Stretton Focus Community Voice of the Strettons March 2005 75p

Jesus Said: I am the Resurrection and the Life

John 11 v 25 Photo: Paul Miller Paul Photo:

cover march 2005.indd 1 11/2/05 9:26:44 am STRETTON FOCUS Contents (founded 1967) News Average monthly sales: 1,450 copies. UNA News ...... 5 (About 65% of households in Church Stretton) CPRE ...... 6 Mayfair News ...... 12 Chairman David Jandrell . . . . 724531 Food Fayre ...... 13 Co-Editors Norma Taylor. . . . . 723617 Shropshire Wildlife Trust...... 13 Pat Oxtoby ...... 723199 What does your Council do for you?...... 28 Bill Forsythe ...... 724100 Rubbish collections ...... 30 Cover Design Rachael Sankey . . . 720024 Stretton Traidcraft...... 33 Computer Production Barrie Raynor . . . . 723928 Rotary ‘Youth Speaks’ Competition...... 35 Rowland Jackson . . 722390 Planter Appeal...... 35 Paul Miller ...... 724596 Magistrates’ Court Open Days ...... 36 Distribution Jon Cooke ...... 723205 Medical Centre ...... 36 Advertising Graham Young . . . . 724647 Town Guides...... 38 Treasurer John Wainwright . . 722823 Rotary Blackpool Holiday ...... 42 Secretary Janet Peak...... 722994 Forthcoming Events email address: [email protected] RBL – Jackfield Band Concert ...... 11 St George’s Day...... 12 Advertisements. Rates for block and occasional Leaflet Swap ...... 15 advertisements may be obtained (send s.a.e.) from the Easter Services...... 39 Advertising Manager, Graham Young, 30 Alison Road, Women’s World Day of Prayer...... 40 Church Stretton, SY6 7AT, Tel: 01694 724647 to whom Arts Festival...... 40 copy should be sent. Regular Features The Stretton Focus Management Board cannot accept Anglican Voice ...... 17 responsibility for any product or service advertised. Bird of the Month...... 15 Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply any form Catholic Voice...... 33 of approval or recommendation. Advertisers are required to Focus on Faith...... 9 comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. Letters ...... 30 Mayfair Lottery Result ...... 12 Submission of articles. Material on 3½˝ discs or CDs, and Methodist Voice ...... 40 typed or handwritten copy together with good quality glossy Out and About ...... 42 colour or monochrome photographs should be handed Quaker Voice ...... 36 directly to Stretton Focus c/o Wrights, Estate Agent, Recipe ...... 42 Sandford Avenue by noon on the date below. Material may Thank ou.y ...... 38 also be sent by e-mail to [email protected] as an Then & ow.N ...... 17 attachment by the same copy date. Town Council Minutes ...... 27 Trivia Corner 16 ...... 18 Disclaimer. Stretton Focus prints a wide range of articles Trivia Answers...... 42 and letters. The views expressed by signed articles are URC Voice ...... 6 those of their authors and not necessarily those of the Weather...... 18 Management Board. What’s On...... 3

Copy day is normally the first Monday of the month. For the Other Items April issue it is Monday 7th March 2005 (12.00 noon). For Help ...... 38 the May issue it will be Monday 4th April (12.00 noon) Leave me in Peace ...... 5 Lilies ...... 9 The April Stretton Focus will be distributed on Friday 1st Picturing Easter (cover article)...... 11 April. Poem – Auschwitz ...... 33

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

© 2005 Stretton Focus ISSN 1479-7356

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

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March 2005 mag .indd 1 11/2/05 11:22:03 am What’s On in the Strettons If you wish to know the times of regular meetings of societies and groups, please consult the list of societies and their contacts in our central ‘yellow pages’.

♦ Tuesday – 1st March ♦ Friday – 11th March Church Stretton & District Flower Club Campaign to Protect Rural England 7.30pm Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton 7.30pm Methodist Church Hall, Church Stretton Catalunya, a talk by Jane Percival Illustrated Talk by Phil Holden, Manager of Shropshire Hills Practice table: Easter Bonnet AONB Contact: 722754. See Page 6

♦ Wednesday – 2nd March ♦ Saturday – 12th March . Church Stretton Library Readers’ Group Save the Children 10am – 1pm Parish Centre 2.15pm Church Stretton Library Sale of clothes and Bric-a-brac with refreshments

♦ Thursday – 3rd March ♦ Tuesday – 15th March Aspects of Shropshire History All Stretton Women’s Institute 2.30pm Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton 7.30pm Village Hall Old Church Stretton by Tony Crowe The Science of Armageddonby J R Tate Open evening for visitors. Contact: 722835 ♦ Friday – 4th March Farmers’ Market 9am – 1pm Church Stretton Square ♦ Wednesday – 16th March Country Women’s Guild Women’s World Day of Prayer 2.15pm Parish Centre. Montford Bridge Bell Ringers 10.30am Service at St Milburga’s Church See page 40 ♦ Friday – 18th March Farmers’ Market 9am – 1pm Church Stretton Square RNLI Fish and Chip Supper 7.30pm Silvester Horne Institute Concert: The Cadenza Singers Round Britain Yacht Race by Peter Beaman 7.30pm Hope Bowdler Village Hall Tickets: ring 722805, 722912, or 724371 Contact: 723648 Remember to bring your own drink Wildlife Trust: Talk ♦ Saturday – 5th March 7.30pm URC Hall, High St, Church Stretton Age Concern 10am – 11.30am Parish Centre Woodland Flowers by Roy Mantle Annual coffee morning and sale Scottish Ceilidh at CS Secondary School with bar Annual Muck Lug In aid of Rushbury School. In aid of Food Fayre. Tickets £5. Ring 723540 To order: ring 722912 or 771597 See Page 13

♦ Monday – 7th March Fair Trade Awareness ♦ Monday – 21st March 10am – 2.30pm Teas, coffees, and light lunches The hropshireS Hills AONB Partnership with displays of fair trade produce and crafts plus raffle 7.30pm Church Stretton School in Berry’s Coffee House, High St, Church Stretton. See page 33 The Historical Significance of Trees & Woodlands by Dr Ian Dormer, Landscape Conservation Officer ♦ Tuesday – 8th March Contact: 01588 674084 Church Stretton Women’s Institute 7.15pm Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton ♦ Tuesday – 29th March Women’s Health by Maureen Plews Church Stretton & District Gardening Club Competition: Something pink. Contact: 724579 Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton 7pm for 7.30pm ♦ Wednesday – 9th March A Taste of Herbs by Mrs K Hurst. Contact: 724371 Flicks in the Sticks The Shipping News 7.30pm Hope Bowdler Village Hall. Contact: 723648 ♦ Monday – 4th April Church Stretton & District Rail Users Assocn ♦ Thursday – 10th March 7.30pm Parish Centre AGM Aspects of Shropshire History 2.30pm Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton If you are organising an event in the Strettons, for your Old Church Stretton by Tony Crowe club or society, please make use of the “Diary of Events” held in Church Stretton Library before choosing the All Saints’ Church, Little Stretton date. This will help everyone to avoid unfortunate AGM 7.30pm in the church. clashes.

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March 2005 mag .indd 2 11/2/05 11:22:03 am UNA Church Stretton Branch News Kitty Murby MBE to help. For example, the Italian Embassy provided garages t the beginning of the for the school buses, a kitchen and even a dining room. meeting on Thursday 27th January, a one-minute The children had academic and vocation lessons: the girls silenceA was observed in memory learnt sewing and knitting, the boys how to make brooms of the late Kitty Murby MBE who with bristles recycled from nylon rope. But there was fun as had died the previous week at the well because Margaret convinced the British Embassy the age of 102 years. Kitty was the school needed musical instruments. founder member of the Church Stretton Branch of the UNA and Margaret’s other passion was helping families of blind had led the Branch over seven students who were having difficulty surviving on very little decades. Under her dynamic income. Through the school she was able to give loans to leadership, the Branch grew to be start up businesses. The blind or partially sighted person was the largest in the UK. Kitty did encouraged to take an active part. Margaret brought to the not relinquish her duties as Branch Secretary until she was meeting examples of the needlework the women produced. 98 years old but she remained active and in touch until very She sold many items on their behalf. recently. At the end of the Inspirational Message from Kabul talk, Margaret Margaret Knill MBE was the project leader of the Blind was asked about School in Kabul, Afghanistan for 21 years. She spoke the future of the about her experiences at a packed meeting of the United Blind School. She Nations Association (UNA), Church Stretton Branch. UNA said she would like members and guests at St Laurence’s Parish Centre heard the school to be about the journey she took to rebuild the Blind School after a resource centre the destruction and repression by the Taliban. and a teacher training centre for In February 2002 when she returned to Kabul after a stay the country. She is in the UK, she found that the Taliban had ransacked homes looking forward to and buildings and put everything in one big pile. Margaret returning to Kabul and her colleagues managed to acquire the ruins of the old in the next few weeks to see David Oliver and Margaret Knill Blind School and began its reconstruction. They convinced if some of the initiatives she Photos: Paul Miller UNICEF to rebuild the first wing. started have continued.

The school’s pupils arrived with terrible burns, landmine If you would like to find out more about the Branch’s injuries, eye diseases and multiple disabilities. Once the involvement with education in Afghanistan, contact the school actually opened, many organisations came forward Chairman, David Oliver, on 01743 718817

Leave Me in Peace! f you haven’t asked to be left in peace at least once in the happen. Peace in nations and between nations is closely tied past month it probably means that you are easy–going, to justice and fair dealings for all. or that the people around you are all charming. If you Ihave pleaded for a bit of peace, were you asking for the Several years ago a few Christians in Stretton were so concerned noise to stop, the nagging to cease, the rush and bustle to about peace in the world that they set up the monthly PRAYERS calm down, or what ? for PEACE – a ‘drop in’ event on the first Friday of every month in St Laurence’s Church, with the support of all the churches. Peace is often thought of as an absence of disturbance – a One of the early members of this initiative has recently died at calm after the storm. A more positive way of looking at the age of 102. She was not a sweet little lady asking to be left in peace is to think of it as a state of being in harmony with peace. For some 80 years she was a warrior for peace, agitating and your surroundings. This doesn’t demand a blind acceptance stirring up people and organisations. When she was 101 I asked if of hurts and wrongs, rather a realism which embraces the she had any regrets. “Yes, I’m sorry I didn’t stop the war”, was her responsibility to work to remove the discord. immediate reply. I had a mental picture of her standing immovably before an advancing tank, waving a brolly and shouting “Stop, you Similarly, although peace in the world is often seen as brute”. I felt more anxious for the tank driver than for Kitty ! an end to warfare, it is much more than that, and more positive. Weren’t we all pleased when the war in Iraq was The monthly Prayers for Peace Drop In Centre continues declared over? No one, then or since, imagined that peace and is a tribute to the foresight of the few pioneers who reigned in the country from that day. Peace doesn’t happen now rest in peace. You will pray for peace won’t you? automatically when war ceases, peace needs to be made to Ruth Davies

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March 2005 mag .indd 3 11/2/05 11:22:06 am URC Voice anet’s uncle Bert was a successful hotelier when I first ingredients I specify!’ Surprisingly, the met him. When he was a young man, few would have Head Waiter agreed, and soon the white believed that possible. He was a poor-achiever at school, peaches were ready, the vanilla ice cream J and his parents referred to him as the duffer among their added, and the special sauce flambéed. children. And so low became his own self-esteem that at 14 Bert left home to fend for himself. Drawn by this culinary drama, an elderly waiter made his way to the table and politely coughed to seek attention. Being so young and having so little education, he struggled ‘Excuse me sir,’ he said to Bert, ‘I hope you won’t mind me for survival. Only the most menial of tasks were open to saying, but I haven’t seen Peach Melba prepared that way for him and his earnings such a pittance that when the job of 30 years. I was a young waiter in those days, just learning boots boy became vacant at a London hotel, Bert eagerly my trade, and it was our Head Waiter who used to prepare took it! it, just like that. But,’ he added, reflectively, ‘I expect he’s dead by now.’ ‘No he’s not!’ exclaimed Bert. ‘He’s very Bert was never afraid of hard work and always alert for new much alive! And I’m the man!’ opportunities. As shining the shoes that guests left outside their hotel rooms was primarily a night-time occupation, For a few seconds, Bert recalled, the waiter stood there, he would spend much of the day-time quietly observing transfixed, mouth agape yet speechless. The next moment other staff carrying out their responsibilities, and learning the table was surrounded by hotel staff, all eager to shake from what he saw. Whenever any of them was off sick, he Bert’s hand, welcome him back and offer him and his wife would enthusiastically take on their job, pro tem, having their congratulations. carefully watched what to do. And, much to the relief of the management, he always did it well. He helped in the If the waiter who thought Bert must be dead had been kitchens, served in the bars, waited at table, and when anyone stunned to silence by his old colleague’s living presence, no left, Bert became the obvious candidate to take their place. wonder Jesus’ close friends were initially so taken aback to find him alive only a few days after they’d seen him die! But At one stage in his career, Bert was Head Waiter at London’s it wasn’t Peach Melba that triggered their recognition and prestigious Savoy Hotel. Most of the food served in the convinced them he’d been raised to life. For Mary, it was restaurant was prepared in the kitchens by notable chefs the way the ‘stranger’ spoke her name (Jn.20:16): no one but, as an additional service, the occasional dish was pronounced it quite like that, other than Jesus. For Peter, prepared at table. Bert’s pièce de résistance was a speciality it was the way the ‘stranger’ directed him to cast his nets Peach Melba which he created in his own unique way to (Jn.21:6): no one had challenged him that way before, other impress the more influential customers. He began with a than Jesus, when he’d called him to catch people (Lk.5:4). white peach, gently peeling it with a silver knife, halving For the two on their way to Emmaus, it was the way the it and removing the stone. Into the hollow of each half he ‘stranger’ broke bread at their meal table (Lk.24:35): no one added a spoonful of freshly-made vanilla ice cream. Finally, ever broke it quite that way, other than Jesus. For Thomas, he flambeau-warmed a sauce of secret recipe, and drizzled it pessimistic about life (Jn.11:16), unsure of the way ahead over the fruit with great panache. (Jn.14:5), sceptical of the truth (Jn.20:25), it was the scars of death on a living body that eventually convinced him. Many years later and now owning his own hotel, Bert took And convinced him not only that Jesus had been raised to his second wife to the Savoy Hotel for their honeymoon. life, but that he, the risen Christ, was the Way, the Truth When the waiter asked their choice for dessert, Bert said, and the Life he’d been seeking. His response was an Easter on the spur of the moment: ‘Peach Melba – but only if affirmation of faith: ‘My Lord and my God!’ you’ll allow me to prepare it, alongside our table, with the Peter Loveitt

CPRE promotes the Shropshire Hills AONB he Campaign to Protect Rural England, CPRE, conserve and enhance natural beauty is delighted to be working with the office of the in the area.. It is not only about Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural projects and wild life sites, but concerns the people who live Beauty,T AONB. in the area and who influence planning.

Due to legislation in 2000 AONB must be much more Although planning has always been important to CPRE active, quicker to make and implement action plans. Phil together with encouraging thriving communities, CPRE’s Holden is the new manager of a fairly new team and CPRE priority is how an issue affects the landscape. is lucky to have him give a presentation on Friday 11th March (see What’s On in the Strettons). Do come and hear Phil Holden. I have seen his summary and it is great! The meeting starts with a short CPRE Increasing awareness of the general public in our AONB Annual General Meeting. is one of his aims which comes after the primary one to Claire Cox

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March 2005 mag .indd 4 11/2/05 11:22:07 am Lent Lilies … Arum Lilies … Easter Lilies When is a Lily not a Lily? he ‘lilies of the field’ that ‘toil not, neither do they related to Ethiopia, as in classical times the term referred to spin’ is used as a general name for flowers but, to a anywhere south of the known world of Egypt and Libya. botanist, a true lily, with its flamboyant trumpet(ish) The plant is, in fact, a native of Southern Africa where it shapedT flowers belongs to the genus Lilium. The Royal forms large colonies in marshy areas. It had been introduced Horticultural Society’s Lily Group generously allows itself to into Europe before the end of the seventeenth century and be also concerned with plants closely related to this genus. is mostly grown under glass in this country. The striking However, no such restrictions have worried folk who over ‘flower’ is not really a flower at all but a large white bract the years have given plants their common names. They have (a leaf-like structure) surrounding a column upon which been very free with the term ‘lily’. The seasons of Lent and are numerous tiny flowers. These are arranged in a complex Easter are associated with three ‘lilies’, only one of which spiral pattern with male flowers towards the top and female merits that name botanically. flowers nearer the bottom.

The Lent Lily, so named because of its Finally the Easter Lily which is also used in Easter floral time of flowering, (although it is not displays really is a true lily, Lilium longiflorum. Its flowers guaranteed to die on Easter Day as A are pure white with long trumpets, as implied by its species E Houseman, in ‘A Shropshire Lad’ name. The association with Easter has been explained in would have us believe) is in fact the wild different ways. The emergence of green shoots and beautiful daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus). pure white blooms from a hard brown bulb buried in muddy soil can be considered symbolic of the resurrection The same plant whose flowers have deep yellow trumpets (but then so could the growth of many plants). One surrounded by pale yellow petals appears under this other legend speaks of lilies springing up where drops of Christ`s name in Wordsworth’s poem. It thrives in damp woods and sweat fell to the ground during his final hours of distress. on riversides. So it is not surprising that he saw them: However, it seems most likely that such flowers are used at Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Easter as their beautiful whiteness symbolises purity, virtue Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. and hope.

The Arum Lily, that great favourite The Easter Lily is a native of the southern of flower arrangers decorating islands of Japan. However, it has long churches for Easter, is not a true been grown in Bermuda and is sometimes lily either. It is in a totally different known as the Bermuda Lily. It was family and rejoices in the botanical introduced into the USA in the 1880s name Zantedeschia aethiopica. Its where it is the basis of a huge growing genus is believed to be named industry. In this country it must be forced under glass if it after the Italian botanist, Professor is to flower for Easter and it is regarded mainly as an indoor Zantedeschi (1773-1846), while plant – a word of warning - keep it away from cats! It is very its species name is not directly toxic to them.

Focus on Faith went to see an elderly gentleman. He had been a That did not give me any answers as to “ Why?” However, staunch Christian all his life, had served with distinction I believed that Jesus was “God with us”, and as I looked at in the forces in the war, had held a demanding and my friend, I knew that God was not distant and remote, Iresponsible job, was an independent person in control of unconcerned about our pain and suffering, but rather He his life and had been a lovely family man. Now he lay weak, knew, knew exactly what my friend was going through and utterly dependent on his family and friends, feeling really was with him. ill, in considerable pain and clearly lost, for he no longer had much control over his life. What’s more, I believed that was not the end. God raised Jesus from the dead to resurrection, new life, and I believed “Why do we have to go through this?” he asked. that he would do the same for my friend – one day he “I don’t know,” I replied quietly – an honest reply, but not would raise him to the wonder of new life, resurrection life, very helpful. enveloped in peace and love.

I sat with him for some minutes and thought about what It was still hard to sit with him, to see the pain and suffering we had just said. No, I had not got any answers and I and to know that I still had no answer to his question, but expected that I never would have. But then I thought about for me there was tremendous comfort and hope in Easter. Jesus, who as he neared the end of his life went through extreme pain and suffering and died in agony on the cross. Joan Warner

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March 2005 mag .indd 5 11/2/05 11:22:09 am Picturing Easter hardly ever send Easter Cards. a nice vine, some luscious They are generally so insipid. grapes. Mind you, making Flowery crosses are about the only all those grapes and sewing I“Christian” ones available. The rest, them on was a bit of a bunnies, eggs, spring flowers - all, I chore. “I am the bread of suppose, trying to find an image of life”: well, wheat and a “new life”- somehow end up being loaf, obviously. “I am the secular, if not frankly pagan. None of light of the world” was a them is, to me, a satisfactory image bit trickier. We did it for of the Easter happening and its huge Christmas, and wanted significance. it to look Christmassy, so we made a bright star for But how do you find an image which the “light” bit of it (and “works”, for a one off, totally unique, a world, of course). “I event? am the Good Shepherd”, finished for Lent, was also straightforward -with the help of some Long Mynd The “Banner Group” sheep wool, gathered from Ashes valley, in the nick of time before foot- death itself, represented by the shattered and-mouth broke out. cross; power which turned a mocking crown of thorns into the glorious And then we hit Easter. Up to then, crown of the one who rules earth and we’d been working with the simple heaven, at whose name “every knee shall images that Jesus used to help people bow... and confess that Jesus Christ is understand who he was, and what he Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” came to do. Images work because one (Philippians 2:10-11) thing is like another, and both brings it to mind and helps explain it. So Jesus is If you’ve still not seen the banners “like” bread - essential food for our souls. in St.Laurence’s, why not pop in He is “like” a good shepherd taking care sometime, and spend a little time of his flock. He is “like” a road, taking us thinking about what Jesus said of to the place we want to reach. himself? You might pay a visit to St.Milburga’s too, and see the figure of But “I am the Resurrection and the risen Christ holding out his arms the Life” is of a different order. to welcome you. “Resurrection” and “eternal life” are not ordinary everyday things like sheep Revd.Valerie Morris and bread and light and vines and doors and roads. Instead of Jesus giving THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION us an image to work with, we were left Church Stretton Branch floundering about, looking for our own image; looking for something Church Stretton School Theatre that would convey the totally amazing The banner on our front cover this power of the Easter event. Eggs and 7.30pm Friday 8th April 2005 month attempts to do just that. chicks and bunnies were definitely It is one of the seven banners in out. We toyed with people coming JACKFIELD St.Laurence’s Church that depict up out of graves, reaching out to ELCOCK REISEN the “I am” sayings of Jesus, recorded the risen Christ (based, incidentally, in St.John’s Gospel. It was the most on the wonderful Christ figure at BRASS BAND controversial of the designs, the one we St.Milburga’s). What we achieved were least satisfied with, yet strangely was dismissed by one member of our Musical Directors: attracts some people [especially men] group as “something like a seance in a Ian Viney & Chris Lewis more than the others do. churchyard”! Tickets £7 from Burway Books, When the banner group at Painfully we worked towards what you Wrights and John Thomas St.Laurence’s first started to work on see; an attempt to portray the power this series of banners, the going was of an event which broke open a sealed Proceeds to the Royal British Legion fairly easy. We started doing two in tomb; power which raised a dead body – Poppy Appeal time for Harvest festival. “I am the to a new life which death could no vine,” said Jesus. Well, that one’s fine: longer touch, breaking the power of

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March 2005 mag .indd 6 11/2/05 11:22:11 am Mayfair News St George’s Day 2005 Mayfair Youth Club his year Church Stretton residents and visitors will be celebrating St George’s Day in style. The Church here’s a lot going on these days in the Stretton Area Tourism Group (CSATG) is planning TYouth Club…. aT variety of activities for all ages around the town in order to mark this auspicious occasion. We are fortunate in Stretton Duke of Edinburgh Award to have such a strong community For example, did you know that from 2005, we are spirit which will be prominently extending our Youth Club activities to include Duke of displayed in full red and white Edinburgh awards for 14+ year olds. This is part of the A49 glory on the day by the various Club scheme so anyone from the surrounding villages can participating businesses throughout get involved too. Meetings will be fortnightly. the town. Feel free to join in yourselves – anything red and/or white in your wardrobe Shropshire Award Scheme will do the trick! Don’t worry if you’re not yet 14 because there’s something for you also…you can do the Shropshire Award Scheme More detailed information about planned events will appear (SAS) instead. This is a sort of preparation for the DoE in a later edition of Focus and on the Church Stretton scheme. If you’re interested in joining, meetings are on website, but here’s a taster to whet your appetite! In the Wednesday afternoons so why not give it a try. You’ll have Square you’ll find a whole range of delectable fine English lots of fun and will learn some new skills as well. foods to choose from, while listening to the celebratory quarter peal of bells and the formal opening of the event by Forthcoming Trips the Town Crier. If you fancy a day out doing something different, why not join one of our many evening trips such as the theatre on If you fancy being waited on, you’ll be able to pop into 11th March to see the new production of ‘Teechers’, or how any of the regular café outlets for traditional meals, from about ten pin bowling on 11th April? In fact why not go to full English breakfast to cream teas. If you’re short on time both…. however, you could grab a ‘bangers and bap’ to nibble while Come along to the Youth Club Wed-Fri between 3.30- you stroll around town inspecting a variety of traditional 9.30pm and meet Ella and Jayne to find out more. (The window displays which we are hoping the local businesses Youth Club is for 11-19 year olds only) will put up, whilst also enjoying the sound of wandering minstrels. Day Care at Mayfair ancy a day out or a couple of hours break doing It will be worth making a trip to the library with the kids, something different? Why not come along to Mayfair to hear stories from Old England …meanwhile Mums Daycare and spend some time in its welcoming, and Dads could pop into any pub to sample the taste of Ffriendly atmosphere where you’ll be spoilt for choice with St George’s ale which is being brewed specially for the day. the amount of activities that are going on. It doesn’t matter Kids will also be able to take part in a costume competition, what you choose to do, you’ll have plenty of opportunity with prize vouchers from local stores, so get cracking now for making friends, meeting people and having lots of fun. with those outfits.

Activities on offer include scrabble and crosswords (chance The Grand Finale will be the to use your word skills); quizzes (test those memories); crafts traditional ‘Proms’ style concert at of all kinds (chance to be creative); and for the musical the school in the evening. So be amongst you there’s plenty of that on offer also – whether prepared to sing along and wave a you like listening or fancy a sing-a-long. flag to all the old favourites.

Mayfair can provide transport to and from the Centre and Check out the Church Stretton website (www. also arrange for laundry to be done as well as provide care churchstretton.co.uk) for more information or contact John for bathing. Don’t forget that you can also use any of our Woolmer (751245) or Barbara Vickery (724179) regular facilities which are always available such as gentle CSATG exercise classes, complementary health care like chiropody, reflexology, massage and much, much more. And, of course, the biggest bonus is that you’ll be able to do all this in a really safe and supportive environment. Mayfair Lottery Result for January

To find out more why not call Alma in Mayfair Daycare 185 £100 722077 for more information. 480 £50 New at Mayfair in 2005 557 £20 Diabetes Club on the fourth Thursday of every month 2-4pm 404 £10 Alzheimers Carers Support Group on the third Monday of every month 2-4pm

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March 2005 mag .indd 7 11/2/05 11:22:12 am Church Stretton Food Fayre 60s/70s Disco he Committee is forging ahead with its plans for this year’s weekend of events, despite having to divert much Tenergy into seeking a replacement for the major sponsor of the last two years. We have already attracted two additional sponsors but numerous other possible sources of funding are being approached to help meet the shortfall.

The Committee was naturally disappointed that the Town Council felt unable to endorse our application to the South Shropshire Opportunity Fund for some transitional relief. However, we are pleased that the Council has sought to correct the unfortunate and damaging impression given in recent months that the Council was somehow opposed to the Fayre. The Mayor writes: “The Council does value the Food Fayre and the efforts volunteers put into the The organisers: Eileen Woolmer, Joan Cowan, Rebecca organisation of the event…to raise the profile of the Town.” McCulloch, Sheila Johnson, Sue Roberts

Because the committee values the support and input of local residents, we have added a ‘Comments’ page to our web- site www.foodfayre.org so that you can feed in your ideas, comments and suggestions, as well as keeping up to date with our evolving plans.

The government has coincidentally chosen July 10th as the day for celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the ending of the Second World War, in addition to VE Day and VJ Day. Therefore the Committee is exploring ways with the Town Council, the Royal British Legion and other community organisations of marking the event. Amongst other ideas, we want to develop an exhibition of local pictures and memorabilia, such as ration books and gas masks, from the war. If you have any such items and are willing to loan them, please contact the exhibition organiser, Tony Crowe, on 723292. Jane and Ed van Doesburg. Photos: John Corfield

Our first fund-raising event in January, the 60s/70s Disco, We need funds to keep our events affordable to all but we was a great success in terms of both enjoyment and the are acutely aware of others’ much greater needs. Therefore money raised. So, we have great hopes for our second event, the committee has selected as its chosen charities this year, a Scottish Ceilidh at the Secondary School on 18th March, the local Hope House Hospice for terminally ill children featuring Wild Edric, who will tell us all how to do it for real and ‘Save the Children’ for the child victims of the Asian - so definitely, no dancing skill required, but wear a touch of tsunami. Raffles and other opportunities will be provided tartan, if you can! A bar will be available to slake your thirst, to enable those attending to contribute to both of these while you catch your breath. Tickets on sale £5 from local charities. shops, Newsworld, Wrights Estate Agents, Burway Books, Bob Welch John Thomas (Florist) or phone Joan on 723540. Chairman, Church Stretton Food Fayre Committee

Shropshire Wildlife Trust - Strettons Branch Wildlife Survey interested organisations and groups, and he Strettons branch of the Shropshire Wildlife to include all ages. Training events and Trust is carrying out a survey of the wildlife habitats special subject surveys will be held in the and species within the Church Stretton parish. spring and summer of this year. It is planned to complete TheT information gathered is to be mapped, recorded and the survey and publish the results in the autumn. made available to parish and local planners to provide the information required for appropriate conservation measures. The branch has been awarded a grant from ‘Grants for All’ to The survey information will also be added to the county assist in funding the survey activities and publishing the results. database. If you would like more details or would like to assist, please Branch members are involved in the survey work and a contact John Dalton (01694 722837) or Julie Cowley good start has been made. It is intended to involve other (01694 722310)

Stretton Focus - 13 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 8 11/2/05 11:22:14 am Bird of the Month – March: Dipper ippers stay on their breeding grounds throughout Long Mynd, and breeding was confirmed in several of the the year. They feed on larvae on the beds of shallow Long Mynd valleys, including Ashes Hollow and Callow fast flowing streams, usually at the rapids, and Hollow, during fieldwork for the Shropshire Breeding Bird areD never far from such waters. On the Long Mynd, they Atlas in 1985-90. The waterfall at the bottom of Callow might be seen in the lower reaches of Carding Mill Valley Hollow was a traditional site, with breeding last confirmed at any time, either bobbing up and down on the rocks there in 1994. However, there are no records in the County in the middle of the stream, or flying low over the water. Bird Reports of any evidence of breeding in any of the other Elsewhere, they might be found on any similar stream in Long Mynd valleys since that date, apart from Carding Mill the Stretton Hills, or the Onny valley. Valley.

Dippers are plump, with short tails. They are bigger than The Dipper population in Shropshire declined considerably Robins, but smaller than Starlings and Blackbirds. They in the 1980s, attributed to very dry summers in 1989 and have a dark head, back and wings, a white face and breast, 1990. The resulting low water levels in streams lead to a and chestnut belly. Juveniles are more reduction in the abundance of the grey, with a speckled white front. invertebrates on which Dippers feed, and possibly also to increased rates They breed early, with the first clutch of predation. Dipper populations are of eggs usually being laid in late usually able to recover quickly from March or early April, sometimes such setbacks in favourable conditions, earlier. Incubation takes just over but they have not done so on the Long two weeks, and the fledging period Mynd. is around three weeks. Nesting pairs will attempt to raise two broods, and, Dippers only feed on larvae on stream if they are successful, the first will beds, so they are very vulnerable to fledge in late April or early May and changes in the streams themselves. In the second from mid-June onwards. other areas where Dipper populations They are easy to find on the stream © Rory McCann have collapsed, the cause is believed to beds when they are feeding young in the nest, and recently be acidification of streams as a result fledged juveniles fly along the stream, a few yards at a time, of acid rain and coniferous afforestation. This reduces the while they are still being fed by adults. amount of food in the water. It is not known if the acidity of the Long Mynd streams has changed in the last few On the Long Mynd, Dippers are now found only in Carding decades. Mill Valley, though the pair or fledged young might venture into its tributary, Light Spout Hollow. The nest site is near Predation by the alien mink, which have escaped (or been the National Trust tea-room. However, they are not there ‘liberated’) from fur farms, has wiped the population out in every year, and are absent altogether in some years. some other parts of Shropshire, and this too will affect the potential of the species to recover and re-colonise the local A Biological Survey, prepared for the National Trust in streams. 1984, records Dipper as present in all the valleys of the Leo Smith A Leaflet Swap in Church Stretton o help hoteliers, guest house and owners of B&Bs, activities that may interest your / our visitors, as well as cafés, pubs and other tourist-orientated business, you leaving leaflets that may help advertise your business to also members of the public, the Church Stretton others. We also hope to have a supply of leaflets from the AreaT Tourism Group intends to hold a leaflet swap session other Market Towns of South Shropshire - Bishop’s Castle, in the Parish Centre on the morning of April 23rd, St. Cleobury Mortimer, Clun, Craven Arms and Ludlow George’s Day, between 9.00 and 11.00am. - together with copies of our new Discovery Map that links us all – with Church Stretton at the centre. On display will be copies of the new Church Stretton Visitor Guide, the Shop & Business Directory, the Events Calendar, The Tourist Information Centre is due to be refurbished this and the new Where to Stay, Eat & Drink & What to Do year and so we have taken it upon ourselves to try to help booklet for you to take away. The Shuttle Bus and railway you make this a convenient start to what we hope will be a timetables will be available, as will literature from the AONB memorable year for tourism and trade in the Strettons. (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), Arts Festival, Food Fayre, National Trust, the Church Stretton Area Partnership Should you have any questions about the proposed event, and Town Council, and the various activity organisers from or if you would like further information, please contact the countryside around Church Stretton. the Church Stretton Area Tourism Group secretary, Eileen Roberts, on 720086. You will be assured of a warm welcome. The purpose of the exercise is to help you select leaflets that advertise the local amenities, facilities, attractions and Church Stretton Area Tourism Group

Stretton Focus - 15 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 9 11/2/05 11:22:15 am Anglican Voice - Getting our bearings Dear Friends standing in a completely featureless initiated into the Christian landscape which covered several acres. faith. Learning the Lord’s y first experience of a golf Prayer taught people how course could easily have In a similar way, many of us find it to pray; The Creeds taught newcomers put me off for life! I wasn’t difficult to get our bearings in a culture what to believe and the Beatitudes Mplaying, but taking an evening stroll that is changing so rapidly. The web taught them how to live. Perhaps they with my Grandma. The course was used only to be something spiders have been neglected in our own time near where we lived and had been built made; keyhole was what the butler – just as well that so many people on land reclaimed from a coal mine looked through not what surgeons ply locally have been rediscovering their when it eventually closed. We came to their trade through; Ecstasy was maybe value and relevance. We have been a hollow in the fairway and spotted a the experience of a lifetime, not a risky finding our bearings afresh. discarded golf ball. Needing no further tablet taken at a rave; and rave … well incentive we picked it up. Then we you get the picture! Jesus said: spotted another… and another… we “Blessed are the poor in spirit, rushed from one to the other, stuffing But we cannot put the clock back – it for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. our pockets and giggling with glee. has been said that the only way out Blessed are those who mourn, of the confusion of the times is to go for they will be comforted. I do remember being a bit puzzled as through it. We have to press on to a Blessed are the meek, to why they had been overlooked, but new reality, but where do we find it? for they will inherit the earth. assumed that the hollow was somehow Blessed are those who hunger and the ‘Bermuda triangle’ of the course. Over 80 people from across all the thirst for righteousness, Suddenly we heard a distant shout and Christian churches of the Strettons for they will be filled. looked up to see a chap standing on have got started on the quest for reality Blessed are the merciful, the teeing off ground waving angrily in a series of home meetings. These for they will be shown mercy. and indicating that we were pinching Lent house groups are studying a part Blessed are the pure in heart, his golf balls! We hurriedly dropped of the New Testament we call the for they will see God. the balls and made a dash for it – well Beatitudes – or Beautiful Attitudes as Blessed are the peacemakers, as quickly as my Grandma could someone dubbed them. We find them in for they will be called sons of God. manage! Matthew’s gospel, chapter 5, verses 3-10. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, This memory came back to me when One of the great glories of the for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…” I read recently of two miners who Christian faith is that it is intended, were arguing furiously about exactly not just to be studied or discussed, Matthew 5:3-10, New International where the entrance to the mine shaft but lived. And Jesus’ teaching in the Version; Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 had been. They had shared a working Beatitudes provides a great insight as by International Bible Society life down the mine, but all had been to how. landscaped when the pit closed and Yours in Christ, they had lost all the landmarks of that In earlier centuries these verses were Graham Stones, Rector time. They now found themselves among the key texts for those being

hese cottages stood at the junction of Church Stretton: Then and Now Shrewsbury Road and Churchill Road and were demolished to make way for theT building of Ashbrook Court in 1989.

Photos by kind permission of Tony Crowe

Stretton Focus - 17 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 10 11/2/05 11:22:17 am Weather Report for 2004 he year 2003 was a hard act to follow and, true to Sunshine form, 2004 failed miserably to live up to the long Oh dear, what a let down! There were hot summer we shall always remember. just 236 days (64.66% of the year) on T which the sun shone. This compares poorly with 2003, Rain which had 272 sunny days (74.52% of the year). (I should Our average annual rainfall over the last 20 years is 34.09 point out that a dry day does not necessarily mean the sun inches. In 2003 we had just 26.68 inches, which still stands shone at all, whilst a day with sunshine does not mean it as the lowest ever recorded. However, in 2004 we returned did not rain as well.) The sunniest month was May with to something more like normal and the year totalled up at 28 sunny days recorded. The average number of sunny 35.23 inches, nearly 10 inches more than the year before. days per year is 247 (67.6%) so 2004 was well below No wonder it seemed a wetter year! The wettest month was average. October with 6.01 inches while the driest was May with 1.05 inches. There were 161 wet days in 2004 (44% of the Summer sunshine also shows this trend, I keep a separate year) while in 2003 there were only 121 wet days (33%). record of the high summer period - May to September The year 2000 still stands as the wettest year with 43.59 - for which the average is 125 sunny days, but last year inches. it fell to 123. There were 135 in 2003. The best year for summer sunshine was 1998 when the total touched 147 Snowfall was about average with snow falling on 12 days. days. Snow lay for 11 days, 5 of those being in January. Compare this with the exceptional 1973 when snow lay for 27 days in Robert Smart January and a further 27 days in February! February went one better in 1986 with snow lying for the full month of 28 days. Weather – January 2005 Fog was hard to find last year, just 4 foggy days down here ot a very auspicious month! in the vale. This is a new minimum record. 1991 had 20 Although the temperatures kept up foggy days, 1992 had 25 and 1996 had 27 - so 4 days is well and we had some snow there very small fry indeed. wasn’tN anything special about it either way.

Temperatures We had rain on 15 days yet the total No prizes for temperatures either. 2004 was well below rainfall, including snow, was a meagre 2003 records. The maximum temperature for the year 1.44 inches compared with 4.87 inches last year. It was the was 85F, recorded in August, while the lowest was 21.2F lowest rainfall since 2000 but the record low still remains at recorded in March. However, paradoxically, the average or 0.65 of an inch in 1997. The wettest day was the 18th when mean temperature for the year was slightly up on 2003. The we had snow and the equivalent of 0.36 of an inch of rain. mean for 2003 was 52.07F, itself a record, but 2004 passed The month began on a lively note with heavy showers of that with 52.23F. Is global warming showing itself? It is hail on the 1st and there was a thick fog on the 15th. interesting to note that from 1966, when my records start, to 1994 mean temperatures were always in the 40s but since It wasn’t a particularly cold month either. The average 1997 every year’s average temperature has been in the 50s temperature was 43.8F, well above last year’s 41.93F but apart from a slight drop in 1998 when it was 49.5F. still well below the record 46.5F in 1984. The highest temperature was 56.3F on the 10th and we had 16 days The warmest night was 60F, recorded in July, while the over 50 during the month. A ground frost on eight coldest day was 38.2F in January. Dry days were at a occasions was not a record either and the occurrence of five premium last year and the longest dry period occurred in air frosts was well below the record 28 in 1979. The coldest May, a run of 19 consecutive days, giving us false hopes of a night was 28.4F on the 23rd. good summer. Robert Smart

The winter mean temperatures, November to February was the second highest ever, being 43.53F, for the period, Trivia Corner – No 16 by Ken Willis compared with the average 41.67F. The warmest winter since I started this record in 1986 was 1994/5 when the 1. Which voluntary organisation has the Maltese Cross mean was 43.97F so not a lot of difference, the coldest as its emblem? winter was 1993/4 at 38.40F. 2. In which sport do you require the best position in the house? We had 38 air frosts and 51 ground frosts. This compares 3. Which literary character rode a horse called Rosinante? favourably with 2003, which had 48 air frosts and 56 4. What is the American word for a full stop? ground frosts. This is what one would expect with the drier 5. Who is elder, Dawn French or Jennifer Saunders? days in 2003 having more clear nights and so more chance Answers on page 42 of frost.

Stretton Focus - 18 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 11 11/2/05 11:22:17 am Church Stretton Town Council Abstract of the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held access. Supported in principle for the development of this on 17th January 2005 site for affordable housing, but objection as access should NOT be through the existing Swains Meadow. Agreement Youth Participation Officer. with the Highways Agency should be reached for the Tim Evans is to be Youth Participation Officer working construction of a separate and safe access to/from the A49, directly with young people and local organisations. His brief ALL construction traffic MUST access site from the existing covers the 14-25 years age range. gated access off the A49. Permission should be subject to the drainage problems in this vicinity being addressed and PLANNING MATTERS: District Decisions rectified,. The 30mph speed limit ought to be extended to • Oakhurst, All Stretton. Felling of 2 trees and other works the top of Laundry Bank. to 2 trees. Approved subject to conditions. • Park House Cottage, Churchway. Erection of 4 dwellings • 4 Brook Meadow. Erection of two domestic outbuildings. and a shop. No objection. Approved. • 2 Ashbrook Meadow, Cardingmill Valley. Erection of • Brookfields Guest House, Watling Street North. extension to dwelling. Objection. This extension clearly Conversion of domestic garage to annex to main dwelling; would not be in keeping and would be overbearing. erection of a link extension, and a domestic garage. • Trefrie, Cardingmill Valley. Erection of a garage. No Approved, subject to conditions. objection subject to condition. • Willow Batch, Cardingmill Valley. Erection of a • Fourways, Cunnery Road. Erection of extension and replacement dwelling. Approved subject to conditions. alterations to dwelling. No objection. • 1 Crown Lane, Little Stretton. Erection of an extension. • Felling of 21 trees, Hopes Wood. No objection but Refused as the proposal is out of keeping with the character recommended that the County Tree Officer’s advice is of the dwelling and its surroundings. sought. • Berries Mount, Caradoc Drive. Erection of a domestic • Whitecote, Clive Avenue. Erection of a dwelling and garage and store with annexe. Refused as the proposal formation of access. Report awaited. represents over-intensive development of the site. • Oakhurst, All Stretton. Erection of a replacement • 3 Chelmick Close. Erection of extension. Approved. dwelling and conservatory and domestic garage, alterations • West Croft, Clive Avenue. Erection of a dwelling; etc. to vehicular access. Objection; the plans do not provide Approved subject to safeguarding of trees. enough information about drainage and sewerage • Kingscliffe, Batch Valley, All Stretton. Erection of disposal and it is felt that the existing building should extension. Approved be demolished and the new building built on the same • Botvyle Farm, All Stretton. Conversion of agricultural original footprint. building to 2 dwellings. Approved subject to several conditions to retain the visual appearance. Twinning. not yet agreed. Meeting to be held to study details and ascertain local interest. PLANNING: Town Council Responses to SSDC • United Reformed Church, High Street. Provision of a Further bids for funding. C S School Community Theatre ramped access and alterations to windows and doors; etc. Management Group has applied for funding of £5000 from No objection. the 2nd Homes Council Tax. The Council agreed to the • Land adjacent to 120 Watling Street South. Erection of project as it will be of long-term benefit to the community. a dwelling and formation of pedestrian access. Objection, recommend that permission be granted only for a single Church Stretton Ring and Ride. Creation of bus stop and storey dwelling. shelter outside Co-op in Lion Meadow supported if existing • 61/63 Shrewsbury Road. Erection of 6 dwellings and bus stop in Burway Road is re-designated as long-term car garages, erection of 2 additional garages, construction of parking spaces. Bus to stop on demand at Post Office and in estate roads and alterations to existing access. An amended Beaumont Road. plan had been lodged with SSDC which shows one of the proposed houses next to Shrewsbury Road replaced with a Surgery - out of hours arrangements. The Primary Care terrace of three houses. The Town Council objected strongly Trust has apologised for confusion and stated that the to how the amended plans had been put in at the last Practice will continue to fund the treatment room nurse. minute. The Dept of Health feels that such matters as opening hours • Elmsdale, Ludlow Road, Little Stretton. Erection of a are best handled locally. Matthew Green MP agrees with conservatory. No objection. community concerns and has written to the PCT and the • 36 Ludlow Road Erection of an extension to a dwelling Secretary of State for Health. and alterations to vehicular access. No objection. • 37 Shrewsbury Road. Formation of a vehicular access. No Rotary Club of Church Stretton – 50th Anniversary objection, with provisions. Celebrations. The Rotary Club’s consideration of creating • Church Stretton Library, Church Street. Construction of a Town Trail marked by brass discs bearing names of Rotary single storey extensions to provide staff room, office and and Civic Society is supported. lobby. No objection. • Street Meadow (adjacent to Swains Meadow). Erection of 26 dwellings, formation of a vehicular and pedestrian continued on page 28

Stretton Focus - 27 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 12 11/2/05 11:22:18 am Church Stretton Town Council continued from page 27 Royal British Legion – 60th Anniversary VE Day Church Stretton Area Tourism Group to organise events Perhaps a marquee containing a display/exhibition could to mark 23rd April. Councillors thought that it was an be included at the Fayre (at no cost to the Food Fayre) as excellent idea. an added attraction. Recycling Yellow Pages. Yellow Pages can be deposited in Flag Pole: The British Legion suggested that the flag pole the paper banks. Posters advertising this have been placed could be re-located in the Square, but it was agreed that it is on our notice boards. better left in the Cunnery Road Cemetery. Taken from a report from Don Clow St. George’s Day:The Council’s Market & Community Regeneration Committee will consider a request by the

What does your Council do for you? he Town Council is a statutory body, following a together with the National Trust democratic process in all its business. All meetings and locals interested in its ongoing are open to the public and the minutes are freely management and accessibility. available.T Elections are held every four years and we would encourage residents to volunteer their time as a Town Church Stretton Conservation Councillor as it is a very challenging, stimulating and Group rewarding way to serve the community. The Town Council set up this group which includes district Council representatives and The Town Council Office is open to the public Monday members of various organisations such as the Civic Society, to Friday 10 am to noon. As well as giving advice to the CPRE etc. This group has looked at tree cover and made public, we sell black sacks, bus passes, burial plots, deal with representations to SSDC, via the Town Council and also street lighting faults and accept market and Silvester Horne made recommendations regarding the possible extension of Institute bookings etc. the Conservation Area of the town.

The Town Council continues to work on behalf of the Cunnery Road Cemetery community in many ways and the following highlights just some The surveys on Trees, Flora and Fauna have been completed. of the projects either being progressed or nearing completion: A Health and Safety Risk Assessment Training Day for all outdoor staff has recently been held. This took place as part Website of their on-going professional development and was funded A grant from the Opportunities fund (2nd Homes Council by a Life Long Learning grant. This training will enable us Tax) is enabling the current Town Website to carry out a risk assessment in the cemetery and at other www.churchstretton.co.uk to be upgraded. The aim is council-owned sites. for this to be an all-inclusive Website for the town and hinterland. The current Website already displays a full list of Some preliminary work on cutting back growth and making Town councillors and Council minutes. headstones safe has taken place and a grant application completed to enable us to finish the tidying and safety Town Design Statement work, renew paths etc. This has been carried out with the Preliminary meetings are taking place to discuss the assistance of Caring for God’s Acre. development of a Town Design Statement (TDS) which can be used as a supplementary planning document when The Royal British Legion has written a profile of soldiers SSDC look at planning applications for the town. It is not interred or recorded on family graves. Primary school intended to stop development, but to control it and act as a children were involved in placing Union Flags on these graves design filter. in the week prior to Remembrance Sunday in November.

A presentation of the process involved, the merits of having Park and other outdoor areas. a TDS and how YOU can be involved in producing it We have an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team of will be held at the Silvester Horne Institute on Saturday outdoor staff who are re-designing the planting in the park morning 12th March 2005. Please make every effort to which will be a five-year project. We are currently discussing come along to this event as this is your town and your input with the local Croquet Club the possibility of creating two to this document is valuable and essential. Croquet lawns in the park and discussing with the Tennis Club the creation of a third all-weather tennis court. Rectory Wood and Field We are founder members of the Rectory Wood and Field The young persons outdoor area is continuously monitored Group. All the surveys are completed and we are ready for safety, resulting in various works having to be to proceed with the Management Plan. We are working undertaken. in close co-operation with owners (County Council), continued on page 30 Stretton Focus - 28 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 13 11/2/05 11:22:19 am continued from page 28 Dear Editor … Youngsters in the Skate Park Group take an interest in the development of this area. The main ramp is currently being ne aspect of the tsunami disaster has re-surfaced for safety reasons, with a contribution from the been overlooked: the extent to which Group towards the cost. The BMX track has been re-sited the damage has been increased by OWestern entrepreneurs. They have cut down and is undergoing a major overhaul, including drainage and re-designing – courtesy of the Territorial Army. mangrove woods, which line the coast, in order to develop prawn farms and holiday beaches. The remaining flat area has been levelled and re-seeded Where the mangroves were intact, they took the brunt of the to enable its use for family games, picnics etc. Two youth tidal wave, and the devastation was much reduced. shelters have been installed with the aid of grants from the Countryside Agency and South Shropshire Safer We are quick to blame God for natural disasters, forgetting Communities. that nature provides defences to limit them. Our desire to rebuild creation according to our own specification, in order The razyC Golf continues to be a popular addition to the to increase our comfort and pleasure, always has side effects. Park, as is the cycling area. A composting area has been But God has allowed a material loss to become a spiritual created in the compound saving the Council around £1k gain. People have diverted their attention and money from on the cost of skip hire. The area containing the slides themselves to perfect strangers, even to former enemies; and swings remains the responsibility of South Shropshire governments have re-directed funds and troops from war Districh Council. zones to disaster areas.

Allotments We have been made to realise that life is more important In response to a request, the Town council has identified than possessions, and to be thankful for the gift of our life land which could be used for this purpose. Anyone – a commodity we had hitherto taken for granted. interested in having an allotment should contact the Town Simone Crawley Council Office. would like to make a plea for that list of meetings week Russells Meadow Pavilion by week that used to be so invaluable in the Focus. Volunteers, under the leadership of Pat Middleton, have I can see from the What’s on in the Strettons feature that you continued to improve the interior of the pavilion, which includes much improved showering facilities. To complete say ‘if you wish to know the times of regular meetings, consult the refurbishment, a grant is being sought to clad the our central yellow pages’ but that is hardly the same as having a outside of the building and re-cove the floor. It is also handy slip of paper by the telephone to refer to every week. intended to construct an extension which will contain a toilet for the disabled. I feel, and all the friends I have spoken to agree, that if you printed the ‘yellow pages’ once a year for us to keep, and Lutwyche Road Toilets you gave us back our regular weekly list, we would be much The Town Council is taking over these toilets from SSDC to happier. I might actually manage to get to the Flower Club, save them from closure. As part of the requirements of the something I have missed two months running! Disability Discrimination Act we will have to install a toilet for the disabled. The Town Council is hoping to carry out Please consider that it would help your poor elderly much of the work required in-house in order to reduce costs. forgetful readers. Daphne Wall VE Day Celebrations The government is encouraging local councils to celebrate If any organisation would like to publicise the time of its the 60th Anniversary of VE Day. Their chosen day is 10th regular meetings (e.g. second Tuesday, 7.30pm) please let us July 2005 and so the Town Council is currently looking at know and we will print this after the appropriate contact phone ways to mark this event in co-operation with the Food Fayre number in the Yellow Pages. Editor which takes place on the same date. There may be some grant aid available to finance these celebrations. HOUSEHOLD RUBBISH COLLECTION ARRANGEMENTS EASTER 2005 Twinning Following a request from Deputy Mayor of Doué la Fontaine, There will be no collection of Domestic Refuse on France to twin with Church Stretton, the Town Council asked Good Friday and Easter Monday the Partnership to ascertain if there was an interest in taking this forward and forming a Twinning Association. Encouraging Friday collections will be on the Saturday. preliminary meetings have been held. The Town Council will also hold a Civic Reception in September for the French For the week 28th March to 1st April, rubbish students, to celebrate 25 years of student exchange. Each collections will be made one day later than usual. student will be presented with a ‘Welcome pack’ with information about the town and the area. Green Box and Green Sack collections will be made on the revised day Taken from a report from Don Clow Stretton Focus - 30 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 14 11/2/05 11:22:19 am On the Sixtieth Anniversary of Roman Catholic Voice the Liberation of Auschwitz All a Question of Attitude Sixty years on we stand and quietly so ne of the things, which a composer of We’re waiting where we did those years ago the church’s article has to remember, is that when Recalling loved ones and our friends long gone the reader comes to look at it, it is over a month Cut down by evil genocidal wrong Osince it was written. In the same way we have to think ahead as we write, to what may be happening in the early Wire barbed like swastikas against the sky days of March. Seem waiting for the long and distant cry That does not come from those in silent death So, I reckon that by now we should be in the thick of Upon this lonely soulful Auschwitz heath our Lent and, as well as doing our Lenten penances, like Inflicted by the Oberführer’s hand doing without things and pursuing positive works of Sixty years on with numbered arms we stand Christian charity, some of us are going to what we call As snowflakes fall each one a tortured breast ‘Lenten Groups’. Here we are sharing our thoughts on Soon we with them must melt away to rest the Beatitudes in the book entitled ‘Attitudes’. A good title All we can hope that in the days anon that - because it reminds us that Christianity is a religion Our children will, if tutored, pass it on which, although it does have a book, the Bible, is essentially That generations need to know the pain something for the whole person, not just their brain. So degradation does not come again This is good news for us who are less intellectual because Written in tears John Voller 27th January 2005 it means that we can accept and work with and for Christ, even if we do not know how many angels can perch on the end of a needle. It is not what we know that determines our Stretton Traidcraft commitment to Christ, but our attitude. Of course this is natural if our Christian experience is one of a relationship Indian Ocean Tsunami to a living person rather than an adherence to a set of laws. f the eleven countries hit by the devastating earthquake There are, however, people who will be finding difficulty and tsunami on Boxing Day, Traidcraft has links with this approach to our faith because it seems so vague. Owith producer groups in six of them. Mercifully, as far as They need to be told what precisely they have to do. The we know, all of the Traidcraft suppliers and the groups beatitudes seem to be quite general. They talk about being they work with have survived. Several of these groups have poor, whatever that means, they ask us to think about being been swift to respond to the need around them, offering peacemakers when, if we keep ourselves to ourselves, we assistance and organising relief activities in advance of the will never meet people who disagree with us (or anybody international effort. else). They talk about ideals, all very nice for the youngsters amongst us, but for most of us, well, we may not be able Stretton Traidcraft quite to remember what ours were, but we think we are still Although our accounts for 2004 have to be finalised, we on track. And as for hungering and thirsting for what is have sold £8000 worth of foods and crafts. We are most right, well, that seems to beg the question nowadays, when grateful for all the support we have received from our local it seems it is hard to decide what is right. Even the clergy community and for the efforts of the local volunteers. tell us different things.

Fairtrade Fortnight - March 1st to 13th So where do we go from here? I think we need to seek out a FT Fortnight in 2004 was notable for the media coverage of little bit of certainty, a teaching or doctrine we can hang on fair trade; this year is likely to be equally in the public eye to amidst the waves of doubt and indifference. in view of the UK government’s leadership in international trade negotiations and the focus on Africa. What about that statement from Paul the apostle, ‘If Christ be not risen, your faith is in vain’. Locally, there will be a display in the Library - and a date for your diary: If we start and end with that we can’t go far wrong. Happy Easter - when it comes! Monday March 7th Father Joseph Donlan at ‘BERRY’S’ Coffee House in the Square A Fair Trade Awareness Day Stretton Traidcraft: continued from previous column Teas, coffees etc will be served from 10am - 2.30pm Light lunches will also be available We are most grateful to proprietors, Lynwen and John Gott for offering this opportunity (on a day when Berry’s would There will also be displays of fair trade produce and normally be closed). Please come along if you can. crafts plus a raffle(s) All profits will go towards fair trade development Don Clow

Stretton Focus - 33 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 15 11/2/05 11:22:20 am Rotary Club Youth Speaks Competition his took place at Church Stretton School with ten teams competing from Bishops Castle Community College, Church Stretton School, Concord College andT Ludlow College.

The Senior Section was won by a team from Church Stretton made up of Adam Preece, Joanna Barnes and Kate Capps. They spoke on “Cosmetic Surgery”. The runners up were from Bishops Castle. The winner of the Intermediate Section was Alexander Kerswell, Kathryn Price, and Lucy Bright the team from The judges ,John Woolmer, Jill Theemans and Steve Butler Concord said that the standard of speaking was extremely high and College made that it showed that the young of today were not inarticulate up of Kathryn couch potatoes as often portrayed. Adam Williamson of Price, Lucy Church Stretton Rotary Club chaired the proceedings and Bright and said that it was immensely encouraging to see young people Alexander speaking so clearly and confidently. Kerswell, speaking on The winning teams will go through to the District round at Adam Preece, Joanna Barnes and Kate Capps “Fox Hunting”. Penkridge with a view to getting through to the National Photos: Roger Stokes Finals. Roger Stokes

Floral Planters ast summer the Town’s floral planter display was The cost of one planter for the summer season, with exceptionally pretty, and enhanced by the additional maintenance, will be approximately the same as last year, baskets provided by traders through the Church i.e.£130, and so any donation, however small, would be StrettonL Area Tourism Group, making the best display ever. greatly appreciated. The Town Council wishes to thank the Group and traders for their efforts. Please write to the Town Clerk, 60 High Street, Church Stretton with your donation promise. The Town Council is The Town Council provided winter planters again this year, extremely grateful to all those who have contributed in the with continuing (and much appreciated) financial assistance past and hope that local generosity will continue this year. from traders, businesses, organisations and residents. We Thank You. Mrs. C M Harvey,Town Clerk are now looking at the cost of the provision of summer plants for the 16 pole mounted planters, together with four hanging baskets and three troughs for the Square. So we Snapped in Stretton are seeking donations from local businesses, organisations and individuals in order to help provide the best display possible.

Have you any unusual photographs you have taken around the Strettons in recent years? If so, we and our readers would like to see them. (Any photographs submitted would be returned)

Stretton Focus - 35 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 16 11/2/05 11:22:24 am Quaker Voice Gathering Together t is interesting to listen to misconceptions about what down to them by someone else’s dogma. Quakers believe! Perhaps the figure on the Quaker Oats Others are still at a very early stage of packet gives the impression of a very old fashioned seeking. religion,I and many people think that it has close similarities with such sects as the Plymouth Brethren, or other Surprising as it may seem to those who have never fundamentalist groups. Nothing could be further from experienced Quaker worship, (but perhaps not to those the truth! In fact, if these groups could be called the right who read the Quaker article last month on the procedures wing of Christianity, most Quaker Christians would put at Quaker business meetings), this type of meeting does not themselves on the left wing, or ‘liberal’ wing. lead to a fragmented meeting with opposing opinions vying with each other in a competitive environment; rather it leads Most religions or denominations of religions submit to to unity; not necessarily unity of opinion, but unity of spirit, some preconceived teaching, such as the Apostles Creed, which is far more important. In Quaker language, a meeting and members are expected to submit to an external becomes ‘gathered’. Thomas Bodine describes this (1980): authority, such as the Bible or a person in a position of authority, which can restrict freedom of enquiry. The more “ A ‘gathered’ Quaker meeting is something more than a fundamentalist the religion or denomination, the more number of individuals sitting down together but meditating restrictive it becomes on what members ‘should’ believe. individually. So long as each sits in meditation in the way one does when worshipping by oneself, the worship will seldom Quakers do not have to submit to such a creed or external reach that greater depth which a Quaker meeting at its best authority, but are characterised as being open-minded achieves. The goal of a truly ‘gathered’ meeting is to become seekers of ‘Truth’. Quaker worship is structured to suit those fused into something bigger than the sum of the parts...As whose approach to religion encompasses this openness, this a meeting ‘gathers’, as each individual ‘centres down’, there freedom, this seeking approach, being based on silence, gradually develops a feeling of belonging to a group who are but giving all participants the freedom to speak and bring together seeking a sense of the Presence. The ‘I’ in us begins to their own challenges, doubts, confusions, worship, prayers feel like ‘we’. At some point—it may be early in the meeting or or insights to the meeting as a whole, and to be listened to it may be later, or it may never occur at all—we suddenly feel a with care and respect. sense of unity, a sense of togetherness with one another and with that something outside ourselves that we call God.” The aim of seeking, of course, is to find, and many Quakers (Quaker Faith and Practice, paragraph 2.47) have found a faith which is far stronger than one handed Les Dobb Changes Afoot at the Medical Centre e are grateful to those of you who recently 2. You will be able to make an appointment to have a completed a Patient Survey that gave us feedback telephone consultation with your own doctor. about the service we offer to you here at the MedicalW Centre. It was clear from some of the responses 3. In the longer term this will mean that you will be more that one of the things you value most is prompt access to a likely to be able to see the doctor of your choice sooner than doctor and, in particular, to the doctor of your choice. The at present. system that we currently have in place offers the former, but reduces access to the latter. This is a system that has been shown to be successful in other parts of the country and is popular with both patients We have been looking at ways in which we can improve and staff. We are hoping to have the system in place continuity of care without making it difficult to get after Easter. In order to make this work well we will be immediate healthcare when needed. We are intending to employing a further senior nurse. introduce a system that helps you to receive the care you need, from the most appropriate person as fast as possible. During this time of change please bear with us. Feedback is always welcome and will help us to make the service more efficient. You will see three main differences: Church Stretton Medical Practice 1. If you are unable to wait until the next available Magistrates’ Court Open Day appointment with the doctor of your choice the receptionist will ask our experienced Sister to phone you back promptly You can find out how to apply to become a magistrate, and discuss with you the best way of managing your or just learn about how justice operates in Shrewsbury’s problem. This may involve giving you advice, asking the Magistrates’ Court, on Friday 18th March 2005 at the doctor to contact you, offering you an appointment with court centre in Preston Street. either a nurse or a doctor later that same day or arranging There will be mock trials to watch, stands and exhibitions for a doctor to visit you. If Sister feels you need to see a to see and tours of the court building including the cells doctor the same day then she will arrange that appointment and a prison van. for you, where possible with your usual doctor. Ring the Magistrates’ Court during office hours on 01743 Receptionists and secretaries will always pass requests for 458500 for free tickets and more information. same-day appointments to the Sister. Stretton Focus - 36 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 17 11/2/05 11:22:25 am Need a Guiding Hand? Stepping Stones Rotary Club tocks of the new Town Guides hrough the generosity of the that include basic details of Nursery people of Church Stretton who twelve local outdoor activities, arents and Children Celebrated have kindly supported recent Sare now available. PChristmas – in aid of Save the RotaryT events, the club has been able They have been part Children. to give the funds raised to charities. financed by the Children, parents, grandparents and Much of the Charity Fund had been European Union Nursery staff at the Stepping Stones promised to specific local charities for and Advantage West Nursery joined together on Friday specific events but there were funds for Midlands and are 17th December 2004 to enjoy a some international needs. now one of a series festive morning of making, sticking, of new guides that Within three days of the Tsunami help advertise the disaster £250 was sent to the Disaster charms of the Fund. It was reported that by 13 market towns of January Rotary Clubs of the UK and South Shropshire. Ireland had donated over £5 million. Some copies Since then we have heard that the two have just been Shelter Boxes that we had paid for last distributed to year had been sent out in an airlift of shops, cafes and 250 boxes by Sri Lankan airways. It pubs in Church was reported by Helston Rotary Club Stretton, whilst the Tourist which runs the scheme all 3000 boxes Information Centre will hold a large snipping and colouring in. Christmas which were in store in the UK had stock. Any difficulties in obtaining decorations, ornaments, Yuletide cakes been dispatched to the Indian Ocean the Guide, please contact Eileen and biscuits were borne home with before the middle of January. Each Roberts on 01694 720086. great pride, all in the name of helping box will provide shelter for ten people the fantastic work of Save the Children. together with emergency supplies and The Church Stretton Area Tourism We sold juice and coffee, mince pies, tools. Another £250 has been sent Group is also producing a new cakes and biscuits; and then, to round from our club to buy an Aquabox ‘Where to Stay, Eat and Drink off a lovely morning’s activities, sang stuffed with water purification tablets and What to Do’ guide booklet. with (or listened in amazement to, which can be dropped to provide The all new ‘What to Do’ section in some cases!) the children as they drinking water for a great number of contains fuller details of the outdoor performed an impromptu concert of people. adventurous activities around Church Christmas songs and rhymes. Stretton. Copies will be widely Thank ouy – a huge one – to all those Locally we were able to send £500 to distributed throughout the town. who gave up their time to help on the the County Air Ambulance Service, Businesses, hotel and guest-house day, and to those who came along to £1000 to the Lingen Davis Cancer owners needing copies are asked to support us. Centre and £1000 to the Severn obtain them from the TIC or Library We raised £46.95 in just a couple of Hospice. A small donation of £50 in Church Street…01694 723133 / very amicable hours! was made to help with Telford Rotary 722535. Helen Reidy Club’s campaign for ‘Sense’, the charity which assists deaf/blind people. Also We very much hope that the Guides £50 was sent to ‘Sightsavers’, funds will be of use to both residents and our Tsunami Disaster raised from members who gave up visitors. Collection sending Christmas cards to each other. house to house collection was Church Stretton Area Tourism Group made in January to raise funds Lastly £500 was sent to the Rotary for the Tsunami disaster. Foundation; the main aim of this A organisation is the elimination of polio Volunteers visited a number of streets in the world. It also has education Help in the Strettons and managed to collect programmes to help, mainly young £2,075. Many people had already people to complete educational visits white bowling jack and a given but some gave more - we would in countries foreign to them. Their green plastic bowls measure like to thank both collectors and givers humanitarian programme gives grants were stolen from the SHI on to self help development projects ThursdayA 3rd February. Would any for their brilliant response. The money was paid into the Disasters Emergency and to groups involved in such finder please contact Tony Crowe Fund at Barclays Bank, Church international service. 01694 723292. Thank you. Stretton. Roger Stokes Carol Overs and Mary Harvey

Stretton Focus - 38 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 18 11/2/05 11:22:27 am Church Services over the Easter Season “I Am The Resurrection And The Life” Come and Celebrate this Fact

MAUNDY THURSDAY Th ursday 24th March 7.30pm Churches Together Communion at St Laurence’s followed by ‘Th e atch’W until 8.00am Good Friday 7.30pm Th e Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper followed by Watching until midnight, at St Milburga’s

GOOD FRIDAY Friday 25th March 10.30am Churches Together Service at the Methodist Church followed by ‘Th e Walk of Witness’ to the Square 11.45am An Open Air Service in the Square 11.00am Good Friday Children’s Activity in the Parish Centre 10.30am Devotional Service at St Michael & All Angels 2.00pm ‘Hour Before Th e Cross’ at St Laurence’s 3.00pm Th e Liturgy of the Cross at St Milburga’s 7.30pm Stations of the Cross at St Walburga’s, Plowden

EASTER SATURDAY Saturday 26th March 8.00pm Easter Vigil Ceremony at St Milburga’s

EASTER DAY Sunday 27th March Churches Together Sunrise Walk and Service leaving from the Methodist Church at 6am

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Church Stretton 10.30am Regular Sunday Meeting

Methodist Church, Church Stretton 8.30am Holy Communion followed by Breakfast 10.30am Easter Communion 6.00pm Easter Praise

St Milburga’s Roman Catholic Church 9.15am Mass of Easter at St Milburga’s, Church Stretton 10.45am Easter Mass at St Walburga’s, Plowden

St Laurence’s Church, Church Stretton 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30am Easter Celebration with Communion

St Michael and All Angels, All Stretton 10.30am Holy Communion (URC): Family Service

All Saints, Little Stretton 11.00am Holy Communion (Traditional)

United Reformed Church, Church Stretton 10.30am Morning Service with Communion

Stretton Focus - 39 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 19 11/2/05 11:22:30 am Methodist Voice The Way Ahead Group- report by An in-depth look at the spiritual life What then is to be our Jon Cooke for the Church Council: of our fellowship and producing a Atonement? Let it be renewed s has been reported previously framework for more effective outreach service to our churches and the Way Ahead Group was are our next challenges. community in Church Stretton. formed at the request of the A similar retreat is planned for AChurch Council to look in depth Annual Retreat Willersley Castle during November at the whole life of our church and I give below some thoughts submitted this year. If anyone is interested in this come up with “exactly as it says in its by Ted Moulding on the Church and would like further details please name”… the way ahead. Recent work Retreat at ‘Lindors’ in the Wye Valley contact Stella and David Jandrell. has included a rigorous examination during October last year. of the work of the various church A Spiritual Journey Education Sunday 6th February 2005 committees and how well they actually From Watershed to Waterfall This was an extremely enjoyable function and achieve their tasks. In October 2004 a group from service and we were encouraged by This sort of appraisal can be quite a the Methodist Church under the a large attendance including the challenging activity – it’s so easy just leadership of the Revd. Joan and Royce constituency MP, and members of the to jog along and not stop and have Warner met for a three day retreat in County, District and Town Councils, a good look at what’s happening. the beautiful Wye Valley at ‘Lindors’. representatives of various community Equally so with our Christian lives…. During our daily services and organisations and schools and colleges. we go to church each Sunday, make discussions, the starting point was The sermon was preached by Revd our contribution to the offering etc. The Cross and Forgiveness. This led Peter Lister, Director, Board of etc. Now and then it’s a good idea to to thoughts of Repentance to receive Education, Lichfield Diocese assisted just stand back and take a hard look at that Forgiveness. Only then could we by members of our congregation. ourselves. We may not always like what lay down our burden of guilt of faults we see and it takes courage to accept known and unknown, at the foot of Annual Church Day when changes are necessary. Our Lord The Cross. The concluding service of This will be held on 19th March accepts us for what we are, but that’s Holy Communion was the watershed 2005 and it is at this meeting that no excuse to become complacent. and renewal for the future. we shall receive reports on the work Our final view as we left ‘Lindors’ of the Church during the previous The group have recently produced was the wonderful waterfall – a year. We shall also appoint officers a challenging “Mission Statement” symbol of continuous Spiritual Power. for the forthcoming year. It has which has been unanimously accepted The inspiring United Service at St been an extremely busy year and our by the Church Council and we shall Laurence’s Church on 30th January grateful thanks are extended to all the shortly be going live with our church is evidence of that unending Spiritual officers and other members who have website. presence of our Lord. contributed so much. Harry Clarke

Arts Festival Details of the Spring event: Women’s World Day of Prayer ur President, Andrew March 4th 2005 Downes, has come up with the idea of a lecture/recital in May, ‘Let Our Light Shine’ Oas a launch for the main Festival, and to introduce Duncan Honeycombe, a brilliant young pianist, The Christian Women of Poland invite you to join them in who will help with the lecture in the first half of the prayer on the theme of ‘Let Our Light shine’. evening, then give a recital after the interval.

A local service will be held at This event will be held on May 14th. Further details St Milburga’s Roman Catholic Church in Focus for April. at 10.30am As ever, a reminder that membership of the Friends The speaker will be of the Festival is very reasonably priced, gives priority Sister Josephine Bird booking and information, and, for some events, who is a member of the religious order of the sisters of reserved seating. Gerald Bolton, on 01694 723807, Our Lady of the Cenacle, and is co-ordinator for ‘Spiritual can give you more details. Formation’. She lives in Chester. Any other comments, offers of help etc to me, George Roby, on 01694 722159. All Welcome – men, women and young people

Stretton Focus - 40 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 20 11/2/05 11:22:31 am Out & About arch is a tricky month, looking to catch you out, but High on the crest of the ridge to the east of the town is most of our places of diversion and entertainment Flounders Folly (01588 676000), recently restored and seem willing to bet that it will be Spring. opened to the public on certain days, probably from Easter. M It is said that Benjamin Flounders built it so that he could Ray’s Farm (01299 841255) near Bridgnorth is a case in see the estuaries of both the Severn and the Mersey from the point, opening fully from the start of the month to offer top. Doubtful, but try it and see. much of interest for everyone; as well as the normal farm animals, there are rabbits, deer and owls, lovely walks and As usual we are well served this month on the music front: streams, with light meals and a gift shop at the end of the The Maidment Hall (01743 280810) in Shrewsbury day. Acton Scott Working Farm (01694 781306), on the School is offering the Gould Piano Trio on Wednesday 16th other hand, is hedging its bets and plans to open fully only March at 7.30pm, playing Mozart and Tchaikovsky, while on 21st of the month. down in Ludlow at The Assembly Rooms (01584 873229) there is music of a different kidney on 17th – a St Patrick’s Not far down the road, at Onibury, is the Wernlas Day Ceilidh of course. The band is a Welsh one, South Collection (01584 856318) of rare poultry. Even if you Wales best, but it has definitely nothing to learn from the are someone who only fancies chicken on a plate, you are Celts across the water. very likely to enjoy the highly colourful hens and cockerels strutting about here – over seventy varieties of them, ranging Attingham Park (01743 708123) has a lot to offer this from the positively gorgeous to the decidedly weird. Still month. On Sunday 6th March they are having Ladies’ on the A49, if you are looking for interesting wet-weather Day – all about Regency dresses and styles – and on outings there is the excellent Museum of Lost Content Sunday 13th March they have Walk and Ride on the (01588 676176) in the centre of Craven Arms, only a stone’s Wild Side, a two-hour guided tour of the park in the throw from the Secret Hills Discovery Centre (01588 company of the warden. In addition, they have a variety 676000) both of which are well worth a visit, more than of Easter Activities planned for 26th to 28th of the one in fact. Craven Arms has yet another treasure for you to month. explore, though you need this time to choose a fine day. Answers to Trivia Corner – No 16 Blackpool Holiday for Senior 1. St. John’s Ambulance 2. Curling Citizens ach year the Rotarian Club of Church 3. Don Quixote 4. Period 5. Dawn French Stretton organises a holiday for Senior Citizens in Blackpool. With theE co-operation of some Blackpool hoteliers a package Tangy Fish Fillets is put together enabling people to get away to the seaside hese fillets are given a coating of for a week with a programme of tours and entertainment TParmesan, breadcrumbs and lemon rind. provided. A vermouth and oregano sauce completes this dish. Delicious! The hotel provides half board and optional tours for £122 Ingredients: per person sharing and £142 for a single room. The coach 2 whiting (or other white fish) fillets, skinned, will be leaving from the Church Stretton Co-op car park about 5oz each and the Shrewsbury Sainsbury’s car park on Thursday 14th salt and black pepper 1 egg July and returning there on Thursday 21st July. 2oz dried breadcrumbs 1½ tablesp. Parmesan ½ tablesp. grated lemon rind 2 tablesp. olive oil Last year 31 people went on the July holiday. There were ¾ oz butter visits to local markets and Garden Centres and a trip For the sauce: around the Lake District. 2 tablesp. dry vermouth ¼ pint fish stock 1 tablesp. capers (optional) 1 teasp. dried oregano Rotary Club members collect people from their homes and 1oz butter bring them to the coach in Church Stretton, and, of course, at the end of the holiday, take them back home. There is Beat up the egg, Mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan and plenty of time for people to do their own thing and the lemon rind and put on a plate. hotels are used to dealing with older people though it is Dip each fillet in the egg and coat each side with the important that those who join can manage one flight of breadcrumbs. Heat the olive oil and butter in a frying pan stairs as there are no lifts. All who went last year said they and fry the fillets for 3 minutes on each side. Remove the had had a great time, and most are planning to join the fish and keep it hot. Pour the vermouth and fish stock into party again this year. the pan and boil for1 minute. Drain the capers(if using). Add the oregano and capers to the sauce and simmer for 2 Those interested should contact Darroll Harrison on minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the 1 oz. of 720177. Places are limited and they are allocated on a first butter a little at a time. Season. Put the fish on a warmed come first served basis. The closing date for application is plate and pour over the sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges. 15th April. Roger Stokes You will like this dish! “Her Ladyship” Stretton Focus - 42- March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 21 11/2/05 11:22:31 am Occasional Advertisements The Book-Keeping Fairy HOLIDAY LETTING - TUSCANY A large first floor flat in a former Tuscan farmhouse Call Lisa on 07811 381 191 is available for holiday letting. Fully equipped, with separate entrance and for a friendly, reliable, shaded patio. cost-effective service On edge of Chianti hills among vine and olive groves, in excellent touring and walking country. Costa del Sol Florence, Arezzo and Siena easily accessible. Near Nerja and Torrox English resident owner. GROUND FLOOR HOLIDAY APARTMENT For details email [email protected] or TO LET preliminary details from 01694 723858. Sleeps 4/5 A quiet location in select urbanization Your Home in the Costa Blanca with lovely open views. Are you looking to buy a property in the Communal Pool and Gardens. Spanish Costa Blanca but not sure who to talk to? Good amenities nearby. Maybe to spend the winter days there or as an investment? For Details, availability and prices contact local owners We offer a friendly service to help you find the property Christopher & Helen Morris, that suits your requirements Church Stretton 01694 724492 There are many designs and locations to choose from - near the coast, near the mountains and near to their excellent Wood Floor Restorations golf courses! Specialising in the Restoration and Dressing of all types of Which would you like to live in? Wooden Floors, Internal Timber Beams, Oak Panelling KANGAROO KIDS BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE Simply ring Richard Smith on 0777 1890 425 to see if we and Staircases. Make your Kids Party go with a Bounce have the ideal property for you! A choice of finishes are available. Choice of Brand New Bouncy Castles We offer a sample service of all shades and finishes. Friendly Efficient Service - Great Prices COLLIERS GARDEN SERVICES We also offer a service of cleaning and sealing of Full Public Liability Insurance. Member BIHA ALL ASPECTS OF GARDENING UNDERTAKEN Quarry Tiles, Slate, Marble and Stone. Maintenance products are available, programmes can also be Lawn mowing Landscaping Service set up to keep your floor in perfect condition. Patio Laying Hedge Cutting Tel/Fax 01746 764244 or 07817 486467 Trees Pruned or Removed Turfing www.woodfloorrestorations.co.uk Fences Erected Decking Free Quotes Strefford Hall Butchery and Farm Shop NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL. 2 miles North of Craven Arms off the A49 ALL AREAS Open Tues to Sat 10am-5pm For a professional service please call Closed Sunday - Monday FREEPHONE 0800 328 8936 Home Reared Beef, Pork, Lamb Beef hung for at least 3 weeks THE ODD-JOB-COUPLE 14 different Sausage Flavours HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM HOME AND GARDEN MAINTENANCE Dry Cured Bacon, Hams, and Pickled Beef Having difficulty finding someone to do the small jobs around your home? Free-range eggs, Cakes, Preserves, Veg, Christmas Orders WE CAN HELP! Locally sourced cheeses, ice cream, fruit, sauces, Building flat pack furniture - Hanging doors - Putting up shelves Tea & Coffee Bleeding radiators - Fixing dripping taps - Cleaning carpets/windows www.streffordhallfarmshop.co.uk Hanging curtains and blinds - Painting (int & ext) - Cleaning/repairing gutters Farm: (01588) 672 383 Shop: (01588) 672 759 Lawn and hedge cutting - Planting and weeding -Seasonal tidy up Erecting/repairing fencing - Paths, patio laying and repairs Cornish Holiday Cottage Transportation of items from A to B (locally) The list is endless please ring for details LELANT, Nr St IVES Don’t be afraid to call, because no job is too small! Available for hire by the hour, per job or for the day Traditional cottage in Lelant Village, near St Ives. TEL: 01694 781417 MOBILE 07958 908434 Five minutes walk to glorious unspoilt beach, Church Stretton Country Market golf course, RSPB Hayle estuary and (formerly WI Market) coastal footpaths. We urgently need new producers, especially cooks. Recently refurbished to a high standard and Come to Mayfair any Friday morning to see how we sleeping 7 comfortably. operate. We reopen 11th March. Secluded garden. Ring 01694 722570 for details. For brochure please call 01694 720003 Stretton Focus - 43 - March 2005

March 2005 mag .indd 22 11/2/05 11:22:32 am