Stretton

FMay 208 OCUSCommunity Voice of the Strettons £1.00

Stokesay Castle and Timber Framed Gatehouse

May 2008 mag.indd 1 18/4/08 12:03:03 Stretton Focus 2 (founded 1967) In Focus Average monthly sales 1,475 copies (About 65% of households in Church Stretton) News What’s On in the Strettons in May Chairman 5 Burway Books – up for Award If you wish to know the times of regular meetings of societies and groups, please consult the list of societies and their contacts in the yellow pages. Mike Edmunds 723961 Editors 7 Arts Festival News Barbara Vickery 724179 11 Mayfair News 2 Fr i d a y Gay Walker 722257 27 St Lawrence School News Country Market 8.45am Mayfair Cover Editor 17 Long Mynd Paths Reconstruction Yvonne Beaumont 722533 Computer Production 18 SSFS News 3 Sa T u r d a y Barrie Raynor 723928 23 Knights Way Walk Shropshire Wildlife Trust Rowland Jackson 722390 24 Good Neighbours Jubilee Coffee Morning and Plant Sale Paul Miller 724596 10.00am - 12noon Parish Centre Distribution 29 Church Stretton School News Richard Carter 724106 29 Scraptastic at Scrappies Advertising 37 Parish Paths Partnership News 5 Mo n d a y Graham Young 724647 41 Rushbury Muck Lug Mayfair – May Fayre Treasurer Robert Woodier 720016 42 Rotary Club Report Stalls, refreshments, circus skills Secretary 42 Masonic aid to Local Organisations 11.00 - 3.00pm See Page 11 Gloria Carter 724106 42 Magpies News Directors Forthcoming Events Flicks in the Sticks Mike Edmunds (Chmn), Gloria Carter (Sec), Sandie Johnson, Pat Oxtoby, Barrie Raynor 7 Walkers are Welcome Launch ‘Zodiac’ 7.30pm CS School (V Chmn), Peter Relph, Lesley Richards, Robert 7 South Shropshire Ramblers Walks See Page 38 Woodier (Treas), Peter Wright 11 Mayfair AGM email address 11 Mayfair May Fayre 6 Tu e S d a y [email protected] 17 Cunnery Rd Cemetery Focus AGM 2.00pm Mayfair Advertisements Rates for block and occasional 18 Sport and Community Meeting advertisements may be obtained (send 27 Lifeboats Social Afternoon Lifeboats Social Afternoon s.a.e.) from the Advertising Manager, 35 Gardening Club Outings 3.00pm Methodist Church Hall Graham Young, 30 Alison Road,  Church Stretton, SY6 7AT, 37 Music for a Summer Evening See Page 27 Tel: 01694 724647 or email 38 A Trip to London [email protected] 38 CMV and the Shropshire Hills 7 We d n e S d ay to whom copy should be sent. 38 Dorrington Players Methodist Network Group The Stretton Focus Management Board cannot 38 Flicks in the Sticks Speaker: Rev. Joan Warner accept responsibility for any product or service advertised. Acceptance of an advertisement does 38 LibDem Plant Sale 2.30pm Methodist Church hall not imply any form of approval or recommendation. Advertisers are required to comply with the British Code 38 More Singers Concert of Advertising Practice. 38 Singing the Classics 8 Th u r S d a y Submission of articles If possible, please submit material 38 Spirit at Work in the Strettons? Sport & Community Meeting electronically to 41 Acton Scott Heritage Project 7.00pm Town Council Offi ce [email protected] as an 41 Lingen Davies Charity Walk See Page 18 attachment with a pertinent title, not simply ‘Focus Article’. Typed or legible 41 Preen Family History handwritten copy, discs, CDs with 42 Friends of St Laurence Coffee Mng 9 Fr i d a y original unimproved digital photographs or good quality glossy photographs may Regular Features Country Market 8.45am Mayfair be left at Wrights, Estate Agent, Sandford 2 What’s On Avenue clearly labelled ‘Stretton Focus’. All copy must be received by noon on the 4 Shopping in The Strettons Farmers Market date below. 11 Thank You 9.00 - 1.00pm Market Square Disclaimer 11 Gardening in May Stretton Focus prints a wide range of articles and letters. The views expressed by signed articles are 11 Mayfair Lottery Senior Citizens Club those of their authors and not necessarily those of the Management Board. 17 March Weather ‘Age Concern’ 2.30pm URC Hall Copy day 18 Anglican Voice is normally the fi rst Monday of the 18 URC Voice 10 Sa T u r d a y month. 21,24 Town Council Minutes Friends of St Laurence For the June 2008 issue it is Monday 5th May (12 noon). 22 Walk of the Month Coffee Morning. Variety of stalls For the July issue it will be Monday 2nd 24 Methodist Voice 10.00am - 12noon Parish Centre

MAY 2008 MAY June. 27 Catholic Voice See Page 42 The June Stretton Focus will be 27 Quaker Voice distributed on Friday 30th May 27 Trivia Corner Living Cemetery Project Outlets 29 Plant of the Month Celebration event Stretton Focus may be purchased 34 Letters 10.20am Cunnery Road Cemetery by annual subscription (delivered) or directly from Newsworld (Sandford 37 Where is it? - Photo Quiz Avenue), Whinberries (All Stretton 37 Trivia Answers Stretton Choral Society Stores), Co-op, Spar, Longmynd Filling Other ‘Singing the Classics’ Station (A49), Visitor Information Centre (Church St) and the Churches. 5 Your Magazine Needs You Tickets £8 (£3 under 18s) 8 Stretton Cricketers 7.30pm CS School © 2007 Stretton Focus Limited See Page 38 Registration No. 6237590 Inc in England Registered Offi ce: 49 Ludlow Road, Church Stretton, SY6 6AD

StRETTON FOCUS StRETTON ISSN 1479–7356 Printed by WPG, Welshpool

May 2008 mag.indd 2 18/4/08 12:03:04 What’s On in the Strettons in May 3 If you wish to know the times of regular meetings of societies and groups, please consult the list of societies and their contacts in the yellow pages.

11 Su n d a y 17 Sa t u r d a y 22-24 Th u -Sa t ‘Bluebell Walk on Wenlock Edge’ Severn Hospice Charity Walks Dorrington Players with the National Trust. £3. 9.15am URC Hall 7.30pm SHI 2.00pm Wilderhope Manor Car Park See Page 38 (SO545928) Details from: 722631 CS Methodist Wives & Friends Spring Fayre in aid of Stretton Carers 23 Fr i d a y ‘Spirit in the Strettons?’ 10.00 - 12noon Methodist Hall Country Market 6.00pm Methodist Church Hall 8.45am Mayfair See Page 38 LibDem Plant Sale 10.30am at The Paddocks, Farmers Market 13 Tu e s d a y 86 Sandford Ave, CS 9.00 - 1.00pm Market Square Senior Citizens Club Dinner and Countryside Mystery Tour 18 Su n d a y Senior Citizens Club Details: 722454 Afternoon Tea with Tim Pears ‘My Gap Year’ by Aaron Wildblood 3.30pm Longmynd Hotel 2.30pm URC Hall CS Stretton Women’s Institute See Page 7 Resolutions for national AGM 24 Sa t u r d a y 7.15pm SHI 19 Mo n d a y Stretton Climate Care - Duck Races Quiz Evening in aid of Carers’ Assoc (sufficient water permitting) CS Methodist Wives & Friends Booking: 724957 11.00am start CMV ‘Climate Change’ by Jon Cooke 7.45pm CS & District Club 8.00pm Methodist Church Hall 27 Tu e s d a y 20 Tu e s d a y Strettons Civic Society 14 We d n e s d ay CS & District Gardening Club ‘Miners and dialects of Clee Hill’ Methodist Network Group Afternoon visit to The Citadel, Weston-under- by Alf Jenkins + AGM (Free entry) ‘Circle Dancing’ with Pam Rush Redcastle. £8.75 (members) £9.75 (non- 7.30pm SHI 2.30pm Methodist Church hall members) Details: 724371 28 We d n e s d ay Mayfair AGM CMV & the Shropshire Hills 7.00pm Mayfair Countrywomen’s Guild Slide show, Talk and Bus Ride ‘Pharmacy’ by Rob Allman 2.00 - 5.00pm CMV Strettons Art Society 2.15pm Parish Centre See Page 38 Pen and Ink techniques with Heather Prescott Mothers’ Union Meeting 30 Fr i d a y 7.00pm CS School 2.30pm Parish Centre Country Market 8.45am Mayfair 16 Fr i d a y All Stretton Women’s Institute Country Market ‘Climate Change and Your Garden’ by Dr Farmers Market 8.45am Mayfair Steve Reynolds 9.00 - 1.00pm Market Square 7.30pm AS Village Hall All Stretton History Group 31 Sa t u r d a y ‘An Evening from the 50s’ (50s dress 21 We d n e s d ay Book Sale

optional). Inc sausage & mash supper Bible Society Lunch (In aid of Greyhound Rescue) MAY 2008 Tickets from: 722537 or 723706 Tickets £4.50 from any church 10.00am - 2.00pm Parish Centre 12.30pm URC Hall Preen Family History Study Group Methodist Network Group 10.00am - 4.00pm Cardington Village Hall ‘Ballooning’ by Hannah Bridge See Page 41 StRETTON FOCUS 2.30pm Methodist Church hall Church Stretton Book Fair (Café for the Severn Hospice) 10.00am - 4.00pm SHI

Abbreviations LS = Little Stretton Framed Gatehouse AS = All Stretton NT = National Trust THIS MONTH’S COVER Photo: Yvonne Beaumont Photo:

Stokesay Castle and Timber Timber Stokesay Castle and CA = Craven Arms SHDC = Shrops Hills Discovery Centre CMV = Carding Mill Valley SHI = Silvester Horne Institute CS = Church Stretton TC = Town Council HB = Hope Bowdler URC = United Reformed Church

May 2008 mag.indd 3 18/4/08 12:03:04 4 Shopping in The Strettons

his month we reach our turning point in Sandford Avenue and start to move towards Beaumont Road, and we have a Tdiverse collection of shops to talk about. Spar hich of us has never found that we have run out of something vital in the middle of the evening, and thanked the Spar shop for staying open till W9 o’clock? Although it is a comparatively small supermarket and so cannot offer an enormous range of choices, there are few essentials that cannot be bought here. In addition to food, both fresh and frozen, there are wines, beers and spirits, cleaning materials, toiletries, stationery and newspapers and magazines. And of course, there are the delicious hot snacks baked on the premises, which are a potential threat to all our waistlines. At the rear of the shop is also our local Post Office, whose friendly staff never find anything too much trouble. Pippins veryone in Church Stretton knows Ali, the owner of Pippins fruit and vegetable shop. He hails from sunny Egypt, which he left when he married into the local Bland family in 1979, andE he has been catering to our needs ever since. This is a shop which you can rely on for quality and freshness – Ali himself gets up twice a week at 2 am to make the trip to Wolverhampton to buy at the wholesale market. He always takes trouble to look for fruit and vegetables that are both in season and good quality, and sometimes (if you are lucky) there will be something really unusual and delicious, such as last year’s tiny but exceptional Israeli peaches.

MU Gallery t the furthest point of our tour (apart from the Service Station, which will be covered in a later edition along with other outlying shops) is the MU Gallery, which is part of our local laundry and launderette. It seems that MU stands Afor ‘Meaningful and Useful’, a phrase conjured up by the son of the proprietor to sum up what is sold there. The shop sells two principal types of goods – pictures and “anything I think is pretty”. There is a particular emphasis on early-mid twentieth century household items such as embroidered table linen and decorative cake stands, which are attractively displayed in the window. This small business is well worth a visit!

The Outdoor Depot t would be surprising if there were no outdoor shop in a walkers’ paradise like Church Stretton, but few people would expect two. The Outdoor Depot is larger than many shops in the town, and it certainly

MAY 2008 MAY Istocks a very wide selection of outdoor equipment and clothing – every inch of floor space is used to best advantage, and expert advice is available about everything from socks to camping stoves, including maps and even specialist walking clothes for children. This may be the only outdoor shop which also does jewellery, watch and clock repairs – so why bother to go out of town when you can have your battery replaced with no charge for the fitting and no expense in getting there?

PS Gemini, the shoe shop in Beaumont Road, has decided to continue trading as normal through the next year. We shall be covering Beaumont Road in next month’s edition. StRETTON FOCUS StRETTON

May 2008 mag.indd 4 18/4/08 12:03:06 Chocolate Haven 5 his shop has to be everyone’s idea of ‘heaven’ as well as ‘haven’, with its tempting displays of chocolate in all its forms, as well as sweets, biscuits, Church Stretton gift boxes, preserves and locally made ice cream.T Throughout the summer the shop is besieged by visitors wanting to try the various flavours on offer (and there can’t be many places where you can buy Long Mynd Heather Honey ice cream). The chocolates are a real treat – 90% of them are genuine Belgian and the other 10% hand-made English. They make wonderful gifts, and the staff will gift wrap them for you so that they look beautiful as well as tasting delicious. And if you have a special occasion coming up, you can hire a chocolate fountain and indulge yourself as well as your guests. Stretton Print here would we be without Stretton Print? Everything you could want in the way of stationery, including many different sizes and types of envelopes (vital for that last-minute birthday), postcards Wand greetings cards, folders, wallets, excellent value printer cartridges, and much more. You can do your own photocopying here, too, or if you want something complicated done the ever-willing staff will do it for you at very reasonable rates. Then there is the printing service, which offers such products as brochures, business cards and customised helium balloons. And finally, this has to be one of the last shops left which will sell you just one paper clip!

Burway Books in Line for Major Award urway Books in Church Stretton has been named The Competition as one of the UK’s best independent bookshops. In the Central region Burway Books is up against The store is included in a regional shortlist for the Blanford Books in Broadway and Bookmark in Spalding. prestigiousB Independent Bookshop of the Year Award. The winners of the four regional awards, who will be Overseen for more than 30 years by Rosalind Ephraim, announced next month, make up the final national shortlist. Burway Books has increased the number of its author events The overall winner, decided by a panel of judges including over the last three years and takes immense pride in its level Jacqueline Wilson and last year’s winners Nash Robbins and of customer service. Cate Olsen from Much Ado Books in Alfriston, East Sussex will be announced at the British Book Industry Awards The Award ceremony in Brighton on 13th May. The Independent Bookshop of the Year Award, now in its nineteenth year, is sponsored by publishers Aurum Press Jo Henry, Managing Director of the book industry and is among awards that will be presented at the British weekly, Publishing News, which organises the Awards in Book Industry Awards. The entries association with the Booksellers are judged on a range of bookselling Association, commented: “There has disciplines: range of stock, helpfulness “There has been much been much talk of a renaissance in and knowledge of staff, overall shop talk of a renaissance in the the independent book sector and the atmosphere, web innovation, buying independent book sector” calibre of the entries received this year judgment, creativity in shop events, certainly demonstrates a vibrant and customer service and this year new entrepreneurial approach to this hugely MAY 2008 ‘green’ criteria have been introduced. Customers are also important aspect of the local community.” invited to vote for their favourite bookshop and these For further information please contact Emma Lawson or votes are taken into account at each stage of the judging Amelia Rowland at Midas PR on 020 7584 7474 or email: process. [email protected]. StRETTON FOCUS Your Magazine Needs You …. Stretton Focus is run entirely by volunteers who donate their time to help bring a sense of community ☞ to the Strettons. It goes without saying that without volunteers, the magazine would not exist. This is an appeal for help …. for more volunteers to join our existing two regular editors who, every month, collate, acknowledge, edit and lay out all your contributions into each issue. It really is an enjoyable, worthwhile job that makes you feel a part of the community. Basic requirements include familiarity with Word, access to an email account and a computer with attached printer, plus a reasonable standard of English. Why not find out more by ringing Barbara (724179) or Gay (722257) and we’ll give you the low down!

May 2008 mag.indd 5 18/4/08 12:03:07 South Shropshire Ramblers Arts Festival News 7

Walks in May y the time you read this, brochures s part of the spring walks programme, will be in all our South Shropshire Ramblers Association localB businesses, the are organising four short walks of 5 to 7 Information Centre and Amiles (about 3 - 4 hours), and one longer one Library and throughout (10 miles) during May 2008. All walks are on the Marches. Tickets will a Sunday and each will be arranged by a walk be available from May 19th to Friends of the leader. The pace will be gentle to suit all members Festival, and from June 9th generally, - surely of the group. Visitors are very welcome, but an argument for becoming a Friend. It really regret no dogs, walking boots advised. Bring a is very good value, at £5.00 for an individual snack and a hot drink and wear suitable outdoor or £7.50 for a family. Gloria Carter, on 01694 clothing. 724106, would be delighted to give you more details. If you are in the accommodation May 4th meet at 10 am at Montgomery Car Park on the B4385 to the business, it’s worth having a stock of south of the town. This walk is about 5 miles and includes two short brochures to send out to potential visitors, hills and some country lanes. (From Craven Arms take the A489 towards and we would be happy to supply these. The Newtown, at 13 miles turn right signed Montgomery. Car park on right dates are 19th July to 3rd August. after 3 miles). As usual, we are much indebted to our Map ref 225 693 Exp 216. Leader: Pam– tel. 01584 873887 sponsors for their invaluable support, and their help is acknowledged on the brochures. May 11th meet at 10.30am at the Craven Arms recently refurbished Our website, www.strettonfestival.org.uk, Discovery Centre (visible from the A49 just south of Craven Arms town gives full details of all the events and links to centre) for a 5 mile Bluebell walk. Map ref 434 828 Exp 217 our major business sponsors. If you run a local Leader: Eric – tel. 01694 781465 business of any type, and would like to know more about how involvement with the Festival May 18th meet at 10-30 am at Diddlebury Village Hall for a slightly could bring you benefit, please contact us. longer walk of 7 miles around the Diddlebury Parish. The leaders say it Every year, and this is year 42, we welcome is “ mainly level with one short climb which will be good for your legs” approximately 1500 people from all over the (From Ludlow take the B4365 across the race course and turn right in country, to the events, and about the same Diddlebury, the village hall is after 500 metres) number to the Exhibition of Art and Crafts. Map ref 508 854 Exp 217. Many people came to Tea with Wendy Leaders: John & Jayne – tel. 01584 873094 Cope and thoroughly enjoyed it. This year Burway Books are repeating the formula with May 25th meet at 10.00 am at Kinlet Church for a 5 to 6 mile walk Afternoon Tea with Tim Pears on Sunday with an emphasis on Geology, Archaeology and Local History. (From 18th May at the Longmynd Hotel at 3.30pm. Cleobury Mortimer take the B4363 north west for 3 miles to Kinlet) Tickets cost £5.00, to include tea and cakes, Map ref 711 810 Exp 218. Leader: Susan–tel. 01299 271099 and can be bought at Burway Books or on 01694 723388. Many will have read his May 4th we would like to invite more adventurous walkers to books, but be unaware of his very varied join us on a 10 mile walk that is basically a gradual climb at a working life until he took up writing. Full gentle pace from Knucklas. Bring lunch and a hot drink (there details of all Festival events will be on show. will be several stops). Enjoy a day out with super views of the Space is limited, so it will be best to book Welsh Hills. (Take the A4113 west from Ludlow then the B4355 now if you haven’t already done so. from Knighton to Knucklas, meet on the grass verge on the Please contact me with any comments,

Heyope Rd. just after the viaduct.). Map ref 249 742 Exp 201 queries, offer of help etc. MAY 2008 Leaders: Mike & Beryl–tel. 01547 530179 George Roby 01694 722159 Church Stretton ‘Walkers are Welcome’ - Grand Launch

Wednesday 4th June Walkers are Welcome Launch Programme StRETTON FOCUS 10:00am School band plays at the Station 11:00am Official Launch Ceremony - Station 11:20am Networking at the Parish Centre 11:40am Leaflet launch and Walking Festival news – (Parish Centre) 12:00 noon Refreshments – (Parish Centre) 12:45pm Guided walk to Ragleth Hill (Parish Centre start) 12:50pm Guided walk to Pole Bank (Parish Centre start) 1:00pm Guided walk to Rectory Wood & Allen Coppice trail (Parish Centre start)

Don’t miss the fun – come along and celebrate that Church Stretton is the first ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town in the West Midlands Please contact John on 751245 if you wish for refreshments and/or to join a walk in the afternoon.

May 2008 mag.indd 6 18/4/08 12:03:07 8 Church Stretton Cricket Club and the Etiquette of Cricket am Morris started watching cricket at our local and new materials are influencing the local game through Club when he was 7 years old. As a Church Stretton the quality of bats, batsman’s helmets and much lighter schoolboy, he was picked for his first game at the pads. However, all Brian’s decisions are made by the naked Stown’s cricket club when he was 14 years old. Now, at the eye. Brian is most complimentary about the vast majority ripe old age of 18, he is a regular member of the team. of players who accept the umpire’s decision; it is only a tiny Why does he play? What is it that sustains his interest and minority who cause a fuss, which confirms Sam Morris’s commitment? According to Sam, it is ‘the etiquette of views on the etiquette of the game here in Church Stretton. cricket’. By etiquette, Sam went on to explain, he means In the background the spirit in which the game is played. Everyone at Church Having qualified coaches available to bring the best out Stretton Cricket Club plays the game in a true spirit of of players and to nurture talent is important in the Club. sportsmanship with none of the depressing features of many The official coaching capability within the Club continues an international side such as abusing umpires, ‘sledging’ to grow and should be a telling factor in attracting new and younger players to Church Stretton Cricket Club. Martin and Deni Mathews take the lead on coaching all cricketers. The captain and secretary are also keen to recognise the importance of all those helpers serving up cricketers’ teas. Rhoda, Sue, Zena, Emma, Beryl, Donna, Julie and also Sam’s Mum were all singled out for special thanks. Any cricketing club will tell of the vital role played by this feature of a cricket match!

New season, new opportunities The scene is set to start the new season with ever- continuing optimism. It snowed in Church Stretton shortly after the first practice session at the beginning of April. Would such weather conditions dampen enthusiasm? Not a bit. Good luck to Martin and his Vice Captain, Peter Lee for an enjoyable, successful and sunny season. There is still time for new players to join. Express your interest to Brian the opposing players and disregarding the rules of this Underhill on 01694 724197 who will be pleased to talk and most ancient and English of games. With new and young provide details of a full and attractive fixture list around the cricketers, Sam claims that everyone gets a fair chance. He beautiful Shropshire countryside for the 2008 season. started as a No 11 batsman with the Sunday team, but now Man on the Boundary opens the batting for the Saturday side. His best batting performance is 61 not out and he has taken 3 wickets for 12 Photo Above: Club Secretary/Treasurer and Umpire Brian runs as a personal best with the ball. Underhill and 17 year old Harry Fell. Below: Deni Matthews. Photos: John Corfield. Key people Two people responsible for creating the way the game is played on Russell’s Meadow are Martin Nichols, the captain and Brian Underhill, Secretary, Treasurer, and Umpire. The new season started just last week and already an air of optimism prevails for the coming summer. Last season, the Club finished runners-up in the Shropshire Cricket League, 2nd Division. This season, the plan is to go one better. Martin has captained the team for four seasons. He claims his approach as an easy-going skipper is wanting everyone involved to enjoy the game with team spirit being an essential feature. However, he plays to win and wants the players to remain competitive right till the last ball is bowled. Martin said he feels fortunate to be able to draw MAY 2008 MAY upon a wide range of experience amongst players but also recognises that there are several strong individual characters in the Club. In Martin’s view, a role model of a cricket captain was Mike Brearley of Middlesex and England, because of his ability to get the best out of his players. It is also interesting that another hobby of Martin is playing chess. There are many people in the game of cricket who liken the role of a captain to that of a chess player. Brian Underhill may be regarded as an anchorman of the Club. Brian’s love of the game infects all who meet him and he passes on his passion for cricket to all those around him. Brian is also the Club’s umpire - without the advantage of

StRETTON FOCUS StRETTON video technology to assist with close decisions. Technology

May 2008 mag.indd 7 18/4/08 12:03:08 Mayfair Community Centre News Gardening in May 11

ight evenings and higher temperatures MayFayre are a great help this month to keep on top of weeding and planting. Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May 2008 GrowingL plants - shrubs, flowers and vegetables - will all need feeding regularly to 11.00am – 3.00pm ensure good flowers and crops. Greenhouse Crowning of May King/Queen at Shading and ventilation will be needed on sunny and 11.30am warm days, also adequate watering to keep growth at its best. Bedding plants can soon be hardened off and baskets Circus Skills and containers planted up ready to be placed outside when Workshop frost danger has passed (try to be patient!) Tie tomato and cucumber plants to supports as they grow. Seeds of hardy Belly Dancing perennials can be sown to plant out next autumn. It is also a good idea to sow courgettes and squashes singly in pots, for Grand Draw planting out next month. Watch for aphids and other pests as temperatures rise. Pots which have been standing around Willow Work for a while are very susceptible to vine weevil; carefully tip one or two out and inspect the compost for the white ‘C’ Stalls shaped grubs and deal with any you find. It may be worth watering pots with a proprietary vine weevil killer. This also Music Refreshments applies to any containers kept permanently outside. Flowers Entrance 50p (under 16s free) Put supports in place round perennials before they grow All proceeds to Mayfair Community too tall and bushy. Sweet peas will need to be trained and Centre. Charity No 1061049 tied in to their supports. Sow wallflowers and sweet williams outside in a seed-bed. Dahlia tubers and other summer bulbs and corms can be planted out soon, but leave any rooted cuttings until after risk of frost. Mayfair Community Centre Lawns There is still time to feed lawns with a spring fertilizer. AGM Mow regularly. Wednesday 14th May 2008 Vegetables 7pm Finish planting potatoes, earthing them up as they grow. Continue sowing carrots, beetroot and salad crops. All invited Leeks are a very useful vegetable to grow and can be planted towards the end of the month or in June. They can be grown between onions or lettuces which will be over by the time the leeks grow to any size. Some winter brassicas can, with Calling All Spinners careful spacing, also be grown this way if you only want a few and space is at a premium. Water all transplants until local farming family has generously donated all established. the fleeces from their rare breed flock of sheep to Church Stretton &District Gardening Club raise funds for Mayfair. The rare breed Lleyn sheep Aoriginate from an area near Port Madock in North Wales. Church Stretton & District Gardening Club The fleece is a creamy white, two - three and a half inch MAY 2008 staple, with a good crimp and very little kemp - very nice for spinning. All money will be donated to Mayfair to help support its valuable community service. Why not have some fun and try this local rare breed fleece at a bargain price

while making a bit for Mayfair too? Summer Show August 23rd 2008 StRETTON FOCUS Anyone interested in buying a fleece please contact I would like to take this opportunity of expressing Sandra on 01694 724432. the very sincere thanks of the Club’s committee to all businesses of Church Stretton who so generously responded to our suggestion that sponsorships in support of the Annual Summer Show would be welcome. he programme for the summer show will acknowledge those who have March 2008 kindly sponsored the event. £100 478 £50 449 Ron Dapling, Chairman £20 451 £10 216 Please note: we are unable to print personal ‘Thank Yous’

May 2008 mag.indd 8 18/4/08 12:03:09 Cunnery Road Cemetery ‘Living Cemetery Project’ 17 Celebration Event 10th May 2008 he on-going programme of restoration (made Local geologist Peter Toghill will lead a gentle amble around possible by a £19,298 grant from the Local Heritage Cunnery Road Cemetery looking at the various rock types Initiative) is over half-way to which have been used as gravestones. completion.T So far the following has Dr. Toghill says: “When choosing been carried out: a particular stone for a grave, • Topple testing/risk assessment/fencing consideration will include cost, • Vegetation removal from stone walls durability, appearance, provenance and • Cutting back small trees availability. Nowadays with costs being • Bird boxes installed all important, local and British stones • Bug hunt which are very expensive, are giving way • Many graves restored by relatives and to a majority from abroad which are through this grant much cheaper. Cunnery Rd Cemetery, • Various surveys carried out on fungi/ generally in use up to 1950 (plus later lichens/butterflies/amphibians & bats additions), displays a great variety of • Access for the disabled created and gravestones; some made of local rock pathways improved types; many from other areas of the • Management Plan UK, before they became expensive; and • Photographic competition some from abroad”. Soon, the following will be organised: This interesting guided walk • Rebuilding stone walls on a training around the cemetery will be followed day by refreshments. The event is free and On 10th May 2008 we are holding a everyone is welcome. celebration/update event. This will begin If you have any queries, please at 10.30 am in the Cunnery Road Cemetery. contact the Town Council Office on 01694 722113 Off to a Flying Start March Weather

Pathways Restored on the Long Mynd his was a rather he National Trust recently took delivery of 45 tonnes of grit stone to changeable repair footpaths on the Long Mynd – by helicopter on Tuesday 25th month,T wet then March. This will be used as part of a major £17,000 repair operation to dry then wet reinstateT pathways along the Long Mynd which were destroyed during the floods again. Quite last year. a lot of rain Following a £12,500 Landscape Improvement Grant from Natural England but spread out and £4,500 investment from the National Trust itself, the work began on throughout the Tuesday 25th March and will continue throughout May 08. David Cowell, Area month, the total being 3.58 inches. The Warden for the Long Mynd, said: “This is essential work which could not take wettest day was the 19th, giving us 1.85 place without the support of Natural England and the help from our volunteers.” inches on a day when it seemed as if The grit stone, which is native to the Long Mynd, was transported from the rain would never stop. 3.58 is about Bayston Hill Quarry to Carding Mill Valley by a specialist helicopter team from average, the highest being 6.10 in 1981 Bedfordshire. More than 100 metres of pathway and stream bank are set to be and the lowest 0.63 in 1990. restored and 25 metres of stone pitching will take place along steep hillsides. But what does set March apart from For more information please contact Carding Mill Valley on 723068. any other in the past 34 years is that on the 30th, we had a slight thunderstorm, MAY 2008 the first I have ever recorded at this time of year. Several quite loud rumbles were heard about 4pm, even though there were not any thundery clouds around and what StRETTON FOCUS clouds there were, were very innocuous looking. Thunder was the last thing they suggested. The warmest day was the 31st, when 60 (15.5C) was attained. Again this isn’t a record as 69 has been achieved twice in the past. There were 8 frosts in the month but well below the record of 17 in 1969. Snow was noted on the hills on two occasions but none settled in the town area. Robert Smart

May 2008 mag.indd 9 18/4/08 12:03:09 18 URC Voice SSFS - A Welcome Return outh Shropshire Furniture Scheme (SSFS) has now On reading the Bible re-opened in Church Stretton, and the response from visitors to the new premises in Burway Road he Bible is Shas been positive and very welcoming. The ‘R’ Shop, credited with which is located at the top of the drive between Crown being the most Carpets and HSBC bank, provides access to the Furniture Scheme’s services widely-sold,T unread and a drop off point for unwanted goods, as well as selling low-priced book in the history of household items and books. publishing. Even among people who The return of SSFS to Church Stretton has been made possible by call themselves Christians where there a grant from the Shropshire Access Partnership, which is funded by may be a Bible in the house, it just stays Advantage West Midlands, but the shop also relies on volunteers, one of on the bookshelf and doesn’t get read. whom said “customers are pleasantly surprised when they come in and see There is a move in the URC to the different things on sale. For more information about any of the above get folk reading the Bible, for it has contact Mike Jones on 01694 724464 or email [email protected] an important story to tell which can or visit www.furniturescheme.co.uk change people’s lives for the good. But Mike Jones two things are essential if the reader is to sort out the wheat from the chaff, and so get a wholesome and balanced Meeting for Sport and Community Organisations understanding. The first essential is a critical mind, he Town Council would like to thank all of the sport and community and the second is an open heart. A organisations who have completed the questionnaire on their current critical mind is necessary because the and future requirements for facilities in the town. Representatives of all Bible comes wrapped in the cultural organisationsT (irrespective of whether they participated in the survey) and any setting of the ancient Near East of two others interested in this agenda Thursday 8th May at 7.00pm in the Silvester to four thousand years ago. In those Horne Institute. days they had no concept of the world The purposes of the meeting are as follows: as we know it today. For them ‘the gods’ • To give feedback on the responses to the survey were just up there in the sky: and often • To agree an action plan on the basis of the findings came down to see what was going on • To pull together expressions of interest in using the new Community ‘down below’. Leisure Centre People have rightly rejected • To co-ordinate a programme of fund-raising for the Leisure Centre that paradigm or framework for understanding ‘God’ - and so the It is clear that we have a host of thriving organisations but we need to Bible stays on the shelf. If people are discuss how we can make best use of our communal facilities and take going to be encouraged to read the maximum advantage of the opportunities offered by the new Leisure Bible, they must be given new tools Centre. to do the digging, in order to find the Bob Welch treasure that lies hidden. They must be encouraged to ask hard questions about how the Bible was written, and what its message is in our world of expanding Anglican Voice knowledge. But....at the same time we need an I love you …… but open heart, to receive what is beyond the capacity of the mind to know. By ‘heart’, hristians believe that marriage is a gift from God and we mean our inner self or soul, which lies one of the real joys of being a minister is to be able to deeper than the working of the mind. conduct the marriage ceremony. Recently there have been a number of The ‘heart’ represents the mystery Ccouples coming forward for marriage. of who we are; it stands for the very The Bible compares married love with the love Jesus has for his followers. centre of our existence. It is through Jesus expressed his love by being prepared to sacrifice himself and die for the

MAY 2008 MAY the heart that we can be touched by people he loves. Easter has reminded us of this amazing, unconditional love. Jesus the Great Mystery behind all things, didn’t say, “I love you…….but” - He just loves us. that we call God. We can feel God’s For those who choose to get married in church, there is the added dimension presence, as the poet W B Yeats puts it – the assurance that God cares about our relationship and that his resources and “in the deep heart’s core”. strength are available to help us. Reading the Bible, we learn that In Herefordshire and Shropshire, the church is the biggest provider of venues the name of this God is Love, and the for weddings. All those who choose to get married in church have the support nature of this God is Spirit. If we keep and encouragement of the Christian family. If you are thinking about marriage an open heart and an enquiring mind, or would like to know more, or are considering renewal of your marriage vows, we can learn to relate to this God, and please contact the Parish Office (tel. no.724224). find the inner peace that we are all God bless. looking for. John Hughes Donald Horsfield StRETTON FOCUS StRETTON

May 2008 mag.indd 10 18/4/08 12:03:10 Church Stretton Town Council 21 Abstract of the minutes of the town council meeting held (C1) and extensions and alterations to form a 42 bed care on19th February 2008 home (C2) with associated car parking facilities; retention (It has been necessary to considerably abbreviate the record of existing dining room and bar; and alterations to existing of several detailed topics marked ** of both this Meeting and vehicular and pedestrian access (revised application). There the Special Council Meeting on 12 February 2008. You may were two objections by two Councillors with four in favour, however see the full Minutes at the Council Office and also so approval is recommended. A consensus of their views on the Church Stretton website) is given below, and SSDC is requested that a number of Leisure/Sports Facilities comments ** are taken into account when the proposal is The meeting began with a presentation by Mr Bill Jones considered. about the management of the facilities once they are • Land at Ashbrook (off Lawley Close). Erection of 34 completed. It will be a joint-use facility: term time - school Affordable Dwellings. This application was discussed at a 8am-5.30/6pm and public use 6pm -10pm. Management Special Meeting of the Council on 12th February 2008**. and paying bills will be split between the school and The following resolution, passed by majority decision of management committee. 8/2, was forwarded to SSDC – ‘This Council supports Planning Matters: District Decisions the application for outline planning permission for Phase • 11 Elms Paddock, Little Stretton. Insertion of dormer 2 of this development, but agreement to full planning window and roof lights. Approved with 2 conditions. permission will be subject to the negotiation of a Section • Land opposite Stretton Hills Mineral Water Company, 106 Agreement, whereby some of this Stage 2 housing is Shrewsbury Road. Erection of a pump house. Approved with reserved for key workers and, to ease the integration of this 3 conditions. development into the local community, some is converted • All Saints Church, Little Stretton. Felling of a conifer into market housing, sufficient to secure ‘community gain’ hedge. Approved with 1 condition. match funding for increasingly demanded investment in • 7 Yeld Bank, Shrewsbury Road. Felling of a birch tree and improved sport and leisure facilities for all ages, since this conifer trees; reduce in height further conifer trees. Approved was the only justification for housing development on with 1 condition. this exceptional site that was recognised by the Planning • Brooklyn Cottage, Batch Valley, All Stretton. Felling of a Inspector, when passing the current District Plan.’ silver birch. Approved with 1 condition. • Land at Ashbrook (off Lawley Close). Erection of • Deneside, 45 Shrewsbury Road. Thin out branches of a 42 Affordable Dwellings; construction of estate roads; beech tree. Approved with 1 condition. formation of accesses. This application was also discussed • Paroma, Batch Valley, All Stretton. Felling of a cotoneaster. at a Special Meeting of the Council on 12th February 2008 Approved with 1 condition. The following resolution, passed by majority decision of • Windle Hill House, Hazler Road. Erection of extension. 9/2, was forwarded to SSDC before their deadline: “Given Approved with 2 conditions. the demographic profile of the town, the Council accepts • Gaerstones, Shrewsbury Road. Erection of extensions the need for upgraded supported accommodation for very and alterations to dwelling; erection of a replacement elderly people, built to modern standards and expectations, conservatory; replacement roof to flat roof extension. so it supports this Phase 1 planning application on the Approved with 2 conditions. condition that the Housing Association establishes a formal • Hazler Hill. Installation of emergency services dialogue, firstly with the affected residents to respond to any communications facility - 2 x 300mm dishes and an concerns during construction and, secondly, with the Traffic equipment cabin, utilising existing 27m tower. Approved Management Implementation Group, to minimise the traffic with 1 condition. and parking implications.” • 4 The Meadows. Crown reduce an oak tree. Approved with • Lohland, Madeira Walk. Erection of elevated decking and 1 condition. replacement of existing balcony. No objection. Planning Matters: Town Council Responses to District • Longmynd House, Minton. Erection of a greenhouse. • Application regarding the demolished wall in Cardingmill Supported.

Valley road - this has not yet been resubmitted with a new Church Stretton Area Partnership: Sports/Leisure Project MAY 2008 plan. Update from SSDC. A Project Executive will be formed and • Gaerstone Cottage, Sandford Avenue. Erection of a led by SCC. It will undertake the detailed management of the dwelling and domestic garage; existing dwelling to be project. The Group will consist of 2 SCC officers, 1 SSDC demolished. No objection. officer, 1 rep. from the School and 1 rep of the community.

• Cardingmill Court, Cardingmill Valley. Erection A rep. from the Town Council was suggested as an additional StRETTON FOCUS of extension to building to create 2 x additional member - the Town Clerk was nominated. There will also accommodation units, and improvements to existing be a Project Reference Group which will feed information building. Object to this proposal for several reasons - into and receive information back from the Executive. This concerns about increased surface water drainage, harmful to will be formed by an amalgamation of the current Project visual amenity in an AONB, the extension, when built into Management Group and the Facilities Group. Interest the ‘hillside’, should take into consideration underground Groups may also be part of the reference Group. springs, and satisfy surface water offset to National Trust Casual Vacancy for a Councillor building etc.** No election had been called and so the Town Council now • Church Stretton Police Station, Sandford Avenue. Display has to co-opt. The matter will be taken at the meeting of of an illuminated sign. Supported. Council on 8th April 2008. • Stretton Hall Hotel, All Stretton. Change of use of hotel Continued on page 24

May 2008 mag.indd 11 18/4/08 12:03:10

22 Walk of the Month: Springtime in the Hills walk for you to enjoy wonderful scenery, unfurling a red kite occurred in 1981. There is a pair which circles this leaves in woodland, summer migrant birds arriving area today, often in conflict with the numerous buzzards. and gambolling lambs. Spring is much later in the Keep the pools on your right and walk along the wide track Ahills but seems to catch up by June. You have a choice till you reach a road. On the hillside on your left there are of three walks by catching the Shuttle Bus from Church the ramparts of a late Bronze Age ‘hill fort’, ahead of you Stretton to Ratlinghope (Bridges), enjoy the walk and there is a view of The Stiperstones. return on the Shuttle Bus. (Medium walk turn left and walk down the hill to Stitt request • Short walk - Bridges to Ratlinghope Church Shuttle Bus stop) stop 1.5km (1 mile approx). • Medium walk - Bridges to Stitt request stop 4.8km (3 Full walk Turn right towards Thresholds where there is miles approx). shelter and a picnic stop and displays about the area. From • Full walk - From Bridges to Shuttle Bus stop at Duckley here on during your walk, the lambs at play in the fields Nap 9km (6 miles approx). provide a spectacle with their racing and leaping. Lambing in Timetables for the bus are available from the Visitor this area usually starts in early April. Information Centre next to the library in Church Stretton.

For the first part of your walk follow the signposts for Darnford Walk, from Bridges. Swallows and house martins should be busy nesting on the Horseshoe Inn and the YHA. Notice the unusual tower on the latter building which used to be the local school. Mahalia Scott, a member of the family which owned the Ratlinghope and Norbury Estates in the 1800’s, was responsible for this ornate addition to the building. Continue along the road till you reach the bridge. Take the path which follows the Darnford Brook to Ratlinghope. Firstly you will find yourself walking between the trees along the carriage drive which served The Manor. If you are very lucky you might see a dipper feeding in the brook, but later in the month you might spot some yellow flowers, mimulus, which are believed to have escaped from a garden further upstream. From the field opposite Thresholds with Stretton and Clee Hills Still following the sign posted route enter the conifer in background wood. Pause and look upwards into the top of the tree canopy. Here our smallest bird, the goldcrest, can be seen This area was well known to the Shropshire authoress, flitting among the branches. Cross the track and follow Mary Webb, who stayed both at Stitt and Thresholds. Her the path through Garden Coppice. In this area there is a friend, Miss Morris, used to ride sidesaddle over the hillside nest box scheme not only for birds but also for bats. The opposite Thresholds shooting the weathercock, ‘Annie Get Your summer migrants such as flycatchers, redstarts and warblers Gun’ style. The weathercock is on display in the large building. abound in this area. Go over the stile. Walk past Thresholds, along the road for approx 400 (Short walk cross the brook and take the track which reaches yards. In the field on the left there is the boundary stone the road by Ratlinghope Church Bus stop). of the Manors of Wilderley and Cothercott, erected at the time that the Marquis of Bath enclosed the area along The For medium and full walk continue keeping the brook Portway from Church Stretton to Thresholds and beyond. on your right till you reach Lower Darnford Farm. The Turn right and walk along the tarmac road which is old house, which was reputedly haunted, was demolished signposted Shropshire Way / Darnford Walk. Views of the last year. Continue on the Darnford Walk which takes you Stretton Hills and The Wrekin can be enjoyed on the next gradually uphill. This is the area where the first sighting of part of your walk in addition to sights of skylarks, ravens, lapwings and curlews. Keep on The Portway, through the gate with a notice asking you to close the gate at all times. The tumbledown buildings are the remains of Top Darnford Farm. There were several smallholdings and cottages on this MAY 2008 MAY part of the hill in the 1800’s and early 1900’s when there was more employment on large farms and houses in addition to the copper and barytes mines on Cothercott and Wilderley Hills. Go through the next gate, notice the blue Ride UK marker and follow the well trodden path towards an old gate post in the field. Continue towards what appears to be a gap between two fields with a patch of gorse. This will help you find your route if you have not walked on this area of The Portway before. Look west (right) along the Darnford Valley. This area Looking back at The Long Mynd and Darnford Valley was cut off by deep snow both in 1947 and 1963 for several StRETTON FOCUS StRETTON

May 2008 mag.indd 12 18/4/08 12:03:11

weeks. This end of the valley is thought to be one of the areas explored by the famous geologist, Murchison, when 23 he was studying the Shropshire rock formations. It is also an area visited many times by the then Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) and the Earl of Dudley on shooting expeditions. Along the fence line on your left several stones dating from the OS survey are visible. Continue on the well used path, down the dip into Sheep Dip, up the other side till you meet the road. Turn right and walk for about 500 yards until you reach the Shuttle Bus stop at Duckley Nap. We hope you have enjoyed your walk. More information about the area and other walk ideas can be obtained from Anne at Thresholds Centre, Picklescott, Church Stretton SY6 6NU tel:- 01694 751411 www.thresholdscentre.co.uk Looking along The Portway towards Top Darnford and Duckley (Photos by Sabine Hutchinson www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk) Nap Anne Oakes-Jones A three mile walk into Helmeth Wood using the new Knight’s Way A number of people, because of the publicity, have been asking where is the new ‘Knight’s Way’. It is basically a short path, but is a very useful way in and out of Helmeth Wood. The following is a short walk of about three miles incorporating this walk into the wood, and May is the perfect month to try it, as the bluebells will be magnificent in Helmeth Wood! Starting from the square in Church Stretton, walk down the High Street and turn left by the King’s Arms pub. Continue down the ‘narrows’ and cross over the railway bridge. Go over the main A49 road and continue through the passageway opposite. Turn left along Watling Street South and then right just in front of the Sandford Nursing Home; keep left at first and then almost immediately bear right up a signposted bridleway. Cross over a service road and continue along the bridleway, where you pass through a gate. Passing Snatchfield Farm you go through two more gates and continue ahead across the field, where the path narrows and climbs to a wicket gate by a stream. Turn left at the gate, cross the stream, and keep to the path with the hedge on your left. Go through the next gate and continue along the path until it brings you out onto Hazler Road. Turn right along the road, and on reaching the main road at the top of Sandford Avenue cross over and go straight ahead along the farm track, passing through a gate. Go past Gaer Stone Farm, and before you reach the top of the track you will see two water tanks on the left, partly hidden by the trees. Cross the stile on the left and then another at the edge of the wood on the far side of the field. This is ‘Knight’s Way’. After the stile go a short distance into the wood and then turn left along a well-defined path. Continue clockwise along the edge of the wood until eventually you will see another stile on your left to take you out of the wood.

Drop down the MAY 2008 field, keeping the hedge on your right, and cross over the stile at the bottom

of the field. This will StRETTON FOCUS take you into Cwms Lane, where you turn left, and continue along the lane, which leads you into Watling Street North and then to the main road. Turn right, cross over by the traffic lights and make your way back into town. Ian R Jones

May 2008 mag.indd 13 18/4/08 12:03:14 24 Town Council Minutes - continued from page 21 availability; if confirmed, outlet would send tickets to us for distribution. Parking Youth Speed Dating Event It was agreed that the Traffic Management Implementation All Councillors felt this had been a very worthwhile and Group, on which the Chamber of Trade is represented, excellent event. Two youth workers are planning to hold a prepares an options paper for discussion with SSDC/SCC, disco for 12 – 17 year olds. The Mayfair youth manager had specifically to address the attitude problems in relation to been contacted in order to link with BMX & Skateboard wardens; relative costing of on & off street parking; duration group with the aim of developing relationships. of free time; cost of season tickets because of the particular Proposal to make Church Stretton a ‘Plastic Bag free’ problem of long term parking. town Local Train ticket outlet The Co-op supports the campaign but with no half The Town Clerk reported on a useful meeting with a measures. More needs to be sorted out before an effective representative from Gobowen Station. The obstacles facing public campaign can be undertaken. Awaiting further taking on such a task for Church Stretton are large – cost, developments. training, opening times, and security and so it had been Rectory Wood & Field - support was offered to the SCC suggested that as a fall-back option the following could be Countryside Service and Rectory Field & Wood Interest explored – the possibility of working in conjunction with Group for the project to restore the key features of the the existing outlets in Gobowen and Ludlow – i.e. take historic Rectory Wood landscape. enquiries here; phone/fax/e-mail request to outlet to ask for Methodist Voice he old farm waggon had been of Pentecost described by St Luke, nor were the friendly hauled up a rough track with a acoustics of being in a building. The speakers just used their bend as sharp and a gradient as voices, and every year Pentecost was given its due importance. steepT as in Cunnery Road, and was parked www.methodistchurch.org.uk is the website address of the on Llynclys Hill. At the callow age of Methodist Church. Other churches have their own, and eighteen I climbed onto its deck as the youngest member on public issues we share a joint website with the United of a four person team of speakers. The hearers, with picnics Reformed Church. Click on to our site, and you reach a in their baskets, were sitting in rows on the grassy hillside home page from which links proliferate to other pages like nearby, enjoying superb views over the Shropshire plain, the branches of a tree, each page having its own subject and with the Wrekin and the Stretton Hills in the distance. It message. John Wesley’s technology ate hay, and had four legs was Whit Sunday, which falls this year on 11th May, and and a saddle. But communication by electronic means has we were celebrating the Holy Spirit in all-day open air come to stay, and if he had been here he would have used it. gatherings. Others were doing the same at Nordy Bank in Yet on Whit Sunday, as at any other time, information South Shropshire, at Gwennap Pit in Cornwall, at Mow Cop technology, like the unaided speakers’ voices on Llynclys in Staffordshire, at Cliff College in Derbyshire, and at many Hill, is only the medium. It is the Holy Spirit himself who other places. On some years umbrellas were needed, and communicates, and the Holy Spirit himself who is the power on wet years we used the nearest chapels, one on each side which makes words and deeds change hearts and minds: and of the hill. Microphones and amplifiers were not available the Holy Spirit himself who speaks peace from the risen Lord. on Llynclys Hill, as they had not been available on the day Ward Davies Good Neighbours’ Ruby Jubilee

es, it is forty years since Good Neighbours started in the Strettons, on the initiative of the local Council of Churches to help the elderly. Later, when registered as a charity, we spelled out what we did and continue to do. We help the elderly to get to hospital, doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries and other such appointments, as well as taking them to visit friendsY in hospital or retirement home. We use our own vehicles and charge only the mileage. Many, many volunteers have been so generous over all those years and we are as active as ever. So at our annual general meeting on 10th March this year, we celebrated with lunch and of course a birthday cake with forty candles. And we were pleased to have some of our old comrades in arms join us. You probably know that we also run a luncheon club every Thursday as well as widows’ and carers’ lunches every month and a bereavement support group. If you are interested in joining any of these groups, why not ring us on 01694 724242 – MAY 2008 MAY don’t be shy. Equally, if you are active and have an hour or two per month to spare, why not join our meals on wheels team, or drive someone to hospital once in a while. We won’t tie you down to specific days or tie you up with red tape. It’s all very informal – put simply, we are a group of neighbours who help the elderly maintain their independence in our community. Oh, and you are not too old – few of us are spring chickens! Give us a ring. We need help to take us through to our golden jubilee. Derek Griffiths, Chairman and Organiser StRETTON FOCUS StRETTON

May 2008 mag.indd 14 18/4/08 12:03:14 Catholic Voice St Lawrence School News 27

he decorators ur swimmers have recently won the South have been in, Shropshire Swimming gala in Ludlow which was with the result a wonderful achievement. Some of our pupils thatT I have been living Ohave also taken part in the Wenlock Festival. All performed with bare walls! All well and eighteen gained recognition through placings in my pictures,statues, prose and poetry categories as well as the competitions for photographs and playing various instruments. The percussion group and memorabilia had to be moved out recorder ensemble came first and our choir was highly to allow the walls and ceilings to be commended. Special congratulations to Alex Hearle who redecorated. It must be akin to living was named ‘Primary Musician of the Year’. St Lawrences continues to host ‘Stretton in solitary confinement. I missed Stompers’ which is an area orchestra open to all local primary school children (not them, the house was bare, denuded just ours). Held on Wednesdays from 4.15 to 5.15pm and run by Alan Atkin of of its warmth and personality. Yes, the music service, it is for children of all abilities. Your child will be very welcome if pictures and objets d’art mean a they would like to come. lot to me. They comfort me and Finally we are pleased to have set up a Breakfast club for those of our pupils bring back memories of family get- who need to come to school early. Children will have breakfast and then enjoy craft togethers, with parents, brothers and making, games and other table top activities before starting the school day. sisters enjoying each others company, R Langford, Head teacher scenes of places I have visited and mementoes of pilgrimages I have Quaker Voice made. Visiting the Marian shrines of s I drank my early morning ‘cuppa’, I watched the Lourdes and Knock is always an sunlight spread over the field behind our house. As the opportunity to renew devotion to sun rose above Hazler Hill, the first rays struck the top Mary, our Blessed Mother. Having Aof the alder tree, spread down it’s trunk, then gradually spilled an icon or picture helps me to out across the entire field. The whole thing took less than five remember in prayer the part played minutes. It reminded me of an occasion when I sat in the car by Mary in the great story of our drinking a mug of coffee on a frosty Christmas shopping trip. There was a very low salvation. During this month of May, sun throwing a long shadow of a tall cupressus tree across the grass verge by the car. we remember her in a special way, by If you concentrated hard, you could see the shadow move slowly back from one singing Marian hymns at Mass and blade of grass to the next. praying the Rosary. Having an image It seems extraordinary that something so huge and remote as the sun, should of her heightens our awareness and move in a way that is clearly perceptible in the everyday if you think to watch. It reminds us that she was a human seems extraordinary that something so huge and remote as the idea of God should being who responded to God’s call move in a way that is clearly perceptible in the everyday if you think to watch. and brought God ~ Man, Jesus, into Lesley Richards the world. The words of Scripture Lifeboats Social Afternoon emphasise her greatness with the Angels’ message ~ Luke 1/28 - “Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Why support the RNLI? What does it do? Lord is with you”, followed by Elizabeth’s salutation, “Blessed are e invite you to come and find out at an you among women and blessed is informal meeting including tea and cakes at the fruit of your womb”, - Luke 3.00 pm on Tuesday 6th May in the

1/42. The church has made a prayer WMethodist Church Hall. This will be free. We shall be glad to see Shoreline and MAY 2008 out of these words, called the ‘Hail Branch members of the RNLI, our supporters and anyone else who is interested. Mary’, and completes them with Patrick Cheshire, our Area Manager, will give us the latest news of the RNLI, praise and supplication - “Holy tell us about last year’s achievements by the Lifeboats and show us one of his videos. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us We shall then have tea and informal chat.

sinners, now and at the hour of our We shall have available a written report of the local branch’s activities in 2007 StRETTON FOCUS death, Amen”. and a statement of the branch accounts. Yes, we venerate Mary and ask R M Turner Jones for her help, a human being raised to the heights of Heaven because of Trivia Corner No 54 by Ken Willis her son, Jesus. As Mary herself said in Luke 1/48 - ‘For he who is mighty 1. What word can go after Boxing and before Puppet? has done great things for me, holy is 2. What colour is angelica? his name’ 3. How is a complex electronic circuit built on a small piece of silicon Images, whether pictures, icons more commonly known? or statures, are visual aids helping us 4. Which actor had the line ‘Greed is good’’ in Wall Street in 1987? to pray and venerate Mary. 5. Who sang ‘Making Whoopee’ on Jeff Bridges piano in the film ‘The Fr Ambrose Nicholson Fabulous Baker Boys’?

May 2008 mag.indd 15 18/4/08 12:03:14 Plant of the Month – Greater Stitchwort Church Stretton 29 Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea), like last month’s ‘Plant of the Month’, cow parsley, adorns the roadsides School News throughout May. The white star-like flowers, up to 3cm across, form swathes of white and make Partnership School a fine show, especially when seen amongst red tudents at campions and bluebells. CS School The large flowers are borne upon surprisingly have Sformed a weak, grass-like, square stems which only grow erect if supported by more sturdy plants. For this reason, partnership they are seen at their most attractive when amongst with The grass and other plants. The Victorian nature writer, Kids Paradise Richard Jefferies, in his work ‘The Open Air’ caught this School in the village of idea when he wrote: Turakanadoni in India. “There shone on the banks white stars among the The school consists of three grass. Petals delicately white in a whorl of rays - classrooms, one hall and a light that had started radiating from a centre and kitchen, which provides a become fixed - shining among the flowerless green.” midday meal. Not only do Each flower has 5 petals notched to almost they need more classrooms, halfway which enhances the star-like appearance. but the school is currently It produces copious nectar, attracting bees, moths, without electricity and, butterflies, beetles and flies – all of which are being in an area of drought, capable of acting as is in desperate need of a pollenators. When it “Th ere shone on bigger and better water rains, each flower closes the banks white stars storage unit. The school its petals and bends over. continues to exist only This action protects the among the grass. because of monies raised, pollen from being flushed Petals delicately white and without the school the away. in a whorl of rays - children would receive no The frail stems are very education. Our students brittle and jointed and light that had started were able to hand over a snap very easily into radiating from a cheque to a representative of fragments. This gives rise to the old English names, centre and become the school in India and are ‘Deadmen’s Bones’ and ‘All Bones’. determined to continue to The more usual name ‘Stitchwort’ has nothing to do fi xed - shining among help out as much as possible. with sewing but refers to the belief that when brewed the fl owerless green.” If anyone would like to up with powdered acorns it was a remedy for ‘stitch’, make a donation, please contact a pain in the side, – not to be recommended! John Allin (Headteacher) NPT

New Scraptastic Art and Craft Shop to open at Scrappies! o you know where to find crow beads, curly hair, regular Scrappies Scrapstore. Don’t forget - you must bring wiggly eyes, mini party bears, spangles, dried in your membership card to get your discount! flower stickers, glittery pipe cleaners, poster paint, Non-members are welcome to purchase from the shop, embroideredD fabric and modelling clay? I but not from the Scrapstore. Should you

do and I’m heading to the Grand Opening decide to affiliate with us when you are MAY 2008 of the New Scraptastic Art and Craft Shop there, you will be able to join immediately at Scrappies on June 4th to get some! and benefit from your new discount. During the last couple of weeks of Many people in our area don’t know May, Scrappies will be closing for our where Scrappies is or what we have

spring break. But staff and volunteers to offer. We’re located on the corner StRETTON FOCUS won’t be taking a holiday - we’ll be of Lutwyche and Beaumont Roads in working hard to build a ‘store within a Church Stretton. So why don’t you store’. We’re stocking up on supplies to join us on June 4th for our Grand delight crafters and artists of all ages! The Opening and come to Scrappies to see new Scraptastic store at Scrappies will what’s on offer? Scrappies is open from have its Grand Opening on June 4th and 11am – 7pm on Wednesdays and from will sell new art and craft supplies to all 10am – 2pm on Saturdays. For further members of the public. information on holiday dates, items for Scrappies members will be eligible for sale or rent, details of workshops, photos a discount on all their purchases in the Scraptastic Shop. Of of the store and breaking news please check our website at: course, members can also continue to buy items from the www.scrappies.org. Joan Arnfield

May 2008 mag.indd 16 18/4/08 12:03:15 34 Smith, Hugh and Jennifer Gillespie, Anna Minton-Beddows, Dear Editors . . . Suzanne Dupont and Diana Gamble. Letters to the Editors should not exceed 400 words and I may have put incorrect names to some of these must be accompanied by a name and contact details. children and may also have mis-spelt some names: apologies but 55-60 years ago is a long way back! Traffic Wardens Christabel Winny 0118 926 4134 s there anything we can do to rid ourselves of this plague of Traffic Wardens/Tax Collectors? Their title of Parking Council Tax Assistant is totally deceitful. Shrewsbury was threatened gain I have to ask the question – why does Church Iwith a Congestion Charge, fought back with petition Stretton town council’s tax go up twice as fast as forms and succeeded in getting rid of it. ASBOs, or Anti- anywhere else? Take a look at these figures:- Social Behaviour Orders, are issued to individuals for their A SCC SSDC CSTC Average damaging effect on local societies; surely these wardens, and 2006/7 4.7% 0% 37.1% 5.5% the council behind them, should be issued with Corporate 2007/8 4.7% 3.6% 9.9% 4.8% ASBOs for their damaging effect on local businesses. These 2008/9 4.4% 2.5% 8.1% 4.4% are some examples, and I am sure your readers can give The only good thing is that, at least, it IS coming down. many more. Beyond Extreme is a local business with its own So I ask again, what on earth do they do with it all? Why, clearly marked vehicle parked yards away from its shop. I we don’t even get the streets swept now! Oh yes, we get an saw a warden ticketing it, instead of advising them to move. occasional visit from a motorised vehicle but that isn’t the A lady was ticketed for staying too long outside Clee Hill same as when Bert swept every street every day; the machine Electrics, whilst they located her order. On another occasion, doesn’t sweep around parked cars, pick up beer cans off the a car in the car park, which was almost empty, was booked pavement or crisp packets out of people’s hedges, that’s left for protruding a few inches over the white line. Businesses, to John Woolmer and his gallant team of volunteers. The such as Burway Books, all tell stories of their customers more tax we pay the worse the services get. looking at their watches and saying that they must leave So I ask again, why is the town rate rising so fast? I asked because of their cars. Much more of this sort of activity, and the same question a few years ago but only got a snooty people will decide that it’s safer to drive to Meole Brace or reply from the then mayor who, like a true politician, never Craven Arms. During our Summer Arts Festival we welcome answered the question anyway! visitors from all over the country. They won’t come any more Robert Smart if they suffer £60 fines. So, can we do as Shrewsbury, start petitions, bombard Good intentions - bad outcomes? our District Council with letters, take other action (does o, it seems that I was correct on the subject of ‘Low anyone have ideas?)? Could our Tourist Group spearhead Energy’ as your correspondent confirmed last month! this campaign? Could the Chamber of Trade help? I am sure The things are costly, give a very poor light output, all the town would back such an initiative. Sdon’t contribute to the heating of the house like ordinary George Roby incandescent bulbs, and are toxic! And now we hear that plastic shopping bags too, are not Were you at school with me in the ‘40s? such bad things after all, because in Ireland, where they put enclose a photograph taken in the late 1940s of pupils at a tax on them, sales of plastic pedal bin liners rose by over The Mount School, which was situated at the junction 400%. The government had not realised that most people of Hazler Road and Sandford Avenue. Do any of your recycled their plastic shopping bags to line the bathroom and Ireaders recognise themselves? kitchen bins. With the huge sales increase in new pedal bin liners, the actual amount of plastic used in Eire remains constant, a saving of NIL! Another spin-off from the plastic bag ban was that people stopped putting old clothes in recycling bins and put them in the rubbish or burned them, thus adding to pollution. So, Church Stretton Council, have another thought about banning plastic bags, because your good intention may have the opposite effect to what you wanted. I am sure that I wouldn’t carry rat poison, detergent,

MAY 2008 MAY garden weed killer and food in the same nice canvas shopping bag! Health and Safety might want to comment. Some might sue. The two lady teachers at the back were Miss Benson, a W F Kerswell rather formidable Head who came from Manchester, and Miss Croxton who lived in Hope Bowdler. Light Bulbs - A scientist’s view I am standing in the front row, flanked by Michael ? (or n his letter in March ’08’s Focus, Mr Gittins rightly James ?), Alistair Mathewson, Briony Benson plus Vivian states that Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) are Jones, Lucy Stavely and ? The second row shows (left to ‘the only widely affordable and obtainable alternative right) Priscilla Minton-Beddows, Jenny D’arcey, Susan Ito present incandescents’; ie, standard tungsten filament Mathewson and Glyn Swain (in the cap). The tall boy in the third row is George ? continued on next page Other pupils who come to mind are Philippa Brooke- StRETTON FOCUS StRETTON

May 2008 mag.indd 17 18/4/08 12:03:15 discovered the route to Ashes Hollow, and we picnicked in 35 Dear Editors, continued . . . the valley and then walked home. As I grew older I did the lamps. He could also have said that CFLs save money, since walk myself and also went up Ashes Hollow to the Boiling a compact fluorescent consumes approximately 20% of the Well. power of a tungsten lamp of equivalent brightness. Imagine my horror, when having walked the path to His letter contains several incorrect or misleading Ashes Hollow for 65 years, I discovered in August, 1991, statements (see below) and totally ignores the dictum that the landowner had erected a gate and ‘private’ notice that every little helps in the fight to reduce carbon across the path. Fortunately, I was not the only one and Dr dioxide emission and slow down global warming, with its Michael Creeth, the Convenor of what is now known as the demonstrable and potentially disastrous consequences for life Parish Paths Partnership Scheme, had already done a yeoman on our planet. job in obtaining evidence from local walkers who had used • ‘Notching-up’ central heating, to compensate for the path. I took over from Michael on his retirement, and convected heat from previous incandescent lamps during amassed evidence of use from many local residents and other winter darkness hours (fewer than heating hours), is simply RA groups all over the country. We convinced Shropshire not necessary. In winter evenings, some heat from tungsten County Council to issue an Order to put the path on the lamps may have been useful, but most of it would only definitive map. The landowners opposed the order, backed warm ceilings or roof spaces. In summer, we can certainly do by the National Farmers’ Union. However, we both agreed without any extra heat. that the issue should be decided by written representations, We should be encouraged to do away with tungsten rather than by a Public Enquiry. Accordingly, an lamps and to reduce heating derived from burning fossil fuel Independent Inspector looked into all the evidence, walked – perhaps reducing room temperatures by 8–10%. the route and declared the path from the B5477 to Ashes • Targets for the use of non-carbon and renewable Hollow via Owlets as a legal right of way, subsequently energy sources could reduce CO2 production by say 20-25% numbered Footpath UN 6. Not surprisingly, in view of the in the medium term. Saying that this justifies continuing to work I had put into it, my fellow-ramblers nicknamed FP. use power-hungry tungsten lighting throughout the country UN 6 as the ‘Nisbet Way’, but whatever it may be called it is totally illogical. Plans to use more nuclear energy, essential is certainly not the Millennium Way, since it was not legally in the longer term – particularly from non-polluting nuclear designated until 28 August, 2001. So, at the Millennium it fusion - will be long in coming to fruition. was still a forbidden path with deterrent notices! • The statement that CFLs ‘waste 50%’ of their nominal Dennis Nisbet power’ is totally wrong. Fluorescent lights of certain types can draw reactive currents which do not dissipate power, and circuit design reduces these to negligible proportions. No Garden Club Outings ‘hazardous’ (or ‘neutral’) currents flow. e invite members and non- • To say that tungsten eclipses fluorescent lighting members of the Club to join in almost every respect is simply not true! If it were, why our Summer Outings to notable Wgardens. do factories and offices use many fluorescent lights? And what do ‘illumination quality’, ‘embodied energy quanta’, Tuesday 20th May. Afternoon visit to ‘electromagnetic interference coefficients’ etc, mean? These The Citadel, Weston-under-Redcastle. Azaleas and terms are undefined, possibly used to imply scientific rhododendrons should be spectacular. Great variety of justification where none exists. other plants. • Finally, it is true that there are certain toxic Members £8.75. Non-members £9.75. components in CFLs but, as with many modern electronic Wednesday 11th June. Whole day outing to Hidcote devices, following recommendations for safe disposal Manor (National Trust). Outstanding. Famous for its is surely a small penalty to pay; given the low-energy series of outdoor rooms and splendid plants. advantages. Also; fewer lamps, about 12% compared with and Kiftsgate Court. On the edge of the Cotswold incandescents, will fail in one year. escarpment, marvellous views. Magnificent roses and Barry Taylor. much else of interest. Members £15. Non-members £16. We happen to know that Stretton Climate Care now has Non-members of National Trust extra £7.70. a low energy light bulb library of over 50 bulbs to help people Wednesday 2nd July. Whole day outing to Trentham MAY 2008 identify bulbs which will fit existing light fittings. Please note Italian Garden, recently restored to its 1840s glory with that the light bulb correspondence is now closed. Eds other attractions around it on 10 acre site. “Millennium Path?” and Wollerton Old Hall. Several separate gardens of different characters around a 16th century house. Lots n the March issue of Focus, Barbara Vickery refers to the StRETTON FOCUS ‘Millennium Path’ covering Bridleway UN5 from near the of clematis and roses. Members £18.25. Non-members Longmynd Hotel to the B 5477 and then Footpath UN6 £19.25 Ifrom the road to Ashes Hollow, a route with a long history. Tuesday 22nd July. Whole day outing to Arley Hall, one However, my understanding is that the Millennium of the finest English gardens. Famous herbaceous borders, Path is the footway between Church Stretton School and avenue of columns of holm oak, several separate gardens. All Stretton created in 2000 The issue should, I suggest, be and Wood End Cottage. Delightful small country cleared up officially by the Town Council. garden. Interesting plants for sunny, shaded and damp Barbara’s paths have a long and turbulent history. I areas. Members £17.75. Non-members £18.75. Add was six years old when I first walked them. My aunt and £1.25 to include optional visit inside Arley Hall. grandmother moved to Church Stretton in 1925, and For full information and application phone Richard the next year, I stayed with them for two weeks; they had Turner Jones 724371

May 2008 mag.indd 18 18/4/08 12:03:16

Church Stretton Parish Paths Partnership (P3) 37 is a group of enthusiastic volunteers who give up A team from SCC is upgrading the Shropshire Way. This their time and effort to maintain the network includes a new link from Church Stretton to Wilderhope of footpaths and bridleways in and around the Manor. In addition, a number of circular walks are being Strettons.P3 Their work involves clearing paths of vegetation, planned from this link. P3 is involved in the design of these maintaining stiles and way markers and generally keeping an eye walks and will be helping with way marking them. on our paths. In all, nearly 300 volunteer hours have been spent Some jobs are too big for us to handle on our own. In such on this work during the last year. In April four members of the cases we can call on the CAT to help out. A good example team went on a training course in the safe use of brush cutters. of this is the path from Cwm Dale to All Stretton. This had become severely eroded as it descended below Hillside and was getting very difficult to walk along. Now, thanks to CAT, the path has been repaired and a new gate installed at Cwm Dale. We hope that both locals and visitors to the Shropshire Hills appreciate the hard work that this dedicated band of volunteers has put in. Any new volunteers can be assured of a warm welcome. If you would like to help out please contact me on 725571. If you find any path problems you can also report them to me on the same number and we will endeavour to sort them out. This number is given under P3 in the yellow pages of Focus. Dick Ward

Funding for this course was generously provided by Shropshire County Council, via its Countryside Access Team (CAT). Later in the year, CAT supplied us with a new brush Music for a Summer’s Evening cutter which greatly speeded up the clearance of bracken Vocal and instrumental music by along paths, particularly in the Batch and Gogbatch areas of Mozart, Brahms, Dvorak, Gershwin,Cole Porter the Long Mynd and on Caer Caradoc. Hedges growing across and others paths have also been trimmed back to maintain access. Carolyn Chadwick (soprano) Repairs to stiles have been carried out in several places. P3 were pleased to be able to help out with the erection Gay Walker (horn) Richard Elliott (clarinet) of two new stiles giving access to Helmeth Wood from Richard Walker and Barrie Mackay (piano) Gaerstone Farm Lane (the new Knight’s Way). This will enable many more people to enjoy the woodland flowers Church Stretton Methodist Church here during the summer. We have also re-erected fallen finger Saturday 31 May at 7.30 posts and provided way markers to help you find your way. Tickets: £7 from Burway Books or phone 723607 P3 is involved in two local initiatives; the Walkers are Welcome (WaW) and the upgrade of the southern part of All proceeds to Church refurbishment fund the Shropshire Way. Both of these involve promoted routes which P3 has agreed to maintain. The WaW promoted route to Cardington crosses Hope Bowdler Hill where there Photo Quiz - Where is it? is a particular problem with bracken blocking paths in the Last Month’s Photo summer. Though this area is outside Church Stretton parish we feel that we can now take on the extra work involved MAY 2008 here which will be of great benefit to walkers.

Answer in next month’s Focus Insurance plaque, StRETTON FOCUS Photos by David Morgans 80 High St

Trivia Answers 1. Glove 2. Green 3. Microchip 4. M. Douglas Before ... After ... 5. Michelle Pfieffer

May 2008 mag.indd 19 18/4/08 12:03:17 38 Down Stretton Way . . . DORRINGTON PLAYERS present Singing the Classics LADIES OF INIQUITY Stretton Choral Society is looking forward to “In our marriage we started at the bottom, and we’re a full house for their Classical Masterworks working our way down.” So the frustrated, talented, concert on Saturday 10th May at Church Stretton ambitious and beautiful Susan Foster bemoans her School. Conducted by David Hart, the concert ill-fated marriage to the unemployed, unambitious, starts at 7.30pm and features Mozart’s Requiem mediocre Brian. and Beethoven’s Mass in C, with soloists Cathy Next door the successful, attractive demanding Douglas Benson, Karen Wise, John Bowen and Stephen struggles to cope with his uninspiring wife, Audrey. Garner, supported by the society’s regular orchestra Insurance assessor Hubert Simkins knows his niece Ensemble Musicale. Richard Silk will be at the Susan only too well, and sees trouble ahead. organ. When Brian’s mother calls, bringing her motley group Tickets, price £8 (£3 under 18s) are still available of friends, Susan is surprised to find her chance for at John Thomas Florists, Burway Books and from some excitement and a challenge. A natural leader, choir members. As always, you are advised to she soon finds herself managing this little gang and arrive early if you want a good seat! growing the “business”, with the help of the wayward Pam Cole young Paula, from petty pilfering to something more lucrative. Carding Mill Valley and the A hilarious farce by David Appleford, with some very astute characterisation and a cleverly constructed plot. Shropshire Hills Directed by Mary Stephenson, the plays runs from May 28th 2-5pm Thursday 22nd to Saturday 24th May in the Silvester Horne Institute. Curtain up at 7:30pm. Tickets Slide show and talk followed by a minibus tour with available from John R Thomas and Burway Books National Trust Warden and keen wildlife and landscape enthusiast Malcolm Loft. The minibus will take you onto the top of the Long Mynd to explore views but no hill How is the Spirit at work in the walking is involved. Refreshments provided at Mayfair. Strettons? Cost £8. Booking essential from 722631 What is the Holy Spirit and how does it manifest itself today? Perhaps you don’t believe it exists. Whatever your point of view you are welcome PRIMAVERA to come and share it and hear what others think Songs for Springtime at 6pm on Sunday 11th May in the Methodist The More Singers: Director: Richard Silk Church Hall. A non-alcoholic drink will be served With Steve Garner - Bass but I can’t speak for the Spirit! Concord College 14th June at 7.30pm Ann Cooke The More Singers perform music from the sixteenth to the twentieth century, from Monteverdi to Barbershop, via John Dowland Flicks in the Sticks - Church Stretton and King Henry VIII. Our fine bass soloist, ZODIAC…Mon 5th May…An exhilarating, Steve Garner, who lives in Church Stretton, will exhausting slice of true crime cinema, based perform operatic arias by Handel and Songs of on the Zodiac murders of the 70s where a Travel by Vaughan Williams. The event is hosted killer taunted San Franciscan police with his by Mayfair Community Centre, Church Stretton, letters and cryptic messages. to whom the proceeds will be donated. This is the closest cinema has come to the Tickets including refreshments, from Burway realities of investigative police work. A scarily Books and John Thomas compelling film, with superb performances. Cert: 15…starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert MAY 2008 MAY A Trip to London Downey, Mark Ruffalo & Anthony Edwards Cardington Mothers’ Union are organising a coach for a visit to Mary Sumner House (which is located in the centre of London). We have 24 places spare for anyone LibDem Annual Plant Sale who would like a day out with about 4-5 hours in London. We intend having two pick-up points locally: Cardington The Paddocks, 86 Sandford Ave Village Hall 8.15am or Church Stretton about 8.30am. SATURDAY 17th May The cost is £13.50. The date of the trip is Wednesday 6th from 10.30am August. Further details and booking can be obtained from either Margaret Smith 01694 724710 Huge selection - keen prices or Barbara Norris 01694 771630 StRETTON FOCUS StRETTON

May 2008 mag.indd 20 18/4/08 12:03:17 Rushbury Muck Lug Come and Walk for Charity 41 Lingen Davies Bluebell walk in The Strettons ushbury Church of England Primary School would etween 10.00am and 12noon on Sunday 11th May like to thank all of the people involved in the annual 2008, hundreds of mums, dads, children, runners ‘Muck Lug’. Over two weekends in February and and walkers will set off from Rectory Fields, Church March,R parents, staff and friends of the school delivered StrettonB to complete a sponsored five miles, 1200feet of barrow and trailer loads of cow manure for gardens and ascent walk/run over the Longmynd returning through allotments to the surrounding villages and Church Stretton. the bluebells in Rectory Wood. Assisting Anita and Lingen Davies appeal are members of the Middle Marches Lions and the Rotary Club of Church Stretton, and the food is being prepared by the 2nd Longmynd Venture Scout Unit. All are raising much needed funds for the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre Appeal to improve facilities for local people with cancer at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Photo: John Corfield John Photo:

Special thanks must go to Brenda Pogson for organising the orders over the past 10 years, to James Woodcock for providing the tractor, trailer and many loads of manure. Thanks must also go to the people who provided hospitality en route for the muck luggers with tea/coffee and lunch breaks, and to Karen Griffiths for encouraging luggers to take part. Photo: John Corfield The appeal to raise £3.2 million The two days of lugging were blessed with fine weather (now less than a million to the target) is for a new building and a nice sociable experience for all. A substantial sum was to provide a new clinic for the Haematology Department raised towards the provision of school funds for special trips (to treat cancer of the blood), new wards for the Head & and other events. Next year, Mike Lawton will take on the Neck Unit (to treat people with cancer of the face or throat) task of organising the Muck Lug and we look forward to and extend the existing Chemotherapy Day Unit (treating another successful fund-raising event for Rushbury School. people with most types of cancer) Aiden Foster Further details and sponsor forms are available from:- Anita White in Church Stretton, tel 01694 724222 or Eryl Williams at the Lingen Davies Appeal Office – 01743 The Preen Family History 492396. If you feel you are unable to undertake this tough challenge, then you can still take a short stroll through the Group bluebells in Rectory Wood. Please do get sponsorship or alling all Preens! ... Preen 2008 Reunion... The sponsor someone who is walking or running on 11th May. Preen Family History Study Group will be holding their annual Family Reunion on Saturday C31st May 2008, 10am to 4pm in Cardington Village Hall, Shropshire. The event is for anyone who is descended MAY 2008 from a Preen, or who is interested in researching the Preen surname. Please see our website www.preen.org.uk where we shall post more details of the programme and also travel details as well as information about the history of

the family. StRETTON FOCUS Attenders are welcome to bring their research (photographs, letters or documents about the Preens) The cost of the day is £12 (including lunch and tea). Advanced bookings may be made by sending a cheque, payable to the ‘Preen FHSG’ to Mrs Angela Clarke, 35 Waresley Park, Hartlebury, Worcestershire DY11 7XF. For last minute bookings, and further information, phone Susan Laflin on (01952) 403912 any evening between 26th and 30th May (or email on Preen@one- name.org).

May 2008 mag.indd 21 18/4/08 12:03:19 42 Magpies FC Rotary Club agpies organised a trip to Shrewsbury Town FC he Rotary Club has moved. which was a huge success, with the 135 players Stretton Hall, our venue for the and parents all enjoying the day out, but not the past fifteen years, has closed to Mmatch result (Shrewsbury lost 1-0 to Bury). makeT way for a 42 bed care home. We have now moved to the Longmynd Hotel, meeting, as ever, each Wednesday at 7pm and we look forward to a long stay there. It has been a busy time. The Quiz Night in the Silvester Horne Institute was extremely well supported and we raised over £400 for charities. We enjoyed immensely our annual visit to the Bedstone School play, this year ‘Oliver’. As usual a splendid buffet dinner was provided and we were extremely well looked after by the students. We were very spoiled and were treated to another School production the following night at Concord College where the students presented their International Evening. Very generously the College donated the evening to the Club. We arranged sales of tickets and raised over £1700 for our charities. In the Rotary Youth Speaks competition the Intermediate Magpies feature team this month is the under 8s who team from Church Stretton spoke well at the District Final have only recently formed and have played 2 friendly games, in Penkridge. Sadly they did not get through to the Regional both of which they won. More games are being organised Final, which happened this year to be held at Church Stretton now and throughout the summer to build a foundation for School. Eight teams from Shropshire, West Midlands, entering the South Shropshire League in August. Herefordshire and South Wales competed there. Our Club This team has been formed with the children from the acted as hosts and the Saturday morning crèche run by Magpies to provide an winners go on to the insight into football for the younger players. National Final at City of The crèche and the U8 team is managed by Nick Cole Westminster School. and is helped by Sportsjam FA coaching staff on Saturday We were delighted mornings 9-00 to 10-30. Any boys or girls interested in to be able make a football for this age group should contact Nick on 01694 donation to Church 724362. Children of older ages should contact Clare Wright Stretton Busy Bees (secretary) on 01694 724576 or Graham Groom (chairman) Pre-school to provide on 01694 723436/07854997950 new furniture for their The new look website is now up and working with lots Home Corner. of information and contact for new and existing players and Roger Stokes parents www.churchstrettonmagpies.co.uk Busy Bees Masonic Funds Benefit Local Organisations onations from the Caer Caradoc Lodge of Church Stretton, were recently Friends of presented to two local organisations. A cheque for £850, was presented to the trustees of the Longmynd Adventure Camp. The donation was St Laurence’s Church raisedD from a combination of a charity raffle, and a contribution from the Social Annual Coffee Morning Committee funds of the Lodge. As some people may recall, the Longmynd Adventure Camp was founded some 50 years ago for underprivileged children in the Saturday 10th May area of West Midlands, and also caters for local scouts, guides and school children. A further cheque for £200, was presented to the Church Our annual coffee morning Stretton Scout Group (as will be in the Parish Centre photographed), by members from 10am – 12noon. There MAY 2008 MAY of the Caer Caradoc Social Committee. The money went will be a range of stalls towards urgent electrical work including cakes, preserves, that was needed at the Scouts’ plants, tombola, Fair Trade Headquarters in Church and books. Stretton. It has been very rewarding to be able to donate funds Please come along and to two worthy causes in the join us locality close to the Lodge. David Heywood W/M Caer Caradoc Lodge StRETTON FOCUS StRETTON

May 2008 mag.indd 22 18/4/08 12:03:21 Occasional Advertisements 43 Heating and Plumbing Get your Finances into shape in 2008 Frankwell Financial Independent Financial Advisors Natural Gas, LPG and Oil Mortgages and Re Mortgages Boilers, Fires and Cookers Life Assurance Pensions Investments Servicing and Repairs For independent expert advice and solutions Power Flushing Contact Nigel Emsley Heating and hot water problems fi xed Tel: 01694 720054 or Mob: 07803 181855 www.frankwell.co.uk 201462 Your home may be reposessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Tel. Simon 01694 771347 For mortgage you can choose how we are paid: Pay a fee, usually 0.5% of the loan amount or we can accept commission from a lender

RAGLETH TAXI SERVICE W. H. BARNETT Long Distance & Local Work Undertaken General Builder & Plasterer Call: 07886 520814 Tel: 01588 672568 after 6pm Mobile: 07891 963458

P J LATHAM Pressing Problems Painter and Decorator Ironing Service Free Collection and Delivery 01743 791897 07986 141169 Call: 01694 723366 IAN HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDING AND EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Evans GIANT GAMES FOR HIRE Qualifi ed Professional Counsellor CALL: 07855 808343 MBACP. Dip Couns, Cert. CBT HELP NEEDED Retired couple require strong person to assist generally Tel: 01694 771579 with basic gardening and other jobs associated with a house move within The Strettons. A few hours weekly Email: [email protected] (fl exible). Phone for details 01694 722953

Wenlock Furnishings Sayang House B&B, Hope Bowdler re-upholstery and soft furnishings Set in an acre of landscaped garden overlooking 2 Old Hall Farm, All Stretton, SY6 6HL Shropshire hills. Family run, all rooms en suite with Full re-upholstery of sofas and chairs TV, tea/coffee making facilities. Comfortable guest Curtains made to measure. Footstools made to order sitting room with wood burner. Evening meals using All types of soft furnishings and upholstery local produce at £15 for 2 courses (all diets catered for).

Caravans, camper vans and boat re-furbishments MAY 2008 Alterations and repairs Private dinner parties on request. Would you like to learn how to make soft furnishings and Cookery demonstrations arranged. upholstery? Teaching courses are available. Tel. 01694 723981, email: [email protected] Tel 01694 722137 website: www.sayanghouse.co.uk StRETTON FOCUS HOLIDAY COASTAL COTTAGE - NORTHUMBERLAND GARDENERS’ DELIGHT Newly refurbished single storey, centrally heated, stone cottage, three miles from Bamburgh, on the Northumberland Heritage ESCORTED DAY TRIPS Coastline. Beautifully furnished and well equipped, If you enjoy visiting gardens and market Curlew Cottage provides a superb base to explore this stunning part towns (National Trust and Private) in the of the country. Sleeps 4 in great comfort, both bedrooms en-suite. Situated one mile from a long sandy beach with castles, company of like-minded people, golf courses and seabird sanctuaries nearly. then contact: Jackie Crick on For brochure contact Pat Malcolm on 01694 722147 or 01743 871279 for more details. email: [email protected] (Coach picks up around Shrewsbury area)

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