Stretton
FMay 2017 OCUSCommunity Voice of the Strettons £1
Onny Meadows
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 1 13/04/2017 11:42 Stretton Focus (founded 1967) Average monthly sales 1,485 copies In Focus What’s On in the Strettons in May (About 63% of dwellings in Church Stretton)
Chairman Tom Beaumont 722533 49 All Stretton WI If you wish to know the times of regular meetings of societies and groups, please see the list of contacts in the yellow pages. Editors 50 Amnesty International Richard Shephard 722140 15 Anglican Voice Graham Ogdon 722392 Patricia Thomas 51 Back Chat 1 Monday Sandra Davies (Events Diary) 38 Christian Aid Week Bronwen Taylor Swimming at Ludlow David Lyons 24 Christian Meditation Group Travel to Ludlow pool with Mayfair’s Ring Cover Editors 42 Church Stretton Cricket Club & Ride, for a 30-45 minute swim. Cost: £4 Geoff Taylor 723301 33 Craven Arms Big Band Yvonne Beaumont 722533 return, plus swim cost 50 CSTC Community Matters Computer Production 10.45am Meet at Mayfair 722077 Barrie Raynor 723928 7 English Championship Fell Run Rowland Jackson 722390 34 Festival Exhibition 2017 Ian Dormor 723456 Graham Cossins 11 Flicks in the Sticks Bridge for Beginners – free lessons Distribution 21 From a Farmer’s Diary For those new to Bridge or those who wish Richard Carter 724106 Advertising (Business) 22 Gardening in May to rebuild their skills. Just turn up or call Ian Midgley 722938 41 Great War Walks: Church Stretton Dom on 723128 for more info. Finance Director 41 Honoured by King Albert Richard Fillenham 723119 1.30-3.30pm HWBC Web Editors 30 Latin Lessons at the Library Chris Moores 722940 8 Letters Plant Sale at Little Stretton Secretary 36 Library Quilt Show Chris Moores 722940 Plants, tea, coffee and cake. 12 Live Screenings Plant donations gratefully received. Enquiries Directors 22 Mayfair Lottery Tom Beaumont (Chmn), Sandie Johnson, Pat Oxtoby, to: 723627 Barrie Raynor (V Chmn), Richard Fillenham, Lesley 18 Mayfair News Richards, Richard Hickman, Chris Moores, Graham 2-4pm Little Stretton VH Ogdon, Christine Harvey 30 Methodist Voice 12 Musicfest Advertisements (Business) Rates for block and occasional business 22 National Trust Heartland Project Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group advertisements may be obtained from the Would-be knitters welcomed. Advertising Manager, Ian Midgley, 24 Oaks 30 Pazapa Coffee Concert Road, Church Stretton, SY6 7AX , or email to 51 Pit Stop Details from: 722328 [email protected] to whom copy should be sent. 49 Plant Sale 2.30pm Ley Gardens, Lawley Close 24 A Quaker Voice The Stretton Focus Management Board cannot accept responsibility for any product or 36 Recipe of the Month 2 Tuesday – 12 Friday service advertised. Acceptance of an advertisement 28 Rotary News does not imply any form of approval or Quilt Show continues 21 RSPB recommendation. Advertisers are required to comply Exhibition of work by Oddfries Patchwork with the British Code of Advertising Practice. 22 SACWG Group. A member of the group will be on Submission of articles 36 Scrappies All organisations must submit material 16 Shopping in the Strettons hand during the exhibition, to talk to visitors. by email to [email protected] Normal opening times CS Library as an attachment with a pertinent title, 24 Spring Fun Day not simply ‘Focus Article’. Individual 28 Stretton & Shropshire Cancer Care contributors may leave typed or legible 33 Stretton Choral Society 2 Tuesday handwritten copy, discs, CDs with original unimproved digital photographs or good 49 Stretton Climate Care Drop-In Craft Session quality glossy photographs at Wrights, 28 Stretton Players: ’Allo ’Allo Knit, crochet, felt, weave, spin etc. Estate Agent, Sandford Avenue, clearly 26 Student Journalists labelled ‘Stretton Focus’. All copy must be Enjoy coffee and chat and get expert help if received by noon on the date below. 30 Tennis Club Quiz you need it. Contact: 724041 Disclaimer 8 Thank You 4.30-6.30pm Coco Shop, High St Stretton Focus prints a wide range of articles 15 Tuesday Club and Memory Store and letters. The views expressed in these are those of their authors and not necessarily those of the 50 Trivia Answers Management Board. The Editors exercise their right to 16 Trivia Corner edit any articles, letters etc submitted for publication at their discretion without consulting the author. 16 URC Voice Copy day and Deadline 49 Whalebone in aid of Wetlands is normally the first Monday of the month. 38 What in the World…? For the June issue it is Tuesday 2nd May 2 What’s On (12 noon). For the July issue it will be Monday 5th 15 Where is it? Photo Quiz June. 51 Where was it? The June Stretton Focus will be 21 Wonder of Wayside Flowers distributed on Friday 26th May Outlets Stretton Focus may be purchased by annual subscription (delivered) or directly from Ashlett Stores, Newsworld Sandford Avenue, Co-op, Family Shopper, Church Stretton Library, Mayfair and the Churches.
© 2017 Stretton Focus Limited
Registration No. 6237590 Inc in England Macdonald Jean Photo: Registered Office: 8 High Street, Stretton Focus Website Church Stretton, SY6 6BU ISSN 1479–7356 www.strettonfocus.co.uk Arms Craven Meadows, Onny Printed by WPG, Welshpool
2 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 2 13/04/2017 11:42 What’s On in the Strettons in May If you wish to know the times of regular meetings of societies and groups, please see the list of contacts in the yellow pages.
Stitchin’ Time 4 Thursday Enjoy knitting, crochet, sewing etc? Come Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice to our relaxed friendly handicraft group. All Drop-in session, every Thursday. abilities welcomed. Info from Jon Cooke: 723205 Enquiries to Margaret: 720348 10am-12 noon HWBC 5-7pm Housmans, High Street, CS St Lawrence Primary School Spring Stretton Traidcraft Fun Day Flicks in the Sticks All Stretton Fairtrade goods for sale Highlights include the plant sale, cake stall, ‘The Wedding Ring’ Cert 15 10.30am-1pm Mayfair bottle tombola, fire engine and teachers in Part of ‘Africa Season’. Tickets: £6 or all the stocks! Open to all. Donations to plant three films for £12 if booked together. Interdenominational Communion Service stall welcomed. See May 19 and May 23 First Thursday of every month. 11am-3pm St Lawrence Primary School 8pm All Stretton VH Local clergy take turns to conduct the service. All welcome. Stretton Choral Society Concert 3 Wednesday 1.45-2.15pm Jubilee Room, Mayfair Tickets from John Thomas, Florist, Burway U3A Classical Music Talks Books or choir members First Wednesday of the month, Stretton Community Singers Info from Pam Cole: 723604 (September until June). A small fee is Open to all who love singing 7.30pm CS School requested, to cover expenses Every Thursday. £5 sub Contact Barbara Hall: 724578 Enquiries: Kate Buttolph 720358 7 Sunday 10.15am-12 noon Mayfair 7-9pm Activity Room, Mayfair Fun Walk – Rotary Club of CS Four circular walks to choose from, suiting a CS Library Reading Group 5 Friday range of abilities. Friendly, informal book group, meeting on CS Country Market Cost: £5 per person (under 15s free) the 1st Wednesday of the month Local fresh baking and produce, plus a wide 12noon Juniper Cottage, All Stretton, SY6 Enquiries to Felicity: 724657 selection of hand crafted items. 6HG 2-3pm CS Library Info from Anne: 722970 8.30am-12noon Mayfair ‘Play On Performing Arts’ Performance C.A.M.E.O. meeting ‘A Birmingham Boy in No Man’s Land’ Dai Woolridge: ‘Making the Bible live’ Walking Football (played indoors) featuring Stretton Community Singers Contact: Margaret Mercer: 720131 Community Project for over 55s Tickets: £5. Contact 07974 382989 or 2.30pm Parish Centre Contact Ken: 328514 or John: 751245 [email protected] 4.30-5.30pm CS School Gym 2.30pm All Stretton VH CS Methodist Network Group No meeting (Bank Holiday week) Tennis Club Quiz Night 8 Monday Quizmaster is Ken Sutherland Swimming at Ludlow Boomerang Performing Arts Group Tickets £5, from Wrights Estate Agents, June Travel to Ludlow pool with Mayfair’s Ring Informal group for 11-18 year-olds. Open to 723916, Liz 722547or Clare 720123. BYO & Ride, for a 30-45 minute swim. Cost: £4 all, no auditions. drinks and nibbles return, plus swim cost Info from Becky: 720112 7pm for 7.30pm Mayfair 10.45am Meet at Mayfair 722077 4-6pm (doors open 3.30) Parish Centre 6 Saturday Bridge for Beginners – free lessons All Stretton Village Society Men’s Breakfast For those new to Bridge or those who wish A.G.M. and illustrated talk by Roy Abbott: Guest speaker Peter Walker to rebuild their skills. Just turn up or call ‘From All Stretton to the Menin Gate – a Free admission. Cooked breakfast. Dom on 723128 for more info. Blacksmith’s Story’ Enquiries to John Hughes 722582 1.30-3.30pm HWBC Contact Roy on 724127 7.30am Parish Centre 7.30pm All Stretton VH Continued overleaf...
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Stretton Focus May 2017 3
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 3 13/04/2017 11:42 What’s On continued Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group Amnesty International Group Meeting 12 Friday Would-be knitters welcomed. Friendly group, campaigning and supporting CS Country Market Details from: 722328 Human Rights worldwide Local fresh baking and produce, plus a wide 2.30pm Ley Gardens, Lawley Close Details from Barbara Parnell: 720040 selection of hand crafted items. 7.30pm SHI Info from Anne: 722970 Stretton & Shropshire Cancer Care 8.30am-12noon Mayfair Guest speaker: Rob Alman, from Flicks in the Sticks Hope Bowdler Hillside Pharmacy. ‘A United Kingdom’ Cert 12a Walking Football (played indoors) Followed by tea in the Mayfair café. (Note: Changed from previously advertised Community Project for over 55s Contact Roger Wilson: 722123 film, ‘LaLa Land’ Contact Ken: 328514 or John: 751245 2.30pm Mayfair Ticket-only event; £12, (including supper in 4.30-5.30pm CS School Gym the interval); 7.30pm Hope Bowdler VH Eaton-under-H & Hope Bowdler W I 13 Saturday Resolutions. Short talk by Dice Buchanan. 11 Thursday Annual Home-Grown Plant Sale Contact: Alex Freeland 722532 Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice CS, Craven Arms & District Lib Dems. 7.30pm Hope Bowdler VH Drop-in session, every Thursday. 10am St Milburga’s car park Info from Jon Cooke: 723205 Flicks in the Sticks Church Stretton 10am-12 noon HWBC Church Stretton Musicfest ‘Swallows and Amazons’ 12 hour musical extravaganza, to suit all Cert PG. RT: 97 minutes Volunteering Drop-In Session ages and musical tastes. Tickets £4 adults, £2 under 18s If you are thinking about volunteering or Tickets: £5 adults, £3 child (covers all Refreshments, ample parking. need advice, call in for a chat. venues, throughout the day) 7.30pm CS School 724330 Info from Clive: 07791 260888 Info: churchstrettonmusicfest.org.uk 10am-12 noon CS Library 10am onwards Various venues 9 Tuesday Shropshire Mind Stretton Traidcraft Methodist Church Prayer and Reflection Informal mental health support group, Fairtrade goods for sale All welcome for quiet reflection with tea/ offering peer support and self help. 10.30am-1pm Mayfair coffee and fellowship in the hall. 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month 10am-12 noon CS Methodist Church Contact number: 01743 368647 Latin Course 3-5pm Mayfair Friendly, relaxed study group. Mayfair’s Annual May Fayre Cost: £15 for initial six sessions (see main Tombola, bric-a-brac, plants, cakes, crafts, Drop-In Craft Session article for more details) face-painting and much more. Knit, crochet, felt, weave, spin etc. Led by Ann Bednall: 724804 11am-3pm Mayfair Enjoy coffee and chat and get expert help if 4-5pm CS Library you need it. Contact: 724041 ‘Craven Arms Big Band’ Big Buffet 4.30-6.30pm Coco Shop, High St National Theatre Live (Previously named the Little Big Band) ‘Obsession’ Big Band & Swing Night Stitchin’ Time RT: 1 hour, 50 minutes Tickets: £10 adults, £5 under 12s, (to inc. Enjoy knitting, crochet, sewing etc? Come Tickets: £11 adults, £5 under 18s interval supper), can be purchased from to our relaxed friendly handicraft group. All Refreshments. Enquiries: 722209 Muriel 722016 or Barbara 723418 7 for abilities welcomed. 7pm CS School 7.30pm Rushbury Village Hall Enquiries to Margaret: 720348 5-7pm Housmans, High Street, CS Stretton Community Singers 14 Sunday – 20 Saturday Open to all who love singing Christian Aid Week 10 Wednesday Every Thursday. £5 sub Door-to-door collections P.A.C.T. Police Surgery Enquiries: Kate Buttolph 720358 Subject to police duties/incidents 7-9pm Activity Room, Mayfair Dementia Awareness Week 2-3pm Mayfair Includes a drop-in coffee morning and CS Marmaladies WI afternoon fun sing-along at the HWBC on CS Methodist Network Group Crohn’s Disease/Purple Flowers Foundation. Friday 19th May. See Mayfair’s main article Mary Smith: ‘Myths behind the Zodiac’ [email protected] in Focus for more details. 2.30pm CS Methodist Hall 7.30pm CS& District Club 15 Monday Boomerang Performing Arts Group Long Mynd Camera Club Swimming at Ludlow Informal group for 11-18 year-olds. Open to Club Awards Evening Travel to Ludlow pool with Mayfair’s Ring all, no auditions. Social evening: review of the season’s & Ride, for a 30-45 minute swim. Cost: £4 Info from Becky: 720112 competitions and award presentation. return, plus swim cost 4-6pm (doors open 3.30) Parish Centre www.longmyndcameraclub.co.uk 10.45am Meet at Mayfair 722077 7.30pm URC Hall
4 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 4 13/04/2017 11:42 What’s On continued Bridge for Beginners – free lessons 18 Thursday – 20 Saturday 20 Saturday For those new to Bridge or those who wish Stretton Players Spring Play: ’Allo ’Allo! RSPB South Shropshire Local Group to rebuild their skills. Just turn up or call Tickets: £8 from Burway Books, John Wildlife walk at Cold Weston Farm Dom on 723128 for more info. Thomas Florist or the Players’ website: www. Meet at Potters Farm (SO 510808) for car 1.30-3.30pm HWBC strettonplayers.wordpress.com sharing. Lunch at café 7.30pm Thursday and Friday SHI Leader: Janice Holliday 01584 823394 CS Area Local History Group 2.30pm Saturday matinee SHI 10am start AGM and Local Event: local historians talk about their areas of interest. (See Focus 18 Thursday Plant stall of garden and houseplants article, ‘Honoured by King Albert’). Info: Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice SACWG fundraiser for Stretton Wetlands. Janette Murray: 722465; 2pm URC Hall Drop-in session, every Thursday. Contributions of plants welcomed. Contact Info from Jon Cooke: 723205 Isabel on 722296 Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group 10am-12 noon HWBC 10am Outside the Parish Centre Would-be knitters welcomed. Details from: 722328 Stretton Traidcraft The Wonder of Wayside Flowers Wander 2.30pm Ley Gardens, Lawley Close Fairtrade goods for sale All welcome. £5 adults, £2 children 10.30am-1pm Mayfair Info from Henry Hand: 781518 or Thelma 16 Tuesday Thompson 722821 CS & District Gardening Club Latin Course 2.30pm Meet at the Bottom Meadow, Outing to Hanbury Hall Gardens Friendly, relaxed study group. Alcaston, SY6 6RP Enquiries to Evelyn Dapling: 723648 Cost: £15 for initial six sessions (see main article for more details) Pit Stop: ‘Up, up and away’ Mothers’ Union Meeting Led by Ann Bednall: 724804 All welcome. £1 per person Thelma Thompson: ‘Sheep and Wool’ 4-5pm CS Library Info from Sarah: 771248 Contact Jill: 724371 2.45-5pm Parish Centre 2.30pm CS Parish Centre Stretton Community Singers Open to all who love singing Quiz Night with Ken Willis Drop-In Craft Session Every Thursday. £5 sub In aid of RNLI. £4pp. Knit, crochet, felt, weave, spin etc. Enquiries: Kate Buttolph 720358 7.30pm CS & DC Enjoy coffee and chat and get expert help if 7-9pm Activity Room, Mayfair you need it. Contact: 724041 21 Sunday 4.30-6.30pm Coco Shop, High St 19 Friday 4th Annual Classic Vehicle Day CS Country Market In aid of Shropshire Macmillan Cancer Stitchin’ Time Local fresh baking and produce, plus a wide Support. Details from the website: www. Enjoy knitting, crochet, sewing etc? Come selection of hand crafted items. eatonmanor.co.uk/about-us/eaton-manor- to our relaxed friendly handicraft group. All Info from Anne: 722970 diary-dates abilities welcomed. 8.30am-12noon Mayfair 10am onwards Eaton Manor Enquiries to Margaret: 720348 5-7pm Housmans, High Street, CS Walking Football (played indoors) 22 Monday Community Project for over 55s Swimming at Ludlow All Stretton Women’s Institute Contact Ken: 328514 or John: 751245 Travel to Ludlow pool with Mayfair’s Ring & Guest speaker John Parkinson: 4.30-5.30pm CS School Gym Ride, for a 30-45 minute swim. ‘It’s not Fine Art but...’ Cost: £4 return, plus swim cost 7.30pm All Stretton VH ‘Back Chat’ Seminar 10.45am Meet at Mayfair 722077 Presented by chiropractor Bill Kusiar 17 Wednesday Tickets: £20 in advance, £22 on the door Bridge for Beginners – free lessons CS Methodist Network Group (inc. wine, nibbles, tea, coffee) For those new to Bridge or those who wish Sue Lees: ‘Training Guide Dogs’ From Pam Allsop: 723899 to rebuild their skills. Just turn up or call 2.30pm CS Methodist Hall 7-9.45pm approx Parish Centre Dom on 723128 for more info. 1.30-3.30pm HWBC Boomerang Performing Arts Group Flicks in the Sticks All Stretton Informal group for 11-18 year-olds. Open to ‘A United Kingdom’ Cert 12a Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group all, no auditions. Part of ‘Africa Season’. Tickets: £4 or all Would-be knitters welcomed. Info from Becky: 720112 three films for £12 if booked together. Details from: 722328 4-6pm (doors open 3.30) Parish Centre See May 2 and May 23 2.30pm Ley Gardens, Lawley Close 7.30pm All Stretton VH Live Music at Housmans: Parkinson’s UK – CS Support Group ‘Ludlow Jazz Quartet’ Mervyn Williams: ‘My Travels’ Free entry. Enquiries: 724441 2.30pm Jubilee Room Mayfair 8pm Housmans, High St, CS Continued overleaf... Stretton Focus May 2017 5
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 5 13/04/2017 11:42 What’s On continued 23 Tuesday Stretton Traidcraft Churches Together Shropshire Shropshire Mind Fairtrade goods for sale Prayer event at the top of Caer Caradoc, with Informal mental health support group, 10.30am-1pm Mayfair the Bishop of Ludlow. offering peer support and self help. 11am Meet at St Milburga’s car park 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month Latin Course Contact number: 01743 368647 Friendly, relaxed study group. Bridge for Beginners – free lessons 3-5pm Mayfair Cost: £15 for initial six sessions (see main For those new to Bridge or those who wish article for more details) to rebuild their skills. Just turn up or call Drop-In Craft Session Led by Ann Bednall: 724804 Dom on 723128 for more info. Knit, crochet, felt, weave, spin etc. 4-5pm CS Library 1.30-3.30pm HWBC Enjoy coffee and chat and get expert help if you need it. Contact: 724041 Stretton Community Singers Ley Gardens Knit & Natter Group 4.30-6.30pm Coco Shop, High St Open to all who love singing Would-be knitters welcomed. Every Thursday. £5 sub Details from: 722328 Stitchin’ Time Enquiries: Kate Buttolph 720358 2.30pm Ley Gardens, Lawley Close Enjoy knitting, crochet, sewing etc? Come 7-9pm Activity Room, Mayfair to our relaxed friendly handicraft group. All 30 Tuesday abilities welcomed. 26 Friday – 4 June Drop-In Craft Session Enquiries to Margaret: 720348 Diana Nuttall Exhibition Knit, crochet, felt, weave, spin etc. 5-7pm Housmans, High Street, CS Local artist Diana returns to Barbara’s with Enjoy coffee and chat and get expert help if her latest exhibition. She will be in the you need it. Contact: 724041 Flicks in the Sticks All Stretton gallery daily. Info: 07752 265464 4.30-6.30pm Coco Shop, High St ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’ (12) 9.30am-5pm Barbara’s Picture Framing, Part of Africa Season. Tickets: £6 or all Beaumont Road, CS Stitchin’ Time three films for £12 if booked together Enjoy knitting, crochet, sewing etc? Come See May 2 and May 19 26 Friday and 27 Saturday to our relaxed friendly handicraft group. All 8pm All Stretton VH Spring Mammoth Book Sale abilities welcomed. Hosted by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Enquiries to Margaret: 720348 24 Wednesday CS and Mayfair. All proceeds to Mayfair. 5-7pm Housmans, High Street, CS U3A Meeting 10am-3pm both days URC Hall AGM, followed by an illustrated talk. 31 Wednesday Dr David Gibbon: ‘Surviving in the Semi-Arid 26 Friday CS Methodist Network Group Lands of Africa’ – with special reference to CS Country Market No meeting (Bank Holiday week) Botswana, Namibia and Western Sudan. Local fresh baking and produce, plus a wide 2pm URC Hall selection of hand crafted items. Boomerang Performing Arts Group Info from Anne: 722970 Informal group for 11-18 year-olds. Open to CS Methodist Network Group 8.30am-12noon Mayfair all, no auditions. Ruth Davies – Bible Text Challenge Info from Becky: 720112 2.30pm CS Methodist Hall Evergreens Club 4-6pm (doors open 3.30) Parish Centre Friendly senior citizens group. Meet 4th Boomerang Performing Arts Group Friday of each month. 2-4pm Mayfair Sustainable Stretton (Stretton Climate Informal group for 11-18 year-olds. Open to Care) all, no auditions. Walking Football (played indoors) First meeting of a discussion group that Info from Becky: 720112 Community Project for over 55s aims to examine the issues and suggest 4-6pm (doors open 3.30) Parish Centre Contact Ken: 328514 or John: 751245 practical ways forward. Please contact David 4.30-5.30pm CS School Gym Howard on 722904 if you are interested in Royal Shakespeare Company Live contributing/attending. ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ Music evening with local band 7.30pm Committee Room 1, SHI RT: 3 hours, plus interval ‘Whalebone’ Tickets: £11 adults, £5 juniors SACWG fundraiser for Stretton Wetlands. Bar What’s On in Early June Pre-theatre meal available and tapas available Refreshments. Enquiries: 722209 Tickets £10, (£6 children) from Burway 2 Friday 7pm CS School Books or John Thomas, Florist. Info from CS & District Gardening Club Isabel on 722296; 7 for 7.30pm SHI Outing to Claire Austin Hardy Plants, at Sarn, Live Music at Housmans: near Newtown ‘Naomi Hotsy Totsy Band’ 28 Sunday Enquiries to 720131 Free entry. Enquiries: 724441 P.A.C.T. Police Surgery 8pm Housmans, High St, CS Subject to police duties/incidents 3 Saturday 10-11am Police Station Great War Centenary Home Front Walk 25 Thursday Led by Alan Brisbourne, the walk around CS Stretton Climate Care Energy Advice 29 Monday will last 3+ hours. Drop-in session, every Thursday. Swimming at Ludlow Cost is £5. Spaces are limited; contact Keith Info from Jon Cooke: 723205 Travel to Ludlow pool with Mayfair’s Ring Pybus on 01588 680530 10am-12 noon HWBC & Ride, for a 30-45 minute swim. Cost: £4 10.30am Meet at the railway station return, plus swim cost 10.45am Meet at Mayfair 722077
6 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 6 13/04/2017 11:42 What’s On continued Pazapa Coffee Concert Key to Abbreviations/Addresses: Methodist Church – Watling St South, SY6 Featuring Richard Silk (piano), Peter Gosling CS – Church Stretton 7BG (clarinet) Gill Styles (soprano) CS & DC – Church Stretton & District Club, SACWG – Stretton Area Community Wildlife Free admission, donations to Pazapa Essex Rd, SY6 6AX Tel: 723193 Group 10.30am Methodist Church SY6 7BG CS Library – Church Street, SY6 6DQ Tel: SHI – Silvester Horne Institute, 722535 High St, SY6 6BY. Tel: 720132 6 Tuesday CS School – Shrewsbury Rd, SY6 6EX URC – United Reformed Church, High St, Stretton Climate Care Talk St. Laurence’s Church/CS Parish Centre – SY6 6BY An evening with James Thornton of Client Church St, SY6 6DQ VH – Village Hall Earth. Mayfair – Mayfair Community Centre, Contact Numbers – only numbers OUTSIDE Tickets £6, from Burway Books Easthope Rd, SY6 6BL. Tel: 722077 the CS dialling code area will include the full 7.30pm SHI HWBC – Health and Well Being Centre, next number. to Mayfair Centre
English Championship Fell Run ...... Church Stretton the upper car park only an hour and 33 minutes later. n Saturday 25th March the first round of the Fell Then followed a steady stream of runners until 133 had Runners’ English Championship was held over the completed the run in under two hours. The last runner to Long Mynd. Over 400 runners started from just finish did so in four hours. Obelow the National Trust Tea Rooms to run 11.5 miles in a Fell Running is a very British thing and most of the rectangular route along the Long Mynd. They climbed up teams competing came from the hilly parts of Britain. and down over 4000 feet during the time. Teams wore tops saying they came from Keswick, The race starts in Cardingmill Valley with the runners Ambleside, Wharfedale, Calder Valley, Pennines. The team heading up toward the top car park. Before the car park the from Keswick won the men’s event. Our local team (Mercia) runners veer off right came in seventh and take the steep overall, but Simon ridge to the top corner Bailey from that of the golf course. team was the second From here they take home. The Mercia Fell in Jonathan’s Hollow, Runners came second the Portway, Boiling in the women’s events. Well, a part descent of Each year six Ashes Hollow, Round sites are chosen for Hill, Callow Hollow the Championship. and a near full descent Church Stretton of Minton Batch. has hosted senior The turn for home is championship events where the race really in 2012, 2013, 2015 sorts the ‘wheat from and 2017 and junior the chaff’. Runners championships face an arduous climb in the other two up Windy Batch, an years. Organising equally challenging these events is a big descent, then another responsibility for the hard climb up the The race starts! local team, and most side of Callow Hollow of the organising team before a long descent off Nills. Having found themselves and race marshals live in the Strettons or close by. back in Ashes Hollow once more, the runners have to Events of this type are good for the town because many choose a route to get themselves to the summit of Yearlet, of the runners choose to stay locally rather than arrive with before one more leg-destroying descent which constitutes legs cramped by hours in a car. the beginning of the dash for the finish. This sees a traverse On the Friday before the race, the organisers came up around the top of Townbrook Valley before picking up a the Cardingmill Valley putting arrows on the lamp posts so long ridgeline descent to the junction of the reservoir path that the runners could find their way from registration (at and Cardingmill valley, just below the top car park. the school) to the start by the Tea Rooms. One did wonder The Championship consists of six races run during for a moment that if they needed guidance to get from the the summer – two short, two medium and two long. school to the NT were they safe to be let loose on the hills?! The Church Stretton race was classified as ‘medium’. The A needless worry as it turned out. runners started at 12 midday and somewhat unbelievably Mark Bollom of Mercia Fell Runners and Ian Hunter the first runners came down the hill to the finish by
Stretton Focus May 2017 7
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 7 13/04/2017 11:42 Thank You individuals that display the advertising material and sell tickets; and finally, to all those who come along to watch Community of Kindness and cheer us along. Without you all our efforts would be I would like to thank everyone for all their kindness and meaningless and by way of an expression of our gratitude support to my mother Margaret Foster, during her recent the monies raised by the refreshments and raffle, together accident. We have both been deeply moved and humbled with a small top-up from the Society funds, is allowing us by the generosity and goodwill of the local community, to distribute £500 to charities. Those benefiting this year without which the current situation would have are Church Stretton First Responders, Cancer Research, undoubtedly been so much more difficult. MacMillan Cancer Support and Mayfair. Unfortunately it is impossible to thank everyone Please continue to support our future events as you have individually, but please be assured your thoughtfulness and done in the past. Thank you, compassion is very much appreciated. Eric Huff Julie Gildie Chairman of All Stretton Amateur Dramatic Society. Saturday Morning Concerts Thank you to all who attended the recent series of Saturday Fish and Chip Supper Morning Concerts at the Methodist Church. The retiring At our Fish and Chip Supper on collections were divided between the church and local 4th March we made £466. We were charities. A total of £420 was split between Mayfair pleased to welcome nine members of Community Centre, Midlands Air Ambulance and Severn the Aberystwyth Lifeboat crew. An Hospice. interesting talk by a crew member about Particular thanks go to the talented performers and their activities prompted many questions. When we reached especially to Richard Walker who organised the concerts. dining time, the crew had the excellent idea of sitting There will be a further series of concerts in the autumn. amongst the rest of us so they could carry on chatting and Trish Howard answering more questions. Save the Children We thank all those who came, and particularly the The Save the Children Sausage and Mash lunch, held on Aberystwyth crew, who contributed so much to the 31st March raised approximately £750 for the charity’s work enjoyment of the evening. We also thank those who made helping children at home and around the world. A very big donations and all who helped us to run the evening, from Thank You to all of you who so generously supported this setting up to clearing up. annual event. Norma Taylor Table Top Sale Churches Together Coffee Morning Brian and Alison Bradley organised a Table Top Sale in aid The Churches Together in the Strettons Coffee Morning, of the RNLI on Saturday 1st April. There were 10 tables which took place on 25th March, has raised over £1300 selling an interesting assortment of goods. There were for the Refugee Council. Thanks are due to all those who delicious cakes and preserves, locally made cards, handmade supported the event, all those who organised and ran stalls, jewellery, bric-a-brac and also the RNLI stall. Tea and coffee and to the traders of Sandford Avenue: AB Optics, Appleby were served with Mr Bun’s tea cakes. A good flow of people & Shaw, Chocolate Haven, Family Shopper, Ginger Green, came and everyone enjoyed the day. We thank Brian and Jaipur, John Thomas Florist, Kaboodle, Mr. Bun, Outdoor Alison very much for running the event and also all the Depot, Pepper’s, Rainbow’s End, Sandford Hardware, stall holders and our visitors for coming and making it an Shampers, Stretton Print, Stretton Shoes, Terry Jones enjoyable day. Taking into account some Gift Aid and the Travel, and Wrights Estate Agents, who generously provided profit from the sale of RNLI goods, the money raised for prizes for the raffle. All prizewinners have been notified by the RNLI was £315.80. Thank you all. telephone. Jill & Richard Turner Jones David Andrew Snow White at All Stretton Following this year’s successful pantomime run, it is now time to say Thank You. To put on such a production as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs took an extraordinary Letter amount of time and effort by so many individuals. The cast History of St Milburga’s are only a small number of those involved that annually I am writing up the story of St Milburga’s Parish and would bring this event to the stage. A very big Thank You must very much appreciate any memories readers may have of the also go out to all those involved in creating the magnificent church and parish. All contributions acknowledged. scenery, the costumes, lighting and sound, props and not Inside the church is a small plaque in memory of forgetting those that apply the makeup to the men that Gertrude Octavia Benson, daughter of the former Rector of wouldn’t normally have use of such materials, (but one Hope Bowdler. Gertrude Octavia and her sister Aethelflaed never knows). Even more easily forgotten, but equally Emma Benson, from a family of thirteen children, worked important, are our front of house and refreshment teams as volunteer nurses in the First World War tending to that keep everyone going through the traditional interval; injured soldiers. Gertrude Octavia paid off the debt on the the backstage staff who ensure everyone turns up on stage church. I am also collecting memories of St Andrew`s RC at the correct time with the appropriate accessories; and the Church in Craven Arms. prompt, who keeps the lines flowing when others falter. Chris Magner A further Thank You goes out to the businesses and Email: [email protected]
8 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 8 13/04/2017 11:42 nicky apperley CLIVE NORRELL dog grooming M.R.C.V.S. HILLSIDE PHARMACY salon THE MALTHOUSE VETERINARY SURGERY R.E. & C.O. ALMAN MPS 1 & 2 BEAUMONT ROAD CHURCH STRETTON 18 Sandford Avenue Telephone: (01694) 724251 Surgeries: Church Stretton for all your Monday-Friday 4.30-5.30 p.m. 01694 722799 grooming needs Saturday 9.45-11.45 a.m. Sundays, Bank Holidays and Tel: 07854 155138 out of hours please telephone For all your medicines, toiletries and the Limes Minsterley Surgery affcot, sy6 6rl Telephone (01743) 791246 photographic requirements
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Stretton Focus May 2017 9
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10 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 Adverts 2017.indd 2 13/04/2017 09:24 All Stretton The All Stretton Africa Season: All films shown at All Stretton Village Hall. three films for £12 if booked together.
Tuesday 2nd May, 8pm: The Wedding Ring (15) Niger/Burkina Faso/ France. Tickets £6
Tuesday 23rd May, 8pm: Mandela; Long walk to Freedom (12) Tickets £4
Idris Elba plays Nelson Mandela in this film, adapted from Mandela’s 1995 autobiography, following his life from childhood village to presidency. This rare film from Niger, a simple love story, is beautifully narrated in the Sahel tradition, with an added dash of cynicism regarding the politics of race. Striking Nigerian actress Magaajyia Silberfeld plays young Tiyaa, a member of a prestigious aristocratic family. She has come back home to the sultanate of Damagaram from her studies in Paris. While there, she met an equally privileged young man whose family comes from a village not far from her own. Life is pleasant and peaceful following Tiyaa’s return, but time passes and the handsome suitor is slow in visiting. Meanwhile, Tiyaa has the opportunity to discover in her surroundings other women Church Stretton whose stories of love, marriage, desertion and divorce reveal Church Stretton School, Monday 8th May, 7.30pm: the truth of the relationships between women and men in Swallows and Amazons (2016) (PG). Running Time 97 Sahelian society. minutes. Tickets: Adults £4; Under 18s £2 The Wedding Ring is a stark but surprisingly tender and beautifully made film from a country that rarely features in the news, yet constantly questions and has actively resisted change from the outside world. (BFI London Film Festival)
Friday 19th May, 7.30pm: A United Kingdom (12A) Tickets £4
Four children (the Swallows), on holiday in the Lake District, sail on their own to an island and start a ‘war’ with rival children (the Amazons). In the meantime, a mysterious man on a houseboat accuses them of a crime they did not Starring Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo, A United commit. Suddenly they realise they must now work together Kingdom is based on extraordinary true events. In 1947, Seretse to find out who he is and why he is there – but have they Khama, the King of Botswana, met Ruth Williams, a London got themselves involved in something much bigger? This office worker. They were a perfect match, yet their proposed is a new version of the classic children’s story by Arthur marriage was challenged not only by their families, but by the Ransome. Not to be confused with an earlier 1974 version. British and South African governments. Refreshments. Ample parking. Enquiries: 01694 724330 With terrific warmth and idealism – and irresistible storytelling relish – director Amma Asante gives us a romantic true story from a strange, shameful chapter of our postwar past. Continued overleaf...
Stretton Focus May 2017 11
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 9 13/04/2017 11:42 Royal Shakespeare Company Live: Church Stretton School, Wednesday 24th May, 7pm. Antony and Cleopatra. Running Time 2hr 57min, plus 20min interval. Tickets: Adults £11; Under 18s £5
Continued ...
Hope Bowdler Hope Bowdler Village Hall, Wednesday 10th May, 7.30pm: A United Kingdom (12A). Admission by ticket Shakespeare’s tragedy of love and duty picks up the story only: £12 to include supper during the interval. where Julius Caesar ends. Following Caesar’s assassination, For film details see All Stretton, on previous page. Mark Antony has reached the heights of power. Now he has Ring 723648, 720103, or 722644. neglected his empire for a life of love and decadence with his mistress, Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. Torn between love and duty, Antony finds his military brilliance deserts him, and his passion leads the lovers to their tragic end. Iqbal Khan returns to the RSC to direct following his critically acclaimed productions of Othello (2015) and Much Ado Live Satellite Screenings at About Nothing (2012). Church Stretton Ample parking. Enquiries 01694 722209 National Theatre Live:
Church Stretton School, Thursday 11th May, 7pm: Obsession (15). Running Time 1hr 50min. Tickets: Adults £11; Under 18s £5
Jude Law stars in this stage production of Luchino Visconti’s 1943 film, broadcast live from the Barbican Theatre, London. Directed by Ivo van Hove. Gino is a drifter, down-at-heel and magnetically handsome. At a roadside restaurant he encounters husband and wife, Giuseppe and Giovanna. Irresistibly attracted to each other, Gino and Giovanna begin a fiery affair and plot to murder her husband. But, in this chilling tale of passion and destruction, the crime only serves to tear them apart. This production of Obsession is produced by Barbican Theatre Productions Ltd, London and Toneelgroep Amsterdam. Refreshments. Ample parking. Enquiries: 01694 722209
12 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 10 13/04/2017 11:42 WHEATLEY ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR INSPECTION & TEST PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING LANDLORD'S INSPECTION & CERTIFICATION NEW BUILD EXTENSIONS REWIRES UPDATING OF CONSUMER UNITS (FUSEBOARDS) SHOWERS EXTRA SOCKETS SECURITY LIGHTING NO JOB TOO SMALL 51 HIGH STREET, CHURCH STRETTON TEL: 01694 328305 MOBILE: 07939 571201 EMAIL: PETEWHEATLEY@ HOTMAIL.CO.UK ELECSA REG NO: EPP34178
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Stretton Focus May 2017 13
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14 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 Adverts 2017.indd 4 13/04/2017 09:24 Tuesday Club and the New Anglican Voice Memory Store Does everyone have the Holy Spirit? evised by Ken Willis, Memory Store is a series ust before Jesus went to the cross of questions, mainly from a bygone age, with He told His disciples they would appropriate music and photographs, which gives be given another like Him, called greatD enjoyment to many, particularly elderly housebound J the ‘counsellor’: one who not only people. comes alongside but comes to dwell within. They did not have this gift up till that point; indeed He had told them this gift could not be given until He had died on the Cross, risen again and ascended into heaven. Furthermore, He said, “The world neither sees Him [The Holy Spirit] nor knows Him”, i.e. the world in general (John 14:17). So whilst Jesus affirmed that all are made in the image of God, He said not all have the Holy Spirit. And so on the Day of Pentecost, His apostle, Peter, told his audience they had to repent, believe and be baptised (as the sign of being joined to Jesus, in a relationship with Him) to receive the Holy Spirit. The apostle, John, in describing what Jesus was about, in his gospel, said that by receiving Jesus, and believing into Him (which again implies a joining to Jesus in a relationship with Him), we would obtain the right to become children of God. Clearly in his mind we were not God’s children in this full sense before; we have to become God’s children by The success of his first Memory Store released in 2004 receiving and believing (committing, as in a marriage). has been such that it encouraged Ken to create another This is important because it may explain why edition, due to be released in late 2017. Ken visited Christianity has not ‘worked’ for some people. I was myself the Tuesday Club recently and presented a draft to the once in that boat. Nobody had told me I needed to receive members. Ken said, “It was a most useful visit, enabling Jesus or the Holy Spirit into my life. And so I was missing me to observe reactions to the proposed content of the new out and had virtually turned my back on God, certainly on edition.” the Christian Church, until someone explained to me how I The Tuesday Club continues to thrive: activities and could receive. entertainment are provided at every session. Recently Canon To give everyone the opportunity to receive and pray Holden gave a very interesting talk, and our new pianist for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit, churches across Linda has joined forces with John to provide enjoyable the land are holding special prayer events in the run-up to musical afternoons. A forthcoming event is a visit by the Pentecost on June 4th. In the Strettons, Churches Together All Stretton quartet Wrong Direction, when their songs and Shropshire are holding a prayer event at the top of Caradoc arrangements will be recorded for inclusion in the new on Bank Holiday Monday, May 29th, leaving from the St. Memory Store. Milburga’s car park at 11am. The Bishop of Ludlow will be The Tuesday Club welcomes men and women of joining us for that. all ages: those who may live alone, or who just need Meanwhile all are welcome at any of our services on companionship. As a not-for-profit group, with no paid June 4th when we pray God may visit us with a fresh staff, our fees are very low at £6 each Tuesday, and we are experience of His Holy Spirit! always looking for hour-long in-house entertainment for Richard Hill Tuesday afternoons.
Volunteers needed – We really could do with the support of at least two more volunteers, and live in the hope Know your local history… that someone will come forward to join our very relaxed, friendly group. If you are at all interested, do contact me Where Is It? – find out how the Club originated 33 years ago, how it Answer on page 51 operates and who the long-term, DBS-checked, committed volunteers are. Eileen 01694 720086 [email protected]
Stretton Focus May 2017 15
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 11 13/04/2017 11:42 URC Voice Shopping in the Strettons Ultimate Questions TOFS – The Original Factory Shop he number 42 in The he new shop in Lutwyche Road has opened. You Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy probably received an advertising leaflet through by Douglas Adams is the ‘Answer to the Ultimate the letterbox. This branch belongs to the same QuestionT of Life, the Universe, and Everything’. It is companyT as the Original Factory Shops in Leominster, calculated by an enormous computer named Deep Thought Oswestry, Market Drayton and many other towns, so you over a period of 7.5 million years. Unfortunately by the time may already be familiar with the sort of things they sell – the answer came no one could remember what the question almost everything – or at least it seems like that when you was. walk through the door. In addition to discount clothing and Adams was one of the great creative storytellers of shoes there are all sorts of pieces of household items, like recent years, sadly dying when only 49. There was a strong useful storage boxes, bedding etc etc. It really is a huge array philosophical thread through his science fiction. He of items which are reasonably priced and often things you took modern life and made us look at ourselves through don’t easily find unless you go to one of the big homeware metaphors of space and time travel, the challenge of alien shops in Shrewsbury. Then just to tempt you on the way to cultures and cataclysmic events. It was also ridiculously the tills there are biscuits and other goodies. funny. The number 42 lingers in the memory because of the contrast between the simplistic answer and the unknown ultimate question. Perhaps the concept of the ultimate question is Adams’ most significant legacy. Is there such a question? If so, what is it? Maybe the importance is that we can all conceive of an ultimate question, although its expression would be different for each of us. I can think of a number of candidates. Their ranking and priority varies from day to day. The one about the existence of God cries out for a yes/no answer, but it leads to so many follow-up questions whichever answer you decide on. If you go for ‘maybe’, the number of extra questions multiplies. Is that the nature of ‘ultimate’ questions? In the absence of an enormous supercomputer and the luxury of 7.5 million years, we have to work on all those questions ourselves, we have to apply our own deep thought. That is one of the challenges of a modern religion, being open enough to look at the questions about faith, which matter to people living and working in the modern world. We have also to accept that the answers may not be easy to find and may not be comfortable when we find them. How we get from question to answer can be quite challenging too. It is likely that while we each may ask a similar question, the answers we get may be different just The manager has come from elsewhere in the chain of as the journey to get there will be different. The challenge 217 shops, but in line with company policy, 12 members in the questioning may be matched by a challenge in of staff have been hired locally. The friendly staff will the answers. The only certain thing is that none of these encourage you to sign up for a TOFS club card, so that you questions has the answer 42. can receive offers by email if you wish. TOFS is open seven Roger Wilson days a week and as the manager said, they do anticipate being busiest Friday to Sunday as this will be a shop for our visitors as much as for inhabitants of the Strettons. (So long Trivia Corner No 162 as they can find it, hidden round the corner as it is – expect by Ken Willis plenty of enquiries about how to find the Factory Shop!) Answers on Page 50 1. Who was the actor who played Fox Mulder in The Applegreen X-Files? ood to see the garage is almost fully open again, 2. Who led the England team to Ashes victory in with its shiny new sign and canopy. The shop area 1985? is at the front now, making space for a Subway café Gat the back, along with a 25-seater Costa Coffee adjacent 3. Which actor played Eddie Moon in Eastenders? 4. Which TV antiques and auctions presenter was to the A49. A new car wash will be built on the south side, born David Gulessarian? leaving spaces for parking along the west side where the car 5. Who was the producer of films such as Bugsy wash used to be. The shop will be finished in a few more Malone, Chariots of Fire and Local Hero? weeks, so by the time this May issue lands on your doormat it should all be open and working.
16 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 12 13/04/2017 11:42 Wrights Estate Agents ESTATE AGENTS AND VALUERS Established in Church Stretton in 1972 Branch Agents for Yorkshire Building Society Working in association with
Residential and Commercial letting and managing agents Chartered Surveyors Sales: T: 01694 722237 E: [email protected] W: www.wrightschurchstretton.co.uk Lettings and management: T: 01694 730003 E: [email protected] W: www.bluestonelettings.co.uk 32 SANDFORD AVENUE CHURCH STRETTON, SY6 6BW
Your local independent letting agent Professional, experience-led advise Fair, friendly and effective Busy, busy, busy so you don’t have to be! 32 Sandford Avenue, Church Stretton, SY6 6BW T: 01694 730003 www.bluestonelettings.co.uk
Stretton Focus May 2017 17
52 Adverts 2017.indd 5 13/04/2017 09:25 Mayfair News Coffee, chat and Sing-a-long session Dementia Awareness week in the HWBC Visit to Number 10 During Dementia Awareness Week, 14th-20th May, the Alzheimer’s Society is asking everyone across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to unite against dementia. Dementia is set to be the 21st Century’s biggest killer. But awareness and understanding remains low and many families are facing it alone. That’s why, during the Week, we want everyone to come together and take action. By uniting, we can raise awareness, offer help and understanding, improve care and urgently find a cure. There are plenty of ways you can support the Week and everyone can play their part. In Church Stretton, the Alzheimer’s Society is joining forces with Mayfair to hold a special event on Friday 19th May. In the morning we will have a n Wednesday 29th March I had the honour of drop in coffee morning in the Health and Wellbeing representing Mayfair at Number 10 Downing Centre with Alzheimer’s Support Worker Tina Harvey Street. It was a reception to celebrate Civil Society and Dice from Mayfair’s MAYSI team on hand for Oin the Midlands and in particular small and medium sized information, advice or just a sociable chat. In the charities. Sadly the Prime Minister couldn’t make it. To be afternoon we will be holding a singalong session for fair, it was quite a busy day for her with the start of Brexit. people living with dementia including family and I would like to pass on to everyone involved in Mayfair friends. Join us for a relaxing and fun afternoon. the thanks of The Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson The singing will be led by Naomi Hart and it will MP, who gratefully acknowledged the work we and be followed by tea and cake. The session is free many other small and medium-sized charities do and the but donations are welcome. Please book a place by contribution we make to people and communities. As well contacting Mayfair 01694 722077 or pop into the as a very pleasant reception in the state rooms at Number Community Centre or HWBC. 10, I was pleased to meet people from other charities doing We really look forward to seeing you. excellent work and took the opportunity to speak to the Minister about some of the issues facing the voluntary sector and Shropshire in particular. Arthritis Awareness Week at the Health and Wellbeing Nicola McPherson Centre Call in during the week 8th-13th May for information and support on living with arthritis. We are working with May Fayre, Saturday 13th May, 11am-3pm Arthritis Care, Arthritis Action and Arthritis Research to pull together a programme for the week. Please look out for Including: further details.
• Raffle draw at 2:45 pm. • Children’s dance performance Book Sale • Tombola, Bric a Brac, Plants and Preserves, Cakes, Crafts at the URC, High Street, Church Stretton, on 26th • Quilt raffle and 27th May, 10am-3pm. • Crèche and face-painting Re-stock your bookshelves for summer reading or • Merrymaker Cardmakers just come and browse and find that special book. • Clubs and games There’s a hall full of books to choose from, all at • Entertainment with Christopher very reasonable prices, 50p for a paperback. • Maypole dancing (weather permitting) All proceeds to Mayfair and we’d particularly like • Musicians in HWBC, thanks to Ed Moseley to thank everyone who donates books and the time to • Cafe open for refreshments sort and collect books for this great event.
18 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 13 13/04/2017 11:42 9 High Street, Church Stretton, SY6 6BU 01694 724041 Specialist yarns including Alpaca, Alpaca mixed with Silk and Blue Faced Leicester, Merino, Colourful Sock Wool Hand Knitted Alpaca Accessories Alpaca Socks Colourful Felted Gifts www.cocoalpacas.co.uk Facebook: Coco Alpacas
BURWAY for BOOKS and MAPS Stretton Fine Art BOOKS Restoration Our delightful bookshop stocks a huge variety of Oils, Watercolours, adult and children’s titles and if you can’t see what Prints etc you want on the shelves we can normally get it for Free quotations you within 24-48 hours. We have a Our knowledgeable booksellers are here to help you. comprehensive selection See our website for news of book groups and of paintings for sale. author events www.burwaybooks.co.uk Phone to view without (NB we do not stock second-hand books) obligation 18 Beaumont Road, Church Stretton, SY6 6BN Tel: 01694 723388, email: [email protected] 01694 722057
Stretton Focus May 2017 19
52 Adverts 2017.indd 6 13/04/2017 09:25 Jason Gough computing services Hardware - Software Consultancy Repairs - Installation - Support For Business and Home users Over 20 Year’s Experience in the IT Industry Contact Jason Gough on 01694 724752 Email: [email protected]
20 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 Adverts 2017.indd 7 13/04/2017 09:25 From a Farmer’s Diary – Oilseed Rape bout this time of the year fields in the country start about 50 plants per square metre of field. Although we can to turn a very bright yellow as the oilseed plants start use the same machinery as we use for wheat to sow it and to flower. Later in the year the flowers will die off to harvest it, the timing and management are much more Aand the seeds will be harvested. Oilseed is used for animal difficult. Get the harvest wrong and the seedpods burst, feed and also, nowadays, for bio-diesel in cars and lorries. spraying seed everywhere but where you want it. Added It is also found in commercial to that the number of pests food processing, cooking oils and and diseases has been steadily margarines. They tell me that climbing. However it is still chainsaw oil is also now made the most useful crop in a cereal from it. rotation. Its deep root systems Oilseed is a close relative are very effective in breaking up of mustard and cabbage plants. the soil and helping to prepare It gets its very unattractive for the next cereal crop. Its second name from the Latin taproots go down up to ten for ‘turnip’. Honey bees love inches in the soil, break up the the oilseed when it is in flower plough pan and bring nutrients and beekeepers bring their hives closer to the surface. Its early to be close to the fields when time of harvest allows the next it is in flower. They tell me, cereal crop to be planted at the not surprisingly, that it makes ideal time. the honey taste of mustard. I Our oilseed goes to notice the shops are now stocking honey with mustard so Liverpool for pressing but the husks come back to the farm perhaps that’s where they get it from. The seed from the to be mixed with animal feed as a good source of protein. wild plant contained chemicals that were toxic to both man Although it can sometimes seem that large areas of the and animals but 40 odd years ago plant breeders managed countryside are covered with this crop, the UK is way down to produce hybrids that are free from these elements. These in the list of countries growing it, accounting for only 4% hybrids are the ones we now grow. of world production. Canada (hence the new trade name of The number of acres covered in oilseed has been going Canola) dominates, alongside China and India. Even France down year after year. It is a tricky crop to establish. We only and Germany have over twice the area we do. use about four pounds of seed per acre in order to achieve Ian Hunter in conversation with Andrew Hough
The Wonder of Wayside Flowers
Saturday 20th May 2017 at 2.30 pm
Come and marvel at the beauty of wild flowers in our hedgerows and along our country lanes • see Nature’s bounty The Royal Society • enjoy convivial company for the Protection of Birds • wander The South Shropshire Local Group of the RSPB has a Flower identification, delicious tea in the meadow, programme of talks and walks throughout 2017. soft drinks Talks (including refreshments) are £1.50 to Local Group Members and £4 to Visitors. Under 18s half price. Meet at the Bottom Meadow at Alcaston, under Walks are free. Wenlock Edge, Acton Scott Parish SY6 7RP (follow signs from church or ring for directions). Coming up: All welcome. 20th May – Wildlife Walk at Cold Weston Farm £5 adults; £2 children under 12 10.00am Meet at Potters Farm (SO 510 808) for car (children with responsible adult please) sharing Lunch at cafe In aid of St. Margaret’s Church Acton Scott Leader: Janice Holliday 01584 823394 By kind invitation of Mr. Henry Hand For further information: Henry Hand, 01694 781518 For further information visit our website or Thelma Thompson www.rspbsouthshropshire.co.uk Acton Scott Church PCC Member, 01694 722821
Stretton Focus May 2017 21
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 14 13/04/2017 11:42 Heartland – Art Project Gardening in May in the Shropshire Hills verything is growing quickly now. Bittercress and willowherb seem to grow everywhere; hoe them n 2017, between April and October, three and bin them before they set seed. Willowherb also artists will open people’s eyes to new ways of increasesE before it flowers, with shiny green rosettes and seeing and understanding the fragile Shropshire Hills matted roots. Many of these weeds are ephemeral and Ilandscape. An exciting programme of visual, musical and complete more than one life cycle in a year as opposed to performance-based art will invite everyone to explore the an annual (think of all those thousands of bittercress seeds history, the stories and the future of this beautiful rugged flying across your nice clean flowerbeds!). upland area. Plant up containers and baskets adding a slow release Tony Plant is a site specific artist whose multi- fertilizer to the compost. Keep them sheltered until the disciplinary works are exhibited and recognised globally. danger of frost is over. Climbers may need some help to Over the course of the Heartland project he will work find their supports. Lightly tie in the new growth and they closely with the National Trust’s ranger team to create a should romp away. series of small and large scale, temporary interventions It is a busy time for vegetable growers. French beans can within the Shropshire Hills, lasting from a matter of hours be sown this month and runner beans a week or two later to a season to many decades. (or start them earlier in pots if you have a greenhouse). Beet, Mary Keith is a composer, music and choir director. She carrots, lettuce and other salads can be sown in succession has worked with community singing groups in Shropshire to keep a supply going through summer. Plant out brassicas and beyond, on projects responding to local events and (cover to protect from birds) as well as leeks and celery. places. Mary will create unique new choral music that is Check fruit crops for pests and if you spray, use a both inspired by the Shropshire Hills and created in situ. product approved for edible crops. Strawberries will need She will take groups of singers into the landscape to explore strawing and netting before they begin to ripen. through their voices the acoustics, spaces, myths and There are two outings planned for the club. On Tuesday physical properties of the geological features. 16th May a full day outing to Hanbury Hall Gardens, Stan’s Cafe is a highly acclaimed theatre company Droitwich, and on Friday 2nd June a visit to Claire Austin based in the West Midlands that has spent more than 25 Hardy Plants at Sarn, near Newtown. For this visit we only years playfully exploring new theatrical ideas and sharing have a 29-seat coach, but you may come in your own car them with audiences around the world. Inspired by the if the coach is fully booked. Further details from 01694 Shropshire Hills, they are developing a new performance, 720131. set in the distant future, called The Camp, which will help Church Streetton and District Gardening Club us imagine what it may have been like to inhabit this land in the Iron Age. SACWG needs help Help needed to find butterflies!
he Strettons Area Community Wildlife Group has been able to identify 28 species of butterflies in the Stretton area, but we need more peopleT to make casual observations; i.e. to write down what you see and where. If you would like a copy of a form to fill in and/or a helpful pamphlet which identifies all the butterflies to be Stan’s Café: The Camp found in South Shropshire, please contact Heather on [email protected] or 01694 722537. Swantje Staar, Visitor Experience Manager for the National Trust at Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd, says: “This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the Shropshire Hills in an entirely new way and understand what part we humans can play in caring for this beautiful Mayfair Lottery results for but fragile landscape. And best of all, all activities will be free of charge!” March Heartland is a partnership project between the National Trust, Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership, Stiperstones and £100 555 £50 613 Corndon Hill Country Landscape Partnership Scheme, Arts Alive and Ben Osborne Photography. £20 307 £10 570 For more information, visit www.heartlandshropshirehills.wordpress.com. 22 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 15 13/04/2017 11:42 BELVEDERE GUEST HOUSE Holiday Cottages Burway Rd Quality Self Catering Ideal for your visiting Church Stretton family and friends Ewa Lovejoy Ring for a brochure or call in and see us AA ★★★★ Tim and Gill Bebbington Botvyle Farm, Relax and enjoy our All Stretton, SY6 7JN Edwardian home 01694 722869 We have various double, www.botvylefarm.co.uk twin and family rooms (all bar one room with ensuite) WILLOWBATCH Large comfortable CARDING MILL VALLEY TV/reading lounge A ground floor, centrally Animal and human friendly heated one bedroom self Good off road parking catering apartment, set in the beautiful surroundings Secure bike storage of Carding Mill Valley 100 yards past the We can provide packed National Trust Pavilion. lunches Please contact Don Rogers Non Smoking for rates and availability [email protected] on 01694 722358 or www.belvedereguesthouse.co.uk [email protected] www.willowbatch.co.uk 01694 722232
Berry’s 17 High Street Church Stretton van doesburg’s 01694 724452 gourmet food shop www.berryscoffeehouse.co.uk Everything is home-made: breakfasts, hot ready meals • delicatessen • salads • pâtisserie and cold meals, snacks, cream teas, cakes, charcuterie • cheeses • sandwiches children's menu. Courtyard, fully licensed: Private room for 3 High Street, Church Stretton up to 12 people by prior arrangement. Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00 Open every day from 9 am to 5 pm 01694 722867 • www.vandoesburgs.co.uk Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2016
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Stretton Focus May 2017 23
52 Adverts 2017.indd 8 13/04/2017 09:25 A Quaker Voice A peculiar people ometimes it feels as if you have an uphill task to go as a new Friend. It was read to us one Saturday against an image that someone else has of you. If I say evening at a social gathering as a bit of fun and the I am a Maths teacher, the reply is often, “Oh, I was next day a visitor to the meeting, who had not been at the Snever any good at Maths,” and the conversation is moved Saturday get together, quoted the end of it in Meeting for swiftly on. For it to be socially OK to be bad at Maths is Worship. I was struck by how right it was in both contexts, peculiarly English. It is really unhelpful to students and the social and the religious have no boundary between thence bad for the economy. Just don’t get me started! them. The poem is about the place of ducks in God’s I feel much more kindly towards people who have an creation: they are his practical joke. The last lines are ‘And I odd idea of Quakers. Yes, we are a peculiar people, but the expect he’s laughing still at the sound that comes out of its way in which we are different is not always appreciated. To bill.’ start with there is William Penn in distinctive clothing on Perhaps it’s the similarity between the sound that comes porridge oats packets. As early as 1700, Margaret Fell was out of a duck’s bill and our own nickname, ‘Quakers’, that writing of rules about dress as a ‘poor silly gospel.’ makes this idea particularly appealing. I was told recently There are Quakers who wear plain dress, though only that a Cornish Friend once got the initial letters for South a few in Britain. David is one: he always wears a dark navy West Quakers in a muddle so they sometimes called suit, white collar and tie. He reasons he can go anywhere themselves ‘Squawkers’! in it and not have to think about what to wear. Such dress Lesley Richards seems to me to look very uptight, strict, unbending; but behind the façade, David was none of those things. The first time I was aware of him was at a Quaker social day when Christian Meditation Group after lunch a few Friends did a ‘turn’. We were told he was going to recite a poem. He walked solemnly to the front, editation in one form or another has evolved in all looking awfully serious. He started, ‘Mary had a little lamb, the major culture-faith traditions. Mindfulness, the midwife was very surprised.’ So much for being straight- with its roots in secular Buddhism, is currently laced. Mvery popular here; in the 1970s Transcendental Meditation Humour has its place; if we are to be joyful in our (TM) from the Hindu tradition was the thing. Possibly less worship we are also to be joyful in our lives, or should it be well-known to us is Muraqaba Sufi meditation from Islam. the other way round? I was reminded recently of a poem Christianity, too, has its own rich contemplative tradition about ducks, which Hazel remembers her grandfather of meditation, until recently hardly recognised in the reading to her. It’s a poem which made an impact on me mainstream Church outside the monasteries. I discovered this Christian practice of meditation quite by chance several years ago. For someone who had been struggling with the Church’s ‘offer’, it opened a new way for me to grow towards spiritual adulthood. For many, however, Christian Meditation is a way to deepen and enrich an existing faith. Others may be brought to meditation only by a vague sense of something missing or mislaid, or a wish to become more ‘grounded’ and less caught up in the froth of modern living. In other words, each one of us has our own unique entry point to meditation. I shall be trialling a Christian Meditation group in Church Stretton in May. The format will be that suggested by the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM). To find out about the WCCM, go to www. wccm.org. To find out about the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of this form of meditation, go to the website, click the ‘Meditation’ tab, and listen to Fr. Laurence Freeman’s short presentation. If, having checked all of this, you are interested in joining me, please call 01694 722599, text me on 07444 026762 or email [email protected]. To start with, I shall be hosting a small group at my home on Monday evenings (7.30-8.15pm) and/or Tuesday afternoons (2.15-3pm). This is not a teaching course and it will cost you nothing - meditation is something which I shall be doing anyway at these times. Each week there will be a short (10 minutes) talk illuminating an aspect of Christian Contemplation; this will be followed by 20 minutes of silent meditation. It should suit anyone who, like me, wishes to ‘go deeper’ and develop the contemplative side to their life. John Dennison
24 May 2017 Stretton Focus
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Stretton Focus May 2017 25
52 Adverts 2017.indd 9 13/04/2017 09:25 Church Stretton Student Journalists
Spring Forward a blanket, eventually the first signs of spring are visible to even the most hardened sceptic. hat a difference a But what I really find perplexing is my continued sunny day makes! warped delusions of what constitutes summer and winter. I Even though the bet I’m not alone – admit it. Thoughts of winter evoke cosy clocksW have stolen an hour, an coats, mufflers and mittens; warming log fires and bright hour that could have been spent crisp mornings. How far from reality can we get? wrapped up warm in bed, it Freezing walks, drudging through sludgy, mushed-up doesn’t deter one from jumping leaves, the kind of driving rain that finds a way into your coat out of bed, throwing open the and down the back of your neck just for a laugh – cheers. curtains and declaring ‘WOW – Summer’s no better. Forget the cool breeze gently isn’t life great!’ blowing the hem of your silk shift dress and replace it with These early spring sunshine- stuck-together thighs and the alarming realisation that you filled days are my favourite of the year. Perhaps it’s must not raise either of your arms. You know why. because we’ve just emerged from the depressing depths of For sure the flowers and the foliage are fantastic but the winter, watched in amazement the bravery of the delicate same cannot be said for other summer visitors – no I’m not snowdrops bowing their heads against the February winds talking about unwanted relatives, I’m thinking about the and, whilst opting for snuggling up to a cosy log fire under W word – wasps. My mother neurotically calls them the
Rites of Passage themselves in fake tan. Is this really the best way to mark the passing of my youth? I decided to look at others cultures to o, my five years at Church find an alternative. Stretton School are nearly For instance, in the Hamad tribe of Ethiopia men up. The exams are upon have to perform their rite of passage before they can marry. Sus. And my fellow students and They’re cheered on by family and friends as they’re whipped I are thinking about moving and forced to run across four bulls lined up side-by-side. on. Now you may, or may not The scars left by this rite of passage are meant to show the be aware, of a tradition that has pain they are willing to endure to become a man. Somehow crept into British culture. It is I can’t see that this one would catch on in Britain. Health a Rite of Passage. A transition and Safety would surely complain. Let’s try another. from one stage of life to In Vanuatu the people perform a rite of passage called another. A ritual to mark the land-diving. It seems that it is similar to bungee jumping end of one stage of life and the beginning of another. It is (now this sounds more like something the British would the end of year Prom. do). However, the aim is to get as close to death as possible Girls, and possibly boys, will be scouring the internet by having the smallest distance between your head and the for flamboyant costumes and feet-crunching shoes. They floor (not such a good idea perhaps). Maybe we’ll move on. will be seeking out bizarre transportation to take them to So how about heading to the Brazilian Amazon? In the the event and, nearer the time, they will be sculpting their Sateré-Mawé tribe when boys turn 13, they undergo a Bullet hair, pedicuring their nails and possibly even smothering ant Initiation. In this ceremony, bullet ants are sedated and
Five Years In five years, who knows where I’ll be? I can tell you now, I won’t remember much of the academics. I’ll y five years at Church remember my friends, my teachers, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Stretton School have Award, and the extraordinary school trips. been a blast. I’ve learnt Unfortunately, before I can get too nostalgic, there’s Mso much about society, and so one small problem. When this article is published, I’ll have much about myself. I’ve met some sixteen days left until my first exam. Sixteen days left to people I hope to never forget, and prepare, and sixteen days left to improve. I won’t have any I’ve met others I can’t wait to leave teachers to pull me through a mental block, and I won’t behind. I’ve had some teachers have Google. How unrealistic is that? All I’ll have is me, my who’ve always been by my side, pen, and my paper. What a terrifying prospect. Everything helping me through every crisis, I’ve learnt hangs on one day. every mental block, and every And, all too quickly, the gym becomes a silent portal to difficult maths question; and I’ve had the chance to visit my future. Hopefully, my pen will dance across the page, some amazing places. under the dim orange light, and my dreams will be won, In Year 7, we travelled to France. In Year 8, we went on or lost. My year is the first to sit the government’s new camp. In Year 9, we visited Belgium, and in Year 10, we spent ‘revolutionary’ English and Maths exams. Employers no four days in Berlin. Each and every one of these trips has left longer need to conquer the confusing A* – U mark scheme, me with a set of unforgettable memories. Every trip broadened it’s now 9 – 1, which makes complete sense… or maybe not. my horizons, and every adventure exposed me to new cultures. No longer will students sit maths papers, instead, they’ll
26 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 17 13/04/2017 11:42 Church Stretton Student Journalists
instruments of the devil. She’s convinced they sting her just retreat inside, sealed away from any hint of fresh air, as for fun. It’s true, she’s been stung on numerous occasions and, the constant buzz of lawnmowers reverberates from every to make matters worse, she’s allergic to them. My dad gets conceivable direction. really annoyed with her when she starts shrieking and flapping These are the reasons why I love the first spring her arms about: ‘Just stay still and it won’t sting you!’. sunshine the most – yes it’s cold but it’s been colder and She tried that. Guess what, it did. the sun’s warmth brings with it all the promise of summer, I guess that’s why I like the first rays of spring the without any of the unfortunate realities. Also, did I best. There may be a cold chill in the air, yet it’s certainly mention? It happens to be my birthday in April. nowhere near as cold as those dark, grey dismal months. And even at eight o’clock in the evening, after tea, it’s still The topic of the future is still one I am not too well acquainted light enough to go for a walk – albeit briskly. When you with, however I am by no means scared of it. Writing for the feel the sun on your face and you start to photosynthesise, Focus has helped me realise that whatever I do in the future, I you are filled at once with an optimism about the months know I want to be able to write. Like a mayfly, I’m taking life that lie ahead – all the joys of a romantic, sun-drenched as it is, which is not me trying to excuse myself for not having summer, jammed full of blue skies, fluffy clouds, and any kind of plan, but then at the age of sixteen, who needs a life more sandcastles than you can imagine. No frayed tempers plan? Yet luckily I am not a mayfly, so I am looking forward to overheating in never ending traffic jams, no sun burn or the tomorrows ahead of me. summer days plagued with hay fever, which force you to Leah Davis
sewn into gloves with the stingers facing in. The young boys vulgar display of looks and money. However, as it rapidly put on these ant-infested gloves – and wait. About an hour approaches, my opinion has changed. Now I’m in the ‘year later the ants wake up angrier than ever and the initiation of exams’, I see it more as a final grand send-off from a begins. Each boy has to wear the gloves for ten minutes. school I’ve spent five years of my life at; a fitting end to the This is done about 20 times over several months before hard work of my GCSE’s and a fond farewell to some really the initiation is complete. Enduring the pain is meant to close friends. So you can keep your whips and drugs and demonstrate the boy’s readiness for manhood. Have you bullet ants but bring on the eyebrow tweezers and heat up seen the boys at our school lining up for vaccinations; I can’t the wax, Year 11 Prom here I come. see that one working. If ants aren’t your thing, how about being an Algonquin What I’m going to do after I leave school is a question I get a Indian. The men of this tribe are taken to a secluded area, lot. To be honest, I don’t really know. I’ve applied to Shrewsbury caged, and fed a powerful drug called wysoccan. The purpose Sixth Form and Hereford College with a wide range of subjects, behind this is to cause the man to forget any memories of keeping my options open (drama and science lead to very their childhood, which rather inconveniently includes all different careers) after that I would like to travel and explore traces of his family, friends and loved ones. Hm, I personally the world. As for future careers I’m not sure what I want to do am quite fond of my childhood memories and would rather but being a student journalist has definitely opened my mind to like to keep them, so I think I’ll pass on that one too. the idea of journalism or even travel writing to include two of Having considered some of the alternatives suddenly the things I like most. prom doesn’t seem so bad, does it. I must admit there was Eva Basnett a time when I viewed the whole Prom Extravaganza as a
try to formulate an equation to hypothesise the rate of the dreary literature. Intelligence is, immeasurable. Everyone is a universe’s expansion relative to the velocity of Earth’s orbit genius in their own way. Letters on a page mean something, around the sun. Perhaps a slight exaggeration, but things but not everything. What we can be, and where we can go is have got a lot harder. so much more than a series of letters. For some reason, unbeknownst to me, the government decided that thousands of 15-16 year olds need to undergo With a bit of luck, I’ll be in Shrewsbury Sixth-Form next more pressure in their GCSE’s. Apparently, no other country year, studying history, politics and computer science. For my puts this much pressure on students at this age. However, further education, I hope to apply for a place at CTC Aviation, we do, and over the course of two months our lives become where, if accepted, I’ll train as a commercial airline pilot, and a series of tests. Tests which prove nothing other than one’s finally take on the world of work. ability to calculate, memorise and recall. Those who excel in To conclude my last article, I’d like to thank my teachers. academia will pass, but those who don’t, will struggle. Not everyone understands that your jobs are more than nine to Even after the seemingly inexhaustible exam hand five. All the paperwork and marking can find you in the office cramp ends, there’s another two month’s wait before we well after dark, and the lesson planning may force you to your know how we’ve done. Will it be sixth-form? Will we desk well before dawn. Controlling the class can drain your progress to university? Or will we go even further? The energy, and detention duty can take your lunch – but at the end answer is hidden in a brown envelope. of the day, you’ve taught the next generation everything you can, Except it’s not. so a big thank-you to you for everything you’ve done for me, and Intelligence is more than quadratics. Intelligence is my peers over the last five years. more than photosynthesis. Intelligence is more than Austen’s Jack Cole
Stretton Focus May 2017 27
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 18 13/04/2017 11:42 Rotary Club of Stretton Players: Church Stretton ’Allo ’Allo! Rotary News: Fun Walk and Book Sale; Sewing Machines ehearsals are now well under and Membership way for the Stretton Players’ uring May, the Rotary Club of Church Stretton is Spring production of ’Allo ’Allo! – based on the involved in two fundraising events in its continuing popularR TV series – on 18th 19th and 20th May at the support of local charities. Silvester Horne Institute. Mary, our costume department, DThe first is a Fun Walk to be held on Sunday 7th May is busy sourcing the required uniforms etc., and the between 12pm and 5pm. Participants can choose one of four members are busy scouring their attics, sheds and cellars circular walks that range from a 15-20 minute stroll around for the numerous props required to make the production as All Stretton to a moderately severe walk up onto the Long authentic as possible. Mynd that will be of approximately one and a half to two The Thursday and Friday shows will be at 7.30pm as hours’ duration. usual, but this year we are trying something new and our The cost to participate will be £5 per person, with under- Saturday production will be a matinee at 2.30pm. Should 15s free. The money raised will be used in support of local demand prove high then we will also put on a fourth charities and community projects. performance on the Saturday evening. Tickets are £8 and Walks will start from Juniper Cottage, All Stretton, SY6 available from John Thomas, Burway Books and online 6HG. from our website, www.strettonplayers.wordpress.com, Come and spend an enjoyable afternoon walking off the which also has details of future events. Sunday lunch, or if you prefer partake of a hotdog or burger Also coming up later this year are play readings in anytime during the afternoon at the barbecue. Drinks and June and September (dates to be confirmed) for potential other refreshments will also be available. forthcoming productions, at least one of which may be The second event is to be held on written by a local playwright. All are welcome to come Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May, along. when volunteers from Mayfair and We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at Rotary will be holding their Spring Mammoth Book Sale at this very funny play, and who knows, maybe next time it’ll the URC Hall, High Street. This very popular book sale will be you strutting the boards, making the audience laugh and be open between 10am and 3.30pm on both days and will having immense fun in the process. be raising funds in support of Mayfair Community Centre’s Simon Cleaton splendid work in our community. Would you like to help with setting up on the Thursday afternoon and packing away on Saturday afternoon? If you are available and fit (as lifting will be required), please contact Rtn. Colin McIntyre on 01694 723427. We look forward to meeting with you at these fundraising events. Sewing Machines Thanks to our Focus articles we have welcomed enquiries Stretton & Shropshire regarding both sewing machines and Rotary membership. One lady ‘phoned with an offer of a treadle machine.The Cancer Care answer from TFSR is that they can only accept Singer treadle machines, as spare parts for other machines are no longer he May meeting of Stretton & Shropshire Cancer available, so many thanks to the lady concerned. Care is on Monday 8th May at 2.30pm in the Membership Jubilee Room at Mayfair. The speaker is Mr Rob Many people know that we exist, but think of us as a Alman,T who runs Hillside Pharmacy. He will talk about charity.This is not the case, which is of much advantage to the training of pharmacists, the role of the pharmacist in many charities and good causes, whom we support.These can the changing NHS, and the services that are now offered be financial donations to the Hospices, the Air Ambulance, through a retail pharmacy. The meeting is followed by tea in Guide Dog training etc.; or items such as a new scoreboard the Mayfair café. for our local Rugby team or gear for our Junior Cricket team. The June Meeting is the annual Open Evening Meeting. There are many more.To give this support we run activities, It is on 12th June at 7.30pm at Mayfair. The speaker will be as mentioned before, so we need to welcome new members to Mrs Julia Clarke, Director of Corporate Governance at the enable us to do more.Why not find out more and come and Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. She will talk meet us? We would welcome your enquiries. about the re-structuring of hospital services in the county. If you would like to join with us to help the Rotary There has been much public speculation and we hope that Club of Church Stretton support local charities, or want to decisions will have been finalised by then. She will also talk find out more about what we do, phone Rtn. Peter Burt on about the way in which hospital and community services are 01694 781621 or George Roby on 01694 722159; or e-mail working more closely together. [email protected], or rotary.church.stretton@ Stretton & Shropshire Cancer Care welcomes to its gmail.com meetings anyone who has been touched by cancer, as Peter Burt and George Roby patient, carer or bereaved. 28 May 2017 Stretton Focus
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Stretton Focus May 2017 29
52 Adverts 2017.indd 10 13/04/2017 09:25 Latin Lessons at the Methodist Voice Library ‘I am always with you’ ristotle, the Greek Philosopher, lost his Lifelong Learning father at an early age. At 17 or 18 years at Church Stretton Library of age, he joined Plato’s Academy in Athens and Thursdays 4-5pm, 11th May to 15th June initially Aremained there until the age of 37 (c347 BC). His writings A friendly and relaxed Study Group based on Book One of cover many subjects (including physics, biology, zoology, the Cambridge Latin Course. Led by Ann Bednall. metaphysics, logic, ethics, aesthetics, poetry, theatre music, The Cambridge Latin Course provides an enjoyable rhetoric, linguistics, politics and government) and constitute and carefully paced introduction to the Latin Language, the first comprehensive system of Western philosophy. complemented by extensive background information on Shortly after Plato died, Aristotle left Athens and, at the Roman culture and civilisation. Book One is based on request of Philip II of Macedon, went on to tutor Alexander Pompeii during the first century A.D. We shall also be the Great beginning in 343 BC. So we must assume he discussing the Romans in Shropshire in our ‘Town on the knew a thing or two and he is reputed to have thought Street.’ that a man was at his best at 49 years of age: I wish I could remember being 49, I must have ‘peaked’ earlier! I have thought from time to time what would have happened if Jesus had not been arrested and crucified. I appreciate things may well have taken a different turn, but stay with me. Jesus would have been 49 years of age when Paul left Antioch on his first missionary journey, and 57 when Paul preached about him in Corinth. Have you ever noticed that Paul was never reported to have exclaimed or written: ‘Wouldn’t it be better if the Lord was with us now?’ No word of complaint in the New Testament that Christ was no longer there in person with his infant church. How many times have you read the history of a particular group, party or team bemoaning the fact that ‘if only’ such and such was still there. I must say, however, Cost: £14.50 for the textbook, plus £15 for the six that my football team really could do with a former centre sessions. All proceeds to the Library. forward! The course book is available for you to browse through Jesus made a promise when he said that after he had at the Library, where you can also register your interest in gone from their sight, ‘I shall still be with you always’. That joining the Study Group. All welcome. was his specific promise to his disciples and through them to us. If you have any questions, please ring 01694 724804. As I write the ‘Brexit’ phoney war is nearly over, and soon the real nitty-gritty negotiations begin. One friend recently exclaimed: ‘if only Mrs T was still in charge’. You never heard that the Apostles said similar things about Jesus; Tennis Club Quiz rather the opposite. ‘Lo he is with us always even unto the end of the world’ ollowing our successful fundraising quiz for the Tennis Club last year, the Tennis Club Social Committee has decided to organise another quiz for this year. FIt will be held on Friday 5th May at The Mayfair Centre (upstairs), with a 7 for 7.30pm start. Ken Sutherland is the Pazapa Coffee Concert Quiz Master and it follows the usual format – bring your Summer Journeys own drinks and nibbles, plus there will be a raffle. Please give any donations for the raffle to Wright’s Music from Europe and beyond followed by light Estate Agents (Stuart Wright) or to myself or Liz Cook. refreshments The cost will be £5 per ticket and no more than six per team please. Saturday 3rd June, 10.30am Tickets will be on sale from Wrights Estate Agents, June Church Stretton Methodist Church SY6 7BG Holloway (723916) Liz Cook (722547) or Clare Hatfield (720123). Richard Silk – piano Peter Gosling – clarinet Our Tennis Club is a fairly small concern but VERY Gill Styles – soprano friendly and we do need to raise more funds to keep up with maintenance costs. Therefore please try and attend this Admission FREE, donations to Pazapa, school and clinic worthwhile event as well as asking neighbours and friends. for disabled children and their families in Haiti The more the merrier. Reg. Charity No. 1167025 Stuart Wright, Chairman
30 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 20 13/04/2017 11:42 CAROLINE CRUMP Marion H. Murdoch, M.C.S.P. ANN S.R.Ch., D.Pod.M., M.Ch.S. Dis. Medicine & Medical Science Registered with the H.P.C. DAVIES MCSP, HCPC Registered STATE REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPY CHIROPODIST PHYSIOTHERAPIST and Private Consultations and Home Visits REFLEX THERAPIST CLINICAL PILATES
ESSEX LODGE The Long Barn, FARM LANE "Gleneldon", 94 Watling Street South, Walkmills, ALL STRETTON Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 7BH Church Stretton, SY6 6NJ Telephone: 723283 Tel: (01694) 724152 Tel: 01694 751726
Crown Podiatry Ltd & South Shropshire Chiropody (under new management) Full chiropody and podiatric services provided: • nail cutting/nail deformities • corns/callus and verrucas • ingrowing toenails • biomechanical assessments • customised insoles • neurovascular assessments Fully qualified (3 years training) and fully insured HCPC Registration No: CH33162 Mr Pius Karena Tel: 07790 038367 Email: [email protected] Every Wednesday at Every Thursday at the Chapel House Therapy Centre, Ludlow Mayfair Community Centre, Church Stretton
Promoting Well Being since 1982 THE Health & Beauty Clinic Treatments Available: • Make up for all occasions • Massage • Facials • Manicure/ Pedicure • Lycon Specialist Waxing • Lash & Brow tints • St. Tropez Ultimate Spray Tan Certified Fitness Instructor Pam Allsop The Old Bakehouse, Churchway, Church Stretton Tel: 01694 723899, Email: [email protected]
Stretton Focus May 2017 31
52 Adverts 2017.indd 11 13/04/2017 09:25
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32 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 Adverts 2017.indd 12 13/04/2017 09:25 Craven Arms Big Band News and update on the Little Big Band, from .... just to hear the news as we revealed our new persona during the down the road interval. What We have just changed our name and adopted a new logo. So what’s next We are now identifying ourselves as Craven Arms Big Band. Advertised in the April edition of the Stretton Focus was our next performance which is on Saturday 13th May Why from 7.30pm at Rushbury After ten years playing Village Hall in support of together we are now very St Andrew’s Church, Hope much a proper ‘Big Band’ Bowdler and we’d just like playing Big Band Swing to reassure everyone that numbers, and we are based the Craven Arms Big Band in Craven Arms (just (previously known as The down the road). To avoid Little Big Band) will still the confusion of the old be playing their favourite website name and the false tunes from the golden era impression that we are a of swing and beyond. It’s small outfit we decided it just that we are now exactly was time to change. “what it says on the music stand fronts”. When Why not take a peek The Little Big Band played at our new website www. on Saturday night, 1st cravenarmsbigband.uk, and April, at Church Stretton School for the British Legion. if you haven’t heard us yet, get along to Rushbury Village That went really well (see a lovely photo taken by Alan Hall on 13th May. Spandrzyk) and a good-sized happy audience were the first We look good, but sound even better!!
The Craven Arms Big Band at Rushbury he Little Big Band, aka The Craven have a dedicated vocalist. Arms Big Band, a group of enthusiastic The Little Big Band welcomes the amateur musicians who have been opportunity to support community groups playingT together for over ten years, is coming to and charitable events, and has built up a support St Andrew’s Church, Hope Bowdler! considerable reputation in the Shropshire area Their other alternative name, Toot Sweet, for doing just that. reflects both their aspirations as musicians and the type St Andrew’s Church Hope Bowdler is delighted to of music they play. Under the directorship of the talented announce that the Little Big Band will be supporting its Lesley Foster, their repertoire has now expanded to include fund-raising efforts this coming spring. swing, big band standards, beautiful ballads, TV and film The band will be performing a full range of their music themes, latin, bossa-nova, rock and pop classics. at Rushbury Village Hall on Saturday 13th May at 7.30pm. The band has a traditional big band lineup of Tickets are priced at £10 (children under 12 £5). This instruments. For this concert it will be five saxophones, includes a generous interval supper. three trombones, three trumpets, a clarinet, and a rhythm Tickets for this exciting event can be purchased from section with drums, bass, guitar and keyboard. They also Barbara Stubbs (723418) or Muriel Wallace (722016).
Stretton Welcoming back soloists Paul Mocroft, Sarah Westwood, Ed Harrisson and Chloe Pardoe, and Choral accompanied by Ensemble Musicale, it will be a fitting climax to another successful season. Society The choir wish to acknowledge with thanks the very generous donation from Church Stretton Town Council in ome and enjoy support of this concert. an evening of Refreshments will be on sale during the interval and great music on tickets are still available from John Thomas (Florist), Saturday 6th May at 7.30pm in ChurchC Stretton School, Burway Books and choir members. when the choir will be performing Mozart’s Requiem and For more information please contact Pam Cole on Haydn’s Theresienmesse under their conductor Paul Kelly. 01694 723604. Pam Cole (hon. sec.)
Stretton Focus May 2017 33
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 21 13/04/2017 11:42 Church Stretton Arts Festival: he organisers of Exhibition 2017, an integral part of the Church Stretton Arts Festival, are delighted that David Harban and Paul Hipkiss have accepted ourT invitation to exhibit their fascinating work with us this year. Members of the Midland Printmakers group and the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA), David and Paul are the first printmakers to be invited to take the role of guest artists at Exhibition 2017. Their distinctive prints and etchings will be on show in the drama studio at Church Stretton School. We are also delighted to report an expansion of space to accommodate an increased number of craft exhibit entries. Last year saw a wonderful variety of work – textile art, metal work, ceramics, woodwork, jewellery, leather work – and we are hoping this year to have an even more impressive display spread over two rooms. And that is in addition to the usual large and very popular displays of art and photography. It is always pleasing to showcase our talented local young artists. Displays of student art work from St Lawrence CE Primary School and Church Stretton School will form part of Exhibition 2017. The closing date for entries is Friday 30th June. For more information please visit www.strettonfestival.org.uk; email [email protected] or phone 01694 723072.
Exhibition 2017 Opening Reception Monday 31st July 7.30pm David Harban in his workshop Church Stretton School Admission £2.50 Enjoy a glass of wine or juice and take a tour of our art, crafts and photography displays
Exhibition 2017 Tuesday 1st August to Saturday 12th August 11am-6pm (7.15pm on performance evenings at the school) Admission £1, free after 6pm Free to exhibitors and students
David Harban David, a print-maker since 1999, experiments with every image he creates. He exhibits widely and has won many prestigious prizes, including the Intaglio Printmaker Prize for 2016 at the RBSA. David’s etchings are created on copper plate using traditional and contemporary processes then individually hand printed on a traditional etching press. He says: “I have found no other medium as creatively challenging or rewarding; few mediums have held my attention for as long as etching has.” At the free Meet the Artist session on 12th August from 2pm to 4pm, David will explain and illustrate the different print processes he uses. All are welcome to drop in to chat to him about his work. His inspiration is hugely varied, from mountains, rocks and trees to cathedrals and cityscapes. Stack at Manstone Rock by David Harban 34 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 22 13/04/2017 11:42 Church Stretton Arts Festival: Exhibition 2017 Paul Hipkiss Di Purser Paul was described recently as: “One of the foremost British A real friend of the linocut artists of today”. He exhibits locally and nationally. Exhibition, a regular His work has featured in the Royal Academy summer exhibitor and a former exhibition four times. For several years, he has held the role guest artist, Di will lead of honorary curator at the RBSA. Paul makes both relief and an all-day art workshop intaglio prints, often inspired by the industrial environment on Thursday 3rd August. around his home in the Black Country. He comments that Beginners and more he likes to “depict familiar things in an unfamiliar way”. A experienced artists will recent series of prints entitled ‘Mountains and Moorlands’ be guided in the use of was inspired by the natural landscape and industrial heritage acrylic inks to create of north Wales. interesting effects both In a free session on Saturday 5th August from 2pm to in their own right and 4pm, Paul will demonstrate how he creates his prints. And to enhance watercolour on Wednesday 9th August he will lead an all-day lino- and acrylic paintings. Di cutting workshop. It should be great fun as the printing will will demonstrate how be carried out, not on a printing press, but with a wooden to work imaginatively spoon. No experience required! with coloured inks and give participants time to experiment, using not Di Purser just brushes and pens, but lollipop sticks, credit cards and sponges too. No experience required!
Hill Farm Near Cadair by Paul Hipkiss
Di Purser - sketchbook
Children’s workshops We are very pleased to be collaborating this year with Scrappies and Church Stretton library. Two half-day workshops for young people aged 7-13 years will be held at the library on Friday 4th August. Choose either the morning or afternoon session. Our beautiful local landscape will form the inspiration for creating collage and 3D work using Scrappies’ recycled materials.
Please look out for the Exhibition and Children’s Workshops flyers detailing our events and workshops: the flyers include the booking forms which can also be downloaded and printed from the Arts Festival website at www.strettonfestival.org.uk. The Path to Nant Peris Dinorwig quarries by Paul Hipkiss
Stretton Focus May 2017 35
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 23 13/04/2017 11:42 Recipe of the Month Potato Gratin
Another way to use the good old spud. It is always so tasty with a few nice crisp rashers of bacon added to your plate. Ingredients: 1½ lbs potatoes 1 onion 4 oz Cheddar cheese 12 fl oz cream 2 tsps chicken stock powder Preheat the oven to 180C (350 F ) (Gas mark 4). Peel the potatoes and thinly slice them. Peel the onion and slice into rings. Arrange a layer of overlapping potato slices in a greased baking dish and top with a layer of onion rings. Grate the cheese and set aside one half to use as topping. Sprinkle a little cheese over the onion. Continue layering in this order until all the potato and onion have been used, finishing with a potato layer. Pour the cream into a small jug, add the chicken stock powder and whisk gently until thoroughly combined. Pour the mixture over the layered potato and onion and sprinkle the top with the reserved grated cheese. Bake for 1 hour 15 to 30 minutes, until the potato is tender, the cheese has melted and the top is golden brown. I am sure this will be a favourite with the family. ‘Her Ladyship’ Photo: Bronwen Taylor
1 Sherratt Court, Beaumont Road, Church Stretton, SY6 6BN Open: Weds 10 - 5, Thurs 10 - 4, Fri 10 - 4, Sat 10 – 4 If you would like to be part of our creative Team, we currently have volunteering opportunities. For more information and an application form please call us on: 01694 328508, or email: [email protected]
Look out for our toy and doll making sale beginning Wednesday 3rd May 2017!
36 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 24 13/04/2017 11:42 Accident Repairs Diagnostic Specialists Body & Mechanical Repairs Servicing - M.O.T. Testing Station Local Recoveries Tyre Repair and Replacement HMJ TYRES Crossways, Church Stretton
Crossways, Church Stretton, WINTER EXHAUSTS TYRES Shropshire SY6 6PG & Telephone: (01694) 723939 ALL LEADING Email: enquiries @thecentralgarage.co.uk BATTERIES MAKES website: www.thecentralgarage.co.uk SUPPLIED 01694 723583 PAUL FORRESTER Quality Carpentry and Joinery Affordable Prices COVERING A RANGE OF SERVICES SPECIALISING IN: • Doors • Skirting & Architrave • Flooring • Kitchens Church Stretton • Bedrooms • Bathrooms Taxis • Tiling Fully Licenced Hackney Carriage • Lofts • Painting/Decorating Mervyn Price • Storage Solutions Local pick-ups, Long or • Work Stations short runs, Airport transfers. • Sheds & Workshops Any job considered. • Gardens & paving Call 07487 650889 • Decking & Pergolas Email: mervprice@ For a Professional, btinternet.com Friendly and Enthusiastic Response www.churchstrettontaxi.com Call 07795 170938
Stretton Focus May 2017 37
52 Adverts 2017.indd 13 13/04/2017 09:25 Talking Points: What in the World’s Come Over Us? ith the advances in science that have unravelled the obscenely rich few and those just scraping by gets bigger every secrets of our DNA, we no longer have any excuse day and the very richest can negotiate special tax breaks. As for believing that one ‘race’ is superior to another. Phil Ochs once wrote when considering the intrinsic value of WeW are all one race. We all came from Africa and then spread a nation, a country is only as rich as the poorest of its poor, out over the globe. There may be some superficial differences and we have lost sight of this. and local similarities but we are all one species. There is no Should we listen to all those insidious voices saying our such thing physically as being British. society is being undermined by those ‘dreadful’ immigrants If that is the case, then any national characteristics can leaching all the money from the social security system? Should only arise by virtue of nurture rather than nature. It is only we hold to this line when time after time surveys show that by the structure of our society and the way that children are immigrants make a net contribution to the country’s coffers? raised within that framework that any element of Britishness Of course not. It is political spin and manipulation of the can be imbued. That is where I begin to have a problem. I basest kind. As a nation we have lost sight of the underlying look at where we are now and what we have become and I do goal of working for the good of society as a whole. not recognise the underlying nature of our society of which I It seems to me that the reasons why we are leaving the EU was once proud. stem from the same source. The carrot being held is that we At heart it is a question of aspiration and intent. For all can be richer, stronger and more successful outside the Union, the faults in a societal structure, all its failings and weaknesses, or, in other words, for completely selfish reasons. Where are it is the underlying principles that guide it and the goals that all the aspirations to become part of a larger community? it is seeking to attain that define the nature of the country A coming together of nations to help one another, to work and its people. It seems to me that there has been a steady together to achieve communal solutions, to pool resources, and inexorable decline in this essence of British endeavour. ideas and aspirations to help to create a more stable and Throughout the twentieth century and despite two periods peaceful world? These count for nothing if there is a sniff of of desperate conflict and, in some ways, because of them, greater profit in the wind. Who will benefit from this illusory society was changing. Social housing was introduced, a profit? There is little indication that it will reduce the growing pension for all, then the great innovations comprising the numbers of our fellow citizens living in poverty or that we will welfare state. Healthcare free at the point of delivery, free see the end to food banks and, of course, we have seen that education, social security benefits and legal aid all became all the promised surplus flooding into the National Health part of the relationship between the state and the individual. Service was just a calculated and blatant lie. The underlying ‘caring’ principle of our society was that those In a song, the philosophy of which I admire, Jim Boyes fortunate enough to be able to do so would contribute to the wrote, “nation shall sing unto nation until nations cease to be; care and protection of those who, for whatever reason, were unison in harmony”. This is not a desire for homogenisation unable to provide for themselves. It did not always work and but an exultation of all the individual cultures and experiences there were problems, but the underlying principle remained. complimenting one another to make a power chord Free education and support for those in higher education were resounding with the common purpose of improving the lot of an investment in the future of the country. Legal aid provided man. Instead we see the exact opposite. We have wounded the a means whereby there was not one law for the rich and no EU by turning our back and there are factions in other nations law for the poor. The National Health Service was and still wanting to emulate our example and inflict greater damage. is, although becoming less so day by day, a yardstick against In adopting this ‘selfish’ course of action we have also put in which other nations would measure their own healthcare train the likely disintegration of the bonds that have bound the provision. Many of these innovations were introduced United Kingdom together. As dissent increases, hope declines, at a time when the country was deeply in debt after the but I am certain there are many vultures who will get fat on depredations of the Second World War. The expense was less the casualties strewn along the way. important than achieving the goal of a fairer and more caring Chris Moores society. Where are we now? The Britain of today is one based on selfishness and greed. Our society is all about wealth, Collectors gaining it, keeping it and flaunting it. We have greater levels Wanted of poverty, homelessness and security than we have known for decades. Food banks have become a part of our way of Christian Aid Week 14th to life. Benefits to the sick and disabled are cut. Social housing 20th May provision is totally inadequate. The NHS is underfunded Christian Aid Week is 60 years old this year. Christian and increasingly it is being sold off and privatised. Legal aid Aid was set up 70 years ago to respond to the needs has been cut beyond all recognition. Students are leaving of refugees in Europe in the aftermath of the Second university with huge levels of debt. The primary concern of World War. Today tens of millions of people across creating a society where all those within it are cared for and free from oppression is long gone. Is it because we can no the globe are still fleeing their homes because of war, longer afford it? It is hard to credit it when we are one of the conflict and disaster, making dangerous journeys in richest countries in the world and many poorer countries search of safety. are able to strive to improve the lot of their peoples. Also it If you would like to be a collector and help break the is hard to believe in the underlying principle of ‘those who £4000 barrier again (last time we achieved this was 2008) can pay for those who cannot’, when the gap between the please phone 07719 717 977
38 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 25 13/04/2017 11:42 A. Morgan Builders
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JOHN HAMMOND Ross Robotham ABBEY CARPETS Building and Carpentry (Mark & Jane Brain) Property 12 Beaumont Rd. Church Stretton SY6 6BN Carpentry • Bathrooms Maintenance Interior Tiling • Kitchens 01694 722719 07527 886531 General Repairs and Maintenance •Tiling for Home and Garden Over 35 yrs experience is our quality fitting guarantee •Decorating Personal Service throughout For a free Fixed Price Quotation, •Flooring call Home Choose Available 01694 724060 •Home Repairs Saturday appointments by arrangement 07815 130793 •Exterior repairs Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30 - 4pm WYNSTONE, CUNNERY ROAD, Local and Competitive www.abbeycarpetsltd.co.uk CHURCH STRETTON, SHROPSHIRE SY6 6AF 07546 814215 Email: [email protected]
Stretton Focus May 2017 39
52 Adverts 2017.indd 14 13/04/2017 09:25 AMY PAUL & CO ACCOUNTANTS Established 1987 ACCOUNTS, TAX BOOK-KEEPING, VAT, PAYE Clients visited anytime Reasonable Fees Call Amy Chapman 01694 720000 07768 436770 [email protected]
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40 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 Adverts 2017.indd 15 13/04/2017 09:25 Great War Walks on the Home Front: Church Stretton
here are few places in Shropshire which made a The walk will last over three hours. It is unsuitable greater contribution both in support and sacrifice for dogs. Places are limited. To book a place, please than did the Strettons during the Great War.’ contact Keith Pybus on 01588 680530 or at keithpybus@ ‘TNext month, Saturday June 3rd at 10.30 am, Alan googlemail.com. There will be a charge of £5. Brisbourne will be leading a walk around Church Stretton town, one in a series of Great War Centenary Home Front walks about Shropshire. Meeting at the railway station from where the town’s German waiters departed on their recall by the Kaiser, the group will visit various places around the town, which have connections with that period. The walk will view the unique Belgian Refugee Memorial Gates at the Recreation Park, the local VAD hospital where many injured servicemen were nursed back to fitness, The Hotel, the Parish War Memorial, Rectory Field, St Lawrence and Cunnery Road Cemetery. At each of these places Alan will be giving the story about the contribution made by Strettonians at the time and how they supported their sons (and daughters) in this War to End Wars.
Church Stretton VAD One of the memorial park gates
Honoured by King Albert The Carey Family in Church Stretton medal and framed citation presented to a Church of the Market Square, in the premises now occupied by Stretton woman by King Albert of Belgium in 1918 Severn Edge Veterinary Service and [until recently] Plush have returned to the town, thanks to the generosity Hill Cycles. Aof the recipient’s family. As one of the leading citizens of Church Stretton at Frances May Carey was presented with the Queen the time and chairman of the town council, Leonard Carey Elisabeth Medal in May 1918 in recognition of her work in aided his wife in her work with the refugees, many of whom the reception and care of the Belgian refugees who settled came from the Belgian city of Herantals. in Church Stretton during the First World War. The medal The medal and citation have been very generously was named in honour of King Albert’s wife Elisabeth, donated to the Church Stretton Area Local History Group Queen of the Belgians. by Leonard and Frances Carey’s daughter-in-law, Kay The citation is in French and reads: Carey, and granddaughter Shelagh Woodhouse, who live in “In honour of announcing to Mrs. L. Carey that, in Stroud. The Group are hoping to find a permanent display recognition of the devotion which she demonstrated in war site for the artefacts somewhere in Church Stretton. work, it has pleased the King to confer on her, by decree Mrs. Carey and Mrs. Woodhouse also donated some dated 1st May 1918, the Medal of Queen Elisabeth.” Carey family photos and several historic Church Stretton Mrs. Carey was the wife of Leonard Richards Yeo Carey guides, one of which was produced c.1917 by Harmon & who, together with his partner John Harmon, ran the Carey themselves. Harmon & Carey drapery store in Church Stretton from 1906 until the early 1920s. The store was on the south side Continued on page 42 Stretton Focus May 2017 41
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 26 13/04/2017 11:42 All these items, including the medal and citation, will be on display at the Local History Group’s AGM in the URC Hall on 15th May (2.00pm) when there will be a talk on the Carey family and the medal and members will also give short talks on other projects on which they have been working. Chris Whitehouse, Church Stretton Area local History Group
Right: Shelagh Woodhouse, Kay Carey and Chris Whitehouse with the medal and citation presented to Frances Carey by King Albert.
Church Stretton Cricket Club begins a new season – some time in May or June here is good news and there is bad news. Let’s get Produce, Euro Quality Lambs, Woods Brewery and Dyke the bad news out of the way to start with. The Yaxley, has enabled the club to order two new sightscreens new pavilion, which was started in June last year, and a boundary rope and trolley which, together with the wasT due for completion last autumn. Never in our worst scoreboard and covers already acquired, means that we can nightmares did we think that it wouldn’t be finished by the offer a greatly improved cricket amenity when the pavilion start of the 2017 season. Nevertheless, normal provision is finished. Add to that the coaching which the club has of the usual services has proved a challenge. Water is now been providing at the Sports Centre for both students at the flowing. Electricity is soon to become available. But there school and adult members attending nets, and we will soon is still a gap of six metres between the gas pipe in the enjoy a higher standard of playing within the membership. pavilion and the nearest mains supply, and it has proved At present, the club runs one Saturday League team, difficult for the only gas company which can apparently one Sunday side and a number of junior age teams. That shoulder the responsibility of joining the two ends to grasp means there will not always be a match to watch every the importance of digital extraction. However, we still live Saturday and Sunday at Russell’s Meadow, but details of in hope that a connection will soon be made and that the all the teams’ fixtures, home and away, and other events, builders can finish off the job by the end of April when our can be found on our two Facebook pages, Church Stretton season starts, and we can avoid having to carry on using Cricket Club and Church Stretton Cricket Club Juniors, grounds generously made available by other Shropshire and on www.churchstrettoncricketclub. Fixtures cards will clubs to tide us over. also be available on request in due course at the ground, To be on the safe side, we have decided that the where you will also find a cup of tea, a friendly face and a 7/7 competition scheduled for Sunday 7th May, should seat in the spectators’ enclosure if you haven’t brought your be transferred to Sunday 18th June, by which time the deck chair. pavilion will definitely be finished we hope all being well. Do come and support your re-invigorated cricket The following weekend, 25th June, will be the President’s community in and around the Strettons, and look out for Match, and together with the Barnes Commoners game still fixtures details in your Focus each month, on the website, scheduled for 28th May (Bank Holiday Sunday), those three or on Facebook throughout the summer. home fixtures will provide gala occasions for the community in Church Stretton on those Sundays, with opportunities to celebrate, enjoy and participate as players and/or spectators in the exciting new sporting and social events being planned by the Cricket Club. Encouragingly, there is a lot of interest building up about the 7/7 competition (seven players in a team, seven overs each side) now scheduled for Sunday 18th June. A few local businesses are promising to raise cricket teams ready to join in the fun, and there will also be an all women’s team ready to play on equal terms with the men (or indeed a mixed team). For further details on this event or to enter a team, please contact Andrew Chapman (chairman) [email protected] or Todd Cornehls (secretary) [email protected]. And yet more good news! Generous sponsorship from local businesses including Stretton Focus and Church Stretton Round Table, Jaipur Indian Restaurant, Continental Fireplaces, Hodghurst Farm Free Range 42 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 27 13/04/2017 11:42 Stretton Focus May 2017 43
52 Adverts 2017.indd 16 13/04/2017 09:25 4, High Street, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6BU 01694 720189
[email protected] www.thedoorknockercompany.co.uk
A. S. MORRIS & SON Sandford Avenue, Church Stretton
FUNERAL DIRECTORS PRIVATE CHAPEL Tel: Church Stretton 722876 NIGHT AND DAY
44 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 Adverts 2017.indd 17 13/04/2017 09:25 Churches in the Strettons ANGLICAN CHURCH (The United Parish of St Laurence, Church Stretton, with St Michael & All Angels, All Stretton, and All Saints, Little Stretton) Rector: Rev’d Richard Hill (Tel: 722585) Website: www.strettonparish.org.uk
Sunday Services Holy Communion (a quiet reflective service) ...... 8.00 am Morning Worship Holy Communion every Sunday, except Morning Prayer on 4th Sunday...... 9.30 am Refreshments in Parish Centre...... 10.20 until 11.05 am Special Service...... 11.05 am All ages 1st Sunday; children go out to groups other Sundays; Communion on the 4th Sunday Crèche facilities provided with this service every Sunday Groups for children and youth groups on all but 1st Sunday, when all ages stay together Evening Worship. (On 4th Sunday Holy Communion with special prayers for Healing)...... 6.00 pm XZone - For pupils in Church Stretton School. Tuesday (years 7-8), Wednesday (years 9-11). . .12.30 - 1.00 pm Elev8 - Years 11-14, Tuesday 3.30 - 5.00; Years 15+, Wednesday 7.00 - 8.30pm during term time; Parish Centre Youthzone - Sunday mornings during 11.05 service for 11-16yrs (except 1st Sunday in month); Meet in Church Young people (11+): Contact the Office on 724224. Youth @ St. Laurence’s: Becky Merriman 07583 158949 Weekday Activities: Many house groups and activities are held throughout the week. Contact the Parish Office for details or see church notice boards or leaflets in church. Thursdays: Holy Communion...... 11.30 am
All Saints, Little Stretton. A traditional Sunday Service is held each Sunday Week 1: Evening Prayer...... 3.00 pm Weeks 2, 4 and 5: Holy Communion...... 11.00 am Week 3: Morning Prayer...... 11.00 am
St Michael’s & All Angels, All Stretton (Local Ecumenical Partnership with URC) Contact: 724224 Sunday Services Week 1: Morning Worship 10.30 am Week 2: Holy Communion (Anglican) 10.30 am Week 3: Morning Worship 10.30 am Week 4: Holy Communion (URC) 10.30 am Week 5: Holy Communion (Traditional Anglican) 10.30 am
The Parish Office is in the Parish Centre, Church St. (Tel: 724224). Open Tuesday 8.30am - 1.00pm; 2.00 - 4.00pm; Thursday 8.30am - 12.30pm; Friday 8.30am - 1.00 pm Secretary: Jo Aze. Email: [email protected]
METHODIST CHURCH Minister: Rev’d Hazel Ratcliffe (Tel: 724923) Website: www.churchstretton-methodistchurch.org.uk Hall bookings: Carole Coles (Tel: 724958) Sunday Services Morning Service 10.30 am Weekday Activities: Craft and Conversation...... 10.00am - 12.00noon 2nd Tuesday in month: Wives and Friends group...... 7.30 pm Wednesdays: Prayer Group...... 1.30 - 2.00pm Wednesdays: Network ...... 2.30 pm Wednesdays: Babies and toddlers...... 10.00 am
RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS) Clerk: Sandy Fairhurst (Tel: 724287) Sundays: Meetings for worship in the Silvester Horne Committee Room; Children welcome . . . . . 10.30 am For details of home discussion groups which meet at 7.30 pm, please telephone the Clerk.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Priest: Rev’d Fr. Ambrose Nicholson (Tel: 722897) St Milburga’s, Church Stretton Sunday: Mass...... 9.15 am Tuesday - Friday: Daily Mass...... 10.00 am Saturday: Evening Mass...... 6.30 pm Catholic Women’s League meets every 2nd Thursday 10.30 am
St Walburga’s, Plowden Sunday Mass...... 11.00 am
UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Minister: (vacant) Website: churchstretton.urc.org.uk Sunday Services Worship, with Activity Club for children, followed by refreshments in the church hall...... 10.30 am (On the 1st Sunday in month worship includes Holy Communion) Weekday Activities Mondays: (Week 1) Ladies’ Group ...... 2.30 pm Wednesdays: (Week 1) Ladies’ Link...... 7.30 pm Wednesdays: Half hour meeting for prayer and discussion...... 9.30 am For further information please telephone the Church Secretary (722107). Room hire (Tel: 722092)
Stretton Focus May 2017 45
52-56 Yellow pages 2016 New P123 Only.indd 1 13/04/2017 09:29 Clubs and Societies in Church Stretton with names of Secretary and contact details Adult Community Learning Pam Allsop 723899 [email protected] Allotment Gardens Association Alan Mileson 723999 [email protected] All Stretton Village Hall Jo Shurmer 724154 [email protected] All Stretton History Society Ruth Grafton 723187 [email protected] All Stretton Village Society Colin Osborne 724127 [email protected] Alzheimers Carer’s Support (Mayfair) Jackie Pennington 722077 [Monthly, 2nd Friday, 2.00pm] www.mayfaircentre.org Amnesty, Church Stretton Group Barbara Parnell 720040 Archers, Bowmen of Caradoc J Hilditch 723593 www.bowmenofcaradoc.co.uk Archers, Long Mynd Sue Williamson 722767 [email protected] Army Cadet Force, Longmynd Valley Sgt Grey ArtsAlive (Church Stretton) Michael Walker 720132 [email protected] Arts Festival, Church Stretton & South Shropshire Gloria Carter 724106 [email protected] Badminton Club (Monday 8-10pm) Mike Rounsefell 724162 [email protected] Badminton Club (Junior and Adult, Wednesday) Alan Fox 725588 [email protected] Book Sales (Mayfair) Tony Crowe 723292 Bowling Club, Church Stretton Town Andrew Morton 723460 [email protected] Bowling Club, Church Stretton Probus David Morris 720035 Bowling Club, Indoor Alan Mileson 723999 [email protected] Bowling Club, Ladies’ Mrs M Paine 722489 Bridge Club (Mondays, Health & Wellbeing Centre) Dom Wilson 723128 www.bridgewebs.com/churchstretton Bridleways Association, Long Mynd and District Lynn Townsend 722667 Brownies, Church Stretton Judy Russell 724056 [email protected] Busy Bees Preschool Lorna Hart 724812 [email protected] Camera Club, Longmynd Graham Brown 01743 353485 [email protected] Cancer Care, Stretton and Shropshire Lesley McIntyre 723427 Cancer Research UK Sue Toghill 722713 [email protected] Chamber of Trade, Church Stretton Alan Hyatt 723737 also Stuart Wright 722237 Chess Club, Church Stretton Steve Rooney 723724 [email protected] Choral Society, Stretton Pam Cole 723604 [email protected]; www.strettonchoral.org.uk Churches Together Lesley Richards 722068 Citizens Advice Bureau c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) [Thursdays] www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Civic Society, The Strettons Charles Simmonds 724117 [email protected] Civil Service Retirement Fellowship, C S Group John Brewer 722965 Climate Care, Stretton David Howard 722904 Club, Church Stretton & District Mrs Sharon Davies 723193 www.churchstrettonclub.com; Facebook:Club CSD Community Group, Church Stretton John Woolmer 751245 [email protected] Country Market (ex WI) c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) [Fridays] www.mayfaircentre.org.uk CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) John Woolmer 751245 [email protected] Credit Union c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) [Wednesdays] www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Cricket Club Todd Cornehls 07807 160860 [email protected] Croquet Club Fane Conant 722610 [email protected]; www.churchstrettoncroquet.org.uk Cub Scouts, Longmynd (Tuesday Pack) Mrs Jane Wrench 723923 [email protected] Cub Scouts, Longmynd (Wednesday Pack) Terry Davies 723477 [email protected] Darts, Church Stretton and District League Mark Davies (Verd) 07588 517955 [email protected] Dementia Carers’ Support Emma Wilde 01743 341800 Dominoes, Church Stretton and District League Martin Salisbury 723253 Dramatic Society, All Stretton Amateur Eric Huff 723706 [email protected] Extend (Gentle Exercise) Mayfair Nicola McPherson 722077 [Thursday mornings] www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Fitness Classes Pam Allsop 723899 [email protected] Flicks in the Sticks (All Stretton) Kate Latchford 723378 [email protected] Flicks in the Sticks (Church Stretton) Eric and Lesley Brown 724330 [email protected] Football Club, Church Stretton Town Nick Cole 724362 [email protected] Football Club, Magpies (5-16 years old) Nick Cole 724362 [email protected] Football Club, Stretton Red Rovers (6-15 years old) Martin Watts 723543 [email protected] Gardening Club, Acton Scott Barbara Halsey 723270 [email protected] Gardening Club, Church Stretton & District Elisabeth Davies 722280 [email protected] Geological Society, Shropshire Keith Hotchkiss 723130 [email protected] Gliding, Midlands Gliding Club Ltd Office 01588 650206 [email protected] Golf Club James Townsend 722281 [email protected] Good Neighbours Thursday Lunch Club Margaret Hamer 722407 (or Dawn Longmore 722328) Guiding, 2nd Church Stretton Ana Ireland 723390 [email protected] Hockey Club, Stretton Juniors (5-15 years old) Martin Watts 723543 [email protected] Horse Show, Church Stretton Sarah Davies 771370 [email protected] Interfaith Forum, South Shropshire Canon Noel Beattie 725530 Inner Wheel Club, Church Stretton Anne Tipper 771808 [email protected] Judo, Junior Roger Houston 01743 358415 [email protected] Karate Club Dave Shephard 724212 [email protected] Keep Fit, Stretton Lisa Ryan 751369 Lesbian & Bisexual Women, Border Women Social Group borderwomen.net Lions Club, Middlemarches Tricia Morris 01588 673525 Local History Group Janette Murray 722465 [email protected] Long Mynd Adventure Camp Ian Price 722020 Martial Arts, Freestyle 07852 961675 freestylemartiaarts.com/stretton Masonic Lodge (Caer Caradoc) Chas Trendell 731303 [email protected] Masonic Lodge (Longmynd) Christopher Morris 07802 167521 www.longmyndlodge.org.uk Maysi Project Jenny Englefield 722077 [email protected] Methodist Church Network Group Stella Jandrell 724531 [email protected] Mothers’ Union, Church Stretton Sheila Smith 722064 Neighbourhood Watch, Church Stretton Jeff Thomas 723255 [email protected] Ornithological Society, Stretton Branch John Arnfield 724170 [email protected] Parish Paths Partnership John Goyne 723914 [email protected] Parkinson’s UK Richard Broughton 01743 718174 [email protected] Photography, Marches Independent Geoff Taylor 723301 gtaylor.photo@btinternet,com Pilates (exercise) c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) [Tuesdays am] www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Pilates (exercise) Sandra Liebrecht 781660 [email protected] Probus, Strettondale Alan Stockbridge 722317 [email protected] Rail User’s Association, Church Stretton David Aston 722604 www.strettonrailusers.org.uk Railway Society, Strettons Ian Dormor 723456 [email protected] Radio Control Model Club, Church Stretton Tim Goodwin 720392 [email protected] RAF Roundel Club Al Ussher 724717 Rainbows, Church Stretton Tracey Prosser 07376 131885 [email protected] Ramblers, The South Shropshire Group Sue Jones 01588 672437 [email protected] Rambling Group, Stretton Sheila Barber 722928 [email protected] Rangers (Girl Guides) Church Stretton Group Ana Ireland 723390 [email protected] Readers Group at the Library Ellen Atkin 722535 [email protected]
46 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52-56 Yellow pages 2016 New P123 Only.indd 2 13/04/2017 09:29 RNLI Richard Turner Jones 724371 [email protected] Rotary Club of Church Stretton Preb David Crowhurst 01743 718049 [email protected] Round Table, Church Stretton Paul Stephens 722288 [email protected] Royal British Legion Les Mackey 724992 [email protected] Rushbury and Cardington WI Kaye Smith 771554 Save the Children Ann Hurst 771622 [email protected] Scottish Dancers, Stretton David Thomas 722107 Scouts, 2nd Longmynd Group Brian Faulkner 723567 [email protected] Scrappies - Shropshire Children’s Scrapstore 328508 [email protected] Senior Citizens, Church Stretton Margaret Haywood 722454 Shropshire Strummers Adrian Thomas 724657 [email protected] Singers, The More Singers Ann Etches 723266 [email protected] Singers, Stretton Community Kate Buttolph 07974 382989 [email protected] Skatepark Group c/o Mayfair 722077 www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Soaring Association, Long Mynd (model gliders) Tim Goodwin 720392 [email protected] www.lmsa.org.uk Soaring Club, Long Mynd (Hangliding & paragliding) Tim Dunn 01588 672919 [email protected] Stepping Stones Nursery Anne Arkwright 722341 Stretton Players Simon Cleaton 07510 390981 [email protected] Stroke Group, Church Stretton and District Breda Parish 723485 or Iris Edwards 723178 Swing Band, Stretton Jamie Wrench 723923 [email protected] Table Tennis, Church Stretton Bernard Colvin 724084 [email protected] Table Tennis, Leebotwood Will Priestley 724223 Table Tennis, Rushbury Ian Pennington 771410 [email protected] T’ai Chi James Lanyon 722077 (Mayfair) www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Taiko Drumming James Barrow 720169 [email protected] Taoist Tai Chi, Longmynd Jo Lendon 01743 369787 [email protected] Tennis Club Claire Hatfield 720123 [email protected] Theatre & Concert Group, Stretton Jenny or Graham Heath 722216 [email protected]; strettontheatreandconcert.net Tourism Group, Church Stretton Area Alan Garner 723600 [email protected] Traidcraft (fairly traded goods) Maureen Clow 722000 (Mayfair) [Thursdays, 10.30 - 1.00] Tree Group, Church Stretton Hilary Hymas 723208 [email protected] Tuesday Day Centre, Church Stretton Zena Palmer 723564 United Nations Association, C S Branch Ruth Davies 724304 [email protected] University of the Third Age (U3A) Lesley Brown 724330 [email protected] Visually Impaired Group (Mayfair) George Jones 722207 Walkers are Welcome John Woolmer 751245 [email protected] Walking for Health Nicola McPherson 722077 (Mayfair) www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Walking Football John Woolmer 751245 [email protected] Wildlife Group, SACWG, Community Graham Wenman 722438 [email protected] Wildlife Trust, Strettons Branch Wally Blake 724040 Women’s Business Club, Church Stretton Christine Williams 07801 482656 [email protected] Women’s Group, Church Stretton 1990 Jaki Moores 722940 [email protected] Women’s Institute, CS Marmaladies WI Karen Solomons 07981 427355 Women’s Inst., Eaton u Heywood & Hope Bowdler Alex Freeland 722532 [email protected] Women’s Inst., Rushbury and Cardington Kaye Smith 771554 [email protected] Women’s Institute, All Stretton Kate Ratcliff 724422 [email protected] Yoga Andrea Ford 724317 Jane Hider 723468 Yoga (Mayfair) c/o Mayfair 722077 (Mayfair) www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Youth Club (Mayfair) Nicola McPherson 722077 (Mayfair) www.mayfaircentre.org.uk Youth @ St Laurence’s Becky Merriman 07583 158949 www.strettonparish.org.uk Additions and corrections to this list should be addressed to: The Editor, Stretton Focus, by email: [email protected] Church Stretton Town Councillors Town Clerk: Marian M Giles RFO Christine M Harvey Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00 - 4.30pm Council Office: 60 High Street, Church Stretton SY6 6BY. Tel: 722113, Fax: 723608. email: [email protected] South Ward North Ward Little Stretton Ward Mike Bugiel 720104 or 723690 David Wilks 723139 Mike Walker (Mayor) 720132 Mark Morris 722741 Michael Braid (Deputy Mayor) 723364 D Rees 723896 Hilary Claytonsmith 781666 Bob Welch 722998 All Stretton Ward Lee Chapman 723965 or 07582 005527 Eileen Roberts 720086 Richard Hickman 722006 or 07944 505146 H. Luff 724270 S Baker 724394
Shropshire (Unitary) Councillors for the Area David Evans 01588 672179 email: [email protected] Lee Chapman 723965 or 07582 005527 email: [email protected], [email protected] (for CS tc business) MP for Ludlow Constituency: Philip Dunne, 54 Broad St, Ludlow, SY8 1GP, 01584 872187. StrettonDale Area Partnership Chairman: Richard Hubbard, [email protected]; Deputy Chairman: John Sumner, 724678, [email protected] StettonDale Local Joint Comm, Lisa Bedford (Community Working, Shrops Council), 07990 085656 [email protected] Responsibilities for Public Services Domestic rubbish: Shropshire Council 0345 678 9007 Street cleaning: Shropshire Council 0345 678 9006 Electricity power failure: 105 Gas emergencies 0800 111999 Last collection at Family Shopper letter box Weekdays 6.00pm, Saturdays 12.00 noon, No collection Sundays and Bank Holidays Some useful numbers Medical Centre - appointments 722129 Medical Centre - general enquiries 722127 NHS Choices 111 Shropdoc 0333 222 6655 Church Stretton School 722209 St Lawrences C of E Primary School 722682 Shropshire Council (Shrewsbury) 0345 678 9000 South Shropshire Furniture Scheme 01584 877751 Good Neighbours Care Group 724242 Sports and Leisure Centre (Teme Leisure) 720051 Ring and Ride 720025 Church Stretton Library 722535 Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 783 1359 - 24hr support Visitor Information Centre and Shropshire Customer First Point: 723133 South Shropshire Housing Association: 0300 3031190 (Housing and Support) Police - Non emergency only 101, Emergency 999 Local Police Team Message Service (not to be used for crime or emergencies): 01743 264773 or [email protected] CS Local Police Team: PS 1396 Adrian Woolley; PC 2148 Ingrid Tozer; PCSO 6064 Lisa Thomas; PCSO 6417 David Baron; PCSO 40002 Julia St John-Martin Neighbourhood Watch Crime stoppers: 0800 555 111. Twitter: @SouthShropCops Police Station now closed, but there is a 24 hour telephone service there connected to another centre. Support at Mayfair Community Centre - run by the Community for the Community 722077 For activities and support groups at Mayfair, please refer to the entries under ‘Clubs and Societies’ and to their advertisement.
Stretton Focus May 2017 47
52-56 Yellow pages 2016 New P123 Only.indd 3 13/04/2017 09:29 Stretton Directory: Index to Advertisers Occasional Adverts not indexed Accommodation Clothes Garden Services & Supplies Pharmacy see Hotels, B&B and Self Catering Entertaining Elephants ������������ 23 Arbor Tree Services ����������������� 25 Hillside Pharmacy ��������������������� 9 Ben Carter ������������������������������� 25 Accountants Coaches Carlo ���������������������������������������� 25 Physiotherapists Amy Paul & Co ...... 40 Caradoc Coach Hire ���������������� 37 Church Stretton Tree Surgery � 25 Ann Davies ������������������������������ 31 James, Holyoak & Partner ������� 40 Cyril Bason ������������������������������ 32 Chris Turner ����������������������������� 31 RLW ����������������������������������������� 40 Community Centre Door Knocker Company ���������� 44 Marion Murdoch ���������������������� 31 Titanium Accountants �������������� 40 Mayfair ������������������������������������ 44 Farmer Plant Services ������������� 39 Ring & Ride (Mayfair) ...... 44 John Stephens ������������������������ 25 Piano Tuner and Repairs Architects Keith Warrington ���������������������� 25 Philip Hooper ��������������������������� 40 Batch Valley Design ����������������� 14 Computing, Graphic and Web Newington Garage ������������������ 52 Fox Associates ������������������������ 14 Design Oak Garden Services ������������� 25 Plumbers, Bathrooms, Kitchens Simon R Brown ����������������������� 14 Craven Design & Print ������������ 52 Peter Tip's Tipper �������������������� 29 & Heating Jason Gough ��������������������������� 20 SMM ���������������������������������������� 10 Chris Graham Kitchen Fitting �� 32 Bathrooms Nic Sansom ����������������������������� 20 Tidy Garden ����������������������������� 25 Homefix ����������������������������������� 10 see Plumbers, Bathrooms, Kitchens Stretton Internet ����������������������� 20 Trials and Tribulations ������������� 52 J Morris ������������������������������������ 10 Webbex Technical Services ����� 20 Lee Brown ������������������������������� 10 Beauty, Slimming Hairdressers, Health, Beauty Mark Boyd ������������������������������� 10 see Hairdressers, Health, Beauty Cycle Repairs Anthony's �������������������������������� 19 Peter Floyd ������������������������������ 10 Go Cycling ������������������������������� 20 Health & Beauty Clinic ������������� 31 Sapphire Bathrooms ���������������� 32 Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering Middletons ������������������������������� 19 SMM ���������������������������������������� 10 see Hotels, B&B and Self Catering Decorators Peace & Tranquility ����������������� 19 see Painters & Decorators Shampers �������������������������������� 19 Printing & Copying Bookshop Craven Design & Print ������������ 52 Burway Books ������������������������� 19 DIY Heating, Fires, Cookers Marshbrook Print ��������������������� 52 Cyril Bason ������������������������������ 32 see also Plumbers, Bathrooms & Heating Stretton Print & Supplies �������� 52 Builders, Plant & Equipment Mynd DIY ��������������������������������� 29 A & B Smith ����������������������������� 13 A 2 Z Construction ������������������� 39 Continental Fireplaces ������������� 20 Restaurants, Cafés, Pubs A Morgan ��������������������������������� 39 Domestic Appliances & Repairs Homefix ����������������������������������� 10 Berry's ������������������������������������ 23 AP Property Services. ������������� 17 A & B Smith ����������������������������� 13 Whiting Heating ����������������������� 10 The Royal Oak, Cardington ����� 23 A P Sale ���������������������������������� 39 Norman Jones ������������������������� 32 Ben Homden ��������������������������� 52 Health, Therapies, Keep Fit Solicitors Door Knocker Company ���������� 44 Electrical Services, Lighting see also Physiotherapists L V Priestley & Son ����������������� 40 EJ & GJ Groom ����������������������� 14 A & B Smith ����������������������������� 13 Ann Davies ������������������������������ 31 PCB ����������������������������������������� 40 Farmer Plant Services ������������� 39 Boxall's Electrician ������������������� 13 Birch Tree Reflexology ������������ 31 Joe Drury ��������������������������������� 14 Charles Ephraim ��������������������� 13 Cate Gowlett ���������������������������� 31 Storage John Hammond ����������������������� 39 Church Stretton Electrics �������� 13 Marion Murdoch ���������������������� 31 Craven Self Storage ������������������ 9 Paul Tinsley ����������������������������� 14 Stephen Morgan ���������������������� 13 Mayfair ������������������������������������� 44 Self Storage Containers ������������ 9 Peter Tip's Tipper ��������������������� 29 Stretton Electrical �������������������� 13 Mobile Massage ���������������������� 31 Town & Country Roofing ���������� 39 Wheatley Electrical ������������������ 13 Sweep Window, Door & Conserv. Co. � 29 Home Energy Shropshire Sweep ������������������� 52 Estate Agents ESP Energy ����������������������������� 20 Cafés Bluestone �������������������������������� 17 Taxi see Restaurants, Cafés, Pubs Miller Evans ����������������������������� 17 Home Furnishings Church Stretton Taxis �������������� 37 Samuel Wood �������������������������� 17 Abbey Carpets ������������������������� 39 Cards and Gifts Wrights ����������������������������������� 17 Broseley Blinds ������������������������ 19 Toys, Books, Gifts Stretton Print & Supplies �������� 52 Louise Watney ������������������������� 19 The Nature Bug ����������������������� 44 Fencing Care Homes Shropshire Fencing ����������������� 29 Home Maintenance Tree Surgery and Logs Barchester, Field House ���������� 43 Odd Job & Handyman Service 29 Arbor Tree Services ����������������� 25 Morris Care, Stretton Hall �������� 43 Financial Services & Insurance Ross Rowbotham �������������������� 39 Church Stretton Tree Surgery � 25 Caleb Roberts ������������������������� 43 SMM ���������������������������������������� 10 Keith Warrington ���������������������� 25 Carpenters & Joiners NFU Mutual ����������������������������� 43 Kevin Fryer ������������������������������ 25 Country Woodcraft ������������������� 14 Philippa Gee ���������������������������� 40 Hotels, B&B and Self Catering Martin Taylor-Lee ��������������������� 25 John Hammond ����������������������� 39 Belvedere ������������������������������� 23 Peter Tip's Tipper ��������������������� 29 Mark Terry �������������������������������� 37 Floor and Carpet Cleaning Botvyle Farm Cottages ������������ 23 Paul Forrester �������������������������� 37 In Depth ����������������������������������� 44 Eaton Manor ���������������������������� 23 Tyres Shropshire Hardwoods ������������ 37 Madeline Egan ������������������������ 23 HMJ Tyres ������������������������������ 37 Florist Willowbatch ����������������������������� 23 Carpets John R Thomas ���������������������� 19 Veterinary Surgeon Abbey Carpets ������������������������� 39 House and Garden Clearance Clive Norrell ������������������������������� 9 Food, Delicatessen Peter Tip's Tipper ��������������������� 29 Catering Entertaining Elephants ������������ 23 Windows Madeline Egan ������������������������ 23 van Doesburg ������������������������� 23 Insurance Window, Door & Conserv. Co. � 29 See Financial Services & Insurance Cattery and Kennels Funeral Director Wool and Knitwear see also Pet Food and Pet Care A S Morris & Son �������������������� 44 Keep Fit Coco Alpacas �������������������������� 19 Netley �������������������������������������� ..9 see Health, Therapies, Keep Fit Garage Services Childrens Activity Classes Burway Garage ���������������������� 37 Kennels The Nature Bug ����������������������� 44 Central Garage ������������������������ 37 see Cattery and Kennels HMJ Tyres ������������������������������ 37 Chiropodists MOT Clinic ������������������������������� 37 Logs Caroline Crump ���������������������� 31 Newington Garage ������������������ 52 see Tree Surgery and Logs Crown Podiatry ������������������������ 31 Garden Design, Landscaping Painters & Decorators Cleaning and House Care Ben Carter ������������������������������� 25 Andrew Webster ���������������������� 32 Cleanrite Services ��������������������� 9 Homden ����������������������������������� 52 D R Tipton ������������������������������� 32 Country Home Management ����� 9 John Stephens ����������������������� 25 E B Jones �������������������������������� 32 In Depth ���������������������������������� 44 Keith Warrington ��������������������� 25 F J Roberts ������������������������������ 32 Shaw Clean ...... 9 Kevin Fryer ������������������������������ 25 G H Jones & Son �������������������� 32 Stretton Cleaning ����������������������� 9 Martin Taylor-Lee ��������������������� 25 Roger Lucas ���������������������������� 32 Mike Russell ���������������������������� 25 Ross Rowbotham �������������������� 39 Clocks and Fine Art Restoration Oak Garden Services ������������� 25 Adrian Donnelly Clock Repair � 44 Town and Country Roofing ������ 39 Pet Food and Pet Care Stretton Fine Art Restoration ��� 19 Unique Landscapes ����������������� 25 John R Thomas ����������������������� 19 Nicky Apperley ��������������������������� 9
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52 Adverts 2017.indd 18 13/04/2017 09:25 Stretton Climate Care All Stretton WI Sustainable Stretton n Wednesday 29th March, 11 members of All hat is the future that Stretton WI visited Westhope Craft College for we want to live in? a day’s course on embroidery, entitled ‘Painting How can we shape a Owith Thread’. Wfuture that is sustainable? How can we build on and enhance the many aspects of our community that we treasure, and look for the links that will make it more resilient? Under the auspices of Stretton Climate Care, we are setting up a discussion group to examine the issues and make practical suggestions of ways forward. If you would like to contribute to this group, our first meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 31st May, in Committee Room One of the Silvester Horne Institute. Please contact David Howard in advance so that we have an idea of numbers. David Howard, Chair, Stretton Climate Care Culmore, Clive Avenue, Church Stretton, SY6 7BL Tel.: 01694 722904 email: [email protected] In the morning we learnt new stitches and sewing techniques, and after lunch we tried our hand at following some patterns provided by our tutor, Stevie. Whalebone for Wetlands All in all it was a very enjoyable and sociable day with halebone, an award winning instrumental trio lots of laughs on the way. who blend Celtic folk music with strands of rock, Jean Huff, Press Secretary Americana and Eastern European tradition, are 01694 723706, [email protected] Wperforming at the Silvester Horne Institute in Church Stretton on Friday 26th May. The concert will raise funds for the Stretton Wetlands Group whilst promoting the trio’s new album Mirabilia, which has already won an award in Canada.
The band are known for using more unusual instruments alongside traditional guitars and fiddle, with five-string violin, eight-string baritone guitar, mandolin and bouzouki all featuring in their music. “We’re definitely not purists where music is concerned. We love to blend different musical flavours together,” said guitarist Steve Downs, who will be joined onstage by fiddle player Sarah Ibberson and guitarist Char Watson. Tickets are £10.00 (£6.00 for children) and are available from John Thomas Florist on 01694 722194 or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/whalebone. For more information, or to see and hear clips of the band in action, please see www.whalebone-music.com or check out their YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/whalebonemusicvideos
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52 May 2017 Mag.indd 28 13/04/2017 11:42 Church Stretton Town Council Community Matters The Future of our Swimming Pool for local businesses to network with each he long awaited revised Indoor Leisure Facilities other. If you are interested in speaking at Strategy was launched for consultation on 20th the Forum or would like to see a particular March with a deadline for comments of 8th May subject covered get in touch with Lisa 2017T. The strategy recommends ‘leisure hubs’ at six Bedford our local Community Enablement Officer at locations, and ‘community leisure centres’ in a further four [email protected] locations, as follows: 1. Leisure hubs: Coppice Leasowes Nature Reserve Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ludlow, Bridgnorth, Market Having been successful in securing grants from West Drayton, Bishop’s Castle. Midlands Butterfly Conservation and Stretton Focus, a recent 2. Community leisure centres: joint working group on the Nature Reserve started preparation Church Stretton, Whitchurch, Cleobury Mortimer, Ellesmere. of the new butterfly area which will include establishing There are no specifics about what funding will be a range of butterfly attracting plants. With thanks to our available in the longer term to support the proposed National Trust colleagues and volunteers. The next stage of community leisure centres, although reference is made to the project will involve creating information boards for people the “development of a detailed action plan – which will be to ‘species spot’. A new owl box has also been established on reviewed in the context of the council’s financial position”. the reserve – hopefully it will attract a new resident! The Council will be making a formal response, but if you feel strongly about supporting the retention of our local swimming pool, you might want to make your own comments on the proposals. You can do this by logging on to the Shropshire Council website at shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved. The Town Council continues to hold discussions at a strategic level about the pool and its future with key partners, and is committed to exploring all possible options for the retention of the pool for community use. The figures involved, both capital required for repairs, and the on-going revenue required to run the pool day to day, are substantial, and it would not be feasible for the Town Council to absorb these costs on its own.
Marketing Group The Marketing Group led by the Town Council has developed Marian Giles, Town Clerk a new Visit Church Stretton guide Cllr Mike Walker, Mayor, Church Stretton Town Council featuring things to do, places to visit, independent shops, where to eat etc. in the town. Councillors recently attended a leaflet swap at Stokesay Court organised by the Shropshire Hills Partnership which provided the perfect opportunity to start distribution of the booklet ready for the new season. Copies of the Group Meeting booklet are available from the Town Council free of charge for Silvester Horne Institute Church Stretton any local accommodation providers and traders. Wednesday 10th May at 7.30pm At the same time, the town map showing all local oin our friendly group when we plan campaigning businesses and venues is being refreshed and updated, with activities and sign letters in support of Human Rights over 116 changes since it was first printed! worldwide. For details ring Barbara Parnell 01694 J 720040 or email [email protected] Business Forum The recent town Business Forum in March heard from Tim Jenkins from Shropshire Council about the new Economic Growth Strategy currently out for consultation. Trivia Answers The Business Forum is organised jointly by Church 1. DAVID DUCHOVNY Stretton Town Council and Shropshire Council, and 2. DAVID GOWER is open to all local business people of all kinds: traders, 3. DAVID ESSEX manufacturers, service providers and home workers. The purpose of the Forum is to update and seek views of 4. DAVID DICKINSON local businesses on a variety of local and county initiatives of 5. DAVID PUTNAM interest to the business community. It is also an opportunity 50 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 May 2017 Mag.indd 29 13/04/2017 11:42 Occasional adverts are Occasional Advertisements not indexed
Shropshire Creative Workshops 1:1 English Tuition Monday 15th May 9.30am - 1.00pm. To place an occasional C. Allen BA, PGCE, ESOL Come and make an attractive and useful tote bag with our leather handles. £25 Bring half metre of fabric. advertisement, please contact KS2 – KS4, IELTS and ESOL Lots coming up in June - including more bags, [email protected] Tel: 07500 660934 more blocks and learn to applique! For details and to book visit: Size: 60 x 35mm, Email: www.forgetmenotquilts.co.uk [email protected] or www.lizziecharltonhandbags.co.uk price £7.50 per month or ring Lizzie 07973 342571 or Marian 07507 747994
Back Chat verything you ever wanted to know about your back, presented by Bill Kusiar - ChiropractorE . At the Parish Centre, Church Street, Church Stretton SY6 6DQ Friday 19th May 2017 Doors open at 6.30pm. Starts at 7pm; ends at 9.45-ish.
Come along to this seminar to understand: • The basic Anatomy of your back • How we can prevent problems and manage existing ones • How to achieve and maintain a healthy strong back • The dispelling of myths and misconceptions that surround back pain. Tickets: £20 in advance or £22 on the door. Price includes glass of wine, nibbles, tea or coffee. You will automatically be entered into a prize draw for a Treatment Voucher to The Health & Beauty Clinic.
Part of the proceeds of the evening will be donated to Breast Cancer Care. This seminar is suitable for everyone of any age.
For more information and tickets contact: Pam Allsop, The Health & Beauty Clinic, Churchway Church Stretton, SY6 6DJ. Phone 01694 723899 / 07976 555274 or see me at my Teme Leisure Classes.
Where Was It? he photo on page 15 is above the doorway of what was Clee Hill Electrics and more recently the Relate Charity Shop. It shows the intricate ironwork and particularly the initials GS. These refer to Gaius Smith, the owner from about 1905. He was a grocer who took it over from Henry Reddin, whose shop was described asT ‘an excellent and commodious grocery and Italian warehouse and corn, flour, meal and hop merchant’. The shop continued as Smith & Co Stores until at least the 1960s. The property is another example of a burgage plot with a series of smaller buildings behind the smart frontage. There was a bakery at the rear and the remains of the hoist for raising sacks of flour to an upper floor can still be seen. Why not go and see it?
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52 May 2017 Mag.indd 30 13/04/2017 11:42
SHROPSHIRE GARDEN SWEEP MACHINERY
JON PROSSER • Sales Tel: 01785 509333 Mobile: 07946 134783 • Repairs
CHIMNEY SWEEP AND • Servicing VACUUM SERVICE
HOMDEN EXCAVATIONS & LANDSCAPING TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS Ltd DRIVEWAYS - PAVING GROUNDWORKS 01694 722894 FULL LANDSCAPING SERVICE MINI DIGGER & DRIVER FOR HIRE 07974 666796 TOP SOIL & STONE SUPPLIED 11 Burway Road, WHEELBARROW JOBS NO PROBLEM Church Stretton, Phone Ben on 01743 718216 or 07812 565684 SY6 6DL
52 May 2017 Stretton Focus
52 Adverts 2017.indd 19 13/04/2017 09:25