councillors whenever possible. The courage and resourcefulness of the Land Girls, So, that’s what the Civic Society does. and the enormous contribution they made to the war New members welcomed January 2009 effort has, unfortunately only been recently recognised. It is pleasing to report that since we announced that we were Marie Evans, of course, accepted her invitation to to keep the Society going, we have received many supportive Shrewsbury Abbey on Sunday November 23rd 2008 comments and welcomed new members to the Society and when she and others were sincerely thanked by the Lord two new members to our committee. If you are interested, or Lieutenant of Shropshire. There would probably have have any comments ring me on 01694 724678 or email me at been shared reminiscences and much laughter too! [email protected]

Brian Dunne John Sumner, Acting Chairman St R ETTO Amnesty International - 51 greetings! n Saturday morning the 8th November, 51 greetings cards were written and flown, by airmail, from Church Stretton to prisoners of conscience all around the world. These cards were written by generous people who had popped in to the United Reformed Church hall, because they had read Oabout our Amnesty event, and wanted to show their support and let prisoners know that they were not alone. N FOC U S On behalf of our small Church Stretton Amnesty group may I thank all those who came, wrote the cards, paid for a stamp, enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee and met some new friends. Thank you too to Focus magazine for publishing the event. It was a most successful morning. If anyone is interested in Amnesty and what we do as a group, please phone David Owen on 01694 722525. Alternatively, come to our open meeting which will be held on January 28th, at Brook House, 4 Burway Road, at 7.30pm. David E Owen Secretary, Amnesty group

January 2009 mag.indd 6 12/12/08 15:29:23 8 Army Cadets come to Church Stretton n the 2nd December 2008 Shropshire Army Cadet form of climbing on local towers and kayaking at Cosford Force (ACF) opened a new detachment in Church swimming pool. They also have the opportunity of going Stretton, based at the URC hall. This is Shropshire away at weekends to Snowdon, where they can take part OACF’s 24th detachment, and has come about following the in cycling, climbing, abseiling, hill walking, canoeing and Food Fayre in August, where local people showed an interest kayaking. At camp we also do other activities such as skiing in and support for providing and caving, and in addition activities for young people in there is the expedition - and around Church Stretton. this year cadets had the The Army Cadet opportunity to climb the Force is a national youth Dolomite mountains in organisation sponsored by northern Italy from a base the MOD for girls and boys at Lake Garda. between 12 and 18, which One of the more provides challenging but safe recent developments for fun activities. Cadets take the cadets is the range of part in military skills, sports, new qualifications available adventurous training, Duke via the Cadet Vocational of Edinburgh Award, BTEC Qualifications Office. If awards and music. cadets join the scheme, So what sort of things they can work towards will the cadets be doing? a BTEC 1st Diploma in Well, there is a structured public services, which is programme that develops equivalent to four GCSEs, the cadets through various or the BTEC 1st Diploma stages known as Star grades, in Music. from the Basic Star up to 4 None of this would Star. Cadets can expect to be possible if it were not complete the syllabus in four for the adult volunteers. years, which takes them past Come rain or shine they their 16th Birthday. With turn up every week to the training gained the cadets run the detachments. will have the confidence and Now you would think leadership skills to join the that they have all seen armed forces, public services military service, but in or indeed any chosen career. many cases they have not. The military training They are either parents develops from basic military of cadets who have knowledge and skills, such as come along to give back how to wear, clean and look after their uniform, to knowing something to the ACF, or people who have seen cadets how to run a section in the field. Cadets will get the chance doing activities and want to be part of it. All the training to go shooting, which again involves developing skills, required to become a Cadet Force volunteer is provided starting with the air rifle and then learning to maintain in-house, and before long they play an active role within and fire the Light the detachment. Support Weapon. As a volunteer Cadets also learn you learn how how to navigate to teach the using a map and various subjects compass. A bonus cadets take part for those based in in, and have the Church Stretton opportunity to will be the close gain nationally

January 2009 January proximity of the recognised Long Mynd. qualifications Another in first aid, important activity instruction will be first aid. techniques, first Every cadet in line management, Shropshire ACF will learn this skill at each stage of their and if you stay in long enough, you can achieve degree N FOC U S training. They start with the British Heart Foundation level qualifications. ‘Heart Start’ course and then progress through the St John If you are interested in joining either as a cadet or adult Youth/Adult First Aid scheme, and they can top their skills volunteer then please come and visit us at the URC Hall any by getting the ‘First Aid at Work’ qualification. Tuesday between 7.30pm and 9.30pm, or contact our HQ Adventurous training is a very important part of a on 01743 231779. You can also visit our website cadet’s life, with activities available during the week in the www.shropshireacf.org.uk for more information. St R ETTO

January 2009 mag.indd 7 12/12/08 15:29:25 Church Stretton Town Council - Community Matters 11 Introduction Skate Park/BMX Group Unfortunately, I am without my co-writer Christine, our After a successful evening of the ‘promises’ auction held in Town Clerk this month, who has taken a well deserved late November 2008, a further £2,000 was raised, increasing holiday. This will hopefully recharge her batteries for what the overall fund to about £9,000. This enables the working promises to be a very time-consuming and eventful 2009 group to look towards commencing the planning and with the Unitary Authority officially coming into force on rebuilding of the facility in the spring of 2009. A special 1st April (who said, ‘April Fools Day’?). ‘thank you’ is given by the management group to all those Church Stretton goes back in time residents and the Council, for their interest, support and The Christmas event to celebrate the switching on of assistance so far. the lights in late November last year, created a wonderful Events Calendar Dickensian atmosphere. (See the separate article and The Town Council is again sponsoring, together with the photographs). Area Tourism Group, an ‘Events Calendar’ for this year. Our full quota of Councillors Copies of the Calendar leaflet can be obtained from the At the December meeting of the Town Council, the three Visitor Information Centre but the information is also vacant positions were filled by co-option and full details of posted on the town website and can be printed off. Do mark the up-to-date information will be printed in the February up your diaries so you and any of your visitors can take full issue of Focus, as well as being posted on the Town’s website advantage of the expanded programme of events. and displayed on the Council Office’s notice board. Tennis Courts Electoral Wards for the Unitary Council The Church Stretton Tennis Club has been successful in its The Boundary Committee of the Electoral Commission bid for funding from the ‘Awards for All’ Lottery fund. They has confirmed its recommendation that Church Stretton have secured £10,000 towards the new all-weather court and and Craven Arms should be combined in one massive ward the Town Council has pledged £5,500 as a further donation. sharing two councillors, with an even more unmanageable Stuart Wright, of the Management Committee, mentioned ward, combining the 13 parishes of Apedale and Corvedale that following the successful quotation, the work should with just one Councillor. The Committee has dismissed, start in early 2009 and the Committee will keep the public without justification, the alternative proposal of the Town informed of the progress. Council for separate representation, retaining the linkage of Planning matters the two towns with their rural hinterlands, which make up Full details of District Council decisions and current the two successful Market Town Partnership areas. planning applications can be viewed in the Council Office The Town Council has secured the agreement of all other window at 60 High Street and on the Town Council website Town and Parish Councils in Shropshire to appeal to the (www.churchstretton.co.uk) or at www.southshropshire.gov.uk Electoral Commission against the Boundary Committee’s Apologies to those who miss their inclusion in Focus but recommendations. If adopted, the Boundary Committee’s lack of space prevents this. recommendations will seriously damage the effectiveness Cllr Tom Beaumont, and electoral credibility of the new Unitary Council. Town Councillor Please back our appeal by writing or emailing, before 9th January, to: Legal and Implementation Team, The Electoral Commission, Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street, London, The Royal Society for the SW1P 2HW [email protected]. It should be noted that elections are to be held on 4th June 2009. Protection of Birds Housing Association (SSHA) The ‘open day’ for Street Meadow, held in November 2008, The Craven Arms Branch of the produced a large amount of interest and applications. These RSPB has a programme of talks

applications have been verified by the Town Council for and walks throughout 2009. January 2009 local connections etc and several ‘units’ are to be occupied. Events are 50p to local group A meeting was held in the Silvester Horne Institute (SHI) in members and £2 to non-members. December 2008 regarding the Ashbrook development and residents from the Churchill Road Residents Association Coming up: (CHRRA) and others were present to discuss their views and 10 January - Wildlife walk at Venus Pool’ (SOS concerns on the pre-construction and traffic management Reserve) 10.00am in the Reserve Car Park (Grid programme, due to start in January 2009. Markets reference: SJ 548 059) St R ETTO The Thursday market is progressing well and very positive Leader: Trevor Halsey 01694-723270 responses have been received from residents. However, the 14 January - ‘More butterflies’, an illustrated Local Products and Crafts markets, on the 2nd and 4th talk by David Brown. 7.30pm at the Shropshire Saturdays of the month, have been a little slower to respond Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms but there are good indications for future growth.

I would like to offer a very big ‘thank you’, as Chairman Enquiries: Alvin Botting 01547-540176 N FOC U S of the Markets and Regeneration Committee, to Steve For further information visit our website Bownes, the franchisee for the markets, for his hard work www.rspbsouthshropshire.co.uk and determination in developing them; in particular, for the extra effort to ensure that the Christmas event, with such a variety of stalls, went very well.

January 2009 mag.indd 8 12/12/08 15:29:25 Spot the Church Stretton The Geology of Shropshire 17 he Geology of Shropshire is “more varied than any other Bag ‘Abroad’ Competition comparably sized area of Britain and possibly the world,” hanks to five residents for taking up the according to Church Stretton resident and founder of the challenge of photographing their Church ShropshireT Geological Society, Dr Peter Toghill. Stretton ‘Heart of the Shropshire Hills’ shopping If you would like to learn more about the geology of South bagsT in foreign places. The cotton bags have been Shropshire Hills and give local charities a helping hand too, then photographed in Egypt, by the ‘Pilgrim Fathers’ ship, by come and hear Dr Toghill give an illustrated talk on the subject Niagara Falls, outside Porguerolles, by Osborne House, on Tuesday, February 6th 2009. The venue is the Masonic Hall in by the Red Sea and even hanging from Sir Jimmy Crewe Street, Shrewsbury (close to the Fire Station) commencing Saville’s teeth! at 8.00pm. Doors and bar will be open from 7.15pm onwards Congratulations are offered to Sheila Barber, and there’s ample free parking. Tickets are just £5 each and Lorna Dormor, John and Eileen Woolmer for their include a single entry into a free prize draw for a signed copy photographs, which can all be seen in the window of of Dr Toghill’s book The Geology of Britain. The talk will be John Thomas, Florist. The first jury to judge the set followed by a generous question and answers session with an of nine photographs came to the conclusion that two opportunity to purchase signed copies of Dr Toghill’s books. photographers showed equal imagination in locating their bags in interesting positions: our first prize- winners therefore are Peter & Lesley Forbes and Mrs Blanche Thomas.

At Niagara Falls Peter & LesleyForbes

Half the proceeds will go the Church Stretton branch of January 2009 With Sir Jimmy Saville Mrs Blanche Thomas Cancer Research UK with the balance going into a special distribution fund run by the Salopian Lodge of Charity No.117. More photographs are welcomed for 2009. Please The fund will be fully distributed to worthy local charities in submit them (in envelopes) to John Thomas and, after 2010 when the Lodge celebrates its bicentenary. judging, they too will go on display in his window. Tickets, directions and more information are available from Kim CSATG March on 01694 724991. StrETTOn FOCuS November Weather well down on last year’s 63.5. Minimum ovember was a very changeable month with temperature was 23.9 just a shade above last short spells of dry weather and short spells of wet years 23. There were seven air frosts and 10 weather. On the wet front we had 2.83 inches of ground frosts and snow fell on one day all rainN which is not bad for November only slightly above of which were the same as last year. There the average but not by much. Most of it fell in the first were 19 days over 50 and no days when the half of the month only 0.59 coming in the last 15 days. maximum temperature fell below freezing which it never has in Thunder was heard once on the 23rd which is unusual November – yet! for November and I have only recorded thunder on one There were four days of showers and sunny intervals and previous occasion and that was as far back as 1996. Rain these together with dry sunny days, but that does not mean the fell on 11 days compared with 12 last year sun shone all the day, gave us 15 days of sunshine not bad for Maximum temperature for the month was 59 this dull time of year. Robert Smart

January 2009 mag.indd 9 12/12/08 15:29:27 18 Percy’s Memories Methodist Voice Loving Thy Neighbour key and had gone to a local garage for gave up making New Year oving on from my last article in assistance. On inspection I discovered Resolutions many years ago for the Focus ref ‘loving thine enemies’, the key just where it was intended to simple reason that my reflections turn to ‘loving thy be in the ignition. On the lady’s return, I never kept them past Mneighbour’. During my long life span in together with a mechanic, I held up the the first week or so. Oh, the Strettons, I have been fortunate to mix missing article and said, “Is this what I can be determined, with all sections of our community. On you are looking for?” Her explanation some might say stubborn, 28th April this year (2008) I was informed was a gem, “Well you see when I go but I suppose I always chose things I of the sad loss of Don Evans, a lifelong into a shop I always place the key ring really didn’t want to do or that were friend born and bred in Little Stretton. on my little finger. When I came out unrealistic at that particular time. He was gifted by a natural aptitude for of the shop and I saw that it was no I’ve recently been giving this some all things mechanical. He proceeded to longer there I thought I had lost it!” thought. work hard, save hard and finally set up This third incident ‘ops the lot. One It seems natural that at this time his own car repair shop adjacent now to bright summer’s day I noticed a car of year we assess what has happened the Crossways Service Station. From this parked outside my shop containing to us during the ‘old’ year and make venue, assisted by his younger brother two small children, the eldest being plans for the ‘new’ one. What would Dennis, he was to build up an enviable a girl of some four years and her we have done differently? Can we do reputation known far and wide for younger brother. They were making a it better in the coming year? What excellent service ‘at all times’ at ‘a fair price’! right mess of themselves with soft ice dreams do we want to fulfil and could Don’s generous gift to the young cream cornets. I found some tissues it be this year that we do it? What motorists in The Strettons was by way and did my best to clean them up and about our relationships – which ones of offering them on Saturday free use of being a little concerned I enquired as need to be worked at? If we really his workshop, his tools and his personal to the whereabouts of their parents. thought about it I expect we’d all expertise. He will never be forgotten, “Mummy’s gone shopping”, said the come up with a long list of personal and his works will be recorded safely in little girl. I glanced up the street, then reflections and aspirations for the New God’s own deposit account. Don was enquired “What is she wearing?” The Year. a true family man supported in all his little girl paused for a moment to A new year gives us all the endeavours by his long time wife, Dot. consider then came out with “She’s opportunity to make a fresh start, to Christ’s parable of the Good wearing a black coat, green dress and try harder and do things differently. Samaritan is a perfect example of pink knickers”. I was just considering But do we need it? I believe every day how we should all learn to love my next move with ‘plenty of clues to gives us the chance to start again or our neighbours even though their go on’ when at that moment a very change things. Indeed, I believe that cultures or religions may differ attractive mummy appeared on the at any time of any day we can do so, from our Christian beliefs. We are scene. Whilst I was explaining the with God’s help, for the baby whose indeed fortunate to have many good situation ‘little clever clogs’ piped up, birth we have just celebrated grew up Samaritans in Church Stretton. They “The man asked me what you were and showed us by his life, death and are evident in many areas of social life, wearing and I said to him a black coat, resurrection how much God loves each care homes, the medical and nursing green dress and pink knickers!” one of us and longs for us to love Him centre, Mayfair (oh, yes!), chemists, That was not quite the end of the in return. shops, stores and cafes. They are helpful story. This little treasure grew up and was Perhaps this year I will make a and willing to make life easier especially married. The highlight of the after dinner New Year’s Resolution – to try to for those with health problems. speeches being the tale of the ‘pink love God more and to look for more Reflecting back to the halcyon days knickers’. The epilogue - the little girl’s opportunities to share that love with when one could park outside a chosen aforesaid attractive mummy has a very others – but I know I won’t be able to shop before traffic lines and wardens buoyant personality and gained overnight keep it without His daily help. What were invented, I was witness on three fame by becoming the winner of Bruce about you? Whatever you decide to do I memorable occasions when these Forsyth’s Take your Pick competition. wish you a happy, healthy and fulfilling incidents took place outside my shop She has loaned me her video! 2009. premises at 34 Sandford Avenue. The Percy Edward Tarbuck Ann Cooke first was when a man parked his car, locked it and left it there all day. On his Churches Together in The Strettons - Prayers for Peace 2009

January 2009 January return, I requested that should he come Held in St Laurence’s Church, normally on the first Friday of each month again for a long stay that he leave it in a but note 9th January Drop in any time between 10 am and 4 pm. free parking area. His reply was, “Don’t Please note the possibility of other events being held in the church e.g. funerals. worry you will never see me here again”. I am seldom stuck for a reply therefore During 2009 Information for prayers will be supplied by the churches as follows: I consider my retort that “You will not 9th January - Methodists 6th February - RC be missed”, was quite mild given the 6th March - URC 3rd April - Friends N FOC U S circumstances! 1st May - Anglicans 5th June - Methodists The second occasion was hilarious. 3rd July - RC 7th August - URC Returning to my shop and wishing 4th September - Friends 2nd October - Anglicans to unload, I found a vehicle blocking 6th November - Methodists 4th December - RC my way. I was duly informed that it Queries please to Ruth Davies, phone 01694 724304 belonged to a lady who had lost her St R ETTO

January 2009 mag.indd 10 12/12/08 15:29:27

South Shropshire Ramblers United Nations Association 21 Eight Walks for January AGM News s part of the winter walks programme, ristan Price came again from South Shropshire Ramblers Association Aberystwyth to the place where he was are organising four short walks (about 3-4 born to update the AGM on the Nuclear Ahours) and four longer walks (about 6 hours). NonT Proliferation Treaty. He addressed five Sorry, no dogs developments to be examined in the light of a Walking boots advised. Bring a packed lunch or a major treaty review conference next year. snack and a drink. Wear suitable outdoor clothing. • The British decision to renew Trident is not past the point of no All walks are free. For further details please ring the return, but the decision to develop nuclear warheads, walk leader. unannounced and without public debate, is worrying. THE SHORT:- • Barack Obama has said that he will push for a comprehensive 4th January. Meet at 10.30am at Wilderhope test ban treaty (ie underground tests, in addition to others, will be Manor car park for a 7.5 mile walk in Hope Dale. included in the ban). This would be a big step towards a successful This is a little longer than usual but is on mainly review conference. level ground with some gentle slopes. Lots of leg • India is one of the three states never to have signed the nuclear stretching to start the New Year. non proliferation treaty, and since its inception has developed Ref Exp 217 545 928 nuclear weapons. As such, India has previously been subject to Leaders: Francis and Frank 01694 724723 restrictions on nuclear trade. However, a controversial deal 11th January Meet at 10am at Church Stretton between India and the United States will provide India with the Methodist Church for a 4.5 mile gentle walk up sort of assistance that has previously only been afforded to non Ragleth Hill. An easy walk with good views nuclear weapon signatories. Many believe this undermines the Ref Exp 217 458 935. central bargain of the non proliferation treaty, and it will certainly Leader: Geoff 01694 722738 be a bone of contention at the review conference. 18th January Meet at 10am at the lay by on the • Iran appears to be seeking the capability to make nuclear weapons. B4368 (2.5 miles to east of Craven Arms) for a It was suggested that diplomatic efforts towards making sure 5 mile walk along farm tracks and woodlands to that Iran does not turn this capability into actual weapons could Flounder’s Folly which, on this particular day, is be the best way forward. This might include addressing Iran’s open to visitors. regional security concerns… Ref Exp 217 478 833 • The United Nations needs better support from the USA. The UK Leader: David 01694 724988 should do its utmost to work with America in strengthening the 25th January Meet at 10am at Clun memorial hall United Nations institutions. for a 5.5 mile slightly hilly walk through farms and Loud laughter greeted Tristan’s use in this context of words he had woodlands but with only 3 stiles! recently heard: “Inertia can gather a momentum of its own”. Ref Exp 201 302 811 Ward Davies Leader: Pam 01584 873887 AND THE LONG:- 4th January Meet at 10am at Bucknell school car Trivia Corner No 62 by Ken Willis park for an invigorating 10 mile walk over Stowe 1. Which vitamin is essential for the blood clotting process? hill and Ragged Kingdom……sounds interesting. 2. Which former Brookside actress played a criminal profiler in Ref Exp 201 354 737 Waking the Dead? Leader: Gerald 01547 530604 3. Which MP’s first novel went straight to No1 in the 11th January Meet at 10am at Harley Jenkins car Sunday Times best seller list in 1994? park in Bishop’s Castle, for a 10 to 11 mile vigorous 4. Which is the fifth planet from the sun?

walk over the hill fort known as Bury Ditches. 5. Who was the eldest of the March girls in Little Women? January 2009 Ref Exp 216 323 887 Leader: Geoff 01686 688465 18th January Meet at 10am at Clee Hill village car park for a 13 to 14 mile walk to Hopton Wafers and Cramer Gutter. A good leg stretcher which is Flicks in the Sticks – Church Stretton not for the faint hearted!! The Kite Runner Ref Exp 203 595 753 Monday, January 5th 7.30pm CS School Leader: Martin 01584 856482 Based on one of the most acclaimed novels in recent StrETTOn FOCuS 25th January Meet at 10am at Shifnal village hall memory, The Kite Runner is a profoundly emotional tale (behind the Co-op) for a 12 mile low level walk of friendship, family, devastating mistakes and redeeming down Grindle valley (but what goes down goes love. In a divided country on the verge of war, two back up!) childhood friends, Amir and Hassan, are about to be torn Ref Exp 242 749 071 apart forever. Yes, it’s a Hollywood film with subtitles, but Leader: Kieran 01952 588572 far from being puffed up with self-importance, The Kite Runner is a simple, down to earth story of good versus evil. Basic themes of loyalty and integrity resonate more “Spectacular views, good company and great than the film’s constantly shifting political landscape of exercise.” Afghanistan which serves as backdrop.

January 2009 mag.indd 11 12/12/08 15:29:28 22 Mayfair Community Centre Mayfair Seeks New Chair for Celebrating our Creativity Fundraising Committee hat a fantastic buzz in Mayfair Community Centre on t is 9 years since I chatted with a fellow volunteer Saturday 22 November! People coming in to warm up about the possibility of starting a Fundraising and have homemade hot soup and sandwiches, and Committee to coordinate and organise Wto taste the scrumptious puddings and pies so kindly donated by Ifundraising on behalf of Mayfair. Somehow, it was volunteers. Some then, even worked this off to the delights of a committee I soon became chairwoman of. Those Scottish dancing, Circle dancing, Line dancing and Belly dancing. years have passed all too quickly, seeing Mayfair There was the wonderful sound of different music throughout double in size, providing services and activities to the day, starting with Tim Lean and his accordion, the Piano trio, all. It is a happy, vibrant Centre, welcoming the choir from the Church Stretton St Laurence’s School, and guitar whole community. As a charitable trust, we receive music from Les Goss and the Burnett family. There were craft financial support from income generated by services, workshops for those who wanted to be creative in other ways and activities and grants. However, local fundraising all ages were having their faces decoratively painted in the crèche. and the support of the local community continue Those who wanted to disappear completely for a while, to be a large part of all that we do. We have a strong appreciated relaxing in calm surroundings with a massage by some and dedicated fundraising team and receive support of the Mayfair Complementary Therapists and local beautician Kay from many other volunteers when necessary. Due Painter, who also gave manicures and facials. Also thank you to the to other commitments, I am no longer able to chair team from Forever Living Products . this committee. We meet approximately bi-monthly There were wonderful prizes to be won on the tombola. Thank according to need and although we work quite hard, you all very much for your contributions. we have a lot of fun and enjoy the social aspect of the Thank you so much to everyone, for your support, time and group. commitment to this special day in helping make this event fun and If you feel that becoming chairperson of raising nearly £1,400. Money raised will be divided between Mayfair this committee is something you would enjoy, Community Centre and Cancer Research UK Angela Jones please contact me on 01694 722077 for further information. Sue Wood

Mayfair Volunteer Needed Jude McGillivray, Belly olunteer needed to manage the practical side Dancing teacher performing of e bay selling/fundraising. This is a new with Angela Jones, Jo McAvoy project and we are hoping it will raise some and Barbara Walker muchV needed funds for Mayfair. The role will involve taking photos, sizeing, packaging, posting and weighing of articles to be sold on e bay. You will work closely with our IT Co-ordinator who will manage the technical side of this project. If interested please contact Jackie Mantle or Angela Jones 01694 722077

November 2008 £100 214 £50 567

£20 262 £10 198 Rhys Edwards & Michael Jones Emily Cooke in the crèche, enjoyed enjoying the puddings having her face painted. January 2009 January Beginners’ IT Course at Mayfair earn some basic computer skills in a relaxed & friendly way…Understand Windows, Type & print a letter, Surf the internet. £33 StartsL Tuesday 13th January 10.00am – 12noon for 6 weeks Contact Jackie Mantle on 01694 722077 or call in to Mayfair I.T. Suite Monday or Wednesday mornings for booking & details

StrETTOn FOCuS StrETTOn Circle Dancing Workshop

January 2009 mag.indd 12 12/12/08 15:29:31 Church Stretton Community History Group 23 Are you interested in local history? shown around the building and the resources available and Do you want to learn more about your area? find out how they can help with your research). Would you like to get together with like-minded people? Note that the exact details of these dates have yet to be hurch Stretton Community History Group will be finalised. Monday meetings will all be from 2.15pm - meeting informally each month in 2009. Here is a 4.15pm approx. (this allows people to use the train to get to list of the dates arranged so far. Shrewsbury). CMonday 19th January Anyone from the local community is welcome to join the Meet at Church Stretton library to look at the resources group and get involved in helping to research the local available and to discuss what areas of research people are history, catalogue photos, help scan documents, or take pursuing and how we might work together, co-ordinate our part in archaeological excavations. No previous experience efforts and pool our information. is necessary, guidance and training is being provided by February Shropshire Archives and the Archaeology Service. This is We are hoping to have a meeting with John Phibbs, a a great opportunity to find out how to research your local landscape history consultant with a particular interest in history. Capability Brown. John will be surveying Rectory Wood and For further information contact is keen to meet the group and discuss lines of research. Clive Dean - Conservation and Community Officer, 01691 March 624448 or e-mail:[email protected] Two weeks of archaeological investigations of the Ice House, Pat Holbourn-Williams - SCC Conservation and Ranger The Grotto and the ‘Cottage’. There will be a couple of Team, Swan Hill, Ellesmere, Shropshire SY12 0DQ or guided walks to see the ‘digs’ in progress. Church Stretton Library, Church Street, Church Stretton, Monday 20th April Shropshire.SY6 6DR. Tel: 01694 722335 Meet at Shropshire Archives in Shrewsbury (a chance to be Email: [email protected] Church Stretton and District Rail Users Association Extracts from Newsletter 79 – December 2008 ways of overcoming the problem, but we have had no A message from the Chairman response from Arriva who have been reluctant to give us here were comments made at the last meeting of meaningful explanations about why our suggestions cannot the Rail Users Committee that our efforts were at be implemented. On Sundays the service on the Cardiff- times not always being fairly represented in parts of Manchester route will be much more frequent and there may theT local press. I would like to assure you that we are still well be some local publicity about this in the press. working very hard behind the scenes. It is advisable to obtain a copy of this new timetable as The problems of car parking, particularly at the east side soon as you can. Copies are readily available from the Tourist of the station are very much ongoing. The initial progress Office and manned stations. David Aston made to get the area improved has been somewhat thwarted by the attitude of workers at nearby premises who are ignoring the ‘Parking for Rail Users’ notices and leaving their cars there for the duration of their day shifts. We continue to endeavour to make people aware that this really does impinge on those who are not able easily to walk to the station and need to park their cars there. The Secretary put a lot of effort into attempts to get recognition for the work of that dedicated band of gardeners

(who have made the station so attractive) at ACoRP; sadly January 2009 there were schemes that the judging panels deemed more worthy. The issue of train tickets which is so frustrating for many people is still with us and we continue to make people at higher levels aware of the problem Jim Hibbert December 2008 timetable St R ETTO he new timetable will operate from Sunday 14th December until Saturday 16th May 2009.We had feared that the recasting of Virgin services on the WestT Coast main line would have a considerable effect on train times at Church Stretton, but as it turns out the changes will not be all that great. In many cases Arriva have made their trains even slower, presumably in an attempt to N FOC U S manipulate their punctuality figures. The really bad news is that we will lose what is now the 0904 Southbound service which will run non-stop from Shrewsbury to Ludlow. We understand why Arriva have done this and we have made suggestions about

January 2009 mag.indd 13 12/12/08 15:29:31 24 Anglican Voice Let Me Tell You a Story new year can be a t is now well over a year since being time of mixed elected as a Town Councillor and, since emotions: fears that time, many changes have taken Methodist Church Abecause of personal health Iplace on the Council Committee. - Starting a New Year and maybe declining Have I enjoyed my time, gained mong my tribe’s people the faculties, concerns about children satisfaction, and indeed knowledge of Manjakos in The Gambia, and grandchildren, fears about the council procedures, commitment and it is a tradition that before state of the world-just to give one politics? - the answer is YES. Athe year ends and the beginning of example average personal debt is now Many hours are spent on a volunteer another, the head of every family will £21,500 apart from mortgages, and basis, but the satisfaction one gets is when encourage everyone to have a bath. so on. (Actually, I can put any who the community or the satisfied resident says This bath is taken at some minutes have a problem with debt in touch “Thank you” is immeasurable. before midnight on the last day of the with trained counsellors). In trying to achieve the best for the year. The reason for having this bath Yet, the New Year can also shop trader and community at large, there is the belief that we have sinned and be an opportunity and a time to is a great deal of energy and time given by had misfortune during the past year. say goodbye to the mistakes and my fellow Councillors, the Mayor and the Sin and misfortune is believed to be sufferings of the last year and start Town Clerk and her staff. dirt. They also believe that water is like with a clean slate. Such is life that we cannot get it right soap. Now that you are washed you are And that is what I believe the all the time, but the commitment made by clean and you are a new person. For Christian faith is all about-how Councillors, and all those other volunteers them the New Year is in the future and to have fresh start and how to for example, Mayfair, Meals on Wheels and it is new and clean. Everyone should experience God’s love as ever fresh, charity organisations, to name but a few, have faith in God and be determined even in times of loss and sadness. should be appreciated. to do better than last year. The New Year for the Anglican I was most impressed with the article in We are now in the New Year, and parish of the Strettons includes men’s the November issue of Focus by Joan Cowan it is a time to reflect on our past lives. meetings fortnightly on Saturdays at on It’s a Dogs Life, and I feel that it is an area We want to know where we have done the parish centre at 7.25am! Only I I have ignored, but now value the excellent well, and where we have failed. It is will have to be up early for the first work done by this group. a time for making resolutions. Let us one on 10th January as we begin A less-expected task in the line of duty! take a bold and firm stand believing each series with a speaker and I am As some of you would have read, I am and determine that by God’s grace we the speaker on that occasion, but involved on the Coppice Leasowes Nature will not repeat our past failures but breakfast is provided for all who Reserve. Recently I was contacted by a we will be renewed to do better in the come! After that we will be looking resident who informed me that a young coming year. at how to live the Christian life in bull had escaped from the grazing area (East As we go forth into the New Year today’s world from the book of James. Meadow) into the woodland. I called the let us not leave God behind. Let us From 15th February there will be farmer, Roy, who has the grazing rights to not go in haste or with impatience. two main Sunday morning services: inform him and help him repair the broken But let us go out with the patient at 9.30am (Common Worship) in fence and get the young bull back into the power of Faith knowing that the God St. Laurence’s, and 11am (Informal), meadow. It was quite an experience (and of Israel who has brought us thus far in St. Laurence’s where practicable, a spectacle) working with Roy especially will go before us. We accepted that our with coffee in between in the Parish when he said “Get at the rear of the bull yesterdays hold broken and irreversible Centre, which will help to keep and give it a push up the bum!”. The things for us. It may be true that we the unity of the congregations. I audience of three young inquisitive bulls have lost opportunities that will never do also anticipate (from experience looking on whilst fixing the fence was return. In spite of all that let us allow elsewhere) that some will want to another part of my councillor education. our faith to rejoice in the moments of move between the two services and Shortly after this incident, the same sorrow because our God can transform maybe some stay right through. ‘inquisitive bull’ was in a garden in Watling any anxiety into a constructive We do also have a variety of home Street North, adjacent to Coppice Leasowes. thoughtfulness for a hopeful New Year. groups, representing a mixture of It was early one morning when the owner Most Christians start the New Year people, and we are always willing to opened up the bedroom curtains to find as a journey which God leads and they accommodate new people into new themselves face-to-face with the young bull! follow. We are the apple of His eye

January 2009 January or existing groups. All was quickly resolved by ‘Action station and He will keep watch over us. He is We are also offering ‘Start’ CSTC’ & Roy.Just another one of those an omnipresent God. His hands reach courses, lasting six weeks, for any little episodes of life. back to our past failures, correcting and who want to explore the Christian Co-option of councillors enabling us for this journey of faith Faith, or maybe have a refresher or On the 16th December, (council into the future. Humanly speaking prepare for confirmation. These meeting) the three vacant positions on the we do not know what the future are offered for morning, afternoon Town Council were filled by co-option as holds. But by faith in God, we can and evening, to be arranged for the stated in the previous CSTC Community confidently side with Apostle Paul “I convenience of those who wish to Matters. have the strength to face all conditions come. Brochures are available at the I am sure this will now fully by the power that Christ gives me”. back of the churches. And that could complement the already committed team of (Phil 4:13) provide the best possible start to the councillors to deliver the best we can for the Good-bye AD2008, Welcome AD New Year! Richard Hill community. Councillor Tom Beaumont 2009! Joseph F Gomez StrETTOn FOCuS StrETTOn

January 2009 mag.indd 14 12/12/08 15:29:31 Reg’s Ramblings Swap Shop comes to Town 27 An Era of Unprecedented Change and Dire Consequence? he newly formed Community Swap Shop Group here has surely never been a period of dramatic will run a trial Swap Shop in Church Stretton School change in social attitudes such as we witnessed in on Sunday, 18th January 2009 from 10.00am until the 1960s. The decade began with an assault on 2.00pm.T Basically, people can bring any unwanted or censorshipT in the arts in the form of the High Court case outgrown items and, if they see something on display in the which lifted the ban on the publication of Lady Chatterley’s Swap Shop they want, they can take it away for free. Lover, with its explicit sexual content, and this was quickly Swap Shop items can only be accepted at Church followed by the Hollywood production of The Graduate, Stretton School on the morning of the Swap ie 18th January. which breached the ban on full- frontal nudity, leading to a Items accepted must be genuinely re-usable and non- veritable spate of such films and stage plays. hazardous - toys, bric-a-brac, sports equipment, games, Meanwhile, successive governments were hugely tools, CDs, musical instruments, etc. Items we cannot accept expanding the scope of university education following include: the 1959 publication of The Robbins Report; and Harold • furniture (for the moment) Wilson’s government launching comprehensive education • electrical items, at the expense of grammar schools and technical colleges – • faulty or illegal goods, all of which appeared to have a direct connection with the • underwear student militancy of 1968 and beyond, which not only aired • broken items which are not re-usable. student grievances but also promoted ‘free love’ and greater The main aims of the Swap Shop are to reduce the tolerance towards psychedelic drugs and the like. number of unwanted/outgrown items destined to be thrown Meanwhile, Germaine Greer and her fellow activists had away into landfill, and to help with recycling. Other aims are launched various ‘women’s lib’ projects aimed at achieving to help to reduce the use of energy, water and materials that equal rights in the workplace and so forth – including wider would be used to manufacture new items, also to help people access to jobs at managerial and executive levels. Incidentally, save money - no bad thing given the present economic the early Sixties was the time when George Eastham climate! succeeded in having the ceiling on soccer players’ wages Refreshments will be available, and all townsfolk and abolished, with many unpalatable consequences! villagers are welcome. The Swap Shop is a not-for-profit When one evaluates the long-term social consequences venture and the entrance fee of 50p is to help cover costs. We of all these ‘enlightened’ social reforms, the debit side of the envisage holding four swap shops a year, but any future Swap balance sheet seems somewhat heavily weighted. Mothers Shops would depend on the success of this first pilot run. who carry on working consign their offspring to nurseries We are grateful to the Town Council, Veolia, Church and nannies and come home tired and stressed so that the Stretton School and the Furniture Scheme for their support divorce rate among such ‘high fliers’ has rocketed, whilst with this venture. lower down the social scale a large proportion of ‘partner’ Eileen Roberts 01694720086 fathers walk out on their broods with the consequence that we are seeing growing numbers of feral children behaving violently with knives and so forth. Perhaps we are not so clever and enlightened as we seem BUSY BEES to believe. PRE-SCHOOL Search for Kathleen Lawrence uring work in Coppice Leasowes Nature Reserve, Open Day a remembrance plaque for Kathleen Lawrence was

Busy Bees Pre-School are holding and open January 2009 discovered. No amount of research has managed to day on Tuesday 13th January 2009, from uncoverD who this lady was., where she came from or if a tree 9.30am - 11.30am and 1.00pm –2.30pm. was planted in her memory. This is an opportunity for parents and Can anybody out there help us to identify this lady or her relatives ? Please contact Anne Stafford (722627) if you children to visit the pre-school, meet the can help. staff, see what we do and of course join in! We take children from 2 - 5years and are

located on a site behind the primary school. StrETTOn FOCuS Everyone is welcome.

If you would like any further information please contact Kate Matthews or Holly Milward on 01694 724812

Registered Charity No: 1036292 Busy Bees Pre-School, The Nursery Centre, Shrewsbury Road, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6EX. Tel: (01694) 724812

January 2009 mag.indd 15 12/12/08 15:29:32 Book of the Month 29 Victorian Farm by Alex Langlands, Peter Ginn and Ruth Goodman. n 2007-08 Lion TV spent 12 months at Acton Scott Farm Museum filming A Victorian Farm which will be screened on BBC2 in January 2009. This beautiful book is a colourful record of the experiences of Ithe three historians who lived for a year as Victorian farmers. Much of the wisdom that fills the pages seems particularly apt in the current economic climate. The Victorians were masters of thrift: nothing went to waste! There are many useful ideas for using up every scrap of food, growing your own fruit and vegetables organically, keeping the home clean using natural cleaning materials, and managing the land in the days before tractors, combine harvesters and electric tools. You may recognise some of the locals who took part in the filming: you should certainly recognise a lot of the scenery. This is a beautiful book to enjoy yourself or buy as a gift. If you enjoy this book you may also like: Border Wanderings by A T D Evans On the Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin Fight for Fordhall Farm by B and C Hollins Hilary Jones

Support Your Local Branch of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust n enthusiastic group of us would like to get the Strettons Branch of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust up and running again, perhaps providing a programme of winter talks and summer nature themed walks depending Aon people’s interests. We have decided to run an event for all ages on 31st January 2009 at the Methodist Church Hall to publicise our agenda and ask for your ideas for a local branch of the Trust. Children and adults alike can help to put together our bat or dormouse box kits and, in the spring, put them up in local woodland and help to monitor them. Displays depicting local wildlife will also be on view for all to enjoy.

Carl Pickup, our Reserves manager, will take those people who would Dormouse in Box like a taster session of the sort of practical conservation work we could do locally up to Comley Quarry, just north of Church Stretton, by minibus. We look forward to meeting you and gaining your support. Jan Heaney [email protected]

Electric Bike Hire Comes to the Strettons January 2009 fter months of planning and negotiation Stretton few pence recharging. They come Climate Care has announced the first electric bike complete with panniers, safety jacket, padlock and helmet. hire scheme for the Strettons. Funded by a grant The technology is pedal assist so they are easy to ride, just Afrom South Shropshire District Council we have purchased like an ordinary bike, yet the powerful motor takes the four Kalkhoff Agattu electric bikes which are available strain. Anyone over the age of 14 can legally ride an for hire from Central Garage, adjacent to the railway electric bike, there is no road tax, no parking fees station. and running costs are negligible. StrETTOn FOCuS The purpose of the initiative is to encourage We are delighted to form this partnership with greater use of bicycles as a mode of local transport and John Mackenzie at Central Garage and hope this thus reduce carbon emissions. initiative will encourage more to hop on a bike for all those With steep hills in the area, electric bikes seemed the local journeys. As a further incentive to encourage this low ideal way to encourage both residents and tourists to leave carbon form of transport, The National Trust are offering for the car behind when shopping or exploring the Long Mynd a limited period a voucher for free refreshment for anyone and surrounding countryside. arriving at the Pavilion Tea Rooms on one of the bikes. By making four bikes available we hope to encourage For further information and details of advance booking local residents to try one out for a few days. The bikes are pick up a leaflet at the garage, the Library or other places lightweight, with Lithium Manganese batteries giving an where our free Home Energy Check-up cards can be found. excellent range – some 30+ miles of average cycling for just a Jon Cooke

January 2009 mag.indd 16 12/12/08 15:29:33 34 (Transport to Art Events) tART, Transport to Art. provides low-cost transport for people Wed 28th Jan Live Music who live in Bridgnorth and South Shropshire districts, and who Dom Hall, Luke Day, Talk, The Knights can’t get to art events. For information and booking, please ring 7.15pm The Hive Music and Media Centre 01694 720012 or email [email protected] Shrewsbury £4 (£3.50 passport to leisure) Please book your event ticket direct with the ticket 01743 234970 www.hiveonline.org.uk organisers. Please book transport a minimum of 48 hours before the event. Saturday 31st Jan Fordante - A New Exciting Classical Music Experience Thurs 8th Jan - Sat 31st Jan - 2.30pm & 7.30pm 7.30pm to 9.30pm Victoria Hall, Broseley, Robinson Crusoe & the Pirates – TF12 4EX £7.50 (adults) £3.00 (under 16’s) Panto at it’s best. Theatre on The Steps, Bridgnorth 01746 763257 (Bridgnorth Tourist Info.) Stalls £9, Balcony £8 01746 763257. www.theatreonthesteps.co.uk Dorrington Players Review Sat 17th Jan 6.00pm OTTC- Hansel & Gretel – tales of breadcrumbs & witches SpArC Theatre he recent Dorrington Players production of Bishops Castle £6 Adults £4 Children My Three Angels provided a delightful evening’s 01588 630321 www.artsalive.co.uk entertainment. The play, a comedy set in French GuianaT on Christmas Eve, told the story of three convicts Mon 21st & Tues 22nd Jan Playhouse Creatures by April de who had been sent to help with repairs at a local family’s Angelis performed by WBS A2 Theatre Studies, 7.30pm home. Caught up in the family’s struggle to make ends The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock. £5 / £4 meet, they employed their illicit ‘skills’, including theft, 01952 728509 www.edgeartscentre.co.uk forgery and murder, to help overcome evil relatives and financial ruin, thus providing both a ‘Happy Christmas’ Fri 23rd Jan 2.30pm Tea Hodzic Trio and a happy ending! Songs from the Balkans Workshop £3.00 The roles were well cast, and there were many Chelmarsh Parish Hall, Bridgnorth scenes that had the audience laughing out loud: I heard 01746 862104 www.artsalive.co.uk several people comment that this was their best play for a long time. On a cold winter evening My Three Angels Fri 23rd Jan 7.30pm Tea Hodzic Trio certainly brought some welcome warmth and cheer. Songs from the Balkans Concert. Hilary Jones Adults £7.50 Children £5 (Including refreshments Chelmarsh Parish Hall, Bridgnorth 01746 862104 www.artsalive.co.uk Quaker Voice Saturday 24th Jan Workshop with Fordante - for young The poem below is by Karl Gibbs and is musicians of around Grade 3 standard and above to perform quoted with his permission alongside some of the musicians in the Fordante ensemble. Lesley Richards 3.30pm to 5.00pm, Cleobury Parish Hall, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire Ticket price to be confirmed Quaker Meeting 01746 763257 (Bridgnorth Tourist Info.) Hankering for a deeper sense, I enter and find a space near the edge. Saturday 24th Jan Fordante - A New Exciting Classical Humbled by the intensity, my mind wanders to everyday Music Experience 7.30pm to 9.30pm Cleobury Parish Hall, hubbub, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire slowly it subsides. £7.50 (adults) £3.00 (under 16’s) Space to think, to reflect, to be. 01746 763257 (Bridgnorth Tourist Info.) ...silence...stillness...connectivity Someone speaks their truth, their love. What resonance Saturday 24th Jan Songs by Schubert and others for me? www.ludlowmusicsociety.org.uk Moor Park School, Between ...peace...tranquillity...abundance Ludlow and Richards Castle No answers but deeper questions January 2009 January £40 season ticket £13.50 single £3 students ...silence...stillness...connectivity 01584 876141 A glimpse of the oneness, guidance, affirmation. Too soon the long hour has passed. Fri 23rd & Sat 24th Jan Cinderella Reinvigorated, I step forward, spiritual threads LADS Drama Group weave themselves into the fabric of ‘now’. 7.30pm Ludlow Assembly Rooms And I can be more of who I want to be. £8 (concs £7, under 16s £5) 01584 878141 www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

Tues 27th Jan Cinnamon Acoustic Music Night Please note that we do not accept unsolicited poems 8.00pm Cinnamon Coffee & Meeting House, Waterloo from contributors - Eds. House, Cartway, Bridgnorth £4

StrETTOn FOCuS StrETTOn 01746 765268 www.myspace.com/whalebone7

January 2009 mag.indd 17 12/12/08 15:29:33 Tree Surgery Made Plain Veteran Trees 35 ne of the aims of the Church Stretton Tree n 21st January the Church Stretton Tree Group has Group is to encourage a culture of tree organised a talk by Rob McBride of Ellesmere on his quest care and to provide access to good quality for veteran trees, both in this country and abroad. Rob is a Otree advice. Gareth Jones, a member of the Group, Otree warden and has been recording ancient trees taking notes and explains some commonly used terms which will photographs as well as using internet video diaries to document his assist you if you have to put in an application for tree expeditions to find our oldest trees. works in a Conservation Area or for instructing a tree Veteran trees are landmarks in the countryside and in our towns surgeon. and villages. We are fortunate to have some of Britain’s esteemed As a practicing Arboriculturalist I am used to the examples in the Shropshire Hills. The AONB and others have been jargon and language of the industry, and I am also encouraging us all to look out for and record veteran trees as part aware that the general public rarely gets the chance of the Ancient Tree Hunt. Many of you will be familiar with one of to realise that such a language exists. Which is why, our own veterans in Rectory Wood – the chestnut featured on the when called out to look at trees, phrases such as ‘lop cover of November’s Focus. that there, there and there’ or ‘just give it a bit of a A tree does not have to be large to be a veteran – even stunted tidy up’ are the most commonly heard instructions. trees on the hills can be many hundreds of years old. Trees are If you are engaging a tree surgery company it classed as veteran when they are no longer growing vigorously. is useful to know some of the basic terminology Hollow trunks, rotting wood, lost bark and fungus are all signs of a accepted by the industry, so that you get exactly tree growing slowly. If a tree measures over three metres around the what you want, and they know exactly what you trunk at breast height it is almost certainly a veteran. mean. There is a British Standard for Tree Work (BS Rob’s talk Encounters with Veteran Trees will take place at the 3998:1989), which qualified tree surgeons should be Methodist Church hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 21st January and aware of and work to. all are welcome. Tickets are £1.00 for members and £2.00 for non- Below are some of the more common tree work members. terms: Crown Cleaning Removal of any or all dead and dying wood; Bird Watching Course for Beginners stumps of broken or poorly cut branches; unwanted ave you ever wished you knew more about identifying epicormic shoots; climbing plants such as ivy; and local birds? Would you like to be able to put names to any foreign objects such as wires, boards and old signs the birds you see on walks around Church Stretton and etc. You can be specific about which of the above you Hits environs? If so, a new course, ‘Introduction to Bird Watching want removing. Thick ivy should be cut at the base and Conservation’, to be offered jointly by the National Trust and allowed to die before removal, as it may damage and the Church Stretton Branch of the Shropshire Ornithological the tree to remove it alive. Society, is for you. The course will consist of six Tuesday evening Pruning sessions, covering the identification, behaviour, habitats and song This is the correct term for the removal of any live of a group of birds which can be found at that time of the year. part of the tree, and pruning should preferably be You will also learn how to choose and use binoculars and field carried out at a branch collar to give the tree its best guides and other practical aspects of bird watching. Each classroom chance of healing the resulting wound. Try to strike session will be followed by a field trip to visit locations where these the word ‘lop’ from your mind. birds are likely to be found and to provide practical experience to Crown Lifting reinforce the ideas learned Outdoor sessions will be held mostly on Lower branches are removed to effectively raise the Sunday mornings but the final two trips will be all-day excursions crown, which is the whole branch structure of the to slightly more distant locations. Most indoor sessions will be tree. This can be to avoid an obstruction, such as led by Martin George, a lifelong bird watcher, experienced Adult telephone wires, or tall vehicles next to the roadside. Education tutor, author and wildlife advisor to CJ WildBird January 2009 This is a very useful treatment of large garden trees Foods. Martin will be assisted by Leo Smith, Peter Carty and where shading is a problem, as the light can come in John Arnfield, all of whom will provide one-to-one assistance on underneath the tree. the field trips. The course will start in March 2009 and continue Crown Thinning through until November, with a break in July and August. The Crown density is reduced by removal of selected course costs £45 and booking is essential (call the Cardingmill branches from the whole crown, but the overall shape Valley National Trust shop on 01694 722 631). and size of the tree is maintained. This is normally A leaflet explaining more about the course, including the topics done as a weight reduction method if a significant and field trip locations, is available also from John Arnfield (01694 St R ETTO structural weakness is identified in the stem or major 724 170 or by email at [email protected]). branches. Crown Reduction and Reshaping The crown is made smaller without spoiling the Trivia Answers shape of the tree. This is very skilled work and often 1. Vitamin K

involves a method of pruning referred to as ‘drop- 2. Sue Johnson N FOC U S crotching’. Again it is done to reduce the weight in 3. Edwina Currie potentially dangerous trees, but can also be useful if trees are obstructing or damaging buildings or power 4. Jupiter lines. 5. Meg Gareth Jones

January 2009 mag.indd 18 12/12/08 15:29:33 Arts Festival Needs Web Surfers! 37 eb-surfers, we have a job for you! Please point In your browsers to http://www.strettonfestival.org. addition, uk and check out our updated website. We need we’ve moved Wyou to browse through the pages and look for problems our website before the rush of visitors gets there. All comments, to a new host and we’re using new software. This allows us criticisms and suggestions will be gratefully received. to include audio and video clips when we have them, build Those of you who photo galleries and post news attended last year’s events items at a moment’s notice. should take a special look I’m learning how to do this at our photo pages where as we go along, so there we have lots of pictures of may well be a few glitches. both the performers and If something doesn’t work the audiences at many of the first time, check back our functions. I expect you later to see if it’s fixed. If it wondered what we were isn’t, please let me know. If going to do with all the you check back often, you photos John and I took – will see the design of the now you know! site change, too, as I work I’ve been working to to improve presentation update the Arts Festival and readability. Again, if website over the last few you have suggestions, I’d months. We now have appreciate them, especially if the latest information you use an older browser or a on the 2009 events and different operating system. artists along with lots of Please send all your background material and links to the websites of many of constructive criticisms to [email protected]. our entertainers. We will continue to add more content as it Joan Arnfield, Arts Festival Webmaster becomes available.

Poppy Day Appeal Methodist Church Refurbished he 2008 Concert held on Friday n October we announced that the Methodist Church November 14th at the Secondary on Watling Street South had been given a fairly ‘serious’ School, in aid of the Poppy Appeal facelift. We are delighted with our new-look premises, Iand are keen to share them with the community. wasT a great success. The choir, ‘One Accord’, entertained the audience with a very wide range of music with a programme ranging from Pop to Classics with a good helping from My Fair Lady included for good measure. They were really popular in 2007 and they were welcomed back again this year by an enthusiastic audience, and they did not disappoint. A total of £683 was raised on the night and the Chairman and Committee wish to thank all those who January 2009 supported the event including those people who donated the Raffle Prizes. In addition we would like to take the opportunity to thank all local residents who gave money, by buying Poppies, for their generous support again this year. An average of £1.25 per person was raised for the Appeal through the house to house collections, static StrETTOn FOCuS collections from outside the Co-op, Lloyds Bank and the Spar, and the owners/managers of premises who We have a light, spacious and welcoming venue for kindly arranged collections on our behalf. meetings, conferences, exhibitions and musical events. With We would also like to thank most sincerely the many comfortable chairs and a nicely-carpeted floor we can arrange volunteers who collected money on behalf of the British a flexible lay-out, and your comfort is assured. We now have Legion this year. It is an excellent cause and people support a low, carpeted platform, with no fixed furniture, and a ramp us very generously, but more volunteers are urgently needed so that those with mobility problems can easily have access. for November 2009. Anyone who could spare a few hours We have a screen for audio-visual presentations, and will would be welcomed with open arms by the Poppy Appeal shortly have a lap-top and projector available for your use. Organiser on 01694 751245 To find out more about the use of the church for your Sincerely event, do contact me on 01694 724531. Joan Cowan & John Woolmer David Jandrell

January 2009 mag.indd 19 12/12/08 15:29:34 38 What’s On - continued URC Voice 29 tH u r S d a y Health Forum Time rolls away Open to everyone to attend Church Stretton School Annual Craft Another year has 7.00pm in Church Stretton School. Fayre: “Th e Wheels on the Bus …..” rolled by. It wouldn’t See Page 5 The event was really successful be so bad if we were just spectators and raised approximately £2,500 for watching it happen. But we are very 30 Fr i d a y school funds. The Parents’ and Friends’ much involved, for we too are ‘rolling Fun Quiz with Ken Willis Association (Formally the PTA) away’ as time unfolds. That’s something Tickets from village shop, or ring 723 627, are currently fundraising for a new we have to come to terms with, but by £5.00 including light refreshments minibus, so this excellent result will and large we try to avoid having to face 7.30pm Little Stretton Village Hall help enormously towards a wheel or up to it. Far better to live with the truth two! of it and let that have some influence 31 Sa t u r d a y This year the Fayre attracted a on the lives we live. Scrappies Sale record number of stallholders offering Face up to the fact that “there is a Specially discounted craft materials and a wide range of crafts and produce, time to be born, and a time to die” and supplies perfect for Christmas shopping. The within that time-space, look for what is 10.00am-2.00pm Scrappies shop Parents’ and Friends’ Association served of lasting value, and aim for the highest See Page 23 delicious home made food throughout that you can conceive. the day, and we are all looking forward Poets can help us in this task, for it Strettons Branch Shropshire to repeating our efforts next year. is their calling to point out the truths Wildlife Trust Watch the press for our dates for 2009. that we evade, and wean us from our ‘Winter Wildlife’ Huge thanks must go to all childish ways. Isaac Watts puts the Activity afternoon for all ages involved in the organisation of the matter bluntly in that hymn we love to All welcome Fayre, parents and staff alike (some fit sing: 1.00pm-4.00pm Methodist Church Hall into both categories!) Without such “Time like an ever-rolling stream See Page 29 generous time and skills being offered Bears all its sons away.” the event would not be as pleasant William Oldys tells us what most Fe B r u a r y and successful as it is. Well done to all of us have already discovered, that: 1 Su n d a y concerned. “Three-score summers when they’re gone Long Mynd Valley Fell Run Will appear as short as one.” 01694 771674 Severn Hospice – A Musical Miscellany We are indeed time-bound people, www.merciafellrunners.co.uk On behalf of the Church Stretton who must make the best of their Hospice Support Group I would like situation. Rudyard Kipling’s way was to 2 Mo n d a y to thank the many Strettonians who “fill the unforgiving minute with sixty Flicks in the Sticks supported us at Shrewsbury School on seconds’ worth of distance run”. But if Mamma Mia the 15th November at the above event. that’s too hard, William Wordsworth Tickets £3.50, Under 16s £1.00 on the door This concert was a joint venture reminds us that amidst it all, there are 7.30pm CS School with West Shrewsbury Hospice Support “Intimations of Immortality”. Group and a total of £1,400 was It is possible to be so deeply 6 Fr i d a y raised. We would also like to say how immersed in the present moment that Geology of Shropshire successful the event was including the all sense of time disappears. You may Illustrated talk by Peter Toghill 8.00pm tART transport, welcomed by many have had that experience yourself. That Masonic Hall, Crewe Street, Shrewsbury who normally would not be able to place, if you can find it, is what TS (close to the Fire Station) See Page 17 travel to Shrewsbury in the evening. Eliot called “the still point of a turning Brenda Alexander world” where you become one in God, who is timeless or eternal - the Ultimate Reality in which all things exist. Swedish Apple Sponge In John’s Gospel (chapter 17) This is a very simple recipe with a very pleasant result - a Jesus says to his disciples “You in me, good winter pudding. me in you, together one in God”. Pre-heat oven 180C (350F) (Gas Mark 4) You could say that God is the Eternal

January 2009 January Now: the continuing experience of Ingredients: that present moment when all sense of 4oz butter 4oz sugar 2 eggs 4oz plain flour time disappears. Or, in more religious 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 or 3 cooking apples language, God is our Eternal Home, where time itself has rolled away. Cream the butter and sugar together; add the eggs, flour and baking powder. Donald Horsfield Mix and put mixture into a 10 inch sandwich tin. Peel and slice the apples, and place them on top of the sponge mixture. Sprinkle with sugar and bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until the sponge Focus wishes all shrinks slightly from the sides of the tin. Serve with a nice home-made custard or fresh cream. It’s very good! its readers a Happy New Year to All. Her Ladyship Happy New Year StrETTOn FOCuS StrETTOn

January 2009 mag.indd 20 12/12/08 15:29:34 The Annual Singles Darts Competition 41 he Church Stretton and District Darts League The Finalists held this competition at Church Stretton Club in At the end of the night, eight finalists emerged to November. Competitively, the evening event was compete in the play-offs in April 2009. This prestigious successfulT for eight out of the 70 players in a competition event will yield the eventual 2009 Champion who will be that attracted representatives from all twelve teams in the awarded the 65 years old trophy. The finalists are: local league. Socially, it was equally successful and a tribute Andy Richards – Longville Arms to organiser, Dennis Titley, the League Secretary and Mike Langden – Sun Inn, Clun Treasurer from Church Stretton Andy Gardner – Powys Arms, Lydbury North The History Mick Martin – Craven Arms Hotel The competition is now in the 65th year. The current trophy was awarded on the first occasion to a winner from the 50th Royal Artillery in 1943. The 2008 competition included entries from the cream of players in the Strettons, Craven Arms, Aston-on-Clun, Lydbury North, Wentnor, Dorrington, Clun and Longville. Clubs and players may come and go but this competition goes on forever! This occasion was the first time one venue was chosen because it was large enough to stage four games at the same time, and also had the facilities to create a festive atmosphere for welcoming and inspiring the darters. The Players The aim is to knock out your opponent by winning the best of three games of 301. Dave Spittle and Alex Booth from the Powys Arms at Lydbury North both regard the Singles Competition as a test of nerve and determination. Adrian Shutt – Powys Arms, Lydbury North Also competing was Rachael Williams from Dorrington Gareth Jones – Inn on the Green, Wentnor who practices throwing darts on five or six evenings a week. Brian Jones – Inn on the Green, Wentnor Rachael was introduced to the game by her Dad and has Mick Wall – Craven Arms Hotel been hooked ever since. This single competition was an If anyone is interested in playing darts and joining opportunity to improve her game by challenging the best a team in the area, please contact Dennis Titley (01694 players in the League. Rachael has already achieved a 170 723717) who will be pleased to hear from you. finish but is now chasing that magical, maximum score Man on the Oche many more times. The Arena Long Mynd Adventure Camp The milling throng in the main room were allowed little he major project is the conversion of the current warm up time before the competition started. With four dart single gender ablutions block into two segregated boards in parallel operation, the ‘darters’ rapid fire shots rained in boy/girl units. The cost of doing this work far on the boards from the oche. Victories or defeats were celebrated exceedsT the Charity’s total income from all sources for or mourned by the top players from South Shropshire. The 2007! Nevertheless, our aim is to have this project not more determined players stepped out of the main arena and only fully funded, but also completed by early practised their shots in the lounge when they were not competing spring 2009, enabling the Charity to cater for mixed and between rounds. Team-mates and supporters voiced gender groups of disadvantaged children. encouragement for the players at the dartboards. Rumours of Donations would be warmly welcomed - please contact

likely finalists were heard from a very early stage. Kim March 01694 724991 January 2009 Magpies News his season Church Stretton Magpies have been able would like to thank everyone who has supported them. to field seven junior football teams, which means that The U12s team were looking for a new kit this year as more than 100 boys and girls are playing football the old kit was getting too small for most of the players, and inT Church Stretton thanks to Caradoc with the Magpies. The Coaches a new kit St R ETTO teams are two U8s, has been purchased. U10, U11, U12, U13, The photo U15, and all teams shows the U12s are doing well in their team, Graham respective leagues. Gough owner of Magpies are reliant Caradoc Coaches on sponsorship from and Graham N FOC U S local businesses and are Groom Chairman pleased with this year’s of Magpies before support for general the game (which sponsorship and team Magpies won 4-2) in sponsors. Magpies their new kit.

January 2009 mag.indd 21 12/12/08 15:29:34

42 Dear Editors . . . The joys of having a rescue dog two dogs are great friends, but she does not share My wife and I moved to Swain’s Meadow, Church his love of trains. The photographs show Scampi Stretton about 14 years ago. We are very happy looking for trains and Poppy playing with Scampi. to live in such a friendly location. We have always We are very pleased to have been associated with kept dogs, usually two. From the time we arrived Animal Samaritans; our two dogs bring us great joy. we visited the Charity shop, Collie Rescue, Animal They are a wonderful organisation and I am sure Samaritans. Over 10 years ago we visited their they would welcome prospective new owners for the kennels and it didn’t take any persuasion for us to dogs they have in care. come away with a four month old pup, we called Tony Holdway. him Scampi. He has been a great joy to us and we have enjoyed every moment of owning him. He very quickly The future of hill farming showed us that he was I find it extraordinary that the National Trust is telling sheep fond of trains; he loves to farmers in the upland areas to give up their traditional way place his head between the of life and build wind turbines and hydro-electric schemes. gaps in the footbridge over Why not have both, I wonder? Their stance would, however, the line south of Church imply that very soon the Long Mynd will be covered not Stretton. At first, as he was with sheep but hundreds of turbines, perhaps a nice little small, we had to keep his earner for the National Trust and maybe the commoners. lead on to prevent him Unbelievable? Well, not according to the Daily Telegraph jumping from the bridge. (12th November, page 11). Can we have other readers’ He is a cross Jack Russell/ views on this subject, and also those of the hill farmers who collie, he is black and white might be affected? and small for a collie but W F Kerswell probably large for a Jack Russell. Locals refer to him as Does Obama herald a new era? the Train-spotter or the Train It would seem that each century turns its back on its Dog. Train drivers regularly predecessor and does the exact opposite. The 15th, 17th sound the train’s hooter at and 19th centuries were religious, spiritual and moral; the him. He barks with delight as 16th, 18th and 20th were ages of atheism, materialism and the trains pass below him and runs from side to side of the amorality. Could the election of Barack Obama herald the bridge. About 18 months ago we took another rescue from return of faith, human warmth and empathy with nature? Samaritans, Poppy, a small rough-haired Jack Russell. The Simone Crawley Local Man Donates Woodland picture of oak trees at Lurkenhope Wood was recently presented to Dennis Nisbet by Shropshire Wildlife Trust. This steep valley woodland near Knighton was given to the Trust, by Dennis Nisbet in 2005 and the picture was Acommissioned to illustrate an interpretative sign which has recently been installed at the nature reserve. It is a beautiful oak wood, typical of the Welsh valleys just over the border. Heather grows abundantly beneath the oaks, along with one of Shropshire’s rarities, the rock stonecrop, a succulent plant with tiny, star-like yellow flowers. Many different kinds of moss also grow on and among the trees, along with a variety of lichens. Dennis, a long-standing member of Shropshire Wildlife Trust who lives in Church Stretton, cares passionately about the countryside and decided to give the Trust this land so it could be looked after forever. A keen rambler, Dennis was the first private landowner in the country to dedicate a piece of land as open access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act. The land was Lurkenhope and Alun Michael, then Minister for the Countryside, marked the occasion by visiting the wood in 2005. “This was a most generous gift,” said Colin Preston, Director of Shropshire Wildlife Trust. “Shropshire Wildlife Trust

January 2009 January will ensure that the beautiful oaks at Lurkenhope continue to flourish and that people are free to enjoy this tranquil place with its marvellous views for ever.” People can visit Lurkenhope at any time. It is part of Coed Detton, north-east of Knighton, next to the A488. Park carefully in the lay-by next to the nearby cottage. A footpath runs through the wood and connects with a network of numerous other rights of way within the area. Sarah Bierley

N FOC U S Realising the American Dream ne son of an African immigrant and Kansas housewife, brought up on a Pacific island and educated at Harvard has been elected president of the USA. This course will study the evolution of the USA and Canada as multi- cultural societies based on twentieth century immigration. Special attention will be given to cities, particularly OChicago and Toronto. Course runs for 10 meetings on Fridays 3.00 – 4.30pm commencing 16th January. All meetings will be held at 20 Alison Rd Ring 723294 for more details St R ETTO

January 2009 mag.indd 22 12/12/08 15:29:35

43 Occasional Advertisements

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A B OPTICS CHURCH STRETTON Michael Evans 01694 723039 Qualifi ed Professional Counsellor • Home Visits Available • All types of Contact Lenses – includes free trial MBACP. Dip Couns, Cert. CBT • NHS selection of frames for Children and Adults • Designer frames available – Tel: 01694 771 579 Gucci, Playboy, Bench and Ted Baker • New Opening Hours Email: [email protected] 20 Sandford Avenue, Church Stretton, SY6 6BW

Heating and Plumbing SPANISH LESSONS Oil Fired, Natural Gas, and LPG All ages and abilities welcome Boilers, Fires and Cookers Individual or with friends Servicing and Repairs In the comfort of your own home Fault Finding Testimonials available Power Flushing Please phone Deanna Hot and cold water problems fi xed for further information 201462 No Jobs Too Small 07906 174558 Tel. Simon 01694 771347

WILLOWBATCH DOG CRECHE, DOG WALKING, CARDING MILL VALLEY PET SITTING A ground fl oor, centrally heated one bedroom Stressful kennel visits can now be a thing of the past ... self catering apartment, set in the beautiful Pet sitting, dog walks, cat feeding or dog care I can come to you or your dog can come to me January 2009 surroundings of Carding Mill Valley Overnight stays or daytime care 100 yards past the National Trust Pavilion. Individual walks and ball games and lots of attention Whatever your pet needs Also available for B&B. CALL Sue Corfi eld on 01588 673441 Please contact Don Rogers for rates and availability or 07747 786085 on 01694 722358 or [email protected] References available.

GOOD TIMING! Doreen Hall MA Counselling StrETTOn FOCuS Cleaning Service I am a Mature and Experienced One-off Spring clean or regular hours Counsellor and Supervisor Please phone 01694 724871/07769 706403 Ring 01694 751288 We do the hard so you don’t have to! to book an initial meeting

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