Stretton Focus Community Voice of the Strettons July 2004 70p

Flicks in the Sticks

Park & Ride at School

Food Fayre

Design: Paul Miller 9th ~ 11th July

Cover July2 1 11/6/04, 9:17 am STRETTON FOCUS Contents (founded 1967) News Average monthly sales: 1,428 copies. Local Food Evening ...... 11 (About 65% of households in Church Stretton) Church Stretton Schools ...... 12 Duck Race ...... 13 Chairman David Jandrell . . . . .724531 Probus ...... 26 Co-Editors Norma Taylor ...... 723617 Rail Users’ Association ...... 39 Pat Oxtoby ...... 723199 Stretton Swimming Pool ...... 42 Rachael Sankey . . . . .720024 Bill Forsythe ...... 724100 Forthcoming events Computer Production Barrie Raynor ...... 723928 Food Fayre (cover article) ...... 6 Rowland Jackson . . . .722390 Ale Trail ...... 7 Cover Design Paul Miller ...... 724596 Stretton and Leebotwood Dog Shows ...... 7 Distribution Jon Cooke ...... 723205 Arts and Crafts Exhibition ...... 14 Advertising Len Bolton ...... 724579 Arts Festival ...... 14 Treasurer John Wainwright . . .722823 Teas to Please ...... 18 Secretary Janet Peak ...... 722994 Flower and Music Festival ...... 30 Salop Musica / Fringe Arts Events ...... 42 email address: [email protected] Regular Features Advertisements. Rates for block and occasional Anglican Voice ...... 18 advertisements may be obtained (send s.a.e.) from the Bird of the Month ...... 17 Advertising Manager, Len Bolton, ‘Oakhurst’, Hazler Catholic Voice ...... 28 Road, Church Stretton, SY6 7AQ, Tel: 01694 724579 to Church Stretton Jottings ...... 5 whom copy should be sent. Focus on Faith ...... 33 Know Your Computer ...... 39 The Stretton Focus Management Board cannot accept Letters ...... 40 responsibility for any product or service advertised. Mayfair Lottery Result ...... 36 Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply any form Methodist Voice ...... 11 of approval or recommendation. Advertisers are required to Out and About ...... 42 comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. Quaker Voice ...... 26 Recipe ...... 36 Submission of articles. Material on 31⁄2˝ disks or CDs, and Thank you ...... 33 typed or handwritten copy together with good quality glossy Town Council Minutes ...... 35 colour or monochrome photographs should be handed Trivia Corner 8 ...... 33 directly to Stretton Focus c/o Wrights, Estate Agent, Trivia Answers ...... 43 Sandford Avenue by noon on the date below. Material may URC Voice ...... 39 also be sent by e-mail to [email protected] as an Weather ...... 28 attachment by the same copy date. What’s On ...... 3 Disclaimer. Stretton Focus prints a wide range of articles Other Items and letters. The views expressed by signed articles are Tennis Past and Present ...... 9 those of their authors and not necessarily those of the Reg’s Ramblings ...... 18 Management Board. Stretton Choral Society ...... 28 Age Concern ...... 30 Copy day is normally the first Monday of the month. Seeing the Best ...... 36 For the August issue it is Monday 5th July 2004 (12.00 noon).

The August Stretton Focus will be distributed on Friday 30th July.

Outlets. Stretton Focus may be purchased by annual subscription (delivered) or directly from Newsworld (Sandford Avenue), All Stretton Stores, Co-op, the Esso Filling Station and the Churches. © 2004 Stretton Focus ISSN 1479-7356 The Official Church Stretton web site is at www.churchstretton.co.uk. Stretton Focus is printed by WPG, Welshpool Have you visited it yet?

Stretton Focus - 2 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 1 11/6/04, 10:59 am What’s On in the Strettons If you wish to know the times of • THURSDAY JULY 1st regular meetings of societies and Church Stretton & District Gardening Club groups, please consult the list of Visit - Stockton Bury, Kimbolton societies and their contacts in the Fascinating group of small gardens, well stocked, central ‘yellow pages’ historically interesting, 4 acres. Cost £9.50.

• SATURDAY JULY 3rd • MONDAY JULY 12th Leebotwood Jubilee Party Car Treasure Hunt 6pm, All Stretton Village Hall The Farm, Leebotwood, just off A49 Includes dog show & car boot sale. • TUESDAY JULY 13th Enquiries: Joan Brooks on 01694 751278 Church Stretton Women’s Institute Further details – Page 7 7.15pm, Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton Decorated pots demonstration by Mrs Trudy Lawrence. Bible Reading 2pm to 5pm, URC Church, Church Stretton • WEDNESDAY JULY 14th Public reading of the Gospel of St Luke from the Authorised Church Stretton & District Gardening Club King James Bible. Visit - 15 St John’s Road, Pleck, Walsall and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Cost: £12.50. • SATURDAY JULY 3rd to 17th Salop Musica / Fringe Arts (See page 42) • SATURDAY JULY 17th Cancer Research UK • TUESDAY JULY 6th 10am to 12.30pm, 20 Hazler Orchard, Church Stretton Church Stretton & District Flower Club Garden opening and coffee morning. 7.30pm, Silvester Horne Institute Entrance & refreshments: £2, children free. Talk on ‘plants for flower arranging’ by Mr Steve Adams of Mynd Hardy Plants. Visitor entrance fee: £3. National Trust - South Shropshire Hills 10am to 1pm, meet - Presthope car park. • SATURDAY JULY 10th Geology of Wenlock Edge; walk led by geologist, Peter Shropshire & Mid Wales Hospice Toghill. Adults: £4.50, under 16s: £1.50 - booking essential: 10am to 4pm, Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton 01694 722631. Grand Book Sale in aid of the hospice - donations welcome. Contact Tony Crowe on 01694 723292 • TUESDAY JULY 20th All Stretton Women’s Institute South Shropshire Furniture Scheme 7.30pm, All Stretton Village Hall 10am to 5pm, 11 Burway Rd, Church Stretton ‘A portrait of Mary Webb through her poems’ Willow work for gardens, one day course. Fee: £30 plus by Margaret Austin. materials. Country Women’s Guild Church Stretton & District Chamber of Trade 2.15pm, Parish Centre, Church Stretton 7pm, the marquee on Russell’s Meadow Talk on Hong Kong by Graham Heath. Promise auction in aid of Hope House Appeal and Shropshire Ambulance Appeal. Contact Stuart White: • FRIDAY JULY 23rd 01694 722237 or Caroline Blount: 01694 727228. Shropshire & Mid Wales Hospice 3pm to 5pm, Ashford House, High St, Church Stretton National Trust - South Shropshire Hills ‘A Summer Fruits Tea’ Produce & cake stall. Entry: £3. 2.30pm, Chalet Pavilion, Carding Mill Valley The Bedlams - a border country dancing team. • SATURDAY JULY 24th Inner Wheel Club of Church Stretton • SUNDAY JULY 11th 10.30am to 12.30pm, 2 Shrewsbury Rd, Church Stretton Church Stretton Dog Show Coffee morning and courtyard sale. Proceeds to Inner 10.30am, Russell’s Meadow, Church Stretton Wheel charities. Contact: 01694 723246 Entries cost £1 per class. Enquiries: Clive Mabbutt on 01694 751772 (office hours). Further details – page 7 • SUNDAY JULY 25th National Trust - South Shropshire Hills National Trust - South Shropshire Hills 10am to 5pm, Wilderhope House, Longville-in-the-Dale, 10.30am to 2pm, Chalet Pavilion, Carding Mill Valley Wenlock Edge - Open day ‘Eat the View’. Pond dipping, Dragonflies and Damselflies on Long Mynd Pools. Bring a hedge planting and other activities. Entrance: £1. packed lunch. Adults: £2, children £1. Edited By Rachael Sankey

Stretton Focus -3 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 2 11/6/04, 10:59 am Church Stretton Jottings: Lost at Sea here are three individuals commemorated on On the morning of 2nd October 1942 she met the liner gravestones in Cunnery Road cemetery whose only ‘Queen Mary’ (which was serving as a troopship and Tgrave is the sea and whose stories together illustrate nearing the end of a voyage from New York to the Clyde) only too graphically the dangers of life at sea, whether in off Bloody Foreland, Northern Ireland. The two ships peace or war. Two of them were servicemen, one from each kept company for about 4 hours, zig-zagging for safety, the of the World Wars. These are: ‘Queen Mary’ behind the ‘Curacao’, acting as escort.

STUART WATSON. (Grave no. T9). He was an Assistant At about 2pm one of the ships misjudged its course and the Paymaster in the Royal Navy. He lost his life in HMS ‘Curacao’ found itself across the bows of the liner. The two ‘Good Hope’ at the battle of Coronel on 1st November ships collided and the cruiser was cut in two. About 50 feet 1914, aged 23. of the ‘Curacao’s’ stern was cut off and sank immediately. The remainder stayed afloat for some minutes. H.M.S. ‘Good Hope’ was an For fear of U-boats and to safeguard the troops she was armoured cruiser carrying, the ‘Queen Mary’ was under orders not to stop which, together for anything, so she carried on, leaving rescue work to some with H.M.S. destroyers which were nearby, about 7 miles away. 102 men ‘Monmouth’ from the ‘Curacao’ were saved; 338 died. (another armoured he third person was a civilian who would have had cruiser), under no idea that getting a post on the newest and largest the command of Tliner in the White Star fleet was to cost him his life. H.M.S. ‘Good Hope’ LEOPOLD TURNER is commemorated on Grave no. Rear Admiral Sir Christopher Craddock, was sunk at the P35. The inscription recorded in the Survey by David and Battle of Coronel off the coast of Chile on 1st November Jean Bilbey in 1984 reads: 1914 by a German squadron which included the armoured cruisers ‘Scharnhorst’ and ‘Gneisenau’, under the command “In loving memory of Amelia Turner Who died June 24 1911 of Vice-Admiral Maximilian Graf Von Spee. There were no aged 59 years. Also Leopold Turner Son of the above Lost in survivors from either of the British ships. Titanic disaster April 12 1912 aged 23 years.”

The ‘Scharnhorst’ and ‘Gneisenau’ were themselves An ‘L. Turner’ is listed as a steward among the crew sunk at the battle of the Falklands Islands by the British members lost on p. 486 in the book Titanic and her sisters battlecruisers ‘Invincible’ and ‘Inflexible’ on 8th December Olympic and Britannic by Tom McCluskie, Michael Sharpe 1914. and Leo Marriott, published in 1998.

DANIEL HENRY WILLOUGHBY GARDNER. (Grave The ‘Titanic’was a White Star liner of some 46,000 no. U39.) Born on the 4th. August 1910, he was a Lieut. tons which sailed from Southampton on her maiden in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. He died on active voyage to New York on 10th April 1912 and sank service in the North Atlantic on 2nd. October 1942. 2 days later after striking an iceberg in the north Atlantic. There were over 2200 crew and passengers on board. The lifeboat accommodation was grossly inadequate. As a result though over 700 were saved, more than 1500 lives were lost, Leopold Turner among them.

H.M.S. ‘Curacao’ as an A.A. cruiser Lieut. Gardner was a member of the crew of H.M.S. ‘Curacao’ (my thanks to Ray Tipton for this information). This was a “C” class cruiser which entered service in February 1918. She was originally armed with five six inch guns in single mountings. During 1939 she was R.M.S. ‘Titanic’ converted to an anti-aircraft cruiser by having the original armament replaced by eight high angle four inch guns in twin mountings, together with some shorter range weapons. May they all rest in peace! Radar equipment was fitted in 1941 and updated in 1942. Tony Crowe

Stretton Focus - 5- July 2004

July 2004 mag 3 11/6/04, 10:59 am Church Stretton Food Fayre - Sunday 11th July 2004, 10am-10pm rilliant atmosphere... to skateboarding – all to and from Robinson’s Field, fantastic food... a great the accompaniment of Churchill Road. FREE buses “Bday out”... those were the wandering minstrels. A run every 15 minutes. comments on the first Church Stretton superlative Food Cookery You may purchase a Fayre Food Fayre, held last year, and this Theatre on Russell’s Meadow ticket in advance for £3, year’s event promises to be even more will celebrate the quality making a £1 saving on savoury, so read on. and diversity of both local the charge at the event Krissi Carpenter of BBC Radio and regional food and itself, while under 16s are Shropshire has agreed to open the drink. You can look forward to some free. Tickets are available from the Fayre and will be presenting her exciting entertainment from street Church Stretton Tourist Info Centre in Sunday radio request programme from musicians, bands and entertainers, a Church Street, John Thomas (Florist) Church Stretton, as well as making funfair and Maypole dancing, classic in Sandford Ave, or Burway Books a guest appearance at the Cookery cars, helicopter rides and much more! in Beaumont Road. Leaflets advise Demonstrations sponsored by Heart of The whole thing is a food, wine, music how to obtain your tickets by post England Fine Foods. and dance extravaganza! Flags and and similar advice is contained on our We are especially pleased to be bunting, music, and exciting food and web-site www.foodfayre.org which has collaborating with the Chamber of drink stalls will provide an attractive been designed and hosted this year by Trade this year in running a Promise and enjoyable background to all that is Severn Internet Services. Auction on the Saturday night and going on. Over eighty stall-holders will sharing the proceeds with local be selling locally produced food and Ale Trail Tickets are also on sale charities. drink, dairy produce, preserves and at the venues quoted above and In addition, the Longmynd Hotel prepared foods. at all the participating pubs. The will be running the licensed bar in the All day Friday 9th July and Saturday charge covering the shuttle service main marquee on both the Saturday 10th July, there will be a repeat of over the two days has gone up to and Sunday nights and has very kindly the highly popular Stretton Ale Trail. £6 this year, but it is still amazing agreed to make a generous donation Two minibuses will drive through the value even without the Certificate from the proceeds. South Shropshire countryside and and commemorative glass for those provide half-hourly pick-ups at twelve completing the Trail round all 13 pubs. public houses in the town and seven The glasses are again guaranteed to be surrounding villages. Publicans will be collectors’ items! Tickets are limited introducing over thirty guest real ales, to 600, so be sure to buy soon to avoid and cooking special menus. disappointment. There will be a full programme of The same applies to the Guided cookery demonstrations from 11am Walks (see the previous issue of Focus), through to 4.30pm on Saturday. A costing only £3 for the Town Walks wine-tasting, hosted by Victoria Berg and £5 for the longer country walks. of Tanners Wines, will run from Ian Howes, the Walks Co-ordinator 5.00pm. to 7.00pm on Sunday. In will be pleased to take your booking the evening from 7.30pm. to 10pm., on 01694 751318. food and music will be provided in the As you will see from our posters, main marquee with a licensed bar and leaflets, and web-site there should be musical accompaniment to round off something for everyone to enjoy. We the festival weekend. The Fayre will fill aim to re-create that very special care- the town centre of Church Stretton, free feeling that was such a feature of but the majority of demonstrations last year’s event. All we need is the and children’s activities will be same glorious sunshine, but, rain or concentrated on Russell’s Meadow. A shine, we want everyone to have a passport in the form of a handstamp really good time. will allow freedom of movement Tim Nichols of the Food Fayre around the town. Lastly, we are still looking for volunteers Committee Ed van Doesburg is kindly arranging a to help us steward on the day. By A host of events has been co-ordinated ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’ competition and way of bribery, we can offer you a free for the whole family, including food a Cookery School for young chefs in the commemorative polo-shirt in Church tasting and cookery demonstrations, Cookery Theatre. Other chefs will be Stretton colours, plus the free and an Ale Trail, a Craft Fair, a Fun Dog demonstrating their arts, all benefiting inimitable hospitality of the Mayfair Show, a variety of children’s rides, from generous kitchen provision by Community Centre! If you would like competitions and circus activities, Heart of England Fine Foods. to join us for the day, please get in a Raging Bull Challenge, inflatable PARK and RIDE is organised from touch with me on 01694 722998 Sumo Wrestling, plus numerous Church Stretton Comprehensive or [email protected] demonstrations ranging from outdoor School, Shrewsbury Road (B5477 Bob Welch, Chairman, pursuits and blazing kitchens through formerly B4370), on the edge of town Church Stretton Food Fayre Committee July 2004 Stretton Focus - 6 -

July 2004 mag 4 11/6/04, 10:59 am “Ales in the Dales!” Food Fayre Ale Trail n the evening of Friday 9th lovers of fi ne ale will be able to enjoy To take part in July and all day Saturday a fabulous range of special brews, the Ale Trail you O10th July, there will be a including local favourites Town Crier, need to purchase repeat of the highly successful 2003 Shropshire Lad, Hobson’s Best and an “Ale Trail Ale Trail – but this year we have three Proud Salopian. Organiser David Passport” priced additional pubs for you to visit! As Baugh said “We are pleased with the £6.00, available part of the 2004 Church Stretton Food response from local publicans, who from participating pubs and other Fayre, a regular mini bus service will be have really embraced the ‘Fun of the outlets in Church Stretton. The driving through the South Shropshire Food Fayre!’ ” This year participating passport will allow unlimited countryside pubs are: transport. On completion of the providing a trail, participants will receive a shuttle service The Pound Inn, Leebotwood certificate and a commemorative at thirteen Ragleth Inn and Green Dragon, engraved pint beer glass. public houses, Little Stretton all located Station Inn, Marshbrook We have already received lots of either in Plough, Wall under Heywood enquiries about the Ale Trail so Church Longville Arms once again it looks like being a Stretton Yew Tree and Stretton Hall Hotel, runaway success. or in the beautiful Stretton Hills All Stretton surrounding the town. Royal Oak, Cardington Details from: David Baugh on and in the town centre (01694) 771485 or by E-mail, Publicans will be introducing over The Bucks Head [email protected] thirty fi ne ales between them, cooking Wine Vaults special menus and providing a host Old Coppers Malt House Bob Welch,Chairman, of entertainment. Ales in the Dales Church Stretton & District Club. Church Stretton Food Fayre Committee

Stretton and Leebotwood Dog Shows f your dog didn’t quite make it to Crufts this year, you may Class 11: Champion Child Handler. Starts 1.30pm be interested in two local events this month. Class 12: Show Champion (to be judged from Class 1, 2 & I 3 Winners) On Sunday July 11th at Russell’s Meadow, Church Stretton, Pets At Home will be hosting a dog show. Entries are from Leebotwood: Dog Show and Jubilee Party 10.30am and cost £1 per class. All classes are open to any breed. Judging starts at 11.15am, prizes are as follows: On July 3rd, the dog show will be in Leebotwood at The Farm, just off A49. The classes will be the same as above, Pets at Home vouchers with rosettes 1st to 3rd in all classes; entries are from 1pm - judging starts John Thomas Pet Shop vouchers; The Malthouse Veterinary 2.30pm. Surgeries ‘Champion Child Handler Trophy’; Newlands Veterinary Group ‘Show Champion Trophy’. Prizes are Pets at Home & John Thomas vouchers with rosettes, Judges: Management, Pets at Home & Iain Prentice BVSc 1st to 3rd in all classes. This event MRCVS will be run in conjunction with the Leebotwood 2004 Jubilee Party. Dog Show Schedule Class 1: Best Bitch - starts promptly @ 11.15am Entry to the Jubilee party is £1 for adults and 50p for Class 2: Best Dog children. There will be a car boot sale from 1pm to 3pm. Class 3: Best Working Dog Entry is £5 per car. Other attractions include: Class 1 to 3 prizes: 1st £15; 2nd £10; 3rd £5 Skittles, raffl es, produce & preserves stall, children’s Class 4: Dog looking most like its owner face painting & games, duck racing, coconut shy, bar, Class 5: Best puppy (6 - 12months) refreshments, band, ice creams, massage parlour, bottle Class 6: Best veteran (over 8 years old) stall, whisky trail and name the teddy. Class 7: Dog with the waggiest tail Class 8: Best trick Proceeds go to the Nightingale Nurses & Leebotwood Class 9: Best 6 legs (let’s hope it’s a sunny day!) Village Hall Fund. Class 10: Most unusual dog, features, colour etc. Class 4 to 10 prizes: 1st £10; 2nd £5; 3rd £2.50 For raffl e tickets or further information please call Joan Brooks on 01694 751278 - or for car boot / dog shows 12.35pm - 1.15pm ‘K9 Capers’ An amateur Mid Wales dog contact Clive Mabbutt on 01694 751772 (offi ce hours). team demonstration

Stretton Focus - 7 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 5 11/6/04, 10:59 am Tennis – Past and Present he Church Stretton Tennis Club, 100 years old next with the Captain, learning how to move around the court, year, has an all-age membership of over 50 players. and the visiting coaches from the LTA have taught him TThe Club, with access to six available courts in the how to serve properly and have also helped to improve his Recreation Park, has three teams in the Shropshire Lawn backhand. Tennis League of nine Divisions. The men’s first team currently enjoy a mid-table position in Division 4 with Like all clubs, the Tennis Club faces challenges in the the second team in Division 6. The ladies have their own future. The Church Stretton Town Council increased leagues and Church Stretton compete in Division 5. its charges for the facilities when it took over the responsibilities for the courts some 4 years ago. Fees had to However, stories are still told about Church Stretton Lawn be increased by the Club from £40 to £65 a year to meet Tennis in the 1920’s and 30’s being the hub of local society additional charges. The Club aspires to install floodlights and several of the grand houses of that era having their for the two hard courts at a cost of about £10,000 – as a own courts. The Lawn Tennis Association recognised the way of extending playing time but also as an attraction status of Church Stretton in this respect and organised an to young people. However, increased costs are eating into annual open tournament during the first week in August. A funds that were being set-aside for the purpose. Wimbledon Champion, the famous Bunny Austin and also a UK No 1 tennis player, Tony Mottram competed in the Whether Tim Henman wins Wimbledon this year or not, tournament that was referred to in the press as ‘the Little tennis will continue to flourish in Church Stretton. Wimbledon of Shropshire’. The finals were always played John Cook organises competitions for members; County on the present courts in Recreation Park. Coach, Sarah Peters pays regular visits to conduct coaching sessions; the year before last, 6 members attended a The culture of the Club today appears to be a much more coaching course for an LTA Certificate and Joy Reeves has relaxed affair with playing for the sheer enjoyment of the now achieved an Assistant Coach’s Certificate … and the game being a priority for most members. Brian Heeley, the social side of this friendly Club is unlikely to be neglected! present Chairman and 1st Team captain extols the virtues of Club Secretary, Stuart Wright (723723) will always be a game that requires skill and provides regular exercise for pleased to hear from people interested in tennis and joining people of all ages. “Tennis is an outlet for the competitive the Club. spirit”, says Brian, but he also draws attention to the Man on Court friendly atmosphere in a Club that would always welcome more members.

The social side of the Club was of particular interest to the late Kenneth Horne during the 1930’s. Kenneth, (son of Silvester Horne) a playing member of the Club, and also a local representative player for the County, participated every year in the annual tournament and helped to organise many of the social events that accompanied it After leaving the area, he returned for the tournament – bringing his caravan for accommodation.

The current holder of the Club Junior title is David Egan Miller photos: Paul from Hope Bowdler. David defeated Paul Pember in the final of the junior competition last summer. David, a 15 years old Church Stretton schoolboy, first picked up a racquet when he was six years old. He joined the Club three years ago and is enthusiastic for the opportunities the Club provides. “Tennis keeps you fit, is really good fun and there is time to make new friends” says David.

The Shropshire LTA is doing all it can for the national game by promoting and encouraging young people to take up the game. Like the seniors of the International Circuit, Shropshire youngsters have their own rating on where they stand in the rankings. David has improved his ranking from 8.1 to 7.3 points over the last year. After every six victories in selected tournaments, a junior’s ranking reduces by 0.1 point. David has played in five tournaments in the area.

David could not speak too highly of the coaching and encouragement he receives from older and more experienced players in the Club. He has played doubles

Stretton Focus - 9 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 6 11/6/04, 10:59 am Methodist Voice Lent Groups – 2004 I was fortunate to receive an invitation t was felt that the last series of Lent Groups was very to attend the service of inauguration successful. It proved a wonderful opportunity not only and welcome as the representative of the Ito work through the various resource materials made Churches Together in Shropshire. It was a available but also it enabled us to strengthen and develop most enjoyable celebration. our ecumenical links. I am sure that new friendships were formed and we can now go ahead with some confidence to ‘When the Gremlins Attack’ build upon these relationships. What do you do when the gremlins attack your well-laid Could I take this opportunity of thanking all the ‘hosts and plans? That was the question we faced when the programme hostesses’ for the hospitality provided, and in particular the for the biennial Network Day seemed threatened. In the leaders of the various groups. spirit of the hymn we decided to ‘Trust and Obey’, and forged ahead in faith. ‘Reflections’ was the theme we chose Chair of the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District for the day. The first disappointment was that the chosen The Revd John D Howard, currently serving as a date proved to be inconvenient for a number of people, but Superintendent Minister in the Newcastle West Circuit a malfunctioning video player and more hitches were to has been nominated to replace the present District Chair, follow. Revd Peter Curry as from 1 September 2005 and this We decided to model the day on a previous enjoyable event. nomination was confirmed by the Methodist Conference in This meant there would be workshops on Craft, Music, Loughborough on 25/27 June 2004. Bible Study, and Liturgical Dance. Five willing people Further details will be given in the August edition of Focus were found to lead the workshops but three of these were and in keeping with past practice Revd Howard will be not able to attend – all at very short notice and all for very asked to make a contribution to a future edition of Focus. understandable reasons. We thought we would have to settle for just two units but the guest speaker for the afternoon Chair of the Shetland Isles District worship came to the rescue. She had wanted to circulate The Methodist Conference also confirmed the nomination round the morning workshops in order to fit into the of Revd Jeremy Dare, currently Superintendent Minister of afternoon programme whatever came out of the workshops. the Ashford and District Circuit, as Chair of the Shetland But instead she volunteered to peg herself down to leading Isles District as from lst September 2004. Revd Dare is a group. She helped the would-be craft people to attempt the son-in-law of one of our long-serving members, Mrs sensory meditation, and let Bible Studiers and Singers Doreen Aylett. surprise her with their offerings. We wish both much success and happiness on their appointments and keep them in our prayers. When the day came, a smaller number than in previous years gathered from Methodist churches in Ludlow, Bishop of Hereford Tenbury Wells, Craven Arms and Church Stretton. By Hereford’s 104th Bishop, Anthony Priddis, was formally common consent the day was judged to have been both welcomed on Saturday 26 June 2004 in a service attended enjoyable and stimulating. by church and civic leaders as well as people from his new Perhaps one thing we learned is that NO GREMLINS Diocese and from the Diocese of Coventry where he served CAN RESIST THE HOLY SPIRIT! as Bishop of Warwick since 1996. We wish Bishop Anthony much joy and happiness in this very important post. Harry Clarke (Methodist Recorder) Local Food Evening Raises £400 for Mayfair Community Centre he Shropshire Food Producers hosted a Charity Local Food Sampling Evening recently in aid of the TChurch Stretton Mayfair Community Centre. Forty people attended the dinner, which raised over £400.

There were a variety of foods on offer to tempt the taste buds of all who attended. For example, the main entrees included a wild rice salad with cranberries, smoked chicken garnished with oranges and salad and roasted leg of lamb with an Egyptian yogurt nut sauce,

Ed van Doesburg prepared and cooked all the salads and entrees. The food and wine were donated by Bings Heath Smokery, Oakwood Lamb, Osmin Olives, Park Gate Farm, van Doesburg’s, Wenlock Edge Farm and www.ourlocalfood.co.uk. Puddings were prepared and donated by Happy Valley Catering. Cliff and Kathy Feetham show Sue Woods (Mayfair Centre) two of the dishes

Stretton Focus - 11 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 7 11/6/04, 10:59 am Success for Church Stretton School Under 13 Girls’ Football Team are National Champions been playing together since primary school and this has definitely helped. The girls have worked hard to reach this ou may well have heard about it in the local and standard but thanks must go to their coach, Ralph Davies, national newspapers or on the television news. You who has worked so hard with them and to Alison Moore Ymight also have caught sight of the team as they and the staff at the school. The girls have also benefited travelled around on an open topped bus! The girls from from the unstinting support of their families who have Church Stretton School have become national champions. followed them around the country. The victory has created This is both an amazing and exciting feat. a real buzz of excitement in the school. Several coaches were able to travel to the various matches and the noise created The regional final was played at the Aston Villa ground. In by the supporters was staggering. Who knows what they this match they defeated a team from Leicestershire by two will achieve next! goals to one. This was followed by the national semi-final at Vicarage Road, Watford where victory was snatched in The Squad extra time against a team from Burnley. The reward for this was a trip to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea on Thursday, 20th Jess Stone Lucy Everett May. In this match they really showed themselves to be the Aimee Williams Claire Lloyd best in the country by convincingly beating a team from Suzie Ireland (Capt) Victoria Ward Southampton by a score of 6-1. Kim Bebbington scored Abigail Cottam Olivia Ireland a hat-trick in this match. They have now proved to be the Kim Bebbington Megan Lloyd best of roughly one thousand teams that started out in the Vinnie Tyler Natasha Jones competition. Fran Dixon Emma Spandrzyk

Each girl is highly skilled but their real strength lies in their John Allin absolute ability to play as a team. Many of the girls have Headteacher

Making a Good School Even Better hurch Stretton School is busy preparing its bid to become a Specialist Technology School. If successful, the school will receive additional income to enhance its facilities and raise standards still further. There are exciting plans to Cintroduce new courses that will be of particular relevance to students in this rural part of Shropshire. One special feature of the scheme is that local primary schools are also involved so that they, too, benefit from the increased resources and staffing.

The school is determined to enhance its already strong links with the local community. With this in mind it is working closely with the Church Stretton Partnership to ensure that the plans benefit not only the students but also the people living in the locality. Technology status will enable training in relevant skills to take place as well as opportunities for leisure and recreation.

In order to access the additional funding the school has to raise sponsorship to the value of £50,000. This will, for example, release a further £100,000 to be spent on a capital project. In a rural area such as Church Stretton this is not necessarily an easy task and any help with sponsorship or ideas will gratefully be received. The impact of the initiative will definitely spread to the community as a whole as well as to the students. If you would like further information or to make a contribution, please fill in the slip and return it to the school. We would be delighted to hear from you. John Allin Headteacher "------To Church Stretton School, Shrewsbury Road, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6EX

Applying for Specialist School Status in Technology

Name ...... Address ......

......

Telephone number ......

I would like to contribute to the sponsorship

Stretton Focus - 12 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 8 11/6/04, 10:59 am The Tightest Spot of the Competition We are the champions photo: Ralph Davies Under 11 Girls Doing Well Too!

St Lawrence`s Primary School under-11 girls` football team have also had a successful season. The girls came second out of seven schools in the South Shropshire football tournament Victory Tour at Ludlow Town FC on April 30th. photo: Ralph Davies The Great All Stretton Duck Race

his took place on May Bank Holiday Monday in Hall Meadow. Colin and Lesley McIntyre kindly organised Tthis and provided the venue of Hall Meadow with its excellent stream that provided an ideal course. About seventy people from the village, some thirty being children, joined in the eight heats, racing their numbered yellow plastic ducks in a ‘Pooh Stick’ Race. The children were very good helpers in catching the ducks at the finishing post. After two semi- finals six competitors took part in the final. The winner was Sheila Seal, second was Chris Stratton and third was Bob Seal. Sheila won a fluffy duck trophy mounted on a wooden plinth. She will retain this for one year before she defends her title next year. The event raised over £30 for Village Hall funds and provided a very pleasant outside activity for the Bank Holiday. Roger Stokes The Finishing Line photo: Roger Stokes Stretton Focus - 13 - June 2004

July 2004 mag 9 11/6/04, 11:00 am Arts Festival verybody who read last month’s issue will have seen favourite venue for our audiences. Our the article and the photos of some of the performers new President, Andrew Downes, will be Eappearing in this year’s Festival, now only a few weeks giving what should be a very interesting away. The June cover and article gave a very good idea and enjoyable talk on the infl uences that of the range and variety on offer, with the young pianist have helped shape his composing career Chenyin Li joining us for the fi rst time and the actress and then we have another fi rst, an afternoon visit to the Rohan McCullough, whom audiences will remember for delightful Barber Institute Art Gallery, with an evening her moving portrayal of Vera Brittain’s Testament of Youth. talk about the Institute. This year’s New Generation series This time she will be telling us the story behind the Beatrix brings three very talented young singers, with a very varied Potter stories. Then we have the contrast between two types programme, ranging from Vivaldi and Handel to excerpts of popular music, the sophisticated Noel Coward and the from Fiddler on the Roof and Guys and Dolls. Finally we extremely successful but much more sentimental Beatles. welcome the Chameleon Wind Ensemble, with another Will our older supporters skip the Beatles and our younger varied programme, ranging from Beethoven to Debussy and audience decide that Coward Ibert, is too old fashioned? We hope that people might take A new service this year is a chance either way and offered by Berry’s in the fi nd themselves pleasantly Square, with a two-course surprised. To make the dinner at £8.50 on every Beatles evening more evening other than the informal, we are planning to Concord events. Their arrange this as a cabaret style phone number is 01694 evening, with seating round Gabriel Woolf Jenny Seagrove Sylvia Syms 724452. Many people tables, and we have applied have asked if this pre-event for a licence to have wine and beer on sale, to help the meal is available, so we are delighted that Berry’s have come evening go with a swing. As expected, tickets for the opera up with this offer, and that there will be suffi cient support and the Noel Coward evening are going extremely well, for it to continue into the future years. Once again, the with the Dante Quartet and Mothers and Daughters also ever-helpful principal of Concord College, Tony Morris, has attracting good support. given permission for members of the audience to picnic in the delightful grounds. Other events include a return visit by Gabriel Woolf, who has entertained us in the past with evenings in the company We all look forward to welcoming you at the Festival. If you of John Betjeman and Dylan Thomas. This year, his subject want extra programmes, to send to friends or clients, please let is John Keats, tragically short-lived. As before, this will us know. I would welcome your phone calls and offers of help. be held in the very attractive Wistanstow Village Hall, a George Roby, 01694 722159

Arts Festival Art and Crafts Exhibition St Lawrence`s Primary School, 27th July – 7th August 2004 he exhibition of paintings, original prints and always been an enjoyable feature of the exhibition and we 2D/3D craft runs throughout the festival. It shows appreciate the efforts of the school staff in making this Taround 500 works in a wide range of media and contribution. subject matter with a strong local interest. The event is a non-competitive showcase for many accomplished The Festival and Exhibition will be opened by the Festival amateur artists as well as successful exhibiting artists in President, Andrew Downes. You are invited to attend the the South Shropshire area. Most of the work is for sale at Reception and Opening on Monday 26th July 2004 at very reasonable prices. The Festival Committee thanks 7.30pm. Admission £1.50 payable at the door to include the artists, school staff and helpers who contribute to the catalogue and drink. success of the exhibition. We are grateful to W.C. Wright Daily Opening Times: Tuesday 27th July - Friday 6th & Son, Estate Agents, Church Stretton and Small Wonder, August 10.00am - 6.00pm (incl. Saturday/Sunday), Church Stretton for the continuing sponsorship of the Saturday 7th August 10.00am - 12.00noon. Festival Exhibition. Entrance fee 50p (includes catalogue) Schoolchildren free

This year we are pleased to welcome the Long Mynd We would be pleased to hear from anyone who would be Camera Club. Members of the club will display a selection able to help in any way with the preparation and hanging of of photographs, many of local interest, some of which will this and future exhibitions, particularly on the morning of be available for sale. Saturday 24th July.

The Festival Exhibition will also include a display of work Sue Mabbutt (Exhibition Organiser) tel: 01694 751723 by students of our two Church Stretton schools. This has David Mace (Exhibition Manager) tel: 01694 722289

Stretton Focus - 14 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 10 11/6/04, 11:00 am Bird of the Month – July: Stonechat iven the disaster that has befallen April’s Bird of Stonechats are mainly found on the heathery slopes on the the Month, Ring Ouzel (see below), and other steep sides of the upper valleys. Some species breed close Gground-nesting birds such as Curlew, focussing to the boundary between different types of vegetation, so on a species that is increasing makes a pleasant change. they can get food from more than one source and this is particularly true of Stonechat. Most species have finished breeding by July and the hills are usually quiet, but the far-carrying “tac tac” alarm Some nest on the plateau, but these pairs are never far away call of adult Stonechats can often be heard this month, from wet flushes and it is presumably the absence of water near a nest with well grown chicks or recently fledged elsewhere which prevents them utilising the majority of the young. Like Whinchats, Stonechats will circle around an heathland plateau. Altitude does not appear to be a limiting intruder, perch in full view and draw attention away from factor. The highest territories are at 480m, at Boiling Well where the young or nest are hidden. and near Pole Cottage; lower territories have only become occupied as the population has grown. Stonechats are slightly smaller than Robins. Males have a striking black head, white cheeks and orange breast. On the Long Mynd, most territories include heather. Here, Females have a brown head, buff cheeks and a duller, the apparent low association of Stonechat with gorse is more brown, breast. Both have perhaps surprising, as it is a white wing-bars, particularly favoured habitat on lowland noticeable in flight. These wing coastal heaths and also on the bars and the absence of a white Stiperstones, 10 kilometres eyestripe, separate Stonechats from further west. However, the the more common Whinchat, Stiperstones is a dry heath and May`s Bird of the Month. The the species of gorse there, as song, difficult to distinguish, is well as on the coastal heaths, is heard much less frequently than predominantly common gorse. the alarm call. It flowers mainly in May and June, so it supports considerable They can be found on the Long numbers of insects at that Mynd all year, except in periods time, which coincides with the of prolonged frost or snow, but Stonechats’ breeding season. numbers are higher in spring and The Long Mynd is much wetter, summer when the residents are and the gorse is almost entirely supplemented by migrants. Some western gorse, which does not birds over-winter in this country, usually flower until the late while others migrate to the western summer or autumn. Mediterranean, particularly Iberia. © Rory McCann These different survival strategies are a trade-off – residents Few pairs were recorded on the have to endure higher mortality in harsh winters, but they Long Mynd in the 1980s, but the population increased steadily, can breed earlier, and raise three broods, whereas migrants and was estimated at 22 pairs in 1998. Since then, Stonechats arrive on the breeding grounds later and can only have two. have been found breeding at sites they did not occupy in the 1990s and the population is now probably around 30 pairs. The first brood of residents fledge in late April or early There are another 15 or so pairs on the Stiperstones (including May and those of migrants are around a month later. one very close to the car park) and other widely-scattered The breeding cycle of each pair averages 43 days, so pairs throughout the Shropshire hills, in heather or gorse. The family parties might be seen anytime in May, June, July population increase is attributed to a long succession of mild or August, but there is a peak of fledged young and noisy winters, one of the consequences of global warming. agitated adults in the first week in July. Unless a well-hidden pair is nesting quietly (or any Focus The male is not a persistent songster and sits quietly reader knows better!), it appears that Ring Ouzel, April’s by the nest, usually out of sight, when the female is Bird of the Month, is now extinct as a breeding species in incubating. They are easy to overlook at this time, but Shropshire. Several passage birds were seen in April, but become much more conspicuous once the young hatch. only one resident bird, a male fledged last year, has been Both adults feed the young for around five days after seen. He was only seen on two days in late April, and has fledging, after which the female starts to build the next not been relocated in May. So far, no resident female has nest, while the male continues to feed the dependent been seen at all. Hopefully a pair might still be found, but young for another 10 days. it is increasingly unlikely. Leo Smith

If you see a Ring Ouzel anywhere on the Long Mynd, please report its location immediately, either to Leo Smith 01588 638577, or to the National Trust through the Office in Carding Mill Valley or the Tea Room Staff, or ring 01694 723068

Stretton Focus - 17 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 11 11/6/04, 11:00 am Anglican Voice ear friends, Friday, 16th July is set to be an On the Friday evening, we at St.Laurence’s, All Saints important date in the lives of a section of and St.Michael’s will welcome Graham Stones to be Dthe community. That day will be scary for our new Rector. The ‘new boy’ (who probably hasn’t some, exciting for others. It may be daunting in many been referred to as a boy for a while!) might well experience ways, sad too but eventually, we hope, a release in to new many similar emotions to the children of year six. Certainly things. leaving his current ministry is a sad parting. Graham and Marion, his wife, might well feel the day is scary, exciting It will be the last day at St.Lawrence’s Primary School for and daunting – although we wish to assure them both that the year six pupils, the majority of whom will make the there is no need to be scared! We pray that their coming short journey in September to the Secondary School next to lead the ministry and witness of the Anglican Church door. They will no longer be the oldest, allowed to sit on is a release into new things. We’re glad to be able to share chairs and benches at the back of assembly, but become the event with the community, our ‘Churches Together’ the youngest and lowest in the pecking order. Some may partners, clergy and readers from the deanery of Condover. quickly find their feet in the new environment and, like We look forward also to welcoming around 40 well-wishers the Under 13 girls` football team, find glory and prestige. from Graham’s current parish to share our celebration. Others, though, may take time to adapt and long for the gentler environment next door. Friday the 16th will be quite a day for this community. There is one significant difference though between school Moving on always presents a challenge and a mix of and church. The 16th is the beginning of the summer emotions. During their last week I will take part in the holidays for the year six children but NOT for the extended leavers` assembly and seek to share the truth found in the team involved in the church! Together, we will explore a Bible, that God is with us, every day, wherever we are. He new chapter in the life of the church, seeking God’s will cares for us, watches over us and longs for us to know Him for us in this place. Scary? Daunting? Exciting? Probably and seek Him in all things. Thanks to a small charitable all three – but the message shared with the children is the group, we have been able to present the St.Lawrence leavers message for us too. God is with us, cares for us, is watching with a bible (the excellent Youth Bible – a version of the over us and longs for us to know Him and seek Him in all New International Version we use). We pray that the young things. What an adventure. people may come to find that the truth written across its pages becomes a guide and guard day by day. Yours in Christ Jon Hutchinson

All Saints’ Church, Little Stretton - ‘Teas to Please’

nce again teas will be served in the grounds of the Church in Little Stretton over the August Bank Holiday period: Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th and Monday 30th August from 2.00 - 6.00pm each day OPlease note that the dates and times given in “A Guide to What’s On in the Churches of Herefordshire and South Shropshire” are incorrect. The event is organised to raise funds for the Church as well as supporting one of the local charities. We hope that you will continue to support this occasion. Mary Askew Reg’s Ramblings – The ‘Pink ’Un’ uring the days of my youth in the twenties and thirties Church Stretton at about 7.00pm on a Saturday and, indeed, for some years after World War Two, evening complete with scores, up to date league DI used to be spellbound with wonder on Saturday tables and reports of the more important matches. evenings during the football season. The reason for my awe was the unbelievable speed with which The Sports Argus, or If one went to see, say, West Bromwich Albion at The Pink`Un (as it was nicknamed because of its colour) The Hawthorns, by the time you had made your was produced and for sale on the streets, as were similar way out of the packed ground and walked a few hundred publications up and down the land. This was at a time when yards towards the station you were being offered a copy of Association Football was akin to a religion among the working that evening’s Argus, - though some of the match reports classes, not least because it was also a time when a win on the had a suspicion of having been largely written before the ‘Pools’ offered a prospect of escape from the poverty which was end of the game! the accepted lot of the bulk of the population. In those days, anything capable of producing even a During the twenties and for most of the thirties, very few modest profit was eagerly undertaken. We now have our working class homes possessed a radio and such folk relied morning newspapers, in this age of high tech and instant on these newspapers to discover how their team had fared electronic communication, printing merely the full time and, even more importantly, whether they had pulled off score of the last evening`s Cup tie with a footnote saying the massive longshot of a substantial Pools win. ‘Extra time being played’. It surely makes one think about how financial circumstances alter attitudes and To meet this anxious requirement (and also sell copies) The effort! Sports Argus, produced in Birmingham, would be on sale in Reg Heiron

Stretton Focus - 18 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 12 11/6/04, 11:00 am Quaker Voice - A Brush with the Surreal have just had one of those surreal experiences that leave “So are you Anglican, Roman Catholic, or you wondering about the meaning of Life the Universe what?” Iand Everything. It started with the phone ringing… I was reminded of the man in Ireland accosted by two burly locals who demanded to know whether he was a “Good Morning, this is British Telecom. Is that the Quakers?” Catholic or a Protestant. When he said he was a Jew, Well, yes and no. I am of course no more The Quakers they thought for a moment, then asked, “Are you a than my caller (who sounded suspiciously as if he was Catholic Jew or a Protestant Jew?” I was also becoming calling from New Delhi if not the Moon) was that great acutely aware of how to an outsider all us religious lot monolith of an ex- nationalised industry. “You can get look the same. So I did my best. “We are like them, but the Quakers on this number, yes…” different; basically the same”. “May I please confirm that you are also in brackets the Religious Society of Friends?” In three words I had consigned centuries of disagreement, Well, yes and no. “We are actually the Religious Society torture, imprisonment, excommunication and even war to of Friends, Quakers in brackets. But we find it easier to the dustbin of irrelevance. We are different, but basically the call ourselves Quakers for short…” same. Include the Moslems and the Hindus, the Shi’ites “And what type of organisation are you?” and the Jains in that, I was going to say, when he made a I resisted the urge to be sarcastic. “The Religious Society decision. of Friends is a religious one. We try to make sense of why we’re here. Even if we can’t (and most of the time “I’ll put you down as a religious organisation.” we can’t) we try to decide, given that we are here, what Well. I’m glad we got that sorted out. we are going to do about it. We try to follow our inner “And have you been in existence more than two years?” light. We try to encourage good and discourage evil. We Look sunshine, the Quakers have been around for try to walk cheerfully across the world answering that of over 350 years. That’s about seventeen and a half times God in everyone. That sort of thing..” as long as you have, matey. But be polite. “Oh Yes. “What sort of a religious organisation?” Actually we’ve been around since 1652…” What sort? What sorts are there? Exclusive? “And are you still at the same address?” Fundamentalist/Islamic? Fundamentalist/Evangelical? I nearly screamed. But, now I come to think of it, we With Incense or Without? With Singing but no probably are. Some of our early historic buildings are Dancing? I was in trouble. “Er...we welcome people still in use, and lots of the prisons that we used to be of all faiths, and of none. Some Quakers suggest we incarcerated in are still there, but this was not going to are all on a journey and we are therefore happy to walk be helpful. alongside others who are going the same way as we are. “Our local address is still the same. We do have a We have no priests, and no creed, our meetings are Central Headquarters in London. Would you like their simple and our principles based on tolerance and respect number? for others and their beliefs.” “Yes please” “Yes, but what sort of organisation are you? Deep breath. Then, carefully, “It’s a denomination within By the time I had found it, he’d rung off. the Christian tradition”. I was beginning to sound like a politician being interviewed by Jeremy Paxman Jamie Wrench

Strettondale Probus Club he 18th Annual General Meeting of the Club was held at the new venue, Long Mynd Hotel, on Wednesday 21st April 2004. Alan Richards, the retiring chairman, invested TMichael Flower as the first President of the Club with the recently acquired Chain of Office.

Under the chairmanship of Alan Richards the club has enjoyed a very successful year which has included a European visit, two Ladies Evenings, Buffet Lunch, Autumn Walk and a series of six very interesting talks. A similar programme of events is planned for 2004/2005, with the inclusion of a four-day visit to Northumberland in the autumn.

The following officers were elected for 2004/2005:

President Michael Flower Vice-President Ron Parish Members’ Representatives Dr Michael Creeth Dr Norman Allen Treasurer Graham Heath Secretary Harry Clarke

If anyone would like to know more about the club, its activities and membership, please contact Harry Clarke on 01694 771625

Stretton Focus - 26 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 13 11/6/04, 11:00 am Catholic Voice Weather – May 2004 Which church do you belong to, then? Well, summer certainly arrived with a ne of the most confusing words in vengeance this month. After the very cold religion must be the word ‘church’. This and wet April, May turned out to be the Ois because it can mean a whole list of different lovely month one always hopes it will things. It can of course mean a building, but even that can be. Several new records were set up but one noticeable be questioned, especially if the architecture is unusual (“It record, which equalled previous records, was a run of 19 doesn’t look anything like a church.”) or if the building is continuous dry days from the 9th to the 27th. This run of used for more than one thing (“Well, it is church in the 19 days was equalled in 1980 and 1991. morning, a children`s creche in the afternoon and, in the evening, we use it for kendo lessons.”). Then there are those The temperatures kept up well too. From the 15th to the buildings which become redundant and finish up as homes 25th we had a continuous run of days when the mercury or warehouses, (“It used to be a church, but now it is a rose to 70F or higher, even though, on four consecutive night club.”) days, there was a keen north wind. Two new records were set up with 31 days over 50F and 27 days over 60F. However, if you speak to any religious person they will be This was well above the previous best of 26 days over quick to point out to you that the church is not the building, 50F in 1997 and 12 days over 60F in 2003. The highest but the people. But this too can be confusing. Some groups temperature was 77F on three days, 16th, 17th and 22nd, will hold onto a building long after it has become uneconomic but this is not a record as 80F was recorded in 2001. to use, because there is a wealth of fond memories attached to it or there is a hope that, one day, people will come flooding Rain for the month came out at 1.05 inches, which fell back to it. In this case it is the building which may be the only during just seven days, five days in early May and two days thing they have in common. One can debate how many local near the end. The lowest rainfall for May, however, was 0.50 people constitute a church, or how few. inches in 1991 and the maximum was a whopping 7.23 inches in 1969. Thunder was heard on the 4th this year, Then there is the idea that the church is the whole of which was a day of sun and heavy showers including hail. those people who accept one title, such as The Church of This is a rare occurrence in May. We have had only four Christ, Roman Catholics, Old Catholics, New Catholics, occurrences of thunder heard over the last fourteen years. Traditional Catholics, Anglo-Catholics, Dutch Catholics… In fact, sometimes even Catholics get confused, because There were no frosts in May, the lowest grass temperature they sometimes go into a building for a service and come was 35.6F so, hopefully, nobody’s tender plants suffered ill out wondering what the difference is between what they effects. have experienced and what they do normally in the church Robert Smart they usually attend. Then they ask if it matters. So what is a church really? Stretton Choral Society In the Bible there is one more very important definition of church which perhaps can help us to resolve the problem. It talks about each individual as a church. “Do you not know,” it says, “that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and you must he weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the spend your lives building yourselves up into a place where God large audience who gathered to hear “Mozart in is pleased to dwell?” So it is in the church which is yourself that TMay” sung by the choir (Musical Director David you speak to the God who made you like himself. Hart) with Harriet Goodwin, Paul Moorcroft, Catherine Mason, and Stephen Carey from the University of Alabama. Of course, it follows that if you are a church, so is every The organ was played by David Goodall. other individual and each one deserves respect. This is why, if anyone wishes to share with another the precious gifts of a The growing confidence of the choir was evident as holy life, they must begin with respect for the existence and they sang three very varied works with enjoyment and opinions of others. This is called the celebration of diversity. understanding. Ensemble Musicale, a blend of amateur Each person has an obligation to share, but also to listen and professional players, ably supported both choir and to what other people might wish to share with us. This is soloists and displayed their versatility with a performance of because God often speaks to us through other people. Symphony No. 30 in D.

Religions, then, begin with respect, move on to sharing and The punch and shortbread served afterwards was keenly listening, and, one hopes, finish up by loving others as God appreciated by all. loves them. “It is not because of anything we have done that God loves us,” says the Bible. “It is because God is who he The choir will meet again in September to prepare for is, and we are who we are.” their Christmas Concert and begin rehearsals for their performance of Haydn’s Creation next May. Have you been to church lately? Father Joseph Donlan Pam Cole Stretton Focus - 28 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 14 11/6/04, 11:00 am Songs of Praise he ‘Songs of Praise’ theme for styles of choral music including will feature guest organists and take the Festival of Flowers and arrangements of traditional music place at intervals throughout the Music at St Laurence’s Church and folk songs from the British Isles Festival. T th over the August Bank Holiday (27 and around the world. – 30th August) is very apt; the stunning It is also important to mention the floral arrangements will complement Miss Alecs Peate, harpist, comes from peal of bells that will ring out to the music, while in turn, the music Llanfair Caereinion near Welshpool herald Festival Services. This ancient will enhance the displays interpreting and plays Welsh traditional and tradition of communication will be favourite hymns. The Friends of St classical harp music. Alecs is a former organised by Ann Hone the Tower Laurence, organisers of the Festival, pupil of the late internationally Captain at St Laurence’s Church. hope to win even more friends by renowned harpist, Frances Mon Jones Bell ringing demonstrations will public appreciation of musicians at and has been successful in national feature as part of the festivities and work! competitions – notably the National times when visitors will be welcome Urdd Eisteddford, the National and ringing taking place will be Musical Eisteddford of Wales and the Llanrwst announced later. traditions and Harp Festival. artists have been carefully Andrew selected to Chapman appeal to a from Church variety of Stretton has tastes. A run a classical choral group, a guitar school harpist, classical for 14 years guitar, organ and, in his recitals, a peal time, has of bells and the taught over congregational 2,000 pupils singing of to play this favourite hymns popular all offer a rich instrument. Take Six and their Conductor and attractive Andrew will be responding Alecs Peate, Harpist collection of to mood and requests at the opening For further information about music and musical talent. night Cheese and Wine party Festival Music, or should you wish to buy a Festival Programme or The choral group, ‘Take Six’, The Director of Music at St tickets for any of the supporting includes three sopranos, one Laurence’s Church is Valerie McCalla events, a Box Office for the Festival contralto, one tenor and a bass who lives in All Stretton. Valerie, will be open throughout August – with their Conductor, Geoffrey who was trained at the Royal on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Bird. The Group was formed in 1996 Northern College of Music, will be Fridays from 2.0 pm to 4.0 pm at and is based in Broseley. Take Six has the accompanist at the main Festival the St Laurence’s Parish Centre. given regular concerts throughout Services in Church and has arranged Alternatively, please contact Harry Shropshire and surrounds. They an interesting programme of thirty- Harland on 01694 723779 cover a wide variety of types and minute organ recitals. The recitals

South Shropshire District Home from Hospital Service

he Home from Hospital Service Following the success of the service, we require more has been operating in South volunteers. If you think that you may be able to give one or TShropshire since April 1998. two hours a week to help this voluntary service please contact The service provides non-medical support to patients Julie Cullen or Jean Baker the Home from Hospital Co- aged 60 and over who have recently been discharged from ordinators on 01584878046. hospital. The aim of the service is to promote confidence and to enable people to remain independent in their own If you or someone you know would benefit from the service, homes. Trained volunteers can provide a variety of types of or would like more information, please do not hesitate to support to patients and carers in practical matters - such contact us. Anyone with a planned hospital admission who as shopping, collecting prescriptions, providing company/ would like the reassurance of organising help in advance is companionship as required. Help can be provided for up also welcome to contact the scheme. to six weeks.

Stretton Focus - 30 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 15 11/6/04, 11:00 am Focus on Faith lot has happened since 2,000,000 marchers for peace were ignored and pre-emptive strikes of cluster Thanks to everyone who played in or Abombs and guided missiles were rained down on Iraqi supported a Charity Football Match, citizens, ostensibly to destroy someone else’s weapons of mass which raised over £1000 for the RNLI. destruction with deadly weapons of mass destruction. Many spectators enjoyed watching the match on May 31st played on Russell Meadow between the Since those early days of the war many thousands of people Stretton Sharks, captained by Darran Chard, and the Steve of many nationalities have been killed, maimed or otherwise Jones Bellies, captained by Mick Wells. The exciting game, adversely affected, and many initial supporters of the war which finished 2-2 at full time, was won by the Sharks by 4 have had second thoughts. goals to 2 in a penalty shoot out.

It never ceases to amaze me that people who claim to be Christian can justify and support such a war, and that leaders who claim to be Christian can initiate it, though fortunately the majority of Christian churches around the world did not deem the action against Iraq to be a ‘just’ war - if there is such a thing.

Whether one regards Jesus as being a great human being who was an important teacher, as many people do, or whether one sees him as being God in human form, the ‘mainstream’ Christian belief, surely his teaching was clear?

‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they be called the children of God’. (Matthew 5).

‘You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I tell you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Sharks goalkeeper Chris Spragg pushes the ball over as Bellies’ heaven’ (Matthew 5) attacker Wickie goes down. Photo:John Corfield he local committee of the Royal National Lifeboat The whole tenor of Jesus’ teaching was that power was Institution would also like to thank all helpers not found in the use of physical force, but in acts of love T and contributors in the recent annual House-to-House and forgiveness. Massive human, physical, and financial collection. The amount raised was £1228. resources have been applied to killing and destroying in Iraq; what would have been the effect if these resources had been applied to education, health, and training for Primary School Playground Appeal economically self-sustaining communities? t Lawrence C of E Primary School would like to say a big Sthank you to local businesses, organisations and individuals How would Jesus have used the resources? The answer for their support. At the start of this year, probably lies in the allegorical teaching of the early church: we set ourselves the ambitious target of transforming the infant playground from ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was its current bare rectangle of tarmac into a thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger fun area for our little ones to spend their and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I playtimes. was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me---I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for Our official ‘Friends of St Lawrence’ have together contributed one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ over £950 towards our appeal. After a ‘sponsored play’, which LD raised a great sum from parents, we are close to reaching our target of £3,500. We have ordered new equipment and seating and look forward to welcoming our new ‘friends’ to the official Trivia Corner – No 8 by Ken Willis playground opening in June. New organisations we would like to thank are: Church Stretton Motorcycles and Cambrian 1. What is the name of the holiday celebrated in Claims Ltd. Many thanks too to various individuals and America on November 11th? families who have donated money to the school. 2. What is the meaning of the Latin phrase non sequitur? 3. ‘When you wish upon a star’ is from which Disney film? Mayfair 4. Which legendary Spanish warrior’s full name means would like to thank everyone who made my last day as ‘The Lord Champion’? Ia member of Mayfair staff such a memorable one. Your 5. What did American Harland Sanders found in 1890? kindness and generosity were quite overwhelming. Answers on page 43 Sue Wood Stretton Focus - 33 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 16 11/6/04, 11:00 am Church Stretton Town Council Abstract of the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting drainage. The Council found it most disturbing that such held on Monday 17th May 2004 amendments which have been submitted to SSDC are not then forwarded to the Town Council to assist it in making As this included the Annual General Meeting of the Town an informed decision. It was agreed to ask SSDC if they Council it was necessary to make new appointments to have a professional drainage officer who would look at all Committees and for Councillors who represented it this proposal or whether they leave drainage matters to on other bodies. The appointments are listed in the full STWater. minutes. Cllr. Mrs. McIntyre was re-elected as Chairman of • Installation of an oil storage tank, Summerhill, Ludlow the Town Council and Cllr. Dr. D.Hill as Vice-Chairman. Road, Little Stretton. No objection. Cllr. Ken Cox has now resigned from the Council and • Erection of an extension, Waterland, Ludlow Road. the vacancy has been advertised in accordance with the Objection as there are strong reservations regarding the provisions of the LGA1972. long-term structural safety of the conservatory. • Felling of an ash tree in wooded area adjacent to Church PROJECTS Street/Burway. No objection but recommend an expert Projects during the year have included: opinion. If it has to be felled then a replacement is BMX Resiting – underway, and rest of field being levelled recommended.. for play area. • Erection of a Conservatory, 67 High Street, Church Cunnery Road Cemetery Restoration – underway – Grants Stretton. No objection. sought & Friends Group to be set up • Erection of 2 dwellings on land at Whitecote, Clive Cycling/remote control area completed Avenue. No objection but comments made about the siting Skip re-sited and composting now being carried out of drainage and services, and SSDC attention is drawn the Additional dog/litter bins provided several concerns raised by neighbours. Skateboard area & crazy golf course completed • Planning Appeal Decision – land at Lower Botvyle New junior football pitch created Cottages. The appeal has been granted. Two public Toilets created in park pavilions – one with Disabled access Public Conveniences Future projects include: SSDC’s reply to this Council’s letter was somewhat Lutwyche Road Toilets/Russells Meadow Pavilion confusing. It was agreed to continue pressing SSDC for Shelter for Outdoor area (grant applied for) the £45k from 2nd homes council tax to be used for the refurbishment of the Lutwyche Road toilets. The Town PLANNING MATTERS - District Decisions : Council strongly reiterates the view that such council tax • Erection of a dwelling, The Old Garages, The Yeld, money should be used for facilities in the town. Shrewsbury Road. Refused for several reasons, notably that the site is too small to accommodate a dwelling-house of Rectory Wood & Field Interest Group this type. It was reported that this vibrant and enthusiastic • Erection of an agricultural building, Brook Farm, Little burgeoning partnership between the Group and the Stretton. Approved subject to conditions relating to National Trust was welcomed. A Bluebell Walk recently materials and landscaping. attracted about 80 people and a talk was given in Rectory • Erection of extension to dwelling, 51 Shrewsbury Road. field about the progress being made. Approved, provided no additional windows are inserted. • Modification of condition of planning permission to Church Stretton Partnership substitute alternative traffic calming measures for those Revised Terms of Reference had been received. Most of the originally approved, Four Winds, Watling Street North. amendments as suggested by the Town Council had been Approved. accepted. All meetings of the Partnership and Steering • Erection of extension and a conservatory, 133 Watling Group are now to be held in public. It was felt that the Street South. Approved. town is fortunate to have Cllr. Hill elected as Chairman of • Felling of a Weeping Ash tree, Ashford House, High the Partnership. Street. Approved. • Erection of extension to dwelling, and erection of SSDC’s Second Home Council Tax Revenue Report a domestic garage, 2 The Woodlands, Marshbrook. SSDC had been asked to clarify certain points relating to Withdrawn. the £45K. Money can be carried over to the next financial year if not all spent. The criteria on how the money can PLANNING - Town Council responses to District be used has not yet been drawn up, but will fit in with the • Erection of extension and alterations to dwelling, 44 Healthcheck and Community Strategy; some money could Shrewsbury Road. No objection. be allocated to a Community chest grant scheme. It was • Erection of 4 dwellings (re-advertised – amended generally agreed that a Town Warden is not necessary and siting and drainage details), land at Westholme, Hazler that money could be better spent elsewhere, such as on the Road. The original objection by the Town Council was Lutwyche Road toilets and additional hours for our dog restated. Since sending that recommendation to District, warden. Cllr. Hill reported that the Partnership also did not the developer’s agent had supplied a detailed letter see the need for a Town Warden. explaining amendments which address the concerns about continued on next page

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July 2004 mag 17 11/6/04, 11:00 am continued from previous page HIGHWAYS/RIGHTS OF WAY MATTERS The Value of Seeing the Verges on A49 at Traffic Lights The Clerk had written to Matthew Green MP in a further Best in Other People attempt to get something done about the very untidy ne day a teacher asked her students to list the condition of the verges by the traffic lights. names of the other students in the room on sheets Timing of Lights Oof paper, leaving a space between each name. Then Discussion took place regarding the timing and it was felt she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say that the flow on the A49 had been better before the timing about each of their classmates and write it down. It took was altered. Members were very concerned that the arrows the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment in the centre of the junction were very misleading and cause and as the students left the room each one handed in the confusion leading to unnecessary delays. Some members papers. That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of felt that a roundabout could be the answer in keeping the each student on a separate sheet of paper and listed what traffic flowing. everyone else had said about that individual. Watling Street South A letter had been sent to all its residents explaining SCC’s On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before proposals and seeking their views. 105 letters had been long, the entire class was smiling. “Really?” she heard sent, only 9 replies received of which only 5 were in full whispered. “I never knew that I meant anything to support of the proposals. anyone!” and “I didn’t know others liked me so much,” Watling Street North traffic calming were most of the comments. No one ever mentioned those SCC reported that 20mph signs in Watling Street North papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed are advisory only. The imposition of road humps would them after class with their parents, but it didn’t matter. The entail the erection of highway standard street lighting, exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were illuminated warning signs and high profile road markings. happy with themselves and one another. These measures would significantly “urbanise” what is at the moment a semi-rural “leafy lane” and SCC feels that That group of students moved on. Several years later, one of the majority of residents would not really want this, nor the students was killed in Vietnam and his teacher attended does SCC have any funding available. SCC also feels that the funeral of that special student. After the funeral, most the nature of the road should have an impact on driver of Mark’s former classmates went together to a luncheon. behaviour and the traffic generated by residents who know Mark’s mother and father were there, obviously waiting to it well and should drive accordingly. With regard to the speak with his teacher. “We want to show you something,” request for refuges and passing places – the road is not wide his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. “They enough to allow such designs. found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you Don Clow might recognise it.” He carefully opened two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking Recipe that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the A Special Toastie Just For You good things each of Mark’s classmates had said about him. “Thank you so much for doing that,” Mark’s mother said. poil yourself with this special toastie treat. It’s quick “As you can see, Mark treasured it.” and it’s delicious. I always use a chunk off a French Sstick and slit it sideways. You will need: All of Mark’s former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, “I still have my 1 oz. thinly sliced smoked salmon list. It’s in the top drawer of my desk at home.” Chuck’s 1 oz. grated cheese wife said, “Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding Few drops of Worcestershire sauce album.” “I have mine too,” Marilyn said. “It’s in my diary.” Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her purse and Butter the bread, put on the slices of smoked salmon with showed her frazzled list to the group. “I carry this with me the grated cheese. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 400F (200C at all times,” Vicki said and without batting an eyelid, she or Gas 6) for 4 – 5 minutes until the cheese is melted. A few continued: “I think we all saved our lists.” drops of Worcestershire sauce will finish it off. Eat it hot. It goes down well with a nice glass of chilled white wine of The density of people in society is so thick that we forget your choice. Bon Appetit! that life will end one day. And we don’t know when that ‘Her Ladyship’ one day will be. So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late... Remember, you reap what you sow, what you put into the lives of others comes back into your own. Anon For May No. 226 £100 (This article has been circulating amongst teenagers on the 233 £50 internet. Although it clearly originated in the USA, its truth is 69 £20 universal.) 426 £10

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July 2004 mag 18 11/6/04, 11:00 am URC Voice Know Your Computer: Spyware his month sees the end of yet another school year and a percentage of chil- f you have a dog you’ll know that he might bring more dren and teenagers will be saying good- life to your home than you bargained for. Unfortunately, byeT to familiar surroundings. They prepare to Iyour computer can harbour parasites too. face a new challenge, perhaps another school, a college or university, a gap year, or the start of full time employment. By visiting Internet websites, you will pick Some will be awaiting examination results, while others will up ‘tracking cookies’. These are text files that soon be dealing with the frustration of not being able to communicate with the websites you visit, tracking pursue their first choice of study or career. your Internet habits. Some cookies are necessary for logging onto sites and online shopping. There is a possibility, however, that your online profile Such experiences will be an adventure for some, but a can be linked to your real identity. nightmare for others! Parents and siblings may well be caught up in the stress; this time as those alongside someone You can change cookie settings in Internet Explorer 6 who is coping with change. by going to tools/internet options/ and clicking on the privacy tab - or delete cookies in the general tab. If you use Of course it is not only young people who face the upheaval advanced options, you can set a prompt to ask if you want of alterations in what may have become a familiar pattern of to accept ‘third party cookies’. You might be surprised how life. Individuals of all ages can find themselves coping with many reputable sites give your ‘anonymous’ details away. the common experiences of moving house or changing jobs. Alternatively, you can just block them. In Netscape 7, there Others may be dealing with the onset of serious illness, or is a cookie manager in the tools menu. the gradual or sudden death of a loved one. If you download files from the Internet, you risk an invasion While it is true to say that a percentage of people sail through of ‘spyware’. This is tracking software that continuously events of mammoth proportions without much outward sign communicates your Internet habits to the company that of trauma, others are simply overwhelmed, and wonder how sent it. It uses your connection, slowing you down. they can possibly get through such a difficult period. An even more annoying interloper is ‘hijackware’. It takes Anyone finding themselves expected over your Internet browser, directing you to whatever trashy to help in such scenarios is reminded website it came from every time you want to search the that “just being there” can make a ‘net. You might be forced to look at an unwanted toolbar difference, along with a willingness that just won’t go away. There may be icons added to your to listen to another’s woes, however desktop or other annoying additions that you didn’t ask for. many times they are repeated! Maybe you have just accepted these as part of your Internet Christians encourage everyone to discover that in all the experience. Perhaps you thought it was supposed to be like changing scenes of life the living God remains a constant that. Well it isn’t! companion. He is willing to listen to our hopes and fears, our joys and sorrows. He can provide us with the strength Luckily, help is only a (spyware free) download away. There to face and overcome all things, even the experience of are a number of companies on the Internet offering software death, but they also realise that God often uses frail human that will search your computer for parasites and destroy beings to convey his comfort and his love. them. These are commercial applications but there’s usually Norman Smith a free version that is suitable for home use.

Here are just a few suggestions: Rail Users’ Association www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ www.spy-bot.net/ The Summer Timetable. www.spychecker.com/ This came into force on Sunday 23 May and the pocket guide to local If you are very concerned about your personal information services between Hereford and being at risk from spyware – don’t give it out on the Internet. Shrewsbury has once again been made Rachael Sankey available, though only in the smaller version to the general public – a necessary cost-saving measure. From the same date the cost of the Senior and the Young Rail tickets purchased from Travel Agents. Persons Rail Card will increase from £18 to £20. The Association of Train Operating Companies has decided Note that from 26 July the 9.02am northbound train from to cut the commission paid to travel agents on the sale of Church Stretton will be re-timed to depart at 8.35am, rail tickets, so many travel agents have ceased to deal with no doubt causing much inconvenience. Arriva has so far rail tickets. However Terry Jones Travel in Church Stretton declined to give us any explanation but we suspect that it is is continuing to offer this service, though with a small due to planned engineering work. additional fee. continued at foot of next column Derek Askew

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July 2004 mag 19 11/6/04, 11:00 am Dear Editor ... have volunteered to sit he experience of situation continued until the hotel on a Communications hand-delivering closed. I was told these courses were IWorking Group for towns Tone of the Tourism being run in order to generate much that have trouble receiving Group booklets prompted needed income towards running certain broadcasting stations. the following thoughts in costs. From my own observations, I As a resident of Church praise of our local postmen had no reason to doubt this and can Stretton I know how we and women. only comment that Mr. Tarbuck’s have difficulties with mobile perception of the situation, including phones in certain areas and The Shop & Business opening hours, obviously differs cannot receive Channel 5 Directory 2004 published from my own and others, including a unless through Sky. by the Church Stretton faithful few, who continued to use the Area Tourism Group pool until its sad demise. If there are any persons who would like was ready for circulation and in an Incidentally, many years ago I used to contact me regarding their concerns unguarded moment some of our to enjoy swimming in the pool at about radio, TV or even newspaper volunteers offered to hand-deliver Stretton Hall Hotel. I believe this was coverage, I can take these concerns around 2,000 of them. filled in and made into an ornamental to the meetings to be addressed by garden, because it was too expensive to the relevant bodies. We are planning What an experience! Every hedge in maintain, particularly as it was open meetings in all areas with the relevant the Strettons seems to have a house air! bodies; when we have one arranged hiding behind it, many at the bottom Moving on from hotel pools, we may locally, I will let you have the details. of steep slopes. Countless steps and well be able to find future funding over-long drives are in vogue, as are to build a new leisure facility here in Mark Morris letter boxes located at the bottom of Stretton, but running costs always [email protected] the door with hinges which snap like present a huge problem for a venture Tel no: 01694 724572 alligators. such as this, especially with a small We did, however, see some lovely, population like ours. In the long term, lovely gardens, many of which would this would doubtless lead to a further e used to believe that only qualify for an ‘Open Gardens Scheme’, increase in our council tax, in order to our enemies could commit some thoughtful people had post sustain it. Ludlow Leisure Centre has Watrocities. We have just boxes at the entrance to their drives, struggled over the years, with a much discovered in Iraq that our friends can not one person objected to having the larger population. do the same. How could that happen? Directory pushed through the letter There are three tendencies encouraged box and the dogs tolerated us. Perhaps a more practical solution by our upbringing and education, Our experience has taught us to think would be for the new ‘Dial a Ride’ which go against the teaching of very kindly of the postman and to scheme to run a regular shuttle from Christ. marvel at the stamina needed to deliver Stretton to Ludlow, so that we could We divide the human race into nations our mail day after day in all weathers. take advantage of their excellent and religions. We identify with one facilities and support our neighbouring and dislike and despise the others. We Eileen Roberts (Church Stretton Area town at the same time. For those fail ‘to love our enemies’ as ourselves. Tourism Group) with cars, it is only 20 minutes down We fight and compete with our fellow the road; I am sure most of us think men in order to acquire wealth or write in response to Percy Tarbuck’s nothing of the short journey we make assert our superiority. We do not letter in the June edition of Focus, either to Tesco or Sainsbury. identify with ‘the least of our brethren’ Iregarding the Denehurst Hotel. Coming back to the present situation. nor ‘turn the other cheek’. I should like to take this opportunity We trust in money and science for Yes, the leisure facilities were well to commend Dr David Hill for our survival and welfare more than we supported when they first opened, his sterling efforts in promoting trust in Providence. We despise and including by myself. However, over improvements to the school pool and laugh at those who do. time, when the novelty wore off, recruiting extra lifeguards, so that members inevitably drifted away and opening hours can be extended. If we feel British and Christian more it was quite unusual for me to have For more information on pool opening than we feel human; if we think it company when I went swimming times, or if you would like to help, legitimate to fight and compete; there. please contact Mrs D. Parsons, via the if we believe money and scientific Eventually, management closed the Primary School. The new opening knowledge to be essential to our pool during the day between 10am times are also posted up in the Council existence, we do not understand the and 4pm, both to members and the Office window. teaching of Jesus – and we can only general public. (Sadly, inconvenient for Jill Evans produce rotten fruit. me). This was because the hotel began (For more information about the running private, residential swimming swimming pool, see page 42 - Editor) Simone Crawley courses. As far as I am aware, this (There’s another letter on page 42)

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July 2004 mag 20 11/6/04, 11:00 am Out and About Salop Musica/Fringe Arts Events ummer is in full swing and what In all Mayfair events collections will be given to Mayfair can be better than to sit in a deck- • Saturday 3rd - Stretton School of Dance Schair in the garden with a book 7pm, Church Stretton School and maybe a glass of chilled wine to Tickets: adults; £4, children; £2 from Burway books hand? However, if you fancy something • Sunday 4th - Same as above at 2.30pm a little more adventurous, you can stroll round Wroxeter • Monday 5th - Midday concert Roman Vineyard, Shropshire’s own wine producing area, 1.15pm, Mayfair Jubilee Room. Richard Elliott - clarinet, where you are welcome to look and taste (Tel: 01743 Barrie Mackay - piano, Andrew Chapman – guitar. 761888 for details) and continuing the summer theme, • Wednesday 7th - Reminiscences of the main festival a Classical and Fireworks Spectacular with the British 7.30pm, Mayfair Jubilee Room Philharmonic Orchestra is Two performers, the founder, the present chairman and the being staged at Attingham secretary of the original festival in 1967. Park on Sat 10th July in the • Friday 9th - Childrens concert Music & Poetry open air, picnic style. Tel: 7pm, Mayfair. Our guest performer, Adele Coleman, a 08706001804 for tickets. young soprano will take part. • Saturday 10th - Concert Shrewsbury School Gardens is the venue for an outdoor 7pm, Methodist Church. Collection in aid of Church and production by Pentabus Theatre of Precious Bane by Mary Salop Musica/Fringe Arts. Webb dramatised by Bryony Lavery Thurs 15th July - Sun Folk music - Rip the Calico 1st Aug each evening (except Mondays) at 7.15pm. It is an 8pm, Ragleth Inn, Little Stretton epic tale of loves lost and found in the wild countryside of • Monday 12th - Concert early 19th Century Shropshire. Enquiries to 01743 281281 1.15pm, Mayfair. Adele Coleman - soprano, Glyn Davies - piano. Jennie Bond stars in Confessions of a Royal Reporter at • Tuesday 13th - Concert The Music Hall Shrewsbury on Thurs 15th July at 7.30pm 1pm, Day Centre URC Church Hall when she reveals the thrills and spills of life on the road Adele Coleman - soprano, Jean Bulley - poet, reporting on the royals, and you can ask her questions, too. Keith Downing - baritone & Glyn Davies - piano • Wednesday 14th - Midday Concert If you’re shopping in Shrewsbury on Sat 17th July, on 1.15pm, Mayfair. Performers, Emma Pearson - soprano, the Lower Level of the Darwin Shopping Centre there Jean Bulley - poet, Andrew Chapman - guitar, will be a display and demonstration of a variety of textile Glyn Davies - piano. techniques and an opportunity to talk to members of the A Dorrington Players Informal Evening Shropshire Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild, while from 7.30pm, Mayfair Jubilee Room Collection Sun 18th July – Sat 31st July at the Bear Steps there is a • Friday 16th - Midday Concert free exhibition of religious icons. 1.1 5pm, Mayfair Jubilee Room. Marion Murdoch - soprano, Keith Downing - baritone, Glyn Davies - piano Those of you who remember Honor Blackman when she • Saturday 17th - Final Concert starred as Cathy Gale in the Avengers might enjoy her 4pm, Southview Residential Home, Sandford Avenue. one person show Wayward Women on Sat 24th July in Collection in aid of Salop Musica/Fringe Arts the Ludlow Assembly Rooms where she brings to life characters such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Marie Stopes, Queen Elizabeth 1, Dorothy Parker, Coco Chanel, Edith Sitwell, New Pool Opening times Barbara Cartland and Marlene Dietrich. Tel: 01584 878141 for details. ollowing the training of new life At Ludlow Castle on Wed 28th July (and all Wednesdays guards, Church Stretton School in August and 1st Sept) there will be fun for all the family Fpool is now open on Saturday with Birds of Prey flying displays, Have-a-go Archery and mornings from 10.00am to 12.00am. Living History and Tours. Tel: 01584 875053 for more information. 10.00am – 11.00am is an open swim (open to every one). 11.00am – 12.00am is a fun splash (open only to competent swimmers)

Dear Editor, continued ... In addition to the Friday night lengths session would like to express my appreciation of the Good 7.00pm – 8.00pm, there is also an adult only lengths Neighbours Scheme and to thank the kind helpers who session 3.30pm – 4.30pm on Wednesdays (term time only). Ienabled me to visit my sister in hospital during her last illness. Without their help I would not have been able to The swimming pool is also available for private hire. spend precious time with her. I appreciate the amount of Contact the primary school on 01694 722682. time they willingly gave to these visits and I thank you all. We are always looking for new life guards, so if you are a good swimmer with a few hours to spare, please contact Sadie Wyke the school or Diana Parsons on 01694 722824

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July 2004 mag 21 11/6/04, 11:00 am Occasional Advertisements Guided Walking in Shropshires Secret Hills PRESSING PROBLEMSIRONING ? SERVICE DAY WALKS GROUPS WELCOME COMPETITIVE RATES All accommodation and meals included FREE Local Collection & Delivery Seven, Four and Two Day Breaks 01694 771883 Weekend and Midweek Breaks Based in Church Stretton Mynd House Hotel Secret Hills Walking Holidays Ashlea House, 33 Ashley, Minsterley, Shropshire SY5 0BU Little Stretton, Church Stretton email: [email protected] Our Restaurant is now open to the public on Tel: 01743 791976 Wednesday to Saturday (7.00 - 9.30 pm) We offer a mixture of Malaysian, Western and A & B SMITH Corgi Reg No 197466 Vegetarian cuisine and cater for groups Domestic Appliance Warehouse (Est. over 20 years) up to 20 persons Specialising in New/Factory Seconds Electric & Gas Cookers, Ranges, Hobs, Fires Reservations Essential. Call 01694 722212 Fridges, Freezers, Washing Machines Tumble Driers, Microwave Ovens Built-in Appliances Peter Cargill (Over 200 appliances on display) MAIN CALOR GAS STOCKIST & LPG SPECIALISTS I.C.D. Property Services FREE LOCAL DELIVERY Heating and Plumbing Repairs and Installation 01588 673647 Long Lane Industrial Estate, Craven Arms Free Quotations available No job too small Mike Corfield Tel: 01588 673996 GENERAL BUILDER Mob: 07966 103803 RENOVATIONS • EXTENSIONS Blossoms Cottage, Cheney Longville, Craven Arms KITCHENS • BATHROOMS Good Neighbours. Local people Quality Workmanship providing help to local people TELEPHONE 07810 042742 We exist to help the elderly in the Strettons & surrounding district. This is just some of what we do: FAIR VIEW • BUSHMOOR Transport by car for medical care. Daily delivery of SHROPSHIRE • SY7 8DW Meals on Wheels. Thursday Day Centre. Support for bereavement and volunteer THE ARTS FESTIVAL home visiting. COMMITTEE WISH TO THANK For more details please call us on 01694 724242 PUBLICLY THE STRETTON INDEPENDENT destini FOCUS, AND ALL THE FINANCIAL ADVICE Applewood OTHER INDIVIDUALS AND  INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING* ORGANISATIONS WHO SO  RETIREMENT PLANNING  INVESTMENT ADVICE VERY GENEROUSLY SUPPORT *not all of these products are regulated by the Financial Services Authority OUR FESTIVAL. To arrange an informal meeting contact Nick Partington: TEL: 01691 0657100 | MOB: 07790 009330 EMAIL: [email protected] Destini Applewood Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative Answers to Trivia Corner – No 8 of Destini Graham Scott Financial Planning Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority 1. Veterans´ Day 2. It does not follow A. J. HOME & GARDEN SERVICES Alterations, Plastering, Plumbing, Bathroom & Kitchen 3. Pinocchio fitting, Floor & Wall Tiling, Fireplaces, Windows & 4. El Cid Conservatories installed, 5. Kentucky Fried Chicken Fencing, Slabbing, and much more. Tel: Andrew Longville 07813 278108

Stretton Focus - 43 - July 2004

July 2004 mag 22 11/6/04, 11:00 am